Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 375 Sugar-Coated Bullets: The Early Spring Tea Party
Despite the warm hospitality, how to deal with this visitor from the heavens is a problem that the Vast Ocean Territory must seriously address.

Inside the temporary command post in Xuanshui City, the furnace roared, the firewood crackled in the iron furnace, and the orange flames reflected on everyone's faces, making them all rosy-cheeked.

The Han Hai Territory is not actually lacking in heating devices, but the lord has issued an order that the newly established six counties of Bailu Plain require massive investment in all aspects, including land reclamation, road construction, resettlement of refugees, and hiring of officials.

Therefore, from the Lord's Office onwards, officials at all levels must set an example by practicing frugality and opposing any unnecessary waste.

With the heating efficiency of Hanhai's ready-made equipment, combined with the installed solar panel array, the actual cost of using electricity for heating is much lower than that of burning firewood. However, the question is, what do people think?

For the vast majority of people who still regard "electric appliances" as "high-end magical items", the cost of using this "electric energy" must be very "high"!
This is the most intuitive and basic understanding among most officials and civilians in the territory.

Therefore, in order to lead by example in "saving" and to make the officials and people below him deeply understand the necessity of this "saving", Chen Mo had no choice but to lead by example in "wasting" by using more expensive firewood for heating.

Making people believe you are saving money is more important than actually saving money!
The firewood sent to the command post was all of the highest quality, and the room was filled with the smell of resin and coke mixed with a faint woody fragrance.

The long table was filled with military and political officials from the core of the territory, and everyone's eyes were focused on the young man in the main seat.

Chen Mo put down the dossier in his hand and tossed it into the thick stack of Sky Empire data summaries next to him.

"You've seen them all?"

Helan nodded first, his meticulously combed hair gleaming slightly in the firelight: "I've seen it. Sky Dome has really gone all out this time."

“It is indeed quite large!” Macaja snorted. “Master Anthony called his guards three times yesterday to help him move his things. When he was excited, the little tune he hummed could be heard halfway across Xuan Shui City!”

Anthony Herik, a five-ring scholar of the Magic Academy, a foreign academician of the Eastern Xia Kingdom, the chief expert of the Summer Moon Alliance, and a special advisor to Lord Chen Mo.

This man is a true master with extensive knowledge and experience; anything that he values ​​so highly must be exceptional.

"That's not entirely true. I asked the Enchanting Department, and it seems that these materials are quite rare here! Some of them are simply unavailable on the market! They are rare materials created by the Celestials!"

"Not entirely. There are still quite a few good things. You could say they're a bit pricey, but you can't say they're useless."

Should we accept these gifts?

This statement comes from Daryl, the old cat of the "White Deer Restoration Society". As the current representative of the Restoration Society stationed in Hanhai, they are clearly not yet used to the mentality of Hanhai as a "big power".

"The labs have already been demolished and are in use, so what's the point of taking them back?"

"Don't worry, even if there's anything inappropriate in the future, Hanhai will definitely be able to repay their kindness. There's no need to be too hesitant or timid!"

"However, now that we've accepted the gifts, we need to think carefully about how to refuse the title the other party is offering!"

This is the most perplexing issue for the territory's officials right now.

Tianqiong is a great power, a truly great power.

Within the visible area on the map, its territory is the largest among its kind, like a colossal beast pressing down on the western side of the Dragon's Spine Mountains, constantly and oppressively coveting the fertile land on the eastern side of the mountains.

The foundations of large and small countries are completely different. Even if a country like Green Pine produces a few heroes who can swallow up Emerald, control Mirror Lake, and even move south to Creek Moon, making the land look like a large country, it will never be able to join the table of the top predators without enough time to accumulate strength.

A great power is not only defined by its vast territory and abundant resources, but also by an unshakable sense of identity belonging to its dominant ethnic group, which is something that small countries cannot match at all.

To put it bluntly, there is a huge number of people who are proud to be born in this country and proud to grow up in this land. This sense of identity is rooted in their blood and culture and will not change due to temporary strength or weakness or short-term superiority or inferiority.

If the country is weak, we will make it strong; if the upper echelons are corrupt, we will find ways to improve them!

