SSS rank Mother-In-Law to an Invincible Family

"In addition to the defense forces stationed in each city, I've made several key appointments within the broader military structure," Huang Xinyi began.

She started with the Imperial Guard, the elite unit tasked with protecting her and the city where she would reside outside Jingzhong City.

"Commander Xu Feng leads the Imperial Guard. He has proven himself time and again, not just in battle but also through his loyalty to the empire. His unit is one of the best-trained in the empire, and I trust him completely to protect our most valuable assets."

Though Huang Xinyi is powerful enough not to need personal protection, the Imperial Guard serves as a symbol of status. Beyond that, the soldiers in the Imperial Guard are skilled in espionage, making them a valuable tool when necessary.

Next, she discussed the Border Patrol, responsible for monitoring the empire's vast and sometimes dangerous borders.

"Commander Lu Yi, a seasoned veteran with extensive experience in managing frontier regions, leads the Border Patrol. He has established outposts along key routes and fortified border towns, ensuring our empire is protected from external threats."

She moved on to intelligence gathering and strategic planning agencies.

"Beyond military strength, information is power. That's why I've established a Council of Advisors to provide me with the latest intelligence on both internal and external matters. Chief Advisor Li An oversees this council. Li An has built an extensive network of spies and informants, ensuring we are always aware of threats before they escalate."

Huang Xinyi explained how the work of these officers differed from that of the Shadow. While the intelligence officers' identities are known and expected, the work of the Shadow remains hidden and operates at a more clandestine level.

Her gaze swept across the room before she continued.

"To maintain order within the empire, we also need a fair and just legal system. That's why I've appointed Chief Magistrate Wen Shun to oversee the empire's legal affairs. Wen Shun is known for his fairness and skill in handling complex cases. His reforms have made our legal system both just and efficient."

The room remained quiet as some continued reviewing the ledger while others listened intently to what she said.

"Our financial stability," Huang Xinyi went on, "is in the hands of Grand Treasurer Yu Ming. His careful management of resources has allowed us to fund both military and infrastructure projects without putting a strain on our budget."

She turned to matters of agriculture and infrastructure.

"Minister Zhang Wei is responsible for agricultural projects. He has improved farming techniques and increased crop yields, ensuring our growing population is well-fed. Minister Huo Jian oversees infrastructure, managing the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings to better connect our cities and towns."

With the foundational appointments covered, Huang Xinyi shifted to the council she had created to advise her on broader matters.

"I've also established a Council of Elders, made up of governors, military leaders, and scholars. They serve as a reserve force and will be called upon when necessary. While they don't hold active positions, their collective wisdom is invaluable in helping us navigate complex decisions."

She looked around the room, ensuring she had everyone's attention before adding, "The people I've chosen to lead our cities, armies, and departments are not just skilled—they are loyal. They understand my vision for the Xuzhong Empire, and they are committed to ensuring its success."

Huang Xinyi paused for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing.

"Leadership isn't just about titles and appointments. It's about fostering an environment where the best can rise to the top. That's why we've implemented a merit-based system throughout the empire. Whether in combat, trade, or governance, those who contribute the most to our growth are rewarded with land, titles, and cultivation resources."

She allowed the room a moment to absorb her words.

"This system motivates people to work harder and smarter. They know that loyalty and contribution will be rewarded. This has created a culture of excellence within the empire."

Her tone remained firm and commanding as she concluded.

"With these leaders in place, the Xuzhong Empire is strong, stable, and secure. Our citizens are safe, our soldiers are trained, and with the resources we've secured, I believe we are ready to expand."

A confident smile crossed her face as she continued, "We've built an empire that will soon be the envy of the world. It's only a matter of time before others come seeking an alliance, and when they do, we will make it clear that while we welcome cooperation, we will not be disadvantaged."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, a shared sense of purpose and pride filling the space.

Huang Xinyi's empire was strong and rapidly growing. She knew it could become the strongest in the world, but she was also aware that there were far greater enemies in the void they would need to face soon.

With five major cities under their control, the Xuzhong Empire was expanding rapidly. After fully consolidating their recent gains, they planned to extend their influence to other cities across the continent.

Xu Qianghua, who had been quietly reviewing the ledger, finally spoke up.

"That's all good, Xinyi, but we can't forget to encourage people to form their own families. Families are the foundation of any powerful empire."

He smiled as he spoke, knowing she wouldn't stop at just what she had planned. But he had noticed something missing: other forces outside their own.

In any truly powerful empire, multiple forces are always working under the empire's protection, each using its advantages to boost its national growth.

Xu Qianghua knew that for the Xuzhong Empire to thrive, they would need to encourage the growth of other influential families and organizations to strengthen their foundation.

"Yeah, I know and have already come up with ways to make some of the loyal members of the empire start their own," Huang Xinyi said while nodding.

"That's good, as we need them as much as they need us," Xu Qianghua said.

He said this because in many history books, he had read from other planets in this sector, he could see that all those powerful empires had multiple powerful forces supporting them.

Similarly, in this world, in the old timeline, there have been examples where the family who built their own empire did not allow any other forces to settle in.