Li Wei stood at the forefront of the newly constructed Imperial Library, its towering columns carved with intricate dragons that symbolized wisdom and power. Behind him, citizens, scholars, and officials gathered, murmuring with awe at the grand structure. The air buzzed with anticipation.
He raised a hand, and the crowd fell silent. "Today, we take a step into a brighter future. This library will house knowledge for all nobles, commoners, and soldiers alike. Wisdom is not the privilege of a few, it is the strength of a kingdom."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Commoners exchanged surprised glances, while a few skeptical nobles shifted uncomfortably.
From the crowd, Elder Wen, a frail but sharp tongued scholar, spoke up. "Your Majesty, a noble goal, but who will manage this vast collection? Who ensures that this 'knowledge for all' does not spiral into chaos?"
Li Wei met the elder's gaze with a calm smile. "You, Elder Wen. Who better than one of our wisest minds to guide this effort?"
Elder Wen sputtered, caught off guard. "M.. Me? I am an old man with little patience for fools."
"You also have little patience for failure," Li Wei countered. "That's why I trust you to ensure the library's success."
The crowd chuckled, and Elder Wen finally bowed with a reluctant grin. "As you command, Your Majesty."
Inside, the library was a marvel: rows of polished wooden shelves stretching to the ceiling, filled with scrolls and tomes meticulously categorized by subject. There were sections on agriculture, warfare, medicine, and even experimental sciences. Li Wei walked through the aisles, his heart swelling with pride.
He turned to the group of scholars following him. "This is more than a library. It's a beacon. We will sponsor thinkers to experiment, improve tools, and develop strategies to ensure our kingdom thrives."
Lady Lin Mei, who had accompanied him, leaned closer. "You're quite good at stirring hope, Your Majesty. But hope must be fed with results."
"It will be," Li Wei said. "Starting with the projects we've discussed. Elder Wen will oversee the library's operations, but you will help me find the brightest minds for what's next."
As they left the library, a messenger approached, breathless. "Your Majesty! News from the south. A village near the border was raided its fields burned, its people scattered."
Li Wei's expression hardened. "By who?"
"The Crimson Spear Bandits, Your Majesty," the messenger replied. "It seems they no longer fear the reach of the crown."
Li Wei turned to Lin Mei and General Cao Ren, his voice steady but sharp. "Gather the council. We'll remind them why they should."