ABRIWMTHM Chapter 77

From Central Park to the Ancient Royal Tomb, it can only be described with one word.

Quiet, quiet, and damn it, still quiet.

The diplomats from the Alliance, except for a few leaders, were mostly selected from the Foreign Ministry, responsible for foreign visits and hosting duties year-round. The Alliance is powerful within the galaxy, and everywhere they go, others treat them with utmost respect. This includes their previous visit to the Empire, where the Empire was also courteous to them. Shi Xing, being a new member of the royal family, may act arrogantly due to personality, his attitude lacking much political reference. However, Chi Yao is different; Chi Yao is the Emperor of the Empire. Chi Yao’s attitude…

Chi Yao’s firm stance toward the Alliance made the diplomats anxious.

At first, they begrudged the Empire’s dominance, but human nature often shows that the strong oppress the weak. After feeling Chi Yao’s overwhelming mental power and having heard of the Imperial family’s strong mental prowess, they thought for a while, in the uncontrollable deterrence, they gradually felt that Tian Yu Star was the one being unreasonable.

Yesterday, during the greeting, they went against the mood, making the Empire uncomfortable. Today, they even attempted to force their way into the Imperial Ancient Tomb, dragging the diligent diplomats down with them, forced to endure Chi Yao’s mental pressure. It was truly… unlucky.

After walking a few more steps, Miller and others more or less received reproachful glares from their fellow diplomats.

As for the Empire, everyone was also nervously apprehensive.

They were wary of Chi Yao’s attitude.

Compared to the Alliance’s displeasure, the Empire’s reception officials felt a sense of relief, albeit subconsciously realizing that this thought was wrong. Upon thinking further, deeper concerns surfaced.

The way His Majesty treats the Alliance might be too radical, too strong-handed?

Chi Yao has hardly shown much emotionality throughout the decades of governance that the senior administrative officials in the Imperial Capital were all aware of.

The Little Prince has only been with His Majesty for half a year; rounding off, it can hardly be counted as a year. If Chi Yao were to show anger for the sake of a pretty face, it would clearly be inappropriate and highly unlikely.

The Little Prince’s character and demeanor didn’t seem particularly bewitching.

But if he’s not acting on emotions…

Is His Majesty’s treatment of the Alliance too extreme?

With no way back once the bow is drawn, Chi Yao, as His Majesty, has been taught from a young age by the former king and political mentors about what his identity represents. No one understands better than him how each word and action can be magnified and interpreted politically…

If he’s not acting on emotions, and yet still treats the Alliance diplomats this way… Thinking of this made the civil officials uneasy.

Helpless, worried, secretly flustered—what a mix of emotions.

First, it’s the Little Prince, and now His Majesty. Could it be that the naiveté of the Imperial Capital is changing?

There’s no answer.

However, the diplomatic meeting isn’t over yet; there’s still a banquet to attend. The reception officials vaguely felt that with Chi Yao’s personality, once his temper flares, it won’t take long before he makes everyone clear his intentions.

From Fei Chu’s point of view during the visit to the Ancient Royal Tomb, it could be described in four words: quiet as a chicken.

Nothing profound, just the literal meaning.

Not only were the officials in the Imperial Capital anxious, but the Alliance diplomats were also confused by Chi Yao’s unusually forceful attitude.

Upon entering the Ancient Royal Tomb, the terrifying feeling of Chi Yao’s mental power lingered in their bones. Following the protocol set by the Empire’s Foreign Ministry, Chi Yao, Shi Xing, and Bi Zhou were introduced as the direct royal representatives, all maintaining an air of calm throughout. Since Chi Yao didn’t ask many questions and there wasn’t a clear plan for him, Shi Xing remained quiet in awe, feeling it wasn’t suitable for the officials to talk much, so primarily it was Bi Zhou who spoke.

In these last few days, Shi Xing attracted a lot of negative attention, while Bi Zhou had offended no one, leaving a relatively vague impression on the diplomats.

With him speaking up, surprisingly, no one dared to make trouble afterwards.

Even the Tian Yu Star diplomats didn’t.

