ABRIWMTHM Chapter 88

Chi Yao raised his eyebrows, a hint of amusement in his expression, signaling Shi Xing to continue.

Shi Xing immediately straightened his back, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Chi Yao and said.

“I’ve been in the library these past few days, but Sister Er Ya isn’t teaching me about the Empire’s situation or the subtle relationships between the medical therapists of various military groups and the prominent families in the Empire.”

Shi Xing paused for effect, “Can you guess what Sister Er Ya is teaching me?”

Chi Yao’s eyebrows lifted slightly, thinking for a moment before answering, “The familial illnesses of the high-ranking families on the Alliance side?”

Shi Xing was taken aback, his eyes widening.

Chi Yao chuckled and leaned back casually, “What? You think I couldn’t guess?”

Shi Xing exclaimed in surprise, “How did you know?!”

After speaking, he touched his face and looked puzzled. “Did I give it away that much? But there’s no inscription on my face.”

Chi Yao’s smile widened, only saying, “Continue, I should have more to guess.”

Indeed, he had only guessed part of it.

One aspect was the familial illnesses of high-ranking families on the Alliance side, and the other was to help Shi Xing understand the mental sea disorders that people in the Twin Star Galaxy might experience.

These were not issues left over from the battlefield, but rather problems presented during development, similar to the issues with Shu Ning’s mental sea.

In his past life and this one, Shi Xing had primarily treated military officers, and the injuries he encountered were linked to conflicts with the same star beasts. Shu Ning wasn’t the first, but he was a relatively typical case of primary mental sea disorders that Shi Xing encountered.

However, such diseases were not uncommon.

Reflecting on what Er Ya had said, Shi Xing snapped out of his momentary distraction and said seriously, “The Empire produces few medical therapists, and during their training, they cannot do without the military’s assistance. Therefore, once Blue Star humans become medical therapists, they naturally remain in the military to treat the mental sea injuries caused by battles.”

“But originally, this wasn’t the norm for Blue Star humans’ medical care.”

“Before Blue Star vanished, the primary focus of treatment was mental sea primary diseases, with battle-related mental sea issues only accounting for a small portion.”

As he prepared to speak on, Shi Xing suddenly paused.

Chi Yao, however, urged him, “Go on.”

Shi Xing swallowed nervously, carefully observing Chi Yao’s expression as he said, “So this is why the Empire has become a target concerning medical resource issues.”

The entire star system had grown accustomed to the medical care provided by Blue Star humans, used to resources that could be obtained with just an agreement.

Then, suddenly, it was gone.

Not only that, but the Imperial army had also monopolized the few Blue Star humans, unwilling to share even one…

Shi Xing continued, “Illness is different from other issues; when one is ill, they need doctors. Tomorrow, there will still be doctors in the star system, and some high-ranking individuals on various planets are willing to pay a hefty price for treatment, but… the Empire just won’t open up.”

“Over time, the contradictions have escalated like a snowball, growing larger and larger.”

Lowering his gaze for a moment, Chi Yao also corrected his demeanor, affirming, “You are right.”

Shi Xing added, “But this is not what the Empire wants, and the Empire has no other choice.”

“Initially, there were too few Blue Star people. There weren’t even enough to supply the officers, so how could they distribute them externally?”

“Later, as the number of medical therapists increased… the interests between the state and the military began to conflict.”

“The military needs to station at the longest border, and medical therapists are nurtured with great effort by the military. It is difficult for people within the Empire to find medical therapists, let alone expect the military to disperse their medical resources willingly. The Senate and the Elders Council fear other planets will poach Blue Star humans, so they won’t agree to this open policy. Therefore, even if you understand the root cause, Your Highness, you must feel helpless.”

Chi Yao smiled at Shi Xing, his smile not reaching his eyes. More than a smile, it seemed to be an acknowledgment.

Chi Yao asked, “So what solutions have you thought of?”

Shi Xing replied, “Open a very limited number of medical slots in the Empire, only using S-class medical therapists. Those below S-class, as well as Blue Star humans who have not yet passed their maturity period, will not be involved in treatment and will continue to supply the military.”

“I discussed this with Major General Fei and Sister Er Ya. The average level of mental power among high-ranking officials on the planets is generally decent; an A-class medical therapist can treat problems that an S-class can naturally handle. We should open up the top-tier medical resources without fearing that other planets won’t be interested.”

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing and said suddenly, “Someone once proposed a similar solution.”

Since Chi Yao took over, the opening of medical resources was a point raised in every diplomatic negotiation with the Alliance.

Initially, the Empire had very few Blue Star humans.

But now…

Shi Xing stood up abruptly, “I understand now; Major General Fei mentioned that the implementation was challenging because S-class medical therapists belong to each military group. It is difficult for the military to support these medical therapists as they are high-level and more resource-intensive, compounded by the long border, making it very challenging to convince them to yield the top medical resources.”

