From cute to empress

Chapter 299: Annual Plans for the Future

"Announce." I put down the memorial in my hand and rubbed my sore eyebrows.

The Minister of Revenue hurried into the hall and bowed, "Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report."

"But what about education funding?" I asked.

The Minister of Revenue looked embarrassed. "That's right. Although the national treasury has been full in recent years, building schools, hiring teachers, and supporting poor students in various places all require huge expenses..."

I raised my hand to signal him not to continue, stood up and walked to the window, looking at the towering palace in the distance, with a thousand thoughts in my mind.

"I know that education reform is extremely costly, but it's worth the investment," I said firmly. "It takes ten years to grow a tree, and a hundred years to cultivate a person. Education is a long-term plan. Only by cultivating more talents for the country can we ensure long-term stability and ensure that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

I turned back to the imperial desk and opened a memorial, which densely recorded the achievements of educational reforms in various places: children in remote mountainous areas saw books for the first time, and girls from poor families could also go to school... These gratifying changes further strengthened my determination.

"Pass the order down. Tomorrow morning, I will discuss the follow-up matters of education reform with you, my dear ministers." I put down the memorial, with a determined light in my eyes.

The next morning, at court, I, dressed in court robes, ascended the throne room with steady steps. Civil and military officials were already assembled, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

"My dear ministers," I said solemnly, looking around at the ministers, "since I ascended the throne, I have made education reform a top priority. While the reforms have begun to show results, many problems remain to be addressed."

I briefly reviewed the course and achievements of education reform in recent years, and pointed out the current shortcomings, such as insufficient teaching staff and uneven distribution of educational resources.

"I am well aware that educational reform is a long and arduous task, not something that can be accomplished overnight. However, I believe that as long as we work together and persevere, we will be able to overcome all difficulties and elevate our country's education to new heights!"

I finished my passionate speech and glanced around, finally landing on the president of Yuelu Academy and the headmaster of Bailudong Academy. "My two beloved ministers, you are role models for scholars all over the world. I hope that you..."

I paused, my gaze fixed on the dean of Yuelu Academy and the headmaster of Bailudong Academy. "My two beloved ministers, you are role models for scholars throughout the world. I hope you will continue to offer suggestions and advice for educational reform and cultivate more pillars of talent for our country."

The two old gentlemen immediately stood up, their gray beards trembling slightly, but their eyes couldn't hide the excitement. "Your Majesty, rest assured! I am willing to devote all my life's knowledge to the cause of education!" The president of Yuelu Academy said in a loud and resounding voice.

"The same goes for this old minister!" The headmaster of Bailudong Academy bowed and spoke in a firm tone.

The words of the two old gentlemen were like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, and the originally silent hall was suddenly filled with voices of agreement.

"Your Majesty, I will study hard and live up to your high expectations!" A young student in a blue shirt walked out of the queue with a clear voice. It was Student A from Yuelu Academy.

"I will study hard and serve the court in the future!" Another student wearing a silk scarf also stood up. He was Student B, a student of Bai Ludong Academy.

"As a teacher, I will do my best to teach and educate people!" A teacher with a goatee walked out of the queue. It was Teacher B.

"Your Majesty, I will do my best to safeguard the education reform!" Official C also stood up. He was the official in charge of education.

Looking at the faces before me, filled with hope and enthusiasm, a warm feeling welled up in my heart. Ten years have passed. In these ten years, we have forged ahead, overcome countless difficulties, and finally see the dawn of hope for education reform.

"Good! Good! Good!" I said three good words in a row, feeling a thousand emotions in my heart. "I believe that with you, my loyal ministers, and the joint efforts of students from all over the world, the education cause of our dynasty will flourish! Come on, someone..."

I paused, took a deep breath, and spoke loudly, "Pass on my decree. A banquet will be held in the palace tonight to entertain all the heroes who participated in the education reform. I want to celebrate this great event with you, my dear ministers!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Thunderous cheers suddenly rang out in the hall.

As night fell and the lights came on, the entire palace was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. Dressed in formal attire and wearing a phoenix crown, I entered the banquet hall accompanied by Zhen Youcai.

The hall was already filled with the clinking of glasses and the sounds of laughter. Civil and military officials, teachers, and young students all wore beaming smiles of joy. After ten years of painstaking study and dedication, today, they finally reaped the glory that belonged to them.

I raised my glass, looked around, and said loudly, "My dear ministers, today's grand occasion is inseparable from the hard work and dedication of everyone here! This glass of wine is in my toast to you all!"

"Cheers to Your Majesty!" everyone shouted in unison and drank it all in one gulp.

The atmosphere at the banquet was warm and cheerful. Zhen Youcai and I wandered among the crowd, chatting and laughing with everyone. For ten years, Zhen Youcai and I have fought side by side, supporting each other through thick and thin. Now that the great cause of education reform has finally been completed, my greatest wish is to be with him forever.

"Youcai," I gently held Zhen Youcai's hand and looked at him tenderly, "Today is such a festive day, why don't we..."

"How about..." Zhen Youcai also looked at me affectionately, with happiness shining in his eyes.

"Why don't we..." I took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to say, "Why don't we set a date for the wedding!"

As soon as I finished speaking, the entire banquet hall fell silent, and everyone looked at us at the same time. Zhen Youcai was also stunned for a moment, and then his face showed ecstasy.

"Mengmeng," he knelt on one knee, took out an exquisite jade bracelet from his arms, and said affectionately, "I love you, marry me!"

I nodded touched, took the jade bracelet and let him put it on me.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!" I don't know who took the lead in shouting, and suddenly the entire banquet hall was boiling again, and everyone was blessing us.

"Your Majesty and General Zhen are truly a match made in heaven!"

"Yes, their love story will surely become a legend for all time!"

Listening to everyone's blessings, Zhen Youcai and I looked at each other and smiled, our hearts filled with happiness and sweetness.

……

"I have something important to announce at the court tomorrow morning." I stood up, glanced at everyone, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of my mouth.