ABRIWMTHM Chapter 75

Shi Xing took the initiative, not waiting for the diplomats to find fault, but instead found their discomfort first.

Due to Shi Xing’s race, the weak impression of Blue Star humans was deeply ingrained in the minds of the Empire’s people. Therefore, upon learning that His Majesty could not take the lead in the reception, Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong thought nothing of it and doubled the number of guards accompanying Shi Xing. During the reception of the diplomats, the outer perimeter of the stabilizing army also doubled…

This kind of cautious arrangement was effective, but the way it proved effective was different from what they expected.

They thought it was for self-defense, but Shi Xing immediately used this configuration to start intimidation?

Ren Yan Yong walked dazedly behind Shi Xing into the reception hall, catching a glimpse of the diplomats following them in with pale faces amidst the surrounding protective army, creating a sense of disarray.

It seemed as if the soldiers serving in a protective role were not protecting the alliance diplomats, but threatening them?

It was no wonder Ren Yan Yong felt this way; the diplomats from the alliance felt the same!

Not only was Shi Xing’s mental power exerting pressure on them, but once his mental power was withdrawn, as soon as Shi Xing left, a group of strong imperial soldiers began urging them to move forward. With Shi Xing’s stern demeanor still fresh in their minds, everyone’s first reaction was not to resist, but to be subdued and obediently follow…

After a few steps, any thoughts of resistance had already come too late.

Moreover, everyone’s minds turned. What was the average level of mental power among the imperial people in the Twin Star Galaxy? Was it A or B?

In general, the memory recalled that it was a level or two above that of other planets, so the soldiers selected had mental powers that seemed to be higher than the consistently acceptable levels in their alliance, right?

Having experienced the suppression of mental power, when the alliance diplomats contemplated this matter and looked again at the surrounding soldiers urging them on, they felt an increasing sense of invisible pressure.

The large presence of accompanying soldiers was clearly there to exert better control over them, how infuriating!

Cursing inwardly, they nonetheless followed into the reception hall.

To Ren Yan Yong’s shock, the journey was calm, and no diplomat spoke excessively.

Wiping away nonexistent sweat from his forehead, he found himself at a loss as to whether this situation was good or bad, unsure whether he should laugh or cry.

Upon entering the reception hall, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen’s internal reactions grew more complex.

It was no wonder they were baffled; they all heard what Shi Xing said!

First, there were greetings exchanged. Jian Miller clearly hadn’t encountered such rough treatment from the Empire before. He was taken aback and coldly expressed his greetings, though his phrasing was still formal.

On the imperial side, it was Prince Bi Zhou who took over. Just as Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen relaxed, thinking everything would proceed smoothly, unexpectedly, after Bi Zhou finished speaking, Shi Xing followed suit.

“Why does Scholar Miller look so grim? Is it due to the Empire’s inadequate hospitality?”

Ren Yan Yong felt a lump in his throat.

He was already quite restrained; could you please, Prince, spare us from provoking the situation even more?

Miller stiffly replied, “His Highness is in the know.”

This response clearly indicated that the lessons from the last encounter hadn’t left a deep enough impression. Shi Xing was not the kind of person who would avoid conflict over pride. In fact, he excelled at turning the tables, especially when given room to maneuver.

Shi Xing smiled, “Then I must point out that Scholar seems a bit muddled. Even if there are immense frustrations within, as a representative, it is utterly unacceptable to show displeasure in this diplomatic setting. Even if the Empire’s hospitality falls short, as the representative of the alliance, you should graciously maintain a polite smile.”

“What do you think?”

This rhetorical question caused Miller’s chest to heave. He glared at Shi Xing as if he had never suffered such indignity in his life.

Just a moment later, Shi Xing expressed through his actions—this was the limit? I have even more outrageous things in store!

Shi Xing continued, “Scholar, that expression is becoming increasingly impolite. You wouldn’t want to lose your temper in front of so many people, would you? Does the alliance not intend to negotiate with the Empire any longer?”

He paused, coldly speculating, “Or is it that sending a scholar here means the alliance simply does not want to engage in diplomacy with the Empire?”

Miller’s anger flared.

