At 5 p.m. on September 10, 2918 in the Eastern Hemisphere of the New Byzantine Planet, after the farewell ceremony of the remains of the fallen soldiers of the Battle of the "New Rhine" Star Field ended, Jiang Ziyue, Gus? Whitehead and Lotta? Staudt was summoned by the Imperial Consul Wang Zeren. (Read the full text novel, as far as possible in ωар.1(6)(1(6)κxS.СOM.文.學網)

In the Privy Council's consul's office, Wang Zeren briefly briefed them on the current overall situation with the Perseus Star Federation, and then said solemnly: "The mysterious disappearance of the Bundeswehr's thirteenth fleet further confirms that the interstellar planet 'Yi' and the rumored 'Antnest' are related. Therefore, the Senate has decided to shift its strategic focus to this planet in its entirety. The Senate has instructed the Central Fleet to reformulate its operational plan for attacking the planet 'Yi'. ”

It seems that the war is about to burn again. The three commanders looked at each other, and one war was over, and another was going on. But they can only accept this fact.

Wang Zeren continued: "You have been called up by the Central Fleet, but you are still directly dispatched by me. I have decided to use the 'Haraldi' squadron as the basis to replenish 1,000 warships and form an escort fleet to escort a new scientific expedition to the planet 'Yi'. ”

"Your Excellency, I beg your pardon for interrupting you." Jiang Ziyue said, "Although the enemy's Third Fleet guarding the planet 'Yi' mysteriously disappeared, the planet 'Yi' is still under the control of the enemy. Moreover, the current situation in the 'Yi' star field is far from being comparable to that in April and May. ”

"Yes. That's why I've called you. Wang Zeren explained, "The Senate hopes to recapture the interstellar planet 'Yi' directly through war, but many people ignore two major factors. The first is that the Federation can completely contain the attack of the Central Fleet on the 'Yi' star field by violating our borders, and the second is the reason for the disappearance of the enemy's 13th Fleet. ”

"The reason for the disappearance of the enemy thirteenth fleet?" Gus asked.

"Now whether it is the Intelligence Bureau, the Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Engineering, there are already people who are convinced that the planet 'Yi' is 'Antnest', and if this is the case, it is very likely that the enemy's 13th fleet is missing because of 'Antnest'. In this way, even if we reclaim Planet Yi from the Federation Army by force, we will still suffer the same fate of mysterious disappearance. ”

"Your Excellency, what exactly is the so-called 'Antnest'?" Lotta? Staudett asked, confused and confused. Her words speak to everyone's heart, and many people have paid with their lives for this inconsequential word.

"The current definition of the Academy of Sciences is 'possible unknown civilization or substance.'" Wang Zeren replied, "In order to enable you to better accomplish your mission, I will tell you what my country has about 'Antnest'. But you have to remember that this is a top secret and you must keep it secret. ”

"Yes, Your Excellency." The three replied in unison.

So, Wang Zeren said slowly: "Things have to start from the end of the 26th century......

In the 26th century, when humans established a new home on the planet Andromeda of Perseus Spiral Arm, they sent a large number of scientific research ships to other corners of Perseus Spiral Arm and the outer cosmic deep space in order to find more habitable planets. One of them, the "Old Mountain", flew to the outer space of the Immortal Spiral Arm, but lost contact with Andromeda. During the search and rescue operations that followed, which lasted nearly a century, the rescue spacecraft received a distress radio signal from the "Iason", and one part of the signal could not be deciphered because it only represented five simplified Chinese characters, namely "Antnest". People don't know exactly what "Antnest" means. But the only thing that can be determined is that "Antnest" must be related to "Iason".

Since then, "Antnest" has been a legend and has aroused the interest of countless explorers and careerists. In the subsequent development of the Spiral Arm of the Immortals and the StarCraft War, there was an endless stream of political and civilian research ships that went to the deep space beyond the Spiral Arm to explore "Antnest". However, none of the ships were able to make a profit, and the expedition either returned in vain or suffered a tragic accident. As a result, the legend became more and more divine and ethereal.

