The Four Ministries of the Shogunate

I was so stupid, really.

In the bedroom, Kang De raised his lifeless eyes and spoke.

"I only knew that there were infatuated women who would sexually exploit virgin boys, but I didn't know there would be in Distant Harbor as well. I opened the door early this morning and saw her smiling at me, wanting to see if my development was normal..."

"--Damn it!" A Xing shouted, "That pointy ear!"

Kang De tilted his head and buried it in A Xing's soft chest, whimpering, "I'm so scared!"

A dagger-like gaze came from the side, but the Dragon Girl leaned against the side, sneering silently.

The men who had mistakenly entered the third floor have retreated to the second floor.

"You! Didn't! See! Anything!"

The elven officers, their faces fierce and their brows furrowed, gripped their weapons and swept their gazes over the witnesses. "For the sake of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Kang De's honor, swear that you will never reveal what you have seen to the public. Otherwise, the raging wrath of the Dusk Moon Dynasty will consume everything you have!"

At this point, an elven naval officer's tightly pursed lips suddenly curled into a smile.

His companion subtly nudged him with his elbow.

Another one with pointed ears turned its head, opened its mouth exaggeratedly, moved it slightly, and then its facial muscles trembled for a moment before it suppressed its uncontrollable laughter with strong body control.

After the initial shock, the elves' feelings had become extremely complicated.

Unlike the army, they had no deep-seated hatred for Kang De. The animosity they felt towards Kang De, stemming from their shared membership in the Elven military, had gradually dissipated during the Battle of Distant Harbor and subsequent operations. Kang De's actions, responsibilities, and conduct during the Broken Isles incident further impressed the Elven navy. The instant noodles, radio broadcasts, and power armor in Distant Harbor further emboldened the proud elves.

The recognition of Kang De, coupled with the anxieties surrounding the antagonistic relationship between Kang De and the elves, has become a source of dilemma for many elven naval personnel. Therefore, after witnessing the scene on the third floor...

Only one thought remained in their minds.

--Your Majesty, you did a good job! You did a good job!

As expected of our king, hurry up and finalize the engagement, kick Goth out of the game!

Other military officers and spellcasters from various countries who witnessed the same scene were not so happy at all—instead, they were both shocked and worried.

They never expected that the gossip circulating on the mainland was actually true, and what surprised and envied everyone even more was that the Phoenix King had taken the initiative!

They watched as Prince Kang De was pinned to the table and kissed by the Elf Queen, like a submissive wife.

That scene was both hilarious and terrifying.

Ironically, the invincible and domineering Prince Kang De also had such a pitiful and helpless side, practically like a humiliated little girl.

The terrifying thing is that Prince Kang De, who wields Forbidden Spell sword and whose alchemy is unparalleled on the continent, may completely side with the elves. The issues of war casualties and hatred that have been hindering cooperation between the two sides have disappeared with the Elven Queen's condescension and proactive attack—and the cause of all this is love.

Yes, love.

A fairy tale fabricated by a lowly bard.

From emperors of supreme status to impoverished peasants, their daughters' marriages were not based on love, but on exchanges of interests. When emperors chose sons-in-law, they considered what benefits their daughters could bring, or who they could control or weaken. When peasants married off their daughters, they considered whether the other party had daughters who would marry into their family and what they would bring to their own. In this world, love seemed to exist only as a fantasy in dramas.

But now, it is a terrifying thing with immense power.

Only love could bring the Elf Queen and the Dragon of Cathay together, setting aside their war and hatred. For love, they could overturn and eliminate all opposition, and this union of love would unleash an energy powerful enough to shake the continent and forever change the international landscape—it's terrifying!

The generals and spellcasters from various countries present were already in turmoil. Although they were now serving Kang De, they had their own national and family interests, and they were also aware of the immense upheaval that would ensue if the rumors of Kang De's affair with the Phoenix King were confirmed.

At this moment, they had only one thought in their minds.

--Goth People, what are you doing?!

Can't even keep an eye on her own son-in-law?!

They glared angrily at the Goth People present.

In the small waiting room on the second floor, Dong Tianming and Hong San were having a secret discussion.

"Yes, that's how it is." Hong San was extremely obedient in front of his master, "Our lord is as handsome as jade, and his talent is Main God and respect him. Besides heroes and valiant men, naturally, there are also beauties who secretly admire him..."

"That's not right," Dong Tianming said, puzzled. "If he's so charming, then judging from his features, why is His Highness still a virgin? He doesn't seem to practice any martial arts..."

Hong San was shocked and lowered his voice, saying, "Master, please be quiet! Our lord is very petty and can't stand such words. Master, please be more careful in the future..."

Mr. Dong couldn't understand. "Why?"

