Li Chenxi stepped out of the palace hall, her steps resolute, each one echoing like the beating of war drums throughout the palace. Tonight's victory was not just her personal triumph—it signified that the fate of the entire empire was now in her hands. She was no longer the woman who had just transmigrated into this era, but a true ruler, wielding control over life, death, power, and the future.
"Your Highness, all the rebellious forces have been eradicated, and everything within the palace is returning to normal," Du Anxiaoting said, walking up to her side with a slight smile on her face. "Everything is proceeding according to plan. You may now rest easy in your reign."
Li Chenxi nodded slightly, taking a deep breath. She stood within this palace, once filled with bloodshed and conspiracies, her gaze calm as water, like a seasoned general, unafraid of any challenge.
"The calm behind which lies the storm," she murmured. "This is just the beginning. The real struggle has only just begun."
The Strengthening of Imperial Power
The next day, Li Chenxi formally met with the ministers. This was her first time standing before them as the new emperor, and it would undoubtedly be a key test for her future reign.
Despite her victory in eradicating the rebellion, doubts still lingered among the ministers. Some felt that Li Chenxi, being the Emperor's favorite daughter, lacked the ability to rule the entire empire. Others, wary of her exceptional performance, feared she might threaten their positions.
"Your Majesty, now that the rebels have been swept away, why not allow us to join you in building a prosperous era for the Wei Dynasty?" said one elderly minister, rising and speaking respectfully.
Li Chenxi calmly surveyed the room, already having her own plans in mind. Instead of responding immediately, she gently caressed the jade flute in her hand, as if pondering something. After a moment, she spoke.
"A prosperous era requires a solid foundation. Without a strong military and control over state affairs, how can one talk about prosperity?" Her voice was clear and calm. "I will not allow anyone to belittle my strength."
The ministers fell silent at her words. Li Chenxi's stance was resolute, and her tone carried an undeniable authority. She had already prepared herself for the challenges ahead.
"I will rely on loyalty and strength to establish the Wei Dynasty, not on empty talk of prosperity," Li Chenxi continued. "From today onwards, every decision made in the court will be reviewed by me personally. Anyone with ulterior motives will be punished accordingly."
The ministers exchanged glances, clearly not expecting such firmness and decisiveness from her. The atmosphere in the palace grew heavier, but no one dared to oppose her.
"Your Majesty is wise," Du Anxiaoting quietly praised.
Li Chenxi smiled faintly, knowing that true power was not dependent on external approval, but on whether she could use her own methods and wisdom to turn this empire into her dynasty.
New Plans
Over the next few days, Li Chenxi began implementing a series of reforms. She not only strengthened the training and management of the military but also started cleaning up corrupt officials within the court. She understood that only by rectifying the foundations could she ensure her power was secure.
She promoted capable and loyal younger ministers while dismissing those who were corrupt and ineffective. At the same time, she began strengthening ties with local forces, aiming to achieve unity and stability across the empire.
Her plans progressed steadily, and the empire slowly began to regain order. The plight of the common people was also given more attention. Li Chenxi ordered greater support for impoverished regions, establishing relief funds and ensuring that local officials adhered strictly to the court's orders, ensuring that the people would no longer be exploited.
"Your Highness, the public response has been very positive. The people's lives are beginning to improve, and the reform measures you implemented are widely welcomed," Du Anxiaoting reported with joy.
"This is just the beginning," Li Chenxi's gaze was unwavering. "I must make the people feel the state's care, only then will the empire truly stabilize."
However, even as she focused on state affairs, new challenges were quietly approaching.
Behind the Power
Though Li Chenxi's reforms were progressing smoothly, she knew that the future of the empire was far from assured. Danger still lurked within the court and beyond, especially with the power-hungry ministers who had already built up considerable influence.
Li Chenxi did not let her guard down. She understood that the apparent calm could easily be the calm before the storm. She began to secretly observe those ministers with ambitions of their own, especially the elderly courtiers who had accumulated great power. Their loyalty and practical influence would be crucial to her next steps.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince Li Yao has expressed his loyalty to you. He wishes to assist you in consolidating your rule," Du Anxiaoting brought another message.
Li Chenxi paused for a moment, then nodded. "It's time for the Crown Prince to demonstrate his true capabilities."
Her plans were already expanding, and she was preparing to cultivate more young and capable figures for the future. The Crown Prince Li Yao would be an important pawn in her next moves.
"The game of power has only just begun," Li Chenxi sighed lightly, her eyes gleaming with boundless ambition.
She was ready. In the vast Wei Empire, she would carve out her own domain, facing every challenge with the strongest posture—whether it was through bloodshed or power struggles, Li Chenxi would rise to meet it all.