Traveling through thousands of years, I only love you

After a brutal war and turmoil, the country ushered in a brief period of peace. Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan seized this opportunity and devoted themselves to the country's recuperation and development.

In the military, Xiao Yi understood that a strong military was the guarantee of national security. He implemented comprehensive reforms to the army, not only increasing the intensity of soldiers' training but also improving training methods. Previously focused solely on physical fitness and combat skills, training now incorporated a wider range of strategic and tactical aspects. Xiao Yi personally participated in the development of training guidelines, introducing simulated combat drills to allow soldiers to learn how to deal with different enemies in complex and ever-changing situations. At the same time, the court increased investment in military technology, encouraging craftsmen to develop new weaponry.

In a secret workshop on the outskirts of the capital, craftsmen were feverishly developing a new crossbow. This crossbow boasted significantly improved range and power, was more easily loaded, and could fire continuously in a short period of time. Xiao Yi frequently visited the workshop to inspect its progress, knowing full well that once this new weapon was operational, it would significantly enhance the army's combat effectiveness.

In addition to weapons research and development, Xiao Yi also focused on restructuring the military's organizational structure. He established a more flexible military command system, creating various combat units based on different combat environments and mission types, such as mountain combat units, jungle combat units, and water combat units. Each unit received specialized training and equipment to adapt to specific battlefield requirements.

In border areas, fortifications were further strengthened and expanded. City walls were thickened and raised, and watchtowers were densely packed, forming a comprehensive surveillance network. New defensive concepts were incorporated into the wall's design, with multiple layers of defense and hidden counterattack points. At the same time, military outposts at the border increased their supply reserves to ensure the army's continued supply even under prolonged sieges.

Li Lingyuan focused her efforts on domestic economic and livelihood development. In agriculture, she vigorously promoted new farming techniques. Numerous agricultural officials were dispatched to rural areas to teach these advanced techniques. A new crop rotation system was widely adopted, effectively conserving soil fertility and increasing crop yields. The court also introduced new crop varieties that were more resilient to disasters and produced higher yields.

In a remote mountain village, farmers were initially skeptical of new farming techniques and crop varieties. Upon learning about these new technologies, Li Lingyuan personally traveled to the village. She worked alongside the farmers in the fields, demonstrating the new methods. Through her efforts, the farmers gradually accepted these new ideas. Seeing the new crops flourish and yields significantly higher than before, the farmers expressed gratitude to Li Lingyuan.

In the commercial sector, the court further improved business regulations to create a fairer and more stable business environment for merchants. Li Lingyuan oversaw the construction of more commercial markets and trade centers, which were conveniently located and well-equipped. To promote trade between different regions, the court also invested in the construction of new roads and bridges connecting important commercial cities.

In terms of cultural education, the imperial court increased its investment in education. More schools were established across the country, not only in cities but also in larger towns. Educational content also became richer and more diverse. In addition to the traditional classics, history, and literature, practical subjects such as arithmetic, astronomy, geography, and medicine were added. To cultivate an excellent teaching staff, the imperial court held teacher training programs, inviting scholars and experts from all over the country to teach.

At the Imperial College in the capital, young students were engaged in lively discussions. Many of them were enthusiastic about new subjects, and this positive learning atmosphere delighted Li Lingyuan. She frequently visited the Imperial College to interact with students, encouraging them to study hard and contribute to the nation's development.

On the diplomatic front, the court's efforts strengthened the relationship between the alliance nations. Trade between the nations grew increasingly frequent, and cultural exchanges gradually increased. Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan regularly met with the monarchs of the alliance nations to discuss strategies to counter foreign threats and regional development issues. At one alliance summit, the nations reached an agreement to jointly establish a military mutual assistance zone. Within this zone, the nations would share military facilities and intelligence, and jointly train their armies, forging a closer military alliance.

However, the country's development also presented new challenges. With the booming business, some cities experienced overpopulation. Housing, sanitation, and public security faced enormous pressure. Li Lingyuan personally took charge of addressing these urban issues. She organized an urban planning team to replan the city. In some crowded urban areas, old and dilapidated buildings were demolished, and new residential areas and public facilities such as parks, bathhouses, and medical clinics were built. At the same time, urban security was strengthened, with an increase in patrol soldiers and government runners, and a more comprehensive household registration system established to effectively manage population mobility.

