When Zhao Ji said those words, Ying Wuji had already guessed his thoughts.

If the Great Li Academy is built, he will be one of the founders of the academy. With the support of the academy, he will gain a considerable network of connections, which may spread throughout the officialdom of the Great Li Kingdom in the future.

Even if he still has thoughts of returning to the Kingdom Qian, he needs to consider whether or not to give up these connections.

This is to retain people. Regardless of the purpose, it is already quite touching. This is much stronger than Lao Bi Deng.

Ying Wuji glanced at the light spots on the heads of the scholars and no longer hesitated. He directly unfolded the official position list and the map of the Great Li Kingdom that Zhao Ji had prepared in advance.

"Please take a look, here are the first batch of official positions offered by our Majesty, totaling three hundred. Although there are no high-ranking officials directly entering the court, they are practical positions in the local areas, which is the place for the scholars to display their talents. After taking office, the Zhao clan will fully cooperate.

As for the remaining seven hundred official positions, please take a look at this area... After the new city is established, it will implement the county system similar to the Kingdom Qian. At that time, one thousand officials will be transferred to this place, under the direct jurisdiction of the royal family, without being restrained by any aristocratic families!"

After learning that Zhao Ji was going to wage war, the scholars finally understood why they were asked to swear secrecy.

If they can really succeed, it would indeed be a great thing.

If Zhao serves as an official in the Kingdom Li, conflicts of interest with the royal family are inevitable.

But if they go to the new county, there will be more room for the scholars to display their talents. As for the three hundred official positions, they are more like a reassurance for the scholars and a way for them to accumulate experience.

Under the county system, anyone who holds an official position must go through assessments. If their performance is not satisfactory, they will be dismissed from their positions. This is the land that truly talented individuals dream of.

In the current world, the only place that meets this condition is the Kingdom Qian. Unfortunately, the Kingdom Qian has already decided to pursue a strategy of agriculture and warfare. Apart from the agricultural and legalist schools, there is no space for any other schools to survive. The saying "Confucians do not enter the Kingdom Qian" is still popular today.

Now it seems that the Kingdom Li is truly becoming a fertile land for the scholars. This idea is wild and adventurous, but surprisingly feasible. It not only avoids the power conflicts between the royal family and the new officials, but also avoids the conflicts between the royal family and the small and medium-sized aristocratic families. As long as the financial and threat issues can be resolved, the academy and the new county will become the main focus.

"Brilliant strategy!"

"What a brilliant strategy!"

The scholars looked at each other and their expressions were filled with admiration.

Especially Mohist scholar Wu Wen, he even held his breath and his eyes were full of longing.

【Hint】: Emotion fluctuation value exceeds 90, randomly obtain the Heaven Rank secret technique "Mohist Deduction Technique".

Damn! Heaven Rank! Ying Wuji was so excited that he couldn't believe it. This was his first time unlocking a Heaven Rank skill.

The Mohist Deduction Technique had no direct combat ability and could not directly affect the outside world. However, this secret technique greatly enhanced various abilities of the will: simulation, calculation, deduction...

The Mohists, who were good at mechanical arts, could even design a new mechanism purely through simulation and deduction, and the constructed object would hardly have any flaws. They could also deduce battle tactics, whether it was leading troops in battle or personal combat. As long as they had enough mental power and time, they could even use exhaustive methods to calculate all possible situations. It did not generate combat power, but it could elevate the effective combat power of the user to the highest level.

Hiss... It was so terrifying.

Zhao Ji glanced at Ying Wuji and found it strange that this kid had also become stunned after Wu Wen.

He coughed lightly and smiled calmly, "What do you all think?"

Wu Wen directly said, "As the representative of the Mohist Guild's branch in the Kingdom Li, I'm in!"

Without any hesitation.

This was the best opportunity for the Mohists to turn the tide. Regardless of the chances of success, they would try.

He pointed to the map, "Your Majesty, when the new land is being developed, it will require a lot of manpower and equipment. I believe that the Mohists can take the lead in this process. The corresponding official positions should be directly taken by Mohist disciples. After the new land is established, if their performance is unsatisfactory, they will be dismissed. If they are qualified, they will not need to go through the academy's selection. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

"If their performance is satisfactory, it means they have true talent and ability. Why should we go through another selection process?"

