Directing on the Ark, Success If Not Banned

The Grand Tutor also sighed softly upon hearing this. He had promised His Majesty that he would not reveal the real reason... After all, the reason His Majesty had gone to such great lengths this time was due to a television series from Victoria...

In fact, a few days prior, news about "Yes, Minister" had already begun circulating in Yan. Most of it had spread through Lungmen's online channels. As Yan's open mobile city, Lungmen held unique cultural significance, and thus, news from other countries within the networks of other Yan mobile cities mostly originated from Lungmen.

"Yes, Minister" was no exception this time... However, since the series did not have broadcast rights in Great Yan, only versions circulating online were available.

But soon, because Great Yan had not banned the content of "Yes, Minister," it quickly began to spread across various online platforms, and then it reached the capital...

Coincidentally, the Emperor of Yan had recently heard the name of this television series from Ursus and had become curious about this series that Ursus had strictly banned.

To this day, the Grand Tutor still remembered that during the morning court the next day, after the court session, His Majesty had ordered a census of the financial issues of the Six Ministries and all mobile cities, demanding clear ledgers with no omissions.

After the court adjourned, the Grand Tutor also asked His Majesty about this matter. However, His Majesty's reply was, without any sign of fatigue:

"I watched a foreign television series a few days ago and was quite moved. One line particularly caught my attention."

"'The Ministry of Finance doesn't plan how to spend before collecting money, but rather collects as much money as possible and then finds a place to spend it'—that's what the series said. This made me think it's time to thoroughly investigate the finances of the Ministry of Revenue and all the mobile cities, to prevent similar issues within the court."

"My dear minister, why don't you also go back and watch this series? I quite enjoyed it. After I finish watching it, I think we should establish a dedicated department to research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of foreign civil service systems."

—This is what the Emperor told him. The Grand Tutor also heard the name of the series from His Majesty, a television series produced by Victoria, "Yes, Minister."

But... establishing a department specifically to discuss a television series... was that really necessary?

The Grand Tutor was filled with doubt, but he felt that things were not that simple. A television series that even His Majesty found commendable, perhaps he should watch it too?

Yes, he would watch it tonight, the Grand Tutor thought. However, that day, the Grand Tutor could never have imagined that at his age, he would be unable to sleep for the first time because of a television series...

As a result, the next day after the court adjourned, when His Majesty wanted to ask the Grand Tutor for his opinion on "Yes, Minister" and his decision to establish a research group, the Grand Tutor, with dark circles under his eyes, instinctively replied:

"—Yes, Your Majesty."

Chapter 50: An Unavoidable Predicament? A Suggestion from Koschei

And during these past few days, the upheaval that "Yes, Minister" had caused across Terra was completely unknown to Chen Qi and his companions in Londinium.

Londinium had long since blocked most external news, with all information controlled by Theresis. Currently, within Londinium, aside from Theresis himself, it was likely no one else could have imagined that their only weekly entertainment would be "Yes, Minister," filmed by Chen Qi and Theresis.

However, following the broadcast of the fifth and sixth episodes of "Yes, Minister," even without explicit news, everyone in the crew began to gradually sense a strange change...

"Chen Qi, have the Sarkaz guards protecting us been increasing recently? I feel like we've been constantly guarded, even monitored, by a large number of Sarkaz!"

That evening, the crew held a long-overdue meeting. This time, Chen Qi did not call the mid-level management of the crew, but only the key figures from the Art Troupe—Talulah, Alina, Patriot, and FrostNova.

"Talulah, you're right."

Patriot nodded upon hearing this and spoke to Chen Qi with great solemnity, intermittently: "Recently, I can sense the familiar aura of the Confessors, lingering around."

"...Did we go too far?" FrostNova speculated. Her Penguin Logistics squad, now the Art Troupe within Reunion Movement, was solely responsible for stage and location scouting. This allowed her people to legitimately investigate situations everywhere.

The news from Penguin Logistics made FrostNova uneasy, and she immediately said:

"Our cooperation with the Sarkaz will ultimately be resented by some, won't it? And recently, the Regent has been dispatching more and more Sarkaz guards around our crew. Does this mean we are becoming increasingly dangerous?"

"Chen Qi, we might have really gone too far this time, helping the Sarkaz... If this gets out, our crew might have no allies left on this land except for the Sarkaz."

However, as everyone was discussing the current situation in a flurry of words, Chen Qi had not offered his opinion from beginning to end, only listening to everyone's feedback with a smile—until his head was struck.

