Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 623: Chapter 312: Playing with People’s Hearts

In He Lianfang’s residence, Zhao Yao sat in front of the fire basin, roasting rice cakes and chestnuts.

With a loud bang, a chestnut was ready. Zhao Yao quickly picked it up and handed it to He Lianfang.

He Lianfang took it without hesitation.

When the rice cakes were cooked, Zhao Yao quickly picked them up, blowing on them as he ate.

"Why is there no news from Father Emperor?"

He Lianfang looked up at Zhao Yao, slightly puzzled, and asked, "What news?"

"The matter of Marquis Jingyang." Zhao Yao had been waiting for follow-up on this issue, but there had been no developments. "It’s been over a month since Marquis An Yang and his son reported to Father Emperor about Marquis Jingyang’s collusion with the Xiongnu, right? With Father Emperor’s abilities, there’s no way he hasn’t found anything in over a month." Saying this, he handed another roasted rice cake to He Lianfang.

He Lianfang took it, but didn’t eat it immediately. Instead, he asked Zhao Yao, "Why do you think your Father Emperor hasn’t made any moves?"

Zhao Yao was taken aback by the question, blinking blankly, and after a while, he said, "Could it be that Father Emperor wants to wait until Fourth Brother and the others return before punishing Marquis Jingyang?"

He Lianfang didn’t speak.

Zhao Yao was surprised: "Is it really like that? But why? The matter of Marquis Jingyang colluding with the Xiongnu is a scandal, and Fourth Brother and the others returning victorious is a joyous event. Why put these two things together?" Sometimes Father Emperor’s thought process was so peculiar, it was hard to grasp.

"You’ll have to ask your Father Emperor about that." He Lianfang had the same thought as Zhao Yao, finding it unnecessary.

Zhao Yao pouted and said, "I won’t ask." Before finishing, he remembered something else, and his expression immediately changed, becoming somewhat heavy, "I wonder if Mr. Meng’s illness has improved?"

Not long ago, Mr. Meng returned to Jinling, Jiangnan, but he fell ill as soon as he got back.

He Lianfang’s expression also turned heavy: "If he can get through this winter, he’ll be fine." When elderly people get sick, the greatest fear is not surviving the winter. If they make it through, they’ll be fine. If not, then there’s no saving them.

"Mr. Meng should be able to get through this winter, right?" Although Zhao Yao had interacted with Mr. Meng only a few times, he held great respect for him. Mr. Meng was a well-respected elder, and Zhao Yao didn’t want anything to happen to him.

He Lianfang comforted Zhao Yao, saying, "Didn’t you set up the heated bed? With that, Mr. Meng will surely get through the winter smoothly."

Zhao Yao thought about it, and his worries instantly vanished. He nodded vigorously and said, "Mr. Meng will definitely be fine."

At this moment, Mr. Meng, whom Zhao Yao was concerned about, was leaning against the bed, chatting with Zheng Xilin.

Upon learning of Mr. Meng’s illness, Zheng Xilin came to visit him.

Zheng Xilin and Mr. Meng were friends despite their age difference. Every year, Zheng Xilin would visit Jinling to see Mr. Meng and keep him company.

"Even if I get through this winter, I’m afraid I won’t have much time left." Aware of his own body, Mr. Meng knew his condition.

Zheng Xilin disliked hearing such words, "How can you curse yourself like that?"

"I’m not cursing myself." Mr. Meng was unconcerned about his mortality and said with great openness, "At my age, it’s about time."

"It’s almost New Year; must you say such unlucky things?" Zheng Xilin feigned discontent, "You’re in good health; you will surely live as long as the Nanshan."

Mr. Meng smiled slightly, then waved his hand, saying, "If I really lived as long as the Nanshan, wouldn’t I turn into an old turtle?"

Zheng Xilin teased, "Turtles are healthy and long-lived; there’s nothing bad about that."

Pointing at Zheng Xilin, Mr. Meng laughed and scolded, "You’re cursing me, you old fox."

Zheng Xilin humbly laughed, "In front of you, I dare not call myself old."

"You...you..." Mr. Meng shook his head helplessly, then smiled broadly and said, "If I could live a bit longer, I would certainly be pleased."

"Then why curse yourself?"

"There are still some things I haven’t completed. If I were to die just like this, there would be some regret."

"Once your health recovers, you can continue teaching." Zheng Xilin thought Mr. Meng’s regret was that he hadn’t finished teaching. "Students across the world are waiting for you to continue your lectures."

Mr. Meng gently shook his head and said, "It’s not about teaching. I’ve said all that needed to be said this time around; there are no regrets in that regard."

Hearing this, Zheng Xilin looked surprised and asked, "If not teaching, then what is it?"

Mr. Meng looked at Zheng Xilin and suddenly asked, "Do you know the Tenth Prince?"