Whether a great power is on the path to prosperity or decline, just take a trip to its ordinary people and you will definitely be able to sense it!
The Sky Empire is neither a force like the Green Pine, which relies on a few elite legions to maintain its strength, nor is it a tribal alliance like the Orcs, which is ruthless when things are going well but disorganized when things are going badly.

They have an elite bureaucratic system and a professional lineage that has been passed down for thousands of years. To this day, even the nations of the Eastern Continent, who grit their teeth at the mention of the heavens, have never dared to make even a tentative attempt to explore the western side of the Dragon's Spine Mountains.

In that imperial edict to Chen Mo, the Heavenly Emperor still referred to himself as the ancient title of "Emperor of the Stars," clearly identifying himself as the common ruler of all races on the Eastern and Western continents.

Regarding the imperial conferment of titles upon Chen Mo, the local officials generally believed that it was best not to accept them!

Helan explicitly stated: "Accepting the title of Sky Dome, the position of Governor, or the position of Pioneer Knight is equivalent to acknowledging that the Vast Ocean Territory is a subordinate territory of Sky Dome."

"Although we can disobey orders, having this constraint will definitely cause us a lot of trouble in the future."

"We must never underestimate the profound resources of a great nation like China!"

As the topic was discussed, the voices quickly shifted from enthusiastic to subdued, and the meeting room gradually quieted down.

"Then... shall we refuse?" Makaga asked tentatively. This military general, decisive and resolute on the battlefield, was always exceptionally cautious on political issues.

"Rejection is inevitable, but it must be done tactfully."

"This is a giant sugar-coated bullet!"

Chen Mo picked up the gift list again. "I need to think carefully about how to eat the sugar coating and return the bullet!"

"Yuan Chen, how's Chen Ye doing?"

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, the other party is behaving very properly. He spends his days reading and practicing swordsmanship, occasionally strolling around the city and looking at the streets. He never comes into contact with sensitive areas and has a very good sense of propriety."

"Does the commander-in-chief need to see him?"

"hold on."

Chen Mo turned his chair around and looked out the window. The leaden gray earth was like an old blanket that had been washed with water. With the arrival of spring, it was slowly turning over, gradually shedding its stiff shell, and a few new green shoots were sprouting from the edges and corners.

Let's wait for the rain!

"A spring rain will wash things clean, and perhaps we can see them more clearly."

Chen Mo wasn't waiting for rain; he was waiting for Dong Xia's analysis.

Although with the passage of time he had grown, he was no longer the naive young man he once was, and his use of the lord's authority had become increasingly skillful, his decisions more decisive and confident, he still instinctively sought the advice of his lords at crucial junctures that could affect the fate of his territory for decades to come.

It's like a child facing a major life decision, who, when hesitant, picks up the phone—Mom!

Dongxia's reply was a little slow this time, taking three days to be sent back through the altar.

Chen Mo locked himself in his study and read for most of the night.

The expert think tank provided a detailed analysis, focusing on the political structure, factional struggles, true strategic intentions toward the Eastern Continent, and diplomatic strategies employed in this contact with the Sky Empire.

Internally, it analyzes the ecological positioning of the Han Hai Territory in this contact, the potential gains and risks of cooperation, the potential risks and gains of rejection, and simulates and deduces a series of subsequent political, economic, and even covert actions that the Sky Empire may take based on the different strategies adopted by the Han Hai Territory.

It also provides more than ten pages of actionable suggestions and reference solutions.

The document concludes with over ten pages of action recommendations for different scenarios.

Chen Mo suddenly felt a little sorry for Chen Ye, the little guy.

Forget it, this is a political game!

He took a deep breath, feeling the cool, fresh air of the White Deer Plain, so different from the atmosphere of the desert.

Get ready, it's time to meet the guests.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The meeting was arranged at the observation deck on the second floor of the Xuanshui City Administrative Service Hall.

Although it's unclear why the lord insisted on changing the name of the city lord's mansion to such an incongruous one, its essential function remains the same: the city lord's residence, the office of the core officials of the territory, and Chen Mo's temporary lodging when he stayed in Xuan Shui City.

