My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 93

Yang Hao chuckled dryly as Duke Kosiché, for some reason, reached down to tickle his waist with his tail, causing a tingling sensation. They continued their meeting, which concerned the issue of the two-fifths of the almost pathetic nobles standing behind His Majesty the Emperor.

The biggest impact of the economic crisis on the Ursus Empire was the reduction in military spending. And in this era, the best way to reduce military spending was none other than to cut troops.

Although the Imperial Army did not reduce its troops for various reasons, but only reduced the distribution of military pay, it was not the same in other noble territories, including the former Duchy of Koschche. Everyone reduced their troops to some extent, and these unfortunate soldiers who were laid off could not find jobs in the context of the economic crisis. You tell me?

Since they couldn't find work to support themselves, and their former armies were unwilling to take them back, it was only natural that their former loyalty and respect for their respective lords and emperors turned into anger and hatred.

They became outlaws, forming bandit gangs to plunder unprotected villages and towns. Some even became collaborators in Qazimir or other countries—these men will be a threat when the civil war officially begins.

If these bandits aren't dealt with, the nobles who support His Majesty the Emperor will be uneasy, as if a wolf were lying beside their bed, and they won't dare to offer their full assistance. But even if you ask Yang Hao to handle this, he can't... After all, those nobles aren't under his jurisdiction, and his [Puppet Stage] has no effect—

what...

He recalled what had appeared on his [Puppet Stage]'s world map: infected bandits, the First Army, the Second Army's unit badges... He knew what he had to do, so after hesitating, he gladly accepted the job: But... Your Majesty? Aren't you going to do something?

In response, His Majesty the Emperor waved his hand and first gave Yang Hao a promise that, for some reason, made Kosichev's face twitch:

"As long as you can get things done, the position of Speaker of the Imperial Council will be reserved for you after the civil war ends."

"...what?"

"...Sigh, darling, just accept it."

"Oh, oh..."

Not quite sure what rights the Speaker of the Imperial Council, a "traitor" who might also be eliminated by him, would have, Yang Hao reluctantly listened to his wife and accepted the position.

Kosichrie, however, knew very well that after becoming the Speaker of the Imperial Council, in a sense, the only person in Ursus who could restrain Yang Hao was the Emperor.

No... perhaps the emperor is still above him now. But what about decades from now? What about after this emperor passes away...?

She thought about it and felt it wasn't bad. It's just that, for some reason, she had a strange, ominous feeling...

Chapter 198

Aside from the civil war, the most important thing after the civil war ended was the reform of various aspects, including administration, people's livelihood, science and technology, commerce, and industry, which were necessary to solve the economic crisis.

In Ekaterina's vision, the civil war in the Ursus Empire would bring a short-term economic boost. During the civil war, the demand for military equipment would stimulate a portion of the commercial economy, primarily military factories, which in turn would revitalize the rest of the private sector, resulting in a temporary period of prosperity.

But this is only temporary. After the war ends, the economy, which has temporarily prospered because of the war, will decline again, and the Ursus Empire will still need to find a way to completely solve the economic crisis—this will be the most arduous task that Yang Hao will have to take on at that time.

To resolve the economic crisis of the Ursus Empire, he first needs to reform the overall administrative efficiency.

After addressing administrative efficiency issues, reforms should be implemented to improve people's livelihoods. This includes using cheap labor to build infrastructure such as schools, residential areas, and roads to improve people's lives, while simultaneously changing the mindset of the lower classes in Ursus through education.

As reforms to improve people's livelihoods proceed, the commercial economy will gradually recover. This recovery will simultaneously drive the development of industry and technology, which in turn will further boost people's livelihoods and commerce, creating a virtuous cycle.

But these things are easier said than done. Although Yang Hao has the ability to solve these problems, shouldn't Your Majesty also offer some assistance with this kind of exhausting and strenuous labor?

Faced with Yang Hao's direct question, Ekaterina was actually in a dilemma: after all, the title of Speaker of the Imperial Council had already been promised, so what else could the Ursus Empire offer him next?

Ekaterina deeply understood that there was no such thing as one-sided giving in this world; therefore, she had to give Yang Hao appropriate compensation... So, after much thought, Ekaterina came up with a... terrible idea. A terrible idea that could simultaneously satisfy both her own needs and Yang Hao's needs.

"I grant you the right to freely enter and leave my palace, and the right to educate the future heirs of the empire."

"Ah this..."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Koschei's tail, which was wrapped around Yang Hao's waist, bristled. Although she didn't show any outward expression, Yang Hao and Monica, sitting beside her and standing behind her, realized with cold sweat that the little cat Koschei was already angry...

