You could even learn national policy from a TV show?

However, Wei Yenwu's mutterings were overheard by Chen Huijie, who was standing nearby. The young people had been discussing how FrostNova from Chen Qi's team had actually gotten a role, and how the character FrostNova was playing seemed quite powerful.

Clearly, the words spoken by the character played by FrostNova, after being disguised, were indeed very deceptive. At least, that was the case before her true nature was revealed. As for Wei Yenwu, when questioned by his niece, he smiled and shook his head, saying:

"You're only seeing things superficially, Little Chen. This woman isn't the kind of good official who's truly dedicated to serving the people."

"If she truly cared for the people and sympathized with those Infected, she should have proposed relevant policies and built welfare homes. Instead, the area she manages not only has the worst security, but she's also trying to get a large number of Infected to become law enforcement officers. Do you really think this is a good thing?"

"You have to understand, these Infected are truly from the bottom of society. Even if there are some good people among them, most of them are people who have been oppressed and suppressed for a long time. If these people are given law enforcement power, won't they abuse their power for personal gain and take the opportunity to retaliate against those Infected?"

"This..." Chen Huijie subconsciously thought of this when she heard this. Of course, Chen didn't think of it, mainly because most of the Infected she came into contact with were good people, such as Chen Qi's Art Troupe and those people from Rhodes Island.

However, Chen Huijie then thought about it... even among the Infected in the Lungmen slums, most were actually quite dangerous. If they suddenly gained law enforcement power, what would they do?

Suddenly, Chen Huijie realized how naive her previous thoughts had been. Seeing this, Wei Yenwu continued:

"This woman is not as simple as she seems. She appears radical, but her radical methods are actually aimed at gaining more supporters. Because there are quite a few people who are just as radical as her, this is why she can remain as Mount Tai as an 'impregnable' district chairperson, even though the district has the worst security record in the country."

"However, once she's promoted, will she continue to insist on her radical methods when facing other officials? Will she really bring benefits to the poor people she currently cares about?"

"I don't think so. I'm afraid she's just saying one thing to one person and another to someone else. Essentially, everything she's doing is just to gain more supporters for her own promotion. In the future, she'll only speak for those who will support her."

However, even though Wei Yenwu said so much, the reason why this old politician could see through FrostNova's character was because he was experienced and exceptionally talented, and could instinctively sense that something was wrong with a person.

Of course, most importantly, Chen Qi's "Yes, Prime Minister" is a comedy, and the definitions of the characters are somewhat exaggerated.

What's even more frightening is that even with the exaggeration, many ordinary people and viewers are still misled by the one-sided story told by FrostNova's character. In reality, people don't see things from a third-person perspective; they're simply more blinded by their own involvement.

Moreover, those officials who truly intend to do so will only hide themselves more deeply and become even more difficult to identify.

That's why it's so important to popularize education. The purpose of education is to make people more and more enlightened, less ignorant, and more able to view people and things dialectically, instead of always acting impulsively and being led by the nose.

Returning to the story, when Bloodborne Archon saw FrostNova bring up the issue of the poor, he, as the Grand Secretariat Secretary, was quite confident, believing he understood the thoughts of those so-called "poor people."

"Agnes, I know them. I've read all the published reports, all the statistics, all the official reports. Believe me, dear lady, I know them."

"Alright." FrostNova gave a slightly mocking smile upon hearing this, and facing the confident Bloodborne Archon, she posed her first question:

How much does half a pound of butter cost?

"...?"

However, when the Bloodborne Archon received this question, he was almost instinctively stunned. But judging from his immediately panicked expression, he clearly did not know the answer.

What FrostNova didn't know was that her question not only stumped the Bloodborne Archon in the drama, but also a large number of high-ranking officials from various countries who were watching at that moment. Even Chen Huijie, Hoshiguma, Swire, and Lin Yuxia from Lungmen were somewhat dumbfounded.

Wei Yenwu was also somewhat confused, and subconsciously asked Wenyue beside him:

"Wenyue, how much does butter cost per pound in Lungmen again?"

Wenyue: "... Shall I ask Lee? He should know."

However, the embarrassing scene for the high-ranking officials of various countries continued to unfold. The Bloodborne Archon, unsure how to answer the question, but unwilling to lose face, decided to make something up, and nervously said:

"Uh, how should I know? 20 (Victoria) copper coins?"

