Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1137 - 149: Laying It All Out

Within the sprawling grounds of Prince Wei Mansion, Zhao Yao found himself engrossed in the art of grilling lamb skewers.

It was a rare, sun-drenched day, prompting Zhao Yao to enlist Prince Wei for a courtyard barbecue. The brothers, in a spirit of camaraderie, resolved to handle the grilling themselves, eschewing the assistance of any servants.

Upon his recent return to the capital, Zhao Yao had brought with him a unique blend of seasonings, specially concocted for his palate. This particular concoction, currently being used for the barbecue, was not available for public purchase within the city walls.

While Prince Wei typically maintained a detached interest in matters of food, he couldn't help but concede that his tenth brother's handiwork was exceptionally delectable, igniting a surprising hunger within him.

As Zhao Yao expertly tended to the sizzling meat, he endeavored to encourage Prince Wei to partake more heartily.

"Eighth Brother, you appear far too gaunt. Regular consumption of meat would surely help you gain some much-needed weight."

Prince Wei, savoring a lamb skewer expertly prepared by Zhao Yao, remarked, "You and Lady Liang share a remarkable maternal bond, both expressing concern over my perceived thinness whenever we meet." During Zhao Yao's extended absence from the capital, Prince Wei had frequently paid his respects to Lady Liang, visiting and conversing with her. Each encounter saw Lady Liang voicing the same sentiment: he was too thin and needed to eat more.

"Your thinness is indeed quite pronounced," Zhao Yao declared, scrutinizing Prince Wei with a dismissive air. "Eighth Brother, you are as slender as a mere bean sprout."

Prince Wei playfully retorted, "It is you who resembles a bean sprout."

"Eighth Brother, do you not find my grilling skills to be superb?"

"Exquisite," Prince Wei responded with an approving thumbs-up, lavishing praise. "The grilled delicacies from Zhenxiu Building do not even approach the quality of your creations."

"Naturally, my barbecue seasoning is a bespoke blend, unlike anything found at Zhenxiu Building," Zhao Yao proclaimed with evident pride. "When it comes to culinary arts, I am unmatched on this earth. Mark my words, had I ventured into street vending, I would amass a considerable fortune."

"What, are you contemplating establishing a barbecue stall?"

"I have already established a stall in Swamp Prefecture," Zhao Yao revealed, expertly flipping a chicken wing and basting it with the special seasoning. "I initiated a food street there, specifically designed for vendors. When idle, I occasionally man a stall myself."

Prince Wei expressed disbelief, having not anticipated Zhao Yao's venture into food vending, and chided, "Preposterous! How can a prince of your stature engage in selling food from a humble stall?!"

"Eighth Brother, do you perceive such an activity as degrading to my princely status?"

"Does it not?"

"I do not believe so," Zhao Yao replied with a smile. "Furthermore, when I operate my stall, my identity remains concealed." He added, with a shrug, that even if his identity were known, it would hold little consequence for him.

Prince Wei gestured towards Zhao Yao, a mixture of exasperation and affection in his eyes. "You... you simply refuse to conduct yourself with propriety."

"Eighth Brother, I pay no heed to my title as prince or royal duke," Zhao Yao stated sincerely, his disinterest in his status palpable. "My sole desire is to live a life of freedom and happiness."

Prince Wei, recognizing the sincerity of Zhao Yao's sentiments, remarked with knowing implication, "Therefore, you would not object to marrying a commoner woman and elevating her to the status of princess."

"Precisely. In fact, I would welcome the prospect if my future princess hails from humble origins, outside the nobility or officialdom," Zhao Yao declared with genuine cheerfulness. "Marrying a peasant woman and making her a princess would be a delightful turn of events for me." An internal thought followed: Had he not been privy to his father's true intentions, he would have wholeheartedly believed this. However, now aware of his father's deliberate selection, he felt such a marriage was far from ideal.

"I had suspected as much," Prince Wei commented, his understanding of Zhao Yao's character obviating any need for sympathy.

