Longzang

Chapter 1026 Offering Advice
By this time, Wei Yuan's influence in the literary circles of Jin and Zhao had begun to take shape, and the Qingming Development Agency had been operating for more than half a year with considerable success. The literary circles of both countries had become filled with many mad dogs, biting indiscriminately, and everyone feared them.

Various academic journals and periodicals were successfully launched, and the poetry and literary gatherings were quite successful, far exceeding expectations.

Wei Yuan hadn't expected that the two empty titles granted by the Prince of Jin, along with free food, lodging, travel expenses, and a small red envelope, would attract a large number of frustrated scholars.

Using this nascent network, Wei Yuan spread the news of the World's Number One Dharma Assembly, mainly to attract independent cultivators from the common people. At the same time, Wei Yuan also sent invitations to various major families and sects, and specifically noted that this assembly would be jointly hosted by the Tai Chu Palace and the Sword Palace.

With plain water available, it's easy to claim the Sword Palace's banner. Furthermore, many disciples within the Sword Palace who haven't cultivated the Invincible Heart are quite interested and eager to witness it. Those who have cultivated the Invincible Heart are much more cautious, taking advantage of the three months remaining before the conference to quickly repair their Invincible Hearts using their sect's secret methods, lest any accidents occur during the conference.

The Sword Palace's secret techniques have their own unique features, one of which is the refinement of the names of the Dharma images. The longer the name, the less flaws the invincible heart becomes. For example, the Dharma image is described as having "the world's number one forked blade, flashing green light, without a chin, and with four sword tassels."

This was the first time such a grand Dharma Assembly had been held, but with two major immortal sects presiding over it, many Dharma cultivators were tempted. Some wanted to make a name for themselves, while others simply wanted to observe and broaden their horizons. As time went on, more and more cultivators began to set off for Qingming.

Aside from the Primordial Palace and the Sword Palace, almost no other sects cultivate the Heart of Invincibility, so they don't have as many concerns. After all, without a powerful sect to back them up, cultivating this could easily lead to sudden death.

With some time still remaining before the conference, Wei Yuan traveled to the State of Zhao to request an audience with the King of Zhao.

At this time, Qingming had a special relationship with the State of Zhao, so the King of Zhao immediately held a banquet to entertain him, and invited the Crown Prince, Li Chengfeng and Princess Ningguo.

The Crown Prince had been expelled from the Eastern Palace because of the Sixth Princess, but with the strong support of the ministers, the Prince of Zhao had no choice but to reinstate him. Afterwards, the Sixth Princess was sent to Wei Yuan's side, which ironically gave the Crown Prince's faction more leverage, leaving Li Chengfeng disappointed once again.

In the past, Wei Yuan always came and went in a hurry, and this was the first time he had attended a banquet at the Zhao Palace.

The banquet was held at Linyuan Pavilion, nestled against the mountain and facing the water. Several tall bamboos were planted in front of the steps, their leaves rustling in the wind. There were also a few clumps of roses, their petals falling like tiny stars with dew.

Outside the hall, vermilion railings surround water, cloud shadows ripple on the waves, and copper bells on the eaves sway gently in the wind, tinkling softly, which also has the power to calm the mind and ward off evil.

When the palace official led Wei Yuan to his seat, the King of Zhao and his three princes and princesses were already there. After bowing, Wei Yuan took his seat and gave the Crown Prince a special look.

This was Wei Yuan's first meeting with the Crown Prince of Zhao. The Crown Prince had clearly inherited the best features of both his parents, standing tall and handsome with striking features. However, when he looked at Wei Yuan, his expression was noticeably complicated.

The Crown Prince's life had been smooth sailing. He was of exceptional character, appearance, talent, and cultivation, and his maternal clan was powerful. Although he had many brothers and sisters, none of them could compete with him for the throne. The only one who had a chance of winning the throne was Consort Yuan, but she had already been married off to the Western Jin Dynasty at a young age.

But ever since he met Wei Yuan, the Crown Prince has never had a smooth journey. He can't win battles, and his scramble to issue currency only leads to chaos. He was the one who proposed sealing off the Zhao Kingdom's border, but unexpectedly, Li Chengfeng exploited this opportunity and made a fortune through trade with Qingming. Furthermore, Li Chengfeng used this income to build up his army and purchase equipment from Qingming. Now, the Biyue Army is so powerful that it has firmly surpassed the Crown Prince's forces.

That was bad enough, but the Crown Prince never expected that Wei Yuan would suddenly get in touch with Zhao Lixian, and that the Immortal Ancestor would give his closest sister to Wei Yuan!
With his great grudge right before his eyes, the Crown Prince forced a smile, but his gritted teeth were hard to hide.

Wei Yuan had important business to attend to. Not long after he took his seat, King Zhao said, "Lord Wei, please speak frankly. Let these three useless fellows broaden their horizons as well."

