...

"What you said makes so much sense, I have nothing to say in response."

Wang Shouzhe looked at Prince An with a complex expression, feeling both sympathetic and a bit emotional.

Back in the day, wasn't Prince An a refined gentleman, as gentle as jade, with noble character? At that time, he was full of ideals and visions for the future, yet now he has been forced by reality to become unrecognizable.

But in the end, if one could live with dignity, who would want to resort to shameless tricks?

Even Wang Shouzhe himself had once exploited loopholes and taken advantage of various opportunities for the sake of his family's livelihood.

"Your Highness, you've worked hard." Wang Shouzhe patted Prince An on the shoulder, "The construction of our Great Qian relies on you. However, although I am the head of the Wang Clan, the entire clan is not my personal property. I can allow you to recruit talents within the Wang's Clan School, but recruitment is recruitment. The process must be fair, just, and open, and both parties must be willing. You can't force anyone."

"Don't worry, Shouzhe. I'm recruiting talents, not snatching them. I won't resort to any underhanded methods." Prince An patted his chest with a "pa pa" sound, "Our court will set strict conditions to ensure we attract top talents, leading them to rise to the peak of their lives."

As he said this, Prince An felt secretly pleased.

Shouzhe, oh Shouzhe, you hunt geese all day, but today the goose has pecked you blind.

Hehehe~~~ With the conditions our court offers, I dare not say we'll capture all the top graduates of the current and even the next ten classes of the higher Clan School, but at least we can cover about eighty percent.

By then, if the situation becomes too awkward to handle, I'll leave you with the bottom twenty percent of the talent list as a token.

Shouzhe, oh Shouzhe, don't blame me, Wu Mingyuan, for being ruthless. The country's construction is in dire need of talents, and I really have no choice, wahaha~

...

A few days later.

On the west side of Zhuhui Lake, at the Wang's Clan School.

The current Wang's Clan School is mainly divided into three levels: elementary, intermediate, and higher.

Among them, the elementary Clan School covers basic education and primary knowledge dissemination. It seems simple, but it's not. By the later stages of the elementary Clan School, the depth of knowledge is roughly equivalent to the first and second years of middle school on Earth where Wang Shouzhe came from.

Because of this, some of the Wang's Clan's less academically inclined students have struggled for many years to graduate from the elementary Clan School.

As for students with different surnames or those from commoner backgrounds, they wouldn't face similar situations because they were selected through rigorous examinations.

The intermediate Clan School is even more impressive, roughly equivalent to the level of high school knowledge from Wang Shouzhe's previous life, and its coverage is even broader.

After all, this world has Basalt cultivators and various professional systems, and the basic knowledge within each professional system is already very extensive.

The higher Clan School is basically equivalent to a university from Wang Shouzhe's previous life. Getting in is already challenging, and graduating is even harder. Even many top students and elites find it difficult to graduate without ten or eight years.

However, as long as one can graduate from the higher Clan School, they can intern in various industries of the Wang Clan and quickly be promoted to middle management, becoming core talents.

After all, those who graduate from the higher Clan School are high-IQ talents, each capable of taking charge in the future, naturally worth cultivating.

At this moment.

On the wide tree-lined avenue of the Clan School, a Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, over half a zhang tall and dressed in clothes, was flying forward quickly.

This Yuan Shui Azure Dragon was, of course, Wang Lilong.

Because she hadn't reached the ninth rank yet and couldn't transform, Wang Lilong still had to appear in the form of a Yuan Shui Azure Dragon.

However, due to her growth in cultural knowledge and mentality, she had moved past the initial aesthetic of floral dresses and small backpacks, keeping up with the times by wearing a crop top, carrying a spirit crocodile leather bag, and wearing sunglasses on her head. As she flew, mist surrounded her feet, presenting a "fashionable dragon" look.

Behind her was a dark vine.

This vine was naturally Wang Zongteng.

Vines are inherently slow, and since he had just "been born" not long ago, even with Wang Shouzhe's profound energy accelerating his growth to the third rank, he naturally couldn't keep up with Wang Lilong's speed.

"Eeya ya." (Fourth sister, wait for me.)

Wang Zongteng was using all his strength, fueled by spiritual stones, to chase Wang Lilong, wildly waving over a dozen vines of varying thickness, and the small backpack his mother had sewn for him was almost flying away.

