ABRIWMTHM Chapter 63

Ren Yan Yong focused on the voting column the moment he came online. Therefore, even before everyone had arrived at the meeting, he was the first to witness the entire process of Tan Bai Shan going online and offline, including his voting action.

Ren Yan Yong was speechless for a long time.

As the president of the Elders Council, who had been extremely attentive to behavior and conduct throughout his lengthy term of over a hundred years, he had not seen such an outrageous thing in many decades.

Outrageous, absolutely outrageous!

The only point he could see was that Vice President He Zhuang was in sync with his thinking; the other officials didn’t even find the right focus.

“Hey, why did Old Tan go online and then offline? Is the network in the Northern Territory bad?”

“How could that be? Since the military system was upgraded, the network hasn’t had any issues for decades. We send a whole set of battleship data daily, and the transmission is very smooth.”

“So what was Old Tan doing? Can someone ask?”

Only one person touched on the edge, “Didn’t I hear that the beast attacks in the Northern Territory have increased recently? Didn’t Marshal Tan say they were going to hunt a beast that strayed into the Northern Territory today?”

That explained why Tan Bai Shan went offline, but…

Ren Yan Yong said with a hint of sorrow, “Don’t you all look at the voting screen?”

His tone was incredibly mournful, “Marshal Tan went online for two seconds, voted, and then immediately went offline.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he logged in just to vote!

As expected, once Ren Yan Yong mentioned it, the various marshals, vice marshals, and senior officers all appeared to have a sudden realization and quickly looked at the voting screen.

Ren Yan Yong closed his eyes in despair. There was no saving it; let it be doomed!

Is this the difference between civil officials and military officials? If it weren’t for the empire, he, who had not monitored military meetings for decades, wouldn’t have to endure this!

For the empire! Everything is for the empire!!

After silently reciting his professional belief a couple more times in his heart, Ren Yan Yong finally opened his eyes again.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he heard a conversation that struck at his soul.

“Old Tan is so careless.”

“Is he afraid of being picked up by the Elders Council, so he voted and left? Learned something there.”

“Still, it’s Old Tan. Look at how swift he is! I wish I hadn’t pushed back the inspection, completed the internal discussion, came up to vote, and could have promptly gone back to official business.”

“Yes, the beast tide is coming…”

“Not only the beast tide but that group from the Alliance too…”

In this discussion, the key points were once again diverted.

Ren Yan Yong’s forehead throbbed with veins.

Vice President He Zhuang cleared her throat twice and reminded, “Although it sounds a bit strange to say this, but all the marshals and military officers, our listening personnel from the Elders Council are already in place. A friendly reminder: the Elders Council will not report anyone without reason. If there are…”

“Okay, we get it! Don’t recite that, Vice President He. I take back what I said about the Elders Council!”

This was the military officer who feared the “being picked up by the Elders Council” comment.

Ren Yan Yong pressed his hand against the bouncing veins on his forehead again.

He Zhuang smiled, no longer surprised.

Although it was Xu Mi Rou’s first time listening to such a military meeting, her inner resolve was exceptional. He Zhuang didn’t continue the conversation; she replied politely, “The Elders Council is not targeting anyone. If we hear something, we will simply state the facts.”

“Understood, understood.”

“Got it, got it.”

The military officers, fearing Xu Mi Rou might continue with a bunch of indirect comments, quickly expressed their positions.

Xu Mi Rou smiled, but the painful masks on the military officers’ faces didn’t look much better.

The strained relationship between the Elders Council and the military was evident.

The Elders Council showed a polite yet awkward smile, and the military officers returned a pained yet courteous smile. This kind of harmonious atmosphere, seemingly loving yet quiet, lasted for several seconds until the meeting room door was finally pushed open.

At last, Chi Yao, who initiated the meeting, arrived with his entourage.

Both the military officers and those from the Elders Council silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Chi Yao asked, “Is everyone here?”

Once he stepped inside, the entire conference room transformed into a large holographic projection sensory room. The figures of the military officers and the Elders Council again coalesced into a projection, and every action of everyone entering this conference room would turn into a stream of data, displayed on the devices of everyone participating in the meeting.

Depending on the terminal, the manifestation forms might vary slightly, but the principle remained the same.

Before Ren Yan Yong could grapple with Tan Bai Shan, he saw no one respond, so Chi Yao ordered Fei Chu, “You call out the names.”

