The Great Seminary

Chapter 380 Are our troops strong and our horses strong?

The True Dragon Kingdom has been established for less than ten years, while Xia Que has existed for over ten thousand years.

In Zhang Gui's view, the two were completely unrelated.

But now Emperor Qi has brazenly sent someone to harvest his "leeks" (a metaphor for exploiting his people).

Although he had no choice but to submit to the prevailing trend, how could he truly accept it?

"The clan protection tax, the clan protection tax, it sounds simple and clear, but I don't know how much the likin is?"
Our "True Dragon" is far-reaching and renowned at sea, a small country with a small population. We humbly request that the envoy show mercy.

After the square-faced youth finished reading the decree, Zhang Gui remained silent for a while, suppressing the trembling and melancholy deep in his heart, and said with his head down.

According to etiquette, once the imperial edict has been proclaimed, it should be handed over to the person receiving it.

But the square-faced young man put the yellow silk away again.

Clearly, this decree from the supreme human race was not directed at the mere True Dragon King, but rather was sent to the entire population.

Afterwards, the square-faced youth glanced at Zhang Gui a few times, his brows furrowing slightly, and said:

"Doctor Su Hui, please explain to the True Dragon King how this 'Clan Protection Tax' should be collected."

Upon hearing this, the skinny old man Su Hui stepped forward a few steps and replied with a smile, "Since Young Master Zhen Gui has given the order, then I will speak, I will speak."

As he spoke, a white cloud rose from beneath his feet, carrying his body upwards until it stopped in mid-air at the same height as Zhang Gui, who had transformed into a giant.

Instead of explaining his plans to "harvest" the rich, he first offered his congratulations, saying, "I would like to first congratulate the king."

"I'm about to have a proper 'origin' from the Heavenly Court! What a joy!"

The term 'Heavenly Court' originated in ancient times and specifically referred to the court ruled by the supreme god-king.

Logically speaking, it should undoubtedly be Emperor Qi's 'Xia Que' by today's standards.

However, the Great Qi, this supreme being, is quite 'unique' within the context of the human race's million-year history.

For thousands of years, both the human world and the underground world have been in a state of 'free-range'.

In this way, the common people have multiplied and lived for hundreds of generations, and the Daqi Xiaque has long become a symbol.

The mention of 'Heavenly Court' is now like something that only appears in ancient historical novels.

Even a smart man like Zhang Gui, who is well-versed in the underlying logic of human society, was stunned when he heard this.

Then, with wide eyes and a dry voice, he said:
"Is Emperor Qi going to reclaim the power to govern the 'Four Continents of Earth'?"

This 'thing' is easy to put away but hard to put back away!
Even if the supreme power returns to itself, the rise of the Eastern Continent's Eternal Heaven, no, the Eternal Ironwood, was too rapid, and no matter how wise and powerful it was, its foundation was far from enough.

What's truly dangerous is this so-called new god, Yesaya of Nishiga Province!
The lineages left behind by those supreme beings who originated from the West have been persecuted by Him into a 'pantheon' where people live like rats.

This, this, this, I want, I want, I want…”

His words, delivered with a combination of veiled attacks and subtle maneuvers, left Su Hui completely bewildered. Su Hui could no longer maintain his gentle, almost shrewd demeanor, and began shaking his head, saying:

"What a magnificent mind and profound strategy Your Majesty has!"

You cannot compare the luster of a pearl to the brilliance of the sun and moon; you are indulging in wild thoughts here.

"What's with all this talk of the Eternal Heaven of the Eastern Continent and the new Western god Yesaya? What are you, the ruler of an island nation at sea, trying to compare yourself to them…"

"Doctor, Xiao Wang didn't dare to compare himself to these 'big garlic' because he was frightened by what you just said."

He blurted out...

"What did I say!" Su Hui's eyes widened upon hearing this. "Fine, fine, fine, you're quite knowledgeable."

I'm not going to try to coax you anymore, and don't even think about trying to trick me or leave any ammunition for you to use against me.

We're all speaking the truth.

