Read Novel Full Chapter 814 - 1: Tiger Talisman 2
Chapter 814: Chapter 1: Tiger Talisman 2
"They must have found out that as the Tenth Prince I’m not favored, so they think that killing me won’t provoke any reaction from my father." Zhao Yao gazed at the distant sea, "In a few days, they’ll send someone to assassinate me, masquerading as pirates."
He Lianfang inquired, "What do you plan to do about these officials?"
"First, investigate their crimes. If they are all involved in smuggling and other heinous acts, I won’t let a single one off," Zhao Yao said with a cold, slightly naive face, "The law may not punish everyone, but that doesn’t work with me. Lingnan is my fief, my country, and I am the true master of Lingnan. Of course, I won’t let go of anyone who harms Lingnan."
Seeing Zhao Yao like an unsheathed sword, exuding an icy, sharp, and murderous aura, He Lianfang felt a chill in his heart.
After leaving the capital, Zhao Yao no longer disguised himself, revealing his true nature.
"Once we get to Lingnan, it seems I’ll have to start a massacre." First, dealing with the officials across Lingnan, then the tribal leaders and people. There are quite a few in both groups, yet those who need to be killed must be killed. If not, they might think Prince Han is a pushover. "Alas, Lingnan is indeed vast."
He Lianfang glanced sideways at Zhao Yao, "You think Lingnan is too big?"
"Uncle, don’t you find Lingnan too big?"
"Lingnan’s towns are small, and truly habitable places are limited. What you’re referring to is the vastness of Lingnan’s forests."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao smiled and said, "Indeed."
With a meaningful look, He Lianfang said, "Lingnan’s vastness can support ten thousand private soldiers."
Talking about private soldiers reminded Zhao Yao of the Southern Garrison stationed at the Southern Border, also known as the Lingnan Camp.
"Before I left, Father gave me the Tiger Talisman of the Lingnan Camp, allowing me free command over them. I now have a force of two hundred thousand soldiers. Uncle, perhaps it’s best not to bother with raising ten thousand private soldiers." With the Lingnan Camp at his disposal, there’s no need to deliberately maintain ten thousand private troops. Although he can afford the cost, saving that money could be better spent elsewhere.
Thinking back to when the Emperor gave him the Lingnan Camp’s Tiger Talisman, Zhao Yao was utterly shocked, unable to believe his father would hand him the talisman of Lingnan.
"You brat, what’s with that look?" Seeing Zhao Yao’s incredulous expression, the Emperor was somewhat disdainful, "You dare not take this Tiger Talisman?"
"Father, what you hold is the Tiger Talisman of two hundred thousand soldiers, not a toy."
"I certainly know it’s a Tiger Talisman. You dare not accept it?"
Zhao Yao still didn’t reach to receive the Tiger Talisman: "Father, why do you want to give me the Lingnan Camp’s Tiger Talisman?"
The Emperor raised an eyebrow at Zhao Yao: "Why do you think I gave it to you?"
"Father, I know you care for me, but giving me the Tiger Talisman of the Lingnan Camp, isn’t it too hasty?" Zhao Yao knew the Emperor cared for him, but to be honest, he never felt that affection deeply. Now, receiving the Lingnan Camp’s Tiger Talisman from the Emperor, he truly felt the Emperor’s favor. Honestly, he was very astonished.
"I give it to you because I want to, what’s so hasty about it?" With that, the Emperor tossed the Tiger Talisman to Zhao Yao.
Seeing the Emperor so casually throw the Tiger Talisman towards him, Zhao Yao scrambled to catch it. Once he steadily caught the talisman, he looked at the Emperor helplessly: "Father, this is the Tiger Talisman of two hundred thousand troops, not a roadside stone. How can you just toss it around?" If it broke, what if it couldn’t be pieced back together?
Watching Zhao Yao carefully handle the Tiger Talisman with such care and affection, the Emperor teased: "Oh, I didn’t realize you valued the Tiger Talisman so much."
Zhao Yao replied irritably: "Aren’t you the one being too casual?"
"It’s just a Tiger Talisman." The Emperor truly didn’t seem to hold the talisman in high regard.
The Emperor’s nonchalant tone left Zhao Yao speechless.
"Father, since you’ve given me the Tiger Talisman of the Lingnan Camp, aren’t you afraid I might lead it in rebellion one day?"
Upon hearing Zhao Yao mention rebellion, not only did the Emperor not get angry, but his eyes actually lit up.
"If you rebel, it would be wonderful. I’m just waiting for you to rebel, so I can pass the throne to you. Then I could be the Supreme Emperor and travel with Xiao Xiao." He had had enough of being Emperor and had long wished to step down.
Zhao Yao listened to the Emperor’s words with a dark expression, his mouth twitching harshly as he said: "Dream on!"
The Emperor looked at Zhao Yao with gentle eyes, his tone full of encouragement: "Brat, when you reach Lingnan, go ahead and rebel with the Lingnan Camp."