in2ebook Chapter 1481 The Compromise of the Lord of Yangxing
Chapter 1481 The Compromise of the Lord of Yangxing
The deep blue light emanating from the core of the star hub flowed like ripples on water, reflecting Yin Pan'er's slightly furrowed brows.
She looked at Xiao Ce, a hint of worry in her voice that was barely perceptible:
"Your Highness, are we... really going to give them one-tenth of the spiritual essence?"
Even a tenth of a mineral vein, even just a tenth of the main Arctic mineral vein, is an astronomical figure.
Besides, their retreat at this moment might just be a temporary expedient.
If they were to launch a counterattack in the future, wouldn't these resources be aiding the enemy?
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ce's lips slowly curled into a sly smile, and his deep eyes gleamed with an all-knowing wisdom.
He reached out and naturally put his arm around Yin Pan'er's waist, letting her lean against his strong arms.
“Pan’er,” his voice was deep and tinged with amusement, “I will give it to you, of course I will.”
"My word is my bond; what I've said is as good as water spilled. This 'one percent' is the 'privileged mining tax' I promised to Yangxing, the price I'm paying to keep them in check and buy us time to develop."
Yin Pan'er looked up and met his eyes, which seemed capable of swallowing the stars:
"But..."
"No buts."
Xiao Ce gently interrupted her, tapping her shoulder with his finger, and continued with an air of complete control:
The key is, "give," but when?
How to give?
In what form should it be given?
From the moment they agreed to their conditions, this initiative was firmly in our hands.
He paused, looking at the growing understanding in Yin Pan'er's eyes, and continued:
"I am not the kind of person who is ruthless and disloyal, much less a treacherous and faithless person."
Reason is given.
If Yangxing could truly uphold this 'strategic partnership' agreement, and behave itself all these years, without interfering or engaging in any underhanded tactics...
"Then, when we truly possess the ability to freely navigate the universe, and the strength to fear no threat, I will naturally offer them what is due, and perhaps... we can even discuss things more deeply."
His gaze was fixed on the distant torrent of data, as if he could see a future cosmos:
"Having more friends means having more options, especially in this vast universe."
A stable and powerful Yang star may well become an asset in our future exploration of a wider world.
Cooperation leading to mutual benefit is always better than making enemies everywhere.
Yin Pan'er nodded slightly, understanding Xiao Ce's strategic intentions.
This "one percent" is not only a shackle, but also a bait, and even more so a bargaining chip for future diplomacy.
"but..."
Xiao Ce abruptly changed the subject, his tone turning icy cold, like the biting winds of the Arctic:
"All of this is predicated on their 'trust' and 'compliance'!"
If, during this time, they show even the slightest sign of wanting to reclaim their dominance in this world, or spread rumors detrimental to us in interstellar space, attempting to isolate us... or even secretly funding some exiled force..."
He snorted coldly, and the light of the Nexus core seemed to dim for a moment:
"Then don't blame me for turning ruthless!"
I will cut off the one percent I promised them, along with the claws they extended... and make them return it with interest!
What I do is entirely up to them.
Yin Pan'er felt a chill run down her spine as she sensed the cold killing intent in his words, but then a warm feeling of reassurance welled up inside her.
Her prince was always so clear-headed, so adept at finding a balance between power and wisdom.
She replied softly, "Pan'er understands. Respond to all changes with constancy, and set the rules with strength."
Xiao Ce gave her an approving look, then ordered Ling Xu: "Ling Xu, in my name, send a message to Commander Strucker of the Yangxing Fleet through that passive feedback channel."
“Command confirmed. Please dictate the contents, Your Highness.” Lingxu’s image appeared.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Ce clearly stated:
[To Commander Strucker and the Sunstar Council:]
We have received your confirmation of acceptance of the terms.
To demonstrate sincerity and promote mutual trust, I will temporarily and to a limited extent reactivate the basic communication and spatial coordinate anchoring functions of the Star Network Hub, for a period of seventy-two standard star hours from the date this message is sent.
During this period, I hereby order your fleet to immediately activate the warp engines and completely and thoroughly withdraw from the gravitational pull of this system, following the original return route.
I will confirm this through the entire process monitored by the Star Hub.
