Chen Qi: Still not making a move? Keep waiting and the Witch King really will be back / The two brothers had more schemes between them than all of Great Yan's officials

"--Because deep down, they are all like me."

That short sentence seemed to silence everyone in the room. In Leithania, across hundreds of cinemas and tens of thousands of people, regardless of power or status, not a single person responded to the Witch King's words.

Or rather, the Witch King on the screen spoke to the core of each of them... revealing the hidden, unspeakable, and even unexpressible dark side within them.

The Witch King did what countless people had always wanted to do, which is why, even though everyone in the war-torn Leithania knew of his cruelty, they still followed him.

What he unleashed was the darkest side of their hearts, a darkness they themselves dared not look directly at, yet which they could never deceive.

"... That's why you won't kill me."

"Bang!"

However, the brief sentence uttered by the Witch King in the movie, followed by the sudden sound of Originium Arts, pulled everyone's thoughts back to reality!

Another piece slowly fell from the Witch King's mask, accompanied by a trickle of blood. The Witch King's body tilted backward uncontrollably... and finally, he fell from the height...

All of this seemed to be a replica of everything that happened before his death, and at the moment the Witch King fell, everyone's heart tightened, but at the same time, they seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

However, when Kreide, trembling, stepped forward and looked down from the height, he strangely did not see the Witch King's fallen body.

You'll never get rid of me.

The sudden resounding sound sent a jolt through Kreide and all the spectators. Kreide slowly turned around, only to find the Witch King's figure still standing before him...

But at this moment, Kreide himself was standing in the same spot as the Witch King.

It's like a cycle. The Witch King fell from the heights, and now, Kreide stands where the Witch King once was, while the Witch King stands watching, as if Kreide will be the next to fall from the heights...

The Witch King represents that extremism, that long-suppressed anger of the people; while the Kreide represents that morality, that reason.

Extreme anger can be forced to its knees by moral reason, but when moral reason is also forced to its knees, this extreme anger will still be picked up again and brought back to the world.

This cycle is endless, just as all extremes eventually come to an end.

"I am a part of you, from all of you."

"Perhaps everything... isn't entirely negative."

The Witch King's words once again permeated everyone's hearts. At this moment, everyone understood that the Witch King might not represent the Witch King himself, but rather a concept represented by the Witch King's image.

The idea that people might resurface when they are driven to the brink of despair, and the only way to prevent it from happening again is to never push people to the brink.

This is the message Chen Qi wanted to convey to the Twin Empresses. Now, everyone has understood the movie, but Chen Qi can't give them a standard answer as to what the Twin Empresses will ultimately do. He has no right to decide how a country's ruler should govern.

Now, all he can offer is a piece of advice— the Witch King may not return, but Witch King will always remain in everyone's heart, and everyone driven to the brink could become the next Witch King.

Chapter 263: Chen Qi: Still not moving? If you don't move, the Witch King will really return.

Chen Qi's meaning has been expressed through the film. Now, Wei Yenwu and the Emperor of the Great Yan, as well as Kal'tsit on the ship, and everyone who has been following this film, have understood its profound meaning.

Now, the Twin Empresses seem to have provided their answer. Upon witnessing this scene, the white-haired queen, who had initially hesitated, finally made her decision and revealed her own answer.

"We cannot touch the Emperor, nor can we touch those misled Leithania youths. What we can arrest immediately are those who truly participated in the attempt to resurrect the Witch King and who wantonly conducted human experiments, thus perpetuating the Witch King's evil deeds."

"Targeting the Emperor directly might not be better for the people of Leithania; it would only make the situation worse. But we also can't turn on those misled youths; that would mean we completely lose the people's support."

"But what's the point of all this if we do nothing?" The black-haired queen naturally understood this as well. Right now, it was difficult to touch either commoners or emperors, but if they did nothing, wouldn't all the risks they took in inviting Chen Qi to film "The Witch King Is Back" be Kung Fu Hustle?

Moreover, this film has now brought the image of the Witch King back to the public eye, and his ideology has been perpetuated once again. The image and will he represents have reappeared at this moment. If they continue to sit idly by and wait for their doom, the remnants of the Witch King will only grow stronger.

"Therefore, we must do something to figure out who should be killed, who should be sentenced, and who should be released. In this situation, we must win over most of the Leithania to support us in order to resist the growing power of the Witch King's remnants."

"We need to find a way to make the Leithania temporarily forget the Witch King... if there's a future to offer them, so they won't give up everything for a slim hope."

"Arresting everyone involved is only a last resort. We must minimize our influence as much as possible, like peeling back lettuce to find the heart of the vegetable. Only by peeling away each layer to the very end can we find the true remnants of the Witch King!"

