Chapter 146: The Gathering Storm
Though the immediate threat from General Zhao has been quelled, Lin Yuer remains acutely aware that the political landscape is far from stable. Her enemies are regrouping, plotting in the shadows, while she, ever vigilant, focuses on shoring up the strength of the empire from within. She knows that a divided empire cannot thrive for long, no matter how prosperous it may seem on the surface.
Lin Yuer turns her attention once more to the expansion of her vision. Her education reforms have already begun to bear fruit—more women and children are receiving an education, and the youth are becoming agents of change, armed with knowledge rather than brute force. However, there are regions of the empire still resistant to her reforms, areas where the old ways die hard. It is in these places that her greatest challenge lies: the fight for hearts and minds.
With the help of her trusted advisors, Lin Yuer devises a new strategy. She will establish "learning centers" in rural regions, small hubs of innovation where the most successful farmers, artisans, and tradespeople can teach others the benefits of new farming techniques, artisan crafts, and even business practices. These centers will serve as a way to bridge the gap between her vision of progress and the traditional ways of life that still hold sway in the countryside.
Her first target is the province of Hengxi, a largely agrarian region that has been resistant to the Phoenix Path. Known for its hardline adherence to old customs, Hengxi is the perfect place to begin her new initiative. Lin Yuer personally oversees the construction of the first learning center, ensuring that it reflects both modern design and traditional aesthetics. This balance will be key in winning the trust of the people.