Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1203: Chapter 182: Choosing an Auspicious Day for the Coronation

In recent days, the early morning court sessions have been lively, with the ministers watching the drama unfold between Prince Han and Prince Wei arguing.

Every day, Prince Han would have a big argument with Prince Wei in the court hall over the Li Family. After the court session, Prince Han would go to the East Warm Pavilion to continue arguing with Prince Wei.

Zhao Yao said he would argue with Prince Wei every day, and he truly did. During this period, Prince Wei had been worn down by Prince Han’s persistent arguments. However, no matter how Zhao Yao argued, Prince Wei still refused to relent and spare the Li Family.

“I’m furious.” Zhao Yao returned to Prince Han’s Mansion, bursting with anger, “Eighth brother really is stubborn.”

Tong Xi quickly brought Zhao Yao a cup of cooling tea, “Your Highness, have some tea to cool down.” These days, Your Highness has been turning into a pufferfish with rage every day.

Zhao Yao took the tea cup, raised his head, and drank the tea in one gulp before sitting down on the chair in frustration.

“Arguing with eighth brother every day is not a solution,” he said, feeling like nothing more than a shrew, quarreling with his brother day after day.

“Your Highness, Lord Wei is determined to annihilate the Li Family, no matter how much you argue, it’s useless,” Tong Xi advised, “You should think of another solution.” Every time Your Highness argues until his voice is hoarse, without caring for himself, but Tong Xi couldn’t help but feel sorry.

Zhao Yao sighed deeply and said, “If there was another way, I wouldn’t be so troubled.” He didn’t want to argue with his brother, but apart from arguing, he couldn’t think of a better solution at the moment.

He had previously thought of kneeling at the door of Zichen Hall to plead for the Li Family, and he wouldn’t get up until his brother agreed. However, as soon as he knelt down, he was carried away by the Imperial Guards. Now he finally understood why Prime Minister He and others had never succeeded in pleading.

“Your Highness, this humble servant is dull-witted and cannot help you.”

Zhao Yao rubbed his temples and said, “I should first rescue fourth brother from the death row, then figure out a way to save the Li Family.” He had been so focused on arguing that he forgot about his fourth brother. With his fourth brother’s health, he couldn’t remain in death row any longer.

“Will Lord Wei allow you to rescue Prince Chu?”

“Eighth brother won’t let me save the Li Family, and now he’s not letting me rescue fourth brother, this is too much,” Zhao Yao exclaimed angrily, “Push me too far, and I might do something drastic.”

Tong Xi hesitated for a moment before asking, “Your Highness, if Lord Wei insists on not sparing the Li Family, what do you plan to do, turn against Lord Wei?”

Zhao Yao shook his head and said, “I never considered turning against eighth brother. If he still won’t spare the Li Family, I’ll have to use my last resort.”

Tong Xi curiously asked, “What resort?”

“You’ll find out in due time.”

At this moment, Hidden Guard A suddenly appeared and handed Zhao Yao a secret letter.

Zhao Yao took the letter and read it for a while, his expression immediately turning sullen.

Tong Xi noticed his unusual expression and felt a twinge of anxiety, quickly asking with concern, “Your Highness, what happened?”

Zhao Yao looked at Tong Xi and said, “You may leave now.”

Tong Xi hurriedly and respectfully withdrew.

Once Tong Xi left, Hidden Guard A asked, “Your Highness, what should we do next?”

Zhao Yao tapped his fingers lightly on the table, looking contemplative. After a long moment, he finally spoke, “Have Chu Huan and the others follow Uncle’s arrangements.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“By the way, how are the Dragon Guards doing?” Just a few days ago, Zhao Yao had met the Dragon Guards beside the emperor.

“The Dragon Guards have been secretly protecting the emperor and have not disturbed Lord Wei,” Hidden Guard A added, “Your Highness, aside from you, no one in the world knows about the existence of the Dragon Guards.”

“Are you certain that eighth brother is unaware of the Dragon Guards’ existence?”

“Lord Wei likely only knows there are secret operatives beside the emperor, but not the existence of the Dragon Guards.”

Zhao Yao further asked, “Do the Dragon Guards know about the poisoning of my father?”

Hidden Guard A replied, “They do not.”

After hearing this, Zhao Yao’s expression became subtle and he sighed, “It seems that the Dragon Guards are not all-knowing after all.”

Hidden Guard A said, “Your Highness, the Dragon Guards are human, not gods. They can’t know everything.”

“You’re right, I’ve been overestimating them,” Zhao Yao admitted, having always regarded the Dragon Guards akin to the Jinyi Guard of a certain dynasty in the dream world of Zhao Yao. “What about eighth brother?”

“The ministers supporting Prince Wei are urging him to ascend the throne soon. Prince Wei has already had someone select an auspicious date.”

“When have they chosen?” It did not surprise Zhao Yao that Prince Wei was eager to ascend the throne. However, given the current situation, his ascension would not be legitimate unless he opens the hidden decree behind the plaque in Zichen Hall, and the name written in that decree is his. But he would not open that decree because the name written is not his.