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

"Is Your Highness's word truly true? The Star Network Mechanism... is it really the legendary 'Heavenly Dao' computing power? If we can obtain this assistance, this old minister... this old minister dares to pledge! In my lifetime, I will ensure that the name of the East Asian Celestial Mechanism Academy resounds throughout this world!"

"Good! That's the kind of ambition I want!"

Xiao Ce declared loudly, "I give you my greatest support, so you should give me your most dazzling results!"

Then, his gaze swept like lightning across Army General Han Da and Air Force Wei Wuji.

The two immediately straightened their backs, like soldiers about to be inspected.

"Han Da!" Xiao Ce continued, "After these battles, you should know that times have changed! The battlefields of the future are in the clouds, on data links, and thousands of miles away! Military reform is urgently needed!"

Han Da, a veteran of many battles, looked on with burning eyes: "Please enlighten me, Your Highness!"

"Direction: Unmanned! Information-based!"

Xiao Ce said to Han Da, "Large-scale deployment of intelligent combat units, including drone swarms, unmanned combat vehicles, and battlefield robots!"

Establish a comprehensive battlefield awareness network to achieve battlefield situation transparency!

The command system is becoming more streamlined and intelligent!

Soldiers should become information nodes and tactical cores, not mere expendable resources!

For the specific equipment list, technical routes, and training outlines, go to Lingxu! He will provide the most suitable plan for you based on the actual industrial level and troop quality in East Asia.

What I want is a lean, efficient, and technologically advanced elite force, not a bloated mass of troops!

"Unmanned...information-based..."

Han Da chewed over these two words, his eyes flashing with intense light, as if he were seeing a completely new picture of war!

"This subordinate understands! I will certainly abandon old ideas and forge a future East Asian iron fist! I will go to Lord Lingxu's place to seek his guidance shortly!"

"Wei Wuji!"

Xiao Ce looked at the equally spirited air force general and said:

"Your burden is heavier! The sky is the main battlefield of the future, and also the gateway to the stars! Your air force must not only defend the airspace, but also possess the potential for area denial and even future orbital warfare! Innovation! Complete innovation!"

Wei Wuji's breath hitched, then a surge of boundless pride welled up within him: "Please give the order, Your Highness!"

"Upgrade fighter jets! Develop or import more advanced multi-role fighter jets with high stealth, supersonic cruise, and powerful electronic warfare capabilities through the coordination of Lingxu."

Build an air defense and missile defense early warning network covering the entire territory and deeply integrate it with the Army's information system.

Explore near-space vehicles, high-altitude long-endurance unmanned reconnaissance and strike platforms.

Most importantly..."

Xiao Ce paused for a moment and then continued, "Let's begin theoretical research and talent development for integrated air and space operations!"

The air force of the future will not be limited to the atmosphere!

For technical support and detailed planning, also contact Lingxu.

"I, the King, wish for an impregnable skies over East Asia, and for laying the first cornerstone for the future stars and the sea!"

"Air and space as one...the vast universe..."

Wei Wuji felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, as if he saw the boundless universe beckoning to him and saying:

"This humble general, Wei Wuji, swears to forge a mighty sword for Your Highness and for East Asia! I will accompany General Han to Lord Lingxu's place!"

After the deployment was completed, the solemnity on Xiao Ce's face slowly faded, and he reached out and gently grasped Yin Pan'er's soft hand beside him.

Yin Pan'er responded with a gentle yet firm smile.

Xiao Ce's gaze swept over the four senior officials once more, carrying a hint of relief and expectation:

"Everything that needed to be said and everything that needed to be arranged has been explained. The authority of the Star Network Hub and the assistance of Lingxu are the greatest wealth and support I leave to East Asia."

He paused, his tone becoming relaxed and distant: "From now on, Pan'er and I will be leaving for a while. We want to see this world... to truly see it."

Everyone was stunned.

Leaving? At this crucial moment when all industries are waiting to be revitalized and the blueprints for development between the East and the West are just beginning to unfold?

Xiao Ce seemed to see through their doubts and smiled:

"The war is over, and the threat has been temporarily relieved. Over the years, I have traveled all over the world, but I have always been passing through the smoke of war and the struggle for life and death."

The morning mist in the mountains, the bright moon over the sea, the lone smoke rising from the desert, the vitality of the rainforest...

This land we protect, its magnificence and beauty, we have never truly appreciated. Now, it is time.

He looked at Lin Zhong, his eyes filled with undeniable expectation:

"Uncle Zhong, when I return next time, I don't want to travel by boat or horseback again."

Lin Zhong's heart skipped a beat, and an almost insane thought flashed through his mind.

