Kingdom’s Bloodline

The latest website: In the trial court, the debate between the two sides became more and more intense, and Baron Trent blushed.

I request that, according to tradition, the old public service hours be restored on the Trent family's land, so that these unscrupulous people can return to the land to cultivate! They have neglected and evaded service for too long, and this has really damaged my reputation. Benefits, the harvest of my territory, this will ultimately damage the South Shore Territory and even the kingdom's...

But correspondingly, the defender Slimani on the opposite side of him was slow but clear:

...the Retirement Order of the Duke of Leinster in 661 exempted lords and their subjects from many physical services, including military service, patrol and agricultural service, and construction service The labor and work that require healthy adult men and women of each household to participate in on a regular basis, and the losses caused by this, are allowed to be charged to the lord's tax to make up for it in the form of quarterly settlement and cash payment...

The cash they handed over, even with the tax, is not enough to make up for my loss!

Baron Trent interrupted him with an angry roar, and the old judge Brennan had to strike the gavel several times before ordering the guards of Kongming Palace to come forward to help.

In the box seats on the second floor, Thales and Jann's conversation became more serious.

I rushed back to Yongxing City, tried my best to grasp the direction of the wind, and tried to ease the situation, Zhan En said solemnly, but the king refused to see me.

As the head of the palace, Baron Quentin's reason for his reply is: His Majesty rarely sees his father and son reunited, and he needs to enjoy family happiness and not see outsiders.

Thales swallowed his throat:

Actually, his reunion with me...forget it, it doesn't matter.

Jen ignored him: At that moment, Anke Bailar came to me.

Thales frowned:

So you gave him a sword and urged him to fight me at the royal banquet?

Jen does not deny:

I said, I have to.

First of all, once the conflict between Xihuang and Fuxing Palace breaks out, the South Bank Territory will no longer be your father's priority. He narrowed his eyes and looked at the trial below. Secondly, only when he is in a state of distress, my gift That’s what makes it so precious.”

Thales frowned.

your present?

Jen nodded.

Before the royal banquet, I wrote a humble letter to the king. In the letter, I supported the reform of the royal standing army, asking for money for money, asking for names, and hitting his itches directly.

Letter from Jann to the King in support of standing army reform...  

that letter?

Thales narrowed his eyes, suddenly having a bad premonition.

Your father refused to see me before, the Duke of Nan'an snorted coldly, but once the incident in the Western Wilderness affects the kingdom, and his plan is frustrated and stretched, then the value and weight of this letter will be different.

So, Thales couldn't help but said, What's the result?

Result, result?

Jen En's eyes froze, and he sneered.

After the royal banquet, the people from Xihuang, who have always been full of bad things, neither protested nor made trouble. Under the leadership of Falkenhauser in the ruins, they just surrendered to the Fuxing Palace just like that.

He disdainfully said, It's even happier than when the Freedom League surrendered to the Exeters.

Thales felt complicated when he heard it:

Actually, the Liberty Alliance is not so happy—

But Zhan En didn't want to pay attention to his views on the war, and shook his head: I guess, your father must have caught some handle on the people of the Western Wilderness, making them powerless to resist—as expected of King Kessel V.

The handle of the Western Wilderness...

Thales said sarcastically:

In fact, the reason why Xihuang compromised so quickly... Forget it, it doesn't matter.

The two were silent for a while.

That's it, I failed to save Nan'an from disaster.

Jen's face was ugly.

Not only that, but my gift—the letter that might change your father's attitude—has never been answered. It was like a stone sinking into the Fuxing Palace, without any waves, as if it never existed.

that letter...

No stone sinks...

Thales rubbed his hands with a strange expression: Yeah, why...

There is only one explanation. Zhan En's eyes were sharp at this moment, Fuxing Palace has come out of the predicament, so his vision has risen. His Majesty is no longer satisfied with the conditions I offered, and he wants more.

Jen gritted his teeth:

More.

Thales held back for a long time, and finally couldn't help but speak:

Actually, Jen, your letter didn't get a reply, it was, it was...

Jen's eyes shot at him.

Thales' words froze:

It's a pity...but forget it, it's not important.

Jen looked at him for a while, sighed and nodded.

Yeah, time has changed and circumstances have changed. Regret is useless and unimportant.