Before he could point at Shi Xing to argue, Marshal Weir instantly blocked his path, preventing any ungracious actions born from Miller’s provocation, while directly denying the implications, “Your Highness is overthinking it, the alliance has no such intention.”

Shi Xing raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

Marshal Weir hesitated, “Naturally.”

Tian Yuan Star was merely a part of the alliance. They could represent Tian Yuan Star however they wished, but if it tied back to the alliance and something went wrong, the other five major planets would certainly not let them off the hook. It was possible that they would cause trouble for Tian Yuan as well…

The three of them had come this time with a larger purpose; they could not leave without achieving anything.

Shi Xing nodded noncommittally, shifting gears, “It’s strange that officers are even better at articulating than bureaucrats. Let’s have Marshal Weir take charge of the negotiations going forward. Scholar Miller is of an older age and might not get along well with our younger royal members. The Marshal wouldn’t want to see a disagreement arise on the first day, would he?”

The diplomats could only stare, speechless.

Every phrase Shi Xing uttered was weighty, as even if there were friction in diplomatic relations with another country, everything proceeded cautiously as if following a well-trodden pathway. If one protocol step was akin to a stair, then Shi Xing was crossing five stairs with each statement, leaving everyone dazed while they struggled to find a way to respond.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen listened in, also feeling bewildered.

How should they put it? The Empire was indeed a military-political nation, but precisely because of this military-political system, it manifested imperial culture particularly in diplomacy, avoiding leaving any impression of military strength on other planets…

And today, Shi Xing had completely dismantled all their past efforts.

No diplomatic reception the Empire hosted had ever been more like bullying due to military might than today!

Even more surreal was that as Ren Yan Yong was about to speak up, Marshal Weir actually agreed! He agreed!!!

Ren Yan Yong choked, “…”

Silently withdrawing his hand that was about to intervene, Ren Yan Yong began to question his diplomatic principles. Was it that sometimes, human nature refused to be appeased, seeking conflict with kind words while facing someone like Shi Xing who rolled up his sleeves to confront directly, everyone instead became honest?

And the exchanges throughout the day perfectly affirmed Ren Yan Yong’s thoughts.

After Shi Xing gave two initial blows to establish dominance, he was comparatively restrained in the following interactions. Although sometimes his remarks left people tense, there had been no outright denial of diplomacy or attempts to label others that day.

Moreover, the alliance diplomats were unfamiliar with Shi Xing. Whenever his topics took a turn, they found themselves on edge, only to both exhale relief and unknowingly be led by the nose by Shi Xing again. By the time the brief first day reception concluded and after bidding goodbye to Shi Xing, it was only then that the diplomats realized they had been far too cautious, treading lightly and, to their humiliation, were a little trampled under the Empire’s authority.

Just… when had they ever suffered such indignity? The Empire was truly overstepping!!

After a day’s reception, Ren Yan Yong, who had lived for two hundred years, once again refreshed his diplomatic perspective, with increasingly complex emotions in his gaze towards Shi Xing.

Back at their quarters, the diplomats each were engulfed in their own bewilderment and grievances.

Later, Jian Miller, Marshal Weir, and General Li Yu reviewed the day’s diplomatic interactions, each focusing on different aspects.

Miller was infuriated, “His Majesty had never spoken or acted towards me like that. How dare he, being a junior!”

Marshal Weir remained unruffled by emotions, recognizing they had been caught off guard today, and focused on the key point, “What do you think, is he a Blue Star human? Has His Majesty matched with him?”

Li Yu was uncertain, “I can’t tell; he hasn’t shown any abilities.”

Li Yu continued, “If you say he is a Blue Star human, his appearance is very similar. However, Blue Star humans are typically raised by the Mother Tree and generally have a kind and gentle disposition. His character… we can’t define that, can we?”

As they discussed this, Weir felt a headache coming on, but…

Weir pointed out, “The imperial family possesses extraordinarily high levels of mental power. If he is indeed a Blue Star human, his level wouldn’t be low; in other words, the Empire might genuinely have produced a super high-ranking Blue Star human. Therefore…”

Thinking of their own issues with mental seas, Weir realized Li Yu understood without needing an explanation.

