《Married To The Cruel Crown Prince》


 Chapter 1: I am willing to marry

    <h4>Chapter 1:I am willing to marry</h4>


    Juyan city was situated in the far North West of the Han Kingdom. As the territorial expansion by the Han kingdom started many kingdoms epted the suzerainty of the great emperor of Han, Han Wenji. His son, Han Sheng Li was on the campaign since the age of 16 and now thest kingdom on his list was the city of Juyan.


    In a tent house, Han Sheng Li could be seen at the center. The name suited him well as it defines his personality- Victorious, powerful, and cruel. He was getting ready for the war against the Juyan kingdom, thest petty kingdom in his campaigning list.


    Five assistants were helping him wear heavy metallic armor on his upper body when General Wang Hao came there, who bent on his knees and joined both hands together. "Your highness, Juyan Kingdom is ready to ept our suzerainty. Their king, Song Wai, does not want any war." Wang Hao informed Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li lifted his right hand to stop the assistants who were helping him in wearing the armor. The servants stepped back as Sheng Li moved his index finger, thus gesturing the servants to leave the tent.


    Wang Hao was still on his knees, his head lowered in front of the Crown Prince, Han Sheng Li who turned to him and told him to get up. General Wang stood up and looked into Sheng Li''s eyes which were giving a murderous look.


    Sheng Li raised his sword and looked at it. "I was wishing for a bloody- deadly war. I wanted to kill him with my own hands but he is too easy to go on."


    Sheng Li grunted in his deep cold voice which terrified General Wang because he thought that the crown prince would still prefer a war than epting the territory of Juyan so easily.


    Gathering his entire courage General Wang said, "But it will not be good if we will choose the path of the war." Sheng Li startedughing at hearing him, which terrified General Wang. Sheng Li stoppedughing and with a grim look spoke, "Since when Han generals started thinking this way. Caring for lives? You are one of my most favorite generals so I will not say anything to you."


    General Wang apologized to the crown prince when General Xiao Zhan came inside the tent. He also bent on his knees, joined both hands before Sheng Li, and showed the Crown Prince a Scroll that hade from the Emperor. "Read it," ordered Xuan looking at his sword.


    "I, Han Wenji, the emperor of the Han Empire, order the Crown Prince to not initiate the war against the king of Juyan.


    The king of Juyan, Song Wai, has offered his daughter for the marriage alliance with us. I heard the princess is famous for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness not only in the Juyan kingdom but also in the entire Han Kingdom. I have agreed to this offer. You are the crown Prince of the Han Kingdom so, I found the Princess of the Juyan city suitable for you. She will be the crown princess of the Han empire and will be the future queen.


    Bring her to the Han imperial pce with due respect. Your queen mother and I have sent some valuables for the Juyan kingdom. You will go there and give yourself all the gifts to them. The Han Kingdom is waiting for its Crown Prince. Come home safely.


    Your father


    The Emperor of Han"


    General Xiao was done reading the Royal decree, so he scrolled it up and stood up. The expressions of the Crown prince''s face darkened. "My father agreed to this marriage when he knew I love someone else." Sheng Li muttered.


    "I was informed by our spy that the Juyan king sent the messenger to the Imperial Han pce to give the message about the Marriage alliance to get saved from this deadly war against us. The princess was supposed to marry the first prince but King Song asked your hand for his daughter," General Xiao told Sheng Li.


    "You found out this now?" Sheng Li shouted at General Xiao who lowered his eyes immediately.


    "Your highness, King Song has nned this even before we reach here. The spy could not do anything about that," General Xiao exined.


    "Kill the spy right away. He failed to kill the messenger in his way so he is of no use," Sheng Li ordered General Xiao who gave a bow and left the tent.


    "Your highness has to marry the Princess of Juyan," said General Wang. Sheng Li with an annoying face got seated on the throne made there for him. "It is the imperial order of the Emperor, so I have to fulfill it. Prepare the horses. We are leaving right away for the Juyan imperial pce." Sheng Limanded. General Wang bowed before the crown prince and left the tent.


    After a while, the Crown prince came out of the tent. His white horse was already bought there. Sheng Li hopped on it while five more generals were behind him with a small pack of an army of 50 soldiers. There were some carts as well in which the gifts from the Capital had been sent for the Juyan King. Sheng Li started riding the horse followed by the others towards the imperial pce of Juyan.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~


    In the chamber on the eastern side, the princess of Juyan, An Ying Lili was pacing around. The name had a deep meaning which distinctly showed her character. She was a peace-loving, kind, intelligent, and the most beautiful woman in the great Han empire. She had worn a white Hanfu dress (which Han people used to wear in historical times) with red-colored flower patterns on it. "Mydy, please sit down. It is not confirmed yet that any kind of royal decree hase from the Han Emperor," the assistant Ruyi pronounced.


    "The King and Queen are here," the princess heard a servant speak from outside the inn.


    Ruyi lowered her head as King Song Wai and his queen entered the chamber. "Leave us alone," Song Wai ordered. The maid-servants left the chamber upon hearing the order of the king. "Father-mother," An Ying Lili pronounced as she walked to them.


    "I heard that you agreed with the marriage alliance. Is it true?" An Ying Lili inquired with a worried expression.


    "An Lili, sit here," Song Wai told her daughter and made her sit on the bed. "To save the people, I have to do this. To save this kingdom, I have to do this. Most importantly, to save you, I have to do this. Do you not know what murderous rampage the crown prince had made in our neighborhood kingdom? He not only killed the king and his sons but also the women there. He does not spare anyone." Song Wai stated, as tears formed in his eyes.


    "Your majesty, then how do you expect he will spare my child?" the queenined and sat beside her daughter. "He is such a ruthless person. How will you survive there? Your majesty, you have to at least think about her not as the king but as a father." Song Wai''s wife, Chou Mei, said in a broken voice.


    "The first prince wanted our daughter''s hand as he had seen her once, but then I could never see my daughter as a concubine. At least she will be the official wife of the Crown Prince. An Lili, you will think of me as a cruel father today but it is all for you. The Emperor himself assured me that they will take care of our daughter as their own. Moreover, the emperor himself wants An Lili to marry the crown prince. This alliance will not save people from dying but also give our daughter the respect she deserves," Song Wai pronounced.


    "The Crown Prince is cold and stone-hearted. Your highness, I cannot let my daughter marry that madman," the queen expressed her worries.


    "My queen, I would have never agreed to this if the Emperor of Han had not assured me himself. Last month, I met him and talked about this. The emperor has given me his words and I believe him. Ying Lili will be happy there," Song Wai told his wife.


    "Your highness, what if he ki-" the queen stopped speaking as she broke into tears. An Ying Lili embraced her mother in a hug and said, "No one cany a finger on your daughter. I am trained in martial arts. I trust my father, so do not cry." An Ying Lili consoled and assured her mother at the same time. Pulling away from her, Ying Lili wiped the tears off her mother''s cheeks.


    "I am happy that many lives will be saved because of this marriage alliance. I am willing to marry the Crown Prince," Ying Lili announced with a tiny smile on her lips. "When things can be solved with peace then one must ept it," Ying Lili asserted.


    Song Wai''s eyes were teary as he sacrificed his own daughter for all this. But when the Emperor of Han gave him assurance regarding his daughter and people, he agreed immediately because, in thest campaign of the Crown Prince, the pce women were turned into ves and courtesans. Song Wai could not see his daughter, his queen, and other women turned into ves so he thought the marriage alliance was the best option.


    "I am proud of you, my child. Forgive me for not being able to stop all this. I might be a cowardly King in everyone''s eyes now, but it was the best possible way to escape the bloody war. I know as a king I should have stepped ahead with a sword in my hand on the battlefield, but even if I had done so, I know none of my people would have survived. It is many times better to see my people as free rather than being their ves," Song Wai dered.


    ~~~~~~~~~


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 Chapter 2: I am not that easy to be killed

    <h4>Chapter 2:I am not that easy to be killed</h4>


    A eunuch came inside the chamber with a bowed head. "Forgive me for the intrusion, your majesty. The Crown Prince has arrived," he passed the message to the three of them.


    "I aming. Make sure to not let the Crown Prince get angry in any way," ordered Song Wai. The eunuch shook his head in agreement and left from there. Song Wai then turned to his queen and daughter. "My queen, your presence is a must. Pleasee with me. An Lili, do note outside until you are called," Song Wai asserted.


    The Queen stood up and stood beside Song Wai. Ying Lili noticed her mother was unwilling to make her marry the crown prince. "Mother, do not worry. Everything is fine," she assured her mother who nodded. Both Song Wai and Chou Mei left the chamber while Ying Lili''s assistant, Ruyi came inside.


    Bowing before her princess, Ruyi asked, "Mydy, is everything fine? What did his majesty tell you?"


    "I am marrying the crown prince. There is no other way to save our people," Ying Lili announced. Ruyi could not believe her ears. She bent on her knees and started weeping. "Mydy has not to sacrifice herself for this. We all have heard how ruthless is the crown prince. Can his majesty not find the other way?" Ruyi questioned as she lowered her eyes.


    Ying Lili stood up from the bed and made Ruyi stood up by grabbing her both arms. "Stop crying. Someday I had to marry so, why not this alliance? Do you think he can harm your princess?" Ying Lili queried Ruyi as she wiped the tears off her cheeks.


    "Mydy, I know you are strong enough to make men cry but-"


    "Even he cannot do anything to your princess. I am born strong and no one can harm me. Do not cry," Ying Lili told Ruyi with a tiny smile on her lips.


    A gust of cold wind surrounded the pce as soon as the Crown Prince stopped the horse in front of the gates of the Imperial Pce of Juyan. He stepped down his horse and saw the King of Juyan was standing at the entrance with his queen and others to wee him.


    Sheng Li noticed that they had lowered their eyes. He stepped ahead and entered inside the gate. "We are overwhelmed by your presence, your highness. Please this way," Song Wai humbly told the Crown Prince.


    "I am not here to sit and talk to you. You already threw your dice and also won against me. A very intelligent move by a petty king. Bring your daughter, right away." The cold,manding, and threatening tone sent shivers in the bodies of both the King and Queen along with a few ministers standing behind them.


    Song Wai gathering his entire courage spoke, "Your highness, pleasee inside. You are tired after such a long journey. Let us serve you for a night." Song Wai was speaking each word consciously keeping in mind not to make the crown prince angry in any way.


    Sheng Li with lightning speed took out his sword and ced it on the neck of Song Wai. The queen immediately bent on her knees and pleaded with the crown prince to leave her husband. "Please, do not do anything to my husband." Seeing the queen on her knees the ministers-in-charge and the servants also bent on their knees with lower heads.


    Sheng Li chuckled and spoke, "King Song, you did the biggest mistake of your life by throwing your daughter in this marriage alliance." The sharp sword tip pierced the skin of Song Wai and blood started dripping from it. "You saved yourself and the people of Juyan from me, but what about your daughter?" Sheng Li questioned Song Wai who had tears in his eyes. Chou Mei was shocked to hear that and started crying.


    "I am giving you two options: either be willing to die or let your daughter get killed," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Your highness, please forgive my husband. You can kill me, but do not harm my husband and daughter. I am willing to be getting killed by your hands," the queen pleaded Sheng Li who startedughing.


    "The queen is quite bolder than the king. Why do you not let rule her in this petty kingdom and die by my hands?" Sheng Li asserted with a smirk. General Wang stepped forward when he heard Sheng Li, "Let me handle this myself." General Wang halted at his ce after hearing that.


    "Your highness cannot kill anybody here. I am assured by the Emperor of Han himself," after much hesitance Song Wai dered and thenmanded his assistant eunuch to bring the royal decree.


    "King Song, I do not need the permission of killing anyone from the emperor. I can tell him how you disrespected me. He is my father so, he will say nothing to me. Please see your queen before dying," Saying this Sheng Li pierced the sword deeper into Song Wai''s skin. The queen was begging Sheng Li to spare her husband but he had made up his mind.


    "STOP!" A voice echoed in the air. Sheng Li loosened his grip on the sword and tilted his head to look at the source of the voice. Song Wai upon hearing his daughter''s voice trembled in fear. An Ying Lili stepped forward while her anklets were nging.


    Ying Lili stopped right beside her mother who was still on the ground with a bowed head. "Mother, please stand up," she said as she pulled up her mother.


    "An Lili, I told you not toe here then why did you not listen to me?" Song Waiined. The sword was still hanging under his neck. Ying Lili stepped ahead and gripped the sword with her hand, ring into the eyes of Han Sheng Li.


    "Do not even try harming my father," Ying Lili pronounced sternly. Sheng Li noticed that the princess was indeed a jade beauty. Her fair skin like snow and pearly eyes was enough to mesmerize the person standing in front of her. Sheng Li had heard about her beauty from General Wang when they wereing towards the Imperial Pce but he did not believe it until he saw her himself. "That''s why the first brother fell for you," murmured Sheng Li. He tried taking his sword back and found Ying Lili had a firm grip over it as if she was trained it.


    "Are you willing to die for your people?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, gazing into her eyes. Chou Mei told Ying Lili to step back when a maidservant came forward to take Ying Lili back.


    "Tell your father to shut his mouth if he does not want to lose his life," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, gazing into her eyes.


    "Father, we do not need to be scared of him. If he had to kill us then he would have by now," Ying Lili dered with an affirmed tone.


    Sheng Li was amused to hear the response of Ying Lili. "You did not answer the previous question," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am not that easy to be killed," Ying Lili answered immediately. Her gaze was fixed at Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li smiled and then grabbed Ying Lili''s hand from which she was holding the sword who, tried releasing her grip from Sheng Li''s hand but it was in vain. Leaning closer to Ying Lili''s ear, Sheng Li whispered, "I have never encountered anyone like you until now who is this brave. It will be fun to y with you. You have got a sharp tongue as well."


    "Prepare the pnquin. We are leaving as the princess is here. Lower your eyes if you do not want to be mesmerized by her," Sheng Li announced loudly as he leaned back and released Ying Lili''s hand.

 Chapter 3: I dont like wild cats

    <h4>Chapter 3:I don''t like wild cats </h4>


    Sheng Li turned to leave when Song Wai bent on his knees. " Your highness, take my daughter to Han Capital with respect. I beg you," asserted Song Wai with a bowed head.


    "Father," mumbled Ying Lili and clenched her fist in anger.


    "It is my grace on you that I am not killing you and this imperial ground has not turned into a mourning ground. Indeed, I am taking her with me with respect," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at General Wang who understood the crown prince''s order.


    Sheng Li hopped onto the horse and kept staring at Ying Lili who averted her gaze from him. Ying Lili made her father stand up and told him not to worry about anything as everything was fine. General Wang bowed his head before Yenay and spoke, "Your highness, please follow me."


    Ying Lili turned to look at him and gave him a nod. Chou Mei hugged her daughter tightly and caressed her hair. "An Lili, forgive your mother for not able to do anything," Cho Meimented.


    "Take care of yourself. Do not worry about me, and you have done more than enough for me," Ying Lili stated as she pulled away from her. She looked at her father who was also crying seeing all this. "Father, you are a great king. I will never let you down," Ying Lili stated. Song Wai patted his daughter''s head.


    "Your highness," General Wang told Yenay, his eyes still lowered. Ying Lili stepped forward, exited the imperial pce gate. She walked past Sheng Li who was on a horse and got inside the pnquin. The eight sedan lifters lifted the pnquin.


    "The emperor of Han has sent some gifts for King Song. From today onward, we are allies with a matrimonial rtionship," asserted General Wang. Song Wai epted that by bowing his head again.


    Sheng Li turned the horse and walked out from their sight followed by the pnquin. Ying Lili looked at her parents for thest time through the curtain. Tears formed in her eyes as she lost her parents'' sight. General Wang, on the other hand, stayed there till every gift was given to the Juyan King.


