We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 1027 Recruiting Xu Jiezi

Looking at the clarity in Xu Jiezi's eyes, Li Che understood perfectly well.

Having been influenced by the contents of this letter, this contemporary Guiguzi of Yunmeng Mountain has truly accepted his identity as an emperor, a "visitor from outer space".

The next steps will involve the inheritance of Yunmeng Mountain, the application of Wang Yuanshan's knowledge, and even in-depth dialogues on the general trend of the world.

Xu Jiezi must have understood that friendship is friendship, but he was still the emperor and had to be responsible for the future of Daqing.

While Wang Yuanshan's past may have saddened Li Che, Daqing's future is the most important thing.

Therefore, Li Che must try his best to acquire all the things left behind in Yunmeng Mountain.

He nodded: "That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask."

Xu Jiezi wanted to call his disciple Lin Qingyuan to serve him tea, but halfway through raising his hand, he suddenly remembered that he had just been crying and there were probably still traces on his face.

He quickly wiped his face carefully with his wide sleeves before turning to Li Che, saying with a hint of apology:

"I lost my composure before Your Majesty just now, and tears streamed down my face. I made a complete fool of myself, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Li Che looked at him carefully wiping the paper and shook his head, saying, "Sir, you are mistaken. I only see a student's deep gratitude for his teacher's kindness and his sincere and filial piety."

"But I didn't see any 'ugly behavior'."

Upon hearing this, Xu Jiezi was slightly taken aback, and then a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

This young emperor was not only exceptionally capable, but also had a keen and insightful mind, and knew how to be considerate of others.

It is truly remarkable that someone who is already the emperor can still do this.

Are all the people in Master's world so outstanding?

He said no more, but gave Li Che a deep look and gestured for him to lead the way: "Your Majesty, please."

The two followed the quiet stone path to a pavilion with a wide view at the top of the mountain.

The pavilion is built against the cliff, surrounded by ancient pines, with clouds flowing slowly at your feet and distant, layered mountains in full view. It is indeed a good place for quiet conversation.

Lin Qingyuan had already received instructions and had prepared tea utensils there.

Upon seeing his master and the emperor arrive, he respectfully bowed, then skillfully warmed the teapot, placed the tea leaves, brewed the tea, and poured it into cups. After serving two cups of tea, he tactfully bowed and withdrew from the pavilion, standing respectfully a few feet away with his hands at his sides.

Hu Qiang stood at the entrance of the pavilion with his hand on his knife, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily to ensure that no one could disturb the conversation inside.

Inside the pavilion, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, leaving only Li Che and Xu Jiezi sitting facing each other.

Xu Jiezi picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The warm tea soup, with its refreshing mountain spring water and slightly astringent tea leaves, cleared his chaotic mind.

He put down his teacup and spoke first:

"My late master has already told me in his letter that if someone with whom he has a predestined connection is someone with lofty ambitions and a genuine love for the people and a desire to save the country, then Yunmeng Mountain will do its utmost to help them."

He raised his double pupils and looked directly at Li Che: "Since I have been ordered by my master and have also observed Your Majesty's actions, I believe it to be true."

"I wonder... what exactly does His Majesty intend for me and Yunmeng Mountain to do?"

Li Che did not expect Xu Jiezi to be so direct and get straight to the point.

However, Xu Jiezi's frankness suited him even better.

After a moment's thought, he spoke frankly: "First, I need to take all of your teacher's books with me."

"It is not to forcibly take the things from your esteemed teacher's school, but to collect, organize, and study them, and then select the appropriate ones to promote to students all over the world."

"Sir, you can rest assured that I will order the most reliable scholars to make copies. All originals will be returned to Zhao intact and will remain in Yunmeng Mountain for safekeeping."

Xu Jiezi had no objection to this and nodded, saying, "My master wrote this book with the intention of passing on knowledge and benefiting the world."

"Your Majesty wishes to carry it forward and make it flourish, which is exactly what my late teacher wanted, and I will do my best to comply."

“Secondly,” Li Che leaned forward slightly, “I need your personal assistance, sir.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Jiezi did not show any surprise on his face, but his brows furrowed slightly involuntarily, revealing a troubled expression.

He remained silent and did not respond immediately.

Li Che saw his concerns and continued, "I know that you are devoted to learning, and especially eager to thoroughly study the vast knowledge left by your master."

"This matter can continue even if you accompany me to the capital."

"I can arrange a quiet place for you in the capital, where all your needs will be provided by the court, and you will not be disturbed."

"There are even talented individuals in the cabinet and Fengguo University who can discuss and explore with you, and work together to solve your problems."

After allaying the other party's concerns about academic research, Li Che changed the subject:

"And that is why I need your help, sir."

"Sir, look at the great empire we enjoy today. I am sure you have heard of the new policies I have implemented since I ascended the throne, even if you are in the mountains."

Xu Jiezi nodded slightly. Although he lived in seclusion, he was not ignorant of worldly affairs. Yunmeng Mountain had its own channels for information.

Li Che emphasized, "I intend to implement a profound reform in Daqing, which is similar to the 'people-oriented' concept of respecting teachers, and may be called an attempt at 'new-style democracy'."

"However, the difficulty now is that I am deeply influenced by the new ideas of my teacher's world, but I do not have a thorough understanding of the pattern formed in this world over thousands of years, and often feel like I am scratching an itch through a boot."

"My civil and military officials have received traditional Confucian and Legalist education since childhood. They are loyal to me and diligent in their duties, but they find it difficult to understand the new ideas I am trying to introduce."

Li Che's gaze was fixed on Xu Jiezi, and he uttered the most crucial sentence:

“Apart from your own teacher, I’m afraid you are the only one in the world who has systematically received both ‘new ideas’ and ‘traditional classics’ and can deeply understand the differences between the two.”

"If you, sir, were to come out of seclusion to assist me, with your knowledge that combines the old and the new, to advise me on plans and to bridge the gap between the old and the new factions, then the implementation of the new policies would surely avoid many detours!"

After Li Che finished speaking, he waited quietly for Xu Jiezi's response.

Xu Jiezi did not answer immediately. He lowered his eyes to look at the tea leaves floating in the cup, his face showing deep thought, clearly he was weighing the options intensely.

After a long while, he slowly raised his head, not directly agreeing or refusing, but first nodding slightly and saying:

"I have already glimpsed His Majesty's intention to implement new policies from the many measures taken by the court recently."

"As Your Majesty said, many policies are quite innovative, but upon closer examination, the gaps between them are also obvious."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words, before continuing:

"Some things seem to be being pushed forward too hastily."

"Being too eager for quick results often creates hidden dangers and may even lead to the opposite of what you want."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Li Che's eyes flashed, and he unconsciously sat up straighter.

This was exactly the kind of criticism he longed to hear from a truly wise man who possessed both old and new perspectives.

"What specific aspects are you referring to, sir?"

"I wish to hear the details."