Who would have guessed? Huang Feihu was the fattest sheep of them all!
In this short span alone, he had let me fleece him for +11,000 negative emotion points. One man was worth three Bi Gans!
Di Xin's gaze softened considerably as he looked at Huang Feihu. Where else could I find such a wonderful turncoat?!
"Good ox, the King of Wucheng raised you. How could you abandon him just like that? Go back to his side..." With that thought, Di Xin patted the Five-Colored Divine Ox's head and spoke solemnly.
Of course, fleecing sheep had to follow the principles of sustainable development. Especially with a super-rich source like Huang Feihu, stripping him bald in one go would be far too wasteful. He needed to be nurtured and fleeced little by little, encouraged to keep challenging himself and breaking his own records!
For the glory of Great Shang, strive ever higher, King of Wucheng!
"Moo, moo..." Hearing this, the Five-Colored Divine Ox glanced at Di Xin, then trudged back to Huang Feihu with its head and tail drooping, looking back three times with every step. Yet although it stood beside Huang Feihu, its large, watery eyes remained fixed on Di Xin. Clearly, its body was in Huang's camp, but its heart belonged to Zhou!
"Moo!"
Overjoyed to recover the Five-Colored Divine Ox, Huang Feihu wept with delight. He was just about to stroke it when, before his hand even touched it, the ox flung up a hind leg and kicked him hard. He staggered, clutched his belly, and dropped to both knees, two trails of clear tears streaming from the corners of his eyes.
[Negative emotion points from Huang Feihu: +500...]
Di Xin glanced at the system's backend and frowned.
I helped you out of the goodness of my heart, and you only gave me this measly handful of negative emotion points? You really have no ambition!
Since you refuse to strive, I, the tyrant, will just have to whip you into shape!
"Ox, if you ever miss me, come into the palace to see me whenever you like!"
With that thought, Di Xin immediately looked at Huang Feihu and barked the words in a deep voice, enunciating each one.
"Moo, moo, moo..." As soon as Di Xin spoke, the Five-Colored Divine Ox, which had looked utterly despondent and forlorn, perked up its ears. Staring at Di Xin, it bobbed its head and swished its little tail, letting out an excited trio of moos.
[Negative emotion points from Huang Feihu: +999...]
In that instant, Huang Feihu heard a crack-the sound of his heart breaking-and offered Di Xin his "love."
Not even four digits. King of Wucheng, you're still not trying hard enough. I suppose I'm to blame too-this tyrant hasn't whipped you hard enough!
Unfortunately, Di Xin had grown accustomed to four-digit rewards and Huang Feihu breaking his limits. That number no longer stirred even a ripple in his heart. His gaze shifted as he said, "From now on, you shall eat and sleep at the King of Wucheng's home morning and evening, then come to the palace during the day to keep me company and serve as my mount!"
"Moo, moo, moo!" The Five-Colored Divine Ox's eyes shone even brighter, and its excited trio of moos nearly cracked its voice.
[Negative emotion points from Huang Feihu: +4,999...]
The moment those words fell, Di Xin indeed saw a satisfying number appear in the system's backend.
Huang Feihu, the King of Wucheng, had lived up to his lofty expectations, successfully surpassing his limits and breaking his own record!
But at that moment, Huang Feihu was no longer spirited, no longer radiant, no longer possessed of a kingly bearing. He looked as though he had aged a hundred years, his eyes hollow, numb, and weathered. Such was the tragic, dreary life of a hopeless simp.
What was suffering? At that very moment, he was suffering incarnate!
It ate his grain and slept in his bed, yet not only did its heart yearn for another man, it even went off during the day to serve as that man's mount?
Was there anyone in the world who had fawned over an ox as he had, only to end up with absolutely nothing?!
"King of Wucheng, I hold your divine ox in such high regard, yet you still haven't thanked me for my grace? Could it be that you fear my divine ox will eat your household into poverty?"
Di Xin snorted coldly and continued to lash Huang Feihu.
[Negative emotion points from Huang Feihu: +1, total +29,024...]
"Your subject thanks you for your grace." Huang Feihu knelt numbly and clasped his fists, his voice drifting as faintly as a gossamer thread. He seemed less like the King of Wucheng than a lonely, wandering ghost.
I've squeezed him dry...
Watching the figures in the system's backend, Di Xin sighed inwardly. He knew he could extract no more negative emotion points from Huang Feihu for the time being, so he turned toward Bi Gan and said with a smile, "Chancellor, the result is clear. Isn't it time you honored your promise?"
[Negative emotion points from Bi Gan: +999, total +30,023...]
