Chapter 297: The Chen Dynasty's Atmosphere

The dust of the rectification movement settled slowly, like the sky after the last cold rain of spring washed over it; though not completely clear, it already revealed a long-lost clarity and loftiness.

This clarity did not linger only in edicts and documents, but like a silent moisture, it silently permeated the dynasty's fabric—in Bianliangcheng, in the newly reclaimed fields of Hebei, on the newly smooth transport lines, and in the workshops of the Investigation of Things Institute where metallic sounds rang, gradually giving rise to a vibrant scene utterly unlike before.

That day, Chen Wen happened to have free time; he did not ride the imperial carriage, but took only a few plain-clothed guards and strolled out of the palace city.

He had no particular destination; he simply wanted to see and hear for himself what kind of atmosphere the new dynasty, born in his hands, had produced.

He passed through Imperial Street and entered the outer city.

A clamor of sound hit him in the face, carrying the vitality unique to the market streets.

On both sides of the street, shops stood close together, and banners fluttered.

Those selling fresh fruit cried out in clear voices;

Those selling assorted northern and southern goods had crowds gathered at their shop entrances;

Before the newly opened tavern, red silk swayed, drawing rounds of applause.

Pedestrians pressed shoulder to shoulder; though their faces still bore the marks of wind and frost, their brows showed less of the panic and numbness common in troubled times, and more focus on livelihood and appreciation for this hard-won peaceful scene before them.

"Fresh Hebei wheat cakes! The emperor's new policies have stabilized grain prices—eat your fill!"

A sturdy man set up a stove on the street corner, loudly hawking his wares, his face lit with a simple smile.

Several people in clean cloth clothing, resembling minor officials, sat in a tea house, speaking in low voices.

"Have you heard? The Ministry of Revenue has issued a new order: henceforth, when collecting summer grain, they must give farmers a receipt on the spot, stating the amount, and strictly forbid clerks from privately adding extra levies!"

"It's about time! Prime Minister Wang's rectification drive this time is really serious!"

Chen Wen walked past slowly, hearing these fragmentary remarks; his expression remained calm, but inwardly he gave a slight nod.

Orders flow smoothly and benefit the lower classes—this is the foundation of the new dynasty's atmosphere.

He turned south and arrived at the Bian River dock.

Here was another scene bustling with activity.

Large and small grain ships and merchant vessels were linked bow to stern, nearly blocking the waterway.

Bare-chested laborers shouted work songs, unloading bag after bag of grain and bundle after bundle of cloth from the ships, then loading other cargo aboard.

Brokers moved among them, loudly negotiating prices with merchants from all regions.

"This batch of Jiangnan silk is a hot commodity! If it weren't for the old customer's sake, I couldn't get this price!"

"The newly produced Hebei soybean oil is clear in color and fairly priced—come take a look, shopkeepers!"

On the dock, an official tax station had also been set up.

But unlike before, when clerks arbitrarily extorted excessive taxes, today's tax officials wear uniform caps, check goods meticulously according to the posted tax rates, collect silver, and issue red-stamped tax receipts, keeping order.

The smoothness and standardization of grain transport guarantee the flow of the economy's lifeblood.

Chen Wen paused a moment, his gaze sweeping over the busy scene, finally resting on those laborers and tax officials.

Their spines seemed a little straighter than before.

Leaving the dock, Chen Wen did not return directly to the palace; instead, he rode at leisure and came to the outskirts of the Investigation of Things Institute in the eastern part of the city.

Here it was not as noisy as the market dock, yet it possessed another kind of tranquil yet vigorous vitality.

Beyond the courtyard wall, one could hear rhythmic hammering, sawing wood, and some low, indistinct humming.

At a corner of the courtyard wall, a small shop had just opened, bearing the sign "Ministry of Works Investigation of Things Institute Civil Affairs Office".

Inside were displayed some novel items: an improved curved-shaft plow, light and sharp;

a new-model water wheel, its structure ingenious;

and even several kinds of farm tools said to be forged by a new method, appearing exceptionally tough.

