Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1061: Chapter 113: Dispatching Ships to Search for America (3)

These mountain tribesmen are all fierce and formidable in battle, making them excellent prospects for soldiers. Zhao Yao did not completely obliterate them; instead, he intended to recruit them to form a powerful army under his command.

"It seems we must resort to force."

"Resort to force?" Wen Daoji asked with a puzzled expression, "Your Highness, what more force can we apply?" They had always maintained a tough stance and methods against the mountain tribes. When his Highness said to use more force, what could he mean?

Zhao Yao didn’t answer Wen Daoji’s question but instead asked, "Can you pinpoint which mountain the mountain tribes are in?"

Wen Daoji respectfully replied, "The mountain tribes are arrogant, provoking us by openly declaring where they reside, yet when our people enter the mountains, they not only fail to find them but also succumb to miasma."

"It’s good to know where the mountain tribes are," Zhao Yao smiled meaningfully, "I’ll send someone to deal with these mountain tribesmen, so you needn’t worry."

Hearing Zhao Yao’s words, Wen Daoji and the others did not press further, instead shifting the topic to another issue: the shortage of officers.

The officials of the Swamp Prefecture court mostly hold multiple posts, let alone the local officials. Originally, there were quite a few local officials, but Zhao Yao had killed many, and those who remained also held multiple posts. Even so, they couldn’t keep up with the workload.

The matters everywhere were overwhelming, and the lack of personnel left the officials working like dogs. The remaining officials were all guilty, albeit less so than those who were killed. Had there been enough officials, Zhao Yao would not have spared them lightly. Zhao Yao gave them a chance to reform and make amends by succeeding at their tasks. If they did well, not only could they be pardoned, but they might also receive rewards. Hence, the remaining officials worked desperately, but there were too many tasks, and they began to feel overwhelmed. They didn’t dare to tell Zhao Yao, so they reported to the court, requesting reinforcements.

"I also know we are short of personnel, but for now, I cannot find other officials to help us." Zhao Yao was also troubled by the shortage of officials. He had offered many incentives, but few were willing to come to Lingnan. He couldn’t possibly return to the capital to forcibly bring some officials to Lingnan. "You must endure a bit longer. Perhaps by next year, someone will be willing to come." Currently, people from the interior held disdain for Lingnan, unwilling to endure hardships there. By next year, when Lingnan improved, people would naturally want to come to seek their fortune. "Forget it, I’ll write to my father, asking him to send some officials first." At least for the next two to three years, all the states in Lingnan would be very busy. Without officials from the capital, it would be hard to manage.

It seems more people must be sent to vigorously promote the benefits of Lingnan, to deceive—no, to attract talented individuals from the interior to Lingnan for a better livelihood.

"Your Highness, there’s also..."

After listening to Wen Daoji and others report one thing after another, Zhao Yao’s headache worsened. He sighed in his heart, feeling that there were indeed more and more matters to handle.

After consulting with Wen Daoji and a few others, Zhao Yao sent someone to summon Chu Huan.

Chu Huan arrived at the Prince of Han Mansion in the evening, and Zhao Yao instructed him to take soldiers from the Divine Machine Camp to capture the mountain tribesmen.

"By the way, are you proficient in using explosive packs?"

"Proficient." The soldiers in the Divine Machine Camp practiced throwing hand grenades, grenades, and explosive packs daily, and recently, they had been practicing with cannons.

"Then blow up the mountain where the tribesmen are." Zhao Yao tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said coldly, "Only this way can we intimidate them into submission."

"Blow up a mountain?" Chu Huan looked shocked, "Boss, didn’t you say these things should be kept hidden and not let others know?"

"The mountain tribesmen are too rampant and cannot be allowed to act recklessly any longer." Zhao Yao said coldly, "This will also intimidate any unruly people in other tribes. You will set out to do this tomorrow."

"Yes, Boss."

Zhao Yao gave Chu Huan further instructions before dismissing him.

Just after Chu Huan left, Hidden Guard A appeared before Zhao Yao, handing him a secret letter.

After reading the secret letter, Zhao Yao smiled playfully, "It’s time to deal with Sixth Brother." With that, he wrote a reply and instructed Hidden Guard A to have it delivered to Princess of Annan.

Before Fourth Brother returns to the capital, it’s best to keep the court’s attention on Sixth Brother. Additionally, if Sixth Brother’s issue is not resolved now, it will become troublesome once Prince Dai returns to the capital. Furthermore, Princess of Annan has grown impatient. If kept waiting any longer, she might act independently.

Prince Han wanted to use Prince Zheng against Prince Dai, so he decided to deal with Prince Zheng first, thwarting Prince Han’s plans.

As for Prince Han, he would let Fourth Brother handle it himself; he would not interfere.