From cute to empress

Chapter 189 Golden Dawn

Golden sunlight bathed the earth, and the flowers and plants in the Imperial Garden swayed gently in the breeze, emitting bursts of fragrance. I took a deep breath, feeling refreshed. For the past few months, my mind had been on edge, fearing that the implementation of the national development strategy would go awry. Now, looking at this thriving scene before me, I could finally relax a little.

"Your Majesty, look!" Grand Tutor Zhang's hearty laughter came from behind. "This year, the weather has been favorable, and all regions have had a bumper harvest! The people all say it's all thanks to Your Majesty's blessing!"

I turned around and saw Grand Tutor Zhang holding a memorial in his hands, his face filled with joy. I took it and carefully flipped through it. It was densely packed with records of grain production in various places, and every single data point showed a significant increase over previous years.

"Your Majesty," the royal censor stepped forward and said, bowing, "Since Your Majesty launched educational reforms, numerous schools have been established across the country, even in remote mountainous areas. Today, the enrollment rate for school-age children has reached over 90%. The people all say that Your Majesty's actions will benefit future generations!"

As soon as Wang Jianguan finished speaking, Liu Counselor also stood up. He bowed to me and said with unconcealed excitement: "Your Majesty, the economic reforms you have implemented have achieved remarkable results. Now the treasury is full, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and the country is thriving!"

As I listened to them report back and forth on the achievements of the national development strategy, I was overwhelmed with emotion. A few months ago, I overcame enormous pressure and pushed through these reforms. Now it seems that my persistence and hard work were worth it.

"Your Majesty," a familiar voice called from behind me. I turned and saw Zhen Youcai, dressed in military uniform, striding towards me. His face was a touch tired, but his eyes remained firm and bright. "News from the border..."

Listening to the ministers' words, my heart was filled with joy and emotion. I put down the memorial and looked around at everyone. The smiles on their faces were the greatest affirmation of my work. "Thank you for your hard work, my dear ministers," I said sincerely. "The remarkable achievements of our national development strategy are inseparable from your support and dedication. I am deeply pleased!"

I paused, my gaze sweeping across everyone with determination. "But this is just the beginning. We still have a long way to go. I hope everyone can continue to work together to strive for the goal of a prosperous country and a peaceful and prosperous life for the people!"

"We will do our best to live up to your majesty's high expectations!" The ministers responded in unison, their voices loud and clear, echoing throughout the imperial garden.

Zhen Youcai stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clasped his hands together. "Your Majesty, we have good news from the border! I led my soldiers to successfully repel the invasion of our neighboring country and drove them out, ensuring peace on our border!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present cheered, their faces filled with joy and pride.

"Okay!" I couldn't hide my excitement and stepped forward to help Zhen Youcai up. "Thank you for your hard work, my dear minister! You have made great contributions to the country. I will definitely reward you handsomely!"

"Defending our country is my duty!" Zhen Youcai said in a sonorous and powerful tone, his eyes full of determination and loyalty.

I looked at him with relief, a warm feeling welling up in my heart. This man always stood up in times of national crisis, holding up the sky for me and this country.

"Pass on my order..." I took a deep breath, looked into the distance with a firm gaze, and had already made a decision in my heart.

"Pass on my decree, General Zhen has returned victoriously and must return to the court immediately. I want to personally welcome the hero!" My voice echoed in the imperial garden for a long time.

Zhen Youcai knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"

I looked at this towering man before me, and my heart was filled with pride and honor. He had fought bravely for his country and achieved remarkable military feats, which deserved the respect and admiration of all.

"My dear, there's no need for such formalities between you and me," I stepped forward to help Zhen Youcai up, my tone gentle, "When you return to the court, I'll hold a banquet in the palace to celebrate your success!"

Zhen Youcai showed a grateful smile on his face, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

I looked around at the crowd, my gaze finally landing on Zhao Baixing and Sun Gongjiang. One was an ordinary farmer, the other a skilled craftsman. Both were the most basic workers in this country, and also its most precious wealth.

"Mr. Zhao, Mr. Sun, how do you feel about your life now?" I asked with a smile.

"Your Majesty, thanks to your blessing, our lives are much better now," the people of Zhao said excitedly. "Since the country implemented the New Deal, taxes have been reduced, and the land has been distributed to us. We farmers can finally have enough food and clothing."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Craftsman Sun nodded. "Ever since the country encouraged the development of industry and commerce, the status of craftsmen like us has greatly improved, and our income is higher than before. We all believe that under Your Majesty's leadership, our country will become increasingly powerful, and the lives of the people will surely improve!"

Listening to their simple words, I was deeply moved. All my efforts are to make this country more prosperous and strong, and to enable the people to live a happier life.

"I'm very pleased to hear you say this," I said, my tone filled with emotion. "I hope you can remember this day, and remember this hard-earned happy life. I believe that as long as we unite as one, we will be able to create an even better future!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Everyone shouted in unison, the sound was deafening.

I took a deep breath and gazed determinedly into the distance. I knew this was just the beginning, and more challenges awaited me in the future. But I believed that with their support, I would be able to overcome any difficulties!

I slowly ascended the steps, ready to announce my next decision to the crowd… My dragon robe swayed gently as I ascended, my gaze sweeping across the eager faces below. "I am delighted to share this grand spectacle with you, my beloved ministers and subjects today," my voice echoed through the empty hall. "Back then, our dynasty was plagued by internal and external troubles, and the people were destitute. Now, the country is peaceful and the people live and work in peace and contentment. This is all the result of the united efforts of our subjects!"

"I want to thank the soldiers who fought bravely for our country. It was you who protected the country's peace with your blood and lives. I want to thank the hardworking people. It was you who created the country's prosperity with your sweat and wisdom. I want to thank all the ministers present here. It is your loyalty and wisdom that assist me in governing our country!"

My eyes were firm and full of hope. "Today's grand occasion has not come easily, and the road ahead is still long. I believe that as long as we unite as one and work hard, our dynasty will become even stronger and the people's lives will become happier!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the heavens. A warm feeling welled up in my heart. This prosperous era belongs to us all.

Just as I was immersed in this joy, a young eunuch hurriedly walked up to the hall and knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty, the envoys from the neighboring country request an audience and have handed over a letter..."

My heart trembled. This sudden letter of peace request shattered the originally celebratory atmosphere and cast a shadow over the scene of peace and prosperity. I took the letter, unfolded it and read it carefully, but the contents of the letter made me frown.

"Xuan..."