    "Your highness, will we stay outside Juyan for a day or will we resume our journey to the capital?" General Xiao asked who was beside him on the horse.


    "We will not stay here. The military campaign is over, so we must return to the capital as soon as possible," Sheng Li pronounced. "Empty the resting ground and follow us to the capital," Sheng Limanded him. General Xiao agreed to him and on his horse turned to the resting ground.


    After a while, General Wang caught them up. "Your highness, you should have been lenient there," he said.


    "I was lenient, that''s why nobody died today," Sheng Li asserted.


    "There is something your highness must know," General Wang further spoke.


    "Hmm¡­ speak," Sheng Li permitted him.


    "After you left from there someone shot an arrow directed towards King Song. He is no more," General Wang pronounced.


    Frowns appeared on Sheng Li''s forehead. "Did you catch him?" Sheng Li asked with a raised brow.


    "Indeed, I caught him, but he consumed poison from the ring he was wearing. I could not get the name of the person who did this," General Wang told Sheng Li.


    "Other than his brother no one can dare to do this," Sheng Li stated and snickered.


    "Your highness, what about the Princess? She must know about this," General Wang asserted.


    "No. I will tell the princess when we will reach the capital," proimed Sheng Li.


    "Would that not be toote? Forgive me for saying this but your rtionship can be tainted with the princess, which is not good," General Wang opined.


    "Are you worried about me or her? It seems you are mesmerized by her beauty," Sheng Li stated and chuckled.


    "Your highness, I do not dare to eye on the Crown Prince''s woman. I am just worried for you because if the princess will find out about thister then she might me the crown prince. The emperor might get angry at you. So, we shall pay our tributes to thete King of Juyan." General Wang tried making Sheng Li understand.


    "What difference will it make for her? It isn''t like she can revive the dead. Whether or not she mes me, it will not affect me because I also wanted her father to die. How dare she tell me what to do or what not to do," Sheng Li said with a slight smile.


    "Your highness, so you will not tell the princess about this?" General Wang with an inquisitiveness asked.


    "Wang, you are forcing me to tell her. I need to go back again," Sheng Li proimed with a displeased look. "Okay, we will go back to the imperial Juyan Pce," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Your highness, first you must tell the princess," opined Wang Hao. Sheng Li gave a nod and halted along with his horse. He jumped down from the horse and turned back. Ying Lili was confused when the pnquin was stopped. She tried to take a peek when she realized the pnquin was put down.


    Before she could look out, Sheng Li looked in by putting the curtain aside. Ying Lili was startled to see him and averted her gaze from him. The next second, Sheng Li got inside the pnquin.


    "Step back everyone," Ying Lili heard themand of general Wang.


    Sheng Li put his index finger under Ying Lili''s chin and made her look at him. "When I will be in front of you, always look into my eyes. Understood?" Sheng Li stated with a raised brow.


    Ying Lili shook her head in agreement and pped off Sheng Li''s hand. "And, you shall not touch me without my permission," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li who chuckled as he pulled his hand back.


    "I do not like wild cats. Well, let''s not start our arguments. There is something you must know," Sheng Li asserted as he peered into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Speak quickly," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "Your father is dead. Someone shot him an arrow. General Wang informed me just now," stated Sheng Li. Ying Lili''s eyes filled with tears. "This cannot be true," Ying Lili stated. Her voice broke as tears poured down her eyes.


    "Do you think I would have lied to you about this?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili pushed Sheng Li aside, tried to get out of the pnquin when Sheng Li grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Leave me," Ying Lili said with a re.


    "I would love to but you cannot go there by foot," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Leave me. You killed him, right?" Ying Lili asked and wiped the tears from the back of her palm using another hand.


    "I do not kill people behind their backs. Moreover, I was not even there, so how could I kill him? If our rtionship was good enough that I might have told you who killed your father. The shooter is dead as he consumed poison right after your father died. So, general Wang could not get hold of him," Sheng Li exined to Yenay.


    "You want me to believe your lies? Leave my arm if you don''t want to be killed by me," Ying Lili shouted at him.


    Sheng Li slightlyughed as she was the first person to talk with him in such a way when he saw Ying Lili almost pull out the dagger which she was hiding in her waistband. She directed it towards Sheng Li, but he grabbed it. With a murderous look, Sheng Li spoke. "Try doing this and you will be killed here along with your remaining family members."


    Ying Lili gulped her anger. "My generals are enough to wipe off your entire family if you ever try this," Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili. "Earlier I wanted to take you to meet your father, but now I have changed my mind. We are not-"


    "Forgive me," Ying Lili cut the words of the crown prince as tears again poured down her eyes. "Let me meet my father for thest time," Ying Lili told Sheng Li. Sheng Li looked into her watery eyes when he felt somewhat strange.


    Immediately, he came out of the pnquin. "We are going back to the Imperial Pce of Juyan," he ordered. Everyone agreed with that by bowing their heads.


    Sheng Li hopped on his horse again and turned back on the same route. "Tell Xiao Zhan to continue the journey to the capital," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao who informed a soldier regarding the same. The soldier left for the resting ground.


    "Your highness, we have to stay there at least for a day," Wang Hao suggested.


    "We will leave at night. I am not going there, so the princess is your responsibility. I will meet you at night," Sheng Li told Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao was confused upon hearing that. "Is his highness nning to find the culprit?" Wang Hao queried Sheng Li, but he did not give any reply.

 Chapter 4: I hate you

    <h4>Chapter 4:I hate you</h4>


    The pnquin stopped as soon as it entered the grounds of Imperial Juyan Pce. Ying Lili without wasting any second came out of the pnquin and saw the pce ground was indeed converted into a morning ground. She ran as fast as she could and fell on her knees beside her father''s body. Chou Mei looked at Ying Lili and embraced her tightly. "Your father is no more," she cried out.


    Ying Lili looked at her father''s lifeless body. "I will not spare him. I know he killed you, and I will avenge for your death," Ying Lili took a pledge, looking at her father. There were no tears in her eyes, which worried the pce- women.


    "Why are you not crying? Mourn for him," Ying Lili''s aunt told her, whose face was filled with tears. Tears poured down her eyes, but she did not speak anything. Her mother lost her consciousness in her arms that worried her out.


    "Mother. Mother. What happened to mother?" Ying Lili concernedly stated. "Take the queen to the chamber," one of the ministers there ordered. Five maidservants came there and carried the queen up. She was taken to the chamber while Ying Lili followed her up when General Wang stopped her.


    "Forgive me for stopping you this way, your highness but, there is a message from the Crown Prince. Because of some reasons, we have to leave right now for the capital of Han," General Wang told Ying Lili while his eyes were lowered.


    The maidservants left from there along with the sister-inw of the queen to the queen''s chamber at Ying Lili''s request. She then walked to General Wang and said, "Tell your Crown Prince that he broke the alliance by killing my father. I am not going back." Her voice was affirmed.


    "Your highness, please refrain from using the Crown Prince. The marriage alliance is still valid. If the princess will not agree to this, then unwanted bloodshed will ur. The crown prince will not spare anyone here," General Wang proimed.


    Ying Lili''s uncle, Song Li Xiu, standing beside Yenay heard that and told Ying Lili to leave for the capital.


    "Sh¨± shu (uncle in Chinese), my father is no more. Now, this alliance has no meaning. The Emperor''s son backed off from his promise not to kill anyone here, but he killed my f-father," Ying Lili''s voice broke down saying this. She looked at her father''s body and tears started pouring down her eyes. Song Li Xiu noticed General Wang''s expressions and told him to excuse them for a while.


    General Wang bowed his head and stepped back. Li Xiu took away Ying Lili from there in a room nearest to the pce grounds. "Ying Lili, this time is not to decide because of the emotional turmoil you are going on.


    Brother''s loss is indeed grave to all of us but fulfilled your father''sst wish. Brother was concerned about your safety till hisst breath. He did not want the bloodshed, and most importantly he did not want to be dragged out from here with disrespect. I think the brother was not killed by the Crown Prince. He does not kill people at their backs. If he had to kill, then he would have killed him earlier," Song Li Xiu in the best of his limits made Ying Lili understand.


    "So, you are here?" Sheng Li voiced from the other side. Both Li Xiu and Ying Lili turned to him upon hearing his voice. "You do not like to follow the orders," Sheng Li further said as he kept walking towards them.


    Li Xiu immediately lowered his eyes, while Ying Lili beamed at him. Sheng Li stepped towards them and stopped right in front of them. "Your highness, forgive my child-"


    Song Li Xiu stopped speaking as he felt the dagger near his neck. Ying Lili shouted at him. "Are you not satisfied enough after killing my father?" Ying Lili angrily asked Sheng Li.


    "Why did you kill your brother? Wait, let me think," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Stop using others for your mistakes," Ying Lili stated, defending her uncle. She then grabbed Sheng Li''s arm who turned his eyes towards Ying Lili. "You have not got brains at all. Your uncle killed your father for the throne," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and chuckled. Turning back his eyes onto Li Xiu, Sheng Li said, "ept your crimes if you do not want to die. You see, I am not a very patient person."


    General Wang also came there with the same man who shot Ying Lili''s father. "You should have been more careful of my sight. I am not made the crown prince just because I am favored by my father. I have exceptionally great observing skills," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili was confused now as she left Sheng Li''s arm and turned to look at her uncle. "Did you do this? Did you order the shooter to kill father, Sh¨± shu?" Ying Lili asked her uncle.


    Song Li Xiu lowered his eyes. "I do not trust this man so, I am asking you. I know this shooter works for him," Ying Lili stated as she red at Sheng Li. Sheng Li lost his patience and deepened the dagger in the neck of Song Li Xiu when he spoke. "Please, your highness, do not kill me. Yes, I o-ordered my man to kill brother Wai." Li Xiu epted his crime. "Forgive me," he further spoke.


    "You are telling lies. You do not be afraid of him. He cannot do anything. Just tell the truth, Shu shu," Ying Lili was not ready to believe her uncle.


    "I am saying the truth. I k-killed brother Wai for the throne," Li Xiu announced with a stutter and told her to forgive him.


    "How could you expect forgiveness when you used the crown Prince? Close your eyes. This will not hurt at all," Sheng Li spoke and almost going to slit Li Xiu''s throat when Ying Lili stopped him.


    "Do not kill him," Ying Lili said and started crying. The tears she was holding back for a long were burst down from her eyes.


    "Your tears will not stop me from killing him," Sheng Li stated. "Tell me a valid reason to stop," he added. When Ying Lili did not speak anything, Sheng Li said, "I will take it as a yes." But then she grabbed Sheng Li''s wrist. "Will my fathere back if I will allow you to kill him? Why did you evene here? If you had not hade here then, my father would have been alive," Ying Liliined as she hit on Sheng Li''s chest.


    Sheng Li looked at his general and gestured him something. Sheng Li threw the dagger and gestured Li Xiu to go out from there. General Wang took the two out of the room and closed the doors behind him.


    Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s wrists and told her to stop. "This is your father''s foolishness to trust his brother," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "It is all because of you, Sheng Li. I hate you," Ying Lili dered, peering into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "Good for you. I do not want you to love me," Sheng Li stated and smirked. "Now, you have seen your father, then we must leave. Ahh, before leaving I want to remind you of something important. Be respectful towards me and do not ever use me of the things I have not done. You do not have permission to call me by my name. Your tongue I can cut at any instant. You are fun to y with but if I lose my temper, you are going to hurt very badly." Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.


    Sheng Li released his grip from Ying Lili''s wrist and stepped back. "A royal tribute will be given to him by me, and your uncle would be punished. I do not forgive people easily. Yes, your father will not be brought back by this but, I cannot let a wrong man rule this tiny kingdom," Sheng Li pronounced. "Unlike you, I am not a kind man," Sheng Li remarked.


    "It is not about the kindness but it is about the trust my father had on him till hisst breath," Ying Lili stated, wiping off the tears from her cheeks.


    "Trust turns you into a fool- keep this in mind. He might attack the Han Kingdom in the future," Sheng Li opined.


    "Juyan will never betray the Han Empire. The marriage alliance has mentioned that you will not harm any people if I will marry you. I assure you that uncle will never betray," Ying Lili, with an affirmed tone said.


    "I will kill you if he will betray Han in the near future. Then, do not beg for your life," stated Sheng Li.


    "I have given you my words. Juyan is now a loyal ally of Han," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li agreed to Ying Lili, but somewhere he suspected her.

 Chapter 5: I love someone else

    <h4>Chapter 5:I love someone else</h4>


    Han Sheng Li, after paying homage to the deceased king of Juyan left for the capital of Han with An-Ying Lili. After two days of the journey, they reached the capital, Luoyang. The capital was decorated with rednterns, paper cuttings that were hanging throughout the primary route towards the Imperial Pce. The people of Han were gathered on either side of the way to cheer for their Crown Prince for his victorious campaign.


    "May the Crown Prince Long Live!!" An-Ying Lili heard the loud cheers of the people.


    Some people were trying to take a peek at the pnquin as the news about the princess who was going to marry the crown prince had been spread among them. But she had no interest in all this. "He killed my father," the only thing she had in her mind.


    After a while, the pnquin had stopped. "The Crown head has arrived with the Princess of Juyanpleting his vanquishing campaign conquest," An-Ying Lili heard a man announced this. The curtains were pulled aside by a maidservant as she took a peek in. "Mydy, please hold my arm," An-Ying Lili heard the maidservant whose gaze was lowered.


    An-Ying Lili gently ced her hand over the maidservant''s arm and came out out of the pnquin. She turned to look and read - ''Fu Imperial Gates''. She stepped ahead as she saw the crown prince was looking at her but, he then averted his gaze. She stopped near the crown prince as she found the Emperor and the Empress of the Han Kingdom were standing at the gate. A few servants were standing behind them.


    The Crown Prince''s both hands slightly raised till his broad shoulders and were joined together. His head was lowered as he spoke. "Your imperial majesties, please ept the greetings of the crown prince. I havepleted the campaign which my father and the first prince had started. I am feeling pleased to see you two after six years."


    "I am proud of you, Imperial Crown Prince. My queen, look at the crown prince how much he has grown," the emperor with a delightful expression stated who agreed with him.


    The Emperor looked at An-Ying Lili who had lowered her eyes. She kowtowed before the Emperor and the Empress. "The Princess of Juyan, An-Ying Lili is blessed to meet the Imperial Majesties. My father lost his life because of this marriage alliance still, I kept it so that peace between two nations could be maintained," An-Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li nced at her. He had not expected this kind of thing from An-Ying Lili. He could not believe the princess said this to the Emperor as her first words, and not only the sound seemed as if she considered Han Sheng Li as the culprit. For the first time, he had seen someone so daring. If the crown prince''s father had not ordered him to not kill anyone there, he would have killed this woman by now.


    Han Wenji (The Emperor) and Weng Wei (The Empress) looked at each other and then Han Sheng Li. The emperor turned his gaze towards An-Ying Lili and spoke, "I am extremely sad for your loss. I am happy that the princess of Juyan had kept herte father''s promise with me and came here." Sheng Li clenched his fist tightly in anger and nced at An-Ying Lili.


    "My dear queen, please take the princess to the inn prepared for her," Han Wenji told Weng Wei who gave a nod and left with the princess.


    "This way, my son," the emperor said, and they left from there. General Wang instructed the soldiers, and they went to the barracks.


    "Zh¨¥nzh¨± Inn," Ying Lili read on the wooden board. "Princess, this is your inn from today onwards. The Crown Prince chamber is on the left end of your inn," the empress told Ying Lili who gave a nod by bowing her head.


