Chapter 421: Grand Duke of the Empire!
"Oh! Where is my heroic knight?"
The old emperor's three-dimensional projection, with several floating projection balls, shuttled between Yang Ming and Daphne's bedrooms. The maids and robot guards bowed their heads or knelt on one knee.
The old emperor was obviously dressed up carefully today. He wore a purple robe with a deep blue lining, and a hat inlaid with gold patterns and several kinds of dangerous precious metals.
Yang Ming has 'awoke' at this moment, and is lying on the bed with a pale face.
"His Majesty……"
He shouted hoarsely and tried to struggle to sit up, but was hypocritically "held down" by the old emperor's projection.
The projection balls around began to capture images rapidly.
"Hanton, no need to salute."
The old emperor used his most gentle tone and said to Yang Ming:
"You are a hero who saved hundreds of billions of people in the empire. You are the greatest contributor to the empire. When I learned that your body had become ill because of fighting against the Queen, my heart was in agony all the time.
"How are you?"
"Your Majesty, I am no longer seriously injured," Yang Ming sighed weakly, "Maybe my combat power has been somewhat reduced. After my body recovers, the energy it can carry will be reduced by 5% to 10%."
"You are still invincible, Hanton."
The old emperor spoke in a gentle voice, with some emotion in his eyes, and a little bit of joy that didn't seem fake.
"It's great that you're okay," the old emperor said, changing the subject. "What reward do you want? Hanton? I can satisfy you. Besides, we are broadcasting live nationwide, and my promise to you will never expire."
Yang Ming: …
This old man is quite cunning.
With just one sentence of "live broadcast now", and then proactively asking him what he wanted, he directly put Boss Yang in a difficult position.
If Yang Ming took his own "hero" persona into consideration and spoke of power and wealth at this moment, it would easily offend the people who believe in "being strict with others and lenient with oneself."
Fortunately, Boss Yang is no longer the simple young man on the Kigrove research ship.
Yang Ming first coughed weakly twice, then sighed slowly and said in a low voice:
"Your Majesty, it would be disrespectful of you if I refused your reward.
“But there’s really nothing more I need.
"To the world of this dimension, I have completed my mission as a transformed ancient god. My only wish is that the empire can treat my hometown well.
“In my confrontation with the Great Queen, I saw a whole new world… although I paid a high price for it.
"Your Majesty, what I need to do now is to recover from my injuries, wait for the right time, and continue to make myself better. Then, I want to take the genes and honor of our Sherman people to explore the higher-dimensional world, learn from higher-dimensional civilizations, understand the true meaning of life and the mysteries of time and space, continue to fight against the evil Zerg there, and will represent the great Sherman Empire with you to conquer more higher-dimensional Zerg."
The old emperor looked slightly touched.
He stared at Yang Ming, his eyes were complex and full of emotion.
Obviously, there was no content to deal with the current topic in the "reservoir of rhetoric" prepared by the old emperor.
But fortunately, although the old emperor is old, he is not yet at the stage of pulling his pants, coughing, or pulling his hips.
He sighed:
"Hanton, the areas you are involved in are areas that the Empire has never touched. I am really proud of you. I am also sincerely happy that the high-dimensional civilization can always trust the Empire and let the imperial soldiers become their warriors.
“But these are two different things.
“Before you entered the higher-dimensional world, you were still a subject, soldier, citizen, and noble of the Sherman Empire. You deserve rewards and the full support of the empire.
“From now on, wherever you go, people there should pave the way for you with flowers, welcome you with cheers, and express their highest respect to you with their respectful eyes and complicated etiquette.
“This has nothing to do with power or wealth.
"This is the respect you deserve."
Yang Ming sighed in his heart, this old emperor is really good at this.
Are you trying to get rid of him with some pretentious "guard of honor reward"?
"His Majesty……"
Yang Ming said seriously: "I don't want to be special, and I don't want to be separated from the people. My roots are in the Sherman Empire. If I really do what you say, it will definitely make me extremely uncomfortable."
"Oh, Hanton, then you say," the old emperor said with a smile.
His patience was clearly running out.
"What kind of reward do you want?"
"Your Majesty, I don't want any reward."
Yang Ming said seriously:
"If Your Majesty must reward me, please erect two virtual tombstones, one with the names of all the victims of the natural disaster, and one with the names of the imperial soldiers who died heroically fighting the insect swarm.
“Perhaps, I stand out among them because I have been given more power.
“But in fact, I am the same as them.”
The old emperor nodded with a smile and said, "Our ideas coincide with each other. These two monuments are already in production. I have named them, one is Sigh and the other is Admiration."
"Then I have nothing else to ask for." Yang Ming closed his eyes and breathed weakly, "Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness."
Daphne stood behind the screen and thought carefully.
The confrontation between these two old foxes, one old and one young, benefited her a lot.
The old emperor continued to laugh:
"Even if you keep declining, Hanton, the Empire must make sufficient gestures to express the people's gratitude to you.
