Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

"Your Majesty, the repeated natural disasters are all due to the imbalance of Yin and Yang in my Kingdom of Women..." Liu Ruyan, the Minister of Rites, once again proposed the suggestion of "accepting more male concubines."

Liu Ruyan believed that the long-term lack of men in the Women's Kingdom led to an imbalance of yin and yang, which caused natural disasters.

If we can recruit more men, it will not only balance the yin and yang, but also add new blood to the nation.

Zhu Xiaoxiao chuckled inwardly upon hearing this. It seemed the conservatives of the Women's Kingdom were truly "stubborn"! They always attributed all problems to gender imbalance, ignoring other possible causes.

Just then, Li Qiaoyun, the Minister of War, stepped forward. She was tall and slender, with a sharp and heroic air about her.

"In my opinion, drought is a natural disaster and has nothing to do with the theory of Yin and Yang. We should strengthen military patrols to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation to cause trouble, and at the same time organize the militia to dig irrigation canals to bring water for irrigation."

"Absurd!" Zhao Yuhuan, the Minister of Revenue, retorted sharply, her voluptuous figure barely concealed beneath her magnificent brocade robe.

"The national treasury is empty now. Where will we get the money to support so many troops and militia? We should cut spending and start practicing frugality from the palace."

A heated debate erupted in the court, with everyone expressing their opinions. Some advocated seeking divine intervention, others proposed opening granaries for relief, and still others suggested seeking aid from neighboring countries. The arguments were endless, but no solution could convince everyone.

Just then, the Empress's gaze fell upon Zhu Xiaoxiao. She slightly raised her hand, gesturing for Zhu Xiaoxiao to step forward. Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart tightened, she took a deep breath, and slowly walked to the center of the hall.

"I have heard that you are an extraordinary person from a foreign land. I wonder if you have any insight into this matter?" The Empress's voice was cold and majestic, as if carrying an invisible pressure.

Zhu Xiaoxiao secretly adjusted her breathing and calmly said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the cause of the drought is not simply an imbalance of Yin and Yang."

According to my observation, the Women's Kingdom's water conservancy system has not been maintained for many years, and coupled with rampant deforestation in recent years, this has led to severe soil erosion. These are the main reasons for the drought.

His words immediately caused a stir. Some ministers looked surprised, while others showed disdain.

"Absurd!" Minister of Rites Liu Ruyan shouted angrily, "What do you, an outsider, know? How dare you so easily deny the traditions of my Kingdom of Women?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Minister Liu, you flatter me. I am not denying tradition, but rather hoping to find a solution based on the actual situation."

Minister of War Li Qiaoyun nodded thoughtfully: "Young Master Zhu is right. We should indeed attach great importance to water conservancy construction."

Minister of Revenue Zhao Yuhuan disagreed: "Even if you're right, the national treasury is empty. How will we fund the water conservancy projects?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao confidently stated, "I suggest that, firstly, we should mobilize the people to organize voluntary labor to dredge waterways and build small reservoirs. This will not only save expenses but also improve water conservancy conditions immediately. Secondly, we should promote water-saving irrigation techniques to improve water resource utilization efficiency. Finally, we must formulate strict forest protection policies to prevent further soil erosion."

His suggestions were specific and practical, not only revealing the essence of the problem but also providing feasible solutions.

These words not only won the Empress's praise, but also made the female officials who had previously looked down on him look at him with new respect.

“Young Master Zhu is right,” agreed Chen Qiaolin, Minister of Agriculture. “We should indeed attach great importance to water conservancy construction and forest protection.”

Although Minister of Rites Liu Ruyan looked displeased, he had to admit, "Young Master Zhu's suggestion is indeed worth considering. However, we cannot completely abandon tradition. Perhaps we can hold some rain-praying ceremonies while rebuilding the water conservancy projects to appease the people."

Zhu Xiaoxiao smiled and nodded: "Minister Liu is right. Tradition and innovation are not contradictory. We can implement new policies while also preserving some traditional rituals; the two complement each other."

After listening to the discussion, the Empress's eyes flashed with approval.

Her gaze lingered on Zhu Xiaoxiao for a moment before she spoke, "Advisor Xiao's words are quite right, and I think they are feasible. From this day forward, we shall act according to Advisor Xiao's suggestion. Minister Li, you are in charge of organizing the militia to dig irrigation canals; Minister Zhao, you are in charge of allocating some funds for water conservancy construction; Minister Chen, you are in charge of promoting water-saving irrigation technology; Minister Liu, you are in charge of arranging rain-praying ceremonies to appease the people."

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

"Advisor Xiao is indeed exceptionally talented; I am greatly pleased."

The Empress looked at Zhu Xiaoxiao, her eyes filled with admiration. "I have decided to appoint you as a special advisor to participate in political affairs, and bestow upon you the title of 'Golden and Jade Marriage.' I hope you will continue to serve the Women's Kingdom."

"Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!" Zhu Xiaoxiao hurriedly knelt down, secretly delighted.

He not only gained the Empress's favor, but also successfully integrated into the power center of the Women's Kingdom, bringing him one step closer to completing his mission.

When Zhu Xiaoxiao stood up, he noticed that all the female officials around him were staring at him.

Some showed expressions of admiration, while others displayed obvious affection.

In particular, Li Qiaoyun, the Minister of War, had an unusual glint in her eyes and a faint smile on her lips.

After the court session ended, Zhu Xiaoxiao was about to leave when Li Qiaoyun stopped her.

“Young Master Zhu,” Li Qiaoyun said softly, her voice carrying a hint of allure, “are you free tonight? Why not come to my residence for a chat? I would like to ask you some questions about governing a country.”

Before Zhu Xiaoxiao could answer, Zhao Yuhuan, the Minister of Revenue, leaned closer, her voluptuous figure almost pressed against Zhu Xiaoxiao: "Young Master Zhu, I have some account books that need your help organizing. Why don't you come to my residence tonight?"

"This..." Zhu Xiaoxiao was at a loss, not knowing how to deal with it, when Chen Qiaolin, the Minister of Agriculture, also came over.

“Young Master Zhu,” Chen Qiaolin said gently, “I have some newly researched crop varieties that I would like you to take a look at. Why don’t you come to my residence tomorrow morning?”

Zhu Xiaoxiao was somewhat taken aback by this sudden enthusiasm.

He looked at the three beautiful female officials, each with a deep admiration in her eyes.

His heart began to race, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.

Just then, Liu Ruyan, the Minister of Rites, approached. She coldly glanced at the other three female officials, then said to Zhu Xiaoxiao, "Young Master Zhu, His Majesty has decreed that you go to the Council Hall immediately; there are important matters to discuss."

Zhu Xiaoxiao secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bid farewell to the other three female officials: "My lords, please excuse me. I will visit you again another day." After saying that, he hurriedly followed Liu Ruyan away.

Stepping out of the Golden Palace, Zhu Xiaoxiao let out a long sigh of relief.

Liu Ruyan looked at him, a complex expression flashing in her eyes: "Young Master Zhu, you must be careful. This harem is not a safe place; a slight misstep can lead to utter ruin."

Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a chill run down his spine; he knew Liu Ruyan was telling the truth.

In this female-dominated world, he, as a man, is both highly favored and in a precarious position. A single misstep could plunge him into the vortex of power struggles.

“Thank you for the reminder, Lord Liu,” Zhu Xiaoxiao said sincerely. “I will definitely be careful.”

Liu Ruyan nodded and turned to leave. Zhu Xiaoxiao watched her retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions.