“Spy of Northern Yan.”
Li An stared at the four big characters on the system panel, completely stunned.
The wheel had finally landed on 【Spy of Northern Yan】.
“Again… it’s a Northern Yan spy…”
He slumped into his chair and gazed at the sky outside the window.
Last cycle, it was a Northern Yan spy too, and yet the national fortune of Great Qi increased by over sixty-four thousand points.
And this cycle, it’s still a Northern Yan spy…
“Master, are you alright?”
Hongmei looked at Li An worriedly.
“I’m fine.”
Li An waved his hand.
“I’m just… a little tired.”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Forget it.
It’s Northern Yan spies anyway.
Might as well continue ruining Great Qi.
Last cycle failed because he didn’t understand the mindset of the ancients.
This cycle, he had experience.
He would succeed this time!
Ding!
【Second Cycle Identity Confirmed: Spy of Northern Yan】
【Public Identity: Great Qi Envoy】
【Cycle Duration: 2 months】
【Compensation Mission Generating…】
Li An’s heart tightened as he looked at the system panel.
Compensation mission?
What the hell is that?
【===Compensation Mission===】
【Last cycle violated stance, resulting in Great Qi national fortune +64,479 points】
【Mandatory objective this cycle: Must increase 【Northern Yan National Power】 by +64,479 points!】
【At the same time: Continue to damage Great Qi’s national fortune】
【Penalty: Failure to meet Northern Yan power increase target will result in immediate annihilation!】
“What?!”
Li An jumped up suddenly.
“Increase Northern Yan’s national power by over sixty-four thousand points?!”
“And still ruin Great Qi’s national fortune at the same time?!”
He stared fixedly at the system panel, completely dumbfounded.
This… what kind of hellish difficulty is this?
Last cycle, he tried to ruin Great Qi’s national fortune, but instead, Great Qi’s fortune increased by over sixty-four thousand points.
Now the system demands that he increase Northern Yan’s national power by over sixty-four thousand points?
And still simultaneously ruin Great Qi’s fortune?
“Master?”
Hongmei was also stunned seeing Li An suddenly stand up.
“I’m fine.”
Li An sat back down.
“I was just… thinking about something.”
He stared at the system panel, feeling increasingly irritated.
How the hell is this even possible?
He’s in Great Qi now. How can he increase Northern Yan’s national power?
And by over sixty-four thousand points?
“Wait…”
Li An’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“Last cycle, I wanted to ruin Great Qi’s fortune, but Great Qi’s fortune actually increased by over sixty-four thousand points.”
“Then… if this cycle, I find a way to divert Great Qi’s resources to Northern Yan…”
“Wouldn’t that achieve both goals at once?”
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
Exactly!
If he ‘transports’ Great Qi’s resources to Northern Yan, it’s a double victory!
Great Qi loses resources → national fortune declines.
Northern Yan gains resources → national power rises.
Perfect!
“Master, what are you thinking?”
Hongmei looked curiously at Li An’s changing expression.
“I’m thinking…”
Li An looked at Hongmei.
“I’m thinking about how to utterly destroy Great Qi.”
Hongmei’s eyes brightened.
“Master has a plan?”
“Yes.”
Li An nodded, pondering in his heart.
“But before that, I need to see what functions the system still has.”
He looked at the system panel.
【System Treasury Balance: 322.395 taels of gold】
【Gold Usage Unlocked: Top-tier Roulette Draw】
【Draw Rules: 100 taels of gold per draw】
【Prizes Include: Modern items, special skills, future tech fragments, etc.】
Li An’s eyes lit up at the system prompt.
A draw?
Not bad.
“Draw!”
He gritted his teeth.
Anyway, this gold isn’t enough to go back to the modern era and live the life of a wealthy man.
Better to use it for the draw and see if he can get something good.
【Consume 100 taels of gold】
【Drawing…】
A wheel appeared on the system panel.
Various prizes were densely listed on it.
【Modern Smartphone】
【AK47】
【Penicillin Formula】
【Thank You for Participating】
【Special Skill: Mind Reading】…
The wheel started spinning.
Faster and faster.
Faster and faster.
Finally…
It landed on…
【Thank You for Participating】
“……”
Li An looked at the panel, twitching at the corner of his mouth.
“Again!”
【Consume 100 taels of gold】
【Drawing…】
The wheel spun again.
