Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne-Chapter 222: One Hundred Seventy-Six - _2

"How did the Tenth Brother come to know General Song’s youngest son?"

"His Highness the Tenth said he met General Song’s youngest son by chance at the West Market when he was taking a break from palace duties," Yu Hai said, showing a hint of indignation, "Your Highness, the Tenth Brother didn’t even tell you about this matter. Could it be that the Tenth Brother is..."

The Eighth Prince interrupted Yu Hai: "Are you suggesting that the Tenth Brother deliberately befriended General Song’s youngest son and then intentionally hid it from me?"

Yu Hai nodded slightly.

"Yu Hai, do you really think the Tenth Brother has such scheming?" The Eighth Prince found Yu Hai’s idea amusing, "Yu Hai, what kind of person do you take the Tenth Brother for?"

Yu Hai was taken aback by the Eighth Prince’s questions.

"Then why didn’t the Tenth Brother tell you about knowing General Song’s youngest son?"

The Eighth Prince laughed, "He probably forgot."

"Forgot?" Yu Hai was shocked by the Eighth Prince’s speculation.

"Knowing the Tenth Brother’s nature, it’s quite possible he forgot." The Eighth Prince understood Zhao Yao as well as the Fourth Prince did. "When the Tenth Brother returns, you can ask him."

Yu Hai said, "I wouldn’t dare question the Tenth Brother."

The Eighth Prince suddenly restrained his smile, his expression turning very stern.

"Yu Hai, we might think that way, but we shouldn’t impose our thoughts on the Tenth Brother." He added, "Also, don’t you know what kind of person the Tenth Brother is?"

Yu Hai realized his earlier thoughts were wrong upon being scolded by the Eighth Prince.

"Your Highness, I realize my mistake."

The Eighth Prince gave Yu Hai a cold look: "Yu Hai, I hope this won’t happen a second time."

Yu Hai felt chills on his scalp from the look and said fearfully, "Yes, Your Highness."

The Eighth Prince’s expression softened a bit: "Don’t you know what kind of person the Tenth Brother is?"

Yu Hai, with guilt written on his face, said, "Your Highness, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have doubted the Tenth Brother."

"Yu Hai, you may doubt anyone, but you absolutely cannot doubt the Tenth Brother." The Eighth Prince said gently, "The Tenth Brother is just a child. He’s not like me or anyone else, understand?"

Yu Hai replied deferentially, "I understand."

The Eighth Prince nodded slightly and said no more.

Yu Hai glanced at the Eighth Prince, opened his mouth as if to speak but hesitated.

The Eighth Prince saw Yu Hai’s hesitance and said, "Go ahead and say what’s on your mind."

"Your Highness, is there any issue with the Tenth Brother associating with General Song’s four youngest sons?" A moment ago, Yu Hai had suspected Zhao Yao of having ulterior motives in befriending General Song’s youngest son. Now he began to worry about Zhao Yao, "After all, they’re General Song’s sons. Isn’t it inappropriate for the Tenth Brother to interact with them?"

The Eighth Prince mused, "I recall General Song’s youngest sons don’t have a great reputation."

"They’re known as the bullies of the West Market, and the people there call them playboys." At this, Yu Hai showed concern, "Your Highness, if the Tenth Brother hangs around with them, won’t he be led astray?"

Seeing Yu Hai’s worried expression, the Eighth Prince teased him: "How come you’re worried about the Tenth Brother now? Weren’t you suspicious of him a moment ago?"

Yu Hai blushed at the Eighth Prince’s words: "Your Highness, I apologize. Please don’t make fun of me." He realized he had foolishly thought ill of the Tenth Brother just now.

"It’s rare for the Tenth Brother to have friends outside the palace. We shouldn’t stop him," the Eighth Prince said, "Besides, associating with them isn’t entirely without benefit for the Tenth Brother."

Hearing this, Yu Hai’s mind began to turn again, his face suddenly showing an enlightened expression: "Your Highness is wise."

The Eighth Prince, seeing Yu Hai’s worshipful look, realized Yu Hai misunderstood. He didn’t bother explaining further.

"Ensure our people protect the Tenth Brother." From his speculations, Duke Zhen was likely to take action tomorrow.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, our people have been protecting the Tenth Brother in secret."

