After just one welcome ceremony, Ying Wuji's disgust towards Nangong Ling had reached its peak.

While the other scholars were showing off during the Li Kingdom's grand event, they still maintained their elegance.

But not you!

You scattered beans and formed an army, marching straight to the capital city less than a mile away, and even shot arrows and flew over on them.

Such arrogance!

If it weren't for my father-in-law's dignity as a monarch and not wanting to cause a scene during the event, I would have beaten you up already.

If it was just that, it would be fine. At least you would be pretending to be superior to someone strong.

But to directly attack a junior in front of so many people, even if it was just a test or intimidation, it was still quite disgraceful.

What?

You're so brave to attack someone much weaker than you!

If before, he still had doubts about Jiang Taiyuan's words, after all, it was too arrogant for someone from the Li Kingdom's capital to attack the descendants of Zhuanxu. But seeing his behavior today, he was both arrogant and despicable.

And the chaotic thief mound was his own weapon. Even if he didn't use it openly, it was still possible for him to use some sneaky tricks.

This military assessment, I'm afraid we won't be able to pass without taking some risks.

Knowing Nangong Ling's character, even if you voluntarily choose not to participate, I'm afraid he will still target you.

"This guy is really despicable!"

Ying Wuji cursed, not too quietly, but the crowd heading towards the Qiqi Palace was bustling, and only Zhao Ning, who was closest, heard it.

Zhao Ning's expression also turned cold, nodding and saying, "This old man really thinks highly of himself!"

Ying Wuji lowered his voice and asked, "Tell me! Who do you think is stronger, him or your Majesty?"

"It's hard to say!"

Zhao Ning's gaze slightly narrowed, and he analyzed in a deep voice, "Ying and Zhao are from the same lineage. Brother Ying should also know that both of our families specialize in martial arts. His Majesty is exceptionally talented and also practices Zhuanxu's Blood Ignition technique. Even though he is still young, his personal combat strength should be among the best in the Wushen realm.

But the two major divine arts passed down by the royal family are not martial arts.

The Nangong family is a prestigious military family, and all three of their divine arts are focused on combat. If Nangong Ling dares to be so arrogant, it's likely that besides the Scattered Bean Army, he also possesses another divine art. Even in terms of martial arts and spells, it's unlikely that he is weaker. So..."

Ying Wuji rolled his eyes, "Just say that my father-in-law can't beat him, no need to say 'it's hard to say'..."

Zhao Ning's face looked a bit awkward.

In terms of deterrence, just having one divine art that can control the heavens and earth is enough to make everyone not dare to act rashly. Otherwise, they could just use the Blood Ignition technique to move mountains and fill seas. Although experts could withstand it, don't they all have families?

Among the Wushen realm, Zhao Ji's position couldn't be worse than Nangong Ling's.

But in terms of one-on-one combat, he really couldn't win.

This was caused by the difference in their main cultivation directions. Both were divine arts, but the martial arts divine arts were more fierce in battles, whether it was one-on-one or two armies facing each other. Otherwise, Ying Yue wouldn't have gained such a fearsome reputation.

Zhao Ji had a close relationship with Ying Yue and had exchanged insights on divine arts. With both sides having their family's inheritance, they both had three divine arts and hopes of reaching the Saint realm.

Unfortunately, Ying Yue's divine arts were insights he gained himself, closely tied to his arrogant personality, and hadn't undergone improvements by previous generations. So Zhao Ji hadn't fully comprehended them. Otherwise, even in a direct confrontation, he wouldn't necessarily lose to Nangong Ling.

Sigh!

It's frustrating!

But that's the reality. Whether it's techniques, spells, or divine arts, their effectiveness is closely related to the cultivator's talent and personality.

If their personalities don't match, even if they cultivate ordinary techniques, it would be difficult.

"Hmm?"

Thinking of this, Zhao Ning couldn't help but look at Ying Wuji and asked, "Ying Brother! Why did you suddenly think of cultivating the Non-Attack Sword Art of the Mo Family?"

This Ying Brother of his was really a troublemaker, always arguing with anyone he didn't like.

Let's not mention the Prime Minister of the Great Li.

Even his own father, Ying Yue, was called an old bastard by him.

And he even killed Wei Teng when he was in a clear state of mind.

Non-Attack?

Ying Wuji was a bit unhappy, "What's wrong? Is the Non-Attack Sword Art incompatible with my temperament?"

Zhao Ning honestly nodded, "It's not that they are completely incompatible, but they are completely different!"

Ying Wuji took a deep breath and looked up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, "It seems like you still don't understand me. In fact, I am a person who loves peace very much. My principle in life is that I won't attack others if they don't attack me. You might not believe it, but in the eyes of the people around me, I am just a harmless and cute little person."

