Chapter 1748 An Unprecedented, Epoch-Making Great Empire

Chapter 1748 An Unprecedented, Epoch-Making Great Empire
Prime Minister Li Si, holding a bamboo slip, bowed and reported:
"Your Majesty, since the reforms, all counties and prefectures in our Great Qin have established official schools, and seven or eight out of ten children are literate; the Ministry of Agriculture has invented a new curved plow, which allows one man to cultivate a hundred acres; and we have also obtained the water diversion method offered by the Mohists, which has doubled the annual yield of fertile land in Guanzhong."

"The Imperial Medical Academy developed Artemisia annua pills, which cured eight or nine out of ten cases of malaria; the Ministry of Works used mechanical engineering to create dragon-bone waterwheels, which could also irrigate arid land."

"This year, all the prefectures reported that granaries were full and no one picked up lost items on the road."

Ying Zheng's gaze shifted slightly, and the jade beads on his crown swayed gently.

How is the border?

Li Si bowed again.

"General Meng Tian reported that all the beacon towers along the Great Wall are equipped with repeating crossbows, so the Hu people dare not go south to graze their horses; 300,000 hectares of new farmland have been reclaimed in Jiuyuan County, and the garrison soldiers are more than self-sufficient."

Upon hearing this, all the officials in the hall showed joy, and the Minister of Grain stepped forward to add to the list:
"Last year, the Guanzhong Plain enjoyed favorable weather and abundant harvests, and the price of millet in Hedong was as cheap as dirt. In Shu County, a hundred new salt wells were opened, and the salt from Sichuan and Chongqing can benefit the whole country."

Ying Zheng lightly tapped the armrest with his fingertips, the sound exceptionally clear in the hall:
"Progress of the Mohist mechanism?"

Li Si unfolded another scroll of bamboo slips:

"Your Majesty, a railway has been built from Xianyang to Lishan, with locomotives traveling thousands of miles a day; the foundation of the Epang Palace is made of 'concrete,' making it even more solid than massive stones; however..."

He hesitated slightly.

"The leader of the Mohist school said that flying artifacts will still take some time to develop."

The water clock in the corner of the palace dripped, and Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the assembled officials in the hall.

Over the years, the Qin Dynasty has indeed undergone tremendous changes.

Fine iron farm tools were used in the fields, glassware appeared in the markets, and even the arrows in the army were replaced with standardized steel arrowheads. But the courtiers in front of us, wearing tall hats and wide belts, still held bamboo slips in their hands; the magnificent palaces still maintained the shape of flying eaves and brackets.

There's nothing wrong with that; rather, he's a little uncomfortable with the architectural styles of later generations that Zi Nian showed him.

The key to reform lies in proceeding step by step.

"Accurate."

Ying Zheng finally spoke, his voice as steady as a bell.

"Agriculture and sericulture are the foundation of the nation; the Mohist teachings should be prioritized for the benefit of the people, as for flying artifacts..."

"Tell the Mohists that I can wait."

Li Si bowed deeply in submission.

"Your Majesty is holy."

"Last year, the population of each prefecture increased by 300,000 households, and taxes increased by 20% compared to the previous year; since this spring, the heavens have sent down sweet rain and the earth has produced sweet springs, which are truly auspicious omens."

Ying Zheng nodded slightly.

Holding the bamboo slips, Li Si couldn't help but feel a myriad of emotions welling up in his heart.

Three years ago, he never imagined that the Great Qin would develop to such an astonishing level in just three years.

This is only the achievement on the surface. If we include the various ingenious skills and tricks secretly provided by that mysterious Ninth Prince, it can be described as divine.

The Qin Dynasty, which once swept across the six kingdoms but only occupied the lands of those six states, has now expanded its territory dozens of times over without anyone realizing it.

The kingdoms of the Western Regions, the islands of the South China Sea, the northern grasslands, and even many territories beyond the East China Sea were all incorporated into the Qin Dynasty's territory.

The common people only knew that the court was implementing new policies, but they did not know that the suddenly appearing high-yield crops, miraculous medicines, and ingenious machines all had the shadow of the reclusive Ninth Prince behind them.

They even traveled to a parallel world and met the emperor in his younger days, and even himself.

To be honest, that feeling was really hard to describe.

He still finds it hard to forget.

Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the assembled officials, taking in their expressions.

He naturally understood what these trusted ministers were thinking.

Even he himself sometimes feels a momentary daze when he wakes up in the middle of the night and sees everything in front of him.

"Your Majesty."

"The Qin Dynasty is where it is today thanks to the concerted efforts of all of you."

The emperor's deep voice broke the silence.

Upon hearing this, Li Si immediately led his ministers to kneel in obeisance.