At that moment, Thales and Zhan En had their own concerns, and both fell silent.

Boom!

Brennan's gavel sounded again, drawing their attention back to the courtroom.

Master Judge! In the past, after paying the offerings and goods, we could still make a living by doing some manual work and collecting some firewood. But this year, the baron's steward said that we should make more contributions...

Beside the plaintiff's seat, a farmer in ill-fitting clothes spoke under the guidance of the defender. He obviously came to Kongming Palace for the first time, stuttering and flustered:

He didn't let us take the grain to the market to sell for money. He said that we would collect the rent on the spot. If we don't want to, we can levy more money, or give him more work! But I have a relative who is a grain merchant. , he said that such a tax increase is wrong...

That's not a tax increase!

Baron Trent stood up from his seat again and spoke angrily.

Prices are soaring every year, even the price of food has increased by 20%, and they pay the rent every year, and the cash they give is still only so much. This is tantamount to being robbed! These gangsters can sell the food later. Go to the city and make a living with the profiteers who speculate, and I, I still have a large piece of land to manage! Of course they have to pay more money to pay the rent to make up for the loss, or change it back to the original, provide food or use labor instead , that's only fair!

Amidst the roar of onlookers, Inquisitor Brennan almost smashed the gavel.

Slimani defender coughed and stood up politely:

My lord judge, regarding the rent and tax payable by each household, each person, and each field of a fixed size, my client has followed the rules for more than ten years. Lord baron, your land has not increased, fertilized, or changed. If the type and location are changed, then the number should remain the same, no more and no less.

As for the choice of paying in cash, in kind, or as a labor service—as I said earlier, this was stipulated when the Duke of Leinster was in office—it is my client's freedom and right.

Hearing this, Jen En hummed softly and whispered to Thales:

You know, that guy, Slimani was originally a clerk in the police department, but he didn't even go out on the street. His best job is helping people write case reports and even quarterly summaries, especially those who are responsible for the police department. The case... Later, at the end of the year, every security department rushed to second him.

This... is really not something that ordinary people can do. No wonder he became a defender later. Thales shrugged.

As far as I know, Your Excellency the judge, Slimani's defender continued in court, there have been no wars affecting the local area in the past few years, no serious natural disasters, no plagues, no large-scale church and castle projects, The most recent local bandit suppression was jointly carried out by the Emerald Legion and the New Suburb Police Department, but the Lord Duke did not issue a call-up order, and the cost and personnel of the bandit suppression were independently supported by the Emerald City—that is to say, the Baron did not have a higher order. There is no lordship tax at the upper level, and there is no compulsory labor service that must be responded to.

And the kingdom has not promulgated a new decree involving Fengpei Village to increase taxes. As for the living tax items, the baron's two sons have already grown up and married, and his three daughters have also married. There will be no weddings in his castle within a year, and no knight canonization , there is no funeral, the only religious ceremony, the tax items of which have been handed over to the Sunset Church by the villagers themselves... In summary, Baron Trent has no reason and name to ask for redundant offerings, without consultation and the approval of the Duke Now, in kind, in cash, in labor, any form of request outside the custom is an illegal tax increase!

fart!

Baron Trent started yelling again, and this time Inquisitor Brennan had to send in the guards to try to calm him down.

On the other side, Slimani became more and more brave as he fought:

Lord Baron Trent, the law allows exemption from military service, but you force additional service, and the law encourages paying rent in cash, but you privately prohibit it. Then my client no longer recognizes your authority as a lord of a place, and no longer fulfills the special obligation The sacred agreement of the Lent family is that they no longer want to work and produce on your land, and even take their possessions—including this season’s harvest—to relocate to other places, which is logical.

And you still restrict your people with absurd reasons without the kingdom's decree and the duke's warrant: withholding their harvest, not allowing them to move, not allowing them to trade, not allowing them to pursue a better life - Inquisitor Your Excellency, this is illegal robbery and unreasonable detention.

After the defender's words fell, the spectator seats in the back burst into applause, and many people cheered pleading for the people.

The villagers around him felt hope and beamed with joy.

The old Inquisitor had to keep order again.

Baron Trent's hairstyle was no longer as neat as before. Seeing that the situation was not good, he took a deep breath and seemed to have made some decision.

