Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1198 - 180: Poison Leading to Stroke

A heated argument between Prince Wei and Prince Han was an unprecedented sight for Yu Hai and Tong Xi. However, upon their arrival at the Prince Wei Mansion, the brothers finally ceased their heated exchange.

As Zhao Yao and Prince Wei alighted from the carriage, their stern countenances caused Tong Xi and Yu Hai to fear an imminent altercation.

Within the dining hall, Zhao Yao and Prince Wei took their seats, facing one another, while Tong Xi and Yu Hai stood at the periphery.

Prince Wei had concluded his meal and now idly savored his tea, foregoing further sustenance. Across from him, Zhao Yao, his hunger amplified by the earlier dispute in the carriage, found himself even more famished.

Disregarding Prince Wei, Zhao Yao directed his attention to his meal.

Prince Wei maintained a deliberate silence. The sole sound in the dining hall was Zhao Yao’s eating, creating a profoundly peculiar atmosphere that left Yu Hai and Tong Xi with pounding hearts.

Witnessing Zhao Yao’s unwavering appetite, completely unfazed by the stifling ambiance, Tong Xi felt a surge of deep admiration for his lord.

"Your Highness, did you not just engage in a heated argument with Lord Wei? How can you possibly still possess the appetite to eat?"

After consuming three bowls of food, Zhao Yao finally felt satiated. Setting down his utensils, he finally lifted his gaze to meet Prince Wei's, resuming the contentious discussion from the carriage.

"Are you resolute in your decision to eliminate the Li Family?"

Prince Wei met Zhao Yao’s gaze with a calm expression. "The Li Family must perish!"

Although Zhao Yao and Prince Wei exchanged no words, Yu Hai and Tong Xi could sense the palpable tension between them, sending shivers down their spines.

Rising to his feet, Zhao Yao placed his hands on the dining table and stated evenly, "I shall not permit you to execute the Li Family."

Prince Wei leaned back slightly, regarding Zhao Yao with evident interest.

"Then let us ascertain if you possess the capability."

Zhao Yao responded, "Were I without the ability, I would not have returned."

"Then I shall await the outcome."

Tong Xi perceived that, despite the composed tones of Zhao Yao and Prince Wei, the current atmosphere was far more menacing than their earlier verbal sparring.

"I wish to see my Fourth Brother."

"I am not impeding your visit." Prince Wei understood perfectly that any attempt to prevent Zhao Yao from seeing Prince Chu would prove futile.

"I am departing to see my Fourth Brother now." With those words, Zhao Yao departed, accompanied by Tong Xi.

Yu Hai watched Zhao Yao’s retreating figure, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Your Highness, are you truly going to permit Prince Han to depart without intervention?"

Prince Wei countered, "Can you control him, or can you prevent his actions?"

"Are you intending to leave Prince Han without any backing?"

Prince Wei rose, remarking with a significant undertone, "Let us observe his capabilities."

Following their departure from the Prince Wei Mansion, Zhao Yao bypassed his own residence and proceeded directly to the Zongzheng Temple's death row.

Despite Zhao Yao's absence from the capital for a year or two, the guards at the Zongzheng Temple recognized him. Upon seeing his approach, they not only refrained from stopping him but courteously escorted him to the cell where Prince Chu was held.

Zhao Yao followed the jailer to Prince Chu's confinement. Prince Chu had been asleep but awakened instantly at the sound of the cell door opening.

"Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother!"

Prince Chu’s initial reaction to Zhao Yao's sudden appearance was one of astonishment, which quickly melted into a radiant smile.

"Tenth Brother..."

Zhao Yao embraced Prince Chu tightly, murmuring apologies repeatedly.

Prince Chu gently patted Zhao Yao's back, consistently reassuring him, "It is not your fault."

After a period, the brothers managed to regain their composure.

Observing Prince Chu's pale complexion, his emaciated form suggesting he could be swept away by a mere gust of wind, Zhao Yao was overcome with distress.

Sensing Zhao Yao's guilt and remorse, Prince Chu placed a hand on his shoulder, offering gentle comfort. "It is not your fault."

Zhao Yao, considering that Prince Chu might be unaware of the predicament involving Princess Consort Chu, suppressed the words poised to escape his lips.

"Fourth Brother, rest assured, I will liberate the Li Family and subsequently escort you to Swamp Prefecture. Only in Swamp Prefecture can your health be fully restored."

"Will Prince Wei permit you to take me away? Will he allow you to save the Li Family?" Prince Chu, well-acquainted with Prince Wei's ruthlessness as his adversary, posited, "He intends to annihilate the entire Li Family, thereby eradicating their influence among scholars nationwide. There is no conceivable way he would consent to your intervention on their behalf."

"I am aware." Zhao Yao pondered for a moment before stating, "Regardless of the outcome, I must make an attempt."

"He holds affection for you, but he will not spare the Li Family due to your connection with him."

Zhao Yao acknowledged with a nod, stating, "I comprehend."

"Tenth Brother, please do not let discord arise between you and him because of me," Prince Chu’s expression turned grave. "The camaraderie you've shared since childhood, the significance you hold in his affections, do not allow your sentiments for him to be diminished on my behalf."