《The Reincarnated Engineer Emperor》


 Chapter-1 (Updated)

    Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.


    Zhou Lingyun, a young mechanical engineer, returned to his apartment after a long day at work, feeling exhausted. Although he was hungry, he didn''t feel like cooking and decided to buy some instant noodles from a nearby supermarket. After eating, he turned on the TV and started watching a historical drama.


    However, he must have dozed off because when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a completely unfamiliar place. The room he was in was lavishly decorated with ornate furniture and decorations. He looked around, feeling disoriented, and noticed a woman in her forties dressed in lavish, ancient-looking clothes sitting beside his bed. Several women who looked like servants were also present.


    The woman noticed that he had woken up and immediately called for a doctor. Zhou Lingyun felt a rush of confusion and panic as he tried to piece together what was happening. Suddenly some memories flooded back in his head.


    He was in the body of the third emperor of the Zhou dynasty, who shared his name. The Zhou dynasty, was the largest and most prosperous in the Jingyang region. He had just ascended to the throne after his father''s death, and his country was currently in a period of uncertainty. Today, in the midst of his ascension ceremony, he suddenly blacked out, only to find himself now, inexplicably, in the body of the emperor. The woman standing beside his bed was his mother, the newly crowned empress dowager and former empress.


    It was then that the doctor arrived, an elderly man dressed in traditional clothing. He examined Zhou Lingyun, checking his pulse. The doctor said to his mother that he had no physical complications; maybe he was just overwhelmed by the crowd at the ascension ceremony.


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    Zhou Lingyun finally gathered his thoughts and asked his mother, ¡°Mother, how¡¯s everything going on outside.¡±


    His mother said, ¡°Your majesty, you do not have to think about it much. Your ministers and I have settled as much as we can. The people were just worried about the health about their ruler. You have to rest properly for your recovery.¡± She said to others in the room, ¡°Disperse.¡±


    As the room cleared out, his mother sat beside him and held his hand. ¡°My dear son, I know this must be overwhelming for you. But you are the emperor now, and you must be strong for our people. You have a duty to lead and protect them.¡±


    All this long, Zhou Lingyun was not sure about what to do now, what will be happen to him. But suddenly he realized something. He nodded, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities settling on his shoulders. He knew he had a lot to learn about this new world he found himself in, but he was determined to do his best.


    Zhou Lingyun took a deep breath and asked his mother, ¡°Mother, what do you suggest I do first? I am new to all of this, and I do not want to make any mistakes.¡± His mother smiled at him, ¡°You have a good head on your shoulders, my son. The first thing you should do is to assemble your council of advisors. They will help guide you and assist you in making important decisions for the kingdom.¡± Zhou Lingyun nodded, ¡°Thank you, Mother. I will follow your advices.¡±


    His mother smiled at him again, ¡°Then I shall excuse now. You take full day rest now. From tomorrow, you can meet your ministers and advisors.¡± He replied, "Thank you, Mother. I will rest and prepare to meet my advisors tomorrow." His mother nodded and stood up from her seat. "Goodnight, my son. Sleep well." She then turned and left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.


    As he lay there, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation about the days ahead. He had been given a second chance at life, but this time, he was not just an ordinary engineer. He was the emperor of a vast and powerful kingdom, with the fate of his people resting on his shoulders. He knew that he had to work hard and make wise decisions if he want to keep his life here and to live up to the expectations of his people and fulfill his duties as their ruler.


    With that thought in mind, Zhou Lingyun closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, his mind already racing with ideas and plans for the future.

 Chapter-2

    The new day begins, and Zhou Lingyun realizes that he is no longer an ordinary engineer. Many people''s destinies and livelihoods now depend on him. Following his mother''s suggestion, he calls for an assembly of his officials. The maids dress him in his royal attire.


    The meeting takes place in the private royal court for important discussions. Zhou Lingyun enters the court after the announcement and sees that all officials and ministers are already present. They show their respect by bowing deeply.


    Zhou Lingyun said, "Raise your heads."


