Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 756: Chapter 369: Still Underestimated the Imperial Uncle

During the journey back to the capital, Prince Chu’s entourage consistently disguised themselves as merchants, never arousing suspicion. When they were still fifty kilometers away from the capital, Prince Chu decided to resume his real identity. However, before doing so, he had to first write a letter back to the capital.

In a certain inn, Prince Chu finished writing the letter and handed it to Wei Mian.

Wei Mian received the letter with both hands and asked, "Your Highness, should this letter be sent to Minister Li?"

"No, it should be sent directly to the palace." Prince Chu, asserting his princely status, would return the letter to the palace as an urgent dispatch. If the Crown Prince were not confined, this letter might have been intercepted. But, with the Crown Prince currently confined in the Eastern Palace, there’s no way to intercept Prince Chu’s letter.

"Your Highness, is it alright to send it directly into the palace?" Wei Mian worried that the letter might not successfully reach the palace.

"The Crown Prince is confined; he can’t intercept my letter now."

Only then did Wei Mian recall that the Crown Prince had been recently confined, "I shall arrange someone to deliver it immediately."

Prince Chu slightly nodded, "Go ahead."

Shortly after Wei Mian left, Prince Chu heard a familiar bird call and then saw Xiao Jin, who was by Zhao Yao’s side, fly over.

Xiao Jin landed on the window ledge, raising its little head proudly to look at Prince Chu.

Seeing Xiao Jin, Prince Chu couldn’t help but curve his lips into a gentle smile.

"Wait a moment." Prince Chu went to the door and instructed the guards to bring some pastries and fruits.

After giving the instructions, Prince Chu returned inside and personally poured a cup of tea for Xiao Jin.

"Have some tea first."

Xiao Jin was very pleased with Prince Chu’s attentive service. It lowered its head and drank the tea heartily. After finishing the cup, it raised its claw towards Prince Chu, indicating it wanted another cup.

Understanding its gesture, Prince Chu poured another cup of tea for Xiao Jin.

The tea Xiao Jin drank was this year’s Longjing, which Prince Chu had purchased on the road.

Although Xiao Jin was a golden eagle, ever since it followed Zhao Yao, it had been well-fed and well-cared for, especially when it came to drinking. Zhao Yao enjoyed tea, and the tea he drank was all tribute-grade, which Xiao Jin also got to enjoy. Over time, it developed a more discerning taste.

Soon, the guards brought in a plate of sliced apples and two plates of pastries.

Prince Chu personally crumbled the pastries, "The pastries in the inn are average; make do for now. Once we return to the capital, I’ll treat you to better pastries." The tenth brother loved pastries, and the golden eagle he raised also loved pastries—it truly was a case of like owner, like pet.

Xiao Jin nodded its little head and then enthusiastically devoured the apples and pastries.

Wei Mian returned after delivering the letter and was pleased to see Xiao Jin had arrived.

"Lord Xiao Jin is here." Wei Mian referred to Xiao Jin as "Lord Xiao Jin," a title Xiao Jin was quite satisfied with. "Your Highness, is the Tenth Prince doing well in Yangzhou?"

Prince Chu had just read the letter Zhao Yao had sent with Xiao Jin. He carefully folded the letter while responding to Wei Mian’s question, "The tenth brother is doing well in Yangzhou."

"The issues in Jinling haven’t implicated the Tenth Prince, have they?"

"No, the tenth brother is in Yangzhou, and he hasn’t been involved." Even if the tenth brother were in Jinling, the eighth brother wouldn’t let him get involved. "The tenth brother is worried about my safety and specially sent Xiao Jin to find me."

"Since you were assigned to Peng City by the Emperor, the Tenth Prince has been constantly concerned for your safety."

Upon hearing this, Prince Chu’s eyes softened with a warm smile, "I’ve made him worry."

"Tomorrow, we will return to the capital, and the Tenth Prince will no longer need to worry about you anymore." At least after returning to the capital tomorrow, there would be no more fear of assassination. Since His Highness was dispatched to Peng City, they had encountered countless assassination attempts on the way. Honestly, he had lost count.

"Go and rest now."

"Your Highness, you should also rest early." After saying this, Wei Mian retreated respectfully.

Prince Chu looked at Xiao Jin, which had finished its apple and pastries, and gently said to it, "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow you will help me deliver another letter."

Xiao Jin nodded, then flew out, resting on the tallest tree outside the inn.

Prince Chu didn’t rush to rest but first wrote a reply to Zhao Yao. In the letter, he told Zhao Yao that he was safe and not to worry about him. He also mentioned that by the time Zhao Yao received this letter, he would already be safely back in the capital. Knowing that there would be chaos upon his return to the capital, he assured Zhao Yao that he would speak well of him, allowing him to stay and enjoy Yangzhou longer.

Upon his return, the capital would become troubled for a period. If Zhao Yao returned to the capital at that moment, he might get embroiled in the ensuing chaos, which could be dangerous.