While Jiang Ziyue was pondering what measures to take when the two Central Fleet detachments, "Caesar" and "Charlemagne", were out of his defense plan, an unmanned notification ship from the planet "New Byzantium" conveyed an astonishing encrypted message - the consul Wang Zeren was very likely to be assassinated!

The unmanned notification ship that conveyed the message was not affiliated with the army, but the "Charon" 771 under the command of the Imperial Xuanda.

The message was sent by Diggo Gatto, the publicist.

In the encrypted message, Gato also informed him of the information he had learned, that someone in the Senate had planned a coup d'état, and that he would seize power as soon as Wang Zeren died.

In addition, he also implored Jiang Ziyue to find a way to prevent the assassination from happening, and led troops to protect the consul Wang Zeren, so as to ensure the smooth implementation of the "Exodus of Ruijin" between the Senate and the Roman people, so that more than three billion new Roman people could safely evacuate the "new Byzantine" planet on the verge of destruction.

Because he couldn't tell whether this news was true or false for a while, and Jiang Ziyue's political thinking was far less military acumen and flexibility, and there were no henchmen in the fleet who could provide political advice and staff officers, he seemed a little at a loss.

But he trusts Diego Gato very much in his heart, and he also has a deep understanding and gratitude to Wang Zeren.

Militarily speaking, due to the fact that the new commander-in-chief, General Karios, was quite resistant to the order of the new commander-in-chief, General Karios, to return to the "new Byzantine" planet, the "Charlemagne" detachment dragged its feet on the road, and it is still more than 3,000 light-years away from the star "Himalayas."

The "Caesar" detachment is still conducting "routine training" on the planet "Mount Meru" more than 2,000 light-years away, and it has not yet started. Therefore, the six detachments of the border fleet that secretly returned to the stellar sheath of the "Himalayas" under the personal command of Jiang Ziyue became the formed fleet closest to the "new Byzantine" planet, and it was also the fleet with the most strength to prevent the situation from deteriorating in time.

Jiang Ziyue didn't hesitate for too long, and soon ordered a restart, leading the fleet to pounce on the space around the increasingly busy and crowded planet "New Byzantium".

At this time, more than 20,000 of the 200,000 civilian ships requisitioned from state-owned enterprises in various parts of the New Roman Empire were constantly gathering, and aerospace planes and other special transport equipment were intensively shuttling through the atmosphere to transport materials and personnel.

Even Jiang Ziyue, who was tens of millions of kilometers away in space, knew the news of the assassination, but the Imperial Archon Wang Zeren himself did not seem to care about his own safety, although rumors had spread all over the sky about someone going to assassinate him - partly because he instructed the Imperial Proclaimant Diego Gato to spread it - there were even rumors that there would be a so-called "classical assassination" in the planning of the assassination plot.

The so-called "classical assassination" is the use of old-fashioned * branches to kill the target of assassination in a public place. Due to the loud noises and obvious flashes of light emitted by the wards, it was extremely easy to expose the killer, but it was a strong shock to the public.

"Classical assassination" can be described as a rather arrogant and insane murder - the vast majority of the killers who carry out the execution kill themselves on the spot with the same gun after completing the mission to protect the mastermind and escape justice.

The rumors did not stop Wang Zeren's public activities. When the crisis came, it was a good time for him to show his skills and seize higher power. And he was contemptuous of these rumors and confident in his own defense.

In fact, his entire ruling team, both Günter Fischl, chief of staff to the Privy Council, and Diggo Gato, the proclamator, agreed that the consuls should not be bothered by these "nonsense" and reduce their obligations and responsibilities to the Senate and the Roman people.

Therefore, on behalf of the Senate, Wang Zeren announced the formal implementation of the "Deruijin Ji" plan and appointed himself as the commander-in-chief of the plan.

On November 28, the day Jiang Ziyue received Gato's encrypted briefing, Wang Zeren was inspecting Xinquanzhou City, the most important spaceport on the planet "New Byzantium".

Günter Fischer, the chief staff of the consuls, sat in the Privy Council, so Wang Zeren was accompanied by technocrats and professional high-ranking officials, and the only thing that was the proclamator Diego Gato, a rising henchman.

According to the plan, Wang Zeren will meet with the media at the end of the inspection activities and deliver an encouraging speech aimed at supervising the work. But before the press conference, after discussing the content of the upcoming speech with Gatto, Wang Zeren followed by expressing concern about the situation and dissatisfaction with the retreat.

"The enemy has launched an all-out attack on us, and our retreat is being treated as child's play." Wang Zeren was sad and angry. He was struck by the inefficiency and corruption of the Empire's state apparatus and civil servants.

"Your Excellency, we are still hiding from the people." Gatto reminded in a calm tone, "Most people don't know that the planet 'Neo-Byzantium' and the 'Cerberus' Samsung system are in a state of collapse. So the retreat could only be carried out in the name of exercises, which was naturally very restricted. Therefore, I believe that this is the time for you to make a big decision. ”

Wang Zeren did not immediately respond to Gatto's suggestion. In fact, Diego Gato has been encouraging Dr. Cai Lili to report that the "Cerberus" Samsung system will lead to the destruction of the planet "New Byzantium", but he has been hesitant to make the truth public, only due to pressure from other patriarchs and his own concerns.

