Vientiane Throne of Civilization

Chapter 884: The decision made long ago

After seeing that these brats had behaved themselves, John's expression looked a little better.

"Anyway, let's wait until everyone comes back before discussing this matter."

After dark, the wood elves returned to the dormitory and quickly gathered together at John's call.

Without further ado, John quickly recounted what had happened during the day.

When the wood elves learned of this, they were immediately shocked.

John remained silent as he watched the situation become somewhat chaotic. Such a big matter needed to be discussed by everyone.

This state lasted for about ten minutes, and the voices of the wood elves' discussion gradually died down. Then, all pairs of eyes looked at John, who was standing in the front, in perfect sync.

Seeing this, John spoke slowly...

"I have said everything I need to say. Now I want to confirm everyone's thoughts. Those who want to apply to become official citizens of the Great Zhou, please raise your hands."

As soon as the words came out, a lot of hands were raised.

Without even counting, John could confirm that the number of tribesmen who had this idea had easily exceeded half.

This is normal. After all, those who come here are the younger generation of the clan, and their acceptance is much higher than that of the older generation.

Not to mention that they have all lived in Da Zhou for some time, and they have basically gotten used to the living here.

At the same time, they became official citizens of the Great Zhou. While their obligations did not change much, their welfare was greatly improved. Who wouldn't want that?
"Those who don't want to apply, raise your hands."

However, faced with this option, the situation before him surprised John.

Because those tribesmen who didn't raise their hands before didn't raise their hands now.

Faced with this situation, after a brief moment of shock, John quickly reacted.

It seems that it doesn't matter whether you apply or not. To put it bluntly, just follow the crowd. John now has a clear idea of ​​what's going on.

"Okay, I roughly understand what everyone is thinking. I will ask for leave tomorrow and go back to talk to the clan leader about this matter."

John's leave went very smoothly. The next morning, after breakfast, he got on a horse-drawn carriage that was transporting goods to the mine, and returned to the village smoothly.

Since the younger generation are working in Green Forest City to earn money, the village is much quieter than before.

Looking at John who suddenly came back, Locke, the patriarch, was stunned for a moment, but didn't think too much about it.

In Locke's opinion, compared with those brats including Sean who gave him trouble, John was quite mature and steady, and was the one he trusted the most among the younger generation.

"John, why did you come back suddenly?"

"There's something going on, Patriarch. Let's go inside and talk."

After entering the house, John didn't waste any words and directly told them that they could apply to become official citizens of the Great Zhou. After listening, Locke frowned slightly.

"According to what you said, becoming a citizen of Da Zhou would bring almost nothing but benefits to us."

"For now, that's right."

John nodded.

"We work in Green Forest City to earn money, and we have to abide by the laws of the Great Zhou. It makes no difference whether we are formal citizens or not. Becoming a formal citizen will give us better benefits, so everyone prefers to become a formal citizen now."

John was quite thoughtful in doing things. Before coming back, he first understood the thoughts of his tribesmen. Locke was not surprised by this.

"And you, John, what do you think of this matter?"

Faced with the patriarch who threw the question to him, John was not pretentious and directly expressed his thoughts.

"Before becoming formal citizens, although the welfare benefits are poor, we are equal to the Great Zhou in terms of status. Once we become formal citizens of the Great Zhou, we are subordinates of the emperor of the Great Zhou." Locke did not show any surprise when he heard this. Obviously, he had thought about this problem as well, and motioned John to continue.

"In my opinion, the key point now is whether this identity is important or not, or whether this identity is important compared to the benefits we get after becoming formal citizens."

John's summary of this issue was quite accurate, and Locke even felt that his summary was better than his.

After all, he lives in the environment of Green Forest City. Compared with Locke who has always stayed in the village, his brain is much more flexible.

"So, John, do you think it's important or not?"

John himself had actually been thinking about this question for a long time, and now he obviously has got the answer!

"If it was before I went to work in Green Forest City, I might not be able to answer this question, but for me now, the answer is not important."

John gave this answer with a firmness that even Locke could not understand.

Without waiting for Locke to ask further questions, John started talking first.

"We used to live freely in the forest. It's hard to say whether our life was good or bad. After all, there is no comparison."

"Now, we abide by the laws of the Great Zhou and work in Green Forest City. At the same time, everyone is willing to stay in Green Forest City. Although we are not as free as in the forest, our lives have become better."

Having said that, there is no need to continue as the answer is already very obvious.

When those brats rarely came back throughout the year and just wanted to stay in Green Forest City, they had actually made their choice in their hearts.

After a few seconds of silence, Locke slowly exhaled a long breath.

"Let me confirm again. After becoming an official citizen of the Great Zhou, you still belong to the Wood Elves. These two identities do not conflict?"

"Yes, I went to the window of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consultation."

Locke nodded after getting this answer.

"Okay, I agree."

After saying these six words, Locke did not feel as heavy as he had expected. On the contrary, he felt as if he had unloaded an invisible burden, and his whole body became relaxed.

"Then, Patriarch, do you have anything else to say?"

"Let those brats obey the law and do their job well! After becoming official citizens of Da Zhou, if they commit crimes again, Da Zhou will punish them according to the law, but they don't need to ask me anymore! Think about it yourself!"

"I've made a note of this. I'll definitely pass it on to you."

At this point, John paused.

"Then clan leader, you guys..."

Although the words were not finished, the meaning was already very clear.

Hearing this, Locke showed a trace of entanglement on his face, and then couldn't help asking...

"Are you really living so well in Greenwood City? Is it more comfortable than in the village?"

"seems like it."

John didn't dare to say anything too final.

Locke, who understood this meaning, was speechless.

"Okay, I'll think about this again, you go back to work."

(End of this chapter)