ABRIWMTHM Chapter 80

Marshal Weir and General Li Yu, as leaders of the alliance’s diplomats, waited at the palace gates. Shortly after, Tang Mi emerged and conveyed Chi Yao’s messages clearly.

Tang Mi: “The palace is a crucial place for the Empire; the two officers must be dealing with matters to return to the alliance. Thus, we cannot keep you any longer in the palace.”

After performing the standard imperial courtesy, Tang Mi signaled the attendants to escort them out.

Will and Li Yu’s expressions were so grim that they could wring water from them.

They did not enter the residence of Chi Yao and Shi Xing, the quarters of the current emperor, but rather were in the outer reception building of the palace, where they sought an audience but were refused.

After being refused, they were hastily shown the door.

With a minimal injury but a high level of insult.

Will and Li Yu did not meet Chi Yao and Shi Xing, and it was unbefitting of their status to vent their anger on a scribe, leading them to be “invited” outside the palace. Once on the shuttle, the two finally let their already poor expressions fall apart, bursting out.

“Too much humiliation!”

“Excessive, it is truly excessive.”

The younger general, Li Yu, had never been treated this way and snapped in rage.

Marshal Will also maintained a cold expression, but years of military experience made him more composed than to curse.

“This is not the time for such talk,” Will restrained himself.

Thinking of something, his lingering anger swiftly cooled down.

“The Prime Minister scolded Jan Miller and demanded that he stay in the empire regardless to complete this diplomatic exchange.”

“The people from Tianyuan Star discussed internally before sending us, who have a relatively good impression of the empire…”

Although they were frustrated, the pressure from the alliance was more tangible. Marshal Will stated, “We cannot leave.”

Li Yu was confused. “But the palace said they won’t see us.”

Will shrugged helplessly, “If the first request to meet fails, we can certainly request again the second or third time.”

Li Yu choked up: “…”

Yes, when one has offended someone, seeking forgiveness is indeed like this, and now the situation was no longer under their control.

Will’s words calmed Li Yu down quickly, and an incoming message on the communicator made Li Yu feel even more suffocated, but he still truthfully conveyed the status at their residence to Marshal Will. “Now the diplomats from other planets are contacting their home planets.”

“Among the six major planets, one has already expressed their stance today, aligning with the Prime Minister’s wishes. No matter what, the alliance cannot sever ties with the empire; we must find a way ourselves first.”

Will had anticipated this. The alliance was unlike the empire, with a single indivisible major planet as its core. Conversely, the internal political systems and cultural ecologies of the alliance were diverse, making consensus difficult, and political disagreements were a daily occurrence within the alliance.

However… Will sighed deeply; with the border line issues at hand, the alliance was remarkably united regarding their stance towards the empire.

A severance of diplomatic ties was out of the question.

Now they just had to figure out how to rectify this mess.

Will and Li Yu spent the afternoon discussing when, at their request, Miller also arrived outside the palace later that evening. Before dinner, Marshal Will requested an audience for the second time, this time with justification, claiming that Scholar Miller wished to apologize in person to the emperor and his companion for his inappropriate remarks.

Having lowered his stance to such a degree, Li Yu felt that it could hardly go any lower.

But upon conveying the message, the response received was the same as during lunch—unseen.

Marshal Will: “…”

Scholar Miller: “…”

General Li Yu: “…”

The scribe, Wei Wan, smiled and said, “His Majesty has stated that if Scholar Miller truly wishes to apologize, then posting it on the star network is equivalent; aside from the internal network, the external star network is universally accessible throughout the Twin Star Galaxy, and he will be able to see it.”

Pausing for a moment, he added, “However, what is done is done; you have committed an offensive act, and the empire has the right not to forgive.”

This time, they weren’t urged to leave, but once Wei Wan finished speaking, he left, creating an awkward situation as they stayed.

Back on the shuttle, even though they were furious, Miller was perceptive. “It’s not enough; the conditions for apologizing aren’t satisfactory, the empire isn’t likely to accept so easily.”

Li Yu: “What do you mean?”

Marshal Will had predicted this, “I agree. The stage has been set; if the empire doesn’t receive any tangible benefits, they likely won’t relent.”

In just two days, Miller appeared to have aged more than ten years, sighing, “I have misjudged the situation between the two sides this time.”

