Heir to the Kingdom of 1.4 billion people

Chapter 94: Kill the villain in exchange for His Highness’ blessing, the lords of the southern border are crazy!
Night Shadow Collar.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the dilapidated village, the withered fields are like a dead desert, and even the wind carries a smell of decay.

"Jenny, look what I found!"

In a simple farmhouse, a young but extremely old farmer came to his wife excitedly holding a black mouse.

"I'll roast it in a while and give you some nourishment." The farmer held up the mouse with a smile on his face, as if he was asking for credit.

His wife was a skinny peasant woman. After seeing this scene, she forced a smile, her thin face full of haggardness.

Looking at the once beautiful girl, who gradually became like this after marrying him, the farmer's heart felt as if it was being cut by thousands of knives.

But this is already a blessing.

Some time ago, his wife lost her unborn child during the grain collection. Since then, she has become mad and even had the audacity to stop the army.

Fortunately, he met a kind adult who not only did not get angry, but even hugged his crazy wife and gave her his blessing.

Strangely enough, since then, his wife's madness has gradually recovered and she can now talk normally.

Thinking of this, the farmer couldn't help but feel grateful to the adult with rare black hair.

It would be great if that gentleman was the lord of Night Shadow Territory!
Then the farmer skinned and beheaded the mouse, lit it on fire, and soon made delicious mouse meat skewers, which he handed to Jenny.

The farmer felt so happy when he saw his wife eating the rat meat skewers in small bites.

It’s great that he can still let his wife eat meat.

"Li Lin, I'm full. Would you like to eat something too?" His wife handed him the rat meat skewer which still had more than half of it left.

"As for me, I've already eaten a mouse and I'm as full as I can be!" The farmer patted his stomach which he tried to inflate but was still flat.

"You must take good care of yourself and give birth to another child for me. With that adult's blessing, he will surely grow up safely and become a hardworking farmer!"

The farmer pushed the rat skewers back to his wife.

The wife hesitated for a long time, and finally spoke again when she heard the word "child".

The farmer's eyes became slightly moist when he saw this scene. He was moved but also more anxious.

Because all the edible things nearby have been almost caught by the hungry villagers. If this continues, he really doesn’t know how to feed his wife?
Otherwise, learn from Zar next door and cut off your own flesh to feed your family and children.
"The villagers here have all come out to collect food!"

Just as the farmer was hesitating, bursts of shouting suddenly came from outside.

The farmer carefully leaned his head out of the window, and then he saw a scene that made him dumbfounded - a group of soldiers led by Black Wolf came to the village with a cart full of golden barley, and distributed it to the skinny villagers in the village for free.

Among them is the Zar family next door.

The poor husband who lost a leg burst into tears when he took the bag of barley handed to him by the soldier.

Tsk, it’s so funny to see a grown man crying like this!

So the farmer went too, and only after he received a sack of barley from the soldier who was distributing it did he kneel on the ground and tremble all over, as if he had just woken up from a dream.

"Thank you, the great Lord of the Black Wolf Territory, Lord Howling Wolf Karen Hughes!"

The farmer cried even harder than the last person who had received the grain. He just wanted to cry out all the despair and suffering he had experienced in the past few days.

At this time, the soldier in charge of distributing food pressed his shoulders and stopped him:
"The one who performed such a kind act of distributing grain was not our lord, but a wise man. His name was Xia Mingyu."

"If you really want to thank someone, then thank this lord!"

Xia Mingyu. For some reason, when the farmer heard this name, he inexplicably thought of the kind-hearted man with black hair.

"The former Night Shadow Territory Lord Victor committed many evil deeds. His head has been removed and hung on the wall of Night Wind Town. If you want revenge, you can go over and throw a stone at him."

"But better hurry because it's almost smashed to pieces."

After saying this, the soldiers pushed their carts away in a hurry. They still had to rush to the next village to distribute the food.

The farmer who had the head of the lord who had enacted the breathing tax gradually turned murderous.

Night Wind Town.

The city wall was already crowded with villagers from the entire territory who had heard the news.

Whether adults or children, everyone enthusiastically picked up stones, branches, sheep dung balls and other objects on the ground and threw them at the unknown round object hanging on the city wall.

That was the head of the previous lord, but after being thrown at it for a whole afternoon, it was no longer recognizable as it was before and even emitted a foul stench.

The farmer also excitedly threw stones several times along with his wife, and only stopped reluctantly when he could not find anything else to throw.

