Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1062 - 114: Why Is Grand Commandant Zheng Here?

On this particular day, Zhao Yao enjoyed a rare moment of leisure, so he brought Tong Xi along for a fishing outing. He selected a casual spot close to Swamp Prefecture for his angling and shockingly crossed paths with Zheng Xilin, an acquaintance he barely knew.

With the trade conference drawing to a close, Zheng Xilin had abruptly shown up in Swamp Prefecture. Zhao Yao made no move to seek him out, and Zheng Xilin likewise put forth no special attempt to pay respects to Prince Han. Each side feigned ignorance of the other's whereabouts.

Zhao Yao held no interest in Zheng Xilin's arrival and gave no thought to his later destinations. Afterward, Zheng Qian informed him that Grand Commandant Zheng had departed Swamp Prefecture to tour other territories. Zhao Yao figured the elder had quitted Lingnan and headed back to his residence, yet today he unexpectedly encountered him beside the Wild Pond within the woods.

Inwardly, Zhao Yao felt a touch of astonishment, but his face revealed none of it, as he regarded Zheng Xilin like a perfect stranger—this being their "first" proper encounter with the old fellow.

Before this, while wandering through Swamp Prefecture one day, Zhao Yao had witnessed Zheng Qian guiding Zheng Xilin through the markets. From not far off, he had gotten a clear look at Zheng Xilin’s features, allowing him to identify the elder today.

Spotting Zheng Xilin angling at the pond, Zhao Yao itched to pivot and depart, but such a hasty exit would appear suspicious. Therefore, he found himself forced to deal with Zheng Xilin as merely a common old gent.

In truth, this wasn’t his initial brush with Grand Commandant Zheng. Long ago in Jinling, he had laid eyes on him. That time, however, the elder wore a disguise unlike his current form. He had masqueraded as Zhao Yao's third uncle back then. Zhao Yao now reckoned this present look was Grand Commandant Zheng's real countenance.

Grand Commandant Zheng boasted fine features and a prominent beard. Rumor had it that during his youth, his charm was legendary, with women and men alike chasing after him fervently.

"Hello, sir," Zhao Yao greeted Zheng Xilin courteously.

Zheng Xilin’s eyes betrayed a flash of astonishment at the sight of Zhao Yao, yet his expression remained impassive.

"Hello, young man."

"Sorry, sir, I didn’t expect anyone to be here, I’ll find another spot." To Prince Chu and his circle, Grand Commandant Zheng was a treasured icon, but for Zhao Yao, he spelled nothing but trouble. The greater the distance, the preferable.

With those words, Zhao Yao gathered his fishing tackle and readied to depart, only for Zheng Xilin to call after him.

"Young man, you’re not disturbing me; no need to leave." Zheng Xilin beckoned Zhao Yao nearer, motioning for him to take a seat, "Fishing alone grows tedious; keep me company."

Zhao Yao felt little inclination, "Won’t I disturb your fishing?"

"You won’t, come, sit down."

Unable to simply walk off, Zhao Yao settled beside Zheng Xilin.

Zheng Xilin observed as Zhao Yao deftly baited his hook and cast his line with expert precision, a trace of admiration stirring within him.

"Do you fish often, young man?"

"I used to fish often, but not much now." Back in the capital, fishing had been a frequent pastime. Yet since reaching Swamp Prefecture, duties had kept him too occupied for it. He had intended sea fishing today, but anticipated Wen Daoji and the rest dragging him back for work if spotted, so he opted for discretion at a haphazard locale to unwind. Never did he foresee bumping into Zheng Xilin in such an obscure place. In hindsight, he'd rather have been nabbed at sea.

Zhao Yao eyed the bamboo basket at Zheng Xilin’s feet, seeing it barren.

"Sir, have you just arrived?" Such uncanny timing—what a stroke of destiny.

"I’ve been here for a while."

He had lingered there awhile yet snagged zero fish. Evidently, the renowned Grand Commandant Zheng lacked prowess in angling.

Zheng Xilin opened his mouth to speak when a pull jerked Zhao Yao’s fresh line. Moments later, Prince Han hauled in a catch.

Scarcely seated, Prince Han reeled a fish, leaving Zheng Xilin stunned by the swiftness.

"Young master, you’re amazing." Tong Xi swiftly unhooked the fish and dropped it into their wooden pail.

"Young man, your fishing skills are impressive." Zheng Xilin had fibbed earlier to Zhao Yao; he hadn't freshly arrived but had spent the entire day there fruitlessly.

Zhao Yao smiled modestly, "Not really, it’s just luck." To him, angling demanded no technique—pure fortune ruled.