Chapter 101 Don’t Think You’ll Be Happy

Chapter 101: Don't Get Too Comfortable

The Paradox Ring, a research vessel bankrolled by Lin Juangui, wasn't tied down to any one planet; the entire cosmos was its playground.

Huo Zeshen had no idea how much capital and materials it took to invest in such a ship. From the outside, the Paradox Ring appeared unremarkable, but the moment he followed Lin Juangui aboard, he discovered a world within. Many researchers would greet them in passing.

"Hello, Mr. Lin. Hello, General Huo."

Everyone had their own tasks, walking briskly but purposefully, their eyes clear and focused.

Lin Juangui gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

The two made their way without interruption to the central hangar. The space, previously filled with the hum of various instruments and the chatter of researchers, fell silent instantly. All the researchers, whether in lab coats or engineering uniforms, stopped whatever they were doing and turned towards them.

Their gazes first fell on Lin Juangui, filled with reverence and trust. Then, all eyes focused on Huo Zeshen. They instinctively straightened their backs, saluting him with their eyes.

"General Huo!"

A chorus of voices echoed through the vast hangar, carrying heartfelt respect.

Huo Zeshen instinctively brought his heels together, responding with a flawless military salute.

Their respect wasn't just for his rank, but for the merits he had forged with blood and victory on the battlefield, and for everything he had sacrificed to protect the Federation.

Lin Juangui observed their reactions, the corner of his mouth lifting almost imperceptibly. Without a word, he acknowledged the researchers with another nod and led Huo Zeshen deeper into the hangar.

As they walked, the researchers returned to their work, their eyes alight with unconcealable excitement and anticipation, as if waiting for something.

Passing rows of standard-issue mechs and research equipment, they reached the hangar's far end, where an area isolated by an independent energy barrier came into view.

Lin Juangui input a complex string of commands into the barrier's control panel. The pale white energy curtain parted like water to both sides.

In that instant, a mech came into Huo Zeshen's view.

That single glance was enough to make Huo Zeshen's pupils contract and his breath catch.

The mech stood silently on its dedicated support frame, its entire body a deep black that seemed to absorb light. Its lines were sleek yet brimming with explosive power, radiating sheer aggression.

Most striking were the faintly visible, ghostly blue patterns flowing like veins across its chest, shoulder armor, and the engine nozzles on its back.

These weren't ordinary energy conduits, but the physical expression of a combined biological neural network and a new type of energy circuit.

Huo Zeshen's voice was hoarse, a roughness he was unaware of. "It..."

"It doesn't have a name yet. Its current designation is Nemesis-07. It possesses near-limitless operational endurance. Its peak energy output is 37 times that of existing mechs. Its neural network can achieve a deeper-level interface with your psychic energy, boosting response speed and, to a certain extent, amplifying and refining your psychic power."

Lin Juangui looked up at this masterpiece born of countless efforts, pointing towards the ghostly blue light pulsing like a heart in the mech's chest.

"It no longer relies on traditional fusion energy. Its core is a hybrid power reactor, created through reverse engineering and optimization based on research into the highly efficient bio-energy conversion organs of the Zerg."

Lin Juangui turned to look into Huo Zeshen's eyes, which were bright with astonishment. His tone remained calm, yet carried immense weight. "Now, it's yours."

Huo Zeshen felt as if something was stuck in his throat. This mech was undoubtedly a masterpiece of military art surpassing contemporary technology. It wasn't just a weapon; it was the culmination of countless researchers' painstaking efforts.

Shock, emotion, a heavy sense of responsibility, and an uncontrollable thrill surged through Huo Zeshen's heart like a wave.

Lin Juangui stepped forward, took the mech's key—a ghostly blue crystal—from the mech's hand, and offered it to Huo Zeshen.

Huo Zeshen accepted it as if receiving a sacred mission, gripping the crystal key tightly in his palm.