Zhao Ning: "..."

She remained silent for a while and weakly said, "Ask those people who became idiots in front of your bookstore if they believe it or not."

Ying Wuji became anxious, "Don't you know that the best defense is a good offense? Do you think I enjoy arguing with people? You might not believe it, but this fierce appearance is just my way of protecting myself."

Damn it!

Why doesn't anyone believe the truth?

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from behind.

"Brother Wujige, what are you wearing? Let me see how colorful it is!"

"???"

Ying Wuji turned his head and found Wu Dan looking at him with anticipation.

Zhai Yun stood beside him, looking quite speechless.Wu Dan looked Ying Wuji up and down, disappointment evident in his eyes: "You don't look impressive at all!"

Ying Wuji looked expressionless as he turned to Zhai Yun: "Zhai bro, has this dog been going to the high-class brothel again?"

"It would be great if he did!"

Zhai Yun sneered: "It's because he hasn't been going to the high-class brothel that he's been feeling uncomfortable these days. The female Mohists in the guild avoid him like the plague. If his gaze could seduce, the Mohist guild would have a third more members next year."

Ying Wuji remained silent for a while before giving a thumbs up to Wu Dan: "Impressive!"

Wu Dan showed no embarrassment: "I've been abstaining for several days. Don't I deserve to look at women? Besides, I've made a lot of contributions to your guild these days. Why do those female Mohists avoid me? I'm still a prince of a kingdom..."

"Alright, alright!"

Zhai Yun felt a headache coming on: "It's useless talking to me. Go talk to those female Mohists yourself."

Watching the two bicker, Ying Wuji couldn't help but smile.

He had thought that Li Caitan's blow to Wu Dan would have a great impact, but he didn't expect his brother to not only not lose his will, but also break free from his previous state of aimlessly living.

He hadn't been going out much these days. After Zhai Yun brought a batch of new Mohists to the bookstore, he had returned to the Mohist guild.

Judging from the situation, the two of them should have been staying together and inventing things.

They should meet many people at the banquet later.

To be honest, Wu Dan had some talent for inventing. He used to just pass the time in the Mohist guild, but he unexpectedly picked it up quickly.

Ying Wuji was curious: "Why didn't I see you guys at the viewing platform earlier?"

Zhai Yun laughed: "We were drawing blueprints until late last night. We woke up late today, and when we arrived at the scene, we saw Nangong Ling holding a handful of soybeans. I don't know what he was doing."

Wu Dan instinctively said: "Maybe he wanted to sell crops. I heard there was a drought on the border of Kingdom Li this year, so there should be a shortage of food in winter."

Zhai Yun: "..."

Zhao Ning: "..."

Ying Wuji: "..."

Damn it, selling crops.

...

The Siji Palace was very large.

Looking across the world, perhaps only the Zhou King's Palace in City Jing could compare to it.

But the Siji Palace was also very small.

The largest square could barely accommodate the banquet for the hundred scholars.

There were about five or six thousand people here!

Ying Wuji's mouth slightly curved up, a proud expression on his face: "Zhai bro, Dan, do you think my father-in-law is generous?"

"Very generous!"

Wu Dan nodded in agreement: "The dishes must have cost a lot of money."

"Who cares! My father-in-law is rich!"

Ying Wuji said with a grin.

Zhao Ning felt a warm feeling in his heart when he saw her like this, because he felt that Ying Wuji truly treated Zhao Ji as family.

Although she still had some tricks up her sleeve and some guard, this satisfied and proud feeling couldn't deceive anyone.

People say that the imperial family is the most heartless, but how could the affairs of the imperial family be completely the same as ordinary people's impressions?

It's good.

Zhai Yun's gaze never left the delicious food on the table.

The Mohists advocated frugality.

Since he quit his job at the bookstore and returned to the Mohist guild, he had started to be thrifty and frugal.

Compared to the dishes made by the chef at the bookstore, the ones here were definitely inferior. The most annoying thing was that the table was too small, and everyone ate separately. It was not as enjoyable as sitting around a big table at the bookstore.

Today, although it was still a small table, the food was really good.

There were even a few dishes on the table that were stir-fried in an iron pot.

You should know that iron smelting technology is still confidential, tightly controlled by the royal families and major aristocrats of several old powerful countries, and can only be used for military purposes. If it weren't for his relatively high status in the Mohist guild and his contact with some major aristocrats on certain occasions, he wouldn't even know that "dishes can be stir-fried".

The abundance of dishes today made him feel a bit overwhelmed after a period of frugality.

Seeing that he was salivating, Ying Wuji laughed and said, "Zhai bro! If it's really unbearable, just go back to the bookstore. Tomorrow, I'll ask my father-in-law for an iron pot, and we can stir-fry dishes every day."

