The prince is more stable

Chapter 722 Happy Enemies
The real "lackeys of the imperial court" are people like Zhong Cheng.

Without his own thoughts, soul, flesh and blood, his existence was solely for the emperor and the court, even at the cost of his own life.

Zhao Xiaoqian was always worried that Zhong Cheng and his men would use clever means to gradually divide the soldiers in the Yanyun Army by offering them benefits, creating internal antagonism and ultimately leading to a brutal infighting and split.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Cheng's tactics were nothing more than brainwashing the soldiers.

There's really no need to worry about that.

We're all adults. Adults don't play games. Only when there's something in return can you move people's hearts. Even if you're handing out money in shifts, your words still carry weight. What's the point of empty promises?

Even the most hypocritical boss knows to offer a promise first, but these people are different. They demand loyalty from their soldiers without providing any real benefits. They won't even offer a promise. Tsk! No future!
The soldiers would only believe such brainwashing if they were completely out of their minds.

When Zhao Xiaoqian was first ordered to take command of the Dragon Guard Battalion, he also paid a heavy price. He took away hundreds of thousands of taels of money from the Chu Prince's Mansion and then openly announced that the soldiers would not have to hand over any of the loot they had taken, and the generals would not take a single penny.

Such a substantial pie was eaten by everyone. In addition, during the Song-Xia War, Zhao Xiaoqian personally led his troops deep into the heart of the Western Xia Kingdom and captured the Western Xia capital. The Dragon Guard Battalion made an unprecedented contribution, and a large number of its soldiers were promoted to military officers as a result.

Only when he earned merit and benefits did his soldiers gradually come to respect him and eventually obey his every word.

What are Zhong Cheng and his group doing now? Brainwashing people with empty words? It's ridiculous.

The messenger sent by Xu seemed worried. The messenger looked familiar; he must be an old man from the Dragon Guard Battalion.

"If Your Highness's health allows, why not go and see the Xijin Prefecture camp? Zhong Cheng and his men have really treated our comrades-in-arms very badly..." The messenger hesitated, then stopped.

“These people have a special background, and it is really inconvenient for Vice Envoy Xu and General Zhong to interfere. If they are allowed to run rampant, something bad will happen in the camp sooner or later. Only with Your Highness in the army can the situation be stabilized and Zhong Cheng and his men be deterred.”

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed and said, "If I had gone to the army, the consequences would have been far more serious than they are now. You don't understand, but Vice Envoy Xu should. I left the camp under the pretext of recuperating from my injuries, abandoning military duties, which is why the court hasn't taken any more drastic actions..."

The affairs of the court were too complicated for the messenger to understand, nor did he need to. He only understood Zhao Xiaoqian's meaning, which was that he would not return to the main camp to take charge of the overall situation for the time being, and a sense of disappointment appeared on his face.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled at him and said, "Go back and tell the soldiers to be patient for now. This will end soon. This situation won't last forever..."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian added, "Zhong Cheng and his ilk won't last forever; they're just passing through your lives, very briefly."

The messenger finally understood. Although he didn't know why Zhao Xiaoqian spoke with such certainty, the soldiers never doubted his words. So the messenger's expression changed from worry to joy, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Yes, this subordinate will return to Xijin Prefecture immediately and relay His Highness's words to Vice Envoy Xu and the generals without missing a single word."

Just as he was about to take his leave, Zhao Xiaoqian took out a few gold leaves from his pocket and stuffed them into his hand.

"You must be tired from traveling. Use this money to buy yourself some drinks and a bite to eat when you stop for a break, to perk you up..."

The messenger was extremely grateful and was about to decline when Zhao Xiaoqian grasped his hand and said in an unquestionable manner, "Take it. My money is not hot to handle. You are a veteran of the Dragon Guard Camp. The brothers have followed me all over the country for many years. Without your risking your lives, our Great Song Dynasty would not be where it is today."

"We're all brothers-in-arms, what's with the pretense? Take the money and get out of here."

The messenger bowed gratefully to Zhao Xiaoqian and then strode away.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed softly.

Hopefully, Zhao Xu won't do anything to these soldiers, otherwise he'll really wear down this bond completely.

Putting aside his chaotic thoughts, Zhao Xiaoqian was about to return to the backyard when a servant came to report that Princess Cheng'an of Liao had arrived again.

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow.

This woman has been visiting people a lot more often lately.

Zhao Xiaoqian wouldn't presume to be sentimental, because he knew that Yelü Nanxian's visit was only for his son.

She came almost every day, exchanged a few perfunctory formalities with him, and then rushed into the backyard, hugging her son tightly and refusing to let go, only reluctantly leaving when it was almost dark.

It's clear that Yelü Nanxian adores her son; she probably loves all soft, cute little things. The happy smile she gives when she holds him is genuine and not at all fake.

As Yelü Nanxian visited each other more frequently, her relationship with Di Ying and the others in the backyard became increasingly harmonious.

It was only then that Zhao Xiaoqian realized that this woman was actually quite good at chatting. She chatted fluently with Di Ying and the others, and the women in the backyard all had a good impression of her. Jiang Miaoxian even whispered in his ear, urging him to simply take Yelü Nanxian as his wife.

But Zhao Xiaoqian knew very well that this woman had not developed romantic feelings for him.

