After leaving the Canon Law School, since I wasn't in much of a hurry, I hitched a ride on Master Simmons' carriage to the Hex Bird Society.
After so ti of strategic maneuvering, the Hex Bird Society erged from its slump and had beco much busier and livelier. The mbers were all motivated and very proud that the Hex Bird Report was on the side of Justice. Working overti was no cause for complaint; everyone was spirited and knew that the weekly edition for tomorrow was the main event. The basic layout was already set, and overti work was a must.
As soon as Li Xin arrived, he was warmly welcod by the editorial team. His "Utopia Mountain Vendetta" would be another heavy blow to the Hedan Daily. After seeing the new manuscript, all the editors were full of anticipation, but there were still a few details they needed to consider, so they wanted to discuss with Li Xin whether it could be strengthened or revised.
By this point, nobody could treat Li Xin as a rookie anymore. Li Xin was already showing the potential of a great writer, and with Chief Editor Ma Zhe and Secretary Christie holding him in high regard, Li Xin's reputation had turned around unnoticed. At first, everyone thought this young man was a relative of the chief editor, or that he was kept by Christie—certainly not a serious person. But neither the editor nor Christie explained, and now they deeply regretted their shallowness because the chief editor had clearly recognized the potential of this great writer, which was why Secretary Christie valued him so much and personally oversaw him.
Even as the King was making such significant decisions, reader feedback was still pouring in, making the seasoned and sharp editors realize that once this issue of the weekly was published, it would provoke an even stronger response.
Li Xin was also a sensible person, knowing that it's better to enjoy together than alone. He would thoroughly consider everyone's ideas so that everyone felt involved. There wasn't much of a problem with the manuscript, and Wusu even took out the front-page draft for tomorrow to let Li Xin take a look. The headline read: "Hail to the Most Just King of Moncalleta's History."
"Brother Su, isn't this a bit too cheesy?" Li Xin asked, stunned.
Wusu chuckled, "We think so too, but the key is not about the cheesiness, but about highlighting the King's wise and powerful nature."
Li Xin pondered, "How about 'Making Moncalleta Great Again'? What do you think?"
Wusu and the others paused, contemplating the taste in it. And indeed, the complints to the King had been overused, and His Majesty would definitely see this. Even if it were put up again, it might not hold much significance.
"I think, words like 'hail' have probably been seen often by His Majesty, but what does His Majesty truly want in his heart?" Li Xin said.
"This one is well used, with subtle power, and also fits His Majesty's character. This is good, let's use this!"
Then Li Xin realized the consequence of speaking up: he was surrounded by the group for the final draft, working late into the night.... At this ti of night, coming to work overti actually turned out to be for real work.
After a round of bother, he found out the Chief Editor and Christie were not there at all, they had other tasks, and Li Xin was indeed summoned purely to ensure tomorrow's weekly would be flawless.
It's all that damned owl's fault; next ti I must pluck its feathers!
Upon leaving the Hex Bird Society, Li Xin felt drained, physically exhausted. Next ti, he vowed not to speak up unnecessarily; great, now I have to find a carriage at this late hour, how troubleso. Hopefully, there's one near the society.
When Li Xin saw Simmons' carriage was still waiting outside, he almost teared up.
The driver ca down, "Young Master Xin, where would you like to go next? The young master instructed to take you."
At this mont, Li Xin's frosty heart ward significantly, filled with fulfillnt, after all, only a master like an eagle would be so considerate.
Back at the Lirong Inn, the driver thoughtfully opened the door and courteously invited Li Xin out of the carriage. Old Fang was still at his stall, unable to sleep at night, waiting at the inn's entrance for guests. Although passenger flow was low at this ti, the client ratio would rise; those wandering late at night must have so sadness, and this was when they needed a divination to unravel life.
However, seeing Li Xin co down from the luxurious carriage, Old Fang knew this business wouldn't be a profitable one.
Dragon Mother hadn't slept either; as a prerequisite for being a boss, she claid to be second in energy, and no one dared claim first. Getting up early, going to bed late, full of energy, paying attention to everyone in the inn, knowing all sorts of things, once need arose, she could decisively grab hold, and no one could escape.
Li Xin hadn't even entered the courtyard when Dragon Mother erged, still radiant despite the late night, "Oh, Young Master Xin, was it Young Master Simmons who brought you back?"
"No, just took a ride on his carriage. Dragon Mother, aren't you asleep yet at such a late hour?"
"How can I sleep alone in such a long and beautiful night? Young Master Xin, do you want to join for a drink?" Dragon Mother extended a sincere invitation, genuine with a hint of anticipation.
"Ahem, Dragon Mother, I just got back from the bird society, still have to work overti on the draft, let Ma Liu drink with you, Ma Liu has the best drinking manners I've ever seen." Li Xin stumbled slightly, suddenly feeling a bit weak.
"Huh, that skinny monkey isn't worthy of drinking my precious unopened wine." Dragon Mother said.
Li Xin's brain twitched, he thought of things he shouldn't, "Dragon Mother, I need to hurry back to work, I still have to serve Young Master Simmons tomorrow, oh, I'll tell Young Master Simmons you miss him."
