"Marquis of An, I believe the true foundation of supporting our Qian Dynasty lies with every single citizen. We should tax the wealthy more heavily, and curb the power of bureaucrats, making the state's operations more transparent. Even for the smallest transaction, the common people should have verifiable records..."
Liang Xiao looked at the middle-aged man sitting across from him, engaged in earnest conversation, and nodded with a smile.
"Good, very good. You will be the first pioneer of this new era. As long as it benefits the common people, I will do everything in my power to support you."
Mu Cheng's appointment went surprisingly smoothly. The wealthy grumbled, but because a saint, whom no one dared to offend, stood behind him, they could only comply and pay their taxes.
Everything strived for transparency.
Mu Cheng served two terms. Ten years later, people from all regions earnestly pleaded with Liang Xiao to grant him an unprecedented third term.
Before Liang Xiao could refuse, Mu Cheng declined first.
"The Qian Dynasty is not lacking in talent; it lacks those who can resolutely implement democracy. Please believe that future Prime Ministers will be even more exceptional than I!"
Mu Cheng insisted on stepping down, much to the people's regret.
However, as Mu Cheng had predicted, the subsequent Prime Ministers, under Liang Xiao's guidance and supervision, and with Mu Cheng as their model, dedicated themselves to improving livelihoods and developing productivity.
To ensure the state machinery had sufficient security, Liang Xiao did not abandon military equipment reform.
The selection of soldiers remained as rigorous as ever. Their physical fitness grew stronger, and their quality improved, always remaining loyal to Liang Xiao and the citizens of the Qian Dynasty. Whenever natural disasters struck, they were the first to rush to the front lines for rescue and disaster relief.
Across two worlds, throughout history, there has been only one nation's army that inspires absolute peace of mind and unconditional trust in the people when it appears, on the same land.
The first Prime Minister, Mu Cheng, served as a legislator after stepping down, continuing to advocate for improving livelihoods. He lived to a ripe old age of ninety-eight, passing away deeply loved and respected.
Two types of excellent weapons were successively test-fired in the desert and proved successful.
"Why do we need to research such terrifying weapons? They are too dangerous and unnecessary!"
The common people expressed their confusion, only to be reassured by an official statement.
"The Emperor worries about the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. These weapons are solely for the protection of the people."
The people always believed that these "immortals" who had been looking after the citizens of the Qian Dynasty would not harm them.
Cameras, computers, mobile phones, chips… Under Liang Xiao's guidance, new era technological products began to take shape and were put into development.
People also began to deeply understand the importance of environmental protection. The total population of the Qian Dynasty, spread across the globe, grew to two billion.
Liang Xiao and his wives were not idle; they too diligently studied new era knowledge.
Under the electron microscope, Zhen Mi could never find a definitive result. Even the cells of Liang Xiao and themselves, when examined, only showed extremely strong regenerative capabilities and an absence of aging.
"Brother Xiao, both Silver Dragon Gold and White Dragon Gold are barely visible under the electron microscope. They are definitely not any of the currently known elements…"
Liang Xiao personally observed; everything was a blur. Even with several sets of equipment, the results were the same, fueling his growing apprehension.
The existence of Silver Dragon Gold, White Dragon Gold, and his own presence made him increasingly worry about the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. He was compelled to increase the number of nuclear weapons, with the nuclear button firmly in the hands of himself and his wives.
One day, Liang Xiao accompanied the new Prime Minister on a visit to the state's financial authorities.
"Your Majesty, the common people have too much money on hand now, making it difficult to stimulate consumption! I have been racking my brains for a long time and have come up with a brilliant idea!"
Liang Xiao looked at the refined middle-aged financial official with keen interest. "Please, do tell!"
"We can hype up land prices, car prices, and various other prices. The higher the better. We can even allow people to borrow money to purchase them, and raise the interest rates a bit. This will surely stimulate consumption…"
After listening to the official's eloquent explanation, Liang Xiao dismissed him on the spot.
"From this day forward, financial personnel must be strictly selected. Those who do not prioritize the interests of the people shall not hold any power!"
Everyone had never seen Liang Xiao so stern and vowed to remember his words.
"Doesn't Marquis An wield too much power? It shows signs of dictatorship…"
After the incident, dissenting voices gradually emerged.
"He wholeheartedly cares about us common folk. Every time our Qian Dynasty deviates from the correct path, he brings us back. He could impose dictatorship in a thousand ways; why would he be so dedicated?"
Conversely, there were also voices of support, leading to heated debates online.
"Let them discuss. Authority should not exist inherently. I hope to see our Qian Dynasty develop to a point where it no longer requires my absolute power to supervise, and can still be prosperous. Only then can I rest easy. My power comes from the support of the citizens of the Qian Dynasty. If one day I truly become the enemy of hundreds of millions of Qian citizens, they will naturally overthrow me. Why do you all worry?"
