A Stranger in a Strange Land Is Held in Contempt

"Lord Henry! General Henry!"

Having just left the Justice Hall and stepped out of the City Hall, the temporary commander of the Empire Fleet had barely taken a breath of fresh air when he heard shouts behind him.

Looking back, he saw an old man and a young boy, two people with yellow skin and black eyes, running towards him.

Henry was taken aback for a moment, then broke into a smile, completely unlike his earlier arrogant and domineering demeanor before the nobles of the Distant Harbor. He nodded and said, "Nice to meet you. And who are you two?"

The middle-aged man bowed and said, "My name is Han Zezheng. My ancestors were granted the hereditary title of Baron by the Governor of Distant Harbor. We run a shipping business in Distant Harbor and also own two shops that polish and sell items in the style of our hometown. This is my eldest son, Han Guangcheng, who is twenty-four years old this year and is still studying at the Distant Harbor Riding School."

He speaks the Continental Common Language very fluently, almost indistinguishable from the Goth People.

The young man was about to bow with his hand on his chest when his father turned and glared at him. "Kowtowing to the adults."

He was about to kneel down when Colonel Henry quickly stepped forward and supported him, saying, "Don't kneel."

Then, the imperial man explained to Han Zezheng, "His Highness Kang De doesn't like it."

"What a kind and generous person you are."

Upon hearing this, Han Zezheng praised it and respectfully bowed towards the direction of the Sound of the Tide Mountain Manor.

The young man, Han Guangcheng, also bowed.

Then, this minor nobleman from the Distant Harbor of Cathay explained to Colonel Henry, "As you know, in our homeland, only the most benevolent rulers would sympathize with the hardships of the common people. Without a doubt, His Highness Kang De is a kind and just ruler, and he must be a most noble man in Cathay."

The Imperial man thought, "How the hell should I know?" But that didn't stop him from smiling and nodding in agreement, "Yes, His Highness Kang De is the most benevolent and just official I have ever met."

With warm and sincere smiles on their faces, the two stood in front of the city hall and praised Kang De in unison.

It's as if the fact that Kang De ordered the nobles' vote to be overturned in the town hall, and insisted on subjecting all the dozens of nobles involved to the cruelest punishments, never existed.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Han Zezheng took Colonel Henry's hand and quietly handed him a gold watch inlaid with various crystals.

He whispered, "My lord, you enjoy the deep trust of His Highness Kang De. I beg you to grant me a humble wish: my son and I wish to witness His Highness Kang De's majesty and hear his admonitions."

"You have taken pity on us, wandering in foreign lands for hundreds of years, like rootless weeds. Now we have finally seen the sun after the clouds. We are eager to bask in His Highness Kang De's glory. We wish to pledge our Cathayan to our own leaders, lords, and even kings. We have waited for this day for far too long. We beg you, kind sir, please help us open this door."

Colonel Henry slightly turned his palm, and by the sunlight, he could clearly see the quality of the gold watch. The dozens of colorful diamonds sparkled brilliantly, and the gold watch's relief was as fine as a hook, making it extremely precious and valuable.

He slipped the gold watch back into Han Zezheng's hand.

The Cathayan was taken aback, then pleaded, "My lord, my merciful lord..."

"Don't worry, Han, my friend, you don't need to do this." Colonel Henry smiled and patted the other's rough, wrinkled hand. "I'd be delighted to see a powerful and loyal nobleman join Lord Kang De's ranks. I'm happy to introduce you, and no reward is needed. I can only promise you that I will deliver your request for an audience to the Sound of the Tide Mountain Manor, but I cannot guarantee the outcome..."

"That's enough, sir, that's more than enough," Han Zezheng said joyfully. "Oh, praise you! I don't know how to repay your kindness..."

"No need to repay me, my friend."

The Imperial man laughed loudly and patted Han Zezheng on the shoulder, "You are a smart man, a smart gentleman, a wise man from Cathay. I think we are the same kind of people. We are both good at sniffing out opportunities and never let go of those precious opportunities, going all out, right?"

"Yes... yes, yes, yes," the Cathayan said, bowing his head. "Absolutely."

"Then," the colonel said, "I will return to the Sound of the Tide Manor to report to His Highness, you..."

"We came by carriage. The adults went ahead, and we'll catch up soon."

"Don't stay up too late, my friend."

"No, Your Excellency. I wish I could be thirty years younger so we could ride side by side at full speed."

