Da Ming: The system granted me immortality; I clock in every day.

Gu Yannian stepped forward, his expression unchanged, and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty is discerning. On the day I was on leave, Eunuch Zheng did indeed come to my humble abode to ask for a cup of tea. I merely remarked a few words about rural life, never expecting that Eunuch Zheng would write them down as a memorial."

"What a wonderful rural folk saying!"

Zhu Gaochi clapped his hands and laughed.

"I knew it! That old eunuch doesn't have that kind of brain. But your idea is exactly what I wanted. The treasury is full, but who would complain about having too much silver?"

"If this method can be followed without harming the people's strength and while earning wealth from overseas, then reopening the sea ban is not out of the question."

Ultimately, with Emperor Hongxi's tacit approval and Gu Yannian's encouragement,

The decree to reopen voyages to the West was successfully issued.

This time, however, the nature of the fleet has undergone a complete transformation.

It is no longer a showy honor guard, but a national merchant fleet tasked with exploring overseas markets and accumulating global wealth.

In the autumn of the third year of the Hongxi reign.

Time flies like an arrow.

Under the concerted efforts of Emperor Hongxi and his cabinet ministers, the Ming Dynasty entered an unprecedented period of stability.

Merchant ships at sea brought back silver and spices in an endless stream, and salt taxes from Jiangnan filled Taicang.

The nine border regions in the north were well-fed and clothed, and the soldiers fought bravely.

The full moon of October coincided with the birthday of Emperor Hongxi, also known as the Longevity Festival.

The Forbidden City was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and a grand banquet was held in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony to entertain the officials.

The sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, while palace maids and elegant ladies moved about, serving all sorts of delicacies.

The officials and civil servants were seated according to their rank, toasting and exchanging drinks, creating a lively atmosphere.

Gu Yannian, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and concurrently the Assistant Minister of the Cabinet, held a relatively high position.

He was standing right next to Grand Secretary Yang Shiqi and Xia Yuanji, among others.

He was not wearing his official robes today, but instead wore an extremely elaborate dark red and gold brocade casual robe.

Amidst that sea of ​​purple robes and gold belts, he appeared neither out of place nor lacking in an indescribable elegance.

[Ding! Today's attendance complete. Attribute point gained +1.]

After silently completing the check-in, Gu Yannian added the attribute to "Spirit".

He calmly surveyed the various scenes inside and outside the hall.

On the high seat, Emperor Hongxi, Zhu Gaochi, with a ruddy complexion, was raising his cup to drink with Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji, who had traveled a long way to the capital to offer birthday greetings.

Zhu Zhanji had shed some of the impetuousness of his youth, and his expression became more composed and capable.

"Lord Gu, I'd like to offer you a toast."

Xia Yuanji, holding a wine cup and slightly drunk, moved to Gu Yannian's side.

"With you in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for the past three years, I, the old Minister, have felt like I'm basking in a spring breeze. The nation's finances have become surprisingly docile under your abacus."

Gu Yannian raised his glass to clink glasses, drank it all in one gulp, and said with a faint smile:

"Minister Xia, you flatter me. The Ministry of Revenue is where it is today entirely thanks to your leadership and coordination. I have only done some menial tasks such as accounting."

"You're just too modest."

Xia Yuanji smiled and shook his head, lowering his voice.

"I am getting old, and my health is deteriorating day by day. A few days ago, I submitted a memorial to His Majesty requesting to resign."

"If I were to retire, who else but you would be qualified for the position of Minister of Revenue?"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding officials all perked up their ears.

The most powerful person in terms of wealth in the Ming Dynasty—a throne that countless people dream of.

Gu Yannian's expression remained completely unchanged.

He picked up a piece of steamed venison, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, and then slowly opened his mouth.

"Minister Xia, please rest assured. His Majesty is wise and will certainly not approve your memorial. Minister, you are still vigorous despite your age; you will have to shoulder the burden of the Ministry of Revenue for a few more years. As for your humble servant..."

