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

"The Heavenly Star Chart? What's that?"

Xiao Dingshan then said to Xiao Yang, "It's something... that can unlock a secret treasure..."

After hearing Xiao Dingshan's words, Xiao Yang shook his head firmly and said, "This, I really don't know... Uncle, why do you think I would know these things..."

Xiao Ce then briefly explained the matter of the Heavenly Star Chart: "We thought that the previous emperor had been very kind to you, so we wondered if he had some secret he wanted to tell you privately..."

Seeing Xiao Ce's embarrassed expression, Xiao Yang then said, "Brother, I really know nothing about this... Is it possible that Father Emperor wasn't aware of anything either... Otherwise, why didn't he use such a crucial item when the regime was unstable...?"

Xiao Dingshan then said, "I know all this, and your father couldn't possibly not know... Clearly, he may have trusted himself far too much before... He didn't even consider that he himself might die..."

Xiao Yang nodded thoughtfully: "I really have never heard of that before... Listening to you all talk about these things is like listening to gibberish..."

Xiao Ce nodded: "Okay, it's alright if I don't know... So, are you sure you want to stay, right?"

Xiao Yang nodded, then said with great certainty, "That's right, do what you can..."

Xiao Ce nodded, then said, "Alright... then let's get straight to the point..."

Xiao Yang nodded earnestly: "Big brother, I'm all ears. I knew you would guide me..."

Xiao Ce smiled and, without wasting any words, explained to him the future development methods of the Roman Empire.

Previously, the intention was to manufacture cars and such here, so Xiao Ce instructed them to focus on industrial manufacturing.

The widespread adoption of automobiles will inevitably drive a whole host of industrial manufacturing.

However, many countries within the Western alliance are actually unwilling to do this.

After all, industrial manufacturing is a tough business with thin profit margins.

Therefore, they didn't feel there was anything wrong with proposing to do it.

However, once the entire industrial manufacturing sector in the West needed the Roman Empire, then the Roman Empire became an indispensable place.

After all, once a complete and large-scale supply chain system is established, the cost of relocating it is very high.

From now on, the power will lie with them...

Xiao Yang's eyes lit up immediately after hearing Xiao Ce's words.

He then excitedly said, "Brother, I knew it! It's you again... I've always wanted to know what role I should play in this Western Alliance, and after you said that, it all became clear... I suddenly understand..."

"Big brother, you're right... I understand! Big brother, please continue..."

Xiao Ce said, "Of course, manufacturing needs a monopoly and a system, and research is still necessary. Once manufacturing begins, there will inevitably be talents from all walks of life. You must pay attention to these talents and encourage their innovation. After manufacturing monopoly, the next step is technological monopoly..."

"In the future, the Western alliance will establish a series of patent-related restrictions..."

Xiao Yang was a smart man, and he immediately understood what Xiao Ce meant...

He nodded repeatedly, then said to Xiao Ce, "And then..."

Seeing the eagerness in Xiao Yang's eyes, Xiao Ce smiled and then said, "That's all..."

Xiao Yang was visibly stunned after hearing Xiao Ce's words, and then asked, "That's it?"

Xiao Ce smiled at Xiao Yang and then said, "That's right, that's all... These things are enough to keep you busy... You're still complaining that you can't finish? You're trying to do too much at once..."

Xiao Yang smiled and nodded, saying, "I just wanted to know more so I could try more things in the future..."

Xiao Ce said to Xiao Yang, "You need to know that these industrial systems exist and have been upgraded to a certain level. They can all be turned into war workshops whenever needed, do you understand?"

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Xiao Yang smiled and nodded, then nodded repeatedly, "Okay... I understand!"

Xiao Ce nodded, then said, "Alright, since you know..."

After Xiao Ce finished speaking, Xiao Yang talked about the Roman Empire.

Listening to what Xiao Yang said, it's clear that he has indeed grown...

And he has grown quite a bit...

They were talking, and because they were in a car, they were moving quite fast.

