Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1147 - 156: Is Prince Yue Going to Backstab Prince Dai?

Due to Prince Han's collusion with the Xiongnu in his rebellion, the Emperor, who was gravely ill, was compelled to hold court sessions earlier than previously scheduled. The court was intended to reconvene after the fifteenth day of the first month, following the Lantern Festival. However, this act of treason necessitated its resumption on the eighth day.

While commoners were exempt, officials, who were anticipating a break until the fifteenth, were forced back to their duties on the eighth due to Prince Han's treasonous actions. This abrupt change left the officials incensed, and Prince Han bore the brunt of their curses.

The officials were not taken aback by Prince Han's rebellion; such uprisings by princes were not an uncommon occurrence throughout history. What irked them immensely, however, was Prince Han's choice of timing. Why, they grumbled, did he have to choose the New Year period, thereby disrupting their holiday celebrations?

For both civil and military officials, the New Year period represented a precious respite from a year of arduous labor. It was a time for filial piety, for cherishing moments with spouses and children, or for doting on grandchildren. All of these cherished activities were now lost.

In the preceding days of court, a palpable wave of resentment had settled upon the officials. The 'sickly' Emperor, too, was consumed by an even greater fury.

Perhaps it was the lingering spirit of the New Year, but numerous officials and soldiers across various prefectures had grown lax and negligent. Consequently, they proved incapable of repelling the traitorous forces of Prince Han and the Xiongnu.

A barrage of defeat reports flooded in from multiple regions, casting a dark pall over the entire court and unsettling the civil and military officials. The populace of the capital shared in this mounting anxiety and unease.

Nevertheless, with Song Weikang and Zhang Gong firmly stationed in the capital, the ragtag coalition of Prince Han and the Xiongnu posed no immediate threat.

During today's court session, the 'ailing' Emperor, in his supposed weakened state, once again erupted in a fit of rage, nearly collapsing from sheer anger.

From his position below, Zhao Yao marveled inwardly. His father's acting, he mused, was truly masterful. Such a performance, he felt, would undoubtedly earn him an Oscar in the other world he often dreamt of.

The Emperor, feigning continued illness and extreme weakness, concluded his tirade against Prince Han. Unable to sustain the act any longer, he hastily adjourned the court.

Immediately following the adjournment, Sun Kui urgently summoned the Imperial Physician.

Witnessing the Emperor's apparent severe condition, the officials were overcome with worry. Had it not been for Prince Han's rebellion and the Emperor's supposed illness, their concerns might have been less acute. But with Prince Han's rebel army advancing relentlessly towards the capital, and the Emperor's health failing, how could the officials not be consumed by fear?

Even with the presence of the three Great Generals – Song Weikang and Zhang Gong – in the capital, the Emperor's fragile health remained a paramount concern for all officials.

A profound sense of unease gripped the civil and military officials, while the citizens of the capital were gripped by anxiety, creating an oppressive atmosphere that enveloped the entire city.

After the court session concluded, Zhao Yao, along with his royal brothers, proceeded to visit the Emperor.

However, Sun Kui informed them that the Emperor required complete rest and was not receiving visitors at the moment, politely requesting the Princes to depart.

After repeatedly entrusting Sun Kui with the Emperor's care, Prince Dai and the others reluctantly took their leave.

Zhao Yao lingered at the rear, neither engaging in conversation with Prince Chu nor Prince Wei. Upon reaching the palace gates, each entered their respective carriages to return home.

Upon his return to the Prince Han Mansion, Zhao Yao's somber demeanor instantly dissolved, replaced by a broad smile.

Tong Xi arrived with a cup of tea and a selection of pastries. Observing Zhao Yao sprawled on the couch, a somewhat unseemly grin plastered across his face, Tong Xi remarked with a hint of disdain, "Your Highness, you bear the resemblance of a scoundrel."

Zhao Yao cast a glance at Tong Xi, sat up, and picked up a pastry. "Being a scoundrel,” he replied, “isn't so bad."

"Your Highness, did you perhaps doze off during court today?" Tong Xi inquired. "While everyone else trembled with fear or nervousness, only Your Highness slept soundly. Were you not discovered?"

"With Prince Han's rebellion now underway, would I be so foolish as to sleep in court?" Zhao Yao responded, selecting another snack. The Prince Han Mansion received daily deliveries of pastries, many originating from the Prince Chu Mansion and the Prince Wei Mansion. The current delicacy he enjoyed was from Prince Wei Mansion.

"Your Highness, this servant was merely concerned you might make a misstep," Tong Xi confessed.

"While my acting may not rival Father's excellence, it's hardly so poor as to be easily seen through," Zhao Yao mused, his thoughts returning to the Emperor's performance. He smacked his lips. "You simply didn't witness Father's grand performance today..." He then proceeded to vividly recount the Emperor's earlier spectacle in court to Tong Xi.

Tong Xi listened, utterly astonished and momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, he let out a sigh, "Truly worthy of being the Emperor."

As Tong Xi spoke, a Hidden Guard materialized without warning. Tong Xi, sensing the shift in atmosphere, tactfully excused himself.

Zhao Yao, while munching on a snack, received and unsealed the secret dispatch from the Hidden Guard. Upon completion of his perusal, his eyes turned steely. "Has Prince Yue been in contact with Prince Dai?"

The Hidden Guard responded with utmost respect, "Negative, my lord."

"Curious," a hint of a roguish grin touched Zhao Yao's lips. "Did Prince Yue accept the proposal?"