The moment it made contact with his skin, the ghostly blue crystal seemed to glow faintly, as if completing some kind of bonding ritual.

"...Why." Huo Zeshen's voice was laden with complex emotions.

Lin Juangui looked at him. In those beautiful eyes that always seemed to hold endless calculations, Huo Zeshen's reflection was clearly visible, along with a faint, almost gentle trust.

"Because," Lin Juangui's voice was clear and firm, "the Federation needs you alive. And I need you."

To ensure this story reached its intended conclusion, Lin Juangui had prepared for many years.

Lin Juangui had to accumulate all his strength to fulfill his ultimate goal.

And after that?

Watch the Liang family collapse and have their influence carved up by other families, plunging the Federation into utter chaos in a scramble for those interests?

That was not what Lin Juangui wanted to see.

Someone had to step forward to deal with the many messes left behind. In such times, whoever could stabilize people's hearts would become the new leader.

"Mu Zhang is installing a Mu family member in a high position. He wants to sit back and reap the benefits from behind the scenes. The Liang family members are putting on a flamboyant display in the parliament, ready to debate all challengers. The Mu and Bai families are entangled, leaving no extra opportunities. If I choose you at this moment, what kind of surprise can you bring me?"

Everyone thought the Mu family would sit comfortably in the next power transition. After all, the alliance between Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang was terrifying; even the Liang family had been ensnared by Lin Juangui, and Mu Zhang consolidating power in the Political Department seemed effortless.

But could it really be that easy?

If everything Mu Zhang wanted went smoothly, he wouldn't have been so busy in the Political Department these past few years.

Lin Juangui smiled leisurely at Huo Zeshen.

Huo Zeshen took a deep breath, looked up at Nemesis-07, his gaze steady and profound. "I will not let you down."

This was the heaviest promise.

Lin Juangui stepped forward and hugged Huo Zeshen, resting his head lightly against the other's chest. "Having seen the schemes of those villains, you can certainly be more ruthless than them. As long as your heart remains unchanged and your goal is firm, no one can fault you."

Huo Zeshen gently kissed the top of Lin Juangui's head. "I was too passive before. I apologize..."

Lin Juangui took a deep breath, not allowing himself to linger in the moment. He summoned the researchers.

"Time is tight. I'll have someone take you to the testing grounds."

Huo Zeshen couldn't stay on the Paradox Ring for too long. His whereabouts were surely being tracked, and Lin Juangui wasn't ready to bring the Paradox Ring onto too many people's radars just yet.

Two senior researchers arrived quickly and led Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen to an ultra-high-precision simulation testing field on the other side.

Huo Zeshen sat in the unusually configured simulation cockpit. The interface connectors, like living things, gently attached to key points on his temples and spine. The moment the cold interfaces touched his skin, a strange warmth flowed into his nerve endings.

"Neural interface synchronization rate calibrating... 10%... 60%... 100%... Synchronization rate: 118%. Exceeding baseline model prediction. Stabilizing link."

The system's female voice reported calmly, yet it made the two researchers present hold their breath.

A 118% synchronization rate meant Huo Zeshen's psychic energy not only perfectly matched the mech but was even enhancing the mech's response systems.

Huo Zeshen's vision went dark, then he found himself no longer in the cockpit but "standing" in a vast simulated starfield. Looking down, he saw lustrous dark armor and the ghostly blue core pulsing like a heart in the center of his chest.

The test began. The massive mech slid sideways hundreds of meters like a ghost, leaving faint afterimages. An emergency vector change, followed by a theoretically impossible "Z"-shaped skip maneuver for a mech. The movements were so fluid they seemed to defy physical inertia.

"Inertial compensation system efficiency... 203%. Power reactor output stable." Monitoring data scrolled rapidly.

Huo Zeshen raised his right arm, the armor sliding open to reveal a complex energy-focusing crystal beneath.

