ABRIWMTHM Chapter 74

The meeting with the Alliance diplomats was forcibly delayed by a day due to the Senate and the Elders Council finding ways to increase the landing procedures for the Alliance’s spacecraft.

This extra day meant that the two departments were continuously devising various plans targeting the three visiting diplomats from the Alliance, considering their personalities, political views, and how to interact with them. They provided scenarios that Shi Xing might encounter and prepared plans for him to respond appropriately.

Shi Xing had to review each document and remember them by heart.

The day felt particularly tight.

In the morning, Shi Xing woke up, checked on Chi Yao, and sat beside him, yawning while holding a pillow. He only got up to wash up when Yan Changyue arrived, then had breakfast, and started a busy day.

During the morning hours, Shi Xing and Yan Changyue mostly brushed past each other. He entered the room, and Shi Xing went into the bathroom to freshen up while Yan Changyue took care of Chi Yao, setting up the housekeeping robot to help the Emperor wash up and change clothes. Shi Xing quietly glanced over and greeted the busy Yan Changyue before heading downstairs to the study.

As Yan Changyue pressed the final setting button, Shi Xing had already left the room and gone downstairs.

Yan Changyue sighed, “Your Majesty, the pressure on the young prince must be enormous.”

Thinking of Xu Jin’s instructions, Yan Changyue chose not to pursue Shi Xing and instead continued to look after Chi Yao.

With Chi Yao absent from the diplomatic reception, Shi Xing and Bi Shu’s plans changed. The two of them, yawning over breakfast, noticed Tang Mi communicating with the Senate and the Elders Council, discussing the timing for the handover of plans and the representatives from both sides. Each was looking particularly haggard, resembling exhausted members of the Elders Council.

Looking at Shi Xing and Bi Shu, as palace clerks, Tang Mi felt an indescribable pressure and steeled himself accordingly.

Throughout the day, Shi Xing was fully immersed in the contingency plans.

The morning was manageable.

By the afternoon, Shi Xing slumped over the table, feeling pained and weak, “Why didn’t anyone tell me they were this hard to deal with? If that’s the case, why did we waste a day in meetings yesterday? Couldn’t I just go straight to the Supreme Court?”

On the other end of the communication device, Ren Yan Yong sounded aged by several years as he encouraged Shi Xing, “Your Highness, please hang in there a bit longer. Even as a Blue Star human, this isn’t a valid reason to falter now.”

Although Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen had initially opposed Shi Xing, as civil officials, their recognition of procedural justice had already ingrained deeply. Since the internal vote supported him, no matter the previous discontent, they were determined to uphold the outcome, accepting it begrudgingly.

Shi Xing pointed at Bi Shu, “Aren’t you discussing with Bi Shu, President? I’ll take a break; isn’t that a minor exemption for a Blue Star human?”

Shi Xing sat upright, having no lunch break, his eyes darkened.

The energetic person from the morning looked much more haggard than the members of the Elders Council and representatives who had been up all night. This… Shi Xing was sleepy, and Ren Yan Yong looked at him, equally pained.

Those who knew knew it was simply because he didn’t have a lunch break, while those who didn’t know might think that the council and the elders were abusing the Blue Star humans!

This physical condition was truly ridiculous!

Ren Yan Yong closed his eyes and withdrew, “Alright then.”

Before long, Wei Zhen came online for shift change and was startled upon seeing Shi Xing, “Your Highness, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? As a Blue Star human, you…”

Before Wei Zhen could frighten himself further, Xu Jin quickly interrupted, “He didn’t take a nap.”

Wei Zhen: “…”

Shi Xing: “The physical condition of Blue Star humans can be slightly poor.”

Wei Zhen was at a loss for words, looking around at Shi Xing, genuinely questioning, really, just slightly poor?!

Exchanging glances with Ren Yan Yong, their longstanding collaboration allowed them to see the answer in each other’s eyes—clearly, it was not just slightly poor!

There were still many plans to prepare, and the Alliance diplomats would officially arrive in the Imperial Capital the following day. Taking a deep breath, Wei Zhen forced himself to overlook Shi Xing’s condition and continued explaining the fresh plans that the Senate had just finalized to both princes.

By night, Shi Xing was unsure how he managed to stumble back to his room.

Yan Changyue was shocked at the sight of Shi Xing’s pallor, while Shi Xing clung to the attendant’s hand, requesting to set up a housekeeping robot for himself so that he could get a bath without having to lift a finger.