“The First Legion is present, the Second Legion… one President and two Vice Presidents from the Elders Council, the Seventh Legion is missing.” Suddenly noticing something, Fei Chu added, “Wait, the records show that Marshal Tan went online for two seconds, voted, and then went offline.”

Ren Yan Yong quickly said, “That’s right, Marshal Tan voted and then logged off. I saw it with my own eyes.”

Ren Yan Yong exhaled, trying to remain objective, “I know that military meetings are busy and don’t have so many regulations in daily life, but for him to log on and not even see your majesty before leaving, isn’t that a bit… too disrespectful?”

Shi Xing felt that Ren Yan Yong’s use of “disrespectful” was already quite restrained.

In fact, it was indeed the case. Vice President Xu Mi Rou looked at Ren Yan Yong in surprise; normally, when there’s an issue, the Elders Council would have the offending party write a self-reflection before convening a unified meeting for announcement processing.

This term “disrespectful” was something Xu Mi Rou had never heard the President use in such a gentle assessment regarding violations.

Chi Yao nodded.

Before he could say anything, the unity among the military officers became apparent.

A Marshal from the Fourth Legion said, “Well, your majesty, don’t be angry. Old Tan might have encountered something; it’s not necessarily intentional.”

His Vice Marshal chimed in, “Yes, yes, maybe Marshal Tan had something urgent.”

The Marshal from the Fifth Legion added, “Old Tan said he was going to hunt a beast today. Recently, there have been a sudden increase of beasts in the Northern Territory. Old Tan usually adheres to rules…”

Once they got the ball rolling and a couple of people spoke up, others followed suit, hurriedly defending.

Shi Xing privately messaged Tang Mi, 【Is it always this united among the military?】

He received a deeply touching reply, 【Not really. The military typically enjoys countering the Elders Council. If it weren’t for President Ren emphasizing this point, I estimate everyone wouldn’t rally to defend so uniformly.】

Shi Xing was profoundly moved by this reply.

Chi Yao smiled and raised his hand to stop everyone from speaking, “I understand, but the situation is not as you think.”

Chi Yao said seriously, “Recently, the beasts breaking through in the Northern Territory have increased. We have been focusing on eradication, and today is for hunting the last beast wandering in the icy forest. Marshal Tan reported to me about this two days ago. He couldn’t get away and needed to take leave, and I agreed.”

Ren Yan Yong was taken aback, “Then the voting…”

Chi Yao said, “It was probably to make things more formal; he just logged on to express his stance before departing.”

Ren Yan Yong was about to say that this seemed a bit perfunctory when the palace secretary said, “Marshal Tan submitted a joint intention signed document with the officers of the Seventh Legion to the palace two days ago.”

The secretary accessed the document, confirming Shi Xing’s official acquisition of military authority in projected form. The officers hurriedly began reviewing it.

Ren Yan Yong also retrieved an electronic copy, glancing through it. The text was well organized, and at the end was the leave request for today’s meeting, detailing the situation regarding the beasts in the Northern Territory. In the end, there was a long list of officer signatures to show the supportive attitude of all those in the Seventh Legion.

President Ren hadn’t finished reading when he saw “Tan Chi”’s name follows Tan Bai Shan’s, and his heart skipped a beat.

He thought of the rumors he had heard…

Before he could think further, the officers already provided the answer.

“This format is standard; it must have been drafted by Xiao Chi.”

“All officers with military ranks in the Seventh Legion signed in agreement.”

“Indeed, everyone is accounted for.”

After giving everyone some time to confirm, the secretary Wei Wan asked, “Is there any objection from those present regarding the voting of the Seventh Legion?”

All major legions shook their heads.

The secretary looked to the three members from the Elders Council, “What about the Elders Council? Do you recognize its validity?”

Ren Yan Yong said with difficulty, “I recognize it.”

He added, “After the meeting, Secretary Wei, could you please send a copy of the original electronic document to the Elders Council? We need to keep it on file.”

“Of course.”

The meeting continued.

Except for the Seventh Legion, the Marshals and Vice Marshals from the Second to Sixth Legions were all present.

Three representatives from the Elders Council were also there: President Ren Yan Yong, Vice President He Zhuang, and Vice President Xu Mi Rou.