Most resistant, the pressure from Chi Yao’s mental force was fierce, and though others might not know, Fei Chu and Fu Qing were well aware; controlled by Chi Yao’s mental force like a mirror, if he pressed down harder, the current Tian Yu Star diplomats, beneath their calm façade, were likely on the verge of fainting from exertion.

Seeking trouble? They probably wouldn’t have the energy for that.

Fei Chu and Fu Qing’s thoughts were accurate; until they exited the Ancient Royal Tomb, every single person from Tian Yu Star was drenched in cold sweat, striving to maintain decorum.

Chi Yao paid no attention to them. After visiting the Royal Tomb, they proceeded to other areas in Central Park. By the afternoon, the Tian Yu Star officials spoke not a word, and Shi Xing found it surprisingly peaceful.

On the way to the banquet, when boarding the airship, Shi Xing glanced back and felt a hint of regret.

“What’s wrong?”

Noticing Shi Xing lagging behind, Chi Yao turned to speak.

Shi Xing looked at Chi Yao, his eyes filled with expectation, and suddenly suggested, “Your Highness, let’s come to Central Park by ourselves next time.”

It wasn’t an unreasonable request. Seeing Chi Yao nod, Shi Xing broke out in a bright smile, not pausing any longer, and boarded the airship.

The banquet location wasn’t far.

Before seating, the reception officials were confirming the menu with the suddenly arrived Chi Yao, and Fei Chu rarely looked worried.

When Shi Xing noticed and asked, Fei Chu leaned over and whispered in his ear, “After so long, the Tian Yu Star people must have recovered. If they bring up this afternoon’s incident again, I’m afraid…”

I’m afraid this banquet won’t be too comfortable for them.

Before he finished his thought, Chi Yao, multitasking while checking the menu, interjected, “When the soldiers come, let them handle it; if they want to make a scene, let them.”

Fei Chu was somewhat surprised. Shi Xing hadn’t been next to Chi Yao before, so he didn’t understand why Fei Chu was stunned to hear this response. However, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen understood. Without allowing Fei Chu to react, the two spoke up first.

Unfortunately, Chi Yao wasn’t in the mood to hear any inquiries or suggestions. He raised his hand to signal the two to keep quiet and indicated for the reception official to continue explaining the dishes. Once confirmed, he led Shi Xing and the others into the banquet hall, completely unprepared to give either of them a chance to speak.

Ren Yan Yong: “…”

Wei Zhen: “…”

Knowing Chi Yao was strategic in his actions, this was clearly with his own intentions; the two civil officials exchanged glances and resigned themselves to following into the banquet hall.

Before long, the banquet commenced.

The opening was harmonious.

The diplomats from the Alliance sat in quiet clusters, and whispering among themselves wasn’t prohibited. In Fei Chu’s view, after a lot of chatter among Tian Yu Star diplomats, Jian Miller finally, as he had anticipated, stood up to speak.

Miller’s face was stern as he suddenly erupted, “What is the intention behind His Majesty forcing our Alliance representatives to bow before the Ancient Royal Tomb with his mental force today?”

While he spoke, Chi Yao was serving meat to Shi Xing, acting composedly amid the unusually silent banquet hall. His movements were unhurried as he replied, “Didn’t you want to enter the Ancient Royal Tomb? Since you insisted, bow before you enter. What’s the issue?”

Miller couldn’t keep calm, emphasizing, “But my Tian Yu Star diplomats did not acknowledge the bowing!”

Having served the meat, Chi Yao handed it to Shi Xing. Under everyone’s gaze, he also placed his fork in Shi Xing’s plate, reminding him in a good mood, “Don’t just stare at others; eat.”

Miller: “…”

The other Empire officials: “…”

Knowing Chi Yao meant what he said, Shi Xing took the fork and, despite feeling everyone’s stares, took a bite.

To be honest, it was delicious.

Seeing Shi Xing start to eat, Chi Yao’s gaze finally turned to Miller, with ash-gray eyes looking inorganic. Unlike Shi Xing’s expressiveness, Chi Yao resembled the sea; outwardly calm, but whether that calmness was genuine or just a facade remained unknown until he acted.

Under that scrutinizing gaze, Miller felt a flutter of anxiety.

