Zheng Zongbing stood and said, “Your Majesty, I wish to know what distinguishes the students cultivated by this military academy from ordinary soldiers?”

Zheng Yi said, “My vision is for military academy graduates not only to focus on learning military strategies but also to study martial arts cultivation techniques, new firearms, and loyalty to the monarch.”

“In a few years, my Great Yu will not only have a million elite troops but also a large number of officers who can lead battles outside!”

“Your Majesty.”

Xu Mujun suddenly said, “This strategy is brilliant, I second it!”

“I second it!”

“I second it!”

As soon as Xu Mujun finished speaking, a group of people immediately stood up to agree with Zheng Yi’s plan.

Most of them were members of the Ministry of War and the military.

Zheng Yi smiled faintly and, regardless of the unpleasant expressions of Lu Xiangqing and others, immediately said, “This matter is decided.”

“Xu Aiqing, you will be the first principal of the Great Yu Military Academy, responsible for all matters related to teaching the academy’s students.”

“If there is anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask me anytime.”

Xu Mujun immediately said, “Minister, I accept the decree with gratitude!”

“Next is the selection of cabinet members.”

“I intend to reform the cabinet.”

As soon as this was said, everyone’s expressions turned serious.

Currently, Great Yu occupies two states of Wu Country, stands strong against Nanzhao Country in the south, suppresses refugees internally, and punishes corrupt officials, showing signs of revitalization for a long time.

The national strength is increasingly flourishing.

As the most powerful entity in the Great Yu Court, the cabinet is coveted by countless people.

The fall of the Wang family led to the dismissal and imprisonment of two cabinet ministers.

Wang Ze, Wang He.

Now, only three of the five cabinet ministers remain.

When handling affairs, there are inevitably remnants.

Today, Zheng Yi intends to settle this matter during the Great Court session.

Numerous ministers stood ready, waiting for Zheng Yi’s instructions.

“Grand General Xu Mujun, experienced in battles, who expanded the territories of Great Yu, with great contributions, is specially awarded the titles of Great Pillar, Mangzhou State Governor, and Grand Protector, to enter the cabinet as Chief Minister!”

This reward from Zheng Yi came as no surprise.

Xu Mujun’s contributions were so significant that only the title of Three Ministers was worthy of him.

These titles and rewards were established after Xu Mujun’s great contributions, through discussions between Zheng Yi and several cabinet ministers.

Xu Mujun also stood and said, “Minister, I accept the decree with gratitude!”

“Minister of the Ministry of Justice Zheng Xuanyue, with far-reaching strategies and eternal loyalty, can be a cabinet minister.”

“Minister, Zheng Xuanyue, accepts the decree with gratitude!”

Zheng Xuanyue also quickly stepped forward to bow and pay respects.

Now all five cabinet ministers are confirmed, all being officials long recognized by many.

Lu Xiangqing suddenly said, “Your Majesty, you mentioned reforming the cabinet, may I know how it will be reformed?”

The cabinet system has been in place for three years now, bringing numerous benefits to the development of Great Yu, and many officials are accustomed to its existence.

Hence, their uncertainty about the current instructions from Your Majesty.

Zheng Yi said, “From now on, all five will be Cabinet University Scholars, divided as Chief of the Cabinet, which shall be Xu Mujun.”

“One will be Vice Chief of the Cabinet, which shall be Lu Xiangqing, serving as an assistant officer, authorized to act as Chief if the latter is absent.”

“Additionally, two to five cabinet ministers will be added, titled ‘University Scholars’ to assist Cabinet University Scholars in handling affairs.”

“Yuan Qichang.”

“Minister present.”

“You shall be a Cabinet Scholar.”

Yuan Qichang rejoiced, immediately kneeling and bowing, “Minister obeys the decree, thank you, Your Majesty!”

“The second person, Wang Anshi, Prefect of Chang’an Prefecture in Yongzhou, may also be a Cabinet Scholar.”

“The other three will be arranged by yourselves.”

Lu Xiangqing and others quickly regained their composure, realizing this was a sort of transaction?

They promptly spoke up, “We obey the decree!”

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the first day of the second month.

The Emperor reformed the cabinet, increasing its members to ten, with only five holding actual power.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the twentieth day of the second month.

General of the Three States Miaoo Xiu presented a memorial stating the rebels in Yongzhou were completely eradicated and the refugees returned.

