The Great Seminary

Chapter 381 A Frog in a Well

Zhang Gui's display of strength and martial prowess surprised even a seasoned and cunning old fox like Su Hui.

After a moment's hesitation, he stopped his tentative, indecisive probing and, with a straight face, said bluntly:
"The essence of the True Dragon Kingdom within your territory lies in the 'Outer Wilderness Sea'..."

That place has always been a 'barren wasteland,' outside the territories of the 'Four Continents of the Earthly Realm,' the near-shore islands, and other human-controlled areas…

Only Huanglong Island and the nine island towns in the East Inner Sea are required to pay the clan protection tax again…

There are two methods of taxation: one based on land area and the other on population size…

The great struggle to overcome the calamity requires countless kinds of materials…

It's impossible to collect taxes piecemeal...

Ultimately, it all comes down to 'money and provisions'...

Gold is the 'foundation' needed to set up all magic arrays and to forge all wondrous objects...

Its value is not apparent under normal circumstances, but during a great struggle, a magic array that could have lasted for decades or even centuries can be destroyed in the blink of an eye, not to mention rare treasures...

Therefore, gold has been the most fundamental 'money' for humankind for millions of years...

As for 'grain', it refers to food pellets, which is understandable. People can cultivate themselves and heal their injuries without taking elixirs, but as long as they are alive, unless they live on air and dew, they will always need to eat...

Since this was the first time the court had issued another warrant, it was indeed abrupt, and the ministers in the court were not unreasonable...

We'll do it cheaply, just give a rough estimate...

The actual payment of 100,000 taels of gold was equivalent to 150,000 shi of grain and 50,000 shi of meat and fat for food balls…

This is the bottom line; if you still refuse…

Your Majesty, your army is indeed strong and well-equipped, but you must know that the wrath of Heaven is unpredictable…

We have certainly failed in our duties, losing face and jeopardizing our future...

But by then, your soul will surely be scattered and destroyed…

Zhang Gui was a shrewd man; he gained an advantage by showing off his power but didn't continue to "play innocent."

Instead, their attitude became respectful and proper. After hearing Su Hui's 'good words,' they immediately smiled and stopped him from saying 'bad words.'
"Doctor, I am a person who knows right from wrong, and I will never push my luck."

A total of 120,000 taels of gold, equivalent to 180,000 shi of grain and 65,000 shi of meat and fat, shall be presented immediately.

Any excess will be considered 'disappeared,' so as not to let the envoys' efforts be in vain.

Upon hearing this, Su Hui's solemn expression instantly melted away.
"The ruler is indeed a man who values ​​the big picture."

"When we return, we will definitely recommend 'Ting Shang' to avoid the regret of overlooking such a gem."

Zhang Gui's eyes twitched upon hearing this, and he asked:
"The doctor was just about to congratulate me, saying that I'm about to have a proper birth in the Heavenly Court."

Now they're praising this 'regret of a lost gem,' does the Xia dynasty intend to subjugate all of us earthly rulers?

Su Hui laughed heartily, "It's not a matter of 'fabricating' or not."

However, since the 'Great Race War' has arrived, the Supreme Being of the Great Qi Dynasty has reinstated the 'Clan Protection Tax'.

We can't just take your benefits for nothing; we have to give you a proper title so that it's legitimate.

This means that after the decentralization of power ten thousand years ago, the succession of human monarchs was a matter of the survival of the fittest, a natural rise and fall.

Xia Que neither interfered nor endorsed the teachings; he practically ignored them, leaving everyone to their own devices.

But things are different now; the Great Qi Emperor wants to use the rulers of the human world to levy taxes again.

Therefore, we are willing to show leniency and grant everyone a formal status.

But the problem is that with a 'legal status,' there is also a reason to control them.

"Is that going to restore the ancient system? If so, what about the national wars between the Ming and Song dynasties and the Japanese...?"

"Your Majesty shouldn't think so far ahead," Su Hui smiled.

"Someone in your position, used to wielding absolute power within their own 'territory,' will always unconsciously want to have complete control over everything."

