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

Night fell, like a giant velvet curtain, slowly enveloping Rock Harbor.

The daytime hustle and bustle gradually subsided, leaving only the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore and the distant, rhythmic beam of lighthouse piercing the darkness.

Inside the port, the roar of heavy equipment ceased, leaving only the rhythmic footsteps of patrolling soldiers and the occasional command echoing in the night air.

The beams of searchlight swept across the empty dock and the moored ships, adding to the solemn atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in the small courtyard where Xiao Ce and the others were, the sound of mahjong tiles could still be heard from time to time.

Meanwhile, Qi Lin on the other side was also not disguised, ostensibly on patrol.

After wandering around the entire port, they seemingly casually arrived at the outside of Xiao Ce and his group's residence.

Just outside the door, Qi Lin heard the sound of mahjong tiles clattering.

Upon hearing the sound of mahjong tiles, Qi Lin was almost certain of his guess.

Because mahjong has now become a very popular form of leisure in the Xiao Kingdom...

After hearing this noise, Qi Lin was certain.

At that moment, the guards on this side were all Xing Wudao's men, and also his confidants.

The guards bowed to Qi Lin after looking at him.

Qi Lin said, "The merchants we brought back from the sea last night are all here."

The guards all nodded.

Qi Lin nodded: "Then I'll go in and take a look."

These guards had already been instructed, so naturally they wouldn't say anything more.

After Qi Lin went inside, he knocked on the door once he reached the outside.

The sound of mahjong tiles falling inside the room stopped abruptly...

A moment later, the door was pulled open a crack from the inside, revealing Da Lei's resolute and alert face.

Upon seeing Qi Lin standing outside the door, Da Lei smiled slightly and then said in a low voice, "General Qi Lin, please come in."

After hearing Da Lei's words, Qi Lin looked at Da Lei and was clearly not surprised at all.

They seemed to be waiting for him.

The scene inside made Qi Lin's pupils shrink slightly. Under a bright gaslight, four people sat around a square table: Xiao Ce in the center, Yin Pan'er on either side, and Xiao Yue and Da Lei who had just gotten up. Scattered on the table were exquisitely carved bone mahjong tiles...

Most striking were the three men, including Director Mi, standing like steel statues in the corner of the room, along with three other men with equally cold demeanors. Their presence filled the ordinary lounge with an invisible pressure...

Qi Lin's gaze immediately locked onto Xiao Ce, who had stood up.

Xiao Ce did not make any pretense.

That face, which has appeared countless times in portraits, statues, and even currency, is now truly before my eyes!

Although he appeared more composed than in the portrait, his deep, unfathomable eyes, his calm and composed demeanor as if he had everything under control, and his nonchalant attitude were something that no one could imitate!

Then came Yin Pan'er, who was standing next to Xiao Ce. She was also familiar with Yin Pan'er.

Back then, when Yin Pan'er was in the Northern Desert Prince's Mansion, he was just a lowly soldier.

When he saw that these two people perfectly matched the person he had imagined...

An uncontrollable surge of heat rushed to Qi Lin's eyes and throat.

All the speculation and anticipation transformed into an overwhelming sense of certainty at that moment...

He practically staggered forward two steps, completely disregarding his status as the highest military commander of Rock Harbor...

He knelt heavily on both knees before Xiao Ce!

"This humble general, Qi Lin, pays his respects to Your Highness!"

"Your Highness...you...you've really returned! This humble general...this humble general..."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Qi Lin, a general known for his composure, was momentarily speechless, his body trembling uncontrollably.

This unexpected grand gesture prompted Xiao Ce to quickly step forward, firmly supporting Qi Lin's arms and lifting him up: "General Qi, please rise! There's no need for such a grand gesture. There are no princes here, only Mr. Xiao who needs help."

Xiao Ce preferred the way Qi Lin addressed him.

In fact, these core members were all 'trained' by Han Da and his team.

Because Han Da knew that Xiao Ce was elusive and never appeared, he didn't know when or in what form Xiao Ce would appear.

Therefore, to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Han Da told Xiao Ce's most trusted people about some of his preferences and taboos.

This was so that if his subordinates might encounter Xiao Ce in the future, they wouldn't necessarily have to curry favor with him, but at least they wouldn't offend him...

Han Da's approach was quite useful; at least for now, it gave Qi Lin a good first impression on Xiao Ce.

Qi Lin nodded to Xiao Ce, then turned to Yin Pan'er and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness..."

Yin Pan'er waved her hand in return, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite.

Yin Pan'er didn't say much...

