Chapter 22 Chapter 21

Within two days, Qiao Ruonan's forces swept across the entire Trantor.Part of it he did himself, most of it through his deputies. As Seldon had whispered to Dors, this was a war, a real war. "He would have been a natural general if he had been born in the old days," he said. "What a waste of his career in politics." But Dors said: "Waste? At the current speed of development, he can become the prime minister within a week. If he is willing, it may not be difficult to become the emperor within two weeks. It is reported that even a certain Some people in the military are also cheering for him."

Seldon shook his head. "It's going to break down soon, Dors." "What are you talking about? Qiao Ruonan's party or the empire?" "Joronan's party. The story of the robot created a stir, especially with the effective use of those leaflets, but with a little thought, a little calm, the public will see how absurd the charge is." "But, Harry," Dors pursued, "you don't have to lie to me. It's not some ridiculous story. How did Joranan find out that Demerzel was a robot?" "Oh, that! Richie told him." "Ricky!"

"That's right. He completed the task brilliantly and returned safely. Qiao Ruonan also promised to let him be the leader of Dar District in the future. Qiao Ruonan fully believes in him. Just as I expected." "You mean, you told Rich Dan Mozier that he was a robot, and then asked him to reveal the news to Jo Ruonan?" Dors's face looked strangely terrified. "No, I can't do that. You know I can't tell Richie—or anyone—that Demozel is a robot. I can't be more sure that Demozel isn't a robot—even if It would be difficult to do that, too. But I did have him tell Joranan that Morzel was a robot. From his point of view, he would have thought he was lying to Joranan."

"But why, Harry? Why?" "It's not psychohistory, I'll tell you the truth. You don't think I'm a magician like the Emperor does. I just want Jo Ruonan to believe that Demerzel is a robot. He's from a Mackenzie, so he's been around since he was a kid. It is the legend of robots in the McGann civilization. So, he will automatically be inclined to believe this statement, and think that the public will believe this statement as much as he does." "Will the public believe it, then?" "Won't really believe it. When the initial shock wears off, they'll realize it's nonsense—or so they'll think. I persuaded Demerzel to give a lecture on the sub-ether hologram, and the show would was broadcast to some important parts of the Empire and every area on Trantor. He could talk about anything and everything in his speeches except the robot. We all know there are enough political crises right now to Let's set up a talk. People will listen to the talk and not hear a single sliver about the robot. Then, at the end of the day, he'll be asked about the flyer and he won't have to answer a word .All he needs to do is laugh."

"Laughing? I never knew Demerzel could laugh. He hardly ever smiles." "But this time, Dors, he's going to laugh. It's one thing no one ever imagined a robot would do. You've seen those robots in holographic fantasy movies too, haven't you? They're always portrayed as rigid , ruthless, inhuman - that's the image of a robot in people's minds. So all Demozel needs to do is laugh. Also - do you remember the fourteenth day of the Lord, the pious leader of McGan ?” "Of course I do. Rigid, heartless, inhuman. He never smiles, either." "Not this time. Since that little brawl in the stadium, I've worked hard on Joe Ruonan. I know Qiao Ruonan's real name. I know where he was born, his parents Who, where did he receive his early education, and all this, including supporting documents, was sent to the Sun Lord XIV. I don't think the Sun Lord would like escapees."

"But I remember you saying you didn't want to provoke racial prejudice." "I didn't. If I made this information public through the holographic TV, it would be provoking racial prejudice, but I just handed him over to the Sun Lord. After all, it belongs there." "But he can cause racial prejudice." "Of course not. No one on Trantor cares about the Sunlord—no matter what he says." "Then what happens then?" "Then we'll have to wait and see, Dors. I haven't done a psychohistorical analysis of the situation. I don't even know if it's possible. I can only hope I'm right."