Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1197 - 179: The Li Family Must Die (2)

Prior to his departure, Lady Liang had issued a stern warning to him, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any disputes or confrontations with Prince Wei.

The moment Zhao Yao exited Kunde Hall, Sun Doudou was observed awaiting him just outside the entrance.

Sun Doudou first executed a respectful bow towards Zhao Yao, then conveyed the message, "Prince Han, Lord Wei is currently waiting for you at the palace gates."

"Little Mr. Sun, are you in service to my eighth brother now?"

The mention of this allegiance brought a wave of bitterness to Sun Doudou's heart.

"I have no understanding of what Lord Wei sees in me." He genuinely wished to distance himself from the capricious and ruthless Lord Wei, finding himself in a state of perpetual anxiety, terrified of inadvertently provoking him and losing his life.

Witnessing Sun Doudou's distressed expression, resembling one on the verge of tears, Zhao Yao felt a profound sense of sympathy.

"Did you mention that my eighth brother awaits me at the palace gates?"

"Indeed, Lord Wei has been waiting there for a considerable time."

"Why does my eighth brother not come inside the palace to seek me out?"

"It is rather late, and according to established regulations, one is not permitted to enter the palace grounds after this hour. Thus, Lord Wei is waiting for you outside the gates."

"Regulations?" Zhao Yao found the notion faintly amusing. "Considering my eighth brother is currently acting as regent, he possesses the freedom to go wherever he pleases and enter the palace at any hour. Why should he be bound by such regulations?"

"Prince Han, although Lord Wei holds the position of regent, he has never chosen to remain overnight within the Imperial Palace, nor has he entered after sunset." Sun Doudou, too, found this peculiar.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao offered a smile with a hidden meaning, saying, "My eighth brother truly is a stickler for the rules, isn't he."

Sun Doudou, uncertain whether Zhao Yao's statement was intended as praise or mockery towards Lord Wei, dared not offer a response.

"How have you been managing lately?" Zhao Yao inquired, his tone laced with genuine concern.

The sincerity of Zhao Yao's concern brought a surge of gratitude to Sun Doudou, his eyes misting slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am managing quite well." Apart from his fear of Lord Wei, his circumstances were otherwise uneventful.

"Your master continues his service to my father. Therefore, you should direct your full attention to serving eighth brother diligently."

"Your Highness, I only attend to Lord Wei when he requires my presence within the palace." Sun Doudou harbored a lingering worry that Lord Wei might pose a threat to his master during his regency. Fortunately, Lord Wei had not harmed his master, nor had he dismissed him, allowing him to remain in service to the Emperor.

"Eighth brother holds himself and others to exceptionally high standards. Since he has selected you for this role, it is evident you possess considerable merit. Serve him with confidence."

Internally, Sun Doudou harbored a wistful thought: If only I possessed no such merit.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, I shall dedicate my utmost effort to my duties."

Zhao Yao offered no further words and proceeded to accompany Sun Doudou towards the palace gates.

Upon noticing Zhao Yao's emergence, Yu Hai promptly updated Lord Wei.

Lord Wei, who had been resting with his eyes closed inside the carriage, opened them. He then alighted from the carriage and proceeded to walk towards Zhao Yao.

As Prince Wei drew nearer, Zhao Yao's emotions became increasingly complex. He maintained an unreadable expression as he walked forward to meet him.

Prince Wei halted before Zhao Yao. Upon observing Zhao Yao's stoic demeanor and his silence, he betrayed no surprise.

"I have prepared a meal for you. Let us return and dine, and we can discuss matters thereafter."

The words of Prince Wei caused the pent-up anger within Zhao Yao to significantly subside.

The two brothers entered the carriage together, taking seats opposite each other.

Prince Wei regarded Zhao Yao, who was deliberately avoiding conversation, with a look of amused affection. "Returning this time, do you intend to remain silent throughout our journey?"

Zhao Yao responded with a touch of grumpiness, "I fear that if I were to utter more than two sentences, my desire to strike you would become overwhelming."

Prince Wei, far from being angered by such candid words, let out a chuckle. "Is it for Princess Consort Chu that you wish to strike me?"

Zhao Yao had not anticipated Prince Wei would address the matter so directly, and with such an effortless tone. His anger instantly ignited.

"Why did you have them killed? Fourth brother had already been defeated by you. His family, including the Li family, posed no further threat. Why did you eliminate them?"

"No threat?" In response to Zhao Yao's fervent questioning, Prince Wei calmly replied, "Are you truly certain there is no threat? If I had not given you my word not to kill fourth brother, he would have met his end long ago. By sparing him, I necessitated the elimination of those surrounding him, thereby ensuring he could never regain a foothold."

"What harm could fourth sister-in-law possibly inflict upon you?"

"They could seek retribution against me," Prince Wei stated with a chilling finality. "The Li family commands considerable respect amongst scholars throughout the nation. As long as fourth brother remained alive, they would possess the means to aid his resurgence. Thus, I was compelled to eradicate them to preempt any future dangers."

"You..."

"Tenth brother, were you in my circumstances, would you have shown them leniency?"

Zhao Yao's reply was immediate and unwavering: " I would have."

Prince Wei’s sharp gaze fixed upon Zhao Yao, his voice a stern demand, "Are you truly going to let them walk away?"

Zhao Yao’s insistence remained, "I would."

"No, you wouldn't," Prince Wei stated with conviction. "You would eliminate them, just as I did, ensuring no lingering threat remains."

"I would..."

Prince Wei cut him off, his words firm, "Tenth Brother, cease your falsehoods in my presence."

Zhao Yao countered, no longer debating the hypothetical, "You yourself acknowledged the Li Family's significant standing among scholars, yet you intend to eradicate them. Have you even considered the repercussions of such an action?" He pressed further, "If you annihilate the Li Family, you will alienate scholars across the entire nation, do you grasp that?"

Prince Wei responded with an air of indifference, "So what?"

"Have you pondered the future of scholarship if you decimate the Li Family?" Zhao Yao’s voice rose in anger. "To kill the Li Family is to extinguish the very passion for learning among scholars nationwide."

Prince Wei remained unfazed. "Do you presume all scholars nationwide are paragons of virtue? As long as I extend generous official positions and ample salaries, countless individuals will flock to study and seek office. Do you truly believe many pursue knowledge purely for its own sake? Their aspirations lie in positions, glory, influence, status, and wealth. Without the Li Family, the number of scholars will scarcely diminish."

"Precisely because the Li Family holds such sway over scholars nationwide, they must be eliminated!"

"The Li Family has committed no act of treason that warrants execution," Zhao Yao argued vehemently. "You cannot simply wipe out the Li Family entirely."

Prince Wei’s voice turned chillingly cold, "If I declare they have, then they have."

"This is a gross injustice!"

Prince Wei's retort was dismissive, "And what if it is?"

Zhao Yao, incensed by Prince Wei’s callous demeanor, shouted in his fury, "The Li Family represents hundreds of lives, and yet you..."

Prince Wei interrupted Zhao Yao yet again, his resolve unwavering, "Even if it were two or three thousand souls, I would not hesitate. The Li Family must perish!"