Zhao Ji stroked his beard and laughed heartily. He thought that this scholar Wu Wen was quite cunning. By being the first to join, he would be able to occupy many official positions.

But these official positions were indeed deserved by the Mohists. After all, there were still one thousand official positions that had not been determined.

They were also actively taking on the task of developing the new land, which was a great help to the manpower and equipment of the Mohists.

Unfortunately, Wu Wen's joining did not have a leading effect. The hesitation in the hearts of the scholars from the other two schools did not decrease.

Meng Yu sighed, "Your Majesty, the reform strategies of you and your son-in-law are indeed brilliant, but now not only do we need to build the academy, but we also need to wage war and build cities. The expenses will be even greater. Can the royal family afford it? That is one concern. The second concern is the threat from Wei and Han. How does Your Majesty plan to resolve it?"

"If I tell you now, the scholars may not believe it. I will give you all the answers within a month."

Zhao Ji took out a scroll from his pocket and spread it out on the table, "This is a contract. As long as I can solve these problems within a month, you will join me in establishing the Great Li Academy. How about it?"

The four scholars of Confucianism and Legalism looked at each other and finally nodded.

They all knew that this reform would be full of various difficulties and dangers.

Even with this brilliant plan, the situation in the Great Li Kingdom would be much more dangerous than the reform in the Kingdom Qian.

But the main burden of this danger would be borne by the Great Li King.

If they were not willing to bear the remaining pressure, what qualifications did they have to be the founders of the new Holy Land of the Hundred Schools?

"Hoo..."

Ying Wuji, Zhao Ji, and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Although they faced more doubts than they had imagined, the contract was successfully signed.Next, it is enough to focus on solving these two problems.

Le Li suddenly asked, "Your Majesty! According to the contract, there are seven masters in the academy. How should these seven positions be allocated? Who should be the chief master?"

The seven masters have decision-making power in the operation of the academy, in addition to the King Li, making a total of eight people.

Including the assessment of the students in the palace, it is also supervised by these eight people.

In major matters, they vote.

Among them, King Li and the chief master each have two votes, and the other masters each have one vote.

In this way, the number of places for each family and the position of the chief master become very important.

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "Confucianism, Mohism, Legalism, and Military Strategy each occupy a seat. If the Daoist school is willing to join, they can also secure a seat. As for the remaining seats and who will be the first chief master, it depends on the performance of the students in this grand event."

That's good. Although the various schools of thought have blended together, they do not acknowledge each other. They rely on their own abilities, so there is nothing wrong with it.

"Father!"

Ying Wuji suddenly spoke, "I have something to say!"

Zhao Ji waved his hand, "Speak!"

Ying Wuji smiled, "When I was young, I was seen as useless by others, but in fact, I often had a mentor teaching me in my dreams, so I barely escaped the name of 'mediocre'..."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other.

To think that with such a strategy, he only barely escaped the name of 'mediocre'?

It's a bit too modest, isn't it?

But they were obviously more interested in another piece of information.

Zhao Ji couldn't help but ask, "Do you have a teacher? Who is your teacher?"

"Ashamedly, I don't know!"

Ying Wuji said sincerely, "My family did not reveal their name, and every time they finished teaching in my dreams, they would disappear!"

Teaching in dreams!

This is at least a transcendent spell, or even a divine-level technique.

The people present actually didn't doubt Ying Wuji's so-called mentor, because the strategy he came up with is definitely not something that can be understood just by reading books. There must be a master behind him, even if there is no guidance, there must be some kind of influence.

When Zhao Ji heard Zhao Ning's report yesterday, he heard about this so-called mentor, but didn't pay much attention to it.

Now that Ying Wuji mentioned it again, he truly took it to heart.

He smiled and asked, "So what do you want to do?"

Ying Wuji said sincerely, "Since it is a grand event for all schools of thought, even though my teacher is indifferent to fame and fortune, his great talent should not be buried. I dare to seek the position of the chief master on behalf of my teacher!"

"Good lad!"

Zhao Ji's eyes lit up, "What do the masters think?"

Meng Yu smiled and said, "If a student like you can be taught, how can the teacher be mediocre? During the grand event, if you outperform all the students, the position of the chief master will belong to your teacher!"

"Thank you!"

Ying Wuji thanked sincerely. These masters undoubtedly had extremely high self-esteem, and this kind of arrogance made them disdain to do those petty things.

