When Han Jin slowly walked to the end of the corridor, the dozen or so Knights immediately straightened their bodies and made a standard Knight's salute. Then, the captain respectfully pushed open the door to the conference room. Han Jin smiled and strode in.
At this moment, Thorne and Tian Nan had already made their decision. They quickly chased in Han Jin's direction, followed by the other patriarchs. However, the knights at the gate wouldn't allow these strange people to break in. They firmly blocked the path in the middle.
"My Lord …" Thorne and South waved their arms, trying to call Han Jin back. Through the crack in the door, they saw that the conference room was full of people. Guevara, Gao Bin, Majordomo Gail, Jedis, and the others were all present. There were also seven or eight tall Titans, and the female Titan, Dominique, was sitting on the side. Obviously, these Titans were the heavyweight representatives of the Titans.
Thorne and South's arms stiffened in the air. If they continued to shout, it would be rude to disturb the atmosphere of the meeting. If they stayed outside and Han Jin misunderstood that they really wanted to leave, it would be even more troublesome.
At this moment, the Knight captain suddenly heard Han Jin's voice, "Let them in."
The captain was shocked and hurriedly gave a look to his companions. The dozen or so Knight quickly moved to the sides and made way.
Han Jin, who had already entered the conference room, was given the cold shoulder. Guevara, Jedis, and the others saw Han Jin enter, but they all pretended not to see him. They were using this method to express their protest.
However, the master of Cold Shadow City, Chesam, felt a little uneasy. He stood up first and smiled, "Lord Raphael, long time no see."
"It's my honor to have you here," Han Jin replied with a smile, "Please, take a seat."
Grand Duke Solomon, who had been speaking with fervor and assurance, stopped talking. The father-son-in-law pair smiled at each other. Nothing needed to be said.
The younger generation of generals, including Lang Ning, Winston, and the others, didn't dare to learn from the older generation. After being stunned for a moment, they stood up one after another. As for Hallister, who had been taken advantage of, he even wanted to rush to Han Jin's side and complain. Fortunately, Chipango was sitting next to him and stopped him.
Today's main character wasn't Hallister, and the topic wasn't the business of the Night of Bliss. They couldn't mess around.
At this time, Thorne Tiannan walked into the conference room with the family leaders. Thorne Tiannan had a very powerful ability. If necessary, he could immediately become familiar with everyone. Even though there were many people he didn't know, and even though he was very uneasy, he could still greet everyone with a smile, appearing very forthright and generous.
Han Jin glanced around, then found a corner and sat down. Han Jin's action instantly silenced the large conference room. Even Morrisons looked surprised, scratching his head as he looked at Han Jin with a puzzled gaze.
Jedis turned his head to look at Guevara. He was silently questioning him. Didn't you say that Raphael wouldn't make such a stupid decision? How do you explain this now?!
Guevara glanced at Jedis from the corner of his eye. He was trying to tell Jedis to calm down.
Chesam couldn't understand. He looked at Han Jin for a while, then at Solomon, his eyes full of surprise.
This didn't require any ability to see the big picture. Han Jin's actions were too obvious. At this moment, Han Jin voluntarily stepped down. If he wasn't the main character, then who was the main character?!
Solomon's eyes flashed with a faint light, but his expression was normal. It seemed that he didn't realize how subtle his position was, nor did he see the complicated gazes directed at him.
"Since Lord Raphael is here, then I won't talk nonsense." Solomon coughed softly and said slowly. Because Han Jin hadn't married Yalina yet, and because some of the gazes were already showing obvious hostility, Solomon used honorifics. "Those who are able to sit here today are all on our side. I think … everyone knows as well as I do why we are gathered here."
No one responded, and there seemed to be an awkward silence. However, Solomon didn't mind at all and continued, "First of all, we will witness the rise of a great empire full of vitality. Secondly, and more importantly, we will lead the future direction of this great empire, as well as … all the connotations of a great empire. All of these need to be decided by all of us!"
"Speaking of which, there is a question I have to ask." Solomon paused and said slowly, "Everyone, do you know what a country is? Or … what is the meaning of a country? "
Everyone in the room looked at each other. A country was just a concept. They all understood that, but they didn't know where to start talking about it.
"A long, long time ago, lives of various races came out of the forest and the wilderness. They gathered together and formed villages, towns, and finally a country. What was their purpose? It was very simple. They hoped to borrow the power of the collective to protect everyone's life and ensure that everyone's interests would not be infringed upon! " Solomon took a deep breath and said word by word, "This … is the most fundamental meaning of a country!"
Everyone looked at each other. They didn't understand why Solomon was talking about this.
"However, for countless years, a country has long deviated from its original purpose. It has become a tool for one person, a few people, or a group of people to force the majority of people generation after generation to contribute selflessly and obey unconditionally!" Solomon's gaze suddenly became extremely sharp and swept across everyone's faces like steel needles. "If those intelligent lives that walked out of the wilderness first heard the painful cries of their descendants, they would definitely disperse. They would rather let the long river of history flow backward than to see the appearance of a huge beast that could crush all resistance!"
