Don't Let Them Be Cattle and Sheep Anymore

"It seems I've done something thankless again."

Upon hearing Kang De's words, Dong Tianming glanced at the battle commanders following behind him and gave a wry smile.

To be honest, that's true.

As a renowned minister of Cathay, his veins flowed with the ambition of loyalty to the emperor, love for the country, and benefiting the world. The proper order of things, such as the relationship between ruler and subject, father and son, was only natural. Choosing a wise ruler to serve, accomplishing the affairs of the emperor and the world, and winning fame before and after death, had become an instinct imprinted deep in his soul through decades of life experience.

Kang De was the sage he regarded.

Throughout Chinese history, from founding emperors to revitalizing rulers, the so-called enlightened emperors, wise rulers, and great emperors in history books, their great achievements and magnificent deeds once filled the young Dong Tianming with longing and admiration. But in the past Cathay months, in Distant Harbor, he witnessed firsthand the changes that Kang De brought to the world, and from those subtle details he came to understand his lord's governing philosophy and ambition. It was as if he had seen higher mountains and a wider world, and he had come to know the limitations of the monarchs of the past.

The situation created by Distant Harbor surpasses even the legendary rule of the ancient sage kings, giving the people education, wisdom, courage, and strength—this is what Kang De did.

Throughout history, no monarch, in terms of decisiveness, far-sightedness, benevolence, ingenuity, or unparalleled courage, has been able to compare with Kang De.

Even the prosperous era created by wise rulers pales in comparison to the magnificent splendor of the Distant Harbor.

Given the potential and foundation that Kang De has demonstrated so far, he could probably conquer the continent and chastise the world in less than ten years. He seems to be someone who should not exist in this world, possessing the ability and skill to make all monarchs and famous generals despair. Dong Tianming knew that Kang De's birth was not to play the game of imperial ambitions with emperors. All his great power and efforts were for the purpose of fighting against an even more terrifying enemy.

Therefore, such a person should undoubtedly become the only emperor in the Mortal World, embodying the prayers, trust, and reverence of all people through power and compassion, and be crowned as an emperor as divine and holy as a god.

He was both a king in the Mortal World and a god revered by all.

Only in this way can we make the most of the people's loyalty and dedication, and gather all the power of the Mortal World to fight against the world-destroying torrent from the Star Palace.

In Dong Tianming's view, this was the only way to win, the wisest choice, and a sacred path almost tailor-made for Kang De... to become a god among men, the supreme being of the Mortal World.

After Kang De created the Throne of Heroic Spirits, a palace-like structure in the White Mist World, the Imperial Tutor, in his awe, realized this: the Great Road, crowned in glory, is the sacred way to rule over humanity.

It should start with the military.

When the various warbands who controlled violent forces transformed their reverence and admiration for Kang De into a fanatical faith, they took the first step on the Great Road.

These soldiers will become Kang De's first and most devoted followers, fighting even more fervently in the ensuing wars of conquest to seize more territory and believers for their new god. Their faith in Kang De will spread to Distant Harbor, gradually influencing more mortals until it coalesces into an unstoppable force that gradually engulfs the vast continent. Then, Kang De will be crowned king, uniting royal and divine power, and all people will bow down at his feet, offering themselves entirely to him.

Only in this way can the people's strength be squeezed to the maximum extent, so that everything serves to fight against the Star Palace, and the shallow and lazy mortals can be free from distractions and wholeheartedly dedicate all their sweat, tears and blood.

Because we have to win.

If we lose, none of it will matter.

That's what Dong Tianming thought.

He also felt that things should develop in this direction, and he hoped that Kang De would become the supreme ruler.

But Kang De said to his soldiers, "I am not a god."

He looked at Kang De, who was so close to him, and sighed, "You didn't have to do this."

Ordinary people are foolish, shallow, cunning, and fickle. They are narrow-minded and selfish, so they need a compassionate yet strict ruler to guide them. Otherwise, they will inevitably become a disorganized mess and be of no use.

