Chapter 500: Chapter 270: Showing the Xiongnu Their Place_3
"Alright, I will personally visit Zhao Yang Palace to see the Empress first thing tomorrow morning."
"Once Fifth Sister returns to the palace, Second Mother Consort might come around too, and hopefully, she won’t make me any more soup. If I hear the word ’soup’ again, I might just gag."
Lady Liang held back a smile and said, "In a couple of days when you leave the palace, mention this to the Fifth Prince Consort, so they won’t overthink it."
"Alright."
Zhao Yao chatted with Lady Liang for a while longer before leaving to return to Xingde Palace.
Tong Xi reported to Zhao Yao about the happenings at the morning court: "Your Highness, the Xiongnu are coming to our Great Zhou soon, and everyone is saying that their intentions are not good."
"The Xiongnu are coming to Great Zhou to spy on our military affairs, so how could their intentions be good," Zhao Yao speculated. "When they reach the capital, they will surely provoke us."
"Are the Xiongnu really that audacious?"
"The Xiongnu have always been arrogant and domineering," Zhao Yao said, squinting slightly. "Since they’re coming, we must give them a fierce warning to make it clear that Great Zhou is not to be trifled with."
"The Emperor has entrusted the task of hosting the Xiongnu to Prince Dai, hoping that Prince Dai can intimidate those Xiongnu."
"Second Brother may have the title of War God, but he’s never fought the Xiongnu. They won’t fear a War God title; instead, they might provoke Second Brother. I hope Second Brother won’t easily fall for the Xiongnu’s tricks."
Tong Xi was shocked, "Are the Xiongnu really that devious?"
"Arrogance, deceit, ruthlessness, brutality, bullying the weak — those words describe the Xiongnu," Zhao Yao calculated in his mind how to deal with those Xiongnu when they arrived.
"Your Highness, we must teach them a proper lesson."
"Father and the others will arrange everything," Zhao Yao noted that it wasn’t raining outside and instructed Tong Xi to help him change clothes, as he needed to practice horseback archery at the martial arts arena.
After changing into archery apparel, Zhao Yao headed to the martial arts arena. Upon arrival, he saw many soldiers practicing horseback archery, wrestling, and martial arts...
Zhao Yao asked Fan Ruyi what was going on with the soldiers. Fan Ruyi explained about the imminent arrival of the Xiongnu and said that once they arrived, they would certainly provoke Great Zhou’s soldiers. If Great Zhou’s troops lost to the Xiongnu, the nation’s prestige would be ruined.
The soldiers of Great Zhou must not lose to the Xiongnu, so they were practicing desperately.
Zhao Yao agreed with their determination, though it might seem like last-minute efforts.
"Sir, the Xiongnu cavalry is formidable. When they arrive, they are sure to challenge us."
"Don’t worry, Your Highness. Great Zhou’s cavalry is no worse than the Xiongnu’s."
"No, sir, what I mean is we must give the Xiongnu a warning so severe it would leave them terrified at the mere thought of it," Zhao Yao said, with an idea forming in his mind.
"Your Highness, do you have a plan?"
"Indeed, I just came up with a plan, but I need Father’s approval. After my archery practice, I’ll go find Father."
"If the Emperor approves, I will fully support Your Highness."
"Rest assured, sir, we will need your assistance," Zhao Yao said, "Sir, I must start my practice now."
"Your Highness, be careful."
Zhao Yao practiced horseback archery as usual, withholding his true abilities.
After finishing practice, without even changing his clothes, Zhao Yao rushed to the Imperial Study to see the Emperor.
The Emperor was somewhat surprised to see Zhao Yao at that time. Noting the archery attire and the sweat on Zhao Yao’s forehead and face, he became slightly concerned and asked, "Rascal, what brings you here in such a hurry?"
Sun Kui brought a basin of warm water to assist Zhao Yao in wiping his face and washing his hands, then presented him with a cup of tea.
"Father, it’s not urgent, but there’s something I’d like to discuss with you."
The Emperor inquired, "What’s the matter?"
"Father, it’s like this..." Zhao Yao relayed the idea he had from the martial arts arena to the Emperor.
Listening, the Emperor burst into a beaming smile and said, "I agree. You can choose the people yourself."
"Thank you, Father."
"Rascal, if you don’t give the Xiongnu a fierce warning, I won’t spare you."
Zhao Yao vowed confidently, "Father, rest assured, I will make sure to leave the Xiongnu with a warning they’ll never forget."
"Good, I await your results," the Emperor said with a smile. "If you succeed, you’ll be rewarded."
"Father, the reward doesn’t matter. I’m not doing this for a reward."
The Emperor teased Zhao Yao, "If not for a reward, then what for?"