Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 605 Rebellion (Part 2)

Resurrection Palace, Ballard Room.

The setting sun shone through the stone window, casting long shadows on the council table, like golden and black sword blades.

"Is there such a good thing?"

Viscount Connie, the Minister of Trade of the Star Kingdom, put down the "Petition for Emerald City Substitutes" that had just been delivered to the conference room, his face full of suspicion.

"The owner of the iris."

Connie looked at his colleagues at the Imperial Council:

"Duke Kevin Deer actually offered to pay taxes in lieu of service, reducing the number of conscripts in Emerald City, and even supporting the expansion of the royal standing army to fill the defense burden left by the conscripts?"

The ministers at the imperial council looked at each other in bewilderment.

Only the scarred man from the Kingdom's Secret Service, who had returned with the petition, stood quietly to the side, saying nothing.

"Putting aside his stance, didn't he know the risks of doing this?"

Viscount Connie squinted, his expression subtle:
"If Emerald City truly puts into practice what the letter says, challenges tradition, and shakes interests... Ha, when every conscript in every fiefdom uses this as an excuse to refuse to work and serve for his lord, Kevin Deer will become the target of his subordinates, no, the entire kingdom's noble system."

“Not the whole system,” military advisor Sodor Red said, beaming with excitement at the arrival of the letter.
"Only those noble lords who are conservative, rigid and backward, who cling to the idea of ​​conscripting militia and refuse to accept taxes as a substitute for labor service."

Viscount Connie put down the letter and said slyly:
"That's pretty much everyone except the royalists...?"

Upon hearing this, laughter erupted from the imperial council.

"This letter came at just the right time, giving us a voice and diverting the pressure," Sodor said with a smile.
"Whether it's the reduction of the Starry Sky private army or the expansion of the standing army, we have received strong political support and foreign ministers' backing, as well as the replacement tax paid by Emerald City. Qiu Ke, about the budget issue you mentioned..."

But the treasurer rolled his eyes, remaining noncommittal.

On the other side, Gilbert took the letter with the iris wax seal from Connie and studied it carefully, not wanting to miss a single word.

Even though this is the third time.

Finally, someone realized that the Foreign Minister's expression was extremely unpleasant, completely out of place with the relaxed atmosphere of the meeting.

"This letter..."

Gilbert murmured, "What exactly is it..."

“Old friend,” Sodor noticed Gilbert’s condition and looked worried:

"Any questions?"

The silence of a few people at the meeting affected the atmosphere, and Ballard Room gradually quieted down.

Gilbert didn't answer. He just took a deep breath, slowly raised his head, and looked straight at the end of the long table.

It was as if it was seeking some answer.

However, on the other side, the king's figure disappeared into the darkness, remaining motionless for a long time.

Until another chubby hand reached out from the side.

"What a coincidence, just when we were figuring out how to reduce conscription without provoking public outrage, and worrying about how to find a budget to expand the standing army..."

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Duke Bob Cullen of the East Sea, who presided over the Royal Council meeting, unusually composed himself as he accepted the petition.

"When we were still walking on thin ice, fearing that this matter would shake the foundation of the country and trigger a civil war, this letter arrived? Sending people, money, and also giving us ammunition to talk about?"

Prime Minister Kulun's words plunged everyone at the royal council into deep thought.

Kulen's gaze left the beautiful and composed handwriting on the paper and suspiciously glanced at the scarred spy from the secret service on the other side.

But the scarred man remained calm and respectful, ignoring everything and not uttering a single word.

The duke shifted his large belly, flicked the letter in his hand, and gave a soft hum:
"Where is Jenn himself?"

The scarred man seemed to have just come to his senses and replied respectfully, "It is understood that the Duke of South Bank has already left the capital and returned to Emerald City to handle urgent matters."

"Urgent?"

Cullen re-examined Jann's handwriting, glancing occasionally at the end of the long table, a disturbing laugh escaping his lips:
"Indeed, it was too rushed, too rushed..."

Despite it being good news, the unusual attitudes of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister left the elites at the Imperial Conference bewildered and uncertain, all turning their gazes toward the hosts.

