Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1149 - 157: Prince Yue and Prince Han Join Forces in Rebellion

The previous year, an imperial decree mandated all Princes return to the capital for the New Year. However, Prince Han, harboring ulterior motives, did not comply, nor did Prince Yue.

Prince Yue remained stationed in Bingzhou, tasked with guarding Ya’men Pass, making his departure impossible. Since his arrival in Bingzhou, he had not left the post.

Presently, Prince Han, in conjunction with the Xiongnu army, had already launched an assault on Ya’men Pass.

Prince Han sought to avoid a protracted and costly siege of Ya’men Pass. Furthermore, with Prince Dai having pledged his cooperation, Prince Han believed he could extend this arrangement to Prince Yue.

His expectation was that the mention of Prince Dai would compel Prince Yue’s immediate compliance. To his surprise, Prince Yue adopted a defiant stance, a move that significantly incensed Prince Han.

Despite Prince Han presenting numerous advantageous terms, Prince Yue remained unyielding, clearly maneuvering for a better deal.

"I truly underestimated my ninth brother. I presumed him dull-witted, but it appears he was merely feigning ignorance to achieve a greater end." Facing unexpected resistance from Prince Yue, Prince Han, incensed, declared, "His avarice surpasses even that of the second brother."

"I had always regarded Prince Yue as a simpleton, devoid of intellect." Yang Qi, his brow furrowed in displeasure, mused, "Who would have thought Prince Yue capable of such a facade?" He concluded that only Prince Zheng remained a fool; the other Princes were proving to be formidable adversaries.

"My ninth brother is indeed a master of deception, having fooled everyone for so many years." Prince Han’s countenance darkened with malice, "He dares to defy me!" The memory of his previous encounter with Prince Yue, and the dismissive glint in his eyes, ignited Prince Han’s fury.

"Your Highness, it is possible that Prince Dai is the instigator of this defiance." Yang Qi reasoned that Prince Yue, on his own, would not dare to provoke Prince Han. "I suspect Prince Dai is the one manipulating the situation."

These words gave Prince Han pause, followed by a grim chuckle. "You speak the truth; it is likely our second brother escalating the stakes."

"Your Highness, for our current strategy, I propose agreeing to the conditions set forth by Prince Dai and Prince Yue. Once our objective is achieved, we can simply disavow any agreement."

"I cannot simply swallow this insult." Prince Han, accustomed to being the one dictating terms, found himself in the position of being dictated to.

"Upon our success, Prince Dai and Prince Yue will be entirely at your mercy." Yang Qi advised, "Your Highness, a moment's impatience could jeopardize our grand design."

Prince Han understood that a confrontation with Prince Dai at this juncture would be imprudent. He resigned himself to enduring Prince Dai’s exorbitant demands, vowing to settle the score after their victory.

"Very well, we shall temporarily agree to Prince Yue's terms."

"I shall personally see Prince Yue."

Yang Qi acted swiftly and soon arrived at the Yue Royal Mansion.

Prince Yue, upon Yang Qi’s arrival, displayed no surprise and directly posed the question: "This time, your offer should be one that truly satisfies me."

"Your Highness Prince Yue, His Highness Prince Han is indeed sincere..." Yang Qi retrieved a letter from his person and presented it to Prince Yue.

Prince Yue accepted the letter, perused its contents with care, and then a satisfied smile graced his lips. "Since my fifth brother demonstrates such sincerity, I shall undoubtedly offer my assistance. Return and inform the fifth brother that we shall cooperate in a charade to ensure your passage through Ya’men Pass unimpeded."

"I am indebted to you, Your Highness Prince Yue."

Prince Yue gestured dismissively, and Yang Qi respectfully took his leave.

After Yang Qi’s departure, Prince Yue let out a cold sneer. "My fifth brother remains unchanged, ever fond of treating others as utter fools."

"Your Highness, is it not perilous to proceed without informing Prince Dai? Are you not concerned Prince Han might reveal this arrangement to Prince Dai?" Chang Xiao inquired, his voice tinged with worry.

Prince Yue waved a hand, his reply casual. "My fifth brother will merely assume the second brother orchestrated this. Driven by his current anger, he will not confide in the second brother."

"Are you certain of this?"

"Even if the second brother were to learn of it, what consequence would that hold? When the second brother conspired with the fifth brother to rebel, he did not include me. Is it not then natural that I should exclude him?"

That was one perspective, yet...

"Are you not apprehensive that Prince Dai may hold you accountable once he discovers the truth?"

"I bestowed the throne upon him. Do you truly believe he would hold me accountable for such a gift?"

Chang Xiao initially believed Prince Yue’s actions were a bid for the throne, but he was now stunned to realize this was not the case.

"Your Highness, do you not desire the throne?"

"No, the life of an Emperor pales in comparison to my current existence." Prince Yue chuckled. "Once the second brother is on the throne, my own life will be even more liberated, allowing me to do as I please."

"Your Highness, without direct contact with Prince Dai, how can you be so sure he is not genuinely allied with Prince Han?"

"If you were in his position, would you risk your head to aid Prince Han?"

Chang Xiao shook his head and admitted, "I would not."

"My brother isn't some simpleton. I suspect he's merely collaborating with Prince Han to usurp the throne, intending to pin all the blame on our fifth brother later." Prince Yue continued, "Naturally, I shall assist my brother in triumphing over Prince Han and claiming the throne."