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"A powerful empire should not have orphans or slave trading."
Liyue, the strongest of the seven nations, occasionally had abandoned children, but they were always properly cared for by the adepti or the Qixing.
This was why the House of the Hearth had orphans from the other six nations—but none from Liyue.
"We need not achieve absolute equality or elevate everyone to greatness."
"But ensuring they are well-fed, clothed, and housed..."
Here, Zhongli paused, noticing "Xue Qinghe" scribbling notes in a small notebook.
"???"
What was Qian Renxue up to?
"Huh?"
"Xue Qinghe" looked up, meeting Zhongli's gaze.
"Consultant, please continue!"
"Once I ascend the throne, I will implement these policies one by one!"
"But right now, I'm pondering another issue—how to develop the empire's economy?"
"Achieving these goals isn't hard—it's just a matter of funding..."
She spoke earnestly. The Douluo Continent was backward in both industry and manufacturing.
Aside from oppression, most wealth accumulation relied on... dubious methods.
Zhongli studied her for a moment.
Did she truly trust him this much?
Her eyes held only sincerity—a look he, with his vast experience, recognized as genuine.
Qian Renxue trusted him unconditionally.
Qian Renxue: "Honesty is the ultimate weapon!"
After a brief pause, Zhongli continued:
"To enrich the empire, first enrich its people."
"Focus on selective development in industry, manufacturing, agriculture, and commerce."
"Fertile lands should farm; barren regions can industrialize..."
"As for commerce—"
Qian Renxue took notes, occasionally asking questions—all of which Zhongli answered flawlessly.
She wanted to speak but found herself speechless.
He was incredible!
This wasn't just broad knowledge—he seemed omniscient!
He outlined imperial development, agricultural transitions, industrial upgrades, and trade expansion—all logically structured!
It wasn't theoretical—he spoke like someone who'd ruled an empire before!
How strange!
The Douluo Continent only had two empires—where had he practiced these policies?
Her gaze grew dazed with admiration.
So this was the solution?
Suddenly, "Xue Qinghe" hesitated.
"But... the nobles own most land. How—?"
This was critical. Land belonged to royalty, aristocrats, and factions—not the people.
Peasants farmed aristocratic fields, not their own.
This was why they toiled yet starved—one meal a day if lucky.
How could malnourished children awaken spirit power or strong martial souls?
The odds were worse than lottery tickets.
Zhongli stroked his chin but remained silent, simply watching "Xue Qinghe."
Was she roleplaying as Crown Prince too seriously?
What did aristocratic interests matter to her?
Of course, reforms would spark noble rebellions—conflict was inevitable.
Ultimately, force would decide the outcome.
"Train well. With enough power and supporters, nothing is impossible."
Zhongli spoke gravely.
Liyue's golden age wasn't built by him alone.
"Xue Qinghe" froze, then nodded thoughtfully.
Yes—train harder.
She was fated to become the Angel God.
Once divine, noble resistance would be trivial.
With the Geo Archon guiding her, she could forge a golden era!
"Huh?"
"Paimon understands every word but has no idea what you're talking about!"
Munching on an exotic fruit, Paimon looked utterly lost.
Their conversation might as well have been about how Zhongli built Liyue—
—with some new twists.
"Little Paimon, the table's all yours. Eat up—ask for more if needed."
"Huh? Okay!"
"Xue Qinghe" had Paimon figured out—food was the ultimate silencer.
Meanwhile, in the sparsely populated white zone, Tang San and Xiao Wu were deep in discussion.
"Ugh! Those people look down on everyone!"
"Just because we're not rich, they act all high and mighty!"
"We're customers too!"
Xiao Wu fumed over the greeters' attitudes.
Before Tang San could respond, a gentle voice interjected:
"Young lady, don't blame them. To them, you hold no value."
"Naturally, they won't spare you a glance—let alone a smile."
The duo turned to see a robed man leaning on a scepter, his face masked.
Behind him stood a silver-haired elder, posture rigid.
Suddenly, the elder trembled—heart racing, hands shaking.
Fortune had smiled upon him!
Since Tang San hadn't been taken by Dugu Bo, he'd never reached the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well—
—which Zhongli had already relocated anyway.
Without the Heartbreak Pink herb, Xiao Wu's disguise was useless against a Title Douluo!
Sensing Chen Xin's gaze, Xiao Wu paled—something terrible was coming.
The old man's eyes burned too intensely.
"Oh? Could you elaborate?"
"We're all customers—why such disparity?"
Tang San engaged the man, noting his refined speech.
"Simple. They, too, are commodities."
"And you lack the means to purchase them..."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 95 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 20 power stones I will publish the next chapter.