However, King Kessel remained seated and unmoved.

Only the setting sun behind him cast countless golden beams of light through the window, enveloping him and making him appear from afar like a sword guarding the throne.

Or a prison cell.

“Prime Minister, Your Excellency?” Viscount Connie asked tentatively.
However, Cullen simply raised his finger slightly, with an amused expression.

“Sodol, I initially thought…”

Prime Minister Kulun's words were like the evening bells of a monastery, somber and profound:

"You gave a detailed report on the northern war today, emphasizing the lessons learned from Exter, just to curry favor with Prince Thales and, incidentally, praise his little sweetheart from Dragonsreach City..."

Military advisor Sodor Red was taken aback.

"And your exaggerated portrayal of the accident at Baki Camp, your constant denigration of conscripts, and your insistence on expanding the standing army are all just posturing. At most, you're asking for the moon and then settling for less..."

Treasurer Joker Mann pouted.

"But now, look at this letter..."

Prime Minister Cullen glanced at the iris emblem on the letter, then turned to the King, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.

"Your Majesty, you have come to today's meeting well-prepared."

King Catherine V's brow twitched slightly.

The Prime Minister closed the petition and smiled slowly:
"Just like before, when the royal standing army went to the Western Wilderness to clear the desert and welcome His Highness, was that also a well-prepared trip?"

These words were pointed, and the courtiers before the emperor frowned.

Among the crowd, Gilbert trembled slightly.

He gazed at the king from afar, his eyes filled with bitterness.

However, the Prime Minister's next sentence was completely inexplicable:
Is it 'Sand King'? Or 'Whispers'? Or both?

Sand King?

Whispering?

At that moment, the courtiers at the imperial council looked at each other, puzzled.

Outside the long table, the scarred man's sleeve moved imperceptibly.

But the ministers soon noticed that at the end of the long table, the king's gaze was fixed on the Duke of Cullen, ignoring everything else.

"Don't be surprised, Your Majesty. Midir consulted me beforehand."

Prime Minister Kulun seemed unconcerned whether anyone answered; he simply sighed and muttered to himself.

"At that time, although I had gained weight, I was still a strong and healthy fat man in my prime."

The Duke's words contained both感慨 (gǎn kǎi, deep emotion) and 寡寂 (guǎ jìn, a feeling of melancholy).

"Now, when I look down, I can no longer see my toes."

Duke Cullen raised his head:
"and you?"

Amidst the confusion, everyone instinctively looked towards the end of the long table, towards the imposing figure who stood motionless and silent like a stone statue.

"Bob."

After a few seconds of silence, the Iron-Fisted King spoke expressionlessly.

"You've not only gained weight."

At that moment, the light of the setting sun converged into countless golden blades, lying between the two.

The Prime Minister, however, seemed completely oblivious and remained calm.

"old."

Iron Fist King's voice, unlike its previous deep and powerful tone, now possessed a sharpness as sharp as a blade cleaving ice:

"I'm also tired."

King Kessel and Duke Cullen's gazes met across the long table, meeting in mid-air.

The ministers all frowned.

"Yes, I'm tired."

A few seconds later, Cullen avoided King Kessel's gaze and spoke slowly and deliberately:

"Unlike the kingdom, which is thriving and whose wheels keep turning forward."

The Duke of Donghai slowly lowered his head, gave a nonchalant hum, and looked like an ordinary old man who was in his eighties and had no regrets.

"It's either this horse or that horse; we have to pick one to pull the carriage, right?"

King Kessel's gaze was cold, and he did not answer.

“But you are not him.” Cullen finished speaking, then closed his eyes wearily.
"not him."

King Kessel remained silent.

In that instant, the relaxed atmosphere in the Ballard Chamber vanished. Faced with the subtle confrontation between the King and the Duke, everyone was filled with doubt, but dared not say a word.

Except for one person.

"His Majesty."

Gilbert looked up with a complicated expression, becoming the next person to break the silence:
"Please forgive my overstepping."

He steadily held up Jenn's handwritten letter, revealing the iris emblem on it:

"But when exactly was this petition written?"

