Above the Galaxy

Yanqing Street, number eighteen.

Finance Minister Mansion.

Grrr!

The black convoy composed of seven Phoenix bulletproof cars stopped at the entrance of the courtyard, numerous Security Bureau SWAT officers swung open the car doors with a clatter, taking positions for alert, forming a tightly guarded safety perimeter.

Bam!

The door of the black car in the middle was pulled open by a personal guard, only then did Shen Wuxiang step out of the car.

Military strategist Sun Shehu along with numerous secretaries and aides followed behind Shen Wuxiang, surrounded him with an impressive and mighty presence.

Anyone standing in that position could experience the beauty of power.

At that moment, you would feel like the center of the universe, the only one in this world.

This dreamlike feeling easily makes one lost within it.

From ancient times to the present, countless heroes have become captives of power.

Sheng Jing had already led Sheng Kuang along with the family members and stewards to welcome at the door. Seeing Shen Wuxiang get out of the car, it was rare that a smile appeared on Sheng Jing's face, and he said, "The presence of the Military Minister graces this humble courtyard."

"Finance Minister, you are too kind." A smile also appeared on Shen Wuxiang's face, he stepped forward to firmly shake Sheng Jing's hand, saying, "We've worked together for years yet have not had the chance to sit together and enjoy a drink, it's truly a pity."

"Since the Military Minister said so, even though I usually don't drink, today I must accompany you for a few cups." Sheng Jing readily replied.

The Sheng Family has two wine enthusiasts, the wine aficionado Sheng Kuang and the wine devotee Xin Huai, which makes Sheng Jing detest wine deeply.

He rarely drinks at home and never socializes with drink outside.

Except when the Tang Fei brothers come over to visit, when he's in good spirits, he'll accompany them for a few cups...

"Then it's settled, the two of us won't rest until we're drunk today." Shen Wuxiang laughed heartily.

The two chatted and laughed, appearing like old friends reunited.

Sheng Jing invited Shen Wuxiang inside for tea and asked Mei Yuyin to arrange the dinner.

Seated in the tea room, Shen Wuxiang took in the rockery and pavilion in the courtyard, commenting, "This courtyard is really something, truly a scene at every step... No wonder rumors say Finance Minister never eats or drinks outside. With such a courtyard, who'd want to leave home?"

"The Military Minister flatters me." Sheng Jing boiled water for tea and remarked, "I am someone who is content and understanding of fate, this small heaven is enough for me. The Military Minister has a vast heart, eyes on the world, seeing the stars and seas."

Shen Wuxiang squinted his eyes at Sheng Jing, saying, "A grain of sand, a universe; a leaf, a Bodhi. Our conquest of the stars and seas, isn't it all for possessing a courtyard like the Finance Minister's?"

The atmosphere instantly turned heavy.

Within the pleasantries, these two figures standing at the Empire's summit had exchanged an implicit challenge.

Sheng Jing was using this courtyard to express his 'lack of ambition,' 'not competing, not aligning'—his three no's attitude.

While Shen Wuxiang was telling Sheng Jing, without the stars and seas, on what basis do you possess such a courtyard?

Without the shelter of those who hold the stars and seas, wouldn't you lose this courtyard as well?

The courtyard isn't just a courtyard; it's the power of the Finance Minister and the prestige of the Sheng Family.

No one can remain unaffiliated.

Not standing with me means standing with the enemy.

Gurgle gurgle...

The water boiled.

Sheng Jing picked up the boiling water to rinse the tea leaves, then poured the brewed golden tea into Shen Wuxiang's teacup.

"Please." Sheng Jing gestured invitingly.

"Thank you." Shen Wuxiang tapped his fingers lightly on the table to express gratitude.

He picked up the tea, sipped a little, then looked at Sheng Jing and said, "Together, we benefit; divided, we harm. I offer the position of Finance Minister to you. Brother Sheng, why hurt my sincere heart?"

With the power of the Shen Family, when they bombarded Phoenix Palace, ruthlessly eradicating dissidents, they could snatch the position of Finance Minister from the Sheng Family.

That it hasn't been done until now, firstly, because Sheng Jing has controlled the Empire's treasury for years and has done a good job...

They also need a stable financial market.

If the economy collapses, the country will fall apart.

Secondly, having treated you this way, how could you not love me dearly?

If you don't love me, who else can you love?

Unexpectedly, Sheng Jing turned out to be a fickle 'scoundrel,' holding the position of Finance Minister, yet his true heart belonged to another.

How could Shen Wuxiang endure this?

"In one's position, counsel for one's politics." Sheng Jing also picked up a cup of tea to sip carefully, his voice low yet forceful: "I believe I've done quite well in this position, diligent and devoted, how have I hurt the Military Minister's heart?"

"Brother Sheng, I'm a straightforward person, speaking directly, don't take it amiss..."

"Military Minister, please speak freely."

"In my view, having entrusted you with the position of Finance Minister, you should stand by my side. We are in this together." Shen Wuxiang spoke plainly, no longer intending to go in circles with Sheng Jing.

People of culture always speak cryptically. The tea would cool before getting to the point.

Unlike us military folks, with this time, a war would already be over.

"Does the Military Minister think we are not in this together?" Sheng Jing looked up at Shen Wuxiang and asked.

"I can't feel it." Shen Wuxiang smiled warmly, but there was a flash of thunder in his eyes: "At least, not during this period."

"How can we make the Military Minister feel it?"

"That's Brother Sheng's problem." Shen Wuxiang looked at Sheng Jing and cheerfully said, "Brother Sheng is an old public servant; how did you make the previous emperor regard you as an arm back then?"