"Elder Zhu, regarding all supplies for the front lines, are there any issues?"
Although [she] had leveraged the momentum to suppress Zhu Lun's initial defiance, [Qingque] subsequently displayed the magnanimity befitting an 'Acting General', setting aside prior grievances and not pressing the issue further.
After all, politics is always full of compromises. Besides, while Zhu Lun certainly had his share of problems, having served as the Luofu's Furnace Master for so many years, he had at least earned credit for his hard work, even if not for specific merits.
Being firm and decisive was necessary, but equally, the appropriate 'conciliatory approach' was indispensable.
Hearing the young woman's calm yet respectful inquiry, Zhu Lun felt a sense of satisfaction.
This young girl Jing Yuan had chosen, though perhaps a bit young and lacking some tact, ultimately understood how to respect her elders.
Indeed, a promising candidate for succession.
At least, certainly better than that stubborn, unforgiving Master Diviner Fu Xuan.
In reality, the Artisanship Commission, represented by Zhu Lun, had long harbored numerous conflicts with Fu Xuan's Divination Commission.
Because the Divination Commission served as the Xianzhou's computational center, necessary maintenance required the assistance of high-level artisans from the Artisanship Commission.
However, due to calculations and various other reasons, the Divination Commission often acted like a demanding client from hell, frequently making requests that caused the Artisanship Commission immense headaches and dissatisfaction.
Or rather, aside from the leaderless Alchemy Commission, none of the other commissions didn't hold some resentment towards the Divination Commission, the Xianzhou's 'central nervous system'.
After all, ideals often clash with reality, and constantly being ordered around isn't a pleasant experience.
Coupled with Master Diviner Fu Xuan's unyielding personality, the friction between the Divination Commission and the other commissions only intensified.
If it weren't for the diplomatic Jing Yuan mediating, and the fact that Fu Xuan had rendered outstanding service to the Alliance, possessed high capability, and rarely showed exploitable weaknesses, many would have sought to cause her trouble.
Zhu Lun's reasons for criticizing [Qingque] while both Fu Xuan and even the General were absent certainly included personal factors, but it was also a reflection of the accumulation of numerous smaller conflicts over time.
"Before arriving, I had already ordered the Artisanship Commission to enter a wartime state."
"Although there were minor disruptions, ensuring the supply lines for the Cloud Knights on the front lines is guaranteed."
"Thank you for your efforts, Elder Zhu."
"Cauldron Master Lingsha, what is the situation with the Alchemy Commission?"
The young woman turned her gaze to Lingsha. The Artisanship Commission's duty was to supply the consumables for the front-line soldiers. Upon entering a wartime state, the commission would convert production lines normally used for manufacturing and cultivating civilian starskiffs and transport ships, even entire companies, towards producing war materiel.
Although the Zhuming Xianzhou was the Alliance's main military-industrial base, distant water couldn't quench immediate thirst; they couldn't solely rely on supplies from the Zhuming.
As for the Alchemy Commission… this department, while least directly related to combat and viewed with caution due to recent events, still needed to mobilize whatever resources it could. Because of issues like the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, the Vidyadhara, and so on, the Alchemy Commission was actually the second most affected area after the Artisanship Commission.
"...Apologies. I am new to the Luofu, and the Alchemy Commission is currently in disarray… Due to the Sanctus Medicus incident, the Luofu's Alchemy Commission is actually in an extremely weakened state."
"No matter. The Yaoqing is assisting in that regard, so even if our Luofu's Divination Commission— Alchemy Commission — has deficiencies, it should suffice… However, what about the Vidyadhara situation?" (Self-correction: Jiang Qiao likely misspoke briefly due to the earlier Divination Commission discussion)
"The Vidyadhara… due to the Preceptors incident, their internal affairs are also chaotic… Moreover, Vidyadhara skilled in Cloudhymn often had connections with the Preceptors and are currently under investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission…"
Lingsha gave a wry smile.
Truthfully, given the physique of Xianzhou natives, battlefield medics weren't strictly necessary. Even if one's head got cut off, sewing it back on often did the trick.
This was partly why the Alchemy Commission ranked lowest among the Six Charioteers.
Yet, the Alchemy Commission was, in a way, indispensable because the Vidyadhara essentially used it as a base, forming their own faction semi-independent of the Xianzhou system, almost like a state within a state.
Bound by ancient oaths, the Xianzhou couldn't interfere much, but within the Cloud Knights, Vidyadhara played a crucial role.
For instance, in wars against the Denizens of Abundance, without Vidyadhara bolstering the lines, Cloud Knights affected by the Denizens' Abundance-countering methods would fall into a huge disadvantage, accelerating their descent into the mara-struck state.
