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

After looking at the telescope he had seized from the Turks for a while, Xiao Ce...

Seeing the Northern Desert Army chasing after them, they were getting a little carried away.

"Beat the drums, let them come back! Don't pursue a desperate enemy!" Xiao Ce said to Han Da.

Han Da nodded and ordered someone to beat the drum.

After hearing the drumbeats, the bloodthirsty Northern Army returned.

Xiao Ce said to Han Da, "Next, dig a big pit outside the city and burn them all to prevent a plague. Thank goodness the weather is cold now! But you all need to hurry up and deal with it!"

Han Da bowed and agreed, and Xiao Ce then left the city and returned home.

...

The Turks fled dozens of miles away, and they were all in a state of utter despair.

In particular, Ashina returned to his camp only to find that it had been attacked again.

More than 5,000 people were killed.

Ashina's eyes practically spit fire as he looked at the disheveled army.

"Damn the people of Xiao, they really deserve to die..."

Ashide and the others were also in a sorry state on the side: "Ashina, we actually knew about what happened on your side before the general offensive even started. I think we should tell you about it."

Ashina looked sharply at Ashide: "What?"

Ashide then recounted what had just happened: "We were thinking of not disturbing the morale of the troops because the general offensive was imminent."

Ashina's eyes were practically spitting fire as he said, "You're saying it was Kan Shanyue's guards from Qingshan County who killed our people?"

As he spoke, Ashina looked at Batu Helu with burning anger.

“Batu Helu, Qingshan County is your territory, you must know this.”

Batu Helugang had just lost their father, and he looked unwell.

He was able to remain rational before.

However, at this moment he was also extremely frustrated, with nowhere to vent his grievances.

"Yes, I do know! He came to us, wanting us to stand up for them. We said we couldn't help! So, they probably chose to take matters into their own hands."

After hearing this, Mos Ashina pointed at Batu Helu with eyes wide with rage: "So it was you who ordered it, wasn't it?"

Batu Helu snorted coldly: "We ordered them? We don't have that kind of power. Don't you know how cowardly those people from the northern deserts are? If you hadn't wiped them out yourselves, would they have come after you?"

Ashina's face darkened as he asked, "What do you mean?"

Batu Helu didn't hide anything: "We launched an attack on Lingxiao City... and then you sent men to kill all the prominent families, nobles, and powerful clans in Qingshan County, which we Helu occupied... You don't like us Helu, so you resort to these despicable acts... You don't dare to fight us, so you kill our dogs? Only you Ashinas would do something so vile..."

Ashina was bewildered by Batu Helu's words.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Why would we kill those powerful, wealthy, and noble people? Am I crazy? What good would it do me?"

Ashide realized something was wrong: "Calm down, everyone! Something's clearly not right! Batu Helu, tell me what happened in Qingshan County?"

Batu Helu, seeing the expressions on the faces of the Ashina tribe, also sensed that something was amiss.

They seem to be genuinely unaware.

He then recounted how Kan Shanyue and Cai Yong had come to them, but Batu Helu subtly omitted what they had said.

Ashina saw that Batu Helu didn't seem to be lying, and Ashina also knew very well that Batu Helu was much smarter than his father.

“Batu Helu. No one in my Ashina clan has ever done such a thing. We swear to the gods! There must be more to this story.”

Batu Helu said upon seeing this, "I don't know about that. However, our Helu clan was completely unaware that the Qingshan County Guard had come to attack you."

Ashide chimed in, "No matter how much we say here, it won't make a difference! Let's go and confront the prefects of the four northern prefectures head-on."

"Anyway, we need a place to rest properly now. Let's go to Zhenda City."

The tribal leaders all nodded in agreement.

...

At this time, in the city of Zhenda, Cai Yong first received a message from Mr. Qianlong.

It brought together the heads of the four major clans.

Upon seeing Mr. Qianlong's message, they were shocked and broke out in a cold sweat.

Mr. Qianlong clearly told them that their respective clans and noble families were massacred at the behest of Xiao Ce.

"Old Cai, I'm so glad I listened to you and didn't lead the guards to ambush the Turks, otherwise we would really be doomed."

