Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1166 - 165: The Death of Noble Princess Consort Rong (Part 2)

In Kunde Hall, Lady Liang was presently discussing marital arrangements with Zhao Yao. Seeing as Noble Princess Consort Rong was not the Empress, her passing did not necessitate mourning from the princes or the general populace, allowing Zhao Yao’s wedding to proceed as scheduled.

Once Lady Liang concluded her explanation of the wedding details, Zhao Yao perceived the concern etched on her face and inquired with solicitude, "Mother, what troubles you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lady Liang emerged from her reverie and offered Zhao Yao a gentle smile. "I am quite well; I am merely fretting over your father."

"Are you worried Father is grieving?" The ceremony for Noble Princess Consort Rong had concluded several days prior, and both the imperial court and the harem had resumed their normal operations. While the commoners had initially been abuzz with discussions of her demise, their attention had since shifted elsewhere. "I believe Father is managing quite well."

"Your father keeps his emotions locked away, never revealing them," stated Lady Liang, who understood the Emperor better than anyone. "Noble Princess Consort Rong was his cousin; they were raised together, sharing decades of deep affection... Her death has also affected him profoundly. While I cannot easily approach him, you should visit him later. Keep him company, share a drink, engage in conversation, and allow him to release his sorrow."

"Very well, I shall visit Father later."

The mother and son then conversed about a few other matters.

As evening descended, Zhao Yao made his appearance at the Imperial Study, coaxing the Emperor to join him for dinner.

The Emperor lacked an appetite and initially resisted, but his youngest son insisted, physically escorting him to the dining hall.

Zhao Yao produced several casks of wine, presenting them to the Emperor as his own finest brew, potent enough to induce profound intoxication.

The Emperor playfully chided him for hoarding the strong spirits and then raised his bowl, drinking with considerable gusto.

After consuming several bowls, the Emperor began to feel the effects of the alcohol and rose to depart the dining hall.

Father and son emerged from the hall and settled themselves upon the stone steps at the entrance.

Zhao Yao maintained a quiet demeanor, simply keeping the Emperor company as he drank.

Following the consumption of several more bowls, the Emperor finally broke his silence. "I was indebted to her."

Zhao Yao understood without question that the Emperor's reference to "her" was Noble Princess Consort Rong.

"She lost her parents at a tender age and was taken in by my mother to be raised. In those days, she was inseparable from me, like a shadow." The Emperor’s face was flushed from the drink, yet his speech remained remarkably coherent. "She always declared her desire to marry me upon reaching adulthood, but in my eyes, she was merely a sister. I had no intention of marrying her, yet my mother insisted that if I did not marry her and she were to wed another, she might not survive." In that era of widespread turmoil and pervasive fear, the Emperor acknowledged that if Noble Princess Consort Rong had married someone else, her survival would indeed have been precarious.

"You heeded Grandmother's counsel and married her."

"Indeed, your grandmother assured me it mattered not if I did not love her, as long as I could secure her a stable existence and ensure her well-being." The Emperor then lifted his wine to his lips. "She was the sole daughter of the family, doted upon like a precious jewel by your grandmother and everyone else, which made her somewhat wilful, though not inherently ill-natured."

Zhao Yao continued to listen attentively, offering no interruption to the Emperor's discourse.

While drinking, the Emperor spoke of his relationship with Noble Princess Consort Rong and also touched upon certain affairs involving Marquis Xuanping. Gradually, his narrative shifted towards Prince Yi Yong, recounting numerous events from that period.

Despite the harsh and perilous circumstances of those times, everyone had remained united, fighting desperately for survival, with neither the time nor the inclination to dwell on other matters.

Zhao Yao remained a silent listener.

Gripping the wine jar, the Emperor, now quite inebriated, began to lament.

Zhao Yao had previously instructed Sun Kui to dismiss the guards, ensuring that only he would be privy to the Emperor's words that night, with no others overhearing.

"I was not a good husband, nor a good father; I failed them..." The Emperor burped and continued, "I can only be a good emperor; I must uphold the legacy established by the old man and my brother in founding the Great Zhou, to be worthy of the common people. Thus, I must let them down..."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao interjected, "You have been a truly great emperor." He pondered the purpose of such a life, one of an emperor, burdened with endless duties, forced into solitude, and often perceived as cold and unfeeling.

"You scoundrel, do you genuinely believe I have been a good emperor?"

Zhao Yao nodded affirmatively. "Yes, exceptionally so. The Great Zhou now enjoys peace and stability, the people's lives are steadily improving, and their smiles become more frequent with each passing day, all thanks to you."

Gratified by his youngest son's commendation, the Emperor felt a surge of happiness, bordering on pride.

"I have yet to achieve what I set out to do, far from it, and so it falls to you to carry on this legacy, to usher in an age of peace and prosperity for the Great Zhou dynasty."