Chapter 374: Diversity of Undead Species
Captain Mace had known for a long time that the Undead Archon of Dutata City was an Undead Lady.
What shocked Captain Mace was that the voice of the undead lady did not sound old or like an undead creature who had lived for a long time. Instead, she was filled with a vibrant breath of life. If one only heard this voice, one would think that the other party was an energetic adult lady who was no more than forty years old.
But the ghost that made this sound was indeed a skeleton with patina of age in the joints of its bones. Without a close look, one could guess that it had been buried somewhere for at least hundreds of years before being "unearthed"...
What’s even more outrageous is that the gender is wrong!
All Night Watchmen must receive comprehensive and systematic education. Judging from the height, shoulder width, pelvis and other parts of the skeleton of the Undead Archon in front of them, it should be a male!
"The contributions of the Night Watchmen to the people of Dutata City and Adler Territory are obvious to all. It is the Night Watchmen's perseverance and persistence over the past century that have continuously cracked down on and deterred the cult members, providing solid and powerful protection for the people of this land. Please allow me to pay my highest respects to all the Night Watchmen."
They simply and straightforwardly introduced themselves to each other, sat down and began a formal conversation. In a very Chinese style, Zhao Zhenzhen expressed high praise for the captain of Metz who had come to visit. These words were not entirely flattery. Among the many official and non-governmental organizations in this alien world, the only one that the national team could look up to was indeed the Night Watch.
Captain Mace: "...(゜ロ゜)"
Captain Metz had never heard of this kind of praise before, but it did not prevent him from understanding the true meaning.
Just a few simple polite words, the vision and pattern vaguely revealed in them were enough to shock Captain Metz.
Zhao Zhenzhen had already gotten used to the slowness and shock shown by the natives when they first met her. She continued to lead the conversation with a smile: "With our cooperation, the cult problem in Adler Territory has been temporarily suppressed at this stage, but it is obviously not enough to just maintain the status quo. If we cannot fully consolidate the previous anti-cult results, the cult problem may resurface in the future. Captain Mace has come here in person, so let me make a bold guess. The Night Watch probably has the same idea as us?"
"Uh... I do think so, Lady of the Undead." Captain Mace tried hard to repair his precarious worldview and keep up with the pace.
Zhao Zhenzhen smiled and nodded, and immediately began to increase her firepower - showcasing the city hall's anti-government policies in order to win the support of the Night Watch.
The stubborn and uncooperative attitude of the Bishop of Adler Diocese not only prevented players from receiving lucrative night watchman missions, but also caused great pain to the national team...
The Kingdom of the Rhine is, after all, a diocese of the Church of the Golden Coin, and cult problems within the diocese are often assumed to be within the jurisdiction of the local church.
Church clergy and night watchmen have the right to ask local governments to cooperate in combating cults, but not vice versa. At least there is no precedent in the history of the Rhine Kingdom.
If the new Adler regime dominated by the undead, which "replaced" Coulson O'Neill in governing the territory, aroused the disgust of the uncooperative diocesan bishop in anti-government affairs, it would likely cause more serious problems - and this was something the national team absolutely did not want to see.
Lord Adler has been a scourge to Ezekiel's family for so long that it is no exaggeration to say that everything is in ruins. Zhao Zhenzhen is so busy with construction that she has no time to bother with the Gold Coin Church!
Zhao Zhenzhen had originally planned to wait for Yang to come back and do some ideological work on this compatriot, persuading him to find a way to break the ice with the bishop of the local diocese; even if she couldn't be as close as Bishop Li Gene of Innadelli, she should at least win the willingness to cooperate from this diocesan bishop.
Now that Captain Metz, the leader of the Night Watch, has come to her, Zhao Zhenzhen must seize the opportunity...
To put it bluntly, fighting the war against cults is about competing with cults for the hearts and minds of the people.
No matter what kind of civilization system or ideology dominates a society, as long as there is a healthy society with a stable political regime and smooth class mobility, cults will not have much room to survive; even if they exist, it will be difficult for them to grow.
