Directing in the Ark, Success is Not Getting Banned

"Bernard, how about our Prime Minister also serving as First Chancellor of the Exchequer?"

"——He's already fast asleep."

As Bernard in the television responded, a fitting burst of laughter followed. It was the first time old Bill had heard laughter from a television, but after a moment of surprise, he grew accustomed to it.

"Bernard, we're in trouble," said Humphrey, played by the Bloodborne Archon, on the television.

Manfred: "Who is?"

Bloodborne Archon: "You, me, and all of Victoria. The key issue is the Prime Minister's disastrous new defense concept—no more new Steam Knights, conscription, it's all garbage!"

"Ah... the grand blueprint." Manfred understood what the Bloodborne Archon meant, and the Bloodborne Archon replied irritably, "That's his own term."

However, Manfred was clearly loyal to Theresis and defended his Prime Minister, saying, "But if it saves money and lowers unemployment..."

"——Bernard, what is the purpose of our defense policy?" At this moment, the Bloodborne Archon suddenly changed the subject and asked.

"To protect Victoria?" Manfred answered instinctively.

"No, Bernard—it's to make people believe Victoria is protected."

The Bloodborne Archon's sudden, impassioned declaration sparked another round of laughter. This time, it wasn't just the voices from the television laughing, but also old Bill and his wife.

"...The Ursus people?"

"Not the Ursus people, the Victorian people!" the Bloodborne Archon immediately corrected, speaking with utmost seriousness and conviction.

"The Ursus people know we can't do it."

The Bloodborne Archon's righteous words on the television, shamelessly speaking words that undermined the government's credibility, had the effect of bringing unspoken truths to light, eliciting uproarious laughter.

At that moment, old Bill and his wife, who had seen the show countless times, burst into laughter. Old Bill let out a hearty laugh he hadn't experienced in a long time—because the government of his own country was being mocked.

"Hahahaha! Exactly, exactly! Victorians know they aren't protected, otherwise, it wouldn't be so easy for these demons to take over Londinium."

Old Bill used his laughter to vent his pent-up dissatisfaction. Beside him, his wife asked with a smug expression, "How is it, is this TV series good?"

"——It's good. I love anything that makes fun of our trash government."

"It's just... won't a TV series that mocks the government like this get banned?"

"...Never mind, it's already airing, so let's just enjoy it to the fullest."

Old Bill nodded at her words. The long-awaited laughter had significantly improved his mood. From then on, Londinium gained another loyal fan of "Yes, Prime Minister."

And such scenes were unfolding in families across Londinium, now under Sarkaz control. For a time, almost every family with a television was watching this novel TV series. Several families even gathered together just to watch this show that dared to openly satirize the Victorian government.

Meanwhile, in the sewers of Londinium, the group calling themselves the "Londinium Citizens' Self-Rescue Army" was hiding in a dimly lit basement.

However, on this day, they weren't discussing strikes or riots. Almost all the members present were gathered around the only television, watching the TV series "Yes, Prime Minister."

"...Arlette, do you think this is Theresis's conspiracy?"

At this moment, all eyes were focused on a white-haired Feline woman. She exuded the unique charm of a mature woman; clearly, she was the leader of the Self-Rescue Army.

Arlette, the daughter of a Duke and born into nobility, remained silent as she watched everything broadcast on "Yes, Prime Minister." She wasn't laughing; instead, her expression was grave. As a Duke's daughter, she understood the significant impact this TV series would have on Londinium.

Londinium's city defense and all communication were now under Sarkaz control. The residents here were already utterly disappointed with the Victorian government. At such a time, a TV series disguised as comedy, but actually satirizing the Victorian government's inaction and mistakes, would inevitably, subtly erode Londinium's last shred of trust in Victoria.

But what made Arlette even more furious was—the TV series' satire was actually accurate! These were the flaws and shortcomings of the Victorian government!

Of course, in peaceful times, Arlette would have loved this TV series. But now, it would undoubtedly pour cold water on the already low morale of the Self-Rescue Army. She stated firmly, "This is definitely the Regent's conspiracy. He wants to slander Victoria with these baseless accusations in the TV series!"

"Victorian swear word! It must be Theresis!"

This time, Arlette was truly agitated. Despite being the daughter of a Duke, Arlette, who never lost her composure under any circumstances, was now anxious over a TV series.