"I don't know either. Our lord is no ordinary man; his thoughts are unconventional and beyond the comprehension of ordinary people," Hong San whispered. "When he was collecting fines from the nobles of the Distant Harbor, he invented a 'lover's tax.' For every additional lover a noble lord had, the fine would increase by 30%..."

Dong Tianming pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "This is not quite appropriate."

"Master?"

The old man glanced at his wayward disciple, his expression one of exasperation, and said, "You've followed our lord for so long, serving him faithfully and plotting important matters. Why have you neglected the most crucial thing?"

"Ah?"

"Bloodline and descendants! Without offspring, people's hearts are unsettled. Didn't you even think of this?" Dong Tianming lowered his voice. "So what exactly did Your Highness do? Could it be..."

His eyes widened. "Doesn't he understand at all?"

Hong San gave a wry smile.

He knows more than you do; most of the dirty jokes circulating in Valentan and Distant Harbor originated from His Highness...

Dong Tianming was truly baffled. He racked his brains, when suddenly a thought flashed through his mind, "Wait a minute... Could it be that he is firmly guarding the defenses of the Divine Land and refuses to marry a foreigner?"

He had guessed this possibility, and upon careful consideration, it did indeed make sense. The Imperial Tutor revealed a complex expression, and he sighed softly, "I never expected His Highness Kang De to be like this... Alas, in the past, they were called barbarians beyond the borders, but the Twilight Moon Army is powerful, spanning thousands of miles, with excellent military equipment and a vast territory. Their people are tall, fair, and upright, resembling those of the Divine Land. How can we look down on them as barbarians? Although the Holy Empire and the Council slightly inferior, they are not far behind."

The Imperial Tutor lowered his head and said sadly, "Looking at Divine Land, it has suffered such a calamity. Outside, there are bloodthirsty barbarians; inside, there are cunning and treacherous villains. Plagues are rampant, and evil thoughts are growing. In the past, just one of these would have been enough to destabilize the country and threaten the fate of the nation, but now four have come at once... The virtuous and righteous people are united in their resolve, fighting with all their might to protect the remaining land. If we still regard all foreign lands as barbarians, we will be laughed at."

Hong San said sadly, "Master..."

"Fortunately, Heaven has not abandoned Divine Land." Dong Tianming thought of the magnificent waves that shone brightly in the sky last night, and his heart still trembled. He had been crossing the sea to the east for decades and had finally waited for the person he was waiting for.

To assist His Highness Kang De, cultivate power, consolidate the foundation, form alliances, leverage the strengths of foreign lands, raise elite troops to cross the sea to the west, and save the day from collapse!

He said solemnly, "The most important thing now is Your Highness's marriage. We must find a way to persuade Your Highness to put aside the great defenses of the Divine Land. Although she is a woman from a foreign land, she is also a woman of exceptional beauty and talent. Princess Tina is renowned for her beauty throughout the continent and must be an excellent woman. The Phoenix King's appearance is also rare throughout history. Your Highness is going to accomplish great things, so the more virtuous wives and confidantes you have, the better."

Hong San's expression was subtle. "This... Master..."

"What? Is this the time to talk about etiquette?" Dong Tianming thought his disciple thought this was unreasonable, so he glared at him and said, "Besides, although our dynasty's laws clearly state that a man with a wife cannot remarry, there are also relevant laws regarding Twilight Moon and Goth. So, if Your Highness marries one woman in Divine Land, Twilight Moon marries one woman, and Goth marries one woman, each is considered separately, which naturally means strictly adhering to the laws and customs of various countries, and it does not count as remarriage."

... Is this really okay?

"The nation's well-being is paramount; how can we get bogged down in such trivial matters?"

Dong Tianming said, "The Star Palace was severely damaged and shaken, and for the time being, it has no time to attend to the mortal Mortal World. I intend to reopen the Grand Line, but this requires the approval of the Elves. Once the two continents are reconnected and trade resumes, the pressure on Divine Land will be greatly relieved—but this requires the cooperation of Twilight Moon."

He paused here, his expression turning somber, and said, "Once shipping resumes, we will not only gain valuable resources, weaponry, and military strength from this continent, but we can also reciprocate by exporting our own weaponry, manpower, and influence. His Highness Kang De must have the voice of Divine Land by his side; we alone cannot do it."

The Imperial Tutor looked at his disciple and said softly, "The voice of the royal family is essential... This is also a personal matter for me, and I will not hide it from you, nor from His Highness."

Hong San said softly, "Master, I understand."

"No, you don't understand..." The old man's gaze drifted out the window. "The late emperor invited me to come out of seclusion, and together we founded the nation. That era was glorious, forged by our own hands. The laws were strict, and there was never war. We thought this was just the beginning, that this country would become the most glorious and greatest nation under heaven, a time that future generations would yearn for and long to return to... But calamity came silently, without warning."

