ABRIWMTHM Chapter 73

The subtle changes in everyone’s expressions were all captured by Shi Xing.

He saw the panic in Ren Yan Yong’s eyes and the pallor on Wei Zhen’s face.

He didn’t immediately speak out to harmonize the atmosphere; instead, he waited for everyone to show their true feelings before speaking up in the manner of a meeting initiator.

“As Teacher Chang was the former Speaker of the Senate, I believe everyone in the Senate is familiar with him. As for the Elders Council…” Shi Xing smiled, “I just heard President Ren call him ‘Speaker Chang’. Even if they haven’t seen each other for some time, I guess it shouldn’t feel unfamiliar.”

Senate: “…”

Elders Council: “…”

What he said had much more than just casual familiarity. If it weren’t for their positions, Wei Zhen would have already urgently greeted their former Speaker, exhibiting feelings of excitement that he couldn’t contain!

And as for the Elders Council… Hypothetically speaking, during Chang Quan’s tenure, who among the civil servants didn’t know him? It wasn’t just an easy name to recall; He Zhuang could recite Chang Quan’s outstanding achievements during his term, totaling three major points and five minor items…

Regardless of the inner turmoil bubbling among everyone, Shi Xing maintained his smile and continued, “The reason for inviting Teacher Chang is not to leverage his previous position to seek some advantages for myself.”

To put it bluntly, he wasn’t bringing Chang Quan to pull votes from the Senate.

However, even if they understood, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen still wouldn’t believe him.

Shi Xing continued, “Rather, as both the President and the Speaker think, I only have a superficial understanding of the Empire’s political affairs. Given this basis, I fear that my considerations won’t be comprehensive enough. Thus, I invited Teacher Chang to audit and analyze, which would help supplement my proposals and fill in the gaps. Moreover, the perspectives of the Senate and the Elders Council might not be exhaustive, and it isn’t inappropriate for Teacher Chang to point them out.”

His speech was roundabout.

Fei Chu and Fu Qing strained to listen.

But that was just the feeling of the officers; civil services often spoke in this manner. If one pondered briefly, the actual meaning would generally surface.

Once they understood the true function of Chang Quan’s presence here, Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong fell silent again.

What Shi Xing said regarding asking Chang Quan to help him cover the gaps wasn’t the main point; the key lay in the second half of his statement. The perspectives of the Elders Council and the Senate carried their own interests and angles. Shi Xing lacked sufficient knowledge of domestic affairs and the situation, rendering him unable to refute certain aspects, but Chang Quan was different. He’d been in the bureaucracy for over a hundred years; what could escape the notice of such an old fox?

Thus, Chang Quan’s primary function was to “refute” the Senate and the Elders Council with “reason and evidence.”

More troubling was Chang Quan’s political stance which had always been liberal, aligned with the more advanced and bold faction centered around the Empire. In contrast, Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong’s viewpoints were relatively conservative.

Ren Yan Yong buried his face in his hand.

The meeting hadn’t even started, and he was already genuinely feeling a headache.

Had he known, he wouldn’t have stayed up late writing that self-criticism. Did it really matter if Shi Xing saw the overly picky piece he’d written until midnight? Ha.

Compared to Ren Yan Yong, the current Speaker, Wei Zhen felt a deep sense of compulsion upon seeing Chang Quan.

It was simple; most of the senior senators were individuals Chang Quan had trained, was he not also one of them?

He was too!

Moreover, he was among those that weren’t particularly favored by Chang Quan.

Seeing Chang Quan reminded him of scenes from over a decade ago, where Chang Quan would tap his head with a rolled-up document and scold him for being an uncomprehending blockhead.

It was… truly painful.

Shi Xing could choose anyone, so why had it to be Chang Quan? While choosing someone else might make the situation feel tricky, choosing Chang Quan felt like heart palpitations!

The inner thoughts of Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen were remarkably vivid, but regrettably, Shi Xing couldn’t hear them.

Once Shi Xing finished speaking, Chang Quan nodded restrainedly and said, “The reason for being invited to the palace today is related to His Majesty’s chaotic period, having been called to duty during a crisis.”