He put down the jade pendant and picked up the teacup to rinse his mouth.

"I am used to a leisurely life and go home to rest as soon as it is late in the afternoon. If I were to become a minister, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have this peaceful life anymore. I would never dare to take on such a difficult job."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding officials exchanged bewildered glances, secretly marveling at the revelation.

There really are such strange people in the world who regard high-ranking official positions and generous salaries as a dangerous path.

Halfway through the banquet, as everyone was getting warm and fuzzy from the drinks, the banquet began.

Zhu Gaochi suddenly stood up and personally carried the wine cup down the steps of the imperial palace.

Upon seeing this, the officials all rose from their seats and knelt in obeisance.

Zhu Gaochi waved his hand to indicate that he could dispense with the formalities and walked straight to the seats of the cabinet ministers.

"There is no need for formalities at this family banquet."

Zhu Gaochi smiled as he glanced at Yang Shiqi, Xia Yuanji, and the others.

In the end, it fell on Gu Yannian.

"Yannian, for the past three years, you have diligently managed the nation's finances and grain, your contributions are immense. On my birthday today, do you have any gifts to offer me?"

Zhu Gaochi asked, half-jokingly.

Gu Yannian calmly stood up, bowed slightly, took out a thin booklet from his sleeve, and presented it with both hands.

"Your Majesty, I have nothing of value but this book, which I offer as a congratulatory gift."

Zhu Gaochi curiously took the booklet, opened it, and his smile immediately froze.

This is neither a collection of poems or songs, nor a list of rare and precious treasures.

Instead, it is a detailed "Five-Year Strategy for Water Conservancy Dredging and New Grain Trial Planting in the Ming Dynasty".

It clearly lists the number of dikes that need to be repaired along the Yellow River and Huai River in the next five years, as well as the estimated cost.

It also records the trial planting of several overseas crops brought back by Zheng He's fleet in the royal greenhouse.

And the specific steps for promoting it to arid prefectures and counties in the north.

The entire text contains not a single word of flattery or sycophancy; it is all solid, practical advice on governing the country that could save countless lives.

Zhu Gaochi held the booklet, his hands trembling slightly.

He took a deep breath, closed the booklet, and looked at Gu Yannian with a very complicated expression.

"Yan Nian... your gift is far more valuable than all the rare treasures in this hall."

Zhu Gaochi's voice was low and deep, filled with profound emotion.

He knew that what Gu Yannian was giving him was not a booklet, but the foundation for peace and prosperity for the Ming Dynasty for the next five years.

"Your Majesty, I am merely doing the accounting. If there is too much silver in the books, it must be spent wisely. If water conservancy is successful, there will be no famine in the world, and that will truly bring about a long and prosperous reign."

Gu Yannian's tone remained calm.

The main hall fell silent for a moment.

Everyone was awestruck by this unique birthday gift and Gu Yannian's calm and composed demeanor.

It was late at night when the banquet ended.

The night sky over Shuntian Prefecture was dotted with stars.

Gu Yannian did not take a carriage, but walked alone on the empty Imperial Street.

The autumn wind brushed against the hem of his clothes, bringing a chill.

He raised his head and gazed at the bright, clear moon.

The third year of the Hongxi reign.

He silently recited the reign title in his heart.

In the original timeline, this era name never existed.

Because of his intervention, Zhu Gaochi survived.

The history of the Ming Dynasty took a turn here, heading towards an unknown cosmos.

But he knew that he was still that lonely immortal.

The splendor of the court and the emperor's favor will one day vanish into thin air with the passage of time.

And he, with his terrifying attributes, will continue in his long and endless life.

Quietly take attendance, quietly observe.

"The play has begun, so let's watch it closely."

A faint smile appeared on Gu Yannian's lips.

With his hands behind his back, he walked unhurriedly into the deep alley.

I have to go to work tomorrow.