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

Qi Lin looked at Xiao Ce and nodded, then continued to summarize: "The most important factor in all of this is Your Highness. Under the national policy you initially set and Marshal Han's strong promotion, military affairs and political affairs have been strictly separated at the alliance level and within the Xiao Kingdom."

President Yoon and his government have no authority to directly mobilize the military. The command, personnel, logistics, and training of the military are all independently managed by the General Staff Headquarters, headed by Marshal Han, and are accountable only to the Alliance Council and to you.

This measure effectively prevented the abuse of power and ensured the purity and combat effectiveness of the military. Whether under Marshal Shen or Marshal Wei, or in the navy and local garrison units, the highest belief and goal in the hearts of all soldiers was singular...

That is to be loyal to the Prince and protect the foundation and peace he established! Marshal Han enjoys extremely high prestige, the entire army is devoted to him, and his orders are as solid as a mountain!

Xiao Ce nodded, then said to Qi Lin, "Good, it seems they did a good job... So there's no conflict between Yin Weiyong and Han Da, right?"

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin looked at him with some doubt and said, "Your Highness, no. Prime Minister Yin and Marshal Han are on the same side. They have both inherited your will, and there is no problem with them... If there is any friction, it may be with the other member states in East Asia due to some differences in ideology."

"However, Prime Minister Yin has managed to resolve it. Marshal Han said that these internal frictions are normal... even teeth and tongue sometimes clash... and besides, they were all fighting for their own interests, so it's not a real problem... everyone can resolve these issues through friendly consultation..."

Xiao Ce nodded: "Then what problems and hidden dangers exist within our Xiao Kingdom?"

Xiao Ce decided to leave the external conflicts aside for the time being, since Han Da now held all military power. With this lifeline in his hands, they could only make empty threats.

Conflicts that escalate into arguments are not usually major conflicts...

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin seemed to be thinking, or perhaps hesitant...

Xiao Ce said to Qi Lin, "Qi Lin, what's wrong? Do you have any concerns?"

Qi Lin shook his head and said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, of course not... Marshal Han told us that our first duty is to obey you. Even if you order us to kill him, we will do it..."

"I was just trying to start with..."

After hearing Qi Lin's words, Xiao Ce nodded: "No rush, take your time thinking... However, I want the truth..."

Qi Lin nodded respectfully, then said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, that's for sure..."

"The Xiao Kingdom still has some problems..."

"Firstly, some old nobles colluded with newly wealthy merchants. Your Highness's policies of land reform, support for industry and commerce, and suppression of mergers, while benefiting all people, also touched the interests of many old powerful families and insatiable merchants who had expanded rapidly under the new policies."

They secretly colluded, funding so-called scholars to advocate for a return to tradition and restrictions on the monarch's power, attempting to influence policy. Prime Minister Yin adopted a strategy of delaying escalation, simultaneously cracking down on their illegal activities such as tax evasion and market monopolies according to law, while also using incentives to divide and weaken them. Currently, the situation is under control, but the underlying risks remain.

Xiao Ce nodded. He knew very well that some deeply rooted aristocratic families would always survive and rise again under various extreme circumstances... This was inevitable...

Qi Lin continued, "Secondly, there are the Star Resistance Organizations and terrorist attacks. They are mainly supported secretly by the aforementioned forces or disgruntled individuals, and are mostly active in remote areas or on the outskirts of large cities."

Their methods are despicable, often involving suicide attacks and sabotage of factory facilities, with targets frequently being government or military symbols or important public works projects.

Marshal Han has ordered garrison troops and internal security forces across the country to strengthen their suppression and defense efforts. Marshal Shen's army special forces have also participated in several operations, eliminating several groups. However, the remnants, like centipedes, are persistent and their movements are becoming increasingly secretive. This is why checkpoints at various passes and ports are becoming increasingly stringent. The Fifth Circuit Intendant's interception of the Prince last night was simply a routine defense operation.

"These people are all extremists; they're not afraid of death, and they have no ties to their cause. They're all suicide squads... so there's no way to capture them, nor can we trace them back to their hideout..."

Xiao Ce nodded, thinking to himself that if Xiao Dingshan had been kidnapped, it must be inextricably linked to this organization...