"You should say something too! What should we do now?!" Talulah couldn't stand it anymore and directly slapped the back of Chen Qi's head. Fortunately, although Talulah was anxious, she had her limits and controlled the force to just bring Chen Qi back to his senses.

"—I was just thinking, that just half a year ago, we were all struggling to survive in the snowfields, and now everyone is contemplating whether we should associate with the Sarkaz."

Chen Qi, after being hit by Talulah, immediately snapped back to his senses. However, his first words were to express his joy at the current transformation of the crew's identities.

Originally, everyone in the crew was still struggling for survival. As Infected, as the lowest stratum of existence on this land, most of Reunion Movement didn't aspire to dignity; they only had the instinct for survival and the anger towards non-Infected for their unfair treatment.

In essence, they were not much stronger than the Sarkaz... Everywhere they went, they invoked fear and were regarded with wary eyes. Yet, in just half a year, from Lungmen to Syracuse, and from Syracuse to Londinium, everyone in the crew gradually regained their dignity through filming and work.

This was, of course, a good phenomenon. Only those who are well-fed, clothed, and warm will think about spiritual matters and integration into society. This was also Chen Qi's constant effort; he wanted to help everyone in the Art Troupe regain their dignity.

It seemed he had succeeded. His initial goal, conceived the first time he was rescued by Talulah and others in the snowfields after transmigrating, the way he had planned to repay them, had been achieved.

"...Now is not the time to talk about this."

However, Chen Qi's words caused a rare moment of silence among everyone. But before the meeting could turn into a celebration, Talulah, the assistant director, promptly interrupted and said to Chen Qi:

"Judging by the guards, our situation is becoming more dangerous. Although the atmosphere within Londinium seems to have eased considerably, with fewer strikes and riots, I've heard from some Sarkaz that there's a group called the 'Londinium Residents' Self-Rescue Army.' Our current actions might have made them think we are allies of the Sarkaz."

"They might target you, Chen Qi, you need to protect yourself—don't go out on the streets recently. And that Sarkaz princess hasn't shown up lately, has she?"

"It's fine, I have old Mr. Patriot and FrostNova protecting me." Chen Qi was unconcerned about this. In reality, the reason Chen Qi wasn't worried about his safety was because he had the [Mini-map].

Chen Qi found this [Mini-map] to be truly useful. With the [Mini-map], he could clearly distinguish between all the Confessors and guards, whether they were visible or hidden around him.

Everything within a ten-kilometer radius of him could not escape the [Mini-map]'s detection. Therefore, Chen Qi knew exactly how many people Theresis had infiltrated around him.

Furthermore, if the Self-Rescue Army members were to act against him, a ten-kilometer radius was enough for Chen Qi to react. Thus, Chen Qi was not truly worried about his safety.

"What if someone turns themselves into a human bomb and rushes at you?! Even Patriot wouldn't be able to protect you then!"

Talulah was extremely worried about Chen Qi, who was the most important person in the entire crew but also the only one without any combat ability. However, Chen Qi waved his hand and replied:

"Don't worry, setting aside everything else, I have many Sarkaz following me every day when I go out, so my safety is not a concern."

"Instead... Talulah, you need to protect everyone in the crew. If we really encounter danger in the future, I hope you prioritize protecting Alina and the other non-combatants in the crew."

"Everyone is very important to me, and their safety is as important as mine. Talulah, I hope you protect them."

Chen Qi said this. He couldn't easily explain why he wasn't worried, as system matters were difficult to explain. While he wasn't worried about anyone in the crew letting slip, Terra was a place where people skilled in mental manipulation existed. If something were to be revealed and known by someone, that would be when their crew might face utter ruin.

However, the security personnel around him at the moment truly allowed him to rest easy. Therefore, as soon as Chen Qi spoke, even Talulah had nothing to retort with. Her eyes softened considerably in an instant, and she said softly:

"…I will. I will protect everyone, and I will protect you too."

"…Actually, I'm more worried about something else."

At this moment, Alina, the only one who hadn't spoken much, finally expressed her unease and asked Chen Qi:

"Theresis… the Sarkaz king, will he really let us go? After we finish filming 'Yes, Prime Minister'?"

"Chen Qi, he values you very highly right now, doesn't he? Will he really keep his promise?"

"…"

However, this time, facing Alina's question, Chen Qi, who was always confident, was at a loss for words for the first time. This was also the matter that troubled him the most.

