20demayo Chapter 279 Reform
Chapter 279 Reform
After eliminating the evil forces led by Zheng Chongwu, the entire Nanzhao Kingdom rejoiced, and the lives of the people gradually returned to peace.
However, Xiao Nanyi did not slacken in the slightest. He knew that this was only the first step in addressing the deep-seated problems in Nanzhao society.
To achieve long-term stability and security for the country, comprehensive and in-depth reforms are necessary.
On a bright, fiery morning, Xiao Nanyi, dressed in his court robes,
With steady steps, he entered the Imperial Study. Xiao Jingchuan was already waiting there, the desk piled high with memorials from all over the country.
"Yi'er, now that the Zheng Chongwu case is closed, what are your thoughts on the next steps for the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom?" Xiao Jingchuan asked with a deep and expectant gaze.
Xiao Nanyi bowed respectfully, speaking earnestly: "Father, after this battle, I have come to a profound realization that the Nanzhao Kingdom still faces many problems in areas such as governance and the people's livelihood. I intend to address these issues from three aspects."
First, we need to rectify the officialdom and improve the performance evaluation mechanism for officials;
Second, we should develop water conservancy and agriculture; third, we should establish new schools and cultivate talent.
Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "Your idea is excellent, so go ahead and do it. I fully support you."
With Xiao Jingchuan's approval, Xiao Nanyi acted swiftly.
He first set out to rectify the officialdom and formulated a strict system for evaluating officials, which comprehensively assessed them from multiple aspects such as morality, ability, diligence, and performance.
To ensure the fairness and impartiality of the assessment, Xiao Nanyi also established a special oversight agency and dispatched trusted ministers to conduct thorough investigations in various regions.
One day, during an inspection, supervisory officials discovered that a county magistrate had engaged in serious corruption when collecting taxes.
Upon learning of this, Xiao Nanyi immediately ordered the county magistrate to be dismissed and investigated, and the embezzled funds to be recovered.
At the same time, he took this opportunity to issue a stern warning to officials at all levels in court that any further acts of corruption would be severely punished. Under Xiao Nanyi's iron-fisted reforms, the officialdom of Nanzhao Kingdom was greatly improved, and officials' work enthusiasm and sense of responsibility were significantly enhanced.
While rectifying official corruption, Xiao Nanyi did not neglect the people's livelihood. He deeply understood that agriculture was the foundation of the country, and only by developing agriculture could the people's basic needs be guaranteed. Therefore, Xiao Nanyi personally led officials to the fields to understand the farmers' needs and difficulties. Through investigation, he discovered that the water conservancy facilities in some areas of the Nanzhao Kingdom had been in disrepair for many years, seriously affecting agricultural production.
To solve this problem, Xiao Nanyi mobilized a large amount of manpower and resources to carry out large-scale water conservancy projects. He hired professional water conservancy experts to comprehensively plan and repair water conservancy facilities in various places. During the construction process, Xiao Nanyi often visited the site to supervise the progress of the project and solve various problems. After several months of hard work, a series of new water conservancy facilities, such as irrigation canals and dams, were completed, effectively improving farmland irrigation conditions and laying a solid foundation for a bumper harvest.
Besides focusing on governance and people's livelihood, Xiao Nanyi also attached great importance to talent cultivation. He deeply understood that the development of the country could not be separated from the support of talented people. Therefore, Xiao Nanyi decided to establish a new school, breaking the traditional education model and cultivating new talents with innovative spirit and practical ability.
Xiao Nanyi personally selected the site and built a grand academy on the outskirts of the capital. He hired renowned scholars and experts from across the country as teachers, offering a wide range of courses including classics, history, philosophy, literature, astronomy, geography, and arithmetic. To encourage more children to receive an education, Xiao Nanyi also implemented a series of preferential policies, reducing or waiving tuition fees for children from impoverished families and providing scholarships for outstanding students.
At the new school's opening ceremony, Xiao Nanyi delivered a passionate speech: "Students, you are the future and hope of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Here, you will not only learn knowledge, but also cultivate morality and a sense of responsibility. I hope that you will contribute your strength to the prosperity of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the future."
With the establishment of the new school, more and more children entered the campus and received a systematic education. These children thrived in the new school, injecting new vitality into the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Thanks to Xiao Nanyi's efforts, the Nanzhao Kingdom made significant progress in all aspects, including its economy, culture, and education. However, Xiao Nanyi was not content with the status quo. He kept a close eye on the developments of neighboring countries, actively engaged in diplomatic activities, and strengthened friendly cooperation with neighboring nations, creating a favorable external environment for the development of the Nanzhao Kingdom.
Time flies, and several years have passed in the blink of an eye. Under Xiao Nanyi's meticulous governance, the Nanzhao Kingdom has flourished. The people live in peace and contentment, social order is well-maintained, commerce and trade are booming, and culture and art are thriving. The Nanzhao Kingdom's international standing has also been significantly enhanced, becoming a model for neighboring countries to learn from and emulate.
