Since the moment he ascended the throne, the new emperor Li Muyang has shouldered the responsibility of the country and the people. Every day, before dawn, he would sit upright at his desk, with the flickering candlelight reflecting his focused face. He studied word by word the memorials that had been urgently sent from all over the nine provinces. They were densely filled with the minute details of people's livelihood, ranging from the irrigation problems in remote villages to the obstacles in trade and circulation in prosperous towns, without any omissions.
Only by having a thorough understanding of these complex affairs can we implement precise policies and lead the country to prosperity and strength.
Under Li Muyang's meticulous planning, a series of reform measures were implemented like the gentle spring rain. He reduced the taxes of merchants and encouraged business exchanges. For a time, markets everywhere were bustling with activity.
The bustling crowds were shuttling along the streets. Merchants were Shouting at the top of their voices to sell their goods. The stalls were filled with a wide variety of goods, ranging from exquisite silk to novel handicrafts.
In the vast countryside, he organized the construction of water conservancy projects. New irrigation canals meandered through the fields, nourishing the fertile land. The farmers worked hard. When the harvest season came, the granaries were filled with plump grains. Children were playing and running in the fields and at the edges of the land. Their laughter and joy echoed throughout the village, and everywhere was filled with the scene of a peaceful and prosperous era.
In the early morning, the first ray of sunlight, like silk threads, pierced through the carved window lattices, outlining a series of dreamy light and shadow scenes on the blue brick floor of the palace. Li Muyang was dressed in a plain casual outfit. The corners of his clothes swayed gently with his steps. Each step was steady and powerful, yet with a hint of urgency.
When he reached the door of the bedchamber of Emperor Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue, he paused slightly, took a deep breath, and countless scenes from the past flashed through his mind like a movie: when he was ill as a child, his mother stayed by his bedside all night, her eyes full of worry.
The emperor taught him horseback riding and archery hand in hand, strict yet full of anticipation. These memories welled up in his heart like a warm current, filling his heart with yearning and concern.
He respectfully performed a grand bow, his voice quivering slightly with excitement: "My son pays his respects to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. May Father Emperor and Mother Empress enjoy good health, continuous blessings and no worries every year."
Li Yi was sitting on the couch, intently flipping through the governance classics of the previous dynasty, trying to find useful experience for Li Muyang from the wisdom of the ancients. Hearing Li Muyang's voice, he slowly raised his head. His originally serious face instantly lit up with a relieved smile, which was filled with recognition and pride for his son's years of hard work.
He gently put down the book in his hand, waved his hand to signal Li Muyang to come closer, his voice gentle and tinged with a hint of emotion: "Yang 'er is here. Get up quickly. There's no need to be overly polite." It's truly rare for your father to find time to visit us even though he knows you are constantly occupied with state affairs every day.
Lin Yue emerged gracefully from the inner room, still holding a medical book in her hand. Every day, she continues to study medicine at a fixed time, hoping to protect them with medical knowledge and ensure their safety and smoothness.
The moment she saw Li Muyang, a hint of surprise first flashed in her eyes, followed by a deep sense of heartache. She quickly walked to Li Muyang's side, held his hands tightly with both hands, her fingertips slightly gripping as if she were going to pass on all her care and love. She said with concern, "Look at you, you've lost weight again. You must have been working day and night for state affairs." You should take good care of yourself. Don't work too hard and don't worry your mother.
Li Muyang's eyes were slightly red. He gently held Lin Yue's hand in reverse, as if responding to his mother's care.
He sat aside and began to share with his parents the fresh news that had happened in the court recently. He spoke with great enthusiasm about a young minister who had proposed a highly innovative water conservancy project plan, which was to dig canals between several major rivers. This would not only improve farmland irrigation but also promote the transportation of materials between the north and the south and increase grain production. When local officials were dealing with floods, they took the lead and led the people to build DAMS, successfully withstanding the flood's invasion. Due to their effective response, they were unanimously praised by the people and even received umbrellas from the local people.
Li Yi and Lin Yue listened with great interest and from time to time offered their own opinions and suggestions.
Drawing on his own past governance experience, Li Yi earnestly reminded Li Muyang that when implementing new policies, he should proceed step by step and not be too hasty, so as not to cause discomfort to the people.
Lin Yue, from the perspective of people's livelihood, gently urged him to pay more attention to the lives of the common people, especially those who are widowed, orphaned or lonely, and to ensure that the policies truly benefit everyone. Their eyes remained fixed on Li Muyang all the time, brimming with concern and care.
The night fell slowly like ink, the street lamps were just lit, and a warm family banquet was set up in the palace. Li Muyang sat in the main seat with Li Yi and Lin Yue. The table was filled with all kinds of delicacies. The steaming hot dishes gave off an inviting aroma and were emitting wisps of steam.
But at this moment, Li Muyang's mind was completely on these delicacies. For him, the time the family spent sitting around together was far more precious than any delicious food.
He personally poured wine for Li Yi and Lin Yue, his hands trembling slightly, and his voice carried a hint of emotion: "Everything in the court has gone smoothly today. My son, I offer a cup to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. Thank you for your continuous guidance and support." Since childhood, I have been looking forward to being like today, with our family sitting around and enjoying the happiness of family life together. Now that I have grown up, I have lived up to your expectations and become a monarch who can protect the country and its people.
