TRBDM -Chapter 220 Discuss Again in Three Days

“Who? Me?”

Zhao Jingtian, who had been quietly watching from the corner, pointed at himself in confusion.

What’s going on? Did I just hear things?

Eldest Princess is recommending me to ascend the throne?

Before Zhao Jingtian could make sense of what was happening, a gaze sharp as a blade suddenly cut across him, making every hair on his body stand on end.

“Ninth Brother!” Zhao Jingyan gritted his teeth, his voice full of fury. “Since when have you become so close to the Eldest Princess?”

Zhao Jingyan clenched his fists. If he discovered that Zhao Jingtian had betrayed him, he would make him pay dearly.

“No, no, no, I didn’t… I—Princess Royal and I…”

Zhao Lingchen interrupted him coldly, “Ninth Brother, think carefully before you speak. You only get one chance.”

Zhao Jingtian immediately shut his mouth. He swallowed nervously and sneaked a glance at the dragon throne on the high dais.

As a prince, who hasn’t dreamed of ascending the throne?

Zhao Jingtian was six months older than Zhao Jingheng. Among the princes, he was relatively young, but his mother enjoyed favor, so his life in the palace was ten times more comfortable than Zhao Jingheng’s.

As he grew older, because his mother was friendly with the Noble Consort, he naturally joined the Third Prince’s faction.

He had been utterly loyal to Zhao Jingyan, with no hint of duplicity.

Whenever he went out, he constantly called out “Third Brother, Third Brother,” as if fearing anyone might not know of their bond.

In contrast, Zhao Jingyan didn’t take Zhao Jingtian very seriously.

First, Zhao Jingtian was young and still studying at the National Academy, offering no real benefit to Zhao Jingyan.

Second, Zhao Jingtian was impulsive and reckless, without much sense—a fool unworthy of Zhao Jingyan’s attention.

The only use he had was to keep an eye on Zhao Jingheng at the Academy.

But Zhao Jingheng wasn’t even worth Zhao Jingyan’s concern—a neglected prince with no maternal clan support, not worth a glance.

Although later Zhao Jingheng was summoned into the palace by Zhao Kuang and seemed to gain favor, causing Zhao Jingyan a moment of unrest that led to the poisoning incident at Qingfeng Palace,

Later Zhao Jingtian learned from Li Fuan that Zhao Kuang had never truly valued Zhao Jingheng, and Zhao Jingyan ignored Qingfeng Palace afterward.

After Zhao Kuang’s death, Zhao Jingyan busied himself with the Crown Prince and completely forgot about Zhao Jingheng.

Who could have imagined that, despite all his precautions, a mistake happened right under his nose?

When exactly did Zhao Jingtian get involved with the Eldest Princess?!

Zhao Jingyan ground his teeth until they almost shattered.

Meanwhile, Zhao Jingtian was torn.

Should he betray Zhao Jingyan, or refuse the Eldest Princess? He couldn’t decide.

The throne… who could resist such a temptation?

What did the Eldest Princess mean by saying there’s only one chance?

Miss this village, and the shop is gone?

Zhao Jingtian wasn’t smart enough to weigh priorities.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and thought, fine, no overthinking—follow my heart.

Without thinking, he blurted out, “Thank you, Princess Royal, for your recommendation. This humble brother is willing to give it a try.”

In his heart, he had already chosen to become emperor.

“Zhao—Jing—Tian!”

Zhao Jingyan’s voice nearly tore out of his throat.

Zhao Jingtian shrank his neck, avoiding Zhao Jingyan’s gaze. Though terrified, he felt a secret thrill inside.

A windfall from the heavens! Such a golden opportunity had fallen into his lap.

Why refuse a giant pancake delivered right to his mouth, waiting to be eaten?

“All right!”

Zhao Lingchen slammed her hand on the table.

“Third Prince, there’s no need to threaten Ninth Prince. We all share the imperial bloodline; whoever inherits the throne is acceptable. Prime Minister Gao, please state whom you recommend.”

Though Gao Yong was equally angry, he restrained himself and replied, “I naturally recommend the Third Prince.”

Zhao Lingchen held her head, looking a bit troubled. “This is difficult. Both princes are pillars of the nation; it’s hard to choose immediately. Very well, three days from now, we will discuss this again in the Council Hall. Prime Minister Gao, please attend then.”

What had been a certain throne became a “competition in three days.” Gao Yong was fuming but could find no reason to refuse.

“Then so be it. We will follow the Eldest Princess’s decision—the new emperor will be chosen in three days.”

“Very well. It’s settled.”

Zhao Lingchen stood and beckoned to Zhao Jingtian in the corner. “Ninth Brother, come, walk with me.”

Zhao Jingtian’s heart leapt with joy. He tried to control his expression, but Zhao Jingyan still caught him sneaking a smile.

This time, Jiang Yuelin and Zhao Jingheng had stayed away to avoid attention. By Zhao Lingchen’s side, the companion walking with her was Zhao Jingtian.

Zhao Jingyan slammed the teacup on the table, the sharp shattering echoing through the council hall.

Gao Yong, face cold, stepped to Zhao Jingyan’s side and whispered, “Third Prince, calm yourself. I have a plan.”