If his level were that high, not only would their problems be solvable, but within Tian Yuan Star, several severely injured marshals and generals…

Reaching this point, both Weir and Li Yu turned to Miller, hoping the brain of their group would chime in.

Miller suppressed his mounting anger and exhaled a long sigh, “He is most likely a Blue Star human.”

“If he isn’t, the imperial spirit power is still high. With his temper, if he had made a move today, it could have left me in a worse situation.”

“You’re not wrong. If he is a Blue Star human, with the spirit power ranks of the imperial family Bellman, it would be impossible for him to have a low talent assessment.”

Suddenly, Li Yu asked, “Could he be even higher than Bella?”

Miller chuckled, “Bella’s situation was unique; when her talent was assessed, it was originally an A, and later reaching SS did involve some luck. People often unleash limitless potential in desperate situations. But this prince is different. If he matches with the royal family, he would have to have exceeded S rank right from the beginning.”

Weir pondered, “Is there potential to reach SSS?”

Miller replied, “Based on what I’ve learned, I speculate that the base value is around that.”

Weir and Miller exchanged glances, their eyes shining with understanding.

Weir stated, “Bella does not belong to the alliance; she wanders outside all the planets of the galaxy. It could be that there’s an agreement with the Empire. The alliance has tried to bring her in multiple times but she has never joined any planet, only charging for appointments to treat illnesses. It’s a complex situation.”

Moreover, SS class could never fully treat SSS class officers’ mental sea injuries.

“With an increase in mutated star beasts in recent years, Tian Yuan Star’s health solutions for mental seas can’t match those of the Empire. The tenure of officers continues to shorten, and training costs are high; how great it would be if Tian Yuan Star had a Blue Star human…”

Even if it means resorting to any means necessary, if they could bring back one…

Li Yu interrupted Weir’s musings pragmatically, “The immediate priority is to confirm whether he is one, then plan the next steps.”

Miller seemed to have thought of something, his expression gradually relaxing, “I have a way that can both confirm his identity and repay today’s humiliation.”

The receptions had only been held in the morning. That afternoon, Shi Xing went back to the palace for a nap and then resumed his studies.

Ren Yan Yong said, “Your Highness, the itinerary for the next two days involves visiting the Empire’s historical sites. Even though Bi Zhou is aware of everything, you still need to speak; you can’t just know nothing, right?”

Shi Xing, yawning once more, nodded, “I got it, I know.”

Shi Xing continued, “I just can’t help feeling sleepy, I apologize.”

Ren Yan Yong responded, “……”

Shi Xing added, “Could we have someone else from the Elders Council teach imperial history? The speaker’s voice is too calm and tranquil; it’s quite hypnotizing.”

Ren Yan Yong replied, “…………”

At the end of his wits, Ren Yan Yong eventually tasked Xu Mi Rou with the job; this student was someone he simply couldn’t teach!

Later that evening, news returned from the diplomats that made Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen furrow their brows.

Shi Xing inquired, “What’s the matter?”

Ren Yan Yong replied, “They want to visit Central Park tomorrow.”

Shi Xing was fond of Central Park and, upon hearing this, didn’t mind, asking back, “Is there a problem?”

Wei Zhen responded, “The issues are tremendous. Central Park has existed for several stellar histories, and within it lie remnants of ancient imperial tombs holding vast history. Even Prince Bi Zhou cannot claim to know everything about it. Scholar Miller is exceptionally knowledgeable and has specifically requested to visit Central Park. It seems… Your Highness, you might have given him too much face today, and he holds dissatisfaction?”

Shi Xing shrugged, “If I don’t give him face, will they be honest? If I give him face, he should want it; there’s no reason for him to hold grievances.”

That’s a good question.

Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong genuinely couldn’t answer.

Bi Zhou asked, “Must we go to Central Park at all?”

Ren Yan Yong subtly suggested, “It would be quite strange to refuse. It was already included in the visiting itinerary and is only moved up. If we decline, they wouldn’t just let it go and would demand reasons. Today, due to His Highness’s… boldness, they still haven’t noticed His Majesty’s absence…”

The reception today was rather brief. Whether Chi Yao attended or not was excusable.

