Three thousand interstellar warships, or three thousand T3-class or higher interstellar warships, are displayed before you.

What kind of feeling is that?

This second son, born into a marquisate, truly experienced it this time.

It felt as if he were being targeted by more than three thousand giant beasts, who would swarm him and devour him in the next second.

The marquis's second son swallowed hard and nervously told his subordinates, "I'll repeat myself: without my order, no interstellar warship should make any rash moves!"

"Anyone who dares to move an inch, I'll crush their head!"

"Yes...yes...yes!"

Rebellion?

Who would dare to even have such a thought?

In this star system, they brought fewer than three hundred interstellar warships, two-thirds of which were various auxiliary interstellar warships, and the number of real combat interstellar warships was less than one hundred.

There are only three or four T3-class starships.

These are just tiny fish and shrimp, not even enough to fill the gaps between their teeth.

The marquis's second son stared fearfully at the massive crimson interstellar warship in the opposite star system; he had heard of this warship before.

T4 Suzaku-class medium-sized star cruiser!

It is the third T4-class interstellar warship of the Star Empire.

That must be the flagship of that big shot on the other side.

They originally thought that the vacant outer star systems left by the withdrawal of the machine race were a valuable asset.

These nobles flocked to these star systems and began developing and operating them.

But who could have imagined that before anything could be accomplished, a civil war would break out in the empire!

When this news arrived, the nobles who were 'expanding their territory' on the outskirts of the empire were cursing under their breath.

Based on their geographical location, the Chuhe Star Region is situated between them and the Star Glory Empire.

The Chuhe Star Region is currently engaged in a civil war with the Prince Party, which is tantamount to cutting off their connection with the country. If the Chuhe Star Region doesn't interfere, their resources can stay here for decades without any problem.

What's truly frightening is that the Chuhe Star Region might target them.

Therefore, these noble sons were very unhappy with the princes' party's actions.

Even if war is about to break out, at least let them know.

Let them withdraw first!

How did we end up in this predicament, reduced to being abandoned like pawns?

"We have received a communication request from the opposing starfleet." The subordinate looked tremblingly at the nobleman.

The Marquis's second son took a deep breath: "Bring him in."

The video window opened, and on the other end was a man sitting in a captain's chair.

He was very young and didn't have the fierce look I had imagined, but his eyes gave off an intimidating aura that made people afraid to look him in the eye.

"My name is Zhao Chen. I have been ordered by Governor Chuhe to take over these star systems on the outskirts of the empire," Zhao Chen said.

He's quite clever. Although he did things for his own benefit, since he could use Old Chu's name, there was no need for him to flaunt it himself.

"Um... I am from the Zhou family, the lords of the K766 star system in the Pegasus constellation of the Empire. My father is an Imperial Marquis, and I am the second son."

"My father has a good relationship with Governor Chuhe..." the Marquis's second son said cautiously.

Zhao Chen narrowed his eyes: "So what are you trying to say?"

“Well... according to the developer agreement we signed with the Empire, we were responsible for developing this star system... we prepaid the Empire five million star coins...” the Marquis’s second son said in a low voice.

The retreat of the Mech Race left many unclaimed star systems empty.

It would be difficult for the Empire to quickly annex and develop these star systems on its own.

The best approach would be to adopt this cooperative method, allowing the domestic nobles to develop and operate these star systems. The empire would receive a sum of money, and they would also receive a share of the profits after the development is completed.

Of course, the empire would also openly protect these 'pioneers'.

However... the current situation is somewhat delicate.

"So, you want us to pay you back this money?" Zhao Chen smiled slightly.

"We dare not...we dare not...we..." The marquis's second son was so anxious that he was almost crying.

He cursed that damned Second Prince Qin Ming countless times in his heart.

"You have three days. Take everything you've invested in and built here with you."

Three days later, this place officially became ours.

We will not pay you any compensation.

"Agreements we didn't agree to are like pieces of paper in a latrine," Zhao Chen said coldly.

"Yes...yes..." the marquis's second son said timidly.

When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Seeing the other party's submissive attitude.

Zhao Chen suddenly changed his attitude: "However, we also sympathize with your situation if you are willing to cooperate with us."

You can also gain considerable benefits from us.”

Zhao Chen is currently short-staffed, especially in non-combat management positions.

How many people of this type can be trained in just the small area of ​​the Xiaolong Galaxy?

Moreover, Zhao Chen is in charge of an interstellar domain with several star regions.

Even Li Yaqi of Beiyan Group and Red Rose of Jingji Group are now worried about this matter.

Therefore, Zhao Chen had long ago ordered Lilith to conduct a series of background investigations on these nobles who were expanding their territories in this starry universe.

These people were categorized, and those {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} closely associated with the princes' faction were excluded.

Prioritize development where cooperation is possible.

"What...does this mean?" the Marquis's second son asked tentatively, having already sensed something unusual about the other party.

Zhao Chen explained, "We will also be developing this galaxy in the future."

With our capabilities, we are certainly fully capable of handling this task.

However, we also hope to have collaborators involved to share some of the burden with us.

The marquis's second son seemed to sense an opportunity and immediately asked, "Is it about cooperating to mine the resources of the star system?"

Zhao Chen squinted and slowly said, "If you want to cooperate with us, you don't need to worry about resource extraction; I have people in charge of that."

Your main responsibilities include maintaining security, logistics, public services, and other infrastructure in this galaxy.

To be honest, although this pie isn't as lucrative as resource extraction, it's still quite substantial.

The mining operations are handled by two mining groups established by Zhao Chen. Zhao Chen will not allow anyone else to get involved in this important industry, at least not at present.

As for other related auxiliary industries, Zhao Chen doesn't mind outsiders getting involved, as they can share some of his burden.