“Being here with the young prince does not mean I unconditionally support the young prince, nor does it imply that I support either the Senate or the Elders Council.”

“Everyone should be adequately prepared and hold onto well-supported theoretical viewpoints for their stances; then they are free to express their thoughts.”

“I have experience managing the Senate for over a century, and I believe I’ve grasped the relationships and situations between planets and star systems quite clearly. I am not so old as to be muddled, so if there are any deviations in your judgments and observations, I can point them out promptly for discussion.”

Another set of bureaucratic words; Fei Chu facepalmed, wishing to apply for an exit. He couldn’t understand, and critically, he didn’t want to try to.

However, those in the Senate understood a different nuance: when Chang Quan discussed his position, he used the phrase “will not unconditionally support” for Shi Xing, whereas for the Senate and the Elders Council, he said “does not represent support.” The slight difference in wording made Chang Quan’s attitude clear.

Ren Yan Yong stiffly noted, “You mean, Teacher Chang, that you indeed lean towards the young prince?”

Faced with the direct question, Chang Quan remained composed and even nodded in admission, “Naturally. First, this is a right granted to the young prince by the Empire’s laws. The young prince is willing to openly discuss matters with everyone rather than going through legal procedures to tolerate your infringement. Out of fairness, shouldn’t I side with the young prince?”

Ren Yan Yong/Wei Zhen: “…”

After a moment, Wei Zhen awkwardly nodded, gritting his teeth but ultimately had to agree, “What Teacher Chang says makes sense.”

Chang Quan: “All for the Empire.”

Ren Yan Yong chuckled dryly, “Yes, we too, are for the Empire.”

The same phrase, repeated once more, somehow drew out unexpectedly diminished confidence; it was infuriating.

Yet Chang Quan was not an easy target either, as he stated unequivocally, “You’d best be so.”

Ren Yan Yong/Wei Zhen: “…………”

The pressure of seniority was overwhelming; Chang Quan’s weight in authority left them with no retort.

Especially for Wei Zhen, who now felt that Chang Quan appeared particularly lenient today.

Shi Xing pulled the rhythm back, “Everyone understands Teacher Chang’s intent for being here, so let us officially begin our discussion.”

“Shall we start with the Senate or the Elders Council?”

After saying that, he added, “However, I believe both organizations should have already consulted on who will present and who will supplement the discussion.”

After a series of impacts today, Ren Yan Yong’s indifference to Shi Xing’s veiled sarcasm rendered him numb.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen exchanged a couple of comments and decided that the Senate would present first.

Wei Zhen prepared himself; he still had confidence in his script, but upon raising his eyes to see Chang Quan, that confidence shattered like a dream.

In the past, he had gone through too many times where he had brimming confidence only to be scolded thoroughly by Chang Quan.

Including the current Speaker; if it wasn’t for His Majesty… it likely wouldn’t have even fallen upon him.

Shaking his head, Wei Zhen bolstered his spirits—having led the Senate for many years, he had grown considerably and should not befall previous mistakes.

Clearing his throat, he was about to begin when Chang Quan interrupted.

“By the way, just to clarify, as I said, this is the young prince’s legal right, so the focus of this meeting is for the Senate and the Elders Council to persuade the young prince to relinquish his rights for greater benefits to the Empire.”

“And it cannot be that the young prince must persuade you to gain your consent.”

“Because essentially, this is not within your jurisdiction nor requires your consent.”

“Any objections?”

Shi Xing shook his head.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen felt choked, under scrutiny, and exhaustedly shook their heads.

With just three sentences, Chang Quan reversed the situation; the parties’ positions swapped instantly. The one seeking approval had turned into the one being sought, and what was once certain now felt tenuous.

Chang Quan’s strength was so formidable that Ren Yan Yong retorted stubbornly, “If the young prince truly intends to exercise this as his own power, there would be no need for this meeting; he could directly take the pathway through the highest court.”

Wei Zhen felt a shock in his heart.

Chang Quan spoke sternly, “Were it not for your opposition, would there even be this meeting?”

The assembly gasped.