However, after several years of drought and war disaster, Yongzhou was left barren, with famine widespread.

Emperor Zhengyong ordered a five-year tax exemption for Yongzhou and to provide grain relief from Bingzhou, Jizhou, and other areas.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the thirtieth day of the second month.

Wang Anshi, Prefect of Chang’an Prefecture, submitted a memorial stating the Yongzhou Grand Canal project officially commenced.

Mobilizing 300,000 laborers and conscripted workers to dig the Grand Canal.

The Emperor listed the perks for this work, ensuring everything was provided.

Three meals a day, one tael of silver per month.

300,000 laborers expressed deep gratitude, acclaiming the Emperor.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the fifth day of the third month.

Consort Chan, Wang Chan, knelt and begged Your Majesty for mercy for her family.

The Emperor did not consent but considering her young age, did not reprimand her and instead sent her back.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the fifteenth day of the third month.

Consort Chan requested an audience with Your Majesty again, but the Emperor did not meet her.

Consort Chan knelt for three days at Baiyu City, without food or water, causing the Emperor’s heart to soften, eventually granting an audience.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the twentieth day of the third month.

The Emperor issued an order.

Datong Wang Clan, for plotting rebellion and treason, committed grave offenses and deserved to be executed and wiped out along with nine clans.

However, acknowledging their ancestors’ great contributions and the clan possessing the Grand Ancestor’s bestowed ‘Red-inked Iron Certificate’, gave special indulgence.

Datong Wang Clan, three clans annihilated.

Younger than three years old female members of the family had their crimes pardoned and were taken in by Consort Chan.

The rest were all enslaved in the Imperial Music Office, pardonable only by a major amnesty.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the twenty-second day of the third month.

Consort Chan stayed overnight at Baiyu City.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the first day of the fourth month.

The court issued a Sea Arrest Warrant to capture twelve of the Wang family’s fugitives.

Ordered to capture Wang family tributary: Fengg Donghe, the Sword of Blood.

This person, with martial arts cultivation at the Grandmaster realm, was the Wang family’s favored son-in-law, deeply indebted to the Wang family, resolved to avenge.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the fifth day of the fourth month.

Shadow Guard had a martial artist break through to the Grandmaster realm, bestowed by Emperor Zhengyong with the name “Chen Xiao!”

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the seventh day of the fourth month.

Embroidered Uniform Guard discovered Wang family tributary Fengg Donghe, mobilizing large numbers of troops to capture.

After half a day’s battle, captured seven Wang family traitors, Fengg Donghe severely injured and fled.

In the 7th Year of Zhengyong, on the twenty-first day of the fourth month.

Embroidered Uniform Guard again discovered Fengg Donghe’s trace, deploying Shadow Guard.

Chen Zhong and Chen Yi secretly took action, killing Feng Donghe at Bingzhou Xinghua Mountain.

The remnants of the Wang family who attempted escape were all captured.

7th Year of Zhengyong, April 28th.

Miao Xiu, the General of the Three States, was dismissed from his position and led troops into Shu to suppress the rebel troops.

7th Year of Zhengyong, May 2nd.

The First, Second, and Third Divisions of the New Army moved south, stationed at the borders of Shuzhou and Yunzhou.

The Fourth and Fifth Divisions, together with Miao Xiu, jointly suppressed the uprising in Shuzhou.

7th Year of Zhengyong, May 10th.

The Emperor stationed Shadow Guards Chen Zhong, Chen Yi, and Chen Xiao at Jiaofang Hall, quietly awaiting orders.

7th Year of Zhengyong, May 12th.

Noble Consort Cui gives birth.

Outside Jiaofang Hall, a large gathering of Consorts and eunuchs assembled once again.

This is Zheng Yi’s tenth child.

A target watched by countless people of the Great Yu Court.

The tenth child!

If born a Prince, a great matter is determined.

But if born a Princess…

Everyone present had peculiar expressions on their faces.

Excitement, thrill, confusion, hesitation.

Countless gazes turned towards this place.

Compared to others, Zheng Yi indeed remained exceptionally calm and composed.

He already knew the answer, why rush?

In these years, he conducted extensive reforms, trained the New Army, expelled foreign tribes, and expanded territories, merits enough to rank among the top three Emperors in history.

In the Imperial Court, many ministers and noble families, due to the Wang family, were exceptionally obedient, and orders were smoothly enacted.

Such stabilizing factors made Zheng Yi feel a strange illusion.