The White-Haired Queen has clearly grasped the key to Leithania's current predicament through the movie "The Witch King Is Back"—that is, they cannot try to go against the will of the entire Leithania people, especially in the current situation where the image of the Witch King has reappeared and they can no longer hide it. No matter how the Leithania evaluate the Witch King, they cannot hand over power to the Witch King's people.

However, it is not wise to be an enemy of the emperors and marquises, especially since most of them have a rather ambiguous attitude towards them now... They clearly intend to stand by and watch, and only when one of them wins the fight will they step in to help.

Now they can only rely on themselves and their spies, the "Empress's Voice," to turn the tide. But the key question is, how?

"... We arrested many commoners and nobles suspected of being remnants of the Witch King a while ago, didn't we? Some of them haven't officially joined yet, and some have vested interests with the Witch King's remnants, but they're just unofficial members and don't know the specifics of the Witch King's remnants' actions." The white-haired queen gradually came to a conclusion, muttering to herself as she spoke to her sisters:

"Perhaps we should release them all. After spending so much time in prison, those impulsive young men should have sobered up. Those who should go home will go home. As for those who don't go home and head straight for the stronghold of the remnants of the Witch King, they are members who have already been formally implicated with him."

"Then we'll target some of the strongholds of the remnants of the Witch King, making them suspicious of each other. That should separate another group of people who are disillusioned with the Witch King's remnants from him."

"As for the emperors and marquises... we can't arrest them, but we can convict the nobles under their control with solid evidence! If the emperors and marquises lose some of the nobles under their control, they will lose a portion of their control. We can then try to recruit these nobles, remnants of the former Witch King, and gradually erode the control of these emperors and marquises!"

However, although the White-Haired Empress had figured out who their enemies were and was quite adept at dividing them up, they still had concerns. After all, this time it involved the Emperor and the Marquis—although the Emperor's position would not be affected, these nobles represented the Emperor's power, and purging the nobles under their command was tantamount to taking away their power.

Therefore, before doing so, the Twin Empresses must gain the support of the people of Leithania... Only when the people under their rule stand on the side of the Twin Empresses will the lords compromise, after all, their wealth comes from the people.

Obedient nobles can be trained and selected by the emperor, but if the people of the Mobile City under their autonomy rebel, they will not be able to collect taxes. If all the other Mobile City are stable, but they are unable to collect taxes, the Twin Empresses are certain that the emperor will compromise.

However, this decision still requires great courage. Although the Twin Empresses knows what to do, she doesn't dare to make the decision right away...

"Huh? Is the movie not over yet?"

At that very moment, the TV show "The Witch King Is Back," which Chen Qi was still playing, immediately drew the attention of the Twin Empresses, who were still debating whether to do it.

Not only the Twin Empresses, but most viewers thought the movie would end there. But as a rather sci-fi background faded away, everyone came back to their senses.

"Click! Passed!"

As the background in the movie faded away, everyone saw the familiar green screen behind them, and not far away, the faces of familiar people such as Talulah and Czerny reappeared, proving that this scene was just an act.

Meanwhile, "Kreide," who was confronting the Witch King, slowly and directly removed his human skin mask. In the movie, everyone cheered for the end of the film, and all the previous explanations about the "Witch King" were suddenly brought back to the plot.

They understood the Witch King's image in the film, but that didn't change the fact that, in the film's context, the Witch King had truly returned. His body and mind had both returned in the film, which was the worst possible outcome for everyone.

Czerny happily popped open the champagne, and the final shoot was over. Everyone was relieved that the job was done, but some small details caught everyone's attention.

For example, the main character played by Kreide is not here, and... Maria's character, Kolomea, who has Kazimierz ancestry, wanted to celebrate the success of the film's production with everyone, but no one in the entire room took the initiative to celebrate with her.

The surrounding hugs and cheers seemed out of place with Maria's current desolation. She even tried to blend in, but when she placed her hand on the nearest person, the person immediately shook her off with a stiff expression.

"The Witch King's ideology... has infiltrated this production crew; the entire crew has now become perpetuators of the Witch King's ideology..."

Kal'tsit watched this scene and muttered to herself. Beside her, Amiya shuddered involuntarily as she witnessed it, gradually realizing the terrifying nature of the Witch King.

It wasn't his terrifying strength that was his last resort—the ability to unleash the dark side within people, subtly instilling his ideology into everyone around him, making them fanatically follow him—that ideology, that influence, was the true terror of the Witch King!

"Quiet! The Witch King has something to say!"

At this very moment, the Witch King's "bodyguards" had also undergone a complete transformation, showing no trace of their previous decadence and weakness. Each of them was like the most elite assassins, loyal and reliable.

