Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1138 - 150: Avoiding Prince Chu and Prince Wei

As the New Year's festive period approached, a blanket of heavy snow descended upon the capital, transforming the normally bustling streets into a serene, white landscape.

Fortunately, the imperial court had already adjourned for the holidays a few days prior; otherwise, enduring daily sessions in such inclement weather would have been a chilling ordeal for officials.

At this moment, Zhao Yao, with his hair in a state of disarray, lounged on a specially constructed heated bed from his youth. He was savoring dumplings, a gift from Prince Chu, which had arrived earlier. These delectable morsels, filled with pork and sauerkraut, were Zhao Yao's preferred kind, handmade by Princess Consort Chu herself.

Following the last dumpling, Tong Xi promptly presented Zhao Yao with a cup of tea to cleanse his palate.

Having rinsed his mouth, Zhao Yao leaned back, stretching out lazily on the heated bed.

Tong Xi then offered some fruit, exotic produce specially sourced from Lingnan.

"Your Highness, you are not venturing out today?" Tong Xi inquired, noting Zhao Yao's continued indoor confinement since the snowfall. He had remained at Prince Han's residence, foregoing visits even to the nearby mansions of Prince Chu and Prince Wei.

"It's too cold outdoors; I have no desire to leave," Zhao Yao replied, reclining against a pillow, his legs casually crossed, exuding an aura of indolence.

"Your Highness, did you not pledge to the Princely Heir that you would build a snowman with him?"

"Given the heavy snow and biting cold, taking him out to build a snowman risks him catching a chill," Zhao Yao reasoned. "With the New Year so close, this is hardly the time for him to fall ill."

"Your Highness, did you not always cherish snowy days in the past, building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights? Why the lack of interest this year?"

"It's the cold. Why does the snow in the capital feel so bitingly cold this year?" Zhao Yao expressed a growing reluctance to remain in the capital, yearning, "I wish to return to Swamp Prefecture; it is much warmer there."

"Your Highness, you spent over a year in Swamp Prefecture, where snow is nonexistent. Perhaps that's why the capital's snow feels exceptionally frigid to you this year," Tong Xi mused, admitting, "Even I find the capital unusually cold. I also long to return, Your Highness. When might we be able to go back?"

"We cannot return just yet." Zhao Yao's initial hope of departing after his wedding had been dashed; Prince Han's recent rebellion would undoubtedly postpone their journey back to Swamp Prefecture.

"Your Highness, we are not going to be unable to return, are we?" Tong Xi blurted out, immediately regretting the ominous sound of his words. He quickly raised his hand and lightly struck himself twice, exclaiming, "How shameful of me to utter such a thing."

"Of course, we will return, but we must await the resolution of Prince Han's rebellion," Zhao Yao stated firmly. His thoughts turned to Prince Han's plan to initiate his rebellion during the New Year festivities, prompting a flicker of annoyance. "It's truly vexing that he chose to rebel precisely during the New Year. Can't he allow people a peaceful holiday?"

"Indeed, Your Highness. You rarely return to the capital, and you were poised to celebrate the New Year with the Empress and His Majesty. Now, Prince Han intends to rebel," Tong Xi lamented, his face etched with indignation. "Rebelling on such a significant day as the New Year—Prince Han shall surely meet a grim fate."

Zhao Yao gazed out the window, his brow furrowed slightly. "It truly feels like the calm before the storm." He observed that the capital had been unusually quiet these past few days.

"Your Highness, are you absolutely certain everything willproceed without a hitch?" Tong Xi couldn't suppress his worried inquiry. "Is it truly foolproof?"

"I am not an immortal being, so I cannot guarantee absolute perfection, but rest assured, it will be fine," Zhao Yao assured him, picking up an orange and tossing it playfully towards Tong Xi. "With me here, what is there to fear?"

Tong Xi deftly caught the orange, a wide grin spreading across his face. "With Your Highness present, I fear nothing at all."

"Has Lu Guang not yet returned?" Zhao Yao inquired, a wave of drowsiness washing over him as he lay comfortably on the warm bed after his meal.

