ABRIWMTHM Chapter 79

Shi Xing thought that after experiencing all this, being next to Chi Yao would keep him restless for various reasons.

He was indeed overthinking.

The truth was, his worries hadn’t even surfaced. He hugged the pillow and blanket over, made the bed on the large bed of the prince, and as soon as he lay down, he barely had time to say “Good night, Your Highness,” before closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep.

Chi Yao hadn’t even spoken his good night, yet listening to the even breathing beside him made him chuckle softly.

Propping himself up, he quietly observed Shi Xing for a while under the dim light coming through the window, pinching the boy’s cheek. Although he had grown a bit and looked more like a youth now, the touch still felt full of collagen; he was not that old.

“Good night, Star.”

After saying this, he wrapped the boy in a light blanket, extending one arm to hold him close, and then closed his eyes.

After several exhausting and chaotic days, they were actually both very tired.

Shi Xing and Chi Yao rested early in the palace.

In another part of the imperial capital, where the Empire accommodated the Alliance’s diplomatic envoys, the scene was entirely different.

Describing it as a gloomy atmosphere would not be an exaggeration.

Jane Miller, relying on his high status in the cabinet and his experience in the Alliance, was typically dictatorial in speaking and acting. Therefore, this time, with him, the grand scholar, present during the visit to the Empire, no serious diplomats in the foreign ministry dared to eclipse his shine. They all gave him the floor, letting him lead the diplomatic team.

But… they didn’t want a leader like Miller!

The Empire had a need for energy from the Alliance, which everyone knew. However, the Alliance also had demands regarding the boundary line!

After Chi Yao forcibly “invited” them to leave, everyone was stunned. Upon returning to their accommodation and assessing the situation, they instinctively felt something was off.

But even knowing the root of the problem lay within the Alliance diplomatic team, the Alliance held a high position in the galaxy, Tianyu Star was one of the six planets that established the Alliance, and every diplomat was met with a warm welcome wherever they went. Suddenly facing such a drastic change in treatment within the Empire, nobody could lower their heads to apologize, yet everyone still held a glimmer of hope—

The Empire was not an energy planet; the satellites and surrounding barren stars did not have an abundance of high-quality crystal mines. Coupled with the harsh agreements made with Blue Star in the past, where the Mother Tree was planted atop a premium vein in the imperial capital; thus, they had self-imposed a handicap… the Empire’s need for energy should have a huge gap. Across the galaxy, only the Alliance could fill this hole.

Today, perhaps the Emperor and Scholar Miller were just momentarily impulsive, each refusing to take a step back.

The Alliance and Empire had maintained friendly relations for four hundred years, along with coordination over the boundary line, tightly binding these two regimes together.

Perhaps this was just a moment of anger; they should be patient, and the Empire would later send people to appease them?

Of course, with the problem on Tianyu Star, even if they were not appeased, the Empire could just pretend it was no big deal, continue regular diplomatic exchanges, and the diplomats from the Alliance wouldn’t bring up the past, letting the matter resolve itself.

After all, cutting ties was no trivial matter. The conflict erupted so quickly and violently that they hadn’t even reacted, and the Alliance officials didn’t believe there would be no opposing voices within the Empire.

So they restrained their anxiety and waited.

After a while, they received notice from the Empire’s welcoming officials, informing them that their spaceship had been repaired, and the Empire had previously gifted them some crystals and cores as energy to fill the power cabins.

They were asked to be ready and inform the Empire’s foreign ministry when they could depart, to arrange a “good” send-off from the Empire.

Miller: “…”

Alliance diplomats: “…”

Once the Empire’s reception staff left, the Alliance residence exploded into chaos.

“What does this mean? The Empire is serious about cutting ties?”

“Could it be they’re just trying to scare us?”

“Is the repair report of the spaceship and energy filling really here to scare us? If they didn’t want us to leave, why repair the spaceship overnight?!”

“But they didn’t force us to leave; maybe they just made a big deal about it but want us to admit fault and apologize?”

“If they really wanted to cut ties, this would not be nearly enough. What about the agreements signed in previous years? Driving us away would be useless.”

“But if they’re not serious, they could have handled things calmly, maintained silence for a few days, and then see who steps forward to ease the situation. There’s no need to rush us out; they didn’t take our feelings into account. What about after?”

“Enough!”

Seeing the chaos in the room, Jane Miller slammed the table.

Miller scolded, “It’s just a reminder; why are you all in a panic? Quiet down.”

After a pause, he rubbed his temples in irritation and said, “Just wait a bit.”