Shi Xing’s request was naturally fulfilled.

The robot put his pajamas on, and after Yan Changyue briefly awakened Shi Xing, he rubbed his eyes like a sleepwalker and said goodnight to Chi Yao before turning to his own bed and falling asleep instantly.

Yan Changyue: “…”

Yan Changyue went over to tuck Shi Xing in properly, and after taking his leave from Chi Yao, he left.

Seeing Xu Jin and Fei Chu downstairs, both were equally exhausted, with various documents still on hand. Yan Changyue was astonished, “What’s this?”

Xu Jin: “Contingency plans. Those we didn’t discuss today, we have picked out everything we think will be useful to go over with Shi Xing and Bi Shu on tomorrow’s ship.”

Fei Chu was at his wit’s end, “When will Chi Yao wake up? I really can’t handle this detailed work!”

Xu Jin looked at Yan Changyue, who uncertainly replied, “Today marks the third day, and I don’t feel that tiredness from the contract energy anymore. I estimate tomorrow or the day after at the latest?”

Fei Chu let out a long sigh, “It would be best if he woke up soon. Since the visitors are from Tianyu Star, I’m still a little afraid Shi Xing will be bullied.”

Hearing this, Xu Jin’s expression also darkened a tad, and he nodded in agreement.

The next day, as planned, Shi Xing and Bi Shu were already donned in their grandly prepared ceremonial outfits—extravagant and intricate. Worried about Shi Xing’s state, despite yesterday’s fatigue, they had ensured he had ample rest. In the morning, Shi Xing absorbed several pieces of red ore, tidied up, and still appeared quite spirited.

The main reception personnel, directly from the imperial family, were Bi Shu and Shi Xing, while the internal administration leaders were Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong.

Everything was ready; Shi Xing and Bi Shu went upstairs to inform Chi Yao and then departed together.

With Chi Yao not joining this trip, the ship was downgraded one rank in specifications. Fortunately, Xu Jin had planned everything appropriately. After signing the marriage agreement with Chi Yao, the arrangements for Shi Xing’s royal support were already dispatched, ensuring that everything needed was readily available.

Today, Yan Changyue remained at the palace to care for Chi Yao. Xu Jin, as a senior attendant, followed Shi Xing and Bi Shu, ready to offer suggestions whenever needed.

On the spacecraft, Shi Xing closed his eyes, reviewing information regarding Tianyu Star and the Alliance.

“Tianyu Star is one of the first six planets forming the Alliance; its structure is quite similar to the Empire’s. Although it doesn’t compete with the Empire, its military and combat power peak at Tianyu Star.”

Thus, Tianyu Star is akin to a small empire within the Alliance.

Shi Xing continued, “However, the diplomatic relations between Tianyu Star and the Empire are very sensitive because…”

Bi Shu added, “Because of the Blue Star humans. The Empire has many military legions and Blue Star humans. Since the disappearance of Blue Star, Tianyu Star’s medical support has not kept pace with the demand, and their officers face rapid turnover due to injuries, leading to a significant gap in healthcare within the country.”

Shi Xing was curious, “Then, didn’t the Alliance favor the transplantation of the Mother Tree back then?”

Bi Shu, well-versed in such matters, nodded, “Yes. But the Alliance doesn’t consist solely of Tianyu Star; there are large planets focused on technology, culture, and resources. The contract from Blue Star needs to be embedded in the mental seas, and with so many planets in the Alliance, to ensure the Mother Tree’s protection, Blue Star requested it to be embedded in the mental seas of at least three upper families on different planets. Even if Tianyu Star agreed immediately, other planets in the Alliance that do not have the same high medical demand wouldn’t agree.”

Shi Xing nodded, “This is an issue related to the structure of the political system.”

Xu Jin affirmed, “That’s correct.”

Shi Xing continued polishing his understanding, “However, in recent years, with the efforts of the Elders Council and the Senate, four out of six planets among the major ones have had good relations with the Empire, specifically resource planets, technology-based planets, and a culture-forward entertainment planet.”

“In other words, the Empire and the Alliance each have something to gain from the other, but between the Empire and Tianyu Star, there exists little mutual supply and demand, and the types of planets highly overlap.”

Bi Shu explained, “The Empire’s military expenses have increased considerably in recent years, especially since many resource planets have joined the Alliance. The Elders Council and the Senate are working to improve diplomatic relations to reduce the prices of high-grade crystal imports, thus allowing us to sustain with lower costs for more spacecraft and warships.”

