Three Kingdoms: My Strategy Simulator.

In fact, an absurd thought popped into Li Ji's mind, a term that would absolutely shock Cai Yong—"old codger."

If that term were uttered, Cai Yong would probably regret the engagement on the spot, right?

In the "Strategy Simulator," was this the method used to successfully "kill" the marriage?

And then, add a line like, "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west; don't bully a young man for being poor"\n…

No, no, the flavor is too strong!

Especially since Cai Zhaoji's ex-husband, Wei Zhongdao, was from Hedong, and Li Ji claimed to be from Longxi, which also belongs to the Hexi region.

Wei Zhongdao died as a young man, and now Li Ji is also a young man.

Saying that might anger Cai Yong so much that he'd be carried away on the spot.

While Li Ji inadvertently entertained quite a few disrespectful thoughts about his future father-in-law, Cai Yong also felt somewhat at a loss for what to say to Li Ji.

Cai Yong was undoubtedly satisfied with this prospective son-in-law, Li Ji.

Whether it was talent, appearance, reputation, or temperament, Cai Yong found him to be an excellent choice in every aspect.

Even though his family had declined and he wasn't from a prominent clan, Li Ji could potentially build his own prestigious family in the future, so there was no need for family background to embellish him.

Especially since Li Ji, being such a young man, didn't mind Cai Zhaoji's "inauspicious name." Cai Yong, worried about Cai Zhaoji's future, even felt a bit grateful to Li Ji.

Finally, Cai Yong took the initiative to break the silence and said,

"My dear son-in-law, do you have important business for this visit?"

With Cai Yong setting the tone, Li Ji secretly breathed a sigh of relief and followed up.

"Father-in-law, I've come for two reasons: first, to request access to your collection of books, and second, to ask for your assistance with a matter."

"Regarding the books, since you are family, there's no need to use the word 'request.' From now on, you can freely enter and browse the side courtyard…"

After a pause, Cai Yong continued, "I just don't know what matter you seek help with?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ji took out a bamboo scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Cai Yong. As Cai Yong opened the scroll and began to read, Li Ji spoke.

"Father-in-law, when I arrived in Wu, what I saw was that the difference between Jiangdong and the Central Plains lies not only in population, economy, and food but also in culture."

"The Central Plains has many extraordinary talents, and private schools are prevalent, producing famous scholars like the 'Eight Dragons of the Xun Family.' However, south of the Yangtze River, famous scholars are rare, and even private schools for teaching the younger generation are few. Most families and clans educate their own."

"As a result, the gap between the Central Plains and Jiangnan will continue to widen. Without extraordinary talents and famous scholars as pillars, how can Jiangnan prosper?"

"Therefore, I boldly propose a plan to build an academy, with you, Father-in-law, as the head, to teach virtuous scholars, educate the masses, and contribute talents to the world."

In this era, there were many private schools, but true academies would only begin to appear centuries later in the Tang Dynasty.

Even Yingchuan had private schools, not true academies.

Therefore, when Cai Yong carefully read the name of the academy listed by Li Ji in the scroll, he was deeply shaken.

Private schools are private, established by famous scholars to facilitate the teaching of their descendants or the children of friends.

Academies are public, widely accepting talented scholars from all over the world to teach them.

Although academies might not be much in Li Ji's eyes, at this time, it was a major step in the "from private to public" education, and it could also change the situation where scholars came from aristocratic families to some extent, giving some lower-level commoners a path and opportunity to rise.

Previously, it wasn't that Li Ji didn't have such an idea, but the establishment of an academy required a true great Confucian scholar to preside over it.

Without the support of a great Confucian scholar for Liu Bei, even if Li Ji wanted to establish an academy, it would be a castle in the air.

Although Liu Bei's teacher, Lu Zhi, was a great Confucian scholar, as the Northern Army Colonel, he would naturally not abandon his official position to serve as the head of a small academy.

After confirming the wedding date with Cai Zhaoji, Li Ji naturally turned his attention to Cai Yong, who had truly become family in a sense.

Being family, there's no harm in using him, using him is using him for nothing.

Li Ji liked nothing more than getting something for free.

Moreover, if Cai Yong established an academy, then Li Ji wouldn't have to worry about the problem that if he attracted scholars with his reputation in the future, a considerable number of them would not accept Liu Bei's olive branch and be lost.

With the academy, not only would Wu Commandery be even more attractive to scholars from all over the world, but the academy could also continuously attract scholars to stay in Wu Commandery.

It can be said that this is a choice that is beneficial to both Liu Bei and Li Ji, the only problem is that it would require the father-in-law to put in some effort.

Moreover, Li Ji's heart is the most filial.

Cai Yong stayed away from politics and stayed at home every day doing nothing, which really distressed Li Ji, and he was also afraid that Cai Yong would keep a close eye on him every day in the future. It would be better to give Cai Yong something to do, which could be regarded as a show of filial piety and also allow Cai Yong to realize his life value.

Cai Yong carefully looked at the bamboo scroll. In just a few hundred words, Cai Yong read it for a full quarter of an hour before slowly putting down the bamboo scroll with lingering interest.

