Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 571 Is the golden scale a thing in the pool?

Plans often fail to keep up with changes.

The very next day, a violent storm swept towards Hualong Island, causing rooftops to fly off, seawater to surge and the tide to reach heights of four or five zhang (approximately 10-15 meters), resulting in numerous casualties and property damage.

As the sect leader, Yu Linglong led a group of elders and Liang Jin to inspect the damage on the island.

The sky remained as gloomy as if splashed with ink, with thick, dark clouds hanging low, as if they might unleash boundless fury at any moment.

The remaining wind was still strong, howling as it swept through the ruins, whipping up sand and debris that stung our faces.

Although Yu Linglong's plain white dress was stained with mud, it did not diminish her cool and aloof temperament.

Her face was solemn, and her delicate brows were furrowed.

The mood of everyone around them was equally depressed.

The Dragon Elder looked at the gloomy sky and sighed:
"This rare typhoon... has already taken hold."

"Judging from this trend, once it lands, I'm afraid... the damage it will cause will be even more devastating."

Elder Huanlong's words were like a cold stone thrown into the already heavy hearts of the crowd, stirring up layers of chill.

The crowd fell silent, their gazes sweeping over the collapsed houses, broken trees, puddles filled with debris, and the faint, suppressed sobs that could be heard in the distance.

An invisible gloom hung over everyone's hearts.

The Dragon Transformation Sect was preparing for its grand ambitions and embarking on its journey across the continent, but it encountered such a natural disaster at the very last moment.

The island was swept by a typhoon. Was this a warning from heaven or some kind of ominous sign?

An indescribable sense of frustration and uncertainty about the future, like cold vines, quietly entwined the will of the people.

Just as the deathly silence was about to crush everyone, a loud voice, filled with strange confidence, pierced through the gloom like a sharp sword:

"This is an auspicious sign from heaven!"

Everyone was taken aback and turned to look.

The one who spoke was Liang Jin, who was standing next to Yu Linglong.

The elders looked at each other, and then their faces showed either helpless or mocking bitter smiles.

good omen?

In this moment of utter devastation?
Has Liang Jin been blown out of his mind by the storm?
Such a tragic scene is clearly more like a merciless obstacle sent down by heaven, a cold warning from fate. What does it have to do with the word "auspicious"?

This explanation is far-fetched and even seems somewhat foolish.

However, Liang Jin's expression remained unchanged in the face of the silent doubts of the crowd. His composure stood out even more against the backdrop of the ruins.

He recited aloud, his voice not loud, yet each word clear and distinct, like metal or stone falling to the ground, echoing in this broken world:
"A golden carp is no ordinary fish in a pond; it will transform into a dragon once it encounters wind and clouds!"

These fourteen characters, like two thunderclaps, suddenly exploded in everyone's ears!

The elders, who were still immersed in the grief of the disaster and the gloom of an uncertain future, were suddenly struck as if by an invisible lightning bolt, and their whole bodies trembled violently!
The bitter smiles, sarcasm, heaviness, and confusion on their faces were like dust swept away by a storm, instantly frozen and dissipated.

Instead, there was an incredulous astonishment.

Immediately, this astonishment, like cold water thrown into boiling oil, quickly boiled and transformed into an indescribable shock and ecstasy!
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

Elder Qingnang was the first to shout his approval.

He was so excited that his beard trembled slightly, and his cloudy old eyes shone with an astonishing light, as if he had instantly become ten years younger:

"What a wonderful poem! A stroke of genius! A stroke of genius indeed!"

He clapped his hands excitedly and paced back and forth, as if he wanted to engrave the poem into his very bones.

"Golden carp... creature of the pond... wind and clouds... transforming into a dragon!"

Elder Qingnang repeatedly savored these refined yet powerful verses, his voice trembling slightly with excitement:
"For hundreds of years, I, Hualongmen, have lived in seclusion on this remote island overseas, biding my time and accumulating strength. Aren't we just like that giant golden carp trapped in a shallow pond?"

