Chapter 427

Beyond the light curtain, the False Song changed its era name to Xianping, the new dynasty had just begun, and undercurrents stirred.

Within the light curtain, the Chen dynasty's territory, the years proceeded with its inherent, indisputable pace, advancing steadily.

Since Chen Wen's passing, the new emperor Chen Hong ascended the throne, and already a dozen-odd years have hurried by.

The crown prince who once, under his father's immense aura, seemed somewhat inexperienced and restrained, is now nearing forty, a mature emperor who has reigned for many years.

In the early morning, the Hall of Supreme Ultimate was solemn and dignified.

Officials presented their reports in order, their voices echoing in the spacious hall.

The Minister of Revenue reported that for the fifth consecutive year, the nation's granaries were abundantly stocked and the population was growing;

The Minister of Works submitted the completion diagrams of several major north-south official roads, together with an assessment of the benefits brought by more than ten newly built large waterwheel mills along the river;

The Minister of Defense routinely reported that the four borders were tranquil and the border troops' rotations and drills proceeded as usual.

Chen Hong sat upright on the dragon throne, his countenance calm, his gaze sweeping over the officials below the vermilion steps.

He had long shed the inexperience of his early reign, handling affairs with skill and maturity; for officials' memorials, he could always grasp the essentials, either deciding on the spot or referring them to the relevant authorities for detailed discussion.

"Approved. Order the Ministry of Revenue together with the Ministry of Works to inspect the stations and warehouses along the newly repaired official roads, seeking to facilitate public convenience and commerce."

"Waterworks concern the livelihood of all the people and must not be neglected. Minister Zhao (the nominal successor of Zhao Lao Nian) must personally supervise to ensure the project's quality."

"The border soldiers have labored hard; rewards and consolation must be given. The Ministry of Defense must implement this immediately, without delay."

His voice was even, carrying undeniable authority, yet his logic was clear and his consideration thorough.

At court, everything was orderly.

After years of operation, the Chen dynasty's vast state machinery had long been smoothly broken in, running steadily on its established track.

The institutional framework left by the late emperor Chen Wen, through constant minor adjustments and refinements by Chen Hong and the central ministers, has become ever more deeply rooted, effectively sustaining the operation of this nascent empire.

After court, Chen Hong moved to a side hall and summoned several core ministers to discuss several matters vital to the empire's development over the coming years.

Among them was whether to select a site on the southern coast to construct a large shipyard for overseas exploration and the development of maritime trade.

This was not a sudden whim, but a natural strategic extension born from years of accumulated national strength.

And in the corner of the side hall, a youth about sixteen or seventeen, dressed in heir-apparent attire, sat quietly behind a small table, attentively listening.

He was the Crown Prince Chen Zhong, the eldest legitimate son of Chen Hong.

Starting last year, he was permitted to attend such high-level policy discussions during non-confidential periods, to familiarize himself with state affairs and cultivate his political views.

Chen Hong would occasionally pause the discussion to test his son with a few questions, or ask him to share his opinion on a particular matter.

Chen Zhong's answers, though still somewhat immature, were clear in logic and occasionally showed bright spots, indicating that he had studied and reflected earnestly.

Watching the heir gradually grow, Chen Hong's eyes flickered with a barely perceptible sense of relief.

The empire's future requires not only this generation's consolidation, but also the next generation's expansion.

All of this fell into the eyes of several "Guardians" lurking in the shadows.

Zhang Cheng twirled his beard and spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, you have now truly become the Son of Heaven. These past dozen-odd years have not been easy."

Wang Ru nodded, her cool tone also carrying approval.

"The court situation is stable, surpassing a million troops. Only by staying in the shadows can we remain single‑minded."

Shi Dun looked at the north‑south territories marked on the sand table and broke into a grin.

"With the home front secure, my heart is at ease! Whenever the lord says we will march beyond the light curtain, I can muster the troops at once!"

Qian Gui, meanwhile, paid more attention to details.

"The Crown Prince has also begun to engage in state affairs; time really flies. It seems we, too, must pay attention, seeking good seedlings for the next generation of Guardians."

Zhao Lao Nian fiddled with a newly made Fortune Momentum sensing compass model, without raising his head.

"Yes, the lads have all grown up. We old fogeys must also redouble our efforts, leaving them a bit more of an inheritance."

Chen Wen stood silently by the window, gazing at the magnificent halls and pavilions in the direction of the imperial palace.

There lay the continuation of his bloodline, and the dynasty he had founded with his own hands.

A dozen-odd years, though to him they seemed brief due to the reconstruction of his very essence, were nevertheless enough for a dynasty, for a generation, to undergo earth‑shaking changes.

He saw Chen Hong move from caution to steadiness, from learning to mastery;

he saw Chen Zhong grow from a child into a youthful heir apparent;

he saw familiar faces at court gradually dwindle, while new talents continually emerged;

He could even faintly feel that the Chen dynasty's Fortune Momentum, over these dozen-odd years of rest and steady development, had become more substantial and enduring.

This was a Fortune Momentum unlike the False Song's side, which coalesced violently like clashing bronze and iron; rather, it was a power rooted in the earth, springing from order and livelihood, steady and tenacious.

"Time flows like water……"

He murmured softly, carrying a hint of sentiment, but more so the calm of a witness.

The era he inaugurated has already become history, yet the rules he established continue to shape the present.

And he, together with a few old brothers, retreated deeper behind the scenes, becoming the stable riverbed and hidden reefs beneath this rushing current, guarding it from drifting off course and resisting erosion from another span of time.

The Chen dynasty's time accumulated strength in tranquility and nurtured the future through inheritance.

This, in contrast to the False Song across the light curtain, which had just entered the first year of Xianping and everything seemed only just beginning, formed a subtle yet profound contrast.

One was already luxuriant in branch and leaf, with deep roots;

the other was at the juncture of old and new, gathering strength for action.

The true contest, perhaps, had only just begun to unfold.