Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1132 - 146: Prince Han Becomes a Laughingstock

Upon his return to the capital, Zhao Yao did not immediately attend court sessions. Instead, his daily routine involved a morning spent in conversation with Lady Liang and an afternoon in discussions with the emperor within the Imperial Study.

During these afternoon meetings, the guards posted at the Imperial Study's entrance were dismissed. Only Sun Kui and his disciple, Sun Doudou, remained at their posts, ensuring that no third party was privy to the private discussions between father and son.

Meanwhile, the court officials and the harem's consorts were consumed by intense curiosity, desperate to uncover the nature of the father and son's secret daily conversations.

It was common knowledge that Prince Han lacked the emperor's favor, often receiving scant attention. Thus, these unprecedented occurrences, where the emperor dedicated half a day to private audiences with Prince Han, were astonishing. It was inferred that only a matter of significant importance could warrant such prolonged and exclusive interaction.

Speculation ran rampant among the civil and military officials. They pondered what weighty matters Prince Han could possibly be discussing with the emperor. To their understanding, no major events had transpired in Lingnan, nor were there any border conflicts in the South. Could it be that distant nations like Johor and Siam were stirring, contemplating an invasion of the Great Zhou?

This notion seemed improbable. In recent years, countries such as Annan and Johor had maintained a compliant stance, consistently remitting annual tribute to the Great Zhou Dynasty. Furthermore, members of their royal families frequently visited the Great Zhou for leisure, with some even choosing to reside there permanently. It would be exceedingly foolish for them to harbor any hostile intentions.

Given that nations like Annan and Siam posed no immediate threat, what else could Prince Han be discussing with the emperor? Was it possible the emperor was contemplating an offensive against countries like Johor and Annan?

This also appeared unlikely. With the Xiongnu tribes still posing a significant threat along the northern frontier, it was improbable that the emperor would choose this juncture to launch an assault on the southern neighbors. Moreover, the strategic value of conquering these smaller territories was minimal.

These minor states had long since submitted to the Great Zhou and dutifully paid their yearly tribute, rendering any extensive military campaign unnecessary.

Could it be that the emperor and Prince Han shared a profound father-son affection, and having been separated for a year or two, they had an abundance of topics to cover?

This possibility was deemed even less probable.

Despite their fervent conjectures and extensive speculation, the ministers and concubines remained baffled, unable to decipher the true subject of the emperor's discussions with Prince Han.

As the New Year festivities drew near, the court officials engaged in silent prayers, earnestly hoping that Prince Han's conversations with the emperor did not involve any significant matters, thus ensuring a tranquil and worry-free holiday period.

On the eve of the court's recess for the holiday, Zhao Yao's retinue finally arrived in the capital, marking his official return.

Upon witnessing the princely procession disembarking shiploads of valuable goods from Lingnan, the ministers were left dumbfounded, simultaneously overcome with a palpable sense of jealousy.

The sheer abundance of treasures Zhao Yao had acquired during his more than a year's stay in Lingnan suggested a period of deliberate low-profile conduct while he was previously in the capital.

Zhao Yao generously bestowed the majority of his Lingnan acquisitions upon the emperor, with a portion also allocated to his royal siblings. However, he offered nothing to the civil and military officials, a decision that incensed them, leading them to perceive him as tactless and miserly.

In the subsequent court sessions, Zhao Yao became acutely aware of the frosty gazes and veiled barbs directed his way by the officials. Nevertheless, he maintained an outward facade of indifference, choosing to ignore their thinly veiled hostility.

As a consequence of Zhao Yao's magnanimous distribution of gifts, Prince Jing and Prince Dai began to adopt a more cordial demeanor towards Zhao Yao, their younger brother. They even extended invitations for him to visit their respective estates. Zhao Yao, without outright refusal, responded with a noncommittal smile, suggesting they would discuss it at a later time.

On the day preceding the court's closure for the New Year break, the emperor formally issued a marriage decree concerning Zhao Yao.

The court officials were already cognizant of Zhao Yao's return from Lingnan, primarily for the purpose of marriage. Their anticipation grew regarding the identity of the daughter the emperor would decree to wed Prince Han. It was widely speculated that the emperor would not select the daughter of a high-ranking official for this union.

