"General Han, General Liou, do you have any important matters to report today?"

Wang Zhifan then turned his attention to these two, smiling as he asked them.

Do not judge these two for not being the elders he brought from the mountains of Feng Country; he believed their loyalty to him was no less than the other two.

The reason is that they were promoted from the lower ranks of the original Yin Country Army. Their current positions were not only due to their abilities, but also thanks to his recognition. Moreover, in the eyes of the old citizens of Yin Country, they were not much different from traitors, and they dared not separate from his protection.

"My King, your humble servant believes the city gates need urgent repairs. Not only for defense against outside enemies, but also to reflect the new era and allow the old citizens of Yin Country to feel the King's care..."

General Han, who was a bit stout, immediately spoke when Wang Zhifan looked at him. His suggestion was quite unique, and Wang Zhifan understood immediately.

"Haha, if General Han hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about the city gates. It has been half a month, and they indeed need some repairs... Since General Han brought it up, do you have someone in mind for the task?"

Wang Zhifan then bestowed a huge opportunity upon General Han, allowing him to recommend someone to oversee the repairs of the city gates. This was one of the utmost signs of an upper hand's favor.

"Thanks to the King's grace! I dare to recommend someone, who is a descendant of the craftsman who originally built the gates and walls..."

Much to Wang Zhifan's surprise, the person he recommended seemed solely chosen based on their capability to complete the task, rather than being an ally of Han's. Therefore, Wang Zhifan did not inquire further and let the Prime Minister arrange contact.

Following this, the naturally upright General Liou was not to be outdone and proposed a suggestion with a wider impact to Wang Zhifan.

"My King! This court has many affairs but severely lacks officials. I hope you can widely recruit talents, from within our country or abroad, as long as they are capable and virtuous, they should get an opportunity to fulfill their ambitions..."

"General Liou, your suggestion is quite good, but it's a bit premature... I am aware that currently, rumor has it that our Feng must fight with Tao. Until the outcome is clear, those foreign talents will not consider this trifling land."

Wang Zhifan had indeed thought about widely recruiting talents over the past half-month. He even sent agents to gauge the public sentiment, thus he understood well that the new lands of Feng, the previously conquered Yin Country, had not wholly accepted him as their king.

The reason is that before Yin Country's downfall, Tao Country to the south was always seen as the top adversary. Their war preparations were to fend off Tao's aggression. But now, having been suddenly overtaken by the less prominent Feng from the west, how would they perceive it? Undoubtedly, they would think Feng is provocatively stealing land Tao desires. Many Yin citizens begrudgingly conquered would naturally hope Tao comes to bite back, hoping both will weaken, giving Yin a chance to restore.

In such an environment, Wang Zhifan knew that true talents would not come to his unstable, small temple. Until he overpowers Tao, only then will those talents consider development opportunities here.

"But the talents from our country should not be as particular. If any of you know of virtuous and ambitious individuals who wish to achieve success in governance, you may recommend them. They can first serve in the army or under the old Prime Minister and then be promoted based on merit..."

In this game world, there is no concept of civil examinations or national tests. Talents must be recommended or self-nominated, so Wang Zhifan's words were not surprising. He merely allowed his subordinates to know that flexibility would be permitted, and he would not blame them for active personnel movements.

"The King is wise!"

General Liou listened earnestly to Wang Zhifan's speech and concluded the conversation with flattering praise.

"If none of you have other matters, today's court meeting ends here."

It was apparent these individuals were either too tired or walking on thin ice, so Wang Zhifan chose not to engage further. In truth, he disliked meetings, but he had to show his face periodically, lest the military grow unstable.

"Your old servant takes his leave."

"Your humble servant takes his leave."

"Your subordinate takes his leave."

...

Soon, after Wang Zhifan permitted them, the subordinates left the hall one by one. Wang Zhifan too stood up from the throne and turned to head towards the inner chamber, where he had been residing recently.

"This scenario is so boring... slightly better than the previous seafaring one, but still feels a bit like prison... Maintaining a nation is really not my strong suit..."

In private, Wang Zhifan couldn't help but feel this helplessness. As an ordinary person with no background in two lifetimes, dealing with such high-stakes issues was beyond him. The current stability was mostly due to his martial deterrence and some foundational aid from his VIP player status.

As he entered the inner chamber, as expected, he found a slender youth wearing a mage's robe waiting. This player had contacted him several times in the past half-month, so his appearance wasn't new.

"Why are you here again? Didn't I say, handing this country over to you is impossible, you lack the ability to manage such affairs.

Our best collaboration should be in warfare; you can serve as special forces, with provisions as you desire."

Upon seeing this presumably mage-class player, Wang Zhifan impatiently addressed him, even before the latter spoke.

Initially, the player collective he represented contacted Wang Zhifan through small animals. After a few exchanges, they sent this youth, proposing preposterously that Wang Zhifan hand the entire Feng to them, claiming he lacked governance skills, suited only as a general.

Such arrogant words instantly left Wang Zhifan disgruntled with this player group. Even though he admitted his lack of administrative talent compared to the natives, he doubted their superiority from the real world. Were they all high-ranking officials skilled in managing a pseudo-ancient state? Moreover, both Feng's old and new lands were his possessions or conquests. These were not things he'd casually relinquish—a simple and obvious truth.

"Don't misunderstand, Boss. This time, I come only to join you personally."

This mage player replied with a grin, responding to Wang Zhifan's displeased address.

"The group I previously belonged to underestimated the potential of your Feng. They claimed it was too small for domination, thus made those excessive demands for more control to change the scenario. But my view is different. I thoroughly examined the traces of your battles and found this scenario suits your strengths. Feng indeed has potential for domination. If you allow me to join, this potential can be further elevated."

The mage player spoke eloquently, clarifying his purpose.

"What help can you offer? What terms do you require from me?"

Though the person seemed well-meaning, Wang Zhifan was not polite, asking directly due to previous unsatisfactory exchanges that left him tired of pretense.

"I am a level 34 earth-based mage, able to assist you in winning wars, and my request is simple: assign me any military strategist position in any army."

The person replied without much contemplation.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.