It doesn't matter what the lord is.

"Your formation needs to be repaired. The more things that can bring substantial improvements to the army, the better. When you come back, come up with a plan and I'll help you with it. But before that..."

Li De pushed Fang Shisan towards the residence of the Yunyang officials and said, "Let's prepare for tonight's party first."

41. Long-awaited leisure time

The reason why Lid asked Qianji to wake him up at dinner time instead of studying in the dim underground world for several days and nights was because he had an appointment with officials from Yunyang to have dinner together tonight.

After the unification of the world, each territory had a lot of things to do. As the organizer of the alliance, the officials of Yunyang were undoubtedly more tired. In addition to their own work, they also had to coordinate the conflicts between the various territories, so the dinner plan was pushed back and forth until Lid asked everyone to stop their work and take an evening to have dinner and chat together.

"No matter what, Yunyang's slacking spirit must not be lost. People are not made of iron. Take more rest when you have time. Look at Master He, he used to work all year round, and his hairline is getting higher every year. Sooner or later, he will be bald."

Lid joked that although He Yue lost a lot of hair during the busiest period, it was basically invisible, and her black hair was still black and smooth, making people jealous. And now that He Yue has delegated some work, she feels more relaxed and her complexion has obviously improved.

There may be various disputes and estrangements within other territories, but Yunyang's core officials have always maintained a good relationship. As a newly emerging territory, most of Yunyang's officials have risen to their positions based on their abilities. There is no conflict of interest between them, and they cooperate with each other very well. In this atmosphere, dinner parties are naturally enjoyable.

As Yunyang’s core members grew in number, one table could no longer accommodate them all.

Lid simply arranged four tables. He Yue, Bai Huang, Yun Ye, Xiang Zhe Hua, Fei Lin, and Grifa sat at one table, Fang Shisan, Juan Bai, Ming Qian, Chen Yu, and Takis sat at another table, Shuang, Xi Luo, Ping Zi, Liu Shi, and A Mo sat at another table, and Alaia, Fei Lita, Bai Ye, Ling Lan, Zhan Mei, and Skadi sat at another table.

After everyone arrived, they started chatting spontaneously, but the topic was still mainly about work. It was not until Lid entered that the topic gradually became more relaxed.

"I called everyone here for dinner today because we haven't gathered together for a long time. The dragon invasion disrupted our original plan, so we had to use a new plan to promote unification. Everyone has been working hard during this period, and I would like to offer a toast to everyone."

Lid raised his glass, and those who could drink also raised their glasses, and those who couldn't drink used drinks instead. Lid took a sip, put the glass aside, and continued:

"I still remember that winter, when we couldn't get so many people together for the dinner. At that time, I told everyone present that everyone has their own goals, but if you follow the ship of Yuxi City and follow me, Lide, one day all your dreams will come true. Now Yunyang is leading the changes in the whole world, and the boasts I made back then have now come true."

He Yue, Fang Shisan, Bai Huang and others all smiled.

Lide was probably talking about the winter three years ago, when Lide hadn't even conquered Yunyang and was only the lord of Yuxi City. Not long after he said this, Lide went to the capital, and the feud with the dragon clan was also formed at that time. At that time, Yuxi City was indeed very weak, so weak that the various forces fighting for the world would not even look at it.

But even so, everyone has survived the most difficult period and has come to this day.

Reed picked up the glass again, but instead of toasting, he shook it gently in his hand.

The smile on his face was the same as always:

"But do you think this is enough? Let me tell you what I think. I am a person who is easily satisfied. For me, what we have now is almost enough. It's a pity that the tree wants to be quiet but the wind does not stop. We want to live a stable life, but many people hope we will die. Not to mention that the alliance is doomed to not last long, the current human situation is also full of internal and external troubles. So I can only cheer up with you and fight again."

He Yue said:

"So do we."

The others repeated He Yue's words in unison.

Having a good relationship is one thing. In such an occasion, everyone will give Lid due respect. In particular, everyone can hear the hidden meaning in Lid's words: Everyone, it's not time to rest yet. If you indulge in pleasure, be prepared to give up the position under your butt.

Lid raised his glass and toasted again, changing his tone to a more relaxed one:

"It's just a convention, don't be too serious. After all, I still owe you a lot of things, and I always feel guilty when I owe others something. For example, Fang Shisan wanted to be a general in Tiance Mansion, but I haven't helped her get it yet."

Fang Shisan smiled and said, "No hurry."