Did they not need protection against the Antimatter Legion? That was definitely incorrect. In reality, besides the special methods employed by the Denizens of Abundance, the other simplest way for Xianzhou natives to accelerate towards becoming mara-struck was through 'injury'.
During the process of injury and recovery, the probability of a Xianzhou native becoming mara-struck greatly increases. The greater the injury and suffering, the higher the susceptibility.
Only through the Cloudhymn could this be somewhat mitigated.
And Cloudhymn wasn't something just any Vidyadhara could perform effectively. It was an extremely profound skill within the Vidyadhara race, requiring immense talent and aptitude.
Those capable of it were rare talents among the Vidyadhara, treasured and carefully protected.
"Is that so…"
The young woman frowned, feeling a touch helpless.
This problem clearly couldn't be solved by relying on aid from the Yaoqing – the Yaoqing barely had enough Vidyadhara skilled in Cloudhymn for their own needs. After years of constant warfare, even a victorious Xianzhou inevitably suffered losses.
Even if it wasn't outright death (rumie), merely undergoing molting (tuisheng) would rapidly reduce the number of Vidyadhara capable of Cloudhymn.
The Luofu certainly had many such high-level Vidyadhara.
Unfortunately, the Preceptors incident had effectively sidelined them all. Currently, every high-level Vidyadhara proficient in Cloudhymn was under investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission.
This was, in fact, a lingering consequence caused by the Imbibitor Lunae.
Normally, these high-level Vidyadhara on a Xianzhou belonged to various factions, with the High Elder's faction holding significant sway.
But the Luofu was in a unique situation where the new High Elder was purely a figurehead, and the old High Elder was considered a heinous criminal. Consequently, all the high-level Vidyadhara on the Luofu capable of Cloudhymn couldn't rely on a High Elder and inevitably aligned themselves with the Preceptors.
"In that case, Judge Hanya, send those Vidyadhara being investigated by the Ten-Lords Commission to the front lines."
"This… may not comply with regulations."
Hanya looked troubled.
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. This is the only way."
"Although it violates the Ten Lords' procedures, it must be done for the sake of the Cloud Knights on the front lines."
"Consider it a chance for them to atone for their faults, prove themselves, and contribute to the Xianzhou."
"However, this does put you in a difficult position. Tell you what, I'll take responsibility for this."
"How can that be!"
Hearing the young woman's decisive words, Hanya was shocked and quickly replied, "The Xianzhou is currently in peril. As part of the Xianzhou, the Ten-Lords Commission should naturally contribute. How can we let you bear this responsibility alone?"
"Someone has to bear it. If not me, then someone else must. In that case, let it be me. I believe General Jing Yuan would do the same if he were here."
"*Where the nation's fate is at stake, life or death matters little; how could I seek fortune or avoid misfortune for myself?*"
"Alright, no more arguments. It's decided. Go and do it."
The young woman waved her hand dismissively, appearing quite calm.
Gazing at [Qingque], whose expression was as tranquil as still water yet filled with resolve, Hanya opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately held back.
She wanted to say she would share the responsibility, but regrettably, Hanya knew she lacked the standing.
After all, she herself carried heavy sins; her position as judge was a form of atonement. As a sinner, what right did she have to make such declarations?
Moreover, she had her sister. If she were alone, acting on her own authority wouldn't be an issue, but if it implicated her sister, she couldn't escape the blame even in death.
However, although she couldn't say anything, facing this young woman bearing the title of 'Acting General', a sense of respect involuntarily arose in Hanya's heart.
Her usually listless, dim eyes held a newfound 'fervor' as she looked at [Qingque].
As for the other Charioteers, and even the representatives Xikui and Jingzhai, they were thoroughly stunned.
Xikui simply had stars in her eyes. Jingzhai, however, wore a look of 'bewilderment' – so, that lazy little slacker had this side to her? This… I completely misjudged her.
"How can this matter be borne by you alone?"
"This concerns the Xianzhou's war situation! We are all members of the Six Charioteers; it is undeniably our responsibility!"
"If the Ten Lords raise objections afterward, we, the Six Charioteers, will bear the responsibility together!"
Zhu Lun and Huifu both spoke with slight displeasure, yet their expressions held a hint of something 'different', their voices filled with passion.
"Indeed. Regarding the Vidyadhara, I should also bear a share."
Lingsha also agreed.
The reaction from the Six Charioteers was intensely supportive, each afraid of being left out.
Compared to the minor judge Hanya, they certainly had the standing.
After all, while this decision seemed small – merely [Qingque] exercising the wartime powers of a 'Temporary General' – it was effectively interfering in the internal affairs of the Ten-Lords Commission.
