Even if they had to pile up nobles as cannon fodder, the Heaven Dou Empire was confident it could crush the Star Luo Empire!
"Your Majesty, I believe we should continue to recruit nobles for the war, just to be absolutely certain!"
At this moment, a minister stepped forward and bowed respectfully to "Xue Qinghe."
This minister was an insider. He spoke up only because "Xue Qinghe" had instructed him to.
Otherwise, how would he dare say something so bold?
The moment he spoke, it was tantamount to offending all the other remaining nobles.
"I agree!"
Several more ministers also stepped forward.
They too were insiders—their goal today was to keep the noble recruitment going.
The other ministers glanced at each other. No one was stupid. After exchanging a look, they instantly understood what "Xue Qinghe" intended.
Once those high-ranking ministers agreed, did anyone else's opinion even matter?
At this, everyone quickly chimed in: "We agree!"
They were anxious too. As long as the Heaven Dou Empire survived, they could keep their positions as ministers.
If the empire fell, what would happen to them?
That must never be allowed!
"But, the national treasury is empty…"
"Xue Qinghe" said with some difficulty. The empire's treasury, which could have lasted three more years, could now only last six months because of the noble legions.
Of course, "Xue Qinghe" wasn't really worried—half a year was plenty of time to finish the war.
Even so, recruiting more people, even for compulsory service, would still require a lot of money.
"Your Majesty, this old minister is willing to offer ninety percent of his family's fortune for military expenses!"
The "insider" quickly declared—but he left himself a loophole.
Giving up his entire fortune? Impossible!
Offering ninety percent was already cutting to the bone!
"Your Majesty, I am also willing to offer ninety percent…"
The ministers hesitated, but after thinking for a while, they all compromised and offered ninety percent of their wealth for the war effort.
In the end, "Xue Qinghe" received a truly astronomical sum—she was stunned for a moment!
Were these ministers really so rich?
Anyone standing here—so had their ancestors, for generations. How could they not be rich?
Many of these ministers' fortunes were comparable to the current treasury—they were truly as rich as a nation!
Combined, their wealth was staggering—the taxes of the entire empire for a century couldn't compare…
"How did they amass so much?"
Qian Renxue pondered.
After a moment's thought, she figured it out.
Actually, it was only natural.
There were no centuries-old empires or millennia-old clans on the Douluo Continent.
The Heaven Dou Empire had been around for a long time. The ministers were mostly descendants of the founding fathers.
It wasn't surprising they were so wealthy.
"It's laughable—the Xue clan may be the royal family and the greatest noble house, but even with their exalted status, they have less wealth than some ministers."
The royal family had the most power—but also the highest expenses!
When it came down to it, the royal family couldn't even compare to these 'employees'…"
"Very good—with such a huge sum, the new empire won't need to worry about money when it's founded."
Qian Renxue's lips curled in a slight smile. Heaven Dou and Star Luo would eventually be destroyed, and a new giant would take their place.
The scene shifted. The Heaven Dou Empire was in an uproar again.
"What? The front is so tense—all nobles must join the war?"
Before, many nobles had 'escaped' conscription—since most noble families had more than one member, only one needed to go, the rest could stay home.
But now, things were different. Every noble had to join the war!
"Let me say this: if you don't go to the front now, and if the empire really loses, how do you think the Star Luo royal family will treat you?"
"Think about it!"
"Go, and maybe you'll survive—perhaps even earn military merit and glory for your descendants."
"Don't go, and the only thing waiting is death."
"When that time comes, even dying might be a luxury!"
"I've heard the Star Luo royal family likes young ladies… think about your own families…"
At these words, even the nobles who had hesitated were enraged—their faces twisted in anger.
Nobles were always dark-minded, always imagining the worst of others.
"I'm all in! I'll recruit more soul masters myself!"
"Hmph, even if I have to pay my own way, I'm going!"
"When we break through Star Luo, just wait and see…"
With these words, the crowd gave sinister smiles, but quickly recovered their noble demeanor—they had to maintain appearances.
"Let's go—gather servants and soul masters, straight to the front! I can't wait!"
Scenes like this played out across the whole Heaven Dou Empire.
And the ones speaking 'righteous words' were mostly people from Spirit Hall!
The vast empire, nobles from every corner, either formed teams for Jialing Pass or headed out alone with their followers.
With all these new arrivals, the tense atmosphere at the front eased a lot.
Numbers brought confidence.
"Hahaha…"
Marshal Ge Long finally laughed out loud—he hadn't laughed in a long time.
With such a strong home front, how could the cause not succeed?
Heaven Dou's changes did not escape Star Luo Empire's notice.
"Big brother, I'm going to fight with the soldiers. If I die…"
"Then you die. Surviving this long is already a win."
Dai Mubai said to a grim-faced Dai Weisi. There was a real problem on the Heaven Dou side—their morale had been strangely high lately.
As a general, Dai Mubai couldn't stay out of it. He had to fight alongside the soldiers to boost their spirits.
Dai Weisi was startled, glanced at Dai Mubai with complicated feelings, but finally just turned away. "Take care—come back alive!"
This was the battlefield—even Soul Emperors and Saints might die, let alone Dai Mubai, just a Soul King.
Though he was a prince, once demoted to the border, the Zhu clan still married him a daughter.
"I'll do my best…"
He used to be afraid of death—terrified, even. That's why he'd always run, hoping it would come later.
But now, Dai Mubai had grown a lot. Faced with the fate of his country and so many dead comrades, his fear faded.
He didn't finish his sentence, then suddenly smiled, "Don't worry, big brother—I'll be right back!"
(End of chapter)
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