The Peerless Emperor (TPE)

"Let's go. Don't waste any more time and keep His Majesty waiting," the scholar said, no longer willing to engage in further discussion. He turned and led the group toward the City Lord's Mansion.

The others refrained from saying much more, but as they neared the entrance of the City Lord's Mansion, they noticed a large crowd of city residents gathered at the gate, all surrounding a young figure. To their surprise, that figure was none other than Lin Qian.

Lin Qian, the emperor of the Huaxia Empire, was standing amidst a group of commoners, speaking with them as if they were equals. His conversation with these common folk was clearly audible to the group, as there were no barriers preventing them from overhearing.

"Your Majesty, why do the city guards remain silent? Did we do something to upset them?" An elderly man asked Lin Qian after bowing respectfully, his expression filled with worry. "I made a small meal earlier and wanted to deliver it to them as a gesture of thanks, but they ignored me. They're good people, unlike the old city guards."

Seeing the elderly man's fearful demeanor, Lin Qian couldn't help but smile wryly. He knew that the man was deeply afraid of offending the Imperial Army and losing their protection. This only made Lin Qian reflect on how much harm the former city guards had inflicted on the city's residents, leaving them with such heavy psychological scars.

"Sir, the Huaxia Empire only has the Imperial Army and the War Beast Army now. What these Imperial soldiers are doing is simply their duty. They don't like receiving gifts of gratitude, nor do they engage in idle chatter. Their sole focus is on protecting you and fighting for the empire," Lin Qian explained, gently helping the old man to his feet, speaking sincerely.

"If you truly want to show your gratitude, just thank them and live your life well."

Lin Qian finished speaking, feeling somewhat helpless. He couldn't exactly tell the old man that these Imperial soldiers were actually created directly in the Huaxia Empire's military barracks, could he? If he said that, it would probably scare the man to death.

Shortly after, a little girl timidly stepped forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Why was the emperor that my parents talked about so mean to us, but Your Majesty is so kind to us?" she asked.

The little girl's question made everyone around her fall silent, holding their breath as they anxiously looked at Lin Qian, both nervous and curious. Even the members of the three sects hovering in the air were eager to hear Lin Qian's response.

Based on what they had seen in Yushui City, it seemed that Lin Qian genuinely cared about the common people.

For most powerful factions, the common people were simply there to serve the needs of the strong soul warriors.

"Because you are now citizens of the Huaxia Empire. Since you are citizens of the empire, you are my citizens. So why shouldn't I treat you well?" Lin Qian replied with a warm smile, gently patting the little girl's head.

The crowd was stunned. None of them had expected such an answer from Lin Qian.

The reason was simply that they were citizens of the Huaxia Empire and therefore deserved a good life?

What kind of reason was that?

They had once been citizens of the Qin Dynasty, yet the Qin Dynasty had never treated them well.

Seeing the confused expressions on everyone's faces, Lin Qian chuckled and explained further, "Soul crystals need to be mined, but soul warriors are too busy with cultivation to do it, so they rely on you."

"Soul crystals need to be cut into pieces for use, and that's another job that relies on you."

"The spirit rice and spirit fruits that soul warriors consume need to be planted by you and delivered to them..."

"The truth is, soul warriors depend on all of you for many things. Because of your contributions, soul warriors can focus on their cultivation without being distracted by mundane tasks. The advancement of soul warriors is, in part, thanks to your support. You are invaluable to them."

"For the Huaxia Empire to become stronger, it also depends on your contributions. Only when you live well and are happy can you work more efficiently. And as more talented individuals emerge from among you, they will further strengthen the empire."

Lin Qian rose and looked around at the citizens of Yushui City, his expression serious. "You are the most important foundation of the empire. Just like the foundation of a house, the stronger and more stable you are, the taller and sturdier the house will be."

"I want you to love this empire, not resent it. That's the reason."

"Your Majesty, I can die without regret now that I am a citizen of the Huaxia Empire!" the old man exclaimed, suddenly kneeling on the ground. Despite his age, his voice was still strong and vibrant.

The other citizens gathered in front of the City Lord's Mansion were moved by the old man's words, and they, too, knelt in reverence before Lin Qian.

But before they could fully prostrate themselves, they felt a gentle force lifting them off the ground.

"I have guests to attend to, so let's disperse for now," Lin Qian said with a smile, using his soul power to help them stand.

Only then did the citizens notice that a group of people had slowly descended from the sky. Upon hearing Lin Qian's words, they respectfully bowed to him once more before turning to leave.

One little girl, however, waved her tiny hand and called out in her childish voice, "Your Majesty, when I grow up, I want to marry you!"

"Hahaha, that won't work. The empress would get jealous," Lin Qian replied with a laugh.

The girl's mother quickly picked up her daughter, who had spoken out of turn, and bowed apologetically to Lin Qian. After receiving his nod of acknowledgment, she hurried back home.

As Lin Qian watched the little girl, still pouting and waving at him from her mother's arms, he sighed and scratched his nose, feeling a bit helpless.

In this life, the woman who had grown up with him since childhood, Ye Xin, had left an indelible mark on his heart.

During those difficult days, it had been Ye Xin who stood by his side, and their bond was unbreakable.

"My love for Xin'er... I have no interest in sharing it with anyone else," Lin Qian silently mused. Then, turning to face the three elders and their group, he smiled.

"Elders, everyone, thank you for waiting," Lin Qian greeted them with a smile and a courteous bow. "In the upcoming war against the Qin Dynasty, I will be relying on all of you for support."

"This isn't the best place for a conversation. Shall we continue inside?"

The group nodded in agreement and followed Lin Qian into the City Lord's Mansion.

Lin Qian led them to the mansion's council hall, a lavishly decorated space that clearly reflected the former city lord's extravagance.

Upon reaching the hall, Lin Qian confidently took his seat at the head of the table. There were three other seats prepared beside him, clearly intended for the three elders.

To everyone's surprise, however, the three elders gestured for their chairs to be moved slightly to the side, positioning them a level lower than Lin Qian's. It was a clear display of deference.

Sensing the group's confusion, Fang Shuiwen exchanged glances with Zhou Yian and Yang Guixiang. After receiving their nods of agreement, all three elders bowed deeply to Lin Qian in unison.

"Young Master!" they declared in unison.