From cute to empress

Chapter 185: Signs of Prosperity

In the Golden Palace, the voices of the ministers echoed in my ears, eventually fading into silence. I rubbed my brows, exhaustion washing over me like a tide. Such arguments have never ceased since I ascended the throne.

"Your Majesty is wise!" The ministers' praise comforted me. As I glanced at them, I saw the worry in Grand Tutor Zhang's eyes, the resolve of Censor Wang, the thoughtful deliberation of Advisor Liu, and the youthful enthusiasm still lingering on the faces of the young officials.

I know that every decision I make is related to the fate of this country and the well-being of the people, so I must be extremely cautious.

"Report--" The sharp voice once again broke the brief silence.

"Xuan!" I tried to keep myself calm.

A messenger walked quickly into the hall, knelt down and reported: "Your Majesty, the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Rites request an audience. They say they have important matters to report."

"Let them in."

The two ministers walked hurriedly into the hall, with unconcealable joy on their faces.

"I see your Majesty, long live my emperor!"

"My two dear ministers, please stand up. What important matter do you have to report?" I looked at them, with a hint of anticipation rising in my heart.

The Minister of Revenue spoke first, "Your Majesty, this year's weather has been favorable, and the grain harvest has been abundant across the country. Compared to previous years, the yield has increased by a full 30%! The national treasury is full, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. This is a sign of a prosperous era!"

"I second the motion!" the Minister of Rites said excitedly. "Not only that, our dynasty's cultural exchanges with neighboring countries are becoming increasingly frequent, and envoys from various countries are coming to pay homage. Our dynasty's reputation is at its peak!"

Hearing this news, I finally felt relieved. Over the years, my officials and I have worked diligently to govern the country, implement new policies, and develop the economy, and we are finally seeing results.

However, I know that at this time, I cannot let my guard down. The external environment is constantly changing, and I must remain vigilant at all times.

Just as I was about to speak, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the hall, and then a guard ran in in a panic.

"Report——"

There was a tremor in his voice, and my heart sank. "Speak!"

"Your Majesty..." The guard knelt on the ground, his voice low and rapid, "Urgent news from the border! Neighboring country...neighboring country..."

He paused, as if he found it difficult to speak, and his forehead was covered with cold sweat.

"What's wrong with the neighboring country? Speak!" My voice unconsciously rose an octave.

The guard took a deep breath and finally mustered the courage to speak: "The neighboring country... has deployed troops on the border, and seems to be planning an invasion..."

The guard's words resonated like a thunderclap across the hall. My heart sank, a chill running through my chest. A neighboring country had deployed troops on the border, their intentions unkind. Was the peace we'd enjoyed for so many years about to be shattered?

I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. I glanced at His Highness's ministers and saw that some of them looked terrified, some were whispering to each other, and some were filled with indignation.

"What are you panicking about?" I said in a deep voice. "The border war is of great importance. You must not speculate rashly, and you must not spread rumors and disturb the people!"

Although my voice was not loud, it carried an irresistible majesty, which instantly calmed the somewhat chaotic scene.

"Pass the order down," I gave the order decisively, "Strengthen border defenses, closely monitor the movements of neighboring countries, and be prepared for battle at any time!"

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

I understand that war is no joke. Once it breaks out, it will inevitably bring devastating suffering to the people. While strengthening national defense, I must also actively seek peaceful solutions.

"Advisor Liu," I turned to my advisor, "you must immediately draft a letter of credence and send envoys to the neighboring country to ascertain its true intentions. We must negotiate a settlement regarding our trade disputes and nip this war in the bud!"

"I obey your command!" Advisor Liu took the order and left.

Just then, I heard a familiar sound of footsteps outside the hall. I looked up and saw a tall and straight figure appear at the door.

"Your Majesty, I am Zhen Youcai, your servant, here to see you!" The person who came was my lover, Zhen Youcai, a young general who had been guarding the border for many years.

"My dear, please stand up." I gestured for him to stand up and asked anxiously, "How is the situation at the border? Have you discovered anything since you came back this time?"

Zhen Youcai's face was solemn. He clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I have returned this time precisely for this matter. Based on my years of understanding of our neighboring countries, their deployment of troops on the border this time is not a genuine desire for war, but rather..."

He paused, lowered his voice, and told me something shocking: "Instead, they want to use the threat of war to force me to make concessions in trade negotiations!"

Zhen Youcai's words confirmed my suspicions. It seems this crisis isn't inevitable; as long as we respond appropriately, there's still hope for a peaceful resolution.

I took a deep breath and said with a firm gaze, "My dear minister, you are absolutely right. I will never let their conspiracy succeed!"

I turned to the courtiers and said in a dignified tone, "My dear ministers, every citizen has a share of responsibility for the fate of their nation. Now that our nation is in peril, it is time for you to serve the court!"

