The emperor of Yan's decision, a theme entrusted to Chen Qi / A possible coup in Kazimierz?

"Only six senses? You must be joking?"

"--Dietary adjustments are needed; six breadsticks are now the maximum I can eat."

However, while the Bloodborne Archon's words carried a hint of threat and warning, Amiya and the others were completely bewildered, unlike the laughter recorded by the civil servants on television.

However, Kal'tsit and Phantom, or other high-ranking officials and knowledgeable individuals, immediately understood the meaning of these breadsticks by referring to the previous budget units.

One breadstick represents one million, and these six are the maximum Humphrey can offer. He's warning them not to push their luck; this year's budget is indeed very difficult, and having this much is already quite generous.

"Is that the [budget] breadsticks or the [net breadsticks] (net profit)?"

"--Clean bread strips," the Bloodborne Archon replied again.

"How much will the National Theatre get?"

This part of the performance already made many unsuspecting viewers realize that something was amiss. Then, the Bloodborne Archon stepped forward, picked up a breadstick, put it into another cup, and then broke off half of it and put it in as well.

Seeing this, Simon was completely unable to accept it and immediately said:

"This is outrageous! Only 1.5 million? How are people supposed to live?"

"I have no idea where you got your data from," the Bloodborne Archon immediately added, distancing himself from the matter. His words finally made all the people who hadn't understood before realize the truth.

So this was "insider jargon"! Now, the artists have another secret revealed to them!

Chapter 151: The Emperor of Yan's Decision, Entrusting the Topic to Chen Qi

"This is what they call 'secret language'? I've heard of it used by some wandering swindlers before, but I never expected to see it in this drama?"

Meanwhile, in the Yan Yan, the Emperor, after his fury in the previous episode, appeared much calmer this time. He watched the conversation between the Bloodborne Archon and Simon on the television with great interest, then turned to the Grand Tutor and asked:

"My dear minister, are there similar matters within the court? Do any of you also possess 'secret language' that I am unaware of?"

"Ahem—Your Majesty, this old minister humbly requests that you refer to it as 'technical terminology'."

However, faced with this "life-or-death question," the Grand Tutor could only offer a half-answer, acknowledging the matter but not fully admitting it. He then seized the opportunity to change the subject, saying:

"I was born into a humble family. Back in my hometown, there were some gangs that committed crimes and evil deeds. They frequented teahouses and restaurants. When I worked in a teahouse, I heard some of their 'secret language'."

"Even the food served in the teahouse has a different meaning in the eyes of these martial arts practitioners. This is clearly a way to keep secrets from outsiders. And if the information were to leak, those who would understand it would basically be 'insiders,' which greatly narrows down the scope."

The Grand Tutor also explained why "secret language" came into being. It can be said that wherever there are people, the more confidential the work, the more necessary it is to use this kind of "internal language" to facilitate communication in public.

While meeting in private is safe, it could also raise suspicions of forming cliques or engaging in favoritism. Therefore, it is safer to have conversations in a visible setting.

In the drama, "Yes, Prime Minister" is arguably the first TV series in history to expose "internal slang" to the people of Terra. While this may not have any immediate impact, it will certainly make the public's understanding of officials clearer. As for what the effect will be... only the future will tell.

In the drama, the Bloodborne Archon also outwardly maintained his stance, stating that the allocation of funds was limited and that this time it was truly difficult.

However, just when everyone thought the Bloodborne Archon was about to show rare "loyalty to the Prime Minister," the Bloodborne Archon cleverly changed the subject, saying:

"I must warn you on his behalf: watch your words and actions."

"Very well, what is it?" Simon showed no fear whatsoever in the face of the Bloodborne Archon's threat, even though the two had some acquaintance. Simon's unbridled demeanor made one suspicious.

"The Prime Minister urgently hopes that the amount of funding will not be mentioned in his speech, and certain wording should be avoided, such as... stingy, vulgar, uncivilized, petty, spoils the mood..."

He also hopes you won't mention art investments from other countries.

The Bloodborne Archon deliberately controlled his speaking speed, waiting until the other party had written down each word before saying the next.

However, most viewers just laughed it off and didn't think much of it, assuming that the Bloodborne Archon was genuinely reminding the other party not to say anything inappropriate.