Because she felt the power of public opinion... subtly diminishing their chances of victory. If this TV series continued to air... would the residents of Londinium still support their Self-Rescue Army?

The more she thought about it, the more panicked Arlette became, and the more resentful she grew towards Theresis—and the people who made this TV series!

If only she could find that guy! Otherwise, she would definitely deliver a crushing blow to that scoundrel who made this TV series!

Chapter Thirty-Six: Theresis: Director Chen Qi's Mind is Worth a Thousand Armies!

"Yes, Prime Minister" became a hit.

In Londinium, now under the control of Sarkaz legions for communication and city defense, Theresis had cut off almost all avenues for news to spread. Yet, "Yes, Prime Minister" shattered the dull television programming in Londinium, becoming the most talked-about and best TV series in every household!

Although only two episodes had aired, "Yes, Prime Minister" had clearly received unanimous acclaim from the residents of Londinium, who were starved for mental entertainment and had long suppressed their emotions.

Furthermore, with Theresis recognizing the TV series' potential and now controlling all information dissemination in Londinium, the first two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister" were replayed every two hours throughout the week, ensuring that every television in Londinium broadcast it during its free time, and that every resident of Londinium saw it.

This "generous" support from Theresis made Chen Qi truly grateful. With Theresis's backing, Chen Qi's reputation soared.

In just two episodes, his reputation was already nearly half of what "The Godfather" in Syracuse garnered during its premiere. Moreover, according to the system's judgment, the TV series' reputation was settled per episode.

This meant that Chen Qi's current reputation was a result of Theresis promoting it throughout Londinium, allowing every episode of his TV series to be watched by all residents of Londinium, multiple times.

In fact, Chen Qi didn't even need to promote it himself; Theresis used his monopoly on information to spread it. Not only that, but Chen Qi also heard that Theresis planned to have all Sarkaz members of the rank of Centurion and above in Londinium watch "Yes, Prime Minister."

It could be said that Theresis's plan perfectly aligned with Chen Qi's system requirement: "the attention of influential figures"!

While a Sarkaz Centurion might not have much individual prestige, it's important to remember that the elite Sarkaz of all of Londinium watched his TV drama. And every time a new episode aired, he was guaranteed to receive such stable prestige income...

—Suddenly, Chen Qi felt like he had his own online fan club. He suddenly understood the feelings of those directors who used to make bad movies.

"Yan's national essence. No wonder those directors and screenwriters only make trashy dramas. This feeling of making money no matter what you film..."

Chen Qi stared at his ever-increasing prestige value, and couldn't help but be a little dumbfounded. He thought that the prestige gained from "The Godfather," which had the support of all of Syracuse, was already the peak. After all, with such a masterpiece and such rare support, the possibility of him reaching greater heights was slim.

But he never expected that "Yes, Prime Minister" would receive support in Londinium that was no less than that in Syracuse—it was even showing signs of surpassing it.

At this moment, Chen Qi opened the system and looked at the comments from Londinium residents on the first two episodes of "Yes, Prime Minister." As expected, he received the long-suppressed praise from the residents of Londinium.

"I never thought I'd laugh out loud watching a political drama. Although I don't understand some parts, it's really funny."

"This TV show really dares to criticize! Thumbs up for you!"

"'Defense policy is not for defending Victoria, but for making Victorians believe they are defended.' Can you really say that? #Funny#"

"Knock knock knock! Open up! Londinium City Defense Force! Oh, it's already controlled by demons. Never mind then."

"LOL, my dad works in the Londinium Parliament. He says the civil servants in here are exactly the same as the ones he knows, all like this."

"Replying to the above, coincidentally, my dad is a ministerial secretary in Parliament. He says the politicians in here are also exactly the same as the ones he knows. He almost choked with laughter watching the TV show today."

"Why only two episodes a week? I'm living for this TV show now. Do I have to wait until next week to see the next two episodes? Don't let this happen!"

"Update! This is definitely a masterpiece! As long as it's not banned, I'll keep following it!"

Comments like these, one after another, from the residents of Londinium, made Chen Qi can't help but beam with laughter. It proved that even in this land, as long as it's about politics, the methods and qualities of all politicians are pretty much the same, and everyone's impression of politicians is very similar.

This is why a masterpiece is a masterpiece. Let alone twenty years later, even if he changed worlds, he could still adapt it with a little modification, or even use it directly.

