Feng Yu Jiu Tian Vol 1 Chapter 10.2

FENG YU JIU TIAN CHAPTER 10 PART 2  

Just thinking about the soiled handkerchief still in the Regent King’s possession ticked a bomb inside Feng Ming.

The Prince grunted, and proudly defended his own pride out of stubbornness.

“Rong Wang, I am afraid to tell you that your claim is wrong. It is true that I, as the Prince have not personally dealt with tax systems and financial policy making, however I am crystal clear on the matters relating to them.”

On the side of the room, an astounded noise escaped Xi Rei’s tax minister, Hei’s mouth. 

“Oh?” He was delighted to hear the Prince’s decree and showed his eagerness.

“Then if His Royal Highness would kindly enlighten us with his great knowledge.” He beckoned humbly.

The audience urged the Prince, displaying that enthusiasm as they waited to be gifted with another great speech of wisdom.

Feng Ming almost bit off his own troublesome tongue. He chewed on his lip in hesitation, as he actually thought about his words before he spoke.

“Mmm...umm…”

He sank deeper into his own trap.

As a result he put his man-beating thoughts aside, and gave the man a sneer before standing up with an air of feigned elegance. He glanced over his subjects quickly before composing himself to calmly address them.

“There is a saying in the Art of War which goes. “One must know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.” Even though I am well versed in Tax systems and finances, such a big issue needs to be carefully analyzed and cannot be treated carelessly. It is only natural that I am first explained the details of Xi Rei’s tax revenue system, before I can deliberate and guide you.”

The flow of such clever words coming from the Prince’s mouth stunned everyone in the room, even the Rong Wang who sat to his side was left speechless.

“Humph!”

Feng Ming certainly knew the meaning behind the words, it was a hidden warning, so the boy bitterly refuted. 

“Countries which are completely dependant on slavery are outdated, the only advantage is only the [subjective motivation] they have is to exploit the land mass and expand the country’s perimeters, so the country’s power can rise.” 

“Oh?” the complexity in Feng Ming’s words set awe in his listeners, and tax minister Hei was first to show his interests as the official beckoned the Prince for more.

“Your Highness, what is a [subjective motivation]? Does it possess that much power? How can we attain it?”

“It is not an object, but an actual type of attitude.” Feng Ming scratched his head, it was tricky, and he wasn’t able to clarify what he had meant and he personally didn’t want to explain it.

As he thought over the new problem his eyes met with the King’s, who was openly mocking him with the smile stretched across his smug face.

Feng Ming was stirred up by the King’s intentional irritation, determined to not let the King to dominate him, in terms of wit.

“In other words, if you were in the position of a slave and every day you are forced to work, knowing there is no prospects or rewards, then laboring would become meaningless, and one’s work ethics would fall. Given that you aren’t a slave, and have freedom to work hard and receive benefits and rewards for your efforts, you work harder. If everyone in this country is given this mentality, then Xi Rei is guaranteed to prosper in riches and power. This is precisely why slavery should be abolished as this kind of social structure does not benefit the country in the long run.” 

“What the Prince has just said, is this a method to control the people?” Rong Wang asked sternly.

“So to speak…” Feng Ming nodding in confirmation, before turning to the man and in a low voice he demanded. “Give me back that handkerchief.”

Rong Wang’s replied in a whispered.

“It is my incentive to work harder. It’s my [subjective motivation].” He teased.

Feng Ming froze on the spot, like he was punched in the face every emotion tied with anger started to well up.

General Chu interrupted the hate as he commented, “Forgive this humble General’s stupidity, however this [subjective motivation] Your Highness speaks of, although it sounds interesting, how do we go about applying this method in practice?”

“As for the current military in Xi Rei, how are the upper positions appointed and what determines the hierarchy?” 

“Your humble general originates from a noble bloodline of servicemen, I have been taught martial arts since childhood. The Country of Xi Rei requires selection of officials by the process of one’s prestige from esteemed family backgrounds, to avoid contamination with commoners.”

General Tong cried out in disbelief, “If this was to happen, wouldn’t any plain civilian be able to become a high ranking official? That is preposterous! It must not happen!”

With his impassioned remark, Feng Ming pretty much managed to provoke every member of the crowd, as each were willing to offer a counter argument to his plans.

“This This …is nonsense!...”

“It’s not tradition…”

Feng Ming was just one voice against a whole room full of old coots, his face was red with anger, when he left the discussion hall, he was fuming with rage as he stomped back to the Prince’s quarters.

Rong Wang followed his blazing trail of fury, and when they entered the Prince’s chambers, he ordered the servants out and quickly grabbed Feng Ming and embraced him tightly in his arms.

“Let go of me! You bunch of fools, how can you not comprehend such a simple reason. It can’t possibly be that all ancient folks are completely brainless? “

The Regent King laughed at the bitter lashes of words sprouting from the Prince’s pretty little mouth.

“Don’t be so hasty, I know what you said is right. [‘Heroes are born with out boundaries’]”, he clicked his tongue, “I would have never imagined that you can be so impressive, conjuring these reasoning by yourself.”

“That’s right, compared to you idiots who depend on your family status and blood heritage to rise in ranks, I am stronger!” Feng Ming spat.

“Why the temper? Such good reasoning indeed must be heard. However, you can’t be impulsive. All matters that require adjustments can be fine tuned from within and can be carried out away from prying eyes.” Rong Wang held Feng Ming closer to his own body, they were basically plastered together.

“The country is in my hands, what is there that I can’t do?” he said in an intimate voice that tickled Feng Ming’s ears. 

“The King of King’s?” A smile emerged on Rong Wang’s lips. He gazed down at the young man in his arms and gently replied.

“I believe you. Since I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were something different altogether."

“You want me to help you?”

Rong Wang nodded his head, and asked outright, “What are your conditions?”

“There are two”

“Tell me then.”

“First, return the handkerchief you have in your pocket. The second…”

Feng Ming conjured up his bravery, and placed his neck on the chopping board.

“Let me top you once!”

Feng Ming didn’t know whether this kind of tactic could be considered as rape.

Chapter end