20demayo Page 76
Page 76
2. Find a way to use the [Puppet Stage] ability to help the Ursus Empire get out of the economic crisis as soon as possible and restore the Imperial Ruble's original credibility and purchasing power.
3. Use the Imperial Rubles, which have been restored to public trust and purchasing power, to buy up red gold and rare resources within the Ursus Empire. If possible, even acquire the gold reserves of other countries through trade with their caravans.
If Yang Hao's plan proceeds smoothly, the Duchy of Kosice will amass a vast fortune in ten or twenty years—and this wealth will not be paper money, but rather pure gold, a form of hard currency recognized by almost all nations. The question is, how will Yang Hao ensure the plan's success?
He thought about it seriously. If he wanted his [Puppet Stage] to take effect temporarily throughout the country, either he would become the emperor of Ursus, or the emperor of Ursus would give him a corresponding position... At that time, he could not only help the Ursus Empire out of the economic crisis, but also use the convenience of his position to allow the Dukedom of Koschche to obtain a lot of benefits.
What about the "zero-tariff trade agreement," the "tax reduction of the Duchy of Koschei from 10% to 0%," and the "relocation of the capital of the Ursus Empire to the Duchy of Koschei"... Okay, that's a bit too much, and the cost in terms of influence and political points will probably be astronomical—but, moving the emperor to the capital is impossible, but transferring the cultural and research centers to the Duchy of Koschei is a done deal, isn't it?
With so many benefits... Yang Hao's mouth watered just thinking about it. Besides, if he was just a figurehead, not personally triggering the [Event], but merely directing it remotely through the [Puppet Stage]... he could still cultivate relationships with the Deep Sea Hunters and collect his own longevity materials, right?
That's right, this plan will definitely involve some sacrifices...
"grown ups?"
"No, it's nothing, I was just thinking about something very important..."
"Sigh...we're already home. Please go and rest before you think about it again?"
“Ouch—!”
What needs to be sacrificed?
Yang Hao could easily guess that the Emperor of Ursus was eyeing him covetously, simply wanting a few things.
1. Let him resolve the economic crisis—this is what Yang Hao hopes for, because his plan requires it. Only after the economic crisis of the entire empire is resolved can he amass wealth for his territory and benefit his people.
2. The Ursus Empire is missing a crown prince, a successor.
...... ......
......
this...
Why don't you ask Kočice?
With this in mind, Yang Hao returned to his palace at 12:30 pm, led by head maid Monica. There he met Koschche, who was waiting for him and seemed somewhat irritable for some reason.
He first had Monica prepare lunch, then began to explain to the restless Kosichrie, who, after Monica left, had been pinned to the bed, the importance of the intelligence the foals of the Creed had obtained, and the benefits of his propaganda plan to send the army to receive the refugees based on that intelligence...
"In short, I've explained to you clearly why you were in such a hurry to find the Kurantas, okay?"
“Phew... I understand. Indeed, the information they bring is extremely important—my serpent scales are generally unable to obtain information that requires persuasion and illusion. I acknowledge the necessity for the Creed Organization to possess them.”
"Well, from now on, Serpent Scales can focus more on their assassination work... Serpent Scales will handle the assassinations, the Templars will handle the assaults, and the Creed will handle the intelligence. Now our three secret forces can complement each other."
"Um... wait a moment... oh!"
Clinging to Yang Hao's waist, his body convulsed, then relaxed and went limp after a while. Kosiche muttered, "I need to get this sorted out before Monica gets back," as he climbed off Yang Hao.
The couple straightened their clothes, and then Kosiche sprayed some perfume, which she had somehow found, into the room before saying:
"Then we must also prepare to accept a large influx of labor. This group of refugees from the Duchy of Nikolai is just the first wave—if I'm not mistaken, the second and third waves of refugees should be arriving soon."
"Yes. We need to prioritize completing the residential area. Then the factories and schools, and finally the hospitals... no, I don't know much about the hospitals yet. How many hospitals are there in our territory?"
"Normal levels. The best hospital is located near the Duke's residence."
"Then let's build a few more. Oh, by the way, Koschche, actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about..."
"what?"
"that is..."
... .....
Yang Hao explained his plan, his ideas, and the sacrifices that might be necessary if his plan was followed to Kosich.
Throughout this time, Kosiché's smile kept changing. From happy, to indifferent, then...gloomy...dissatisfied. Kosiché's emotions steadily declined along with Yang Hao's explanation.
...
Finally, Yang Hao finished explaining all his thoughts, and then Kosiché pinned him back to the bed for a "heart-to-heart talk" and to be held accountable—that was a different story altogether.
But when Monica brought in the two adults' lunch, she was so shocked by the intense female-on-top position that she almost dropped the food on the floor. That's another story altogether.
... .....
After an incredibly awkward lunch, Yang Hao and Kosiché Monica looked at each other in silence.
