ABRIWMTHM Chapter 81

Miller collapsed, and after emergency treatment, he was taken away wearing an oxygen mask by the medical staff equipped in the palace.

There were also dedicated medical buildings within the palace, but Miller wasn’t qualified to be treated there.

After being diagnosed in the emergency guest room, the doctor came to report the situation to Chi Yao and Shi Xing.

“The scholar is getting older and is under great stress. He needs further examination.”

Marshal Weil and General Li Yu recalled that Miller had fainted the last time they were at their residence. They exchanged glances but tacitly decided not to mention it.

Shi Xing didn’t pay much attention and directly asked, “So he fainted from anger because of me?”

Once the Alliance’s spaceship landed in the imperial capital, the diplomats had all been honed by Shi Xing until now. Compared to Shi Xing’s casual question, everyone seemed to react as if they were under stress, instantly responding, “How could that be? Scholar Miller feels guilty towards the Empire, and his apology is extremely sincere!”

The diplomats shamelessly asserted, “It must be that Scholar Miller was afraid that his inappropriate behavior would ruin the friendly diplomatic relations between the Alliance and the Empire. He became anxious while apologizing, and since Your Highness asked him to rewrite it, the scholar… he must be worried that his sincere apologies were not perfectly expressed, which led to his emotional turmoil and fainting.”

As soon as they finished speaking, someone immediately echoed them.

“Yes, the scholar must be afraid of affecting the relationship between the two sides.”

“The scholar seeks perfection in everything. When his apology letter was rejected, he must have worried himself to death to make sure it was the best.”

“Exactly, even if the scholar is angry, it is because he blames himself. He absolutely does not mean to convey anything bad about the Empire.”

Shi Xing: “…”

Ren Yan Yong/Wei Zhen: “…”

Shi Xing didn’t care about Miller’s attitude towards him; he thought the entire event would not be pleasant for the other party either.

However, the diplomats from the Alliance changed their tune too quickly. He had merely mentioned it, without any intention of holding anyone accountable, yet everyone… was too cautious…

So cautious that they extended the ladder right to Shi Xing’s feet; if he didn’t step down, it would be quite rude.

While he was thinking this, Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen simultaneously cast strange looks his way.

After several instances of hesitation in speech from Chairman Ren and Speaker Wei, Shi Xing finally spoke up, sounding a bit helpless, “I haven’t held Scholar Miller accountable. Since he has already apologized and the Empire has accepted it, this level of grace is still present in the Empire.”

The diplomats hurriedly responded, but it appeared that very few of them genuinely believed what they were saying.

Shi Xing: “…………”

Shi Xing rubbed his forehead, giving up on persuading them about this issue, and turned to Chi Yao, bringing the conversation back on track, asking what to do next.

After listening for a while, Chi Yao, with a playful smile on his face, asked, “Since it happened in the imperial palace, the palace naturally has some responsibility. Let’s directly send him to the First Hospital for a full examination.”

With just a few words, he sent the unpleasant person out of the palace.

The diplomats had no objections to this handling. Soon after, Scholar Miller was carried onto a medical spaceship and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The diplomats who came were politely retained by the palace for a while longer. After exchanging a few grandiose words, confirming that relations had officially eased, they were promptly sent back to their accommodations under the pretext of urgent state affairs.

Once they boarded the Alliance’s spaceship, the diplomats felt a sense of relief, congratulating themselves for having somewhat narrowly escaped.

Only Marshal Weil and General Li Yu gathered around a table, speaking in low voices.

Weil: “Miller’s political career is just about over after this, but we should thank him. If he hadn’t stepped up, it would have been us.”

Li Yu, who was younger in age but cold in personality, had little fluctuation in his tone, “He is getting older; it wouldn’t be bad for him to go back and take care of himself. No need to compete with the younger generation.”

Referring to Miller’s domineering behavior on Tengguan Star.

Weil remained noncommittal.

Li Yu suddenly stated, “I observe that Shi Xing seems quite attached to the Emperor; he is impressive with others but particularly obedient before them.”

In fact, Li Yu had secretly observed for the whole morning, and this conclusion was decidedly accurate.

Weil obviously recognized Li Yu’s capabilities and asked him quietly, “What did you find?”

