Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1139 - 151: Standing in for the Emperor to Offer Sacrifices to Heaven and Earth
Previously on Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne...
A sudden indisposition of the Emperor sent ripples throughout the court and the imperial harem. The Emperor, who seldom fell ill, found himself confined to his bed, causing consternation among his ministers and consorts. While his robust health meant his survival was not in doubt, whispers of some hoping for his prolonged incapacitation could be heard. Fortunately, his ailment struck after the day's court session concluded, granting him respite without immediate state duties. However, with the Lunar New Year fast approaching, his illness cast a shadow over the upcoming festivities.
Of paramount concern to the court was the impending grand sacrificial ceremony: who would assume the Emperor's sacred duties in offering sacrifices to Heaven and the ancestors? In past years, various Princes had overseen preparations, but they performed their rites as princes, not as heirs apparent, nor as the sovereign. The New Year's Eve ancestral rites and the New Year's Day sacrifices to Heaven were solemn events, traditionally presided over by the Emperor himself. His current condition, unlikely to improve swiftly, rendered his personal attendance impossible.
While a son could substitute for the ancestral sacrifices, officiating the sacrifices to Heaven held profound implications. Historically, only the Emperor, as the intermediary between the heavens and the mortal realm, could perform this rite, praying for prosperity and a bountiful harvest. Thus, the focus shifted from the Emperor's recovery to the identify of his replacement for the heavenly sacrifice. The residences of Prince Dai, Prince Jing, Prince Chu, and Prince Wei became hubs of activity, inundated with visiting ministers. In stark contrast, Prince Han's mansion remained tranquil, with no officials seeking an audience.
It was Zhao Yao's turn to attend the ailing Emperor that day, a duty shared amongst the Princes during the Emperor's supposed convalescence. Within the Emperor's bedchamber, Lady Liang was tending to his shoulders while Zhao Yao was tasked with massaging his legs. Growing weary of his duties, Zhao Yao eventually settled onto a nearby couch.
"Why did you stop pounding?" the Emperor demanded.
"I'm tired; I'm not serving anymore," Zhao Yao replied. He found his father increasingly demanding since his supposed 'illness.'
The Emperor pointed at him, chiding, "Unfilial son."
"You're not truly sick," Zhao Yao stated, pouring himself some tea. "If you were genuinely ill, I would serve you diligently."
"If I were truly ill, waiting for your service would surely anger me to death," the Emperor retorted exasperatedly, gesturing for Lady Liang to halt her massage.
"If I could anger you to death, then that's a talent of mine," Zhao Yao quipped, raising an eyebrow. "If you truly got angered to death by me, then you're quite useless."
Enraged, the Emperor hurled a pillow at Zhao Yao, who caught it effortlessly. He then leaned back, using the pillow as support.
"Xiao Xiao, look at him," the Emperor appealed to Lady Liang with a disgruntled air.
"Old man, I must say your acting skills are pretty good, you fooled everyone," Zhao Yao remarked, helping himself to snacks from a small table. "Now your ministers are all guessing who will replace you to perform the sacrifices to heaven on New Year’s morning. The entrance thresholds of my elder brothers have been flattened by the ministers."
The Emperor puffed up with pride. "My acting skills are exquisite."
Zhao Yao, unconcerned with the Emperor's vanity, cut to the chase. "Have you chosen who will replace you to perform the sacrifices to heaven?"
The Emperor regarded Zhao Yao, a mix of jest and seriousness in his tone. "You will replace me in performing the sacrifices to heaven."
Zhao Yao refused without hesitation. "I'm not going."
The Emperor was unfazed by his youngest son's immediate rejection.
"Since no one picked you, then I'll send you, so others won't have much to say."
Despite the Emperor's casual delivery, Zhao Yao understood his father's underlying motive.
"I am unfit; I'm not going."
"You brat, how are you unfit? Aren't you my son?" The Emperor glared at Zhao Yao. "I tell you to go, so you go."
"I'm not going."
"You rascal, if you're the only one who goes, there won't be any needless complications," the Emperor declared. "I don't believe a word you're saying," Zhao Yao retorted, his skepticism towards the Emperor absolute. "No matter what you say, I refuse to go." "You brat, are you deliberately trying to provoke me to death?" The Emperor dramatically collapsed into Lady Liang's embrace, lamenting, "Xiao Xiao, our son is truly unfilial; he intends to make me die of anger. You must support me in this."