At the same time, in the most conspicuous place in the town, several craftsmen were carving stone sculptures with sweat on their foreheads.

It is said that it is carving a statue of the wise man Xia Mingyu, the great benefactor of Yeying Territory who distributed food to everyone.

Because of this, those craftsmen used all their life's skills, and every hammering was the pinnacle of their skills.

Many villagers knelt before the unfinished statue and expressed their sincere gratitude.

They all knew that if it weren't for this kind and wise man, they would have starved to death long ago!
The farmer and his wife stared blankly at the statue above their heads.

Although the statue has not yet taken shape, those who have seen the adult with their own eyes can already recognize that it is indeed the statue of that adult.

It turned out that the kind and wise Xia Mingyu was the black-haired man who was forgiving and blessing them.

"Jenny, with the blessing of that wise man, it seems our child will grow up safely in the future!"

The farmer excitedly said to his wife.

And his wife, the haggard peasant woman who had never smiled since losing her child.

At this moment, in the afterglow of dusk, a bright smile appeared on her thin face, as if she had returned to her girlhood.

"Ok!"

Seeing this scene, the farmer burst into tears. He held his wife's hand and lined up at the end of the long queue in front of the statue.

In the distance, the black-haired young man who was looking at the two of them smiled slightly, then turned and left with his servant who was carrying a longbow.

"Berg, send them another sack of wheat and a cow."

"As you command, sage."

evening.

The night falls, the moon hangs high in the sky, and its cool light shines on the earth.

A luxurious carriage, pulled by a giant black wolf, drove steadily towards the distance.

Although the surrounding light is dim, for nocturnal animals, it is not much different from daytime.

Xia Mingyu sat on the velvet roof of the carriage, facing the bright moon, meditating quietly with his eyes closed.

Berg sat in the front room of the carriage acting as the coachman, while Elise lay in the carriage and fell asleep. The magic that broke the city during the day consumed too much of her energy and she needed a good rest.

After killing Victor, Karen stayed in Night Shadow Territory temporarily with his army.

He had many things to do: hold public trials for soldiers who had committed numerous crimes, distribute food to the people of the entire territory, establish His Highness's reputation as a wise man, and support the puppet lord.
Xia Mingyu and his group returned to Black Wolf Castle first.

With a peak transcendent, a morning star force, and a crescent moon force closely protecting His Highness, there must be no villain who dares to spy on His Highness.

"The speed of refining magic power has increased a lot!"

As soon as Xia Mingyu started meditating, he clearly felt that the speed at which he was refining magic power had increased by almost a quarter.

"No wonder books say that fame and great achievements are powerful tools for promotion." Xia Mingyu couldn't help but sigh.

"Okay, let's continue practicing!"

He completely relaxed his mind, with no distractions, only the bright moon remaining in his heart.

After witnessing the previous war, Xia Mingyu's desire for power increased again.

He didn't want to be just a spectator forever. Even if he couldn't fight with a sword himself, he wanted to at least be a glass cannon like Elise.

Blade City.

Red Fox Castle, study.

"What a joke!"

The owner of the castle, Ronan Martha, tore up the decree sent by the envoy from the kingdom. A surge of magic power burst out from his body, shaking the bookshelves in the entire room to the point of collapse.

"What on earth is this brat, Lawn Sosia, thinking? He's only been king for a few years and he's already raising taxes, and he's only asking for food!"

"Did a bull kick him in the head?"

The butler looked at the angry and roaring earl with a helpless look on his face. He could only squat down and pick up the scraps of paper and fallen books on the ground.

"Huh, huh, if they didn't have a dragon, if they didn't have a dragon"

Ronan took several deep breaths before he gradually calmed down.

"Master, do you want to continue to increase taxes according to the regulations?" asked the butler.

"Increase it. I don't want a fire-breathing dragon to fly over the castle one day."

Count Martha hesitated for a long time, but finally agreed. Then he collapsed in his chair as if he had lost all his strength.

"Master, Miss Rosa seems to have become a little too close to her guards over the past year. Do you think we should keep them apart?"

The housekeeper thought about it and decided to change the topic to a lighter one.

When the earl mentioned his lovely daughter, a smile appeared on his face, but he suddenly became serious when he heard the word "intimate".

"Separate them, of course we have to separate them. How can my daughter be with a guard every day!" Ronan slammed the table angrily.

"As you wish."

"Wait a minute." The butler was about to leave when he was stopped by Count Martha.