When the grand scholar spoke up, even if the people below had complaints, they did not dare to voice them openly.

In any case, everyone was in the same situation; none were better off than others.

Once everyone left the room, Miller sat for a moment and suddenly said to his aide, “Since they want us to leave, find out what starport the Empire can arrange for us recently. When can we set off?”

With his aide’s astonished gaze, Miller calmly stated, “The Empire is trying to exert pressure. If we back down now, it means both sides retreat; if they don’t back down, we cannot either. We can only endure.”

In other words, Miller’s actions also represented an attitude, an attitude of not fearing a break with the Empire.

However, unlike Chi Yao.

Chi Yao was genuinely unafraid, while for Miller, the choice of cutting ties was not an option. He was still putting on a brave front.

Believing that the Empire wouldn’t dare to break ties easily, Miller intended to maintain a tough posture, waiting for the Empire to extend an olive branch.

Yet the consequences of this action turned out to be the opposite of what he envisioned.

The next morning, the Empire’s foreign ministry officials all arrived in a group.

They informed them of the recent departure times, which were not favorable, and brought along a letter of termination to the diplomatic agreement with the Alliance. Seeing the boundary line agreement glaringly listed within, Miller couldn’t hold himself together and staggered.

Following Wei Wan’s instructions, the diplomats notified them and left without looking back, dropping the letter.

Miller stubbornly held on until everyone had left, and before the other diplomats could lament, he first rolled his eyes and fainted.

He was getting older, and his rage affected his heart.

When he finally recovered, the whole room was filled with the diplomats staring at him. Jane Miller weakly said, “Bring me the letter of termination. I want to see it.”

After looking it over, Miller let out a long breath and gently closed his eyes.

But internally, he was exceptionally heavy-hearted.

It was simple; he realized he was wrong, the Empire was determined to be forceful this time.

If the Empire did not back down and still desired to continue diplomatic cooperation after such a scene… the only solution was for the Alliance to step back.

The Alliance had to retreat…

Miller wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, forcing himself to calm down, “Help me contact the Prime Minister; I need to speak with him.”

Once the situation had escalated to this level, of course, contacting him meant he wouldn’t reap any good benefits.

But now, that wasn’t the main point.

Compared to being dismissed upon returning to the Alliance, Miller was more worried about news reaching the Alliance. If he were dismissed in the Empire, all his hard work over the hundred years in the cabinet would become a joke.

While the diplomats’ residence was full of sorrow, inside the palace, it was a rare moment of tranquility.

When Shi Xing woke up, it was already near noon. He yawned, still in a daze, sitting on the edge of the bed for a while before finally getting up.

The robot detected his movement, and soon after, Yan Changyue arrived.

Not seeing Chi Yao, he inferred that Chi Yao must have already gotten up to handle official business. Shi Xing enters the bathroom, groggy and in the process of washing up, and hears a knock at the door, calling to let him in.

As Yan Changyue entered, he saw a messy bed and a neat one.

After a moment of silence, as an excellent attendant, Yan Changyue remained unperturbed and directed the robot to tidy up the bed.

Shi Xing emerged from the bathroom, still half-asleep, and Yan Changyue had already picked out today’s clothes and accessories for him.

Shi Xing accepted them, yawning again, feeling well-rested, and had clearly overslept.

Though his mind was a bit foggy, there was no doubt, this was the most relaxed and pleasant day for Shi Xing after the Alliance diplomats’ visit.

Chi Yao had also awakened, making it one of Shi Xing’s happiest mornings.

Dressing in clothes that were not the usual simple palace attire, but more like what he wore when he saw him at the Nest. Overall simple, yet those details exuded a certain grandeur.

Yan Changyue presented Shi Xing with a brooch symbolizing his status and said, “The situation with the Alliance diplomats is unknown for the next couple of days. Chairman Ren and Chairman Wei arrived early this morning; Wei Wan has been in the study upstairs all morning. I guess he’s discussing this matter with His Majesty, and Xu Shu mentioned that diplomats might arrive anytime. He asked everyone to dress a bit more formally these days.”

Shi Xing nodded.

Once Yan Changyue stepped back, Shi Xing discovered it was Chi Yao who had pinned this brooch on him.

Curious, Shi Xing asked, “Does this brooch symbolize anything?”

Yan Changyue replied, “It’s exclusively for the Emperor and his partner.”

Oh, so that’s how it is.

Shi Xing looked at himself in the mirror and touched the gem-studded brooch. Suddenly, he smiled.

For no particular reason—just feeling good and wanting to smile.