At those words, Bi Gan immediately offered Di Xin his negative emotion points, helping him smoothly cross the thirty-thousand threshold. Then he knelt and clasped his fists. Though a thousand objections and ten thousand grievances churned within him, he understood that the outcome was settled. Having wagered, he could only accept his loss. Slowly, he said, "From this day forth, your subject will obey Your Majesty's commands, shrinking from no hardship or danger."
"Ha ha ha! I hope you remember those words, Chancellor."
Di Xin looked down at Bi Gan and burst into hearty laughter.
"Your Majesty, your subject proposes that this Curved-Blade Plow be introduced throughout Great Shang, and that strict orders be issued to every locality to control it closely and prevent it from spreading to the vassal states..."
At the same time, Shang Rong stepped forward and addressed Di Xin respectfully.
Shang Rong really is a seasoned statesman who plans for the realm!
Hearing him, Di Xin immediately looked at Shang Rong with greater appreciation.
Shang Rong's words showed that he truly understood the advantages of the Curved-Blade Plow and knew what a tremendous boon it would be to farming and sericulture.
As for preventing it from spreading to the vassal states, he feared that places such as Xiqi would acquire it, make cultivation easier, and strengthen their states.
Although Shang Rong's plan was excellent, however, Di Xin had something else in mind.
His system was founded on Man Can Conquer Heaven. Humanity naturally included more than just the people of Great Shang-the people of Xiqi were human too!
Besides, the Curved-Blade Plow was hardly the only thing he had in reserve. At that very moment, there was another in Chaoge City, waiting for him to bring it forth and reveal it to the mortal world.
"I approve the first half of Minister Shang's proposal, but not the second. I created this plow to benefit all the people, not merely one house!" Di Xin nodded, then shook his head. "Distribute the plans for this plow to every vassal state. Whether they manufacture it will be their own decision."
"Your Majesty holds all living people in your heart. However, your subject has a proposal. If this is what you intend, please rename the Curved-Blade Plow after yourself. Let it be called the Shoude Plow!" At those words, Shang Rong's eyes filled with even deeper emotion. He respectfully kowtowed to Di Xin, then presented another proposal.
"Approved!"
Di Xin's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation.
Shang Rong's suggestion was excellent. Not only would it spread his name throughout the world, but calling it the Shoude Plow would also force Xiqi and the other powers hostile to Chaoge to consider whether to use it. After all, using it meant spreading Di Xin's good name, while refusing meant being left far behind by Great Shang.
This would place the dilemma squarely in the hands of Ji Chang and those other turncoats and traitors to humanity!
Once he understood this, Di Xin's gaze grew even warmer as he looked at Shang Rong.
What does it mean for a seasoned statesman to plan for the realm? Shang Rong is the very embodiment of it!
This was the kind of minister who truly deserved an important role in bringing Great Shang to greatness.
"Promote Shang Rong to chancellor..." With that thought, Di Xin looked at Shang Rong, smiled faintly, and bestowed his reward. Seeing Bi Gan staring at him in astonishment, his face full of shock, Di Xin hesitated briefly before continuing, "As for Bi Gan, he shall retain his post! Henceforth, Shang Rong shall be Chancellor of the Right, and Bi Gan Chancellor of the Left!"
"Your subject thanks you for your grace! Henceforth, I will serve Your Majesty even if my liver and brains must be dashed upon the earth!"
Hearing this, Shang Rong knelt and bowed respectfully to Di Xin, his face brimming with unconcealable joy.
[Negative emotion points from Bi Gan: +1,999...]
At the same time, Bi Gan's negative emotion points also flowed into Di Xin's coffers. His face grew even more ashen, and his lips moved for a long while. Yet remembering their wager, he ultimately remained silent.
The surrounding ministers wore varied expressions. Some regretted Bi Gan's plight, while others rejoiced for Shang Rong, but they all understood that the winds in Chaoge City were about to shift!
Two chancellors serving at court was unprecedented. Moreover, in present-day Great Shang, the right held precedence. In other words, Shang Rong was the chief chancellor, while Bi Gan was merely his deputy!
"Reporting to Your Majesty, a Daoist has appeared at the palace gates, claiming that he wishes to present you with a sword. That Daoist possesses extraordinary powers, and we dare not drive him away..."
Just then, a swift horse approached from the direction of Chaoge City. A guard swung down from its back and respectfully reported to Di Xin.
A Daoist?
Presenting a sword!
Hearing this, Di Xin's gaze abruptly sharpened. He was tense at first, but then intense excitement surfaced deep within his eyes.
After waiting so long, this mighty figure has finally arrived!
Before you continue