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

Xiao Yang said with a smile, "Lu Banban, I'll go with you!"

Lu Banban looked puzzled, wondering why Xiao Yang could still laugh.

"Second Prince, are you going alone? But..."

Xiao Yang knew that Xiao Ce didn't really like dealing with Xiao Dingbang.

He then said to Lu Banban, "Lu Banban, I know what's going on, so you can rest assured. Take me to see Father Emperor. I'll take responsibility for anything that happens."

Lu Banban wanted to explain.

Xiao Yang raised his hand to stop him: "Wait a moment, let me explain things here, and then I'll go with you."

Without waiting for Lu Banban's reply, she ran inside.

Xiao Yang summoned Fu Yao and explained the situation to him.

After saying that, she followed Lu Banban into the palace.

On the way, Lu Banban didn't say anything more, after all, he had already said what he needed to say.

As the saying goes, it's hard to persuade a damned ghost with kind words.

They then entered the Imperial Study, where Xiao Dingbang had a dark face, while Xiao Xiangqing wore a gloating expression.

Xiao Yang saw his expression and knew what was going on.

However, he acted as if nothing had happened and bowed to Siu Ting-pong.

Xiao Dingbang glanced behind Xiao Yang a few times.

Lu Banban immediately understood: "Your Majesty, this old servant originally intended to have the eldest prince Xiao Ce come along, but His Highness Xiao Yang said that this old servant should not go to fetch him, and that he could come alone."

Xiao Xiangqing chimed in sarcastically, "So you're protecting them now? But don't you even know who sent the message? Second Prince, you're incredibly audacious!"

Xiao Yang said without any politeness, "What are you barking like a dog?"

Xiao Xiangqing coldly rebuked, "What are you barking about, you dog!"

Xiao Xiangqing looked smug when he saw Xiao Dingbang speaking up for him.

Xiao Yang feigned a blank expression: "Father? Didn't you come to reward me? That's why I didn't let that good-for-nothing Xiao Ce come?"

Xiao Dingbang wore a half-smile: "Oh? A reward? Do you know what you've done? I'm here to reward you?"

Xiao Yang said, "Because I'm here to handle the aftermath for the King of Zhen..."

Siu Ting-pong's expression grew increasingly grim.

Xiao Yang said to Xiao Dingbang, "Father, is there some misunderstanding between us? I did this not for the sake of the King of Zhen. That old bastard Xiao Dingshan despises me the most, I..."

As Xiao Yang spoke, he noticed Xiao Xiangqing standing to the side: "Father, please get that scoundrel Xiao Xiangqing away first, and let me explain... After hearing my explanation, you will surely reward me. That scoundrel Xiao Xiangqing doesn't think about sharing your burdens; he's always thinking about harming others..."

Looking at Xiao Yang's confident demeanor, Xiao Dingbang also began to have some doubts.

His gaze had just fallen upon Xiao Yang.

Xiao Xiangqing began, "Father, don't listen to him... he's the most..."

"What? You think you can control your father now? Do you think your father can't even tell whether what I'm saying is true or false?" Xiao Yang retorted without backing down.

Xiao Xiangqing was speechless.

Xiao Dingbang said to Xiao Xiangqing, "Eighth Brother, please excuse yourself for a moment."

Xiao Xiangqing looked unwilling, but dared not say anything more, so he bowed and withdrew.

Xiao Yang gave him a very provocative look.

Xiao Dingbang said to Xiao Yang, "Second brother, you know my attitude towards Xiao Dingshan. You'd better give me a reasonable explanation."

Xiao Yang nodded and smiled, saying, "Father, I'm not stupid. I know you hate that old bastard Xiao Dingshan to the core. Why would I do something you don't like?"

"Your Majesty, I went to handle the funeral arrangements for that old bastard Xiao Dingshan this time entirely for your sake."

Xiao Dingbang was increasingly puzzled: "For me?"

Xiao Yang nodded: "That's right, Father. Since you said we can let the Prince of Zhen rest in peace first, I know that many people in the court still support Xiao Dingshan. However, they certainly won't show it on the surface, much less be the ones to stick their necks out."

"However, since I have personally handled this funeral, those who are loyal to Xiao Dingshan will surely come to pay their respects. Xiao Dingshan is dead and nothing to fear. But those who supported Xiao Dingshan are still alive. Father should understand that although Xiao Dingshan committed suicide this time..."

"However, those people will definitely hold Father Emperor accountable for this. Therefore, by arranging the funeral for that old man Xiao Dingshan, I can attract people to come and pay their respects. I will record all those who come, so that Father Emperor can have a list in the future."

"Another matter, of utmost importance, is that after I took command of the troops this time, I discovered that old man Xiao Dingshan has a high reputation in the army, and my father also knows that many powerful and influential people in Xiao Kingdom admire him greatly. If I were to give him half of his funeral arrangements now, wouldn't everyone think that I am a person of loyalty and righteousness?"

"In this way, many people in the army, as well as many powerful figures, will have a favorable impression of me. Especially now that the relationship between Yumen Pass and the Western Regions Alliance is strained, if negotiations break down, we will definitely have to fight the Western Regions. No one in the court dares to fight the Western Regions, but I dare!"

