Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1012 - 92: Zhao Yao’s Plan (Part 2)

This year, in the planting period, every field in Swamp Prefecture was tilled with the innovative curved plow and enriched with manure. Following that, irrigation came via the water wheel. Subsequently, fish and ducks were introduced into the paddies, explaining why the season's early rice flourished more robustly than in past years.

As Zhao Yao toured the farmlands to check on them, the villagers voiced their deep appreciation toward him. Absent his efforts, this year's early rice surely wouldn't have developed so splendidly.

The soils of the Lingnan area lack the richness found in Jiangnan's lands. Yet, Lingnan's weather surpasses Jiangnan's, enabling the growing of two or even three rice crops annually, which results in Lingnan outyielding Jiangnan overall.

The climate of Lingnan serves as both a boon and a bane. The intense heat fosters abundant rats and bugs, filling the paddies with swarms of insects.

Prior to Zhao Yao suggesting the adoption of double or triple cropping for rice, Lingnan's output remained dismal. The ground wasn't particularly nutrient-rich, while pests overwhelmed the crops.

The residents of Lingnan lacked effective means against the insects; despite heavy applications of poisons, the infestations persisted relentlessly. But in Swamp Prefecture, folks noticed a sharp drop in rice field pests this year. Zhao Yao explained it was due to the fish and ducks devouring them.

Zhao Yao had anticipated a strong growth for this year's early rice long ago, though the exact yield remained uncertain until reaping time. Still, this season's production was bound to surpass previous ones at minimum.

More than the early rice in standard paddies, Zhao Yao focused on that in the terraced fields. The terraced early rice was thriving exceptionally, matching the performance of flatland crops without any shortfall.

Observing the impressive progress of the terraced early rice, the villagers resolved to expand the terraces further once the early crop was gathered.

Having examined the farmlands, Zhao Yao noted that both flat fields and terraces were progressing splendidly, free from major insect troubles, which eased his concerns. Now, attention turned to the impending reaping.

Prior to the trade fair, Zhao Yao and Zheng Cheng at last finished constructing the windmill. Come next month, amid the early rice gathering, the windmill would see immediate deployment.

Post-field inspection, Zhao Yao sent aides to instruct Swamp Prefecture's people on operating the windmill.

Once acquainted with the windmill's use, the locals praised Prince Han's ingenuity and noted that its presence would render this year's harvest far less laborious.

Over the recent days, though Zhao Yao skipped further field visits, he wasn't lingering at the Han Prince Mansion. Instead, he secluded himself in the North Mountain Laboratory. He deliberately concealed himself there, given the throng of visitors pursuing him lately.

Since the trade fair concluded, numerous individuals from the capital had arrived seeking him. Keen to avoid these encounters, he opted to retreat into the North Mountain Laboratory.

Unable to gain an audience with Zhao Yao, these visitors refused to depart, lingering in Swamp Prefecture in hopes of meeting him. They appeared determined to persist until they succeeded.

Zhao Yao couldn't remain concealed in the North Mountain Laboratory indefinitely. Duties at morning court demanded his presence, limiting his hideaway to just a handful of days.

In these times, Swamp Prefecture saw a surge of events unfolding. Substantial tasks awaited completion, and skipping court was impossible. Furthermore, as Prince Han, the officials had numerous issues requiring his input.

With morning court set for tomorrow, Zhao Yao was compelled to head back to Swamp Prefecture. Upon arriving at the Han Prince Mansion, Lian Fang summoned him promptly.

Lian Fang informed Zhao Yao about the recent seekers and their activities within Swamp Prefecture over the days.

Upon hearing the details, Zhao Yao responded with evident fatigue, "It looks like they're set on staying until they catch sight of me."

"Without meeting you, they can't relay their messages," Lian Fang cautioned Zhao Yao, "This round, they won't let you slip away so simply. Evasion isn't an option anymore."

Zhao Yao let out a resigned sigh, "Ah, this is truly bothersome."

"They won't be brushed off lightly by you on this occasion." Lian Fang eyed Zhao Yao's distressed face without any pity, rather displaying a touch of gleeful mischief. "Fail to manage them properly now, and you'll antagonize the whole lot."

At Lian Fang's remark, Zhao Yao scoffed with disdain, "Ha, you reckon I'm scared of crossing them?"

Lian Fang shot Zhao Yao a glance, "Lately, court officials have been charging you with corrupting outsiders and harboring disloyal aims. What's your strategy for that?"

Zhao Yao gave a casual shrug, indifferent, "I'll let it stand as is."

Lian Fang inquired, "So you're intending to take no action?"

Zhao Yao raised his gaze to Lian Fang, grinning, "Uncle, what would you have me do?"

Lian Fang dismissed Zhao Yao's query without much regard and avoided a straight reply. He stated instead, "Staying on the defensive isn't like you at all."

Zhao Yao caught that Lian Fang sidestepped his question, a contemplative glint passing through his eyes. Yet, his easygoing grin lingered on his features.

"True enough, passive waiting doesn't suit me, but honestly, I have no intentions of addressing this. I'll simply disregard them. Let them chatter as they please; after all, I'm nowhere near the capital."

"Don't tell me you've overlooked your return to the capital for the wedding next year?"

"Uncle, as you mentioned, it's next year." By next year, returning to the capital for marriage might not happen. For him, that upcoming union held little appeal.

"Does the prospect of being labeled a betrayer by the masses not concern you?"

"It doesn't faze me," Zhao Yao declared bluntly, "I'd have to be mad to stage a revolt. Plus, Father won't buy into their accusations. He might secretly hope I would rebel."

"You believe Zhao Zheng's affection ensures he won't suspect you of rebellion?" Lian Fang remarked, his lips twisting into a frosty smirk, "Zhao Yao, since when have you grown this innocent?"

"Should Father truly come to think I harbor traitorous thoughts, I'd simply flee to foreign shores."

As he sipped his tea, Lian Fang halted at Zhao Yao's statement. Raising his gaze, he fixed Zhao Yao with a piercing stare, "You intend to venture overseas?"

"Whenever the chance arises, I absolutely wish to venture abroad and discover what's there." That's precisely why he selected Lingnan as his territory; it's distant from the capital yet proximate to lands like Annan. "If Father heeds their claims and deems me guilty of sedition, then I'll make for overseas. Armed with my abilities, I could thrive unbound in those distant realms."

Lian Fang regarded Zhao Yao intently and discerned he spoke in earnest about overseas plans, causing a faint quiver in his heart.

"Your ambitions run deep indeed."

Zhao Yao met Lian Fang's eyes, stating pointedly, "Uncle, I've always lacked any real ambition."

"Should you bolt overseas, what of Lady Liang?" Lian Fang was aware that Lady Liang, Zhao Yao's mother, was the one he cherished above all else.

"Father adores Mother most; he'd never bring her harm," Zhao Yao went on, "I'd entrust her care to my fourth and eighth brothers. At the opportune moment, I'd dispatch someone to the capital to bring her to me."

From this, Lian Fang understood Zhao Yao had plotted an overseas escape for some time and made thorough preparations.

"Uncle, should you decide to join me abroad, I'd welcome you aboard."

Lian Fang answered coolly, "Being a Great Zhou prince, cease fantasizing about fleeing overseas." It appeared he'd need to watch this young man closely to prevent any getaway.

Zhao Yao dropped the topic of overseas flight and steered back to the matter of those visitors.

"Tomorrow, post-court, I'll receive them and hear out their words." He held a solid grasp on what they likely sought.