"How long did it take?"
"Three days!"
Mo Qi said with a face full of indignation, "Damn it, it took me three months to learn this piece back then, and he learned it in three days. The gap between us is just huge."
"But the thing is, this kid’s erhu talent is astonishing, while his martial arts talent is a complete mess."
"It’s been a month since he started practicing a simple fist technique, and he’s still struggling. What do you make of that?"
Mo Qi vented as he spoke, causing Rao Mingyue to blush and quickly find an excuse to flee.
After he left, Mo Qi calmed down and then asked, "So, what’s your reason for coming this time?"
"Can’t I just come to see you?" Zhao Ya chuckled.
"Come on, I can’t believe you’d be so well-intentioned," Mo Qi said.
"Heh, well, the truth is, I’ve got a small favor to ask. I’m planning to go on a trip soon, but I’m a bit worried about home, so I’d appreciate it if you could keep an eye on things while I’m away," Zhao Ya said earnestly.
Mo Qi was a bit surprised but didn’t ask Zhao Ya where he was going, just said, "I remember you’re on good terms with Wang Tiancheng from the Golden Saber Institute, why not ask him for help?"
"Of course, I’ll talk to him as well, but he’s too busy to keep an eye on things constantly. You’re different; you’re at home with nothing to do anyway, it’ll be a great help," Zhao Ya laughed.
Mo Qi laughed too, "So just idling at home is a crime, huh?"
"I’m not asking you to help for free. Once it’s done, I’ll pay you two thousand in gold notes." Zhao Ya was quite wealthy now and didn’t mind spending a bit.
"Actually, I think sitting at home all the time is a bit boring, might as well get out and stretch my legs." Mo Qi immediately changed his tune.
Zhao Ya cried with laughter.
This Mo Qi is great in every way, just a bit greedy sometimes.
But Zhao Ya could see that he was probably doing it for Rao Mingyue whom he had just recruited.
"You won’t need to put in too much effort, just keep an eye on things from the shadows. If you encounter any trouble you can’t handle, you can seek help from the Golden Saber Institute, I’ll have them assist you," Zhao Ya was somewhat concerned and reminded him carefully.
Mo Qi grinned, "Seems like you’re really worried."
"Better safe than sorry."
"Alright, don’t worry, I have my own judgment."
After leaving Mo Qi, Zhao Ya immediately headed for the Golden Saber Institute. Once he met Wang Tiancheng, he outlined his intention.
Wang Tiancheng naturally agreed, but couldn’t help but ask.
"Junior Brother Zhao, what are you going to do to require such caution?"
"No particular reason, just if you have any difficult problems you can’t solve, you can tell me. My Golden Saber Institute will certainly assist with all our might."
Ever since Yu Dao and Yan Ruize explained their alliance with Zhao Ya in front of the director and elders of the Golden Saber Institute.
Wang Tiancheng not only earned unanimous praise but also received a generous reward.
Thus, Wang Tiancheng paid great attention to Zhao Ya’s words.
Zhao Ya shook his head with a smile, "No need, this time I’m going out to handle some personal matters. It’s just that the journey is long, not particularly dangerous."
"That’s good!"
Thus, Zhao Ya arranged everything and began purchasing essentials for the journey.
This time going to Wanshou County is urgent, so it couldn’t be leisurely like before coming to Yan Capital City by carriage.
Zhao Ya needs to travel at full speed, requiring him to be well-prepared with all necessary supplies.
As he was busy preparing, Yun Yuan suddenly arrived.
"Hmm? Your old man wants to see me and Shang?" Zhao Ya was a bit surprised.
"Yes."
Then Yun Yuan helplessly said, "Actually, my grandfather wanted to see you earlier, but didn’t get the chance, and suddenly insisted I invite you over these past few days."
Zhao Ya hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright, I’ll go with you then."
Shang Jingchuan, upon hearing the news, didn’t refuse either.
In fact, he had admired the former Great Yan Prime Minister Yun Jixiu ever since he arrived at Yan Capital City.