"That kid from the slums, I remember he became a knight's apprentice without any training, just with a bottle of potion, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Hmm," Ronan knocked on the table, lost in thought. If he had another boy besides Rosa, he would have no hesitation in separating the two forever, because Rosa's mission at that time would undoubtedly be to arrange a marriage.

But in fact, he only had one girl, Rosa, and she was not very talented in cultivation.

If he could train a loyal and powerful knight, even if he became his lover in the future, he could protect his daughter.

Moreover, if he came from a slum, there was a high probability that the boy’s parents starved to death because of his tax increase.

"Well, let's keep him for now. If that kid can't break through to the knight rank before he turns sixteen, then kick him out." Ronan finally made a decision.

"Yes, sir."

In the corridor of the castle.

"Master Butler, what is the reason you called me here?" Leo asked respectfully.

Looking at the boy in front of him who was almost as young as his son, the butler hesitated for a long time, but finally pulled him over and whispered something.

For the sake of the young lady and the Earl, he felt it necessary to tell the truth to this talented boy in advance.

"If I can't break through to the rank of Knight before I turn sixteen, I'll never see Miss Rosa again!"

The boy was shocked, his young face full of anxiety.

After spending the past year together, he had already regarded the girl as the most important person besides the prince in his dreams. How could he bear to be separated from her?

"Yes, this is the Earl's order. Don't spread this matter. You must cherish your talent and work hard."

The butler patted the boy's shoulder solemnly, then turned and left, leaving the boy standing there blankly.

In the following time, Leo seemed like a different person. He got up early and came back late every day to stay in the training ground and train madly with the knights in the castle.

So every time Rosa wanted to take him out to play, she had to drag him along by force.

Because the boy always seemed reluctant, Rosa got angry and ignored him for several weeks.

At this time, the castle's steward vaguely mentioned the truth about the boy's hard training, and it happened to be overheard by the eldest lady.

Rosa: “???”

After learning that the boy was training so hard just to avoid separation from her, the girl, who had not yet experienced the world, was so moved that she almost cried on the spot.

After that, she no longer forced the boy to play, but kept going to her father to get gold coins to buy precious potions for the boy to help him train.

The girl who used to be busy all day long can now lie under the shade of a tree in the martial arts training ground, quietly watching the boy exercising under the scorching sun all day long, and watching the boy's body become stronger little by little.

Just like that, three years passed in a flash.

Three days later.

Black Wolf Castle.

Main building lobby.

On the towering ceiling, huge wooden beams crisscross, supporting the space like a giant skeleton.

Xia Mingyu sat on the main seat, his head supported by his hands, looking down at the lords of the southern border who had come here in a dusty state.

Anlia was wearing a white dress and holding a stack of papers, standing behind him as a maid.

With a named magical beast pulling the carriage day and night, he returned to Black Wolf Castle in just one day.

Afterwards, he quickly sent someone to invite all the lords in the southern border to come to Black Wolf Castle for discussions.

After learning that it was an invitation from His Highness, all the lords rode at full speed and arrived at Black Wolf Castle in just two days.

The only pity is that the most honorable Lord of the Southern Territory seemed to have important matters and hurried back to Twilight City, so he was not present today.

"Your Majesty, I wonder why you have summoned us here today? If you have any instructions, I will do my best to help you."

Edward, the Lord of the Ram Territory, stepped forward first and bowed slightly gracefully.

"So do we!" the lords shouted in unison.

popping.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyu clapped his hands, and An Liya behind him distributed the papers in her hand to the lords.

The contents on the paper are as follows:
In my territory, no one will starve to death or be sold as a slave due to taxes; no one will be forced into prostitution. Let the wicked get what they deserve, and let the good people live like human beings, have enough food to eat and not be bullied.

After reading the contents of the paper, the lords looked at each other and exchanged glances.

What does your highness want to do?
I don’t know. It’s a bit difficult and I’ll lose a lot of money.

Who will be the first to agree to test His Highness's opinion?
"Gentlemen, I have something I want to make a deal with you." Xia Mingyu spoke without waiting for their eye contact for too long.

The moment they heard His Highness's speech, these bigwigs who controlled the lives and property of countless people in their own territories straightened their backs in an instant, and showed respect like students to their teachers.

"Your Highness, there is no need for a deal. We will carry out your orders."

The lords were eager to express their opinions, but were interrupted by Xia Mingyu's gesture of silence.

