My wife is an immortal black snake.

She wondered if Lord Koschei was the kind of person—the kind of... magnanimous person? Hmm?

It doesn't seem like it. She's generous to us heirs because she'll inherit our bodies...

but...

What about the others?

She felt very confused, and for some reason, she felt a tightness in her chest. She frowned, thinking she should ask Lord Koschche what was going on.

But not today.

"...Let's go tomorrow."

She muttered to herself as she lay in bed, choosing to take a nap when faced with difficulties.

Chapter nine

9 month 3 day.

Yang Hao was under the supervision of His Majesty the Emperor—urging...

...

Under the loving gaze of His Majesty the Emperor, who was unable to work for long periods while holding his child.

He was handling matters concerning the Ursus Empire in His Majesty the Emperor's room.

Outside the tightly closed room, standing in the corridor, the immortal black snake, who had personally escorted Yang Hao in and confirmed that His Majesty the Emperor truly had no intention of doing anything, its ear and tail hairs practically standing on end, and who had cast a jealous and resentful glance at His Majesty the Emperor before leaving, suddenly sensed something—

"...Why do I feel like I look like a little bat...?"

She muttered to herself, her eyes filled with self-doubt.

"Oh, Lord Koschche—please don't think too much about it. Miss Karina still needs to see you today."

The head maid, who was holding little Hela, sighed heavily, thinking to herself, "At least you're still by Lord Yang Hao's side. Even if things aren't going well, it shouldn't be like this, right?"

“That’s true… Sigh. Monica, I’ll leave Hela to you—I’ll go to the meeting room and wait for Karina.”

"Yes...right, about what happened in Kazimir?"

“Oh, over there? Hiss… that bastard just now… His Majesty the Emperor has already told my dear and me. Colombia’s war against Casimir seems to be going too smoothly—if this continues, they will end the war before we are ready to intervene, so my dear and I still need to think of a solution.”

"Yes."

Colombia's war against Casimir was going too smoothly. They seemed to have used some kind of weapon that could produce poison gas on a large scale. After successfully killing almost the entire population of a small town, the people of Casimir trembled at the sight of that yellow smoke—even though it wasn't very effective against fully armed knights, it was enough to kill a large number of slave soldiers and civilians.

Under the influence of this weapon, the Casimir army in the west suffered a series of defeats. Their soldiers were losing ground almost every day, and if it weren't for the mayors of various mobile cities in Colombia being worried about the potential danger to their cities and thus advancing very slowly, perhaps western Casimir would already be occupied by now.

However, regardless of the circumstances, their retreat was still too rapid. Moreover, considering that many of the mobile cities in Casimir were relatively old models, and that they certainly couldn't outrun Colombian landships and mobile cities, the Casimirians might surrender to Colombia even faster than Kosiché and his men had imagined.

We have to act before they surrender—though Kosichè desperately wants to, she's currently busy managing her duchy...

Ugh.

She shook her head and left under the watchful eye of the head maid. She had to go to her private reception room to wait for Karina's arrival, because Black Serpent had noticed that the preparations she had made for Karina seemed... to be faltering.

Although this won't affect Koschche's future "inheritance," isn't this a bit too strange? So she needs to figure out what's going on...

......

While Kosichrie was worrying about his successor, Yang Hao stayed obediently in His Majesty the Emperor's room, discussing the future of the Ursus Empire with the most esteemed emperor, who was dressed in casual clothes.

“We anticipate it will take a year to completely eliminate the remnants of the Sherlock Holmes nightclub, but you can already start trying to reform the economy and people’s livelihoods in the areas we actually control,” she said. “But—I think the two most critical issues we face next are… one is how to prevent Kazimierz from collapsing so quickly so that we can hold out until we are ready, and the second is… population decline.”

"Yes, population decline... Your Majesty, how many... cities have you discovered that have been massacred?"

"Almost all the nobles at the Sherlock Holmes nightclub I attacked committed such a horrific act. Fortunately, a few barons did not kill their own people, but simply locked them up for their amusement... otherwise, we would probably have lost tens of thousands more people."

"Then the Ursus Empire will face a population shortage for decades to come. Alas, we still have to farm—but only after becoming vassals of Kazimir."

"So I will give you all my support. But if I had to choose a priority between the two things, I would hope that you would prioritize our country."

"Yes Yes Yes..."