    "Court Lady Ying will exin to you the Imperial Pce rules. She will also assign the maidservants for you. Since you are not married yet so, do not step out till this evening when the Royal marriage will happen. Your duties as a Crown Princess will be told by me in the morning," Weng Wei, the empress briefly told things to Ying Lili.


    "Your majesty, I understood," Ying Lili stated. Weng Wei looked at Court Lady Xu and then left the inn, followed by the pce servants.


    The courtdy stepped ahead and bowed her head in front of Ying Lili. "This is Xu Wan, a courtdy in the Imperial Pce. This is Su Binxi, your personal attendant who will follow you everywhere, including the pce servants. The inner chamber in the inn has your bed chamber while the other two rooms are for your leisure time," Court Lady Xu exined to Ying Lili.


    Su Binxi came forward and bowed her head. "This is Su Binxi. It is my pleasure to serve my young Miss," Su Binxi humbly said.


    "I want to take a rest. I am not feeling good," Ying Lili stated, which worried out? Court Lady Xu.


    "Mydy, you might have travel sickness. I will call the royal physician for you. Binxi, please follow the princess to her bed-chamber," Court Lady Xumanded Su Binxi who bowed and then took Ying Lili inside. As Ying Lili stepped in, she saw the chamber was quite big. A huge bed was ced at the center with white curtains surrounding it.


    Ying Liliid down on the bed after removing her shoes. Su Binxi covered her from the nket. By then courtdy Xu had reached there with the royal physician. "Mydy is experiencing travel sickness. Please suggest a medicine for her," the Court Lady Xu told the royal physician.


    The Royal Physician formally greeted the princess and took out a pill from his cloth bag. "If her highness has taken her meal then she can take it. It will relieve her," the royal physician stated as he handed the pill to Su Binxi.


    "Thank you," An-Ying Lili said with a faint smile. The royal physician left the inn while Court Lady Xu arranged a light meal for the princess. After taking her meal, the princess took the pill and drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~~~~


    The Emperor and the crown prince were in the M¨§id¨¦ inn (Chamber of Virtue). "Father, I always agreed with every decision of yours. Your decisions are supreme to me, but this marriage alliance is not eptable to me. I brought the princess of Juyan because I think she can marry the first brother. I love someone else and I want her to be my official wife, my crown princess, and the future queen," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Han Wenji gave a faint smile to his son. "I have given my words to thete king of Juyan. You will marry the princess of Juyan, and I believe An-Ying Lili is the most suitable bride for you. Let me tell you something. You do not love the Prime Minister''s daughter but because you were close to her since your childhood days you are infatuated with her," Han Wenji proimed.


    Sheng Li was displeased to hear that. "Father, you know that I cannot defy your orders, but my father, you shall think about me first. The king of Juyan is no more, so the promise has no meaning left, ording to me," stated Han Sheng Li.


    "You are wrong, my son. I had talked with King Song face to face and I had given my words to him. It is not like I needed his kingdom but it is the princess whom I was impressed. You must have not heard, but she had defeated a general of the neighborhood kingdom of Juyan in the war. I want a fierce, intelligent and at the same time kind princess for my son. The princess has all those qualities thus, she qualifies for bing the crown princess," Han Wenji exined to his son.


    "I do not like-kind people," Sheng Li annoyingly told his father. "Moreover, she is blunt. Did you not see how rudely she spoke to his imperial majesty? She is not intelligent at all. She let her uncle live and rule the kingdom, who killed her father. Can father not see how foolish she is!" Han Wenji smiled seeing his son''s reactions. Hardly anyone could annoy his son, but this woman did it in the first meeting.


    "The princess might have thought something. Do not take her as a fool. And, be respectful towards her," Han Wenji asserted.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "She does not respect me then why shall I? That woman has got on my nerves. I think she will get hurt if she continues that kind of behavior towards me. No one has the dare to call me by my name except my elders but that woman!!" Sheng Li blurted out everything regarding the princess.


    Han Wenji burst out inughter which confused Sheng Li. Controlling hisughs the emperor said, "I have never seen my son getting this annoyed just by a woman. I now fully believe that the princess is perfect for you. Have trust in your father," the emperor stressed his words. Sheng Li agreed with his father and stood up from the seat. "Please give me permission to go back to my inn," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, you may leave. In the evening, you and the princess will marry. Before that, do not meet her," Han Wenji told Sheng Li who bowed his head and left the inn.

 Chapter 6: Shall not eye the woman of your brother

    <h4>Chapter 6:Shall not eye the woman of your brother</h4>


    Sheng Li was walking through the corridors of the eastern pavilion when he heard the voices from the ''Resting ce of the Princes.'' Sheng Li walked there and entered in. Seeing the crown prince there, they all stopped talking and stood up from their respective chairs. They had bowed their heads in front of the crown prince except for the first Prince, Han Jian Guozhi.


    Sheng Li got seated on one of the chairs, followed by the rest of the princes. "Fifth brother, wee to the home. We are happy to see you after such a long time," the sixth prince, Lei Wanxi humbly said.


    "Bring the Rose tea for the crown prince," ordered the fourth prince, Han Nianzu. The maidservant who was standing behind him bowed her head and left from there.


    "Why did you all stop speaking as soon as I came?" Sheng Li asked them and then looked at his youngest half-brother, Weng Yu who immediately lowered his eyes. "You have grown up so much, Yu. Still, ying with toys? Since I have returned, I can teach you how to be a warrior," Sheng Li proimed with a grin on his face.


    "Fifth brother, do not scare Yu. He is still learning from us," Lei Wanxi stated with a gentle smile on his lips and then patted on Weng Yu''s shoulder. Sheng Li gave a tiny smile when the maidservant came there and poured the rose tea in a porcin cup, followed by the other brothers. The maidservant checked the tea before the princes started drinking it.


    "How is the first prince doing?" Sheng Li asked as he sipped the tea.


    "I am doing well, the mighty crown prince," replied Jian Guozhi.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I am younger than you. Why are you using the title with such an exaggeration?" Sheng Liughed slightly and drank the remaining tea from the cup.


    "Fifth brother, you are getting married as soon ase back. We have heard that the princess is a true jade beauty," Rong Zemin stated, looking at Sheng Li.


    "I also want to meet the princess. Can I meet the princess?" Weng Yu asked and looked at Sheng Li but then lowered his eyes.


    "I have seen the princess once. I have rarely seen any beauty like her. Those pearly eyes, long eyshes, snow-white skin, and plump lips are enough to enthrall anyone in just seconds. Fifth brother, you must be captivated by her the moment you would have seen her," Jian Guozhi characterized the features of An-Ying Lili, looking at Sheng Li.


    "Unlike the first brother, I have not observed her this close," Sheng Li stated and red into his eyes.


    "The first brother was supposed to marry her but, the King of Juyan and our father agreed on marrying the princess with the fifth brother," the second prince, Han Yongzheng pronounced.


    "I heard about that. First brother, you should have pressured your father more. I think you did not put much effort into it," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Do the crown prince not want to marry the princess? Oh, I almost forgot that you have already a lover," Jian Guozhi said in a sarcastic tone.


    "Do the elder fifth brother, not like the princess?" Weng Yu asked, looking at the first prince who gave a tiny smile to him.


    Rong Zemin and Yongzheng looked at each other, gesturing something. "I cannot defy father''s orders. His words are supreme to me," they heard Sheng Li saying this. Jian Guozhi smiled and spoke, "Is the princess aware of your behavior? I wonder if she will be able to survive with a ruthless brother of mine."


    The situation became tense between them. Sheng Li snickered. "It seems the first brother is more concerned about the princess. You shall not eye the soon-to-be woman of your brother, first brother. The way you described the princess is making me think the other way. Your wife will not feel good if she will hear the praise of her husband towards the other woman rather than her."


    Sheng Li then stood up from the chair. "I shall leave now. Yu, I have brought something for you," Sheng Li stated and took out a dagger from his waistband. "Stop ying with toys," Sheng Li told the youngest prince as he handed the dagger to him and the left from there.


    Lei Wanxi stood up from the chair and went behind the crown prince. "Fifth brother," Lei Wanxi called out the crown prince who halted at his ce and turned to look at him. Lei Wanxi stopped right beside him. "How are you?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "I am good. Let''s talkter. I am a little tired so I will take some rest," Sheng Li stated. Lei Wanxi bowed his head as he saw the crown prince going away. "He still has not changed. I hope his princess will change him," Lei Wanxi muttered. Lei Wanxi was the son of the second consort of the emperor and was closest to Sheng Li since his childhood days.


    Lei Wanxi turned to leave when he saw General Wang there who bowed his head before him. Lei Wanxi too greeted the general and asked about his well beings. "I am good, sixth prince," General Wang pronounced.


    "The crown prince seems bothered by something. Did something happen?" Lei Wanxi asked out of curiosity.


    "I think because of the princess''s behavior he is slightly annoyed," replied Wang Hao.


    Lei Wanxi''s eyes widened in surprise. "Do you mean that the princess of Juyan is the reason behind the crown prince''s annoyance?" Lei Wanxi asked with a startled expression.


    General Wang shook his head in agreement. Lei Wanxi could not believe what he heard from General Wang. "There is no one born to annoy the crown prince. I think something big is going to happen," Lei Wanxi with a broad smile stated.


    "I shall take my leave, your highness," General Wang bowed his head and left from there. Lei Wanxi took out his fan from the waistband and started moving lightly beside his face. "Will the fifth brother falls for the princess or will he make her life tough? It will be interesting to watch," Lei Wanxi muttered and walked away from there.


    ~~~~~~


    In the Prime Minister''s residential house, a young woman could be seen on a pavilion ying a guzheng (Chinese plucked zither). The melodious sounds producing from it had surrounded the entire ce. Once she was done ying, she rested both hands over the strings and opened her eyes gradually.


    "Mydy is an improvised guzheng yer," said the assistant, Wu Shan, of the youngdy named Xue Yu Yan who gave a tiny smile to her assistant.


    "Mydy," a maidservant came running there and bowed in front of Yu Yan.


    "What happened?" Wu Shan asked the maidservant.


    "The crown prince has returned, mydy," the maidservant replied with a bowed head. Immediately, Yu Yan stood up from the tiny wooden stool on which she was sitting. She took out a hairpin of gold from her hair bun and forwarded it to the maidservant. "You have given me good news. Here take this," Xue Yu Yan stated. The maidservant took the hairpin and thanked Xue Yu Yan.


    "You are dismissed," Wu Shan told the maidservant who left from there. "Mydy, the crown prince has returned. You shall meet him," Wu Shan told Yu Yan who agreed with her and told her to prepare a pnquin for her. Wu Shan bowed and left from there.


    "Crown prince, you make me wait for six years and now I will not let you go away," muttered Xue Yu Yan with a smile. Another maidservant came there. "Mydy, the pnquin is ready," she told Yu Yan who nodded and followed her. Getting into the pnquin, they left for the imperial pce.


    Reaching the imperial pce, Xue Yu Yan went straight to the crown prince''s residence which was on the eastern Imperial side when a guard blocked her way. "How dare you to block the way of my Miss?" Wu Shan angrily asked the guard at the eastern gates.


    "I apologize but no outsiders are allowed here as there is a marriage in the evening," the guard replied with a bowed head.


    "Mydy is the daughter of the great prime minister. You cannot stop her," Wu Shan argued with the guard. Xue Yu Yan lifted her hand and gestured her assistant to stop. "Whose marriage is going to take ce?" Xue Yu Yan questioned.


    "The imperial crown prince," the guard replied.


    Xue Yu Yan could not believe her ears and again asked to confirm. The guard repeated his words. "This cannot be true," Xue Yu Yan mumbled and stepped inside the Eastern Imperial Gates giving the threat to the guards thereby taking her father''s name.

 Chapter 7: Scared of this woman

    <h4>Chapter 7:Scared of this woman</h4>


    "Forgive me for my rudeness but, the crown prince is sleeping," asserted the head eunuch, Xing-Fu, with a bowed head.


    "When the crown prince will be awake, please tell me that his Xue was here," Xue Yu Yan informed Xing-Fu who gave a nod to her. Xue Yu Yan took a leave from there. As she was walking through the pavilion, she encountered the first prince Jian Guozhi. Gracefully, she greeted Jian Guozhi.


    "What is the daughter of the prime minister doing here?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "I was here to see the crown prince, your highness," Xue Yu Yan replied with lowered eyes.


    "The Fifth brother must be resting. Miss Xue cannot meet the crown prince any longer as he is going to marry the most beautiful woman of the Han kingdom," Jian Guozhi pronounced with a tiny smile on his lips.


    Xue Yu Yan felt disconste upon hearing the words of the first prince. "Is the crown princess a real beauty?" Xue Yu Yan inquired Jian Guozhi.


    "She is!! Her gaze is enough to seduce the person standing in front of her, Miss Xue," Jian Guozhi replied. Xue Yu Yan clenched her fist, which Jian Guozhi noticed. "I am sorry that my younger brother agreed to this marriage alliance. He could not stop himself after seeing the princess''s beauty," Jian Guozhi further added.


    Xue Yu Yan gave a faint smile to him. "Miss Xue can be a Princess Consort of the crown prince," Jian Guozhi suggested and grinned. Xue Yu Yan looked at him and bowed her head. "I shall take my leave, your highness," Xue Yu Yan stated and left from there as fast as she could. She came out of the eastern pce gates and then entered the pnquin, living for her residence.


    The crown prince woke up in thete noon. He was tying the knot on his satin robe when the head eunuch Xing-Fu told him about the visit of the Prime Minister''s daughter. "Why did you not wake me up?" Sheng Li angrily asked him which terrified Xing-Fu and he gave a ny-degree bow to apologize from the crown prince.


    "I will take the bath after meeting her," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Yes, your highness," Xing-Fu replied and pped three times. Three maidservants came in and helped the crown prince in wearing the upper robes. After getting ready, Sheng Li left for the Prime minister''s residence. Xue Yu Yan was informed about his arrival and she ran outside towards the gate to meet the crown prince.


    She walked near him and bowed her head to greet him. "Your highness, I am overwhelmed by your presence. Please this way," Xue Yu Yan told Sheng Li who gave a nod and followed her. Now the two were in Yu Yan''s chamber. Sheng Li was seated on the ground stool while Yu Yan was serving chrysanthemum tea to him.


    "Why did you leave without meeting me?" Sheng Li asked Yu Yan as he grabbed the teacup.


    "I do not dare to disturb the sleep of his royal highness," Yu Yan proimed and got seated on the other wooden stool.


    "Xue has never disturbed me. You have be beautiful since thest time I have seen you," Sheng Liplimented her.


    "Thank you, your highness," Xue Yu Yan replied. Her eyes were still lowered.


    "Why does it seem to me that Xue is not delighted to see me," Sheng Li questioned her and sipped the tea.


    "I am delighted to see, your highness. You are thinking too much," Xue Yu Yan proimed and gave a smile to the crown prince who was happy to hear that. "But, the crown prince forgot about the promise he had given to this young woman," Xue Yu Yanined and finally peered into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "Xue, I could not stop that. My father wants me to marry the princess of Juyan," Sheng Li asserted.


    "What about this woman, then who loves you for a very long time?" Xue Yu Yan queried Sheng Li who put down the porcin cup in his hand at the table.


    "I have no answer for this. Forgive me for not keeping my promise," Sheng Li proimed.


    Xue Yu Yan''s eyes were filled with tears. "So, the crown prince has indeed spellbound by the beauty of the princess of Juyan. I cannot believe that after six years of wait your highness will give me such a present," Xue Yu Yan asserted as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Sheng Li tightened his fist at seeing those tears. "Xue, I cannot go back on my father''s words, but let me rify something. I love you only. Her beauty is spell-bounding for others, but not for me. For me, you are the most beautiful woman whom I care for," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your highness is again giving me false hopes. After your highness will be married then, it is obvious that he will start loving the princess. I, on the other hand, will only keep the memories of our unrequited love," Xue Yu Yan pronounced.


