Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 72
by Little PandaMing Yu’s Choice
Ming Yu left the Presidential Palace, yet her heart remained unsettled.
It wasn’t that she didn’t believe Zhan Nansheng’s words. Given Zhan Nansheng’s character and shrewdness, she wouldn’t use such a lie to deceive her. But years of battlefield intuition told Ming Yu that things were absolutely not that simple.
Perhaps Zhan Li really was using Zhan Nansheng’s matter to put Wu Lan in her place1, but it definitely wouldn’t be solely because of this. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have blown the situation up to such proportions. As for Wu Lan, having her weakness seized so easily didn’t match the deep shrewdness she had previously displayed.
No matter how those two foxes schemed against each other, she couldn’t allow the situation to spill over and affect Song Qingpei.
The thoughts she had been hesitating over now seemed to slowly clarify.
It was time to make a choice.
Ming Yu frowned in deep thought for a moment, then directly dialed her communicator and ordered, “Lieutenant Lin, bring Song Qingpei back to Shanshui Manor immediately.”
Hearing her sudden command, Lieutenant Lin sounded somewhat troubled. “Admiral, what if Miss Song disagrees?”
Ming Yu hesitated for a second, then, as if making up her mind, said, “No matter what methods you must use, bring her back first. We will discuss the rest when I return.”
“Yes!” Lieutenant Lin responded.
Hanging up the communicator, Ming Yu didn’t return to Shanshui Manor right away. Instead, she went straight to Old Marshal Song’s Residence.
Marshal Song didn’t seem surprised by her arrival.
She raised her head slightly, looking calmly at Ming Yu. “Ming Yu, coming over at a time like this—it’s for Qingpei, isn’t it?”
“Marshal Song, you must already know about Wu Lan,” Ming Yu said.
Marshal Song nodded. “That old fox2 Zhan Li has always been the type to turn hostile and disown people without hesitation. This time, I’m afraid Wu Lan won’t be able to extricate herself so easily.” Pausing halfway, she frowned in confusion. “Speaking of which, Wu Lan is not simple. Even now, it’s impossible to determine exactly whose side she is on.”
Ming Yu was also highly vigilant against Wu Lan.
However, Wu Lan and Zhan Li were enemies—that much she had been certain of from the very beginning, and it was the foundation upon which the two of them could cooperate. At the very least, up until now, Wu Lan hadn’t shown any signs of turning her coat3.
But right now, she had more important things to do.
Ming Yu stepped forward, her expression grave. “Marshal Song, I have a very important matter I wish to ask you about.”
Marshal Song gestured for her to sit down. “Don’t rush, take your time.”
Ming Yu sat down and asked straightforwardly, “Marshal Song, I want to know, was Former President Rong Cen truly framed? What exactly happened back then?”
Marshal Song fell silent for a moment, a trace of complex emotion flashing through her eyes.
Only after a long while did she look at Ming Yu and slowly speak. “Ming Yu, why are you suddenly asking about this?”
Ming Yu didn’t avoid her gaze, maintaining her solemn expression. “Marshal Song, Zhan Li has already detained Wu Lan. Qingpei’s identity will be exposed sooner or later, and when that happens, her situation will become exceedingly dangerous. I must know the truth in order to better protect her.”
Marshal Song sighed, her voice low. “Ming Yu, there are some things where knowing too much may not necessarily be a good thing for you.”
The implication in those words was clear—she didn’t want to tell her.
Ming Yu frowned. Just as she was about to speak up and persuade Marshal Song, the door was suddenly pushed open with great force.
Outside the door, Song Xihan strode in.
Both Marshal Song and Ming Yu were extremely surprised by her arrival.
Marshal Song in particular underwent a drastic change in expression. She demanded sharply, “Xihan, didn’t I already have Marshal Lin transfer you away? Why haven’t you left for your post in the Outer Star Region?”
“Grandma, I won’t leave Planet Lan at a time like this.”
Meeting Marshal Song’s fierce glare, Song Xihan spoke slowly, “Grandma, just how long are you going to keep retreating? Even if I leave this time and stay far away from the whirlpool of conflict, will they really let me off? Will they let the Song Family off?”
