Chapter 387: Love, even if you can’t resist, you have to resist!
The ice disaster has passed, and now it’s time to restore production and get the country running smoothly again.
Although in this ice disaster, Great Wu suffered heavy losses, and the people also suffered, fortunately, lives were saved.
As long as there are people, many problems are not problems. Many stores have reopened, many factories are back in operation, and there are more people working in the fields. The streets have become lively again.
Although the days are still tough, we can get through it by persevering.
In comparison, other countries haven’t been so lucky. In this ice disaster, every country lost more than ten percent of its population.
And those who died were mostly poor people, the backbone of the nation’s labor force. They are the ones who farm, produce goods, and defend the country.
The widespread loss of life has had a huge impact, directly leading to economic decline and a weakening of national strength.
For example, the Great Xia, as an empire, lost a staggering 25 million people! Most of these were poor farmers, and many villages, towns, and even entire counties were left empty, becoming ghost towns!
Without enough labor, many fertile lands will go to waste. Without people farming, there will be a significant reduction in next year’s food production, posing a threat to the nation’s food supply.
With a reduced population, consumer power will inevitably decrease, leading to economic decline. Without sufficient food and a struggling economy, the country is bound to suffer! In addition, the common people will have a hard time surviving, and they will resort to desperate measures, such as murder, robbery, banditry, and even rebellion, to survive.
To maintain national stability, the court must bear a huge cost for law and order.
This massive loss is no less than a war with millions of casualties!
It’s even more severe!
It will take at least a decade to recover from this! However, Great Wu, despite its losses, managed to save its most important asset, its population, and can recover within a year!
The old Great Wu was plagued by regional warlords, territorial fragmentation!
Corrupt officials were in power, and greedy officials ran rampant! The people suffered, and life was unbearable!
National strength declined, and there was a sense of decline!
Having the name of an empire but not the substance. Not only did neighboring major powers covet it, even a small nation wanted a piece of it.
But after an ice and fire event, other countries collapsed completely, and their national strength became untenable.
On the other hand, the previously inferior Great Wu shone the brightest, surpassing other countries and standing out! As long as it continues to develop steadily, it will surely surpass other countries quickly and become the number one in the world!
The resting empress, every time she thinks about this, can’t help but laugh! “I must reward the meritorious officials well!” The empress waved her hand gracefully. “It’s lunchtime, hurry and invite the prime minister over! Also, instruct the kitchen to prepare more dishes that the prime minister likes!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Before long, Lin Beifan arrived and said, “Your Majesty, I’m here!”
The empress glanced at him and was immediately shocked. “Minister, what happened to you?”
At this moment, Lin Beifan had dark circles under his eyes, a pale complexion, and he walked as if he was floating, as if he had been overworked for days and nights.
“Your Majesty, due to my non-stop efforts in state affairs these days, I’ve become exhausted. I apologize to Your Majesty,” Lin Beifan said somewhat anxiously.
The empress let out a sigh.
You’re a top-level grandmaster with a body stronger than an ox. Even if you fought for days and nights, you wouldn’t be exhausted. Just reviewing some documents and handling state affairs, and you’re already complaining of hardship?
Clearly, you’re trying to deceive me and take advantage of the situation to slack off!
“Minister, are you alright?” the empress asked with concern.
“Your Majesty, although it’s been tough, it’s nothing. As the current Prime Minister, I bear the weight of the world on my shoulders, prioritizing the people and the nation. Even if it’s tough, it’s entirely worthwhile,” Lin Beifan replied with righteous conviction.
But in his heart, he silently thought, “Your Majesty, I’ve acted to this extent. Please let me rest. Show some compassion to your loyal and virtuous minister.”
The empress was truly moved and said, “Minister, you’ve worked hard! Great Wu is fortunate to have you, and so is the nation. However, since you don’t consider it a big deal and can persevere, I won’t advise you to rest. But please take care of yourself and don’t harm your health, alright?”
“Huh?” Lin Beifan was instantly confused. What does she mean?
At this point, according to common sense, shouldn’t she let me rest? How can she not advise that?
Lin Beifan’s face grew even paler, and his body swayed. The empress was once again shocked. “Minister, what’s happening to you?”
Lin Beifan shook his head weakly and said, “I don’t know why, but suddenly I feel dizzy and lightheaded…”
The empress called out, “Quick, help the Prime Minister sit down!”
Lin Beifan took a seat in front of the empress.
The empress asked with concern, “Minister, how are you feeling now?” Lin Beifan weakly replied, “Your Majesty, I feel much better now, but my body still feels uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been overworked these days.”
The empress was deeply moved. “Minister, you’ve truly worked hard, and you’re still persevering.”
