BXBX NOVEL Chapter 186 - 186: The Empire’s Plot
“You mentioned earlier that once the mental strength potion reaches the empire, its price will immediately double for sale to the citizens. Considering that the empire operates under a monarchy with four strict hierarchical levels, this price increase will have a significant impact.”
“For the civilian class, which constitutes the largest population, the average adult income is only about two-thirds of the per capita income of the alliance. Considering the monthly usage of mental strength potions by adults, this doubled price will undoubtedly impose an even heavier burden on them.”
Having discussed the matter of the mental strength potion, Liao Ning shifted the conversation to the utilization of ancient cultural delicacies. “Do you recall that once the alliance confirmed the effectiveness of ancient cultural delicacies, they promptly announced this news to all citizens on the Star Web? They provided detailed information about the use of these delicacies, including their healing properties in managing mental strength disturbances.”
With Liao Ning’s guidance, Zhou Ling grasped the essence of the situation. Furrowing his brow, he said, “Are you suggesting that, regardless of whether ancient cultural delicacies can genuinely cure mental strength disturbances, the empire is willing to take the risk to relieve the commoners’ immense burden caused by the mental strength potion? Even if it means risking exposure, straining relations between our nations, and orchestrating an attack on Prison B16 to create chaos and retrieve Zhu Fei?”
Liao Ning nodded solemnly. “That’s correct.”
A profound silence filled the room as Zhou Ling wearily rubbed his temples. “Ningning, you’re sharing this with me today because you don’t want me to disclose this information to the Prime Minister, right?”
“I’m sorry.” Liao Ning nodded, her gaze filled with complexity.
Zhou Ling let out a sigh. “No need to apologize. I understand that you chose to confide in me because you trust me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have disclosed all of this. I should be the one thanking you for placing your trust in me.”
“It’s not just about trust. Revealing what I know about the alliance’s interests to the officials is my responsibility as a citizen. And coincidentally, the person I trust happens to be a high-ranking individual whom the officials can engage with.” Liao Ning praised Zhou Ling from head to toe, her face devoid of any blush.
Observing his girlfriend’s sincere praise, Zhou Ling knew that Liao Ning had done it intentionally, yet he couldn’t help but feel elated.
“Ningning, for the time being, I can assist you in keeping this secret, but as a soldier of the Alliance, I can’t conceal it from the Prime Minister indefinitely.
Therefore, once the Princess of Dawn spreads the use of ancient cultural delicacies throughout the empire, and the citizens no longer rely on mental strength potions, I will inform the Prime Minister that Loya, the Princess of
Dawn, is indeed Zhu Fei.’
Liao Ning looked at him with concern. “You don’t have to do that. When the time comes, I will personally request an audience with the Prime Minister and disclose the entire story, including my decision to conceal Zhu Fei’s identity as the Princess of Dawn. Please pretend that you are unaware.”
Zhou Ling shook his head. “1 cannot agree. I won’t let you bear this burden alone now that I know the truth.”
“Ningning,” Zhou Ling’s expression softened. “I understand that your intentions stem from your kind and compassionate heart. I also know that you are not one to act blindly.”
“You’re right, I am not the type of person who disregards the bigger picture for the sake of kindness,” Liao Ning replied with a warm smile. “Didn’t someone make the decision to cease supplying mental strength potions to the empire? Nearly two-thirds of the higher-ups in the alliance agreed as well. If the Prime Minister hadn’t rejected the proposal under pressure, the alliance might have already engaged in a war with the enraged empire.”
Liao Ning expressed her disdain, saying, “1 wonder what those individuals are up to by suggesting that we halt the supply of mental strength potions to the empire. Compared to them, helping Zhu Fei conceal her identity and promoting ancient cultural delicacies in the empire is insignificant.”
“After all, the empire lacks a large-scale ingredient cultivation organization like the Interstellar Farm and the Interstellar Alliance Research Institute. Even if ancient food culture becomes popular in the empire, they would still need to import ingredients from the alliance or seek cooperation with the farm and research institute.”
Zhou Ling nodded in agreement. “That’s correct. Although the mental strength potion may no longer be sold in the empire in the future, as a substitute for ancient cultural delicacies, it can still serve as a valuable connection between the alliance and the empire. Compared to the new industrial chain that only requires the consumption of the mental strength potion three times a month, ancient cultural delicacies need to be consumed daily, resulting in a significant demand for ingredients..”