The four grand national policies.
The division of the empire into nine provinces and thirty-six commanderies.
The establishment of academies across the empire.
The entire Great Qin Empire had entered a period of rapid development.
And this was only the policies publicly declared through imperial edicts.
In the shadows, efforts were also being made to advance civilization:
Paper-making.
Movable-type printing.
Book compilation.
All books from across the empire were gathered in the capital, stored in the Left Prime Minister's archives, and carefully selected for educational purposes. The chosen texts were then reprinted using the new script and distributed to academies across the land.
Time Passed in a Flash!
Ten days had gone by.
Today, Xianyang is livelier than ever.
Outside the royal palace, red decorations adorned the streets.
Imperial guards lined the official roads, as the Crown Prince's ceremonial carriage departed from the palace.
Over a hundred carriages, filled with treasures and rare gifts, followed closely behind.
Today was a momentous occasion
The Imperial Princess of Great Qin was to be married.
She was to wed Li You, the eldest son of the Right Prime Minister, Li Si. This grand event sent waves of excitement throughout the entire city.
Even the busiest ministers momentarily set aside their affairs to attend the wedding banquet at the Tingwei (Minister of Justice) Residence.
Outside the Li Residence
Li Si personally stood at the gate, greeting the esteemed guests.
"The Minister of Revenue has arrived."
"Please, come in."
"Congratulations, Prime Minister Li."
"Haha, thank you! Your seat is already prepared inside."
"The Grand General has arrived!"
"Please, this way."
The entrance was bustling with high-ranking officials, coming and going in an endless stream.
On both sides of the official roads, countless commoners gathered, eager to witness the grand wedding.
As time passed
To the sound of joyful wedding music, the Crown Prince's carriage arrived.
Surrounding it were his elite personal guards.
Leading the way, Li You rode a tall warhorse, his face filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Father!"
"We're home!"
Li You dismounted swiftly, his voice trembling with emotion.
Li Si gave a firm nod, his eyes filled with deep pride.
At that moment
The curtain of the ceremonial carriage was lifted.
The first to step out was Crown Prince Zhao Feng.
Behind him, in black and red bridal attire, was Princess Zhao Ying.
She gracefully held a folding fan, partially covering her face.
Today, Zhao Ying is an unparalleled beauty, a sight to steal hearts and souls.
"Come."
Zhao Feng smiled, extending his hand.
"Mmm."
Zhao Ying gently placed her hand in his, allowing her elder brother to escort her down from the carriage.
"Welcome, Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"
"Welcome, Your Highness, the Crown Princess!"
Li Si stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Prime Minister Li, no need for formalities."
"Today, I am not the Crown Prince only an elder brother sending off his beloved sister."
Zhao Feng smiled warmly.
"Yes, yes, of course!" Li Si chuckled.
"Let's head inside."
Holding his sister's hand, Zhao Feng led her into the Li Residence.
Li You's eyes glowed with deep affection, his heart overflowing with happiness he had finally married the woman he loved.
Moments later
A procession of riders thundered forth.
At their helm was Ren Xiao, followed closely by the Imperial Carriage of the First Emperor.
"Welcome, Your Majesty!"
"Welcome, Empress!"
Li Si rushed forward to pay his respects.
The surrounding officials and guests all bowed deeply.
Amidst the resounding shouts of reverence, the imperial carriage opened.
The First Emperor, Ying Zheng, stepped out, holding Empress Xia Dong'er's hand.
Since returning to Xianyang, Empress Xia Dong'er had become noticeably more radiant evidence of a love that was finally fulfilled.
"All of you, rise."
"Today is my daughter's wedding there is no need for formalities!"
The First Emperor laughed heartily.
"Your Majesty, please, this way!"
Li Si personally led the way inside.
Inside the Li Residence
The grand hall was packed with esteemed guests all high-ranking officials.
Firstly, Li Si was the Right Prime Minister, a position of immense power.
Secondly, the Li family was marrying a royal princess, and the First Emperor himself had personally attended.
Everyone understood the Li family was on the rise, destined to become one of the most powerful families in the empire.
Seated at the highest table
The First Emperor and Empress Xia Dong'er took the center seats.
Crown Prince Zhao Feng and his wife sat beside them.