"Vvvv—"

A dark blue beam that seemed to absorb light shot out silently. The simulated small planet Huo Zeshen had locked onto with his mind was wiped away as if by an eraser, its central part vanishing instantly, leaving only a gaping cavity with molten edges.

"Annihilation cannon live-fire test completed. Energy efficiency exceeds expectations by 97%."

The next moment, the simulation scenario changed drastically. Countless red enemy signals swarmed from all directions—this was the system's preset extreme stress test.

Huo Zeshen's gaze turned sharp. He instinctively focused his mental energy to an intense degree. He felt as if his consciousness had merged with the mech; he was no longer "controlling" it, but the mech had become an extension of his body.

Perception spread out like quicksilver, instantly covering the entire simulated battlefield. The trajectory of every enemy, even their next moves, appeared before him like clear, pre-rendered images.

From the monitoring room came an exclamation of disbelief: "Biological neural network overload synchronization! Detecting... a predictive perception field?!"

Guided by Huo Zeshen's will, the mech displayed combat postures surpassing any known record. It danced through the enemy swarm. Every evasion, every attack, was precisely predicted. Wherever it passed, enemies turned into brilliant explosions. The dark blue beams wove a grid of death across the starry sky.

As the last target was eliminated, the simulation scene slowly faded. Huo Zeshen released the control stick, his palms clammy with a fine sheen of sweat from excitement and intense concentration.

He looked down at his hands, as if he could still feel the immense power contained within that metallic form.

Lin Juangui applauded softly, clearly pleased with the test results.

The researcher beside him also heaved a heavy sigh of relief. The two exchanged a glance, unable to hide the joy in their eyes.

The simulator hatch slid open with a hiss of air. Huo Zeshen disengaged from the peak state, stepping back into reality, his face still carrying traces of shock and excitement.

Lin Juangui waited for him outside the testing field, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever, as if the astonishing data in the monitoring room were merely routine.

"How does it feel?" Lin Juangui asked.

Huo Zeshen tried to calm his surging emotions. Drawing a deep breath, he said, "Unbelievable. It's like a part of my body."

Lin Juangui raised his hand, unhurriedly smoothing the wrinkles on Huo Zeshen's collar caused by the test. "The front lines need you to stabilize the situation. No one can afford to retreat now. I know your capabilities are even greater than I imagined. Don't be afraid; press forward without hesitation."

Huo Zeshen grasped Lin Juangui's wrist, suppressing all his questions about the mech and his concern for the man before him. He kissed Lin Juangui's fingertips, then turned and strode away purposefully.

His back was resolute, as if he could already smell the gunpowder of the distant battlefield.

Watching Huo Zeshen's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, the mask on Lin Juangui's face instantly shattered, replaced by a trace of unconcealable fatigue.

Bringing the Paradox Ring here wasn't just to hand Nemesis-07 to Huo Zeshen. Lin Juangui also needed to deposit the box Huo Zeshen had given him and undergo the physical examination he had long scheduled.

Mu Zhang had previously only sent obstetric personnel to check if Lin Juangui was pregnant. Other detailed examinations likely hadn't been done.

Lin Juangui raised a hand to press against his chest, which had been feeling a dull, tight pain lately. That inexplicable wave of nausea faintly rose again. He walked briskly towards the internal hover lift, heading straight for the Paradox Ring's most core, most heavily guarded Life Sciences Center.

A white-haired, grim-faced senior professor immediately hurried over to meet him.

"Mr. Lin, your body requires a comprehensive, in-depth scan and glandular analysis!"

The chief biomedical scientist's tone carried an undeniable urgency. Lin Juangui, however, moved slowly. He removed his glasses and lay down in the cold scanner, allowing various beams to sweep over his body.

Lin Juangui closed his eyes. What flashed through his mind wasn't his own safety, but the various scenarios that might unfold next.

He had to race against time. Before the civil war spiraled completely out of control, before those families were destroyed, before his body completely failed—he had to seize every minute, every second.

