Duke Kang De

The following day, travelers from afar arrived from the east. The sea breeze was fierce, and the port was bustling under the vast sky.

The densely packed crowd craned their necks to look. The news spread quickly: an envoy from a distant overseas country in the East had arrived. This was the first visit from the East after a century of maritime trade being cut off.

All the Distant Harbor have remembered the grandeur of yesteryear for generations. This time, they had even more reason to gather and watch, for it was an envoy of the Emperor of Cathay, who had come to visit His Highness Kang De.

They were curious, but also a little apprehensive.

If the Emperor of Cathay requests His Highness Kang De to return to China, what will happen to the Distant Harbor?

Curiosity and anxiety mingled, people discussed in hushed tones, rumors and speculations flew around, and in pubs, construction sites, military camps and restaurants, people gathered around radios to listen intently. Even the noisiest pubs were now silent, people afraid of missing a single word.

"After more than a month, the envoy from Cathay has finally arrived at the Distant Harbor, bringing greetings and gifts from the Cathay Emperor. Now, the Cathay court officials have disembarked with the Emperor's personal letter. We can see His Highness Kang De walking onto the dock, accompanied by Minister Dong Tianming and Mayor Hong San..."

"... Can't you say something we want to hear?"

Tex's soft mutter broke the silence, earning him a glare.

This bounty hunter, nicknamed "Mad Shark," had enthusiastically participated in the Broken Isles evacuation and contributed to the cause of sheltering refugees. He was ambitious and tried to exchange the fruits of his labor for a radio, but his hard-earned money was defeated by the Europa Great Roulette.

Even though Mr. Tex reported the spy hiding in the crowd and bravely turned him over to the police station, he did not receive a radio reward; after all, one thing at a time.

But he also gained tangible benefits—his social credit rating was improved, which gave him the right to apply for more positions, such as construction site manager, police chief, and security captain for West Goth Company. In addition, he could also apply for jobs at the city hall as a bounty hunter.

As a reward for his act of bravery in capturing the spy, he was also given four gifts.

A silk banner, needless to say.

There was also a pipe engraved with "Heroic Act - Gift from Kang De", a heavy-duty portable special crossbow with the words "Traitors will be shot in the head" printed on it, and two large bags of adult diapers.

Aside from the fourth being rather strange, the first three were undoubtedly topics for boasting and showing off, which slightly lessened the pain of Tex's defeat at the Europa Great Roulette. His Highness's generous gift also convinced him that the Europa Great Roulette was very fair, and that he must have spun it incorrectly in the wrong way or at the wrong time.

Therefore, he never leaves his pipe and crossbow without him, often taking them out to boast while drinking. He uses an astonishing number of diapers as underwear, finding them quite comfortable. He has become accustomed to life in the Distant Harbor and has decided not to leave again. He has even considered whether to join the army... but he hasn't decided yet.

But without a doubt, he has become His Highness Kang De's loyal supporter... in every respect.

"I heard someone saw many beautiful young women from Cathay on the ship..." he broke the silence, speaking mysteriously, "The emperor of Cathay is a young empress."

"Oh oh oh oh!"

Everyone gasped in surprise, revealing knowing smiles. They weren't particularly concerned about whether the Cathayan came or not; their only worry was whether Cathay would call Prince Kang De back. The real topic of conversation, however, was gossip—was the Cathay emperor a woman, and would she have an affair with Prince Kang De ...?

The Goth People in the tavern looked rather grim.

First the Elf Queen, then the Empress of Cathay —it doesn't look good at all.

However, as a port city, Distant Harbor already has a complex population composition. In the past few months, Distant Harbor has been expanded, the city has taken on a new look, goods have been exported in a strong manner, and people have integrated and poured in in large numbers. As a result, the ethnic composition in the taverns has become more diverse. Many people do not care and laugh as they talk about His Highness's private gossip.