"Don't follow me." Wang Lilong turned back and glared unhappily, "I'm a dragon about to attend the higher Clan School, and you're just a tiny vine in the elementary Clan School. We're not on the same path."

Wang Lilong was naturally unhappy. Not only was she being forced by her father to attend the higher Clan School, but she also had to take care of her "young" brother Zongteng, which only added to her frustration.

Moreover, her brother's appearance wasn't great, resembling some kind of creature from a children's picture book. If her classmates at the higher Clan School saw him, they would surely mock her.

In her adolescence, the more Wang Lilong thought about it, the more irritated she became. She immediately accelerated with the mist, flying towards the teaching building of the higher Clan School, disappearing in a few breaths.

"Eeya?"

Wang Zongteng was dumbfounded.

Even though he had no eyes, plants don't rely on eyes to perceive the world. Each of his vine branches was rich with sensitive sensory cells, allowing him to easily discern information like air temperature, scent, and wind direction.

His fourth sister had run off, and he, Wang Zongteng, had been abandoned.

A feeling of panic welled up, and for a moment, Wang Zongteng lay on the ground pitifully, motionless.

Passing students noticed him, stopping to point and whisper, but none dared to approach.

"Woo woo woo~"

Wang Zongteng "cried" in grievance.

Dark sap dripped from the vine onto the ground, making a sizzling corrosive sound, and in the blink of an eye, it had eroded large holes in the bluestone tiles.

Just as Wang Zongteng was filled with panic, Wang Lilong flew back, grabbing Wang Zongteng and placing him on the mist: "Stop crying, I'll take you to enroll in the elementary Clan School, just this once."

"Eeya eeya." Wang Zongteng happily snuggled in Wang Lilong's arms, extending tendrils to tightly wrap around her, as if afraid his sister would run off again.

"Don't hold me like this, it's too embarrassing."

"Eeya eeya." Wang Zongteng was cheerfully oblivious.

Wang Lilong, helpless, was just about to take Wang Zongteng to enroll when she saw a group of people who weren't from the Clan School approaching. The leader wore a purple crown and a purple-gold robe, exuding a noble and heroic aura.

Behind him, a servant held up a conspicuous sign, reading "Glory and Wealth, Life's Peak," "Great Qian Court Special Recruitment," "Join the Public Sector, Secure a Lifetime Job, Benefit Thousands of Descendants," and more!

Such a grand display naturally attracted the attention of many Clan School students, who began to point and follow to see what was happening.

As more and more students gathered, Prince Shengjun Wu Shengjun, responsible for recruitment, became increasingly spirited. The advisors from the Commandery Prince's household flattered him: "Your Highness, with this move, not a single graduate from Wang's higher Clan School will escape, and we can even pre-sign contracts with graduates from the next few classes."

"That's not right." Prince Shengjun criticized sternly, "It's not easy for Wang's Clan to cultivate talents. We can't be too ruthless; we must leave some room for them."

"Your Highness is so kind." The advisors continued to flatter.

Despite his words, Prince Shengjun was secretly pleased. A few days ago, when he came to recruit talents, he was rebuffed by Wang Xuanwei, the vice dean of Wang's higher Clan School. Despite being relatives and having once been on a blind date, she showed no courtesy.

Now that Master Wang Shouzhe had agreed, Prince Shengjun naturally wanted to showcase the royal style and make a big impact.

"Haha, such big talk." A tall, slender woman with slightly wavy shoulder-length hair and outstanding beauty stepped forward, her clear eyes sweeping over the flashy signs. "Prince Shengjun, do you think these superficial conditions will make the elites of our higher Clan School flock to you?"

"Shengjun greets Third Miss." Prince Shengjun confidently and calmly bowed, "It's only been a few days, and Third Miss has changed her hairstyle?"

This Third Miss of the Wang Clan was no simple character. She was Wang Xuanwei, the eldest daughter of Wang Shizhao and Qian Yurou, ranking third among the Xuan generation in the family, and the legitimate sister of the family's prodigy, Wang Anye.

"I was disgusted by someone recently, so I changed my hairstyle to change my mood." Wang Xuanwei flicked her wavy hair, coldly glancing at Prince Shengjun, "I know Great-Grandfather agreed to your recruitment, but if you're going to recruit, just recruit. Don't play these flashy tricks."

"Flashy or not, as long as it works." Prince Shengjun laughed, "Back when Third Miss's grandfather and my father started a business together in Guilong City, the banners they put up were even more exaggerated. I'm just imitating the elders' tactics."