"Eighth Brother, your perception of me is truly astute."

Prince Wei then offered a pointed critique of Prince Chu, "Our Fourth Brother, in his self-righteousness, believed Father had wronged you. He proceeded to the Imperial Study to confront Father directly."

This was the first time Prince Wei had spoken so candidly about Prince Chu in Zhao Yao's presence, a fact that visibly surprised Zhao Yao. Previously, in his presence, neither brother would openly discuss the other.

"Eighth Brother, Fourth Brother was acting in my defense," Zhao Yao interjected.

"He fails to comprehend your true nature," Prince Wei scoffed. "His presumption only served to anger Father, which, I must admit, benefits me greatly."

Zhao Yao regarded Prince Wei with a profound gaze, his voice tinged with surprise. "Eighth Brother, your candor with me..."

Though Zhao Yao left his sentence unfinished, Prince Wei clearly understood its unspoken implication.

"You are aware of my intense dislike for him."

Zhao Yao offered a slight nod in confirmation.

"You also know that reconciliation between us is impossible."

Zhao Yao continued to nod, acknowledging the truth of Prince Wei's statement.

"Our failure to openly confront each other thus far is attributable, firstly, to your presence, and secondly, because the opportune moment has yet to arrive."

"I see." Prince Wei's sudden question left Zhao Yao bewildered. "Eighth Brother, you and Fourth Brother typically don't bring such things up in front of me..."

"You understand, don't you? I know you believe both he and I are equally significant to you, and you consciously refrain from intervening in any disputes between us."

Zhao Yao offered a nod. "Eighth Brother, you and Fourth Brother are both my most cherished siblings. My regard for each of you is precisely the same, and I have no intention of favoring one over the other or meddling in your affairs."

Prince Wei turned his sharp gaze onto Zhao Yao. "Tenth Brother, the ultimate contest for the throne will be between him and me. Honestly, who do you wish to see prevail, and who do you wish to see fall? Answer me truthfully."

Caught off guard by Prince Wei's directness, Zhao Yao paused before responding with solemnity. "Eighth Brother, the victor or the vanquished holds little consequence for me. My sole hope is that, regardless of the outcome, the one who loses will be spared their life."

Zhao Yao's words did not elicit surprise from Prince Wei.

"Tenth Brother, have you known about my origins for quite some time?"

It was clear now that Eighth Brother intended to reveal everything.

Zhao Yao understood that Prince Wei's question signified he was already aware of the truth.

"Yes, I've known for a considerable period."

"And what were your thoughts upon discovering my Southern Wei lineage?"

Zhao Yao shrugged, replying, "What thoughts could I have? You are, and always will be, my Eighth Brother." He added, intentionally, "Unless, of course, you are no longer my Eighth Brother."

This response did not deviate from Prince Wei's expectations. "And why did you conceal from me the attempted assassination by those from Southern Wei?"

"Eighth Brother, it was because I knew you required the backing and assistance of the Southern Wei populace. I did not wish for my predicament to sow discord between you and them." Zhao Yao decided that since Eighth Brother was being so open, he had no reason to hold back either. "Besides, I was unharmed."

Prince Wei appeared to grasp Zhao Yao's unspoken reasoning. "Tenth Brother, you..." He surmised that Zhao Yao had deliberately chosen not to complicate matters for him.

"Eighth Brother, now that you've opened the door to honesty, I shall reciprocate." Zhao Yao spoke with deep sincerity. "Eighth Brother, the people of Southern Wei harbor ambitions. Their current wholehearted support for your bid for the imperial throne is merely a means to an end. Once you ascend, they will undoubtedly weaponize it against you. You must exercise extreme caution."

Prince Wei let out a dismissive chuckle. "I am fully cognizant of their schemes. They pose no genuine threat to me."

"It is reassuring to know you are aware of their intentions, Eighth Brother."

