My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 258

For no other reason than to take the vested interests of Originium Mine as an example—if Yang Hao were to actually build a Dyson Sphere one day and then directly cancel the use of Originium Mine, do you think those vested interests would overturn the table?

If the major beneficiaries of the energy sector are like this, then the situation is even more dire for other beneficiaries. While Yang Hao can indeed ignore those beneficiaries and forcefully implement his latest technology because of his invincible [Puppet Stage], this doesn't apply to Theresa, Theresis, and Theresa.

Yang Hao could at least remotely control Theresa's situation, occasionally using the excuse of flattery to personally help her sort things out—and now that Kazimierz had long become his vassal state, if he really wanted to make any changes to Kazimierz's policies, he could simply adjust them on the puppet stage himself.

But Kazdel is a different story. Yang Hao estimates that it might take several years for his puppet stage to cover Kazdel. However, the bomb of this bizarre tribal council system could detonate within the next year or several months—so he hopes the two sisters are prepared to "confront the council." Yes, with his support.

(After all, a Khazdel without a tribal council is more in Ursus's interest.) Yang Hao thought, this also provides a good development opportunity for Umbrella Security Company, which he has personally supported. (Not to mention, if Khazdel really becomes a vassal state, I'll have to deal with their mess... I don't expect them to clean up their own house before welcoming me, but at least I shouldn't come in to find a pile of moldy food waste that's been there for who knows how long, right?)

...With a clear idea and need, Mr. Yang Hao cracked his neck, then turned to Therese, who hadn't said a word but was just drinking tea, and was giving his sister a strange look. He said:

"Well then, Your Highness Theresa, please take your time to consider it. Theresa, you can just make the normal preparations."

"Ah? I understand. But teacher, the earliest our troops will return is next February."

"Given the pace of your city takeover, I won't be able to return to Ursus until the end of this year at the earliest... Anyway, I'll support you. That's all."

He sighed heavily and stood up as if to leave. However, before leaving, Yang Hao reminded them that the Crown Prince of Yan Kingdom had already arrived.

"Although he was probably looking for me, you can also try to contact him if possible—don't miss any opportunity to make contact with a major power. Especially... during this period when Yan and Ursus will soon become in-laws."

...

After saying this, under the deep gaze of Ms. Norson and the confused and uneasy gaze of Margarita, Mr. Yang Hao left, his mouth twitching as he clutched his stomach.

Theresa was left staring at her sister, whose face had inexplicably darkened, unsure of what to do.

Chapter 198

...

After returning to his landship and escorting the exhausted Karina to her room to rest, he gently hugged and kissed her forehead as a reward...

Yang Hao discovered that Monica had already completed the setup of the reception hall.

how to say?

"Monica, you're amazing..."

"Wow! This is a style I've never seen before..."

"..."

Mr. Yang Hao and Margarita couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

To be honest, the perfect blend of Yan Kingdom and Ursus styles, the unique seating arrangement where Yang Hao, though slightly inferior in etiquette, appeared to be on par with the Crown Prince of Yan Kingdom, and the Yan Kingdom desserts on the table that constantly caught Yang Hao's eye, all demonstrated Monica's focus and care in arranging the meeting venue.

While Yang Hao's praise was mostly for the Yan-style desserts, Margarita's amazement was at the overall style of the room... Ms. Norson, on the other hand, was preoccupied with finding a time to be alone with Mr. Yang Hao so that she could [suck] more before Margarita found out.

...

Faced with their praise, Monica, the head maid, smiled slightly. She then began to explain the layout of the conference room, especially the elements in the Yan style—

"This is the coffee table."

"Oh! I know! I often use this teapot back in my hometown... Oh? I've never seen this in Ursus or Columbia! What are the tea leaves in that tea canister...?"

"Tea from Yan Kingdom".

"Oh—no? Monica, how did you get these things?"

Overjoyed, Yang Hao suddenly realized a problem: Monica had never been to Yan Country, so how did she get these things?

In response, Head Maid Monica simply smiled and said that she went directly to the Yan Kingdom's landship through the [Mirror World], looked at their national map, and then casually used the mirror to travel to a city in the Yan Kingdom, where she used red gold and jewels to buy everything she needed from the big merchants there.

Although the Yan people were quite surprised by her appearance as a foreigner, they seemed to be business people and didn't cause her any trouble.

“And compared to this…” Head Maid Monica glanced at Margarita, who was excitedly examining the room’s interior, and then at Lady Northon, who was keeping Margarita company with a wry smile. She smiled secretly and then took out a gift from her bosom. “…I hope you will accept this gift, sir.”

"Eh? What is this?"

“Chopsticks—that’s what the people of Yan call them. Um… Lord Yang Hao, I don’t know much about your past or your hometown, but at the very least… I hope you can have something to remind you of the warmth of your hometown. So, please accept this.”

Monica handed a pair of chopsticks to Yang Hao. They were a pair of mahogany chopsticks, round at the top and thicker at the bottom. A mahogany chopstick rest was also included.

