I Have A Martial Dao World

"Imperial Fist" set out in April, returned in June, and it only took them two months to conquer the entire territory of Goryeo.

No matter how you look at it, it was a brilliant victory, and moreover, a rare foreign war triumph that had not been seen in a century.

Everyone from the imperial court to the common people was greatly inspired, and many felt that it was time for the Divine Land to flourish again!

History always cycles like this, with dynasties rising and falling in alternation. This recent defeat of Izumo illustrated this point well.

What followed was naturally the rewarding of those who had contributed to the victory.

The imperial court's rewards were quite generous, with the lowest rewards being silver, and others including elixirs, secret manuals, titles, and official positions, covering everything one could imagine.

Especially the "Ten-Complete Immortal Pill," which even those in the Innate Realm could use, truly worthy of being called a magical pill!

The soldiers and accompanying martial artists were quite satisfied with the imperial court's generous rewards. And, in addition to them, the civil officials in the rear, as well as the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau, also received their rewards.

The latter successfully replicated the ammunition for the Fire God Cannon, though it was just a solid shot without special effects, it was still rather remarkable.

People both inside and outside the court, high and low, all benefited, and everyone was truly happy, bringing more vigor to the morning court sessions.

However, shortly after this period of happiness, the Empress introduced several very aggressive new policies, mainly three:

Five years of compulsory education for 8-year-old children; the establishment of Armament Manufacturing Bureaus in Jinmen and Jinling; martial artists who injure people will now face severe penalties, equal to those of commoners!

All of these were matters that would consume huge amounts of manpower and resources and were extremely troublesome.

The last one especially, as martial artists have had this privilege through the ages—killing someone would at worst result in paying some money, somewhat reflecting the idea that "the law does not punish the gentry severely."

But this new law revoked this highly significant privilege!

Know that martial artists already had no more tax benefits, and now they were to be treated equally under the law as commoners, which even some of the warriors of the "Imperial Fist" found hard to accept.

In the end, martial artists did not regard the weak as their kind.

Yet, this was the cornerstone of social stability, as evidenced fully by Xia Country; stability was essential for development.

But martial artists could not understand this, and there was widespread uproar for a time.

However, unexpectedly, this new law gained the support of Prime Minister Zhang Wenda.

After all, he was a man of talent and saw the great significance of this new law.

Yet what happened next greatly exceeded Zhang Wenda's expectations and was even something he strongly opposed.

During the early morning assembly, Li Pei decreed the formation of the second legion—to campaign against Izumo!

