ABRIWMTHM Chapter 72

The communication was cut off, and Shi Xing did not rest as he had said. Instead, he closed his eyes and sat quietly for a minute or two, seeming to think things through before slowly opening his eyes and looking up at Tang Mi. “Is it disconnected?”

Once he received a positive answer, Shi Xing said, “Add Wei Wen and let the people in the villa hold a meeting.”

After pondering for a moment, Shi Xing named names. “Uncle Xu will definitely come, and invite General Fei and Major General Fu as well. Bi Zhou should have already gone to sleep, forget it, he’s still growing, I’ll talk to him tomorrow…”

After pausing, Shi Xing added, “That’s all, Tang Mi, please invite them and you come too once they’re gathered.”

After giving the instructions, the study fell silent again, and Shi Xing closed his eyes to rest.

When he opened his eyes again, he found Wei Wan staring at him. A bit confused, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

Wei Wan shook her head.

After examining Shi Xing a few more times, she couldn’t help but ask, “Little Prince, your attitude during the meeting just now, wasn’t it taught by His Majesty?”

Although Wei Wan did not interfere with his education, she had caught sight of some things while Xu Jin and Chi Yao were teaching him about governance. Therefore, even though she hadn’t participated throughout, she roughly knew what Shi Xing had learned.

Knowing this made her feel quite strange.

Shi Xing smiled and said, “Are you trying to ask about my aggressive demeanor?”

Wei Wan was at a loss for words, wanting to respond, but “aggressive” felt more like self-deprecation. Shi Xing didn’t care about Wei Wan’s reaction and just shook his head, saying, “It wasn’t taught by the Prince. He wouldn’t teach me this; it’s…”

Shi Xing thought for a moment, then laughed, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Some life experience, I suppose.”

“There were times when I was overly weak and suffered a bit, so I didn’t want to continue facing such grievances later on, hence my reactions became a bit extreme. While my expression may have been inappropriate, it proved useful, and over time, it became like this.”

This approach was inappropriate, but Shi Xing didn’t know a more tactful way to handle it.

He understood it well, but he didn’t have any means to change it.

Although Shi Xing was smiling, and his narration was without waves, Wei Wan felt a deep sense of sympathy.

Wei Wan sincerely said, “If it were any other direct royal family member, it might indeed seem a bit out of line, but for you, especially in the current situation, I feel it was just right.”

Wei Wan added, “You don’t need to feel too much psychological burden. Acting this way because of your status is completely fine.”

“Really?”

Upon receiving Wei Wan’s affirmation, Shi Xing smiled again, this time with genuine warmth.

Wei Wan thought this smile was much more pleasing.

Before long, everyone had arrived.

They were all familiar faces, and Shi Xing got straight to the point, saying, “I think I should participate in the reception for this alliance diplomacy.”

Indeed, although he hadn’t confirmed it with the Senate or the Elders Council, Shi Xing had already made up his mind.

“First, my status is high enough. Bi Zhou is still not an adult and cannot participate in political matters or military affairs until he comes of age. Although he is familiar with these matters, having the privilege and not having it are fundamentally different. I’m afraid the alliance diplomats might underestimate him because of their seniority.”

“Secondly, there are certain issues concerning the boundary line that are also major political discussions the alliance is here to negotiate with the Empire. Although His Highness hasn’t discussed this with me, I know that he does not agree nor will give consent for the alliance to increase the length of the border we defend.”

Shi Xing would also disagree, but he couldn’t express the reasons for his disagreement openly.

Everyone in attendance was well aware that Chi Yao would not consent.

The last time they talked, it was Chi Yao who took the initiative to shorten the border the Empire defended.

In fact, Shi Xing wanted to shorten it this time too, but that would be a matter for later; it would have to wait until Chi Yao was awake to make any decisions.

The difficult issue before him was still the diplomatic reception.

“Disregarding the concerns of the Senate and the Elders Council, fundamentally, if I don’t participate, who will uphold the minimum standards at the border? If there’s an offense, who will have the authority to reprimand the alliance on behalf of Bi Zhou? Are we going to rely on the senators and council members to defend him?”

“The status and qualifications of diplomats are on par; we would lose a lot of legitimacy. Also, there are certain things that the royal family can say and criticize which officials may not be able to, as their identities will limit them. Thus, this is one of the reasons I want to participate.”

After pausing to feel he’d covered most points, Shi Xing looked at everyone, “What do you all think?”

Having experienced two emperors, Xu Jin had the protection of the direct royal family ingrained in him. He immediately said, “There is no precedent that the Emperor’s partner cannot participate in diplomatic receptions. If this spreads to other planets, it would become a joke. Regardless of any concerns, the little prince should attend; no one can deprive you of that qualification.”

Wei Wan added, “I think the little prince is right. We cannot give up a good opportunity just because of a minor setback.”

Fei Chu resonated deeply with Shi Xing’s last few comments. “No matter how high-ranking the official is, they are merely equal to the alliance diplomat. There’s not enough status to say certain things. If there’s provocation or trouble, is the Empire expected to just swallow that?”

