Chapter Five: Indeed, a Brilliant Mind!
"Well, Divine Doctor Bai, how is Her Majesty...?"
Seeing Bai Che step out of the royal chamber, Ouyang Yu hurriedly approached with eager anticipation.
"Rest assured," Bai Che replied, "from the pulse diagnosis, Her Majesty’s health is sound, even more vigorous than before."
Sound health?
Ouyang Yu had no doubts about Bai Che’s diagnosis.
Yet, if there was no issue, how could Her Majesty...
Before Ouyang Yu could ponder further, Bai Che said, "My lord, thank you."
"Divine Doctor Bai, why such words?"
Bai Che smiled and waved his hand.
"My lord, please don’t call me Divine Doctor anymore. From now on, I shall enter officialdom and will need your guidance and support."
"Oh? Her Majesty intends to recruit you into the Imperial Medical Department?"
"Not exactly. Her Majesty plans to give me a more significant task—likely work within the court itself."
Ouyang Yu was stunned.
Having just met, Her Majesty already summoned her to work within the court? Such haste seemed reckless.
No, wait...
As Bai Che was Bai Lian’s younger sister, it was not inappropriate for her to hold a minor official post.
With such favor, Bai Lian would surely be even more diligent in her duties.
It seemed this new emperor was not entirely lacking in wisdom!
...
Hahaha, this old Ouyang Yu—I’m growing fond of him.
At a critical moment, he brings me such a live treasure.
Let him participate in governance—hahaha... the rating for a tyrant emperor will surely plummet like a roller coaster.
Li Chen munched on fruit, his face brimming with joy.
"Your Majesty, what has you so pleased?"
"Is it not because Lord Ouyang recommended a worthy minister to me?"
Wan’er massaged Li Chen’s shoulders.
"You mean Bai Che, Doctor Bai? Worthy minister? How did I not notice?"
Li Chen smiled.
"You don’t know the vast energy she harbors within."
Suddenly, Li Chen’s mind echoed with the system’s voice.
[Congratulations, Your Majesty has received a reward: a storage ring, usable as a hidden space, no living beings allowed inside.]
A storage ring like those protagonists have in novels?
Haha... this will be so convenient for hiding treasures.
There were two other rewards to choose from.
[Option One: Immediately master all historical knowledge of this world, past and present.]
[Option Two: Acquire a mountain bike from the original world.]
What use is a bike!
Though neither reward was entirely satisfactory to Li Chen.
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Yet, comparatively, the first option was undoubtedly more useful.
Option One!
In an instant, Li Chen felt many new insights flood his mind...
According to the current world situation:
The strongest and largest territory belongs to the Zhou Kingdom, followed by Tang, Ming, and Qin.
Other countries include Song, Liang, Man, Fan, and Wo.
Though Zhou is powerful, many reckless nations frequently harass the borders, seeking to seize resources.
As for the domestic situation, Li Chen frowned slightly.
From what he gathered, it was all peaceful and prosperous.
How can this be?
Peace and prosperity—how can I be a tyrant emperor then?
It’s time to let these idle commoners experience the blessings of the 996 work schedule.
"Wan’er."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Go inform the herald to summon all officials to court tomorrow morning. I have an important announcement."
"Oh, and be sure to call Bai Che as well."
...
The next morning, the civil and military officials gathered in the grand hall.
"I read the memorial last night; the Fan Kingdom dared to violate our great Zhou’s borders again. Ministers, what do you propose?"
Officials stood forth.
"Your Majesty, I suggest sending a letter to Fan, expressing our discontent and demanding reparations."
"Nonsense! If we accept reparations today, they’ll invade again tomorrow! Your Majesty, I ask for fifty thousand troops to crush Fan until they beg for mercy!"
...
For a while, the hall erupted in heated debate.
Civil officials favored peace, deeming conflict unnecessary, preferring to threaten and gain benefits.
Military generals advocated war, insisting on subduing Fan completely to deter future incursions.
"Prime Minister, your view?"
At the emperor’s summons, Ouyang Yu slowly stood.
"Old servant believes all sides have merit; ultimately, it is up to Your Majesty to decide."
Li Chen smiled inwardly.
Ah, afraid of choosing wrongly, playing the moderate? Exactly what I wanted to hear!
"Enough, put that aside. Let me read my decree."
The ministers expected the emperor to speak on the Fan issue.
However...
"By imperial decree, Bai Che is promoted to Deputy Minister of Revenue. So it is ordered!"
The hall was in uproar.
What just happened? How did Bai Che get promoted out of the blue?
Some didn’t even know who Bai Che was.
Those who did were even more shocked—just a wandering doctor, now Deputy Minister of Revenue?
All eyes turned to Minister Bai Lian.
Her face flushed hot.
She knew the emperor intended to appoint Bai Che, but not to such a high position.
To distance herself, she immediately stood.
"Your Majesty, I find this improper!"
"My sister, though talented, has never been involved in politics. Such a sudden high office, I fear she cannot fulfill."
Li Chen said nothing, turning to Bai Che.
"Bai Che, do you agree with your sister’s remarks?"
"Your Majesty, I do not!"
"Though inexperienced in court affairs, I have long studied the art of governance. Grateful for Your Majesty’s trust, I shall not disappoint and will strive to fulfill my ambitions."
The ministers were stunned by this response.
The emperor’s reply was even more surprising.
"Good. I grant you that ambition!"
Suddenly rising, Li Chen said, "Let’s return to the previous topic. Some want war, others threats. I find both unsuitable."
"I have a better idea."
The hall quieted, all eyes on the emperor.
"For the long-term prosperity of our great Zhou, I have decided to build a long wall along the border with Fan, from East Gate to North Gate. Even if Fan desires invasion, they shall be powerless to cross."
After a pause, led by Ouyang Yu, the ministers voiced objections.
"Your Majesty, such a massive project wastes resources and burdens the people!"
"Your Majesty, just attack the small Fan Kingdom! Why build walls and waste treasury? Please reconsider!"
...
"Silence! Bai Che, your thoughts?"
"Your Majesty, I believe this measure is most appropriate. Once the wall stands, Fan cannot enter. Tell me, who else in the world can accomplish such a feat? This wall will surely showcase our national strength."
Hmm... truly a genius!
"Very well, I entrust this matter to you. Don’t let me down! Court is dismissed!"
Bai Che bowed deeply.
"I shall not fail Your Majesty’s trust!"
Listening to the clamor behind, Li Chen chuckled softly.
How can a qualified tyrant emperor avoid wasting resources?
Though he wished to keep Bai Che in the palace, she was still an outsider. Let her gain experience outside first.
When she returns, she shall be my prime minister!
[Congratulations, Your Majesty has completed two acts of tyrannical governance. Zhou’s national fortune has dropped by 500 points, now at 8,350 points.]
[Rewards are being issued according to the current decline in national fortune...]
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