The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 359

Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but glance at the flower beside her before saying, "You may leave."

The palace maid said with some worry, "But Your Highness, the border is bitterly cold."

Empress Zhangsun smiled gently: "Even you know how harsh the border is. If I, a pampered princess, didn't know, then I would be a fool. You may leave."

Empress Zhangsun sighed, it was unclear whether Li Shimin heard her or not.

"Your Majesty, I am always worried about sending Jinyang to the border. Next time, please send a man instead."

Unexpectedly, Li Shimin grabbed his shoulder and pushed open the window in front of him.

"Your Majesty is overthinking it. The reason I bestowed the title 'Mingda' upon Princess Jinyang is that she is worthy of it. There is no need to worry about anything else. As soon as the princess arrives at the border, my men will contact the local officials, and all the Turkic scouts will be placed under the command of Jinyang."

Empress Zhangsun's eyes lit up, and she finally felt relieved, leaning on Li Shimin's shoulder.

During this time, in addition to designing the layout of the chain of academies, Xu Tian also drew a design for another courtyard called Mingda Building.

The name Mingda Building alone makes one think it's a library or a treasure trove of books.

After these three months, Mingda Building rose from the ground, becoming the first building completed among the chain of academies.

Seeing Xu Tian directing the workers downstairs to move bricks and tiles, and having his wife buy a lot of expensive potted plants from the market.

Qin Xian walked up behind Xu Tian and said, "Master Xu, are you planning to stay here?"

He had become quite familiar with Xu Tian these days, so this was somewhat of a joke.

To his surprise, Xu Tian felt a wave of exasperation and turned around, saying, "So it's General Qin. I didn't expect you to be back!"

Qin Xian's lips twitched as he said, "The Anxi and Northern Protectorates are to be replaced with the Prince's own people, but I am still General Li's man. It's not good to stay in the Protectorate every day."

Upon hearing this, Xu Tian waved his hand dismissively and said, "I don't live here."

He then pointed directly at the plaque.

Qin Xian then read out the three words "Mingdalou".

Xu Tian nodded and said, "This building is naturally for the princess to live in."

Qin almost spat out his water.

"The princess will surely come here often in the future. If she stays at any random place, it will be very dangerous if she encounters an assassin."

Xu Tian couldn't mention Princess Jinyang; if she came to see him, she would definitely go to his room. It wouldn't do for a man and woman to be alone in a room! Thinking it over, to avoid being disturbed by Princess Jinyang, Xu Tian specially built this building.

Qin Xian said nothing and went straight to construction, watching the workers build Honghong Academy. But the first person to move into Mingda Building was Xu Tian.

The Mingda Building was meticulously decorated. The floor was covered with handmade wool carpets bought by Persian merchants, and in the center was a Persian soft bed. On the table by the window were bonsai trees, and next to them was a gold-painted incense burner with a dragon spouting mist, made by Koreans.

Xu Tian was quite satisfied with the furnishings in the room. But the more he looked at the water-spraying fragrant herb, the more it seemed like a humidifier, and he couldn't help but smile.

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared behind him. Xu Tian turned around and saw a very short person dressed in black standing behind him.

Xu Tian clutched his chest and exclaimed, "Are you trying to scare me to death? Why didn't General Qin announce this?"