Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1051 - 109: The Future Princess Han’s Surprising Origins (Part 2)

"Tch, tch, tch, Fifth Brother is so merciless, erasing the corpse entirely. It belonged to his Fourth Brother, no less."

He Lianfang creased his forehead a little and inquired, "Is Tiger Thirteen gone?"

Zhao Yao gave He Lianfang a cheeky wink, "Uncle, why don't you guess?"

From Zhao Yao's words, He Lianfang realized Tiger Thirteen lived on.

"If Tiger Thirteen survives, then what about that corpse?"

"Of course, they moved the human skin mask onto another body," Zhao Yao grinned slyly. "Prince Han and his followers never imagined the remains they obliterated belonged to someone else, not the real Fourth Brother."

"Prince Han could never have foreseen being played like a fool, chasing shadows because of you." Should Prince Han discover all his schemes fell under Zhao Yao's grasp, rage might claim his life. "Where's Prince Chu at now?"

"To keep Prince Han joyful a bit longer, I've sent word to Fourth Brother claiming Prince Han slew a fake Prince Chu. I urged him not to hurry to the capital and linger on the road awhile."

"With Prince Chu staying away from the capital so long, officials will grow suspicious of foul play." He Lianfang eyed the impish Zhao Yao, "You're having Prince Chu fake death once more. He pulled that trick years back. Will anyone buy it this time around?"

"Should Fourth Brother stay hidden briefly, the court will accept his demise as fact." Zhao Yao lounged with arms pillowed behind his head, drawling lazily, "But whether Fourth Brother chooses to fake death anew and dupe the capital's folk isn't my call; that's up to him alone."

"Prince Chu heads back to the capital already; do you suppose he'll vanish temporarily and skip appearing?" He Lianfang pressed on, "Tricking the sovereign counts as a serious offense."

"I figure Fourth Brother won't opt to hide away longer for a more convincing feigned death." Zhao Yao knew Prince Chu's nature well, "He learned of Prince Han's pact with the Xiongnu's third princess. He'll fret over Prince Han's schemes endangering Great Zhou. Lacking proof, he'll still alert the Emperor, warning him against Prince Han and the third princess." Above throne struggles, Fourth Brother prioritizes Great Zhou's welfare. "Prince Han's face upon Fourth Brother's capital return will be a sight to behold, pity I won't witness it."

Watching Zhao Yao toy with Prince Han, He Lianfang pitied the prince somewhat.

"Should Prince Chu reveal to the Emperor Prince Han's tie-up with the third princess, it'll just tip off the foe and send it fleeing. Better counsel him to hold off telling the Emperor and observe their schemes patiently."

"I warned Fourth Brother, though if he heeds it, who knows."

He Lianfang abruptly questioned, "In your shoes, what would you choose?"

"Without proof, I'd hold back from the Emperor. I'd monitor Prince Han and the third princess closely, then nab them together at the perfect moment, wiping out the danger forever." Regrettably, Fourth Brother differs from him.

He Lianfang approved of Zhao Yao's response heartily.

"That sets you apart most from Prince Chu."

"Uncle, between me and Fourth Brother, who's superior in your eyes?"

"You, without doubt."

"I figured you'd pick me, Uncle," Zhao Yao remarked, "Fourth Brother's approach holds no fault either."

He Lianfang stayed quiet.

"Fourth Brother's capital arrival will stir the court into frenzy once more. Good thing I'm elsewhere."

"You're the one sparking the capital's turmoil, right?"

"Me? No way!" Zhao Yao leaped up, face full of mock outrage, "I've done zilch. Blame lies with Prince Han. Uncle, how can you accuse me so?"

"Didn't you tip off Prince Chu about Prince Han's dealings with the third princess?"

"Uncle, you mean I erred in telling Fourth Brother?"

"You shouldn't have from the outset." He Lianfang had resisted Zhao Yao sharing this with Prince Chu initially.

Zhao Yao shot He Lianfang a fierce look, snapping irritably, "I see no error in doing so." Sharing this with Fourth Brother served Great Zhou partly, and partly boosted Fourth Brother's merits grandly.

He Lianfang spotted Zhao Yao's aims clearly, mocking, "Such tireless scheming from you."

Zhao Yao played dumb, whistling casually, "No clue what you mean."

Refusing to drop it, He Lianfang laid bare Zhao Yao's motives, "Prince Dai earned huge merits quelling Xiongnu at the north border this round. Fearing Prince Dai outshines Prince Chu, you leaked Prince Han's collusion with the third princess to Prince Chu, letting him snag major credit too."

Zhao Yao kept up the pretense, "Never crossed my mind."

He Lianfang snorted coldly, "Ha!"

"Uncle, duties call, so I'm off." Zhao Yao bolted away in a flash.