Today, the more they looked at them, the more they felt that they deserved respect.

This position of the chief master must be won. And this mysterious teacher must establish an image in the hearts of the people. This will be another support for oneself. Whoever wants to harm oneself must consider it carefully.

This is also why he couldn't explain the corresponding aura when copying and inheriting poems and verses. After all, what he is thinking about now is just how to live in peace. This kind of situation is not worthy of corresponding aura.

"You're welcome. If I had a student like you, it would be a great achievement in my life!"

Meng Yu's smile was kind, and then he changed the subject, "But, Wuji! Can you tell me which school your teacher belongs to?"

Which school? Have you heard of the Marxist school?

Of course, Ying Wuji wouldn't answer like that. He could only put on a look of uncertainty, "I'm ashamed! I don't know either. It seems that my teacher has mastered the essence of Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, and Legalism. Maybe he is a Confucian saint, or maybe a Taoist saint. He also looks like a Mohist saint, and it's not impossible for him to be a Legalist saint!"

Everyone: "???"

Originally, the masters were still friendly, but when they heard this, their faces suddenly turned gloomy. Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and Mohism, the four saints in one? Why isn't your teacher a god? It's too insulting! Usually, the students of several schools attack each other vigorously. If they all cultivate together and become saints, it's really ridiculous.

But after all, they were masters, and there was no need to be angry with the younger generation. They all bowed to Zhao Ji, "Since the major matter has been decided, King Li, we will take our leave!"

"If anyone asks, just say that it hasn't been settled yet!"

Zhao Ji laughed heartily, "Wuji, quickly send off the masters."

The masters all glanced at Ying Wuji disdainfully, and Wu Qian repeatedly waved his hand, "We dare not! How can we trouble the Four Saints to send us off? Young Master Wuji, please rest!"

Although there was no hostility, they were indeed showing their contempt.

Zhao Ji gave a signal, and Zhao Ning sent off the masters.

He looked at Ying Wuji, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, "Do you really have a teacher?"

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji nodded naturally.

Zhao Ji asked again, "So, was this strategy your idea, or your teacher's idea?"

Ying Wuji smiled, "It was my idea, but if it weren't for my teacher's guidance, I wouldn't have come up with it."

"I see!"

Search tinyurl.com/2p9emv8w for the original.

Zhao Ji nodded thoughtfully. It makes more sense this way.

Because after he came out of seclusion, he specifically investigated Ying Wuji. Even the teacher that Ying Yue sent to him before was a simple-minded person who only knew about agricultural and military strategies. It was really strange to cultivate a student like Ying Wuji. This explanation is more reasonable.

At least it is more credible than Ying Wuji studying on his own and gaining insights.Zhao Ji patted his shoulder and said, "As long as the jade soap business succeeds, the reform will be halfway done. If the Wei and Han families can be intimidated, the reform will be mostly completed."

Ying Wuji smiled and added, "Not mostly, it will be fully completed! Once the new city in the north is established, Zhao Tu will be revitalized. With you, Father King, the Wei and Han families will not dare to start a war easily. If they don't fight, they will be drained by the new land in the north.

In just ten years, the north will become strong. Whether we annihilate them or cut ties with them, making them a buffer zone between New Li and Kingdom Chu, it will be beneficial for us."

"Very good!"

Zhao Ji looked at Ying Wuji with great satisfaction. The situation in the world has changed. Previously, the lords fought for more land to gain power.

Now, land size is still important, but what matters most is that the same land can produce more food and the same number of troops can have stronger combat power.

This kid disregards the dangers of reform and claims that it will definitely succeed. Of course, it's just nonsense, but it boosts morale.

Zhao Ji couldn't help but smile. "From now on, just stay in Kingdom Li. This is the most suitable place for you. Although Kingdom Qian is your motherland and the reform has been completed there, the people there have problems in their heads. Even if you go back, they will only follow the strategy of farming and warfare like puppets on a string. Do you understand?"

"I understand!"

Ying Wuji nodded. He didn't understand at first, but since the incident with Lao Bi Deng, he understood. Kingdom Qian only needs to follow the path of farming and warfare until the end of the day. There is no need for any variables in unifying the world.

That's why Lao Bi Deng knows that he has some business skills but still refuses to give him the merchant seal.

He can tell that Lao Zhangren really wants to keep him.

