ABRIWMTHM Chapter 71

Shi Xing calmed his emotions for a minute.

Calmed his emotions for ten minutes.

Calmed his emotions… Shi Xing buried his head into his knees. What to do? He still felt so scared; he really wanted to disappear on the spot!

Would the prince be angry when he woke up? Would he scold him? Would he refuse to talk to him…?

Shi Xing thought about that scene and tightened his self-hugging arms as he wept.

It wasn’t regret; even if he had to do it again, Shi Xing was sure he would make the same choice.

He glanced at Chi Yao, and the cold sweat that had dripped all night long had somewhat subsided. Shi Xing’s innate ability allowed him to see the contract radiating a magnificent and peaceful white light, enveloping Chi Yao’s mental sea. Not only was the mental sea calmed down, but the fissures at the deep sea bottom that had fluctuated due to several disturbances also felt like they were firmly held in place, no longer shifting.

It was effective.

And in Shi Xing’s eyes, the effect was very significant.

He touched Chi Yao’s cheek, wanting to find something to do. He got up to wring out a towel, helping the prince wipe his cheek, neck, and palms, trying to make him more comfortable, even though he probably couldn’t feel anything right now.

After wiping, he took Chi Yao’s temperature and found that it had returned to normal. He adjusted the room’s thermostat back to the usual range and called the robot to use infrared thermometers on Chi Yao. Finally, he draped the thin blanket over the foot of the bed.

Taking a deep breath, he found he couldn’t exhale.

It turned out that when a person was worried and scared about something, doing other things didn’t really help distract them.

Shi Xing was in pain; why did he suddenly want a puppy to hug him!?

His emotions were a mix of flavors, and he even thought about hiding for a moment.

But rationality made it clear that there were many things outside that he had to face, unavoidable.

Sitting by Chi Yao’s bed for a while, Shi Xing dialed Xu Jin’s communicator.

Xu Jin was overjoyed to receive the news.

He originally wanted to rush in to check on Chi Yao, but Shi Xing rejected that idea. The energy that caused the Empire’s people to fall asleep was dense in the room. Shi Xing suggested that Xu Jin first arrange the situation in the villa that night, letting those who should keep watch stay and those who should return to sleep go. A small team had already been arranged beforehand when Chi Yao had an episode. Now that the situation had stabilized, that group also needed to be arranged. It all relied on Xu Jin to manage.

Shi Xing knew Xu Jin was worried about Chi Yao, but he didn’t let anyone in; instead, he connected the indoor robot to Xu Jin’s communicator, which had a video function. If Xu Jin wanted to see Chi Yao, he could do so through the communicator.

Shi Xing’s arrangements were quite meticulous.

After confirming that Chi Yao was fine with the household robot, he issued orders for a nanny robot to go over. Only then did Xu Jin start to arrange the remaining people in the villa.

While managing, he also expressed his admiration for Shi Xing to Yan Changyue, “Although Star came not long ago, he is already very thorough in dealing with matters.”

Having asked Xu Jin and learned that high-mental-power individuals could use barriers to resist such energy, Shi Xing thought for a moment and called Fei Chu into the room first.

He specifically instructed him to open a barrier.

Fei Chu was informed about the contract’s effectiveness. After stepping into the room and seeing the scene inside, he still trembled.

Fei Chu’s expression was very subtle.

He wanted to see Shi Xing’s face but felt it would be impolite; he couldn’t help his curiosity, so he sneaked glances at Shi Xing, looking a bit transfixed. Shi Xing laughed helplessly, “General, if you want to look, just look.”

After a pause, understanding Fei Chu’s personality well, Shi Xing added, “If you have any questions, you can ask.”

Fei Chu tentatively asked, “Really?”

Seeing Shi Xing nod, Fei Chu began to fidget with his hands.

Shi Xing: “…”

This gossipy posture made Shi Xing’s scalp tingle, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

In the next moment, both of them spoke at the same time.

Fei Chu’s eyes sparkled: “Did nothing happen before I came? There weren’t any coercive ‘love’ scenarios where someone got knocked out?”

Shi Xing: “Unless you want to still… let’s not ask.”

There was a moment of silence in the atmosphere. Shi Xing said sternly, “There wasn’t, General.”

Fei Chu: “Tch.”

Fei Chu: “Star, do you know? In this situation, generally saying there isn’t means there is.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Shi Xing: “Really, there isn’t.”

Fei Chu: “Don’t tell me you bit your own lip.”

Shi Xing: “…………”

Then they both spoke at the same time again.

Shi Xing: “How about we get back to serious matters?”

Fei Chu pressed: “Is it true that there are no strange hobbies behind the scenes of Chi Yao?!”

Shi Xing facepalmed and slowly closed his eyes.

The two seemed to have a tacit understanding, speaking simultaneously a third time.

Shi Xing, exhausted, said, “Should we bring Fu Qing in instead?”

Fei Chu realized he had gone too far and quickly amended, “Let’s talk about serious matters!”

He quickly added, “We can discuss your matters later; rest assured, I will definitely not let Chi Yao bully you.”

Shi Xing: “.”

But he didn’t want to talk about it later at all!