This time…
It landed on…
【Thank You for Participating】
“System, damn you!”
Li An slammed the table.
“I only have this much gold left, and you give me two ‘Thank You for Participating’ in a row?!”
Hongmei was startled by Li An’s action.
“Master, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Li An took a deep breath.
“I’m just… a bit angry.”
He looked at the system panel.
【System Treasury Balance: 122.395 taels of gold】
Just over a hundred taels left.
Enough for one more draw.
“The last one.”
Li An gritted his teeth.
“If it’s ‘Thank You for Participating’ again, I’ll…”
【Consume 100 taels of gold】
【Drawing…】
The wheel spun a third time.
Li An stared at the wheel with all his focus.
Please… something good…
The wheel spun slower and slower.
Finally…
It landed on…
【Special Item: Eye of Omniscience (Single Use)】
“Eye of Omniscience?”
Li An’s eyes lit up.
【Eye of Omniscience: Can view the core desires/weakness of any person】
【Usage: 1 time】
【Form: Single-lens glasses】
Suddenly, a delicate single-lens glasses appeared before Li An.
The lens was light gold, and the frame was engraved with intricate patterns.
“This…”
Li An picked up the glasses and examined them carefully.
“Can see the core desires and weaknesses of anyone?”
“Isn’t this an upgraded version of mind reading?”
A thrill ran through him.
With this, he could know what others want most and fear most.
Although a one-time consumable, using it at the right moment would be extremely valuable.
“Master, what is that?”
Hongmei looked at the glasses in Li An’s hand, curious.
“This is…”
Li An thought for a moment.
“This is a treasure I bought from a wandering sorcerer.”
“It’s said that wearing it lets you see through a person’s heart.”
“See through a person’s heart?”
Hongmei was stunned.
“Really?”
“Who knows.”
Li An put the glasses away.
“I’ll know when I get the chance to try them.”
He looked at the system panel.
【System Treasury Balance: 22.395 taels of gold】
Only about twenty left.
But it’s fine.
With the Eye of Omniscience, he could definitely succeed this cycle!
“Master, you said you had a plan just now?”
Hongmei looked at Li An.
“Yes.”
Li An nodded.
“I’m planning to… reform the imperial exams.”
“Imperial exams?”
Hongmei was stunned.
“Yes.”
Li An stood up confidently.
“The imperial exams are the backbone of the scholarly aristocracy.”
“Once I tamper with them, I’ll offend all the scholars of the land!”
“Chaos will erupt in the court and provinces, students will boycott, officials will resign…”
“Great Qi’s national fortune will plummet!”
Hongmei’s expression changed.
“Master, this… this is to make enemies of all the scholars in the land!”
“They’ll have no grave to be buried in!”
“I know.”
Li An sneered.
“But for the great cause of Northern Yan, what is my head worth!”
Hongmei was moved seeing the resolute, fearless expression on Li An’s face.
Master…
Really willing to risk everything for Northern Yan!
“Master, rest assured.”
Hongmei stood up.
“Heishui Platform will protect your safety at all costs!”
“Hm.”
Li An nodded.
“That’s good.”
But in his heart, he had another plan.
Reform the imperial exams?
Hehe.
Not for Northern Yan.
For ruining Great Qi’s national fortune!
The imperial exams are the lifeblood of scholars.
As long as I abolish the Eight-Legged Essay and change the exams…
All scholars will hate me!
Hate Great Qi’s court!
Hate the young emperor of Great Qi!
Then…
Great Qi’s national fortune will fall!
And…
Li An suddenly thought of something.
Right!
His public identity is “Great Qi Envoy,” responsible for diplomacy.
If he “transports” Great Qi’s talents, technology, and wealth to Northern Yan under the guise of diplomacy…
Wouldn’t that complete the compensation mission?
“Brilliant!”
Li An couldn’t help slapping his thigh.
“I really am a genius!”
Hongmei looked at Li An’s sudden excitement, feeling utterly bewildered.
“Master?”
“Nothing.”
Li An waved his hand.
“I just thought of a good idea.”
He looked at Hongmei.
“Hongmei, go find out.”
“Whether there are any skilled craftsmen or followers of Mohism gathering in the capital recently?”
“Craftsmen? Mohist disciples?”
Hongmei was puzzled.
“What do you need them for?”
“I have my use for them.”
Li An smiled, “Just go inquire, that’s all.”