Actually, he doesn't necessarily have to leave. What he wants is just a safe environment to slowly develop. What he wants most is to avoid reform.

But King Li and the Crown Prince insist on reform, so he can only help.

This reform is not a complete one, but as long as the new land in the north can be stabilized, it will eventually radiate throughout Kingdom Li.

Hopefully, it will succeed. Once it does, he will have several years of development time.

"Go back! Rest well these days, and then help your mentor regain the position of the chief palace scholar!"

"Yes!"

Ying Wuji nodded. He must strive for that position, not only for his own status.

The selection within the academy is just a temporary measure to leverage the power of the Hundred Schools. In the future, the power to appoint and dismiss officials will undoubtedly be completely taken back by the royal authority. With the current level of productivity, the imperial examination system is the right path.

When the Wei and Han threats are eliminated, there will definitely be a struggle between royal authority and the academy.

The conflicts between the two sides may not be as bloody as with Wei and Han, but they must be dealt with properly. Otherwise, mishandling one could lead to another Jixia.

The selection within the academy? It's just a transitional product!

"Huh?"

Ying Wuji suddenly felt something was wrong. I'm just relying on powerful figures to live a comfortable life, why am I thinking so much?

He shook his head and quickly left the Heavy Li Palace.

Zhao Ji looked at his departing figure with a complex expression.

There are still four steps to the success of the reform.

The first step is to force the royal family to cooperate fully. Currently, he is still in his prime, so it shouldn't be a problem.

The second step is to make the jade soap business successful. This should not be difficult, but the challenge lies in how to compete with Kingdom Qian in this business.

The third step is to deter the Wei and Han families during the lightning-fast attack on Kingdom Di. This step must be handled with caution, as a slight mistake could lead to a complete loss.

The fourth step is to stabilize the new land in the north for ten years.

"These ten years will never be peaceful."

"This kid thinks that as long as he guards the north, even if a war breaks out, he can stabilize the new land."

"But he doesn't know that he only has three years left to live!"

Zhao Ji shook his head with a bitter feeling. After three years, there will be a major change that must be stabilized. Therefore, within these three years, the new land in the north must be put on the right track, and Ning'er's prestige must be firmly established. But to establish prestige, something big must be done. Looking at the past three years, the only big thing is the reform, which will offend the nobles, including the royal family. It will have a great impact on the Crown Prince's position. It seems like a dead end.

Zhao Ji still doesn't know how to solve this dead end. All he can do is leave more for Zhao Ning.

What he wants to leave the most is Ying Wuji.

Whether it's a temporary measure or a genuine expression of affection, he wants Ying Wuji to become a true member of the Zhao family.

This kid must value relationships. Whether it's towards Luo Yan's illegitimate daughter or towards himself as a father-in-law, as long as you treat him well, he won't treat you poorly.

But this kid lacks a sense of security. He will want to hold onto anything he can grasp.

Zhao Ji has no doubt that if he puts the current Ying Wuji three years later, when the survival of him and his woman is threatened, his first choice will definitely be to leave Kingdom Li and go to a safe place.

So... how can he completely keep him?

Zhao Ji rubbed his bearded chin and a immature idea popped into his mind. But after thinking about it, this idea seemed too immature. He shook his head and dismissed the idea.

...

Ying Wuji originally wanted to wait for Zhao Ling, but after waiting for a while, he didn't see him. He probably went to report something to his father-in-law.

When he left the palace, most of the academy students had already dispersed, so he had to go home alone.

But unexpectedly, as soon as he took a few steps, he saw an impressive figure.

Chongtian Xingli!

No, not right!

Mi Xingli!

No, not right either!

It seems her name is Mi Xingli, but it's really hard to remember. Mi Xingli was sitting in a carriage with the emblem of Kingdom Chu and waved at Ying Wuji, "Brother Ying! Come sit for a while!"

This damn girl.Ying Wuji felt like he had returned to the train station of his previous life. When he accidentally passed by a corner, the aunties would greet him, "Hey handsome, come and play."

So he skillfully walked over, "Miss, you haven't left yet?"

There was only Mi Xingli in the carriage, and Xiang Ding, the unlucky kid, was driving. Although he nodded politely at Ying Wuji, it seemed like he had no intention of communicating with him.

Mi Xingli smiled faintly, "Aren't you waiting for Brother Ying?"