    "What do Xue want? Do you want to be my consort? I am not in a position to give you a royal Crown Princess title," Sheng Li asked for Yu Yan''s opinion.


    "Your highness, Xue does not want the title but the love of the crown prince. I have no greed for the position," asserted Xue Yu Yan. Sheng Li gave a tiny smile to Yu Yan. "That''s why I love only you. Thank you Xue for understanding me," stated Sheng Li when a voice was heard by them.


    "Your royal highness, the general is here."


    She tiptoed and kissed Sheng Li on the lips who was slightly startled. Yu Yan then stepped back, lowering her eyes. "I will wait for the crown prince," Xue Yu Yan said. Sheng Li hummed and left the chamber. Outside the prime minister''s office, Sheng Li asked Wang Hao about the sudden visit.


    "The Empress was searching for you. Her Majesty has said that you should not have stepped out of the pce on his marriage day so, she sent me to bring you," Wang Hao replied as the two hopped on their respective horses.


    "Since when the Empress started caring for such things," Sheng Li muttered and rode the horse to the pce. After they reached there, Sheng Li went to the bathhouse prepared for him. Therge round bathtub was filled with rose and milk along with water. The scent emancipating from the water calmed down the crown prince and rxed every inch of his muscle.


    The crown prince''s both hands were rested on the marble stand of the bathtub and his eyes were closed. The thought of getting married to An-Ying Lili was giving him a headache. "Everyone, get out from here," Sheng Li shouted.


    "Xing-Fu, where is the princess of Juyan?" Sheng Li questioned the head eunuch who was standing a few meters away from the bathtub.


    "Your highness, the princess is taking the bath in the bathhouse next to you," Xing-Fu replied. Sheng Li opened his eyes and ordered Xing-Fu to send every person out of the bathhouse where An-Ying Lili was taking a royal bath.


    "Your highness cannot see the princess before the marriage rituals," Xing-Fu proimed.


    "Xing-Fu, I think you need to be reced," Sheng Li announced as he turned his head slightly to nce at Xing-Fu who apologized and walked out from there. Sheng Li stood up and wore the white satin cloth.


    In the next bathhouse, An-Ying Lili got confused as the maidservants started walking out. "Where are you going?" An-Ying Lili confusedly asked Su Binxi who before leaving told her that the crown prince had ordered that. As the entire bathhouse emptied, An-Ying Lili heard the sound of footsteps, so she quickly covered her body using a white satin bathrobe that was ced on the marble bathtub counter.


    "You do not have any manners," An-Ying Lili said to Sheng Li who was seated on the counter.


    "I am not interested in seeing your body," Sheng Li whispered in An-Ying Lili''s ear. He leaned back and then said, "Kill yourself," Sheng Li stated.


    "What?" An-Ying Lili eximed.


    "I do not like to repeat my words twice but for you, I will again repeat. Just kill yourself," Sheng Li repeated himself.


    "Your orders are not applicable on me, Sheng Li," Ying Lili sternly replied.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Did I not tell you not to call me by name and respect me? I guess I was expecting a very wrong thing from you," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Respect is not imposed, but it is earned, and for you, I have no respect," An-Ying Lili proimed. "Why shall I kill myself?" Ying Lily questioned Sheng Li.


    "For the people of Juyan," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili chuckled. "It seems the imperial crown prince fears this woman when she did not even do anything," An-Ying Lili sarcastically said, which infuriated Sheng Li but at the same time amused him.


    "So, you will not leave me this easily," Sheng Li said as she stood up and waited for Ying Lili''s response.


    "I will leave you when you will die!" An-Ying Lili announced with utter hatred in her tone.


    "You might end up dying before me, Ying Lili," Sheng Li asserted and smirked.

 Chapter 8: The Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 8:The Wedding</h4>


    Ying Lili saw Sheng Li going away. She took a breath of relief when the maidservants came inside. Su Binxi and the other maidservants helped Ying Lili in taking a bath and then she was being taken to the chamber where the attendants helped her in getting ready.


    She was wearing a Red Hanfu wedding dress which symbolizes Happiness, Prosperity, and a good lock, with golden embroidery on it. She looked at herself in the mirror when she heard Su Binxi, "Mydy, please depart your lips a little." An-Ying Lili did so when the other maidservant put a red-colored paper in between her lips. The red color was imparted on her lips.


    After that the gold jewelry was put around her neck, followed by some golden bangles in the hand, a golden-diamond ring, and anklets on the feet. "Mydy is looking so pretty today," Su Binxi gave apliment to Ying Lili. Court Lady Ying came forward with the Golden Phoenix crown in her hands. Su Binxi put it over the head of Ying Lili.


    The hairdresser did the hair of Ying Lili carefully and put three hairpins in the hair bun. The perfume was dispersed over Ying Lili''s dress and a little on her hands and neck. The scent fragranced the air in the dressing room.


    Su Binxi covered Ying Lili''s face from a red veil. "Mydy, please get up," Su Binxi proimed. Ying Lili stood up and turned around. They then left for the wedding altar. As Ying Lili entered the wedding altar, the whispers died out. Ying Lili gracefully was walking towards Sheng Li. As she reached near him, they both looked at each other though Sheng Li could not see Ying Lili''s face.


    They both looked at the front when the chief priest handed them two golden cups which had wine in them. "Please drink it, your highnesses. Give your first homage to heaven and earth; second to the great ancestors of Han, and third to the Kitchen God," the chief priest announced.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili raised both hands, holding the cups, and kowtowed for the Heaven-earth first, followed by the ancestors and the kitchen God. Once they were done, the two attendants took the cups from them and then filled them again with honey-wine mixture. "This drink is for each other that you two will respect in every decision and be together," both Sheng Li and Ying Lili heard the chief priest. Sheng Li was ring at Ying Lili. "I will make your life hell," Sheng Li told himself and drank the wine from the cup.


    "I will make sure to kill you, Sheng Li, and avenge my father''s death," Ying Lili pledged as she drank the wine.


    "From today onwards, they both are husband and wife. The Han Kingdom has gotten its Imperial Crown Princess," the chief priest announced. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili kowtowed before the Emperor and the Empress who gave them their blessings.


    "Court Lady Xu, please take the crown princess to the bridal chamber," Weng Wei ordered Xu Wan who gave a nod and told Ying Lili to follow her. As she was walking, Weng Yu came in front of her. "Congrattions on getting married, your Imperial Highness," Weng Yu told Ying Lili.


    "Yu,e here. Do not block the way of the crown princess," Lei Wanxi proimed as he pulled Weng Yu towards him. "Forgive my little brother for his rude behavior," Lei Wanxi apologized to the crown princess.


    "I want to see the face of the crown princess," Ying Lili heard him. The regal family members startedughing hearing this. The third noble consort of Han Wenji scolded Weng Yu. "Mother, everyone is saying the crown princess is beautiful," Weng Yu said in a low voice and lowered his eyes.


    "Congrattions, the imperial crown prince on getting married," Jian Guozhi gave wishes to Sheng Li who did not reply to him.


    "The wedding banquet is ready. We shall go there and then the crown prince has toplete other wedding rituals," said Weng Wei with a smile. Han Wenji shook his head in agreement. They all left for the wedding banquet hall. Lei Wanxi was teasing Sheng Li along with the other brothers when Sheng Li told him to shut up and walked away from there.


    "Wanxi, I think I am going to win the bet. The fifth brother will not fall for the crown princess," asserted Rong Zemin with a smile.


    "Dear third brother, the crown princess is fierce like our fifth brother. It is just the beginning of their love story," stated Lei Wanxi. Jian Guozhi snickered upon hearing Lei Wanxi''s statement.


    "One who has never shown mercy on anyone can never fall in love. Keep that in mind, Wanxi," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "The first brother, that is a very undermining statement ording to me. Warmth changes a person and our brother needs that warmth," Lei Wanxi replied to Jian Guozhi who passed a tiny smile to him. "I hope the crown prince will get that warmth from the crown princess, " wished Jian Guozhi and grinned.


    ~~~~~~


    Sheng Li had a porcin jar in his hand and was standing on the bridge made over the water canal in the eastern pce. Han Wenji came there and stood beside his son. "Why did you not attend the royal wedding banquet?" Han Wenji asked Sheng Li.


    "Imperial father knows the answer," Sheng Li proimed and found the wine jar was emptied by him.


    "The crown prince shall trust his father," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "I am trusting you that''s why she is still alive," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You shall not speak this way," Han Wenji stated.


    "Apologies, Imperial father but I am feeling dejected. You knew my rtionship with Xue Yu Yan, but you chose this for me. I like nothing about the crown princess still, for your promise I married her. I will make Xue my Princess Consort soon and please do not stop me from doing that," Sheng Li pronounced and left from there.


    "I do not trust the intentions of the Prime Minister, nor do I trust his daughter. Because he has the support of many ministers, I cannot remove him from such a high aristocratic post," Han Wenji thought in his mind.

 Chapter 9: Never warm my bed

    <h4>Chapter 9:Never warm my bed</h4>


    In the Bridal chamber, the maidservants had arranged everything as per Court Lady Xu''s instructions. An-Ying Lili had removed her veil despite court Lady Xu stressing her not to do so.


    "When he wille, I will put it on, courtdy Xu," Ying Lili humbly said. Su Binxi had a bamboo stick basket in her hand in which rose petals could be seen. "Why did you pluck so many roses, Binxi? They are wasted," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Your highness, these rose petals are the symbol of love. The bridal chamber is filled with the fragrance of roses and the imperial crown prince is going to like it," Su Binxi asserted with a smile and she started spreading the rose petals on therge circr bed.


    Court Lady Xu instructed the other attendants to help Su Binxi and then turned to Ying Lili. "Mydy, today is your first night with the crown prince. Your mother might have told you about this still, as the second head of the imperial Pce I have to tell you some important things," Court Lady Xu proimed.


    Ying Lili was getting irritated hearing that she had to spend the night with the person whom she hated the most there. But she was happy too because she had decided to kill him that night only.


    "Mydy, it will be painful in the beginning but¡­" Court Lady Xu was stopped by An-Ying Lili who was already annoyed by all this. Court Lady Xu apologized to the crown princess.


    "The crown Prince is taking more than usual time," said Su Binxi to cheer up the mood of the crown princess, unbeknownst that the crown princess is annoyed by the Crown Prince.


    One maidservant came running inside. Bowing her head she said, "The crown prince is here." Su Binxi put the red veil over the head of the crown princess and told her to not be nervous.


    Both Su Binxi and Court Lady Xu stood a few meters away from therge King sized bed with bowed heads.


    As the crown Prince stepped into Zhenzhu inn and all the servants bowed before him. Sheng Li entered the bridal chamber and looked at Court Lady Xu. "No one should be outside else you all will face my wrath in the morning." Sheng Li''s tone was fierce.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied as she further lowered her head.


    "You all shall leave now," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Yes, your highness. The marital teas are already being served. Please take them andplete thest ritual of your marriage," Court Lady Xu humbly told the crown prince.


    "I understood," Sheng Li replied when all the maidservants, Court Lady Xu and Su Binxi left from there. Sheng Li looked at An-Ying Lili and clenched his fists tightly which were behind his back. The candle lights were illuminating the bridal chamber, so he blew them off first.


    Ying Lili ced her hand near her waistband where she had hidden a dagger. She had decided that if Sheng Li would try getting closer to her, she would not spare him even if she had to die.


    When all the candles were blown off, Sheng Li stepped towards the bed where An-Ying Lili was seated. "Why are you putting on this act?" Sheng Li growled when An-Ying Lili pulled off the veil from her head and said, "I am not putting on any act," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li, ring at him. She found his eyes were red as if he had drunk a lot.


    Sheng Li ced his one leg beside Ying Lili and leaned towards her while Ying Lili leaned back, but it was of no use because Sheng Li had grabbed her face in between his hands. The impressions of his fingers on Ying Lili''s face deepened as he pulled her towards him.


    Ying Lili''s both hands were on his hand, trying to release it from her cheeks, but her efforts were dull in front of the crown prince.


    "No one ever dared to talk with me like the crown princess does. You forget that for me there is no gender. I consider both men and women equal. I do not even hesitate in killing you but, this my father''s grace on you that you are still alive," saying this Sheng Li pushed her back and Ying Lili''s back hit against the soft, cushioned mattress.


    Sheng Lili straightened up and turned his head to look at the teacups in which marital drinks were poured already. He went towards that table and in anger turned it away. The porcin teacups fell and broke. Ying Lili stood up to go to the other room in the Inn as she knew if she stayed there any longer then the crown prince would hurt her.


    The crown princess stepped ahead to run away when the crown prince grabbed her arm and then the next second she was pulled by him. Ying Lili acted swiftly in that situation and took out the hidden dagger from her waistband.


    Directing the sharp dagger towards the crown prince, Ying Lili spoke, "You shall die." Her eyes were resentful as she recalled how her uncle told her that day that for saving himself and the people there from the wrath of the crown prince, he had to lie that he killed Song Wai. "You made a mistake by taking me here, Sheng Li," Ying Lili pronounced and it hit Sheng Li''s chest.


    Sheng Li did not expect this from Ying Lili, and a chuckle escaped his mouth. In his damp crisp voice, the crown prince said, "You shall know that such a small knife won''t be enough to kill me."


    "You are too confident of yourself, Sheng Li," Ying Lili asserted with a re and pierced it more into Sheng Li''s skin.


    "I am enjoying ying with you, Crown princess," Sheng Li proimed when he grabbed Ying Lili''s hand. "I hope you could use this opportunity in a better way," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li who had taken out the dagger from his skin.


    The blood drops dropped on the floor when Ying Lili noticed the dagger was half-covered in the blood. She again tried hurting the crown prince but this time he grabbed her wrist and swiftly pushed her towards the bed, throwing the dagger away somewhere in the chamber.


    Ying Lili struggled when Sheng Li pressed both hands on either side of her shoulders. "You have lost your chance to kill me. I was too easy on you but, now I think I should not undermine this beauty," Sheng Li proimed as he hovered over the crown princess who was struggling to get released from the grip of the crown prince.


    "I heard you are the kindest woman in the entire Han Kingdom but it seems opposite to me. You want me to die!!" Sheng Li astonishingly said, keeping his distant gaze intact on the woman on his bed.


    "Cruel people are not worthy of anyone''s kindness," Ying Lili pronounced sternly.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Do you mean that kind people live happily? Kindest is the one who whimpers in pain. Are you ready to undergo that pain with this cruel man?" Sheng Li asked, slightly tilting his head, and a smirk formed on his lips.


    The blood drops were falling on Ying Lili''s wedding dress when she flinched her brows. She felt something different in the eyes of the crown prince as if he was badly hurt internally.


    Leaning closer to Ying Lili''s ear, Sheng Li whispered, "Never expect love from this evil and cruel man. Feed this in your mind- ''You will never warm my bed.'' Remember this memorable wedding night, my dear Crown Princess."

 Chapter 10: I am enjoying playing with you

    <h4>Chapter 10:I am enjoying ying with you</h4>


    Leaning closer to Ying Lili''s ear, Sheng Li whispered, "Never expect love from this evil and cruel man. Feed this in your mind- ''You will never warm my bed.'' Remember this memorable wedding night, my dear Crown Princess."


    Ying Lili peered into the dark red eyes of Sheng Li. "Who wants to warm your bed? A cruel man like you deserves no love," Ying Lili stated with a stern expression.


    "Stop calling me cruel. I might end up doing something with you which I do not want to," Sheng Li pronounced, which terrified Ying Lili a little. But, she wanted to keep her guard, so she said, "Do not even try doing that." The crown princess was struggling to get released from the crown prince''s grip, but it seemed to her that he was quite powerful for her to handle.


