Chapter 712 - 713: Master Often Tricks Me Like This

Chapter 712: Chapter 713: Master Often Tricks Me Like This

Zhao Xuan held his breath and focused, making his decision:

"I owe my kingdom’s fortune to this point partly to the respect I showed that venerable master years ago. Without that help, Xuanwu Kingdom would have ceased to exist long ago."

"Out of gratitude for that past kindness, I’ll do whatever I can to help."

Even though immortals wouldn’t manipulate dynasties anymore, being disgusted by such things wasn’t uncommon.

Zhao Xuan didn’t actually believe Chu Xingchen would stoop to such underhanded tactics—he knew he wasn’t worthy of that kind of attention—but building goodwill was still better than making enemies.

Since Chen Baiqing had promised not to break the rules, he would simply do his best within his capabilities.

Even if he failed, it would still count as a favor owed.

Agreeing now was certainly better than refusing outright.

Chen Baiqing’s expression softened slightly at his response. Though the carrot-and-stick approach was crude, it worked remarkably well sometimes, and she spoke directly:

"Do you know of Li Junzi from Junzi Mountain?"

Zhao Xuan furrowed his brow, thinking for a moment before answering:

"I’ve heard of her—the Grand Scholar planning to implement the Academy New Policy?"

Chen Baiqing’s tone was calm: "You’re well-informed."

Zhao Xuan smiled helplessly and answered honestly:

"The new policy’s impact has already drawn widespread attention. Even within Xuanwu Kingdom, many nobles are already preparing to resist the Confucian scholars from Junzi Mountain. Their intentions are good, but somewhat impractical."

"The aristocratic families claim to share governance of the realm with me. While I resent it, I have to admit they’re right."

At this point, Zhao Xuan understood why Chen Baiqing had come, and his expression turned resigned:

"Have you come today hoping Li Junzi will implement the new policy in Xuanwu Kingdom?"

Chen Baiqing nodded: "Exactly. We need you, as sovereign, to invite her to Xuanwu Kingdom to carry out the new policy."

Zhao Xuan pressed his lips together, considered the situation, and said:

"I can promise to do my best to protect Li Junzi’s policy implementation, though I can’t guarantee success."

"Whether a national policy succeeds depends on more than just the sovereign’s will—it requires both the right methods and the right opportunities, and neither can be lacking."

"So, if things don’t work out..."

Zhao Xuan left the thought unfinished, looking at Chen Baiqing with genuine helplessness.

The nobles in his kingdom were already resisting the Confucian scholars from Junzi Mountain, and inviting Li Junzi to implement this so-called new policy under these circumstances would mean he bore far more pressure than she did.

Taking on such a thankless task required careful positioning—not necessarily expecting gratitude, but at least ensuring he wouldn’t be blamed afterward.

Speaking too directly might breed resentment instead.

So Zhao Xuan’s helpless expression was both sincere and worried, as though he genuinely wanted to handle this properly.

Chen Baiqing’s lips curved into a smile as she looked at him, her tone rising slightly with an air of superiority:

"Since you’ve agreed and shown sincerity, I might as well be honest. Our master anticipated that without reassurance, you wouldn’t sleep soundly at night. Coming to you about this matter means you owe us a favor."

Zhao Xuan looked slightly embarrassed at this, though still expectant, wondering what basis Chen Baiqing had for her words.

Could it be that even if this failed, there was still benefit for him?

Chen Baiqing reached for her teacup and spoke more casually now:

"Our master’s reputation is surely known to you. If we came to Xuanwu Kingdom merely to accomplish something impossible, wouldn’t that be underestimating our master?"

Zhao Xuan paused, his mind racing, his eyes growing more expectant.

"Sharing the realm with the aristocratic families must feel like a grievance for a sovereign." Chen Baiqing’s voice was calm yet carried an almost hypnotic quality in his ears. She continued,

"To push through new policy requires either brute force—killing those who resist—or finding a middle ground between the two approaches."

"The aristocratic families resist the new policy so fiercely because they find it unacceptable. But what if there were something even harder to accept?"

Chen Baiqing’s smile was barely perceptible:

"The policy’s implementation is inevitable. Whoever moves first within that inevitability naturally reaps the greatest benefits."

"The Academy New Policy—whether it truly enlightens the people—is something you should understand better than anyone. If Xuanwu Kingdom successfully implements it, thousands of scholars will naturally view it as the birthplace of the new policy."

"How many scholars from across the realm, after completing their studies, would want to come to Xuanwu Kingdom to pursue their ambitions?"

"Without the aristocratic families dividing the realm, how much more could be accomplished?"

"Xuanwu Kingdom sits at the heart of Southern Zhanbu Continent, yet it’s hardly a major power and has suffered its share of bullying from neighboring states."

"The path to rising begins today, within this very matter."

"In truth, you should be the one begging us."

"But our master simply values old connections and believes in giving advantages to people he already knows."

Chen Baiqing finished speaking and rose leisurely to her feet:

"I’ve laid out the stakes clearly enough that you can see who truly benefits from this arrangement."

"You surely know where Li Junzi is. If you extend an invitation within three months, she’ll accept—but after that, there’s no guarantee she’ll come."

"I hope we’ll have the chance to meet again."

Chen Baiqing looked toward her second senior brother and gestured that they could leave together.

Li Xingtian nodded and rose, following her out of the hall.

"I’m not the ungrateful type! A messenger will arrive within three months, and we’ll surely meet again!"

Li Xingtian had only taken two steps when he heard Zhao Xuan’s voice, and he glanced toward the left front.

Chen Baiqing didn’t pause, as though she hadn’t heard a word.

Li Xingtian caught up to her.

Once they were outside the hall, Chen Baiqing suddenly turned back with a confident expression:

"Our coordination with you, second senior brother, went smoothly."

Li Xingtian looked puzzled—coordination? He hadn’t said a single word.

He asked with confusion:

"What exactly did I coordinate?"

Chen Baiqing answered confidently:

"Your silence was the point. You didn’t say anything unnecessary, and your expressions were perfectly calibrated."

"Unlike Cui Hao, who acts as if withholding even one word would kill him."

Li Xingtian laughed and shook his head helplessly:

"I can’t tell if you’re praising me or insulting me."

"It’s praise. When have I ever insulted you, second senior brother?" Chen Baiqing relaxed noticeably. "I still remember when the eldest senior sister called me dumb, you were the one who taught me to read and called me smart."

Li Xingtian’s smile widened as memories of Chen Baiqing’s childhood surfaced:

"You were always smart. Now you’re even smarter than me, so I probably can’t outtalk you anymore."

Chen Baiqing patted his shoulder:

"Our master taught us to help each other and stay united in the sect. I’d never insult you, second senior brother."

Li Xingtian laughed:

"You’ve learned a lot from our master."

Chen Baiqing looked confused.

Li Xingtian sighed:

"Our master often uses that kind of reasoning to trick me into doing work."

Chen Baiqing: "........."

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