Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1190 - 176: Prince Wei Governs the Nation

Zhao Yao no longer paid attention to the rivalry between Prince Chu and Prince Wei, fearing that if he kept watching, he might be tempted to intervene. He buried himself in his own work, conducting research experiments, earning money through foreign trade, and engaging in infrastructure development.

Over the past year or two, the Swamp Prefecture underwent earth-shaking changes, becoming even more prosperous and lively than before, with more and more people coming to do business and settle there. Naturally, it also attracted many foreigners.

Now, the prosperity of Swamp Prefecture has long surpassed that of the capital and even exceeded Yangzhou, becoming the richest and busiest port prefecture in Great Zhou.

Zhao Yao originally thought it would take five years to surpass the capital and ten years to exceed Yangzhou, but unexpectedly, it took less than five years to surpass all prefectures.

The current Swamp Prefecture is not only the most prosperous and thriving prefecture, but also the most beautiful prefecture city.

Swamp Prefecture has a plethora of flowers, which are used to decorate various places and objects. Walking on any street in Swamp Prefecture, one can see flowers in the middle or on both sides of the street. The storefronts and courtyards along the streets are also full of various flowers.

Walking on the street, one can also see people adorning flowers in their hair, regardless of age or gender.

The practice of wearing flowers in the hair was initiated by Zhao Yao, who emulated the Song Dynasty men from the world in his dream. Subsequently, scholars who passed the imperial examinations also wore flowers, and the custom gradually became popular in Swamp Prefecture.

Zhao Yao also created flower pastries, which became one of the famous desserts in Swamp Prefecture.

Apart from Swamp Prefecture, other prefectures in Lingnan also underwent changes. Several years ago, Zhao Yao had already gained control over the entire Lingnan, and the bandits, rebels, corrupt officials, and bureaucrats were all dealt with. Now, the lives of the people in various places have become affluent, with no one willing to become a bandit, living a life of licking blood off the blade.

During this period, Zhao Yao, in disguise, went on tours to inspect various prefectures in Lingnan. He wanted to witness the real lives of the people in Lingnan with his own eyes, not merely for amusement.

Princess Han accompanied him on these inspections, learning about the local customs and cultures of various places in Lingnan.

Over the past year or two, Princess Han has also undergone significant changes, becoming more confident, more dignified, and more composed than before. She established a formal girls’ school, where any girl over the age of five can enroll to study. The school not only teaches girls literacy but also various life skills and techniques. Of course, apart from learning, there are assessments. Just like the assessments in boys’ schools, there are monthly, seasonal, and final exams, with ample prizes for the top three scorers.

After completing their studies, the school arranges for the girls to take on tasks, allowing the students to choose the tasks they like. However, for now, girls are temporarily unable to take official positions, but in many other places, there are plenty of tasks for them.

Speaking of which, after completing the inspections of various places in Lingnan, Zhao Yao plans to visit foreign countries for a trip. He intends to travel to Mysir, which boasts vast lands and expansive oceans. Most importantly, there are plenty of resources and oil there.

Having completed the inspections of various places in Lingnan, Zhao Yao and his team returned to Swamp Prefecture. He is preparing to have people start planning the journey to Mysir.

To travel to Mysir, preparations must be made years in advance, as once you go, it will take several years before you can return. Zhao Yao tentatively plans for a trip lasting three years, at most five years.

He hasn’t told anyone about his plan to travel to Mysir yet. He is well aware that once He Lianfang finds out he plans to go to sea for Mysir, there will certainly be opposition and hindrance.

Using the guise of preparing a fleet to trade with Mysir, Zhao Yao began his planning. He Lianfang and his team did not suspect anything.

The preparations for the journey to Mysir were going very smoothly, but unfortunately... Zhao Yao himself could not go.

One day, just after finishing court, Hidden Guard A informed him that someone from the capital had arrived, and they were from Prince Chu.

Upon hearing that the visitors were from Prince Chu, Zhao Yao felt a pang in his heart, followed by an ominous premonition creeping into his mind. Hastily returning to the Prince Mansion of Han, he met with Prince Chu’s people, among whom was an inconspicuous man.

As soon as the man saw Zhao Yao, he immediately paid respects to him, then took out a white Taiji fish jade pendant from his bosom.

When Zhao Yao saw the jade pendant, his pupils contracted sharply, his heart clenched, and his face changed drastically as he asked, "What happened to Fourth Brother?" He had once told Fourth Brother that if he encountered trouble and needed help, he should send this white Taiji fish jade pendant to Swamp Prefecture. Now, with the pendant sent to him, it meant Fourth Brother was in trouble.