Kingdom’s Bloodline

In Kongming Palace, in Zhan En's room, Thales sat in the main hall, silent.

Doyon's family, have you finished inspecting the meal?

Zhan En's voice sounded coldly, without concealing his disgust and impatience:

I don't know if there is any poison in it? Is there a note to pass the message?

Behind Zhan En, d.d in the side hall opposite held the tableware in his hand, and pulled his face from the table full of plates.

Huh? Oh - soon, soon.

Doyer's mouth was full of greasy food. Hearing this, he stared at Zhan En viciously, then dug up a large spoonful of mashed potatoes from the messy dinner plate, and bit it into his mouth, as if he wanted to crush even a spoon:

Please wait a little longer, after all, you are the Grand Duke, you are a big man! Your status is noble and important, what will happen, hey, I am from a small family in Jinghe, I can't afford it - why don't you play first My little stuffed bear, so as not to be bored?

Jen turned his head to look at the puppet bear on the dining table, and pursed his lips in disgust.

He suppressed the burning sensation in his stomach, and looked at the clock again:

It's been an hour since lunch time.

On the other side, d.d ate another mouthful of roast pork, and did not forget to let out a sound of admiration.

The Duke of South Bank finally couldn't take it anymore:

Is this the same way you inspect meals for your Highness?

Hey, you're right!

d.d took a bite to the left and took a bite to the right, not forgetting to feed the little bear on the table (Why are you so picky eaters, no wonder you can't grow up! Tsk tsk, you don't want to try it first, so how will the Duke eat it? Be good, open your mouth, ah Ahh...):

I was the same way back then—ahem, I'm sorry, it's almost over.

Under Thales' unexpected and sudden eye attack, d.d paused halfway through his speech.

Doyer bowed his head obediently, put down his—Jenn's, to be precise—meal, and hid in the distance.

Jen and Thales looked at each other, and the atmosphere in the room suddenly changed, falling into a suffocating silence.

that's too regretful.

Jen sighed lightly.

You must know that my father and I depended on him very much-Lord Brennan passed away, and the emerald city's loss cannot be filled.

Thales sat comfortably and did not answer. The wine glass full of wine was placed by his hand, but he did not take a sip.

Promise me, catch the murderer and bring justice to justice.

Of course, Thales said softly, if I can wait until that day.

Jen nodded.

What happened to the Emerald City?

Worse.

Thales raised his head, his eyes were indifferent:

More than a dozen large business groups have united to ask me to see me and ask me to take measures - market disorder and price instability have already begun to affect their income and future plans.

The Emerald Legion paid their salaries in time, so it was stable at least, but another group of officials from the Construction and Construction Bureau who heard the news and knew that they might be owed wages were very dissatisfied. Some people planned to make a big news during the celebration—but they were discovered in time. We are still negotiating.

Oh? Jen En gracefully picked up a glass of wine to satisfy his hunger.

Accidents happened again in the blood bottle gang. The gangs merged, and the streets became chaotic, which gradually began to affect ordinary citizens. The legend of the water ghoul became rampant again...

In addition, the morale of the trial hall is low, the recent backlog of security cases is too much, the prison is almost full, and there are only a dozen prisoners in one room, and the security hall complains once an hour, saying that it is about to become a gang branch. , and their binding effect is also limited.

The head of the Construction and Construction Agency fell ill by coincidence, the deputy couldn't make up his mind, and the order to cut expenditures and reduce government was delayed, and once I got angry and wanted to replace the candidate...

Thales snorted coldly:

As for the Financial Secretary and the City Hall, they are still arguing until now. It seems that as long as they shrink their heads and kick the ball to others, and throw the responsibility to other departments, the matter will be passed and the problem will be solved by itself.

Regardless of the torrential flood outside, one day it will drown itself.

Thales thought so, in a bad mood.

After listening to such a long list, Zhan En nodded slightly,

Then he lost his voice and laughed.

That's a bunch of jerks, isn't it?

Thales looked at him.

I saw Zhan En shaking his wine glass, full of emotion:

At the beginning, they acted according to orders, and they seemed loyal, which made you quite satisfied as the master, thinking that they could perform their duties and help you rule smoothly.

But soon, you will find that they will go wrong in almost every link that can go wrong-the smallest detail-whether it is intentional or unintentional, or self-interested, or follow the trend, just like Moths can always find cracks and hollows in buildings to build nests in.

Jen's eyes tightened:

As time went on, it was mottled from top to bottom, full of flaws and loopholes everywhere, and you could only repair it if you worked hard, and the east and west lakes appeared.

Even, in many cases, you can only be led by the nose by their pretending to be crazy and cunning, even if you know it, you can't attack it.

