Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1010 - 91: The Northern Situation Is Complicated

In the Imperial Study, bursts of laughter erupted from the Emperor as he finished reading the confidential report delivered by the Dragon Guards, “Hahahahaha...”

Sun Kui, dozing quietly close by, jolted awake from the Emperor’s sudden chuckles. He spun around fast, fixing his gaze on the Emperor’s beaming expression, and asked with evident curiosity, “Your Majesty, what splendid news has filled you with such delight?”

The Emperor boasted, “That scamp, Little Ten, has truly lived up to my expectations.”

At the mention of His Highness Prince Han, Sun Kui’s interest sharpened instantly. He offered quick praise, “Like father, like son.”

The Emperor chuckled and replied, “I didn’t guide him in this. The flawless execution of this trade conference stems entirely from Little Ten’s personal initiative.”

Earlier, when Zhao Yao proposed hosting a trade conference, the Emperor, though concerned about potential failure, chose not to meddle or assist. He aimed to observe if his youngest son could pull off the event and, if yes, to what extent it would succeed.

Zhao Yao had never shared the fine details of planning the trade conference with the Emperor. He merely submitted the roster of overseas dignitaries set to participate.

Upon discovering that nations like Annan were dispatching royal family members to join Zhao Yao’s trade conference, the Emperor realized his youngest son had the capability to manage it, yet he hadn’t anticipated such resounding triumph.

“I once figured he was merely toying with the idea of a trade conference, but who could have guessed that amid the proceedings, the boy raked in profits exceeding the Ministry of Revenue’s yearly taxes,” the Emperor exclaimed in wonder, “and this marks only the outset. Come next year, this lad could amass multiples of what he’s gained already.”

Sun Kui’s jaw dropped in astonishment, blurting out, “That much?” Surpassing several times the Ministry of Revenue’s annual tax haul—how vast a fortune was that? His Highness Prince Han was indeed the God of Wealth for Great Zhou.

“Even greater fortunes lie ahead,” the Emperor noted, “That scamp was spot on; Swamp Prefecture holds immense promise as a hub ripe for growth. In a handful of years, he’ll elevate Swamp Prefecture to Great Zhou’s premier trading hub, rivaling Yangzhou by then.”

“Is Swamp Prefecture truly so remarkable?” Sun Kui had never visited Swamp Prefecture, though rumors painted all Lingnan prefectures as destitute. How could His Highness Prince Han, upon arriving there, propel it beyond Yangzhou’s splendor? Yangzhou had long been a bastion of wealth, supplying half the Ministry of Revenue’s taxes.

“Nestled by the ocean and bordering realms like Annan and Johor, Swamp Prefecture enjoys seamless maritime access,” the Emperor explained, “That scamp once told me of distant lands beyond Annan, including one named Mysir, reportedly wealthier than Annan itself. He intends to dispatch envoys to Mysir down the line for commerce.”

“Your Majesty, to this servant’s knowledge, roughly a dozen nations dot the Annan region. How many exist in those farther reaches, such as Mysir’s domain?”

“Word has it there are about a dozen as well,” the Emperor responded, propping his chin on clasped hands, “That scamp envisions forging a maritime Silk Road.”

“Your Majesty, does His Highness Prince Han intend a journey to Mysir?”

“He aims to broaden his ventures there,” the Emperor concluded, his eyes narrowing faintly while his forehead creased, “Given that scamp’s temperament, he might indeed set sail for those distant shores, but I’ll ensure no such opportunity arises.” Deep down, the Emperor understood that should Zhao Yao venture abroad, returning might prove impossible.

“Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Han’s triumphs with the trade conference and military display have stirred envy among numerous courtiers.” Lately, during morning assemblies, accusations flew that His Highness harbored grand ambitions, consorted with barbarians, and plotted uprising.

At those words, the Emperor’s gaze hardened to ice.

“I know full well their schemes.”

Sun Kui reflected, fortunately the Emperor holds deep affection and faith in His Highness Prince Han. Absent that, the relentless slander from ministers these days could convince anyone of His Highness’s rebellious intent.

The ministers remained oblivious that the Emperor secretly yearned for His Highness Prince Han to rebel. Should His Highness truly scheme revolt, the Emperor would joyfully relinquish the throne, retire as Supreme Emperor, and roam freely with Lady Liang.

