Chapter 384: Not Leaving

Chapter 384 Not Leaving

After confirming Xie Chengan's identity, Prince Baori said politely, "Lord Xie, this prince would like to inquire about something."

Xie Chengan grew wary. "Please speak, Your Highness."

"Are you acquainted with Lady Xin?" Though phrased as a question, Prince Baori's tone was certain.

Though not from Great Xia, he knew it was rare for women to hold official positions—this was true in Xiling as well. Since Lady Xin served in the Hanlin Academy, its director would certainly know her.

In fact, Prince Baori had noticed that Lady Xin seemed remarkably well-known in the capital. At least, the officials of Great Xia all appeared to know her.

"Lady Xin does work in the Hanlin Academy," Xie Chengan replied evenly.

"Then, Lord Xie, do you know which family she belongs to and who her father is?"

Xie Chengan regarded Prince Baori with a peculiar expression.

"Does Lord Xie not know?"

After a moment of consideration, Xie Chengan said, "Lady Xin's mother was the late empress."

The relationship between Lady Xin and the emperor remained unacknowledged, though it was understood by all. As a minister, he couldn’t speak indiscreetly.

Prince Baori’s eyes widened in shock. "Then Lady Xin is your country's princess—"

He paused, waiting, but Xie Chengan did not continue.

Prince Baori immediately detected something being concealed.

He had asked about Lady Xin’s father, yet Xie Chengan had answered with her mother’s identity. Did that mean Lady Xin was the child of Great Xia’s empress and another man?

Prince Baori’s eyes widened in shock.

Seeing his reaction, Xie Chengan’s expression darkened.

What absurd notions was this foreign prince entertaining?!

Unable to tolerate such implications about his emperor and empress, the usually discreet Xie Chengan had no choice but to clarify, "Lady Xin resided outside the palace with the late empress, but His Majesty has always cherished her dearly."

The matter of Empress Xin was widely known throughout the capital—Prince Baori would learn of it with minimal inquiry.

"I see." Prince Baori nodded in understanding.

Lady Xin was the daughter of Great Xia’s emperor but had grown up outside the palace for some reason, which was why the imperial family did not recognize her as a princess.

Her circumstances were truly unfortunate.

Filled with compassion, Prince Baori decided to make a marriage proposal directly to Emperor Xingyuan.

With sincere intentions and generous gifts, he believed the emperor would not show the same hesitation as when Prince Baori’s elder brother sought to marry a Great Xia princess.

His confidence growing, Prince Baori bowed to Xie Chengan. "Thank you for the information, Lord Xie. This prince must be going now."

As Prince Baori hurried away, Xie Chengan considered going to the palace but ultimately decided against it.

Since Prince Baori had only just learned of Lady Xin’s identity, even if he nursed any grievances, he surely wouldn’t cause any trouble—this was, after all, Great Xia’s territory.

Xie Chengan did not go to the palace, but Prince Baori went to seek an audience with Emperor Xingyuan.

Emperor Xingyuan was unaware of the latest gossip circulating outside the Hanlin Academy. Upon hearing that Prince Baori, the lead envoy of Xiling, requested an audience, he grew curious about the man's purpose.

At this hour, could he be here to mooch off dinner?

"Let him in."

Before long, Prince Baori entered and offered a deep bow. "This humble prince, Bao Ri, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Xingyuan paused in surprise.

This bow was far more formal than his first greeting—what had happened?

Given the age difference, Emperor Xingyuan could practically be Prince Baori's father, so his first thought was that of an elder judging a wayward youngster: Had this boy gotten into trouble?

"You may rise, esteemed envoy," Emperor Xingyuan said courteously.

Prince Baori represented Xiling, and since the two nations were not hostile, the emperor naturally showed him proper respect.

Prince Baori straightened up and, upon lifting his gaze to Emperor Xingyuan, went rigid with shock.

In his mind, the radiant, delicate face of a young woman surfaced.

Prince Baori suddenly understood.

No wonder Lady Xin had seemed so familiar—she was practically the spitting image of the Great Xia emperor!

This realization left him momentarily dazed.

Emperor Xingyuan frowned.

This Prince Baori was definitely scheming something.

"What brings you to see Us, esteemed envoy?"

Snapping out of his stupor, Prince Baori took a moment to steady his astonishment before speaking. "Boldly, I come before Your Majesty to ask for her hand—"

The rest of his words were drowned out for Emperor Xingyuan, whose mind was now solely occupied by four words: *smitten with her*.

Who was this brat smitten with?!

Beside him, Grand Eunuch Sun Yan noticed the emperor's clenched jaw and the throbbing vein at his temple, his own heart trembling in response.

His Majesty looked furious—could this Xiling pup really not notice?

Only after finishing his speech did Prince Baori realize Emperor Xingyuan was glaring at him blankly.

Since the Great Xia emperor was Lady Xin's father, wasn't it the proper way to seek his approval for marriage?

Reflecting briefly, Prince Baori saw nothing wrong with his request and thus waited confidently for the emperor's reply.

The word *"Get out!"* nearly burst from Emperor Xingyuan's lips, but he swallowed it back with effort.

This little brat had his eye on Ayou and had the gall to be so shameless!

Suppressing his fury, Emperor Xingyuan replied coolly, "Lady Xin is not cut out for life abroad. We regret to disappoint you, esteemed envoy."

Tomorrow, he would formally reject the King of Xiling's marriage proposal and hasten to kick this brat out. Otherwise, failing to secure 5,000 warhorses while losing Ayou in the process would be a total disaster.

Emperor Xingyuan began to regret his own greed.

Prince Baori departed dejectedly.

The following day after court was dismissed, Emperor Xingyuan summoned the senior ministers and asked, "Have my lords devised any solutions?"

The ministers exchanged glances, none willing to speak.

Unwilling to marry off a princess yet still coveting their warhorses—you'd need divine intervention to solve this!

Emperor Xingyuan showed little disappointment. He had long known these men wouldn’t produce any ideas, but he'd asked on the off chance.

"In that case, I shall inform Prince Baori today so as not to delay his return to Xiling."

Surrendering this quickly? This wasn’t like the emperor’s usual style.

"Have the Xiling envoys summoned to the palace."

Emperor Xingyuan acted so swiftly that by the time several Xiling envoys, including Prince Baori, arrived, the ministers hadn't yet gathered their wits.

After the envoys completed their courtesies, Emperor Xingyuan addressed Prince Baori, "I have few children, and only one adult princess. I cannot bring myself to send her so far to a foreign land, so I must regretfully decline your king's generous offer, dear brother. Please convey to him that though this marriage alliance will not proceed, our two nations shall remain peaceful neighbors."

Prince Baori and the others wore expressions of surprise.

Even with an offer of five thousand warhorses as dowry, the emperor of Great Xia refused?

Among them, only Sun Yan understood perfectly: His Majesty was afraid Prince Baori might spirit Princess Ayou away and was eager to send him packing.

"Most regrettable," Prince Baori said graciously, expressing regret over the failed proposal. He then instructed one of the Xiling envoys, "Tomorrow, you shall lead part of our delegation back to Xiling to report to my brother."

Emperor Xingyuan caught the odd phrasing and coughed. "Ahem, will Your Highness not be departing as well?"

Prince Baori straightened, his polite demeanor shifting to earnestness. "After hearing Your Majesty’s words yesterday, I pondered carefully through the night. During my stay in your capital, I’ve found it quite agreeable. I would like to remain here."

Emperor Xingyuan: ?