Ying Wuji waved his hand, "If you ask me what the old man said to the gentlemen in the side hall, I really can't tell you because I fell asleep as soon as I went in."

Asleep?

Can't you be more serious when fooling people?

Mi Xingli rubbed her forehead. She really wanted to know what Zhao Ji had said to the gentlemen. Although those gentlemen said they hadn't reached an agreement, she always felt that things were not that simple.

But Ying Wuji made it clear that he wouldn't say. He blocked her with just one sentence.

Helplessly, she smiled, "Sometimes, talking to Brother Ying can be really suffocating."

Ying Wuji glanced at her towering figure and couldn't help but curl his lips. Even if you don't talk to me, you will still feel suffocated, right?

Of course, he wouldn't say such tasteless words.

He smiled, "I am just a peripheral figure of the Li royal family, and I am also a hostage for exchange with Kingdom Qian. So I can't know too much. I'm afraid I have disappointed Miss."

"That's not true!"

Mi Xingli smiled, "I just saw His Majesty of Kingdom Li bring out so many official positions. I wanted to get an official position in Kingdom Li. I don't know if Brother Ying can help."

Still beating around the bush?

Ying Wuji thought for a moment, "As a proper official, I might not be able to help! But I heard that the Crown Prince wants to open a gambling house. I can introduce you to be a dealer. Being a beautiful dealer, dealing cards online, you might earn a lot of commission!"

Mi Xingli: "???"

What a mess.

She understood. Ying Wuji intended to carry out the joke to the end.

At this moment, Xiang Ding couldn't bear it anymore, "Outrageous! The Miss of the Chu Kingdom is only worthy of working in your gambling house? Ying Wuji, you really think too highly of yourself!"

Ying Wuji spread his hands, "I am just a useless son-in-law. You asked me about confidential matters and asked me to introduce official positions. Isn't this making things difficult for me?"

Mi Xingli smiled helplessly, "When I talk to Brother Ying, I really feel suffocated."

Ying Wuji couldn't help but take another look at her. It seemed that her words were indeed sincere.

For members of the royal family to serve as officials in foreign countries, in this era, it was not particularly strange.

But she was the daughter that the King of Chu valued the most, and she wanted to serve as an official in Kingdom Li. It was a bit too much.

Could it be... she wanted to copy someone's homework?

Upon careful consideration, it was very possible.

After pondering for a moment, he smiled and said, "Miss, rest assured. If there is an opportunity, I will definitely convey your wish to His Majesty. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. If Miss is bored in Jiangcheng, you can visit my Shangmo Bookstore!"

"Definitely! Thank you!"

Mi Xingli smiled and nodded, making a gesture of invitation.

Xiang Ding watched as Ying Wuji walked away and couldn't help but snort, "Miss, Ying Wuji is just a tool for the alliance between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li. Why did you have to approach him?"

Mi Xingli asked back, "A tool? Is it necessary for the King of Li to bring a tool to the side hall?"

Xiang Ding retorted, "It's just that the King of Li wants to announce to everyone that the alliance between Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Li is stable. After all, they might need the military power of Kingdom Qian to deter the Wei family during the reform. And I heard that the princess under the King of Li has a lower status than ordinary princesses. This kind of alliance doesn't seem important at all!"

Mi Xingli shook her head, "Deter the Wei family with military power?"

"Do you think Kingdom Qian is that easy to deal with?"

"Kingdom Qian hopes that the reform in Kingdom Li will cause internal chaos, so that they can benefit from it."

"If the reform in Kingdom Li is successful and the Zhao family completely swallows Wei and Han, Kingdom Qian won't be able to expand east in the future!"

"As for this alliance, do you really think Ying Wuji is just a tool for displaying the alliance?"

Xiang Ding nodded, "Yes!"

He thought that Mi Xingli's first few sentences were fine, but he really didn't feel that Ying Wuji had any abilities.

Mi Xingli smiled and shook her head, "Actually, I felt the same way at first. But when you left the palace just now, did you see it? The plaque of the Earl's Mansion of Li Wo was removed."

"It seems like it!"

Xiang Ding's expression suddenly became serious. Li Wo was a loyal minister of the previous King of Li, so the Earl's Mansion could be built next to the palace.

