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

Diliti waved his hand and said, "Of course not! It's just that Yushan County is very important to our Western Regions Alliance due to its special geographical factors. We only need Yushan County. As long as you give us Yushan County, we can sign a non-aggression pact with you!"

"We want to tell you that you don't need to station too many troops on the border. As far as we know, your Xiao Kingdom is currently facing many problems that require military force to suppress. If the pressure from the Western Regions border is gone, you can free up your resources to do many other things!"

Yin Weiyong snorted coldly and said to Diliti, "Grand Preceptor Diliti, you don't need to worry about that. Besides, our Xiao Kingdom has never had a precedent of asking another country to help us guard our borders."

"Moreover, our Xiao Kingdom will not cede an inch of land! Including Yushan County, this is our bottom line! If that is also your bottom line, then there is no need for us to continue negotiating."

Diliti's expression remained unchanged: "Then it seems there's no need for us to continue negotiating. This is our bottom line! It looks like this trip has been a waste of time!"

Yin Weiyong watched them stand up, smiled, and then said, "In that case, it's a real shame. Since both sides have their principles and bottom lines, and our negotiations have touched upon both sides' bottom lines, then there's no need to continue!"

“Grand Preceptor Diliti, of course, your trip wasn’t in vain! Since you’re here, take the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of our Xiao Kingdom. Besides, Consort De must miss you, her younger brother, so stay here for a few more days.”

Seeing that Yin Weiyong didn't try to stop him, Diliti's expression wasn't good: "Then let's leave it at that."

As he spoke, Diliti led his group to their feet, but it was clear that the expressions of the Western Region people behind him were not as natural as Diliti's.

Both of them then stood up and left.

The way the negotiations proceeded was indeed beyond the expectations of the vast majority of people.

Xiao Yang asked Xiao Ce in a low voice, "Is it settled like this?"

Xiao Ce raised an eyebrow: "This is a game of strategy! There's no need to rush. Look at the people behind their Western Regions delegation; they're more anxious than we are... Besides, how their negotiations go is none of our business. We didn't come here for this in the first place!"

Xiao Yang asked in confusion, "Your Highness, didn't you want to go as a hostage? If they stop negotiating, won't you be unable to go?"

Seeing this, Xiao Ce looked at Xiao Yang meaningfully and said, "Are you worried that I won't be able to go? That I'll disappoint you?"

Xiao Yang's expression changed drastically. If it weren't for Xiao Ce's foresight in supporting him...

He was afraid his legs would give way and he would kneel down.

"So many people?!" Xiao Ce said coldly, supporting Xiao Yang with one hand.

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Xiao Yang said with a bitter face, "Brother, I didn't mean it that way."

Before Xiao Ce could speak, Xiao Wenqin's voice came from behind him.

"Second brother, are you alright?"

Xiao Yang quickly changed his panicked expression and said with a smile, "No...it's nothing, Little Thirteen! What's wrong?"

Xiao Wenqin walked up with an innocent expression: "I saw the eldest prince supporting you just now, and your legs seemed a little weak."

Xiao Yang gave an awkward smile: "It's nothing, I just didn't have breakfast, my legs are a little weak..."

Then, changing the subject, Xiao Yang asked Xiao Wenqin what he wanted from him.

Xiao Wenqin didn't mince words and asked, "Second Brother, why were you so silent just now? Aren't you a proponent of war?"

Xiao Yang waved his hand and said, "We are indeed in favor of war, but you have seen Father's attitude. If we continue to speak recklessly, we may displease Father. Besides, these matters are not up to me. I have figured it out. If Father wants to fight, I will naturally be the first to lead the charge. If Father does not want to fight, wouldn't it displease Father if I charged ahead?"

Then Xiao Yang said to Xiao Wenqin, "Little Thirteen, I didn't expect you to be so tough... daring to challenge them?"

Xiao Wenqin scratched his head and smiled: "Your Majesty, the main problem is their hypocritical argument, which I really can't accept."

As he spoke, Xiao Wenqin looked at Xiao Ce: "Elder brother, what are your thoughts?"

Xiao Ce remained calm and composed, saying without a hint of ambiguity, "Everything is up to Prime Minister Yin to decide, and I respect the decisions of both Father Emperor and Prime Minister Yin!"

