Chapter 219: Kindness and Power (10,000 words updated, please subscribe!)

Qi Yinglong’s eyes opened wide and he was speechless for a moment.

It is an indisputable fact that the victors enjoy the right to dominate everything.

What Gu Dan wanted to do had nothing to do with whether he supported it or not, and he didn't even have the qualifications to oppose it.

When one's personal power reaches this level and no one can check and balance him, he can indeed do whatever he wants.

Being kind, righteous and moral is always better than being a jackal.

Emperor Qi Yinglong opened his mouth several times, and finally said: "You can do whatever you want and see if the result is the same!"

Throughout history, there have been some powerful people who attempted to establish a world of great harmony. Although it was only a world of great harmony in a small area, the final result was bound to make people sigh with regret.

If this is the case in a small place, let alone a country? It sounds wonderful to have ideals come true, but in the process of reality approaching the ideal, there are too many hardships and the road is too tortuous, which is enough to discourage people.

"That's not what you can see."

Gu Dan glanced at him coldly and picked up a stack of papers from the ground.

That was the second condition Qi Yinglong offered: 80% of the Daqi national treasury.

"Get a pen!"

Gu Dan said.

Qi Yinglong was silent for a moment and waved his hand.

Soon a servant brought the brush over.

Gu Dan took the brush and began to make changes directly on the words written on the paper.

Qi Yinglong was a little curious, but he didn't dare to look around. He could only stand there silently, listening to the subtle sound of the pen tip sliding across the paper, not knowing what he was doing.

What would a man who said that even the entire national treasury was not enough do with the gold and silver treasures in the Daqi national treasury? Gu Dan was very fast, and he hardly needed much time to think. He put one piece of paper after another aside. When he had drawn all of them, the attendant who was standing by and delivering the brush was already standing there in a daze, looking at him with surprised eyes.

"Take it."

When the last piece of paper was written with ink, Gu Dan raised his chin slightly.

"yes!"

The attendant did not dare to be negligent in the slightest, fearing that Gu Dan would regret it, so he gathered the papers together and handed them to Qi Yinglong again.

Qi Yinglong reached out to take it, and when he looked at it with curiosity, he was stunned for a moment.

It was not because Gu Dan asked for too much, but because what Gu Dan wanted was too little.

Yes, too little.

It was even less than the conditions he put forward the first time.

It was only about 30% of the national treasury. At other times, this would have been a huge expense that would have made him heartbroken. But this was compensation, compensation for his life and property! Not taking all of it would have been considered merciful, let alone just 30%?

Qi Yinglong couldn't help but rub his eyes with his hands. His eyes were not blurry, nor was he dreaming.

Then he couldn't wait to look through the second and third sheets. The quantities of almost all the things he had prepared were greatly reduced, except for the cloth and food, which were slightly more, but only about 40%.

Compared to the 60% of the national treasury wealth he took out the first time, it was almost completely cut in half! When he turned to the last page, Qi Yinglong discovered something different.

There are quite a few more words on it.

For example, the class system of the people of Daqi was abolished, and from then on there were no first-class, second-class, and third-class people. For example, he apologized to the people of the world, issued a self-criticism edict, abdicated and gave way to the wise . For example, he praised the Mohist philosophy, especially the advocacy of virtuous people, advocating unity, moderate music, and frugal burials. After reading all of it, Qi Yinglong was filled with doubts and a sense of unreality.

These conditions were much better than the best outcome he had ever imagined.

It was so good that he felt that this might just be a bad joke, a bad joke that wanted him to see hope and then witness his miserable appearance when the hope was shattered.

"Is this your condition?"

Even though he knew that this condition was most likely a joke on him, like a predator playing with its prey, Qi Yinglong still couldn't help but ask.

"Of course not."

Gu Dan said in a decisive tone.

“.”

Even though Qi Yinglong was somewhat mentally prepared, he still felt like he was struck by lightning when he heard it.

Of course, it couldn't be that simple.

"After this compensation, Daqi will have to pay compensation for each year that it has invaded Dayue. The amount will be set at 10% of the national treasury."

Gu Dan said.

"That's it?"

