Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1126: Chapter 143: Arrival in the Capital (Part 3)

On the way to the Prince Chu Mansion, Zhao Yao restored his true appearance. When he appeared at the gate of the Prince Chu Mansion, the guards were first stunned, then excitedly saluted Zhao Yao.

"Greetings, Prince Han."

"Get up, all of you," Zhao Yao asked with a smile, "Is Fourth Brother at home?"

"The Prince is home, please come in."

Zhao Yao did not need to be announced when entering the Prince Chu Mansion; he could enter directly.

Prince Chu was in the study examining his son’s lessons. When Wei Mian told him Zhao Yao had arrived, he hurriedly left the study, abandoning his son.

From afar, Prince Chu saw Zhao Yao walking toward him and stopped in his tracks, staring intensely at his younger brother whom he hadn’t seen in over a year.

Seeing Prince Chu, Zhao Yao immediately waved and shouted, "Fourth Brother, I’m back." After saying this, he ran toward Prince Chu.

Prince Chu opened his arms and hugged Zhao Yao tightly as he charged into his embrace, just like when they were children.

Zhao Yao held Prince Chu tightly, speaking as if he had honey on his lips: "Fourth Brother, I’ve missed you terribly."

With one arm around Zhao Yao, Prince Chu patted his back.

Watching this scene, Wei Mian’s eyes reddened slightly.

The two brothers clung to each other for a while before letting go.

Zhao Yao took Prince Chu’s hands, scanning his fourth brother whom he hadn’t seen for over a year.

"Fourth Brother, let me take a good look at you."

Prince Chu allowed Zhao Yao to inspect him, while he carefully scrutinized Zhao Yao as well.

"Fourth Brother, why have you lost weight again? Haven’t you been eating well?"

A hint of a smile appeared in Prince Chu’s eyes, "You’ve grown quite a bit taller."

Talking about his height, Zhao Yao looked proud: "Fourth Brother, I’m now half a head taller than you."

Prince Chu raised a hand to pat Zhao Yao’s shoulder and said with a smile, "You’ve grown a lot." But in Prince Chu’s eyes, Zhao Yao still seemed like a child.

"Fourth Brother, I’m all grown up now," Zhao Yao said with his hands on his hips, "I’ve also become handsome."

Prince Chu understood the meaning of "handsome" and nodded, "You’ve indeed become quite handsome."

"Fourth Brother, where are my sister-in-law and little nephew and niece?" Zhao Yao asked, "Quickly, take me to see them."

After meeting his sister-in-law, nephew, and niece, and catching up, Zhao Yao went to bathe and change.

Having traveled a dusty journey, he needed a good wash.

After bathing, Zhao Yao headed to the Prince Wei Mansion. If he waited until the next morning to see his eighth brother, his brother would surely be upset.

Prince Chu did not stop Zhao Yao but reminded him to return to the Prince Chu Mansion later.

Seeing Prince Wei, the brothers embraced again.

Prince Wei knew Zhao Yao had just returned and was aware of his arduous journey, so he did not keep him for long.

Zhao Yao returned to the Prince Chu Mansion to rest. However, he promised Prince Wei that he would sleep at the Prince Wei Mansion the following night.

Prince Chu had been waiting for Zhao Yao to return. Once he was back, he didn’t chat with him further, just took him to bed.

Just like when they were young, the brothers slept together.

Zhao Yao intended to chat more with Prince Chu, but unexpectedly, he fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

Prince Chu did not rush to sleep; instead, he quietly watched him for a while.

Meanwhile, the emperor in the palace learned that Zhao Yao had returned to the capital. Naturally, he was delighted, but moments later, he grew angry, upset that Zhao Yao didn’t visit him first upon returning to the capital but went to see Prince Chu and Prince Wei.

Sun Kui was pleased to hear that Zhao Yao safely returned to the capital.

He knew that Prince Han would surely return safely to the capital.

The emperor looked at Sun Kui and instructed, "Early tomorrow morning, go to the Prince Chu Mansion and fetch that brat back to the palace."

"Your Majesty, is it because you miss Prince Han?"

"How could I miss him? It’s Xiao Xiao who misses him."

Sun Kui did not expose the emperor’s stubbornness, "Your Majesty, are you satisfied that Prince Han has returned safely?"

The emperor laughed, "I’m very satisfied." He knew the brat would not disappoint him. "Go and tell Xiao Xiao the news of the brat’s return." The emperor had memorials to review, so he didn’t go to Kunde Hall.

"I’ll go right away."

Lady Liang had not yet gone to bed. Learning that Zhao Yao had returned to the capital, a joyful smile appeared on her face.

"It’s good he’s back, it’s good he’s back, it’s good he’s back!"

Although the emperor hadn’t told Lady Liang about the attempted assassination Zhao Yao encountered on his way back to the capital, she had guessed it.

"Your Highness has finally returned; now you can rest assured." During these days, although Lady Liang hadn’t said anything, Gui Xing could see she had been worried about Zhao Yao’s safety. "After a year apart, does Your Highness think the Prince has grown taller or has he gained weight?"

"It’s been more than a year." Lady Liang felt it was not just over a year, but more like ten years. "It always feels like the child has been away for a long time."

"I feel the same way."

"The child returned to the capital without saying a word." Lady Liang didn’t know when her son would return to the capital; she thought it would be later.

"Your Highness, the Prince probably wants to surprise you."

"It is indeed a surprise." I wonder if Yao Yao is injured.