Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Chapter 312 Making Matches

Shen Yanzhou took a deep breath and continued, "At present, our dynasty has suffered from war for many years, and the people yearn for peace. Rest and recuperation are indeed the most urgent tasks."

"But neighboring countries are eyeing us covetously, and if our military preparedness is relaxed, we may be invaded by foreign enemies."

"Your subject believes that in the short term, we should first implement a policy of recuperation and development, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and the nation's strength can be restored."

"At the same time, we will secretly strengthen military buildup, cultivate outstanding generals, and improve the army's combat effectiveness. We will consider expanding our territory when the time is right."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuxi clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Zhou'er, your insights are very much to my liking. You truly are my son, with such foresight and wisdom."

Shen Yanzhou smiled modestly: "Your subject is merely offering his opinion, and hopes that Your Majesty will provide further guidance."

Looking at his son, Shen Yuxi was suddenly filled with emotion.

He knew all too well that the position of crown prince had always been coveted by many.

Inside the imperial court, undercurrents were swirling, and various factions were all scheming for their own agendas.

Although he was the emperor, he still had to be vigilant at all times to prevent anyone from harming the crown prince.

"Zhou'er, you must remember that as the Crown Prince, every word and action you take is related to the rise and fall of the nation."

"You must not only have the talent to govern a country, but also the magnanimity to tolerate others and know how to balance the forces of all sides," Shen Yuxi said earnestly.

Shen Yanzhou nodded heavily: "Your subject will remember your father's teachings."

At that moment, a soft footstep sound came from outside the Imperial Study.

Shen Yuxi frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Who is outside?"

A young eunuch cautiously entered, knelt down and bowed: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Lin Zhengyuan requests an audience."

Shen Yuxi and Shen Yanzhou exchanged a glance, and Shen Yuxi nodded slightly: "Let him in."

A short while later, Lin Zhengyuan walked into the Imperial Study with steady steps.

He was dressed in a first-rank court robe, wearing a black gauze hat, with a neatly trimmed white beard and a faint smile on his face, exuding a refined and scholarly air.

"Your subject Lin Zhengyuan greets Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Lin Zhengyuan knelt down and bowed, his voice loud and clear.

"No gift."

Shen Yuxi waved his hand, "Minister Lin, what brings you here?"

Lin Zhengyuan stood up and cleared his throat: "Your Majesty, I have heard that recently there have been many different opinions in the court regarding policies for governing the country."

"In my opinion, our dynasty should prioritize the people's livelihood and must not rashly launch a war."

Shen Yuxi raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? Why does Minister Lin think so?"

Lin Zhengyuan calmly replied, "Your Majesty, our people have just recovered from the war, and their lives are still difficult."

“If we expand our military at this time, it will inevitably increase the burden on the people and cause public resentment.”

"I am worried that this will shake the foundation of our dynasty."

Before Shen Yuxi could speak, Shen Yanzhou couldn't help but say, "Prime Minister Lin, your concerns are not without merit."

"But what Minister Shi said is also true. The situation in the surrounding area is tense. If our country's military is not adequate, the people will be plunged into misery once foreign enemies invade."

Lin Zhengyuan looked at Shen Yanzhou, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "Your Highness is absolutely right."

"But I believe that we can use diplomatic means to improve relations with neighboring countries and strive for a peaceful environment for development."

Shen Yuxi listened quietly to their argument, pondering to himself.

He knew that Lin Zhengyuan's words made sense, and that the people did indeed need to recuperate and rebuild their lives.

However, Shen Yanzhou's words are not without merit; military buildup is equally important.

In this imperial court, various forces are fighting for their own interests, and as the emperor, he must find a balance in this complex situation.

"Alright, let's put this matter aside for now," Shen Yuxi said. "Minister Lin, you may leave now. I will reconsider."

Lin Zhengyuan bowed slightly and said, "Your subject obeys the decree." After saying that, he turned and left.

Silence fell once again in the imperial study. Shen Yuxi looked at Shen Yanzhou, his eyes full of expectation: "Zhou'er, you must understand that the court is a place where every step is fraught with danger."

"What you will face in the future is far more complicated than this. You must always keep a clear head and not be swayed by others."

Shen Yanzhou nodded firmly: "Your subject understands. Your subject will certainly live up to Father's expectations, study hard, and become a wise ruler in the future."

Shen Yuxi smiled with relief: "Good, I'm relieved to hear that. You should go back now and get some rest."

Shen Yanzhou bowed and took his leave, exiting the imperial study. Sunlight shone on him, but he felt no warmth whatsoever.

He knew that his path to becoming crown prince had only just begun, and many challenges lay ahead.

However, I'm afraid my father's summons today isn't so simple!

Crown Prince Shen Yanzhou sat in his study, his brows slightly furrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, making rhythmic sounds, as if trying to find an answer.

My father has recently placed great trust in Shi Wanxia. He has met Miss Shi and she is indeed a clever girl.

When I first saw the girl, she was wearing a light blue silk dress with delicate patterns embroidered on the hem, which swayed gently as she walked, like a flower blooming in spring.

Her eyes were bright and lively, making her stand out among the noble ladies.

The Emperor feared the powerful clans and wanted to take action against Cui Zhihao, but why did he stop?

Shen Yanzhou was filled with doubts. Cui Zhihao, as the eldest son of the Cui family, held an important position in the court. The Cui family was a leading aristocratic family with immense power and deep-rooted influence.

Shen Yanzhou remembered that it was a gloomy afternoon. His father was in the imperial study, his face as dark as the clouds outside the window. He angrily slammed his fist on the table and denounced the Cui family's various evil deeds.

He stated directly that Choi Ji-ho should be punished as a warning to others.

But just when everything was ready, the Emperor suddenly ordered the matter to be suspended.

Could it be because of Shi Wanxia? This thought suddenly flashed through Xiao Yi's mind.

He recalled that a few days ago, he had happened to see Shi Wanxia talking with his father in the Imperial Study.

Shi Wanxia appeared calm and composed, sometimes nodding slightly, sometimes whispering something, while her father, the emperor, showed a rare smile.

Shen Yanzhou was startled. Could it be that Shi Wanxia played a key role in this? He decided to find an opportunity to investigate thoroughly.

Meanwhile, inside the Shi residence, Shi Wanxia, ​​unable to resist Lin Yiyu's persistent nagging, agreed to go to the workshop with him.

"Miss Shi, please come with me to take a look. I'm really curious about those matches."

Lin Yiyu looked at Shi Wanxia with anticipation, his eyes sparkling.

Shi Wanxia sighed helplessly and nodded slightly: "Okay, I really can't do anything with you."

They've been making matches these past few days, but the raw materials for these matches are extremely difficult to find. Even with the help of his family's influence and Brother Cui's previous connections, they still can't find two of the necessary materials.

One of these two materials is a special ore from the distant western regions, which is said to be found only in specific mountains and is extremely difficult to mine;

Another type is a rare plant that grows in the deep forests of the south, where wild beasts often roam.