Chapter 21 Chapter Six

Seful Harding did not come directly to Anacreon, after which the kingdom of Anacreon was named, and he did not arrive at the capital world until the day before his coronation.Before that, he flew to the eight larger galaxies in this kingdom, and made a very short stay in each galaxies, just enough time for him to have a meeting with the representatives of the base. This trip made him deeply appreciate the vastness of this kingdom.This place used to be a very distinctive part of the Galactic Empire, but compared with the unimaginably vast territory of the former Empire, it is just a small fragment, an inconspicuous fly droppings.However, Harding's way of thinking has always been used to a single planet, and it is still a sparsely populated planet, so the size and population of Anacreon are enough to surprise him.

The borders of Anacreon Kingdom today are very close to Anacreon County in those days. It contains twenty-five star systems, six of which have more than one inhabited planet.Its total population is 19 billion. Although it cannot be compared with the population in the heyday of the empire, the population is growing rapidly due to the scientific aid provided by the base to promote the development of science. Harding didn't really realize the arduousness of this scientific aid work until now—although it has taken thirty years, only the nuclear power system has been established in the capital world; there are still vast areas outside the kingdom Nuclear power generation has not resumed.However, even today's small achievements are made by using some of the remaining equipment from the empire, otherwise even this little progress would be impossible.

When Harding finally arrived at Capital World, he found that all commercial activities had completely stopped.In the outer regions, the celebrations had been going on for several days, and on Anacreon, it was full of fanatical religious celebrations to wish the coming of age of King Lepud, and everyone devoted themselves with great enthusiasm. Harding tracked down their ambassador, Vrysov, and found him morose and haggard from too much work.They only talked for half an hour before Verisov was forced to leave in a hurry to oversee the celebrations in other temples.But this half hour has benefited Harding a lot, and he is ready to participate in the fireworks display that night.

This time Harding appeared as an ordinary tourist, because if his identity was exposed, he would be forced to take charge of religious activities, and he was really not in the mood to do those boring things.Therefore, when the hall of the palace was crowded with bejeweled princes and nobles, he was inconspicuous among them, and no one noticed him at all, let alone greeted him. Harding, too, had stood in the long line of attendees, and had been introduced to King Lepid from a safe distance, while the king stood majestically alone in the blinding light of the radiant aura.In less than an hour, the king will sit on a massive throne made of watch alloy, inlaid with gemstones and decorated with gold reliefs on the outside. , and then soared in front of the window of the palace, letting thousands of people outside pay their respects, and accepting the almost crazy enthusiastic cheers of the people.Of course, the throne wouldn't be so heavy if it wasn't for the hidden nuclear engine inside.

It was past eleven o'clock, and Harding began to fidget. He stood on tiptoe to get a better view—even wanted to stand on a chair, but finally resisted the urge.Finally, Harding saw Winnis walking towards him through the crowd, and his mood suddenly felt a lot easier. Winnis walked very slowly, because almost every step he took, he had to greet some noble nobles cordially.The grandparents of those nobles had assisted Lepped's grandfather to usurp the throne, and the descendants would inherit the title forever from generation to generation. Winnis finally left from the side of the last nobleman and came in front of Harding.He squeezed out a few haughty smiles, but the black eyes under the gray eyebrows shot out a smug light.

"My dear Harding," said Winnis in a low voice, "it must be very boring for you not to reveal yourself." "I'm not bored at all, Your Highness, I'm enjoying watching it. It's all so interesting, and you know that Terminus doesn't have such a grand celebration." "Of course, would you like to come to my study? We can have a good chat without restraint." "Of course." So the two went upstairs arm in arm. Several widows of the duke stared at their backs in surprise, unable to figure out the identity of Harding—this stranger with ordinary clothes and unremarkable appearance was treated so courteously by the regent. Who is he? ?

After entering Winnis' room, Harding sat down very easily.He took the wine poured by the regent himself, and expressed his thanks softly. "It's Lucrece, Harding," said Winnes. "It's the real thing in the royal cellar—two centuries old, made ten years before the Zeonian rebellion." "A real royal wine." Harding echoed politely: "Congratulations to Lepped I, King Anakrion, on the government." After the two toasted, Winnis graciously filled Harding's glass again, and then said: "He will soon become the emperor of the outer edge of the galaxy, and who can predict the next development? The galaxy should have another A day of unity."