Once it is confirmed that your fleet has completely withdrawn, Star Hub will resume a minimal, targeted annual communication mechanism with Yang Star. At a fixed time each year, both sides may exchange encrypted information to maintain basic communication channels.
Regarding the share of the Spirit Essence resource mentioned in the agreement, its delivery method is as follows:
Given that we currently lack mature deep-space navigation and large-scale interstellar transportation capabilities, we are unable to proactively transfer resources to you.
The delivery of this resource share will commence once we have mastered stable and reliable faster-than-light travel technology and possess sufficient transport capacity.
The specific delivery time, location, and method will be determined by both parties through negotiation based on the actual situation.
This is the only feasible solution based on the current circumstances. We hope you understand and remain patient.
Xiao Ce's letter
Message sent!
Xiao Ce smirked coldly: "Give them three days to get lost, then give them a future they can see but can't grasp. Pan'er, what do you think the expressions on those people from Yangxing's faces will be?"
Yin Pan'er imagined the chaotic scene that might occur on the bridge of the Yuanwang ship and couldn't help but smile: "I'm afraid... it's going to be a huge uproar again."
Everything was just as Xiao Ce had said...
Yangxing Federation, Supreme Council Dome Hall.
Xiao Ce's reply was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a red-hot oil pan, instantly triggering an explosion that was more violent and out of control than ever before!
"Liar! Utterly shameless!"
He's just making empty promises!
Draw a picture of a pie you can never eat!
Congressman Carlton was the first to jump up, his fat face contorted and flushed with extreme anger, roaring hoarsely as spittle flew everywhere!
"Temporarily activating the signal? Monitoring our departure? Annual communication? Delivery will only be possible once he masters interstellar travel technology? When will that be?! He's just playing us! He's making a fool of the great Yangxing Federation!"
He waved his short, thick arm, pointing to the star system where Xiao Ce was located on the huge star map, as if he wanted to pierce through it:
"He owns the Abyss Roar! That ship can travel through space once it's repaired! He says it doesn't have transport capabilities? Bullshit! This is just blatant stalling! A delaying tactic!"
They're trying to fool us, develop their business quietly, and then completely renege on their promises! Absolutely unacceptable! Absolutely not!
"Calm down, Carlton! Your yelling won't solve anything!"
Suppressing her shock and a sense of humiliation at being fooled, Congresswoman Marian tried to remain calm and analyzed the situation, saying:
"Although Xiao Ce's reply was harsh and full of uncertainty, it was not entirely untenable in logic!"
The Abyss Roar is a warship, not a transport ship!
Repairing it for combat and modifying it for large-scale interplanetary transport are two different things!
He definitely needs time to develop deep-space transportation capabilities! And he promised annual communication, at least leaving a line of communication...
"Communication? A line that he could cut off at any moment? Annual contact? Just to hear him come up with a new excuse for procrastination every year?"
Even a representative from an energy group who was originally more pragmatic could no longer remain silent, and retorted with a livid face:
“Congressman Marian, you’re too naive! He’s just trying to get something for nothing! He’s using a vague promise of ‘future delivery’ to get our troops to withdraw and for temporary peace!”
We've been used! Utterly and completely used! The dignity of the Federation has been trampled underfoot and repeatedly rubbed into our bones!
"That's right! This is humiliation! It's Xiao Ce's ultimate humiliation of the Federation's intelligence!"
In the holographic image transmitted back by Strucker, Model roared, his fury clearly discernible even across the vast expanse of space:
"Commander! Speaker! We can't agree to this!"
Should we leave as soon as he moves aside?
Will we have to wait anxiously for him to "give us" a little news every year from now on?
The availability of resources is even more uncertain.
This is even more humiliating than defeat and surrender!
The entire fleet would rather die fighting in the starry seas than accept such insulting terms!
"Die in the Star Sea? Model! When you're caught up in your passion, can't you think about reality?!"
Dr. Sorenson's tired and shrill voice rang out:
"Wasn't Commander Strucker's report clear enough? To force a battle is tantamount to suicide!"
We are now facing not accepting this barbed agreement, but either accepting it and preserving a sliver of hope and connection, or severing everything completely, leaving the fleet adrift in darkness for decades, and then facing an enemy far beyond our comprehension!
This isn't a multiple-choice question at all! We had no choice!
