The mobilization of the Empire’s forces this time isn’t just a regular assembly, but as Jia Yan feared, it quickly assumed the posture of war.

Simultaneously, upon hearing the news from within the Empire, Jia Yan and his team received other updates indicating that other areas nearby were also experiencing military movements.

"Lord, now the confirmed direction, apart from the unknown military mobilization within the Empire, is far in the Orion Arm, where a military force named Yuanjing Star Field is also gathering. Like the forces within the Empire, nobody knows their origins. Our intelligence system is insufficiently developed, making it impossible to explore their origins."

Jia Yan exchanged solemn words with a subordinate, his expression becoming increasingly grave.

Today marks the tenth day since Tian Niu Lang delivered the intelligence on the Empire’s military forces.

And just as the conversation above indicated, not only is the matter of military gathering within the Empire unresolved, but several unknown fleets have appeared near both the Orion Arm and the Biochemical Star Region.

Due to the limited contact between the Biochemical Star Region and Orion Arm with the outside world over the years, gathering intelligence is difficult and incomplete, leaving Jia Yan and his team unaware of the true reasons behind these military gatherings.

"Could it be that these star systems are preparing to unite and invade Orion Arm and the Biochemical Star Region? This seems similar to the issue I’ve been subtly wary of. But somehow, I feel that things might not be that simple."

Jia Yan silently pondered whether there might be any conspiracy involved, but after thinking for a long time, he couldn’t grasp the key, so he decided not to dwell on it.

He activated the communication with Luo Longsi.

"Notify everyone to prepare for battle, but don’t halt the production within the star field. First, investigate thoroughly the reason behind these military gatherings. If there’s any hostility towards Orion Arm and the Biochemical Star Region, be sure to gather intelligence before they initiate any attack."

"Understood."

Luo Longsi responded to Jia Yan.

"So, what’s the real motive behind these disturbances? Is it simply the desire to annex the territory of Orion Arm and the Biochemical Star Region, or could there be another reason..."

Amidst the large buildings, Jia Yan held his breath and focused on the starry sky, feeling slightly entranced.

However, he wasn’t looking at a map: the location of the disturbance on the Empire’s border was precisely at the star field where his son Jia Rong had recently been appointed.

Hundreds of light-years from Jia Yan.

Jia Rong quietly put away the intelligence.

"Has the intelligence from the Empire’s side already been sent over? Has there been any response from above?"

These past few days, Jia Rong has felt somewhat exhausted, having just resolved a few governance issues. But before he could fix everything, right in his managed star field, an Imperial army started mobilizing, seemingly poised for another war with them.

"Lord Jia Rong, the intelligence has reached the top, but there’s no specific response. They’ve only instructed us to accelerate industrial production and prepare for personnel evacuation at any moment."

"Personnel evacuation? How do we evacuate so many people? Could it be that they’re asking us to abandon the common citizens?"

Speaking to himself, Jia Rong arrived at the conclusion that the top meant for them to abandon the civilians that they’ve just settled down, if necessary.

Although this is how everyone does it, and it’s the most ideal course of action.

However, Jia Rong feels deeply opposed to such decisions at heart.

But this time, Jia Rong didn’t choose to act impulsively, as his previous impulsive actions led to numerous failures and caused negative impressions among the citizens towards the strong ones or high-level officials of Orion Arm.

So this time he felt that, even though he didn’t wish to abandon these civilians, what if things ultimately prove him wrong?

Having suffered or made mistakes before, Jia Rong became more cautious.

No matter how much Jia Rong reflects or debates with himself, he believes his reluctance to abandon civilians isn’t wrong.

"The purpose of the army is to defend the homeland, right? Even though these citizens of the Biochemical Star Region are newly integrated, they’re still part of our Orion Arm Great Alliance—or should their citizenship be weakened due to their origin in the Biochemical Star Region? That’s wrong; that’s utterly wrong because it’s discrimination."

Jia Rong continually argued with himself.

No matter how he argued, he couldn’t sway his moral convictions.

"Spread the message that all civilians should be ready to evacuate. If the enemy attacks, our army will be their support."

Jia Rong gave these orders to his subordinates.

A stellar-level figure seemed to want to say something to Jia Rong but swallowed the words before speaking.

Under these circumstances, with Jia Rong’s commands as the highest authority in this starry sky, not only did industrial activities not continue, but more civilians became alarmed upon learning of the approaching war. After all, they had lived under the Empire’s rule before, witnessing or experiencing the deaths of relatives and friends at the hands of the Empire.