The Pass

The Shogunate already had considerable experience in how to settle these Cathayan.

The prisoners of the Azure Fleet, serving as qualified observation and experimental subjects, have undergone a three-month training course at Los Santos Labor Reform University, with remarkable results.

The four academies— Darth Vader, Riddle, Thanos, Jack —have graduated with their diplomas and, with Kang De's approval, have officially joined the ranks of the Shogunate War, becoming new recruits in the newly formed Gotham Legion to continue their military training.

These new recruits will serve as role models for the other cadets.

Because their status has been promoted from "reformed cadets" to "new recruits," it means that their military status has been initially recognized. The most direct benefit is that they can now receive full military merit points and allowances, and some benefits that belong to the military are also being opened up to them and gradually lifted.

The most exciting thing is the right to play games.

In other words, after becoming new recruits, they can freely enter and exit arcades during their rest time, spend military merit points, and play those exciting games. They are no longer the "primary school students" who stand behind others and point fingers—this nickname, I don't know who started it, but it has become popular.

Meanwhile, the students from the same cohort before still had to stand there like lackeys, acting as incessant, annoying chatterboxes.

Aside from the numerous other benefits, the core Element is the word "superiority."

Yes, Kang De deliberately encouraged and condoned the seal-like behavior of these new recruits, letting these smug guys run in front of the cadets every few days to show off. After all, humans are such creatures that get carried away with pride.

Such boastful behavior will not only make the trainees envious and work harder, but it will also, to some extent, foster hostility among the recruits from different batches, causing division among these surrendered soldiers—a truly delightful situation.

Over the past three months, the arcades have played an unexpected role, greatly encouraging the Kang De father and son. Horus is extremely optimistic, believing that this spiritual opiate can have a long-lasting effect—because those Azure Fleet geeks are far from tired of the arcade games from the 1990s.

"We can enter the PS1 era in two to three years," said Iron Son.

In summary, the indoctrination and reformation of the surrendered soldiers of the Azure Fleet has been extremely successful. The training corps has already begun compiling teaching materials to standardize the process of persuading and reforming prisoners, including various speaking techniques, understanding the mentality of prisoners, reward and punishment measures, a positive feedback system, and passes.

--Yes, at His Highness Kang De's groundbreaking suggestion, the process of promoting trainees to new recruits has been reformed, adopting an extremely humane, humanitarian, and wise season pass system.

The entire process radiated the brilliance of humanity.

For example, you are a soldier who has just been captured and surrendered.

His Holiness the merciful Prince Kang De has spared your life, but he demands that you make amends for the loss you have caused through sincere repentance and concrete actions. You have two paths before you.

First, he was forced to work as a slave laborer, digging in the mines for eight years.

Second, as a soldier, one must serve for five years.

His Highness Kang De is a man of human rights and would never resort to coercion. If you don't want to be a soldier, but instead want to be a slave laborer with only the bare minimum for survival, a wage one-eighth that of a normal worker, and twelve hours a day, mining in a dark and distorted mining area, that's fine too!

If you want to be a soldier with the same treatment as regular soldiers, enjoy all kinds of military benefits, fire guns, ride tanks, and fly planes during your service, and play games, drive trucks, watch movies, and buy color books during your leave, then you're welcome to be one of those glorious soldiers.

You considered the eerie rumors circulating in the reform academy, that the Aberrant Mines were dark, brutal, and hopeless, and that troublemakers and slackers among the prisoners had been sent there to mine, never to be heard from again—so you chose the second path.

Being a dog isn't shameful.

Even so, it's still not going to work.

Becoming a soldier isn't something you can just decide to do. You're told that to join the army, you have to diligently complete all the reform courses, try your best to finish all the daily tasks, be proactive, work hard, stick to training, and save money—in short, earn enough work points.

It will take about a month for you to complete all the basic transformation courses and student tasks, and accumulate a large number of work points—enough to allow you to eat instant noodles and drink cola every day for two weeks.

But you have to spend them all to buy a pass.

Then follow the missions in the pass and complete them one by one. The missions are varied, some are easy, such as watching designated movies and videos and writing a review, while others are difficult, such as various training courses and bizarre tasks, until the end.

The reward at the finish line was an enlistment notice.

Once you've completed all the requirements for the pass, you'll be officially drafted into the military.

"... Wonderful, wonderful!"

Dong Tianming came to see Kang De to ask how the lord planned to settle the reinforcements from Cathay Dan. Kang De said to follow the procedure for the surrendered Azure Fleet. The Imperial Tutor became interested and asked a few more questions.

When Kang De explained the standardized procedures of the Los Santos Labor Reform University, he couldn't help but applaud.

