"Ah? You have similar measures too, how coincidental! Is there really such a coincidence in the world?" Isabella exclaimed dramatically.
"Your tone is really pretentious right now, stop acting," Jiang Ye said irritably. "How large-scale are you planning for this venture investment?"
"Let's start with ten trillion," Isabella's tone also returned to seriousness.
"Ten trillion?" Jiang Ye was shocked. "Where did you get so much money?"
"The system on the Exile Star is different from Jiang Ye Star. Cen Yemeng just implemented a complete tax law and started collecting taxes," Isabella explained. "The tax revenue for the first quarter is expected to reach two and a half trillion. After deducting disaster reconstruction and departmental expenses, there will be three hundred billion left. As long as there are no major accidents, the tax revenue will be higher each subsequent quarter."
Jiang Ye was dumbfounded.
He had no idea about this.
He and Cen Yemeng hadn't seen each other in a long time; both were busy with their careers. Their nightly phone calls were filled with repetitive sweet nothings like "Husband, I miss you" and "Wife, I miss you too." Occasionally, they would exchange messages filled with provocative, large-scale selfies. Therefore, Jiang Ye had no idea about the significant changes on Cen Yemeng's end, not even the establishment of a tax system.
"Besides the tax law, what other major moves have you made?" Jiang Ye asked.
"We've established six ministries," Isabella said. "Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works."
"Holy cow," Jiang Ye exclaimed. "What era is this? Why are you bringing back the Ming Dynasty's system?"
"Not at all, not at all," Isabella countered. "It's not a complete copy; it's been significantly improved. For example, the heads of each ministry are ministers, like the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of War, and so on. Cen Yemeng discussed it with me. The Ming Dynasty's system was quite complete, capable of effectively radiating across a vast dynasty with inconvenient transportation and information in ancient times. Moreover, it could still function well when the emperor was incapacitated. With minor improvements and modern technology, it can be utilized. We also incorporated a bit of experience from the Han Dynasty."
"The Han Dynasty?" Jiang Ye was utterly bewildered. "That's too far back!"
"That's why we only used a little bit," Isabella said. "The Han Dynasty had a characteristic where local administrative units were relatively small, with over a hundred commanderies and only a few small counties in each. The Exile Star has also been divided into commanderies and counties. Currently, there are 800 commanderies, varying in size. The highest official is the Prefect, who reports directly to the six ministries, myself, and Cen Yemeng."
"Eight hundred prefects reporting directly to you two? Won't you be overwhelmed with work?" Jiang Ye asked, dumbfounded. "The Han Dynasty had a population in the tens of millions, so that was feasible. But the Exile Star has a population of tens of billions!"
"It's functioning well for now," Isabella replied. "It is indeed quite busy. Once the post-war reconstruction is complete, Mengmeng and I should have some easier times."
"I'll visit the Exile Star next week," Jiang Ye couldn't remain calm any longer. "I want to see the results of your work during this period."
"Alright," Isabella's tone became cheerful. "On behalf of the Exile Star, I welcome you. I'll inform Mengmeng to notify the Minister of War. After the minister approves, your special vessel will be escorted by the air force. The Minister of Revenue will specially approve your entry application, and the Minister of Rites will arrange your reception."
"That's really troublesome," Jiang Ye said, speechless. "I'm going to visit my own planet, and I need a special approval from the Minister of Revenue? Does he deserve that?"
"What do you mean, 'your own planet'? The Exile Star belongs to the people of the Exile Star. Your autocratic royal mindset is unacceptable!" Isabella's tone turned serious. "Let alone you, even our orders, if the ministers of the various departments disagree and do not approve, can be rejected according to procedure."
"They've got some nerve! Whoever dares to stop me, I'll shoot them," Jiang Ye declared loudly. "The Exile Star is mine, Cen Yemeng is mine, everything is mine!"
"Then what about me?" Isabella asked softly.
"You are my old subordinate!" Jiang Ye avoided the trap. "I'm not arguing with you. I'm busy here, and you should get back to your work. President Yi, always remember your great responsibility!"
...
Five days later.
Jiang Ye's spaceship entered the orbit of the Exile Star.
He could see the night hemisphere. On the dark continent, there were very few illuminated cities. Even the existing large cities had dim lights, like dying embers in ashes. The war had destroyed the urban construction and order in many places. The planet was severely wounded, like a dying spherical behemoth that would take a long time to recover.
The spaceship continued to descend and landed at a small space station.
A sharp-featured female general was waiting. Upon seeing Jiang Ye, she snapped to attention and saluted.
"Welcome, esteemed foreign guest. I am Huang Bingyan, the Minister of War."
Jiang Ye returned the salute, secretly surprised.
He could sense that this Huang Bingyan was no pushover. Her gaze was resolute, with a hidden killing intent. Her hair was shaved to three millimeters, and her entire aura was like a weapon.
"Please get in the car. The President and the Commander-in-Chief are waiting for you at the Penglai Pavilion," Huang Bingyan said, opening the door of the special vehicle.
Jiang Ye got in, and Huang Bingyan immediately followed, sitting opposite him.
The special vehicle immediately took off, soaring into the endless night sky.
"Actually, I'm not considered a foreign guest," Jiang Ye said nonchalantly.
"Regardless of your relationship with our President and Commander-in-Chief, you are officially a foreign guest," Huang Bingyan replied immediately.
"I didn't mean anything else, I'm just purely curious why you were chosen as the first Minister of War?" Jiang Ye asked.
"I am not authorized to answer such questions," Huang Bingyan stated.
Jiang Ye was speechless.
He felt like he had hit a wall.
This Minister Huang's thought process was truly as straightforward as a cannonball.
Just as Jiang Ye was about to laugh, he frowned again and observed Huang Bingyan opposite him.
Someone who could reach such a high position would not have such a one-track mind. Was her speaking style an act?
After all, to control military power and avoid suspicion, one could only downplay all intentions and appear machine-like and simple to allay the concerns from above.
Jiang Ye looked into her eyes for a long time, confirming his suspicion. This was a very intelligent person; she was merely feigning ignorance.
Jiang Ye looked at the scenery outside the window.
Soon, he saw the Penglai Pavilion.
The so-called Penglai Pavilion was the residence and office of the Exile Star's leaders. It was an isolated island in the center of a vast lake, with mountains, buildings, and stationed troops on it.
The surrounding lake water appeared extremely tranquil in the night, but there were faint points of light flickering in the dark water. Those points were not bioluminescent fish but missile launch silos and laser anti-aircraft systems. If these systems were fully activated, the heat generated would evaporate all the lake water within hours, making it impossible for even a mosquito to fly across.
The special vehicle quickly landed within the Penglai Pavilion.
Jiang Ye alighted and was first frisked. Then, he followed the female guards upstairs.
He arrived at a large door made of red copper. The female guards on either side frisked him again.
Before the frisking was even finished, the door suddenly opened.
Isabella poked her head out. "Alright, stop searching. This is the President's husband. Even if he pointed a gun at the President every day, the President wouldn't say anything."