Qin Renhuang just became an immortal, and you told me this is the prehistoric time

This is the necessary path for the growth of magical artifacts.

But in Ying Xuan's eyes, this was a huge waste, or even a potential crisis.

The total amount of energy in the Qin world is limited, and it is currently in an unstable period following the "forced growth" of its population.

The two magical treasures, by absorbing energy in such a way, could slowly enhance themselves, but they also exacerbated the imbalance of energy in the world, causing the "violent energy" accumulated due to the sluggish growth of living beings to spread even faster.

"Instead of letting the energy be wasted on the slow polishing of the magic weapon itself, it is better to use it to nourish the spiritual plants, which can stabilize the world, nourish the magic weapon, and suppress evil spirits."

Ying Xuan's mind was clear. This was the deeper reason why he chose to cultivate ginseng on a large scale.

Those hundreds of thousands of ginseng seeds took root and sprouted in the core space of the magic weapon and the imperial palace, the two places with the most concentrated energy and the most active laws. They were like countless tiny "energy converters" and "stabilizing anchors".

On one hand, they frantically absorb the spontaneous energy drawn by the two magical treasures and the violent energy wandering between heaven and earth, transforming it into gentle life force and the spiritual energy of plants and trees to nourish their own growth, while purifying and stabilizing the surrounding environment.

On the other hand, the essence of plants and the vitality of life contained in these spiritual plants subtly nourish the origin of the magical artifact, like spring rain nourishing all things, gradually polishing and enhancing the spirituality of the magical artifact, making its growth more harmonious and natural.

Especially within the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation, the fierce and malevolent energy contained in those stars is significantly calmed and subdued under the neutralization and suppression of the abundant vitality of the vegetation, making their operation smoother and more peaceful.

"Liu Bang."

Ying Xuan withdrew his gaze and looked at the Shao Fu Ling who was standing respectfully below.

"Chen is here!"

Liu Bang immediately bowed.

"I have heard that the office of the Grand Astrologer is recently overcrowded?"

Ying Xuan asked.

Liu Bang immediately reported back.

"Your Majesty is wise. Since Your Majesty issued the decree to revise the history of the pre-Qin state and to trace the history of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, scholars throughout the land have been mobilized."

In particular, those old scholars and doctors who were well-versed in classical Chinese and familiar with historical anecdotes considered it an honor to participate in such a momentous historical event and flocked to the office of the Grand Historian to volunteer.

Now, the yamen (government office) is packed with over a thousand learned men registered and awaiting assignments. The sounds of debate and argument are constant, making it quite crowded indeed.

Ying Xuan nodded slightly.

"Compiling history is a great undertaking for all ages, and we should gather the talents of the world. I hereby issue the following decree: Xun Kuang shall set off immediately, taking with him all the historical books and classics from various countries that have been exchanged from the Song and Ming dynasties and other places, which are stored in the Chu Academy. He shall also summon the masters and doctors in the academy who are proficient in history and bring them to the capital as soon as possible."

All the books and personnel were transferred to the Imperial Observatory for unified command and participation in the compilation of history.

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of meaning.

"Furthermore, inform the Grand Historian and all those involved in compiling history: all historical books revised this time, whether they are the history of Qin, the history of Xia, Shang and Zhou, or the history of Han and Tang to be revised in the future, must include the punctuation marks I created in the text!"

The sentences are clearly punctuated and the paragraphs are well-defined, ensuring that future readers can understand it at a glance and without any ambiguity!

"Punctuation marks?"

Liu Bang was taken aback, then remembered that His Majesty had once promoted some strange symbols for punctuation, which he had thought was unnecessary at the time.

Hearing His Majesty so solemnly request that it be used in the history books, I still had some doubts, but I dared not question it in the slightest and quickly agreed.

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will convey this decree in detail!"

Ying Xuan continued.

"Besides compiling history, educating the people and enlightening their minds is also an urgent task. The Shaofu Printing Workshop needs to make preparations in advance."

Liu Bang was greatly encouraged.

"Your Majesty, rest assured! The workshops are working day and night to prepare the new woodblocks and movable type, and the paper reserves are also plentiful! We can begin printing as soon as Your Majesty gives the order!"

"very good."

Ying Xuan nodded.

"Among the first batch of printed classics, I have selected several: the Compendium of Materia Medica, which details the medicinal properties of hundreds of herbs and minerals, benefiting all people; and the Essential Techniques for the Common People, which encompasses the techniques of agriculture, sericulture, animal husbandry, and various crafts, enriching the country and benefiting the people."

"The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" and the newly compiled "Elementary Mathematics" enlighten the mind and clarify principles. Such practical books should be prioritized for publication and widespread distribution, with prices kept low so that even students from impoverished families can afford them.

He changed the subject.

"Once Xun Kuang arrives in the capital with the academy's masters, you must immediately contact them. Order the masters of each school of thought to transcribe or donate the best copies of their school's core classics, and hand them over to the Imperial Household Department for unified printing and distribution."

