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

Many generals had already begun to fantasize about how much their strength would increase after obtaining the magic weapon, and what kind of merits they could achieve on the battlefield in the future! Their gazes toward the figure on the throne were filled with unparalleled gratitude and fervor, wishing they could immediately return to the wasteland and repay His Majesty's generosity with the blood of the enemy!

Ying Xuan looked at the generals below who were so excited they could hardly contain themselves, and slowly rose from his throne.

His voice, carrying an aura of absolute authority and grandeur, resounded throughout the hall.

"I hereby declare to you all today: I will never be stingy with rewards for those who have rendered great service to my Great Qin! Magical treasures are nothing more than ordinary things; even immortal artifacts... I possess more than one in my possession!"

His eyes were sharp as he swept over everyone.

"All generals who participated in the bloody battle in the wasteland, regardless of their rank or whether they have already received any rewards, may today choose a suitable magical artifact as an additional reward from me for your meritorious service in the battle!"

"boom--!"

These words caused an uproar throughout the entire hall! All the generals, whether or not they had participated in the Battle of the Wasteland, felt a surge of adrenaline rushing to their heads!

"Long live Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live forever!!!"

The earth-shattering roar, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing, almost blew off the dome of the main hall! It was a cry of heartfelt, fanatical worship and a vow of undying loyalty!

The civil officials, looking at the military generals who were so excited that their faces were flushed and they were almost dancing with joy, were also deeply shocked and even felt a little envious.

Such an extremely generous reward, bestowing both a noble title and a magical treasure, is indeed the most unprecedented since the founding of the Qin Dynasty! If only they had fought a bloody battle on that desolate plain... many people even had such thoughts.

Ying Xuan sat down again, looking at the excited crowd below, a smile appearing on his lips. A generous reward will surely attract brave men.

What he wanted was this absolutely loyal, absolutely brave, and well-equipped Qin Iron Army, to tear apart all enemies for him and for Qin in the potentially even more brutal wars to come! And these glittering magical treasures before him were the best catalyst and guarantee of loyalty.

The atmosphere at the court assembly reached its peak of excitement.

At Ying Xuan's signal, thousands of generals who were qualified to participate in the bloody battle in the wasteland and made military contributions stepped forward in turn according to their official rank and the size of their merits, and chose the magic treasures that they liked and could use from the thousands of magical treasures that were floating in mid-air.

For a moment, the center of the hall was filled with precious light, and exclamations of amazement, praise, and occasionally a few suppressed laughs from those who had chosen particularly suitable or powerful treasures could not be suppressed.

One general chose a longsword that exuded a chilling aura and could transform into a hundred sword beams, and happily stroked the blade; another general picked a giant shield engraved with Xuanwu patterns, which looked like it had amazing defensive capabilities, and chuckled to himself.
Some generals, skilled in battle formations, selected a set of battle flags that could be made large or small and used to set up simple military formations. Their eyes gleamed as they pondered new tactics. Other generals did not choose offensive or defensive weapons, but instead opted for auxiliary magical artifacts that could accelerate the recovery of mana or enhance spiritual perception, clearly taking a steady and cautious approach.

Each general selected with exceptional seriousness and caution, as if they were not receiving a reward, but deciding the key to life and death on the future battlefield. After all, the significance of a suitable magical artifact for generals who had already begun their cultivation and were destined to face even more fierce battles in the future was self-evident.

Soon, all the thousands of magical treasures were chosen. The generals who received treasures were beaming, like children who had received new toys, yet they tried to suppress their excitement, though their eyes, constantly glancing at the treasures in their arms or at their waists, betrayed their inner turmoil. The lower-ranking officers who didn't receive any, though envious, knew it was a reward based on merit, and could only secretly resolve to achieve even greater feats next time, hoping to also receive a treasure bestowed by His Majesty.

While the military officers were engrossed in their work, the civil officials watched with gleaming eyes and invigorated spirits, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

As His Majesty's ministers, they have worked diligently for over a year under the leadership of the Grand Secretary, promoting various national policies, building roads and bridges, developing water conservancy, promoting culture and education, and organizing military preparations. Every single one of these tasks has required immense effort and dedication.

Now, the generals have received such generous rewards for their meritorious service in the bloody battles—nobility, top-tier magical treasures, and magical artifacts that will soon be distributed to the soldiers—which is certainly deserved. But don't they also deserve a great reward for their contributions in stabilizing the situation and providing support from the rear?
Seeing His Majesty's generosity towards the military generals, the civil officials' expectations were also ignited. They straightened their backs, staring eagerly at the throne, waiting for their "surprise".

Ying Xuan took in the expressions of the civil officials, secretly amused, but made no comment for the time being.

He raised his hand and took out a jade pendant-shaped magical artifact with an ancient style and a faint spatial fluctuation, and handed it to the eunuch standing to the side.