There were further formal occasions ahead, and Chi Yao’s absence would be glaring.

Before Ren Yan Yong could finish speaking, Shi Xing directly stated, “Then let’s agree to it.”

“Miller only wants to humiliate me at most; losing face is nothing. I’ve said it before; I’m not afraid of embarrassment.”

Before Ren Yan Yong could be touched, feeling Shi Xing’s dedication to the Empire, Shi Xing added, “If it really gets irritating, I’ll just beat him up and toss him back to the alliance. I don’t believe this old fellow would dare cut ties with the Empire just for Tian Yuan Star!”

Ren Yan Yong replied, “……”

Sentiments were like a fleeting wind, coming fast and leaving no trace.

When the diplomats made a request, the palace acquiesced. That night, Ren Yan Yong gave Shi Xing extra lessons, closely monitoring Xu Mi Rou, filling in gaps in their knowledge. Although it might not be entirely useful—considering Central Park’s history was extensive—offering some support was still beneficial.

When they crossed paths again, the previously studious Ren Yan Yong suddenly asked Xu Mi Rou, “Doesn’t it feel like tutoring a poor-performing student?”

Xu Mi Rou sincerely answered, “His Highness’s attitude is optional; I feel the Elders Council is more like the surprise quiz!”

Ren Yan Yong fell silent.

Oh, Shi Xing indeed didn’t seem very concerned!

Thinking of this made him even more melancholic; as an elite of the Empire, what kind of situation was he facing in his later years?!

That night, Shi Xing again nestled next to Chi Yao, mumbling.

After muttering all of that, he became too sleepy and unknowingly fell asleep in Chi Yao’s embrace.

Chi Yao thought, “……”

Very well, Shi Xing was sleeping soundly, while he, constrained by the contract and trapped in his body, was unable to sleep.

The next morning, Shi Xing was called up by Yan Changyue from Chi Yao’s bed, his ears pink as he washed up.

Chi Yao felt the binding of the contract loosening and wanted to hold Shi Xing back but was unsuccessful.

That energy remained within his mental sea.

Following along, Shi Xing left.

During the morning watch, Yan Changyue occasionally relayed the situation regarding Shi Xing to Chi Yao.

“Fei Chu said that Xiao Xing was asked about botany, but he was unclear and got laughed at by Scholar Miller.”

“Xiao Xing was also asked about architectural history but knew nothing again…”

“However, Xiao Xing remained optimistic, reportedly managing to counter-question Miller on one topic, leaving him speechless for quite some time. President Ren ultimately answered, and Miller was ridiculed.”

Yan Changyue fretted, “They won’t visit the ancient imperial tombs in the afternoon, right? Each stele there has a history, and if Xiao Xing, being your partner, can’t answer, how will the alliance promote this?”

Yan Changyue could only wish, “Hopefully not.”

At noon, holding a nutritional solution, Yan Changyue was about to provide Chi Yao with the nutrients he needed.

As soon as he entered, he was stunned, overjoyed, “Your Majesty!”

It was because Chi Yao was sitting up, though he looked fatigued, propping one leg and resting his forehead.

Yan Changyue sensed the lingering waves of dormant energy in the air hadn’t completely dissipated; Chi Yao was waking up early.

Seeing Yan Changyue, Chi Yao frowned, “Where have you gotten to? Did you go to the ancient imperial tombs?”

Yan Changyue paused before shaking his head, “Not yet.”

Thinking of something, he added, “But there’s a possibility of going in the afternoon.”

Chi Yao nodded to signal he understood.

After a moment, Chi Yao strained to hold onto the bed’s edge and stood up, “Prepare my formal robe, I’ll go this afternoon.”

Yan Changyue questioned, “But, Your Majesty…”

Chi Yao was aware. “It’s fine; the constraints of the contract will help me regain my normal state by the time we reach Central Park.”

Yan Changyue repeatedly confirmed, “Are you sure you can go?”

Chi Yao nodded.

He definitely had to go. Not only was there a diplomatic issue for him to resolve, but he also had to personally bring back that pesky little con artist for a lesson!