Li Si and his wife, beaming with joy, took their seats one level lower.
The wedding ceremony commenced.
The bowing rites were performed:
First to heaven and earth, then to the imperial parents, and finally to each other.
Since ancient times, these were the sacred marriage traditions of the Huaxia people.
This wedding was monumental, even grander than when Zhao Feng married Wang Yan.
To Zhao Feng, his only sister's marriage was a matter of utmost importance.
After the Wedding, A New Era Begins
The next day
Many Qin officials quietly left Xianyang.
The five Grand Generals of Qin's main military camps had taken the Celestial Mystic Mirror back to their armies, following Zhao Feng's decree to replicate the divine artifact.
Soon, over one million elite Qin soldiers would receive martial arts techniques from the Celestial Mirror.
A new era of Qin's military power was about to begin!
Meanwhile
With the appointment of the Nine Provincial Governors, over the next few days, eight of them had departed from the capital to take charge of their respective provinces.
Though the empire had been divided into provinces and commanderies, it was still in the early stages of governance.
For these newly appointed officials, this was an opportunity to establish their legacies no one wanted to fall behind.
And more importantly
Zhao Feng's promises and expectations were deeply engraved in their minds.
As time passed
One month.
Two months.
With the provincial governors assuming power, commandery governors were appointed and entrusted with governance.
Capable and loyal officials were carefully selected, ensuring smooth administration.
Furthermore, Zhao Feng personally reviewed all commandery governor appointments.
If an official's loyalty score was below 70, they were immediately rejected.
Governance required loyalty only the faithful could be entrusted with power.
Thus
A massive political reshuffling took place across the empire.
Meanwhile, in the Wei Region
Deep underground, in a hidden chamber
A gathering of remnants from the fallen Six Kingdoms sat in grim silence.
Clearly
The past six months had been exceedingly difficult for them.
"Everyone, speak about your respective situations."
Zhang Liang sighed and looked at the gathered people.
"The Qin Empire has divided the land into nine provinces and thirty-six counties, further strengthening its control over the realm."
"Moreover, as the Qin government once declared, they have indeed increased regulations on copper and iron."
"In every city, all blacksmith shops must be registered with the Qin government. Anyone purchasing even a simple iron hoe must have their transaction recorded. The private trade of copper and iron is now entirely prohibited, as the Qin government has taken control of these resources. Even blacksmiths can only acquire materials through official government registration."
A man from Wei sighed as he spoke.
"And that's not all," another man from Zhao added.
"The Qin Empire has not only imposed strict control over copper and iron but has also begun confiscating materials from former battlefields, transporting everything to Xianyang."
"Each shipment is escorted by Qin soldiers, leaving us with no chance to intercept them."
A man from Yan spoke up. "With these new restrictions, our supply of metal is dwindling. We are running out of resources to forge armor and weapons it has become nearly impossible."
"Zifang," said Xiang Liang, addressing Zhang Liang, "the situations described are the same everywhere. The Qin Empire has enforced its control over copper and iron to the extreme, likely to prevent us from raising an army."
"What do you think we should do?"
After a moment of thought, Zhang Liang replied, "For now, our only option is to trade with the barbarian tribes for copper and iron."
"Our best bet is Baiyue in the south. The northern frontier is heavily guarded by Qin forces, making transportation too difficult," Xiang Liang said.
"Furthermore, with Qin tightening its grip on the land, the merchants who once supported us now dare not reveal themselves," he added.
"We can only look to Baiyue for help," Zhang Liang nodded, his expression troubled.
"Zhao Feng has issued another decree," a man from Qi interjected.
"Surely you all know about it by now?"
"He's establishing academies across the empire to educate the people."
"Damn that Zhao Feng," a Korean man sneered.
"Does he think building academies is that easy?"
"If he truly follows through with this, the Qin Empire will be drained of resources."
They were enraged by Zhao Feng's initiative.
As members of the former ruling elite, literacy had been their privilege. The idea of commoners gaining access to education enraged them.
Moreover, literacy was the foundation of cultural inheritance.
By promoting literacy, Zhao Feng was severing their future hopes of passing down their traditions and influence.
"The Qin Empire is tightening its grip on its territory," another man said grimly.
"The four major national policies are meant to unify Chinese civilization under one rule, erasing our nation's cultural legacies."