The eunuch understood and respectfully presented the jade pendant to Wang Jian.

"Wang Jian".

Ying Xuan spoke up.

"Your subordinate is here!"

Wang Jian quickly composed himself and bowed in response.

"This is a spatial magic treasure, containing tens of thousands of high-quality magic artifacts."

Ying Xuan's voice was calm, yet it silenced the entire hall once again.

"I hereby order you, on my behalf, to select 10,000 outstanding warriors, resolute in will, and loyal and reliable, from among the more than nine million soldiers who participated in the bloody battle in the wasteland. Each of them shall be rewarded with a magical artifact. The specific selection criteria and reward procedures shall be drafted by the Military Council and reported to me."

"hiss--!"

Another collective gasp filled the air. Tens of thousands of magical artifacts! While not as precious as magic treasures, these artifacts were still high-grade items, imbued with spiritual energy, and far more powerful than ordinary weapons! And they could also be passed down through generations!

His Majesty's rewards not only cover high-ranking generals, but also take into account the brave warriors of the middle and lower ranks who have made meritorious contributions! This generosity and thoughtfulness are truly extremely comprehensive and profound!
Wang Jian's body trembled slightly as he accepted the spatial jade pendant with trembling hands. Feeling the immense magical artifact aura contained within it, the old general's eyes even became slightly hot.

One of his biggest concerns and most pressing issues was how to reward the nearly ten million ordinary soldiers who had returned from the bloody battle. If the reward was too small, it would demoralize the soldiers and damage the dignity of the court; if the reward was too large, with tens of millions of soldiers involved, even if the average reward was only slightly higher, the total amount would be astronomical, enough to completely bankrupt the Qin Dynasty's finances.

The policies His Majesty had previously devised regarding agricultural tools, gold and silver, and tax exemptions were already quite ingenious, balancing practical benefits with long-term incentives. However, deep down, Wang Jian felt he had let down those ordinary men who fought so hard.

Now, His Majesty has even taken out tens of thousands of magical artifacts specifically to reward the most outstanding warriors! This is not merely a material reward, but an unparalleled honor and recognition! It means that their achievements have been firmly remembered by His Majesty and the court! The effect of this on boosting the morale of the entire army and inspiring future generations is immeasurable!
"On behalf of all the soldiers, this humble general kowtows to express our gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace! Your Majesty has treated the soldiers so kindly, we...we will certainly swear to serve you to the death, even at the cost of ten thousand lives!"

Wang Jian's voice trembled slightly as he bowed deeply, clutching the jade pendant tightly in his hand, as if he were holding the hearts of all the soldiers in his grasp.

Having resolved the issue of military rewards that had been weighing on his mind, Wang Jian felt a significant weight lifted from his shoulders. At this moment, Emperor Qin Shi Huang stepped forward again, his expression calm, as if the dazzling array of generous rewards had had no effect on him whatsoever.

He held the jade tablet in his hand and recited it in a loud voice.

"Your Majesty, the rewards for military merits have been distributed, but there are still many matters of state to attend to, and there is one important matter that urgently awaits Your Majesty's decision."

"speak."

Yingxuan indicated.

"At the beginning of the founding of the nation, His Majesty established the system of 'annual examinations' to select the best talents in the country to study at the Royal Academy and to cultivate talents for the nation."

The First Emperor spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Now, the first batch of students who were admitted to the Royal Academy have completed their three-year studies and are about to graduate. These students were all selected from among thousands of talents. In the academy, they received the best supplies from the Imperial Household Department and were taught by learned scholars."

The imperial consorts also frequently visited to consult with him, examining his political views and scholarship; they were truly "disciples of the emperor," trusted forces personally cultivated by His Majesty. Now that graduation is imminent, their placement is of paramount importance, and I dare not act on my own initiative, therefore I respectfully request Your Majesty's guidance.”

Upon hearing this, many civil officials in the ranks became serious. The first batch of graduates from the Royal Academy—this was a momentous event! From selection to training, this group carried a strong "Imperial Party" aura; they were crucial pieces for His Majesty to control and balance the court in the future.

Their whereabouts likely foreshadow certain changes in the power structure of the imperial court.

After a moment's hesitation, Ying Xuan spoke decisively, his voice carrying an unquestionable resolve.

"Issue my decree. From this day forward, the principle that 'a prime minister must rise from the ranks of the provinces and regions, and a valiant general must emerge from the ranks of the soldiers' will be slightly modified to 'a prime minister must come from the prefectures and counties.' This shall be the ironclad rule for the selection and promotion of officials in our Great Qin! No one without practical experience in local governance shall be allowed to enter the central government and assume important positions!"

He glanced down and continued.