This afternoon, Chi Yao had looked at everyone with those same eyes and insisted…

Feeling discomfort still lingering within, Miller squeezed his knuckles tightly.

Chi Yao’s face remained unchanged as he asked again, “If you don’t accept the bow, then why enter the Ancient Royal Tomb?”

Miller was at a loss for words.

Being a senior scholar, he quickly recovered, arguing, “Your Majesty, please be cautious with your words. At that time, we hadn’t entered yet. We were discussing outside. Our officer just didn’t know the rules of the Ancient Royal Tomb, which was a bit out of line, and was treated harshly by your Highness, Prince Shi Xing, with no mercy!”

Chi Yao found it amusing, saying, “Oh, unaware of the rules…?”

Chi Yao: “I heard that all along the way, Scholar Miller, you were quite familiar with the scenic spots of our Central Park, repeatedly leaving Shi Xing speechless. Yet, when it came to the famous Ancient Royal Tomb, you suddenly claimed ignorance of its rules…”

His voice suddenly turned severe: “Is it true ignorance, or is it pretending not to know?”

Miller glared, “Your Majesty, be cautious with your words!”

Chi Yao emphasized, “Not directly accusing Tian Yu Star and the Alliance, but the Empire still has me. I believe I’m being cautious enough!”

The diplomatic atmosphere suddenly shifted.

Everyone present felt the ominous signs of an approaching storm, but no one dared to speak up, fearing that speaking out would worsen the situation.

Unfortunately, the two debating didn’t think so; Miller was used to being privileged everywhere, and with Chi Yao’s sudden arrival, his attitude shifting rapidly, and having felt pressured in both body and mind, he hadn’t been able to adapt along the way. Thus, when Chi Yao spoke like this, with his elevated sense of self-worth as a senior scholar, he erupted immediately.

Miller: “What does His Majesty mean? If His Majesty insists on smearing Tian Yu Star, we aren’t a planet to be easily toyed with!”

Miller spoke firmly, “I dare ask Your Majesty, with such a poor and aggressive attitude, do you intend to terminate this diplomatic discussion and sour relations with the Alliance, even severing ties?!”

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen were stunned.

This was already the second time in a day that Miller had used the words “sever ties.”

Even Shi Xing, who was somewhat of a political novice, keenly sensed something was off.

Yet, Chi Yao remained unfazed by Miller’s threat, chuckling softly, “Smeared? If the Empire sees it this way, then Scholar Jian Miller, what do you intend to do?”

Miller threw his sleeve, furious, “If this is so unpleasant, then we can only terminate this discussion and return to the Alliance to report!”

The argument had become so heated that no one could interrupt.

Not just the Empire’s officials, but other diplomats from the Alliance wore ghostly expressions, silently lamenting, “What are you doing, Miller? Don’t drag us down with you!”

The Alliance had demands from the Empire; how could they just return like this? When the recording from before the Ancient Royal Tomb was reviewed, even if the Empire was strong, didn’t Tian Yu Star also hold some blame?

This was outrageous, totally absurd!!!

Some diplomats hesitated about whether to stand up and intervene, but unfortunately, by the time they hesitated, it was already too late.

Chi Yao: “I also find today’s exchange rather unlucky.”

“Since Scholar Miller refuses to restrain subordinates, he still insists on shielding them, attempting to retaliate. Faced with the Alliance’s poor attitude and lacking any sense of equality and respect, then it does seem unnecessary for the two parties to communicate and collaborate.”

Taking this turn… Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen wanted to choke their own people.

Chi Yao paused slightly before decisively stating:

“Since the Alliance representatives wish to leave, the Empire won’t insist on retaining you.”

“Someone, escort Scholar Miller and the other diplomats back to their accommodations.”

Miller was dumbfounded.

The diplomats were also bewildered.

The Empire officials were in an even greater state of confusion.

But once orders were given, military commands had to be followed. As soon as Chi Yao issued it, the soldiers around acted immediately.

Soon, soldiers in uniform came in, forcibly requesting Scholar Miller and the other diplomats to leave the banquet. Miller’s lips moved, wanting to say something, but upon seeing this, Fei Chu unleashed his mental force, rendering all diplomats speechless.

Surrounded by a group of tall soldiers, they were forced to leave one by one.