Simultaneously, the Vidyadhara faction would certainly have opinions on this.
It should be understood that the Ten Lords and the Seven Arbiter-Generals were not really aligned factions.
In fact, considerable friction existed between them.
The former represented the supreme political system of the Xianzhou, while the latter were the military commanders.
But politics can never escape the influence of the military.
To some extent, the military is the greatest pillar supporting politics.
Therefore, the Ten Lords and the Seven Arbiter-Generals, led by Marshal Hua, were somewhat opposed.
If someone with ulterior motives decided to exploit this situation, attempting to replace the general of the Luofu – an important trade hub for the Alliance – with someone leaning towards the Ten Lords' faction, it wasn't impossible. On the contrary, it was highly likely.
Due to the special nature of the Ten-Lords Commission, its ranks were not lacking remnants from the turbulent eras past – masters of political infighting.
They were merely suppressed by the mainstream, kept in check by the powerful Marshal Hua.
Even so, they caused endless headaches and anger for old veterans like Huaiyan who came from those times.
His return to the Luofu this time, besides the Martial Exhibition, was actually partly for this reason.
Using the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus incident as a pretext, quite a few people wanted to challenge Jing Yuan and force him to step down.
Because Marshal Hua trusted Jing Yuan greatly, she withstood the pressure and sent someone clearly from her faction, like Huaiyan.
General Feixiao, on the other hand, actually represented another faction – though Feixiao's personal inclinations weren't necessarily aligned with them. It was more that Marshal Hua didn't want Youwu coming to trouble Jing Yuan, so she exerted influence.
Combined with Yaoguang's divination, the final choice fell on Feixiao, a centrist who focused solely on warfare and couldn't be bothered with political scheming.
At this moment, the Six Charioteers felt compelled to step forward.
Especially Zhu Lun. He was immensely satisfied with [Qingque]'s performance. He was now utterly convinced that as the next Luofu General, Jing Yuan's successor, there was no one more suitable than this young girl.
But regarding [Qingque]'s willingness to take 'responsibility', he also felt a twinge of concern.
Although Zhu Lun saw it as absolutely positive, his understanding of the higher echelons made him realize this was definitely 'handing leverage to others'.
Jing Yuan, the legitimate General, was constantly under attack.
You, an 'Acting General', standing out so prominently – how could those people from the Xu tolerate it?
They would surely seize this opportunity, leveraging the Vidyadhara situation, to kick this girl out of her position and install one of their own.
Surely Marshal Hua couldn't intervene again? It should be remembered that Jing Yuan's appointment was due to Hua taking decisive action, overriding objections, and forcefully pushing him into the position.
If that happened again, wouldn't the Ten Lords faction completely revolt?
Even if it were possible…
A hint of worry flickered in Zhu Lun's eyes.
He actually knew that Marshal Hua's age was also approaching the limit for Xianzhou natives.
According to the Alliance system, even Marshal Hua couldn't defy the rule that those nearing the mara-struck state must enter the Ten-Lords Commission, unless she decided to completely overturn the established order, which would shatter the Alliance.
And once Hua, who had consistently opposed the Ten Lords, joined their ranks, whether the next Marshal could suppress the ambitious figures within the Ten-Lords Commission was an unknown variable.
Among the Seven Arbiter-Generals, General Fubo was Vidyadhara and couldn't assume the Marshal's position. Jing Yuan was out of the question, already nearing his own end, and the Ten Lords would never allow him in that position.
General Feixiao... she wasn't the right material, plus she was a Foxian... specifically a Borisin.
With that background, climbing to the rank of General was only possible because the previous Yaoqing General, Yueyu, had supported her, combined with Feixiao's own outstanding military achievements, and the fact that the Yaoqing was a predominantly Foxian Xianzhou.
On any other Xianzhou, she would never have risen so high.
Even so, Feixiao faced much skepticism upon her initial appointment and had to silence critics through sheer battlefield results.
Huaiyan, needless to say, the old fellow certainly couldn't become Marshal. Among the remaining candidates truly capable of competing for the Marshal position were only Yaoguang of the Yuque and Youwu of the Xu…
If it were the former, it would be acceptable. But if it were the latter…
Sigh…
Zhu Lun sighed inwardly.
People often spoke of the Luofu's uncertain future, but was the situation for the Xianzhou Alliance as a whole truly any better?
Compared to the single vessel of the Luofu, the Alliance, structured as a confederation scattered across the universe, was arguably in a more precarious state.
Fortunately, the Luofu at least didn't need to worry about its future.
He looked towards [Qingque] behind the General's desk and smiled.
Young she might be, but youth has its advantages too.