Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1063 - 114: Why Is Grand Commandant Zheng Here? (2)

"Young man, what’s your surname? Do you live in Swamp Prefecture?" Zheng Xilin inquired warmly, "Have you received any education?"

As Zheng Xilin voiced these queries, Zhao Yao reflected silently: Grand Commandant Zheng surpasses him in the art of pretense.

"Sir, my surname is Liang, and I reside in Swamp Prefecture now." Zhao Yao replied steadily, "I’ve never been fond of books, so my learning is quite limited." This part rang true; books had never appealed to him since childhood. "And what might your surname be, sir? Your speech suggests you’re not a local from Swamp Prefecture. From another region, perhaps?"

"My surname is Lin. I’m not originally from Swamp Prefecture. My son is employed here, so I’ve traveled to see him."

Zhao Yao posed the question offhandedly, "What are your thoughts on Swamp Prefecture?"

"It’s a fine spot. Since arriving, I’ve grown reluctant to depart." In recent months, Zheng Xilin had roamed across Lingnan, deeming it splendid overall, especially Swamp Prefecture. "The views and cuisine here delight the senses." Previously, few appreciated Swamp Prefecture’s charms, yet His Highness spotted them instantly. Within a single year, His Highness transformed it dramatically—a feat beyond common folk. "Truly ideal for one’s twilight years."

What’s his intention? Does he intend to settle permanently in Swamp Prefecture? Is this a jest?

Impossible—his modest Swamp Prefecture cannot host a heavyweight like Grand Commandant Zheng.

"Swamp Prefecture is truly pleasant, yet unfit for retirement." Zhao Yao knew he must urge this powerhouse away, lest it spell headaches for him as Prince Han. "Miasma lingers everywhere, snakes, bugs, rodents, and pests thrive, and above all, the steamy heat persists all year—not ideal for elders."

"The old folks around here seem healthy enough; no issues there,"

"You might not realize, sir, but locals in Swamp Prefecture have short lifespans. Many perish in their forties or fifties." Zhao Yao spoke sincerely, "This land suits the young for toiling, not seniors for rest."

Were it not for his certainty that Prince Han failed to identify him, he’d suspect Prince Han was scheming to oust him.

"My son’s presence here makes separation unbearable."

This excuse silenced Zhao Yao completely. He couldn’t very well demand Zheng Qian’s departure as well. Zheng Qian served as his trusted aide; dispensing with him was unthinkable.

"I intend to remain nearby, staying close to my son."

At these words, Zhao Yao cried out in his mind: Seriously? Do you truly aim to linger in Swamp Prefecture, sir?

Such tidings boded ill. Upon his return, he’d summon Zheng Qian for a stern interrogation. Should Grand Commandant Zheng truly wish to settle in Swamp Prefecture, Zheng Qian would be tasked with escorting his father elsewhere.

Grand Commandant Zheng must not remain in Swamp Prefecture, or catastrophe would follow for him!

"Staying near your son is wise." Zhao Yao uttered, swallowing his true feelings. No sooner had the words left his lips than the line tugged again—this time with a hefty catch.

Witnessing the spectacle, Zheng Xilin’s face twisted in mixed emotions.

Tong Xi swiftly unhooked it, hefting its weight.

"Young master, this one tips the scales at three or four pounds at least."

Zhao Yao chuckled, "Such a plump fellow—kitchen, prepare sour fish soup for dinner."

Tong Xi nodded eagerly, "Sour fish soup will be delicious. Catch a few more, and we’ll grill them too."

"Count on it." Zhao Yao brimmed with assurance in his angling fortune.

"Young Liang, your dialect hints at the capital origins?" Zheng Xilin probed, "I’ve been to the capital before and resided there briefly."

Zheng Xilin’s reference to the capital sparked quiet caution in Zhao Yao.

"I hail from the capital indeed." His accent betrayed capital roots so blatantly that denial was futile.

"Young Liang, between the capital and Swamp Prefecture, which wins your favor?"

"I prefer Swamp Prefecture over the capital; it holds my heart."

"Oh?" Zheng Xilin pressed curiously, "What makes Swamp Prefecture superior to the capital in your eyes?"

"It simply does."

"Which features of Swamp Prefecture outshine the capital?"

Zhao Yao pondered inwardly: What scheme does Grand Commandant Zheng pursue with these questions?

"As you noted earlier, the landscapes surpass the capital’s, and the meals excel too. Swamp Prefecture offers fruits unknown in the capital, plus..." Zhao Yao rattled off numerous advantages of Swamp Prefecture over the capital without pause.

Noting the sparkle in Zhao Yao’s gaze as he extolled Swamp Prefecture’s virtues, Zheng Xilin suppressed a quiet laugh. Prince Han genuinely adores this place.

"Your words convince me Swamp Prefecture eclipses the capital." Zheng Xilin grinned, "I recall Swamp Prefecture wasn’t always so thriving. Its current splendor stems from His Highness. Your view on His Highness?"

Zhao Yao mused: Grand Commandant Zheng poses this deliberately.

"His Highness excels greatly, brimming with talent and foresight." Self-praise flowed from Zhao Yao without a flinch.

Nearby, Tong Xi nearly burst into laughter hearing Zhao Yao laud himself so boldly.

His Highness possesses remarkable nerve, extolling his own merits that way.

"Is His Highness a benevolent prince who cherishes the people as kin?"

What’s the implication? Is he testing me on purpose?

Zhao Yao answered, "My opinion on whether His Highness cherishes the people as kin matters little. The key lies in His Highness’s actions toward them." He viewed himself not as one who doted like a parent; he merely fulfilled his duties.

Zheng Xilin pursued, "So, does His Highness treat the people well?"

"It appears so, given His Highness’s efforts to uplift Swamp Prefecture’s residents." No brag here—the locals agreed. "Do you believe His Highness mistreats the people?"

"I agree it’s good, yet insufficient." Zheng Xilin remarked pointedly, "Nowhere near enough."

Nowhere near enough—does that signify he deems my efforts still falling short?