Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1168 - 166: Prince Han’s Wedding

The Dragon Boat Festival has concluded, and Prince Han's wedding is swiftly approaching.

This grand occasion is under the charge of the Ministry of Rites, with Prince Chu and Prince Wei providing their supervision.

It is common knowledge among the court officials that Prince Chu and Prince Wei hold Prince Han in high esteem. When Prince Han established his own residence, away from the palace, these two princes personally oversaw its decoration and furnishing. The Prince Han Mansion can genuinely be considered a creation of Prince Chu and Prince Wei for Prince Han.

Now, with Prince Han's marriage on the horizon, his elder brothers, Prince Chu and Prince Wei, naturally attach great importance to the event. It is reported that ever since the emperor decreed Prince Han's marriage, both Prince Chu and Prince Wei have been actively engaged in making wedding preparations.

The Ministry of Rites had no intention of treating Prince Han's wedding lightly. Despite Prince Han not being the emperor's favorite, his status as a prince necessitated a wedding of considerable significance. The Ministry of Rites began preparations adhering to princely standards, but Prince Chu and Prince Wei expressed their dissatisfaction, believing the Ministry of Rites was being remiss in their duties concerning Zhao Yao's wedding.

Recalling their own weddings, Prince Chu and Prince Wei's ceremonies had significantly surpassed the Ministry of Rites' prescribed princely standards.

Prince Chu, enjoying the emperor's deep trust, naturally received additional splendor during his wedding preparations. Likewise, when Prince Wei married, the Crown Prince was still alive and held his position. As a favored associate of the Crown Prince, and acting upon his explicit instructions, the Ministry of Rites invested substantial effort into arranging his wedding.

For Zhao Yao, while the Ministry of Rites meticulously followed princely standards for his wedding and ensured no procedural missteps, his ceremony appeared rather understated when contrasted with those of other princes.

Upon reviewing the gift list prepared by the Ministry of Rites for Zhao Yao's wedding, Prince Chu and Prince Wei's expressions darkened instantly, and they sternly rebuked the Minister of Rites and other officials present.

The Ministry of Rites quickly amended the list to include more items, yet Prince Chu and Prince Wei remained unappeased.

Observing that the Ministry of Rites seemed incapable of managing such a matter effectively, Prince Chu and Prince Wei assigned their trusted subordinates, Wei Mian and Yu Hai, to take direct control of Zhao Yao's wedding preparations.

The Minister of Rites, upon examining the list compiled under Prince Chu and Prince Wei's direction, deemed it excessive. Prince Han's wedding was planned with extraordinary grandeur, exceeding the established standards for previous princes and almost reaching the level of a Crown Prince's wedding.

Unable to openly protest the extravagance, he cautiously conveyed his concerns to Prince Chu and Prince Wei.

Prince Chu and Prince Wei saw no issue with the arrangements, instructing the Minister of Rites to proceed exactly as directed.

The Minister of Rites, hesitant to comply directly, opted to seek an audience with the emperor.

After reviewing the list submitted by the Minister of Rites, the emperor maintained his composure and calmly declared, "Proceed as they have instructed."

"Ah?" The Minister of Rites was taken aback. He had anticipated the emperor's displeasure and rejection of the extravagant list, but to his surprise, the emperor readily agreed.

The emperor raised an eyebrow toward the Minister of Rites, appearing somewhat perplexed by his evident astonishment.

The Minister of Rites cautiously reiterated, "Your Majesty, this list significantly exceeds the established princely standards..."

The emperor acknowledged the situation with understanding, "Since he is the last to marry, ensure his wedding is a vibrant and grand affair, allowing the entire capital to partake in the joy of his union."

The Minister of Rites immediately grasped the emperor's underlying intention, responding, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Is there anything else?" the emperor inquired.

"I shall take my leave," the Minister of Rites declared, making a hasty retreat.

En route back to the Ministry of Rites, the Minister humorously reflected on Prince Han's good fortune, realizing his wedding wouldn't have achieved such magnificence otherwise. He surmised that Prince Han truly owed a debt of gratitude to the former Prince Dai and the current Prince Han; had their rebellion not plunged the capital into chaos, the emperor might not have sought to amplify joy through his son's marriage.

While considered fortunate by the Minister of Rites, Zhao Yao was presently occupied with trying on attire at the Prince Han Mansion.

With his wedding just days away, he needed to try on his ceremonial garments once more to allow for any necessary adjustments.

Zhao Yao, a look of weary resignation gracing his features, opened his arms as Tong Xi assisted him in changing his clothes.

Princess Consort Chu and Princess Consort Wei were seated nearby, observing Zhao Yao as he was fitted for his ceremonial wear.

Zhao Yao felt a sense of bewilderment; hadn't he just recently tried on these ceremonial clothes? Why the need for another fitting?

—Tenth Brother, haven’t you noticed that the ceremonial garments designated for this occasion are distinct from those used previously?— Princess Consort Chu gestured toward a line of chests resting nearby. —You should examine the accompanying regalia; they are not the same as before either.—

Zhao Yao cast a cursory glance at the contents within the chests, his brow arching slightly. —I had not observed.—

Princess Consort Wei let out a light laugh. —Fourth Sister-in-law, these gentlemen are incapable of perceiving such delicate distinctions.— Although the relationship between Prince Chu and Prince Wei was strained, Princess Consort Chu and Princess Consort Wei maintained an outward appearance of cordiality.