bdsm-fiction Page 138
Page 138
Neither the Heavenly Dou Empire nor the Star Luo Empire had many nobles with territories. This was because territory was limited, and granting too many fiefdoms would seriously threaten the power of the royal family.
Just like the three kingdoms and one duchy of the Heavenly Dou Empire today, they were developed from top-tier nobles.
On the surface, they still remain loyal to the Heavenly Dou Empire, but in reality, the empire no longer has much control over them; they are more like states within a state.
It seemed to be harmful to the empire, but Emperor Xueye had no choice. Under the threat of the Spirit Hall, he could only choose to bleed people if he wanted to recruit talented soul masters.
Of course, the sudden appearance of a new noble family in a territory is not necessarily a bad thing.
Having power forces one to protect it. It can be used not only to defend against the Spirit Hall, but also to counterbalance the other major kingdoms and duchies, as long as it is used properly.
"Isn't this reward a bit too generous!"
Lin Chuan was clearly surprised by the magnanimity of Emperor Xueye.
To be honest, the so-called territory was quite tempting to him. As a nobleman of a territory, he could not only establish a private army, but also obtain taxes from the territory, which was a considerable amount.
In other words, only a portion needs to be paid to the Heavenly Dou Empire, but the remaining amount is still astronomical.
Lin Chuan needs medicinal herbs and materials to improve his proficiency, which is a considerable expense. If he could have enough money to support him, it would undoubtedly be much more convenient.
Seeing Lin Chuan's reaction, Xue Qinghe smiled silently.
"Brother Lin, there's no need to be surprised. With your talent, the empire is worth all this effort. Besides, this is the territory that Father Emperor and the ministers discussed and agreed upon. It's already marked on the map, and I've also explained the advantages and disadvantages for you. Think it over carefully!"
As they spoke, Xue Qinghe took out a stack of papers from his soul tool and handed them to Lin Chuan.
This favor is quite substantial; it can be considered a gesture of goodwill.
Lin Chuan didn't stand on ceremony and took it from her. "Thank you for informing me, Brother Xue. I will remember your kindness!"
Hearing this, Xue Qinghe's smile grew even brighter. "Oh, Brother Lin, you're being too polite. We're all part of the empire, so naturally we should support each other. I wonder if Brother Lin is interested in serving in the court? I can recommend him to my father."
"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Xue, but I have no interest in an official career. However, Brother Xue, rest assured, as long as the Empire does not take action against me, I will not do anything detrimental to the Empire," Lin Chuan said.
Chapter 138 Another Divine Position
The next morning.
Attended by the maids of the Crown Prince's residence, everyone dressed neatly and followed Xue Qinghe to the imperial court.
The Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace was built in a magnificent and dazzling manner, making people feel somewhat overwhelmed.
The palace is heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards, making it extremely secure. There are also many powerful figures lurking in the shadows. Unless you are a Title Douluo, you will be discovered the moment you break in.
Upon entering the palace, Emperor Xueye sat on his throne, with ministers standing in two rows below, all turning to look at the palace gate.
"Father, the students from Tianshui Academy have been brought here."
"Ok!"
Emperor Xueye nodded slightly, and Xue Qinghe also stood aside quite consciously.
A pair of eyes, filled with approval and scrutiny, suddenly looked over. Lin Chuan also looked up at the emperor of the empire, not showing much expression, but a faint aura emanating from him.
Unlike the imposing aura of a powerful Soul Master, this was clearly the result of long-term high position. The emperor before him, who exuded authority without anger, was obviously a great ruler in his youth.
"Greetings, Your Majesty Xueye!"
Shui Lanxin was the first to bow with her hands clasped in greeting.
Although they were all Soul Douluo, they had not actually joined the Heaven Dou Empire, so they did not need to kneel. The others followed suit and bowed to Emperor Xueye.
"Dean Shui, there's no need for such formalities."
Emperor Xueye waved his hand gently, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"These kids must be the contestants from Tianshui Academy this year. They're all promising talents. Dean Shui has truly done a great job teaching them!"
Shui Lanxin smiled slightly, "Your Majesty flatters us. It's all thanks to the children's own hard work."
"In any case, congratulations to Tianshui Academy for winning the championship of this Elite Tournament. This competition not only showcased the style of Tianshui Academy, but also brought honor to the Empire. Dean Shui, you and these children have made great contributions."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, we finally got to the main topic.
Suddenly, Emperor Xueye's gaze fell on Lin Chuan.
"This young man must be Lin Chuan, right?"
Lin Chuan cupped his hands in response, "Lin Chuan greets Your Majesty."
"Very good, very good, indeed a handsome man!" Emperor Xueye nodded slightly, his eyes flashing briefly before returning to normal. "You shone brightly in this elite competition and brought great honor to the empire."
