Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1136 - 148: Time to Close the Net (Part 2)

Tong Xi softly informed him, "Your Highness, Prince Chu has long been estranged from the Emperor."

Zhao Yao remained silent, the truth of Tong Xi's statement leaving him utterly speechless.

"Ah... What Fourth Brother is doing will only solidify Father's resolve to choose me, which is not beneficial for me." He truly had no desire to be Emperor; Fourth Brother, however, possessed the capability and ambition to rule. Why then would Father consistently overlook him?

Tong Xi observed Zhao Yao and cautiously offered, "Your Highness, I contend that the Emperor's judgment is sound."

Zhao Yao listened and cast a stern look at Tong Xi.

Tong Xi visibly flinched but continued, "Your Highness, aside from yourself, none of the other princes show any regard for the common folk." His Highness alone treats all individuals with humanity. In Zhao Yao's view, whether a farmer, a merchant, or even a eunuch, they are all people. "Your Highness once declared that the world belongs to the people, not the Royal Family, nor the influential clans and scholars." It's hardly surprising, therefore, that the Emperor favors you.

Zhao Yao leaned against the table, emitting a deep sigh. "Ah... Fourth Brother and I are fundamentally different. He grew up under the influence of the Li family, believing the world belongs to the scholars, which is a natural inclination for him."

"This," Tong Xi acknowledged, "is the core distinction between you and Prince Chu." Understanding Zhao Yao's reluctance to ascend the throne, Tong Xi never pressed the issue. His personal hope, however, was for His Highness to become Emperor, not for personal gain, but for the well-being of the populace.

Regardless of His Highness's ascension, his future as a personal attendant was assured. Should His Highness become Emperor, the people of Great Zhou would undoubtedly prosper.

"Your Highness, the Emperor has indeed chosen you; there is no escaping this destiny."

Zhao Yao let out a cold sneer. "Hmph, we shall see if I cannot escape." He was steadfast in his refusal to become a perpetually burdened Emperor.

A sense of helplessness washed over Tong Xi. Ah, while Prince Chu and Prince Dai fiercely vied for the throne, his own master, despite being designated for it by the Emperor, remained entirely uninterested. Truly, it was a case of some dying of thirst while others drowned.

At that precise moment, a Hidden Guard materialized in the study, presenting Zhao Yao with a confidential dispatch.

Zhao Yao unfurled the secret message, and his expression immediately hardened.

"Is this intelligence verified?"

The Hidden Guard responded with utmost respect, "It is confirmed, Your Highness."

Noticing Zhao Yao's somber demeanor, Tong Xi promptly inquired with concern, "Your Highness, what has transpired?"

"Prince Han has entered into a conspiracy with the Xiongnu, intending to launch an invasion of Great Zhou during the Lunar New Year." Zhao Yao inwardly smirked; Prince Han had certainly lived up to expectations. "Prince Han dispatched a missive to Prince Dai, urging him to instigate a rebellion within the capital and provide internal support."

Tong Xi expressed his astonishment, "Prince Han genuinely intends to rebel?!" While the prospect of Prince Han plotting a rebellion had long been anticipated, the audacity of actually proceeding with it was unexpected.

"Desperate situations warrant desperate actions." Zhao Yao held the secret letter over the candle's flame, allowing it to be consumed. "This was to be expected."

All these unfolding events were precisely within Zhao Yao's calculated plan.

"Your Highness, what are our next steps?"

"We shall proceed according to the established strategy." Zhao Yao's gaze met Tong Xi's as he issued an instruction: "Dispatch someone to convey the message to Prince Dai, instructing him to seize this opportunity."

"Your Highness, should we not inform the Emperor?" Tong Xi questioned further. "And what of Prince Chu and Prince Wei?"

"Father is already apprised of the situation." Zhao Yao stated, "Now that I have received intelligence regarding Prince Han and the Xiongnu's imminent invasion of Great Zhou, Father should be equally informed. As for Fourth and Eighth Brothers, refrain from notifying them; the fewer who are privy to this matter, the more credible the eventual outcome will appear."

"I shall personally deliver the message to Prince Dai," Tong Xi affirmed before making his exit.

Mere moments prior, Prince Dai had indeed received a clandestine message from Prince Han. It stipulated that the Xiongnu forces would commence their southward advance into Great Zhou on New Year's Eve. Upon their approach to the capital, Prince Dai was to orchestrate an internal uprising in concert with Prince Han's external maneuvers.

Upon concluding the letter, Prince Dai let out a mirthless chuckle. "Fifth Brother, you certainly did not leave me waiting."

Just then, a gentle rap sounded at the door, followed by a discreet voice, "Your Highness, it is I."

Recognizing the familiar cadence, Prince Dai granted permission. "Enter."

A diminutive man, clad in the simple attire of a servant, entered the chamber. His appearance was unremarkable, utterly devoid of any distinguishing features. Whether amidst a throng or in solitude, he would never attract notice.

The short, unassuming man then imparted a few whispered words to Prince Dai. Having absorbed the information, Prince Dai gave a slight nod and motioned for him to depart.

After the unremarkable man departed, Prince Dai let out a soft chuckle. "My Tenth Brother is truly remarkable; I must perform my role in this play flawlessly." With that, he dispatched a secret missive to Prince Han, coordinating the precise timing for their impending rebellion.

Concurrently, within the imperial palace, the Emperor also received intelligence regarding Prince Han's illicit collusion with the Xiongnu to incite rebellion. This news reached him even before Zhao Yao did.

The Emperor then commanded the Dragon Guards to relay the message to Chu Ying, instructing him to collaborate with Prince Han and participate in their staged performance.

"Do you believe I should feign an illness preemptively?"

Sun Kui, still reeling from the Emperor's conversation with the Dragon Guards, found himself further unsettled by this question.

"Your Majesty, why would you resort to pretending to be ill?"

The Emperor responded with a smile, "To lull them into a false sense of security, adding a touch of drama to our grand act."

Observing the Emperor's eager anticipation, Sun Kui was left without words.

"Your Majesty, are you not concerned in the slightest?" After all, a rebellion is a matter of grave significance. "Merely hearing about it fills me with dread."

The Emperor cast a dismissive glance at Sun Kui. "You truly possess a peculiar disposition; have you not weathered a rebellion before? What is there to truly fear?"

"Your Majesty, my fear is not for my own safety, but rather for yours." Sun Kui had endured the turmoil of rebellions, insurrections, and the general chaos of the previous dynasty, yet this did not entirely quell his apprehension. He considered his own life expendable, his demise inconsequential, but the Emperor must remain beyond peril. Should harm befall the Emperor, the entire nation would descend into anarchy.

"I shall face no danger." The Emperor had meticulously orchestrated every detail, patiently awaiting the moment Prince Han and the Xiongnu would spring the trap. Now that they had taken the bait, it was time to spring the net. "During the New Year festivities, a magnificent spectacle shall unfold. You shall witness it alongside me."