Chapter 1791: The Emperor and the Old Marshal
Hua Ya Lanlan heard Emperor Xiaolong ask her such a direct question.
She immediately said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured."
We will never cover up for Hana Miho.
Both our Fairy Federation tribe and the White Orchid Interstellar Trade Group will conduct an internal investigation.
We absolutely guarantee that such a terrible thing will never happen again!
Looking at Huaya Lanlan's somewhat nervous expression.
Zhao Chen smiled and said, "You can all relax."
This matter will only involve investigating the relevant individuals; there will be no execution of their entire families.
The Bailan Interstellar Trading Group will remain the same as before.
The Empire will not have any other ideas because of this incident involving Hana Miho.
I can guarantee that.
Of course, there are also potential pests within the Bailan Interstellar Trade Group.
The necessary investigations should still be conducted.
We are not worried about pests; we all understand the principle that if the water is too clear, there will be no fish.
However, we cannot tolerate these pests running rampant. What if they raise a crocodile or a shark?
By then, the roots of the Bailan Interstellar Trade Group will inevitably be destroyed by these pests.
When it's time to kill insects, you have to spray insecticide.
Only in this way can a big tree grow healthily, right?
You should be free right now.
"Come with me back to the Xiaolong Interstellar Empire and see how this biggest case in the empire's history is being handled."
“Okay.” Hua Ya Lanlan had no reason to refuse Emperor Xiaolong’s request.
At the same time, she was also processing what Emperor Xiaolong had just said.
The tree is very large, and it needs to be sprayed with pesticides from time to time.
Pests are inevitable, but they must be removed promptly.
Water that is too clear will have no fish, but we cannot allow crocodiles and sharks to grow in it.
These words may seem rambling and even incoherent, but upon closer examination, the underlying truth can still be discerned.
This is a wake-up call for the Bailan Interstellar Trade Group.
What we've caught so far is just this kind of pest, but what if this pest is already deeply intertwined with the Bailan Interstellar Trade Group?
At that point, we'll have to uproot the entire Bailan Interstellar Trade Group.
This is a reminder to Orchid bud.
Hua Ya Lanlan wrote down this sentence.
After that, Huaya Lanlan specifically strengthened the authority of the self-inspection department within the Bailan Interstellar Trade Group, and even established standards for a period of time initially.
These departments are required to submit a list to her every month.
Whether or not the individuals on the list should be punished, and how severe the punishment should be, must be approved by Huaya Lanlan.
In some serious cases, the punishment was simply stripping the person of their power and delegating them to a lower position.
Some minor cases will result in them being summoned to Hanayama Ranran's office for face-to-face questioning.
If they commit the offense again, the punishment will be doubled.
Another category consists of cases where the self-inspection department couldn't find suitable cases, so they reported cases where people had only taken a small amount on the side.
Huaya Lanlan was simply recorded in a green list, and no one was asked about it, but someone would check it again every now and then.
She knew very well that many things couldn't be dealt with in a one-size-fits-all manner.
It's better to guide than to block.
Some captains might smuggle in personal items to earn extra money.
As long as these illicit activities are not illegal and do not affect the normal conduct of trade, we will turn a blind eye.
If these small favors are cut off, these people will only seek other ways to generate income.
Rather than letting them start new 'businesses,' it's better to let them conduct these small businesses within a controllable scope, right under Hua Ya Lan Lan's nose.
Under such high-pressure detection, the appearance of large fish has decreased, but small fish and shrimp still exist.
But at least it ensured a virtuous cycle.
It's not good if there isn't a single pest on a tree.
Water that is too clear has no fish.
Let's get back to the main topic.
Hua Ya Lanlan returned to the Xiaolong Interstellar Empire with Emperor Xiaolong.
The moment the Emperor of the Dragons' flagship appeared in the Dragon Star System of the Dragon Star Empire.
The person who had planted spies here naturally relayed this message back.
Everyone is waiting to see how Emperor Xiaolong plans to handle this major case!
The outcome of this major case will directly impact the rule of law in the Dragon Star Empire for a long time to come.
Therefore, many people are paying attention to it.
It's not just the Wyvern Interstellar Empire itself that's paying attention; other interstellar civilizations are also taking notice.