Koschke remained calm. Having lived for over a thousand years, what hadn't she seen? So, she didn't react to the fact that her trusted head maid had discovered her and her beloved husband doing those things—besides, in even more ancient times, it was quite normal for mistresses to share a room with their masters along with their trusted maids.
Not to mention that Monica will become an immortal sooner or later, it would be problematic if she believed that her husband would not harm her after the head maid also became immortal.
...Koschitch's thoughts, because he was an immortal and had experienced much of this, seemed so calm and magnanimous. But for others, it was a different story...
Yang Hao, needless to say, had only been a virgin for less than three months. He was so innocent that he never imagined such a private matter would be spied on by another woman he trusted. Moreover, it wasn't exactly spying; it was a surprise inspection—like when they were having fun, the door was suddenly pushed open—just like when you're secretly using your phone during evening self-study at school, and the homeroom teacher suddenly turns off the lights to see who has a light on their face so they can confiscate your phone.
This was truly terrifying. Yang Hao didn't even know how to face his head maid—even though he knew that his loyal head maid would come every night to tidy their sheets and clothes afterward.
So, what about the head maid? She was also embarrassed. Not only because this still innocent girl was witnessing such a scene "in progress" for the first time, but also because she was witnessing what her admired and the person she served were doing... She felt very embarrassed, very envious, and ashamed of herself at the same time.
Under the pressure of accumulated emotions, Head Maid Monica naturally fell silent, unsure of what to do.
...
However, silence cannot solve the problem, and time is passing by second by second.
After waiting for several minutes for both sides to speak without any result,
Kosiché sighed, rubbing his forehead, and gestured for Monica to prepare for the afternoon's work; she needed to have a serious talk with her husband about his plans.
Chapter 164
how to say.
Koschei couldn't find a single flaw in Yang Hao's plan. In pure self-interest, there was no doubt that Duke Koschei would gain wealth through his plan that he might not have been able to acquire in the previous decades or even centuries—and the price would only be a year or two of service at St. County Castle. He might not even leave his home, ruling from his seclusion. At most, the Emperor of Ursus would occasionally come to harass him.
This was a sure-fire deal. In the past, if the person who would have to pay the price was some insignificant figure in his territory, Koschche would have agreed without a second thought.
but.
When this matter directly involved her husband, Kosiché felt his eyebrows twitch: "You're offering yourself up like this? What's the difference between that and throwing meat buns to a starving dog? What am I supposed to do if you really don't come back?"
Thinking about this made Koschke feel very emotionally unstable. This emotional instability prevented her from thinking calmly. At first, she didn't know what was wrong with her, but she quickly realized that she seemed to be placing too much importance on Yang Hao.
...She accepted this calmly, and then continued to sulk.
"Koschke...."
“My husband, I think you need to cancel your plans first.”
"But if that's the case..."
“I said we have a long time to work hard. If the price of a huge amount of wealth in the short term is to make your body and mind shine, I would rather spend decades slowly accumulating that wealth, understand?”
Kosichello looked at her aggrieved husband and felt that he was like a nagging little devil. He spent all day acting cute and coquettish, just to get her to agree to his risky plan—at least risky for his own health.
But this kind of unlimited pleading is definitely not going to work. Kosichè thought to herself that if she didn't become more firm, sooner or later when her husband pleaded with her to carry out some kind of suicidal activity, she would inexplicably agree out of a soft heart.
Thinking of this, Koschke's expression turned serious. She used her tail to wrap around Yang Hao's hand, then pulled his hand towards her waist, using this movement to slowly draw him closer to her. After embracing her, Koschke explained her father's concerns to her husband in a serious tone.
1. His plan looks good and could indeed help the Ursus Empire escape the effects of the economic crisis—but the risks are just too great.
Not everyone wants to escape the impact of the economic crisis. Just as he had learned from the [Tenet], quite a few people actually made a lot of money during this economic crisis! If Yang Hao really intends to take the lead in the Ursus Empire out of the economic crisis, then he will become a thorn in the side of those people.
While the Serpent Scales of Koschie could ensure her husband's safety within the Duchy of Koschie, this didn't mean they would continue to protect Yang Hao when he planned to travel to the coastal region to obtain the materials necessary for his ascension. They weren't truly skilled guards; at best, they were assassins—to expect assassins to use their bodies as shields against an army's attack was a joke.
“My dearest husband, although I hope you can solve the economic crisis of the entire empire, it would be too dangerous for you to step into the limelight, do you understand? I don’t want you to risk your life to accomplish this great cause.”
“I know, but Koschche, this…”
"Stop talking. I won't back down when it comes to your safety." Koschei gently flicked Yang Hao's cheek with her tail, then lightly patted his back, indicating that he didn't need to overdo it, before explaining her second reason why she didn't want him to do that.
The second reason is actually a personal matter. This reason stems from the individual named "Koschei," rather than from the identity of "Duke Koschei."
That is—Koschke did not want to be separated from Yang Hao for an extended period of time without any necessary circumstances.
