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

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Qi Lin nodded, a touch of emotion in his eyes.

A short while later, the door to their room was opened.

Han Da strode in, looking travel-worn.

The marshal's face showed the weariness of a long journey, but even more so, an barely suppressed anger and solemnity.

He was still in his armor, the plates of which were even covered with morning dew and a little dust, clearly indicating that he had rushed over as soon as he received the news.

"This humble general, Han Da, greets Your Highness and Your Highness!"

Han Da knelt heavily on one knee, his voice booming with the resounding strength characteristic of a soldier.

"This humble general failed in his duty to protect Your Highness and Princess, causing them to be repeatedly disturbed by thieves. I deserve to die! Please punish me, Your Highness!"

Xiao Ce offered a gesture of support: "Han Da, you're too kind... You're in charge of the capital, what crime have you committed? This matter has little to do with you. How's the situation in the capital?"

Han Da rose and urgently reported, "Your Highness! Last night, after receiving the urgent report from the Presidential Palace that you had been attacked on your way to Panshi Port, President Yin was furious and immediately convened an emergency meeting with me, Night Owl, Director Xu, Director of the Criminal Division, Director Xin, and others! President Yin has ordered: the Secret Guard to launch the highest-level 'Shadow Hunt' operation to investigate the organization behind the attackers; the Supervision Department and the Punishment Department to launch the highest-level internal investigation, expanding the scope to all departments and individuals who have come into contact with Your Highness's travel information; the Department of Ceremonial Affairs to closely monitor public opinion nationwide to prevent information leaks and the incitement of rumors; and the Kyoto Garrison to enter a state of high alert, ready to strike with lightning speed at any time!"

After hearing Han Da's words, Xiao Ce smiled and said, "Isn't this a bit too much...? They're just a rabble."

Han Da shook his head, then said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, based on my guess, those attacks were probably just a test. Knowing what happened here last night, they were likely playing the 'crying wolf' game, trying to lull us into a false sense of security... I suspect that once we lower our guard, they might launch an attack..."

Xiao Ce nodded after hearing Han Da's words.

This Han Da is indeed someone he valued; his guess was very likely...

And they had the same idea as Xiao Ce...

Xiao Ce nodded: "So, did you come here with news?"

Han Da nodded and said to Xiao Ce, "Although the President's orders were very strict, they were carried out covertly, and the results were obtained very quickly..."

Upon hearing Han Da's words, Xiao Ce exclaimed in surprise, "Oh? Is that so?"

Han Da nodded: "It's a cult called the Restoration Salvation Society!"

Xiao Ce nodded after hearing Han Da's words.

Han Da looked at Xiao Ce with some surprise and said, "Oh? You know?"

Xiao Ce nodded, then said, "This is the name they shouted when their cannon fodder attacked last night..."

Han Da nodded: "Your Highness, these organizations are actually composed of the remnants of old aristocratic families whose interests were severely damaged by Your Highness's policy of equality for all and putting the people first, the old nobles who were stripped of their privileges, and some powerful landlords who lost a lot of wealth and privileges in policies such as land reform and nationalization of workshops.

"And then there are some incredibly foolish, lazy, and complacent people who don't know how to adapt to the times. In this wave that Your Highness is leading, as long as they don't give up, they can all live ten or even a hundred times better lives than before..."

Han Dayue said, seemingly increasingly frustrated: "These parasites! Instead of remembering Your Highness's benevolence in rebuilding the country and benefiting all people, they harbor resentment and secretly collude! Under the guise of restoring the old system, eliminating the usurper king, and welcoming the true god to purify the filth, they use religious brainwashing and promises of benefits to bewitch and coerce a large number of impoverished people, thugs, and ignorant masses who are dissatisfied with the status quo! They see Your Highness as a usurper and your new policies as a monstrous flood, and they are determined to overthrow the existing order and restore the old era that has long been swept into history, where their aristocratic families wielded power!"

After hearing Han Da's words, Xiao Ce nodded; he wasn't surprised at all...

