My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 77

Ah, no, there was still furniture. A desk, a ceiling light, a wooden chair, two sofas, a telephone—that's it.

Yang Hao and Monica looked around the room. Finally, he sat down on the sofa, while Monica stood behind him. Mr. Napoleon took some documents from his desk and sat down opposite Yang Hao.

“This is our list,” he said. “It’s a list of all the Gauls—bakers, pastry chefs, sculptors, artisans, winemakers, and women and children who are unable to work.”

"I only need bakers and pastry chefs. And they will be paid accordingly."

"Yes. But it's more like a guarantee to you. You now have a list of us Gauls, and you can easily purge us later—but we are willing to offer our loyalty to you."

Mr. Napoleon solemnly handed the hot list to Yang Hao. Yang Hao took the list from the Gauls, and while thinking to himself that he finally had a private army that was completely loyal, he also began to talk to Mr. Napoleon about work-related matters.

"I need some of your warriors to maintain the security of the entire palace during the noble gatherings. Of course, you must be fully armed."

“We will do as instructed. But I have a question—how many people do we need to protect?”

"All those inside the palace. Those outside the palace are protected by the army and soldiers."

"I understand."

Mr. Napoleon nodded, and after confirming his next task, he frowned again.

Because Yang Hao added something to him:

"There might be a rather difficult guest coming then."

"A rather difficult customer? I'm not sure what you mean?"

"Let me put it this way: right now, even the most esteemed people in the Ursus Empire are having a headache over this economic crisis. The official reason for our gathering of nobles is to exchange experiences on how to deal with the economic crisis. Moreover, our Dukedom of Koschche seems to be the only duchy in the Ursus Empire that has achieved some success in dealing with the economic crisis."

"...You mean, the most distinguished person, the Emperor of Ursus, will come?"

"Maybe. Maybe she won't have time to come—but if she does, our security will be upgraded to the highest level. You know what I mean. Once that happens, I'll authorize you to use lethal weapons against anyone who might threaten the palace."

"Freedom to fire?"

"Yes, fire freely—but try not to harm civilians and insignificant personnel."

"I understand."

Napoleon accepted this incredibly difficult task on behalf of the Knights Templar.

Yang Hao was relieved and allocated him an extremely generous payment. Now, everything was ready except for the final push.

As long as the noble gatherings continue as normal, everything will be alright!

Chapter 166

"..."

"Your Majesty... the 'work relief' program certainly has its feasibility, but the problem is, we cannot guarantee its thorough implementation at the lower levels. Furthermore, we lack relevant experience. If we rashly introduce a new token without proving its credibility, we will not only lose the support of the nobles, but also the common people..."

"I understand. You can go now, I need to think about it carefully."

"Yes."

On March 14, ten days after Her Majesty Catherine attempted to implement a work-for-relief program in St. John's Castle, the results reported to her by her ministers were appalling.

The people did not recognize the value of the tokens, and in St. County Castle, they could not find the kind of work that cheap labor could do after the "work relief" program. Corruption among lower and middle-ranking civil servants severely hampered the implementation of this policy, not to mention that a large portion of the nobility also opposed it.

For no other reason than that "work relief" would seriously affect their interests—interests.

Catherine was furious upon hearing this. She suppressed the urge to immediately order her guards to eliminate them, and calmly dismissed the ministers from her audience hall. After they left, she sat on her throne, her expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

"Those parasites who deserve to be killed!" she muttered through gritted teeth. "Even at a time like this, they're still focused on their own petty gains! When the country becomes strong, you'll reap greater benefits. Can't you even understand such a simple truth?!"

The emperor of Ursus truly couldn't understand the thinking of some nobles—you are also beneficiaries, and now we are only asking you to reduce your original 100% of your benefits to 80%, and we will give you back 40% later. Are you going to refuse now?

She was now genuinely envious of the Duchy of Koschche, able to so brazenly carry out a massive purge of these troublesome nobles. If it weren't for Saint-Germain-des-Prés as the center of the empire, with the Imperial Council overseeing things, Catherine would have already wiped out that entire group of nobles...

Ugh!

She sighed heavily, trying to calm herself down as she considered her next move. She truly envied the Duke of Koschei for having such a hardworking, capable, and competent husband.

If Ekaterina had to be honest... she'd practically want to bring that man over there right now and have him serve as her minister to solve this economic crisis. Ah, perfect timing! The heir to the empire is still a mystery. Holding an election in the Imperial Council might just result in those brain-dead nobles becoming emperor and dragging Ursus into the abyss...