"Not yet," Tong Xi replied. He cast a glance at the heavy snowfall outside, his expression laced with concern. "Your Highness, with this heavy snow and frigid weather, could Lu Guang and his companions be suffering from the cold? After all, they have spent their time in Swamp Prefecture and are unaccustomed to such harsh winters and heavy snow."

"Initially, they likely found it challenging, but they should have adapted by now."

Shortly after their arrival in the capital, Lu Guang had been temporarily seconded by the Emperor to train the Dragon Guards.

Recognized for his exceptional marksmanship and background as a soldier from the Divine Machine Camp, Lu Guang was deemed the most suitable candidate to instruct the Dragon Guards.

As firearms were still to be kept secret, the Emperor's strategy was to first equip the Dragon Guards with the knowledge of using firearms. Once proficient, the Imperial Army would commence their training.

"Your Highness, are you not concerned the Emperor might decide not to return Lu Guang to you?" Tong Xi questioned. Lu Guang, with his unparalleled sharpshooting skills, had yet to miss a target. Witnessing his prowess, the Emperor would undoubtedly grow fond of him and be reluctant to let him depart."

"If Father Emperor truly desires Lu Guang, then I shall present him." Zhao Yao stated with a smile, "My intention in bringing Lu Guang to the capital was not for my own protection, but rather to safeguard Father Emperor." His own marksmanship surpassed Lu Guang’s, making personal protection for himself unnecessary.

"Ah, so it was for the Emperor’s sake?" Tong Xi expressed his surprise, "I had believed you were unwilling to part with Lu Guang."

"There is some reluctance, after all, Lu Guang is an individual I meticulously trained."

"Then why offer him to the Emperor?"

"Father Emperor’s safety holds greater importance."

Upon hearing Zhao Yao’s words, Tong Xi was quite taken aback, "Your Highness, I had presumed you held no regard for the Emperor. I did not anticipate that you would, in fact, care for him."

Zhao Yao cast a sideways glance at Tong Xi, "What is your impression of me? No matter the extent of my resentment towards Father Emperor for dictating my affairs, I would never disregard his safety."

"I misspoke." Tong Xi did not truly consider Zhao Yao an unfilial son indifferent to the Emperor’s well-being but was astonished by the candid expression of his concern, especially given Zhao Yao’s frequent complaints and criticisms directed at the Emperor, never offering a single word of praise.

Zhao Yao perceived Tong Xi’s astonishment and emitted a cold snort, "Should that obstinate Father Emperor meet with misfortune, Mother Consort would undoubtedly be grief-stricken."

Tong Xi chuckled, "Your Highness, you are exhibiting your tsundere nature once more."

Zhao Yao picked up an orange and tossed it towards Tong Xi, responding, "Tsundere, my foot."

Tong Xi deftly caught the orange, proceeded to peel it, and then offered it to Zhao Yao.

"Your Highness, it is nearly noon. Do you not intend to visit Prince Chu’s Estate or Prince Wei’s Estate for a meal?"

"No, I have no desire to venture out." In this frigid weather, his sole wish was to remain indoors.

"Your Highness, are you perhaps evading Lord Chu and Lord Wei?" Ever since that particular day when His Highness returned from Prince Wei’s Estate, it appeared he had ceased visiting either Prince Wei’s or Prince Chu’s residence. "Did Lord Wei say something to you on that occasion?"

Recalling the day he had divulged everything to his eighth brother, Zhao Yao sighed inwardly.

"Alas, I profoundly regret my return to the capital."

"Your Highness, did you have a disagreement with Lord Wei?"

"Not quite." Zhao Yao sat up, his expression complex, and stated, "On that day, my eighth brother laid everything bare."

"Everything was laid bare?" Tong Xi inquired with bewilderment, "What exactly did Lord Wei reveal to you?"

"Everything." Zhao Yao ran a hand through his hair and explained, "My actions, my eighth brother is aware of them all."

"What? Is that truly the case?" Tong Xi appeared visibly shocked.

"It is the truth." Zhao Yao sighed at length, his thoughts betraying a grudging respect, "As anticipated, I cannot afford to underestimate my eighth brother."

"Then..." Tong Xi began, a note of panic creeping into his voice, "Your Highness, what are your intentions moving forward?"