Given Prince Han's historically unfavorable standing with the emperor, it was assumed that even with his recent success in Lignnan, the emperor still did not hold him in high esteem. Consequently, the emperor was expected to choose a bride from families of officials ranked fifth grade or lower.

However, when the emperor proclaimed the marriage decree on that fateful day, the assembled ministers were utterly astonished.

Their faces registered expressions of profound disbelief, as they struggled to comprehend the emperor's decree that a mere peasant girl would be united in marriage with Prince Han.

A peasant girl, whose lineage lacked any governmental ties, and whose family had been farmers for three preceding generations.

The prospect of a peasant girl ascending to the title of princess appeared to be a deliberate act of humiliation orchestrated by the emperor against Prince Han.

Zhao Yao was instantly reduced to a figure of ridicule.

The court officials had always held Prince Han in low regard, but upon hearing the Emperor's marriage decree, they couldn't help but feel a surge of pity and sympathy for Zhao Yao.

Never before, in any preceding dynasty, had there been a princess who originated from a peasant background. Even if the Emperor harbored a dislike for Prince Han, such a drastic measure to disgrace him seemed unnecessary, especially since Prince Han was, after all, his own flesh and blood.

While the ministers felt sorry for Zhao Yao, the citizens of the capital expressed their indignation on behalf of Prince Han.

"Could it be that Prince Han is not the Emperor's biological son?" they whispered. If he were, how could the Emperor possibly treat him with such blatant disregard?

"If Prince Han were not the Emperor's biological son, he would have met his end long ago."

"Given that Prince Han is indeed the Emperor's son, why does the Emperor display such heartlessness towards him?"

"A peasant princess—what could the Emperor possibly be thinking?"

"Does the Emperor truly harbor such profound hatred for his youngest son, Prince Han?"

"Prince Han is truly deserving of our pity."

"Prince Han is such a noble individual, having accomplished so much and performed countless good deeds; why does His Majesty treat him in such a manner?"

The populace of the capital seethed with anger on Zhao Yao's behalf. Many were even seen shedding tears for him.

Zhao Yao, the recipient of widespread commiseration, was at this very moment occupied with pacifying the enraged Prince Chu.

Upon learning of the imperial marriage decree, Prince Chu was consumed by such profound fury that he narrowly avoided losing all composure. Had it not been for a sliver of self-control, he might have publicly confronted the Emperor in court.

Following the adjournment of court, Prince Chu harbored the intention of proceeding to the Imperial Study to demand an explanation from the Emperor, but Zhao Yao intervened.

"Fourth Brother, you must not agree to this marriage decree," Zhao Yao advised. Prince Chu had never experienced such intense rage. From his youth, he had been aware of his Father's lack of affection for his Tenth Brother, yet he never fathomed that Father would stoop to humiliating Tenth Brother in such a fashion. "Father has overstepped his bounds; I shall go to the palace and seek an audience to discuss this." Prince Chu even felt that the Emperor was unworthy of the title 'father'.

Zhao Yao personally prepared a cup of tea for Prince Chu and offered it to him.

"Fourth Brother, please have some tea to calm your temper."

Prince Chu set down the teacup, his gaze falling upon Zhao Yao's remarkably cheerful disposition, which only deepened his own distress.

"Tenth Brother, do not fret, Fourth Brother shall absolutely refuse this marriage on your behalf." The Emperor's intent was to make the entire realm mock Tenth Brother. Tenth Brother was his own kin; how could he be so heartless as to treat him so direly?

Towards the Emperor, Prince Chu had always maintained a profound sense of admiration and reverence. Although the Emperor consistently treated Zhao Yao poorly, Prince Chu felt a deep sense of injustice for his younger brother and harbored a degree of dissatisfaction with the Emperor. However, he had never once considered describing the Emperor as 'cruel'.

He had previously thought that if Father did not favor Tenth Brother, then so be it. As an elder brother, he would ensure Tenth Brother was cherished. Yet, he had never conceived of Father harboring such intense detestation for Tenth Brother.

