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

"Furthermore, there are academic talents who are proficient in astronomy and calendar systems, engineering, advanced mathematics, and natural history, and must have published works or recognized achievements. Even if they don't have any, but feel that their talents are not being recognized, I will set up a professional mailbox where they can put their knowledge and opinions. I will read them personally, and if they are exceptionally talented, I will still grant them admission!"

Xiao Ce did this to cultivate talent for themselves. If such talent truly existed, he wouldn't let it slip by... and he certainly wouldn't be willing to give it to these individuals...

"As for the benefits, the title of 'Alliance Master Craftsman' or 'Scholar of Light' (by field); provision of a professional studio/laboratory; special research and development allowance and settlement allowance; priority for their family members to obtain housing qualifications; preferential admission to 'Alliance Academy' for their children, and all the third-class benefits of Alliance City."

"Previously, we overlooked the clubhouses. Each category has its corresponding benefits. My current plan is to offer the worst benefits, but still double the best benefits in the West!"

Ed White listened, nodded, and then said, "That makes sense..."

Xiao Ce continued, "The last type of people are the loyal contributors! These are people who have worked diligently and loyally in various countries and gained a certain degree of recognition, such as those who have earned military merit in the armies of various countries, those who have retired, and those who have made clear contributions to various countries... After entering, they enjoy the treatment of the fourth category, are allocated housing of the corresponding level, enjoy supporting living security, and have priority in political promotion and resource acquisition."

Ed White nodded, and Xiao Ce's four categories almost covered everyone's...

"Next is the recruitment process, and we must make this ceremony grand."

"First, we have set up reception points at the Illuminati headquarters in major cities and large town centers, accepting only written applications in a standardized format to enhance the sense of ceremony! Please specify the category, basic personal information, and preliminary supporting documents."

"By the Alliance City Administration..."

Seeing Ed White's puzzled expression, Xiao Ce smiled and said to Ed White, "You'll take on this position in the organization..."

Ed White immediately nodded in agreement.

"Your organization will conduct a rigorous initial review of applications, eliminating those that are obviously fraudulent or do not meet the minimum requirements. Proof of assets, titles, and skills must be double-checked, using both the Guangzhao Society archives and independent notarization channels. The elimination rate should be at least 50%! Create an atmosphere where entry is difficult."

"Then the alliance city was approved, requiring invitees to Lingas City in batches for short-term (1-3 days) trips. This is a crucial step! All expenses will be borne by our side."

Xiao Ce said to them, "The purpose of bringing them here is very simple."

"First, demonstrate safety! Arrange for them to visit the Lightguard Elite Squad's training under protected conditions!"

The daily routine of Viktor's main force in perfect formation; if possible, the Iron Guard could be selectively shown for a 'non-combat escort' performance!

After all, the Iron Man is our trump card, and also our solid newly built city defense system, even if it's just a blueprint or some newly constructed fortifications.

Xiao Ce did this because he wanted Nie Bing to reveal her trump card to him...

After all, Xiao Ce still felt that Nie Bing was exaggerating to some extent.

Ed White nodded.

Xiao Ce continued, "Secondly, our goal is to showcase the anticipated prosperity. We can have someone set things up. Some of the 'model' blocks in the city's core area are currently vacant, but we can temporarily bring in vendors, clean and tidy them up, and light them up to create a false impression of prosperity."

The guided tour has been designated as the future 'Alliance Education Institute.' I think this institute could be established in one of the castles, such as Sun Castle and Twin Castle; a lavish banquet could be arranged, with the attendance of the Aurelius family or other surrendered nobles, the scale of which depending on the guests' status.

"The ultimate goal is very simple: to make face-to-face contact with them and get them to join the twelve families trusted by Vice President Ed White, or someone designated by him, or even the president himself."

They will then conduct a final one-on-one interview. The core of the interview is to assess loyalty to the Alliance, the Illuminati, and potential. This opportunity will be used to promote the Alliance's ideals, hint at the bright future of new members, and subtly warn against any potential dissent…

Xiao Ce looked at Ed White with admiration: "As long as they pass the final review, they'll be officially registered! Those who pass all the stages will receive a 'Formal Resident Certificate of the Alliance City' with anti-counterfeiting features and a unique number—it's a very ceremonial process. The earlier the number appears, the more senior the person is."

I want to tell everyone that the advanced will definitely have an advantage over the later ones!

The entry ceremony was simple yet solemn. The final number of approved applicants was strictly controlled, with only a limited number released in the initial batch! For example, 10 people in Category 1, 50 in Category 2, 100 in Category 3, and 3000 in Category 4, creating a sense of scarcity and competition. This made it seem to outsiders that entering the Alliance City was a supreme honor!

Ed White said admiringly, "Mr. Sean, you are truly amazing... It's really hard to imagine how you came up with all these ideas..."

Xiao Ce continued, "We must follow them and point out the core of this 'bait'..."

"Tell them the value of their membership in the alliance, and make it clear that this membership will entitle them to: the highest level of judicial priority in the alliance, the right to vote, priority protection in emergency situations, priority in obtaining official employment from the alliance, and special legal protection for their assets within the alliance. Emphasize that this is a lifelong, hereditary honorary privilege."

"And this will also affect the future of their children—the Alliance Education Institute, or what might later be called the Alliance University. We absolutely must prepare for this. With the Alliance directly in charge, anyone graduating from the Alliance University will be granted residency in the Alliance City and job opportunities within the Alliance..."

"We can bring in the best scholars (regardless of their authenticity, just list them first) to teach the 'path of truth,' 'wisdom and knowledge,' and advanced skills (military, management, craftsmanship, and academia). We emphasize that this academy is only open to official residents of Lingas and their descendants (or requires a very small amount of external, exorbitant sponsorship), and is the cradle for cultivating future Western elite leaders."