“Yes.”
Hongmei nodded and left.
Li An watched her go with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.
Imperial exam reform…
Talent transportation…
With these two moves…
Great Qi’s national fortune will definitely drop!
Northern Yan’s national power will definitely rise!
This cycle…
It’s settled!
…
Early the next morning,
Li An was woken by Hongmei.
“Master, the information you wanted has been gathered.”
Hongmei brought in tea.
“Oh?”
Li An took the cup.
“Tell me.”
“There really are quite a few craftsmen and Mohist disciples in the capital recently.”
Hongmei sat beside him.
“Most came for the expo. Now that it’s over, many have stayed in the capital looking for work.”
“Good!”
Li An’s eyes lit up.
“Where are they now?”
“Mostly in the western workshop district.”
Hongmei said, “A lot of artisans gather there.”
“Excellent.”
Li An set down the cup.
“I’ll go check it out today.”
“Master, you really intend to…”
Hongmei hesitated.
“What?”
Li An looked at her.
“Do you think my plan has a problem?”
“No.”
Hongmei shook her head.
“It’s just… Master, tampering with the imperial exams will really cause an uproar.”
“I know.”
Li An stood.
“But if I don’t touch the exams, how can I throw Great Qi into chaos?”
“Scholars are Great Qi’s foundation.”
“As long as this foundation is shaken, Great Qi will be in turmoil!”
Hongmei’s heart felt a mix of worry and admiration for Li An’s resolute expression.
Master…
Truly willing to risk everything for Northern Yan!
In Li An’s mind, he already had a solid plan.
Reform the imperial exams…
Hehe.
I’ll abolish the Eight-Legged Essay!
Replace it with practical subjects: arithmetic, natural studies, even… farming!
Then…
Scholars across the land will hate me!
Court and provinces will be in chaos!
Great Qi’s national fortune will plummet!
“Master, how do you plan to reform it?”
Hongmei asked cautiously.
“Well…”
Li An thought for a moment.
“I plan to abolish the Eight-Legged Essay.”
“Switch to practical subjects.”
“Such as arithmetic, natural studies, agriculture, engineering…”
“What?!”
Hongmei jumped up in shock.
“Really abolish the Eight-Legged Essay?!”
“Yes.”
Li An nodded.
“What good is the Eight-Legged Essay?”
“Studying all their lives, yet they can’t even calculate properly.”
“People like that in office—can they govern the country?”
“I want to select truly useful talents!”
Hongmei was stunned.
Master…
He really intends to offend all of Great Qi’s scholars!
The Eight-Legged Essay is the core of the imperial exams.
Scholars across the land had spent years of hardship studying for the rigid eight-legged essay.
And now the young master wanted to abolish it…
Wouldn’t that mean all their effort was for nothing?
And he himself had just become the new top scholar!
He had only just won the title of zhuangyuan, and now he was planning to make the emperor abolish the imperial examinations?
“Master, this… this will cause a huge uproar!”
Hongmei said anxiously.
“I know,”
Li An sneered coldly.
But inside, he was feeling extremely pleased.
Abolishing the eight-legged essay…
This would be a lethal weapon for lowering the nation’s fortune!
Then…
Scholars would refuse to take the exams!
Officials in the court would resign!
Great Qi would descend into chaos!
The national fortune would inevitably decline!
…
That afternoon.
Li An brought Hongmei to the workshop district in the west of the city.
Many artisans gathered here—
Blacksmiths, carpenters, potters…
All kinds of workshops lined the streets.
“This is the place.”
Li An’s eyes lit up as he looked at the district.
“Let’s go inside.”
He led Hongmei into the workshops.
Soon, he noticed a particularly unique workshop.
A sign hung above its entrance:
【Mo Family Workshop】
“Mo Family?”
Li An’s eyes gleamed.
“This is the place!”
He stepped inside.
The workshop was large, filled with all kinds of machines.
Waterwheels, windmills, and all sorts of strange contraptions.
“Sir, are you here to commission some devices?”
A middle-aged man approached. He wore coarse cloth and had grease stains on his face, clearly a craftsman.
“No.”
Li An shook his head.
“I’m here to see your shopkeeper.”
“Shopkeeper?”
The man paused.
“May I ask what business you have with our shopkeeper?”
“I have a major deal to discuss.”
Li An smiled mysteriously.
