Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 1221 - 1219: The Idle and Affluent Prince

"To be dispatched to Nanyue?" Emperor Yan looked at his brother in astonishment, quite surprised that he would propose such a suggestion. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Ah Jiu nodded and said, "Imperial Brother, Beiyan has just waged a northern expedition, and the national treasury is currently empty. Nanyue is wealthy, but the Nanyue Court is corrupt, and most of the court officials seek personal gain, which presents an opportunity. I wish to use the guise of doing business with Nanyue to open up a trade route to the Northwest. If successful, Beiyan’s future... will certainly reap more benefits than drawbacks. In time, Beiyan is bound to unify Nanyue."

Emperor Yan felt a thrill in his heart.

No emperor does not desire to leave a lasting name and make a significant mark in their chronicles, and Emperor Yan was no exception. His ambition is sufficient, and if possible, he would want to invade Nanyue immediately. However, he also knew the timing was not right.

The wars over the past two years had drained the national treasury, and nearly a million new soldiers had been added, requiring Silver everywhere. The Minister of Revenue wished to empty even his private coffers to fill these large gaps; where is the Silver for war?

At present, Beiyan needs to recover, raise troops, and requires Silver. Without these, all ambitions would merely be idle talk.

Now, hearing Ah Jiu’s words, Emperor Yan was somewhat stirred. Doing business with Nanyue, opening up this trade route could not only boost the economy but also plant some nails over there, making future actions smoother.

But is Ah Jiu really only going to Nanyue for the sake of Beiyan?

Emperor Yan looked at Ah Jiu with a smirk, teasing him rarely: "I’m afraid it’s not just for this trade route, is it?"

Ah Jiu was taken aback and feigned ignorance: "What does my Imperial Brother mean?"

"I heard you have a lady friend in Nanyue." Emperor Yan touched the White Jade Paperweight beside him and smiled at him.

Ah Jiu’s heart chilled, but his face showed slight embarrassment. He rubbed his nose and said, "Nothing can be hidden from you, Imperial Brother."

"Have you admitted it? You’re not really planning on bringing her back, are you?"

Ah Jiu rolled his eyes: "Why not? Imperial Brother, I am not taking a Mistress or a Concubine; it is marriage."

Wufu wouldn’t just be a Mistress or Concubine for him!

"Nonsense!" Emperor Yan’s face turned stern, saying, "How can you, a prince, marry such a woman as your Main Consort? You’re of age. If you’re uncertain, let Royal Mother arrange for you to meet some noblewomen, or the Empress could organize some floral receptions for you to choose from."

Ah Jiu sneered: "Imperial Brother, are you truly at ease with the ones arranged by our Imperial Sister-in-law?"

Emperor Yan frowned: "Ah Jiu, you are my only brother, and I trust you."

Ah Jiu replied, "Precisely for this reason, I do not wish to get entangled in these power struggles. My Main Consort, with neither power nor influence, is most suitable. An idle yet prosperous prince, perfect!"

Emperor Yan’s pupils slightly contracted, looking intently at him.

Ah Jiu was unafraid, meeting his gaze, his eyes candid.

Emperor Yan withdrew his gaze, helplessly saying, "Fine, I cannot manage you, and Royal Mother will certainly deal with you. Just one condition, do not displease Royal Mother."

Ah Jiu smiled as he made a long bow: "I understand, Imperial Brother. Regarding the matter of the envoy to Nanyue?"

"Submit a written proposal."

Ah Jiu acknowledged and withdrew.

Emperor Yan watched him leave, and after a long pause, he called out, "Grey Shadow."

A gray figure swiftly appeared, kneeling before Emperor Yan: "At your service."

"Do you think he’s really serious?" An idle yet prosperous prince, is he truly content?

Grey Shadow replied, "Your Majesty surely has a perspective."

Emperor Yan was somewhat confused: "I don’t understand why she would choose me. Is it out of affection or something else?"

Grey Shadow remained silent. In the quiet grand hall, one could hear a pin drop, and no one could explain the emperor’s question.