Chapter 1075: Chapter 701: Strike First to Gain the Upper Hand!
Aus Empire. Summer Palace.
Since his own brother Prince Caesar was ’dismembered’ by Shen Wuxiang, Prince Philip’s status has risen with the tides, not only moving into the summer palace to live, but also learning military and political management by King Lionheart’s side.
A definite posture of the Crown Prince.
It was clear that the scales in King Lionheart’s heart had already begun to tilt, putting more time and resources into this second son.
Prince Philip is very likely to succeed King Lionheart and become the next King of the Aus Empire.
The premise is that the heavy wager he placed on Tang Fei can win the final struggle...
And he will bring unimaginable benefits to the Empire.
Energy, territory, talent, and...opportunity.
The Aus Empire’s chance to unify New Star.
After hanging up the phone, the chief adviser next to him, Daniel Hamilton, asked, "Your Highness, at this moment of great victory, why did you refuse Tang Fei’s warm invitation? This is the perfect opportunity to showcase our national might and for you to make a grand appearance."
Prince Philip shook his head and said, "Have you forgotten Caesar’s fate? Father doesn’t only have two sons."
Prince Caesar was sent to Qi Mountain to form an alliance with Shen Wuxiang on behalf of his father, but instead of forming an alliance, he was cut into several pieces...
This lifetime, he’s probably never coming back.
King Lionheart, who cares so much about face, would never allow a ’broken and dismembered’ son to appear before him again.
If Prince Philip accepted Tang Fei’s invitation, and if anything happened to him, his brother Prince Harry would immediately replace his current position and everything he holds.
Emperors have always been unfaithful.
From past examples, he will not leave the Aus Empire no matter what.
"Besides, Tang Fei...just as his name suggests, he’s not an easy guy to deal with. I haven’t spent much time with him, but I know him well enough. He’s ambitious, tenacious, driven, can be flexible, shameless...his moral bottom line is extremely low, and he can do anything."
"If I accept the invitation and go to his territory, who knows if he’ll imprison me like Shen Wuxiang? At that time, I’ll be calling heaven and earth to no response..."
"Since that’s the case..." Daniel asked in confusion, "Why does Your Highness still choose to cooperate with him?"
"Because he can bring me victory and let me taste the delicious fruits of victory."
Prince Philip said confidently, "From the first moment I saw him, I was sure that he’s someone who can create miracles."
"Daniel, you’ve seen it, a miracle happened. He has won against the odds and is about to become the new ruler of a country."
Daniel admired him wholeheartedly, complimenting, "Your Highness truly has a unique vision, spotting talent like a gem. Despite everyone’s doubts, you insisted on betting on him...just based on this, Prince Caesar is far less wise than you."
"For the Aus Empire to encounter a wise ruler, it’s a blessing for the Empire and the Aus people."
"Daniel, watch your words." Prince Philip reminded, though feeling pleased, he sincerely advised, "I’m just assisting my father in doing some things within my power. This country has only one master, and that’s our great King Lionheart."
"Your Highness, even the strongest lion will age, and the one who can dictate the country’s future is the younger lion."
"Daniel..."
"Your Highness, from my heart, I confide only to you. I understand the severity of the situation and will never do anything to embarrass you."
"Hmm, I feel your loyalty. I believe that as long as we move forward together, we will have a beautiful future."
Daniel bowed, saying, "Willing to serve Your Highness."
"Just help me handle the domestic affairs of the Empire well and don’t let father find any fault. As for external matters, I’ve already arranged everything."
"For us, the most important thing now is to divide the spoils of victory. Once we have the cake in hand, it will be time for us to launch a full-scale offensive."
"Daniel...at that time, will be when you truly showcase your talents."
"Your Highness means?"
Prince Philip walked to the virtual map, pointing to several red markers, and said, "The Sea God Fleet is radiating outward from Liyu Port, spreading to more than a dozen surrounding ports, with our ships and supply points at each port."
