Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1135 - 148: Time to Cast the Net

Within the confines of Prince Chu Mansion's study, Prince Chu recounted his recent audience with the Emperor to Yang Ling. Upon hearing the details, Yang Ling's heart grew heavy with concern.

"Your Highness, I fear His Majesty harbors a sense of disappointment towards you," Yang Ling stated. While he empathized with Prince Chu's protective feelings for Prince Han, he couldn't endorse Prince Chu's direct confrontation with the Emperor. "Your Highness, it was imprudent to challenge His Majesty directly."

A slight furrow appeared on Prince Chu's brow, yet he remained silent.

He harbored no regret for standing up to his father on behalf of his tenth brother. Given a second opportunity, he would undoubtedly act the same.

Observing Prince Chu's composed demeanor, Yang Ling recognized that his master did not perceive his actions as a misstep.

"Your Highness, both the late Emperor and the current Emperor ascended from humble farming roots. You ought not... Alas..."

"Father still shows no favor to my tenth brother; otherwise, why single him out repeatedly?" Prince Chu mused. "My father and grandfather both rose from farming backgrounds. While it's not wrong to desire a Prince taking a farmer's daughter as a Princess Consort, why must it always be my tenth brother among all the Princes? Is it not because he lacks favor and his maternal clan holds little prestige?"

"Even so, Your Highness, confronting the Emperor directly only created a difficult situation for him," Yang Ling advised earnestly. "Prince Han himself cautioned you against approaching the Emperor on this matter; why did you proceed?"

"Tenth brother is my kin. Seeing Father bully him in such a manner, I could not stand idly by." While Prince Chu had felt uneasy about the Emperor's anger towards him within the Imperial Study earlier, that concern had now vanished. "Tenth brother has endured countless grievances since childhood, and now he must face ridicule regarding his marriage. How can you expect me to remain indifferent?" As he reflected on the events after leaving the palace, the conviction grew that the proposed marriage to a farmer's daughter was merely a pretext. "If Father truly esteemed farmers, he should have arranged for one of us to marry a farmer's daughter as a Princess Consort, truly demonstrating the Imperial Family's regard. Does that not hold more logic?" Compared to Prince Han, whose maternal clan lacked influence and prestige, Prince Chu, Prince Jing, or even Prince Dai would have been more fitting choices to marry a farmer's daughter as Princess Consort.

"Your Highness, since you recognize this as the Emperor's stratagem, why expose it?" Yang Ling asked, his face etched with helplessness. "Even Prince Han himself is concerned and does not wish for your interference; why add to your troubles?" Prince Chu stands merely a step away from the throne, and at this particularly crucial juncture, he should be avoiding any action that might provoke the Emperor or lead to his displeasure. Yet, at this vital moment, Prince Chu has unfortunately disappointed the Emperor. Yang Ling genuinely worried that the Emperor might now shift his favor to Prince Dai.

"The Emperor has wronged Prince Han; you can make amends to Prince Han once you ascend the throne," Yang Ling suggested. "Then, you could issue a decree to arrange a different marriage for Prince Han, perhaps demoting this farmer Princess Consort to the status of a concubine."

Prince Chu grasped the logic of the suggestion, yet he believed that marriage, being a significant life event, should not be subjected to such humiliation.

"While I can offer compensation to my tenth brother, this situation is different from father's actions. Tenth brother may claim indifference towards Father, but in his heart, he is deeply affected," Prince Chu explained.

"Your Highness..." Yang Ling understood that the situation had evolved beyond his ability to influence; further persuasion would be futile. He resolved to focus on formulating the next course of action.

"Advisor, I do not believe I have erred. If Father is disappointed in me because of this and ceases to value me, then I have nothing further to say." He remained resolute in his ambition for that position, even if it meant incurring his father's displeasure.

Hearing this, Yang Ling initially assumed Prince Chu was contemplating abandoning his claim to the throne and prepared to dissuade him. However, he then heard Prince Chu continue, "Regardless of whether Father is truly disappointed in me or not, I will not relinquish my pursuit of that position."

"Your Highness, then we must prepare ourselves," Yang Ling declared, his heart finally finding a measure of ease upon hearing Prince Chu's firm resolve. "Intelligence from our spies indicates that Prince Han and the Xiongnu are growing increasingly restless, and there is concern that unrest may erupt shortly after the New Year."

Prince Chu's brow furrowed deeply. "They might choose to act during the New Year festivities; after all, that is when everyone is most prone to complacency," he surmised.

Yang Ling found Prince Chu's conjecture plausible and stated gravely, "If such is the case, then we must commence preparations immediately."

Prince Chu gave a slight nod. "Proceed with the necessary arrangements."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Meanwhile, within the study of Prince Han Mansion, Zhao Yao received news that Prince Chu had confronted the Emperor in the Imperial Study on his behalf.

"Did I not instruct my fourth brother to refrain from approaching Father? Why did he still go?"

Tong Xi articulated, "Your Highness, you are aware that Prince Chu holds you in the highest regard. Perceiving the Emperor's injustice in the marriage, he felt compelled to seek retribution on your behalf."

Zhao Yao was undeniably aware of Prince Chu's motivations, and he felt deeply touched. However, his fourth brother's actions could potentially incur the Emperor's displeasure towards him as well.

"Now that it has concluded, fourth brother is completely ostracized by Father."