From time to time, nearby farmers or small workshop owners would come in curiously to look and ask.

An old farmer stroked the new curved-shaft plow, clicking his tongue in wonder:

"This plow blade, this timber—just looking at it you can tell it's sturdy! Much stronger than the old thing at my home, though I don't know the price……"

Beside him, a Ministry of Works clerk patiently explained:

"Sir, this is the new farm implement the government is promoting; it's affordable, and if your family is in difficulty, you may apply to the village chief for labor in lieu of relief, or pay in installments."

The old farmer's cloudy eyes lit up.

Chen Wen did not go inside; he merely watched silently from a distance.

Technological innovation ultimately must serve the people to unleash true vitality.

This little shop of the Investigation of Things Institute is a beginning.

On the way back to the palace, he passed the Imperial Academy.

Clear reading voices drifted out from within, carrying a long-lost tranquility and hope.

What the students recited was no longer only the classic exegeses of old; they also began to study mathematics, law, and even some basic physics knowledge compiled by the Investigation of Things Institute.

Chen Wen knew that Wang Ru was working to reform the imperial examinations, hoping to select more officials versed in practical affairs rather than those who only spout empty moral essays.

The change in education, though slow, concerns the dynasty's future.

At dusk, Chen Wen returned to the palace.

He did not immediately attend to state affairs, but climbed to the highest pavilion in the palace city, the Pavilion of Soaring Phoenix.

Leaning on the railing, he gazed into the distance.

The sunset's afterglow plated the whole of Bianliangcheng with a warm golden layer.

Cooking smoke curled upward from thousands of households, weaving into a tranquil picture scroll.

In the distance, the Bian River lay like a golden ribbon, flowing quietly.

The scattered lights in the city lit up one by one, echoing with the first stars appearing on the horizon.

At this moment, he seemed able to hear the market's clamor, smell the dock's sweat and the river's fishy odor, feel the strength of seedlings growing in the fields, and touch the dedication and fervor within the Investigation of Things Institute.

An indescribable, weighty sense of fullness welled up in his heart.

This is not his achievement alone.

It is Zhang Cheng who, day and night without cease, allocated provisions;

It is Wang Ru who, with an impartial and stern face, enforced discipline;

It is Qian Gui who, in silence, eliminated hidden dangers;

It is Shi Dun, Li Hong and other soldiers who fought bloody battles;

It is Zhao Lao Nian and countless artisans who diligently researched;

It is the countless masses, upon the ruins, who rebuilt their confidence in life.

It is they who together formed this nascent "Chen dynasty atmosphere."

This atmosphere lies not in the hollow fame of all nations coming to court, not in the grandeur of palaces, but in the market's bustle, in the coming and going of transport ships, in the verdant fields, and in the hope within the sound of reading.

It signifies that this fledgling dynasty, struggling to rise from the wounds of war, is beginning to emanate its own inner vitality and vigor.

The Fortune Momentum within him, in this tranquil oversight, seems to resonate more deeply with the city beneath his feet and this vast territory.

It is no longer merely power; it is a responsibility, a bond sharing weal and woe with myriad peoples.

The Growth Progress Bar accumulates steadily, slow yet unwavering.

He knows the road ahead remains long.

The Khitan in the north still lie dormant;

The shadow of the Iron Crow Army has not dissipated;

Zhao Kuangyin's whereabouts are unknown;

The mystery concerning the truth of the world remains deeply locked.

But at least now, standing on the Xianglan Pavilion, gazing at the myriad lights, his heart brims with unprecedented strength and conviction.

No matter how many challenges the future holds, he will safeguard this present tranquility and push it toward farther, broader horizons.

The atmosphere of the Chen dynasty should not stop here.

It ought to, like the myriad things of early summer, grow vigorously, eventually forming a lush canopy, bestowing blessings upon all beings.

As night deepens, Bianliangcheng, adorned with lanterns and starlight, appears tranquil yet full of hope.

Chen Wen turned and descended from the high pavilion.

His steps were steady and strong, like this rising dynasty marching toward an unknown yet destined tumultuous future.