"These academies will undoubtedly teach loyalty to the Qin state."
Zhang Liang sighed deeply.
He felt utterly powerless.
He could do nothing but watch as Zhao Feng implemented policies that strengthened Qin's control.
If they revealed themselves, the Qin army would immediately hunt them down.
They were like rats, forced into hiding.
If the Qin Empire were to fall into chaos, they might have a chance. However, under Zhao Feng's governance, Zhang Liang saw no signs of instability.
"If Korea had a ruler like this in the past, perhaps we would have prospered as well."
"Four major policies, unifying the people and promoting education"
"How could I not admire such ideas?"
"But we are enemies, after all."
The hatred of a fallen nation and the deaths of his kin sealed Zhang Liang's fate.
He could never submit to Qin.
And he could never serve Zhao Feng.
"Everyone," Zhang Liang said solemnly, "for now, we must remain in hiding and wait for the right moment."
"How long are we supposed to hide?!"
"Why not charge into the Qin government and die in a blaze of glory?"
Xiang Yu roared in frustration.
His temperament made it impossible for him to endure any longer.
"Qin would love nothing more than for us to do that. It would give them the perfect excuse to wipe us out in one fell swoop," Zhang Liang said coldly, glancing at Xiang Yu.
"If we remain hidden like this, will we ever have the chance to restore our nations and avenge our people?"
"Zhao Feng is pushing us into a corner!" Xiang Yu raged.
"Yu'er, enough!"
Xiang Liang shot him a sharp glare.
Under his uncle's stern gaze, Xiang Yu had no choice but to lower his head.
…
Time passed in the blink of an eye.
Half a year had gone by.
With the nine provincial governors in place, county governors were appointed under their recommendations. When they assumed their posts, they were granted Tianxuan Mirrors by Zhao Feng.
Even if they were thousands of miles apart, they could use the mirrors to report directly to the government.
Zhao Feng used the Tianxuan Mirrors to weave a vast communication network across the Qin Empire.
The hierarchy was structured as follows:
Emperor Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) wielded the Tianxuan Master Mirror, second only to Zhao Feng's own.
As emperor, he could directly issue decrees to the nine provincial governors and the thirty-six county governors.
He could also command the five supreme generals of the Qin army, along with all military leaders across the empire.
With this, true centralized power was achieved.
From the imperial palace in Xianyang, the emperor controlled the entire nation.
Below him:
Prime Minister Lü Buwei could communicate directly with his subordinate ministers.
The Grand Marshal could contact the five supreme generals and their subordinates.
The Tianxuan Mirrors formed a pyramid-like chain of command.
The higher one's rank, the greater their authority through the mirrors.
With this system in place, delays caused by paper reports and bureaucracy were eliminated.
The Qin Empire was evolving daily.
Culture and administration were unified.
The nation was transformed.
Outside Xianyang.
A heavily guarded field, watched over by the imperial guards.
Ten steps per sentry.
No outsiders were permitted entry.
"Your Majesty! Your Highness!"
"Reporting!"
"The Linggu Rice has been harvested!"
"Each acre has yielded fifty shi, several times more than regular rice!"
Zheng Guo rushed over, holding a bundle of golden rice grains, his excitement evident.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's face lit up with joy.
"Feng'er," he said, turning to Zhao Feng, "is this the surprise you brought me here for?"
"A yield of fifty shi per acre is that not a surprise?" Zhao Feng chuckled.
"If this were a year ago," Ying Zheng mused, examining the rice in his hands, "I would have been astounded."
"But now… nothing seems to surprise me anymore."
He laughed heartily.
"Ha!"
Hearing Ying Zheng's words, Zhao Feng also laughed.
This was not just an empty remark from Ying Zheng it was the truth.
Zhao Feng had been the crown prince for nearly a year now.
During this year, the entire Qin Empire had undergone rapid development.
The changes Zhao Feng had brought to Qin were monumental.
The Spirit Valley Rice, with a yield of fifty stone per mu, once fully promoted across the empire, would ensure that no one in Qin would starve again. The people would finally feel the difference between the Qin Empire and their former states.
Because in this era, the people's demands were simple to survive.
And this was exactly what Qin could provide for them.
