Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1176 - 169: Empress Xie Has Gone Mad (2)

"I am doing well; have you grown accustomed to life within Prince Han’s Mansion?"

"I have grown accustomed to it, and have for quite some time now. After all, this is my home."

Hearing Xiao Siyun’s words, Zhao Yao felt a sense of relief.

"I had been concerned that you might not find comfort here, or that you might not consider this your true home."

"Your Highness, when one marries into a family, it is traditional to follow their ways. As this is Your Highness’s home, it is naturally my home as well." Perhaps prior to arriving, she had been captivated by Zhao Yao’s many descriptions of Swamp Prefecture, and upon reaching it, instead of feeling any strangeness, she felt a sense of belonging.

"There are numerous responsibilities within Prince Han’s Mansion; have you managed to familiarize yourself with them?"

"Thanks to the assistance of the steward, I have already sorted them out."

"For the time being, you can concentrate on managing the affairs of the mansion. Once that is settled, you can then contemplate your own pursuits." Zhao Yao harbored no desire for Xiao Siyun to be confined solely to the inner quarters of Prince Han’s Mansion. "Over the next few days, you should arrange for someone from the mansion to escort you out. Explore Swamp Prefecture and observe the lives of its inhabitants."

"That is precisely my intention."

"I truly am occupied with too many matters; otherwise, I would personally accompany you." Zhao Yao offered an apology. "It will be at least several months before my schedule is clear, so I cannot take you sightseeing for now."

"Your Highness, I understand you are busy. Please do not trouble yourself over me; I will venture out and see things for myself." Xiao Siyun replied with a smile. "I will also discover what it is I wish to do."

"Ah, yes, there is something you could undertake."

Xiao Siyun eagerly inquired,"What might that be?"

"Swamp Prefecture has established numerous schools exclusively for girls. If you find it appealing, you could visit one and perhaps even offer your assistance as a teacher."

"Girls’ schools?" Xiao Siyun expressed astonishment. "Swamp Prefecture has schools for girls?"

Observing Xiao Siyun’s surprised reaction, Zhao Yao found it somewhat peculiar. "Did I perhaps neglect to mention this to you previously?"

Xiao Siyun shook her head. "No, you did not."

"Then allow me to inform you now: Swamp Prefecture operates free schools for girls, accessible to any young woman seeking education. The instructors are all women who impart literacy and vocational skills, enabling them to earn a livelihood..." Zhao Yao proceeded to elaborate on the details of these girls’ schools to Xiao Siyun.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Siyun immediately declared, "Your Highness, I am eager to teach at one of the girls’ schools." She had not anticipated that His Highness would establish such institutions.

"There is no need to decide hastily; you may visit first to gain a better understanding." Zhao Yao said with a smile. "In Swamp Prefecture, there are manifold opportunities for you. All the skills you have cultivated over the years can be put to valuable use."

Previously, Xiao Siyun had believed her primary role was to manage the inner courtyard of Prince Han’s Mansion. However, since meeting Zhao Yao, her perspective had broadened considerably, and her focus had shifted away from domestic confinement. Now, learning of Zhao Yao’s initiative in establishing girls’ schools within Swamp Prefecture, she felt a surge of possibility for her own contributions.

"Furthermore, Swamp Prefecture is home to a Women’s Chamber of Commerce. If you harbor aspirations for business, this is an avenue you could explore."

"A Women’s Chamber of Commerce?"

"Indeed, it is a collective formed by women, dedicated to mutual learning and support. You should certainly consider visiting." Zhao Yao expounded at length on the various endeavors women were engaged in, leaving both Xiao Siyun and Xue Yan in a state of considerable surprise.

"The steward is fully apprised of all these matters. Should I be absent, he can provide you with any necessary information." Having concluded his conversation with Xiao Siyun, Zhao Yao excused himself to attend to his ablutions and change his attire.

Following his bath and change of clothes, he proceeded to the adjacent courtyard to meet He Lianfang.

He Lianfang’s courtyard had been established as a separate dwelling. This arrangement was made due to the presence of Prince Han’s primary consort, and maintaining He Lianfang’s quarters within the main mansion would have been inappropriate.

"Have you concluded all your tasks?"

"Not entirely; I am departing tomorrow." Zhao Yao reached for the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of tea.

"If your affairs are not yet concluded, why have you returned so abruptly?" He Lianfang inquired. "Has something transpired?"

"Nothing of significance has occurred. It simply felt somewhat irregular to have returned and left the princess unattended in the mansion, necessitating my return to ensure her well-being."

He Lianfang regarded Zhao Yao with a look of surprise before remarking, "Your princess is quite remarkable."

"Having undergone training in various disciplines since childhood, how could she be otherwise?"

He Lianfang cast a sidelong glance at Zhao Yao, teasingly asking, "Do you perhaps find her lacking?"

"From my perspective, there is nothing amiss. However, for her, there are certain drawbacks. After all, her life has revolved around me since her youth, which, in a sense, is somewhat harsh."

"Do you feel sympathy for your princess?" He Lianfang continued his jest, "I never imagined you’d pity a woman one day."

Zhao Yao, mid-sip of his tea, was so taken aback by He Lianfang’s remark that he choked, sputtering for a considerable time before recovering. With a look of exasperation, he stated, "It doesn't matter who it is; I believe such an action is improper."

"I haven’t seen you being so emotional before."

Zhao Yao raised a hand, signaling for a halt, and uttered, "Cease this now."

He Lianfang let the teasing subside and shifted to discussing matters of importance.

Just then, a Hidden Guard entered and announced, "Your Highness, a secret dispatch from the capital has arrived."

Zhao Yao accepted the letter and, upon unfolding it, his brows immediately knitted together.

"The Empress has lost her mind." After delivering this news, he passed the letter to He Lianfang.

He had not anticipated his eighth brother would act with such haste. He had only been back in Swamp Prefecture for a month, and Empress Xie had already succumbed to madness. He had presumed his eighth brother would delay his move for a while longer.

After perusing the letter, He Lianfang inquired, 'What are your intentions?'

"It has no bearing on me; what plans could I possibly make?"

"With the Empress incapacitated, Prince Jing will surely step aside. The ensuing conflict will be between Prince Chu and Prince Wei; do you truly intend to remain uninvolved?"

"I will not involve myself in their power struggle." Zhao Yao’s demeanor grew somber, "Considering my fourth brother’s capabilities, he will not be easily ousted by the eighth brother."

"Are you truly unwilling to lend a hand?"

"I am not helping." Zhao Yao let out a sigh, "I stated I would not help, and that is final. Interfering would only complicate matters further."

He Lianfang regarded Zhao Yao with a penetrating gaze and remained silent.

Zhao Yao retrieved the secret correspondence, pointing to a passage within, and gave a dry chuckle, "So, it was indeed Empress Xie who was responsible for the former Empress’s demise."

"You had already suspected as much."

"My suspicions were there, yet seeing the truth laid bare still strikes me as profoundly ironic."

"If she hadn't eliminated the former Empress, how could she have ascended to the position herself?" He Lianfang found Empress Xie’s actions unsurprising. "Within the confines of the harem, instances of blood sisters turning against each other are hardly uncommon."

"That is indeed the case."

"Now that the Empress has gone mad, your father will undoubtedly issue a decree for her removal; do you believe your mother might be appointed the new Empress?"

He Lianfang’s question stunned Zhao Yao into widening his eyes in disbelief. He exclaimed, "Uncle, have you lost your senses? How could you possibly think Father would elevate my own mother to the position of Empress?!"