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

Lin Yao nodded, his expression somewhat unnatural.

After watching Lin Yao sit down uncomfortably, and observing his behavior.

Xiao Ce relaxed his defenses considerably. At least this person didn't seem like a problem, and his cunning didn't seem deep.

Seeing this, Xiao Ce was overjoyed, as it was the easiest way for him to get information out of such a person.

Compared to Wuwei and Linbang, they've had much more experience; they might have even received special training from instructors...

Xiao Ce looked at Lin Yao's nervous expression.

"Your name is Lin Yao, right?"

Lin Yao looked embarrassed, then nodded: "Your Highness, my name is Lin Yao."

"Lin Bang is your uncle?"

Lin Yao nodded: "That's right, it is indeed my second uncle..."

Xiao Ce nodded, then changed the subject, saying, "Don't be nervous... I was just angry with Old Wang for secretly going to inform you..."

"I know you mean well, you must want to protect my safety."

Xiao Ce spoke very skillfully, first using seemingly casual conversation to lower Lin Yao's guard.

Then she comforted him.

After a few words, Lin Yao completely lowered his guard...

Lin Yao nodded with a look of certainty.

Seeing this, Xiao Ce continued, "How much do you know about me?"

Lin Yao bowed and replied, "My second uncle told me that you are not what the rumors say."

Xiao Ce smiled and nodded: "Alright, since you know, I can save myself some trouble... By the way, I came out secretly this time, so you haven't sent any news back yet, have you?"

Lin Yao nodded and said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, King of Mobei, please rest assured... I didn't say... Firstly, I wasn't sure if Old Wang's words were true or false, and secondly, I felt that Your Highness, you came out alone, naturally you have your reasons... I was afraid that if the news leaked, it would disrupt your plans..."

Xiao Ce listened to Lin Yao's words and feigned an expression of great admiration for him...

"Very good, not bad!"

As Xiao Ce spoke, he didn't rush to get information out of her. Instead, he pointed to a pot that was already boiling in front of him.

Red oil was already floating in the pot, and as it continued to boil, an indescribable aroma wafted out.

Upon smelling the aroma, Xiao Ce subconsciously swallowed.

This hot pot base was sent to them along with the flintlock pistol.

He had planned to prepare food on the way here, but Diliti and the others kept their eyes on him.

Xiao Ce knew that once the hot pot was started, it would inevitably cause unnecessary trouble.

Xiao Ce never bothered to get it, and later forgot about it. Although he brought it with him this time, he didn't think of it for a moment.

Although Xiao Ce didn't eat it, the smell alone was already very appealing!

Xiao Ce was somewhat surprised when he first learned that this hot pot base had been created.

Originally, this thing was just an obsession for Xiao Ce, because many of the various seasonings were missing.

However, Yin Pan'er had fallen in love with the taste of clear broth hot pot after trying it once before.

Hearing Xiao Ce say that it was a pity that if a real beef tallow hot pot could be replicated, that would be truly delicious.

Yin Pan'er always remembered this sentence, so after trade with India began, her first priority was to find potatoes, and her second priority was to find those materials.

They found almost all the spices, and then began to replicate them according to a piece of paper left by Xiao Ce.

As it turned out, he actually managed to create the hot pot base.

It was sent over along with the musket. What Xiao Ce didn't know was that Yin Pan'er had also opened a restaurant specializing in this hot pot in the northern desert.

That business is so good it's practically taking off.

Xiao Ce only learned these things after he returned to the northern desert.

Now, pointing to the hot pot in front of him, he asked, "Do you know what this is?"

Lin Yao shook his head: "Your Highness, this thing is simply unheard of and unseen before..."

Xiao Ce said to Lin Yao, "This is hot pot..."

While having Hu Yidao, the world's number one swordsman, slice the meat for him, Xiao Ce introduced Lin Yang to him, and then they ate and drank together.

With Hu Yidao and the others joining in, and Xiao Ce saying there were no distinctions of rank at the hot pot table.

Lin Yao gradually opened up.

During the meal, Xiao Ce would occasionally utter a casual remark that Lin Yao would blurt out without warning.

Most importantly, Lin Yao himself didn't even realize he was being tricked into revealing information.

Hu Yidao and his group on the other side were immediately filled with admiration.

Xiao Ce learned this from Lin Yao.

Their purpose in coming here was, on the one hand, to take over and control the Uzbek army on the Nushan Pass side.

Furthermore, their meaning is clear: they will not honor the previous negotiations with Uzbekistan.

Their mission was to hold the Nushan Pass, which, in Wuwei's words, meant to be shameless.

If asked, just admit it, but don't...

Xiao Ce then asked Lin Yao if he had any plans.

Lin Yao was completely unprepared, and in other words, he didn't know the specifics either.