The Eighth Prince felt relieved upon hearing this and said no more on the matter.

As the Eighth Prince said nothing further, Yu Hai prepared to withdraw. Just then, the Eighth Prince suddenly spoke: "When Duke Zhen makes his move, have our people act as well."

"Your Highness, didn’t you say you feared being suspected by the emperor and would refrain temporarily?"

The Eighth Prince casually replied, "Have our people take advantage of the chaos to assassinate Zhao Xi."

Yu Hai exclaimed in shock, "Assassinate the Third Prince?"

The Eighth Prince spoke nonchalantly, "Give the Wang Family something to deal with."

Yu Hai instantly understood the Eighth Prince’s intention and then asked, "To what extent should the assassination go?"

"Grievously injure," the Eighth Prince instructed, "and include the Fifth and Sixth Princes in the assassination attempt as well."

Yu Hai nodded hastily: "I will arrange it immediately."

The Eighth Prince said nothing more, picking up a book from the desk to read instead.

At the same time, far away at the Eastern Suburb Hunting Ground, Zhao Yao and his four young friends were busy hunting.

There were indeed many prey in the southern woods, but also many people.

Zhao Yao and his companions encountered the older brothers of Song Jicai’s group.

Song Jimin and Shen Mu were both surprised to see their younger siblings accompanying the Tenth Prince.

Song Jicai and the others had thought Song Jimin and his brothers were in the eastern woods, not expecting them to be in the southern woods instead.

Zhao Yao did not know Song Jimin and the others and only got to know them through introductions by Song Jicai and his group.

Song Jicai’s two older brothers were named Song Jimin and Song Jiren, both third-ranked generals.

Shen Sen’s two older brothers were Shen Mu and Shen Lin, also third-ranked generals.

Zhang He’s two older brothers were Zhang Jiang and Zhang Hu. Zhang Jiang held a higher position than Song Jimin’s group; he was the second-ranked General of Eastern Expedition.

Chu Huan’s two older brothers were Chu Hen and Chu Yan. Both held second-ranked general positions, one as the General of Southern Expedition, the other as the Western Expedition General.

Zhang Jiang, Chu Hen, and Chu Yan were older and had joined the military at seven or eight years old, following their fathers into battle by twelve or thirteen, earning numerous merits.

In recent years, they quelled rebellions outside, earning grand achievements and were thus enfeoffed by the emperor as the General of Eastern Expedition, General of Southern Expedition, and Western Expedition General.

These four families, home to military officers, were envied by officials and sought after for alliances. The Xie family and Wang Family wished to ally but dared not since they were the emperor’s men.

Song Jimin, Chu Hen, and their peers had little impression of Zhao Yao, the Tenth Prince, but remembered him well because of the stirrup incident.

Upon meeting Zhao Yao, Song Jimin and his peers offered profound thanks for his invention of the stirrup.

With stirrups, their combat effectiveness on horseback improved dramatically. If they were to fight with the Xiongnu cavalry in the future, they would no longer fear.

After expressing gratitude, Song Jiren and the others reminded their younger siblings to stay safe and then left. frёeωebɳovel.com

"Our big brothers being so polite—is that really our brothers?" Zhang He exclaimed in disbelief, rubbing his arms, "What a nauseating display from our brothers just now."

Shen Sen agreed wholeheartedly with Zhang He’s remark: "Indeed, it was quite nauseating."

Chu Huan sarcastically commented, "In front of our boss, the prince, of course, our brothers have to put on an act."

Thinking of the stirrup incident their older brothers mentioned, Song Jicai gazed admiringly at Zhao Yao: "Boss, the stirrup you invented really is an incredible thing."

"Right, boss, I keep forgetting to ask, how did you come up with the stirrup?"

"Boss, my father and older brothers won’t stop praising the stirrup you made."

Zhao Yao, pretending to be calm, said, "I just came up with it."

"How exactly did you come up with it, boss? Tell us in detail."

"Let’s focus on hunting first; I’ll tell you when we get back."

At that moment, a deer suddenly dashed out not far ahead, and Zhao Yao immediately drew his bow and arrow. Unfortunately, he missed his shot. Zhao Yao and his friends quickly gave chase.

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