Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1182 - 172: The Deep Pit

For years, it had appeared the Xie family sought an alliance with the Zhao family, but this was merely a stratagem orchestrated by the Zhao family itself.

During that era, not only the Zhao family was establishing their dominion, but other factions were too, though none could rival the Zhao family's might. By then, the Zhao family had already conquered two-thirds of the land, a feat sufficient to qualify them for the throne. Yet, the Zhao family remained unhurried in their ascension to emperorship.

Despite not claiming the title, the Zhao family marched their legions into the capital, and from that point forward, every aspect of governance within the capital fell under the Zhao family's absolute sway.

Those who had aided the former and current emperors in forging the realm implored them to swiftly assume the throne. However, both emperors exhibited a prolonged hesitation, as though awaiting a specific event.

The former emperor's stated reason for delay was the persistent threat of rebellious ministers and traitors, claiming the realm was not yet fully pacified and thus not ready for his coronation. He vowed to take the throne only after vanquishing the remaining insurgents.

In truth, another significant factor contributing to the delayed imperial succession was an alarming scarcity of armaments and vital supplies.

Observing the Zhao family's deficiency in weaponry and provisions, the Xie family saw a golden opportunity and proactively extended an offer of collaboration.

Although the Zhao family had long held sway over the capital, the entrenched aristocratic clans within remained reluctant to align with them. Publicly, they extended lavish gifts to maintain cordial relations, but inwardly, they held the Zhao family in utter contempt.

The arrogance of the established aristocracy led them to view farmers as inherently lowly beings. In their eyes, individuals of farming origins were nothing more than base commoners, and associating with such people would tarnish their own esteemed status. Nevertheless, for the sake of their own families' security, they continued to present offerings to the Zhao family.

These clans deluded themselves into believing their initiative in sending gifts constituted a profound favor, expecting the Zhao family to be overwhelmed with gratitude.

The envoys dispatched with these gifts carried an air of insolence, their demeanor condescending, their tone imbued with a sense of magnanimous charity. Their arrogance was met with immediate execution. Subsequently, swarms of soldiers descended upon these same aristocratic families that had dared to display such disdain.

Despite possessing their own retainers, the aristocratic families within the capital proved no match for the disciplined ranks of Zhao family soldiers. The ensuing conflict resulted in numerous casualties among the elite clans, forcing them to confront the stark reality: the Zhao family was not to be trifled with. They learned that maintaining their haughty demeanor before the Zhao family would inevitably lead to their demise.

After experiencing the Zhao family's decisive action, the aristocratic families became remarkably compliant. They eagerly sought to curry favor with the Zhao family, desperately pursuing opportunities for cooperation.

Witnessing the Zhao family's formidable display of power, the Xie family wasted no time in initiating negotiations for a partnership. They understood that any further delay might result in the coveted position of future Empress being granted to another lineage.

Duke Zhen and his son personally journeyed to engage in discussions regarding collaboration with the Zhao family. They adopted an attitude of profound humility, entirely devoid of the arrogance they had previously displayed towards the former and current emperors.

While the Xie family had endured trials and tribulations, transforming from a grand entity into a more common one, the old adage holds true: even a weakened camel remains larger than a horse. The Xie family undeniably maintained its status as the preeminent aristocratic family in the capital.

The Zhao family father and son were entirely unfazed by the Xie family's proactive overtures for cooperation.

The Xie family's commitment to collaboration was exceptionally genuine. They vigorously supplied the Zhao family with much-needed weapons and provisions, but with a crucial stipulation: the Zhao family and the Xie family were to forge a familial bond through marriage, with the Xie family offering their daughter to wed into the Zhao family.

At that particular juncture, the Xie family's legitimate daughter was still too young for such a union. Consequently, only a daughter born of concubinage was available. Before her formal entry into the Zhao family, she was legally reclassified, adopted under the name of the Xie family's principal wife, thus becoming their acknowledged legitimate daughter.

The Xie family placed immense importance on this marital alliance. When the former Empress wed the emperor, the Xie family's dowry preparations were so extravagant that red silk, symbolizing good fortune, stretched for ten miles, marking an occasion of unparalleled opulence.

The wedding ceremony uniting the emperor and the former Empress was an event of such extraordinary grandeur that it remains a subject of widespread discussion even to this day.

Back then, the matrimonial pact forged between the Zhao and Xie families served to mollify the other aristocratic clans. Previously, the Zhao family's harsh disciplinary actions against many of them had fostered an impression of their unwillingness to engage in alliances, leaving the other clans in a state of unease.

On the surface, with the indispensable assistance provided by the Xie family, the Zhao family swiftly subdued half of the remaining one-third of the rebellious factions. Following this success, peace largely prevailed across the land, averting the spectre of large-scale warfare.Even so, the Zhao family maintained a patient stance regarding the enthronement, while the Xie family grew increasingly anxious. The Xie family's primary motivation for aligning with the Zhao family was the ambition of placing their daughter on the throne as Empress, thereby reclaiming their esteemed position as imperial relatives. Constantly pressured by the Xie family and their allies, the former emperor eventually consented to the official establishment of the throne. Upon his ascension, the former emperor swiftly proclaimed his sole son, Zhao Zheng, as the Crown Prince and designated Xie Wan as his Crown Princess Consort. The former emperor's health had been deteriorating prior to his ascension. Years of campaigning and numerous near-fatal wounds sustained in battle had left their mark. While these injuries seemed minor in his youth, their lingering effects proved increasingly perilous as he aged.