Chapter 266: Chapter 263: Morning Meeting_1
Imperial Hall!
Golden light illuminated everything!
Civil and military officials stood on both sides, gazing with adoration at Qin Wudao on the imperial throne. This young Emperor had truly astounded them.
Champion of the ’East Border Grand Ceremony’!
The Youth King of the East Border!
Inheritor of the supreme Kunlun legacy!
Any one of these titles alone would shake the continent, leaving countless prodigies far behind. Possessing all three, he could secure a prominent place even in the Middle Region, renowned for its multitude of prodigies.
"My dear officials, please update me on recent events."
Qin Wudao glanced around at his courtiers in the Great Hall, noted the significant increase in their strength, and asked with a nod of approval.
"Your Majesty," Zhuge Liang began, stepping into the center of the hall and bowing respectfully, "after your visit to the Kylin Sacred Land, the Langya Sect has been, both openly and covertly, suppressing our Great Qin Divine Court. The Thunder Divine Court and the Graceful Divine Court have also dispatched their armies, massing troops along the border..."
In general, there were countless minor incidents but no major crises. After all, the strength of the Great Qin Divine Court was sufficient to overwhelm the surrounding factions.
"In due time, I will dispatch the army to deal with them! Meanwhile, what is the situation domestically?"
A flicker of killing intent flashed deep within Qin Wudao’s eyes, unseen by others. Whether regarding the Kylin Sacred Land or the Xuan Serpent tribe issue, the Langya Sect had consistently opposed the Great Qin Divine Court. It was best to eliminate such a neighbor as soon as possible. As for the Thunder Divine Court and the Graceful Divine Court, while they hadn’t directly antagonized the Great Qin Divine Court, their act of stationing troops at the border was reason enough for military action.
"Your Majesty, our domestic economy continues to develop. The impacts of past wars have been entirely eliminated, and the people’s living standards have significantly improved!
"In terms of martial strength, within the Imperial Capital region, the overall cultivation of Qin citizens has reached the Real Human Realm. In other regions, the general populace has reached the Innate Realm. This has produced 93,027 geniuses and 50 prodigies!
"Regarding our armies, the Imperial Court has authorized local prefectures to form regional corps, each with a quota of 300,000 soldiers. Currently, 43 such corps have been formed and can be committed to major battlefields!
"In internal affairs, the Court has established educational academies, with preliminary coverage across all commanderies and counties of the nation. Each year, we cultivate hundreds of millions of students. Upon graduation, they are assigned positions by the Imperial Court..."
As Prime Minister, Zhuge Liang possessed a comprehensive understanding of all national affairs. After detailing the positive developments, he proceeded to outline areas requiring improvement.
"Your Majesty, despite the rapid growth of Great Qin’s economy, existing problems cannot be ignored!
"Across the land, the nation appears peaceful and prosperous on the surface. However, beneath this veneer, numerous issues persist, such as the Xuan Serpent tribe’s rebellion. Other Dao Field-level entities are also showing troubling signs!
"Then there is the perennial issue of officialdom. Besides the scarcity of local officials, the Ministry of Personnel has uncovered significant corruption among many local governing officials. Cultivation resources allocated by the state have been diverted into the hands of aristocratic families..."
After this point, Zhuge Liang hesitated for a moment before bowing and continuing, "Finally, and most crucially, it is said that the Dragon and Phoenix symbolize auspicious fortune. Currently, Your Majesty has no consorts in the Imperial Harem, and the Imperial House lacks a dragon heir, which is truly a sign of instability for the nation’s foundation. This humble minister audaciously suggests Your Majesty initiate a nationwide selection to replenish the Imperial Harem!"
At these words, the civil and military officials, as if by prior agreement, all knelt and proclaimed, "We implore Your Majesty to conduct a selection and establish an Empress to stabilize the nation’s Fortune!"
They were all terrified!
This time, Qin Wudao had only been missing for over ten days, yet a rebellion had already erupted within the country. Strictly speaking, this was a failure on the part of the Imperial Court. But probing deeper, it was also directly linked to the Great Qin Divine Court having no heir.
The Crown Prince is the bedrock of the nation!
In a nation reliant on Fortune, if the monarch goes missing, the Crown Prince is the first successor, and other Princes are next in line. Apart from them, no one else can ensure a stable succession of power.
Even if other members of the Imperial bloodline ascended to become the new monarch with the support of the ministers, they could not quickly gain the recognition of the nation’s Fortune, leading to a significant loss of it.
Furthermore, in this world of martial artists, when a powerful martial artist enters seclusion for cultivation, a blink of an eye could signify the passage of innumerable seasons. Embarking on an experiential journey might mean they are not seen for years, or even decades.
Therefore, the role of the Crown Prince is thus exceptionally crucial!
Seated on the imperial throne, Qin Wudao was taken aback. What is happening? Weren’t we discussing state affairs? How did the conversation turn to selecting consorts and establishing an Empress?
However, thinking about it, the idea of selecting beauties from tens of billions of people across the nation was indeed quite exciting!
"Ahem, let’s focus on matters of state for now. The selection process can be discussed later!!" Qin Wudao waved his hand.
But the officials kneeling in the hall did not rise.
"No, you must agree to the selection process today!"
At that moment, a resonant voice came from outside the hall. Emperor Emeritus Qin Ying strode in, his majestic gaze filled with unshakeable resolve.
"Father Emperor, why are you here?" Qin Wudao rose and went to greet him.
Qin Ying declared resonantly, "In a nation reliant on Fortune, the Crown Prince is paramount! For the future of the Qin Dynasty, I have decided to conduct a selection for you, across the entire realm, to choose an Empress of upright character, wisdom, and virtue!"
He had long intended to arrange a selection for Qin Wudao. However, just as he was planning it, Qin Wudao executed Li Si, forcing him to temporarily shelve the plan.
It wasn’t until two days ago, when news of Qin Wudao’s return to the capital reached the court, that Zhuge Liang and other ministers visited him. They proposed the plan for a selection, and he immediately voiced his support.
And so, he now stood in the Imperial Hall!
Qin Wudao gave a wry smile. "Very well."
He could still deflect the remonstrations of his ministers, but he could not refuse the words of Qin Ying.
Actually, his reluctance to establish an Empress stemmed mainly from the thinking of his previous life, which made him averse to arranged marriages. However, in this society, the monarch’s affairs are state affairs. Establishing an Empress often cannot be based on personal feelings but must prioritize the nation’s interests.
"Excellent! Leave this matter to me. I will ensure it is handled to your complete satisfaction!"
Hearing this, Qin Ying departed in high spirits, his steps light, as if he had discovered a new purpose in life.
Watching Qin Ying depart, Qin Wudao returned to the imperial throne and declared solemnly, "Next, I have several decrees to announce!"
The assembled officials rose from their knees, listening with utmost attention.
"First, regarding regional instability and official corruption, the Imperial Court will establish more inspection teams. These teams will be empowered to deal with problems autonomously as they find them, reporting their actions after the fact!
"Second, for corrupt officials already identified by the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Punishments and the Ministry of Justice shall take joint action to carry out punishment unto the third degree of kinship. I will not permit cultivation resources allocated to the common people to be embezzled by unscrupulous individuals. Any such discovery will be met with severe punishment, without exception!
"Third, Huo Qubing, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong are appointed as Great Generals, each to form and command a new Grand Army!
"Fourth, Xiao He is appointed Deputy Prime Minister, to assist Zhuge Liang in managing national affairs!
"Fifth, all ministries must be prepared for war at any time..."
Qin Wudao announced fifteen directives in succession, causing many officials’ pupils to constrict. This portended momentous events!