Chapter 242 - Limited Options (1/2)

Instead of going to Lei Xing's palace, the Emperor went to the royal study to calm down first. He knew he had just made a hasty decision but he could not entertain the idea of them being incompatible for even a second.

If he had shown any hesitation in that moment then that would have shown that his resolve could be weakened. And those who want this to fail will feel that they could pressure and persuade him into changing his mind, either directly or indirectly. And this would end up putting Lei Xing in more harm's way.

With this, he showed that he was willing to be unreasonable in this matter...and if not for anything, fear will keep troublemakers at bay for now. But he knew all he did was buy time. Trouble will still come and it may even be more troublesome.

But what else was he supposed to do in this situation? He could not think of any other ideas that would not cause as much trouble. If he chose not to marry Lei Xing now.

He would one day still have to choose an Empress and he doubted the results given today would have changed by then. This would mean that he would have to choose to someone else and he knew for a fact that Lei Xing would not okay with that decision.

Eunuch Li watched the Emperor for a while, feeling concerned and conflicted. Finally, he could not help but speak up, ”Your majesty, I understand how you feel about Noble consort Lei but this...are you sure about this?”

Before the Emperor could respond, an eunuch came in to inform that Defense minister Lei was here requesting an audience with the Emperor.

The Emperor let out an exasperated breath and then said to let him in. Eunuch Li sighed and then left the room as Defense minister Lei entered to give them privacy.

Defense minister Lei bowed and then looked up at the Emperor. The Emperor did not flinch and neither was he offended by the direct gaze. Defense minister Lei had made it clear just now in the hall that he did not approve of this decision.

Lei Yong had also told him a while back that their parents did not approve of Lei Xing entering the palace. And back then, even the Emperor had told Lei Yong that he understood and agreed with the Lei parents. But today, he was not going back down, regardless of his understanding and appreciation of his father-in-law's sentiment and worry for his daughter's welfare.

Defense minister Lei bowed his head with a sigh and said, ”Your majesty, please reconsider this decision.”

”I will not.” The Emperor bluntly but calmly responded.

Defense minister Lei frowned, ”Your majesty, think of the repercussions...”

”I am aware of them.” The Emperor cooly responded.

Defense minister Lei was not convinced that he was fully aware of the ramifications of this choice because he went ahead to explain them, ”Even if this is just a scheme. It is a well thought out one that will forever hang over our heads... The moment anything goes wrong in the nation, no matter how far removed it is from Xing er'. The people will blame her and by extension, you. I ask your majesty to please spare her this turmoil...” He finished with a deep bow.

The Emperor sighed and then said, ”I understand your concerns but my decision remains the same.” He had asked for this to be investigated and even with that, somewhere in his core, he knew this was not a scheme. But his belief remained the same, this was not the wrong choice.

Defense minister Lei then got on his knees and said, ”Your majesty, Xing er' grew up as a sickly child who always kept her feelings to herself. I understand that you have deep feelings for her, I have heard and have seen for myself that she is happier here. It might be selfish of me to keep asking this but Your majesty, this child is naive and has let her heart lead her here and may not see the grand scenery but you do...”

”...You have lived life in the palace and you know what this stage that they have set would mean for her future. It will be a hard one. She is already married to you and I can do nothing about that, but I beseech you not to place this extra burden on her shoulders...” Defense minister Lei said kowtowing.

The Emperor stared at the kowtowing father and then got up with a sigh and went down to Defense minister Lei and said, ”Please stand up...” He said as he held on to Defense minister Lei's arm and pulled him up.

Once he was standing the Emperor said, ”I understand your concerns but Xing er' is not as weak as you think and she is definitely not naive. She was quite astute and has a mind that naturally considers the grand scenery. I will naturally protect her and the Lei family from harm...But I remain firm in my decision.” The Emperor calmly but resolutely said.

Defense minister Lei sighed, ”Your majesty, protecting from physical harm is very different from protecting her heart...Words and accusations still cut deep. Since you have made up your mind. I have no choice but to leave her in your care.” Defense minister Lei said bowing.

The Emperor did not say anything in response and simply nodded. Defense minister Lei gave a second bow and then left.

The Emperor let out a heavy sigh. Defense minister's Lei's words resonated with him. But even they did, he had little choice but to continue down this path.

His life had never been easy and he had long come to terms with that fact. He had always had work extremely hard for everything and he will continue to do so no matter what life threw at him.

***

The Empress dowager sleeping peacefully when she suddenly frowned and began tossing. She grabbed at her own neck and started squeezing it and then began gasping for breath. Then she suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream and sat up in dazed, dazed, out of breath, sweaty and frightened.