resettlement

In the official records of the Blackstone Barony, both Mada and Zhou Tai are unquestionably local residents.

"Exactly, with independent quarters and readily available manpower, a brief period of reorganization is all that's needed for the patrol fleet to become a reliable force." Mada stated calmly.

Zhoutai remained silent, nodding slightly.

"The Baron's lineage originates from the Court Earl, and the current title holder is the Baron's great-uncle. The fleet dispatched to the Baron's domain is commanded by his second son, Wang Jingyi. Although he ranks as the Baron's second uncle, he doesn't belong to the main branch.

The fleet consists of three Fire Warships, forty assault ships, and twelve miscellaneous function ships, totaling fifty-five vessels. The combat ratings of the three Ignition-class battleships are as follows: Bluebird, lv18; Battle Sword, lv11; Horse Slayer, lv10.

Accompanying the fleet's arrival at the Baron's domain are two legitimate descendants from the main family, Wang Jinqiu and Wang Jinli.

Wang Jinqiu serves as captain of the Horse Slayer, twenty-two years old, Intermediate Level 1 in Body Tempering Arts, renowned as a rising star within the family. His personality is inconsistent.

Wang Jinli serves as captain of the Battle Sword, twenty-one years old, Intermediate Level 0 in Body Tempering Arts, favoring a straightforward persona to conceal himself."

Mada then briefly described the fleet from the capital star system that belongs to the Baron's main family.

Despite being a Count, even in the form of a Court Earl without actual land, such a titular Count still possesses considerable wealth.

Wang Dong understood that this was due to the sole shipyard in the capital star system capable of producing standardized Fire Warships for the Bauhinia Kingdom. This results in richer and more accessible resources in related areas within the capital star system.

Wang Jinqiu and Wang Jinli were individuals Wang Dong had extensive dealings with in his previous life.

At that time, he viewed these two as "primary competitors."

Supported by a large fleet and the high noble background from their main family, Wang Jinqiu indeed matched Mada's description—he might not be lacking in power.

In his previous life, he had caused Wang Dong considerable trouble.

In several direct confrontations, Wang Dong gained little advantage.

Regarding the intelligence actively gathered by Mada, Wang Dong was already well aware. However, he did not disregard it and earnestly inquired of Mada, "What is your opinion on the current situation?"

"Based on the intelligence collected so far, His Excellency the Baron still maintains sufficient control over the barony. The current situation in the Baron's domain isn't as chaotic as it appears to outsiders.

Your Excellency Wang Dong, it seems you already have a significant advantage in the succession dispute. Neither your younger brother nor the two from the main family are actually your opponents. Your true opponent is yourself."

Mada didn't elaborate further but offered a direct conclusion.

Perhaps in his view, such obvious facts didn't require detailed analysis.

Or maybe it was a kind of test for Wang Dong.

After all, their acquaintance and interaction had been too brief, requiring further contact and adjustment.

Wang Dong smiled faintly, not pressing further but turning to Zhoutai, "What's your take?"

"Those three Fire Warships aren't a match for the Cyborg, and with just one jump through the shield, I could easily capture any of them," Zhoutai muttered sullenly.

Wang Dong nodded, not doubting Zhoutai's combat prowess.

Both being Intermediate Level Body-building Arts, Zhoutai's actual combat strength should surpass Lin Hui's.

Having experienced life-and-death struggles all the way from the Plantagenet Federation, traversing half of the Bauhinia Kingdom, this kind of experience wasn't something any random captain could possess.

As for Wang Jingyi, his spirit was already lost, devoid of any fighting spirit. Wang Dong didn't care about him.

"Mada's right. I've almost secured the position of heir. Unless the Baron is incapacitated beyond governance, the title won't pass into the hands of non-direct bloodlines. With the young Baron still a minor and numerous internal and external problems within the Baron's domain, especially persistent external pressures, he clearly can't handle the leadership. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I'm destined to ascend. The timing of my ascension isn't certain and depends on the development of subsequent events. But I'll strive to establish my claim to the heirship in the near future. As for the main family's fleet, Wang Jingyi lacks ambition and prefers to go with the flow, making an actual conflict unlikely. The Baron's domain boasts eight Grand Knights, plus the Baron's own Black Stone, surpassing the main family's fleet in strength by far. Wang Jingyi won't dare to use force to seize it."

At this point, Wang Dong furrowed his brow slightly and said, "Instead, Wang Jinqiu and Wang Jinli are the ones to watch. Wang Jinqiu appears noble on the surface but is actually cunning, requiring vigilance. Wang Jinli seems straightforward, without hidden agendas, but in reality, he has no moral boundaries and a very low bottom line. Once instigated, he's easily pushed beyond limits. Measuring him with normal thinking often catches us off guard."

After speaking, Wang Dong looked at Mada and asked, "Is there a way to keep an eye on these two guys? No need for anything extra, just to ensure we're prepared ahead of them causing trouble."

Mada didn't focus on Wang Dong's understanding and judgment of the main family's visitors.

In his view, gathering intelligence was also a form of capability.

Regardless of its source, as long as the intelligence was accurate, it sufficed.

He nodded calmly and said, "No problem. With the pretext of the patrol fleet, our actions will be much more convenient."

Wang Dong smiled, "I'll leave it to you with confidence. If there are any other issues, like funds, feel free to mention them to me, and I'll find a solution."

"Although the floating wealth of the Cybone Pirate Group has been handed over to Knight Chen Shaiyi as part of the spoils of war, most of it has been used to reward all members of the escort fleet. But Zhoutai has some resources on his side, enough for now, so there's no need for you to worry about funds on the account. It's just that I personally have some inconveniences and hope Your Excellency can help."

After a moment of contemplation, Mada nodded slightly and said with a faint smile.

Wang Dong was somewhat surprised, but he quickly speculated in his mind.

"Right now, we're all like grasshoppers on the same boat. Just tell me what you need, and it'll be no problem."

"I have some family members planning to move to live within the Baron's domain, but I don't want to openly associate with them. What do you think..."

Mada, departing from his usual calm demeanor, looked hopefully at Wang Dong.

Wang Dong nodded silently to himself. As expected, she was Mada's beloved younger sister.

Since childhood, both parents of Sima Zhongda have died, and he's relied on his only sister.

This time, pretending to be dead and hiding from chasing responsibilities under the name "Mada" has been concealed under Wang Dong's flag.

His sister must be taken away, and it is impossible to leave her alone in the Jin family to take accountability of Sima Zhongda's actions.