Xiao Ce's lips curled into a meaningful smile as he slowly uttered his earth-shattering request: "This king desires... interstellar travel."

"!!!"

Inside the Tranquil Pavilion, you could hear a pin drop.

Yin Weiyong, Han Da, and Wei Wuji all looked at Lin Zhong in shock. Interstellar travel?

This is a hundred times more shocking than catching up with Western technology!

Lin Zhong was struck dumb, his old eyes wide open as if he had heard the most unbelievable myth.

But when he looked into Xiao Ce's calm yet supremely majestic eyes, and into Yin Pan'er's serene and supportive smile, an unprecedented flame, a mixture of extreme pressure and boundless fighting spirit, blazed up in his chest!

"Your Highness..."

Lin Zhong's voice trembled slightly, but his back remained ramrod straight, and his eyes blazed with an almost fanatical light!

"This old minister...this old minister obeys! The entire Tianji Academy will exert every effort!"

The day the Prince and Princess return from their travels!

"This old minister...this old minister will surely grant you both a seat aboard my East Asian-made starship, so you may overlook this vast galaxy!"

He shouted the promise with almost all his might, his voice trembling with excitement.

Xiao Ce saw Lin Zhong's excited expression, smiled, and then said, "Alright, Uncle Zhong... I believe in your abilities!"

Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction, then slowly stood up...

Then he pulled Yin Pan'er to her feet:

"Very well! Remember your promise, remember my words."

People's livelihood is the foundation, technology is the wings, and military strength is the shield. Each fulfills its responsibilities, moving forward steadily. If needed, find Lingxu.

He said no more, took Yin Pan'er's hand, and turned to walk out of Jingxin Pavilion.

The golden rays of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, casting a warm glow upon them.

The two figures, one as upright as a pine tree and the other as graceful as a willow, gradually blended into the light and shadow outside the hall under the complex and respectful gazes of the four high-ranking officials.

"Respectfully seeing off the Prince! Respectfully seeing off the Princess!"

The four bowed in unison, their voices resounding throughout the hall.

Xiao Ce and Yin Pan'er did not turn around!

With a casual wave of his hand, his figure disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Silence lingered for a long time inside the Tranquil Pavilion.

The exquisite dishes on the table were still warm, and the air seemed to still carry the shock and excitement brought by Xiao Ce's words.

Yin Weiyong took a deep breath and looked at the other three!

His gaze was extremely solemn: "Do you all understand the Prince's meaning? A heavy burden has been placed upon us. I am in charge of the people's livelihood and will solidify the foundation."

Master Lin holds the secrets of heaven, striving to catch up and surpass, his sword pointing towards the sea of ​​stars;

General Han and General Wei have honed their skills and innovated, forging a divine shield. This is the foundation of our grand plan for the next century in East Asia! We must unite as one and live up to His Highness's trust!

Lin Zhong clenched his fist so tightly that his nails almost dug into his palm:

"Chasing the West, aiming for the stars... I, this old man, will give it my all!"

"I'll head back to the Heavenly Mystery Academy now, gather all the elites, and devise a plan! Lord Lingxu... Lord Lingxu!" He murmured the name that represented endless knowledge and computing power, his eyes burning with an unprecedented flame.

Han Da and Wei Wuji exchanged a glance, both seeing the fighting spirit and determination in each other's eyes. "Unmanned! Information-based!"

"Air and space integration!"

The two men spoke in low, solemn voices, as if making a vow.

"Let's go! Let's visit Lingxu together! The time the Prince has given us is running out!"

The four had no time to enjoy the imperial delicacy. They hurriedly left their seats, carrying heavy responsibilities and boiling blood, each heading to their own battlefield.

The Tranquil Pavilion returned to its tranquil state, with only the table laden with delicacies silently bearing witness to this "family feast" that would determine the future of East Asia and even the entire world.

Outside the palace gates, an inconspicuous black SUV was already waiting. There were no guards accompanying it, only a driver, a simulated human remotely controlled by Lingxu.

Xiao Ce opened the car door for Yin Pan'er, helped her into the back seat, and then went around to the other side to get in the car himself.

"Everything is arranged?"

Yin Pan'er asked softly, placing her hand naturally in Xiao Ce's palm.

"Ah."

Xiao Ce grasped her hand in return, their fingers intertwined, feeling each other's warmth and determination.

"Lingxu will handle everything. The framework and direction for East Asia have been set; the rest of the journey is up to them to take, step by step."

Where would you like to go first?

Yin Pan'er leaned on his shoulder, gazing at the familiar yet unfamiliar Kyoto street scenes passing by outside the window.