Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1146 - 155: Prince Han’s Rebellion

In the quiet pre-dawn hours, Zhao Yao was roused from his slumber by Sun Kui.

The hour of the rabbit decreed an early start for Zhao Yao, as he was scheduled to conduct the sacrificial ceremony in place of the Emperor.

Upon waking, Zhao Yao found himself enveloped in the Emperor’s arms, a situation that caused him a moment of surprise. He then gently disentangled himself from the Emperor’s sleeping embrace.

The Emperor, lost in deep sleep, remained undisturbed by Zhao Yao’s movements.

Zhao Yao slipped out of the Emperor’s chamber and proceeded to an adjacent room to attend to his morning ablutions and dressing.

Sun Kui and Sun Doudou personally assisted him. Fortunately, the Prince’s ceremonial attire was remarkably simple compared to the Emperor’s elaborate robes required for sacrificial rites. His change of clothes was completed swiftly.

Once refreshed and fully awake, Zhao Yao joined Sun Kui and the others in the dining hall for breakfast.

As Zhao Yao ate, Sun Kui stood nearby, attending to his needs. "Your Highness Prince Han, did you have a restful night?" he inquired.

"Quite well," Zhao Yao replied. He wasn't one to be particular about sleeping arrangements; whether on a soft bed or the floor, he could easily drift off to sleep.

"I could sense His Majesty's great happiness yesterday." The Emperor rarely displayed such unrestrained joy as he had the previous evening. "It truly seems this is your first time sharing a sleeping space with His Majesty."

Sun Kui's observation struck Zhao Yao as slightly peculiar and open to misinterpretation.

"Your Highness, the Emperor genuinely wishes for a closer bond with you." Sun Kui added, "He is a man of strong will who rarely reveals his true affections, but it's plain he desires closeness, even if he won't admit it. As someone close to His Majesty, I feel compelled to speak on his behalf. Your own closeness to General He has even stirred His Majesty's jealousy."

"Is that truly the case?" Zhao Yao expressed surprise. "He harbors jealousy towards my bond with my Second Uncle?"

Sun Kui affirmed with a nod. "Indeed, His Majesty often declares himself your true father, yet you prefer the company of an outsider over your own kin. General He occasionally uses this very point to provoke His Majesty, which unfailingly riles him."

Hearing this, Zhao Yao found the situation rather amusing. "Wasn't it he himself who orchestrated my closeness with my Second Uncle? How then does he now feel jealous of that very same closeness?"

Sun Kui was taken aback by Zhao Yao's words, thinking to himself, as expected, Prince Han perceives all.

"The Emperor simply desires your greater affection."

The mere thought of such closeness with the Emperor sent a shiver down Zhao Yao’s spine.

"It all seems excessively sentimental. I prefer things just as they are."

Perceiving Zhao Yao’s characteristic reticence, Sun Kui suppressed a smile. "Your Highness, the sacrificial ceremony is a demanding affair. Please, consume more food to gather your strength."

"Yes, I ought to eat more." After a few bites, Zhao Yao turned his attention to Sun Kui. "My father has been poisoned. What did the Imperial Physicians report?" Zhao Yao’s own medical knowledge was rudimentary, sufficient only for basic pulse checks. "Has his vitality been significantly impacted?"

"As you are aware, His Majesty suffers from an old injury. This poisoning has exacerbated that existing condition, consequently weakening his vitality." Sun Kui elaborated, "Since last year, His Majesty has been experiencing intermittent headaches. In the past few months, these episodes have become more frequent."

"Headaches?" Zhao Yao inquired, a slight furrow in his brow. "What is the cause of these headaches?"

"The Imperial Physicians attribute the headaches to the Emperor's constant overthinking and insufficient rest."

Zhao Yao recalled Empress Xie also experiencing similar ailments and asked, "Are these headaches akin to those the Empress suffered from?"

Sun Kui appeared momentarily taken aback by the unexpected question. "I am uncertain."

"It would be prudent to consult the Imperial Physician regarding the similarity of their headaches," Zhao Yao stated earnestly. "I recall the Empress endured headaches for many years; at times, they were so severe she was confined to her bed."

"You are quite right, Your Highness. I shall seek clarification on this matter later."

