Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1194 - 178: As Expected, the Tenth Brother Is Disobedient

Zhao Yao made the decision to return to the imperial capital. It was simply not feasible to depart without making thorough preparations. Ever since encountering the envoy dispatched by Prince Chu, he had meticulously begun to put in place all necessary arrangements for his journey back to the capital.

Before Zhao Yao could embark on the return trip to the capital, it was imperative that he first settle all pending matters within the Swamp Prefecture. The responsibilities concerning the day-to-day and significant affairs of the Lingnan Court largely remained under the purview of the cabinet. However, this time, Zhao Yao opted against entrusting He Lianfang with the complete decision-making authority on crucial matters. In the event that foreign states caused trouble and disrupted the peace in Lingnan, the responsibility for making decisions would fall upon Chu Ying and the others.

Zhao Yao's preparations for his return to the capital were far from minor; thus, it was impossible for He Lianfang, residing just next door, to remain unaware of these developments.

He Lianfang had already been informed about Prince Chu's request for assistance. He had initially anticipated that Zhao Yao would seek him out for a discussion regarding this matter, but to his surprise, Zhao Yao had been conspicuously absent for the past few days.

At this precise moment, He Lianfang found himself in his private study, engaged in a solitary game of chess.

A concealed figure emerged from the shadows and spoke, "Now that Prince Han is returning to the capital without informing you, how can you possibly remain indifferent to this situation?"

He Lianfang offered no response to the individual lurking in the shadows.

"Previously, whenever Prince Han departed, he entrusted you with all major decisions. Yet, this time, he has delegated all affairs, both large and small, to the cabinet. Furthermore, he has completely handed over military matters to Chu Ying and his associates, effectively sidelining you entirely," the shadowy figure voiced, expressing He Lianfang's supposed anxieties. "It's abundantly clear that Prince Han no longer places his trust in you. How can you possibly sit idly by?"

He Lianfang persisted in his silence, continuing his chess game with an air of calm and unhurried leisure, completely ignoring the person in the shadows.

Witnessing He Lianfang's continued refusal to acknowledge him, the individual in the shadows vanished abruptly into the dimness, clearly vexed.

Within the study of Prince Han's mansion, Zhao Yao was engaged in conversation with the Zheng brothers.

"Will you both accompany me to the capital to help rescue your elder brother, or will only one of you join me?" Zhao Yao inquired.

Zheng Cheng and Zheng Qian exchanged a brief glance before responding in unison, "Neither of us will be going."

This unexpected reply caused Zhao Yao considerable surprise. "Neither of you will go? Are you not going to save your elder brother?"

Zheng Cheng and Zheng Qian reiterated their decision, speaking as one voice, "We will not be saving him."

Zhao Yao, his brow furrowed with confusion, pressed further, "Why would you choose not to save him?"

Zheng Cheng explained, "Our elder brother does not require our assistance to be saved."

Zheng Qian added, "Zheng Rang himself does not wish for us to save him, either."

Zhao Yao remained perplexed, "But why is that the case?"

Zheng Cheng elaborated, "Your Highness, when the three of us brothers first journeyed to the capital to forge our own paths, we made a pact. None of us would offer aid or rescue to the others, nor would we interfere in each other's affairs. Ultimately, whether we lived or died was our own responsibility; no one else needed to intervene." He further stated, "Moreover, given our elder brother's considerable capabilities, he is more than capable of handling this situation without our rescue."

Zhao Yao finally understood, nodding his head. "If that is indeed your stance, then you both shall remain here. Once I arrive in the capital, I will personally check on Zheng Rang for you."

Zheng Qian interjected, "Your Highness, there is no need to check on him."

"Your elder brother is a trusted subordinate of my fourth brother. I intend to bring my fourth brother back to the Swamp Prefecture myself. Subsequently, I will bring your elder brother along as well, facilitating a reunion for you brothers," Zhao Yao declared.

Zheng Cheng's eyes lit up with joy upon hearing this. "Your Highness intends to bring Elder Brother to the Swamp Prefecture?" he exclaimed. "If Elder Brother can come to the Swamp Prefecture, that would be truly magnificent."

Zhao Yao smiled warmly. "Your elder brother possesses exceptional talent. It would be a true shame if he were to return to his old home to retire alongside Grand Commandant Zheng." He continued, "He is deeply loyal to my fourth brother. Therefore, if my fourth brother chooses to join me, your elder brother will undoubtedly follow."

Zheng Qian stated impassively, "Whether he comes or not is of little consequence."

After conveying further instructions to the Zheng brothers, Zhao Yao finally permitted them to depart.

It was at this juncture that Tong Xi entered, carrying a tray of tea.

Zhao Yao took hold of the teacup but paused before taking a sip. He then inquired, "Has there been any news from Second Uncle's side?"

Tong Xi shook his head, responding, "No, Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao let out a knowing smile. "Second Uncle truly possesses a remarkable ability to maintain his composure."

Tong Xi, brimming with curiosity, asked, "Your Highness, what is it that you are competing over with Second Elder?" He added, "You haven't visited Second Elder in quite some time. Did the two of you have a falling out?"

"There was no quarrel," Zhao Yao replied, finishing his tea. He placed the cup down and stated with a detached air, "Since Second Uncle prefers to remain calm, let him continue in that state."

Tong Xi, still unable to fully grasp Zhao Yao's meaning, looked up and questioned, "Your Highness, did you truly not have a disagreement with Second Elder?"

"No, let him be," Zhao Yao gave his command, "Our departure for the capital is set for tonight. Ensure every detail is meticulously checked so that nothing is missed."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Once Tong Xi had departed, Zhao Yao approached the collection of books. From a hidden drawer within the bookshelf, he retrieved a plain brocade box. What lay within was an object of universal desire.

Merely a few days prior, Zhao Yao had undertaken a special journey to North Mountain with the express purpose of unearthing this treasure from its subterranean confinement. Upon its initial acquisition, he had regarded it as a dangerous burden, choosing to rebury it. Little did he anticipate that the day would come when he would personally excavate it once more.