The whole nation was immediately astir!

~~~~~~~~~~~

June 22, the great heat of summer.

The weather was scorching hot, but Zhang Wenda and his entourage, having cultivation, did not sweat a single drop.

Today, the Prime Minister of the Great Yi Dynasty, accompanied by the Ministers of the Six Ministries, arrived at Jing Yi Garden to pay a visit to Lu Yao.

Everyone in the group understood that some matters were more effectively addressed directly with Lord Lu, and they had a perfectly good reason for the visit—congratulating Yu Yanmei on her advancement.

By custom, when a martial artist's breakthrough has stabilized after half a month, outsiders may then visit to offer congratulations.

The visitors, led by Su Er Ya, came to the garden and saw Lu Yao forcefully holding down three Spiritual Sparrowhawks, listening to an object similar to a radio that was emitting sounds:

[Dad's dad is grandpa]

[Dad's mom is grandma]

...

The content was simple and childish, as Lu Yao was using his smartphone to brainwash by loop-playing "educational children's songs."

The three Spiritual Sparrowhawks, having listened for a long time, drooped their heads looking listless and dull.

Seeing this scene, the guests paused for a moment before all bowed and greeted him together.

Lu Yao walked over with a smile and said, "Excuse the laugh, just trying to open up the little ones' Spirit Wisdom. But as for you, with such busy official duties, what brings you here?"

His direct approach caught no one by surprise, knowing him to always be like this.

Aside from Zhang Wenda, the visit included the Minister of Revenue—Yan Jingming, the Minister of Public Works—Zuo Xiaowei, the Minister of Rites—Li Zhongtang;

the Minister of Defense—Liu Jintang, the Minister of Punishments—Dai Hongci, and the Minister of Personnel—Lu Chuanlin.

At this moment, the seven top officials of the Great Yi Dynasty first congratulated Yu Yanmei on her breakthrough, then presented their respective gifts. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

Lu Yao extended his hand and summoned, seven gifts levitated and flew toward him, all of which were valuable items.

"Grandmaster Yu is not present, so I'll thank everyone on her behalf for their kindness."

Seeing him take charge as if it were only natural, the others exchanged glances, having a clear idea about a certain rumor.

Yu Yanmei had made significant contributions in Goryeo yet received no rewards. Those unaware might think she was being punished.

But this precisely showed the closeness of their relationship, no longer needing such worldly items.

[It's obviously "closer than close"]

Several officials arrived at this speculation, after which Zhang Wenda cleared his throat and spoke up first:

"Lord Lu, the Imperial Court's new policies have been causing quite a stir recently, all involving substantial expenditures. But after the campaign in Goryeo, the national treasury is nearly depleted, making it difficult to dispense silver."

Yan Jingming, the Minister of Revenue responsible for the accounts, promptly chimed in:

"As the saying goes, 'The boom of the cannon costs thousands of taels of silver.' Outsized expenses are incurred in overseas campaigns, not to mention the upcoming construction of railways... We believe that some matters could perhaps be deferred."

The crowd nodded in agreement, while only Dai Hongci, the Minister of Justice, and Lu Chuanlin, the Minister of Personnel, spoke up:

"On the other hand, the notion of compulsory education could be explored. It's truly a benefaction for both the nation and its people."

Both men had served as Ministers overseas and were well-traveled and knowledgeable.

However, they only agreed on this one issue, and clearly opposed others, especially the campaign against Izumo.

Lu Yao's expression remained unchanged, and he chuckled, "Is the national treasury really short of silver?"

All seven senior officials nodded in unison.

With a wave of his hand, Lu Yao summoned countless silver bricks from the void, which clanged as they piled into a mountain.

"There are roughly 100 tons here. Take as much as you can get."

"!!!???"

The seven high-ranking officials' eyes shone with the glitter of silver, their expressions stupefied as they reached out to touch it. These were the silver bricks sponsored by Star Alliance Country years ago, of extremely high purity.

Silver was also the most supreme hard currency of Otherworld and had the special effect of restraining vampires.

Ironically, the Western powers enjoyed hoarding silver, always ready to fend off their own kind.

At that moment, Yan Jingming suddenly looked up and said, "Do you mean... we can take as much as we want?"

Lu Yao smiled and responded, "Exactly, you only have one chance. Take as much as you account for and let's see the extent of your skill."

Upon hearing this, Yan Jingming subconsciously twisted the silver brick in his hand into a twisted bun and then proceeded to move more.

Zhang Wenda quickly cleared his throat to stop his colleague, who was accustomed to hardship from previous eras, and then said:

"With Lord Lu's silver taels, all affairs will surely proceed smoothly. But concerning the campaign against Izumo... may we consider it more thoroughly?"

The officials, previously stunned by the sight of silver, came to their senses and echoed:

"Prime Minister Zhang's words hold true; we should strategize carefully over time."

In the eyes of these high-ranking officials, rashly waging war against Izumo was too risky and meaningless.

The most crucial point was that Lu Yao's battle with the Izumo Emperor seemed to end in a draw, but upon closer analysis... it appeared Lu Yao was at a disadvantage, as he was on the receiving end of the hit from start to finish.

[Guess who's the grandpa of mommy]

...

Amidst the sound of a distant nursery rhyme, Lu Yao asked an unrelated question:

"Regarding Goryeo, how do the officials wish to proceed?"

Li Zhongtang, the Minister of Rites, said:

"Goryeo has been a vassal to our nation for generations and has repeatedly been saved from dire straits. There is a precedent for this situation—return governance to the Goryeo royal family."

The officials didn't quite understand why Lu Yao asked this, as it has always been the case for this region to seek assistance from the Central Plains dynasty in times of trouble; there was nothing unusual.

Lu Yao stated, "This time it's different. Some people are adamant about following Izumo and have even formed a 'guerrilla team' to harass the Government Forces. Are you all aware of this?"

The officials nodded slightly, obviously aware of this bizarre turn of events. Those capable of forming guerrilla teams were naturally Goryeo's prestigious families, and even the royal family.

Lu Yao said forthrightly, "Given the circumstances, Goryeo will be placed under proxy governance. As an overseas enfeoffment, it shall be granted to those who have rendered great service."