Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1028 - 99: Things Have Gotten Complicated (2)

Zhao Yao instructed, "Regarding those from Southern Wei, remain incurious and display absolutely no interest; simply carry on as if nothing has occurred. If they approach you again, maintain an indifferent facade. Firmly warn them against further contact, insisting that you harbor no belief in the claims of any Southern Wei people."

"The more you demonstrate your skepticism regarding the existence of these individuals, the greater your safety will be. As for their offer to assist in retrieving your lost memories, allow them to persist in their efforts; it is a clinical impossibility for any medicine to truly restore your recollection of the past."

Pei Dingyuan, ever submissive to Zhao Yao’s wishes, nodded obediently: "I understand Your Highness’s command; I shall distance myself completely from the Southern Wei people."

"Tell me... how exactly did these Southern Wei people figure out your identity?" Zhao Yao remarked, filled with sudden contrition. "Had I possessed the foresight, I never would have allowed you to adopt the Pei surname." Zhao Yao theorized that the Southerners had likely tracked Pei Dingyuan down due to that very name. While 'Pei' is a common surname throughout the Great Zhou, it remains rare within the capital city. Given the desperate nature of the Southern Wei faction, it is probable they have been scrutinizing every man named Pei while searching for the Imperial Jade Seal.

"Your Highness commanded me to take the Pei surname for my own benefit, allowing me to finally pay respects to my ancestors," Pei Dingyuan murmured internally. He cared little for the weight of the name; he desired nothing more than to be graced with a name chosen by His Highness himself.

"The stain on the Pei family name was cleansed following the upheaval involving the Yuan family, and they are no longer viewed as turncoats. Those innocent members of the Pei line slaughtered in years past may finally rest in peace." Once the Yuan family’s illicit collusion with the Xiongnu was laid bare, the truth of their plot to frame the Peis also surfaced, leading the Emperor to rectify the family’s grievances immediately. Nevertheless, the court ministers continued to look down upon the Peis, for while they were never traitors to the realm, their arrogance and tyrannical conduct during their zenith had left them with a vile reputation in both history books and the public eye. This is precisely why the preceding Emperor, though he overturned many past injustices upon taking the throne, never saw fit to restore the Pei name.

"However, persistent rumors have always claimed the Pei family hides a great treasure, which is why I forbade you from publicly honoring them. Furthermore, were word to spread that you were a descendant of the Pei, you would be perpetually entangled in danger and catastrophe." Zhao Yao felt the weight of his past decision more than ever; letting Ding Yuan use that surname had truly been a grave risk. "Fortunately, you reside in Lingnan now; it is unlikely anyone will associate you with the original Pei house." His primary concern remained the Southern Wei remnants, who would not easily relinquish their hold on Ding Yuan, seeing as he was their only lead to the Imperial Jade Seal. Alas, the reality of Ding Yuan’s bloodline was a secret that could not be shielded for long.

The very concerns plaguing Zhao Yao were those currently occupied the mind of Pei Dingyuan.

"Your Highness, would it be possible to grant me a new surname now, so that no person might ever suspect I am of the Pei lineage?"

This request left Zhao Yao genuinely taken aback.

"You truly wish to abandon your current surname?"

"Your Highness, in all honesty, I harbor no attachment to the name Pei, nor do I insist on my status as their descendant," Pei Dingyuan replied with deep sincerity. "Years ago, it was you who pulled me from the brink and granted me a new existence."

"If that is the case, I shall grant you a new name."

"I have no objections; it would be the highest honor to receive a surname directly from Your Highness."

Observing the genuine glow of joy on Pei Dingyuan’s face, Zhao Yao chuckled softly: "If that is what you desire, then a name you shall have. From this day forward, let your surname be Liang." He dismissed the idea of using the imperial surname of Zhao, as it would be entirely inappropriate.

Pei Dingyuan had not anticipated such a gesture; to be bestowed the surname Liang by Zhao Yao was an honor beyond measure.

"My deepest gratitude, Your Highness. From this moment onward, I shall be known as Liang Dingyuan."

Zhao Yao had not expected that this simple act of naming would spark such profound happiness in the young man.

"I can only hope your ancestors bear me no ill will for this change."

"Your Highness acts solely for my well-being; I am certain they would find more time to offer their thanks than their condemnation." As he transitioned into his new identity as Liang Dingyuan, a sudden, weightless sense of relief washed over him. The lingering dread and anxiety he felt regarding the Southern Wei agents evaporated alongside his old association.

"Ding Yuan, are you truly certain about discarding the Pei surname?"

"I am entirely certain." Liang Dingyuan recalled the fanatic obsession the Southern Wei people showed toward that relic, and he asked with a flicker of hesitation, "Your Highness, if those of Southern Wei were to succeed in restoring their nation, would that not prove catastrophic for the Great Zhou?"

"Without a doubt, it would be," Zhao Yao admitted. The ambitions of the Southern Wei faction went well beyond merely reviving their fallen state; their intent was to seize control of the Great Zhou, treating the empire as their personal fiefdom.

Liang Dingyuan’s expression hardened immediately: "Your Highness, if these Southern Wei people represent such a grave threat to our nation, we surely cannot afford to remain passive."

"The issue of the Southern Wei is a situation that exceeds our personal reach; it is wiser for us to avoid dwelling on it," Zhao Yao replied firmly. "The capital is fully aware of their movements, and the reason no action has been taken is purely to avoid alerting their main body."

Upon hearing this assurance from Zhao Yao, Liang Dingyuan felt a sense of calm return to his heart.

Zhao Yao offered a few final pieces of advice before summoning Tong Xi to escort him back.

Once the man had retreated from view, Zhao Yao let out a weary sigh. "Ah... the people of Southern Wei truly are like ghosts that refuse to depart."

Tapping his fingers rhythmically against the table, he fell into deep contemplation. A plan had to be constructed to ensure the Southern Wei agents lurking within Swamp Prefecture were neutralized. Yet, he knew that would be a mere temporary fix rather than a complete solution.

How many of them were aware of Ding Yuan’s true background? Was the knowledge confined only to those stationed in Swamp Prefecture? If the leak was limited, then purging that specific group would suffice. But if the news had already spread elsewhere, they would be facing an insurmountable challenge.

Zhao Yao immediately summoned Hidden Guard Alpha, charging the agent to investigate the local Southern Wei cell in Swamp Prefecture and ascertain whether they had leaked the details of Ding Yuan’s identity to their superiors abroad.

He prayed, for the sake of peace, that the secret had stayed anchored in Swamp Prefecture.

Since they had uncovered the origins of Ding Yuan, they almost certainly realized it was he who had been the one to rescue the boy so long ago. The Southern Wei remnants now knew that Zhao Yao was fully cognizant of their presence—a development that was far from ideal. One can only hope they haven't communicated this discovery to the outside world.

Massaging his temples, Zhao Yao murmured in distress, "The path ahead is fraught with difficulty." At the very least, his first priority would be to eliminate the spies hiding within the boundaries of Swamp Prefecture.