Chapter 370 - The Mantis and the Oriole (1/2)

Seeing his reaction, Princess Nalan felt a bit panicked and quickly explained, ”You're already in prison like this. I've had to think about it too. Regardless of the reason for it, an accusation of treason is a serious matter, now that it's on the table, it's not possible to come out of this unscathed, not even with my grandfather's help. Your Emperor is stubborn too.” She said with a frown and then quickly perked up.

”...But you don't have to worry. While the situation may not exactly be ideal. I'm already pregnant so my family will ”have to accept you.” Princess Nalan said with a reassuring smile, ”I won't abandon you, I promise.” She added, giving his hands a hard squeeze.

Prince Yi blankly stared at her and then took a step back, out of her reach, ”Did he say that?” He asked, now glaring at her.

His expression surprised Princess Nalan, she had never seen him look this but she understood that this was indeed shocking news. If it were her, she would have brought this prison down but her Shan was too reserved to behave like that.

A glare was nothing, so she stamped down her disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e and answered, ”No, but it seems that's what he's leaning towards. Lei Xing said that was the best she could do and from his demeanor today, it seems there is really no better way out of this. At least it's better than being executed or rotting away in prison forev-”

Seeing Prince Yi's expression get worse, she agitatedly grabbed the bars and put on a reassuring smile, ”But maybe my grandfather can still do something. You know he's very resourceful, no one can ignore him when he speaks, not even my father! Moreover, Zou is much better than this place, I'm certain you will prefer it! We also talked about traveling, we can do-”

”That's enough.” Prince Yi interrupted in a quiet voice, ”Go back.” He said as he turned his back to her, walked back to his bed, and calmly sat down.

”But -” Princess Nalan started but then stopped herself, bit her lip with a disgruntled frown as she stared at Prince Yi who had retreated deep into his thoughts.

The two stayed quietly like that, one deep in thought while the other looked on with a frown, agitated and frustrated. Finally, the sounds of incoming footsteps could be heard and Princess Nalan turned to her left to see the eunuch and the guards returning.

”Princess, it is time to return.” The eunuch respectfully said with a bow.

Princess Nalan glared at him and then turned back to Prince Yi and said, ”Shan, Zou is a beautiful and warm place with great people. You will be happy there, I promise. Take care of yourself, I will come again.”

She waited but Prince Yi said nothing in return, neither did he look in her direction.

”Princess, please y-”

”I heard you the first time!” Princess Nalan shouted at the eunuch, she glanced at Prince Yi again but he still did not look her way. Irritated beyond comprehension, she shoved the eunuch out of the way and stormed past the guards, who smartly moved out of the way.

She understood that being banished was not a small matter for a person, but Prince Yi had told her himself that his life here was not easy. His parents were already dead, and he had no extended family. He kept to himself, so he barely had friends, and his only relative, his brother, has now accused him of treason and wants his head. What kind of life does he expect to live here? How could he possibly live comfortably here?

Lei Xing's reassuring words echoed in her mind and she calmed down a little. It may be hard for him to accept at first, but he will eventually see that this was for the best. They just need to get to Zou first and he will come to appreciate her efforts, just as Lei Xing said. She is his benefactor so naturally, he will come to appreciate her efforts. He will be happy, no, they will be happy and free.

It was just the shock that was making him weird, very soon he will come to terms with it. With those reassuring thoughts in her mind, Princess Nalan's footsteps regained their confidence and she walked off feeling lighter.

Princess Nalan was right, Prince Yi was quickly coming to terms with this new development. Since the Emperor's visit, he had been expecting something, but then to think that the Emperor would pass the news of his exile through Princess Nalan... Wasn't this rubbing salt in his injury?

He had nothing left here and he knew it. The ministers who ”supported”, blackmail or not aside, were now imprisoned and all of them have turned to blame him for all their ”misdeeds”. Now his army was potentially decimated. Even if only a fraction of them were caught, the rest have still scattered and will need to be regrouped somewhere else.

Not to mention the supplies that have been lost. Since Jun Kai returned and assumed the throne, Prince Yi's access to funds has been greatly diminished since Prince Yi lost control of the court. His army was already suffering before this, so this will naturally be a huge setback even if they survived this. But it was not over, he still had Princess Nalan and potentially the armies of Zou, the problem was of course convincing those with power to fight his war. It was possible but...

Prince Yi's frown deepened, it seemed to achieve his dream he would have to sell out his own country. He had hoped that he and Jun Kai could resolve their differences quietly, without making a big fuss that would negatively impact the country. But as it stood now, if he were truly banished, he would have no choice but to kick up a big fuss. It was unfortunate,  but the country could be rebuilt after the fallout.

While the Long country may be strong, its foundation has been weakened by the multiple wars. The enslaved outnumber the free, five to one. Even though the enslaved come from various unfriendly backgrounds - after all, some of them had been at war with each other before they were conquered, with the avenue these enemies can be made to unite and work together. Prince Yi was now thinking that he could be that unifying force.

Even though this alone was not enough to topple the empire, it would be enough to weaken it enough for him to swoop in and claim victory. The problem was that this was a very delicate matter as his victory would rely heavily on others. If he made even a small mistake in handling this, then the empire would be torn apart and he would end up cooking a dish for someone else to enjoy.

Prince Yi took a deep breath and stood up, held his hands behind his back, and let out a heavy sigh, ”Banishment...”

{...I don't want this either but you are forcing my hand... One way or another, I will claim what rightfully belongs to me. It is natural for sacrifices to be made...}

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