Master Jann! Your Excellency the Duke!

In the next second, the Baron disregarded etiquette and rules, and shouted at the second floor in a gaffe:

Exemption from service, tax payment with cash, these policies of the old duke are just expedient measures after the bloody year! But this is not the kingdom's tradition! Now we have recovered from the war, as your vassals , I don't think we have a reason to—

Jen frowned.

quiet!

Boom!

The gavel was struck again.

Forgive me to remind you, Lord Baron, Judge Brennan looked very angry, but he still maintained a steady tone, Of course the opinions of the two dukes are very important, but I am the presiding judge of this case. .”

Under the eyes of almost everyone in the court, Thales secretly poked Jann with his elbow:

Ask you, don't you answer?

As he said, we are just a jury. Zhan En remained calm, but sat a little further away from Thales.

Of course, your status is distinguished and distinguished, and you are a guest from afar. If you want to express your opinions, Judge Brennan will not stop you.

Thales smiled:

Want to trick me again?

The two looked at each other and turned their heads.

On the other side, Baron Trent began to talk about the kingdom's traditions and the laws of the South Coast Territory, crying about how he struggled to marry off his three daughters in exchange for the money to make his two sons knights.

So, Thales, do you feel it?

Jen sneered.

Since you returned to China, the series of changes in the situation between Eternal Star City and Emerald City... It's like someone in the dark, who always exerts force at key points, disrupts all deployments, and pushes the situation to the disadvantage of me. development direction.

Is there someone in the dark...

Thales sat more upright.

It also pushed your father to turn his eyes to Nan'an collar, and pushed him to send you over—what's wrong with you, why do you have a constipated expression?

Nothing, just...

Thales held back for a long time, and finally sighed:

Forget it, it doesn't matter anymore... So, have you figured out how to fight against my father?

Hearing this, Jen paused for a while.

The Arend girl from Cold Castle, and the little black lion from Hero Soul Castle, are they all in your team now?

Yes?

As soon as your father took over the Northern Territory and the Western Wilderness, you took in the heirs of the princes in these two places. The signal you gave was very unfriendly-no wonder he didn't like to see you, and even wanted to exile you.

do you have any opinion?

Jen En chuckled and glanced at the prince.

No, I'm just thinking, if I were your father, I'd just make a secret plan with you, and let you pretend to take them in. Wouldn't it be more convenient to wipe out political enemies and opponents?

At that moment, Thales seemed to miss a heartbeat.

It makes sense, but the battle-tested prince didn't change his face, he just gently stroked the Gurtaksa in his pocket, feeling the hideous spikes on it, I can't help but want to suggest this to my father. gone.

Thales and Jann's eyes met in the air, as if they wanted to see through each other.

A few seconds later, Jen En smiled:

But unfortunately, you are not him.

Thales frowned: What?

I said, Thales Canxing, who can fight for the assassin who breaks into the banquet, is indecisive, and is even willing to risk the end himself, turning the table against me at any cost, Zhan En showed a mysterious smile, as if he was determined It's impossible to get together with a cold and capable person like the king.

Thales didn't speak, but just held the covenant tighter.

He will never believe you.

Jen looked at the chair he was sitting on, and there was frost in his words:

You'll never approve of him either.

What a lovely father and son.

At that moment, Thales didn't move.

He just calmly watched the trial below.

Jen didn't turn his head either.

He patiently stroked the expensive chair back.

The air around them seemed to be frozen.

Little Huahua, let's make a deal.

trade?

Zhan En smiled, but then his face changed: Okay——wait a minute, what's the matter?

Thales suddenly reached out and clasped the hand of the Duke of South Bank on the back of the chair!

You don't mention Anke Bailar less, and you don't mention the things you cheated on me before, the prince said coldly, I will not mention your sister less.

Jen's expression turned cold instantly.

And you didn't mention Xiaohua—that name?

The two looked at each other silently, clasped their palms together hard, not giving an inch, and confronted silently amidst the louder and louder quarrels in the courtroom.

A few seconds later, the two let go of each other's hands together as if they had a tacit understanding.

Deal. Thales said unhappily.

