Starting from the Planetary Governor

"Humphrey Paolo has been in touch with you, hasn't he?"

Communications with Holy Terra through Star Speech remains as difficult as ever. Virtual imagery displays suffer severe flickering, obscuring visibility to nearly nothing; it's better off not used at all to save on data.

It was because of this that Gu Hang could discern the weariness and hesitation in Galaraldo's words.

"Yes," Gu Hang replied candidly. "He sent me a letter."

"I knew it." Galaraldo sighed, then continued with an ironic tone, "The grandees on Holy Terra, each and every one of them is now scared like quails by the mere mention of Tie Nu Shi."

In saying this, he completely forgot that as the newly appointed head of the Military Affairs Department, he was one of those 'grandees' himself.

He went on to say, "Even Ou Juren is terrified, living in constant fear. What if we can't beat Tie Nu Shi? What if another figure like Norberto from a hundred years ago emerges? By then, he would be the one held accountable, bearing the brunt of all responsibilities—political career over, and perhaps even his life at stake! Haha..."

He even began mocking his own 'boss' along with the rest.

Yet, Gu Hang could sense a hint of fear within Galaraldo's words—or at least anxiety.

And the reason? It was all laid out in his words.

Would not the scenarios Ou Juren might face also befall him? If it truly came to that, he might face death even more swiftly than Ou Juren!

Should the Empire find Humphrey Paolo's actions overly troublesome, could voices for appeasement really emerge?

Indeed, they might.

Especially after several sizeable defeats in a row, an appeasement sentiment could very well surge forth.

Under normal circumstances, it might not be a big deal, but with Tie Nu Shi, there can be no complacency.

Humphrey Paolo is a master of diplomacy, and as for his mindset... well, how should I put it, he dares to openly rebel today, and a hundred years ago, dared to single-handedly instigate the great Cercis Flower rebellion. These acts seem like those of a madman.

However, looking closer at Paolo's conduct in these series of events, one sees a veteran politician capable of playing the game—knowing when to be firm and when to relent.

He can even disregard personal hatred. The Fury Flame Battle Group should have a blood feud with Gu Hang by now, yet he still reached out with an invitation.

Regardless of the sincerity, such a gesture is rare.

Moreover, it signifies strong leverage.

Otherwise, would he dare invite the Alliance?

Otherwise, the Fury Flame Battle Group might turn against the Iron Armor even before the Alliance gives an answer.

It must mean internal issues have been resolved, ensuring that even if the information leaks, or even if the Alliance insanely agrees, the Furyflame won't retaliate.

From this perspective, Gu Hang believes that Paolo must have a way to smoothly end this war.

Rapid expansion, sweeping through great swathes of Empire territory with resounding victories... all of it becomes immense pressure on the Holy Terra Government. Internally, with the appeasers cultivated or inherently from Tie Nu Shi jumping around, and with Paolo willing to make concessions and sacrifices...

Is it really impossible to have peace talks?

That's not necessarily the case.

Gu Hang fully recognized the nature of the Imperial Central Government; nothing they might do would surprise him.

From this angle, Paolo's earlier letter to Gu Hang really did intrigue him.

Don't get me wrong, Gu Hang had no intention of heeding the letter's suggestion, to rise in rebellion and create some sort of north-south coordinated resistance with Tie Nu Shi.

Wouldn't that be insanity?

Furthermore, Paolo's intent wasn't really hoping for Gu Hang to take his side.

He is essentially expressing a certain goodwill towards the Alliance: I won't come south to cause you trouble if you don't move north to bother me; let's keep the peace as it is.

Gu Hang would naturally be tempted by this.

What he wanted was to have a longer time for rest and recuperation, wasn't it?

What he feared the most was that, after Tie Nu Shi's rebellion, they would come straight south without a word and attack him.

There are only three Star Domains between them!

It used to seem like a distant gap.

But now, this distance doesn't seem safe.

Even within the northern part of the Dragonhawk Star Domain, in the Menghe Star Domain which belongs to the Eastern Cosmos Domain, the Fury Flame Battle Group actually has a lot of influence. They have been operating in the Eastern Cosmos Domain for over a decade, with Meng River being the main activity hub. Their work in Meng River has been prolific, followed by the outbreak of the Iron-tooth Green Tide, and the Fury Flame took advantage by pushing south, preparing to move into Dragonhawk.

If it weren't for the Alliance, it might have already happened.

In a situation where they are not neighbors yet not far away, if Paul truly moved south, even if it wasn't with his main force but just a side division, the development momentum of the Alliance would be interrupted. They would be forced into a state of war to face the enemy.

The main problem is the navy's deficit; it's too difficult to fill.

Now, Paul says as long as the Alliance doesn't move north, he won't come down... Isn't this exactly what we want?

To develop peacefully for a bit longer, ideally for four years.

Even if Tie Nu Shi is formidable, is it possible for them to overturn the Empire's situation within four years? Impossible.

After developing for four years, the strength of the Alliance will have greatly increased.

Then we can confront Paul!

As for whether we'll fight against Paul or alongside him at that time, well... it depends on the situation.

In the political and interest arenas of this starry sky, where are there eternal friends?

Friends and enemies can be interchangeable.

This is one consideration that Gu Hang has indeed included in his scope of thinking.

Galaraldo was also worried about this possibility.

He came to vent to Gu Hang about the situation in Holy Terra, hinting and discussing many things indirectly, with the core goal of wanting to see what stance Gu Hang would take.

Gu Hang gave him a reassurance right away.

After patiently listening to him vent, Gu Hang said: "Don't worry, the traitor Humphrey Paul will definitely not succeed. What happened one hundred and twenty years ago will not be replicated today. The Alliance will be their biggest enemy."

After feeling reassured by Gu Hang's words, Galaraldo rejoiced: "Worthy of you!"

After his delight, Galaraldo, somewhat embarrassed but also with a serious tone, posed a very realistic and specific question:

"So... what kind of help would your Alliance need if it were to mobilize now? Put forth any requests you have without hesitation! As the head of the Military Affairs Department, I can arrange anything for you, brother."

Gu Hang smiled.

Of course, he understood the subtext:

'Don't just talk the talk, show some real action!'

————

Another chapter will be posted.

Still owe 122