"However, now it was His Majesty using me, and His Majesty values not that influence but my capability... Do you know, Atro, I'm actually very happy."
Yang Ming smiled and said, "This is actually an acknowledgment of me; His Majesty appreciates my ability."
Atro asked confusedly, "Then what do you want to achieve through this?"
Yang Ming turned to look at Atro, whose eyes were flickering slightly.
Yang Ming said slowly, "Power, status, fame, wealth, resources. You know, Atro, I've always had a dream, one I've had since before I underwent Professor Kigrov's transformation experiment."
"To become the grand duke wielding power in the Empire, having my own territory and private fleet, leaving the name 'Hanton' in the annals of the Empire."
Yang Ming lightly patted the back of Atro's neck and said softly,
"For me now, this is the only path to take, and His Majesty only wants me to deal with those degenerate nobles. Why would I refuse?
"They're just scum, after all.
"Eliminating them would be much more beneficial to the Empire than exterminating bugs."
Atro hesitated, then just smiled and nodded, "That's good, as long as you know what you want."
"Alright, we can't meet for too long; the Elder Court must be planning a counterattack by now."
Atro saluted and turned to leave the conference room.
When the conference room door closed, Yang Ming gave a faint smirk and walked to the window.
After exiting the building, Atro took out a small communication device from his jacket pocket and whispered,
"Your Majesty, did you hear everything?"
The miniature walkie-talkie began to self-destruct, burning in Atro's palm as he endured the slight sting and walked toward the military vehicle hovering not far away.
Behind the conference room window, Yang Ming looked down at Atro's departing figure, shaking his head slightly.
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"Brother! Have you seen the news?"
At the Wind Palace, Emilia burst into Edwan's office in a whirlwind.
In the office, over a dozen ministers looked over simultaneously, and upon seeing the princess, they all smiled warmly.
Who wouldn't beautiful, gracious, self-caring, and well-educated spokesperson of the royal family?
Emilia immediately stopped and gave a slight bow to the ministers, smiling, "Sorry, I didn't notice you all were still having a meeting after work hours."
"Alright," Edwan said with a smile, "That's the end of today's meeting. You all can clock out now; Emilia reminded me to pay you overtime."
The ministers all laughed.
Once the ministers left, Edwan stretched out widely; having maintained a proper posture, he slumped into his chair.
"What news? You seem so happy. Let me guess... Your life's lighthouse, spiritual mentor, did something big again."
Emilia hopped onto the edge of the desk, her slim legs swinging beneath her skirt.
"Didn't you hand over the Imperial Intelligence Group to me? According to their information, a murder case that shocked the entire political landscape of the Empire occurred on the Emperor Star. The second brother of the Emperor was killed in his own manor while playing some interesting games with his male lover! Hehehe!"
"I really shouldn't have let you take control of this intelligence group so early," Edwan couldn't help massaging his brow, "You're not of age yet; don't let this information poison you."
"Alright, but... aren't you curious about who's in charge of the case?"
"That's right, the detective Hui Saka, the White Ghost, the hero of the Empire, has been tasked with investigating the prince's murder!"
Emilia waved her little hand, exclaiming excitedly,
"He's going to make waves on the Emperor Star, becoming the Empire's true detective! This is the real way to make a name!"
However, Edwan frowned slightly, pondering while slumped in his chair, murmuring, "Something's not right."
"Was his appointment personally made by His Majesty?"
"Yes," Emilia said, "It's confirmed; His Majesty personally ordered it and gave him significant authority."
Edwan chuckled, "This isn't just a murder case."
"This should be a power struggle; what the public sees is the tragic death of a prince, but in reality, it carries several significant implications."
Edwan, the 'economic-type' Emperor, picked up a nearby cold energy drink and took a small sip.
"Emilia, you need to learn to see the essence of things.
"Generally speaking, the Empire's princes and Great Nobles can penetrate and influence the Elder Court, which in turn restricts the Emperor. A prince dying tragically on his estate, with the culprit still at large, and having an Empire hero with widespread public attention investigating will in itself generate significant impact.
"I don't need to look at the files or know what happened beforehand, but I can predict what will come next.
"The culprit will not be one person but a group, undoubtedly including one or two legislative seats from the Elder Court. Their fate will be grim.
"Then, this event will serve as a deterrent, allowing the Emperor to untie a hand bound by the Elder Court."
Emilia, pinching her chin, pondered deeply, "Then isn't he very dangerous?"
"He won't be, or rather, not just yet."