Chapter 535: The Long Road Ahead

Qingyang Shuo said, "The child has grown up and can no longer be kept at home. Hahahaha, having heard that there exists such a place as the Wangbei Academy in Liangshan, she simply couldn't help but pester me to go and see it for herself."

Liu Zheng was caught between laughter and tears.

However, this was very much in line with the personality of Hu Xi'er, that eccentric girl.

Qingyang Shuo smiled, "Let her go. If she can truly achieve something, she might be able to help the young master more. After all, people always have a time when they grow old."

Liu Zheng was startled, "Is the teacher feeling unwell recently?"

Qingyang Shuo was taken aback, then immediately laughed heartily, "I am doing very well! It is just that seeing the young master now, acting with such calculated caution at every step, how could I not feel that I have already grown old?"

As they spoke, the three of them laughed together.

Being able to receive praise from Qingyang Shuo, Liu Zheng was naturally very happy. But he understood the ways of the world better, so he quickly gave a wry smile, "A teacher is a teacher, and a student is a student. Liu Zheng has never dared to overstep. And look, I am about to go to Jinghua, I still ask for the teacher's guidance!"

Qingyang Shuo gave a faint smile and nodded.

No matter who they are, everyone wants to be respected.

Liu Zheng's respect for Qingyang Shuo would never change from beginning to end, which made Qingyang Shuo, a disabled man, feel very gratified. Therefore, although the two were teacher and student, they could also be considered soulmates; by opening their hearts and respecting each other, they were able to teach and learn without reservation.

When it came to going to Jinghua, Zheng Yueru's expression also changed.

In the entire Longyan, who did not know what this trip to Jinghua meant for Liu Zheng?

A reckoning!

As Xie Tianyao lay on his deathbed, he naturally had to help his son clear away any potential hidden dangers.

And at this moment, the greatest hidden danger was this world-renowned Governor Liu!

Qingyang Shuo chuckled, "Does the young master think this trip is dangerous? I, however, think otherwise."

"Oh?"

Liu Zheng's eyes lit up.

Qingyang Shuo continued, "The emergence of Heart Learning has shocked the world; that is the first point. Even Grand Academician Chen Qian of the Hanlin Academy said this is a doctrine to save the world, and that everyone under the young master can be a sage, everyone can be a Yao or Shun. Although it challenges the concept of Heaven-Given Imperial Power, does it not also reflect the young master's broad-mindedness and lack of intention to contend for the Central Plains?"

Liu Zheng was shaken to his core.

These words were well-spoken.

The equality for all advocated by Heart Learning, as well as the Household Registration System in Liangzhou, all showed that he had no ambition to be the Emperor... How could that old fox Xie Tianyao not see it?

"Secondly, the Emperor once said, give you time, let you toss and turn in Liangzhou, and give him a prosperous Longyan!"

"Now, the prosperity of Liangzhou has already begun to show its edge. Although the Emperor does not have much time left, he also knows that you and the Crown Prince's faction have a deep relationship. The Crown Prince, that is another retreat for you."

Liu Zheng felt encouraged, but soon frowned, "Xie Ling is still there after all, and the Empress is still his mother..."

A sharp glint flashed in Qingyang Shuo's eyes, "This is the third point."

He looked quietly at Liu Zheng, "Young master, Longyang Princess can be used."

Liu Zheng was shocked, "No, this is absolutely impossible!"

He instantly understood what Qingyang Shuo meant. He wanted Liu Zheng to use Xie Chan to bait the hook! Judging from the title "Longyang," one could see how much Xie Tianyao valued Xie Chan! If Xie Ling still insisted on assassinating Xie Chan at this time, then his crimes would be no small matter.

What if Liu Zheng set a trap in advance and invited him into the urn?

Then whether Xie Ling was killed or butchered would be entirely up to Liu Zheng!

Even if he couldn't be killed, as long as the charge of assassinating the Princess was confirmed! In Xie Tianyao's rage, Xie Ling would definitely have no possibility of a comeback.

Qingyang Shuo seemed to have known that Liu Zheng would answer this way, and said faintly, "Young master, the fact is, regardless of whether you are willing or not, it is possible."

"Xie Ling will absolutely not let Xie Chan, who is infatuated with Governor Liu, return to Jinghua. What do you think?"

Once these words were spoken, Liu Zheng's expression changed drastically, and a chill ran down his spine.

So.

This trap, he had to set it whether he wanted to or not?

At least in Xie Ling's view at this time, there was already a formidable enemy in the Crown Prince in Jinghua. If Governor Liu were to arrive in the capital hand-in-hand with Xie Chan, then no matter what, his chance of seizing the throne would be gone.

Taking a desperate risk.

He would definitely take a desperate risk!

Qingyang Shuo continued, "Fourthly..."

Liu Zheng's eyelids twitched; there was a fourth point?

Qingyang Shuo smiled faintly, "I heard that this year, a heroic leader emerged among the Qi in the north, who took only half a year to sweep through all the Qi tribes. He has unified the great Grassland of the Qi..."

"The young master should know that once the Qi are unified, Longyan will suffer. I heard that for the Emperor's birthday this time, Qi representatives will also come to the capital. When that time comes, who knows what might happen?"

"Haha, as for how this trip to Jinghua will turn out, I believe that with the young master's abilities, you will certainly return unscathed!"

Qingyang Shuo laughed heartily.

Liu Zheng stood up and bowed, as a gesture of thanks to his teacher.

Afterwards, the three of them continued to have an in-depth discussion regarding the Yinliang Industrial Corridor.

Yintan City was now very wealthy.

But Liu Zheng still gave suggestions: attract merchants, attract investment, attract workshops, attract factories, establish logistics centers, build roads, and open the Grand Canal.

Heavy industry, light industry, manufacturing, logistics, and the technology industry—each would have its own designated zone.

He combined many experiences from later generations with the current situation of Liangzhou and the Longyan Dynasty. He had already specifically zoned the industrial corridor. By then, whether it was the manufacturing industry of the Central Plains or the textile industry of Jiangnan, they would all gather in the Yinliang Industrial Corridor.

Returning to Liangzhou once more.

It was already the day Liu Zheng was due to set off.

"I will leave the affairs of the Academy to you teachers!"

Before leaving, he still came to the Liangzhou Academy to bid farewell to the people there.

Everyone responded in unison.

"Governor Liu, please go with peace of mind!"

"We will certainly not fail the young master's heavy trust!"

"Liangzhou Academy will surely become world-renowned!"

From Liangzhou to Jinghua is considered a long journey.

Moreover, with the Princess traveling along, it was only natural to choose an auspicious day.

On this day, the procession was grand, with the main spectacle centered around Longyang Princess. This princess, whom the current Emperor had lost and then regained, was bestowed the title "Longyang" immediately upon her return, which was unique among all the princesses.

The Princess's ceremonial procession surpassed that of a Feudatory King.

Three thousand armored soldiers, three thousand musicians.

On this day, the people of Liangzhou lined the road to see them off.

Liu Zheng rode on horseback in the front, while Liu Dahao and Princess Xie Chan followed in a Horse Carriage.

Liu Zheng galloped back and forth a few times to ensure everything was secure before they set off.

He looked toward the distant north.

Liu Zheng could not help but wonder in his heart.

Going to Jinghua for the first time, what does the future hold?

This time, what kind of changes will occur in the landscape of Longyan?