To be honest, he didn't have a particularly strong desire for food.

It's just that here, it's either stewed or boiled, at most fried on a stone slab. It's really a bit hard to bear.

Unfortunately, iron pots are too difficult to obtain. It's an understatement to call it a luxury item. It even has a bit of a prohibited item attribute.

He had thought about buying some military ironware and melting it into an iron pot, but damn it, it's illegal!

Zhai Yun was somewhat tempted, but still shook his head: "No need! We Mohists don't have such strong desires for food. I've been too comfortable at the bookstore recently. In your words, my thinking has become a bit lax. If I continue to indulge in comfort, I will be punished by Master Wu."

Master Wu is Wu Wen, a powerful Wushen realm expert of the Li Kingdom branch.

Seeing the trace of decadence in his expression, Ying Wuji seemed to understand his concerns.

Thinking back, Zhai Yun resigned from the bookstore on the second day he met Jiang Taiyuan.

That day, he and Jiang Taiyuan had joked around and discussed the reasons why the Mohists were becoming marginalized. He had appeared a bit depressed and left early, and then he resigned the next day.

Now thinking about it, he should be making changes to firmly hold onto his ideals.The Mohists, mostly with calloused hands and dark complexions, served obediently without questioning, enduring extreme hardships.

Therefore, everyone willingly faced danger and death without hesitation.

Ying Wuji didn't find this situation reasonable, but with the presence of the saint-like figures from the Mohist sect, the Mohist Guild was indeed like this.

Even Wu Dan, the sturdy and robust young man, appeared thinner after immersing himself in the Mohist Guild for these days.

Ying Wuji smiled, "I won't force you, but today's meal is for the Hundred Schools Gathering, so let's enjoy it!"

"Of course!"

Zhai Yun smiled. Ideals should be upheld, but one shouldn't be too rigid.

Wu Dan couldn't hold back any longer and hurried to his seat.

Looking at the table full of delicacies, the eyes of the two Mohist friends were already shining, but they couldn't eat yet due to the etiquette.

Ying Wuji and Zhao Ning also sat down next to each other. These seating arrangements were made by the royal family, sitting with familiar people through the back door, which was not a problem.

The view from this place was quite good. When the Hundred Schools Exhibition and Collection began, they would be able to see clearly.

And listening to the big shots bragging seemed not bad either.

"Brother Ying!"

A familiar voice reached Ying Wuji's ears.

Ying Wuji turned around and saw Mi Xingli sitting behind him. Her expression seemed natural, but the slightly furrowed brows indicated that she was not in a good mood.

He was about to ask her softly.

"You don't need to answer!"

Mi Xingli's lips moved, and her voice transmitted clearly to Ying Wuji's ears, "Just now, there were more than twenty people with the Mi surname from the Chu Kingdom Embassy. Among them, there were seven at the Triple Eleven Realm and above, and they all felt their energy locked. Can you feel it? If yes, extend one finger with your right hand; if not, extend two fingers."

So it's using sound waves?

This was considered a Yellow Stage technique, with no lethal power but quite practical.

However, it was too rare and difficult to practice, so not many people mastered it.

Unfortunately, Ying Wuji had learned it from Lin Tieniu.

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji answered directly, his voice filled with resentment, "Nangong Ling, that old man, is probably really going to make a move. Just now, a friend of the Zhao family who was hiding in the dark said that all the Zhao family members present, anyone who has reached the Triple Eleven Realm, felt it. But those above the Embryo Transformation Realm didn't feel it. What about you guys?"

This was indeed the information Zhao Xin secretly conveyed to him and Zhao Ning.

Mi Xingli was somewhat surprised. She didn't expect Ying Wuji to know this technique as well and continued, "Yes! But what is the reason for this?"

Ying Wuji pretended to ponder, "Emperor Zhuanxu dreamt of being assassinated. He doesn't know who exactly, but he only knows that it is a descendant of Zhuanxu. He doesn't care about those below the Embryo Transformation Realm. Does this mean that this person has an extremely high-grade Spiritual Embryo and is the only one who meets the conditions but doesn't match the image in the dream? Therefore, the person who has the potential to break through to a high-grade Spiritual Embryo is his suspect. I heard that the Lady has already broken through the Twelfth Layer of Gathering Spirit and seems to have good luck."

Mi Xingli: "..."

That makes sense!

Although Ying Wuji was a bit delayed by his cleverness, his thinking was indeed agile. In just an hour, he had thought of so many things.

And these things seemed quite reasonable to her.

Could it be... that only I am being targeted?

Then, can I really enter the chaotic thief mound?

Although she remained calm on the surface, her slender jade hand on her knee subconsciously clenched.

It was evident.

She was feeling emotional.

