Chapter 1367: Two: New Marshals!
"Congratulations!" Midel stepped forward happily to congratulate Leona and Zhao Ruyue, who were born in the same year as her.
Although they served in different Imperial fleet groups, they had always kept in touch and communicated, and could be considered close friends.
"Sister, I knew you could do it." Zhao Wan'er ran over quickly and grabbed her sister's arm.
Others also came up to offer their congratulations.
Afterwards, a simple banquet will be held here.
The main purpose was to celebrate the completion of the two marshals and the two imperial fleet groups.
At this moment, Zhao Chen and the other two were standing in a corner to the side.
"Our Imperial Fleet now has six ships."
The total force exceeded three million interstellar warships.
Zhao Chen looked at Marshal Charlotte beside him.
Marshal Charlotte nodded: "And several T6 combat and support starships have been added."
The combat capabilities of each imperial fleet group have been greatly enhanced.
"So what are the plans for the coming year?" Zhao Chen asked Lilith.
Lilith's main responsibility now is to formulate development plans for the coming year, including things like expanding the Legion fleet.
Marshal Charlotte also needs to submit a proposal, and whether it will be implemented ultimately depends on Lilith, the housekeeper.
"Basic construction plan for the next year."
In addition to improving infrastructure, industrial facilities, stargate networks, trade networks, and so on throughout our empire.
At least four more Imperial fleet groups were to be added.
If there is sufficient productivity at that time.
We can expand further, but that will depend on the circumstances at the time.
"At least for now, what's certain is that the target of ten Imperial fleet groups will definitely be achieved by the end of next year," Secretary Lilith assured confidently.
Zhao Chen nodded in satisfaction: "If it can be like this, then that would be the best."
Although there is no war at present, it does not mean that hidden dangers will not reappear.
Order, and the legions and fleets they controlled.
It could appear in our universe at any time.
Furthermore, if we are able to achieve inter-space travel in the future, then we will need to search for the Machine Race.
They must be at war and need our help.
We must be prepared to deal with any kind of war.
Actually, Zhao Chen had some things he didn't say.
That is, what if his exploration of the universe really leads to a war with other cosmic civilizations?
That would require a sword sharp enough to cut down any enemy.
“Yes.” Secretary Lilith nodded, adding, “Our military industry has been expanding.”
In the future, our military industry output value will only continue to increase.
If war breaks out, we can commit all of our industrial capacity to the war effort.
The resulting output will be several times that of normal times!
Currently, the goal is to build an empire, meet the needs of upgrading civilian technology, and establish a prosperous interstellar trade environment.
Lilith allocated some industrial capacity to these areas.
When a state of war is entered, then of course everything exists for the sake of war.
"There should be at least twenty, or thirty, Imperial fleet groups."
Based on the current capabilities of our empire.
"In peacetime, maintaining 20 million interstellar warships is more than enough," Marshal Charlotte said confidently.
"You should prepare to attend the New Year's Eve banquet."
Furthermore, this was due to the cancellation of the Empire's first anniversary banquet last year.
"This year we need to make a big splash!" Secretary Lilith suddenly looked at Zhao Chen with a serious expression.
When Lilith showed this expression.
Zhao Chen knew that this was something he couldn't refuse.
"Shorten the time as much as possible."
"You know, I still have a lot of work to do," Zhao Chen said with a wry smile.
"No matter how much work you have, shouldn't you spend New Year's Eve with your wife and kids?" Charlotte said resentfully to Zhao Chen.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Chen immediately backed down.
He looked at Lilith helplessly and said, "Okay, okay, I'll follow your arrangements."
"It'll only take one day, don't worry."
All subsequent ceremonies will be performed using holographic images that you recorded in advance.
"You don't need to show up yourself." Lilith, the secretary, rolled her eyes at Zhao Chen, but still thoughtfully arranged everything for him.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Chen instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
He stepped forward and kissed Lilith on the cheek: "You truly are my housekeeper, I love you to death."