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing with a gentle gaze and suddenly reached out to him. Shi Xing realized he wished to touch his cheek, so he grabbed a cushion and sat on the carpet beside Chi Yao, allowing him to touch his face.

Chi Yao thought for a moment and only said one thing, “You should know, behind every S-class medical therapist’s development, there were multiple soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the hunt for star beasts.”

Chi Yao said it lightly, but the weight of life made the light words momentarily leave Shi Xing breathless.

Shi Xing pressed Chi Yao’s hand on his cheek and reiterated, “I know, Your Highness.”

It was precisely because it was so difficult that the internal and external voices against the opening of resources in the Empire would be so fierce.

Shi Xing said, “But things are different now.”

Shi Xing’s eyes were bright, reflecting Chi Yao’s figure within them: “Now you have me, Your Highness.”

“Previously, neither the First Army nor the palace had Blue Star humans, so persuading the military to yield medical resources felt like asking others to give from their own. However, if I advocate for this matter, it will be very different.”

“The Empire only has me as an SSS-class medical therapist, and there are many officers with high mental power in the Empire; S-class medical therapists themselves aren’t high enough in rank, so if they oppose me, they’ll have to weigh the future implications of their healthcare.”

“Additionally, regarding my identity, I can consult all S-class medical therapists; energy issues are unavoidable, the border cannot extend further, and the Empire doesn’t belong just to the two of us; it is the Empire of all its citizens. I believe they will make wise choices.”

As he thought of something, Shi Xing continued, “But you still have to promise me one thing…”

Chi Yao interrupted him suddenly, leaning in and looking seriously at Shi Xing, “I can agree to all your conditions, but if you promote this as a royal direct descendant, regardless of how smooth the process is, there will inevitably be opposing voices within; are you sure?”

Shi Xing had only been studying internal politics for a short time and had not even passed his maturity period yet.

His youthful cheek was still tender, and he hadn’t fully matured when he first arrived…

As Shi Xing mentioned, this matter required him, and only his presence would be the best solution.

But… Chi Yao felt somewhat reluctant.

Originally, Blue Star humans should not have to endure this much turmoil before their maturity period.

After a moment of questioning, as expected, the young man nodded heavily.

“Absolutely.”

“Because I am not just an unripe Blue Star human; I am also a direct descendant of the imperial family…”

Shi Xing rubbed his cheek against Chi Yao’s palm and softly said, “I am your partner.”

“The royal family should prioritize the Empire’s interests.”

“As your partner, I should also bear half the responsibilities of the Empire.”

“My involvement is merely setting an example, Your Highness.”

Chi Yao responded, “Don’t put it so grandly.”

Shi Xing placed his arm on Chi Yao’s leg, resting most of his upper body weight on him. After a moment of silent contemplation in their gazes, he whispered, “Then… I don’t want you to be too tired, especially since you haven’t gone through a chaotic period…”

“If my fatigue can make you feel a little easier, I’m willing to take it.”

His voice was soft, but the tone was exceptionally firm.

Who has undergone a chaotic period like Chi Yao? Not only handling official duties every day but also having intense meetings.

Shi Xing bet that no one in the entire capital was as busy as Chi Yao.

Chi Yao’s fingers resting on Shi Xing’s cheek couldn’t help but apply a little pressure, and in his gaze, the little Blue Star human looked at him obediently, even the shallow blue eyes reflected his image.

Chi Yao suddenly said, “Don’t say such things at night.”

Chi Yao added, “It’ll make me think of other things, like…” His long fingers slid down to Shi Xing’s collar, and Chi Yao’s breath grew heavier, “I want to hear you pant here…”

Shi Xing’s mind hadn’t processed it yet when a hot kiss suddenly pressed down.

In a daze, the other person asked, “Do you like me this much?”

Shi Xing replied, “Your Highness, you are the best person to me since I left the Tree Nest.”

The reply was satisfactory, plus he had taken a shower proactively, making Chi Yao feel that he could no longer continue to act like a virtuous gentleman.

That night, Chi Yao not only heard Shi Xing’s gasps but also listened to his helpless, tearful sounds.

After the chaotic moments, Shi Xing’s eyes were unfocused, and neither his nightgown nor his pants remained in their original position.

Lying on the soft carpet, Shi Xing finally understood.

He was in chaos, while Chi Yao was impeccably dressed, with only a few creases from being squeezed.

Chi Yao opened his mouth, intentionally spitting out Shi Xing’s belongings back onto him.

Shi Xing was in despair.

Chi Yao, however, continued to hold onto him, determined to describe the experience…

And discussed with him, after the chaotic period, whether he could reciprocate…

The next day, Chi Yao helped Shi Xing peel a plate of shrimp again.

Er Ya successfully extorted a plate of seafood from Shi Xing that was already prepared by the Emperor.

