Multiverse Skill System

Page 236

First, the Ten Attendants were executed by slow slicing, and their bodies were hung at the gate of Luoyang. Those who had been directly or indirectly oppressed and exploited by them were overjoyed and clapped their hands in celebration. It was so good that every household was happy to hear the news that it was like a festival.

In areas affected by natural disasters, personnel and supplies were dispatched to provide disaster relief.

A ten-year tax exemption was granted to encourage merchants to develop commerce, and an Agricultural Bureau was established to specialize in agricultural research.

Reclaim the land and redistribute it according to population.

The imperial examination system was established, allowing all those with knowledge to participate and giving ordinary people a chance to enter officialdom.

Found the Academy of Sciences and develop the study of physics;

Popularize health knowledge, prevent diseases, establish medical schools, and set up clinics in various places...

With the issuance of various orders, the entire Han Dynasty started operating rapidly, like a machine with a motor, and people's lives changed noticeably every day.

Of course, many of these orders touched upon the interests of powerful families, who were unwilling to submit to Heaven and Earth and were extremely opposed to the imperial examinations. However, under the suppression of the immortal Yi Shuihan, they had no choice but to yield.

If open methods don't work, then they'll resort to covert ones. Yi Shuihan is just one person; he can't possibly take care of everything. In their own territories, powerful families can easily outwardly comply while inwardly defying orders. They want to prevent government decrees from being effectively implemented.

Even worse, some secretly joined forces and mobilized an army of hundreds of thousands, under the guise of eliminating demonic immortals, in an attempt to get rid of Yi Shuihan.

Unfortunately, reality taught them a harsh lesson. Yi Shuihan's little notebook played a significant role, leading to a complete overhaul. Faced with countless top strategists and generals, their plans all came to naught.

The three Zhang brothers, who were originally supposed to lead the Yellow Turban Rebellion, were persuaded by Yi Shuihan and decided to help him, thus averting a disaster.

In the blink of an eye, three years have passed.

Compared to three years ago, the entire Han Dynasty is completely different. The sallow and thin people are now plump and healthy, eating their fill three meals a day. The days of not being able to afford food are long gone.

People's faces were filled with happy smiles, and their sense of national identity was unprecedented.

In the teahouse,

"Great! Our Han Dynasty has won another victory. Goryeo, Turks, Xiongnu, and now even the Japanese have become our prisoners."

A young man dressed like a scholar held the latest edition of the Great Han Daily in his hand and exclaimed with delight. Hearing this, the others in the teahouse also gathered around to listen to the young man explain more.

Three years have passed, and while the number of literate people has increased considerably, it hasn't reached the point where most people can read and write. It seems that about four out of ten people are literate, which is an unprecedented improvement compared to before.

No one dislikes seeing their country strong, and victory in war undoubtedly demonstrates a country's strength.

"The third round of imperial conscription is about to begin, and I must participate this time. My chance to make a name for myself is now."

"Immigration decree: Anyone who participates in immigration can own a large tract of land in the immigration location, at least 10 times the size of the land owned by the Han Dynasty."

"The trade route to India is about to open, let's get ready to make our fortune!"

……

Luoyang, the Imperial Preceptor's Residence

Yi Shuihan watched with a smile as several figures in the distance were engrossed in processing government orders.

Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Jia Xu, Xun You, and Xi Zhicai are all capable of being prime ministers. Now that they are gathered together, handling these government affairs is both easy and enjoyable.

Actually, if Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong weren't too young, Yi Shuihan would have wanted to have them join. As for Zhou Yu, although he was quite talented, Yi Shuihan didn't consider him because he had actually married Da Qiao.

Yi Shuihan felt that being a hands-off manager who only gave general directions and let subordinates handle the specifics was a very good idea.

"Bang bang bang"

"Come in!"

"Squeak!"

The door opened, and Cai Yan carried a large tray with six cups of tea on it.

"Tea for you gentlemen."

It was placed very gently in front of Guo Jia and the others, as if afraid of disturbing them.

Cai Yan genuinely admired Guo Jia and other talented individuals. Before this, she thought she was a talented woman, but after meeting these incredibly intelligent and talented people, she felt that she was incredibly stupid. She could only show off her skills on the zither, but she was completely incomparable in other areas.

"You're slacking off again."

Cai Yan looked at the idle Yi Shuihan with a face full of anger.

"I'm not being lazy. I've done everything that was required of me. I'm an immortal; I only need to grasp the general direction. If I don't leave the other things to these young people to train them, what will happen when I'm gone?"

"It sounds nice, but it's really just laziness."

Cai Yan did not believe Yi Shuihan's explanation at all.

As Cai Yan spent more time with Yi Shuihan, she gradually got to know his temperament, and their relationship improved considerably, with them often joking around.

Although Cai Yan is still nominally Yi Shuihan's maid, everyone around her treats her as Yi Shuihan's woman, and she is valued more than Guo Jia and the others.