"Though its scales and armor gleam, it is ultimately confined to a small space, unable to soar to the heavens!"

He abruptly stopped, his eyes gleaming:

"And now! The winds of change are blowing! The world is in turmoil! I, Hualongmen, am preparing for battle, ready to break free from my shackles and step into that vast world!"

"This sweeping typhoon, this 'wind and clouds' that are stirring up the heavens and earth, isn't it a sign that I, the Dragon Gate Transformation Master, am about to rise with the wind, ride the clouds and soar into the sky, transforming from golden scales into a true dragon that soars through the nine heavens and shakes the universe?!"

Elder Qingnang's interpretation was like clearing away the clouds to reveal the sun, instantly illuminating the light in everyone's hearts!
The violent typhoon, originally regarded as a symbol of disaster, has had its meaning completely subverted and elevated under the reflection of these two lines of poetry!
It is no longer destruction, but an opportunity!

It is an unprecedented grand stage for the Hualongmen!

It is a catalyst for transformation!
It is the driving force for take-off!
"Excellent! Excellent! What a perfect description of 'transforming into a dragon upon encountering favorable winds and clouds'!"

Elder Dragon Tamer was also so excited that his face flushed, and he clapped his hands repeatedly in praise. There was no longer any gloom in his eyes, only a burning flame:
"These two lines of poetry are magnificent and profound, directly pointing to my century-long destiny and current grand plan for the Dragon Gate!"

"This is not just a work created to coincide with the occasion, but also a spiritual totem for the Hualongmen!"

He suddenly looked at Yu Linglong and the other elders, his voice resolute:

"Sect Leader! Everyone! I propose that these two sentences be immediately engraved on a plaque and hung high above the sect's main hall!"

"This should be the highest slogan for our Dragon Transformation Sect's current foray onto land and expansion of territory!"

"Let us always be vigilant and inspired to remember our aspirations for today and embark together on the path to becoming dragons!"

Even Yu Linglong, who was usually aloof and composed, and never showed her emotions, could not hide the turmoil in her heart at this moment.

For the first time, her deep, cold eyes lingered on Liang Jin for so long, carrying a new, almost re-examining light.

Her lips parted slightly, her voice carrying a subtle fluctuation she herself was unaware of:
"Xiong Ba... I never imagined you possessed such literary talent?"

Yu Linglong was not the only one surprised.

The way every elder present looked at Liang Jin completely changed.

The image of him as a simple-minded, physically strong, and reckless man has shattered like fragile glass.

Instead, there is an extraordinary figure who is unassuming, insightful, and capable of turning the tide with his amazing literary talent in times of crisis!
Liang Jin's two lines of poetry seem to possess an incredible magic.

It not only revealed the "auspicious" nature of natural disasters, but also instantly united people's hearts and ignited the fighting spirit that had been almost extinguished by the disaster!
The heavy gloom that had been hanging over the hearts of the higher-ups of Hualongmen was completely shattered and dispelled by this poetic thunder.

A sense of exhilaration, of surviving a catastrophe and turning misfortune into good fortune, and a sense of mission, of being chosen by fate and about to embark on a great journey, burned like a raging fire in everyone's hearts.

Far more fervent and resolute than before the disaster!
However, this stirred up an indescribable sense of...depression deep within Yu Linglong's heart.

Her original intention was to take advantage of the fact that Hualong Island had suffered heavy damage, morale was low, and resources were scarce, to propose that the core forces of Hualong Sect be relocated to the mainland ahead of schedule and in full.

This natural disaster was originally her best bargaining chip to push forward her plan.

But Liang Jin's two lines of poetry, which appeared out of nowhere, were like a powerful stimulant for all the elders!
They were in high spirits and full of fighting spirit, their minds filled with the grand vision of "transforming into a dragon," eager to rebuild an even more glorious foundation on the ruins as proof of the "golden scales'" metamorphosis.

