Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Speaking of which, when foreigners reach Swamp Prefecture’s wharf, besides checking their entry proof, their belongings will also be inspected. Not all items can enter Swamp Prefecture, such as unknown objects and weapons. Weapons can be brought into Lingnan, but with limitations. Unidentified objects include unseen items, unrecorded items, harmful items, etc. If smuggling is discovered, one faces heavy fines and imprisonment in Swamp Prefecture’s government jail. Large-scale smuggling could result in beheading.

These days, the busiest officials are customs officers under the Ministry of Revenue. They inspect every foreigner arriving at Swamp Prefecture to ensure no errors before allowing entry.

Previously, one foreign merchant’s attendant showed discomfort with a fever, and upon discovery, was denied entry and warned sternly.

It’s precisely because of stringent checks in Swamp Prefecture that the safety of its residents is ensured.

Zhao Yao wishes to develop Swamp Prefecture into Great Zhou’s largest trade province, yet won’t sacrifice its people’s safety for it.

Seeing Swamp Prefecture’s stringency, both foreigners and non-locals dare not act rashly.

Several days ago, some foreigners and non-locals gathered and fought in Swamp Prefecture; all were captured and publicly beaten at the government entrance. After the beating, they were imprisoned, and currently still held. Witnessing their fate, others dare not cause trouble in Swamp Prefecture.

Before the Dragon Boat Festival, Swamp Prefecture’s patrols became more stringent to ensure no incidents occur on the festival day.

On Dragon Boat Festival day, early morning, it bustled with excitement and celebration.

Swamp Prefecture’s various government entrances distributed free zongzi, available to locals, non-locals, and foreigners alike.

There are many varieties of zongzi: plain ones, honey date zongzi, red bean zongzi, meat zongzi, etc. Overall, there are flavors from all over Great Zhou. Some zongzi contain a Copper Coin, which, when eaten, indicates good luck.

Early morning, local people lined up to receive zongzi.

Originally, non-locals and foreigners felt disdainful to claim zongzi, thinking it beneath them. But upon hearing that zongzi might contain a Copper Coin, bringing good fortune for business, attitudes changed.

Locals are obsessed with good luck, fervently urging non-locals and foreigners to claim zongzi from the government office.

Non-locals and foreigners come to Swamp Prefecture for business and want some good luck, so they join locals in lining up for zongzi.

Upon receiving zongzi, everyone immediately unwrapped and ate them. Those eating a Copper Coin would happily shout, and nearby people congratulated them.

In high spirits, Zhao Yao donned casual clothing and joined the people to claim zongzi, curious to see if he could get one containing a Copper Coin.