Zhao Family Conference Room
Jiang Hong sat before Zhao Chen, brewing tea for him.
"It seems you are quite satisfied with me now," Zhao Chen remarked, observing Jiang Hong's respectful demeanor.
Jiang Hong smiled faintly. "Although the Fierce Dragon Star System is somewhat isolated and news travels slowly, I am still aware of our lord's accomplishments outside. Not only have you solidified the status of the Fierce Dragon Star System, but you have also become a Viscount and graduated early from the North Star Starship Military Academy. What I disliked was the former Waste Baron, not the current Lord Zhao Chen."
This woman was truly pragmatic.
Even now, her loyalty likely remained solely with Eldest Sister.
Nevertheless, her abilities were undeniable. At the very least, she could help manage the Fierce Dragon Star System in an orderly manner.
"Lord, your return this time must not be as simple as just coming home, right?" Jiang Hong poured a cup of tea for Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen took a sip; the taste was quite pleasant!
"I am here regarding the management of the Fierce Dragon Star System," Zhao Chen stated.
Jiang Hong watched Zhao Chen quietly, awaiting his next words.
"I intend to establish a registry for the residents within the territory of the Fierce Dragon Star System. Those included in the registry will receive household registration status in the Fierce Dragon Star System and gain its protection. However, when the Fierce Dragon Star System requires it, they must unconditionally comply with its arrangements and deployments," Zhao Chen explained.
"Household registration status?" Jiang Hong was somewhat surprised. "That is a rather antiquated management method. Wouldn't it be too outdated to use it now?"
Since entering the interstellar era, the requirement for household registration had diminished significantly. When one arrived on a planet, intelligent systems would record facial information and other details without concern for one's birthplace or star system of origin. For those engaged in interstellar navigation, the concept of a hometown had grown increasingly vague. Over time, household registration had lost its necessity.
"Because I plan to further screen out a group of people," Zhao Chen clarified.
Jiang Hong did not fully grasp the lord's meaning.
At that moment, Zhao Chen projected an electronic document before Jiang Hong.
"One month after the household registration policy is enacted, this will be the second decree I issue. All individuals with household registration status in the Fierce Dragon Star System may purchase natural crops at cost price, strictly for personal consumption. If any resale is discovered, their household registration status in the Fierce Dragon Star System will be permanently revoked. Additionally, suitable job opportunities will be prioritized for them. Furthermore, I plan to allocate funds for public welfare to establish various specialized academies on each planet. Individuals with household registration status in the Fierce Dragon Star System, regardless of age, will receive free education," Zhao Chen announced.
"Natural crops? Purchased at cost price?" Jiang Hong was stunned. "Do you realize how much this will cost?"
Even after Zhao Chen's initial "screening," a population of one hundred million would remain. Meeting the demand for natural crop food for this population would entail enormous costs, far exceeding the fiscal revenue of the Fierce Dragon Star System by hundreds, if not thousands, of times. Within the Stellar Glory Empire, no star system territory had ever dared to offer such welfare benefits.
"Do not worry about the cost. I will take responsibility for handling it. You only need to implement this first policy."
"Remember, before the second policy is publicly announced, it must be kept confidential!" Zhao Chen said seriously.
Jiang Hong nodded blankly; she naturally understood why secrecy was necessary.
If people learned about the second policy in advance, a large number would surely join the so-called household registration of the Fierce Dragon Star System.
After all, the benefits and treatment were truly excellent!
"Let's set aside the food shortage issue for now. Just the other aspects of civilian infrastructure construction will also require a massive amount of funding," Jiang Hong raised a concern.
"Ten billion Star Coins—is that enough?" Zhao Chen said.
Jiang Hong was stunned. She might have guessed that Lord Zhao Chen had some funds, but she never expected him to casually toss out ten billion Star Coins without even blinking.
"I will transfer ten billion to you later. Use it to establish the specialized skill academies I requested.
Don't think about saving money. Complete everything I've assigned by mid-year. We'll start external operations in the second half of the year," Zhao Chen instructed.
"Yes..."
To improve the Quality of Life in the Fierce Dragon Star System, the primary issue was naturally food!
As long as the people could access affordable food, their Quality of Life would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced. Then, by providing them with opportunities and channels for advancement and arranging suitable jobs for them...
In truth, the needs of the lower-class populace hadn't changed for thousands of years. For them, things like Interstellar Navigation were too distant.
They simply wanted to live their lives well—three meals a day, with no worries about food or clothing. If, on top of that, they were given opportunities to realize their ideals, that would be even more remarkable!
So, as long as Zhao Chen could fulfill these needs, he would certainly be able to improve the Quality of Life in the Fierce Dragon Star System.
The reason Zhao Chen returned to the family was precisely to handle this matter.
"Also, there's one more thing. Can you get in touch with my Eldest Sister?" Zhao Chen asked seriously.
"The Eldest Sister?" Jiang Hong replied, "My communication with the Eldest Sister has always been either her contacting me first, or me leaving a message for her through a secret channel.
Only then will the Eldest Sister contact me."
"In that case, leave a message for my Eldest Sister.
Tell her that by chance, I've learned that the Second Prince and Third Prince of the Stellar Glory Empire might be planning something. Ask her to warn the Little Princess," Zhao Chen said.
Jiang Hong understood Zhao Chen's intention—he was concerned about the Eldest Sister. She nodded, "I understand. I'll leave a message for the Eldest Sister.
As soon as she replies, I'll notify you immediately."
"Good." Zhao Chen was satisfied. He stood up and looked at Jiang Hong, "You've managed the Fierce Dragon Star System well. Keep up the good work.
I've sent ten thousand Star Coins to your account as a reward. You may use it freely."
With that, Zhao Chen turned and left.
Ten thousand Star Coins?
Jiang Hong was dumbfounded. Although her current status in the Fierce Dragon Star System could be described as second only to one person... wait, if the Eldest Sister was included,
it was second only to two people, above tens of thousands.
Even ten years' worth of salary without eating or drinking wouldn't amount to ten thousand Star Coins!
Watching Lord Zhao Chen's retreating figure, she couldn't help but feel as if she were looking at a nouveau riche.
...
Zhao Chen spent half a day at the Zhao family. After speaking with Jiang Hong, he returned to Second Grandmother's old residence. The two shared a simple meal of plain tea and humble fare, chatting about family matters and daily life.
Then, Zhao Chen bid farewell and returned to the T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser Number One Ship.
When Zhao Chen arrived back on the bridge, a figure caught his attention.
The scar on her face was gone, replaced by fair, delicate skin so smooth it seemed it would break at a touch. The broken ear on her head had also returned to normal.
When Zhao Chen saw the person before him, he felt as if he were gazing upon a work of art.
He finally understood why she had disfigured herself when she was captured.
Zhao Chen raised his hand and gently stroked the pair of beast ears.
"Don't... touch there..." Charlotte's cheeks flushed slightly. She bit her red lips, her eyes hazy, and her tail stood completely upright as if electrified.