One evening, as Li Wei sat in his study, deep in thought, he received an unexpected visitor: Lin Mei, the daughter of a prominent noble family. She was known for her intelligence and sharp wit, often using her charm to navigate the complexities of court life. Li Wei was surprised to see her, as they had rarely spoken before.
"Your Majesty," she greeted him with a slight bow. "I came to thank you for what you've done for Tianxi Village. My family owns land nearby, and I've seen the impact of your efforts firsthand."
Li Wei gestured for her to sit, curious. "Thank you, Lady Lin. But may I ask why you're thanking me personally?"
Lin Mei smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I may be a noblewoman, but I've always believed that the strength of our kingdom lies in its people. Seeing someone actually do something about it is… refreshing."
They spoke for hours, discussing his vision for the kingdom and her insights into the court's inner workings. Lin Mei had a keen understanding of politics, and she warned him about various advisors who might oppose him if his reforms continued to gain momentum. She knew that Chancellor Wu, in particular, would not tolerate a shift in power.
As the night wore on, Li Wei realized that he'd found another ally, someone with a mind sharp enough to navigate the court's dangers and a heart that genuinely cared for the kingdom's well-being. He proposed a partnership of sorts, an arrangement where they would share information and work together to protect the kingdom from those who sought only personal gain.
Lin Mei agreed with a smile. "You're not like any ruler I've ever met, Your Majesty. I think you just might be able to pull this off."
With Lin Mei on his side, Li Wei's influence began to grow. He now had Old Zhang, General Cao Ren, and Lady Lin Mei three powerful allies with different skills, all united by a desire to improve the kingdom.