"The Emperor's vision is too grand. As the executors of his will, we are sometimes forced to take measures that may seem harsh or incomprehensible to others."
"The Primarchs each manage vast regions, each with their own philosophy and style of doing things. It's inevitable that there will be disagreements between us."
"These differences have accumulated over time, and with the instigation of some people with ulterior motives, they have evolved into the reputation issues we see today."
Yuanming nodded thoughtfully, "But everything we do is for the great cause of the Emperor, for the stability of the Empire. Can't they see that?"
"They may understand, but their different positions lead to different views on the issue."
Malcador put down his pen and rubbed his weary eyes. "For example, in matters such as resource allocation and power distribution, decisions we make from the perspective of the Imperium as a whole may be seen by the Primarchs as detrimental to the interests of their own regions. It's like different puzzle pieces, each shaped to form a complete pattern, but difficult to fit perfectly."
Yuanming was silent for a moment, then picked up his pen again, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "Profits? When did the Primarchs care about anything other than profit? Aren't they all just hands-off managers? Even the Second and Eleventh Legions still have to be supplied by the two of us personally."
“…” Malcador fell silent, unsure how to respond.
"I just remembered that it's just because they are close to their parents." Yuanming said again.
Malcador quickly changed the subject. After all, it was common for Primarchs to be infatuated with their fathers and mothers. It was perfectly normal, and there was no need to discuss it further. "What do you think of Roboute Guilliman?"
"Well, a typical aristocratic lady who is a proud political and commanding Primarch." Yuanming answered without hesitation.
"..." Malcador was genuinely shocked. "Can you please say something normal? I see you've been too idle lately, even reading those typical tsundere-style light novels featuring blonde losers."
"I'm doing this to keep up with the king's thinking. After all, young girls' thinking is flexible and changeable." Yuanming explained seriously.
"Could you explain why you say that about Guilliman?" Malcador's curiosity was piqued, and he even put down the pen he was grading.
"That's simple and easy to explain. Guilliman received an aristocratic upbringing. I call him arrogant because he wrote me a letter. The gist of it was that he explained the advantages and disadvantages of Terra's political system. He also explained how he had improved his own Ultramar ruling system by using the advantages of Terra's system, while also pointing out the disadvantages. Finally, he hoped I would make changes."
Yuanming talked freely.
"You know what this looks like in light novels? Malcador." Yuanming kept it a secret.
"Like what?" Malcador asked cooperatively.
"The Lord of 500 Worlds is just like a young lady who transferred from an aristocratic school to a commoner one. He can get full marks on every test and can easily point out others' mistakes, yet he still says, 'I got first place on my first test here.' Isn't that bad for you? But don't worry, don't lose confidence. You still have many strengths. At this time, when our Lord of 500 Worlds sees us trying our best for each test, he will ask again, 'Isn't it easy to get admitted by recommendation?'"
"That really makes me want to beat him up, but to be able to come up with such a theory, it seems you're really a veteran light novel fan." Malcador couldn't help but sigh.
"This is necessary in order to keep up with the king's thinking. As a close attendant, you must always keep up with the thinking of your superior." Yuanming said with admiration.
"..." Malcador knew the guy he lived with too well. He looked like this every time he mentioned the Regent, as fanatical as Orpesson seeing Jesus.
Malcador could only smile helplessly at this. Although Yuanming's evaluation angle was peculiar, it had to be said that to some extent, he also accurately grasped the characteristics of Guilliman's personality and style of doing things.
"Although your metaphor is a bit absurd, it is indeed vivid and makes it easy for people to understand Guilliman's character."
"However, there is no need to listen to Guilliman's suggestions regarding Terra's political system." Malcador said, with a hint of unquestionableness in his tone.
Yuanming nodded in agreement. "Well, I didn't reply to his letter either. After all, anyone who knows the truth about the Warp knows how disgusting and terrifying things exist there. Terra's vast and complex political system exists largely to target the evil beings in the Warp. Any rash changes will only lead to unpredictable consequences."
