Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1113: Chapter 138:

"Once I leave Swamp Prefecture, you all conduct military exercises at sea immediately to intimidate those lurking individuals."

"Rest assured, we will guard Swamp Prefecture well."

"On regular days, you should intensify patrols, leaving no corner unchecked..." Zhao Yao reiterated some instructions to Chu Huan.

Chu Huan listened intently.

After finishing his instructions, Zhao Yao raised his hand to pat Chu Huan’s shoulder and said with a smile, "I trust you can guard Swamp Prefecture." After saying this, a hint of guilt appeared on his face, "I’m sorry for not letting you return to the capital to reunite with your families." Chu Huan and the others arrived at Swamp Prefecture before Zhao Yao. They have not reunited with their families in the capital for several years.

"We haven’t achieved any great deeds yet, why go home only to be scorned by our parents?" Chu Huan silently thought, when you return to the capital to become emperor, we will certainly follow you back.

"Hahaha, when I return, I will certainly boast about your achievements in Swamp Prefecture in front of your parents, making them proud of you."

"Boss, we are not kids anymore, we truly don’t miss home, you shouldn’t feel bad for us over this." Chu Huan comforted Zhao Yao, "Swamp Prefecture is like our second home, we hope it flourishes just like you do." Initially, they indeed looked down on Swamp Prefecture, but over the years, they have grown to love it, considering it their second home. They will certainly not allow anyone to do harm to Swamp Prefecture.

Zhao Yao put away his playful smile, "I know you all like this place as much as I do." Swamp Prefecture was painstakingly built up by them, piece by piece.

"Boss, aren’t you taking firearms, grenades, and gunpowder with you?" Chu Huan changed the subject, "You mentioned before about taking some back to the capital."

Discussing this matter, Zhao Yao’s expression turned complex: "I’m uncertain whether taking them back to the capital is good or bad."

Chu Huan understood Zhao Yao’s concern, "Boss, didn’t you mention that Prince Han and the Xiongnu harbor intentions against us? Taking them back to the capital is indeed good."

Zhao Yao hesitated and said, "You’re right, I’ll take some back then." He created these things not only for guarding Lingnan but to protect the entire Great Zhou.

After discussing a few more matters with Chu Huan, Zhao Yao finally left Divine Machine Camp. Before leaving, he took Lu Guang with him.

Lu Guang didn’t expect to be taken by Prince Han and brought back to the capital. To him, it was an incredibly honorable matter.

Zhao Yao instructed Lu Guang to disguise himself as a guard by his side and not reveal his identity as a sharpshooter.

Lu Guang comprehended Zhao Yao’s intention and dutifully acted like an ordinary guard.

Leaving Divine Machine Camp, Zhao Yao visited the Nanshan Farm to give some instructions. Afterwards, he went to the Western Mountains where many small factories are situated. Some belong to Zhao Yao, some to the minor court, and the rest to the civilian populace.

After giving some instructions there, he returned to Han Prince Mansion.

Just as he returned, he was summoned by He Lianfang for discussions, which lasted most of the day.

In the subsequent days, Zhao Yao stayed at Han Prince Mansion, diligently coordinating with his officials.

Imperial affairs are decided by the cabinet. If the cabinet cannot settle major issues, they consult He Lianfang. In urgent cases, all orders follow He Lianfang’s directives.

Although He Lianfang holds no post in Zhao Yao’s minor court, Wen Daoji and others know that He Lian is Zhao Yao’s confidant and strategist, aware of his high status in Zhao Yao’s esteem.

Wen Daoji, being elderly, has heard about He Lianfang, knowing the kind of person he is, and respects him greatly.

With He Lianfang as a formidable presence, there’s no worry about unruly court officials nor foreign threats attempting to encroach on Swamp Prefecture.

Time flies swiftly, and soon it was the day Zhao Yao was set to depart for the capital.

The night before leaving for the capital, Zhao Yao shared a hot pot meal with He Lianfang.

Noticing He Lianfang’s fixed gaze on him yet silence, Zhao Yao chuckled and said, "Second Uncle, speak your mind."

Retracting his gaze, He Lianfang replied calmly, "There’s nothing to say."

"Second Uncle, I’m leaving tomorrow. Are you really not worried about me not returning?"

"You will return," He Lianfang reassured, his gaze softening as he looked at Zhao Yao, "I’ll be waiting for you."

These words "I’ll be waiting for you" sent a shock through Zhao Yao, followed by a surge of emotion making his eyes slightly red. Not wanting He Lianfang to notice, he lowered his head and drank, "Swamp Prefecture is my home, even if it takes everything, I’ll return."

"Once in the capital, stay clever." He Lianfang merely offered this piece of advice before returning to his courtyard. Zhao Yao didn’t rush to sleep but continued drinking.

With an early start needed the next day, Zhao Yao finished his drink and headed to his room.

The next day, at dawn, Zhao Yao departed quietly without alerting anyone. When daylight approached and Swamp Prefecture’s populace saw the ship still docked at the Han Prince Mansion’s port, they believed he hadn’t left yet.

The day of departure, Zhao Yao didn’t inform the emperor and Prince Chu in the capital. He didn’t set sail with the fleet but left first with several guards aboard a merchant ship.

The Han Prince Mansion possessed its merchant ships, though flying the Liang family’s flag. Strictly speaking, they are Liang family merchant ships. Every day, these ships sail to various destinations, including to the capital. Zhao Yao blended in with Tong Xi and others onboard his family’s merchant ship.

This merchant ship to the capital was special. Most crew members were guards and hidden guards. Additionally, the ship had various mechanisms prepared to detect assassination attempts promptly.

The past two days have been peaceful on board without any incidents or assassination attempts occurring.

Zhao Yao sat on the deck, enjoying barbecue while fishing.

Tong Xi sat beside him, observing the tranquil sea with a sense of peacefulness in his heart.

"Hope the voyage remains peaceful."

Glancing at the serene sea, Zhao Yao commented thoughtfully, "This is the calm before the storm."