An elf said his grandfather had witnessed Prince Kang De's secret rendezvous with the Elf Queen at night, and was nearly scared out of his wits. A Goth People said his third sister heard that Prince Kang De and Princess Tina were making good progress. An immigrant from the Council said his uncle heard from the navy that Prince Kang De was having an affair with a naval commander. A dwarf curled his lip and said that a few days ago, his son was prospecting in the underground world and seemed to have seen Prince Kang De sneaking around with a woman there, not knowing what they were doing...

Everyone clicked their tongues in amazement at the vibrant life of Prince Kang De, when suddenly a loud bang was heard. Startled, they turned to look.

A green-skinned guy slammed his wooden cup on the table and shouted, "The Big Mek doesn't like travelers! The Big Mek only likes bombs! The Big Mek only likes taking us out to 'waaaaaagh' to mess with people!"

Everyone scoffed and laughed it off.

Amidst the brief burst of laughter, they gradually quieted down, listening to the live report from the Distant Harbor People's Radio Station: "... valiant warriors, powerful talisman masters, wise strategists, and skillful craftsmen—visitors from the Eastern Kingdom have disembarked and arrived at the beautiful Distant Harbor. They are about to integrate into this brand-new family and strive together for His Highness Kang De and a bright future..."

"Ah..."

The scholar-looking man put down his cards and said softly, "I'm here to help."

The crowd remained silent, casting strange glances at the few people present, all of whom Council... their eyes filled with inquiry and skepticism.

The Council member slammed his identification card on the table angrily. "What are you looking at? I'm Distant Harbor now! If the Starry Sky Council dares to start a war, I'll be the first to enlist and drive them back!"

Perhaps to cover up the silence and awkwardness just now, or perhaps out of fear of being labeled as "discriminatory and exclusionary," everyone laughed and raised their glasses, ignoring the previous incident. They exclaimed, "That 'Ten-No-No Congressman' is always causing trouble! Hasn't he been taught a lesson by His Highness Kang De enough?!"

In the past few months, the verbal sparring between the Council and Distant Harbor has finally escalated into a trade war, affecting the entire Goth. Distant Harbor, however, remains unaffected, with ample goods and extremely high stability. It's just that news reports constantly highlight the Council's sanctions and arrogant actions, which annoys everyone.

Although these ordinary people are far removed from the decision-making level and even outside the system, and are completely unaware of all the events and inside stories, they can still sense the approaching storm and the strange attitude of the world towards Distant Harbor... And at this moment, the arrival of the Cathay Mission from the East is truly good news.

"Clearly, they're sending troops to assist in the battle... The talisman masters and martial artists from the East are a very powerful force."

Someone offered him a DIO cocktail, and the scholar who had come to Distant Harbor for research and sightseeing raised his glass in thanks, then said a few more words, "His Highness Kang De's alchemy and Forbidden Spell are so powerful. I heard that Cathay is currently experiencing war. This delegation's arrival must be a prerequisite for some kind of alliance... There should be an investiture ceremony for the Emperor of Cathay."

This statement sparked a lot of speculation – what exactly was being sealed off?

That's a really long seal... It's practically making things difficult for Zhuge Liang's gatekeeper...

On the dock, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Kang De smiled and looked at the eunuch opposite him. The white-haired, dignified, and handsome eunuch unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud with a melodious and gentle voice, without any of the affected effeminate mannerisms seen in movies and TV shows.

Although the imperial edict was written in a florid and ornate style, much of it incomprehensible, Kang De was still able to understand the Cathay's investiture.

This means granting Kang De a high-ranking official title and peerage.

The most sincere and virtuous minister, the one who upholds justice and protects the spirit, is a Divine Luan Martial Dais, the national teacher of the Holy Mysterious Spirit, the Grand Commander of Hengshan Army, the concurrent supervisor of the Holy Talisman and Weapon Martial Arts, the concurrent head of the Lingqu Fangxian Pavilion, the Pillar of the State, the Duke of Qin, with a fief of ten thousand households and a real fief of ten thousand households...

All the ceremonial regalia, attendants, precious artifacts, divine weapons, rare treasures, and so on, were brought along.