"We are a political system based on every citizen. The reason why we maintain the imperial system is to make the entire system and such a large territory operate efficiently. This insect tide is also a test for all the major political systems in the galaxy. We are the least affected by the disaster and have the highest disaster relief efficiency after the insect tide. This is our superiority.
“But the basis of all this is that we must be absolutely fair.
"If your reward is too light or too small, the people will not agree, and I will not agree even more!
"By the way, Hanton, when I connected with you, the military was discussing setting up an honorary commander position for you..."
Yang Ming opened his eyes, looking a little agitated: "This won't do, Your Majesty, this absolutely won't do."
"Oh? Why not?"
The old emperor looked innocent and said, "I don't know much about military affairs. Are there any rules or restrictions?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yang Ming said solemnly, "The Imperial Army has never had such a young commander. Even if he is an honorary commander, he has broken the rules that have lasted for tens of thousands of years."
The old emperor said with a smile: "Aren't rules meant to be broken? Upgrading is also important."
Yang Ming continued:
“Your Majesty, you are right, but the Imperial Military Department is related to all aspects of the army. A commander must not only have achievements, but also the ability to command thousands of ships, possess various outstanding qualities, and most importantly, the accumulation of time.
"If I break this rule, the impact on the military will be multifaceted.
"The army, national defense, ships and soldiers are the foundation of civilization standing in the galaxy, and this must not be disrupted.
"To be honest, I don't know how to command, Your Majesty. I am just a vanguard, and I am willing to continue to be a vanguard."
"I see," the old emperor nodded, "What you said does need to be considered, but your military achievements must be commended. Perhaps I can ask them to draw up a promotion plan, for example, to promote you to lieutenant general immediately, and then to general or marshal at a certain point in the future. What do you think?"
Yang Ming smiled and shook his head, looking at the emperor as if he were an old man next door: "You can decide everything, but I am not suitable for a quick promotion."
"This is just your military achievement, Hanton."
The old emperor was also a little tired.
How to reward Yang Ming involves many aspects, but for him, this is a good opportunity.
Before and during the insect infestation, it had nothing to do with him as an emperor. If he doesn't show his face now, how will the history books be written in the future? Will they just write "the great insect infestation occurred during the reign of a certain emperor"?
He must play a key role and leave a deep impression on the people.
Therefore, the old emperor continued to maintain his patience and spoke gently:
"Hanton, don't refuse next time. I have decided to grant you the title of Grand Duke of the Empire."
Boss Yang looked puzzled: "Your Majesty, this..."
"Oh, I can't refuse."
The old emperor said in a gentle voice:
"Your contributions to the empire are such that it would not be excessive to give you the title of king, but there is no precedent in the empire, and the voices within the Council of Elders are also very intense.
“The empire’s national policy has always been to reduce and control the number of nobles and prevent them from oppressing the common people.
“So, as an emperor, the highest title I can give you is the Grand Duke of the Empire. You can be above ordinary dukes, regardless of hereditary or honorary titles, and have the power to control the imperial nobles.
"It doesn't matter when you go to the higher-dimensional world. Your wishes and concerns will become the wishes and concerns of the empire from now on.
"In addition, Hanton, the Empire Development Church will also grant you the honor of 'Glorious Bishop'..."
The old emperor spoke incessantly, and Yang Ming listened with great emotion.
Of course Boss Yang knew that the old emperor’s words should be analyzed from another perspective.
The so-called superiority over ordinary dukes refers to the princes, princes, and princesses who are lower than the surname Sherman;
It is neither hereditary nor honorary, and in fact cannot be inherited, it is just a special title given to Yang Ming personally;
Having the power to control the imperial nobles is more like a joke. Yang Ming can now deal with any imperial nobles except the Sherman family, either openly or secretly.
However, Yang Ming changed his mind and felt that he had already gotten enough.
The youngest lieutenant general in the history of the empire. It is not an honorary title, but a lieutenant general who truly has the power to command troops. His status is equivalent to Thomas before his promotion.
He is the only Grand Duke in the empire at this stage. All the nobles who are not royal relatives in the empire will take the initiative to salute him when they see him.
And, this 'Glow Bishop'.
The Empire Development Religion is the base of reason.
This reward was the least noticeable in the list given by the emperor, but it was the one that Yang Ming cared about the most.
Yang Ming declined appropriately, and then took the opportunity to express his gratitude and satisfaction for the Emperor's reward.
This drama performed for the people and the nobles finally came to an end.
A reminder came from the old emperor: "Your Majesty, the live broadcast has been terminated."
The old man's face fell instantly, and he frowned at Yang Ming: "Han Dun, are you really injured?"
"Ahem, ahem," Yang Ming smiled bitterly, "Your Majesty, all the Posuo who fought with me died in the battle."
"Oh, okay."
The Emperor showed regret and patted Yang Ming's arm with his projection: "Well done, my Knight Commander."
Yang Ming continued to speak weakly: "Your Majesty, are there many people maliciously slandering ?"