    Zhou Lingyun took a moment to observe the faces of his officials, noting their varying expressions of curiosity, anticipation, and perhaps a hint of skepticism at having a new, inexperienced emperor. Clearing his throat, he began to address them in a steady tone.


    "As you may know, I recently ascended to the throne after the passing of my late father. I understand the weight of the responsibilities that now rest upon me and the importance of seeking your counsel in governing our kingdom wisely."


    He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "I am here not to impose my will blindly but to work together with all of you for the prosperity and stability of our Zhou kingdom. Each of you brings valuable experience and knowledge to the table, and I am eager to listen and learn from your expertise."


    There is a murmur of agreement among the officials, followed by the prime minister stepping forward. "Congratulations, Your Majesty," he says, bowing once more. "We are honored to serve you and the great Zhou kingdom."


    ¡°While serving our kingdom and its affairs as the crown prince,¡± Lingyun said, ¡°I know the intricacies of governance¡±


    "However, I am also aware that the responsibilities of the throne are vastly different from those of a prince," Zhou Lingyun continued, his tone earnest. "I humbly ask for your patience and guidance as I navigate this new role. Together, we will uphold the values of justice, prosperity, and harmony that have long defined our kingdom."


    The prime minister nodded in understanding. "Your humility is commendable, Your Majesty. Rest assured, we stand ready to support you in every way possible."


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    Zhou Lingyun''s gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each official. The prime minister was Wei Chonglin, his maternal uncle, the elder brother of his mother, the empress dowager. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "Now, let us proceed with today''s agenda. I wish to hear your insights on the pressing matters facing our kingdom and to discuss how we can address them together."


    The kingdom is divided into multiple provinces, which are further divided into cities. The provinces are controlled by counselors, who select the city lords to rule the cities under them.


    The central government is responsible for maintaining law and order, overseeing taxation, and ensuring the welfare of the people across all regions.


    The emperor directly controls the central government, the capital city, and its surrounding areas, where the royal palace is situated. This includes overseeing the administration of justice, war, managing the royal treasury, and overseeing key infrastructure projects essential for the kingdom''s development.


    There are nine ministries that are overseen by nine ministers and the officials appointed under them. They report to the prime minister, who in turn reports to the emperor. In the weekly meeting, the ministers can report directly to the emperor. The provincial counselors are also obliged to report to the prime minister and the emperor monthly.


    The Ministry of Defense is under the direct control of Zhou Lingyun. The capital is secured by the royal guards, a highly trained army under his direct command. The borders are guarded by five generals. They are independent in their operations but report directly to the emperor. The counselors and city lords are responsible for maintaining order within their respective jurisdictions, but they may not have an army of their own. Only semi-armed forces may be operated to maintain the law.


    "As we delve into our agenda, let us first address the matters concerning our kingdom''s finances," Zhou Lingyun began, his voice carrying a tone of deliberation. "Our treasury must be managed with prudence and foresight to ensure the stability and growth of our economy. I will task the Ministry of Finance with providing me with a detailed report by tomorrow."


    Turning his attention to agriculture, Zhou Lingyun continued, "Agriculture forms the backbone of our kingdom, providing sustenance to our people and supporting our economy. I urge the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and provide support to our farmers. They should also provide me with a detailed report by tomorrow."


    Moving on to business and trade, he said, "Our kingdom''s industrial sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation. I encourage the citizens to engage in large-scale businesses and trading."


    Finally, he turned his attention to the imperial palace, the seat of his power. "The imperial palace symbolizes the dignity and authority of our monarchy. It is not only a residence but also a center of governance and culture. I charge the Ministry of Palace Affairs with the upkeep and maintenance of the palace grounds, ensuring its security, and organizing state ceremonies and events. Report to me by tomorrow also."


    "Inform the generals and royal guard to report to me by the end of the month," he said to the prime minister.

