Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1153 - 159: Prince Dai Decides to Rebel

Three days of solemn deliberation passed before Prince Dai ultimately decided to proceed with the daring plan. Given the gravity of the situation, he and Marquis Xuanping recognized the necessity for meticulous discussion and thorough preparation. This endeavor was one where success was paramount, leaving absolutely no room for error or a second attempt.

A trusted subordinate was dispatched by Prince Dai to make a clandestine journey to Bingzhou. Their mission was to locate Prince Yue and apprise him of the unfolding scheme, as his external cooperation was integral to its execution.

Throughout the years, Prince Dai's influence within the military had steadily burgeoned. A significant portion of the soldiery was loyal to him; upon hearing of his impending troop mobilization, they enthusiastically pledged their support.

While Prince Dai maintained a low profile over the preceding two days, Marquis Xuanping and the Princely Heir discreetly conferred with various generals, finalizing the strategic arrangements for troop movements.

Simultaneously, Prince Dai initiated contact with Prince Han through an envoy, all while maintaining a facade of cooperation with Zhao Yao.

The clandestine agreement between Prince Dai and Marquis Xuanping ostensibly involved supporting Prince Han's rebellion and feigning allegiance to Zhao Yao. However, their true objective was to leverage Prince Han's treason to their own advantage.

A multilayered scheme, indeed! A plot within a plot, concealed within yet another!

Prince Dai harbored absolute confidence in the infallibility of the plan devised with Marquis Xuanping. Unbeknownst to them, however, the Emperor and Zhao Yao had long foreseen their machinations.

The following evening was designated for the troop uprising. Prince Dai found himself consumed by a potent cocktail of excitement, apprehension, and anxiety, rendering sleep impossible. At this moment, he sat in the courtyard, a cup of wine in hand, basking in the moonlight.

Marquis Xuanping occupied the seat opposite him. The uncle and nephew sat in comfortable silence, sharing their wine.

Fu Zhong crouched nearby, periodically tending to the brazier's embers, coaxing the flames to burn brighter.

Despite February's arrival, a biting cold permeated the capital, especially after dusk, a chill that seeped into the very bones. Yet, Prince Dai and Marquis Xuanping seemed impervious, their courtyard vigil accompanied by the crisp night air and flowing wine.

Before long, the stone table was littered with empty wine vessels.

Though Prince Dai's face bore the flush of alcohol, his eyes remained sharp and clear, unclouded by intoxication.

"Uncle, are we truly not going to inform Mother Consort of our intentions?" he inquired, referring to their decision to withhold information from Noble Princess Consort Rong regarding the troop mobilization.

"Your mother consort would undoubtedly object, and she might even disclose our plans to the Emperor," Marquis Xuanping responded, his words slightly slurred with drink. "In your mother consort's heart, the Emperor reigns supreme; she would never condone our betrayal of him."

"Isn't it rather improper to keep such a significant undertaking from Mother Consort?"

"There is nothing improper about it." Marquis Xuanping possessed a clear understanding that, to his sister, the Yu family held less importance than the Emperor, and perhaps even less than her own son.

"I fear Mother Consort will be enraged, that she might disown me," Prince Dai confessed, well aware of Noble Princess Consort Rong's profound devotion to the Emperor.

"When that time comes, you will be the Emperor, and she, the Empress Dowager. She will not disown you," Marquis Xuanping stated, a hiccup punctuating his sentence, his face alight with fervent anticipation. "Moreover, we are not acting to harm the Emperor; he will merely assume the title of Supreme Emperor."

"I pray Mother Consort is not overly displeased then." Prince Dai vividly recalled the repercussions of Noble Princess Consort Rong's displeasure.

"Should she be angered, simply declare it my fault, and let Noble Consort vent her fury upon me."

"Uncle, you might face a lashing from Mother Consort then." Prince Dai recalled the whip Noble Princess Consort Rong possessed, a gift from the Emperor initially intended for her protection, but later employed to discipline the disobedient Prince Dai and Prince Yue. Prince Dai himself had borne its sting on numerous occasions.

"Let her administer a few lashes to appease her temper."

"I am merely concerned that Father will harbor resentment towards me." Ever since his youth, Prince Dai had held the Emperor in the highest esteem, viewing him as an ideal to emulate. Embarking now on a path of rebellion, he dreaded the prospect of his father's utter disappointment.

"Once you ascend to that position and prove yourself more capable than the Emperor, his resentment will dissipate." Marquis Xuanping remarked with a smile. "I have every confidence that you will surpass the Emperor."

"I shall make Father proud!" Prince Dai resolved, inwardly believing himself to be no less qualified than his Fourth Brother. He was determined to demonstrate to his father that he was the most fitting candidate for the throne, superior to both his Fourth and Seventh Brothers.

"Come, let us have another drink."

"Agreed. We shall not return until we are thoroughly inebriated tonight."

The uncle and nephew leaned into the biting wind, their spirits soaring as they drank heartily in the courtyard. Amidst their revelry, they raised their voices in song, their expressions reflecting a carefree abandon.