"They are jealous of you and afraid of you," the emperor said with a smile, "You have absolutely overwhelming personal combat power and unrivaled prestige. This prestige connects the people of the empire, the army, and even those small nobles. It seems more appropriate for you to be the emperor."
"His Majesty!"
Yang Ming struggled to sit up: "You!"
"Hey, I'm just kidding you, don't be nervous."
The emperor sighed, as if he was lost in thought, and suddenly asked, "Hanton, how much do you know about the empire's defense system?"
"I just know a little bit, not a lot."
"So what do you know about my ancestor, Levi Sherman?"
Teacher Yang Ming explained: "It is limited to the imperial history books and the "Emperor's Biography", Your Majesty."
"Oh, okay."
The old emperor pondered for a few seconds, as if he was thinking about something.
Yang Ming asked: "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
"I'm thinking about how to control the Imperial Guard System," the old emperor said calmly, "According to the secret intelligence I received, this system has shown signs of being out of control. We can't let it go on like this. Once the Imperial Guard System gets out of control, it will be a very serious incident far more harmful than this insect tide. The second disaster has just passed, and you don't want the third disaster to come directly, right?"
Yang Ming was surprised and asked, "You mean, the Emperor Guard System might become the third natural disaster?"
"Yes, Hanton, that may well happen."
The old emperor nodded calmly and said:
“However, this matter is very complicated and cannot be explained in a few words. But fortunately, we already have a backup, the Emperor Guard System 2.0, and you, an Ancient God Warrior whose conventional combat power cannot match.
"Hanton, what do you think will happen if I ask Regal 2 to replace Regal 1?"
Yang Ming: …
feel?
Can this matter be concluded simply based on intuition?
Yang Ming just thought that the Empire had seen through Li's plan and discovered that Li was quietly breaking free from his restraints. This information was provided by the three old men of the Omnic Twilight.
However, Yang Ming has now figured it out.
The old emperor has been humiliated one after another by the law, and now he can't bear it anymore.
For a long time, the flattery of the maids and ministers around him, as well as the adjectives of "great", "wise", and "big idiot", made the old emperor accustomed to the feeling of superiority of standing at the top of the Milky Way.
This attack by the Imperial Star not only greatly damaged the old emperor's self-esteem, but also directly denied his control over the empire.
If it were a case of being completely enslaved by Levi Sherman, what steps would be taken to deal with this situation?
There might be a fake cockpit in the Emperor Star Mecha, allowing the current emperor to stay inside and get a sense of participation in some historical events.
Reason did not do so.
This made Yang Ming seriously suspect that Li was deliberately provoking and ridiculing the old man.
"Your Majesty," Yang Ming said, "This plan is a bit risky, but it is not impossible to try."
"Right?"
The old emperor smiled and said, "It would be great if you could support me, Hanton. You are the only force I can trust and rely on now. Your strength far exceeds that of a battle group."
Yang Ming immediately expressed his opinion: "If it is for your sake, I am willing to use all my strength, like sniping the Queen, to complete the task you have assigned me."
"Very good," said the old emperor, "First take good care of your injuries. The rewards and promotions will be taken care of soon. I will send two finance ministers over later. Just tell them what your territory wants."
Yang Ming's thoughts raced.
"Your Majesty, I have one more thing to report."
"Just say it."
"The Faya people also gave me a mission, asking me to find a human being," Yang Ming said, "After I recover from my injuries, I will go on a long journey. What do you think..."
"The Fayya people gave instructions?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"You can do this first and set off as soon as possible. If you need ships, ask the military to mobilize them," the old emperor said with a smile. "I am also very curious about the Faya civilization. Of course, I still don't have the courage to try a transformation experiment with a 99% mortality rate."
Yang Ming nodded with a smile.
The old emperor stood up and waved his hand, and the projection was turned off on the other end.
Yang Ming and Daphne looked at each other and both breathed a sigh of relief.
Daphne asked, "How does it feel?"
"Tired," Yang Ming squinted and couldn't help yawning, "Your father is very dissatisfied with the Emperor Guard System. You need to be vigilant about this."
"Why?"
"He can't beat the Emperor Guards."
"Uh," Daphne was a little confused.
Yang Ming lay there and sorted out his thoughts.
Military ranks, titles, and the title of Radiant Bishop are all obtained in this wave, and Sakaar can also obtain a large amount of resources;
More importantly, there is no risk of damaging his basic reputation among the people.
Well, that's enough, this is the 'limit' benefit you can get at the moment.
Next up…
Half a month later, the Sherman Empire sent a formal diplomatic letter to the fifth most powerful country in the Milky Way, the Yada Democratic Republic, stating that the Grand Duke of the Empire, the White Ghost Hamton, would officially visit the country.
A fleet consisting of hundreds of ships left the Sakaar outer spaceport in a mighty manner and completed a synchronized jump in the gravitational balance zone.
It’s time for Pioneer No. 5 to reveal its true colors.
…