But Kal'tsit frowned slightly upon hearing this, and decisively said:

"That's quite skillful rhetoric... Humphrey is using a warning tone to reasonably inform the other party about the Prime Minister's weaknesses."

"Huh?" However, Amiya hadn't even seen this layer yet, but Kal'tsit continued:

"Presumably, Humphrey hasn't given up on the idea of profiting from this incident. He deliberately leaked some of the Prime Minister's weaknesses, giving the General Manager leverage to threaten the Prime Minister into increasing funding. He's probably planning to gain some benefits from it."

As soon as Kal'tsit finished speaking, sure enough, the Bloodborne Archon on the television handed over the records of art grants from other countries, adding his own excuse, "In case you accidentally mention it."

"--I wouldn't 'accidentally' mention that."

Unsurprisingly, it will only be mentioned intentionally when necessary.

However, the Bloodborne Archon seemed to feel that this level of threat was far from sufficient, and added, "Thirdly, and most importantly, he also hopes that you will not compare the budget your school needs with the government's spending figures on certain projects last year."

"For example... the government invested five million to equip a decommissioned aircraft with a reconnaissance system."

"Or perhaps the Ministry of Energy has amassed enough document classification labels to last a thousand years."

"Or perhaps another unit has a million cans of cleaning agents in stock... etc."

The Bloodborne Archon meticulously explained the corruption and waste within these governments to Simon, word by word. However, as the Bloodborne Archon Lord finished speaking, many people slowly came to their senses and gradually understood the purpose behind his actions.

However, compared to the general public who were slow to realize what was happening, the top leaders of various countries were more concerned about the large amount of "departmental waste of funds" revealed in this episode.

"--Grand Tutor."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Grand Tutor, who was suddenly summoned, noticed the emperor's unusually serious tone and immediately turned around to subconsciously reply.

"... Don't tell me that with a 'Yes, Your Majesty' phrase; that's making me uncomfortable right now."

The Yan Emperor made a rare complaint, but quickly regained his dignity as the ruler of the country and immediately issued an order:

"Grand Tutor, I order the Six Ministries to thoroughly compile statistics on the material reserves of each subordinate department and to conduct a rigorous investigation into whether any similar acts of waste or corruption have occurred."

"Your Majesty, you just had the Six Ministries re-examine the financial affairs of each Mobile City half a year ago, and Your Majesty has already checked the accounts," the Grand Tutor reminded him.

"--Not detailed enough. Reconciliation only confirms the numbers, but I need to know the details. I need to know exactly where all this money went."

However, the Emperor of Yan was unusually serious this time because this episode of "Yes, Prime Minister" made him realize that although the bills of the Six Ministries all matched, he had not yet carefully reviewed how much each bill contained and how much was spent on the necessary items.

"I don't want to see anyone in the Six Ministries spend a fortune on soap that I could never finish using even after my death—or perhaps that money wasn't even spent on soap at all!"

"I require all departments to compile detailed accounts and carefully review any discrepancies."

The Emperor of Yan issued this order, and the Grand Tutor hurriedly accepted it, temporarily leaving his palace. Soon after, the Emperor's gaze turned to Chongyue, who had remained silent, and he continued:

"Chongyue, didn't you tell me before that you wanted me to try and see if Chen Qi's talent could bring any benefit to our Great Yan?"

"--I only beg Your Majesty to give my two younger sisters, and the talented individuals they admire, a chance." Chongyue was somewhat surprised by the Yan Emperor's sudden change in attitude, but he suppressed his joy and immediately said:

"Doesn't Your Majesty want to know how many troubles Director Chen Qi's talent can solve for our Great Yan?"

"... His talent, even before it has been deliberately used in the Great Yan, has already resolved many hidden dangers for Great Yan."

The Emperor of Yan had to admit that Chen Qi's abilities were indeed impressive. Just one book, "Yes, Prime Minister," had prompted the Emperor to issue numerous edicts, constantly revealing that the seemingly peaceful court, where all officials were dutifully performing their duties, actually harbored many hidden dangers.

During this period, everyone in the Great Yan Dynasty was very busy, and the emperor's "achievements" were indeed becoming more and more impressive. Today's scene made him completely determined to try to make use of Chen Qi's talents.

