Chapter 1 - Our Empire is blessed

 

The wind was blowing cold outside. As the sun sets and the moon rises, the palace's open square gets progressively busier with all sorts of decorations, drums, and performers warming up to do their best. A crowd builds up in the front, waiting for the ceremony that would soon start. The flags are waving fast. A very dim light from inside the palace lights up, and the door opens slowly: the emperor Feng Long has arrived, bringing news the commoners are eager to hear.

As Feng long gets into position, along with the prince, Yu Lexuan, and the Minister of Economy, Zhong Kunyi, people try to get a bit closer, but not too close:

-His majesty is blessing us with his presence. Please, stand up. - The prince says.

People stand up in an orderly manner in the square. Feng Long is now in a higher position, so he can see everyone:

-Tonight, I asked all of you to gather there to bring good news about how well our empire is doing. I kindly ask for the minister of the economy to rectify my speech if necessary. - Feng Long looks at Zhong Kunyi.

-Yes, your majesty, if you don't bother - Zhong Kunyi bows to him.

-We had many economic issues about 10 years ago. Our empire was too efficient in collecting taxes from commoners. But, it was also too inefficient in keeping people free, healthy, properly nourished, and happy. Since I was given this mandate from the Heavens, I tried to reform this old structure and enact new ideas. The path was troublesome for me. With your help, we now have an empire that is much more sustainable. 

The commoners applaud Feng Long. He waits until they stop. He then touches the left shoulder of Zhong Kunyi:

- Zhong Kunyi, your efforts paid off. We now enjoy an all-time high monetary stability in our empire. Your tax reform was a complicated issue, but it ultimately solved the inequalities. Those who are in the bottom line are now having better conditions to rise. Take this as a sincere thank you from me and everyone who benefited from the reforms you proposed. 

The commoners clap again. Zhong Kunyi bows to Feng Long:

-I'm grateful for having been given by the heavens the opportunity to serve your majesty. It is such a gift from the Gods to have your permission to work for the benefit of our empire, to keep the economy functioning and people happy. To enact new ideas and, overall, have your kind support on making them a reality out of the drawing board.

Feng Long helps Zhong Kunyi to rise:

-You can rise now. 

Feng Long turns around, look at the commoners:

-As we've had such good performance, I'll give all of you five hundred taels back in compensation to spend as you wish. Together, we've made a strong empire, and so we will remain until not a single powder of our bones is left on our land. I kindly thank you for the tireless work you do to keep our empire together. 

The commoners celebrate the gift promised by Feng Long. He descends to the square below. About fifteen people bring in a wagon full of small boxes, each loaded with 500 taels inside. Feng Long personally distributes the boxes for all the commoners, one at a time. Zhong Kunyi watches, thinking:

-Feng Long knows I would not approve it, but since our economy is booming, injecting more taels in the economy may boost it even more in the short term. I hope nothing goes wrong in the short run.

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