Discussion on Abdication: Planning for Succession and Ushering in a New Era
In the late autumn of the Nanzhao Kingdom's royal palace, ginkgo leaves danced in the gentle breeze, their golden foliage carpeting the palace paths like a shimmering golden rug. In the imperial garden, chrysanthemums vied for attention, their reds like fire, their whites like snow, their yellows like gold, exuding a delicate fragrance. Xiao Jingchuan, dressed in simple, plain clothes, strolled along the garden paths accompanied by Gu Liuli. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows.
"Liuli, before we knew it, we have been ruling the Nanzhao Kingdom for decades." Xiao Jingchuan stopped and looked at the magnificent palace in the distance, filled with emotion. "Now, the children have all grown up and are all outstanding. It is time for me to consider abdicating."
Gu Liuli paused slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She gazed at Xiao Jingchuan's increasingly gray hair, her heart filled with heartache: "Your Majesty, you have toiled for the Nanzhao Kingdom for most of your life. You must have thought this through carefully. However, I find it hard to accept that this matter has been brought up so suddenly."
Xiao Jingchuan gently held Gu Liuli's hand, the warmth in his palm conveying years of tacit understanding and deep affection: "These days, I have thought it over and over again. Yi'er and Yao'er are not only brave and resourceful, but also care about the people. They have also accumulated a lot of experience in governing the country and protecting the country. With them, I believe that Nanzhao Kingdom will continue to prosper and reach new heights."
Gu Liuli nodded slightly, her thoughts drifting back to the children's childhood. Little Nan Yi was exceptionally intelligent and diligent from a young age, with a deep interest in governance; Little Nan Yao was kind, brave, and righteous, helping the people solve their problems on numerous occasions. Thinking of this, a gratified smile appeared on Gu Liuli's face: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The children have all grown into pillars of society capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities. Yi'er is meticulous and has a broad perspective; Yao'er is decisive and resolute, with a heart for the common people. They will surely live up to your expectations."
The two slowly walked to a stone pavilion and sat down. Xiao Jingchuan gazed at the scenery outside the pavilion, lost in thought: "Liuli, I plan to pass the throne to Yi'er. As the crown prince, he has always performed outstandingly and has unique insights into national affairs. I feel at ease letting him succeed to the throne."
After pondering for a moment, Gu Liuli said, "Yi'er is indeed the only suitable candidate to succeed to the throne. However, this matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration. First, we need to listen to the opinions of the ministers and win their support; second, we also need to give Yi'er enough time to make full preparations."
Xiao Jingchuan agreed, "You've considered everything thoroughly. Tomorrow, I will summon the important officials of the court to discuss this matter. As for Yi'er, I will personally guide him these days, imparting to him some experience and insights in governing the country."
Just then, an autumn breeze blew by, and a few ginkgo leaves drifted down into the pavilion. Gu Liuli gently picked up a leaf and sighed, "Time flies so fast. It seems like only yesterday that the children were laughing and playing around us, but now it's time for them to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the nation."
Xiao Jingchuan looked at Gu Liuli and said affectionately, "Over the years, I am so grateful to have you by my side, working with me to govern the country. Without you, I would not have made it this far. After Yi'er ascends the throne, we can finally lay down our burdens and enjoy some leisure time."
Gu Liuli blushed slightly and said reproachfully, "Your Majesty, we have not officially abdicated yet, so we cannot be complacent. During this transition period, we must do our best to pave the way for Yi'er."
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and nodded: "You're right. I will stand guard until the very end to ensure a smooth transfer of power."
The two then discussed the details of the abdication in depth, from the preparations for the abdication ceremony to the policy direction after the new emperor's ascension to the throne, planning every single detail. Before they knew it, the sun was setting, and the sky was dyed a magnificent orange-red.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late, let's go back," Gu Liuli said softly.
Xiao Jingchuan stood up, took Gu Liuli's hand, and slowly walked back along the winding path. Along the way, the two reminisced about the past—the laughter, the tears, the hardships, and the glory. These precious memories, like brilliant stars, were embedded in the river of their lives.
Back in their palace, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli summoned their personal eunuchs and maids, instructing them to maintain secrecy regarding the abdication to avoid unnecessary chaos. After everyone had left, Xiao Jingchuan sat at his desk and began drafting the abdication edict. Gu Liuli quietly accompanied him, grinding ink for him.
The Jade Pendant's Mystery: A Shocking Turn of Events Unveils a Mystery
On a winter night in the Nanzhao Kingdom, the biting wind swept through every corner of the palace like a knife. Thick clouds obscured the moonlight, casting a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere over the entire palace. Gu Liuli leaned against the carved canopy bed, the bed curtains swaying gently in the wind. In her hand, she caressed a crystal-clear jade pendant, an item she had worn since childhood, its warm touch always calming her emotions.
