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

"Why should they? They can't just fight whenever they want, or surrender whenever they want!"

"Now that the war has begun, when it ends is no longer up to them!"

Xiao Zhan understood and lit the second signal flare in his hand...

The second signal flare then flew into the air.

Illuminate the dark night sky.

Tojo Shōki's face showed despair, and then the group quickly crawled back into the pile of corpses.

However, there was no bombing like the first wave.

Because of their soldiers, less than one in ten survived.

So soldiers rushed down the hillside in droves.

It would be a waste to bombard it with artillery.

The people of Fusang were terrified; they threw down their weapons and knelt on the ground, covering their heads.

The Sichuan troops here were quite tactful; they didn't kill any prisoners.

Half an hour later, it seemed that the situation was almost under control.

Xiao Ce and the others also descended from the mountainside.

Seeing that the Japanese hadn't been completely wiped out, Xiao Ce said to Xiao Zhan, "Xiao Zhan, your soldiers are quite benevolent..."

Xiao Zhan gave an awkward smile, naturally sensing the displeasure in Xiao Ce's words.

"Brother, our Sichuan army has a rule: never kill those who surrender!"

Xiao Ce said, "They're not surrendering, they're just afraid of dying!"

Xiao Zhan nodded: "I understand... I'll go and order them killed right away."

Seeing Xiao Zhan's expression, Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "No need... Since we didn't kill him earlier, there's even less need now..."

Xiao Zhan looked somewhat embarrassed.

Nikolayevich Ries and Rochasky Bind, who were standing beside him, felt a chill run down their spines.

Because they could see the killing intent unconsciously emanating from Xiao Ce...

They then thought of the previous annihilation of Saleh's armed forces, which was clearly at Xiao Ce's behest.

They genuinely failed to recognize Xiao Ce, who usually seemed rather unapproachable.

The murderous intent is surprisingly strong.

Actually, they had misunderstood Xiao Ce.

The complete annihilation of Saleh's forces was not at his behest.

Moreover, it wasn't his intention.

His killing intent at this moment stemmed entirely from his pure hatred for this country and this people.

That's it.

Xiao Ce noticed Xiao Zhan's embarrassment and forced a smile.

"Xiao Zhan, don't overthink it... I just feel a physical aversion to those who invade our land... especially to what they have done in the Central Plains."

Xiao Zhan nodded: "Brother, I know... I understand your feelings... Actually, I can..."

Xiao Ce shook his head, a chilling smile appearing on his face.

“You really don’t need to. I did get a little carried away just now. These beasts are worse than animals. Letting them die would be too good for them... Letting them live is the only way for them to atone for their sins.”

After they went down, most of the prisoners had been captured.

Xiao Zhan's confidants stepped forward to report.

The Fusang Kingdom captured more than 10,000 prisoners, all of whom were injured to varying degrees.

They also captured Tojo Shōki, who was hiding among the corpses, and Cai Hui and the others...

Xiao Zhan immediately became interested.

"Brother, shall we go and see them?"

Xiao Ce shook his head dismissively and said, "Just a few scumbags! Especially Cai Hui, the worst of the worst... Let's arrest her... You don't think you're going to be so smug about this victory, do you?"

Xiao Zhan immediately understood Xiao Ce's meaning: "Brother, I understand what you mean... I should be unstoppable right now."

Xiao Ce nodded.

“Leave some men to guard this place, and others to take these prisoners back.”

The rest of us, let's continue the attack together.

The ensuing war was quite simple. Xiao Ce first sent men to the city gate to kill a wave of prisoners from Fusang.

They were then told they had been defeated.

It was another case of coercion and enticement, telling them that surrendering now would be considered surrender.

They knew they were forced into this situation, and now they were determined to drive the people of Fusang out...

If they put up a stubborn resistance, then they should be considered traitors.

The effect is very good.

Everyone surrendered.

Whether it was Tang Ji's soldiers or Xiao Xiangqing's soldiers.

They handed over all their weapons.

Xiao Ce had a knack for recruiting these people.

