Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1145 - 154: Father and Son Heart-to-Heart (2)

The Emperor queried in return, "What is your assessment?"

Zhao Yao’s gaze landed on the Emperor, noting his composed countenance, as if entirely unastonized. He raised an eyebrow, inquiring, "Stinky old man, you were aware of this all along?"

A mysterious smile played on the Emperor’s lips before he lowered his head to resume eating.

Observing the Emperor’s subtle reaction, Zhao Yao understood his guess was indeed correct.

"Knowing that Eighth Brother poisoned you, why have you not issued an order for his apprehension?"

"He still possesses utility."

The Emperor’s voice was remarkably steady, yet Zhao Yao sensed a potent undercurrent beneath the placid surface.

"For what purpose are you utilizing Eighth Brother, Father?"

The Emperor playfully responded, "Make a guess."

"I refuse to guess." Zhao Yao nearly let an expletive slip, considering the futility of such an exercise.

"You shall discover in due time."

"Old man, have you known all along about Eighth Brother’s dealings with the people of Southern Wei?"

"Stinky brat, how am I old? I am not yet fifty; I am in my prime." The Emperor, hearing his youngest son refer to him as an "old man," felt a pang of displeasure, attributing his perceived aging to the impudent term.

"You possess white hair, yet you proclaim your prime," Zhao Yao taunted mercilessly. "Look into a mirror."

Incensed by the remark, the Emperor snatched a discarded bone and hurled it at Zhao Yao, but his agile son effortlessly evaded the projectile.

"Old man, one must acknowledge their age."

"I am not old; I shall not concede it." Though feeling revitalized by the antidote, the Emperor remained vexed by his youngest son’s insolence.

Zhao Yao pressed further, "Had you prior knowledge?"

"I am not an imbecile."

"You intend to use Eighth Brother to assemble the Southern Wei forces, and then turn him against them?"

The Emperor offered Zhao Yao a morsel of meat, stating, "Essentially."

"The Southern Wei people deserve no mercy." Zhao Yao recalled how the Emperor had thwarted Prince Wei’s ascent by intervening against him and Southern Wei, an act he deemed exceptionally brutal. "Father, Eighth Brother is still your son; is this not excessively harsh toward him?"

"What, do you feel sympathy for Eighth Brother? Pity him?"

Facing the Emperor’s amused scrutiny, Zhao Yao confessed, "Yes, though Eighth Brother has Southern Wei ancestry, he remains your flesh and blood."

"Stinky boy, were it Second Brother or Seventh Brother, would you intercede on their behalf?"

"No. I have no affinity with them; why would I plead for them?"

The Emperor had anticipated Zhao Yao would answer affirmatively, and his negative response came as a genuine surprise.

Noticing the Emperor’s astonished expression, Zhao Yao smirked, "You expected me to speak for them, perhaps to chastise me for excessive leniency. Your expectations are dashed; I am not so soft-hearted."

The Emperor erupted into hearty laughter.

"Hahahahaha…"

Zhao Yao, unconcerned by the Emperor’s paroxysms of laughter, continued with his meal.

After a considerable spell of laughter, the Emperor ceased, remarking, "Stinky boy, you have not disappointed me." Had Zhao Yao truly spoken for Prince Dai and Prince Jing, it would have been a profound letdown for the Emperor.

"I ought to have said yes." Having avoided disappointing the Emperor, Zhao Yao felt a tinge of regret.

"Eighth Brother..." the Emperor stated meaningfully, "is more astute than you perceive. Rather than fretting over him, you should be concerned for your own well-being."

"What cause for concern do I have?" Zhao Yao, currently uncertain of the Emperor’s intricate machinations, spoke with earnestness, "Regardless of the outcome, Eighth Brother is your son; ultimately, spare his life."

The Emperor fixed Zhao Yao with a profound gaze and replied, "Very well."

Hearing the Emperor’s assent, Zhao Yao felt a measure of relief and then offered a radiant smile.

He refrained from expressing his gratitude verbally.

"You have yet to divulge why Eighth Brother administered the poison."

"Did I not instruct you to guess?"

"Speak if you are inclined."

"Then I shall not."

Zhao Yao: "..." This old man is truly infuriating.

Observing his youngest son’s crestfallen demeanor, the Emperor felt a surge of satisfaction, helping himself to another piece of meat.

"Did Fifth Brother's rebellion, aside from our instigation, also involve Eighth Brother?" Zhao Yao continued his line of questioning. "Eighth Brother poisoned you, intending for your genuine incapacitation; is he hoping to exploit the ensuing chaos, like a mantis stalking a cicada unaware of the approaching oriole?" This line of reasoning seemed improbable. Eighth Brother would have no need for such convoluted risks. Neither Second Brother nor Fourth Brother posed any significant threat to him; the ultimate victor would undoubtedly be Eighth Brother.

The Emperor remained reticent, allowing Zhao Yao to continue his speculations.

"Have I surmised correctly?"

The Emperor responded, "How would I know if your guess is accurate?"

Zhao Yao shot the Emperor a look of irritation, declaring, "Never mind, I simply cannot be bothered to concern myself with it."

"Just focus on eating your food." The Emperor then picked up a morsel of meat, proceeding to feed it directly to his youngest son.

Following this, Zhao Yao ceased discussing Prince Wei's matters, dedicating his attention to dining seriously alongside the Emperor.

Once the meal concluded, the palace gates were sealed, rendering Zhao Yao incapable of returning to Prince Han Mansion. Consequently, he found himself compelled to stay and share quarters with the Emperor, though he opted for the couch instead of the grand Dragon Bed.

The Emperor patted the side of the bed, calling out, "Stinky brat, come up here and sleep with me."

"Absolutely not." The thought of sleeping in close proximity to another man felt rather unappealing.

"Stinky boy, you have no issue sleeping with Fourth Brother and Eighth Brother, yet you refuse to sleep with me?" The Emperor had never had the opportunity to sleep with his youngest son before; this unique chance today was not something he wished to let slip away. "Do you truly look down on me?"

Zhao Yao hadn't anticipated the Emperor's jealousy, finding the situation amusing in his heart.

"Very well, seeing as you are growing old, I shall accompany you."

"Countless individuals would covet the chance to sleep beside me, yet I am unwilling; sleeping with me is your ultimate good fortune."

"How incredibly fortunate I am." Zhao Yao then climbed onto the Dragon Bed, nudging the Emperor further in. The father and son settled side-by-side.

"Stinky son..."

The Emperor began to speak, but Zhao Yao cut him off, stating, "I must perform the rites to heaven and earth come early tomorrow. There is no time for idle chatter. I am going to sleep now." With that, he closed his eyes.

The Emperor, who had intended to discuss important matters, displayed a flicker of helplessness, murmuring softly, "Stinky boy, you feign ignorance while understanding everything."

Zhao Yao maintained his pretense, as if he had heard nothing at all.

The Emperor reached out to gently pull the blanket over his youngest son before closing his own eyes to rest.

After a brief interval, Zhao Yao shifted his position, extending his hand to also draw the blanket over the Emperor. Upon turning back, a slight upturn graced the corners of the Emperor’s lips.

A few moments later, Sun Kui entered the chamber quietly. Upon observing the father and son resting together on the Dragon Bed, a smile involuntarily bloomed on his face.