When the Yanhuang Empire was first established, Ye Chen set down the rules for court sessions right away.
For the most part, he had simply copied the system used in ancient Huaxia. The difference was that officials did not have to kneel and could sit during court.
Allowing them to sit was mainly out of consideration for the older officials. Making them stand through court would have been pure suffering, with no real purpose.
Court sessions were also set to begin at around seven in the morning. That was neither too early nor too late, and the time would be adjusted as the seasons changed.
That way, the ministers would not have to drag themselves out of bed in the middle of the night, before dawn, and then brave the cold wind to get there in winter.
It served little purpose and only made them suffer.
Of course, Ye Chen did not have to get up that early every time and suffer alongside the assembled officials.
After all, although he had established the empire to complete the system's task, he had also done it so he could enjoy life better—not to make himself suffer.
If he had to endure that kind of hardship, and then rule for thousands, even tens of thousands, of years, how could he possibly go on living?
Looking over the assembled officials, Ye Chen said solemnly, "The Imperial Education System has now been fully established, and all teachers and officials have taken up their assigned posts. I will reward everyone who contributed during this time..."
When Ye Chen finished, Yuan Long, his personal guard and secretary-general, stepped forward. He went to the center of the hall, opened the imperial decree prepared in advance, and began announcing the rewards.
"Zhou Li."
"I am here."
Hearing his name, Zhou Li rose to his feet in excitement and walked into the center aisle.
Zhou Li had once been white-haired and deeply wrinkled, but now his face was wreathed in smiles. His frail body had also grown remarkably strong.
The officials around him watched him step forward, unable to hide their envy.
At the same time, they were curious about how Ye Chen would reward him.
As his subjects, they knew just how generous Ye Chen could be—especially toward those who had rendered meritorious service. His generosity was staggering.
As long as you had the ability and got things done, Ye Chen would not only ensure you lived in wealth and comfort, but would also cover you in honors and announce your achievements in the newspapers nationwide.
You might even earn a place in the Imperial Xuanhuang Scroll, leaving your name in the history books and earning a reputation that would last for generations.
In short, Ye Chen could satisfy every ambition a person might have in life.
Of course, if you dared to abuse your power and harm the people, then once Ye Chen found out, you would be beheaded in public and your entire family exiled.
For the worst offenders, a stone statue would be erected where they had committed their crimes, and they would be made to kneel there for all eternity, enduring the people's scorn.
Ye Chen's meaning was clear: if you wanted to be an official, then do your job properly. If you refused to do so or had corrupt intentions, then just be an ordinary citizen and live your life. Don't entertain any other ridiculous ideas.
A century ago, in the early days of the empire, its systems had yet to be perfected, and many local indigenous tribes refused to submit to him. The land was in utter chaos, and Ye Chen had killed so many that heads had rolled everywhere.
In the end, those people had become terrified at the mere mention of his name. They had all become as docile as sheep. That was also how Ye Chen had earned his reputation as a tyrant.
Faced with the situation back then, Ye Chen had known that reason would not work. The only right way was to use force to crush them into submission.
Besides, he had been in a hurry to complete the system's ten-year task. He had no time to slowly win over the people he had subdued. As a result, the empire had been plagued by internal conflict in its earliest days, forcing him to use bloodshed to intimidate everyone else.
In the end, he had relied on his long lifespan to outlive those who refused to obey. Meanwhile, he had gradually indoctrinated the next generations, strengthening their sense of belonging to the Yanhuang Empire.
"Zhou Li, you have rendered outstanding service through your hard work during the construction of the empire's education system..."
"By this decree, you are awarded one million Yanhuang Coins, one bottle of Longevity Liquid, a promotion to the seventh rank of nobility, and a mansion in the Tianhui District of the imperial capital. So ordered."
"Thank you for the Emperor's reward!"
After hearing the rewards, Zhou Li bowed deeply. He had no idea what this Longevity Liquid was, but he was happy to receive anything the Emperor gave him.
It was the empire's recognition of his service.
An attendant then brought out the rewards. On an exquisite tray made of jade sat ten stacks of banknotes bearing Ye Chen's portrait, a deed to the mansion, and a beautiful jade bottle.
From the moment the Yanhuang Empire was founded, Ye Chen had established the use of paper money for trade.
He knew how convenient paper money was, and how much it saved in resources.
Zhou Li respectfully accepted the items.
Seeing the others below, Ye Chen smiled. "You must be curious about what this Longevity Liquid is, my dear ministers. Heh. It can improve your constitution and extend your lifespan."
"Hiss..."
At Ye Chen's words, everyone in the hall widened their eyes.
A longer lifespan was something every living being pursued. These ministers were all getting on in years. How could they stay calm after hearing that something could extend their lives?
Seeing their reaction, Ye Chen was quite pleased. The considerable price he had paid to exchange for a batch of Gene Repair Potions from the system had not been wasted.
The Longevity Liquid was a diluted product made from the Gene Repair Potions he had exchanged for. After being consumed, it could repair the body's cells, improving one's constitution and extending one's lifespan to some degree.
Now that the Imperial Education System had been established, the empire was about to spread its wings and soar. The ministers before him were pillars of the empire whom he had painstakingly cultivated. Ye Chen would be heartbroken to lose even one of them.
That was why he had spent so many Civilization Points to exchange for a batch of Gene Repair Potions from the system as rewards. He wanted these people to live longer and shoulder more of his burdens.
Inside Star Hall.
Once all the meritorious officials had received their rewards, only a handful of ministers had been given Longevity Liquid.
The others who had not received any were envious, but could only sigh that they had not done enough.
Looking at the ministers' expressions below, Ye Chen was quite satisfied. This was how a ruler should act.
He had two reasons for giving out the Longevity Liquid this time. First, he did not want his most talented ministers to grow old and die so soon.
The second was to give his subjects a goal to strive for—to dangle a carrot and motivate them to work harder.
After all, a long lifespan had always been something all living beings sought. Now that the goal was right in front of them, would they really not work harder?
If they did not, they would grow old and die. If they did, they had a chance to extend their lives.
After Zhou Li and the others drank the Longevity Liquid in the hall, they immediately felt heat spread through their bodies, along with a slight ache. Fortunately, the pain was not severe, and they could bear it.
As time passed, the potion's effects repaired the cells in their bodies.
Then, as their many inactive cells came back to life, Zhou Li and the others—once white-haired and covered in wrinkles—began to change.
Their white hair gradually turned black, their wrinkles faded, and their bodies slowly grew stronger. In a short time, Zhou Li and the others had undergone a complete transformation.
The officials nearby who had not received Longevity Liquid watched this miraculous sight, their eyes burning with desire.
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