The Empress felt a pang of embarrassment, realizing there were policy proposals in the world she couldn't comprehend. However, she quickly regained her regal composure and stated, "I have reviewed all of these. I believe your strategy, Minister Chu, is exceptionally well-conceived."
"You may return and begin your preparations. At tomorrow's court session, I shall appoint you as Imperial Envoy, granting you full authority over this matter."
"On the surface, you will hold the position of Second Rank Special Commissioner for the Promotion of New Crops. In reality, however, this will be your opportunity to implement the strategy you presented today. Do you understand?"
Chu Chen cupped his hands solemnly and replied, "Your subject, Chu Chen, understands. I will surely complete the reforms and help Your Majesty reverse Yunyue Kingdom's predicament."
The Empress nodded and waved her hand, saying, "Take these back with you. Make a copy and send it to the Imperial Study. I intend to observe it in real-time and ensure you are diligently carrying out your duties."
In truth, there were too many things she didn't understand, and the Empress, for the sake of her dignity, was reluctant to ask her ministers so many questions. She planned to study the document thoroughly and analyze it. As an emperor, she didn't need to be an expert; knowing the general purpose and effects would suffice.
"Your subject obeys."
Chu Chen, not thinking much of the request for a mere backup copy, agreed and turned to leave.
Gazing at the entrance to the Imperial Study, the Empress murmured to herself, "This Chu Chen is exceptionally talented and capable. However, these reforms, no matter how gentle, will inevitably infringe upon the interests of the gentry."
"Which of the officials in court does not own land or engage in trade? Throughout history, those who initiated reforms, whether successful or not, have rarely met a good end."
"I hope Chu Chen can succeed in his reforms for me."
Upon returning to the Chu manor, Chu Chen clapped his hands three times, summoning the dozen or so members of the Shadow Guard who had been following him since he left the imperial city.
Looking at the black-clad, masked figures kneeling before him, Chu Chen pondered for a moment before speaking, "You shall temporarily suspend your efforts to gather evidence of corrupt officials. Leave ten of your number behind, and the rest shall disperse to the surrounding prefectures and counties to gather information on the prevailing sentiments among the local gentry and noble families."
"Understood!"
The dozen or so Shadow Guards who received the order departed immediately, leaving only five to guard Chu Chen's surroundings and ensure his safety.
"When I was first granted a hundred Shadow Guards, I thought it was a considerable number. But now, at this crucial juncture, I realize how few we truly are," Chu Chen sighed, a hint of worry in his heart.
Even gentle reforms were still reforms. Stubborn individuals existed everywhere. Mild and circuitous methods were merely meant to neutralize or assimilate the majority of potential opponents, but they couldn't completely prevent opposition from arising.
Chu Chen had diligently studied the general histories of the various nations on the Qingzhou Continent in the Scripture Pavilion, and combined with his knowledge from his previous life, how could he not be aware of the dangers he would face as a pioneer of reform?
Reforms touched upon the interests of too many people, disrupting their previously leisurely and profitable environments, and inevitably offending many. Yet, Chu Chen had no choice but to proceed. Otherwise, if Yunyue Kingdom were to fall, those he cared about would also suffer. And his own interests would undoubtedly vanish. Would starting anew in another country guarantee that he wouldn't face similar situations requiring him to lead a desperate reform?
"Fortunately, I have this achievement that can exchange for a certain degree of external stability, allowing me to avoid facing both internal and external enemies simultaneously."
"I just don't know how much cultivation points this 'certain amount' refers to, and how long the period of peace it can buy."
Chu Chen pondered for a moment, then decided to test it.
He sat cross-legged, opened the Achievement System, found the 'Peaceful Era' achievement, and then poured in half of his spiritual energy in one go.
[Notification! Host has actively triggered the effect of the 'Peaceful Era' achievement. The country where the host resides, Yunyue Kingdom, will enter a state of Peaceful Era for the next five days. During this state, other countries will not launch invasions against Yunyue Kingdom.]
[Notification! The 'Peaceful Era' effect cannot take effect on countries currently in a state of war or engagement.]
Chu Chen frowned slightly and carefully considered the intelligence he possessed. "Although many surrounding countries cast covetous glances at Yunyue Kingdom, only the Chen Kingdom has taken direct action. I'm not sure if the Chen Kingdom and Yunyue Kingdom are considered to be in a state of war."
Chu Chen was uncertain of the Life Simulator System's judgment on the Chen Kingdom, as they had attacked without any declaration of war or formal notice. After the conflict, there had been no peace treaty either.
"Never mind, they are just a defeated nation. Moreover, once the spring plowing begins this year, if the Chen Kingdom doesn't react in time, they will suffer for several years."
A smile played on Chu Chen's lips as he recalled the information about surrounding countries that he had specifically ordered the Shadow Guard to collect.
Last year, Chu Chen had sold soap and scented soap to neighboring countries, using the exorbitant profits to exchange for their grain. He had also raised the purchase price of raw materials for soap and scented soap by twenty percent higher than that of grain. In the summer and autumn of last year, he had also massively acquired mulberry and hemp in surrounding countries. Compared to economic crops like mulberry and hemp, what was the profit from planting wheat, rice, and millet?
He surmised that during this spring's plowing, many gentry in the surrounding countries would be willing to switch to planting economic crops. At that time, with a large amount of grain being purchased and transported away by Yunyue Kingdom, and the shift in cultivation to economic crops reducing grain output, even if the surrounding countries wanted to wage war against Yunyue Kingdom, they might not have enough grain to supply an invading army.
"With my current Foundation Establishment realm strength, half of my spiritual energy can only buy five days of 'Peaceful Era' status. The consumed spiritual energy will take at least an hour to recover. It's quite a worthwhile exchange."
"I wonder if a higher realm can purchase a longer duration? If that's the case, wouldn't Yunyue Kingdom be perpetually prosperous and peaceful?"
Chu Chen felt this achievement was somewhat overpowered, but he wasn't sure if any country in the future could exceptionally break this achievement's effect.
"Enough, dwelling on it is pointless."
Chu Chen took out a Foundation Establishment realm spiritual energy pill, consumed one, and began to cultivate. With the aid of the pill, a large amount of pure, refined spiritual energy continuously dissolved from it, supplying Chu Chen's absorption. Chu Chen first recovered the lost fifty percent of his spiritual energy, then circulated the replenished spiritual energy throughout his body. With each circulation, his meridians expanded slightly, allowing more spiritual energy to pass through. Simultaneously, he channeled half of his spiritual energy to continuously expand his dantian, enabling it to hold more liquid spiritual energy.
While in a state of cultivation, time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, it was the second day's court session. Chu Chen ate breakfast, dressed neatly, and went to the Government Affairs Hall in the imperial city to await the start of the court session.
Shortly thereafter, the Empress emerged from the rear of the hall. After a round of salutations, the Empress, seated on the dragon throne, waved her hand and said, "All my ministers, please rise."
"If there are matters to report, speak now! Otherwise, the court is dismissed!" the old eunuch announced loudly.
After an hour of deliberation, the Empress finally spoke, "I previously dispatched Minister Chu to oversee the promotion of new crops. However, some difficulties have been encountered. Do any of my ministers have a solution?"
The assembled ministers were somewhat bewildered, not knowing what these "difficulties" entailed.