"20 copper coins?!" FrostNova's reaction clearly indicated that this answer was incorrect, and Bloodborne Archon, having given up all hope, quickly changed his tune, saying, "2.4 copper coins, I don't know!"

"--Exactly, how did you know?" FrostNova clearly understood that someone like the Bloodborne Archon, who had long held a high position, had long since become detached from the lives of ordinary people, and then posed several more questions:

What time does the Social Security Bureau open?

How many meters will a single Originium heater, costing 0.5 copper coins, count?

"I don't quite understand what you're talking about!" Unable to answer these questions, the Bloodborne Archon immediately stopped the conversation from continuing, but FrostNova, undeterred, persisted, pressing the issue further:

"Of course you don't know. If you did, you wouldn't use the government to support the system."

"I understand, and I sympathize. Helping people escape poverty is a great act of merit." After a brief moment of panic, the Bloodborne Archon tried to regain his composure and quickly said:

"But we really don't have the resources to make it happen."

"Who doesn't have it?" FrostNova asked abruptly, and the Bloodborne Archon replied matter-of-factly, "The nation."

"Really?"

At this moment, FrostNova revealed an expression of great interest. She glanced around, casually pointed to the items in the office, and said:

"Does this table belong to the state? This piece of porcelain? These paintings belong to the state? Or are they your private property?"

"These are government properties," the Bloodborne Archon replied solemnly, and FrostNova immediately stated bluntly:

"These could probably sell for... 80,000 gold coins, right? That's enough to support twenty single-parent families for a year. And what about your salary?"

"That's irrelevant!" The Bloodborne Archon immediately became agitated and angry at the mention of his vested interests, but FrostNova wasn't buying it and immediately stated her idea:

"Great, transfer it over as well. You'll get 100 gold coins per week, and that saves those who need it 70,000 gold coins per year."

However, FrostNova's plan on TV became increasingly radical. This time, not only seasoned veterans like Wei Yenwu, but even young people in high-level positions like Chen Huijie began to feel something was wrong, though they couldn't quite put their finger on it.

From a purely theoretical standpoint, FrostNova's proposal could indeed be considered a great act of merit, as it would certainly help the poor... but using their money to help the poor just doesn't feel quite right.

Of course, this doesn't mean they're unwilling to share. Chen Huijie, Hoshiguma, Swire all personally funded the help of Infected in the slums. But the feeling of personally funding someone versus being forced to do so through moral blackmail is indeed completely different.

In particular, their salaries weren't like Humphrey's in the show, which reached an astonishing 81,000 Victoria gold coins per year. Their salaries were just enough to get by at their pace of life.

But you just can't pinpoint what's wrong with FrostNova's theory... but you just have a vague feeling that something's not right.

In the drama, the Bloodborne Archon gradually begins to lose ground in his battle with FrostNova. While pouring tea, the Bloodborne Archon changes the subject again, asking:

"Tell me, Agnes, you have a policy that only allows the sale of eggs laid by free-range birds and beasts in your jurisdiction. Will this alleviate poverty?"

"--Animals have rights too, understand?" FrostNova's answer was unexpected, stating firmly, "Being a captive-bred animal is worse than death. Would you rather spend your whole life crammed together with six hundred noisy, smelly creatures? Unable to breathe fresh air, unable to move, unable to stretch, unable to think?"

"Of course I don't want to, that's why I never run for parliament."

Knowing he could no longer persuade the other party, the Bloodborne Archon simply made a lighthearted comment about the House of Commons being like a zoo, which once again made a large group of spectators burst into laughter.

However, FrostNova's statements still have many supporters among ordinary viewers, because FrostNova current rhetoric does seem to be advocating for their interests.

Even the younger girls like Chen Huijie and Amiya, although they felt something was off, still believed that FrostNova's original intentions were good, only that her methods were a bit too radical.

With this in mind, the Bloodborne Archon then begins discussing the police with FrostNova, and this part of the story finally makes them realize that something is amiss.

"But don't you understand that maintaining sufficient police force is beneficial to all of us?" The Bloodborne Archon was finally starting to reason, explaining earnestly:

"It is especially able to take care of impoverished civilians living in high-crime areas."

The Bloodborne Archon's words resonated with the Lungmen Guard Department, who nodded in agreement. After all, they were the kind of people who always helped to stop and suppress riots in the Lungmen Guard Department, protecting the civilians.

