Douluo: Reincarnation of Leosli, punishing the evildoers

Looking at the streets that were now almost completely unfamiliar, Xue Qinghe was filled with emotion.

"It seems that entrusting this area to the Duke was indeed the right decision. If the royal family had still been in charge, the business would probably still be in a state of stagnation, just like before."

Upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's words, Xue Qinghe smiled and nodded.

If commerce doesn't develop, the empire's tax revenue will be minimal.

Previously, due to systemic issues, merchants dared not engage in business, and the nobles were seriously corrupt, so tax revenue was naturally not much.

Xue Qinghe's reforms will undoubtedly be sweeping and drastic, and what she needs now is money.

War requires money, reform requires money, and without money, nothing can be done.

"Of course, the Duke's abilities are also evident to all."

Ning Fengzhi smiled as well.

Leosley is not only powerful, but also has a great business sense. Now that this commercial street has developed, although the empire's tax revenue has not increased much, the common people have become richer. Naturally, this made Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi realize Leosley's strength.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and nodded, his eyes gentle yet respectful: "Your Majesty, since we're here, why don't we come in and have a seat?"

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the bustling streets around him, a thoughtful look on his face: "Very well, I happen to have some things I'd like to ask the Duke about."

The two walked side by side into the clinic, their steps calm and steady. The two members of the Broken Clan standing at the entrance immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing them, their expressions respectful yet neither servile nor arrogant. One of them quickly went into the courtyard to announce their arrival, while the other gestured for them to follow, his voice steady: "Please follow me, both of you."

Inside the courtyard, Leosley sat beneath a tall sycamore tree, a cup of hot tea in his hands, its aroma rising and lingering around his nose. His expression was serene, as if none of the world's disturbances could disturb his tranquility. Beside him, on a stone table, lay an antique tea set, and beside him, an open book, its pages turning gently in the breeze.

"Sect Leader Ning, Qinghe, no, now I should call you Your Majesty."

Upon seeing the two arrive, Leosley did not rise. He merely glanced at them, his gaze calm and serene, as if awaiting their next move. The teacup spun gently in his hand, the rising steam blurring his face but unable to conceal his detached and indifferent demeanor.

"Duke, please stop teasing me. What do you mean by Your Majesty? In your eyes, I am still Xue Qinghe."

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and intimacy, as if she were catching up with an old friend. Her gaze lingered on Leosley for a moment, then she turned to the stone table beside her and sat down naturally.

"It's so much better here at the Duke's! Unlike us, we're so busy with so many things every day that we don't even have time to rest."

Ning Fengzhi also complained slightly, while subtly praising Leosley for managing the area so well.

Xue Qinghe smiled slightly, his gaze passing through the branches and leaves of the sycamore tree and looking towards the distant night sky: "The nights here in the Duke's place are always exceptionally peaceful."

Her voice was soft, with a hint of barely perceptible fatigue.

“Yes, compared to the hustle and bustle of the court, this place is indeed very peaceful.” Leosley still did not respond, but just sat quietly, his teacup resting steadily on his lap, the warmth of the tea passing through the porcelain to his palm.

His gaze fell on the ground not far away, seemingly focused on the bluestone slab bathed in moonlight, yet also as if he saw nothing at all.

A gentle breeze swept by, and the sycamore leaves rustled again. A few leaves drifted down and landed on the stone table, covering the open book.

"You two didn't come here just for tea, did you?"

Leosley's voice was deep and calm, carrying an invisible power that pierced through the surrounding silence, reminding Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi of their original purpose for coming here.

After hearing Leosley's words, Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances before slowly saying, "Duke, the Star Luo army has already amassed troops on the border, and their military strength is not much weaker than our Heavenly Dou army. What do you think we should do now?"

"What does the Duke think is the best course of action?"

To be honest, they had almost finished discussing their strategy, but Ning Fengzhi knew that Tang San had definitely equipped the Star Luo army with hidden weapons, while the Heaven Dou side was not equipped with any sophisticated weapons.

Although Ning Fengzhi recruited Lou Gao, a master craftsman, he has used the resources to develop the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in recent years. In terms of the Heavenly Battle, the most he has done is equip the generals with better armor.

Now that Xingluo has initiated the war, they must have been prepared.

Ning Fengzhi coughed lightly, breaking the brief silence: "Duke, the Star Luo Empire's actions are so swift, it's clear they planned this all along. Our intelligence at the border indicates their army has already assembled and could launch an attack at any moment."

Xue Qinghe continued, his tone grave: "Not only that, Xingluo's military equipment is also much more sophisticated than before. We suspect that this is related to the covert support of certain forces."

Leosley slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the two faces, a barely perceptible sharpness flashing in his eyes.

You can just say Tang Clan directly.

Leosley remained seated, his teacup slightly tilted, the tea rippling in its surface. His gaze was calm as a deep pool, revealing no emotion whatsoever, as he silently watched Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe, as if waiting for them to continue.

Ning Fengzhi frowned slightly, seemingly considering his words, before slowly speaking: "Duke, the Tang Clan's development speed in recent years has far exceeded our expectations. Their hidden weapon technology has not only enhanced the combat power of the Star Luo army, but has also weakened our defensive advantage to a certain extent. If Star Luo really launches a full-scale attack, I'm afraid we will find it difficult to resist."

Xue Qinghe tapped the edge of the stone table lightly with his fingertips, his voice low and calm: "The Tang Clan's hidden weapon manufacturing technology is unparalleled in the world. Although we have Master Lou Gao's assistance, time is short and we cannot equip our army on a large scale."

After listening to their conversation, Leosley sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness: "It seems you didn't come here today to invite me for tea, but rather to ask me for advice. Qinghe, you're the emperor now, why do you still ask me about everything?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but laugh and said, "Duke, please don't tease me. In your eyes, I am still the same Xue Qinghe."

The group chatted amongst themselves, completely disregarding the current situation. Although Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi had come to discuss how to handle the matter with Leosley, the conversation had essentially turned into a casual chat over tea. (End of Chapter)