"Last night? Early morning?"

Gilbert's gaze was fixed on the throne.

At that moment, the usually gentle Star Fox's gaze sharpened, even becoming somewhat aggressive.

Prime Minister Cullen gave a light hum, adding, seemingly unintentionally:
"Just now?"

A low murmur arose among the courtiers.

A few seconds later, the king slowly turned his head, his gaze shifting to his former most trusted foreign minister.

His gaze pierced the setting sun, like a blanket of solid ice, instantly dispelling any warmth.

King Kessel stared intently at Gilbert, but remained silent.

The atmosphere at the imperial council meeting grew increasingly heavy and somber, almost suffocating, until someone could no longer bear it and interrupted.

"Is it because of the royal banquet?"

On the other side, the kingdom's treasurer, Joker Mann, swallowed hard and asked cautiously.

Knowing the gravity of the situation, he abandoned his previous scoundrelly demeanor.
“I left the banquet early, but I later heard that the Duke of Star Lake and the Duke of South Bank had a minor…unpleasantness during the meal?”

Duke of Star Lake, Duke of South Shore, Royal Banquet.

These words once again sparked a murmur around the council table.

unhappy.

Yes, if one were to attend the gathering with a sword, assist the assassins, kidnap guests, or threaten the prince, it would be considered a "minor unpleasantness."

The king snorted coldly, interrupting the whispers before him.

"It was just a small misunderstanding."

King Kessel's words were decisive and powerful.

"already solved."

solved.

Gilbert's heart sank upon hearing this.

At the council table, no one was foolish enough to ask "how was it resolved?"

Viscount Connie and Lord Clapham, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, exchanged a glance before interrupting the awkward silence: "Very well, so the Duke of Southshore still wishes to mend relations with us, unlike the one-eyed man of Clifflands..."

"that's it?"

But Gilbert's voice rang out again, shattering their efforts.

"Just because he made moves against Prince Thales behind the scenes, you gained leverage over him?"

Gilbert, contrary to his usual behavior, pressed on relentlessly, his tone stern and urgent:

"So that's why this letter came about?"

Everyone sensed that the tension between the King and the Foreign Minister was becoming increasingly palpable, even more so than the King's clashes with the Prime Minister.

Gilbert had always been well-liked. His military advisor, Sodor, gave him a subtle wink, while the archdeacon Stilliards tapped the table imperceptibly. Even the treasurer, Juke, pretended to cough to smooth things over.

“Jane is a smart kid,” the Iron Fist King finally spoke slowly and calmly, “He understands things immediately.”

"Whenever he makes a mistake, he knows how to make amends."

Many people looked thoughtfully at the petition in Gilbert's hand.

"make up?"

At that moment, Gilbert gazed at the king with a deep, indescribable feeling.

“Is that so?” Star Fox’s voice was weary.
"Six years ago, when His Highness Thales's delegation went north, they were attacked by vampires in the birch forest. Is this how you and he 'resolved' and 'made amends'?"

Those who were unaware of this story were immediately taken aback.

six years ago.

vampire.

"Even if you know that Duke Kevin Deer is connected to the attackers?" Gilbert's tone was almost accusatory.

No one dared to speak.

This time, the Star King at the far end of the long table remained silent for a long time. "The essence of politics, my friend," King Kessel said slowly.

"It's a tethering of interests."

Duke Cullen frowned slightly.

Gilbert's expression grew increasingly bitter:
"Yes, I remember, those were His Highness Midir's exact words."

Upon hearing this name, everyone tensed up.

"So, Gilbert, my friend, if you wish to exact revenge and settle scores..."

Iron Fist King snorted coldly, his tone suddenly turning sour.

"You might as well read more chivalric romances."

Gilbert's expression darkened in the face of the king's blunt words.

“Very good, that’s right, Your Majesty.”

The Foreign Minister lowered the letter in his hand and closed his eyes.

"but."

Gilbert's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"Prince Thales, does he know?"

Many people's eyes flickered.

King Kessel was silent for a moment.

His gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, swept over the scarred spy from the secret service:

"He knows now."

