Chapter 97 - Loggerheads

"I don't want it." Was Tung Mei's response to taking back the bracelet. The two were discussing in a corner, out of earshot of others.

Ah Jin frowned, "Well, she doesn't want it either."

"In that case, she can throw it into a lake."

Ah Jin frowned, "How can you say that? Do you know ho-"

"Ahh, I get it...I am well aware of how valuable it is and how hard it was to find, I've had years of it being ingrained into my head...I need some space, so she can keep it or toss it into a lake...Actually, have it locked in a chest and then drop that in the lake."

"Xiao Ying!"

"What? I'll go pick it up eventually." Tung Mei then pouted, "If I take it back now, I'll get in trouble and it'l-"

"You're already in trouble since she has it!"

"Well, at least I'm not getting constantly yelled at so I say I'm doing very well."

Ah Jin sighed, "Why are y-"

"How about this? You can have it instead! Just tell Xing jie I sai-"

"I don't want it either! My lif-"

"Found you!" A voice suddenly called out in their direction. The two knit their brows in annoyance at the interruption and turned to see An Hao storming towards them. He stopped in front of Ah Jin and she lightly bowed while Tung Mei stood there looking him over. 

An Hao narrowed his eyes at Ah Jin, "You remember me, don't you?"

Ah Jin raised an eyebrow, then shook her head, "No."

An Hao frowned, "Look very well! Don't try to make me look like a fool again. I was the one you and that consort attacked in the army camp, you attacked me! It was you, right?! I know it's been a few years and I've grown a lot, but you couldn't have forgotten. I have quite the memorable face to-"

Tung Mei snorted and then burst into laughter. An Hao frowned at her, "What's funny?"

Tung Mei reined in her laughter and asked, "Aren't you general or something? Why are you advertising the fact that you got outsmarted and beaten up by a girl? Shouldn't you be covering your face and running off to hide instead of coming here for a confrontation? What could you gain from this sort of harassment?"

An Hao raised his head and swiftly responded, "Harassment? I am trying to prove tha-" 

"That you're not crazy?" Tung Mei finished

"Exactly!" An Hao then knit his brows, "Wait! How do you know that?"

"You just said it yourself and your memorable face has that look too." Tung Mei then shook her head in pity, "Some people really cannot be helped, so young too."

An Hao frowned but before he could speak, they heard Lei Yong's voice, "What's going on?" He asked as he walked up to them.

Tung Mei smirked and glanced at An Hao and motioned for him to respond, in a taunting manner. An Hao's frown deepened in annoyance.

Tung Mei then smiled up at Lei Yong, "Oh, I saw you two were pretty close and so thought to introduce myself when he passed by and Ah Jin is here an errand for Xing jie."

An Hao looked at the three of them and then walked off and went back to the banquet. Tung Mei snorted and turned to Ah Jin, "Tell Xing jie I'll come get it later." 

Ah Jin narrowed her eyes at Tung Mei, who smiled in response. She then glanced at Lei Yong then bowed and left. 

Tung Mei then smiled at Lei Yong, who was looking at her suspiciously, "Did you say something to An Hao? He seems to be in a bad mood."

Tung Mei snorted, "What could I possibly say to him? He came here like that." When she saw Lei Yong's skeptical expression, she pouted and said, "I didn't do anything. He's the one who came to -" She caught herself then smiled, "Anyway, it's nothing important. Let's go, I don't want to miss the entrance of the harem's latest addition." She said with a bitter tone, pulling Lei Yong along. 

Lei Yong stopped and asked with a raised eyebrow, "I thought you didn't like the Emperor?" 

Tung Mei frowned, "I don't. But I like Xing jie and if they're going to be together, he should at least be faithful to make up for his shortcomings." 

Lei Yong snorted and said while laughing, "You really shouldn't be saying things like that."

Tung Mei smiled and nodded, "I'll try." And then pulled him to return to the banquet. 

By the time they returned, the famed Princess Nalan was already performing. Showcasing her horse-riding acrobatic skills with three horses riding in sync around the parameter; standing on them, hopping from side to side, jumping from one to the other amongst other things. It was obvious the horses were well trained and the performance was something they had a great experience with as the performance was seamless.

Lei Xing calmly watched the performance while sipping on wine.

{...Showoff...I can do that...Okay, maybe not -_-)'...but still, show off...}

{...*You are much, much, much more talented than her!...}

{...I've told you flattery won't help, you're still leaving! -_-)...}

{...*Hahaha There's nothing to be jealous over, she's not his type ^_^)...}

{...Jealous? Who the hell is jealous? She can hula hoop to the moon and back for all I care!...}

Lei Xing was appalled with the bracelet's suggestion that she would be jealous and cast a disgruntled glance at Emperor. She flinched when she caught his eyes then quickly looked away.

{...What the hell are you looking at me for? You should be looking at your latest addition -_-)...}

{...*He's looking at his type!...}

{...I told you to stop saying nonsense  -_-)'...}

{...*Hmph! I only speak the truth! I know things, you know...}

{...Things you care to share? -_-)...}

{...*Maybe, it depends! Want to negotiate?...}

{...No. You are still leaving! I need my peace of mind -_-)...}

{...*Tch, you're no fun!...}

Lei Xing ignored the bracelet and concentrated on the performance. 

Despite her grievances with her situation, she could still appreciate the skill level. Contrary to the rumors, Princess Nalan was not a delicate beauty as her performance proved. She would still be considered beautiful but her demeanor was definitely not of a delicate nature. 

After her performance, Princess Nalan along with her brother, Prince Rui approached the platform and bowed to the Emperor. The Emperor then said some words of praise and offered gifts. That was supposed to be the end of it.

Then Princess Nalan spoke up, "Your majesty, if I may say some words." 

The Emperor raised an eyebrow, "Of course."

Princess Nalan smiled and lightly bowed her head in gratitude and then began, "I understand that our countries have become allies, and as a princess, there are certain expectations that have been placed on me..." She paused when she saw Prince Rui frowning and signaling for her to stop.

She ignored him and confidently continued, "My father has given me leave to make the final decision on my marriage which is the reason I followed my brother here. I am not asking much, just time to get to know the country and Your majesty, to see if we are compatible."

Everyone was greatly taken aback by her comment and there was a deadly silence. Lei Xing on the hand felt a great surge in her mood, restraining the urge to laugh.

{...Ohhhh, that must hurt! Hahahahaha I like this princess!...}

Prince Rui's expression became complicated and he attempted to mediate, "Your majesty, - "

"That sounds reasonable." The Emperor said cutting him off. Prince Rui knit his brows, unconvinced by the Emperor's words. 

Princess Nalan on the hand was pleased and bowed in gratitude, "Thank you, Your majesty for your understanding." Then she added, "If it's not too much to ask, I have a request."

Lei Xing leisurely refilled her wine cup, enjoying this show.

{...Hahaha Of course, she does! She knows how to play the game...If he says no now, he'll look petty as hell. Which maybe he should be after she shut him down before he could even propose. He really seems like a poor guy now, right? Hahahaha...}

{...*...}

{...Hey, bracelet? Why aren't you saying anything? We finally agree on something! He's really a poor guy. Hahhaha I almost feel bad for him hahahahaha...}