However, as his gaze moved downwards, Shi Xing’s smile quickly froze on his face. On his neck, there were… what was that?

Shi Xing tugged at his collar, revealing a section of purple bruises…

His mind gradually turned.

It dawned on Shi Xing that this seemed to be from Chi Yao biting him last night.

Shi Xing: “…”

Shi Xing: “Yan Attendant, please wait a moment.”

Shi Xing went back to the bathroom, lifted his clothes, and fell silent. There were several marks on his body, not painful or itchy, just looking a bit frightening, as if he had been mistreated.

Wait, was there that much strength at that time?

Shi Xing couldn’t quite remember; during that moment, he hadn’t felt these little details—he… only felt Chi Yao…

The details from last night surfaced, and Shi Xing felt his ears slightly heat up as he glanced at his bitten lip, sighed, and after pondering for a moment, decided to head out.

Yan Changyue had surely noticed by now; attendants were always sharp-eyed.

But since he didn’t bring it up, Shi Xing wouldn’t proactively discuss it either.

After exchanging a few more words, Shi Xing still looked somewhat sleepy and went to the study.

He now had political rights and had contacted Tang Mi, directly knocking and entering the study where Chi Yao was facing three civil servants mentioned by Yan Changyue: Ren Yan Yong, Wei Zhen, and Wei Wan, all present.

Shi Xing greeted Chi Yao, accepted the salutes of the three, and said, “You all continue; I’ll sit on the side and listen. I have been here these few days, and if there’s anything to add, I will speak up.”

After a while, Yan Changyue brought breakfast into the study.

Having been to the Northern Territory, Shi Xing didn’t feel much about it. When he had recovered, it was Chi Yao who had ordered him to the study to rest and amuse himself for the afternoon. Now, just eating in the study didn’t seem like much.

And as lunchtime approached soon, Yan Changyue didn’t bring in too much food, and considering the civil officials, he didn’t bring anything with strong flavors.

Chi Yao was good about it, even reminding him, “No rush, take your time.”

But Ren Yan Yong, Wei Zhen, and Wei Wan were all stunned.

As Yan Changyue left the study, knowing Shi Xing wouldn’t need him for the time being, he turned to find Xu Jin to share what he had seen that morning.

Xu Jin did not hesitate, moving into action and said, “Having two beds in His Majesty’s room is a bit cramped; since they slept together, let’s return the other one, and change the main bedroom’s bed to one that can be separated.”

The so-called separable bed is typically a single bed that can be set up as two during special periods.

Most of the royal direct line and their partners used this kind of arrangement when staying in one room.

Xu Jin sent a message to Chi Yao with this request.

It was quickly responded to with a simple confirmation.

Therefore, Xu Jin took Yan Changyue to the upper floor, tidying the main bedroom for the evening, making it more convenient for Chi Yao and Shi Xing.

During the process, Yan Changyue asked, “What about the bedroom opposite where Star sleeps? Does it need to be removed?”

As an attendant with ample experience, Xu Jin shook his head, “No need. Who doesn’t have arguments sometimes? In case one day they don’t want to see each other, it would be just right for Star or His Majesty to have a place to go without having to make a scene and feel embarrassed.”

Yan Changyue sincerely admired Xu Jin’s thoughtful consideration.

After finishing a small breakfast, Shi Xing found that everyone had just finished their discussions.

Leaving three people dining in the palace, the civil officials took turns leaving to handle matters assigned by Chi Yao in another study.

Shi Xing only heard a conclusion, and once everyone had left, he asked Chi Yao, “What did they say? About diplomacy?”

Chi Yao replied, “Hmm, it was just a repetition of what we discussed last night.”

Shi Xing was still puzzled about other things. He didn’t have the mood to ask last night, but now that he was well-rested, he had the energy to care.

“So the Alliance diplomats, are we… letting them go back?”

Chi Yao revealed a subtle smile, “They need to be willing to go back first.”

Hearing some playfulness, Shi Xing asked, “?”

As he kept raising Shi Xing’s curiosity, Chi Yao finally explained, “The Alliance is subdivided, with six main governing bodies. This time, Tianyu Star didn’t understand the situation, and even if Tianyu Star admits to cutting ties, the other five planets will not recognize it.”

In other words, the Alliance was not solely comprised of Tianyu Star.

However, Tianyu Star belonged to the Alliance.

“Miller must have thought at first that I was bluffing him. I have instructed the foreign ministry to start sending them off; the termination agreement has also been delivered. Once they realize the Empire’s determined stance, it will be up to them whether they wish to walk away with dignity or not.”

