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"May I inquire about your intentions after hearing that Your Majesty ordered Lady Fu Hua to apprehend Zhuge Kongming?"
It couldn't be to eliminate potential threats; Rita was certain of this. Neither Fu Hua's martial prowess nor the various divine abilities Zeke displayed could be challenged by Zhuge Kongming. No matter how wise or esteemed his status, Zhuge Kongming lacked the means to alter their situation.
Yet, the absence of perceived threat did not necessarily preclude ill intent.
Rita's understanding of Zeke remained limited, but she knew using Fu Hua to capture Zhuge Kongming was akin to swatting a fly with a sledgehammer. This made her worry about the deeper implications—surely, it wasn't because Zeke found Fu Hua annoying and sought any excuse to send her away?
"It's nothing much. I've heard he's quite capable, so I planned to bring him here to alleviate some of your burden. Additionally, that pesky kid has completed all her recent tasks, and having her wander aimlessly around is irritating. Might as well send her on a distant errand," Zeke replied candidly.
Zeke replied candidly.
The corner of Rita's mouth twitched—so it really was about finding that unbelievably powerful immortal bothersome! "A type of grass?!"
"You're burning through your energy just to ask this question; seems like you truly care for her. That's good. Now, both of you can serve as each other's hostages while diligently working for me. And no need to thank me for helping you reunite—it's only natural."
"You... Never mind, capturing her sooner is indeed preferable. If she continues roaming unchecked, opportunists might exploit her presence. Should any faction rally under her banner against the royal family, we'd face grave danger."
Zeke nodded, acknowledging Rita's concern.
Then he continued, "You've been busy for over half a month now, and I assume you have a decent grasp of my governance plans. Any suggestions or observations?"
Rita paused, frowning, with a hint of unease in her eyes.
"New laws, systems, and administrative structures, miraculous tools of governance, enlightened principles of rule—when it comes to Your Majesty, Rita feels humbled by insurmountable heights, unable to offer much advice. However, there are indeed some issues worth discussing."
"Go ahead."
"Firstly, is it truly necessary to have officials overseeing the Central System? Rita believes their ability to correct errors is quite limited. In most cases, allowing the Central System to operate directly would be more efficient and expedient. Of course, even with the approval process in place, our current administrative efficiency remains dreamlike."
"It is indeed necessary. I won't delve into the smartphone crisis now, as you may not fully grasp its implications yet. Let me focus on one point: humans inherently possess dependency and inertia. While delegating everything to the Central System might yield short-term high efficiency, over time, humans will gradually lose their capacity for critical thinking and reform regarding policies, institutions, and societal matters. When everyone takes it for granted that the Central System represents the best form of governance, when all become accustomed to an unchanging management structure, who will contemplate the direction of civilization's advancement? Who will create better systems and institutions? By confining the Central System's wisdom to machinery and involving humans in management and improvement, we prevent civilization from stagnating and becoming trapped in complacency."
"Thank you for enlightening me, Zeke," said Rita, thoughtfully stroking her chin. Although there were still aspects she didn't fully understand, she grasped Zeke's forward-thinking concerns, which transcended his era.
Rita then continued:
"The second issue is the shortage of bureaucrats. Your Majesty's method for evaluating officials is both sophisticated and stringent, ensuring that those in power can identify policy gaps effectively. However, such talented individuals are rare, and currently, we lack suitable candidates to fill bureaucratic roles. This will severely hinder the Central System's implementation speed. Furthermore, looking ahead, if there's ever a generational gap, our official succession could become a significant concern."
"This problem can be addressed through education and internships. I have a plan ready, which I'll share with you over the next few days."
"Understood. Continuing on the topic of bureaucracy, under the current system, officials reviewing policies hold immense authority to single-handedly delay or halt directives. Should any loopholes be exploited, the potential harm and secrecy from corrupt officials would far exceed past instances."
"To counter this, I've developed another tool—let's call it the Vow Hall—for screening moral integrity during critical evaluations. Soon, I'll provide you with detailed information about it. Any more concerns?"
"Next, regarding taxation reforms, Rita believes..."
Unbeknownst to them, outside, the sun had long set while their conversation continued within the palace.
Rita shared numerous insights; most were already part of Zeke's considerations and plans, but a few new perspectives pleased him greatly.
Finally, Rita slumped over on the table, falling asleep.
In her dreams, she envisioned a prosperous, enlightened era filled with laughter, and a contented smile graced her face.
Zeke adjusted the room temperature for Rita's comfort, sipped his tea, and then rose to continue his task of inspection and correction under the romantic starlit night outside the palace.
Part of the reason Zeke could relentlessly drive these talented individuals, demanding their utmost effort without hesitation, was because he himself worked even harder than they did.
Meanwhile, amidst the wilderness and dense forests, moonlight cascaded like silken threads of silver.
Senti, holding a wooden stick, meticulously drew intricate patterns on the ground imbued with mystical energy. She then placed pebbles and inserted stakes, taking quite some time to complete her setup.
Suddenly, everything vanished as if buried underground, leaving behind only a serene forest rustling gently in the evening breeze.
"Theresa, what do you think of this formation I created? Isn't it far superior to yours?"
Leisurely waving her plumage fan, Senti glanced at a white-haired little girl chained to a tree nearby.
The girl wore a white furry cloak over her azure skirt, revealing short yet enticing legs encased in pure white stockings. Her crystal-blue eyes looked helplessly at Senti.
"Superior, indeed very superior. And please, my name is not Theresa, it's Zhuge Kongming."
"Heh heh! This is the power of an immortal; there's no shame in losing to me, Theresa." Senti proudly puffed out her chest.
In the consciousness domain, Fu Hua, who was continuing her study of this realm's arcane theories, rolled her eyes.
What impatience from this cheeky child! Claiming superiority when she clearly lacks any interest in understanding the local cultivation principles? It's solely thanks to Fu Hua guiding her step-by-step within their shared consciousness that she can even set up formations—yet she dares boast to Zhuge Kongming, already a renowned master in her own right?
Zhuge Kongming, suspended by chains with her hands immobilized, futilely kicked her legs a few times before finally speaking with a resigned expression:
"I truly am not this Theresa you're referring to. Might I suggest double-checking your identity or sharing some details about her? This humble one could then mobilize resources from our court to assist in your search."
Feeling utterly drained, Zhuge Kongming wondered how she had ended up here! She had secluded herself deep within these mountains, tirelessly observing earth's veins, designing array diagrams, and exhausting all her energy preparing for the imminent battle against the emerging Xenobeast Huo Dou. What misfortune had befallen her?!
However, despite the peculiarities of this self-proclaimed immortal, their gaze seemed somewhat off, but their power and mastery over mystical arts were genuinely astounding. Perhaps it was possible to involve them in the plan to eliminate Huo Dou?
Zhuge Kongming's eyes shifted, pondering her options silently. Unbeknownst to her, while she focused on battling Huo Dou, cut off from worldly affairs, the nation had already undergone profound changes.
Senti scratched his face with the plumage fan he'd snatched from Zhuge Kongming, grinning cheekily as he said,
"No need, Theresa; I'm looking specifically for you, Theresa. Come along quietly with me now, Theresa!"
Theresa... No, Zhuge Kongming wore a stoic expression, veins visibly pulsating on her forehead.
I am Zhuge Kongming! Gu Wu'an Guan, the Western Answer Star! Just who is this Theresa that wronged this eccentric powerhouse and dragged me into trouble? Step forward, let me teach you a lesson!
Meanwhile, Senti continued unabated, oblivious to Zhuge Kongming's predicament: