Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1125 - 143: Arrival in the Capital (2)

The Hidden Guards serving under Lu Guang’s command had been sent to Lingnan for training from a very young age, to the point where they no longer remembered their hometowns.

"At this rate, we’ll reach our destination in two days," Zhao Yao stated, patting Lu Guang’s shoulder with a grin. "I’ll give you a tour of the capital then."

"Thank you, Young Master," Lu Guang replied.

Meanwhile, the men dispatched by Prince Chu to Qiantang were already assembled at the port, awaiting Zhao Yao’s ship.

Two evenings later, Zhao Yao arrived in the capital, accompanied by Lu Guang.

"Young Master, where shall we go now?" Lu Guang asked, his undisguised back carrying a long wooden box that concealed a firearm.

"First, I’ll take you for a good meal." Although Zhao Yao had initially believed he wouldn't miss the capital, the moment he stepped onto its soil and inhaled its familiar air, a wistful expression unexpectedly bloomed on his face.

"Young Master, aren't you going to visit your brother?" Lu Guang inquired.

"No rush, we can go after we eat." Food was paramount, surpassing all else. "I'll take you to Zhenxiu Building."

"Understood, Young Master."

Zhao Yao hailed a carriage, and they proceeded to Zhenxiu Building. Along the route, Zhao Yao busied himself pointing out various landmarks and introduce the sights to Lu Guang.

Lu Guang, though curious about the capital, found it rather underwhelming upon arrival, not nearly as impressive as Swamp Prefecture.

He leaned in and whispered to Zhao Yao, "Young Master, I still think Swamp Prefecture is superior."

His words caused Zhao Yao to pause momentarily before he chuckled, agreeing, "I think so too." Yet, he mused that the current state of Swamp Prefecture still paled in comparison to the capital. In a few years, however, the capital would be a shadow of Swamp Prefecture.

Upon reaching Zhenxiu Building, fortune smiled upon them as a table had just become available.

Without delay, Zhao Yao questioned the waiter about any newly introduced dishes before placing an order.

After receiving a thorough rundown from the waiter, Zhao Yao generously selected several of the new offerings.

The cuisine of the capital was characterized by its robust flavors, a stark contrast to the milder tastes found in Swamp Prefecture.

While Swamp Prefecture did boast restaurants managed by individuals from the capital, even a branch of Zhenxiu Building itself, the authenticity of their taste could not match that of the capital’s original.

Zhao Yao had presumed he wouldn't crave the capital's culinary delights, but the very first bite brought a surprising realization: a deep-seated longing for it still resided within him.

Lu Guang, on the other hand, was indifferent to the quality of the food, finding satisfaction as long as his hunger was appeased.

Not long into their meal, they overheard patrons at neighboring tables discussing Prince Han's impending return to the capital by year's end.

"Prince Han is finally returning to the capital; it'll certainly liven things up."

"The proprietor of Zhenxiu Building has been eagerly anticipating Prince Han's arrival, planning to invite him to sample their newest creations."

"It’s not just Zhenxiu Building; other restaurateurs are also looking forward to Prince Han's homecoming."

"I heard Prince Han developed numerous exquisite dishes while in Swamp Prefecture."

"One wonders what delightful new offerings Prince Han will bring back this time?"

"Ah, and the teahouses too are awaiting Prince Han's return, intending to host a tea-tasting competition upon his arrival."

"That should be quite an event."

"You might not be aware, but I've heard that news of Prince Han's return by year's end has prompted tea merchants from across the land to flock to the capital, paying their respects to Prince Han as if he were a revered ancestor."

"For the tea merchants, isn't that precisely what Prince Han represents?"

"He's like a veritable God of Wealth."

"It truly feels as though the capital will blossom with activity once Prince Han makes his return."

....

........

......

Hearing the diners at the restaurant sing Zhao Yao's praises, Lu Guang swelled with pride.

"Young Master, everyone is speaking so highly of you."

Zhao Yao responded with a smug grin, "It's not as if very many people praise me."

"Not at all." Even the common folk in Swamp Prefecture frequently lauded the Young Master. "Young Master, in the eyes of all, you are a good person."

Slightly taken aback by the compliment of being a 'good person', Zhao Yao's lips curved upward in a smile. "I can accept being called a good person."

Lu Guang, not fully grasping Zhao Yao's implication, inquired, "Young Master, what does it mean to be called a 'good person'?"

"It simply means I am a good person."

"But you are already a good person."

"A good person, hmm..." Zhao Yao's smile held an enigmatic quality. He did not genuinely consider himself a good person. His actions for the common populace stemmed not from a desire to be virtuous, but from a conviction that it was the right thing to do.

After concluding their tea, the pair departed from Zhenxiu Building.

"Young Master, shall we proceed to your brother's residence now?" Lu Guang asked.

"To be perfectly honest, I’d rather not go." He wished to keep his presence in the capital a secret for the time being. However, the thought of his fourth and eighth brothers discovering his return without a visit would only complicate matters further.

"In that case, where shall we head to?"

After a brief contemplation, Zhao Yao declared, "Let’s make our way to Fourth Brother’s residence."

They opted against using a carriage, choosing instead to journey to Prince Chu Mansion on foot.

As Zhao Yao and Lu Guang ambled along, Zhao Yao seized the opportunity to acquaint Lu Guang with the capital’s particulars.

Though he had been away for more than a year, Zhao Yao found the capital’s environs as recognizable as ever. This uncanny familiarity created the illusion that he had never truly departed.