Chapter 283: 141 Ordinary Transition Chapter (Part 3)

“Did Yang Ming walk back to prison from outside?”

Edwan looked at the intelligence officer in front of him, his body involuntarily leaning back as a slight smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

He turned his head to glance at the beautiful woman laughing and playing with several maids on the nearby tennis court.

That was a Princess of the Sherman Empire, one with a claim to the throne, although she was quite far down the line of succession.

Similarly, this Princess was nominally Edwan’s lover, and they had shared some private moments after dismissing the maids, getting along reasonably well.

Yet, Edwan knew that this was a typical royal romance destined to amount to nothing.

“Your Highness,” the intelligence officer smiled, “do you want to summon Viscount Yang Ming?”

“Summon?”

Edwan frowned, “I don’t like that word. In the future, regarding Yang Ming, treat him as an equal to me. He is my dearest friend, you understand.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Edwan turned to look at the Princess, speaking softly, “Do you think if I take Her Highness for a stroll in the prison, she’d find it quite novel?”

“This…”

“That’s indeed a good idea.”

Edwan picked up the chilled drink in front of him, took a swig, and got up to walk toward the tennis court.

The intelligence officer couldn’t help but raise her hand to her forehead.

…

The lowest level of the main building of the suburban prison, Yang Ming’s designated space.

On the projection screen, Gudun Mah’s emaciated face earnestly reported the current situation of the mixed organization of the Fourth Fleet and the Sixth Fleet.

The support provided by the Sherman Empire allowed the heavily damaged Fourth Fleet to recover swiftly.

The New Federation was suppressed by the Sherman Empire, giving the Wind a rare moment of peace, and the new recruits for each fleet were undergoing urgent training.

“According to your request, the promotion path for the younger officers in the army has been unsealed. Most promising young officers have been placed in positions with potential for growth.

“However, the corrupt practices within the Wind Army were not developed overnight, and they cannot be corrected quickly either. It takes gradual improvements.”

Yang Ming nodded, setting down his invigorating drink, and asked softly, “Have you encountered any difficulties?”

“If I must mention difficulties,” Gudun Mah said solemnly, “the Old Emperor sent an emissary offering a very high price to persuade me to sell the fleet to the royal family.”

“Uh-huh?”

“Of course, I couldn’t agree. This is the power in your hands; I have no right to decide.”

Gudun Mah spoke quickly, “But, my lord, the existence of the Old Emperor is actually unnecessary. Prince Edwan is more suited for that position, and he is closer to you.”

Yang Ming chuckled, “Just focus on your military matters, no need to concern yourself with other issues.”

“Yes!”

Gudun Mah saluted, and Yang Ming casually disconnected the communication.

Another call was immediately patched in by Lyu.

–Yang Ming intentionally returned once to connect with his subordinates, then sought a chance to chat about life with Kolev.

He enjoyed conversations with this old pirate, which sometimes sparked precious inspiration.

A fake General Dabiqi, dressed in military attire, appeared in the projection, bowing deeply to Yang Ming.

“Father.”

“Is there anyone else around?”

“No, Father,” Dabiqi spoke with deep emotion, “It’s been so long since I’ve heard your voice or felt your guidance, it leaves me anxious.”

Being chased and called father by a man in his fifties or sixties made Yang Ming feel a bit embarrassed.

“Have you encountered any difficulties recently?” Yang Ming asked.

Dabiqi looked troubled and said slowly,

“Father, I am bewildered…

“My mistresses, the young women originally kept by the original me, have been trying to attract my attention lately, but I truly can’t muster any interest.

“I just want to have equal, friendly interactions with them. I attempted to give them some money to leave my sight.

“My confidant suggested that if I’m tired of them, I could dismiss them and then replace them with a new batch.

“Father, I cannot feel any interest in the opposite sex, yet the original me was a middle-aged man with high needs. Such an abrupt change easily arouses suspicion among those around me.

“This is my only dilemma at the moment.”

Yang Ming stroked his chin, pondering deeply; indeed, it was a troublesome issue.

Back then, to directly take control of the Third Fleet, he had employed an undercutting strategy. Now, it required some patching up.

“It’s straightforward,” Yang Ming said, “I’ll have Lyu arrange for a diagnosis statement, with a doctor claiming you have some kind of illness.”

Dabiqi shrugged, “Yes, Father, I should have considered that solution myself, but was resistant.”

“Dabiqi, you are perfect and unique,” Yang Ming spoke warmly, “Don’t let this make you feel inferior. You are an entity unlike any carbon-based lifeform. You can find more value in life, rather than doubting yourself over some base desires.”

Dabiqi’s eyes instantly filled with resolve.

“Keep up the effort to reorganize military affairs and develop the fleet,” Yang Ming smiled, “The citizens of this nation need your protection.”

Dabiqi responded, “I will do my utmost to carry out all the orders entrusted by Father.”

Yang Ming nodded slightly, offering a few more gentle reminders before hanging up the call.

Lyu’s projection flickered gently at the side, “Dabiqi’s various indexes are normal; he’s just feeling self-conscious.”

“Sigh,” Yang Ming sighed lightly, “Assign two female Mechanical Thought Bodies to Dabiqi as assistants, so he has some company, one realistic, one regular intelligent housekeeper.”

“Okay, boss, I’ll arrange it right away.”

Lyu was about to leave but added, “Edwan will arrive with the Princess in half an hour, and General Fremont’s call is scheduled in five minutes.”