In the end, you find that even if you sit at the highest place, you can only follow the system, the operating principle and general direction of this machine, try your best to benefit from it, try to use the part that is still usable, make the best use of the situation, follow the trend, but can't return sky.

After Zhan En finished speaking, he was silent for a long time, and looked at Thales.

But the prince just looked at him quietly and didn't answer.

Zhan En lowered his head, thought for a while, and suddenly sighed, as if he had made a decision.

Forget it, I'll write a letter now, the Duke put down his wine glass, walked to the desk and sat down, picked up a pen, You take it to the Poppon family who are in the funeral business, they owe Kevin Dill After seeing the letter, I will give you 10,000 gold coins, of course, if you are charismatic enough, you may be able to get more.

Taylor's eyes moved.

Why.

Please use this money to burial Lord Brennan, and make sure that he can rest in peace after his death, so as to reassure the hearts of the Emerald City. Zhan En didn't lift his head, but just wrote quickly, You can use the rest to make up for the financial deficit , temporarily difficult.

Having said that, Jen En's eyes moved:

Also, get rid of that Lausanne II. I don't want to see him killing people on my territory again, lawless.

Thales picked up an untouched wine glass and stroked it lightly, but his eyes were locked on the other party.

But if I don't bring your letter and ask them for money, or even borrow money, he sarcastically said, then I can't even beg for a copper coin, right?

That's not necessarily true. Zhan En didn't raise his head, neither in a hurry nor in annoyance, Maybe if you show off the ancient empire sword that Old Bones of the West Wilderness gave you, they will agree to it?

Thales sneered and laughed.

Huge debts, a declining market, disorderly prices, bad law and order, bureaucrats who are obedient and vicious, and the emerald city in chaos, Thales counted one thing, with a sharp tone, Ten thousand gold coins can What's the matter?

That's your problem, Jen En kept writing, but turned his attention to the guests, Thales Regency?

Thales just played with the wine glass and remained silent.

As the lord of the city, do you really understand Brennan?

Jen frowned slightly.

Thinking of the suicide note, Thales felt a little emotional:

His last wish is to have a light burial, without a tombstone or writing, the simpler the better, and even the ashes are thrown into the sea.

Jen stopped writing.

So that's how it is, thin burial, frugal.

He put down his pen, frowned and looked at his half-written letter, his eyes fixed on the phrase 'thick burial'.

A few seconds later, Zhan En sighed softly, picked up the pen again, and continued writing.

It doesn't matter, I will still write this letter, and you can still use it to get money. Even if there is no funeral, Brennan died unexpectedly, and people are in panic. Whether it is the trial hall or the entire officialdom of the Emerald City, you need to appease.

Tellspi laughed but didn't laugh:

So, if a few more people die, the debt of Emerald City will be settled?

Jen snorted and shook his head: .

I'm sure you know who killed Brennan, and who was eager to help and use you as a puppet.

Brennan committed suicide.

Thales' words made Jen's pen tremble.

In his study, poisoned wine.

Didn't he be killed? Or was he forced to commit suicide? The Duke of South Bank frowned suspiciously.

He also left a suicide note, Thales ignored the other party's question, a suicide note full of remorse and pain, condemned by conscience, admitting that the decision was wrong.

When the prince said this, he raised his head, his gaze was like a knife, and he looked straight at the Duke:

Including the files and evidence of the assassination of the old Duke.

Zhan En looked as usual, started writing again, and wrote and signed.

But Thales kept staring at him with burning eyes.

Jane, tell me now, what happened back then, he said softly, but with great force, Before I have to investigate and the truth comes out?

Jen was silent for a while.

Then what are you waiting for?

His attitude cooled down, uncompromising:

Get to the bottom of it, complete the arbitration, and arrest me—a real prison, I heard that the inside of the Prison of Bones is quite grand...

Thales smiled.

It's come to this point, you still bite the bullet, it seems that this is the crux of the problem.

And you bite to death on this issue until you bite through it and dig out the so-called truth you want, and then? Zhan En at the desk suddenly raised his head, Let me destroy the Emerald City together? Okay Let you come back from the ruins and achieve the great cause of the emperor?

After saying this, both of them were silent for a while.

Thales looked at the wine glass, full of thoughts.

Jen looked at the tip of the pen, his eyes fixed.

You can keep the Emerald Legion.

When Jen came back to his senses, he couldn't help wondering:

What?

Thales took a deep breath and put down his glass heavily.

I said, you don't have to hand over military power to the royal family—of course, you still have to give up the right to conscript conscripts on the surface, but anyway, the conscription system on the South Bank exists in name only, so you don't have much to lose.

Jen frowned and said tentatively:

uh-huh?

Eternal Star City will not intervene in bureaucracy and personnel appointments, at least not too much. Of course, as far as this mess is concerned, their intervention will also add to the chaos.

that's all?

