The Three Kingdoms of Farming and War began with the incorporation of the Baiyue

Jin Lin has been troubled lately.

Although Zhou Yu gave very reasonable advice, he did not feel any change.

As the eldest prince and now the Minister of the Chancellery, Jin Lin has never felt so powerless.

Later, he sought out important officials such as Jia Xu, Xun You, and Xi Zhicai, but they all kept their mouths shut and did not give any advice.

In the end, Jin Lin, who had nowhere to go, found Zhuge Liang, the director of the Food Bureau, who is also the current Minister of Military Affairs.

"Director Zhuge." Jin Lin asked the question in his mind, "Why am I, as the eldest prince and the Minister of Chancellery, helpless in the face of the difficulties in the court, and everyone seems to be reserved from me and unwilling to speak frankly?" Jin Lin's eyes revealed a trace of confusion and unwillingness, "Zhou Yu's suggestions are good, but they seem to be scratching the surface and fail to touch the root of the problem. Jia Xu, Xun You, Xi Zhicai and other wise men usually assist me a lot, but why are they collectively silent at this moment? Is it because I haven't done enough to make them worried?"

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, his eyes deep, and he spoke slowly: "Don't worry, Your Highness. The affairs of the court are often complicated and cannot be explained in one word. The reason why the ministers are cautious may be because the situation is delicate and the slightest carelessness may cause greater turmoil. As for the powerlessness you feel, it may be because you have not yet found the key to solve the current dilemma."

"Key?" Jin Lin frowned slightly when he heard that, as if he understood something but also seemed even more confused.

"Yes, Your Highness." Zhuge Liang continued, "Governing a country is like playing chess. Every move needs to be carefully considered. Perhaps you need to look at the problem from another angle, or find some new perspectives and information to break the existing deadlock. Sometimes, the key to solving a problem is not to confront the problem directly, but to cleverly bypass obstacles or find help hidden in the dark."

After listening to this, Jin Lin nodded thoughtfully, as if a ray of light penetrated the fog in his heart. "Then according to Mr. Zhuge, how should I find this 'key'?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Your Highness, why not walk around more, see more, and listen more. Although there are thousands of wisdoms within the palace walls, they are also inevitably limited. Why not go out of the palace, understand the people's sentiments, and understand their sufferings? Perhaps you can find clues to solve the problem in the most inconspicuous places. In addition, Your Highness can also strengthen communication with border generals and local officials. They are on the front line and can often capture changes in the wind direction that are difficult for the court to detect."

Jin Lin's mind suddenly became clear after hearing this, as if he had found the direction to move forward. "Thank you Mr. Zhuge for your guidance. Jin Lin will definitely keep it in mind and take action immediately."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, watched Jin Lin's departing back, and prayed secretly in his heart that this young prince could find his own way of governing the country in the storm and lead the country to prosperity.

A month later.

Jin Lin found Zhuge Liang again, and this time his face was filled with confidence and joy. "Mr. Zhuge, your suggestion really worked. The border generals sent a secret report that the neighboring country was secretly gathering troops and seemed to be planning an invasion. Local officials also reported that the people have recently complained about the increase in taxes. If it is not handled properly, there may be trouble."

After hearing this, Zhuge Liang nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes. "Your Highness can quickly turn information into action, which is rare. In response to the threats from neighboring countries, we need to strengthen border defense and prepare diplomatic means to demonstrate our country's strength and willingness for peace and win international support. As for the dissatisfaction among the people, we can consider moderately reducing some of the heavy taxes, especially for those areas that have been hit hardest, to reassure the people."

Jin Lin listened carefully and nodded from time to time, obviously agreeing with Zhuge Liang's suggestion. "Sir, you are right. I will immediately order the relevant matters to be prepared. However, tax reduction and exemption may affect the national treasury revenue. I wonder if you have a good plan to fill this gap?"

Zhuge Liang stroked his beard and smiled, "Your Highness cares about the national economy and people's livelihood, which is a blessing for the country. As for the tax issue, we might as well start by improving tax efficiency and combating corruption. On the one hand, simplify the tax system and reduce losses in the tax collection process; on the other hand, strictly investigate official corruption and recover lost treasury funds. Both can effectively ease fiscal pressure."