"By the way, although you are my descendants and members of the Saint Clan, you must obey the law under all circumstances. Otherwise, you will face even more severe punishments, as you all enjoy a certain degree of privilege, both tangible and intangible."
The descendants of the Saint Clan vowed to remember this and declared their commitment to prioritizing the people.
A group of officials inquired, "What kind of ideal world does Marquis An envision?"
Liang Xiao replied without hesitation, "A world where good people are not taken advantage of, and the weak are not left to suffer alone. A world where everyone can contribute their positive value, benefiting themselves and others. This is also the ultimate goal of human society."
Everyone pondered his words.
Lingering and other cruel punishments, along with the implication of relatives, had been abolished. However, the Qian Dynasty still retained some forms of capital punishment, which Liang Xiao refused to repeal despite the wealthy's vociferous objections.
With no external enemies, the Qian Dynasty gradually forgot how their ancestors had shed blood and sweat to build their foundation. More and more wealthy individuals began to harbor ill intentions.
But soon, they faced a new bill with even higher tax rates for the wealthy, and salary caps were imposed on certain professions, such as actors.
When the wealthy attempted to organize online campaigns, they discovered they could not circumvent state regulations and were unable to register accounts in large numbers.
The Qian Dynasty had truly achieved a state where all citizens were provided for in old age, received medical care, no longer worried about starvation, and had no need to wander the streets.
There was no longer war here, and it unexpectedly ushered in an era of rule by immortal saints, experiencing a third technological revolution.
Words such as mobile phones, electric vehicles, and clean energy…
Even so, after more than five hundred years of development, the Qian Dynasty had still not achieved its ultimate goal.
Liang Xiao did not despair, nor did he give up. He and his wives continued to pay close attention to the situation worldwide.
People, who had long since adopted a monogamous system, understood that the ten wives of Marquis An were a "historical anomaly." Furthermore, having personally experienced the care and concern of Liang Xiao and his wives, no one objected, nor did they advocate for Liang Xiao to divorce, breaking up a loving couple.
Even though the "immortals" intrigued people, what concerned them more was the state of the world today, with its booming technology and widespread use of nuclear energy, should this saint and his wives suddenly disappear.
"I have already made comprehensive plans. Should my wives and I unfortunately pass away, state power will be supervised by multiple individuals to prevent totalitarian control by those who do not have the people in their hearts."
The descendants of the Saint Clan were spread across the globe, diligently contributing their value, not disgracing their saintly ancestors.
Another two hundred years passed, and controllable nuclear fusion was officially put into production, significantly increasing social productivity.
Citizens of the Qian Dynasty received free education from primary school through university. Under clear legal regulations, they embarked on industrial transformation.
Social productivity entered a truly astonishing era, bringing about immeasurable changes.
The ultimate goal of human society seemed within reach.
On this day, Liang Xiao went to the highest academic institution of the Qian Dynasty, Qian University, to give a speech, and incidentally pick up a few newly elected officials who were reportedly chosen by the public through a special election.
"Thank you, Marquis An. It was you who led us into this new era. We will all contribute our part, and I believe we will achieve it within a few years. Thank you!"
Liang Xiao looked at the middle-aged man before him, who was overcome with emotion and tears, and felt a sense of déjà vu. He glanced at the name tag on his chest.
[Professor, Qian University: Zhuo Zifang].
"These are my students. They have also had the honor of participating in this great endeavor and have always admired me greatly! Greatly admired!"
The students brought over by Zhuo Zifang also had their own identification cards.
[Doctorate, Qian University: Liang Anguo].
[Doctorate, Qian University: Mu Cheng].
The female doctoral student, who was affectionately holding Mu Cheng's arm, also had her ID.
Li Pin.
Liang Xiao and his wives looked at them, nodded with smiles, their eyes blurring with moisture, as if everything had been worthwhile.
"Good, very good. This era belongs to you, and to everyone."
With the support of the people, Zhuo Zifang was elected the new Prime Minister, passing Liang Xiao's assessment and successfully taking office.
Three years later, this world, after centuries of accumulation and progress, finally achieved the ultimate goal of human society.
"Where is Marquis An? The wives of Marquis An are also gone!"
"Ancestors!"
When people and the descendants of the Saint Clan went to their residence to look for them, they only saw smoke swirling in the spot, leaving behind a note.
[The Qian Dynasty is eternal.]
"Did they leave using some kind of time-space travel machine? We hope they return soon…"
With tears in their eyes, the common people bowed to the note left by Liang Xiao, finally entering a new era of peace and prosperity without the need for immortal saints and the supervision of the Saint Clan.
