The prince is more stable

Chapter 453 Returning to Camp to Visit Prisoners
When Zhao Hao walked out of Yanfu Palace, his mind was still a little confused.

For some inexplicable reason, he was appointed to a high-ranking official position, above the prime minister. Who can I complain to?

Although this high-ranking official position was just an honorary title and had no real power, he was a first-rank official. In theory, when all officials went to court, Zhao Hao should stand in front of Zhang Dun. Whenever Zhang Dun met him, he would take the initiative to salute him.

This is the weight of the important military and national affairs.

After walking out of Yanfu Palace, Zhao Hao's honest look gradually faded. He no longer had the silly and innocent expression he had in front of Zhao Xu just now, but instead had a shrewd look on his face.

When he was appointed as the Prime Minister in charge of important military and national affairs, the joy on Zhao Hao's face was just an act for Zhao Xu to see.

He knew very well that the young official was using imperial tactics. Due to a great victory in Zhending Prefecture, the attention of both the old and new parties, who were fighting fiercely in the court of Bianjing, was attracted, and a rare harmony had recently appeared in the court among the civil and military officials.

At this time, a new force suddenly emerged in the court, and the timing was just right.

Under the leadership of Zhang Dun, the court fully implemented the new policy, but the emperor and the prime minister stood in different positions, and naturally their thinking positions were also different.

Zhang Dun wanted the New Party to completely replace the Old Party and erase all traces of the Old Party's existence forever. Today, the Old Party has indeed been suppressed to the point where it can no longer raise its head, and most of the court has been cleared out.

But as the emperor, Zhao Xu would not be happy to see the New Party dominate the court, no matter who was right or wrong between the New Party and the Old Party. If there was only one camp or one force in the court, it would definitely not be a good sign for the emperor.

The old party had been almost suppressed, and Zhao Xu couldn't go back and support the old party again, so Zhao Xu thought of the clan power.

This is a relatively trustworthy force, and among this force, Zhao Xiaoqian, the most promising one, has set an example for the Zhao clan members. Next, the government will show more favor and support to Zhao Xiaoqian's father, and the clan members will naturally notice the strong signal released by the government.

The rule that clan members do not interfere in politics has long been broken, and if there is one, there will be another.

Zhao Hao was just the beginning. He was sure that Zhao Xu would appoint a group of relatives next, give them real power, and occupy some important positions in the court.

Poor Zhang Dun, he was already old but still fell into the hands of the young official.

After waving the big stick, they were almost able to defeat the old party, but in the end, they kept out the tiger at the front door and welcomed the wolf at the back door. The relatives of the Song Dynasty came to the rhythm of the drum.

Thinking of this, Zhao Hao couldn't help but grin. He looked back at the majestic and solemn Yanfu Palace, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his eyes emitted a light that was not sure whether it was sarcasm or hatred.

"It's interesting. You guys can mess around with this country all you want, haha." Zhao Hao sneered.

…………

Zhending Mansion.

Zhao Xiaoqian finally decided to leave.

Early in the morning, outside the mansion, Chen Shou and other imperial guards had already prepared their horses and were waiting.

After a long time, Zhao Xiaoqian's legs became weak and he walked out with the help of the wall, trembling with each step.

Last night, upon hearing that Zhao Xiaoqian was leaving again, the three girls, Nian Nian and Niaoniao, burst into tears. Zhao Xiaoqian rushed to comfort them and finally calmed them down. The four of them hugged each other quietly. It was supposed to be a very warm moment, but then someone got malicious and started to touch them...

The farewell salutes lasted all night, and Zhao Xiaoqian was drained of all his energy, not a drop left.

Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian trembling and leaning against the wall to walk out of the door, Chen Shou was shocked and stepped forward to support him.

"Sir, why is this happening?"

Zhao Xiaoqian waved his hand: "It's hard to explain in a few words. We can't stay here for long. Let's go!"

There was a burst of hurried footsteps behind him, and the three girls came out crying to see him off. Zhao Xiaoqian's legs became weak again, and he pointed at the three girls and shouted, "Don't come over here!"

The three girls, Nian Nian and Niaoniao, looked at him with hurt expressions and resentful eyes.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed and said, "Don't send me off. If you do, I'll die. You don't want to be a widow at such a young age, do you?"

The three girls blushed and had no choice but to stand at the door and say goodbye to Zhao Xiaoqian reluctantly.

After mounting his horse and leaving the city, Zhao Xiaoqian's expression returned to normal only when Zhending City gradually faded away behind him.

