Chapter 1269 - 1129: Pressing Forward Relentlessly

Chapter 1269: Chapter 1129: Pressing Forward Relentlessly

The steward was overjoyed when he heard that the other party was willing to understand the situation.

He knew very well how closed off their esteemed guests were, hardly ever leaving their territory and seldom meeting guests.

Moreover, these esteemed guests were notoriously strong, even the government knew this, so after issuing the notification, they didn’t push.

"I will meet you right away, let’s discuss the specifics in detail."

Before long, the Flower Scorpion understood the whole story.

It turned out the Empire had issued a warning that there may be "unforeseeable risks" soon, asking all planet governments to take it seriously.

The specifics of what those risks were, the Empire had not disclosed, and Little Lake couldn’t find any related information online.

However, it could be basically confirmed: the matter is definitely not small, otherwise, the warning wouldn’t have been so vague.

The Flower Scorpion could outright refuse, as everyone was just leaseholders and had no reason to be conscripted.

The key point was that no one from the Gustine Clan was on Qingyuan Star anymore, even if one wanted to conscript them, they’d need the necessary authority to do so.

This also aligns with the ancient rules: the vassal’s retainers are not the Empire’s retainers.

However, how the rules should be interpreted could have some dispute.

The Flower Scorpion felt uncertain and thus decisively summoned the boss.

Qu Jianlei already knew what had happened and asked directly upon arriving, "How did you handle the last conscription?"

The steward’s expression was somewhat sheepish, "During the last conscription, the Gustine Clan was still present."

Qu Jianlei’s brow furrowed slightly, "Is the government unwilling to disclose what the risk is?"

"We asked repeatedly," the steward answered very confidently, "But they said the government also isn’t very clear."

"That’s quite unfortunate then," Qu Jianlei answered without hesitation, "We are just leaseholders, the government has an obligation to inform."

"We will only consider getting involved after the reason is determined... but merely consider, not necessarily act."

"Okay, understood," the steward nodded, it was good enough that the leaseholder had stated their position; they need not act on their own accord.

However, he still needed to clarify one point, "So what should we do? Since the master isn’t here, it would be best if you can give a directive."

Qu Jianlei thought for a moment and replied, "You can patrol above the airspace... staying within the atmospheric layer is fine."

Outside the atmosphere wouldn’t fall within the boundaries of the territory; his aim was to protect the territory—at least showing the posture.

This isn’t much different from not accepting conscription... the steward nodded, "Alright, we will follow your directive."

The steward left, and Claire curiously asked, "Boss, why bother with them?"

Now that there were no outsiders around, Qu Jianlei answered candidly, "I’m considering if it might be related to the Marvels of Heaven and Earth."

"Making a little gesture allows them to easily gather information... isn’t that quite good?"

Mu Guang really didn’t want to get involved, but upon hearing this, he couldn’t help but speak.

"I’m also gathering information, currently, there’s no more information... boss, do you think it will definitely come?"

Of course, Qu Jianlei couldn’t reveal his own constitution, "Actually, I hope it comes, it’d be best to have a chance encounter."

"Back at the auction, I wanted to bid on it, but unfortunately didn’t have enough money."

Upon hearing this, Mu Guang was speechless too, while others see dangerous things, you actually consider capturing them?

In truth, he also knew that the other party was indirectly avoiding his question: it wasn’t necessarily a reason for the Marvels of Heaven and Earth to come.

Given the vast territory of the Empire and the multitude of planets, the probability of such a thing appearing on Qingyuan Star was really low.

However, since the other party was unwilling to answer directly, he naturally wouldn’t forcefully pursue, so he just smiled and spoke.

"If you call yourself poor, then I must be destitute."

At this moment, the Nutrient Injection approached, "As of early this morning, I haven’t received any new related news."

Qu Jianlei hesitated upon hearing this, then affirmed, "Keep going."

After another five or six days, the steward again consulted the Flower Scorpion, "The government requires us to patrol outside the atmosphere."

The Flower Scorpion, under Qu Jianlei’s instruction, bluntly stated, "At most above the airspace, not to other places."

"This is just a suggestion, if you don’t agree, just pretend I never said it."

The steward hesitated before stating, "The government requires us to accept management, patrol regions... we may not have a say."

Upon hearing this, the Flower Scorpion immediately became furious, "We have no position, you just make your own choice."

—Everything was made clear, are you trying to make us bear the brunt now?

"You may not understand," the steward replied with a bitter smile, "We are just employees, without the qualification to make representative statements."

Flower Scorpion paused for a moment before reacting, "I was negligent."

"But I still want a clear answer, which side’s directive are you willing to accept... the government or us?"

"Of course, the esteemed guests’ directive," the steward answered without hesitation, "Listening to the government may lead to a second time if there’s a first."