Chapter 600, Guo Jia's Dream of Becoming a Single Aristocrat Shattered

Yi Shuihan and Cai Yan chatted back and forth, their conversation filled with tenderness and affection, accompanied by playful banter between lovers. After a while, someone finally couldn't stand it anymore.

"Can you guys please stop flirting in front of us?! I'm still single, this is too much for me to handle!"

"Oh dear, Fengxiao is in love. How about I introduce you to a few girls? I'm quite generous here."

"Xi Zhicai, I need to tell your sister-in-law about your trip to the Paradise Inn yesterday."

"No, please let me go."

Yi Shuihan's easygoing nature allowed Guo Jia and the others to joke around with him with ease, and this wasn't the first time such a situation had occurred.

Guo Jia is the youngest among them. His unrestrained personality makes him get along well with Yi Shuihan. He can be said to have the best private relationship with Yi Shuihan among them. Yi Shuihan helped him solve his health problems. Guo Jia, who likes to drink, can now drink however he wants.

The Paradise Inn that Guo Jia mentioned was actually a high-class brothel. Yi Shuihan opened it with the concept of a modern entertainment club, a place that offered everything from eating and drinking to prostitution and gambling. It was the most famous entertainment venue in the entire city of Luoyang.

You can experience all kinds of temptations here, from uniform temptations to stocking temptations. With an open concept that is nearly 2000 years ahead of its time, it became popular in Luoyang shortly after its establishment and is now famous throughout the country.

In an era where entertainment options are extremely limited, it's hard to imagine how attractive such a place would be to those who have nothing better to do.

Even Guo Jia and his group frequented the Paradise Inn, which shows how amazing it was.

“Speaking of which, Fengxiao! You really need a woman to keep you in check, otherwise it’s not good to keep going to the Bliss Inn to solve your physiological problems! How about you consider Zhicai’s suggestion, and I’ll officiate at your wedding?”

Yi Shuihan got excited and spoke to Guo Jia in a serious tone. At this moment, everyone else stopped what they were doing and looked on as if they were watching a show.

Unexpectedly, Yi Shuihan interfered. Guo Jia was taken aback at first, but then his eyes darted around and he began to retort, "Don't talk about me. What about you? Others have been waiting for you for three whole years, and you still haven't made a move. Are you really such a heartless person? So what if you're an immortal? You're still a person. Can't you get married? How about this: if you get married right away, I'll agree to find you a marriage partner."

The fire had spread to himself, and Yi Shuihan was somewhat frustrated. Looking at Cai Yan's expectant expression beside him, Yi Shuihan could only remain silent.

Should I really make her wait forever? Three years have passed. According to the prevailing views of this era, she has reached the age where she can get married. If she plays around for a few more years, she will be married. And if I don't want her, it seems that no one else will dare to want her. If I really don't want to be with her, I should try to get her, otherwise I will be hurting her.

No one knew the thoughts that flashed through Yi Shuihan's mind, but Guo Jia's words made Yi Shuihan make a decision.

"what?"

Guo Jia was initially quite pleased with himself for looking at the speechless Yi Shuihan, but when he suddenly saw Yi Shuihan smile, a bad premonition arose in his heart.

Sure enough, his premonition came true the next moment. Yi Shuihan said, "If Wenji doesn't refuse, I will marry her."

Yi Shuihan stood up from his seat, walked to Cai Yan under her surprised gaze, knelt down on one knee, then flipped his hand to reveal a huge sapphire ring, which he handed to Cai Yan, and said tenderly, "Will you marry me?"

Happiness came so suddenly that Cai Yan felt an urge to cry. She covered her mouth with one hand, at a loss for what to do.

In this day and age, marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. Yi Shuihan's avant-garde proposal was something Cai Yan couldn't handle, and she was immediately smitten.

Under Yi Shuihan's gentle gaze, Cai Yan regained some of her composure, instinctively accepted the gemstone ring, and then said in a very low voice, "I...I do."

Having received the correct answer, Yi Shuihan stood up, hugged Cai Yan tightly, and then kissed her passionately. Guo Jia and the others were dumbfounded. If this had happened a few years ago, it would have been considered indecent and an eyesore.

"Great, my brother!"

Xi Zhicai let out a strange cry and said to the dumbfounded Guo Jia...

"How about it? Let's go on a blind date tomorrow!"

"Uh……"

Guo Jia looked at Xi Zhicai with grief and indignation, wanting to go back on his word. He was currently a supporter of the bachelor aristocracy, how could he betray his beliefs? But a man of his word cannot break his promise!

"Fengxiao, in my impression you're not the kind of person who goes back on their word!"

At this time, Xun Yu, who had a good relationship with Guo Jia, also joined in the fun. He had long wanted Guo Jia to experience what it felt like for a married man to secretly go to a place like the Paradise Inn.

