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

Yin Pan'er naturally understood what Xiao Ce meant by "going home"!

After many years, when Xiao Ce's carriage passed through the familiar city gate and entered the somewhat ancient yet vibrant streets of Kyoto, an indescribable feeling of being in another world welled up in his heart.

The smoke of war has long since dissipated, the streets are clean, and the faces of pedestrians have lost the fear of the past, replaced by a sense of peaceful busyness.

Although the overall architectural layout remained largely unchanged, subtle differences emerged: the newly built school, the installed power lines, the workers wearing modified work clothes...

Everything indicates that the times are quietly moving forward.

The palace, this magnificent complex that bears witness to countless historical events and the power of the people, appears solemn and majestic in the afterglow of the setting sun.

However, this time when he stepped in, Xiao Ce's state of mind was different from any other time before.

No longer as a conqueror returning home, or a decision-maker overwhelmed with problems, but more like a prodigal son returning home after a long absence, carrying with him a renewed sense of reflection and new expectations.

"Your Highness, Commander Yin, Dean Lin, General Han, and General Wei are already waiting at Jingxin Pavilion."

The chief eunuch reported respectfully, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Xiao Ce's personal visit is a momentous event of extraordinary significance for the entire East Asian leadership.

"Ah."

Xiao Ce nodded slightly and led Yin Pan'er inside.

He declined the grand procession and chose a quiet, simply furnished pavilion deep within the palace as the meeting place.

Inside the Tranquil Pavilion, the lights were bright and the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

A round mahogany table replaced the long table that symbolized strict hierarchy.

East Asian Consul General Yin Weiyong, Director of the Tianji Academy Lin Zhong, Army General Han Da, and Air Force General Wei Wuji were already standing at attention and waiting.

Upon seeing Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er enter together, the four immediately bowed respectfully, their expressions a mixture of reverence and curiosity.

They knew that the prince's return must have a deeper meaning.

To everyone's surprise, Xiao Ce did not sit down in the main seat, but went straight to the small kitchen area that had been temporarily set up on the side of the hall.

"Your Highness, what's going on?" Yin Weiyong asked, somewhat taken aback.

Xiao Ce rolled up his sleeves, revealing a gentle and rare smile:

Father-in-law

Today's meeting is not a court assembly, but rather a family banquet.

"Having been away from home for many years, I finally have some free time, so I've personally cooked to show my hospitality and invite everyone to try my cooking."

He looked at Yin Pan'er and said, "Pan'er, help me out."

Everyone was even more surprised, exchanging bewildered glances. The prince himself was cooking?

They had indeed heard that the prince had a remarkable culinary skill, and they had even had the privilege of trying it...

Watching Xiao Ce skillfully prepare the ingredients and Yin Pan'er's tacit cooperation, an unprecedented, warm, and relaxing atmosphere quietly permeated the Jingxin Pavilion.

The spatulas clattered, and smoke rose. One after another, classic Eastern dishes, bursting with color, aroma, and flavor, were born in Xiao Ce's hands.

A large table full of food.

Seeing the curious looks on everyone's faces, Xiao Ce smiled and said, "Let me introduce you!"

Boiled cabbage in clear broth may seem like a simple dish, but it's actually made by repeatedly rinsing it with top-quality broth. The broth is crystal clear, and the cabbage hearts are soft, tender, and sweet. It's like the saying "the greatest truths are the simplest," yet it contains profound wisdom. It symbolizes returning to simplicity and accumulating knowledge before unleashing its full potential.

This is Dongpo pork, with three layers of fat and lean meat. Its color is a bright red like agate, the skin is soft and the meat is tender, melting in your mouth. The rich sauce has a hint of sweetness. It symbolizes a prosperous and fulfilling life.

And then there's this dish, the Squirrel Fish. The fish is cut and fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with piping hot sweet and sour tomato sauce. Shaped like a squirrel, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour flavor, full of vitality and ingenuity. It symbolizes the pursuit of skill and the agility of innovation.

This is something I've wanted to do ever since I came here, and now trade is flowing smoothly.