Other conditions remain the same—I can ask Federico to stay away from you, and stop staying on the South Bank to cause trouble for you.

Thales finished talking about the conditions calmly, and looked at Zhan En.

The Duke was silent for a long time, his eyebrows trembling slightly.

Finally, he exhaled a breath and said solemnly:

Fad, he won't give up willingly.

Thales raised his eyebrows.

Then he has to pass me first.

Jen En snorted softly and pondered for a moment:

What about taxes?

Thales sighed inwardly.

Damn.

Could he not be so sensitive to digital accounts?

The officials under Mr. Joke Mann are very professional, Thales said bravely, I believe they will work with your staff to discuss a set of fairness and efficiency that meets the interests of multiple parties...

Sure enough, before he finished speaking, Zhan En sneered.

You know it's not what I want.

But you know this is what he wants, Thales emphasized, A deal?

Jen stared at him intently.

Wait a few more days and come back, he said, which disappointed Thales. Maybe at that time, because of the changes in Emerald City, you will give a better proposal?

Thales' expression turned cold.

Jane, the prince leaned back, my patience has a limit.

Coincidentally, so is the Emerald City.

Negotiations broke down.

Thales looked at Zhan En with firm eyes, and heaved a long sigh in his heart.

The room became quiet again, only the rustling of Zhan En's letter was heard for a while.

Brennan didn't deserve to die like this. After a long silence, Thales suddenly spoke.

Jenn paused:

It really shouldn't be.

He is a good man, a good husband, and a good father. Thales thought of the other party's suicide note, and was a little lost in thought.

Also a good judge. Jann added.

He shouldn't have died from meaningless political turmoil and official turmoil. Thales shook his head with emotion.

Otherwise, politics itself is meaning. Zhan En didn't lift his head. Whether it's competition or unity, it's just a process.

Thales shook his head, disapproving.

This is the price you have to pay for bringing together a large group of people with different thoughts and incompatible ideas to move towards the same destination, Zhan En continued, helpless, ruthless, powerless, and meaningless.

Jen picked up the melted wax and looked at the prince:

But necessary and realistic.

Having said that, the Duke hung his head and put the letter in an envelope.

Thales frowned deeply.

Necessary and realistic?

Unknowingly, the sense of oppression and urgency that can only be felt in the Fuxing Palace reappeared in him.

I want to give the seat to Xilai.

That's more—what do you think?

Zhan En took care of the envelope, his face changed when he heard the words, and he suddenly looked up!

Thales took a deep breath, feeling that he had just broken something in this room.

I said that I have to govern the city and also investigate and arbitrate. I really have no skills at all, the prince said solemnly, like a diplomat, so I decided to let Miss Cecilia participate in political affairs, maybe go one step further. , to take over as the city lord—after all, Emerald City has been surnamed Kevin Dill for generations, so I shouldn’t do it for you because of emotion and reason.”

The more Jen listened, the worse his expression became.

Then you made my safety a condition, he said coldly, leaving her with the unsustainable problem of the Emerald City?

Thales shrugged, noncommittal.

Then she will come to me and force me to give in, Zhan En continued with a sneer, or even worse, she will bite the bullet and hit her head with her own strength, even if she wants to dance.

Maybe. Thales thought of Xi Lai's appearance, and his heart sank.

The two were silent for a while.

It must have been his idea, hadn't it.

Zhan En's tone was cold, and he didn't say his name, but both of them knew who he was referring to.

This is just a proposal, I'm still considering it, Thales looked at the other party, emphasizing the second half of the sentence, You know, weigh the pros and cons.

Jen raised his eyes and breathed faster.

I want to see Xilai, now.

The other party's performance moved Thales' heart.

Your Excellency, as far as I know, you are under arbitration investigation, he said in a businesslike tone, To avoid suspicion, no outsiders are seen.

Jen frowned.

real?

He was half asking, half threatening.

Yes. And Emerald City is busy saving itself and stabilizing order, Thales raised his brows, You understand.

Change the source app, and view the latest chapters of this book on multiple sites at the same time. 】

The light in Zhan En's eyes flashed away.

He sneered.

I thought you were smart, Thales.

Oh, what do you say?

Jen picked up the pen again, was silent for a while, and continued writing.

When I was young, Fei De smashed a precious ancient prophecy and blamed it on the young Xilai, and then he stood by and watched to see if I would stand up and take responsibility for her...

Thales' expression changed slightly.

If I admit my fault, it is because I behaved frivolously and destroyed the family property; if I allow Xilai to be punished, it is my elder brother's guardianship; if I plead that Federico did it, it is my elder brother's weakness and blame. Younger brother...

