Chaotic World Book
Chapter 227 - 222: Abolishing the Granary and Changing the Sea, One Word Destabilizes the State

Chapter 227: Chapter 222: Abolishing the Granary and Changing the Sea, One Word Destabilizes the State

Zhao Changhe was utterly softened when someone called him "good brother," secretly exclaiming over the power of a demoness.

Ever since his journey through time, he had frequently encountered women of a bewitching nature. The greatest among them was a blind demoness, not to mention Chichi and Sisi, and even the Vermilion Bird, although everyone’s true nature was different, at least they appeared very similar. The one in front of him, the Winged Fire Snake, was a different case entirely; her enchantress-like charm was so intense that even her mask could not conceal it—it was nearly overflowing.

Her figure was hotter and more mature than the likes of the young girls Chichi and Sisi. What a seductive face must lie behind that serpent-shaped mask? It couldn’t possibly be ugly, could it?

It’s hard to say though, what if she were a Qiao Biluo...

"Speak, good brother..." Despite her grinding teeth, the Vermilion Bird spoke softly, "You aren’t just deceiving me with sweet nothings, are you? If so, you really could end up dead, don’t think I wouldn’t dare to kill you. Out here in the wild, quietly killing you would go unnoticed..."

"Cough cough, am I that kind of person?" Zhao Changhe spoke with justified conviction, "This matter is actually very simple. Just a change in thinking is needed."

"Oh?"

"Take the example of the Cao Gang. Aren’t you trying to exert influence through Wan Dongliu, hoping his father would also join the Four Symbols Sect? However, Wan Tianxiong, who is a heroic figure of his generation, has his profound understanding of Martial Arts and might not agree with the ideologies of the Four Symbols, right? Isn’t it difficult for you to manage him? Many of your recruits are young followers nurtured from scratch because those with their own understanding of Martial Arts aren’t so easily swayed?"

Vermilion Bird said, "Yes, your so-called change in thinking pattern; surely it doesn’t mean making Wan Dongliu kill his father and seize power? He wouldn’t agree to that, and our Four Symbols Sect isn’t..."

Zhao Changhe broke in, "Where are your thoughts going? The Four Symbols Sect isn’t that kind of sect, and am I, Zhao Changhe, that kind of person?"

"An alliance then?"

"Not that either. Speaking of which, you must have had covert alliances already, right? I don’t believe Wan Dongliu couldn’t even stitch something like that together."

"Hmm... so it’s about inciting rebellion?" Vermilion Bird sighed, "When necessary, of course, that’s what we consider. But the Cao Gang is particularly unique. Using them as an example might not be quite apt. They are deeply linked with the officials, too many benefit from their shared interests, sucking blood together from this canal... and if they were truly pushed to rebel, it would be disadvantageous for them; they can’t rebel unless absolutely forced. If we pushed Wan Tianxiong to such extremities, this would not be much different from arranging his son to murder him and seize power. How would Wan Dongliu agree to cooperate?"

"It looks like your considerations have been thorough."

"Yes, do you really think the Venerable had not thought of anything and was simply waiting for Wan Tianxiong to die so Wan Dongliu could succeed him?" Vermilion Bird said somewhat disappointedly, "If that’s all you thought of these schemes, then there’s no need for further discussion."

Zhao Changhe shook his head, "Why make it so complicated? To incite their rebellion only requires one proposal."

Vermilion Bird widened her eyes.

"The Wang Family controls the Eastern Sea and already has ships that go out to sea for mining. I believe it wouldn’t be difficult to persuade them to extend along the southern coast. If your people in the court have enough influence to propose abolishing the canal for a maritime alternative, the Wang Family would undoubtedly be overjoyed to comply. Wan Tianxiong will immediately get in touch with the Venerable, frantically asking when to rebel..."

Vermilion Bird stood there, stunned.

As if a bolt of lightning had struck her mind, her red lips behind the mask began to tremble.

The Wang Family’s naval capabilities... let alone the Wang Family, the Tang Family might indeed be able to handle coastal voyages close to the shore.

This was absolutely feasible, not only feasible but would also make the Wang Family and Cao Gang proverbially tear each other apart— the Four Symbols Sect didn’t seek domination or to gain numerous forces, they thrived on chaos alone, indifferent to who the Emperor was. If this could be pushed forward, their role as the hidden manipulator would grant them immense leeway to operate.

Before this, nobody had thought about maritime transport... because this world had risen anew from the Epoch Ruins, struggling through hardships, and for the moment, no one looked beyond the seas. Whether there were even any countries abroad was unknown, and judging by the names on the Chaotic World Book, it seemed probable that there was no civilization beyond the seas. From this limited perspective, whose mind would turn towards maritime trade?

But once maritime trade was initiated, what would become of the canal transport?

