Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1215: Chapter 186: He Lianfang Is Dead

He Lianfang is dead, killed himself. Before his death, he left a suicide note for Zhao Yao, saying that he had no use in this world anymore and no longer had any thoughts. It was time to seek forgiveness from Prince Yi Yong.

A few days ago, after Zhao Yao opened up about everything to He Lianfang, he worried that He Lianfang might not take it well and begged him repeatedly not to do anything foolish. He even sent people to keep an eye on He Lianfang to prevent such actions, yet in the end, he still took his life.

Although He Lianfang did some bad things, like killing the entire family of the deposed Crown Prince, driving the three concubines to death, and other matters, Zhao Yao did not blame him.

He Lianfang was by Zhao Yao’s side for over a decade, teaching him, caring for him, comforting him… To Zhao Yao, He Lianfang was his mentor, his family, and also his friend.

Even though Zhao Yao was aware that He Lianfang did many things behind his back, he never exposed them because he didn’t want to lose this mentor and friend.

A few days ago, the reason for bringing everything to light was to make He Lianfang give up the idea of uprising and rebellion. Unexpectedly, it led to his death.

In fact, He Lianfang had long lost the will to live. If he hadn’t met Zhao Yao, he would have committed suicide over a decade ago. After meeting Zhao Yao, he felt Zhao Yao was very much like Prince Yi Yong, wanting to stay by the “Prince Yi Yong’s” side, hoping the “Prince Yi Yong” would become emperor. But Zhao Yao ultimately was not Prince Yi Yong and did not wish to become emperor.

Though He Lianfang knew Zhao Yao had no interest in being emperor, he harbored a slight hope that when push came to shove, Zhao Yao would become emperor. But unexpectedly, when it truly came to that situation, Zhao Yao still made Prince Wei emperor.

Zhao Yao’s choice was outside He Lianfang’s expectations, yet also within them. He chose to end his own life because, first, Zhao Yao no longer needed his help, second, he had lived enough and didn’t want to continue living, and third, Zhao Yao would eventually become emperor without his rebellion.

He Lianfang’s death was a heavy blow to Zhao Yao. He felt it was because he refused to become emperor that He Lianfang died.

In the neighboring courtyard of Prince Han’s mansion, Zhao Yao and Prince Chu were sitting in the courtyard where He Lianfang once stayed, drinking and chatting.

Zhao Yao never drank alcohol ordinarily, not even during major festivals, but ever since He Lianfang’s death, he drank every day.

Prince Chu knew Zhao Yao was blaming himself, “Tenth brother, tell me, is it true that your fourth sister-in-law and the others are dead?”

Zhao Yao, who was drinking, froze his hand mid-movement and his expression turned stiff upon hearing Prince Chu’s words. He wanted to deny it, but facing Prince Chu’s sharp gaze, the lie stuck at his lips was not spoken.

Zhao Yao’s silence had already given Prince Chu the answer.

“I’ve known for a long time; you don’t need to hide it from me.” Prince Chu’s expression was very calm, his tone also very calm, but his eyes were filled with great pain. “He won’t let my family go.”

“Fourth brother, I’m sorry; it’s all my fault for not saving fourth sister-in-law and them.” Mentioning this matter, Zhao Yao was filled with guilt and regret.

“This has nothing to do with you; even if you had saved them at that time, he would have killed them later.” After coming to the Swamp Prefecture, Prince Chu originally planned to secretly leave after some time and end his life, going underground to accompany his wife and children. But due to something He Lianfang said, he gave up the idea of ending his life and chose to live.

After Prince Chu arrived in the Swamp Prefecture, He Lianfang once came to him and spoke some words.

“Fourth brother…” Zhao Yao didn’t understand why Prince Chu was telling him this now.

Seeing Zhao Yao’s confusion, Prince Chu gently comforted him, “I want to tell you that the dead cannot return, and we should all live well.”

“Fourth brother…” Using the death of fourth sister-in-law and them to comfort him, he truly was… “Fourth brother, I understand. Tomorrow, I’ll return to normal and won’t drown in grief anymore.”

“Tenth brother, for General He, death is a kind of relief; you should be happy for him.” Prince Chu continued to persuade, “He should have already found Uncle now. To him, returning to Uncle’s side is something very happy.”

Zhao Yao thought Prince Chu’s words made a lot of sense, nodding slightly, “Yes, for Second Uncle, returning to Uncle’s side is the best thing.” At this moment, Zhao Yao was at ease. “Fourth brother, fortunately, you are by my side.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be by your side.” When Prince Chu said this, his expression was like that of a “kind father.”