But if we broaden our perspective to the 'big world', what can we actually grasp?
No matter how much you think, or how far you aspire, in the end, under the prevailing trend, you'll only end up "going with the flow." Why waste your energy?

Zhang Gui was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then let out a long sigh and said with a wry smile:
"The doctor is right."

I'm just a frog at the bottom of a well; looking up at the sun and moon is just for show.

As for the mysteries of the rising and setting of the sun and moon, that's something I should ponder.

This is truly a case of needless worry, utterly ridiculous and laughable, hahaha…”

After laughing, he stopped talking and withdrew to gather 'money and provisions'.

They were busy until dawn, and finally paid the 'tribal protection tax,' putting their minds at ease.

Then, the two unicorn-like dragons, each over ten feet long and as thick as a well opening, pulled a large, plain-colored wooden and stone chariot with an ancient and simple design.

It took off again from the public square in front of the Zhenlong Eastern Province Government, soaring straight into the sky.

A moment later, high in the sky.

Inside the carriage, the square-faced young man, Qi Zhengui, shielded his eyes from the rising sun and spoke:
"As expected of our Holy Ancestor, he was truly wise and powerful. This policy of 'releasing' the mortal realm was truly..."

"Young Master, Your Majesty's policies are naturally perfect and beyond question."

A clear voice from behind interrupted Qi Zhengui's 'nonsense'.
"However, it is simply unbelievable that the True Dragon King, who lives in seclusion on a poor island overseas, was able to train a powerful army of hundreds of thousands."

Ninety-nine percent of them rely on secret techniques passed down through bloodlines.

Since this is the first time the "Clan Protection Tax" has been reinstated, the court has issued a clear instruction that no unnecessary complications should be created, so it is not advisable to "get close" to such individuals.

But if you have the chance next time, don't let it slip by.

The square-faced youth was taken aback, turning around in surprise to look at the speaker: a tall, handsome middle-aged man, about eight feet tall, with a refined and elegant appearance, sitting cross-legged on a futon, his gaze full of charisma.
"Brother Shuohe, what makes you say that?"

Before he could finish speaking, Su Hui, who was standing to the side, had already started laughing.

"Because the power of that True Dragon King alone is enough to rival the full strength of a mid-to-high level sect in the 'Cave Realm'."

Moreover, at his command, hundreds of thousands of troops assembled in the dead of night, their movements as if they were all under one command, indicating that he was a man of great power and influence, and that he could kill at will.

Therefore, Dr. Shuohe felt he was worthwhile and deliberately 'claimed' him in front of me, so that he could be brought in as an external aid in the future.

But coincidentally, I've also taken a liking to this True Dragon King and plan to speak up for him to Young Master Zhen Yao.

Upon hearing this, Qi Zhen Gui's face turned pale, he snorted coldly, and turned away.

Unexpectedly, Su Hui still had something to say at this point.
"Young Master Zhen Gui has always been known for his dignified demeanor in our Xia Que Court."

After spending a few days together, I realized that seeing is believing...

He clearly has something worth fighting for, and he's bound to offend the square-faced young man.

So I simply dropped the mask, let loose my temper, and said whatever came to mind.

This is truly disrespectful to elders and utterly despicable.

Meanwhile, Zhang Gui had already moved back to Guiyang Palace from Huanglong Island.

Immediately issue an order to convene a 'Grand Court Assembly' to address the terrifying upheaval that has befallen the human race.

So, today's big meeting, tomorrow's small discussion.

During the daytime, Zhenlong feeds the general public "chicken soup" in major squares across the country to reassure the people;

They held a 'political dinner' all night in the palace to refine their countermeasures!

He was busy like this for four or five days, completely disoriented, before he finally finished all the 'preparations' he could.

Afterwards, Zhang Gui was moved back to the Earth Cave to see the tragic situation firsthand, believing that "hearing is believing, seeing is believing."

I made another long-awaited trip to the city on Zhenlong Island, the hub of long-distance trade for slave merchants and nobles from Xihe Continent.

I was thinking of inquiring about the impact of Emperor Daqi's order for Xia Que to reinstate the "Clan Protection Tax" on Xihezhou.

(End of this chapter)