Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"Why?" Shangluo asked.

"Because peaches don't have keyholes—for the Palace of Muses, whether this thing is useful or not is not important. What matters is whether it can be controlled. If something is uncontrollable, no matter how useful it is, it must be carefully considered."

"Don't they care about Rome's prosperity?"

"No, that's the logic of the Muses," Phaethon replied. "The Muses don't care about the fate of the Roman Empire. The sages of the Muses think entirely from the perspective of human civilization. They'd have to be crazy to approve the use of something that's bound to explode. So, all you people on board, stop dreaming and think carefully about how to explain the torpedo issue. See you later."

"Well, then, Lord Phaethon, see you later. I wish you all the best in whatever you do here."

"Victory! Victory!"

When the dust settled, the people of Insula Village cheered on the ground, welcoming the people from Shangluo who landed in front of them.

"Lord Thundergod! We have seen your divine power! You subdued those evil gods with just a few moves!"

"Yes. This time is just an example. If something similar happens again, I will come back. But if it's an internal problem, don't come to me. I won't be responsible."

"How dare we trouble you with our affairs? Are you leaving? When will you be back?"

Shangluo glanced at the time: "Probably around this time next year."

Actually, it’s the same time tomorrow.

"I will be back here this time next year. I warn you, don't get close to that warship. I've placed a restriction on it. Anyone who dares to get close will be punished by heavenly thunder. Don't think I'm joking, there will be angels guarding it. You, take care of yourselves. I'm leaving now."

Chapter 442: Lord of the State

"Oh, that's it. I see. I see."

The next morning, at Purple Mountain, Dayuxi Palace. A small charcoal stove was now lit in the cold hall, and Shangluo and Zhu Xianxun sat on small stools by the door, warming themselves by the fire. Originally, the stove hadn't been there, because Zhu Xianxun was alone, and once he'd calmed down, he'd never felt the cold. But now that there was someone else, time seemed to be speeding up, the cold sometimes cold, the heat sometimes hot.

"Those Romans had the nerve to talk about a 'controllable ghost ship'. It's clearly uncontrollable; they were clearly sending a message in a bottle."

[Wow~~~ I got it right. Essentially, it's a bunch of people sitting in an oversized message in a bottle. Even launching into the water requires an 'abandon ship' ceremony, where they're thrown into the water.]

"Tsk~" Shangluo laughed, "That's true. After all, a message in a bottle could appear anywhere."

"But they can also lift the ban, right?"

"Well, after they're relieved, I think the ship's potential will be truly unleashed, transforming it into a true 'Ghost Wolf Pack.' Right now, they can't even find their way around, just wandering around in a daze. Since they don't know the details of the mission, there's very little they can do."

"I'm saying this is what they should do if they're serious about this." Zhu Xianxun moved the teapot on the small table to the edge. "They should completely relocate their base of operations to the Atlantis Fortress in the Atlantic Ocean. All selected personnel should be trained from a young age and remain silent for at least ten years before commencing operations. The entire fortress would form a completely independent combat system, allowing them to move around the world in an organized and planned manner. Then, no ship would be safe. Even I would have to worry about whether a group of sea wolves would suddenly emerge from Xuanwu Lake."

"Did we know about this before?"

"Of course I know that, but I don't know the specific details. I thought they were a submarine force operating via jumps, but it turns out to be a bottleneck. It's even more uncontrollable and unexpected. Where is the ship now?"

"They can't move the ship for now. They have to wait until we send the 'channel marker' back to Athens before they can return with it. So they're staying in the kettle, where the celestial soldiers are taking care of it. After all, our celestial soldiers can cross 365 times the speed of normal speed, so they can still maintain communication. They were completely stunned when they entered, and I guess any channel they send back will be clutter sped up 365 times."

"Well, let's talk about another thing." Zhu Xianxin took the sweet potato he had roasted from the charcoal stove, squeezed it and found that it was not soft yet, so he put it back.

"Is it about those water tribe people?"

"Looks like you already have the answer. You call them Water People, right?"

"Yes. I've confirmed that they possess complete and autonomous humanity. Although this world doesn't belong to them, I believe they can have their own lives—that's what I told them."

Hearing this, Zhu Xianxun looked up at him and said: "If I had a son, I hope this sentence would come out of his mouth."

"what?"

