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Chapter 404: The Strongest Empire
🕑 Added 2024-10-09 05:21:17 +0000 UTCSeeing this, Lin Qian quickly helped Leng Wuyi up and asked with a bit of amusement, "What are you doing? What mistake have you made?"
"It's shameful that we initially thought of Your Majesty as just another tyrant who exploits the people, treating ordinary folks as nothing. It wasn't until my daughter described her experiences in Xiaoling City that we finally realized the truth." As he spoke, Leng Wuyi couldn't help but recall his earlier suspicions that Lin Qian was searching for their Temple of Fate to eliminate it. His face showed even deeper embarrassment.
Since Lin Qian had taken the initiative to find them, it was clear he had long known the whereabouts of the Temple of Fate, yet he had no intention of destroying them.
After hearing Leng Wuyi recount their previous assumptions, Lin Qian couldn't help but laugh heartily. He waved his hand and said, "I understand. Once bitten by a snake, one fears even a coiled rope for three years. It's not surprising that you would be worried about me."
Then, Lin Qian's expression turned serious as he addressed the group in front of him: "You have managed to reach such heights in cultivation despite the scarcity of resources, proving that you are exceptionally talented. You could have left the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms to seek a better life in the wider world, yet you chose to stay and fight for the people because you never forgot where you came from. Such spirit is rare and commendable."
"Therefore, I respect you. My reason for coming here is to ask if you would be willing to join the Huaxia Empire and help me govern the former seventeen states of the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms."
After Lin Qian finished speaking, the group was left stunned. Leng Wuyi, Qiu Xian, and the others looked at him in disbelief, wondering if they had heard correctly.
Joining the Huaxia Empire wasn’t the main point—what surprised them was that he wanted them to help govern the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms.
Shouldn't Lin Qian want to keep these territories firmly in the hands of his own people? Could he really trust them with such a responsibility?
Leng Wuyi pondered for a moment before cupping his hands and saying, "I believe everyone in the Temple of Fate would be willing to join the Huaxia Empire. However, as for managing the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms, to avoid any gossip or suspicion, Your Majesty should consider it carefully."
Hearing Leng Wuyi's words, Lin Qian immediately understood his concerns and smiled. "Your worries are unnecessary. You won’t be the only ones managing the former seventeen states of the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms; there will also be people from the Huaxia Empire. Besides, I trust that you would never betray me."
"You are originally from the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms, so you are more familiar with this land. Your involvement in governing it will be more beneficial."
"All I require is your loyalty to me."
After saying this, Lin Qian stood silently, waiting for their response.
In truth, the fact that Leng Wuyi had raised this issue himself already showed his character. However, Lin Qian needed a guarantee, which was their allegiance to him.
Due to his imperial charisma talent from his previous life, which still existed and was effective in this world, once the members of the Temple of Fate swore loyalty to him, their loyalty would never waver.
This imperial charisma talent was far more effective than a heart demon oath.
The people of the Temple of Fate exchanged glances, and after looking in Lin Qian's direction, they all stood up one by one and knelt before him, voluntarily swearing a heart demon oath of loyalty.
Their decisive actions surprised Lin Qian. He had expected them to take their time to consider such a significant decision. After all, swearing loyalty to someone wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
What Lin Qian didn’t realize was just how much his Huaxia Empire’s treatment of the people had impacted the members of the Temple of Fate.
The events in Xiaoling City that Qiu Ling had described were undoubtedly a reflection of Lin Qian's will!
From the way Xiaoling City was managed, it was clear what kind of ruler Lin Qian was. For the people of the Temple of Fate, he was the kind of leader they had only dreamed of.
The Temple of Fate had no ambition to become a dominant power. Leng Wuyi, Qiu Xian, and the other soul martial artists who came from humble origins simply wanted the common people to live better lives, free from oppressive rule.
And now, they had finally encountered such a leader.
Lin Qian silently accepted the loyalty of the Temple of Fate members and then instructed them to rise. "Since you are now members of the Huaxia Empire, I will need your efforts for the empire."
Hearing Lin Qian's words, the group nodded, indicating that they were ready to follow his orders.
"Right now, the Huaxia Empire has just taken control of this territory, and there is much to rebuild. The empire's Ministry of Engineering has already sent people to deal with the resources looted by the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms. The Fire Engineering Department is responsible for the cities, towns, and villages. You only need to familiarize yourselves with these two departments."
"Your next task is to integrate the former members of the Temple of Fate into the provincial governments. You will be responsible for building roads between the cities, towns, and villages, involving the people in the construction. The empire will pay them for their labor, and by working together, they will develop a sense of belonging to the Huaxia Empire."
"Once the roads between the cities, towns, and villages are completed, clear out the nearby soul beasts, set up formations, and establish patrols by the imperial army. Ensuring the people can travel safely is of utmost importance."
Lin Qian's instructions left the group stunned.
In the past, when the Wei and Autumn Kingdoms forced the people to work, they were barely given enough to eat or a decent place to sleep. It was essentially forced labor.
But now, they had just heard from Lin Qian that the people would be paid in soul crystals for their work. They were so shocked that they couldn’t believe it—they felt as though they were dreaming.
Leng Wuyi and Qiu Xian, who had the strongest composure, quickly calmed down, realizing the importance of Lin Qian's emphasis on road construction.
In the past, each city, town, and village had been like isolated islands for the people. The outside world was full of dangers, and every step outside could mean life or death.
Once safe roads were built, communication between the people would increase, leading to prosperity.
"Complete this task first, and then we can move on to the next," Lin Qian said, looking at the group. "If you have any other suggestions, feel free to bring them up."
"Your Majesty, what is a provincial government?" As soon as Lin Qian finished speaking, Qiu Ling couldn't resist asking.
"A provincial government oversees the affairs of an entire province, including development, the people's well-being, and the education and training of imperial citizens."
"The provincial government has no authority over the imperial army or the Beast Army. Those are under the command of six legion commanders and two Beast Army leaders, who answer only to me, including the Huaxia Regular Army that will be established in the future."
"In the future, if anyone dares to oppress the people like the Qin Dynasty, Wei, or Autumn Kingdoms did, they will be executed without mercy!" As he spoke, Lin Qian fixed his gaze on the group. "That includes all of you!"
"The Huaxia Empire will become the greatest empire in this world. I will not tolerate any mistakes or stains!"
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