"There is no doubt about it—unified by Anacreon?" "Why not? With the assistance of the base, our technology is superior to other worlds on the outer edge of the galaxy, there is no doubt about it." Harding put down the empty cup, and said: "Well, the words are correct, but the base must assist any country that needs scientific assistance. Based on the high idealism of the base government and the lofty moral goals of the base's founder, Harry Seldon , we must not favor any country. This is an unchangeable principle, Your Highness." Winnis's smile widened a bit: "To use a common saying today: the spirit helps those who help themselves. I know very well that if the base is not under some pressure, it is absolutely impossible to be so generous."

"I don't admit this. Didn't the base repair the Imperial cruiser for you? Although our space agency has always wanted to use it for research." In a sarcastic tone, Winnis repeated Harding's last few words: "For research! Is it? If I didn't threaten war, you would never repair that starship." Harding made a disapproving gesture: "I don't know about that." "I know, and I know that this threat works against all odds." "Does it work now?" "It's too late to talk about threats now." Winnis quickly glanced at the clock on the desk: "Listen, Harding, you came to Anacreon before, when you and I were young, But back then, our approach was very different. You're a so-called pacifist, right?"

"I think so. At least, I think using force to achieve the goal is a very uneconomical means. There are always better alternatives—although those methods are sometimes less direct." "Yeah, I've heard your famous saying: 'Force is the last resort of the incompetent'. But—" He scratched his ear deliberately and casually: "I don't think I am an incompetent." Harding nodded politely, but said nothing. Wennis continued: "However, I have always believed in the direct line. I believe that the road should be opened up straight towards the goal, and then proceed along this straight road. I have achieved a lot in the past, and I will continue to do so. Do more with this method.”

