(MC POV)
I was guided to the throne above Guiying's to tell everyone what I knew about the current situation, including about the status of our Earthen Plane in the eyes of the other Planes though it was limited to the Spiritual and Cloud Plane.
I would have been fine simply telling them from amongst the officials but Guiying and everyone else was entirely insistent that I not be allowed to do so.
For some reason, Guiying had also added in the function of allowing her throne to turn around to face me too, even though I've sat here less than a handful of times…
Isn't that kind of a waste of resources? And whoever has heard of someone designing a throne that could swivel around on a pivot?
"I see… In that case, what does Master suggest we do?" Guiying asked.
I waved my hand nonchalantly, "You are the Empress, Guiying, I'm leaving the decisions to you. I'm merely here to tell you what I know after all."
She nodded in understanding before turning her throne back to the rest of the court, "Heed my decree!"
The rest of the court knelt upon hearing her words.
"These newcomers shall be dealt with as though they are illegal immigrants! Kill them all!"
Woah! Woah! Woah!!! That's too extreme even for you, Guiying! Are the rest of the court not going to say anything?!
Ah… They accepted the order without batting an eye…
I cleared my throat which made Guiying instantly turn back around and the rest of the court to focus their attention on me.
"Could I just ask what your reasonings are to lead to such a decision, Guiying?"
"Hmm? These good for nothings who only managed to come here through happenstance are unworthy to even set foot here no? They would be completely useless to us and would be a drain on the country's resources, thus getting rid of them would be the best course of action."
While she's not wrong… I tried to point out another way of thinking to her.
"It is true that they wouldn't even be able to stand up to the weakest of Practitioners in our Plane, but they do carry with them knowledge from their own Planes right? To just indiscriminately kill them off like this is a waste don't you think?"
Guiying gasped, "Ah! Of course! As expected of Master! We should be draining them of all the knowledge they have before we kill them off!"
I tried my best to keep my face neutral.
"There's no reason to always end up killing them though. Some might be able to integrate into our world as other professions and there is also a chance that a few of them might rise back up as prominent Practitioners given the right training and attitude."
Guiying nodded regally, "As Master has proclaimed, it is indeed possible and these people would eventually find out that their previous positions in their own Planes means nothing here. Powerless and helpless, we could then swoop in and extend them a benevolent hand that would tie them to us. Those who refuse it or continue to be a menace, we'll just either lock them up and rehabilitate the ones that are useful or simply get rid of them if they are not."
Ok, that's an idea I can agree with, which is already much better than simply killing all of them already.
"Is such a plan acceptable for you, Master?"
I nodded, "But I would like to know if we are able to undertake such a task? I do not know what our current resources are like."
"Oh! You need not worry about that, Master! If anything, your sister would also help us in this regard with her own resources too, so there's nothing to worry about."
Ah… I guess that's true… Though I'm a little worried what might happen if her… Things… Get involved…
In the end, I decided to just leave it in Guiying's capable hands. If her being the Empress of the country felt it was fine, then I don't have anything else to say.
She then gestured towards the entrance of the court where the previous Practitioner I had bitch slapped had been, the man having been dragged away by guards shortly after, kicking and screaming in protest. Even after all that he was still being a moron.
"Since that trash had been disrespectful to Master, how would Master like to handle him?"
I shook my head, "He was in your court, Guiying. Do as you see fit."
"Very well. Guards! Have that man be tortured and amputated for the crimes of disrespecting my Master!"
I… Ok… I can't say anything since I already said I'll leave it to her… But I never thought Guiying would be this ruthless of a ruler… Especially how she's normally like in front of me…
Then again, the fact that the country was still fully functional and even doing better than before already proves her worth as an Empress, so she's definitely doing a good job.
Guiying then proceeded to give out instructions to have the 'illegal immigrants' placed under watch, directing manpower around to set up a new department on handling these newcomers as well as to integrate them to our Plane.
Honestly, it was really impressive seeing her work as an actual Empress and how efficient her court was in carrying out her orders.
When the court session had ended, Alpha appeared with a bow and escorted me out of the court while everyone had their heads lowered to me.
I really can't get used to that…
Once I was out, I had wanted to return to my disciples immediately but Alpha stopped me before I could.
"Forgive me, Master, but Empress Guiying has instructed me to bring you to her room for something important."
Something important? Does she know something about this situation that I don't? Maybe it's something the Lei Shen guy had said before I appeared there?
Intrigued, I let myself be brought to her room where Delta was just finishing up preparing tea for me.
The two quickly left once I sat down at the tea table but before I could even taste the tea, the door was quickly flung open again and a figure blurred into me.
"Maaaasterrrrr!! I missed youuuuuu!!" Guiying squealed, her former regal appearance nowhere to be seen.
She's even hugging me tightly while rubbing her face desperately on my chest, as though she was trying to burrow her way past my ribs.
I sighed, "It wasn't even that long since I last saw you…"
"Unnnn!! But it's still too long!! Being an Empress is hard!! Pamper me Master!! Pamper me, pamper me, pamper meeeee!!"
And to think I was even impressed with your performance as an Empress just moments ago… Give me back that respect!!
Oh well… I know just how tiring being in a position of authority is so I guess I can just indulge her a little bit… I was throwing this troublesome situation to her to deal with after all…
Thus, I thoroughly patted my little empress until she was satisfied.
…
I may have also patted her in other places too.