Qi Lin maintained a humble demeanor: "Your Highness, Your Highness...it's wonderful that you are both safe and sound!"

"Alright, Qi Lin, relax!"

Seeing Qi Lin's tense expression, Xiao Ce gently patted his arm to comfort him: "It's good to see you, and it's good to see Panshi Port. I'm very pleased. Sit down and let's talk."

He pointed to the chair next to him.

Yin Pan'er also said gently, "General Qi, please sit down. The prince's journey is secretive and he still needs your assistance."

Qi Lin took a few deep breaths to calm his turbulent emotions, and sat down as instructed, but his body remained ramrod straight, maintaining absolute respect for Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, I understand! Xing Wudao has already hinted to me, and I have ordered the news to be kept under wraps. Everyone inside and outside Jing'an Residence is a trusted confidant, so there is absolutely no risk of leaks! Whatever Your Highness commands, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Xiao Ce nodded: "Qi Lin, you did a good job. My return this time must be kept absolutely secret."

There are two reasons: First, I need to secretly investigate the current situation of the Xiao Kingdom and the East Asian Alliance, and I do not want to alarm any parties, lest I alert them; second...

Xiao Ce's eyes suddenly sharpened: "My royal uncle, Xiao Dingshan, was kidnapped by a mysterious person within the Roman Empire. The person left a letter asking me to return to Xiao Kingdom to meet him! The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light, so I must act with caution."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin even wondered if there was something wrong with his ears.

"Your Highness, you mean...you mean...King Zheng, Xiao Dingshan?"

Clearly, according to Qi Lin and his group's information, the King of Zhen had already died back then...

Xiao Ce nodded.

Qi Lin said with a grim expression, "Your Highness, are you sure you're not mistaken... Didn't King Xiao Dingshan of Zhen Kingdom pass away a long time ago?"

Xiao Ce didn't say much to Qi Lin, and went straight to the point: "That was a fake death... He's still alive... However, he's been kidnapped..."

Seeing Xiao Ce say this, Qi Lin was already certain that Xiao Dingshan was alive.

After all, Xiao Ce didn't have time to listen to his nonsense...

"What?! The King of Zhen has been kidnapped?!"

Qi Lin looked tense: "Who dares to be so bold! This humble general..."

He was so excited he almost stood up again.

Xiao Ce raised his hand to signal him to calm down: "Don't be impatient. There are many suspicious points in this matter. The other party's strength is unpredictable, and their target is clearly me."

Acting rashly will only bring harm. The most urgent task is for me to understand the true situation of the Xiao Kingdom and even the entire East Asian Alliance.

I have been away for several years, and although we have occasionally kept in touch, it has always been superficial. You are in a strategically important naval port, well-informed, and deeply trusted by Han Da. You can speak frankly to me.

Tell me, who is in charge of the Xiao Kingdom now? What is the military and political structure like? What is the state of public and military morale?

Upon hearing this, Qi Lin quickly suppressed his shock and anger, and his expression became extremely solemn.

He knew this was a sign of the prince's immense trust in him, and a crucial moment for him to repay the prince's kindness. He quickly gathered his thoughts and began his report clearly and logically: "Yes, Your Highness..."

"Your Highness! Since you went to the West to strategize and plan, Prime Minister Yin Weiyong has taken on this important task on your orders."

Based on the national policies and strategies established by Your Highness, Prime Minister Yin presides over the administration of Xiao Kingdom and the East Asian Alliance. Now, Prime Minister Yin's official position is President of Xiao Kingdom, overseeing the coordination and management of all administrative, legislative, and judicial affairs.

At the same time, due to your and the presidents of East Asian countries' instructions, and because of your high moral character and tactful approach, you were jointly nominated by the member states of the East Asian Union to serve as the president of the East Asian Union, responsible for coordinating relations among member states and handling major issues such as common diplomacy and economy.

Prime Minister Yin governs the country in accordance with Your Highness's policy of "putting the people first and developing industry"!

In recent years, having escaped the quagmire of impending national collapse, the Xiao Kingdom has seen its national strength rise steadily, and the people's livelihood has improved significantly. Although there have been frictions within the alliance due to differing ideologies, the overall situation remains stable thanks to the mediation of Prime Minister Yin.

The people deeply respect Prime Minister Yin and are even more grateful to Your Highness for the peaceful and prosperous era you have created.

Xiao Ce nodded slightly.

He trusted Yin Weiyong's abilities and skills, and it was expected that he could stabilize the overall situation. In fact, as long as they strictly implemented the policies he gave before leaving, there would be no problem with the overall policy.