Awake, ruling the world; asleep, resting on a beauty’s lap?

However, for some unknown reason, he always felt a peculiar feeling in his heart.

As if…

The calm before a storm, an oppressive feeling that made breathing difficult.

He couldn’t understand why or where this crisis would arise.

But what he could do was remain calm, quietly strengthening his own power.

As long as he is strong enough, he feared no demons or monsters!

“Your Majesty~”

The Empress Lu Lin’er suddenly approached, whispering: “Don’t worry, Your Majesty, my sister will be fine.”

“Hmm.”

Zheng Yi nodded. Over the years, Empress Lu Lin’er had grown from a sour little fruit into a full, juicy peach.

The type that would drip with juice if squeezed.

“By the way, Lin’er, did you visit home these days?”

“Home? Where?”

“Lu Family.”

Lu Lin’er’s eyes suddenly brightened, saying: “Your Majesty, the last time I saw my mother was during the Lantern Festival; it’s been almost half a year since I’ve seen her.”

“Very well, I grant you two weeks’ leave. After Noble Consort Cui’s childbirth, return to the Lu Family and pay respects to your elders.”

Lu Lin’er was overjoyed: “Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty!”

Zheng Yi said: “I am also busy with affairs; you may fulfill my duties in a gesture of filial piety and observe any changes in the household so I may bestow rewards.”

Lu Lin’er laughed charmingly: “Your Majesty, what you’ve given our Lu Family is already enough, but I understand, my mother will surely be delighted.”

“Hmm.”

Zheng Yi nodded, looking again towards the bedchamber.

Soon, the sound of a baby’s cries echoed from the chamber.

Simultaneously, Zheng Yi clearly felt a surge of Innate Pure Yin Qi spreading outward as the child was born.

“The tenth instance of Innate Pure Yin Qi…”

Zheng Yi thought silently: “Last time, Prince Xian and Elder Chen utilized Innate Pure Yin Qi to jointly ascend to the Innate realm. Now, with Chen Zhong, Chen Yi, and Chen Xiao guarding outside, can they advance to Innate?”

“Moreover, after the Yin Yang Treasure Mirror prompts ten instances of Innate Pure Yin Qi, the ability to manipulate Innate Qi, wonder…”

At that moment, the aunt stepped out, holding a small baby.

The smile on her face was somewhat awkward, but she braved it, saying: “Congratulations, Your Majesty, it is…a little princess…”

“Wow…”

As soon as the words fell, a flood of whispered discussions arose around.

“Princess? Another little princess?”

“The tenth one, indeed…”

“Is it truly like the rumors spreading outside?”

“Shh, keep your voice down…”

Zheng Yi’s brows slightly furrowed, external rumors?

What rumor again?

Ignoring the discussions, he gently took the little princess from the aunt’s arms.

“Giggle~”

For some reason, the little princess laughed when held by Zheng Yi.

Her laughter was crisp and pleasant, like a songbird.

Xu Qingluan remarked in surprise: “Your Majesty, look, this princess isn’t afraid of strangers, she laughs, so adorable~!”

Beside them, Lu Lin’er also leaned in, her eyes full of interest: “Indeed, how peculiar that such a young child can laugh, truly extraordinary!”

“You all wait here; I shall see Noble Consort Cui.”

“Understood!”

Zheng Yi, carrying the child, entered; Noble Consort Cui, being a cultivator, did not need to remain bedridden like other consorts after childbirth; she was already able to sit up.

“Your Majesty, you’ve come, how is the child?”

“The child is just fine.”

Zheng Yi said: “Dear consort, how do you feel?”

“I am well.”

“Other consorts express guilt after bearing princesses, yet you, dear consort, are unburdened, quite remarkable to me.”

Cui Xiabing smiled: “Because I know Your Majesty’s nature; you won’t discriminate based on whether it’s a prince or princess.”

“Moreover, my consortship spans a century, even a millennium with Your Majesty; why compare myself to other ordinary women?”

Zheng Yi laughed heartily: “You’re indeed my dear consort, incomparable to ordinary women.”

“Quickly, look at our daughter, being born, she didn’t cry but laughed!”

“Really? Let me see.”

Noble Consort Cui took the child, playfully teasing until the little one giggled again.

“Your Majesty, have you named our child?”

“Certainly.”

Zheng Yi said: “The tenth princess, born laughing, auspicious indeed!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep