Mr. Liander was no longer an issue; he would continue to weaken until he lost his life.
It was uncertain whether the female lead at this time could save her father and give him everything he desired.
Lin Yan's next expansion began in autumn, but before it commenced, she received news that the empire was mustering its troops for an offensive.
It was autumn, the season of harvest, and the crops in the fields had already matured. The army would not lack food, but if this war continued, more would be needed.
Thinking of the grain she had been having people procure, Lin Yan smiled faintly. Let's see who could last longer.
Lin Yan had a significant harvest this autumn. Morris, though not involved in the war, remained by Lin Yan's side.
Observing Lin Yan's territory grow larger and the demand for personnel increase, Lin Yan decided it was time to introduce examinations. She contacted her assistants and asked them to prepare a set of questions.
"We still have too few literate people in our territory, so please make the questions as practical as possible," Lin Yan said to the few people before her.
These individuals were her trusted aides, the ones who had accompanied her throughout her journey. She trusted they would understand her intentions perfectly.
"My Lord, rest assured. We will prepare the questions quickly and show them to you."
"Ensure confidentiality and do not leak the questions," Lin Yan instructed. "We will have many more examinations in the future. We can take our time with this one. If we succeed this time, it will be much easier going forward."
The practice of using examinations to select officials had a long history. Lin Yan felt that while this method might not be entirely fair, it was the greatest fairness she could currently offer.
Once more people became literate and educated, examinations would become more equitable.
News of the examinations had already spread throughout all of Lin Yan's territories.
All literate individuals were enticed by the news. However, more people were watching and waiting.
They did not understand this Rose Viscountess, and they had never even heard of such examinations. While their origins were not from the highest echelons of nobility, their families still held some influence.
In these times, families that could afford literacy education possessed considerable capital. Without such capital, they could not afford private tutors.
After a period of turmoil following the change in lords, and with the deaths of many high nobles, these people, though spared by the Rose Viscountess, remained anxious, fearing she might one day remember them and settle old scores.
Now, hearing that she intended to select officials through examinations, they were unsure of what this implied. However, as they lived under the Rose Viscountess's rule, they felt it necessary to show her some respect.
Yet, seeing that many commoners had also registered, they felt indignant. What were these commoners? How could they share a room with those of nascent noble birth?
Commoners were hesitant to register upon receiving the news. However, there were merchant caravans that traveled between various territories. They brought considerable news about the Rose Viscountess.
Especially her early policies in her territory and her favors towards commoners, which made them truly believe that this Rose Viscountess cared about the common people.