It was not until the end of the 28th century that an explorer from the earth, Liu Chang'chun, and his "Yiasong" appeared, and the true face of "Antnest" was revealed.

At the beginning of the 29th century, after paying a series of heavy costs, Liu Chang 'Chun' and his team of "Iason" finally came into contact with "Antnest". However, Liu Chang 'Chun' soon realized that the powerful power of "Antnest" could completely become a tool of war for human beings who were born with selfishness, ambition and 'conspiracy', so he destroyed all the expedition materials, and even did not hesitate to destroy the "Iason" to erase the records of "Antnest".

Before his death, Liu Changchun instructed his descendants to submit his oral report to the Senate of the New Roman Empire, but the content of the report was all about exhorting the Senate to abandon the exploration of "Antnest". The remaining youngest son of Liu Chang 'Chun' later confessed to the Senate the coordinates of the star map where the "Iason" came into contact with "Antnest", but this coordinate was later proved to be ineffective.

After the death of Liu Changchun's youngest son, Liu's only grandson, Kongyi Jushi, was considered to be the only one who had the details of "Antnest". But he has been living in the "Taiji" planetary Void Zen Temple, refusing to cooperate with the Senate and the Imperial Government.

The Perseus Interstellar Federation has also vigorously searched for "Antnest", but there has been no progress. But according to Bertrell, a high-ranking official of the Federal Security Council who defected to the New Roman Empire in 2889? In 2848, Robben, then president of the Golden Causeway Industries, voluntarily confessed to the Federal Government what he had received from his deceased father, King Lo, about "Antnest".

During his escape to the New Roman Empire, Luo Jingxian joined the "Iason" team and participated in the expedition to find "Antnest". However, the information provided by Robben was not of much help to the federal government, and its content was similar to Liu Chang'chun's dictation report to the Imperial Senate. As a result, the federal government has always pinned its hopes on intelligence work against the Empire. Including the "hijacking of the Void Zen Temple" on the planet "Taiji" in April this year, it is one of a series of secret activities of the Federal Security Council to explore "Antnest".

Wang Zeren said a lot, but he was only telling the history of exploring "Antnest", but he did not make it clear what "Antnest" was. In fact, as for the specific connotation and extension of "Antnest", he, the consul at the peak of the empire's power, is also unclear.

Therefore, Jiang Ziyue boldly asked: "Your Excellency, but you didn't say clearly what 'Antnest' is. ”

"Yes, I can't tell. Because I don't know what it really is. Wang Zeren also looked helpless, "Liu Chang 'Chun' just mentioned in his oral report that 'Antnest' touches the essence of the universe and has the method to control the process of change in the universe. ”

"Do you have the means to control the course of change in the universe?" Jiang Ziyue repeated the words of the archon, but there was distrust and even ridiculous contempt in his tone.

"Your Excellency, I beg your pardon for being rude, it is too arrogant to say that you control the universe. I'm afraid that except for the fictional stories of literary and film works, no one will believe that this method exists. Gus made no secret of his thoughts.

"I don't believe it either." Wang Zeren said, "But I also think that Liu Chang's 'Chun' is not exaggerating. Something beyond imagination is possible, isn't there a 'strange substance' on the interstellar planet 'Yi' that can't even be penetrated by 'excited' light? I have a gut feeling that we're getting closer and closer to the stuff of legends. ”

Wang Zeren turned to say: "I will send you to command the fleet, escort the scientific expedition team formed by the Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Engineering, and carry out operations together with the Central Fleet." Of course, you must obey the orders of the commander of the Central Fleet, Marshal Bogdorf. Originally, I didn't need to call you here, but considering that this operation against the 'Yi' star field is very important, and the whole country may be affected by the 'waves', so I solemnly summoned you so solemnly. I hope that the princes will do their best for the Senate and the people of Rome. ”

"Yes, Your Excellency." The three replied in unison.

After Jiang Ziyue, Gus and Lota left the Archon's office, Privy Council Chief Staff Fischl and Finance Minister Schwerin walked in. They submitted a financial report to Wang Zeren, pointing out that because of the loss of the Battle of the New Rhine, the war budget for attacking the "Yi" planet posed a serious threat to financial expenditure.

