Chapter 928
I am like an old bandit.
Yang Xia laughed heartily. Their plan was now being implemented, and every step would be fatal to Tonggao and Lamu.
These two deserve to be punished. They've been so smug for so long, and now Yang Xia and Sun Zhengming want to teach them a lesson in this kind of struggle.
Crown Prince Kao Dong, while staying in the Great Zhou Dynasty, was deeply moved by the amazing actions of Yang Xia and Sun Zhengming.
Fortunately, there are people like Yang Xia and Sun Zhengming, otherwise the entire country of China might have been doomed.
After witnessing their actions, Prince Kao Dong regained his confidence in the future of China.
Under Sun Zhengming's arrangement, a folk song quickly spread among the people under the command of the Huaxia Kingdom.
To achieve peace and stability in the world, one must remove the thorn in one's side.
If I wish for a better world, I will be like the old bandit leader of the morning.
……
The gist of these folk songs is that believing the words of the emperor's relatives will surely lead to the downfall of the country, and countless lessons in history have proven this point, vividly reflecting what Tonggao is doing now.
"Your Majesty, some folk songs have been circulating recently, saying that the country will be destroyed by the maternal relatives of the emperor. I wonder who deliberately fabricated this. Should we send someone to investigate?"
His subordinates quickly reported the folk songs they had heard to Tonggao, knowing that his methods of governance were always extremely brutal.
They might order an investigation into the origins of these folk songs, and another group of people will be in trouble.
However, as Tonggao's subordinates, they also had to report these situations in a timely manner, for fear that any oversight would cost them their lives.
Therefore, these subordinates would rush to report any news as soon as possible, hoping to earn some credit.
"What? There's such a folk song?"
Upon hearing this folk song, Tonggao immediately fell into deep thought, without mentioning the need to investigate its origins.
The men had never seen anything like this before; it was quite different from what they had imagined.
However, seeing that Tong Gao did not express any opinion, his subordinates naturally did not dare to say anything more, as Tong Gao had already fallen into deep thought.
Although he was on good terms with Ram, he was still wary of Ram. Before he came to power, they had made an unsavory agreement, which could very well become leverage that Ram could use against him.
If I break off relations with Ram, he will definitely use this incident to blackmail me.
Tonggao felt increasingly uneasy as he thought about it, and then realized that he had been acting foolishly lately.
By getting too close to Ram, many of Yan Kingdom's lifelines have fallen into the hands of Xingyun Kingdom. Whether it's economic trade or internal high-level management, everything has been infiltrated by Xingyun Kingdom.
If relations are completely severed, Yan might suffer a great loss.
Having finally become the ruler of Yan, Tonggao naturally wouldn't hand it over to someone else. Only then did he realize his mistake.
However, he dared not break ties with Ram rashly. After much thought, he decided to gradually distance himself from Ram and slowly change the aspects of the Nebula Kingdom's infiltration into the Yan Kingdom.
Ramu naturally sensed Tonggao's estrangement and was very unhappy, feeling that he was a treacherous fellow who would betray someone after they had served their purpose.
In fact, everyone considers issues from their own perspective. Ram clearly had ulterior motives and wanted to control the Yan Kingdom, but now he has come up with this idea.
They think they've done a great service to Tonggao; such ridiculous behavior is probably only believed by themselves.
"It seems that Tonggao wants to govern alone and doesn't want our Xingyun Kingdom to interfere in Yan Kingdom's affairs."
"This ungrateful bastard thinks he can get rid of our Nebula Kingdom now that he's grown up. Too bad it's too late. It's impossible. Keep dreaming."
Ram was extremely displeased, cursing Tonggao a thousand times over in his heart, and determined not to let such a thing happen.
"General Ram, the Yan Kingdom's ruler has been behaving strangely these past few days. He seems to be increasingly wary of the people of our Nebula Kingdom."
"Many things have restricted our power, seemingly to prove that Yan Kingdom is the master here, and to make the people of Xingyun Kingdom restrain themselves."
The subordinates also noticed these situations and quickly discussed countermeasures with Ram.
They knew that the main goal of the Nebula Kingdom was to control the Yan Kingdom, and now that the situation had changed, they naturally had to think of a good way to deal with it.
"Yes, Tonggao has indeed changed some of his practices, but it's too late. Our Xingyun Kingdom can completely control the fate of Yan Kingdom."
"They want to fight against our Nebula Kingdom? That's impossible. Next, I'll show Tong Gao the power of our Nebula Kingdom and let him know how foolish his behavior is."
