Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1155 - 160: One Arrow, Three Hawks

Within Prince Wei Mansion, a scene of quiet domesticity unfolded as Zhao Yao shared tea by the warmth of the stove with Prince Wei.

A sudden fit of coughing seized Prince Wei, sending him into a bout of hacking. Zhao Yao, with swift concern, immediately offered a cup of hot tea.

After taking several sips, Prince Wei’s coughing subsided. A loud crackle erupted from the stove as the chestnuts within began to roast.

Zhao Yao, rushing to retrieve them, ended up burning his hands. The hot chestnuts tumbled back and forth between his palms before he quickly scooped them up, only to scald his mouth in his haste and let out a pained hiss.

Observing this, Prince Wei offered a look of exasperation, handing Zhao Yao the half-finished cup of tea that had cooled considerably. Zhao Yao drank the lukewarm tea, finding some relief.

“Why the rush? I’m not competing with you,” Prince Wei remarked.

“How was I supposed to know they were still that hot?” Zhao Yao retorted.

As Prince Wei was about to reply, another coughing fit overtook him.

Zhao Yao rose and moved to stand behind him, gently patting his back. “Brother, why do you cough so often?”

“The recent cold snap has left me with a chill, hence the coughing,” Prince Wei explained calmly, tucking away his handkerchief. “I’ll be well in a few days.” Unbeknownst to Zhao Yao, Prince Wei had discreetly covered his mouth during the coughing fit, concealing the bloodstains on his handkerchief and the trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Zhao Yao’s gaze fell upon Prince Wei’s gaunt and frail frame, a knot of worry and helplessness tightening in his chest. “Brother, I’ve told you since we were children that you’re too thin and need to eat more to gain some weight. Yet, all these years, you remain as slender as ever.”

Prince Wei playfully poked Zhao Yao’s forehead, chiding with a laugh, “Who are you calling slender?”

“Me? I’m not as skinny as you are,” Zhao Yao chuckled.

Prince Wei let out a soft chuckle, “You’re not much heavier than I am.”

Zhao Yao rolled up his sleeves, flexing his biceps for Prince Wei’s inspection. “I’m lean because it’s muscle, look!”

Amused, Prince Wei playfully slapped Zhao Yao’s bicep. “Can’t see it.”

“Brother, you’re just jealous.”

Prince Wei dismissed the banter, leisurely continuing to sip his tea.

“When I head back to Swamp Prefecture, I’ll send a skilled witch doctor your way,” Zhao Yao said, his eyes lingering on Prince Wei’s pale complexion with a hint of concern. “Let the witch doctor help with your recovery and health.”

“My health is fine; I have no need for a witch doctor,” Prince Wei replied smoothly. “I have capable physicians attending to me, their skills are more than sufficient.”

“Then why haven’t you recovered?” Zhao Yao pressed, a constant worry that a strong gust of wind might easily carry the delicate Prince Wei away. “Your face is so pale, it’s practically see-through.”

“My complexion has been like this since childhood, so please don’t worry excessively,” Prince Wei offered Zhao Yao a reassuring smile. “Though I may appear weak, I am not as fragile as you might imagine.”

“That’s good to hear,” Zhao Yao conceded, fully aware of Prince Wei’s recurring frailties during the winter months, often plagued by colds and fevers.

“Shall we play a game of chess?”

“Chess is rather dull. Let’s summon Yu Hai and Tong Xi for a game of mahjong instead.”

“Very well, mahjong it is.”

Shortly thereafter, Zhao Yao and the others were immersed in a game of mahjong.

Across the table, Tong Xi observed Zhao Yao and Prince Wei engaged in their mahjong game with an almost unsettling composure, seemingly unfazed by the impending major events. This apparent nonchalance filled him with anxiety.

“Oh gracious prince, with Prince Dai and Prince Han on the brink of rebellion, how can you remain so unconcerned and instead indulge in a game of mahjong?”

Noticing Tong Xi’s persistent blinking in his direction, Zhao Yao inquired, “Are you experiencing an eye twitch?”

Yu Hai interjected from the side, “Tong Xi, you shouldn’t be attempting to cheat Prince Han.”

Zhao Yao glanced at Yu Hai, proclaiming with pride, “With my incredible luck today, why would I resort to cheating? You and Brother can simply resign yourselves to losing.”

Prince Wei chuckled, recalling Zhao Yao’s earlier words, “Winning initially is just paper; winning in the end is what truly brings the money. Is that not what you’ve said?”

“Precisely! Prince Han, you may be winning now, but you will certainly lose your fortune later.”

“Tonight, I’m going to bankrupt you until you can’t even afford new underwear,” Zhao Yao declared, completely ignoring Tong Xi’s frantic signals. “Come, let’s continue the game.”

Tong Xi, his attempts at signaling completely misinterpreted as cheating, felt utterly despairing. “…Never mind,” he thought, “If the princes themselves are not worried, why should a mere servant fret? It is better to focus on winning some coin from this mahjong game.”

Beyond the confines of Prince Wei Mansion, the capital city teemed with life and light, the hour not yet having reached the curfew. Yet, beneath this facade of prosperity and bustling activity, a dangerous undercurrent was steadily rising.

Prince Dai, accompanied by several conspirators from the General Mansion, had begun to enact their plans. Concurrently, outside the capital’s walls, Prince Han, in league with the Xiongnu and the forces of Prince Yue, was steadily advancing towards the city.