Teasing the First Dragon at the Start

After all, based on past experience, once Baisu led his army into the city, he would likely cut off Nero's head and become the new emperor of Rome amidst the cheers of the crowd.

To rule Rome, they needed the support of their various states. Thus, while Baisu remained in Rome, the various states were still under their control.

Like emperors who come and go, but noble lords who remain constant.

But now it seems that Bai Su not only did not kill Nero, but also had a very close relationship with him, and there are signs that he is joining forces with Nero to suppress them.

Now that they're busy weighing the pros and cons, they have no time to appreciate beautiful women.

Finally, after several rounds of drinks...

Nero set down his wine cup, his emerald eyes glancing at the officials below, and said calmly, "Gentlemen, according to the Roman treaty I signed with Lord Bai, Rome is preparing to completely abolish slavery. What are your thoughts on this?"

So they really came!

Many nobles had uncertain expressions.

After all, the main sources of revenue for the various Roman states were trade, the slave trade, and exploitation.

This sudden abolition of slavery, cutting off their money supply, isn't that taking their lives?

Nero was not surprised by the crowd's reaction. She continued, "I know you are all somewhat reluctant, but I have already discussed it with Lord White. Abolishing slavery will not completely cut off your sources of income."

“After allocating land to these people and encouraging agriculture and sericulture, their enthusiasm will increase, leading to higher yields of grain and other crops, and you will be able to collect a portion of the tax revenue.”

"Moreover, tens of thousands of silk, tea, porcelain and other goods are transported from the Central Plains through the ports every year."

"At that time, you can act as local agents to sell these products. No matter how much you sell, the price that Zhongyuan will give you will always be fixed, and the profit margin will be yours."

"Moreover, the grains grown, olive oil, spices, and mined minerals will be purchased by the Central Plains Association every year."

"Even the surplus refugees in your country can be purchased by the Central Plains with money."

"After these funds are handed over to you, you will decide how to deduct a portion for management fees and how to distribute the remainder to the people. The tax rate within this distribution will also be determined by you..."

After hearing Nero's words, the group looked at each other, hesitating for a moment.

Some people thought it was a good deal, after all, the Xia army was too strong and they couldn't beat them. They agreed to these conditions. Although they lost the slaves they could exploit, they gained a group of working people from whom they could take a cut of the taxes.

Furthermore, they could act as agents for the sale of goods from the Central Plains in the local area, which was equivalent to a semi-monopoly, so they could make just as much money as slaves.

After all, no matter how hard a hundred slaves work, they can't compare to the value of silk, porcelain, tea, or a ship full of goods.

But some are unwilling.

Agreeing to let the Central Plains manage the acquisition is tantamount to losing sovereignty and handing over a large part of governance, financial and judicial power to outsiders.

If Central China maintains stable acquisitions, that's fine. But what if they try to suppress prices and force acquisitions at rock-bottom prices? Wouldn't they be left speechless and unable to complain?

Soon, a middle-aged man stood up.

He slammed his hand on the table and gritted his teeth, saying, "This is humiliation. I would rather die than agree to such conditions."

Bai Su gently filed her nails with nail clippers, not even looking up, and asked, "Who agrees, who disagrees?"

The crowd looked at each other, unsure of what Bai Su meant. Most people remained silent, while only a few people stood up.

"We object."

Bai Su put down the nail clippers, blew on her nails, and looked up at the group of people who looked unconvinced.

These people seemed to have gained confidence by joining forces. Facing Bai Su's gaze, they snorted coldly, full of resentment.

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

Nero frowned slightly, a look of worry appearing on her fair face, unsure of what to do next.

Bai Su smiled, just when everyone thought he was about to back down.

He said directly, "Men, take these people out and shoot them."

"Yes."

Soon, the soldiers of the Great Xia came in from outside the hall, forcibly grabbed the Roman nobles, and dragged them out like dead pigs.

"What...what are you doing? I am a member of the Senate. How dare you treat me like this?"

"Release me at once! I am from Carthage..."

"boom!!!"

After several gunshots, the area outside the main hall suddenly fell silent.

Zhang Han slowly walked to Bai Su's side, cupped his hands and said, "My lord, the assassin has been executed."

As they spoke, the soldiers of the Great Xia dragged the lifeless Roman nobleman slowly down the steps outside the hall, leaving a long trail of blood on the ground.

"That's excellent."

Bai Su nodded slightly, then a gentle smile appeared on her face. She looked at the stunned Roman nobles present and asked with a smile, "What do you all think?"

After witnessing the tragic fate of their opponents, the nobles suddenly understood and joined in the movement.

"I, Egypt, am willing to respect the Roman treaty and abolish slavery..."

"I am Syria..."

"I am Jewish..."