Ram smiled smugly, believing that he had successfully laid out his plans and had grasped many aspects of Yan Kingdom's lifeline.
At this point, even if Tonggao were to break off all relations with him, he wouldn't be afraid.
Moreover, Tong Gao certainly wouldn't dare to break ties with him, as he still firmly held some leverage over Tong Gao.
Even after considering all this, Ram still acted with complete confidence.
“Since Tong Gao wants to distance himself from me, then I’ll show him just how powerful our Xingyun Kingdom is in Yan Kingdom now. He’d better behave himself.”
A sinister smile immediately appeared on Ram's face. He felt he should do something to assert his dominance over Tonggao.
Make him fully realize the current situation: Yan Kingdom is no longer the Yan Kingdom it used to be; it has been completely infiltrated by Xingyun Kingdom. Once the two sides turn against each other, it will not be good for Tonggao.
Once he had made up his mind, Ram began to prepare. He planned to take action in certain areas to successfully provoke Tonggao.
On this day, Ram deliberately came to Tonggao.
"Your Majesty, we have a cooperative relationship, so I hope Your Majesty will never forget this."
Ramu was subtly criticizing Tonggao.
Upon hearing Ram say such a thing, Tonggao naturally understood the meaning behind his words, which was a blatant threat.
He was reminded of his succession to the throne, which was a weakness of Tonggao. Although he was very unhappy about it, he could not say anything on the surface, which made him feel quite frustrated.
Ram was also testing him. He was pleased to find that Tong Gao really didn't dare to break off relations with him, and he planned to do something even more outrageous next.
"Immediately summon the ministers of the Nebula Kingdom to the Yan Kingdom's court. I need to discuss important matters with them."
Ram then ordered his men to bring the ministers of the Nebula Kingdom to the main hall of the Yan Kingdom, where he held a meeting with his ministers.
Only Ram could come up with something so outrageous; such methods are truly despicable.
"I've gathered everyone here today to discuss some business matters, including transferring some of the businesses of Xingyun Kingdom to Yan Kingdom. This is also for the sake of Yan Kingdom's development."
Then Ram made these outrageous suggestions, even suggesting that some of the merchants' businesses in the Nebula Kingdom be transferred to the Yan Kingdom. This was a blatant invasion of the Yan Kingdom, as if they were truly treating it as their own territory. "Your Majesty, Ram is going too far. He actually held a meeting with the ministers of the Nebula Kingdom in the Yan Kingdom's court."
"Furthermore, Ram has allowed some merchants to transfer their businesses to Yan Kingdom. Do they really not consider themselves outsiders? Do they want to invade our Yan Kingdom?"
His subordinates quickly reported these events to Tong Gao, and they were all extremely angry.
Yan is, after all, their own country, and their patriotism still exists in their hearts. Of course, they cannot stand by and watch other countries do whatever they want in Yan.
"Such a thing has happened! This Ram is getting more and more outrageous. Go and warn them immediately. If they continue like this, send them back to Nebula Kingdom."
Upon hearing this news, Tonggao was naturally furious and sent someone to warn Lamu, hoping to make her restrain herself.
After hearing their warnings, Ram smiled coldly, ignored them, and continued to do as he pleased.
Whenever they discussed matters with the ministers of Xingyun Kingdom, it was still done in the main hall of Yan Kingdom.
As for the businesses owned by those merchants, Ram still encouraged them to relocate to Yan Kingdom, intending for them to settle down there.
“Your Majesty, Ram continues to do as he pleases, ignoring our words. This is a blatant provocation.”
His subordinates reported the situation to Tong Gao. At this point, Tong Gao could no longer tolerate it and had no choice but to personally take charge to resolve these issues.
Regardless of any shady dealings between him and Ram, Ram's influence has gone too far and is seriously affecting various aspects of Yan Kingdom. Tong Gao feels he can no longer tolerate it.
Tonggao stormed into the main hall of Yan Kingdom and, in front of all the ministers of Xingyun Kingdom, loudly argued with Ram.
"Lamu, this is outrageous of you. Why are you discussing the politics of the Nebula Kingdom in the main hall of the Yan Kingdom?"
Tonggao was furious. He pointed his finger directly at Ram's nose, letting him know his power and telling him not to keep provoking his bottom line.
"Your Majesty, you are being too stingy. We are just taking refuge in Yan Kingdom and temporarily using the main hall of Yan Kingdom. It's nothing serious."