"Have I transmigrated again?"
Liang Xiao slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the ancient architectural beams, a sense of loss filling him.
He had arrived in the Great Zhou Dynasty!
This world, after the Wu Dynasty, had entered another trajectory. It was somewhat similar, but it didn't seem to be his second homeland, the Qian Dynasty world?
He was the mischievous sixth prince, known as "Old Six" by his family. He had three elder brothers and two elder sisters who doted on him to the death. Before the emperor father's demise, he had specifically designated him to inherit the throne, but he had pushed it to his eldest brother. And now his eldest brother was searching everywhere to push the throne back onto him?
Beastly! What's wrong with letting you be an emperor? What happened to doting on me to the death??
Crucially, the wives who accompanied him had disappeared!
Having walked through the river of history for millennia, he had grown accustomed to the companionship of his wives. No matter how arduous the road ahead, seeing them always lifted his spirits!
"Huh? I am… King Wu of Zhou, Liang Xiao?!"
Memories flashed through his mind, and Liang Xiao suddenly jolted awake, leaping from the bed.
"So I was chased by the Sword Clan chief after seeing her bathe and hid here to sleep. No big deal…"
Looking at his hands, Liang Xiao's expression changed.
The crazy woman who had chased him last night, and he had encountered an assassin. He had disarmed the assassin barehanded to save her.
That crazy woman was called… Jian Qinwan!
"Young Master, Sister Qinwan… Mmm, Miss Qinwan is preparing to cause trouble for you again. Miss Shuang'er is here to protect you." A familiar clear voice came from outside.
Liang Xiao waited for the person to open the door and saw two faces that were intimately familiar.
Yue Lian, Xiao Qing!
Now, Yue Lian was still Yue Lian, and she was called Xiao Qingshuang…
"Where is that uncouth scoundrel Liang Xiao? We can't just let him get away with bullying my good sister!" Another indignant voice, along with several bell-like laughs, came from outside.
Luo Qingxue?
That laugh… I recognize it too!
A group of women pushed open the door and looked at Liang Xiao on the bed.
Xiao Qing, Yue Lian, Luo Qingxue, Jian Qinwan, Zhuo Xun, Zuo Jing, Zhen Mi, Yue Wenxin, Kristy, Zhuo Yun, and behind them, three more familiar faces?
Aren't those Ye Qingyi, Yi Rou, Li Xin?
Being stared at by a group of women, Liang Xiao looked bewildered.
"Rogue! How dare you peek at my sister Qinwan bathing? What kind of behavior is this!"
"Rogue!"
Except for Xiao Qingshuang and Yue Lian, who looked confused, the other women shot Liang Xiao a glare.
"Listen to me argue my case… no, listen to my explanation…"
"Brother Xiao… he peeked at Sister Qinwan bathing?" Xiao Qingshuang pointed at Liang Xiao in surprise.
"Yes!" Jian Qinwan looked at Liang Xiao with a mournful gaze.
Liang Xiao's old face blushed.
Why was it her here as well?
Xiao Qing was silent for a moment, then walked to Liang Xiao's side, pinching his cheek with her index fingers, and hummed, "The dignified Marquis An, peeking at girls bathing, what a shame~"
Upon hearing this, Liang Xiao's eyes lit up.
Seeing Liang Xiao's eyes light up, the other women's eyes also lit up. They all put on knowing smiles, pinched their own cheeks, and said in unison, "The dignified Marquis An, peeking at girls bathing, what a shame~"
"What Marquis An? What are you talking about?" Li Xin, Ye Qingyi, and Yi Rou looked at each other.
A moment later, hearty laughter could be heard from the room.
"You female vixen, even here, I, this Daoist priest, must subdue you!"
Complaints from the women filled the room.
"You, you, you, you're not playing by the rules! You scoundrel…"
"Sisters, what's wrong? Yi Rou, Xin'er, quickly go report this!"
[The End.]
Author's Note: I apologize for the severe eye problems that greatly impacted my updates. It's not good. I thought I could endure even if things were unfavorable this year, but I never expected my eyes to be a problem too. Due to long-term overexertion, I can barely see at night. I've been recuperating for a long time, and it's gotten better recently, but a lot of things have piled up. I finally managed to sort things out. I feel I've let down the readers who have always supported me, and my editor, Xiangyan. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Regardless, the story has a normal ending. Novels are fictional, meant to entertain and amuse, a mere chuckle.
But one cannot lose hope for a better era.
The many crying scenes in the earlier parts were a significant issue and probably unfixable. I will pay attention to this in future writing.
Regardless, it's over. Thank you for your support. Farewell and see you in the martial world!