Even Amiya from Rhodes Island nodded in agreement. Although she hadn't lived in Mobile City much, she knew that the police were there to protect civilians and were an indispensable force in governing a Mobile City.

However, the next moment, FrostNova shook her head and said, "I cannot agree."

At this moment, even the Bloodborne Archon's expression changed, and he immediately said, "Do you want them to be in danger of being robbed, violated, or killed by earth-based Originium Bomb?"

There's nothing we can do about it.

However, FrostNova's casual remark stunned everyone who had just supported her idea. Chen Huijie even stood up abruptly and instinctively shouted:

"Something we can't do about it?! Just because crime can't be prevented doesn't mean we don't need police?! Ridiculous!"

"That's why I told you, Little Chen, you have to be careful when judging people. This kind of woman is very dangerous, especially in officialdom." Wei Yenwu wasn't surprised by this outcome; in fact, he was glad that the show was a comedy, which was why the other party revealed her true nature so quickly.

In the show, FrostNova is indifferent to the destruction of parliament, courts, and even the monarchy, which truly exasperates the Bloodborne Archon, who repeatedly exclaims:

"If you get carried away, you might even want to burn down my office, right?!"

"No, of course not." FrostNova's eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this. This woman, who had just seemed to be working for the welfare of the common people but then wanted to promote anarchism, simply said:

"--Maybe I'll find it useful."

At this moment, the character played by FrostNova finally became completely clear. She is an ambitious person with extremely extreme methods, who would stop at nothing to rise to power. She doesn't work for the benefit of ordinary people at all; she only speaks for her own interests and to win over more supporters.

She was a truly terrifying local government official, and her image instantly became a microcosm of local government officials for high-ranking officials in various countries...

Chapter 145: Can you even learn national policies by watching TV dramas?

"I never imagined... she was this kind of person..."

Meanwhile, Rhodes Island Amiya, who had finally seen through the character FrostNova was playing, couldn't help but mutter to herself with lingering fear. This was followed by a wave of shame and anger at having been deceived, or even cheated, by the other party.

Amiya is kind to everyone, and rarely gets angry even towards enemies, because Rhodes Island, a "sanctuary open to all Infected," is indeed rare in this land, and most Infected are extremely perceptive and wary, making it difficult for them to trust others.

Amiya and the rest of Rhodes Island have done similar things before. In an attempt to persuade some terminally Infected to trust Rhodes Island, they traveled a considerable distance to do so, only to be evaded or even attacked by the Infected themselves.

Even when misunderstood or distrusted, Amiya wouldn't get angry. But this time, her kindness was taken advantage of, and Amiya, unusually, felt a bit annoyed with the character played by FrostNova.

"It's okay, Amiya. At least seeing someone like that on TV is much better than actually encountering them in real life and suffering the consequences."

Kal'tsit wasn't surprised at all that "Amiya" was deceived this time. In fact, if she hadn't lived a long time and met all sorts of people, she might have been fooled by the first impression of the character played by FrostNova.

After all, this land is not lacking in ambitious schemers and conspirators who feed on the flesh and blood of others, but it is not without idealists who follow one after another.

Amiya being deceived was entirely within Kal'tsit's expectations. After all, Amiya grew up in Rhodes Island, a gathering place for idealists. In most parts of this land, there is no such harmonious atmosphere as Rhodes Island, nor such simple interpersonal relationships.

Yan, the Yan's emperor was not in the same good mood as Kal'tsit. He frowned slightly, recalling the role FrostNova had played earlier, and coldly said:

"How can such a greedy and self-serving person be qualified to serve as a local official? Isn't he a scourge who fattens himself by exploiting the people?"

"Grand Tutor, draft an imperial edict. Instruct the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel to collaborate in including moral character in the evaluation of officials, as well as in subsequent imperial examinations."

"Our Great Yan governs the country based on 'virtue, loyalty, and filial piety,' which form a tripod upon which none can be lacking. Anyone who does not meet these three criteria is not allowed to serve as an official. Our Great Yan has no shortage of capable people, but only those with virtue can be entrusted with important responsibilities."

"Yes." The Grand Tutor immediately accepted the order, and Chongyue, who was standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief.

When Chongyue saw that this episode of "Yes, Prime Minister" was satirizing local governments, he almost had a heart attack. This episode could potentially harm all the countries on the Terra. Which country doesn't have local governments under its jurisdiction? It's impossible for a central government to directly govern the entire country; otherwise, either the emperor or the officials would be exhausted.

