Chapter 34
Restoration work at the base continued around the clock. Old Lin and his team, using Wen Ling's improved energy adapter, not only repaired the propulsion system but also increased efficiency by several percentage points. Late one night in his workshop, the usually taciturn old technician presented Wen Ling with a set of miniature carving tools from his collection.
"Hand steady, be careful," Old Lin said succinctly, his calloused fingers tapping the gleaming tools. "From now on, you'll be responsible for fine-tuning the precision parts."
This trust was heavy. Wen Ling accepted it solemnly, knowing that this was not only a recognition of his skills, but also an acceptance of him as a true member of the "Iron Throne".
Ayuan's hydroponic garden has become a popular spot at the base. With Wen Ling's suggestion and help, she successfully grafted a type of moss that absorbs trace amounts of harmful metal particles in the air, improving the air quality in some areas. She always smiles and offers handfuls of freshly harvested berries or edible flowers to passersby. Once, Wen Ling even spotted Miao Weizhen standing in a corner of the hydroponic garden, his fingertips gently brushing against a lush green leaf. Though it was only a moment's pause, the tense lines of his face seemed to soften slightly.
News from the Sailiang capital trickled in intermittently. The situation grew increasingly confusing. Wen Xunyi was indeed bedridden, but the undercurrent of power transfer was surging. The news of "critically ill, please return home" was like a pebble dropped into a quagmire, creating ever-widening ripples.
"This isn't a simple trap," said Miao Weizhen and Wen Ling, the only people in the command center late at night. The star map displayed the latest intelligence nodes. "This is a conspiracy to force you into it."
Wen Ling stared at the dot of light representing the capital. His freshly bathed golden hair, still damp, lay softly against his forehead, lending a touch of gentleness to his normally cool demeanor. But his emerald eyes were remarkably lucid. "If I go back, it'll be exactly what he wants. If I don't, he can legitimately declare me a traitor."
"You still have influence?" Miao Weizhen raised an eyebrow, his tone unclear as to whether it was teasing or a statement. His eyes casually swept over Wen Ling's cheeks, which were slightly flushed from the steam. The young man wore a simple dark blue training uniform, with a slightly open collar, revealing a graceful collarbone.
Wen Ling smiled bitterly: "A prince in exile always has more to say than a dead prince."
He paused and turned to Miao Weizhen, "What do you think I should do?"
This was the first time Wen Ling had proactively sought his opinion on a major strategic decision. Miao Weizhen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he walked to the console and pulled up a secure file. This movement slightly strained the fabric of his uniform, highlighting his slender waist and broad shoulders.
"This is the information Luo Yan obtained by sacrificing three lurkers," he said in a low voice. "Wen Xunyi's illness is not natural. He is likely... poisoned by some rare neurotoxin."
Wen Ling's pupils suddenly shrank, and his face turned pale for a moment, but this made his green eyes appear even clearer and more moving. "Who did it?"
"The clues point to the federal intelligence department, but the method is very sophisticated, as if... there is someone inside cooperating." Miao Weizhen closed the file and looked at Wen Ling sharply. Under the cold white light of the command center, his deep eyebrows and eyes appeared particularly three-dimensional. The mature charm of time and experience intertwined with the serious expression at this moment was irresistible.
Wen Ling felt a chill running down his spine. He realized that Sailiang was no longer an independent chess game.
"...I understand." Wen Ling's voice was a little hoarse. He unconsciously raised his hand to push back the wet hair on his forehead, revealing his smooth forehead and full brow bones. "Going back now is not only foolish, but it will also disrupt you...our overall plan."
"Are you scared?" Miao Weizhen asked, his voice unconsciously a little lower than usual, with a gentleness that only appeared when the two were alone.
Wen Ling raised his head and met his gaze. Under the light, he could clearly see the shadows cast by Miao Weizhen's thick eyelashes, and his own reflection reflected in his always bottomless eyes.
"I'm afraid," he said honestly, his slightly tilted head making his neck look particularly slender and graceful. "But I'm more afraid of not being able to do anything."
He took a deep breath, and this action made his upright posture even more relaxed. "You are right. Surviving and living strong enough is the only way out."
The young man stood tall and straight under the light, like a rapidly growing poplar, both flexible and strong.
"Very good." Miao Weizhen's voice held a hint of appreciation he wasn't even aware of. He raised his hand, as if wanting to touch him as he had done that day to comfort him, but in the end, he simply patted his shoulder. Through the fabric of his clothes, he could feel the strong lines of the young man's shoulders and arms, no longer the frailty of pampered life, but rather the strength of a tempered one.
He turned around and operated the console, calling up the communication interface with Lei Huan of the "Star Flame" faction.
"What are you going to do?" Wen Ling asked, unconsciously drawn to Miao Weizhen's effortless control of the console. His bony hands moved swiftly across the screen, each command precise and decisive.
"Since the Federation wants to disrupt Sailiang, let's muddy the waters even further." Miao Weizhen's lips curled up in a cold arc, this expression adding a bit of dangerous charm to his already outstanding features. "Give Lei Huan a little 'surprise', and at the same time, leak the news that Wen Xunyi has been poisoned."
Wen Ling immediately understood his intention, his eyes flashing with admiration. He took a step forward and looked at the communication screen side by side with Miao Weizhen.
"What do you need me to do?" Wen Ling asked, his voice full of eagerness to try.
Miao Weizhen glanced sideways at him. The freshness of the young man's approach formed a subtle contrast with his usual coldness.
"Just stand beside me," Miao Weizhen said, his voice low but clear in the silent command center. His gaze lingered on Wen Ling's face for a moment, tracing from his full forehead to his graceful jawline. "Let them all see that the future king of Sailiang is here."
Wen Ling's heart skipped a beat, and she felt as if tiny flames were burning wherever Miao Weizhen's sight reached.
The chime of a communication request rang out, and a cold blue light illuminated the two figures standing side by side. Outside the base lay a perilous sea of stars, while within, undercurrents surged. The first simulated light of dawn quietly filtered through the observatory's dome, casting a shadow upon them.
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