I don't expect to turn enemies into friends with you, Zhan En resumed his sitting posture, but you are right, your father sent you here, maybe he used our enmity to get me and you into a life-and-death struggle, so that Hit east and west, and profit from it.

And we can't let him get away with it?

Jen nodded:

So, let's sort out the grudge now and make sure there is no reason to cause misunderstandings and make us go to war with each other.

Then, he said cautiously, during the days in the Emerald City, we must be open and honest.

Thales looked at him.

Very good, although it is not big, but it is finally the first step.

Thales raised his eyebrows.

Now, can we end the hostilities?

Jen smiled:

cannot.

Thales' expression froze.

Why?

Jen answered quickly this time:

Because we have to be hostile.

Since your father expected and counted on us to be hostile, Duke Jann snorted coldly, then it's best, let him continue to think so.

Thales frowned.

All right.

I understand.

but……

So, we will continue to do business as usual, continue to kill each other and make trouble for each other during the day, Thales said with a strange expression, At night, we will hide in the bedroom to conspire and discuss, working together?

To confuse our enemies, wait for them to jump out automatically, and catch them in one go?

Does it sound like...

Some familiar?

Jen showed a mysterious smile.

I'm asking for a higher level of appeal! Even to the Court of Noble Affairs in the capital!

Baron Trent's scream reached the ceiling of the hall, interrupting the conversation of the two dukes, Thales and Jen Qiqi frowned.

But it is much more than that.

Your Highness Thales! You come from the capital, you are generous, you are the hope of the kingdom, and you are here, Baron Trent stared at Thales. He ignored the judge's gavel and raised his hand. Hands, Labour, taxation, lord's rule, the old rules of the kingdom, this is unreasonable! It is unreasonable that my subjects are getting richer, but I am getting poorer!

Thales sighed lightly.

Nope.

In the next second, the baron shouted in an almost fanatical manner:

With the spirit of building a country with the stars, with the rights bestowed on us by the royal family of Canxing, I demand the arbitration of the jury nobles! Now, now!

As soon as this statement came out, there was an uproar in the courtroom!

This is the tradition of the stars! It is my power! The judge has no right to stop it! the baron shouted.

Silence! Silence!

Inquisitor Brennan's hands were shaking with anger, but he was still dutifully maintaining order.

But this couldn't stop countless eyes from shooting at the prince.

You've figured it out, haven't you?

Thales looked at Jen unhappily:

This is also your strategy, is it a part of acting for my father?

But the latter just smiled lightly:

Don't worry, it wasn't planned—although it's a good idea.

Duke Jann narrowed his eyes:

But remember, you owe me one today.

The next moment, before Thales could react, Zhan En's expression became serious, and he stood up abruptly!

Why, Lord Trent?

The Duke of South Bank spoke loudly, attracting everyone's attention.

Jen took a step forward, leaned against the railing on the second floor, and blocked Thales from everyone's eyes.

Baron Trent looked up in doubt.

The land in Emerald City is so tight, but even in the outskirts of the city, most of the land is not used for farming - we don't produce much food, Zhan En said blankly, Then why, why are the fields outside Emerald City, the countryside, And the farmers and hunters on it, including the farmers in your territory, want to provide us with their crops, raw materials, and food products? Why do they support the increasing population in Emerald City so that we will not starve to death?

If I push from behind now...

Thales stared at Jen's back in front of the railing, and calculated the height from the second floor to the ground.

But then he shook his head.

No no no, don't think too much.

How can it be!

Your Excellency the Duke... Facing Jann, Baron Trent seemed to be born short of breath, and was interrupted before he could speak.

Did we force them? Or did we rob them? Or did I use my privileges, resort to tradition, brainwash them all into slaves, and obediently confess to me? Zhan En's voice echoed in the hall.

Because the lord protects them! A lord like you and me, Lord Duke, Trent said unconvinced, This is a sacred contract and tradition, and it is their duty to make offerings to the lord...

Then why, Baron Trent!

Jen continued coldly:

The coat you are wearing, what is it made of? Wool? No, it doesn't matter. Why do they have such good craftsmanship and shape, which are beautiful and convenient to keep warm? Do you have such craftsmanship in your manor?

Not knowing whether he didn't understand or reacting slowly, the baron was stunned and looked at his coat.

