Xie Ruiyao was moved.
She simply couldn’t resist such a huge temptation.
The moment she thought she might become the Princess consort to Chu, might become Xiao Jinsen’s official wife, she found herself completely unable to refuse Ye Qichi.
Even if it was risky, even if it meant failure, even if after failing she had to face unthinkable consequences, she still felt that all of that paled in comparison to the possibility of her becoming the Princess consort to Chu.
Her yearning was clearly visible to Ye Qichi.
The reason he could propose a collaboration to Xie Ruiyao, despite barely knowing her, was because he knew her personality all too well; he knew that compared to the chance of becoming the Princess consort to Chu, she could accept anything else. In the original text, she had been unscrupulous to the extreme in her efforts to become Xiao Jinsen’s woman, employing despicable tactics that were too disgraceful to behold.
Xie Ruiyao still put love above everything else. Her love for Xiao Jinsen had already reached a crazed extent.
Despite knowing Xiao Jinsen did not love her, knowing that power was what Xiao Jinsen cherished the most, she still listened to his sweet nothings, and under his cajolery, deluded herself into believing that Xiao Jinsen loved her, that he would always love her.
Such a person, colloquially speaking, was love-struck.
"You might want to think it over," said Ye Qichi, seemingly in no rush, "Bai Mowan will return the day after tomorrow. You have all of tomorrow to think, and if you come to a decision, you can have Ruotong send word to Prince Chen’s Mansion, and we can further discuss how to make you Xiao Jinsen’s wife. Of course, this will delay us by another day, and the chances of success will decrease somewhat, the decision is yours to make."
Ye Qichi stood up, preparing to leave.
Xie Ruotong naturally followed Ye Qichi.
From beginning to end, even though she hadn’t spoken, she had been observing all the changes in Xie Ruiyao’s expression and could tell that Xie Ruiyao was indeed swayed.
As she followed Ye Qichi out, she said, "Yao’er, if you truly don’t wish to do this, there’s no need to force yourself. Sister has heard that the King of Chu is very calculating and ambitious; he cares more about his power. If you marry him, it will only be a title without true happiness."
Instead of reassurance, Xie Ruiyao felt annoyed upon hearing Xie Ruotong’s words.
Was Xie Ruotong not wishing her well?! What did she mean by saying marrying the King of Chu would only grant her a hollow title? The title of Princess consort to Chu was something countless people coveted and desired; how could she speak of it so dismissively? Was it jealousy because she couldn’t have it herself?!
Of course, Xie Ruiyao’s inner sarcasm was not shown.
She replied, "Sister, I am considering agreeing to the Princess’s proposal."
Her words sounded somewhat reluctant.
Xie Ruotong’s eyes flickered slightly.
Ye Qichi’s gaze also shifted slightly.
In truth, from Xie Ruiyao’s earlier response, it was clear to her that Xie Ruiyao would not refuse.
It was just a matter of sooner or later.
Unexpectedly, the agreement came so quickly.
Perhaps it was Xie Ruotong’s sincere discouragement that spurred on Xie Ruiyao instead.
Xie Ruiyao was so eager to secure the position of Princess consort to Chu that she couldn’t accept anyone trying to stop her from becoming the Princess consort; the more someone tried to prevent her, the more she resisted. She couldn’t wait to become the Princess consort immediately to show everyone!
"Yao’er!" Xie Ruotong still couldn’t help but reprimand her, "The King of Chu is not as good as you think."
"But I want to stand with the Princess. Yes, I admit that my cousin has influenced me. Due to our resemblance, I’ve always been compared to her, and it has been from childhood, but I have never envied her, I also acknowledge that my cousin is better than me. However, I do not want to refuse what the Princess said today, not because I want to antagonize my cousin, but because, compared to my cousin, I naturally care more about you, Sister."
She didn’t quite grasp the meaning of Xie Ruiyao’s words at first.
Ye Qichi, however, understood immediately.
Xie Ruiyao was ostensibly making excuses for her actions.
Excuses that seemed logical and morally justified.
Xie Ruiyao said, "The Princess rescued Sister from the Ten Extremes Sect and finally allowed her to return home. Our Xie Family will surely be grateful for a lifetime for this kindness. So, whatever or whomever the Princess wishes to deal with, I will help her. This is how I repay the Princess."
"Yao’er, you don’t need to repay the Princess’s kindness towards me," Xie Ruotong said.
"It’s necessary because we are family. Your benefactor is my benefactor, and everything I do is voluntary. Please don’t try to persuade me anymore, Sister; I am willing to stand with the Princess," Xie Ruiyao said resolutely, appearing very righteous.