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墨書 Inktalez
In families where youth have died on the battlefield, the compensation will be doubled as a form of recompense. This is the best consolation for the fallen warriors.
Sun Zizhao's actions undoubtedly won the hearts of the people. On the streets, beggars and homeless individuals were all enlisted into the army, with no one turned away. This not only resolved their difficult living conditions but also injected new blood into the newly established Han Wang Army, which is a good thing.
Lu Chen's sensible suggestions were entirely for the benefit of the common people, covering all aspects. Sun Zizhao is just starting out; although he carries the banner of restoring the Han, it is still far from enough and cannot truly resonate with the people because the Han Dynasty fell a long time ago.
What Sun Zizhao needs to do now is to win the hearts of the people. Gaining their support is the first priority. A country can only prosper and develop if it genuinely considers its citizens important, ensuring a stable regime.
If one calculates against the common people, treating them as class enemies, protecting each other within official circles while oppressing and exploiting the populace with harsh taxes, then as burdens grow heavier on the common people, dissatisfaction will naturally arise, leading to the eventual collapse of power.
Therefore, to stabilize a nation, one must first win the hearts of the people and earn their affection; only then will everything fall into place naturally.
"Brother Chen's words have awakened me and made me reflect deeply. Starting tomorrow, I will leave my study to inspect various regions in the state, addressing ordinary grievances and monitoring people's livelihoods. I will do everything I can."
Sun Zizhao's expression was solemn and serious. He was Ming Ren and understood that Lu Chen was subtly reminding him that establishing a nation relies not only on war for plunder; many things can be achieved through war.
"The Han Dynasty is wise; I apologize for my offense."
Lu Chen offered an apology. His intention was to remind Sun Zizhao not to become arrogant or lose himself; otherwise, establishing a nation would lose its significance. Such behavior could indeed be somewhat abrupt for a king.
"Brother Chen, where are you getting this from? You are my mirror, reflecting my strengths and weaknesses. I should be grateful to you. My goal is to be a wise minister; if I become a ruler in the future, I will surely also be a wise king. You are my mirror and my right-hand man. I need you. Do you understand what I mean?" Sun Zizhao said to Lu Chen.
Lu Chen nodded. He understood that Sun Zizhao was eager for talent and that he wanted him to continue in this manner.
Everyone at the banquet chatted freely about national affairs and people's livelihoods without any reservations, as if they were close friends. That night, Lu Chen and Sun Zizhao shared a bed, appearing very close.
In the following days, Lu Chen continued to stay at Sun Zizhao's residence before they both went down to grassroots levels in various provinces, counties, and even towns to inspect public sentiment.
As Lu Chen had anticipated, wherever Sun Zizhao went, he received a warm welcome from the common people who were very enthusiastic.
This year, the fields have had a bountiful harvest, and the farmers' granaries are filled to the brim. Moreover, this year and the next two years are tax-exempt, meaning they do not have to pay any taxes on what they grow, which is undoubtedly a joyous occasion.
In addition to accompanying Sun Zizhao on inspections, Lu Chen has not forgotten to keep an eye on news from the Northern Battlefield. Any movements or changes are relayed back through the intelligence network, allowing him to be informed at the earliest opportunity.
The Defender of the Realm has led hundreds of thousands of troops to seek justice. However, in Lu Chen's view, he will not fare well against Qi Kingdom because the Commander of Qi Kingdom, Grand Marshal Chen Shilong, is no simple character.
Moreover, while outsiders may not know it, Lu Chen is aware that Qi Kingdom has the powerful Yin Yang Gate backing it. The Essence of Yin Yang Gate has openly intervened in the underworld and has refined a State Axe specifically prepared for Qi Kingdom.
Star Gate also stands on the side of Korea. The Four Great Ancestors of the Daoist Sect appear to be discussing doctrines with Yin Yang Gate on the surface, but each has their own ulterior motives. Lu Chen believes that none of the hands of the Four Great Ancestors of the Daoist Sect are clean; they are merely putting on a show.
Lu Chen is too lazy to concern himself with these matters. What he truly cares about is the development of Sun Zizhao; it must grow rapidly. Otherwise, it will be unable to contend with Qi Kingdom and other feudal lords like Korea.
Currently, Sun Zizhao's internal situation needs to be stabilized first, but the next step must be to start mobilizing troops for plunder, capturing all surrounding states to expand its territory because Sun Zizhao is currently too weak.
Just looking at the Defender of the Realm's side shows that he has mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops against Qi Kingdom but has only allocated eighty thousand men and one Luo Yi to deal with Sun Zizhao. This clearly indicates where priorities lie.
