From cute to empress

Chapter 182 The Light of Decision

The morning light filtered through the carved window lattices, gilding the magnificent court with a pale golden hue. I sat upright on the dragon throne, gazing down at the sea of ​​courtiers below, my heart surging with unprecedented ambition and lofty sentiments.

"My dear ministers, I have summoned you all here today to discuss the long-term development of our nation." I cleared my throat, my gaze sweeping across the faces that were either lost in thought or puzzled. "I hope that our dynasty can become fundamentally strong and prosperous, that our people can live and work in peace, and that our nation can thrive!"

I signaled to the eunuch beside me to unfold the scroll that had been prepared long ago, which clearly depicted the national development blueprint that I had carefully conceived.

"First, we need to carry out agricultural reform." I pointed to the fields crisscrossing the map. "We need to promote new crop varieties, improve farming techniques, and build water conservancy projects, so that our farmers can reap even greater rewards!"

"Secondly, we must vigorously develop commerce." I moved my finger to the bustling market in the picture. "We must encourage trade, reduce taxes, make the circulation of goods more convenient, and make people's lives more prosperous!"

"Finally, and most importantly, we must popularize literacy!" My eyes fell on the school in the picture, filled with the sound of reading. "We should open schools, recruit students widely, and ensure that all children can learn to read and write, develop good manners, and cultivate more talents for our country!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the originally silent court suddenly became as noisy as boiling water.

"Your Majesty, absolutely not!" The elderly Grand Tutor Zhang stepped forward tremblingly, his graying beard quivering slightly with his movements. "Since ancient times, agriculture has been the foundation of a nation. Commercial development will only undermine the agricultural foundation and be detrimental to the long-term stability of the country!"

"Your Majesty, I, an old minister, also think this is inappropriate." The royal censor, known for his outspokenness, also spoke out in opposition. "While the spread of cultural education is good, if it's not properly controlled, it will inevitably lead to ideological confusion, blind obedience among the people, and ultimately undermine the foundation of the nation!"

I listened quietly to their questions and objections, without a trace of panic. These reactions were all within my expectations. Reform is never smooth sailing and is bound to encounter various obstacles and challenges.

I took a deep breath and was about to speak when I saw the silent Liu Moushi slowly stand up...

Advisor Liu bowed slightly and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty is ambitious, and I deeply admire you. However, this reform requires careful planning and careful consideration." He paused, his gaze shifting to the scroll in my hand. "For example, regarding agricultural reform, promoting new crops is certainly good, but where will the seeds come from? How can we ensure yields? How much manpower and resources will be required to improve farming techniques? These are all issues that need to be considered."

"There is also the commercial development. Tax reduction and exemption can certainly promote the prosperity of commerce, but how can the treasury revenue be guaranteed? If the treasury is empty, how can we deal with emergencies and resist foreign invasions?" Every word that Liu Moushi said was like a heavy hammer hitting everyone's heart. Those who were eager to agree with Zhang Taishi and Wang Jianguan were silent at this moment.

I listened patiently to Liu's analysis and didn't feel offended by his questions. I understood that he wasn't opposing reform, but rather offering practical suggestions.

"Lord Liu, you are absolutely right." I nodded slightly, motioning for him to sit down. "I am not someone who acts on his own. Reforms do require caution."

I looked around and said with a firm gaze, "Regarding the funding issue, I have a plan. We will increase revenue and reduce expenditure, vigorously develop the economy, and ensure the smooth progress of reform. Regarding technology, we will recruit skilled craftsmen and actively learn from the advanced experience of other countries."

My eyes fell on Grand Tutor Zhang. "Grand Tutor, I know you are old and have toiled for the country your whole life, so I am inevitably worried. But I can assure you that everything I do is for the people and for the eternal foundation of our dynasty!"

I turned to the censor, "Censor, I greatly admire your courage to speak your mind. But I also want to tell you that the clash of ideas isn't necessarily a bad thing. Only through constant reflection and exploration can we find the path that best suits our country's development!"

My words gradually quieted the originally restless court. Just then, a resounding voice rang out from the crowd...

The loud voice in the crowd continued. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw it was Old Man Zhao. When I was touring incognito, I once stayed at his house for a night. His fields were barren, the harvest was poor, and his life was very difficult.

"I'd like to ask you a question!" Old Man Zhao said in a loud and powerful voice, "What do we ordinary people want most?"

He looked around. The ministers were a little uncomfortable with his direct gaze and avoided his gaze. Old Man Zhao ignored their reactions and continued to speak: "What we ordinary people want is simple: to have enough food and warm clothes, for our children to go to school, and to be able to see a doctor when we are sick. That's enough!"

"But these simple wishes are as difficult as ascending to heaven for us peasants!" Old Man Zhao said, his voice choking with sobs. "The reforms Your Majesty mentioned are a great blessing for us ordinary people! My wife and children were so happy when they heard about it that they couldn't sleep all night!"

As he spoke, he suddenly knelt down and kowtowed to me. "Your Majesty, you are a good emperor who truly cares about the people!"

Old Man Zhao's words resonated with many people, and a buzz of discussion broke out in the court. At this time, another person stood up. He was the famous craftsman Old Man Sun, who had created exquisite mechanical devices for the royal family.

"Your Majesty, I am Sun Ergou, and my family has been craftsmen for generations." He bowed to me. "After hearing your plans, I am extremely excited! I am willing to contribute all my life's knowledge to help your majesty with your worries!"

He pulled out a thick booklet from his pocket. "These are the blueprints for new machinery I've been researching for years. They can improve farming efficiency and save manpower." He paused, then pulled out a handful of oddly shaped tools from his other pocket. "These are the farm tools I improved based on the blueprints brought by foreign merchants. They're more suitable for our land..."

Old Man Sun spoke incessantly about his inventions, his eyes gleaming with excitement. His words were filled with longing for the future, igniting the hopes of many in the court.

I listened intently, a warm feeling welling up in my heart. This warmth dispelled the gloom that had been accumulating in my heart for days, and made me more determined to reform. I slowly stood up. The discussion in the court gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes were focused on me.

I glanced around, my gaze firm and composed, and spoke slowly, "I am aware of your opinions, my dear ministers." My voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly to every corner of the hall. "As Old Man Zhao and Craftsman Sun have said, only when the people live and work in peace and contentment can the country enjoy lasting stability. The plan I propose today won't be accomplished overnight, nor is it merely theoretical. I understand that achieving this will require overcoming numerous difficulties and the joint efforts of all of us."

I paused, my gaze sweeping across the faces that expressed agreement, concern, and opposition, and continued, "I am not one to act on my own. Today's discussion is merely a starting point. I have decided to further refine this plan and invite all of you, my dear ministers, as well as knowledgeable individuals from the public, to participate in the discussion and development of a specific implementation plan."

"Grand Master Zhang," I said, looking at the old minister who had remained silent and frowned, "you are highly respected and experienced. I would like you to be the host of this plan revision."

Zhang Taishi seemed a little surprised. He opened his mouth but hesitated. I gave him an encouraging look, telling him to speak frankly.

"Your Majesty..." Grand Tutor Zhang hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, "Your Majesty..."

Before he could finish his words, a shrill voice suddenly interrupted: "Your Majesty, absolutely not!"

I looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Minister of Revenue, Lord Liu. He looked anxious, as if he had seen some monstrous beast...