They waved goodbye amidst friendly laughter.

Han Zezheng led his son quickly toward their carriage.

"Hey."

He waved goodbye to the colonel in the distance one last time, then turned his gaze away, quickened his pace, and muttered, "Incredible, truly incredible."

Han Guangcheng, the son, asked in a low voice, "Dad, what's so amazing?"

Then his father glared at him. "You beast! You spend all your time hanging out with boatmen and laborers. Our ancestors sailed thousands of miles across the ocean, risking their lives to come to this foreign land, all for the sake of survival! We finally made it ashore, and now you're going to go back to sea! You're driving me crazy!"

The young man lowered his head and didn't argue.

Seeing his expression, Han Zezheng: "When you see Lord Kang De later, be careful! Talk less, do less, and observe and listen more!"

They arrived at their carriage, and Han Guangcheng hurriedly helped his father into the carriage before getting in and sitting down himself.

The driver cracked his whip and, as instructed by his master, sped up.

Silence fell over the carriage. After a moment, Han Guangcheng cautiously asked, "Father, are we going to seek refuge with Prince Kang De?"

Han Zezheng glared at him. "Otherwise what?"

"... Isn't this too hasty?" the young man whispered. "To be honest, Lord Kang's move is a bit unpopular, truly domineering. Killing so many nobles isn't enough; he even wants to torture them..."

You don't know anything!

Old Han then lectured, "I told you to read more of the history books passed down from our ancestors, but you just wouldn't! Since ancient times, when dynasties changed, no matter how powerful or wealthy a family was, countless heads were chopped off. Noble families and powerful clans were wiped out, yet throughout the millennia, which dynasty lacked nobles? Look at those nobles here today; their ancestors hundreds of years ago were probably some impoverished people who slaughtered chickens and dogs. Weren't our Han Family also laborers who drifted here on ships?"

He softened his tone and said, "Killing... has never been a problem. Killing nobles is no big deal either. You see nobles as important figures, but what do people see nobles as? Once you've cut them off, there's room for others to take their place—especially obedient ones."

Han Guangcheng pondered for a moment, "So... Father is going to have to step in?"

"Otherwise what? A cold stove is starting to smoke again, it's the time to rise up. Your Highness has no foundation in Distant Harbor, he's a powerful dragon. I observe that his actions show he intends to subdue Distant Harbor and make this city his own."

Han Zezheng explained to his eldest son, "Now that His Highness is showing his sharp edge and wants to make the nobles of Distant Harbor bow down, the latter refuse to back down, and it is a contest of strength. I am taking advantage of the fact that the outcome is still undecided to go and serve His Highness Kang De. Even if it is not a timely help, it is still a wise choice to serve, and I will surely be praised and appreciated."

"Furthermore, we are blessed by our ancestors with this body of black hair and yellow skin. We are, after all, Cathayan, and are naturally closer. On this trip, we are willing to do our utmost, and Your Highness will surely think highly of us."

Han Guangcheng hesitated for a moment. "But I'm still in a bit of a rush..."

"What's the rush? The sooner the better. What else can we do? Wait until they've won a great victory before we go to them for help? The Han Family is just a small, insignificant family. If we're not very attentive, they won't even give us a second glance."

At this Han Zezheng sighed, lamenting that his eldest son was simply not cut out for business.

But what could he do? He could only teach by example, hoping that one day the boy would understand.

A hint of unease flashed in Han Guangcheng's eyes. "But... Father, the outcome is uncertain. I admit that Kang De's methods are extremely skillful, but the battlefield and the political arena are different. Furthermore, his arrogance has offended not only the nobles of the Distant Harbor, but even the entire Goth nobility will feel dissatisfied..."

He looked curious. "Father, do you think His Highness Kang De will definitely win?"

"I'm not a fortune teller. How can one predict the future in business? I can only find clues from the slightest hints..." Han Zezheng replied. "Although I don't know what gives His Highness Kang De the confidence, I do know that Colonel Henry, the fleet commander of the Holy Empire, has completely pledged allegiance to Lord Conde. The forces of Twilight Moon and the Council are so arrogant, yet they are willing to obey His Highness Kang De's orders."

"Based on this, I dare say that Distant Harbor has no chance of winning this confrontation."

Han Guangcheng seemed to be deep in thought.

