Chapter 71a: Trick Someone At No Cost

“Whether he dares or not is not something you can resolve by slapping the table and scowling here.” Nalan Ye lightly mocked him, as a cold thought flashed through his mind. “I even thought previously that something good is happening for you. Turns out……heh heh Luo Qing Luan marrying Nangong Chen has already been decided. Will you really go so far as to visit His Majesty and insist that she marry you, or something. After that, you’re going to offend your future father-in-law and even make Nangong Chen be on guard against you.”

“Our Fifth Prince is not as simple as he looks on the outside, understand?”

At a loss in every possible way, extremely awkward, Nangong Qing totally had not thought that such a simple seeming matter unexpectedly suddenly became so th.o.r.n.y.

He only wanted to marry a woman he loved. Why were there so many twists and turns?

Suddenly, he thought of something and asked eagerly, “That won’t do. I absolutely can’t allow Fifth Brother to harm Miss Luo. He already married her sister. How can he possibly also marry her, two sisters sharing the same husband?”

Moreover, what he was most worried about was that Nangong Chen simply didn’t deserve Luo Qing Luan!

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became. Nangong Qing murmured, “No, I have to go talk to Imperial Father, have him bestow Miss Luo to me in marriage. If worst comes to worst, I’ll just offend Fifth Brother, that’s all. I certainly can’t look on as Miss Luo’s lifetime of happiness is ruined in his hands. As for Luo Cheng……”

If he married Luo Qing Luan, then Luo Cheng would become his father-in-law. He believed that if he personally went to see Luo Cheng, based on both relationships and logic, Luo Cheng would surely choose him. After all, he’s the crown prince!

“Do you think that after talking to His Majesty, your wish will come true?”

Who would have thought, Nalan Ye threw a basin of cold water at him again. “You should remember why His Majesty originally agree to cancel Luo Qing Luan and Fifth Prince’s engagement, right? It was rumored throughout the capital that this second Miss Luo wasn’t as simple as she looked. She stabbed her sister in the back and was love sick for Fifth Prince. All of those things which happened proves that the past and the current her are entirely different.”

“At that time, it was because His Majesty heard these rumors that he didn’t like Luo Qing Luan and made up his mind to reject her. Otherwise, do you think things were so simple?”

These words which Nalan Ye spoke were actually also the same words which the Emperor of Western Chu spoke to him today.

Regarding whichever girl Nalan Ye might have desired to marry, the Emperor felt that they were all pretty ordinary. But once he heard it was Luo Qing Luan, the Emperor then spoke the previous words. He asked why Nalan Ye would fancy such an immoral, dishonorable, infamous woman.

However in regards to Luo Qing Luan’s recent display, the Emperor also heard of it. Therefore, Nalan Ye gave a few explanations and the Emperor no longer persisted too much. Since he liked her, then the Emperor just went ahead and gave his consent. It was rare for this favored most capable and faithful official to fancy a woman. There’s no harm in treating her as a girl from a poor and limited family.

Nangong Qing was startled and blurted, “What, Imperial Father actually looked upon Luo Qing Luan like that? Imperial Father has misunderstood. Miss Luo is educated and well-balanced, bright and capable. She can even play the zither expertly. Even Imperial Mother likes her. How can Imperial Father misunderstand her like this?”

“That won’t do. I want to go explain to Imperial Father……”

After he said this, he wanted to depart quickly.

Behind him, a voice sounded. “Come back!”

“If you rashly go look for His Majesty, do you think that just a few words will be able to change His Majesty’s view on Luo Qing Luan? What’s more, the problem right now is not only this. There’s also Fifth Prince’s to block you. Once he knows that you also want to marry Luo Qing Luan, do you think he’ll jump out or not, like pouring oil onto a burning fire?”

Nangong Qing froze, not moving for quite a while.

That’s right. He understood his own Fifth Brother. Even though Nangong Chen had never obtained their imperial father’s favor, only after he went through Dark Night Hall’s investigation did he find out that not only was Nangong Chen’s ambition vigorous, he even wanted to take over his position one day. Moreover, Nangong Chen had done countless hidden things behind his back since long ago.

“Therefore, if you truly want to marry Miss Luo, you’ll need to properly make a plan.”

After standing frozen for half the day, Nangong Qing finally regained his senses. That’s right. He thought about everything too simply before. He didn’t expect that he couldn’t even see through this matter. His information was really lacking.

But must succeed in this matter. He had to marry Miss Luo.

Turning around, he returned to the pavilion and sat down again. Nangong Qing asked in a totally respectful manner. “Only you can help me with this. Tell me, how should I proceed?”

Considering the many years they’d been good friends, he’ll reluctantly let him off. Nalan Ye felt that he was already very compa.s.sionate and merciful. If the other party wasn’t Nangong Qing, but someone else instead who dared to s.n.a.t.c.h away Luo Qing Luan, it would be a wonder if he didn’t send him to h.e.l.l.

As for Nangong Qing, forget it. He’ll just send him a bit farther away. It’s best if Nangong Qing didn’t see his and Luo Qing Luan’s marriage.

“It’s not like there isn’t a way, but I’m afraid it’s not something you can accomplish within a short period of time.” Nalan Ye uttered as his eyes narrowed, revealing an extremely dangerous intention. “To make Nangong Chen not dare to speak, and have His Majesty agree to bestow Miss Luo upon you in marriage while also making Luo Cheng happily recognize you as his future father-in-law, there’s one best opportunity right now.”

Nangong Qing’s eyes shined and immediately asked. “Ziqing, tell me. What way is there?”

Seeing that the other party was falling into his plan step by step, Nalan Ye didn’t feel the slightest bit of guilt. He replied in differently. “Now that the country of Nanyue is disturbing the border, as long as you request to lead the troops to the border and intimidate Nanyue, when you return in victory, you’ve naturally performed great merit.”

“At that time, His Majesty will agree to whatever request you make, and you’ll be the one shining in the limelight. No matter if it’s Nangong Chen or Luo Cheng, neither will dare to have any objection.”

“Go to the border to intimidate Nanyue?” Nangong Qing felt embarra.s.sed. It wasn’t that he was afraid of hardship or death, but rather once he made this decision, he wouldn’t be able to return in a short amount of time. If there were any changes in the capital, or if Miss Luo……then he absolutely wouldn’t have enough time to return.

Nalan Ye didn’t say much at all and only said, “I’ve said everything there was to say. In the end, whether you’re willing to invest in this bit of hardship or not in exchange for your marriage, that’s completely up to you.”

……