Marshal Will certainly couldn’t say he had no grievances about this, but now was not the time for complaints.

After a moment of thought, he said, “Let’s ask for another audience tonight. If they still refuse, then we have no choice but to report to the alliance cabinet.”

If they still refuse in regard to diplomatic concessions, the decision-making must come from within the alliance.

Miller nodded reluctantly.

Requesting to meet again that night and adding a few more conditions for apology, unfortunately, the palace’s reply remained the same—refusal.

Subsequently, Marshal Will notified all diplomats to hold an emergency meeting that evening, sharing the situation with the alliance and brainstorming a way to overcome the current hardships.

For Chi Yao and Shi Xing, the day was said to be relaxed, but in reality, they were not as relaxed as it seemed.

Chi Yao had a pile of pressing imperial administrative affairs awaiting his attention, while Shi Xing might have overexerted himself in the last few days; today, after having laid his mind to rest, he could sleep soundly.

The most striking example was that Chi Yao finally had time to discuss his diplomatic plans regarding the empire’s future stance in the star system with Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen. While they spoke, Shi Xing was on the sofa looking at the military affairs Chi Yao had handed him, which pertained to the approval of military expenditures. As Shi Xing perused the logistics procurement list, when Chi Yao finished his words and turned around, he found Shi Xing stretched out on the sofa with his eyes closed.

Chi Yao: “…”

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen naturally noticed this as well; perhaps due to the events of the recent days, it was rare for Ren Yan Yong to help Shi Xing, saying, “His Highness has indeed been very tired these past few days.”

Chi Yao looked at Ren Yan Yong, a little surprised.

However, Ren Yan Yong misinterpreted this look and continued, “During the day, he had to meet the alliance diplomats, and whenever he had a spare moment, he was busy where he could, backtracking plans and studying the history of the empire.”

Upon reaching this point, Ren Yan Yong sincerely remarked, “This is rather taxing for Blue Star humans.”

Chi Yao realized something and subtly nodded.

He had Yan Changyue bring a blanket for Shi Xing to cover him for his nap while the three of them moved to a study for discussion.

When Shi Xing awoke and rubbed his eyes to find the three, Wei Wan, Tang Mi, and Fei Chu with Fu Qing were all present.

Shi Xing blinked slowly, “What happened?”

Chi Yao waved him over, and Shi Xing walked towards him. Chi Yao replied, “We are discussing the celebration ceremony.”

“Ah?”

Shi Xing knew about the celebration ceremony; it was held whenever alliance diplomats visited, hosted by the Capital to foster friendly diplomacy. This activity initially originated due to rampant star beasts when the border lines were first established, aiming to communicate the collaborative relationship between the two political entities to the public and eliminate any barrier in people’s hearts.

Subsequent events discovered that it was economically beneficial, and the citizens of the Capital enjoyed it, so the ceremony was continued as a tradition.

However…

Shi Xing was astonished, “They are about to drive the alliance diplomats away, and yet you still want to plan a ceremony?”

Upon that realization, he immediately thought of an answer, not waiting for anyone to respond, he lightly smacked his head, “Sorry, I was being foolish.”

Shi Xing: “You’re making two preparations, aren’t you? If the alliance shows a sincere attitude towards peace, and relations truly become amicable, then the prepared ceremony will continue? But if they sever ties, it will be abandoned?”

Chi Yao chuckled and nodded, “Exactly.”

Chi Yao: “Don’t hit yourself, you’ll bruise your head.”

Shi Xing: “Hmm.”

Fei Chu directly pointed out, “You’ve been too tired these past couple of days; since His Majesty has woken up, you should rest a bit.”

Shi Xing wanted to say something, but there were too many people, so he held back.

In a flurry, evening came. After dinner, the officials and scribes left. Chi Yao wanted to head back to the study, but Shi Xing pulled him and whispered, “You need to rest more too, Your Highness.”

“I can feel your mental sea is becoming somewhat turbulent.”

Chi Yao looked at the hand Shi Xing held, raised his head to glance at Shi Xing again. Seeing Shi Xing’s awkward expression, he nodded and did not insist, saying, “I know.”

“I’m just going to grab a few documents, would you like to join me in the study?”

Shi Xing agreed.

Not many documents were taken. That evening, Shi Xing released his healing mental power. Though it couldn’t completely resolve the fluctuations in Chi Yao’s mental sea, it made a noticeable difference.

