"These people aren't in high or low positions," Cen Yemeng quickly flipped through the files. "But they're acting in unison, so there must be someone higher up in command, at least someone with a higher standing in the military than Li Nannan. If we intervene, will we offend someone Li Nannan herself can't handle? Can Li Nannan's umbrella shield us from all the trouble?"
"Li Nannan is just an umbrella, but you forgot we have Director Dai. Director Dai is the Dragon King; with a wave of his hand, he can move the rain clouds away," Jiang Ye said. "This matter must be decided by Director Dai. Interstellar affairs are not for you or me to decide. If Director Dai doesn't approve, we can't deploy troops. If he approves, we must deploy troops."
"Actually, if we don't want to get involved in this mess, we can just pretend we don't know about it," Cen Yemeng stared at her husband. "Do you want to gain something?"
"Nonsense. Fu Qiuyan and I aren't old friends. My relationship with her is as thin as ice in early spring, flexible and dependent on the wind. Am I going to help her quell the rebellion purely out of loyalty? Impossible! I'm not a philanthropist!" Jiang Ye laughed.
"Then what do you want, husband?"
"Daughter Star has recently been aggressively expanding its territory in the outer Milky Way. They've occupied a region called the Xinke Asteroid Belt, comprising 1.8 million densely packed asteroids. The confirmed mineral value there is ten times the combined mineral value of the exiled planets of Jiang Ye Star and Birong Star! What do you call a land of gold? If we can secure this Xinke Asteroid Belt, we can give it to Ju Lanlan. I promised her such a position before, but haven't fulfilled it yet," Jiang Ye said. "Ju Lanlan can't manage planets with large populations, but she can manage mineral-rich planets. An asteroid belt is close enough."
"So you plan to negotiate with Fu Qiuyan?" Cen Yemeng asked. "You'll help her suppress the rebellion, and she'll give you the asteroid belt? That's a bit much, isn't it? Isn't that taking advantage of her misfortune? Will she agree?"
"A mutiny could kill her. If she's lost her life, why would she care about money? Taking advantage of her misfortune? I suspect she'd be thrilled if someone took advantage of her misfortune right now; it would be like sending charcoal in the snow! A planet with a population of tens of billions is in chaos. Is it that easy to save her? She'd have to pay a price!" Jiang Ye said. "It still depends on Director Dai's decision. With one word from Director Dai, Fu Qiuyan can live. Otherwise, we'll have to mourn her."
Jiang Ye immediately called Dai Zhixing, briefly explained the known information, and then read out the names of the twenty-two individuals.
Dai Zhixing immediately reacted, letting out a contemptuous laugh. "I know what's going on. Lei Ying wants to expand his influence and is using these despicable tactics. These twenty-two people are all Lei Ying's old acquaintances, and their positions in the military were all secured by Lei Ying."
"Lei Ying?" Jiang Ye was stunned. He hadn't heard the name before.
"An old subordinate of mine, served me for over two hundred years. He must feel he's served enough and wants to replace me. He's been restless these past few years, but I never had proof. Now I've caught him red-handed," Dai Zhixing chuckled. "Little Jiang, this intelligence is a great contribution. What are your plans for this matter?"
"I'm young and inexperienced. I have no ideas and dare not have any," Jiang Ye immediately stated. "I will follow the arrangements of my superiors. Whatever you need me to do, I will do. I believe your decisions will be beneficial to maintaining the overall situation. You are the one who understands the universe."
"The overall situation is that things shouldn't change. What is humanity messing with humanity for? Soldiers are meant to fight aliens. Daughter Star cannot set this bad precedent. A prosperous planet suddenly experiencing a mutiny, is the position granted by the Galactic Empire like playing house? If every planet starts doing this, won't it descend into chaos?" Dai Zhixing said. "As for how to proceed, Little Jiang, you decide."
"Could you draw me some red and green lines?" Jiang Ye said. "With a musical staff, I can compose music. My skill is insufficient; I'll need your guidance."