Xiao Wenqin was about to speak when Xiao Yang said, "Alright, Little Thirteen, I have other things to attend to. We'll be going now. Let's talk another day!"

Xiao Wenqin wanted to say something more, but Xiao Yang abruptly interrupted him.

After Xiao Yang pulled Xiao Ce out.

Xiao Ce said to Xiao Yang with satisfaction, "You little rascal, you've finally gained some insight! You even knew how to get me out of that predicament."

Xiao Yang smiled and said, "Brother, you taught me so well... If you hadn't reminded me, I really wouldn't have known that Little Thirteen wasn't a good person."

"After your reminder, I do see that guy as suspicious no matter how I look at him! But, Your Majesty, what is he up to? What is he planning?"

Xiao Ce shook his head and said, "He definitely didn't have anything good in mind!"

The two of them then walked out of the palace.

Da Lei was already waiting by the carriage. Seeing the two approaching, he stepped forward and said...

"Your Highness, the Chief of the Department of Punishments came to your residence looking for you, but couldn't find you, so he sent someone to tell you that he has urgent business with you... He wants you to go to the Department of Punishments as soon as you hear the news."

Xiao Ce nodded, his eyes sharp, and said, "Let's go, let's go to the Department of Punishments."

Xiao Yang asked Xiao Ce, "Is there any news?"

Xiao Ce shook his head: "I'm not sure, but there must have been some gains."

The carriage sped along, and Xiao Yang sat by the window, looking out.

“Brother, look at that shop. It’s decorated very exquisitely... Isn’t it the fashion store you told Qian Dafang about?”

Xiao Ce told Da Lei to slow down the carriage and looked in the direction Xiao Yang was looking.

There was a shop with a very modern storefront on one side of a busy street.

The store was surrounded by a large crowd, including some young women who were wearing clothes designed by Xiao Ce and walking back and forth on a stage at the entrance.

Behind the stage was a huge billboard that read "Ni Chang Ge" (霓裳阁).

Below is the origin of the name; it probably refers to the magnificent robes worn by people in celestial palaces.

There were also various materials on it; in any case, according to the description, these materials were all from heaven.

On the stage, there were some sewing machines, and people were making things on them.

In this day and age, this kind of sewing machine can already be hailed as a "miracle device".

Xiao Ce then remembered that Qian Dafang had sent someone to deliver an invitation, saying that he was preparing to hold a fashion show as Xiao Ce had suggested, and the date seemed to be today.

However, Xiao Ce did not like to show his face in public, so he did not agree.

Although I didn't go up to see, this is how it looks right now.

Xiao Ce was quite satisfied.

Both Qian Dafang and the Qian brothers possessed a natural talent for business.

Given time, he could become incredibly wealthy.

Xiao Ce then instructed Da Lei to continue towards the Department of Punishments.

Xiao Ce then continued to say to Xiao Yang, "That's right, this Qian Dafang is someone I'm leaving you to rely on... So, you and your maternal clan should find a way to protect him. After all, once you become the Crown Prince, you'll have many expenses."

"You've allowed Qian Dafang to conduct business smoothly throughout the entire Xiao Kingdom in Kyoto. While the money may appear to be going into his pocket, it's actually all your money. Do you understand what I mean?"

Xiao Yang nodded vigorously, his face full of emotion: "Royal brother...you really...really...want to support me to become the crown prince?!"

Xiao Ce said, half-laughing and half-crying, "Of course... what else did you think? Do you think I'd be bored? Just kidding!"

Xiao Yang gave an awkward laugh and said, "I thought you were really just kidding me..."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "To be honest, based on what you've done to me before, I really want to tear you to pieces. However, you've done a pretty good job as a dog lately. If you can maintain this and continue to be this wagging-tail-and-begging dog by my side, I won't mind supporting you to eventually sit on the throne!"

"Wang Wang Wang!"

Xiao Ce was momentarily stunned when Xiao Yang suddenly called out to him twice.

"What are you doing?"

Xiao Yang chuckled: "Royal brother, I will always be your most loyal dog!"

Xiao Ce nodded meaningfully: "So, although Qian Dafang has some capital, if he really wants his business to take root, he will need the support of the royal family. Do you understand what I mean?"

Xiao Yang nodded with certainty: "Brother, I know what to do. Our maternal clan has influence in various places, so protecting a merchant is definitely not a problem."