"I know that," interposed Harding, "I believe you are now opening the way for you and your son to reach the throne. Consider the unfortunate accident that befell the last king - your brother - , and the poor health of the current king. He is in poor health, isn't he?" Facing Harding's accusation, Winnis just frowned, and said in a more stern voice: "For your own good, Harding, I advise you to avoid certain topics. You think you are the mayor of Terminus , have the privilege to say... um... such irresponsible things? If you really think so, please be sober. I'm not someone who will be intimidated by words, my philosophy of life is as long as Face the difficulties squarely and they will disappear, and I have never shied away from any problems." "I don't doubt that, so what is the difficulty you decide to face now?" "It's about convincing the base to cooperate with us. You know, Harding, that your peace policy has caused you to make several very serious mistakes, because you tend to underestimate the courage of your opponents. You know, not everyone is like you The same fear of direct action." "Like?" Harding asked. "For example, you came to Anacreon alone, and entered my study alone with me." Harding looked around, then asked again, "What's wrong with that?" "It's nothing," Winnis said, "but there are five guards outside the room. They are fully armed and hold nuclear guns. Harding, I don't believe you can get out." Mayor Harding raised his eyebrows and replied, "I don't want to leave right now, are you really that afraid of me?" "I'm not afraid of you at all, but this can make you realize my determination, we can call it a kind of expression." "You can say what you like," Harding said indifferently. "You can say whatever you want, and I won't be afraid." "I'm sure your attitude will change sooner or later, but you've made another mistake, Harding, and a more serious one—Terminus seems to be completely defenseless." "Of course, who do we need to guard against? We are not threatening the interests of any country, and we provide our science and technology assistance without discrimination." "Terminal has remained unarmed, but on the other hand," Winnis said, "you have generously assisted us in the expansion of our armaments, especially in supporting us in building our own Starfleet—a massive fleet. In fact, since You dedicate the repaired imperial cruiser to us, this fleet is already invincible." "Your Highness, you are wasting your time." Harding gestured to stand up from his chair: "If you want to declare war on us and you are informing me of this, please allow me to contact my government immediately. " "Sit down, Harding, I have not declared war on you, and you need not inform your government at all. Once a cruiser of the Imperial Fleet, the Winnes is now the flagship of our Expeditionary Fleet. This Expeditionary Fleet, led by My son is on the flagship commanding himself, and once the war starts—Harding, listen, war is started, not declared, they will immediately launch a nuclear attack on the base, and then the base will know." Harding frowned and asked, "When?" "If you're really interested, I can tell you that the fleet had just left Anacreon fifty minutes ago, exactly at eleven o'clock. When they were able to see Terminus, the first Bo's nuclear attack, that's tomorrow at noon. Now, you can consider yourself a prisoner of war." "That's exactly what I think, Your Highness," Harding still frowned, "but I'm very disappointed." Winnis chuckled contemptuously: "That's all?" "Yes, I have thought that at the same time as the coronation begins - which is midnight - is the most appropriate time for the fleet to operate. Because obviously you want to fight in the regent's office, if That way, it should be more dramatic." Regent Winnes glared at Harding and said, "My God, what the hell are you talking about?" "You still don't understand?" Harding said lightly, "I set the time to counterattack at exactly midnight." Winnis sat on the chair, glared at Harding and said, "Don't try to scare me, you can't fight back. If you want to count on the assistance of other kingdoms, you'd better die of it. Their fleets will all join forces." Standing up, it is definitely not our opponent." "I know this, but I don't want to shoot a single shot. I just let my people let out the news a week ago that at midnight tonight, Anakrion will implement a 'religious ban'. " "Prohibition?" "Yes, if you still don't understand, I can explain: All the priests in Anacreon will go on strike unless I cancel the original order. But now I am under house arrest and cannot communicate with the outside world, so naturally I cannot take it back Fate. However, even if I am free to move, I do not intend to do so." He leaned forward, and his tone suddenly became vivid: "Your Highness, do you understand now? Attacking the base is tantamount to a heinous act of blasphemy .” Winnis was obviously trying to restrain the turmoil in his heart: "Don't do this to me, Harding, you can save these words and tell the public." "My dear Winnis, who do you think I should keep it to? I can imagine that in the past half hour, all the shrines in Anacreon have been filled with people, listening to the priest's speech on this matter. The lesson of the event. Every one of the people of Anacreon now knows that their government is waging a vile and unrighteous attack on the center of their faith. It is four minutes to midnight, and your last It’s better to go downstairs to the hall to have a look, since there are five guards outside the door, you don’t have to worry about me slipping away.” After finishing speaking, Harding leaned back on the chair and poured himself another glass of Lukui Si wine, and then looked at the ceiling with a completely indifferent expression. Winnis was suddenly furious, and rushed out of the study quickly. In the hall, all the celebrities and ladies were silent, giving way to a spacious passage leading to the throne.Lepped sat on the throne, clutching the armrests with both hands, his head raised high, but the expression on his face was frozen.The light from the central chandelier gradually dimmed, and the countless nuclear bulbs inlaid on the vaulted roof emitted colorful flashes.At this moment, the brilliant aura around the king began