“Your Majesty, although it’s tough, I can still endure it,” Lin Beifan said confidently.
In his mind, he added, “If I don’t do these things, it’ll fall on Your Majesty’s shoulders. Your Majesty, you’ve just recovered from a serious illness; it’s not good for your health!”
He secretly hoped, “Your Majesty, we’ve reached this point. Are you touched? Shouldn’t you arrange for me to rest?”
The empress indeed felt very moved, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Ah, Minister, even at this point, you’re still thinking of me. I’m… truly touched!”
Lin Beifan nodded inwardly, deeply moved! He quickly put his feelings into action!
“However, since you, Minister, are so considerate of me, I would be remiss not to reciprocate,” the empress promised solemnly. “Minister, if you can hold on for a few more days, until I fully recover my strength, I will take over your worries!”
“What???” Lin Beifan was left stunned for the second time.
You want me to continue holding on? I really can’t hold on any longer!
Right at this moment, Lin Beifan suddenly fainted and collapsed.
“Minister!” The empress reacted swiftly, actually catching Lin Beifan with both hands and preventing him from falling.
“Minister, how are you? Don’t scare me,” she said with concern. While lying in the warmth of the empress’s arms was somewhat tempting, Lin Beifan felt even weaker. “I don’t know why, but suddenly I’ve lost my strength! Your Majesty… I might not be able to hold on.”
He practically wanted to say, “Give me a way out, let me rest!”
“Minister, even if you can’t resist, you must resist!” The empress’s eyes welled up with tears. “I can’t be without you, the court can’t be without you, and Great Wu can’t be without you!”
At this point, the empress’s hand unexpectedly reached Lin Beifan’s soft waist and pinched hard, a 360-degree turn…
Lin Beifan’s eyes widened in pain, and he jumped up, gritting his teeth.
“Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch…”
He was suddenly full of energy, with no signs of weakness.
Turning around somewhat nervously, he saw the empress looking at him with a cold smile.
“Minister, how long do you intend to deceive me?” Lin Beifan felt even more uneasy. “Your Majesty, how do you see through it?”
The empress sneered, “Because I know you better than you know yourself! Just now, I found out from the kitchen that you ordered a plate of peanuts, some pastries, and a pot of wine, all for your enjoyment. Does that look like something a weak and exhausted person would do?”
Lin Beifan: “…”
“You shameless fellow! To get a vacation, you even deceived me personally!” The empress continued to scold him, “Minister, you have quite the nerve!”
Lin Beifan tried to explain, “Your Majesty…”
The empress waved her hand, “Alright, don’t say anything more! Sit down right now, and after you finish eating, go back to work!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Lin Beifan obediently took a seat and sneakily glanced at the empress sitting next to him, realizing that she didn’t hold any grudges.
Before long, the meal from the kitchen was served.
Lin Beifan was surprised when he saw it. “These… these are the dishes I love!”
The empress smiled, “Minister, I ordered the kitchen to prepare these specifically for you. If you like them, feel free to eat more!”
Lin Beifan was deeply grateful. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will serve you wholeheartedly and give my all!”
“As long as you use fewer tricks to deceive me, I’ll be completely satisfied!” the empress added.
Lin Beifan: “…”
Afterward, they picked up their chopsticks and began to eat.
“Minister, is it delicious?” the empress asked.
“Mm-hmm, it’s delicious…” Lin Beifan nodded as he ate. Watching him enjoy the meal heartily, the empress felt very pleased and ate half a bowl of rice herself.
At this time, the weather was getting warmer, and the atmosphere of the New Year was getting closer. Despite experiencing a once-in-a-century ice disaster that caused significant losses to Great Wu and its people, they had survived, and everyone was in good spirits.
So, everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year, getting ready to celebrate and have a good time. In the capital, the lively atmosphere of the past had returned.
People were busy buying New Year goods and preparing for the festivities. And at this moment, Lin Beifan saw a familiar purple figure.
“Purple Moon, why have you returned? Have you finished your business over there?” Lin Beifan smiled.
The stunning beauty before him was Princess Purple Moon, who had been involved in the grand project of reopening a path in the Great Moon Dynasty. Her pair of captivating and seemingly speaking purple eyes made her unforgettable.
She swiftly approached Lin Beifan, taking light steps and a graceful posture. She slightly lifted her head, her eyes deep and charming, with indiscernible emotions, saying, “Mainly because of you, Minister. I couldn’t help but come back to see you! Minister, how have you been in the past half a year? Have you missed me?”
Lin Beifan was instantly in a difficult situation.
This woman, she’s quite forward and not at all reserved! No wonder the people call her a bewitching woman!