    The crown princess felt her skin near the chest got wet because of the blood dripping from the wound she had given to the crown prince''s chest. "You injured a royalty and do you know what it means?" Ying Lili heard Sheng Li asking this from her.


    Sheng Li then released Ying Lili''s one hand and traced her face outline using his index finger. "Your beauty can seduce, can mesmerize every single person in this world, but not me. The first prince is already spellbound by your beauty and I do not know about the other princes." Ying Lili was confused.


    "I want to kill this man so desperately, but why does it seem like he is missing something in his life?" A sudden thought stuck in the head of the crown princess.


    "Why are you not killing me? I tried killing you," An-Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li who snickered. Ying Lili was waiting for a response from the crown prince.


    "You are different, which is pressuring me to not kill you. Your futile attempts were almost nil in front of this cruel prince. I have started liking this hate rtionship between us. A brave woman like you shall not be killed easily," Sheng Li proimed and leaned closer to Ying Lili who put her free hand on his shoulder to push away Sheng Li.


    Her strength seemed so little in front of the crown prince. In fear, she tightly shut her eyes and puckered her lips together. "Throw away the thought that I am going to consummate the marriage with you. My main goal for today is over. I really enjoyed this wedding night. We will y more like this. You acted the way I wanted you to," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips.


    Forthwith, An-Ying Lili opened her eyes and with astonishment looked at Sheng Li who was grinning at her. He left her both wrists and stood up. The blood from his wound had spread on the white satin bed sheets.


    "I hope you will not get injured next time by me. y carefully with me, my dear crown princess," stated Sheng Li as he walked out of the bed-chamber.


    Sheng Li reached his bed-chamber and sat on the bed. The crown prince opened the knots of his robes and looked at the wound the crown princess had given to him. "I should have killed her the moment she stabbed me. But, why did I stop?" muttered Sheng Li who stood up and checked a nearby wooden cupboard.


    Taking out the cotton, he wiped the blood off the wound and cleaned it nicely. After applying the medicine over the wound, he went to the bed andid on it. He pulled up the sheets and covered himself from it just below the chest, and closed his eyes.


    Ying Lili could not believe her ears as she sat up on the bed. Both of her wrists had now the impressions of the fingers of the crown prince. She looked at the sheets, which had a patch of blood on them, including on her clothes. She was rxed and happy that the crown prince did not do something to her.


    Ying Lili touched her clothes near the chest and the blood came into her hands. "I have to clean it before the other maids will see this. But how?" the crown princess thought.


    Head eunuch, Xing-Fu, came to the door, standing behind the white curtains from which the crown princess was faintly seen. "Your highness, forgive me for intruding on you. Your attendant will help you change and then you can sleep peacefully," asserted Xing-Fu.


    "Are you helping me?" Ying Lili asked softly.


    "No, your highness. This is the order of the imperial Crown head which I must follow," Xing-Fu proimed. Ying Lili understood and shook her head in agreement.


    "Your highness, this eunuch wants to say something," Xing-Fu stated.


    "Yes, please," Ying Lili permitted the head eunuch.


    "Your highness should consider the crown prince as a cold and ruthless man. I have been serving the imperial highness since his birth. He is not the person her highness is thinking of," Xing-Fu pronounced humbly.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "May I ask why are you speaking like this?" An-Ying Lili asked politely.


    "Your highness, your marriage with the crown prince is especially emphasized by the Imperial Emperor. Because never felt the love, he turned himself in like this. I hope her highness will see through the crown prince," Xing-Fu replied.


    "He killed my father. Does the head eunuch think this woman can open her heart for such a person who did not listen to my mother''s begging and killed my father?" Ying Liliined as her eyes turned teary.


    "Your highness is misunderstanding the crown prince. His highness is not the person who will go against his father''s orders. His highness was only threatening you and others there as he thought he could stop the marriage. His highness had never listened to anyone''s request but, for her highness he went back to the Pce of Juyan to pay homage to thete King," Xing-Fu exined to Ying Lili who was now in deep thought.


    After a while, Ying Lili spoke. "A tainted rtionship is always tainted, and it cannot be mended. Thank you, head eunuch, for telling me all this. Please thank the imperial emperor for sending this message through you."


    Xing-Fu flinched as he was confused about how the crown princess found out that the imperial emperor had sent this message through him. "Your highness, I shall leave. The attendant will be here soon," asserted the head eunuch, and gracefully stepped back, going outside the chamber.


    An-Ying Lili fell in deep thought. A thought came to her mind- ''Did my uncle lie to me?" But, she was not ready to ept that because in her eyes the Crown Prince was brutal who deserved no love.


    Su Binxi came there, which stopped the thoughts of the crown princess. "Your highness, I have brought a fresh pair of clothes for you. Let me help you," Su Binxi offered, and stepped ahead when she saw the bloodstains on the sheets.


    "Mydy, can I ask something?" Su Binxi asked, and lowered her eyes.


    "Speak," Ying Lili gave her permission.


    "Why does his highness leave so soon? You were supposed to be in the bridal chamber the entire night," Su Binxi stated.


    "Do not take the other meanings of this. Nothing happened. It is just that I injured the crown prince," Ying Lili told her assistant who gave a nod and then took Ying Lili to the dressing room.

 Chapter 11: This is my kindness

    <h4>Chapter 11:This is my kindness</h4>


    In the morning, after taking a hot bath the crown prince was getting ready. Two maid- servants helped him wear the ck-colored, golden border- Dragon upper coat over the inner robe. At the back of the Dragon coat, a tiger was carved using the golden threads, symbolizing the Imperial might and strength of the crown prince.


    The crown was ced over the head of Sheng Li in the bun and it was fixed by the golden hairpin. "Your highness has to go for the morning greetings with her highness thereafter, joining the family breakfast hall along with her highness," Xing-Fu told the crown prince humbly.


    The golden belt was tied around the waist of the crown prince and he turned to Xing-Fu. "Is the crown princess ready?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Her highness is ready and is waiting for you," Xing-Fu replied with a bowed head.


    "We are leaving for the crown princess'' Inn. Inform the courtdy Xu that I aming there." Xing-Fu bowed his head further upon hearing the crown prince''s order and left for the Zhenzhu Inn. General Wang came to the dressing room and bowed his head, joining his both hands by raising them to his shoulders.


    "What happened? Are you here in the early morning?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Your highness, we have caught the spy from Juyan who was sent by the new King of Juyan after us." General Wang informed the crown prince whose expressions darkened.


    "Why did he send the spy after us? Did you interrogate the spy?" Sheng Li queried Wang Hao who shook his head in agreement.


    "The spy is loyal to his master so, is not speaking anything. Your highness, I think we shall inform the Emperor regarding this, as this is the issue of rebellion where even after epting the suzerainty, the Juyan King is using the other ways." General Wang raised his suspicions.


    "Wang Hao, the Juyan King will not send the spy when his princess is just married to me. He knows the consequences. The spy was intentionally sent but not from Juyan King instead of someone who is a foe of me- to create destabilization in my position," the crown prince proimed.


    General Wang put his both hands down and then looked at the crown prince. "Is his highness referring to the first Prince because he is the only person who is not happy with this alliance. The first Prince could not stop your marriage with the crown princess so, he is using this evil way to create a conflict." Wang Hao made some assumptions.


    "I am not sure but except the first Prince, no one can dare to do that. I will interrogate the spy after general greetings and the court session will end," Sheng Li proimed. General Wang bowed his head and left the chamber while Sheng Li left for the crown princess chamber.


    An-Ying Lili was sitting near the dressing table when she heard that the crown prince wasing there. The maidservants left the inn as soon as Sheng Li stepped inside. Ying Lili stood up from the chair and asked him why he came there.


    "Shall you not greet me first?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked from An-Ying Lili who red into his eyes. "It seems you are quite desperate for my greetings," Ying Lili proimed, which infuriated the crown prince.


    Sheng Li stepped ahead and said, "No, I do not want your greetings. Instead, I want you to learn some manners that you have left in Juyan. Do not let anyone know about our rtionship else you have to face my wrath."


    An-Ying Lili did not feel good hearing Sheng Li''s words so she snapped at him. "I wish not to tell our rtionship to anyone because people already know about your lover." Sheng Li knitted his brows. "It seems the crown princess is jealous of my lover. Shall I tell you why? Because you are not getting the love and attention of your husband." he smirked and turned.


    "The crown prince is in the biggest illusion of his life. Who wants the love of a person like you? I request the crown prince not toe here now and then," Ying Lili proimed when Sheng Li turned back to her and grabbed her neck.


    "L-leave me," Ying Lili struggled and grabbed the hand of Sheng Li who had tightened his grip on her neck. "What do you mean a person like me? Just say that in your eyes I am Barbaric who was kind enough to your family and you. You would be in prison for hurting mest night. Your entire family would be wiped away by now but, you should be grateful to me that I spared you along with your petty family." Saying this, he pushed off the crown princess.


    Ying Lili was hit against the table and a knife that was ced on that table cut into her hand. "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream and looked at her hand, which had bled. Sheng Li stepped towards her and gripped her injured hand. The crown princess whimpered in pain. "You are hurting me," Ying Lili said as she hit him on the chest, using her other hand.


    "This is my kindness on a kind woman like you that I am still bearing your sight. It will take me seconds to make your life hell but I am holding myself back from not doing anything to you," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili''s eyes filled with tears as Sheng Li kept on increasing the pressure on her injured hand.


    "You killed my father and you think it is the kindness you did to me. You have already turned my life hell. You are hurting me when you have no right over me," Ying Lili proimed. The two were ring at each other when Sheng Li left her hand and strode out of the chamber.


    Ying Lili saw her hand on which the wound was deepened. "Mydy, what happened to your hand?" Su Binxi, who just came in, concernedly asked. "I am calling the physician," Su Binxi asserted and walked out. Ying Lili did not let the tears off her eyes and took a deep breath. She was broken inside but for her father, she had to be strong because that''s the only way she could fight against the inhuman crown prince.


    The Royal Physician came running there and bowed his head. "Your highness, please get seated. I will treat your wound else it will leave the scar on her highness hand," asserted the royal physician. Su Binxi made the crown princess on the chair there and the royal physician started dressing the crown princess'' wound.


    As it was done, the royal physician took his leave. "Who ced the knife over there?" Court Lady Xu asked angrily from the maids there who had bowed their heads.


    "Courtdy Xu, I was the one who had put the knife there. We shall leave for the greeting hall," Ying Lili stated and stood up from the chair. The Court Lady bowed her head, epting the orders of the crown princess. They then left for the greeting hall.


    As they came to the central imperial pce, they encountered a few princes whom Ying Lili could not recognize. "Your highness, this is the second prince and on the left of the second prince is the third prince," Courtdy Xu whispered near Ying Lili''s ear who shook her head.


    "Forgive me for not being able to recognize the second brother and third brother," Ying Lili stated as she bowed her head slightly, lowering her gaze.


    "The crown princess shall not ask for apologies. I am the second Prince Yongzheng and this is my third brother, Rong Zemin. It is our pleasure to meet her royal highness. The rumors are indeed true. Her highness is a heavenly beauty. But, where is the crown prince? Did his highness not apany the crown princess?" Rong Zemin asked and looked back.


    "Third brother, thank you for asking about me," Rong Zemin turned back as he saw Sheng Li who came towards An-Ying Lili and stood beside her. "My dear crown princess, forgive me. An urgent work hade so I could note to your chamber," Sheng Li asserted.


    "My dear princess, how did this happen?" Sheng Li asked, showing his fake concern, and then gazed at courtdy Xu. "It seems because of the old age you are having difficulty in working," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili pulled back her hand and spoke. "It is fine. I was not careful and ended up getting hurt."


    "You shall be careful, my crown princess," Sheng Li asserted. Rong Zeming and Yongzheng smiled at seeing the two. "It seems the crown prince has fallen for the magnificent beauty," Yongzheng whispered in the ear of Rong Zemin who shook his head in agreement.


    "Indeed, I shall be careful of you," Ying Lili said in a low voice and averted her gaze from the crown prince.

 Chapter 12: Strong or Weak

    <h4>Chapter 12:Strong or Weak </h4>


    After giving the morning greeting to the Emperor, his Empress, and his three other consorts, they all left for the morning meals. "Crown Princess shall serve the food to everyone with her hands," the empress expressed her desire to which An-Ying Lili agreed immediately.


    Starting with the emperor the crown princess served the food to all regal members of the family. She went to the crown prince to serve the food to him who was already annoyed by her. An-Ying Lili thought of something and put the spices in the fish soup. The crown princess put the silver bowl on the table and rice in the other bowl. cing the chopsticks beside that, the crown princess put the other side dishes as well on the table.


    "The food seems so delicious after her royal highness served it to us," Jian Guozhi asserted with a smile.


    "First prince is absolutely right. Even I am finding the food delicious today," Han Wenji proimed and then looked at the empress who agreed with the emperor. "Crown princess, please take your seat and start eating," Weng Wei told An-Ying Lili who stood up and bowed her head.


    The crown prince picked the spoon to taste the soup. Taking a spoonful of it, he sipped it and started coughing because of the spices in it. An-Ying Lili smiled faintly when everyone looked at the crown prince. Ying Lili went to him and bent on her knees. She gave the water to Sheng Li and caressed his back. Sheng Li drank the water and looked at Ying Lili. "How dare you to put the spices in my food?" Sheng Li shouted and again drank the water.


    "What are you saying, fifth brother? There are no spices at all," Rong Zemin proimed.


    "The crown prince shall not use the crown princess. I think his highness taste buds has gotten some type of disorder during the military campaign," Jian Guozhi joked and they allughed. Sheng Li jerked off Ying Lili''s hand from him and stood up. "Did you put the spices in my food?" Sheng Li asked fiercely from the maidservant who was holding the wooden serving tray.


    Everyone looked at Sheng Li whose anger was now visible on his face. An-Ying Lili stood up and went near the crown prince. "I did this so, do not get angry at her," Ying Lili epted her fault when Sheng Li threw the tray away which was in the hands of the maidservant. The maidservant came onto her knees, begging for her life. "Take her away," Sheng Li ordered when Ying Lili intervened.


    Sheng Li raised his hands to the shoulders height and bowed his head. "Forgive me, father. I am not in a mood to eat. I shall take my leave," Sheng Li proimed and lifted his head. ring at Ying Lili, Sheng Li left the hall.


    "The Fifth brother gets angry in little things. I think her highness was just showing her love towards the crown prince. But, it seems the merciless crown prince does not like these kinds of love gestures," Jian Guozhi proimed, looking at Ying Lili.


    "Elder fifth brother is terrifying. When he threw the tray I thought elder brother would kill the servant," Ying Lili heard the youngest prince, Weng Yu. Lei Wanxi gestured Weng Yu not to speak anything.


    Ying Lili turned towards the Emperor and the Empress. "Please forgive me for ruining the morning meals like this. You all shall continue eating." Ying Lili apologized to them. The maidservant cleaned the floor there and left the hall along with the crown princess.


    ~~~~~~~


    Ying Lili was walking through the corridors, wondering where would Sheng Li have disappeared to. She halted at her ce. "Why am I looking for him? I did not put many spices in his food that he got this much furious," muttered Ying Lili. Su Binxi, who was standing behind the crown princess said, "Your highness, you shall not do any such pranks with his highness. His highness could have killed that maidservant at that moment."


    Ying Lili turned and looked at Su Binxi. "I know. I am guilty of this too. But he acted just too much," Ying Lili proimed. "I think I should apologize to him but do not where did he vanish?" Ying Lili worriedly said, looking around.


    "The Royal Court will start in a while. So, his highness must have gone to the court. Her highness can meet his highnesster. Court Lady Xu has told me that the imperial majesty will tell her highness about some inner court rules," Su Binxi stated.


