Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

Seeing Xiao Ce's words, Ux said to him, "Mr. Xiao Ce, so, are you here this time to force me to make a choice?"

"What you showed me, though I've never heard of it before, nor seen it before... is still too difficult for me to make a decision based solely on it... Mr. Xiao Ce, please forgive me... You've also witnessed our family's journey, and it hasn't been easy for us to survive and thrive to this day..."

"So, if you want me to fight you, that thing probably isn't enough..."

After hearing what Ux said, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, then said to Ux, "What, do you know what's on the other side?"

Ux fell silent, then shook his head: "I don't know...it's because..."

After a moment of silence, Ux said to Xiao Ce, "It's precisely because we don't understand the situation on both sides. We might do what we did before: bet on both sides initially, and then place a larger bet after we understand the situation..."

"So, asking me to make a choice now is really too difficult for me..."

"Please forgive me... for being so blunt!"

Xiao Ce was not displeased by what Ux said.

On the contrary, Xiao Ce was quite pleased with what Ux said.

At least he was honest.

Seeing the smile on Xiao Ce's face, Ux said to Xiao Ce, "Mr. Xiao Ce, aren't you angry?"

Xiao Ce shook his head: "No, why would I be angry... Haven't you already given your answer and choice? Of course I'm happy."

When Ux heard Xiao Ce say this, he stood there stunned, his face full of confusion.

Then he turned to Ux and asked, "What do you mean?"

Xiao Ce said to Ux, "Didn't you say to bet on both sides and then place your bets heavily based on the situation? I have confidence in myself, and I'm sure I'll have the upper hand in the future, right? In other words, will you ultimately stand on my side?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Ux was initially surprised, then smiled and said to Xiao Ce, "Mr. Xiao Ce, didn't you say that you don't allow betting on both sides?"

Xiao Ce smiled and nodded: "I won't allow it... but you won't listen to me, right? I have no choice, because the current situation is indeed unfavorable to me."

"After the changes in Lingas, which have just fallen into my hands, and the entire situation within the British Empire, everything has been completely transformed. Now, the only place I can truly control is your Roman Empire..."

"However, if you don't help me, and if you join forces with the Illuminati to wipe out my brother Xiao Yang's forces... then all my time in the West will have been for nothing... So, I understand why you chose not to help me..."

"After all, given the current situation, no matter how you look at it, I'm at a disadvantage, aren't I?"

When Ux heard Xiao Ce say this, he was somewhat unsure what Xiao Ce's true intention was...

So, there was no follow-up.

After Xiao Ce finished speaking, seeing that Ux did not respond, he still had a bright smile on his face.

He then continued, "Mr. Ux, is that what everyone thinks?"

Ux nodded.

Xiao Ce continued, "However, many people don't know that I am the ruler of East Asia. Through the reforms of recent years, East Asia has long since become no less advanced than the entire West..."

"You should have investigated this. My control over East Asia is not like the Illuminati's control over the West. I have firm control over East Asia."

"My initial purpose in coming here wasn't anything else. My main purpose was to find my wife..."

As Xiao Ce spoke, he looked at Yin Pan'er beside him.

Yin Pan'er smiled knowingly after hearing Xiao Ce's words.

"Secondly, the goal was to create chaos in the West, thereby delaying our development and giving us time to develop as a whole in East Asia. Judging from the news coming from East Asia, my goal has already been achieved."

"Therefore, even if I lose all my influence in the West, I still have the whole of East Asia as my backing. This is my source of confidence..."

Xiao Ce paused, then continued, "Besides... I haven't lost the entire West. I don't believe they can overthrow Lingas City with just a few Light Guardians..."

“Mr. Ux, in our Xiao Kingdom, there is a saying: ‘Adding flowers to brocade is not as good as providing charcoal in the snow.’ Adding flowers to brocade is certainly good, but providing charcoal in the snow is undoubtedly better.”

"Besides, you're not exactly sure how to strike the right balance. You should understand..."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Ux naturally understood what he meant.

In the depths of Ux's grey-blue eyes, it seemed as if ancient ice was slowly melting, replaced by a precise calculation running at high speed.

Xiao Ce's last words were like a delicate hook, precisely hooking onto the scales of his weighing interests.

"It's better to offer help in times of need than to add flowers to brocade."

This was one of the keys to the Aurelius family's rise to prominence during the early days of the Illuminati! That timely investment brought prosperity to the family for generations.