Ying Wuji felt that he might have gone too far, so he stopped talking and would continue to tease her when the guilt in his heart lessened.

"What a renowned figure of the Chu Kingdom, I didn't expect you to be so ignorant."

A voice filled with disdain sounded, "Just seeing four Masters of the Enlightenment Realm appearing, someone was scared to the point of not being able to speak throughout the whole event, and their face was as stinky as if they had just been pulled out of a pit."

The one who spoke was none other than Tian Wenjing from the Qi Kingdom.

And the person he was mocking was Xiang Ding, the two geniuses from the Chu Kingdom who hadn't spoken since Nangong Ling's probing. Xiang Ding, being young and impulsive, couldn't control his expression.

Xiang Ding snorted. Right now, he was only thinking about how to deal with Nangong Ling and couldn't be bothered with this noisy person.

In his heart, he couldn't help but complain. This position was indeed good, with the best view, and should have been arranged for the most outstanding young people. But this Tian Wenjing... why was he also assigned here?

Just because his father was Tian Weihou?

"Now that everyone is seated, the banquet for the young talents officially begins. I offer a toast to everyone!"

As the crowd chatted, the pre-banquet etiquette had already ended.

Zhao Ji stood up and raised his wine cup to the people present. Jiang Taiyuan sat in his deputy seat, and the four Masters of the Enlightenment Realm were seated on both sides.

Everyone stood up to toast, and after a cup of wine was drunk, the banquet for the young talents officially began.

The Mohists present were all a bit impatient.Zhai Yun, who occasionally enjoys a good meal as an advanced Mohist, still maintains a refined appearance. However, the lower-level Mohists who have not seen much of the world, as well as Wu Dan, who has suffered for a few days, have a feeling of wolfing down their food.

"Tsk..."

Tian Wenjing sneered, but didn't say much.

After all, Mohists are quite united. He has been beaten up many times for mocking Mohists in the past.

Especially now that he is in the Kingdom of Li, there is no one to back him up if he gets beaten up.

Halfway through the banquet.

Zhao Ji smiled and asked, "It is rumored that in recent years, many outstanding talents have emerged from various schools, bringing glory to their respective sects. The Baijia Conference has always had a tradition of showcasing achievements from each school. I wonder if I have the honor to witness it?"

"Naturally!"

The Confucian, Mohist, and Legalist scholars smiled at each other, but their smiles had a hint of hostility.

For smaller schools, the Baijia Conference is simply a platform for exchange.

But for major schools like theirs, there is an element of competition.

Although the official start of the Baijia Conference is three days later, today's banquet is already a prelude, so there is no reason to be nervous.

They all looked towards the palace gate and made a gesture of invitation.

One by one, students lined up and presented the newly developed items from each school.

"Qin Tian Wenjing, combining medical theories with legalist ideas, has developed a set of restraining needles. It causes minimal physical harm but is extremely painful and intimidating. It is suitable for exiled prisoners to urge them to build fortifications!"

Zhao Ji: "..."

Everyone: "..."

In the past, students from the Legalist school presented new laws and regulations, big or small.

But this guy actually came up with new restraining tools.

Although severe punishment is very effective in legal reforms, it is not very pleasing to the eye at the Baijia Conference.

After all, Confucianism emphasizes benevolent governance, Mohism emphasizes universal love, and Daoism emphasizes governing by doing nothing.

They all disdain severe punishment.

Ying Wuji was also a little confused. He turned to look at Tian Wenjing and found that he had a proud look on his face.

The guard from the State of Qi, carrying the restraining tools, exhibited them and then left. The dense and slender steel needles were truly chilling to look at.

"Tian Wenjing, I admire..."

Ying Wuji smirked, why did this sentence come out so smoothly!

Tian Wenjing furrowed his brows, "Ying Wu..."

Ying Wuji laughed, "I mean, to be able to combine Legalist ideas with medical techniques, Brother Tian, you are truly a little genius."

"I didn't expect you, a hostage, to have some insight."

Tian Wenjing's gaze towards Ying Wuji suddenly had a hint of appreciation. Although his words were a bit harsh, they were genuinely praising.

Getting proud?

Everyone rolled their eyes and decided to ignore this person.

"Wei, a student from the Medical School, has drawn a diagram of spiritual herbs, improving the ingredients and cooking methods of the Gathering Yuan Soup, increasing its efficacy by thirty percent!"

"Wu Dan, a Mohist, and Zhai Yun, a Mohist from the Kingdom of Li, have combined agricultural studies to develop farming tools that can increase the speed of land reclamation by twenty percent!"

"Wu Dan, a Mohist, and Zhai Yun, a Mohist from the Kingdom of Li, have combined military studies to develop defensive equipment..."

"Wu Dan..."

