Zhao Xuan held his breath and focused for a moment, making his decision:
"I have borne the National Fortune to this day, and for that, I should also thank your esteemed master for his help back then. Otherwise, the Black Tortoise Kingdom would likely have long since ceased to be a country in anything but name."
"Even for that past kindness alone, I will certainly offer whatever help I can."
Although immortals no longer manipulated dynasties, making life unpleasant for them was hardly uncommon.
Although Zhao Xuan did not think Chu Xingchen would do anything so underhanded-he did not consider himself worth the trouble, after all-being on good terms was naturally better than giving offense.
Since Chen Baiqing had said it would not break the rules, all he needed to do was give it his best within his abilities.
Even if he failed, it would still count as a favor.
Agreeing now was certainly better than refusing outright.
Chen Baiqing's expression softened somewhat at his words. The carrot and stick might be crude, but sometimes it was particularly effective. She said directly:
"Do you know of Li Junzi of Junzi Mountain?"
Zhao Xuan's brows furrowed slightly. After a moment's thought, he answered:
"I have heard something of her. Is she the Great Confucian planning to implement university reform?"
"You certainly are well informed," Chen Baiqing said evenly.
Zhao Xuan gave a helpless smile and answered truthfully:
"The impact of the new policies has long drawn attention. Even within the Black Tortoise Kingdom, quite a few powerful nobles have begun mending their roofs before the rain, shutting out Confucian scholars from Junzi Mountain. Her intentions are good... unfortunately, they are somewhat impractical."
"Those aristocratic clans proclaim that they govern the realm together with me. Though I resent it, I have to