The prince is more stable

Chapter 713 Father-in-law Visits
Riding swiftly for two days and two nights, Di Zi arrived at Zhen Ding City.

Reining in his horse outside the city, Di Zi watched the merchants and common people entering and leaving the city gate, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

In just two years, the small city of Zhen Ding became as prosperous as Bianjing.

The prosperous scene was not only due to the three-year tax exemption granted by the imperial court, but also to the governance of Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingchen.

Starting with Zhao Xiaoqian, the officials of Zhending Prefecture seized the opportunity of the imperial court's three-year tax exemption to vigorously attract investment and trade, encourage the construction of private handicraft workshops, and encourage farmers to work in the city during the off-season...

Looking at this once impoverished and crisis-ridden town now so prosperous, a word involuntarily came to mind for Di Zi.

"Civil and military achievements".

This term is not suitable for Zhao Xiaoqian; it is reserved for emperors.

But at this moment, Di Zi felt that only this word could accurately describe his son-in-law.

Di Zi genuinely believed that Zhao Xiaoqian was a man of great talent, and he would have made the same assessment even if Zhao Xiaoqian were not his son-in-law.

It's a pity that so many of the world's greatest talents meet tragic ends.
Di Zi thought of his father, Di Qing, and his fate, and then of the fate that his son-in-law would also face. Di Zi's mood grew heavier and heavier.

Looking up at the towering city walls, Di Zi took a deep breath, dismounted, and walked into the city.

The Prince's Mansion is not hard to find; it has almost become a landmark of the city.

Many merchants and common people would pass by the Prince's Mansion from time to time, hoping to have a chance encounter with the legendary Prince. Being greeted by a nod and a smile from the Prince was considered an honor as if their ancestors' graves were emitting auspicious smoke.

Di Zi quickly found the Prince's Mansion. The two rows of Imperial Guards standing guard at the gate stood at attention with their hands on their swords. When they saw Di Zi leading his horse, the Imperial Guards blinked and immediately recognized the general.

A captain stepped forward to greet him, while another soldier quickly turned and went inside, hurriedly reporting to Zhao Xiaoqian.

As a member of the Imperial Guards protecting Zhao Xiaoqian, he was naturally familiar with Di Zi, who was the crown prince's father-in-law and the biological father of the matriarch.

Soon, the steward of the manor came out to greet them, and Chen Shou also came out to pay his respects. Di Zi smiled and was led by the steward to the front courtyard of the Prince's manor.

…………

Unbeknownst to anyone, Zhao Xiaoqian returned to his residence from outside the city. After resting for two days, he swaggered out of the residence, wandered around the city, and finished his work.

This behavior was naturally meant for the court's spies, to prove that he was obediently staying in his residence to recuperate and had not made any unusual moves.

Zhao Xiaoqian's military power is essentially half-relinquished. He no longer actively intervenes in military affairs, and the power has been handed over to Xu Jiang, Zhong Jianzhong, and Zong Ze.

In this critical period, in order to protect ourselves, we must make some gestures for outsiders to see.

Despite voluntarily relinquishing his military power, Zhao Xiaoqian was not worried at all.

He had been building his army for several years, and every general he promoted was a trusted and beloved figure. Even if the court wanted to divide his power, it wouldn't be possible to succeed overnight.

Zhao Xiaoqian believed that the 100,000 troops stationed in Yanyun would not cause any problems within a year or two, and the soldiers still had their hearts with him as their commander.

Of course, it might be a year or two later. Zhao Xiaoqian knew the true nature of humanity well; it was difficult for it to withstand the test.

Interests, beauty, and power can all make loyalty waver.

Fortunately, at least for now, everything is still under Zhao Xiaoqian's control.

In the garden behind the Prince's Mansion, Zhao Xiaoqian was having a heartfelt conversation with two Japanese sisters.

The two Japanese sisters are speaking Mandarin in the Central Plains more and more fluently, almost indistinguishable from the locals.

At this moment, the two women lowered their heads and smiled. They sat on Zhao Xiaoqian's lap, one on each side, looking intimate but with a hint of shy reluctance.

"Humans, in their whole lives, seek nothing more than 'food and sex,' which is why the ancients said, 'When people are well-fed and warm, they think of lust.' It means that when you're full and have nothing to do, you might as well make love, which will not only enhance your feelings but also expend your energy..." Zhao Xiaoqian earnestly persuaded.

"There are quite a few women in the manor, six in total. You're all good at math, so why don't you count on your fingers? Even if I favor one every day, it'll only be your turn every five days. Just imagine how agonizing it is to be alone in your empty rooms..."

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian revealed the delighted smile of a live-streaming e-commerce host: "Now I have some good news, I've reduced the number of days you've spent alone in your rooms!"

The two Japanese sisters looked completely bewildered: "???"

"Not five days, not four days, and definitely not three days! Not even one day! Right now is my break period; I can have it anytime I need it!"

"According to the rules of our great nation of China, wives and concubines only have a status in the household after giving birth to children. Tell me honestly, aren't you envious of Sister Niaoniao who is pregnant?"

"Now, my husband is standing right in front of you. If you take my little hand and walk into the room, you might get pregnant just like Sister Niaoniao and become the envy of the other sisters. Aren't you tempted?"

The Japanese sisters then understood the meaning behind Zhao Xiaoqian's words and were immediately tempted. However, they quickly regained their senses and hurriedly shook their heads.

