Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1122 - 142: Prince Chu’s Worries (2)

"I have no idea, Your Highness."

Prince Chu inquired, "Where is our Tenth Brother at this moment?"

"He is nearing Qiantang."

"Dispatch someone to greet Tenth Brother without delay." If given the choice, Prince Chu would have personally journeyed to Qiantang to welcome Zhao Yao.

"Yes, Your Highness, I shall send someone immediately."

After Wei Mian’s departure, Princess Consort Chu entered. She had inadvertently caught fragments of the conversation between Prince Chu and Wei Mian.

"Your Highness, Prince Han is blessed by fortune; he will surely be safe," Princess Consort Chu understood how deeply Prince Chu cared for his younger brother, Prince Han. She harbored concerns about Prince Chu’s potential reaction should anything befall Prince Han.

Recalling the horrifying scene from his dream where Zhao Yao met his end at the hands of an assassin, Prince Chu felt a sting of tears.

"You speak the truth, Tenth Brother will undoubtedly be secure." It was no wonder Tenth Brother had not disclosed his precise return date to the capital. It appeared Tenth Brother had long anticipated that Prince Han would dispatch individuals to assassinate him.

"Your Highness, the night air grows cold; it is time you retired."

"My Princess, please return and rest," Prince Chu said with gentle eyes as he looked at Princess Consort Chu, "I shall be fine."

Princess Consort Chu also recognized that Prince Chu would find no rest, stating, "Then I shall remain here with you, Your Highness."

"There is no need for that, you should go back." Prince Chu then called for someone from outside to escort Princess Consort Chu back to her chambers.

With no alternative, Princess Consort Chu complied and returned to her rest.

Prince Chu remained seated at his desk, contemplating the motives behind Prince Han’s desire for Zhao Yao’s demise.

Could Prince Han truly be aware of Tenth Brother’s knowledge regarding his illicit dealings with the Third Princess Consort? And in his inability to eliminate Tenth Brother directly, Prince Han was now venting his rage upon him.

Wait, wasn't Prince Han supposed to be gravely ill and unable to return to the capital until the year’s end? Could it be that Prince Han's illness is merely a pretense?

For what reason would Prince Han resort to feigning sickness?

For Prince Han, his return to the capital at the year’s end holds immense significance; he would not pretend to be ill without a compelling cause.

Could Prince Han's absence from the capital during this crucial period be connected to Tenth Brother?

What action had Tenth Brother taken that instilled such fear in Prince Han, preventing his return?

It seems Tenth Brother must have accomplished something monumental, something so significant that Prince Han dared not set foot back in the capital.

Could Tenth Brother have uncovered proof of Prince Han’s secret alliance with the Xiongnu and the Third Princess Consort?!

Only such a discovery could compel Prince Han to avoid returning.

Understanding that Tenth Brother had indeed secured the incriminating evidence, Prince Han resorted to hiring an assassin to end his life.

Tenth Brother, fearing the potential repercussions for him, chose not to divulge the matter, intending to bear the burden alone.

Having pieced everything together, Prince Chu inwardly cursed Zhao Yao.

Once Zhao Yao safely reaches the capital, Prince Chu resolved to deliver a stern admonishment. However, for the immediate time, the paramount objective was to ensure Zhao Yao’s swift and secure return.

Far out at sea, "Zhao Yao" found himself once again targeted by assassins. However, he was no longer aboard the Liang family’s merchant vessel. The individual impersonating "Prince Han" on the ship was an imposter, while the real Zhao Yao had already discreetly disembarked.

Tong Xi, who had been utterly vexed by the constant threat of assassins, to the point of sleepless nights, was now ferociously dispatching the attackers.

As Zhao Yao’s personal eunuch, Tong Xi was bound to remain on the ship, guarding the decoy Prince Han, lest their elaborate deception be uncovered.

Zhao Yao, adopting a different guise, boldly boarded a ship departing from Qiantang, setting course for the capital.

Regrettably, the circumstances prevented him from making a stop in Yangzhou to visit his grandfather and the rest of his family. He could only postpone this reunion until his return to Swamp Prefecture, when he could make a detour.

This particular assassination attempt persisted until the first light of dawn.

His body coated in blood, Tong Xi sank heavily onto the ground, letting out a soft sigh, "Ah, when will these relentless assassinations cease?"

Liang Chun, seated beside him, responded, "Likely not until we have safely reached the capital."

Tong Xi waved a dismissive hand, remarking, "Even upon reaching the capital, the attacks may not cease. The Xun Family will undoubtedly seek retribution."

"The Xun Family displays excessive arrogance," Liang Chun stated with indignation. "Once he returns to the capital, he must make the Xun Family pay a steep price."

"After the New Year commences, he shall bestow upon the Xun Family the gift of complete annihilation," Tong Xi sneered, continuing, "For now, let them revel in their fleeting arrogance."

"Does he already possess the evidence?"

"He should." Unable to tolerate the lingering scent of blood upon himself, Tong Xi rose, saying, "Young Master, I must take my leave."

"Safe travels, Sir."

Meanwhile, in the distant capital, Prince Chu received further intelligence arriving from the palace.

Yang Ling questioned with astonishment, "Why would the Emperor be looking into the connection between Shu Pin and Princess Consort De? Weren't they supposed to be sworn enemies?"

"It appears their animosity is not as deep as perceived," Prince Chu mused, his brow furrowed. "They must share a unique bond, or else Father wouldn't suddenly take an interest in their affairs."

"Could Shu Pin and Princess Consort De have committed some offense?"

"Outwardly, they've done nothing amiss. However, I suspect they might have been involved in clandestine activities together," Prince Chu's mind raced to the two incidents: Prince Han's prolonged absence from the capital at the year's end and his clandestine plot to assassinate Zhao Yao.