"Having revealed all to me, my eighth brother’s intention was for me to cease meddling in the struggle for the throne, particularly the conflict between him and my fourth brother."

"Your Highness, you were not involved in the first place."

"Regarding the affair with Prince Han, my eighth brother is aware it was my doing. He perceives my actions as excessively perilous."

"Lord Wei is aware even of the matter concerning Prince Han?!" Tong Xi gasped in utter astonishment. This particular incident was known only to His Highness and the Emperor; even Prince Chu was kept in the dark. How, then, did Lord Wei come to know?

"My eighth brother possesses knowledge of all matters while feigning ignorance." This alone demonstrates that my fourth brother is no match for my eighth brother.

Tong Xi was completely flabbergasted, stating, "Lord Wei is far too formidable."

"I cannot inform my fourth brother at this juncture." The timing of my eighth brother’s revelation suggests he has significant stratagems in motion. Could it be that my eighth brother intends to leverage Prince Han’s rebellion to apprehend Prince Dai, Prince Jing, my fourth brother, and Prince Han all at once?

"Your Highness, should you inform Prince Chu, you would not only interfere in their affairs but also reveal partiality towards Prince Chu, thereby hurting Lord Wei’s feelings." Tong Xi offered his counsel, "You ought to maintain an air of complete unawareness."

"I comprehend. This is precisely why I have refrained from seeking out my fourth brother or meeting with my eighth brother these past few days." Zhao Yao collapsed back onto the bed, weariness etched upon his face, "I am not adept at deception; I fear I might inadvertently betray my knowledge and allow either my fourth brother or my eighth brother to see through my facade."

"As I mentioned, you are indeed avoiding Lord Chu and Lord Wei."

"My eighth brother’s astuteness and tactical prowess are beyond my fourth brother’s capabilities." To be perfectly candid, he felt a degree of intimidation from his eighth brother.

"Do you believe Prince Chu will be outmaneuvered by Lord Wei?"

"Hmm."

Having divulged all the information that day, Zhao Yao turned to Lord Wei and declared, "Eighth Brother, whether it's Fourth Brother or Second Brother, neither stands a chance against you; you will undeniably emerge victorious."

Lord Wei chuckled upon hearing this, "Do you truly believe Fourth Brother cannot overcome me?"

"Fourth Brother is no match for you," Zhao Yao stated after a moment's pause. "Eighth Brother, ultimately, the confrontation will be between Fourth Brother and yourself, and you are destined to win. I implore you, spare Fourth Brother's life."

Lord Wei showed no surprise at Zhao Yao's plea. He gazed intently at him and responded with a gentle tone, "For your sake, I shall not take his life."

"Thank you, Eighth Brother," Zhao Yao murmured. Having secured Eighth Brother's promise was sufficient for now.

"Your Highness, Lord Wei has pledged to spare Lord Chu's life. What further concerns you?"

"I have a peculiar premonition, as if Eighth Brother is on the verge of initiating something significant." Since their conversation that day, Zhao Yao had sensed an underlying current of wildness beneath Eighth Brother's composed exterior.

"What could Lord Wei possibly be planning..." Tong Xi's expression suddenly grew grim. He quickly lowered his voice and inquired, "Your Highness, is Lord Wei contemplating a rebellion?"

"That is impossible; Eighth Brother would not be so reckless."

"Then, what else could Lord Wei be plotting?" To Tong Xi, all possibilities paled in comparison to rebellion.

"I truly do not know." In recent days, a persistent unease had settled upon him, a feeling that Prince Han's rebellion might spiral out of control, beyond anyone's grasp. He suspected Eighth Brother was orchestrating this escalation. "I consistently feel that in addition to my own involvement, Eighth Brother has played a role in Prince Han's uprising."

"Your Highness, you might recall that the Xiongnu have Southern Wei individuals. With Eighth Brother's influence, such a connection would hardly be surprising, would it?"

"It's not that straightforward." Zhao Yao felt that Eighth Brother was subtly maneuvering all the pieces from the shadows.

Midway through their discussion, a steward from Prince Han's Mansion rushed in. After first offering his respects to Zhao Yao, he delivered his urgent report: "Your Highness, dire news! The Emperor has fallen gravely ill."