Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1061 - 113: Dispatching Ships to Search for America (3)

These mountain tribesmen prove fierce and battle-hardened warriors, ideal candidates for soldiers. Zhao Yao chose not to wipe them out entirely; rather, he planned to enlist them into a formidable army loyal to his command.

"It looks like we have to use force."

"Use force?" Wen Daoji questioned with a confused look, "Your Highness, what greater force is there?" They had consistently adopted a harsh approach toward the mountain tribes. So when His Highness suggested even more force, what exactly did that imply?

Zhao Yao ignored Wen Daoji’s query and countered, "Do you know exactly which mountain the mountain tribes occupy?"

Wen Daoji answered respectfully, "The mountain tribes boast arrogantly, revealing their location openly to taunt us, but our men enter the mountains and not only fail to locate them but fall victim to the poisonous miasma."

"Knowing the mountain tribes’ location is perfect," Zhao Yao grinned with deep intent, "I’ll dispatch someone to handle these mountain tribesmen, so no need for you to fret."

Upon hearing Zhao Yao’s assurance, Wen Daoji and the rest stopped probing and turned their discussion to the pressing officer shortage.

Officials in the Swamp Prefecture court often juggle several roles, and local ones even more so. There were once many local officials, but Zhao Yao executed a bunch, leaving the survivors to handle multiple duties. Still, the workload proved too much.

Tasks piled up everywhere, and with insufficient staff, the officials toiled endlessly like beasts of burden. The surviving ones carried guilt, though milder than the executed. If enough officials existed, Zhao Yao wouldn’t have shown mercy. He offered them redemption through success in their duties. Excel, and they could earn pardon plus rewards. Thus, they labored furiously, yet the sheer volume overwhelmed them. Afraid to complain to Zhao Yao, they petitioned the court for more hands.

"I’m aware of our personnel shortage too, but right now, I can’t source additional officials." Zhao Yao shared the frustration over lacking officers. Despite generous incentives, few volunteered for Lingnan. Dragging capital officials here by force was impossible. "Hang in there a while longer. Come next year, some might step up." Folks from the heartlands still scorned Lingnan’s hardships. But once conditions improved, opportunists would flock for gains. "Never mind, I’ll pen a letter to my father requesting officials right away." Lingnan’s states would bustle for the next two or three years. Without capital aid, governance would falter.

More envoys should be dispatched to hype Lingnan’s advantages, luring—er, convincing—talents from the interior to relocate for prosperity.

"Your Highness, there’s also..."

As Wen Daoji and others rattled off issue after issue, Zhao Yao’s head throbbed worse. He inwardly sighed, realizing the mounting pile of responsibilities.

After deliberating with Wen Daoji and several aides, Zhao Yao ordered a messenger to fetch Chu Huan.

Chu Huan reached the Prince of Han Mansion that evening, where Zhao Yao tasked him with leading Divine Machine Camp soldiers to seize the mountain tribesmen.

"Incidentally, are you skilled with explosive packs?"

"Yes, proficient." Divine Machine Camp soldiers drilled daily on hurling hand grenades, grenades, and explosive packs, lately adding cannon practice.

"Then demolish the mountain the tribesmen inhabit." Zhao Yao drummed his fingers on the table and declared icily, "That’s the only way to cow them into obedience."

"Demolish a mountain?" Chu Huan stared in astonishment, "Boss, didn’t you insist we keep these secret and hidden from outsiders?"

"The mountain tribesmen have grown too brazen and mustn’t run wild anymore." Zhao Yao stated frostily, "This will also strike fear into troublemakers in other tribes. Depart tomorrow to carry it out."

"Understood, Boss."

Zhao Yao issued more directives to Chu Huan before sending him off.

Moments after Chu Huan departed, Hidden Guard A materialized before Zhao Yao, presenting a confidential missive.

Scanning the secret letter, Zhao Yao smirked slyly, "Time to settle with Sixth Brother." He then drafted a response and directed Hidden Guard A to deliver it to the Princess of Annan.

Before Fourth Brother heads back to the capital, better to fixate the court on Sixth Brother. Plus, leaving Sixth Brother’s mess unresolved now would spell headaches once Prince Dai returns. Moreover, the Princess of Annan tires of waiting; delay further, and she might strike alone.

Prince Han schemed to pit Prince Zheng against Prince Dai, so Zhao Yao opted to neutralize Prince Zheng first, derailing Prince Han’s scheme.

Prince Han? He’d leave that for Fourth Brother to manage solo; no meddling from him.