Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1167 - 165: The Death of Noble Princess Consort Rong (Part 3)

Zhao Yao deliberately ignored the words spoken.

"Why is this brat silent?"

"I didn't hear you, what did you say?" Zhao Yao retorted.

The Emperor, incensed by Zhao Yao's response, kicked his leg. "Brat, you already know about my arrangement with Fang Fang?"

Mid-drink, Zhao Yao sputtered at the mention of "Fang Fang." "Cough, cough, cough! I'm not a fool, of course, I know."

"When did you find out?"

Not wanting to conceal anything, Zhao Yao admitted, "I knew before we went to Lingnan."

This was sooner than the Emperor had anticipated. "You truly are cunning."

For the first time, Zhao Yao looked directly at the Emperor, speaking with utmost honesty. "I have no desire to be an emperor, nor do I wish for it. I will not become the emperor you envision."

The Emperor let out an angry laugh. "Do you think I wanted to be this damned emperor?"

Zhao Yao countered with biting sarcasm, "You were the sole son of your royal grandfather; you had no alternative. Whether you desired it or not, you were destined to be emperor. However, my situation differs. I have elder brothers, all of whom are far more suited for the throne than I am."

"And you believe my fourth or eighth brother is fit to be emperor?"

"They are both suitable. Regardless, I am not."

"Neither of them is more suitable than you. The Great Zhou and its people can only be safely entrusted to you."

Zhao Yao adamantly refused, "I do not want it."

The Emperor chuckled, "You are truly my blood, just as I was in my youth."

"Keep reminiscing about your past." Zhao Yao, unwilling to continue the discussion about his future succession, steered the conversation back.

The Emperor understood that arguing with Zhao Yao now would be futile. In time, just like in his own past, he would be compelled to accept what he did not want.

After several more jars of wine, the Emperor was completely inebriated. Zhao Yao, however, remained perfectly sober, having discreetly taken hangover pills beforehand. This ensured he wouldn't succumb to drunkenness, regardless of his intake, as he had no intention of allowing his clarity to falter and potentially complicate matters.

Summoning Sun Kui, Zhao Yao and his attendant assisted the heavily intoxicated Emperor to his chambers.

With the palace gates sealed for the night following the Emperor's adjournment, Zhao Yao found himself confined within. Rather than retiring immediately, he opted to sit on the stone steps outside the Emperor's sleeping quarters, with Sun Kui joining him.

"Your Highness, had you not invited the Emperor for a drink, he might never have found an outlet for his sorrow."

"My mother asked me to. She said Father was deeply troubled." Zhao Yao hadn't perceived this, as the Emperor maintained a composed facade during court sessions, as if unaffected by any turmoil.

"Noble Princess Consort Rong grew up alongside the Emperor; it's impossible for him to be devoid of feelings for her. Furthermore, the Emperor is known for his deep affection and righteousness."

Zhao Yao regarded Sun Kui with surprise. "You are the second person to describe Father as deeply affectionate and righteous."

"Lady Liang was the first, wasn't she?"

"Indeed. Mother said Father possesses more profound affection and righteousness than anyone. It is merely his position as Emperor that compels him to conceal it, preventing him from fully expressing his deep affection and righteousness." Zhao Yao chuckled. "If one were to tell others that Father is deeply affectionate and righteous, few would believe it."

"The Emperor also faces his own hardships." Sun Kui observed the Emperor's internal struggles.

Leaning back on his hands, Zhao Yao gazed up at the luminous moon in the night sky, sighing, "What's so wonderful about being emperor, then? You can't even be true to yourself."

"Your Highness, among all the princes, you most resemble the Emperor. He himself stated that you are precisely as he was in his youth."

Zhao Yao declared with pride, "Who cares about being just like him when he was young?"

"Your Highness, you are unaware of the extent to which the Emperor cherishes you..." Sun Kui recounted numerous anecdotes illustrating the Emperor's affection for Zhao Yao.

