Chapter 396: Weide is Released from Prison_1

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Jiang Yu felt that there was no longer any need for him to stay on Earth, so he began to prepare for his return journey to Jupiter City.

The most important preparation was to have a drink with Logic.

As the two of them drank and chatted merrily, only when they were a bit tipsy did Logic chuckle and say, "In the blink of an eye, I'm already in my nineties. In the era we were born, this age meant you were just waiting for death, but now I'm still very healthy."

He let out a long sigh and continued, "Both of us have lived through centuries and braved great storms, but my duties are essentially complete, whereas you still have a long way to go."

Jiang Yu laughed, "I've heard quite a few people tell me 'a long way to go.'

He vaguely remembered that Chief Ji, Chang Weisi, Kong Xiang, Bo Xiangdong, and others seemed to have said similar things.

Jiang Yu looked at Logic, "You take a rest, you've worked hard these years.

"I also want to take advantage of this rare period of stability to spend more time with my family and enjoy life."

Logic nodded and then said, "The only thing I'm worried about is Cheng Ping. When PDC and Fleet International are backed into a corner, everyone will support such hardliners.

"And as PDC's situation gets better, more and more people are opposing Cheng Ping. It's very likely that PDC will fall back into old patterns, and I hope you can protect Cheng Ping."

Jiang Yu pinched his left temple, "Cheng Ping's reforms are not thorough, and the legislators representing consortium interests still have significant clout.

"This isn't right. I've warned Cheng Ping before that we must ensure the government's fundamental fairness and justice, not to become a government of a certain class."

Logic just smiled, "Old habits die hard."

Jiang Yu raised his glass to Logic, "Don't worry, I'll make sure Cheng Ping stays alive."

This drink was thoroughly enjoyable, and the outcome was Jiang Yu getting drunk again.

He remembered the last time he was this drunk; it seemed to be the final drink he had with Chang Weisi.

Now, Chang Weisi had long become a figure of the past.

Just as Jiang Yu was reflecting, Number Three reported that Thomas Wade had suddenly come to visit.

"I was just released from prison yesterday," Wade began, "Thank you for seeing me."

Originally, he would not have been released until next year, but he had saved many prison guards during the previous disaster and had been active in the reconstruction efforts, so he was released early.

Jiang Yu noticed that Wade's expression was utterly calm, different from Logic's tranquility, it was a kind of indifference that didn't change even if mountains crumbled before him.

Jiang Yu smiled, "No need to be so humble, we have fought together in the same trench, there's nothing about seeing or not seeing each other."

But Wade said, "No, I must be humble because I'm here today to look for work."

His face bore no flattery or pleading, not even much of a smile. It was as if the job was seeking him, rather than him seeking the job.

Wade continued, "I've seen your speeches on TV, and our goals are quite similar, both unreservedly moving forward.

"PDC has no hope anymore, the age will eventually weed them out."

Jiang Yu pinched his chin, falling deep in thought.

After half a minute, Jiang Yu suddenly shook his head, "Sorry, if you come to live in the Solar System State, I welcome you, I'll grant you citizenship as soon as you arrive.

"But I can't give you the position of Governor!"

"Why?" Wade's expression finally changed, "After Rediaz's death, you must need a strong assistant."

Jiang Yu sighed, "Because of your unscrupulousness! During interstellar crises, the lives of five hundred million citizens and nine hundred million immigrants of the Solar System State often hang by the Wallfacer's and the Governing Council's single thought.

"Your ruthlessness would kill many people."

Wade was slightly taken aback, "To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed in you. I didn't expect you to be so indecisive."

Jiang Yu laughed, "My heart is as steadfast as iron, this kind of goading has no effect on me."

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Then he spoke seriously, "Weide, we all know that there are many things more important than life, and we all have pursuits that are higher than life itself."

"But not everyone has such awareness. Many people obey the law and just hope to live their small lives well, yet when they are needed, they have the courage and responsibility to step forward."

"This is the normal state of life. Should we eliminate them just because they can't keep pace with us?"

"That's not right. As long as they have enough courage and responsibility when we need them, we should allow them the right to enjoy life."

Weide frowned and said, "Your demands are too low. The lesson of the PDC is right before our eyes."

The robot servant brought Weide a cup of tea, and Jiang Yu made a welcoming gesture, "The fact that you can say this proves that my judgment is not wrong."

"You are an excellent intelligence officer, with a firm will, more than capable of leading a department, but you are not a qualified national Governor."

"The people of the Solar System State are actually not much different from the citizens of the PDC, the only difference being that, over the years, Rediaz and I have taught the people to bear responsibility."

"Freedom and a sense of duty are not in conflict, after all."

"It's this little difference that makes the performance of the people and citizens worlds apart!"

"During the Second Battle, the power of the people amazed me, while the citizens of the PDC would never have such a sense of mission and responsibility."

Weide stared into Jiang Yu's eyes, "You should know that we no longer have the time to enjoy life."

Jiang Yu, however, smiled and said, "It's you and I who don't have the time to enjoy life, not everyone else!"

He sighed deeply, "I've always admired your determination."

"But your determination is terrifying, like your action to kill Cheng Xin."

"I also found Cheng Xin very displeasing, even slapped her once. I even thought about whether to kill her or not?"

"But in the end, I didn't do it."

Jiang Yu spread his hands, "Do you understand? This is basic respect for life."

"Just because I disagree with her, it's alright, I go on with my own things and simply ignore her. But why should she be killed?"

Weide nodded, "I understand."

"No, you don't understand." Jiang Yu said earnestly, "We differ because I will also stop at nothing, but I have a bottom line, while you do not."

"Putting the Solar System State in your hands would achieve my goals, but it would also run counter to my original intentions."

Watching Weide's departing figure, Jiang Yu was silent for a long time.

Many people thought Weide very much like Rediaz, but only those like Jiang Yu, who had been in long contact with Rediaz, could feel the flame in his heart.

That flame is the hope of humanity, an interpretation of human nature.

Weide, on the other hand, lacked this, Jiang Yu felt that Weide was more like a cold-hearted assassin or an indifferent butcher.

Sometimes this coldness and ruthlessness is a great advantage to humanity, but other times it can lead to severe turmoil and unrest.

Jiang Yu did not like such extreme people, as it was against the overall original intentions and core spirit of the Solar System State.

Two days later, Jiang Yu boarded a shuttle and left Earth, many dignitaries and local populace came to see him off.

Among them was Cheng Xin, who pleaded with Jiang Yu, "Please don't give up on Earth and its people."

Jiang Yu, however, smiled and said, "Please don't place all your hopes on others."

Cheng Xin was stunned, then continued, "Please give some hints to the humans on Earth!"

Jiang Yu still responded with a smile, "Remember the hints from Sophon, this is the last hint for you. If you can be effective this one time, I don't mind my name being written in reverse."