Given the limited perspective and capacity of most people, they wouldn't care whether their leader is a monarch or a god, nor would they take the initiative to think or make decisions. All they need to do is hold a knife in their left hand and grass in their right, tell them what to do, and they will obediently submit.

Why bother saying meaningless things and doing unnecessary things?

"They won't understand," the Imperial Tutor emphasized. "There's no benefit to it."

Kang De looked at him, a smile Dong Tianming couldn't decipher, "If you can't look seventy years ahead, how do you know they won't understand? How do you know there's no benefit to it?"

"I don't understand." Dong Tianming hurriedly caught up with Kang De and whispered, "I don't want you to become a clay idol, I just want the soldiers and civilians to have greater respect and trust for you. What's wrong with that?"

Kang De still smiled, "I don't know if it's good or bad, but some people do. I'm just clumsily imitating, and I'd rather choose this than an unknowable future."

"... who?"

Kang De didn't answer, but just laughed, "Mr. Dong... do you know? The frenzied worship of millions, the devout prayers of countless people, to me, will never compare to the beauty of what just happened. Although they cannot understand me, they are willing to begin to think, voluntarily salute me, and always remember my kindness."

After saying that, he left Dong Tianming behind, his figure flashing with light as he leaped away.

Behind Dong Tianming were two marshals. A Fu was a beat slower than Horus, and her foolish, sycophantic brother had stolen the "salute," robbing her of the "favorability points" that should have belonged to her. She was already sulking when she saw this and called out loudly, "Dad, do you want to see how the medical system works? A Fu is trying her best!"

A beam of light shone down and carried A Fu away.

Horus, appearing as Terminator -like metal skull, came to Dong Tianming's side, his heavy cloak swaying in the sunlight, revealing his ferocious and cold figure.

It said, "In my experience, Father will never change his mind. Higher position means greater responsibility, which he has neither interest in nor advocates. But there are all sorts of people; some are intelligent, some are stupid, some can be enlightened to develop their own wisdom, while others are used to being directed by others. Fanatics can sometimes be quite effective... Perhaps you can try to prove it."

Dong Tianming was bewildered for a moment, then his eyes flickered as he looked at Horus.

The field marshal merely sent a message with a terrifying grin on his metal skull head before leaping away using Shalana's secondary permission.

The Imperial Tutor seemed to be deep in thought, and lowered his head in contemplation.

Marshal Horus is the lord's adopted son. He relied on the lord for survival and fought alongside him when the lord was still in humble circumstances. Their bond was truly deep, as could be seen from that salute just now.

So, is this some kind of hint?

The obedient daughter held Kang De's hand and led her beloved father on a tour of the medical system.

From the five-star medical facilities for soldiers in Distant Harbor to Council communal dormitories of the field hospital for prisoners of war, A Fu was involved in their construction and operation, offering advice and participating in every aspect. Compared to Iron Son, A Fu knew far more.

After all, the predecessor of the A Fu was a fully-equipped advanced surface combat vessel, possessing all the necessary skills, including medical, intelligence, combat, and logistics capabilities, while the prototype of Horus was merely a civilian vehicle. Even though it later swallowed many fighter jets, it was still inferior to the A Fu.

Now, the battlefield medical system and trauma relief system have been tested in actual combat and have shone brightly, reducing the casualty rate of the troops in the Distant Harbor to an absurd level. Naturally, A Fu also wants to take credit for this.

"Dad, Dad, all the videos, tutorials, and papers on surgeries for frostbite, burns, penetrating injuries, and limb reattachment on the other side of Earth were compiled and organized by A Fu!"

"Thank you so much, you've been a huge help."

"Dad, Dad, the publicity plan for the wounded soldiers in the Council was also finalized with A Fu's help!"

"It's so great to have your help."

"Dad, Dad, the trauma recovery system's response procedures were also optimized by A Fu!"

"My daughter is amazing."

"..."

A Fu paused for a moment, then suddenly grinned mischievously, tiptoed in his silver high-heeled boots, and whispered in Kang De's ear, "Daddy, Daddy, the nurses changed their trousers into stockings and skirts—it was my order!"

