Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1032: Chapter 101: The Han Princess on the Grasslands

Zhao Yao did not kill Song Dachuan, deciding to use him and make him his spy in Southern Wei. Keeping Song Dachuan alive served a greater purpose than killing him.

Of course, Song Dachuan would not readily agree to Zhao Yao’s proposal, but he had no choice. Zhao Yao had fed him poison; if he refused to work for Zhao Yao, he would immediately bleed from his seven orifices and die.

Although Song Dachuan refused boldly at first, he was actually most afraid of death. Few people in this world are not afraid of dying. Besides, he wanted to trample Duan Jiangcheng underfoot, so how could he die? Moreover, Zhao Yao did not ask him to do anything dangerous, just to convey Southern Wei’s news to him. Furthermore, if he did a good job, Prince Han would reward him lavishly. Thinking it over, he realized this was beneficial for him.

Zhao Yao also assigned someone to shadow Song Dachuan. First, to monitor Song Dachuan, and second, to protect him secretly. Currently, Song Dachuan was of use to Zhao Yao, so he could not die yet.

Though displeased with Prince Han sending someone to tail him, Song Dachuan dared not say anything.

To make Song Dachuan willingly serve him, Zhao Yao offered him a chance to earn merit. This opportunity would allow him to defeat Duan Jiangcheng, so that Duan Jiangcheng would never be able to raise his head in front of him. He shared with Song Dachuan some news about that item.

"How do you know about that thing?" Song Dachuan looked skeptical, glaring at Zhao Yao with suspicion, "Do you know what that thing is?"

In a nonchalant tone, Zhao Yao responded, "The Imperial Jade Seal."

Song Dachuan jumped to his feet in shock, staring at Zhao Yao incredulously, "How do you know?" The Imperial Jade Seal was a secret among the Southern Wei people, known only to those in high positions; ordinary Southern Wei people were not entitled to know this matter.

Seeing Song Dachuan’s astonishment, Zhao Yao chuckled and asked, "Why shouldn’t I know?"

Song Dachuan believed Prince Wei would never disclose such important matters to Zhao Yao, so how did Prince Han find out?

"Who told you?" Could it be that there was a spy from Prince Han among the Southern Wei people?

"I discovered it myself," Zhao Yao reminded Song Dachuan, "Don’t forget what I informed you a few days ago: I know far more about you Southern Wei people than you might think." With that, he gestured for Song Dachuan to sit down.

Song Dachuan obediently sat back down, "What else do you know?"

Zhao Yao, playing with the teacup in his hand, said with a smile, "I also know some news about that thing."

"What, you know its whereabouts?!" Song Dachuan again jumped up in shock. However, he quickly dismissed the idea, "Impossible, you couldn’t have traced its whereabouts, unless Pei Dingyuan told you."

"Ding Yuan doesn’t actually know that the item is the Imperial Jade Seal," Zhao Yao laughed, "All these years, I’ve also been secretly searching for that item."

Song Dachuan angrily retorted, "You really want to become Emperor!"

Zhao Yao glared at Song Dachuan with annoyance, "If I wanted to become Emperor, I wouldn’t be telling you these things now."

Song Dachuan did not believe Zhao Yao’s words. Seeing his disbelief, Zhao Yao couldn’t be bothered to explain further.

"I’ve tracked down a clue; the item might be over at the Xiongnu’s place." This information wasn’t something Zhao Yao fabricated but rather a speculation of his own. "However, I’m not sure how reliable that lead is."

"It can’t be at the Xiongnu," Song Dachuan denied, "If it were with the Xiongnu, that notable figure couldn’t have failed to find it."

"That notable figure, you mean Wuwei?" Zhao Yao remarked, "Or refer to him as Ji Bochang."

Song Dachuan once again leapt up in shock, this time bumping over the table in front of him due to his abrupt motion.

"How do you know?"

Zhao Yao looked at Song Dachuan with disdain, "I’ve already told you I know more than you imagine."

Song Dachuan was horrified; just who exactly was Prince Han? How did he know so many secretive things? What else did he know?

"The reason Ji Bochang and his team haven’t found the item at the Xiongnu’s place is because they’ve failed."

"You’re the one who’s failed," Song Dachuan immediately retorted; Ji Bochang held a very high status among Southern Wei people, and Song Dachuan and others deeply respected Ji Bochang.

After being interrupted repeatedly by Song Dachuan, Zhao Yao raised his eyebrows in displeasure, gazing at him with a cold glare.

Song Dachuan felt chills under Zhao Yao’s gaze and shivered, becoming apprehensive. He quickly backed down and sat properly.

"Please, continue."

Seeing Song Dachuan behave himself, Zhao Yao then continued, "The reason Ji Bochang’s team searched the Xiongnu tribes but couldn’t find the item is that they overlooked one place."