In this heightened emotional state, if she were to put forward her own proposal, she would not only fail to gain support, but would also face opposition.

She had no choice but to give up.

The turmoil doesn't stop at Hualong Island.

soon.

The Dragon Transformation Gate then received a constant stream of intelligence regarding the damage caused by the typhoon on land:

When the typhoon hit land on the first day, sandstorms swept across the land, uprooted trees, turned three states into a vast expanse of water, destroyed thousands of houses, and caused countless people to perish.

The next day, a strong storm surge was accompanied by torrential rain. Around midnight, a tsunami suddenly struck, with huge winds and waves sweeping across hundreds of miles of coastline, causing enormous casualties and property damage.

On the third day, a violent storm caused the sea to overflow again, resulting in many ships sinking or being damaged in the Xuanhe River and at the mouth of the Songjiang River. Many people were searching for bodies, and coffins were exhausted.

On the fourth day, sand and gravel rained down on Qingzhou City, turning day into night. The outer layer of the city walls was peeled off, and the caravan disappeared along with its people and horses.

A typhoon that lasted four days caused immense damage to coastal states.

On Hualong Island.

The high-ranking officials gathered again in the main hall for a discussion.

The atmosphere in the main hall was solemn and dignified. Elder Duzhi first reported on the property damage suffered by Hualongmen in the typhoon disaster.

After all, Hualongmen's industries are spread throughout the coast, and this time it has also suffered considerable losses.

However, after the Elder Duzhi finished his report, the atmosphere in the hall did not sink any further.

The power of Liang Jin's two lines of poetry still resonates.

Although there was regret in the elders' eyes, there was more of a cold, shrewd glint in them.

After a brief silence, the Dragon Elder stroked his beard, a shrewd glint in his eyes:
"The land and coastal areas, especially Dongzhou, have been devastated by this calamity, leaving countless people in distress. The government is exhausted and overwhelmed. The people are filled with fear and anxiety, like birds startled by a bow..."

He paused, then looked around at everyone:
"This is a golden opportunity!"

His voice resounded throughout the hall.

"Not bad!"

Elder Qingnang continued, his voice tinged with excitement:
"Disaster is suffering, but also an opportunity! For our Hualongmen, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity to win over people's hearts and take root on the land!"

The Dragon Transformation Gate is just missing an opportunity to enter the land.

Now, the opportunity has finally arrived.

"Win people's hearts!"

Elder Dianke summarized succinctly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes:
"Only at this time, providing timely help will truly show its value! Let those people who have suffered from the exploitation of the government and the ravages of natural disasters know who they can rely on!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, their eyes burning with a desire for power and influence.

Soon, a clear consensus was reached at the highest levels—disaster relief!
Under the guise of disaster relief, they are actually trying to win people's hearts and minds!
Hualongmen must become a new beacon of hope for this land of suffering!
Strategies were quickly formulated.

Although Hualongmen has sufficient financial resources, manpower, and military strength.

Disaster relief is feasible.

However, the most shrewd approach would be for the Hualongmen to take the lead, commanding and integrating the local powerful families, merchants, and gangs that are on good terms with the Hualongmen or want to curry favor with it, to form a "disaster relief alliance" with the Hualongmen at its core.

In this way, the Dragon Transformation Sect only needs to contribute a portion of its resources as a catalyst and a leading force to leverage enormous power and push the scale and momentum of the disaster relief efforts to their extreme.

Ultimately, the greatest prestige and the widest popular support will belong to the Hualongmen!
Minimal investment, maximum return, huge profits!
"good!"

Yu Linglong sat upright in the main seat, her clear, cool voice echoing in the hall, setting the tone for this operation:

"This matter concerns our foundation on land, and we cannot afford to lose it."

"Elder Dianke, you have always been in charge of external liaison and have many dealings with various forces. You will be fully responsible for this matter, coordinating all parties involved, and you must—"

However, before Yu Linglong could finish speaking, she was suddenly interrupted.