Shi Xing thought for a moment and pointed out, “But Miller doesn’t have much choice, does he?”

“If, as you said, the Alliance embodies six governing bodies, even if Miller doesn’t want to return, he will have to if the other five planets insist.”

Shi Xing set a condition, “I don’t care; if he wants to come back, he has to apologize to us.”

After a pause, he added, “A written apology, one that goes on the star network.”

Chi Yao smiled, “This suggestion is good. I’ll let Tang Mi know and have her relay it to Wei Wan.”

Chi Yao did not deny Shi Xing’s conjecture, praising, “You’ve thought it through well, Star.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Shi Xing said seriously, “Your Highness, you clearly already gave me the answer.”

“Did I?”

Listening to Chi Yao’s tone, which was deliberately playful, Shi Xing: “…………”

Shi Xing: “Alright, I’m just exceptionally talented!”

“Thank you for the praise, Your Highness.”

Chi Yao’s smile widened, and a teasing tone crept into Shi Xing’s words. After a moment, they both couldn’t help but laugh together, not knowing exactly what they were laughing at, but just feeling very good.

After lunch, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen had a series of follow-up reports. Chi Yao casually handed a few to Shi Xing, encouraging him to try handling them. This was both teaching him and allowing him to practice.

Before the Alliance diplomats arrived, Ren Yan Yong would have felt his heart racing in such a scenario.

Now, he was numb, even feeling that the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

How should he put it? At least compared to the imminent break in relations, this was truly a minor issue.

Furthermore, as he accompanied Shi Xing to receive the Alliance diplomats, Ren Yan Yong had developed a changed perspective on the young prince, feeling that although he was not well-versed in politics, broadly speaking, Shi Xing was quite clear-headed, which was rare.

Given time, even if he couldn’t become the second Chi Yao, Shi Xing wouldn’t be lacking.

He just didn’t know if he could see…

Before he could finish his inner thoughts, Tang Mi knocked on the door.

Tang Mi saluted, “Your Majesty, good day.”

“Little Prince, good day.”

Concerning official matters, she stated, “The Alliance diplomats request to see His Majesty.”

Shi Xing was momentarily stunned, exchanging glances with Chi Yao; they both understood the unspoken signal of this request.

Since they were willing to return, it meant the Alliance was willing to take a step back.

Compared to the Empire’s hardline stance, the Alliance was reluctant to sever ties.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen did not expect the Alliance’s attitude to change so quickly, their faces becoming fatigued. However, before they could cheer up, Chi Yao simply answered with two words, “Not seeing.”

Ren Yan Yong: “!”

Wei Zhen: “!”

Shi Xing couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing this, Ren Yan Yong felt even more despair, believing there was some unknown barrier between His Majesty and the young prince.

However, Chi Yao had already made his decision, and they didn’t oppose it, allowing Tang Mi to leave and reject the diplomats’ visit.

Once people had gone, Chi Yao looked at Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen, a playful expression on his face, “You both seem rather disappointed.”

Only then did Ren Yan Yong speak up, somewhat helpless, “This was clearly a great opportunity to mend relations.”

Chi Yao turned to Wei Zhen, who didn’t state it so obviously, but shared the same regretful sentiment.

Looking again to Wei Wan, she lowered her head. She had always followed Chi Yao and didn’t feel that anything was wrong.

Finally, Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing.

Shi Xing replied, “I think Your Highness’s decision is justified.”

Shi Xing: “We’ve offended them; now they desire reconciliation, and we’re just supposed to accept it instantly? The Empire won’t lose any face over this?”

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen exchanged looks, feeling there was a point.

Ren Yan Yong: “But are we just going to keep refusing like this?”

Hearing this, Shi Xing chuckled, “When did His Highness say we were going to keep refusing?”

“Chairman Ren, you’re overly anxious about the Alliance’s cooperation. Relax a bit. The initiative is in our hands now.”

Shi Xing raised his eyes, locking gazes with Chi Yao’s smoky grey ones, slowly revealing,

“They’re so overbearing on our territory, and we’re not allowed to play a bit of psychological warfare?”

Shi Xing and Chi Yao had the same line of thought, “We can let bygones be bygones, but if a rift has already been created, repairing it shouldn’t be too difficult. What does the Alliance think of the Empire? Don’t they just think the Empire is just posturing?”

Shi Xing: “Since the relationship has already soured, for the Alliance to expect reconciliation without paying a price? Dream on!”

And this price certainly wouldn’t be anything trivial.

A small price? Both Chi Yao and he would not accept that.