"With Chancellor Yin in charge of government affairs, I have no worries. But what about military affairs? How is Han Da doing now?"

When military affairs were mentioned, Qi Lin straightened his back even more, as if he had been asked about his area of ​​expertise!

"In military affairs, General Han Da has made outstanding contributions! General Han is currently the Grand Marshal of the East Asian Alliance Allied Forces, in charge of the Alliance's Navy, Army, and Air Force, holding the highest military command authority in the Alliance, and reporting directly to the Alliance Council. Under Marshal Han's command, the three armed forces of the Alliance have a clear division of labor and are heavily fortified, jointly forging an ironclad defense line in East Asia!"

Hearing Qi Lin speak so excitedly, Xiao Ce could tell that there was some personal emotion behind his words.

However, Xiao Ce could discern the truth automatically, so he did not interrupt.

He explained in detail: "The entire alliance's three armies are actually the result of the three-army system that Your Highness left behind."

"The three services are the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The positions are: Grand Marshal, who commands the three services, Marshal of the three services, General, Lieutenant General, and Major General."

Xiao Ce understood this; it was part of the military reforms he had been working on since his departure, and clearly, they were progressing very smoothly...

Therefore, Xiao Ce did not interrupt.

Qi Lin then explained in detail: "The current Army Marshal is General Shen Bao."

Marshal Shen commands all ground troops of the alliance, with key garrisons located along the long northern and western borders and at major strategic locations.

Marshal Shen was extremely strict in disciplining his troops, deeply understanding the essence of Your Highness's training guidelines. His army was formidable, well-equipped, and heavily armed with automatic weapons, light artillery, and armored vehicles designed and later improved by Your Highness. Marshal Shen was utterly loyal to Your Highness, often saying that the army was Your Highness's sword and shield.

I thought Qi Lin would only praise Han Da, but I never expected him to praise the other generals as well.

Xiao Ce still remembered Shen Hu. He had been valued by him when they were in Maoming City, and Shen Hu was in charge of the Tiger and Leopard Stronghold. However, Xiao Ce did not provide them with any special support.

Unexpectedly, their development took an unexpected turn...

Seeing that Xiao Ce did not interrupt, Qi Lin continued, "As for the naval marshal, it is concurrently held by Grand Marshal Han Da. Because the construction of the navy is extremely costly and involves a high degree of technological integration, Marshal Han personally takes charge of it."

"Your Highness, before you lies the Rock Harbor, as well as several other newly built large naval ports and shipyards in Xiao Kingdom and even the Alliance, and those ironclad warships,"

Qi Lin proudly pointed to the outline of the giant ship that was faintly visible in the night outside the window!

"These are all the result of Marshal Han's painstaking efforts! The navy bears the heavy responsibility of protecting the long coastline, the safety of waterways, and maritime deterrence. The Eastern Defense Zone, where I am stationed, was established under Marshal Han's direct planning."

Xiao Ce nodded, then interjected, "Although Han Da holds the position concurrently, you should be the one actually in charge, right?"

Qi Lin observed Xiao Ce's approach to problems, always getting straight to the point, and gave an awkward smile before nodding, "Your Highness is wise. I'm responsible for execution. After all, Grand Marshal Han has many things to worry about..."

Xiao Ce nodded, then said to Xiao Ce Qi Lin, "That means you will be the future marshal..."

Qi Lin, somewhat confused by Xiao Ce's words, simply bowed and said, "This humble general is terrified..."

Xiao Ce said to Qi Lin, "You have the ability, and you should take on this responsibility... Besides, from what I've seen along the way, you are strict in disciplining your troops... You are capable of handling this..."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's praise, Qi Lin's tense expression eased considerably.

Seeing that he had stopped, Xiao Ce gestured for him to continue...

Qi Lin then bowed and said, "Finally, the Air Force Marshal is General Wei Wuji. Marshal Wei commands all the air forces of the Alliance. Currently, our main equipment is the improved version of the 'airship' that Your Highness proposed back then. It has a larger payload and a longer range, and is mainly used for reconnaissance, transport, and small-scale bombing."

Meanwhile, based on some forward-looking sketches left by Your Highness, the research institute, with Marshal Han's support, is secretly conducting preliminary research on heavier-than-air aircraft in conjunction with the Tianji Academy, but progress is slow and it has not yet achieved combat capability. However, Marshal Wei is meticulous in his actions, and the air force bases are all kept secret, making them the eyes of the alliance in the sky, and they can play a significant role.