Legacy of the Void Fleet-Chapter 43: ch-41 The Jiang Dynasty-2

Yu Tong, ever direct in her approach, wasted no time. She met Emperor Jiang Wu’s gaze and stated firmly, "The reason for our visit is the emergence of another fleet within the proximity of the Sol System about a day ago. I am certain you have already detected them, as they are currently orbiting the Moon."

For a brief moment, Emperor Jiang Wu’s composed expression faltered—his brows creased ever so slightly—but he quickly masked it, his face returning to its usual calm neutrality. He leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes studying Yu Tong.

"But they are from the same power as you, correct? Reinforcements, perhaps?" His tone was measured, almost casual.

Yet, even as he spoke those words, doubt crept into his mind. Until now, he had assumed the arriving fleet belonged to the same faction as Yu Tong’s Star Fleet—a backup force sent in response to their presence. But now, her deliberate choice of words—"another fleet"—shifted his perspective.

....

[Aurthor: That was what the Star Fleet had told Earth’s powers about themselves.]

...

A different power? A separate force entirely?

The implications sent a ripple of unease through him. If this was not a reinforcement fleet but an independent entity, then the balance of power within the system had just become far more uncertain.

He met Yu Tong’s gaze again, his tone measured but sharper than before. "Then tell me, Envoy Yu Tong… who are they?"

Yu Tong met Emperor Jiang Wu’s gaze, her tone unwavering as she responded, "You ask who they are, Emperor Wu? Well, as a matter of fact, they are not alien but human—just like you and me."

She paused briefly, allowing the weight of her words to settle. "For now, they call themselves the ’Void Fleet.’

Silence filled the chamber for a brief moment before she continued, her expression unreadable. "As for how they arrived… I cannot tell you that. It is their place to speak on the matter, not mine."

Her words were both revealing and withholding, offering just enough to stir intrigue while making it clear that this Void Fleet operated independently. Emperor Jiang Wu’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair, his mind rapidly processing this unexpected revelation.

Emperor Jiang Wu was no mere ruler in name—he was a shrewd and perceptive leader. He quickly caught the underlying meaning in Yu Tong’s words.

This wasn’t just a matter of secrecy; it was a statement of autonomy. The Void Fleet was not under the command of star fleet, nor was she authorized to speak on their behalf. That alone told him they were a separate force, belonging to a different power than her faction—at least, not in the way he had initially assumed.

His sharp gaze lingered on her for a moment before he gave a slow nod, acknowledging that he understood. "Very well."

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A new human faction—completely separate from the star fleet—had appeared within the Sol System. That changed everything.

His gaze sharpened. "I see… Then tell me, Envoy Yu Tong, what is their purpose here?"

Yu Tong replied without hesitation. "Their purpose is mutual cooperation, Emperor Wu—just like us. As for what type of cooperation they seek, that is for them to explain."

Emperor Wu gave a slow nod, his sharp mind already analyzing the implications. "I understand. Then tell me, Commander Yu Tong, what is it that you want me to do?"

Yu Tong exhaled lightly, her gaze steady. "I won’t hide this from you, Emperor Wu. My fleet—specifically, our Chancellor—has already met with the leader of the Void Fleet. We discussed many things during that meeting, one of which was their request."

She paused, then continued, her voice firm. "They have asked us to disclose their presence to the people of Earth using our connections."

At this, the emperor’s expression remained neutral, though she could tell he was carefully weighing her words. Yu Tong then added in a measured tone, "This information is classified, Emperor Wu. I am only disclosing it to you because of the alliance we have forged."

Emperor Wu frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of confusion. "Why not approach Earth themselves? Why go through you?"

Yu Tong remained calm as she explained, "Because they do not want to be seen as a threat, but as a friendly party. First impressions matter, and they believe that approaching through us—which indirectly means through your dynasty, Emperor—will help with public relations. As one of the major powers, your endorsement would make people more accepting of them."