“Not so much a discovery, but I feel that Blue Star humans raised in the Tree Nest for around twenty years tend to be quite naive when they come out. They haven’t seen much of the world. The Empire isn’t exactly the most prosperous planet in terms of economy and entertainment; perhaps we can approach this aspect.”

Realizing something, Weil asked, “You think his peculiar character was spoiled by the Empire?”

Li Yu chuckled slightly, “Most likely; the Empire values Blue Star humans, and they haven’t been through any setbacks.”

Not experiencing setbacks naturally means they haven’t encountered external temptations, leading to a narrow view.

Li Yu: “If we can create a division among them internally, then that would be ideal; if not, we can always seek other methods.”

Li Yu explained carefully, “Er Ya’s departure from the Empire was quite unpleasant; she understands somewhat about the good and bad of the normal world and has accompanied troops, witnessing the cruelty of the battlefield, but Shi Xing doesn’t seem like that.”

“Empire Blue Star humans are well protected, and those of us who haven’t gone through the maturity period can’t even catch a glimpse, let alone persuade or tempt them. Though Shi Xing’s personality isn’t easy to handle, from another perspective, his naive and foolish demeanor is rather fortunate for us; this kind of distinctive character is certainly easier to understand in terms of preferences and dislikes, providing a point of leverage.”

Weil nodded in understanding and stated, “Then let’s observe for now and see if we can make contact.”

“I recall that the Empire doesn’t teach Blue Star humans too much about Blue Star history. To observe, topics need to be approached; perhaps we can start from that angle…”

After sending off the diplomats, Chi Yao’s condition fluctuated again that afternoon, and his face visibly turned pale.

However, Chi Yao seemed fine, having lunch and preparing to continue handling official documents when Shi Xing stopped him.

“Your Highness, please rest. If it really doesn’t work, I can help you look.”

Chi Yao paused, amused, “Do you think you have such abilities to handle a few documents here?”

Shi Xing mumbled, “There must be something I can manage.”

“Alright, then you can come. I’ll watch you from the side.”

Huh?

Shi Xing was stunned.

After finishing, Chi Yao smiled at him, the corners of his eyes curling in a way that seemed to wait for his submission.

Shi Xing gritted his teeth and refused. He truly redirected Chi Yao’s holographic screen to himself, preparing to attempt some handling.

As soon as he took it, Chi Yao grabbed the projection screen again and suddenly said, “Let’s be clear, if you do well, there’s a reward, but if not, there will be punishment. Are you sure you want to continue?”

Shi Xing was provoked by this authoritative tone, snatched the projection screen, and charged.

An hour later, Xu Jin urgently needed to find Chi Yao to make a decision about palace affairs. Knowing Chi Yao was in the study, he knocked on the door outside, casually thinking that since Chi Yao’s mental power could sense him, his quietness meant agreement.

Without waiting for Chi Yao to call him in, he pushed the door open.

Just as the door swung open a crack and he caught sight of the scene inside, bang! Xu Jin forcefully closed the door!

Behind him, Yan Changyue: “?”

Another attendant: “?”

Xu Jin took a deep breath and exhaled, his expression remaining unchanged, “I was too hasty; His Majesty hadn’t called me in yet, and I opened the door. This kind of blunder is my negligence as an attendant. Please pay attention in the future, and don’t behave like this again.”

Yan Changyue and the other attendant nodded, acknowledging his reprimand.

Before long, Chi Yao’s voice came from the study, “I’m busy; if there’s something, come back later.”

Xu Jin responded seriously at the door, barely making it through, then rushed away as if something were chasing him.

Yan Changyue questioned, “Xu Uncle, why are you leaving so fast?”

Xu Jin, unflustered, replied, “Thought of a matter I need to take care of; you should come with me.”

The two attendants didn’t suspect anything, quickly quickening their pace.

After everyone had left, Chi Yao let go of Shi Xing, who had turned as red as a tomato. He finally gained his freedom, getting off Chi Yao’s lap.

In that hour, describing Shi Xing’s performance as disastrous would be an understatement.

He had no idea that Chi Yao was reviewing the annual document from the Forestry Bureau. The Forestry Bureau! He didn’t know anything about forestry; he knew nothing at all!