He said softly, "If the dynasty were to fall because of a tyrannical ruler, corrupt officials, cruel landlords, and starving people, it would simply be a matter of rise and fall. The demise of a nation is the natural order of things. But we did nothing wrong, yet the heavens sent down terrifying calamities, slaughtering, distorting, and corrupting our people. Our late emperor died with resentment, and our soldiers died in countless battles. We did nothing wrong... Every one of those who died carried with them endless obsession and resentment."

"And I... I want to stop the catastrophe, I want to save all living beings, and beyond that..."

Dong Tianming closed his eyes and calmly said, "I want the dynasty to continue without a change of dynasty, to be the last loyal servant of the late emperor who did nothing wrong but exhausted his life and died with resentment."

"Master..."

"I have already thought of it... Given the depth of the calamity Divine Land, if His Highness Kang De could purge the wicked, then the Holy Emperor changing the dynasty's name and succeeding to the throne would be an unstoppable force. However, I wish to leave a legacy for the dynasty I serve and to preserve some dignity for the late Emperor."

Dong Tianming pondered for a long time before whispering, "If His Highness Kang De marries His Majesty and gives birth to a crown prince who inherits the throne, the country's name will remain unchanged, the dynasty will remain the same, and the bloodline of the supreme ruler will subtly change, yet he will retain the mark and aspirations of the royal family. He can still rule the country and be revered by all the people... Will His Highness Kang De accept this?"

This was the Imperial Tutor's last act of loyalty and devotion, but he remained uneasy, unsure whether Prince Kang De would accept it—for the nature of an emperor, for human nature, if it were possible to change dynasties and become the Great Emperor Gaozu, who would bear the name of the previous dynasty, leaving the people and officials with the shadow of that dynasty?

"No, Master."

Upon hearing his apprentice's answer, Dong Tianming's face darkened.

The next moment, Hong San sighed, "His Highness Kang De... perhaps does not wish for the throne to continue."

Dong Tianming suddenly opened his eyes, his face full of astonishment.

Just then, a calm voice came through the room's loudspeaker. "Meeting in session."

That was His Highness Kang De's summons.

The wall that had been shattered by two Imperial officers with their Warhammer had been restored by the engineering mage. The mess on the ground had been cleaned up, and even the tables and chairs had been replaced. Kang De sat in the head seat, his expression calm, as if he hadn't been the one who had been pinned down on the table and kissed and licked earlier.

Everyone put on a stern face; nothing had just happened.

The evacuation of the Broken Isles has been a complete success, and the formidable enemy has been eliminated.

But the matter did not end there.

A meeting must be held to confirm the next steps and tasks.

Because tens of thousands of refugees from different social classes and backgrounds have crowded into Distant Harbor, it is necessary to accept, sort out, digest and absorb them. How to utilize and settle these tens of thousands of new members, provide them with jobs and enable them to create wealth is an important task for Distant Harbor City Hall.

"... No, it's not a task assigned by the Distant Harbor City Hall."

Dong Tianming objected to Kang De's statement. "This is the Shogunate's task."

He sat first to Kang De's right, as a sign of respect and status. Next to him was his beloved disciple Hong San, and further to his side were members of the military, political, and legal factions of Valentan and the Distant Harbor Group.

To Kang De's left, the first figure is Horus, dressed in a black robe as a member of the Traitor Suppression Society. Beneath the hood of the black robe is a cold, metallic face. Iron Son has shrunk his Transformers form to human size. Next to him sits the stunningly beautiful ship girl, A Fu, with her pink hair styled in an updo.

This young lady, dressed in military attire like a knight, was so youthful and adorable. The contrast between her stern attire and her pure face created a stunning charm, making it difficult for the men present to look away from her captivating gaze.

Below A Fu are the leaders of foreign aid from various countries.

Kang De smiled and asked, "What are your thoughts, Mr. Dong?"

The Imperial Tutor bowed to Kang De and said, "This old man has been showing off... But after this matter, Your Highness's territory and people will not be limited to Distant Harbor alone, and the authority of the Distant Harbor City Hall should no longer be too great—a new authority should be established between the Distant Harbor City Government and Your Highness, responsible to Your Highness, to govern Valentan, Distant Harbor, and the new city that is about to be built."

And more territory in the future.

Dong Tianming said, "Your Highness, please formally establish your own government and command structure, appoint officials, and define authority."

Upon hearing this, all the attendees were invigorated.

They understood the meaning of "establishing a government and building a headquarters," a term that originated from Cathay.

This means that Kang De would establish his own court and appoint his own cabinet of courtiers.

