Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 564: Chapter 294: Revenge_4

Prince Dai, who was beside, heard this and unceremoniously mocked the Crown Prince. He said the Crown Prince boasts of his abundant talents, yet Mr. Meng doesn’t even want to see him, while their tenth brother, who isn’t even bright at reading, did get to see him.

The Crown Prince was not angry; instead, he praised the things Zhao Yao did, which benefitted the country and the people. He also said that Mr. Meng cares for the common people, so it’s normal for him to see Zhao Yao.

Following the Crown Prince’s words, Prince Dai also praised Zhao Yao, saying that Zhao Yao, at a young age, had done many things to benefit the people, whereas the Crown Prince, as the heir to Great Zhou, had not done anything for its people.

The ministers supporting Prince Dai immediately flattered him, saying that throughout the years, Prince Dai had been pacifying the chaos in Great Zhou. Thanks to him, the people of Great Zhou could live peaceful lives. They also claimed that Prince Dai’s achievements were outstanding and that Mr. Meng should pay his respects to Prince Dai.

The supporters of the Crown Prince immediately retaliated, saying that Prince Dai was not good at studies and lacked literary talent. If he were to meet Mr. Meng, he might not even understand what Mr. Meng was saying.

Then, unsurprisingly, the supporters of the Crown Prince and Prince Dai started arguing again.

Prime Minister He, Grandmaster Liu, and Shen Hu, all sipping tea, watched the spectacle with amusement.

The Emperor was not at all surprised upon hearing of this incident. If they didn’t argue, he would have found it strange.

"Your Majesty, would the Crown Prince and Prince Dai be jealous of the Tenth Prince?"

"They don’t take Little Ten seriously; they won’t be jealous of him," the Emperor’s tone carried a hint of irony, "If Mr. Meng had called either of them for a meeting, then they would be envious."

"Then there’s nothing to worry about for the Tenth Prince." Sun Kui said this, feeling an inexplicable pang of sympathy for Zhao Yao.

The Emperor put down the teacup in his hand, stood up, and said, "Let’s go to court."

After taking a few steps, he said to Sun Kui, "Ask your disciple to go to Xingde Palace to wake up that lazy boy, Little Ten." Little Ten was probably sleeping in.

Sun Kui responded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhao Yao, who originally planned to sleep until the time of Si, was awakened early by Sun Doudou and Tong Xi. After finishing his breakfast, he accompanied the Emperor to the Imperial College to see Mr. Meng. On the way to the college, Zhao Yao several times wanted to ask the Emperor why the Eighth Prince was not granted a fief, but in the end, he did not voice his question.

The Emperor, seeing Zhao Yao’s repeated hesitations, guessed what he wanted to ask, but pretended not to notice.

When Mr. Meng saw Zhao Yao, his eyes widened instantly, and a look of shock appeared on his face.

During yesterday’s lecture, Mr. Meng hadn’t carefully scrutinized Zhao Yao. Now, seeing him up close, he was greatly astonished.

Although Mr. Meng quickly regained his composure, both the Emperor and Zhao Yao noticed his earlier look of shock.

Zhao Yao mumbled to himself: Why did Mr. Meng look at me with such disbelief? There’s nothing strange on my face, is there?

The Emperor roughly guessed what had surprised Mr. Meng.

Mr. Meng solemnly thanked the Emperor, expressing gratitude for arranging so much for his lecture. He also said he felt undeserving of the honor.

The Emperor replied that he was merely doing what was his duty and told Mr. Meng not to worry about it. He also mentioned that Mr. Meng’s willingness to come to the capital and lecture was a blessing for him as Emperor and an honor as well.

Zhao Yao sat quietly to the side, listening obediently to the Emperor and Mr. Meng exchange pleasantries.

After chatting with the Emperor for a while, Mr. Meng turned his gaze to Zhao Yao and stood up, formally bowing to Zhao Yao.