Late at night, Chen Qi lay in his bed. The gray dot belonging to the Confessor had just left the mini-map, visible only to him.

"You're worried? Worried that Theresis won't let you leave?"

Just then, Talulah's voice suddenly sounded by Chen Qi's bedside. However, compared to the usual Talulah, her voice this time had a peculiar, charmingly feminine quality, as if it had become more alluring and seductive.

Chen Qi immediately turned his gaze to his side. He saw "Talulah," who was holding a corner of the blanket and exposing a large patch of skin, gazing at him with a wicked smile. At this moment, Chen Qi knew who the other person was.

"If that's what you're worried about, then as an elder, I can assure you that Theresis absolutely will not let you leave now. Your significance to him has far exceeded imagination."

"—In fact, you can't leave Londinium at all. Once you step out of this area, you will face pursuit from the top combat forces of several countries."

Talulah… no, Koschei, now controlling Talulah's body, said to Chen Qi with a light laugh:

"As my 'son-in-law,' perhaps you need my advice right now?"

"It's fine, Father-in-law. I believe since our last 'intimate communication,' you must have learned your lesson."

Looking at Koschei before him, Chen Qi couldn't help but sigh, thinking that this old black snake truly deserved its immortal reputation. The "Old Black Snake Correction Palm" he had redeemed from the system specifically for Koschei hadn't managed to disperse him.

Even if he hadn't dispersed, Koschei was still heavily injured. He could seemingly control Talulah, but in reality, it was only because Talulah allowed it. If Talulah hadn't consented, the severely weakened Koschei would have had no room to resist.

Therefore, Koschei had clearly adjusted his attitude afterward, surviving in Talulah's mind in a state of lingering existence—but only just.

"I don't want to disappear yet. If my daughter dies, my soul will only vanish and will not be reborn," Koschei said, clearly understanding the situation, and proposed to Chen Qi:

"Although I haven't heard any news recently, I believe that the tense situation in Londinium indicates that the satirical drama you filmed has definitely caused an unusual stir, to the point that Theresis fears assassination or abduction attempts on you."

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned his personal guards, and even the Confessors, to protect you. I can guarantee that your TV series is now being broadcast not just on one king's television set; you are now a thorn in their side."

"—Especially Ursus. If people there knew about this, they would definitely not let you go."

Koschei's experience as an immortal finally came into play. Even without receiving any news, Koschei's analysis of the current situation was largely accurate. However, he didn't seem flustered at all and appeared to be handling it with ease.

"So, is there any way to help us escape, Father-in-law?" Chen Qi noticed Koschei's expression, that "Hurry up and ask me" look. Chen Qi, being "sensible," gave his father-in-law a chance to show off.

"—How about asking your royal girlfriend?"

Koschei smiled slightly and presented his plan: "She knows Theresis best, and Theresis has recently assigned the Confessors responsible for guarding her to your side. She should no longer have anyone monitoring her."

"By taking advantage of Theresis's oversight, have that royal girlfriend you 'revived' offer some suggestions, and perhaps you'll have a chance to leave Londinium openly."

"Theresia?"

Chen Qi thought this was a good idea. Perhaps the Empress he had revived using his only "Any Item Redemption Voucher" could help.

"That's a good suggestion, thank you, Father-in-law."

"…You're welcome. You guys film a few more TV shows, and it won't be boring for me in my daughter's mind."

Koschei responded gently to Chen Qi's thanks. Now, everything was no longer under his control. He only had a sliver of life left. When he lacked sufficient power, his ambition also diminished considerably.

However… why was this kid so interested in the Sarkaz Empress? Koschei was suspicious. He felt he should mention this to his "daughter" and warn her to be vigilant.

His foolish daughter currently thought she was safe and sound, but Koschei felt it was only because the film crew's space was too small, and the others didn't want to compete with her, that she felt so unconcerned.

If even one cunning woman came along… his adopted daughter might end up crying as she realized she had no idea how to win over a man.

Alas… should he teach her a few tricks? Koschei lamented inwardly, slowly returning to his own place.

Chapter 51: Chen Qi and Theresia, the Empress Guides You on Understanding Theresis

Late at night, Theresia lay on her soft bed as usual—her room was much larger than Theresis's own chambers. Even though Theresis knew she didn't need these things now, even if he kept her in a culture medium all day, the soulless Theresia wouldn't have minded.