Even the old and new Flame Elf Kings, who are enjoying their retirement here, are curious about this event that has been exposed to the eyes of the higher-ups of various forces.
The two men, each holding a fishing rod, sat on deck chairs in the desert.
There was a juice bar next to it, and an information window that displayed real-time updates on the incident.
"Look, they've even captured the prince of the Stone Kingdom."
"How do you think the Emperor of the Wraiths will deal with these top suspects in this case?" The new Flame Elf King, Josbarton, looked at Saloman beside him.
Saloman thought for a moment and said, "Kill them all."
Joe Barton shook his head: "Impossible. Look at the leadership figures recorded in the intelligence reports."
Their identities are terrifying.
If those people were in the Holy Elf Empire, what would their identities mean?
He's essentially our deputy clan chief, like a brother to us.
There were also other important figures among the elves, such as the Grand Elder and the old clan chief.
Do you think you can just kill someone of this caliber as you please?
And so many people, all of them were killed.
That would be terrible.
As he spoke, Joe Barton reeled in the fishing line, and a fish was pulled out of the desert!
This fish was as tall as three people.
If it fell to the ground, it could kill a person.
"Hehehe, another one's taken." Joe Barton tossed the fish into the fish tank behind him.
The fishing rod was completely dry, but there was a kind of transparent sand inside it.
This fish tank is as tall as a thirty-story building, and you can see that there are already more than a dozen fish inside.
This one that was caught this time was the biggest of them all.
In contrast, the fish tank behind Saloman was as clean as if it were brand new.
There wasn't a single grain of sand inside, let alone any fish.
"If it were any other interstellar civilization, I wouldn't dare to make a guarantee."
But what this Dragon Emperor said...
I am certain that these people will die.
"Or in some other form that is tantamount to death!" Saloman said.
However, her expression was clearly unfriendly as she stared intently at the fishing line that hadn't moved at all.
"You really trust that Emperor Xiaolong that much?" Joe Barton asked.
The fishing hook that had just been thrown into the water stirred again, and with a quick pull, a fish was seen being fished out of the desert.
Seeing this situation, and then looking at my own calm and peaceful desert.
Saloman cast his fishing rod into the air.
"I'm not fishing anymore!"
The fishing rod was left on the ground.
"You've missed the mark again," Joe Barton added from the side.
"There are no fish in this desert at all!" Saloman said through gritted teeth.
Joe Barton didn't say anything, but simply pointed to the fish tank behind him.
Black lines appeared on Saloman's forehead.
This is another day in her Air Force days.
——————
It wasn't just them who were curious about how Emperor Xiaolong would deal with these criminals; many people were curious as well.
Upon returning to the Xiaolong Galaxy, Emperor Zhao Chen received a message left to him by Lilith's secretary.
He knew that Marshal Chu Changhe was waiting for him on the steps outside the palace.
Upon hearing this...
Zhao Chen then showed a helpless expression.
"This old marshal."
"How do you plan to handle this matter?" Hua Ya Lanlan, who was standing to the side, was also well aware of the special nature of this matter.
Among these criminals, Chu Pinchuan can be considered the most unique.
Because behind him is Marshal Chu Changhe.
Marshal Chu Changhe holds a very special position with Emperor Xiaolong.
When Marshal Chu Changhe makes such a request, it is undoubtedly the most difficult thing for Emperor Xiaolong to handle.
"Go and see Hanaya Misaki."
"I think you should also want to see her." Zhao Chen looked at Hua Yalan.
Hua Ya Lanlan nodded understandingly and left for the time being.
Zhao Chen went to see the old man with mixed feelings.
On the steps outside the imperial palace in Chang'an.
Old Master Chu Changhe remained seated, refusing all invitations from people to wait in the side hall.
His eyes were somewhat dim.
Those who came to see Chu Changhe at this moment all had the same feeling.
This old marshal has completely lost the aura he once had when commanding the Chu family's fleet.
At this moment, he looked like an ordinary old man.
Footsteps sounded behind me.
Grandpa Chu Changhe looked up and saw Zhao Chen walking down in military uniform.
Chu Xuan saw it too, standing nearby.
The two immediately stood up to prepare to bow.
But Zhao Chen stopped him.
"This is not a formal occasion, and there are no outsiders here."