Xiao Ce did not interrupt, so Qi Lin continued, "Thirdly, regarding... regarding the rumors about your mysterious 'death' and return."

Qi Lin lowered his voice: "Your Highness, ever since you left Xiao Kingdom and went to the West, news about your... misfortune has occasionally circulated. Although it has been strongly suppressed by Prime Minister Yin and Marshal Han, it has never stopped."

Over the past year, such rumors have intensified and come in numerous versions. Even more strangely, recently there have been sporadic rumors claiming that you...you have not passed away and are about to return.

This aligns with the direction of the top-secret intelligence Marshal Han received, but its source is extremely secretive and difficult to trace. This humble general dares to guess that this might... be related to the forces that kidnapped the King of Zhen and lured you back to Xiao Kingdom! They seem to be intentionally stirring up trouble, or... testing something?

The information Qi Lin shared confirmed Xiao Yang's earlier warnings and also revealed deeper undercurrents.

Especially the rumors about his "life or death" are so coincidental in timing that it is almost certain that they are from the same force that kidnapped the royal uncle!

They are not only taking action, but also manipulating public opinion.

Xiao Ce listened, his eyes narrowing slightly, and nodded: "So there aren't any major problems internally, right?"

Qi Lin nodded: "Your Highness, that's right, at least as far as I know... that should be it! Of course, I don't deal with anything more in-depth..."

Xiao Ce nodded, then said to Qi Lin, "Alright, then I understand everything..."

Qi Lin nodded: "Your Highness, is there anything I can do next?"

After hearing Qi Lin's words, Xiao Ce remained silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No need. Just concealing my identity is enough... I'll handle the rest myself. I'll continue to use my identity as a merchant from the Golden Society; that way, I shouldn't attract attention when traveling in Xiao Kingdom..."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin nodded and said, "That's right, no problem. I'll give you a pass later, no problem at all..."

After hearing Qi Lin's words, Xiao Ce nodded and then said, "By the way, you haven't told me about the current situation of the Golden Society..."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin smiled and then said, "Your Highness, that's exactly what I wanted to say..."

"This Golden Society can now be called an uncrowned treasury in East Asia. Its chairman is still Qian Lai, whom Your Highness personally appointed and who has your deep trust. Mr. Qian, you should know this, right?"

Xiao Ce nodded: "Not bad, he's managed to hold onto his position as president."

While Qian Lai is indeed shrewd, capable, and far-sighted, he is also quite old.

There are probably many more trivial matters involved in this Golden Gathering...

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin nodded: "That's right. Although Mr. Qian Lai is the president, he is getting old. Although he still holds the general direction of the association, the specific daily operations have been handed over to his two brothers, Qian Dafang and Qian Dahai, to be in full charge."

Qi Lin continued, "Your Highness, you should be familiar with these two brothers as well..."

Xiao Ce nodded with a smile. These two people had supported him when he had nothing.

Back then, Qian Lai was the Qian family's butler...

Seeing Xiao Ce nod, Qi Lin continued, "Qian Dafang is steady and pragmatic, in charge of internal management, member recruitment, and major investment decisions; Qian Dahai is adept at social maneuvering, skilled in expansion and external coordination. The two brothers work seamlessly together, making the Golden Society thrive."

"The core of the Golden Society is that it brings together the wealthiest merchants from the entire East Asian Alliance."

Qi Lin explained: "The entry threshold is extremely high. Not only do you need to have hundreds of millions in assets, but you also need to have an outstanding reputation in the business world, a solid industrial foundation, and you must agree with and support the national policy of building the country and benefiting the people that Your Highness has set out."

Over the years, its membership has expanded to include the majority of top players in the mining, manufacturing, shipping, emerging technology, and even some large agricultural groups within the alliance.

As Qi Lin spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration: "Your Highness, the Golden Society's influence has now penetrated to the bone..."

First, there is a vast industrial investment network. They are no longer limited to traditional money shops and banks, but are investing massive amounts of capital in key industries.

The expansion of Panshi Port, the construction of the new steel plant in Linhai County, the laying of the main steam railway connecting the major industrial areas, and even large-scale inland water conservancy projects…

Behind them all is the presence of huge amounts of capital from the Golden Society, either through direct investment or by leading the formation of joint consortia.

