I Am Truly Not a Treacherous Minister Your Majesty - Chapter 63



Chapter 63 Unexpected Situation

What King Rongsheng wanted to do was a good thing, and Qin Ji certainly knew that. Regardless of his motives, whether for power or profit, daring to enlighten the people in this society is a good thing.

However, enlightening the people is not something that can be done casually.

It must be understood that education itself is an activity that serves the current economic and political situation and has a purpose. But now is not a particularly suitable time for education.

Firstly, the people do not have an inherent demand for reading. Although Daxia now also selects talents through a system similar to the imperial examination, the vast majority of commoners neither have the ability nor the inclination to let their children study. In their eyes, studying is something that only wealthy families can afford, something that “rich gentlemen” do.

Moreover, the current treatment of the people by Daxia is not bad. In most parts of the country, with some effort, people can still manage to get by. In the eyes of many commoners, children are considered a labor force.

The family’s crops need hands to help. If the harvest is poor, even the family’s basic needs may not be guaranteed. The people of Daxia do not place their hopes entirely on the court. In this case, why spend extra money to let their children study?

Isn’t it better to let the children become laborers for the family?

Therefore, what King Rongsheng is thinking about is troublesome to implement.

“Lord Anguo, what do you think of me as a person?” Xia Yun leaned back in his chair and asked.

“Your Highness is benevolent and pure in character.”

“Is that so? Then, this fish, don’t you want to taste it with me more often in the future? Food, after all, is always good to taste more.” He squinted slightly, scrutinizing Qin Ji.

Still talking about the fish?

“Your Highness’s kind invitation, I am naturally happy to accept. But with the state affairs in front of us, whether to eat the fish or not, it doesn’t matter.”

After Qin Ji finished speaking, King Rongsheng laughed heartily:

“Hahaha, good! I like people like you who are dedicated to the country and the people! Come, let’s toast with tea instead of wine!”

The two of them toasted with tea, which was quite an interesting scene.

“So, you have temporarily taken over the position of the head of the Xia clan. Have you encountered any difficulties since you took office? If you have any difficulties, feel free to tell me. Although I have never managed clan affairs, I have at least seen pigs run even if I haven’t eaten pork!”

In Qin Ji’s heart, alarm bells rang.

Here it comes, the hidden dagger revealed.

Welcoming me? Ridiculous, the two of them had no interaction at all. In fact, Lord Anguo might have been an enemy of this fifth prince back then—after all, when Xia Yuxiao was vying for the throne, he had the support of Lord Anguo.

In short, this guy wants to win me over on one hand, and on the other hand, and most importantly, he wants to probe my side’s intentions.

Xia Yun is not stupid. He made such a big move, it is impossible that no news leaked out. Now he came to see me to check Xia Yuxiao’s reaction.

“Ah, Your Highness is so warm-hearted, it is indeed a great help,” Qin Ji said. “However, Daxia is now stable. To be honest, although I am very busy after taking office, it is all trivial matters that can be handled easily, no need for Your Highness to worry.”

“That’s the best, the best,” Xia Yun nodded pretentiously, then said, “If there is anything difficult to handle, you can always ask me. I can give you some advice. Oh, by the way.”

At this point, Xia Yun took a delicate box from the guard.

Xia Yun opened the box, and inside, a delicate jade carving, half a meter long, made of jadeite, appeared in everyone’s sight.

The jade carving looked very valuable, depicting a bird about to take flight, with meticulous details, even the texture of each feather was clear. The entire jade carving was crystal clear, giving a sense of ethereal beauty.

“Is this…”

“I have long heard of your love for collecting precious gems and jade. I heard that you once invited foreign jewelers into your mansion. But how can foreign jewels compare to the spirituality of our Daxia jade? Today, I present you with this jade carving—’Pengfei Wanli’—as a gift to add some color to your collection.”

As Xiayun spoke, two guards carried the bird in front of Qin Ji.

Qin Ji gasped.

Alright, now we’re directly playing this game.

Although Qin Ji didn’t know how much Xiayun spent to get this jade carving, from his own estimation, its value was much higher than that of the so-called “Tears of the Virgin.”

“This gift is too precious, I can’t accept it. It’s too extravagant.”

Qin Ji hurriedly refused.

First, he wasn’t interested in this thing. Second, the cost of accepting it was too high.

So he was unwilling to accept it.

“Hey, don’t be so formal. My mansion has plenty of these things, it’s not extravagant at all.” Xiayun said, ordering the two guards, “Store it well, and send it to Qin Gong’s mansion when he leaves.”

Alright, since you’ve given it like this, don’t blame me for being impolite.

Of course, Qin Ji didn’t intend to actually keep this jade roc. Such a precious thing, once discovered by others, would be reported to Xiayuxiao. If she knew that he was mingling with the Fifth Prince and accepted his gift, it would surely infuriate her.

He planned to play a big game.

Seeing Qin Ji accept his gift, Xiayun relaxed and raised his cup, enjoying tea with Qin Ji.

However, at this moment…

Qin Ji suddenly raised his arm and let go of the cup.

The cup fell straight to the ground, shattering into pieces with a crisp sound that echoed out.

In an instant, Lingyan beside him tensed up, her hand sliding to her waist, but Qin Ji firmly held her hand.

Lingyan looked at Qin Ji in confusion. She had received Qin Ji’s order that breaking the cup was a signal. Since Qin Ji had now broken the cup, she naturally had to prepare to act. But now her actions were being stopped.

While she was puzzled, urgent footsteps sounded from outside the private room, followed by a loud bang as the door was kicked open. A group of strong soldiers rushed into the room, their weapons gleaming coldly!

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Seeing this situation, Lingyan pulled Qin Ji behind her and drew her sword:

“Don’t move!”

In terms of numbers, the intruders had the advantage.

But when they saw Lingyan, they suddenly lost confidence.

In their eyes, the aura of this seemingly delicate woman had almost solidified. If a fight broke out… it would be hard to touch the target without some sacrifices.

“Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?”

Qin Ji’s face darkened as he looked at the group of armored, armed men in front of him.