Chapter 353: Chapter 353 - 345: Have You Ever Married?

The expressions on the faces of the brigands present all changed.

Most of those who work as brigands are drifters and ruffians looking for quick money, fundamentally cowardly and afraid of death.

Luo Fei’s expression also changed slightly, full of unwilling hatred. He hadn’t yet achieved his ambitions. How could he die so easily!

After thinking for a moment, he gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, we can pledge allegiance to the Empire and help you!"

System reminder: [Host, the loyalty of these brigands is very low, and their ambitions are high. They only agree verbally as a temporary measure. Who knows if they might betray you one day.]

Shen Tang naturally considered this.

She looked at Luo Fei and his men, smiling meaningfully, "I welcome heroes to serve the Empire, but given past experiences, I need to implant slave chips in you to ensure your sincerity in serving the Empire!"

The brigands’ faces changed drastically at these words. Once marked with a slave chip, they would become complete lapdogs of the Empire!

Absolutely not!

"Rest assured, I am not a heartless ruler. I know what you’re thinking. This slave chip is not to take away your personal freedom but to ensure your loyalty. As long as you serve the Empire faithfully for three years, I will remove the chip. I can issue a royal decree; no deception involved."

Shen Tang smiled at them, in a tone of negotiation, "Of course, if you don’t agree, then we’ll have to — see each other in the next life!"

"..."

Damn it, isn’t this a blatant threat?

Have they been given a chance to refuse?!

However, serving loyally for just three years isn’t entirely unacceptable.

The aristocratic hypocrites value their word; having issued a decree personally, she would surely not go back on it midway.

The brigands naturally didn’t know what Shen Tang was thinking. Now that she was the Emperor, if she had no shame, did she still need to keep promises?

It was she who issued the royal decree, and she could retract it anytime or issue a new edict.

Even if she promised to release them after three years, if the brigands misbehaved, she could kill them without breaking her promise.

In the end, the brigands of Black Wind Village agreed to be recruited.

The grains and valuables looted from the mountain stronghold were all confiscated and handed over to the government.

That still wasn’t enough.

This group of brigands had plundered so much, earning so much dirty money, their hands must be stained with many lives, they must bleed a little more.

Shen Tang sent people to untie Luo Fei, staring at his rather handsome face, suddenly leaned close and asked, her smile radiant, "Have you ever been married?"

Luo Fei’s face suddenly turned crimson, not knowing if it was from shame or anger, "You! You shameless woman, trying to make a move on me? No way — ah!"

Before he could finish speaking, a scream like a pig being slaughtered erupted.

Shen Tang casually pulled out a short dagger and stabbed it into his chest, extracting an essence blood.

"Boss!"

The brigands turned pale with fright.

Poison femme! Tyrant!

Was it necessary to be so ruthless just for robbing her of a bit of grain!!!

Shen Tang received the essence blood, very satisfied, smiling sweetly, "Consider this as compensation. Serve the Empire well in the future, and benefits will surely come your way."

Luo Fei staggered two steps back, his face pale, his eyes filled with venomous hatred as if he could tear her apart!

This injury to a Ninth Rank Beastman was nothing, but the pain was real!

Once the three years were up, he would surely take up his blade against this dog emperor to avenge the humiliation of today!

[Beep! Congratulations to the host on completing the task, reward of 1000 points, a mysterious treasure map, physical rewards have been automatically delivered to the system backpack, please check!]

[A mysterious treasure map: Upon opening, a mysterious location will randomly appear, it might hide priceless treasures, or it might just be a false merriment, what it contains is entirely up to luck.]

Shen Tang felt like she had used up her luck last time, so she didn’t rush to open the treasure map, deciding to do it later.

In the meantime, she wasted no time, quickly refining the essence blood.

Spiritual power increased to 90%.

Soon she would fully recover her spiritual power.

...

Tieling City.

The current situation has temporarily stabilized.

The bodies inside and outside the city were all cremated and burnt together.

Debris and snowfall on the roads have also been cleared.

The military and civilians worked together to set up many temporary refugee tents, beastmen rested in these tents, and the supply of clean food, water, and medicine is enough for the citizens for half a month, and the reconstruction work is proceeding methodically.

The citizens of the city no longer looked like walking corpses and their spirits slightly lifted.

Occasional laughter and chatter could be heard on the streets.

Families were enjoying harmonious times together.

There were couples tangled in post-war passion, making out fiercely in public, and then rolling around.

Xiao Jin watched, his face blushing, quickly looked away, gave a few instructions to his deputy, and then left.

He jumped onto a broken wall not far away, leaning back with his hands, looking up at the setting sun.

He missed Tangtang.

After handling things on this side, who knew how long it would take to return.

Amidst the crowd, someone shouted, "Oh my god, it’s His Majesty!"

"His Majesty personally led troops for support and relief!"

As soon as these words came out, the entire scene became lively.

Many people rushed to the city gate for a glimpse of the new king’s demeanor.

Xiao Jin snapped out of it, pleasantly surprised, rushing over as well.

The Emperor’s personal visitation to the disaster area greatly boosted morale, and the citizens cheered loudly.

As soon as Shen Tang arrived at the city gate, she was embraced tightly in a fiery hug, looking up, she was met with a deep, lingering kiss!

Shen Tang’s face blushed slightly, she quickly pushed Xiao Jin away, "You rogue leopard, so many people watching, aren’t you embarrassed at all!"

"We’re a married couple, why be embarrassed? I just missed you too much." Xiao Jin whispered seductively in her ear, "Missed you so much it hurts!"

Shen Tang pinched his waist, causing him to yelp.

"Behave yourself! ... We’ll talk later."

Xiao Jin stared at the tips of her red ears, feeling restless, but didn’t dare to act out anymore, staying obediently by her side, arranging for the troops to disperse the crowd.

"Tangtang, who’s that? Your new Beast Husband?" Xiao Jin asked jealously, noticing Luo Fei among the brigands.

Strong men always recognize strength at a glance.

"Do you think I have that poor of a taste?" Shen Tang tilted his chin, giving him a peck on the lips.

Xiao Jin immediately grinned, raising his eyebrows and smiling, "I knew you had better taste than that, that big guy might be strong, but he’s way uglier than me! You’ve already tasted me; you definitely can’t stomach somebody so crude."

"Narcissist." Shen Tang rolled her eyes, truth be told, Luo Fei was quite handsome, after all, he’s part of the female protagonist’s harem.

But she didn’t like men who were too brawny and muscular with dark skin.

Xiao Jin’s body was perfectly fit, young and strong without exaggeration, exactly her type!

Shen Tang sent the brigands to work, assigning them the most difficult and strenuous tasks for reformation through labor!

Luo Fei and his group had grievances but dared not express them, only able to work honestly.

As evening fell, Xiao Jin, unable to wait any longer, took her into a tent in his arms.