«Make everything outside the city a vassal»
That’s it!!!
What was he so worried about?!
He had always been concerned about his city’s insufficient defenses, but the entire perimeter of his city was surrounded by the Nightmare Beast Forest—a place that the outsiders feared and fled from, yet posed no threat to the inhabitants of his city.
The Nightmare Beast Seeds, capable of bringing about the apocalypse, were completely ineffective within their city. But outside, they remained a terrifying plague that everyone dreaded and avoided. No one in their right mind would willingly approach the vast expanse of the Nightmare Beast Forest!
Lu Hu’s fingers playfully pinched He Fang’s pale, youthful cheeks, a flicker of fascination flashing in her eyes. “My adorable city lord, you seem very happy. Could you share with me what’s making you so delighted?”
He Fang finally realized he had been stuck in a mental blind spot from the start, while Lu Hu had seen through it all along. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, “The perspective you’ve shared is something I never even considered.”
Amazing! My NPC is truly incredible!
“Oh? Then perhaps I could share a bit more?” Lu Hu’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Not only can we effortlessly claim an expansive stretch of land, but the refugees could also be used to increase our population. We could even establish trade with mobile cities. As long as we control the terms of trade and provide enough technical support to help them settle down and thrive, they could become our vassals. The more people we have, the larger our territory becomes. With more supply and demand, economic growth will naturally follow.”
He Fang pondered deeply. While this proposal seemed complicated, if executed well, it could bring substantial progress to their current situation. Lu Hu’s ultimate goal appeared to be controlling the core of trade.
“Then, in your opinion, how should I make mobile cities our vassals? Should we negotiate with them? Build cooperative relationships? But right now, we don’t have a way to truly protect them from the Nightmare Beast Seeds,” He Fang mused aloud as he thought through the problem.
Lu Hu withdrew her hand and rested her chin on it. Her alluring fox-like eyes now carried a sharp, calculating glint.
“Crush them with brute force. Subjugate them directly. If that’s too troublesome, destabilize them from within—let their unity crumble until they beg for our protection. And who’s to say we haven’t already uncovered the essence of the Nightmare Beast Seeds? If we can ensure their safety, sparing them the torment of constant displacement, isn’t that enough?”
He Fang began to realize Lu Hu might be an extraordinarily domineering woman. Every word she spoke exuded a strong desire for control and a blatant disregard for the autonomy of others.
Turning to the silent Min Zhizhou, He Fang asked, “What do you think?”
“Given the lack of information about the power balance between our city and the mobile cities, I think if we must proceed, we should conduct thorough reconnaissance first. If it’s just a matter of infiltrating their city, I have countless methods to lead you in for investigation,” Min Zhizhou replied calmly.
He Fang inhaled sharply. “I always thought you were more of a pacifist, yet you’re in favor of this?”
Min Zhizhou’s expression grew complex. His gaze was distant, as if burdened by countless thoughts he couldn’t voice. Finally, he let out a long sigh and said, “In the despair and suffering of endless flight, everyone hopes for a savior to emerge—a hope for the world to be restored, for life to no longer be under constant threat. Perhaps invasion and conquest are not the ideal solutions, but if being conquered and enslaved leads to a safer life, then maybe… many would accept it willingly.”
He Fang studied Min Zhizhou’s profile, sensing that these words came from the heart of someone who had endured the apocalypse firsthand. After a hundred years of constant fear and exhaustion, perhaps being enslaved by his city might indeed be a better choice for those outside.
Had the outside world really deteriorated to such a terrifying extent? He Fang was shocked.
“I do not agree with Lu Hu’s talk of vassalage,” Min Zhizhou frowned, revealing the kinder side of his nature. “It’s said that a hundred years ago, everyone was equal and enjoyed fair rights. The concept of vassalage was long abolished. Why… why would you want to turn back time to a less enlightened, primitive era?”
“The Nightmare Beast Seeds have painstakingly transformed this world into an apocalypse,” Lu Hu said, her voice laced with delight and arrogance. “Now the world is like clay, ready to be molded as we please. Why should the creations of our noble Creator show sympathy to people like you, who are so insignificant you lack even rights?”
“Do humans in your eyes amount to nothing more than tools for profit?” Min Zhizhou asked, his brows tightly knit.
“Of course!” Lu Hu suddenly leaped to her feet and sat directly in front of Min Zhizhou. Her gaze mocked the towering man, but her aura was entirely undaunted. “There are only two things that matter in this world: first, the Creator; and second, money!”
Min Zhizhou choked on his words and turned to look at He Fang.
He Fang froze, avoiding eye contact and looking elsewhere.
Having played countless games, He Fang was no stranger to being praised by NPCs. However, now that these NPCs appeared fully fleshed out before him, speaking every word with him in mind, He Fang found it hard to process.
“Um…” He Fang sensed the awkward atmosphere and cleared his throat. “I’ll think about it more. By the way… Lu Hu, can you really not cut back on expenses?”
Lu Hu smiled brightly, yet her expression showed no signs of backing down. “My adorable city lord, only with active trade circulation can we generate tax revenue. All my expenditures are to ensure the treasury functions properly.”
“Oh…” So basically, no matter how great she is, she won’t give me any money, huh? He Fang sighed.
As He Fang and Min Zhizhou left, Lu Hu stood at the entrance of the finance department, smiling warmly as she saw them off. Despite the smile, Min Zhizhou still felt a powerful sense of oppression emanating from her presence.
Looking at the simple, innocent face of He Fang beside him, Min Zhizhou felt a deep sense of admiration. For a woman like Lu Hu to submit so earnestly to her lord, He Fang must be extraordinarily skilled at managing people. All the advice Min Zhizhou had shared with He Fang earlier now seemed like showing off in front of an expert.
“I think… I’ve been guided by Lu Hu,” He Fang muttered suddenly, long after they had left the finance department. “Even though it feels like I came up with the solution myself, it seems she was leading me all along.”
Min Zhizhou glanced at He Fang and broke into a small smile. It was true—Lu Hu had dominated the entire conversation. She had guided He Fang’s thoughts, taught him, and supported him like a nurturing elder who genuinely cared for him.
Feigning a couple of light coughs, Min Zhizhou said, “It’s no small feat to have such a strong-willed woman working so earnestly under your leadership.”
“She’s really incredible,” He Fang said sincerely. His NPCs were truly exceptional. In fact, he felt a tiny swell of pride because of their excellence.
“Isn’t this proof that your subordinates are amazing? Being able to utilize such outstanding individuals is a testament to your discerning eye,” Min Zhizhou remarked. He could see He Fang’s efforts—how hard he was trying to think, to learn, to keep up, to care deeply for the city, and to protect every single person within it.
He Fang blushed slightly. Being praised for both Lu Hu’s and his own capabilities made him happy, albeit a little uncomfortable. “She’s so incredible that I can’t even squeeze a penny out of her hands,” he muttered awkwardly.
Min Zhizhou: “???”
“I’m going back to think things over. You should get back to work,” He Fang said suddenly, logging off from the spot out of embarrassment.
Min Zhizhou: “???”
