The Commandery Governor and the defense general, accompanied by my protocol officer and the letter I had drafted, set off to meet the current King. Whether or not he agreed, I had already claimed this territory. In any case, I framed it as a "lease," which allowed him to save face. If he chose to disregard that, I would simply resort to plunder. In this world, might is what dictates the truth.
On the first day of occupying the Prefecture City, I issued a notice to the entire populace. I declared that I had occupied this city solely to avenge my mother and that the citizens held no fault in the matter. I began by announcing favorable treatment for the residents. I further stated that those who did not wish to stay were free to leave—we would not hinder them, and we would even provide travel expenses. This instantly calmed the hearts of the people in the city. At the same time, I summoned the lower-ranking officials to instruct them to spread the news of these favorable terms to the common folk. From then on, they were the subjects of the 18th Prince.
On the second day, I organized the workforce to follow my plan, identifying the precise locations to construct defensive walls. I realized that this site was quite ideal, so I decided to build a temporary palace there as well. I thought of Noble Consort Wen and her clique, who often insulted my mother by calling her a mere maidservant. To ensure my mother would never again be looked down upon, I decided to bestow a title upon he…
Chapter 277