Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 980: Chapter 76: Military Market (Part 2)

Uncle Gao saw the future of Great Zhou in Swamp Prefecture, which made him very much look forward to Zhao Yao’s ascension to the throne.

Zhao Yao confidently said, "I also believe I can do it." After speaking, he continued pushing He Lianfang to stroll around.

After browsing the stalls of foreigners and outsiders, Zhao Yao and his group went to a stall selling wontons.

The owner and his wife of the wonton stall were not true locals of Swamp Prefecture. Their family used to be from the capital city, and during the previous dynasty, they were exiled to Swamp Prefecture due to their elders, and since then their family has settled in Swamp Prefecture. Last year, their family finally transformed from criminals to good citizens. As good citizens, they could do whatever they want.

Taking advantage of the trade fair, the couple also decided to set up a stall to earn some money. They didn’t have many skills, but they were notably good at cooking noodles and wontons.

The couple set up their stall with a mindset to give it a try, unexpectedly business turned out to be quite good. During this period, they’ve earned more money than in the past several decades.

Although Zhao Yao and his group wore ordinary clothes, their aura was imposing, clearly not ordinary people. The owner assumed Zhao Yao and his group were also in Swamp Prefecture for business and warmly welcomed them.

Zhao Yao took a bite of the wonton, his eyes immediately lit up, showcasing a hint of surprise on his face.

"Capital city-flavored wontons." When in the capital, Zhao Yao often ventured out of the palace in search of food, and the best foods were usually hidden at small stalls. He often visited a wonton stall at West Market where the wontons were exceptionally delicious.

He Lianfang and Uncle Gao didn’t know much about culinary arts, but they could still taste familiar flavors in these wontons.

The owner smiled and asked, "Are you guests from the capital city?"

"That’s right, we are from the capital city." Zhao Yao discerned the owner’s accent wasn’t quite standard capital dialect, mixed with a Lingnan accent. "Owner, is your family originally from the capital city?"

"Yes, my grandfather was from the capital city, he was slandered during the previous dynasty and exiled here." The owner proudly said, "My grandmother was exceptional at making noodles and wontons, the noodles and wontons we sell are capital city-flavored."

"It’s truly rare to find authentic capital city flavors in Swamp Prefecture." Zhao Yao looked at the owner and asked, "Do you usually cook dishes with capital city flavors at home?"

"Correct, my grandmother often said that the capital city is our hometown and told us not to forget the taste of our home."

"It’s right not to forget one’s roots." Zhao Yao glanced around; the other tables were full, and he heard the accents of both outsiders and foreigners. "Owner, your business is thriving."

The owner smiled sincerely, "Thanks to Prince Han, I never expected so many customers would like our noodles and wontons."

"Among those attending the trade fair, some are from the capital city. Seeing people from your hometown, does the owner feel a sense of kinship?"

"Very close, it feels like seeing relatives." As the owner spoke, his eyes slightly reddened, "My grandfather and grandmother, along with my parents, wished to return to the capital city before they passed. It’s a pity they didn’t get to see better times. Now we are good citizens, we can go home at any time." Speaking of this, the owner felt slightly embarrassed, "However, we don’t have enough money to return to the capital city right now. My wife and I plan to keep the stall running, and once we’ve earned enough, we’ll let our son visit the capital city." They were getting older, unable to endure long journeys, but their son and grandson could represent them and visit the capital.

Uncle Gao said, "Once the trade fair opens, you’ll soon earn enough for the journey back to the capital city."

"All thanks to Prince Han. Without Prince Han, we wouldn’t have such good days now." The owner spoke, recalling his parents and grandparents, and gently sighed, "It’s a pity my parents and grandparents didn’t see Prince Han’s good times."

Uncle Gao glanced at Zhao Yao, smiling meaningfully, "Indeed, thanks to Prince Han."

The owner initially wanted to chat more with Zhao Yao and his fellow townsfolk, but new guests arrived, and he had to attend to them.

He Lianfang noticed Zhao Yao’s facial expression was a bit off, and asked with concern, "What’s wrong?"

Zhao Yao snapped back to reality, seeing the concerned looks from He Lianfang and Uncle Gao, and he gave them a reassuring smile, "I’m fine, I just miss my mother." Back in the capital city, his mother often personally cooked delicious meals for him, such as noodles and wontons, which she made incredibly well. "Although I often write letters to my mother, she surely still worries about me." When busy, he could not think of his mother, but during leisure moments, he deeply missed her. Consort Three passed away last year, leaving only his mother in Kunde Hall, likely feeling very lonely.

"Aren’t you planning to return to the capital city next year? You’ll be able to see Lady Liang by then." After He Lianfang spoke, he suggested to Zhao Yao, "If you really miss Lady Liang, you can apply to the Emperor this year to return to the capital city for the New Year."

"Indeed, seeing as you’re returning to the capital city at the beginning of next year anyway, why not go back for the New Year? I believe the Emperor would approve it, and Lady Liang would be very happy."

Zhao Yao hadn’t thought of this before, but hearing He Lianfang’s suggestion, it seemed feasible.

"No rush, let’s see how busy we are by the end of the year. If not busy, I’ll apply to return to the capital city sooner. If busy, I’ll wait until next year to head back." After the trade fair, he would become even busier, with many tasks to handle.

After finishing the wontons, Zhao Yao returned to the Han Prince Mansion with He Lianfang and Uncle Gao.

In the study, Zhao Yao invited He Lianfang and Uncle Gao to play Landlord. The three chatted while playing cards.

"I plan to let the soldiers from the Southern Garrison come to Swamp Prefecture for business."

Upon hearing this, He Lianfang and Uncle Gao were shocked, "Let the soldiers come to Swamp Prefecture for business?"

"Let the soldiers sell small items at Swamp Prefecture, earn some money to use." Zhao Yao said, "Military markets, which existed before."

Upon hearing the term ’military market,’ He Lianfang realized the idea.

"There’s a military market at the northern border, allowing the soldiers to trade with locals or Xiongnu, exchanging goods for what is needed."

Uncle Gao curiously asked, "What can the soldiers sell? Surely not weapons?"

"There are many things they can sell. During battles with Annan and Johor, they confiscated plenty of items from those countries, which are useless to them but can be sold." Zhao Yao continued, "These soldiers also make a lot of things themselves that can be sold."

Uncle Gao gave Zhao Yao a thumbs-up, saying, "Your Highness, you’ve got many ideas."

Zhao Yao replied, "The main purpose of letting the soldiers set up stalls isn’t for them to earn money but to let them experience the lively atmosphere and realize the importance of guarding the Southern Border. Without them, Lingnan wouldn’t be peaceful, nor would there be a trade fair."

He added, "Also, it’s an opportunity for Swamp Prefecture’s citizens to meet the Southern Garrison soldiers, letting them know it’s these soldiers who provide the peace they enjoy. Most importantly, to bridge the gap between soldiers and civilians."