Chapter 124: Chapter 107: Blockading Garbage Star

"The Empire’s interests are paramount." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Then what about all those Star Citizens on the Garbage Star?"

Yu Lan was stunned into place by Queen Belina’s words.

An indescribable rage welled up within her as she looked at Belina’s imperious expression and Louisa’s subtle taunts.

Her heart was pounding wildly.

Blood surged from her heart to her limbs. Anger at Queen Belina for caring only for profit and not human life, and worry for the plague on the Garbage Star—the two emotions coiled and roiled within her.

A silent scream built in her heart, demanding an outlet.

「The next second」

A cold snort echoed through the vast, magnificent hall.

The beautiful young female, who moments ago had appeared docile and gentle, underwent a sudden transformation.

She lifted her gaze, and any trace of obedience was gone, replaced by a cold, defiant challenge.

Just as Belina was about to reprimand her, Yu Lan’s forceful accusations rang out once more.

"The Garbage Star is suffering from the worst plague in its history. Hundreds of millions of people have been infected in this massive outbreak."

"Medicine is scarce, resources are lacking, and countless people are suffering and crying out in agony, waiting for the Empire to send the necessary medical treatments."

"You speak of the greater good. What *is* the greater good?"

"Are they not citizens of the Empire?"

"Or are only the high-and-mighty, prestigious Central Star People considered Imperial Citizens in your eyes? Are they the only ones you deem worthy enough to deign to look upon?"

"With an attitude like this, it’s no wonder people rebelled against the Empire to form the Federation. And now, the Empire can do nothing about them."

One forceful question after another resounded through the palace hall, each one echoing off the walls.

This was an undisguised challenge, stopping just short of pointing at Queen Belina’s face and declaring her completely unfit to be the Empress.

How audacious. Utterly, unbelievably audacious.

Even Louisa was stunned by Yu Lan’s audacity.

Then, the corners of her lips curled into a smug smile.

In Queen Belina’s eyes, Yu Lan’s words wouldn’t be seen as a display of the fine qualities of a future queen—benevolence, kindness, and fairness.

On the contrary, she would see it as nothing but pure, unadulterated provocation.

Could you not see how the Queen’s face was already turning livid with rage?

Belina raised a hand to her chest, which was heaving violently, incensed by Yu Lan’s words.

The Federation’s rebellion had always been a thorn in Queen Belina’s side.

To bring it up now was tantamount to slapping her across the face.

"Insolence!"

"Yu Lan, shut your mouth!"

Belina’s beautiful eyes stared icily at Yu Lan.

Their gazes locked in a standoff across the hall.

「After a long moment」

Belina finally spoke, her voice slow and deliberate.

"Seeing as you have only just recovered, I will let this slide."

"Sheng Yiqing is on his way. Go back and have a few more children with those males of yours. That is how you can contribute to the Empire."

"As for other matters, things that do not concern you, stay out of them."

"Otherwise..."

Belina didn’t finish her sentence.

But it was obvious: a Princess resented by the reigning Queen would never inherit the throne.

And this was precisely the opportunity Louisa had been scheming to create, driving a wedge between Belina and Yu Lan.

The moment Belina finished speaking, she summoned the Royal Guard waiting outside and gave a blunt command.

"Take her away."

"Yes."

Several members of the Guard Team approached Yu Lan and gestured for her to leave.

"I can walk on my own."

Without needing to be escorted, Yu Lan turned and walked out of the Imperial Palace on her own.

This magnificent, glorious, yet utterly cold Imperial Palace had nothing in common with her.

*

「Meanwhile」

Watching Yu Lan leave, Louisa’s lips curled into a subtle smile. She then moved closer to Queen Belina and suggested in a soft voice,

"Although what Lanlan said just now was harsh, I must admit, some of her words did hold a bit of truth."

Queen Belina, who had closed her eyes to compose herself, snapped them open at her words.

"What, do you want to lecture me as she did?"

"Don’t forget, you were the one who suggested rejecting the Federation delegation. If we send someone after them now, we might still be able to bring them back."

Louisa knew Belina was just lashing out in anger.

The Empire and the Federation were mortal enemies.

For years, only the threat of the Dark Planet had forced them into a reluctant truce. In reality, their desire to crush and absorb one another had never faded.

Moreover, Yu Lan had just thrown Belina’s past failings in her face.

At this moment, when the Queen’s loathing for the Federation was at its peak, there was no way she would order them to bring the delegation back and accept their proposal.

A small smile played on Louisa’s lips as she gave Queen Belina’s arm a familiar, playful nudge.

"Your Majesty, you’re teasing me."

"Lanlan’s words were harsh, it’s true, but the Empire absolutely cannot afford to have a second Federation emerge."

"If word gets out that we rejected the Federation’s proposal, with so many people on the Garbage Star and the Federation stirring the pot, problems will inevitably arise."

"These are already troubled times; it’s best to maintain stability."

Just as she’d expected, Belina’s mood gradually calmed as she spoke.

She glanced at Louisa, her thin lips parting as she said coolly,

"Continue."

Louisa’s lips curled. She leaned closer to Belina. "So, we could simply announce that we’ve already sent the necessary medicine to the Garbage Star. We can say that everyone, moved by your benevolence, is well on their way to recovery."

"Internally, however, we’ll have their external communication channels severed. Don’t let them post anything on the Star Network."

"Once the plague has run its course and the Empire has won the Green Emerald Star from the Federation, we can take some of the spoils and give them as a handout to the survivors, then permit them to leave the Garbage Star."

"I doubt they’d dare to say a word out of line."

Meeting Queen Belina’s gaze, Louisa smirked, a hint of cruelty in her eyes.

"After all, the people living on the Garbage Star are just useless trash with low aptitude and meager assets, of no use to the Empire."

"Rather than wasting the Empire’s resources to keep them alive, why not use this plague to carry out a... natural cleansing?"

It was a truly venomous proposal.

But from a purely pragmatic standpoint... it was a small price to pay for a major gain.

Belina was convinced. She gave a slight nod in agreement.

"I’ll entrust this matter to you."

"Remember, not a single person, not a single message, is to get out. We cannot allow the Empire to lose face."

"Yes."

Louisa immediately knelt on one knee before Queen Belina. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will see it done."

"You are far more reassuring. Decisive, intelligent, with a unique perspective. Not at all like Yu Lan. The way she is now... how could I ever feel at ease entrusting the Empire to her?"