From cute to empress

Chapter 183 New Blueprint for Development

"Your Majesty, absolutely not!" Lord Liu's shrill voice echoed throughout the hall. He took a few steps forward, knelt on the ground, and said with deep sorrow, "Your Majesty's proposed plan is extremely costly. The national treasury is empty. How can we afford it? This is clearly a waste of resources and will put the people of the world in dire straits!"

"Lord Liu, you're too kind," I said calmly, suppressing my displeasure. "When did I ever say I would waste the people's money and resources?"

"Your Majesty," the Imperial Censor also stepped forward. Although he wasn't as excited as Lord Liu, his tone was also filled with worry. "Your Majesty's proposed plan is indeed beneficial to the country and the people, but it is too idealistic. The war on the border is tense right now, and the national treasury is already running out of money. If you continue with large-scale construction and commercial development, I'm afraid it will only increase the burden on the people and cause public resentment!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," several other ministers echoed, "Please reconsider your decision!"

I was not surprised by the ministers' opposition. Instead, I felt that this was a rare opportunity for them to truly understand my ideas and address their concerns.

I motioned for everyone to stand, then turned to Grand Tutor Zhang and said, "Grand Tutor Zhang, you are highly respected and knowledgeable. Would you be willing to accompany me?"

Although Grand Tutor Zhang didn't understand my intention, he still replied respectfully, "I obey your command."

Over the next few days, I didn't rush to convene a court meeting. Instead, I chose to have in-depth discussions privately with several ministers, including Grand Tutor Zhang and Imperial Censor Wang. I patiently explained my plans to them and listened carefully to their concerns and suggestions.

To help them better understand my ideas, I organized a field trip. We traveled incognito to several villages piloting agricultural reforms and witnessed firsthand the bountiful harvests they were bringing. I also took them to several towns bustling with merchants, allowing them to experience the enormous potential for commercial prosperity.

After a few days of inspection, the ministers all showed surprise and joy on their faces. They had not imagined that the plan I proposed was not just a castle in the air, but was actually feasible.

After returning to the palace, I immediately summoned all the ministers and held another court meeting. This time, I clearly felt that their attitude had changed. Their eyes were no longer filled with doubt and opposition, but with expectation and hope.

"My dear ministers," I looked around and said in a deep voice, "After this period of observation and reflection, I have become even more resolute. I will make the Tang Dynasty a prosperous and strong nation, a country where its people can live and work in peace and contentment!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers shouted in unison.

"Report——"

At this moment, a guard hurried into the hall, knelt on the ground, and shouted loudly: "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

My heart tightened, and a sense of foreboding washed over me. I took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Speak!"

"Your Majesty..." The guard's voice trembled, "General Zhen... General Zhen..."

"Your Majesty... General Zhen... General Zhen..." The guard's voice became smaller and smaller, almost inaudible.

My heart tightened, a chill running from my feet to my head. Could it be that... could it be that the war on the border was going badly? Zhen Youcai...

"Tell me quickly! What happened to General Zhen?!" Seeing the guard hesitating, Grand Tutor Zhang couldn't help but shout.

The guard trembled at the majesty of Grand Tutor Zhang and said quickly, "Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Zhang, there's good news from the border. General Zhen has led his army to a crushing defeat and has successfully driven the enemy out of the border!"

"what?!"

There was an uproar in the hall, and the originally solemn atmosphere was instantly broken.

I was stunned for a moment, then reacted and a beaming smile appeared on my face. Great! Zhen Youcai won!

"Good! Good! Good!" I said three good words excitedly in a row, and my heart finally settled down in my stomach.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!" The ministers knelt down to congratulate him, their faces filled with joy.

The victory on the frontier undoubtedly created a favorable external environment for the implementation of the national development strategy. I suppressed my excitement and immediately ordered rewards for the triumphant soldiers. I also issued a message to spread the joy and excitement of this victory throughout the country.

After the court meeting, I immediately summoned Liu the counselor and Sun the craftsman and brought them to the imperial study.

"Master Liu, Master Sun, did you hear it? There's good news from the border, we won!" I couldn't hide the joy in my heart and couldn't wait to share it with them.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Advisor Liu and Craftsman Sun also congratulated me.

"I summoned you two here today to discuss the specific implementation plan for our national development strategy." I suppressed my smile and said seriously, "I have already found solutions to the funding and technical issues you raised earlier."

I told Liu Moushi and Sun Gongshi in detail the results of my discussions with Zhang Taishi and others in the past few days, as well as what I saw and heard during the field investigation.

"Your Majesty, you are so far-sighted. I admire you!" Advisor Liu exclaimed after hearing my story. "Your Majesty's proposed solution not only solves the financial problem but also addresses the technical difficulties. It truly kills two birds with one stone!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Craftsman Sun said excitedly, "I am willing to lead the craftsmen to build the most advanced agricultural tools and water conservancy facilities for Your Majesty!"