The observation deck faces south and has a huge floor-to-ceiling window made of crystal glass, offering a panoramic view of most of Xuan Shui City and the distant plains.

It was midday, and although the late winter and early spring sun was not yet scorching, it shone in without any obstruction, warming the room and keeping out the biting cold wind outside.

When Chen Ye was invited in, he had changed into a set of Tianqiong's casual clothes. The elaborate gold and silver patterns and colorful designs were gone, but the materials were exquisite and the tailoring was perfect. The sense of refinement was still immediately apparent.

"Uncle." Chen Ye bowed respectfully, but this time he didn't kneel. After all, relatives don't kowtow every day when they meet.

Moreover, he had discovered that the young lord seemed to dislike being knelt before.

"Sit down." Chen Mo pointed to the chair opposite him. "Are you getting used to staying here with Bai Lu?"

"It's pretty good. It's much more orderly than I imagined, and it's completely different from what I've heard about Bailu Plain."

"Order comes at a cost! I've put a lot of effort into this."

Chen Mo gestured to the servants to serve tea. It was not any of the famous teas commonly found in the Eastern Continent; the tea soup was clear and bright, displaying a very pale jade-yellow color, and its aroma was delicate and elegant as the steam rose.

This is "Cloud Top Silver Bud" tea from the Sky Empire. Chen Mo had someone purchase it at a high price from the Silver Duchy and then used a drone to expedite its delivery. To wait for this tea, Chen Mo even postponed the meeting for two more days.

"Come on, have a taste, is this the flavor of Cloud Peak City?"

Chen Ye picked up the teacup, took a light sniff, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Uncle...you're so thoughtful."

"This tea is something I only drink a few times a year in Cloud Peak City. I never expected to be able to enjoy it here thanks to my uncle!"

"It's just a little tea; as long as it tastes good, that's fine."

Chen Mo waved his hand casually, and the two of them drank tea and chatted about trivial matters.

For example, the climate of Xuanshui City, the orcs of Bailu Plain, the interesting stories of Qiyue Dynasty, the legend of the Dragon's Spine... it's like a pair of long-lost relatives having a casual chat.

In the past, Chen Mo didn't like these roundabout ways. He preferred to get straight to the point and be sincere, which was the ultimate weapon.

But now that he's been a lord for a long time and has heard many teachings from his parents, Chen Mo knows that when and how to deal with something depends on who the other person is and what they're talking about.

Mastering the rhythm and method is extremely important!

A sufficient transition, like a warm-up exercise, allows both parties to relax and smoothly move on to the next topic.

Finally, when the second cup of tea was finished, Chen Mo put down the teacup and slowly spoke.

"I have reviewed all the materials you brought."

"It looks... pretty real!"

Chen Ye immediately sat up straight: "Uncle, it doesn't just look real, it's real! The Empire and the family have verified it repeatedly!"

"Does Uncle have any doubts about anything?"

Chen Mo smiled and shook his head.

"I'm not saying it's fake, nor can I be sure it's real. Many things need time to prove them."

"Perhaps someday in the future, more conclusive evidence will emerge. But right now, at this time, in this place, and in this situation, it 'cannot' be true, nor can it be true."

Chen Mo turned his head slightly, staring at Chen Ye: "Do you know why?"

Chen Ye nodded subconsciously, then quickly shook his head.

"The Eastern Continent neither needs nor will accept the emergence of a force belonging to the Heavens, even if it is only in name!"

"If I acknowledge this relationship and accept the earldom bestowed upon me by the Heavenly Vault, then tomorrow, the envoy of the Green Pine Kingdom will stand in the main hall of the Mist Moon Divine Court, accusing the Vast Ocean of colluding with the Western Continent's sworn enemy; the Silver Moon Council of the Elves will freeze all cooperation agreements with the Vast Ocean and turn a blind eye to it from now on; the future heirs of the Thirteen Stream Moon Tribes in the South, who now call me their teacher, will all bid me farewell and cut off all contact; even many of my officials may abandon me and denounce me as a lackey of the Western Continent!"

