Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1024 - 98: The Southern Wei People Find Pei Dingyuan

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Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
A devastating locust plague strikes the Xiongnu prairies, halting their planned attack on Great Zhou and driving them southward in desperation for food. Prince Dai and Chu Ying command the Northern Border troops to fiercely repel multiple Xiongnu assaults, including their elite Iron Cavalry, inflicting heavy casualties and destroying over half of it. As the Xiongnu rally for another push, the Qiulin and Han Tribes launch a surprise attack on the Royal Court, exploiting the new Modu Chanyu's divided forces and forcing his retreat. In Great Zhou's north, Princes Chu and Han address the encroaching locust disaster with court-supplied aid, earning public gratitude amid lingering dissatisfaction toward Prince Han's initial inaction in Youzhou.

Recently, reports from the northern regions have been slowly filtering into the Prince Han Mansion.

Right now, inside the study at Prince Han's residence, Zhao Yao examined the fresh intelligence reports. Once he finished reading, his forehead creased initially, a confused look appeared next, and in the end, his face grew solemn.

He Lianfang spotted the shift in his demeanor and questioned worriedly, 'What happened?'

Without a word, Zhao Yao passed the confidential document to He Lianfang.

He Lianfang accepted the missive and scanned it over. Upon completion, his reaction matched Zhao Yao's exactly.

'What exactly is Prince Han scheming?'

Zhao Yao reflected briefly, 'Maybe it's deliberate, meant to deceive us into believing he scoffs at his good name, and to convince us he's got no designs on the throne.' He continued, 'Crucially, he aims for Father to view him as dutiful, so that absent Father's explicit command, he wouldn't presume to unlock Youzhou's storehouses for famine assistance independently.'

'Indifferent to reputation?' He Lianfang lifted a brow a touch, 'Prince Han's standing in the north lies in tatters now; does he genuinely not give it a thought?'

'Uncle, a name doesn't matter much. Should Prince Han earn infamy and alienation from the northerners today, the moment he seizes the throne, that dark mark will vanish, and the northern folk won't dare hold grudges against him.' Against unchallenged authority, fame amounts to zero. Gripping the reins of life and death turns foul repute into acclaim. 'Does my father fret over his own name?' A fine reputation helps at times, but usually it only shackles. Obsessing over it curbs so many deeds. Plus, weighing name first twists the true nature of actions.

He Lianfang saw logic in Zhao Yao's view, 'So Prince Han's purposely wrecking his image to keep you all from fretting over him?'

Zhao Yao dipped his head faintly and replied, 'Correct. Furthermore, Prince Han's long operated by his own fancies, unconcerned with public views.'

He Lianfang lifted his gaze, fixing it intently on Zhao Yao: 'Prince Han's name is soiled in the north, yet yours has echoed everywhere there. Northerners brim with thanks for you. Don't you worry about claims of fame-hunting, or dread from Prince Dai and his group?'

Zhao Yao shot back, 'Uncle, even staying passive, won't Prince Dai and the rest remain wary of me?' He'd long dismissed Prince Dai's caution. 'If fame drove my northern grain aid, I'd trumpet it wide, declaring that I, Zhao Yao, pulled from personal coffers to ship a thousand catties north, locking in their appreciation. If I dreaded Prince Dai and company, I'd lift not a finger. My grain to the north solely aids its people, and I disregard whatever else folks opine.' He invariably followed his moral compass, unbothered by peripherals.

'Your moves serve the people, but Prince Dai and others won't see it that way.'

'Let them believe as they please.' Zhao Yao gave a mocking huff, 'Even supposing I chased fame, so be it? Court ministers still disdain me as Prince Han; they'd call my doings pointless toil. As for Prince Dai and his lot, they've never viewed me as a threat. They lust after my riches and stockpiles. Their ploys to sideline me arise not from mortal peril I bring, but from fear my backing will empower Fourth Brother, blocking their shot at matching him.' One fact escaped He Lianfang; Zhao Yao covertly funneled vast sums and supplies to Prince Chu.

Zhao Yao firmly chose to avoid the throne and to propel Prince Chu toward it. He puzzled over why the emperor and He Lianfang saw him as emperor-worthy, but held that Prince Chu suited the crown far better.

To Prince Chu, he provided only funds and goods, no more. Though his spy networks proved mighty, he never shared reports with Prince Chu. Such an act would gravely wrong Prince Wei.

He Lianfang eyed the carefree Zhao Yao, jibing, 'You grasp things keenly.'

Zhao Yao grinned and answered, 'I've always grasped things keenly.' He constantly knew his own abilities and realized deeply he wasn't cut for the throne.

He Lianfang queried, 'What's your next step?'