Chapter 145: The Calm Before the Storm
In the days that follow, Lin Yuer's message reverberates throughout the empire. The people rally behind her, their faith in her leadership renewed. The capital, once on the brink of civil war, slowly returns to normal. Trade resumes along the Phoenix Path, and life, though not without its challenges, begins to feel like it has been set on the right course again.
But Lin Yuer is not one to rest on her laurels. She knows that the victory she has won is fragile, and she must continue to strengthen the foundations she has laid. Her thoughts turn to the next phase of her grand plan: fortifying the education system, expanding her alliances with neighboring kingdoms, and ensuring that the empire's innovations are sustainable in the long term.
She also knows that her greatest challenge is yet to come. General Zhao and his followers may have retreated for now, but their defiance is far from gone. Lin Yuer must prepare for the day when the true test of her empire's strength will come—and she is determined to face it head-on, no matter what.