The right to education for the heir to the empire...what does this mean?

This means that even if His Majesty the Emperor has no interest in him, he will still be the future Crown Prince's godfather—or rather, adoptive father? In short, Yang Hao's relationship with the Crown Prince of the Ursus Empire will probably be so good that he can scold or beat the Crown Prince whenever he has free time, and the Crown Prince will be happy about it.

After all, as the Crown Prince's tutor, Yang Hao's education, in a sense, would determine the direction the Crown Prince would lead the Ursus Empire. Furthermore, his personal relationship with the Crown Prince would bring immense benefits to the Duchy of Kosiché.

What? I'm envious of the city in the neighboring duchy. Your Highness, give me his title and let us [solve it ourselves]! What? My city is developing well lately. How about we move the talent market of the Ursus Empire to the Duke of Koschei? What? Industrial development in other places is sluggish lately. How about we move the industrial center of the Ursus Empire here? Or even, I think the feng shui of your Saint-Germain Castle location isn't good. Why don't we just build a palace in the Duke of Koschei? ... [Convenient]

Yang Hao was practically drooling just thinking about how convenient this was! What an enormous benefit! The day when my Duchy of Kosice would transform from a province into a kingdom was just around the corner!

Even so, Yang Hao couldn't act rashly in the face of such a generous gift! He couldn't let the seemingly bright future cloud his judgment!

You know, this emperor is lusting after his body! It might turn out he's disciplining his son, not the crown prince. Is disciplining a son as satisfying as disciplining the crown prince? Definitely not...

...If you really want to say something, it doesn't really matter, does it? It wasn't said the son couldn't be the crown prince, but putting aside the fact that Yang Hao seems infertile... let's talk about how Koschie, whose tail is practically bristling and causing Yang Hao's back pain, feels...

Would he agree? Definitely not—

"...Darling...this...is...okay. Say yes." She turned her face, a sinister smile on her face, and said this, enunciating each word clearly. With each word, her tail tightened its grip.

"Ah this..."

...Of course it's possible. My wife's already said so, it wouldn't look good if I refused... Yang Hao smiled wryly, completely baffled by Koschche's thinking—but since his wife had said so, he figured it was better to agree and help her complete her plan. At worst, he could just ask her what was going on later...

...Actually, asking now isn't a big deal. For Kosichelle, although His Majesty the Emperor's "reward that would steal her husband" made her feel a surge of anger, upon closer examination, it wasn't really a big problem.

1. Regarding the timing of his trip to St. Arthur's Castle, it remains largely the same as the previous contract: Yang Hao won't stay at St. Arthur's Castle for an extended period. Considering his infertility, which doctors have almost definitively diagnosed as a problem, Koschke doesn't need to worry about Yang Hao actually having a child with His Majesty... And as for lovers, he's already agreed to Monica's arrangement. Looking further ahead, there's that adorable little bat; closer to home, there might be that little pony... So what if there's another emperor? It's not entirely impossible.

2. The benefits of educating the crown prince are simply too great—although Koschei is not the kind of wicked person who would forget her allegiance when she sees profit, she now sees an even greater benefit: the possibility of making the Ursus Empire great starting with the next emperor.

For no other reason than that her husband, even setting aside his abilities, possessed extremely advanced humanistic values ​​and innovative yet feasible ideas for this world. If he instilled these qualities in the Crown Prince, or even just occasionally mentioned them to him, then under his influence, the Crown Prince of Ursus would also become a progressive individual, able to use the advanced policies and education he had heard and witnessed to strive for greater achievements for the Ursus Empire.

So...okay, so what if it means her husband might have another emperor lover? Koschche is definitely not going to have any problems with that.

So... what kind of expression will the little bat have when he meets him at the appointed time after he learns about what happened here?

Thinking about what would happen decades from now, the immortal black serpent felt her inner rage gradually subsiding. She was trying to ease her mind by imagining the look of shock and near-tears that would surely appear on Margarita's face then! What a filthy old serpent, a dirty black serpent who, ever since having a man, has started seeking pleasure from other women!

However, she overlooked one thing.

Now Margarita is working hard to grow up, and let alone having another emperor's lover, even the existence of the pony and Monica...

She didn't know anything.

.....

In general, after all the negotiations have been completed, the current situation is pretty much settled.

Yang Hao needs to accomplish several tasks for His Majesty the Emperor, who will reward him accordingly based on the tasks completed. At the same time, His Majesty's relationship with the Duchy of Kosiché will become closer. More importantly, once Yang Hao has finished his assigned tasks in the Duchy of Kosiché—at the latest by the end of this year—he will temporarily leave home to visit Saint-Germain Castle, warm himself by the fire, and incidentally get rid of some unpleasant individuals.

