Authority, Governor-General's Office!

Yang Wenqing had a clear idea of why he had been awarded this First-Class Merit.

During the Thunderclap Archipelago campaign, he had captured Windrider Island, been the first to occupy Ironspine Island, and slain the enemy's commander-in-chief. Naturally, no one could say anything about him receiving a First-Class Merit.

As for the logistical contributions of the City Defense System, he merely held the title of director of the Redstone Regional City Defense Bureau. He had long been mentally prepared for such criticism, so he had nothing to fear. When he went onstage to receive his medal, his bearing remained calm.

Qian Xin cared even less about criticism. Smiling, he pinned the medals on Yang Wenqing before gesturing for the three of them to step forward and present themselves.

People below the stage were whispering among themselves, but he did not bother to distinguish whether those voices held envy or doubt.

The three stood at attention in the center of the stage and saluted. Then they lowered their hands, turned, and walked offstage.

Yang Wenqing walked on the far left. Lan Ying had shrunk to the size of a fist and lay on the shoulder of his ceremonial uniform, small enough to be ignored. As they stepped down from the stage, she said through the Spirit Sea, "I can sense some very obvious hostility."

"It doesn't matter. After tonight, that hostility will disappear."

Yang Wenqing responded through the Spirit Sea. That hostility came from jealousy, but after tonight, they might forget the matter entirely. It was simply human nature, and he naturally did not care.

"Congratulations, Commander Yang."

When Yang Wenqing returned to his seat, Luo Yu, seated beside him, extended a hand and congratulated him with a smile.

Yang Wenqing replied, "Same to you!"

The two exchanged a few polite