The relationship between the alliance and the Empire had deteriorated in recent years. Major diplomatic conflicts did not arise, but smaller skirmishes continued. Fei Chu was clear as day.

Fei Chu said, “The Empire guards the longest border; both rationally and emotionally, they should show us some respect. Even if Shi Xing’s handling of affairs is not yet mature, why should we cater to the alliance and humiliate our own people?”

Thinking of something, Fei Chu scoffed lightly, “The Empire is hereditary; barring any accidents, the throne is held for a lifetime while the alliance’s prime minister serves only six years. The alliance is vast but scattered with complex internal interests. Even if their prime minister comes, Shi Xing offending him is just that; in six years, a new prime minister will come, and I don’t believe they won’t come to court us.”

Ultimately, the Empire wanted to maintain a good relationship with the alliance due to technological and energy factors, and the alliance itself didn’t dare to fracture relations with the Empire.

With such an extensive border under the Empire’s protection, if relations deteriorated, there would be no other power in the system capable of taking over.

Being from a military background, Fu Qing’s thoughts were completely aligned with Fei Chu’s.

Tang Mi and Wei Wan also agreed.

In the end, the internal vote unanimously supported Shi Xing’s attendance.

With internal opinions unified, the next matter was tomorrow’s meeting, where Shi Xing would have to face the Senate and the Elders Council alone. Just thinking about it left everyone a bit worried.

Shi Xing, however, was much calmer. “Going through legal channels is a last resort. If possible, resolving it through internal consultations would naturally be the best.”

Before the guests had arrived, their internal issues had already begun; that was not a good sign.

He expressed an idea he had long thought about, “Perhaps we can look for external assistance?”

As soon as this was said, everyone looked at Shi Xing.

Shi Xing slowly mentioned a name.

After the internal meeting ended, it was long past Shi Xing’s usual sleeping time. Rubbing his eyes, he returned to Chi Yao’s room, washed up, felt the strength of the contract in Chi Yao’s mental sea to ensure everything was normal, and then climbed into his bed.

With the covers on, Shi Xing felt sleepy and rubbed his eyes, “Your Highness, will you blame me when you wake up?”

Thinking about it, he had no answer. He mumbled again, “Handling political matters is so difficult.”

“The Senate and the Elders Council are very conservative right now…”

“Tonight, the president said something wrong. I managed to keep him in check, but tomorrow may be different. I don’t even know what the situation will be; I hope it won’t escalate to needing the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

Still without an answer, Shi Xing’s voice was soft and lackluster, a mix of helplessness and a hint of pity.

“Let’s hope not.”

If everything can be kept under control, Chi Yao should not be too angry, right?

After a moment of silence, Shi Xing yawned. “Good night, Your Highness.”

After the communication was cut off, Shi Xing was holding a meeting in the palace while the Elders Council and the Senate also dragged themselves into emergency meetings.

From discussing the current situation to formulating solutions, the meeting ended with the bright moon hanging high.

When He Zhuang sent the issue terms sent by Tang Mi to those drafting the plans, she discovered another notification in the mailbox.

Upon careful review, after a while, He Zhuang said with difficulty, “President, there’s a notification you need to look at.”

Ren Yan Yong, fatigued and listless, replied, “Send it to my communicator, I’ll look at it tomorrow.”

He Zhuang responded, “I’m afraid that won’t work; the palace needs a written document by tomorrow.”

Ren Yan Yong: “?”

Taking a deep breath, He Zhuang said, “The document sent by Tang Mi stated that time is tight tonight, so the little prince did not pursue the matter at the meeting. However, the attitude of the Elders Council is not a small issue. They require you to explain what you meant by saying ‘the little prince acted recklessly.’ If you have your reasons, please write a detailed explanation. If you recognize it as a slip of the tongue, then according to the rules of the Elders Council, write a reflection of your error and copy it to the palace.”

Ren Yan Yong: “……”

Xu Mi Rou / Jin Jun / Other Vice Presidents: “……”

Ren Yan Yong’s forehead throbbed, “He wants me to write a reflection?”

He Zhuang had to remind him, “If you have other reasons, you can write a statement.”

But about these other reasons… He Zhuang, who participated in the meeting, and Xu Mi Rou both knew very well that Ren Yan Yong’s reasoning had been completely blocked by Shi Xing. This statement was indeed a slip of the tongue, and Shi Xing was clearly pursuing it.

Ren Yan Yong’s breath grew heavier, deep breath, another deep breath… Ultimately, he couldn’t hold himself back, angrily shouted, “Send me the notification to my communicator!”

Then he hung up the communication with a snap.

Xu Mi Rou was taken aback. Wow, entering the Elders Council is always Ren Yan Yong making others write reflections; this was her first time seeing someone ask President Ren to write a reflection…

In a vague sense, Xu Mi Rou felt that Shi Xing’s personality was actually not easy to deal with; he was not a Blue Star human whom the Senate and the Elders Council could easily manipulate.