"In my eyes, the history of the continent is a history that has been completely distorted. Of course, I know that many of you will disagree with my view, and I also know why." Solomon smiled and said, "Because everyone here is a … strong person who enjoys and squanders the contributions of people. Because the existence of a country is the guarantee of everyone's noble lives."
Solomon's words were undoubtedly like poking a huge hornet's nest. There was an uproar below. Solomon scolded himself and everyone present, including Han Jin.
"Quiet." Han Jin said indifferently.
The clamor suddenly stopped. If Han Jin was angry at Solomon's inappropriate words, it was one thing for them to object. If Han Jin had already discussed with Solomon and agreed with Solomon's view, then their objection was another thing.
"It seems that everyone's opinions are very strong. Then, I won't talk about these empty things." Solomon was silent for a moment and said, "Let me give an interesting example. If Lord Raphael meets an old man one day, and that old man likes Lord Raphael very much and is willing to give all his wealth to Lord Raphael to inherit, then after Lord Raphael receives this batch of wealth, he has the obligation to take care of the old man when he is lonely and in pain. Everyone, do you have any objections? This is what Lord Raphael should do! Because when he accepted the wealth, they had already reached a kind of contract. "
The people below discussed for a moment and felt that Solomon's words were very normal.
"But Lord Raphael ran to the square and shouted to the passersby that he had just received a sum of wealth. Everyone, come over and I will give all the wealth to you." Solomon looked around, "What kind of person is this?"
"Isn't that a fool?" Thorne South couldn't help but laugh, "It's clearly his money, why would he give it to others?"
No one answered, only Thorne South was laughing, so his laughter was very abrupt. Not to mention others, even he felt that something was wrong. He hurriedly closed his mouth and lowered his head in fear.
"That's right!" Solomon continued, "This is … Lord Thorne South, the great leader of the Tribal Alliance, right? You're right, if there is such a person in reality, then he must be a fool! "
Thorne South never thought that the other party would actually agree with him. He couldn't help but glance at Han Jin from the corner of his eyes. He was clearly using Han Jin as an example, but he said that the other person was a fool. It felt like he was making oblique accusations.
Han Jin noticed Thorne South's gaze and turned his neck to smile at Thorne South.
Thorne Tiannan immediately lowered his head as if it was a conditioned reflex. Then, a strange feeling arose in his heart, because Han Jin's smile was very clear and gentle, as if it wasn't as ferocious and terrifying as he had imagined. He couldn't help but raise his head and glance at Han Jin again, but Han Jin had already turned away.
"Why wouldn't he give the wealth to others? Because the contract only takes effect between Lord Raphael and that old man. No one else has the qualifications to ask Lord Raphael to give out the wealth. " Solomon slowly said, "When you are thirsty, someone will pour you a cup of water, and when the other party encounters difficulties, you should also help them. In reality, this kind of contract is ubiquitous in reality. Parents and children, husbands and wives, comrades in arms, companions, and so on can all find similar contracts between them. This is an invisible hidden rule of society. Abiding by the rules can at least prove that you are a trustworthy person. If Lord Raphael is unwilling to abide by the rules … when that old man asks for help … he mercilessly kicks him out of the door. Although he can obtain some benefits, he will never be able to deny the filth in his heart! "
Some people wanted to laugh, but they didn't dare to laugh out loud. Some people were shocked. This Grand Duke Solomon was too daring. He actually used Han Jin as an example?! Little did they know that Grand Duke Solomon had no choice but to do this. Although he could obtain Han Jin's support, the powerhouses present wouldn't obey him. Using Han Jin would serve as a better warning.
"Whether or not we abide by the rules is in fact you, me, and him. Everyone present, the nobles of the continent, and the countless commoners, are the yardstick to distinguish between righteousness and wickedness." Solomon slowly said, "This also means that everyone has their own righteousness in their hearts. When your righteousness and his righteousness clash fiercely, who will judge whether you are right or wrong? It is power! "
The people present became silent. The strong were respected. This was a unique law in this chaotic world. Everyone had their own feelings, especially Thorne from the South. Wasn't he here because his righteousness wasn't as strong as Han Jin's?!
"Yes … power." Solomon's voice was somewhat weathered and also somewhat pained, "But … this is wrong. Just like how the country, this monster with enormous power, has long since deviated from its original purpose and made a fundamental mistake."
"Then … let me give you another example." Solomon slowly said, "Morrisons, if today, Lord Raphael appointed you as the Lord of the Holy Crown City, what would you do in the future?"
"Me?" Morrisons was startled.
"Yes, you." Solomon said, "Tell me, how would you realize your ideals and ambitions as the Lord of the Holy Crown City?"
"I …" Morrisons's face turned red. It was fine for him to make jokes and bicker with Sassoux and Léger, but Solomon asked him to talk about his ideals and ambitions. It was too difficult for him. But under the gaze of so many people, he had to say something, "I … I will be loyal to my duty and strive to make all the people in the Holy Crown City live a peaceful and happy life."