"But according to my plan, I could actually stay at home indefinitely, as long as I demonstrate the ease with which I can use my abilities to His Majesty the Emperor—"
"Then she can use that as a reason to send you to the palace to rule our territory."
"what..."
Yang Hao was stunned for a while before he realized that the reason he could stay at home and govern could also be used by the emperor.
He felt a little frustrated. But the comfort from his wife in his arms quickly cheered him up. Since Koschche had said so, he might as well give up on the plan... Well, not that he was giving up, just temporarily. Maybe he could... change the conditions and use it again later, right?
After realizing her husband had clearly abandoned the plan, Koschche nodded in satisfaction. She mischievously wriggled out of his embrace, then looked up and kissed him. She was happy.
...... ......
2pm sharp.
When the couple took a break from their midday rest and prepared to get back to their work, Kosiché repeatedly emphasized to Yang Hao, "Don't think too much about things that require rushing ahead."
"Although I won't let Monica supervise your choices, and she won't interfere with them, I hope you can think about it on your own, okay?"
She pinched Yang Hao's nose and then straightened his collar. Later, before heading to the audience hall, Kosiche jokingly remarked that before the nobles arrived for their gathering on the 15th—that is, on the 14th—they should have their second date and relax.
Of course, the only one who felt relaxed was Yang Hao. Koschke didn't feel much psychological pressure; she could handle anything as always—except now, she was very worried about her husband's condition.
"A date? Hmm... I understand. Well then, let's just relax at home." Yang Hao was also looking forward to the date, but before that, he had to get his work done. "I'll have everything sorted out before that day, don't worry. And by the way, Koschche—I've had a question I've been wanting to ask you for a while now."
"Hmm? Go ahead."
"Are you jealous? Well, it was when I went to find the little pony."
She didn't answer, but instead lashed Yang Hao's thigh hard with her tail before the esteemed duke returned to her audience hall to attend to important matters.
Chapter 165
May 13th is destined to be a memorable day.
Because today, the first building constructed under the "work-for-relief" policy has finally been put into normal use after undergoing multiple inspections!
And it's true, this building has actually been under construction for a long time, and even now it's only a three-story structure. Its exterior walls haven't even been decorated or painted, and the rooms inside are the same. If it weren't situated on land that was once a noble's residence, passersby would probably think it was a building in a slum.
That's alright, though. This building is definitely intended for certain special personnel. It will eventually be expanded and renovated, but for now, everyone's money is tight, so let's keep things simple. As long as we ensure that the electricity, water pipes, sewage discharge, and communication networks are all working properly, and that the temporary prison for holding prisoners is sturdy, then we can use it for the time being.
So, who is in a hurry to use this building for office work?
Those were the Gauls.
The building, where the Gauls were in a hurry to work, naturally became their office. And as the first regular government special forces unit composed entirely of Gauls in the Duchy of Corsice, this seemingly simple building was naturally given the prestigious title of "Headquarters of the Knights Templar."
Although the building looks so poor that even rats would despise it.
But the inhabitants inside were genuine Gauls, the kind who carried knight's swords or battle axes.
Although the building looked so shabby that even the nearby slums seemed warmer.
But the Gauls living here have the right to expand and decorate it at any time, it's just that Mr. Napoleon is a little short of money lately... there's nothing he can do for the time being.
Under Mr. Napoleon's warm hospitality, Yang Hao and Monica began their tour of the Knights Templar headquarters with strange expressions.
Looking around, the floor was paved with bricks and stones, not a direct concrete surface, and it was barely acceptable.
The walls on either side weren't so lucky—they were simply painted white and that was it. Forget decoration, some of the more damp corners near the toilet even started to crack...
The ceiling lights were the cheapest available on the market. They were bright enough, but consumed a lot of energy and had a high failure rate. After their rounds of inspection, Yang Hao and Monica didn't see many Frenchmen patrolling the hallways; instead, they saw a dozen or so workers repairing the lights in the various rooms...
This place could easily be called a slum! Faced with such dire straits, Mr. Napoleon seemed unconcerned.
“Sir, although we Gauls appreciate elegant and refined places, in this economically depressed place, we must invest our money in more important areas—this office environment is fine as it is,” Mr. Napoleon explained as he led Yang Hao and Monica to his office. “Besides, you didn’t assign us any tasks last time! You only said to save the lives of those prisoners before heading back.”
"Last time... ahaha. Actually, it's not too late to talk about it now. You've heard about the recent gathering of nobles, haven't you?"
"Yes."
“I need your bakers and pastry chefs, and I also need your liqueurs—then again, your winemakers just lack the space to make wine, right?”
"Yes. But if possible, they need the best grapes to make the best wine—"
"Sigh, give me all your liqueurs first. Then, have your baker and pastry chef report to the Duke's mansion tomorrow. We'll talk about the winemaker later; let's go to your office now."
"Yes."
Led by Mr. Napoleon, Yang Hao and Monica arrived at his private office—well, to be honest, it was more like a single room without any furniture than a private office...