"Because what you just said is the fundamental principle of the tributary system, and also one of the core strategies of our governance—the world is ours, but every outsider can live his or her own life. As long as they don't try to disrupt this world, we won't send troops, won't establish a regent, and won't interfere in any of their internal affairs, foreign relations, or folk customs. We don't even send envoys to supervise. Only the Jinyiwei, like a food review magazine, occasionally go to investigate the customs of the people in disguise."

"For example, during the Wanli reign, Shi Shiyong and Zheng Shiyuan went undercover in Japan and wrote 'A Brief Account of Japanese Affairs'?"

"I'll give you one extra point on the history test, that's all. All we need to know is—knowing is enough. Of course, we do have envoys stationed in some of the neighboring vassal states, like we have permanent envoys in Edo right now. If you were to interfere, it would raise ethical issues. Interference is the cause, and karma is the result. Once you start interfering, you're bound to be held responsible. So, generally speaking, we don't interfere. But do you think that's feasible?"

"Are you testing me? Well, I think this goal is good, but it's difficult to achieve. I've also heard that the Jinyiwei often have to go out on field missions, and there will always be times when we have to intervene. Because the Ming Dynasty is the master of the world, we have the power to govern the world. Everyone in this world wants the Ming Dynasty to intervene when they encounter injustice. If we can do it, but don't, then some people will think that we, the "head of the family", have failed in our duties. If we don't intervene, the "heroes" will intervene for us. This family is really difficult to be in charge of."

"Then think about what you're doing now. After all, you're also in charge." Zhu Xianxun looked at him, "You're very tired, aren't you? That's why you came to talk to me several times."

"Yes. I don't want to interfere in the affairs of that world, but I have to uphold justice for Dan. If this is my own decision, then the unexpected intrusion of the Romans has added more variables. Now, even I don't know what to do. So, brother, what should we do at this time?"

"You're right to ask me. After all, I'm already an experienced emperor. I've been the head of the household for four years."

As he said this, he took a sip of tea.

"If you were my son, I would tell you this. If my great-grandfather were here, he would say the same thing—"Tao Te Ching" Chapter 78 says: 'To bear the disgrace of the state is called the Lord of the Altar of the State; to bear the misfortune of the state is called the King of the World.' The purpose of the so-called Lord, the Son of Heaven, is to deal with these karmic obstacles."

"Oh! Why do I feel like I understand a lot all of a sudden? When did you know this, brother?"

"The day before yesterday, the autumn trial of the March 29th murder case. I've memorized the Tao Te Ching since childhood, of course, but book learning is shallow; true understanding requires personal experience. As the ruler of the land, the king of the world, I know this matter must be judged by me. Executing him is what everyone wants. While this raises some ethical issues, when established ethics go against social norms, it's ethics itself that's wrong. When ethics are wrong, it's my responsibility to correct them, to judge. So, I followed the good advice and executed him. My ruling will become the new law, and no murderer will ever be pardoned simply because of a 'father kills his son'. This is my decision, because I sit here."

He pointed to his seat. "I sit here, carrying on the great legacy of Emperor Taizu Gao. I will be responsible for my decisions, and my successor will be responsible for them, just as I was responsible for all the decisions of the previous emperors. If there are any problems, just come to me. If I can handle them, then the destiny is in my hands. If I can't, then the heavens are dead. Whether it's day or night, it has nothing to do with me—that's a story for another time. And now, every day I sit on this seat, I am the Lord of the State, bearing the stigma of the country, and I am the King of the World, bearing the misfortune of the country. So, Lord Shang Tian."

He looked at Shangluo: "Are you ready? As the ruler of that world, the king of the world—the dust and dirt of that world, the ominousness of that world, are you ready to bear it?"

Chapter 443 Taoer

"Um"

Shangluo sat there, sipping his tea. He picked up a sweet potato, which was almost soft and ready to eat.

He also handed one to Zhu Xianxun. The two of them said nothing and just sat there to eat the sweet potatoes.

"Well, I figured it out."

"Our sweet potatoes are quite useful. I was just sitting here chewing them slowly the other day, and as I was chewing, I figured it out. So, what's your decision?"

"My decision is - Heaven is dead."

"Hmm interesting. Why?"

"If, as the creator god, I had to bear the consequences and karma of that world no matter what; if I had to deal with whatever suffering occurred in that world; if I had to take full responsibility for everything—I couldn't do that. They are human, yes, but I can't love those who have nothing to do with me indiscriminately. I am, after all, a human being."

"Besides, the karma of that world will really be related to Dan, right?"