In a daze.

Of course, the remaining officials weren’t in a much better state; the Empire’s officials felt equally dazed.

Internally, they speculated about Chi Yao’s actions but didn’t dare to be certain.

Nothing else; everything happened too quickly for them to react!

Shi Xing finished the last bite of meat. The last Alliance diplomat boarded the airship heading back to the Imperial Capital under the “protection” of the Empire’s soldiers.

Later, the Empire’s reception personnel would inform them when their airship was ready to depart, allowing them to leave the Empire, and sending several diplomatic agreement termination letters with the instruction to take them back to the Alliance.

However, for now, the Empire officials were still in the banquet hall, and it was so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

Until a military officer came to report that the Alliance officials had boarded their airship and left, Chi Yao raised his hand, instructing, “Everyone else can leave one by one as well.”

With that, the Empire’s reception officials gradually filed out of the banquet hall.

When the main group had exited, before Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen could call out “Your Majesty,” Chi Yao was already leaning forward with eyes closed, massaging his brow.

Noticing something, Shi Xing’s expression turned serious. “Your Highness!”

He reached out to catch Chi Yao’s hand, trying to sense his mental sea.

Chi Yao offered no resistance, allowing Shi Xing to feel his still unstable mental sea, which was slightly fluctuating.

“Your Highness, you’ve not stabilized from the tumult yet?!”

Shi Xing stared wide-eyed, incredulous.

Chi Yao exhaled, his tone calm, “I’ve only been here a few days; how could it be so easy?”

Normally, stabilization takes from a week to a month, and even if it’s faster, it’s barely been half a week.

Before the time’s up, even with the contract healing in place, simply holding back the injuries from worsening won’t prevent the turbulent phase from becoming uncontrollable. But with the mental sea injured, even if not in pain, discomfort would persist.

Chi Yao was accustomed to it, while Shi Xing seemed to grit his teeth in frustration.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen were shocked, finally realizing—Chi Yao was pushing through the turmoil to preside over the situation.

Shi Xing infused Chi Yao with healing mental power, commandingly ordering, “Return to the palace.”

On the journey back, Chi Yao’s condition worsened sharply. Shi Xing used all his available mental power on him but couldn’t completely suppress the residual fluctuations of the turmoil phase.

Thankfully, with the contract in place, although his mental power fluctuated, it wouldn’t reach the level of true turmoil.

However… it wouldn’t be too comfortable.

Medical staff filed into their small villa, coming and going.

By the time Chi Yao returned to the palace, he barely had the energy to speak. Shi Xing asked Xu Jin to take care of him and relayed some diplomatic matters to Wei Wuan. When asked how to handle the Alliance diplomats, Shi Xing instructed to follow Chi Yao’s orders.

Shi Xing: “Your Highness has his reasons for doing so; just proceed according to the standard guest departure protocol.”

Wei Wuan nodded and withdrew.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen couldn’t find Chi Yao. Shi Xing managed a few words with the two civil officials. Fortunately, knowing Chi Yao’s physical condition fluctuated, they didn’t press him too hard. Once they learned Shi Xing was unaware, they decided to wait until Chi Yao felt better to continue discussing diplomatic matters, thus taking their leave wisely.

Once Chi Yao was settled by the attendants, Shi Xing had just finished his tasks.

Not long after, Xu Jin approached Shi Xing, “Star Star, His Majesty wishes to see you.”

Earlier concerned about Chi Yao’s condition, upon asking Xu Jin, he learned it had stabilized. Now, rethinking “wants to see you,” a chill ran down his back.

“Now?”

Xu Jin: “Yes, it’s getting late anyway; it’s your room, perfect timing for you to go back.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Faced with Xu Jin, who knew nothing, Shi Xing steeled himself and nodded.

At the door to the room, he found no one inside; Yan Changyue had also been dismissed, which meant…

When old matters were brought up later, there would be no one to speak for him.

Shi Xing fell into silence.

He stood at the door for a moment before hearing Chi Yao’s voice from inside, “Are you planning to embed yourself in the door?”

Shi Xing: “…”

He was just a bit afraid.

But Chi Yao didn’t give him a chance to hesitate and continued.

“Come in.”