Chapter 655: To Make Known First (II)

Chapter 655: To Make Known First (II)

“There is ample evidence for the crimes committed by Wu Yong of the Four Seas Company,” Minister Liu announced from the lobby without bothering to emerge from the building. “His sins cannot be pardoned and his death well deserved. I bear undeniable responsibility for his actions. Therefore, the Four Seas Company will revert to the government from this day forth! The Skystar Colosseum will no longer be affiliated with the Ministry of Finance—it can be settled as appropriate!

“The Ministry of Finance is the important hub of finance for the dynasty, but I an incompetent and remiss in my discipline. Henceforth, the Ministry of Finance will continue to operate only the business of collecting tax revenue from the provinces. All other associated businesses will cease operations immediately.

“In addition, Li Hao of the Night Watchers from the Inspectorate has accomplished great deeds. The royal family has just made him the Skystar Duke. Thus, I would like to recommend Li Hao be put forth as a deputy director of the Night Watchers. His merits and rank are sufficient, just that his experience is slightly lacking. But in this day and age, we should give some opportunities to the young.

“Therefore, I find the circumstances appropriate to promote him!” Liu Yunqing laughed. “Think it over, Minister Chen! I won’t participate in the particulars.” He paused at this point in his speech. “If everyone is still unsatisfied with these arrangements, then my family is in possession of a set of ruins that might have belonged to a martial university. Those will be made public in compensation. I am not in the best of health these days, so I will not address everyone further.”

Various looks flickered through the eyes of the ministers on the scene. Liu Yunqing was letting everyone step all over him in this matter! He didn’t struggle or strike back, but simply waved the flag of surrender. They also vaguely felt another presence on the scene and understood that perhaps the old minister had spoken.

The older generation of ministers were existences that defined the initial layout of the nine ministries. No matter what the situation was in present day, these were true characters of note back in the day. Having seen more than their share of wiles and double-crosses, they were ready for any sort of development.

“Then we shall not further disturb Minister Liu.” The inspector general smiled. “Rest and recuperate well. We have been colleagues for many years, don’t fall into ill health on account of a few rotten apples.”

“Thank you for your concern,” the minister responded and said no more.

The other ministers laughed and left. That was enough! As for how the spoils would be divvied up, that was up to each ministry’s capabilities. The Ministry of Finance grasped an exceedingly high number of industries. It wasn’t just businesses, but ruins, connections, networks...

The Lius had simply just given up on all of this, other than their control over tax revenues. This was the foundation of their power and authority. As such, that could not be relinquished. If they did, the Ministry of Finance would no longer exist and it would be complete warfare with the Lius. As the situation stood, they’d only relinquished their peripheral industries.

The process had been easier than they anticipated, but those of the other ministries weren’t at ease. With their easy capitulation, the Lius plainly intended to develop Li Hao into a keen blade. He hacked at the Lius today, but what about tomorrow?

......

As the nine ministries busily transacted with each other, the rest of Skystar City stirred restlessly.

In one of the slums of the royal city, the little girl who’d shown Li Hao around was currently standing very close to the young man. She could clearly make out his form. Slums ringed the outskirts of the dynasty capital. The poor did not have the right to live in the city center.

The little girl had her head tilted to the sky; she watched fearlessly. She was already reduced to such low circumstances, what else was she afraid of? The fights of the strong were the concerns of the strong. She didn’t understand the conflicts of the high and mighty and didn’t care. That was their business.

For the moment, she stared at the sky. Some of the children next to her were scared and someone whispered, “Stop watching, Sis Yu Qi. What if that strong guy senses it?”

“I think I know that person!” the girl responded after a long moment.

Someone presented themselves and took a deep breath before addressing He Yong. “Brother He, I’m just here for the fun and won’t trouble the vice commander. The ninth prince is still waiting for me, so do you think I can go back first?”

“Oi, you’re here too!” He Yong nodded with a smile. “Sure, go ahead!”

The man sagged with relief, but then heard He Yong continue, “I’m just external personal and don’t represent the Night Watchers...”

The man’s footsteps halted and his expression turned stiff. Then what did you say all that for? What do you mean by this?? He wanted to leave, but didn’t dare move anymore.

A massive ship landed heavily at this time. Li Hao looked down at the assembly, resplendent in his suit of silver armor. The premises immediately quieted. He was only looking at them, but exerting great pressure all the same.

The powerhouse conversing with He Yong turned solemn and took half a step back. Screw you, He Yong! When did you start running with that demon of a Li Hao?

The young man simply looked at the gathering of Colosseum employees and guests. Much of the latter looked at the ship, finding familiar faces on it. Some even located family members—brothers, sisters, father and son... Here they were, reunited under such circumstances.

The atmosphere took on an awkward bent.

“Bring them all in!” Li Hao smiled. “The Silver Moon Guards are in charge of booking those who work for the Colosseum, whereas the regular guests can board the ship! I am not heartless. There is no crime for just watching, but we’ll have to trouble you for a bit!”

“As things should be!” An old man walked out of the crowd. “It is right and proper that we adhere to law enforcement efforts. We have no opinions otherwise, Vice Commander Li. I’d just like to ask how long it might take.”

Li Hao smiled very warmly in return. “Just a day if we’re quick about it, or a few days if it takes longer!”

How many days is a few days? Despite the question, the old man didn’t ask it.

Someone approached from the outskirts and transmitted from a distance, “Vice Commander Li, I am Deputy Zhou Qin of the Night Watchers. I saw my son on the ship just now, I wonder if...”

A deputy director outranked Li Hao. The young man tilted his head at the smiling middle-aged man.

“My son just likes to have some fun,” the man transmitted. “He’s not the sort to cause trouble. I’ll give him a stern talking to when we get back.”

Li Hao raised a brow and smiled, replying in turn, “That is just as well. You can take him home as soon as I bring him back to headquarters and make a note on his record.”

“We don’t need to go to so much trouble, vice commander.” Deputy Zhou Qin frowned slightly. “I can take him with me now...”

“There are thousands of people here!” Li Hao answered aloud after a long pause. “All sorts of people, Deputy Zhou. I’m already giving you a lot of face since we’re on the same team. You can have your son back so long as proper procedure is observed and a fine is paid. Why must you insist on leaving with your son right at this very moment? Are you not showing me face, or do you want to take advantage of this opportunity to step on me and demonstrate your authority?”