Through several misjudgments and learnings, Shi Xing consecutively lost his overcoat, lost his sofa, went from sitting at Chi Yao’s desk to answering questions while sitting on Chi Yao’s lap.

Sitting was fine; it wasn’t the first time he had sat.

But, but!

Shi Xing didn’t understand how the situation shifted to him undoing buttons. He, thinking no one was around, lost all sense of shame, convinced that he could always manage to turn the tide. The outcome of that impulse…

The outcome was Xu Jin pushing the door open to find Chi Yao sitting upright while Shi Xing was disheveled, seated on the other’s lap… handling official business.

And now, Shi Xing was seriously questioning whether, in this atmosphere, Xu Uncle would think that what was on the projection screen was official matters and not some unmentionable… adult entertainment materials.

Shi Xing: “…”

Shi Xing: “…………”

Chi Yao: “People have left.”

Shi Xing broke down, “Do you think I’m worried about that, Your Highness?”

Chi Yao considered and replied, “Xu Uncle wouldn’t speak out of turn.”

Shi Xing: “.”

Great, the prince’s words implied that Xu Uncle saw everything; he felt even more distraught.

There was a moment of tension, and after a while, Chi Yao looked at him, confused, “Are you embarrassed?”

Shi Xing covered his face, “Don’t you think I should have such feelings?!”

Chi Yao’s voice sounded especially serious, not at all pretending, “Not really; how far into the realm is this?”

Shi Xing: “?”

Shi Xing parted his hand slightly, one bright blue eye scrutinizing Chi Yao, every inch of his gaze accusing him of deceiving him.

Chi Yao couldn’t help but laugh, straightening up, “I’m not being dishonest; this is the honest truth.”

Clearing his throat, he added, “By the way, my parents have a great relationship, so… Have you considered that, as the head attendant, Xu Uncle has seen it all?”

Shi Xing: “?!”

Ah, this…

What this implied…

“For example.”

Chi Yao suddenly stood up, leaving Shi Xing confused as he was spun around, being pulled onto the desk where Chi Yao usually conducted official business and met with officials and paperwork.

With one hand pinning him down on the shoulder, Shi Xing hadn’t reacted yet when Chi Yao swept the items off the desk, the sound of office supplies clattering to the carpet as Shi Xing was suddenly pressed down on the desk.

Shi Xing froze, while Chi Yao slowly said, “Just now, you answered incorrectly; did we discuss a punishment before Xu Jin entered?”

“!!”

Realizing something, Shi Xing began to struggle violently, trying to crawl away.

Of course, he couldn’t escape.

Caught by Chi Yao by the ankle, he was flipped back over.

Shi Xing used his arm to shield his flushed face, trying to plead, “Your Highness, I admit defeat; I won’t, I won’t look at your documents anymore, can we just let that last time go?”

Chi Yao smiled, refusing, “No.”

When Shi Xing finally left the study, he was fuming and utterly red as he headed for the third floor.

In the living room, Fei Chu and Fu Qing exchanged puzzled looks: “?”

Not long after, Chi Yao leisurely followed behind, smiling, still pale but looking quite pleased.

Fei Chu and Fu Qing: “??”

Chi Yao: “If Xu Uncle comes to ask, just say I’m in the study upstairs.”

Fei Chu and Fu Qing: “Oh oh.”

After the others departed, Fei Chu scratched his head, “I always feel like there’s something we don’t know happening.”

Fu Qing gazed towards the staircase, sharing the feeling, “I feel that way too.”

Chi Yao didn’t check any documents that afternoon, but when Shi Xing emerged from the small study a second time, he wished time would rewind to let the other handle the official business.

All he could say was, for the foreseeable future, he did not want to see the desk again.

He preferred to handle documents on the sofa!

Fortunately, there was a celebration coming up, and that evening Chi Yao didn’t provoke Shi Xing. The two spent some serious time going through the celebration arrangements.

Originally, the celebration was planned for the following day. Although some unpleasant events had occurred in between, by the predetermined time, the Empire reconciled with the Alliance once more, and they had already announced the celebration time on the Star Network. Altering it was out of the question.

