Above the Galaxy

Yanqing Street. Number 18.

Since she was intercepted at the airport, Sheng Xinhua had been staying at home, rarely going out, and not teaching at school anymore.

She knew that people tend to have a 'hate the rich, laugh at the poor' mentality.

Previously, Sheng Xinhua's style at school was independent and assertive, and her colleagues often gossiped about her.

Rumors about her sleeping with numerous students or having an affair with some young teacher all originated within the school.

Many people compare schools to ivory towers, but the elephants there obviously haven't brushed their teeth in a long time.

A school is a small society, and the power struggles, deceit and betrayal inside are no less than the outside world.

Instead, due to the strict hierarchy, enclosed space, and narrow pathways for advancement, it is more chilling and cruel.

If she were to go to school now, many people would probably point fingers behind her back.

She didn't care about others' gossip; she simply didn't want to provide material for them.

Sheng Xinhua and Mei Yuyin were nestled on the sofa watching a movie when they heard voices from the courtyard.

Sheng Xinhua glanced through the floor-to-ceiling window and said, "Mr. Sheng is back."

Mei Yuyin checked the time on her wrist and said curiously, "Why is he back so early today?"

With a quick wit, Sheng Xinhua immediately stood up and said, "I'll go help Mr. Sheng with his bag."

With that, she went out to meet him.

Sheng Jing was changing his shoes with the help of a household robot when Sheng Xinhua came over to take his coat, asking, "Why are you back so early today? Did you leave work early?"

She knew her father was conscientious and proper, never late or leaving early, always arriving and leaving work on time.

"The wind is full before the storm." Sheng Jing said with emotion.

Feeling a tightness in her chest, Sheng Xinhua asked seriously, "Dad, did something happen?"

"No, everything's fine." Sheng Jing waved his hand and smiled, "I got a call from Shen Wuxiang, saying he'd be coming by to visit shortly, so I came back a bit early. Ask your mom to prepare a few good dishes, and I'll have a drink with him later."

"Shen Wuxiang is coming over?" Mei Yuyin asked in surprise.

According to officialdom conventions, those at such high levels don't visit frequently, let alone casually drop by others' homes.

If, during Zhong Daolong's time in power, it were frequent for the Military Minister and Finance Minister to gather for a casual drink, he might not sleep well.

One controls the military, the other holds the Empire's purse strings—what could the two of them be up to?

Shen Wuxiang had only visited a short while ago, and now he's coming again...

When something unusual happens, it must be significant.

"Yes, it will trouble ma'am." Sheng Jing nodded.

"Isn't he coming a bit too often? Did something happen?" Mei Yuyin also wore a worried expression.

Not wanting his wife and children to worry, Sheng Jing laughed, "It's just drinks and conversation, no need to overthink... I'll head upstairs to freshen up, you start getting things ready."

"Alright, I'll go to the kitchen." Mei Yuyin responded.

Though they had a chef, she often enjoyed cooking a few special dishes herself.

Watching her father's back as he ascended the stairs, Sheng Xinhua felt the matter wasn't that simple.

Shen Wuxiang visiting again... that can't be good.

What exactly happened?

She glanced towards the kitchen and then quietly followed her father upstairs.

Sheng Jing was washing his face at the sink when he heard footsteps approaching and said, "I knew you couldn't hold back... Speak, what do you want to know?"

"Has something happened outside recently?" Sheng Xinhua asked, standing at the bathroom door.

"For you, it's good news." Sheng Jing was applying facial cleanser, as his wife was much younger, he also paid great attention to his appearance, "Tang Fei has won another victory, not only capturing Feng City but also critically injuring Shen Xinglan in a decisive battle with the Aus Empire's Sea God Fleet, seizing the Liyu Port..."

"This much happened?" Sheng Xinhua said in surprise, "There's been no online coverage."

She'd been laying low recently, spending her days watching shows with Mei Yuyin, barely paying attention to outside events.

Occasionally checking the news online, it was all about stars going out to get their hair done in a peaceful nation...

"How could such matters be reported?" Sheng Jing shook his head, "Shen Wuxiang suffered great losses, so naturally he would scramble to block it. Without some effort, you wouldn't find the news."

"Shen Wuxiang coming over... is it related to this event?"

"The more aggressive Tang Fei's offensive and the greater the victories, the more tense the domestic situation will become."

"If I'm not mistaken, Shen Wuxiang is about to deploy some drastic measures... Don't forget what the Shen Family is built on."

"Are they going to act against our family?"

"It hasn't come to that yet." Sheng Jing rinsed the foam off his face with clear water, wiping away much of his fatigue as well, "This time he's here, he's likely hoping to talk first before taking any harsher measures... don't overthink, once he's here, things will be clearer."

"Go help your mom, make sure she doesn't worry... I'll go over some documents."

"Okay." Sheng Xinhua agreed.

Seeing Sheng Jing sit down at the desk in his study, she turned to head downstairs.

Around four in the afternoon, a large motorcade arrived at the entrance of Number 18 Yanqing Street.

Having received word, Sheng Jing was already waiting at the door.

Though they were all among the Empire's Three Ministers, their positions equivalent, it was well-known that Shen Wuxiang was already 'half the master' of this nation.

Therefore, due respect and etiquette were still necessary.