Go On, Keep Talking

Recently, all the gloom has been swept away.

At that moment, Hong San felt something and suddenly understood why his master referred to the Holy Ruler as Beichen.

Indeed, the moment Kang De appeared, all his worries and troubles vanished without a trace. The conspiracies of various nations and the internal turmoil within Goth's court became insignificant.

There's a reason why he's the center of attention...

Deterrence has been re-established.

He breathed a long sigh of relief, stood up, and bowed to Kang De.

Kang De turned to the side, letting the sunlight streaming through the window fall on him. "How are things? You must have been under a lot of pressure these past few days. Hopefully, it didn't scare you."

Hong San laughed and said, "This is nothing! Our lord's prestige is still strong, and his troops are well-equipped and elite. We are far from being in dire straits, and there is still plenty of room for maneuver... No matter how difficult the situation, I can hold it. It is my duty."

Kang De nodded and said, "Then my duty is to try my best to prevent my men from fighting and holding their ground in near-limit situations... This time there was a slight mishap, and I will try to avoid it in the future."

Hong San nodded with a smile, "That's exactly what I wanted."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

A warm current surged through Hong San's heart, giving him an indescribable sense of comfort and joy.

My master once said that the greatest fortune for a subject is not to be the emperor's tutor or friend; those are all empty titles. The former is like a clay sculpture to be worshipped, and the latter is like a domestic dog with its tail between its legs.

An even better scenario can be summed up in four words: harmonious relationship between ruler and subject.

Not the kind embellished in history books, but a genuine meeting of kindred spirits and unwavering loyalty.

Just like now, His Highness Kang De has his battlefield, and Hong San also has his own battlefield. The monarch and his subject are fighting on their own battlefields, and they have entrusted and trusted each other. After returning victorious, they simply smile at each other. Just as His Highness never talked about the dangers and setbacks he had experienced, Hong San also did not need to talk about his hardships and dangers.

This is what is meant by a harmonious relationship between ruler and minister.

Master, is this what you've been longing for all your life...?

But this feeling of being touched and warmed lasted only five seconds.

"--So tell me what you've been doing these past few days."

Hong San was first taken aback, then burst into laughter.

He found that spending so much time with His Highness had taught him a few bad habits. He scratched his head and feigned modesty, saying, "Just as Your Highness instructed, we executed hundreds of troublemakers and nobles by firing squad and cannon fire, then bombarded Maple Leaf Palace, planted two bombs in the audience hall, and threatened the entire court."

Kang De proudly declared, "I'm much more awesome. Not long ago, I killed over a dozen dragons with a single wave of shipborne anti-aircraft missiles, dismantled half of the Empire Fleet, and captured the Council and the Elven fleets as well. They're all obediently anchored in the Distant Harbor, crying and begging me to throw them into the prisoner-of-war camp as soon as possible."

Even though he had already seen through the prince's vanity and was going along with his lead, encouraging him to boast a bit to satisfy his ego, Hong San was still taken aback upon hearing this. "Ah... this..."

"Damn it, I thought you wanted me to defend mid lane so you could go and steal the tower. What happened? You've wrecked Riot Games!" -- If Hong San were an Earthling, he'd probably say something like that.

The astonishment lasted only a moment. Hong San glanced at the smug Kang De, pondered for five seconds, and said, "Could it be that the rumor about the mysterious element having an extremely strong ability to infect and corrode is true? The Dragon Legion was infected by the escaped members of the delegation, and then launched an attack on the fleets of the three kingdoms, causing irreversible corrosion and decay to half of the Empire Fleet. Your Highness had to come out in the end to clean up the mess?"

Kang De stared in disbelief and exclaimed, "How could you...?"

Hong San smiled faintly, "Just think about it. If Your Highness returns to the ground and immediately goes on a killing spree, launching an attack on the fleets of the three kingdoms and the Dragon Legion, slaughtering more than half of them, then it means that a full-scale war is almost inevitable. You wouldn't be standing so leisurely in front of me, looking so smug and confident, as if you have someone else's weakness in your grasp, without a trace of murderous intent."

"..."

"--You said that sailors from various countries were crying and begging you to throw them into prisoner-of-war camps. They must have been infected to varying degrees, and Your Highness has the ability to eliminate the infection... I see. This is one of the bargaining chips in the negotiations, forcing the countries to submit."

