Chapter 226 - Pouters CLub (1/2)
After sending Lei Xing off, the Emperor returned to the royal study. He had a meeting with the Minister of Rites regarding the details of the wedding ceremony. And later on, Prime minister Zhao brought Zou kingdom's finalized tribute list and trade deals that had been negotiated with Prince Rui. The Emperor looked over the final report and put his seal on it and Eunuch Li handed it back to Prime minister Zhao.
Prime minister Zhao took it, bowed but instead of leaving, he remained standing there with knit eyebrows. The Emperor raised an eyebrow and asked, ”Is there something else?”
The Emperor was aware that Prime minister Zhao's mood has not been good since he announced Lei Xing as his choice for Empress. But his mood was not the Emperor's concern and he knew better than to come to complain to the Emperor. After all, there was nothing wrong with the choice of Lei Xing other than the fact that she was not his daughter.
Prime minister Zhao looked up at the Emperor and then asked, ”Your majesty, what about the Zou princess?”
”What about her?” The Emperor asked with raised eyebrows.
”Your majesty...Even if you don't want to take her as your Empress as the Zou king proposed, you can take her in as a consort, i-”
”No.” The Emperor flatly responded. He already had enough women here and they were already causing him and Lei Xing trouble. And although Lei Xing and Princess Nalan had become friends of some sort during this period, it was because there was nothing causing tension between them.
He did not believe that a princess raised with a great sense of entitlement will feel at ease simply being a resident of his palace. And even though she herself was satisfied with it, those in Zou kingdom would not be satisfied. She will be perceived as a pawn to be used to obtain Long country. The Emperor was not willing to allow Zou's inner conflicts play out in his palace.
Princess Nalan was trouble and it was best to send her back.
Prime minister Zhao frowned, ”Your majesty, while it may seem like Zou kingdom has bowed to us, many in their country are not happy with this situation. It is only a matter of time before that unrest bubbles over to the surface. But her father and brothers all treasure her, so no matter which way the crown ends up falling, she will be a good hostage...” He paused and hesitated, but then added, ”Your majesty, it is just one more woman in your harem. If you want peace, this is the best way forward.”
The Emperor scoffed and then said, ”Given your experience, I would have never expected you to be this naive...Sister or no, if one wants war then a war will happen.” The Emperor finished with a frown.
For someone who supported the late Emperor's endeavors, Prime minister Zhao's reasoning was disappointing. His father was proof that a marriage alliance was no guarantee for peace. If one wanted to start a war, then the war will come about.
The Emperor frowned, ”I did not call off the war because I am afraid of them...I was simply giving them a chance, but if they want a war, then we will fight and win. If there's nothing else, leave.” The Emperor dismissively said as he picked up a doc.u.ment and focused on it.
Prime minister Zhao's frown deepened, he understood what the Emperor meant. Family often became nothing when pit against ambition. And he honestly did not care about the Emperor marrying the Zou princess.
In his opinion, they should have proceeded and crushed Zou while they had the opportunity. It was just that he was not happy with this situation. The Emperor seemed to be doing everything to please the Lei family's daughter, while his daughter remained on the sidelines like a nobody.
{...What was that girl doing when all this was happening?!...}
”Is there something else?” The Emperor coldly asked without raising his eyes from the doc.u.ment when Prime minister Zhao remained rooted to the spot.
Prime Minister Zhao glanced up at the Emperor and then bowed, ”Your majesty...My wife has not been feeling too well lately and has been asking for Lan er'. I want to ask if you could permit her to visit home.”
The Emperor calmly looked at Prime minister Zhao and simply scrutinized him. When the Emperor did not respond, Prime minister Zhao raised his head and met the Emperor's eyes and then lowered his head and went, ”If it's not convenient the-”
”No, of course not.” The Emperor interjected, ”I'll have it arranged for tomorrow.”
Prime minister Zhao smiled and bowed, ”Thank you, Your majesty. I'll take my leave now.” He said and then bowed out and the left the room and his frown promptly returning to his face.