The next morning, Xianyang City was much calmer.

When the people learned of the return of the Ancestral Dragon Emperor and King Wu, they gathered outside the palace, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two legendary figures.

Inside the palace, Ying Zheng and his wicked husband had already risen, preparing to begin a new day.

"Your Majesty, what should be the arrangements for today?" the wicked husband asked.

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment: "First, summon all civil and military officials to understand the state affairs, then personally inspect Xianyang City to see the people's hardships, and finally thoroughly investigate the national treasury and granaries to grasp the true situation."

An announcement came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, the officials are waiting outside the palace."

"Summon them." Ying Zheng straightened his clothes and sat upright on the dragon throne.

The wicked man stood to one side, his eyes blazing as he surveyed the officials who filed in.

The once mighty Qin officials now mostly look pale and timid.

She especially dared not look directly into her husband's sharp gaze.

Ying Jing also arrived, standing respectfully at the head of the assembled officials.

"Your Majesty, according to your decree, the granaries in the city have been opened and food distributed, and the popular uprising has been largely quelled," Ying Jing reported.

Ying Zheng nodded: "Very good. Li Ping, please give a detailed report on the current situation of the court."

Prime Minister Li Ping stepped forward and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, since the passing of Your Majesty and King Wu, the Great Qin has seen several emperors. After Fusu ascended the throne, he worked diligently to govern the country, and the nation was at its peak. Fusu's son was good at maintaining the status quo and kept the country at peace. During the reign of the late emperor, there was some turmoil on the border, but the country was still stable."

"However, in recent years, natural disasters have been frequent, and wars have been waged on the borders, gradually depleting the national treasury. Officials' salaries are in arrears, leading to widespread corruption and bribery, and public resentment is boiling over. Now that Your Majesty has returned, it is truly a blessing for Great Qin!"

Ying Zheng then asked, "How is the situation on the frontier?"

The Minister of War stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the remnants of the Xiongnu in the northern frontier have grown stronger in recent years and frequently harass the border; the kingdoms in the Western Regions are also frequently in turmoil, and some areas have broken away from the control of the Great Qin; the old tribes of Chu in the south have repeatedly caused trouble; and Fusang in the East Sea has not paid tribute for three months.”

"What about the army? How many troops are still available?" the wicked man asked in a deep voice.

The Minister of War replied, "Your Majesty, there are currently 500,000 standing troops nationwide, but they are scattered in various places and difficult to concentrate. There are about 50,000 imperial guards near Xianyang, but unfortunately their pay is delayed and their morale is low."

Ying Zheng frowned: "What is the current state of the national treasury?"

The Minister of Revenue looked troubled: "Your Majesty, the national treasury has only enough silver to support the army's pay for three months, and the grain reserves are almost depleted. If taxes are not collected as soon as possible, it may be difficult to maintain the government."

Upon hearing this, the wicked man could no longer contain his anger: "Absurd! Our Great Qin was once the richest country in the world, how could it have fallen to such a state? You, as important officials of the court, cannot escape the blame!"

The officials were silent as cicadas in winter, and not one dared to raise his head.

Ying Zheng sighed, "Things have come to this point, blaming others is useless. The most urgent task is to come up with a practical solution to salvage the situation."

He looked around at his ministers: "Gentlemen, what good ideas do you have?"

The hall was silent; no one dared to speak first.

The wicked husband sneered, "What's wrong? Weren't you usually so good at talking big? Now you've all become mute?"

Finally, a young official mustered his courage and stepped forward: "I have a plan, but I don't know if I should say it."

Ying Zheng gestured for him to continue.

The young official said, “The current plan can be divided into three steps: first, reduce taxes to appease the people; second, dismiss redundant officials and cut expenses; and third, reorganize the military, first ensure the safety of Guanzhong, and then plan to recover the frontier.”

Ying Zheng was slightly surprised: "What's your name?"

"Your subject, Wang Cen, is a Principal Clerk in the Ministry of Revenue."

"Good, you have courage and insight." Ying Zheng nodded in approval.

Several more officials subsequently offered suggestions, some of which were practically feasible, while others were merely theoretical.

Ying Zheng listened patiently and finally made a decision: "Wang Cen's three-step strategy is feasible and shall be implemented immediately. In addition, I have decided to personally inspect Xianyang City, with Li Ping and Wang Cen accompanying me. The rest of you shall withdraw for the time being and perform your duties without permission."

"Your Majesty, we obey!" the officials replied in unison.

After the officials had left, the wicked man whispered, "Your Majesty, among these people, there are probably quite a few corrupt officials."

Ying Zheng nodded: "I have already noticed. I will begin a thorough investigation after I return from my inspection. Now is not the time for a major offensive."

The inspection team was quickly ready. To avoid alarming the people, Ying Zheng and his wicked husband dressed simply and brought only a small number of guards.

Inside Xianyang, the bodies on the streets had been cleared, but burned houses and vandalized shops were still everywhere. Many residents were cleaning up the ruins, their expressions weary and helpless.

“This place was once the most prosperous capital of the Qin Dynasty, but now it is…” Ying Zheng was heartbroken.

A crowd of starving people gathered in front of a porridge shop that had not yet been destroyed. The shop owner was distributing thin porridge in an orderly manner.

Ying Zheng stepped forward and asked, "Old man, are all these people disaster victims?"

The shopkeeper looked up, recognized Ying Zheng, and immediately knelt down in shock: "Your Majesty!"

Ying Zheng quickly helped him up: "Don't alarm anyone else, I'm just here to find out what's going on."

The shopkeeper said excitedly, "Yes, Your Majesty. These are all refugees, some from hundreds of miles away. Hearing that you have returned, they are unwilling to leave, saying they are waiting for you to save Qin."

Ying Zheng was deeply moved: "The people's hearts are precious, and I will not let them down. Did you give this porridge out of your own pocket?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. It was a small contribution, not worth mentioning."

Ying Zheng solemnly said, "You did very well. I have noted it down."

Leaving the porridge shop, the patrol team continued on its way. At a market, several soldiers were driving away vendors in a brutal manner.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!