Emperor Daqi couldn't help but say.

Then he reacted and quickly explained: "I mean, these are the only conditions?"

"What I said before also counts. I will kill those local gentry, aristocratic families, and even royal nobles who dare to embezzle the people's money. I want the hungry to be fed, the cold to be clothed, and the toiling to rest."

Gu Dan lowered his eyes slightly, "Do you think I'm joking?"

Emperor Daqi Qi Yinglong was momentarily distracted.

He suddenly realized that Gu Dan came here not just for the purpose of settling accounts.

He not only wanted to seek justice for the people of Dayue, but also to seek a future for the people of Daqi.

The morality of the world. The morality of the world is never limited to one place.

So is the Great Moon, so is the Great Prayer.

It's a pity that he tried to please the other person in every way and was very polite, but he didn't even understand the other person's true thoughts.

Even if Bai Xundao brought him the words "morality of the world", how could he understand them if he had never seen morality with his own eyes?

Now, he understood.

The other party not only has the unrivaled strength in the world, but also has the unrivaled mind in the world.

What Gu Dan wanted was not to gather all the wealth in the world and pile it into mountains of gold and silver so that he could lie on it and enjoy himself comfortably.

Instead, it is to let the people of the world suffer less.

The word "morality" is easy to say.

But when this choice is really put in front of us, facing the endless temptation, how many people can resist?

It's ridiculous that he made all kinds of plans, but ignored the answer in front of him.

The world, the world, he himself had never considered Daqi as a part of the world. He was biased and thought that the world the other party was talking about referred to the people of Dayue.

At this moment, he truly understood why some people would treat others as saints.

The catastrophic disaster that they had expected had never actually happened to them.

Instead, they always judge others by their own standards.

"I see."

The Daqi Emperor Qi Yinglong looked solemn. He bowed deeply to Gu Dan, showing his complete admiration.

Then he said in a resounding voice: "Now that you wish, I will do my best to cooperate, even if I die, I will not regret it!"

The price of this defeat was far better than he had hoped.

In the end, an outsider actually cared more about the people of Daqi than he, the emperor, did.

This is really like a joke.

"It's not over yet. The taxes have increased a lot in these years of war, right? I don't want anyone to be frozen to death or starved to death this winter. I also don't want to hear about some local tyrants relying on someone behind them to do evil things when I come to Daqi next time."

Gu Dan accepted the gift calmly and said without question: "Otherwise, the royal family of Daqi can be replaced by another one."

Qi Yinglong hesitated for a moment. Even though he knew he shouldn't continue to question it at this time, he had to say something. "The transformation of the system is not something that can be done overnight, not to mention that there is no preparation at all before this. Even if we start to settle accounts now, it may not be completed by the beginning of next spring. The territory is vast, and it will take at least a month for news to be transmitted back and forth. I am really not trying to shirk responsibility."

"Then we can do as much as we can. There are so many masters, are they all dead?!"

Gu Danran also understood this truth. In this era, the emperor could decide many things, but there were also some things he could not help. The implementation of government decrees was not just the emperor's words and the people below would do their work wholeheartedly.

But if you don't speak bluntly, these guys won't take it seriously at all.

Gu Dan turned his gaze towards Xue Wenjian, walked up to him and grabbed him by the collar, "You dare to draw your sword against me, but you don't dare to draw your sword against corrupt officials?"

Xue Wenjian's face flushed, and it was unclear whether it was because of the severe internal injuries or because of the shame. "Of course I dare!"

"Then go and kill them. Do you still need me to teach you?"

Gu Dan threw him away and turned his gaze to Grandmasters Tan and Xin. "You two continue to stay in Daqi and do these things with them. If anyone wants to be lenient, or can't do it, then you should help them. If someone stops you..."

Gu Dan smiled and said, "If you think I'm easy to talk to, you might as well try again."

His words were relaxed and natural, with almost no murderous tone.

However, it made Emperor Daqi feel a chill in his heart.

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Why were you so humble before?

It was because Bai Xundao died in front of his eyes! Although Gu Dan looked like a saint who talked about benevolence, righteousness and morality, he would show no mercy when he took action!