Monica smiled and said that the Crown Prince of Yan and his entourage also had their own chopsticks. Although Lord Yang Hao's chopsticks weren't as luxurious as the Crown Prince's due to etiquette, Monica had carefully considered and decided to buy them from a special place.

“Although I don’t quite understand whether there are differences in tableware between different parts of Yan Kingdom… but Lord Yang Hao? I bought these chopsticks from a coastal city in Yan Kingdom, you know?” Monica smiled, her eyes narrowed, as she explained to Lord Yang Hao, who had silently accepted the chopsticks and was looking at them with a complicated expression, “It truly lives up to its reputation as an ancient and culturally rich country… that place also has a unique delicacy called ‘La Chang,’ and many other strange breakfast foods. I don’t quite understand why Yan Kingdom people like to drink tea and eat expensive dishes early in the morning and then sit there for quite a while…”

“That’s morning tea.” Yang Hao shook his head, and then, under the gaze of the large and small bats who had fallen silent for some reason, he placed the chopstick rest on the table and then placed the thin, round chopsticks on the chopstick rest. “In some parts of Guangdong, people like to line up in front of hotels in the morning after they retire, and then order steamed dishes like chicken feet and steamed ribs, along with a pot of hot tea. They can eat for half a day—after finishing their tea in the morning, they go home to prepare dinner. That was my grandparents’ habit back then.”

"...I see."

"...Thank you, Monica."

Mr. Yang Hao stepped forward and hugged his head maid tightly. Taking the opportunity to inhale the fragrance emanating from her hair, he wiped the tears streaming from his red eyes onto her cheeks.

He was grateful that Monica was so considerate of him. This was indeed what he needed.

"Hehe, it's what I should do." Monica patted Lord Yang Hao on the back to comfort him. She spoke gently, but her eyes were fixed on the envious Margarita and the silent Lady Norsen not far away. She looked at Lady Norsen with particular caution, because for some reason she sensed jealousy in her eyes... "And more importantly, Lord Yang Hao? Guests from Yan Kingdom will be arriving soon, won't they? Are you prepared?"

"...Of course. We're going to have a meal and talk during this meeting, right?"

"Considering that you will indeed become in-laws with Yan Guo in the future... a meal and conversation between Yan Guo families might leave a better impression on them."

Monica suddenly became wary of Ms. Northon's presence... that look in her eyes, that look that seemed to suggest she had already had a relationship with Lord Yang Hao...

Lord Yang Hao... surely Miss Karina can't satisfy you?! But then again, Miss Karina seems to be a genius too... wait a minute?

Lord Yang Hao has been so incredibly valiant lately, he should be itching to get to his limit...

But why is this happening? Lord Yang Hao, how exactly did you release your stress after Miss Theresa and Ms. Sonia left? You couldn't possibly have fallen so low as to resort to violence...

Wait a minute...?

You wouldn't...

...give his childhood sweetheart teacher...?

Monica's eyes suddenly sharpened...

Completely unaware of Monica's current emotions, Mr. Yang Hao was simply incredibly grateful for the comfort Monica's presence brought him—Really?

If he had focused even a little, he would have noticed that even the little bat, observing its teacher's expression, sensed something was amiss...

Chapter 199

......

Let's set aside for now Mr. Yang Hao's chaotic and complicated interpersonal relationships, which even the head maid couldn't sort out.

all in all.

Yan's land-based ships and their accompanying army finally arrived at the edge of Kazdel's city and noticed the Ursus people building a military base and their camp from afar.

"So... this is the latest intelligence we've obtained?"

Wei Su sat in his seat, looking at the latest intelligence brought by the ambassador who had been sent here.

The newspaper was filled with the ambassador's insights on Duke Yang Hao. He made many notes, especially regarding the theme of homesickness...

However, Wei Su felt that this wasn't enough. Although he believed he could decide the direction of the upcoming meeting using his own thoughts, before that... he felt he needed some advice from an elder.

So, Wei Su put down the intelligence in his hand and took out a strange device, placing it on the table.

He pressed a button on the device and then sat upright. After a moment, with the activation of the Originium Arts stored within, a surface of water formed by an unknown ability appeared before him.

The water reflected Wei Su's face, and after a moment, it transformed into a material similar to a television screen—if you looked closely, you could see that it seemed to connect to a wooden house far away in the distance.

Wei Su bowed slightly to a wooden chair in the center of the screen, and then, out of respect for his elders, he began to speak:

"National Division."

...

"Kid, what brings you here at this hour?"

A person appeared on the chair that had been empty. But it wasn't a person, at least not according to Wei Su's understanding. This young woman with black hair, golden eyes, pointed ears, and a strange, semi-transparent bird tail feather was actually a [deity] who was over a thousand years old.

He doesn't use any Originium Arts; instead, he possesses a strange, peculiar power called "Power." Even Wei Su himself doesn't know exactly what the Grand Preceptor's "Power" is...

However, although the reason why the Grand Preceptor joined the Yan Kingdom was not honorable, she is now indeed the Grand Preceptor of the Great Yan Kingdom, and that is enough.