"What I am doing, and will soon devote more effort to, is to unite the human race and other races in the Eastern Continent to fight against the orc threat from the north."

"I have already become the orcs' greatest enemy, and what you are doing is making me the enemy of the humans as well!"

"After that, will I still have a place to stay in the Eastern Continent? I can't possibly go and retire in that house that your emperor bestowed upon me!"

"You Sky Dome are trying to trick me!"

Chen Ye's expression changed, but he still explained in as calm a tone as possible, "Uncle, you are overthinking this. The Empire only wishes to acknowledge our bloodline; it has no ill intentions..."

"Alright, let's get down to business. I'm facing the threat of the northern orcs. Can the Sky Realm send troops to help me defend against them?"

Chen Ye shut his mouth.

"I have a grudge against the pine trees. Can the heavens help me settle this score?"

"..."

"The Thirteen Tribes of Xiyue nominally respect me as their master, but in reality they are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant. Can the Heavenly Vault help me remove the banners of the Thirteen Tribes?"

"..."

"Alright, I'll compromise further. Let's not talk about war. On the White Deer Plain, I suddenly have hundreds of thousands more humans and orcs under my command, and food is scarce. Can the heavens supply me with food for three to five years?"

Chen Ye had a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead, but he really couldn't answer the question.

Can't the Sky Dome do it? Of course it can, and it can even do it better.

However, that was a matter of national policy, and Chen Ye was very clear that all of Tianqiong's actions had to be based on the interests of the empire.

Even if Lord Chen Mo now accepts the empire's appointment and writes a pledge of loyalty in blood, the empire will not easily launch any of the aforementioned actions.

The Empire has lost far too many of its past investments in the Eastern Continent.

At the very least, this lord would have to personally lead his troops to open the passage between the east and west, and ideally, go to the City of Clouds to meet the saint and leave a child as a hostage before the empire would be able to launch a large-scale military campaign.

By the way, this lord doesn't have any children yet...

Chen Ye was speechless and felt extremely uncomfortable.

This relationship becomes clearer if we look at it from the perspective of Earth.

For example, the bald eagles of a superpower want to attack a small country located in its backyard. Warships are stationed at the country's doorstep, planes are stationed on its borders, missiles are bombing its small boats every day, and they have even committed the shameless act of seizing oil tankers. However, after making these pronouncements for many months, they still refuse to take action.

Superpower, the bald eagle that can destroy a great power and rebuild a democratic order with a wave of its hand, why are you dawdling like this on your own doorstep?
The ultimatums the commander issues all day long could last for years as toilet paper.

In short, they were both stuck in an awkward silence.

What the bald eagle was thinking was, "I've already created this much momentum, imposed all the sanctions, where are all your domestic opposition figures? Where are your democracy fighters? Hurry up and come out to overthrow this evil and brutal government!"

Meanwhile, the opposition in China thought, "Victory is so close, how can we shed blood now? We must preserve our lives and wait for Daddy White Eagle to defeat the evil tyrant so we can rise to the top and become the best of the best."

The opposition is now hiding in the safe zone, just waiting to reap the rewards of their victory!
That's where we're stuck!
It's the same even when we return to the stars.

If Tianqiong is to enter the fray, Chen Mo must show sufficient sincerity, and it would be best if he took the lead in launching an attack.

Chen Mo is doing just fine on his own, why would he take this risk? If you want me to cooperate with Tianqiong, you'll have to send your troops over first.

That was awkward too.

As an elite member of the empire, Chen Ye was well aware that it was almost impossible for Tianqiong to advance into the Western Continent without securing the passageways; the lessons learned from past wars had been too painful.

If Chen Mo doesn't move, the sky won't move either; if Chen Mo moves, the sky might not move either. It all depends on the situation and the circumstances.

From this perspective, Chen Mo's statement that Tianqiong was setting him up isn't entirely wrong.

Seeing Chen Ye lower his head, Chen Mo chuckled and poured him another cup of tea.

"Therefore, I cannot accept this title!"

"As for those gifts, I'll accept them as compensation for how you cheated me this time!"

Chen Ye looked up in astonishment.

???

(End of this chapter)