“How could that good-for-nothing Xiao Ce be so ruthless! He killed so many of us in one go?” Liu Qi said.

Kan Shanyue asked with a hint of doubt, "Moreover, according to the people, those people are indeed Turks. Could it be that Xiao Ce has already subdued the Turks to work for him?"

Liu Qi agreed, "Yes, to be precise, it was the Turks who made the move. Is it possible, Mr. Qianlong, for us to avoid internal conflict with them?"

Kan Shanyue chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Very likely! But he's completely overthinking it. Even if we were asked to take revenge, wouldn't we dare? Right now, I just hope those damned Turks break through Lingxiao City and hurry south... so I can rebuild my business."

Liu Qi nodded in agreement.

Lin Nan, who had been silent until now, chimed in, "Judging from how long they fought, the outcome should be decided by now."

"That's right, logically speaking, the outcome should be decided by now."

As Cai Yong spoke, he glanced outside a few more times.

"Judging by the time, the scouts we sent out should have returned by now."

Kan Shanyue said, "Actually, there's no need for scouts to report. Is there any suspense in the Turks attacking a dilapidated city made up of disaster victims and refugees? Isn't that like poking tofu with chopsticks?"

The heads of various powerful families all expressed their agreement.

Cai Yong continued to comfort them: "Liu Qi, Kan Shanyue, Mr. Qianlong said that he will not let your efforts be in vain..."

The two men nodded: "We've figured it out too. Old Cai, you're right. As long as we live, our lineage will never be broken. Besides, our enemies have been eliminated. It's a blessing in disguise. In our territories, it will be completely our domain from now on."

Just as everyone was talking, the scouts returned, looking travel-worn.

"Report!!!"

Seeing the scouts approaching, the head of the family already had his answer in mind.

However, she still stood up nervously and asked, "How is it?"

"The Turkic allied forces suffered a crushing defeat, and were routed by the Lingxiao City garrison!"

The scout's words left everyone present stunned.

"Who did you say suffered a major defeat? Who was chased and routed? You must be mistaken."

The scout, his face beaming with excitement, reported, "Reporting to the Prefect, the Turkic allied forces suffered a crushing defeat. During their retreat, they were pursued and killed by the garrison of Lingxiao City, and the Turks were routed."

The scout was beaming with excitement, and there was no other reason for it.

He was a man from the northern desert, and they had always been bullied by the Turks. He had been observing the battle from afar from beginning to end.

The people of Lingxiao City felt extremely satisfied with the beating.

Compared to the scout's excited expression.

The four family heads looked as if they had swallowed flies, their faces growing increasingly grim.

They were all muttering to themselves.

"The Turkic army has been defeated?"

"How did the Turkic army get defeated?"

It took a full cup of tea for everyone to recover from their shock.

Are you sure it was the Turks who lost?

The scout reported, "It's absolutely true! Their defeated Turkic army is currently gathering this way!"

Cai Yong waved his hand and said, "Alright, I understand. You may leave."

After the scouts left, the heads of the families looked at each other.

Let me look at you.

Kan Shanyue said, "Are their Northern Desert troops really that fierce?"

Cai Yong chimed in, "What should we do now? Should we take them in? Those Turks have suffered such a huge defeat. Once they enter the city, they will definitely bully our people and vent their anger. If we let them in, our people will suffer again."

Liu Qi said with a bitter face, "Even if we don't let them into the city, we still have to dare to, right? Lingxiao City can hold them off, but we can't hold off these Turks..."

Lin Nan said, "The problem now is whether this Turkic army is a match for Xiao Ce's Northern Desert Army! If they are not, wouldn't it be suicide if we took them in?"

Cai Yong looked at Lin Nan and said, "Lin Nan, do you think we can get off this pirate ship now that we're on it? Don't you know how ruthless Xiao Ce is? Now we have no choice but to swallow our pride and bear it."

Lin Nan asked, "So you mean to welcome them?"

Cai Yong nodded and said, "Do you have a better idea? If you have a better idea, please tell me, and I will definitely listen to you!"