Malcador frowned slightly, his eyes revealing worry. "Indeed, the Imperium's political system has been constructed over a long period of time. Even a small adjustment can have ripple effects throughout the entire system. Even seemingly minor adjustments could become the key to unleashing catastrophe when faced with the unspeakable threat of the Warp."
Yuanming then picked up his pen and lowered his head to review the documents. "Guilliman may have his own ideas and concepts, but he hasn't experienced the horrors of the Warp up close like we have. Of course, he can't possibly understand them. He only sees the surface problems of Terra's political system, but doesn't realize the deeper reasons behind them."
Malcador sighed softly. "The Primarchs each have their strengths and limitations. They have indeed achieved remarkable things in their respective fields, but they need a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the grand and complex situation facing the entire Imperium."
Malcador continued slowly, preparing to set a trap for his colleagues: "However, from a local perspective, the reforms implemented by Guilliman in Ultramar have indeed achieved quite remarkable results.
"The administrative system he established was efficient and well-organized, leading to a thriving local economy and a formidable military. This demonstrates his unique insights and talents in governance."
Yuanming paused his pen, which he was marking documents with, and after a moment's reflection, he responded earnestly, "I completely agree with this. Under Guilliman's governance, Ultramar has become a model region among the Imperium's many star regions. However, we must understand that each star region has its own unique characteristics, and we must not blindly apply Ultramar's development model to the entire Imperium. This is especially true of Terra, as the core hub of the Imperium, which faces a more complex situation."
Macador nodded. It was good official language, both praising and being praised, hovering between the middle of praising and not praising.
"You are correct. The Empire is vast, and each region has vast differences in structure and conditions.
"Therefore, these factors must be fully taken into account when implementing any reform measures or drawing on experience."
"Just like the Mechanicus' influence and style of doing things vary across different Forge Worlds."
"However, you suddenly praised his governance ability now. Are you thinking about the issue of the emperor's successor?" Yuanming said half-jokingly.
Malcador smiled and said frankly, "Among all the Primarchs, he is at least qualified. If he could make the 500 worlds under his jurisdiction pay their taxes on time, that would be even better."
"Isn't it enough to have me by your side to help you? Malcador, you are actually thinking of finding another scapegoat." Yuanming said deliberately pretending to be aggrieved.
"But it's always good to have one more person to share the burden, isn't it? Besides, my old bones really can't hold on for much longer. Every time I review documents, I feel like all the bones in my body are about to fall apart." Makado said while signaling with his eyes, but Yuanming seemed not to see it at all.
At this time, Yuanming was thinking to himself: If one day the king no longer needs their attendants to help review documents and handle affairs, then what can they rely on to stay by the king's side?
"By the way, I heard that the Primarchs jointly gave you a gift. This is an honor that even the Emperor and Horus have never had. It's quite impressive! Can you tell me what exactly they gave you?" Yuanming asked curiously.
"One person," Malcador replied curtly.
"Alone?" Yuanming was a little surprised and repeated it, his face full of confusion.
"The Cabal," Malcador added.
"Oh! Are you talking about the esoteric cult member who claimed to be extremely powerful and destroyed a very prosperous spirit race?" Yuanming said, unable to help laughing.
"You've heard of it too?" Malcador asked, slightly surprised.
"The intelligence spies I planted in various dark places almost couldn't hold back their laughter when they heard what they said about the sect." Yuanming said, and he couldn't help laughing again.
"Do you know how hard it was for me to suppress my laughter when I heard this news?" Yuanming finally managed to stop laughing, his face filled with emotion as he spoke. "When the spy reported this to me, my first reaction was, 'This is such outrageous bragging!' A member of the esoteric cult boasting that he single-handedly wiped out a prosperous Eldar race is simply ridiculous, a fairy tale."
"However, after I calmed down and pondered carefully, I actually thought of a being that might be a good match. Since then, I have been closely monitoring the activities of this cult, and I have also submitted the relevant information to the king."
"What does the king say?" Malcador demanded.
"The king just asked me to keep a close eye on it and didn't say anything else." Yuanming answered truthfully.
Malcador nodded and said thoughtfully, "The King has ordered a close watch. It seems this cult may be quite complex. Perhaps it's hiding some unspeakable secret or power."
