Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1000: Chapter 86: The Night Before the Military Parade

The three-day horse polo match ended in the blink of an eye. Naturally, without any surprises, the team that ultimately won was the personal guard of Prince Han.

Through these days of football matches and horse polo matches, the people of Swamp Prefecture, foreign traders, and foreigners witnessed the prowess of Prince Han’s personal guard.

Amateurs watch the excitement, while experts observe the subtleties. The people of Swamp Prefecture and many foreign traders simply thought Prince Han’s personal guard was excellent at football and horse polo, but the foreign royal families had a different perspective. From the coordination and skills of Prince Han’s personal guard, they saw something special. They believed the football and horse polo matches did not fully showcase the strength of Prince Han’s personal guard.

It was not their imagination; just the presence of Prince Han’s personal guard on the field exuded a sharp aura.

Prince Han’s personal guard is absolutely extraordinary!

Speaking of which, Prince Han himself is also very exceptional.

They could not understand why someone as talented and capable as Prince Han did not have the favor of the Emperor of Great Zhou.

In their eyes, Prince Han’s abilities were in no way inferior to the other princes in the capital.

Regardless of whether or not Prince Han was valued by the Emperor of Great Zhou, they were determined to maintain a good relationship with him and continue cooperating.

To be honest, the benefits of cooperating with Prince Han surpass those of working with other princes.

Tomorrow is the military parade, and who knows what kind of display Prince Han will host.

The foreign royal family members once had the fortune to witness the majesty of Great Zhou’s Imperial Guard in the capital, but they had never seen a military parade there.

This is the first time they heard of a military parade.

Prince Han explained that the military parade is essentially a display of the soldiers’ demeanor.

If it’s about witnessing the soldiers’ demeanor, they had already seen it in the capital. The demeanor of the capital’s Imperial Guard left them unforgettable. Rather than unforgettable, it was terrifying.

The capital’s Imperial Guard is reputed to be the finest soldiers of Great Zhou, having followed the Emperor of Great Zhou in numerous campaigns and as sharp as blood-stained blades.

Prince Han’s intent to showcase the demeanor of the soldiers, could it be to display the prowess of the Southern Garrison? However, as far as they know, the Southern Garrison does not fall under Prince Han’s command, nor does he have the authority and qualification to deploy the Southern Garrison.

Moreover, they have already experienced the might of the Southern Garrison and paid a heavy price.

Why would Prince Han suddenly showcase the might of the Southern Garrison? Is he attempting to intimidate them?

Over the years, they have obediently submitted to Great Zhou and had done nothing against Great Zhou’s interests. Although some among them were unwilling to be perpetually subservient to Great Zhou, they had not stirred any turmoil. Moreover, since submitting to Great Zhou, their country had not suffered major losses aside from annual tributes. Conversely, they gained numerous benefits from Great Zhou over these years. Previously, products like tea, silk, and porcelain from Great Zhou were not easily sold to them.

After becoming a vassal state of Great Zhou, they could purchase items including tea, porcelain, and even soap. Over these years, they engaged in active trade with the people of Great Zhou, earning substantial profits. They had no desire to turn against Great Zhou, as there were no benefits in doing so.

The Emperor of Great Zhou dispatched Prince Han to Lingnan, possibly to monitor whether their country harbored any inappropriate intentions. Prince Han’s military parade might be intended to caution them to stay submissive to Great Zhou and avoid any covert actions.

Regarding Zhao Yao’s military parade tomorrow, foreign traders and foreigners alike sense that it is more than a mere display.

At this moment, Zhao Yao was in the study discussing windmills with Zheng Cheng.

They plan to complete the windmills before the autumn harvest, so that when harvesting arrives, the people can conserve significant effort. Additionally, windmills can boost the harvest yield.

As for tomorrow’s military parade, Zhao Yao was not concerned.

Before the trade fair, the military parade had been rehearsed countless times. Just days ago, they conducted another rehearsal, which went exceptionally well, without any issues, rendering further actions unnecessary.

Tomorrow’s military parade is the highlight of this trade fair. Logically, Zhao Yao should be focused on the parade occurring tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the military parade, yet His Highness is still discussing windmills with Zheng Cheng, showing no concern for tomorrow’s parade at all," Uncle Gao said with a slight frown. "Is his highness not worried that something unexpected might occur during tomorrow’s parade?"

He Lianfang glanced sidelong at Uncle Gao, who wore a worried expression. "You’re not assured about tomorrow’s parade?"

Uncle Gao nodded slightly. "A bit." He was deeply impressed after watching the parade rehearsals. Just thinking about it now makes his blood boil. Precisely because of this, he is very much anticipating the official parade tomorrow, while also feeling exceedingly nervous. "I notice that His Highness doesn’t seem too concerned about tomorrow’s parade."

"It’s been rehearsed many times before, and with confirmation of no issues, nothing more needs to be done," He Lianfang thought Uncle Gao was making a mountain out of a molehill, "When even Prince Han isn’t worried, why are you fretting?"

"I hope tomorrow’s military parade goes smoothly," Uncle Gao said, with an expression of sudden excitement. "I believe anyone who witnesses tomorrow’s parade will be stunned."

"There won’t be any accidents in tomorrow’s parade, so you can stop worrying unnecessarily."

Uncle Gao chuckled bashfully. "I don’t know why, but I’m extremely nervous."

"If you have nothing to do, you can go out on patrol."

Uncle Gao stood up and said, "I’ll go find His Highness." Without speaking with His Highness, he would remain uneasy.

At this moment, far in the capital, the Emperor also remembered his youngest son’s military parade to be held the next day.

"I wonder what kind of parade that rascal will execute?"

Prime Minister He did not understand why the Emperor suddenly made a grand visit to his mansion. Nevertheless, with the Emperor there, he could not drive him away and had no choice but to entertain him reluctantly.

"Your Majesty, if you’re concerned, you could write a letter to inquire of Prince Han." To be honest, he was also curious.

The Emperor gave Prime Minister He a mournful glance. "If it weren’t for you hindering me, I could see for myself what that rascal Little Ten whipped up tomorrow."

Prime Minister He completely ignored the Emperor’s words. "Your Majesty, did you visit your servant just to discuss this matter?"

"Of course not." The Emperor propped his face on his hand with a smile, gazing at Prime Minister He. "I am merely bored."

Prime Minister He thought: As expected.

"Your Majesty, even without anything to do, I still have quite a few matters to handle." Even after returning home from work, many tasks awaited him.

The Emperor suddenly adopted a serious expression, "Do you think it’s time to settle the score with the Xiongnu?"

Prime Minister He’s heart sank abruptly at these words. "Your Majesty, you intend to...?"

A sharp gleam passed through the Emperor’s eyes, as he gravely stated, "I think the time has come."