This is pretty much what he guessed last night...

Yin Pan'er's face also showed anger: "No wonder they are so crazy! They have lost their privilege of being arrogant and domineering, so naturally they hate Your Highness to the bone! Using religion to brainwash and incite the ignorant to their deaths is their usual despicable trick! Your Highness, this kind of cancer must be eradicated!"

Xiao Ce said to Han Da, "You knew about this church before, right?"

Han Da bowed to Xiao Ce and said, "Your Highness is wise. Your Highness is right... We knew about them back then, but these organizations were just a bunch of rabble, nothing more than shouting slogans. The President's idea was that suppression is not as good as guidance; even if we wiped them out, some people would still harbor resentment..."

"Rather than worrying about uncontrollable situations later, it's better to let them gather there, within our territory... We initially thought they were cowards, just gathering together to complain... But we never expected them to change so drastically..."

Han Da paused for a moment, then continued, "However, the secret guards are extremely efficient! They already have informants over there, and they combine that with their tracking of Kyoto's underworld, refugee settlements, and recent unusual financial flows."

Night Owls have preliminarily located a key hideout of the Restoration Church in Kyoto, an underground stronghold converted from an abandoned sewer system in the outskirts! They have also obtained preliminary information on several key members responsible for instigating, coordinating, and providing resources behind the scenes, one of whom, codenamed 'Scar Wolf,' is believed to be the direct commander of this series of attacks!

Xiao Ce was somewhat surprised after hearing what Night Cat said: "Oh? Even faster than I imagined..."

Han Da's eyes burned with fighting spirit: "President Yin has authorized Night Cat to join forces with the elite of the Punishment Department to launch a thunderous annihilation once the target is locked! My garrison troops are also ready for battle, awaiting only the order from Your Highness and the President. I am willing to personally lead the army to raze the rebel's lair and tear these traitors to pieces! I will use their blood to commemorate the fallen soldiers and wash away their blasphemy against Your Highness!"

Xiao Ce smiled and nodded: "Not bad...but there's no rush...and it's obvious that Scarface isn't the real core member. They clearly have someone else behind them..."

Xiao Ce paused, then said with a hint of disdain, "They think that by hiding in the gutter, inciting a few lunatics, and making a few noises, they can shake the new era that I personally founded? They think they can turn back the wheels of history? Wishful thinking!"

"I already know their purpose. The daytime ambush was to test their strength, the port attack was to create panic, and the continuous harassment was to slow me down."

Clearly, they were afraid! Afraid that I would find the Hidden Dragon's Tomb, afraid that I would gain power enough to completely crush them! That's why they jumped out like mad dogs, barking recklessly, trying to distract me!

As Xiao Ce spoke, a cruel smile crept across his face: "Unfortunately, they miscalculated. This level of harassment is nothing more than a gentle breeze on a mountainside to me. I will do what I must do! I will explore the Hidden Dragon Tomb, build the simulated human army, and deal with the threat from the stars and the sea! As for these rats in the gutter..."

His gaze suddenly sharpened. "Since they're so eager to jump out and die, then I'll grant their wish! Handa!"

"The general is here!"

Han Da stood tall and proud, his blood boiling.

Xiao Ce said coldly, "Immediately send orders back to the capital! Tell President Yin and Night Owl!"

"First, closely monitor the identified strongholds and key members of the Restoration Church, but refrain from taking action for now! I want to see if there are any bigger fish behind them!"

Second, using the arrested individuals and existing leads, we will infiltrate their ranks to uncover their organizational structure, funding sources, personnel lists, and... what exactly this so-called "true god" they speak of is!

Third, the Kyoto garrison will maintain a state of high alert, but outwardly relaxed while inwardly vigilant, and must not alert the enemy! Without my personal order or President Yoon's secret command, no unit may be mobilized without authorization, and large-scale searches that could cause public panic are strictly prohibited!

