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

"A mad Taoist priest? He's supposedly traveled the world? He keeps saying he knows me, but he still can't find me?"

Xiao Ce looked at Yin Weiyong with suspicion, subconsciously wondering if he had relayed the wrong message.

Yin Weiyong nodded: "That's right, this is his original letter to Xiao Yang. Since he couldn't contact you, he asked Xiao Yang to deliver it."

Xiao Ce took the letter and began to read it.

After reading it, I felt that the problem Yin Weiyong relayed was not a big deal. Xiao Tao wrote it in great detail, including the matter of Xiaoyao Pill.

After reading it, Xiao Ce became interested in the mad Taoist.

According to Xiao Tao, this person didn't seem to know him; otherwise, finding him should have been easy.

“Father-in-law, let him come over. What are we afraid of on my turf?” Xiao Ce said with a smile.

Yin Weiyong nodded again, without denying Xiao Ce's decision.

Xiao Ce noticed that Yin Weiyong had only agreed, and then said, "Father-in-law, if you have any objections, you can just say so..."

Seeing this, Yin Weiyong smiled and said, "Your Highness, I have no other objections; of course, I agree. However, do you think I support Xiao Tao's approach? I have a feeling that this 'Freedom Pill' isn't a good thing. The people of Fusang want to use these things to control our people. If they succeed, I fear it will be a dead end for us..."

"So, it's one thing for them to make these things. But if we also start making them ourselves... wouldn't that be a bad thing?"

Hearing Yin Weiyong's concerns, Xiao Ce nodded: "Father-in-law, your concern is indeed valid. However, Xiao Tao is currently in a situation where he has no other choice. I think their self-production of this product is a double-edged sword...it has both advantages and disadvantages..."

Yin Weiyong was completely taken aback by Xiao Ce's words and asked in surprise, "Advantages? Isn't this poison? How can it have any advantages?"

When Xiao Ce saw Yin Weiyong ask this question, he smiled and said, "Father-in-law, this is not difficult to understand. It's like a weapon is used to kill people; is it good or bad?"

"That same pill, though harmful to the body, is used by the people of Fusang to enslave our people! If we don't have it, our people, even if they don't want to betray us, will sometimes be forced to do so!"

“Sometimes, we provide it to them first, and then try to develop an antidote... This gives us a lot more initiative. However, you are right, the regulation of this stuff is indeed a problem.”

"However, I don't think there's a better way right now. We can only ask them to keep a close watch on things. We can manage this matter later after we drive these Japanese out."

Yin Weiyong nodded, without waiting for him to speak.

Xiao Ce's face revealed a sinister look, and then he said to Yin Weiyong, "Of course... since they used this to poison us, we can also give them a taste of their own medicine!"

Yin Weiyong became interested and said to Xiao Ce, "You mean, let others use it too?"

Xiao Ce nodded sharply: "Didn't the letter say that this medicine is much better than theirs, and its effects are much more powerful!"

Yin Weiyong nodded: "That is one way, but those Japanese are very wary... I'm afraid they won't come across this thing easily."

Xiao Ce sneered and said, "When we first poisoned them, we naturally didn't let them know. Once they became dependent on it, we sold it to them. It wouldn't be difficult for our Golden Society to do that."

Yin Weiyong said, "If the higher-ups in Japan find out, won't it implicate the people of our Golden Society?"

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, the influence of our Golden Society in the shadows is developing much faster than we imagined. I'll handle this."

When Yin Weiyong heard Xiao Ce say this, his face lit up with a bright smile.

"So, Your Majesty, after you put it that way, this is actually a good thing!"

Xiao Ce shook his head and said, "It's certainly not a good thing, but it does mean we still have a way to counter it."

Yin Weiyong asked, "Aren't you afraid that if our entire population gets infected with that poison, then..."

Xiao Ce said confidently, "Actually, there is a way to detoxify... but it's not suitable for the current situation. Don't worry."

Seeing Xiao Ce say this, Yin Weiyong was finally relieved.

"Should we go in?"