Chi Yao had dual identities, one as the representative of the First Legion with Fei Chu and Fu Qing, as a Marshal and senior officer.

The second was with Chi Yao at the core, along with Shi Xing, Palace Secretary Wei Wan, and official Tang Mi, forming the royal direct line that convened this meeting.

Divided by camps, there were three factions: the royal family, the military, and the Elders Council.

The absence of the Seventh Legion had an explanation, and since the voting had validity, they formally moved into the main topic of today’s meeting.

Apart from the Seventh Legion, Chi Yao hadn’t specifically contacted the major legions beforehand to discuss today’s meeting content.

However, the Elders Council had reached out; as long as the legions didn’t antagonize the Council, they had already been informed of the meeting’s core content in advance.

Thus, aside from one or two legions that genuinely understood the meeting’s content, most people were aware, treating the introduction of the core discussion as a formal walk-through.

Once that walk-through was over and everyone was thoroughly informed of the meeting content and understood what they were voting on, this meeting could be deemed officially started.

Ren Yan Yong mentally reviewed the legions.

The First Legion, as the royal guard, belonging to Chi Yao, would definitely support Shi Xing’s acquisition of military power.

The Seventh Legion voted unexpectedly; they currently held a supportive attitude.

That already accounted for two votes in favor.

Remaining were the opinions of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth legions.

The Second Legion was friendly with the Elders Council, and the Marshal was Ren Yan Yong’s old friend. Over the past week, Ren Yan Yong had extensively conveyed the Elders Council’s views. Even though the Legion’s Marshal hadn’t explicitly indicated a stance during the call, Ren Yan Yong felt that this vote against was solid due to their old friendship.

The Third Legion had a unique identity; Lu Guang Yu, being a prince sealed by merit, gave the Third Legion a reputation that subtly surpassed others in the Imperial Capital. The Elders Council had contacted them, and the Lu family’s stance was neutral. The Council couldn’t say much more, allowing them to think it over.

The Fourth and Sixth Legions were both distanced from the Imperial Capital and, like the Seventh Legion, remained relatively independent. Their stances were more objective, and Ren Yan Yong couldn’t predict how they would express their opinions; they seldom communicated with civilian institutions.

The Fifth Legion was the royal guard of the Imperial Capital and surrounding areas and had always followed the royal family, so it was anticipated that their vote would be in favor.

Of the First, Fifth, and Seventh Legions, three votes were already in favor.

The Second Legion opposed, but they were alone in opposition.

Thus, the deciding votes remained among the neutral Third, Fourth, and Sixth Legions.

Ren Yan Yong didn’t know what the results would be, but the overwhelming opinion of Tan Bai Shan put considerable pressure on him.

Three legions had already supported Shi Xing, and even one more from the remaining would not be a situation the Elders Council would want to see.

The secretary summarized, “Granting military power has always followed the law. The Empire’s laws clearly state this, but the major legions can vote on it. Considering His Highness Shi Xing’s racial characteristics, His Majesty decided to determine whether to grant authority through the voting of the legions.”

“This is also the main purpose of calling everyone today, to discuss the granting of military authority to His Highness Shi Xing.”

“The Elders Council should also have contacted you in advance, and today we have outlined it again. How does everyone feel about it?”

As the secretary’s words fell, the voting segment officially began.

A certain Marshal spoke first, “The First Legion must have reached a decision; they can announce it first.”

Fei Chu responded, “Indeed, we have made a decision using the same voting method as the Seventh Legion, resulting in unanimous approval. The document is here.”

The second unanimously approved voting document was projected in the center, causing Ren Yan Yong to break out in a cold sweat.

Vice President He Zhuang opened it, reviewing it in detail, nodding to the old president, “All officers from the First Legion, along with His Majesty’s signature, are on here.”

Ren Yan Yong nodded and inhaled deeply, unable to exhale.

After everyone checked, the First Legion’s stance became one of agreement.

After the second vote, the atmosphere fell silent again.

Chi Yao said, “Those who have already decided can vote; if you’re unsure afterward, we can discuss it.”

As Ren Yan Yong had expected, the Fifth Legion’s Marshal spoke up from the start. He deconstructed his thoughts from the fundamental reasoning, “The Fifth Legion has always been stationed in the Imperial Capital and several surrounding cities, protecting everyone’s safety and maintaining the normal operation of urban order.”