Riding on his horse, Zhao Xiaoqian began to reflect on himself.

Did I marry too many wives?
Should I lay off employees?

What should I do if I can't help myself when I see a beautiful woman?
Chen Shou and Zhao Xiaoqian rode side by side. Chen Shou saw that Zhao Xiaoqian looked solemn. Sometimes he looked up at the sky with a frown, and sometimes he looked deeply and sighed heavily.

Chen Shou was immediately filled with awe.

Having followed the Crown Prince for so long, Chen Shou knew the Crown Prince's abilities best. At this moment, the Crown Prince must be thinking about the future of the Song Dynasty, how to reverse the country's fortunes, how to expand the territory, and how to benefit the people.

Chen Shou followed him carefully, not daring to make a sound to disturb him. The prince was thinking about military and national affairs. If he was distracted for a moment, the Song Dynasty might miss a great idea.

Everyone ran until the evening and finally arrived at the Longwei Camp.

At this time, the soldiers in the camp were having a meal. There were lights shining through the tents, and the soldiers' laughter and joy could be faintly heard from inside.

The patrolling soldiers marched in formation meticulously inside and outside the camp. From time to time, scouts rode into the camp on horseback and then left in a hurry.

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded secretly. Just by looking at this scene, he knew that the morale of the army was high.

Back in the general's tent, Chen Shou helped Zhao Xiaoqian put on the fish-scale armor. Zhao Xiaoqian looked different in the armor.

If Zhao Xiaoqian in casual clothes looks like a gentle and wealthy young man, then Zhao Xiaoqian in armor looks like a brave and extraordinary young general, with a heroic spirit in his every move.

After putting on his armor, Zhao Xiaoqian walked back and forth in the general's tent. When he was about to call all the generals to discuss matters, his expression suddenly changed.

"Chen Shou, ask the master to follow me to the baggage camp." Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly ordered.

The baggage camp is the most important place in the army, where all weapons, war horses and food are concentrated.

At the same time, the crown prince of Liao was also imprisoned here.

The Dragon Guard Battalion is about to set out to seize the Feihu Military Command. As an important bargaining chip in the transaction with Yelu Chun, Zhao Xiaoqian must see with his own eyes how this bargaining chip has been performing recently.

Chen Shou and a group of imperial guards surrounded Zhao Xiaoqian and came to the tent of the baggage camp where Yelu Yanxi was imprisoned.

The tent was surrounded by soldiers. This was a strict order issued by Zhao Xiaoqian. If such an important human bargaining chip was allowed to escape or be rescued by someone, it would be a big joke.

Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian's arrival, the soldiers on duty outside the tent bowed and saluted. Zhao Xiaoqian stopped, looked at the soldier, and said, "How are the people inside lately?"

The soldiers reported, "Everything is fine. He is provided with two full meals a day and is not bullied. Judging from his appearance, he has gained weight recently."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded, lifted the curtain and went in.

Inside the tent, Yelu Yanxi was having his meal. When he saw Zhao Xiaoqian come in, he didn't stand up or greet him, but just buried his head in his meal.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't argue. Anyway, the crown prince would be traded sooner or later. They were enemies, so it was normal for them to be rude.

Zhao Xiaoqian sat down opposite Yelu Yanxi very casually and looked at him with a smile.

Yelu Yanxi held a large bowl in one hand, which was full of mutton and soup, and a large steamed bun in the other hand, which was the famous Guanzhong delicacy - mutton soup bun.

Zhao Xiaoqian was a little surprised. He had only instructed not to abuse the Crown Prince, but this bargaining chip was too good to be true.

Mutton soup with steamed buns has existed as early as the Western Zhou Dynasty. It was first used for sacrifices and banquets in the palaces of princes, and later it gradually became popular among the people.

Su Shi wrote a poem in his early years, saying: "Long cuisine has bear bacon, Qin cuisine has only mutton soup." The food that can be praised so much by the old foodie must taste good.

To be honest, Zhao Xiaoqian was almost drooling at this moment. He had been traveling all day and had only eaten some dry food on the way. He was already starving.

Yelu Yanxi had been living a life of luxury for a long time, so he probably couldn't get used to mutton soup with steamed buns. Moreover, his way of eating it was very unique. He would take a bite of the bun, drink a mouthful of mutton soup, and then swallow the bun by stretching his neck, repeating this over and over again.

Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but show a look of heartache. This prodigal son was wasting such a great gift.

After a long time, seeing Yelu Yanxi about to take another bite of the steamed bun, Zhao Xiaoqian finally couldn't bear it anymore and quickly covered his mouth.

