"Years ago, I suffered some very serious injuries. They torment me every moment of every day. Most of the time, I've managed to endure them, but this time, I'm afraid I won't."
"So while I still had the strength, something possessed me to record this message."
"First, Ailiveer Yan."
The Little Secretary of State, who had been crying softly, raised her head in confusion, glistening tear tracks staining her cheeks. General Veronica gently wiped them away for her.
"Xi Yan is still young. He needs someone behind him to support him. And you, Ailiveer, are young enough and very capable. You can stay by Xi Yan's side for years to come. That's why I chose you."
Ailiveer blushed a little, but the old Marshal's voice continued.
"And my five Regent Generals. All of you are comrades who once faced life and death alongside me. I hope you can help Xi Yan make our country better together."
"Shoigu and Gerasimov."
"You two... I suspect you won't behave yourselves in the future. But I'm old, and I can't keep you in line anymore. Still, I hope you'll give him your support."
Everyone present turned to look at Xi Yan.
The current Marshal had already humanely put them down. What can I say?
Xi Yan, however, was rather displeased.
You really did get old. Where did all that ruthless decisiveness you once had go? I still had to step in and deal with them myself!
"As for Ning Zhiyuan and Prigozhin, you two are textbook fence-sitters. I see that very clearly. But I hope you'll make the right choice."
Ning Zhiyuan and Prigozhin couldn't help smiling bitterly.
We were already forced to make the right choice!
"General Veronica, you sisters are very loyal, and I'm glad to have subordinates and companions like you. Xi Yan, you'd better treat them well."
"And Mr. Yu Shuo, the captain of my personal guard. I'm very grateful for everything you've done over the years."
A touched smile broke through General Veronica's cold, proud expression, and even Yu Shuo, standing in the farthest corner, couldn't help showing a faint smile.
"As for my son, Xi Yan."
Xi Yan instinctively straightened up and listened closely.
"I haven't been a good father. I've rarely shown you much care all these years."
"Because I am this country's Leader, I must answer to all its people. So please forgive this old man who has worried himself sick over his country."
Xi Yan nodded silently.
Xi Lie's voice continued.
"If things have gone as expected, you're already the Marshal now. Then please promise me that you will love every citizen of the Empire and lead this country to greatness."
After a pause, Xi Lie's voice gradually grew quieter.
"Also, there's one more thing."
"You're not alone, Xi Yan. You still have family."
Huh? As if something had occurred to him, Xi Yan rose to his feet in shock.
You'd better not be talking about-
"My first wife and I had two daughters together, your older sisters. They're in the United Nations of Earth."
"I later divorced her, but I've never stopped worrying about my two daughters. If you get the chance, bring them back."
The voice grew softer and softer, then fell silent. The recording had ended.
"Fuck." Xi Yan leaned back reflexively and covered his forehead.
Even dead, the old man hadn't forgotten to leave me a pile of bullshit to deal with!
He left me a Marshal's position without a secure hold on power, a country short on absolutely everything, and now he's thrown in a whole family melodrama?
What the fuck... two biological older sisters! And they're in the United Nations of Earth?
"Ah..." Ailiveer and her sister, along with the generals and the captain of the personal guard, all leaned back reflexively.
What can I say?
What was supposed to be a moment of deep grief had suddenly turned absurd. Why?
"What the hell is all this..." Xi Yan felt a headache coming on.
Before you continue