Liang Jin strode forward, stood in the center of the hall, and clasped his hands in a salute:

"This disciple has an objection!"

Liang Jin naturally wanted to seize the opportunity to leverage the sect's power and resources to develop his network and earn a good reputation.

Doing this well aligns with his future plans and goals as an alter ego, so he's even less likely to let someone else do it.

The hall fell silent instantly; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone stared at Liang Jin in astonishment.

This most trusted and capable lieutenant of the sect leader always resolutely carried out the sect leader's orders without question.

Today, how could you raise objections in public regarding such an important task assignment?

This is absolutely unprecedented!

Liang Jin took a deep breath, his voice clear and loud, echoing in the silent hall:

"Sect Master, please understand. Elders, please understand. This disciple is not questioning Elder Dianke's abilities."

"However... Elder Dianke bears the heavy responsibility of assisting the sect leader in improving his martial arts."

"Now is the crucial moment for our Dragon Transformation Sect to rise to prominence. The strength of our Sect Master is the backbone of our Dragon Transformation Sect!"

"At this time, how can we slack off because of mundane affairs and delay the sect leader's progress in martial arts?"

Liang Jin had long suspected that Yu Linglong was a super expert artificially created by the various elders through the transmission of their skills.

Since he arrived on the island, the power of the elders in the Hualongmen sect has basically not increased, while Yu Linglong's power has been increasing continuously.

However, after Li Xueqing was neglected and even refused to participate in important sect affairs, her skills improved rapidly.

All of this further confirmed Liang Jin's idea.

As expected, upon hearing this, the elders exchanged a subtle glance, their eyes twitching slightly.

They then nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with Liang Jin's suggestion.

This made Liang Jin realize that he had guessed correctly.

"Second!"

Liang Jin's voice suddenly rose, carrying a somber warning: "Elder Li Xueqing was attacked in Dongzhou City and her whereabouts and fate remain unknown!"

"The attackers are none other than the imperial court's henchmen!"

"This proves that the court's lackeys, like venomous snakes, are keeping a close eye on my Hualongmen, waiting for their chance to strike!"

The moment Li Xueqing was mentioned, the atmosphere in the hall instantly plummeted to freezing point.

The serious injury and disappearance of this most powerful elder is the biggest loss and disgrace to the Hualong Sect recently, and a sword hanging over everyone's hearts.

Liang Jin surveyed the crowd, his gaze sharp and piercing:
"Elders, you are all the pillars of our Dragon Transformation Sect, the white jade pillars that support the sky, and the golden beams that span the sea!"

"His cultivation and wisdom are crucial to the survival of the sect!"

"At this time of chaos on the continent, when the enemy is in the dark and we are in the light, how can we allow you elders to easily take risks and venture into the dragon's den and tiger's lair?"

"If there is any further mishap, the foundation of my Dragon Transformation Gate will be shaken, and we will be doomed forever! Such a risk must not be taken!"

These words were reasonable and forceful, closely linking the elders' own safety with the survival of the sect.

Even Elder Dianke, who might have been dissatisfied, softened his expression and even showed a hint of lingering fear.

Yes, even someone as powerful as Li Xueqing fell for it. If I were to go... the consequences would be unimaginable!
Seeing that the time was right, Liang Jin suddenly knelt on one knee, clasped his hands above his head, and spoke in a strong and clear voice:

"This disciple is unworthy! Yet I am willing to share the sect leader's burdens! I am willing to go through fire and water, even unto death, for the great cause of the Hualongmen Sect!"

He raised his head, his gaze intense, sweeping across the faces of each elder:
"As a disciple, I am merely a close attendant of the sect leader. Even if I were to sacrifice myself, it would be of no consequence to the sect!"

"However, I am confident that, in terms of ability, I am better able to coordinate and command than ordinary hall masters; in terms of martial arts, I am also capable of protecting myself."