"Tenth Brother, why do you not inquire about my motivations for seeking the throne? Why not ask if my ambition stems from the Southern Wei people, or perhaps my mother?"

Zhao Yao met Prince Wei's gaze with unwavering seriousness. "Eighth Brother, your pursuit of the throne is not for Southern Wei, nor is it for your mother. It is for yourself."

"Do you believe I possess the requisite qualities for that position?"

Instead of answering directly, Zhao Yao posed his own question. "Eighth Brother, do you believe *you* are suitable for that position?"

"Tenth Brother, in truth, you are the individual most suited for that role."

Zhao Yao was visibly startled by Prince Wei's declaration, his expression shifting dramatically. "Eighth Brother, please, cease this jesting. You frighten me."

Noticing Zhao Yao's alarm, Prince Wei offered a reassuring smile. "Worry not, simply lend me your ear."

"Eighth Brother, I am not courageous. Do not play such pranks on me."

Prince Wei continued, his gaze steady. "Be it I, Fourth Brother, or even Second Brother, all of us are vying for absolute dominion. Yet, you stand alone, conspicuously indifferent to supreme authority. For years, we have been entangled in this relentless struggle for power, a pursuit that has yielded no tangible benefits for the people of Great Zhou. In contrast, your dedication to the populace has been evident since childhood. In this aspect, we are all inferior to you."

Zhao Yao hastily waved his hand, protesting, "Eighth Brother, I am by no means as virtuous as you portray."

"Tenth Brother, we covet power, whereas you cherish the people."

"No, that’s not true! I am not like that. Please do not speak such nonsense," Zhao Yao insisted, rebuffing Prince Wei's assessment.

Prince Wei's observation was astute. "Your aversion to treacherous schemes and power struggles is palpable; hence, your deliberate abstention from the succession race and your decision to seek refuge in the distant Lingnan, far from the capital's incessant disputes."

"My non-participation in the succession is primarily due to my lack of interest in the emperorship, and furthermore, my perceived lack of capability."

"Tenth Brother, if you deem yourself incapable, then no one in this world can claim competence," Prince Wei countered, casting a knowing glance at Zhao Yao with a meaningful smile. "Your astuteness and strategic acumen surpass even my own. Cease this charade."

Zhao Yao: "!!!!!"

Witnessing Zhao Yao's stunned silence, Prince Wei's expression softened into a warm smile. "Tenth Brother, I harbor no hidden agendas; I merely wish for you to cease feigning ignorance before me."

"Eighth Brother, you..." Zhao Yao pondered the true implications of Eighth Brother's words.

"You had Fourth Brother investigate Fifth and their collaboration with the Xiongnu’s third Princess; I realize you knew everything." Prince Wei continued, "You were the one who destroyed the Divine Pill and dismantled Fifth Brother’s forces in Annan and Johor. These actions are far beyond the capabilities of ordinary individuals."

"Eighth Brother, I never had any intention of putting on an act in front of all of you..."

Prince Wei cut Zhao Yao off, stating, "I’m aware. If you truly wished to conceal your actions, we would remain entirely ignorant."

"Eighth Brother, I also do not wish to deceive you, but I am left with no alternative," Zhao Yao explained. "I don't want any of you to misunderstand me, nor do I want to put you in a difficult predicament. I genuinely do not wish to be entangled in your disputes, nor do I desire the throne."

"I comprehend."

"Everything I have done was, firstly, to ensure my own safety and avoid being a pawn. Secondly, it was for the sake of Great Zhou," Zhao Yao stated, his gaze meeting Prince Wei’s with utmost seriousness. "I am not as formidable as you proclaim, Eighth Brother, but as a Prince of Great Zhou, I cannot stand idly by while Great Zhou faces peril or while chaos engulfs the land. That is why I have consistently kept a vigilant watch over the northern frontier."

Prince Wei gave a slight nod. "I understand your reasons."

"Eighth Brother, since you have laid everything out in the open today, I shall no longer maintain this pretense."