What's more, these people have no feelings towards Gu Dan at all, and instead have a grudge against him.

They have no chance of making mistakes, this is a stark warning.

From the beginning to the end, what Gu Dan valued was not them, but the people living on the land of Daqi.

To Gu Dan, it makes no difference whether they hold this authority or someone else does.

"Don't worry, I will do my best! Whoever dares to stop me, even if it's my own son, I won't let him go!"

Emperor Qi Yinglong of Daqi patted his chest and made the promise.

"You guys, do you have any questions?"

Gu Dan looked at several masters again.

These masters usually do not move, but when they move, they are indeed the most powerful force in the world.

However, this force is usually used to ensure its own rule rather than being used as part of the force for change in the world.

In order to save time, the Grandmaster, who usually does not interfere too much in power struggles, has to take action.

"No problem."

The seven masters looked at each other and felt relieved.

They were lucky enough to have their lives saved, instead of being forced to death like Bai Xundao.

Of course, I agreed to these little things.

After all, as a master, who hasn't killed a few people? "Next time I come, I won't be as easy to talk to as I was today."

Gu Dan glanced at the entire audience and spoke calmly.

It was only at this time that Qi Yinglong breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that what Gu Dan said was serious. "Don't worry, I will send the compensation to the people of Dayue as soon as possible. As for the things you want us to do, we will do it as quickly as possible without any delay."

Gu Dan glanced at him, nodded disinterestedly, and waved to Xun Ke who was standing beside him, "Let's go."

Qi Yinglong couldn't tell what he felt as he watched the two figures, one big and one small, actually start to walk out of the palace.

When the figure in the green robe in his sight gradually walked away, Qi Yinglong finally woke up from his dream and couldn't help but say: "I know your name, but people in the world only think that Mo Qiu is a saint. The things you have done are not too much for the Buddhas of all families. Why don't you want to mention your name?"

"I don't need it."

From afar, Emperor Daqi heard a voice coming from the wind, faintly coming towards him.

It was hazy and cold, as if separated by an entire universe.

Suddenly, a sentence that I had read in a book but had forgotten deep in my memory suddenly came into my mind.

The sage is nameless, the divine man has no merit, and the supreme man is useless.

When I walked out of the palace, it was already dawn.

When I stepped onto the main road again, I saw many people on both sides of the street struggling to make a living.

The night has passed and a new day is about to begin.

Two strangers walked in a foreign country, their steps light and leisurely.

"Mr. Gu"

Xun Ke, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly called out.

"Um?"

Gu Dan responded.

"You have actually thought about these things a long time ago, right? "

Xun Ke asked.

"I've thought about it. Killing people can't solve all problems. Force is a good thing, but you can't just rely on force to do things. Sometimes, you need to use both kindness and force."

Gu Dan answered.

“That’s great.”

Xun Ke had a smile in his eyes.

Wars always begin with blood, but I hope they don't all end in blood.

The people of this world cannot always suffer, it is time to have some sweetness.

“Hey~Hey!”

When they passed by a small stall, a waiter kept greeting them and calling out to them.

Turning around, they saw the same peddler who had enthusiastically told them about the wonders of Daqi Imperial Capital.

"You two, are you really going to the palace?"

the vendor asked with curiosity and envy.

He got up early in the morning and saw with his own eyes the two men stepping onto Chaotian Street from the area in front of the palace. Who would have believed this if they had not spent the night in the palace?

"Yeah, I didn't lie to you, did I?"

Gu Dan said with a smile.

"That's amazing! Have you met the emperor? How is the palace? Is it beautiful?"

The vendor was surprised and envious, and asked questions repeatedly, full of curiosity.

"Yes."

Gu Dan turned around and looked in the direction of the Daqi Palace.

The sun was rising at this time, but the mountain where the Daqi Palace was located was shrouded in thick fog. The clouds in the sky reflected the morning glow, and the mountains were covered with white fog and green.

There are many people walking here, and beautiful scenery is in sight in the distance.

The clouds are embracing each other, and white mist covers the mountains.

It's like a fairyland.

“It’s really a beautiful sight.”

(End of this chapter)