Ram quickly tried to defend himself, not expecting that Tonggao would actually dare to stand up and challenge him.
"Then why should we allow merchants from the Nebula Kingdom to transfer their businesses to the Yan Kingdom? These are aggressive actions and absolutely cannot be allowed."
Seeing that Ram was still arguing with him, Tonggao didn't intend to be polite and brought up the issue again.
"This one……"
Ram was taken aback when Tonggao actually challenged him, and was momentarily speechless. It seemed that Tonggao was no longer afraid of his threat, and Ram felt a little uneasy.
"Lamu, I'm warning you, Yan's economic system is self-contained and will never accept interference from other countries."
Taking this opportunity, Tonggao quickly asserted his sovereignty over Lamu.
He also wanted to stop him from going too far. If Ram hadn't gone so far, Tonggao would have turned a blind eye and allowed him to do many things in Yan Kingdom.
Tonggao felt that these things were already excessive, but he didn't expect that Ram's actions would become more and more excessive, to the point that he could hardly accept them.
Ram was completely dumbfounded. He never expected Tonggao to talk to him like that. It seemed like he was trying to drive the Nebula Kingdom out. Of course, he was unwilling to let Tonggao succeed.
However, this is something that really can't be discussed openly; Nebula Kingdom really has no reason to do so.
Anyone would agree that Tong Gao's words made sense.
Ram's eyes darted around, and he decided that he should threaten her privately instead.
"Your Majesty, please come with me to the side hall. I have something to say to you."
Seeing that Tonggao wanted to turn against her, Ram didn't dare to confront him directly, so she decided to continue to threaten him in private.
He believed that he held leverage over Tonggao, and that the other party would eventually have to be more cautious.
After thinking about all this, Ram took Tonggao to the side hall. Tonggao knew that Ram was trying to threaten him in private, but he still followed her as if possessed.
The two understood each other implicitly, knowing exactly what the other wanted to do.
"Lamu, what did you bring me here for? Your behavior lately has been getting more and more outrageous."
"If you continue like this, don't blame me for being impolite."
Tong Gao wanted to strike first, after all, he was the ruler of Xingyun Kingdom and felt that he should show his power.
Although Ram had leverage over him, Tonggao still hoped to establish his authority and prevent Ram from manipulating him at will.
"Your Majesty, do you remember when the old king passed away? You didn't treat me like this then. One should not be ungrateful."
Ram grinned wickedly at Tong Gao, implying that if he was pushed too far, he would reveal the truth about his usurpation of the throne.
Ram's words indeed struck a nerve with Tong Gao, who fell silent again, not daring to say anything more.
Since this incident, Tonggao has even had nightmares, filled with scenes of Ram threatening him.
He deeply regretted his past actions, realizing he shouldn't have discussed such matters with Ram. He never imagined he would later be able to rightfully ascend the throne, giving Ram a handle to use against him.
Every time Tonggao thinks about these things, he feels like he's sitting on pins and needles.
But there's no going back in this world. No matter how much he regrets it, the mistake has already been made, and Ram is going to use it to threaten him.
Tonggao was naturally afraid that others would find out what he had done, which would likely incite public anger and make it difficult to say whether he could keep his position as the ruler.
Seeing Tonggao's expression, the cunning Ram knew that the other party had tacitly approved of her actions, and she was overjoyed.
It seems that having leverage over Tonggao is very useful; now I can do whatever I want in Yan Kingdom without worry and continue to advance according to the original plan.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, our Nebula Kingdom and the Yan Kingdom will always live in harmony."
"Everything our Nebula Kingdom does will also drive the development of the Yan Kingdom, so you don't need to worry."
Ram only maintained a superficial harmony and exchanged a few polite words with Tonggao, but in reality, he was just teasing him.
Ram's behavior has gone too far. He wants to completely control the economy of Yan Kingdom and manipulate it from all aspects.
Soon Yan Kingdom will become a puppet state. Tong Gao has no way to express his suffering. He knows this is the outcome, but he doesn't dare to break ties with the other party. He can only take it one step at a time.
However, Tonggao harbored deep resentment towards Lamu and wanted to find an opportunity to take revenge, but he lacked the courage.
Kao Dong spent over a month in the Great Zhou Dynasty and learned that the conflict between Tong Gao and Lamu was deepening, and that Lamu even wanted to completely control the economy of Yan Kingdom. (End of Chapter)