"----Investigate the Ten Mile Lingxiang District for rampant indecency and moral decay. Establishments like the Jingyun Yalou feature illicit acts between men and women, done openly, which is utterly repulsive. In time, this will surely damage public morals and erode the martial spirit and civic virtue of Qiantian Mountain. Effective immediately, the Ten Mile Lingxiang District and all brothels and hidden courtesans within Qiantian City are to be sealed. Furthermore, commencing this evening after the Xu hour (7-9 PM), a curfew will be imposed throughout Qiantian City!"

The youth in scholarly robes gave a slight smile, realizing this was the origin of the curfew. Martial spirit and civic virtue? That reason was barely passable.

Zhao Yanran, standing nearby, also watched intently, stating calmly, "The Jingyun Yalou is an outer branch of the Qingyin Sect on Qiantian Mountain. Two days ago, Zong Shou was doused with cold water by a disciple of the Qingyin Sect right beneath that establishment."

"So, this is settling a personal score through official decree? That kind of temperament is regrettable. But certainly amusing."

The youth in scholarly robes chuckled, his gaze then sweeping toward the second decree. He had initially intended to skim through it quickly and move on, but the next instant, he let out an 'Ah!'—a sharp exclamation of surprise—and stopped dead in his tracks.

"All married couples within Qiantian Mountain City who, after having three children, produce one more offspring will be rewarded with one second-tier Beast Crystal. Those who produce an additional daughter may receive eight first-tier Beast Crystals. For those with more than three children, if their financial means are insufficient to raise them, they may apply to the City Lord's Estate. Upon verification and confirmation, the City Lord's Estate will assume responsibility for their upkeep."

Compared to two days prior, this edict had undergone significant modifications, with certain details further refined. The youth in scholarly robes’ eyes flickered intensely, lost in thought, his mind clearly racing over the implications.

Zhao Yanran, beside him, was slightly taken aback. "Esteemed Seat, is there anything remarkable about this particular decree?"

She possessed little understanding of governance, and these pronouncements originating from Zong Shou’s hand were not things she typically examined closely. She felt little connection to the benefits of population size, only knowing that a larger populace meant greater military strength. However, incentivizing childbirth was truly unprecedented in the Eastern Lin Yun Continent.

Yet, as far as she knew, her 'Esteemed Seat' had once been a renowned regional administrator in the Central Continent, having traveled for years through centers of flourishing civilization, granting him vast experience. For such a figure to express surprise at a decree issued by a Demon King in a desolate region was truly unexpected.

"It is indeed curious. The foundation of a robust clan? Intriguing!"

The youth in scholarly robes nodded. When he held office in the Central Continent, he was well acquainted with the principles of agriculture and warfare. But this method of directly rewarding with wealth, a tactic to stimulate population growth, was a first for him.

Especially for the Demon Race, whose numbers were gradually dwindling, this served as a powerful restorative.

He had initially underestimated Zong Shou somewhat, but now realized this young man possessed genuine capability in matters of statecraft.

He then turned to the third item: "In three days, the City Lord's Estate Library will be opened. The collection is divided into five tiers. All direct disciples of the Qiantian Sect may copy five texts from the first tier before reaching adulthood. All other Qiantian branches, along with the Human Race contingent, may copy four. Thereafter, the thousands of secret scriptures on the second and third tiers may be exchanged for merit achievements." The youth in scholarly robes’ eyes lit up again, and as his gaze fell upon the fourth and fifth items, a faint blush spread across his face.

"All registered citizens of Qiantian Mountain City, provided they have a guarantor, may secure loans from the City Administration Office to purchase elixirs and weaponry. All military dependents require no guarantor and may receive interest-free terms."

"A Silver Bank will be specially established, guaranteed by the City Lord's Estate. Effective today, funds will be collected for the elderly and the disabled, ensuring that the people of Qiantian face no hardship due to lonely old age, injury, or illness. All citizens within Qiantian City may participate—a 'Loan for Support, Bank for the Aged.' So this is how governance can be executed?"

The youth in scholarly robes had only read halfway through before using his spiritual power to draw these inexpensive pieces of beast hide toward him. He held them in his hands as if they were priceless treasures, examining them closely. The rough, plain script seemed to offer unending flavor to his eyes.

He analyzed every sentence, constantly scrutinizing the wording. Gradually, a faint red spiritual mark began to emerge between his brows.

After a long silence, he let out a self-deprecating laugh and tucked the beast hides into his sleeve.

"I cannot find a flaw; this has truly opened my eyes! If one understands the Way in the morning, one may die content in the evening. I truly underestimated Zong Shou’s administrative skill. These few policies are both grand in scope and far-reaching in vision. Were it not for the prophecies of the Three Sages suggesting that the Divine Emperor a century hence would originate from the Human Race, I would almost believe this youth to be the true seed of the Divine Emperor..."

Zhao Yanran could not help but raise an eyebrow; she was surprised by the high praise Zong Shou received from this 'Esteemed Seat.' However, when she recalled Zong Shou’s petty vengeance concerning the Jingyun Yalou, she couldn't help but feel dismissive. Still, despite her inherent pride, she dared not contradict this 'Esteemed Seat' of the Cangsheng Dao.

Setting aside his identity and cultivation level, his seniority alone far surpassed hers. Properly addressed, he would be her 'Great-Great-Great Grand-Master.' In short, he was someone she could only look up to.

"So, in your view, Esteemed Seat, Zong Shou is a wise ruler?"

"To ensure the old are cared for and the young are nurtured, how can he not be a wise ruler? If he had enacted these few measures in the Central Imperial Dynasty, it would not be an exaggeration to call him an eternal sage-king."

