Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1154 - 159: Prince Dai Decides to Rebel (Part 2)

"Master, might I have a drink?"

Observing his disciple's keen interest, Sun Kui generously offered the wine pouch he was holding.

"Be mindful not to overindulge."

"Rest assured, Master, I understand my own limits." Sun Doudou, anxious that his master might retract the offer, quickly took several sips. The potent liquor instantly chased away the chill from his body.

With swift movements, Sun Kui retrieved the wine pouch from his student's grasp, tucking it securely into his sleeve.

"Master, the wine crafted by Prince Han is indeed remarkably strong."

"Prince Han mentioned it's their finest brew, suggesting a few sips when it's cold to ward off the chill." Sun Kui expressed his admiration, "Prince Han truly knows how to take care of us."

Sun Doudou muttered with a hint of envy, "Prince Han gifted you wine, yet he didn't spare any for me."

Sun Kui, upon hearing this, proudly declared, "That's because Prince Han holds me in high regard; you still have much to learn."

"Indeed, indeed, how could I possibly compare to you." Sun Doudou finished his thought, then cast a glance towards the heavily shut doors of the Imperial Study. Lowering his voice, he inquired, "Why has Lord Wei not emerged yet?" It had been over half an hour, an unprecedented duration. "Doesn't the Emperor harbor some displeasure towards Lord Wei?"

Sun Kui promptly kicked his disciple's leg, sternly cautioning, "Silence, this is not your concern!"

Startled by his master's severe expression, Sun Doudou shrank back, his lips sealed, not daring to utter another word.

Sun Kui tilted his head towards the nocturnal sky, noting the moon completely veiled by clouds, allowing no celestial illumination to penetrate. Then, his gaze caught a streak of light – a falling star traversing the heavens.

Though unfamiliar with the intricacies of astrology, his thoughts turned to the unfolding events of the following night, leading him to suspect which celestial body had just plummeted from the sky.

Sun Doudou had also witnessed the phenomenon, exclaiming in startled awe, "Master, that star just now..."

Sun Kui offered no reply.

Sun Doudou whispered, "Master, does a sudden falling star signify that someone is destined to perish?"

Sun Kui responded with an air of mystery, "Who can say."

"Hiss..." A biting wind swept through, causing Sun Doudou to gasp involuntarily. He quickly hopped from foot to foot, attempting to generate warmth. "Master, have you observed how the temperatures have plummeted ever since the turn of the year?"

"It's likely just the lingering chill of late spring."

Sun Doudou shook his head, asserting, "I don't believe so; the weather feels... amiss..." Before he could finish his sentence, a sharp blow landed on the crown of his head.

"Cease your baseless speculation."

Sun Doudou, attempting to smooth things over, offered Sun Kui a placating smile, "I won't speak any further; not a word will pass my lips."

Another hour elapsed, and then, at long last, Lord Wei emerged from the confines of the Imperial Study.

Sun Kui and Sun Doudou quickly executed a respectful bow, murmuring, "A slow departure to you, Your Highness."

Lord Wei paused before them, his gaze seemingly taking in the master and disciple with casual interest.

"Mr. Sun, the Father Emperor is not feeling well; please exercise utmost vigilance."

Sun Kui bowed deeply, responding with profound deference, "Understood, Your Highness."

Lord Wei continued, "Your disciple shows promise." With those words, he turned and strode away.

Only after Lord Wei had put considerable distance between them did Sun Kui and Sun Doudou straighten themselves.

Sun Doudou watched Lord Wei's receding figure, then turned his attention to Sun Kui, whose expression was deep in thought. He asked with palpable confusion, "Master, what could Lord Wei have possibly meant by his words? Why would he suddenly offer me praise?" Normally, Lord Wei wouldn't even spare him a glance.

"Isn't receiving praise a positive outcome?"

Visibly unnerved, Sun Doudou rapidly shook his head, "No, it's far from good. While I would rejoice if other Lords commended me, Lord Wei's praise fills me with apprehension." Among all the princes, Lord Wei possessed the most striking features and a perpetually gentle smile, yet encountering him always instilled a sense of unease. "Master, Lord Wei is quite terrifying."

