The Sherman family appointed the White Ghost as the expeditionary army commander for a few months, and in the end, they gave the White Ghost sufficient honor.
Flowers, applause, honors, streamed live across all official channels;
Bringing the Emperor's handwritten award order was Princess Daphne, the Imperial Songstress, dressed in an elegant evening gown;
Witnessing the award ceremony were Prince Kinov of the Empire and the highest commander of the Military Department;
Yang Ming received an 'Empire Peace Medal' and an honorary major general rank from the Military Department, along with a promise from the Elder Court of becoming a 'Duke-in-Preparation,' meaning Yang Ming only had to wait for an honorary Duke to naturally pass away to automatically advance to an honorary Duke of the Empire.
Of course, a true Imperial Duke holds absolute authority in a certain field.
For Yang Ming, titles and honors outweighed the actual significance.
Moreover, the four words "White Ghost" no longer require any additional titles within the Empire nowadays.
Yang Ming delivered a brief speech thereafter.
He felt that his skin was indeed thicker now, as grandiose words came easily from his lips, and his expression remained exceedingly sincere.
"For me, it's not a very pleasant news to be forced to leave the frontline while the war is not yet over.
"Now the war has entered a stable phase, with the New Federation Main Battle Fleet already paralyzed, the Empire can continue to impart lasting and profound lessons to this regime that has committed numerous crimes against the Empire over the past century.
"The commendation I received today, I don't think it represents an award for the military as a whole; those martyrs who died in war deserve more respect, and their families should receive more comfort.
"All the material rewards given by the Empire, along with all the earnings from my past live broadcasts and all the profits from the official White Ghost merchandise, I will take out to establish a special fund, operated openly, to care for the families of the soldiers who sacrificed for the country. When you encounter difficulties, troubles, or when your grief is too overwhelming, you can contact my fan support group through various means.
"Some say that war is the disaster of human civilization.
"Some say that war is an extension of politics, a means for politicians or the privileged class to seek benefits.
"But here, in this war defending the Empire's interests and maintaining its dignity, our soldiers did not sacrifice for politicians or the privileged class. We will make every sacrifice worthwhile, and when someone tries to devour these values, I will stand in front of you and fight them to the end.
"Next, I will head to other battlefields, and now I can proudly declare that I have returned to deal with those noble lords of the Empire who have done no good deeds."
Yang Ming ended the speech with a somewhat threatening cold smirk.
Thunderous applause erupted from the surroundings.
Clearly, the nobles present did not think they would become the target of the White Ghost. In reality, the Empire had been continuously conducting noble rectification movements to ease tensions, but the effect was never as obvious as when the White Ghost led the effort.
This time Yang Ming was called back to focus on this area.
Initially, Yang Ming thought the live broadcast was about to end here.
Daphne presented the award order to Yang Ming, and with a slight bow, she stepped forward and gave Yang Ming a kiss.
Yang Ming immediately took half a step back, covering his cheek, displaying an expression as if he had been bullied by Daphne.
Daphne reacted swiftly, smiling elegantly at Yang Ming, then slightly bowed and said to him:
"Mr. Ghost, I heard you're currently single. I wonder if I have a chance to become your companion in life, either temporarily or for the long term, I can accept both."
Yang Ming smiled and nodded, "Sorry, Your Highness, I don't have any plans for a relationship at the moment."
Daphne quickly said, "Is it because of your breakup with Captain Catherine, do you still have wounds in your heart?"
Yang Ming stared at Daphne, while Daphne just smiled and gently blinked.
"Yes," Yang Ming sighed, "I think I won't consider entering another relationship soon. I will continue to work hard on fulfilling the promises I made to those who trusted me in the Empire."
"That's truly unfortunate," Daphne sighed gently.
Yang Ming smiled forward, giving Daphne a hug, lightly patted her shoulder four times, and then turned and gracefully exited.
The old Princess glanced at Daphne with a hint of suspicion in her eyes.
This part didn't quite match what they had previously agreed upon.
As the broadcast wrapped up, various major portals in the Empire were quickly inundated with headlines about the 'Imperial Songstress's failed confession,' which somewhat alleviated various public opinions.
In the ship's lounge.
The old Princess found Daphne, who was removing her makeup, and frowned:
"Daphne, why did you suddenly use such a bold strategy just now, by directly kissing a man, it will leave an impression of our royal women as frivolous and lacking decorum. Moreover, you knew he was somewhat resistant to the power behind you.
"This was not a very rational move."
"Aunt, I'm sorry, I couldn't hold back at the time," Daphne whispered, "At least I needed to publicly announce that this is my man, so other women who have ideas about him will stay away."
The old Princess said softly, "You mentioned Captain Catherine."
Daphne chuckled, "Yes, Aunt, she is Hanton's ex-girlfriend."
"What kind of woman is that? Is she very enchanting?"
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