Chapter 243 His father actually has a patriotic heart

Zhao Qinghui had originally thought that the bargaining chips he offered were already very generous, and Yan Xing and His Royal Highness would be eager to agree. However, after several days passed and there was still no news from the other side, he began to feel a little impatient.

He wanted to urge her, but he felt that he was being too humble.

Zhao Qinghui was a little hesitant. He went to the study to meet Zhao Yanming and told him about his confusion.

Zhao Yanming was in his forties, dark-skinned, and a quiet man. Judging from his appearance, it was hard to tell that he had been lying dormant for many years, acting as a hidden pawn in the Qianyuan Emperor's private treasury.

Zhao Yanming sighed softly and said, "How can my Zhao family afford to take advantage of Qiao now?"

Zhao Yanming was disappointed to see Zhao Qinghui losing his temper. But there was nothing he could do. He only had this one son, and he had devoted all his energy to raising him since he was young, but unfortunately, he was a useless child.

Zhao Yanming sighed softly, "Go ahead. Now that you've lowered your stance, stop pretending. Our Zhao family has no way out now."

Zhao Qinghui nodded, but couldn't help but ask his doubts: "Father, why did we... betray..."

Zhao Yanming suddenly looked at him with sharp eyes, and Zhao Qinghui didn't dare to say anything more.

Why betray Emperor Qianyuan?

After a moment of silence, Zhao Yanming said, "I am loyal to the emperor, but I am also a Han Chinese. Dagan is my country. Before loyalty to the emperor, I love my country more. Your Majesty has made mistakes and has damaged the foundation of the country. If this continues, the country will no longer exist."

Zhao Qinghui was stunned. His father actually had a patriotic heart.

Zhao Yanming looked at him in surprise without explaining.

The Zhao family had no special abilities, and even he was mediocre in talent. His only advantage was being obedient and loyal to the emperor. This was also the reason why Emperor Qianyuan chose the Zhao family. It must be said that Emperor Qianyuan had a very good vision.

Ever since he took charge of the private treasury for Emperor Qianyuan, Zhao Yanming has been working diligently and conscientiously, just to find a way out for the Zhao family.

But in recent years, the world has been in chaos and the people are living in misery. It’s okay for the people, but if things continue like this, I’m afraid the country will perish.

Emperor Qianyuan had previously said that this silver would be used to build a new elite army that would obey only his orders. Indeed, such an army existed. However, the empire was in chaos, and even Yanhui Pass was lost, and this army did not intervene to quell the rebellion. Dagan was plunged into even greater chaos.

This time, in order to raise food and fodder, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lowered his status and appealed to civil and military officials for donations, which deeply touched Zhao Yanming.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the legitimate heir to the throne, so it would not be considered deceiving the emperor if he chose someone else to pledge allegiance to.

Of course, Emperor Qianyuan was seriously ill and the prince gradually gained power, which was also an important reason for Zhao Yanming to make his choice.

Now His Royal Highness still needs his support, this is like providing timely assistance. It is better than going to seek help later when His Royal Highness has established a firm foothold, which would not be as sincere.

Zhao Yanming said coldly, "Zhao Qinghui, listen carefully. You can fight for power, you can use all means, you can do anything for wealth and glory. But you are a big gun!"

Zhao Qinghui was shocked. His father had never spoken to him in such a stern tone before.

He quickly agreed seriously.

Zhao Yanming finally let him go and said in a slower tone, "Go again tomorrow... to the Duke's Mansion. Once you've brought your shoulder to the Crown Prince, ask to see him. Explain the matter to him again." After a pause, he added, "As for Qingwan's matter, if the Crown Prince truly doesn't want to, then forget it."

Zhao Qinghui quickly said, "Father, how can this be possible? We offer such a huge benefit just to get the prince to marry my sister and give her a home. This is not excessive..."

"The Duke's Mansion never takes concubines! She's a remarried woman, and she still wants to be the Crown Prince's Consort?" Zhao Yanming's tone was full of disdain: "You have the nerve to mention it, I'm too embarrassed to even say it!"

"That matter has its priorities..." Zhao Qinghui couldn't help but speak for his sister: "What will Qingwan do in the future? Even if it's not the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness..."

Zhao Yanming sneered, "Do you think that since she can't be the Crown Prince's concubine, she can become the Crown Prince's concubine?"

Zhao Qinghui: “…”

Zhao Qinghui was unconvinced and said, "Dad, Qingwan is also your daughter. How can you look down on her like this?"

Zhao Yanming was very calm, his expression even cold. "I don't want to look down on her, but I know my own limitations. Yan Xing and the Crown Prince are both exceptional men. They might not have chosen her before she got married, let alone now?" He paused, then continued, "We do have leverage, but with Zhao Qingwan, our leverage becomes seven. You have to understand: the Crown Prince doesn't get the private vault just by marrying Zhao Qingwan. The private vault is not Zhao Qingwan's accessory. Zhao Qingwan is the private vault's accessory! And because of this accessory, it's very likely that they won't even want the private vault. Do you understand?!"

These words were not difficult to say, but they were indeed unpleasant to the ears, and Zhao Qinghui's expression changed unpredictably.

He didn't expect that his sister would be so despised by his own father.

But the more unpleasant the words sound, the more likely they are to be the truth.

What could Zhao Qingwan possibly have that could have moved Yan Xing? The companionship of a childhood sweetheart? Now it had been proven to be nothing more than a ruse.

Zhao Qinghui fell silent.

Zhao Yanming said, "We have no choice. If His Majesty finds out that we have second thoughts, will he let us go? Are you willing to put the Zhao family into an irreparable situation just for Zhao Qingwan?"

Zhao Qinghui couldn't answer a single word.

In the end, Zhao Qinghui could only leave in silence.

As soon as Zhao Qinghui walked out of the study, Zhao Qingwan sent a maid to invite him over.