The question is, how can we legitimately bring these people over? Unless absolutely necessary, His Majesty the Emperor of Ursus is truly unwilling to bring them over by force: doing so would certainly make him unwilling to work, and forcing someone won't work well, not to mention, Duke Kosiché might even turn against him...

...

Catherine felt a slight headache. Just as she sighed again, intending to deal with the day's affairs first, her personal guards suddenly entered respectfully from outside the palace.

"...Speak, what news is it?"

"I can't speak," Ekaterina said without looking up. With her permission, the guards respectfully reported that the team that had gone to the Nikolai Duchy for investigation had returned, bringing good news from the Koschche Duchy.

"good news?"

"Yes. Your Majesty, Duke Kosichä is planning to hold a gathering of nobles tomorrow—May 15th—that will last until mid-June. The theme of this gathering is 'How to get out of the economic crisis,' and in addition to the vast majority of capable and charismatic nobles within the Ursus Empire, nobles from other countries will also be present to discuss the matter."

"Oh...? I see. But this looks like a private party?"

“Yes, judging from the relationships among the attendees, it was a private gathering.” The Imperial Guard paused for a moment. “However, this meeting allowed all nobles to attend—in other words, if Your Majesty wishes to see that gentleman’s abilities firsthand, you only need to finish your work for that period and establish the Regent’s next tasks before you can go.”

"I see. Let me think about it. Also, what is the situation in the Duchy of Nikolai?"

"The people are suffering, while the nobles are indulging in nightly revelry. Duke Nikolai has no intention of resolving the economic crisis, which has now caused a large number of refugees to flee to the Duchy of Kosice."

"...Alright. Have my military minister make a note—if it's confirmed that he is indeed a member of that Sherlock Holmes nightclub, we'll take action immediately. I'll strip him of all his titles and let this parasite rot on the wheels."

The guard responded and then left.

His Majesty the Emperor sat on his throne in deep thought for a long time, finally revealing a slight smile:

Since you've repeatedly refused to go to St. County Castle on your phone, I'll personally offer you a title and position, which will achieve my goal.

Moreover, that gentleman's achievements could indeed earn him a noble title in the Ursus Empire, and the conferment of a high noble title required the emperor's personal presence—therefore, Catherine's plan was foolproof.

She felt much better. The rest was just figuring out if she could be alone with him and then finding a way to invite him over.

...... ......

At the same time, Yang Hao was on a date with Kosiché.

Monica followed behind them, serving them as always. But after noticing that Lord Yang Hao suddenly shivered, she asked him with some concern if he was feeling unwell.

"No, Monica, I'm fine... hiss... I don't know why, but I suddenly have a bad feeling."

"An ominous premonition? My dear husband, do you perhaps think that His Majesty the Emperor will come?" Kosicé, dressed in casual clothes, teased from the side. They were currently strolling in the city center park on a date, also taking the opportunity to see the smiles on the faces of the people.

"Well... kind of." Yang Hao paused for a moment, then nodded.

“No, that’s impossible. Although other nobles are nominally allowed to attend this gathering—how could His Majesty the Emperor, who is so busy with state affairs, possibly abandon his work to come? Don’t you think so, Monica?”

"Yes."

"Ouch..."

Both the head maid and the wife said so.

Yang Hao couldn't really say anything about that, could he?

He sighed, hoping that the month-long aristocratic gathering that would begin tomorrow could... end relatively normally, at the point he wanted.

Chapter 167

The night of July 15th.

The gathering of nobles proceeded as scheduled.

"My lord, regarding your territory's economic measures, I believe..."

"Strengthen trade? But my exports are simply too large. If you can't handle it, it will only bring more crises to both of us. Hey, ma'am—may I ask about your territory...?"

Looking around, one sees court performers dressed in outlandish costumes, as well as those in formal attire who appear refined, elegant, and courteous. They debate without arguing, and even when the topic of conflict arises, they refrain from using foul language or personal attacks. They are capable, decisive, and understand their place—true "nobles."

It wasn't just the nobility.

"General, could I borrow one of your officers named Helag? We have too many bandits and robbers around here, and we have a lot of towns and villages to protect. I need outside help."

"Of course, but you'll have to cover the costs of the equipment and maintenance."

"Thanks. By the way, what about the Duchy of Nikolai... what are they doing..."

There were also generals from various army groups. To be honest, Yang Hao really didn't recognize the numbers of those divisions and armies... But then again, these were all generals who held real power, each one a warlord commanding millions of soldiers—combined with the nobles above, wouldn't their gathering together make His Majesty the Emperor of Ursus misunderstand that Kosiché was preparing to commit a crime?

Well, I guess I don't need to worry about that. But then again...