Wei Yuan glanced at the Crown Prince and said, "This matter is of great importance. Perhaps we should ask the Crown Prince to leave?"

With a crack, a fissure appeared on one of the prince's snow-white teeth.

King Zhao was also taken aback, then seemed to understand something before saying, "It's alright, let him hear it." After saying that, King Zhao glanced at the Crown Prince.

The crown prince had no choice but to rise and bow, saying, "Sir, there is no need to worry... Even if it is detrimental to me, it is still a spur and a warning to me."

Wei Yuan was quite surprised, never expecting the usually arrogant Crown Prince to lower himself so humbly. Of course, the Crown Prince had probably cursed Wei Yuan hundreds, even thousands of times in his heart, and imagined tearing him to pieces countless times. Wei Yuan said, "Your Highness's magnanimity is truly admirable. This matter is indeed not in your best interest; are you sure you want to listen?"

The prince smiled somewhat distortedly and said, "Please speak freely, sir."

“Very well.” Wei Yuan ignored the Crown Prince and took out several sheets of jade paper, handing them to the King of Zhao. He said, “This is a new welfare system that has been comprehensively optimized and adjusted based on the various problems that have arisen in the operation of the current welfare system in Zhao. It is unprecedented in its scope and coverage has been greatly expanded, encompassing all aspects. I have given this plan a thorough consideration. Please take a look, Your Majesty.”

King Zhao's cultivation had long been at the peak of the Dharma Aspect, and his divine sense was extremely powerful. He finished reading the lengthy proposal of over 100,000 words in a short time, and then casually handed it to the Crown Prince next to him.

The crown prince immediately read it carefully, his brows gradually furrowing, but a hint of joy appeared in his eyes.

King Zhao waited a moment longer until the Crown Prince finished reading it. Then, without giving it to Ning Guo and Li Chengfeng, he said, "This plan is good, fair and detailed. I'm sure it will raise my popularity to a higher level. However, with the strength of my great Zhao state, it is really difficult to afford. If it is implemented, I'm afraid half of the annual revenue will have to be invested in welfare."

Wei Yuan said, "Most of the expenses can actually be replaced by food, which Qingming can afford, so Your Majesty need not worry. In this way, welfare expenses can be reduced by half."

The crown prince suddenly knelt down with a thud, saying, "Father, you mustn't! Your popularity is already unparalleled throughout history, and adding more wouldn't make much difference. But if the people have become accustomed to these benefits, they will find it difficult to tolerate their removal, even if it's just a reduction."

"Qingming is providing food now, but what about in the future? What if Qingming turns its back on us later? Our Great Zhao's annual revenue simply cannot support this level of welfare. If there are reductions, not only will Father's popularity suffer, but it will also inevitably lead to popular uprisings! Wei Yuan harbors treacherous intentions; this is a plan for downfall. I implore Father to investigate thoroughly!"

Wei Yuan looked at the Crown Prince, sighed, shook his head, and sighed again.

Although Li Chengfeng didn't understand why, he felt that the corners of her mouth were turning upwards. Princess Ningguo's skin was now shiny black, but it didn't diminish her stunning beauty. She stared at Wei Yuan and bit her lip hard.

King Zhao remained calm and said, "Since Mr. Wei has proposed a new welfare system, there must be a reason. May I know it now?"

Wei Yuan said, “I have recently made great progress in my study of the Dao of Destiny. The new welfare system far exceeds the current national strength of Zhao. If it is to be promoted, it will indeed require the support of Qingming, and it will be difficult to balance the national treasury within ten years. What the Crown Prince said is very true. Once I withdraw the support and funding, Zhao will surely be in turmoil.”

For some reason, even though Wei Yuan was clearly agreeing with him, the Crown Prince broke out in a cold sweat.

Wei Yuan said, "This version of the welfare plan has a hundred disadvantages, but only one advantage: when the King's accumulated popularity reaches a certain level, he can use this to break through to the Imperial Realm!"

King Zhao suddenly stood up, causing the tables and chairs to shake and spilling a lot of wine!
With immense willpower, he slowly sat down and asked in a trembling voice, "How confident are you?"

Wei Yuan said, word by word, "With Your Majesty's talent, you will surely succeed!"

With a clang, King Zhao reached for his wine cup, but accidentally knocked it to the ground.

After the banquet ended and everyone dispersed, Wei Yuan deliberately lagged behind, walking alongside the Crown Prince. As they walked at the back, Wei Yuan reached out and gently lifted the Crown Prince's delicate chin, causing him to raise his head, before saying, "Well-born, but unfortunately not with a good brain."

Princess Ningguo happened to turn around at that moment and saw this scene; her small mouth slowly opened wide.

　Normal life will resume tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)