This is an iron law that has been proven by the history of the earth. Not to mention the feudal societies in Japan and South Korea that are disguised as modern civilizations, the rampant cults are something that can be guessed with one's knees. In old Europe and the United States, family-based cults and community-based cults only quickly broke out and grew after the government implemented a policy of keeping the people ignorant, the bourgeoisie monopolized social resources, the state failed to be responsible to the people, and gradually lost the trust of the people.
Especially the great United States, which uses its own citizens to conduct inhumane biological experiments and nuclear tests, and blatantly allows politicians to ignore campaign slogans. After decades of tossing and turning, the people no longer trust the government, and even anti-intellectualism has become a trend... It's a good thing that the Earth doesn't have a crisis of ancient gods, otherwise North America would definitely be in trouble enough.
Zhao Zhenzhen doesn't mind pulling the Gold Coin Church together to fight against the government and win the hearts of the people. The national team is not so unconfident.
"To alert the public to cults, we must first make them aware of the harm of cults and the ultimate purpose of cultists giving them small favors. We cannot expect the public to be born with this knowledge. It is the job of those of us who collect taxes from the public to help them correctly understand cults and stay away from them."
Zhao Zhenzhen first clarified the positions of the city hall that collected taxes and the church that collected tithes, and pointed out the responsibilities of both parties in the anti-government movement. Then she continued, "It is of utmost importance to publicize and warn the public about the harm of cults. The long-term publicity of the Night Watchmen in newspapers is one way, and the promotion form of radio dramas we adopt is another way. The purpose is the same."
Captain Mace nodded repeatedly, his dull eyes involuntarily showing admiration, adoration, and even reverence - this undead lady really has great eloquence when it comes to speaking!
"Relying solely on propaganda is ultimately too weak." Zhao Zhenzhen changed the subject and said in a heavy tone, "In the final analysis, why do people believe the cultists' words? This is certainly because the cultists of these evil gods dare to make empty promises, dare to exaggerate the power of the evil gods, and make the evil gods appear more benevolent and generous than the righteous gods, but the more fundamental reason is that people who are willing to believe in the cult's deception actually have no better choice."
Captain Mace's expression was stern.
When the local diocesan bishop refused to cooperate, Mace, as the captain of the Night Watch, was still willing to take the initiative to participate in the investigation and elimination of cultists led by the City Hall, and he actively ran to the City Hall to inquire the day after the radio drama was released. This was enough to prove the inclination of the Night Watch captain.
Having observed the series of policies implemented by the Undead regime in Dutta City over the past two months, and having shown a tendency to get closer to the City Hall - what this means is self-evident.
Of course, Zhao Zhenzhen still needed to test and observe the other party. While she was almost blatantly questioning the upper rulers of the Rhine Kingdom, she did not miss the most direct reaction made by Captain Metz.
The black-haired, blue-eyed captain of the Night Watch showed a little shock at first, then he pursed his lips, the muscles around his lips tensed, his brows unconsciously wrinkled, and his eyes shifted slightly to the side, as if he associated Zhao Zhenzhen's words with something that made him unhappy... but he did not show the slightest disgust.
Zhao Zhenzhen smiled slightly. People who have a certain social status and still maintain traces of idealism after the age of thirty, no matter in which dimension, must belong to the type of reformers with action - people who have a status at too young a age are very likely to be the vested interest class and belong to the swing group; although they can also strive for it, it requires more effort.
After confirming the inclination of the aboriginal in front of her, Zhao Zhenzhen revealed a little more: "Not everyone has the inferior attributes of a gambler in their bones. The vast majority of people are still more willing to choose a relatively stable life path without taking too much risk. Providing more choices for the people of Dutata City so that people don't have to be embarrassed and desperate and have to believe in the deception of cultists is more important than propaganda."
After a pause, Zhao Zhenzhen smiled and brought the topic back: "I'm sorry, I got off topic. This is a long-term test that the City Hall will face. It's a little early to talk about this now. The most important issue at the moment is to do a good job of publicity and make sure people can hear and understand our publicity content."
