From cute to empress

Chapter 186 Future Blueprint

The golden sunset streamed through the window lattice, casting a warm glow over the study. I lowered my wolf-hair brush. Zhen Youcai's letter had already warmed from repeated caressing. His handwriting was still as powerful as ever, yet it shone with an indescribable tenderness. In it, he provided a detailed analysis of the border situation and offered his own perspective on the unrest in neighboring countries, echoing the concerns of Liu Bei's advisor.

"On the day of triumph, it will be you and me..."

These words, like a whisper in his ear, echoed over and over in my mind. My cheeks grew slightly hot, and my heartbeat quickened. I took a deep breath, bringing my thoughts back to reality. Right now, national affairs were the most important thing.

I dipped my pen in ink and wrote on the letter: "Thank you for your hard work at the border. When you return triumphant, I will..." At this point, I paused, Zhen Youcai's resolute eyes and warm smile emerging in my mind. Ultimately, I let go of the unfinished words with a sigh, folded the letter, and slipped it into the envelope.

I stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the palaces and city walls in the distance. My heart was filled with longing and uncertainty for the future. I longed for peace, for the people to live and work in peace, and for the country to prosper. But achieving all this was easier said than done.

"Come here!" I called the guards. "Pass the order. Summon all ministers and representatives from all walks of life to the morning court tomorrow. I want to discuss the future development of the country with you all!"

The next morning, the atmosphere in the court was solemn and dignified. Sitting on the dragon throne, I glanced at the civil and military officials and representatives from all walks of life standing below, feeling a surge of strength in my heart.

Grand Tutor Zhang is old but vigorous, Censor Wang is upright and incorruptible, Strategist Liu is resourceful, the people of Zhao are simple and honest, and Craftsman Sun is hardworking and diligent... They are the backbone of this country and the support for me to realize my ambitions.

"My dear ministers," I spoke slowly, my voice clear and firm, "I have called everyone here today to discuss the future development plans of our country. I hope that all the people of our dynasty can live and work in peace and contentment, have enough food and clothing, and that our country will prosper and stand at the top of the world!" My eyes swept across the people below, and the ministers nodded one after another, their faces full of expectations for the future.

"I hope to build a prosperous economy," I continued, "where trade flows freely, all industries flourish, and the people are wealthy, free from the cold and hunger. I hope to build a harmonious society, where people don't pick up things on the streets, doors are left unlocked at night, and everyone respects and loves each other, working together to create a better life. I also hope to build a country with a flourishing culture, with academies everywhere, students diligently studying, and poetry, literature, rituals, and music all passed down from ancient times..."

As soon as I finished speaking, Grand Tutor Zhang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right! I, this old minister, believe that agricultural development is paramount to achieving national prosperity. Agriculture is the foundation of a nation, and food is the people's primary need. Only when the granaries are full can the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the country enjoy long-term stability and prosperity!"

Zhang Taishi's words resonated with many ministers, who nodded in agreement. Looking at this veteran minister who had dedicated his entire life to the country, I was filled with admiration.

"Grandmaster Zhang, what you say makes sense," I nodded. "Agricultural development is indeed a top priority. I wonder if Grandmaster has any good suggestions?"

Grand Tutor Zhang stroked his beard and was about to speak when Wang Jianguan suddenly stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty..."

"Your Majesty," Censor Wang stepped forward. He was always outspoken and courageous, and now a resolute glint shone in his eyes. "I believe that while what Grand Tutor Zhang said is important, to achieve lasting peace and stability, relying solely on agriculture is not enough. Education and talent development are the key to a nation's sustainable development!"

As soon as Wang Jianguan finished speaking, a buzz of discussion erupted in the hall. I nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

"Your Majesty," the Royal Censor said, his voice rising. "If all our people were literate, knew propriety, and understood shame, how could such foolishness and ignorance ever occur again? If our dynasty were teeming with talent, with pillars of state in every profession, how could we ever worry about development?" He paused, his eyes piercing, "As the saying goes, 'Education is the foundation of a long-term plan.' Only by prioritizing education and recruiting talented individuals can we truly achieve national prosperity!"

