Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1112 - 138: Return to the Capital

Heading back to the capital, Zhao Yao planned to haul a massive load along. Besides the local specialties from Lingnan and Annan, he insisted on transporting his own inventions too. All that stuff together would demand a full dozen ships to carry.

Over these past days, Tong Xi and the steward hustled nonstop to pack and ready the goods for the journey north, while Zhao Yao busied himself issuing orders for handling things once he left.

Right now, Zhao Yao stood in the Divine Machine Camp, fresh off a marksmanship contest with the troops. Just as anticipated, victory was his once more.

Whenever Zhao Yao dropped by the Divine Machine Camp, he loved to "torment" the soldiers a bit, leaving them in even greater awe of him.

After some good "tormenting," Prince Han sensed a wave of refreshment surging through his body and spirit.

Chu Huan stared wordlessly at the beaming Zhao Yao. "Does bullying folks bring you such joy?"

"Naturally! Don't you enjoy it too?" Zhao Yao shot back.

Chu Huan stayed silent. Truth be told, picking on people brought a real thrill.

"Your trip back to the capital this time promises nothing but peril. Are you truly set against taking the Divine Machine Camp?" Chu Huan understood the capital's chaos well—returning now would thrust His Highness straight into the brutal fray of power plays. "Even without Prince Han's return, safety isn't guaranteed. Prince Dai and Prince Jing still lurk."

Zhao Yao gave a faint headshake. "Hauling the Divine Machine Camp along would draw way too much attention, inviting disaster." The Divine Machine Camp served as his hidden ace, unveiled only in dire straits.

"At minimum, take Lu Guang. He can swoop in to save you if trouble strikes." Lu Guang ranked as the Divine Machine Camp's top sharpshooter and sniper—keeping him close meant extra protection for the boss.

Zhao Yao chuckled. "I already meant to bring him. With Lu Guang beside me en route to the capital, my odds of making it alive skyrocket."

Chu Huan caught the strange undertone in Zhao Yao's remark. His face tightened in concern as he probed, "Trouble awaits you on the road to the capital?"

Zhao Yao arched a brow, flashing a wide grin. "Extremely perilous. They're out to end me."

Chu Huan drew a sharp breath, his forehead creasing deeper.

"Prince Han?"

Zhao Yao snapped his fingers, then hoisted his teacup toward Chu Huan. "Bingo! Spot on!"

Chu Huan clinked cups with Zhao Yao in helpless defeat. "Prince Han aims to ensure you never reach the capital breathing."

Zhao Yao wagged his right index finger. "He craves my death anywhere on this earth."

Chu Huan found himself speechless as Zhao Yao chatted about the plot like it targeted a stranger, utterly unconcerned with his own fate.

Noting Chu Huan's speechless look, Zhao Yao winked mischievously. "Relax, I won't kick the bucket."

"After the havoc you've wreaked on Prince Han, either he slays you or you doom him." Chu Huan's features hardened. "He'll ambush you for sure on the capital road."

Zhao Yao placed his teacup down, rubbed his chin thoughtfully with one hand. "Should I seize the chance to stage my death? That way, the capital's intrigues leave me be, and Father plus Uncle drop their push to crown me emperor?"

Chu Huan, mid-sip of tea, choked violently on Zhao Yao's wild idea and spat it right into his face.

Zhao Yao eyed Chu Huan with contempt. "You realize how filthy that is?"

Chu Huan slammed down his cup, fixing Zhao Yao with a fierce glare. "Have you lost your mind?"

Zhao Yao fired back instantly. "And you hold the fix."

Chu Huan scrutinized Zhao Yao's face intently, his lips twitching. "You mean this for real?"

Zhao Yao grew dead serious. "I've mulled it over." He genuinely had, even if not right this instant.

"Faking death flops unless you actually croak," Chu Huan bluntly crushed Zhao Yao's spark.

"Sigh, yeah, it won't fly." Too many unfinished tasks remained; ditching Swamp Prefecture now for a fake demise and seaside escape wouldn't do.

At Zhao Yao's concession, Chu Huan exhaled in quiet relief.

"Pull a fake death, and forget the throne—Lady Liang would hunt you down first."

Recalling Lady Liang's fury, Zhao Yao shuddered visibly, terror in his eyes. "I cherish my life too much for that nonsense. No faking death."

Chu Huan pondered silently: Boss, entertaining notions of faking your death is an ill omen. One day, you could truly carry it out. In order to stop that from happening, he chose to send a letter to his mother, relaying the information to Lady Liang.

"Boss, aware that Prince Han intends to kill you, have you taken any countermeasures?" Chu Huan felt growing anxiety, "If not, we should escort you back."

"No, remain in the Swamp Prefecture." Zhao Yao declared firmly, "You have to hold the fort there, ensuring that the greedy onlookers hesitate to strike." The Swamp Prefecture was now a tempting prize, drawing endless covetous gazes. As long as he was present, the schemers held back, but his departure could invite their bold moves. Thus, Chu Huan and his men needed to stay on to intimidate those scoundrels.