Oh, because it wasn't produced from your manor and village, Jann suddenly said, but you bought it from the Emerald City—maybe there are a lot of things in your house, from your wife cosmetics, to wine for your son.

Because the Emerald City produces more things, more goods, more resources, and more tools, which in turn are exchanged for them, Zhan En said coldly, they, the farmers in your territory will Bringing the grain produced in the land - which originally only needs to be stored in the warehouse for the winter - to go out of the countryside to the town, participate in the market, and finally sell it to us.

That's why people in Emerald City, a 'lord' like me, won't live on the little tax paid by a baron like you. You will either starve to death in the end, or force the people to rebel by raising tax officials.

The baron opened his mouth to speak, but could not speak.

We, Emerald City not only protect them, Zhan En put his hands behind his back, showing majesty, We also supply them in exchange for their output, so that both parties can benefit from the development of Emerald City, so that the entire South Bank benefits.

My father exempted them from redundant labor, and even regular military service? In this way, they will have more time, become more enthusiastic, and more efficient. The output on their own land will increase year by year, and the new people in your territory will As the number increases, more and more wasteland will be reclaimed, the mind will become more active, and the types of products will become more and more abundant. Only then can they sell more output to cities such as Emerald City to obtain higher and more profits .”

But our tax— the baron seemed to be going on arguing.

As for the permission to pay taxes and rents in cash... Yes, in the tax you receive, the physical output is less and the money is more, but it is in exchange for the cash for rent that the people on your land will change Markets are needed, trades are needed, goods are exchanged for money, and taxes are collected.”

Thales in the back frowned deeply when he heard this.

What Zhan En said made the originally noisy hall silent, and he was the only one to speak:

More and more people will carry their produce to towns, come to Emerald City, sell grain and other goods that can be sold to form a large-scale specialty, and attract merchants from farther afield, and their arrival, It can bring things to the Emerald City—and even the South Coast Territory and the Star Kingdom—that it cannot produce by itself.

In this way, countless grains, agricultural products, and raw materials will flow into cities and towns to support the population, thereby driving commerce and connecting distances. Only the goods carefully crafted by craftsmen in cities and towns will be able to feed back to you and the people on your land , so that you can enjoy the products of civilization and the goods from afar, so that you will not be nestled in the castle manor, guarding the shabby clothes and broken bowls and pans, ignorant of the world, do not know the four directions, sit and watch the sky for a lifetime until you die of old age - you still need me again Remind you, what are the ingredients of this luxurious coat, and where are they produced and made?

Jen scolded:

Baron, the reduction and exemption of service that you hate, the tax payment of cash that you are not interested in, they connect the city and the countryside, and maintain the economic operation of the entire South Bank area, this is the meaning of these laws!

But...tradition... Trent was sweating coldly at what he said, but he still refused to give up. So it wasn't like this...my grandfather...

Hearing this, Zhan En didn't immediately refute like before.

He showed hesitation and embarrassment, and was silent for a while before he let out a long sigh.

(It's really fucking good at pretending. - Thales afterwards)

I know your difficulties, baron, and I know your plan, but the presence of Prince Thales is not the reason for you to take the opportunity to make trouble.

Duke Jann raised his eyes, his words were cold:

It's not a tool for you to use the power of the royal family to exert pressure.

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the courtroom was stunned.

But don't forget, Baron Trent, your ancestor four generations ago was just an ordinary Zhuang Ding, working and farming in the territory of Kongming Palace, the owner of Iris gradually said softly, Yes , I remember your family, in fact, I know the origin and past of every vassal under my command.

Baron Trent looked at him blankly, trembling slightly,

The Fourth Continental War gave your ancestor the opportunity to prove himself on the battlefield. He seized it and earned the surname of Trent and the title of Lord. Become a hereditary glory of the family, and eventually pass on to your generation.

So, compared to ordinary people, Baron Trent, you have more opportunities: you were born in the care of servants and nurses, you have received an education that ordinary people can't imagine since you were young, and you still have a large piece of land , you have family prestige, you have savings left by your ancestors, you have connections left by generations, you have castles that still have military significance.”

Zhan En stared at him closely, with complicated eyes, which seemed to be pity, but also sullen.

