Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1133 - 147: Prince Chu Deeply Disappoints the Emperor

Within the Imperial Study, Prince Chu passionately advocated for Zhao Yao, arguing vehemently against the notion of Zhao Yao espousing a commoner girl as his official wife. He proposed that if a marriage to a peasant background was unavoidable, she should at least be relegated to the status of a concubine.

Prince Chu contended that a girl of peasant origins was wholly inadequate to be the official wife of a Prince. He questioned whether, even if literate, such a Princess Consort could master the refined arts of the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Could she navigate complex social dynamics? Would she grasp the intricate etiquette and protocols of the Royal Family? Was she capable of managing a Prince’s grand estate...

The inherent limitations in knowledge, experience, and cultivated skills of a girl from a peasant background placed her far beneath those from esteemed aristocratic and official lineages.

Prince Chu perceived the Emperor’s arrangement for a peasant girl to become Princess Han as a profound insult to Zhao Yao. While he hesitated to challenge the Emperor’s motives for such harsh treatment of Zhao Yao, he felt compelled to speak in his brother’s defense.

He commenced by recounting Zhao Yao’s childhood accomplishments, notably the invention of the stirrup, and enumerated his numerous contributions, emphasizing their significant positive impact on the common populace and the Great Zhou.

Further, he detailed Zhao Yao's transformative work in Swamp Prefecture, highlighting how each initiative had dramatically improved the lives of its inhabitants. Moreover, Zhao Yao had successfully fostered closer ties between Annan and Johor and the Great Zhou.

Sun Kui, observing from the sidelines, felt a rising tide of apprehension as Prince Chu’s emotions escalated, his voice etched with increasing anger and sorrow. A genuine fear gripped him that Prince Chu, in a surge of indignant rage, might directly confront the Emperor, demanding to know the reason for such severe treatment of His Highness Prince Han.

The Emperor, resting his chin on clasped hands, listened with apparent leisure to Prince Chu’s impassioned grievances.

As Prince Chu spoke, he keenly observed the Emperor's demeanor. The absence of any discernible reaction to the extensive praise of Zhao Yao’s deeds stirred a potent mix of anger, frustration, and deep heartache within him.

He found it utterly incomprehensible why his own father would treat his tenth brother in such a manner.

His tenth brother had always been dutiful, never incurring his father’s displeasure, nor had he ever committed any grave offense. Yet, from his youth, he had consistently been denied affection and paternal attention.

Despite the lifelong lack of favor, the tenth brother harbored no resentment. He consistently understood his responsibilities as a prince and tirelessly worked for the welfare of the people.

The tenth brother had journeyed to Lingnan without a word of complaint or seeking any sympathy from his father. He had, through his sole efforts, revitalized the impoverished Swamp Prefecture, transforming it from a remote and backward region into the most vital port of the Great Zhou.

For over a year, the tenth brother had regularly sent provisions to his father. He had even risked his very life for the peace and security of the Great Zhou. All these years, what had been the ultimate goal of his immense efforts? Merely to gain his father’s proper attention, to elicit a single word of praise; yet, what was the final reward? His father’s profound humiliation.

Even after enduring such scorn from his father, the tenth brother remained silent, speaking only in commendation of his father, framing it as his solemn duty as a prince.

Such a devoted and understanding tenth brother, why then did his father...

With each word, Prince Chu’s voice cracked, tears of anger streaming down his face.

Sun Kui, standing nearby, was also moved to tears by Prince Chu’s poignant words. Though aware the Emperor’s intent was not to humiliate Prince Han, hearing Prince Chu’s impassioned defense evoked profound sorrow and righteous indignation on behalf of His Highness Prince Han.

The Emperor, witnessing Prince Chu’s tearful outburst, felt a surprising pang of emotion.

He had never imagined his typically stoic fourth son would weep, and for that impudent young tenth.

Prince Chu’s accusations painted him as a less-than-humane father.

Why did Prince Chu view the decision to allow the young tenth to marry a peasant-born girl as Princess as such an egregious act? As though he were inflicting torture and disgrace upon the young tenth?!

In Prince Chu’s eyes, he, as a father, had seemingly mistreated the young tenth since his earliest days.

“Father, is the tenth brother not your biological son?” For the first time in his life, Prince Chu’s composure shattered. His eyes were reddened, brimming with tears, his expression a tumultuous mix of anger and sorrow. This was unprecedented disrespect shown before the Emperor.

“Of course, he is my biological son.” The Emperor, challenged so directly by Prince Chu, was forced into an inward reflection, questioning if his carefully maintained facade of indifference towards the young tenth had been *too* convincing, leading everyone to believe he actively despised this son.

Sun Kui offered a silent sigh from his heart: His Highness Prince Chu’s deep affection for His Highness Prince Han is truly evident.

"Then why do you treat the tenth brother this way?" The tenth brother, born of the Emperor, has never once shown disrespect. As a prince, he has accomplished numerous deeds that have benefited both the nation and its populace. In his capacity as a son and as a minister, his conduct has been nothing short of exemplary.