A series of small inventions made everyone's eyes shine with excitement. Many of the higher-ups praised them, especially Zhao Ji.

Although the Baijia Conference is an academic exchange and does not provide any official benefits to the hosting kingdom, as the host, there are definitely advantages in the negotiations. These things are indeed quite practical.

The Gathering Yuan Soup itself is the most common cultivation resource for ordinary people and the military. It is somewhat insignificant compared to high-end resources.

But it is precisely the improvement of these low-end resources that has a greater significance.

Ying Wuji couldn't help but look at Wu Dan a few more times. He didn't expect them to come up with so many inventions and creations. After this battle, his position in the Kingdom of Li is likely to be greatly elevated.

This wave of attention is quite remarkable.

Wu Dan instinctively sat up straighter. After staying in the Kingdom of Li for so long, this is the first time he has held his head up so high.

But just at this moment, an unpleasant voice was heard.

"Although they are fresh, they are all unorthodox methods. Mohists always put their minds on these things, no wonder they have no official positions."

This voice is too familiar.

Sure enough, it was Tian Wenjing again.

He felt uncomfortable seeing Wu Dan stealing the limelight from him, even more so than being scolded.

Wu Dan couldn't bear it anymore, "Brother Zhai, he is provoking us. Do you know where the Qi Embassy is? Let's teach him a lesson tonight!"

Zhai Yun was also filled with anger, "I know! It's in a small courtyard in the north of the city. There are seven Transcendent Mortal Realm guards, and the highest cultivation is only at the fourth rank of the Spirit Womb Realm. I'll bring a few people and teach him a lesson!"

Tian Wenjing: "..."

His face turned pale, and he just wanted to slap himself. Why can't I control my mouth!

The worst-case scenario has happened. This is not the State of Qi. He needs to make up for it quickly, otherwise, he won't be able to escape a slap in the face.

But when the apology was about to come out, it turned into, "What? Did I say something wrong? Mohists are becoming more and more marginalized in the political arena of various countries. Shouldn't you consider it as your own problem instead of trying to shut others up? I just spoke the truth. The determination of Mohists is really weak!"

Wu Dan was furious and rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight.

Zhai Yun grabbed him: "No need to argue, how can someone like him understand the ambition of the Mohist? Sit down and eat!"

"Hmph!"

Although Wu Dan was a little angry, he still sat down.

Zhai Yun's gaze at Tian Wenjing turned cold, but his expression became much dimmer, obviously shaken by these words.

"Phew..."

Tian Wenjing breathed a sigh of relief when he saw their reactions. It was really dangerous, he must control his mouth next time.

It seems that he can avoid being slapped in the face...

"Brother Zhai, are we still going to do it tonight?"

"Yes!"

Tian Wenjing: "..."

Although the Feast of the Hundred Schools was considered a prelude to the grand event, it was just a banquet to welcome and entertain. It should have ended after everyone finished their meal.

However, just before it ended, the gentlemen and scholars of various families and their esteemed guests received an invitation.

So after most people left, nearly a hundred people remained on the scene.

The main event was about to begin.

Everyone looked curiously at Zhao Ji, wondering what the King of Li had in mind.

Zhao Ji stood up, smiled slightly, and said, "Everyone! Let's have a gathering at Chongli Palace!"

Although they didn't understand why, since Zhao Ji said so, there must be a reason.

Now that they were enjoying the hospitality of the Li Kingdom, they shouldn't offend him.

So, guided by the eunuchs and palace maids, everyone followed Zhao Ji to Chongli Palace.

Unlike the court assembly, today's Chongli Palace had assigned seats for everyone.

After taking their seats, Meng Yu, a Confucian scholar, couldn't help but ask, "I don't know why Your Majesty has summoned us here?"

With a quick glance, he knew that the Confucian scholars of various countries with high status were all present, and the scholars of other schools were also familiar faces, not unknown figures.

There were even a few other scholars who were capable of being the main lecturers!

Moreover, the main hall of Chongli Palace had great significance to the Li Kingdom. It was only used during court assemblies and major ceremonial events.

Zhao Ji's intentions were probably not trivial.

The gaze of the others also fell on Zhao Ji.

Mi Xingli was a little excited. The recent events in the Li Kingdom seemed like the prelude to a reform, and the King of Li's actions this time were probably closely related to the reform.

Zhao Ji smiled slightly and went straight to the point, "Since the departure of the sages from Jixia Academy, although the Hundred Schools have not declined, they have not seen the prosperity of the past for many years! I feel deeply saddened by this. Therefore, in recent years, with the strength of the whole country, I have benefited the Hundred Schools and finally made Jiangcheng a new holy land for the Hundred Schools.