Captain Metz was intrigued by what Zhao Zhenzhen said and really hoped that the Undead Archon would continue talking. However, the other party made a sudden turn and he was a little helpless.
"Forget it. There will always be a chance to find out what this Archon wants to do and what he plans to do in the future."
Captain Mays resisted the urge to ask further questions and continued along with Zhao Zhenzhen's lead, "Are you saying that newspapers and radio dramas alone are not enough?"
"It's not that it's not enough, but it's limited by the low cultural level and cognitive ability of the general public. As a result, most people can only unilaterally accept the content we output, but it is difficult for them to have their own ideas. This inevitably makes the public's understanding of things not deep and comprehensive enough." Zhao Zhenzhen said in a very upright and rigorous manner, "People unilaterally accept our propaganda content without fully understanding it, and naturally they will blindly accept the propaganda of others. This is obviously contrary to our ultimate goal."
As she spoke, Zhao Zhenzhen took out a thick file from the drawer and introduced the literacy plan formulated by the City Hall to Captain Mays in a very natural and casual manner...
Yes, the literacy program.
Before the popularization of audio-visual communication channels, text was the most efficient, effective, widest-reaching and most lasting means of publicity.
Because there are large areas of undeveloped bamboo mountains in Nadle Territory, Westerm's paper mill started producing bamboo pulp paper last year and printed a large number of anti-cult leaflets and anti-cult propaganda books. It is not a problem to cover the entire Adler Territory.
The problem is that literacy rates among indigenous peoples are touchingly low - but this is a relatively easy problem to solve.
With the foundation of last year's literacy work, Innadri City, Westham Town, and Yongwang Town have trained a large number of literacy teachers who can read and write more than a thousand common languages. There are more than enough to support Innadri Territory's subsequent national literacy campaign, and there will be surplus. It will not be a problem to send a batch of them to support Adler Territory.
The difficulty lies in that... because the evil scriptures of the evil god sect are always maliciously spread by the cultists through printed publications, this alien world has extremely strict control over the publicly circulated printed materials - without the approval of the diocesan bishop of Adler Territory, the leaflets printed by the city hall will never be distributed publicly in Adler Territory.
Previously, Zhao Zhenzhen had printed a work discipline manual in Innade that was only circulated among internal personnel. Bishop Li Jin, who was in a honeymoon period with the Undead Regime, sent two priests to review it...
During the literacy campaign in Innadelli, Zhao Zhenzhen never printed literacy teaching materials, but let the clerks use newspapers directly for this reason (the children's schools had ready-made teaching materials).
Captain Mace listened carefully to the literacy policy introduced by the Undead Archon, and rigorously asked Zhao Zhenzhen for a sample of the leaflet and brochure, and read it carefully and word by word in front of Zhao Zhenzhen .
After reading the propaganda materials, Captain Mace hesitated and struggled for a while before speaking cautiously: "I will try my best to appeal to the bishop, but I cannot guarantee that I can convince the bishop... I think there is nothing wrong with these two propaganda materials. If, I mean if I cannot convince the bishop, I think... maybe, using these two propaganda materials as teaching materials to teach the people to read and write is also a good choice."
His hesitant and reluctant attitude made Zhao Zhenzhen admire him even more - this kind of person is responsible for his own decisions, and once he decides on a goal, he will not change it easily.
"I understand your difficulties, Captain Mays." Zhao Zhenzhen said considerately, "I know that your suggestion has been very considerate of us, but using these two promotional materials as literacy teaching materials is actually very difficult for you."
Captain Metz suddenly felt comfortable... The church is very sensitive to printed materials that are printed with text and distributed in large quantities. Not only does it regularly check newspapers issued by large and small newspapers, but any newspaper or periodical that dares to publish banned content in the newspaper, including the compiler, editor, chief editor, and even the owner of the newspaper or periodical, will be held accountable by the church.
"Allow me to push the envelope and make a small request." Zhao Zhenzhen smiled as if she was embarrassed, and said, "As you know, literacy classes for adults are mostly open at night, usually between seven and nine in the evening. If conditions permit, can we ask a night watchman to be there to supervise when the night class starts?"