Shi Xing honed in on the key point, “So, the needs of the Alliance do not equate to the needs of Tianyu Star, but since the current Prime Minister was elected from Tianyu Star, the Alliance cannot bypass the Prime Minister. This time, all the diplomats sent here are officials from Tianyu Star.”

Tang Mi interjected, “That’s right, which is why the views of His Majesty and the Elders Council and Senate are not aligned.”

“His Majesty believes we should take a stronger stance towards Tianyu Star and engage in equal diplomacy.”

“The Elders Council and Senate have worked diligently for a long time, and even though Tianyu Star can be somewhat difficult, they know that addressing the energy issues will be a matter of negotiation at the diplomatic table, so the Elders Council and Senate advocate for a peaceful resolution. Even if Tianyu Star is a bit unpleasant, for the greater interests of the Empire, as long as we don’t hit their bottom line, everything else can be discussed.”

Shi Xing suddenly thought of something, “The border line has been guarded by the Empire’s troops for nearly a third, making it the longest defensive perimeter for a single planet in our star system.”

“The Alliance wouldn’t dare offend the Empire because of the military strength along the border.”

“And the Empire needs to import more energy crystals to support the military, it’s also due to the increasing number of star beasts near the border in recent years, which has raised consumption, hasn’t it?”

The chief clerk Wei Wan nodded, “That’s right.”

Essentially, the Alliance and the Empire rely on each other; neither can do without the other.

Suddenly struck by an idea, Shi Xing’s expression darkened slightly as he boldly spoke, “So if the Alliance refuses to sell us high-grade crystals and cores, can’t we simply not guard the border?”

This question was utterly surprising, and everyone fell silent.

For no other reason, the border line had existed for a long time and had always been cited in textbooks as one of the greatest cooperations in our star system. The initial reaction from everyone was not to think about abolishing border cooperation.

As expected, Bi Shu instinctively replied, “How can the border line be abolished?”

Shi Xing retorted, “Why not? Initially, it was about mutual support and cooperation. Now that the large-scale beast tides have almost disappeared, the yearly occurrences are just sporadic star beasts and minor tides. The Empire’s yearly expenditures for guarding the border are likely higher than those for simply guarding the main star and its satellites combined.”

“Since the Alliance doesn’t want a good relationship and Tianyu Star is causing trouble, then a complete break is the way to go! If beasts invade, the Empire can protect itself without issue. Without the border, the Empire’s troops would be more at ease, and the Alliance has so many mining stars—it can figure out how to deal with the star beasts on its own.”

Everyone: “…”

Wei Wan held her head, “Your Highness, please allow me a moment; my mind is a bit muddled.”

Fei Chu exclaimed, “Shi Xing, this idea of yours is too wild; I need to take a moment to digest this.”

Bi Shu was a bit stunned, “Though what you said makes sense, I still feel something is off. It shouldn’t be that way.”

Shi Xing understood everyone’s feelings.

The border line had existed for hundreds of years and had been lauded in the textbooks of various planets; unless necessary, maintaining it was the rationale of ordinary people. The idea of canceling it purely stemmed from…

Shi Xing lowered his head, as some thoughts spoke aloud were not readily accepted. With the prince not present, he reckoned it was best to remain silent.

They traveled to meet the diplomats, and everyone in the palace seemed a bit dazed, struggling to collect their thoughts.

The Alliance’s delegation was led by three diplomats: civil servant Jane Miller, Marshal Wei Er, and General Li Yu.

All three were Alliance officials hailing from Tianyu Star.

Their arrival primarily concerned the discussion over the length of border defense.

Following closely were lower-ranked officials, and only gradually did other planets’ diplomats trickle in.

Clearly, the hierarchy mattered; those three blaring figures took precedence in the Alliance’s diplomacy.

As members of the imperial family, Shi Xing and Bi Shu did not need to bow, but the Empire’s officials all paid their respects to them. The diplomats from other planets also followed imperial etiquette, yet the three from Tianyu Star did not.

Miller directly stated that Tianyu Star did not have an imperial system; there was no royal family there, and thus they refused to bow.

This made negotiations difficult from the get-go.

Ren Yan Yong’s heart sank, watching Shi Xing with unease.

Bi Shu was still underage; this reception was led by Shi Xing officially as their highest-ranking representative, so they all regarded Shi Xing as their leader.