However, without a proper academy, the grandeur is hard to come by. So I plan to invest a huge amount of money to build the Great Li Academy and invite talented people from all over the world to enter the academy, in order to achieve a glory that the Hundred Schools have never seen before. What do you all think?"

After these words, there was an uproar in Chongli Palace.

In fact, they had already had a vague feeling just now. After all, there was no other reason for so many outstanding figures from the Hundred Schools to be gathered here.

But when they heard these words from Zhao Ji's mouth, they were still shocked.

"Your Majesty, there is something I'm not sure if I should say!"

Before the scholars could speak, Tian Wenjing, a junior, had already stepped forward.

Zhao Ji glanced at him, feeling somewhat displeased. He knew the hundred people in the hall quite well. Although this Tian Wenjing, the illegitimate son of the Marquis, had good abilities, his mouth was notoriously foul.

If you're not sure if you should say it or not, then don't say it.

Although he thought so in his heart, he still smiled and said, "Tian nephew, you can speak!"

Tian Wenjing cleared his throat, "Indeed, Jiangcheng is prosperous now, and with the invention of printing, books from the Hundred Schools can be seen everywhere. They can even be sold to other countries, benefiting students from all over.

But forgive me for speaking bluntly, Jiangcheng is only known as the holy land of the Hundred Schools in name, but not in reality.

The Prime Minister and the Lord of Pingling have nearly six thousand followers combined, and the students they have gathered are all here to seek official positions and realize their ambitions, not to pursue knowledge.

Even so, there are no official positions available, and they can only live under the shadow of others, serving as dispensable assistants.

People say that Jixia Academy has declined, but the land of Qilu still retains the heritage of Confucius and Mencius. There are generations of students who continue to inherit the teachings of the sages.

Although Your Majesty's vision for the Great Li Academy is grand, with Jixia Academy still in existence, I'm afraid that the aspiring talents of the world will not choose to enter.

If that's the case, why bother wasting the people's money and resources on such a grand construction project?"

He knew in his heart that when speaking to a king, he wouldn't be as sharp and sarcastic as he would be with his peers.

But these words were still somewhat unpleasant to hear.

Ying Wuji received a signal from his father-in-law with his eyes and immediately stepped forward, "Brother Tian, what you said is not right. You said that the students of the Hundred Schools who come to Jiangcheng have no desire for learning.

But as long as Brother Tian is willing to open his eyes, you will see that the sales of the Hundred Schools' books in major bookstores have already exceeded twice that of the Qi Kingdom.

Is this not a pursuit of knowledge? Must we go to the scholars of Qi Kingdom to seek guidance in order to be considered seeking knowledge?

As for official positions, in the past, Jiangcheng indeed had no official positions for the followers of the Prime Minister and the Lord of Pingling. But as long as you have the ambition, you will know that nearly half of Luo Xiang's political views come from the mouths of his followers. Although there are no official positions, who dares to say that there is no way to reward their ambitions?

Besides, the reason why your Jixia Academy has declined is because the Marquis is worried that students from all over the world will become officials and threaten the position of the Qi Kingdom or the Tian family."How many scholars are left in Jixia now, and how many are being raised by the Tian family?

Is the desire for learning that Brother Tian mentioned really like this?"

"Well..."

Tian Wenjing's face looked a little ugly. When he mentioned Jixia Academy, it was just to belittle Jiangcheng.

But it is an undeniable fact that Jixia Academy has declined. Jixia Academy started with the Tian family, but it also ended with the Tian family. In that generation, Jixia produced geniuses who became outstanding ministers in other countries, posing a great threat to the Kingdom of Qi. That's why the Marquis of Tian at that time saw it as a thorn in his side, leading to the decline of Jixia.

The current Marquis Tianwei regrets this matter very much. He has tried many times to revive the glory of Jixia, but he found that he had lost the trust of the scholars from various schools, resulting in repeated failures. He regrets it and wishes to rush into the ancestral tomb and dig up his own father's grave.

He felt very uncomfortable.

If they were discussing these issues privately, he would definitely target Ying Wuji and turn the discussion from refuting opinions to attacking the person himself, saying that the opinions of a mere hostage were shallow.

But it would be too cheap to say such things in public.

Damn it! The Great Li Palace is restricting my performance.

However, at this moment, Meng Yu took over the topic: "Your Majesty, the decline of Jixia is our responsibility. Every time I think about it, I feel ashamed. If we really want to build a second Hundred Schools Academy, Jiangcheng is indeed a good choice. But can it become a mentor for the Great Li Kingdom, considering the lessons from Jixia?"

When he said this, his eyes inadvertently swept across the crowd.

In the past, Jixia Academy was truly a holy land in the hearts of scholars all over the world, and it couldn't be compared to Jiangcheng now.

At that time, scholars from all over the world went to Jixia to study.