More than 10,000 years ago, in the great struggle between the human race and the hundred races of the Earth Demons, we won a great victory, the benefits of which continue to this day. So much so that now, not only in the human world, but even in the underground realm, many people have never seen a living Earth Demon in their entire lives.

But now they've recovered and regained their former glory.

The next round of fierce competition is about to begin.

In fact, for millions of years, the human race and the hundred races of the earth demons have been in this cycle of 'either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind prevails over the east wind'.

From a historical perspective, this is not surprising at all.

But if we actually encounter that, our lives will change drastically. You're so smart, you can understand, right?

"Isn't it just the meaning of 'a speck of dust in the era falling on any mortal is as heavy as a mountain'?" Zhang Gui said with a forced smile.

"I can speak this tune even better than you, doctor."

Let's not be so 'profound'.

Given the circumstances, I know that this so-called 'clan protection tax' should be paid, and must be paid.

But as you know, the war between the Ming and Song dynasties, the great powers of the eastern continent that are now separated from us by the sea, and the Japanese nation has reached a terrible stage.

Over a billion innocent people died unjustly…

"Your Majesty, please wait," Su Hui interrupted his seemingly cryptic but actually malicious speech. "The clan protection tax of the Eastern Continent is not collected by us..."

Undeterred, Zhang Gui interjected, "What about Ying Ri?"
"The Kingdom of Yingri is located in the East China Sea, not far from our Huanglong Island. They..."

"Alright." Su Hui, annoyed by him, finally laid his cards on the table.

"No matter how badly Japan and China fought each other, the foundation that the nation has built up over nearly a million years is still profound and unfathomable."

So as long as things remain somewhat acceptable on the surface, there's no chance of being made an example of. Do you understand?

"I see." Zhang Gui's face showed a look of sudden realization.

Then, activating the power of the divine authority's connecting elements, he instantly teleported over 300,000 'Rebirth Army' soldiers over, and said in a low voice:
"Since you, Imperial Physician Sukihi, believe that Emperor Hirai no Naruhito has profound insights, then please take a look."

"Can I, the true dragon king, truly be considered to have a strong and well-equipped army?"...

Taxation, two seemingly insignificant words, was the cause of nearly half of the dynastic changes in human history, and the other half perished due to the 'Cataclysm of the Earth Demon'!
Therefore, it is by no means a "dinner party" or something that can be easily done with a perfectly legitimate reason and extremely long-term benefits.

Therefore, after delegating power for thousands of years, Xia Que wanted to levy the 'Clan Protection Tax' again.

Even with the endorsement of the Supreme Emperor Daqi and the Queen Mother of the West, it is perfectly reasonable.

Theoretically, it has an absolute crushing advantage over any empire or sect in the 'Four Continents of Earthly Origin' in a one-on-one confrontation.

But unless the two god-kings and great sages are willing to set aside their pride and spend time and energy to join forces and send one state, tribe, religion, or city-state after another to 'personally lead the expedition'.

Otherwise, it will be difficult to have a smooth journey.

But if the Great Qi Emperor and the Queen Mother of the West are truly forced to personally 'demand money,' then what is the meaning of the existence of Xia Que and Kunlun?

Therefore, even if the Great Qi Dynasty were willing, the various ministers, generals, and descendants of the God King of Xia Que would absolutely not agree.

They could only get things done by cleverly using Chuan Gu's prestige, political maneuvering, intimidation, and other means under relatively limited military deterrence, in a way that allowed them to bully the weak and fear the strong.

Of course, if one were to encounter a stubborn person who showed no respect for Xia Que, then in a similar historical situation, the tragedy of "the emperor's wrath destroying the world" would not be unheard of.

Later on, it even felt like the entire human race didn't know what was good for them.

There have been instances where someone used the tactic of "I'll leave and the world will be in chaos" and ascended directly into outer space, nearly causing humanity's extinction.

Therefore, it's crucial to maintain a proper balance when using the "sickle" and the "leeks" (exploiting resources).

(End of this chapter)