From cute to empress

Chapter 336 The Light of Glory Illuminates the Road to the Future

"Three days later, at midnight..." Those six short words hit me like a hammer, nearly choking me. Three days later, at midnight... Could it be that the Southern Xinjiang Kingdom has decided to break the alliance and launch an attack on our dynasty?

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" Zhen Youcai noticed that something was wrong with me and asked worriedly.

I took a deep breath and handed him the secret letter in my hand. "Read it for yourself."

He took the letter, read it quickly, and his expression became serious. "It seems that we have underestimated the ambitions of the Southern Xinjiang Kingdom."

"Yes," I leaned weakly on the back of the chair, "peace is only temporary after all, and war is inevitable after all." But this time, we are no longer passive in responding to the challenge. We must turn passivity into initiative and create our own momentum!

"Your Majesty, you don't have to worry too much," Zhen Youcai shook my hand, his eyes firm, "We have made all the necessary preparations and will definitely repel the invading enemy!"

I nodded, my fighting spirit rekindled, "Send the monk and the weather officer!"

The monk and the meteorologist quickly arrived at the imperial study. Upon hearing that I was planning to expand trade routes and strengthen exchanges with neighboring countries, the monk clasped his hands together and said with a kind look, "Your Majesty's concern for the people is truly a blessing for all. I wish to pray for your Majesty, wishing you a smooth and successful journey."

The meteorological officer analyzed the best time and route for sailing from a scientific perspective, and recommended that we send experienced crew members and guides to ensure the safety of the voyage.

I listened carefully to their suggestions and, after careful consultation with Zhen Youcai, developed a detailed plan, including dispatching envoys, establishing trade routes, and exchanging goods. I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and build our country into an even more prosperous and powerful country!

However, just as we were about to make our grand plan, a sharp voice broke the tranquility of the imperial study.

"Your Majesty, I think this is absolutely unacceptable!" The speaker was the Minister of Revenue, tears streaming down his face, heartbroken. "Our dynasty has just experienced war and has so much to rebuild. How can we withstand such turmoil?"

The Minister of Revenue's words were like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves. Some ministers who were already apprehensive also echoed his words, and for a moment, the entire Imperial Study was filled with voices of opposition.

"Your Majesty, I also think this is too risky! Our dynasty is located in the Central Plains and is rich in resources. There is no need to trade with those barbaric lands. If we invite a wolf into the house, the consequences will be unimaginable!" The Minister of War said with great sorrow.

"Yes, Your Majesty, our soldiers fought bloody battles to achieve the peace we have today. How can we risk our lives so easily? Your Majesty, please think twice!"

Looking at these veteran officials who have dedicated themselves to the country, I feel a mixture of emotions. Their words are not without reason, but if we cling to our old ways out of fear of risk, then what's the difference between us and the weak nation we once were, at the mercy of others?

"I understand your concerns, my dear ministers," I said slowly, my tone firm, "but I have made up my mind. Opening up trade routes is imperative!"

"emperor……"

"I understand everyone's concerns," I interrupted the Minister of Revenue. "Don't worry, I'm not someone who acts on my own. Our plan this time isn't a blind gamble, but rather a carefully considered one."

I instructed Zhen Youcai to distribute the plan we had drawn up earlier to the ministers and patiently explained the details to them. We had made careful arrangements, from the selection of envoys to the planning of trade routes to the strategies for interacting with various countries.

"I know that change requires courage and a price. But I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and usher in a better future!" My eyes swept over every minister, and my tone was full of determination and confidence.

Zhen Youcai also stood up and analyzed in detail to the ministers the huge benefits of opening up trade routes: not only can they exchange what they have and what they need and promote economic development, but they can also enhance the international status of our dynasty, deter villains, and thus exchange for a longer period of peaceful development.

Thanks to my persistence and Zhen Youcai's efforts, the ministers' concerns were gradually dispelled, and eventually, everyone nodded in agreement. A huge weight lifted from my heart, and a gratified smile appeared on my face.

In the blink of an eye, three months passed. Standing atop the city wall, I watched the mighty caravan slowly sail out of the city gates, my heart filled with anticipation. This caravan would carry the friendship and hopes of our dynasty, journeying to distant lands and ushering in a new era for ourselves!

However, just as I was immersed in my vision of the future, a guard hurriedly ran up to the city wall, looking panicked, "Your Majesty, this is not good..."

"Your Majesty, this is bad..." The guard spoke in a hurried tone, sweating profusely, and it was obvious that the situation was urgent.

"What happened? Why are they so panicked?" My heart tightened. Could it be that the caravan encountered an accident on the road?

The guard took a breath and said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, the meteorologist has sent an urgent report saying that many places in the south have experienced floods that have not been seen in a century. The disaster is severe..."

My heart sank. The South is an important granary. If it is severely affected, the consequences will be unimaginable.

"Immediately summon the high monk and the meteorological officer!" I made a quick decision and instructed Zhen Youcai, "Quickly allocate disaster relief supplies and ensure they are delivered to the disaster area as quickly as possible!"

"I obey your command!" Zhen Youcai took the order and left. His back was firm and steady, as if it gave me a shot of adrenaline.

Soon, the monks and meteorological officers hurried over.

"I am here to see you, Your Majesty."

"Excuse me, what's going on?" I asked anxiously.

The meteorologist looked embarrassed and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, this flood disaster is coming with great force. Many rivers in the south have burst their banks, and the affected area is huge. I'm afraid..."

"Your Majesty, do not worry," the monk said calmly, clasping his hands together. "Natural disasters are ruthless, but there is love in the world. I am willing to go to the disaster area to pray for the people and ask for God's protection!"

I felt a little relieved and nodded gratefully. "Master, you are so kind. I thank you on behalf of the people."

Thanks to the prayers of the eminent monks and the full support of the imperial court, the disaster was quickly brought under control, and the people gradually returned to their normal lives. I finally felt relieved.

This flood disaster has made me realize more deeply that closing the country to the outside world will only put it in a passive position. Only by strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the outside world can we jointly respond to various challenges.

I continued to firmly pursue a policy of opening up to the outside world, sending envoys to more distant lands and actively developing trade. Over the years, the country successfully established friendly relations with many neighboring countries, trade became increasingly frequent, and the national treasury gradually became full.

I stood in the Imperial Garden, looking at the blooming flowers and the peaceful and prosperous scene before me, my heart was filled with satisfaction and pride.

Just then, Zhen Youcai hurried in with an unconcealable excitement on his face.

"Mengmeng, guess what the team that went to the Western Regions brought back this time?" he said mysteriously.

"Oh? What treasure makes you so happy?" I asked with a smile.

Zhen Youcai took an exquisite wooden box from the guard and opened it carefully. He saw an old book lying inside. There was no text on the cover, only some strange symbols.

My heart moved, and I vaguely felt that this ancient book was extraordinary. Just as I was about to reach out to touch it, Zhen Youcai grabbed it.

"Be careful!" His face suddenly became serious, "This book..."