Chapter 255: Tiger Crouches, Dragon Coils

In only two days, the east and south sides of Giant Serpent Head Island have seen shifting clouds and winds.

Zhenlong Kingdom's tens of thousands of Stone Corpse Soldiers have swept through, and the various forces of Dongsheng Continent have established numerous bases on the island.

Especially, it was taken with ease: Zhen Wang 'Xingzai' seized Blackwood Town, which he had cleverly plundered from the Pingyang Zhang Family.

And also the annex city constructed with half of the Tiangang Heavenly Craft Opens Things.

Openly and majestically they occupied most of Giant Serpent Head Island's land.

Moreover, appearing to hold the tiger‑crouching, dragon‑coiling formation, they eye the remaining half of the island…

On the thirteenth day of the first month, in the Great Hall of Shangshi Shijing Guigong, Zhenlong Kingdom.

Because it is the Great Court Assembly.

Zhang Gui, unusually dressed in the full imperial crown, sits high upon a sofa.

Looking down at the ministers also seated on sofas, he asks with a beaming smile:

"Esteemed ministers, how do you find the sofa sold by the Civilization Pioneer City?"

"Your Majesty, this chair called a 'sofa' is indeed soft and comfortable, but it is a bit too expensive."

Sang Gui, seated at his right hand, bounced his bottom on the sofa chair,

"I would like to speak to those Western swindlers on your behalf about the price."

"Lao Sang Gui, having just won a few battles, do not put on a face that wants to settle with swords and spears.

This is uncivilized.

Moreover, for a country that does not shift according to the leader's will,

War is essentially commerce; before fighting,

you must consider whether it is worthwhile.

Take, for example, our current campaign on the east and south halves of Giant Serpent Head Island.

The main reason is not to show off or to occupy land.

Rather, with Zhenlong Kingdom's recent population boom, the effect of the Tiangang Heavenly Craft Opens Things has grown ever larger.

To the point that we can no longer tolerate this marvel; half of it

is in the hands of Zhen Wang 'Xingzai', or rather wasted.

However, if we silently snatch all of the Metal Flying Artisan from Zhen Wang's side,

it will inevitably cause great trouble, so it is better to strike first.

And after we forcefully occupy Blackwood Town, it will inevitably alert all Dongsheng Continent forces that have established maritime bases on Giant Serpent Head Island.

Thus it would be better to wipe them out completely first.

However, the settlements on the western side of Giant Serpent Head Island—well, since we have already openly established a foothold overseas,

naming the occupied island 'Giant Snake Head' again would be somewhat indecorous.

and the omen also feels awkward.

From now on, let's rename it 'Zhenlong Island'.

Moreover, although the name 'Giant Serpent Head Island' is fitting, naming a nation's founding land after a 'snake' does indeed weaken its grandeur.

The Emperor has said it will be renamed; what can the ministers below do?

Moreover, although the name 'Giant Serpent Head Island' is apt, a nation's founding land being called 'Snake' indeed weakens its grandeur.

Adding the solitary 'Snake Head' also hints at beheading, so it should be altered.

Thus the ministers in the great hall voiced unanimous praise, full of agreement,

"Zhenlong Kingdom's Zhenlong Island, Zhenlong Island's Zhenlong Kingdom.

Arranged in any direction, it is orderly, rolls off the tongue, and is exceedingly fitting.

Your Majesty, the renaming is truly excellent, wonderfully clever,"

"True Dragons dwell on the sea, nurturing Qi, gathering strength, awaiting the day they soar skyward!

This auspicious start is superb, and it's only because Your Majesty could think of it."

"Your Majesty, this time Zhenlong Kingdom has seized fertile lands of tens of thousands of li, truly becoming a climate.

This former Giant Serpent Head Island is now essentially a thing in our pocket.

Naturally, whatever name you wish it to have, it shall be called that."…

Zhang Gui, smiling, listened to the ministers' flattery,

originally intending to wait until the momentum faded before getting back to serious matters.

but unexpectedly, the talk never ended.

Let our citizens all know that the island beneath their feet has been renamed 'Zhenlong Island'.

Finally, he could only clap forcefully and shout:

"Alright, alright, the matter of renaming Giant Serpent Head Island is settled.

After the court session, could Lord Song issue a proclamation, broadcasting it nationwide?

so that our citizens know the island beneath their feet has been renamed 'Zhenlong Island'."

Song Wenhua, seated at Zhang Gui's left, respectfully nodded but raised a slight objection,

"Your Majesty, the renaming of Zhenlong Island may seem minor, yet it concerns the nation's 'Name, Vessel' transformation,

I think it should still be proclaimed nationwide by your Imperial Decree…"

"Two matters: first, as I have long said, the greatest rule of Zhenlong Kingdom is 'the King is under the law.'

According to the regulations, the so‑called 'Name, Vessel' change of the state should be advocated by your government.

Second, Zhenlong Kingdom now has fewer than five million citizens; after the New Year we can refine another batch of Stone Corpse Soldiers, bringing the force up to one hundred thousand.

What talk of a nationwide proclamation.

【61】 For a small nation with few people, having spirit and confidence is vital, but overreaching becomes awkward."

【62】 "Your Majesty is right." Song Wenming said, pondering and nodding,

【63】 "Especially the second, with its boastful talk; we indeed should constantly watch not to err."

【64】 Zhang Gui laughed heartily, then turned the conversation:

"Alright, let's continue the topic we were just discussing."

They are situated on the great western side of Zhenlong Island, three cities—Roujin, Civilization Vanguard, and Sacred Ode—built by the Xizhou offshore merchant consortium.

In stark contrast to the Dongzhou outpost that cannot bring us any benefit.

A year ago, on average, we could fleece about 1,800 new citizens per day from these three cities.

In the past year, that number rose to roughly 2,500 per day.

What does that mean?

It means that they contribute at least 20,000 taels of silver to us each day, plus over a thousand human corpses that can be refined into Stone Corpse Soldiers.

I ask everyone, if we capture cities like Roujin, Civilization Vanguard, and Sacred Ode, could we obtain even greater profit?

I think it's impossible.

He spoke fluently there, laying out facts and reasoning, and eradicated the 'military fruit' ideology that was gaining some traction within the Zhenlong Kingdom.

Then he expressed his view on the next step of national policy,

"First, our Zhenlong Kingdom must temporarily close its borders and isolate itself.

Because the majority of our citizens are former Dongzhou slaves and soldiers, and slaves from the Southern Red Continent.

Therefore, to prevent the powers in the East and West from discovering us, we continue to fleece them…"

"Your Majesty, our Zhenlong Kingdom is rich in resources; although we lack Gold and Silver mines, we can purchase…"

"Minister, hold on, I know what you are thinking.

But have you heard the principle that 'no trade, no harm'!

When we spend money here to purchase a slave, the slave trader will cause more than one death!

Remember, no trade, no harm.

You must grasp this reasoning, or else we will be abetting cruelty right before our eyes!"

The ministers were initially speechless for a long time, then broke into applause and unanimous praise.

Only Zhang Gui thought to himself:

"Although slave trading is an absolute 'political mistake' and a huge impediment to the future development of human civilization!

But considering the current social systems and productivity levels of Dongsheng Continent and the Southern Red Continent.

It's hard to say whether slave trading kills more people or saves more.

The only clear point is that free fleece is more suitable for me than paid purchase."

(End of chapter)