Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1178 - 170: Princess Consort Li Cannot Possibly Be Made Empress_2

"Their agreement’s specifics are unknown to me, nor do I care to know." Zhao Yao rested his right hand against his cheek, speaking with indifference. "Neither Father nor Brother Eight informed me; I deduced it myself. It wasn’t a difficult conclusion to reach."

He Lianfang mused internally: Little Tenth Prince is truly astute.

"How did you ascertain that they had struck a deal?"

"Prince Han’s recent rebellion," Zhao Yao considered that his second uncle indeed possessed comprehensive knowledge. "Initially, Prince Yue and Prince Dai were uninvolved, but then Prince Han suddenly sought an alliance with Prince Yue, and Prince Yue subsequently aided Prince Dai’s rebellion. This was Brother Eighth’s scheme, allowing him to capture Prince Han, Prince Yue, and Prince Dai all in one sweep."

"So, solely based on this, you suspect Prince Wei is in league with the Emperor?"

Zhao Yao responded, "Isn’t it self-evident?"

"No ordinary person would surmise Prince Wei’s complicity with Zhao Zheng merely from this occurrence." Had He not possessed prior knowledge, he too would not have interpreted Prince Han’s rebellion as part of the clandestine arrangement between Prince Wei and Zhao Zheng.

Zhao Yao gave a shrug, a smug tone coloring his words, "Perhaps it’s because I am exceedingly intelligent." He was predisposed to overthinking, and the synchronized revolt of Prince Han and Prince Dai appeared too serendipitous to him. He immediately divined Brother Eighth’s involvement. With the Dragon Guards positioned at Father’s side, it was inconceivable that he would be unaware of the collusion between Prince Han and Prince Dai, yet he refrained from intervening. This strongly implied that Father was privy to the situation and cognizant of Brother Eighth’s machinations. Father’s lack of reaction upon learning it was Brother Eighth’s ploy indicated an understanding between Father and Brother Eighth. Otherwise, given Father’s palpable displeasure towards Brother Eighth, he would scarcely maintain indifference to such an affair.

"If your speculation holds true, your esteemed Brother Fourth is in considerable peril." Despite possessing such remarkably incisive thoughts, he was neglecting to apply them to this critical juncture; it was truly... exasperating.

"That is precisely why, before my departure, I implored Brother Eighth repeatedly to ensure Brother Fourth’s survival in the end." Presently, he harbored no genuine concern regarding Brother Fourth’s fate, as Brother Eighth was unlikely to eliminate Brother Fourth for his own benefit. His paramount apprehension lay with the infuriating Father.

Father clearly held Brother Eighth in low regard, deeming his schemes and stratagems as trifling and inconsequential. Such an underestimation of Brother Eighth would undoubtedly lead to Father’s profound suffering.

He had attempted to caution Father previously, but Father evidently disregarded his counsel. He wished to convey another warning to Father, yet the opportunity eluded him.

Prior to his departure, Zhao Yao had engaged in an open and honest discussion with Prince Wei.

At that juncture, Prince Wei appeared genuinely taken aback by Zhao Yao’s pronouncements.

"Brother Tenth, how could you possibly conceive that I am in league with Father?"

"Brother Eighth, Father has never held genuine affection for you since your youth, nor has he ever truly valued you. Throughout the years, he has merely employed you as a convenient pawn." Zhao Yao had initially no intention of divulging these truths to Prince Wei, but for the sake of the Emperor’s safety, he resolved to speak plainly. "You seek to demonstrate to Father that he was mistaken, that you are superior in intellect and capability to all others."

Prince Wei had consistently believed he maintained his true intentions with extreme discretion, yet to his astonishment, Zhao Yao perceived his inner workings with a single glance.

"I never anticipated you would uncover the truth."

"Brother Eighth, you also desire for your departed mother to witness your achievements, thus the final adversary you wish to confront is precisely Father." In this entire realm, no one comprehended Prince Wei’s psyche more profoundly than Zhao Yao.

Prince Wei came to the realization that he had indeed underestimated Zhao Yao. A faint smile touched his lips. "Brother Tenth, I was unaware of your remarkable intelligence."

"Brother Eighth, I have always possessed intelligence, have I not?"

Recalling Zhao Yao’s past actions, Prince Wei emitted a soft chuckle. "Indeed, you have been perceptive since childhood. Since you comprehend that the individual I ultimately aim to contend with is Father, do you intend to impede me?"

"Brother Eighth, is it within my capability to prevent your actions?"

"You are powerless to stop me; no one possesses the ability to halt my course." Prince Wei’s eyes narrowed slightly, a fierce intensity glinting within them. "Not even you can stand in my way."

Zhao Yao's expression conveyed an 'I knew it all along' sentiment. "I am aware of that." He acknowledged that if he were to genuinely attempt an intervention, it might succeed, but the repercussions would be severe. Given Brother Eighth’s volatile disposition, he might unleash his full fury. "Brother Eighth, you..." He elected not to utter the words: Brother Eighth, regardless of Father’s transgressions, he remains your father; you must not act against him.

To empathize with another's hardship does not necessitate advocating for their virtuous conduct. Furthermore, having borne witness to Brother Eighth’s struggles from his formative years into adulthood, no individual possessed a more intimate understanding of his trials than Zhao Yao himself.

It was precisely this profound understanding that precluded him from urging Brother Eighth to show clemency towards Father, considering their blood relation. However, as Father was also his own kin, he could not passively observe while Father was... imperiled by Brother Eighth.

He always found himself caught between Fourth Brother and Eighth Brother; never did he imagine he'd one day be trapped between Eighth Brother and Father. He was truly the unluckiest sandwiched man.

Zhao Yao didn't voice his full thought, yet Prince Wei grasped its meaning precisely.

"Fear not, patricide shall not occur."

This declaration was the very sentence Zhao Yao yearned to hear from Prince Wei. A wave of relief washed over him as he breathed, "That's good." Had Eighth Brother truly intended to harm Father, he would certainly not have remained an idle bystander.

"Tenth Brother, refrain from meddling in the affairs between Father and myself," Prince Wei implored Zhao Yao, his gaze holding a subtle plea. "These matters, we wish to settle them on our own."

Prince Wei possessed the ability to threaten or warn Zhao Yao against interfering in his dealings with the emperor, but he chose persuasion instead; he asked Zhao Yao for leniency.

Confronted with Prince Wei’s earnest request, Zhao Yao found himself unable to refuse. He offered a nod, agreeing to remain impartial in the conflict between Prince Wei and the emperor.

Noticing the encroaching hour, Zhao Yao rose and addressed He Lianfang, "Second Uncle, I shall be joining the Princess for dinner now, please make yourself at home."

"Proceed."

As Zhao Yao exited He Lianfang’s courtyard, a sigh of utter helplessness escaped him: Second Uncle, you are fully aware of the arrangement between Eighth Brother and Father, yet you feign complete ignorance. Your act is truly impeccable. Furthermore, do you truly believe I haven't noted your constant correspondence with Eighth Brother?

Be it the exasperating Father, Second Uncle, or Eighth Brother, they all profoundly underestimate him.