Both Kosichrie and Her Majesty Ekaterina have one thing in common—they value the country of Ursus above all else.

I wonder if one day they had to choose between protecting me and the Ursus Empire, which one would they choose? Yang Hao shook his head and began to deal with his work.

Because of the convenience brought by the [Puppet Stage] and the positions of [King] and [Imperial Speaker] of the Ursus Empire, Yang Hao's first action was to spend all his political points.

Then, using these spent political points to reclaim all the extra Imperial Rubles within the Empire now under his control, he destroyed all the mints in the various noble territories except for the Duchy of Kosiché, leaving only the mint in Saint-Germain.

“We need to reclaim the imperial rubles that the nobles themselves printed, but that will take a long time,” Yang Hao said, looking up at Empress Catherine, who was sitting on the bed reading. “Then we will have to destroy their mints and establish a new currency—after that, Your Majesty, we will have to consider how to become strong and break free from the influence of the contract your father signed.”

"Hmm? Do you have any good suggestions?"

"To be honest, not yet, so we have to start with the most urgent issues... I think we may see a baby boom after our population generation gap, so we need to step up our efforts in education."

"Education? Is that the compulsory education system here in the duchy? Hmm... Although I didn't see many suitable teachers when I inspected it before, it is indeed necessary."

She put down the book in her hand, thought for a moment, and then gave Yang Hao a suggestion:

"And then—we still have quite a few overseas Chinese from Ursus. Many of those who have received higher education should be willing to come back and build their great homeland—I'll give you the authority to contact all of them, as long as there are results."

"Okay then..."

He nodded and started working.

This job wasn't as easy as he'd imagined—on the one hand, after exhausting his political points, all Yang Hao could do was make minor adjustments. He could try transferring the population of an overpopulated earldom to sparsely populated areas to strengthen development; he could force the construction of projects that couldn't proceed due to the entrenched interests of local bullies. But that was about it.

All of Yang Hao's amazing maneuvers relied on the [National Policy Tree] and [Political Points], but speaking of which, he did have an idea...

The current policy tree for the Duke of Koschche is separate from that of the Ursus Empire—and he hasn't invested in either. It's time to see what to do.

Thinking of this, he rubbed his hands together excitedly, then hunched over his notebook, scribbling and drawing, completely unaware that the elegant lady behind him had somehow stopped looking at the book in her hands and was now staring intently at his back...

"first..."

First, Yang Hao would definitely look at the national policy tree in his hometown. After completing the [University] national policy tree and starting to build universities with drones, Yang Hao's first priority would be to find a development-oriented national policy related to [farming]. Of course, it would be best if this national policy tree could influence his subsequent plans.

...

He did find it; he found a whole row of national policy trees labeled "Second Capital".

[National Policy Tree Series: The Second Capital]

Series Effects: After completing all national policy trees, the Duchy of Kosiché will be promoted to the most prosperous research center, livelihood center, and cultural center in the Ursus Empire, and will receive huge research and cultural bonuses.

National Policy Series: 30 Articles.

Average study time: 70 days.

Evaluation:

The best national policy tree for development is the one for the most suitable individuals; if possible, use this one.

Yang Hao loves development! He just loves farming!

So without hesitation, Yang Hao decided to use this. And to his even greater surprise, this national policy tree really did have quite a few good items...

Take the first option he can choose, for example. This national policy called "City Construction" can gradually rebuild all the dilapidated areas of the Duchy of Kosiché over 70 days, and also bring it better comfort and stability—why not choose it? Wouldn't that be a huge waste!

That's a place that's been in disrepair for years! They even repair the toilet pipes if they're old, but if we have to fix them ourselves, how much money and resources would that cost?

And whether anyone will actually do the repairs is a good question—although the workers are very enthusiastic now, not all of them are willing to squeeze into the stinky sewers to fix things, are they?

Therefore, Yang Hao happily selected this national policy. After settling matters within his own family, it was naturally time to look at the national policy tree of the Ursus Empire—

but...

"...Less than I expected..."

The Ursus Empire has far fewer policy trees to choose from than Yang Hao had imagined... They are roughly divided into three categories.

The first major category is external expansion.

The second major category is internal stability and development.

The third category is the neutral category of "Science and Technology Research".

Although Yang Hao's first thought was to prioritize technological advancement, he then realized that stability and development were essential for smooth scientific research. Therefore, he decisively clicked on the "Stability and Development" category and found the most suitable national policy for the Ursus Empire at present.