"During the qualifiers, I promised that as long as we achieved good results in this elite competition, we would receive a reward from the Empire. Today, Tianshui Academy has far exceeded expectations, and the Empire will naturally not be stingy with its rewards."
Emperor Xueye paused slightly, and all the ministers' expressions turned serious.
"By my decree, Tianshui Academy has rendered meritorious service. All participants in this competition will be granted the title of Earl of Merit, enjoying imperial stipends. In addition, each person will be awarded 500,000 gold soul coins and will be allowed to enter the first floor of the Royal Treasury to choose one treasure."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The girls bowed softly in thanks, their pretty faces full of joy.
"As for Lin Chuan... he was granted the title of Marquis, with a stipend of 1,000 shi of grain, a Marquisate, and a million gold soul coins. He was also granted the right to enter the first to third floors of the Royal Treasury and choose two treasures."
Just as Xue Qinghe said yesterday, they are the real aristocrats with real power!
However, he was not an earl, but a marquis.
Even if he should be granted a title because he is the champion of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, he would at most be a count. But now he has been promoted one rank and granted the title of marquis.
In addition, one can also enter the royal treasury to select treasures. After all, it was a century-old empire, and the richness of its collection was naturally far beyond imagination.
The Snow Night Emperor really went all out!
However, since they were willing to give it, Lin Chuan naturally didn't mind accepting it.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Lord Lin, there's no need for such formalities. I hope that you will continue to uphold the prestige of our Tiandou Kingdom in the future!" Emperor Xueye smiled slightly, his eyes carrying an inexplicable meaning.
Lin Chuan understood perfectly, but still nodded gently, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this is the only thing I will absolutely not disappoint you!"
"Excellent! Men, take Lord Lin to the national treasury to select treasures!"
Upon hearing Emperor Xueye's words, an old eunuch dressed in official robes slowly stepped forward, his eyes narrowed and his face beaming with a smile, giving off an innocent and harmless feeling.
"Lord Lin, and all the earls of Tianshui Academy, please follow this old servant!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch!" The group nodded slightly to the old eunuch, then bowed again to Emperor Xueye. "Your Majesty, we will take our leave now."
After receiving permission from Emperor Xueye, the group slowly left the palace, following behind the old eunuch, and headed towards the royal treasury of the Heavenly Dou Empire.
"My lord, we've arrived!"
After going around in circles, we finally stopped in front of a heavy door.
Four imperial guards stood on either side of the gate, and a patrol team of imperial guards came to patrol every quarter hour, which shows how much importance the Tian Dou royal family attached to this place.
Realizing this, the group's anticipation grew even stronger.
"General Zou, this old servant is here on His Majesty's orders to lead the gentlemen of Tianshui Academy to select treasures."
Outside the treasury, the Imperial Guard General, with a knight's sword at his waist, glanced around carefully and nodded slightly. "Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency. I have received the order to open the door!"
The other imperial guards took the token handed to them by the old eunuch and placed it in the groove of the storeroom door.
With a click, the mechanism was triggered, the door lock was opened, and the heavy door scraped against the ground, but not loudly, and soon the passage was revealed.
"My lord, you will have to go in on your own from now on. The treasury will only be open for half an hour, so please hurry."
"Thank you for informing me, Father-in-law!" Lin Chuan replied with a smile.
The old eunuch quickly bowed, "Your Excellency is too kind. This old servant is humbled. I wish Your Excellency and all the earls a successful selection of treasures and a fruitful return."
"Then I'll take your kind words, Father-in-law!"
Lin Chuan waved to the group of girls and they entered the treasure vault together.
After a brief period of darkness, the view suddenly cleared up.
Under the light of an unknown source, a spacious treasure vault instantly came into view, with shelves made of precious wood arranged in rows, displaying all sorts of treasures.
It might be rare herbs packaged in a special box, forging materials rarely seen on the market, or armor crafted by a master blacksmith...
At first glance, there are at least several thousand items.
"Is this the treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire? It's simply too extravagant!"
Dugu Yan clicked her tongue inwardly, clearly somewhat frightened.
Although the other girls did not speak, their expressions revealed that they were also in a state of great turmoil.
As expected of the Heavenly Dou Empire, it is truly wealthy.
"Alright, stop daydreaming. We only have half an hour, so hurry up and choose. Remember not to be too greedy. At least make a few notes about the items you like before you continue choosing. If you can't find anything better in the end, then settle for something less."
Lin Chuan clapped his hands, forcibly waking the women from their shock, and softly gave them some instructions.
"understood!"
The group nodded slightly, and in twos and threes, they began to wander around the first level of the treasure vault, looking around and selecting treasures that suited them.