PNB Chapter 111 Mu Yunxi sincerely thanked him and left the palace.
Chapter 111 Mu Yunxi sincerely thanked him and left the palace.
Emperor Qing Zhao paced alone in the Imperial Garden, his brow furrowed as he pondered Mu Yunxi's words. He muttered softly, "What kind of country could produce a figure like you? Could he be an extremely powerful being?"
On the way back to the Yangxin Palace, Emperor Qing Zhao's doubts grew stronger. He couldn't help but turn to Eunuch Fu and ask, "Old man, in your opinion, should I trust that girl a little more?"
Upon hearing this, Eunuch Fu hurriedly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have never noticed that you have any distrust towards Master Xiao Mu!"
Upon hearing this answer, Emperor Qing Zhao immediately glared at Eunuch Fu and said with a hint of anger: "Well, you are the only one who has a clear mind and a clear vision!"
Meanwhile, after leaving the palace, Mu Yunxi's mind reverberated with Emperor Qing Zhao's words. She knew full well that what he said was not without merit. If the aristocratic families were to willingly accept the idea of establishing an Innovation Academy, the first step would be to work within, gradually dismantling their close-knit ties. However, those who strenuously opposed it were inherently ill-intentioned, and she was unwilling to continue entangled with them, wasting precious time and energy.
Emperor Qing Zhao had previously stated his intention to capture Youdu before the Lunar New Year. The third Zhaoyang warship was now complete and would depart for the waiting area after its launching ceremony. She intended to resolve this matter before the war.
Not long after Mu Yunxi returned to the Mu Mansion, a servant arrived to report that a man named Li Yifeng had come to see her. Yongle was introducing Li Yifeng to her: "Li Yifeng is a renowned strategist from the Zhao Kingdom, renowned for his exceptional wisdom and profound thinking. His family background is modest, but his talent has earned him acclaim from numerous schools of thought. At the age of twelve, he had already surpassed the literary masters of his time."
Accompanied by her father, Mu Cheng, Mu Yunxi slowly entered the living room. As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes were drawn to Li Yifeng, seated upright in a chair. He was tall and slender, with the demeanor of a tall, upright pine tree. His face was delicate, and his eyes, as deep as a lake, seemed to see through everything in the world, conveying a gentle yet sharp impression. A closer look revealed that he didn't seem very old, perhaps around 26 or 27 years old.
After exchanging greetings, the group took their seats. Mu Yunxi and his daughter sat opposite Li Yifeng, and the atmosphere was harmonious. At this point, Li Yifeng spoke first, directly explaining the purpose of his visit: "I have come here on His Majesty's orders. I have heard that Master Mu intends to engage in a heated debate with the aristocratic families regarding the academy, and His Majesty has specifically instructed me to participate and contribute my humble assistance."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunxi stood up again, bowed, and said humbly: "It is a great honor for Yunxi to have the help of Mr. Li. But this matter is of great importance and full of variables. Yunxi is afraid that it will implicate Mr. Li!" Since Li Yifeng did not hold any official position, Mu Yunxi respectfully called him "Mr."
Hearing Mu Yunxi's words, Li Yifeng couldn't help but smile slightly, and responded calmly: "Young Master Mu is too modest. You have unique insights, act decisively, and are always ahead of everyone else. Now in the capital, I wonder how many people are eager to follow in your footsteps and realize their ambitions. It's a pity that they don't have such an opportunity, and I am very lucky to be able to participate today!" After that, a hint of admiration flashed in Li Yifeng's eyes, and there was even more admiration in his eyes when he looked at Mu Yunxi.
Seeing Mu Yunxi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a look of confusion on her face, as if she was completely baffled by these words, Li Yifeng continued, "Young Master Mu may not know this, but many young talents in the capital admire you highly! Especially those exquisite weapons and equipment you have personally crafted, as well as those awe-inspiring warships, they all leave everyone dumbfounded and amazed!"
Hearing this, Mu Yunxi couldn't help but feel curious and asked, "Could it be that you have all witnessed these things with your own eyes?"
Mu Cheng quickly responded, "I didn't see the actual object, but I did see the models you made. His Majesty specially built a pavilion called Zhuo Xin Pavilion in the center of the capital to display the objects you meticulously designed. Among them is not only the ingenious unicycle, but also many other novelties... His Majesty also announced that in the future, if others design things that benefit both the country and the people, they will all be engraved with their names and displayed in Zhuo Xin Pavilion for everyone to see."
Upon hearing this, Mu Yunxi's face flashed with surprise, and she continued, "Ah? Even tools like wheelbarrows are included? Then weapons like the Ten Thunder Crossbow and the Spirit Shadow Crossbow, are they also placed there for people to see?"
Mu Cheng nodded vigorously in affirmation. Seeing this, Mu Yunxi shook her head helplessly and asked with a wry smile, "Isn't he worried that someone will take advantage of the opportunity to steal these things?"
At this time, Li Yifeng on the side laughed and explained, "Don't worry, Master Xiaomu. The items on display are fixed and cannot be moved. I heard that there are mechanisms. Even if someone wants to steal them, it will be in vain. If anyone really wants to see the actual working objects, they must first pay a hefty fee and show their identification. Moreover... they must sign an extremely strict confidentiality agreement. If anyone dares to disclose the secrets, they will suffer the disaster of extermination - the extermination of all nine generations of their clan!"
"People are still interested in this? Even the Zhaoyang warship model?" Mu Yunxi asked in surprise. She seemed to find it hard to believe that anyone would be interested in a mere model of the Zhaoyang warship.
Li Yifeng, who was standing nearby, quickly lowered his voice and explained, "Yes, but you can't see it here. You have to go to the southwest pier to see it. And His Majesty has specially sent someone to escort those who go to see it."
Hearing this, Mu Yunxi's doubts intensified. Knowing Emperor Qing Zhao well, he couldn't possibly let them see the palace for free. So she subconsciously asked, "How much does it cost to see the palace?"
Li Yifeng narrowed his eyes slightly, raised the corner of his mouth with a smile, and slowly uttered a few words: "Ten thousand taels of silver per person..."
Mu Yunxi gasped at the price, and her slightly shocked jaw dropped again. She repeated in disbelief, "People are still watching this?"
At this moment, Mu Cheng, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke up. His face wore an expression that showed he had seen through everything. He said slowly, "Of course there are! There are a lot of people! Because of this incident, quite a few people are still imprisoned in the Pacification Office!"
Mu Yunxi was stunned at first, and it took a while for her to realize the deeper meaning behind Mu Cheng's words. It turned out that Emperor Qing Zhao's move was a cunning plan to build a plank road in the open while secretly attacking Chencang! Thinking of this, she frowned slightly and muttered to herself thoughtfully, "Then who can actually see it?"
Li Yifeng looked at Mu Yunxi's curious expression and replied, "As far as I know, only those with clean family backgrounds and someone willing to come forward to guarantee them are eligible to go and watch." After saying this, he looked up at the sky. Seeing that it was getting dark, he continued, "Okay, let's not talk about this for now. Tell me, do you have any specific plans in mind for this matter?"
Hearing him say this, Mu Cheng knew they had something important to discuss, so he left, claiming he had official business to attend to. As for the strict rules regarding sex, he didn't worry about it at all. If there was any need for caution, it would be someone else's to be cautious of his daughter, not to mention that this was happening in his own home.