Xiao Ce said this in order to prepare for the future.

He still intends to take over this Alliance City without any losses in the future...

Seeing that Ed White didn't interrupt, Xiao Ce continued, "Another thing is to tell them that this place is a tax haven, and that people in the first to fourth categories enjoy various tax policy benefits and exemptions. For them, tax cuts are like making money."

"Finally, we must tell them that they are safe! Both their property and their personal safety! The Alliance City guarantees their personal and property safety in Lingas City with its reputation. And provides an official business recommendation letter from the Illuminati (valid within the Alliance)."

After speaking for a long time, Xiao Ce was still somewhat tired.

Ed White listened as he quickly processed the information in his mind and assessed its feasibility.

The plan was extremely ambitious, requiring a massive investment of resources and meticulous execution. But the control and allure it embodied filled him with trepidation.

This is not just about recruiting people, but about using rules and interests to precisely screen and bind the future urban elite class, leaving a deep imprint of the Illuminati and the Western alliance from the very beginning.

“Mr. Sean,” Ed White said with respect and solemnity.

"Your detailed rules are meticulously crafted, employing incentives and the allure of prestige, creating a sense of scarcity through rigorous admission procedures, and cleverly using security demonstrations and future expectations to dispel doubts. In particular, linking security with the Iron Man Legion and using the Alliance University to secure the offspring of elites are brilliant moves that strike at the heart of the matter."

He paused for a moment, then said, "However..."

Xiao Ce looked at Ed White with some doubt, and seemed hesitant to speak.

Xiao Ce then said to Ed White, "Vice President Ed White, I invited you here not to order you, nor to inform you... I'm just throwing out some ideas... You know, these opinions and suggestions of mine are all theoretical..."

"Therefore, I would appreciate it if Vice President Ed could offer me some guidance... Many of my ideas may still be too naive..."

Ed White heard Xiao Ce's words, and he may have had some reservations before.

However, this also completely dispelled my concerns...

"Mr. Sean, since you put it that way, then I'll offer some of my thoughts..."

"First, there's the enormous initial investment: residences, shops, stipends, and basic funding for the educational institute! This requires massive financial support from the Illuminati. The Grand Master needs clear authorization and a budget. Right now, for a project that's only visible but intangible, a huge amount of money is being invested. Even if the Grand Master agrees... we all know that above the Grand Master is a Bishop..."

"Secondly, let those people come and experience this Alliance City. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. Time is short and the task is heavy. The city is still very empty. How can we arrange things convincingly without giving ourselves away? How can we ensure the safety of the invitees in the city and prevent them from seeing things they shouldn't under close surveillance? The organization of the reception process needs to be extremely efficient and confidential."

"Or perhaps, after seeing it, they couldn't help but feel disappointed..."

"Furthermore, while we are recruiting, we need to understand that Boudica's remnants haven't been captured at all. If some of their people infiltrate the group, we'll have a hard time identifying them... If we bring them in, wouldn't we be creating more hidden dangers around ourselves?"

After listening to Ed White's words, Xiao Ce nodded approvingly, clearly having taken them seriously: "Vice President White has considered everything thoroughly. Therefore, this plan needs you to personally take charge, and only you can shoulder this heavy responsibility. Your experience and skill are indispensable."

Seeing that Sean (Xiao Ce) was directly shifting the blame onto him, Ed White quickly waved his hands... "I was just expressing my doubts... I don't have a better solution..."

Xiao Ce smiled and then said, "I can answer your question!"

"First of all, Alliance City is the heart of the Alliance, so this investment is worthwhile! The Guild Master has high hopes for this city, and that in itself is the biggest 'safety net'. I will personally apply to the Guild Master for special financial authorization, which initially allows the use of some of the captured Lingas resources, the pre-authorized benefits of the future commercial district land, and even the resources of our Aurelius family, as well as funds specially approved by the Guild Master. We are not building 'paradise' all at once, but rather ensuring that the first group of people sees enough 'hope'."

"Furthermore, regarding the bishop you mentioned, I don't think his mind is on this matter, and he wouldn't concern himself with such worldly things... I also think the shop you first suspected doesn't exist..."

"As for that experiential tour, we have even less to worry about... We're selling them a blueprint for the future... We just need to talk about it! I can handle that; we'll be responsible for convincing them... I'm confident in that... Actually, they came with certain expectations; we're selling them the future... not the present..."

"As for identifying spies... I don't think that should be a problem. After all, they only infiltrate a small number of their spies, and they won't dare to show themselves at first. If they plant spies on our side, we can also plant spies on their side... We can't throw the baby out with the bathwater, don't you think..."

"Moreover, in the future, as long as we catch those spies, we can actually use them. This may seem like a bad thing... but nothing in this world is absolute. What you see as bad might actually be good... and what you see as good might, of course, be bad."

He looked at Ed White, his eyes filled with expectation and a hint of unwavering certainty!

"Vice President White, this is the first step in laying the foundation for the Illuminati and the Western Alliance to last a century."

People are the lifeblood of a city and a regime. The loyalty and ability of the first batch of "new blood" will determine the future of Lingas and even the alliance! This task is best left to you!

I will inform the chairman and grant you the highest authorization and all necessary support, including mobilizing the forces at your disposal to assist in key security and spies identification. We will discuss and refine the details as needed.

Ed White took a deep breath.

This task is extremely difficult, but as Sean said, it is of paramount importance.

If he does a good job, he will be the number one contributor to laying the foundation for Xindu's future!

He has inextricably linked his name with this city that was destined to be great!