Chapter 735 - 8: Restructuring Leyan City (First Update)_2

Chapter 735: Chapter 8: Restructuring Leyan City (First Update)_2

The core forces of the Mountain Mouth Tribe and the Sturdy Valley Sect should be eliminated by now.

Of course, there’s one more vital point.

"With just thirty men in the troop, it’s hard enough to defend, let alone spare any to guard prisoners."

With such thoughts, Scott felt a sense of relief upon hearing Ian’s merciless command: "If Ian suddenly grew a conscience, I’d even try to persuade him. Not killing them now would not only be a problem for the future, but would definitely lead to major trouble soon after."

When Scott reported to Ian, and everyone in Leyan City who had a say was preparing to go to Leyan Castle to await orders, the thoughtful youth still inside the Armor Suit slightly raised his head.

"Good, it proves they are not fools; fewer chickens need to be slaughtered to scare the monkeys."

The Cyclops Giant’s red electronic cigarette looked askance at the reporting Iron Folk: "What is the atmosphere like in Leyan City? Do they welcome us, and how inclined are the people towards us?"

Scott pondered for a moment before replying, "It’s pretty bad at the bottom. Martin Hanging Peak’s speeches did indeed persuade many. There really are quite a few mixed-bloods among the Mountain People of the Leyan Territory, and they are convinced that the Imperial People won’t sincerely treat them well... Even with Martin gone, this mindset won’t disappear anytime soon."

"As for a welcome... it’s average, I’d say. Although the people’s hearts don’t seem to lean towards us, they are still willing to obey."

"That’s enough,"

Ian’s voice held no trace of discouragement: "Public sentiment is the most useful and yet the most useless thing."

"Whether they support me or not, they cannot hinder my victory or Martin’s defeat. That’s where the uselessness of public sentiment comes into play. Even if the entire city worked together, they couldn’t defeat a single Armor Suit."

"The usefulness lies in the fact that, if I truly wish to rule Leyan Territory instead of completely destroying this city, I need to gain the support of the Domain Residents. If they believe I can bring them stability and safety, trust in my abilities, they will cooperate with my work without any commands, and may even come up with some benefits I never knew myself."

"Then, they can help me create more Armor Suits, better ones, or even something entirely new, beyond my expectations."

Having said that, upon hearing a hint of emotion in Ian’s voice, Scott listened carefully: "Remember this, Scott. If one day you find yourself in the same situation as Martin, thinking you’ve gained the support of the people of Leyan Territory and can win a military victory in a certain area... then you’re bound to fail."

"Verbal support, the inclinations of the heart, are like the moon reflected in a well—an illusion, incapable of providing any real advantage in combat, instead creating disastrous delusions."

"Huh?"

Scott was somewhat perplexed by this remark, and upon receiving Ian’s permission, he voiced his doubt: "But if there’s local popular support, things like supplies and intelligence work would go smoothly... public sentiment is still very useful, right?"

This was one of the reasons Ian appreciated Scott. While loyal and obedient, obeying Ian’s commands to the letter, Scott also had his own thoughts and was not afraid to voice his doubts.

"Yes," Ian nodded slightly as he controlled the camera on the Armor Suit to span Leyan City: "If the difference in public sentiment between the two warring sides has reached the point where they would provide intelligence for one side and not the other, then so-called ’public sentiment’ has transformed from mere ’inclinations’ and ’verbal support’ to ’actual support,’ and of course, it then holds power."

"However, such a public sentiment cannot be obtained by simply being kind to the people; it’s only possible when one side is oppressing the populace, and the other is aiding them, allowing such inclinations to become actuality. This is too harsh a condition, almost impossible to occur in current Terra, given the situation."

"The problem is, even such power isn’t decisive on the actual battlefield, especially for a Sublimator who doesn’t care about annihilating the living forces in the target area... What I’m saying is, we don’t need to make these people agree with what we do, but just make them think we’re ’acceptable.’"

"Compared to others, we can also be their rulers."

"That’s all that’s needed."

Ian’s gaze was indifferent; he had never intended to rule Leyan Territory as a savior.

He aimed to be a dictator whose orders were absolute and indisputable.

To make these people understand the nuances of his policies and new technology, it would take either seven or eight years, or the next generation.

Since they don’t understand, then they should all just listen and not speak, and hear what he has to say.

It sounds quite terrifying.

But in reality... this is the most Ordinary method adopted by Nobles in Terra World.

The method of rule most accepted by the people of this world.

—Thus, it needs to change. But not now.

Sitting in the pilot’s seat of the Armor Suit, contemplating the actions to follow, Ian closed his eyes and, showing signs of fatigue, rubbed his temples: "At the very least, I’ve already killed off all those in Leyan City who were eligible to compete with me for leadership... This is a very good start."

"Next, it’s time to deal with the uncooperative and the local gentry in the territory... Some will have to be killed to make the rest listen. Otherwise, there’ll be no way to free up positions."