He initially planned to visit upon coming to Yan Capital City, but various trivial matters deterred him.
Now that he’s been invited, Shang Jingchuan had no reason to decline.
The two followed Yun Yuan to the Yun Family.
Eldest Yun, Yun Yizhi, and Second Yun, Yun Shenzhi, were at the door to greet them, and upon their arrival, hurriedly led them into the inner courtyard.
Upon meeting this legendary figure of the Yun Family, the old Prime Minister of Great Yan, Zhao Ya felt calm, while Shang Jingchuan was already red-faced with excitement.
"Student Shang Jingchuan, pays respect to Elder Yun."
Shang Jingchuan addressed himself as a student, showing his utmost respect towards Yun Jixiu.
Upon hearing this, the usually drowsy, almost lifeless Yun Jixiu couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
"Good, I like this title, please sit down quickly."
After Shang Jingchuan and Zhao Ya sat down, a servant brought refreshments, and the three chatted and drank together.
But after just a few words, Yun Jixiu got to the point.
"I also heard about the recent event at the Capital Prefecture, it was quite a magnificent move, surely it’s Young Hero Zhao’s doing?"
Zhao Ya didn’t hide, he nodded, "Actually, it’s not exactly my doing; I merely spread the news and guided things a bit, everything else was done by the people themselves."
Yun Jixiu clapped laughing, "Indeed, if I hadn’t heard the news late, I would’ve joined the fun myself."
Zhao Ya felt a subtle movement in his heart.
Yun Jixiu’s remarks were deeply meaningful.
He was clearly expressing support for Shang Jingchuan.
Considering he invited both of them over, Zhao Ya already had an idea in mind.
Sure enough, Yun Jixiu soon changed his tone.
"I’m aware of all that has happened in Yan Capital City recently, it’s quite thought-provoking."
"When I was Prime Minister, things hadn’t deteriorated this much, but in just a few years, the populace is in such a state."
"So, Jingchuan, you did well as Prefect of the Capital. You’ve upheld the dignity of our Great Yan’s officials, but do you know how many eyes in the court are now watching you?"
Shang Jingchuan is no fool.
Previously, he was merely a bit naive and old-fashioned.
Now, as his perspective broadened, he understood many things.
He was well-aware of his current position in the court and the challenges he faced.
"Hmm, I’m aware."
"Currently, you hold key roles as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and Prefect of the Capital Prefecture. The Noble Families like the Wei Family and Lin Family surely see you as a thorn in their side, they’re just yet to act against you. When they do, it’ll be extremely dangerous."
Yun Jixiu, having spent his life in politics, naturally analyzed the stakes with precision.
Shang Jingchuan, with a resolute face, said, "I understand these things. But since I took the position of Capital Prefect, I’ve placed life and death aside."
"Foolish!" Yun Jixiu slammed the table, shook his head, and sighed.
"Now in Great Yan, all the virtuous have nearly died out. If you don’t cherish your life and instead use your head to clash with those scoundrels, you may uphold your integrity, but wouldn’t Great Yan lose all hope?"
Shang Jingchuan was stunned by the reprimand, "But, what should I do then?"
Yun Jixiu chuckled, "My Yun Family might be in decline now, but with my old face there’s still a bit of influence left. As long as you’re willing, my Yun Family is willing to support you with all our might."
"So, what do you mean?"
Unexpectedly, Shang Jingchuan did not immediately agree, but after a moment of silence, slowly asked, "Is there a condition? Or do I need to give something? Do I have to join the Yun Family?"
Yun Jixiu laughed heartily, "There’s no condition, you don’t need to give anything, nor do you need to join the Yun Family."
"I know what you’re thinking, and I’ll be honest with you. I’ve lived long enough, and seeing Great Yan in decline before I die, my mood can be imagined. Though I know restoring a crumbling regime is beyond one’s power, I must at least try."
"My two sons are mediocre, but you’re different. You have ideals and ambitions, reminding me of myself back in the days. That’s why I want to help you."
"Just for Xin’an."