"Where has victory been without bloodshed? If you're not game, leave it to our 245th Army..."

"Our Royal Navy fears no one, if it's needed, we'll go first..."

------

Shen Wuxiang sat perfectly poised on the grand Taishi Chair, allowing the generals and strategists before him to argue incessantly.

Currently, they were divided into three factions: one in favor of war, one advocating a gradual approach, and another believing in reaping political gains first; Zhao Ling was hardly within their scope of discussion.

In truth, Shen Wuxiang felt indecisive.

According to his own thoughts, the best course was to swiftly capture Zhao Ling and destroy the Qin Family.

Keeping a tiger as a pet leaves room for potential hazards; they shouldn't be given chances to develop and grow stronger.

Especially now that they had the support of Lu Clan's black tech...

Previously, everyone was desperately suppressing the Lu Clan's influence in the military, letting them have the technology, but barring them from armed forces.

Now the veil had been lifted, the imperial power had diminished influence over the Lu Clan.

Could they now fiercely unleash their military might?

Even if he didn't rally troops to equip the existing Qin Family army...

Just thinking about it gave him a headache.

It seemed Shen Family had taken the initiative, but indeed, it was not that proactive.

Apart from the glaring enemies, the Qin Family and Lu Family...

Other powers also lurked nearby, scheming in secret.

Who knew when they would bite?

What's harder to accept was that Tang Fei and the others, through a secret passage of Phoenix Palace, had escaped to Blue Star...

That long-neglected abandoned planet.

If they could just die there, that would be best.

He had no interest in that place at all, not one bit.

Once gone, let them never return.

But he feared that Qin and Lu Families might find a chance to bring them back...

Now that was a troublesome matter.

He would not allow another heir from the Zhong Royal Family to emerge.

Nor would he allow Zhong Daolong to return and say, "I support Second Prince Zhong Tianyi; Zhong Tianque commits patricide and treason, his sins are unpardonable..."

Shen Wuxiang felt duped by that old man.

He had pushed the Shen Family to a high point, making them a target for many arrows.

Although all choices were his, he felt everything appeared meticulously planned by that old foe.

Imperial Treasures, indeed formidable?

One dead for decades, yet loyalists abound.

Another, putting his own body in the game, hanging Shen Family out to dry?

Shen Wuxiang was not rash; if so, he wouldn't be occupying this position.

But only now he realized the perilous situation he was in, as if walking on thin ice.

One misstep and the fruits of victory could be lost.

Just then, a confidential secretary approached him and whispered a report.

Shen Wuxiang looked up and asked the secretary, "Where is he?"

"Locked in the main prison at the guardhouse."

"Who asked you to put him in the main prison?" Shen Wuxiang asked expressionlessly, his words conveying extreme dissatisfaction.

The secretary's face reddened, sweat forming on his brow, immediately apologizing, "I am aware of my wrongs."

No explanations; explanations are just excuses.

The Military Minister only looks at outcomes.

Failing to handle things properly was already a dereliction of duty.

"Take him to Pavilion of the Whispering Wind and wait for me," said Shen Wuxiang without reprimanding the secretary.

He knew this made things difficult for his subordinates; the person's identity was indeed special, and without his classification, his identity was "traitor."

"Understood."

The secretary saluted and left.

Shen Wuxiang glanced at the noisy operation room, stood up, and walked outside.

Everyone debating heatedly glanced at each other, wondering. Weren't they supposed to decide a result today? Why had the boss left already?

Should they still "perform"?

In the Pavilion of the Whispering Wind.

As Shen Wuxiang marched in vigorously with a group resembling wolves and tigers, the window framed an old man with white hair and beard and a gracefully dressed elderly lady.

Both were peering through the pear-wood round window at the bizarre rocks and strange pines of the mountain stream, watching the shifting clouds.

Built against a cliff, the pavilion opened to distant mountains and clouds, with mist swirling below the precipice and dark clouds tumbling, seemingly bottomless.

The elderly lady nestled next to the old man, still pointing at the clouds that formed various animals, seeming as if they were just touring and sightseeing.

"Dean Shang in good spirits."

Shen Wuxiang stood behind them and commented.

Shang Xiulin turned around, looking at Shen Wuxiang, "Usually too busy with official duties, rarely get a chance to take the old lady out...now free from official posts, I can finally accompany her."

"Truly envious of such a devoted couple."

"Nothing to envy, just decaying wood and leaves ready for burial."

Shen Wuxiang, thoughtful, eyed Shang Xiulin closely and asked, "Are you trying to make me kill you?"

Shang Xiulin, in turn, scrutinized Shen Wuxiang, asking, "Why would the Military Minister ask that?"

"I know you left, you clearly had a chance to board the ship, so why stay behind?"

"What's there in Old Land? A ruined planet with nothing to offer, better to stay and watch the Military Minister's spirited control over the State."

Shen Wuxiang sighed softly, "If you truly think that way, it's Shen Wuxiang's and the Empire's fortune. You should know the doors of the Shen Family are always open to you."

"If Dean Shang wishes, the ceremonial position of Minister of Education is waiting."

"The Military Minister is too frugal; back then, Zhong Daolong even offered me the position of Minister of Culture."

"I am also willing to offer you the position of Minister of Culture, but you must let me know...you are Shen Wuxiang's friend, and a friend of the Shen Family."

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