"Vivi, what's going on?" Wang Lilong, dragging Wang Zongteng, flew over to Wang Xuanwei, excitedly saying, "Is someone causing trouble at our Clan School? Don't worry, your Auntie Lilong will stand up for you."

"Auntie Lilong, Great-Grandfather has reapplied for your higher Clan School enrollment. In the Clan School, you should still address me as Vice Dean." Wang Xuanwei saluted, her expression turning serious and businesslike, "This Wu Shengjun is just here for recruitment, not causing trouble."

"Even if someone causes trouble, the Clan School's security team will handle it. You just focus on your studies."

Seeing Wang Lilong, Wang Xuanwei honestly felt a headache. This Auntie Lilong not only had a high seniority but also loved causing trouble. It was hard enough to send her off from the intermediate Clan School, and now she's here to wreak havoc in the higher Clan School.

"Recruitment?" Wang Lilong suddenly became excited, glancing at Wu Shengjun, "This guy looks familiar. Oh, right, didn't he date you?"

Wang Xuanwei's face darkened: "Auntie, don't talk nonsense. We just went on a blind date."

"Why didn't it work out?" Wang Lilong's curiosity burned brightly, "I think he looks okay, and his cultivation is at the Purple Mansion Realm, which is passable."

"Sigh, the age gap is too big, there's a cultural gap too." Wang Xuanwei sighed, "And he doesn't even understand calculus. His knowledge level can't even pass the intermediate Clan School, and he loves reading romance novels and believes in the flat earth theory... The worst part is, he reads pirated copies! I really can't connect with him."

"That is a bit bad. I don't even read romance novels anymore, let alone pirated ones." Wang Lilong sighed, "If he keeps this up, he'll never find a girlfriend."

"Exactly." Wang Xuanwei shook her head, "I also heard he went to the Northern Zhou for a blind date recently and was rejected again."

Their conversation made Prince Shengjun's face turn red and white, wishing he could find a hole to hide in. He quickly defended, "I failed the blind date in Northern Zhou mainly because of your Wang Shouye's interference. Besides, Princess Luojia never intended to marry, which has nothing to do with whether I read pirated novels."

"Auntie Lilong, you see, he can't even compete with Seventh Grandfather..." Wang Xuanwei said.

"Indeed, it's hard to swallow." Wang Lilong agreed empathetically.

"This..." Prince Shengjun, sweating profusely, couldn't stay any longer and quickly started the recruitment. With a wave of his hand, his advisors immediately took out a loudspeaker and shouted, "Students passing by, take a look. The Great Qian Court's Clan School recruitment fair has begun. Our target is the outstanding talents who have been approved to graduate from the higher Clan School this year."

"I have a list of this year's graduates. The top three students, as long as they join our Great Qian Court system, will immediately receive a fifth-grade official position. After a three-year learning transition, they can directly serve as 'Acting County Governors.' The court will cover fifty percent of the resources needed for their cultivation to the Purple Mansion Realm and future Divine Realm. Once they reach the Purple Mansion Realm, they can serve as 'Acting Commandery Governors.'"

These conditions were indeed top-notch.

Many onlookers were surprised. The court was determined to poach talents.

The advisor, full of pride, believed that none of the top three graduates would escape, even if one of them was a member of the Wang Clan.

"Wait!" Onlooker A said, "The conditions are good, but aren't the top three graduates this time all great prodigies? They must have signed contracts and received resources in advance, right?"

"Of course, we know they are great prodigies." The advisor said, "Even if there are contracts, our Great Qian Court will compensate for the losses."

"Sounds interesting." A young, elegant man in white appeared, "But now graduates have a two-way choice. I also want to test your level. I don't want to work with a bunch of fools in the future."

"Ah, isn't this Ji Siwu from the Ji Clan of Longzuo, one of the top twenty in the higher Clan School? I heard he ranked in the top three in this graduation exam, a true all-rounder in both literature and martial arts."

"The Ji Clan of Longzuo is ambitious, not only accelerating their push to become a fourth-grade family but also plotting for the third grade. If he joins the Great Qian Court, his future in the Divine Realm is assured."

Ji Siwu! He was a key target for recruitment. Prince Shengjun was invigorated, "Please, Young Master Ji, enlighten us."