"This process can indeed be used as a reference when recruiting and training soldiers in the future." Dong Tianming looked at Kang De with delight and couldn't help but praise, "The idea of a pass is both educational and entertaining. My lord is truly a genius."

Kang De smiled and said, "I stand on the shoulders of a bunch of dead... I mean, wise men."

His pass is very conscientious and truly combines education with entertainment—for example, many of the films shown on the pass are promotional movies, which are various films newly produced in the past few months, including footage of Distant Harbor's industry, agriculture, mining, military, and daily life.

The post-screening reports also intentionally guided participants to compare the differences between the Distant Harbor and the Council —after watching combine harvesters sweep across vast, seemingly endless farms, how would the participants view the Council relied heavily on labor? How would they write about it?

This film-watching experience is a form of cultural export that kills with a soft knife, subtly imprinting one's thoughts.

The Distant Harbor is advanced, the Distant Harbor is prosperous, Distant Harbor is invincible.

Many of the missions in the pass are designed with this in mind, and each mission completion offers some reward.

For example, after watching a movie, you'll get movie tickets; after completing certain tasks, you'll get food coupons—there are even car driving experience coupons, arcade game trial coupons, etc., which can easily excite the trainees... There are also very simple and robust military merit points as rewards.

Regarding mission rewards, Kang De still disregards martial ethics—30% of all rewards can be redeemed immediately, such as food vouchers and movie tickets, but the majority of higher-level rewards, like arcade tickets and car driving experience vouchers, are...

"For military use only".

Yes.

Promote new recruits as quickly as possible.

Dong Tianming still exclaimed in admiration, "This design is absolutely brilliant! It demonstrates an unparalleled understanding of human nature, firmly grasping people's desires and weaknesses. My lord is truly a genius!"

"However, this old minister has two questions."

"You said."

"First... if I heard correctly, they only need to serve five years?"

"Yes."

Kang De smiled and said, "Five years is neither a long nor a short time; we should give them something to look forward to."

Dong Tianming hesitated and asked, "Will you set them free in five years?"

Kang De understood his concerns and waved his hand dismissively. "After five years, they can either renew their contracts or get out of here... Don't worry, it's only five years. If they can run away without a second thought after five years and return to the Arcane Council continue opposing me, then I might as well quit."

"My lord has great vision." What else could the Imperial Tutor say upon hearing this? He added, "My lord's intention to exacerbate the conflicts among the surrendered soldiers may hinder the fighting capacity of the entire army."

"The Gotham Legion is not qualified to be the main force in tough battles at this stage, so there is no need to keep them monolithic—dividing them into three to five groups, with mutual hostility and competition, is the most appropriate approach."

Kang De paused for a moment, then frankly revealed his plans.

"A war with the Council inevitably involve conquering cities and seizing territories, and then..." He straightened his collar and said calmly, "I will have the Gotham Legion serve as the occupying force to maintain order."

The Imperial Tutor was initially suspicious, but quickly realized what was going on.

He glanced at Kang De, a slight startle creeping over him.

He really holds grudges... he thought.

Is it for Commander Nixiyasi?

"We'll discuss the war when the war is on," Kang De smiled again. "Now let's discuss the resettlement of the Cathay Expedition... The experience of Los Santos Reform University can be used as a reference, but it cannot be copied entirely."

The Imperial Tutor and Hong San nodded simultaneously.

This is understandable, since the envoys to the east were carrying out an imperial mission, not surrendered soldiers, but loyal and brave men, so there was no need to use the same methods used on surrendered soldiers... But the proper procedures could not be omitted.

"Let's stick to the old method... first, subdue them, then gradually educate and guide them."

Kang De explained his rich experience in training surrendered soldiers, "Enrich their material lives, satisfy their spiritual needs, give them a sense of security, intimidate them with force, and also induce appropriate anxiety in them, so that they recognize true strength and power, and make them dependent on their current lives..."

"Then they'll want to join, want to maintain their current lifestyle and enjoyment, and eventually, under the fervent influence of converts, they'll come to wholeheartedly accept us..."

He shrugged in disgust as he finished speaking.

To perfect this system, he even went so far as to study the causes and psychological processes of those who idolize foreigners.

It's disgusting, like watching someone eat shit.

The Imperial Tutor pondered for a moment and suggested, "Those who have crossed the sea to the east are all loyal and brave men, bearing the Emperor's mandate and destined to serve you. However, being newcomers, they know nothing about you and are therefore hesitant and suspicious. You only need to demonstrate your power and bestow favors to win their hearts."

Kang De nodded and said, "That's what I think too."

The Parrot, who had been silent until now, chuckled strangely, "Oh--'Completely capturing their hearts,' so that includes those thirty-six beautiful young ladies too?"