National Policy: Birth Plan (70 days)

After the war with the Sherlock Holmes, the population of the Ursus Empire is far less than before. We must find a way to increase our population. To do this, perhaps we can improve the quality of life for our residents while providing subsidies for childbirth and education.

Effect: Upon completion, the population growth of the Ursus Empire will increase by 10%, and higher-level human resources will be generated as a result of the subsidies.

'I don't think I have a better choice.'

Hmm, how about this? A 10% increase in population growth rate, it may seem like a small amount, but it's enough, right?

Yang Hao nodded seriously, and then confirmed the national policy tree—

He stretched, intending to take a short rest and chat with His Majesty about his work progress.

"In short, Your Majesty—I have taken care of what I could handle. It will probably take about two months to take effect, so may I now take care of things on Kazimir's side?"

"Of course. But speaking of which, I see you writing and drawing, but you haven't communicated with any officials? Has your Originium Arts really become that powerful?" His Majesty the Emperor looked at Yang Hao with great curiosity, and then couldn't help but ask, "To be honest, I'm really curious whether your Originium Arts can be inherited... If it can be inherited, perhaps our children will inherit your abilities."

"I don't know either. To be honest, I had already given up hope of having a biological child because of my infertility. But who knew that Your Majesty would actually get pregnant after you forced yourself on me that day?" Yang Hao rolled his eyes. Anyway, he didn't know what to say now—that was it.

Sigh, let's all live our lives well from now on. I hope Your Majesty, considering your pregnancy, can make things easier for us...

He sighed, and just as he sighed, he heard footsteps behind him—Your Majesty? What do you want?

Before Yang Hao could turn around, he felt two full breasts pressing against the back of his head.

"That was your own request. And who made me embarrass myself like a young girl back then? I'm already 30 years old." The Emperor's grumbling behind Yang Hao made him swallow hard. "And actually, I'm also very curious as to why this happened—although I don't think you can give me the answer I want, but let it be. My dear Prince, we still have a long way to go."

"...Ahaha, yes, yes..."

"Hehe, I look forward to the day our imperial heir is born—whether he is a girl or a boy."

His Majesty the Emperor smiled and massaged Yang Hao's shoulders.

chapter Ten

-

While His Majesty the Emperor was having a friendly chat with Mr. Yang Hao.

The Duke of Kosiché is receiving his heir, Miss Karina, in his private reception room.

Since Miss Karina arrived, she has been preparing for the "inheritance." However, for some reason, her recent behavior has become somewhat abnormal... Kosichè needs to keep a close eye on Miss Karina's condition, lest something go wrong.

"In short... Karina, you came to me to ask some questions, right?"

However, since it wasn't Kosichä who sought out Karina, but rather Karina who approached her first, Kosichä must first resolve the doubts surrounding her heir before she can resolve her own.

She understood these things well, so she relaxed, took a sip of black tea, and quietly waited for the strange-looking heir to ask his questions.

“Yes, Lady Koschei, I have some questions I hope to have answered…” Miss Karina nodded in response to Koschei’s words, then looked at her with continued confusion: “It’s just… Lady Koschei? There’s no problem with Mr. Yang Hao being your husband, is there?”

"Hmm? Indeed."

Why... are you asking about this?

Kosiche blinked, took another sip of black tea, and then put down her teacup.

"It's just that... Mr. Yang Hao's personal relationships are so messy, why do you, Lord Koschche, let it go unchecked? From what I know, you... aren't the kind of magnanimous person, are you?"

"what..."

So that's what you meant?

Speaking of this, Koschke felt a headache coming on—after all, she wasn't exactly a magnanimous person. She allowed Yang Hao to keep a few mistresses outside to prevent him from getting sick from being cooped up when she wasn't around. But she didn't allow Yang Hao to actually become the Emperor's husband and actually give the Emperor an heir...

This isn't envy! As her husband, isn't this what he should be doing?! Sigh!

Although Kosiché knew that Yang Hao was definitely suspected of being forced at the time, but—

It's too late now. The deed is done. No matter how capable Koschei is, she can't possibly cut open His Majesty's stomach and flush the contents down the drain, can she? Alas!

She didn't want to make her husband angry or upset!

"Um, Lord Kosich?"

"...If you say that, then it is indeed what I allowed."

I almost forgot to answer the question.