Chapter 037: The Strategy Plan

In Wang Bo's view, reversing Xiaoqing's prejudice against humans, or more precisely against himself, was a long-term endeavor that required ample time.

And time was precisely what Wang Bo had in abundance.

After all, he had once made a wish to the magic lamp and become an immortal.

He had all the time and patience in the world.

Thus, one man and two demons returned in a joyful atmosphere to Wang Bo's stronghold, Jiannan Circuit.

But now it wasn't just Jiannan Circuit; several neighboring circuits had also become Wang Bo's territory.

Although he had been preoccupied with Xiaobai's matters these past few days, the millions of mechanical soldiers had not ceased their advance; under Friday's control, they continued to conquer cities and seize territory.

The captured cities were governed according to the previously established strategy.

They executed a batch of extremely corrupt officials, then another batch of landlords and bullies who oppressed the people, after which they distributed sufficient food and clothing and arranged housing for the commoners.

Then, they promoted a batch of relatively incorrupt officials to help Wang Bo govern the city.

Finally, they left behind a contingent of mechanical soldiers to maintain public order.

Though simple and crude, it was highly effective.

At least so far, the people remembered Wang Bo's kindness, and public order in the cities was well-maintained and orderly, with no one daring to cause any trouble.

No one dared to rebel here either.

After all, the mechanical soldiers' strength was no joke; though they might not defeat demons like Xiaobai, defeating ordinary people was no problem at all—effortless, in fact.

Moreover, the mechanical soldiers didn't need to eat or drink, nor did they need sleep; every day they were either marching or fighting.

Thus, Wang Bo's territory expanded rapidly.

It was believed that within a few months, Wang Bo could unify the realm and end the chaotic times.

Additionally, some people, seeing that Wang Bo's soldiers were invincible, defected to him without hesitation, so Wang Bo might even sweep across the world at an even faster pace.

However, this also made Wang Bo many enemies; within his territory, all kinds of spies came and went every day.

These people thought they were covert, but they were all under Friday's surveillance.

Every move they made, every word they spoke, could not escape Friday's ears. But Wang Bo had not given orders, and Friday had not executed these people on its own.

When Wang Bo returned with Xiaobai and Xiaoqing, Friday immediately reported this matter to him.

Wang Bo glanced at it and said calmly, "Ignore them."

Because in Wang Bo's view, these people could only obtain limited information; even if they got hold of some key intelligence, such as the configuration of the mechanical soldiers, their direction of advance, or the cities they were attacking, it would be useless.

For the mechanical soldiers were invincible; even with intelligence, they couldn't defeat them.

Fifty thousand mechanical soldiers could easily rout an army of five hundred thousand head-on.

And in this era of the late Tang, with warlords carving up the realm and the emperor's orders only effective in the Chang'an area, who could muster an army of five hundred thousand?

Even if they did, could they defeat Wang Bo's fifty thousand mechanical soldiers?

What a joke.

So Wang Bo simply didn't care about the spies' activities; he'd rather spend his time figuring out how to change Xiaoqing's prejudice against him.

On the other hand, after Xiaobai and Xiaoqing returned with Wang Bo, they discovered that his territory was well-governed, with the people living in peace and contentment, which greatly surprised them.

"I never expected you to be a local hegemon in the human world," Xiaoqing said. Although she was prejudiced against humans, she was not ignorant of human society and had some understanding of the human world, hence her surprise.

But this also made her even more dissatisfied. "A guy like you can find any woman he wants, so why did you have to set your sights on my sister?"

"Well, I guess it's fate," Wang Bo said. "The first time I saw your sister, I was struck by her beauty, and after a series of interactions, I became captivated by her."

"Hmph, I think it's my sister who's been captivated by you," Xiaoqing said indignantly.

Wang Bo didn't mind. "Let's say it's that way."

Xiaoqing continued, "A man like you could easily have three wives and four concubines. Can you guarantee that you won't change your mind or get tired of the old and fancy the new?"

Hearing this, Xiaobai couldn't help but look at Wang Bo.

Wang Bo thought for a moment and said, "If I said I would be good to your sister for life and never love anyone else, that would be a lie. I don't want to deceive your sister."

Xiaoqing wore an expression that said, "Just as I expected."

Wang Bo continued, "But I can promise you this: I might get tired of the old, but I will never abandon the old. In my view, feelings are like wine—the older, the more fragrant. So I can't guarantee I won't take a second or third wife, but I can promise you that I will be good to your sister for life."

Although this was Wang Bo's utmost sincerity, such an answer did not satisfy Xiaoqing. She triumphantly took Xiaobai's arm and said, "Xiaobai, see? This is a man. Before he even has you, he's already thinking about a second and third."

Xiaobai gently tapped Xiaoqing on the head. "Alright, stop being naughty."

She felt a little uncomfortable inside, but she didn't make a big fuss with Wang Bo; instead, she silently accepted it. After all, in this ancient context, it was normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines.

She was used to it.

In her view, Xiaoqing's behavior was just being naughty.

At night, Xiaoqing naturally stayed with Xiaobai, sleeping in the same room, giving Wang Bo no opportunity to take advantage.

But Wang Bo didn't mind too much.

Once he won over Xiaoqing, their current behavior would undoubtedly open the door wide for him.

Now, he already had a preliminary plan to win over Xiaoqing.

After a night of thinking, Wang Bo decided to start by giving gifts. First, he would find a good reason to give Xiaoqing a large pile of gifts, focusing on things she liked.

Only then would Xiaoqing be happy and think well of him.

This would facilitate the implementation of his next step.

But Wang Bo didn't know Xiaoqing well, so he wasn't sure what kind of gifts she liked. However, this wasn't a problem for him.

Because Xiaobai surely knew.

After all, they had lived together for so many years; Xiaobai knew Xiaoqing's preferences very well.

So Wang Bo needed to ask Xiaobai, but he couldn't do it in front of her, because he wanted to surprise Xiaoqing. And since Xiaoqing had been with Xiaobai all these days, if he asked in front of Xiaobai, wouldn't Xiaoqing find out?

So he had to find a way to get Xiaoqing out of the way.