After completing their studies, they spread to various countries and realized their ambitions, cultivating numerous talents for their respective countries.

It was because of this that the Marquis of Tian felt threatened and issued a strong order to restrict the students of the academy to only serve as officials under the Tian family.

Many of these students wanted to serve their motherland, but many of them couldn't achieve their ambitions in the Kingdom of Qi. The masters of various schools were also noble-minded. It was acceptable to serve as officials in the court, but being raised like pigs and dogs was an insult. That's why Jixia Academy declined.

Who among the scholars in the world doesn't want the holy land to be revived?

If the holy land is revived, it doesn't matter where it is located, it will make people yearn for it.

But the lessons from Jixia are inevitably making them uneasy.

Especially Mohist master Wu Wen, his expression was even more unsightly. Because the resistance of the Mohist school was the most intense back then, in the hearts of the Mohists, the giants were supreme. How could they leave themselves to be dogs for the Marquis of Tian?

Zhao Ji laughed loudly: "Naturally! On the day the academy is built, it will be a place for scholars from all over the world to study. If they come, the Great Li Kingdom will welcome them, and if they leave, the Great Li Kingdom will not hinder them, and even send them off with courtesy."

"Really?"

"I can swear to it!"

"..."

Everyone present looked at each other, feeling somewhat moved.

They had all heard of the blood oath of the Li royal family, and Zhao Ji's oath was already quite sincere.

At this time, Nangong Ling asked with a half-closed eyes in a strange tone: "Your Majesty, didn't you just say that you would take Jixia as a lesson, but now you are following in the footsteps of the Marquis of Tian..."

Zhao Ji interrupted directly: "I will appoint officials based on voluntary participation. Not only will I not force the students to stay or leave, but I will also leave it to the masters to assess and recommend who should hold the official positions!"

"What!"

Zhao Ji's words just now were like thunder on a clear day.

Even the appointment of officials would be assessed and recommended by the masters?

This...this...this kind of statement has never been heard before!

In the past, even if scholars wanted to become officials, they had to seek it themselves. Either they directly recommended themselves to the king, or they first served as a retainer under a noble family. Even if they had produced many famous ministers, the path to becoming an official was still full of difficulties and obstacles. Many people couldn't even become officials, let alone have the opportunity to meet the king.

Now, the masters actually have the power to assess and recommend.

In this way, the official career of the students of the academy...

Could it be that the thousand official positions mentioned by Zhao Ji were not just empty words?

If this can really happen, Jiangcheng might truly become a real holy land for the Hundred Schools.

But...can it really happen?

Nangong Ling smiled faintly: "I admire Your Majesty's ambition, but I admire even more your ability to make empty promises!"

The masters looked at each other and realized the difficulties and obstacles behind this.

Moist master Wu Wen asked: "Your Majesty, in the Great Li Kingdom, officials are mostly from noble families. May I ask where these thousand official positions will come from? Please forgive my bluntness, although the Zhao family is the head of the noble families, during the time of Duke Wen, the power to appoint and dismiss officials in various regions was handed over to the feudal nobles.

With a thousand official positions, excluding the minor officials, I'm afraid it would empty the entire noble family.

Your Majesty is building the Great Li Academy, and you have promised not to force the students to become officials, but you are emptying the official positions of the noble family and even handing over the power of assessment and recommendation to the masters of various schools."Do you believe in your own words, Your Majesty?"

He spoke without any courtesy.

The meaning of his words was simple and clear.

The pie was too big.

I couldn't swallow it.

The people present also woke up from their initial shock and excitement, because this was a very realistic problem.

King Li had a lot of prestige among the royal family, everyone knew that, but if he really dared to do this, even if his prestige was high, he would inevitably face backlash from the royal family. Being dethroned would be the least of his worries, whether he could survive was another matter.

Zhao Ji laughed heartily: "What I mean, of course, is not to empty the royal family and hand everything over to you scholars. After the academy is built, I will work with you scholars to establish a student examination system. Under your joint supervision, students will compete for qualifications. And the final choice lies in my hands.

At the same time, the power to assess officials' performance and dismiss officials is also in my hands.

All students in the world can enter the palace to study, which naturally includes the descendants of the Zhao royal family.

As for where the thousand actual positions come from, I already have a plan in mind, and I will inform you scholars later.

The idea of emptying the royal family is not advisable."

Many people were somewhat persuaded by the first half of his speech. As long as the official appointment and dismissal system could be well established, creating a healthy balance between the king and the academy, the officials in office would certainly be the most suitable ones.

But the latter half...

A thousand actual positions, it sounded a bit alarmist.

But since Zhao Ji said he had a plan, they might as well believe him for the time being.

After all, with such conditions, even a sage would be tempted.

A quick look at bit.ly/3iBfjkV will leave you more fulfilled.