Before long, Fei Chu extended a bowl toward Shi Xing.

Shi Xing hadn’t even had time to offer help when Fei Chu’s bowl cracked, shattered by Chi Yao’s mental force.

Fei Chu: “…”

Chi Yao: “There’s a place just outside the palace that suits this hobby; Central Park would be great. After a day, you might earn a bowl of crystal coins.”

Fei Chu felt mocked and refused to argue with Chi Yao, turning to look at Shi Xing, complaining, “Your Highness, someone is bullying your subordinates.”

Shi Xing felt embarrassed and took the initiative to peel a spiny shrimp for Fei Chu, which Chi Yao didn’t stop.

However, in the end, the shrimp took a detour on its way to Fei Chu and ended up in Chi Yao’s stomach.

Fei Chu: “…………”

Fei Chu: “Isn’t this too much?”

Chi Yao smugly replied, “Then go ahead and cry.”

Following the principle that one can be killed but not humiliated, Fei Chu threw down his chopsticks… he would not eat!

With Wei Wan and Tang Mi making decisions, and Chang Quan presiding over meetings, within two days, Shi Xing had already gathered the wishes of all S-class medical therapists.

To Shi Xing’s surprise, no one opposed it; the medical therapists unanimously agreed.

Shi Xing was puzzled, but Er Ya pointed out the key in two sentences, “The longer one serves as a medical therapist, the more they understand the seriousness and widespread nature of primary mental sea issues.”

“As long as it’s treatment, they won’t refuse.”

Shi Xing felt a delayed realization: most Blue Star humans had soft hearts.

Before the second round of diplomatic meetings regarding energy began, the Empire’s official website announced that they would soon open up top-tier medical resources.

The news overwhelmed the servers, filled with inquiries from royal or ruling families from various planets, asking about the conditions for opening, the specific timeline, and most importantly, the qualifications to obtain them.

Having secured the military’s agreement, S-class medical therapists were not related to ordinary people, and the internal opposition was less vocal than Shi Xing had imagined.

After keeping everyone on tenterhooks for a day, the official website responded the next day by announcing—

A trial opening of 30 treatment slots, welcoming inquiries and negotiations from major planets; slots were limited and first-come, first-served.

This news sent waves throughout the system.

The Alliance understood the Empire’s intentions, and internally, the first day was filled with disputes, but they remained silent towards the Empire, unwilling to let the Empire succeed and destroy the earlier pressure over energy.

What Shi Xing hadn’t expected was that in the following days, the Alliance could hold more than ten meetings in a single day, fracturing the cabinet’s position.

While the diplomats from various planets in the Empire remained composed, maintaining a unified external attitude.

“It seems we need to escalate the pressure.” Chi Yao commented.

And this pressure quickly came through Lady Campbell.

During the diplomacy with the Alliance, the Campbell royal family suddenly visited the Empire, including the Campbell princess who had primary mental sea diseases.

All the diplomats watched as the individual was pushed down from Campbell’s spaceship.

The Empire also reported on this.

Within a week, after Shi Xing treated her in the palace, the princess reappeared in public, bouncing with vitality.

If there hadn’t been a first person to take the leap, it would have been fine, but with one doing so, the Alliance’s restlessness could no longer be contained.

What drove everyone to despair was that with the princess’s appearance, the Empire announced that all 30 slots had been purchased by the Campbell royal family in exchange for a large mining star, and the Empire would not release the next batch of slots until these 30 had been completed.

What cannot be obtained is always the best.

The planets in the Alliance that had needs contacted the Campbell royal family that same day.

Despair returned as a response stating that out of Campbell’s 30 slots, only 10 were for their own use, while the remaining 20 were sold to the hundred wealthiest interstellar merchants, each with their own urgent patients needing treatment.

In other words, not a single slot could be given away.

What puzzled and infuriated the planets in the Alliance the most was that there were even interstellar merchants born from the Empire among them?!

Realizing that if they didn’t act soon, it would be too late.

The next evening, the Empire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs received dozens of official letters from planets.

More than ten medium-sized energy planets in the Alliance contacted the Empire privately, inquiring about the price for slots and when they would be opened again.

The remaining planets were not in the Alliance, but there were still ten resource planets.

Chi Yao smiled as he and Shi Xing discussed the feedback from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shi Xing thought for a moment and casually said, “Scarcity increases value, there’s no need to rush a reply; let’s delay a bit longer.”

Chi Yao asked, “Delay until when?”

Shi Xing was firm, “Until the Alliance has completely turned upside down.”

Chi Yao was delighted, “Doctor Shi, you’re about to turn the Empire into a black market clinic!”

“Aren’t we discussing the opening of medical resources? This is the price when we open.”

Shi Xing raised his chin, pride showing, “If they think it’s expensive, they don’t have to come.”