    "Do you know what are those inner court rules?" Ying Lili asked Su Binxi.


    "How to serve your husband and selection of concubines. The working of household must be checked daily by her highness- those are a few things I know about the inner court," Su Binxi replied and lowered her eyes.


    "So, do I need to select the concubines for him?" Ying Lili asked Su Binxi as the two kept walking through the pce corridors.


    "Yes, your highness. In the future need to select a few concubines for his royal highness. They will not be the official wives but they will share your husband," Su Binxi proimed. Ying Lili flinched her brows and spoke, "Is he a womaniser?"


    Su Binxi lifted her eyes and then again lowered them. "It seems her highness wants the crown prince to look at her only," Su Binxi teasingly said.


    "What are you saying? It is good that he can fulfil his weird desires with his future concubines. I do not even want to get closer to me," Ying Lili with an abhorrence.


    Su Binxi giggled. "Your highness, you seemed like a jealous wife moments ago," Su Binxi proimed and again smiled. Ying Lily frowned but did not speak anything. They were now in the practice premises of the Pce where all the princes practice warfare and military stuff.


    A smile carved on Ying Lili''s lips seeing all kind of a munitions there. The swords; bows and arrows and many other arms. Ying Lili stepped down the stairs when Su Binxi stopped her. "Where are you going, your highness? Women shall not be in such ces. We shall leave for her highness Inn," Su Binxi pronounced.


    "Binxi, woman are not stopped from using those. It is upto us women to consider ourselves strong or weak. Stay here. I aming in a while," Ying Lilimanded Su Binxi who could not refute the crown princess orders.


    Seeing the crown princessing there servants standing beside the tables bowed their heads. Ying Lili picked a sword and checked it. She was smiling brightly as if she hade to a ce which was her dreand. "I missed grabbing a sword," Ying Lili murmured.


    "You must be a trained sword fighter," Ying Lili heard a familiar voice so, she turned back to look and found the first Prince, Jian Guozhi there. She bowed her head and gracefully lowered her eyes to greet him. "How does the first elder brother know about this?" Ying Lili asked as she lifted her head and met Jian Guozhi gaze.


    "The way her highness grabbed the sword," replied Jian Guozhi.


    "Please refrain from using the titles. I am younger than you so you shall not use title, elder first brother," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Your highness tell me then what shall I call you?" Jian Guozhi asked as he grabbed the other sword from therge table. Ying Lili after thinking a while spoke, "Elder first brother can call me sister Lili."


    "What about An Ying''er, your highness?" Jian Guozhi asked Ying Lili.


    "My father used to call me like that," Ying Lili replied and her eyes turned teary. Jian Guozhi realized that he made the crown princess recalled about her father who was no more among them.


    "Please forgive this prince, An Ying''er. Forgive my brother too who despite the ordered could not save your father," Jian Guozhi asked for the forgiveness.


    Ying Lili smiled and spoke, "Elder first brother, you do not need to apologize." Jian Guozhi gave a tiny smile to her.


    "Ying''er, would you like to have a friendly sword fight with this prince?" Jian Guozhi asked. Ying Lili''s eyes gleamed upon hearing that. She shook her head in agreement.


    "I will not be too tough on the crown princess," Jian Guozhi assured Ying Lili.


    "Please do not think me as a weak, gentle woman. Use your full strength because that way it would be more fun and friendly," Ying Lili asserted. Jian Guozhi was amused by the Ying Lili''s request which seemed good to him.

 Chapter 13: I got lost in the beauty

    <h4>Chapter 13:I got lost in the beauty</h4>


    "Ying''er, are you sure you want me to be tough on you as a warrior? I am worried that I might hurt the Imperial highness," Jian Guozhi expressed his concern.


    An-Ying Lili gave a faint smile to Jian Guozhi and spoke, "Elder first brother, you are also a trained fighter so, I do not think you would hurt me." Ying Lili tightened her grip on the hilt. Jian Guozhi distanced himself from An-Ying Lili and the two for a while just kept staring at each other, waiting for the attack.


    The other five half-brothers came that way and saw the crown princess with a sword. "What is the crown princess doing?" Lei Wanxi asked from Su Binxi who, immediately lowered her eyes.


    "Wanxi, can you not see her Imperial highness is having a friendly fight with the elder first brother? Her highness is skilled in warfare as well. The crown prince is lucky to have the crown princess as his other half," Yongzheng proimed and continued moving the fan slightly under his face.


    Jian Guozhi decided to attack first and ran towards Ying Lili who positioned her legs and defended the attack of Jian Guozhi. The nking sound of swords was highly pitched that it hit the ears sharply. The youngest Prince, Weng Yu shut his eyes tightly seeing that and covered his eyes with his palms. But, he kept watching from between the gaps of his fingers.


    "Whoa! Is the crown princess going to beat the elder first brother?" Rong Zemin nervously said and looked at Yongzheng who shrugged his shoulders. "Let''s keep watching," Yongzheng asserted and the two looked at the ground where the crown princess and the first Prince were having that sword fight.


    Jian Guozhi widened his eyes and then swiftly brought his sword up front and the two des again hit against each other. "Ying''er is quite skilled," Jian Guozhi stated and with lightning speed moved back thus, dodging the attack of the crown princess. shing the swords against each other, none of them was ready to reiterate.


    The movement of their feet along each other made their moves appeared to be synchronized with each other. Jian Guozhi grabbed the wrist of An-Ying Lili and pulled her such that her back hit against his chest. "I think the crown princess is defeated," Jian Guozhi asserted and smirked at Ying Lili.


    "I knew elder first brother will defeat the crown princess. Wait," Rong Zemin saw something unusual which surprised him.


    Ying Lili had swirled the sword in her hand and raised her hand till the first prince''s shoulder thus, pointing the sword''s de at Jian Guozhi''s neck. "Elder first brother, what would you like to say now?" Ying Lili asked Jian Guozhi with a smile.


    The brothers at the stairs pped seeing that. They descended the stairs to go near them while Su Binxi remained glued at the stairs.


    "I think I got lost in the beauty of the crown princess that I made myself defenseless," Jian Guozhi whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. Ying Lili flinched her brows and found they were inappropriately standing close to each other. She released her wrist from the gentle grip of Jian Guozhi and put her other hand down.


    Stepping back, Ying Lili joined her both hands and lowered her eyes. "It was my pleasure having an amicable fight with elder first brother," Ying Lili told Jian Guozhi and lifted her head. Jian Guozhi too bowed his head epting his defeat. "It was my pleasure to fight with the crown princess."


    The princes had stopped pping and came near to them. "The crown princess has exceptionally great skills," Yongzheng praised Ying Lili. "Till this date, I am not able to defeat elder first brother but, her highness did it in a first go," asserted Yongzheng.


    "I think the first brother was too easy on me. I would have been defeated if he would be a little bit fiercer," the crown princess pronounced.


    "Will the crown princess teach me swordsmanship?" Weng Yu asked with a bit of hesitance in his tone.


    "It would be my pleasure to teach prince Yu swordsmanship to the youngest brother. Please refrain from using the titles. You all shall call me Sister Lili or Sister An-Ying," Ying Lili proimed. Weng Yu was happy to hear that and quickly went closer to the crown princess.


    "Sister Lili, you are really beautiful," Weng Yu stressed the word ''beautiful''. Ying Lili thanked the youngest Prince for his praise-worthy words. "Do not tell the fifth brother else he will be angry that I am not learning under the guidance of the military General," Weng Yu further stated.


    "That''s why Weng Yu must not learn the swordsmanship from sister Lili. The crown prince could take it the other way," asserted Rong Zemin.


    "Why would he take it the other way?" Ying Lili asked curiously. The princes observed that the crown princess was using informal words towards the crown prince. "It seems Ying''er is too friendly with the crown prince that''s why he permitted you to talk informally with him," Jian Guozhi raised a suspicion.


    An-Ying Lili realized what she just said. "Elder first brother, why are you calling Sister Lili like that? Is that not used for the people closest to you," Lei Wanxi questioned Jian Guozhi as he called Ying Lili as Ying''er.


    "I think we all are family so, it is nothing wrong in calling the crown princess as Ying''er, Wanxi," dered Jian Guozhi.


    "The crown prince will not say anything. You are a younger brother to me, prince Yu. So, there is nothing wrong in teaching prince Yu the swordsmanship," Ying Lili opined.


    The fourth Prince, Han Nianzu was watching all from the high-rising tform above the ground. "Elder first brother indeed has eyes on the woman of the fifth brother. Does he know about this or is he going to ignore this?" Nianzu muttered and turned to go when he saw Xue Yu Yan there.


    "What is the nobledy Xue doing here in the practice grounds for the princes?" Nianzu asked Xue Yu Yan who greeted the fourth Prince first before speaking.


    "The crown princess is flirting openly with the pce princes. Do you not think so, your highness?" Xue Yu Yan asked from Nianzu who gave a faint smile to her.


    "I think that Miss Xue has taken the other ways of this amiable & cordial rtionship among the princes and the crown princess," stated Nianzu. "May I ask what is Miss Xue doing here?" Nianzu further asked.


    "I am here to see the crown prince, your highness," replied Xue Yu Yan.


    Nianzu was not surprised to hear that. "I think Miss Xue should limit his visit to the Imperial highness. He is now officially married. I think Miss Xue understood what I meant," Nianzu proimed and left from there. Xue Yu Yan stomped her feet on the floor and clenched her fist. "My Lady, do not be angry. The crown prince still loves mydy," stated her assistant, Wu Shan.


    "Let''s go to the Imperial highness'' chamber," Xue Yu Yan told Wu Shan and they left from there.


    Ying Lili took her to leave and ascended the stairs when Su Binxi told Ying Lili that the crown princess should serve the morning meals to the crown head. Ying Lili first refused but when Su Binxi told her that the Pce people would take it another way then, Ying Lili agreed.


    They went to the Royal Kitchen. The royal chef upon the crown princess'' prepared the breakfast meal for the crown prince. The food tray was filled with 7 dishes for the morning meal. Su Binxi carried the tray and showed the way to the crown prince''s Inn to the crown princess.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 14: Shared by anyone

    <h4>Chapter 14:Shared by anyone</h4>


    Ying Lili arrived at the manor where the crown prince was residing. She grabbed the tray from Su Binxi and ascended the stairs. "Your highness, you might stumble. Please give me the tray," Su Binxi requested from the crown princess who refused to say that she should do that.


    As they went inside the Inn, Eunuch Xing-Fu bowed before the crown princess. "Your highness, the crown prince has gone to the Royal Court," Xing-Fu proimed. Ying Lili flinched her brows and said, "I almost forgot that he¡­his highness has to attend the court at this hour."


    Xing-Fu then politely spoke, "Your highness, when his highness will return then this Eunuch will inform him about your visit."


    "Head Eunuch, there is no need to tell the crown prince. Just tell his highness to take his meals else it can affect his health," Ying Lili pronounced softly.


    "This is the daughter of the prime minister," Su Binxi whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. An Ying Lili looked at Xue Yu Yan who came towards the crown princess and halted a meter away from her.


    Wu Shan grabbed the basket from herdy Xue Yu Yan who then kowtowed before the crown princess. "It is my pleasure to meet her royal highness. This is Xue Yu Yan, the daughter of the Prime Minister," Xue Yu Yan introduced herself. Both hands were raised till the shoulder and her forehead was touching the back of the palm as she had joined the two hands together.


    Xue Yu Yan then gradually lifted her head and put her hands down. Ying Lili gave her a tiny smile and spoke, "Howe the daughter of the prime minister found out what was happening in the breakfast hall? Your spies are really quick to give you this kind of information," Ying Lili asserted. Her tone was slightly sarcastic which Xue Yu Yan understood.


    "Her royal highness is taking Xue wrong. I happened to hear about this when I wasing towards the crown prince''s Inn. Even one tiny incident in the Pce spread like a forest fire," stated Xue Yu Yan.


    "Miss Xue is absolutely right. I must take my leave then," stated Ying Lili and lowered her eyes a bit, and then looked at Su Binxi. They then left from there. Xing-Fu lifted his head and asked Xue Yu Yan about her sudden visit.


    "I want to meet the crown prince," Xue Yu Yan answered.


    "The crown prince is not present here at this moment. Furthermore, upon the orders of the Empress now Miss Xue is not allowed to go to his imperial highness'' room as he is married," Eunuch Xing-Fu politely replied to Xue Yu Yan.


    Xue Yu Yan clenched her fist but kept her cool. "Can I wait for his highness in the waiting room? I have something to converse with his highness," Xue Yu Yan asked Xing-Fu who shook his head.


    "Please this way, Miss Xue," Xing-Fu politely said and headed the way towards the waiting room. Xue Yu Yan and her assistant followed Eunuch Xing-Fu to the waiting room.


    ~~~~~


    An-Ying Lili reached the Empress'' manor. Weng Wei was delighted seeing An-Ying Lili there. "Crown princess please make yourselffortable," Weng Wei told Ying Lili who bowed her head and sat on the ground stool. Weng Wei told her assistant, Bei Jing to send maidservants out.


    "Your imperial majesty, it seems you are busy with work. Can I help you?" Ying Lili asked. Weng Wei gave a tiny smile to Ying Lili and spoke, "Crown princess, this overcoat for his imperial majesty must bepleted by me only. Thank you for asking."


    Weng Wei put the needled on the cloth which had a golden thread over it and a beautiful pattern was being designed on the back of the overcoat. "It seems the crown princess does not understand my words," Weng Wei proimed. The empress put the overcoat on the table and then looked at Ying Lili. "Your husband''s things must not be shared by anyone. That''s why this overcoat I shall make for his imperial majesty," asserted Weng Wei.


    "The morning incident was not good. I did not expect such kind of behavior from the crown princess. Whatever problems you are undergoing with the crown prince must be solved in private between you two inside the manor. Once ites out then it creates problems. The crown prince is in love with the daughter of the prime minister which can affect the crown princess in the future," the empress proimed.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "I am guilty of my morning act which I did recklessly. Your majesty, it does not matter to me whether the crown prince loves someone or not. I am fulfilling my duties because of the promise my father had made with his imperial majesty. You are like my mother so, I will not hide anything from you. I hate the crown prince because he killed my father," Ying Lili stated and lifted her head.


    Weng Wei flinched her brows and spoke, "I am in the pce for more than forty years and have seen many ups and downs. For the crown princess, everything is new here that''s why she is thinking like this. As his imperial mother, I do not think the crown prince has killed your father. The crown prince never defies his father''s orders. If he had to stop this marriage then, he would have poisoned you while you wereing to the capital."


    Ying Lili widened her eyes. Indeed, it was not difficult for the crown prince to poison her and kill her. But he did not use this evil method. Did she really take the crown prince as the wrong person? But, her uncle also told her that the crown prince was lying to her. Ying Lili was in deep thought when Weng Wei called out her name.


    "It seems the crown princess is thinking something," Weng Wei stated. Ying Lili shook her head in refusal.


    "I have prohibited the entry of the prime minister''s daughter to the crown prince''s manor. He is married and now the manor is also shared by you. I hope the crown princess has understood what I meant." Weng Wei looked into Ying Lili''s eyes for an answer.


    "The crown prince loves Miss Xue. I have no problem with that," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Weng Wei gave a slight smile to Ying Lili and spoke, "Crown princess, you are really naive. Everyone does not get the opportunity to be the official wife. Please give a thought to it. There are some inner court rules which you must abide by. Do not y with the royal princes as the people here can take it the other way. Crown princess is a married woman and if she will y like this then that can create suspicions in many eyes."


    Ying Lili felt dejected upon hearing that. "Your imperial majesty, I see them as elder brothers," Ying Lili cleared herself.