"..."

"But merely using infected sailors as leverage is not enough. The greatest leverage is still military deterrence. I think Your Highness must have also demonstrated a new deterrent different from the Forbidden Spell. Your beaming face can confirm this. I remember when you brought out a new, strange, and powerful alchemical weapon to defend Valentan, you had the same expression. And this time, being able to kill more than a dozen infected dragons and annihilate half of the fleet, it must be an even larger and more powerful alchemical weapon."

"..."

"Given that you mentioned the term 'shipborne air defense missile,' I know what a missile is. Your Highness is referring to the ultimate weapon with high speed and long range. Air defense missiles are naturally for dealing with aerial enemies. As for shipborne... I think Your Highness may have brought out a ship, a very large and excellent ship."

"... Alright, shut up!" Kang De said. "Want some pastries again?"

Damn it, I've talked to this guy way too much.

They actually remembered them all.

"Alright, alright, you've already guessed it all. That's how it is." Kang De waved his hand impatiently. "I'm out now. Deterrence has been re-established, and the nations dare not use radical methods anymore... The external enemies no longer exist. Now it's your turn to talk about the internal situation."

Hong San lowered his head and said, "Your Highness has already guessed, why make me say it again?"

Kang De fell silent.

He gazed at the warm sunlight streaming through the window and said slowly, "I still want to hear a different answer."

His loyal subjects shattered his illusions. "Your Highness has experienced many upheavals and turmoil; you should be aware of the fragility of the human heart. This is true of the people of Glittering Sand Town, the people of Valentan, and the people of Danfeng Lucerne. What exception could there be? If loyalty and greatness were common qualities, such terms would never exist."

Kang De slowly exhaled.

He had seen it before; large groups of people were gathered near the Maple Leaf Palace.

People of all kinds: those dressed simply, those dressed in rags, and those dressed extravagantly.

A petition, or rather, a coercion.

There's no need to inquire why they came, who instigated them, or what their purpose is; it's obvious.

The people in Distant Harbor were incited in exactly the same way.

The irony is that these same people, who wept, expressed gratitude, and praised Kang De after the Battle of Danfeng Lucerne, were the same group of people.

He shook his head and said, "It's only been a few days..."

Hong San calmly said, "Even the most heartfelt gratitude and praise have an expiration date."

Kang De chuckled.

He thought of Moyani, and of the Comora People, instigated by the France, who had gathered together in resentment and rage, hating their king, as the plague of insects was about to strike.

Afterwards, those people were not held accountable and shamelessly continued to praise the king's benevolence and greatness, as if the previous memory did not exist, and the king did not pursue the matter or care.

Kang De said softly, "Tell me, what should I do?"

"This is the monarch's decision, and it is not for the subjects to interfere with."

Hong San approached Kang De and said, "All I can do is remind Your Highness of two things."

"Explain."

"The first thing is the reason why these civilians were incited and gathered."

Hong San's face was bathed in bright sunlight. "They gathered outside the Maple Leaf Palace not because they thought Goth would abandon the path of conquest and become a peaceful and tranquil little country, nor because they believed in the promises of the nations and thought Goth could continue as a transcendent state. They gathered because they were angry, they were dissatisfied, they were incited, and the only reason they took action was..."

The Cathayan turned his head and looked at Kang De.

"It's simply because... in the last three days, the price of grain in the city has increased eightfold."

"It's that simple?"

"It's that simple."

"I see."

"It's reasonable."

Kang De nodded and said, "The second thing."

"The second thing is also a reminder, a reminder for Your Highness to go and take a look."

"My master said that this world is three parts black, six parts gray, and one part white."

"Sometimes even six parts gray can be quite black, at least clearly distinct from white, which is why some people think that nine parts of the world are black, a mess, and beyond saving."

"But another group of people felt that even this small amount of white space was worth his all-out effort."

Hong San reached out and pressed on Kang De's shoulder. "Look at the sea of people outside the palace, the foolish people cursing and howling, but think about it, in this whole city, inside the houses and buildings, are there any faint voices steadfastly defending you? Even if the people of this city have lost their conscience, look at these loyal warriors around you, the brave men from Valentan who uphold their loyalty and firmly believe in everything you say. And in the Maple Leaf Palace, at least one beautiful maiden still firmly believes in your promise..."