"While headaches may not be fatal, their severity can be agonizing. It is imperative that the Imperial Physician discovers a remedy." Zhao Yao mused, contemplating that upon his return to Swamp Prefecture, he would investigate the presence of any witch doctors or Miao physicians in Lingnan skilled in treating such persistent afflictions.

"Rest assured, Your Highness. Whenever the Emperor experiences these headaches, the Imperial Physician provides relief through acupuncture."

"That sounds effective." It appeared the Father's headaches stemmed primarily from excessive contemplation. "Furthermore, after Father concludes his review of memorials, which typically lasts two hours, I would advise him to take a stroll. This will help relax both his mind and body, hopefully reducing the frequency of his headaches." Overthinking and recurring headaches could potentially lead to senile dementia; encouraging more relaxation would be a proactive measure to prevent such an outcome for Father.

"I shall not forget your words, Your Highness." Sun Kui was genuinely pleased as he observed Zhao Yao's concern for the Emperor.

Zhao Yao offered no further remarks, continuing with his morning meal. After a moment, he inquired, "How fares the Empress?" He had attempted to visit Empress Xie at the Zhao Yang Palace upon his return to the capital, but his request for an audience had been denied. "Does she continue to experience persistent headaches?"

"Replying to Your Highness, the Empress had not suffered from headaches for a considerable time. However, over the past month, they have unfortunately resurfaced."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao gave a slight nod, remaining silent.

Empress Xie's recurring headaches were a consequence of the Divine Pill's depletion. The Seventh Brother had provided Empress Xie with a counterfeit Divine Pill, which proved insufficient to alleviate her chronic head pain. Eventually, Empress Xie would find her existence unbearable.

Following breakfast, Zhao Yao made his way to the Temple of Heaven to commence preparations for the sacrificial rites.

Not long thereafter, both civil and military officials had assembled.

Acting as the Emperor's proxy, Zhao Yao solemnly and reverently conducted the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven and Earth.

The ceremony proceeded without any untoward incidents, and no unusual omens manifested.

Zhao Yao had harbored concerns that the sacrificial ceremony might be accompanied by auspicious celestial phenomena, compelling him to assume the Emperor's mantle against his will. Mercifully, nothing of the sort transpired.

Zhao Yao recognized his apprehension as an overreaction; he was not the central character in some novelistic world, unlike the dreamt-of Zhao Yao, in whose story such an extraordinary event might occur during a sacrifice.

With the completion of the sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, the considerable weight upon Zhao Yao's shoulders was entirely lifted, infusing him with profound relief. Henceforth, he bore no further obligations.

He joined Prince Dai, Prince Chu, and the other assembled dignitaries in extending New Year's felicitations to the Emperor and the Empress.

After Zhao Yao concluded his brunch, the Emperor stirred from his slumber. The potent poison had been neutralized, his chronic aches had subsided, and he had experienced a night of restorative sleep. Upon waking, he felt revitalized, though he was compelled to maintain his pretense of illness.

When the princes arrived to offer their New Year's regards, they observed the Emperor's wan countenance, prompting expressions of concern from all.

After bestowing upon each prince a monetary gift intended to ward off evil spirits, the Emperor bade them depart.

Zhao Yao and the others proceeded to the Zhao Yang Palace to convey New Year's wishes to Empress Xie. Empress Xie, adorned with heavy makeup to mask her pallid complexion, received the princes' greetings with a decidedly unfriendly tone. Commencing with Prince Dai, she admonished each one in turn. Upon Zhao Yao's arrival, her demeanor became particularly laced with sarcasm.

Following her stern admonishments to the princes, Empress Xie distributed New Year's tokens for warding off evil spirits before dismissing them.

As they egressed from the Zhao Yang Palace, Prince Dai unceremoniously handed the Empress's presented money to a nearby eunuch, deriding Empress Xie's notorious frugality.

Subsequently, the princes journeyed to offer their New Year's salutations to Noble Princess Consort Rong.

Noble Princess Consort Rong exhibited remarkable kindness, bestowing profuse praise upon the princes and rewarding them generously with substantial sums of money. In stark contrast to Empress Xie's parsimony and unpleasant disposition, Noble Princess Consort Rong emanated gentleness and magnanimity.

Next, they paid their respects to Noble Princess Consort Ying. She, too, displayed considerable courtesy and lavish generosity towards the princes.

Finally, they presented their New Year's greetings to Princess Consort Li.

As for Lady Liang, she lacked the requisite status to receive New Year's salutations from the princes.