It's no wonder Kosiché has such connections; Yang Hao didn't see a single person just there to make up the numbers. All the nobles and generals attending the gathering were capable individuals, or those about to become capable. Being surrounded by them was incredibly stressful for someone like Yang Hao, who was inexperienced and not even considered a nobleman...

"Hehe, does your stomach hurt a little?"

"...To be honest, a little."

“You seem to be under a lot of pressure. But it’s okay, we just need to go through the motions today. Come on, take my hand, Monica will follow behind and take care of you as we head to the center of the venue.”

"Don't I need to do anything? Um... something like a self-introduction—"

"If you really can't speak fluently, I'll help you. But if you want to do something, um... it would be better if you could give a proper self-introduction?"

Dressed in a formal gown, Kosichrie looked exceptionally beautiful, linking her left arm with Yang Hao's right and smiling. Her tail, seemingly finally subdued for the occasion, hovered less than ten centimeters from the ground, swishing restlessly.

For Yang Hao, whose stomach was aching from excessive stress, no matter how much his wife comforted him, today was an unforgettable and difficult day... Fortunately, all he had to do now was show his face, and to avoid causing any trouble for his wife, Yang Hao thought he had to make a good impression.

"Sir, your walking stick."

"Ah, thank you... Phew. I feel much more relaxed with this."

Holding the cane, Yang Hao's tense and uneasy heart relaxed a little. After taking another deep breath to calm himself down, he told Kosiché that he was ready.

“Hmm. Well then, let’s go—today you’ll be our quiet protagonist.” Kosic said with a mischievous grin.

"You clearly told me I didn't need to do anything..." Yang Hao was stunned, looking completely dumbfounded.

"Hehe. Yes, you really don't need to do anything. I'll handle it for you."

The couple walked noisily toward the center of the hall. Their loyal head maid, Monica, smiled enviously, closed her eyes, and slowly followed, ready to be at the beck and call of the two masters.

......

On the first day of the gathering, Yang Hao stepped into the center of the vast palace for the first time, and for the first time, he took his wife's hand and introduced himself to the powerful and influential people he had never dared to dream of before, receiving their friendly blessings. At this moment, Yang Hao felt both incredibly exhausted and as if he were in a dreamlike state.

He was currently resting on the balcony, enjoying the breeze. Kosichelle was handling the guests she had invited—frankly, it wasn't an invitation, it was practically flattery. Yang Hao, standing to the side, blushed at the excessive praise: things like, "Since he arrived, the entire economy of the Kosichelle Duchy has improved!" and "Since he arrived, not only are families happy, but even the people are wearing happy smiles..." and so on.

He only did a tiny bit of work! The really big thing won't come until the party is almost over! He feels so uncomfortable being praised like this now.

"Seriously...who could resist such sweet talk..."

"Huh? Boss, you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit?"

"...Whether I enjoy it or not is another matter, but what are you doing here?"

Yang Hao raised an eyebrow, turned his head, and found that a Kuranta girl in a white dress and with a ponytail was standing next to him.

It's Theresa. Why is she here?

Yang Hao was completely bewildered, while Theresa shrugged and said that she hadn't initially planned to come, but...

"Lord Koschche invited me over~ What could I do? If I didn't come, my head might be chopped off, so here I am."

"...Huh? Why didn't she tell me—" Yang Hao was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered that he had given them a similar task before?

But can't the kind of task of investigating the background of nobles be done without entering the palace?

“Without entering the palace, we can only gather superficial information. Besides, one of the main reasons Lord Kosiché sent me here is that nobles from the Duchy of Nikolai might show up uninvited,” Theresa shrugged, muttering nonchalantly. “She wants us agents who have seen those nobles to come and conduct a quick on-site identification—so I brought some of my sisters with me. We'll be here on standby until the party ends.”

"...You're not lying to me, are you, little pony?"

"I do know what can be faked and what can't, okay? You can ask the boss tonight if you don't believe me. He's the one who likes to pat my butt, isn't he?"

...

Yang Hao fell silent. He sighed heavily, turned around, and looked at Kosic, who was chatting with the guests like a protagonist, seemingly discussing political matters, inside the open doorway.

It's best not to bother her now.

How long will it take before the refugees fleeing from the Duchy of Nikolai can make contact with our troops?

"We should be able to make contact tonight. However, of the original 1 refugees, only about 8000 remain. If you don't send troops to help them, I estimate that only a few thousand will survive until they reach the Duchy of Kosiché."

"Have they really gotten that desperate?"

Yang Hao felt a pang of sadness. After all, they were refugees who had fled from the core city of the Dukedom of Kosiché, and they were all his and Kosiché's people.