"Yes, I think so too." Yuanming's expression turned serious. "Ever since I started paying attention to this esoteric sect, I've found that their style of behavior is very strange, and the teachings they spread are obscure and difficult to understand. It seems that they are deliberately creating an aura of mystery to attract those who are curious or have ulterior motives."
"What exactly do their teachings teach?" Malcador asked curiously.
"They advocate a power beyond current cognition, claiming that as long as believers devote themselves wholeheartedly, they can obtain this power and achieve so-called extraordinary sublimation. But from what I understand, the power they describe is vaguely similar to the chaotic power of the warp."
Yuanming said with a frown.
Malcador's expression froze. "The most troublesome thing is always here. The Warp, Chaos, these entities are pervasive. Corruption can happen at any time and anywhere. You never know when your friend will become your enemy in the next moment. When will they be corrupted?"
Yuanming recalled, "They have been secretly recruiting followers, and their activities have gradually spread from some remote planets to the core galaxies."
"It seems that this secret cult has great ambitions and may be planning something big." Malcador's face was solemn. He thought that it would be better not to send Alpharius, otherwise he might be affected by the chaotic ways.
Chapter 348 The Ambitious One is Luo Jia
Who could truly know the true strength of the Word Bearers Legion?
This has undoubtedly been the hottest topic among Terra officials recently.
After all, there is no such legion, and even the priests under its command in the churches of various planets are Astartes warriors, which is too terrifying.
Perhaps only their Primarch truly knows the details.
However, so far no one has been able to find out anything from the Primarch.
In recent years, the Word Bearers' conquest progress has become increasingly rapid, and its expansion speed is so fast that it is eye-catching.
The development of this situation made some officials in Terra feel suspicious, and they raised some rather unconventional questions.
They suspected that Primarch Lorgar Aurelion, while ostensibly carrying out the Expedition of Atonement, actually harbored greater ambitions and intended to achieve more widespread conquest through this means.
After all, with a little attention, it is not difficult to find that the Hazy Star Region has now become the dominant area of Luojia.
In this star field, the Word Bearers' footprints can be seen on almost every planet, and their influence is everywhere.
In comparison, this situation is even more terrifying than the Lords of the 500 Worlds openly rebelling against Terra's policies.
After all, the powerful control that Lorgar has demonstrated over various planets far exceeds what Guilliman can achieve, which is really worrying.
This concern is not unfounded.
The Word Bearers, with their deep control over the planet, spread their unique belief system far and wide.
Every planet they set foot on was forced to accept the baptism of the Word Bearers' teachings, and the local culture, politics and even social structure were subtly reshaped.
This change is not limited to the surface, but penetrates into the core of every planet, affecting the lives of every inhabitant.
In comparison, although Guilliman built his own ruling system in Ultramar and had differences with Terra's policies, at least his rule was based on relative rationality and order, focusing on scientific and technological development, economic prosperity and the balance of military power.
The rule of the Word Bearers is more of a fanatical religious color. Once this fanaticism gets out of control, it is very likely to cause turmoil and chaos in the entire star field.
……
"So now our Terra officials are caught in a dilemma when faced with this difficult issue."
"On the one hand, the Word Bearers are, after all, a legion under the Emperor's command. Taking harsh measures directly could lead to internal conflict and undermine the stability of the Empire. On the other hand, if we sit idly by, the power of the Word Bearers will inevitably expand further, posing an increasingly serious threat to the rule of the Empire."
"Under this tense situation, officials began to discuss countermeasures in private." Yuanming said, looking at Makado who was reviewing documents on the main seat. No matter how you looked at him, he still looked so arrogant.
"So what do they think?" Malcador asked without looking up, the quill in his hand still dancing on the paper.
"Some have proposed negotiating with Lorgar Aurelion, attempting to understand his true intentions through communication and seek a peaceful solution. Others advocate secretly gathering forces to prepare for emergencies, and decisively taking action to curb the Word Bearers if their actions cross the line."
"Malcador, you have made another low-level political mistake." Yuanming said.
"what?"
