The Human Emperor (200-400)

C286: Wang Chong's Ambitions

Wang Chong met Arloja and Ablonodan in his residence.

It had been long since they had met, and the two monks had grown visibly darker—a result of being basked under the sun for long hours. When Wang Chong was in Kunwu Training Camp for the past few months, the duo had made a return trip to Sindhu.

The duo had to meet the High Priest to settle some affairs, and they were worried about the famine there as well.

"Gongzi!"

Upon seeing Wang Chong, the duo immediately clapped their hands together and bowed deeply in respect.

What was rare was that even though the two monks only spoke Sanskrit previously, this time, they actually spoke using nonfluent Han language. This could be considered as a gesture of respect toward Wang Chong and Great Tang as a whole.

"Masters, there's no need to be so courteous." Wang Chong waved his hands casually.

Arloja and Ablonodan had stayed in the Wang Clan for a period of time previously, and they had even taught Wang Chong the Tortoise Breathing Art. Thus, the relationship between them was quite close.

"We must. Gongzi is a true living Bodhisattva for our Sindhu. You have saved our homeland from a huge disaster. Please accept our bow."

With reddened eyes, the duo placed their hands together and persistently bowed deeply to Wang Chong once more.

Those who had never been to Sindhu couldn't possibly imagine the tragedies that were occurring there on a daily basis. Even though poverty was rife there, and constantly were there those who died of starvation, the problem had never been so severe before.

All around one could see emaciated corpses and skeletons buzzing with pesky flies. If not for the aid that Wang Chong offered, who knew how many more lives would have been lost.

Thus, they were filled with gratitude toward their benefactor.

Seeing the two masters insisting on the matter, Wang Chong understood that the both of them were doing this on behalf of those who had been saved through his aid, and thus, he decided to accept their gesture of respect.

From the less tense faces of the duo, Wang Chong could see that the conditions at Sindhu should have been alleviated significantly.

"It's good that Sindhu is faring better now. But masters, the supply of food from Great Tang isn't a permanent solution. If Sindhu wants to rid itself of famine, it has to depend on itself!" Wang Chong said. The relationship between him and Ablonodan and Arloja was centered around mutual benefits. However, the sincerity in the gestures from the latter had left him moved, so he decided to point out something essential to the duo.

While the famine did worsen in recent years, Sindhu had never fared well in the aspect of food.

Thus, Wang Chong sent over many goats, chicken, ducks, and other poultry along with dry rations in his agreement with Arloja and Ablonodan. If Sindhu were to make full use of this resource, they could always plant a portion of it as crops and rear the livestock.

The goats could bear new calves every year whereas the chicken and ducks would ensure a continuous supply of eggs.

Perhaps, this might help to improve the rampant famine condition in Sindhu in the long-run.

However, Wang Chong knew that it was unlikely to happen.

The Sindhi High Priest was so focused on getting past this extreme famine at this moment that he was neglecting the future of the nation.

This situation reminded Wang Chong of a story he had heard many years ago.

There was once a boy who lived in a very poor family. His neighbor, taking pity on him after seeing him starve, decided to help improve his living condition and free him from poverty. Thus, the neighbor spent a huge sum to purchase a cow for him.