Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 741 - 463 Li Yucheng

Chapter 741: Chapter 463 Li Yucheng

Hearing these words, Xu Yuan couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

Once such a statement was made, it no longer mattered whether it was his father who had said it. As long as the Crown Prince added, "Would you be willing to join me in this endeavor?" even if the listener did not immediately bow in agreement, they would likely feel somewhat tempted.

Unfortunately, the person being courted was Xu Yuan himself.

However, it must be said that the Crown Prince’s methods of recruiting people were indeed much more sophisticated than those of Li Junqing.

Li Junqing simply drew a pie in the sky for you, whereas the Crown Prince involved himself in the vision, painting a picture of shared struggles and triumphs.

Without any explicit promises, he still managed to make people yearn.

With a smile in his heart, Xu Yuan then began to ponder how he would respond if the other party tried to recruit him.

According to the character of the identity he currently assumed, such a direct invitation would probably be declined, regardless of how much it intrigued him personally.

For the son of the Ministry of War’s Vice Minister is a gentleman, not a villain.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of War is a legitimate successor to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, and as such, his offspring could not possibly be unaware of this.

In other words, if he agreed to the olive branch extended by the Crown Prince, it would equate to agreeing to stab his own birth father in the back.

But obviously, Li Yucheng had also considered this point. His gentle voice once again softly filled the elegant room. Instead of directly courting him, he simply asked softly:

"Young Master Wang, what do you think of Minister Xu’s words?"

"....."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Asking for his evaluation?

Of course, he thought the statement was correct, objective, and incisively true.

But the question was, should such truths be spoken?

The most basic political instincts told Xu Yuan that as the son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, he should not be commenting on the world under the administration of those two elders.

After achieving their lofty positions as Emperor and Prime Minister, reflecting on such matters might be considered a good story.

However, it would seem somewhat irreverent coming from the younger generation.

One must consider that the present Crown Prince, who sits before him, would not permit Xu Yuan, with his current identity and character, to make political recommendations, even if the subject was raised by the Crown Prince himself.

Role-playing requires getting into character first.

As thoughts flitted by, Xu Yuan’s expression showed a fitting hesitation, and with a voice of uncertainty, he said:

"To what merit do I owe the chance to comment on Minister Xu’s words?"

"You are mistaken, Young Master Wang,"

Li Yucheng said with a light chuckle, interrupting Xu Yuan. Smiling, he continued, "The conversation tonight is merely casual talk; we should speak frankly and from the heart."

That was exactly what he was waiting for.

With an inward smile, Xu Yuan knew that although role-playing could be troublesome, one had to commit fully. He let out a breath and said,

"Since Your Highness is so candid, it seems I am being overly cautious. However, I must say I somewhat disagree with Minister Xu’s words."

Upon hearing this, Li Yucheng slightly raised his eyebrows, his gentle countenance displaying a hint of surprise, and then he said with a smile:

"Young Master Wang, please speak your mind."

Xu Yuan took a deep breath and bowed slightly to the Crown Prince opposite:

"With all due respect, may I ask Your Highness what constitutes a time of great peace and prosperity?"

Li Yucheng’s brows knitted softly at the question. His fingertips brushed over the tea table’s texture, and he casually replied:

"Are you suggesting that individual definitions of a peaceful and prosperous age may differ, and hence conclusions may vary?"

"Yes."

"So, in Young Master Wang’s opinion, what defines such an era?"

"Without peace, how can one speak of prosperity?"

"....."

Li Yucheng did not immediately respond. He lifted the porcelain cup before him, took a delicate sip of tea, put it down, and looked pensive:

"Young Master Wang seems to possess a heart that worries for the people. Should you become a pillar of The Imperial Court one day, it would be a blessing for the people of Dayan."

He acknowledged the concern for the people but not for the nation.

Clearly, the present Crown Prince did not agree with the words that Xu Yuan had just spoken.

Of course, Xu Yuan himself did not agree either.

He had spoken in that manner chiefly to play his role as the son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War convincingly.

After all, the lesson from the blunder at Li Junqing’s place was still clear in his mind; he couldn’t afford to reveal his true personality.

Following the policy of opening up cultivation techniques to the common people, Dayan’s national power had grown immensely since those days.

One must understand that what his father and Li Yaoxuan had accomplished was not merely democratizing cultivation. They also opened the doors to learning formation patterns, beast taming, construction materials, pharmacology, and various other magical arts for the common people.

His father had described Dayan as being in a golden age decades ago, and after several decades, Dayan’s national power had inflated to the point where it could wage a civil war while simultaneously extending its hand to battle foreign races. If this wasn’t considered a golden age, what would be?

"These are merely my own humble opinions,"

"You’re too modest, Young Master Wang,"

Li Yucheng maintained his gentle tone and said softly, "Then, in Young Master Wang’s view, how would you address the concept of peace?"

Oh...

Straight to this question?

Xu Yuan sighed inwardly and responded quietly:

"With my limited knowledge and shallow learning, facing such a difficult question..."

"Tap... Tap... Tap..."

Mid-sentence, Xu Yuan heard a series of soft knocks.

Li Yucheng’s expression remained amiable, yet his fingertips began to gently tap the tea table.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan knew he had played his part well enough.

Li Yucheng had come expressly tonight both to turn him and to evaluate him.

If he had continued on the same track, the Crown Prince would most likely have given up.

To boldly refute the words of the Prime Minister and yet, when it came to practical matters, be unable to articulate a coherent point – such a person would not be deemed worthy of recruitment.