Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1235 - 194: Extra Episode 1_3

After walking for a while, Zhao Yao returned to the Imperial Study to continue reviewing memorials. Not long after, the Empress brought him a late-night snack.The couple chatted while eating their late-night snack.

In Zhao Yao’s harem, there was only the Empress, without other concubines. First, he was not interested in matters between men and women. Second, he believed that the more women there were, the more disputes would arise. Third, he did not need the harem to check and balance the remnants of the previous dynasty.

After finishing the late-night snack, the Empress returned to her palace to take care of their two children, while Zhao Yao continued reviewing memorials.

Four years ago, the Empress gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl. In another year, the twins would be sent to the Supreme Emperor and the Empress Dowager.

Zhao Yao thought that when the Supreme Emperor and Empress Dowager went out to travel, taking their grandchildren along would allow them to enjoy family happiness.

At the time of the boar hour, Zhao Yao stopped working as scheduled, no longer reviewing memorials. He did not go to the Empress’s palace but directly rested in his own palace.

In a haze of sleep, he saw his Eighth Brother.

He and his Eighth Brother sat on the stone steps at the entrance of Zichen Hall, drinking tea and chatting.

He talked at length with his Eighth Brother, who listened quietly, occasionally responding.

"Eighth Brother, in a few years, you should be able to see the Great Zhou’s time of peace and prosperity."

Emperor Yong’an raised his hand and patted Zhao Yao’s shoulder, smiling, "I knew you could do it."

"To not disappoint you, and to let you see it earlier, I have diligently strived to be a good emperor these past few years." Since becoming emperor, Zhao Yao never said he did not want to be one, nor did he complain about the hardships of being an emperor, unlike the Supreme Emperor who often thought of quitting.

"You’ve worked hard," Emperor Yong’an said with a broad smile, "You’ve done well, I’m proud of you."

"Eighth Brother, with your words, my hard work over these years hasn’t been in vain." Zhao Yao leaned back on his hands, gazing at the night sky, his feet swinging, "By the way, Mother has met Princess Consort Ying, she’s doing well and has traveled to many places."

Emperor Yong’an paused in silence and said, "That’s good."

"Last year, his Eighth Sister-in-law got married to a good husband and recently gave birth to a daughter." Zhao Yao knew that the person Emperor Yong’an felt guiltiest about was his Eighth Sister-in-law. "She’s very happy."

Emperor Yong’an smiled faintly, "As long as she’s happy."

Zhao Yao continued to tell Emperor Yong’an stories of the Empress Dowager and their group’s travels, to which Emperor Yong’an listened intently.

The next morning, Zhao Yao woke up with a smile on his lips.

Tong Xi, noticing Zhao Yao in a good mood, curiously asked, "Your Majesty, did you have a good dream last night?"

"I dreamt of Eighth Brother and talked to him about many things." Over the past five years, Eighth Brother would occasionally visit him in dreams to chat.

"No wonder you’re so happy."

"I’m full of energy now."

After washing up, Zhao Yao went to the dining hall for breakfast. After breakfast, he energetically went to court.

Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu were previously worried that Zhao Yao would be like the Supreme Emperor, uninterested in court affairs, behaving idly, and leaving them frequently to clean up after him. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yao was completely different from the Supreme Emperor; he attended court diligently every day, never slacking in handling state affairs, nor did he ever shirk responsibilities, which greatly relieved their burdens.

The other ministers also liked Zhao Yao, primarily because he increased their salaries. After Zhao Yao became emperor, the court’s wealth increased, enabling him to raise the officials’ salaries.

Officials were evaluated every six months; those with outstanding evaluations could not only be promoted but also receive generous bonuses, or even be rewarded with houses or land.

Zhao Yao believed that as long as the salaries and bonuses were adequate, the officials would be proactive in their work. Facts proved that he was right.

During the Supreme Emperor’s reign, the court was divided into several factions, constantly fighting with each other. If the Supreme Emperor hadn’t kept them in check, the court would have been chaotic long ago. After Zhao Yao ascended the throne, the court was clear and harmonious. All levels of the government were united, striving for a time of peace and prosperity.

In the eighth year of Tianyou, the Great Zhou ushered in a time of peace and prosperity.

In the tenth year of Tianyou, countries from the Western Regions, Lingnan, and even those near Mysir came to pay tribute to the Great Zhou Dynasty, establishing it as the world’s leading nation.

In the twelfth year of Tianyou, Zhao Yao sent out a fleet that finally found the legendary American Continent, bringing back many treasures, including grains, minerals, rubber, and more.

Zhao Yao initiated the era of peace and prosperity in the Great Zhou, and his sons and grandsons continued this era. The prosperity of the Great Zhou lasted for more than a hundred years, which is very rare in history. It’s known as the "Tianyou Prosperity."