LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 27
Moments later, Yaoyao helped Lin Beifan massage his swollen hand, while Heshen continued to report.
Heshen spoke with gravity, “Your Majesty, the earthquake did not harm our people in the slightest, but it has led us to discover so many mineral resources. Do you realize what all this means?”
“And what does it mean, Minister?” Lin Beifan’s expression turned serious as well.
“It means…”
Heshen said fervently, “Your Majesty, you are truly the Son of Destiny, which is why disaster turns into fortune, and misfortune into blessing! Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”
Lin Beifan couldn’t hold back and burst into proud laughter, “Minister, you are right. I am the Son of Destiny, thus I am blessed by the heavens! Indeed, I am the favorite child of the Heavenly Father, haha!”
It’s so exciting!
Yaoyao, fuming, grabbed Lin Beifan’s hand again and bit into it.
Lin Beifan: “Ow, ow, ow…”
Heshen coughed once more, turning his head away to another direction.After a moment, Yaoyao continued to massage Lin Beifan’s swollen hand.
Lin Beifan’s other hand rested on Heshen’s shoulder, expressing his satisfaction, “Minister, you have worked hard during this period. Your efforts will not be in vain; I will keep them in my heart!”
Heshen was overjoyed: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious favor!”
He has always worked so hard; isn’t this what it’s all for?
His rapid rise to success is just around the corner!
……
On the second day, early in the morning, it was time for the awarding of honors.
In the presence of the full court of civil and military officials, Lin Beifan publicly declared: “Heshen and Minister, step forward to receive your titles!”
“I am here!” Heshen joyfully stepped forward.
“During this period, Minister Heshen has taken the lead in striking against speculation and profiteering, stabilizing public sentiment during times of national chaos, ensuring the normal operation of the state. His loyalty and bravery are commendable, and his abilities are outstanding. Therefore, I officially appoint you as the Minister of Revenue. Let it be known!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Heshen exclaimed loudly.
“Minister He, from now on you will be in charge of the Ministry of Revenue! We have a vast amount of uncultivated land; organize manpower as soon as possible to start plowing and farming, making use of all the land so that everyone has enough to eat!”
“Furthermore, due to the shortage of personnel in the Ministry of Works, those mineral resources will temporarily be managed by you. Organize manpower promptly and make full use of these resources without waste!”
“Whether it’s food or money, I will support you with all my might!”
“In short, just one sentence: do everything possible to help our economy recover as quickly as possible!”
Heshen felt the weight of his responsibilities, but he also sensed Lin Beifan’s complete trust in him. Having a task is an opportunity to perform!
“Your Majesty, rest assured, your humble servant will spare no effort and will only rest upon death!” Heshen bowed and then withdrew.
“An Lushan, step forward to receive your appointment!”
“Your servant is here!” An Lushan walked forward with his head held high and a confident stride.
“In recent times, Minister An has led our troops northward, defeating the Mo Kingdom’s forces twice. Your capabilities are outstanding and your contributions immense. Therefore, I now appoint you as the General of the Nation, commanding an army of 200,000. Let this be known!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace!” An Lushan exclaimed joyfully.
The General of the Nation is already a second-rank official in the imperial court, the second most important figure in the five-rank military officer system.
The most important figure is Grand General Chai Yulang, but since he has been dismissed from his post, An Lushan could be considered the foremost among military commanders.
Moreover, with command of 200,000 troops, his position is both high and powerful.
“Minister An, there is a task at hand! Due to the shortage of personnel in the Ministry of War, I have no choice but to entrust this task to you!”
“Your Majesty, please speak!” An Lushan said with a stern face.
“The task I am giving you is to increase the troops and expand the army!”
Lin Beifan sighed, “In recent times, we have defeated the Mo Kingdom twice! However, our military strength is too limited, so we are unable to hold onto the territories we’ve opened up and have had to abandon them! We must remember the past to guide the future! Therefore, we must conscript more soldiers to enhance our military strength!”
“Your Majesty speaks the utmost truth!”
An Lushan nodded in deep agreement. “Your Majesty, how many additional troops shall we raise?”
“Let’s start with 300,000!” Lin Beifan said.
An Lushan was shocked: “Your Majesty, isn’t 300,000 too many? Our nation’s total population is only 3 million, and we already have 300,000 soldiers. The national treasury is already under considerable strain to support them! Recruiting another 300,000, I fear…”
“Rest assured, our country now has ample food and wealth, fully capable of supporting an army of 600,000!”
Lin Beifan said with a smile. “All you need to do now is to recruit soldiers, elite soldiers!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” An Lushan accepted the order.
Since the emperor had spoken, he would just go ahead and do it.
……
Following that, Lin Beifan continued to discuss merits and give rewards.
Anyone who had performed exceptionally during this period was promoted.
And those who were just warming their seats without contributing were all kicked out.
With these changes, the entire court took on a completely new look.
However, after glancing at the court, Lin Beifan still felt that there were too few usable people.
After all, with the Empire Sandbox, he was definitely planning to expand outward and needed a large number of talented individuals to serve him.
But he was still just a small kingdom, and moreover, he was carrying the stigma of being called a foolish emperor. Which talented person would be willing to join him?
At this moment, Lin Beifan thought of the Prime Minister and the Grand General, who were not only capable but also loyal and devoted.
“Should I call them back?”
No sooner had this thought arisen that he dismissed it.
“It’s not the right time! They may be good, but their governing philosophy conflicts with mine. Bringing them back now would actually be detrimental to my plan! We’ll talk about it when the time is ripe.”
We are currently recruiting. CN/KR/JP Translators/MTLers are welcome!
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/HGaByvmVuw