He looked at Kang De's profile and smiled slightly, "At least, if you say that Goth People are all ungrateful bastards, I think these loyal warriors outside would be saddened and disappointed by that."

Kang De remained silent.

The retainer took two steps back and waited attentively.

"Hong San... I saw something underground. It was magnificent and beautiful, hiding countless mysteries, opportunities, and the future. It was a gift and wealth from the previous era. I accepted this gift and also saw a vague picture of the future, but it was not detailed. The only thing I know is this: a difficult war awaits me in the future, but it is not without hope."

"To this end..."

Kang De paused for a moment. "We need power, more power, greater power."

Hong San pondered for a moment, "I understand... So we still need to reach some kind of agreement or consensus with Goth?"

"Of course... no!" Kang De said coldly, "Who do they think they are?"

He strode towards the gate.

Hong San followed closely behind. "So, what does Your Highness intend to do?"

"How to do it? Do whatever feels good!" Kang De shouted. "With the momentum of a great victory, we've broken through the crisis on all sides. They're the ones who should be afraid. Why should I hesitate and be timid?"

He turned to Hong San: "You're right. The people are gathering to protest because food prices have skyrocketed and there's nothing to eat. The nobles oppose me because they are the beneficiaries and feel there's no need to take any risks. You're telling me this to remind me that if I want them to genuinely support and pledge their loyalty to me, it's actually quite simple."

"It's just a matter of distributing profits, letting everyone at all levels know that there's something to gain."

"Follow me, and you'll get to eat meat—it's a universal rule, that's what they say in online novels, but you didn't finish the story. Before that, I need to let them know something else, which is..."

"--Oppose me, and you'll get beaten up!"

He kicked the door open, and the guards turned around in astonishment, then their faces lit up with ecstatic joy.

"Assemble!" Kang De shouted, "Please watch the movie!"

Five minutes later, the chariots roared and thundered as the light and heavy vehicles, made into a ferocious shape by the greenskins with bones, shields, wooden spikes, iron spears, and even paint, roared forward and rushed across the wide road.

In the chaotic crowd, the instigating spy spotted the figure standing on the vehicle at the front, his eyes widened in disbelief, followed by extreme panic.

Wherever the convoy went, the roar of engines silenced the excited discussions and impassioned speeches in cafes and pubs.

On the south plaza of the Maple Leaf Palace, the venue for national holiday celebrations, a large number of protesters gathered, shouting noisily. Nobles and scholars were their leaders. The people cried out, calling for peace and rejecting conspiracy and war. They were fervent, shouting, and even had tears in their eyes. For the first time, these ordinary people discovered their own power. The power of everyone gathered together was enough to shake Danfeng Lucerne, shake the Maple Leaf Palace, and change the country, and even the world.

But this illusion shattered in an instant. The people at the very back heard the roar of the engine and turned around in astonishment to see the shadow standing on the alchemical chariot.

It wasn't the butcher of Cathay, whom they hated and despised, but someone else.

"Kang... Kang..."

A deathly silence spread rapidly, and the heavy atmosphere swept from the back to the front like a cold wave. As if by telepathy among the group, the people who were shouting wildly just a moment ago fell silent in unease the next. They turned around in astonishment as boundless fear suddenly descended upon them.

They insulted Kang De, denounced Kang De, and criticized Kang De. They used collective action to fight fear, used noise to cover up their apprehension, and even absurdly believed that as long as they gathered together to protest, Kang De would submit to their will, since the Forbidden Spell had not fallen on their heads.

--And now, the selfish, evil, and Cathay villains of China they spoke of have appeared.

But no one dared to stand up and condemn or question it.

The passionate scholars dared not, the righteous nobles dared not, the thugs who used money to cause trouble dared not, and the common people who were coerced into joining in dared not.

A rare and extraordinary phenomenon has occurred. If a sociologist were here, they would certainly consider this a valuable case study: collective violence, collective fanaticism, collective blindness, and collective fear.

Human beings, through extreme fanaticism and fear, actually coordinated as a whole.

