Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1130 - 145: Meeting Xiao Siyun

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Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
Prince Han is officially framed and on the verge of rebellion. Zhao Yao reveals his plan to his mother, Lady Liang, to not only use Prince Han's inevitable revolt as an excuse for his death but also to dismantle the Xiongnu tribes. Lady Liang also learns about the secret alliance between Lady Shu and Princess Consort De, and how Noble Princess Consort Rong's illness was a genuine ploy to keep Prince Dai away from the capital and in a position of military power.

Within the Imperial Study, the emperor’s stare was fixed upon Zhao Yao, a long silence punctuated by his obvious displeasure.

Zhao Yao, however, paid no mind to his furious father and instead shifted his gaze toward a palace maid entering with tea.

She appeared to be a young woman of fifteen or sixteen, her beauty striking, her skin as fair as snow.

A thought crossed Zhao Yao's mind: this maid was destined to be his future princess.

Observing his son’s attention diverted from him to Xiao Siyun, the emperor let out a disdainful snort.

Zhao Yao acted as if he heard nothing.

Xiao Siyun, tea tray in hand, approached Zhao Yao with her head bowed. The moment she stepped into the Imperial Study, she felt Prince Han’s eyes upon her. Her heart fluttered wildly, and she edged closer to him, step by careful step, a knot of nervousness tightening in her chest.

As she finally stood before Zhao Yao, Xiao Siyun’s heart hammered against her ribs. She took a discreet, steadying breath, composed herself, and spoke in a clear voice, "Please have some tea, Prince Han."

Zhao Yao’s gaze lingered on Xiao Siyun as he reached out to accept the tea cup.

With a graceful curtsy, Xiao Siyun respectfully withdrew.

Zhao Yao’s eyes tracked Xiao Siyun’s movements until she was out of the Imperial Study, only then did he finally break his gaze.

The emperor picked up a memorial scroll and hurled it toward Zhao Yao.

Zhao Yao’s hand shot out, catching the airborne document with practiced ease.

"Have you seen enough?" the emperor inquired, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Shall I summon her back for you to admire at your leisure?"

Zhao Yao met his father's glare with a defiant roll of his eyes. "Is she not to be my future princess? What harm is there in looking a little more?"

Just as the emperor raised his tea cup, his action halted mid-air at his son's words. He looked at his youngest son, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes. "What did you say?"

"Is Xiao Siyun not the princess you yourself chose for me?"

The emperor’s shock was palpable. "How did you know?"

Zhao Yao arched an eyebrow, retorting, "Should I not know?"

The emperor’s eyes narrowed, fixing a sharp, calculating gaze upon Zhao Yao. He spoke, his voice adopting a faux seriousness, "You possess considerable audacity.""Prince Han has urgent news for His Majesty. I am not suited to be privy to such matters," Sun Kui wisely stated, recognizing the boundaries of what he could and should overhear. "If His Majesty requires my service, he will summon me."