Chapter 1140: Dissemination

"They admit an 'accidental data leak' occurred, describing it as a 'serious system maintenance error,' and have already disciplined the responsible personnel."

The representative replied.

"They have formally requested that we do not disseminate it, citing that it 'could jeopardize diplomatic efforts and personnel safety.'

But at the same time, they gave us tariff reductions... This is contradictory."

Zuoke spoke up.

"It is not contradictory. According to the Xiuluo Saint, this is the standard carrot and stick. 'Please do not disseminate' is the official stance, which must be maintained. But the tariff reduction is private compensation, implying they know we will not listen completely."

"So, are we going to disseminate it?"

All the representatives looked at Zuoke.

This was a critical decision.

Zuoke's eyes flickered rapidly, his mind quickly weighing the pros and cons.

Benefits of dissemination:

Demonstrate the Chamber's intelligence capabilities and elevate its status in the Bode Star System business circle.

Share valuable information with trade partners in exchange for future cooperation.

Potentially influence public opinion in the Bode Star System and prepare for future political maneuvering.

Risks of dissemination:

Angering the Star Alliance, which could lead to the revocation of trade privileges.

Information might be incomplete or misleading; if exposed later, it would damage the Chamber's reputation.

Getting dragged into the conflict between two major civilizations and becoming a pawn caught in the middle.

"Disseminate with caution."

Zuoke finally decided.

"Do not use official channels, do not conduct large-scale broadcasts. We will choose... to share it privately.

Attach our analysis report, clearly stating that this information comes from 'unverified leaked data,' and suggest they 'refer to it with caution.'"

"If the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance investigates this..."

"We have room for interpretation."

Zuoke said.

"We can say that in order to assess the authenticity of the information, we consulted industry experts.

And we only shared vague summaries, not the raw data.

The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance will not completely fall out with us over this; they need us to project their foreign policy."

The plan was set.

Over the next seventy-two hours, the Flowing Ring Chamber of Commerce shared the "leaked information" regarding the Quiet Corridor Incident with five external powers via encrypted channels.

In every instance of sharing, Zuoke emphasized.

"This is unverified leaked information; please treat it with caution. However, we believe that given the sensitivity of the current situation, you should be aware of this content."

The seeds had been sown.

Now, wait for them to sprout.

One week later, in the capital of the Canaan Star Alliance, at a certain noble residence.

The Canaan noble Tarsus looked at the Data Pad in front of him, his compound eyes filled with deep thought.

As the head of an influential business family within the Canaan Star Alliance, he had just received the "interesting information" shared by the Tramir.

"Father, what do you think?"

His eldest son asked.

"If this is true..."

Tarsus said slowly.

"Then our assessment of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance needs to be adjusted. They are not simple aggressors, at least not this time.

The political division and military adventurism within Feng Qi Xing might be the primary cause for the escalation of the conflict."

"But Father, the expansionism of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is undeniable.

They went from one planet to occupying three star sectors in three years..."

"Yes, they are powerful and aggressive."

Tarsus admitted.

"But this incident shows that they could also become... relatively rational interlocutors.

They tried to negotiate, tried to avoid total war.

When faced with betrayal, they showed restraint; look at these records, they diverted forces during the battle to protect the evacuation zone."

Tarsus pulled up another Data Pad, showing the analysis from the Canaan Intelligence Department.

"Our independent sources have partially corroborated this information.

Ever since the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance burst onto the scene, there has indeed been serious division within the Fengqi Star Alliance, with intense conflict between the pro-war and pro-peace factions.

The coup actions of Olaf and Sele'en also have traces in our intelligence."

"So we should... lean toward the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance?"

"No."

Tarsus shook his head.

"We should remain neutral, but adjust our strategy.

If the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is truly a relatively rational expansionist power, rather than a purely destructive force, then the possibility for dialogue and trade exists.

This means... opportunity."

Tarsus stood up, walked to the observation window, and looked at the magnificent starry sky of the Canaan capital.

"Notify our Trade Representative at the border of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance: begin tentative contact.

Express our 'concern' for regional stability, but at the same time, express interest in 'business opportunities.'

Let us see how the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance responds."

"And what about the Fengqi side?"

"Maintain existing relations, but... observe with caution."

Tarsus said.

"For a civilization mired in internal strife and military failure, the investment value is declining.

We need to re-evaluate the risks."

Similar scenes were playing out in multiple corners of the border regions of the Fengqi Star Alliance and other powers.

Intelligence brokers from the Ashes Star Alliance sold the information to three clients, earning a considerable commission.

A Diplomat from the Daikon Federation reported the information to their superiors, sparking an internal debate over "whether to adjust the containment policy toward the Star Alliance."

The Star Path trade alliance began re-planning trade routes passing through the area controlled by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, considering increased investment.

And an intelligence organization from the Bode Star System... integrated the information into their Bode political risk model, arriving at a new conclusion: the expansion of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance might be unstoppable, but it could be managed through trade and dialogue.

This was exactly the effect Yingzhou wanted.

Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, Yingzhou's office.

Yingzhou looked at the intelligence summary report, his face devoid of any expression.

"The Tramir have already disseminated the information to at least five external powers."

Luojia stood to the side and reported.

"As expected, they all chose cautious but widespread sharing. Now, the narrative of the 'Star Alliance being forced into self-defense' is spreading throughout galactic political circles."

"The reaction from the Fengqi side?"

"They naturally deny it, accusing it of being false propaganda from the Star Alliance."

Guilliman's holographic image said.

"But interestingly... their denial appears somewhat weak. Because Olaf's recording has already spread within their ranks, and many Fengqi have begun to doubt the official account."

Yingzhou nodded.

"So now there are two competing narratives spreading: Olaf's 'hero who would rather die than submit' narrative, and our 'forced into self-defense' narrative. Which one will win?"

"Time is on our side."

Luojia analyzed.

"Olaf's narrative is based on emotion; it is stirring but difficult to sustain. Our narrative is based on 'evidence' and 'logic,' which is better suited for long-term dissemination and external analysis. And... we still have follow-up plans."

"What follow-up plans?"

Luojia brought up a new proposal.

"When external public opinion begins to lean toward us, we can 'reluctantly' decide to release more information, in order to 'clarify misunderstandings' and to 'uphold the reputation of the Star Alliance.'

We can hold a limited press conference, invite 'third-party witnesses' such as the Tramir to attend, and display more 'evidence'."