"Shut up!" Zhao Xiaoqian shouted in a deep voice.

Yelu Yanxi was suddenly covered over his mouth by someone, and he couldn't help but feel shocked and angry. Not to mention the crown prince, even if it was a normal ordinary citizen, how would it feel to have someone cover his mouth while eating?

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't care about Yelu Yanxi's feelings. He was just a bargaining chip used to exchange interests. Normal humans don't need to care about the feelings of bargaining chips.

"Is this how you eat mutton soup with steamed buns?" Zhao Xiaoqian said angrily, "Mutton soup with steamed buns... do you know what 'soak' means?"

"The steamed buns are not soaked in mutton soup, and they are just bitten raw. Such a delicious delicacy has been ruined by you!"

Yelu Yanxi glared at him in shock and anger, but Zhao Xiaoqian snatched the steamed bun and the bowl of mutton soup from his hands, staring into his eyes with a serious and solemn expression.

"Watch carefully, I will only demonstrate it this time!" Zhao Xiaoqian said seriously.

Yelu Yanxi was stunned and nodded subconsciously.

Zhao Xiaoqian lowered his head and began to work. The steamed buns had to be broken into pieces, the size depending on personal preference. The irregular pieces of steamed buns were soaked in the mutton soup. After a while, the big bowl was full of steamed buns.

Zhao Xiaoqian expressed his satisfaction with his work. He turned to look at Yelu Yanxi and said, "Next, I will demonstrate how to eat it. Watch carefully."

Yelu Yanxi opened his mouth. He wanted to say that eating it was not difficult. All he needed was a mouth. He didn't need a demonstration...

However, the atmosphere at this moment was very solemn, and Zhao Xiaoqian's expression was also very serious, as if he was imparting to him the most important truth in the world. Yelu Yanxi was completely controlled by the current atmosphere, and watched Zhao Xiaoqian scoop the bowl of mutton soup steamed bun into his mouth with big mouthfuls.

After finishing everything in no time, the bowl was empty. Zhao Xiaoqian put it down and burped with satisfaction.

"Did you see it clearly? Did you remember the process and actions just now?" Zhao Xiaoqian spoke like a monk preaching, with unquestionable majesty in his tone.

Yelu Yanxi's cheek twitched, and he said obediently, "I'll remember."

"Did you really remember it?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked seriously.

"I really remember it."

Zhao Xiaoqian said flatly: "No, you didn't remember!"

Yelu Yanxi was startled and said unconfidently, "Didn't I remember?"

"Yes, you didn't remember!" Zhao Xiaoqian turned and shouted outside the tent, "Another bowl of mutton soup with steamed buns!"

The hot mutton soup steamed buns were quickly delivered to the tent.

Zhao Xiaoqian picked up the chopsticks and said solemnly, "Watch carefully. I will demonstrate it to you again. With my ability, I can't demonstrate it further. You must cherish this opportunity."

Yelu Yanxi hesitated to speak.

Zhao Xiaoqian repeated the same action and finished another bowl of mutton soup with steamed buns after a smooth process.

This time, before he could speak, Yelu Yanxi very sensibly replied, "I'll remember it. I'll remember it forever!"

Zhao Xiaoqian let out a long and greasy burp. He ate so much that his smile became a little vague.

"Just remember it. Honestly, I've tried my best and can't demonstrate it to you again." Zhao Xiaoqian patted his shoulder in a friendly manner, smiled faintly, and staggered out of the tent.

After leaving the tent and walking a long way, Zhao Xiaoqian finally became a little sober when the cold wind blew.

"Oh, no, what was I planning to do with him just now?" Zhao Xiaoqian muttered to himself in confusion, "I can't possibly go there just to eat his mutton soup buns, right?"

His stomach was so full it was almost reaching his throat, and his brain was a little overwhelmed. Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head and said, "Forget it. I'll go find him next time I remember him. I'll ask someone to bring some hawthorn soup to help me digest the food..."

Inside the baggage camp's tent, Yelu Yanxi was having a serious negotiation with the guarding soldiers with a look of grief and indignation on his face.

"Gone? How could it be gone? I'm still hungry!"

The guards said indifferently, "The one just delivered was the last one. There are no more."

"But, but I didn't eat anything!"

"That's your business."

Yelu Yanxi sat back down weakly, then remembered something.

That guy just came over suddenly, what on earth was he doing here? Just to steal my mutton soup bun? Despicable Song people, no shame at all!

(End of this chapter)