Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 626: Chapter 312 Playing with People’s Hearts_4

"I always feel that once I go to Lingnan, all the money I’ve earned over the years will be gone in a flash." Just the thought of becoming a pauper in Lingnan made Zhao Yao’s heart ache.

"If you’re worried about not having enough money, before you go to Lingnan, ask your father and royal brothers for some."

Zhao Yao thought He Lianfang’s idea was quite good, and he nodded repeatedly, saying, "Besides money, I also need other things." He was now calculating in his mind what else he should ask for.

"Once the matter with Marquis Jingyang is settled, you should propose the civil examination to your father."

He Lianfang’s sudden change of topic to the civil examination left Zhao Yao a bit lost, as the transition was too abrupt.

"Huh? Why propose the civil examination to my father?"

"Once something happens to the Yuan family, the Xie family, Wang family, and Xun family might unite. If your father proposes the civil examination to select officials at this time, it will shatter their alliance." He Lianfang suddenly curved his lips into a mischievous smile, saying, "By then, the aristocratic families will be in chaos."

Zhao Yao understood He Lianfang’s meaning, so he looked at him with a peculiar expression.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Uncle, are you helping my father?"

Upon hearing this, He Lianfang’s face instantly darkened, and he said coldly, "When have I ever helped your father? I’m planning for you."

"I’m not going against the aristocratic families, so what are you planning for?" Zhao Yao deliberately teased He Lianfang, saying, "Uncle, I didn’t expect you to be so concerned about my father..."

Before he could finish, Zhao Yao’s head was hit by a chess piece, causing him to cry out in pain, "Ouch!"

He Lianfang’s face was dark and his expression terrifying, his tone icy, "Say that again if you dare."

Afraid, Zhao Yao quickly smiled at He Lianfang to placate him.

"Uncle, I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously."

"Don’t make such jokes in the future."

Zhao Yao nodded obediently, "I won’t, I won’t ever again."

He Lianfang gave a cold snort and continued, "When the court establishes the civil examination, people from all over Great Zhou will know that they can become officials by taking the exam, and naturally, people from Lingnan will also want to participate."

Hearing this, Zhao Yao understood what He Lianfang meant by saying he was planning for him.

"Alright, once the matter with Marquis Jingyang is over, I’ll propose the civil examination to my father." Previously, he had hesitated to propose the examination system for fear of becoming a target, but now he wasn’t afraid. "In a short time, Fourth Brother and Eighth Brother will be returning." Fourth Brother’s letter mentioned bringing back a special gift from the Shu region, although he didn’t know what it was. Fourth Brother also promised that he would like it for sure.

Eighth Brother, on the other hand, really did bring back several chefs from the Shu region, and they were the best. When Eighth Brother returned, he would be able to enjoy authentic Shu cuisine.

Half a month later, Prince Chu and his group finally arrived in the capital.

On the day they returned, the Emperor sent the Crown Prince, along with Zhao Yao and the ministers, to the city gate to welcome them.

The Crown Prince and Prince Dai naturally didn’t want to welcome Prince Chu, but with the Emperor’s decree, they had no choice but to go.

The grandiosity of Prince Chu’s triumphant return from reclaiming Shu was in no way inferior to Prince Dai’s grand return from regaining Liangzhou back then. Most importantly, Prince Chu’s prestige in the capital was no less than that of Prince Dai.

The Vermilion Bird Avenue was lined with citizens on both sides, all shouting in unison, "Prince Chu."

The Crown Prince and Prince Dai kept smiling on the outside, but inside, they were filled with jealousy and resentment.