You have your surname...and the privileges it represents, taxation, conscription, judgment...too many privileges, some visible, some invisible.

However, you have ended up in such a land, financially distressed, with a penniless family, and even resorted to illegal means to exploit the people, he changed the subject, and even reasoned that it was my father's decree and the development of Emerald City that brought you down. So far?

No.

Duke Iris said categorically:

You are like this, Lord Trent, because you are unwilling to open your eyes and accept reality in order to make a change.

As he spoke, he suddenly stretched out his arms, signaling to the entire hall:

This is my family's Kongming Palace, but it is also the Judgment Hall of Emerald City.

But you, baron, you can't live without your castle, your manor, and your steward, Zhan En said coldly, making the baron feel ashamed, You can't live without a man whose status is higher than yours. Low, you want to call your master’s farmers—not only because you need to rely on their labor and output to support yourself, but also because you need their status to be lower than yours, and you need someone to look at you with submissive and fearful eyes.”

You can't live without the feeling of being bullied by the people around you since you were a child. You can't live without the sense of superiority that someone flatters you, someone flatters you, someone makes a sacrifice, someone bows your head, and someone makes you boss around.

Jen En said coldly:

That's what's really holding you back from living your life.

The courtroom was extremely silent, and everyone was thinking about the Duke's words.

Only Thales frowned.

But we are the Kingdom of Stars! We are the descendants of the Empire! the baron said sadly, My ancestors protected his people, and his people were vassals of his rule. We perform our duties from the king to the people, from knights to The businessman has his own place, this is the rule...

I'm also proud of my surname and lineage, and the long history of my family, Jann quickly interrupted him, but I would rather keep this emotion in my heart than impose it on others to revel in it. Self-cloaking of substance invites loathing and self-degradation.

It doesn't matter if you are a family of four generations, the Duke of South Bank said softly, pacing to the side intentionally or unintentionally, revealing Thales' figure, you are still a descendant of the imperial family.

Thales immediately felt a lot of eyes cast on him.

What a fuck.

In terms of bloodlines, no one in this hall, even this palace, or this town is more noble than His Royal Highness Thales next to me. That is the star royal family that has witnessed the glory of the empire.

As Jen said, he stretched out his hand from his pocket and flicked a silver coin downstairs, where the Baron caught it.

However, when you take out a silver coin, you will know that even they know clearly: the king does not respect blood.

Baron Trent looked at the silver coins, then at Thales.

The prince pursed his lips uncomfortably.

The Canxing royal family abides by the law and obeys the rules. They rule the kingdom wisely and with restraint. They come here with etiquette and respect. They come to our land and our city. They never intervene in the lives of their subjects. would grossly interfere in the internal affairs of the Emerald City, whether it be our way of governing or our actual interests, for they know their duty well - but what about you? When you claim to appeal to star orthodoxy to bring Brennan to trial What about when the officials are rude?

The old judge coughed and sat up straighter.

Emerald City is a city of justice and law. This is not just our boastful exaggeration. Zhan Enyang said, Emerald City believes in justice, believes that there is no free reap, and believes that hard work must be rewarded. In order to ensure this, Emerald City also Believe in the law, believe that governance should not be chaotic and random, and the rules should be open and clear.

You think you are resorting to tradition, using the privileges given to you by your status, to discipline the territory and population under your jurisdiction, but if I support your appeal and tend to you to make an arbitration, it will allow you to challenge the entire Emerald City and even the South Bank It would be irresponsible of the ruling foundation of the leader.”

Zhan En slowed down and sighed:

I know that the relationship between tradition and law is quite complicated, and sometimes even cause and effect each other. But one thing, the law cannot be changed arbitrarily because of the wishes of the superiors, because we believe that as far as the city can see, There are certain rules that even I, the hereditary ruler surnamed Kevin Dill, cannot break, there are no secrets, no shady scenes, no exceptions!

Only in this way, the rules recognized and followed by all can in turn promote the well-being of all.

The duke came back to his senses, and said righteously:

Therefore, I cannot arbitrate for you, Baron Trent.

I also advise you to take back the plan to force the prince to arbitrate for you in public - he has been forced to do too many things in his life, and you can't be in the queue.

Thales' face darkened.

The baron shuddered and sat down on his seat.