First, they told them that those who wanted to work with them could stay.

Of course, they will also provide travel expenses for those who do not want to work.

Some people chose to leave, while others stayed.

For the next two weeks, they swept through the competition.

Everything went very smoothly.

As the three parties continue to converge from three directions.

Finally, they all converged in Anhua City.

At this moment, Xiao Yang's men occupied the port and killed all the people from Fusang.

They took control of all their ships.

After learning that Xiao Ce had also come, they arrived in Anhua City.

Anhua City is the intersection of the entire Central Plains region.

When Xiao Ce went to guard the border, he started his business here.

He rode his horse, looking at the city that hadn't changed much.

Xiao Ce was filled with emotion from time to time, realizing that three years had already passed without him noticing.

These past three years have brought about earth-shattering changes not only to him, but also to the entire Xiao Kingdom.

"Brother Emperor!"

"Brother Emperor!"

"Your Highness, the King of the Northern Desert!"

When Xiao Ce led his army outside the city, he heard the sound of a gate opening.

Then Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang came running over excitedly.

He was followed by a number of ministers.

"We've been waiting with bated breath, and you've finally arrived..."

"Welcome, Your Highness, King of the Northern Desert!"

"Long live the King of the Northern Desert! Long live the King! Long live the King!"

As they spoke, a group of people prostrated themselves on the ground and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Xiao Ce dismounted and then said to Xiao Yang, "Xiao Yang, you should know I don't like this kind of thing, so why are you doing it..."

Xiao Yang waved his hand and said, "Brother, I know your temper. How could I dare to do something like this? This was all done spontaneously by everyone!"

Xiao Tao said, "Indeed, Your Majesty, these ministers have gathered here spontaneously; they sincerely wish to welcome you..."

Xiao Ce continued, "Don't just welcome me... there's also Xiao Zhan. I didn't have to put in any effort along the way; it was all Xiao Zhan who did it all."

Xiao Tao and Xiao Zhan exchanged a glance, then gave a wry smile.

Xiao Zhan first generously asked, "Royal brother? It's all over?"

Xiao Tao gave a wry smile: "It's all in the past!"

At this moment, Xiao Wenqin, who was standing behind Xiao Tao, came out and greeted Xiao Ce as well.

He looked somewhat frightened.

"Wenqin, come here!"

Xiao Wenqin finally approached: "Brother, I'm sorry..."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "It's all in the past... Besides, it was your mother who did it... Back then, I was wary of you because of what your mother did..."

"We brothers have fought our way through, and those of us who are still here are the ones who have turned over a new leaf..."

"You haven't wronged me!"

Xiao Ce turned his gaze to the people who had followed him out: "The people you have wronged are these people!"

"As I traveled this far, I saw how this once prosperous place has become like this, and it breaks my heart!"

"I feel even more sorry for the ordinary people! These are all the evil consequences of our internal strife!"

"Therefore, every one of you here, including me! We princes must take full responsibility for this."

"Next, we will take action to restore peace and stability to the people..."

The princes all nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, some of the more stagnant ministers exclaimed, "The late emperor... look... your spirit in heaven can rest in peace now... the princes are so united and working together, how can our Great Xiao not prosper!"

After hearing this, Xiao Ce immediately pointed at the minister and said, "Hey, hey, hey, what nonsense are you talking about? Our Xiao Kingdom has become like this, we have a problem!"

"But that bastard Emperor Xiao Dingbang was the mastermind. He sowed discord among brothers, used his position as crown prince to divide us, persecuted good generals, and closed the country off from the outside world..."

"His crimes are too numerous to count! He's such a bastard, and you all say he's good?"

Xiao Ce had no scruples at this point and started cursing loudly!

The old minister immediately looked embarrassed.

Xiao Yang followed closely behind: "That's right... my imperial brother is right, you've all seen it now. Back then, I was misled by that old bastard and went against my imperial brother... Putting aside everything else, if my imperial brother were still the crown prince, he wouldn't have this mess when he became emperor..."