The scanner emitted a low hum, like the pendulum of a death countdown, ticking silently.

On the cold holographic screen, Lin Juangui's internal structure was displayed in three dimensions, covered in alarming red and yellow warning zones.

The old professor pointed at the continuously scrolling data stream, his voice heavy as lead. "The results are worse than anticipated. This is no ordinary illness or injury."

Lin Juangui put his glasses back on. The 3D image clearly distinguished which organs in his body were his own and which were not.

He studied it intently for a while, then gestured for the old professor to continue.

"Your genetic chains are disintegrating at a rate that defies existing biological laws, similar to... the heat death process of the universe."

The old professor elaborated on many points: genetic collapse, functional decline of bodily organs, desensitization of energy perception due to excessive pheromone release, intermittent dizziness leading to nausea, and so on.

The laser pointer was set down. The professor's expression was extremely grave. "In simple terms, your body is deconstructing from its fundamental level."

No panic appeared on Lin Juangui's face, only an unsurprising calm. He didn't ask about potential solutions. Instead, he said, "Are the glandular samples I left behind sufficient?"

"Completely sufficient, rest assured. So..."

The professor was about to mention treatment plans when Lin Juangui raised a hand to stop him. "Maintain the status quo. How long do I have?"

The professor saw Lin Juangui's decisiveness and unyielding resolve. He seemed to know he couldn't change Lin Juangui's mind and let out a heavy sigh. "About a year."

"One year." Lin Juangui murmured. A hint of anticipation actually appeared on his face as he lowered his head with a faint smile.

The professor was stunned.

He had been about to advise Lin Juangui not to be too pessimistic, but who could fathom what a madman like Lin Juangui was thinking?

Back when the research center was first established, Lin Juangui had said to all the researchers via video conference, "Everyone has only one research subject. Me."

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"I've never seen this category of pheromones before. How is it possible that everyone perceives his pheromones as a different scent? It's simply unbelievable!"

Lin Juangui had approached them from behind back then, completely unlike his lofty demeanor in the meeting, his tone even carrying a bit of dark humor. "That's why I brought you all here to research it. Isn't it fascinating?"

The students were startled. Lin Juangui continued smiling. He extended his hand to the old professor and said, "Hello, I'm Lin Juangui. There were many things inconvenient to say in the meeting. I invited you here to be our anchor, not for any other reason, but because we still hold hope for the Federation."

The old professor cared deeply for the world. The Federation's research environment was terrible. Everyone was busy fighting each other for profit; there was hardly any pure research left.

Lin Juangui provided them with a stable research environment. He also wanted to know the extent of his own pheromones.

Despite such a unique setup, he remained obscure by Mu Zhang's side. Even if, in the original plot, Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing managed to topple the Liang family, what then? The Federation's true crisis had never been resolved.

If the key node lay with Lin Juangui, then let Lin Juangui discover it himself and take the initiative.

Now, the east wind had arrived. Lin Juangui was eager to fan the flames. He was immensely looking forward to seeing how those people would handle the upcoming situation.

Burn. Let this fire rage even more fiercely, incinerating the filth hidden in the dark sewers to ashes.

Lin Juangui would watch them unblinkingly, appreciating their contorted dance in the flames, and then collect their remains.

-

Federation Central Star.

The massive circular conference table was surrounded by senior officials from all departments of the Federation.

A holographic projection displayed the latest battle reports from a rebellious star sector, along with some disturbing video clips—

Some mechs, not part of any known military formation, displayed extraordinary mobility and firepower on the battlefield.

Their attacks were perfectly synchronized, evasion maneuvers executed with pinpoint precision, and fire strikes delivered with cold, calculated efficiency.

These mechs not only featured bizarre designs but also lacked any visible viewports or cockpit structures.

The atmosphere in the conference room was so thick you could cut it with a knife, broken only by the heavy breathing of several senior officials and the faint creaking of chairs.