Xiao Ce's orders were clear and ruthless, brimming with confidence in his overall control and profound calculations. He not only wanted to wipe out the Restoration Church, but also to uproot it completely, uncover all the masterminds behind it, and even see if they were connected to the threat from the stars! More importantly, I feel that these individuals are connected to the people who kidnapped the King of Zhen…”

"This subordinate understands!" Han Da clasped his hands in a deep fist salute.

"Your Highness is truly insightful! This humble general will go and relay the order immediately!"

He turned to leave.

"and many more."

Xiao Ce stopped him: "By the way, where is that list you brought? How are the arrangements for the soldiers and their families who need medical treatment?"

Han Da hurriedly pulled out a thick list from his robes: "Your Highness! Here is the list, twenty-three people in total! As Your Highness instructed, I have notified all relevant personnel and their families, and they are being secretly escorted to Panshi Port under the highest level of secrecy! They are expected to arrive one after another this afternoon! I have strictly ordered them to keep this a secret and informed them of the risks involved and Your Highness's grace. Everyone is extremely grateful and has no complaints!"

Xiao Ce took the list, quickly glanced through it, nodded, and then looked at Qi Lin. "Alright. Qi Lin, you personally go to the port to arrange the reception and ensure they board the ship safely and discreetly. Consider last night's incident as just an interlude."

"Yes, sir!" Qi Lin and Han Da bowed and nodded, then hurriedly left.

...

After they left, Yin Pan'er looked at Xiao Ce and said, "Your Highness, do you think this organization is related to the original owner of this body, Xiao Ce? They can't be that stupid, can they..."

Upon hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce smiled broadly: "Perhaps it's the consequence of multiple layers of subcontracting?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er suddenly understood and smiled.

Xiao Ce took Yin Pan'er's hand and said, "Pan'er, don't worry too much... We'll deal with whatever comes our way! We'll just do our thing, and your father and the others will be dealt with as they go. We'll just do what we've planned... Don't let them disrupt our rhythm..."

Yin Pan'er nodded after hearing Xiao Ce's words.

Then Xiao Ce said to Yin Pan'er, "By the way, Pan'er, why didn't you ask about Nie Bing this time?"

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er gave a bitter smile: "Back then, we had just returned, and I hadn't had a chance to properly experience family affection. I'm afraid that once I open my mouth like this, all these emotions will disappear..."

Upon hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce smiled and then said, "Why do you have so little faith in your father..."

Yin Pan'er smiled and then said to Xiao Ce, "It's not that... I just wanted to finish your important business first. I'm afraid that sometimes, once the truth is revealed, it might not turn out well..."

After hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, naturally understanding what Yin Pan'er meant.

Just then, Yin Pan'er looked at Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce looked at Yin Pan'er, staring into her eyes, clearly indicating that he had something to say.

Xiao Ce said to Yin Pan'er, "Pan'er, what's wrong? Is there something you want to ask? I think we don't need to beat around the bush when we talk."

Yin Pan'er said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, you made Da Lei rush off to find his wife and children... but after you came here, you didn't even go to find Eva..."

Xiao Ce only realized what was going on when he heard Yin Pan'er say that.

To be honest, he was indeed thinking about it when he first got back, but he completely forgot about it as soon as he turned his back...

Xiao Ce said to Yin Pan'er, "Don't worry... she's right there, and the child is there too..."

With that, Xiao Ce grinned mischievously at Yin Pan'er and said, "Are you jealous?"

Yin Pan'er smiled and shook her head: "Of course not... I just wanted to echo what you said, you must not let my thoughts suppress your own. Whatever you do, I will support you..."

After hearing Yin Pan'er's words, Xiao Ce nodded and then said, "Pan'er, you're overthinking it... I know you better than anyone... I'm really not in a hurry... Besides, whether I go or not... I still need to assess the situation, and assess it..."

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Yin Pan'er sensed a hidden meaning and immediately asked, "What's wrong? Your Highness... who are you...?"

Xiao Ce smiled and waved his hand, then said, "Eva approached me with political motives from the beginning... Although she was impressed by me, people change over time..."