The two small attached studies were a lot cozier, and while Shi Xing sat on a lazy sofa on the carpet, discussing the details of the ceremony with Chi Yao, the topics weren’t all that serious; it felt more like friendly conversation.

Chi Yao was being pulled along by Shi Xing and found himself sinking into another spherical lazy sofa with a slightly fatigued expression. Suddenly, he said, “The alliance’s actions have been very rapid, but in fact, I don’t wish for the ceremony to be held so soon.”

In Shi Xing’s confused gaze, Chi Yao candidly stated, “I am still in the turbulent phase. I’ve just woken up these past couple of days, though my condition will improve soon. There will still be ups and downs following that; it would be best if the ceremony could take place after Er Ya arrives.”

Shi Xing nearly forgot they still had therapists in the mix. When Chi Yao brought it up, he casually asked, “They said it would arrive in a week; how many days are left?”

“Tomorrow night or the night after.”

Nodding, Shi Xing got back to the main topic, worried, “Will there still be fluctuations? Even with the contract in place?”

Chi Yao remained silent, looking at Shi Xing. Shi Xing suddenly realized it was because of the injury to the mental sea.

And it wasn’t an ordinary injury; it was a through-and-through…

Shi Xing’s heart twisted. He stood up and hugged Chi Yao.

With both of their weights on the sofa, the sofa sagged audibly.

Chi Yao was a bit surprised, quickly realizing and chuckling, “Suddenly acting coy?”

Shi Xing did not deny it, “Just wanted to hug you.”

Chi Yao’s joking words caught in his throat; he raised his hands to cover the back of Shi Xing’s neck, accepting the embrace.

In that prolonged hug, neither spoke, but Chi Yao felt the atmosphere was tranquil and warm, better than anything.

Having fallen asleep in the study during the afternoon, when Shi Xing returned to the room that night, he finally encountered the pleasant surprise prepared for him by the efficient attendant.

Seeing the larger bed in the master bedroom, Shi Xing froze, “W-where’s my bed?”

Chi Yao remained calm, “Xu Jin said that since we are now sleeping together, the previous one was too small; he replaced it with this one.”

Still a bit surprised, Chi Yao asked, “Didn’t he ask you first?”

Shi Xing realized something and looked at Chi Yao, pointing out, “So Uncle Xu asked you, didn’t he, Your Highness?”

Chi Yao raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his lips, not denying it, “Hmm.”

Shi Xing: “…”

So, Uncle Xu was acting on approval!

Chi Yao began to remove his accessories without looking at Shi Xing, suddenly asking, “Don’t you want to sleep with me?”

Shi Xing’s ears turned red.

After a moment, he whispered, “No, it’s not that.”

Chi Yao’s voice was laced with laughter, evident to Shi Xing, “Then that’s fine.”

Shi Xing: “…………”

Shi Xing squatted down, cradling his head, “Your Highness, this is a different matter!”

Footsteps echoed softly, and a moment later, someone stood in front of Shi Xing.

“I know your intentions.”

Chi Yao’s voice was soft, appearing particularly gentle, “Then do you think I can’t? I want this; would you be angry with me?”

Shi Xing fell silent. After a moment, he mumbled, “How could I be angry with you!”

Clearly being unreasonable.

But he really couldn’t stay angry.

Laughter that was truly infuriating rang in his ears as a long hand extended toward him, wanting to pull him up. Shi Xing remained unmoving, and that hand stubbornly lingered.

Ultimately, Shi Xing relented, taking Chi Yao’s hand and standing up.

Of course, the intention behind pulling him up was not how he imagined it.

In reality, once pulled up, Shi Xing was met with a sudden kiss that silenced any further follow-ups.

And in that room, there were only the two of them.

And it would always just be the two of them.

Clothes were tugged and slightly torn apart, and when they separated, neither was particularly dignified.

In a tacit exchange of glances, Chi Yao first went to the bathroom and then it was Shi Xing’s turn.

Climbing into the new bed dressed in their sleepwear, Chi Yao’s gaze brushed over Shi Xing’s face and suddenly exclaimed, “Your neck…”

Shi Xing followed Chi Yao’s gaze and touched it, realizing, “It might be a constitution issue; it doesn’t hurt, just looks scary.”

Chi Yao reached out to touch it; Shi Xing didn’t flinch and even obediently turned his head.