Since it couldn’t be changed, they would only hold it according to the original plan.

It felt a bit rushed, but thankfully the celebration wouldn’t last a whole day; it was set from afternoon to night. Although it required a bit of effort from Chi Yao, it was manageable.

In the middle of the night, Shi Xing awoke, realizing it was the connection that roused him; Chi Yao’s mental sea was restless again.

Shi Xing felt uneasy, wanting to turn on the light, but was held down by Chi Yao and pressed onto the bed.

“No need, Xingxing, it’s fine like this.”

Chi Yao’s voice was hoarse, “Don’t fuss; it doesn’t help.”

Shi Xing frowned, hugging Chi Yao back as he felt the other’s breath against his shoulder. Shi Xing asked, “What can I do to make you feel better? Should I take off my clothes?”

This made Chi Yao laugh, leaving a soft kiss on Shi Xing’s neck and teasing him, “You actually going to take them off?”

Noticing that Shi Xing was genuinely moving, Chi Yao found it amusing but felt his heart soften completely, holding down Shi Xing’s hand.

“Just kidding, can’t you tell?”

Shi Xing was dazed. As Chi Yao and he locked eyes, unguarded emotions were exchanged, and before they realized it, they shared a deep kiss.

After they kissed, Chi Yao gently rubbed Shi Xing’s back, softly coaxing, “I was just joking; don’t take it to heart.”

In silence, Shi Xing held Chi Yao tightly.

Chi Yao: “Just stay with me like this.”

Shi Xing promised, “Mm, once your mental sea stabilizes, we can sleep together.”

Chi Yao chuckled softly, “Silly Xingxing.”

In reality, they continued to be restless until dawn; by morning, Chi Yao hadn’t completely calmed down.

The good news was that the disruptions were intermittent; the chaos during the night and in the morning would mean less worry about losing control during the evening celebration.

Another piece of good news, which Shi Xing had long known, was that Er Ya’s spacecraft was queued to enter the Empire’s star port.

Xu Jin: “I already made arrangements concerning Er Ya’s entrance this morning; she should be able to arrive at the imperial capital during the evening celebration.”

Shi Xing sighed in relief, “That’s a small fortune within the misfortune.”

Chi Yao agreed, “Mm, although we probably won’t need her, having her here is better than nothing.”

By noon, Chi Yao’s mental sea regained its calm, and he began changing clothes to prepare for the evening celebration speech and to host the diplomats.

At the moment the twin stars descended, the celebration officially began.

Chi Yao and Shi Xing set out from the palace, having dinner with the diplomats, and the imperial family along with officials guided the diplomats through the celebrated event in the imperial capital.

The Alliance diplomats changed their attitude today; not only were they highly perceptive, but they also avoided causing any trouble, behaving very politely.

Shi Xing was still full of energy at the start, but after a mundane evening, he began to yawn sneakily at the event.

Chi Yao understood why; Shi Xing hadn’t slept well after being kept awake the previous night.

Turning another corner, under the protection of guards in the busy streets of the imperial capital, Chi Yao suddenly asked Shi Xing, “Do you want to stroll over there?”

The place Chi Yao pointed out was not on their route, yet it was a street bustling with the citizens of the imperial capital, lively during the celebration.

After asking, it was no surprise to see Shi Xing’s eyes light up.

Chi Yao smiled and beckoned Fei Chu and Fu Qing. In a moment, amid Shi Xing’s firm promise to bring back something for Chi Yao and everyone, a small team of guards split off to follow Shi Xing and the royal family along with the Alliance diplomats.

The diplomats noticed Shi Xing leaving but for some unspoken reason, they chose to remain silent, following the attitude of avoiding trouble.

Ren Yan Yong and Wei Zhen continued engaging with the diplomats, when Xu Jin beside Chi Yao suddenly spoke up, “Speaking of which, since Star arrived in the capital, he’s only gone out to play once.”

His tone carried an unmissable guilt.

Xu Jin sighed, “It’s been far too busy since returning.”

Chi Yao glanced again in the direction where Shi Xing had left and said flatly, “We’ll make time in the future.”

Bi Zhou looked at Chi Yao longingly and hesitated to speak.