Upon hearing these stories, Zhao Yao was taken aback, rendered speechless. He had genuinely never realized his father held such deep affection for him in private.

"Your Highness, you alone can make the Emperor drink. Only in your presence does the Emperor truly open his heart." Sun Kui continued, "The Emperor remarked that if circumstances permitted, he would allow you to live the life you desire, to live freely. However, before being your father, he is also the Emperor."

"Master Sun, are you attempting to persuade me on behalf of Father?"

Sun Kui offered a slight smile. "No, I am merely conveying some of the Emperor's sentiments to you."

Zhao Yao glanced at Sun Kui before turning away. "With my fourth and eighth brothers present, my role is unnecessary."

Hearing this, Sun Kui let out a gentle sigh in his heart. He did not press the matter further and instead shifted the conversation to other topics with Zhao Yao.

After a period of conversation, noticing the late hour had approached midnight, Sun Kui promptly urged Zhao Yao to retire for the night.

Zhao Yao, however, instructed Sun Kui to rest first, as he himself wasn't feeling sleepy. The copious amount of alcohol had invigorated his mind, making sleep elusive for a while longer.

He then ascended to the roof of Zichen Hall, perching atop the most significant structure in the capital. There, he savored the cool night breeze and gazed upon the tranquil cityscape spread out below.

It wasn't until the hour of the ox that Zhao Yao finally decided to seek rest.

The following morning, the Emperor awoke with a throbbing headache. Fortunately, Zhao Yao had anticipated this and provided hangover pills. A single pill significantly alleviated his discomfort.

Taking advantage of the pre-dawn darkness, Zhao Yao slipped back into Prince Han Mansion as the palace gates were opening. Before departing, he instructed Sun Doudou to request leave for him, excusing his absence from the morning court.

He drifted off into a nap, only to awaken when it was already noon.

Upon stirring, Tong Xi informed him that officials from the Ministry of Industry had visited earlier, expressing a desire to renovate Prince Han Mansion.

"My Prince Han Mansion was only recently completed, and everything is still in excellent condition. Why the need for another renovation? It seems an unnecessary expense," Zhao Yao stated.

"Your Highness, your wedding is fast approaching. Should the Prince's Mansion not be decorated in a more festive manner?" Tong Xi inquired.

"Some red silk draped around should be sufficient," Zhao Yao replied.

"It cannot be that simple. They are scheduled to begin the decorations this afternoon."

"Very well. In that case, I shall stay at my fourth or eighth brother's mansion for a few days." After finishing lunch, Zhao Yao observed the broad smiles gracing the faces of everyone in the mansion, as if they had stumbled upon a fortune. He couldn't help but ponder, "What fortunate event has caused everyone to beam like blossoming flowers?"

"Your Highness, is it not your upcoming marriage that has everyone so exhilarated?" Tong Xi suddenly recalled something, slapping his forehead lightly. "Your Highness, I almost forgot! Many shopkeepers and merchants in the capital, upon hearing of your impending nuptials, wish to send congratulatory gifts. I informed them that the mansion would be undergoing decorations these days, so gift-sending would have to wait until later."

"What need do I have for their gifts?" Zhao Yao questioned.

"They insist that your marriage is a grand occasion, a joyous event, and they must send gifts. You cannot refuse them," Tong Xi explained.

"If they truly intend to send them, accept them first," Zhao Yao conceded. Over the years, these shopkeepers and merchants had profited considerably through his dealings. Accepting their gifts felt like a justified reciprocity.

"Your Highness, you are unaware that people are currently discussing your marriage."

"Haven't they already discussed and mocked it? Why again?" Zhao Yao, thick-skinned as he was, didn't mind further mockery. However, he worried about his future Princess and her family's ability to endure it.

"This time, there is no mockery. Everyone is saying that too many unfortunate events have transpired recently. Your marriage, being a significant and happy occasion, should be celebrated to ward off the bad luck."