The silence was finally shattered by a white-haired elder statesman, who pointed a trembling finger at the screen: "Those are unmanned mechs!"

The Minister of Justice stood up abruptly, his face ashen. "Article 1, Clause 1 of the *Human Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Defense Act*! It prohibits any organization, individual, or entity from researching, producing, deploying, or using unmanned combat mechs capable of autonomous decision-making and executing complex military tasks under any circumstances!"

This prohibition, written in the blood of those who ended AI domination two eras ago, is the unshakable cornerstone of the Federation. Any violation is tantamount to a declaration of war against all humankind.

A relatively young official spoke softly, "If they were willing to abide by Federation law, they wouldn't have started a civil war in the first place..."

A representative from a committee on the other side of the table remained calm. "Do we know the origin of these mechs? Mass-producing so many unmanned mechs requires a production line. Investigating existing mech manufacturing companies might yield some clues."

"Indeed, the Federation's defense engineering system has strict oversight. Who could bypass it to develop such technology?" A councilor spoke up, tapping the table lightly to bring up a data chart. "As we all know, Director Mu's spouse took over his military-industrial business several years ago and built a very substantial operation. For years, they have been exporting large quantities of untraceable military-grade technology and materials to multiple sensitive star sectors."

The councilor leaned forward, his tone becoming intensely accusatory. "Can we suspect that these unmanned mechs are related to Director Mu's business activities operating outside regulatory oversight? Could this be a scheme you orchestrated to create panic for some purpose, to further expand your own authority?"

His words sent shockwaves through the room, instantly causing an uproar.

Mu Zhang's face showed no ripple of emotion. He didn't even refute immediately, merely slowly lifting his eyelids. His gaze was dark and unfathomable, like a cold, deep pool.

He waited for the commotion to subside slightly before speaking in a completely emotionless tone. "Councilor Li, your imagination is rich, and your conspiracy theory is quite thrilling. Since you accuse me, where is the evidence? Do you dare pin this blame on me based solely on these records of material and personnel movement?"

Mu Zhang was not one to easily fall into verbal traps. The more the other side wanted to see him flustered, the more composed he became.

The Alpha didn't even stand up, merely adjusted his posture slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Both in the past and now, all enterprises operated by my spouse and me have been operating within the Federation's legal framework and have been subject to supervision by relevant departments. Could it be that your so-called 'untraceable' status is due to your insufficient authority, or... perhaps some people don't want you to see too clearly?"

Councilor Li's patron was naturally the Liang family. He had publicly praised the Liang family's contributions to the Federation on numerous occasions, clearly acting as their mouthpiece.

Mu Zhang directly turned the accusation back on him, signaling to everyone that Councilor Li was merely the Liang family's puppet and that his accusations were clearly malicious.

"As for you saying I orchestrated this..." A cold, mocking smile touched the corner of Mu Zhang's lips. "Who is foolish and insane enough to pave their own path with the lives of Federation soldiers and the stability of the Federation? The answer lies right there on those unmanned mechs."

The heated debates earlier were, in Mu Zhang's eyes, merely appetizers before the main course. He raised his hand and lightly tapped the controller before him. The holographic projection in the center of the conference room instantly switched.

The few unmanned mechs from the earlier tactical footage were highlighted and enlarged. Beside them were several images of the internal structures of destroyed unmanned mechs. On a very well-hidden section of armor, a dark silver symbol, almost blending into the black paint, was visible.

"This mark, confirmed through seventeen different angles, triple image enhancement, and semiotic comparison, was deliberately concealed but undeniably present. I believe everyone here, especially Councilor Li, should be quite familiar with this mark."

It was an abstract variant of the Liang family crest—a "Liang" character composed of stars and gears.

Before anyone could fully process the images, Mu Zhang operated the controls again.

The holographic projection split in two. The other side displayed several extremely clear photographs of a secret production base hidden kilometers underground on a Liang family-owned mining planet.