Recalling how Guo Jia had used his trip to the Paradise Inn to blackmail him into handling government affairs several times before, Xun Yu felt a surge of vengeful pleasure. Once Guo Jia had a wife, he would never be able to bring this up again.

Jia Xu, holding his fan, smiled at Guo Jia. It was rare to see Guo Jia, whose wisdom was no less than his, suffer such a setback.

Even the most serious Xun You had a smile on his face at this moment.

After Yi Shuihan and Cai Yan finished their long kiss, he joined the attack on Guo Jia. As for Cai Yan, she was so embarrassed that her face turned red and she was out of her mind. She barely managed to stay upright by relying on Yi Shuihan.

"Fengxiao, you decide what to do. I won't force you. If you go back on your word, I will simply have the historian record this in the book so that everyone knows what kind of person you are."

"So cruel!"

Is this what you call not forcing me?

Guo Jia was on the verge of tears. Today, his cleverness had backfired. He had been hunting geese all day, only to be pecked by them. He had been walking on the river, and finally, he had gotten his shoes wet.

"Fine, you're all good, ganging up on me, huh!" Guo Jia looked at them one by one with extremely indignant eyes.

"Uh, I was just watching the show!"

"Me too!"

Jia Xu and Xun You felt like they had been caught in the crossfire.

"Hmph, I keep my word. I promise to find a spouse."

Guo Jia's heart was bleeding when he said those words! After having a wife, he could no longer freely go to the Paradise Inn, drink and eat meat as he pleased, or do whatever he wanted…

My dream of being a single aristocrat has been shattered!

"Well done, Fengxiao truly lives up to his reputation as a real man. I admire him!"

Yi Shuihan gave a thumbs up, but to Guo Jia, it looked more like a mockery.

Chapter 601, I am a staunch supporter of the Marriage Law

Having decided to marry Cai Yan, Yi Shuihan naturally wouldn't wrong her. Following the customs of this world, he meticulously observed all the formalities from the moment he asked a matchmaker to propose marriage.

On the other hand, Guo Jia also began his miserable blind date journey.

Speaking of Guo Jia, a man of such high caliber—accomplished, talented, and good-looking—was extremely popular. Just a rumor was spread, and matchmakers practically wore down his doorstep.

Unfortunately, Guo Jia himself was not very keen on getting married, and he had high standards for his partner, so he was unable to find a suitable one for a long time.

"Fengxiao! You're acting strangely. I'm almost at the final stage, but you haven't even started. Didn't I give you a break to finish your blind dates before you came? How come you're here after only 3 days?"

Yi Shuihan looked at Guo Jia, who had dark circles under his eyes and looked haggard, and teased him.

Guo Jia glanced at Yi Shuihan with some resentment. If it weren't for him, he wouldn't have ended up like this!

The thought of those hungry, predatory eyes filled Guo Jia with dread; he had never known that women could be so terrifying.

"Family matters are not as important as national affairs. As a proper civil servant serving the country, I will never seek special treatment or enjoy special privileges while my colleagues are working hard. I will resolutely fight on the front line."

Guo Jia's words sounded quite upright, but that was without considering his current situation.

"A legitimate civil servant? Fighting on the front lines?"

Yi Shuihan's lips twitched slightly. Couldn't you have considered everyone's feelings when you said that? There aren't memorials on your table right now, but a table full of food! And you can't drink alcohol during work hours. You're breaking the law!

"It's okay, we can handle special cases in special ways! I believe everyone will understand you, don't you think?"

"That's fine, I don't mind."

"Me too, don't worry, I'll take care of your work."

Guo Jia was not easily defeated by these few words. He simply pretended not to hear and continued eating as if nothing had happened. This blind date was really unpleasant; the girls had ruined his mood for eating.

It seemed he had come up with a trump card. Yi Shuihan snatched Guo Jia's wine bottle and then said righteously, "To ensure your health, I have decided to impose a one-month alcohol ban on you."

For Guo Jia, wine was more important than life itself. He would feel restless if he didn't drink for a day, and he would feel weak if he didn't drink for a few days. He couldn't guarantee he would survive if he didn't drink for a month.

"Don't think I'm joking. I'll inform Zilong later and have him monitor you 24 hours a day. Then you won't be able to drink a single drop of alcohol."

"Are you serious?"

Guo Jia stared at Yi Shuihan in disbelief, his face as if he had lost his parents.

"What do you say?"

Guo Jia stared straight at Yi Shuihan for a full minute, and seeing that Yi Shuihan still had the same expression, he knew that Yi Shuihan was determined.

Dejected, Guo Jia lowered his head and said in a humble voice, "Can you give me another chance? I have realized my mistake."

Seeing Guo Jia back down, Yi Shuihan chuckled inwardly, thinking, "Little brat, you think you can fight me?"