The atmosphere inside the hall immediately became lively.

Nero looked at the scene before her, a hint of surprise appearing on her fair face.

She stared blankly at Bai Su beside her, finding it hard to believe that this man, who had been so gentle and refined just moments before, could be so ruthless and merciless in the next second.

No wonder this person is famous throughout the world and can overpower all others. Such a spirit is indeed extraordinary.

In a daze, she felt her heart race; it seemed she was actually starting to like this man.

Chapter 484 The Shura Field of Xianyang

As the contents of the Roman Treaty spread throughout the land, it caused a great stir within the empire.

Some nobles, upon seeing the contents, couldn't help but clutch their heads and wail in despair.

After all, without the slaves they could exploit, they could no longer annex land on a large scale and easily obtain huge profits.

When the slaves heard that they would be restored to civilian status and be free, they were initially incredulous, but then they excitedly shouted to the heavens.

Many people knelt on the ground, sobbing and covering their faces in emotion.

These people gathered together, constantly proclaiming the greatness of Seris, that Bessus was a saint on earth, so merciful and holy.

Some people even lay on the ground, kissing the land facing east, their faces full of piety.

Of course, among these people, besides slaves, there were also many Roman citizens.

Although Roman law granted citizens the right to buy and sell slaves, the influx of slaves led to a rapid concentration of wealth in the hands of a small number of nobles.

Ordinary Roman citizens, due to their jobs, were directly caught up in the cycle of countless slaves, and many became unemployed and unable to survive.

Now, Bai Sue has agreed to free the slaves and provide jobs equally for everyone.

Furthermore, they even had to share some of the land and wealth that had been annexed by the nobles, which naturally made them grateful.

Despite being the invading Xia army, they encountered no hostility in the city. Countless Roman citizens came forward to offer them flowers and fruit.

They were in a posture of welcoming the king's army with food and drink.

Although a few nobles still hated the Xia army with a passion, Baisu had the support of public opinion and the legal backing of Nero, the Roman emperor.

In addition, some powerful nobles had already been warned by him and dared not voice any objections for the time being.

Although there are some dissenting voices, they are no longer a concern for the overall situation.

As the situation in Rome gradually stabilized, Bessu supported Nero's sweeping reforms.

Meanwhile, in the distant east, dark clouds covered the sky.

Inside the Xianyang Palace.

Hu Hao bit her red lips lightly, her heterochromatic eyes looking at the complicated-looking Zheng Jie in front of her: "Mother, when...when did you get involved with that bad guy?"

Zhengjie sat upright at the table, her elegant and beautiful face stiffening for a moment before she chuckled awkwardly, "What...what are you saying?"

Hu Yi spoke up, "I have already heard about it from my elder sister. Mother, are you still going to keep it from me?"

After a long silence.

Zhengjie then sighed and said, "I'm sorry."

Hu Yu clenched her fair hands tightly and whispered, "If that's the case, why did Mother still arrange this marriage for me?"

“Yan’er…”

Zhengjie parted her lips slightly, looking at Hu Yu who looked somewhat haggard, and couldn't help but feel sorry for him, so she couldn't help but tug at Hu Yu's hand.

Hu Yi subconsciously tried to break free, but seeing the complicated look on Zheng Jie's face, he stopped.

In her mind, Zhengjie had always been a dignified and aloof figure.

She had great admiration and awe for Zheng Jie, but now that she had learned the truth, her worldview had collapsed, and she was having trouble accepting it for a while.

However, after experiencing the administration of the court for some time, her personality had matured considerably.

Hu Yi knew very well that if she got angry and exposed this matter, it would not do her any good except damage the royal family's reputation.

It will shake the entire government and the public, and cause a great deal of discussion throughout the country.

This put her in a dilemma. Reason told her that she shouldn't get angry, as that would only make things worse.

However, the feeling of being wronged made it hard for her to accept. The feeling of being betrayed by the person she was closest to and trusted the most made her want to cry.

Zhengjie hugged Hu Yi tightly and sighed helplessly.

Although she had anticipated today's scene, seeing Hu Yi's heartbroken appearance still filled her with mixed emotions.

Hu Yi leaned against Zheng Jie's chest, smelling the familiar scent, and his mood gradually calmed down.

She couldn't help but ask, "Mother, when did you get together with that wicked thing...?"

After hesitating for a moment, Zhengjie finally decided to be honest with Hu Yi and no longer hide anything from him.

She gazed out the window and murmured, "That damned sycophant, I initially only groomed him as a subject and had no other intentions. I once made a promise with him in my spare time: if he could be on par with me, I would grant him one request."

"I originally thought this was an impossible promise, but who would have thought that this treacherous minister would actually do it? He gradually stood beside me and entered my heart."