Gilbert slumped back and fell silent.

As dusk fell, the sunlight gradually deepened in color, changing from golden yellow to dark red.

At that moment, the supreme king, bathed in the setting sun, even appeared somewhat crimson.

Only his face remained obscured by the backlight.

The imperial council meeting fell silent.

"Enough, everyone."

Just as the attendees were at a loss, another voice rang out at the opportune moment, decisive and clear, breaking the silence:
"No matter where this letter came from, now that it's here, we can't let it go to waste."

Military advisor, Sordor Reid, glared angrily:

"Whether voluntary or involuntary, whether as compensation or a transaction, since Duke Kevin Deer is 'kindly' sacrificing his own reputation and interests, even at the cost of being condemned by thousands, to petition His Majesty to pay taxes and perform corvée labor in lieu of our political burden, and to cheer for the Restoration Palace..."

"He didn't."

Sordor Red turned his head in surprise, only to find Gilbert still with his eyes closed, rubbing his forehead.

"Feel sorry?"

Gilbert took a deep breath.

"As far as I know, as early as the end of the reign of the late King Eddy, under the rule of the former South Bank Guardian Duke, namely Lenster Kevindir, the Emerald City's regular military service system had already broken down and even become a mere formality."

At the imperial meeting, the ministers who were unfamiliar with the South Bank Territory were all taken aback.

Prime Minister Kulun, however, raised an eyebrow.

"I see. The younger generation is truly formidable."

"The South Bank is not the Western Wilderness after all." The Kingdom's Prime Minister chuckled wryly.

The others remained puzzled until Gilbert sighed.

"After the Bloody Years, due to the desolation of the territory and in order to repair the wounds, the old Duke of Leinster graciously granted some of his vassals the privilege of not responding to the mandatory conscription and not contributing able-bodied soldiers, but instead paying a substitute service fee so that he could hire professional mercenaries to deal with large-scale wars such as bandit suppression."

Gilbert patiently explained, slowly returning to his role as an advisor to the king:
"To this day, the conscription system under Emerald City is no longer complete and sound—exceptions have gradually become the norm, extending down the chain of command. When the conscription order arrives, each family can be exempted from service as long as they bribe the required amount. The conscription system has instead become a legal loophole for conscription officers to exploit the people and line their own pockets by using the conscription list."

Military advisor Sodor Red seemed thoughtful.

The expressions on everyone's faces slowly changed.

King Kessel listened quietly to the Foreign Minister's explanation, his thoughts unknown.

"I remember now, the national affairs conference six years ago, when everyone was discussing sending troops..."

Prime Minister Cullen shook his head, seemingly having gained some insight:
"It seems that Jenn wasn't entirely lying back then."

Gilbert nodded, deep in thought.

"In other words, this petition, which seems to come at a high cost, is nothing more than a favor done for someone else."

"The Duke of the South Bank portrayed the established status quo of Emerald City as his own sacrifice and loyalty, bringing unspoken conventions to the forefront and turning them into written laws, claiming that it was necessary for the King and the standing army."

"He doesn't have to give anything."

Gilbert pushed the petition for alternative service to the center of the council table:

"Even if His Majesty approves this decree, Kevin Deer will not suffer any actual loss. Perhaps he can also take the opportunity to clean up the corrupt and inefficient bureaucracy, regulate the chaos of tax payment in lieu of corvée labor, and make the people who have suffered from corvée labor fees for a long time applaud and praise the Duke of Iris who is dedicated to serving the people."

On the other side, "Money Bag" Qiu Ke snorted and added:
"They can also pocket all the dirty money they plunder from the conscription of their subordinates—of course, in the name of His Majesty Kessel and the Royal Standing Army."

The finance director rubbed his hands together with envy:
"Kevin Deer has been incredibly wealthy for many years; he really knows how to make money."

Gilbert's face was cold:
"Furthermore, as Lord Kulen said, the next time there is a war, the South Coast Territory can argue at the National Conference with a very reasonable argument: they have received the King's permission to pay taxes in lieu of service and not have to send troops."