It was difficult at first, but when it came to serious discussions, Fei Chu was indeed very reliable. From the situation in the Empire to the current relationship with the Alliance, and to the various analyses of pros and cons, he reasoned systematically and thoroughly.

Shi Xing thought carefully for a while, glanced at Chi Yao again, and got up to leave with Fei Chu.

Chi Yao’s room was shrouded in contract mental power. After some thought, Shi Xing simply moved to his own room.

He called Tang Mi and asked her to find Wei Wan, who lived in another building.

During the waiting period, Shi Xing opened a little-used study, letting Yan Changyue set up various projection equipment.

He washed up, changed into regular attire that looked somewhat formal without being too casual.

When Shi Xing returned to the study, Wei Wan had already arrived and greeted him. Shi Xing returned the gesture.

Wei Wan: “Did you call me to discuss diplomatic reception matters?”

Shi Xing replied honestly, “Yes and no. I am about to hold a meeting with the President of the Senate and the head of the Elders Council to convey the situation in the palace; I don’t know if a recording is needed. If so, I’m afraid Tang Mi may not be qualified.”

“Of course, that’s not the main reason for calling you.”

After a moment’s pause, Shi Xing didn’t continue but said, “Let’s discuss this in detail after the meeting concludes.”

Finished speaking, he looked at Tang Mi and instructed, “Contact the Senate and the Elders Council. The President and the head must attend. As for the others, they can bring whoever they like, but we won’t accept participation from any positions lower than vice presidents or vice presidents with more than two people attending.”

Straightforward and efficient, without any unnecessary words, Wei Wan couldn’t help but look at Shi Xing with renewed respect.

Originally, he didn’t expect the little prince to be so determined.

Wei Wan relaxed his tension somewhat.

The notification was rushed, and both sides requested time to gather participants for the meeting. Tang Mi looked at Shi Xing, and Shi Xing said firmly, “That’s fine; the meeting will officially start in twenty minutes. Latecomers will not be admitted.”

Tang Mi conveyed this accurately.

Ren Yan Yong found this approach familiar. Although the meeting was convened in Shi Xing’s name, he didn’t think of Shi Xing as the lead and felt it was Chi Yao guiding things from behind.

The President thought similarly, hence acted swiftly.

Twenty minutes were neither short nor long. Shi Xing took advantage of that time to discuss his stance with Wei Wan.

Shi Xing was clear about his position and communicated it plainly to Wei Wan: “Wei Wen Shu, I am generally fine with people in my life. However, for those who are difficult to deal with or unfriendly toward me, I tend to be sharper in attitude. During the meeting, I might not show the demeanor of humbly seeking advice as a junior, nor will I indulge the scheming of the President and the head. Do you think this is acceptable? Will it affect the balance of domestic affairs?”

Wei Wan froze for a moment, “Are you talking about your own character?”

It wasn’t surprising that Wei Wan was confused; even Tang Mi felt it was strange. Since knowing Shi Xing, he had always been polite and understanding, never raising his voice when speaking to others.

Shi Xing nodded slightly.

After a moment of silence, not hiding anything during this special time, he said, “It should be due to past experiences. When things are normal, it’s fine, but when bullied or sensing hostility, my reaction could be more triggered, showing…”

“Perhaps it’s difficult to get along with and won’t give others face.”

Shi Xing was accurate and clear, but Wei Wan didn’t quite believe it, and of course, Tang Mi didn’t believe it either.

However, since Shi Xing had asked, Wei Wan naturally responded according to what he said. After thinking for a moment, he concluded, “If you can truly display what you mentioned, I actually think… it’s a good thing.”

There were many reasons, but fundamentally based on two main points: one was that Shi Xing’s identity was high enough for this to be acceptable.

Moreover, since Chi Yao was currently asleep, and the President and head had served for many years, they tended to rely on their seniority. If Shi Xing were weak and let them lead, they would handle diplomatic matters using the conservative thinking of the Senate and the Elders Council. Wei Wan felt headachy at the thought; once the emperor woke up, no one would have a good outcome.

Shi Xing nodded, “I understand.”

The meeting commenced on time.

Ren Yan Yong brought along Vice Heads He Zhuang and Xu Mi Rou.

President Wei Zhen also brought two vice presidents to participate.

When the communication was opened, everyone was stunned to see Shi Xing along with Wei Wan and Tang Mi.

Ren Yan Yong greeted everyone and directly stated, “Is His Majesty not participating in the meeting?”

Shi Xing sat up straight, his expression showing no signs of anxiety. His voice was calm, but the content was astounding.

“That’s precisely why I convened this meeting. Alliance diplomats will arrive in the Empire the day after tomorrow. This is something the Senate and Elders Council should know first to make a decision.”

Without waiting for everyone to ask further, Shi Xing stated directly.

“His Majesty cannot participate in this meeting, and he cannot even attend the royal family’s direct reception of the diplomats the day after tomorrow.”

In the wide-open eyes of Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong, Shi Xing briefly described tonight’s events, summarized but clear.

Ren Yan Yong was anxious, “How could the contract suddenly take effect?”