to shine, and rose to his head, condensing into a dazzling crown. Winnis stopped halfway up the stairs, but no one noticed him, all eyes were on the throne.Winnis stood there, clenched his fists tightly, and warned himself in his heart not to act rashly because of Harding's intimidation. At this time, the throne began to tremble, then rose vertically without sound, then began to flutter, left the platform, slowly floated down the stairs, finally stopped five centimeters from the ground, and then slid horizontally towards the huge window. A heavy bell struck, and midnight was approaching.At this time, the throne just stopped in front of the window - in an instant, the aura on the king's head disappeared. At that moment, the king was so shocked that he couldn't move his whole body, and the expression on his eyelids was distorted by fear.Once he lost his aura, he became no different from ordinary people.Then the throne shook a few times, and then fell heavily on the floor. There was a loud noise immediately, and the lights in the palace were dimmed at the same time. In the midst of the screams and confusion, came the roar of Winnes: "Bring the torches! Bring the torches!" Winnis sprinted through the crowd until he made his way to the door.At this time, the guards in the palace also rushed into the dark hall from the outside. Then at last the torches were brought into the hall, which had been intended for a great procession of torches to be held through the streets after the coronation. The guards, holding torches, swarmed into the hall—blue, green, and red lights shone on frightened and bewildered faces. "It doesn't matter," Winnis yelled, "Everyone stay where you are, and the power will be restored immediately." Winnis turned around and asked the head of the guard standing at attention: "Captain, what's going on?" "Your Highness," the head of the guard immediately replied, "the palace is surrounded by the crowd from the city." "What do they want?" Winnies growled. "They were led by a priest. Someone recognized him as Patriarch Polly Verisov. He demanded the immediate release of Mayor Seve Harding and the cessation of the war on the base." He answered in a monotonous tone, but his eyes wandered uneasily. Winnis roared: "If any mob tries to cross the palace gate in vain, they will all be shot to death. Other than that, don't act rashly. If you want to yell now, let them yell, and we will settle accounts with them tomorrow." The sent torches have been scattered throughout the hall, and the hall is lit up again.Winnis rushed to the throne that was still leaning against the window, and pulled Lep, who was pale with fright, to his feet. "Follow me!" Winnis glanced out the window, the whole city was pitch black, only the Egrid Temple on the right was brightly lit, and the hoarse and noisy shouts of the crowd came from below.Cursing furiously, he dragged the king away. Winnis rushed all the way back to his room, and five guards at the door followed immediately.Then there was Lepped, his eyes widened, and he walked at the back timidly, unable to speak a word. "Harding," Winnis said in a hoarse voice, "You are playing with fire and setting yourself on fire!" Beside Mayor Harding was a portable nuclear bulb that glowed like a pearl.He ignored Winnis at all, just sat quietly and peacefully, with a mocking smile on his face. "Good morning, Your Majesty," Harding said to Lepped, "Congratulations on your successful coronation." "Harding," Winnes yelled again, "order your priests back to work!" Harding raised his head calmly and said: "Order yourself, Winnis, and see who is playing with fire between the two of us. Now in the whole of Anacreon, except for the Spirit Hall, there is no machine running ; Except for the Hall of Souls, there is no light bulb; there is not a drop of running water except for the Temple of Souls; the hemisphere in winter, except for the Hall of Souls, does not even have a calorie of heat—the hospital can no longer accept patients , the power plant will also be forced to shut down, and all the spacecraft will be stranded on the ground. If you don't like this situation, Winnis, you can order the priests to go back to work yourself, I don't care." "I swear to God, I'll order it. Harding, if we must have a showdown, come on and see if your priests can stop my army. Tonight, the military will take over the planet all the temples of the "Very well, but how are you going to order it? On this planet, all communication lines have been cut off, and you will find that neither the radio nor the superwave is functioning. I'll tell you the truth, the videophone in this room, It is the only working communication device on this planet—of course, I am referring to places other than the Spirit Hall. However, I have also modified it so that it can only receive, but cannot send out signals.” Winnis seemed to be out of breath, gasping for breath desperately.Harding continued: "If you want to try, you can send troops to the Agrid Hall near the palace, use the hyperwave communicator there, and communicate with other areas of the planet. But if you really do that, send The troops who go out are afraid that they will be beaten to pieces by the mob. At that time, Winnis, who will protect this palace? Who will protect your lives?" Winnis screamed: "We can survive, you devil! We can survive today, let the mob roar, let the power go out, but we will survive! When the base is captured When the news comes, your great multitude will find out how illusory their religion is. They will turn their backs on the priests, and turn against them. I assure you, Harding, you will be happy until noon tomorrow .Although you cut off all the power of Anacreon, you can't stop my fleet." He dragged his throat and continued arrogantly: "The fleet is heading towards its destination, Harding, led by the cruiser you ordered to repair." Harding replied easily: "Yes, the cruiser was repaired by my order-but it was repaired according to my wishes. Winnies, tell me, have you ever heard of a hyperwave repeater? No, I know you haven't. But in two minutes, you'll know what that device does." At this moment, the video phone suddenly lit up, so Harding changed his words again: "No, within two seconds. Winnis, sit down and listen carefully."