“Back then, you gave up my two aunts and surrendered your military authority, but what did you get in return? As a commander, you let down the soldiers who followed you to serve the country. As a mother, you let down the children who trusted you…”
“Enough!” Marshal Song roared, losing her composure.
Song Xihan stared back fearlessly. “Grandma, what exactly are you afraid of? Things having reached this point, what does our Song Family have left to fear? No matter what, I won’t leave. Even if it means death, I absolutely will not flee in panic like a stray dog4.”
Seeing Marshal Song’s increasingly defeated expression, Ming Yu stepped forward. “Marshal Song, I know this matter involves many hidden secrets, and you are worried about Xihan’s safety. I promise you, as long as I am here, I will absolutely not let anything happen to Xihan.”
“Furthermore… Qingpei is your granddaughter, after all, and Second Miss Song is your own biological daughter. Can you truly bear to watch them fall into danger?”
Hearing this, Marshal Song’s back stiffened slightly. She clenched her hands tight, her knuckles turning white.
Her voice was low, as though suppressing something. “Ming Yu, are you truly prepared to go up against the President?”
Ming Yu nodded without hesitation. “Yes. I will protect Qingpei well, at any cost.”
Marshal Song let out a long sigh. “Very well. Since you insist, I’ll tell you.”
She walked slowly to the desk, pulled a yellowed document from a drawer, and handed it to Ming Yu. “This is the report from back then. Take a look.”
Ming Yu took the document and quickly flipped through it.
As she read deeper, her brow furrowed tighter and tighter, and her face gradually paled.
“President Rong was framed because of the ‘Blue Tree’ inhibitor…” Ming Yu’s voice carried a note of shock.
Marshal Song nodded, a tinge of sorrow in her tone. “Yes. During a starship accident, Rong Cen crash-landed on a planet and accidentally discovered the Blue Tree. The liquid from the Blue Tree freed her from the control of pheromones, and her mental strength experienced rapid growth. Rong Cen knew exactly what kind of impact this discovery would have on the Federation. She didn’t make it public. Instead, she conducted research and experiments in secret.”
“That was how my eldest daughter, Song Taoyao, came to know Rong Cen. Later on, Murong Xia and others joined one after another. Young people have always been quick to act. A year later, they successfully developed the first version of the inhibitor. Not only could it negate the influence of pheromones on a person, but it could also rapidly enhance mental strength. Because of this, Rong Cen became the youngest President in the history of the Federation.”
“Originally, the ‘Blue Tree’ inhibitor was only circulated among the military’s upper echelons, used exclusively by the noble families. This led to the military’s high command being further monopolized by the children of aristocratic households. Commoners found it difficult to earn promotions, class divisions solidified, and multiple riots broke out across the Federation. Rong Cen attempted to enact reforms by selling the ‘Blue Tree’ inhibitor at an affordable price. This struck at the core interests of the noble families. Consequently, the noble families allied together, led by the Zhan Family, and framed Rong Cen for treason.”
“Rong Cen was forced to step down as President and face interrogation. They tried to force her to reveal the location of the Blue Tree, but she never yielded. In the end, unable to endure the torture of the interrogation, Rong Cen chose suicide.”
“Taoyao… followed her in death.”
Tears welled up in Marshal Song’s eyes as she continued. “Because Taoyao was busy with experiments at the time, Zhuohua had taken Qingpei—who wasn’t even three years old—out to play, allowing them to escape the disaster. Since then, there was no news of them. After Murong Xia escaped, she formed the Black Kite organization and has continuously tried to clear Rong Cen’s name. Over the years, they’ve been subjected to multiple extermination campaigns by Zhan Li. I’m afraid they can’t hold out much longer either.”
Hearing this, Ming Yu’s heart sank heavily.
She finally understood why Li Man had called them all vested interests5 and told Qingpei not to trust her. The thought that she had previously helped Wu Lan kill many members of the Black Kite organization just to keep Qingpei’s identity from being exposed made her feel even more awful.
How could she face Qingpei in the future?