Xiao Yang found it strange that Xiao Dingshan looked so calm while sitting in the car.

Xiao Dingshan noticed Xiao Yang glancing at him every now and then, and said to Xiao Yang, "Xiao Yang, is there something you want to say by looking at me like this?"...

Seeing that Xiao Dingshan had taken the initiative to ask, Xiao Yang didn't hesitate and said directly to Xiao Dingshan, "Uncle, aren't you surprised by these advanced cars? Even these Westerners are quite amazed by them..."

Upon hearing Xiao Yang's words, Xiao Ce couldn't help but exchange a knowing glance with Xiao Dingshan.

Xiao Yang saw their smiles, gave an awkward laugh, and then asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Xiao Dingshan said, "If it were before, I would definitely be surprised... but I've seen something even more formidable..."

Seeing Xiao Yang's surprise, Xiao Dingshan then grabbed Xiao Yang's hand.

Xiao Yang was taken aback by Xiao Dingshan's sudden action and looked at him with confusion and asked, "Uncle, what's wrong?"

Xiao Dingshan simply took Xiao Yang's hand and placed it on his pulse...

Xiao Yang suddenly stared wide-eyed at Xiao Dingshan, clearly shocked once again.

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty...Uncle...you...you..."

Xiao Dingshan said, "That's right, I was already dead, but was later resurrected using some very advanced technology..."

Xiao Yang's eyes widened, and then he said to Xiao Dingshan, "So, you're a humanoid like Director Mi and the others?"

Xiao Ce was somewhat surprised to see that Xiao Yang was referring to a humanoid human, not a robot: "Why a humanoid human, not a robot?"

Xiao Yang directly followed up with Xiao Ce, saying, "Because robots are dull-witted; even some very intelligent robots' behavior is easily predictable. But humanoid robots, aside from their physical differences from normal people, have the same consciousness as humans..."

As he spoke, Xiao Yang looked at Xiao Ce questioningly and asked, "Big brother, is my analysis correct?"

Xiao Ce gave Xiao Yang a thumbs up and said, "Not bad, you've really gotten it..."

As they were talking, their car had already gone directly to Dragon City.

Xiao Ce had actually discovered the potential of the entire Roman Empire.

Moreover, Xiao Yang truly lived up to his words, adhering to the principle that "to get rich, build roads first."

Xiao Ce looked around and saw roads being built all over the Roman Empire, laying a solid foundation for its future transformation into an industrial superpower...

Their car attracted a lot of attention after entering Dragon City.

After all, their Dark Light brand cars are rare finds everywhere...

Just then, Xiao Yang said to Xiao Ce, "Brother, should we go with sister-in-law to talk to her?"

Xiao Ce waved his hand, then said to Xiao Yang, "No need, go give her a surprise."

Xiao Yang nodded in agreement.

Xiao Ce asked, "Xiao Yang, what is Yin Pan'er busy with?"

Xiao Yang said to Xiao Ce, "He's working with some experts from Dragon Kingdom City on some planning, urban planning, and some legal reforms..."

After hearing Xiao Yang's words, Xiao Ce nodded and then said, "Would it affect you if I took her away?"

Xiao Yang waved his hand: "Probably not. After all, my sister-in-law did a lot while you were gone..."

"His plans are enough to sustain this area's development for some time..."

Xiao Ce thought there was some truth to it.

As they were talking, they stopped next to a house.

Seeing that Xiao Ce was looking at him, Xiao Dingshan, being quite adept at handling the situation, waved his hand at Xiao Ce and said, "Alright, Xiao Ce, you can go now. This Dragon Kingdom City is quite interesting; I'll have Xiao Yang show me around..."

Xiao Ce naturally understood Xiao Dingshan's meaning and didn't hesitate.

I got off the car first. The house wasn't big, but it was antique and had a style reminiscent of the Xiao Kingdom.

At the door were a few of Director Mi's underlings, who were clearly surprised to see Xiao Ce.

"Mr. Xiao Ce...why are you back?"