    "But others do not. Moreover, the crown princess is married so, you shall be extra careful," Weng Wei stated. Ying Lili nodded and apologized for the mistake she did.


    "From tomorrow onwards, you have toe here after the morning meals. I will teach you to design the pattern using silk threads. Then, the crown princess can present a handwoven robe to the crown prince," Weng Wei pronounced. Ying Lili agreed with the empress. She stayed there till noon and then left as the empress had to meet the emperor as the court session was ended.


    Ying Lili was silent as she could no longer practice which was like someone had snatched her freedom to do things at her will. She was happy in her home but this marriage had turned her life upside-down.

 Chapter 15: Making out

    <h4>Chapter 15:Making out</h4>


    Su Binxi noticed how lost the crown princess was after meeting the empress. "Your highness, is everything fine?" Su Binxi asked Ying Lili who hummed at her. "It appears something is going on with her highness," stated Su Binxi in a soft tone.


    "I am missing my home," Ying Lili replied and then turned to Su Binxi. "You must be feeling lonely like me as you are away from your family, right?" Ying Lili asked her attendant.


    Su Binxi realized how tensed the crown princess was. "I used to miss them when I was new here. Every year I got to see them but that is not sufficient your highness," Su Binxi proimed. Ying Lili agreed with Su Binxi. "Your highness must go to see the crown prince''s and serve him afternoon''s meal," Su Binxi suggested out of sudden.


    Ying Lili had no intention of going there and see his face but, because the empress had told her to fulfill her wife''s duty as well so, she decided to go to the Crown Prince''s manor. "Let''s go to the royal kitchen," Ying Lili told Su Binxi and the two left for the Royal Kitchen House.


    "Why was she here? Did she want to me eat more spices?" Sheng Li muttered in annoyance.


    Xing-Fu smiled seeing the crown prince''s expressions. "Miss Xue is also here. She is waiting for you in the waiting room," Xing-Fu gave another piece of information to the crown prince hearing from which Sheng Li immediately left the room.


    "Xue''er," Sheng Li called out Xue Yu Yan''s name and walked inside the room. Xue who was sitting on a chair, stood up seeing the crown prince there, and bowed her head. Wu Shan did the same and left the room, leaving the two alone there.


    "Xue, you should be in my resting room. Why are you here?" Sheng Li asked.


    Xue lifted her head and peered into the eyes of the Crown prince. "Because the manor now belongs to the crown princess as well. The empress has ordered that I shall no longere here and the only thing Xue could do was wait for his highness," Xue Yu Yan replied.


    Sheng Li was furious hearing that. "Why is the empress intervening in my life?" Sheng Li murmured and went closer to Xue Yu Yan. "You cane here anytime. No one can stop you froming here," Sheng Li proimed with an assured look. Xue Yu Yan thanked the crown prince and then hugged him tightly.


    "I think I have lost my rights on you. I can no longer be the woman I desired for you, your highness," Xue Yu Yan stated. Sheng Li made Xue Yu Yan looked into his eyes and said, "For me, there is only you. I do not consider these pce rules. I will talk with my father again and will do my best in making you an official wife of mine."


    Xue Yu Yan smiled and tiptoed to capture the lips of Sheng Li who was startled by Xue''s act. He put his hand on her arms to stop her but Xue was not ready to leave his lips. She was moving her one hand over Sheng Li''s chest, tried opening the crown prince''s robes.


    Ying Lili arrived at the manor and asked a maidservant if the crown prince had returned who told her that he headed to the waiting room. "Your highness, I will show you the way there," Su Binxi proimed and headed the way while the crown princess followed her.


    Wu Shan saw them and bowed her head. "Forgive this petty servant but your highness shall not go in. His highness and mydy are talking inside," Wu Shan informed Ying Lili who ignored her and gestured Su Binxi to open the door.


    Ying Lili walked in holding the tray in her hands when she saw Sheng Li and Xue Yu Yan making out. The tray in her hands fell on the floor and a loud thud sound produced which interrupted the two. "How dare youe inside?" Sheng Li shouted when he saw An-Ying Lili there. Xue Yu Yan immediately stepped back and lowered her head. "Forgive us, your royal highness," Xue Yu Yan told Ying Lili.


    "Please continue whatever you two were doing," Ying Lili state. She looked at the robes and turned to go when Sheng Li stopped her. "Why did youe here?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who walked away without giving any answer.


    "You shall leave," Sheng Li ordered and walked out of the room. Xue Yu Yan clenched her fist in anger.


    "Go clean the floor inside," Sheng Li ordered Su Binxi and walked after Ying Lili who hurriedly left the manor. "Why did I even go there? If he cannot control himself then he shall do such things in private," mumbled Ying Lili. "But, why am I angry?" she wondered. She turned left in the corridor when her wrist was grabbed by someone and she pulled back.


    Ying Lili was now in the arms of Sheng Li was gazing at her sharply. "Why did you leave without answering me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "You expect me to watch you two making out with each other?" Ying Lili asked him back in a sarcastic tone.


    "We were not making out," Sheng Li proimed with a stern expression. Ying Lili averted her gaze from him. "Leave me," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why were you ying with the first brother?" Sheng Li asked another question from Ying Lili. Ying Lili snickered. "You also were informed about this? I was missing swordsmanship," replied Ying Lili. Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili further closer.


    "It is not your home''s yground where you can y every time you want. This is the imperial pce where every eye is on you. You want to openly seduce every prince here?" Sheng Li said some harsh words to Ying Lili which infuriated her. She pushed him back. "Unlike you, I know how to respect a rtionship. You have filthy thinking. If my closeness with the elder brother is affecting you this much then you should not have married me," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Do you know what you just said? Why do you like to make me mad every time I see you? Your closeness with the first prince will impact my position. Do you not have brains?" Sheng Li shouted at Ying Lili. Lei Wanxi wasing that way and happened to hear the two.


    "Why are they two arguing with each other?" Lei Wanxi thought and went towards them.


    "I have nothing to do with your position. I will do as I please. Unlike others, I am not a fool to listen to you," Ying Lili pronounced sternly. Sheng Li lost his temper and marched towards Ying Lili when Lei Wanxi appeared out of sudden in front of Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, why are you arguing with my beautiful sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi asked with a gentle smile on his lips.


    "Get aside," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi who refused. "Fifth brother you are scaring my beautiful sister," Wanxi proimed and turned to Ying Lili, giving her a wink. Sheng Li put his hand over Lei Wanxi''s shoulder to push him away when Lei Wanxi acted ordingly and put his hand around Sheng Li''s arm. With the other hand, he swiftly opened the fan and started moving it in front of Sheng Li''s face.


    "When did she be your sister?" Sheng Li asked annoyingly from Lei Wanxi.


    "Calm down, dear fifth brother. In the morning, we prince epted the crown princess as our sister. You shall not argue with my beautiful sister. I wonder how can your heart not melt looking into my sister Lili''s eyes?" Lei Wanxiined and continued moving the fan.


    "Don''te near me," Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili.


    "I am not a fool to go near you," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Lili. Lei Wanxi rolled his eyes because the two again started arguing openly. "Tell your sister that she should prevent the rumors from spreading else I am going to punish her," saying this Sheng Li pushed away Lei Wanxi and walked away from there in anger.

 Chapter 16: Lets make out here

    <h4>Chapter 16:Let''s make out here</h4>


    An-Ying Lili thanked Lei Wanxi for his sudden interruption because he prevented a big fight between them. "It is my pleasure to make things good between you two," Lei Wanxi pronounced. "But, may I know why two were fighting and what rumors have spread in the Pce?" Lei Wanxi queried with a confused expression.


    "The friendly sword fighting between me and elder first brother was taken negatively, sixth brother. So, Sheng¡­ I mean the crown prince is furious about that," stated Ying Lili. Lei Wanxi shook his head.


    "Sister Lili, I do not know whether I shall tell you this or not but, the crown prince is saying right. The first brother is supposed to marry you and he still eyes on you so, it is better to keep a safe distance from him, sister Lili," suggested Lei Wanxi.


    An-Ying Lili gave a nod and left for her Inn after taking her to leave from there. Lei Wanxi took a breath of relief and left from there. An-Ying Lili came to the Inn and found Sheng Li there who was seated on the bed. She halted at her ce and asked him what he was doing there.


    "We are not done talking. Come here," Sheng Li voiced in amanding tone but Ying Lili ignored him and averted her gaze from him. "Did I not say to you not toe here? Then why do youe here? I hate seeing your face," Ying Lili stated with annoyance.


    Sheng Li stood up and came near Ying Lili who did not move from her ce at all. Grabbing her chin, Sheng Li moved her face towards him, to look into his eyes. "Even I hate your beautiful eyes, your eyes, and this entire seductive face of yours. Do you know your acts are known to everyone in the Pce?" Sheng Li asked her with an exasperated expression.


    Ying Lili pped off Sheng Li''s hand and stepped back. "I did nothing wrong. You have snatched my freedom. Do pce people not know what kind of crown prince they have? - Having affair with the other woman. You consider yourself invincible but could not stop this marriage," Ying Lili pronounced, shooting res to Sheng Li.


    "Are you jealous that I am not giving enough attention to you?" Sheng Li asked as he smirked.


    "Who wants your attention? I am just stating the fact. You told me that I am affecting your position as the crown prince then what about you, who is openly making out with your lover," Ying Lili snapped at him. Sheng Li grabbed her arm and pulled Ying Lili towards her.


    "I told you already that I was not making out with her," stated Sheng Li and tightened his grip on Ying Lili''s arm.


    "I also told you that I do not look at your brothers with bad eyes especially your first brother. I just wanted to do swordsmanship," Ying Lili stated as she lowered her eyes. "The Pce has taken away my freedom," the crown princess further added.


    "That''s why I told you to kill yourself. That way you would be free from this Pce burden," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili lifted her eyes and met Sheng Li''s gaze. "Killing myself would have made me a coward and my father''s name would have been tarnished. I am not a woman who gives up easily," Ying Lili proimed with an affirmed voice.


    Sheng Li''s grip loosened on Ying Lili''s arm. "Let''s have a swordsmanship tomorrow in the morning. I would like to see why you are so favored by my father," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili''s eyes widened when Sheng Li heard something. The next second, he carried Ying Lili in his strong arms which shocked her.


    "What are you doing? Leave me," Ying Lili protested and she was thrown on the bed. The crown princess was confused seeing the sudden behavior of the crown prince.


    Before she could get down the bed, Sheng Li grabbed her both hands, pinned them down on the soft mattress. Ying Lili thought to kick him but Sheng Li locked her legs by cing his legs on either side of Ying Lili''s legs. He was hovering over her which terrified Ying Lili and she closed her eyes. "D-Don''t do anything to me," Ying Lili stuttered.


    Leaning closer to Ying Lili''s ear, Sheng Li whispered, "Shhh. Let''s act for a few minutes as someone is going toe. Let''s end the rumors about you in a go."


    Ying Lili opened her eyes and looked at Sheng Li who was looking into her pearly eyes. For a few seconds, they got lost in each other''s eyes. The crown princess heard the sound of anklets and looked towards the entrance. "Let''s make out here. It is just to show the Empress that our rtionship is going good," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s ear.


    "What!?" Ying Lili eximed When Sheng Li ced his lips on hers.


    The Empress, Weng Wei, stopped at the door of the bed-chamber seeing both the crown prince and crown princess on the bed. She averted her gaze and lifted her hand slightly in the air, to stop the courtdy froming after her.


    Sheng Li moved his lips over Ying Lili''s lips while Ying Lili was carrying a shocking expression on her face. The Empress continued looking at the two and then left the bed-chamber. The Empress told Su Binxi not to let anyone enter the bed-chamber and left from there.


    As soon as Sheng Li found the empress had gone, he parted his lips from Ying Lili and at the same time let go of her hand. Ying Lili saw that Sheng Li had put his thumb on her lips thus not kissed her directly, still she was angry at him so she shouted at him.


    "Lower your voice. I have no intention of kissing you. But, because you had created such a problem that''s why I had to do that," Sheng Li asserted and moved away from Ying Lili. He stepped down from the bed. "Because you did mistakes so, I am punishing your attendant," stated Sheng Li and walked out of the bed-chamber.


    Ying Lili was scared of hearing that so, she went after Sheng Li. Su Binxi was on her knees and pleading with the crown prince. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li and stepped towards Su Binxi when Sheng Li grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "Take her away," the crown prince ordered. Two soldiers came forward and took Su Binxi away.


    "Leave her. She has not done anything wrong," Ying Lili asserted. "Punish me but leave her," she further added.


    "I would love to do that but I cannot. Do not make me angry ever again else someone else has to take the punishment instead of you," Sheng Li pronounced. The crown prince released her hand and walked away. Ying Lili stepped forward when Court Lady Xu stopped her.


    "Your highness, you did not have your food till now. Please have your meals first because the royal physician wille to check you," Court Lady Xu politely told Ying Lili.


    "But, Su Binxi. I need to save her," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Your highness, Su Binxi was an informant. She is being punished for a reason," asserted Court Lady Xu. An-Ying Lili did not believe this. Court Lady Xu gestured to two attendants and they took Ying Lili inside the chamber.


    ~~~


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 Chapter 17: Good to me

    <h4>Chapter 17:Good to me</h4>


    Sheng Li was with General Wang Hao in the jail where Su Binxi was taken to. Both hands were tied with the shackles so were her legs. Sheng Li was standing at a meter distance from Su Binxi and was giving her a murderous look. "For whom do you work for?" Sheng Li queried Su Binxi.


    "His highness is taking me wrong. I am not spying on the crown princess," Su Binxi replied and lowered her eyes.


    "Do you take me as a fool? How could one know what happened on the wedding night between the crown princess and me? Because of a petty servant the rumors have surrounded the Pce. Now, tell me who told you if you want to remain alive," Sheng Li with a Grim expression asked Su Binxi.


    "Your highness, this servant is saying the truth," replied Su Binxi. Sheng Li looked at Wang Hao who bowed his head. Sheng Li then left the jail. The anger could be seen on his face because of the strange rumor which had spread in the Pce.


    As he was going to the Inn, he encountered the fourth Prince, Han Nianzu who bowed his head slightly and asked him from where he wasing. "I was in the dungeon, brother Zu," replied Sheng Li.


    "Your highness, Pce has some strange rumors about you and her highness. How are you going to deal with it?" Nianzu asked Sheng Li but he did not give any reply. "I shall take my leave then. Have a great day ahead," saying this Nianzu walked away.


    "Jian Guozhi is seeded in spreading the rumors about my rtionship with Ying Lili. That woman does not listen to me so, I cannot even expect any kind of cooperation from her," Sheng Li thought and went to his chamber where Xing-Fu brought the meals for him. Seeing the ruined mood of Sheng Li, Xing-Fu tried to cheer him up.


    "Xing-Fu, you shall leave. I am not in a mood to talk with anyone. Do not let anyone came inside," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu which he epted and with gentle steps came out of the chamber.


    An-Ying Lili was done eating when the Court Lady Xu told her toy down on the bed. "But, I am fine, courtdy Xu. Why am I being examined?" An-Ying Lili confusedly asked.


    "Your highness, the Royal Physician will examine you to know whether you are healthy enough to bear the future heir of the kingdom," Court Lady Xu replied softly.


    "Future heir?" An-Ying Lili muttered. She was already tensed as Su Binxi was taken away and now a new problem came in front of her. The crown princess could not even refuse for doing such things to her because she was no longer in Juyan but in the capital of Han where she had to follow everyone.


    Court Lady Xu thought that the crown princess was nervous so she tried to rx her highness. "Your highness, do not be scared. It is only a physical examination. Some nerves will be checked by the Royal Physician to make sure that you will not have any kind of difficulty in bearing the future heir of the Kingdom," asserted Court Lady Xu.


