Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 680: Chapter 334: Prince Chu’s Warning

During the morning court assembly, the Crown Prince advised the Emperor to have Prince Wei assist Prince Jing in overseeing the imperial examinations in Jinling.

Prince Jing immediately stepped forward, asserting that he did not need anyone’s assistance. He was well aware that the Crown Prince’s real intention in assigning Prince Wei to aid him was to monitor and sabotage his efforts. He would not allow the eighth prince to ruin his plans.

The Crown Prince, adopting the demeanor of a caring elder brother, kindly persuaded Prince Jing. He said that he was concerned about Prince Jing handling matters alone in Jinling, which was why he wanted Prince Wei to accompany him. He also mentioned that with Prince Wei’s help, things would go smoothly in Jinling.

After hearing the Crown Prince’s words, Prince Jing let out a scoff filled with disdain, followed by a blunt expression of distaste and belittlement towards Prince Wei.

The Crown Prince, seeing Prince Jing speak of Prince Wei in such a manner, showed his displeasure and scolded Prince Jing.

Prince Wei did not retort against Prince Jing’s words. He kept his head down and remained silent.

Prince Jing ignored the Crown Prince and told the Emperor that he could manage the tasks in Jinling alone without anyone’s help.

Prince Dai, seeing the dispute between Prince Jing and the Crown Prince, added fuel to the fire by supporting Prince Jing. He claimed that Prince Jing, being the Crown Prince’s own brother, should be trusted in his abilities. He further encouraged the Emperor to allow Prince Jing to undertake the responsibilities in Jinling solo.

The Crown Prince, realizing Prince Dai was trying to stoke discord between him and Prince Jing, coldly told Prince Dai to stop sowing division. His reason for assigning Prince Wei was primarily out of concern for Prince Jing.

The Emperor, seeing another potential quarrel between Prince Dai and the Crown Prince, sternly interrupted them.

He cast a deep glance at Prince Wei and then agreed to have Prince Wei assist Prince Jing and travel to Jinling with him.

Prince Jing shot a resentful glare at the Crown Prince, then reluctantly accepted the cooperation with Prince Wei.

The Emperor, seeing that none of the ministers had further petitions, ordered Sun Kui to announce the adjournment of the court session.

After the Emperor departed, Prince Jing approached the Crown Prince with displeasure, stating that he would not fulfill the Crown Prince’s wishes. The Crown Prince merely smiled and gently advised Prince Jing and Prince Wei to get along well.

Prince Jing glared fiercely at the Crown Prince, then at Prince Wei, and said, "We’ll see."

Before Prince Jing came of age and was granted his title, he outwardly remained courteous towards his elder brother, the Crown Prince. But since reaching maturity and becoming a prince, he no longer bothered to conceal his dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince and openly revealed his ambition for the position of Crown Prince.

"Brother, looking at Seventh Brother’s behavior, he genuinely wants the imperial examinations in Jinling to proceed smoothly." Prince Wei, walking beside the Crown Prince, whispered, "Seventh Brother indeed aims to disrupt our plans."

The Crown Prince, recalling Prince Jing’s defiance during the court session, showed coldness in his eyes and said gravely, "He can’t cause much trouble, but still, keep a close watch on him."

"Brother, rest assured, I will keep a close eye on Seventh Brother and won’t let him ruin our plans," Prince Wei assured the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince suddenly recalled something and took out a token from his pocket, handing it to Prince Wei, and advised him warmly, "With this token, the people in Jinling will follow your commands."

Prince Wei reached out to take the token, placing it securely in his pocket.

"With this token, you’ll handle matters in Jinling smoothly," the Crown Prince further reminded Prince Wei, "Your main purpose for visiting Jinling this time isn’t just to monitor Seventh Brother, but to investigate that matter in Peng City, understand?"

Prince Wei nodded seriously and said, "Brother, rest assured, I will definitely uncover the traitor in Peng City."

The Crown Prince raised his hand to pat Prince Wei’s shoulder, "Be careful on the road." After saying this, he recalled Prince Jing’s earlier attitude towards Prince Wei and couldn’t help but feel concerned, "When you accompany Seventh Brother to Jinling, he will surely trouble you..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Prince Wei interrupted, "Brother, rest assured, I will tolerate Seventh Brother."

"Who told you to let him off?" As the elder brother, the Crown Prince had no choice but to bear with Prince Jing despite being the elder brother. "He’s a prince, and so are you. Your statuses are equal, no one is superior to the other. If he gives you a hard time, there’s no need to endure it. Do what you need to do."

Prince Wei hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to say such a thing, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face.

"Ah, Brother, are you serious?"