"Your Highness, no! My sister said that anyone who...does that with Your Highness while you are recovering will be severely punished. Besides, Your Highness really should recover fully before... In short, no!"

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed. He'd spent so much time trying to persuade them, even specifically choosing the two youngest, thinking he could seduce naive girls, but they were more clear-headed than enlightened monks. "Has my charm diminished, or have you two already gone through menopause at such a young age? Come here so I can examine you..."

As soon as Zhao Xiaoqian reached out his hand, the two sisters suddenly jumped away and giggled at him.

"Your Highness, please take good care of your injuries and don't overthink things. Once Your Highness has recovered, ... you can do whatever you want."

After saying that, the two sisters held hands and ran away quickly.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed in distress. He hadn't expected Di Ying to have such influence in the household, and her prestige was even higher than his, the head of the family. Was he right or wrong to marry this woman?
Just as he was about to go back to his room in the north wing to lie down, a maidservant rushed over.

"Your Highness, your father-in-law has arrived."

Zhao Xiaoqian was taken aback: "Theoretically, I should have six fathers-in-law. Which father-in-law are you referring to?"

The maidservant lowered her head and said, "He is the Prince's Consort's father."

Zhao Xiaoqian frowned. Di Zi should be stationed in Xijin Prefecture at this time. Why did he suddenly come here?
Hurriedly arriving at the front hall, Di Zi was chatting with Di Ying. The father and daughter hadn't seen each other for more than half a year, and they were talking with tears streaming down their faces.

Upon seeing Zhao Xiaoqian approach, Di Ying tactfully stood up, saying she was going to the kitchen to prepare a banquet, and then withdrew.

Di Zi had just stood up to greet Zhao Xiaoqian when Zhao Xiaoqian grabbed his arm.

“Father-in-law, this is our own home, so we don’t care about official rank or title, we only care about age.”

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian took the initiative to bow deeply to Di Zi: "Your son-in-law greets your father-in-law."

Di Zixin smiled with satisfaction and said, "Very well, son-in-law, no need for such formalities."

The father-in-law and son-in-law didn't have much to talk about. Since they were family, there was no need for small talk or pleasantries. Zhao Xiaoqian got straight to the point: "Father-in-law, you've suddenly come to Zhen Ding City. Has something happened in the army?"

Di Zi's face darkened, and he sighed, "Are you aware that the Privy Council has sent more than thirty generals?"

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded: "I know, they stopped by to see me when they passed through Zhen Ding City."

Di Zi said anxiously, "The Emperor has clearly become suspicious of you. Are you just going to let it go like this?"

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled wryly: "I can't very well kill the people sent by the Privy Council, can I? Wouldn't that be blatant rebellion?"

Di Zi said in a deep voice, "It's not that he would kill anyone, but you are still the Pacification Commissioner of Hebei West Road and the commander-in-chief of an army. If you are in charge of the army, I believe those thirty-odd people will not dare to act recklessly."

Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head: "They are just a few dozen mid-level generals. There is no need to act rashly because of them, lest we arouse the suspicion of the emperor."

Di Zi said worriedly, "I'm afraid that if these thirty-odd men stay in the army for too long, they will cause trouble sooner or later. They have ill intentions and probably won't do anything good once they're in the army. This elite force is the hope for destroying the Liao Kingdom in the future. We can't let them ruin it."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "Father-in-law, please be patient. Things will take a turn for the better. I'm not in a hurry, so why are you? Since you're here today, why don't you stay at the mansion for a few more days and have a good time with your daughter?"

Di Ying asked anxiously, "What do you mean by 'turning point'?"

Zhao Xiaoqian shook his head and remained silent. Some things were better left unsaid, not even to his father-in-law, as they concerned matters of the imperial palace and were far too sensitive.

Just as he was about to instruct the servants to prepare a banquet, a maid suddenly ran over, her face filled with panic.

"Your Highness, Lady Niaoniao is having stomach pains. The midwife they hired says she might be about to give birth!"

Zhao Xiaoqian was startled, then his expression turned to a mixture of joy and worry, and he was momentarily flustered.

"Is she going into labor? What's next? What should I do next?"

At this important moment in his life, Zhao Xiaoqian was somewhat at a loss.

Di Zi, who was standing next to him, was also startled. Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian's appearance, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

If only it were my own daughter who was pregnant, the first in line for the Prince's heir, how could it have been snatched away by another woman...

Seeing Zhao Xiaoqian's flustered state, Di Zi, being experienced enough, immediately shouted in a deep voice, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly go and fetch a doctor, have the maids prepare the delivery room, have the midwife on standby, and have the servants boil water and prepare clean cloths..."

Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly realized: "Right, right! Prepare the delivery room, call the doctor, boil water..."

While muttering to himself, Zhao Xiaoqian ran quickly towards the backyard. After taking only two steps, he suddenly turned around, patted Di Zi's shoulder a few times, and said excitedly, "Congratulations, Father-in-law, you're going to hold your grandson!"

After saying that, Zhao Xiaoqian disappeared without a trace.

Di Zi stood there dumbfounded for a long time before angrily shouting, "Bullshit! That's not my grandson!"

After a moment of silence, Di Zi muttered with a sullen face, "What's wrong with Ying'er? She's been married for so many years and hasn't given birth to a single child. Could it be that she can't hold onto a man's heart? I need to have a good talk with her. If this continues, her title as Princess Consort is in jeopardy!"

(End of this chapter)