"Director Chen Qi, regarding the TV drama 'Yes, Prime Minister,' I must congratulate you on your great success."

Theresis even met Chen Qi specifically for this. The Regent, who had always ruled Kazdel and all Sarkaz with iron-fisted policies, showed a rare smile on his face and said to Chen Qi with unusual intimacy:

"This TV drama has broken new ground. Before this, no work has ever dared to expose the darkness and loopholes of a government. And under my rule, we have set this precedent and achieved great success."

Of course, from now on, Terran Continent's "public opinion war" originator is you, Theresis. Chen Qi knew very well why Theresis was so happy, but he still humbly said:

"It's great to be able to help His Highness the Regent. This is also not letting down His Highness's expectations."

"I have a high opinion of you, Director Chen Qi. Your mind is worth a thousand Wendigos and an army of ten thousand Pegasi," Theresis said with a faint smile. His personal guards and Confessors were stunned by the intimacy their Regent showed—they had never seen Theresis value someone so much.

Even Manfred, whom he had taught himself, had never elicited such intimacy from Theresis. And Chen Qi, by simply making a good film, had earned such praise from the Regent... It was truly enviable.

Theresis even felt that this was not enough. He walked down from his high position and came to Chen Qi's side. He actually extended a hand and placed it on Chen Qi's shoulder, then said softly:

"Now, I not only plan to broadcast 'Yes, Prime Minister' in Londinium, but I plan to have this TV drama broadcast throughout Victoria with Londinium's official authorization."

"—Aren't you afraid that people from other mobile cities in Victoria will discover the abnormality in Londinium, Your Highness?" Chen Qi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, startled by Theresis's boldness. Didn't he seal off all information from Londinium precisely to prevent leaks that could lead to an attack?

However, facing Chen Qi's concern, Theresis smiled faintly and said, "Of course, we have ways to deal with such trivial matters... It was just unnecessary before, so we sealed off information to prevent accidents."

"But now, we have a 'work' that can be broadcast to Victoria. By using Originium Arts for mind control, we can ensure that those people won't make mistakes."

"Moreover, as the capital of Londinium, it's easy to arouse suspicion if there's no news for such a long time. So, with Londinium's permission, we can push this TV drama to various places in Victoria."

Good heavens, I forgot that your Sarkaz Originium Arts are all heaven-defying. It's not strange that a few mind-controlling Arts can spread "Yes, Prime Minister" without risk.

However, in the end, Chen Qi didn't believe that "Yes, Prime Minister" alone could complete Theresis's so-called public opinion war. After all, this drama was made by himself to criticize himself. Although it revealed a lot, it had almost no impact on the turmoil in his own country.

A country wouldn't be brought down by a self-critical TV drama. It's just that Londinium is currently facing internal and external troubles, so the effect is better. As for other mobile cities in Victoria... everyone would at most laugh and then know nothing.

"If that's the case, then I thank Your Highness the Regent for your high regard."

Theresis's grand plan to spread "Yes, Prime Minister" was nothing more than him feeling the benefits of the public opinion war. So, let him do free publicity for himself and broadcast this TV drama throughout Victoria!

This way, Chen Qi's prestige value would not be lacking. Not only could he earn Oripathy suppressants, but he could also gain prestige for supporting everyone's escape in the future. A win-win situation! He wins twice!

"In addition, I hope that in the future, Director Chen Qi's scripts can reflect more sharp issues concerning Victoria."

Theresis's plans did not stop there. He had even greater expectations for Chen Qi. Through Chen Qi's insightful eyes, he wanted to continuously expose Victoria's mistakes and loopholes, and then use them for the revival of Kazdel in the future, filling in the gaps.

However, what Theresis didn't know was that most of the problems Victoria faced in the script of "Yes, Prime Minister"... were not present in Kazdel, so it would be useless for him to watch it.

"Then, I have already written the scripts for the third and fourth episodes. If it's convenient for Your Highness the Regent, you can make preparations for next week's scenes."

Chen Qi then handed over the script he had prepared long ago to Theresis. Theresis's eyes lit up slightly, and he immediately flipped through it, then asked, "What issues does this cover?"

"The fourth episode is mainly about the Prime Minister's counterattack, while the third episode is a bombshell—the topic of the 'Forbidden Originium Industry'."