"That's right. This is what prompted me to make the final decision." He took out ball number two. "If it were my own inner demons, I would have endured them and gotten over it. At most, I would have faced another test of my inner demons when I was overcoming the tribulation. But this Hidden Water can undoubtedly control the minds of all the humans in that world. Facing the attacking army, he only needs to exert a little power to make everyone kneel and confess their guilt - the connection between snakes and humans is clear. If I am not careful and find myself facing the wrath of that world..."

"Will you be mistaken for a snake?"

"It's hard to say, but I can imagine it would ruin the whole plan. I don't want any equipment to explode from me. I can certainly make things happen in that world, but what use would it have to me? I don't live in it, I live outside." He took another sip of tea. "But that doesn't mean I'm handing over control of the sandbox."

"Ah, indeed. The key lies in what the residents think, right? Have you started?"

"This time, I donned the persona of 'Thor.' I explained to them: Thor isn't the God of Creation. He doesn't interfere with the internal conflicts of that world. He only ensures the normal operation of that world's natural order. This way, I avoid the God of Creation's 'unlimited responsibility' and only take on the affairs of outsiders, which are our responsibility."

"That's a very good idea. Then Thor will be your mask, your incarnation."

"But it's not enough. They still think that the God of Creation still exists, or is still 'me'. So I want to direct a big show for them: The sky is dead. I want to complete a 'ritualized death' in front of them, and then Let them do what they have to do.”

"Hey, wait a minute." Zhu Xianxun suddenly remembered, "What if they decide to elect you, the God of Thunder, as the second generation God King?"

"Goodness, I hadn't thought of that. It seems I have to find a suitable successor myself first."

"What are your plans?"

"First, I must maintain a backdoor, ultimate discretion. This is a given. This discretion is the Tower of Babel. I won't allow this 'god' to ascend to the upper levels of the Tower of Babel, or even to venture outside the jar. This way, at least, I can pause everything and maintain my power. This 'god' must also guarantee absolute fairness. He must be a 'heavenly law,' not a bonobo like 'Zeus.' He cannot have a personality."

"That's a machine, then?"

"That's right. Humans are selfish no matter what. Only machines operate according to fixed rules. We don't need to interfere with their operation at all; just hold the power switch in your hand. Furthermore, only by being 'selfless and unattached' can this Heavenly Dao truly achieve 'clear thoughts' and become a qualified and powerful Heavenly Dao."

"But if that's the case, then the emperor would be guilty of the same crime as the common people." Zhu Xianxun took a sip of tea. "But I like it. You know, I have the same problem as you."

"Yes? What's the problem?"

"It's 'competing with the people for profit.' Opening imperial shops and managing imperial property is also a form of karma for us. You can see that in the March 29th murder case, I had the power to judge ethics itself. I can do this because the Emperor governs the world with emptiness and tranquility. But the human heart is dangerous, the heart of Tao is subtle, only the essence and the unity, and the true adherence to the middle - the human heart is dangerous and difficult to calm, the heart of Tao is subtle and difficult to understand. I'm afraid only machines can truly adhere to the middle. Sometimes I wonder if my position would be better filled by a machine. Or maybe everyone expects me to be a machine."

"But you live here, don't you?"

"Ahem," Zhu Xianxun coughed. "If you're asking me if I'm tired, then I definitely am. People want me to be a perfect machine that never makes mistakes, is always right, and doesn't interfere casually. All I can say is 'I try my best.' I only wear eight sets of clothes in all seasons, and I only change dry clothes and wet clothes. I only eat five kinds of food, and I just like to eat more pork elbows. But if you're asking me if I want a machine to come, then I definitely won't. Being the master of the country is great, you've experienced it too~~Power, but what kind of medicine is that? If you hold it in your hands and don't use it, power is still power after all."

"Indeed, it's pretty cool. If it weren't for my relationship with Dan, I might have stayed at the bottom. But being the God of Thunder isn't that bad either, it's pretty close."

"That's right. Being the emperor is no match for that. You'd be better off being the god of thunder, a god of chaos and uncertainty. Maybe you'd even get some incense and offerings. You just mentioned there were delicious boiled eggs over there? The Romans said it was a peach. What does that even look like?"

"It does look like a peach, but it's stoneless and hairless. Let them cook it a little, and you'll see."

"Then I'll take advantage of this opportunity and serve as the altar purifier. Every time I kowtow to the gods and offer tribute, I have to distribute the tribute to the ministers. Today I will also enjoy the tribute. Oh, by the way, Shangluo, before you leave, take the gift box at the door."

"What then?"

