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Without labor, there can be no sustenance, so work is necessary, but it should not encompass everything.
Through Zeke's swift planning and the selfless contributions of numerous officials, the nation finally embarked on a path of progress, ensuring sustained and smooth development.
Consequently, the four-days-off-per-month policy was promptly implemented by the Central System, swiftly adjusting and putting it into effect.
In summary, everyone now enjoyed holidays, bringing much-needed vitality and rejuvenation to the previously exhausting and relentless work environment.
"Pling—"
At the foot of the mountain, by a babbling brook and amidst lush greenery, serene notes from a zither drifted through the wind, as if blending harmoniously with nature itself. They calmed restless hearts, dissipating all worries and weariness.
"Ah!"
Zeke sipped his light tea, gazing up at the mountain, but suddenly furrowed his brow.
"This mountain obstructs the trade route between Ji City and Ping City, affecting numerous caravans in various directions to some extent. It could be leveled."
"Well, let's discuss that after today. Surely you wouldn't want to kick up dust during our camping break?"
Fu Hua plucked the zither strings, her delicate fingers shimmering like jade, and her face lit up with a radiant smile. Each movement exuded a refined elegance honed over millennia.
Zeke nodded and remarked, "Your zither playing is quite impressive."
"Do you know much about it?"
"Not extensively studied, but it sounds beautiful and soothing."
"Haha, I just play as I feel; it's not really any famous piece. However, this zither itself is truly exceptional. As expected from something found in the imperial treasury—it far surpasses the ones I've used before."
Satisfaction gleamed in Fu Hua's eyes, indicating her deep enjoyment of the instrument's touch and tone quality.
Amidst the clear resonances of the zither, Zeke looked at Fu Hua and said, "If you like it, keep it. Once we return, I'll help you find an even better one."
"There's no need for such trouble; I'm not obsessed with instruments. As long as it works, it's fine."
Their conversation flowed back and forth, devoid of intimacy or sweetness. Yet amidst this casual exchange, there emerged a profound harmony and rapport.
"Zeke, how have your recent endeavors been?"
"I've fixed over sixty thousand logical flaws and added new modules."
"That sounds like quite the fruitful trip!"
"About two-thirds of those were irrelevant. After all, we're in a feudal era here, while our side is implementing a novel centralized authority under a republican framework—it's vastly different."
The music paused briefly before resuming its gentle melody.
Fu Hua, somewhat resigned, said, "I don't fully grasp what you're doing, but if you need anything, just let me know."
"I will. How about you? From what I understand, you've been studying their so-called Profound Gate techniques and frequently experimenting with the Cognizance Authority. Have you found any directions for improvement?"
"I've made considerable progress, but I'm still analyzing and pondering. I want to be as helpful as possible."
"Keep up the good work."
Accompanied by the pleasing sound of the zither, Zeke continued savoring his tea.
Just then, Durandal approached carrying stacked chairs and tables on her shoulder, while Rita followed closely behind with food containers in hand, both traversing through the grass.
After setting up for their meal, Rita approached the trio seated around the harp stand with an elegant smile and bowed courteously.
"My Emperor, Lady Fu Hua, your repast is prepared. Shall we proceed to dine now?"
Fu Hua paused her playing, scratching her face—still unaccustomed to such formalities.
Zeke turned toward Rita, hesitated briefly, then sighed.
"Ah, it seems my earlier remarks haven't changed your minds at all. I've stumbled upon Zhuge Kongming bathing, witnessed Kiana's and Durandal's clothing suddenly tear during sparring practice, and even encountered Durandal offering herself unclothed... All part of your plan, no doubt? As I've already stated, leaving behind my descendants is not possible."
Maintaining her usual grace and poise, Rita shook her head slightly, smiling.
"My Emperor, the issue of succession and securing the throne can be easily resolved. Rita understands adaptability; there's no insistence on that front. However, Your Imperial Majesty's position and importance are irreplaceable. Therefore, as long as there's the slightest chance, I will exhaust every effort to change your mind and persuade you to stay in this land."
"Then why don't you offer yourself?"
"Well... based on the information I gathered from Senior Shi, our Emperor seems to prefer younger and more innocent girls. Rita, being somewhat older, might not be his ideal."
Rita gently touched her smooth, supple cheeks, revealing a hint of melancholy—a sentiment that age invariably stirs in women. Among Huang Country's Four Pillars, Rita was indeed the eldest. Although still in her twenties, which is considered a prime age, by feudal era standards, she was already past the mainstream preference for much younger ladies.
