Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1185 - 173: Prince Jing Is Dead (2)

"Your Majesty, the harem cannot continue without an Empress; who will manage its affairs then?"

"Noble Princess Consort Ying and Princess Consort Li are managing quite well," the Emperor replied with a smile. "Without an Empress, the harem has been far more peaceful."

"Then will you still be conducting a selection?" Sun Kui cautiously reminded the Emperor. "Your Majesty, there are only a few noble ladies remaining in the harem. Would you like to hold a selection to expand it?"

The Emperor raised his eyes and glanced sideways at Sun Kui. "What, did my late mother visit you in a dream and urge you, her grandson, to remind me to hold a selection?"

These words struck such terror into Sun Kui that he immediately knelt on the ground, his face a mask of fear and unease.

"This servant dares not! This servant deserves to die."

Seeing Sun Kui trembling on his knees, the Emperor said with disdain, "Get up. I am not blaming you."

Sun Kui quickly rose and offered the Emperor a fawning smile. "This servant merely thought there weren’t many noble ladies in the harem, hence the suggestion. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"These few are enough. I am too lazy to hold another selection; too many women lead to too much trouble," the Emperor stated, showing no indulgence or preoccupation with romantic matters. "Now that there are fewer, my ears can finally have some peace."

Sun Kui murmured to himself, 'To the Emperor, having Lady Liang is sufficient.'

"Let the Empress’s position remain vacant."

"Your Majesty, if the Empress’s position remains vacant, I fear the ministers will continue to discuss it."

"Let them talk, let them quarrel," the Emperor suddenly laughed wickedly. "Treat it as entertainment."

Sun Kui: "..." This servant knew it all along.

The Emperor said no more, continuing to read his memorials.

Meanwhile, Lord Wei was at Kunde Hall, paying his respects to Lady Liang.

Every day after the morning court, Lord Wei would visit Lady Liang, keeping her company and engaging in conversation.

Early this morning, Lady Liang had prepared a nourishing soup. Upon Lord Wei’s arrival, she quickly offered him some to drink.

Every few days, Lady Liang would personally cook soup for Lord Wei.

"This soup contains herbs sent by Yao Yao. They are said to be unique to Lingnan and very beneficial for health. Drink more," Lady Liang personally served a bowl of soup to Lord Wei. "You are not allowed to leave until you finish this bowl."

Lord Wei smiled and said, "I wouldn’t dare not to finish it." Lord Wei did not particularly enjoy soup and seldom drank it, only doing so when at Lady Liang's residence.

"You are still too thin; you need to eat more meat and also more rice." Lady Liang knew Lord Wei had a delicate stomach and was not fond of meat.

"Lady Liang, I eat quite a lot at your place." Every day after court, Lord Wei would come to Lady Liang’s residence, and she always prepared a hearty meal for him, ensuring he returned to his mansion feeling full.

Lady Liang shook her head. "Still too little. Your appetite isn’t even a fifth of Yao Yao’s."

"I am different from Tenth Brother; he loves to eat, but I don’t have much interest in food."

"By the way, in a few days, Yao Yao will send some fresh fruits. When the time comes, take some back to eat." Lady Liang’s thoughts turned to her garden brimming with vegetables and fruits. "I picked some vegetables and fruits earlier; take them with you later."

In Kunde Hall, there was a large vegetable plot. Lady Liang planted it full every year, resulting in a bountiful harvest far exceeding her own needs. Consequently, she distributed the produce to others—the palace concubines, Prince Chu, Lord Wei, and the Imperial Kitchen...

"Lady Liang, how are Tenth Brother and the others? Any good news?"

"They are fine, but if you are asking for good news, they are not in a hurry to have children," Lady Liang said helplessly. "You wouldn't know, but that rascal went back to Swamp Prefecture and became so busy that he left the Princess all alone in Prince Han’s Mansion."

"It seems Tenth Brother has not yet grown up."

"Indeed, he hasn't grown up, but that is a good thing."