“The Fifth Legion operates under imperial law, and as customary, the royal direct line’s partner will obtain half of the military power held by that direct line. There is no need for a voting grant in this case. Thus, the Fifth Legion will decide to recognize the legitimacy of the grant based on imperial law, which is why we consent.”

In simplified terms, since the law states so, they will abide by it and follow the law to vote in favor.

The statement sounded extraordinarily grand, yet it indeed aligned with the Fifth Legion’s principles of military governance.

Because of its stationed position, the Fifth Legion had always taken the First Legion as the guiding star, adhering to orders while following the law, which was genuinely something they could carry out.

The secretary nodded, reporting, “The Fifth Legion agrees. Are there any objections from the other legions and Elders Council?”

After confirming one by one, the Fifth Legion also indicated their agreement.

Ren Yan Yong felt a tightness in his chest.

However, fortunately, he still had the Second Legion on his side.

After the Fifth Legion expressed their agreement, the Marshal from the Second Legion reiterated the Elders Council’s concerns and cast a vote against.

At this point, those with clear stances had finished voting.

Three votes in favor, one against.

The remaining votes were for the Third, Fourth, and Sixth Legions, to be cast on-site.

The Marshal of the Third Legion, who was formerly quite familiar with Shi Xing, Lu Guang Yu, spoke first.

This aligned with his forceful character, as well as his years of mingling in the Senate, where he decided votes in a semi-civilian capacity.

Lu Guang Yu asked, “Does His Majesty intend to grant half of the military authority to His Highness Shi Xing?”

Chi Yao’s half of the military authority, in strict terms, delineated three major legions and half the First Legion’s forces.

Receiving a negative answer, “Not at the moment.”

Chi Yao replied seriously, “All seven legions belong to me. Excluding the First Legion, the remaining six legions won’t be managed by His Highness Shi Xing for the next year. Major decisions will rest with me.”

Lu Guang Yu said, “So we can only assure that within the year, we will not be classified into His Highness Shi Xing’s jurisdiction.”

Chi Yao replied, “Not necessarily. I will plan based on his growth. Right now, he doesn’t have that ability. If he grows quickly, and within a year I feel he is capable, I will gradually decide the allegiance of the major legions between the two of us.”

Lu Guang Yu nodded, backed by his deputy and eldest son, Lu Li.

One must admit, Ren Yan Yong sometimes quite liked Chi Yao’s forthrightness; at least now, he could feel Lu Guang Yu’s reluctance.

Shi Xing stood beside Chi Yao, saying nothing.

Lu Guang Yu worried too much. Regardless, he would not take charge of the Third Legion.

However, there was no need to mention this.

Moreover, whether Tang Shao had mentioned the matter of him and Lu Li to Lu Guang Yu was uncertain. Ren Yan Yong wouldn’t find it strange what Lu Guang Yu’s attitude was; he himself was a very opinionated official.

After a brief silence, Lu Guang Yu said, “The situation within the Third Legion is such that most officers have no particular preference. After hearing the voting discussions, they decided to defer to my opinion.”

Chi Yao nodded.

Lu Guang Yu continued, “I recognize the legal empowerment, but from another perspective, I feel that the concerns of the Elders Council are not without reason, so I hadn’t made a decision before coming.”

Chi Yao asked, “What about now? Marshal Lu, have you made up your mind?”

Lu Guang Yu pondered for a moment before asking, “Has His Highness Shi Xing fallen ill during this past six months?”

That question was well-timed; Ren Yan Yong felt a glimmer of joy in his heart.

Chi Yao thought for a while and recounted the instances of Shi Xing having high fevers and low fevers, also mentioning his ability enhancement and reawakening.

Lu Guang Yu was astonished. “His Highness Shi Xing has two talents?”

“It seems that way.”

Lu Guang Yu fell silent again, troubled for a while before stating with difficulty, “But there is still a certain risk during the process of ability enhancement.”

That was indeed true; although the last few instances appeared controllable, Chi Yao worried during the fevers, thus nodded.

Ultimately, Lu Guang Yu said, “In this case, from the perspective of ensuring stability for the empire, the Third Legion will likely cast a vote against.”

The secretary confirmed, “That is the right of the Marshal.”

Lu Guang Yu ultimately cast a vote against.

