Time Skip (~ 5 years)
The grand palace commissioned by Emperor Meng Tian had reached its final stages of construction, with the project expected to be completed within a year. Meng Yi, now a young man, had mastered control over his abilities, pushing himself to extend the time limit on his water manipulation. After five years of relentless training, he managed to hold control for an hour, a feat that had once seemed impossible.
The emperor's development plans had transformed the Meng Dynasty. New bridges now spanned the rivers, opening trade routes and connecting distant parts of the empire. The ambitious project to build artificial lakes and ponds was well underway, with a hundred lakes completed, though the full scope of the plan was expected to take 25 years. These lakes were crucial for water conservation and would ensure the stability of the dynasty for generations to come.
Additionally, Emperor Meng Tian introduced a riprap technique to fortify riverbanks and prevent soil erosion, also using the method to reinforce roads prone to landslides. Under his rule, the dynasty had become a model of prosperity and innovation.
Meanwhile, war raged between the Li and Qian dynasties. Yet, the Meng Dynasty chose not to involve itself, focusing instead on the emperor's vision for development. Peace and progress defined these five years in the Meng Empire, and life seemed to flow smoothly.
Time Skip (~ 5 years)
Victor's Age: 17 years old
Number of Shadows: 1,000,000+
As I turned 17, I found myself facing a new kind of challenge—marriage proposals. For the past year, the noble families of the dynasty had been persistent, hoping to marry their daughters to me. Their enthusiasm bordered on obsession, and it became quite overwhelming. Thankfully, Emperor Meng Tian came to my aid, declaring that my tradition's legal age for marriage was 22. This declaration saved me from the unrelenting pressure, at least for a while.
I had made up my mind to return to Dracula Castle after Meng Yi's marriage and enthronement. Emperor Meng Tian had laid a solid foundation for the future of the Meng Dynasty, a foundation that Meng Yi would continue to build upon. The only project that remained incomplete was the artificial lake initiative, but even that would be finished in the next 15 years under Meng Yi's reign. History would remember Meng Tian not just as a warrior but as a wise and benevolent ruler who reshaped the empire.
Meng Yi had grown immensely, both physically and in his control over his abilities. He had complete mastery of water manipulation, and over the years, his resolve to surpass his father only grew stronger.
Li Xiaoye, Meng Yi's bride, had also matured into a poised and capable woman. Not only had she mastered the traditional etiquette required for an empress, but she had also undergone secret training in the art of war and basic swordsmanship. She understood that her role as empress would extend beyond ceremony—she would be a figure of strength and intelligence for the dynasty.
Empress Dowager Zhao Liying, Meng Yi's grandmother, passed away last year. She lived a long, peaceful life and died of old age, leaving behind a legacy of quiet wisdom.
Emperor Meng Tian's retirement palace had been completed, and he made plans to move there with his concubines and other princes to avoid any interference in Meng Yi's rule. The new imperial palace would be reserved for the emperor, his empress, and their immediate family alone.
The Wedding of Meng Yi and Li Xiaoye
As the day of Meng Yi and Li Xiaoye's wedding arrived, the entire capital was draped in red, symbolizing joy and prosperity. The wedding was a grand event, fit for the crown prince and the princess of the Li Dynasty. Despite the ongoing turmoil in the Li Dynasty, Li Xiaoye's mother had been rescued by shadow soldiers at Meng Yi's request five years ago and had lived safely in Bamboo Village under William's protection. She attended the wedding with pride, though no other representatives from the Li Dynasty could attend due to the internal strife within their empire.
Meng Yi's secret guards, a new generation of elite warriors, had been working under his command for the past three years. The wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a political spectacle, solidifying Meng Yi's position as the future emperor.
The streets of the capital were pristine, a testament to the emperor's public works. Underground tunnels for water drainage, completed the previous year, ensured that the city remained clean, even with the crowds gathered for the celebration. The night was filled with feasting, music, and joyous dancing. I gave the newlyweds my blessings, along with a few thoughtful gifts.
The Day of Enthronement
Two days after the wedding, preparations for Meng Yi's enthronement were underway. The ceremony was a grand affair, steeped in tradition, and signaled the formal transfer of power from Emperor Meng Tian to his son. William attended, standing by his best friend, Meng Tian, as the empire officially passed to the next generation.
Once the enthronement was complete, Meng Tian's personal belongings, along with those of his concubines and other princes, had already been transported to his new palace. As they entered their new home, the imperial family marveled at the palace's beauty. Though smaller than the imperial palace, it was still a vast, majestic structure, able to house 500 people comfortably. Any sadness at leaving the old palace behind quickly vanished when they saw the modern facilities and luxuries their new home offered.
With Meng Yi now emperor, it was time for me to return to Dracula Castle. After 13 years, I would once again reside there, a place that William's subordinates had maintained with care in my absence. As our carriages approached the castle, I noticed the familiar faces of the servants waiting to greet us.
William's company, Trident, had also flourished. His blacksmith shops in Bamboo Village and near Dracula Castle were now renowned for their carriages. Trident's symbol, a black-and-gold western dragon, had become synonymous with quality and innovation. From basic merchant carriages to luxurious models for the nobility, Trident's carriages were in high demand across the dynasty. Nobles flaunted their status through their Trident carriages, with the highest-ranked ones boasting glass windows and reinforced protection.
William now planned to expand his business into the Li and Qian Dynasties, where the reputation of Trident's carriages was already spreading like wildfire among the noble circles.
Author's Note: Don't expect any chapters tomorrow. See you later!