"This is a weighty task that requires both courage and responsibility, and involves both perilous situations and wisdom. I dare to volunteer!"

"Please, Sect Leader and Elders, entrust this important task to your disciple!"

"I will devote myself wholeheartedly to fulfilling this trust! Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will still raise the banner of the Dragon Gate across the disaster-stricken lands of the Eastern Continent and win the hearts of countless people!"

Shocked!

An indescribable shock swept through the entire hall.

Prior to this, although everyone knew that Liang Jin was brave, decisive, and capable, that was all.

I've never seen him so deeply righteous, so courageous in taking responsibility, so... willing to sacrifice!

He was clearly already a favorite of the sect leader, with a bright future ahead of him.

Faced with such a clearly dangerous mission, one that could even make them the target of public criticism, they did not back down at all, but instead volunteered to take on the greatest risks.

Truly loyal and devoted!

In contrast, these elders, who hold high positions of power, were just now weighing their own safety and calculating their gains and losses.

A strong sense of shame, like scalding lava, burned their old faces.

Liang Jin's loyalty and courage made even these old guys feel ashamed!

Upon hearing this, Yu Linglong also looked at Liang Jin with surprise, her gaze questioning.

Liang Jin nodded slightly to Yu Linglong, indicating that she could rest assured.

After a moment of silence, Yu Linglong's clear, cold voice rang out again:
"Approved. This matter will be entrusted to Xiong Ba in full authority."

"All elders must do their utmost to cooperate with Xiong Ba's needs. Xiong Ba has the right to allocate sect resources and manpower as needed without further consultation."

Everyone took orders one after another.

Thus, this operation to enter the land and win hearts and minds through disaster relief was quickly launched.

………………

Dongzhou City.

The wind still howled, like the weeping of countless wronged souls, swirling between the ruined city walls and collapsed houses.

The rain was no longer torrential, but continuous and icy cold, soaking everything in the world in a despairing dampness and mud.

Several days have passed since the devastating typhoon made landfall, yet this once prosperous capital city remains mired in the disaster, struggling and gasping for breath, with no glimmer of hope for relief in sight.

On the streets, the water was knee-deep, and all sorts of disgusting debris floated in the murky mud: broken beams, shattered furniture, the swollen carcasses of drowned chickens, dogs, pigs, and sheep, and... human and animal excrement that reeked of stench.

The houses that were fortunate enough not to be completely destroyed mostly had open roofs and tilted walls, shivering in the wind and rain, and could collapse completely at any time.

The moat outside the city was constantly overflowing, turning large areas outside the city into a waterlogged mess.

The ragged, emaciated people were driven by the ruthless yamen runners, struggling numbly in waist-deep, icy mud.

They were clearing blocked ditches, carrying heavy sandbags, or digging through rubble with their bare hands to rescue people.

On top of the city tower.

At this moment, almost all the officials of Dongzhou City had gathered.

Due to the large number of people, the limited space under the eaves of the city gate tower was simply not enough to accommodate everyone.

Officials of lower rank could only stand awkwardly in the rain, their expensive brocade robes and silk garments completely soaked by the cold rain, clinging tightly to their bodies, making them pale and shivering.

Even the officials who were fortunate enough to stand under the eaves to take shelter from the rain, including the prefect of Dongzhou, all stood with their heads bowed and dared not breathe, the atmosphere as heavy as the deathly silence before a storm.

All eyes, filled with awe, fear, and a barely perceptible expectation, were focused on the only person sitting in the center of the city gate tower.

That was an old man.

Her temples were streaked with frost, a mix of gray and white, and her body was wrapped in a thick, dark cloak trimmed with silver fox fur, curled up in a large rosewood chair.

However, his weathered face had an unnatural bluish-gray tinge, like an old bronze artifact shrouded in death.

Despite the sharp gaze still piercing deep into his sunken eye sockets, he couldn't hide the deep-seated weariness and a hint of... pain.