With two votes against and three votes in favor.

Only the Fourth and Sixth Legions remained.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the Sixth Legion abstained.

The Marshal of the Sixth Legion said, “We think like the Fifth Legion; these matters don’t require our consideration. The Elders Council’s slew of words is something we, the military officers, cannot analyze…”

This nearly drove Ren Yan Yong, who had painstakingly articulated for so long in the communicator, into a frenzy.

What does “cannot analyze” mean? There’s nothing clearer than talking to a pig!

Is there some genetic isolation between civil and military officials? How infuriating!!

It’s all brains; why don’t you military officers make use of them?!

The Marshal of the Sixth Legion continued, “So after internal discussion, we decided to abstain. It’s actually similar to the Fifth Legion. If both the consent and opposition votes balance each other out, we will vote again according to the law; if a decision can be made, we will not participate.”

The Sixth Legion was to be stationed near the boundary line for the next ten years, and it was the most burdened area. Recently, they had to prepare for the defenses before the beast tide arrived, leaving them indeed pressed for time. They abstained, and Chi Yao understood.

He nodded, acknowledging it.

At this point, there were two votes against, three in favor, one abstention, and one pending decision.

The final result depended entirely on the Fourth Legion’s stance.

Fortunately, the Fourth Legion was not indecisive. Their internal meeting’s outcome had not included giving up their choice; since they were hesitant, the decision would fall on the Marshal on-site, fundamentally similar to the Third Legion.

The Fourth Legion’s speech was interesting as they looked at Shi Xing, “May I ask, does His Highness Shi Xing wish for the grant of military authority?”

Upon receiving Chi Yao’s affirmative look, Shi Xing replied, “Yes, I do.”

Shi Xing’s viewpoint was also quite sharp, “I believe there is nothing wrong with striving for my legitimate rights.”

This statement contained two layers; one was superficial, and the other carried a hint of sarcasm towards the Elders Council.

The notion of legitimate rights, which the Elders Council opposed, was something the listed officers picked up on, hearing the unspoken implications; it made sense. Shi Xing hadn’t offended or provoked anyone, yet he was suddenly to be stripped of authority. Even if it was for the good of the empire, as the sacrificed party, it was naturally incomprehensible.

The Marshal of the Fourth Legion nodded in acknowledgment, “That is correct.”

Before any further persuasion could be made, the Fourth Legion’s Marshal proactively laid out their dilemma, “Many in the Fourth Legion hold this viewpoint, believing they should support you. However, the Elders Council’s analysis is not without merit. If…” casting a meaningful glance at Chi Yao, he said, “if His Majesty loses decision-making ability, your personal stability will determine the direction of the Empire for a period.”

“If you are capable, everyone would naturally rejoice.”

“If you cannot perform, the Empire will likely go through a very difficult time.”

“What makes it hardest is that none of us knows you. Making such a significant decision based on that foundation means each of the legions is under pressure.”

After he spoke, all Marshals present nodded.

They were all forcing themselves to vote.

The Marshal of the Fourth Legion said, “The mortality rate during the maturity period for Blue Star humans is high. In fact, the Elders Council overlooked a possibility—that if everything goes smoothly, and authority is granted to you, it would not be a problem. However, if you run into issues midway and suddenly relinquish control, it will also impact the command and coordination of the legions.”

That was straightforward.

So forthright it was nearly sharp.

Yet Shi Xing didn’t dislike it; as long as they genuinely wanted to solve the issue, he felt that was good.

Shi Xing admitted, “You make a valid point; I cannot promise that.”

Chi Yao was about to say something when Shi Xing grabbed his arm, shaking his head slightly at him, continuing, “His Majesty is also human, naturally cannot promise. Your concerns are valid.”

Shi Xing’s frank remarks were fascinating to Ren Yan Yong.

If Shi Xing weren’t a Blue Star human, his demeanor would be…

Just as he thought of something, he shook his head, thinking it was a pity that he was indeed a Blue Star human; this was unchangeable.

While the Fourth Legion’s Marshal still had more to say, Shi Xing’s quick acknowledgment, combined with his young age, made it inconvenient for him to articulate further. It seemed inconsiderate, akin to bullying a child.