After the high-ranking eunuch finished reading the imperial edict, he bowed his head with a respectful smile and held the edict high above his head. He wisely refrained from uttering any empty words like "thank you," his silence speaking volumes.

Kang De turned to look at Dong Tianming. The Imperial Tutor's eyes were filled with tears, as if he were reminiscing about his homeland. Seeing this, he nodded slightly to Kang De, indicating that there was no problem and he could accept the decree.

Then Kang De glanced at Hong San again.

Hong San nodded slightly, his smile peaceful and gentle, meaning "This is a good thing" and "Dumb tape."

Kang De exhaled softly and, amidst the roar of the waves, accepted the imperial edict with both hands.

He smiled and said, "Although His Majesty the Emperor cannot hear my words in person, I still want to thank her for her hospitality, generous gifts, and kind intentions. Mr. Huang, thank you for your long journey here."

The Eunuch Huang was slightly taken aback, and then he realized that "Mr. Huang" was actually being addressed to him. He was momentarily overwhelmed with emotion. Throughout his life, people had called him by many names, including those who loved him, hated him, despised him, cursed him, begged him, and fawned over him, but no one had ever called him that before.

"... I dare not presume, for I have been entrusted with this weighty task by Your Majesty, and will naturally not shirk my responsibilities."

He said respectfully, "Now that I have fulfilled my mission, this old servant can finally rest assured. This journey has crossed oceans to convey His Majesty's good intentions. I only wish that Duke of Qin will achieve a resounding victory, awe the western lands, and return to his homeland soon to meet with His Majesty."

Ah, you're speaking in such a formal, literary way; it's a bit hard to understand.

Then, Eunuch Huang took out an envelope wrapped in gold thread and shimmering with jade-like light from a box beside him and respectfully handed it to Kang De: "This is a personal letter from His Majesty to Duke of Qin. Please read it yourself."

Just as Kang De was about to open it, Dong Tianming said softly, "Duke of Qin, since this is His Majesty's private letter, please open and read it yourself after you return. There's no rush."

Okay—how did I, an Earthling, become the Duke of Qin?

He understood that it was an abbreviation of the title "Duke of Qin," just like Li Jing was enfeoffed as Duke of Wei, so everyone respectfully called him Duke of Wei, Duke Wei, or even Duke Li of Wei.

And then there was the Empress's letter— Kang De's heart stirred slightly. He was genuinely curious, even harboring some romantic thoughts. What would the legendary Eastern Empress say to him in her letter?

With a flick of the finger, the letter floated into the air and disappeared into the dazzlingly unfolding Phase Door.

Eunuch Huang remained composed, maintaining his bowed posture, and said, "So that Duke of Qin may know, this old servant has not failed in his mission. This journey eastward has brought a total of 3,214 people, including talisman masters, scholars, warriors, craftsmen, healers, female officials, and children, who have already crossed the sea aboard the Spirit Clan warships."

He took two steps back, bowed deeply, and raised his voice, which spread far and wide. "By the name of our Emperor, we have left our homeland and traveled tens of thousands of miles to this foreign land to serve under the Duke of Qin. All three thousand of us have signed a life-or-death pledge, and are at the Duke of Qin's disposal. We have no regrets, and only wish for the Duke of Qin's success!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the Cathayan standing on the deck, gazing at this place, bowed in unison. Men and women alike, their voices resounding and their inner energy surging, like a long, mournful cry of the wind, "Greetings, Duke of Qin!"

Just then, the news of the investiture of the Empress of Cathay was finally translated into the Continental Common Language by the people of Cathay descent in the crowd, and it was also broadcast on the radio and passed on among the people.

That long list of titles, ranks, and ranks that "I can't remember many of," not only left Kang De completely bewildered, but even these descendants of Cathay only vaguely understood it.

Fortunately, there were quite a few educated people among them. Surrounded by everyone, they patiently explained a few of the titles they could translate from the long list, "Incomparably loyal, possessing formidable martial prowess, with astonishing magical skills... never mind translating 'Heroic'... This one is a Grand Gentleman with the highest honors, a Councilor of the War Council, a national magical advisor with a very prestigious title, commander of a Royal Guard, head of the Royal Alchemy Department, and..."

