“You’re the one who’s going to become a monk!” Chu Xuan glared at Zhao Chen, then explained, “According to the Empire’s orders, my grandfather is required to lead the fleet to occupy and control the ownerless Galaxies that the Mechanical Race fleets retreated from.

Holy Radiance and Warhammer have already taken action, and the Empire’s financial powers certainly won’t let go of this wealth right before their eyes.

Even if my grandfather is still somewhat worried about the reason for the Mechanical Race’s withdrawal this time, he can’t stop those greedy fellows.

Even the Emperor has issued an order, so my grandfather can only execute it.

This time, I will accompany my grandfather on the expedition.”

Hearing this, Zhao Chen’s teasing expression vanished, and he said seriously, “Be careful out there. Although the Mechanical Race has retreated now, who knows what those iron lumps are plotting.

If you really encounter any danger, don’t recklessly charge in; run when you need to.”

“Why are you nagging like my grandfather?” Although Chu Xuan’s words were dismissive, there was still joy in her eyes.

“Actually, this time on the expedition, my grandfather isn’t worried about the Mechanical Race.

Our interstellar reconnaissance fleet has been monitoring every move of the Mechanical Race; if they really had any large-scale military action, it would be impossible to hide it from us.

What my grandfather is worried about are our two ‘allies’.”

Zhao Chen immediately understood Governor Chu’s meaning.

Benefit distribution.

The ownerless lands vacated by the Mechanical Race’s retreat this time are as large as half of the Star Radiance Empire!

Among them are many resource Galaxies.

How will these resources be distributed?

Perhaps some people would say, just split it equally among the three factions.

It sounds easy, but when a huge amount of resources and wealth is truly laid out before you, are you really willing to let go?

Previously, the Galactic Alliance existed because of the threat from the Mechanical Race.

Once the Mechanical Race’s threat disappears, what will happen next is self-evident.

“In any case, pay attention to your own safety,” Zhao Chen reminded her again.

Chu Xuan was one of his few friends in this world; they had fought side-by-side several times, going through life and death together.

In the dark, it seemed some bonds had formed.

“I know, I’m still Miss Chu after all!

Just wait for my good news of expanding our territory.” Chu Xuan feigned an arrogant demeanor like a young lady, then bid farewell to Zhao Chen and ended the communication.

Expanding territory...

This was indeed a considerable temptation.

Zhao Chen pondered for a moment, thinking about the Mechanical Race’s withdrawal.

He realized that the benefits created by the Mechanical Race’s withdrawal not only affected the three factions of the Galactic Alliance but could even lead to more intense internal disagreements within the Starlight Empire due to benefit distribution.

After all, how those controlled ownerless Galaxies would be managed by whom would also be a matter of benefit distribution.

“We can only wait and see,” Zhao Chen shrugged.

Afterward, he led the Xiaolong Fleet on the long journey home.

...

Owl Dragon Star System · Galactic Calendar Year 3032, Early March

More than a month had passed since the Zerg battle in the North Wind Star Sector.

At the same time, a decree that was originally ready to be promulgated had been delayed for some time.

It was finally officially promulgated on March 1st and will be officially implemented on April 1st of the next quarter!

And at the moment the decree was promulgated, the entire Owl Dragon Star System was boiling!

‘All residents in the Owl Dragon Star System who are registered and accept the management of the Owl Dragon Star System will be able to purchase natural food at cost price!’

In fact, there were other related livelihood decrees, such as building some free skill training academies, etc.

But these were all overshadowed by the halo of the natural food supply decree.

Food is the paramount need of the people!

For ordinary people, nothing could be more realistic than this tangible welfare.

However, from the moment this decree was promulgated, the Owl Dragon Star System was filled with many voices of distrust.

They were all questioning the credibility of this decree, and some even directly came out to criticize it as an absolute scam.

And most of those who were suspicious and distrustful were people who had chosen not to join the Owl Dragon Star System household registration when they registered their household previously.

Perhaps it was inner jealousy at play; they were unwilling to believe that such welfare existed!

Xiaolong Star · Lord’s Mansion

Jiang Hong was currently handling the affairs of the Owl Dragon Star System. Zhao Chen was comfortable as a hands-off boss, but she had to work from morning till night every day.

Those who didn't know might even think that she, Jiang Hong, was the Lord of this Owl Dragon Star System.

But fortunately, her welfare benefits also increased accordingly.

On her desk, fresh fruit was supplied daily, and she also had some military deployment authority.

At this moment, a small hand silently reached out, fumbling on the table, as if searching for something.

Jiang Hong couldn't help but smile, and she said, “You’re feeling in the wrong place, the fruit plate is on the right.”

“It’s usually on the left...” a very small voice came from under the desk.

The small hand retracted, and half a minute later, it emerged from the right side of the desk, snatching a fruit with lightning speed.

Crunch, crunch.

Jiang Hong could hear the small mouth munching sounds. She finished what she was doing and said, “What’s the matter this time? You’re not just here to eat my fruit, are you?

You, the dignified Chief Engineer of the Xiaolong Fleet, your salary and benefits shouldn’t be so low that you can’t afford these, right?”

A small head poked out.

It was Annie, the Chief Engineer of the Xiaolong Fleet.

Annie grinned and said, “My salary and benefits are high, but they can’t support five mouths in my family.

You know, after eating natural food, those nutrient meals really become unpalatable.

I can’t bear to see my mother and younger siblings eat those nutrient meals, can I? So seven or eight tenths of my salary goes to my family...”

As she spoke, Annie casually took another fruit from the table.

“Let’s get to the point, my Chief Engineer,” Jiang Hong looked at the little dwarf in front of her.

Because some basic industries needed to be built within the Owl Dragon Star System, Zhao Chen arranged for Annie to contact Jiang Hong.

It must be said that Annie, this little girl, seemed to have a halo about her. Even Jiang Hong, this strong woman, really liked this dwarf who was a genius in engineering technology but seemed like an innocent, never-growing child in other aspects.

The two quickly became familiar with each other.

Every time Annie came to see Jiang Hong, she would casually take some ‘small gifts’ with her.

“These are the construction plans for several planetary industrial zones you wanted earlier; I’ve drafted them for you,” Annie projected a set of construction plans in front of Jiang Hong.

Jiang Hong took a look; it was very comprehensive: “Can’t you just transmit this directly to me?”

“I just missed Sister Jiang Hong, didn’t I?” Annie pouted, acting cute, and at this moment, several more fruits disappeared from the fruit plate.

Jiang Hong naturally knew Annie’s little tricks, and she didn’t expose her.

“Annie, I have a question, and it might be a bit out of line.

But you know that ever since the Lord’s second decree was announced,

many people outside are questioning the authenticity of this food decree.

Even my subordinates in this mansion are suspicious.

As of now, the total number of registered residents in the Owl Dragon Star System is 190 million.

If, by April, the needs of the Owl Dragon Star System’s residents cannot be met, then the prestige of the Zhao family in the Owl Dragon Star System will be gone.

So I want to ask you, does he... really have confidence?” Jiang Hong was a little worried.

“Sister Jiang Hong, you can rest assured about this. As long as he says it, there’s nothing that can’t be achieved.

At least from what I know, there’s no problem.

I’m leaving now.” Annie said casually.

Jiang Hong smiled and rubbed her temples: “Right, anyway, I’m just an acting Lord; why should I worry about this?”

After muttering to herself, Jiang Hong instinctively reached for a fruit, but then she realized, where was her fruit plate?