Chapter 13: The Meeting (Part II)
Nan Ming spoke up, “This matter… actually, this time, I’m here to meet someone and just brought you along for dinner. In a moment, you all just eat quietly and don’t worry about anything else, understood?”
Nan Yu had a moment of sudden realization. So that was how it was. He just didn’t know who his father was planning to meet.
“Of course, I’m not meeting him here. I’ll be going to another private booth in a bit. During this time, do not go wandering around outside to avoid any accidents. Got it?”
Just who was this person to be so imposing? Regardless, they all nodded in unison, looking both obedient and well-behaved.
Just as Nan Ming was about to stand up and head to the other booth for the meeting, the door to their booth was pushed wide open.
All four of them stared together at the open door. The person standing outside was actually Yuan Qiyang…
They all recognized Yuan Qiyang. Why would the Crown Prince be here?
Could it be that the person Nan Ming was supposed to meet was none other than Yuan Qiyang? What were these two meeting for?
Yuan Qiyang gave them a slight nod, then looked at Nan Ming with an expressionless face. “Major General Nan, my uncle has arrived. Please come with me.”
Nan Ming took a deep breath. “Alright, I’m coming.”
He then turned to Nan Yu and the others. “You all just eat here. I’ll be back in a while, understood?”
Nan Yu nodded. Yuan Qiyang’s uncle?
Meaning the Empress’s brother?
If he recalled correctly, his name was… Yu Lanfeng?
He had heard that the man was incredibly strong. Rumor had it that even the Emperor couldn’t defeat him. He was the strongest Yineng Zhe in the entire Empire. Whether it was individual combat, team battles, or strategic command, he was top-tier in every aspect.
Because of his immense strength, he had always been responsible for leading the military to guard several planets on the Empire’s border, preventing invasions by Yineng beasts.
Of course, Yineng beasts couldn’t exactly operate spaceships, so the primary objective was still to intercept foreign invaders.
In his previous life, right up until the moment he died, Nan Yu had only ever heard of such a person but had never met him. He didn’t expect that in this life…
Well, he probably still wouldn’t be able to meet him.
Nan Yun said, “The food is here. Let’s eat first.”
Nan Yu snapped back to reality. Right, eating was more important for now. “Don’t eat too much; save some for Dad. Talking to such a big shot, he definitely won’t have time to eat.”
The dishes had all been pre-ordered when the reservation was made, so they couldn’t simply add more to the order on the spot. In other words, once they finished what was on the table, that was it.
Nan Yun and Nan Zhen both nodded. “We won’t touch Dad’s favorites. Xiao Yu, these are the ones you like, hurry and eat. These prawns are exceptionally fresh; they must have just been transported from the latest aquaculture planet.”
Nan Yu excitedly peeled one. The prawn meat looked incredibly tender, and the piece was as large as his palm. Given his appetite, eating just one or two would probably fill him up.
However, leftovers here could be packed up and taken home. Some people specifically came just to pack food to eat later, so it wasn’t embarrassing at all.
Nan Ming walked into the private booth and gave a crisp, formal military salute to the person sitting inside. “Marshal!”
For a Major General like Nan Ming to address someone so respectfully as “Marshal,” there was only one person it could be.
Yu Lanfeng glanced at him casually. “Major General Nan, please take a seat. The reason for this meeting is regarding the outbreak of Yineng beasts on several border planets in Zone 1…”
Nan Ming froze slightly. This matter… was there a problem?
To wipe out those Yineng beasts, one only needed to dispatch an army. Supplies were sufficient, and saying the army lacked enough Yineng Zhe was definitely a lie.
So…
“Marshal, could it be…?”
Yu Lanfeng rubbed his brow, appearing somewhat troubled. “It’s exactly what you’re thinking. Previously, while our mental power unit was resting on a transit planet during their return journey, they were ambushed. Several are currently injured and haven’t recovered, so they can’t head out for the time being. The Jingshenli Zhe in other regions are also tied down.”
“So…?”