When the man of Cathay finally finished explaining the meaning of "Duke of Qin," the citizens of Distant Harbor looked at each other in surprise, then raised their arms and cheered, shouting, "Duke! Duke! Duke!"

The Cathayan was first taken aback, then so angry he nearly fell backward.

I racked my brains to translate it accurately and elegantly, and this is what you got?

Compared to those long and complicated titles, honorary titles, and official ranks, "Duke of Qin" is much simpler and easier to understand, and it's also very easy for all the tribes on the continent to comprehend—it's a duke!

His Highness Kang De is now a Duke!

They cheered wildly; it was indeed a great thing. After all, they usually only called him His Highness Kang De, without a proper title or status. Even Goth didn't bestow one upon him, so it always felt like something was missing. But now...

--Yay!

The good news spread rapidly, and the entire Distant Harbor, creating a sea of excitement.

Eunuch Huang smiled and said, "Duke of Qin is popular."

Kang De shrugged helplessly.

This scene reminded him of a strange incident in Japan.

The 18th head of the Hosokawa Morihiro Hosokawa Clan, a powerful clan in Higo Prefecture that once owned 540,000 koku of Higo, was elected prime minister. The people of Kumamoto Prefecture were overjoyed when they heard the news and spread the word.

They cheered, "Our lord has conquered the world!"

This happened in 1993.

He looked at the cheering crowd from the Distant Harbor and shook his head. "What are you all so happy about?"

Eunuch Huang said softly, "Duke of Qin? We respectfully await your instructions."

This time, Kang De did not turn back to seek the opinions of Dong Hong and his apprentice. His gaze passed over Eunuch Huang and fell upon the densely packed figures on the elven warship not far away. Whatever their motives, this group had come here for him.

Leaving their homes and risking death in foreign lands, they bravely marched towards unknown territories.

This reminded him of a passage he had read before.

This journey to the West is driven by a deep understanding of the path to China's self-strengthening; there is no other way. Bearing the future of the nation on my shoulders, I will acquire all the scientific knowledge of the West, embarking on a long journey of 70,000 li, bidding farewell to my motherland and my parents, with unwavering resolve and no regrets.

The person who said this was Liu Buchan, a naval student from the Qing Dynasty. After returning to China, he became one of the pioneers of the modern navy. During the First Sino-Japanese War, he fought bravely against the Japanese invaders. After suffering a major defeat, in order to prevent the Japanese from capturing his warships, he sank his flagship with explosives and then committed suicide for his country. From life to death, he always kept his word.

Because he said he bore the future of the nation on his shoulders, because he said that if he lost his ship, he would commit suicide.

For his country and people, and for the Tartar court that was not worthy of his loyalty.

Kang De sighed silently.

These Cathayan did not come to "fully adopt the science of foreigners," but they were close. Cathay was besieged on all sides and was barely holding on, but there was no hope of breaking out of the predicament. Dong Tianming crossed the sea to the east to find new possibilities... and then he chose Kang De and sent the news back to China.

Then came the extremely honorable investiture from the Cathay court, and these people crossed the sea to entrust their fate to the unknown future, all to say, "May Duke of Qin return home soon after achieving his goal."

Kang De was not a descendant of any duke, and his so-called "returning home after achieving success" was nothing more than a transaction to seek help. Thus, these more than three thousand people did not hesitate to put themselves on the negotiating table.

He said softly, "Then say a few words."

Just then, the Parrot, who had been watching the commotion from the sidelines, lowered its voice and said, "Star Palace —we must fight at any time—we have no choice but to fight—"

Eunuch Huang frowned slightly, glanced at the strange metallic face, and was suddenly startled.

This person is truly remarkable!

As soon as he thought about it, he saw a gleaming flying machine float in the air. The Duke of Qin stepped on it, rose into the air, and stood on the sea, looking at the travelers who had crossed the sea.