Nangong Ling's brow furrowed deeper. A few days ago, Han Juan, a disciple of the Taoist school, had been making a lot of noise about the chaos of the world. The Kingdom Li was likely to be the center of the great struggle. If the Great Li Academy could be established, it would certainly be extremely detrimental to the Zhou royal family.

He continued to ask: "Building an academy is not a small expense. If I remember correctly, most of the royal family's expenses come from the royal family. You all believe that His Majesty can offer official positions, but if he takes the royal family's official positions and then asks the royal family to fund the construction of the academy, this is a bit..."

Zhao Ji laughed heartily: "The Great Li sits on some of the world's rare fertile lands, the financial strength of the Li royal family, Nangong brother need not worry."

Nangong Ling sneered and said no more.

But this question still lingered in many people's minds.

After all, both the construction and maintenance of the academy required a lot of costs.

Zhao Ji swept his gaze over everyone, his voice full of energy: "Does anyone have any other questions?"

Everyone looked at each other and shook their heads.

If these two problems could be solved, not to mention inviting them to join the Great Li Academy, they would even pay out of their own pockets to get in.

All the families gathered together.

Examining officials.

This wasn't an academy, it was a fairy palace!

Especially the Mohist master Wu Wen, who had been keeping a straight face all day, almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

In terms of ability, he was confident that the Mohists were no less than any other school's students.

But unfortunately, his official career was getting more and more difficult, and the Great Li Academy could very well be the opportunity for the Mohist guild to turn things around.

Zhao Ji smiled: "Since none of you have any questions, does that mean that as long as I can solve these two problems, you scholars are willing to join me in establishing the academy?"

"Of course!"

"Of course!"

Many of the scholars present nodded in agreement.

Meng Yu looked troubled: "When I took over Jizhou in the past, I promised Wei Hou that I would never leave. Breaking my word is not the way of a Confucian scholar. But if the academy can really be built as Your Majesty said, I am willing to write a personal letter to persuade my old friend to come."

"Thank you, Master!"

Zhao Ji laughed heartily and made a gesture to the scholars: "Please follow me, scholars!"

He then added: "Brother Nangong, stay here, this issue is not suitable for you to hear!"

Nangong Ling: "???"

Are you isolating me?

Court bullying?

But since Zhao Ji had said so, it wouldn't be good to force himself in.

So he just snorted coldly: "I have no interest in castles in the air, Your Majesty, please do as you wish!"

Zhao Ji smiled faintly, then led the scholars to the side hall, leaving a word: "Wuji, Zhao Ling, you come with me!"

"Tsk!"

Ying Wuji happily followed, his father-in-law was really generous, he never forgot to include him when eating meat.

Just now he was thinking about what method he should use to force his way in if his father-in-law left him out.

In a short while, everyone arrived at the side hall of Chongli Palace.

Zhao Ji directly used a soundproofing talisman, then said: "Scholars! The words I'm about to say involve the secrets of the Great Li. Later, I will swear an oath based on all the promises I just made. I also ask you to swear an oath not to leak any of the content of our conversation within a month, and as long as I fulfill my promise, you will do your best to help me establish the Great Li Academy."

The scholars looked at each other and nodded.

King Li had already shown his sincerity.

If they were still hesitant, they would really be petty.

Besides, keeping a secret for a month was nothing compared to King Li's blood oath.

Soon, all the oaths were made.

The scholars were even more expectant. The blood oath was made, there was no falsehood, it seemed that this King Li was really going to make a move.

Meng Yu smiled slightly: "King Li is a talent blessed by heaven. For the thousand actual positions, there must be a countermeasure. I would like to hear it!"Zhao Ji looked around at everyone who had taken the oath, his mood instantly lifted. He beckoned to Ying Wuji who was standing aside.

"Wuji, it's your turn to speak!"

"Me!?"

Ying Wuji was slightly taken aback, but was immediately surrounded by excitement.

He glanced at the scholars around him, each possessing a golden skill, a symbol of the spiritual realm!

Moreover, there were countless red and blue orbs representing the heavenly and earthly ranks.

Damn it.

He was drooling!

Not only was he surprised, but the scholars were also quite puzzled. They didn't expect the King of the Great Li to value a son-in-law who had just married into the royal family so much.

Zhao Ji stroked his beard and laughed heartily: "You scholars may not believe it, but the philosophy of the Great Li Academy and the strategies we will discuss later are all from my beloved son-in-law!"

The scholars: "......"

This round, no skills were released, but nearly a thousand attribute points were exploded.

Ying Wuji pursed his lips.

He felt so warm.

He was crying.

~~~~~

Thirty thousand words, isn't it reasonable to ask for some monthly and recommendation tickets?

(End of the chapter)