—But Theresis ultimately didn't do that. By tacitly allowing his subordinates to revive a mere shell of Theresia in such a twisted manner, it was only because he considered the situation at the time, where they desperately needed Theresia, that he didn't impose severe punishment.

However, he absolutely would not allow Theresia's corpse to be defiled. No matter what, she was the Empress of Kazdel, the rightful leader of Kazdel. This was something even Theresis had to admit.

Theresis was merely a "Regent." There was only one Empress of Kazdel, and that was Theresia. Theresis also knew very well that nearly sixty percent of the Sarkaz stationed with him in Londinium did not truly owe allegiance to him; they had only come to submit because of Theresia's name.

Regardless, Theresis wished to provide his kinswoman with an environment befitting her status and position. And now, due to the intense turmoil outside, Theresis realized he should prioritize protecting Chen Qi.

Chen Qi's value to Theresis now was even greater than the "brand" of Theresia. Moreover, most of the hostility was directed at Chen Qi. The matter of Theresia's revival, apart from the Sarkaz in Londinium, was unknown to everyone else.

Therefore, Theresis didn't believe anyone would take the opportunity to abduct Theresia's remains, leaving most of the security forces around Chen Qi.

It could be said that the security forces around Chen Qi were even more numerous than Theresis's own—after all, Theresis himself possessed strong combat capabilities, and ordinary assassination attempts would have no effect on him, but Chen Qi was different.

Theresis did not trust Patriot, nor the combat prowess of Talulah, who was Chen Qi's pillow companion. He felt both of them were only suited for direct confrontation and had excessively low resistance to assassination attempts.

But this also led to a flaw in Theresis's plan—he hadn't considered what would happen if his sister suddenly recovered.

At this moment, Theresia, lying on the bed, slowly regained some luster in her vacant eyes. She subconsciously took out a mobile device from her pocket and saw the messages that had come in.

Chen Qi: "Your Highness? Are you asleep?"

Almost immediately, Theresia sat up from the bed. A long-lost relaxed smile appeared on her face, and she began typing, though a bit unskillfully—despite not being used to it, her speed was surprisingly fast.

"Not yet, Mr. Chen Qi. Thank you for messaging me proactively. I was bored and didn't know who to talk to."

"Thank you for resurrecting me. Before, I could only feel that I was alive, but I couldn't do anything, and I didn't even know who I was. But now, I have finally returned to myself."

"I'm very curious how you did it? Your magical... um... Originium Arts? Forgive my limited understanding, but how exactly did you do it?"

"Also, can you tell me in detail? About what's happening now? Why are we in Londinium? How are Kal'tsit and everyone else doing now?"

"And, what's the current situation in the world? Why does it feel like Terra has completely changed during the time I was 'dead'? What is happening that I don't know about now?"

Theresia typed a string of messages, and for a moment, even Chen Qi was stunned by Theresia's rapid-fire questions. He realized that he, as a modern person, was actually slower at typing on a phone than this "elderly" woman!

Keep in mind that Theresia hadn't even been resurrected for a full week. The phone she was using was directly placed in her pocket by the system as Chen Qi redeemed it, preventing the Confessors who were constantly lurking nearby from discovering it.

During this time, Chen Qi's security had been strengthened. Logically, Theresia shouldn't have had time to get used to a phone... Was this the talent of a Sarkaz princess?

"...I'm sorry, I think I might have said too much."

Theresia clearly realized this problem and promptly apologized to Chen Qi in her next message. Then, Theresia gave a slightly troubled smile and typed on her phone:

"Am I being too wordy? Sorry, I just haven't spoken for so long, and for most of the time, I could only space out like this... During this period, you're the only one who has kept me company."

Chen Qi: "After all, Your Highness, you cannot reveal that you have been resurrected yet. Although I am happy to see this happen, you don't want to ruin your brother's current achievements, do you?"

Chen Qi replied to Theresia immediately. However, after he exchanged the item to resurrect Theresia's soul from the system with a [Random Item Redemption Voucher], Theresia's wait-and-see attitude, Chen Qi had to admit, was somewhat surprising, but he understood it afterward.

Regardless, the ultimate goal of this brother and sister was the same: the revival of the Sarkaz. It was just that their philosophies and methods of implementation differed. If Theresia's brother hadn't been so hasty, Theresia would likely have had no reason to draw swords against him.

"Mr. Chen Qi, as I said, you can just call me Theresia. You are my savior. Without you, I don't know how long it would have taken me to return to this world."