The giant corporations that started from Night City

Chapter 451 Alienation is not viviparity but metamorphosis! Entrust the Empire with the Regent!

"Horus, you look very different. What happened?"

Guilliman didn't dare to imagine what kind of changes Horus had experienced during this period. Could it be that an evil god of the Warp controlled Guilliman's evil thoughts and turned him into this appearance?

This is Horus, the most righteous of the Primarchs, the only one recognized by the vast majority of them, and a good son valued by the Emperor.

How come he became so gloomy and silent after only being the imperial regent for a while?

Guilliman couldn't imagine how those High Lords had fought against Horus and forced his brother into this state.

"My brother, I am grateful that you came back."

Horus still spoke in a hoarse voice, and said to Guilliman: "As you can see, I need to deal with countless political affairs every day, and mediate with other nobles and high lords."

“This job is a hundred times harder than I thought.”

Seeing this, Guilliman hurriedly asked: "You are so anxious to ask me to return to Terra, there must be something urgent. Has a Warp entity appeared?"

Before the Emperor and Malcador left, all the Primarchs received a secret message.

The content of the letter was that the Emperor asked the Primarchs to be on high alert. When he and Malcador were away, the Human Empire could be hit by a large-scale invasion by Warp entities at any time.

Even with the presence of a giant global corporation's troops, it is impossible to take care of everything, so they have to be prepared to handle emergencies on their own.

"No, the entity in the subspace did not appear. The reason you see me like this now is only because I have experienced too many setbacks and hardships these days."

As he spoke, Horus recalled the day when he had just taken over as regent of the Emperor. At that time, he was so ambitious and determined to eradicate evil and purge corrupt elements for the human empire.

However, it was not long before Horus helplessly discovered that the corruption problem in the empire was deeply rooted, and all the vested beneficiaries had long since formed an ironclad group.

From the High Lords and Councillors' factions and disciples, the Primarchs' respective private businesses and gray businesses, to the countless corrupt officials who take bribes, everyone is a permanent character in the cycle of interests.

Any action taken against any one of them would lead to immeasurable consequences.

Depose the High Lords? The empire's political system would collapse in a minute, and Horus would be faced with endless documents. Either he would die of exhaustion, or the empire would collapse.

Meddle in the Primarch's grey industry? Then all the hard work Horus put into building good relations with his brothers in the first half of his life would be in vain.

Being nice to others may not necessarily make them remember it.

But if you are bad to others, they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

If Horus dared to attack one of the Primarchs, it would not take long for his reputation and prestige among the Primarchs to plummet, and he might even end up being deserted by his friends and relatives.

So this approach obviously doesn't work either.

As for targeting the vast number of grassroots imperial bureaucrats, it is a troublesome matter with high costs and low benefits.

The empire lacks elite intellectuals. Even if all the existing grassroots officials are replaced, these people will still seek support and quickly align themselves with Malcador's camp.

The reason for taking sides is very simple, that is, Horus was only a temporary regent of the empire, and who can guarantee how long he can stay in this position?

In case they sided with Horus's cabinet, it would not be long before the Emperor and Malcador returned to Terra, Malcador returned to the throne of Prime Minister and Regent of the Empire, and Horus left to become his own Warmaster.

These political pawns who were ruthlessly abandoned will ultimately end up being liquidated and suppressed, and will never be able to make a breakthrough in their lifetime.

No one would easily gamble their own future. Those who have joined the Horus Cabinet camp are all gamblers who have no hope of promotion and are fighting for their lives.

The abilities and talents of these people are far inferior to those of the high lord councillors who are highly secretive and never make mistakes in their lives.

Judging from these three completely blocked reform routes, the empire that Horus took over was an absolute mess, ten thousand times more smelly than a dry toilet.

The poisonous snake of corruption has burrowed into the internal organs of the human empire, replacing the original healthy tendons and blood vessels, slowly corrupting and alienating the empire, causing it to gradually collapse and weaken.

The real powerful enemies of the Empire are not the alien races in the galaxy, nor the evil gods and demons in the warp, but the countless bureaucrats who exploit the Empire and the more than a dozen Primarchs who are the vested beneficiaries.

These people did build the human empire, but they also have the ability to destroy it!

The real threat that can cause the collapse of an empire does not appear out of thin air through birth, but is brewed through subtle changes.

Horus was very intelligent and soon realized this. He finally understood the Emperor's painstaking efforts and realized that the Human Empire was an unfinished project with many loopholes.

Even the emperor did not dare to launch a revolution to purge the corrupt elements of the entire empire, so how could he have the confidence and self-confidence to have a giant enterprise back him up? I'm afraid no one can back him up.

"Damn Malcador, this old fox has been leading me into a trap from the beginning, and I just fell for it!"

Thinking of this, Horus's resentment and anger towards Malcador reached an unprecedented height.

Only now did he realize that Malcador had long wanted to leave the Empire's political system, so he chose him as a scapegoat.

