Yang Ming stayed on Ilando Star for four days.

Ever since he decided to step into the Empire's political circle, his time in the Wind had become extremely scarce.

So much so that every time Boss Yang saw Emilia, he felt there were significant changes in this little princess.

This time was no different.

She had become beautiful and charming, rational and wise, and very knowledgeable.

No matter what topic Yang Ming discussed, she could perfectly keep up with the conversation.

Yang Ming specifically set aside half a day to check on Emilia's combat skills, then discovered... she really had no talent in this area and could only pursue it as a pure hobby.

After all, there weren't many girls like Mimili, who had aspired from a young age to become a pirate leader, diligently practicing ship jumping, ship combat, and piloting spacecraft across the Milky Way.

Edwan's girlfriend was quite nice, well-educated, gentle, and modest in her interactions, belonging to the type with 'a bit of ambition but not too much,' able to help Edwan with many affairs.

Yang Ming guessed that Edwan's girlfriend was probably originally Edwan's secretarial assistant or something, and gradually love developed over time. — In the literal sense.

With the establishment of the Wind Alliance, the four countries simultaneously announced a three-day holiday, and the whole nation celebrated with great excitement.

Everyone felt this was the beginning of the Wind's journey toward becoming a powerful nation.

Yet only a small number of people saw the brewing crisis beneath the hustle and bustle.

In the middle of the night.

In the top floor of the new surface building of Haton Energy Building on Ilando Star, in Kolev's office that spanned more than a thousand square meters.

Yang Ming stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the bustling city below.

Most of the old buildings in Ilando City had been redeveloped into new constructions, and the bustling underground city had also become a major tourist attraction in Ilando City.

According to data Yang Ming obtained, over the past few years, Ilando Star's population had increased by more than 86 million, mostly absorbed from other Administrative Stars.

Balancing the development of various regions is an extremely complex discipline.

Yang Ming didn't really understand these matters.

He preferred making money, building ships, and launching surprise attacks.

Soft water sounds came from behind as Kolev approached Yang Ming from behind, holding two expensive wine glasses.

"What are you thinking about? My Lord, the dual Earl."

Yang Ming took a glass of wine, and they clinked glasses lightly.

Behind them, a Mechanical Guard moved a sofa and small round table, allowing them to sit comfortably.

Sensible Lyu.

"This wine is good," Yang Ming said with a laugh, placing the glass beside him, "How have you been feeling lately?"

"I feel like I'm back to sixty," Kolev laughed, "Originally, I thought only piracy was exciting, but it turns out real excitement lies in business warfare. Huge profits are like the black hole of human nature, capable of tearing a good person apart completely, which is very interesting."

Yang Ming slightly raised his brow: "Glad you find it interesting. Having you in the Wind makes me feel more at ease. This is my base."

Kolev suddenly asked, "How do you plan to deal with the possible attack from the Sherman Empire?"

"Soldiers come to guard against it, and earth and water come to conceal it. Try to avoid direct conflict with the Sherman Empire's fleet. There's no other way; this is a step that must be taken."

Yang Ming laughed:

"I have already secretly spread information about the Luofeng Empire throughout the Empire, striving to let more than 30% of the Empire's populace gradually realize that the Luofeng Empire is a vassal state loyal to the Empire.

"Beyond that, there's not much more we can do, but to try to expand our own firepower as much as possible."

"Using the Empire's public opinion?"

Kolev pondered carefully, his old eyes clouded but full of wisdom.

He said softly:

"The soft spot of the Empire is indeed the ideology and consciousness of its billions of people. Their rulers adhere to one red line, which is not to push the people into rebellion.

"In fact, according to the normal historical cycle, the Empire should have been destroyed many times over by now.

"But the Empire still exists, which is inseparable from the clarity of its rulers."

Yang Ming laughed: "Rulers are divided into those in the front and those behind the scenes. The old Emperor in the front is just a mediocre hedonistic pervert. The Sherman family behind the scenes is indeed the most terrifying force in the Galaxy."

"You've interacted with them all?"

"Barely made it back," Yang Ming sighed softly, "Otherwise, why do you think I had to kidnap Hanton's parents and leave the Emperor Star in a strategic retreat?"

Kolev, though not understanding some information points, immediately caught the essence.

"Earlier, I saw in gossip news, you and the Empire's Princess Daphne... The Empire wanted to use marriage to bind you to their family, making you their super henchman and thereby drawing out your public opinion value and flag effect?"

"More or less," Yang Ming drank another mouthful of wine, "At that time, I almost agreed."

"You can't agree to that," Kolev said, "Generally speaking, a ruler's lapdog eventually becomes expendable. Once you become their dog, you'll lose the qualification to confront them directly. Such a life would be terrible, and this good game of yours would be ruined."

Yang Ming winked at Kolev: "That's why I refused and managed to retreat from the Emperor Star. Now, I'm thinking about how to increase my influence within the Empire's system. Help me think it over, my dear first mate."

"You, this guy, don't know how to respect the old and love the young. This already shrinking brain of mine can't take such a hassle!"

Kolev, though grumbling, continued to ponder with his head down.

Yang Ming always valued this old man's advice immensely.

"Boss!"

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