He knew very well that although these lords were extremely respectful to him on the surface, in the final analysis, humans were still creatures of self-interest.

If he wanted them to sincerely clean up the territory like Karen did, he had to give them benefits that far exceeded the losses in the process.

Fortunately, granting this benefit did not cause him any loss. Instead, it deepened his connection with these lords and brought them on board his pirate ship.

"If you can fulfill the requirements on the paper and swear an oath of honor before me afterwards, I promise that at any future baby honor ceremony held by one of your children, I will sincerely offer my blessing to him."

Xia Mingyu said slowly.

His tone was calm, but the message contained in it exploded in the hearts of the lords like thunder.

After a brief silence, their expressions instantly became enthusiastic. Although they were not adopting a godson, a blessing from His Highness could raise the protection of their child to a higher level.

"Your Highness, are you serious?"

Edward Ram, the calmest lord, now had a trembling voice.

"Your Highness, I swear, within five days at most, I will wipe out all the brothels, gangs, and whatever else in this territory!"

The Lord of Locke shouted, his magic power bursting out from his muscular body due to his passionate emotions.

"Your Highness, I only need four days!"

"Three days is enough for me. I guarantee that even if they find out that someone is one of our own, they will be killed!"

".Why are you rushing? His Highness didn't just give us one spot."

The solemn hall was suddenly filled with the excited voices of the lords.

"Then, I'll wait and see."

Xia Mingyu raised the corners of his mouth slightly and said calmly.

Looking at these lords walking out of the hall with murderous intent, he felt that the villains in the entire southern region would not have a good end.

Spark Hall.

As soon as Xia Mingyu arrived here, he saw Leo exercising with Tamerlan non-stop, and he didn't even come to ask him to pat his head.

"Hercules, he has been in this state for three days, right?" Xia Mingyu asked.

"Yes, Your Highness. I don't know why this kid is suddenly working so hard."

The giant who was watching "Spartacus Uprising" raised his head, his handsome face full of confusion.

Xia Mingyu took out the book "Biography of Crimson Fire" from the bottom layer hidden under the stacked bookshelves and took a few glances at it.

"The power of love is truly terrifying!" he muttered to himself after closing the book.

love?

Hercules heard this keenly. He turned his head and looked at Leo, who was short and ragged, and became even more confused.

Who would fall in love with this little boy who looks like a beggar?
Maybe he heard it wrong!

Hercules continued to bury himself in books. One day, he also wanted to start a slave uprising like the protagonist in the book, and let the arena filled with countless sins be destroyed by the slaves' rage!
Blade City.

Another two years passed in a flash.

After five years of continuous training day and night, Tamerlan's annual guidance, and the potions sponsored by Rosa, Leo finally became a Super Knight in the last few days of his fifteenth year.

Looking at the emerald green protection reflected in the stream, Leo, who had grown into a tall young man, was filled with pride.

"Stop looking. You've been looking all day, my knight."

Rosa, who had grown into a graceful young girl, said helplessly, holding her forehead.

"Rosa, it's so nice to meet you."

The boy knelt on one knee, took the girl's hand and kissed it gently.

And there's His Royal Highness the Prince, he added in his mind.

Now that he has matured, he naturally knows how much help His Highness has given him. It is no exaggeration to say that it has changed his life.

Kingdom of Sosia, southern border.

In the past few days, the entire southern region has undergone drastic changes.

Led by the local lord himself, the soldiers, as ferocious as wolves, attacked brothels, gangs and any other places where there might be criminals.

Regardless of their status, as long as they have committed a crime, even the relatives of the lords will be thrown into prison and squeezed into overcrowded cells with other dirty villains.

No matter how strong they are, even if they can break free from the soldiers, they will eventually be captured by the lord, who is a great knight, and then be strictly guarded, leaving them no chance to escape.

And the most terrifying thing is that the villains in the southern border were horrified to find that this was not just the mad behavior of one territory, but all the viscounts and lords had gone crazy!
It would have been fine if they had just arrested them, but these lords even gave away the food in their castles to the starving villages in their territories without any discrimination. It was as if they had been kicked in the brain by a bull!
At the same time, the name of Sage Xia Mingyu gradually spread throughout the entire southern border during this great purge.

All the lords, perhaps out of flattery or fear of breach of contract, unanimously gave this reputation to His Highness.

With the huge increase in reputation and the brand new environment in the southern region, Xia Mingyu once again felt the opportunity for promotion.

(End of this chapter)