Zhan En smiled slightly, and also sat back in his seat, receiving Thales' eyes.

One, two, three... Countless applause sounded from the audience one after another, and Zhan En waved his hands modestly in response.

Boom!

quiet.

The judge brought back the order in the court with a blank face.

I'm sorry, Judge Brennan, Zhan En smiled apologetically at the old judge, I took your case by stepping on my behalf. In fact, maybe I should focus on the case itself.

Not only that, kid, Brennan said bluntly, you have also turned the occasion of the courtroom into a place for you to expound your political ideas and show off, and even compete with the royal family.

Jen's face froze.

Thales frowned.

Therefore, this court will impose a fine of three hundred Tormund gold coins on you, Lord Jann, Judge Brennan said coldly, Do you have any objection to this, or do you want to appeal?

Jen frowned fiercely.

Wait, how much?

Thales was taken aback.

The owner of the iris gave a long sigh:

No. I respect the Inquisitor's decision.

Judge Brennan stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction.

Three hundred... Thales lowered his voice and asked in surprise with this figure that would probably give Shi Tuo's logistics officer a heart attack:

You just accepted the punishment like this? Do you really don't want to appeal, or are you too rich and don't care?

Jen's brow twitched imperceptibly.

Because I don't want to be fined more by him.

How do you know there will be more fines?

Experience. Zhan En said unhappily.

Thales immediately gloated.

Three hundred gold coins, haha...

Also, unfortunately, the Duke's next words dampened Thales's interest, I'm indeed rich.

But beyond that, I have to say... Inquisitor Brennan's words drew the attention of the entire courtroom.

Although you didn't cite specific laws, Mr. Zhan En, you didn't give a practical answer, but you stood at the unique height of a ruler and described to us the way of survival of Emerald City-why pay taxes like this, Why you can be exempted from military service, why towns don’t need to cultivate, why goods should be circulated in this way, why the laws and regulations are arranged in this way, you explained the whole set of operation methods of the rule and the spirit and principles behind it, and told the story of the people on this land What we believe in, what we strive for.

The judge sighed a little:

In the age of the empire, a scholar once said: Tradition creates law, and law responds to tradition. In this alone, you are better than many. I studied law in Dragon Kiss Academy, but I became a master of law. I only know how to follow the scriptures and stick to the rules , but completely ignored the spirit behind it, ignored the fundamentals of our legislation and law enforcement, colleagues who know what it is but don’t know why.”

Thales looked at Jann with strange eyes.

You are overrated, Inquisitor Brennan.

Jen stood up and bowed in due course:

When my father was around, he often mentioned your knowledge and conduct to me, and appreciated your experience and professionalism. You set the rules and pointed out the direction for everyone in the Emerald City and even the South Shore Territory. Compared to me, the Duke of Rausch, you are The jewel of the Emerald City.

Brennan nodded, obviously enjoying it.

I will fine you a hundred gold coins, but the judge's next words were not so friendly, because you are in the trial court, using the sacred duty of aristocratic arbitration, to flatter and court the judge.

Jen's smile froze.

Thales suddenly felt that the judge was pleasing to the eye.

Baron Trent, the defender of Slimani, and the village head of Molina, the judge returned to the current state, because of the baron's special request, we have gone through this process twice, So I believe that you should have no more evidence and arguments, so this case will be decided at an optional date. Of course, Mr. Baron, you are a nobleman, so you can also exercise the nobleman’s right of review and appeal three times—but that will be the last time .”

He takes off his glasses:

And before that, I suggest you hire a defender. Their guild is in the Glorious District. It's better than you coming all the way from the castle and yelling loudly in front of His Royal Highness in the Kongming Palace. Be nice.

Baron Trent trembled all over:

It costs money to hire a defender?

Yes, it costs money again, Inquisitor Brennan sighed, but with less trouble.

He knocked on the gavel: The court is closed.

There was renewed discussion in the courtroom.

But my lord, my lords, the village chief's voice trembled, our grain is still being withheld. If he appeals again, delays... and misses the market, we will have to spend the winter in a few months. We can't wait any longer...

The Srimani defender next to him stretched out his hand and pulled him, preventing the village chief from continuing.