Jin Lin's eyes lit up when he heard this, as if a new door had opened. "I see, Mr. Zhuge is truly wise and resourceful. I am grateful for your advice. I will immediately make arrangements and try to resolve these issues in the shortest possible time, so as to live up to your high expectations."

Zhuge Liang smiled with satisfaction, knowing that the young prince was growing up step by step, and every step he made would bring more hope and light to this land. As for him, he only needed to silently guide behind the scenes and wait for the flowers to bloom.

However, this action was stopped by Emperor Jin Mao before it even started.

Great meeting.

Jin Mao questioned Zhuge Liang: "Kong Ming, I heard that you have been conspiring with Lin'er recently. What are you planning? Are you planning to betray me and ignore me?"

Zhuge Liang took his time, stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you have misunderstood. The discussion between me and Prince Jin Lin was all about the country's financial difficulties. We are trying to find a good solution to solve the urgent problem. I am devoted to the country, how dare I have any selfish motives?"

Jin Mao frowned, his eyes sharp as a torch, examining Zhuge Liang: "Financial difficulties? Humph, I want to hear your brilliant ideas, which are more comprehensive than those of many capable ministers of our dynasty?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and said confidently, "Your Majesty, I think that saving money is important, but increasing revenue is even more critical. I suggest that we strengthen trade with other countries, use our abundant products and unique skills to exchange for other countries' rare resources to enrich the national treasury. At the same time, we should encourage farming, build water conservancy projects, increase food production, and reduce the financial burden caused by disasters. Furthermore, we can set up a special agency to supervise taxation and expenditure to ensure that every penny is spent on the right things and reduce waste and corruption."

After hearing this, Jin Mao was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. In the court, the ministers were also discussing, either agreeing or questioning Zhuge Liang's proposal. "Kong Ming, what you said makes sense, but it may not be easy to implement. It takes time to accumulate credibility in trade, and farming and water conservancy are not achieved overnight. As for supervision, it is even more difficult. Do you have a specific plan to ensure that these measures can be implemented smoothly?" Although Jin Mao's tone was somewhat relaxed, it was still a bit testing.

Zhuge Liang was well prepared. He took out a bamboo scroll from his sleeve and slowly unfolded it. "Your Majesty, please read this. This is a detailed plan that I have planned. Each step has a clear goal and timetable, and there are also plans to deal with emergencies. I am willing to personally supervise it and ensure that all measures are effectively implemented."

Jin Mao took the bamboo slips and read them carefully, with approval gradually showing in his eyes. The atmosphere in the court also changed, as if everyone saw a ray of hope in solving the country's predicament.

Unexpectedly, Jin Mao changed the subject and said, "Kong Ming, your suggestion is very good, but you can no longer interfere in the matter of establishing a crown prince."

Zhuge Liang was slightly moved when he heard this, but his face remained calm. He bowed slightly and said earnestly: "Your Majesty has made a wise decision after careful consideration. I shall obey it. However, national affairs cannot be accomplished by one person. Although I am not directly involved in the matter of appointing a crown prince, I am willing to take the overall situation into consideration, share your worries, help your Majesty stabilize the government, and ensure a smooth transition of the country in the future."

Jin Mao's eyes flickered when he heard this, as if he was weighing every word Zhuge Liang said. He nodded slowly, with a barely perceptible warmth in his tone: "Kong Ming, you have always put the overall situation first, which comforts me. In this case, I will grant you full power. In addition to appointing a crown prince, you can make decisions on all important matters related to the national economy and people's livelihood first, and then report to me."

In the court, all the officials were shocked when they heard this, which meant that Zhuge Liang's position in the court would become more important, and his wisdom and talents would be more widely displayed. Zhuge Liang himself just smiled faintly, knowing in his heart that this was both trust and a test, and he would do his best to live up to the trust.

"I will obey your order and work hard until my death to repay your Majesty's kindness." After Zhuge Liang finished speaking, he bowed again. His figure looked particularly firm in the morning light, as if he was ready to face the upcoming challenges of wind and rain.

Then, Jin Mao called Jin Lin to criticize him: "Jin Lin, as the eldest prince, I would be more pleased if you could have a deeper understanding and foresight of Zhuge Liang's proposal this time, instead of waiting until I opened my mouth to suddenly realize it. Remember, sharing your worries is not only about executing orders, but also about foreseeing and solving problems in the bud. You need to learn more from Zhuge Liang. His wisdom and foresight are a blessing to our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Jin Lin blushed slightly and bowed his head to admit his guilt: "I know I was wrong. I will definitely remember your majesty's teachings. I will be more diligent in the future and improve myself so as to live up to my father's high expectations."