Lid looked around at the people in front of him, sighed slightly, and said:

"Xiang Zhehua's relatives are still in Nanchu, and their lives and deaths are still unknown. After finishing this meal, Pingzi will go to the next place to gather intelligence. Feilin has lost at least 5 or 6 pounds in this period of time. He was not fat to begin with, but now he is just skin and bones. Anyone who sees him will be shocked. Yunye, your relatives are still haunting me. I know it's hard for you, so I will be the bad guy for you. When you come back, you can comfort them and get rid of them. And Griffa, it's not your fault for the last round of financial crisis. You have no experience, so don't blame yourself too much..."

The people whose names were called out by Lid had different expressions, but there was no lack of emotion and self-blame in their eyes.

I was touched because Lid, who was in a high position, could still remember their "trivial matters". I felt guilty because I felt that Lid still cared about such a small matter of mine. Lid raised his glass and drank the wine in it, and continued:

"There are many difficulties and obstacles in life. Even if you are geniuses in various fields, you cannot avoid them completely. So humans are social animals. When we get together, we can always find ways to solve various problems. Yuxi City used to be a small boat with few people on board. It was often shaky in the wind and rain, as if it could capsize at any time. Now our Yunyang is rich and has become the master of half of the world. This ship is big and can go to farther places. I still remember your wishes. Except for those who don't have any wishes like Miss Skadi, I will try my best to help you realize them."

Lid put down his glass again and said with a smile:

"The only promise I can make to you is that you will not let me down, and I will not let you down either. As you all know, I have no desire for power. I will definitely not take over anything that you can do well. So don't worry too much that one day I will take back the power in your hands. Just go ahead and try. Now the world is your stage, and I look forward to your performance."

Lid clapped his hands together, laughed and said:

"Okay, let's eat! Master He's voice hasn't been good these past two days, so I'll sing a song for everyone myself."

42. The Beginning of Peace

"No more wars?" "Yes, no more wars."

On an unknown street in Yongtian Kingdom, a man wearing a bamboo hat was walking alone. Seeing someone talking on the side of the road, he cast a brief glance in that direction. The sleeve of his right hand was empty, and only half of his left hand was left. Fortunately, three fingers could barely hold the wine jug. The man took a sip of wine and a smile appeared on his stubbled face.

He has heard conversations like this countless times during this period.

For most people, you can't understand the council, the new laws, or any other messy new things. Farmers who work hard in the fields are most concerned about taxes, while many refugees who don't even have land just want to find a place where there is no war.

As the saying goes, "One general's success is built on the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers." Many people think that these thousands of soldiers are soldiers who died on the battlefield, but that is not the case. Soldiers on the battlefield may be promoted by their bravery, but the real torment is the ordinary people who are burdened with heavy taxes. At first, the increase in taxes is like cutting meat with a blunt knife. When the taxes rise to a level that they cannot afford, they can only sell their land, and after selling their land, they sell themselves into slavery. Those who are unwilling to sell themselves can only flee from famine.

Now that the world has suddenly become peaceful, they are still not used to it. Every day, people fleeing from famine come to the city to confirm with the residents, who always ask about the accuracy of the news without getting tired of it, as if they are possessed by a demon and cannot get out of the world they know.

"Is it really peaceful?"

"It's really peaceful now. Look, it's not like the chaos before. Rebuilding is going on everywhere, and you can find work anywhere." "God bless... Who won in the end?"

"Who's winning?"

"Yes, didn't you say it was peaceful? Which territory won the battle? Who is giving us the job now?"

".....I don't know either. I heard that the council is in charge now, and the king was just a member of the council. Oh, why bother with so much? At least people won't starve to death now."

"That's true..."

The man in the bamboo hat continued walking, occasionally stopping to listen to the discussions of ordinary people. But to his regret, he never heard a familiar name, or even the familiar territory. Walking further, he arrived in the city, and the streets were much busier. Some people were selling vegetables and fruits, and some were selling hair accessories and red ropes. The person in charge of recruiting workers held a sign and had the loudest voice among all the people:

"Work, work! Repair the river canal! Food and lodging are provided, and ten copper coins are paid a day!"

There were many ragged people around him, some asking him where he was repairing, some asking if he had enough food, and some asking if he could give them a little more money. The man ignored all the questions and got annoyed by the noise, then he answered in one breath:

"The rice is mixed grain rice, a big bowl for each person, you can have more if it's not enough! The dishes are fried in oil, very fragrant! The place where the river canal is being repaired is near Zaoyezi Village, you can go there and ask for it yourself, or you can follow me later! Those who think it's cheap, get out, go work somewhere else!"

The person in charge of recruiting thought for a moment and added:

“The money is paid daily!”

The man who was shouting loudly just now stopped talking and did not leave. He just lined up behind the foreman, ready to set off together. The recruiter took a look at the man in the bamboo hat and thought he was strong and a good worker; but after seeing his empty sleeves, he could only shake his head with regret and look away.

