Chapter 320 - Party Poopers (2/2)
Prime minister Zhao's frown deepened and he inwardly sighed and gulped down his wine. He locked eyes with Defense minister Lei and went ”hmph-ed” and looked towards the open doors of the main hall, losing interest in the scene of the confused brothers playing out at the front.
The Emperor was not at all amused with PrinceYi's approach of putting him on the spot. Forcing one's hand was never a welcome approach. As annoying as it was, the Emperor actually found it quite amusing that Prince Yi was doing this. He was actually quite curious if this recklessness in his brother was motivated by love or something else. But now was really not the time or place for this.
So the Emperor let out a breath with a slight smile and said, ”It seems that you have...but as I said, now is not the time. Today is a day to celebrate the princesses. You will have your day...soon, so for now, take your seats.” The Emperor and glanced at the eunuchs, who promptly moved to assist the troublesome couple to their feet.
Lei Xing glanced at the Emperor and he reassuringly sent her a little smile which promptly disappeared when Prince Yi did not take the hand offered by the eunuch and continued on, ”Your majesty, I know this is not ideal and perhaps I should have spoken to you first before pursuing this, perhaps sought your permission, but you have made it abundantly clear that you have no interest in marrying the Zou princess so it shouldn't be - Unless I'm mistaken in my assumption?” Prince Yi asked with raised eyebrows at the Emperor.
And the hall even became more silent than it already was. Considering the occasion they were ”celebrating” right now, Prince Yi's accusatory tone there was a bit...too daring. Even Lei Xing was looking at the Emperor sideways, not at all sure how he would respond to that one. It was now very clear that Prince Yi was on a mission to get the Emperor riled up.
But then to the surprise of everyone else and to Prince Yi's great annoyance, the Emperor actually started laughing with the most incredulous expression on his face as if Prince Yi had just said the most ridiculous thing ever.
Lei Xing slightly knit her brows and lightly cleared her throat a few times, hinting for the Emperor to stop laughing. Even if he did not like Princess Nalan, laughing at the thought was very rude, inappropriate, and highly unprofessional.
The Emperor reigned in his laughter but still clearly amused as he went on to say, ”Dear brother, you are perfectly correct in your assumption. But as I am sure you aware, Princess Nalan is not a citizen of this country, therefore if you wish to marry her like you...say you do, then seek the approval of her father first as is customary in these matters and then come to me. I cannot single-handedly decree her marriage...even if she wants to.” He added just as Princess Nalan opened her mouth to protest and she immediately closed it with a frown.
The Emperor looked down at the quiet frowning couple for a bit and then said, ”Well then, now that we have reached an understanding, take your places and let us resume the celebration of today and tomorrow, we shall revisit this matter -”
”Cannot or will not?” Prince Yi stubbornly interjected, obviously not convinced with the Emperor's ”excuse”. If the Emperor decreed that they should marry, Zou will likely say nothing to contradict and even if they did, the Emperor could easily quiet them with negotiations or force if necessary.
Therefore, the Emperor simply did not want to and sure enough, the Emperor responded with a simple, ”Both.”
The conversation was over and Prince Yi needed to understand that, ”Take your places.” He sternly ordered again.
Prince Yi's frown deepened and Princess Nalan nudged him and whispered, ”This is enough...” The Emperor basically just said that once her father agreed, he would. That was very reasonable. And as they agreed upon, she would handle her father.
But for Prince Yi this was not enough, the Emperor had just deflected responsibility. In his mind, now all the Emperor had to do was to tell the Zou king to refuse and he was sure his brother could have his way with the weak-willed king. This way, the Emperor would simply say the Zou king refused and that was it, the promise he made will become obsolete.
Since Prince Yi was stewing, Princess Nalan took the helm and said, ”Thank you for your understanding and consideration for my father and my people. I have already written to my father to let him know of my decision. I am sure good news will come from him soon...”
”That's good then.” The Emperor responded with a nod and Princess Nalan lightly gave him a grateful bow and then glanced at Prince Yi, who was busy frowning at the steps before him. She nudged him again and whispered, ”Stand up.”
Prince Yi turned to her and she smiled at him, but he knit his brows and whispered, ”I'm sorry...” Princess Nalan raised an eyebrow in confusion as Prince Yi took a deep breath and looked back up at the throne and proclaimed, ”She's with child.”
Princess Nalan's eyes went wide as her mouth fell open in shock as did quite a few other mouths in the hall. Prince Yi kept his eyes trained forward and ignored the burning gaze that was being directed at him.
They had agreed not to disclose this and he had not wanted to do this to her either. But as things stood, this was the only way to ensure that things went their way...his way.