"Hello, my name is Kang De."

His voice carried far, and the people on several large ships looked directly at the Duke.

Kang De laughed and said, "You know me now and remember what I look like, but I don't know you. I'll have to learn to recognize you gradually—but that's alright, there's plenty of time, we can take it slowly."

Such words were unconventional and unheard of, but they were lighthearted enough to ease everyone's anxiety, suggesting that this Duke of Qin was a peaceful and gentle person.

Just as they were thinking this, the Duke of Qin continued, "But although I don't know you, I know your purpose... I know what you've come here for."

"You abandoned your homes and livelihoods to come to a foreign land, to fight for me, to work for me, and all you asked for was a promise I made. I admire your dedication and fearlessness, and I am willing to grant your request. What I want to tell you is that you did not abandon everything to become my slaves—"

He paused for a moment, pointed into the distance, and smiled broadly.

"You were just a little earlier than your compatriots to stand under the same flag as me."

The calm voice, like a heavy thunderclap, roared across the heavens, "That land, the suffering people, the steadfast warriors, the fighters battling the cruel foreign enemy—in the foreseeable future, I will bring you back, bringing more brave warriors to fight alongside them on that land... This is my promise to you! We will return!"

The internal and external troubles of Cathay were originally the sinister plots and conspiracies of the Star Palace. To fight against the Star Palace, all the nations of the Mortal World must unite, which was originally part of a grand plan.

"But before that, I need your help to expand the western lands, to unite more people, starting with this city—it's called Distant Harbor, your future home."

"I hope you are hardworking, fearless, and obedient, and then this city will accept you. I hope you are honest, friendly, and resilient, and then the people here will embrace you."

"I know Cathay has its own rules, but Distant Harbor has its own new rules. The future is here, and you can witness it for yourselves and experience it firsthand."

"--I am Kang De, and this city and I welcome you to our city and to our city. I hope that the days to come will be an unforgettable part of your lives. When we are ready, you will proudly return to your homeland. Now, let us create that future together!"

Kang De spread his arms wide and shouted, "Disembark! Go ashore!"

After a brief silence, a tremendous cheer resounded through the sky.

"Get ashore! Get ashore! Get ashore!"

Cheers erupted from the shore as drones flew overhead, capturing everyone's faces. Deck was lowered at various points on the dock, and the selected Cathay descendants quickly stepped forward to guide the ships ashore. Kang De returned to the dock, where Eunuch Huang knelt on the ground, embracing Dong Tianming and weeping bitterly.

Business is done; now it's time for personal matters.

"My lord!" he cried, "I never imagined we would meet again!"

Dong Tianming helped him up, his eyes also reddening. Eunuch Huang was a palace attendant who had also served the late emperor, even serving him when the late Eunuch Huang entrusted his son to him on his deathbed.

Together they witnessed the fall of the imperial star.

Eunuch Huang was tearfully recounting their parting with the Imperial Tutor when he saw Kang De return. He quickly wiped away his tears, bowed his head in apology, and Kang De smiled, saying, "Mr. Dong, why don't you catch up with Mr. Huang later? It's been so many years; you must have a lot to say and many things to ask him."

Dong Tianming sighed, "Thank you, my lord... it has been such a long, long time."

Kang De looked at Hong San: "Next, we'll send everyone to their temporary accommodations and then gradually make arrangements for them. Hong San, you and your fellow disciples will have to put in a lot of effort."

Hong San nodded and said, "Yes, the bus convoy has been arranged, and the meals have been prepared."

"Yes, send them there first. I'll visit them later." Kang De turned to Huang and asked, "Eunuch Huang, is there anyone important I need to see right now?"

"This old servant will now introduce them to pay their respects to Duke of Qin. They are all outstanding individuals, the best of the best, personally selected by His Majesty." Eunuch Huang continued, "Furthermore, His Majesty has personally chosen thirty-six female officials for Duke of Qin. They are all clever women, possessing both talent and beauty. Although Duke of Qin is a hero, it is good to have these young women do some cleaning and chores..."