The youth in scholarly robes snorted, his face stern as he corrected her, then shook his head regretfully.

"It is a pity that these methods are only suitable for the confines of Qiantian Mountain City. The Central Imperial Dynasty suffers from massive population density, bureaucratic bloat, and corruption. Even the finest policy would fail to be implemented there, and would likely only torment the populace to death." He then looked toward the sixth beast hide with a slight confusion, his expression one of wonder.

This was the only one he could not fully decipher.

"Establishing an Elder Council to supervise the flow of finance? That is also a sound strategy. But the scale of this operation seems overly ambitious. Something feels amiss; it seems Zong Shou has another, hidden purpose..."

The mark between his brows pulsed continuously, a faint sense that this policy was connected to him, perhaps even to the Cangsheng Dao itself—a matter concerning fate and fortune.

But upon careful calculation, he found no clue. The youth in scholarly robes could only shake his head and carefully tuck these few beast hides into his robes.

Looking up, the youth in scholarly robes suddenly smiled again. "Is that the Quiet Spirit Soothing Melody of the Qingyin Sect? This little girl has excellent affinity to have entered a state of sudden enlightenment. Zong Shou also has great fortune! No, perhaps great misfortune..."

Though he could not fully grasp the true meaning behind Zong Shou's sixth decree, his anticipation for meeting the new Demon King of Qiantian grew even sharper.

※※※※

The first thing Zong Shou did upon emerging from the ruins was take a thorough, cleansing bath.

Once entirely clean, he immediately summoned Ren Bo that very night.

Ren Bo was also versed in the martial path, but years of managing state affairs likely left him little time for cultivation. He possessed decent potential, yet at over forty, he had only reached the Martial Ancestor realm. Arriving at the mountain peak, his face was etched with exhaustion.

The look in his eyes toward Zong Shou held a faint, fierce glare. He barely managed two hours of sleep daily, so naturally, he held no pleasant feelings toward this young man who had disturbed his rest. Even if the other was the Demon King of a city, his sovereign lord, Ren Bo was still displeased!

Zong Shou was not entirely oblivious to his discourtesy. However, Xuan Yunlan had been watching him constantly since this morning, refusing to descend the mountain. She had even knelt outside his door just moments ago, signaling she would not yield until he promised to spare the lives of the women in the Ten Mile Lingxiang District. Zong Shou felt cornered. Nevertheless, upon meeting, Ren Bo managed to compose himself and offered solemn counsel: "I hear Your Majesty has neglected state affairs for two days, which deeply pains this subject. While Your Majesty diligently pursuing the martial path is commendable, Your Majesty must remember that the ten cities and eighty million souls of Qiantian Mountain rest entirely upon your shoulders; this cannot be slighted."

Zong Shou managed an awkward laugh and waved a hand dismissively. "I have my own methods for this matter. We shall discuss it in a few days; I assure you, state affairs will not be delayed."

He hesitated, unsure how to bring up the sensitive topic. If he stated the truth openly, and others later learned that Xuan Yunlan had visited to plead his case, causing him to change his mind that very night, how damaging would his reputation suffer? Just then, Ren Bo spoke up again, his expression softening slightly, "Since Your Majesty has spoken, then you must understand the principle that a king's word is as firm as a tripod! There is one other matter: the Ten Mile Lingxiang District has been sealed, but the one hundred thousand women within still require means of livelihood..."

Zong Shou was inwardly delighted; it was like a pillow arriving exactly when he needed sleep. He maintained a calm exterior. "I have considered this matter carefully. How about selecting a site outside Qiantian Mountain City to build a garrison town? Those merchants could relocate there as well."

"A garrison town?" Ren Bo mused for a moment before nodding. "Your Majesty is benevolent; this method seems sound. Allow this old official to return and contemplate the pros and cons before reporting back to Your Majesty."

Zong Shou was not surprised. If Ren Bo had agreed instantly, he would have been disappointed. While thinking about the possibilities of pre-acquiring land, constructing buildings, and collecting rent, Zong Shou smiled contentedly. "Also, Prime Minister, preparations for the Cloud Sea Hunt must commence. Notify all clans; it would be best if the expedition can launch within a month."

Ren Bo's eyebrows shot up. This was an event he had long anticipated. It was the paramount event for Qiantian Mountain; if this was the only reason for summoning him in the middle of the night, then it was acceptable. He immediately bowed deeply. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the two hundred and fifty Cloud Vessels, along with all necessary supplies and armaments, have long been prepared by this subject. We can depart at any moment!"

Zong Shou felt a sudden constraint. He realized that for the next month, unless the power backing the mountain itself came seeking trouble, he dared not venture far. Then, casually, he added, "Oh, right! Prime Minister, I intend to emulate the Central Land's Imperial Dynasty and establish a Six Ministries Cabinet system. In a few days, send me a list; ensure you recommend capable individuals..."

Ren Bo was momentarily stunned, then his expression settled back into calm. Establishing Six Ministries was beneficial; the current administrative structure of Qiantian Mountain City was a chaotic mess. However, this Cabinet—he suspected Zong Shou intended to curb his own authority. Since it was a Cabinet, naturally, more Chancellor-level officials would be appointed. Truly, a new ruler brings new administration. This Sovereign's methods were straightforward, just as his previous style suggested. Ren Bo continued:

But why ask him to make the recommendations? Ah, it must be a test—to see if Ren Bo harbored ambitions or sought to monopolize power. Hmph, he would simply dedicate his utmost effort then...

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