While Li Wei's water wheel brought hope to Tianxi Village, the news of his reforms traveled quickly and not everyone welcomed it. Back in the capital, Chancellor Wu sat in his lavish study, a cup of fine tea in hand. Across from him sat Minister Du, a stout nobleman with deep ties to the agricultural estates.
"This emperor is reckless," Wu muttered, swirling his tea absently. "He's wasting resources on peasants and their fantasies. Grinding grain? What next, teaching them to rule?" (#Wow, look at that Wu is smarter than we thought).
Minister Du chuckled darkly. "Perhaps we should remind His Majesty of his place. These projects undermine our authority. If the peasants see him as their savior, they'll start to forget who truly controls the land."
Wu's lips curled into a cold smile. "Exactly. If we don't act now, his ideas will spread like wildfire, and we'll lose everything. But we can't oppose him directly. No… we'll make his failures speak for themselves."
Over the following weeks, Wu orchestrated a subtle campaign to discredit Li Wei. Rumors spread through the court, accusing the emperor of wasting resources and weakening the kingdom. Stories of rebellion in distant provinces were exaggerated, painting a picture of chaos.
Li Wei, unaware of the extent of Wu's schemes, focused on his work. But whispers began to reach his ears. One evening, Lady Lin Mei arrived at his chambers unannounced, her expression uncharacteristically grim.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, taking a seat across from him. "There's trouble brewing. Chancellor Wu is rallying the nobles against you. They're claiming your reforms are a drain on the treasury and endangering the kingdom's security."
Li Wei's jaw tightened. "Of course he is. Wu sees progress as a threat to his control. But what can we do?"
Lin Mei leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "You need to show the court that your reforms are not just idealistic, they're practical. Prove that they strengthen the kingdom, and Wu's lies will crumble."
Li Wei nodded, his mind racing. He couldn't let Wu's opposition slow him down. It was time to confront the council head on.