Emperor Ruicheng arrived just as Zhao Jing was assisting the people of the Western Regions in breeding their ewes on a massive scale.
When Zhao Jing heard the news, he acted as if he hadn't. He continued his repetitive daily tasks as usual. He even took in a few orphaned children as apprentices, holding nothing back as he taught them his animal husbandry skills.
The burly guards from the Western Regions in charge of watching Zhao Jing couldn't help but scratch their heads at the sight. They wondered if this Scholar Zhao was truly foolish or just pretending. Their loyalties were inherently opposed. By teaching these skills to their people, he was only bolstering the strength of their Royal Court. This brought no benefit to Zhao Jing whatsoever.
Unable to figure it out, the guards huddled together and chattered among themselves.
"He's either stupid or utterly dense."
"Maybe he has lofty ambitions and views all commoners as equals."
"Is he trying to defect with this method?"