Yet Shi Xing said nothing, merely nodded and let it slide.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen both sighed in relief as they led the diplomats into the reception hall prepared in the Imperial Capital.

Along the way, introductions were made. The three Alliance diplomats introduced themselves, while Shi Xing and Bi Shu remained quiet as Ren Yan Yong introduced them.

The cabinet official Miller looked at Shi Xing and remarked, “I didn’t expect His Majesty to have secretly married; the Alliance hasn’t received any relevant news.”

Miller swept his gaze from head to toe over Shi Xing, lingering on the slightly youthful face, and hesitantly asked, “Your Highness, are you of the Empire?”

Miller continued, “Or, is Your Majesty finally matched, and you are a Blue Star human?”

That gaze was too direct, lacking any semblance of respect, and Shi Xing couldn’t help but stop.

“I’m curious, Mr. Miller, have you learned about etiquette?”

The Marshal beside Miller immediately frowned, “Your Highness, what kind of question is that? Mr. Miller has served in the cabinet for nearly a hundred years; how could he not have learned etiquette?!”

Shi Xing nodded, responding lazily, “Oh.”

Ren Yan Yong’s scalp began to tingle.

But upon another thought, this time the target was not him, and he found himself feeling a bit fortunate?

Shi Xing continued, “Then why are your words so rude, sir?”

“It is improper to describe the wedding of our Sovereign as ‘secretly’ and then state that the Alliance received no notification. If I’m not mistaken, the Empire does not belong to the Alliance, does it? Are we to report something to the Alliance?”

“Moreover,”

Shi Xing stepped forward, his expression neutral and his tone mild, yet it exuded an invisible pressure on everyone.

“The latter two sentences, inquiring about my race—Mr. Miller, are you probing into the privacy of the Empire’s royal family without permission?”

The atmosphere immediately tightened.

Miller’s face darkened, and the faces of the Marshal and General beside him, visibly creased with tension.

Miller asking that question had clearly been meant to belittle Shi Xing. Even now, heightened to a protocol issue, he disdainfully thought it too trivial to respond to a youthful royal family picking a fight.

Of course, Shi Xing had no intention of getting an answer from him.

The next moment, he forced a smile, and as the atmosphere softened, Shi Xing lazily said, “Now that it has come to this point, it’s surprising you can’t even differentiate a couple of sentences. Sigh, everyone says Tianyu Star is like the Empire; it seems that’s not necessarily true.”

“The lack of manners from the cabinet’s major scholar probably correlates with the uncivilized nature of Tianyu Star and its rudimentary etiquette.”

Shi Xing waved his hand, “On behalf of the Alliance’s representatives, we’ll let this incident pass this time, but I will send someone later specifically to remind Mr. Miller about the interstellar etiquette.”

The diplomats: “…”

Humiliated so directly, Miller’s anger surged, “Your Highness, watch your words!”

Shi Xing furrowed his brows, and as he stepped forward again, Fei Chu and Fu Qing closely followed him out, their high-ranking mental powers palpable and overwhelmingly filling the space. The fact that Miller was merely an A-class mentalist turned his legs weak momentarily, yet he managed to hold himself upright for the sake of his dignity.

Shi Xing didn’t call for a stop.

This scenario clearly showcased a previously arranged tactic. Wei Zhen and Ren Yan Yong exchanged glances, both bewildered.

What on earth happened? How did a mere disagreement escalate to demonstrating powers?

As Miller and the Marshal, along with a crowd of diplomats, found themselves surrounded by the Empire’s military, cold sweat beaded across their foreheads. Shi Xing continued to smile, “Scholar, since you have arrived in the Empire, let me give you and all the diplomats a proper greeting.”

The smile didn’t reach his eyes as he abruptly coldly declared, “Mind yourself.”

As the words fell, he raised his hand, withdrawing his mental power, and rejoined the others.

All of this transpired within a mere two to three minutes. Shi Xing was unafraid of conflict and not intimidated by disputes, hence his methods of intimidation were more aggressive and assertive, forsaking the usual diplomatic probing strategies.

To illustrate, it seemed that Miller had subtly mocked him twice, waiting for Shi Xing to engage in a discussion. Instead, Shi Xing bypassed this step completely, rolled up his sleeves, and as Miller was about to activate his defensive measures, he dealt him a direct and ruthless blow that rendered Miller speechless and confused in mind.

Before the diplomats could even fully fan their arrogance, they had their flames extinguished by Shi Xing’s more domineering and ruthless approach.