Ming Yu’s mind was in absolute chaos. She asked with difficulty, “Then the Interstellar Route Map… is it the specific location of the Planet Blue Tree?”
Marshal Song nodded. “After Rong Cen was forced to her death, they didn’t obtain the exact location of the Planet Blue Tree. They only found an Interstellar Route Map in Rong Cen’s office. In the end, the Interstellar Route Map was divided into five pieces, each kept by one of the five Marshals of the military at the time.”
Ming Yu and Song Xihan couldn’t help but exchange a glance.
The Federation was controlled by the military, and the military in turn was controlled by the military aristocracy, led by the Four Great Families: the Zhan Family, the Qin Family, the Ming Family, and the Song Family. Of the five Marshals who received pieces of the Interstellar Route Map back then, four hailed from the Four Great Families. The only Marshal with no significant background, He Pingchuan, had been investigated for corruption by President Zhan Li after retiring five years ago, and committed suicide in prison.
And the person in charge of investigating that case back then was Wu Lan.
After that case, Wu Lan’s career skyrocketed, ultimately elevating her to the position of Director of the Federation Bureau of Investigation.
Ming Yu suddenly thought of Wu Lan asking her for the map. Could Wu Lan’s target be the Blue Tree?
Just who was she?
Had the map piece in Marshal He Pingchuan’s hands ultimately fallen to Zhan Li, or had Wu Lan secretly hidden it away?
Ming Yu’s heart plummeted, a thought flashing through her mind: Zhan Li detaining Wu Lan might not just be to put her in her place, but also to force her to hand over the map piece!
She suddenly realized that Wu Lan might have anticipated all this from the very beginning. That was why she had deliberately let Murong Ruixue and Li Man go at this specific time—to disrupt Zhan Li’s plans.
But no matter what, it was no longer suitable for Qingpei to stay.
In this moment, Ming Yu felt a regret she had never experienced before. She had overestimated herself. Back then, she shouldn’t have forcibly kept Song Qingpei by her side out of her own selfish desires.
“Marshal Song,” Ming Yu said, abruptly raising her head. “Murong Xia… is she worthy of trust?”
Marshal Song looked up, seemingly somewhat surprised by the question. She remained silent, as if pondering how to answer.
Only after a moment did she speak slowly. “As far as Qingpei is concerned, Murong Xia is worthy of trust.”
Ming Yu’s eyes flickered slightly, seeming to digest this answer.
Marshal Song appeared to see through her misgivings and continued, “Murong Xia and Zhuohua’s relationship is very deep. At the very least, it’s certain that her desire to clear Rong Cen’s name and save Zhuohua is genuine.”
Ming Yu was silent for a moment, then nodded. “I understand, Marshal Song.”
Marshal Song’s gaze lingered on her face for a while, seeming to pierce through her thoughts. She asked slowly, “Ming Yu, do you have some sort of plan?”
Ming Yu’s eyes flickered again, hesitation rising in her heart.
She still couldn’t make up her mind to fully reveal her plan. After all, Marshal Song had abandoned her own two daughters back then. On this point, Ming Yu actually held more admiration for Song Zhuohua and Murong Xia, who had never compromised.
She said in a low voice, “Marshal Song, rest assured. I… will ensure Qingpei’s safety.”
A complex emotion passed through Marshal Song’s eyes—seeming a bit disappointed, yet also somewhat understanding.
She sighed, her voice sluggish. “Perhaps Xihan… is right. I am already old. I am powerless to do anything about a lot of matters. But you young people are different. You still have a chance to change all this.”
Ming Yu’s heart trembled. She had never seen Marshal Song express her own sense of powerlessness so bluntly.
Marshal Song took out a yellowed Interstellar Route Map from the drawer and handed it to Ming Yu. “This Interstellar Route Map might be of use to you.”
Ming Yu accepted the map, her heart churning with complicated feelings.
She knew the value of this map, and she knew the secret hidden behind it. She murmured, “Marshal Song, rest assured, I will not forget the promise I once made to you.”
Marshal Song nodded in gratification.