“Your Majesty, do you fear those schemers might endanger His Highness Prince Han?” This trade conference had vividly showcased His Highness’s wealth-generating prowess. Though stationed far in Lingnan, His Highness wouldn’t escape their grasp so readily.

“No cause for worry. Should that scamp falter against this, he might as well remain Prince Han in Lingnan forever.” The Emperor harbored no doubts about Zhao Yao. “That scamp possesses sharp wits; those foes can’t overpower him.”

“His Highness Prince Han is nothing short of extraordinary. In under a year at Swamp Prefecture, he’s reshaped a forsaken wasteland into a realm rivaling Yangzhou’s affluence.” Sun Kui, unfamiliar with Swamp Prefecture and blind to its post-conference glow, could still envision the stark metamorphosis.

“This barely scratches the surface,” the Emperor reclined in his seat, arms folded behind his head, boots propped on the imperial desk, “That scamp has yet to unleash his full potential.”

Struck by those words, Sun Kui froze, “His Highness is already elevating Swamp Prefecture to Yangzhou’s level, and that’s not his peak? What marvels would unfold if he did?”

“He’ll remake countless Great Zhou prefectures in Swamp’s image,” the Emperor declared, a subtle smile of anticipation creeping across his face, “By then, Great Zhou shall bask in an age of tranquility and abundance.”

Sun Kui pictured that golden era of prosperity, his features lighting with eager hope.

“I ponder if I might live to behold Great Zhou’s era of splendor.”

“Endure a while more, and witness it you shall,” the Emperor teased, eyeing Sun Kui appraisingly, “Eunuchs boast longevity. You’ll outlast to see it, Sun.”

“Grateful for your auspicious words, Your Majesty. I’ll endeavor to persist longer.” To glimpse such times would render his existence fulfilling, departing without a single regret.

“Keep a keen eye, then, and upon reaching the afterlife, describe vividly to me the serene epoch that scamp forges.”

Sun Kui recoiled at the Emperor’s phrasing, “Your Majesty, you must witness it yourself as well.”

The Emperor dismissed it with a wave, “My days won’t stretch that far.”

“Your Majesty will assuredly reach a century.”

“I’m no tortoise,” the Emperor quipped. He yearned to personally view the thriving age his youngest son would build, yet fate denied it. His health he knew intimately; enduring another two decades would count as a boon.

“Your Majesty...” Sun Kui grew distressed by the Emperor’s remarks.

The Emperor cut him short, “If that scamp claims the throne earlier, perhaps I’d gain extra years.” He pressed his lips together, brimming with complaint, “Clinging to this wretched emperorship, even a tortoise’s lifespan wouldn’t carry me to a hundred.”

Sensing the Emperor’s mounting bitterness, Sun Kui mused, “...Your Majesty, you genuinely detest the imperial role.”

Just then, Hidden Guard A entered, extracting a sealed missive from within his robes and passing it to Sun Kui.

Sun Kui accepted the document before bowing to offer it to the Emperor.

The Emperor identified the missive’s seal as originating from the northern border. His eyes tightened as he unsealed and scanned its contents.

Noting the Emperor’s face grow grave, Sun Kui’s chest constricted, his breathing turning shallow as he positioned himself aside.

Having absorbed the letter, the Emperor solemnly directed Sun Kui, “Summon Prime Minister He and the rest.”

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

One hour passed before Prime Minister He, Grandmaster Liu, and Song Weikang arrived in the Imperial Study.

The Emperor passed the northern frontier’s confidential report to them.

Upon review, Grandmaster Liu and his companions adopted somber demeanors.

“I plan to dispatch the Second Prince to the northern frontier. Your thoughts?”

“Your Majesty, tensions at the northern frontier remain intricate now. Are you certain about deploying Prince Dai?” Prime Minister He believed sending Prince Dai presently would only tangle the situation worse.

“Prince Dai’s prior service at the northern frontier gives him unparalleled insight, deeming him the ideal choice. As for Prince Han in Youzhou, Grandmaster Liu dismissed that option. Once Prince Dai arrives at the northern frontier, he’ll take charge. With Prince Dai’s command prowess, he’ll dispel the threats there.”