Xiao Ce smiled at them and said, "Are you surprised?"

The leader, named Mi Hu, nodded: "That's right, I'll go and report to Lady Yin Pan'er right away..."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "No need, I'll give them a surprise..."

Mi Hu nodded first, then looked at Xiao Ce warily and said, "You are Mr. Xiao Ce himself, aren't you...?"

Upon hearing his words, Xiao Ce immediately whispered their password into his ear.

After hearing the passwords Xiao Ce gave him, Mi Hu nodded.

"Mr. Xiao Ce, Lady Yin Pan'er is in the study in the backyard discussing the blueprints for the drainage ditch with several craftsmen. If you want to surprise her, you'd better walk quietly..."

After hearing Mi Hu's words, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, then walked into the house.

Xiao Ce walked very lightly along the bluestone path to the backyard. Passing the moon gate, he saw the study window was open, and from inside came Yin Pan'er's gentle voice...

“This drainage ditch must be moved three feet further east, otherwise those shops on the street corner will still be flooded during the rainy season.”

Yin Pan'er's fingertip touched the unfolded blueprints, her brows furrowing slightly: "Also, the bricks and stones should be of a higher grade. Since we're going to do it, let's do it right the first time and not let the people suffer again."

The old craftsman beside him nodded hurriedly, "Don't worry, Lord Yin, we'll revise the blueprints immediately, and we'll make it exactly as you say."

Standing to the side, the maid Xiaoyue held a teacup. Seeing the craftsmen nod in agreement, she smiled and said, "Miss, you've been staring at these blueprints for three days. Take a break; your eyes must be sore."

Yin Pan'er rubbed her temples, about to speak, when she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure standing outside the window.

She abruptly stopped, the pen in her hand falling onto the paper with a "thud," leaving a small black stain from the ink.

"Miss, what's wrong?" Xiaoyue followed her gaze and froze on the spot, almost dropping the teacup in her hand.

Before the craftsmen in the study could react, Yin Pan'er had already strode to the window, pushed it open, and asked in a trembling voice filled with disbelief, "Xiao Ce? You... how did you get back?"

As Yin Pan'er spoke, she lightly pinched herself...

Seeing the tears welling up in her eyes, Xiao Ce's heart softened, and he stepped into the study: "I missed you, so I came back."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er blushed, threw herself into his arms, and tightly gripped his clothes with both hands, her tears silently soaking his sleeves.

Xiaoyue and the craftsmen tactfully slipped out, leaving the space to them.

"I didn't expect you to come back so soon..."

Yin Pan'er's voice choked with sobs, and she was interrupted by Xiao Ce before she could finish speaking.

"What's wrong? Did someone make you feel wronged?"

Hearing the hint of hostility in Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er immediately waved her hand and said, "No, no, no... no, I'm just happy... Actually, I've been with you all this time, and being separated from you for a while has been quite a withdrawal reaction..."

Xiao Ce felt a warmth in his heart after hearing Yin Pan'er's words, after all, Yin Pan'er hadn't hidden her thoughts...

Following Xiao Ce's expression of longing.

Xiao Ce gently stroked Yin Pan'er's hair, then said, "Isn't this a special case?"

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er smiled and nodded, then said, "Your Highness, you've come at this hour. It seems your trip went very smoothly..."

After listening to Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce nodded and said, "Not bad...it went quite smoothly...we've made some gains...and I should say I've initially stabilized the West..."

Yin Pan'er's eyes widened: "It's stable? Although you tricked Nie Bing, but..."

Xiao Ce nodded, and before Yin Pan'er could finish speaking, he interjected, "She's no longer a problem..."

With a puzzled look, Yin Pan'er looked at Xiao Ce and asked, "Your Highness, what do you mean?"

Xiao Ce said calmly, "I've already taken care of her..."

Yin Pan'er's expression changed immediately after hearing Xiao Ce's words...

He looked somewhat exhausted, and after a long while, he said with a pale expression, "This is the path she chose herself..."