Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1204: Chapter 182: Choosing an Auspicious Day for Ascension (Part 2)

“One month later.”

“One month later, huh, not much time is left for me.” Although the Eighth Brother is now the regent, he didn’t get the role by a decree from the father, but because he’s the only Prince left in court. Being a regent is not the same as being an emperor. For the Eighth Brother to ascend, firstly, he lacks legitimacy and justification, as there was no decree before Father’s stroke and paralysis for him to ascend. Secondly, the secret decree behind the plaque in Zichen Hall does not bear the Eighth Brother’s name either.

If he guessed correctly, the secret decree behind the plaque in Zichen Hall bears his name. But wait, the Eighth Brother has been regent for some time, did he ever remove the plaque to read the contents of the decree?

Judging from the Eighth Brother’s reactions and expressions, it seems he hasn’t read the decree, otherwise, he would already know that Father decided on him as the successor.

The Eighth Brother’s ascension is lacking in legitimacy, but the big treasure he brought along could help him ascend naturally and silence the ministers and the public. By then, the decree behind the plaque won’t matter.

Even if the Eighth Brother opens the decree behind the plaque later and finds out Father chose him, it wouldn’t be awkward anymore.

The Eighth Brother will definitely wipe out the Li Family before he ascends, not after. Traditionally, a new emperor grants amnesty to the nation, and by then, the Li Family wouldn’t face the threat of being exterminated.

It seems there’s not much time left to save the Li Family. First, he needs to rescue the Fourth Brother from death row, then use the treasure to exchange for the lives of the Li Family.

Fortunately, he was lucky enough to find this extraordinary treasure a few years ago, otherwise, he truly wouldn’t be able to save the Li Family.

“Your Highness, do you have any other instructions?”

Zhao Yao pondered for a moment and said, “Have the Hidden Guard protect the Princess.” He is not at the Swamp Prefecture, leaving the Princess alone, and he worries she might be manipulated.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Zhao Yao waved his hand, allowing Hidden Guard A to retreat.

Moments later, Tong Xi brought Yu Hai in.

Yu Hai invited Zhao Yao to dine at Prince Wei Mansion.

“I’m still quarreling with the Eighth Brother, what’s the point of dining with him, I’m not going.” Zhao Yao unceremoniously dismissed Yu Hai, “You can go back.”

Yu Hai had no choice but to retreat and conveyed Zhao Yao’s words verbatim to Prince Wei.

After hearing it, Prince Wei didn’t get angry, instead, he walked over to the Han Prince Mansion with a smile.

Zhao Yao was annoyed by Prince Wei’s uninvited behavior, but he refrained from kicking him out completely.

“Quarreling with me for so many days, aren’t you tired?”

“Release the Li Family and I won’t quarrel with you.”

Prince Wei said with a full face of helplessness, “Then keep quarreling.”

Zhao Yao glared at Prince Wei but said nothing.

“Even if you stare a hole in my face, I still won’t release the Li Family.”

“Fine, then release the Fourth Brother.” Zhao Yao changed his strategy, “I will take him to my mansion for treatment and nurture.”

Prince Wei didn’t expect Zhao Yao to suddenly change his demand, slightly stunned, and then smiled, saying, “You can take him out, but as for the Li Family, just forget it.”

Zhao Yao deeply looked at Prince Wei and asked, “Eighth Brother, are you planning to make an example out of the Li Family?”

Prince Wei glared at Zhao Yao and said sarcastically, “Since you know, why still plead for the Li Family.”

“Then there’s no need to execute the entire Li Family, right?” Zhao Yao continued, “That’s one or two hundred lives.”

Prince Wei said indifferently, “So what.”

Upon hearing these words, Zhao Yao’s anger surged, almost starting another quarrel with Prince Wei, but he forcibly suppressed it. They’ve been arguing over this matter for a long time, neither yielding to the other, continuing to argue is pointless.

“Eighth Brother, when are you going to ascend?”

Prince Wei was stunned by Zhao Yao’s question, and even Yu Hai and Tong Xi nearby were taken aback.

Seeing the stunned look on Prince Wei’s face, Zhao Yao chuckled, “Eighth Brother, don’t tell me you want to remain a regent forever?”

Prince Wei didn’t expect Zhao Yao to ask so bluntly, feeling helpless yet indulgent.

“You really are…”

“In front of you, why would I beat around the bush.” Zhao Yao teasingly looked at Prince Wei, “Eighth Brother, wanting to be emperor is not embarrassing, isn’t this your lifelong dream? Now that it’s close to realization, why be bashful.”

Prince Wei said with a bitter smile, “I’m not being bashful.”

Standing aside, Yu Hai silently mocked in his heart: Prince Han really speaks his mind. But that’s precisely Prince Han.

“Then when do you plan to ascend, don’t tell me you’re going to wait for Father to wake up?” Thinking of how the Emperor is now incapacitated by Prince Wei, Zhao Yao’s feelings are very complicated. As his brother, he has always known the Eighth Brother’s obsession with the throne, and if he were in the Eighth Brother’s position, he might do the same, so he cannot blame the Eighth Brother for being ruthless. But, as his son, his father being poisoned and rendered incapacitated by the Eighth Brother, he cannot help but hold resentment toward the Eighth Brother.