"No need for such formalities," Zhao Chen said.
Chu Xuan also noticed that all the guards who should have been there were gone.
It seems that they all withdrew because of the arrival of the Dragon Emperor.
Zhao Chen also sat down directly on the steps.
"Old Master Chu, please have a seat."
"Since you don't want to go in, let's sit here and have a good chat." Zhao Chen patted the spot next to him.
Marshal Chu Changhe hesitated for a moment, but then sat down.
Chu Xuan stepped back a few steps and stood in a place where she couldn't hear the two of them talking.
"Your Excellency does not wish to enter this palace, but only wish to sit here."
I understand.
Your character has always been upright and incorruptible.
If Chu Pinchuan weren't in this position, he would have been dead in your presence for what he did.
But ironically, he is the only son of your deceased younger brother, and a general who had previously distinguished himself in battle.
Therefore, you can't let him go.
I made you make a decision that goes against your principles; you know you shouldn't have come to see me.
But you still came.
You are ashamed to see me in the palace.
So, they only dared to wait for me on these steps.
Am I right?
Seeing that Zhao Chen had seen through her thoughts.
Old Master Chu Changhe didn't pretend anything. He shook his head self-deprecatingly and said, "I've almost lived a long and happy life."
I have a clear conscience about everything I have done before.
But unexpectedly, this person got old and ended up doing something against his conscience.
I know Chu Pinchuan is a bastard, I'd die a thousand deaths for him.
But... I... my feet and my heart still came here uncontrollably.
well......
In the end, I, Chu Changhe, found myself to be the one who violated my principles.
Zhao Chen patted Old Master Chu's back, which was somewhat difficult to bend.
"Grandpa, you did nothing wrong."
This is only natural.
I know that you see Chu Pinchuan as your son.
If it were me, I would want to try it too.
How can we know the result if we don't try?
I tried, regardless of the outcome.
At least for me, that would ease one of my worries, wouldn't it?
Zhao Chen spoke to Chu Changhe as if they were old friends, saying, "It's like a battle."
If we lose, our hometown and relatives may all die.
If we don't fight, at least our army can be preserved.
But even though we knew we were likely to lose, we still wanted to give it a try.
Even if it's just me, with only a sword and a horse.
I'd like to give it a try too.
Even if we lose in the end and die.
I have no regrets.
Isn't it all about peace of mind?
I understand.
Marshal Chu Changhe looked at Zhao Chen with guilt and heartache and said, "What you said is all correct."
But the old man knew I was here.
That means you've been pushed to the edge of a cliff.
I'm putting you in a difficult position.
At this point, even the old Marshal Chu Changhe dared not look Zhao Chen in the eye.
Zhao Chen took a deep breath.
"It's been a long time since my son and I sat down together. Before, it was always at banquets with lots of people."
It's pointless.
It's just the two of us today.
"Let's have a drink and talk about the past." Zhao Chen took out a bottle of wine.
And so, the old man and the young man drank together.
They talked about their first meeting.
On this side is just a down-on-his-luck lord, while on the other side is the renowned old marshal of the Chu family, a hegemon of a star field!
Later, the prefix of the word "Xiaolong" changed from fleet to star system, then to legion, and finally to interstellar empire.
Looking back, it all seems like a dream.
The conversation between Zhao Chen and Chu Changhe passed by like a revolving lantern.
Soon, the two bottles of wine were finished.
Zhao Chen's gaze finally settled on Chu Changhe, and he said, "Grandpa."
To outsiders, the Chu family has been kind to me.
I also admit that if the Xiaolong Fleet hadn't had the support of the Chu family, there might not be the Xiaolong Interstellar Empire we have today.
Here I am now.
I have just one question for you.
Do you really want to save Chu Pinchuan's life?
This is the problem.
Marshal Chu Changhe originally thought he had the answer.
But the moment Zhao Chen asked the question, Chu Changhe himself felt confused again.
It was as if he had countless versions of himself in his mind, each saying completely different things.
Some people are saying, "You're old now, why are you going to go against your principles?"
Some people are saying, "You promised your brother you would take good care of Shinagawa."
Hearing these words, Chu Changhe was confused.
He was not confused when commanding thousands of troops.
He did not lose his composure when facing the enemy alone.
But now, he's truly lost!