Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1199 - 180: Poison-Induced Stroke (Part 2)

Zhao Yao grasped the meaning behind Prince Chu’s assurance, "Fourth Brother, rest assured, I will not become adversaries with Eighth Brother." He was also fully aware that Eighth Brother would refrain from opposing him due to their significant mutual importance.

"The Li Family..." Prince Chu let out a soft sigh. "Save as many as you can. If it proves impossible, then you must let go."

"Fourth Brother..."

"I once pledged my own life in exchange for the Li Family's safety, yet he refused my offer."

"At that time, I implored Eighth Brother to grant you clemency, and he truly did spare your life. However, I never anticipated his intention to completely annihilate the entire Li Family."

Prince Chu explained, "Had you not pleaded for my life, he would have either slain me or proceeded with the extermination of the Li Family regardless."

This realization also weighed heavily on Zhao Yao’s heart.

"Tenth Brother, this is the consequence of the conflict between him and myself. I have lost, and this is my destiny. It bears no relation to you, and you need not shoulder any blame."

Zhao Yao gazed at Prince Chu, preparing to speak, but ultimately remained silent.

"Tenth Brother, heed my words and never oppose him on my behalf." Prince Chu understood that if Zhao Yao were to provoke Prince Wei, his own fate would also be dire.

Within Prince Chu’s heart, Zhao Yao was no match for Prince Wei.

"Fourth Brother, please be at ease. I pledge to exert my utmost effort to preserve the Li Family." Zhao Yao recalled that Prince Chu had not seen Princess Li for quite some time and promptly relayed information about her improving health.

Upon learning that Princess Li’s condition had indeed stabilized and bettered, Prince Chu felt a significant measure of relief.

After concluding his conversation with Prince Chu, Zhao Yao departed. By the time he reached Prince Han’s Mansion again, the hour was already Hai.

"Your Highness, will you be attending the morning court tomorrow?" Tong Xi inquired while assisting Zhao Yao with his ablutions.

"I shall not be attending court tomorrow. Early in the morning, I intend to escort the witch doctor to the palace to examine Father Emperor’s pulse."

"Your Highness, should Lord Wei adamantly refuse to spare the Li Family, what are your plans?"

"I possess my own methods." That particular treasure should suffice to secure the Li Family’s lives, yet he was disinclined to readily relinquish it unless absolutely necessary. !Tomorrow, I intend to convene with Prime Minister He and the others."

"Prime Minister He and the others? What is the purpose of meeting them? Do you seek their assistance?"

"Indeed, I shall inquire if they have devised any viable solutions." Zhao Yao speculated that Prime Minister He and his cohorts might possess crucial information.

"Your Highness, if Prime Minister He and the others possessed a solution, would they not have intervened to prevent Lord Wei from condemning the Li Family?" Tong Xi believed Prime Minister He and his associates were beyond capable. "In my estimation, Lord Wei currently wields immense authority within the court; even Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu appear incapable of countering Lord Wei."

"If you hold such a view, you are significantly underestimating Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu." Despite Zhao Yao’s limited interactions with Prime Minister He and the others, he perceived them as seasoned strategists, much like Father Emperor himself.

"If Prime Minister He and the others are as formidable as you suggest, then why do they not actively intervene to save the Li Family?"

"That is precisely what I aim to ascertain, which necessitates my meeting with them." In Zhao Yao’s perspective, given the capabilities attributed to He Liang and Grandmaster Liu, they should possess abundant reasons and means to prevent Prince Wei from enacting the Li Family’s demise.

While Eighth Brother is undoubtedly formidable, Prime Minister He and his allies are not to be taken lightly either. Prince Wei’s tactics may be treacherous, but Grandmaster Liu’s stratagems are equally cunning. In reality, when it comes to shrewdness and intricate planning, Eighth Brother might find himself outmatched by Grandmaster Liu.

Tong Xi, having served by Zhao Yao’s side for numerous years, had demonstrably sharpened his intellect.

"Your Highness, do you suspect foul play is involved in this matter?"

Zhao Yao rose, accepted the handkerchief from Tong Xi, and proceeded to dry himself.

"Indeed, something is amiss."

Tong Xi exclaimed in alarm, "You do not perhaps suspect that Prime Minister He and his associates are in league with Lord Wei, do you?"

Zhao Yao, while donning his attire, playfully remarked to Tong Xi, "It surprises me that you are acquainted with the term ‘colluding.’"

Tong Xi, finding himself the target of gentle mockery, retorted with slight irritation, "Your Highness, I am not entirely devoid of knowledge. I am indeed aware of the term ‘colluding.’"

"If Eighth Brother were privy to your accusation of him colluding with Prime Minister He and the others, he would undoubtedly express his gratitude to you."

This remark struck a chord of fear in Tong Xi, causing him to involuntarily cover his mouth in apprehension.

"Go to sleep. There’s a lot to do tomorrow." After sitting on the boat for over ten days, he was exhausted. As soon as he reached the capital, he was busy entering the palace, and it was only now that he finally stopped. "You don’t have to stay up with me tonight either, go and rest."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhao Yao returned to his room. Hidden Guard A appeared in front of him, then took out a secret letter from his bosom and handed it to him.

After reading the secret letter, Zhao Yao let out a cold snort, then immediately burned it over the candle flame.

Hidden Guard A asked, "Your Highness, what should we do next?"

"Do nothing." Zhao Yao lay back on the bed and said with deep meaning, "Let Second Uncle do whatever he wants to do."

"Should we continue to monitor him?"

"Continue to monitor. Second Uncle probably also knows you’re watching him. He’s deliberately letting you relay messages to me, then waiting for my reaction." Zhao Yao yawned and said, "I have no reaction to give him."