Chapter 1003: Xiuluo Basic Law Upholds Justice for You

Ke'erwa, Huguang City, Governor's office.

The furnishings in Sheng Wolun's office are simple; aside from the necessary desk, chairs, communication terminal, and a holographic map of the planet that occupies an entire wall, there are no decorations.

A metal badge engraved with a salamander pattern rests on a corner of the desk.

Sheng Wolun sits behind the desk, conversing with a young officer dressed in the crisp uniform of the Vantria Noble Regiment.

Sheng Wolun pushes the data pad provided by Sergeant Makusi across the desk.

"Lieutenant Eisenhart, this is a summary of evidence preliminarily gathered by Xintila Squad regarding serious illegal activities by some of the local nobility. The situation may be more... deep-rooted than we anticipated."

Lieutenant Eisenhart takes the data pad and browses it, his brow furrowing tightly.

After a long while, he puts down the data pad, looks up, and says.

"Greed, corruption, disregard for basic human rights... it is simply a desecration of the Emperor's laws!

Your Excellency, please rest assured. The purpose of the Vantria Noble Regiment's existence is to uphold the Emperor's order and ensure the majesty of the law is not tarnished. All officers and men of the 113th Infantry Regiment stationed on Ke'erwa are prepared to execute all lawful orders."

Lieutenant Eisenhart pauses, then continues.

"In my view, the only reason these so-called nobles can still exist safely on this planet today, breathing the air of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, is the constraint of the Xiuluo Basic Law and the Interim Regulations on the Governance of Newly Recovered Areas.

These laws constrain the actions of everyone who has sworn allegiance to the Emperor, including us soldiers.

It is precisely this constraint, this shared adherence to rules, that allows the Emperor's great cause to be steadily advanced, rather than devolving into tyrannical conquest."

Sheng Wolun nods slightly, expressing agreement with Lieutenant Eisenhart's understanding and stance.

This is exactly the attitude the Emperor requires the military to hold.

Not a blind machine of violence, but a defender and executor of the law.

"Lieutenant, your understanding is very accurate.

The law is the skeleton of order, and the military is the steel spine that supports this skeleton. But currently, the challenge we face is not open rebellion, but the corrosion hidden in the shadows, lip service, and the potential for soft resistance against the new policies."

Sheng Wolun points to several key areas marked on the holographic map.

Sike's Number Three Mining Area, several large slums in the east of the city, and several logistics hubs controlled by Grand Duke Aldridge.

"The Xintila will focus on surveillance, responsible for rooting out those vermin who attempt to play tricks in the shadows, evade the law, or even incite chaos.

And you, the garrison, must take on the responsibility of maintaining basic order, protecting the implementation of the new policies, and, when necessary, conducting decisive intervention in accordance with legal authorization."

Lieutenant Eisenhart stands up, chest puffed out.

"Understood, Your Excellency. I have ordered all companies to strengthen patrols in key areas and have formulated multiple contingency plans.

Once any behavior attempting to disrupt stability, obstruct the execution of the law, or endanger the safety of the Emperor's subjects is discovered, we will dispose of it swiftly, decisively, and in accordance with the law.

We will never tolerate any form of privilege overriding the law!"

For the Vantria nobility, equality before the law is not an empty phrase, but the cornerstone that maintains society.

Any behavior attempting to challenge this principle is an offense to their beliefs.

Sheng Wolun stands up and walks to the window.

"Very good. Dawn is approaching, and it is time for us to begin our real work. Appeasement and deterrence must go hand in hand. Today, I will personally go to the 'Rust Belt' slum in the east of the city.

A large number of non-Ke'erwa slaves and bottom-tier laborers are gathered there; it is a forgotten corner under the old order and the key to whether the new order can take root."

Lieutenant Eisenhart says immediately.

"I will arrange for an elite infantry platoon to accompany you as guards and notify the regional security station in advance to cooperate with clearing the area to ensure your safety."

Sheng Wolun shakes his head.

"There is no need for such a grand display, and clearing the area is even less advisable. Lieutenant, I am not going to occupied territory, but to the future territory of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Bring a squad, maintain vigilance, but do not be overly intimidating.

I want the people there to see that the Governor of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is willing to walk among them, and that the new order and the law are forces that can truly change their destiny.

And this requires us to prove it with actions, rather than relying solely on force to intimidate."