"As you can see, I've reminded you at the regular meeting before, but Roki doesn't care." Wang Zeren said.

Imperial Treasurer Frederick? Feng? "Your Excellency, the damage to many of the infrastructure on Planet Neurhine and the surrounding star fields has far exceeded our expectations, and the amount of investment in the bereavement and property compensation for the casualties and the recovery of the economy is enormous," Schweiling said. Continuing to implement the war budget that was previously drawn up will not only result in a fiscal deficit this year, but will also break through the warning line. ”

Günt? Fischl added: "If the casualties are too large after the start of the war, the war budget will inevitably exceed the budget. ”

Wang Zeren waved his hand to signal his subordinates to shut down, and asked with a stern expression: "Although the war and losses in the New Rhine Star Domain are completely unexpected, since the Senate has already made the decision to attack the 'Yi' planet, we can only go all out. ”

Fischel disagreed. He understood Wang Zeren's thoughts, and although the conservative elders who voted to pass the attack on the "Yi" star field hoped to use the war to consolidate and strengthen their own interests, Wang Zeren himself also hoped to take the opportunity of the war to enhance his influence. To this day, Wang Zeren is still acting according to his previous ideas, triggering a large-scale war in the "Yi" star field, far away from the empire and the federal mainland, to create an opportunity for himself to ascend to the throne of dictatorship.

Had it not been for the Federation invasion of New Rhine and the ensuing series of rebellions, the Empire's current financial situation would not have been a big problem for the Central Fleet to attack the "easy" planet. However, the losses in the First Rhine War were huge, not only the loss of civilian lives and property on the ground, but also the destruction of three large space stations, including the "Bow" and "Wave," which has seriously affected this year's financial budget.

Fischl boldly reminded: "Your Excellency, although the Senate has made a decision and the Central Fleet is already reformulating the attack plan, you have the right to postpone the attack. ”

"Are you hoping to alleviate the financial pressure caused by the Battle of Neu-Rhine by delaying the offensive? How long do I have to postpone that? ”

"At least half a year, Your Excellency." Schweiling said without thinking.

"It's better not to fight." Wang Zeren said with a smile, "Half a year is too long, the Senate can't wait, and the Central Fleet can't wait." ”

Actually, he himself didn't want to wait. Taking advantage of the mysterious disappearance of the Thirteenth Fleet of the Federation Army, taking the initiative to attack the "easy" planet will inevitably cause great pressure on the opponent. At the beginning, it was Wang Zeren who proposed the offensive plan of letting Gus lead the fleet to pretend to be pirates and enter the territory of the Federation to contain the opponent, so as to create an opportunity for the Central Fleet to recapture the "easy" planet. Now, despite the loss of the New Rhine planet, the Senate continues to prepare for the attack on the "Yi" planet, which is also in line with Wang Zeren's wishes.

"Your Excellency, if you launch an attack on the 'easy' planet so soon, the burden will be very heavy." Schweiling insisted on his opinion, "The economic situation this year is not bad. A six-month delay would allow New Rhine to fully recover, while accumulating more tax revenues, which would provide more room for next year's budget. ”

Only then did Wang Zeren understand the true intentions of the financial officer. Schwering was quite cautious and conservative in the country's fiscal policy, and since his tenure as Privy Council Treasurer, the Imperial Government, including the Senate and the Privy Council, achieved a slight surplus above the fiscal balance for four consecutive years. This year is likely to be Schweilin's fifth fiscal year in which the government has achieved fiscal balance.

But next February, the Senate, the National Assembly, and the Political Coordination Committee will hold their annual joint meetings. Whether it is Consul Wang Zeren or the entire Privy Council, the term of office will end, and the joint meeting will approve the new Privy Council members. For Wang Zeren, after struggles and compromises within the Senate, it was no longer a problem to continue to be re-elected as consul.

