Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov

The provided excerpts from "Forward the Foundation" chronicle Hari Seldon's efforts to develop psychohistory, a complex mathematical system capable of predicting the future of the Galactic Empire. Early on, Seldon navigates political intrigue, including a plot against First Minister Eto Demerzel (a robot in disguise), while dealing with his protégé, Yugo Amaryl, and his adoptive family, Dors and Raych. As the Empire shows signs of decline, marked by infrastructure breakdowns and social decay, Seldon faces challenges securing funding and dealing with those who blame him for his grim predictions. Ultimately, Seldon's focus shifts to establishing two Foundations, with his granddaughter Wanda, a burgeoning mentalic, playing a crucial role in creating a Second, secret Foundation to guide humanity through the impending dark age, as the first, public Foundation will focus on compiling all human knowledge.