However, the object of their loyalty is that Witch King, the Witch King who has gradually regained control of everything and could return to his peak at any time!

At that moment, the Witch King slowly raised a glass of champagne, facing everyone, his tone carrying the composure and solemnity of a leader, and said, word by word:

"It's great that everyone is celebrating. But we must also remember our... comrades who have passed away."

As soon as the Witch King finished speaking, the scene shifted, Kreide's face, which had completely lost its expression, reappeared before everyone. At this moment, he was locked in a solitary room in a mental hospital, clearly powerless to stop anything anymore.

The only one who knows the true face of the Witch King, the only one who can stop all of this, "good," is now imprisoned within thick walls, which is like an allegory that the morality and kindness of Leithania will ultimately be abolished by the "Witch King."

A cycle has begun again, and now, the Witch King has truly returned.

"If the Witch King Is Back, will history repeat itself?"

As the camera shifts, the Witch King and Talulah's character, "Bellini," are now sitting in a convertible. The Witch King is basking in the adoration and cheers of the Leithania people. When Talulah is asked a similar question by a reporter, she casually replies:

"For 20 years, we've been reflecting on this; people are tired of hearing this kind of talk."

"We need more confidence to face everything that has happened before, thank you."

Talulah's words were not only addressed to the Twin Empresses, but to everyone in Leithania. The history of the Witch King had already happened and could not be erased. Rather than trying to cover it up or eliminate it, it was better to face it all and figure out how to prevent the Witch King from returning.

At the end of the film, accompanied by light music, the Witch King appears openly before the people of Leithania in a convertible. He no longer needs to hide himself; the people of Leithania have already accepted his presence.

Along the way, the people of Leithania reacted to the Witch King in vastly different ways. Some were curious about him, some looked down on him, and some even provoked him... But gradually, more and more people began to pay homage and salute him...

"Everything has a deeper meaning, and this situation is good for me."

"In Leithania, in the West, throughout the world."

The lighthearted music gradually turned somber, and then, real-life riots taking place in various countries such as Leithania, Victoria, and Kazimierz began to appear on the big screen.

Everyone was covered in thick mosaics. All the riots that occurred indicated that this fervor was not just happening in Leithania, but was emerging and brewing in every country across this land.

"The Rim Billiton government is a puppet!"

"Those who visit Iberia must adapt to the ever-present threat of repression from our Inquisition..."

"The riots in front of the refugee center resulted in buildings being burned down."

"We are the people! We are the people!" XN

The commotions finally came to an end with a roar from the people of Leithania. Thus, the film * the Witch King Is Back * truly came to a close.

However, even after the movie ended, neither the audience in the theater nor the powerful figures watching it in various places left. The scene that had just happened was still echoing in their minds—the scene of the people united as one, shouting "We are the people."

The Witch King Is Back... no, the Witch King may have returned long ago.

If nothing is done, it's not just the "Witch King" of Leithania; every country in this land might have a "Witch King"!

"--Issue the order: release all previously arrested remnants of the Witch King's faction, including commoners, from prison and return them to society. Bring all the nobles with you!"

At this moment, after witnessing this scene in the movie "The Witch King Is Back," the Twin Empresses no longer hesitated. Now, they had no choice but to do something to salvage the current uncontrollable situation.

Chapter 264: The two brothers combined are more cunning than all the officials of the Great Yan.

"Incredible, truly incredible... This kid has really taught us all a lesson. This movie seems to be about the Witch King, but it's actually about the people."

After watching the movie "The Witch King Is Back," Lungmen and Wei Yenwu couldn't help but click their tongues in disbelief. All the viewers who initially came expecting to see the Witch King's revenge and want to witness his rampage and the terror and cruelty of the legendary Witch King were disappointed to find that the Witch King never unleashed a single Originium Arts after the entire movie had finished.

However, the Witch King in this movie showed everyone through his actions that great strength was never his greatest reliance. What he relied on was his political ability, which was on par with his military prowess. He informed the people of his purpose, yet so many people still devoted themselves to him.

The people of Leithania all know that the Witch King is greedy, cruel, and rules the country with terror. But the Witch King was the one who cleared away all obstacles for Leithania at that time, transforming Leithania from a small country caught in the middle into a great power capable of defeating Gaul!

Everyone understood that the Witch King's ideology was wrong; he was insane and ruthless. But when victory was the only way for the Leithania to survive, to prevent foreigners from taking control of their country, and to drive out the invaders who coveted their land and resources, they resolutely chose the Witch King as their leader.

As it turned out, the Witch King succeeded, in an incredibly brutal and inhuman way. He did not betray the Leithania; it's just that the later Leithania, and the lords, no longer needed him.