He was none other than Marquis Silverwing, Shi Danqin!

The hereditary marquisate conferred by the imperial court was a powerful figure who could participate in the defense of the southeast!

Now, in this Dongzhou City, he is the most powerful!
"Cough...cough...cough..."

A violent, heart-wrenching cough, as if it were tearing out one's internal organs, abruptly shattered the deathly silence of the city tower.

Shi Danqin hunched over, covering her mouth tightly with her hand, and a dark substance seemed to seep through her fingers.

His attendants immediately served him a steaming cup of ginseng tea with a rich medicinal aroma.

Shi Danqin took the drink with trembling hands and managed to sip a few mouthfuls. His terrifying cough subsided slightly, but the ashen color on his face seemed to deepen.

"Poisonous woman..."

Shi Danqin put down her teacup, a deep-seated resentment and humiliation flashing in the depths of her eyes.

Since her defeat to Li Xueqing, Shi Danqin has been recuperating, and her injuries have now almost completely healed.

However, the poison that Li Xueqing had put in his body could not be completely eradicated.

It was only because Shi Danqin possessed such profound skill that she was able to suppress the poison from taking effect.

But these toxins were slowly eroding his body, making his health look terrible.

to this end.

Shi Danqin had no choice but to ask around for skilled doctors to help him detoxify.

But for now.

Since Shi Danqin was the highest-ranking official in Dongzhou City, she had no choice but to take charge of the disaster relief efforts.

At this moment, Shi Danqin suppressed the metallic taste in her throat and the stabbing pain in her veins. Her gaze, like a cold blade, swept over the prefect of Dongzhou, who stood with his head bowed under the eaves. Her voice was hoarse and full of pressure:

"Why are the funds, supplies, and laborers needed for dredging the city, reinforcing the dikes, and resettling the disaster victims... so late?!"

Every word felt like it was wrapped in ice shards, striking the prefect's heart.

Now that Dongzhou has suffered a disaster, the first priority must be ensuring the stability of the city, especially the stability of Dongzhou City.

Therefore, Shi Danqin had already ordered the levy of laborers and funds from nearby towns and even the entire Dongzhou to support the city.

But even now, the requisitioned supplies have not arrived.

This prevents the blocked waterways from being dredged in time, and the floodwater in the city cannot be drained.

At present, it may not seem like a big problem, but Shi Danqin is well aware that if the city is flooded for a long time, it will lead to the collapse of many houses, food shortages, and drinking water pollution.

In just a few more days, famine and disease will inevitably spread.

The prefect trembled, and cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, indistinguishable between rain and cold sweat.

His face was contorted with grief, his voice filled with boundless fear and helplessness:

"Lord...Lord, please understand! It's not that we officials are incompetent, but rather...we are truly powerless to do so!"

He secretly glanced at Shi Danqin's ashen face, then forced himself to continue:
"After the great disaster, all industries were in ruins, and bandits...bandits were rampant! On the official roads, bandits roamed freely, robbing grain convoys; in the river network, water pirates gathered, seizing boats; and even more...and even more audacious pirates, taking advantage of a brief respite from the storm, sailed their small boats down the river to raid, burn, kill, and plunder!"

"The government... the power of the government..."

The prefect's voice grew softer and softer until it almost became a sob:
"It's really... a real predicament, we're stretched thin and can't manage everything!"

He dared not say it outright, but it was the earth-shattering battle between Shi Danqin and Li Xueqing that crippled the elite of the Six Doors of Dongzhou City and decimated the main force of the city's garrison!
The framework for maintaining local security has been completely broken!

Normally, the government could barely suppress the situation, but now, in this hell on earth after the disaster, the government's remaining strength is already exhausted and exists in name only!

At this point, the prefect and the officials couldn't help but steal glances at Shi Danqin with intense hope.

The meaning couldn't be clearer: My Lord! If you could mobilize the garrison to suppress the bandits, maintain order, and escort supplies, wouldn't the current predicament be easily resolved?

