Chapter 1456: Kesi Perceives the Anomaly

The next day, Keluo Ke Imperial City, Administration Hall.

Kesi sat in the main seat, his four eyes scanning the several reports before him, his brows slightly furrowed.

He had been sitting here for nearly two hours, but today's affairs were being handled with exceptional difficulty.

The application to mobilize border garrison troops had been rejected, the approval document for material allocation had been shelved, and even a routine salary disbursement list had been returned with notes on it.

Kesi raised his head, looking at the several officials standing before the desk.

Why was this border garrison mobilization application rejected?

The official in the lead was one of Kedixi's subordinates, a middle-aged official named Ketasi, who said in a respectful voice.

Your Highness, the mobilization of border garrison troops requires His Majesty's personal written approval. Recently, His Majesty has been feeling unwell, so the approval process has been delayed. Please wait a few days, Your Highness.

Then what about this material allocation approval document? Material allocation is a routine matter; it does not require His Majesty's personal approval.

Ketasi said.

Your Highness, material allocation involves national treasury expenditures. Lord Daijisiluo said that the budget needs to be audited first before approval can be granted.

Kesi looked at Ketasi.

Audit the budget? This batch of materials is supplies for the border garrison. The soldiers at the border need these materials; how long will your budget audit take?

Ketasi lowered his head.

This... I do not know. Lord Daijisiluo is responsible for the audit; Your Highness can ask him personally.

Very well, then why was this salary disbursement list returned?

Ketasi said.

Your Highness, salary disbursement involves personnel changes. Lord Kedixi said that the registration status of personnel in each position needs to be confirmed first before disbursement.

Kesi leaned back in his chair, his gaze calm as he looked at Ketasi.

Ketasi, since when did you start needing to listen to the orders of Kedixi, Daijisiluo, and His Majesty all at the same time?

Beads of sweat seeped from Ketasi's forehead as he began to defend himself.

Your Highness, I am merely following the rules...

Kesi said.

Following the rules? Fine, then go tell Kedixi that if the border garrison's supplies are delayed, I will hold him solely responsible. Tell Daijisiluo that if the salary disbursement is in arrears and incites a mutiny among the soldiers, he will bear full responsibility.

Ketasi bowed.

I... I will go at once.

He walked quickly out of the Administration Hall, and the door closed behind him.

Kesi stood up and walked to the window.

Outside the window, the buildings of the Imperial City cast long shadows in the morning light.

There were several unfamiliar faces among the guards, and the frequency of patrols had increased.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi wants to stir up trouble; the obstacles in administration are only the first step.

What follows will be more restrictions, tighter surveillance, and a stricter encirclement.

He must strike first to gain the advantage.

Kesi pressed the Communication Device on the desk.

D-9, come here.

A moment later, a Kalidusi assassin disguised as Kesi's attendant walked in.

Your Highness.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi is weakening my power; administration is being obstructed, guards are being replaced, and budgets are being blocked. His four trusted ministers have already begun to act, and we must also have a response.

D-9 said.

Your Highness, what do you need me to do?

Kesi said.

No need to rush into action yet. I need to make the political situation of the Keluo Ke Imperium look chaotic enough to make my ascension seem reasonable. I must let the surrounding powers know that the internal situation of the Keluo Ke Imperium is unstable, and that Prince Kesi is turning the tide and eventually succeeding to the throne. Only then will my establishing diplomatic relations with the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance be logical.

D-9 asked.

Your Highness, how do we create chaos?

Kesi turned around and looked at D-9.

The Emperor's trusted ministers are already acting; I want everyone to see that it is they who are forcing my hand, and it is they who are plotting against me.

D-9 nodded.

Understood. Your Highness, do you need to mobilize other undercover agents?

Kesi said.

Not for now. I need to do one thing first.

He walked to the door and picked up his coat.

I am going out for a while. You do not follow me. If anyone asks, just say I went outside the Imperial City to clear my head.

"Understood."

Outside the Keluo Ke Imperial City, in the slums.

This was the most dilapidated area on the Capital Star of the Keluo Ke Imperium.

Low shacks were crowded together, and the streets were narrow and muddy.

Kesi walked along the street, and the Keluo Ke people in the slums stopped what they were doing and bowed to him when they saw him.

An elderly Keluo Ke person poked his head out from a shack; seeing Kesi, his cloudy four eyes lit up.

Prince Kesi! Why have you come here?

Kesi walked up to him.

"Elder, I have come to see you all. How have you been lately?"

The old Luoke nodded repeatedly.

"Good, much better. Ever since His Highness reduced the taxes in the slums and sent people to repair the roads, our lives have become much easier. His Highness, you are our great benefactor."

Kesi said.

"No need to thank me. This is what should be done."

He looked around and saw several young Luoke coming out of the shacks.

Those were the families he had helped before; they were his most reliable source of information outside the Imperial City.

Kesi walked up to a young Luoke named Keta, who had once been hunted for debt until Kesi sent people to save him.

Keta saw Kesi and immediately came up to him.

"Your Highness, do you have something you need me for?"

Kesi lowered his voice.

"Keta, I need your help."

Keta looked around to confirm that no one was paying attention to them.

"Please speak, Your Highness."

Kesi said.

"I need you to spread some news. The rumors in the Imperial City are not quite right. Help me spread a few messages."

"First, His Majesty the Emperor is seriously ill, and the ministers in the court are vying for power. Second, the First Prince and the Second Prince have already been placed under house arrest, and the power vacuum is expanding. Third, Prince Kesi is doing his best to maintain stability, but he cannot hold it up alone."

Keta listened, his four eyes narrowing slightly.

"Your Highness, I guarantee I will not fail the mission!"

Kesi said.

"I need to make everyone feel that the Luoke Imperium is heading toward chaos."

Keta nodded.

"I understand. Rest assured, Your Highness, I will spread these words in the fastest way possible. The people in the slums have loose tongues; news spreads the fastest there."

Kesi patted him on the shoulder.

"Good. After you are done, all of you hide well. Do not let anyone know that I was the one who had you do this."

Keta nodded.

"Rest assured, Your Highness."

At the gate of the Imperial City, as Kesi walked back, a guard stepped forward to salute.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence."

Kesi stopped and looked at the guard.

"What does His Majesty want with me?"

The guard shook his head.

"This subordinate does not know. His Majesty only said to invite Your Highness over."

"Very well, lead the way."