“Please ask your shopkeeper to come out.”
“This…”
The man hesitated.
“Please wait a moment.”
He turned and walked inside.
After a while, an elderly man emerged.
His hair and beard were white, but he looked vigorous, his eyes sharp and bright.
“I am Mo Bai, senior of the Mo family. May I ask what brings you here, young sir?”
“Senior of the Mo family?”
Li An’s eyes lit up.
“I’ve heard much about you!”
“I am Li An, special envoy of Great Qi. Today I come to discuss an important matter with you.”
“Special envoy of Great Qi?”
Mo Bai froze for a moment.
“You are… the zhuangyuan Li An?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
Li An nodded.
“Your reputation precedes you, Li An.”
Mo Bai cupped his hands.
“May I ask what brings you to me, Li An?”
“It’s like this.”
Li An cleared his throat.
“I’m preparing for a major undertaking.”
“It will require a large number of skilled artisans.”
“I wonder if you might be interested?”
“Skilled artisans?”
Mo Bai’s eyes lit up.
“May I ask what exactly you intend to do?”
“Well…”
Li An smiled mysteriously.
“I can’t reveal it just yet.”
“But I assure you, if this succeeds, your name will be remembered in history!”
“Remembered in history?”
Mo Bai was stunned.
“Li An, are you serious…”
“I’m not joking,” Li An said seriously.
“What I intend to do is change the entire nation of Great Qi!”
“Your name will be written in the annals of history!”
Mo Bai felt a stir in his heart.
Change the entire nation of Great Qi?
What… what could this matter be?
“Li An, can you reveal a little more?”
Mo Bai asked tentatively.
“Very well,”
Li An nodded.
“I plan to reform the imperial examinations.”
“Abolish the eight-legged essay and switch to practical studies.”
“That will require a large number of artisans and Mo family disciples to teach the students.”
“Would you be interested?”
“What?!”
Mo Bai stood up in shock.
“Abolish the eight-legged essay?!”
“Switch to practical studies?!”
“Yes.”
Li An nodded.
“I think the eight-legged essay is useless.”
“What really matters is practical knowledge.”
“Arithmetic, natural philosophy, agriculture, engineering…”
“These are the real skills needed to govern the nation!”
Mo Bai was completely stunned.
Abolish the eight-legged essay…
Switch to practical studies…
This… this is unbelievable!
But…
If it really happened…
Wouldn’t the Mo family rise again?
After all, the Mo family excelled at practical knowledge!
If the exams switched to practical studies…
Wouldn’t all Mo disciples be able to hold office?
“Li An, are you serious?”
Mo Bai asked excitedly.
“Of course I am.”
Li An nodded.
“I will submit the proposal tomorrow.”
“If His Majesty approves…”
“I will need your help.”
Mo Bai’s heart raced.
If the eight-legged essay could truly be abolished…
The Mo family could rise again!
“Li An, I will give my full support!”
Mo Bai exclaimed.
“Good!”
Li An’s eyes lit up.
“Then it’s settled!”
“However…”
He shifted his tone.
“I have a small request.”
“Please, speak.”
Mo Bai said quickly.
“I want you to send some disciples…”
Li An paused.
“To Northern Yan for ‘cultural exchange’.”
“Northern Yan?”
Mo Bai froze.
“Yes.”
Li An nodded.
“I am currently Great Qi’s special envoy, responsible for foreign affairs.”
“I think Great Qi and Northern Yan should strengthen cultural exchange.”
“So I plan to send some artisans and Mo disciples to Northern Yan…”
“To teach them some skills.”
“This way, the two countries’ relations will become closer.”
Mo Bai’s mind stirred.
To Northern Yan?
This…
“Li An, isn’t that inappropriate?”
Mo Bai hesitated.
“Great Qi and Northern Yan… don’t get along.”
“Precisely because relations are poor, we need more exchange!”
Li An smiled.
“Besides, I can guarantee the disciples sent to Northern Yan will be well treated!”
“They’ll be paid high salaries and even given official positions!”
“This is also a great chance for the Mo family to expand its influence!”
Mo Bai hesitated.
To Northern Yan…
It really is a good opportunity to expand influence.
But…
Would there be problems?
“Li An, I need to consider this carefully.”
Mo Bai said.
“Of course,”
Li An nodded.
“But I hope you give me an answer quickly.”