The Confucian classics *The Analects* and *Mencius*, the Daoist classics *Tao Te Ching* and *Zhuangzi*, the Legalist classics *The Book of Lord Shang* and *Han Feizi*, and the Mohist classics *Mozi*—all those with existing traditions are indispensable. As for those rare or fragmentary copies that have been lost to time and are scattered among the people, the Imperial Household Department can send people to search for them or offer a reward for their collection. Once obtained, they can be printed and distributed directly without any further approval!

Liu Bang was deeply moved; this was an unprecedented cultural event!
He couldn't help but ask.

"Your Majesty, the classics of the various schools of thought are as vast as the ocean. If we were to print them all, I fear the workshops would be overwhelmed. Moreover, the doctrines of different schools inevitably contradict each other. Would it be appropriate to publish them all at the same time...?"

"It doesn't matter."

Ying Xuan interrupted him.

"The printing workshop can be expanded further. If there is a shortage of manpower, we will recruit more. I will allocate funds and provisions for you. As for conflicting doctrines? Only through the contention of a hundred schools of thought can the light of wisdom shine!"
What I desire is not a single dominant force, but a flourishing of diverse perspectives! Let the people of the world read for themselves, think for themselves, and judge for themselves what is truth! This is the true essence of enlightening the people!

His gaze was far-reaching, and his voice carried a penetrating power that seemed to see through history.

"The Great Qin Dynasty was founded on military strength and placed great emphasis on cultivation techniques. This is the foundation of its power and cannot be shaken. However, the purpose of publishing these classic texts is not to compete for temporary advantage, but to preserve the wisdom of our ancestors and enlighten future generations!"

"To enable all people to know etiquette, understand principles, and master skills—this is the foundation of the transmission of civilization!"

“In addition,” Ying Xuan emphasized.

"Issue an order to all counties and prefectures: From this day forward, all village and county schools, in addition to teaching elementary literacy, must add a 'foundation building' course!"
Military officers skilled in basic internal martial arts will be selected from garrisons across the country, or martial arts instructors will be dispatched by the Imperial Household Department to teach eligible students the most basic methods of qi cultivation, guiding exercises, and stance training! In the future, when the imperial court selects officials, regardless of whether they are civil or military, priority will be given to those with the aptitude for internal martial arts and who have completed basic training!

Liu Bang was deeply shaken!

Your Majesty intends to fully integrate martial arts training into the national education system, starting from childhood!
Will martial arts skills be the primary criterion for selecting officials in the future?

This is a revolutionary change! But he knew that His Majesty always planned carefully before acting, and that this move must have a profound meaning, so he immediately bowed and agreed.

"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree! I will do my utmost to oversee the matter and will not dare to slacken in the slightest!"

Ying Xuan nodded slightly and said no more.

His gaze turned to the distance again, where newly sprouted ginseng seedlings swayed in the breeze, and the aura of the imperial palace and the star array became even more harmonious and balanced under the influence of the spiritual energy of the plants.

Enlightening the people, promoting martial arts, consolidating the foundation, and dispelling the tyranny of the empire, the giant ship of the empire is breaking through the fog and sailing towards an unprecedented future along the course he set.

Liu Bang stood bowing beneath the solitary peak, presenting a prepared report. "Your Majesty, the Ministry of the Imperial Household and the Ministry of Revenue have jointly determined that the total population of the Empire is approaching two hundred million. However, the disparity between the North and South is increasingly alarming. The Central Plains, Jiangnan, and Shu regions are densely populated, especially the newly acquired Song territory, where immigrants have settled in large numbers."

In the north, apart from the Yan region which has some inhabitants, the northwest and grassland prefectures are sparsely populated, with a total population of less than 30 million! If the previous policy continues to be followed and people are allowed to migrate freely, the population difference between the north and the south may reach several times in a decade or so!
The Northwest is harsh and arid, with little rainfall. The vast grasslands are mostly used as pasture by nomadic herders, making agriculture difficult. These two factors are the key constraints on migration.

Ying Xuan received the report, scanned it with his divine sense, and instantly understood.

With a population of nearly 200 million, how come the North has less than 30 million? This imbalance is truly alarming.

The arid climate of the Northwest and the traditional nomadic lifestyle on the grasslands are indeed tough obstacles to immigration.

Forced relocation, without proper resettlement, will only provoke public resentment.

"Drought in the Northwest..."

Ying Xuan pondered for a moment, then his gaze fell on Liu Bang.

"The Imperial Household Steward's timely reminder was invaluable. This item is bestowed upon you."

With a flick of his fingertip, three fruits, each the size of a longan, emerald green like jade, radiating a warm luster and a unique fragrance, appeared out of thin air and slowly floated toward Liu Bang.

Liu Bang instinctively cupped it in his hands, and upon touching it, he felt a cool and pure life force flow through his arms straight to his heart and lungs, instantly invigorating his spirit!
Although he didn't recognize the item, he knew from its aura that it was no ordinary thing!

He bowed deeply, his voice filled with excitement.

"Your Majesty's generous gift... I am overwhelmed with gratitude! What is this?"

"This is Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom."

Ying Xuan said calmly.