The Flower Scorpion immediately realized, "So you’re still worried about being gradually encroached upon for management authority."

But she didn’t take it too seriously, "Anyway, my stance is quite obvious."

Yet that very night, Nutrient Injection got wind of the latest news, "Rebels assassinated the head of the Ninth Army Group."

The Ninth Army Group is one of the seven elite field units of the military, and the leader was carefully groomed by the top brass.

Especially considering this assassination took place in the Imperial Capital while he was returning on duty.

He usually remained in the military base, and this rare trip back to the Imperial Capital ended in assassination—how could this not provoke deep thoughts?

It’s said that when the news reached the military headquarters, it turned into a gladiatorial arena.

To be honest, the seven elite armies are powerful but not enough to cause such commotion.

Take this assassinated leader for example; though he led the Ninth Army Group, his rank in the military had just entered the top ten.

Yet he is a true power-broker, with the Ninth Army Group aiming for top position among the seven.

As soon as the news reached the Ninth Army Group, several insurrections occurred, with soldiers planning an armed march to the Imperial Capital to demand an explanation.

Of course, this news is tightly controlled, and only Nutrient Injection could tap into it.

Still, Qu Jianlei was somewhat puzzled, "How could this issue have anything to do with Qingyuan Star?"

Nutrient Injection’s expression turned serious, "Qingyuan Star shouldn’t be underestimated, considering the entire noble group’s backing... is that important?"

The noble class has become largely insignificant in the Imperial realm, yet remains a formidable presence.

Especially in local disputes, tiny variables can alter the outcome, not to mention this force is quite substantial.

Qu Jianlei agreed with the assessment but was a bit surprised, "Are we really heading for war?"

"Such matters are never certain," Nutrient Injection replied nonchalantly, "It’s mainly about being prepared for anything."

Clearly, like Qu Jianlei, he had little interest in governmental strife.

Then he added, "There’s evidence suggesting some military interest in the space disturbance point."

This rationale seemed more plausible to Qu Jianlei, given the tangible interests involved.

The military initially eyed the space disturbance point, though it’s not a monolithic entity.

Internal disputes within the military might be more intense than imagined.

In Qu Jianlei’s team, Xiao Moshan, Fourth Master, and Youyou—weren’t they all backstabbed by their own kin?

But whatever the predominant reason, it hardly affects Qu Jianlei, as they aren’t closely linked with the military.

What truly concerned him was, "Why drag the Marvels of Heaven and Earth into this if it’s unrelated?"

Nutrient Injection answered blandly, "A reason is always needed; Marvels of Heaven and Earth won’t defend itself—so why not?"

"Plus, who can guarantee it’s definitely unrelated? It might be, or perhaps the preceding issues were smoke bombs."

Qu Jianlei found his perspective intriguing, "Despite your young age, you seem to understand things clearer than me."

Nutrient Injection waved his hand indifferently, "Anyway, the possibilities are limited. Considering more options is just preparing adequately."

As they chatted, in a mansion within the Free Zone on Qingyuan Star, a dozen strong guards patrolled.

In a living room of the mansion, a man and woman sat conversing.

The man, in his prime, with a soldier’s demeanor, "Those people still haven’t reacted."

"That’s not my concern," the woman shook her head, causing her gray hair to sway, "This is a rare opportunity."

The man sighed softly, "There are already three barrier breaches; a fourth will destabilize the Empire if it gets out."

A hint of ruthlessness crossed the woman’s wrinkled face, "If they can seal off three, they can seal off the fourth..."

"I’m demanding blood debts to be repaid, no compromises."

The man hesitated, shaking his head slowly, "This cannot happen on Qingyuan Star; the nobles’ fury is beyond you!"

The woman answered expressionlessly, "That’s your concern. We’ve waited long enough."

Three days later, Nutrient Injection visited Qu Jianlei again.

He sternly stated, "Recently, the Rebel Alliance has been very active, and the military is considering mobilizing civilian forces."

Qu Jianlei was unaware of this; Little Lake’s intelligence-gathering is strong but limited to the planet.

"Are we, just passing through, included in this mobilization?"

Mobilizing passersby seems unreasonable, but he wanted to know if their capabilities could exempt the team from this.

Nutrient Injection pondered his reply, "Mobilization on Qingyuan is unlikely, but the steward has already responded to the government’s call."

Qu Jianlei shifted in expression, "So earlier, the government was just setting us up?"

Even patrolling one’s airspace is following government orders, making subsequent directives appear natural.

However, in the face of absolute power, such subtle differences are negligible, and the team can ignore further orders.

Yet being schemed against, Qu Jianlei felt a bit displeased.

Nutrient Injection quickly assured, "Boss, don’t be mad, I’ll negotiate to ease things."