However, today's occasion is indeed a good opportunity. At the next press conference, more than 1,000 media will broadcast live at the same time, and more than 1,000 representatives from all walks of life will listen to his speech. At this time, the public disaster of the conservative-controlled Senate and the nomination of himself as dictator will undoubtedly catch the conservatives off guard and gain a considerable advantage in popularity.

After a moment of silence, Wang Zeren said: "I want to take advantage of this crisis to become a dictator. But at this time, if I nominate myself as dictator, I will still be vetoed. Li Zhongkun and I no longer owe each other, and Abdulaziz has made it clear that he will not support me – at least not in the current situation. ”

Compared with more than two years ago, when the newly discovered interstellar planet "Yi" and the Empire and the Federation launched another armed conflict and even escalated to the level of war, Wang Zeren was ambitious and ready to take the opportunity to become a dictator, and now he has become quite hesitant and worried. Perhaps it was the repeated failures, coupled with the withering of his talents, and the decline of his strength, which exhausted his sharpness.

Diego Gatto, the subordinate Wang Zeren didn't care much about, is now almost his right-hand man. Since August 2918, when the "New Rhine" Star Field Battle was fearless and successfully ascended to the throne, he showed extraordinary political wisdom and ability, and gradually replaced Günter Fischer and became an increasingly important confidant of Wang Zeren.

Like Günter Fischer, Diego Gato has his own goals and plans after entering politics. But unlike Fischl, his ideals were very noble—at least he believed in them himself, and he was more and more determined to carry out his plans and approach his ideals than Fischer's ulterior motives and embarrassing status.

"But we can count on the people. As long as the people of New Rome knew the truth about the disaster, they would hope and demand that a dictator be elected to save the Senate and the Roman people. "Gato wasted no time in issuing advice to the consuls.

"You want to reveal the disaster without the consent of the Senate? And then use public opinion to coerce others to vote in favor? Wang Zeren asked.

This was the best strategy in the event that the Senate could not be persuaded to agree. Tell the people, respect the people, save the people. Without thinking, Gato explained to Wang Zeren.

As the propaganda minister of the new Roman Empire, Gato knew that since ancient times, the essence of "coercing the Son of Heaven to order the princes" was to "coerce the will of the people to respect themselves", and the elite ruling class often ignored the people after a long period of peace, and despised the grassroots that they thought were meaningless.

Wang Zeren, who was born in a political family, was naturally deceived and misunderstood, while Diego Gatto, who came from the common class, had a broader vision and more thoughtful thinking.

"Tell the people it's okay. But respect them? Wang Zeren's tone became disdainful and contemptuous, "Since ancient times, the people can only radiate their strength under the leadership and restraint of great men or powerful organizations. 'Politically incorrect' means that the people are a collection of individuals who are selfish, easy to control and exploit, and a 'politically correct' term for a 'rabble'. Rocky and his people control a lot of the mainstream media, and they can completely influence the people's thoughts, and even make the people 'represented'. ”

"So at this time, there is a greater need for a great dictator to lead and restrain them, so that they can exert their power and save themselves." Gato took over the other party's words and said, "Although most of the mainstream media are controlled by conservative veterans, we have been planning for many years, and countless small media and so-called self-media are on our side. These propaganda forces can definitely compete with the mainstream, especially once the truth of the disaster is announced, the majority of the people will inevitably fall into panic, and they are more willing to believe the rumors and incitement of non-mainstream, self-media, and tabloid networks. ”

Wang Zeren nodded. He had fully understood Gatto's suggestion: to publish the truth of the disaster as an archon, and then promise that he would lead the people out of the predicament after becoming dictator, and then use the agitation of the media to induce the people to force the Senate to pass the final resolution.

"But it's not safe to do that." Wang Zeren clearly sees a flaw in Diego Gato's proposal – there is no strong military backing.

The two surviving detachments of the Central Fleet, "Caesar" and "Charlemagne", were in the hands of generals loyal to the conservative senators.

Although Admiral Blake Karios, loyal to Wang Zeren, was reappointed commander of the new Central Fleet, the two detachments did not heed his instructions to return to the planet "New Byzantium", and today they still wander around the distant planets "Africa" and "Mount Meru", respectively.

Wang Zeren, who once worshipped the admiral and led the Central Fleet Detachment to establish great achievements in the "Himalaya" Star Field Battle in 2890, did not obtain the support of the generals of the Central Fleet after entering the Senate, and could only rely on the convenience of the consuls to enjoy direct administrative power over the border fleet to maintain control over the border fleet with limited strength.

