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

The Ninth Prince, Xiao Zhan, made a series of blunders.

He went and captured over a thousand scholars, then killed them all.

In his words, these scholars couldn't even distinguish right from wrong; their knowledge had gone to waste.

Xiao Zhan's actions really frightened many scholars.

However, those scholars were determined not to let someone like Xiao Zhan ascend the throne.

Moreover, the caravan leader told Xiao Ce.

These people seem to be arguing fiercely, but it's more like a shrewish woman yelling in the street.

They talk the talk but don't walk the walk.

Everyone expected a fight to break out, but after each of them occupied some cities with their troops, they showed no intention of sending troops.

With the three sides remaining inactive, Xiao Wenqin dared not rashly send troops.

After all, they were all thinking of sitting back and watching the two sides fight, then reaping the benefits.

Xiao Ce's expression was not good upon hearing this news, for no other reason than...

Given their situation, it's clear that they aim to carve out a territory, thereby achieving their goal of division.

This is a situation he does not want to see.

However, there was nothing he could do at that moment.

They traveled almost without rest, and after more than ten days, they arrived at the capital of Xiao Kingdom.

Kyoto's security is noticeably much tighter; the guards here are all dressed in mourning clothes.

At the city gate, white mourning couplets were hanging.

Xiao Ce said that it was not certain that anyone would recognize him.

However, it's unclear whether Xiao Wenqin showed his portrait to the Imperial Guards here.

Therefore, with the help of the caravan leader.

They used some special methods to enter the city.

Gulimiza followed the caravan inside.

They agreed to meet at Qian Dafang's residence.

After Xiao Ce entered the capital, it was during the national mourning period.

Every household was decorated in white, and the people were all dressed in plain clothes.

However, the people did not feel any sadness.

Most of them just do what they're supposed to do.

Xiao Ce noticed quite a few changes in Kyoto.

First of all, there are many fashion stores here, and these stores are all very brightly decorated.

The shop assistants inside are all very good-looking and have a great presence.

Xiao Ce thought about going in to take a look, and the people here did not look down on him because of his simple clothes.

They still treated us with great hospitality.

The clothes here are much more expensive than what Xiao Ce agreed upon.

The average price was 100 taels of gold per piece.

Even though Xiao Ce was very wealthy, he still felt it was extremely extravagant.

However, there weren't many customers in the shop, but in the short time he looked around...

Several shop assistants had already left the shop with a few pieces of clothing.

"Your business here is doing quite well?"

The shop assistant smiled and said, "That's right, sir, I can tell you're from out of town."

Xiao Ce glanced at the shop assistant and said, "Do I have an accent?"

The shop assistant smiled and shook his head: "Sir, no. Our Nishang Pavilion is very famous in Kyoto."

"Our Ni Chang Ge is now the best clothing store in the entire capital, and the best in the Xiao Kingdom. The royal family's clothes are all custom-made from our Ni Chang Ge."

"Moreover, the official robes are now being made by our Ni Chang Pavilion. This shows that our quality has been recognized by the royal family."

"Therefore, anyone who buys our clothes becomes a symbol of status..."

As she spoke, the shop assistant pointed to a logo from the brand "Neon Fashion" on the clothing.

Xiao Ce didn't want to buy it, but seeing how enthusiastic the shop assistant was, patiently introducing the products to him.

Xiao Ce's enthusiastic attitude alone makes him worthy of ordering one.

Of course, it wasn't bought for himself. It was bought for Gulimiza.

This clothing store specializes in bespoke tailoring.

After you pay, they can come to your home to take your measurements.

Xiao Ce then said he would bring Gulimiza over another day.

With that, Xiao Ce left satisfied, having joined forces with the royal family.

This person is generous with money, and also very shrewd...

Along the way, we saw not only clothing stores but also perfume stores.

There are also soap shops.

Xiao Ce went to check them one by one.

I bought some for Gulimiza; the service at these stores was excellent.

It seems that Qian Dafang has strictly followed Xiao Ce's instructions.

Children can be taught.

Meanwhile, Qian Dafang waited at the mansion, like an ant on a hot pan.

