Chapter 147: The Heart of Hengxi
Lin Yuer arrives in Hengxi with a small entourage, her presence commanding yet humble. The learning center is located on the outskirts of the province's largest village, a place where the land is fertile but the people remain skeptical of change. The buildings are modest but sturdy, surrounded by fields that will soon be cultivated using more advanced techniques. Lin Yuer has personally selected a group of experts—teachers, craftsmen, and farmers who have embraced her vision—to help bring about change in the region.
As Lin Yuer walks through the village, the locals regard her with a mixture of curiosity and caution. They are wary of outsiders, especially those who bring promises of change. But Lin Yuer is no stranger to resistance. She speaks with the villagers, explaining the importance of the learning center and how it can improve their lives.
At first, the villagers are skeptical. "Why should we listen to you, Empress?" one elderly farmer asks. "Our ancestors have tilled this land for centuries, and we've always lived this way."
Lin Yuer smiles gently, understanding their reluctance. "Your ancestors were wise, and their ways have served you well. But even wisdom must evolve to meet the challenges of the future. The learning center is not about abandoning the past—it is about enhancing it, about building upon what you know and taking it to new heights."
Her words are simple but powerful. Slowly, the villagers begin to soften, and a few step forward to listen more closely. Over the next few weeks, the learning center begins to take shape, and so too does the trust of the villagers. Slowly, they begin to see the benefits of the new farming methods, and some even come forward with their own ideas for improvements.
Lin Yuer's decision to stay in Hengxi for an extended period pays off. By the end of the month, the villagers have begun to embrace the learning center. They see firsthand that the new methods are improving crop yields and increasing trade opportunities. But Lin Yuer knows that her work is far from finished. The village is just the beginning, and she must continue to sow the seeds of change throughout the empire.