When Li Wo passed away, he left no descendants, but the Earl's Mansion had always been empty. As for the reason... there was currently no hero who could deserve such a good mansion.

But now...

Xiang Ding was a little shocked, "Could it be prepared for Ying Wuji?"

Mi Xingli neither confirmed nor denied, "Currently in Kingdom Li, the only thing that could deserve this mansion is probably the reform. But the reform has just begun and cannot be considered a great achievement. I really can't figure out why the King of Li would give away this mansion, except for the Prince's Mansion!"

Xiang Ding widened his eyes, "Are you saying that Ying Wuji is the one who proposed the reform?"

Mi Xingli shook her head slightly, "I'm not sure, but the way the King of Li treats him is definitely not the attitude towards a hostage for alliance. This Ying Wuji might be more interesting than we think."Xiang Ding sneered, "It was indeed his idea. I said the conditions set by King Li were outrageous. Offering a thousand official positions is practically handing over the throne to the royal family. This little son-in-law is already thinking of plotting against his father-in-law. He's truly talented!"

Mi Xingli: "......"

Although, however.

On the surface, this sentence seems to be flawless.

Because she couldn't figure out where King Li would get these thousand official positions from.

...

"A thousand official positions?"

"The Great Li Academy?"

Wei Huan was originally lying on a recliner, but he sat up straight when he heard the news.

This gathering of the Hundred Schools of Thought was ostensibly for academic exchange and had no political purpose. Therefore, apart from the king of the hosting country, no officials would appear, including the heads of the Wei and Han families.

At first, he was worried that Zhao Ji might do something detrimental to the Wei and Han families during this gathering.

But now...

Could this old man have closed himself off and gone crazy?

The Great Li Academy?

Do they really think that Jiangcheng is the new holy land of the Hundred Schools?

Wei Huan really didn't expect the existence of the Great Li Academy, because it was a thankless task.

If Zhao Ji wanted to build the academy as it was in the early years, the royal family would almost certainly not contribute financially, as the talents cultivated would still scatter in all directions.

If he wanted to build it as it is now, the scholars of the Hundred Schools would not come at all. Compared to Jixia, what makes you better than Jixia? Why should we come here and be your dogs?

But he never expected that Zhao Ji would actually claim to offer a thousand official positions.

Where are you going to get them from?

Are you planning to take them from the Wei and Han families?

Or are you counting even the night watchmen among these thousand official positions?

As long as Zhao Ji didn't want immediate internal strife in Li Kingdom, he could only get official positions from the royal family. But if he took them from the royal family, problems would inevitably arise.

No matter how high Zhao Ji's prestige was, he couldn't possibly offer so many positions. Five hundred was already the limit, and that was only if you counted the leftovers.

The royal family didn't want money in the first place.

Now, they couldn't even come up with a single penny.

Building the Great Li Academy? It would be a struggle just to build a toilet.

Wei Meng couldn't help but ask, "Father! Should I contact the Pingling Jun and the Han family?"

"Why do you need to contact them?"

Wei Huan couldn't stop the smile on his face, "It's enough for one person to secretly laugh. If the three families laugh together, it might be too obvious. You go and contact those small noble families, let them be mentally prepared. When Zhao Ji's knife is at their necks, they won't know who to turn to for help!"

"Yes!"

Wei Meng nodded. He also felt that this situation was somewhat inexplicable.

If Zhao Ji wanted official positions, he definitely wouldn't dare to go against the Wei and Han families. He could only target those small clans. But these small clans were already struggling to survive, and by doing this, they would be completely pushed towards the Wei and Han families.

The Wei family was worried that the current situation was too stable and they couldn't find an excuse to annex the small clans. Wasn't this giving them an opportunity?

He thought for a moment and asked again, "Father! Should we also restrain the common people in our Wei territory? Zhao territory wants to reform, they will definitely try to attract refugees..."

"No need!"

Wei Huan frowned slightly and shook his head, "Now that the Wei territory is heavily searching for iron tools and suppressing private fields, those troublemakers are already burdened. If we further restrain them, it will only push them towards the Zhao territory. I want to see if the Zhao territory really has so much wasteland for them to cultivate."

"Father, you're right!"

Wei Meng laughed heartily, patted his chest, and quickly left.

After Wei Meng left, Wei Huan lay back on the recliner.

The slightly worried expression on his face was now filled with smiles, and he even started humming a tune.