Because Gulimiza and the others had already arrived, Xiao Ce entered through another method.

An hour has already passed; by now, they should have been able to climb there.

Qian Dafang has already sent out three groups of people to search for them.

After waiting for a while and still seeing no one return, he said to the person beside him, "Go, go, go... quickly send people to look for him... what's going on? Is it so hard to find a living person? Let me tell you, if anything happens to my ancestor, I'll take your lives!"

"Qian Dafang, it hasn't been that long since I've seen you? Your temper has gotten much worse!"

A sound coming from the doorway startled Qian Dafang.

His dark face immediately broke into a wide smile.

Then he ran towards the door.

Upon seeing Xiao Ce in disguise, he was taken aback for a moment.

She quickly recognized him.

Then he ran towards him in twos and threes.

He gave Xiao Ce a big hug: "Ancestor, ancestor, you're finally back! You scared me to death..."

Xiao Ce listened to how Qian Dafang addressed him.

Xiao Ce was still somewhat stunned: "Ancestor? What kind of address is that?"

Qian Dafang made a shushing gesture, then pulled Xiao Ce into the room.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Ce said, "What? Do you have a spy on your side?"

Qian Dafang waved his hand and said with a smile, "No...no...Your Highness, I'm just being cautious...after all, the situation isn't right right now. Besides, you're practically my second father, making our business so successful. I don't think calling you father is appropriate...so I was thinking of calling you ancestor..."

Seeing Qian Dafang's excited expression, Xiao Ce smiled and said, "Alright, I just gave you a direction... the specifics are still up to you..."

Seeing that Xiao Ce was carrying a lot of their company's goods, Qian Dafang smiled and said, "Your Highness, so you went to inspect? How is it? Are these businesses doing as you wish?"

Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, it has exceeded my expectations! Very good! However, it just didn't come at a good time... If the world were at peace, your businesses would be even more prosperous!"

Seeing this, Qian Dafang waved his hand and said, "Your Highness, whether things are chaotic or not doesn't really make much difference to us. Whether it's peacetime or wartime, there are always wealthy people...they always have to spend money."

"And if war breaks out, we'll have an even better chance to make money off the people..."

As he spoke, Qian Dafang suddenly remembered that Xiao Ce was people-oriented, and quickly shrank his neck, as if realizing that he had said the wrong thing.

He quickly explained, "Your Highness...that's not what I meant. What I meant was..."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "You don't need to explain. I know what you mean. Merchants pursue profit, and there's nothing wrong with that. Prices will naturally skyrocket after war, which is indeed beneficial to you... Just don't make money against your conscience."

Qian Dafang nodded: "Your Highness, we understand. We have been following your instructions, saving lives and doing good deeds, so the people always remember our kindness..."

"You said that imperial power and the people are like fish and water. Actually, in my heart, the people are the same as us merchants. If the people speak well of your merchant guild, then word will spread. And when you encounter difficulties, the people will help you..."

Hearing Qian Dafang's words, Xiao Ce nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, it's good that you have this awareness..."

As he spoke, Xiao Ce realized that he had gone off on a tangent.

He smiled at Qian Dafang and said, "I'm getting off-topic. I didn't come here to hear your report."

Qian Dafang nodded and said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, you want to know the cause of the Emperor's death, don't you?"

Xiao Ce nodded: "That's right. Also, Xiao Yang should have arrived here before me, right? Do you have any news from your side?"

Qian Dafang said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, the Second Prince did not arrive in the capital long before the new emperor arrived. He entered the capital early this morning. After he entered the capital, the new emperor did not go directly to the palace, but waited at his residence."

"It wasn't until shortly after you entered the city that you were summoned by people from the palace. However, Xiao Wenqin wouldn't allow the Second Prince to bring anyone, and that tall Turkic man also wouldn't let him in..."

Xiao Ce asked in confusion, "So, Xiao Yang went in alone?"

Qian Dafang nodded and then said, "That's right... Your Highness, why did you bring the Second Prince back? I've heard about the situation in the Western Regions. The Second Prince has over 200,000 elite troops under his command. He could easily stay there and dominate the region... By coming here now, isn't it just blatantly sending him into a trap?"

