Chapter 833 - Unexpected
Chapter 833: Unexpected
“Various country kings? Just let them wait…”
With a thought, Zong Shou knew the reason why Feng Taiji came to look for him.
After gazing behind him, he saw that Zhao Yanran was also here, her face was solemn.
She smiled, “Brother Feng didn’t come to find me just for this matter right?”
He didn’t know that he came out of seclusion, but still came to disturb him, it was obvious that the situation wasn’t a small one.
“Although you say this, I still think that it is best to decide the seven King’s positions sooner to stabilize the situation. Based on what I know, recently there were many people within the 70 countries who have second thoughts. However, because of Jiujing’s death, they are uncertain about our strength which is why they have tried to do anything…”
When he said this, his tone turned solemn, “If we don’t confirm things, no one will hand over the taxes and payments.”
Zong Shou looked toward Zhao Yanran once more, only to see that she had the same expression. Her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes were filled with sadness.
Out of the people in charge of the three factions, she was the most underwhelming performer out of all of them.
Maybe it was because she had never taken charge of things before. It was still fine on the ship but once she arrived in Yuanlian World she appeared lost, causing the Common People’s Path disciples to have many grievances. She totally lost all her pride and reputation.
Thus, it was understandable if her expression was ugly.
This crazy woman finally understood how tough it was for him to rule a country, right?
That’s great, at least she would stop mocking him day and night.
Feng Taiji’s first statement made sense, however, the key point of his trip was the latter statement.
The two of them were both unhappy about the chaotic scenes below. The situation was messy, not only affecting their attempts to gain a footing in Yuanlian World, but it would also reduce their profits.
“I know about this matter, I will deal with it later!”
Zong Shou nodded his head slightly. It was indeed time for him to solve these problems.
As for where to start, he more or less had some ideas.
“That would be for the best. We will wait for you to make your arrangements.”
After Feng Taiji said this, his tone changed and he hesitated slightly, “I heard that when Jiujing chose the Kings, he never selected the talented, only choosing people who were willing to listen. I thought about this plan and it makes sense or rather you can choose from the soldiers under you. This is just my advice, Ruler please consider it…”
Zong Shou smiled and didn’t reply, neither agreeing or disagreeing. Usually, such a method was the safest.
However, he had his plans for this.
Zong Shou chose the main hall of the Yuanjing Palace to meet the seven Kings.
Without a doubt, this was the grandest place within Yuanjing Palace.
It stretched 4,000 feet from north to south and was made of red fragrant sandalwood. The scent spread for 1,000 miles and it was a really beautiful hall.
Compared to Zong Shou’s Chongzheng Hall, it was so many times better.
When one looked down from the elevated area, one would feel that even a 10,000 men army would easily be able to fit into it.
At this moment, the seven Kings along with their race members all shuddered as they bowed at his throne.
He not only met the Kings and their families but also the Officials and Generals. Anyone with a slight power would be able to arrive here.
There were 1,000 altogether. They were either respectful, curious, mocking, calm, however, all of them bowed in respect.
Zong Shou didn’t pay much attention and just swept across. When he looked at the dozen people at the front, he instantly frowned.
He was a true hero, even at Linhai College, even when he was bullied he never bow to others. Even if he was to die, he would die with his back straight.
This was why he looked down on such dirt-like people.
However, he thought about how Jiujing did things, only choosing the ones who would listen. He would only make use of the truly talented people, but didn’t give them important positions.
He looked at the people in the hall, their expressions looked like this matter didn’t concern them or like they had already expected this.
Some of them had distant expressions, some had weird auras, some of them gazed on coldly, trying their best to cover the hate in their eyes.
Zong Shou smiled and retracted his gaze.
“Where is Great Xuan King?”
The moment he said this, a middle-aged male with an ashen white face got up and bowed in front of Zong Shou.
“Sinner King Du Yi greets Celestial Ruler!”
Zong Shou didn’t even bother taking a look at him.
“Jiujing made you King, in these 20 years you followed his orders, bullying people and pillaging. This resulted in countless hungry civilians in your country, people fighting one another for food?”
Du Yi laughed bitterly, all of these were orders from Jiujing, so how would he dare to not follow them?
If he went against them, he would probably have lost his life.
However, before he could defend himself, Zong Shou waved his sleeves.
“Today, the Celestial Dynasty rule has changed. Jiujing is already dead and you are removed from your position! After handing over to the new King, you can bring your entire family to leave Yuanlian World. However, remember that when you are handing over, help the new Ruler to stabilize the country. If not, I might go against my words…”
The moment he said these words, Du Yi was first shocked and then filled with joy. He was really surprised that he didn’t have to die along with Jiujing and that he was able to live.
At this moment, even the deathly grey in the eyes of the other Rulers faded, their eyes filled with anticipation.
Zong Shou followed up by asking, ” Who is Great Xuan Kunnan Province Governor He Daoren?”