"Ah, saying it like that makes shy, rember when expressing it to be a bit subtle, people can be very reserved." Dragon Mother said, smiling, ntioning Young Master Simmons, and Li Xin's charm was sowhat diluted, after all, whether it was David or Li Xin, compared to the perfect Master Simmons, they all lacked a little sothing.
I heard that Master Simmons is going to duel with so infamous person nad Di. How could soone as noble as Master Simmons be provoked by such a villain? Dragon Mother learned a trick from Old Fang; make a doll and stick pins in it.
At Prince Oliver's estate, the lights were bright as well. Although the Cabinet seed calm, the old nobility like Nasser and others were caught off guard by this situation.
This kid Anthony has his faults, but he's clear-headed. Even while detained at the Funeral Attendant's base, the ssages he needed to convey got through uninterrupted. As for Didia's pretend visit, it was just for show. Initially, it seed the King had compromised, but then there was this sudden reversal.
No need to explain past incidents; the King and the Celestials took advantage of the situation and did many things. It was unexpected that they added such a clause to the King's decree, practically abolishing the nobles' immunity from execution. The nominal target was the royal family—if even the royals were affected, what worth did the nobility have?
This tactic of self-harm before harming others has been played out expertly by Ola the Eighteenth over the years. Even people from Nasser's great families are quietly discussing whether the King has gone mad.
As the gathering reached its end, Oliver patiently listened to the Duke's complaints while holding a crystal glass of vibrant red wine.
"This can't be the end, Anthony can't be sacrificed in vain, we must retaliate!"
"Vladimir's advancent to demigod status absorbed our fortune—this is the Kingdom's fortune, the Earth Mother Goddess's fortune—and it's a greater threat over ti. Could we ask the Church Court to intervene?"
"Old Zheng, the Church Court cannot interfere in the King's matters, moreover the Pope is in isolation, praying for the country. We cannot disturb him."
Everyone expressed their regret. If the Pope were willing to intervene, the situation would imdiately reverse. The Pope's status isn't sothing a newly ascended demigod could compare to. But as one's divinity grows stronger, they beco more detached from worldly affairs. The Pope has not stepped into the secular world for over a decade.
There's no need for the Pope to appear. If the Red-robed Archbishop of the Earth Mother Goddess would represent the Church Court, Anthony might not have died. Yet everything happened too quickly. When Duke Nasser heard the news, he went to find the Great Prince imdiately, but the Great Prince politely declined.
"No one can defy the laws set by the Supre Will. If the Church Court intervenes, it will reignite the conflict between divine and royal authority, violating the Supre Will and bring unpredictable changes to the Church Court," Oliver said. "When it cos to protecting our interests, we still have to rely on ourselves."
"Your Highness, the Celestial Principle School is advancing relentlessly. From the Canon Law School, they've been determined to emulate Luthor's reforms and replace us entirely."
Everyone nodded in agreent. Initially, they didn't pay much attention—how could the Moncalleta Kingdom be compared to a desolate place like Lirong? But over the years, sohow, the Celestial Principle School and Canon Law School had beco real contenders and a sharp weapon in the King's hands. With Vladimir's advancent to demigod, things beca even more uncontrollable. Anthony's death suddenly heightened the sense of crisis among the nobility.
"Your Highness, you are our backbone. Please stand up for us; the Kingdom's centuries-old foundation cannot be destroyed by these charlatans."
"Your Highness, the Cabinet is almost controlled by these Celestial heretics. We need you to return and lead us."
"Yes, Your Highness, only you can save the Kingdom now."
Oliver gently smiled and shook his head, "My younger brother is doing a great job as King; people believe he is the greatest in Moncalleta's history. I am just a leisurely Prince, if I can share the burden a little, I will, but I won't involve myself in state affairs; it wouldn't be proper."
The people tried to persuade him, but Oliver did not agree, and the nobles left with regret, though so had realized the crux of the problem.
The greatest King?
It's both laughable and pompous. How many good outcos are there for such self-appointed magnates? And what if he's King?
As long as a flaw is exposed, people will rise against him and see how the King handles it.
After the nobles left, a faint smile appeared on Oliver's handso face. Amosa walked in, "Father, why didn't you agree with them? You can command the masses now."
"Silly girl, they want to be the vanguard," Oliver chuckled fondly at his daughter, "My younger brother's montum is strong now; there's no need for a head-on clash. He has endured for so long that he cannot hold back. Only at this point will he truly understand the consequences of taking others' cake. Let them hurt a little more, and they will beco clearer-headed. A counterattack will be more effective."
"Father, I don't want to be a Commandery Princess; I want to be a Princess," Amosa pouted at Oliver's feet.
Oliver stroked Amosa's long hair, "Soon, give more ti, not only will you be a Princess, but you'll also be Moncalleta's first Queen."
Fortune is limited—when his brother inherited the throne, he took away other things as well. Prince Oliver has only one daughter, and he has grood Amosa to be his heir from a young age, unlike other nobles who try for more heirs.
Unlike Estella's situation, Amosa can do anything she wants, can run anywhere, can see the world. If anything happens, Oliver will handle it. In the Hedan aristocratic circles, everyone knows you can mock the Princess but never offend the Commandery Princess. Mock the Princess correctly, and the King might reward you, but offend the Commandery Princess? Your entire family's downfall.
Amosa's spoiling is real, but so is her effort. She wants to surpass Estella in every aspect, determined to reclaim everything rightfully hers for her father.
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