Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1189 - 175: Impatience (2)

A standoff was occurring within the Imperial Study between the two princes, neither willing to yield or permit the other to journey to Qingzhou alone.

Their persistent bickering irked the Emperor to no end, prompting a decree that neither would go, and instead, the Ministry of Rites would handle the welcoming arrangements, keeping both princes confined to the capital.

This abrupt disruption to the established plan, orchestrated by Prince Chu, naturally irked Prince Wei.

Exiting the Imperial Study, they maintained stern expressions, pointedly ignoring each other as if the other's existence was negligible. Once beyond the palace gates, Prince Chu finally broke the silence: "I will not permit you to go to Qingzhou."

Upon hearing this, Prince Wei pivoted, casting a frigid gaze upon Prince Chu. "Your wit is passable, but nothing more," he scoffed before turning away and departing.

A cold, mirthless laugh escaped Prince Chu as he, too, turned to leave.

Back at the Prince Wei Mansion, Prince Wei remained outwardly unfazed, yet his trusted retainers were abuzz with unease. They couldn't fathom Prince Chu's sudden desire to visit Qingzhou, speculating if he had uncovered some hidden truth.

Prince Wei, however, was convinced Prince Chu remained oblivious to Qingzhou's secrets. He surmised that Prince Chu's insistence on accompanying him was merely a ploy, likely stemming from suspicion regarding Prince Wei's own expedition to Qingzhou to retrieve the seventh prince.

Yu Hai inquired, "Your Highness, with Qingzhou now out of the question, what is the next course of action?"

Idly twirling a tea cup belonging to Zhou Zhong, Prince Wei's lips curved into a knowing smile. "If he had allowed me to proceed to Qingzhou, my triumph would have been far too predictable." To Prince Wei, if Prince Chu had truly acquiesced, it would have signaled a disappointing lack of foresight. "Our current inability to go to Qingzhou does not derail the grand strategy. Continue with the plan."

"As Your Highness surmises, regardless of our presence in Qingzhou, Prince Chu is destined to falter; this merely postpones the inevitable setback."

"Were it the tenth brother, he would undoubtedly grasp my true intentions for visiting Qingzhou."

"Your Highness, Prince Han commands the entirety of Qingzhou; no action you undertake there could possibly escape his notice." It was fortunate, they mused, that Your Highness maintained a cordial relationship with Prince Han, and that Prince Han abstained from interfering in the conflict between yourself and Prince Chu. Had it been otherwise, Prince Han would surely have relayed every Qingzhou maneuver to Prince Chu.

"The tenth brother possesses a prescience that surpasses my own." By the time Prince Wei dispatched his agents to Qingzhou, the region had already fallen under Zhao Yao's dominion. "If the tenth brother were my adversary, my path would be considerably more exhilarating." The thrill of facing a genuine rival was undeniable; it was a pity, he thought, that his fourth brother was so inadequately matched. The only worthy contender was the tenth brother, yet the tenth brother was not pursuing the throne.

"Your Highness, facing Prince Han as an opponent would present us with a formidable challenge." Prince Han's intellect was such that he was in no way inferior to Your Highness. "It is indeed fortunate that Prince Han is your loyal brother."

"Indeed, I would much rather count the tenth brother as kin than contend with him as an enemy." Prince Wei tapped his finger lightly against the table. "Our next objective is to systematically dismantle the support network of the fourth brother."

"Understood, Your Highness."

Far away in Qingzhou, Zhao Yao found himself in He Lianfang's study.

"What do you anticipate Prince Wei's next move will be?" He Lianfang had already received word that Prince Wei's journey to Qingzhou was aborted.

"The eighth brother will now focus on dismantling the factions supporting the fourth brother."

He Lianfang probed, "Whom do you believe he will target?"

Zhao Yao responded without a moment's hesitation, "The Chief of Staff. What is your assessment, Uncle?"

He Lianfang offered his perspective: "I believe Prince Wei will refrain from directly confronting Prince Chu's allies within the court for the present. Instead, his focus will likely be on figures within their respective jurisdictions, such as the Prime Minister."

"The Prime Minister?" Zhao Yao let out a soft chuckle. "Uncle, have you overlooked the fact that the fourth brother's Prime Minister is none other than Grand Commandant Zheng's son? For the eighth brother to move against Grand Commandant Zheng's son so swiftly would be decidedly imprudent."

