A Talk

024 Conversation

Ming Shu humbly sought Magistrate Li's advice on managing and developing his territory's small town.

Although he hadn't seen his territory yet, the manors he'd seen along the way seemed like they were run by small landowners like themselves.

Having been transmigrated and reborn, he had lost some memories, but some concepts from his previous life remained deeply ingrained.

For example, the importance of talent.

Even after witnessing the disgraceful behavior of some scholars, he still yearned to connect with their circles.

Magistrate Li offered sound advice: "Within the middle and lower strata of the Immortal Dynasty, there are still many scholars who do practical work and can be utilized. They come from poor backgrounds and have few opportunities for advancement; you can choose a few to help you."

"I know you possess the Demonic Spirit power of the Sky-Toppling Observatory, but regarding the grand trends of the world, don't become too infatuated with personal strength. You are still young and haven't witnessed large-scale military formations composed of tens of thousands of people."

"Population is a foundational pillar of development. Without a quality population, or without sufficient numbers, both will become bottlenecks to development. For students at the academy, there are specialized courses they can elect to take."

"Your identity is rather unique, so you won't be able to enter the academy. Don't be too upset. The academy has too many rules."

After receiving guidance from Li Jixu, Ming Shu found an opportunity for an in-depth conversation with Old Zhao.

"Uncle Zhao!"

"Young Master!"

"Don't call me Young Master anymore." Ming Shu had brought this up with Old Zhao several times. "I don't know why you've been taking care of me like this."

"But these past few years, as we've journeyed together, I've truly come to regard you as family."

"We don't know what dangers await us on our journey to Donghai, so we should first sort things out internally."

"That's true. This old servant is also being honest with you. There are mainly three reasons. I'm not sure what arrangements the Sky-Toppling Observatory has for you, but they were the ones who arranged for me to be there from the time we were in the Cold Palace."

"Secondly, I am actually from the Zhao Clan. I was sent into the palace to serve from a young age. The last reason is you! You're right, these past few years, we've relied on each other. In you, I see a possibility, a completely different kind of possibility."

"It's just my intuition, I can't quite explain why. Others in the Cold Palace just bide their time, enduring their despair. But you are different. You aren't ignorant, yet your heart has always been calm."

"When I told you that going to test the pills was a matter of risking your life, you agreed without hesitation, your heart undisturbed. That composure truly impressed me."

"At that moment, I resolved to take you out of the Cold Palace, no matter where."

The Zhao Clan, also with a thousand-year heritage, prospered alongside the imperial family. Their actions of influencing the imperial court were not unusual.

It was just unexpected that Old Zhao had been secretly trained from childhood and sent into the deep palace as a spy.

"From now on, just call me Young Master." Ming Shu didn't know if it was because he never treated eunuchs as servants or slaves, but rather felt pity for them like he would for disabled people who were strong-willed despite their physical limitations.

Having endured hardships.

Over the past few years, he had never put on airs. He didn't know how the original host treated people, but he imagined that upon entering the Cold Palace, he wouldn't have had the spirit to bully others.

After pouring his heart out to Old Zhao, he also spoke with Little Zhao. From now on, Little Zhao would be Ming Shu's bodyguard and page, while Old Zhao would be the head steward.

Establishing an internal structure first would clarify the division of daily responsibilities and prevent confusion when encountering issues.

A core team with Ming Shu at its center was established.

As for Chong Li and Ren Yuan, it was uncertain if they would leave once they reached Donghai Prefecture.

Little Zhao was more familiar with Ren Yuan, so Ming Shu asked him to probe Ren Yuan's intentions and try to recruit him, which would ensure their early safety.

The entire team didn't have much wealth at the moment. Ming Shu only had the one thousand taels of silver given by Earl Ying, most of which Old Zhao was keeping safe.

Furthermore, this was their seed capital upon arriving at the small town in Donghai. Ming Shu had been restraining himself, afraid to touch it without a concrete plan.

It was only after Magistrate Li's late-night session, fueled by his desire to teach and a burst of "talent," that he taught Ming Shu many true principles.

Only then did Ming Shu finally take action; otherwise, he would have continued to evade the issues, waiting for them to find him.

He didn't know what the unfamiliar environment would be like, what enemies he would face, or what challenges would arise, so he kept hiding.

After all, he was still young. He was just a boy, a child who had never left the imperial palace.

Lacking experience, ability, and connections. He should have been a newcomer with no worldly knowledge.

In this world, he seemed to have no family left. The new emperor couldn't be considered family; he was an enemy.

Even if the group of assassins from before didn't directly receive his orders to kill him, there was an indirect connection.

Judging by his actions before and shortly after his enthronement, he didn't seem like a wise ruler.

Ming Shu found Magistrate Li again, asking him to recommend one or two scholars willing to go with him to develop the town.

Magistrate Li agreed to help inquire.

Such candidates would have to be found among the poorest families, especially those facing bankruptcy.

Generally, if a family could still manage to get by, they would never consider going to a town that was completely destitute and had been abandoned for many years to make a living.

Therefore, they would likely have to bring their families.

Ming Shu had no specific requirements; age, learning, or strength were not factors. As long as they were scholars who could hold a pen, it would suffice.

He couldn't possibly handle all the extensive paperwork himself. Daily accounting, correspondence, and registration tasks all required such talent.

Just as Ming Shu was preparing to leave Qing Shui County and head to Donghai Prefecture, news from the south shocked everyone.

King Chu had raised an army.

The Prince of Chu, who had fallen into a disadvantage outside the imperial city gates and subsequently lost his throne, finally understood the importance of swift action. One of the brothers had to step forward first.

If the new emperor managed to solidify his position on the throne, there would be even fewer chances to turn the tables in the future.

After urgently recruiting some personnel, he immediately occupied several important prefectures and cities south of the Azure Dragon Great River, some of which were his long-established strongholds.

Coupled with the full support of the Han Clan, one of the three major families—providing manpower, money, and effort—and the alliance with the Southern Faction of the Daoist Sect in Xinzhou, all conditions were ripe.

In truth, they had hoped the Barbarians to the north would make the first move. Unfortunately, the Barbarians only stirred the hornet's nest in Qing Shui County.

It didn't cause much damage, not even a ripple.

Now the ball was kicked back to the south.

The Daoist Sects of the north and south were also secretly competing. The Sky-Toppling Observatory, sitting firmly in the capital, remained inactive.