Chapter 568: Beheading and Taking Them as Dogs

"I… don't know!"

Cui Xuan hesitated, "But whoever can secure the top scholar must be a person of both virtue and talent."

Chen Yan chuckled, "No matter what kind of person, there will always be someone like that, who then overshadows the light of others."

"Young Master Cui, I must remind you that even if you don't help me expand the library, I will expand it myself."

"You know, I don't lack money."

"As for the implementation of policies…" Chen Yan sighed, "In truth, saying it's difficult is difficult, saying it's simple is simple."

"His Majesty is going to lead the troops in person, right? Whether this happens or not, the war flames will inevitably be lit."

"Tuyuhun was beheaded, then taken as a dog, and it's already settled!"

"This time, His Majesty will not only intimidate the surrounding nomadic tribes, but also… perhaps take some actions internally."

Cui Xuan snapped his head up; even though he guessed that Chen Yan was probably bluffing him, a trace of fear inevitably rose in his heart.

Because of Chen Yan's appearance, Li Shimin's popular reputation rose to a terrifying height within just two years.

Not to mention that in the past two years everyone has been recuperating, grain prices kept falling, and the people's lives gradually improved.

Just Chen Yan bringing the White Tiger to present the Imperial Jade Seal, heavily promoted by the Tang Dynasty Daily, plus reopening the Imperial Examination and building large libraries, gave the low‑born youths a chance to stand out.

Li Shimin's popular reputation has become unshakable.

If one were to raise a slaughtering knife against them, could they withstand it…?

"By the way, I'll tell you another piece of information."

Chen Yan stroked his chin, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, "Earlier this year, His Majesty obtained two varieties of grain hailed as auspicious: one yields over a thousand jin per mu, the other can be harvested three times a year."

"At that time I suggested His Majesty go to Mount Tai for a fengshan ceremony, but His Majesty declined, saying it wasn't the right time yet, and could wait a bit longer."

"Young Master Cui… what I want to tell you is, the great trend is irreversible!"

The final sentence left Chen Yan with an inexplicable expression, thought‑provoking.

Cui Xuan's mind was already a blank, almost ceasing to think, his hand holding the hot tea turned red from the burn, yet he still hadn't let it go.

He hadn't yet recovered from the news Chen Yan had just revealed.

Has the era… already developed into this?

Grain varieties yielding over a thousand jin per mu and three harvests a year have already emerged?

Zhenguan… will it truly become the Zhenguan governance, even a Zhenguan golden age?

"The great trend is irreversible…"

Cui Xuan forced a bitter smile, drank the hot tea in his hand in one gulp, rose and bowed, "Cui Xuan, I have been taught!"

"Young Master Cui, how about this," Chen Yan mused for a moment, "I also have a water wheel technology, used to help the people irrigate their fields; its significance is huge, not inferior to the recently emerging Curved‑Yoke Plow among the populace."

"I'll hand this technology over to you; reflect on my words, then consider whether to proceed with the next transaction, okay?"

"Water wheel?" Cui Xuan was startled, but quickly recovered.

Talking with Chen Yan is like that; no one knows how quickly the person in front can change the subject.

Hmm… perhaps their goal has already been achieved, no need to continue, so they pulled the topic back.

Cui Xuan pondered, "I know something about the Curved‑Yoke Plow; since last year it has been promoted on a small scale, but few people are willing to pay for it yet."

"This year, because the Tang Dynasty Daily lavishly praised it, it gradually entered the eyes of the world."

"Currently, it seems your merchant guild is handling the sales."

"Indeed." Chen Yan nodded, "You must have heard something about the Curved‑Yoke Plow's function; presenting such an item has an immeasurably great significance for agriculture."

"It's almost equivalent to a Death‑exemption Gold Medal."

"In our transaction, I will add the water wheel technology on top of the hydraulic loom I provide, let you promote it; I can even discuss with Lord Dai, who controls the Tang Dynasty Daily, telling the world that this is something your noble house contributed, adding to your reputation."

"How about it?"

Cui Xuan looked deeply at Chen Yan, "Duke of Wei, I don't think I have a reason to refuse."

"Exactly." Chen Yan spread his hands, a confident smile still at the corner of his mouth, "Actually, I have three conditions; it would be best if you accept them, but even if you don't, I have other ways, and you would just be adding embellishment."

"Having believed for so long, you should have figured it out; you certainly have."

"Moreover, I am offering a water wheel technology to you, helping you solidify your reputation among the people."

"Everyone will be delighted, isn't that good?"

Cui Xuan's lips twitched, a bitterness deep in his heart.

Everyone delighted?

Is it really like that?

Yes!

If they agree to the deal now, they can not only obtain the water wheel technology and solidify their reputation among the people, but also benefit from it.

But Chen Yan also lets their noble house make eggs from chickens, merely providing the technology, leaving the rest for them to handle.

All time‑consuming and labor‑intensive tasks are shouldered entirely by them.

With the noble house's reputation among the people solidified, they naturally become stabilized for the same reasons.

Not to mention that Li Shimin would not lead the troops in person; even if he truly did, they would most likely not be able to cause trouble.

Because of the previous large‑scale intermarriages, they now have an extra layer of connection with many of Li Shimin's close ministers.

The protection exists, but the entanglements have increased.

Cui Xuan sighed again in his heart.

Chen Yan… is too cunning!

He has calculated almost every step; from the Tang Dynasty Daily onward, they have been passive from start to finish.

"......"

After a long silence, Cui Xuan lightly nodded, "Very well, I, representing the Five Surnames Seven Hopes, accept the transaction you proposed."

Recently, the family's funds will be deposited gradually into the newly opened Money Shop in Chang'an.

We will also fulfill the expansion of the library and the support of the new tax policy, one by one.

"Good." Chen Yan's smile deepened. "Today I had someone organize the technical drawings of the hydraulic loom and the waterwheel; come fetch them in two days."

"No contract needed?" Cui Xuan asked, puzzled.

Chen Yan snorted, "Contract? I've never believed in any contract!"

"Not to mention the strong; sometimes even the weak disregard such things."

"A contract only takes effect when everyone is willing to honor it; if one side ever refuses, it becomes a scrap of paper, doesn't it?"

Cui Xuan, upon hearing that, said little, exchanged a few casual words, and then took his leave.

When he stepped out of the Duke of Wei's residence, he turned back for a glance, muttering to himself.

"Behead, take them as a dog......"

"......"