Romance Is Slowing Down My Nation-Building

Overnight, Gong Qi becomes the heir to the throne of Xia. With internal strife and outside threats mounting, he starts consolidating power to protect himself. He eliminates the emperor's relatives by marriage, puts domestic affairs in order, and secures the borders. Everything proceeds steadily according to plan. His blueprint promises an unprecedentedly prosperous empire, but some of his ministers have rather peculiar ideas. The capable secretary who attends him daily and helps govern the state: "Since I have taken a place in Your Majesty's harem, I should fulfill its duties. Are you satisfied with my looks?" His childhood friend and personal guard, who has saved him from danger countless times: "I know Your Majesty has no interest in romance. If there are things you don't want to hear, I won't say them, as long as you don't let anyone else get close to you." His childhood friend and trusted right-hand man, who has managed the finances for years: "I have absolutely no designs on Your Majesty. Everything I do is out of loyalty to you and love for my country. Really, won't you believe me?" The irreverent genius who believes in building the nation through technology: "I don't want any extra rewards. I just want Your Majesty's body. Getting carried away? You're the one who spoiled me, so you can't deny it now, Your Majesty." The foreign general with supernatural powers, whom he captured: "As long as Xia remains stronger than my tribe, I'll belong to you. You can do whatever you want, as long as you're not too rough. I can take it." Gong Qi: "…" Is something wrong with me, or is it all of you??? [An emotionally detached, straight emperor who only wants to get things done x Ministers who are very good at turning him gay and saying they count as business, too] [Currently updating a long-form xianxia novel with an unorthodox cultivation style] [See my profile for more top gong novels, including insectoid and quick transmigration stories] Theme: Building a strong nation