However, although a ministerial-level official like Schweilin can serve multiple times, he is never allowed to serve consecutively. No matter how good his political achievements are, after February next year, according to the "Administrative Organization Law", he will have to transfer the "golden abacus" symbolizing the imperial treasurer to someone else. Schwerling's suggestion to postpone the war for six months was intended to leave the difficult financial problems of the war on to his successor.

Wang Zeren, who deduced the psychology of his subordinates, smiled smugly and said, "Shi Weilingong, why don't you just say that you don't want to 'shame' your career?" ”

The consul's words were to the point, but the Imperial Treasurer said calmly: "Your Excellency, the lowly position does have such a 'selfish' heart. With all due respect, I am afraid that the scale of the war will be difficult to limit if we take the initiative to attack the federal army, and the national finances will certainly not be able to support it at that time. It is difficult to take on great responsibilities. ”

Wang Zeren put away his smiling face and said, "Then you might as well resign directly?" ”

"If you submit your resignation, will you approve it?" Schweiling asked rhetorically.

Wang Zeren smiled and said, "Duke Schweilin, in order for you to continue to stay in the Privy Council, I even proposed with other elders to change the Administrative Organization Law to allow ministers to be re-elected. How could I be willing to let you quit? ”

"Your Excellency has said this, why should you do nothing if you are lowly and do nothing?"

"Then you're still trying to persuade me?"

"Because it's really necessary to keep the economy out of war for a while." Schweiling said solemnly, "The new Rhine War was not treated, and then the army was mobilized again, which was not good for the country and the people. I kindly ask you to read the report submitted by the Duke of Fischer and the Inferior Officer, and think twice. ”

Fischl followed suit, "Yes, Your Excellency. The situation on the planet of New Rhine is far beyond our expectations, not only with war losses, but also with the long-term corruption and deficit of the Doge's Palace, comparable to the destruction of the enemy. ”

Wang Zeren hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "In this case, let me read the report carefully and reply to your comments tomorrow." Anyway, the attack on the 'Yi' star field didn't start right now. ”

"Yes, Your Excellency."

"This Saturday, I have to ask the second duke to submit a report to me, which is really troublesome. You can go back, and I'll call you tomorrow to let you know. ”

Fischer immediately replied, "Your Excellency, this is our duty. We took our leave. ”

With that, he saluted the consul with Schweilin, and then turned to leave.

Wang Zeren got up and watched his men disappear into the gorgeous and wide 'door' porch. But then, the two of them put forward the content of the report, which made him shocked and angry.

This report is mainly to illustrate the results of the audit conducted by the Privy Council Treasury on the war losses on the planet New Rhine and the financial revenues and expenditures of the Treasury of the Governor's Office for the last four years. The latter was revealed to be a serious problem, revealing that the whereabouts of most of the Imperial Government's financial appropriations to the planet New Rhine were unknown, that there was a huge deficit in local taxes, and that many obviously falsified and contradictory entries were found in the accounts themselves. Among them, the cost of materials and construction of the new Governor's Palace alone is as high as 1.5 billion gold marks, and the annual official entertainment expenses of the Governor's Palace are as high as 20 billion gold marks, which is 'approaching' the total amount of the pension of the martyrs of the New Rhine Campaign......

Only then did Wang Zeren understand why Fischer would say that the long-term corruption and deficit of the Governor's Mansion was comparable to the destruction of the enemy. Think of the Federal Army 'approaching' New Rhine, Governor Adam? Christensen and his others escaped from the battle, and the character and integrity of the national character were all humiliated, and Wang Zeren gritted his teeth and had several 'desire' attacks.

But when he thought about it, he suddenly noticed something and smirked.

"Otto." He shouted through the communication system to Otto, an assistant who was waiting in the secretary's room? Bateman, "Make an appointment with the Supreme Ombudsman, with whom I want to have a 'private' meeting. ”

"Okay, Your Excellency, I'll arrange it." Bateman replied immediately.

After ending the correspondence, Wang Zeren showed that he was determined to win, and said to himself proudly: "Old lady Roki, the day after tomorrow will definitely let you see how powerful I am Wang someone." ”

(Chapter 2 The dormant war is over, stay tuned for Chapter 3 Ethereal Stardust)