She leaned forward slightly, her tone turning more persuasive. "And let me assure you, the benefits they offer are in no way inferior to what we have already provided you. In fact, they might even surpass them, Emperor."

Emperor Wu’s gaze darkened with contemplation as he processed her words. Before he could speak, Yu Tong continued, "What I need from you is to gather the other major powers, inform them of this, and ensure that when their presence is disclosed to the world, there is no panic."

She paused before adding, "And do not worry—the Void Fleet will send their representatives before the official announcement. They will personally highlight the benefits that the people of Earth stand to gain."

Emperor Wu nodded, but Yu Tong wasn’t finished. Her tone turned more serious. "One more thing—be mindful of how you approach the Indra Empire, the State of Avalon, and the Bear Republic. Specifically, the Indra Empire."

The emperor raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why them in particular?"

Yu Tong’s lips curled slightly. "Because the Void Fleet intends to approach them first."

A flicker of understanding flashed in Emperor Wu’s eyes

They continued their discussion for a while longer, with Yu Tong providing Emperor Wu with additional details and precise instructions on how to proceed. She emphasized the importance of handling the situation delicately—"This is crucial for both you and your dynasty, Emperor. It must be done without causing unnecessary unrest."

With that final statement, Yu Tong rose from her seat. Her delegation followed suit, standing in unison before making their way toward the door. As she walked, her tone remained composed yet firm.

"We will be watching closely, Emperor. We trust that this will unfold as expected. And should it go as planned, you will stand to gain more than you realize."

With those parting words, she exited the chamber, her delegation following closely behind.

As Yu Tong stepped out of the chamber, she was met by General Bin. However, unlike their previous encounters, there were few words exchanged this time. Without unnecessary formalities, he simply gave her a respectful nod before turning to lead the Star Fleet delegation toward their escort vehicle.

Without delay, they departed from the Imperial Palace, but the atmosphere was not one of urgency—it was one of relief.

For both Yu Tong and her delegation, the tension that had subtly weighed on them throughout the meeting finally eased. Her delegation had not merely accompanied her as aides; they had been sent to monitor her. If she had caused any issues during the discussions, they were under orders to step in and take over in her place.

Yet, to their surprise, Commander Yu Tong had displayed an exceptional level of self-restraint throughout the visit. She maintained both the decorum expected in diplomatic negotiations and the fiery spirit that defined her. They had never seen this side of her before. To them, she was a warrior—one with little to no patience for politics and diplomacy.

What they didn’t know was that Yu Tong had been on the verge of losing control from the very start. Had this not been a direct mission assigned by the Chancellor—whom she deeply respected—she might not have held herself back so well.

Another reason for her composed demeanor was her heritage. Yu Tong came from one of the Knight Families of their empire, a lineage steeped in both combat and tradition. Unlike most soldiers, she had been exposed to diplomacy from a young age. Whether she liked it or not, she had learned a thing or two about negotiation and tact.

Still, as she settled into the escort vehicle, she allowed herself a small exhale

She felt relieved after completing her task without causing any trouble.

....

Back at palace

Emperor Wu was somewhat troubled by his exchange with Commander Yu Tong of Star Fleet.

Emperor Wu wasted no time.

He immediately summoned his ministers and advisors, gathering them in the council chamber to brief them on what had transpired with the Star Fleet delegation.

As he spoke, the room fell into stunned silence. At first, disbelief flickered across their faces—shock settling in as they processed his words.

Foreign Minister Liu, unable to contain his astonishment, muttered, "Another starship fleet?" His voice carried a mix of confusion and concern.

Murmurs spread through the chamber as the weight of the revelation sank in. This was no ordinary diplomatic matter—it was a turning point.

A senior advisor spoke up, his tone filled with disbelief. "We all assumed that this fleet belonged to our allies, the Star Fleet, when we first received reports of its appearance. And now, we are being told it is an entirely different power?"

Defense Minister Su added, his voice laced with skepticism, "And they are being rather vague about it too… From what His Majesty has shared, they have revealed little about this new fleet’s true origins or purpose."