Although the Emperor intended to entrust the human empire to the Universal Corporation, the Corporation has been slow to act and has only promised to complete the construction of the new route.

This means that Horus must stay in the position of regent of the empire for a period of time. As for how long it will be, a few months, a few years, or a few decades? No one can tell.

But in Terra, where power and desire are intertwined, Horus doesn't want to stay even for a single day longer.

Before the arrival of truly advanced institutional revolutions and technological reforms, the human empire will only continue to decay and decline along its original path.

Perhaps it was the evil gods or demons in the Warp that controlled the desires of a certain Primarch, causing him to brazenly raise the banner of rebellion.

Perhaps the subjects of the empire, unable to bear the heavy burden, revolted, killed the local planetary governor, declared themselves king, and then fell into the chaos of war until the world was devastated and deserted.

"This old thief Malcador misled me--!"

In an excited mood, Horus could not help but slam the table down. Fortunately, the desk was made of solid alloy, so it was not broken by Horus's slap.

Under normal circumstances, Horus would definitely not dare to get angry easily and vent his negative emotions, but Terra has a large number of anti-psychic devices that can basically block the demonic influence of the warp.

Otherwise, the resentment that Horus had developed during this period would have already caused a storm in the Warp and attracted the favor of the Four Chaos Gods.

Guilliman was skeptical about Horus's words. It was Horus himself who asked the Emperor to replace him as the Regent of the Empire, and he would rather give up the position of Warmaster to do the job of Regent.

As a result, only half a year had passed and Horus had changed his mind. This change was too fast.

What's more, Guilliman himself is an old player who has been in the political arena for many years. He has seen many people complain about how stressful their work is, but at the same time they are reluctant to let go.

Because the feeling of power is just too wonderful.

It can restore the vigor of a depressed man, and can turn a weak man who is unable to make changes on the bed into a powerful leader who stirs up the world situation.

Guilliman couldn't tell whether Horus really wanted to leave Terra, or was testing him, playing a game of truth or dare with him.

Some words can deceive others, but you can't deceive yourself.

"Horus, if you are really tired of being the regency of the Empire, then write to your father and Malcador and urge them to come back soon. You are still the Warmaster of the Empire."

Guilliman comforted Horus in a bland way, but to Horus, these words were almost nonsense.

If he could really call back the Emperor and Malcador, then he would be the one to take the Emperor's place.

It was because he didn’t know when the Emperor and Malcador would return, so he thought of asking Guilliman to come and help, or rather... to replace him!
Horus could see the vigilance and suspicion in Guilliman's eyes. He sighed and said in a deep voice: "Guilliman, my good brother, I will tell you the truth."

"I called you to Terra this time because I wanted to ask for your help. I hope to use your wisdom in handling government affairs to relieve and share some of the pressure for me." Horus knew that he certainly could not entrust the Human Empire to Guilliman right away. Doing so would make him seem very irresponsible and would also make Guilliman afraid to take over.

So he deliberately set up a trap, first letting Guilliman relax his vigilance, and then slowly passing the mess to the other party.

The first step is to get Guilliman to agree to help him.

Among the many Primarchs, only Guilliman's political ability made Horus most assured.

He has sufficient work experience and solid work results. It is most appropriate for Guilliman to be the Regent of the Empire.

"You have the High Lords' Council and the Cabinet helping you with government affairs, so you don't need my help. What can I do for you? Even one more person can't change the empire."

Guilliman shook his head. He certainly didn't want to be the scapegoat. It was enough for him to have his own territory, Macragge. Why should he waste time on Terra?

Besides, Horus has stopped anti-corruption and reform, so even if he were to handle daily government affairs, it wouldn't be that hard.

"My father entrusted the empire to me. I can't just do it half-heartedly or deal with him casually. I and the cabinet of useless people who are just waiting to die can't accomplish anything."

Horus tried his best to keep Guilliman and asked him to stay with him temporarily to help handle the government affairs for a day and understand the political landscape of Terra.

"I am not the regent of the empire. If I really did that, it would be an act of usurpation."

Hearing Guilliman say this, Horus quickly took over the conversation and said to Guilliman solemnly: "You can also be the Regent of the Empire!"

"What do you mean?" Guilliman asked, puzzled.

The next second, Horus stopped pretending. He tore off the imperial regent robe and threw it on the ground.

The Luna Wolves generals behind them seemed to have received some kind of signal and turned to face Guilliman. They put their hands behind their backs and stared straight ahead with solemn and determined expressions.

This posture was clearly intended to force Guilliman to submit.

"From now on, I will still be the Warmaster of the Empire, and you will take over as the Regent of the Empire. Together, we brothers will take care of the Human Empire for our father!"

This was Horus's real purpose. He also knew that the Luna Wolves under his command were eager to return to the old days, and he was also trying to find a way to get away.

After countless nights of thinking, Guilliman was his only hope to leave Terra.