Lilith blushed and immediately pushed Zhao Chen away: "What are you doing... in public..."
Look at this shy succubus.
Zhao Chen's lips curled up slightly as he leaned forward again: "What... is our succubus lady shy?"
He noticed that Lilith was becoming increasingly shy, especially when Zhao Chen made intimate gestures in public.
This is in stark contrast to Lilith's behavior in private.
This often brought Zhao Chen a lot of amusement.
“I just hope you pay more attention to... the imperial majesty.” Lilith’s secretary looked away.
Since she became the chief secretary of the Dragon King, some of the succubus's personality traits have indeed been hidden.
After all, a major reason for the existence of this racial ability is to help the physically weak succubi survive.
Now that this is not a problem for Lilith, her abilities in this area have naturally 'deteriorated' somewhat.
"Yes.
"Lilith is getting cuter and cuter these days," Charlotte teased from the side.
They wouldn't let this opportunity to torment Lilith slip by.
Because when the three of them played games in private before, Lilith would tease her, and on several occasions, she could even see an excited expression on Lilith's face.
In other matters, Charlotte is second to none.
But in that one matter, Lilith always managed to take the initiative.
Now that Charlotte had the chance to 'mock' her friend without hesitation, how could she possibly let it go?
But the next second, Lilith retaliated without hesitation, lightly tracing Charlotte's tail with her finger.
In that instant, Charlotte felt as if she had been electrocuted, and then she took a step back, with the hair all over her body standing on end.
Lilith looked at Charlotte with a wicked grin.
Charlotte looked at Lilith warily.
Seeing the two women in this state, Zhao Chen was also happy.
How are the children doing lately?
"Lilith, you have to juggle work and childcare, are you managing?" Zhao Chen asked with concern.
When the children were mentioned, Lilith's face beamed with a motherly smile: "They're doing well."
At first, I wasn't used to it, but Charlotte taught me a lot.
I've basically gotten used to it now.
Although I am very busy at work.
But I will still make time to be with my child.
Fortunately, the children are now lying in cribs, and I have hired someone to take care of them.
I also arranged my office and rest room together so that I could spend time with my child while working.
Hearing Lilith's words, Zhao Chen felt both relieved and ashamed.
Other men's wives are probably at home taking care of their children right now.
But Lilith still had to work hard for the Empire.
I wonder if Zhao Chen is a very incompetent husband.
"Xiao Hu and Bai'er are both very obedient now."
"She used to call me 'Mommy'!" Charlotte happily shared her parenting experience.
His eyes lit up when he talked about his children.
After chatting with some children...
Lilith's expression turned serious again: "It's about inter-universe travel and the exploration of other universes."
Is there really no danger?
I've heard before that a Dr. Xu proposed a related theory of danger?
Zhao Chen said in a deep voice, "To say there is no danger would be a lie."
It could even be said that we could guess the landmine at any time.
The outside universe is unknown to us.
The interstellar civilization that can detect our exploration must be a T6 technological civilization.
But it's definitely not a T7 technological civilization.
Therefore, even if there is danger, it is within our tolerance range.
I know the risks of doing this, but the existence of order necessitates our actions.
Otherwise, when the order threatens us again, we may not even have the ability to resist.
After all, this time they brought out a near-T7 black interstellar warship; next time it could be a real T7 interstellar warship.
Upon hearing Zhao Chen's words, Lilith fell into a brief silence.
Charlotte, standing beside Zhao Chen, looked at him encouragingly and said, "No matter what, we support you unconditionally."
Do what you want to do!
Lilith nodded and looked at Zhao Chen.
Lilith then continued, "The New Year's Eve banquet at the end of this year will be held in the newly built Chang'an City."
This is the list of those who invited the invitations.
Please take a look.
Chang'an City?
Will Chang'an City be completed before the end of the year?
"Didn't you say it would be next March?" Zhao Chen asked, somewhat surprised, while looking at the invitation list, which seemed mostly fine.