The serious atmosphere that had been filled with plotting and discussing state affairs eased, and both Hong San and the Imperial Tutor laughed.

Ultimately, although there are many women around the lord, they all have Western features. Dong Tianming wanted to add a few well-educated and sensible Eastern women to the lord's household, but he couldn't find suitable candidates for the time being. Some were not beautiful enough, some were not talented enough, and some were too foreign.

They searched everywhere but couldn't find it.

Finally, the reason given was that when Hong San came to pay his respects to his master, he stepped forward with his left foot first, so the master beat the disciple.

Otherwise what? -- I hate that you are not a woman, I really can't say these words.

Now, the clouds have finally parted and the moon is shining brightly.

Dong Tianming wished that his lord would sleep with all thirty-six female officials tonight, but having served his lord for a long time, he had figured out his lord's temperament with his eyes and experience. He knew that if such a thing happened, it usually meant that the world would be destroyed tomorrow.

We had no choice but to settle for second best.

Just as he had secretly instructed that Miss Wei Yunyuan.

"The Duke of Qin is a truly virtuous gentleman who respects women, is benevolent and compassionate, strictly adheres to self-discipline, and maintains strict self-control. It is impossible to expect him to take these young ladies into his household in the short term."

While leaking top secrets of the Shogunate and discussing the lord's private affairs is disloyal, it is somewhat forgivable. However, given the gravity of the matter, Dong Tianming could only suppress his self-reproach and guilt and do the right thing.

He lowered his voice and said to the somewhat absent-minded, disappointed, and bewildered Miss Wei, "But if you all take your time and get to know each other better, then make your move. Under the influence of romance and beauty, Duke of Qin will most likely not refuse."

--Information obtained through torture, such as holding a spiked club to the head of a traitor, should ideally be accurate.

Thinking of this, he smiled.

Old Dong was a shrewd man; having seen through Kang De's true nature, he knew how to persuade him to comply.

If you were to say directly, "Oh, my lord, these thirty-six exceptionally talented and beautiful female officials were carefully selected by Your Majesty. They are fertile, beautiful to behold, and suitable for both admiring from afar and for intimate enjoyment. They are fully prepared to serve you. Today, take them into your chambers and enjoy them at your leisure." They would surely comply graciously, and the pleasure would be beyond description.

Kang De would most likely decline.

So Dong Tianming said, "My lord, please forgive me. Not only do we not want to disappoint His Majesty's kindness, but these female officials are also exceptionally talented and beautiful, each possessing unique skills. They excel in medicine, divination, astrology, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, literature, weaponry, and martial arts. They are all exceptionally intelligent and gifted individuals, and placing them by your side will be invaluable assistance."

He patiently explained, "In the past three months, the Shogunate has developed rapidly and its power has expanded. Everyone's workload has also increased dramatically. Even with us sharing the burden, the lord must have more and more miscellaneous matters to deal with every day. Princess Tina and Miss Leona also have heavy responsibilities... With these ladies-in-waiting sharing the burden, the work will be much easier. Besides, having beautiful women by your side, even just to keep them company, is a good thing."

Kang De seemed to understand something, and slowly nodded. "... That makes sense."

The Parrot's eyes were practically rolling back to the sky.

"And they are trustworthy," Dong Tianming said in a deep voice. "They are rare and wonderful women, beauties as precious as pearls in the palm of one's hand. They abandoned their homes and countries to come to a foreign land to serve a complete stranger. They have actually sacrificed a lot. In the completely unfamiliar Western Continent, they have no relatives or friends. The only person they can rely on is their lord... There is no need to worry about them being bribed or betraying them to anyone."

"Beauties are like flowers; they need careful tending. Simply watering them occasionally is not enough. If they are neglected in a house, even if they have enough to eat and wear, they will gradually wither away in fruitless waiting."

Dong Tianming cupped his hands and said, "My lord, you are a romantic of your generation, with the tenderness of a hero. You must cherish flowers and not wish to see them wither away like this, right?"

When he said this, the Imperial Tutor's white hair flowed freely, and his expression was dignified and open.

The Parrot sat to one side, shivering with goosebumps all over her body, her toes practically carving out a White House. She glared at Dong Tianming with a look of utter astonishment that seemed to say, "How the hell can you endure such intense physical discomfort and say such shameless things with such an open face? You humans are so filthy!"

Her gaze shifted to Kang De.

--You can't stop smiling! Are you really that naive?!

Malegith internally slamming her fist on the table, while Kang De stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Master Dong is right."

--They've all become Master Dong now! Call him Dong Xiansen! Dong Xiansen!

--Won't this kind of sycophantic skill become a money-making secret if it gets out? It feels like anyone could just flatter you like that and instantly get promoted and make a fortune!