"Dr. Sorenson is right!"
The sociologist-senator spoke again, his voice carrying a somber weight of worldly wisdom:
"Everyone, we've all been got the upper hand by Xiao Ce."
He pinpointed our Achilles' heel: the time cost and the risks of expeditions.
The "pie" he offered, though distant and full of uncertainties, is currently the only option that allows us to leave gracefully, at least superficially, while preserving some possibility for the future.
If we reject him, we'll truly have nothing left but hatred and a path destined for failure.
"Decent? Where is the decent in this?!"
Carlton was almost furious and said, "This is a disgrace to our nation! It is an utter disgrace!"
When did our Yangxing Federation fall so low as to accept charity and delays from a traitor?
Are we really going to sit back and hope he'll show some mercy in the future? If the legislature passes this bill, it will become the biggest laughingstock in federal history!
“Congressman Carlton, please watch your words!”
The tall, thin congressman, who was in charge of the budget, said sternly, "Is face more important, or the lives of thousands of soldiers in the Seventh Fleet?"
Is the vague and ethereal 'Federal dignity' more important, or is it more important to retain the possibility of being able to confirm the other party's movements every year and potentially obtain resources worth tens of billions of spirit crystals in the future?
Xiao Ce was a shrewd and ambitious man, not a madman!
The fact that he's willing to leave communication channels at least shows that he doesn't intend to completely break ties with us or engage in a life-or-death struggle for the time being! This in itself is a signal! An opportunity!
"Opportunity? I think it's a trap! A huge trap!"
Another hawkish general roared in opposition: "He needs time to develop, so he's just pretending to keep us calm! Once he's fully grown and has the power to sweep across the stars, do you think he'll still care about that 'one percent'?"
Why would he care about 'partners'? His first target is Yang Xing! To avenge today's 'humiliation'! We've nurtured a tiger that will eventually threaten us!"
"To raise a tiger to cause trouble, or to seek coexistence with a tiger after bargaining for its skin?"
Commander Lin Wei's voice came through the communicator, carrying a deep weariness and a hint of determination: "Lord of Yangxing, fellow councilors. Arguing will not change reality."
No matter how harsh Xiao Ce's conditions were, at least they gave us a glimmer of hope for the future, a fulcrum we could work on.
Rejection, on the other hand, means immediately plunging into the abyss. Strategy, sometimes, is about choosing the option with the least loss from the worst possible choices. I... support acceptance.
It was also suggested that further negotiation clauses be included in the agreement regarding details such as annual communication content and future delivery monitoring mechanisms to increase its binding force as much as possible.
"Seconded!"
Marian immediately declared, "We must grasp at this straw, no matter how thin it is!"
At the same time, we must accelerate our own development! We cannot place all our hopes on Xiao Ce's 'credit'!
Only when Yangxing becomes stronger will we have more leverage at the negotiating table in the future! Instead of being like this now... practically begging.
The domed hall was once again engulfed in a fierce argument.
Anger, humiliation, fear, despair for the future, and a sliver of hope intertwined.
Hardliners denounced it as a loss of sovereignty and a disgrace, insisting on tearing up the agreement and launching an expedition at any cost; pragmatists, on the other hand, sadly insisted that this was the only way out and that they had to endure the humiliation; centrists wavered, at a loss.
The Lord of Yang Star sat at the highest point, like a rock in the eye of a storm.
He listened silently to the deafening argument below, his gaze fixed intently on the azure planet on the star map, and the full text of Xiao Ce's cold and forceful reply marked next to it.
Carlton's roar, Marian's pleading, Model's anger, Sorenson's pessimism, Lin Wei's helplessness...
All the voices crashed against him like a tidal wave. He could feel the immense powerlessness and humiliation felt by the entire parliament, and even the entire federation, in the face of this unprecedented situation.
Time passed by minute by minute.
When the clamor reached its peak, almost lifting the dome, the Lord of Yangxing slowly raised his hand.
As if an invisible giant hand had gripped everyone's throats, the noisy hall instantly fell into a deathly silence.
All eyes, filled with the last glimmer of hope and heavy pressure, were focused on the figure who would decide the fate of the Federation.
The Lord of Yangxing's gaze slowly swept over each face below, whether it was filled with anger, anxiety, or despair!