Chi Yao’s expression grew solemn, “Are there others on your body?”

“There are.”

Shi Xing pulled up his clothing to reveal two spots on his waist where the pressure had been too strong, beneath his neck, and also on his chest.

Just when Shi Xing casually intended to lift his shirt, Chi Yao pressed down on his hand.

“That’s enough; don’t pull your clothes off any longer.”

The tone was hoarse, carrying a sort of tacit understanding between adults.

Only then did Shi Xing realize what he had done and hurriedly said, “Your Highness, I didn’t mean it that way; it’s just that you asked, so I…”

“I know.”

Chi Yao leaned down to embrace Shi Xing.

Warm breath caressed Shi Xing’s ear as Chi Yao straightforwardly said, “But I do mean it that way.”

Shi Xing frowned, seriously doubting if Blue Star humans had their brains worn out after two tiring days.

Then, a shiver ran down his spine as light kisses fell on his neck, so gentle, lightly spreading over the bruised areas.

Chi Yao slowly said, “I am thinking about something.”

“You say that once I pass through the turbulent phase and my mental power is revitalized, can we…”

The implications of what he left unspoken made Shi Xing dumbstruck.

Chi Yao held the back of his neck, their eyes suddenly locking, demanding, “Can we?”

“Will you give it a try?”

Shi Xing blushed deeply, turning red all over.

There hadn’t been any contact, but just being looked at so intently made it seem like there was a reaction.

Shi Xing was so embarrassed, it felt unbearable, so he closed his eyes.

“Respond, Star.”

At this moment, Chi Yao was remarkably insistent.

Shi Xing fell apart, “Let’s talk after you get over your turbulent phase.”

Chi Yao laughed, making Shi Xing feel like there was no place to hide.

There was no other way—the two of them mutually understood—

Not refusing was tantamount to giving consent.

That night, Chi Yao came over to hug Shi Xing while sleeping, as if Shi Xing were some pain-relief medication.

Shi Xing… couldn’t resist, only yielding.

In fact, he didn’t particularly want to resist; he just wasn’t accustomed to it.

Unaccustomed to the breathing beside him, unaccustomed to the occasional kisses that fell upon his skin, and unaccustomed to being touched, even through sleepwear.

Yet, being unaccustomed didn’t mean he disliked it; it was a true and authentic feeling.

Before falling asleep, Shi Xing finally asked the question that had been pressing at the back of his mind, “Your Highness, you’re not afraid I’ll drain all your mental power, are you?”

At times of emotional upheaval, touching a Blue Star human’s skin… he wasn’t just speaking carelessly.

This situation was not rare, and given Chi Yao’s understanding of the Mother Tree’s nesting conditions, he couldn’t possibly be unaware.

Chi Yao: “If you could, I would let you drain all of it.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Realizing Chi Yao was resolute, Shi Xing, in frustration, knocked his head against Chi Yao’s shoulder and fell into a deep sleep.

Chi Yao was right; the next day, Shi Xing woke up to find his situation had fluctuated.

Not severe, but the energy of his mental sea was irregular, not reaching the level of turbulence, making him feel uncomfortable.

He had directed all of his healing mental power towards Chi Yao, but its effect was limited.

In the morning, the palace dealt with nothing else, mostly revolving around Chi Yao.

Chi Yao was fine but looked pale, markedly different from his usual self; anyone could see he was not in good condition.

Xu Jin, being accustomed to it, had long been aware that such situations would occur.

In fact, those who lived in the palace seemed to understand it, seemingly the only one unfamiliar with this was Shi Xing.

Feeling unwell, Shi Xing stayed beside Chi Yao all morning.

The alliance’s diplomats came again in the morning. Shi Xing outright refused. In the afternoon, the alliance representatives had learned their lesson; they first relayed the messages and on the surface still spoke of apologies.

After negotiations with the alliance, Wei Wan reported, “The alliance diplomats want to collectively apologize, shifting all blame onto that officer. If the imperial royal family meets them, Scholar Miller will come along to sincerely apologize in person.”

This was all standard procedure, but the real reason for Wei Wan’s report lay elsewhere.

Wei Wan: “The alliance stated they offended the empire. To demonstrate sincerity in establishing relations with the empire, the cabinet of the alliance has deliberated and is willing to prioritize discussions on energy procurement in diplomatic negotiations, postponing the issue of border deployments.”