"We dare not take credit for this; it is all due to Your Majesty's wisdom and the mandate of Heaven."

But everyone knows in their hearts that this cannot be explained by fate alone.

What they are building is an unprecedented, epoch-making great empire; and the future of this empire is probably unpredictable even to the most imaginative scholars.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Ninth Prince requests an audience."

Suddenly, a eunuch's shrill voice rang out from outside the palace.

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes beneath his crown.

This child has always been a recluse and has no interest in court politics. Why would he suddenly come here today?

"Xuan."

The eunuch bowed and withdrew. A moment later, soft footsteps could be heard at the palace gate.

The assembled officials turned their heads to look, and saw a young man dressed in a plain white brocade robe slowly walk in.

He had a handsome face with a touch of languor in his eyes. As he walked, his clothes fluttered lightly, as if they were untouched by any dust. Even though it was just an ordinary step, it gave people a sense of ethereal grace.

"My son, I will meet my father."

The Ninth Prince slightly cupped his hands, without even bending his waist.

Such casual etiquette would have been met with severe impeachment from the censors for any other prince.

But none of the officials dared to utter a word of criticism, for this person could casually use immortal techniques, and had even taken them to see his counterparts in other worlds.

Who in the entire Qin state didn't know the importance of the Ninth Prince?
A hint of helplessness flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.

He originally intended for this son to be the crown prince, but the child shook his head as soon as he heard the news:

“Since Father has already cultivated the ‘Forging the Heavenly Court’ and is connected with the fate of the Great Qin, his lifespan is endless. Why does he need a crown prince? Your son does not want to be an eternal crown prince. It’s too tiring.”

Thinking of this, Ying Zheng's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Since then, the Qin Dynasty has abolished the position of crown prince.

After all, as the child said, as long as he is here, the Qin Dynasty will last forever.

"Why does Zi Nian have the interest to attend court today?"

Ying Zheng spoke calmly, but could not hide the concern in his eyes.

Ying Zi said in a relaxed tone:

"Father, I have just learned from a friend in the Celestial Realm that a demon from beyond the realm has descended upon this world, intending to slaughter all living beings here."

Ying Zheng's pupils contracted sharply, but he quickly regained his composure. He did not doubt the truthfulness of Ying Zinian's words, but...
"Zinian, if what you say is true, why are you still so carefree?"

Ying Zheng gazed intently at his son.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zinian suddenly burst out laughing:
"Father, have you forgotten the strength of my friends in the Immortal Realm?"

"For them, dealing with the extraterrestrial demons is nothing more than a piece of cake."

The courtiers in the hall were completely bewildered, yet dared not interrupt; they understood the Immortal Realm, but what on earth was this extraterrestrial demon?

Do they intend to slaughter all living beings in this world? Will their celestial friends intervene?
The sheer volume of information conveyed in these words left the ministers feeling dizzy and overwhelmed.

"Your Majesty, I have come here merely to inform you."

"Perhaps by the time your court session ends, that demon will have already been dealt with."

Ying Zheng chuckled and shook his head, saying:

"You kid."

His tone was full of helplessness, yet also revealed a hint of doting affection.

"Would you like me to host a banquet for your celestial friends?"

After pondering for a moment, Ying Zheng asked.

Ying Zinian blinked:
"That's not necessary. They've only come for the extraterrestrial demons."

"However, I will extend an invitation to them at that time, and if they are interested, I will have to ask my father for help."

"it is good."

Ying Zheng nodded with a light smile and watched Ying Zinian respectfully take his leave.

As he watched the white figure disappear outside the palace gates, a thoughtful look flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.

extraterrestrial demons
But since Zi Nian said so, it must be nothing to worry about.

Let's discuss this in detail with Zinian after this is over.

"Let's continue the discussion."

Ying Zheng withdrew his gaze, and his voice regained its majesty.

Li Si immediately stepped forward and continued to report on the autumn harvest situation in various counties. The solemn and dignified atmosphere in the court was quickly restored.

Meanwhile, on the long corridor outside the hall.

Ying Zi Nian strolled along, his wide sleeves swaying gently in the wind.

Suddenly, the space beside him distorted slightly, and a figure appeared silently beside him.

"It feels much more magnificent now, have you rebuilt it?"

Su Yunqing looked around curiously and asked Ying Zinian.

Even in the world of Qin's Moon, the Xianyang Palace in the memory instance is not this magnificent.

"That's natural."

"The Qin Dynasty is now at the height of its power, so the imperial palace should naturally be of a commensurate standard; otherwise, wouldn't it be a laughing stock?"

Ying Zinian said with a light laugh.

Su Yunqing looked around and saw that the carved beams and painted rafters were indeed exquisite, exuding an ancient and profound atmosphere.