Seeing this, Jin Mao nodded slightly and said in a gentle tone: "It is a great virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. You will work with Zhuge Liang to assist in this reform, learn from practice and gain experience. I believe that in time, you can also become a pillar of the country."

After hearing this, Jin Lin's eyes flashed with gratitude and determination, and he replied respectfully: "I will obey your order and do my best to assist the Prime Minister and work together for national affairs."

In the court, as the conversation between the monarch and his ministers came to an end, a new atmosphere began to permeate the air. Zhuge Liang and Jin Lin walked out of the hall side by side, their backs lengthened in the morning sun, foreshadowing that a new journey is about to begin. In this ancient and hopeful land, every character is silently contributing his or her own strength for the future of the country.

At this point, Jin Lin’s last hope was shattered, and Zhuge Liang could no longer help him.

With nowhere else to go, Jin Lin came to the Nanyang Palace to discuss countermeasures with Liu Zheng.

In the Nanyang Palace, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Liu Xie's furrowed brows and Jin Lin's anxious face. The two sat opposite each other, the atmosphere was solemn and depressing. Jin Lin told Liu Xie everything about the changes in the court, revealing unprecedented helplessness and despair in his words. After listening, Liu Xie was silent for a long time, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if thinking about some important decision.

"Jin Lin, the situation has come to this point. It is difficult for you and I to reverse it alone." Liu Xie finally spoke, his voice low and firm, "But the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every citizen. We can't just sit there and wait for death." He stood up, paced back and forth, and continued, "Perhaps, we can seek strength from the people, unite those who care about their country, and fight against those who have evil intentions."

Jin Lin's eyes gleamed when he heard this, as if a drowning man had grabbed a straw. "But how can we find these people? And how can we ensure that they will not become another threat?" He asked, with hope and worry in his heart.

Liu Xie smiled slightly, his eyes deep. "This matter needs to be considered in the long run, but the first task is to establish an intelligence network to understand the every move of the government and the people. At the same time, we can secretly contact those loyal officials and former generals who were excluded because of their outspoken advice. They may be able to help us." His words revealed a kind of confidence after careful consideration, which slightly dispelled the haze in Jin Lin's heart.

As the night deepened, the two discussed until late at night and formulated a series of careful and bold plans. Although the road ahead was unknown and full of challenges and risks, their persistence and belief in the future of the country were like the brightest stars in the night sky, guiding them forward.

When leaving Nanyang Palace, Jin Lin's steps were much firmer than when he came. He knew that he was no longer fighting alone, but fighting side by side with a group of like-minded people for a common ideal - to protect the peace and prosperity of this ancient land.

On the way back to the mansion, the sparse street lights lengthened their figures, but also reflected the eternal light in their eyes. Jin Lin's thoughts were flying, and his conversation with King Nanyang kept replaying in his mind. Every detail was full of profound meaning, which inspired his fighting spirit deep in his heart. He realized that true power does not only come from personal martial arts or wisdom, but also from the ability to unite people's hearts and gather the light of individuals into a dazzling galaxy.

After returning to the mansion, Jin Lin did not rest immediately. Instead, he quickly wrote down the plan for the night into specific action steps and assigned them to his trusted subordinates one by one. He knew that time was running out and every minute and every second was crucial. At the same time, he also began to prepare to secretly contact other potential allies, striving to build a broader and more solid alliance network.

In this process, Jin Lin deeply realized the power of teamwork and the importance of trust and communication. He encouraged everyone to express their opinions, and even the smallest voice should not be ignored, because every detail could be the key to success or failure. This open and inclusive atmosphere boosted the morale of the entire team, and everyone seemed to be given a new sense of mission and belonging.

As the plan was gradually implemented, Jin Lin found that the dream that seemed out of reach was becoming a reality step by step. Although they inevitably encountered obstacles and challenges along the way, with the wisdom and courage of the team, they were always able to overcome dangers and continue to move forward. Jin Lin began to believe that as long as there was light in their hearts, there would be a way under their feet. No matter how rough the road ahead was, they could work hand in hand to create a more brilliant future together. (End of this chapter)