Xiao Ce shook his head and said, "Not yet. The further our people go into battle, the better for us! Right now we have Xiao Tao, Xiao Zhan, and Xiao Yang; these are all our proxies. We can have them unite and then fight..."

"We'll just focus on our development and building up our strength. Of course, we can secretly send some of our new recruits to experience the atmosphere of war. I'll talk to Han Da about that."

Yin Weiyong nodded as he spoke: "Okay, then I'll go reply now."

Then, she turned to Xiao Ce and said, "Your Highness, are you going to leave again this time? If you don't leave, I will hand over all the power here to you."

Xiao Ce quickly waved his hand and said to Yin Weiyong, "Father-in-law, I definitely have to go... I still have to go to this war."

Yin Weiyong asked with some concern, "Where are you going?"

Xiao Ce said, "Naturally, I'll go to Xiao Zhan's side. They're fighting against the Fusang people. They're fighting this war for us, so I'm going there to boost their morale. Most importantly, I'm worried they won't be able to hold on. If they don't, then it'll be our turn to fight them."

Yin Weiyong nodded first: "Do you believe them?"

Xiao Ce said with a smile, "That Xiao Zhan is not an ambitious person. He is smarter than Han and keeps his word... Besides, I have been through so much, I am not afraid of them at all."

"Father-in-law, is there something you're unhappy about? It's really unfair to put you in charge of such a small place."

Yin Weiyong quickly shook his head: "No, I didn't mean that. I actually find this much more exciting than being the prime minister before. The late emperor was suspicious and hindered me at every turn, so I didn't have much say in things. Here, you've completely delegated power... I'm like a local emperor. Besides, this place, including the Turkic Kingdom, isn't small at all. Although the Turkic Kingdom is supposedly independent, everything still has to go through here."

Xiao Ce smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Father-in-law! You've managed things very well here... The importance of the Northern Desert Royal Palace! Especially what you're doing now. Times have changed. Our Northern Desert Royal Palace will be even better as the capital of the Xiao Kingdom in the future, with a better geographical location than the capital."

Xiao Ce didn't explain it very clearly, and Yin Weiyong wasn't stupid either.

This time, they understood the unspoken meaning in Xiao Ce's words.

Yin Weiyong smiled and said to Xiao Ce, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will handle it well."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two went about their respective tasks.

"I'll reply to Xiao Tao's letter personally."

Yin Weiyong nodded. He naturally knew that Xiao Ce was trying to win people over by using his personal charm.

Watching Xiao Ce's departing figure, Yin Weiyong still felt great admiration for Xiao Ce.

He took each step very steadily.

Looking back now, it really is interesting.

Previously, Xiao Dingbang had tried every means to sow discord among these brothers, but under Xiao Ce's guidance, they surprisingly united in a strange way...

However, Yin Weiyong followed Xiao Ce's plans all the way, especially after learning that there were other countries overseas.

Xiao Ce's goal was not as simple as unifying the Xiao Kingdom.

Although the Xiao Kingdom seems to be in disarray now, Xiao Ce has managed to connect these scattered forces.

Given time, we will be able to drive out Fusang.

Because he was well aware that he had already begun building up a navy in India and had already dispatched elite troops there.

Once the sea route to Fusang is cut off.

This Fusang Kingdom has no foundation in Xiao Kingdom, and facing them is already a dead end.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two went about their respective tasks.

Xiao Ce was destined to be restless. After making arrangements here, he replied to Xiao Tao.

They were just waiting for their weapons transport team to arrive, and then they went with the weapons transport team to support Xiao Zhan.

...

At this time, in Kyoto.

Xiao Xiangqing and Qianlong have already gone to find Cai Hui.

Cai Hui already knew that Xiao Zhan had betrayed them by joining forces with the Slavic people.

In fact, Qianlong did not try to stop him from staying.

But that's exactly what they hoped for, because only in this way could they gain the greatest support from the people of Japan.

If Xiao Zhan also submits to Fusang, there will inevitably be comparisons between them, which is something he doesn't want to see.

Knowing the current situation, Cai Hui treated them with the highest level of hospitality.

He summoned all the ministers.