Over the next few days, Advisor Liu and Craftsman Sun worked together to develop a detailed implementation plan based on my instructions. This plan encompassed both macroeconomic policies for agricultural reform and commercial development, as well as specific measures for improving farm tools and water conservancy projects.

Looking at this plan, the result of so much hard work, I am filled with hope. I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will overcome all difficulties and achieve our great goal of a prosperous country and a peaceful and prosperous life for our people.

I took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Pass the order down, tomorrow morning court..."

The next morning, at court, I sat upright on the Dragon Throne in the Golden Palace. My gaze swept over the civil and military officials in the palace, and I said in a deep voice, "My dear ministers, the war on the border has ended, and our dynasty has ushered in a rare opportunity for development. I recently summoned several ministers and craftsmen to discuss the specific implementation plan for the national development strategy, and we are already seeing initial results."

As soon as I finished speaking, Grand Tutor Zhang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask what exactly this national development strategy is. Your Majesty has mentioned it before, but without elaborating. Now that it's showing initial results, could you please share it with me so I can have a clearer understanding?"

As soon as Grand Tutor Zhang said this, other ministers echoed him. Obviously, they were full of curiosity and questions about my "national development strategy".

I smiled slightly, having expected this kind of situation, so I signaled my attendants to bring Advisor Liu and Craftsman Sun to the palace.

"Lord Liu, Master Sun, today you two will present this national development strategy and the research results of the past few days to everyone." I looked at the two of them, my tone full of trust and encouragement.

Liu Moushi and Sun Gongjiang received the order and presented to the ministers the new agricultural tool models they had jointly developed in recent days, the water conservancy project drawings they had drawn, and the detailed agricultural development plans.

"Your Majesty has a far-sighted vision, and I admire you!" Censor Wang was the first to break the silence. He carefully read the agricultural development plan, his eyes full of admiration. "If this plan is truly implemented, within three years, our country's grain production will double, and the people's lives will be greatly improved!"

"Lord Wang is absolutely right." A commoner of Zhao, who had been silent until then, stood up and said excitedly, "We have been farmers for generations and know the hardships of farming. If we could really use these new farm tools and build water conservancy projects, it would be a blessing for the people of our dynasty!"

"Your Majesty is wise! We are willing to do our best to assist Your Majesty in accomplishing this undertaking that will benefit the country and the people!" The ministers knelt one after another, their eyes flashing with hope and excitement.

Looking at this scene before me, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Thinking back to when I first proposed the national development strategy, I encountered so much skepticism and opposition. Now, seeing with my own eyes how moved they are by my determination and hard work, I'm filled with joy and pride.

I took a deep breath, suppressed my excitement, slowly stood up, looked around at everyone, and said in a deep voice, "Alright! Since all of you support my decision, then I will..." I deliberately paused, my eyes sweeping across everyone's faces, taking in their expectant expressions. Then, word by word, I said, "Announce the establishment of a special agency, let's call it the 'Development Committee'! This committee will be supervised by me personally, and its members will be composed of capable and responsible officials from various departments, responsible for supervising and promoting the implementation of the national development strategy!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" As soon as I finished speaking, the entire Golden Palace erupted in thunderous cheers. The ministers were thrilled, as if they saw a prosperous future for the country right before their eyes.

I pressed my hand, signaling everyone to quiet down, and continued, "I have decided. Grand Tutor Zhang is highly respected and experienced. You will be the head of the Development Committee and will oversee the overall situation. How do you do that?"

Grand Tutor Zhang quickly knelt on the ground and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace! I will do my best to live up to your trust!"

I nodded slightly, then looked at Wang Jianguan and said, "Lord Wang, you have always been outspoken and honest in your conduct. I will appoint you as the deputy director of the Development Committee, responsible for overseeing the implementation of various departments and ensuring the smooth implementation of the national development strategy."

"I obey your order!" Wang Jianguan also knelt down excitedly.

After arranging the main responsible persons, I turned my attention to Advisor Liu and Craftsman Sun and said, "Master Liu is resourceful and wise, and Craftsman Sun is skilled. You two are both rare talents. I hope you can join the Development Committee and contribute your strength to the development of the country."

"Thank you, Your Majesty! I, your humble servant, will do my best!" Advisor Liu and Craftsman Sun looked at each other and said in unison.

Looking at this group of high-spirited people, my heart is filled with hope. I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and achieve the great goal of a prosperous country and a peaceful and happy life for our people!

"Okay! This concludes today's morning court session. Dismiss!"

I stepped down from the throne with a satisfied smile and was about to return to the imperial study when I suddenly heard a hurried voice behind me...