They not only provided funding, but also leveraged their vast business networks and connections to introduce advanced technologies and management experience to these projects, greatly accelerating the alliance's industrialization process.

"Secondly!" Qi Lin paused, then emphasized, "His strong support for the popularization of 'Dragon Coins' makes him arguably the greatest contributor to Prime Minister Yin's currency reform!"

Your Highness, when you established the 'Dragon Coin' as legal tender and unified the currency system, the Gold Society was the most steadfast supporter and implementer.

They were the first to fully use and accept Dragon Coins in all their banks and businesses throughout the alliance, and through their vast trade network, they extended the influence of Dragon Coins to every corner of the alliance, and even vigorously promoted the use of Dragon Coins for settlement in foreign trade.

They even voluntarily handed over some of their gold and silver reserves to the mint in exchange for dragon coin credit certificates, which greatly enhanced the circulation and international credit of the dragon coin.

It can be said that without the full cooperation and resource allocation of the Gold Society, the Dragon Coin would never have been able to so thoroughly replace the various old currencies and foreign currencies in just a few years, becoming the most stable and recognized currency within the Alliance and even in East Asia.

This not only stabilized the economy, but also greatly enhanced the alliance's cohesion and its economic influence in the international arena.

Approval was evident in Xiao Ce's eyes!

A unified currency is the core of economic integration, and the difficulties and obstacles involved are considerable.

Xiao Ce had given them advice before, but it remained just on paper.

The fact that the Gold Society could play such a crucial role, even at the cost of sacrificing some short-term interests, such as the exchange rate difference between old currencies and the occupation of gold and silver reserves, demonstrates the strategic vision of the Qian family and their core members, as well as their firm support for national policy.

Moreover, it seems they haven't become arrogant despite having control over the finances...

"As for the third point..."

Qi Lin continued, "It was the Gold Society's dedicated investment in scientific and technological research that directly propelled the leap in the technological strength of our East Asian Alliance!"

Marshal Han particularly appreciated this. The Golden Society established a large 'Innovation Fund,' which was personally managed by Qian Dahai.

This fund not only offers substantial rewards for various practical inventions and creations, but also directly supports several research institutes within the alliance that you initiated and established years ago. This has greatly facilitated a leap forward in technological progress...

"Your Highness, the port facilities, the ironclad warships, and even the new artillery and communication equipment that the army is testing—all of these have the shadow of the Golden Society's funds behind them!"

Qi Lin continued, his voice trembling with emotion: "The scope of their funding is extremely broad, ranging from improving the efficiency of steam engines, developing new alloy materials, and improving chemical processing procedures, to exploring the electric power applications you mentioned, and even... the pre-research of the heavier-than-air aircraft concept you mentioned back then!"

Although progress on the Air Force Commander's side was slow, investment never stopped. Qian Dahai once publicly stated: "The direction the Prince has pointed out is one where even mountains of gold and seas of silver will be used to create a future!"

Many of the projects they fund don't show immediate returns, but they persist in investing because they believe these represent the future power you spoke of, Your Highness.

This kind of investment, which disregards short-term returns and focuses on long-term national strength, has made an indelible contribution to enhancing the military strength and industrial potential of our alliance!

"Your Highness, although the Golden Society is not an official organization, its enormous financial resources, extensive network, and strong support for national policies have enabled it to effectively control the core lifeline of the Alliance's economy."

Qian Dafang and Qian Dahai were highly respected and their words carried immense weight among the wealthy business community.

They worked seamlessly with Chairman Qian, who, along with Yin Xiang, was responsible for formulating policies, building frameworks, and balancing the interests of all parties.

The Qian brothers, Qian Dafang and Qian Dahai, leveraged their strong capital and business network to efficiently promote the implementation of policies, turning the blueprints on paper into tangible factories, railways, ports, and new technologies.

What's even more commendable is that they always adhere to their duties. Despite their immense wealth, they have no ambition to overstep their bounds, and they always prioritize Your Highness's will and the interests of the alliance.

Even Mr. Han Da often said that without the support of the Golden Society, Xiao Kingdom would not have achieved its current level of development.