Clearing his throat twice, the Fourth Legion’s Marshal changed the perspective, “I enlisted alongside Tan Bai Shan back in the day. I’m well aware of Old Tan’s personality. I’m curious why every officer in the Seventh Legion chose to support him. Could Your Highness explain that to me?”

Shi Xing lowered his gaze.

His hand slid down, and after a moment, feeling something, Shi Xing made no movements but sensed the support.

Chi Yao adjusted his grip, holding onto the fingers of Shi Xing’s hand that had previously held Tan Bai Shan’s arm.

Feeling the dryness of his palm rub against his fingertips, Shi Xing ultimately chose to speak from the heart.

“First of all, I believe everyone present has heard the news; I think there’s nothing to hide.”

Taking a deep breath, Shi Xing said, “I healed Tan Chi.”

The Fourth Legion’s Marshal froze, “What do you mean by ‘healed’?”

“The literal meaning; my level is quite high.”

Everyone was astonished; this news hadn’t been publicized by the Seventh Legion, and Chi Yao wouldn’t use it to garner support, so everyone only knew that Shi Xing had treated Tan Chi, but regarding the result of the treatment, given Tan Chi’s injuries, no one thought it could be healed.

“Healed? He… healed? To what extent? Is the mental sea completely…”

Chi Yao interjected, “It’s the literal meaning. The mental sea is completely restored. After about six months, once Tan General has thoroughly recovered, everyone should see him again on the front lines.”

Chi Yao spoke with absolute confidence.

This news stirred quite a ripple in everyone’s hearts.

If Tan Chi could be healed, given such a high level, did that imply that their former injured comrades, superiors, and subordinates could in the future…

Oh no, could it be that…

Once this possibility was planted in their minds, realizing what it implied, everyone’s gaze towards Shi Xing changed.

The Fourth Legion’s Marshal, viewing Tan Chi as a junior, had an even greater change in expression.

However, Shi Xing didn’t want to use this as a main point; he continued, “Secondly, I believe what influenced Marshal Tan the most is probably that I can help hunt high-level mutated beasts.”

“My second talent should be able to protect everyone.”

“After returning to the Imperial Capital, I have already discussed several strategies with Fei Chu in the First Legion; currently, we are unable to practice as the Alliance is visiting. I believe after sending off the Alliance, we should be able to commence practical testing.”

The Fourth Legion’s Marshal immediately asked, “What do you mean by ‘protect’? How will you protect?”

Fei Chu explained, “Shi Xing can create a special barrier that can block the mutated mental energy from the beasts, that is, the kind of energy that can breach our mental seas.”

The crowd was once more taken aback.

Ren Yan Yong felt numb.

He had only thought that Shi Xing had healing abilities, but if Shi Xing also had combat capabilities capable of assisting soldiers on the battlefield… that was entirely different. It could fundamentally protect officers from injury, something that currently, no military technology in the Empire could achieve…

An officer quickly responded, “Is there any proof?”

Chi Yao replied, “There are combat recordings from the Seventh Legion.”

“They can be played from Fei Chu’s end.”

Thus, for the next thirty minutes, Ren Yan Yong endured the most excruciating period of his life.

When he saw that Shi Xing possessed leadership talents, Ren Yan Yong’s heart skipped a beat.

When he saw that special barrier, Ren Yan Yong’s eyelids began to twitch violently.

Then… when he witnessed the mutated mental energy of the beasts being firmly enclosed within Shi Xing’s barrier and saw the changing expressions of the surrounding officers, turning from shock and disbelief to fervor, four words surfaced in Ren Yan Yong’s mind—

The tide has turned.

As the recording concluded, it went as Ren Yan Yong had anticipated.

The Marshal of the Fourth Legion voted in favor without hesitation and expressed that the Fourth Legion could pledge allegiance to Shi Xing, becoming a commanding legion within Shi Xing’s authority…

Once this remark was made, the Fifth and Sixth Legions quickly echoed their support…

Among the Second Legion, aside from the Marshal, the other officers also appeared to waver…

Ren Yan Yong closed his eyes, not wanting to hear any flattering declarations of betrayal.

When he opened his eyes again, despair washed over him as he gazed at the voting screen, listening to the secretary Wei Wan announce—

“Two votes against, four votes in favor, one abstention.”

“Following a unanimous vote of the seven major legions—”

“His Highness Shi Xing hereby officially acquires half of the military authority granted by the Empire according to law.”