CHAPTER 529: CHAPTER 284: WALK THE TALK

In Wende Hall, Mr. Xiao was giving Zhao Yao a lesson, but Zhao Yao, this student, wasn’t really listening, even though he looked like he was focused on the lecture.

At this moment, he should be with his brothers in Fengyang Palace.

Today is the day when the Xiongnu envoys are formally paying respects to the emperor. Everyone is in Fengyang Palace, while he is stuck here in Wende Hall studying. On such an important day, in such an important occasion, he, as the Tenth Prince, still has to continue studying. Isn’t that unfair?

Stupid father, he actually made him keep studying in the morning, not allowing him to go to Fengyang Palace!

He wanted to watch the spectacle, why wouldn’t they let him watch?!

The stupid father was really too much!

Zhao Yao was cursing the emperor wildly in his heart, causing the emperor to almost sneeze several times.

No matter how discontented Zhao Yao felt inside, he had to properly study in Wende Hall.

After Mr. Xiao finished the year’s content, he turned to leave, allowing Zhao Yao a short break.

Tong Xi brought in hot tea and snacks, along with some gossip he had heard.

While eating the snacks, Zhao Yao listened to Tong Xi speak about the happenings in Fengyang Palace.

"Just now, the emperor has decreed to execute those five Xiongnu bandit leaders."

Zhao Yao asked, "When will they be executed?"

"Tomorrow at noon, execution at Wu Gate," Tong Xi said, "The decree has already spread throughout the entire capital." As he spoke, he winked at Zhao Yao, "Your Highness, shall we go to the Wu Gate to watch tomorrow?"

Zhao Yao shook his head and said, "What’s so interesting about an execution?"

"Your Highness, this is different. Tomorrow’s execution involves Xiongnu, the entire capital will be there to see it." Tong Xi, worried that Zhao Yao wouldn’t come, tried to provoke him, "Your Highness, are you afraid..." But before he could finish, the hat on his head was smacked hard.

"Provocation doesn’t work on me."

Tong Xi quickly offered an ingratiating smile to Zhao Yao, "Your Highness, this servant knows you are brave and wouldn’t fear seeing Xiongnu beheaded, it’s this servant who wants to see it. Could you take me to watch tomorrow?"

Zhao Yao thought for a moment and said, "If Mr. Xiao gives me a holiday tomorrow, I’ll take you to watch."

"Executing Xiongnu, surely the teachers will also go to watch."

"You have a point," Zhao Yao said. After all, this is the first execution of Xiongnu since the founding of the Great Zhou, so naturally, it will attract many people.

"By the way, Your Highness, the Xiongnu envoys proposed a challenge to the emperor, saying it was a friendly competition."

Zhao Yao wasn’t surprised at all about the Xiongnu envoys proposing a challenge. He asked, "Did the Xiongnu envoys say what kind of competition?"

Tong Xi replied, "Horseback archery."

"As expected!" Zhao Yao had a face of ’already knew it,’ "When is the competition?"

"This afternoon, after the lunch banquet," Tong Xi relayed, "The emperor said it’s an afternoon amusement."

"There will be a good show to watch in the afternoon." Zhao Yao then asked, "What are they doing now?"

"Still negotiating in Fengyang Palace."

"I really want to go to Fengyang Palace to hear what they are discussing." Zhao Yao said with puffed cheeks, "Stupid father didn’t let me go to Fengyang Palace, it’s really infuriating!"

Just then, Mr. Xiao walked in with a book in hand.

Tong Xi hurriedly stood up, saluted Mr. Xiao, then tidied the tea cups and plates before exiting the room.

Mr. Xiao asked, "Your Highness, do you know why the emperor didn’t allow you to go to Fengyang Palace?"

Zhao Yao, cheeks still puffed, said, "Because I’m too young."

"That isn’t the main reason."

"Isn’t it?" Zhao Yao looked surprised, "Then what is it?"

Mr. Xiao did not answer Zhao Yao’s question directly but instead said, "At this very moment, there’s a negotiation game happening in Fengyang Palace."

Zhao Yao didn’t understand why Mr. Xiao was stating the obvious and asked puzzledly, "Sir, what does this have to do with my father not letting me go to Fengyang Palace?"

Mr. Xiao still didn’t answer Zhao Yao’s question directly, continuing to say, "Your Highness, all the people in Fengyang Palace right now are court ministers."

Zhao Yao still didn’t get Mr. Xiao’s point and looked completely befuddled, "I know, so what?"

Mr. Xiao took a deep look at Zhao Yao and then smiled meaningfully.

Zhao Yao saw Mr. Xiao suddenly stop explaining and just smile at him.

"Sir, why are you smiling at me?"

Seeing that Zhao Yao hadn’t yet figured it out, Mr. Xiao smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness, think carefully."

Zhao Yao asked in confusion, "Think about what?"

"Your Highness, let’s start the lesson," Mr. Xiao no longer spoke on the matter and shifted topics, "Today, let’s talk about the Xiongnu."

Zhao Yao found it quite mystifying, but he couldn’t say more and assumed a posture of listening intently.