Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 566: Chapter 295: The Crown Prince Is Getting More and More Stupid_2

Because of the appearance of the curved plow, the common people are deeply grateful to Zhao Yao. Many people refer to Zhao Yao, the Tenth Prince, as their "rebirth parent." Among the people, in their hearts, Zhao Yao, this "unfavored" Tenth Prince, holds great prestige.

In past years, due to Marquis Xuanping boasting everywhere about Prince Dai’s military achievements, Prince Dai had great renown among the people, far surpassing the Crown Prince. However, in these recent years, it is no longer the illustrious military achievements of Prince Dai that the people appreciate, but Zhao Yao.

For the common people, nothing is more important than food. The Tenth Prince has increased their grain yield; he is their great benefactor.

Mr. Meng, who has always been concerned about the people’s livelihood, is naturally also very grateful to Zhao Yao. In coming out to lecture this time, his first choice was the capital, partly because it’s under the Emperor’s nose and all the best scholars of Great Zhou are there. Another reason is that he wanted to meet the Tenth Prince who made things like printing technology and the curved plow.

Before coming to the capital, Mr. Meng specially inquired about the Tenth Prince and learned that he is an unfavored prince. He also learned that since his maternal family has no power, he is not favored by ministers in court.

Mr. Meng thought that with his reputation as a great scholar, if he came to the capital to visit the Tenth Prince, he might offer some help. However, upon meeting Zhao Yao, he suddenly understood why the young Tenth Prince could create so many beneficial innovations for the country and its people. He also found that the Tenth Prince was not unfavored as the rumors suggested; on the contrary, the Emperor greatly favored him.

The Emperor’s loving and doting gaze at the Tenth Prince could not be faked. It seems the rumors cannot be trusted.

Mr. Meng, in a very polite tone, asked Zhao Yao how he came up with things like printing technology, new paper, and the curved plow.

Zhao Yao said these things just popped into his mind, and then he made them. By saying this, he was not lying, as they were indeed from his mind.

Meanwhile, Mr. Meng was having a pleasant conversation with Zhao Yao. On the other side, Minister Li received writings sent by the Crown Prince.

The Emperor was at the Imperial College, so the Crown Prince dared not go there himself and could only first send his written articles and poems. The Crown Prince still hoped to meet Mr. Meng. Even if Mr. Meng would not accept him as a student, just meeting him, chatting, and conversing would satisfy him.

In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince should have been handling state affairs but had no mind for reviewing those memorials.

The Eighth Prince was sitting at another table, also reading memorials. He suddenly heard the Crown Prince sigh and looked up with concern, asking, "Big Brother, what’s wrong?"

The Crown Prince felt somewhat uneasy: "Eighth Brother, do you think my writings and poetry can really gain Mr. Meng’s favor?"

"Big Brother has been restless because of this?" The Eighth Prince had long noticed the Crown Prince’s distraction.

The Crown Prince acknowledged with a nod: "Yes."

"Big Brother, do you want to meet Mr. Meng that much?"

The Crown Prince, hearing the playful tone in the Eighth Prince’s voice, gave him a look of mock annoyance.

"Whether publicly or privately, I want to meet Mr. Meng." He said, letting out a long sigh, and then his expression turned serious, "Eighth Brother, this is the best opportunity, do you understand?"

The Eighth Prince understood the meaning of the Crown Prince’s final sentence. He nodded and said, "Big Brother, Mr. Meng will be staying in the capital for some time. I believe that once Mr. Meng sees your sincerity, he will certainly be willing to meet you."

"You’re right, during the time Mr. Meng stays in the capital, I want to show him my true intentions." The Crown Prince said earnestly, "I want him to know that I wish to meet him not just for power, but for scholarship. When it comes to learning, I am serious; I have many questions I want to ask him."

"Big Brother, I believe Mr. Meng will be moved by your sincerity."

The Crown Prince smiled and said, "I think so too." After discussing it with the Eighth Prince, the Crown Prince suddenly gained confidence; the worry clouding his brow just now finally relaxed.

"Big Brother, no matter what, Mr. Meng certainly won’t see Prince Dai."

The Crown Prince pointed at the Eighth Prince and jokingly scolded him, "Eighth Brother, you’re getting more mischievous."

The Eighth Prince said with an innocent face, "I’m just telling the truth."

"If I can’t meet Mr. Meng, then Prince Dai has even less chance." The Crown Prince said, his expression turning serious, "That’s precisely why I want to meet Mr. Meng." As long as he met Mr. Meng and Prince Dai did not, Prince Dai would not be his rival.