The Prodigal Son

Yinzhou is located in the southeast of Daning, bordering the State of Chu, and is also the gateway to the southeastern border of Daning.

During the reign of the late emperor, Prince Zhao Chong of Chengyang led troops to guard Yinzhou in order to resist the State of Chu.

However, the states of Ning and Chu have maintained relatively harmonious relations over the years.

During the reign of the late emperor, an official market was built in Yinzhou to facilitate trade between the two countries.

Prince Zhao Chong of Chengyang stood in his study with his hands behind his back, staring intently at the huge map hanging on the wall.

There are also several conspicuous crosses on the map.

"Knock knock..."

There was a knock on the door.

"Father, it's me!"

Soon, Zhao Yan's voice rang out from outside the door.

"Come in!"

Having received permission, Zhao Yan pushed open the door and entered, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Father."

"No need for such formalities!"

The Prince of Chengyang turned to look at his son.

He was agile and tall, with a sculpted face and a heroic air about him.

It has a resemblance to the charm of my younger self.

Yes, it's definitely my own offspring!

The Prince of Chengyang was secretly pleased, then pointed to the map in front of him, "What do you see on this?"

Zhao Yan was secretly puzzled, but a burning light flashed in his eyes before he slowly spoke: "Crisis!"

The Prince of Chengyang remained expressionless. "Tell me the details!"

Ok?

Zhao Yan was even more puzzled.

What does Father mean by this?

In the past, whenever he mentioned that the court did not trust his father, his father would immediately reprimand him severely and tell him to shut up.

But today, Father actually asked him to continue speaking?

Did he suddenly realize that the imperial court could never trust him?

Suppressing his excitement, Zhao Yan quickly went to the map and pointed at it, saying, "The Prince of Liang, the Prince of Fu, and the Prince of Tong'an have all been uprooted. Now, only Father remains as a prince of Da Ning, and Father is stationed in Yinzhou, controlling the throat of trade between the court and the State of Chu..."

At this point, Zhao Yan paused deliberately.

Seeing that the Prince of Chengyang showed no intention of stopping him, he continued, "Now that our dynasty is ruled by a woman, we will certainly be even more worried about the princes causing trouble! Zhao Luan cannot trust the father as much as the late emperor did. In my opinion, she is only superficially entrusting the father with important responsibilities, but in reality, she is always on guard against him..."

Five years ago, the Prince of Liang and the Prince of Tong'an almost simultaneously launched a rebellion, and were subsequently executed for their treason.

Although Prince Fu did not directly raise an army, he was implicated by the two princes and his entire family was exiled to Beizhou, where they are still herding horses.

Only his father, the Prince of Chengyang, was spared because he immediately led troops to quell the rebellion when the Prince of Liang raised his army, demonstrating his loyalty through practical actions.

From that moment on, he understood that the imperial court would eventually be unable to tolerate them!

"Well said!"

The Prince of Chengyang nodded slightly. "But there's one thing you're wrong about!"

"Please correct me, Father!"

Zhao Yan appeared humble, but was secretly astonished.

It seems that my father already understood what I was saying!

"The late emperor didn't trust his father as much as you think!"

The Prince of Chengyang shook his head and smiled, pointing to Raojin and Yijin. "The late emperor opened the ports of Raojin and Yijin to expand maritime trade routes, precisely to guard against me and prevent me from controlling the trade routes between Da Ning and Chu..."

This is where the late emperor's brilliance lay.

Even if he cuts off the land trade routes, Da Ning can still trade with Chu through its fleet at sea.

In recent years, although Xingji has become increasingly prosperous, almost all of the major trade between Daning and Chu has been conducted through maritime trade.

Moreover, the navies of both Da Ning and Min could threaten Chu's rear from the sea.

If the State of Chu wants to conspire with him, it will have to withstand the attacks of the naval forces of Da Ning and Min.

In addition, establishing official markets would also allow a large number of imperial spies to enter Yinzhou and monitor its every move.

Zhao Yan looked at his father with surprise and confusion, "Father, if you see things so clearly, why did you always..."

"You've always felt that the court trusts me a lot, to the point that they don't even allow you to express your discomfort with the court, right?"

The Prince of Chengyang picked up the conversation.

"Um."

Zhao Yan nodded slightly.

"You were too young before, and I worried that you wouldn't be able to keep your composure."

The Prince of Chengyang sighed, "Besides, we never had the strength to challenge the imperial court before! Until we're powerful enough, we should obediently be our subjects to avoid bringing disaster upon ourselves!"

He quelled a rebellion for the imperial court a few years ago, but his forces also suffered significant losses.

Therefore, as soon as the court's internal and external troubles ended, he sent Zhao Yan to tour the capital.

In reality, it was equivalent to sending a hostage to the capital to reduce the court's suspicion of him as the only vassal king.

During these three years, he made Zhao Yan observe mourning for the princess consort in a serious manner, which was also a way to temper Zhao Yan's character.

Zhao Yan suddenly realized, and tentatively asked, "Then... what about now?"

"Now?"

The Prince of Chengyang shook his head and sighed, "Although our strength is much greater than it was a few years ago, we are still far behind the imperial court!"

"what?"

Zhao Yan was taken aback, a look of disappointment on his face. "But the imperial court will eventually find us unacceptable!"

"I understand!"

The Prince of Chengyang nodded slightly. "I have already mentioned asking His Majesty for your hand in marriage in my congratulatory letter to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager probably wants to facilitate your marriage to His Majesty. It all depends on His Majesty's own decision!"

"Now that your mourning period is over, you are free to travel! In a couple of days, bring generous gifts to the capital!"

"If you can win His Majesty's heart, the empire and the beauty will be yours, and I, your father, can rest easy..."

Their chances of winning if they turn against the imperial court now are too slim.

If we fail, our entire family will be wiped out!

He had too many concerns in his heart, and he really didn't want to turn against the imperial court unless absolutely necessary.

He would rather protect this country for his son or grandson!

This is exactly the result he wanted!

It's not that he's indecisive.

Those who bear the risks themselves, making a move is no easy task!

Zhao Yan sighed softly and said with a wry smile, "His Majesty's standards are too high. It won't be easy to impress him!"

He had met Zhao Luan before!

Moreover, he fell in love with Zhao Luan at first sight.

What man could resist the temptation of having both power and beauty in his arms?

But he also tried hard to win Zhao Luan's favor.

But Zhao Luan was never moved by him.

Times have changed!

The Prince of Chengyang shook his head and smiled, "Now, the Northern Qi is making trouble again, and the Chu Kingdom intends to marry Princess Wuyou to you. Although the court is wary of your father, it must also appease him! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you!"

Zhao Yan pondered for a moment, then asked, "What if His Majesty does not agree to the marriage proposal?"

The Prince of Chengyang's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said in a deep voice, "While you are heading to the capital, I will prepare for both possibilities! If all else fails, we will prepare for the worst!"

Upon hearing the Prince of Chengyang's words, Zhao Yan's heart stirred, and he nodded emphatically: "Alright!"

As long as Father is willing to prepare for the worst!

He feared that his father would be timid and hesitant, and in the end, he would be at the mercy of others!

"Once we arrive in the capital, we must find ways to please the Empress Dowager!"

"You should spend more time with civil officials, and try to avoid getting too involved with military officers, at least not openly!"

"When necessary, one can even deliberately oppose certain military commanders!"

"But if there are those who are truly willing to serve, we can consider bringing them over! However, we must be cautious, carefully vet them, and beware of the court's tests..."

The Prince of Chengyang gave Zhao Yan earnest instructions.

Zhao Yan listened intently, nodding repeatedly...