Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1160 - 162: The Date for Prince Han’s Wedding Is Set (2)

The Marquis Xuanping was her brother. Their bond as siblings, forged since childhood through mutual reliance for survival, was exceptionally strong. Now, with his entire family annihilated following the fall of the Yu Family, how could she possibly accept this devastating reality?

The demise of her brother dealt a severe blow to Noble Princess Consort Rong, significantly exacerbating her existing illness. Nevertheless, she recognized that she could not succumb; her survival was paramount for the sake of her two sons, currently imprisoned within the Royal Mansion. As long as she drew breath, their confinement would be rendered somewhat more endurable.

Should she perish, her two sons would undoubtedly face relentless bullying, and there was even the chilling possibility that the vile Xie Yi might orchestrate their demise.

Noble Princess Consort Rong had been on the brink of death due to her severe illness. However, over the past few days, through sheer force of will, she had managed to endure, and her condition was showing signs of gradual improvement.

Throughout this period, the Emperor made visits to her every few days.

Noble Princess Consort Rong understood that harboring hatred for the Emperor was perhaps unwarranted; however, she found herself unable to let go of the circumstances surrounding Marquis Xuanping's death. While she intellectually grasped that Marquis Xuanping's rebellion, which led to the extermination of nine clans, was a consequence he deserved, emotionally, she struggled to accept it.

Marquis Xuanping was not merely her brother; he also bore the responsibility of being the Family Head of the Yu Family. The Yu Family had been reduced to only Marquis Xuanping's immediate household, yet the Emperor had eradicated them completely, effectively erasing the Yu Family from existence. How would he face the Empress Dowager in the times ahead?

Noble Princess Consort Rong had initially believed that the Emperor, out of consideration for the Empress Dowager, would refrain from annihilating the entire Yu Family. Perhaps, in her hopeful estimation, he would at most sentence Marquis Xuanping to death. Yet, the Emperor had mercilessly put Marquis Xuanping's entire family to the sword.

"Madam, you must refrain from weeping any further," Jin Mei advised with concern, "The Imperial Physician explicitly stated that if you continue to cry, your eyes may..."

"Jin Mei, why does my cousin display such indifference towards the Yu Family? After all, the Yu Family is his maternal kin," Noble Princess Consort Rong expressed her bewilderment.

"Madam, I possess no knowledge of this." It was likely that the Emperor's ruthless actions against his own maternal family had left everyone perplexed. "I am only aware that the Emperor cherishes you, and it is because of you that the two princes remain safe and sound."

This statement provided Noble Princess Consort Rong with a measure of solace, though she still lamented, "But he was my own brother, my sole brother, and my cousin..."

"Madam, the current well-being of the two princes is the most favorable outcome," Jin Mei persisted, gently urging her, "If you harbor resentment towards the Emperor due to the Marquis's actions, it might inadvertently chill the Emperor's heart. You must comprehend that the Emperor did not wish to see the Marquis's entire family perish; he was not inherently unkind towards them. However, the Marquis instigated a rebellion against the Crown Prince, causing profound heartache to the Emperor."

Jin Mei's words held a certain logic, and Noble Princess Consort Rong ceased her tears and complaints. Instead, she let out a prolonged sigh, questioning, "I still find it incomprehensible as to why my brother chose to rebel?"

"Madam, what has transpired cannot be undone; you should cease pondering it. Your focus must now be on the two princes; you cannot afford to remain unwell," Jin Mei advised, her tone earnest. "The Empress has made a recovery; are you not concerned that she might seize this opportunity to create difficulties for the princes?"

Upon contemplating her two sons, confined within the Royal Mansion, Noble Princess Consort Rong's gaze immediately hardened, her tears vanishing. She declared with renewed determination, "You are correct; I must recover swiftly. I cannot permit Xie Yi to bully Yi son and the others."

Simultaneously, within Kunde Hall, Zhao Yao and Prince Wei were partaking in a meal with Lady Liang.

Previously, during their time at Swamp Prefecture, Prince Wei had made it a daily practice to visit Kunde Hall after court sessions to pay his respects to Lady Liang, often accompanying her for tea and conversation. On occasion, he would even present gifts to Lady Liang.

In return, Lady Liang frequently prepared food or crafted garments to bestow upon Prince Wei.

During their meal, the trio deliberately avoided discussions of political matters, opting instead to converse about everyday trivialities.

After concluding their meal and enjoying tea, Prince Wei brought up the subject of Zhao Yao's impending marriage.

Merely two days prior, the Emperor had issued an imperial decree formalizing Zhao Yao's marriage, scheduled for the 8th of May.

The 8th of May was hailed as the most auspicious date in the entire year, a day imbued with great fortune, suitable for all significant events. Such a propitious day graced the calendar only once every few years.

Prince Wei assured Lady Liang that the future Princess Han was an exceptional individual, and furthermore, that her family members were characterized by their honesty and straightforwardness.

After spending a pleasant duration in Lady Liang's company, Zhao Yao and Prince Wei took their leave.

"Eighth Brother, with my impending marriage, it feels as though you are preparing for your own son's wedding ceremony," Zhao Yao remarked playfully.

Prince Wei stumbled in astonishment at Zhao Yao's observation, his balance momentarily lost. Fortunately, Yu Hai was quick to support him, preventing a rather undignified fall.

"My son’s wedding?" Prince Wei’s laughter was one of disbelief, "How could you possibly harbor such a misconception?"

"I am about to be wed, and yet you are more preoccupied than I, the groom-to-be, meticulously planning and arranging every detail for me, ensuring I need not concern myself with a single task."

"Isn’t it a good thing that you need not worry?" Prince Wei chuckled, "You need do nothing at all, simply await the marriage."

Zhao Yao ambled along, hands clasped behind his head in a carefree manner.

"Very well then, I shall patiently await the wedding day." With two months remaining until his nuptials, his desire to return to the Swamp Prefecture was thwarted, leaving him confined to the capital. Two months, an eternity it seemed. "However, the mere thought of attending the predawn court sessions daily leading up to the wedding fills me with dread." When he was in the Swamp Prefecture, such daily attendance was not required; his presence was only needed every few days, and court commenced at the break of dawn.

"As both a prince and a subject, attending court is your solemn duty," Prince Wei stated, "You ought to pay closer attention to matters of state."

"I am incapable of even managing the affairs of Lingnan, so why should I concern myself with the wider political landscape?"

"You…"

The two brothers proceeded side by side, their exchange filled with a cordial warmth. Trailing behind them, Yu Hai and Tong Xi observed their retreating figures, a gentle smile gracing their lips unconsciously.

Upon their return to Prince Han Mansion, Zhao Yao indulged in a restful nap. Prince Wei, however, immediately proceeded to the Royal Mansion after reaching his own residence.

As Prince Wei made his way towards the Royal Mansion, news of his departure reached the Emperor within the palace.

"Your Majesty, Lord Wei has set out for the Royal Mansion. Shall we impede his progress?"

The Emperor responded with characteristic indifference: "There is no need."

"Should we dispatch individuals to discreetly observe his actions?"

"There is no need." The Emperor was fully cognizant of Prince Wei’s underlying intentions for his visit to the Royal Mansion.

Sun Kui, standing nearby, murmured to himself, noting that Prince Wei’s visit to the Royal Mansion at such a critical juncture was certainly not for mere relaxation, but rather to seek out Prince Dai and the others. The Emperor, he mused, did not seem at all concerned that Prince Wei might bring harm to Prince Dai and his kin.

Moreover, he recalled that the formerly deposed Crown Prince had once been confined within the Royal Mansion, and subsequently, his entire family had resided there.