Rita mentioned feeling "older."
Zeke scrutinized her closely and nodded, saying, "Indeed, you're quite mature."
Despite maintaining her composed demeanor, Rita blushed visibly, though subtly.
Despite her embarrassment, Rita did not retreat. Suppressing her shyness, she straightened up with forced calmness.
"If...if His Majesty desires it, then naturally, Rita would comply. Should His Majesty show favor upon Huang Country, all four of us could...could..."
What exactly they could do was left unsaid, but one could easily imagine at least 30,000 words of exquisite fan fiction from Rita's flushed yet determined expression and her hesitant posture.
Zeke rubbed his chin, not because he was tempted but rather pondering how to respond politely while making his stance clear and avoiding hurt feelings.
After a moment, Zeke slowly smiled and courteously said, "Get lost."
"Yes, sir!"
Rita's embarrassment, already at its peak, finally overflowed under Zeke's polite dismissal. She hastily jogged away—no matter her outward allure or cunning intelligence, Rita remained a pure-hearted young maiden ill-equipped to handle such situations.
As Rita scurried off, Zeke turned to Durandal, who had stayed behind.
Blushing slightly, Durandal lowered her head without uttering a word.
Despite being bold enough to offer herself outright, this great general was indeed a naive girl with zero romantic experience, no more resilient than Rita.
Zeke pressed his fingers against his temples, closed his eyes, and let out a weary sigh.
At that moment, Fu Hua couldn't suppress her stifled laughter.
"Pfft—"
Zeke gave her a deadpan stare. "Is it really that funny?"
"From a universally rational perspective, yes, quite amusing. Our Emperor truly possesses astonishing charm, attracting admiration wherever he goes."
"They don't like me; they just love this country. Sacrificing oneself for the world sounds pretty grand, doesn't it?"
"Does Zeke not appreciate such greatness?"
"It's admirable in theory, as long as they don't bother me."
Zeke shook his head but quickly shrugged off these worries. After all, it wasn't a difficult dilemma to resolve—all he had to do was ignore them.
The sudden silence then made Zeke wonder what mischief a certain bear cub might be up to.
He glanced at a rock by the nearby stream where Senti and Kiana seemed engrossed in a game of Go, their expressions solemn and intense. Even more serious than theirs was Zhuge Kongming, seated beside them, intently observing the match.
"A seven-move chain, aiming for Heavenly Yuan? Concealed trap, encircling the trapped dragon? Or perhaps a lethal strategy, inflicting ten wounds while suffering nine... Hm! Strange, why can't I make sense of this game? Could it be that, aside from Senior Shi, even her carefree uncle possesses far superior Go skills compared to mine?"
After pondering for nearly fifteen minutes, Senti placed another move that left Zhuge Kongming utterly baffled.
"Five stones connected—checkmate!"
"Ah! I knew it! All my feigned depth couldn't hide this flaw after all!"
With a triumphant laugh, Senti extracted five black stones forming a diagonal line amidst the complex board arrangement. Kiana frantically tugged at her hair, her face reflecting utter defeat.
The two competitors exchanged appreciative glances and then clasped hands firmly.
"To hold your own against this immortal for so long, you're indeed a worthy opponent, Kiana!"
"Same here, I never imagined such profound and engaging variations existed. Let's settle it once more next time!"
"Kiana!"
"Lord Senti!"
"Kiana!"
"Lord Senti!"
In that moment, identical expressions of intellectual satisfaction graced their intertwined hands.
Meanwhile, Zhuge Kongming stood frozen, nearly petrified.
"You were playing that kind of chess?!?"
From the start of their stalemate, Zhuge Kongming couldn't resist analyzing the game, searching his vast knowledge of strategies but failing to find any means to break through this peculiar setup. It turned out, they weren't playing Go at all!
Five-in-a-row, apparently unknown in these parts, offered a completely novel gameplay experience—no wonder Zhuge Kongming was baffled.
However, he felt deeply insulted, as if his intelligence had been trampled upon mercilessly.
"Pfft—" Fu Hua burst out laughing again.
Shaking his head, Zeke decided to ignore these eccentrics' antics.
Suddenly, Zeke turned toward the distant horizon. Fu Hua furrowed her brows slightly, closed her eyes, and sensed something amiss as well.
"Zeke, that's..."
"Yes, the war they've been seeking has arrived," Zeke calmly replied. Setting down his teacup, he slowly glanced at Durandal, who had yet to react.