Lin Fu clenched his teeth, making a clicking sound between them, and unconsciously gripped the hem of his clothes with both hands, his knuckles turning white from the force.
He took a deep breath, knelt down, his back bent into an extremely humble arc, his forehead almost touching the ground.
His voice trembled slightly, yet it conveyed a resolute determination, as he respectfully and earnestly said, "Your Highness, Prince Zhao."
Since His Highness took charge of Jinxiu County, his grand plans and strategies have been fully displayed, and he has been wholeheartedly dedicated to the well-being of the people.
Looking back, Your Highness tirelessly promoted agricultural and sericultural reforms, personally going to the fields to introduce new farming tools and crop varieties.
In the early stages of its promotion, the people had doubts, so His Highness personally demonstrated and patiently explained, which ultimately led to a significant increase in grain production in Jinxiu County, allowing the people to have enough to eat.
Afterwards, Your Highness vigorously promoted water conservancy. Under the scorching sun, you and the people surveyed the river channels and planned dredging schemes. The dredged river channels ensured irrigation for farmland and guaranteed harvests regardless of drought or flood.
Such far-sighted wisdom and diligent attitude are evident to all the officials, and I admire them from the bottom of my heart.
Your Highness's establishment of the academy to enlighten the people demonstrates your profound consideration for the future development of Jinxiu County. This is truly a great initiative that benefits the present and future generations.
However, I am of limited talent and knowledge, and my understanding is shallow. These days, I have been pondering this matter repeatedly in my mind, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
I humbly request Your Highness's forgiveness for my boldness and permission to speak frankly.
Lin Fu saw Qin Qianluo nod slightly, pause, as if she was organizing her thoughts.
His chest heaved violently a few times, but he finally steadied himself and slowly said, "For a long time, the people of Jinxiu County have lived peacefully among the mulberry and hemp fields."
Men till the fields and women weave; they work at sunrise and rest at sunset.
At dawn, with the first rays of sunlight, people can be seen working in the fields; in the evening, they return home with hoes on their backs, and wisps of smoke rise from their chimneys.
They are extremely simple and honest, with pure and simple minds. Neighbors help each other, no one picks up lost items on the road, and doors are left unlocked at night.
When any family is in trouble, the whole village will lend a helping hand.
All they ask for is a peaceful life, free from worries about food and clothing, living a carefree and joyful life, surrounded by tranquil and peaceful scenes.
However, once the public's wisdom is broadened, it may be like throwing a huge stone into a calm lake. At first, it will only cause ripples, but it may eventually stir up a storm.
Once knowledge stirs the heart, the originally certain life trajectory and stable and orderly work rhythm may be disrupted without one realizing it.
Although there are many factories in Jinxiu County nowadays, most of the tasks, such as operating a loom in a textile factory, can be learned with a little practice.
Making bricks and tiles in a brickyard is a job that can be accomplished simply by the honesty and diligence of the people; formal education is not essential.
He slowly raised his head, straightened his back, his eyes filled with worry, and looked directly into King Zhao's eyes.
He said sincerely, "Furthermore, as people's knowledge gradually increases and their horizons broaden, they will inevitably develop more desires and pursuits."
Once they learn about the prosperity of the outside world and witness more novel things, they find it difficult to remain content with the status quo.
If these demands are difficult to meet, feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction will continue to accumulate.
It could very well become a destabilizing factor, disrupting the hard-won peace we enjoy today.
Your Highness's loyalty to Tianxuan is as clear as the sun and moon, and every action you take is undoubtedly for the long-term stability and prosperity of Tianxuan.
Your Highness, I sincerely implore you to carefully weigh and deliberate on the matter of promoting the enlightenment of the people.
"We must not allow momentary ambition to have even the slightest impact on the long-term prosperity of Jinxiu County and even Tianxuan."
Qin Qianluo held the teacup in her hand, feeling the warm touch from her fingertips. Just as she was about to bring the teacup to her lips, her movement suddenly froze, as if she had been frozen in mid-air.
She still wore that faint smile, her lips curving upwards into a perfectly symmetrical arc.
But the smile didn't reach his eyes at all; his eyes seemed to hold a deep, unfathomable pool, exuding a chilling aura that kept people at a distance.
The study was completely silent, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.
After a long while, she slowly put down her teacup, the delicate porcelain cup gently touching the table.
It emitted a crisp, short, light sound, which seemed particularly abrupt and clear in the quiet space.
Immediately afterwards, she calmly took out a plain handkerchief from her sleeve.
The handkerchief is of superior quality, with delicate textures embroidered with elegant patterns, and it gleams softly in the light.
She gently wiped the corner of her lips, her movements elegant and composed, exuding an extraordinary air, yet subtly radiating a powerful aura that made people dare not easily offend her.
"Minister Lin." Qin Qianluo finally broke the silence, her voice deep and mellow, yet carrying a hint of coolness, like the cold wind in winter.
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