The jade pendant was oval-shaped, with a warm, lustrous color and delicate texture. Exquisite cloud patterns were carved upon it, and a tiny sapphire, the size of a grain of rice, was set in its center, emitting a soft blue glow in the candlelight. Gu Liuli gazed at the pendant, her thoughts drifting back to her childhood. When her mother solemnly handed the pendant to her, instructing her to take good care of it, she remembered it. For many years, the pendant had never left her side, becoming her most cherished possession.
Suddenly, the jade pendant began to vibrate violently without warning, its blue light blazing brightly and illuminating the entire palace. Gu Liuli sat up in shock, her eyes wide as she stared at the radiant jade pendant in her hand, her heart filled with doubt and unease. "What on earth is going on?" she murmured to herself, her voice echoing in the silent palace.
Gu Liuli composed herself, quickly got up, put on a brocade robe, and walked to the window. Outside, it was pitch black, only the blue light of the jade pendant shimmering in the deep night. Just then, she heard a low rumble in the distance, as if a thousand horses were galloping towards them.
Gu Liuli dared not delay and hurriedly left the palace, heading towards the direction from which the sound came. The cold wind howled, making her hair disheveled and her brocade robe flutter. The palace maids and guards along the way were stunned when they saw the glowing jade pendant in Gu Liuli's hand, and they all knelt down to pay their respects.
"Get up, everyone. Have you noticed anything unusual?" Gu Liuli asked.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances and shook their heads. Gu Liuli frowned and continued on her way. When she arrived at the Imperial Garden, she discovered that the flowers and plants there were slowly growing under the light of the jade pendant. The withered branches instantly blossomed into vibrant flowers, and the deciduous trees sprouted tender green buds anew.
"This... how is this possible?" Gu Liuli exclaimed in amazement. She looked around, trying to find the answer, but found that in the center of the Imperial Garden, there was a black hole emitting a faint light. The air around the black hole seemed to be distorted, emitting a buzzing sound.
Gu Liuli took a deep breath, gripped the jade pendant tightly, and walked towards the black hole. As she approached, the jade pendant's light grew stronger, and the black hole seemed to respond to it, constantly contracting and expanding. When Gu Liuli was only a few steps away from the black hole, a beam of light suddenly shot out from it, intertwining with the jade pendant's light to form a giant cocoon of light.
Gu Liuli was enveloped in a cocoon of light, and her body involuntarily floated up. Inside the cocoon, she saw a series of strange scenes: war raged across the territory of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and the people were displaced; conspiracies were brewing in the royal palace, and bloodshed was rampant; and in the distant sky, a huge meteor was flying towards the Nanzhao Kingdom, leaving behind shattered mountains and rivers and devastating lives wherever it went.
"No!" Gu Liuli cried out in alarm, plummeting from her suspended state. The cocoon of light vanished instantly, and the jade pendant's glow gradually dimmed, eventually returning to calm. Gu Liuli collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, her forehead covered in cold sweat. The scene she had just witnessed replayed in her mind like a nightmare.
"Could this jade pendant be a premonition of the impending disaster facing the Nanzhao Kingdom?" Gu Liuli pondered to herself. She knew this matter was of utmost importance and she had to inform Xiao Jingchuan as soon as possible.
Gu Liuli stood up, straightened her clothes, and hurried towards Xiao Jingchuan's palace. Along the way, she pondered the reason for the jade pendant's glow and the meaning of those strange images. When she arrived at Xiao Jingchuan's palace, the guards at the door were about to bow, but Gu Liuli stopped them with a raised hand.
"Is His Majesty asleep? I have urgent business with him," Gu Liuli asked anxiously.
The guard shook his head: "His Majesty is still handling state affairs in the Imperial Study."
Gu Liuli turned and walked towards the Imperial Study. Inside, the Imperial Study was brightly lit by candlelight, and Xiao Jingchuan was sitting at his desk, reviewing memorials. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Gu Liuli walking in with a flustered expression, and couldn't help but frown.
"Liuli, what happened?" Xiao Jingchuan put down the memorial in his hand and asked with concern.
Gu Liuli walked up to Xiao Jingchuan and told him in detail about the jade pendant's glow and the strange scene she had witnessed. After listening, Xiao Jingchuan's expression became serious. He took the jade pendant and examined it carefully, trying to find clues within it.
"It seems that the Nanzhao Kingdom is about to face a huge crisis." Xiao Jingchuan said after a moment of contemplation. "Tomorrow morning, I will summon the important ministers of the court to discuss countermeasures. Liuli, you go back to your palace to rest. I will handle this matter properly."
Gu Liuli nodded, but her heart remained uneasy. She knew that a severe test was about to befall the Nanzhao Kingdom, and the jade pendant might be the key to resolving this crisis.