Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 874: Chapter 25: Not Returning to the Capital (3)

"Father won’t appoint Noble Princess Consort Rong as Empress."

Hearing Zhao Yao’s decisive statement, He Lianfang teased, "Why not? Do you think your father favors your mother, and might appoint your mother as Empress one day?"

"That’s even more impossible. Father will never appoint my mother as Empress."

"Then who do you think your father will choose to be Empress, Princess Consort Li?" Noble Princess Consort Ying has no offspring, so she can’t be Empress.

Zhao Yao: "Father will not appoint another Empress."

This was an answer He Lianfang hadn’t expected, "The harem cannot be without an Empress. Even if your father doesn’t wish to appoint another, the ministers won’t agree. Moreover, the position of Empress is crucial in balancing the previous dynasty and harem."

"Uncle, do you think my father cares about the ministers’ protests?" Among the emperor’s sons, the one who truly understands him is Zhao Yao, "Just as you said, the position is significant, that’s why father leaves it vacant."

He Lianfang, after listening, understood Zhao Yao’s intentions.

"Do you plan to use the previous Empress’s incident against the Empress?"

Zhao Yao nodded: "Yes, the previous Empress’s death was caused by the current Empress. If this incident is exposed, the Empress will inevitably be deposed."

"Regarding the previous Empress’s murder by the Empress, you have no proof." Many years ago, Zhao Yao had asked He Lianfang to investigate the previous Empress’s death, but the Old Duke’s wife had been too clever, leaving no evidence, not even a hint.

Zhao Yao lacks evidence, but he has the means to make Empress Xie admit it herself.

"I can spread the word across the capital that the Empress caused the previous Empress’s death. Uncle, do you think the Empress can stay calm upon hearing such rumors?"

"They’re mere rumors, without evidence, the Empress won’t admit it." Even if she were foolish, she wouldn’t be so foolish as to confess.

"Uncle, when rumors spread widely, many people start believing them. Although there’s no evidence, won’t the ministers and the people doubt the Empress?" Zhao Yao smirked cunningly, "Won’t father question it? Moreover, father is waiting for a legitimate excuse to depose the Empress."

He Lianfang slightly nodded: "This is what you call a war of public opinion."

"Uncle, public opinions hold great power, especially when the Empress already feels guilty." Zhao Yao originally planned to use the Empress’s conspiracy against the previous Empress at a crucial moment, yet now he was forced to act sooner. Still, deploying the plan at this time isn’t a bad choice. "Additionally, incite Prince Dai’s supporters to propose Noble Princess Consort Rong as Empress."

"The Xie Family will think Prince Dai’s faction spread such rumors, once the Empress is deposed, Prince Jing and the Xie Family will hate Prince Dai even more." He Lianfang praised, "A double-edged sword."

"It’s a three-fold strategy. Prince Dai and Prince Jing are mortal enemies, bound to eliminate each other. At that point, their fierce battles will hinder them from causing trouble for me and my mother."

After talking with He Lianfang for a while, Zhao Yao returned to his courtyard.

"Tong Xi, go and summon Liang Guan, I need to speak with him."

"At once, Your Highness."

After a short while, Liang Guan arrived at the Prince Mansion.

"Your Highness, you called for me."

"I need you to return to the capital." Zhao Yao mentioned the incident of the palace maid’s suicide and then instructed him, "My third mother consort harmed herself in the palace, especially before the New Year; it’s a great taboo and a grave sin. Her family certainly wouldn’t dare, nor wish to bury her in the ancestral tomb. Upon returning to the capital, escort my third mother consort back to the Liang family."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I will write a letter to grandfather, requesting him to acknowledge my third mother consort as his daughter, allowing her to be rightfully buried in the Liang ancestral tomb," Zhao Yao continued, "If a suitable candidate is found, adopt a child to be under her name, so she has someone to honor her spirit."

"Your Highness has thoroughly considered everything."

"Hold the funeral in Yangzhou, make it grand." All he could manage was the aftercare, ensuring his third mother consort could be buried with dignity. "Also, invite eminent monks for her rites."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"I’ve instructed you not to inform my mother consort that I arranged this. Simply claim it was your own ideas."

Zhao Yao provided additional instructions before letting Liang Guan depart.

After Liang Guan left, Tong Xi brought Zhao Yao a cup of calming tea.

"Your Highness, have a cup of calming tea to ease your mind."

Zhao Yao didn’t drink it.

"Your Highness, Pan’s palace maid’s death isn’t your fault, don’t blame yourself."

"Had I handed the glassware over to the court, it wouldn’t have aroused the envy of Prince Dai or Prince Jing, thereby preventing my third mother consort’s death." Zhao Yao’s heart was weighed by guilt, "I’m the one truly responsible for her death."

"Your Highness..." Tong Xi was at a loss for words to comfort Zhao Yao.

Zhao Yao waved his hand, gesturing for Tong Xi to leave.

Tong Xi withdrew with a worried expression.

Zhao Yao crossed his hands in front of himself. He bowed his head, his face behind crossed hands showing no expression.

Although Zhao Yao was deeply saddened by Pan’s palace maid’s death, he wasn’t overwhelmed by grief. He wouldn’t rush back to the capital for her with recklessness; his earlier display in front of He Lianfang was mere pretense.

His uncle feared he would lose his rationality, impulsively risking his life by returning to the capital. But the truth is, Zhao Yao cherished life, never allowing himself to be trapped in peril over this matter.

Zhao Yao rested his forehead on his hands, his expression thoughtful.

Why did father specifically have the Dragon Guards bring news of his third mother consort’s death to him in such haste?