On the massive automated production lines, skeletons and armor plates identical to those of the unmanned mechs appearing on the battlefield were being assembled!

Mu Zhang's eyes swept over every person in the room who had doubted him moments before. "May I ask, which factory under my name, Mu Zhang, is producing these killing machines bearing the Liang family crest? On which private planet did I establish such a large-scale underground production line?"

The photographs even included latitude and longitude coordinates and timestamps.

Liang Family Concession Mining Planet No. 3, a basin region, 3.9 kilometers underground. The data was precise to a frightening degree. The production line's scale suggested a capacity of at least thirty units per month.

Forging images isn't difficult, but such a clear crest combined with such specific, verifiable photos of a production line constituted almost irrefutable ironclad evidence. The earlier doubts cast upon Mu Zhang now boomeranged back, striking everyone present squarely in the face.

Dead silence.

Absolute dead silence.

Many of Mu Zhang's political enemies were present, along with neutral parties swayed by Councilor Li's words moments ago. They wished they could shrink into their chairs.

Simultaneously, some looked at Councilor Li with shock and anger.

The shackles of the law remained, but now the fear and rage of most present had found a clear and lawful target for release—

The Liang family.

Beads of sweat appeared on Councilor Li's temples, but his expression remained relatively composed. It was clear he had anticipated this situation.

"Why is Director Mu so sensitive about the emergence of unmanned mechs? Over the years, how many Federation soldiers have been lost defending against the Zerg invasion? The advent of unmanned mechs could not only reduce casualties but also significantly enhance the Federation's combat power! The Federation has been mired in war for so long. Have we never considered how to resolve these crises, instead remaining trapped in old laws, killing each other?!"

A councilor sitting not far from him slammed the table and stood up, seemingly furious. "Reduce casualties?! That sounds so full of humanitarian concern! Then what do the blood and tears our ancestors paid with their lives count for?! Handing the right to kill over to soulless machines without moral judgment, following only cold logic, will ultimately lead to the extinction of human civilization! This is digging a grave for our entire species!"

Councilor Li's eyes held mockery, as if laughing at the ignorance of those opposing him. "Why must we assume those unmanned mechs possess autonomous consciousness? They are merely tools. Of course, control remains in our hands. Or do you wish to see the Federation's military-industrial complex completely monopolized, leading to a future where only one voice is heard?!"

Mu Zhang found this rather amusing. This was a jab at him.

Not all the officials present were from the Liang family's camp.

The earlier debates about the war and military supplies had concluded. Councilor Li and other officials secretly supporting the Liang family were now exerting their influence in this meeting.

"Councilor Li, face the issue squarely! From a purely military perspective, how can you guarantee these unmanned mechs' firepower will only ever target your enemies? They have no compassion, no battlefield discipline. Could their efficient killing lead to broader, indiscriminate slaughter?"

Councilor Li frowned, seemingly annoyed by their stubbornness. "Why can't you think of those who died on the battlefield and their loved ones? Do more deaths make you happier? Why can't we temporarily set aside the baggage of history and look at these unmanned mechs themselves with rational eyes? They are just tools!"

"Are you truly concerned about Federation casualties, or are you trying to absolve certain forces of their crimes that cross the bottom line of humanity?! Need I remind you, Councilor Li, we saw Liang-manufactured mechs among the rebels! Is this the Liang family declaring war on the Federation?!"

Councilor Li seemed struck in a vital spot, his tone growing increasingly agitated. "There are also weapons of clear origin among the rebels! We can't refuse to use fire forever just because our ancestors were burned! Isn't the lack of a cockpit in these mechs a form of progress?! Some control the Federation's vast military-industrial system. Every soldier's casualty means a continuous stream of orders and profits! Of course, they would vehemently oppose new technologies that might shake their foundation. They are watering their money bags with soldiers' blood! They are the ones truly indifferent to life!"