Lilith replied, "It was already a bit faster."
In addition, the New Year's Eve banquet was taken into consideration.
Therefore, I specifically instructed them to speed up the process.
Therefore, it can be completed and put into operation before the end of the year.
This also serves as a way to bring Chang'an City to the forefront of public attention.
Chang'an City is a T6 God Palace-level interstellar complex, and it was the first one to be built and completed.
Furthermore, it is located in the Xiaolong Galaxy, and from now on it will be the political and financial center of the Xiaolong Empire.
This will have great symbolic significance for the Dragon Empire in the future.
"This arrangement is indeed good," Zhao Chen nodded.
After the promotion banquet ended.
Zhao Chen returned to the Imperial Military Research Institute before the end of the year without stopping.
Because today, the test of Unit 4 will be conducted.
"Your Majesty." Dr. Camille immediately stepped forward to greet the Emperor upon his arrival.
"How are the preparations going?" Zhao Chen asked.
"It will be completed very soon."
"The experiment will begin in no more than ten minutes," Dr. Camille said.
Zhao Chen walked into the observation room, where a holographic image of the laboratory appeared before his eyes, showing footage captured by dozens of cameras.
This ensures that every minute detail is clearly presented to the researchers.
Zhao Chen stared at the No. 4 machine in front of him.
Unit 4 was much larger than any of the previous units.
To accommodate the experiments of this No. 4 machine, the largest room in the entire laboratory was chosen.
It's a full two hundred square meters.
This No. 4 unit was placed all alone in the middle of the laboratory.
Zhao Chen stared at the No. 4 machine.
Although he didn't have high expectations that he would be able to successfully find the newly born primordial universe that Zhao Chen was looking for this time.
But any progress means that Zhao Chen is one step closer to his goal.
Ten minutes passed quickly.
Everything is ready.
"Please give your instructions, Your Majesty." Dr. Camille looked at Zhao Chen and asked seriously.
"Let's begin," Zhao Chen said calmly.
The fourth experiment begins.
Even though this was the fourth experiment, all the researchers present wore expressions of tension.
They dared not let their guard down in the slightest.
"Initiating charging preparations..."
"Host is starting up..."
Inside the control room, researchers were reporting on their operations.
The huge machine began to glow, indicating that it was starting up.
Everything went very smoothly from then on.
The process is basically the same as the previous three experimental machines.
A massive star map appeared before Zhao Chen's eyes.
Under the operation of this machine, the map of the entire universe began to slowly emerge.
"How high are your expectations for this experiment?" Zhao Chen looked at Dr. Camille, who looked nervous, and asked directly.
Based on previous experience, this No. 4 machine should run for at least three minutes.
So, there's nothing happening right now.
"We have already explored Universe One completely."
I believe that the experiment of this No. 4 machine should be able to thoroughly explore the size of the No. 2 universe.
And we will discover other new universes.
"The new exploration area is at least ten times larger than before!" Dr. Camille said confidently.
Zhao Chen smiled slightly but did not give a direct evaluation.
Instead, he continued to calmly observe the scene in the laboratory before him.
At this moment, the No. 4 machine was like the sun, its entire body radiating dazzling light.
"Report, Unit 4 has been running for three minutes."
All modules are functioning normally.
The energy system is functioning normally.
Energy transmission is normal...
Zhao Chen listened to the somewhat noisy sounds and gazed at the star map in front of him.
The current scope of exploration already includes Universe One.
Begin exploring the boundaries of Universe 2.
However, Zhao Chen had already lost interest in Universe 2.
Because of the current size of Universe 2, it is no longer possible for it to be a primitive universe.
Since it's not the initial universe, it's not the target Zhao Chen is looking for.
He now only hopes that in the upcoming exploration...
We can find other universes.
Time passed little by little.
Ultimately, the runtime of this No. 4 unit was six minutes and twenty-seven seconds.