"We are willing to share your Majesty's worries!" The ministers responded in unison. However, when I glanced at Grand Tutor Zhang and Censor Wang, I saw a hint of hesitation in their eyes...

"Your Majesty, I believe that peace is the most important policy for today!" Grand Tutor Zhang stood up tremblingly, his graying beard quivering slightly as he spoke. "Our dynasty has enjoyed years of recuperation, the treasury is full, and the people live and work in peace. Why should we rashly provoke war over a minor trade dispute? In my humble opinion, the best policy is to agree to our neighbor's terms and maintain peace."

"Grand Tutor Zhang is wrong!" retorted Wang Jianguan. "Our neighboring country is ambitious and insatiable. If we don't teach them a lesson this time, they will surely become even more aggressive in the future, and our dynasty will be on the defensive! In my opinion, the most urgent task is to strengthen our border defenses, prepare our troops, and make every effort to stop the war with war!"

As soon as Grand Tutor Zhang and Censor Wang finished their words, the ministers in the hall began to discuss. Some supported Grand Tutor Zhang's proposal for peace, while others agreed with Censor Wang's proposal for war. For a while, the court was filled with endless arguments.

I sat on the Dragon Throne, quietly listening to their arguments, my heart swirling with emotion. I understood that war is cruel, and once it breaks out, it inevitably causes devastation. However, blindly yielding and retreating would only encourage the arrogance of our neighbors, ultimately endangering national security and the interests of our people.

"Enough!" I slammed the armrest of the dragon throne. The hall instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on me. "My decision is made!" I glanced at my ministers and spoke firmly. "Our dynasty loves peace and does not easily provoke war, but we are not afraid of any threats! Pass on my decree. Effective immediately, strengthen border defenses, recruit elite troops and generals, and be ready to respond to any challenge! At the same time, continue diplomatic negotiations with neighboring countries to strive for a peaceful resolution of disputes!"

As soon as I finished speaking, Zhen Youcai stood up, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty is wise! I am willing to lead the troops to the border and defend national security to the death!"

"Your loyalty and bravery are truly gratifying to me." I nodded, my eyes filled with trust. "The border war is a matter of great importance. I leave everything in your hands."

"I will definitely live up to your majesty's high expectations!" After Zhen Youcai said this, he turned around and strode out of the hall.

I watched Zhen Youcai depart, my heart filled with both worry and anticipation. I know a new storm is coming, but I'm ready to meet the challenge. I firmly believe that under my leadership, my country and people will overcome all difficulties and move towards a brighter future.

At this moment, a guard hurried into the hall, holding a secret letter in his hand. He walked in front of me, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, urgent news from the border!"

I was startled and quickly took the secret letter. I unfolded it and my face suddenly became serious. This letter was from Zhen Youcai, saying that he had learned a major secret about a neighboring country...

Zhen Youcai's secret letter burned my palms like a branding iron. He explained that he had learned that the neighboring kingdoms were not united. Their rulers were incompetent and cruel, sparking rebellion among the people. Among them, a rebel leader named "Qinglong" was the most valiant and skilled. His army, with immense momentum, had already captured several cities in the neighboring kingdom and threatened to challenge the imperial court.

I gripped the letter, my fingertips turning pale. This was truly shocking news. If true, it would completely transform the nature of this border conflict. While our neighboring country appears to be eyeing us covetously, it's actually preoccupied with internal and external troubles. Perhaps this is an opportunity for our country?

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. I summoned Liu, the counselor, and handed him the secret letter. I asked in a deep voice, "What do you think, my dear?"

After carefully reading the secret letter, Advisor Liu frowned slightly. He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of grave importance. We must proceed with caution. I suggest that, on the one hand, we intensify our investigation into the internal situation of the neighboring country to verify the authenticity of the news. On the other hand, we must also be prepared for both scenarios. If civil unrest truly breaks out in the neighboring country, we may be able to..."

Liu didn't say anything more, but I understood his point. We can choose to exploit the situation and send troops to annex our neighbor, or we can choose to wait and see and reap the benefits. Either choice will have a profound impact on our country's future.

I rubbed my brows, feeling a wave of fatigue. Since traveling to this world and becoming the ruler of a nation, I've faced a variety of challenges and choices every day. I long for peace, but I also understand that to protect it, I must possess great power.

I looked out the window. The sun was setting and a fiery red cloud was burning on the horizon, just like my mood at the moment, full of unknowns and challenges.

I returned to my study, spread out the letter paper, picked up my pen, and dipped it in ink, intending to write back to Zhen Youcai. I wanted to tell him my decision, and I also wanted to ask him if everything was okay at the border, thousands of miles away from me.

My pen tip moved across the paper, but I hesitated to put pen to paper. I suddenly remembered what Zhen Youcai had written at the end of the letter: "On the day of our triumphant return, it will be you and me..."

What exactly did he want to say? I held the letter in my hand, my heart filled with doubt and anticipation...