Chapter 365

The uncle and nephew had settled their accounts, but Xie Yuan still couldn't figure out why the King insisted on bringing

You say hostage, but Xie Yuan doesn't believe it; he feels this is definitely not the King's original intention, so he's becoming all the more curious.

The Northern Border King is still young, a bit mischievous, but he is upright. Since he employs me, he won't secretly guard against me. The Xie clan's relocation to the Northern Border is also based on safety considerations.

Uncle, are you saying Chang'an will……

Xie Yuan nodded, saying, "In terms of personal virtue, Bai Li Jin is far inferior to the Northern Border King. Once he learns I have been appointed as the Northern Border Censor, he may well implicate Chen Commandery."

Nephew, I've heard the Xie clan is all moving to the Northern Border—is that true? Uncle, do you really think so highly of the Northern Border King?

Not everyone, the clan only agreed to move half of its people. Many elders find it hard to leave their homeland and choose to stay in Chen Commandery. Their consideration… is nothing more than betting that the Bai clan's anti-royal factions won't move against the Xie.

But chaotic times have arrived; where is it still just the Bai family's own affair?

You came from Fanyang; you must have heard about the events in Pengcheng. The rebel forces have gained momentum, their blades first pointing at the aristocracy. The court's troops suppressing the rebellion in Hanshou were defeated, and now they are massively conscripting civilians in the Southern Commandery, stubbornly continuing to attack Hanshou, making the situation ever more chaotic; nowadays the safest place is actually the Northern Border, surrounded by strong enemies.

When mentioning Xie Tu, I can't help but ask about the outside rumors: 'Uncle, are the Northern Border's cavalry really as divine as the southern rumors say?'

Xie Yuan nodded, saying, "If the Northern Border King had the idea of marching south, no southern force could stop him. His cavalry swept over the Xiongnu and the three Xianbei tribes, and in just a few days destroyed the three Western Regions states beyond Yumen Pass; the Western Regions are now trembling."

And what he possesses is far more than just an invincible cavalry; he also has a naval fleet far stronger than you can imagine, with sturdy ships and powerful cannons, unstoppable.

... Those fleets are said to come from overseas. Beyond the sea's end there are many lands, and the civilizations on those lands seem to have many that have already surpassed ours. Ah Tu, going out to see the world is right; the outside world is vast.

The uncle and nephew talked for a long time; in the end Xie Yuan only told him to wait for the Northern Border King's summons, and while idle he could also stroll around the city.

After seeing the Northern Border King, you can go study at the Northern Border Academy without delay; what you can learn there is completely different from what you studied at the Fanyang Academy. Then you will officially enroll in the Northern Border Academy and read solidly for two years there. Before that, you should walk around the city more; perhaps you'll understand why Uncle chose the Northern Border King.

Yes, nephew understands. Uncle's new disciple, Junior Brother Zhou, is very enthusiastic; let's follow him these few days.

No. Zhou Huan has official duties; he must go to the Directorate of Works during the day.

Xie Tu: ……

That kid? He's even a few years younger than him!

The Northern Border King even uses child labor!

The King ran to the academy and recruited three people back, then busily kicked off his newspaper; during that period the Northern Border Medical Bureau was completed, and he took a moment to have a look.

The new medical bureau covers a considerable area, consisting of three white buildings that are very conspicuous from afar.

He brought Wei Shen on a tour, and found it to be extremely professional!

The green spaces between the three buildings have been finished; when has Great Jin ever been so meticulous in building houses?

The front building, a three-story structure facing the street, is the outpatient department, with rooms for receiving patients and a pharmacy for dispensing medicine. The rear one is the inpatient ward, divided into small rooms with even empty beds placed inside. The last building is the medical college, used for medical students' study and life, with functions divided very professionally.

The medical bureau can be considered a specialized school in the Northern Border.

The king was very pleased after his tour—this newspaper now has ready‑made content; we can recruit medical students on it!

The king now understands the advantage of this newspaper.

The side quest offers a quota of one hundred apprentices, with a reward of two b‑level roulettes—the king can't wait.

