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.