Qin Yao's meaning was straightforward: the imperial court, the Qin family, and Luo Yi, a powerful figure in the north, were the three forces pressuring the Khitan to relocate inland. With Li Xiaogong, a member of the imperial clan, involved, they didn't need to worry about having no legitimate reason to act; at least they could openly mobilize a small number of troops. Moreover, after making the decision, they could simply submit a memorial to Li Shimin, thus avoiding any appearance of unauthorized military action, and Li Shimin wouldn't hold it against them.
This was a great achievement, and Li Xiaogong was naturally tempted, so he agreed without hesitation. As for Luo Cheng, he had no objections whatsoever.
"Your Highness, do you want to keep Mu'er here?" Qin Qiong was certainly not stupid. Qin Yao was going to such lengths, so he must have something in mind. It could only be for Qin Mu.
"Uncle Bao, don't misunderstand. I do want to stay here with Huai Dao, but not for the sake of passing on the tradition. It's mainly because of the reservoir construction plan he proposed some time ago. I want to ask him to help improve it. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease after you leave," Qin Yao explained.
"Building a reservoir?" Li Xiaogong looked at Qin Yao in confusion. Qin Qiong was also very curious, because Qin Mu had only mentioned it briefly, and he hadn't paid much attention, thinking that he had just offered some suggestions. But hearing Qin Yao say this, it was clearly Qin Mu who had come up with the idea.
"Seeing the people of Sanguan suffering hardship, the boy confided in Huaidao. Huaidao then made plans for the people of Sanguan, offered many suggestions, changed the farming methods, and designed a large reservoir that could irrigate the land for millions of people," Qin Yao explained.
"This...this..." Li Xiaogong was so shocked that he didn't know what to say for a moment.
Qin Yao noticed his doubt and smiled, "Your Highness need not doubt. This was indeed proposed by Huai Dao, and the matter has already been reported to the court."
"Speaking of which, we should thank Shubao," Huaidao said, adding that all his knowledge was passed down from his ancestors.
"Mother Mu'er, our ancestors were officials, but as for what they did, I'm truly ashamed to say I don't know," Qin Qiong said with a nostalgic look in his eyes.
"Your wife's surname is Jia, isn't it?"
"Yes!"
“Jia Sixie, the governor of Gaoyang during the Wei Dynasty, was a famous agricultural scholar. He should be from one of his ancestors,” Qin Yao analyzed.
This is what a large family is like. With enough heritage and tradition, they can deduce a lot from the slightest clue. These are things that even the Jia family, let alone Qin Qiong, probably doesn't know much about.
"So it's an ancestral inheritance," Li Xiaogong said, his expression softening. He had been very surprised, initially thinking Qin Mu had come up with it all himself. Knowing it was an ancestral inheritance made things much more normal. Of course, that was all just his assumption.
"Can Mu'er really be of any help?" Qin Qiong asked somewhat uncertainly. Although he thought his son was very outstanding, he was surprised that the Qin family needed his help. After all, the Qin family could be considered a powerful clan, and they were full of talented people.
"Don't worry, Uncle Bao, it's really Huai Dao's help. And he'll stay here; I guarantee his safety. When you return, I'll hand him over to you safe and sound," Qin Yao assured him.
"Please excuse my poor appearance. It's just that Mu'er has been away from home since she was little, and I feel a little reluctant to let her go," Qin Qiong said with a smile.
"Hehe! It's quite rare to see Uncle Bao so sentimental. I can brag about it to Cheng Zhijie and the others when we get back." Li Xiaogong grinned.
"What a terrible mistake to have made friends with!"
"Duke of Yi, Prince Li, I have a request, and I hope you will grant it." After laughing, Qin Yao bowed solemnly.
"Your Highness, please speak. As long as I am not allowed to steal treasures from the palace, I will agree to anything." Seeing Qin Yao speak so solemnly, Li Xiaogong and Qin Qiong exchanged a glance. Seeing that Qin Qiong was also at a loss, Li Xiaogong turned around, cupped his hands, and said righteously.
Qin Yao understood what Li Xiaogong meant: not going to the palace to steal treasure meant not making it too difficult, and of course, it was also a reminder not to target the imperial court.
"I would like to send my son, Qin Yue, to Chang'an for a period of study, and at the same time, to participate in the imperial examinations next year. I would appreciate your consideration then," Qin Yao explained.
As soon as he explained, Qin Qiong and the others understood. After the founding of the Tang Dynasty, the imperial examinations were still held. However, for these large families, the purpose of the examinations was to test their children, make them famous, and increase their prestige. Qin Yao was worried about Qin Yue's most important experience as a Confucian scholar, so he chose Chang'an for him.
This is what parents are like; they always consider several good paths for their children in advance, doing their best to give them good choices in life, and making silent sacrifices.
"It's a small matter! We would have taken care of it even if you hadn't asked." Li Xiaogong readily agreed. He agreed so readily not only because it was a small matter, but also because, given the Qin family's status, even if Qin Yue went to Chang'an, Li Shimin would have to send people to keep an eye on him at all times to prevent any accidents from happening to him. Moreover, there weren't many people willing to provoke the Qin family to begin with.
“Yes, once we get to Chang’an, we can handle this little matter,” Qin Qiong nodded in agreement.
Qin Yao smiled happily at Qin Qiong's promise. Everyone knew that Qin Qiong valued promises the most; once he made a promise, he would do anything to fulfill it.
"Thank you both in advance."
"No need for thanks. My son has caused you no small amount of trouble while he's here."
"Prince Zheng, you didn't invite the ten great families of the Northwest, did you?" Li Xiaogong asked, looking at the group of people who had been scrutinizing them.
"Of course not. As you know, there are a few families that have ties with our Qin family, and they wish the Qin family would be wiped out. How could we not come and join in on such a big event?" Qin Yao explained with a serious expression.
As they were talking, the group of people walked over, led by the smiling Murong Yun. Seeing them approach, Qin Yao stood up solemnly.
"Your Highness!"
What do you want?
"Your Highness, since so many young people have gathered here today, why not let them compete and broaden their horizons?" Murong Yun said loudly.
His voice was loud, attracting everyone's attention. Seeing that everyone was looking over, Qin Yao knew that this matter could not be resolved peacefully. Murong Yun and the others' actions had made him very angry, but his expression remained as calm as ever.
The cold look in his eyes did not frighten Murong Yun. He smiled and said, "Of course, it's a contest between young people, in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, and formations."
"Okay!" Qin Yao certainly wouldn't back down and agreed immediately.
Everyone overheard their conversation and gathered around. Then they heard Qin Yao ask, "Since it's a competition, who will set the questions, who will set the rules, and who will be the witness?"
“I suggest that the four of you—Your Highness, Duke Yi, Daoist Songshi, and Abbess Jingxin—become the notaries. As for setting the questions, we can all agree on that. As long as the majority agrees, it will be fine,” Murong Yun said.
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