Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1055 - 111: Prince Han Underestimated His Majesty

The King of Chu hasn't returned to the capital so far, leaving his loyal ministers increasingly concerned about potential dangers during his journey back. In the past, while heading to Peng City to probe the stolen copper case, he faced relentless pursuits from the deposed Crown Prince and his followers. Had it not been for the King's ingenuity, he would have fallen to their blades long before.

This journey to the northern region for disaster relief carries risks, as both Prince Dai and Prince Han lurk there—Prince Dai being the greater threat. Should Prince Dai dispatch assassins against the King en route to the capital, his life would hang by a thread.

No updates have come from the King in recent days, leaving everyone in the dark about his survival.

As the expected date for his capital arrival nears, the ongoing silence only deepens the ministers' distress.

Based on his planned route, the King should enter the capital within the coming two days, yet he remains absent.

The King of Chu's supporters, overcome with worry, rush to Minister Li for any scraps of information.

Minister Li possesses no tidings of the King himself. He soothes the group, declaring, "No news from the King is good news, just like when he safely returned from Jiangnan."

"Minister, could the prince have faced another assassination attempt on his way back to the capital?" one anxious minister questions, "Was it Prince Dai who sent men to kill the prince?"

"Prince Dai remains in the north; he surely won't allow the prince a safe return to the capital and must have dispatched pursuers after him."

"Minister, has the prince sent you any message whatsoever?"

"The prince instructed before departing that no word from him signals good fortune. He cautioned us against believing rumors, particularly those claiming his death, to avoid sparking chaos within." Though Minister Li fretted over his grandson's welfare, he trusted in the young man's ability to return unscathed, "Prior to leaving for the north, the prince arranged everything needed, so rest easy and await his arrival patiently."

"The prince enjoys heavenly favor and will undoubtedly return safe and sound."

"Previously, the deposed Crown Prince hounded the prince mercilessly in Jiangnan. Despite their claims of his demise, he came back whole and delivered proof of the Crown Prince's weapons forged from stolen copper." This minister held firm that the King of Chu's fate smiled upon him once more, "He'll navigate this safely too; let's wait calmly for his return."

"Though no updates reach us from the prince this time, neither have reports of his assassination surfaced, suggesting he's fine."

Minister Li kept calming the assembly, "Stay composed and quietly anticipate the prince’s homecoming."

Having heard Minister Li out, the ministers departed far less troubled.

Alone after their exit, Minister Li's facade of serenity crumbled into deep concern.

"Yi’er, return safely to us this time as well."

The King of Chu, uppermost in Minister Li and the ministers' thoughts, pressed onward steadily toward the capital. He knew his escorts had all perished at the hands of Prince Han's suicide squad, convincing the prince of his demise. Luckily, his body double had slipped away unhurt.

With Prince Han convinced of his death, their covert alliance with the Third Princess would intensify—prime conditions for exposing their plot with solid proof. Regrettably, mid-journey to the capital, he lacked agents to press the probe. Delaying until his return would alert Prince Han to his survival, halting the scheme and erasing any chance for evidence.

Determined not to squander this chance, the King of Chu sought the caravan chief that night at their inn.

This leader wasn't Liang Run but another Liang Family kin. Liang Run stayed behind in Wusun for crucial duties, unable to guide the King personally. For security, he tasked Liang Chun with leading the caravan and protecting the King's passage back.

"Your Highness, share any commands you have."

The King cut to the chase, "Have the Tenth Brother dispatch investigators into Prince Han and the Third Princess. Now's the ideal moment to uncover their dealings."

"Fear not, Your Highness; our men are already on it."

"You've dispatched investigators already?" the King exclaimed, surprised, "Was this the Tenth Brother's doing?"

"My second brother lingers in Wusun expressly to probe Prince Han and the Third Princess." Liang Chun explained further, "At Your Highness’ directive, he took on this mission. You noted that Prince Han, believing you dead, would deepen ties with the Third Princess—making this the perfect window for scrutiny."