Sun Zizhao's overall strength cannot compare to that of Qi Kingdom or Korea; it doesn't even measure up to one-tenth. At most, it is slightly stronger than those peasant armies and a bit more organized.
According to recent reports, some governors from various states have begun to rise up with their Provincial Governors. These true traitors who betray from within will not end well.
In addition, there are quite a few Peasant Uprising Armies scattered throughout Central Plains—north, south, east, and west—resulting in chaos across the entire region.
Aside from Sun Zizhao, Lu Chen is also concerned about the Great Zhou Dynasty. On the surface, it appears to be on the brink of collapse; however, with the Defender of the Realm present, it is unlikely that any major issues will arise in the short term. As for its downfall, that seems even further away.
Lu Chen cannot precisely determine when this great tree known as Great Zhou Dynasty will fall. Even during his stargazing at night, he can still sense the imperial aura in the north remains strong; attempting to predict its fate proves futile.
With only a little over a year left until the ten-year period ends, Lu Chen often finds himself frowning and unable to sleep at night.
It seems time to visit the capital because news has arrived that successors from various Major Sects have gathered there for discussions surrounding an upcoming change in Imperial Authority that resembles a martial arts competition.
Among the disciples of these Major Sects, many are future candidates for the position of Sect Leader or will hold important roles within the Sect. They are crucial talents and seed candidates.
These individuals are also somewhat connected to the Imperial Authority, supporting the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Qi Kingdom, and even some countries outside of the Central Plains. The power dynamics are intricate and complex.
It is precisely for this reason that Lu Chen felt it necessary to make a personal visit to meet these people.
After accompanying Sun Zizhao to inspect several major provinces, Lu Chen protected Sun Zizhao back to Fishing Sun, arranging for the Dragon Slayer Legion to guard Sun Zizhao's residence day and night before departing.
He did not bring anyone with him; he went alone. For him at this moment, having an extra person around would be a burden. If something were to happen, it would be difficult for him to extricate himself.
Upon leaving Yuyang City, Lu Chen transformed into his true form as an Electric Python and soared into the clouds, heading straight for the capital city.
He did not take a carriage or ride a horse; facing different enemies this time, there was no need for pretense.
In just a few hours, Lu Chen arrived at the capital city, the administrative center of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The capital covers an extensive area, likely larger than dozens of Yuyang Cities. After all, it is the largest and most prosperous city in the Central Plains, incomparable to those smaller cities.
Lu Chen did not fly directly into the city; perhaps he was cautious. The capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty is certainly not a place that can be described merely as Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger. The number of experts here is unimaginable. Therefore, he decided to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to himself upon arrival.
Lu Chen landed about ten miles from the South Gate of the capital and proceeded on foot.
At this time, his attire resembled that of a young Scholar. He held a fan in his hand, wore a silk cap on his head, and donned a scholar's robe—completely embodying the appearance of a cultured literati.
As Lu Chen walked along the official road, he occasionally brushed past passersby. After about half an hour of walking, he finally saw the outline of the Drum Tower in the distance. It appeared massive and grandiose.
After walking for another quarter of an hour or so, Lu Chen finally reached the city gate. He passed through a soldier's inspection and entered the city.
Indeed, the capital is bustling with activity; its level of prosperity is unmatched by any other city. Inside, commerce thrives with an abundance of goods available. The same items come in various styles, allowing for easy selection.
Looking at the vendors on the street, calling out their wares, Lu Chen smiled slightly and strolled alone.
It was unclear how long he had walked, but when Lu Chen stopped and turned around, he was taken aback to see a very large restaurant, occupying several dozen acres with over a thousand guest rooms. Its name was "Fengcuilou."
"Fengcuilou."
Lu Chen murmured its name, appearing deep in thought. After helping Lei Kai secure Qinghe City, he had achieved great merit, and Sun Zizhao had rewarded him with a grand residence located near Fengcuilou, an absolute mansion that Lu Chen had declined.
Now standing beneath Fengcuilou, Lu Chen suddenly felt a different sensation, as if something were summoning him to walk this way.
His arrival here seemed natural, almost destined, so he came.
Lu Chen smiled lightly, waved his fan, and then stepped forward into Fengcuilou.
The ground floor of Fengcuilou was a relatively ordinary dining area filled with patrons gathered together, eating and chatting in small groups.
Lu Chen glanced around and headed straight up to the second floor, which was similar to the first but with diners of a noticeably higher status—officials or wealthy young masters mingling together.
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