If his guess was correct, Han Zhe should be feeling the same way as him.

As for Pingling Jun...

He might also be happy, but he must be full of envy. It was obvious that Zhao Ji had already decided to reform, and he had hidden Zhao Ning in advance, clearly to protect his position as the crown prince.

But... are you sure you can protect it?

Are you really worried that your prestige within the royal family is too high?

For this reform, the Wei family didn't need to make any moves. They just had to wait for the chaos within the Zhao family.

I wonder what Ying Wuji, that little brat, is thinking.

But judging from his previous performance, he should have some brains.

He should be thinking of running away by now, right?

...

At the Han family and Pingling Jun's side, it was not much different from Wei Huan's speculation.

However, the situation at Shangmo Bookstore was slightly different.

Ying Wuji was strolling around the courtyard with his hands behind his back, showing no intention of running away.

There were two trees in the backyard of Shangmo Bookstore, one was a jujube tree, and the other was also a jujube tree.

Now was the season for jujube harvest, and a kick would make a lot of them fall.

The store's assistants had tried to steal jujubes from here before, but they were all scolded by Ying Wuji, so there were still quite a few left.

He walked up to the jujube tree, looked up with his hands behind his back, and stared at it for a long time. Every branch and leaf of the jujube tree was imprinted in his mind.

"Wuji, what are you doing?"

Hua Chao leaned against the door frame, curiously observing him.

Today, there was another welcoming ceremony for Confucius and a gathering of the Hundred Schools of Thought in Jiangcheng. There were also many peculiar little schools selling their own little trinkets in the north of the city, so the theater troupe had no business. She simply gave the theater troupe a day off and stayed at home herself.

Seeing Wuji staring at the jujube tree for so long, she couldn't help but be curious.

Wuji smiled, "Hua Chao, do you believe that if I kick it, I can mark each and every jujube that falls?"

"I don't believe it!"Hua Chao thought he was just bragging. Even if he threw a coin into the sky, he wouldn't know if it would land heads or tails, let alone determine its position.

Zaozi... go ahead and brag.

Ying Wuji said, "What if I succeed?"

Hua Chao thought for a moment and smiled, "If you succeed, I'll boil your foot-washing water for a month!"

She knew that Wuji had a habit of soaking his feet at night.

But recently, Bai Zhi had been in seclusion often, and the shop assistants didn't stay here anymore. He was lazy and liked to stay up late. Every time he remembered, the water he prepared for himself had already cooled down.

"It's a deal!"

Ying Wuji was excited and picked up a branch, drawing circles on the ground.

Seeing this scene, Hua Chao couldn't help but smile.

This silly boy, usually in front of others, would argue and be fierce, but he also had such a childish side.

Not bad.

Just as she was lost in thought, she saw Ying Wuji walking towards her. She couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing?"

Ying Wuji smiled mischievously, "Hua Chao, extend your hand."

"What for?"

"Just extend it."

"Okay!"

"A little forward."

"..."

"A little to the left."

"..."

"Okay!"

Under Hua Chao's curious gaze, Ying Wuji extended his index finger and drew a circle in her palm.

Their skin touched, and it felt a bit itchy. Hua Chao instinctively pulled her hand back, but quickly put it back in place, enduring the itchy feeling and asked, "Are you saying that a jujube will fall into my hand?"

"Watch closely!"

Ying Wuji smiled and directly jumped to the bottom of the jujube tree.

He kicked it.

"Crash!"

The jujube tree swayed, and the branches rustled. Soon, a bunch of semi-green and semi-red jujubes fell down.

One by one, they rolled and jumped, and they all fell into the circle that Ying Wuji had drawn beforehand.

"Oh!"

Hua Chao couldn't help but exclaim. This scene was truly magical.

In this moment of distraction, she suddenly felt her palm become heavier. Looking closely, she indeed had an extra jujube in her hand.

Smooth and cool, it looked very sweet.

"Please have a jujube!"

Ying Wuji proudly raised his eyebrows, thinking that the Mo Family's divination technique was indeed a top-tier secret technique. It was really amazing that it could even predict such things.

If it were used in actual combat, it could even predict several consecutive attacks based on the enemy's energy fluctuations.

It was truly amazing.

With it, his ability to protect himself would be raised to another level in the future.

Even if he really entered the tomb of the bandits, he wouldn't be as lacking in confidence as before.