Shi Xing did not hide anything, “It’s because I infused spiritual power; the contract absorbed it and took effect again.”

Ren Yan Yong: “…”

Wei Zhen: “…”

Ren Yan Yong: “Little prince, how can you be so reckless during such a time…”

Shi Xing darkened his face and interjected, “Chairman Ren, let’s be clear: which of my actions are reckless?”

Shi Xing articulated every word, “Are you saying that I was reckless when treating His Majesty?”

“Or when I infused spiritual power into the contract to restrain His Majesty during his turbulence period?”

Ren Yan Yong was stumped.

Wei Zhen frowned slightly, sensing something unpleasant.

When had Ren Yan Yong ever been challenged like this by a junior? After a few deep breaths, he spoke awkwardly, “Of course, I’m saying that you infused spiritual power into the contract, causing His Majesty to fall into slumber recklessly!”

Shi Xing spoke neither fast nor slow, yet his tone was cold, “Where was the recklessness? Is the reception of diplomats more important than His Majesty’s health? Can the Alliance simply send a few people to let His Majesty venture into the dangerous situation of his mental sea worsening?”

“Chairman Ren, is that what you mean?”

Ren Yan Yong choked.

Wei Zhen closed his eyes, having already anticipated this trap when Shi Xing brought it up; he hadn’t expected Ren Yan Yong to fall for it.

Vice Chair He Zhuang chimed in, “That’s certainly not…”

Shi Xing retorted sharply, “Then what is it?”

This counterquestion was very oppressive, and He Zhuang was rarely taken aback, feeling somewhat at a loss for words.

Shi Xing turned to Ren Yan Yong, speaking sternly, “The Alliance and the Empire are in a cooperative relationship. I don’t know when the Empire became submissive to the Alliance, allowing His Majesty to suffer such grievances just to please the Alliance.”

“His Majesty’s health concerns the stability of the Empire for decades to come. The arrival of the Alliance diplomats is practically negligible in comparison.”

“What, if the Empire refuses to receive them, will the Alliance send troops to attack the Empire tomorrow?”

Ren Yan Yong reacted dryly, “Of course not…”

Shi Xing gave Ren Yan Yong a deep look, “Just remember who is more important.”

Ren Yan Yong: “…”

Wei Zhen: “…”

He Zhuang: “…”

Wei Zhen rubbed his forehead, feeling that the start of this meeting was particularly bad. Ren Yan Yong had simply provided Shi Xing with a weakness to exploit, and he was crushed without being able to defend himself, unable to articulate a response… Wei Zhen felt a headache coming, silently scolding Ren Yan Yong.

Wei Zhen’s thought was correct. The start gave Ren Yan Yong a warning, and from that point on, the rhythm was entirely controlled by Shi Xing.

The meeting was short; Shi Xing didn’t say many words, but every single one was forceful.

There was no room for negotiation.

Yet at the same time, there was no fault to be found in Shi Xing’s arguments.

The royal family directly had this authority.

Shi Xing briskly concluded his points.

“I hear that the Senate and Elders Council do not support my participation in diplomatic receptions. I don’t care what your reasons are; if you do not support me, bring a plan back now.”

“The plan must resolve the following issues: if only Prince Bi Zhou is present, which people will the Empire send to follow; what are the diplomatic bottom lines; if the diplomats disrespect Prince Bi Zhou due to his age, what should we do…”

“I just said that, Tang Mi will send a written document to everyone’s communicator shortly.”

“This is one.”

“Two, returning to the fundamental issue, whether for the Empire’s sake or for diplomatic negotiations, I feel I should attend the diplomatic reception as a direct member of the royal family, and I have this right as granted by the Empire.”

“If there’s opposition, I want to know the reasons and why.”

“This issue should also be resolved in tomorrow’s official meeting. If the Senate and Elders Council can convince me and the head, then we will discuss your diplomatic reception plan. If not, I will demand the Supreme Court to restore my rightful status as His Majesty’s partner.”

In other words, if they couldn’t persuade Shi Xing, he would pursue legal means to participate in the diplomatic reception.

That is to say, he would no longer consider the opinions of the Senate and Elders Council.

Wei Zhen: “Little prince…”

Shi Xing: “Is there anything unclear?”

Wei Zhen: “No, but…”

Shi Xing: “Since there’s nothing unclear, then we’ll adjourn.”

Shi Xing: “Having been busy all night, I am tired. As a Blue Star human, my constitution is not as good as that of an imperial person; it’s time for me to sleep.”

Wei Zhen: “…”

Ren Yan Yong: “…”

Vice presidents/Vice chairs: “…”

Shi Xing confirmed again, “All issues will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting. Is there anything unclear?”

No one spoke; given the circumstances, there was no way to reply.

Shi Xing felt very satisfied, “Dismissed. Everyone, rest early.”

Wei Zhen/Ren Yan Yong: “…………”

The plan must be delivered by tomorrow afternoon; how could they rest now?!

ButShi Xing didn’t care about these things. In his heart, since they had opposed him for so long, it was only natural that these two entities should have backup plans. Making something on the spot was beyond Shi Xing’s imagination.

Click, Shi Xing disconnected the communication.