Chapter 1250: Arranging for Corax to go to the Ash Star Alliance

Early the next morning, sunlight spilled in through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the study.

Yingzhou sat before the desk, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, his gaze resting on the blooming flowers in the garden outside the window.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

The door pushed open, and Luojia walked in.

He was wearing the ceremonial robes of the Word Bearers Legion, holding that string of Psionic Crystal Rosary in his hand.

"Father, good morning. Did you summon me?"

Yingzhou nodded, signaling for him to sit opposite.

"Luojia, there is a matter that requires your arrangement."

Luojia sat down, looking at Yingzhou intently.

"Please speak, Father."

Yingzhou set down his teacup and rested his hands crossed on the table.

"What are the recent movements of the Canaan Star Alliance and the Ash Star Alliance?"

Luojia was slightly taken aback, then answered quickly.

"Father, according to the latest intelligence, the Canaan Star Alliance is still watching from the sidelines; although their fleets have had some movements, there are no signs of them crossing the border. The Ash Star Alliance is more... aggressive. Their Archon, Xanos, publicly stated at an internal meeting that he is concerned about the 'expansionist behavior' of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance and called for strengthening border defenses."

The corners of Yingzhou's mouth lifted slightly.

"Concerned? Of course they are concerned. We just wiped out their old neighbor; it would be strange if they weren't."

Luojia nodded.

"Yes, Father. However, at present, they have not taken any substantive hostile actions. According to our analysis, there is also internal debate within the Ash Star Alliance."

Yingzhou pondered for a few seconds.

"We need to be more proactive. We cannot let them keep watching like this, nor can we let them think we are weak and easy to bully."

He raised his head and looked at Luojia.

"Send a delegation to the Ash Star Alliance. Clearly tell them our stance: peace is possible, but there must be rules for peace. Provocation is possible, but they must bear the consequences of provocation."

Luojia's eyes brightened slightly.

"Father is wise. Taking the initiative is always better than waiting passively. Do you have a suitable candidate?"

Yingzhou smiled.

"I do. Corax."

Luojia was stunned for a moment, then he also smiled.

"Corax? Father, are you sure?"

"Why? Do you think he is unsuitable?"

Luojia shook his head.

"No, quite the contrary. Corax is too suitable. He is closest to the Ash Star Alliance, and his Raven Guard Legion is stationed in the border star sector. And his personality... well, cunning, is best suited for this kind of diplomatic Task that requires both soft and hard tactics."

Yingzhou's mouth twitched; it seemed Corax had caused quite a bit of trouble for Luojia when he was at the Xiuluo Holy Star.

However, this did not affect the relationship between the Primarchs.

After all, they could be considered to have grown up together, each knowing the other's personality, and they would not fall out over some small misunderstandings.

"It is precisely because of this that I chose him. Letting him go can both represent our majesty and allow for flexible handling during negotiations. The Ash People like toughness, and Corax can give them toughness. The Ash People need a way out, and Corax can also give them a way out."

Luojia nodded in agreement.

"Father, I will go arrange it now."

At this moment, Luojia remembered something and took a Data Pad from his bosom.

"Father, since you summoned me, I would like to take this opportunity to report on the recent reception situation of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

Yingzhou nodded.

"Speak."

Luojia activated the Data Pad and pulled up a holographic report.

"For the first category of planets, the migration process was generally smooth, with no large-scale resistance. We have established temporary administrative centers on every planet, with troops arranged by Guilliman responsible for garrisoning and management."

"For the second category of planets, approximately 2.2 billion Fengqi have been assigned to various resource planets. Production has entered the right track, and last month's extraction volume was 15% higher than expected.

Ferrus is responsible for supervision, and they have adopted a method combining 'quotas' and 'incentives,' which has been effective."

"For the third category of planets, there are fifty-nine in total. We have given up garrisoning these planets, leaving only a small number of reconnaissance stations to monitor the surroundings. Later, they can be converted into prisons to punish criminals."

Yingzhou listened with a calm expression.

"What about the resistance?"

Luojia's fingers slid across the Data Pad.

"Sporadic. So far, a total of 147 small-scale resistance incidents have occurred, involving Fengqi Aliens. All have been dealt with according to the law."

"What about bribery?"

"There were twenty-three cases. They were all high-ranking officials of the former Feng Qi Xing Alliance, attempting to bribe our officials with their hidden wealth. Our officials handled them all according to the law: they accepted the bribes and then executed the people. Now those Aliens all know that bribery is a dead end."

The corners of Yingzhou's mouth lifted slightly.

"Very good. How are our officials performing?"

A look of pride appeared on Luojia's face.

"Father, our officials are all very loyal. Not one has been bought. They know that the Aliens' bribes are traps, and only executing your laws is the right path."

Yingzhou nodded.

"Keep it up. Tell Guilliman that those officials who perform well can be appropriately rewarded. For those who engage in malpractice for personal gain, punish them severely without leniency."

"Yes, Father."

Luojia continued his report.

"Regarding the Human slaves, Vulkan's Salamanders Legion is responsible for this Task; they have searched every resource planet and found many hidden slaves.

Those slaves have now all been sent to the rear and are undergoing treatment and training. It is expected that within one year, all rescued Human compatriots will be able to return to normal life."

A glimmer of warmth flashed in Yingzhou's eyes.

"Vulkan has done well. Tell him I am proud of him."

Luojia nodded.

"I will convey that to him, Father."

He paused, then continued.

"Regarding the surrounding powers, the borders of the Canaan Star Alliance and the Ash Star Alliance have both been reinforced, but there have been no substantial hostile actions yet.

The Daikong Star Alliance continues to maintain Silence; their high command seems to still be watching from the sidelines.

As for the Luoke Imperium... Sanguinius captured one of their princes, named Kesi. According to Sanguinius, that Kesi was acting arrogantly on Eris, and after being taught a lesson, he still tried to escape, only to be blocked by the Blood Angels' fleet, leading to a small skirmish before he was captured."

Yingzhou raised an eyebrow.

"The Luoke Imperium? Is that the power that is stronger than the Ashes and Canaan combined?"

"Yes, Father. This time, Sanguinius captured their prince, which will likely provoke a backlash from them."

Yingzhou pondered for a few seconds.

"Have Sanguinius interrogate that Kesi and learn as much intelligence about the Luoke Imperium as possible.

Then... do not escalate the conflict for now.

Of course, if they strike first, we are not afraid."

"Understood."

Luojia put away the Data Pad.

"Father, is there anything else you need me to do?"

Yingzhou thought for a moment.

"Regarding Corax, arrange it as soon as possible. Tell him that for this diplomatic mission to the Ash Star Alliance, he must use both soft and hard tactics. Make them understand that peace is possible, but there must be rules for peace. Provocation is also possible, but they must bear the consequences of provocation."

"Yes, Father."

Luojia saluted and turned to leave.

The study fell back into silence.