Wang Jianguan's words were resounding, and the hall once again fell into deep thought. I secretly praised him. While his words were pointed, they got to the heart of the matter. Education is indeed a top priority for national development.

At this moment, Advisor Liu, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly stood up. He bowed to me and then said slowly, "Your Majesty, I believe that what Grand Tutor Zhang and Censor Wang have said are both good strategies for governing the country. I believe that we can combine the two to formulate more specific policies and strategies."

He paused, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes. "First, in agriculture, we can encourage the reclamation of wasteland, the development of water conservancy projects, and the promotion of advanced farming techniques to increase grain production. At the same time, we can develop specialty industries such as silk, tea, and porcelain. Through trade, we can sell our high-quality products overseas and earn more wealth."

Liu's ideas were clear and well-organized, and I nodded silently as I listened. His proposals were practical and feasible, and he painted a picture of economic prosperity for me.

"In addition," Advisor Liu continued, "we must strengthen infrastructure development, build roads and bridges, and dredge rivers to facilitate the transportation of goods and the movement of people. At the same time, we must also attach importance to scientific and technological development, encourage invention and innovation, and improve production efficiency in all industries..."

Liu the Counselor spoke incessantly, and the ministers in the hall listened attentively. My heart is filled with hope. I believe that under my leadership, with the assistance of these loyal ministers and capable generals, my country will surely become stronger and stronger!

Just as I was immersed in my beautiful vision of the future, a loud voice suddenly rang out at the door of the hall: "Your Majesty! I have something to say!"

I looked in the direction of the sound and saw two figures walking straight towards me through the crowd...

The two men who arrived were dressed in coarse cloth. Their faces showed a hint of fatigue from travel, but that couldn't hide the eagerness that glimmered in their eyes. I signaled the guards to let them pass and let them come closer.

"I, Zhao Dazhuang, bow to your majesty!" One of them was the first to kneel down and salute. He was a burly man with a loud voice, and at first glance he looked like an honest farmer. "I, Zhao Dazhuang, dare to say a few words on behalf of the people of the world!"

"Zhao Dazhuang?" I thought for a moment, remembering that he was a "people's representative" selected by the people a few days ago, specifically responsible for reporting livelihood issues to the court. "What do you want to say? Feel free to ask."

Zhao Dazhuang looked up at me, his dark face full of sincerity. "Your Majesty, we fully support what Lord Zhang said about developing water conservancy projects and promoting improved varieties of crops! But that alone isn't enough. We farmers fear natural and man-made disasters the most. If we encounter droughts, floods, or locust plagues, we'll work hard all year and still get nothing!"

The other man beside him also knelt down, bowed, and said, "I am Sun Tiezhu, a blacksmith. Nice to meet you, Your Majesty! We craftsmen are the same. We have great skills, but lack good materials and tools, so our products are always unsatisfactory."

Their speeches were simple and unadorned, yet they spoke the true feelings of the common people and artisans. My heart warmed, and I gestured for them to stand up and for a nearby palace maid to offer them a seat and tea.

"I've taken note of everything you've said." I glanced around, my gaze firm. "Everything you say makes perfect sense. Agriculture is fundamental, education is key, commerce must develop, technology must advance, and people's livelihoods must be protected..."

I pondered for a moment, and a grand vision emerged in my mind: in the vast fields, golden wheat waves rolled, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment; in the spacious schools, the sound of reading aloud was endless, and talented people emerged in large numbers; in the bustling streets, merchants gathered, with a dazzling array of goods; in the towering workshops, machines roared, and the world was changing with each passing day...

"I have decided..." I took a deep breath and was about to announce the preliminary strategic plan when I suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the hall, accompanied by the eunuch's sharp voice:

"Report——"

"Urgent border report!"