An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

More than an hour later, the lights in the study in the front yard were brightly lit.

Xu Zize, his attendants Qingfeng and Lüying, Jing Chunxi, and Ah Qi gathered together. The atmosphere in the study was a bit solemn. They sat around a rustic wooden table, lit by several oil lamps. The dim light cast shadows on the walls, swaying gently in the breeze.

Qingfeng and Ah Qi each reported what they had learned. Qingfeng's voice was clear and steady as he recounted the information he had gathered, while Ah Qi added to his own understanding. Although their reports came from different sources, their accounts of the situation on the beach were largely consistent.

After careful analysis, Qingfeng and Luying concluded that Jian'an County had not been invaded by the Japanese at all. Instead, nearly 20,000 of the 50,000 naval soldiers had disappeared. These soldiers had been deployed to the mountains to train the captured civilians.

"The prince really is raising a private army."

Although there had been suspicions before, now there was solid evidence and a final conclusion. Upon hearing this news, everyone couldn't help but look surprised and turned to look at Xu Zize. However, Xu Zize remained calm, as if he had already anticipated this outcome.

The facts were clear, but Jing Chunxi couldn't comprehend them. Frowning, she said in confusion, "He clearly had a sure win, just waiting to take the throne. Why would he do this?"

The prince could obtain the throne without any effort or risk, so why would he take such a risk? Rebellion is punishable by death! He couldn't have failed to understand.

Xu Zize looked at Jing Chunxi, shook his head, smiled slightly, and then continued: "Throughout the dynasties, there have been countless cases where the crown prince was unable to succeed to the throne smoothly..." He paused and continued, "And... he couldn't wait."

Xu Zize's gaze swept over everyone present, and he continued, "The current emperor's succession to the throne was illegitimate, and he may even have committed regicide. He was also extremely suspicious, causing countless tragedies and the slaughter of countless loyal ministers. He worries about revenge every day, and I'm afraid he can't sleep peacefully at night."

"So, he may not completely trust the prince."

"He is only two years older than my father and is in his prime. If nothing unexpected happens, he will succeed to the throne in 20 or 30 years. The crown prince may not be able to wait that long." Xu Zize's voice was low and powerful, as if telling a heavy royal fate.

"Twenty or thirty years have passed. Now the young prince has grown up and poses a considerable threat to the throne." His words made everyone present fall into deep thought. These words opened up new horizons for them, and when Xu Zize said them again, everyone suddenly became enlightened.

"And if one has enough strength, even if the fight for the throne fails, with mountains, rivers, and islands where one can move freely, retreating to Jian'an and Jiujiang and becoming king alone would be the worst option." Xu Zize's analysis made everyone nod their heads, feeling that it made a lot of sense.

After hearing what Xu Zize said, Ah Qi was already stunned in his chair. He recalled all his previous interactions with Young Master Tao, and now, he finally understood Young Master Tao's identity.

After hesitating for a moment, Ah Qi stood up, took two steps back, and knelt down in front of Xu Zize. After a long while, he said in a trembling voice, "Ah Qi has been blind and has not recognized the great man. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

He continued, "Ah Qi's people were among those killed. Even my father's line, though a branch, was not spared. I was fortunate to be taken in by General Jing, and that's how I survived." Ah Qi raised his head. His face was tearless, but his eyes were filled with indomitable determination. He was revealing his identity and his resolve.

"Get up! The Jing family is worthy of your following. You - protect the young lady." Xu Zize didn't say anything extra. He just stepped forward, patted Ah Qi's shoulder, and gave him a light support.

He also left a sentence: "The debt owed by that person must be repaid!"

The last sentence was like a sharp sword, piercing Ah Qi's heart. His eyes instantly became moist, but he quickly wiped away the tears, and his eyes became unusually firm.

Everyone returned to their seats and started talking about tonight again.

Qingfeng frowned and said, "It's just that this is a bit strange. They sent so many sailors and captured so many people. According to our calculations, the number of people in the Jianfeng Mountain area alone is not enough. There must be other hiding places."

Green Shadow looked a little exhausted, but he was still holding on. He shook his head helplessly and added, "But we've been following the clues for so long, but we haven't found another stronghold. According to our estimate, there are at least 30,000 people on the other side."

As Jing Chunxi pondered their conversation, a light suddenly flashed through her mind. She suddenly looked at Ah Qi, who was also lost in thought, seemingly having thought of something.

Jing Chunxi's heart moved, and he blurted out: "Is it possible in Sanming County?"

Everyone looked at her in surprise. Xu Zize hurriedly asked, "Xi'er, why do you say that? Sanming County is a bit far away. It used to be the territory of Jiujiang County. It's unlikely."

"That day on the boat," Jing Chunxi recalled what the fat man had said, "that Lieutenant General Xu was scolding the purchasing manager on the boat, saying that purchasing wasn't as good as what was done in Sanming County."

After hearing what Jing Chunxi said, Ah Qi seemed to suddenly understand. He looked at Jing Chunxi with a hint of joy. The two of them blurted out tacitly: "It's in Sanming County!"

Seeing everyone's skeptical expressions, not knowing why they were so sure, Ah Qi added, "It should be in the mountains behind the Sanming County checkpoint."

He and Jing Chunxi clearly remembered the scene when they passed the Sanming County checkpoint.

At that time, Chongsan sent half a barrel of wild boar meat and a large barrel of fish to the checkpoint. It was at that time that the little follower blurted out, "By the time you return, we may have retreated to the mountains."

Later, when Chongsan reported to them, he specifically mentioned that when the little follower said this, he turned his head and glanced at the mountain behind him. This detail did not attract their attention at the time, but now, in retrospect, it became a key clue.

Ah Qi and Jing Chunxi exchanged a glance, a flicker of excitement in their eyes. They believed this speculation was very likely correct. If the prince's private soldiers were truly hiding in the mountains of Sanming County, then perhaps they could find the key to unraveling the prince's conspiracy.

The atmosphere in the library grew even more tense, and everyone fell into deep thought. Xu Zize's brow furrowed. From what the two had deduced, it was clear that the Crown Prince's other troop base was in Sanming County.

"That's great. I knew Xi'er was here. She will definitely be able to help Brother Xiaokang."

Xu Zize's sudden words resolved everyone's doubts and the atmosphere became cheerful.

Everyone understands that the next step is how to break it.

Time passed quietly in silence, and the lights in the library were still dim, but everyone's determination was like a burning flame, illuminating the dark road ahead.