Chang Quan continued,“Holding this meeting gives you an opportunity to justify your propositions. If you’re not interested in it, your suggestion isn’t bad either; the alliance’s diplomats are approaching; we should save time. If you all accept the outcome for the last effort, perhaps now is the time to prepare well for materials to receive the young prince on behalf of the alliance.”

Unexpectedly, Chang Quan continued to push forward; Ren Yan Yong was speechless.

Yet Chang Quan’s depth of experience surpassed him in all aspects, and he was correct. Suddenly confronted, Ren Yan Yong found it hard to respond.

He Zhuang quickly interjected, “How could that be? The President is merely jesting.”

Chang Quan: “Civil servants can eat medicine indiscriminately, but they cannot speak recklessly. The previous Speaker wasn’t like this.”

Chang Quan: “The propositions are yours, and your desire to forsake them is also yours; what do you take the palace and the royal family for? If you truly lack the energy to represent the entire Elders Council, leaving in advance is also permissible to prevent dragging the Senate into childish plays.”

Ren Yan Yong: “…”

He Zhuang: “…”

Members of the Elders Council: “…”

Chang Quan: “I am unsure of the time value of the Elders Council, but the time for those in the Senate, along with the young prince’s, is precious. I don’t want to hear any nonsensical remarks from now on.”

Everyone present fell silent.

Chang Quan took a breath and then extended an apology to Shi Xing, “This past work habit has exceeded boundaries.”

Shi Xing smiled, “How could it be? What Teacher Chang said makes sense.”

Seeing Shi Xing’s smile, Ren Yan Yong felt today’s frustration stubbornly clamped down.

Shi Xing: “Teacher Chang spoke a little more; everyone should consider it a reminder to listen and carry on.”

As things progressed, Wei Zhen felt the sudden outburst from Chang Quan had diminished his entire presence.

Chang Quan had this ability; once he seized on a mistake, he could amplify it endlessly. Being reasonable initially, if caught a few times, even the reasonable could begin to question their own rationality. Wei Zhen sighed internally. Being comrades, Shi Xing was so perfect, while his own level just felt so deficient!

Wei Zhen’s voice became flat, having lost his dreams.

The argument had three main points.

First, Shi Xing was a Blue Star human and still in his maturity period, holding a high rank. If the alliance learned of his existence, it might lead to unnecessary troubles. According to the Nest’s regulations, news of Blue Star humans during maturity should be kept sealed, so they believed Shi Xing shouldn’t participate.

Second, Shi Xing had only recently begun learning about domestic affairs, fearing he’d embarrass the Empire.

Third, there were some structural issues with the alliance.

“Among the diplomats coming to the Empire, there is one civilian and two military; Marshal Wei and General Li have long coveted the Empire’s medical resources, repeatedly challenging in hopes of having Imperial therapists treating across the entire star system for shared medical resources… Since Marshal Wei no longer heads to the battlefields, he increasingly advocates such proposals within the alliance. If the young prince takes part in the reception, considering the young prince’s racial issues, we’re concerned it might exacerbate tensions.”

“The civilian official is Jan Miller of the cabinet and a hardliner. His viewpoints toward the Empire are also confrontational, so…”

After hearing this, Shi Xing nodded, asking the Elders Council if they had any additions. This time it was He Zhuang’s turn to speak.

Ren Yan Yong felt a headache, having reached a point where he didn’t want to speak.

The Elders Council made two points regarding Shi Xing, which listener Shi Xing felt were neither painful nor soothing.

One was fear that Shi Xing might not understand the situation, which could lead to trouble.

The second brought up Shi Xing’s racial issues again. Specific details slipped through Shi Xing’s ears, and further along, He Zhuang was nearly dozing off, feeling it resembled an incantation, very much hypnotic.

Once both sides finished speaking, Shi Xing felt his heart was still as water, unperturbed.

He then raised a key, core question.

“I know that both the Elders Council and the Senate advocate for good relations with the alliance; they hold abundant resources and many mines, and energy issues are significant; their living technologies are advanced and surpass those of the Empire, which has long sought to purchase and introduce certain patents.”

“But I don’t believe that to ingratiate ourselves and show goodwill is the only way to foster relations.”

“Once our bottom line is lowered, we belittle ourselves and should not blame others for wanting to step on us to gain some benefit.”

