Chapter 1698: 1695: Meeting

Chapter 1698: Chapter 1695: Meeting

He doesn’t have only this one option.

Minister Qi understands clearly. Previously, he orchestrated the ruin of Princess Weisaiya’s reputation and ensured her engagement to King Qi for the sake of this trade negotiation. He hadn’t anticipated that the Beirong Prince didn’t regard Princess Weisaiya highly. Even if he had been angry before, it should have dissipated by now. By not giving him face now, isn’t he afraid King Qi will treat Princess Weisaiya poorly?

It seems now that this Beirong Prince, having been sent out, truly is a member of the Imperial Family who prioritizes interests above all. Princess Weisaiya is merely a stepping stone.

The true determinant of their cooperation is solely benefits.

Minister Qi pondered this and found it unsurprising. After all, Beirong wouldn’t sacrifice trade interests for a mere princess.

“I’ve heard Prince Zilun is inquiring about the weaving machine?” Minister Qi personally poured him tea.

The Beirong Prince raised his hand, blocking the tea, “I prefer drinking wine; tea is uninteresting.”

“Look at me, I completely forgot about that. Here, I’ve already prepared fine wine.” Minister Qi bent down, lifted a jug of wine from beside the table, and slowly poured it, filling his cup and then pouring cups for himself and King Qi.

King Qi hadn’t spoken a word during the conversation.

The Beirong Prince’s gaze swept over his face, and he suddenly asked, “Prince Qi, what do you think of Weisaiya?”

He deliberately changed the subject, as if he didn’t care about the question Minister Qi had just posed.

King Qi looked at him and replied, “Princess Weisaiya is a good person; the previous incident was an accident.”

Minister Qi’s expression changed when he heard this.

The Beirong Prince squinted directly at him, “You say it’s a misunderstanding and it becomes a misunderstanding? How convenient that you were there at that moment. Moreover, if you feel guilty, shouldn’t you treat Weisaiya better? Because of you, her reputation was ruined. Now, you are engaged. Does King Qi only feel guilt but shows no sign of it?”

King Qi’s eyes flickered, seemingly hearing such a blunt and sharp accusation for the first time, yet he couldn’t find reasons to rebut.

The willingness was straightforward; indeed, these days, he hadn’t shown any indication towards Princess Weisaiya and even considered himself set up, hoping this engagement would end.

“Could it be the Prince hopes this engagement will end in disaster?” The Beirong Prince’s voice was icy, and his gaze towards King Qi was now tinged with doubt.

Minister Qi, upon hearing King Qi’s voice, knew trouble was brewing. His expression changed several times before he managed to suppress it, speaking conciliatorily, “Prince Zilun, you’ve misunderstood. Actually, the Prince doesn’t know what the Princess likes, and after all, the Prince rescued the Princess and spread the word that they’ve been getting along well. The Princess’s reputation has somewhat recovered and is not a major issue, at least not publicly speaking.”

The Beirong Prince ignored him entirely, directly facing King Qi, “Prince Qi, tell me yourself; I want to hear it directly from you.”

King Qi, already shocked when his innermost thoughts were exposed, showed complex emotions in his eyes. After a long pause, he softly spoke, “Prince Zilun, you’re right; I was wrong before. I will take responsibility for the Princess.”

“I hope you keep your word. We Beirong men never let ourselves be wronged. Although Weisaiya has married you, she remains part of her mother’s family, Beirong. To look down on her is to look down on us.”