Besides the side quest of inviting contemporary famed physicians to hold clinics, the medical bureau also provides free five‑year medical‑technical personnel NPCs; the king plans to have them train the one hundred apprentices into qualified practitioners within five years.

The king personally wrote two notices seeking people, and had the layout designers put them in conspicuous spots.

The first notice seeking medical apprentices is acceptable, though it's a bit bold—it says gender is not restricted.

The second notice, seeking a renowned doctor to take charge, is demanding; the king's implication is that only those of exceptional ability need apply—ordinary levels won't do for the Northern Border medical bureau. From his extensive dealings with Xie Yuan, the king knows that simple provocation won't work; he still has a trick up his sleeve.

He said the pharmacy of the Northern Border medical bureau contains many precious medicinal ingredients that ordinary folk never see, worthy of being called the best medical bureau under heaven.

Thus, the first issue of the Northern Border Weekly, packed with explosive news one after another, received the king's perfunctory approval, was laid out, and test‑printed.

The king was busy and delighted, but Xie Yuan could no longer restrain himself; he finally cornered the king to ask why he had brought Xie Tu to the Northern Border.

Only then did the king remember that Xie Tu had been brought back—he'd been so busy he'd forgotten!

"Young Master Xie has arrived? How wonderful! This way, after Sir finishes work and returns home, he'll have nephews and nieces to keep him company. If you have time, let him come to the manor to play!" The king attempted to bluff his way through.

Xie Yuan kept a smile: "He said he was brought to the Northern Border by a steward of His Highness, claiming that I, your servant, missed him."

The king gave up resistance: "Alright, someone recommended Xie Tu to me, saying he grew up with the teacher from childhood and has considerable reputation—we in the Northern Border do need such talent! So, my men who went to Fanyang to sell salt just happened to bring him back."

Xie Yuan nodded: "Be more specific; we're getting close to the truth." He believed these were all just groundwork.

The king: ……

"Isn't it heard that he studies well? I want to play with those who study well—let him come to the manor tomorrow to follow me!"

Few would have the cheek to say that, and few would believe it.

Xie Yuan: "The groundwork is done; what's next?"

The king: …… You're so cunning!

"……Alright, alright!"

I, the king, frankly said: next year our Northern Border will hold the imperial examinations; we still need a few renowned talents to participate to hold the scene. This matter involves the interests of the entire gentry; the Bai Li and Xie families are both gentry; I have not forgotten my roots, nor do I wish to.

But the Great Jin is now in utter chaos; if we cling to old rules and seek no change, we will only sink together with that great ship.

The teacher, upon entering office, knows best the current state of the Northern Border. The Northern Border has many neglected affairs awaiting revival; relying solely on unreliable gentry won't work, nor will it succeed.

The king only employs those who truly have ability, whether they are farmers or scholars.

Especially since this matter is personally overseen by the teacher, the king does it all for the teacher's sake; bringing Xie Tu over is also to give you a boost to smoothly advance the examinations.

"Your servant……" we still have to thank you! The elders and juniors of the Xie family together stand opposed to the gentry.

This kid has become crafty!

He paused, then sighed: "The Xie family does not enter officialdom; I, your servant, am already an exception."

The king wiped off his smirk: "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every commoner. Master Xie, the Xie family has reasons not to enter office, but also reasons to do so." Flexibility, flexibility—what's wrong with that!

Regarding the king's occasional astonishing remarks, Xie Yuan feels he's getting used to them, yet they still shock him.

"The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every commoner."

Indeed, isn't it also because he believes the king can end the chaos and lead Great Jin to prosperity that he chose this person before him?

He gave the King a meaningful look, "... Then I'll have Xie Tu come to the mansion tomorrow to pay his respects."

The King gave himself a thumbs-up, yay! Convinced Xie Yuan! Go run laps, Ma celebrate celebrate~

Then Xie Yuan said, "It's not early today either; I won't keep Your Highness. If I don't set off for the academy, I'll also miss the last morning period."

The King:... not hehe.