The two chatted about family matters for a while.

As Lord Wei was leaving, Lady Liang handed him a basket filled with vegetables. Just as he walked out of Kunde Hall, he encountered Prince Chu.

Prince Chu was on his way from Princess Consort Li’s residence to greet Lady Liang.

The two met face-to-face, yet neither offered the other a glance. Completely ignoring each other’s presence, they walked straight past.

Lady Liang was also pleased to see Prince Chu arrive.

Although Prince Chu and Lord Wei had not planned it, their unspoken understanding ensured they never visited Lady Liang at the same time.

Every day, Prince Chu would wait for Lord Wei to finish paying his respects before coming to Kunde Hall to do the same.

Prince Chu was a man of few words, even his own mother, Princess Consort Li, rarely heard him speak much. Yet, he found himself able to converse with Lady Liang.

Lady Liang observed Prince Chu, her lips parting as if to speak, but she paused, a moment of hesitation crossing her features.

Noticing Lady Liang's indecision, Prince Chu addressed her respectfully, "Lady Liang, if you have something on your mind, please do share."

After a brief contemplation, Lady Liang made the decision not to voice her deepest concerns.

"Little Four, your complexion appears somewhat pale. Regardless of how occupied you may be, ensure you get adequate rest and nourishment. Your health is paramount, do you understand?"

Prince Chu, comprehending the unspoken sentiment behind Lady Liang's words, nodded in acknowledgment. "Lady Liang, I shall."

Lady Liang then shifted the topic, inquiring about Prince Chu's children and suggesting he bring them to visit her at the palace when he had the opportunity.

Prince Chu did not linger long with Lady Liang. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he took his departure.

Once Prince Chu had departed, Lady Liang released a prolonged sigh, exclaiming, "Oh..."

Gui Xing, overhearing Lady Liang's sigh, inquired with evident concern, "Madam, is something troubling you?"

"I am simply worried about Prince Chu and Lord Wei. They are both fine young men, but..." Reflecting on the impending, potentially fatal confrontation between the two, Lady Liang's heart was filled with unease.

Gui Xing offered words of comfort, "Madam, the two lords will manage."

"One can only hope." Beyond her anxieties for Prince Chu and Lord Wei, Lady Liang was burdened by a profound sense of guilt. Guilt stemmed from the realization that while they were poised for a deadly struggle, the throne would ultimately elude both of them.

Meanwhile, far away in Swamp Prefecture, Zhao Yao received a clandestine message confirming the demise of Prince Jing.

Upon reading the secret correspondence, Zhao Yao promptly reduced it to ashes over a nearby candle flame.

"Eighth Brother would undoubtedly not have shown mercy to Seventh Brother."

"Your Highness, is Lord Jing truly deceased?" Tong Xi asked, his voice laced with shock. "Did he not return to his own territory? How could Lord Wei possibly... not spare him?"

"For Eighth Brother, permitting Seventh Brother to perish within his own domain is the most advantageous outcome." Zhao Yao had long anticipated Prince Jing's end; his lifespan was never meant to be extended. "Eighth Brother could not allow him to survive."

Tong Xi responded with visible horror, "Your Highness, Lord Wei is responsible for the death of the deposed Crown Prince, and indirectly for the demise of Prince Zheng, Prince Chen, Prince Han, Prince Dai, Prince Han, and Prince Yue. He..." The formidable power of Lord Wei was truly terrifying. "Will Lord Wei truly spare Prince Chu?" He found himself feeling a measure of gratitude for his master's cordial relationship with Lord Wei, as otherwise, his master might have met a similar fate.

"Eighth Brother gave me his word that he would not harm Fourth Brother; I choose to believe him." Aside from himself and Fourth Brother, every other contender had fallen victim to Eighth Brother's machinations. A sigh escaped Zhao Yao as he contemplated Eighth Brother.

"Your Highness, Lord Wei is truly too formidable."

Zhao Yao's brow furrowed slightly, his concern for the Emperor's well-being growing with each passing moment.