Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1175 - 169: Empress Xie Has Gone Mad

A full month had passed since Zhao Yao and Xiao Siyun returned to the Swamp Prefecture. Despite sharing the same residence, their encounters during this time were conspicuously few.

Upon their arrival back in the Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao became so engrossed in his affairs that he seemed to disappear entirely. Not only was Xiao Siyun unaware of his whereabouts, but even He Lianfang had no clue.

Xiao Siyun, in her capacity as Princess Han, was similarly occupied. Although the inner quarters of Prince Han’s estate were free of other women, the entire sprawling residence fell under her management. Fortunately, the loyal steward had maintained the Prince Han’s household in impeccable order. Xiao Siyun’s assumption of control primarily involved streamlining existing affairs, rather than undertaking entirely new tasks.

Nevertheless, the sheer volume of both internal and external matters within Prince Han’s household was substantial, with some issues demanding significant attention. Without the rigorous training and guidance she had received in the palace, Xiao Siyun might have struggled to manage the estate effectively.

Xiao Siyun dedicated an entire month to meticulously understanding every facet of Prince Han’s household, and now she competently handled its affairs with newfound ease.

"Princess, you have indeed worked hard," Xue Yan approached Xiao Siyun from behind, gently offering a shoulder massage.

"This small amount of effort is nothing," Xiao Siyun replied, inquiring, "Has His Highness returned yet?"

Hearing the question, Xue Yan's hands momentarily stilled on Xiao Siyun's shoulders. She then softly shook her head, stating, "No."

A slight frown creased Xiao Siyun's brow, a flicker of concern crossing her features. "I wonder how His Highness is faring out there."

After a brief pause, Xue Yan ventured, "Princess, could it be that His Highness is intentionally avoiding this residence and choosing not to return?" Xue Yan’s suspicion was understandable. Ever since their return to the Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao had been absent without a single appearance at Prince Han’s estate.

Xiao Siyun turned to face Xue Yan, her expression subtly questioning as she asked, "What prompted such a sudden thought?"

"His Highness simply hasn't returned at all. Aren't you the least bit concerned?" Noticing Xiao Siyun's apparent lack of anxiety, Xue Yan found herself becoming worried on her behalf. "Are you not worried that His Highness might have taken another woman?"

Xiao Siyun cast a warning glance at Xue Yan, her tone firm. "Cease your baseless speculation. His Highness is not that sort of man; he is genuinely occupied."

"No matter how busy he is, he shouldn't be so busy that he fails to come home for an entire month. This is his own home, after all."

"Have you not heard the steward and the guards mention that His Highness would frequently be away from the Prince Mansion for a month, or even several months, in the past? Even the court officials found it difficult to ascertain his location."

"Perhaps they are merely telling you what you wish to hear?" Xue Yan suspected that the staff of Prince Han’s household were covering for Zhao Yao.

"They are not. His Highness is truly busy. You have been assisting me with the Prince Mansion’s affairs these past days; you should appreciate the sheer volume of matters requiring attention within Prince Han’s household." Xiao Siyun sighed. "If a single Prince Mansion generates so many responsibilities, imagine the immense workload of the imperial court! Furthermore, His Highness manages affairs beyond the court's purview. He was absent from the Swamp Prefecture for over half a year. Now that he has just returned, a mountain of tasks undoubtedly awaits him."

Upon hearing this explanation, Xue Yan realized she had been unduly suspicious and quickly offered an apology to Xiao Siyun. "Princess, it was this servant who misunderstood and spoke inappropriately."

"As a prince of the blood, if His Highness desired another woman, he would not keep her in secret; he would bring her openly into the Prince Mansion."

Xue Yan reflected on this, finding it quite plausible. This was the Swamp Prefecture, not the distant capital. In this region, Prince Han wielded authority akin to an emperor; he could openly associate with any woman he pleased, negating any need for clandestine relationships.

"I heard from the steward that when His Highness becomes engrossed in his work, he operates day and night, foregoing meals, rest, and sleep. I worry he will exhaust himself." Xiao Siyun had considered dispatching people to locate Zhao Yao, but ultimately, no one could pinpoint his whereabouts.

As she spoke, the sound of welcoming greetings for Zhao Yao echoed from outside the residence.

Xue Yan exclaimed with delight, "Princess, His Highness has returned!"

Xiao Siyun leaped to her feet and rushed out. As she reached the courtyard, she saw Zhao Yao approaching her. She quickly offered a respectful salute. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhao Yao advanced, offering Xiao Siyun a hand to rise. "Didn't I tell you not to offer such courtesies?" he inquired, gently taking her hand and guiding her back inside the room.

Xue Yan promptly departed to see about preparing some tea.

Taking a seat, Zhao Yao motioned for Xiao Siyun to also rest.

Xiao Siyun observed Zhao Yao with attentiveness, discerning the signs of fatigue etched upon his brow, a sight that caused a pang of distress in her heart.

"Your Highness, are you quite well?" she inquired softly.

Just then, Xue Yan returned, bearing a steaming cup. "Your Highness, please partake of this tea," she offered.

Zhao Yao accepted the cup and tilted his head back, consuming the liquid in large, deliberate draughts. Once the tea was finished, he turned his attention to Xiao Siyun's earlier question.

"I am well; merely occupied with various matters these recent days," he replied. He reflected that if Tong Xi had not brought it to his attention that he had been absent from the Prince Han's household for a full month, he might have continued his stay on North Mountain indefinitely. "My apologies. The moment I returned to Swamp Prefecture, I was compelled to attend to urgent affairs, immersing myself so deeply that I scarcely showed my face, leaving you to manage alone within the Prince Han's household."

"Your Highness, I assure you, my solitude in the Prince Mansion has been peaceful. All residents have extended their utmost care and attention to me. It is your well-being that occupies my thoughts. Are you truly alright out there?" Xiao Siyun gazed at Zhao Yao, a growing sense that he had indeed become thinner intensifying. "Have you perhaps neglected your meals? You appear to have lost weight."