"If you can investigate this issue, it will have a tremendously positive effect on the Empire."

Yang Ming almost laughed in anger.

Before Hanton's parents were even rescued, the military had already started discussing business with him.

As they were discussing, a young officer brought a communication device.

On the projection screen appeared two Poisoned Stinger Ships, which Yang Ming was very familiar with; figures in thin spacesuits flew out from the ships and launched an assault on the transport vessel ahead.

It was quite a 'coincidence.'

The transport ship arranged by the kidnappers was within Captain Catherine's operational area. The Poisoned Stinger Ships made a jump that brought them close to the transport ship, reaching the target point in just over ten minutes.

Captain Catherine, wielding the Ship-Slicing Blade, led the charge with her eyes full of coldness behind the golden mask.

When she cut through the hatch, Yang Ming discreetly clenched his fist in a cold sweat.

Without the restraint of the mind imprint, Captain Catherine had become increasingly violent.

...

[The Supermodified Assault Squad successfully executed the rescue, and the hero's parents were safely rescued.]

[Captain of the Supermodified Squad, Catherine, is the girlfriend of the White Ghost. There was no sign of the kidnappers on the scene, only several Mechanical Guards with burning True Son's Brains.]

[Can the insulted great Emperor still harbor the Empire's hero, eager to save his parents?]

[Empire heroes also have a human side; he had to save his own parents.]

Yang Ming's fingers gently slid across General Clion's network terminal, connecting to the Empire's unified network through a military interface.

The once lifeless unified network seemed to explode with activity today.

The heat of the kidnapping case hadn't subsided, and the video clip of the White Ghost insulting the Emperor had been edited into countless versions, spreading wildly online both inside and outside the Empire.

Public opinion within the Empire was still manageable, expressing 'understanding of the White Ghost' and 'hoping the White Ghost won't be punished by the Emperor.'

The external network was simply unbearable to look at.

The name Mellen Sherman became a topic of discussion for many amusement seekers, and the term 'big idiot' became a trending tag in many Galaxy countries.

The impact of this event far exceeded Yang Ming's imagination.

The Emperor had always maintained an air of mystery, which was actually a national policy of the Sherman Empire.

When the Emperor descended from the high platform, the deterrence of the Emperor's Power greatly diminished, let alone now when the White Ghost directly insulted him, giving the impression of a kind and friendly old neighbor.

The long-standing fear of imperial power among the people was greatly released.

When Yang Ming and Lyu formulated this plan, they actually considered how to make the Emperor voluntarily give up the White Ghost as a killing tool.

Yang Ming exchanged his current title and future prospects for freedom.

Of course, the plan's effect had been achieved. Yang Ming could express his apologies to the Emperor and then pack up and leave Emperor Star.

The brilliance of this plan lay in its grasp of the Emperor's psychology.

If the opponent were someone like Director Eno, Yang Ming would have deliberated repeatedly. But the Emperor before him, who took pleasure in meddling with the Empire, was not considered an outstanding politician himself.

The rule of the Sherman family was that mediocre individuals would become Emperor.

Now that things were beyond repair, the Emperor was in a predicament. Not only could he not let anything happen to Yang Ming, but he also had to comfort and care for him in every possible way, performing the role of a benevolent ruler to the end.

In the next half-day, related news repeatedly surged to the top of the Empire's hot searches.

News with the term 'big idiot' became the hottest topic in various social software and online chat groups.

Subsequently, administrative stars throughout the Empire issued policies requiring civilians not to discuss the matter, which only fueled the fire, drawing attention from those who initially ignored the kidnapping of the hero's parents to the climax of the entire event—

'The Emperor is a big idiot.'

This kidnapping case also received a new name.

[The Insult-to-the-Emperor Kidnapping Case].

The power of the Sherman family finally began to exert influence, guiding public opinion towards 'the Emperor's benevolent heart' and emphasizing the military upheaval caused by this case to restore the Emperor's dignity.

The next day, Hanton's parents were brought to the Emperor Star, personally greeted by the Emperor, and were broadcasted empire-wide.