Sun Kui acknowledged, "You possess a keen intuition."

Sun Doudou beamed with a touch of pride, "Master, if I lacked perceptiveness, how could I possibly serve in proximity to the Emperor?" Recalling Lord Wei's commendation, a shiver ran down his spine. "Master, do you believe Lord Wei harbors intentions of harming me?" Genuine fear gripped him.

"What assets do you possess that would warrant Lord Wei's malice?" Sun Kui sought to reassure Sun Doudou, "Perhaps Lord Wei was simply in an amiable mood, happened to notice you, and spoke casually; you've taken it far too seriously."

Upon hearing Sun Kui's comforting words, Sun Doudou immediately felt a wave of relief wash over him. He raised a hand, patting his chest, and exhaled profoundly, "That is a great relief."

"That's the spirit! I shall be heading inside now."

"Take care, Master."

Sun Kui entered the Imperial Study; an enveloping warmth greeted him, bringing a sense of profound relaxation to his entire being.

"What were you discussing outside just moments ago?"

Sun Kui recounted faithfully, "Lord Wei instructed me to ensure your well-being, and he also commended Sun Doudou; the disciple became quite alarmed."

"Alarmed? Because the eighth prince offered praise?"

Sun Doudou, who habitually feared Lord Wei, felt a prickle of unease when the esteemed Lord Wei unexpectedly offered him praise. Sun Kui had previously reassured Sun Doudou, dismissing his worries as unfounded. However, even he, as Sun Doudou's master, harbored suspicions that Lord Wei's unusual commendation must signify something deeper.

"Encourage your disciple to be more courageous; otherwise, how will he confront Old Eighth in the future?" The Emperor's seemingly casual remark struck Sun Kui like a bolt of lightning, widening his eyes in astonishment. "Your Majesty, this..."

Perceiving Sun Kui's visibly horrified reaction, the Emperor recognized that his minister had grasped the implication. "Rest assured, your worthy disciple will be unharmed. I still require his service for Little Ten in the years to come."

"Your Majesty, this is..." Sun Kui was utterly bewildered, struggling to comprehend the Emperor's true intentions. "For the present moment, I have no intention of abdicating," the Emperor stated with a smile. "My health is robust, and nothing untoward will occur anytime soon. Dispel your concerns." Sun Kui found himself significantly reassured by these words.

"That is good to hear." The Emperor's earlier words had indeed sent a shiver of fear down his spine. "Are all arrangements within the palace finalized?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, all arrangements have been made," Sun Kui confirmed.

The Emperor nodded, then inquired, "And what of Noble Princess Consort Rong?"

"Your Majesty, the noble consort remains unaware of any developments," Sun Kui replied.

Musing on Noble Princess Consort Rong, the Emperor let out a gentle sigh. "She is my cousin, and has always cherished me; her affection has never been in doubt, yet..."

"Your Majesty, Noble Princess Consort Rong is indeed unaware. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss..."

The Emperor gently interrupted Sun Kui. "Certainly, I shall not hold her accountable, but she will undoubtedly hold herself accountable."

"Then I implore you to offer counsel to the noble consort when the time is right," Sun Kui requested.

"Old Second has truly been a profound disappointment," the Emperor lamented. Though he had never seriously considered Prince Dai as a successor, his former regard and affection for Prince Dai had been genuine. "What virtue lies in being Emperor? Everyone vies for the position, and some even resort to rebellion when denied."

"Your Majesty, only you and Prince Han seem to find the position of Emperor undesirous," Sun Kui observed.

The Emperor let out a cold snort. "With Old Second's disposition, were I to bestow the throne upon him, he would undoubtedly plunge the kingdom into ruin, undoing the painstaking efforts of both myself and the late Emperor."

"Prince Dai has indeed lost his senses."

"I am eager to witness the extent of the chaos he intends to unleash come tomorrow night."