This was digging up the roots! Wouldn’t Wan Tianxiong be sweating bullets?

It turned out to be just a matter of changing the thinking pattern, requiring no intricate schemes, simply lacking that one enlightening word.

But why would this be Zhao Changhe’s line of thought? He’s speaking like a venomous scholar who could cause a nation’s downfall!

"You’re supposed to be helping Tang Wanzhuang, aren’t you? Wan Dongliu is somewhat of a friend to you too." Vermilion Bird asked incredulously, "How could you come up with such a ruthless plan to throw the world into chaos?"

"Wan Dongliu has already joined the Four Symbols Sect; isn’t he pursuing the Martial Arts Stars? Why would he still care about how Cao Gang monopolizes profits?"

"What about Tang Wanzhuang then?"

Zhao Changhe calmly replied, "You said it yourself—the Cao Gang and its associated officials are sucking the blood of the Canal. But is it the river’s blood? No, it’s the blood of the people. Why should I safeguard their interests? Outdated things should be smashed. If Tang Wanzhuang is merely upholding someone’s right to leech, I would be equally disappointed. There’s a reason why the world is chaotic; I believe she should be aware of that."

Vermilion Bird stared at him blankly, speechless for a long while.

"Maritime trade will develop sooner or later; I even hope it happens sooner. And actually, canal transport could coexist with it. It isn’t necessarily a deadly rivalry; that is an inevitable future," Zhao Changhe added. "Of course, I do not wish to throw the world into chaos. A stable strategy would be preferable, especially not during this time of barbarian invasions, which would amount to implicit treachery. If you bring this up to the Vermilion Bird Venerable, I hope she won’t act now for my sake."

Vermilion Bird was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "You know that Cao Gang is just an example. There are many others... Of course, we won’t start right away. Since you don’t want to start now, then why bring this up with me now?"

"Hm? Are we not discussing the operations of Vermilion Bird Venerable?" Zhao Changhe said. "I’m just telling you, changing your way of thinking can solve many problems. The Vermilion Bird Venerable is indeed very skilled, but after all, she is only one person. Without discussions and deliberation alone, one will inevitably face limitations and dead ends... Perhaps she could consult more with Chichi, who has nimble thoughts. Don’t merely consider her a junior, right?"

Vermilion Bird remained silent.

Zhao Changhe continued, "Perhaps you’ve forgotten the original intention of the Venerable sending you to accompany me north... It was for you and I to interact more, to determine whether I should join the sect. Discussing these matters truly fits our intended topic, little snake. Were we seriously expected to converse as good brothers and sisters?"

Finally, Vermilion Bird burst out laughing, "I’ve been outsmarted by your words? Am I the fool to call you ’big brother’?"

Zhao Changhe blushed and said, "Just say it, it sounds nice when you say it."

Under the snake-shaped mask, her beautiful eyes wandered across his face for a while, and with a light laugh, she said, "If you have any more brilliant ideas in the future, a good insight for a ’good brother’—fair deal."

"Cut it out, as if I’m a fool? From now on, there will be other terms." Zhao Changhe mumbled as he took a few sips of his drink, then casually leaned against a tree. "I’m sleeping, you can have the cave; I’ll rest outside."

Vermilion Bird slowly ate the remaining biscuit, her beautiful eyes persistently on his face, pondering.

After a while, she noticed that Zhao Changhe had begun practicing Inner Strength.

Vermilion Bird nodded slightly. Those incessantly cultivating even during travel breaks—Zhao Changhe was hailed as a prodigy for his rapid progress, but how many could match his dedication?

Actually, it was the same for everyone. To reach the level of Vermilion Bird or Tang Wanzhuang, who didn’t have such a period?

It’s just a pity that now both are busy with worldly affairs; it’s hard to have such pure cultivation. Looking at Zhao Changhe and Xia Chichi now reminded her of her own past.

Considering Zhao Changhe’s earlier thoughts, were they just because he was familiar with Cao Gang, or does he genuinely possess exceptional administrative talents? If the latter, irrespective of any relation with Emperor Ye, such talent must be recruited into the sect.

Accompanying him this time was indeed the right choice. Perhaps not even Chichi fully grasped the breadth of his insights—perhaps the world knew only one facet of Zhao Changhe, yet he had much more to reveal.

She longed to understand more, but that was difficult... Beneath the Vermilion Bird Mask, her face was a touch bitter. This time it was ’big brother’; what would be next?

Vermilion Bird clenched her fingers, thinking that once this affair was over, she must find an excuse to "kill off" the Winged Fire Snake role, otherwise, if it were ever discovered that the Winged Fire Snake was her, Vermilion Bird, how could she face anyone...

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PS: Just realized it’s the last day of March, though I haven’t updated as frequently in the latter half of the month, I still shamelessly ask for a monthly ticket...