Lieutenant Eisenhart hesitates slightly, then replies.

"Understood, Your Excellency. I will arrange for the most reliable squad to accompany you with a low profile, ensuring a balance between safety and contact."

The next day, standard morning time, East District of Huguang City, "Rust Belt" slum.

Low, crowded shacks are built from rusted metal sheets, discarded plastic, and mud.

The ragged, sallow-faced people are mostly non-Ke'erwa Human slaves or the lowest-tier Ke'erwa commoners.

Sheng Wolun walks through the filthy alleyways, with Lieutenant Eisenhart leading a ten-man infantry squad, dispersed around Sheng Wolun, maintaining vigilance.

Several administrative assistants carrying recorders and simple medical kits follow behind.

The arrival of Sheng Wolun and his party causes quite a stir.

People watch from afar, whispering, not daring to approach.

Sheng Wolun stops in a relatively open area.

Sheng Wolun looks around and signals an assistant to take out packaged high-energy nutrition bars and water purification tablets, handing them to an elderly Human slave standing closest.

The old man is stunned, not daring to reach out.

"Take it, old man. This is aid provided by the Emperor to his subjects."

Amidst the old man's hesitation, a bold Ke'erwa commoner youth rushes over, snatches a nutrition bar, and tries to stuff it into his mouth.

A Vantria soldier responsible for protection subconsciously wants to stop him, but is stopped by a look from Lieutenant Eisenhart.

Sheng Wolun is not angry; he watches the youth wolf down the food before speaking slowly.

"People of Ke'erwa, I am Sheng Wolun, the Governor of this planet appointed by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

The crowd stirs—a Governor?

To them, that is a high-and-mighty figure who only appears in broadcasts and recruitment notices.

"I know that you have endured too much suffering and injustice in the past. Forced to labor in dangerous mines while starving; living in such harsh environments, lacking clean drinking water, and seeing no hope.

But I want to tell you that the old era has ended.

The Emperor's will is to liberate all of humanity, so that everyone who follows his laws, regardless of background, can enjoy basic rights to survival, labor protections, and personal dignity!"

"From this day forward, Ke'erwa shall enforce the laws of Xiuluo Holy!"

He pointed at the youth who had just snatched the food.

"Forced labor is an illegal act! Anyone who enslaves others shall be severely punished!"

"Basic living conditions and medical security are rights bestowed upon every subject by the Emperor, and they shall not be deprived!"

"I have already ordered a comprehensive investigation into all mining areas under the name of the Sike family to improve working conditions and abolish the slave labor system!"

"The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will dispatch work teams to assist you in rebuilding your homes, constructing clean water supply systems, and establishing basic medical stations!"

A greater commotion began to emerge among the crowd.

A bold Human laborer shouted.

"That sounds nice! The Fengqi said similar things before! In the end, didn't they just join those noble lords and find ways to exploit us anyway?"

"A good question! Empty promises are indeed meaningless. Therefore, I stand here today not to engage in empty talk."

Sheng Wolun signaled to Lieutenant Eisenhart.

The Lieutenant stepped forward and announced in a booming voice.

"Effective immediately, the Xiuluo Holy Planetary Law Enforcement Force will establish temporary complaint centers in all slum districts and industrial mining areas!"

"Anyone who encounters injustice or has their rights infringed upon—whether by a former master, a foreman, or anyone attempting to perpetuate the old order—may come forward to file a complaint! For those with conclusive evidence, the laws of Xiuluo Holy will surely uphold justice for you!"

"At the same time, the distribution of Xiuluo Holy relief supplies will be directly overseen by officials appointed by the Zongdufu and supervisory servitors, ensuring that every portion of food and every bottle of medicine reaches the hands of those who truly need them! We welcome everyone to supervise!"

Sounds of discussion began to rise within the crowd.

Sheng Wolun continued.

"The laws of Xiuluo Holy are not shackles to bind you, but shields to protect you, and the cornerstone that grants you dignity. They constrain the strong and protect the weak."

"They require everyone—including me, including the armies outside, and including those former nobles—to obey!"

"I guarantee to you, and I swear to the Emperor, that I will exhaust everything I have to ensure that the law is executed here without compromise."

"Anyone who attempts to obstruct this, regardless of their identity or how high their status, will face the severe punishment of the law!"