Surrendering to a stronger power was not shameful, after all, pirates needed to survive. As for the treatment after surrender, it was just a bold attempt. If lucky, Liu Kai Xuan would highly value them, and they could live a life of luxury and authority. If unlucky, and Liu Kai Xuan didn't care about them, they could always find a chance to slip away.
The pirate leader, Bald Wolf, and his crew surrendered to Liu Kai Xuan! Liu Kai Xuan did not hide this event, but rather made a grand spectacle of it. He specifically arranged for reporters to photograph the pirates' surrender and publish it in the newspapers. At the same time, Liu Kai Xuan also had the newspaper publish a special report on his efforts to combat piracy.
The handling of the surrendered pirates was relatively simple. Bald Wolf, as the pirate leader, was sentenced to three months imprisonment, while his men received sentences of no more than two months. Compared to the crimes they had committed, this punishment was almost negligible.
...
Within the royal palace of the Senluo Kingdom.
A guard handed a document to Sen Kai. Upon reading its contents, Sen Kai felt a wave of satisfaction. The document was an overview of the Senluo Development Zone. The development zone had only been under construction for less than two months, yet it had already undergone significant transformation. According to the report, Liu Kai Xuan had invested over 50 million yuan. Furthermore, apart from a few foreign experts for engineering design and supervision, all the construction workers were recruited from the Senluo Kingdom, numbering over 2,000.
"Excellent, truly excellent!" Sen Kai closed the document, smiling. "It seems my gamble has paid off!" He continued, "This Liu Kai Xuan is truly a pragmatic entrepreneur! Everything he presents is substantial and practical; he's not playing any tricks." He then instructed his attendant, "Wu Fei, make arrangements. I will inspect the development zone tomorrow."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the guard replied and left.
Subsequently, an inner attendant approached the king. "Your Majesty, with the development zone flourishing, it would be wise to dispatch a member of the royal family to oversee and coordinate the work on-site. This will help prevent unnecessary conflicts during the development process."
"Hmm," Sen Kai nodded. "Indeed, a capable person is needed to maintain coordination. Otherwise, idle troublemakers might disrupt progress at any moment."
The inner attendant quickly added, "Your Majesty, I believe the Seventh Princess would be most suitable. She has recently passed her coming-of-age ceremony and is currently without formal duties. This would be a valuable opportunity for her to gain experience."
"Hmm..." Sen Kai paused for a moment, then nodded. "Very well, let the Seventh Princess gain some experience. Inform Consort Hong Ye to discuss this with the Seventh Princess. Tomorrow, they will accompany me to the development zone. The Seventh Princess will be responsible for coordination and management there."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Sen Kai had indeed sensed that the inner attendant was subtly advocating for the Seventh Princess. Such assistance likely came with a price. Initially, he considered reprimanding the attendant, but he reconsidered. As the development zone progressed, clashes between the external force represented by Liu Kai Xuan and the local magnates were inevitable. A mediator was crucial to resolve these conflicts, lest they escalate into open confrontation.
Liu Kai Xuan was a formidable force, and the nobles of the Kaiya Kingdom had already suffered under him. Even the unruly pirates of the bay had been completely subdued by him, eventually choosing to surrender. Such a person would never bow to the nobles of the Senluo Empire. The Seventh Princess, being young and inexperienced, was ideally suited for the role of a coordinator at the development zone. Sen Kai had no concerns about her being swayed by noble factions to suppress Liu Kai Xuan.
...
In the rear hall of the palace.
The inner attendant delivered the news to Consort Hong Ye's residence. "Congratulations, Your Highness. His Majesty has ordered the dispatch of the Seventh Princess to the development zone for coordination. Please prepare to accompany His Majesty and the Seventh Princess for the inspection tomorrow."
"Thank you, Lord Wu," Consort Hong Ye said joyfully. She immediately retrieved a red envelope from her chambers and handed it to the attendant. The attendant feigned reluctance before accepting the gift and leaving with a happy stride.
After the attendant had gone, a tall, slender young girl emerged from an inner room. "Mother, why did you give money to that fellow Wu Nan? My position was arranged by my father, not by him!"
Consort Hong Ye sighed, "Enough, child. Speak less. Arranging this position for you cost me a considerable sum. You must do your best and bring honor to our family."
"I understand!" the girl replied. "Mother, rest assured, I will work hard and earn back the money you spent as soon as possible."
"Stop!" Consort Hong Ye quickly corrected her. "What are you thinking about all the time? This position is not for you to make money! My intention is for you to prove your worth. Your reputation should come first, and financial gain second."
The Seventh Princess asked, "You mean I should help them truly develop the development zone?"
"Yes," Consort Hong Ye nodded. "Sen Ya, you must understand that as royalty, you will never lack material resources. However, to gain greater benefits, you must cultivate your reputation. Let everyone in the kingdom remember your achievements. This will be most beneficial for your future development."
Sen Ya nodded. "Alright, I will do my best and I promise not to disappoint you, Mother."
Consort Hong Ye smiled. "I have great confidence that you will handle this matter well." She trusted Princess Sen Ya's capabilities implicitly.