[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-shadow-empire":3,"chapter-the-shadow-empire-the-shadow-empire-chapter-956":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Shadow Empire",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2268576,4428,"Chapter 956: Asian Blue","the-shadow-empire-chapter-956",956,"\u003Cp>The sky over New Jin City had turned dark; for a coastal city, a sudden downpour was all too common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People held their handbags over their heads to protect their waxed hairstyles from being ruined by the rain, and everywhere were people seeking shelter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summer had arrived, and people no longer disliked heavy rain as much as they disliked snow in winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People liked rain, especially in summer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It swept away the stifling heat from the air, making the entire world feel fresher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some said that after a heavy storm, the sun would become even more scorching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Casiya stood by the window, watching the dark sky outside; when raindrops the size of soybeans began to fall from the heavens, the immense pressure made him unconsciously slow his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pattering rain struck the window like someone furiously pounding on it from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between heaven and earth, the storm seemed to have fused them together, blurring the line between sky and ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, news arrived from home: the President of Lapa would attend a “protest rally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The participants in this “protest rally” were not the usual crowds of ordinary citizens who staged demonstrations in the Federation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were the leaders of the other ten nations of Lapa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together with the President of Lapa, eleven leaders of Asian Blue nations had gathered, discussing the Federation’s demand to station troops in eastern and southern Asian Blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one liked this issue, though from certain perspectives, the Federation’s military had indeed helped stabilize their domestic situations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had gained a stability they may not have truly wanted, but lost far more important things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, among the eleven nations of the Asian Blue region, none could stand alone against the Federation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, on the advice of some rulers, they planned to unite and form an alliance, standing together in unity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lapa’s diplomatic ambassador to the Federation, the President had called him, explained the situation, and hoped he could persuade the Federates to lower their guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this alliance took shape, they would possess the leverage to resist the Federation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Federation had already launched a war in Tanfet; they could not, and would find it extremely difficult, to support another war in Asian Blue—one equally uncertain in outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Federation was now pressuring multiple Asian Blue nations tightly, demanding swift answers on whether they would accept the Federation’s “aid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they did not specify what would happen if they refused, everyone believed it would be something terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because the Federates were watching so closely, Ambassador Casiya needed to find a way to create other distractions to draw their attention away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The President really thinks highly of me!” Ambassador Casiya muttered sarcastically to his reflection in the window glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could truly achieve this through diplomacy, he wouldn’t just be Lapa’s ambassador—he might have become Emperor of Lapa long ago!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since he knew he couldn’t do it, he never even considered trying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he was thinking—thinking whether his “betrayal” should be carried through to the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Running footsteps echoed down the hallway outside the room, followed by the clear, bell-like laughter of his two children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without doubt, the children were chasing each other around the house again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thunderstorm kept them from playing on the lawn, so returning indoors was their only option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But don’t think the house wasn’t fun—only the poor thought so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their houses were too small, perhaps only sixty square meters; after fitting two bedrooms, a living-dining room, and a bathroom, there was no space left to bring joy to those living in such homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, however, there were twenty to thirty rooms, each with ample space, and maids coming and going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servants in the house doted on the two children, making their upbringing environment far more suitable for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wife was busy with social engagements, mingling with noblewomen who sometimes rented large venues as salons, chatting about fashion or topics of interest to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That woman always stole the spotlight in political discussions; as the ambassador’s wife, she had now fully integrated into the Federation’s upper class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His parents and his wife’s mother had also adapted to everything here in a very short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as you had money, the Federation was paradise!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had been a loyal, dutiful ambassador, he could never have possessed all he now had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not afford even a single expense of this luxurious life; the tuition for his two children’s private schools alone was a massive sum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And money alone wasn’t enough—you needed a certain “power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, his family, and those he cared about now lived in the Federation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What sustained their current good life, what made smiles appear more frequently on his lips, was not his hard work or talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was his position, his job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without these, what could he do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could he and his family still be happy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he endlessly searched for reasons to justify himself, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the President, and the ruling elite, truly bring Lapa a tomorrow and hope?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were truly Lapa’s future, why, after all these years, were the people at the bottom still struggling to survive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, these ruling elites were growing richer and richer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearly ninety-five percent of the nation’s resources were held by this tiny handful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people were not happy, and had no future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Federation’s ruling elite had countless problems, look at the ordinary people—they lived far better than ordinary Lapanians!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen the dark side of the Federation’s ruling elite, yet even so, the Federation remained the nation he believed had the most advanced system, the greatest potential, and the brightest future—without exception!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought of this, he seemed to have made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned to his desk and dialed Senator Cleveland’s number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senator Cleveland’s voice on the receiver was still unmistakable; Ambassador Casiya bent slightly, cradling the phone with both hands, “It’s me, Casiya, ambassador of Lapa. I hope I haven’t disturbed your work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senator Cleveland knew who this man was—Ambassador Casiya had a close personal relationship with Lans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he had received intelligence and information from Ambassador Casiya, so he did not transfer the call to his aides or others, “I remember you. Is there anything I can help you with?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re too kind, Senator!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s like this—I’ve discovered something, and I’m not sure whether it’s useful to you or Congress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words sparked Senator Cleveland’s interest; they planned to forcibly station troops in September through October.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced stationing would inevitably meet resistance; the Ministry of Defense and military were running simulations. Once the simulations passed—if the cost was less than the benefit—they would proceed with the plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Congress was currently paying close attention to political developments in Asian Blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to be making his final decision; after waiting seven or eight seconds, he continued, “I heard the eleven leaders of Asian Blue nations have confirmed by phone—they will form a new organization—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Asian Blue Nations United Alliance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They plan to unite the ruling classes of all Asian Blue nations to oppose the Federation’s intention to station troops in Asian Blue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know if this information is useful to you or Congress, but I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Senator Cleveland realized the significance of this news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the eleven nations united, even the Federation, in attempting forced stationing, would have to consider the potential backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is an extremely important piece of information. I’m grateful you told me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you and your family really like the Federation and are living here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Casiya nodded vigorously, though Senator Cleveland couldn’t see him—still, he made the gesture and said it anyway, “Yes, they’ve just moved to the Federation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I ask, Ambassador Casiya—are they now Federation citizens, or Lapanians?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Casiya seemed to sense something; he spoke softly, “We haven’t applied for citizenship yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Applying for citizenship wasn’t easy; the Federation government had long tightened its vetting system, or anyone could slip in and become a citizen, and the Federation would be in chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Casiya’s family found it difficult to obtain citizenship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senator Cleveland smiled and asked, “Would they be willing to become honorable Federation citizens?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambassador Casiya paused, then hurriedly replied, “Of course, of course—they and I are very eager!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senator Cleveland picked up his pen and jotted a note on his notepad, “Good. If they have no objection to becoming Federation citizens, I believe this matter will be resolved soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, thank you for the heads-up, Ambassador Casiya.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senator Cleveland passed the information to more people, and soon they gathered to discuss how to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some suggested allowing the Asian Blue Nations United Alliance to form, but manipulating those who leaned toward the Federation to become key officials—even chairman—of the Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would greatly aid the Federation’s comprehensive infiltration and penetration of Asian Blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others opposed the emergence of the Alliance; a political group with such a clear purpose would make their absorption of Asian Blue more difficult and complicated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1518,"2026-06-19T21:10:31.886Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","411e5927f7d8f0225c2de09047e41caa5f1ec121b3adbb4aee0b712b149350f2","the-shadow-empire-chapter-957","the-shadow-empire-chapter-955",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-shadow-empire-cover.jpg"]