Since Xiao Tao announced his abdication, she could now legitimately enter the palace.

The ministers he summoned were all spineless and only knew how to flatter.

Those ministers who originally had some backbone either died or retired.

At this moment, Cai Hui sat on the dragon throne and saw Xiao Xiangqing kneeling on the ground. She felt a mix of emotions.

Kneeling on the ground, Xiao Xiangqing's feelings were equally complicated.

However, even with the complexities, their acting was quite good.

"Your Highness, the Eighth Prince, you must be tired from your journey. Please, please take a seat..."

Hearing Cai Hui's polite tone, Xiao Xiangqing naturally put on an act as well: "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is my honor to serve Your Majesty. Now that the Xiao Kingdom is in ruins and treacherous officials like Xiao Ce are rampant, we still need Your Majesty to turn the tide and cleanse the land."

Cai Hui listened to Xiao Xiangqing's words with great satisfaction: "Your Highness, I also need ambitious people like you... Now, although Xiao Zhan and the others have rebelled, it doesn't matter. This is a good opportunity to eliminate both sides..."

Xiao Xiangqing nodded: "Your Majesty, how would you like to cooperate with us?"

Cai Hui said, "Do those stingy Slavic people still sell weapons to you?"

Xiao Xiangqing nodded: "Your Majesty, that's correct..."

Cai Hui said, "As long as you are willing to submit to the imperial court, I will grant you the title of King of Jiangnan. From now on, we will take care of all your weapons and military expenses. Not only that, we will also arrange some Japanese samurai from Fusang to guide you and reform your army."

Xiao Xiangqing listened with great excitement and immediately knelt down. "Your Majesty, I am willing to submit!"

"Alright, then, we will equip you with the best weapons... and some good things from Japan that can help our soldiers stay healthy!"

Xiao Xiangqing looked on with curiosity, and Cai Hui took out some Xiaoyao pills.

"These pills are called 'Free and Easy Pills.' After taking them, you can strengthen your body and become as light as a swallow..."

Cai Hui went on and on about how wonderful the "Xiaoyao Pill" was, and Xiao Xiangqing, somewhat excited, naturally thanked him again.

After this meeting, Cai Hui showed his sincerity by not only providing weapons but also sending 200,000 troops to accompany them.

Cai Hui meant that there was no need to fight Xiao Zhan in Sichuan at the moment.

After all, Sichuan is a region that is easy to defend but difficult to govern.

Once we capture the cities that Xiao Zhan occupies in key locations, we can then attack the Northern Desert King's Palace...

Xiao Xiangqing thought so too; he had long harbored deep hatred for Xiao Ce.

After reaching an agreement, they left with their men the next day.

On the departing carriage, they also carried Xiaoyao Pills, repeatedly emphasizing that the soldiers must take them every day.

Xiao Xiangqing wasn't stupid; she sensed something was wrong.

He then went to ask Qianlong.

"Mr. Qianlong, is that medicine really good for strengthening the body?"

Qianlong snorted coldly: "Of course not...it's a poison!"

Xiao Xiangqing's expression immediately turned extremely ugly upon hearing this: "Poison? What does that vixen mean?"

Qianlong nodded and said, "Don't worry, it's not a poison that will kill you. It's an addictive poison, and the effects he described will indeed occur. However, once you stop taking it, the poison will take effect, causing excruciating pain, like a thousand insects gnawing at your bones... This is one of the ways Cai Hui wants to control us. Otherwise, do you think she's taken the wrong medicine? Why would she be so quick to take it?"

Xiao Xiangqing, looking embarrassed, said to Qianlong, "Mr. Qianlong, at first I really thought he had taken the wrong medicine, being so agreeable... So... should we use it?"

Qianlong nodded: "Yes, we should use them. These medicines do indeed enhance the combat effectiveness of our soldiers..."

Xiao Xiangqing's face was grim as he said, "If they're not our soldiers, then they've been taken over by them! If they cut off our medicine, isn't that the same as taking away our control? What if we lose our command and she kicks us aside?"

Qianlong looked at Xiao Xiangqing and said, "Do we still have a choice now?"