"You are lying!" Solomon said sternly.
"I am not!!" Morrisons roared.
"Then let me ask you, who made you the Lord of the Holy Crown City? It's Lord Raphael! Who agreed to make you the Lord of the Holy Crown City? It's all our friends here! Who made an invisible social contract with you? It's Lord Raphael, it's us! " Solomon said coldly, "What you have to do is to be loyal to Lord Raphael and repay us as your friends!"
"I … I didn't say that I don't treat you as my friends!" Morrisons was angry and anxious.
"But what did you just say? Strive to make all the people in the Holy Crown City live a peaceful and happy life? What a joke! Your social contract is here. You have nothing to do with those civilians. Why do you care about them? " Solomon said, "What's the difference between you and that fool who just got a fortune and wants to share it with others?"
How could Morrisons be Solomon's opponent? He was speechless and couldn't say a word.
"This is our justice!" Solomon said, "Where the benefits come from, the rewards will be there. Whether he can be loyal to Lord Raphael and bring benefits to us, these are the most important factors to evaluate Morrisons. If he can do it, then Morrisons is a good friend. We can continue to trust him, or we can promote him to a more important position. If he disappoints us, then Morrisons is a bad guy and we will kick him out without mercy. If Morrisons did something to oppress the good during his term as the Lord, it's not a big deal and it's completely understandable. "
"Perhaps, some people will say that it's the duty of every Lord to make the people under his rule live a good life, but … I think you and I are clear that we are more willing to abide by the invisible contract!" Solomon said, "If one day there's a conflict between being loyal to Lord Raphael and making the people live a good life, what will we choose? Undoubtedly, the former is more important! "
"Therefore, the empire we build, which seems to be full of vitality, is no different from the dynasties of the past." Solomon smiled and said, "There will be a day when our happy and noble days will be overturned by a catastrophe. Hehe … While we are celebrating, we are also planting the seeds of disaster for our future."
"Lord Solomon, are you cursing us?!" Lang Ning couldn't listen to it anymore and stood up angrily.
"No, I'm just warning you." Solomon shook his head slightly.
Guevara, Jedis, Zenglin, and Gao Bin all had solemn expressions on their faces. Shallow people would, of course, think that Solomon's words were too ominous and had caused harm to the people present. However, people who had reached a certain height, such as Guevara and the others, could tell that Solomon was denouncing the entire old civilization.
"Lord Solomon, then … what do you think we should do?" Guevara asked softly.
"I think we should create a benign mechanism that can repair itself." Solomon paused and said, "The Freedom Federation has done a good job. The establishment of the parliament represents that they have taken the first step."
Kemorazi and Honduras trembled. Solomon had pointed them out. Although it was a praise, who knew what Han Jin's thoughts were?
"Unfortunately, their parliament representatives were elected by the large families. This is wrong again." Solomon said slowly, "I'll repeat it once more. Where the benefits come from, the rewards will also come from there. The parliament representatives of the Freedom Federation are all doing their best to protect the interests of their families. Otherwise, they are evil people and will be abandoned by their families. Who would be willing to become the incarnation of evil?! "
"What beats in our chests is a heart full of desire. Don't deny it. When I walked into the meeting room, I heard someone say the word 'country'! Hehe … A country belongs to everyone, but a country only belongs to one person or a few people. What does it mean to use a country to replace a country? "Solomon said softly.
"Lord Solomon, you …" Guevara revealed a bitter smile and looked seriously at Han Jin. The hidden meaning of Solomon's words was too sensational and even treacherous. If he didn't get Han Jin's permission, he knew that Solomon would never say this in front of everyone!
Apart from Guevara, no one else spoke. Those who understood felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on their hearts. Those who didn't understand felt that Solomon's words were against Han Jin. Where the benefits come from, the rewards will also come from there. Wasn't this opposing Han Jin's appointment of various feudal lords? Could it be that the commoners would choose among themselves? Too crazy … this is too crazy …
"The atmosphere seems to be a bit heavy …" Solomon laughed: "You misunderstood me. Every change of old habits will cause people to pay a heavy price. I won't do that. The people that Raphael likes and trusts can still be their own feudal lords. Everyone has followed Raphael to this day and is qualified to claim their own rights, isn't that right? What I really want to say is to add something other than these. At the very least, it can restrain our desires. At the very least, it can allow those poor and vulnerable people to find a reasonable and fair channel to vent their grievances after being wronged. "
"Well, let's stop here." Han Jin suddenly interrupted: "Lord Solomon came from afar and must be tired. Moreover, I have something to discuss with Lord Solomon alone."
Although Han Jin hadn't shown his face for a long time, and although he was sitting in the corner at the moment, no one could deny that Han Jin's words carried weight in the Holy Crown City. Everyone stood up one after another. (To be continued, if you want to know what will happen next, please go to www.qidian.com, there are more chapters. Support the author, support the original reading!)
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