“After all, this concerns the future of the Mo family.”
“Yes.”
Mo Bai nodded.
“I will respond to you as soon as possible, Li An.”
“Good.”
Li An stood up.
“I’ll take my leave for now. I will visit again another day.”
“Farewell, Li An.”
Mo Bai saw him out.
Li An and Hongmei left the workshop.
As they walked, Hongmei couldn’t help but ask:
“Master, are you really going to send Mo disciples to Northern Yan?”
“Of course,”
Li An nodded.
“These Mo disciples are genuine talents.”
“Sending them to Northern Yan will greatly enhance their national strength!”
“And Great Qi, losing these talents, will see its national fortune decline!”
“Two birds with one stone!”
Hongmei was shocked.
Master…
He truly has calculated every move!
“But…”
Hongmei hesitated.
“Master, do you think His Majesty will approve abolishing the eight-legged essay?”
“He will.”
Li An sneered coldly.
“That effeminate emperor loves reforms more than anything.”
“As long as I present it well…”
“He will definitely approve it!”
Hongmei was speechless.
Master…
Your understanding of the emperor of Great Qi is really deep!
…
Back at the zhuangyuan mansion,
Li An immediately began drafting the memorial.
He wanted to write the reasons for abolishing the eight-legged essay in the most glorious and irrefutable way.
So that the effeminate emperor could not refuse!
“The eight-legged essay restricts thought…”
“It does not help select true talent…”
“It should be replaced with practical studies…”
“Arithmetic, natural philosophy, agriculture, engineering…”
Li An wrote, sneering to himself.
These reasons sounded reasonable…
But in reality…
Heh.
Once the eight-legged essay was abolished…
Scholars across the land would definitely rebel!
Then…
How could Great Qi not descend into chaos?
How could the national fortune not decline!
“All done!”
Li An put down the brush and looked at the memorial, satisfied.
“Master, are you really going to submit this?”
Hongmei asked, watching.
“Of course.”
Li An nodded.
“Tomorrow at the morning court, I will submit it!”
“I will make the sky of Great Qi… collapse halfway!”
Hongmei looked at Li An’s determined expression. Her doubts mostly vanished, replaced by full confidence in him.
Master…
He truly is going all out!
…
Late at night.
Li An lay in bed, staring at the system panel.
【Second Cycle Mission】
【Role: Northern Yan Spy】
【Objective 1: Ruin Great Qi’s national fortune】
【Objective 2: Increase Northern Yan’s national strength by +64,479】
【Current Great Qi National Fortune: 152,479】
【Current Northern Yan National Strength: ???】
【Time Remaining in Cycle: 59 days, 23 hours】
Li An looked at the panel, feeling tense.
Two months…
To complete both objectives…
The pressure was immense.
But…
Li An suddenly smiled.
In the previous cycle, he tried to ruin the nation, yet the national fortune still rose by 60,000 points.
What did this mean?
It meant that Great Qi’s current prosperity was illusory!
Pure bubble!
With just a little effort…
This bubble would burst!
Then…
Great Qi’s national fortune would inevitably fall!
Moreover…
He now had the All-Seeing Eye.
He could see through anyone’s core desires and weaknesses.
At that time…
Whether emperor, Prime Minister, or any official…
At the critical moment, he could control them completely!
“This cycle…”
Li An looked at the moon outside the window.
“I must succeed!”
“I must earn enough gold!”
“To return to the modern world!”
He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
In his dream, he returned to the modern world,
Holding the gold from the system vault…
Buying houses, buying cars, marrying countless wives…
…
Early the next morning.
Hongmei woke him.
“Master, it’s time for court.”
“Mm.”
Li An rubbed his eyes.
“I know.”
He got up, washed, and put on his official robes.
He picked up the memorial he had written yesterday.
“Let’s go.”
Li An left the zhuangyuan mansion, boarded the carriage, and headed to the palace.
The carriage traveled through the streets of the capital.
Li An looked out the window, feeling a wave of reflection.
He had been in this world for over a month now.
From initial helplessness to current adaptation…
He seemed to have grown accustomed to this life.
But…
He still wanted to return to the modern world.
To that world with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and food delivery.
“I must succeed…”
Li An gripped the memorial tightly.
“I must return to the modern world… with my millions in gold!”
The carriage slowly moved toward the palace.
Li An felt the victory of the second cycle was within his grasp.
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