His age-spotted fingers tapped unconsciously on the smooth wooden armrest, making a barely audible "tap" sound.

Xiao Ce's frankness actually lowered some of his guard. An opponent who could so bluntly point out his strategic goals and trump cards was either arrogant and ignorant or had the confidence to have absolute control.

Judging from Lingxu's display and his current composure, as well as the various messages conveyed by the people they sent out.

Xiao Ce was clearly the latter.

More importantly, Xiao Ce pointed out the core dilemma of the Aurelius family: where is that perfect "degree"?

"Mr. Xiao Ce, I still very much want to cooperate with you... but... I need some more concrete promises..."

Xiao Ce leaned forward slightly. He wasn't annoyed by Ux's tactful approach; instead, he showed a knowing smile, as if he had expected it.

“Mr. Ux, your practical request is very reasonable.”

Xiao Ce's voice was steady, carrying a convincing certainty!

“What I bring is not just the power of demonstration, but the cornerstone of the Aurelius family’s business empire for decades to come.”

Ux's grey-blue eyes gleamed, and his body tensed slightly as he focused intently. He had finally waited for Xiao Ce to reveal his true trump card.

“Please speak, Mr. Xiao Ce,” Ux said in a low voice.

Xiao Ce smiled at Ux: "You should know about the relationship between Darklight brand and me, right?"

Ux nodded. Although they had done a good job of keeping it a secret, it wasn't really a secret at all...

Xiao Ce raised his first finger: "First, a comprehensive strategic partnership with Darklight Technology. The automobiles, electricity, and even the communication technologies that may emerge in the future in Dragon Kingdom City... all the miracles you see will be exclusively or preferentially distributed by the Aurelius family throughout the entire Roman Empire."

"This is not just about selling; it's about technology transfer and the establishment of a production system."

"You will become the heart of Darklight Technology in the Western world, distributing the product to every corner that needs it. We will split the profits 50/50."

This proposal directly addresses the core demands of the Aurelius family!

In fact, the Aurelius family was able to stand out in the previous Industrial Revolution entirely because they seized the opportunity for innovation.

This time, Xiao Ce was most likely referring to the Second Industrial Revolution.

It could even be called a technological revolution. If they seize this opportunity, they will seize commercial monopoly and dominance in emerging markets.

Unlike other products we've distributed in the past, Dark Light's products represent the future, with immeasurable profit potential.

Ux's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained calm.

Xiao Ce didn't wait for Ux to respond, and raised his second finger: "Secondly, breaking through technological barriers. You probably already know that the core of a car lies in the 'engine,' but you know the thing but not the reason. I will authorize our East Asian Tianji Academy!"

"We will train a group of core technicians for you. They will master the key principles of engine technology and gradually learn the relevant manufacturing processes."

"This means that, within a controllable range, the city of Aurelius itself will have the capacity to maintain some core components and potentially license production in the future."

He emphasized controllability, offering both incentives and maintaining control.

This goes a step further than simply being a sales agent.

Ux knew what this meant!

Localizing some of their technology would greatly enhance their irreplaceable status and bargaining power in the Roman Empire and throughout the West.

Seeing the undisguised emotion in Ux's eyes, Xiao Ce raised his third finger and said with a deeper meaning, "Thirdly, and most importantly, is the investment and protection for the future."

“Mr. Ux, you have witnessed the destruction of the Temple of Light. That hundred-man team was a cold killing machine. I can say without exaggeration that in the technological wars of the future, which will be enough to rewrite the world order, I hold the key to counterbalance or even surpass that power.”

"It's not just about the communication and projection capabilities represented by Lingxu, but also includes defense and energy technologies that you can't even imagine."

He paused, his gaze fixed intently on Ux: "Choosing me means choosing to stand on the first echelon of the coming new order."

"The Aurelius family will no longer be just a wealthy merchant family, but will become one of the important players in defining the rules of future world trade and the distribution of energy."

"Of course, the Illuminati, or rather, the force that will soon replace it! When it is redefined or suppressed, Aurelius's name will be engraved on the cornerstone of a new era."

"And all of this!"

Xiao Ce leaned back in his chair and paused for a moment: "Everyone needs a starting point."

"This starting point is the Aurelius family's full support for me, Xiao Ce, and my brother Xiao Yang, within the Roman Empire to suppress or even eliminate the remaining forces of the Illuminati in the local area, thus creating a solid rear for our upcoming counterattack."