Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 778: Chapter 380: Morning Mascot_3

Prince Dai and Prince Chu’s supporters started a verbal skirmish regarding this year’s spring plowing. Most of Prince Chu’s supporters were civil officials, skilled in eloquence, while most of Prince Dai’s were military officers, naturally no match for the eloquence of Prince Chu’s people. Unable to win the argument, they resorted to foul language.

Zhao Yao listened with great interest, eager to applaud them.

The early morning audience was about to begin, and Prince Dai led the way to Zichen Hall.

Once the officials were properly in place, the Emperor appeared with a yawn.

"Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty."

"Please rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhao Yao bent his waist, keeping his head low, standing behind Prince Wei.

"Brother Eight, you cover me well." Brother Eight was too thin and a little short, making it difficult to shield him properly. However, as long as he hunched his shoulders, Brother Eight could just about cover him.

Hearing Zhao Yao’s words, Prince Wei cooperated and stood in front of him.

The early morning court had nothing concerning Zhao Yao; he had no intentions to present anything, and the Emperor wouldn’t ask him questions, so he relaxed and boldly napped behind Prince Wei.

Zhao Yao had long mastered the art of standing while sleeping.

Zhao Yao dozed off while listening to ministers reporting matters.

At the beginning of the morning court, ministers would formally present state affairs. Of course, most of the time, these were minor issues. Once official matters were presented, the ministers would start bickering amongst themselves.

After listening to the ministers’ arguments for a while, the Emperor found it boring and had Sun Kui announce the end of the court session.

Upon hearing the announcement, Zhao Yao, who had been standing asleep, instantly perked up and dashed out of Zichen Hall like the wind, heading towards Kunde Hall to pay his respects to Lady Liang.

Every day after court, Zhao Yao would come to pay his respects to Lady Liang.

Lady Liang personally prepared breakfast for Zhao Yao, consisting of all his favorite foods.

The mother and son chatted while having breakfast.

"Yesterday afternoon, Princess Li invited me for tea and spoke about your marriage."

Zhao Yao, who was drinking tea, was so shocked by these words that he choked on his tea, leading to a violent coughing fit: "Cough cough cough, what, my marriage?"

"In just a few months, you will come of age and be titled, but your marriage is still undecided," Lady Liang said calmly. "The Emperor has yet to arrange a marriage for you, so Princess Li is a bit anxious on your behalf and spoke about it with me. The Li Family has a daughter about your age. If you agree, she will ask the Emperor to arrange the marriage."

"Ah?" Zhao Yao was dumbfounded because he had never considered his marriage.

"I politely declined Princess Li." Seeing Zhao Yao’s bewildered expression, Lady Liang knew he hadn’t thought about his marriage at all. "I said that your marriage is decided by the Emperor."

"Fourth Brother didn’t mention anything to me about this."

"How did Prince Chu tell you?" Lady Liang said, "Although the Emperor hasn’t arranged a marriage for you now, he will certainly arrange one on the day you receive your title."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yao became immediately nervous and hurriedly asked, "Who will Father arrange for me?"

"I don’t know."

Zhao Yao looked incredulous: "Mother Consort, you can’t possibly not know."

"Your father hasn’t made a decision yet."

"How many candidates are there?"

"What kind do you like?"

"Does it matter if I like them?" Zhao Yao was indifferent about his marriage, "Mother Consort, you can handle it."

Lady Liang was both amused and exasperated by her son’s nonchalance: "This is about choosing a princess for you."

"I trust Mother’s judgment," Zhao Yao said with a smile, "Mother will surely choose a good princess for me."

"You..." Lady Liang didn’t know what to say, "Today is the day your father comes to Kunde Hall, so don’t leave the palace today. Your father has something to say to you."

"Father surely doesn’t have anything good to say."

Lady Liang warned, "Do not leave the palace today, stay obediently in Xingde Palace."

Zhao Yao grudgingly said, "I know."

Lady Liang didn’t mention Zhao Yao’s marriage again and started talking about preparing things for Zhao Yao’s journey to Lingnan.

In a few months, Zhao Yao would be heading to Lingnan. Before his departure, Lady Liang needed to prepare some things for him. In fact, Lady Liang had started preparing for Zhao Yao since last year.

Zhao Yao listened attentively to Lady Liang, and as he listened, he realized her tone was slightly choked. He knew in his heart that Lady Liang was reluctant for him to leave for Lingnan, and he was also unwilling to leave Lady Liang, but he had to go to Lingnan.

As Zhao Yao’s birthday approached, Lady Liang’s heart became increasingly heavy with reluctance.