The Crown Prince lowered his voice and said to Prince Wei, "Teach him a lesson for me. Don’t show any mercy."

Prince Wei instantly understood the Crown Prince’s intention and smiled meaningfully, "I understand, Brother."

The Crown Prince patted Prince Wei’s shoulder again, "Quickly go back to prepare."

"Brother, I’ll take my leave first."

After Prince Wei walked out the palace gates, he saw Wei Mian, who was at Prince Chu’s side.

Wei Mian stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Prince Wei: "This servant greets Lord Wei."

Prince Wei raised an eyebrow at Wei Mian and asked coldly, "What’s the matter?"

"Lord Wei, my master wishes to speak with you. Please do follow me."

Prince Wei guessed what Prince Chu wanted to discuss, and said coldly, "Lead the way."

Wei Mian led Prince Wei to meet Prince Chu, who was waiting in a secluded place.

Prince Wei went over and sat down opposite Prince Chu.

Wei Mian and Yu Hai stood at the door, keeping watch.

Prince Wei did not want to spend more time with Prince Chu. With a cold expression, he stated, "I will find Tenth Brother."

Prince Chu put down the teacup in his hands, staring icily at Prince Wei, and spoke mockingly, "You should be well aware who kidnapped Tenth Brother."

Prince Wei naturally knew who had abducted Zhao Yao. He also understood why Prince Chu had spoken those words.

"Regardless of who took Tenth Brother, I will rescue him and will not spare them."

"I hope you will keep your word," said Prince Chu, as his gaze suddenly became extremely sharp, and he warned Prince Wei in a sinister tone, "If you place Tenth Brother in danger for your own selfish reasons, I will never forgive you."

"Focus on your own matters," Prince Wei said, standing up and looking sternly at Prince Chu, "There’s no need for you to worry about Tenth Brother’s matters."

Prince Chu questioned, "Who is to blame for Tenth Brother’s capture this time?"

Although Zhao Yao’s capture was unrelated to Prince Wei, it was connected to people loyal to the Crown Prince. Prince Wei hadn’t anticipated that those in Jinling would be daring enough to abduct Zhao Yao.

Prince Wei said nothing more to Prince Chu and turned to leave immediately.

After a moment, Wei Mian entered. Seeing Prince Chu looking displeased, he hesitated before asking, "Your Highness, is Lord Wei unwilling to rescue Tenth Prince?"

"No."

"Since Lord Wei has promised to rescue Tenth Prince, what is there to worry about?"

"I worry he might put Tenth Brother in danger again." Although Prince Chu had no one in Jinling, he was somewhat informed about the matters over there, "Tenth Brother’s capture is inseparable from him."

"Your Highness, if you’re truly worried, I can secretly go to Jinling."

"Jinling is not our territory, your going there might not be a good idea." Prince Chu had wanted to go to Jinling himself to find Tenth Brother, but he had an important task in Peng City and couldn’t leave for Jinling. Moreover, if he went there, it would attract the Crown Prince’s people’s attention, making it not only challenging to save Tenth Brother but also putting Tenth Brother in more danger.

Wei Mian knew Prince Chu had been worried about Zhao Yao’s safety recently and consoled him, "Your Highness, although Lord Wei is sly and deceitful, he does care a lot for Tenth Prince. I believe he will certainly find Tenth Prince."

Prince Chu said coldly, "If he can’t find Tenth Brother, then there’s no point in him being in this world."

"Your Highness spoke rightly."

Prince Chu stood up, saying, "Let’s go, we should set off."

"Your Highness, this time traveling to Peng City, the Crown Prince and Prince Dai will definitely send assassins after you. We must be cautious." Leaving the capital is considered an opportune moment for the Crown Prince and Prince Dai to assassinate the prince, and they wouldn’t miss such a chance.

Prince Chu nodded slightly and said, "Proceed as planned."

After meeting with Prince Chu, instead of hurrying to the dock, Prince Wei returned first to Prince Wei Mansion, as he had some matters to attend to. By the time he arrived at the dock, Prince Jing had already left. He had predicted that Prince Jing wouldn’t wait for him or travel together to Jinling.

Prince Jing’s decision not to wait was perfectly in line with his wishes. If he shared a boat with Prince Jing, many of his actions would become inconvenient.

Instead of taking a boat to Peng City, Prince Chu chose to ride there directly.

As expected, Prince Chu and his party encountered multiple assassination attempts on the way to Peng City, but thanks to Prince Chu’s prior preparations, they thwarted the Crown Prince and Prince Dai’s plans.

Meanwhile, far away in Jinling, Zhao Yao remained confined in that secret chamber, still sharing the space with that excessively handsome man. However, in recent days, the handsome man began speaking to him, no longer ignoring him as before.