In the former Crown Prince's sleeping quarters, Ji Xia sat at the head of the hall, looking down at the dozens of people kneeling before him.
These individuals, from various walks of life, bowed respectfully with their heads lowered, too awed to meet the gaze of their radiant ruler. Among them were common folk, scholars and disciples from the academy, minor officials, and even former soldiers.
Now gathered in the royal court to face this legendary ruler of Taicang, their hearts were filled with a mix of curiosity, joy, and apprehension.
Although Taicang was small, with a population of about 600,000, in this era of limited communication, even the most accessible officials and monarchs were seen as untouchable figures by the ordinary people.
For instance, in Taicheng, unless one lived near the royal court, they might never see the ruler or his top ministers in their lifetime.
Thus, when these individuals were sought out by Taicang's highest ministers and summoned to the royal court, their first reaction was elation, followed by unease.
As Taicang's loyal subjects, born and raised on this land, their nervousness did not stem from distrust of the royal court. Instead, they feared that such an important summons might exceed their abilities. What if they failed and disappointed the ruler and court officials?
After days of anxiety, they were finally cleansed, dressed, and ushered in to meet the young ruler of Taicang—the same monarch who had provided ample food, vanquished Zhou Qing, and annihilated the Jiuquan royal clan.
Ji Xia, sitting calmly at the head, surveyed his subjects silently. With a light wave of his hand, the court official Jing Ye immediately instructed them to rise.
As the forty-two people stood up, they couldn't help but steal glances at the young and extraordinary ruler seated above them.
Indeed, as rumors claimed, Ji Xia had inherited the handsome appearance of his predecessor, Ji Shang. If he were an ordinary man, they might have stared unabashedly to indulge their eyes.
Among them, a young female disciple of the academy couldn't help but feel admiration. As Jing Yu had anticipated, in Taicang, which maiden did not hold admiration for this ruler who was only slightly older than themselves?
"Your Majesty," Lu Yu stepped forward and bowed. "All forty-two candidates are present."
Ji Xia nodded in satisfaction. To find so many promising individuals in just a few days was an excellent outcome.
"You must be wondering," Ji Xia began, rising from his seat and pacing with his hands behind his back, "why the royal court summoned you here." He paused, his voice calm. "Do any of you know what Taicang still lacks or how it could become stronger?"
The forty-two individuals stood in rows, listening with heads lowered. When Ji Xia posed his question, their faces showed hesitation.
"Don't worry," Lu Yu encouraged from the side. "Speak your thoughts freely."
Taking the cue, a man in his twenties, thin and trembling, spoke first, "It's too cold during the sunless season, especially in the second month. Even if the firewood in the hearth is constantly replenished, it's still freezing."
Lowering his head in sorrow, he added, "Last year, my father fell ill and couldn't survive the cold. If Taicang were warmer, fewer people would freeze to death, and we'd be stronger as a nation."
Judging by his clothing, the speaker was likely a commoner. Ji Xia nodded approvingly. For an ordinary person to speak up first in such a setting, his courage was commendable.
"Your Majesty…" A young girl of about eighteen or nineteen, with a flushed face, spoke hesitantly, "The city walls of Taicang are too low. My grandfather said that during past invasions by the Jiuquan people, they could even leap over them from outside…"
Ji Xia nodded again, noticing the unique aura within her. Unlike the others, this girl had cultivated to the Fourth Heaven at such a young age. Judging by her energy flow, she likely practiced an academy technique and was one of its disciples.
"Your Majesty… If we could eat more meat, that would be great…" Ji Xia paused, turning to see an elderly man with gray hair and a haggard face grinning broadly, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.
The others found the old man's simple wish amusing. Some couldn't suppress their laughter, quickly covering their mouths to avoid disrespect.
Ji Xia chuckled. "Old man, your teeth are quite impressive; they don't match your hair at all."
"Maybe I'm uniquely gifted. Apart from my head, my teeth are the best part of me," the old man joked, unbothered by the laughter.
Intrigued, Ji Xia turned to Lu Yu. "Who is this?"
Lu Yu stepped forward with a smile. "This is Zhong Quan, selected from the academy as a teacher."
Ji Xia was puzzled. He had noticed Zhong Quan's cultivation was only at the Fourth Heaven, comparable to the young academy disciple earlier. Why was he chosen as a teacher?
Reading Ji Xia's thoughts, Lu Yu explained, "Zhong Quan has no extraordinary cultivation but possesses profound insights into various techniques. His interpretations are exceptional, often resolving challenges for disciples. He's one of the academy's most valuable talents, even more so than some Seventh Heaven instructors."
Ji Xia was amazed. Taicang Academy had such unique talent?
Zhong Quan chuckled. "I'm indeed sensitive to theories. While my body has aged, my mind, memory, and comprehension remain as sharp as ever."
Ji Xia pondered briefly. In the Lingfu mysteries, countless theories formed the foundation of their power. A person like Zhong Quan could undoubtedly contribute significantly.
Smiling, Ji Xia said, "Rest assured. If you handle this task well, not just you but all of Taicang's people will have meat to eat."
Zhong Quan's face lit up with joy.
He couldn't help but marvel at how much Taicang had changed. A full meal used to be a luxury; now, even meat was within reach.
Suddenly, a tall figure entered the hall, shrouded entirely in a black robe. The person's face was obscured, but their massive stature—nearly ten feet tall—was unmistakable.
Lu Yu glanced curiously at the figure. Anyone who could enter the palace unchallenged was surely no enemy.
The towering figure knelt respectfully before Ji Xia.
Ji Xia glanced at Zhong Quan, smiling. "See? We were just discussing meat, and someone has already come to deliver it!"
Meat?
Everyone was stunned. Even Lu Yu was slightly puzzled. Who would bring meat to Taicang?