In the early days, the various surrounding villages and townships that surrendered to Great Yi and submitted to Yi Tianxing's rule were offered a great concession: to stabilize morale and pacify these newly-subjugated local rulers, they were promised ten years of office in their newly incorporated Immortal Cities. During these ten years, barring any major mistakes or incidents, they would not be removed from their posts. This was an immense favor.
Each city lord was granted a third-rank official position.
Now, with the six ministries having risen in rank from second to first, the Immortal City Lords' positions remained at the third rank. That had never changed.
The official rank system of the Destiny Dynasty could not be altered lightly—especially not at the upper levels.
Great Yi had a vast number of Immortal Cities, and the number would only increase over time. If the ranks were raised for each city lord, the pressure on the imperial destiny would become unbearable. Without matching growth in the Empire's fortune, it could easily be crushed under its own weight. Therefore, the third rank was the most suitable designation.
Now that the regime had been elevated to an Emperor Dynasty, even a third-rank official received a fifty-sixfold destiny amplification, a benefit many envied. It placed them firmly in the upper echelons of Great Yi's power structure.
The fortune boost of a third-rank position over the last ten years had been a tremendous opportunity for cultivation, allowing these lords to grow far beyond what they could have achieved when managing their own villages or towns. With the ten-year term expiring, the question of what to do with these lords—who had built deep roots and wielded influence in the cities they helped establish—became pressing.
"Back then, I made it clear that any local leader who joined Great Yi and became an Immortal City Lord would be allowed to govern their original territory for ten years. Once the term ended, regardless of who they were, they would be rotated—either reassigned to another Immortal City, transferred to court positions, or removed based on performance. The capable shall rise, the incompetent shall fall," Yi Tianxing declared after a brief contemplation.
This policy was a form of transitional justice. Even if someone lacked ability, ten years of status, fortune, and salary made for a generous compensation. It was also a test. Those who governed well would naturally be reassigned or promoted; those who proved mediocre would be demoted or removed entirely. As long as no crimes were committed, they would remain regular citizens, free to pursue business or cultivation.
Even though the power of the Star Network and teleportation arrays made it impossible for regional separatism to form—no one was "too far from the Emperor"—overstaying in a single post was still risky. Therefore, rotation had to be implemented as national policy.
"Yes, a ten-year term is state policy. A ruler must not go back on his word. It must be upheld," Huang Chengyan supported firmly.
"This matter will be handled jointly by the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Rites. They will conduct evaluations, formulate the reassignment plan, and provide replacement lists. Any unqualified officials will be substituted with candidates from the talent reserves," Yi Tianxing concluded.
"And begin preparations for the third imperial examination. We must ensure a steady supply of new talent."
The first two exams had already brought in a flood of capable people, providing the foundation for Great Yi's expansion. While large-scale expansion was not currently a priority, expansion was always on the horizon. Talent development must continue without pause.
With one or two years of preparation, there would undoubtedly be many who awaited their chance to ascend via the imperial exams.
"Wise decision, my lord. The people eagerly await another examination. Many talented individuals are waiting quietly for this opportunity. Now that we've become an Emperor Dynasty, this is the perfect time," said Xun Yu approvingly. Then, with a more serious tone, he added, "However, as this exam concerns the foundations of national fortune, we must establish clear protocols and a formal structure for future reference."
"I agree!"
"Well said, Lord Xun."
The ministers in the hall all voiced their agreement. Standardizing the examination system would help calm the people's hearts.
"Very well. From today onward, the imperial examination shall be held once every three years, starting in March. The examination will include preliminary rounds and culminate in ten final categories. Unless under special circumstances, this schedule shall not change. Any extra exams held outside the regular schedule shall be considered grace examinations. The upcoming exam will be counted as one such grace examination."
Yi Tianxing made his decision after a short pause.
Once every three years—not too often, not too infrequent. Just right. It would also allow those who failed to prepare further and improve themselves.
"Wise decree, Your Majesty," the ministers responded in unison.
With no further matters, Cao Zhengchun announced the end of the court session.
In the Imperial Garden—
Yi Tianxing and Cai Yan strolled side by side, casually enjoying the blooming flowers all around. Cai Yan clung gently to his arm, and he held her by the waist. They walked slowly, observing the vibrant landscape.
"Zhaojun, your pregnancy has lasted more than two years now. Do you feel any signs of impending labor?" Yi Tianxing asked softly, gently touching her swollen belly.
He had sensed the pregnancy when Fengling and the others were born—back in Eternal Year 9, December. Now it was Eternal Year 12, May. More than two years had passed. The longer the pregnancy, the more apparent it was that cultivators needed longer gestation due to their higher cultivation levels.
"Mm. I think it's soon. The baby's nutrient absorption is slowing, and I can feel more movement. Birth shouldn't be far away," Cai Yan replied, her face glowing with maternal radiance. "I just wonder if it's a boy or a girl."
"Haha, boy or girl, I'll love them all the same. They are all my children. Besides, Xianhuang and the others are wonderful," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
"Aren't you afraid you'll be surrounded by too many little cotton-padded jackets?" Cai Yan teased, casting him a sideways glance.
In the womb, unborn children were protected by innate fortune. Their gender could not be easily identified—attempting to do so could disrupt this natural force and cause unintended harm. Hence, most people wouldn't pry.
"Not too many. There are seven days in a week, thirty days in a month, and 365 in a year. Even with many daughters, it's still not enough to rotate through," Yi Tianxing joked. Between husband and wife, humor and banter were the perfect seasoning.
"But it wouldn't do to have all daughters. Wan'er is also pregnant, and so are You'er and Qing'er. I believe we'll soon welcome imperial sons. As for Xue'er and Hongluan, you should spend more time with them and try to help them conceive soon," Cai Yan added with a chuckle. "I may not understand everything, but one thing is certain: once a woman bears a child, her entire being undergoes transformation."
"Alright, Zhaojun, let's talk about that later. Since it's just the two of us today, why don't we go on a secret inspection tour among the people and see how life is going in Great Yi?"
Yi Tianxing suddenly suggested.
"Sounds good!" Cai Yan's eyes lit up with interest, a rare girlish joy flickering across her face.
"Come, let's use a teleportation array. We'll go wherever fate takes us."
With a thought, their appearances and clothing changed, their auras concealed. Then, they stepped into the teleportation array and vanished.
They appeared in a new Immortal City.
"Ban Yu City? What a strange name," Cai Yan commented curiously after spotting the sign near the teleportation formation.
"Haha, Ban Yu City's name has a story. You two don't know its history?" a shrewd-looking young man nearby spoke with a grin. He had keen eyes and looked quite sharp.
He introduced himself as Houzi (Monkey)—an alias, clearly—working as a local guide for visiting merchants and travelers. His daily rate was one Eternal Coin, extra charges depending on services needed.
Yi Tianxing didn't mind the fee and hired him immediately.
"So, what's the story behind Ban Yu City?"
"This region experiences rapid weather shifts. One moment it's sunny, the next it's pouring. Half the day it rains, the other half is sunny—hence the name Ban Yu (Half Rain) City."
Weather-based names for Immortal Cities weren't uncommon. This wasn't especially unusual.
"Does Ban Yu City have any specialties or unique stories to tell? If your answer is good, there'll be a reward," Yi Tianxing said calmly.
"Of course! Ban Yu City is most famous for its Rain Bamboo Shoots..." Houzi began listing local specialties enthusiastically.
Just then, from the direction of the market ahead, came a sudden burst of noise and chatter—something had stirred the crowd.