 Chapter-3

    Zhou Lingyun disbanded the assembly shortly after. Before that, he had ordered the prime minister, his uncle, to meet him in his private chamber. He also asked the maids to inform his mother that he wanted to meet her in his room.


    After dismissing the assembly, Zhou Lingyun retired to his private chamber, a room adorned with elegant furnishings and intricate designs befitting his status as emperor. He sat at his desk, contemplating the weight of his newfound responsibilities and the decisions he had just made.


    As he waited for his uncle, the prime minister, to arrive, Zhou Lingyun reflected on the advice his mother had given him. She had always been his guiding light, instilling in him the values of compassion, wisdom, and humility.


    When Prime Minister Wei Chonglin entered the chamber, Zhou Lingyun greeted him with a nod. "Uncle, please take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk.


    Wei Chonglin bowed respectfully before sitting down. "Your Majesty, how may I be of service?" he inquired, his tone deferential.


    Zhou Lingyun regarded his uncle with a thoughtful expression. "I value your counsel, Uncle," he began. "As my most trusted advisor, I rely on your wisdom and experience to help guide me in my decisions."


    The prime minister nodded solemnly. "I am honored to serve you, Your Majesty," he replied. "I will do my utmost to assist you in any way I can."


    Zhou Lingyun leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "Uncle, I know that there are challenges ahead of us," he said. "But today I welcomed you here to discuss my future marriage and the guidelines a ruler must abide by. What are your thoughts about finding my empress and consorts? I have made a decision myself." "As the emperor, I understand the importance of forming alliances through marriage and securing the stability of our kingdom."


    Prime Minister Wei Chonglin nodded thoughtfully, his expression pensive. "Your Majesty, the choice of an empress and the consorts is indeed a weighty matter," he replied. "It must be someone who not only commands respect but also possesses the qualities necessary to support you in your duties as ruler."


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    Zhou Lingyun leaned back in his chair, contemplating his uncle''s words. "I agree, Uncle," he said, "but I also believe that a man should not discriminate or rank among his wives. Therefore, I intend to abolish the concept of hierarchy among my wives. There will be no official title of empress, and my eldest descendants will have priority in the succession to the throne. Also, unlike my father, the previous emperor, who only took my mother as his wife, I intend to solidify my succession through marriages."


    Wei Chonglin''s expression remained composed. "The concept of abolishing hierarchy among your consorts will be frowned upon by officials and the public alike, Your Majesty," he remarked. "An empress and her son becoming the crown prince is a practice followed for hundreds of years in the history of the empire. It will undoubtedly challenge the norms of our society and may meet resistance from many factions."


    Zhou Lingyun nodded, acknowledging the potential obstacles ahead. "I understand, Uncle," he replied. "But I believe it is time for our kingdom to embrace change and adapt to the evolving values of our era. The empowerment of women and the promotion of equality among spouses will not only strengthen the bond between us but also set a progressive example for our people."


    Wei Chonglin bowed his head in agreement. "As always, Your Majesty, your vision is far-reaching and enlightened," he said respectfully. "I will support your decision wholeheartedly and work to ensure its smooth implementation. However, please also discuss it with Her Majesty, the empress dowager."


    After a lengthy discussion, Zhou Lingyun and Wei Chonglin formulated a plan to gradually introduce the concept of equality among consorts, starting with symbolic gestures and gradual policy changes. They agreed to begin by abolishing the official title of empress and instead referring to Zhou Lingyun''s future spouse as his consort.


    After their meeting concluded, Zhou Lingyun retired to his chambers, where he found his mother waiting for him. She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes shining with maternal pride.


    "My dear son," she said, embracing him tenderly. "I am so proud of the leader you are becoming."


    Zhou Lingyun returned to his mother''s embrace, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection. "Thank you, Mother," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your guidance means everything to me."


    As they sat together, Zhou Lingyun shared with his mother the decisions he had made during the assembly and the plans he and Prime Minister Wei Chonglin had formulated for the future. He listened intently as his mother offered her insights and wisdom, her words serving as a comforting reassurance in the face of the challenges ahead.