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

Xiao Ce noticed Xiao Dingshan and seemed to have some doubts about him.

After all, the original owner of this body was far too cowardly before. His behavior in the Hall of Punishment today was also far too abnormal.

However, Xiao Ce had already prepared his explanation, as long as he insisted that he was Xiao Ce.

Who would have thought he was from another time?

"Ninth Uncle, isn't it because they're really getting impatient with them? This time they even sent out Yin Xiang's most beloved only daughter. If they failed this time, what will happen next time? It's unimaginable."

"Over the years, thanks to Uncle Jiu's protection, I was able to pretend to be stupid and make everyone think I was a good-for-nothing! Now, because of Uncle Jiu's protection, Father Emperor is quite suspicious of Uncle Jiu and has stripped him of his military power, leaving you to be a leisurely old prince in the capital."

“Now, I’m not a child anymore. I can’t keep relying on your wing forever! You’ve helped me so much, so very much! You can’t protect me forever. I think it’s time for me to rely on myself. I can’t hurt you anymore!”

Xiao Ce's words immediately dispelled Xiao Dingshan's concerns, and his expression shifted slightly: "Silly child, protecting you is a promise I made to your mother. So, are you volunteering to guard the frontier because you're worried about my relationship with His Majesty? If so, there's no need. Although I've been stripped of my military power, I still retain my authority! Without my approval, no one can touch you!"

Xiao Ce shook his head and said, "Ninth Uncle, of course I know you can protect me! However, I cannot take your protection for granted! I have thought about it for a long time. In the court, you are my only support. Now I am surrounded by enemies. You also said that next year, according to the laws of the Great Xiao Dynasty, I will be allowed to rule in my own right. My father sees me as a thorn in his side, and the princes see me as a thorn in their flesh."

"They failed to frame me this time, but they'll surely try again next time. Rather than that, I should resign from my position as crown prince and volunteer to guard the frontier! I can stay away from the intrigues of the court, cultivate my own power on the frontier, and wait for the right opportunity to act!"

"In fact, it's not just the Second Prince in the court; there's also the Fourth Prince, who has been keeping a low profile, and the Eighth Prince, who's been eyeing the position covetously. They've all been vying for the Crown Prince's position for a long time. If I withdraw now, the position will become vacant, and they'll fight tooth and nail for it. Why don't I just sit back on the frontier and reap the benefits?"

Xiao Dingshan's gaze deepened considerably: "Crown Prince, you've been hiding your true intentions well! You've not only fooled everyone in the Great Xiao Kingdom, but you've even fooled me."

Xiao Ce smiled bitterly and said, "Although you, Ninth Uncle, are protecting me, you are away fighting battles all year round. If I want to protect myself, I have no choice but to endure it!"

Xiao Dingshan nodded, his face full of admiration, and said, "However, the frontier is harsh and far from simple, as you imagine. Why did you choose the northern desert?"

“Uncle Jiu, firstly, they will only feel at ease if I go to the most difficult places.”

"Furthermore, the Turks are frequently invading the northern border, and the people there are suffering terribly! Only in places of war can one have the opportunity to achieve merit and win the hearts of the people! Moreover, I have endured for more than ten years, and the world thinks I am a good-for-nothing. I need to prove myself! A true man should not cower in the court and fight among himself! He should go to the battlefield to prove his strength!"

"As long as I have military power and the support of the people, even if I don't want to be the crown prince, people will still support me to be one!"

Xiao Dingshan's eyes gleamed with fervor: "Good! You're right. A true man should fight on the battlefield and achieve great deeds. They use schemes and tricks, but we'll use our own abilities to show the world who the rightful crown prince is!"

"Ninth Uncle, you support me?" Xiao Ce asked, somewhat surprised.

Xiao Dingshan nodded, his voice trembling slightly, and said, "I always thought you were a mediocre and talentless person. If it were you back then, I would never have agreed. But after hearing what you said today, you are indeed worthy of being Rou'er's son! I believe in you, and I am sure you will achieve great things."

Xiao Ce cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Ninth Uncle."

Xiao Dingshan's expression gradually softened as he said, "However, don't get your hopes up too high; it's not certain we'll be able to go."

Xiao Ce said with a firm gaze, "Ninth Uncle, don't worry. If things go smoothly, Yin Weiyong has already spoken with Father and the others! They'd love for me to die. If I resign as Crown Prince and volunteer to guard the frontier, they'll be overjoyed!"

The voice just fell.

A servant from the Prince's mansion stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, someone from the Prime Minister's residence has come and says they have important matters to discuss with His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Xiao Dingshan nodded and waved his hand, saying, "I understand, you may leave."

The boy bowed and retreated.

Xiao Ce smiled and said, "Ninth Uncle, look! Yin Weiyong has definitely succeeded."

"Would you like me to come with you?"

Xiao Ce shook his head and said, "Ninth Uncle, you can watch me from now on. You protected me when I was young, now it's my turn to protect you when you're old."

Xiao Dingshan laughed heartily, "You brat, you can barely take care of yourself... and you're trying to protect me. But I appreciate your kindness. Alright, go now. If anything happens, remember to come find me!"

Xiao Ce nodded emphatically and left in the carriage of the Prince of Zhenguo's mansion.

The original owner of this body was quite pitiful; in such a large palace for the Crown Prince, he didn't have a single confidant.

The original owner had previously cultivated trusted confidants. However, the servant was bribed, and because he refused, he was killed.

After that, the original owner was so frightened that he dismissed all the servants in the Crown Prince's palace.

The original Crown Prince, who was cautious and meticulous, did everything himself. He didn't even have a servant to drive his carriage. He usually traveled on horseback and relied entirely on himself for food, clothing, and shelter. He lived a truly stifling life!

...

In the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Yin Pan'er's pretty face was still somewhat pale.

After all, the Crown Prince's actions last night were so intense that she hasn't recovered yet.

"Pan'er, are you sure you want to listen to that good-for-nothing Xiao Ce? Actually, there's still room for maneuver," Yin Weiyong asked with concern.

Yin Pan'er said, "Father, didn't you just follow the Crown Prince's instructions and repeat what His Majesty said?"

Yin Weiyong said, "Although I did say that, whether or not you marry him is up to me!"

Yin Pan'er looked haggard and said, "Father, I am already his woman. If he dares to resign from his position as crown prince in court tomorrow and request to be sent to the border, I will marry him."

Yin Weiyong said, "Aren't you afraid that he is a complete and utter good-for-nothing?"

Yin Pan'er shook her head and said, "Just the fact that he was able to deceive everyone in the Great Xiao and make them think he was a good-for-nothing is enough to prove that he is not a good-for-nothing."

Yin Weiyong said with a grim expression, "Pan'er, you don't need to go to the northern desert with him. You're in the capital. If he can achieve great things on the frontier, that would be best. If he dies on the frontier, it won't affect you."

Before Yin Pan'er could speak, a servant's voice came from outside the door.

"Your Excellency, His Highness the Crown Prince is already waiting outside."

Yin Weiyong glanced at Yin Pan'er and asked, "Pan'er, would you like to leave for a moment?"

Yin Pan'er shook her head and said, "Father, no need."

Yin Weiyong nodded and said to the door, "Please come in."

A short while later, Xiao Ce walked in and saw the beautiful woman with a somewhat haggard appearance on her side, and his heart stirred.

Admittedly, he was a successful entrepreneur in his previous life, surrounded by beautiful women, but he had never seen such a charming and stunning beauty as Yin Pan'er.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Prime Minister, and greetings, Miss Yin."

Yin Weiyong and Yin Pan'er stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xiao Ce waved his hand and said, "Prime Minister Yin, there's no need for such formalities. I will soon no longer be His Highness the Crown Prince."

Yin Weiyong asked with some surprise, "Your Highness, have you made up your mind? Are you really going to resign from your position as Crown Prince?"

Xiao Ce sat down to one side: "That's right, I've already discussed my situation with Miss Yin! Even if I were a true dragon in the capital, I'd still be a trapped dragon! Once I leave the capital and there are no more constraints, it would be like a dragon entering the sea!"

Yin Weiyong glanced at Xiao Ce with a hint of unease upon hearing his words.

However, he couldn't help but pour cold water on the idea, saying, "Your Highness, the army stationed in the northern wilderness is that of Bao An, the Second Prince's maternal uncle. If you go there, won't you be subject to Bao An's control?"

Xiao Ce scoffed, “Bao An is a coward who only knows how to enjoy himself. His greatest skill is nothing more than empty talk. He has made the defenses of the northern border so lax that the Turks treat the northern lands as their backyard, coming and going as they please! If I can’t even deal with such a mediocre person, I don’t need to go to the northern lands. I might as well just wait to die here!”

As the CEO of a listed company in his previous life, Xiao Ce naturally possessed an imposing aura.

Even as he spoke, he couldn't help but exude the air of someone in a superior position.

Yin Weiyong saw the imposing aura emanating from Xiao Ce, which was comparable to that of the emperor.

He couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect. "Your Highness, it seems you already have a comprehensive plan in mind?"

Xiao Ce nodded and said, "That's right! However, it's inconvenient to tell Prime Minister Yin! You can keep watch from here, Prime Minister Yin."

He turned to look at Yin Pan'er and said, "Miss Yin, I have done everything I promised you last night!"

"Today, I make you another promise! Three years! Wait for me for a maximum of three years. After three years, when I rule the world, I will grant you a lifetime of prosperity!"

When Yin Weiyong heard Xiao Ce say this, he couldn't help but tremble. He never expected the Crown Prince to be so arrogant and dare to say such rebellious words.

Looking at the man before her, Yin Pan'er's heart stirred. What a fine line: "When I rule the world, I will grant you a lifetime of prosperity."

How arrogant and conceited.

Looking at the man before me, a man with mountains and rivers in his heart and stars in his eyes.

She stood up and said, "Your Highness, I, Yin Pan'er, am not the kind of person who can only share the good times but not the bad. I will not wait for you here! Now that I have chosen you, even if the road ahead is full of dangers, I will accompany you."