Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1131: Chapter 145: Meeting Xiao Siyun (2)

Upon hearing this, Sun Doudou’s heart tightened, and her expression became serious, "No wonder you chased everyone away."

Seeing that his disciple did not curiously inquire, Sun Kui felt quite relieved.

"Be alert."

"Yes, Master." The master and disciple stood guard at the entrance of the Imperial Study, allowing no one to approach.

At Yishou Palace, upon learning that Zhao Yao had gone to the Imperial Study and the Emperor had driven out all the servants, even dismissing the guards at the door, Princess Consort De felt an ominous premonition.

What a resilient Prince Han he is!

Princess Consort De’s senior palace maid walked in after some time, respectfully saluted her, and reported, "His Highness Prince Han has not yet left the Imperial Study."

Upon hearing this, Princess Consort De frowned and asked, "What time is it now?"

Manqing replied, "It’s almost the hour of You."

Princess Consort De furrowed her brows, "The hour of You, and he hasn’t come out yet?"

"No, it’s said that Prince Han has been inside the Imperial Study the entire time."

Princess Consort De’s mood turned heavy, her face looking grim.

Manqing asked anxiously, "Your Highness, could Prince Han have told the Emperor about His Highness...?"

With a dark expression, Princess Consort De coldly cursed, "A useless lot, can’t even kill one person."

Manqing nervously asked, "Your Highness, what should we do now?"

After a moment of contemplation, Princess Consort De said, "There’s no choice; I must handle this myself."

Upon hearing this, a deep fear spread in Manqing’s heart.

Princess Consort De gestured to Manqing, who walked to her side and leaned in to listen.

After hearing Princess Consort De’s instructions, Manqing was terrified, but her face remained calm.

"I’ll go make arrangements right away."

Inside the Imperial Study, the conversation between the Emperor and Zhao Yao extended until nightfall.

Seeing that time was getting late, Sun Kui entered the Imperial Study with trepidation to remind the Emperor that it was time for dinner, thus interrupting the conversation between the Emperor and Zhao Yao.

Zhao Yao was invited by the Emperor to stay and dine with him. The Emperor instructed Sun Kui to summon Lady Liang.

The three of them sat together in the dining hall, having dinner while engaging in casual conversation.

The Emperor inviting Prince Han to dinner and summoning Lady Liang caused quite a stir in both the harem and the previous dynasty.

This was the first time the Emperor had invited Prince Han and Lady Liang to dine with him, leaving everyone surprised and speculating about what good things Prince Han might have brought back for the Emperor.

After dinner, Zhao Yao did not remain in the palace. Being an adult, it was against the rules for him to stay in the palace overnight.

The Emperor considerately asked Xiao Siyun to escort Zhao Yao out of the palace.

Zhao Yao walked ahead, with Xiao Siyun following behind him. She discreetly glanced at Zhao Yao’s back, her beautiful face flushing slightly.

"I know you." Zhao Yao suddenly stopped and turned to look at Xiao Siyun.

Xiao Siyun was surprised, "You know me, Your Highness?"

"You are my future Princess."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Siyun was taken aback, staring blankly at Zhao Yao.

Seeing Xiao Siyun with wide eyes and an open mouth, looking startled, Zhao Yao found her resembling a frightened kitten, inexplicably adorable.

"Rest assured, I will not defy the imperial edict or refuse the marriage."

With a "boom," Xiao Siyun’s face instantly turned bright red.

"Your Your... Highness... I..." Embarrassed, she quickly lowered her head.

"I know you’ve been handpicked by my father and have been undergoing training all these years. It’s been hard on you."

Xiao Siyun was shocked to learn that Zhao Yao knew this, feeling both startled and a bit sweet.

"I... It’s not hard, Your Highness."

"It can’t be easy. It’s admirable that you’ve held on." Zhao Yao continued walking ahead of Xiao Siyun without deliberately slowing down. It wasn’t a matter of him flaunting his princely status; instead, since the Emperor had not yet officially announced their engagement, walking side by side might not bode well for Xiao Siyun.

Xiao Siyun’s lips curved into a sweet arc, and she softly said, "It’s truly not hard, Your Highness. I’m very happy." She genuinely enjoyed learning so many different things. Without being chosen, she would never have had the opportunity to learn so much.

Zhao Yao, seeing her smiling, was somewhat astonished, "What makes you happy?"

"I get to learn to read and write and learn other things, things I never dared to dream of before."

Zhao Yao understood what Xiao Siyun meant, feeling it was true. Given her family background, if fortunate, she could have learned to read, but entering the palace was beyond reach.

"As long as you’re happy."

Xiao Siyun tightly clenched her hands, took a deep breath, and looked up at Zhao Yao: "Your Highness, I feel very fortunate, thank you."

"There’s no need to thank me. Being chosen by my father, passing every test, is all your own merit." Zhao Yao smiled, "You’re exceptional!"

Being suddenly praised, Xiao Siyun was once again taken aback.

"Your Highness..."

"I also know they’ve told you about my preferences and instructed you to center everything around me, correct?"

Xiao Siyun obediently nodded.

"What I want to tell you is that your life shouldn’t be lived solely for me; you should live for yourself." Zhao Yao said earnestly, "I don’t wish for my future Princess to be a puppet."

Xiao Siyun, being intelligent, understood Zhao Yao’s meaning, and she looked at him in disbelief.

"That’s what I wanted to say." Zhao Yao gave Xiao Siyun a gentle smile, "Alright, leave me here; it’s time for you to return."

"Your Highness, I..."

"Go back, don’t catch a cold."

"Safe travels, Your Highness."

Xiao Siyun didn’t immediately leave. Instead, she stood there, watching Zhao Yao walk away.

As Zhao Yao reached the palace gates, he saw the carriage from Prince Wei Mansion and wasn’t surprised. He ran towards the carriage.

Yu Hai saluted, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhao Yao lightly patted Yu Hai’s shoulder before jumping onto the carriage. Pulling back the curtain, he saw Prince Wei sitting inside and was not in the least surprised.

"Eighth Brother, I’m sorry you had to wait."

Prince Wei smiled slightly, "I didn’t wait long, let’s go home."