“The friction between both sides over recent years hasn’t solely been an issue of the Empire.”

“It’s known as ‘one side hot, one side cold,’ and if the alliance refuses to mutual respect to improve relations, I think the Empire’s efforts won’t change the internal opinions within the alliance. Equal treatment and mutual respect are the fundamental principles of diplomacy; if we can’t handle even that, the problem’s root doesn’t lie within the Empire.”

Taking a deep breath, Shi Xing emphasized his main point.

“I only have one question.”

“If I do not present myself as a mature royal direct descendant empowered with military authority, actively participating in diplomatic receptions, the royal family of the Empire will be left with only Prince Bi Zhou.”

“Bi Zhou is not someone who understands etiquette poorly or is domineering, nor has he reached maturity yet. If the alliance’s diplomats insult the imperial family and belittle our royal line, I want to know which one of you can retort immediately?”

“And with what position, what posture?”

Shi Xing continued, “Whoever presents a perfect solution today, I will agree not to attend.”

“My bottom line is that while being humiliated is not terrible, the imperial family absolutely cannot be slighted or insulted on our own territory.”

After pausing, Shi Xing clarified, “This is my viewpoint.”

He added, “Of course, if anyone is willing to take responsibility should something happen, taking the fall of their own initiative when the Empire and the alliance escalate into greater issues, I think that could work, but the rank cannot be too low, and denying with a retort wouldn’t be fitting.”

Elders Council/Senate: “…”

Indeed, Shi Xing’s position was irreplaceable.

If an official were to forcibly take a stand, then in the later stages, when the alliance was at a loss, the blame wouldn’t fall back on the Empire. However, individuals aiming to regain their faces might target imperial officials, coercing the Empire to find a scapegoat, asserting that its actions ruined diplomatic relations.

That person, of course, wouldn’t be anyone but the one provocatively speaking out during diplomatic exchanges.

Shi Xing’s gaze slid across Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen, and remarkably, both were silent.

They weren’t particularly strong officials; insisting on frontline confrontation amidst such conflicts would further burden the conservative thinkers among the higher-ups.

Someone from the Elders Council spoke, “In diplomacy, it doesn’t necessarily have to be…”

Just as they finished speaking, they were reprimanded by someone from the Senate, “Better safe than sorry; can you guarantee it?”

Of course, they couldn’t.

The lone speaker finally fell silent.

Shi Xing concluded finally, “Though this addition seems unnecessary, it can still be summarized.”

“If there is conflict, officials cannot; but I certainly can, and my character suits it very well.”

“I believe these two days, Speaker Wei and President Ren have deeply experienced this.”

Looking at Shi Xing’s smile, the veins on Ren Yan Yong’s forehead throbbed uncontrollably.

Shi Xing was not to be trifled with; his experience was indeed enlightening!

Shi Xing: “I won’t say how well I can manage it or how much face I can give the Empire, but I can assure you that with me here, the alliance can’t expect to run amok in the Empire; I won’t fall for that.”

Shi Xing: “That’s all from me; you may refute me and present solutions now.”

Refuting? There was really nothing to refute; Shi Xing’s question was fundamentally unsolvable.

As for solutions, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen weren’t inclined to incite conflict; those at the heights of the Elders Council and Senate had worked diligently for many years to arrive at their position; who would willingly stake their future to uphold the royal family’s reputation in a fitting candidate’s absence?

Moreover, since Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen themselves wouldn’t step forward, what standing did they have to persuade others to be generous?

This again became a deadlock.

In a haze, the later half of the meeting saw Chang Quan remain mostly silent until it ended.

As expected, the Senate severely retracted, essentially pawns swayed by Chang Quan’s attitude!

What made Ren Yan Yong grieve were how many senior members of the Elders Council shifted stances; for their futures, they disregarded their previous positions, actively began to support Shi Xing.

At the moment Shi Xing declared the meeting adjourned, it was a resounding victory.

Ren Yan Yong, having stayed up through the night, felt unwell; after being pushed to the limits of his patience, he felt light-headed and uncomfortable.

Upon logging off, he experienced a fundamental philosophical query; he needed to quietly reconsider who he was, where he was, and where he was headed.