It was as if a phantom, invisible demon had gripped everyone's throat.

Kang De's cold, sharp gaze swept across the square.

In fact, due to the distance, only a small group of people who were closest to him saw Kang De's gaze sweeping across the square, but the vast number of people in the square involuntarily lowered their heads, even though from their perspective Kang De was just a small dot in the distance... but they still felt that Kang De was looking at them.

Then they heard a thunderous roar, "Make way!"

The engines roared, and the crowd parted rapidly like a tidal wave, retreating quickly and swiftly, countless figures pressed chest to back, staggering and jostling in all directions. Then they heard a shout, "Slow down!"

As a result, their panicked bodies became stiff and slow.

A potential massive crowding and riot was quietly quelled.

Kang De spat on the ground. "Damn."

Hong San, who was driving, shook his head. "To slander a well-intentioned hero who saves you as a terrible demon, and then to genuinely fear him... what a loss of public awareness..."

With the accelerator pressed down, Kang De approached amidst fearful, silent gazes.

The knights guarding the gates of the Maple Leaf Palace wore complex expressions.

"Do you want me to break through, or do you want me to turn around and leave, never to come back?"

Kang De said, "Make way."

The audience hall had turned into a marketplace once again. Those who had won the victory the day before were now pressing on with their goals. This time, their aim was to persuade the Grand Duke to quickly issue a statement relinquishing his ownership of the mysterious element in exchange for Goth's peace and stability. The lobbyists were in a hurry because this matter needed to be resolved as soon as possible.

The sooner you agree, the more bargaining power you have.

Otherwise, once the enemy is at the gates, the terms will be different.

Count Cassat of the Moras Family was giving a loud speech, drawing cheers from the crowd. He had already received the Empire's promise; the Holy Emperor's investiture was in place. As long as he could persuade the Grand Duke to agree, they could set off for the Empire that very night. Before that, the family and their property had already been secretly transferred.

"Teldrassil is responsible for the good people of this nation. We don't need hegemony, nor do we need to bully the weak to demonstrate our strength. This is not Goth, nor is it the spirit that founded our nation. Perhaps this mysterious substance is beneficial to national defense, but more than that, I want gold, food, peace, and security to reward those who have silently contributed to this nation, rather than letting this war-torn country be bound to a hopeless war machine by someone's conspiracy, sliding rapidly towards..."

The noise in the hall drowned out the chaos outside the door, until a loud bang.

The heavy doors were flung open with tremendous force, and everyone turned around to see two rows of soldiers in strange uniforms filing in, carrying oddly shaped alchemical weapons. They ignored the wary guards and formed a semi-circle around the people in the audience hall.

Count Cassat saw Hong San carry in a huge chair, and his eyes flashed with unease and anger. He then roared, "Hong San, Cathayan! According to the agreement between the Grand Duke and you, you are not qualified to set foot in the sacred Maple Leaf Palace again. This is a provocation against Goth! Your men will be..."

Suddenly, his pupils contracted, and his face, flushed with anger, turned deathly pale, because he saw the person behind Hong San —everyone else had seen him.

The Grand Duke, seated on his throne, closed his eyes and slowly exhaled.

The noisy hall fell silent in an instant.

A loud bang was heard as Hong San placed the chair on the ground, causing it to vibrate.

He stepped aside, and Kang De, facing countless gazes, sat down with an air of nonchalance.

He crossed his legs, dusted off a bit of dust from his trousers, and his gaze fell on the Earl.

"Explain."

He said calmly, "Go on."

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: "Following me" means I'm still at my hometown, and the people upstairs have been drilling something yesterday and today. Besides, I didn't take time off for this, so why would you think I'm making up a story?

PS2: My recent work schedule has been affected by a series of issues, including plot changes, adjustments to the outline, and my personal condition. I'm not saying this to elicit sympathy; I chose to write this story because I encountered uncontrollable factors, and I will bear the consequences myself. I haven't taken any leave and have tried my best to update every day. If you're willing to understand, please do; if not, just consider it a joke. But do you think I care about the negative comments like "This author actually insults readers, how tasteless!"?

PS3: Yes, I'm talking to you, you ID "Kai Ya Ku Lie", you're a fucking bastard.