Upon learning that Jinling possessed weapons specifically designed to combat mutated birds, representatives from various factions became envious and began inquiring about the price.
As long as the fertility rate of the mutated birds could be reduced, it was deemed worthwhile even at a significant financial cost. Feeding these mutated mealworms to the birds would lower their fertility, and once their robust reproductive capabilities were diminished, the threat posed by the mutated birds would undoubtedly be greatly reduced.
Shen Feng had not anticipated that Jinling would possess such a potent weapon. Not long ago, he had discussed strategies for dealing with mutated birds with scientists. At that time, some had suggested reducing their fertility, but it was considered an impossible feat by everyone. However, it now appeared that exceptions always existed, and Jinling had indeed produced something remarkable first.
The most surprising aspect for Shen Feng was that the individual who developed the new type of mealworm was Gu Yanxiao. When Gu Yanxiao was forced into marriage, she had come to Yuzhou. At the time, Shen Feng had merely thought of her as an amateur, given that she was seen reading on the job. But now, it was clear that appearances could be deceiving; Gu Yanxiao was far from ordinary and was a formidable researcher.
When the leaders of Jinling heard the others inquiring about the price, they smiled and said, "We can offer these mealworms to everyone free of charge, and we will also teach you how to breed them. It's a small matter, and we should all help each other, shouldn't we?"
The assembled crowd was stunned by this offer. They understood that "free" often came at the highest price. While seemingly a generous gesture, becoming accustomed to such freebies could inevitably lead to further detrimental consequences.
"Tell us your conditions. We are willing to purchase them regardless of the cost. It would be unfair if you used this to blackmail us," someone spoke up. They would have no qualms about paying a substantial sum, but being coerced was an unwelcome prospect.
The leader of Jinling then stated with a serious expression, "We do not wish to threaten anyone, nor do we have any intention of doing so. We simply wish for Jinling to take the lead in future meetings, with all of you participating. This is hardly an excessive request, is it?"
Upon hearing this demand, the others offered no objection, as attending a few meetings seemed like a reasonable request. However, upon further reflection, some realized the underlying implication: if they were obligated to attend meetings organized by Jinling, wouldn't Jinling, in effect, become the nominal leader?
Humanity had invented meetings, and through various assemblies, the prestige of an individual or organization could be established. The conveners of such meetings were typically the leaders, and Jinling's proposal clearly signaled that with the absence of Yanjing, Jinling would henceforth be the nominal head of China.
Seeing that no one spoke, Jinling proactively inquired, "General Xie of Rongcheng, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
Xie Bateng remained silent for a moment, then a smile spread across his plump face. "This is certainly a good thing. We are all like brothers. Discussing matters together in future meetings is no great hardship."
The Jinling representatives then asked Shen Feng, "Lord Fengshen of Yuzhou, what is your opinion?"
Upon being asked, Shen Feng nodded and replied, "No problem, I wholeheartedly agree."
Shen Feng's primary concern was the swift resolution of the mutated bird crisis. Other matters were of lesser importance. As for the nominal leadership, Shen Feng was indifferent, as long as Jinling did not interfere with Yuzhou's affairs, they could be the leader.
Subsequently, Jinling inquired with representatives from Dian Province, who also agreed.
Seeing that the southwestern region had largely consented, the others decided it was unnecessary to quibble over a mere title. As long as their territories were not encroached upon, everything else was negotiable.
Thus, Jinling ultimately secured nominal leadership through its latest invention, and everyone began to regard Jinling as their leader, without any actual loss of vested interests.
Jinling, true to its word, dispatched personnel during the harsh winter to deliver the mealworms and their breeding methods to the various factions. Yun Laizhe personally delivered them to Yuzhou, traveling upstream along the Yangtze River by ship. After passing through the Three Gorges, he arrived in Yuzhou. The weather was already quite cold. Shen Feng procured a black goat and invited Yun Laizhe to enjoy hot pot, a delightful experience during the biting winter.
However, during their hot pot meal, Yun Laizhe couldn't help but bring up serious matters. "Mr. Shen Feng, I have something I wish to ask you. Last year, did you happen to capture a woman named Zhan Jinsu?"
Upon hearing this question, Shen Feng vehemently denied it. "Did we? I don't think so. Who told you that?"
Yun Laizhe could only offer a wry smile upon hearing Shen Feng's response. "It's just a rumor. To be honest, Zhan Jinsu is my fiancée. If you did capture her, I would ask you to release her. But since you didn't, she likely died a year ago, so it's fine."
Shen Feng's heart sank upon hearing this. A year ago, Zhan Jinsu had saved Lin Yue once, so Shen Feng had allowed Lin Yue to handle her. Lin Yue's method was rather straightforward: he prepared a chain and kept Zhan Jinsu locked up at home, forbidding her from leaving. He had never expected this woman to be Yun Laizhe's fiancée.
