Chapter 31: On Updates and Follow-Reads

I’ll briefly mention a few points.

First, let’s talk about updates—the topic most readers care about:

These past few days, the algorithm brought in some traffic, and many readers said my single update per day is too little and are urging me to update more.

During a new book’s initial phase, it’s usually two chapters per day, each around two thousand characters.

Although I only post one update, it’s a combined chapter of roughly 4,500 characters.

Why can’t I post more?

Because I need to climb the rankings.

If I exceed a certain word count, the book will be removed from the new book chart.

Moreover, this book is currently in its third round of recommendations and still needs one more round; although the Three Rivers recommendation offers little chance, my editor told me to wait and see if there’s a chance for a cover feature.

So, if I stretch out the timeline, I can’t post too many words per update.

Otherwise, I’d have to reach over two hundred thousand characters before going live.

Still, this period is perfect for me to stockpile drafts so I can increase updates after going live.

That’s all—thank you.

Second, regarding the setting:

Recently, many history-loving readers have come in.

Naturally, opinions have multiplied.

Most importantly, please don’t over-check historical accuracy, or this novel may invite disaster.

Also, some readers complain about the setting: they’re tired of Zhu Yijun, tired of the Ming Dynasty, and ask why I don’t write about someone else or another dynasty.

I’m helpless—I’ve already started writing, and if you leave such comments, I can’t just stop. Should I write you a free custom novel right now?

And indeed, some readers who deeply understand Ming history have offered me many valuable insights.

Thank you for your feedback, and I welcome friendly discussion.

Beyond that, some readers… I find it hard to describe.

They wonder how the author could possibly know these people’s personalities.

Why is Feng Bao so evil? Why doesn’t the protagonist’s mother have any ambition for power? Why is Gao Gong so radical?

To be blunt, I’m writing a novel—I need to tell a good story.

As long as their portrayals don’t deviate from the broad historical framework, I simply set them as I see fit. I can’t claim I’m right, but I’m not wrong either.

Precisely because history leaves blanks, I have room to set my own interpretations, right?

So, I hope readers who can’t relate to these portrayals can find novels that suit them better.

Third, historical figures:

Everyone has their favorite historical figures, whether Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, or even Feng Bao, Lady Li.

Some readers may not like the personalities I’ve assigned.

I don’t force anyone to like them.

But I won’t change them either—I’ve already written so much; I can’t stop updating just because someone scolds me (shrugs).

Fourth, regarding plot:

Once the protagonist gains control of state affairs, he will begin implementing reforms.

The timeline will jump in stages, and the content will be diverse: official appointments, tax systems, ideology (nothing anachronistic), science, public opinion, maritime trade, military preparedness… too many to list.

But the pace will proceed step by step—please don’t rush.

Yesterday, someone commented that Empress Dowager Li should depose the regency immediately and let the protagonist assume power right away.

Today, others are demanding that Zhang Juzheng be removed immediately.

To this… I can only say I’m powerless.

Please have a little patience.

Fourth, regarding follow-reads.

I understand readers are “raising” the book like a young sapling, but… could you please give follow-reads next Monday and Tuesday? A week of raising should be enough, right?

Thank you!

(End of chapter)