Captain Mays was stunned.
"Such a request is indeed very presumptuous, but I think it should also make your church more confident about the literacy courses we are carrying out." Zhao Zhenzhen said gently, "After all, the night classes from now on will not only be attended by employees of the City Hall, but also by the general public in the city."
The adult night classes in Duta City have been running for more than a month, with a total of four venues, and the only people attending the classes are people from the city hall. The church does not care much about it.
The scope of audience has been expanded to include all citizens, and this is no longer a question of whether the church wants to care about it or not.
The national team has already persuaded the easy-going Bishop of Innadri Parish, Lee Gene, by saying "learn from the lessons of Adler Territory and take precautions against the invasion of cults in advance." But in Adler Territory, the stubborn bishop who refuses to step into the city hall is really troublesome...
Captain Mays was very interested in participating, but he also knew that many of his subordinates were very dissatisfied with the City Hall and were sweating profusely.
Zhao Zhenzhen was so considerate that she had no intention of embarrassing the night watch captain. She patched it up in time: "After all, it has increased the burden on the night watchmen. We feel bad about it. If you are not being presumptuous, we hope to hire the night watchmen who can supervise on site as honorary teachers of the Education Department of the City Hall, and calculate their wages and subsidies according to the salary standards of the operators..."
You can get the night watchmen on board by paying a few dozen more people's salaries. Nothing could be cheaper or more cost-effective than this.
Captain Metz made the decision without hesitation.
After finishing his conversation with the Undead Archon who had astonished him, Captain Mace returned to the Night Watch headquarters not far from the City Hall and immediately announced the good news to his subordinates.
Going to the night class teaching venue and doing nothing but staying there for two hours can earn an extra salary and subsidy. Anyone who is not happy with this part-time job is a fool; a group of night watchmen excitedly surrounded the captain and flattered him, and they almost worshipped Captain Metz.
He drove away those money-hungry guys with a smile and scolded them, and returned to his room to catch up on some sleep. As soon as he lay down, Captain Metz felt something was wrong... He seemed to have forgotten something very important.
After sitting up and thinking for a long time, Captain Metz finally remembered the original purpose of running to the City Hall to inquire in the middle of the day.
Captain Mace had been so shocked since he met the Undead Archon, and so distracted by all sorts of new things, that he had forgotten his original purpose...
Thinking back on it now, Captain Mays shuddered on the spot.
"The person who actually governs Dutata City and makes the actual decisions is really the Undead Archon!" Captain Mace grinned and held his head in his hands. "It's not because he doesn't want the nobles in the city to covet the position of Archon that he lets the Undead take over, but he really relies on the Undead to govern this city!"
After a pause, Captain Mace growled again, "Wait... Doesn't that mean that the person who actually governs Innadri is also the Archon of the Undead from the very beginning?!"
It was known throughout the Rhine Kingdom that Lord Charles Rex of Innadri had appointed the undead as the supreme governor.
It was also known throughout the Rhine Kingdom that Charles Rex had madly suppressed the Innadri nobles and ruthlessly confiscated the property of several noble families.
Adding these two together, it is hard not to have conspiracy theories - maybe Charlie Rex is unwilling to share power with others, so he put the dead in the position of archon. (End of affirmative sentence)
After all, the Tarantan Undead are known for their ability to fight, handle strange events, be friendly to humans, and have an overly unrestrained and bizarre fighting style... but no one has ever claimed that the Tarantan Undead have extraordinary wisdom.
Captain Mace, who blindly believed in the Tarantan Undead, never thought of these undead as wise men - the crazy and noisy undead he saw in daily life really did not resemble wise men.
Now, Captain Mace, who has belatedly realized that the Undead race is also quite diverse in species, once again hears the sound of his worldview shattering.
"Dark magician Yang, where did you get these magical undead spirits from?"
After recovering from the shock, Captain Mays couldn't help but ask the same questions as countless people whose worldviews had been shattered by the players.