“Marshal Song, I will take my leave first.”
As Ming Yu secured the map and prepared to leave, Song Xihan offered, “Ming Yu, I’ll see you out.”
The night was already deep. On the cobblestone path, Song Xihan suddenly stopped in her tracks. “Ming Yu, although I can’t be of much great help, if there is anything you need, you must contact me.”
“Xihan.” Ming Yu looked at her in slight astonishment. “There’s no need for you to—”
“No, I’ve had enough of being a shrinking head turtle6.” Song Xihan smiled as she looked at her, her shoulder line pulled straight beneath her military uniform. “Besides, this is what the Song Family owes my two aunts from back then… and Qingpei.”
Ming Yu said solemnly, “Rest assured, I won’t let anything happen to Qingpei.”
Song Qingpei sat on the sofa in the Great Hall of Shanshui Manor, a silent fury churning in her chest.
The scene of Lieutenant Lin leading her subordinates to break into her apartment still lingered in her mind—those people had unapologetically “invited” her into the car, not even giving her the time to pack her luggage.
“What kind of crazy fit is she throwing again?” she muttered to herself, grinding her back teeth.
Song Qingpei forced herself to take deep breaths, trying to sort out her thoughts.
For Ming Yu to suddenly resort to such extreme measures, some unexpected variable must have occurred.
The sound of the main doors being pushed open made her snap her head up.
Ming Yu stood in the doorway, her long hair slightly disheveled, the corners of her forehead still bearing undried beads of sweat. That habitually cold face currently wore a touch of… panic?
The moment their eyes met, Ming Yu’s pupils visibly contracted.
“Explain,” Song Qingpei heard her own icy voice echo through the hall.
Ming Yu took half a step forward and stopped again, saying urgently, “Qingpei, listen to me, the situation is very complicated right now. Wu Lan has been arrested, and Zhan Li might make a move against you. It was for your safety that I had Lieutenant Lin bring you over.”
“Please don’t be angry, alright?” she finally added carefully.
Hearing this, a flash of shock passed through Song Qingpei’s eyes, and her anger was gradually replaced by complex emotions.
She understood that Ming Yu wouldn’t lie to her about this kind of thing, and naturally she wouldn’t be angry over such a matter.
She couldn’t help but frown. “Why was Wu Lan arrested?”
Ming Yu looked somewhat troubled. “Qingpei, I can’t explain it clearly in just a few words, you—”
Song Qingpei, who had long lost any trust in her arbitrary decisions, couldn’t help but interrupt her. “So, you can’t tell me. Is that it?”
“No, Qingpei,” Ming Yu said in a panic. “Don’t be angry, I’ll slowly explain everything to you.”
This time, the Admiral was overly frank, telling Song Qingpei absolutely everything almost immediately.
After Song Qingpei finished listening, her mood could not settle for a long time.
She hadn’t known there were so many things going on behind the scenes, much less that she bore so many burdens on her shoulders. For a moment, she felt entirely lost. She had originally just wanted to rescue the adoptive mother who had raised her.
Seeing her bewildered appearance, Ming Yu felt a twinge of sympathy. She stepped forward and grabbed her hands, saying, “Qingpei, don’t worry, I will definitely help you.”
After a long silence, Song Qingpei looked at Ming Yu and said, “How will you help me? By having me hide here like a prisoner?”
Ming Yu’s face turned white instantly.
She took a step forward, yet abruptly stopped herself, as if afraid of startling something. Her voice was near-pleading. “Qingpei, trust me one more time… trust me one last time.”
“I will definitely find a way to send you away.”
Song Qingpei was stunned.
She had never seen Ming Yu like this before—the forever lofty Admiral was currently acting like a child who had done something wrong, even her fingertips trembling faintly. Those habitually sharp eyes were now rimmed with red, looking as though tears could fall at any moment.
“One week.” Ming Yu’s voice was terribly hoarse. “Give me one week, and I will arrange for you to leave and find Murong Xia…”
“Murong Xia?” Song Qingpei’s pupils contracted sharply. “You’re willing to let me go?”