After all, the power of the Empire must not be handed over to the High Lords and the Cabinet. The world conquered by the Primarch must be managed by his own people.

"No, why would I covet your position as the regent of the empire? This position was given to you by my father. If you let me take this position, how will the other brothers view me?"

Guilliman still couldn't figure out what Horus was trying to do. It was better to be conservative before confirming the other party's intentions.

Seeing that the other party was unmoved, Horus became a little anxious. He grabbed Guilliman's hand and said with a sharp look: "My good brother, I am not doing this to be humble to you!"

"I believe you have seen the changes that have taken place in the Luna Wolves on your way here. We are not fit to stay in this position, and I am not fit to be the regent of this empire."

"Even if I work myself to death, I can only ensure that the empire will not collapse too quickly, but I cannot put the empire on the right track."

"If I continue like this, how can I live up to my father's trust!"

Horus' words were quite sincere, and he had been secretly using the Emperor to put pressure on Guilliman. He gave this position to Guilliman not for himself, but for "the greater good".

Whether the excuse was true or false, Guilliman had to believe it.

"The Empire of Mankind is not only the hard work of my father, but also the hard work of our Primarch. Do you want to see an empire in ruins?"

Horus continued to put pressure on Guilliman and made a distressed expression.

"I once looked down on those imperial officials and ignored all the contributions they made to the empire. Now it seems that I was extremely wrong. Everyone has his or her own value."

"But the value of a person can only be shown when he performs his duties. I and the Luna Wolves behind me can only fight for the empire, but we cannot properly handle government affairs."

"Guilliman, your political talent and genius should be put to good use on Terra, not buried in tiny Macragge!"

Horus's continuous flattery had already made Guilliman feel a little over the top.

One has to admit that Horus, who has excellent social skills, does have his own understanding of flattery.

First, he looked at it from the perspective of the righteousness of the Empire, then from the instructions of his father, the Emperor, and then compared his personal shortcomings with Guilliman's strengths, as well as from the perspective of Guilliman realizing his personal values.

There were only a few sentences, but the amount of information was so rich that Guilliman couldn't find any fault with it. He even vaguely thought that he was suitable to stay in the Terragan Empire as regent.

"Guilliman, my good brother—!"

Seeing that the atmosphere on the scene was already set, Horus continued to attack, not giving Guilliman a chance to think: "My shallow virtue and talent are unworthy of the Emperor. I am no longer able to serve as Regent of the Empire."

"I now formally appoint you as the Acting Imperial Regent. I will serve as the Imperial Warmaster and lead the Luna Wolves to retreat to the second line to protect your governance."

"We two brothers jointly control the military and political affairs of the empire!"

After he finished speaking, Horus stared straight into Guilliman's eyes, without even asking whether the other party was willing to accept it.

That's true. He had no way to give Guilliman any substantial benefits and could only rely on sweet talk to make the other party secretly happy.

He is the Regent of the Empire and the Primarch of the Luna Wolves. He has personally brought his trusted officers and begged for mercy. This face must be given to him even if he doesn't want to!

After so many days of repeated thinking, Horus finally understood the political environment of Terra.

There was no way he could solve the mess of the empire by himself. The cabinet he had racked his brains to set up could only temporarily help him handle government affairs.

This bunch of scum will sooner or later be impeached and removed from office by the High Lords, and sooner or later he will be exhausted by the High Lords. At this time, the most correct decision is to run away early.

As for whether the emperor would hold him accountable or blame him afterwards, let him do whatever he wants. Anyway, he didn't want to continue doing this.

Looking at the once arrogant and domineering Horus, and the Luna Wolves generals behind him who were pretending to be "loyal", Guilliman was so shocked that his pupils were shaking.

On the way to Terra, he thought of countless possibilities, but he never thought of such an outcome.

Horus would rather be the Warmaster of the Empire and obey his orders from then on than serve as the Regent of the Empire. This world is too crazy!
The Imperial Regent was the position Horus had always dreamed of.

Although Horus, who had made many military achievements during the Great Crusade, was ostensibly vying for the position of Imperial Warmaster, all the Primarchs knew that the position Horus most desired was regent.

Compared to commanding an army, the pleasure of directly ruling an entire empire would make him more addicted and crazy.

However, the Emperor strictly forbade the Primarchs from participating in the high-level politics of the Empire.

But the more he couldn't get it, the more he wanted it. Horus often complained about this in front of his many Primarch brothers, which shows how strong his sense of participation in Imperial politics was.

However, after Horus finally realized his dream of ruling the empire, he decided to give up the position he had worked so hard to obtain. How could this not surprise Guilliman?

"Horus, you must be exhausted. How could you make such an outrageous request? How could the Imperial Regent give in so easily? This is simply child's play."

Although Guilliman didn't know why Horus suddenly made such an abnormal move, he was very clear that nothing good came for free.

Judging from what Horus has shown, there must be something fishy about the position of Imperial Regent.

(End of this chapter)