Chapter 173: The Council of Nobles
The day of the council arrives, and the grand hall of the palace is filled with the most influential nobles of the empire. They have come to hear Lin Yuer's vision for the future, but there is little doubt in her mind that they have come with their own agendas, too.
She enters the room, her presence commanding attention. The whispers fall silent as she takes her seat at the head of the table. The nobles eye her with a mixture of curiosity, suspicion, and veiled disdain.
"I am grateful for your presence today," Lin Yuer begins, her voice steady and clear. "The future of the empire rests in our hands. And it is time for us to decide what kind of empire we wish to build."
There's a moment of silence before one of the senior nobles speaks up, his voice thick with condescension. "Your Majesty, we all acknowledge your strength on the battlefield. But what we need is stability. The people need to see that the empire will not crumble under the weight of your... unorthodox methods."
Lin Yuer meets his gaze, her eyes cold. "Unorthodox?" she repeats, her voice laced with quiet power. "What is unorthodox about ensuring the prosperity and welfare of the people? What is unorthodox about creating a future where the empire is strong, not divided?"
A murmur runs through the room, but Lin Yuer doesn't allow herself to be distracted. She knows that the only way to win their loyalty is to show them that she is not just a ruler—they need to see her as a leader capable of creating a new, stronger empire.
"The empire will thrive," she continues, "not through stagnation, but through innovation. We will modernize, we will rebuild, and we will ensure that all the people of the empire, no matter their station, benefit from the future we create."
For a moment, the nobles are silent, considering her words. Then, slowly, they begin to nod, albeit reluctantly. Lin Yuer can sense the shift—it's not yet complete, but it's a start.
She stands, signaling the end of the meeting. "I ask for your cooperation in building this future together. The empire will only remain strong if we work as one."