Chongyue was worried that Chen Qi's sarcasm this time was too harsh and would have a "pointing fingers and scolding" effect... But now it seems that His Majesty is not only not angry, but even uses this as a mirror to issue a number of new policies.

Chongyue didn't know if these policies were truly beneficial to the people, but at least they seemed to be... so naturally, they were good deeds, which would increase his chances of persuading the Yan Emperor.

Back in the show, Theresis's character, Hacker, returns home and talks to his wife, who has been transformed by his Shapeshifter Collective, about the local government and Humphrey.

Speaking of the conversation between the Bloodborne Archon and FrostNova, Theresis was unusually in a good mood, her tone even a little cheerful as she said, "He said the conversation went well, but he wouldn't say much more. He just downed four large glasses of whiskey in ten minutes."

However, while teasing the Bloodborne Archon, Theresis also invited Dorothy, played by Talulah, to come and offer advice on how to solve the local government's problems.

When it came to local government, Talulah clearly had a very thorough understanding, and stated matter-of-factly:

"This is a situation where it's either us or the enemy; we should be the local leaders."

"Does 'we' refer to the people or the central government?" Theresis asked directly, voicing her doubts. Talulah's answer was:

"Under a democratic system, it should be the same."

"We all know that's not true..." Theresis muttered to himself, a self-deprecating smile on his face. Clearly, the so-called "democracy" couldn't fool a politician of his caliber.

"Okay, I mean us people. Local governments are supposed to exist to serve us, to be a part of us, but they (the local governments) aren't."

"They only act for themselves—for their power, convenience, and interests."

Talulah used the simplest and most understandable method to expose the relationship between local governments and the people. However, such a direct exposure obviously made many high-level officials in various countries feel quite uncomfortable. They wanted to refute it, but for a moment they didn't know how to refute it.

Meanwhile, in Shangshu of Yan, Liang Xun, the prefect of Shangshu, unusually skipped his official duties to come to the television. Nowadays, "Yes, Prime Minister" is a household name even in Yan, and Liang Xun, as the prefect of Shangshu, naturally learned about this highly valuable drama from the people of Shangshu.

His old friend "Lee, "Lungmen who had helped him get the first season's videotape, became a loyal viewer of "Yes, Prime Minister."

This time, with "Yes, Prime Minister" being broadcast publicly throughout Terra, Liang Xun, who intended to use the drama as a mirror for self-examination, naturally didn't miss it. Regarding the currently airing plot, Liang Xun couldn't help but close his eyes and mutter to himself:

"That's truly incisive; every word is like a knife to the heart."

"Lord Liang, as far as I know, you are not the kind of official portrayed in this TV series."

Beside Liang Xun, a woman from the Yan of the Elafia (Deer) tribe smiled and said, "Who in Shangshu doesn't know that Lord Liang is honest and incorruptible, loves the people like his own children, and has governed Shangshu for many years, bringing peace and prosperity to the people?"

"Miss Ning, you flatter me. I was merely doing my duty; how could I dare to claim any merit?"

Liang Xun felt slightly relieved by Miss Ning's words, but he still frowned and said, "How could I not worry? After years in officialdom, I have long since worn down my edges... I only believe that I can still hold onto my original intentions."

"But what if, ten or twenty years from now, I become the kind of person I once despised? Whenever I think about this, I can't help but feel less confident..."

This time, Miss Ning did not answer Liang Xun's question, but wasn't she thinking the same thing?

The reason why most officials in Yan still think this way is because Yan is currently in a period of prosperity. Although it cannot be said that there are no corrupt officials, most officials still fulfill their responsibilities.

This time, "Yes, Prime Minister" so severely criticized local government corruption and the conflict between local and central governments, prompting Yan officials to reflect on whether they had made the same mistakes.

At that moment, on television, Talulah finally presented her solution. "Turn them into us."

To illustrate this, Talulah gave an example: what would Theresis do if he wanted to stop a large government project?

"Find civil servants to cooperate," Prime Minister Theresis replied immediately. Talulah, after a moment of silence, couldn't help but laugh.

"No, I mean if you're an ordinary person."

"I don't even remember what it felt like to be a commoner..." Theresis couldn't help but sigh. Having wasted half his life in officialdom, he was clearly no longer close enough to the people.