"Precisely because he is Grand Commandant Zheng's son," He Lianfang stated with a knowing glint, "One must capture the king first, and strike the snake at its vulnerable point."

"Moving against Grand Commandant Zheng's son constitutes more than a mere challenge; the eighth brother is undoubtedly aware of the implications." Zhao Yao expressed disagreement with He Lianfang's reasoning. "Although Grand Commandant Zheng is no longer actively engaged in court affairs, his influence persists, and no official, civil or military, dares to dismiss him lightly. If the eighth brother were to target his eldest son, he would be provoking a formidable adversary."

"And you believe your esteemed eighth brother would shy away from confronting Grand Commandant Zheng's son?"

"Making a move against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son is equivalent to opposing Grand Commandant Zheng himself, which would undoubtedly offend numerous officials within the imperial court." Zhao Yao stated with gravity, "Let alone the ministers who back the eighth prince and the fourth prince, even those who remain neutral are holding out hope for Grand Commandant Zheng’s return to court. Should the eighth prince dare to act against Grand Commandant Zheng’s son, these neutral ministers would surely not let him off the hook. While Zheng’s eldest son might not possess his father’s full capabilities, he is still a formidable figure; the eighth prince’s attempt to target him will prove far from simple."

"Targeting Grand Commandant Zheng’s eldest son would serve as a potent signal to Prince Chu," He Lianfang inquired, "If Prince Wei were to truly move against his eldest son, would you step in to assist him?"

Zhao Yao responded without a moment's hesitation, "No, he has no connection to me whatsoever."

"And if his two brothers should decide to mount a rescue, what would be your course of action?"

"They are free to go to their brother’s aid; I would not obstruct them, yet neither would I lend them my support," Zhao Yao lifted his gaze, meeting He Lianfang’s directly, his tone hardening with seriousness, "Uncle, I have already stated my intention not to involve myself in the disputes between the fourth and eighth princes, so I implore you, cease these continuous tests. Though you may not find it bothersome, I most certainly do." Zhao Yao’s patience was demonstrably wearing thin under He Lianfang’s persistent probing.

He Lianfang was taken aback by Zhao Yao’s unvarnished directness. After a brief pause, he calmly conceded, "Very well."

A familiar, playful smile returned to Zhao Yao’s features, "The eighth prince will refrain from acting against the Prime Minister, who is aligned with the fourth prince. He might employ some diversionary tactics, but his true objective is the Chief of Staff."

"Then I shall simply observe the unfolding events."

Zhao Yao did not prolong his stay at He Lianfang’s residence, departing shortly after their conversation.

Upon his return to the Han Prince Mansion, Zhao Yao’s cheerful disposition vanished, replaced by a somber mien.

Princess Han, noticing Zhao Yao’s darkening mood, promptly inquired with concern, "Your Highness, has something occurred? Is all well?"

Zhao Yao suppressed his irritation, giving a slight shake of his head as he replied, "Nothing significant has transpired, I am merely weary of it all." His uncle’s incessant attempts at testing his resolve were indeed fraying Zhao Yao’s nerves.

Princess Han, unaware of the specifics behind Zhao Yao’s discomposure and knowing he had just left He Lianfang’s company, refrained from prying further and smoothly shifted the topic: "Your Highness, I have instructed the staff to prepare a generous quantity of dried fruits and jams. In a couple of days, I shall arrange for them to be sent to Mother."

"That is excellent news. Please also include some fresh fruits, kept chilled to ensure their freshness," Zhao Yao instructed.

"I have also gathered a selection of medicinal herbs; they shall be dispatched along with the fruits," Princess Han added.

"Do not forget to send some to your own family as well," Zhao Yao added with a smile, "Although Lingnan may not boast many luxuries, it is abundant in fruits, grains, and medicinal herbs; you should send a more substantial portion to your kin."

Princess Han was visibly moved by his suggestion, responding with a warm smile, "I shall, Your Highness."

The couple engaged in conversation regarding family matters for a while longer before proceeding to the dining hall for their evening meal.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent residence, He Lianfang remained remarkably unfazed by Zhao Yao’s evident impatience; in truth, he seemed rather pleased.

"Your Highness has made his stance abundantly clear, and yet you exhibit a smile?" remarked the figure concealed within the study’s shadows, "Prince Han is clearly weary of your persistent inquiries."

He Lianfang chuckled, "And that, my friend, is precisely the outcome I desired."