I didn't want to Gato but I was sure of it, and said without hesitation: "Colonel Jiang Ziyue and the border fleet he secretly stationed in is the best insurance. ”

"That's right." After his reminder, Wang Zeren immediately became happy and proud, "Luo Ji, they didn't expect that letting the Central Fleet disobey orders was just cutting off their own lives. ”

"Have you decided? This visit is an excellent opportunity. ”

Wang Zeren thought for a while, nodded and said, "I have made up my mind." Immediately after this inspection, I personally explained the truth about the disaster and the retreat, and told our people that someone was blocking their way of escape, and that as long as I became dictator, all problems would be solved. ”

"You don't have to show the people to nominate yourself as dictator, but only to nominate a commander of high standing to be dictator of disaster relief and war. This will silence the conservative media before the Senate vote, and make their case for attacking your personal ambitions untenable. ”

"That reminds me. Although the people have always been the instrument of personal ambition, they also hate being the instrument of personal ambition the most. ”

"With skillful guidance, the people will be willing to be the instrument of personal ambitions, and your motives are also for the people. Your Excellency's past military exploits and political achievements are absolutely convincing to them. And our people are ready to wait for your instructions to launch a full-scale propaganda campaign as soon as the truth is announced. ”

"It seems that the promotion of you from a small window clerk was the most successful political investment of my life." Wang Zeren exclaimed.

"Your Excellency, I owe you all my devotion to you, not only for your kindness, but above all for seeing you do your best for the good of the Roman people. To be loyal to you is to be loyal to the people! "You said that you could sacrifice everything for the people of New Rome. Today, I must show you that I will also sacrifice everything for the sake of the people of New Rome. ”

"Thank you for your loyalty, Diego Gatto." Wang Zeren was quite moved, "Please carry out my instructions and announce to the people the truth about the 'New Byzantine' planetary catastrophe, and tell the people that they need a great dictator to save them." ”

"Yes, Your Excellency." Gato replied solemnly.

Wang Zeren stood up.

"Your Excellency." followed Gato, who stood up, and suddenly called out to Wang Zeren again.

"What else, Gattogong?" Wang Zeren said as he straightened out his white tunic in front of the mirror.

"Your Excellency, there are some rumors about your assassination that do not correspond to my instructions. There should also be people deliberately creating rumors and fishing in troubled waters. For safety reasons, I think it's necessary for you to simplify your speech and shorten the time you spend exposed in public. ”

Wang Zeren thought for a moment and said, "Your suggestion is very reasonable. Then I'll follow the content of the briefest speech you reported earlier. ”

Then he turned to Diego Gatto and said, "Danger has always been with me, but for the sake of the Senate and the people of Rome, even if I die, I will go generously." ”

Wang Zeren, who is tall, is wearing an ivory white tunic and is quite solemn. The collar of the stand-up collar is tied with a large gold double-headed eagle emblem, and on the left breast pocket is the sword oak leaf gold Caesar medallion with no other medals, and on the right chest is pinned three gold rods representing the retired general.

Wang Zeren, who stands in front of Diego Gatto, has a prominent family background, a proud record, and a grand goal, but he is still a commander with a strong heart in his old age.

In awe, Gato raised his right hand, pressed it on his left chest, and quickly threw it out and stretched out to the front and upper right, shouting: "VENI VIDI VICI!" ”

“VENI VIDI VICI！” Wang Zeren reciprocated with the same Roman salute. Then he turned around, strode out of the lounge, and led a group of officials to the press office of the new Quanzhou City spaceport.

Instead of following him as usual, Diego Gato remained in the break room, turning on his computer and running his promotional plan in full.

Nearly 1,000 media and staff members gathered in the hall waited eagerly and immediately responded with warm applause and cheers when they saw Wang Zeren.

“VENI VIDI VICI！”

It's a commonplace spectacle, for Mr. Wang.

But today, the people in the audience seem to be particularly excited and excited.

Wang Zeren raised his hand to salute the people of New Rome, and then said calmly and solemnly: "Citizens of New Rome, I, the consul of the Senate and the Romans, Wang Zeren. ”

The door was not closed, and from the lounge, Wang Zeren's solemn speech came from the outside hall.

"Based on the powers and obligations you have given me, I must solemnly tell you: the 'Exodus of the Golden Circle' announced by the Senate is not a drill plan, and the evacuation of the planet that we have begun is not a drill, but a real retreat! Because the planet 'New Byzantium' on which we live is already affected by the imbalance of the star 'Himalaya' and even the entire three-star system, it will be destroyed......"

"Ahh

"Please calm down." Wang Zeren comforted loudly, "The 'Out of Ruijin' action plan is the best plan to deal with this disaster. According to the plan, the world's more than 3 billion people and countless wealth created over hundreds of years will be safely transferred and properly settled. ”

"However, a few people have betrayed the trust of the people and used the power given by the people to not only flee from the battle, but also prioritize the transfer of their families and property, and even prevent the truth from being made public, blinding the people ......."

The exclamations of reporters and the crowd in the hall interrupted Wang Zeren again.

"The foreign enemy, too, took advantage of the opportunity to rebel and launched an all-out assault on the Senate and the Roman people. At this time, the Senate and the Roman people were in internal and external difficulties, and they had reached a critical point of life and death! ”

Wang Zeren then exclaimed passionately:

"In the face of national crisis, each of us must maintain calm and order, and we need a great leader, like Hu Jinbo in 2608, Weikett in 2751, and Du Yimin in 2890, to lead us out of a desperate situation and redeem ourselves!"

He deliberately paused.