The old father glanced at his simple-minded son and sighed, "Son, even if we have no chance of winning, the Han Family has no other choice. Think about it again, what kind of life did our Han Family lead a few months ago? We were lucky to even keep our ancestral property. What will the Han Family be like when His Highness Kang De appears? Even the Governor-General is willing to smile at me."

"Even today, with Lord Kang having Distant Harbor, those nobles, though distant from us, are still very polite and dare not offend us. Whose influence is this all thanks to?"

"Colonel Henry treated the nobles of Distant Harbor as nothing, but he was very polite to us, father and son. Why was that? Wasn't it because we were also Cathayan with black hair and yellow skin?"

"So we have no choice. If we go to Lord Kang now and beg him to take us in, even if His Highness loses, he can protect us. Otherwise, if Lord Kang backs down and we become neutral, these Goth People will turn around and bully us... Do you understand?"

He reached out and patted his son's shoulder. "While I'm still not senile and not old, I can only leave a way out for you and your younger siblings. I don't expect you to become successful, nor do I expect you to bring our ancestors back to their roots. I just hope that you will be safe and sound, and that your family will flourish..."

The old man, after a moment of self-pity, then lectured, "So be smart! If His Highness asks you a question later, don't throw a tantrum. Answer properly. If our ancestors take pity on you and His Highness takes a liking to you, even as a lowly servant grinding ink for you, that would be your good fortune..."

This time, Han Guangcheng did not bow his head to accept the scolding. He opened the window, the carriage sped by, and the scenery outside the window rushed past. From here, one could see the distant sea, with silver warships quietly anchored on the waves.

He murmured, "If Your Highness would allow me to work on that ship, even as the lowest-ranking sailor cleaning the deck, I would gladly accept it, and I would even be willing to die on board."

He had barely finished speaking when he was struck on the head with a slap.

"You unfilial son! You dare to go on such a divine ship? Don't even mention it again, or I'll send you to the northern desert to trade. You can row your ship there all you want!"

Twenty minutes later, at the Sound of the Tide Manor.

Kang De put down his pen, stretched his limbs, and laughed, "Oh, so soon we've got someone to help us out, and they're even from the same hometown, haha..."

Even though Horus had already overheard Colonel Henry and Han Zezheng's conversation through the bracelet, he also informed Kang De that a father and son of Cathay Danes wanted to join him.

However, when facing the object of the PRISM, one should still politely pretend not to know.

The Imperial Colonel stood before him and said respectfully, "Yes, I have prepared all the relevant information about this Han Zezheng, his family, and his businesses. It's right here."

He handed over a document with both hands.

Kang De pretended to flip through a couple of pages, then casually remarked, "Quickly done."

"It was finished this morning," Henry Baker replied. "I had someone spend the whole day collecting and compiling information on respectable people from all walks of life in Distant Harbor, and it's coming in handy now. The other documents and records have been sent to the archives on the first floor of the manor for your reference at any time."

Kang De smiled and said, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

It is my honor to serve Your Highness.

"I'm so glad you could help me, Henry."

Kang De nodded to him. "Let the Han Family father and son in. They are the first people you introduced to me, and I must meet them no matter what—so that they will remember your kindness."

Henry looked surprised and touched. "Thank you... Your Highness!"

Kang De waved his hand. "Alright, Henry, go do your own thing. By the way, Colonel, I hope you get a good night's sleep tonight instead of working all night."

"Yes, sir!"

A short while later, Henry led the two men in and then closed the door.

Han Zezheng glanced at Kang De, then bowed deeply. "This humble old man, Han Zezheng, is from Fengzhou. I have brought my son, Guangcheng, to greet Lord Kang!"

Even though he knew he was an Earthling and had no connection whatsoever with the Cathayan here, Kang De still subconsciously felt a sense of closeness to the East people with similar skin and hair color, and even similar language and culture—definitely more so than to the mainlanders with their high noses, deep-set eyes, blond hair, and blue eyes.

He raised his hand and said, "No need for formalities. There are no servants here, so we don't stand on ceremony. Please sit over there; food and water are on the table. Please make yourselves at home and don't feel constrained."

After thanking him, Han Zezheng sat down in an armchair, barely touching the seat with his bottom.

Han Guangcheng stood behind his father.

Prior to this, Kang De's understanding of Cathay was limited to Hong San.