This was the charm of a top-tier skill.

Wait!

If he could also reveal Tang Tang's top-tier skill, wouldn't they be unstoppable in the future?

Ying Wuji looked at the sky. It was already approaching dusk. At this time, Tang Tang should have just finished eating and was daydreaming by the window.

He should go and reveal her skill.

"Hua Chao, I'm going out for a while!"

"Okay!"

Hua Chao watched Ying Wuji leave, a smile lingering on her lips. But after standing there for a while, she sighed softly.

She returned to the study, leaned her face on the desk, and stared quietly at the jujube, unable to distinguish whether the feeling in her heart was joy or bitterness.

She didn't know how long had passed.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

"Brother Wuji!"

"Is Brother Wuji here?"

This voice, could it be Zhao Ling?

Hua Chao stood up, opened the back door, and smiled, "You're here again!"

This person was Wuji's closest friend, and his temperament was very clean.

So Hua Chao didn't dislike him.

"Greetings, Miss Hua!"

Zhao Ning politely bowed and curiously looked inside.

Hua Chao couldn't help but smile, "You always come at the wrong time. Wuji has gone out again."

"Ah?"

Zhao Ning was a little annoyed, but he couldn't help but feel that something was wrong.

Underneath his hidden worries, he couldn't help but ask, "Miss Hua, has Brother Wuji found someone he loves? Last time, he explained his frequent disappearances as being with his 'teacher.' But then he said that the teacher only appeared in his dreams. This made me suspect if there was a woman..."

After all, every time this happened, Zhao Xin would lose track of people.

This useless guy...

"Ah?"

Hua Chao's expression changed, "Didn't he already have a marriage alliance with the princess? Could it be that the woman he loves is not the princess?"

Zhao Ning shook his head, "I also thought about it before, whether Brother Wuji had secretly met with a princess. But until the day of the engagement, he only made a marriage agreement with His Majesty, but did not choose a princess. It was only then that I confirmed that he had not met any princess.

Since he hadn't met any princess, how could he have any feelings? His... proposal for the alliance should only be for the sake of living peacefully.

Miss Hua, when Brother Wuji comes back, please tell him that the alliance between the Ying and Zhao families is unbreakable. Even if he really likes another woman, he can still take her as a concubine. The royal family does not object, so there is no need to hide it."

"This..."

Hua Chao was stunned for a moment, but quickly regained her composure and nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay! I will definitely pass on the message!"

"Thank you!"

Zhao Ning looked at Hua Chao meaningfully and then turned and left.

Hua Chao stood still for a long time before slowly closing the door.

She sat back in the study, her heart in chaos.

She didn't know whether she felt sorry for Wuji sacrificing his marriage for survival.

Or was she angry that he had already made an engagement with the princess but still went to provoke other women.

Did he... really fall in love with someone else?Hua Chao picked up the date on the desk, recalling the letter of repentance Luo Ming had delivered on behalf of Luo Yan a few days ago. The letter was filled with Luo Yan's remorse, stating that if she wished to marry Ying Wuji, he, as her father, would overcome all obstacles to get the approval of King Li. He promised that she would never be bullied by the princess at home.

She was really angry when she received the letter.

Because she felt that Luo Yan was too presumptuous.

But now, in her heart...

"No!"

Hua Chao shook her head: "No matter what, he will marry the princess. Regardless of whether they have feelings for each other, I should not degrade myself..."

She felt a tightness in her chest and looked out the window to see Xiao Liu bending over in the yard, seemingly busy with something.

She asked, "Xiao Liu, what are you doing?"

Xiao Liu shook the cloth bag in his arms: "Picking dates!"

She bit her lip: "I have one here, I'll give it to you!"

"Great!"

Xiao Liu came over excitedly: "Give it to me!"

At first, Hua Chao had decided to give away this date as an ordinary date, to cut off the unrealistic fantasy lingering in her heart.

But seeing Xiao Liu coming over, a sense of panic inexplicably surged in her heart, as if Xiao Liu was trying to take something from her.

She subconsciously hid the hand holding the date behind her back.

Xiao Liu asked in confusion, "Miss, where's the date?"

"I...I can't find it, you eat something else!"

"Oh!"

Xiao Liu looked at Hua Chao in confusion, noticing that her eyes seemed a bit red.