Xiao Ce nodded: "Helping him is helping yourself..."

Xiao Yang nodded to indicate that he understood.

Xiao Ce had originally wanted to find an opportunity to talk to Xiao Yang, but now Xiao Yang himself had come to ask.

Xiao Ce then spoke up, knowing full well that Qian Dafang, as a businessman, truly desired immense wealth.

This is not easy.

Although Xiao Ce had influence in the northern deserts, he was not very powerful within the Xiao Kingdom.

During this time, he also discovered that Consort Hui's abilities were quite remarkable.

If this Ni Chang Pavilion receives the support of Consort Hui, it will be much easier for it to succeed in the luxury goods industry.

As they spoke, they arrived at the entrance of the Department of Punishments.

Xiao Ce and Xiao Yang got off the carriage, and at that moment a jailer-looking man walked over.

"Your Highness, First Prince, Second Prince, our Director has sent me to wait for you here."

The jailer then pointed to a carriage on the side: "Your Highnesses, the Chief Justice has ordered me to take you to the Imperial Prison."

Xiao Yang looked warily at the carriage.

“We have our own carriages.”

The jailer said, "Your carriage is too conspicuous! The chief said we should keep a low profile!"

Xiao Ce gave Da Lei a look.

Da Lei immediately understood and pounced on the jailer in front of him like a tiger descending a mountain.

The jailer's expression changed drastically as Xiao Ce's hand, like a steel claw, gripped the jailer's neck tightly.

"Who sent you...?"

However, before Da Lei could finish speaking, the jailer interrupted him with a look of indignation, "How did you know?"

"If Lord Xing wanted to keep things under wraps, he would have informed us beforehand. He wouldn't have bothered to call us and then make us change carriages here."

"Besides, I've ridden in your disciplinary office's carriages before, and they're not like this..."

"Furthermore, the frame of your carriage is sunken, which obviously means there are quite a few people hiding inside."

Xiao Ce spoke calmly.

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, the jailer wanted to make a sound to warn the person in the carriage...

However, his throat was firmly clamped by Da Lei's hand.

Before he could speak, Da Lei knocked him unconscious with a karate chop, then rummaged through his mouth.

He pulled out a pill: "Your Highness, he really is a suicide soldier..."

Then, pointing to a carriage in the distance, he asked, "How do we deal with that carriage?"

Xiao Ce asked Da Lei, "Did you bring any grenades?"

Da Lei pulled out two directly from behind his back.

Xiao Yang's eyes widened as he looked at Xiao Ce and said, "Brother, are you trying to blow them up?"

Xiao Ce nodded with a smile: "Smart!"

"Don't you need to keep your tongue?"

Xiao Ce pointed at the unconscious jailer: "We already have them, and most of these people probably don't know anything about this... We need to use some methods..."

Then Xiao Ce said to Da Lei beside him, "Da Lei, watch my moves, throw it into that carriage window..."

Once Xiao Ce confirmed that no one was around, he pulled the fuse.

Then, mimicking lines from later video games, he excitedly shouted, "Fire in the hole!"

Xiao Ce was still very humane.

If they could understand what he was saying, they might be able to escape.

However, it was clear that they didn't understand it very well.

At this moment, the two assassins hiding in the secret compartment of the carriage smelled a burnt smell.

I instinctively peeked out and saw two things that looked like wooden sticks in the carriage.

Before they could see anything clearly...

boom!

boom!

Two explosions were heard inside the carriage.

After Xiao Ce and Da Lei finished throwing the grenades, they pulled Xiao Yang and hid behind the two huge bronze lions at the entrance of the Punishment Department.

Xiao Ce only poked his head out after the explosion ended.

The carriage was torn to pieces, and even the horse in front of it was blown to pieces.

Fortunately, there were no houses around the location of the Penal Office, and no idle residents in the area.

The loud explosion drew the jailers and officials out of the disciplinary office.

Along with this came the penal codes of the Department of Punishments.

Upon seeing Xiao Ce and his group, Xing Shoulu immediately stepped forward and asked, "Your Highness, Your Highness, are you alright... What happened? Are you all alright?"

Xiao Yang said indignantly, "If it weren't for my royal brother's discerning eyes, we would be the ones who died! Do you think we're alright?"