After Xiao Yang spoke, the other princes followed suit.

And so, the tone of the conversation started to become a little strange.

First the princes started cursing, then the ministers, and after the ministers finished, the common people all started cursing.

The minister felt like he wanted to disappear into a crack in the ground.

Xiao Ce said, "Alright, ignorance is no excuse... Let's talk about it inside the city."

Upon entering the city, Xiao Ce's brows furrowed involuntarily.

There is no other reason.

It was precisely because of this that Anhua City, which was originally such a prosperous trading hub, was now a major trading center.

This was also a very desolate time.

After making inquiries, it turned out that the people from Japan were pretty much the same in every place after they arrived.

Now we are in the city lord's mansion.

Xiao Yang began his report: "Your Highness, we have now reclaimed all the towns and cities of Xiao Kingdom!"

"However, these towns were almost completely looted by the people of Fusang... We did capture some merchants at first, but it turned out that these merchants didn't keep much money or food here. They transported everything they had back to their country!"

"Moreover, along our journey, some of the wealthiest Japanese merchants, whose noses are very sharp, had already taken the goods ahead of time."

"When we arrived at the port, all we caught were small fry; the big merchants had all fled... all our food and money were taken away on their ships..."

"Not only that, most of our people here have also contracted the Xiaoyao Pill... Although Xiao Tao has a solution, there are just too many infected people... Their medicinal herbs for the herbal decoction are completely insufficient..."

"Without the 'Free Spirit Pill,' who knows what the people might do..."

Xiao Tao nodded: "Brother, the situation we've seen along the way is pretty much the same... it's always like this!"

As he spoke, Xiao Yang glanced at one of the ministers beside him.

A minister bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the situation is extremely unfavorable. Winter is approaching, but our entire Xiao Kingdom's key areas are completely out of supplies..."

"If this continues, I'm afraid more than half of the population will starve to death this winter..."

"They've left behind a mess!"

Xiao Ce looked at Xiao Yang and said, "Have you contacted the Western Regions? Could you borrow some from there...?"

Xiao Yang, looking embarrassed, said to Xiao Ce, "Brother, you've forgotten. To control the Western Regions, you supplied them with a lot of their grain, and they've started cultivating all sorts of cash crops..."

Xiao Ce slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten about it.

Xiao Ce said, "Regarding the food issue, I will first procure supplies from the Northern Desert Prince's Palace... Let's overcome these difficult times together..."

"What I need to know right now is how much food we're short! I need an exact figure..."

"There's another important issue: getting the people to wean themselves off that 'carefree pill' first..."

"These two questions are the most important!"

The group nodded in agreement.

Xiao Ce said, "Also, take stock of all our troops!"

Xiao Ce then looked at Xiao Zhan: "The command of the troops here is entirely yours! Now the troops in this region of the Central Plains are under your control, is that acceptable?"

Xiao Zhan subconsciously looked at Xiao Yang, Xiao Tao...

Xiao Yang said directly, "Don't look at me like that. My royal brother is willing to give his life to you if he wants me to!"

Xiao Tao nodded: "That's right! Everything I have was given to me by my elder brother... I'm willing to give it all to you."

Xiao Zhan nodded: "Alright! Don't worry. With me here, I will definitely protect our country perfectly!"

The reason for seeking out Xiao Zhan was because Xiao Ce had observed the entire journey.

He was truly a brilliant strategist; he was not only good at fighting but also at using people, and he was extremely skilled in the ways of the military.

Looking at Xiao Zhan, Xiao Ce actually saw the shadow of Xiao Dingshan in him.

Most importantly, Xiao Zhan is not very ambitious.

Although he did once claim the title of emperor!

However, during that chaotic period, declaring oneself emperor was also a means to an end...

As he spoke, Xiao Zhan looked at Xiao Ce: "But, Your Majesty, with so many troops! You really trust me with this much power... Aren't you afraid... if I were to rebel... all your efforts and hard work would be wasted, and you'd just be doing all the work for me..."