"We won, we really won!"
"Not only did we get rid of Li Tianba, we also defeated the armies sent by the Holy Sun Sect and the Ram Kingdom."
"Long live the Divine Dragon Kingdom!"
The officials shouted with excitement. Seeing the million-strong army of enemy soldiers before the Golden Phoenix Temple, they thought their Kingdom was doomed. Instead, Zhao Hao's triumphant return turned the tide. With tears in their eyes, they ran to Zhao Hao's feet, prostrating themselves repeatedly. "Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor! Long live the emperor!"
"The war is over; it's time to deal with the aftermath," Sun Bin, the prime minister, said calmly, approaching Zhao Hao. "Your Majesty, what are your plans next?"
Zhao Hao squinted, deep in thought. The road to grand hegemony had truly begun, and a vision for the future started to form in his mind. This battle had decimated their enemies, but the empire itself had also suffered from the destruction of the war. A magnificent palace and an imperial capital needed to be rebuilt. Otherwise, he, the emperor, would sleep in the open air, alongside millions of homeless citizens.
"A strong military makes a strong country," he thought. Additionally, he needed to recruit a large number of troops to strengthen the army. Talents were crucial; thus, a royal academy had to be established to train civil and military generals for the royal family, laying a solid foundation for regaining lost territory and conquering a broader world.
Sun Bin continued, "This battle cost the Holy Sun Sect 200,000 soldiers, and they will not let this go easily. The Ram Kingdom's army of 500,000 was annihilated, and their lord will undoubtedly be furious. They may soon declare war on us. Therefore, we must recruit soldiers, form an army, rebuild the imperial capital, and strengthen the city's defenses. Millions of refugees have no homes; the most urgent task is rebuilding the imperial capital."
Sun Bin's words mirrored Zhao Hao's thoughts, but Zhao Hao frowned. He had grand plans, but the reality was that he was short on funds. The money from Li Tianba and the officials would barely suffice to rebuild the palace and the imperial capital. The project was immense, and he, the emperor, could not afford it. Recruiting soldiers and establishing the Royal Academy seemed impossible with the current financial state. The newly established ministries were also struggling, their officials were so poor they wore the same clothes everyday.
"Is the battle over?"
"Wow, the entire imperial capital is ruined. The scene is so tragic; the casualties must be severe."
"I thought our Kingdom was finished this time, but the little emperor won. It's really surprising."
At that moment, a team of carriages appeared in the west, heading towards the imperial capital. The carts were heavy with supplies, food, water, and medicinal materials.
"Just after the war, patriots come to the rescue? I didn't expect our businessmen to be so good," Zhao Hao thought, his eyes almost red with emotion. Seeing the large amount of material being transported in, refugees from all directions swarmed up.
"Get out of the way if you have no money, and come over if you have money."
"We are not here for disaster relief, nor for charity. Those seeking relief should go to your emperor over there."
The people escorting the convoy shouted at the refugees, "Water is now as expensive as oil. Rice is as expensive as meat. Medicinal materials are twenty times their previous price. Come and buy if you want, but don't bargain."
Zhao Hao, who was planning to shed a few tears of gratitude, twitched his mouth, his face collapsing instantly. His fists clenched as the urge to kill reignited.
In a time of national crisis, who would take advantage of the situation so shamelessly?
"There is a flag on the car. It's Huangfu's family," several officials whispered angrily.
"Bring the person in charge," Zhao Hao said sternly.
A man with a round face and a fat belly ran over with a smile. "I'm Huangfu Ping, an official of the Huangfu family. Your Majesty, what can I do for you?" The man introduced himself and looked at Zhao Hao up and down. He had heard this emperor was ruthless, but Zhao Hao's appearance didn't match the fearsome rumors.
Huangfu Ping laughed. Touching the thick mole on his face, he eyed Zhao Hao. "Your Majesty, do you need food or medicinal materials? Your price is the same as the people's; we won't take a cent less."
"I don't need anything," Zhao Hao smiled, though surprised at Huangfu Ping's arrogance. What was the origin of this Huangfu family? A mere housekeeper showed such disrespect. It was clear the court's control on the Island was shaky.
"Then why call me?" Huangfuping rolled his eyes. "Don't delay my business." He turned to leave.
"Where is my imperial executioner?" Zhao Hao shouted without hesitation.
"The executioner is here," Yang Lie stepped forward, carrying a mysterious iron pot on his back, staring menacingly at Huangfuping.
"What are you going to do?" Huangfu Ping was taken aback.
"Profiteering in front of me? The banned rules I restored are for people like you," Zhao Hao's face was stern. "Give him to the pan."
"To the pan?" Huangfu Ping's face trembled with shock. "You wouldn't dare! I am from Huangfu's family."
"Oh, yes!" Yang Lie looked excited, enlarging the iron pot with his internal force and starting to heat oil.
The punishment for the oil pan involved boiling a large pot of oil with firewood. The victim was hung upside down and gradually immersed in the boiling oil, first only half the head, then the whole body, resulting in horrific screams.
The thought alone was terrifying...