The portly prime minister nodded kindly.

Gilbert turned to the astonished advisor, Sodor:

"As for what you said, Sodor, the Iris Flower sided with the Palace of Restoration, providing political support and solidarity..."

Gilbert paused for a moment.

"Don't forget, it was only after Prince Thales publicly accused him of being the mastermind behind this at the banquet that Jenn submitted his petition to His Majesty."

Prime Minister Cullen picked up where Gilbert left off, nodding his head and appearing to be in a good mood:

"If the news gets out, and if it's handled properly, it won't be a symbol of Iris siding with the royal family, but merely a helpless move by Kevin Deer under pressure from the Palace of Restoration. Emerald City will not only not be blamed, but will also receive sympathy from its vassals and even the vast majority of lords in the country—'It must be the king who forced him to do it.'"

The Prime Minister winked meaningfully:

"is it?"

No one answered him.

"On the contrary, it's the Fuxing Palace."

Gilbert's voice rang out, becoming unhurried, gentle, and lingering once more:
"This matter is already sensitive. If we are branded as 'forcing our vassals,' the pressure we face will only increase, whether we reduce conscripts or expand the standing army..."

He didn't continue, but the atmosphere at the imperial meeting became even heavier.

"pity."

Treasurer Qiu Ke slapped his thigh in frustration:
"If only His Highness Thales hadn't yelled at Kevin Deer after finding out the truth, but instead had suppressed his temper and quietly reported to His Majesty."

“So,” Cullen said, glancing intentionally or unintentionally toward the end of the long table:
"Young people, you can't be too hasty in doing things."

Gilbert's analysis completely extinguished any of the excitement the Imperial Council had gained from this letter.

Everyone was already exhausted, and now they were even more disappointed.

"But, gentlemen."

The military advisor took a deep breath, rallied his spirits, and raised his hand to attract the attention of the Imperial Council:
"Perhaps the irises have their own agenda, but that doesn't affect our choice."

Sodor tried his best to persuade everyone:

"Most importantly, if what this letter says comes to pass, we will have the replacement tax that Kevin Deer will pay, and we can expand the standing army..."

But he was interrupted.

"I'm not trying to discourage you, soldier."

The familiar, mocking tone of the treasurer rang out again, causing Sodor to frown deeply:

"However, exempting lords of all ranks from the obligation to conscript soldiers for war, replacing it with a special tax, using the collected money to expand the standing army, and then using that money to fill the defenses left by the disbanded conscripts and maintain public order, sounds like a very good idea..."

Steward Qiu gave a forced smile and tilted his cheek, saying:
"However, I have to deal with those unscrupulous merchant lords of Emerald City every quarter. Believe me, they're good for nothing else, but when it comes to collecting taxes..."

Sodor snorted angrily:
"They dare to evade taxes?"

"Worse."

Qiu Ke squinted:
"They can do the books."

Sodor was taken aback:
"what?"

Many people frowned, and Prime Minister Cullen glanced at Gilbert, giving him a knowing look.

Qiu Ke shook her head dismissively:
"I said, their accountants are just as capable as those from Commas. Their tax accounts are crystal clear, with not a single item concealed. However, the calculation of tax rates, the selection of tax categories, and the flow of tax revenue are all exceptionally complex..."

"Can you believe it? Emerald City is incredibly wealthy, with its maritime and land trade growing year after year. Its total cash flow is enough to buy several small principalities, yet their books still show a loss! And our tax collectors have searched through their ledgers and can't find a single error. Not only are they unable to make money off of it, but they might even have to refund taxes..."

The finance director opened the petition, glanced at it with disgust, and then threw it down again:
"As for the tax-for-service arrangement mentioned here, tell me, Sodor, do you think they'll have a change of heart this time and give you a large sum of money out of thin air?"

Sodor's eyes widened, as if he could not believe such a thing existed.

Juke turned to the king, his tone becoming much more respectful.

“If this is the ‘budget’ you’ve been waiting for, Your Majesty, Sodor.”

"Excuse my bluntness, but it failed."

"Let's see how the revenue goes next quarter before we talk about expanding the standing army."