Chi Yao first interrupted the Crown Prince’s fantasy, finalizing his words, “Don’t think about it; at this event, you need to behave properly.”

Bi Zhou whispered, “But Shi Brother….”

Chi Yao: “Then you can go back and apply to move out of the royal direct line.”

Bi Zhou: “……”

Bi Zhou: “Oh.”

Alright, he understood the difference in treatment between a Crown Prince and a partner. Good to know, Uncle!

“Excuse me, today’s celebration has both the royal family and Alliance diplomats up ahead; you can’t pass through, how do you see it?”

The driver of the spaceship, looking apologetic, said to a woman.

Er Ya, hearing this, finally looked up, seeing some familiar scenes after a long time, feeling somewhat dazed, “Oh, I forgot; the Empire’s celebration.”

Er Ya didn’t want to put anyone in a difficult position, just said, “Then driver, please pull over. I’ll walk through.”

“Alright, alright.”

“Please be careful and walk slowly.”

As the driver reminded her, Er Ya waved her hand at the back, appearing to have nothing with her, and left.

Entering the celebration, Er Ya suddenly thought of something and sent a communication.

Before long, receiving a reply, she was no longer in a hurry and prepared to walk slowly towards her old friends.

In the imperial capital, Er Ya glanced around at the lively scenes before her, remembering that she hadn’t been back in nearly a decade.

In the past, she either treated patients on starships or at the border; even when in the Empire, she wasn’t in the imperial capital.

It had indeed been a long, long time since she returned.

Of course, she didn’t particularly want to come back.

Having lost the person who once took her to the celebration, her impression of the Empire’s capital was only endless indifference and despair.

On the busiest street during the celebration, Shi Xing glanced back.

Not long later, he looked back again.

Yan Changyue found it strange; without waiting to inquire, Shi Xing first said, “Did any of you hear someone calling me?”

Everyone shook their heads.

Yan Changyue, being perceptive, asked further, “What did they call you? Shi Xing, Little Prince, or Xingxing?”

If it was Little Prince, then there would be no need to care; it should be an official seeing him.

Shi Xing thought for a moment, strangely enough, couldn’t recall, just felt that a voice was calling for him.

This was too strange. Shi Xing shook his head, thinking he must have misheard, and ignored it.

After walking a while and tiring himself out, the group found a quieter corner to rest. Just as Shi Xing took a sip of water, his expression changed.

“I heard that voice again,” Shi Xing said.

Fei Chu, being sharp, asked, “What is it?”

“It’s… calling me, but I…”

After carefully pondering for several seconds, Shi Xing finally figured out where the problem lay, “It’s not in the imperial language. I can understand it, I…”

“I don’t know either.”

Fei Chu reacted quickly, “Let’s head back.”

Now that Chi Yao was in poor condition, they couldn’t utilize spiritual energy extensively. If Shi Xing encountered anything more, it could be the best time to take action, and he couldn’t allow that situation to happen.

Fei Chu’s reaction was quick, and Shi Xing also felt it was abnormal, not opposing as the group promptly prepared to head straight back to regroup.

But just as Shi Xing took a step forward, he sensed something with instinct. Before he could move, the unique mental barrier of the Blue Star humans activated.

Doing so was also correct, because the moment the barrier opened, another surge of wild mental energy swept through, knocking everyone down except for Shi Xing’s group amid a chorus of screams.

A star beast suddenly appeared in front of Shi Xing.

For two seconds, his mind went blank. Fei Chu laid bare the key to its stealthy action, “Space mutation ability!”

That star beast also had bright yellow eyes, heavily wounded, appearing as if it had surged in from somewhere unknown; yet, upon noticing Shi Xing, it didn’t react with excitement, instead standing quietly, seemingly observing them.

After a moment, the star beast took a step forward, and Shi Xing’s eyes widened in shock.

No other reason; he finally understood what he had heard just earlier.

He heard the star beast calling for him.

Not with a voice, but through mental energy; the energy fluctuations could transform into information, which Shi Xing understood.

As the weak star beast stepped forward, its energy fluctuations transformed into information in Shi Xing’s mind.

Its aged voice bore a hint of joy as it conveyed, “Blue Star, human, found you.”