The couple, having maintained themselves quite well, merely slept in a state of unconsciousness but were granted an audience with the Emperor and rewarded with an estate, several servants, and special Emperor Star allowances.

This couple was essentially held hostage on Emperor Star from then on.

The latter half of the broadcast showcased the Empire hero White Ghost Hanton reuniting with his family.

Yang Ming appeared in the footage, expressing gratitude for the great Emperor's efforts, thankful for the military and the Elder Court's efforts in rescuing his parents, and grateful to every Empire citizen who cared about his family.

He then announced that he had not faced any threats or coercion and voluntarily resigned from all his current positions, willing to return his noble title to the Empire.

He solemnly explained to a group of reporters:

"Insulting the Emperor was a grave crime I committed, a desecration of the Empire's honor. Although it was a choice made out of necessity in such a situation, I still deeply regret this choice.

"I thought a lot last night and read much online public opinion. Of course, this opinion doesn't sway my conviction, but I must reflect on my past.

"Decaying and oppressive officials and nobles, external hostile forces, and the human nemesis Space Worm Clan were once my enemies and will continue to be. I want to return to being the White Ghost as before, to contribute to the Empire's development and improve people's lives.

"In the face of life and death, I gained this power far beyond ordinary Transformed soldiers, and I shall use this power to uphold the Empire's honor."

"Earl Hanton, do you really intend to resign from all your positions and relinquish this hard-won noble title?"

"Yes, I have insulted the Emperor, and though the Emperor is magnanimous, this is a self-imposed punishment I must bear."

Yang Ming said with a serious expression,

"I will relinquish my special land and honorary title, surrendering the rewards I received over the past year for fighting against corrupt nobles.

"Knowing my parents will live on Emperor Star reassures me, as my roots will be there too, but I will return to being the White Ghost from a few years ago."

The reporters exchanged glances.

Yang Ming's answer did not align with their pre-prepared questions.

They were called to praise the Emperor's virtue, not to attend the White Ghost's farewell assembly.

Yet, evidently, this was a better news scoop.

The reporters rushed over, firing questions that became increasingly sharp.

At first, Yang Ming answered some, but eventually, he only lowered his head, pursing his lips, his face full of gloom, as if under immense pressure.

In the Imperial Palace, the Emperor, watching the broadcast, was at a loss for words but did not say much. He dismissed the broadcast and began to appreciate the managed public opinion on the internet.

Especially observing how people praised his wisdom and prowess in various ways.

The false public opinion of the Empire floated on the surface:

Praise posts on major portal sites.

The true public opinion of the Empire lurked underground:

'Big idiot! Haha! You're a big idiot!'

'Be careful, the secret forces might arrest you for the crime of being a big idiot.'

'Hard to say this wasn't the Ghost Lord's genuine emotion!'

'I love the Ghost Lord more and more, family is the most important!'

Sales of authentic White Ghost merchandise underwent a new boom.

After the broadcast ended, several guards from the Noble Court appeared before Yang Ming.

Yang Ming explained a few words to Hanton's parents, assuring them not to worry, and left with the guards.

It was rare for Yang Ming to sit in a prison cart, being taken to a giant transport ship in space, experiencing investigation by the Elder Court and the Noble Court.

The reasons for the investigation were verbal insults to the Emperor and declaring a will to renounce noble honors, which were not permitted by the Empire's laws.

Yang Ming had anticipated this.

But what he hadn't expected was that, half an hour after arriving at the Noble Court's giant ship, his Imperial Guard Knight badge was retracted.

Now, he no longer had the authority to freely enter and exit the Imperial Palace.

This indicated the Emperor condoned his departure.

The plan was overall successful, and now it was just a matter of waiting for the follow-up results and how much benefit he could gain.

In a still luxurious confinement room, Yang Ming seemed somber on the surface but sighed softly in his heart,

'Comforting.'

However, barely half an hour later, while lying there counting the stars outside the window, Yang Ming's ears twitched slightly, hearing light footsteps.

The familiar scent of perfume.

Yang Ming's lips twitched slightly, quickly adjusting his expression, and assumed an older, somber look.

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