She hadn't seen such an "antique" building for quite some time after she transmigrated.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she tilted her head and asked:
"Speaking of which, why do you still use terms like 'extraterrestrial demons' and 'immortal realm'? Didn't Ying Zheng already know about the chat group? He from another world even joined the group, and you two are still cooperating so well."

Su Yunqing was somewhat curious.

After all, Ying Zinian had been in the chat group for so long, and the Qin Dynasty had undergone such a great change because of him. Furthermore, because Ying Zheng from another world joined the group, the two sides reached a cooperation agreement.

It's not at all that the existence of time travelers and chat groups is incomprehensible and requires explanations like extraterrestrial demons and the immortal realm.

"Rapid development of national strength is one thing, but the cognitive habits formed over thousands of years cannot be changed overnight."

"Just like how we can build palaces with more advanced materials but still maintain the traditional style, some things need time to change slowly."

Ying Zinian explained slowly.

Su Yunqing nodded thoughtfully:
"So you're taking their comprehension level into consideration?"

"That's it."

Ying Zinian shrugged.

"Concepts like 'the Immortal Realm' and 'extraterrestrial demons' are easier for them to accept; explaining things like 'parallel universes,' 'the myriad realms,' or 'higher-dimensional life forms' might actually lead to misunderstandings."

"Moreover, the existence of chat groups is in some ways no different from that of the Immortal Realm. Those transmigrators are indeed extraterrestrial demons to the Great Qin."

"Isn't it?"

Su Yunqing nodded.

"That's true."

Forget about the celestial realm, there's even a Buddha chat group.

Are you the only one who arrived?

Ying Zinian looked around and saw no other familiar figures besides Su Yunqing.

If it were just Su Yunqing, then this transmigrator probably wouldn't be able to be dealt with.

Where's Tony?
Didn't he say he was coming too?
Su Yunqing waved her hand.

“Tony, Madara Uchiha, and Shendu are all here, but the Marquis is not.”

"It's probably because this time traveler isn't a god, and there are quite a few group members participating in the mission, so he was too lazy to make this trip."

"Those few are wandering around the Qin Dynasty right now. I'm planning to go out for a stroll later too."

This is the first time the Marquis has had a mission but hasn't participated.

But indeed, compared to the different races and powerful beings in the world of No Game No Life, Ying Zinian's world only has a transmigrator who might reach the level of a star burster, and he hasn't brought any [rule-level items] with him, so it's not very attractive to the Marquis.

In particular, there is no limit to the number of group members who can participate, and the reward is only 300,000 points.

As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance. A patrol of imperial guards was seen running frantically in a certain direction, the leading general's face pale, shouting repeatedly:

"There are monsters."

Ying Zinian and Su Yunqing exchanged a glance, both showing helpless expressions.

"It seems to be the Holy Lord."

Only the Holy Lord, with his dragon head and human body covered in scales, would be regarded as a "monster" by these Imperial Guards.

He strode forward and stopped the panicked imperial guards:
"Please do not panic, everyone. That is a friend of my prince."

Upon seeing the Ninth Prince, the leading general immediately knelt on one knee to pay his respects, but his face still showed a look of surprise and uncertainty.
"Your Highness, that...that monster!"

"I already said we're friends."

Ying Zinian gently interrupted him.

"You may all step back now. I will handle this."

The Imperial Guards exchanged glances, then finally bowed respectfully and withdrew.
But as he was leaving, he couldn't help but look back frequently, clearly not entirely at ease with that "friend".

Ying Zinian and Su Yunqing followed the direction the Imperial Guards had come from, turned past several palace walls, and sure enough, they saw the Holy Lord's figure in the square in front of a side hall.

This demon lord from the world of Jackie Chan Adventures is sitting calmly on the white marble railing, his scarlet vertical pupils surveying the surrounding buildings with great interest.

"You are here."

Upon seeing the arrival of the two, the Holy Lord spoke calmly.

"what are you doing here?"

"I just checked the chat group, and they were still browsing in the Qin Dynasty, weren't they?"

"What, are you afraid because your body is too terrifying?"

"Why don't you just use a talisman to change your form?"

Su Yunqing was a little confused as to why the Holy Lord would come, since he had just been strolling around the Great Qin Dynasty.

Moreover, despite possessing the Monkey Talisman, he rarely uses it and is now standing here watching the Qin palace.

Are you thinking about your old life?
"I don't like changing my own form."

The Holy Lord said calmly.

Although he possesses the Monkey Talisman, or rather, the Monkey Talisman itself is his power, he does not like to change his form.

Over the long years, he had long since grown accustomed to his current body, and was no longer used to human or other races' bodies.