Needless to say, members of Distant Harbor, Valentan, and the various factions of the Broken Isles were all captivated, even the visiting military leaders were swayed – the Forbidden Spell spellcaster, the Dragon of Cathay, and the Phoenix King's affair had just been confirmed, and for such a person to establish his own court was certainly a golden opportunity!

Such news will certainly attract the attention and concern of the monarchs of various countries.

Kang De was taken aback at first, then he laughed.

This was also what he planned.

After the Battle of Distant Harbor, he lamented his isolation and lack of support in the Goth political arena, his belated intelligence, and his inadequacy in deterrence and punishment. He decided to build up his power and make his voice heard in the world.

Now, with the hearts of the people of the Distant Harbor being won over, talent from the Broken Isles being recruited, and a consensus being reached with the Imperial Tutor of Cathay, Dong Tianming, it is the perfect time to recruit talent and raise our banner.

He readily accepted good advice and asked for the opinions of professionals, "What are your thoughts and suggestions, sir?"

Dong Tianming frowned slightly. He quickly realized that this was not a test but a request for advice, but this made him even more dissatisfied—a monarch cannot be without his own thoughts.

He said, "The Shogunate's duty is to act as an extension of Your Highness's arm, to accomplish specific tasks for you. Its value and significance arise from this, and therefore it is up to Your Highness to decide."

As the Imperial Tutor spoke, a sudden tenderness welled up in his heart, and he recalled the old days.

The late emperor...

Dong Tianming softened his tone and encouraged, "We, your subjects, are here to fill in the gaps for Your Highness, not to make decisions for you. If Your Highness is at a loss, you can first establish departments and then appoint officials—simply put, whatever kind of department you need, we will solve that kind of problem for you."

According to the customs of Cathay, six ministries should have been established to govern them, but times have changed, and everything is different.

Kang De pondered quietly, and the people held their breath in anticipation.

A moment later, he smiled.

"I want a department that will oversee the development of alchemy and magic, research new materials, develop new technologies, compile new spells, techniques and doctrines, and manufacture new weapons to benefit my people, arm my army, and deter my enemies."

Kang De looked around and said, "I call it— the Ministry of Truth."

"I want a department that trains, commands, and directs my armed forces, whether it be the army, navy, air force, or any other branch, whose ultimate purpose is to protect our people, safeguard our interests, and strike our enemies. Its greatest significance is to defend peace and to instill in our enemies and potential enemies the fear of war forever."

Wielding the Sword of Deterrence, he declared, "I call it— the Ministry of Peace."

"I want a department dedicated to making the lives of every citizen more prosperous, encouraging agriculture and commerce, encouraging diligence and intelligence, and, under the protection of the Ministry of Peace, using the achievements of the Ministry of Truth for the benefit of the people, creating a paradise on earth..."

The revered and acclaimed Dragon of Cathay declared, "I call it— the Ministry of Plenty."

"I want a department that makes everyone—whether my citizens, the citizens of my neighboring countries, or the citizens of my potential enemies—a department that makes them aware of the beauty of peace, the importance of many qualities, dispels their hostility, brings their hearts closer together, lets our soldiers know why they fight, lets our citizens know what is just and righteous, lets our enemies and potential enemies realize their mistakes and folly, lets the enemy become us, and lets us unite against a common enemy."

A human born under the Hongqi said, "I call it the Ministry of Unity."

"These are the four departments I want to establish for the time being, each representing one of the four things I want to do."

Kang De looked at his subjects before him.

"The Ministry of Truth has recruited researchers from the Broken Isles and issued an invitation and call to the entire continent, inviting all intelligent and ambitious researchers to contribute their talents and enthusiasm. The Ministry of Truth's first task is to study and analyze the wreckage samples obtained from the Broken Isles."

"The Ministry of Peace has formally established an army and navy, expanded its size, received new equipment, and undergone training, preparing to defend peace and safeguard our interests."

"The Ministry of Plenty is prepared to take over all shipping routes, businesses, and interests in the Broken Isles, to revitalize the Distant Harbor as a commercial hub in the Western Seas, and to plan new cities to provide jobs for tens of thousands of Broken Isles refugees, enabling them to create wealth and integrate into a new community."

"The Ministry of Unity, proclaiming and spreading the great deeds that have taken place in the Broken Isles and Distant Harbor throughout the continent, uniting our people, guiding our new members, and letting all beings in the world who yearn for justice, fairness, and light know of the glorious city on the west coast... We are here, we watch over the world."

At this point, Kang De paused and addressed the stunned crowd.

"Also, we're preparing to shoot a movie."

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PS1: Compared to the Six Ministries of ancient China and the various departments of the modern administrative system, I think this setting is more appealing... (laughs)