As reforms progressed, dissenting voices emerged within the imperial court. Some conservative ministers questioned the new policies and institutions, believing them to be too radical and potentially disruptive of the nation's traditional order. Heated debates often erupted in the court.

An old minister advised Xiao Yi in the court: "Your Majesty, although these new policies may seem beneficial, they violate the laws of our ancestors. If this continues, the country will be in chaos!"

Xiao Yi patiently explained, "My dear, times are changing, and we cannot cling to the old ways. These reforms are meant to make our country stronger and our people live a better life. We cannot be bound by tradition."

Li Lingyuan also said, "My Lords, we have experienced so much war and suffering because we have fallen behind in some areas. Only by continuous reform and innovation can we survive and develop in this chaotic world."

With the persistence of Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan, reforms continued to advance, but they also realized that they needed to balance the relationship between reform and tradition to avoid causing excessive internal conflicts.

During this period, some interesting cultural phenomena emerged among the people. With national stability and economic development, the people's demand for cultural entertainment increased. Folk art forms such as opera, storytelling, and juggling flourished. Every day, performances took place in the streets and alleys of the capital, attracting large audiences. Li Lingyuan noticed these cultural phenomena and encouraged folk artists to create more works that embodied positive energy and national spirit. Operas and storytelling based on national history and heroic deeds were warmly welcomed by the people. These works not only enriched the people's spiritual lives but also subtly strengthened national cohesion.

At the same time, with increased international exchange, some foreign cultures and art forms have also been introduced into China. These foreign cultures have collided and merged with domestic culture, giving rise to new cultural styles. In some coastal cities, new performance forms have emerged that incorporate elements of foreign music and dance. This phenomenon of cultural integration has attracted widespread attention and discussion.

However, just as the nation was steadily developing, new news arrived from the border. Although the foreign tribes had suffered setbacks in the previous war, after a period of recuperation, a new leader emerged from their ranks. This young, promising, and extremely ambitious leader unified some of the foreign tribes and began to infiltrate and sabotage the nation.

Border intelligence officers discovered a number of suspicious individuals frequently entering and leaving the border area. They ostensibly appeared to be merchants or refugees, but their behavior was highly suspicious. After further investigation, they discovered that these individuals were spies sent by foreign forces to spread rumors and mislead the public in an attempt to undermine the country's stability and development.

Upon learning of this news, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan immediately took action. Xiao Yi strengthened border defenses and intelligence work, ordering border troops to remain vigilant against foreign spies and arrest them immediately upon discovery. Li Lingyuan, in turn, launched a large-scale anti-espionage campaign within the country, educating the public on the dangers of spies and how to identify them, raising their awareness.

Under the severe crackdown by the imperial court, the espionage activities of foreign races have been curbed to a certain extent. However, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan know that this is just the prelude to a new round of attacks by foreign races, and they must be fully prepared to deal with the upcoming challenges.

In the palace, Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan once again summoned the ministers to discuss countermeasures. They knew that the enemy they faced this time was more cunning and powerful, and that the whole country needed to unite to once again defend the country's security and stability.

"My lords, a new threat from foreign races has emerged and we cannot take it lightly. We must be prepared in all aspects, including military, economy, and people's livelihood, so that they have no chance to take advantage." Xiao Yi said seriously in the court.

The ministers nodded one after another. They realized that the country would face another severe test, but after all the previous hardships, they were full of confidence in Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan, and believed that under their leadership, the country would be able to overcome the difficulties again.

In the days that followed, the imperial court united in its preparations for the new foreign threat. Soldiers intensified their training, civilians diligently labored, and the nation, like a taut bow, prepared to deliver a powerful counterattack should the enemy strike. Xiao Yi and Li Lingyuan shuttled between departments and regions, personally overseeing the progress of preparations. Their presence became a stabilizing force for the people, maintaining their resolve amidst uncertainty.