But the Witch King will still return... all it takes is a special background, a special era, when the country needs the Witch King, "he" will definitely return.

What made the Witch King was not divine choice, but the inevitability of that era—this is the idea that Chen Qi wanted to convey to the Twin Empresses and all rulers of other countries through this film.

"He made us all think about this question, a question that no one had ever considered before: 'Why does someone like the Witch King exist?'"

"Now, this kid has laid the answer to this question before us. He has forced us all to confront this issue directly. Only by figuring out why Witch King appeared can those in power consider, 'How can we prevent the Witch King from reappearing?'"

"Ultimately, what this guy has been conveying is a people-centered philosophy... This film is very different from all his previous works."

This is certainly not the first time Chen Qi has filmed a work on this subject, but unlike "Yes, Prime Minister," which satirizes civil servants and the upper class, "The Witch King Is Back" can more directly express the demands of the people, using the voice of the people to highlight the incompetence of the upper class, which is more likely to resonate with most people.

"It seems that my younger brother is now truly going to win the argument against all the officials and defy public opinion."

Upon recalling the resounding success of "The Witch King Is Back," Wei Yenwu immediately realized that he was about to be in trouble. The film's message was indeed what the Great Yan needed, and it was something the Great Yan Emperor valued. The biggest obstacle to Chen Qi's "shocking" work, which he was going to film in the capital and which even involved the Emperor and his officials, was that everyone feared he would make irresponsible satires and criticisms, causing chaos in the court and the Great Yan Dynasty.

However, given Wei Yenwu's understanding of his younger brother, the hidden dangers revealed in "The Witch King Is Back" will only strengthen his resolve to invite Chen Qi to film in the capital. He also intends to use Chen Qi's talent to create a work that can serve as a mirror to expose the hidden dangers in the officialdom and court of the Great Yan that he is unaware of.

Moreover, Wei Yenwu had a premonition that Chen Qi would be able to thoroughly understand the Great Yan Dynasty within three months of arriving in the Great Yan capital, and produce a sensational drama that would shake the entire court!

The seemingly peaceful and prosperous Great Yan Dynasty... is about to be stirred up, but whether it will be a turbulent storm or a bloodbath... who can know?

"Who could know how many hypocrites lurked in the imperial court, trembling with fear at the mere mention of that kid going to make a movie? No wonder the officials objected, but... it's all useless now."

Wei Yenwu couldn't help but sigh, already anticipating a major overhaul of the Great Yan Dynasty. Then, suddenly remembering something, he turned to Chen Huijie beside him and asked:

"By the way, Little Chen, you just got back not long ago. You said that kid also arranged a role for me? I haven't had a chance to ask yet. What kind of role did he arrange for me? Will I, his uncle, have to go to the capital again?"

Wei Yenwu had absolutely no desire to go to the capital to see his younger brother. However, since Chen Qi had specifically requested Wei Yenwu to go, he figured his brother would definitely let him go. Since he couldn't avoid it, Wei Yenwu planned to make some preparations in advance so he could perform well in the capital and avoid giving his brother any reason to criticize him.

As Wei Yenwu pondered this, he also raised his teacup to sip his tea. Upon hearing this, Chen Huijie immediately took out a slip of paper from her pocket, glanced at it, and then said, word by word:

"Wei Yenwu, the role Chen Qi assigned you is an emperor, an emperor with the reign title 'Jiajing'."

"Clatter!"

However, as soon as Chen Huijie finished speaking, the teacup in Wei Yenwu's hand almost instantly smashed to the ground. Then, for the first time, an unprecedentedly solemn and incredulous expression appeared on Wei Yenwu's usually calm face.

Wei Yenwu naturally understood that this matter was quite serious in the Great Yan. First of all, the reign title "Jiajing" had never appeared in the history of the Great Yan Dynasty. If he was not mistaken, then the emperor in this drama was a fictional emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty created by Chen Qi.

The very fact that it's about an emperor who has never appeared before, and that Wei Yenwu was specifically chosen to play the role, sends a very bad signal. The current emperor is still alive, and you've made a film about an emperor who has never existed, with Wei Yenwu, who has a right to the throne, playing the role. Are you implying that you are the next emperor?

In particular, everyone in the court knew that Wei Yenwu was the one who should be emperor. And if he wanted to, probably no one in the court, or even the emperor himself, would have any objections.

The throne of the Great Yan was a precarious position, like sitting on pins and needles. Therefore, the throne should be held by a wise and virtuous ruler.

Wei Yenwu was afraid. He was afraid that once he sat on the throne during his performance at the palace, he might never be able to stand up again! He had run away before, and his younger brother had the information gap and didn't run away, which was why he was able to sit on the throne. Now that his younger brother was prepared, would he just transfer the position to him?