Jen's eyes sharpened:

And no matter which step I take, the whole family will be disappointed in their eldest son.

After hearing this version of the story, Thales thought for a long time.

You are like a chess piece now, Thales, you can go as he wants you to.

But you didn't realize, Jann sarcastically said, According to Federico's chess strategy, no matter how you move, you will lose.

Thales nodded silently after listening.

You and Federico, and maybe Xilai, in your Kevin Dill dictionary, there must be no 'retreat' and 'concession', he sighed softly, or, you think these words can only In other people's dictionaries, right?

Jen snorted coldly.

You promised me, Thales, the Duke stared at Thales closely, No matter how ugly things develop, Xilai will never be involved.

Thales' eyes darkened.

Then consider my proposal, the prince said softly, just as I am also considering his proposal.

Jen was silent for a long time.

I thought you were a good person before, Zhan En said blankly, It seems that I was wrong about this too.

Thales shrugged.

If I want to bring together a large group—or just two people with different ideas and incompatibles, to the same destination, Thales shot back, then maybe, I have to pay the price. ?”

Reality, the prince stood up, ready to leave, it is also necessary.

Zhan En didn't speak, but took up the wax step by step, poured the envelope, and started to stamp.

Thales didn't delay any longer, turned around and took a step.

Not much to gain here.

Or, is the harvest enough?

I want him dead.

Thales paused.

He turned around:

What?

I saw Zhan En put down the wax, his eyes were cold, and his whole body was fierce.

All the above conditions are included, the Emerald Legion, appointment and dismissal of personnel, taxation... He almost gritted his words, But I want to add a little bit.

Zhan En raised his head suddenly, his eyes were as sharp as a sword:

Federico, must-must-die.

Thales was taken aback when he heard the words, and then frowned deeply.

Maybe he's wrong.

He looked at Jen's appearance:

Perhaps the harvest exceeded expectations.

The prince took a deep breath and tried to bargain:

Exile?

Jen didn't answer.

The Prison of Bones?

Zhan En didn't change his face, but just stared at him wholeheartedly, his eyes were disturbing.

It's really not possible...

It doesn't matter, you can think about it slowly, Zhan En interrupted him, unquestionably, If it doesn't work, you can still write to the Fuxing Palace and ask His Majesty what to say.

Thales frowned.

But Emerald City can't wait...

This is what was agreed just now. The letter to the Popon family should be delivered directly to Mrs. Tuolier. Zhan En interrupted him with a cold snort, They don't have much cash, and thirty thousand is the limit. Of course, if you dare to pay less than 30,000, you just lead your troops to copy them, not only do I have no objection, I will even help you find a reason afterwards.

The Duke of South Bank stood up and picked up two envelopes from the desk, the iris paint prints on them were very conspicuous.

But the second letter, show the three major guilds of the textile industry, wine industry, and building materials industry and a few business groups. You can get 100,000 yuan, or a promise to let them cut the meat to stabilize the market and the market—— Solve your urgent needs.

Thales' eyelids twitched.

only these?

Although he said so, Thales looked at Zhan En in surprise.

that's all?

Two letters, 130,000...

One-tenth of the debt...

It's that simple?

This is my sincerity, and it may help you figure out what to do next.

Zhan En walked up to him and handed out the envelope with sharp eyes.

If it's less than one hundred thousand?

Then you just bring your soldiers back and copy me. Zhan En didn't change his face.

Thales hesitated for a moment.

A few seconds later, he finished his consideration and made up his mind to reach out to get the letter, but Zhan En suddenly pulled his hand and took back the envelope!

And I hope that when you come back next time, you can also be sincere. He stared at Thales firmly.

Thales swallowed his throat.

Well, the choice is tough though.

But it's not all for nothing.

Thales exchanged glances with the other party, and the next second, the prince took the two letters away.

It should be said that you love your sister too much, Thales stuffed the letter into his arms, rolling his eyes, or do you hate your brother too much?

Jen smiled hypocritically.

Anyway, he turned around and walked towards the window sill, Don't let Fede kill people in my city, Thales.

He stared:

Don't let him manipulate you anymore, and don't give him more bargaining chips.

Thales walked to the door thoughtfully.

But if he dies, the arbitration and so on will disappear, and the old story will never be over again, Thales said slowly, I will lose the means to restrain you, right?

Zhan En raised his eyes and looked at the Emerald City outside the window.

Maybe at that time, with the chips in hand, you will be the one who can control me? The prince said softly, By the way - you can eat now.

There was silence in the room for a while, and Jen didn't go to eat.

You should think from another angle, Thales.

Jen had a strange expression.

If you insist on losing both sides, then when you go back to the capital...

The Duke of South Bank turned his head, his gaze was thought-provoking:

Who will pick you up?