"Therefore, I do have some selfish motives, which is to win over the hearts of the army. If we ever go to war with the Western Regions, I will use the excuse that the people of the Western Regions framed Xiao Dingshan, and I will help Xiao Dingshan handle his affairs. At that time, everyone will support me."

“Father, Xiao Dingshan is dead. Even if I hold a grand celebration for him, it's all just an act for others to see. What good will it do him? We are different. We not only win the hearts of the people, but also the hearts of the army!”

"Even if I did this, everyone would think it was at Father's behest. After all, if Father didn't agree, I couldn't have succeeded. So Father would definitely benefit the most! Besides, Father said he would only handle his funeral arrangements for now. Once the Eighth Prince produces irrefutable evidence, he can be convicted. After he's convicted, he can dig up the evidence later. However, in my opinion, what I'm doing is more beneficial than harmful."

Xiao Yang watched as Xiao Dingbang's expression gradually softened, and he even nodded in agreement from time to time.

Seeing that the time was right, he finally said, "Of course, if Father Emperor feels it is inappropriate, I will have it withdrawn!"

Xiao Dingbang's expression changed several times. He waved his hand and said, "Yang'er, no need! No need! Just continue doing this. I was angry because I listened to what the Eighth Prince said. You know I hate Xiao Dingshan to the bone, and you are my most valued son."

"Hearing you wear mourning clothes for Xiao Dingshan, I really can't accept it! I never expected you to have such a scheme! I have misunderstood you."

Xiao Yang cupped his hands and said to Xiao Dingbang, "Father, this has nothing to do with you. It's all Xiao Xiangqing's doing. Father, you must be wary of Xiao Xiangqing. I believe he's not just trying to attack me, but has other motives."

"If Father Emperor doesn't handle Xiao Dingshan's matter well, it will surely cause dissatisfaction among the soldiers! At that time, no one will be able to fight in the Western Regions. Then Father Emperor will have no choice but to rely on the Eighth Prince!"

Xiao Dingbang feigned realization: "Second Prince, you said I know everything! Go and deal with Xiao Dingshan's matter first. Do whatever you want with him!"

Xiao Yang raised his hand: "Thank you, Father. I will certainly not let you down... And rest assured, with me here, I will never let Xiao Xiangqing harm you!"

Xiao Dingbang, deeply moved, stepped forward and patted Xiao Yang on the shoulder.

"Good! Good son, I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

Xiao Yang said to Xiao Dingbang, "By the way, I'd like to trouble you again. In the future, you must put on a show when dealing with Xiao Ce and not make things difficult for him. I still need him for something."

Hearing Xiao Yang's words, Xiao Dingbang smiled and said, "Oh? What's it for?"

Xiao Yang had no idea what use it would be; he was just saying it.

He made a knowing expression and said, "Father, I need to keep this a secret for now. I will tell you when the time comes."

Xiao Dingbang was in a good mood and said with a smile, "Alright! However, even if you don't say it... I won't make things difficult for him, but I still want him to be of great use?"

Xiao Yang looked on with curiosity.

Xiao Dingbang said, "You keep it a secret, but I don't need to keep it a secret. I'm thinking of negotiating with the people of the Western Regions first. Whatever conditions they propose, I will agree to them in order to gain their trust. I can send that good-for-nothing Xiao Ce as a hostage."

Xiao Yang's eyes widened upon hearing this explosive news.

Xiao Dingbang, with a smug expression, said, "How about that? Surprised?"

Xiao Yang quickly gave a thumbs up and said to Xiao Dingbang, "Father, brilliant!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Yang took his leave.

Xiao Dingbang waved his hand, signaling him to leave.

"Father, what about Xiao Xiangqing..."

Xiao Dingbang nodded: "The Western Regions Alliance delegation is about to enter the capital, so we can't punish him too severely. I will reprimand him, but I will remember these lessons."

Xiao Yang felt a surge of disdain in his heart, but he said nothing and bowed as he withdrew.

After leaving the Imperial Study, Xiao Xiangqing looked at Xiao Yang with an unfriendly expression.

Xiao Yang glanced at him: "You think you can get away with this little trick? Dream on..."

"You just left like that? What did you say to Father?" Xiao Xiangqing asked, completely bewildered.

Xiao Yang didn't answer him and left directly.

At that moment, Xiao Dingbang's icy voice rang out from the imperial study: "Xiao Xiangqing! What are you still standing outside for? Get in here!"

Xiao Xiangqing shuddered involuntarily, then walked in with an extremely ugly expression.

Seeing Xiao Dingbang's dark face, he quickly explained, "Father... don't listen to his nonsense... he..."

"enough!"

After being reprimanded by Xiao Dingbang, Xiao Xiangqing lowered her head and dared not say anything for a moment.

"This matter ends here. Moreover, when you have time, think about how to handle the border crisis! Xiao Yang has already given me a very good solution. What about you? Are you just thinking about peace talks? The peace talks I want are for them to cede the territory they occupy in our country. Do you think your uncle can agree to that?"

Xiao Xiangqing lowered his head, momentarily speechless: "Father, I will definitely try my best to win it. I don't know what nonsense Xiao Yang is spouting, but everything I do is for Father... I have no selfish motives whatsoever."

Xiao Dingbang waved his hand: "Alright, then just do your own thing. Stop finding fault with others. Don't interfere with anything Xiao Yang does next. I might forgive you once, but I won't forgive you twice, understand?"