Upon hearing this, Chi Yao slowly smiled.

“Had they done this earlier, we wouldn’t need to bargain.”

Remembering something, he sighed, “I wonder whose idea this was, coming at just the right time, leaving no opportunity for rejection.”

The issues regarding crystal ore and energy had always been significant for the empire; before the diplomats arrived, the empire and the alliance had argued multiple times over whether to discuss energy or border lines first.

Now, at this juncture, the alliance proposing this was precisely tuned to the empire’s mindset.

Moreover, if they agreed, the alliance would also deliberate on the subsequent export prices of the crystals and ore; at the very least, they wouldn’t inflate prices too drastically, behaving themselves.

Seeing the alliance’s sincerity in this concession pleased Chi Yao in every aspect.

Shi Xing also understood; though he didn’t want Chi Yao to strain himself by meeting the alliance diplomats under poor conditions, he said nothing and deferred to Chi Yao’s judgment.

Chi Yao: “Let’s say we’ll consider it; when they come again, we’ll meet.”

Their stance had already been made sufficiently clear.

Wei Wan nodded and wanted to withdraw when Shi Xing called out to him.

Shi Xing: “An in-person apology isn’t enough; I want Jan Miller to write an apology letter. Today’s apologies will also be recorded, along with the circumstances in front of the ancient royal tomb.”

Seeing that Chi Yao had no objections, Shi Xing straightened his back, “You will convey this to them. After such a significant concession from the alliance, they won’t alter their attitude over a mere Miller.”

Chi Yao chuckled; Shi Xing was right and had firmly grasped the alliance’s mindset.

While they couldn’t do anything to the alliance, they could use Jan Miller as a leverage.

The conditions were relayed accurately.

Upon hearing it, Jan Miller slammed the table, vehemently rejecting, “They are humiliating me, attempting to cut off my political path!”

As a scholarly cabinet member of the alliance, once he released such an apology video, it would bring shame to the alliance, leaving no place for him within the cabinet after returning.

Marshal Will, General Li Yu, and the other diplomats all understood, but alas, all of this was beyond Miller’s control.

Later that evening, feedback from the alliance arrived, and the alliance agreed.

Not only agreed, but the Prime Minister personally communicated with Jan Miller, urging him to submit to this.

Hearing the Prime Minister’s intent, Miller turned ashen.

The evening’s meeting went smoothly aside from Miller’s darkened expression—everything else was harmonious.

Chi Yao spoke little; during the apology segment, it was entirely Shi Xing’s show.

“Your voice is too soft; the video will not have a good effect; Scholar, I beg you to speak up.”

“What’s with that expression? Can you not smile?”

“Your officers’ apology letter seems quite sincere, but the tone of yours doesn’t sound that way…” Shi Xing suddenly turned to Chi Yao, acting innocently, asked, “Your Highness, since we’re all scholars here, surely your knowledge must not be lacking?”

Chi Yao sensed Shi Xing’s mischief and played along, “Naturally not.”

Shi Xing scrutinized the apology letter, after a while, he said, “The palace has both paper and pens; the study desk has no shortcomings. Since this one was poorly written, why not trouble Scholar Miller to write another good one? This little request for the empire should be easy for a great scholar like you, right?”

Miller was enraged to the point of wanting to spit blood, “You…”

Shi Xing’s tone was cold, “What about me?”

Under the glances of Will, Li Yu, and a group of diplomats urging him on, Miller realized he had no way out, forcing a smile, “Little prince is right; I… I will write another.”

During his speech, veins throbbed on his forehead.

Shi Xing found the scene delightful, instructing Yan Changyue to focus on close-ups during editing.

Thus, Miller revised the letter multiple times, appearing on the verge of a breakdown, until Shi Xing finally compassionately let him read it aloud.

After finishing, with the photographer’s affirmation, Shi Xing eagerly approached to view the final version.

But before he reached the camera, something suddenly fell in front of him.

Shi Xing froze.

Instantly, chaos erupted around.

“Doctor, fetch a doctor.”

“Oh no, oh no, Scholar Miller, what happened to you?”

“What’s going on?”

Watching as the diplomats formed a circle around him, Shi Xing gradually pieced it together—Miller had fainted from anger.

To this, Shi Xing muttered quietly, “Serves him right.”