After concluding his visit with Princess Consort Li, Zhao Yao proceeded to greet Lady Liang.

"Did you happen to sleep in your father's chambers last night?"

"Fortunately, I rested upon the Dragon Bed," Zhao Yao responded with feigned earnestness. "The Dragon Bed itself was nothing extraordinary; it lacked the comfort of the bed within my Han Prince Mansion."

Lady Liang found her son's words amusing. "Dragon Bed, Dragon Bed, do you genuinely believe it is fashioned from a dragon?"

"I meant that the Dragon Bed is quite unremarkable," Zhao Yao clarified, imbuing his statement with a dual meaning.

Lady Liang perceived her son's subtle implication and chuckled. "Only you would dare to find fault with the comfort of the Dragon Bed."

"Only I possess the audacity to speak the unvarnished truth."

Lady Liang ceased their lighthearted exchange and inquired, "What news have you concerning Prince Han?"

"Reports from the northern frontier do not reach the capital with haste; it will require several days for us to receive any updates," Zhao Yao replied, languidly reclining on the couch. "It is plausible that Prince Han and the Xiongnu initiated hostilities last night."

"Alas..." Lady Liang expressed her sympathy for the populace and the soldiers stationed at the border. "Why must matters escalate to such a point?"

"He is a simpleton; what other recourse is there?" Zhao Yao commented dismissively. "It is perhaps better for such foolish individuals to meet their end sooner, thereby preventing future disruptions."

"Will the people and soldiers at the border not have the opportunity to celebrate a peaceful New Year?"

"The Xiongnu do not observe the New Year."

"Will this impact your wedding arrangements?"

"A rebellion can be suppressed within three months, so it shouldn't interfere with my marriage." He intended to depart for Swamp Prefecture immediately after the wedding, as remaining in the capital for too long might make leaving difficult.

"I certainly hope everything proceeds smoothly."

Zhao Yao steered clear of mentioning Prince Han's rebellion to Lady Liang any further, instead pivoting the conversation to the customs of New Year celebrations in Lingnan.

After a period of conversation, a wave of drowsiness washed over Zhao Yao. He was scheduled for a palace luncheon at noon, so rather than returning to the Han Prince Mansion, he opted for a nap at Kunde Hall.

At the midday hour, Lady Liang roused Zhao Yao to attend the luncheon.

In the ensuing days, despite no longer being required to perform ceremonial worship, Zhao Yao found himself occupied daily with social calls and attending various banquets, leaving early and returning late.

On the sixth day of the New Year, news of Prince Han's rebellion finally reached the capital, sending shockwaves through the populace.

Prince Han had apparently joined forces with the Xiongnu, advancing with an overwhelming force, conquering numerous states and prefectures, and was now dangerously close to Yanmen Pass, posing a significant threat to the capital.

That very night, within the opulent Han Prince Mansion, Zhao Yao shared a hot pot meal with Prince Wei.

Prince Wei, observing Zhao Yao's repeated hesitations to speak, chuckled, "If there's something on your mind, just ask."

"Eighth Brother..." Zhao Yao began, almost uttering the words, but then reconsidered, deciding against it, "Never mind."

Prince Wei, appearing to perceive Zhao Yao's unspoken question, offered a faint smile and advised, "Tenth Brother, some matters are best left unknown."

This remark from Prince Wei brought a sense of calm to Zhao Yao. He nodded in agreement, "Eighth Brother speaks the truth."

"Once all is resolved, I shall inform you."

Zhao Yao's gaze shifted to Prince Wei in surprise upon hearing this, "Eighth Brother, you..."

"Your wedding will not be affected." Prince Wei abruptly changed the subject to Zhao Yao's impending marriage, adding, "I will bestow a magnificent gift upon your wedding day."

The moment the words "magnificent gift" were uttered, Zhao Yao's eyes instantly brightened, his face alight with anticipation.

"I shall anticipate it then."

Noticing Zhao Yao's rather avaricious expression, Prince Wei playfully inquired, "What treasures does the Han Prince possess that you would so eagerly await my generous gift?"

"It is different; I have faith that Eighth Brother will be exceptionally magnanimous, bestowing upon me a grand gift beyond expectation."

"Rest assured, I shall not disappoint your hopes." Prince Wei replied, a profound emotion briefly crossing his eyes.