That night, Chang Quan and Shi Xing conversed for a while before taking their leave, accompanied by Shu Ning.

Shu Ning’s condition had shown some fluctuations; Shi Xing treated him casually without taking a fee, considering Chang Quan’s attitude that day the best form of payment.

Clearly, Chang Quan was well aware of this too and didn’t feign politeness.

Busily preparing for the reception, Shi Xing held meetings all night long.

Neither the Senate nor the Elders Council could afford to rest; with diplomats arriving soon, they had to produce Shi Xing’s reception plan and contingency plans for various situations. And all of this hadn’t been prepared by Chi Yao during his time.

By the time he returned to his room, it was already late; Shi Xing still wiped Chi Yao’s face and hands. Despite knowing the robot had given the prince a bath, he just wanted to find something to do and quiet down for a bit.

That night, while Chi Yao slumbered, Shi Xing placed his pillow next to him and lay there for a bit.

“Your Highness, I’m so tired.”

“My nerves are still buzzing; I can’t quite fall asleep.”

“Do you handle this much every day? I feel breathless just managing a bit of it; how do you handle everything, it’s impressive.”

“Your Highness, even if I could postpone my schedule slightly, I still have to welcome the alliance’s diplomats the day after tomorrow; I’m a little anxious.”

Then he added, “But I’m not afraid.”

Shi Xing propped up to look at Chi Yao for a moment and suddenly opened his arms, tightly holding the other one.

Xu Jin, who had been busy all day, felt dizzy, sensing something he had forgotten.

It was only before sleeping that it struck him, as he knocked on Yan Changyue’s room, asking, “Did you report to the prince about the palace’s developments today?”

Yan Changyue was caught off guard initially but gradually recalled a particularly old detail regarding the contract activation.

He slapped his forehead, “Ah! When the contract took effect, the only day the prince was unaware was the first day. Afterward, although under the constraints of the contract, their movements are limited, their consciousness remains clear.”

Yan Changyue: “Xu Uncle, apologies, I forgot.”

Xu Jin didn’t hold it against Yan Changyue, “Don’t mention it; I nearly forgot too due to the delays in contract effectiveness.”

Xu Jin glanced at the time and waved his hand, “Forget it, forget it; the stars have probably fallen asleep by now. Let’s not disturb them; we’ll report back to His Highness tomorrow. Shi Xing has been quite busy lately; you probably didn’t see him much today. Either way, let’s speak when we have time. If not, it can’t be helped.”

Shi Xing was under tremendous pressure; Xu Jin didn’t wish to interrupt him with trivial matters.

After hugging for a while, with his face buried against Chi Yao, he murmured, “Your Highness, I hope you’ll feel better after this; I hope you’ll be alright.”

“I only intended to redirect your attention; I truly didn’t deceive you, and you… should not punish me too harshly, right?”

“Last time you mentioned there would be a punishment the next time I made a mistake; but given the time that’s passed without mention, you wouldn’t recall it, would you?”

Shi Xing contemplated, feeling Chi Yao likely wouldn’t remember, in any case, he wouldn’t bring it up.

As Shi Xing felt himself absorbing Chi Yao’s spiritual power, he hesitated to let go of his hold. Before parting, he gently kissed Chi Yao’s cheek, his heart racing.

After staring at Chi Yao for a moment, remembering he was indeed asleep, he mustered the courage to leave a kiss on Chi Yao’s lips, whispering, “Goodnight, Your Highness.”

In the dim light, away from Shi Xing’s view, Chi Yao’s long fingers suddenly moved, as if trying to hold him back.

Another sleepless night engulfed the Elder’s Council as they worked out proposals.

Working late into the night, Ren Yan Yong suddenly contemplated a serious issue.

Ren Yan Yong asked He Zhuang, “So, during today’s meeting, did Shi Xing and Chang Quan even glance at our proposal?”

He Zhuang paused, “It seems so…”

Ren Yan Yong, sporting two dark circles under his eyes, uttered the existential inquiry, “So, was the significance of the proposal we burned the midnight oil to complete, even having skipped lunch, merely to suffer through our fatigue? What’s the value of our hard work if we simply tire ourselves out?!”