Li Yi raised his wine glass and downed it in one gulp. Tears glistened in his eyes as he praised, "My son has achieved such accomplishments. It is truly a blessing for our dynasty and the greatest pride of my life." Seeing you grow up step by step, from a naive child to now shouldering the heavy responsibility of being the ruler of a country, Father is filled with joy.
Lin Yue picked up a piece of pastry that Li Muyang loved the most and put it in his bowl, saying gently, "Yang 'er, eat more." I still remember when you were a child, you loved this the most. You could always eat a big plate and would always pester me to make more. Nowadays you are so busy with state affairs that you seldom have the chance to eat the snacks made by your mother. As he spoke, his eyes were filled with memories and warmth, as if he had returned to the days when Li Muyang was a child and used to be spoiled by her side.
During the meal, Li Muyang talked about some interesting folk stories.
He talked about a lively temple fair held in a certain small town, where people dressed up and came from all directions.
At the temple fair, the teams performing dragon and lion dances beat gongs and drums, creating a lively and bustling scene. People gathered together to guess lantern riddles, with continuous laughter and joy. The children, holding sugar-coated haws in their hands, were running and playing among the crowd.
There is also an ordinary couple who, with their hardworking hands, run a small store. From the initial difficult start to the current prosperous business, they are living a thriving life. They also donated the extra money to help repair the roads in the village, making it more convenient for the villagers to travel.
These stories immerse the family in a warm atmosphere. The hardships of the past interweave with the happiness of the present, making this emotion even deeper.
The imperial garden in spring is like a splendid painting. The flowers are in full bloom, the grass is lush and green, and all kinds of flowers are vying with each other in beauty. The red ones are like fire, the pink ones like rosy clouds, and the white ones like snow, giving off a pleasant fragrance. The rich floral scent fills the air, intoxicating people.
Li Muyang accompanied Li Yi and Lin Yue as they strolled leisurely in the garden. A gentle breeze blew, and petals fell one after another, as if a rain of flowers had landed on their shoulders.
Lin Yue was attracted by a blooming peony and stopped to admire it. The peony is large and gorgeous, with its petals layered upon each other, like exquisite silk. Under the sunlight, it sparkles with a charming luster, as if it were a meticulously crafted work of art by nature.
Li Muyang stepped forward and gently plucked one, his movements as gentle as if he were treating a rare treasure, fearing to hurt this delicate flower.
Then, he carefully inserted it into Lin Yue's hair, his eyes full of indulgence, and said with a smile, "Mother, this flower makes you look younger and more beautiful." Just like in my childhood, you will always be the most beautiful image in my heart. No matter how time changes, you will always be the warmest haven in my heart.
Lin Yue's cheeks turned slightly red and she smiled reproachfully, "You're the only one with a sweet tongue." When one gets old, there's no such thing as being beautiful or not. But with your good intentions, Mother is very happy in her heart.
Li Yi watched this scene, his eyes slightly moist and his heart filled with warmth. He said with emotion, "Nowadays, the country is prosperous, the people are peaceful and happy, and our family can also enjoy the happiness of family life. All of this is thanks to Yang 'er." Do you still remember when you were a child? You always loved to pester us, asking us to play with you and tell you stories. I never expected that in the blink of an eye, you would become the ruler of a country and shoulder the heavy responsibility of the world.
After hearing this, Li Muyang's eyes glistened with tears and he said affectionately, "My son has achieved what he has today all thanks to the nurturing and teachings of my father, the emperor, and mother. When I was a child, you shielded me from the wind and rain, taught me the principles of getting along with others, and led me onto the path of governing the country." Now, my son will surely hold up this sky for you, allowing you to enjoy your old age in peace. At the same time, my son will surely live up to the expectations of the people of the world and ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of the country.
The three of them strolled in the garden for a long time, enjoying the beautiful scenery and relishing the rare peaceful moment. From time to time, they stopped to admire the flowers and discuss the meaning of each kind of flower. Sometimes I recall the little things of the past. Those amusing childhood events and the troubles of growing up have all become the most precious memories at this moment.
Family affection grows stronger under the warm spring sun, just like a jar of aged fine wine, which becomes more mellow and fragrant the more you savor it.
In the imperial court, the civil and military officials also spoke highly of Li Muyang.
Prime Minister Wang Zhong, dressed in court attire and with a solemn expression, stepped forward at the morning court session, holding a tablet in both hands and loudly reporting: "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has implemented new policies, reduced taxes and burdens, and supported agriculture and serichusbandry. Now the state Treasury is full and the people are prosperous. This is truly a blessing for our dynasty. Your Majesty's wisdom is as clear as the sun and the moon." Under Your Majesty's leadership, our dynasty enjoys economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. People from all directions come to pay homage, which is truly a sign of a prosperous era. Small neighboring countries have sent envoys one after another to learn the etiquette system and advanced technology of our dynasty. The influence of our country is increasing day by day.
General Zhang Yong, dressed in armor and looking imposing, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty is concerned about the frontier. We will enhance our military equipment, train our soldiers meticulously, and improve our weapons and equipment." Under the inspiration of His Majesty, the soldiers were in high spirits and held their ground at the frontier day and night. Nowadays, foreign enemies dare not invade to ensure the safety of our country and land. We are willing to serve Your Majesty with all our might, going through fire and water without hesitation."
Li Muyang listened with a smile, his heart brimming with anticipation for the future. He was well aware that this was merely the beginning of a prosperous era, and there was still a long way to go ahead, with a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. But with the support of his parents, the assistance of officials and the trust of the people, he is full of confidence and will lead the country to an even more glorious tomorrow.