Chapter 648 — Empire
Blade of Dawn · Page 4 of 4
"The age of kings and lords is over. It is not a kingdom," Gao Yang said slowly. "It is an empire."
After a pause of two or three seconds, he said, word by word: "The Cecil Empire."
He had chosen to name the newborn empire after his own present surname, drawing a thorough distinction from the former Kingdom of Ansu.
He would bury the old Ansu; that ancient kingdom, once glorious, would become history—history together with its name. Whether in symbolic or practical terms, the newborn empire must be set apart from the word "Ansu"; this, too, was one of the measures to weaken the influence of the old powers.
He would also embody his own authority in the new empire's name, indirectly ensuring the concentration and efficient operation of power—to face the challenges ahead, to face the crises about to erupt, he must choose the concentration of power as the means to raise the operating efficiency of society, so as to prepare for those crises as quickly as possible.
The study was for a time cloaked in solemnity. After a long while, Victoria said softly: "From this day forth, whether merit or fault, you must bear it all."
"When I chose to lead the army north, I was prepared for this."
"Then," Boyu rose from his chair, "I salute the Cecil Empire."
Victoria stood next: "I salute the Cecil Empire."
"I salute the Cecil Empire," Hetty said as well.
Gaoyang glanced at the three of them and let out a soft breath.
"It will prove worthy of your salute."