Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1126 - 143: Arrival in the Capital (Part 3)
Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
Zhao Yao reclaimed his true form as he traveled towards the Prince Chu Mansion. Upon his arrival at the gates, the guards were momentarily taken aback before excitedly snapping to attention and saluting him.
"Greetings, Prince Han."
"Rise, all of you," Zhao Yao responded with a smile, inquiring, "Is my Fourth Brother at home?"
"The Prince is currently in, please come in."
Zhao Yao possessed the privilege of entering the Prince Chu Mansion without formal announcement.
Inside his study, Prince Chu was overseeing his son's studies. Upon hearing from Wei Mian of Zhao Yao’s arrival, he promptly abandoned his son and hurried out of the room.
As Prince Chu spotted Zhao Yao approaching from a distance, he halted, his gaze fixed intently upon his younger brother, whom he had not seen for over a year.
Zhao Yao, seeing Prince Chu, immediately waved and called out, "Fourth Brother, I am back!" He then dashed towards Prince Chu.
Prince Chu opened his arms wide, and Zhao Yao charged into his embrace, just as they had done during their childhood.
Zhao Yao held Prince Chu close, his words dripping with affection, "Fourth Brother, I have missed you dearly."
With an arm draped around Zhao Yao, Prince Chu patted his back.
Witnessing this tender reunion, Wei Mian’s eyes glistened slightly.
The brothers held each other for a considerable time before finally releasing their grip.
Zhao Yao took Prince Chu’s hands, his eyes scanning his elder brother whom he hadn't laid eyes on for more than a year.
"Fourth Brother, let me get a proper look at you."
Prince Chu permitted Zhao Yao’s inspection, while simultaneously scrutinizing Zhao Yao himself.
"Fourth Brother, why have you lost weight again? Are you not eating well?"
A faint smile touched Prince Chu’s lips. "You've certainly grown taller."
Mention of his height brought a proud gleam to Zhao Yao’s eyes. "Fourth Brother, I am now half a head taller than you."
Prince Chu placed a hand on Zhao Yao’s shoulder and chuckled, "You've grown a lot." Yet, in Prince Chu’s eyes, Zhao Yao still resembled a child.
"Fourth Brother, I am a grown man now," Zhao Yao declared, hands placed firmly on his hips. "And I have become quite handsome too."
Prince Chu understood the implication of Zhao Yao's 'handsomeness' and nodded in agreement. "You have indeed become quite handsome."
"Fourth Brother, where are my sister-in-law and my young nephew and niece?" Zhao Yao inquired. "Quickly, take me to see them."
After meeting his sister-in-law, nephew, and niece, and exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Yao retired to bathe and change his attire.
Having endured a long and dusty journey, a thorough cleansing was in order.
Post-bath, Zhao Yao made his way to the Prince Wei Mansion. He knew his eighth brother would be displeased if he delayed their meeting until the following morning.
Prince Chu offered no objection to Zhao Yao's departure but requested his return to the Prince Chu Mansion later that evening.
Upon meeting Prince Wei, the brothers shared another heartfelt embrace.
Aware of Zhao Yao’s recent return and the hardships of his journey, Prince Wei did not detain him for an extended period.
Zhao Yao returned to the Prince Chu Mansion to rest. However, he had given his word to Prince Wei that he would spend the following night at the Prince Wei Mansion.
Prince Chu had been anticipating Zhao Yao’s return. The moment he was back, any further conversation was set aside as Prince Chu simply led him to bed.
Much like in their youth, the brothers shared a bed once more.
Zhao Yao had intended to continue their conversation, but to his surprise, he succumbed to sleep the instant he lay down.
Prince Chu, however, did not immediately retire. Instead, he quietly observed Zhao Yao for a while.
Meanwhile, news of Zhao Yao’s return to the capital reached the Emperor. Initially delighted, his mood quickly soured, replaced by annoyance that Zhao Yao had not paid his respects to him first, opting instead to visit Prince Chu and Prince Wei.
Sun Kui felt a sense of satisfaction upon hearing of Zhao Yao’s safe return to the capital.
He had harbored a firm conviction that Prince Han would undoubtedly return safely.
The Emperor, addressing Sun Kui, issued a command: "Tomorrow morning, head to the Prince Chu Mansion and bring that brat back to the palace."
"Your Majesty, is this because you miss Prince Han?"
"Miss him? It is Xiao Xiao who misses him."
Sun Kui, choosing not to expose the Emperor's veiled sentiment, inquired, "Your Majesty, are you pleased with Prince Han's safe return?"
A smile spread across the Emperor's face. "I am very pleased." He was confident the young man would not disappoint him. "Go now and inform Xiao Xiao of the brat's return." Burdened with memorials to review, the Emperor did not proceed to Kunde Hall.
"I shall depart at once."
Lady Liang had not yet retired for the night. Upon learning of Zhao Yao's return to the capital, a radiant smile illuminated her face.
"He is back, it is good that he is back, it is so good that he is back!"
Although the Emperor had not informed Lady Liang of the assassination attempt Zhao Yao had faced en route back to the capital, she had already surmised it.
"Your Highness has finally returned; now you can rest assured," Gui Xing said. Although Lady Liang hadn't spoken of it, Gui Xing could tell she had been deeply concerned about Zhao Yao's well-being during his absence. "After being apart for this past year, do you think His Highness has grown taller or perhaps gained some weight?" "It has been more than a year," Lady Liang replied, the time feeling much longer, like ten years, in her heart. "It truly feels as though my child has been away for an eternity." "I share that sentiment, Your Highness." "My child has returned to the capital without a word," Lady Liang mused. She hadn't anticipated his arrival so soon. "I thought he would return much later." "Your Highness, the Prince likely intended to give you a pleasant surprise," the attendant suggested. "It certainly is a surprise," Lady Liang agreed, a flicker of concern crossing her mind. "I only hope Yao Yao is not injured."