"And there's one more thing—I heard that a city called United City, which split off from Columbia, plans to come and trade with you? Well, I approve of all trade except for state secrets, but I hope you won't cause any international trouble at this particular time, understand? This includes trade with Yan."

“Of course, Your Majesty,” replied Kosic, her sinister smile unchanging, like a venomous snake watching the composed Emperor. “Then, after everything is settled, I hope you will not harass my husband any further.”

She practically stated her position: After Yang Hao finishes writing out the contract and you send over all the rewards, unless absolutely necessary... don't bother her husband anymore: if you have a problem, come at her.

But it's unclear whether the emperor was feigning ignorance or she genuinely didn't understand. Amidst Catherine's laughter, "What are you saying? How can that be considered harassment?", the talks on June 4th finally ended peacefully.

The meeting concluded, and the gathering of nobles also came to an end due to the recent unforeseen events. With a personal farewell from Kosiché and His Majesty the Emperor, the nobles departed with great joy—perhaps they were delighted to have met His Majesty several times and to have learned of the close relationship between the Duke of Kosiché and His Majesty?

However, some guests remained. These were guests from Yan Country. They were still waiting for Kosichek and Yang Hao's reply regarding economic and trade matters.

So after most of the nobles, including His Majesty the Emperor, had left, Yang Hao and Kosiché met with the Yan Kingdom guest before dinner. They noticed that the Liberian Yan Kingdom guest wearing a silver mask was accompanied by a young girl in elegant and noble attire whose race was unclear.

Kosicie frowned, scrutinizing the young woman behind the VIP. Finally, she gave Monica a wink, and after a slight pause, Monica indicated that she needed to leave for a moment.

She left the reception room, entered the mirror world outside, and then silently returned to the Duke and Duchess's side in another world. She whispered in Yang Hao's ear in a voice only the two adults could hear:

"...That is the dragon of Yan Kingdom, one of the royal families, at the very least a princess... Your Excellency."

"..."

Yang Hao blinked, knowing he shouldn't show too much emotion. He simply took his seat at the head of the table with Kosiché, as usual, and began chatting with the distinguished guest about economic cooperation.

The quiet and graceful young woman seemed to have only come to listen in; she didn't say a word.

"In short, this person—"

“My apologies for not introducing myself earlier… My public identity is Qian Tian, ​​and I hold a special position in the Great Yan Dynasty. I can be fully responsible for all procedures of this meeting,” Mr. Qian Tian said, neither servile nor arrogant, demonstrating both politeness and competence. “And the lady behind me… she is a distinguished guest here to observe. Although I understand that the Ursus Empire may not wish for observers at important meetings, this time, things are complicated.”

"Actually, the Ursus Empire doesn't mind the presence of eavesdroppers. Can we get to the point?"

A member of the Yan Kingdom's royal family—they certainly have to give him some face. Yang Hao and Kosichev exchanged a glance and thought the same thing at the same time. Besides, whatever the eavesdropping guest intended to do, it was best to finish their work as soon as possible and go home to rest.

And so, they began a new round of business negotiations. Yang Hao then understood why the Yan people had come to the Dukedom of Koschche to discuss matters related to trade... the reason was simple.

When Gaul still existed, Yan was one of the Gauls' trading partners. Now that Gaul has vanished, even if Yan's external exchanges are not as frequent, the artworks and trade goods piled up domestically that cannot be sold still need to be dealt with.

They initially considered other smaller countries that would be less affected by the economic crisis. However, when they realized that those countries simply didn't have the capacity to absorb the goods, and that the major powers surrounding Gaul were also severely impacted by the economic crisis, they had no choice but to urgently seek customers and sell the goods before they spoiled.

This search lasted for several months. This search led to the Duchy of Koschei—Mr. Qian Tian originally intended to sell the goods and be done with it, without further interaction... However, the rapid economic recovery of the Duchy of Koschei caught his eye. Therefore, after serious consideration, he concluded that the Duchy of Koschei was a worthy trading partner for the Great Yan Dynasty.

but--

This is dealing with the Dukedom of Kosiché, not the Ursus Empire. Therefore, this negotiation requires utmost caution.

"In short, you want our duchy to sign a trade contract with Great Yan... to exchange Great Yan's specialties for our local specialties, right?"

"Yes."

"And the most crucial point is... you want to send an inspection team in to examine our policies during the economic crisis, in order to prepare for the crises you may face in the future?"

"Yes."

Yang Hao frowned. He realized that the so-called "trade" was just a bonus dessert.

What the people of Yan really want is his policies.

