Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1213: Chapter 185: Coming Clean with He Lianfang (Part 2)

The Empress Dowager asked in confusion, “What happened to the Li Family?”

“They’re returning to their hometown. They should continue teaching and writing, or editing books.” Zhao Yao personally poured a cup of hot tea for the Empress Dowager, “I originally planned to take some of the Li Family members to Swamp Prefecture to continue teaching there.”

“It’s a good thing to let the Li Family teach in Swamp Prefecture.”

“It is a good thing, but after thinking it over, I decided not to take them.” Bringing the Li Family to Swamp Prefecture would allow them to educate students and improve the cultural atmosphere in Swamp Prefecture, and also protect them.

The Empress Dowager asked puzzledly, “Why not take them?”

“Although my eighth brother released the Li Family, he still harbors some resentment towards them. If I take the Li Family and my fourth brother with me, it won’t be good for the Li Family.” Zhao Yao said, “Letting them stay under the watchful eyes of my eighth brother will be safer for them.”

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, “Your considerations are correct.”

“Recently, the ministers have been suggesting that my eighth brother take a concubine, but he has ignored them. Given their temperament, they might approach you and ask you to persuade him.” Zhao Yao said, “Do not agree to it, and do not bring it up in front of him.”

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly upon hearing this and showed a puzzled expression.

“Why? The Emperor doesn’t intend to take a concubine?”

“I don’t think my eighth brother plans to take a concubine anytime soon.” Zhao Yao added, “Over the years, he’s only had my eighth sister-in-law beside him, no other women. From this, it’s clear he, like me, isn’t inclined towards women.”

“If the Emperor doesn’t mention it, I won’t bring it up.”

Zhao Yao talked with the Empress Dowager for a while longer before returning to the hall.

It was still early before noon, so Zhao Yao took a nap in the side hall. At noon, Emperor Yong’an came over to have lunch with them.

After lunch, Zhao Yao accompanied Emperor Yong’an on a walk to the Imperial Garden for digestion. While strolling, the two brothers discussed some important court matters.

After discussing official business, Zhao Yao left the palace to prepare for his journey back to Swamp Prefecture. The luggage for returning to Swamp Prefecture had been packed days earlier. Only a few small things remained now.

In the evening, Zhao Yao quietly left the capital with Prince Chu, without alerting anybody. The next day, civil and martial officials and the people of the capital learned that Prince Han had already left the city.

They were surprised that Prince Han, deeply favored by Long En, had truly left the capital to return to Swamp Prefecture! Many ministers thought Zhao Yao was too foolish, abandoning immense power to return to Lingnan as an idle prince.

To Zhao Yao, power and wealth in the capital meant nothing. In Lingnan, he was like a local emperor, able to do whatever he wished. Besides, he earned enough money there to last several lifetimes. Most importantly, nobody controlled him there, while in the capital, he was constantly watched and had no freedom.

Some time later, Zhao Yao and his entourage arrived in Swamp Prefecture.

Upon returning to Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao did not rush to see He Lianfang. Instead, he took Prince Chu on a thorough tour of Swamp Prefecture.

The prosperity, cleanliness, and beauty of Swamp Prefecture stunned Prince Chu. Before coming, he had heard much about Swamp Prefecture’s changes, but seeing it firsthand was deeply shocking. He believed Yangzhou and the capital combined couldn’t rival Swamp Prefecture.

A few years ago, Swamp Prefecture was a remote, underdeveloped place; now, it’s a thriving port city, the foremost port in Great Zhou.

Every day, thousands upon thousands of merchant ships arrive at Swamp Prefecture. Foreigners come endlessly to do business. On any street in Swamp Prefecture, one can see various foreigners speaking broken Great Zhou official language to conduct business, abiding by its laws and rules honestly.

Even after staying in Swamp Prefecture for a while, Prince Chu was shocked daily by its thriving scene.

Every day, Prince Chu would leave Han Prince Mansion to stroll through the bustling streets and experience the prosperity of Swamp Prefecture, while Zhao Yao remained busy and out of sight. His months-long absence from Swamp Prefecture left him with a mountain of matters to handle.

Once he had dealt with all pressing issues, he finally went to the neighboring courtyard to see He Lianfang.

During his soft imprisonment, He Lianfang hadn’t done anything outrageous, abidingly staying in his room, either reading or playing chess each day.

On seeing Zhao Yao arrive, He Lianfang greeted him as usual, “You’re back.”