Abyss Solo

"Hanton, I know you have anger in your heart, but now you must consider the bigger picture."

Director Eno said sternly:

"The head of the Military Department is here, you can negotiate separately after the meeting, I will not intervene."

The three highest commanders of the Military Department on the surface had slight twitches in their facial muscles.

They were pondering why they had to attend this meeting in person.

Yang Ming snorted and said indifferently:

"You wanted me on Emperor Star, so I've come.

"But you want me to step up and advocate for the noble class, I cannot do that.

"I am here following the orders of His Majesty and out of respect for Director Eno, not to gain any benefits or empty promises from you."

"The Empire wants to solve the current problem, there is only one option, and that is to send troops to arrest the nobles at odds with the people and have been indulged by closing one eye in the past, right in front of the public."

"Have you not realized where the problem lies yet?"

"Isn't reducing the rights of nobles a basic policy in the national strategy you formulated? Why does implementation turn out just the opposite?"

"Duke Hanton!"

Third elder of the Elder Court frowned:

"You are also a noble, please do not forget this."

"You can take back this duke title anytime, if you have the power."

Yang Ming shrugged:

"My stance is like this, you can consider me as seeking political capital for myself, or as being scheming, but since I'm sitting here, I must represent the people, represent the Empire's largest interest group, and have a good talk with you on how to end this bloody conflict."

Director Eno said: "Alright Hanton, mind your manners, keep your dignity."

Director Eno shifted the tone:

"Moreover, Hanton, sometimes you need to face your own issues, another reason for this strategic misjudgment is your lack of communication with the Military Department, and you yourself being too tough, Hanton, while gaining immense fame, you have been put on a pedestal by the populace."

"Yes, Director Eno."

Yang Ming smiled:

"Now the only thing that brings me satisfaction is the praise from the civilian class."

"If that's the case," Director Eno asked, "could you initiate an event, say, a negotiation between representatives of the Empire's civilian class and noble class?"

Yang Ming slightly frowned.

Goodness, this old fox is really cunning.

This is wanting to first elevate him to a leader, then later label him a traitor to the workers, when problems arise in the future, people will blame him, the Ghost Duke.

Negotiating as a workers' leader is not something to take lightly.

"As the elder just mentioned," Yang Ming said sternly, "while I consider issues from the civilian perspective, I have already detached from civilian life and have no true representation. I wonder if within the Empire, a democratically elected organization could be established, to negotiate with the noble class?"

An elder immediately said: "The imperial code clearly prohibits the establishment of any organization with a democratic nature, including the Workers' Federation and the Public Welfare Organization Management Committee."

Yang Ming nodded: "Then I'm helpless here."

Director Eno gave Yang Ming a profound look before officially starting today's negotiations.

Clearly, prior to Yang Ming's arrival, the Empire had already prepared a set of measures.

Simply put, it's military suppression.

The Empire has now completed deployment, only awaiting the Military Department's order for a large number of second-line troops and local defense forces to step in to control the situation, arresting some of the most active citizens and Little Nobles, then selecting a few representative figures for severe punishment as a warning.

Yang Ming listened on the side and could only laugh.

Using military force?

That indeed couldn't be more appropriate.

It'll definitely intensify the conflict, and make the people feel wronged. Later, as long as rumors spread about the Empire releasing arrested nobles and severely punishing non-background civilians, it'll be another large public opinion spectacle.

However, these elders have also noted this issue.

Though they are not very aware of the people's living conditions, they do not have any glaring strategic brainstem deficiencies when it comes to national policy directions.

"The problem now is, if we proceed like this, we can suppress the unrest in the short term, but in the long run, will sever the Empire from public opinion and grassroots actions."

"This will reduce the public's sense of security and is also likely to trigger empathy among them."

"We must find a way to eliminate these negative impacts... perhaps, we could use some slightly gentle methods."

"Transparent arrests, public trials in noble and civilian courts, what do you think?"

"The concern now is, if unruly citizens cause trouble and insist on severe punishment of nobles while tolerating civilians," an elder said coldly. "These people are fundamentally greedy and despicable; they seek superiority by oppressing the nobles."

Yang Ming immediately countered: "If civilians are greedy and despicable, then nobles are evil, selfish, shameless. Of course, I mean some nobles; some are still decent, not fallen, maintaining their integrity."

"Duke Hanton, have you been intentionally targeting us from the start?"

"You don't try to get me first, would I target you?"

Bang!

One of the four elders of the Military Department's projection slammed the table and shouted: "White Ghost! This is the Empire's highest-level meeting!"