The man in the bamboo hat didn't mind. He observed for a while and then continued to walk to the next place.

There was a notice on the wall at the entrance of the alley. The man in the bamboo hat walked over. He had received literacy training before, so it was not difficult for him to understand the notice in plain language. He looked around the crowd and found that it was a document about repairing the river channel. The general idea was that the Longgu River had often burst its banks in recent years, and the government planned to recruit people to repair it. It also clearly stated that both locals and outsiders could sign up to participate.

The man in the bamboo hat smiled knowingly.

He had encountered this kind of thing before. He had organized the refugees to work in an orderly manner and patrolled day and night with soldiers to prevent people from cheating or fighting. But the scale was very small at that time. Now, looking at the whole world, at least hundreds of thousands of people will participate in the work-for-relief program.

The world has indeed gotten a little better.

The man in the bamboo hat thought.

At least those who work hard will not starve to death and will always have something to eat. Although it is still a long way from a harmonious society where all the poor people in the world can live happily, it has at least cleared the dark clouds above our heads, allowing people to see the sunshine in the sky and the hope for the future.

The man in the bamboo hat found a tavern and sat down. He put the wine jug on the table and said to the waiter, "Fill it up."

The waiter immediately went to get a pot of wine and said politely:

"From your voice, you don't sound like a local. Would you like to try our cooked beef? If it doesn't taste good, you don't have to pay for it!" The man in the bamboo hat shook the wine pot, smelled the wine, and said:

"it is good."

The waiter went to cut a plate of beef. There were not many customers at this time, so the waiter simply stood aside and chatted with the man in the bamboo hat: "Where is the guest from?"

The man in the bamboo hat replied: "I am from Yunyang."

The waiter immediately showed an interested look:

"You're from Yunyang? Looking at your muscular body, are you from the army?" The man in the bamboo hat frowned and asked emotionlessly: "Why are you asking this?"

The waiter was stunned for a moment, then quickly said:

"Oh, look at my mouth. I shouldn't ask, I shouldn't ask! I'm just curious. I heard rumors on the street that it seems that several territories are dividing the world, but in fact Yunyang is still the main one! So just now I thought that the generals of the Yunyang army should have become important officials now... I just wanted to... sell you more things."

The man in the bamboo hat was silent for a while and then laughed.

He picked up a piece of beef with his only three fingers, put it into his mouth, and chewed it slowly.

"I was indeed from Yunyang's army before. But later I left because I had some things to deal with, and my ability was limited.

Many things gradually became beyond my control.”

The waiter made sure that the other party was not angry, then he asked cautiously:

"Then you have never thought about... going back?"

The man shook his only three fingers and said with a smile: "What are you going to do when you go back? Lead the troops to fight, or take advantage of your seniority?" The waiter was speechless. He thought for a moment before saying:

"Your contribution will be remembered over there. I heard that the relatives of soldiers from Yunyang who died in battle will be treated well. What's more, you are still alive." The man finished the beef on the table in a few bites, took two sips of wine, and smiled:

"No need. I'm not short of money and I can survive anywhere. It's enough to know that they are okay and still care about this country like before." The man in the bamboo hat put the wine jug in his arms, took out some change to pay the bill, and walked out of the store.

The midday sun shines on the world and also on him.

He put three fingers on the hilt of the knife at his waist, looked at the crowd coming and going, and suddenly recalled the scene when he first met Lid. At that time, Lid, who had just arrived in Yuxi City, said to him who had no choice but to sign up for the army: I will pay you a gold coin to buy your life. "I want you to live and kill more enemies."

The man sniffed and wiped his slightly red eyes with his left arm.

43. The hegemony finally fell and the crisis came again

In the mist between Xiqin and Nanchu, most of the creatures fell to the ground silently, from the various birds and beasts in Nanchu Yunmengze to the bees and flies flying in the sky.

Therefore, the vast land was extremely quiet, with no human conversation, no insects or birds singing.

Time seemed to stand still,

If you listen carefully, you will find that no matter where you are in this land, you can hear a subtle sound -

The sound was like a butterfly gnawing at the silk of its cocoon, or an unborn baby kicking in the womb. Along with the sound, the fog in the air gradually became thinner from extremely thick, but the sky remained gloomy, with no rain or thunder, only adding a deadly heat to the world.

After an unknown amount of time, something in the air seemed to tremble. Then, in front of a dead tree, the originally seamless scenery suddenly seemed to be cut open. Three people appeared there, namely Merlin, Xiang Hei and Xiang Mu. The most seriously injured of the three was the Nanchu lord Xiang Mu. His legs seemed to be unable to walk anymore, and he leaned against the tree to rest with the support of his son.