"Fourth Brother, I believe Father's arrangement for this marriage is quite suitable." Initially, Zhao Yao had been perplexed, but he later came to understand his Father's underlying intention. To be perfectly candid, he had initially been disinclined to accept the marriage, but subsequently learned that his intended Princess Consort had been diligently acquiring various skills solely for his benefit. To refuse the marriage now would be an act of profound cruelty towards Xiao Siyun.

Prince Chu regarded Zhao Yao with astonishment, observing his serene demeanor, utterly devoid of any trace of dissatisfaction or anger.

"Tenth Brother, do you genuinely believe this marriage is a good thing?"

Zhao Yao met Prince Chu's gaze, his tone measured and earnest as he declared, "Fourth Brother, I sincerely believe this marriage is a fortuitous arrangement."

Prince Chu could discern that Zhao Yao was not merely attempting to assuage his concerns but truly perceived the advantageous nature of the union.

"Tenth Brother, you should not so readily resign yourself to fate." Prince Chu surmised that Zhao Yao had become desensitized by years of neglect, especially considering Zhao Yao had never experienced the Emperor's favor since childhood. He believed Zhao Yao had transcended mere grief and held no expectations from the Emperor. Therefore, even a humiliating marriage bestowed upon him was of little consequence.

Sensing Prince Chu's misunderstanding, Zhao Yao offered a gentle smile. "Fourth Brother, I have not resigned myself to fate; I genuinely believe that having a farmer as my Princess Consort is not an unfavorable outcome. Let us not forget, our Lao Zhao family's roots lie with the farmers."

Prince Chu remained dumbfounded upon hearing Zhao Yao's perspective. He had never considered the matter from such an angle.

"Grandfather Emperor and Father were both farmers; Grandfather Emperor consistently emphasized that we of the Zhao family are farmers, admonishing us never to forget our origins." Zhao Yao smiled. "I believe marrying a farmer as my Princess Consort is not a disadvantageous matter; I find no shame in it."

Prince Chu pondered deeply, "Are you saying Father intentionally arranged for you to wed a country lass as Princess?"

Zhao Yao gave a slight nod. "Precisely. After all, our Lao Zhao family has been farmers for generations."

"Father had you marry a farmer's daughter as Princess to declare to the world that we Zhao family haven't forgotten our roots?"

"Indeed. I suspect Grandfather Emperor entrusted Father before his passing to ensure our Zhao family never forgets its origins, stipulating that any Zhao family bride must have a rural background." Zhao Yao carefully crafted his narrative, determined to steer Prince Chu's thoughts. "When Father ascended the throne, Great Zhou had only just been established. For the sake of Great Zhou's stability and to appease various factions, Father's consorts were not chosen from nobility or scholarly families, but from official households. None hailed from the common folk."

Prince Chu inquired, "That makes sense. But why didn't Father permit us to marry farmer Princesses and instead made you marry one?"

"Fourth Brother, your maternal lineage stems from either the elite or scholarly clans; Father couldn't have you wed farmer girls." Zhao Yao gestured to himself. "I am not favored, and my maternal connections are neither elite, scholarly, nor from official households. Marrying a farmer girl as Princess is most befitting for me."

"Isn't Eighth Brother more suited than you?" Prince Chu, though accepting Zhao Yao's explanation, still felt a sense of injustice on his behalf.

Zhao Yao hadn't anticipated Prince Chu considering Prince Wei a more suitable match. His mind swiftly formulated a reason.

"Fourth Brother, when Eighth Brother married, Eldest Brother was still alive."

"Simply because you're not favored, they deem you useless, thus arranging for you to marry a farmer's daughter as Princess?" Prince Chu's smile was tinged with anger.

"Fourth Brother, that's hardly a humiliation, is it?" Zhao Yao replied with a squinted smile. "I genuinely believe marrying a farmer girl as Princess is a good thing."

"Tenth Brother, you don't need to put on an act for me."

"Fourth Brother, I am truly not pretending." He sighed inwardly. It pleased him that Fourth Brother was angry and indignant for him, but Fourth Brother... he looked down on farmers. It wasn't Fourth Brother's fault; among court officials, farmers were rarely respected, even by those who originated from them. "I harbor no internal dissatisfaction."

"Tenth Brother..."

"Fourth Brother, even if you were to argue with Father, he wouldn't agree," Zhao Yao stated. "Enduring mockery and disdain is insignificant to me."