Kang De was taken aback, then overjoyed.

" --A Fu, you did a great job! You did a great job!"

The obedient daughter let out a silvery laugh and hugged Kang De: "Daddy, do you want to see me wear it?"

Ah, this...

Kang De said seriously, "This is not a good idea."

Although A Fu is a ship girl and has absolutely no blood relation to me... she's still incredibly shameless.

A Fu wasn't upset or disappointed. With a slight shift in his eyes, he tiptoed and whispered in Kang De's ear.

"Daddy, Daddy." A seductive, mischievous smile appeared on her fair and beautiful face. "Want to see all the ladies from the Sound of the Tide Manor dressed up for you?"

"..."

Kang De swallowed hard. "That's unlikely."

Aside from Tina being perfectly fine and A Xing being completely clueless, the other girls in the manor were no pushovers, and they certainly wouldn't be so crazy as to dress like that and parade around in front of him.

Then A Fu said--

"I can help my father persuade them to dress like this... Say that he's very tired and needs rest and relaxation, and ask them to dress like this to give him a 'surprise'..."

Ah.

This is such a thoughtful little cotton-padded jacket.

Really...

Kang De held up a finger. "Would it be enough to just submerge Horus in the deep sea?"

A Fu chuckled, then gently hugged Kang De: "No need, Father is indeed very tired, and I hope Father can relax a bit... That must be very difficult."

After all, my father disliked war and killing from beginning to end.

"It's alright." Kang De paused for a moment, then replied, "You'll get used to it, and you should get used to it as soon as possible."

A Fu simply hugged Kang De tightly, her cheek pressed against his arm, and murmured, "Indeed, all the beautiful girls in this world should unconditionally offer themselves to their fathers."

Kang De silently put his arm around his daughter's shoulder. "... A Fu."

"Exist!"

"Say a few more words..."

So, I checked the medical system again with my daughter.

The core of the healthcare system is, of course, the clinical treatment phase.

Medical practices in this other world are vastly different from those on Earth. Lacking the theoretical support of modern science, they exist somewhere between ancient empirical medicine and modern experimental medicine. A fatal problem hinders the advancement of medicine towards modernity:...

Their herbs and magic are fucking amazing.

Sorry, having magic means you can do whatever you want.

The Mortal World's commendable potion-making and healing magic will serve as supplementary means, complementing Earth's medical technology. However, to accomplish this feat, a series of theoretical studies and clinical practices are still needed.

Distant Harbor has no shortage of herbalists, priests, and healers, but it lacks experienced Earth doctors with formal medical training. However, Kang De has a solution.

There are doctors in the White Mist World.

They were not hired, but captured. The White Mist World has a total of eighty-six medical personnel from Earth, all of whom are highly skilled, especially in life support and wound care. They have extensive clinical experience and, with a little adjustment, would be excellent battlefield medics.

They are from Britain, from London.

To be precise, it came from that equestrian center.

The henchmen of the Round Table hosted a twisted, frenzied feast, where impeccably dressed dignitaries gathered to indulge in a bloody and perverse pleasure unimaginable to mortals. They bought slaves, kidnapped civilians, and tortured them at will for their amusement. If their prey died halfway through, it would undoubtedly be a great disappointment, so experienced doctors were needed to keep their playthings alive and to maintain and care for their "works of art."

The doctors at the equestrian center are partly hired at high salaries and partly corrupt fanatics who turn a blind eye to evil and use the achievements of centuries of medical exploration and innovation as tools for profit or even amusement, thus betraying the Hippocratic Oath.

Breaking one's oath is not a rare phenomenon—if all doctors throughout history had adhered to the highest standards of professional ethics under all circumstances, the Hippocratic Oath would never have existed, nor would it have been cited as a pledge and still be mentioned today.

As Kang De ravaged London, these sinners received their just deserts. Only a small number were killed on the spot by the enraged Kang De, while most of the fallen were dragged back to the White Mist World by the torrent of Paradox, serving as candles to burn their sins and taste the intense pain they had inflicted on the innocent.

