Chapter Thirty: Has the National Fortune Increased Again?

The Great Zhou Imperial Palace, Imperial Kitchen.

"Your Majesty, you are of golden lineage. If someone were to see you here, doing such menial labor yourself, what would people think?" Wan'er looked deeply worried, yet Li Chen, standing beside her, remained utterly unconcerned.

He rubbed some flour on his hands and, before Wan'er could react, tapped the tip of her nose with his finger.

"Silly girl, this is my imperial palace. As long as you don't go blabbing about it, who would know?"

With that, ignoring the flour still on his hands, he reached out his claws toward her. Teased in this way, Wan'er's mood improved considerably, and she hurriedly dodged while begging for mercy.

"Your Majesty, have mercy! I promise I won't say a word!" She paused, then added, "But Your Majesty, they say a gentleman stays away from the kitchen. If you keep doing this..."

Before she could finish, she was startled by the sudden darkening of Li Chen's expression.

"Your Majesty, did I say something wrong? Why are you suddenly..."

How could Wan'er know that Li Chen was currently murderous, though not because of her? Just a moment ago, the notification he dreaded most had echoed in his mind.

[The Emperor has performed the acts of a wise ruler, causing the Great Zhou's national fortune to rise by 1000 points. Current total: 5050 points.]

[Friendly reminder: Based on the current rise in national fortune, 1 point of misfortune has been converted. Current misfortune: 4.1. If the misfortune meter fills, Your Majesty will face the Nine Heavens Lightning Tribulation!]

He had clearly been working hard to ruin the national fortune, even researching new schemes that were just a step away from implementation. Yet, why had the national fortune increased again for no reason? He knew the system couldn't be wrong; there must be a flaw somewhere.

Before he could figure out where the problem lay, a commotion arose outside. Li Chen was already displeased, and the noise made him even more irritable. Fortunately, Wan'er reacted quickly, rushing to the door to investigate. Before she could even step out, she came face-to-face with a grinning Bai Lian.

The subjects of Great Zhou were all women, so officials like Bai Lian were frequent visitors, even in the inner palace.

Usually, when Bai Lian entered the palace, he wore a gloomy or solemn expression. Seeing him like this, Wan'er was immediately intrigued. Having been spoiled by Li Chen lately, her courage had grown, and she dared to tease him.

"Minister Bai, what good fortune have you come across today to be so happy?"

Perhaps because his mood was genuinely excellent, the usually stern Bai Lian merely paused, then replied with a chuckle.

"It is not I who have gained, but His Majesty!"

As soon as Bai Lian spoke, Li Chen’s voice rang out.

"I have gained? How come I don't know about it?"

Li Chen was no fool. Hearing Bai Lian, he realized the sudden rise in national fortune must be related to him, and his face grew even gloomier. Bai Lian noticed the change in atmosphere upon seeing Li Chen, but as a high-ranking minister, he didn't panic like Wan'er; instead, he happily shared the news.

"Your Majesty, today is a day of great celebration! When you insisted on organizing the Moon Worship Ceremony, we thought it was absurd. But now we know you are a true sage-king, whose foresight we could never hope to match!"

This left Li Chen completely bewildered. He looked at Bai Lian and asked tentatively, "What great celebration? And what does it have to do with the ceremony? What exactly is going on?"

Seeing Li Chen’s urgency, Bai Lian hurriedly produced a thick ledger and presented it respectfully.

"Your Majesty, the 'black silk' you ordered to be produced for the ceremony was truly unique and unforgettable. Coupled with the influence of the ceremony, many people have begun purchasing raw velvet silk! You know that velvet silk has never been a precious commodity in Great Zhou; in fact, it was a stagnant product due to oversupply. But after your arrangements, the price has soared, and supply cannot meet demand. Many major merchants from other countries have even signed contracts with Great Zhou!"

Li Chen felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He opened the ledger to check. He had never imagined that something like stockings could drive the economy. Looking at the ledger, he felt more disgusted than if he had swallowed a fly.

However, Bai Lian wasn't finished. Before Li Chen could finish reading, he dropped another bombshell.

"Furthermore, by opening up entertainment districts and showcasing the dances from the ceremony, you have piqued the interest of many visionary figures in our commerce. Hundreds of major merchants have already purchased shops and land in Great Zhou, and some of the faster ones have already opened for business!"

"Not only are wealthy investors setting up shop, but many others are pulling strings, willing to pay high prices just for the opportunity to conduct business here in Great Zhou!"

"All the ministers are waiting for you, Your Majesty, to preside over the morning court in the Imperial Study and hear the good news from every corner of the realm!"

Bai Lian grew more excited as he spoke, looking as if he were celebrating the New Year. Even Wan'er, listening to all this, looked at Li Chen with eyes full of reverence and admiration.

Li Chen, however, was on the verge of a breakdown. *It attracted so many merchants? Won't that interfere with my plans to ruin the national fortune?*

He huffed coldly and said to Bai Lian, "I am busy. There will be no court session today. Tell them all to go back to their own business!"

Bai Lian tried to persuade him, but Li Chen simply tossed the ledger aside, returned to the workbench, and started fiddling with the pastries again. Had this been before, Bai Lian would have remonstrated or at least questioned him. But after the success of the ceremony and the reaction from all sides, he admired Li Chen from the bottom of his heart. Without another word, he turned and left.

...

A moment later, in a secret room.

Prince Dai and Cai Jing sat opposite each other, their expressions complex.

"You heard what Bai Lian and the others said today, didn't you? Could our Emperor truly be a great ruler, and have we misjudged him?" Prince Dai asked with concern, silently reflecting on everything since Li Chen’s ascension.

Cai Jing quickly explained, "My Lord, do not worry. This is merely a passing fad. In my view, once the novelty wears off, these merchants will scatter like beasts, and Great Zhou will end up losing money."

"When that time comes, the Emperor’s reputation will be ruined, and you will be the one to clean up the mess and take charge of the court."

Prince Dai felt somewhat better. Just as he was about to speak, a trusted aide rushed in and handed him a letter.