Chapter 373 - Waylaid Knight (1/2)
”So...You want to chase after her?” The Emperor tentatively asked, looking down at Lei Yong with a piercing gaze that made him uncomfortable. He had been busy at work in his study when Lei Yong rushed in with a bizarre request.
Lei Yong inwardly sighed, he knew this conversation would be awkward and he would rather not have it. But as a general and an official in the Emperor's court - friend or not, he could not be absent from the capital for an extended period of time without the Emperor's permission.
It had been a few days since Tung Mei left the capital - without a word to Lei Yong's annoyance. He was only made aware of her departure after dropping by at her aunt's manor to check on her. At first, he was taken aback as he thought they were becoming friends again despite her memory loss. The fact that she did not even deem at least a goodbye necessary was disappointing. He had resolved to forget about her and live his life as well, but after a few days of worry-fueled restlessness, he found himself here asking for permission to go after her so he can regain his peace of mind.
”Don't phrase it like that. You're making it sound strange. I am just concerned about her safety.” Lei Yong defended.
”Safety? The roads from here to Xia province are probably one of the safest in the country with various checkpoints. I am also certain that the young miss is accompanied by a sufficient number of armed escorts. Some may consider your presence will be redundant.” The Emperor happily reassured with a slight smirk, clearly enjoying this situation.
Lei Yong knit his brows, ”It is not about that. Her father entrusted her to my care, so naturally, it is my duty to ensure her safe return. I know it's a busy time right now with Prince Yi and the Zou situation but...” He paused in hesitation before he cupped his hands and bowed his head, ”I need to do this.”
The Emperor was quiet for a long while. Lei Yong was uncomfortable with the silence, he knew that it meant that the Emperor was contemplating something and that it was best to be silent. Lei Yong did not actually think the Emperor would have an issue with him leaving, but now with this prolonged silence, Lei Yong was thinking that perhaps the Emperor has plans for him to do something and his absence would complicate the Emperor's plans?
Lei Yong's resolve began to waver and he was starting to lean toward telling the Emperor to forget it when the Emperor finally spoke, ”Well... My brother's situation is under my control, as for the Zou situation, their prime minister won't be arriving for a while and even then, there isn't really anything I need you to do with that. As for other matters, they can be assigned to others but... just to clarify, you've finally decided to marry her, correct?”
”What? No!” Lei Yong denied as he whipped his head, giving the Emperor a look of horror. The Emperor raised a curious eyebrow up at this reaction, he really was not the nosy type but this matter surprisingly peeked his nosiness, ”Then why are you chasing after he-”
”I told you I'm not chasing after her!” Lei Yong fiercely denied again.
”Yong, I've known you a long time and I've never seen you so bothered about anything before this girl. You have feelings for this girl and yet you deny it. Why?” The Emperor asked with a frown.
Lei Yong frowned and lowered his head, ”I've told you, it's not like that...”
{...Why does everyone keep assuming?!...}
”Then why do you follow her about?” The Emperor asked, ”And do not mention her father again.” With that excuse scrapped, Lei Yong closed his mouth with a frown. Seeing he had no response, the Emperor continued, ”If you cannot give me a valid reason then you may not go.”
Lei Yong looked up at the Emperor with a wounded child's expression but the Emperor did not care and unfeelingly said, ”Let the girl move on.” and resumed what he was doing, ignoring Lei Yong, who he assumed was in silent protest as he refused to leave.
After a long while of silence, Lei Yong hesitantly spoke, ”I... I don't know.” He finished with a heavy sigh.
”Don't know what?” The Emperor asked, giving him attention again.
”I... I like her but... It's just that whenever I am confronted with us being, you know, together, I just -... I don't know, it's just... I'm not entirely convinced.” Lei Yong haphazardly explained.
”Convinced about?”
”Well...” Lei Yong paused, trying to find the words, ”I don't know... It's just...a feeling? A thought maybe?... I don't know.” He confusedly said. To be honest, even he did not know what his problem was.