"I think, for Victoria, this topic can arouse the interest of most Victorian citizens, and the topic is sharp enough," Chen Qi explained with a smile. Upon hearing this, Theresis also smiled faintly:

"Very good. Once we are ready, we will start filming immediately. I can't wait for these four episodes to be broadcast throughout Victoria via Londinium Television."

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Vina: Who would blacken Victoria like this?

A few days later, aboard the land aircraft carrier named "Rhodes Island," the leader of Rhodes Island, Amiya—a fourteen-year-old Cautus girl—was accompanied by a young Aslan girl with golden hair holding a polearm warhammer.

"Miss Vina, this is the interior of our Rhodes Island. If there's anything you don't understand or are not used to, feel free to mention it."

Although Amiya was young, with the assistance of the veteran operator "Kal'tsit," she had already begun to show leadership qualities. However, this was not the time for her to display her leadership. She was currently acting as a guide, accompanying a new operator to familiarize herself with the environment of Rhodes Island.

Moreover, Miss Vina beside Amiya this time was no ordinary person. No one would have imagined that Vina, dressed like a street punk, was the legitimate heir to the Victorian throne.

"...My codename is now 'King of Promotion.' I am no longer the heir to Victoria."

Vina shook her head. Doctor Kal'tsit had personally questioned her a few times and finally confirmed her identity. However, her current situation was clearly not optimistic. Theresis controlled all of Londinium, and as the Crown Prince, Vina had already found it very difficult to escape death's embrace amidst the chaos.

Vina had rallied a small group, calling themselves the Glasgow Gang, and with their help, she had escaped Londinium... Now, having fled Londinium, she was without power or an army. Fortunately, she and her group encountered Rhodes Island, allowing them a temporary respite.

Vina harbored the idea of using Rhodes Island's strength to help her return to Londinium. However, she also knew that Rhodes Island was not her army. For now, she planned to recuperate and find an opportunity to seek Rhodes Island's assistance again.

"Rhodes Island is willing to give me and my people a place to stay, and I am already immensely grateful. We plan to rest well for a while."

"After some time, please feel free to assign me tasks, Amiya. Don't treat me as a Crown Prince; just use me as a regular operator."

Vina understood the principle of living under someone else's roof. She needed to prove herself, gain everyone's support, and then convince Rhodes Island to help her reclaim the throne. Currently, Rhodes Island was her only support, and she had to make the most of it.

Amiya also understood the reason for Vina's current humility and revealed a Sarkaz-like smile, softly saying:

"I understand. Then, Miss Vina, please consider Rhodes Island your second home."

"Once you've settled in at Rhodes Island, if there are any suitable tasks for you all, we will notify you immediately."

Just as Amiya was comforting the newly arrived Vina, a figure in red and white suddenly rushed over from not far away, shouting:

"Amiya! Amiya! Come quickly! Director Nian has thought of another great idea! Approve my application quickly!"

A woman with white hair streaked with red, even her clothes in a similar style, and a pair of dragon-like horns, wearing sunglasses, ran up to Amiya. This time, even the gentle Amiya couldn't help but show a troubled expression, saying with a wry smile:

"Miss Nian, if it's about recruiting actors for your new work, please negotiate with the operators yourself. Rhodes Island will not gather everyone for matters related to just your movie."

"What? Is it because my previous film, 'The Sicilian,' flopped? Even for a great director like me, Nian, such things are normal, aren't they?"

Nian, seeing Amiya's troubled expression, immediately understood that the flop of her recent film had caused the people at Rhodes Island to doubt her reputation—though such a situation had already occurred during the filming process.

"Besides, didn't I recover all the expenses that were spent? Rhodes Island not only didn't spend money but actually made a small profit! Doesn't that prove the capability of Director Nian?"

...Following the style of Lungmen's hottest movie, 'The Godfather,' the filming methods, lighting, and sets all showed strong traces of imitation. However, in the final plot, not only did revenge fail, but the main characters were thrown off the building one by one by their own father when facing the retaliation of the opposing family—only Director Nian could have filmed such a scene.

Nian's defense was that her "artistic conception" was deeper than that of 'The Godfather's' screenwriter. She felt that 'The Godfather' overly beautified the depiction of the Mafia and that she wanted to create a realistic and unique portrayal of the Mafia.

And, as expected, it flopped, receiving a rating of 1.2 on Douban.