However, Cai Yong did not decline or agree but asked cautiously.

"Does Liu Xuande know about this matter? Or is it just your idea, my dear son-in-law?"

Li Ji replied, "Father-in-law, rest assured, I have already informed my lord about this matter, and my lord has also said that if you are willing to take on the position of head of the academy, he will definitely support it with all his strength."

Immediately, a clear look of joy and interest flashed in Cai Yong's eyes, and he said,

"This matter is of great benefit, but it is of great importance, and it is far from enough for me alone to support the huge academy you mentioned. Please allow me to contact friends from all sides to confirm whether they are willing to help before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, Li Ji was overjoyed, knowing that Cai Yong's attitude was quite supportive of establishing an academy.

With Cai Yong's connections and reputation, as long as Cai Yong fully supported it, then the matter would be more than half done.

Immediately, Li Ji said,

"Then I will trouble you, Father-in-law."

"Yes."

Cai Yong responded and then said, "Since you have also come to borrow books, you can go to the side courtyard. I still need to carefully consider for a while."

After Cai Yong finished speaking, he went straight back to studying the contents of the bamboo scroll in his hand.

Seeing this, Li Ji didn't bother Cai Yong anymore but left the main hall and walked towards the side courtyard where Cai Yong stored his books.

However, when Li Ji walked into the side courtyard, he happened to see Cai Zhaoji struggling to hold a large pile of bamboo scrolls.

Li Ji and Cai Zhaoji looked at each other, and both were stunned in place.

However, Li Ji quickly reacted, stepped forward, took most of the bamboo scrolls from Cai Zhaoji's arms, sharing some of the weight, and said gently,

"There's no need to force yourself to hold so many bamboo scrolls at once. You can carry them in batches, take your time."

"Yes."

Cai Zhaoji's expression was still so clear and elegant, but a slight blush floated across her face.

Cai Zhaoji naturally knew the person in front of her.

The handsome young man she had met once would also be her husband.

However, Cai Zhaoji didn't expect to see him here, and so suddenly, allowing him to see her somewhat embarrassed state.

"Actually, I can do it alone."

Cai Zhaoji intentionally wanted to explain to her future husband, but the tone of her words was too clear and plain, but it had a bit of an unappreciative flavor.

"You're not alone, there's no need to force yourself."

Li Ji said, and then holding the bamboo scrolls, he followed Cai Zhaoji in, helping Cai Zhaoji to sort out and store all these bamboo scrolls little by little.

Cai Zhaoji looked at Li Ji's forehead, which was slightly sweating, and took out a simple handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Li Ji, saying.

"Wipe it."

"Okay."

Li Ji took the handkerchief and wiped his sweat, and then looking at the sweat stains inevitably on the handkerchief, he didn't know whether the handkerchief should be returned to the woman in this era.

Moreover, the relationship between the two was the kind of intimate yet unfamiliar feeling, and how to get along without losing the sense of boundaries was a difficult problem.

In his previous life, he had seen many couples who were not harmonious, but it was rare to see couples who were not familiar with each other.

Cai Zhaoji seemed to see Li Ji's hesitation, and gently pursed her lips, saying.

"Keep it."

"Thank you."

Li Ji once again followed her words and directly put the handkerchief into his arms.

However, after these two sentences, the two inevitably fell into another silence.

Until a moment later, Cai Zhaoji spoke.

"Before the wedding, it's not appropriate for you and me to meet."

Li Ji subconsciously explained.

"I came to borrow books and got the permission of my father-in-law."

Father-in-law?

Cai Zhaoji's beautiful eyes couldn't help but widen slightly, and the earlobes behind her clear and cold face were inevitably a bit more rosy.

She hadn't really gotten married yet, but he was already calling her "father-in-law," wasn't that implying that I should call him husband in advance?

"I won't call you that."

Cai Zhaoji said, leaving Li Ji somewhat confused.

"At least, before that, I won't call you that."

When Cai Zhaoji added another sentence, Li Ji completely reacted, and looking at Cai Zhaoji's elegant and cold face in the slightly dim room, there seemed to be some unconcealable shyness.

The strong sense of contrast made Li Ji's heart beat faster, and he suddenly realized that Cai Zhaoji was indeed a great beauty.

Feeling Li Ji's gaze becoming somewhat fervent, Cai Zhaoji's expression and movements became even more unnatural. She turned and walked towards the outside of the house, saying:

“I’ll be going now.”

Seeing Cai Zhaoji about to leave, Li Ji subconsciously called out to stop her.

“Wait…”

“Hm?”

Cai Zhaoji paused, looking at Li Ji with some confusion.

Seeing this, Li Ji quickly revealed his true purpose.

“Zhaoji, I urgently need a large amount of classical texts related to water conservancy. I wonder if you could lend me a hand?”

Cai Zhaoji’s expression was somewhat hesitant as she asked:

“Is it very urgent?”

“Very urgent.”

“You need it right now?”

“The sooner, the better.”

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! ~