Everyone was silent!

A short while later, one of Cai Yong's stewards rushed over.

"Master, a Turkic messenger sent me with a message. The allied Turkic army will be entering our city of Zhenda. He told us to prepare food and medicine, and to have all the people vacate their homes for the allied army to rest in."

Cai Yong's expression changed rapidly as he listened: "What the hell? The entire allied army is coming? Won't they eat our Zhenda City out of house and home...?"

The butler nodded: "They said they'll arrive tonight... so let's prepare early."

Cai Yong's expression changed one after another.

The steward cupped his hands and asked, "Master, what should we do?"

Cai Yong gritted his teeth and said, "What can we do? What else can we do but provide for them? Tell the people to hide their food supplies. Otherwise, they might get robbed. These bloodsucking leeches have suffered a crushing defeat and won't be able to leave anytime soon."

Several family heads nearby said, "That's right. Don't worry, Lao Cai. When the time comes, they will definitely disperse to our various territories, and we will need to tell the people that we have hidden the grain."

With that, the heads of several powerful families left with helpless expressions to contact their respective people.

...

Xiao Ce returned directly to the 'Little Royal Palace' in Lingxiao City.

He had just returned to his residence when Yin Pan'er had not yet returned; she must be dealing with a lot of trivial matters.

However, the seasonal girls he kept came to greet him very warmly.

These days, the girls have become fairer, thinner, and their figures have improved a lot.

Clearly, they were all practicing according to his instructions.

Seeing Xiao Ce's travel-worn appearance, the seasonal girls vied to serve him as he bathed.

Xiao Ce looked at them and said with a smile, "No need to rush, no need to rush! Everyone has a chance!"

As he spoke, Xiao Ce found a few girls with good figures to serve him.

Xiao Ce really missed this service.

He had just lain down when the girls began to attend to him.

The money came when it came.

Seeing how relaxed everyone inside looked, he was about to turn around and leave.

Xiao Ce stopped Qian Lai and said, "Uncle Lai, why are you running away... I wasn't doing anything, this was just a proper massage! What's the matter?"

Qian Lai bowed to Xiao Ce and said, "Your Highness, Miss Bing outside has urgent business to discuss..."

Before Xiao Ce could answer, Qian Lai said very sensibly, "Then I'll have her wait a bit until His Highness finishes his bath."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "No need, let her come over. Isn't it urgent? She can say what she wants, and I'll do mine... It won't bother you!"

Upon seeing this, Qian Lai bowed and withdrew.

A short while later, Nie Bing entered the house.

Upon entering the room, one could immediately see Xiao Ce shirtless, revealing his muscular physique.

He was soaking in a huge bathtub.

Beside him, two girls dressed in gauze, seemingly untouched by the water bubbles, were serving him.

Nie Bing's face flushed red instantly, and she immediately turned away.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Ce found it amusing.

"Miss Nie, we've never met before. What's there to be shy about!"

Xiao Ce's magnetic voice, coupled with his words.

For no apparent reason, a series of unforgettable images surfaced in Nie Bing's mind.

Her face immediately turned red all the way to the back of her ears.

"Your Highness, I have something urgent to report! Please dismiss everyone else."

Xiao Ce knew what Nie Bing was going to say, although he trusted the two girls beside him.

He also understood Nie Bing.

He patted the rounded bottoms of the two girls beside him and said, "Step back."

The girls gracefully stepped out of the bathtub and bowed as they left.

They reached the doorway and bowed to Nie Bing.

Nie Bing, a woman, subconsciously glanced at the two of them.

Then I thought of Xiao Ce's hobbies...

Xiao Ce showed no intention of turning around: "Now that the person is gone, you can speak. But are you really going to just turn your back to me like this? If you have no evil intentions, what are you afraid of? Could it be that you..."

Nie Bing turned around and interrupted, saying, "So be it, I'm upright and honest."

However, when she saw Xiao Ce's smug expression, she knew she had been tricked again.

Xiao Ce looked at Nie Bing: This woman is indeed all looks and no brains. She's just like before, easily tricked.