"When it comes to any matter, no matter what entity is involved, everyone will always hold different opinions and views," Yuanming said slowly. "If you blindly ask for their opinions, you will undoubtedly cause yourself more trouble. What really matters is the opinion of those who can make the final decision on the matter, such as the king or the emperor."
"The person you mentioned who can make the final decision on this matter doesn't care about it. You must understand that in the Terran government system, the Emperor and the Regent are the top priority. As long as one of them speaks, the Terran government will be finalized."
As Malcador spoke, he subconsciously stroked the wrinkles on his forehead, only to find that they seemed to have increased a lot.
"The most difficult situation now is that the top management thinks this matter is insignificant, but the people below think it is a serious problem and treat it as a big deal. We are caught in the middle and are really caught between a rock and a hard place."
"Then you are wrong. We both hold a crucial power in our hands." Yuanming immediately retorted.
"What power?" Malcador asked doubtfully.
"Taxes!" A sly flicker of cunning flashed in Yuanming's eyes, and he immediately began to speak. "Although the Primarch's home planet and the star regions they govern do enjoy tax-free privileges according to convention, since the Word Bearers have labeled themselves as the Emperor's most loyal followers in the Penitent Crusade and enjoy the glory that these labels bring, they naturally have to pay the corresponding price of loyalty. They can't possibly pay less tax than those planets loyal to the Emperor!"
In fact, it is no wonder that the Terra government is so worried about targeting Lorgar.
Now, most of the entire Nebulous Segmentum fell into his control. Although there were still some areas that had not been completely conquered, for Terra, as the central government, the thought that there was a local force with a Word Bearers Legion of about 50 troops, and this did not include their auxiliary troops, made it feel extremely stressful.
What's more, the resources that can be mobilized from those vast star fields are simply immeasurable.
In such a situation, loyalty can no longer be measured simply by verbal declarations or superficial behavior.
Especially for those outstanding politicians in Terra, the real criterion for judgment is whether they have the ability to rebel - possessing such a large military force and resources means having the potential power to subvert the existing order, which is bound to make the Terra government feel uneasy.
"Do you think your method will work?" Malcador asked Yuanming with a doubtful look on his face.
"Honestly, I'm not sure either," Yuanming admitted. "But at least this will help us stop the losses and gain some resources from the Word Bearers. Also, I think it's time to better equip the Second and Eleventh Legions and increase our efforts in recruiting new soldiers."
……
The planet of Colchis is now dotted with statues of the Emperor.
The once perfect city that was destroyed was rebuilt on a larger scale.
Luojia stood at the highest point of the city, quietly overlooking everything in front of him.
A gentle breeze blew by, lifting Luojia's cloak.
The Primarch's eyes were filled with complex emotions, including joy at the rebirth of this land and expectations for the future.
Those magnificent and huge statues of the emperor sparkle with a sacred luster under the sunlight, as if telling the story of past suffering and present rebirth.
"This city was reshaped by the Emperor's will," Lorgar whispered to himself, his voice carried away by the wind.
Once upon a time, its destruction was like a heavy hammer, awakening Luojia to re-examine his inner thoughts on strength and faith.
Today, the Perfect City rises in an even more magnificent posture. Every brick and stone, every statue, embodies the Word Bearers' piety to the Emperor.
The suspicious eyes of the mortal officials of Terra never left him and his Word Bearers Legion.
"The road to enlightenment is still long."
Luo Jia frowned slightly and clenched his fists.
The Word Bearers are tasked with spreading the Emperor's gospel to every corner of the universe. However, the road ahead is destined to be thorny.
Whether it is doubts from within or enemies eyeing them from outside, they may become huge rocks blocking their way.
Suddenly, a wailing scream from the depths of the soul rang in the Primarch's ears. It was the voice of Erebus.
At this moment, Erebus' arms and thighs were cut off, and his whole body was tied to the scepter.
The flames of his soul burned him mercilessly, like a greedy demon, licking his flesh and blood inch by inch until it burned to his bones, and even his soul was tightly attached to the flames.
However, Luo Jia turned a deaf ear to the screams, as if he was used to it.
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