Or perhaps she was just naturally wary of men, and most men couldn't get into her heart, let alone a lecherous man like him who was always leering at her.

Without a sound, Yelü Nanxian appeared in the front courtyard.

Zhao Xiaoqian watched her approach quietly, then curtsied to him. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhao Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow: "You've come to see my son again?"

Yelü Nanxian blushed slightly, feeling a little embarrassed to say this. Although the child was clearly Zhao Xiaoqian and his wife's, she didn't know why she was bewitched by the little thing and especially liked it. She would still savor the child's every smile and frown after returning home, and the more she thought about it, the more she liked it. So she couldn't help but come every day.

“Yes, he is very cute…” Yelü Nanxian whispered.

"His name is Zhao Hao, a formal name we just gave him," Zhao Xiaoqian explained earnestly to her.

"Zhao Hao...which 'Hao'?"

“Ritianhao… I don’t object to you calling him Zhao Ritian directly. That’s what I was planning to call him, but my wife misunderstood.” Zhao Xiaoqian sighed.

Yelü Nanxian's polite expression vanished instantly, and she glared at him fiercely.

That lecherous man has this ability; he can't even exchange two words with someone before he becomes indecent. It's strange how his wives can put up with him.

Yelü Nanxian decided not to argue with him, because she had a small request to make today, and offending him would probably make things difficult.

Seeing that Yelü Nanxian was still standing in the front courtyard without moving, she would usually rush into the backyard after exchanging a few perfunctory words with him at this time, but today was a bit strange.

"Is there anything else?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked curiously.

Yelü Nanxian nodded: "I have a favor to ask."

“The correct way to ask for help is to first show your cleavage…” Zhao Xiaoqian blurted out, then realized it was inappropriate and quickly corrected himself, “You tell me what you need to ask for.”

Fortunately, Yelü Nanxian didn't understand, otherwise he would have been splattered with blood at this moment.

“Today the autumn sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly. I want to take Zhao Hao out of the Prince’s mansion and stroll around the market to buy him some clothes and hats.” Yelü Nanxian said, while carefully observing Zhao Xiaoqian’s expression.

Before Zhao Xiaoqian could respond, Yelü Nanxian hurriedly added, "I adore him and would never harm him. If Your Highness is concerned, you may send the Imperial Guards from your residence to escort him."

Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly, "Of course I'm worried. You're so fond of my son, it's hard to say you might run away with him. My wife carried him for ten months and gave birth to our son, and you've gotten away with it..."

Yelü Nanxian was displeased: "Why does Your Highness look down on my character? What kind of person do you take me for...?"

"Of course I'll treat you like a child thief, what else would I do?" Zhao Xiaoqian said bluntly. "Come on, I'll personally show you around today, and you can hold our son."

Yelü Nanxian was somewhat unwilling, clearly not wanting to spend too much time with this lecherous man, but since his son was his own flesh and blood, and he had already spoken, it was not easy to refuse. So he could only reluctantly agree.

She successfully picked up her precious son in the backyard. Yelü Nanxian held him without complaining of being tired. Her cold, pretty face immediately broke into a bright smile. She asked and answered questions with him in strange baby talk. The two chatted very congenially.

Two adults and one child exited the side gate of the Prince's Mansion, and Zhao Xiaoqian called for Chen Shou to lead dozens of imperial guards to follow.

Chen Shou followed silently behind them, a maternal smile appearing on his usually calm face.

Looking at the backs of the prince and the Liao princess, with the princess holding a child, they looked just like a happy family of three.

The Liao princess has been visiting frequently lately, and her once icy expression has gradually warmed up. It seems that the prince and she have a fairly harmonious relationship, and the prince's mansion will soon have another concubine.

Zhao Xiaoqian and Yelü Nanxian walked side by side, completely unaware that Chen Shou behind them had actually become a shipper. The three of them looked like a happy and blissful couple, but in reality, they had been arguing non-stop since they left the house, and were not as happy as Chen Shou had imagined.

"Your Highness, could you please stay a little further away from me while we're out at the market? If it weren't for Zhao Hao, I wouldn't have..." Yelü Nanxian held Zhao Hao in her arms, glaring at him with displeasure, complaining that he was too close.

Zhao Xiaoqian became even more displeased: "If I don't stay close to you, what if you take my son and run away? With the way you love him so much, I really find it hard to believe that you won't have bad intentions towards my son."

"With you here, with the imperial guards of your Song Kingdom here, where can I run to?"

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't want to argue with her anymore, and said lazily, "If you say another word of nonsense, I will immediately order that our son be taken back to the Prince's Mansion. What's the point of going to the market? You've ruined my good mood."

Yelü Nanxian immediately fell silent. She adored Zhao Hao so much that today she was filled with doting affection as she strolled through the market to buy him some clothes and hats. She wanted to dress him up herself, thinking he would be even cuter and more adorable then.

Now that Zhao Xiaoqian is threatening her with his son, Yelü Nanxian is furious but helpless.

She was so angry, but there was nothing she could do. After all, such a lovely child wasn't hers to give birth to.

I must have one of my own in the future, so I won't have to depend on other people's opinions anymore.

Yelü Nanxian, his face filled with humiliation, secretly made a vow.

(End of this chapter)