He had also heard Hong San talk about some things about Cathay, but the channels of information were still extremely limited. After all, Hong San's master had a very high level of vision and talked about the art of governing the world, without much of a down-to-earth feel to it.

This is the first time I've ever had a proper conversation with these ordinary Cathay immigrants.

As usual, he asked how life was, how business was, how many people were in your family, and if you were having any difficulties.

I remember a common proverb that says, "A person is cheap when they leave their hometown, sailing the sea alone in a boat, their face covered in wind and waves. Alas, how difficult!"

Han Zezheng shook his head and sighed, "In our ancestors' time, Cathay and Goth traded with each other, exchanging goods and services. Our country is rich and powerful, so even if we are in a foreign land, we live quite well, and people respect us."

"Once the land of Divine Land was destroyed, the elves blocked the shipping routes, and trade between the two sides was cut off. We were like rootless duckweed. At first, they were quite respectful, but later they regarded us with even less regard."

Even if you buy an official title, you can't change your appearance. People can tell at a glance that you're different from them. Yellow skin, black hair, Cathayan. No matter how well you speak the common language or how much money you pay in taxes, they won't recognize you as Goth People. You just look different from them.

"A person is worthless when they leave their hometown, a person is worthless when they leave their hometown."

Han Zezheng rambled on for a while, laying the groundwork before finally getting to the point.

He rose shakily and bowed deeply to Kang De: "If it weren't for Your Highness's sudden emergence and awe-inspiring presence, making the Western nations aware of our people's name, we Eastern peoples would still be struggling like rootless duckweed in a foreign land. I, an old man, still have ancestral property and can still make a living, but how many of my kinsmen have died without a burial place? Your Highness, we, these wandering ghosts, have longed for a king who will grant us land and territory for a very, very long time!"

At this point, he shouted, "The Han Family of Distant Harbor is willing to die for Your Highness! We beg Your Highness to accept us!"

--A group of Cathayan admire your military prowess and want to join you. Would you accept them?

That definitely won't work.

Just kidding, you say you're willing to die for me, so am I obligated to accept?

Companies usually have a probationary period to assess applicants.

What if it's a family that usually bullies men and women and has a long history of bad behavior, and they come here to play the victim and say a few nice words to trick you into accepting their help without your knowledge? Wouldn't that be disgusting?

Before heading to Valentan, Hong San had a detailed conversation with Kang De.

One point that needs to be emphasized is that you must be very careful when acquiring dogs.

People in this world value this highly. Loyalty is the highest form of contract. Just like Hong San's promise to become Kang De's retainer, even without a formal oath of allegiance, it is a gentleman's promise, a lifelong commitment. Not only do subjects have obligations to their rulers, but rulers also have responsibilities to their subjects.

For example, the Han Family... He mentioned "death for loyalty" and "acceptance," which means loyalty.

If Kang De agrees, the Han Family will become dependent on Kang De and obey Kang De every command. However, in return, everything the family has done in the past, present, and future will be tied to Kang De.

Hong San trusted Kang De with everything, except that he knew his master lacked common sense, so he gave him a special reminder: short-term laborers and long-term laborers are two completely different concepts.

Kang De gestured to Han Guangcheng, "Quickly help your father up."

Han Zezheng's heart skipped a beat—oh no, he'd acted too hastily.

"There's no need for anyone to die for me. I'm a kind person and can't stand fighting and killing. I don't do anything shameful, so I don't need anyone to die for me."

Kang De looked at Han Zezheng, "But mutual assistance is still possible, Mr. Han. You are right about one thing: we are all wanderers far from our homeland, and we should help each other, support each other, and progress together—don't you agree?"

"Yes, yes."

"Then, could you do me a favor?"

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PS1: I just set a goal last night...

PS2: And this chapter, sigh, it's been written so slowly because I've been careful with my words. Han Zezheng, the Cathayan, speaks the Continental Common Language, while Henry, the Imperial, speaks the common language of the continent. So the wording and content are similar in style, with a bit of a translated feel. Even the way he calls Henry "General" instead of "Colonel" is intentional. He uses Zhendan Language with his son, and the conversation between father and son is mostly lecturing, so it's more casual and leans towards colloquial language. But when speaking to a great figure like Kang De, one has to be respectful yet simple and sincere, and also a bit more refined and literary...

PS3: I started working on it on a whim, but then I got a little discouraged and lost. I don't know if I'm just wasting my time... Oh well, as long as I'm happy, goodnight.