Chapter 247 - Close to the Heart (2/2)

He did not understand why his children were shaping up to be such disappointments now.

The boy, Zhao Chang was a good for nothing following a stupid sunken ship. If he had known this friendship of theirs would be such a problem, Prime minister Zhao would have monitored the boy more strictly in the past. Why can the fool not understand that Prince Yi is barren land?

The girl who he thought had promise became useless once put to the task.

Zhao Lan inwardly sighed and bowed, ”I will find a way...” This brought Prime minister Zhao out of his irritating thoughts and he sighed, feeling somewhat mollified, ”Better. Go greet your mother and return to the palace. You should not stay out too long or the Emperor will worry.”

Zhao Lan almost scoffed but simply bowed and left the room. Her father did not understand that the Emperor did not care about anyone's presence other than Lei Xing's.

Her father's demand was not an easy one and the main problem was Lei Xing's attitude. Before the Emperor even started fawning on her, Lei Xing already behaved as if she was high up on a mountain. Zhao Lan herself had even witnessed Chen You, the girl's own cousin, struggling to engage in a conversation with the girl on several occasions.

How was she, Zhao Lan supposed to manage it then?

***

The Emperor spent the rest of the day listening to Lei Xing talk about all sorts of strange things. He did not understand most of it, but she tried her best to describe them and answer all his questions.

She really seemed to be enjoying herself and the Emperor was also very happy seeing her so happy and at ease. He had been so worried this morning about her leaving him, but now all his problems and stress seemed to have faded as he watched her happily chatter away like never before.

She spoke about her family and her dreams of a career. Lei Xing then actually tried her best to explain the idea of the defense and prosecution to him, trying to sell him the benefits of such a system as opposed to the one they have now where the people themselves argued their case before the magistrate. Then she suddenly switched gears and started to criticize the very system she was just advocating for.

The Emperor silently watched her with amus.e.m.e.nt, but then all of a sudden she grew somber, ”All hopes and dreams are dashed...A lot of time wasted too.”

The Emperor knit his brows and wanted to console her, but before he could find his words, Lei Xing suddenly perked up again and began to talk about how women are just as capable as men. That they should be allowed to take part in national official exams.

”The exams are based on literacy, correct? Look at how well-read and capable the girls who came into your harem are just from reading a few books. If they were allowed the same avenue of learning as men, they would be just as capable. Not to mention, the amount of scheming, planning, and all sorts that normally take place in the palace.” Lei Xing matter of factly stated.

”I see...” The Emperor commented with a raised eyebrow and a little smirk

Lei Xing narrowed her eyes at him, irritated that he was not taking her seriously, ”You know women are just as capable of envisioning more themselves than marriage and children. How boring a life that is.” Lei Xing said with a disgruntled pout.

”As an Empress, your life will be as busy or as leisurely as you want it to be.” The Emperor said patting her head with a doting smile.

”Sure, but that's just one of many...” Lei Xing said as she removed his hand and then fiddled with his fingers and went, ”Um...Can you -” She paused and knit her brows, hesitating. This was probably a big request.

She looked at his welcoming expression and she sighed and continued, ”You don't have to do it now...or anytime soon, really. I know you have important things to do...but can you maybe consider it in the future?... Even if they don't use it, it would be nice just to have the capability to...for the women who want more for their lives...”

The Emperor scrutinized her for a bit and then nodded, ”I will consider it...”

Lei Xing beamed at him and then put his arm around her leaned back on his chest and sighed. Lei Xing was aware that these ideals were not something that was changed in a day, so it was good enough that he patiently listened without reproof.

{...This is quite comfortable...Very, he's really too good to be tr- Shhhh, no, no, let's just enjoy this moment...Nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the moment...please~ ...}