Chapter Thirty-Five: The Prime Culprit!

"Your Majesty, there is more! Ever since the grand ceremony concluded, merchants from all nations have developed a keen interest in our Great Zhou. Currently, the number of laborers recruited within our borders alone has reached tens of thousands. Our Great Zhou is already a scene of thriving prosperity!"

"There is even a rumor among the common folk that if it weren't for certain officials in the court refusing to make special exceptions or offer concessions, the people would be living even better lives. Many are already preparing to build shrines in your honor, Your Majesty, to worship you day and night!"

The secret agent grew more excited as he spoke, but Li Chen’s expression turned increasingly grim. He was supposed to be a tyrant; he was meant to ruin the nation's destiny! But what was this? If it continued like this, they would be starting a cult of personality! This was a situation Li Chen absolutely did not want to see. He quickly made up his mind to leave the palace in disguise and see for himself what was happening outside.

...

Half an hour later, on the streets of Luodu.

Using a disguise technique, Li Chen, now looking like a completely different person, strolled along, casting glances left and right. He had to admit, in just a few short days, the living conditions of the people had truly changed significantly. Since the population of Great Zhou was predominantly female, the variety of shops on the streets had previously been quite monotonous. However, following the various measures Li Chen had implemented, the types of businesses among the populace had been steadily increasing. Especially now that he had legalized houses of entertainment, it had attracted people from even more nations, leading to an influx of industries and goods that the locals had never even heard of.

It is easy to go from thrift to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury back to thrift. Given the simple and honest nature of the Great Zhou people, they found it hard to resist once they saw so many novelties. When Li Chen had walked these streets before, everyone’s clothing styles were much the same. But now, with the influx of various nations, fabrics and styles from all over had spread rapidly, causing a heaven-and-earth transformation in the streets.

"This shouldn't be happening. How is this different from what I imagined?" Li Chen muttered to himself, still failing to realize the astonishing power of economics.

As he walked, Li Chen confirmed that the Great Zhou had indeed changed drastically, but trying to pin down the reason proved difficult. The people were simple; no matter how he probed, openly or discreetly, the answer was always something about the Emperor’s sagacity. Occasionally, those with a bit more insight would divide the credit between the Emperor, the ministers, and the merchants. Seeing that he had gained nothing but irritation, Li Chen thought of the Tingyun Academy he had once visited.

"Tingyun Academy—isn't that where Yan Song made a name for himself? I might as well head there; perhaps I'll find some answers."

...

Having made his decision, Li Chen did not delay. Coincidentally, today happened to be the academy’s bi-weekly debate on state affairs. By tradition, regardless of one's background, anyone could voice their political views there, and those who disagreed could directly refute or debate them. By the time Li Chen arrived, a high platform had already been erected in the courtyard, surrounded by a dense crowd of onlookers.

"What that gentleman just said is merely scratching the surface. To call His Majesty a tyrant just because he changed a few policies—isn't that ridiculous? The current national strength of Great Zhou is robust, and the people live in peace. Is that something a tyrant could achieve?"

"You are just quibbling! While His Majesty has had some achievements, we don't know if they were his true intentions or just sheer luck. Besides, don't you know that the current economic growth is fundamentally due to the large number of foreign merchants?"

"Exactly! I also believe it’s because Shen Wanyi has such a reputation; because he came to invest, many others followed!"

"Shen Wanyi is nothing but a petty merchant! When His Majesty opened the entertainment districts, others hadn't even finished weighing their options, yet he was the first to respond. How can he claim credit for today's success? It is clearly the sagacity of His Majesty that has made our Great Zhou prosperous!"

...

The crowd chattered away, but their arguments had shifted from whether the current policies were right or wrong to defending Li Chen’s reputation. Watching the eloquent debaters on the stage, Li Chen grew more infuriated the more he heard.

*How is it that I’m so slow to become a tyrant? It turns out these pedantic scholars have been painting me as a wise ruler! Damn it! I'll have this place shut down the moment I get back!*

In the midst of his anger, a thought occurred to him. *Shen Wanyi again! Fine! I'll see for myself what this legendary 'Living God of Wealth' is all about!*

As Li Chen was about to leave, he caught a glimpse of a figure outside the courtyard. *Yue... Yue Yao?* Unfortunately, the carriage had already driven away by the time he reached the entrance. *Does this girl come here often?*

*Fine, I won't shut the place down just yet. If I come back next time, I might run into her. For now, I’d better head back to the palace.*

...

Luodu, the Prime Minister's Residence.

"Everyone, I believe these documents can be signed directly. After all, they are beneficial to the court, and there is no need to be constrained by conventional views," Ouyang Yu said, placing the papers on the table with a grave expression.

There was no helping it; both inside and outside the court, everyone was caught up in the busyness caused by Li Chen’s policies. To make matters worse, several officials were currently arguing over how to treat foreign merchants, and because the two sides could not agree, they had brought the dispute to him, the Prime Minister.

Opposite him, several officials exchanged glances, and Zhang Cong stepped forward. "Lord Ouyang, if I may be so bold: if we approve this, what shall we do when others make similar demands in the future?"

Ouyang Yu knew that Zhang Cong was unhappy that merchants even wanted to open entertainment venues in partnership with the court and the royal family. "Minister Zhang, His Majesty..."

Before he could continue, he heard Bailian rushing in from outside, shouting, "My Lord! It is a disaster! I don't know why, but His Majesty has just issued a decree ordering Shen Wanyi to enter the palace!"

Hearing the name Shen Wanyi, Ouyang Yu felt a headache coming on. Because of Shen Wanyi, there had been quite a bit of trouble lately, and now even the Emperor was involved. He pondered for a moment, then rose quickly, walked toward Bailian, and grabbed his sleeve.

"Could His Majesty have listened to some slanderous talk and intends to execute Shen Wanyi? Quickly, follow me to the palace!"

Bailian was also shocked. He knew that many had submitted petitions hoping Li Chen would restrict the merchants, citing the dangers posed by foreigners. Shen Wanyi was currently so prominent that, in the eyes of many, he was turning Luodu into a place of vice. If Li Chen believed that, wouldn't he execute him to appease the public's grievances?

The two made up their minds and acted separately. One went to gather other officials, while the other headed straight to the palace to offer counsel. However, after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, when they arrived at the palace, they witnessed a shocking scene...