"Xu Yifan, did you voluntarily give up those two star systems?" Zhao Chen questioned Xu Yifan.

Xu Yifan clenched his fists, his eyes bloodshot: "That's...that's the star system my father swore to protect with his life, of course I don't want to..."

"Xu Yifan, don't forget that you signed an agreement to voluntarily relinquish jurisdiction over two star systems!" Marquis Beilang pointed at Xu Yifan with a grim expression.

The two star systems he had long coveted were about to fall into his hands.

Who would have thought that a Cheng Yaojin would suddenly appear out of nowhere and cause such a stir?

Xu Yifan lowered his head, looking aggrieved.

Judging from this situation, anyone with eyes can see whether it's 'voluntary' or not.

But no matter what, Xu Yifan did sign an agreement to voluntarily relinquish jurisdiction over the two star systems. Now that he has signed it, there is no turning back.

Zhao Chen looked at Governor North Wind: "Governor, I request that the Morton System and the Eris System be assigned to me."

"Marquis Xiaolong, what do you mean!" Marquis Beilang stared at Zhao Chen with a gloomy expression.

This meat was practically in his mouth, and this kid actually tried to snatch it!

"I didn't mean anything by it; it was just according to the imperial regulations for granting territories."

In any event during a granting ceremony where jurisdiction over a star system is redistributed, the lord who performs the most outstandingly will have priority in choosing which lord to grant the grant.

As far as I know, this reward will grant me jurisdiction over up to five star systems.

I don't need five now, I just need the Morton Galaxy and the Eris Galaxy.

Is there a problem?

Or are you questioning the merits I have earned as someone who personally went to the Imperial Capital to receive the Marquis's title?" Zhao Chen looked directly at Marquis Beilang, then at all the lords present.

Xu Yifan stared blankly at the sudden change in the situation. He didn't understand why this Dragon Lord suddenly wanted his two star systems, and what was the meaning of his questioning earlier?

Could it be... could it be that...

Xu Yifan had an idea in his mind, but he couldn't quite believe it.

The lords and nobles present were inwardly turbulent by Marquis Xiaolong's remarks, but none of them uttered a word.

As is well known, the Marquis of the North Wolf has long coveted these two star systems. When Earl Morton was alive, he tried every means to extend his reach there, but Earl Morton stopped him each time.

Now that Earl Morton is gone, only his eldest son, Xu Yifan, and the dilapidated Xu family remain.

Marquis of the Northern Wolf would never let such a golden opportunity slip by!

Now, the newly appointed Marquis of Xiaolong has intervened, something no one expected.

However, Marquis Xiaolong's words were in accordance with the rules of the empire.

Moreover, it's more reasonable for them to exchange the original reward of five star systems for two.

There was really no reason to refuse.

A hint of joy flashed in Governor Northwind's eyes, but he quickly concealed it before announcing, "As a great contributor to this Zerg disaster."

Since Marquis Xiaolong wants these two star systems, then we'll do as he asks.

I hereby declare that the Morton Galaxy and the Iris Galaxy belong to Marquis Xiaolong.

As for Marquis of the Northern Wolf, I'll arrange three more star systems for you. Here are three I think..."

Governor North Wind was very amiable and assigned Marquis North Wolf three more star systems, one more than usual.

But it's important to know that the Morton Galaxy is a resource-rich galaxy.

Currently, 30% of the raw materials produced in the North Wind Starfield come from the Morton System.

If all the interstellar mining ships in the Morton system were replaced with the T3 Gold Digger-class heavy interstellar mining ships in Zhao Chen's possession, the output would definitely double!

Zhao Chen smiled and returned to his seat. As for the murderous look in the eyes of the Marquis of the North Wolf, Zhao Chen naturally didn't care.

He had identified the princes as his future rivals, and a mere marquis was nothing to him.

The meeting ended quickly.

Some are happy, some are sad.

Meanwhile, the Marquis of the Northern Wolf, who should have been the big winner, was in an extremely bad mood.

He glared fiercely at the young man, then turned and left the conference hall.

Zhao Chen did not leave immediately, but instead went to find Xu Yifan.

"Let's find a place and talk," Zhao Chen said.

"Okay...okay." Xu Yifan swallowed hard and obediently followed behind Zhao Chen.

After the two left the conference hall, Zhao Chen and Xu Yifan found a corner in the corridor. He glanced at the female soldiers guarding him.

With just a glance, these female soldiers formed a 'wall' around Zhao Chen.

At the same time, Zhao Chen pressed a button on his handheld terminal, creating a security barrier around him and Xu Yifan.

"Why did you give up those two star systems of your family?" Zhao Chen asked bluntly.

Xu Yifan lowered his head, looking like a child who had made a mistake: "After that insectoid incident, the Morton system suffered great damage, especially several resource mining areas, where the related equipment was almost completely destroyed."

Adding to the losses suffered by our Xu family, our Xu family is like a leaky house, which is unlikely to recover in a short period of time.

At the same time, our Xu family borrowed some money to develop the Morton Galaxy.

Marquis of the North Wolf somehow managed to acquire these debts from others, and at the same time, he used coercion and enticement against us.

We can be relieved of these debts if we voluntarily relinquish jurisdiction over two star systems, while simultaneously helping us develop the remaining star system.

Otherwise, we will be required to repay all our debts.

Given the circumstances of our Xu family at the time... we really had no choice but to agree to his conditions.

He also forgave all our debts, but further assistance will have to wait.

However, given the current situation, Marquis Beilang's plan has failed, and it is estimated that the subsequent funding for the Xu family will also be cut off.

"What are your plans for the future?" Zhao Chen asked Xu Yifan.

Xu Yifan was speechless, unsure of what to do.

"If I give you funds and assistance, and at the same time put you in charge of the Morton Galaxy and the Eris Galaxy as an acting manager."

And I can assure you that within thirty years, your Xu family can regain control of the Morton Galaxy and the Eris Galaxy.

"Are you willing to follow me?" Zhao Chen stared at Xu Yifan.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yifan felt as if he had been enlightened.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Xu Yifan immediately knelt on one knee: "I, Xu Yifan, am willing to follow you, Your Excellency. My Xu family is willing to serve you wholeheartedly, even unto death!"

Xu Yifan knew that this was his only chance to revive his Xu family.

Although to outsiders, Marquis Xiaolong is just a newly promoted nobleman with a little reputation.

But having fought alongside the JF-17 fleet, he knew all too well the man's strength.

If they could follow this man, it would be a tremendous opportunity for the Xu family!

It might even surpass the Xu family of the past!