I sympathize with you, Molina Village Chief, but since you have accepted the suggestion of the backer and appealed the matter, you should consider the risks involved, Brennan looked at Slimani, He looked at the auditorium at the back again, with a bad look, And you may think about it: Those who fund you to go to court, what they care about is your food and your interests—or if they are dragged into a long trial After the process, what can they get from a group of desperate poor and a piece of desolate land?

Hearing these words, Thales' eyes moved.

The village head was completely confused, but was soon dragged away by Sri Manila.

Judge Brennan seemed to be hesitating. He turned around and sighed to the entire hall:

To be honest, as a judge, I am not happy to see this trial.

As a judge, I should try to restore justice, restrain the strong, and protect the weak. But the fact is that the real strong in this trial hid in the dark and continued to benefit, while both parties on the bright side lost heavy.

Thales and Jann looked at each other.

The old judge looked at the baron and the village chief on both sides:

But since the rules are like this... Excuse me for one more sentence: Laws and regulations are just dead words, and what flows outside the words is the real power, and if you continue to be confined to the former and ignore the latter...

Judge Brennan sighed and fell silent.

Zhan En frowned on the seat, and he called his subordinates:

Order to allocate part of this year's disaster relief funds to make up for the difference in grain sales lost by those farmers.

His eyes turned cold:

At the same time, send a message to the Grain Merchant Guild: I'm watching.

Thales, who was deep in thought, snorted softly: I can't think of it.

Jen glanced at him.

Boom.

Next case, No. 680-10-0882, Judge Brennan put on his glasses again, Three merchants of the Wool Guild v. Lord Bedren for breach of contract...

Halfway through his words, he looked to the second floor:

Why are you still here? Two dukes?

ah?

Thales and Jann were taken aback.

Don't you know that the arrival of a big shot will seriously divert people's attention, take away my authority, and affect the work of the Tribunal?

Brennan spoke poorly:

Still think the fine is not enough?

In the next second, Thales and Zhan En bounced off their seats with a whoosh, and disappeared in front of everyone.

Thales and Zhan En both walked out of the courtroom.

Very good, at least we know now, Zhan En sneered, This trial is just a case of a brainless nobleman rushing to the doctor.

He glanced at Thales:

Not a tool for someone to reach out to the Emerald City.

Thales frowned: This is the beginning of the show?

Jen, who came back to the public, had a cold attitude towards Thales, and left without even a few simple greetings. Ashford bowed to Thales, and left with his master with a smile.

And Thales looked at Zhan En's back, then at the location of the trial hall, and finally at the Kongming Palace built on the Ancestor Rock, lost in thought.

My heart is busy. He said quietly.

Miranda, who had been waiting at the door, came to Thales, and raised her chin to Zhan En who left:

He still doesn't want to see you?

Thales shook his head, but his expression became serious.

Mira, do you know why, after the Exeters invaded the stars in the Year of Blood, they couldn't stay and continue to occupy the northern border?

Miranda was taken aback for a moment.

Northern people have been in the royal line for a long time, Neverwinter's sharp sword in the fortress reacted very quickly, also respect the rule of Coldhold, and there are constant struggles and uprisings.

Thales smiled.

That's certainly one of the reasons.

But when I was in class, there was another saying that the people of Exeter were not capable of governing and management. If you are far away, you will find it difficult to look at the beginning and the end, and if you are mixed, you will lose sight of the other.”

Miranda's eyes moved.

So once there is no army to suppress it, they will either be angry with the people and resent the officials to force the people to rebel, or they will retreat in a miserable manner. In short, the rule of the Ext people has its limits-they can't understand, let alone adapt to the stars. rule and way of life.”

domination boundaries.

Thales said silently, while thinking of his long-lost classmate from Dragon Clouds City.

What do you mean? Miranda asked cautiously.

Thales exhaled and smiled wryly.

My father has favored the Emerald City for a long time, that's why we came here from the capital. But look around, Mira, look around.

Thales turned around and glanced at the ancestral rock of the Kevin Dill family, and at the trial hall where the hammer still sounded.

Finally, he faced the direction of Emerald City, feeling the hustle and bustle outside Kongming Palace.

He spoke calmly:

Now, we are the Exeters.

Looking at the preoccupied prince, Miranda was stunned.