Amidst the Parrot's silent yet vehement complaints, Kang De looked at Dong Tianming and smiled, "I was already planning to use them, but since Mr. Dong has put it that way, I'll pay even more attention to it—I'll expedite the process and recruit them to work on the manor, but necessary vetting, monitoring, and training are indispensable."

"This is exactly what the question implies..." the Imperial Tutor said, then paused, "Huh?"

"How?"

"The lord said... he originally intended to recruit them into the manor?"

Kang De replied, "Yes."

To everyone's surprise Dong Tianming immediately sat up straight and even glanced at Hong San in astonishment Hong San also looked surprised, looking at Kang De with a doubtful expression.

The clever Parrot leaned out and looked Kang De up and down.

Kang De asked in surprise, "What's wrong?"

"You..." The Parrot looked terrified, "You graduated!? Who did this?"

Kang De exclaimed, "Why are you suddenly bringing this up!"

"This reaction... it really is Kang De. He hasn't been possessed by anything strange..." the Parrot muttered, stroking its chin. "That's certainly reassuring. You're still keeping yourself pure..."

"Don't shout so loud! Do you want to die?!"

While the man and the Parrot were arguing, Dong Tianming and Hong San were also exchanging frantic glances.

The Parrot stared at Kang De: "But what you're doing..."

Kang De was increasingly puzzled. "What's wrong? Everyone's acting so mysteriously."

"... It's frightening." The Parrot clutched its chest and shrank back. "I always feel like I've been in danger without even realizing it."

Please explain more clearly!

In the end, this inexplicable topic was inexplicably glossed over. Dong Tianming and Hong San also suppressed their surprise. The Imperial Tutor said seriously, "Tonight we're having a welcome dinner for the Eastern Crossing Envoy. Will my lord attend?"

"... Of course."

Kang De counted on his fingers. "I need to prepare these three things. They should have had some snacks by now. Tonight's banquet will be a big affair, to impress them, then I'll give a speech, and after everyone's had their fill, we can watch a movie. Perfect..."

"Besides," Dong Tianming said, "At that time, please speak a few words with the female officials. They are somewhat different from the others—everyone else is here to die for the lord, but in addition to loyalty, they also have someone to rely on and depend on. So, my lord, at least put their minds at ease first."

Kang De nodded and smiled, "I understand."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Parrot showed surprise again, Hong San's eyes sharpened, and Dong Tianming also looked suspicious and hesitated.

Meeting adjourned.

Kang De looked at the Parrot, wanting to continue the previous topic, but the Parrot darted away in a flash. "I have something to do, we'll talk about it later, ahahahahaha..."

Looking to the other side, he saw Dong Tianming grab Hong San and drag him away. Before leaving, Dong Tianming gave Kang De an apologetic smile and said, "My lord, I have some important matters to discuss with him, so I must take my leave."

... What? That's weird.

Before Hong San was dragged out the door, he mouthed a sentence to Kang De.

Princess Tina.

Kang De paused for a moment, then suddenly realized—ah, right.

Tina needs to know about this.

As expected of you, Hong San, you're still so reliable!

He flashed into the White Mist World and appeared in the inner room of an office the next moment. This was the office provided for Tina, fully equipped inside and out.

Kang De is currently in the inner lounge. His gaze sweeps over the smooth, large double bed, and a surge of warmth fills his heart. He then glances at the wardrobe against the wall, its door securely locked.

He stepped forward gently, took out the key, opened the cabinet door, Kang De ran his hand over the neatly hung row of clothes. He glanced at the neatly folded fabrics in the storage box, then stroked his chin—he thought of the breathtaking scenery he had seen that afternoon.

Perhaps we can add some new tricks.

Close the door and lock it. The inner office will be cleaned by maids, but they must never see what's in the cabinets. Kang De reached out and pressed his fingerprint to open the door to the inner lounge. The large French windows reflected soft light, and a beautiful figure was working at the desk.

Upon seeing this, the maid working at the small table nearby bowed to Kang De, then, clutching the documents in her hands and blushing slightly, ran outside.

Kang De ignored her. She was a court maid of the Maple Leaf Palace, one of Tina's personal maids. Over the past three months, she had gradually become more sensible. Now, whenever she saw Kang De come, she would consciously run to the outer room to work and keep watch at the same time. As for her loyalty, it wasn't a big problem.

If she's the Grand Duke's spy, that's perfect; she'll infuriate that old man.

Just then, a gentle voice chuckled, "I heard you open the closet—what mischief are you up to now?"

Kang De came up behind Tina, and across the chair, embraced the stunningly beautiful princess. His cheek brushed against her soft golden hair, and his right hand slid down her neckline to grasp her soft, full breasts.

Why didn't you come when I asked you to go to the port together?