Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 762: ”Imperial Reflections on Crown Succession”

”Uncle, rest assured, I can endure this.” Just wait a little longer, just a little longer, and he would become the Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, Prince Chu was in the Imperial Study reporting to the Emperor about his journey to Peng City and Mount Wuhua. Previously, in court, he had only mentioned the truth about the copper theft investigation and nothing else. However, he still did not mention the assassination attempt on himself.

After Prince Chu finished reporting everything, the Emperor looked at him deeply and asked, ”Why didn’t you mention the assassination attempt orchestrated by the Crown Prince against you?”

Prince Chu wasn’t surprised that the Emperor knew about the assassination attempt.

”I am unharmed.” What Prince Chu meant was that since he was unharmed, there was no need to pursue the matter of the assassination attempt on him.

Seeing that Prince Chu was unconcerned, the Emperor didn’t elaborate on the matter.

”Fourth, tell me honestly, do you really think your elder brother can continue being the Crown Prince?”

Hearing this question, Prince Chu fell silent.

”Speak the truth.” The Emperor’s tone was stern, ”I do not want to hear lies.”

Prince Chu said, ”My elder brother’s actions are not befitting of a Crown Prince; he is no longer worthy of the title. But I hope Father can spare my elder brother’s life.”

”I have not reached the point of being as ruthless as to harm my own children.” The Emperor recalled the Crown Prince’s childhood—clever, adorable, and filial—and let out a sigh of resignation, ”It’s my fault, I did not teach the Crown Prince well.”

”Father is not wrong; the fault lies with Duke Zhen. He corrupted my elder brother.” Prince Chu genuinely believed that Duke Zhen had led the Crown Prince astray.

”Fourth, you have never disappointed me since childhood, and I am gratified.” Regarding Prince Chu, the Emperor was truly satisfied. ”You have worked hard these past months. Go back and have a good rest, and do not attend court in the coming days.”

”Thank you, Father.” Prince Chu respectfully asked, ”Father, may I go see my mother now?”

”Your mother must have been waiting for you; you should go see her now.”

”Thank you, Father, your son takes his leave.”

After Prince Chu left the Imperial Study, the Emperor let out another sigh, ”Alas...”

Sun Kui brought tea, respectfully presenting it to the Emperor.

”Your Majesty, now that Prince Chu has returned, why do you still sigh?”

The Emperor took the tea cup, took a few sips, and said, ”I feel that as a father, I have been too harsh.”

”Your Majesty, you are the Emperor of Great Zhou first and then a father to the Princes. Everything you do is for the empire of Great Zhou and its people.” Sun Kui comforted the Emperor, ”To the people of the realm, you are not ruthless.”

”But to my sons, this father’s actions seem too cold and unfeeling.” The Emperor was not inherently ruthless, but for the empire of Great Zhou, he had to harden his heart, ”I always found the Crown Prince too weak, lacking any vigor, so I allowed the second to provoke him, little knowing that this would drive him to become more dependent on the Duke Mansion, forgetting entirely that he was the Crown Prince of Great Zhou.”

Prince Dai was meant to be the whetstone for the Crown Prince, but unfortunately, the Crown Prince failed.

”He and his dear uncle have done so much without seeing their mistakes, instead resenting me for favoring the second.” The Emperor clearly understood what his sons thought.

”Your Majesty, it is not your fault; it is the Crown Prince himself who lacks resolve.”

”Alas...” If only the youngest, the tenth, were the Crown Prince, he would certainly exert influence over the Duke Mansion, ensuring they rely on him and willingly serve him. With the tenth’s capability, once he becomes Emperor, he will certainly keep the Duke Mansion in check.

Now that the Crown Prince is to be deposed, Prince Dai as a whetstone is of no use. Next, to oppose Prince Chu, will be Prince Wei, and the two of them will become the whetstone for Zhao Yao.