However, it means that they are going to carry out a major operation in the Western Regions with Xiao Ce.

After he said that, Hu Yidao subconsciously looked at Xiao Ce.

Xiao Ce smiled awkwardly, not knowing what was going on.

We still managed to glean a few key pieces of information from Lin Yao: the three of them were likely plotting something big within the Western Regions...

And this big event could very well be a case of trapping the dog behind closed doors.

Just like Xiao Ce thought, they were very likely to take action against several other countries.

As for why Xiao Ce didn't receive the news, it's probably because he wasn't there at the moment.

Even if they wanted to send a message to Xiao Ce, they couldn't.

As for the more detailed things, Lin Yao didn't know, and Lin Bang obviously didn't reveal too much to him either.

Xiao Ce then told Lin Yao to keep quiet about what happened between them.

After that hotpot meal, Lin Yao readily agreed.

Thinking of the strict checks at the pass, he asked Lin Yao again.

Lin Yao said that they had received news that people from Shanshan might be bringing in a batch of goods.

These goods may contain many dangerous items...

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ce's gaze sharpened, wondering if the news had still been leaked.

Xiao Ce did not press the matter further.

That very evening, Xiao Ce left.

After all, his years of business experience told him that he had a feeling that a storm was brewing.

Before leaving, he instructed Wang Shouyi to tell him the first thing he heard after receiving any news.

At the dinner table, Xiao Ce expressed his high regard for Wang Shouyi.

In addition, Wang Shouyi helped to submit the report.

Therefore, Lin Yao still trusted Wang Shouyi quite a lot.

Xiao Ce hurriedly returned to the Three Passes Road, as they were going back at full speed.

We arrived at Sanguandao in just half the time.

In less than ten days, the Three Passes Road has already undergone tremendous changes.

The expanded area outside is already quite lively.

To avoid paying tolls, people decided to conduct their transactions here.

Moreover, based on the many policies given by Xiao Ce, they conduct transactions here.

They, Sanguandao, can provide a guarantee for both parties, acting as an intermediary.

Of course, all these merchants need to pay a deposit on Sanguandao.

In short, everyone has already benefited from the transaction and enjoyed the convenience.

Good news spreads like wildfire!

Xiao Ce was in a very good mood, seeing that he had achieved a very good result with a little trick.

After he went back...

Ling Chang then came to find him.

"Your Highness, did you have a safe journey?"

Xiao Ce looked at Ling Chang and said with a smile, "Not bad... everything went smoothly..."

Ling Chang smiled and then said, "That's good!"

Looking at Ling Chang's hesitant expression, he realized she wanted to say something but couldn't.

Xiao Ce then asked Ling Chang, "What's wrong? Is there something you want to say? There shouldn't be anything we can't talk about, right..."

Ling Chang nodded to Xiao Ce: "Your Highness! I have good news for you, but not good news for our Shanshan Kingdom!"

Xiao Ce said to Ling Chang, "Oh? Is that so? Since you've already followed my words all this way... there's no need to hide it anymore."

Ling Chang smiled slightly and nodded at Xiao Ce: "Your Highness, Instructor, Wuwei, and Lin Bang have already taken control of the entire Uzbek army... They now truly control the Uzbek kingdom!"

Xiao Ce was still somewhat disappointed when he heard Ling Chang mention this matter…

After all, he already knew about this news.

Looking at Xiao Ce's expression, Ling Chang said awkwardly, "Your Highness, it seems you know, judging from your expression?"

Xiao Ce nodded without saying a word.

Ling Chang interrupted, "Your Highness, look at my brain. They should all be your people, right..." As she spoke, she widened her eyes, "Your Highness, none of this could have been your plan, could it?"

Hearing Ling Chang's words, Xiao Ce smiled wryly and said, "I would like to... but I really don't know anything about this!"

As he spoke, Xiao Ce suddenly remembered something: "By the way, has anyone looked for me while I was away recently?"

Ling Chang shook her head and said very firmly no.

Just then, Xiao Ce said to Ling Chang, "So, this matter really doesn't have much to do with me."

"By the way, why did you say this isn't good news for you?"

Ling Chang looked at Xiao Ce and said, "Your Highness, you don't even understand this? You're really blinded by your own involvement!"

Hu Yidao, who was standing to the side, spoke up: "Your Highness, if they really control the military power of the Kingdom of Uz, then it means that the Kingdom of Uz can also be controlled by them. With a powerful Kingdom of Uz, you will naturally not support the Kingdom of Shanshan! You might even help the Kingdom of Uz to subdue the Kingdom of Shanshan!"

After Hu Yidao said that, Ling Chang nodded repeatedly, indicating that this was exactly what he meant.

Xiao Ce smiled and said to Ling Chang, "Don't worry. No matter what, I will support you!"