How could Shi Danqin not know what these officials were thinking?
He felt a surge of frustration, and even more so, a sense of being a tiger fallen into the plains!

Mobilizing the garrison? Easier said than done!
He knew better than anyone how vulnerable the defenses of the entire southeast were!
With the maritime borders unstable, pirates and some restless overseas forces are secretly lurking.

Several elite units of the Southeast Garrison are like nails driven into key strategic nodes, where a single move can have far-reaching consequences!

If the enemy were to easily manipulate the situation and expose a weakness, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Moreover, mobilizing a large army would cost an astronomical amount of money and supplies!
With the imperial treasury empty, the local government ultimately had to raise the funds and provisions.

But look at Dongzhou City, submerged in water, and the pitiful amount of silver in the treasury that had already been emptied by disaster relief efforts… Where are we going to conjure up this enormous amount of military funds?!
"Give this to me..."

Shi Danqin took a deep breath, suppressing her churning blood and excruciating headache. Her voice was icy cold, carrying a desperate resolve, as she issued the command that was destined to be stained with blood and tears:

"Forced conscription!"

"Force laborers shall be conscripted! All males aged 15 to 50 shall be conscripted! Those who disobey shall be punished as accomplices to bandits!"

"We will forcibly requisition grain and fodder from farmers! The quota will be apportioned according to the acreage of their land! Anyone who dares to conceal or resist will have their land confiscated and be imprisoned!"

"We will forcibly collect silver from wealthy merchants! The amount will be determined according to their family wealth! Anyone who dares to disobey or pleads poverty will have their property confiscated and be displayed in shackles!"

"Forcibly conscript martial artists and gang members from within the city to form patrol teams, maintain order, and suppress bandits! Those who refuse will be considered accomplices of bandits and will be killed without exception!"

Four consecutive "forced conscriptions," each laced with menacing intent.

It is inevitable that someone will bleed under the forced conscription order.

However, upon hearing these four words, the officials under the eaves, who were getting soaked in the rain, were not frightened at all. Instead, they seemed to be drowning people grasping at a straw, and their faces all showed a relieved expression!

What they fear is not forced requisition, but the lack of orders to carry out forced requisition!
What I fear most is taking the lead and becoming the villain who offends people and gets blood on his hands!

Now that the great Lord Silverwing is standing in front and taking the blame, all they need to do is cheer and carry out orders!
As for the responsibilities and consequences for the people and the court?
The Marquis will bear the consequences!
Looking at the fleeting, almost undisguised ease on the faces of these officials, Shi Danqin felt a surge of immense sorrow and profound powerlessness.

In the face of this great disaster, with cries of sorrow everywhere, these officials of the imperial court were not thinking about how to work together to overcome the difficulties, but rather how to shirk responsibility, protect themselves, and even... take the opportunity to amass wealth!

If they had taken responsibility earlier and been willing to do their jobs, the disaster wouldn't have deteriorated to this extent!

A profound sense of exhaustion swept over him, mixed with the stinging pain of the toxic substances in his meridians and the burning sensation in his lungs.

If the theft of the "Map of the Defense of the Five Southeast States" had not been left unsolved, he would not have stayed in Dongzhou City and gotten involved in this mess.

He waved his hand, as if he had exhausted his last bit of strength, his voice weary and hoarse:
"Go and do it."

"I...want to see results."

The officials, as if granted a pardon, bowed respectfully and hastily withdrew, each with their own thoughts, to carry out the decree of forced conscription, which was destined to be bloody and brutal.

At this time.

Suddenly, a commotion arose below the city.

The uproar did not subside; on the contrary, it spread rapidly.

"What's the matter?"

Shi Danqin frowned slightly. He reached out his hand, and two officials hurriedly helped him to his feet.

He stood by the parapet, looking down.

This sight made his pupils shrink sharply:
"is her?!"

(End of this chapter)