"This test paper contains some bonus questions from the higher Clan School graduation exam." Ji Siwu handed over a few papers, "Please, Your Highness and the advisors, test your level."

"This..." Prince Shengjun looked troubled. He was somewhat aware of the difficulty of the Wang's Clan School.

"Out of a hundred, just sixty points to pass." Ji Siwu smiled, "Then I'll join the court to become an official."

However, his advisors were confident, "Just some simple bonus questions." With that, they set up tables and chairs, looking at the test papers.

"Uh..." The advisors were dumbfounded at the sight of the papers, filled with incomprehensible formulas and symbols. Some text was understandable, but together it was like a book of heaven.

After a stick of incense, they shamefully bowed to Prince Shengjun, "Your Highness, we are incompetent."

"Chh." Ji Siwu took back the papers, sneering, "Ashamed to be associated with you."

"Wait, with such good conditions, aren't you tempted?" Prince Shengjun hurriedly tried to persuade, "If the conditions aren't enough, we can negotiate. You should know, I'm not only a Commandery Prince but also the son of Prince An."

"These conditions seem okay." Ji Siwu sneered, "But the conditions offered by Young Master Fugui are no worse than yours, and the target work is with the Princess of Chunnan in the Immortal Dynasty, developing Chunnan State, which is much better than yours. Most importantly, I really don't want to work with a bunch of uncultured people. It's hard to unify our thoughts."

Fugui? Princess of Chunnan?

Prince Shengjun looked defeated, but it was just one Ji Siwu. Forget it, there are still many heroes.

But to Prince Shengjun's surprise, the top graduate, Wang Fuqiang, directly refused the invitation, stating that his cultural level was not enough and he wanted to further his studies at the Wang's Research Institute...

The second graduate, Chen Yangkang, decided to join the Changning United Group.

It was one thing for the top three to refuse, but even the top thirty started picking and choosing with Prince Shengjun. After all, these top thirty were all prodigies, and due to their outstanding studies and other aspects, they had long received rewards and training from the Clan School.

Many felt that governing a region might be good, but it could also lead to being caught in the scheming of officialdom, with limited development prospects. So, they expressed their intentions to join various industries of the Wang Clan, or the militia, or to follow Young Master Fugui's suggestion to develop in the Immortal Dynasty.

From the top thirty prodigies, Prince Shengjun only recruited one, and even then, he had to pay six million top gold in advance training fees.

Then came the top one hundred, most of whom were minor prodigies. Although they graduated from the higher Clan School, they were far behind the previous geniuses and elites, only considered as core talents.

For this group, even with a few guts, Prince Shengjun wouldn't dare let them serve as county governors.

Faced with the ever-decreasing recruitment conditions, this group of graduates carefully considered their career paths.

In the end, Prince Shengjun only recruited thirteen people, one prodigy, and twelve minor prodigies!

This left him wanting to cry without tears.

The opportunity his father, Prince An, had worked hard to secure was unexpectedly met with such difficulty in recruiting talents from Wang's higher Clan School.

"Hey, hey, what about me?" Wang Lilong approached to introduce herself, shamelessly saying, "Although I've just entered the higher Clan School, I can sign a long-term contract with you. After I graduate, I'll work for the court. You just need to cover half of my living expenses now."

"You?" Prince Shengjun was infuriated, "Wang Lilong, don't think I don't know you. When will you graduate from the higher Clan School? Besides, we're looking for management-level elite talents, not a violent dragon."

"Awoo awoo~ This lady is furious." Wang Lilong was so angry she revealed her true form, transforming into a Yuan Shui Azure Dragon over ten zhang long, clawing at Prince Shengjun, "How dare you look down on a dragon, I bet you'll never find a girlfriend in your life!"

Wang Zongteng was tossed aside, his tendrils flapping: "Eeya eeya!" (Go, Fourth Sister, eat that big bad guy.)

"I'm also at the mid-Purple Mansion Realm. Do you think I'm afraid of you?" Prince Shengjun began to fight back.

Boom boom boom!

The higher Clan School was in chaos.

Wang Xuanwei rubbed her forehead, feeling a massive headache. Truly, Wang Lilong was causing an uproar on her first day back at the Clan School, acting like a dragon king returning.

And Great-Grandfather's newly adopted son, Wang Zongteng, didn't seem like an easy character either. There would be plenty of trouble in the future, but fortunately, he was in the elementary Clan School, not under her jurisdiction.

...