Therefore, thinking of this, Wei Su explained to the Imperial Advisor:

"Imperial Advisor, I need your advice."

"Speak," she uttered coldly, toying with a wooden carving in her hand. The carving seemed to come alive in her hands, moving about, but upon closer inspection, one could see that its joints were stitched with lines made of energy.

"Regarding my future in-laws, my brother-in-law Yang Hao, entering Yan."

Hearing this, the Imperial Advisor put down the puppet in her hand. She looked calmly at Wei Su, and after a moment, she said:

“This matter is of utmost importance. That man is undoubtedly key to Ursus’s escape from danger. Tell me, what suggestions do you have?”

"...If it is confirmed that my brother-in-law has no intention of returning to Great Yan, how should Great Yan deal with this?"

"The worst that could happen is not an enemy, but a guest or relative of the emperor. He is a genius of unparalleled talent; even in the Nightmare Era, no one like him has ever appeared. Compared to that, why are you so pessimistic now?"

"I had a feeling that my brother-in-law's hometown might not be the Great Yan, but it was the Great Yan."

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Advisor looked surprised, seemingly puzzled by Wei Su's contradictory words.

"reason."

"Although our Great Yan is isolated, it does not prohibit foreigners from entering or leaving. It's just that the border customs procedures are troublesome. I have reviewed all the records of the Great Yan over the past few hundred years related to the 'outgoing gentry'. Even the most serious crimes are nothing more than one generation of exile."

"continue."

“If my brother-in-law is a sinner, then he would have been entitled to return home long ago. Since he was able to travel from Colombia to Ursus, he should have been able to travel from Ursus to Great Yan. My brother-in-law’s homesickness is touching even if it is only recorded in writing. But if he could really go home, why didn’t he go home during his stay in Ursus?”

"Because his work is heavy. Wei Su, you will become emperor in the future, and you will understand that some things are beyond your control."

“I understand. But based on the information we have, my brother-in-law is the kind of person who will definitely get what he wants. The only thing that can make him give up is something impossible. I don’t think that the entry permit from the Great Yan Customs is impossible. Besides, the Great Yan and Ursus have been on very good terms recently, so it’s impossible that they wouldn’t allow a duke to enter the country for a visit.”

"...What you said makes sense, but it's not enough to be used as evidence."

"Because this is my bold intuition."

"You can't do that again. You'll be in charge of the rise and fall of the Great Yan Dynasty from now on, so you can't act on your gut feeling."

"Yes. Then I'll take my leave."

Crown Prince Wei Su respectfully ended his communication. The Grand Preceptor of the Great Yan Kingdom had indeed given him a small piece of advice—at the very least, should he be treated as a relative of the Empress Dowager rather than an "enemy"?

...

To be honest, this is a bit difficult. If they can't reach a consensus with Ursus on development, Wei Su believes that Ursus will eventually become a threat that the Great Yan will find hard to stop.

Of course, if an agreement can be reached allowing Ursus to continue its westward expansion, that would be ideal. But if Ursus insists on moving eastward... then we'd better be prepared.

And speaking of which, has the Eastern Kingdom recently been eyeing Ursus?

Crown Prince Wei Su seemed lost in thought. Just then, his servants told him that Ursus's welcoming party had arrived and was respectfully awaiting his arrival.

"He's a good brother-in-law."

He paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. He got up, picked up his sword and the gift he had prepared himself, and left his room.

...

While Crown Prince Wei Su was preparing to travel to Ursus on a land-based ship to meet his future brother-in-law, on the other side, in the heart of Yan Kingdom, inside a wooden house nestled deep in the mountains.

The Grand Preceptor of the Great Yan Dynasty waved away the water screen in front of him, propped his chin up with his hand, and looked at the small wooden puppet that she had placed on the table.

This puppet doesn't look like a person; it has human joints but can't move on its own and still needs to be controlled by someone else.

Although gods possess supreme power, creating life out of thin air is far too difficult for a god in this world. Even with all his might, the Imperial Advisor could not imbue this tiny wooden puppet with even a trace of intelligence, let alone make it move on its own.

"Alas! Is there really no one in the world who can create life out of nothing without a mother?" She sighed, and after casually placing the lifeless puppet aside, the reclusive Grand Preceptor of the Great Yan Kingdom was also considering whether he should take a trip to the human world.

After all, the past century has been truly fascinating. The upheavals in Ursus, the opening of Yan Kingdom's borders, the war between Columbia and Casimir... the events of these few years far surpass the changes of the previous century—if one were to go out and wander around now, perhaps one could find the person the Grand Preceptor needs?

However, due to his official position, the Imperial Preceptor would encounter many troubles if he wanted to travel, especially abroad.

Chapter 200

.....

For some reason, Kosichek has had a very ominous feeling lately...

This ominous premonition has even affected her recent political affairs; she's no longer as decisive as before when issuing orders. She's begun to hesitate, and an urgent urge for Yang Hao to return is becoming increasingly difficult to suppress...

【Lord Kosichä? Lord Kosichä—your break time is over?】