"It has the effects of nourishing the spirit, prolonging life, and invigorating the meridians. As you are in charge of the Imperial Treasury, you are working hard and mentally, so this item will be beneficial to your cultivation. Keep it safe."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! I will repay you with my life!"

Liu Bang's voice trembled with excitement as he carefully tucked the three cardamom pods close to his body, his loyalty and gratitude to the emperor deepening even further.

"All cabinet ministers, listen to my decree."

Ying Xuan's voice, transmitted through divine thought, instantly reached the Imperial Palace Cabinet Office.

Wang Wan, Li Si, and others who were handling government affairs immediately put down their work, stood up solemnly, and bowed towards the direction of the solitary peak.

"Effective immediately, the Cabinet, together with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, shall formulate a detailed strategy to guide the people to migrate to the Northwest, the Yan region, and newly developed grassland counties. All those who wish to migrate, regardless of their wealth, shall be allocated uncultivated land according to their population and shall be exempt from taxes for five years."

The government provided basic agricultural tools and seeds. Workshops under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department were prioritized for establishment in immigrant areas to absorb labor. Military supplies for land reclamation in various regions were fully assisted in helping new immigrants to cultivate and settle down.

Furthermore, in grassland counties, a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle should be encouraged. The Imperial Household Department should allocate suitable young livestock to support animal husbandry. The goal is to ensure that immigrants can move out, settle down, and prosper! This is a national policy, and all departments must cooperate fully and not shirk their responsibilities!

"I will obey your orders!"

Wang Wan, Li Si, and the others responded in unison, their hearts filled with trepidation.

Your Majesty is about to make a great effort to reverse the demographic pattern!
Guiding immigration, rather than forcing it, and supplementing it with generous policies, is an excellent strategy! However, the drought in the Northwest... still leaves many with doubts.

Ying Xuan said no more. With a flicker, he transformed into a streak of light, instantly traversing thousands of miles and appearing in the vast sky above the northwest of the empire.

Looking down, the land stretches out in a vast expanse.

Although his previous manipulation of the energy of heaven and earth had made the vegetation in the northwest much more lush than before, and it was no longer a desolate desert, it still exuded an indescribable sense of desolation.

Rivers are scarce and have low flow rates, and the land in many places is cracked and parched, clearly indicating a chronic water shortage.

Relying solely on this amount of natural rainfall to support large-scale agricultural migration is nothing short of wishful thinking.

"water……"

Ying Xuan's gaze swept over the continuous mountain ranges and the dried-up river valleys below.

"It should be stored in a reservoir."

He chose a vast valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. With a thought, the power of his primordial spirit surged forth!

A massive earthquake shook the earth! The mountain ridges on both sides of the valley seemed to be kneaded and raised by an invisible giant hand!
The hard rocks were softened and shaped by the power of the Dao, instantly transforming into two towering, incredibly thick, and winding stone dams that sealed off the entire valley's exit!
Several large overflow holes were reserved on the dam to cope with possible floods.

Immediately afterwards, Ying Xuan formed a hand seal and pressed it down into the void at the bottom of the valley!

The land at the bottom of the valley was instantly compacted, hardened, and smoothed, forming a huge and smooth basin bottom.

He then carved countless intricate water-diverting and water-purifying runes on the rock wall inside the dam.

The prototype of a giant reservoir took shape in just a few breaths!
But it's just an empty shell; there's no water inside.

Ying Xuan stood above the reservoir, his eyes slightly closed, and a vast will instantly connected with the primordial will of this world.

As the de facto ruler of the world, he possesses some authority to mobilize the world's primordial power.

"Clouds gather! Rain falls!"

As his will descended, the originally thin clouds in the northwest sky seemed to be summoned and frantically gathered from all directions!

The clouds grew thicker and thicker, their color changing from white to gray, and finally turning into a heavy, leaden black!

Its scope is so vast that it covers almost the entire arid northwest region!
Boom! Crash!

The clouds, having accumulated to their limit, could no longer withstand the onslaught, and a torrential downpour began!

Large raindrops pounded on the parched earth, kicking up clouds of dust.

The rainwater quickly gathered into streams and flowed into the newly built reservoir.

The rainwater that has been temporarily collected is far from enough to fill this huge reservoir.

Ying Xuan turned his gaze to the distant east, to the mighty Yellow River that flows endlessly!
His primordial spirit power surged forth without reservation!

"lead!"

An invisible yet terrifying force instantly traversed space and acted upon the turbulent waters of a section of the middle reaches of the Yellow River!
A massive column of water, as if sucked up by an invisible dragon, suddenly detached itself from the river and shot straight into the sky!
The water column drew a huge arc in the air, spanning hundreds of miles, and precisely poured into the newly built reservoir in the northwest!

The Yellow River's waters come from the heavens!
This scene was like a miracle!

Countless herders and scattered farmers across the Northwest were horrified when they saw the enormous water dragon stretching across the sky. They all knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly in the direction from which the water dragon had descended!
Diverting water from the Yellow River is extremely costly! (End of Chapter)