"Victoria was once shattered because they were different from the Great Yan. The Great Yan was at its zenith, while they were in the twilight... But because of the same person, they awakened a new dawn."

"Victoria is not afraid... then our Great Yan is even less afraid—General Chongyue, what do you think we should do?"

"Your Majesty, I believe we should start with Duke Wei of Lungmen." At this moment, Chongyue also offered his suggestion, saying, "Duke Wei has had dealings with Director Chen Qi treated him very well. Moreover, his two nieces, Talulah and Chen Huijie, are also connected with Director Chen Qi."

"If we were to start with Duke Wei and have Director Chen Qi make another film for the Yan, Director Chen Qi would probably not refuse, and he could also contribute to the Great Yan Kingdom in the process."

"This plan is excellent." The Emperor of Yan nodded in agreement. Starting with Wei Yenwu was indeed a good choice. Lungmen was currently the only open Mobile City in Yan, and any news from the outside world that wanted to enter would inevitably have to pass through Lungmen.

If Chen Qi were to film his movie in Lungmen, it would not only ensure the film's successful release within the Great Yan, but also reduce Chen Qi's Chen Qi.

After all, given the close relationship between Talulah and Chen Qi, her elder brother is now technically Chen Qi's uncle, right? Thinking about it that way, Chen Qi is practically a member of the royal family.

"I intend to have the officials of the Imperial Calendar Bureau convey this decree for me. So, Chongyue, what kind of film do you think I should commission Director Chen Qi to make?"

"As long as it can promote the glory of our Great Yan and let more foreigners know about the glory of Great Yan, the subject matter is not important."

Chongyue was overjoyed. He hadn't expected the emperor to change his mind so quickly. In that case, as long as Chen Qi's movie was well-made and he didn't say anything he shouldn't have, his two sisters would be cleared of suspicion.

Thinking of this, and perhaps recalling Chen Qi's "outrageous" personality, Chongyue lowered his voice slightly and added:

"It's best for Your Majesty to stay away from state affairs. Perhaps you should first assign Director Chen Qi some subjects that have a more distinct Great Yan style."

"I've already made up my mind."

At that moment, the Emperor of Yan picked up a brush and slowly wrote characters on the Xuan paper. When Chongyue took it, he only found one large character written on the paper:

--Wu.

"Give this to the Imperial Calendar Bureau, and then the Imperial Calendar Bureau will give it to Director Chen Qi. Tell him that this is a subject I have set for him, and it is also the image of the Great Yan that I hope he will do his best to promote."

"Let the foreigners witness the might of my Great Yan, let him act boldly and decisively, whatever the conditions, whatever the demands—let Brother Wei Yenwu of Lungmen comply."

"--Even if it's just the two of them playing roles, it's fine, I grant it! The Great Yan will surely reward them handsomely afterward!"

The Emperor of Yan has already realized that the world is about to change. Yan can no longer continue to be closed off; the opening of the Lungmen alone is far from enough.

His hope is that, taking advantage of this opportunity, Yan's culture can also begin to spread to the world, and that, through this opportunity, Yan will not fall behind or be eliminated in the face of future upheavals.

Chapter 152: Is a Coup in Kazimierz Possible?

The impact of episodes five and six of "Yes, Prime Minister" is evident in Chen Qi's satire in this script, which, while seemingly untargeted, effectively satirizes all the countries of Terra.

This not only reveals officials' thirst for power, but also their willingness to stop at nothing to maintain it in the face of its potential loss, even to the point of being capricious and displaying their despicable nature.

The two episodes vividly depict the government's wastefulness and the abuse of power among officials for personal gain.

Even the Yan, which can be said to be the most stable so far, has experienced some minor turmoil due to these two episodes. The Yan's court has begun an extremely strict financial audit, and for a time, the court was restless and uneasy. Many petty officials who had been hiding well were now in a state of panic.

Even the most stable and prosperous Great Yan is like this, while other countries that are not as stable as Great Yan have all encountered some criticism because of the content of these two episodes.

Among them, the most unfortunate is undoubtedly Kazimierz, because the previous public opinion had already failed to resolve the issue, and now it has been further fueled by the flames.