Xiao Ce listened to Qian Dafang laugh and said, "You really do know a lot... So you mean the emperor was killed by this Xiao Wenqin?"

Qian Dafang nodded and lowered his voice: "Your Highness, it's just a rumor circulating. It's that Xiao Wenqin's mother poisoned some food."

Xiao Ce found the word somewhat unfamiliar.

"Food poison? What is that?"

Before Qian Dafang could explain, Da Lei, who was following behind Xiao Ce, spoke up: "Your Highness, poisoning is not actually poison, but a method that uses the principle of food incompatibility to poison someone by having them eat certain foods. Moreover, this method of poisoning is very slow and difficult to detect, and once it is discovered, there is no cure!"

"Then why do you say that it was Consort Yun, Xiao Wenqin's mother, who poisoned him?" Xiao Ce asked.

Qian Dafang continued in a low voice, "Your Highness, this information came from conversations among the ladies of powerful families... because ever since the Thirteenth Prince returned, the Emperor has been sleeping at Consort Yun's residence..."

"Furthermore, before this, the Emperor had already ordered the scholar-general Guan Zhong, who was on good terms with Consort Yun, to mobilize the troops from Guangdong and Guangxi... It seems he had anticipated this... After the Emperor fell critically ill, these troops from Guangdong and Guangxi took control of the situation here. This is why some princes failed to stage a coup..."

Xiao Ce nodded: "I brought Xiao Yang back for no other reason than that his mother is still in the palace. Do you know why Consort Hui didn't escape from the palace? You know, Consort Hui has been managing things in the palace for many years. Even if something unexpected happened, she shouldn't be unable to escape."

Qian Dafang said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, I'm also curious... I've also tried to subtly inquire from various places. But with the current atmosphere of tension, I'm afraid that if I'm too obvious inquiries and get caught by the new emperor, I'll be in deep trouble... However, the absence of news means there's good news, right?"

"Now that the Second Prince Xiao Yang has returned... it probably won't be long before we find out!"

After listening to Qian Dafang's words, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded: "You're right. Xiao Yang should have met Xiao Wenqin by now."

Qian Dafang nodded: "Judging by the time, they should have met!"

...

At this time, inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

The entire palace was shrouded in a light gloom.

In the main hall where the morning court was originally held, there was now a coffin, with some civil and military officials kneeling beside it.

Xiao Wenqin knelt at the front, his refined face showing signs of weariness.

Xiao Yang, now dressed in mourning clothes, walked in alone with his head held high.

"Prince Anyang! He has arrived!"

Hearing the eunuch's loud shouts, all the officials turned to look.

After all, they had all heard that Xiao Yang was coming.

However, everyone felt that Xiao Yang already held considerable military power and would not come easily.

But he did come.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Wenqin also stood up to greet him, taking three steps at a time to walk forward.

With a face full of excitement and sorrow, he said, "Second Brother, you've come...you've finally come..."

As he spoke, Xiao Wenqin called out towards the coffin behind him, "Father... your second elder brother, whom you worried about most before your death... he's here... he's here..."

Upon seeing this, Xiao Yang cried out, "Father! Your son is unfilial... Your son was unable to see you one last time..."

As he spoke, Xiao Yang looked up to the sky and let out a long howl, then broke down in tears.

With Xiao Wenqin's support, he staggered over.

Then she cried so bitterly.

Xiao Yang was patting the coffin and shouting for his father to wake up and see him.

On one side, people were pounding their chests and stamping their feet, accusing him of being unfilial.

His appearance was so heartbreaking that it brought tears to the eyes of those who witnessed it.

However, if someone were to keep an eye on Xiao Yang, they would notice.

Xiao Yang cried for so long, but not a single tear came out.

However, those pedantic scholars in the room did not see it clearly.

They were all moved by Xiao Yang's acting skills, wiping away tears, thinking that the princes of Xiao Kingdom still had feelings for each other.

They never expected that Xiao Yang, who seemed so unreliable, would turn out this way.

This is surprisingly reliable!