"This batch of Royal Academy graduates are talents on whom I place high hopes. They have learned the art of governing the country and ensuring its stability, read books on practical application, and received personal guidance from me and my consorts. However, what is learned from books is ultimately superficial; true understanding requires personal experience. Therefore, after graduation, these students will not directly enter the central ministries, nor will they be given honorary positions. They will all be—demoted!"

Ying Xuan's tone was resolute.

"Based on their assessment results, professional expertise, and the actual conditions in various regions, all of them shall be appointed as county-level officials! County magistrates, county assistants, county commandants, or assistant officials such as registrars and clerks are all acceptable. They shall be ordered to go deep into the countryside, face the people directly, handle practical government affairs, understand the hardships of the people, and combine the theories they have learned with local practice!"

He paused, his tone softening slightly, yet revealing a deeper meaning.

"This is not a demotion, but a key training program. I want to see who is truly talented and who can stand out from the grassroots. In the future, the central ministers of the Great Qin, the regional governors, and even... the selection of prime ministers will all require such solid experience."

This group of students is the first to put this law into practice. The Cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel must make proper arrangements, giving them room to demonstrate their abilities while also ensuring rigorous assessment and supervision.

"I need to see results within three years."

"Your Majesty, I obey! Your Majesty is wise!"

The First Emperor bowed in response, a hint of understanding and approval flashing in his eyes. His Majesty's method not only solved the problem of placing these "disciples of the emperor," preventing them from being overconfident and incompetent due to a lack of experience, or from being ostracized by senior officials in the court, but also served as a way to promote the idea that "officials must have local experience."

This new policy serves as a breakthrough and testing ground, and can truly select capable individuals through practice, achieving multiple benefits in one fell swoop. Indeed, His Majesty's considerations are profound and far-reaching.

The civil officials had differing opinions upon hearing this. Some thought it was an excellent method, capable of honing talent; others vaguely sensed that sending these young people, bearing the mark of the "Imperial Party," to the provinces might challenge the existing power structure. But in any case, it was His Majesty's decision, and no one dared to object.

The matter was settled, but the court session did not end. Following this, the First Emperor reported on several other important state affairs.

The new tax collection plan includes adjustments to the tax collection scheme for the new year, the need to re-survey the distribution of mineral resources in various regions due to the enhancement of spiritual energy, preliminary legal ideas on encouraging innovation among folk artisans and protecting "patents", contingency plans to deal with new public security problems that may arise due to the improved physical condition of the people, and adjustments to the canal transport and commercial tax rates due to the completion of the Grand Canal, etc.

Ying Xuan sat on his throne, listening to the First Emperor's detailed report. He occasionally raised key questions, either making immediate decisions or requesting relevant departments to further refine the plans before further discussion. The report covered a vast array of issues, including finances, personnel, laws, military affairs, and engineering projects—a truly intricate web of matters.

This grand court assembly lasted from sunrise until deep night, when the sky outside the palace was already filled with stars.

Fortunately, the officials of the Great Qin Dynasty have all cultivated their primordial spirits or strengthened their bodies to some extent, and have long surpassed the realm of ordinary mortals. Not to mention standing for several hours, they can even endure for several days without sleep or food, as long as the surrounding spiritual energy is abundant.

Now, the Qin Imperial Palace, after being integrated with the Void Heaven Palace and infused with the energy of heaven and earth, is so rich in spiritual energy that it is almost like a faint spiritual mist. Being in it, one not only does not feel tired, but also feels refreshed and has a subtle sense of improvement in cultivation.

Otherwise, such a high-intensity and long court assembly would have been enough to make an elderly or frail minister faint in any previous dynasty.

This also indirectly confirms the changes brought about by Ying Xuan's subtle influence—the selection of officials in the Great Qin Dynasty has now begun to unconsciously favor cultivation level.

Those who are too weak in ability, let alone the mental and physical strength required to handle complicated official duties, would probably feel uncomfortable or even lose their composure when standing among a group of powerful colleagues, and would naturally find it difficult to enter the selection field of the Ministry of Personnel.

The next day, in the inner study of the Qin Imperial Palace.

This is not a study in the traditional sense, but a complex of palaces shrouded in a special array, brimming with spiritual energy, and elegantly yet imposingly furnished. This is where the imperial concubines usually handle affairs of the "inner study," receive personnel from their respective factions, and discuss important matters.

Ying Xuan, having a rare moment of leisure, summoned more than a dozen local imperial concubines, including Yao Yue, Lian Xing, and Shangguan Haitang, to hear their reports on the affairs under their jurisdiction.

You wouldn't believe it until you hear it. Even though Ying Xuan was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but be slightly moved after hearing it.

In just over a year of his absence, these dozen or so imperial concubines, relying on the special institution of the "Inner Study" and the tacit power he granted them, had already infiltrated every aspect of the Qin Dynasty with their respective influence! (End of Chapter)