Zhao Chen was overjoyed because he had captured Aliben, the mastermind behind the Guangnan East Road riot.

In the eleventh year of the Jingkang era, during those oppressive months at court, Zhao Chen's fate changed.

For Zhao Huan, this son was not mediocre; it was just that his understanding of things differed greatly from his own.

At the urging of his ministers, in early August, Duke Zhao Chen of Chong was finally summoned back to the capital, Tokyo, and this time he returned in glory.

This time, Duke Chong also brought Zhao Shen with him.

Zhao Shen's fate also changed as a result.

The lotus flowers in the backyard were in full bloom, filling the room with fragrance mixed with the mist. A silver moon hung on the branch, casting its white light onto the lake, where the Milky Way lay silent.

The night was cool.

Zhao Huan sat in the courtyard, sipping wine. Moonlight shone on his white jade cup, and the fragrance of sandalwood wafted from the incense burner.

Roujia sat to one side, pouring wine for Zhao Huan.

"Father, Li Bao has won the battle. Shouldn't he return to the capital?"

Zhao Huan knew what she was thinking; she was longing for her lover.

For some reason, Zhao Huan felt a little unhappy when Roujia mentioned other men, as if his precious cabbage was about to be eaten by a pig.

No matter how outstanding the other person is.

Roujia is someone he watched grow up. Now she has grown into a beautiful young woman, exceptionally intelligent, and with a cheerful personality.

Zhao Huan would be a hundred times unwilling to marry off a daughter like that.

Zhao Huan laughed and said, "Li Bao won't be back for a while."

"Commander Li has made great contributions this time. Father should at least give him a break or something. Fighting is very hard work."

Zhao Huan said, "It's you who wants to see him, isn't it?"

"Yes, yes, I want to see him. Father, since you know that, you should take care of my longing!"

The Empress laughed and scolded, "A young lady like you, don't you know how to be shameful?"

Consort Han said, "Roujia is not young anymore. Since she admires Commander Li so much, why doesn't Your Majesty grant her a marriage as soon as possible and fulfill her wish?"

Roujia gave Han Chenchen a playful smile to express her gratitude.

"It would be inappropriate for Li Bao to be going on a distant expedition to Zhulian and to bestow a marriage upon him now."

Roujia's rosy cheeks immediately fell: "Daddy, can you bear to see Roujia grow old and faded, and still be unwanted?"

Zhao Huan was at a loss for words, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Is she getting old and her beauty fading?

You little brat, you're only sixteen, and you're telling me I'm old and faded?

Seeing that his daughter's heart had already flown to Li Bao, Zhao Huan felt terrible!

Zhao Huan was also somewhat troubled. This expedition to Zhulian was not something that could be accomplished overnight, and Roujia's lifelong happiness had to be taken into consideration.

Seeing how much his beloved daughter missed him, Zhao Huan's heart softened completely.

Han Chenchen whispered in his ear, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Commander Li has rendered meritorious service in quelling the rebellion and should be rewarded upon returning to the capital. We can also choose an auspicious day to hold the wedding between Commander Li and Roujia."

Zhao Huan said, "Shao Chengzhang."

"Your subject is present."

"By imperial decree, Li Bao shall return to the capital immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Just as Zhao Huan finished speaking, a young eunuch came running in with quick, hurried steps: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Chong requests an audience."

The Empress was overjoyed: "Chen Ge'er is back!"

"Announce!"

After Zhao Chen returned, he changed into a long robe.

During his years in the South China Sea, Zhao Chen got very tanned, but his body became noticeably more robust.

He used to look gentle and weak.

Now, he has well-defined muscles, an upright posture, and a more resolute look in his eyes.

He walks with a steady and powerful gait.

"Father, Empress, Empress Han!"

"You guys have grown up!" Han Chenchen smiled and looked at Zhao Chen with goodwill, while holding Zhao Chun tightly in her arms.

Seeing her son return safely from a distant place, the Empress almost burst into tears: "It's good that you're back. My eldest son has lost weight. He must have suffered a lot."

"It's all about protecting our country, it's not hard work!"

Zhao Huan looked at Zhao Chen and felt that the boy had indeed changed a lot in the past few years, so he was quite satisfied.

"Roujia, Zhao Chun!"

"Brother, you've accomplished something great! Congratulations!"

Zhao Chun also said in a childish voice, "Congratulations, big brother."

Zhao Chen humbly replied, "It's all thanks to Commander Li's skillful command."

Roujia immediately adopted a "of course" expression.

Zhao Huan laughed and said, "I have already bestowed a marriage upon Li Bao and Roujia. From now on, Li Bao will be your brother-in-law."

Zhao Chen was slightly taken aback, a look of surprise appearing on his face.

It wasn't that I was surprised that Roujia and Libao were getting married, but rather that I was surprised by the accuracy of Zhao Shen's information.

To be honest, Zhao Chen sometimes finds Zhao Shen a bit annoying.

That kid is only eleven years old, but he's precocious and always acts like he's old enough to be a pro.

Zhao Chen did not completely trust Zhao Shen; in fact, he often felt that Zhao Shen was prone to daydreaming.

If he hadn't wanted to rely on the power of the Yue Kingdom, he would have kicked Zhao Shen away long ago.

I really don't know what's wrong with Zhao Zisong, that he believes Zhao Shen's words so readily.

This is Zhao Chen's true feeling about Zhao Shen.

But one's true thoughts may change.

For example, this time.

He also remembered that Zhao Shen had said that Roujia might be one of his rivals.

Now that Johor Bahru and Lee Pao have married, it means that Johor Bahru now controls the South China Sea.

Zhao Chen quickly composed himself and smiled, "Our Roujia is getting married! Congratulations!"

Zhao Huan continued, "Brother Chen, you have rendered a great service this time. Tell me, what do you want? I will reward you!"

Zhao Chen hesitated for a moment, then said, "It is my duty to share your burdens, Father. I think about doing something for the people of the Great Song Dynasty day and night. Father, I beg to go to Liaodong. It has only recently been incorporated into our Great Song Dynasty and is in dire need of development."

Zhao Huan was slightly taken aback, not expecting Zhao Chen to take the initiative to suggest going to Liaodong.

Zhao Huan pondered this. Tang Ke was in Liaodong, which was a long way away. Sending Zhao Chen to Liaodong was clearly giving him an opportunity to cultivate his own power base.

Upon hearing that her son had just returned and wanted to leave again, the Empress immediately said, "Chen Ge'er, you've just returned, why do you want to leave again!"

"Your Majesty, the Liao region needs me; I must go."

Zhao Huan said, "Since you want to go, then go."

Zhao Huan considered himself to be quite magnanimous and broad-minded, unlike Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who was wary of even his own son.

If you want to develop your own power, then go ahead and develop it.

"Thank you, Father."

Zhao Huan fell into deep thought once again.

For Zhao Chen, going to Liaodong now is undoubtedly the wisest choice he can make.

If it really is his own idea, that would be wonderful.

I'm afraid this isn't his own idea, but rather that he's being guided by a mastermind behind the scenes.

The political situation is changing, and if Zhao Chen stays in the capital, his special status will inevitably draw him into the power struggle.

Zhao Huan does not want Zhao Chen to get involved.

Once the prince got involved, things became complicated.