"When do you plan to introduce this Spirit Valley Rice to the world?" Ying Zheng asked.
"This rice has an extremely high yield. If it spreads beyond China, it could become a disaster for our Qin Empire," Zhao Feng said with a chuckle.
"I must put a lock on this rice so that once it leaves Qin, it will not survive."
Having lived two lifetimes, Zhao Feng deeply understood the saying, 'Those who are not of our kin have different hearts.'
This high-yield rice would significantly boost Qin's national strength, ensuring it would never again suffer from food shortages. But if it fell into the hands of foreign tribes, it would become a major problem for Qin.
"Is that even possible?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise.
"Father," Zhao Feng said with a smile, "The ways of fate and fortune are mysterious and boundless.
"The implementation of national policies is meant to gather and solidify the empire's destiny, shaping Qin into a true dynasty of fortune.
A unified culture leads to a unified national destiny. The stronger the people's sense of belonging to Qin, the more powerful our empire's destiny will be."
"I don't quite understand all that," Ying Zheng replied, "but my stance remains the same do whatever you must.
"If the sky falls, your father will hold it up for you." Ying Zheng's expression was firm.
"Don't worry." Zhao Feng smiled. "The sky won't fall."
Just then
A convoy of carriages approached from the distance.
"Your Majesty."
"Your Highness."
Lü Buwei stepped down from one of the carriages, looking energetic and excited.
Following behind him were Han Fei and Li Si.
Something significant had happened.
"Zhongfu (Lü Buwei), what brings you out of the city personally?"
"If it was urgent, you could have just reported it through the Heavenly Profound Mirror." Ying Zheng chuckled.
"Your Majesty."
"Your Highness."
"We have just received reports from the provincial governors."
"After eight months, all four major national policies have been successfully implemented!"
Lü Buwei laughed heartily.
"All four policies completed in less than a year?" Ying Zheng was visibly surprised.
Originally, these policies were expected to take two to three years to implement fully.
After all, each one of them affected the entire empire.
"Your Majesty."
"The true reason we succeeded so quickly is the divine artifact bestowed upon us by the Crown Prince."
"With the Heavenly Profound Mirror, our Qin Empire is no longer hindered by distance. Even reports from the most remote borders can now reach Xianyang in an instant.
"With no delays in governance, everything has progressed at an unprecedented pace." Lü Buwei explained with a grin.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness!"
"The unification of script has been completed!"
"Now, throughout Qin's territories, all official documents, decrees, and records use the new Qin script." Han Fei reported.
"The Imperial Highways have been fully planned and reconstructed. With the full cooperation of local labor forces, the standardization of vehicle tracks has been completed." Li Si followed up.
"The unification of customs and measurement systems has also been completed."
"The Four Great Policies have now been fully implemented across the empire."
"The reforms are complete!" Han Fei and Li Si declared in unison.
At that moment, a system notification suddenly appeared before Zhao Feng:
"Congratulations, host, for participating in a historical milestone.
National power has increased to Level 2.
You have been awarded a Tier 5 Treasure Chest."
"A unified culture, a strengthened nation."
"I didn't expect to complete everything in less than a year."
"A Tier 5 Treasure Chest."
"Excellent."
Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
He had proposed the national policies.
He had assigned the officials to carry them out.
In a way, Qin's transformation was entirely his doing.
This realization filled Zhao Feng with a deep sense of satisfaction.
"In addition"
"The envoys from Tuan and Goguryeo have already passed through Hangu Pass. They should arrive in the capital by tomorrow." Lü Buwei continued.
"By the Crown Prince's orders, these two nations have presented a substantial tribute of wealth and treasures."
"I would estimate that they have surrendered half of their national treasuries."
"All those months of making them wait were worth it." Han Fei said with a smirk.
But Ying Zheng remained calm.
"Tuan and Goguryeo are merely small nations."
"The true priority of Qin is to win the hearts of the people.
"Once Qin's unity reaches its peak, and the people fully identify with the empire, these small nations will be no more than insects beneath our feet."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Lü Buwei, Han Fei, and Li Si immediately bowed in agreement.
"Feng'er."
"Now that the Four Great Policies have been implemented, what is your next step?" Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng smiled, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
"You will find out at tomorrow's court assembly, Father."
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