Chapter 94: Heavenly Strategy Dynasty

Chu Ruoyan had been in an especially good mood lately, as both her cultivation base and status had significantly improved.

According to the Saint’s residual soul, Chu Ruoyan’s physique was unique, and cultivating alongside her would yield double the results.

Was Li Chen drawn to Chu Ruoyan because of this?

Of course not—he was already max level, so he didn’t care about that; he simply liked her and enjoyed talking with her.

Li Chen didn’t need to boost his strength, so he didn’t demand anything in return, which meant Chu Ruoyan’s cultivation speed increased fourfold, and she alone reaped all the benefits.

Added to that, her status as Imperial Consort granted her access to even more resources.

In no time, she estimated she’d reach the Void-Breaking Realm.

Lately, besides managing her own quarters, she daily paid respects to the Empress Dowager and studied etiquette with Li Sining.

As the Twin Wonders of the Capital, both had rather strange minds.

Chu Ruoyan was a little stubborn, while Li Sining was a two-faced oddity.

Around Li Chen, Li Sining was casual; away from him, she became as poised as a princess.

Chu Ruoyan couldn’t tell which side was the real her.

The reason neither of them had been clinging to Li Chen lately was because they were busy paying respects to the other imperial consorts.

When she had free time, Chu Ruoyan went to find Li Chen.

In the Imperial Study, she walked in as if she owned the place.

Chu Ruoyan was quite considerate—whenever Li Chen was reprimanding ministers, she never entered; but lately, no minister dared provoke him, so he’d been relatively idle.

Whenever she came here, she always brought something Li Chen liked to eat.

When Li Chen wasn’t busy, she could sit on his lap and feed him.

Their little life together was quite pleasant.

After Li Chen finished reviewing the draft, Chu Ruoyan spoke up: “Your Majesty, the Imperial Artifact Exhibition is drawing crowds lately—shall we go take a look?”

Chu Ruoyan had loved these little gadgets since childhood, but her family’s wealth was never sufficient, and her pocket money was always scarce.

Every time she went shopping, she could only afford small trinkets.

Lately, Li Chen had been giving her generous gifts, so she wanted to buy some things she truly liked.

“That depends on your performance.”

Li Chen grinned mischievously and ordered the palace maids to close the doors of the Imperial Study.

Chu Ruoyan hadn’t expected him to start right here.

During it, he made her change into several different uniforms.

These were all custom-made outfits Li Chen had prepared in advance, tailored specifically for Chu Ruoyan.

Even though she was now an Imperial Consort, some of these garments made her blush just by looking at them, let alone wearing them.

It took nearly two hours before they finally changed back and left the palace.

As they walked, Chu Ruoyan kept explaining to Li Chen.

This exhibition, also known as the Imperial Capital’s Spirit-Light Artifact Expo, was held at the Central Plaza.

When Li Chen arrived, he saw a vast, bustling area surrounded by towering buildings and crowded shops.

It was hailed as the most lively and prosperous place in the capital.

Around the Central Plaza, exquisite exhibition platforms and corridors had been built for participants to display their artifacts; whenever the expo was held, not only did crowds flood in from the capital, but also visitors from nearby cities, sects, and even foreign lands came specifically to behold these precious artifacts.

This expo was not only a grand gathering of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty’s “civilian” artisans, but also a rare opportunity for “civilian technology assessment.”

From ordinary folk who loved inventing to master artisans from alchemy sects, all could bring their creations to exhibit.

The Heavenly Strategy Dynasty’s artifact artisans held a tradition: they believed magic treasures should serve people, not tower above them.

Only things everyone loved to use were truly good.

This must be distinguished from an auction.

Auctions sell finished products; here, they sell technology.

Here, you could see many artifact cultivators promoting their creations—some dazzling and ornate, others plain and unadorned, yet all brimming with their hard work.

These artifacts often attracted the attention of investors.

If an artifact was exceptional and caught the eye of a discerning investor, the inventor could earn great wealth through technology licensing.

!

Even more valuable: if your artifact caught the eye of the Ministry of Works’ specialists, you’d have the chance to receive massive investment from the Ministry.

This meant not only more professional crafting and promotion of your artifact, but also the opportunity to directly join the Ministry of Works as an official of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty.

For example, last year a civilian artisan improved military horse hooves, enhancing their grip during galloping; due to the special material, they wouldn’t slip even on glaciers.

This greatly increased the combat effectiveness of military horses in icy, snowy terrain.

Before this invention even entered production, it had already received orders from major northern armies of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty.

Another example: last year, an artifact artisan invented the “Blood-Sucking Blade”—a knife that, upon piercing any body, rapidly drained its blood without a single drop splashing out, making it the perfect tool for murder and robbery with no forensic evidence; he was immediately arrested by the Ministry of Justice.

No one knew how he was ultimately dealt with.

Some speculated the recent bizarre murders were linked to him and that he’d been locked up.

Others guessed his technique was too sinister and that he’d been recruited.

After all, inventions like these were dangerous and needed strict control.

These were all rumors, but everyone’s passion for artifacts was clear.

Additionally, there were demonstration arenas for showcasing artifact effects.

In plain terms, artifact masters would directly duel to prove how powerful their tools were.

While touring the expo, Chu Ruoyan bought many items from one artifact sect.

That sect’s booth mostly featured women’s jewelry.

To experts, the cost of making these pieces was low, yet the results were exquisitely beautiful and highly original, making them a favorite stop for capital ladies.

Women shopped differently from men: men prioritized practicality and value for money.

Women only cared if it looked beautiful—they didn’t mind the price, and many loved glittering things.

Chu Ruoyan bought plenty, like the bracelet on her wrist, which changed color according to her mood.

Li Chen could tell from the color that she was indeed very happy.

After an hour of wandering, they’d only covered a corner of the expo.

Just as they prepared to continue, a figure quietly approached.

(End of Chapter)