These people came from all walks of life, possessing different experiences, skills, and secrets. Under Kang De's interrogation, they revealed everything without reservation. Most of the sinners were sinking into almost eternal punishment and suffering, but the skills of a few occasionally came in handy.

Just like this time.

The exquisite and skillful techniques mastered by those corrupt doctors can be used for the benefit of Distant Harbor.

Thus, they were temporarily freed from cruel punishment, exchanging their skills for rewards—not reduced sentences or freedom, but temporary relief from pain during working hours, which these once respectable upper-class people considered a precious gift. Humans are, after all, animals.

Under multiple layers of surveillance, they were ordered to act as mentors and demonstrators, imparting all their knowledge and memories to the healers in the Distant Harbor, and then diligently carrying out medical work.

Kang De assigned them a desperate number—roughly equivalent to all the innocent people who died at the equestrian center, multiplied by ten. After treating that many people, they could die as ordinary people.

Of course, this isn't the only way to learn from others; while seeking opportunities, one shouldn't forget the beacon of freedom. The field hospital at the Tripwire Base is filled with soldiers, each with unique and varied injuries. All treatment plans and medications are documented and can be perfectly applied to the treatment of wounded soldiers in Distant Harbor.

Although this is somewhat unfair to the American Empire soldiers who were injured without cause...

--But since the American Empire can obtain and use the results of Unit 731's experiments without any guilt and therefore pardon those evildoers, it is only natural for the China to ask American Empire soldiers to make some insignificant sacrifices for medical progress and world peace.

To confirm one last time, everything went smoothly.

With limited medical resources, wounded soldiers needing surgery lined up in a static field, while those who had recovered and were recuperating strolled in wheelchairs in the scenic Great Lakes region. Distant Harbor Council's captured wounded soldiers were overjoyed to see the newly installed television set. These country bumpkins were unaware that the real scheme was about to unfold, and they would soon hear the story of the Throne of Heroic Spirits.

Kang De returned to the Distant Harbor, to the mayor's office, where Hong San's personal terminal was playing his previous speech.

He did understand after all.

"My lord," Hong San said softly, "Are you going to make peace with the emperor?"

After all, Kang De said he would not start a war for his own selfish reasons.

"Dream on!"

Kang De retorted angrily, "The golem production line and technology are already in our hands. The Truth Office is testing and improving them. I only said I wouldn't let my own selfish war drag them into the conflict, not that I can't single-handedly form an army to crush the Empire. If that old bastard tries to fool me, I'll hang him on the brightest, most dazzling streetlight!"

Hong San sighed, "We still need to reconcile."

"Don't worry about that. Let the emperor show his sincerity."

"Can..."

Kang De fell silent, his eyes flickering. After a long silence, he said softly, "He will understand."

He was once filled with righteous indignation and a desire for revenge, determined to take on the most powerful empire in the world, to make their king bow down and pay for the painful loss. But he has already witnessed war firsthand.

"You heard the recording, right? You know what to do: don't let them treat me like a god."

"Yes."

Kang De remained silent for a moment as he gazed at Hong San before him.

"Hey," he said, "Your master doesn't quite understand, but you should, right?"

Hong San raised his head and smiled, "My lord, we crawled out of the pile of corpses in Valentan together. We will never forget the promise and the ambition we made back then."

Their eyes met, and they spoke in unison.

That was a request from a deceased person.

"Don't let them be treated like cattle and sheep anymore."

As time passed and day and night changed, the clarion call of the Council once again resounded across the plains from the vanguard position.

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PS1: Arrived in Shanghai, in the hotel, writing, while the people next door are having sex, and there's even a room in the hallway where they're playing some kind of advanced S/M play, and I'm just writing, damn it.

PS2: I was planning to write this after I woke up, but I have a check-up this morning, so I probably won't sleep well. I might as well finish this chapter now. Tomorrow's update will probably be the day after tomorrow morning, just letting you know in advance... I've been through so much for the past half month, and I hope it will all be over by tomorrow. I still have to get a tooth pulled when I get back to Hangzhou, damn it.