The king did not speak.

Sodor clenched his fist tightly.

The finance minister's words brought the entire imperial council to its senses, plunging them into a disappointed silence.

"So, Emerald City's letter is just empty talk? I mean, if ours really passes, they won't lose anything, they'll appear reasonable, and they'll make a fortune."

Lord Clapham, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, spoke tremulously:
"On the contrary, we seem to have gained an advantage, but we ended up being the bad guys and even lost our underwear?"

"Cunning Southerner," Viscount Connie muttered, throwing down the petition on the table.
"Do you think the Iris Flower is just reacting to the situation as it comes, or did it prepare this move long ago and wait for this opportunity?"

The ministers looked at each other, speechless.

Until the king's voice rang out,
"This is certainly not the optimal solution."

King Kessel spoke calmly, steer the conversation back to where he wanted it to go: "But this is the biggest concession the Emerald City can offer."

The Iron-Fisted King gazed longingly at the letter.

"The sword at the banquet alone is not enough."

Gilbert could only sigh inwardly.

"Damn it, how come that young master from the Western Wilderness at the banquet only kidnapped the guests?"

The military advisor slammed his fist on the table.
"It would have been better if he had committed a bigger crime, like assassinating a prince..."

Gilbert realized what was happening and angrily rebuked:
"Sodol!"

Kossor simply waved his hand dismissively:
"It's okay, you know that's not what I meant..."

Sodor turned around, looked at the letter on the table, and sighed:
“Gilbert, think about it again. Is there really no other way? This letter, at the very least, resolved both our political and budgetary issues…”

Before the Foreign Minister could speak, Juke coldly taunted him from the side:
"Didn't you listen in class, soldier? It can't solve anything."

Gilbert nodded wearily.

"If His Majesty grants the proposal in this petition to reform the military system, starting with Emerald City, then we can take this controversial first step..."

He glanced in the king's direction, his emotions complex:
"Then the Palace of Restoration will have to swallow all the bitter pills mentioned above. Apart from the duke of the South Bank's hypocritical support and the uncertain future of the tax revenue, the benefits will be very limited."

“It’s not even up to us to approve it,” Duke Cullen said, seemingly in high spirits.

“Unlike minor actions like reorganizing the Starry Sky Private Army, once this petition is made public through official documents or orders, the reform of the military system will inevitably cause a huge uproar throughout the kingdom. We will be at the forefront of this storm, with no way to retreat.”

In the shadows around the long table, the king's pupils gradually contracted.

“After all, asking for exorbitant prices is just a tactic,” Cullen said, clicking his tongue as he looked at the dejected Sodor.
"Just pay back the money when it arrives; we can't really expect to sell it for an exorbitant price."

This statement further demoralized the military advisor.

Steward Qiu yawned discreetly, glanced around, and tentatively asked in a tone that suggested the meeting was ending:

"Then this letter..."

“Ignore it,” Gilbert said, his tone a mixture of helplessness and determination.
“Bury it among the countless official documents and letters in the Fuxing Palace every day, so that it will be submerged without causing a ripple.”

At the imperial council meeting, he was met with an awkward silence.

Until the king's voice rang out again.

“So,” King Kessel chuckled softly, but there was no real joy in it, sending a chill down one’s spine, “we’ve been sitting here all day…”

"And my son was assassinated at the banquet and almost died in a duel..."

At that moment, the Iron Fist King's face emerged from the setting sun, exuding an eerie charm:

"And this is all you got in return?"

All the officials before the emperor lowered their heads, none daring to answer the question.

Only Kulen calmly sipped his tea, his gaze fixed on the far end of the council table:
"It's a pity, Your Majesty, but this letter cannot give you what you want."

"That's right, the wheels keep rolling forward."

The Duke of Donghai put down his teacup, straightened his crooked belt, and looked satisfied.

"But it is by no means driven by brute force."

At the end of the long table, King Kessel stood silently in the setting sun.

Only a pair of eyes gleamed faintly in the darkness.

I'm in a terrible state, but I'll finish this chapter first.



(End of this chapter)