A thousand-mile embankment is breached by an ant hole

A thousand-mile dike crumbles from an ant’s nest.

We cannot set this precedent.

Even a single copper coin or sack of grain siphoned off, once people start bribing and accepting benefits for petty gains, these tiny cracks will spread like an ant’s nest.

Over time, the dam we’ve painstakingly built will collapse under the erosion of greed.

Vivian, cradling Luna, pondered how to address the issue.

Killing?

Killing was the simplest, most direct solution—swift and intimidating, a bloody blade to temporarily halt the tide of corruption.

But it couldn’t forever suppress human greed.

It only addressed the symptoms, not the root.

History had shown, even if an entire dynasty’s officials were purged, new corruptors would spring up like weeds after a spring breeze, thriving in the crevices of power.

The real issue lay in the system’s flaws.

If Vivian didn’t want to exhaust herself, she’d eventually have to delegate authority.

And delegated power came with interests.

Everyone had their own desires and temptations.

Even the most steadfast ruler wasn’t immune to the lure of corruption.

Even the firmest warrior, faced with easily attainable wealth or comfort, would waver.

Be it managers or common soldiers, they weren’t inherently greedy.

The root problem was this: the current system failed to provide sufficient, fair rewards and opportunities for advancement that matched their efforts.

When hard work went unrewarded, when the ladder to a better life was controlled by a few, when the path to “legitimate profit” was narrow or closed, seeking “crooked means” for “excess gains” became an

irresistible temptation.

This was, in essence, the flip side of the earlier issue of low productivity—a lack of proper incentives and a distorted system.

What about total oversight, banning all excess profits?

That wouldn’t work either.

It would create a reign of terror, stifling everyone’s drive and trust, which ran counter to Vivian’s intentions.

It was a delicate balance.

You couldn’t have it all—high productivity and zero corruption.

Mishandle it, and you’d end up stuck at both ends.

Productivity and collectivism formed a delicate, wavering line on a graph.

When everyone clung to an “iron rice bowl” of guaranteed provisions, individual effort slackened.

To ignite that drive, you had to introduce differential incentives, breaking absolute “equality” to some degree.

To achieve higher efficiency and output, allocating extra benefits to those bearing greater responsibilities and pressures was, to an extent, a reasonable cost.

But the balance was precarious—one misstep, and you’d lose on both fronts.

It was a complex issue, and Vivian herself wasn’t entirely confident.

Fighting corruption, whether here or in her pre-transmigration world, was a thorny problem.

But she had to try.

After a moment’s thought, Vivian issued a series of new orders.

“The reward system will be revised.”

“Civilians and soldiers who complete a set number of tasks within a month will receive a fixed [Full Attendance] bonus.”

“Task rewards will no longer be limited to the fastest few.”

“As long as tasks are completed on time and to standard, everyone can earn rewards.”

“Reforms in other regions will be slowed for now. Prioritize Evernight City’s reconstruction.”

“And then, the corruption issue.”

Vivian paused, thinking longer before continuing.

“Aria, Lucia, compile a list of all individuals involved in corruption—names, positions, and specific actions, no matter how minor. I want the report in one hour.”

“Yes!”

Aria and Lucia immediately accepted the order.

“To the rest of you, relay my commands.”

“First, select trustworthy warriors to form an independent oversight team directly under me. They will have the authority to inspect any department or warehouse and investigate suspicious accounts or

actions. No one may obstruct them!”

“Second, implement a separation of powers for resource management. Procurement, storage, and distribution will be handled by separate groups. Procurers cannot store, storers cannot distribute, and

distributors cannot procure. Each oversees the others!”

“Third, establish an anonymous reporting system. Those whose reports of corruption are verified will receive thirty percent of the confiscated resources’ value and have their identities protected!”

“Fourth, enforce regular rotation of key positions to prevent anyone from monopolizing roles, building networks, or fostering corruption!”

“Fifth, refine the rules for [Military Merits] and [Points] evaluations. Results must be publicized to eliminate underhanded dealings. Every merit and reward must be transparent!”

“Sixth, strictly prohibit civilians, workers, or soldiers from privately keeping excess resources after tasks. All surplus must be submitted, but extra contributions will be rewarded monthly. Violators will face

severe punishment.”

“Yes!”

The group responded in unison, their voices resounding.

Tempered by war and months of administrative challenges, these former warriors and officers had grown accustomed to their new roles.

Executing orders had become second nature, their actions increasingly precise.

Watching her subordinates file out, Vivian finally relaxed slightly.

A wave of exhaustion washed over her.

She leaned back in her chair, letting out a long sigh.

Being a Demon Lord left no moment for rest!

“Truly, there’s no chance to catch a breath.”

Vivian thought wryly to herself—she was one busy Demon Lord.

Looking back, since transmigrating, the only relatively peaceful time was the month she spent as Lucia’s captive after her defeat.

Ever since escaping, each day had been busier than the last.

“Sigh, I’m almost regretting coming back to rebuild the Evernight Territory.”

Vivian let out a soft groan, rubbing her temples as she muttered a quiet complaint.

She turned to look at Luna, sleeping soundly nearby.

“You’ve got it easy, don’t you? No worries, no thoughts—just eat, sleep, and sleep some more.”

Vivian leaned closer, gazing at Luna’s tender face.

Her fingers gently brushed her daughter’s cheek, her voice tinged with a hint of envy.

“Wuuu?”

Suddenly, Luna let out a soft, mumbled whimper.

Her eyelids fluttered, then slowly, fully opened.

Luna’s pure, curious, lavender eyes, filled with innocent wonder at the world, met her mother Vivian’s crimson gaze for the first time.