Xiao Jinheng looked up, a flicker of admiration in his eyes...
This young Imperial Preceptor was brilliant and knowledgeable, versed in ancient and modern times. If he were willing to assist him, how could the Great Liang Kingdom not prosper in the future?
Of course, Xiao Jinheng couldn't place all his hopes on an outsider...
Things were determined by human effort, especially in governing the country. All major decisions had to be made by himself.
"The mechanisms in the Great Liang Kingdom have a unique characteristic!"
Murong Taotao cupped his hands towards Xiao Jinheng, then casually sat down in the grand tutor's chair. "They are often short on one side and long on the other, and most mechanisms are hidden within the walls, disguised as torches, bricks, or vases. As long as these items are found, the mechanisms can be easily activated to enter secret doors..."
Kong Xingzhuo listened, utterly confused. "I've already found that protruding blue brick, but no matter how I press it, the mechanism won't open!"
Damn it, this was truly bizarre.
Xiao Jinheng was also a bit bewildered. The mechanism was found, so why wouldn't it open?
Murong Taotao curved his lips and chuckled. "If pressing it yields no reaction, why don't you try pulling it out?"
Kong Xingzhuo: "..."
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
Right, if it couldn't be pushed in, then pulling it out should work!
Kong Xingzhuo felt that if he were to die one day, it would be from sheer stupidity...
"These kinds of mechanisms are not mystical. They either twist or pull. If neither of these methods works, it means the mechanism hasn't been found correctly," Murong Taotao said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinheng glanced at Kong Xingzhuo meaningfully. "Commander Kong, for your incompetence, I sentence you to one year without marriage!"
If you can't even handle such a simple matter, how dare you think of marrying a wife.
Kong Xingzhuo: "..."
Your Highness, why do you always bring this up?
"Your... Your Highness, should I go to the Fahua Nunnery again?" Kong Xingzhuo asked in a low voice.
"No need!" Xiao Jinheng stood up and poured Murong Taotao a cup of tea. "This matter should be handled by my imperial brother..."
He felt that although Xiao Junbao was usually quite mischievous, he never slacked off when it came to tasks.
If he were tasked with investigating the Gu worms, he was sure to succeed...
Kong Xingzhuo heard this and felt a hint of disappointment. "Then... then fine, I will enter the palace now and invite the Seventh Prince!" kuAiδugg
With that, he turned and left.
Murong Taotao sipped his tea and looked at Xiao Jinheng indifferently. "After the Crown Prince finds the Gu worms, what are your next plans?"
He had wanted to meet the Crown Prince of Great Liang for a long time, but various matters had delayed him...
Now that they were finally sitting face to face, Xiao Jinheng's radiance and demeanor made Murong Taotao want to praise him.
If it were in another country, a Crown Prince as young as Xiao Jinheng would surely still be playing with mud within the palace walls...
Yet, he was already presiding over major affairs, concerned with state politics, and acted with steady resolve, step by step. Therefore, Murong Taotao greatly admired him.
"Of course, it's to kill the Gu worms and help my father awaken soon!"
Xiao Jinheng fiddled with the jade thumb ring on his hand. "Then, I will directly arrest Consort Hui and interrogate her rigorously. I don't believe she wouldn't confess a single word..."
Murong Taotao chuckled upon hearing this. "The Crown Prince appears shrewd and powerful on the surface, but in reality, he doesn't have much depth!"
Xiao Jinheng: "???"
What did he mean?
Was the young Imperial Preceptor calling him shallow?
Seeing Xiao Jinheng's darkened expression, Murong Taotao stood up and looked out the window. "Do you know that if Consort Hui is imprisoned now, the person hiding behind her might never be caught?"
"Didn't the Crown Prince go to such great lengths to investigate Consort Hui precisely to uproot her hidden influence? If you startle the snake and create too much of a commotion, you'll scare away the person in the shadows!"
Xiao Jinheng nodded gently upon hearing this. "Taotao's words are reasonable. Then, according to your opinion, what should be the next step?"
He had to admit, this young Imperial Preceptor was indeed very intelligent, and his questions were very thorough...
Murong Taotao pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow. "Why should I help you? What benefits can you give me if I help you?"
Heh, coming to him for advice so quickly, Murong Taotao actually enjoyed this feeling.
"Because it's about making the best use of everything and everyone!"
Xiao Jinheng didn't hide anything and directly stated his thoughts. "If Taotao is willing to join the Liang faction, unite against the enemy, and accomplish something together, then I welcome you with open arms. In other words, if Taotao isn't interested, I won't force you to stay..."
"As for what benefits I can give you, it depends on what Taotao likes. After I ascend the throne, I will grant you the position of Prime Minister, a post equivalent to the Imperial Preceptor of Yan. With power and influence, wealth and status will naturally follow..."
As the saying goes, a forced melon is not sweet. Xiao Jinheng didn't want to force anyone to do anything, including Murong Taotao.
"Hmm, well said, 'making the best use of everything and everyone'!" Murong Taotao chuckled and beckoned Xiao Jinheng. "Come here!"
Xiao Jinheng: "???"
What for, to whisper secrets?
Seeing him standing there frozen, Murong Taotao sighed. "Come closer. This matter is very confidential, we can't let anyone know..."
Alas, why is this kid so slow-witted?
Xiao Jinheng said "Oh" and slowly leaned closer.
Murong Taotao whispered a few words into his ear, and Xiao Jinheng's expression went through a year of seasons, from worry to joy, from confusion to delight, and finally, he burst into laughter...
"Hahaha, you truly live up to your reputation, to even come up with such a wicked idea!" Xiao Jinheng said, beaming with joy.
No wonder Emperor Ming was so desperate to keep the young Imperial Preceptor; this person was truly talented.
Murong Taotao gave a sheepish smile. "With this, Consort Hui will have no recourse..."
"Good, after this is accomplished, I, the Crown Prince, will reward you handsomely!" Xiao Jinheng patted his shoulder.
"Save it!" Murong Taotao walked to the door. "Don't keep talking about rewards. The Liang Kingdom's economy is currently sluggish, and the common people haven't lived good lives yet. With that money, it's better to do more proper things!"
Xiao Jinheng: "..."
Am I being criticized?
Meanwhile, in the palace.
After Xiao Junbao returned, he enjoyed a refreshing beauty sleep. Just as he was thinking of going to pay his respects to his mother, Kong Xingzhuo suddenly arrived...
"No way, I'm not Jinheng's servant. Helping him once is enough, why is he getting more and more demanding?"
Xiao Junbao glared with his beautiful eyes, his delicate and pretty face slightly flushed.
Kong Xingzhuo chuckled and directly took something out of his sleeve. "Can I go now?"