"Today is Mid-Autumn Festival, this is your mooncake."

“So they’re giving out mooncakes here too???”

"I've already said that offerings to the gods must be divided. There are New Year gifts, Winter Solstice gifts, and so on for every festival. This is called sharing food. For Mid-Autumn Festival, it's mooncakes. These mooncake gift boxes have all been offered at the Moon Altar. All the officials in the capital and those working on Purple Gold Mountain have a share, but they vary in rank. I've saved a large one for you; it's filled with the best mooncakes. Is your school closed today?"

"Yes, we have a holiday for Mid-Autumn Festival. But our club doesn't have a holiday. A higher-ranking official can crush someone. Our class leader told us to go to our house in the afternoon if it's not too far away."

"Then take another box. I'll have someone bring it to you. There are so many mooncakes that you can't finish them all. It would be a waste to eat them after Mid-Autumn Festival. They're sold by the piece, and they're bought back by the pound. It would be a waste if you don't take it. Why don't you take another one and bring it to everyone?"

Shangluo glanced outside: "Wait, aren't there already two boxes?"

"There is another box for Huimingshi, and she also has a share. So I asked someone to bring another one."

[Wow! There's also mine! What a great benefit!]

"Hey." Zhu Xianxun looked at her. "Ms. Phaethon is also your employee. Do you plan to give her something? If you don't distinguish between different kinds of food during festivals, your employees will be angry."

Chapter 444: Sharing Food

At home, on the sofa. I didn't have classes this morning, so I went to Zhu Xianxi's place for psychological counseling and he came back.

[I have to say, this is 'The Emperor's Mind' psychological counseling.' There are probably few people in the world who can help you understand this, because ordinary people simply can't carry out this business. You're really lucky to have such a senior brother.]

"Ha, indeed. After all, only another Lord can understand the Lord's affairs. Can Victoria understand?"

"She can't. You'll have to ask her father. That old man is one of the 'few' people."

"Oh, by the way, Victoria's father, why did you give the throne to him?"

"Hehe. Want to know?" Apollonia paused. "This is one of our top secrets. But there's no need for me to keep it a secret from you—you already know the answer."

"Wait, let me guess. I'm not also undergoing a 'ritualized death,' am I? He handed the throne to Victoria, freeing himself from the constraints of the throne itself, so that he can free himself to do important things?"

【Right, that is it. 】

"Wow! It turns out this trick really works. So what did he do?"

"I really don't know. I'm not from the Senate. Don't even think you can figure it out with divination. Rome's top secret passages are protected by over twenty layers of sympathetic defense, perhaps even more. Even if we could use the Akashic Records to track it down, the time and effort involved would be prohibitively high."

"I expected that. They seem to be quite good at this. If it weren't for the restrictions of technological ethics, the Roman Empire could have gone even further."

"Actually, you can go even further. Um, do you remember the last words your senior said to you? You need to give me a gift! Give me a gift!"

"Should I give Phaethon a gift?"

This isn't even considered a gift. According to the rules, it's called a sharing of food. Offerings to the gods are ultimately shared among everyone. This was also a Roman custom. For example, during the Delphi offering, beef and mutton were grilled. The tender fat was reserved for the gods, and the rest was shared.

“No wonder you want to eat sizzling barbecue.”

"Because I've never eaten it! I've never actually accepted any offerings. The fat was just placed in front of me and then fed to the dogs. The dogs at the Oracle are all fat, their bellies almost dragging on the ground. They're all hunting dogs."

"Then I'll let you eat as much as you want tonight. By the way, what does Phaethon like?"

"Aren't we having dinner together tonight? It's my birthday."

"That doesn't count. We all eat together. As the best employee in our company, we have to give her a special gift."

"The company's best employee"? Are there any other employees besides her in our company?

"Tsk, this is not important."

"But I must warn you," Apollonia dragged out. "She's not just your employee."

"You mean the Golden Arches?"

"Ha, McDonald's is second to none. I think your gift shouldn't be any worse than McDonald's. But, she still works for Miss Yanqiu."

"Tsk, I forgot about that. Will she give me a gift too? Then I have to think carefully about what to give me. Will something bad happen if I don't give it?"

You're asking me about your own folk customs. But essentially, we both share one thing in common: if someone doesn't share the food they should, the other party will probably be very angry. Confucius probably fled Lu because he wasn't given a share of the sacrificial meat. If something like this happened in our country, the person involved would probably be very angry too.

"Why is it that in some strange place, we both seem to get along so well?"