"The Thunder God Fleet is bombing and sieging the Mountain Qi Camp, and after the surrender ceremony, Hopkins will seize the opportunity to propose garrisoning and refurbishment..."
"I’ve discussed with my father, the Heavenly God Fleet will also dispatch three corps to advance toward the Empire’s border, creating pressure. If any changes occur, they will be able to storm onto the battlefield first."
"Qi Mountain is the core of the Phoenix Empire, and also the military headquarters...what if they don’t agree to the Thunder God Fleet garrisoning Qi Mountain?" Daniel expressed his concerns.
"Disagree?" Prince Philip’s lips curled into a mocking smile, questioning, "Do they have the right to say ’no’?"
"The Phoenix Empire has endured years of civil war, with our support, Tang Fei and Shen Wuxiang fought so fiercely that their brains nearly splattered. The whole country has long been in ruins, with the population suffering and the economy on the brink of collapse with just a whim of ours...whether it’s elite warriors or weaponry, they’re almost depleted."
"Tang Fei has finally won, and it’s time for recuperation; it’s impossible for him to choose to fall out with us now."
"In that case, the situation in Phoenix Country will worsen further, and they will find it increasingly difficult to control the big picture...and possibly face once again a split and slaughter."
"So, a complete and stable regime is what they most desire, and we need to seize as much benefit as possible during this time."
"Your Highness is wise."
"I’ve secretly ordered Antonio of the Sea God Fleet, Hopkins of the Thunder God Fleet, Prince Beide of the Heavenly God Fleet...once the three major fleets have established bases at the designated locations and secured their positions, we will launch a full attack on the Phoenix Empire..."
"We won’t give them much time, as the Phoenix Empire would say...aiding and abetting the wicked."
"Tang Fei thinks we only want a piece of cake...no, we’ve always wanted the entire Phoenix Empire. The unification of New Star is within reach."
"This is the true miracle, and it will be born in our hands."
Daniel Hamilton was exhilarated, bowing deeply to Prince Philip once again, performing a standard Imperial court etiquette: "How fortunate is Daniel to be able to serve Your Highness unto death."
"Daniel, our journey is to the stars and the sea...and this victory is just a small appetizer."
"Yes, Your Highness. I eagerly anticipate our dazzling future."
"I hope Antonio and Hopkins can become qualified actors...they need time, and so do we."
------
Qi Mountain. Pegasus Constellation.
Vermilion Bird-class Mother Ship.
In the spacious and bright meeting room, the Heavenly Mechanism Army’s leader Lu Yu, Flame-Bathed Legion’s Commander Kong Yinghan, and Thunder God Fleet’s Commander-in-Chief Hopkins gathered together.
These three are the main forces attacking the Qishan Group and the greatest contributors to this great victory.
They will represent the victors to accept the surrender document from the Mountain Qi Camp and proceed with a full reception and rectification of the Mountain Qi Camp.
"General Lu, when are we setting off?" Hopkins checked the time, urging, "Our scheduled time to accept the surrender document is approaching, I believe the Qi Mountain side is already prepared."
"Mr. Hopkins, please be patient." Lu Yu said with a smile, "Before I came over, I received a call from our Lord...on such an important day, he hopes to sincerely invite Prince Philip to attend and witness the event, saying he is his most ardent friend, and if he doesn’t come, this victory seems to lack something."
"Oh, so that’s the case, I truly envy their friendship."
"Yes, cheers to the friendship between our Lord and Prince Philip." Lu Yu once again raised his champagne glass.
Although Hopkins felt he had drunk quite a bit, he couldn’t refuse such a toast, immediately raising his glass, saying, "Cheers to the friendship between Your Highnesses, and to our camaraderie in battle."
"Mr. Hopkins, very soon you’ll be calling him Majesty."
"Hehehe, I do look forward to it, the youngest ruler of the Phoenix Empire."
While Lu Yu was drinking, he saw a new message prompt on his phone.
He glanced at the message and nonchalantly said, "Someone, please escort Mr. Hopkins to the little black room."
"..."
Hopkins.
What about our ardent friendship?