Merlin and Xiao Hei were also seriously injured, with Xiao Hei's injuries being more serious. He was shirtless and had many shocking wounds all over his body. Only Merlin looked decent, but his originally snow-white robe had become tattered, and he was facing the dilemma of running out of magic power.

Lord Nanchu exhaled to Mu and said with a smile:

"As far as I can remember, the last time Nan Chu was in such a state was when they were attacking the witches in Southern Xinjiang..."

He coughed twice, and sticky blood fell to the ground. Xiao Hei looked reluctant and looked at Merlin, who shook his head quietly. Xiang Mu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said to Xiao Hei:

"I didn't want to tell you what happened on the battlefield at first, and planned to find a way to solve it after I got out. But now it seems that if I don't tell you, I might take these secrets to the grave..."

Xiao Hei looked at his father, and Merlin listened attentively.

Originally, Xiao Hei and Mei Lin were a team. Their plan was to sneak into the main city of Xi Qin to investigate the crisis Xiao Bai mentioned; while Xiang Mu, the lord of Nan Chu, led his army to fight against the lord of Xi Qin. As a result, the fog first enveloped the two territories, and Xiao Hei and Mei Lin came into contact with the daughter of the great swordsman Mr. Ting Chao; then something happened in the main city of Xi Qin, and when Xiao Hei and Mei Lin fled, they encountered the defeated army of Nan Chu, and saw the seriously injured lord of Nan Chu, Xiang Mu, during the questioning.

Merlin used illusion to support the three people to escape, but it seemed to be the limit. Xiang Mu opened his eyes, his expression was full of ridicule and disgust, but his tone was calm:

"The army of Western Qin is indeed strong, but in my eyes, it is just that strong. Southern Chu has strong soldiers and horses and has never been afraid of any territory.

But then something unexpected happened...

The Chu soldiers chopped off the enemy's head, but the headless creature stabbed them in the abdomen with a spear. "

Xiao Hei took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He could already imagine the scene. Xiang Mu continued:

"The entire battlefield has become absurd. Our people have no idea what they are fighting against. Heads flying around, hands and feet hanging in the air, necks like ropes... all of them are our enemies. Chopping a person into several pieces is equivalent to adding several more flexible opponents. There are also centipedes and spiders made of limb fragments, sweeping the battlefield while making human screams. The reinforcements from the traditional temples can't effectively kill those things. Except for the saint who is still holding up the situation, everyone else is basically helpless."

Xiang Mu smiled and looked at Xiao Hei. His expression was like that of a father who sold his handbag to buy a gift for his child on his birthday. He looked a little bitter, but also a little proud.

"But even so, I still killed Ying Tong. Hahahaha... That guy has always been like this. He has no confidence in himself and always puts his hopes on external things with a stern face. Even if he turns his soldiers into monsters, what can it do? I can still kill him! This is the difference between him and me. The blood of my Xiang family is the royal blood. Our lineage is the natural emperor."

Xiang Mu coughed violently, blood gushing out of his mouth, but there was still no sign of pain on his face.

This may be the reason why he was relieved: in the war between Western Qin and Southern Chu, it was indeed Southern Chu that lost. But Xiang Mu was able to lead his army into the center of Western Qin's army surrounded by monsters, and risked his legs to exchange for the life of the Western Qin lord. This proved that he was stronger than the Western Qin lord Ying Tong.

It’s a pity that this situation cannot be resolved by the death of the Lord of Western Qin.

This boundless fog, the blood and souls of all life in these two powerful lands, ultimately converged not on the Lord of Western Qin but on that woman.

Xiang Mu clenched his fists. He really didn't want to close his eyes. He wanted to stand up and fight that woman again. At least to see what that woman would become, or to lead the army to fight those broken monsters. No matter how powerful that woman was, he felt that he still had the strength to fight. He even started to plan what he should do after he got out.

But when he saw Xiao Hei's injuries and Merlin's magic power was almost exhausted, Xiang Mu still didn't hold on to the end. He made the most sensible decision at the moment and handed over the rest to his son.

Xiang Mu patted Xiao Hei's shoulder and said:

"It's true that I like that woman, and it's also true that she is your mother. But next time we meet, you have to kill her." Xiao Hei nodded.

Xiang Mu pointed to the distance and said:

Okay, go away. Stop being an eyesore here. Every time I see you growing bigger and bigger, I feel old. If I were 20 years younger, I would kill all the monsters and demons by myself. But it's okay, for me, there is only one thing in the world that can be compared with my hegemony, and that's you. It's okay if you are still alive when I die. "