This speech didn't name names, but it was practically spitting in Mu Zhang's face.

Clearly, this had devolved into partisan bickering. Whether unmanned mechs should exist seemed almost irrelevant now.

Some, however, weren't swayed by Councilor Li. "The sacrifices of our soldiers should be exchanged for upholding justice! Defending the law! Yearning for peace! Not for compromising with killing machines! Not for indulging the masterminds behind them! If today we tolerate the emergence of unmanned mechs under the false pretext of reducing casualties and control, how do we console the souls of those who died fighting to protect humanity's pure future?! Did their blood flow in vain?!"

Councilor Li took a deep breath, seeming to calm down slightly. "What we should do now is not convict anyone, nor be paralyzed by the ghosts of history. We can establish an expert committee to seriously assess this technology's potential military value and its significance in protecting soldiers' lives. If its benefits truly outweigh the risks, why can't we discuss amending outdated parts of the legal clauses, bringing it under a strict management and supervision framework, and letting it serve the Federation?"

Some seemed genuinely persuaded by Councilor Li's argument, whispering among themselves with bowed heads.

The Minister of Justice stood and surveyed the room, his voice firm and resonant. "Councilor Li, your arguments confuse right and wrong, lulling some into complacency. Their essence is to aid the villain."

The Director of the Federation Discipline Management Bureau also stood to speak. "Councilor Li, under existing law, we can arrest you for crimes endangering human security. I just received a message from my subordinates. Evidence of massive bribes you received has been found in your private residence. Your lobbying and defense for unmanned mechs weren't for human progress but for the money the Liang family gave you, wasn't it?"

The fighting spirit Councilor Li displayed earlier instantly evaporated. It was as if all his bones had been removed; his whole body went limp.

Weren't those things destroyed? How could they have been found? This shouldn't be happening...

Two guards came and dragged Councilor Li away. After the heavy conference room doors closed, the chamber fell into momentary silence.

The Speaker took a deep breath, his voice grave. "Everyone, what just transpired fully demonstrates that we face not only external military rebellion but also deep-seated internal corruption. Li Chad's actions have tarnished the dignity of this parliament and proven that some forces have no bottom line in pursuing their goals."

The President slowly rose, no longer maintaining a silent posture. "The real threat is not yet resolved. Now is not the time for panic and internal strife. The law is indeed the cornerstone of order, but it should not become shackles binding everyone's hands. The Liang family's actions have indeed undermined the rule of law, but Councilor Li's suggestion also has merit. I believe we should establish a special investigative committee, strengthen intelligence gathering, and seek political solutions."

"..."

A heavy silence fell.

All those arguments now seemed utterly meaningless. The Liang family had already torn a hole in the old rules, and trying to stitch it up with worn-out thread was futile.

The President's stance was clear; he believed the Liang family's actions were subject to discussion.

Mu Zhang was the first to rise and leave the conference room. He didn't speak to anyone, just left in silence.

Liang Xiancheng's move was risky, but he'd gone ahead with it anyway. It wasn't that the Liang family was on the right path, but rather, the more Mu Zhang opposed something, the more others were compelled to do it.

Human nature is like that: if I can't have it good, you won't either.

Even with the next election cycle imminent, the attitude of the incumbent President remained crucial. Mu Zhang's efforts to consolidate power were no secret. No matter how cautious he was, how he avoided the media spotlight, his words and actions were still too high-profile, making envy and resentment almost inevitable.

So even when the situation in parliament seemed clear-cut, the President could still turn the tables with a single sentence.

Power struggles are brutal. Until the very last moment, no one knows whose head the victor's laurels will rest upon.

At this moment, Mu Zhang suddenly thought of someone.

Huo Zeshen.

That pawn he had once most despised now seemed to have become a crucial piece on the board.

"Arrange a meeting with Huo Zeshen when he returns. Tell him... it's about the truth of why Lin Juangui approached him back then."