Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1172 - 167: Preparing to Return to Swamp Prefecture (2)

"He mentioned that to you?" asked the Emperor, his face filled with surprise. "Having children in your twenties? Where did that peculiar notion come from?"

Lady Liang offered a knowing remark, "It sprouted from his own peculiar thoughts."

The Emperor immediately grasped Lady Liang's implication and then stated, "So, we must wait a few more years then."

"Let him be." Lady Liang seldom interfered in the affairs of her youngest son.

Meanwhile, at the Prince Han Mansion, Zhao Yao was enduring relentless pressure to drink. Despite having taken hangover remedies beforehand, the ceaseless consumption left his stomach churning. In response, he feigned intoxication.

Prince Chu and Prince Wei, also having feigned drunkenness, quickly summoned Tong Xi and the others to escort Zhao Yao away.

Princess Han had just finished bathing and changing. Following the wedding rites, Zhao Yao and Princess Han had partaken in the nuptial wine. Zhao Yao, mindful that the bride hadn't eaten much throughout the day, insisted she eat first. After she finished, he instructed her to bathe and change, suggesting she avoid wearing the cumbersome wedding attire and headdress while awaiting him in bed.

Upon returning to the bedchamber, Zhao Yao ceased his pretense of drunkenness. Disliking the lingering scent of alcohol, he requested Tong Xi to hasten his bathing preparations.

"Your Highness, what transpired..." Xiao Siyun queried, looking towards the elderly nanny with a perplexed expression.

"His Highness was merely pretending to be drunk; he is not actually inebriated," the nanny explained. "Princess, His Highness dislikes drinking, much less becoming intoxicated."

Xiao Siyun quickly inquired, "Your Highness, did you happen to eat earlier?"

"His Highness was compelled to drink, so he likely didn't eat anything," was the reply.

"Make haste and prepare some food."

"I will attend to it immediately."

When Zhao Yao emerged from his bath to find a table laden with dishes in the bedchamber, he asked with mild surprise, "Princess, you haven't dined yet?"

"Your Highness, this is for you. You likely didn't consume much earlier, did you?"

"I was forced to drink constantly, so I ate nothing," Zhao Yao admitted. Although he felt too full from the alcohol to eat, the meal was prepared by the princess, making it impossible to express a lack of appetite. He took a seat at the table, and Xiao Siyun offered him a bowl of soup.

"Your Highness, please have some soup first to settle your stomach."

"Thank you," Zhao Yao replied. He accepted the bowl, picked up the spoon, and sipped the soup. While the wine hadn't truly inebriated him, the excessive consumption had left his stomach unsettled. A few spoonfuls of the soup significantly eased his discomfort. "Princess, please sit. You need not attend to me while I dine."

"Your Highness, but this..."

"I am capable of eating and dressing myself; I typically don't allow Tong Xi to handle these tasks, so there is no need for you to do so either," Zhao Yao elaborated. "Refrain from being so deferential towards me; do not distinguish between 'yours' and 'you.' We are now husband and wife, equal partners, without any hierarchical distinctions."

Xiao Siyun was taken aback by Zhao Yao's words advocating for equality; she was utterly astonished.

Zhao Yao, recognizing Xiao Siyun's surprise, offered a smile. "I am quite easygoing and dislike excessive rules and constraints. You are my wife now, not a servant, so there is no need to be so reserved in my presence."

His statement resonated deeply within Xiao Siyun, creating a profound impact, entirely contrary to her prior expectations and experiences.

"I am aware that everything you have learned over the years was with me in mind," Zhao Yao stated earnestly. "I have told you before, I do not wish for you to spend your life centered around me, living solely for my sake. You are free to live for yourself. As long as you do not transgress the law or commit any offenses, whatever you wish to pursue, I will support you."

Xiao Siyun perceived the sincerity in Zhao Yao's words and felt a deep tremor within her heart.

"Incidentally, you are the sole woman within the Prince Han Mansion, and there is not much to occupy your time within the inner quarters. Once we reach Swamp Prefecture, you can explore your interests," Zhao Yao continued. "I actively encourage women to engage in work; numerous women in Swamp Prefecture are entrepreneurs, some operating stalls to sell goods for income, others managing their own shops, and some establishing embroidery workshops..." Zhao Yao presented a multitude of examples of women engaged in productive activities, leaving Xiao Siyun in a state of amazement.

"In Swamp Prefecture, there is no prohibition against women appearing in public," Zhao Yao added. "I firmly believe that women are capable of achieving great things. Upon our arrival in Swamp Prefecture, take your time to observe your surroundings and then contemplate your path forward."

Zhao Yao's recent declarations had effectively dismantled all of Xiao Siyun's preconceived notions.

Zhao Yao then resumed his meal, conversing with Xiao Siyun about Swamp Prefecture.

After listening, Xiao Siyun found herself filled with burgeoning curiosity and anticipation regarding Swamp Prefecture.

Following their meal, the newlyweds retired for the night.

The following morning, after tidying themselves up, the pair joined hands and proceeded to the palace to offer their thanks.

As the Emperor was still engaged in the morning court, Zhao Yao guided Xiao Siyun to visit Lady Liang.

Lady Liang had already arranged a magnificent breakfast and heartily welcomed them to partake upon their arrival.

Having met Lady Liang previously during her service within the palace, Xiao Siyun was aware of her gentle nature, which eased her apprehension.

Over breakfast, Lady Liang recounted Zhao Yao's youthful escapades, eliciting such amusement from Xiao Siyun that she nearly choked on her food.

Zhao Yao remained seated to the side, quietly enjoying his meal and refraining from intruding on the conversation between his mother and wife.

Following the meal, the bond between Lady Liang and Xiao Siyun had noticeably strengthened.

"Yao Yao, do you intend to journey back to Swamp Prefecture once Si Yun concludes her family visit?"

"Indeed, preparations for our departure have been set in motion; we shall depart the day after the family visit," Zhao Yao confirmed. Having resided in the capital for close to half a year, he felt a sense of stagnation. The vibrant atmosphere of Swamp Prefecture was far more to his liking. "I am genuinely eager to return to Swamp Prefecture."

Xiao Siyun had not anticipated Zhao Yao's strong desire to go back.

"I had a feeling, so I've prepared some items for both of you. Do ensure you take them when you depart."

"Mother, are you not inclined to keep us here?"

"Even if I were to try, would you genuinely stay?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhao Yao responded, "No."

Lady Liang cast a pointed look at her son. "Then why would I bother attempting to keep you?"

"As a mother, one would typically exhibit a degree of reluctance when their son and daughter-in-law are leaving."

"Would you prefer I wept?" Lady Liang retorted, her gaze fixed on him. "You are far too flippant."

Xiao Siyun found the dynamic between Zhao Yao and Lady Liang surprisingly… delightful, a stark contrast to the typical Heavenly Family interactions she had observed.

At that precise moment, the sound of individuals offering their respects to the Emperor echoed from outside.