Ming Dynasty and New Rome and Infinite Magic Machine

Chapter 1539 Eastern Lords
Why Little Red?

“She is blessed with great fortune and has a bright future,” Ao Zang replied. “I want her to begin her career as a dragon as soon as possible so that she can take on a more important mission in the future. The Red Dragon King of the South Sea is getting old and is gradually becoming less capable of handling the affairs of the Dragon Palace. After discussion, we have decided to let her take over the position of the South Sea Dragon King in the future. At that time, we will also request the Heavenly Court to grant her permission.”

Although every river, lake, and sea has its own Dragon King, there is no doubt that all rivers flow into the sea. Whether it's the Yangtze or the Yellow River, they all eventually rush into the ocean. The Dragon King of the sea holds a supreme position among all dragons and is undoubtedly the leader of the dragon race.

Ao Zang believes that Xiao Hong has the ability and potential to lead a quarter of the dragon race.

Does she know about this?

“I’m afraid we don’t know yet,” Ao Zang replied. “But she should know eventually. It’s time for her to begin her dragon life—a dragon cannot stay in one place; a flowing dragon vein is a true dragon vein.”

Zhu Xianxi then asked, "After Xiao Hong leaves, who will become the Dragon King of Taiye Pond? Have you made any arrangements?"

“The Dragon King of Taiye Pond is still Xiao Hong,” Ao Zang replied. “Because, as I said before, the city lord is just a temporary assignment for the dragon race, not a proper path. A dragon like her, even if assigned alone, must still be given the essence of a dragon king of rivers, lakes and seas.”

[I understand. In the Dragon Palace, official positions, duties, and assignments are separated. Following the Song Dynasty system, right? That's certainly a lucrative way to make money, and it's very stable.]

"So, Shangluo, what do you think?" Zhu Xianxi asked Shangluo for his opinion.

"It feels much more thoughtful than I expected—although it's not quite what I imagined, it's all very reasonable."

“That’s what I was thinking too,” Zhu Xianxi nodded. “Then I’ll approve the rest as well. Leave the memorials here for now, and I’ll hold a cabinet meeting to discuss them later. They won’t interfere too much in matters of the supernatural, so it’s just a formality. Once the formalities are complete, I’ll approve them directly. You’ve done a good job, quite well.”

This surprised Zhu Xianxi somewhat. Ao Zang always managed to find a pretty good solution to a series of seemingly difficult situations.

Compared to Shangluo, his solution would maximize his own interests, but it would be acceptable to all parties. Ao Zang would also distribute his profits through other means, and would not monopolize them.

"So, Lord Ao Zang," Zhu Xianxi began, "you should remember that we discussed the issue of granting supernatural realms to the world last time."

"I do remember something like that."

“In this respect, you have done a good job—very well. As vassals and feudal lords, you are fully capable of clearing out the barbarians within your own territories and effectively controlling your borders. I think the Dragon Palace is already qualified to serve as the leader of the eastern feudal lords.”

"This...this is simply..." Ao Zang exclaimed in shock, "This is an immense honor!"

"This is a decision made jointly by Shangluo and me, so you can accept it. The vast area east of the royal domain will henceforth be under the jurisdiction of the Dragon Palace."

Shangluo and Zhu Xianxi jointly drafted this plan just before Ao Zang arrived—because, judging from the current situation, the conflict in the extraordinary realm was more complex than they had imagined. If the Heavenly Court did not intend to intervene frequently, then the best option was to appoint a "Bo Chang" as the commander of a regional lord.

It is expected that two earls will be appointed, one in the east and one in the west.

The Eastern Bo Chang is expected to be the Dragon Palace, while the Western Bo Chang is likely the Night Shift Bureau.

As for the north, the entire north will be designated as a forbidden garden in the future, falling under the sphere of influence of the Heavenly Court, and will not require any further enfeoffment. The south, due to its small population, will also not require such enfeoffment.

Therefore, the status of the Dragon Palace was established on this basis.

Shangluo said, "Then, according to the historical rules of the chieftain, Your Excellency Ao Zang has a lot to do." "Respect the King and repel the barbarians. I understand."

What the Ryugu Palace is doing now is upholding the Emperor's authority and expelling barbarians. The Ryugu Palace's actions are centered on the Imperial Court, and they are currently trying to obtain the Court's permission. The Ryugu Palace is also pacifying and suppressing the barbarians, handling matters quite well within its own territory. In the past year's war against the Japanese pirates, they have not made much of a splash.

The saying goes that a skilled warrior achieves no great feats; the absence of news itself is the biggest news, which means that the Dragon Palace has appropriately completed its mission.

“Then, we still need to discuss the next steps.” Zhu Xianxi glanced at the time. “If there’s nothing else, you can go and take your daughter away.”

"Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask."

"Hmm? Go ahead and say it."

"I beg you both to release Yi Ji, or Shang Luo can go alone. I am not ready to face my daughter."

"Hey." Zhu Xianxi shook his head. "You should have said so earlier. It's only right. I understand the heartache of parents everywhere."

Aozang doesn't want to see his daughter right now. The reasons are complicated, involving both Aozang himself and Princess Otohime.

When there is a clear political conflict between the two sides, it is best not to meet.

Shangluo directly issued an imperial decree to her, instructing her to go directly to the Dragon Palace in Qianye to take up her post, without needing to meet with Ao Zang at all.

"Thank you, thank you." Ao Zang left with many thanks—the gratitude included the previous affirmation of his plan, but mainly for the care he had given to his family.

"Then Shangluo, you'll handle this matter. Go and release Yiji."

"I have a feeling that something might be dangerous."

"No, no. That child is very well-behaved; he hasn't moved at all these days."

"Senior brother, we've already confirmed that Princess Otohime has a rather bad temper. She's been so quiet; she might be brewing something big."

"So this is the time when you need to step in, right, my Lord of the World?"

"Alright. I'll go then. But after this, the surrounding areas should be pacified quickly."

Shangluo also glanced at the latter half of the list—which actually included establishing a mandala-style dragon king rule in Southeast Asia, where they could also be called "Naga" or something similar, and Aozang was also appointed to another position.

The Dragon Palace efficiently resolved these issues. Now, only the western lords on the other side haven't all arrived.

"I'll be going to the Night Watch Bureau soon. After all, as a sergeant, they should at least have the strength to defeat an elf."

(End of this chapter)