Chapter 199

What the people of Yan are after isn't the so-called "commercial contracts" that will allow them to sell their stockpiled goods; what they're after is their own policies!

Yang Hao was quite taken aback, but upon reflection, it wasn't surprising: given the average level of humanistic values ​​in this world, most countries were either imperial, parliamentary constitutional, or even feudal dynasties or tribal systems... Aside from a few capitalist or large-corporation-based regions, this was generally the case. It was perfectly normal for them to be tempted by policies that had proven effective over thousands of years in their home world.

But the problem is-

"If I'm not mistaken, is your inspection team tied to a commercial contract?"

"Yes."

“...Then I’m sorry, we have to refuse.” Kosichek, standing to the side, frowned and replied.

The problem is that Yang Hao is not a citizen of Yan, nor is his hometown Yan. It's not as feudal, at least not openly, with no royal family or emperor, and no beast-eared people. While he may have a favorable impression of this country that shares some elements of his homeland, he is currently the lord of the Dukedom of Koschche, not a citizen of Yan.

So that's the gist of it—to prevent places outside Ursus from learning these policies, at least on the surface, Yang Hao and Kosiché will prevent them from sending expeditions in.

"...Is there no room for maneuver?"

Mr. Inada seemed somewhat disappointed by Koschich's refusal. He glanced at Yang Hao, then at the gloomy-faced Koschich, and finally turned to look at the girl who hadn't yet shown any reaction. He shook his head: "We can offer more."

“This has nothing to do with profit—Mr. Qiantian, this is the bottom line. Perhaps other places in the Ursus Empire will allow your trade contracts, but the Duke of Koschei will not agree.” Yang Hao patted his wife’s shoulder, took her hand as she turned around with a somewhat puzzled look, and stated his position to Mr. Qiantian. “Although I am not a native of Ursus, I still understand one thing—now I am a citizen of the Duke of Koschei in the Ursus Empire, and my wife is a patriotic person, so naturally, I will not hinder her dreams.”

This was a daily occurrence between Yang Hao and Koschich, so Koschich simply smiled, his reaction indifferent. But to the guests from Yan, it felt more like a face-to-face promise... a promise made in public to win someone's favor and trust.

If Yang Hao knew what they were thinking, he would definitely cry foul: "This is how my wife and I usually communicate, why are you thinking like this?!" But he didn't know! So after he affectionately held his wife's hand and explained his words to Mr. Qian Tian, ​​he noticed that Mr. Qian Tian turned his head strangely and exchanged a glance with the girl who was listening in.

Mr. Qian Tian then expressed his regret, saying that if Yang Haozhen really thought that way, then this trade negotiation would have to end here.

"I originally thought that Mr. Yang Hao, being a Colombian..."

"Ah, actually I'm not Colombian. My development in Colombia was just an accident," Yang Hao corrected with a smile, holding Kosicchi's hand. "And my ancestral home isn't Yan Country either. Do you understand what I mean?"

"...Yes."

In terms of intelligence, the guests from Yan Kingdom did not have the upper hand.

Just as Yang Hao thought that his work for the day should be almost over—the girl who had been listening in without saying a word suddenly spoke up with a smile:

"Then, Mr. Puppet Master... what if we offer more?"

The dragon girl, dressed in elegant and noble attire, smiled and, in front of Kosichrie and Yang Hao, took out a cell phone from her bosom.

She showed Yang Hao the content on her phone screen, and when he noticed the interface of a... familiar-looking app, Yang Hao's face froze.

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

"Ah Qiu!"

Margarita seems to have caught a cold again today.

No, to be honest, she probably caught a cold yesterday? After all, she sneezed several times last night. Even Lady Norsen was surprised that the Blood Demon would sneeze because of a cold and rushed over to check on her, but after checking and checking, she couldn't find anything wrong.

Was it just her imagination? Confused, she rubbed her nose, then carefully draped the cloak over herself before getting ready to handle her work for the day.

“Margarita—come back early this afternoon. I went to an acquaintance and got a lot of nearly expired Rh-negative blood.” As Margarita got up to leave her room to go to work, looking dejected and smoking on the sofa, Ms. Northon looked up at her and called out, “And then, I remember you’ll be able to make phone calls soon, right? Okay, let me know before you make the call, I might need to talk to him about your recent situation.”

"T-Teacher!" Margarita turned around, looking at her teacher with some embarrassment. She wasn't quite sure why her teacher was doing this, but she had a strange feeling...

If she could, she really intended to predict what her teacher was planning to do... but after thinking about it, she decided against it. This wasn't just a matter of politeness; it was also because Margarita genuinely trusted Ms. Northumbery as family.