After reading the entire contents, Zhao Shu was shocked. "This huge piece of land is all mine? Won't everyone else be green with envy?"
"It's just a piece of land, which you were rightfully entitled to. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead by now. Anyone who dares to gossip about it will be punished! I promised to be your protector, and I'm not the kind of person to go back on my word."
Zhao Shu believed that he was speaking from the heart, but when a person's status changes, everything else will gradually change as well. Since ancient times, it has never been a good thing for someone to be too powerful and overshadow their master. She never thought of asking for a favor in return.
However, if she didn't accept it, he would definitely overthink it. Zhao Shu thought for a moment and said, "I will accept it, but it cannot be inherited. Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes, and they should strive for their own wealth and status."
"Alright, from now on, the title of king will only be given. The title of king can be inherited, but the fiefdom cannot. Uncle Nineteen's share has already been sent to the manor. Don't worry, Ah Jun, I will not harm you."
That's true. If the Yongwang family is wealthy and powerful for generations, possessing things that others don't, they'll likely end up with a terrible death.
It's too conspicuous; not passing it down through generations is a good solution.
Even without hereditary succession, the Yongwang Mansion was already far better than those of other vassal kings.
"Brother Emperor, do you still remember the handkerchief you gave me in Guanzhou?"
"What, is there anything you need? Just write it down, and your brother will agree to anything." He said generously, without the slightest hint of regret.
Zhao Shu thought for a moment, "No, I'll keep it so that if someone frames me in the future, I can use it to save my life."
"Then I'll give you a few more." Zhao Yi said, laughing heartily. It was clear that he was genuinely happy and truly trusted Zhao Shu.
Anyone with common sense knows that if Zhao Shu wanted to seize power, she could have simply supported a foolish prince; there was no need to support him.
He had always understood this, which is why Wei Tingsi did not object. If Wei Tingsi did not agree to his ascension to the throne, even with Zhao Shu's support, he still could not become emperor.
To put it bluntly, Wei Tingsi is the most powerful person in Dayong. He controls a large army and heavy weapons. If he wanted, he could control everything and even become emperor.
Emperor Mingde certainly didn't expect that Wei Tingsi would watch him become the retired emperor. However, he was right at first. Wei Tingsi had no ambition and was a man of his word. But the change came with Zhao Shu.
"Okay, give me more get-out-of-jail-free cards." Zhao Shu joked, but she was just saying it casually. Zhao Yi actually took out two get-out-of-jail-free cards and handed them to her. "Use them sparingly. Each one can only be used once."
Zhao Shu: ...
"Keep it safe. The court is complicated, and governing the country often requires no human sentiment. Just in case."
Zhao Shu: ...She was speechless and could only silently accept the get-out-of-jail-free card. "Just because I have this get-out-of-jail-free card doesn't mean you won't protect me."
"Don't worry, I hope you'll never need it in your lifetime."
Many years later, when Zhao Shu recalled their conversation, she would smile knowingly. She treated Zhao Yi with the utmost sincerity. Zhao Yi did not become dark and twisted because of the persecution he suffered in his childhood. He also gave Zhao Shu the utmost trust, something that many siblings did not do.
Holding two pardons and an imperial edict, Zhao Shu returned to Prince Yong's mansion, followed by a wave of rewards.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard Prince Yong instruct Uncle Fu, "Tell her to wipe it with a damp cloth regularly."
"Yes, but Your Highness, should we send the larger one or the smaller one?" Uncle Fu scratched his head, a little embarrassed, but you can't blame him, it was his first time handling such a matter, and he had no experience.
As Zhao Shu walked in, she was greeted by two bamboo ocarinas, one large and one small, both brand new and likely just made.
"Did Father make these for me?" Zhao Shu asked deliberately, suppressing a laugh. She then pretended to like them very much, saying, "Both the big and small ones are pleasing to the eye. I like them both. Thank you, Father."
Prince Yong: ...I'm speechless.
After a long pause, he asked hesitantly, "I've never heard that you enjoy playing string and wind instruments. If you really like them, your father will make you a better pair. This pair has some flaws."
"It's too much trouble. I'm not picky. As long as Father makes it, A-Jun will like it." Zhao Shu couldn't hold back any longer, and her expression was about to collapse.
Prince Yong was caught in a dilemma, unsure of what to do, and unable to bear seeing Zhao Shu wronged, he said, "Alright, wipe it frequently to avoid hurting your hands."
It's pointless to compromise so quickly.
“Alright, I admit I was lying to you. Compared to these zithers and ocarinas, I much prefer counting silver notes.” Zhao Shu laughed, leaving Prince Yong speechless.
"By the way, Father, hurry up and send it to them, don't keep them waiting." Zhao Shu felt that her daughter was acting too much like a nanny.
Prince Yong glared at her and said awkwardly, "What do you know? Go back to your room and practice your calligraphy. If you can't do needlework well, you can't write badly."
Zhao Shu laughed unkindly, feeling great. However, there were always endless things to deal with. Just as she returned to Qionghua Courtyard, Xiao Zhuzi came over and said, "Princess, we've figured out Yide's escape route."
"Where did she run off to?" Now she was no longer worried that Yi De could cause trouble, but a rat crossing the street could easily taint the whole pot of soup, so she still had to be careful at all times.
Xiao Zhu handed over a piece of intelligence: "She didn't escape at all; she's still in the capital."
Zhao Shu frowned. "She didn't escape?"
"Yes, I just received news that Marshal Wei sent people to search in all directions, but they couldn't find her. All the people she sent out are dead," said Xiao Zhuzi.
Zhao Shu sneered after hearing this, "If she wants to do something during the coronation ceremony, she should inform the palace and also send a message to Lord Xie and the other officials, telling them to be on guard. She has quite a few ruthless people under her command. Don't let them ruin the occasion. It's such a bad omen that we have to be on guard against these petty villains on such a joyous day."
"Yes, this servant will take care of it immediately." Little Zhu was now happy. Looking around, among the members of the imperial clan, who could surpass the Prince Yong's residence?
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