Xu Mi Rou’s thoughts were certainly not wrong and were profoundly validated the next day.

When Shi Xing woke up in the morning, he first checked on Chi Yao, finding him in good health. After having breakfast, he instructed the house robot to give the prince a bath and change into a fresh set of clothes. Yan Changyue came in and changed the bedding again, confirming Chi Yao should be very comfortable. The energy that lulled him to sleep also diminished, so Shi Xing left Yan Changyue behind to take care of him and went out.

Bi Zhou also supported Shi Xing, thus achieving total internal unity.

Later, Tang Mi came to report, “The Senate and the Elders Council simultaneously requested to postpone the meeting until the afternoon. They are urgently discussing and optimizing the plan internally, and it will take until the afternoon to have a more suitable written document.”

Shi Xing nodded, “That’s fine.”

He also had things to attend to in the morning.

Shi Xing added, “But I need Ren Yan Yong’s reflection by morning; you better urge him in your own way.”

Without stating it clearly, Shi Xing meant for Tang Mi to poke at Ren Yan Yong until he complied.

Tang Mi understood, “Okay, I’ll make sure President Ren produces the relevant documents before noon.”

Shi Xing nodded in agreement.

In the morning, along with Bi Zhou, Xu Jin, and Fei Chu, they held a small meeting. Once they finished, an attendant arrived, saying the invited guests had arrived.

Shi Xing stood up, and Bi Zhou and Xu Jin followed him to welcome them.

In the chaos of both the Senate and the Elders Council, by noon, the draft proposal finally took shape. It was formed quickly, and they immediately began reviewing it. After two exhausting hours of citing rules and searching for clauses, they finalized the version.

At the moment the final version was produced, Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

The afternoon meeting was postponed by another half hour, the reason was ludicrous. Members from both the Senate and Elders Council had been working overtime until now and requested half an hour for lunch.

Shi Xing was not anxious and was ready.

When the meeting officially convened in the palace study, the projections of the attendees from the Senate and the Elders Council emerged. Shi Xing greeted them cheerfully, “Good afternoon, everyone~”

After a pause, his gaze swept over the tired faces of the two governmental personnel, and he smiled. “It looks like everyone has had a fulfilling day.”

Senators/Elders Council: “……”

They certainly did not want to have such a fulfilling day.

After completing the greetings and formalities, Shi Xing got right to the point, asking, “Are the reasons for opposition all listed?”

Upon receiving an answer, Shi Xing nodded. “What about the backup plans? Are they documented as well?”

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen uploaded their respective plans to the center. Shi Xing took a look but did not hurry to read it.

Shi Xing said, “Then let’s start with whether I should participate in the diplomatic reception or not.”

At this aspect, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen were not flustered. They had been opposed for so long, not to mention their reasons were solid. Additionally, the two institutions had spent an entire night sorting through the chaotic data, drafting detailed points. Shi Xing only had Wei Wan and Tang Mi as supporting staff; although they were both capable, they were ultimately limited compared to the whole Senate and the Elders Council.

Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong exchanged glances, both seeing the dawn of victory in each other’s eyes.

If Shi Xing were to stubbornly pursue legal proceedings, they might not be able to stop him.

But if it came to “reasoning,” it was uncertain whether they could hold a candle to an entire river of clerical officials.

Learning from last night’s lesson, this time Wei Zhen spoke first, no longer underestimating Shi Xing, choosing his words carefully.

However, before they could dive into the topic, Shi Xing interjected, “Wait, I have an elder who wants to attend this meeting as an observer.”

Wei Zhen frowned, “Little Prince, this is a formal meeting; not just anyone can…”

Before he could finish speaking, the projection revealed a familiar figure.

Former Speaker Chang Quan sat in a floating chair, his brow furrowed but still imposing. “Who is this? Is this a significant meeting I can’t join?”

As the realization settled in, Wei Zhen felt a sense of choking panic.

Ren Yan Yong, still sluggish from lack of sleep, could not suppress his surprise. “Speaker Chang?!”

Chang Quan nodded modestly but expressed slight displeasure, saying, “The Speaker is a past position; I’m just an idle person now. It’s not proper for you to call me like that, Ren.”

“Moreover, my participation in this meeting is for the Empire. It has nothing to do with my former position; I’m purely here to assist in analysis.”

Ren Yan Yong: “……”

It may not be proper, but…

Ren Yan Yong glanced past Wei Zhen and subconsciously observed the others in the Senate, who were also visibly surprised at the arrival of Chang Quan, excitement shining through their astonishment.

To Wei Zhen, this little act did not escape his notice; his face turned ashen.

Ren Yan Yong was clearly worried that the Senate might backtrack, which was why he reached out now.

Ren Yan Yong… indeed had this thought.

After all, in domestic affairs, all the clerical official personnel knew who the current pillars of the Senate were—each and every one had been groomed by Chang Quan himself!

Realizing this, Ren Yan Yong’s expression turned dark.

With Chang Quan’s participation, surely they couldn’t lose to Shi Xing in reasoning?

Surely not?!!