Li Wei knew that true change in his kingdom required more than just council meetings and court politics. Real power, he realized, lay in the land itself. If he could improve farming and provide better tools for his people, he could turn his struggling kingdom into a thriving one.
One morning, Li Wei called for Old Zhang, his trusted mentor and former military strategist. Old Zhang was one of the few who truly understood Li Wei's vision for reform. They met in Li Wei's private chambers, away from the watchful eyes of the council and advisors.
"Old Zhang, I need to know more about the land beyond the palace walls," Li Wei said, leaning forward with a serious expression. "The farmers suffer, but I don't know why. If I'm going to help them, I need information everything you know about our soil, weather, and crops."
Old Zhang nodded, understanding his young emperor's determination. "The land here isn't bad," he began thoughtfully. "But it's poorly managed. We have no organized irrigation, no proper tools, and the soil is overworked. The farmers don't know much about how to keep it healthy."
Li Wei listened intently, an idea forming in his mind. "What if we could organize teams to work together? Build canals for water, share better tools, and teach them new ways of planting?"
Old Zhang's eyes widened as he saw the possibilities. "It could work, Your Majesty. But the farmers need to trust that these changes will help. They've been let down so many times, it's hard for them to believe in anything new."
Li Wei took a deep breath. "Then we'll show them results first. I'll need your help, Old Zhang. Let's find one village willing to try, and if it succeeds, the others will follow."
They spent the afternoon planning, outlining simple ideas like crop rotation and water channels. By evening, Li Wei felt a sense of purpose stronger than ever before. This was a beginning not just for his kingdom, but for the people who depended on him.