From orbit above Xueye Star, it appeared as an ice-bound planet.
Vast expanses of snow-white ice fields, with only a narrow green strip near the equator.
As night fell, the equator of Xueye Star seemed to ignite, its brightness astonishing. Dense cities and a massive population crowded this habitable zone, creating such a spectacle. It looked as if a divine giant sword had cleaved the planet in two, spewing forth its molten core.
Beyond the equator, lights flickered in various locations across the snow-white ice fields. These cities, perpetually shrouded in temperatures of minus thirty to forty degrees Celsius, were responsible for cultivating nearby plains and excavating mineral resources, supplying all manner of goods to the wealthy on the equator.
The spacecraft descended, arriving at Xueye Star's capital city.
The capital was situated precisely on the edge of the permafrost zone, with half the city experiencing temperatures above freezing and the other half below. Snow covered the streets in the north, while girls in short skirts strolled the southern avenues, rendering the city starkly divided.
The starport had not prepared a grand welcoming ceremony, as Jiang Ye's visit was unofficial and the matters to be discussed were sensitive.
Bao Yulan, the planet's governor, came to greet him.
Bao Yulan was a giantess, standing at a full 1.9 meters. She wore a thick down jacket, but her excellent figure was still evident. Her face was also remarkably beautiful. At this level, altering one's appearance to become more attractive was quite simple. Most planetary leaders Jiang Ye encountered possessed high颜值, though many of their faces were artificially enhanced.
Jiang Ye shook her hand, looking up at her, feeling small for the first time.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two proceeded together to Bao Yulan's governor's mansion.
The governor's mansion was incredibly luxurious, resembling a palace, with continuous stretches of palaces, layered walls, and white marble flooring.
Jiang Ye observed many young men in long robes, heads bowed and backs hunched, walking in orderly lines like ancient palace attendants.
"They are all 'palace boys,' performing menial tasks like sweeping snow and watering flowers," Bao Yulan explained with a smile.
"Palace boys..." Jiang Ye realized with a nod. "Then, do you... have male consorts?"
"Guess, Commander Jiang?" Bao Yulan chuckled, her laughter shaking her body.
Jiang Ye smiled and said nothing.
It was late afternoon. The two shared some tea and refreshments before commencing formal negotiations.
"I have already transmitted case files to you through diplomatic channels. Have you had a chance to review them?" Jiang Ye inquired.
"Of course, I have. The predicament your son faced is indeed alarming," Bao Yulan nodded. "What do you wish for me to do, Commander Jiang?"
"I need your help with a very small matter," Jiang Ye stated. "The Livai Interstellar Resource Development Company. I wish for several of its masterminds and involved parties to be dealt with. Simultaneously, I want this company shut down."
"Commander Jiang, you come to me with a difficult request right away. Is the tea not to your liking?" Bao Yulan's smile vanished.
Jiang Ye's smile also froze. "This matter... should not be difficult for you, should it?"
"The Livai Interstellar Resource Development Company generates one trillion in taxes annually and has been operating for over fifty years," Bao Yulan blinked. "My most beloved youngest daughter is engaged to young Livai. They are to have a grand wedding in the capital next month, which billions of people across the globe will watch via live television broadcast."
Jiang Ye's mind reeled.
He leaned back, staring at Bao Yulan.
"So, your intention is that the Livai Company must not fall, and Livai father and son must remain unharmed?" Jiang Ye asked gravely. "Since you agreed to my visit, perhaps there is still room for negotiation?"
"I have long admired Commander Jiang's reputation," Bao Yulan smiled. "I have always wanted to cooperate with you in depth but never found the opportunity. Now that the true deity is before me, I feel perhaps the chance has arrived."
Bao Yulan tapped the table.
Behind the tea hall was a courtyard, concealed by white gauze curtains. A guard suddenly lifted the curtain and entered, carrying a pitch-black wooden box.
The guard placed the wooden box on the tea table, opened it, revealing stacks of documents.
Jiang Ye did not move. "What is this?"
"Allow me to go through them with you one by one," Bao Yulan said, taking a large bundle of documents from the wooden box.
"Mr. Jiang, you are adept at leading troops. You have fought on several planets, and your forces have always acted with great speed," Bao Yulan stated. "Our planet has enjoyed prolonged peace. Our weapons are stored away, and our soldiers have not seen real action for a long time. Therefore, I was wondering if you could dispatch some officers to Xueye Star to train our troops?"
Bao Yulan handed a document to Jiang Ye. "Of course, we will pay the training fees for the officers. The price will be quite high."
Jiang Ye frowned as he read.
It was a ten-year agreement requiring Jiang Ye Star and Birong Star to provide officers with combat experience to serve at the Xueye Star Military Academy. These officers could be rotated, but at least one thousand must remain on Xueye Star at any given time.
Jiang Ye's brow unfurrowed.
This was easy. They could simply promote a few veteran soldiers to officer status and send them as instructors.
The salary offered was indeed substantial, equivalent to a divisional commander's pay.
"Governor Bao, you are truly sparing no expense," Jiang Ye remarked. "Why the sudden desire to strengthen your military? Xueye Star is very remote from the outside world and faces no significant defensive pressure. Are you planning to expand beyond the galaxy?"
"Commander Jiang has a discerning eye," Bao Yulan nodded. "Do you think this proposal is feasible?"
"I will consider it. Let me see the rest first," Jiang Ye replied.
"I noticed Birong Star is a planet of mixed heritage, with many planets involved in its construction and operation," Bao Yulan continued. "This environment has fostered unprecedented prosperity in Birong Star's commercial market. We on Xueye Star also have some local specialties, and we wish to add to that prosperity."
Jiang Ye took the second document and scanned it briefly.
The content was straightforward: Xueye Star's merchant guilds wished to establish a presence on Birong Star, sell their goods, and apply for protective preferential tax treatment for the next two years. It was presented as a mutually beneficial arrangement.
"I will consider it," Jiang Ye said with a smile, placing this document under his arm, stacking it with the officer training agreement.
"Your wife's name is Cen Yemeng?" Bao Yulan suddenly changed the subject.
"She is the head of Exile Star and Meteorite Star," Jiang Ye responded. "I can't control her. She is more capable than I am."
"It's not that I need her to do anything," Bao Yulan smiled. "Her father is a renowned arms dealer. I would like you to help me connect with your father-in-law. Xueye Star wishes to procure a batch of military hardware and is currently comparing suppliers."
"You... cannot contact my father-in-law through your own channels?" Jiang Ye asked in surprise.
"Xueye Star is too far away. My network of contacts finds it difficult to extend that far," Bao Yulan explained.
"It's not that your network finds it difficult to extend there, but rather you wish to obtain a more favorable price through me?" Jiang Ye said softly.
"Nothing escapes your notice."