Nan Ming knew that Yu Lanfeng definitely wanted to take Nan Yu there. But Nan Yu was so young and had never suffered hardships. Would going with the military to exterminate Yineng beasts really be alright?
Of course, mental power users didn’t need to charge the front lines, but the Yineng Zhe in the army fought for long periods and used their abilities extensively. Furthermore, they consumed high-grade beast meat in large quantities. To ensure their combat effectiveness and mental clarity, the Jingshenli Zhe accompanying them had to work day and night to dispel their mental pollution.
Yu Lanfeng looked at Nan Ming with a hint of surprise. Usually, no matter what orders he gave, this Major General would agree quickly and decisively. Yet, it seemed even a man like Major General Nan would hesitate when it came to his family.
Yu Lanfeng asked, “Major General Nan, may I meet with him?”
These were extraordinary times; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come looking for Nan Yu. In truth, he had noticed Nan Yu a long time ago. He hadn’t initially planned on him, thinking he would just urgently transfer one or two from elsewhere to hold the line.
But earlier, when his nephew was talking with others and mentioned Nan Yu, he remembered that the Capital Star still had such a gifted Middle-Level Jingshenli Zhe.
He was responsible for dispelling the mental pollution of three High-Level Yineng Zhe at home and did it exceptionally well. Rumors could be unreliable, but such facts were laid out right in front of him.
If he could truly take him along, it would alleviate a significant amount of pressure.
Nan Ming eventually decided to leave the choice to Nan Yu himself. “In that case, I will go and bring Xiao Yu over. This matter depends on his own will; as his father, I won’t interfere.”
Yu Lanfeng originally intended to meet the boy himself to show his sincerity, but then he realized that appearing in person might be problematic and could easily cause a stir, so he agreed.
When Nan Yu saw Nan Ming return, he said with a grin, “Dad, back so soon? Come and eat quickly; we saved your favorites for you!”
Seeing that the dishes he usually ate most hadn’t been touched, a wave of warmth filled Nan Ming’s heart, but there was still serious business to discuss.
After hearing Nan Ming’s explanation, Nan Yu was a bit surprised, and even Nan Yun and Nan Zhen were shocked.
Nan Yun exclaimed, “Dad, are you serious? Sending Xiao Yu to the front lines?!”
Nan Ming replied, “Don’t talk nonsense. It’s just that they can’t spare any Jingshenli Zhe to help over there temporarily. And it’s not the actual front lines, just Border Zone 1. You all know that every year, there are a few months when a beast tide breaks out on several planets. It’s just that a small accident occurred today.”
“Of course, all of this depends on Xiao Yu’s own decision. Xiao Yu, come with me. The Marshal wants to see you and have a private word.”
Nan Yun and Nan Zhen didn’t know what to say or whose side to take. Yu Lanfeng was their idol, but Nan Yu was their most beloved younger brother…
Being stuck in the middle like this was incredibly uncomfortable.
Nan Yu let out a laugh. “Alright, alright. It’s not like I’m going anywhere dangerous. Big Brother, Second Brother, don’t worry about it. I’ll go meet this Marshal first. Besides…”
“Maybe this will be good training for me?”
Perhaps he could even take this opportunity to secure a status within the military?
When Nan Ming led him to the door, he opened it but didn’t enter. Nan Yu took a deep breath and slowly walked inside. The first thing he saw was the back of Marshal Yu Lanfeng standing inside.
Indeed, in the entire Empire, it wouldn’t be strange if someone didn’t recognize the Emperor—after all, not everyone had seen him—but to say someone didn’t recognize Yu Lanfeng would be true ignorance.
Yu Lanfeng appeared on the news almost every day because he was constantly protecting the Empire, or was on his way to protect it.
In short, he was busy to death and strong as hell.
“Marshal?”
Yu Lanfeng turned around to look at him. He was even younger than he had imagined. “Hello. Please, sit down so we can talk.”
His manner was strictly professional.
But Nan Yu liked that attitude.
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