“I don’t want to,” Ming Yu shook her head, her voice so low it was almost inaudible. “Back then, I agreed to cooperate with Wu Lan to keep your identity from being exposed and to keep you by my side forever. But now…” She choked up for a second. “Now, I only want you to live well and to stop being angry at me.”
A warm drop of something splashed against her hand.
Song Qingpei froze.
Ming Yu… was crying?
That churning rage suddenly caught in her chest, suspended in limbo.
Song Qingpei’s gaze roamed over Ming Yu’s face, carrying unmasked suspicion.
She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Ming Yu, on what basis are you asking me to trust you? You said the same thing last time, and what was the result?”
Ming Yu’s breathing noticeably quickened as she explained frantically, “Qingpei, I know I’ve lied to you before… but this time is different…” Her voice grew lower and lower, ultimately turning into little more than a whisper. “I beg you… trust me one more time, alright?”
Song Qingpei noted Ming Yu’s whitening knuckles and faintly trembling lips, then recalled the message she had recently received from that Mysterious Contact: 【If you can’t contact me, Ming Yu is the only person you can trust.】
“On what basis should I trust you?” Song Qingpei repeated, yet her tone had unconsciously softened a few degrees.
Ming Yu suddenly pulled out a data chip and the Interstellar Route Map, offering them to her with both hands. “This is the Interstellar Route Map Marshal Song gave me… and my military access keys… all of them… I’m giving them to you…” Her voice was choked with sobs. “If I lie to you again… you can ruin me at any time…”
Song Qingpei stared at the chip, her heart rate suddenly spiking.
These were all of Ming Yu’s trump cards. She was handing them over just like that?
Song Qingpei took a deep breath, two voices clashing fiercely in her mind. One was warning her not to fall for it again, but the other was saying—look at the way she is now, does it look like she’s faking it?
“One week,” Song Qingpei finally said. Seeing Ming Yu’s eyes instantly light up, she immediately added, “I’m only giving you one week. If, when the time comes—”
“There won’t be any ifs!” Ming Yu interrupted her urgently, frantically wiping away her tears. “I swear, this time I definitely won’t lie to you again…” She suddenly fell silent, as if afraid that saying too much would anger Song Qingpei again.
“Fine, I will trust you one more time.”
Of course, Song Qingpei didn’t truly trust her. It was just that she really didn’t have any other choices right now. She did believe, however, that no matter what Ming Yu did, she genuinely wouldn’t harm her.
She just didn’t agree with these methods. Song Qingpei sighed, not wanting to talk to her anymore. She turned and headed upstairs, saying without looking back, “I’m returning to my room first.”
“Rest well.”
Ming Yu let out a breath of immense relief, but a second later, her expression suddenly froze—
“Wait!” Ming Yu rushed in a panic to stop her, but it was already too late.
Song Qingpei had already strode up the stairs and entered the room. Ming Yu hurried after her.
Upstairs, Song Qingpei pushed open the door and saw the absolute mess on the bed. Ming Yu’s discarded sleepwear was still lying there, mixed with the faint scent of pheromones that had yet to dissipate.
It was blatantly obvious what had been done on top of it.
Song Qingpei leaned over, reaching out to hook a finger under the removed sleepwear on the bed. She looked at Ming Yu. “Yours?”
Ming Yu’s face flushed crimson instantly, too guilty to meet her eyes.
“I’m sorry…”
Footnotes
- The term 'qiao da' literally means 'to beat and strike', used as slang for giving a warning or putting someone in their place.
- The term 'lao hu li' (old fox) is a common Chinese idiom used to describe a cunning, experienced, and sly person.
- 'Fan shui' is Chinese slang that literally means 'turn water', meaning to turn against one's own side, betray, or switch allegiances.
- 'Sang jia quan' is a Chinese idiom meaning a stray dog; someone who is homeless or has lost their backing and wanders helplessly.
- The term 'ji de li yi zhe' is a socio-political term referring to individuals or groups who benefit from the existing system or status quo.
- 'Suo tou wu gui' (shrinking head turtle) is a Chinese idiom describing a coward who hides from trouble.
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