The ingredients are all ready: Mapo Tofu, spicy, fragrant, hot, tender, and crispy. The tofu rolls in red oil and Sichuan peppercorns, the aroma of beans intertwining with the spiciness, vibrant and unrestrained. It represents inclusiveness and the courage to try new things.

This steamed shad retains the fish's natural freshness to the fullest extent, complemented by ham, bamboo shoots, and shiitake mushrooms for added flavor. The broth is clear and refreshing, and the fish is as tender as jade. It symbolizes the appreciation and protection of nature's bounty.

Finally, the grand finale is truly extraordinary: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. It gathers over a dozen precious ingredients from land and sea, such as abalone, sea cucumber, fish lips, tendons, and shiitake mushrooms, simmered over a low flame, allowing the various flavors to permeate and blend together, creating a rich, fragrant, and nourishing delicacy. It symbolizes the culmination of all things, like rivers flowing into the sea, and also alludes to the future development direction and potential of East Asia—inclusiveness, and the accumulation of strength for future breakthroughs.

As Xiao Ce explained, everyone nodded eagerly in agreement...

The dishes were served with an irresistible aroma that made one's mouth water.

After Xiao Ce finished speaking, he said, "Alright, everyone, take your seats and let's eat!"

As everyone took their seats, the initial awkwardness gradually dissipated under the influence of delicious food and wine.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere was harmonious. Xiao Ce put down his chopsticks, his gaze sweeping over the four people present. His gentle smile gradually subsided, replaced by a deep and solemn light.

"Father-in-law..."

He first looked at Yin Weiyong: "Over the years, thanks to your support... the entire capital has taken on a new look, and the people's faces have become more vibrant. This is the foundation."

Yin Weiyong quickly stood up: "It's all thanks to Your Highness for pacifying the country and laying the foundation back then. Old Chen is just maintaining the status quo and dares not take credit."

Xiao Ce gestured for him to sit down: "Maintaining the status quo is not easy, I understand."

What I want to talk to you about today is 'ambition'. In the West, Xiao Dingshan will lead his technology to leaps and bounds; that's his path. But for East Asia, I hope you will forge your own path.”

He paused, then spoke more clearly: "There's no need to envy the West's instant success."

You must proceed at your own pace and take each step steadily.

The primary task is to ensure that the people live well! When granaries are full, food and clothing are plentiful, education flourishes, and people's hearts are at peace.

This is the foundation for future generations. Technology is a means, meant to serve the people, not to dominate them. This is my fundamental expectation for East Asia.

Yin Weiyong's body trembled, his eyes revealing deep thought and excitement. He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Highness's teachings will be remembered by this old minister! I will certainly prioritize the people's livelihood, consolidate the foundation, and never be greedy for quick success or rash advances!"

Xiao Ce nodded and turned his gaze to Lin Zhong, the dean of the Heavenly Mystery Academy.

"Uncle Zhong..."

Xiao Ce spoke with the respect due to an elder and scholar: "The Heavenly Mystery Academy is the spark of East Asian wisdom and future. I need you to dedicate yourselves to its research!"

Don't be intimidated by the West's speed, but don't underestimate yourselves either. What you need to do is understand, digest, and innovate! Catch up, and forge your own unique path!

Lin Zhong's eyes flashed with a sharp light!

He had waited too long for this day: "Your Highness! This old minister and the entire court have devoted ourselves to this task every single day! However... even the most skilled cook cannot cook without rice; some cutting-edge theoretical explorations and large-scale experiments..."

"Resources, data, and technological bottlenecks are not problems."

Xiao Ce interrupted him, saying magnanimously:

"Star Network Hub, I hereby grant you partial access!"

The Spirit Void Society will serve as your strongest support. What theoretical support do you need?

What data do you need to analyze? What experimental environment do you need to simulate? Just let me know!

You may also apply to access and refer to the technical materials from the west, as long as they do not involve core military secrets.

But remember, it's a 'reference,' not a direct copy! What I want is for you to thoroughly understand it and surpass it!

First catch up with Xiao Dingshan's progress, then... surpass him for me!

"Catch up?!"

Lin Zhong was so excited that his beard trembled, and his old face flushed red as he said: