When Zhao Xi and his party arrived at Mingying Prefecture, the entire prefecture was heavily guarded, with only entry allowed and no exit permitted, completely transforming it into a military fortress.

  It's not that I'm worried about you knowing that Wang's army is advancing westward, but rather that I'm worried that Your Highness the Crown Prince will fall into a predicament due to Wang's army advancing westward.

  When Wang Shi set out, Di Qing chatted with Yu Jing. The army's movement may cause the You people to be on high alert, making it more difficult for the Crown Prince to take action.

  It's just about time... The Crown Prince should be returning now.

  "Your Highness's triumphant return..."

  This soldier has a promising future. As soon as he opens his mouth, it's extraordinary. He doesn't say "I'm back" or "I'm safe and sound", but instead shouts "Triumphant return!"

  As soon as Zhao Xi approached the west gate of Pingyin Prefecture, the soldiers guarding the city shouted. This shout was like lighting a firework, and a string of shouts followed...

  "Your Highness..."

  "Your Highness..."

  Not yet arrived at the government office, all the civil and military officials of Yongzhou rushed out to greet him. When shouting "Your Excellency", it was obvious that there was dissatisfaction, and even some were ready to spray.

  "Everyone, wait a moment..."

  It's been over a dozen days, we should let them clean up a bit, right? If not for these conspicuous clothes, I reckon the city guards probably wouldn't even be able to recognize them.

  Zhao Xi needs some time to let this group of stuffy scholars and military officials relax a bit.

  Sometimes it's like this, many emotions have a saying that needs to be opened up and relaxed, otherwise it will lead to exhaustion.

  Zhao Xi also knew that he had gone a bit too far this time, especially in letting Yu Jing and Di Qing bear such a heavy psychological burden, which was indeed quite embarrassing.

  He didn't have the idea that he was superior to His Highness, and in the imperial court, it seemed like no one looked up to His Highness too much, even officials were like that.

  "Address..."

  Zhao Xi was about to leave, but then turned around and bid farewell to everyone with a bow. He looked rather embarrassed as he asked for directions to his residence... He had seen Qing Lan earlier, as well as Su Yan who was hiding behind her, so he knew which way to go.

  This action is somewhat rascal... These literary and military officials, looking at the crown prince's face that can no longer see his five senses, paired with an apologetic gesture and attitude...

  "Hurry and lead His Highness forward..."

  It's settled! As soon as Yu Jing said this, Zhao Xi knew it was settled. This should be the final decline.

  Also, after running around for over a dozen days, just as we were about to join forces with the main army, I was suddenly sprayed by someone who dared to speak out, and it seems like there's no way to reason with them.

  The prince's attitude is still very sincere.

  ……

  "What does this mean?"

  Zhao Xi's actions left the people waiting for him at the provincial capital bewildered.

  No evidence of Annan or Dali was produced, but the half-armored armor of the guard camp was thrown out, along with a knife.

  "Zhōng zhèng..."

  Zhao Xi shouted, and Wang Zhongzheng swung his sword at the armor with a few slashes, without any pretence, using his full strength.

  The saber chopped onto the armor, clanging loudly, and you could see the blade's mark on the armor as it chopped in, but it couldn't chop through. The blades seemed to be slightly curled.

  "Your Highness, the armor of the guards is not to be boasted about at this time. We have already seen its excellence in Guirenpu. Now, Your Highness should be explaining the reason for taking this risk, rather than showing off the strength of the armor!"

  "Your Highness personally led the expedition, and we agree with your decisive actions. However, without informing the Guangnan Pacification Commissioner's office, you ventured deep into dangerous territory. We can report to the imperial court..."

  I knew there would be such words, fortunately, they are not too sharp.

  Zhao Xi still didn't speak, and again threw out a few pieces of dark, unremarkable ore...

  Finally got some sense of exploration.

  "Have you found the source, Your Highness?"

  It's no wonder they're all smart people. Su Song spoke up at this time and immediately pulled the topic to Zhao Xi's mind.

  "The following matters involve state secrets. Everyone present is a pillar of the country and a high-ranking official, so please weigh them carefully."

  "I, Zhao Xie, have something to say here. If anyone leaks this out, no matter if it's the Great Liao or the Great Xia, with me as the leader of the Imperial Guard, I swear to wipe out their entire clan, leaving not a single chicken or dog alive! Don't doubt it, the Imperial Guard has such capability!"

  Originally a criticism meeting aimed at Zhao Xi, it ended up being stirred up by Zhao Xi...

  Everyone was stunned and very curious about what had happened, and even brought their clans into it.

  "Su teaching..."

  It's Su Song's turn now.

  "This material, Your Highness calls it manganese ore. When we add a small amount of it to the steel-making process, it becomes as hard as armor and cannot be damaged by swords or guns, which Your Highness refers to as manganese steel alloy."

  It's that simple, it wasn't a very difficult thing to begin with. As for how to refine and add a few more things, Su Song didn't say much. Once you know the formula, it's just a matter of trying a few times.

  So Zhao Xi carefully put on the secretly-made hat of the national dynasty.

  "The origin of the manganese mine is right here... Manganese Prefecture. The Imperial Guard's southern expedition was not a meritorious act, and military achievements are useless to the Imperial Guard at this time. The purpose of this southern expedition is to inform the imperial court that the Imperial Guard has made improvements in its military equipment."

  "It is likely that all of you have already reported to the imperial court about the achievements of the Imperial Guard in Guirenpu. When the Imperial Guard returns to the capital, it will be the day when this armor is promoted."

  "Here, I have a plan. Everyone present can participate in the manganese mining and take a share, regardless of whether you are a scholar or a warrior."

  "Also, one copy should be reserved for mobile use, for the civil and military officials of Guangnan, Yongzhou and Xiangyin Prefectures."

  "The management of manganese mining must be from the military, and all personnel other than miners must also be affiliated with the military. In other words, the place where manganese is mined can be defined as a military city."

  "Moreover, after this expedition is over, it is inevitable that Western troops will be stationed in Guangnan. I propose that, except for laborers such as miners, all other affairs of the tungsten mine should give priority to using the families of the Western troops who are left behind..."

  The outline can be clearly stated, but it still needs to be detailed and articulated. This... Zhao Xi has already prepared.

  He made detailed explanations on everything from the planning of the mine, the setting up of management personnel, to the treatment of miners and their daily militarized training, including manganese ore benefits and daily decision-making.

  The taxes of the mine go to the imperial court, the decision-making power of the mine goes to the local officials, and the benefits of the mine go to everyone... Let everyone consider the mine as their own property, and absolutely do not allow anyone to take advantage of it.

  The mine is located in Mingsheng Prefecture, which borders Guangyuan Prefecture and extends to Annan and Dali.

  In the imperial court, with millions of soldiers, not mentioning the equipment of flamethrowers in the army... just looking at a single helmet, each person's share is not much, and there may be differences due to position and seniority, but everyone can see that for a very long time in the future, this manganese mine will be a treasure trove.

  Nothing is more concrete than interest; nothing is more steadfast.

  The great righteousness of the country, these scholars will all say, extensively citing and referencing, speaking with perfect logic. But if they truly encounter something like a bandit causing chaos, I'm afraid they will still abandon the city and flee. Because the imperial court does not kill scholars!

  This expedition to the south is simply to drive out Nong Zhigao, or to take further action and bring a hundred years of peace to the southern border. With the manganese mine as a link, at least for now, in the Guangnan Anfu Shi Ya Men and the entire Yongzhou, they will reach an agreement, thereby forming a unified report to the imperial court. This is Zhao Xie's goal.