The seven countries in the southwest of Yuanlian World, each had half a state of land, ruling five provinces.
Kunnan Province Governor had the smallest region in the country and was also the poorest.
However, as it was at the border, his soldiers were the strongest.
He Daoren was a strong and muscular young man who was over 30.
At this moment, he was filled with shock since he didn’t expect that Zong Shou would call him.
His expression turned solemn as he stood out.
“Xuan Country Small Official, He Rendao, greets Celestial Ruler!”
Zong Shou smiled, carefully sizing up this person and a weird gaze appeared in his eyes.
Under the suppression of his aura, he was totally unfazed and he really seemed like a special person.
No wonder the few Hidden Guards of Ruoshui recommended this person so highly.
“I heard that you have been in power for several years and rejected to pay taxes three times. Is this true?”
He Daoren kept silent and didn’t reply. That matter was true but he had totally no choice during those three times.
Kunnan Province was just too poor and they were unable to support themselves.
Actually, if it was up to him, he wouldn’t be willing to risk his own life to do so.
Anyway, his conscience was clear. If this Celestial Ruler wanted to cut off his head to set an example, then he had nothing to say.
“Your ruling ability is not bad. At least within these three years, the number of dead people in Kunnan Province is the least among the eight provinces of Xuan Country.”
When he said this, his expression and tone became firm and majestic.
“Your personality and heart is commendable. From today on you can take over as Xuan Country Ruler! Let me ask you, are you willing to serve my Great Gan Celestial Dynasty?”
The moment he said these words, not only was He Daoren stunned, everyone within the hall was startled.
Those people who were gloating silently nearly bit their own tongue.
In their eyes, this person was the one with the least hope to take over as King.
Feng Taiji and Zhao Yanran suddenly stood up, their brows tightly furrowed.
They had heard of this Kunnan Province Governor before.
It was said that he had his own views and if he were to take over, he might not fully listen to Great Gan and Zong Shou.
He Daoren was stunned for a moment and then his expression turned serious. He sighed and bowed, “Do I dare to not follow your orders? Thank you Celestial Ruler for your kindness.”
Zong Shou smiled and knew what He Daoren was worrying about.
This person who saw reputation as more important than power was worrying about how to satisfy the demands of the Celestial Court in the future.
He didn’t care, for now, continuing to deal with the other six kings. He was swift and fast, and managed to select the new ones in a short time.
If before Feng Taiji thought that the first person was a special case, then pretty much each new King was someone who had great ability.
Although they weren’t as outstanding as He Daoren, they all had some skill.
They were either known for their ruling ability and were famous for being kind to the people, or they ruled the army and their results were amazing.
This caused the 1,000 people in the hall to be totally silent.
In the end, Zong Shou still didn’t stop as he said leisurely, “My Great Gan Celestial Dynasty is different from Jiujing, we don’t like to force others. If your seven countries are willing to be protected by me, you can hand over 20% of taxes, if not then you don’t need to! Naturally, if there are things in the future, I won’t protect you! Treat it as me removing you as a subject of Great Gan…”
As Feng Taiji was listening on, his hands were already cracking.
Zong Shou was really generous!
Even if he wasn’t going to collect 50% percent taxes like Jiujing, there was no need to lower it all the way to 20%.
He even wanted to see if these people were willing?
Was this Blood Sword Monster Lord crazy?
The hall was in a buzz. Everyone exchanged glances with one another in disbelief and in surprise.
A bright glow appeared in He Daoren’s eyes.
Zong Shou continued, “If you find any treasures, you can bring them over to the Yuanjing Palace, I will send people to exchange with you for equal value goods. Mind Stones, Spiritual Artifacts, even Martial Arts and Spells too. I will tell the world about this later on…”
Feng Taiji was initially totally furious, but at this moment he calmed down. What was Zong Shou doing?
With such a promise, what was he trying to do?
Zong Shou smiled, looking deeply at one person in the hall.
It was a 40-year-old middle-aged man who looked quite handsome, he had a beautiful mustache on his face.
At this moment, he was trying his best to hide among the people to fit in.
However, just now the fluctuation and tremor in his heart revealed himself.
“This person was who Ruoshui mentioned? Really interesting!”
Zong Shou broke into a laugh, did he really think that he could hide in front of him? He wasn’t Jiujing.
If He Daoren was a talent, then this person was a true mighty lord.
“Apart from this, there is one more matter! I will select muscular people to join the Celestial Court army. If you feel that you have the talent to be a cultivator, you can head over to Yuanjing Palace. There are three factions here that have followed me along. Common People’s Path, Sword Sect, Buddhist Faction. Each have their own techniques, be it Martial Path or Spiritual Cultivation, they are all at the peak. People of the Yuanlian World can join them…”
Feng Taiji’s face twisted, he couldn’t help but shatter the green copper cup in his hand.