The Kazimierz Supervision Committee, the Commercial Federation, and the National Assembly are all extremely busy due to the recent revelations. The people of Kazimierz, and even the Campaign Knight, are pressuring the three parties to provide explanations on numerous issues.

During this period, many things that had been piling up in Kazimierz also came to a head all at once. The old cases and wrongful convictions came flooding out like a torrent, completely overwhelming the three major organizations in Kazimierz and even paralyzing their government.

But just as one wave subsided, another arose, and the two new episodes brought them even more turmoil.

"Grand Knight Commander, something terrible has happened!"

A Knight Commander returned to the Supervision Committee and met with Grand Knight Commander Ioleta. The Grand Knight Commander had clearly become much more haggard during this time; his already slightly aged face had become more somber, and his blond hair had turned whiter.

"... Speak, where did this trouble happen again?" The Grand Knight Commander up, still dealing with the list of National Assembly and pondering which "culprits" should be dragged out for execution. He asked casually:

"Now, no matter how much bad news there is, it doesn't matter anymore: a credibility crisis, wrongful convictions of the Campaign Knight, collusion between the Commercial Federation and the National Assembly, hiring the Armorless Union to assassinate and threaten the Competition Knight, manipulating the results of the Conquest behind the scenes..."

"These things have come to light one after another, and we must give the people an explanation. I don't believe anything could be worse than this..."

"--Indeed, Grand Knight Commander, even worse news happened today."

However, even the Knight Commander, who was now so clad in full armor that he dared not leave the house, swallowed hard before continuing:

"Grand Knight Commander... do you remember Eureka, the special correspondent from Bolívar last week?"

Upon hearing this name, the Grand Knight Commander, who had been busy with her own affairs, trembled for the first time. She immediately recalled the "wonderful memories" that the pink-haired girl had given her last week, and her face turned somewhat pale.

It's fair to say that without Eureka, many things might not have escalated to such a degree. But this little girl, who generated so much buzz, completely blew things up.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Knight Commander put down the documents in his hand and asked seriously, "She hasn't left yet?"

"No, it seems that because we didn't make things difficult for her, she was fired from the Kazimierz TV station and is now working as an outdoor broadcaster in Kazimierz City," the Knight Commander replied with a troubled expression.

"--She's very clever." The Grand Knight Commander nodded in agreement, saying calmly, "She knows that her previous actions could very well bring her death, so she has to always maintain a high profile."

"For her, being alone and ignored is tantamount to her impending doom. We, the Supervision Committee not do anything, but there are countless people in the National Assembly and the Commercial Federation who want to harm her. The reason they haven't acted is simply to avoid showing the public their last line of defense."

Eureka is absolutely safe now, and the Grand Knight Commander understands this very well. If Eureka were to die at this critical juncture, regardless of whether it was an accident or not, everyone would assume that it was the Kazimierz authorities who were behind it, since Eureka exposed Kazimierz's hypocrisy.

This would only plunge Kazimierz's credibility into an irreparable abyss, and if Eureka were forgotten by the people that day, she would truly face retribution later.

"So, what did she do this time?"

"... She was doing a live broadcast outdoors, operating within the Commercial Federation's territory, when Victoria accidentally stumbled upon an investigation by several Victoria spies. Her camera happened to capture them digging a tunnel."

"Encouraged by the audience, she crawled through a tunnel into the secret room, only to discover... that secret room contained armor and weapons secretly hoarded by the Commercial Federation."

"And all of this was recorded by the cameras, Grand Knight Commander, what should we do?"

However, the Knight Commander also stammered out the details of what happened, and all of this was fresh news that he had only received an hour earlier, so none of their factions had had time to take action.

The Grand Knight Commander raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, but said casually, "What's wrong with that? The equipment for the Competition Knight is contracted out by their own Commercial Federation, so it's normal for them to have weapons and armor."

"--But the style of those armors seems to belong to Campaign Knight, Grand Knight Commander."

"Clatter."

However, as the Knight Commander finished speaking, the pen in the Grand Knight Commander's hand fell to the ground. After a brief silence, a moment of surprise flashed in the Grand Knight Commander's eyes.

"... The manufacturing process for the armor of the Campaign Knight has always been conducted internally by the Supervision Committee. We must affix a secret anti-counterfeiting mark to the armor of every Campaign Knight; simply imitating it is meaningless."