24

Prince Xiao gave a low hum as he once more began to fiddle with his cup. "That is true, though I still need to work up a marriage for peace you see." he began his gaze lowering to gaze at the cup. "The order was clear, unless there is marriage, then..." he didn't finish the comment. It was clear what he meant.

Should Emperor Zhihui refuse to accommodate the prince with an alliance through marriage, they'd be at war. But there was a problem! Clearly the only princess was no longer able to be married, so what else should they do? "It's not like I'd be appose to this your grace. However, my only daughter has been married, and all my sons already hold a first wife. So I'm not sure what kind of marriage you are wishing for?" he asked.

He couldn't possibly want to send over a women to inter the marriage alliance now right? Clearly they had targeted for a hostage! So sending one over themselves wouldn't be the same...

Prince Xiao gave a strange smile as his gaze shifted to Qi Ah. "You might not have any children unmarried left. Though you do have other options for marriage partners. Clearly your majesty hasn't forgotten the customs of our kingdom?" his tone was light, teasing almost.

Qi Ah was a bit confused with the back and forth between the two. Though he had the story plot. It never really spoke much of the Villains home kingdom. Despite the vague images of the nation being one of the strongest and most 'cruel' nations. There wasn't much else. So he really wasn't sure what the prince was hinting at here ah?

The Emperors expression soured as he looked at the prince. His fist tightening slightly. "I'm not sure what your highness means. Clearly we've already stated that there is no suitable children left to be married off. Plus Zhen is already this old, you can't expect me to go myself." he stated. The idea of using daughters or 'sons' of the imperial court was not on the table. This was simple because they would not be useful pawns for the Zie Empire.

Prince Xiao laughed as his gaze turned back to look at the emperor. "One who has their ways, can always find out the secrets that others don't want out. I ask your highness not to be so unreasonable. There is still one member of the Imperial family left." this statement brought a new silence to the banquet as the court officials looked up dazed.

No one was sure who this prince was talking about. But it seemed their emperor had a secret ah? Maybe a bastard child hidden somewhere?! Maybe the rumors about Qi Ah being his majesties bastard son were true?

With many gazes moving to him, Qi Ah felt his expression tighten as he seemed confused and lost at what to do. He didn't understand what was happening right now! Prince ah, villain or not, Please follow the plot!