"One principle: Daughter Star and its affiliated planets cannot fall into the hands of the mutineers. I don't care who they end up with; you can discuss it. If Fu Qiuyan can maintain control, let her continue. If she can't, she can be replaced," Dai Zhixing said. "As for other aspects, I trust you have good judgment. You are benevolent. It's best to resolve this peacefully; don't make it too bloody."
"Understood, understood! If I act alone, I might lack legitimacy. Could you, Director..." Jiang Ye paused. "...grant me an official title in the name of the Galactic Empire?"
"It's already being processed. You mobilize your troops first, and the appointment letter will arrive soon," Dai Zhixing said. "Resolve it as quickly as possible to avoid complications. I understand your planet's situation; you are capable."
Jiang Ye repeatedly expressed his gratitude and then hung up the phone.
Cen Yemeng's face turned pale. "Director Dai's attitude is terrifying. Does he mean... you can directly take over all of Fu Qiuyan's planets?"
"With a casual arrangement from Director Dai, over six hundred planets could ally with us. Do you know how much power he wields? I estimate it's definitely over ten thousand planets," Jiang Ye laughed. "Suppose you have tens of thousands of dollars. Would you care about a few dollars fluctuating? Would you treasure two coins? Of course, you'd casually reward your subordinates."
"Furthermore, what is the essence of the Daughter Star mutiny? It's a challenge from Director Dai's subordinates to him!" Jiang Ye continued. "What kind of person is Director Dai? A celestial being who has sat in the clouds for hundreds of years, can he be easily challenged by mortals? If this matter isn't suppressed, can Director Dai continue to hold his position?"
"Of course, I can't be too greedy; eating too much will kill me. After this chaos is quelled, I'll still let Fu Qiuyan continue to govern. I'll only take the asteroid belt as a fee for my hard work," Jiang Ye said.
"I understand all this. I just feel Director Dai's power is too terrifying," Cen Yemeng said. "It's no longer an imperial decree; it's practically a divine oracle."
"I've boarded his ship now. I can only follow his command and row diligently," Jiang Ye said. "I can only ensure my loyalty to Director Dai, make him believe I am loyal to him, and then share in his glory and suffer his setbacks."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone vibrated. Li Nannan sent an email.
[Decision Regarding the Appointment of Jiang Ye as Galactic Empire Interstellar Peace Consul]
[The Galactic Empire Military, the Galactic Empire Internal Stability Committee, and the Galactic Empire Humanitarian Aid Organization have jointly decided to grant Jiang Ye the status of Galactic Empire Interstellar Peace Consul.]
[Jiang Ye shall strive to maintain interstellar peace, quell riots on various planets, provide humanitarian aid to planets experiencing social collapse due to alien invasion, natural disasters, civil war, etc., ensure civilian safety, and, under necessary conditions, may implement armed mediation.]
[Jiang Ye shall enjoy the treatment of a full divisional commander in the Galactic Empire Military and receive an annual special subsidy of 5 million Galactic Credits from the Galactic Empire Military.]
[This decision shall take effect immediately from the date of its issuance.]
Li Nannan: "You kid are really something. I've worked hard for so many years, and you've caught up in an instant!"
Jiang Ye: "You are always my superior. How can this nominal position be considered catching up? I am far behind you."
Li Nannan: "Director Dai wants you to quell the Daughter Star rebellion, right?"
Jiang Ye: "Who is Director Dai? Quelling the rebellion is true. I cannot be idle. Since I've been given this appointment, I must do something."
Li Nannan: "How about this: I'll bring my fleet with you. I also have this title, and I'm the overall consul, one level higher than you. Many hands make light work. Let's resolve this quickly and satisfy Director Dai."
Jiang Ye: "That would be great. I felt a bit uncertain going alone. If you accompany me, I won't be flustered. Please teach me how to handle such matters then. I'll also write a report afterward, you know what I mean, right?"