"A true case of the Dragon King's temple being flooded by the Dragon King's own forces," Shen Feng exclaimed inwardly, finding the situation thrilling. If he had slipped up earlier, wouldn't Lin Yue and Yun Laizhe have come to blows? Fortunately, he had immediately denied the matter, thus preventing any escalation of conflict.
"A true man should never lack a wife! If you can't find a woman with a beautiful mind, aren't there plenty of women with fair skin, beautiful features, and long legs? You will surely find a suitable wife in the future. Keep going, you can do it!" Shen Feng quickly tried to comfort Yun Laizhe.
Yun Laizhe nodded readily. "Thank you for your comfort, Mr. Shen. The lamb is cooked, let's eat quickly."
Shen Feng nodded, realizing that Yun Laizhe had been successfully misled. However, he was already contemplating, "In the future, I must ensure Lin Yue keeps his wife hidden. Otherwise, if Yun Laizhe were to see his fiancée become another man's woman, he would surely explode."
Yun Laizhe, on the other hand, seemed rather pleased. "Actually, the main reason is that my family has been urging me to get married. Marriage is arranged by my family, and I haven't even met this girl. Since she's already dead, I can now marry someone I like. Coincidentally, Ming Ge has introduced me to several girls from prominent families, and I find them all quite suitable."
"All suitable? Then marry them all!" Shen Feng declared magnanimously.
Just then, Chang Jianyi happened to be passing by and overheard Shen Feng and Yun Laizhe's conversation. She let out a cold laugh. "Marry them all? I recall your self-criticism isn't finished yet, is it?"
The place where Shen Feng and Yun Laizhe were eating hot pot was actually in the garden of the Fengshen Palace. There was a pavilion nearby, with rockeries and a lake, offering a pleasant view. The winter plum blossoms were even blooming in the cold wind. It was a wonderful experience to eat hot pot while admiring the snow.
Shen Feng hadn't expected his and Yun Laizhe's conversation to be overheard, so he quickly explained, "I was just talking nonsense, please don't take it to heart."
Chang Jianyi snorted and walked away. Shen Feng continued to brag to Yun Laizhe about how comfortable it was to eat hot pot in the middle of winter.
At this point, Yun Laizhe shared some news. "Mr. Shen, let me tell you some astonishing news from Jinling: the global oxygen concentration has begun to rise. There may be larger mutated beasts or birds in the future, so be prepared."
However, Shen Feng was already aware of this information. He then replied, "I already know about this. Is it because mutated individuals of blue algae in the ocean are multiplying rapidly? I've known about this for two years. You're acting as if it's a secret."
"Ah? You already know?" Yun Laizhe was surprised that Shen Feng was already aware of this. He had intended to show off at this moment, but now there was no opportunity.
Shen Feng stated, "Two years ago, when Xiao Yue and I were returning from the sea, we visited Deer Island. There, we heard scientists had discovered this. At that time, they had already predicted that the Earth's oxygen concentration would rise. I just didn't expect it to actually happen now."
Upon hearing Shen Feng's explanation, Yun Laizhe could only shake his head helplessly. "That's truly unfortunate. Yue Hengyi was quite a character, but alas, he died tragically. In the end, not even his body could be found."
Shen Feng also fell silent for a moment, then said, "Let's not dwell on these sad matters. Since you've come all the way to Yuzhou, why not stay for a few more days? The grilled fish here is excellent, you should try it, and don't rush back."
After receiving the mealworms, various regions began breeding them. Even during the harsh winter, suitable temperatures were maintained in factories for cultivation. The purpose was simple: to use these new mealworms to control the population of mutated birds, thereby completely resolving the crisis posed by them in the future.
Mutated birds killed ten million people annually. If this continued, humanity would eventually be wiped out. It was imperative to take proactive measures and control their numbers as quickly as possible to ensure humanity's safety.
However, after spring arrived, Jinling convened another meeting, urging everyone to actively hunt mutated birds and to deploy mealworms in their suitable habitats. Mealworms were a highly favored food of birds. By simultaneously eliminating mutated birds and feeding them mealworms, their population could be controlled.
Although Shen Feng responded to Jinling's call, he primarily focused on deploying them in Yuzhou's controlled areas and did not venture out for combat. However, the Jingxiang region could not manage to distribute mealworms to all areas, and hunting mutated birds was also quite difficult. If this trend continued, the Jingxiang Jiuzhuan would become a potential threat to Yuzhou.
Each person minding their own business, indifferent to the troubles of others. Shen Feng initially held this sentiment, but he later changed his mind.