Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1209: Chapter 184: I Want Lady Liang to Become Empress Dowager

The entire capital is filled with a festive atmosphere these days because Prince Wei is about to ascend the throne. Although for the common people, it doesn’t matter who ascends the throne, the ascension is a grand event, and they can savor the joy. Most importantly, when the new emperor ascends, there will be a general amnesty across the realm, and those who have friends or relatives who have committed crimes can seize this chance to lighten their penalties, with some even being released from prison.

Zhao Yao also shares in this fortune. The civil and military officials all know that His Highness Prince Han and His Highness Prince Wei are very close, and once Prince Wei ascends the throne, the status of Prince Han will inevitably rise, so for this period, many ministers have come to visit Zhao Yao, the most favored younger brother of the future emperor.

He never imagined even in his dreams that one day he would become the target of fawning ministers, leaving Zhao Yao both amused and befuddled. He has never enjoyed mingling with the court officials, so he shut his gate, declining to see anyone. He also refused to accept all the gifts secretly sent by the officials.

At this moment, Zhao Yao is in the courtyard of the Han Prince Mansion, enjoying the sun and playing chess with Prince Chu.

“Tenth brother, have you really decided to return to Swamp Prefecture and not stay in the capital?” Prince Chu’s health has improved somewhat from days of recuperation, at least his complexion no longer bears a ghastly pallor.

Zhao Yao shook his head and said, “No, once Eighth Brother ascends, I will immediately set out for Swamp Prefecture.” This place, the capital, is rife with trouble; it’s best to stay far away. Staying might bring trouble.

Prince Chu looked at Zhao Yao, hesitated, and then spoke: “Tenth Brother, I hope you would stay in the capital.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao raised his eyes in surprise and confusion towards Prince Chu sitting opposite him: “Fourth Brother, why?”

“If you stay in the capital, firstly you can assist him, and secondly, you can counsel him.” Prince Chu said with slightly furrowed brows, his expression somewhat grave, “You should know what kind of temperament he has, and his means are extremely radical. I worry that he might turn the court into…”

Prince Chu didn’t finish his sentence, but Zhao Yao understood what he meant. Zhao Yao paused in his chess game, “Fourth Brother, you’re worried that Eighth Brother might turn the court into chaos?”

“Yes.” In fact, Prince Chu would rather Zhao Yao ascend the throne than Prince Wei, but he knows Zhao Yao has no interest in the imperial seat.

“Hasn’t the court been running smoothly during Eighth Brother’s tenure as regent? Besides, with Prime Minister He and others present, they wouldn’t let Eighth Brother do as he pleases.” Eighth Brother’s methods are indeed radical, but that doesn’t mean he only uses extreme measures to handle affairs.

“Now, he hasn’t ascended, so naturally he’s careful, consulting Prime Minister He and others in everything. Once he ascends the throne, do you think he will continue to ask Prime Minister He and others?” Prince Chu has battled with Prince Wei for two or three decades; he knows Prince Wei’s temperament and methods better than anyone. Currently, Prince Wei is managing court affairs orderly, refraining from rash actions. But after ascending, to establish his authority and grasp power, he won’t be as he is now. He might stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

“Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu are Father’s trusted ministers; major court matters still rely on them. You think he will tolerate Prime Minister He and others for how long?” Prince Chu continued, “Do you think, given his temperament, he will always obediently heed Prime Minister He and others’ advice? With his temperament, after ascending, he would want to establish his authority within court; who knows what might happen then.” The new emperor establishing authority usually involves targeting officials, especially those in high positions holding real power.

Prince Chu’s reasoning was sensible. Zhao Yao hadn’t considered this perspective.

“He values your trust; if you stay by his side, you can not only help him but also advise him.” Prince Chu said sternly, “In this world, perhaps only your words can reach him somewhat.”

“Fourth Brother…”

Prince Chu knew what Zhao Yao wanted to say and interrupted him: “I know you don’t want to stay in the capital, don’t want to engage in the capital’s disputes, but Tenth Brother, you wouldn’t want to see him turn the court into pandemonium, making life unbearable for the people, would you?”

“Fourth Brother, Eighth Brother isn’t as bad as you say.” Zhao Yao felt Prince Chu’s words were a bit exaggerated.

“That’s just his nature.”

“Fourth Brother, you should also understand that being an emperor and not being one are different.” Zhao Yao said solemnly, “Eighth Brother is now just my Eighth Brother, without the distinction between ruler and subject. However, once he becomes emperor, he will still be my Eighth Brother, but he will be king as well. Do you truly think it’s a wise choice for me to stay in the capital?”

Zhao Yao’s words left Prince Chu silent.