Chapter 347 - Closet Encounters (1/2)

”What are you getting at?” Princess Nalan asked with a raised eyebrow, still frowning.

”Well...I was just thinking about how this could be good for you.” Lei Xing enlightened and Princess Nalan's frown deepened. She was obviously still confused but she did not want to ask so she just trained her eyes on Lei Xing and waited for her to continue.

Lei Xing leaned forward on the table, knitting her brows and lowering her voice, ”See, the thing is I can't, well... It will be hard for me or anyone to get the Emperor to simply release Prince Yi. This is treason we're talking about, once this arrow has been released, it cannot be called back. It is not something a leader can afford to be lax about, otherwise, others will follow suit thinking nothing of such a crime -”

”So, what does that have to do with me?” Princess Nalan irritatedly cut in, she grew up in a palace so she understood all these, but this was her life and her future husband, she could not be seen as soft or understanding.

Lei Xing let out a breath and flatly said, ”While I can't persuade the Emperor to release him, it is possible that I could persuade him to say.... banish him?”

Princess Nalan blinked and then knit her brows in confusion as she echoed, ”Banish him?” Not quite understanding.

Lei Xing quickly explained before Princess Nalan could jump the gun, ”En, if you marry him as it is now, you would be expected to live here with him or do you think he would want to move back to Zou with you?” She paused for effect and watched Princess Nalan's frown deepen.

Up until yesterday, Princess Nalan had truly thought that she could persuade Prince Yi to move back to Zou with her. She thought he would like it better there, but now if the claims of treason were true, then it would mean he wanted the throne...here.

And Lei Xing went ahead to confirm her suspicions when she softly said, ”Nalan, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, Prince Yi has greater aspirations. Most of which do not ordinarily include a life frol.i.c.k.i.n.g in the wild, but that can change. We as people adapt regardless of whether we're willing or not. He can learn to love it through you, you can show him how. If he's banished then and you marry him, then he would be left with nothing, his aspirations gone, he would be lost and you can show him the way. You can take him back home with you, marry him, and make him happy in your life. I can advoc-”

”You're asking me to betray him?!” Princess Nalan menacingly said, glaring daggers at Lei Xing.

Lei Xing lightly sighed in exasperation, ”It's not like I'm asking you to testify against him, I'm not asking you to do anything at all. I am just explaining to you why this is a good option for you.”

Princess Nalan frowned down at the table between them, seemingly in contemplation. Then obviously restless, she jumped to her feet and began pacing. Lei Xing quietly watched her and waited while it all sank in for her. If all goes well, Princess Nalan would stop thinking of how to cause trouble and would simply patiently and happily wait to cart off her dear Prince on her shoulders to Zou, out of sight, out of mind.

Lei Xing was almost positive this was what the Emperor had in mind and if that was not it, then she could persuade him a little - but she would have to be careful about going about this. Although she did not think that he could find anything to be jealous of her talking about sending his brother away, but you never know with him these days. Even when he had told her about what he planned to do with Prince Yi last night, she was careful not to show too much interest in the issue - not that she really cared in the first place, her mind was occupied with other matters.

After a while, Princess Nalan finally stopped her pacing and turned to Lei Xing and declared, ”He would hate me.” Dragging Lei Xing back from her wandering thoughts.

Lei Xing sighed and took the teapot to pour herself a cup of tea as she lightly responded, ”Hate you for what? It's not like you're the one who turned him or asked him to commit treason. He didn't even know you then... Moreover, with your wild show of love today, hating you would be far from his mind.” She offhandedly said as she sipped the tea. She was really tired today and dealing with all this crap was draining her fast.

”You think so?” Princess Nalan skeptically said, walking over to stand by the table.

”Of course. Honestly, considering he would be left with nothing when banished. You, my dear -” She said, raising her cup to Princess Nalan, ” - would be saving him, he would undoubtedly come to feel a great deal of gratitude and devotion towards you. You can live as freely as you will and he will accommodate all your wants. This will be a win for your union.” She finished, putting her cup down and looking up at Princess Nalan with a smile.

Princess Nalan pursed her lips, still looking hesitant as she sank down to the stool next to Lei Xing, ”So... so... what - what-” Princess Nalan frowned, annoyed with the tone of her voice, ”What now?” She irritatedly blurted out.

”Nothing...” Lei Xing said, innocently blinking at her, ”You just need to be quiet the next few days, nothing like you did today. We can't further exacerbate things. I'll take care of the rest. You just take care of yourself and of course, the baby. I'm sure the physicians have told you that stress is bad for your condition, I know you're strong but you have to take better care now...” Lei Xing gently said, giving Princess Nalan's shoulder a reassuring pat.

Princess Nalan frowned and stared down at the table, deep in thought.

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