    "Is he¡­ the crown prince not going to marry Miss Xue?" An-Ying Lili out of sudden asked Court Lady Xu who was slightly confused by the crown princess question.


    "Your highness, forgive me if I seem rude to you but are you trying to say that you do not want to bear the child of his highness?" Court Lady Xu after gathering her entire courage asked.


    Ying Lili agreed with Court Lady Xu. "His highness loves her and if¡­" the crown princess'' words were cut by Empress Weng Wei whose tone had slight anger in that. "How can the crown princess think like this?" Empress Wei asked Ying Lili as she halted right in front of her. There were tens of maidservants behind her all had lowered their eyes.


    Right away, An-Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "Your Imperial Majesty, please forgive the crown princess for her na?ve behavior." courtdy Xu intervened and defended the crown princess.


    "Forgive this na?ve woman, your majesty," stated An-Ying Lili. Empress Wei had calmed down and she took An-Ying Lili near the bed. Making the crown princess sit on the mattress, the empress sat beside her. "Court Lady Xu, send the rest maidservants outside," Empress Wei ordered. Court Lady Xu bowed her head and gestured the maidservants to go outside.


    "Ying Lili, I am like your mother. Indeed, I cannot rece her but I understand your worries. Everything happened so fast and you entered the Pce. Do the crown princess know about the Pce rumor?" Empress Wei asked the Crown princess who shook her head in refusal.


    "On the wedding night, the crown prince left the bed-chamber in a few minutes. It means you two are going on good terms. The crown prince''s position will destabilize if his wife will not support him. Then, you are seen with the first Prince which in many eyes is seeing the other way." Ying Lili clutched her robes and lowered her eyes.


    The crown princess did not know that the Pce people would be so observant of her rtionship with the crown prince. And, now this physical examination was giving her a headache. "That''s why Sheng Li told me to be careful," Ying Lili thought.


    "Is this true that you and the crown prince are on odd terms with each other? Because earlier I have seen you two were on the bed," stated Empress Wei. An-Ying Lili lifted her head and looked at the Empress who was waiting for an answer.


    "Your majesty, there is nothing odd in our rtionship," Ying Lili lied to Empress Wei. "Indeed, everything happened so fast but, then I also epted the things here. The crown prince is being good to me and wants me to give enough time to get used to the Pce," stated the crown princess.


    "Your Imperial Majesty, I was keeping the crown prince''s preference first. I mean¡­ the crown prince loves Miss Xue way earlier than he met me. Forgive me for my mended words which gave a wrong idea," asserted the crown princess and lowered her eyes.


    The Royal Physician came there and greeted the Empress followed by the crown princess. Empress Wei stood up from the bed and told Ying Lily toy down who did so. The Royal Physician sat on the chair beside the bed and gently ced the fingers on Ying Lili''s wrist. After reading the pulse rate the Royal Physician checked the eyes of the crown princess.


    After the Royal physician was done examining the crown princess he stood up from the chair and lowered his head in front of Empress Wei. "The crown princess pulse rate is good and she is healthy to bear the Royal child," the Royal physician proimed.


    Empress Wei smiled brightly and looked at the crown princess. "You are healthy to bear the heir for this kingdom. It is such a great thing I heard today. Lady Xu, add some dietary fibers and proteins in the meals of the crown princess" Empress Wei stated. The Royal physician took his leave while Empress Wei left after some time.


    "Your highness, the Royal astrologer wille to the Pce tomorrow. He will decide the auspicious day when you both will spend a night together," asserted Court Lady Xu. Ying Lili gave a nod to Lady Xu.

 Chapter 18: Inside my heart

    <h4>Chapter 18:Inside my heart</h4>


    Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi could be seen in the residence of the Crown Prince. They both were seated around a round table on the respective stools. Sheng Li poured the wine into the porcin cup and gulped it in a shot. "Be slow, your highness," stated Lei Wanxi as he grabbed the porcin cup.


    Sheng Li red at him and spoke, "Why did youe in between us in the morning? I was so infuriated because of her na?ve behavior. I do not understand what did father see in her that he made us two marry."


    Lei Wanxi put the cup down on the table. "Brother Sheng, father has taken a good decision, ording to me. Miss Xue is not the right woman with whom you should get involved. You also know the intentions of the prime minister. He tried shaking our father''s position in the early days when he took over the throne.


    If brother Sheng were married to Miss Xue then, I am afraid that throne would have received its strongest enemy through you," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Do you really think that the prime minister would be able to take advantage of me?" Sheng Li questioned Lei Wanxi who snickered.


    "Brother Sheng, he has ministerial support for a very long time. That is why Father is not able to remove him till now," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "Wanxi, are you telling me not to marry Xue Yu Yan? At least you shall understand me. I am in love with Xue. I see her as my woman. I want her to be my crown princess," Sheng Li proimed.


    Lei Wanxi slightlyughed. "It seems brother Sheng does not know the meaning of Love," Lei Wanxi stated and sipped the drink from the porcin cup.


    "What do you mean? Are you saying this cruel man does not know about love?" Sheng Li queried Lei Wanxi and poured the drink for himself.


    "Cruel man?" muttered Lei Wanxi. "I do not dare to think like that. I am just saying that brother Sheng does not know what is love!" Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Sheng Li was annoyed hearing that. "Do not talk like Ying Lili. She also told me that a cruel man like me deserves no love," Sheng Li with an exasperation stated and tightly grabbed the cup.


    "Sister Lili might have said in anger. She is such a gentle-kind woman and the way she talks makes anyone melt. I think brother Sheng might have infuriated her or scared her that''s why she said this to you," Lei Wanxi opined. He was smiling and waiting for the answer from Sheng Li.


    "She is the only woman who does not afraid of me. For the first time in my life, I am tied because of my father. I let Ying Lili speak and yet I am not able to kill her. Why? Because father will get hurt. I do not know why her voice seemed so sweet to you all but to me it is kind of provocative as if she is ready to fight with me at any instant.


    She used me when I did not kill her father and let her foolish uncle rule Juyan who killed her father. I wonder why father thinks that she is the smartest woman out there when to me she is the dumbest," Sheng Li blurted out everything and then drank the wine.


    Lei Wanxi startedughing which confused Sheng Li. "Are my talks funny to you?" Sheng Li questioned Lei Wanxi who stoppedughing.


    "Indeed, they are funny. Han Sheng Li is irritated by a woman. Isn''t it funny? It seems you two are in a war of Love. Brother Sheng, this is love. You are not in love with Xue because if you would be then you would not have married Sister Lili even if the father gave you the order or you would have killed Sister Lili to make things easier for you," stated Lei Wanxi.


    Sheng Li shook his head in refusal. "You do not understand," Sheng Li mumbled which Lei Wanxi heard.


    "I do understand you, brother Sheng. But you are not understanding. You should not have lete Miss Xue to your residence. Sister Lili must be agitated seeing you two while you two were making out," Lei Wanxi pronounced with a serious tone.


    "I was not making out with her. She kissed me and by then Ying Lili came inside. Furthermore, it shall not matter to Ying Lili. I already told her that I have a lover," stated Sheng Li.


    "Brother Sheng, Miss Xue is intervening in your married life and your status as a just crown prince as well. Let''s take a situation. What if sister Lili is kissed by a man other than you?- will you let go of that because you do not love her or would you feel agitated?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Brother Sheng, do not give a vague answer. Okay, what if sister Lili is kissed by the first brother? Will, you not react at all? He calls sister Lili as ''Ying''er'' so, you can see the first brother wants to im your wife," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "But he cannot because she is married to me. Now, let''s stop. You shall leave, prince Wanxi. It was nice talking to you. Have a good night''s sleep," Sheng Li wished him who gave a nod and left from there.


    ~~~~~


    An-Ying Lili was roaming in the Imperial Garden. Court Lady Xu and the other attendants were standing a few meters away in a row with bowed heads. The breeze was gentle which to some extent calmed down Ying Lili''s nerves.


    She missed her home where she used to have a night walk with her father after dinner every day. Her father used to tell her about the subject matters on which he used to give the judgments. The crown princess was missing her father''s presence. "For you, I am here, father," An-Ying Lili murmured.


    "I do not know how is my mother doing? Is she taking good care of herself?" Ying Lili further thought. "I used to consider myself strong but, when the time came I was helpless and could not stop anything. Married with the crown prince who does not even understand human emotions! I wish I could change this," Ying Lili muttered as she looked at the pond which was lit by the moonlight.


    "Indeed, the crown princess can change him if she wants," Ying Lili heard the Emperor''s voice. She immediately turned and saw the Emperor just came there.


    "Your Imperial Majesty," Ying Lili proimed as she bowed her head, gracefully. Han Wenji came near Ying Lili stood beside her. Ying Lili turned back and said, "I shall take my leave, your majesty."


    "Crown princess, let''s have a conversation," the emperor told Ying Lili who gave a nod.


    "I used toe here with someone but she is no more here. Her memories left behind only," Han Wenji stated. Ying Lili realized that the emperor was longing for one of his concubines. The emperor seemed sad and it could be seen on the emperor''s face that this ce was precious to him.


    "The Pce is empty without her but, then she left her most precious thing behind her. Her son, Han Sheng Li," Han Wenji proimed and smiled. Ying Lili widened her eyes because she thought the crown prince was the son of the Empress. Then, she recalled Lady Xu was telling her about the crown prince but she did not pay heed that time.


    "W-what? The crown prince is not the son of the Empress?" Ying Lili asked with a startled expression.


    Han Wenji turned his eyes towards Ying Lili when she lowered them. "My official wife died when Sheng Li was four years old. Indeed, the Empress is his mother but not the birth mother.


    Since you not know then it is obvious you two are not close even after getting married. Crown princess, Sheng Li is only cruel from the outside but his heart is like a child. Maybe, he turned cruel because his father never looked after him because of the duties as a King at that time.


    He was a kind child who could not even kill an ant but when I met him after five years, he had be a different person. That''s why I made you two marry because I believe a cold heart can be melted by a warm heart. My son needs the love which I believe only you can give him."


    Han Wenji''s eyes were teary as if he regretted not being with his son. They say an Emperor is a tough person but he turns soft seeing his children and subjects. "But, the crown prince does not like my presence neither I do. Does his majesty really think I can be the one who can give him love? Moreover, he¡­his highness killed my father and that grudge is still inside my heart," Ying Lili proimed.

 Chapter 19: I will pleasure you

    <h4>Chapter 19:I will pleasure you</h4>


    Han Wenji smiled upon hearing the crown princess. "Crown princess still thinks that crown prince will do something like this? If he had to kill King Song, he would have killed him the moment he entered Juyan. It is not about his father''s faith in him but also the words of his father to your father," asserted Han Wenji.


    An-Ying Lili still did not want to believe that. "Your majesty, I might seem rude to you but the person who killed so many people in his life can kill my father as well. My uncle cannot lie to me. He told me that how the crown prince nned all this. I agreed to marry him then why did he kill my father the day I wasing here. There is only resentment inside my heart for the crown prince." Ying Lili''s turned watery while saying all this to the Emperor.


    Her voice choked as tears fell down her cheeks. "Indeed, my duty is now following my husband but I am afraid that I cannot do this. The person who killed the most precious person in my life will only receive my hate, not love. Miss Xue is his lover and I do not have any problem with their rtionship," Ying Lily sternly proimed.


    Han Wenji found the misunderstandings between the crown prince and the crown princess were huge. "Crown princess, you are a brainy woman. Do you think your father is killed by Sheng Li? This is politics where brothers fight for the throne. Your uncle had made a conspiracy to kill your father.


    Maybe you arecking something or there might be a possibility that your father never told you about his rtionship with his brother. Because you have raised this issue, I will look into it. The true culprit behind your father''s murder be punished," Han Wenji dered in front of Ying Lili.


    "Your majesty, what if your sones out to be the real culprit? Would his majesty still punish him? Please forgive me for asking such a rude question but it is about justice and I believe Emperor Han will not be biased if the crown prince is found guilty," Ying Lili stated with an affirmed tone.


    "Sheng Li has not killed the King Song. After a week you will know the real culprit, crown princess. This is a word of a father before the Emperor," stated Han Wenji with a smile. "If Sheng Li were a bad person then he would have killed the crown princess in the way instead of bringing her here. Just put a thought over it," Han Wenji further pronounced.


    "Sheng Li does not love Miss Xue. Because she was with him in childhood time, Sheng Li got attracted to her. I hope the crown princess will try to understand the crown prince through her heart," stated Han Wenji with a tiny smile on his lips.


    An-Ying Lili fell into a deep thought upon hearing that. She shook her head and then bowed her head before the emperor. "I shall take my leave, your imperial majesty. You shall also go inside as it is getting cold," Ying Lili said.


    "Crown princess shall leave. I will stay here for a few more minutes," Han Wenji stated. An-Ying Lili gave a nod and stepped back and then turned to leave. She kept walking and found the Court Lady Xu. "Your highness, it iste night. Let''s head back to the Inn," Court Lady softly said.


    Ying Lili agreed with the courtdy. They stepped ahead when something hit the crown princess''s head. She stopped at her ce so were the maidservants and court Lady behind her. "Your highness, what happened?" Court Lady Xu asked.


    "Courtdy Xu, please show me the way to the crown prince''s residence," Ying Lili in amanding tone stated.


    "Forgive me, your highness. But, in thete-night her highness is not allowed to go to the crown prince''s chamber," replied Court Lady Xu.


    "I have to converse with the crown prince regarding an important matter," Ying Lili proimed. Court Lady Xu was still adamant because of the Pce rule when Ying Lili said, "Courtdy Xu, you shall not defy the orders of the crown princess." Court Lady Xu apologized for her stubbornness and led the way towards the crown prince''s residence.


    Eunuch Xing-Fu saw the crown princessing there so he went running towards her. Bowing his head Xing-Fu spoke, "Your royal highness, why are you here thiste night?"


    "I need to meet his highness," replied Ying Lili.


    "My kind apologies to her highness but you cannot meet the crown prince at this hour. I will inform his highness about your visit to the Inn," proimed Xing-Fu.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, I want to meet his highness. It is an order. Please send away the servants from outside the chamber. I will take my leave in a while," Ying Lili with a stern expression told Xing-Fu who looked at Court Lady Xu who averted her gaze. He understood that the crown princess did not listen to courtdy Xu so, he also did not oppose.


    "Your highness, please this way," Xing-Fu said politely and led the way. Ying Lili followed him and now they were outside the bed- chamber''s door.


    Ying Lili nced at Xing-Fu who understood what the crown princess meant. He told the servants to stand ten meters away from the door who followed the order. Ying Lili stepped inside as Xing-Fu opened the door for her.


    Han Sheng Li was still drinking wine when he heard the sound of the anklets. He lifted his eyes and found Ying Lili in front of his eyes. "What are you doing here at thiste hour?" Sheng Li asked with an exasperated expression, shooting res at Ying Lili.


    Stopping a meter away from the table, the crown princess looked at the wine jars ced on the round wooden table.


    The crown prince did not say anything after that and continued drinking, looking at Ying Lili. Ying Lili recalled her conversation with the Emperor. They both kept staring at each other for a while.


    When Sheng Li did not stop drinking, Ying Lili went to him and bent on her knees. Sheng Li was confused when Ying Lili grabbed the porcin cup. They both gazed at each other when Ying Lili pulled the cup towards her and ced that on the table.


    "You shall not drink too much. It is not good for health," Ying Lili pronounced and met Sheng Li''s gaze.


    "What happened to you suddenly? Caring for me? Wait, or did youe here to kill me in my drunkard state. Ying Lili, I am not that easy to be killed," Sheng Li announced and gave her a smirk.


    "His majesty has told me that he will punish the culprit behind my father''s murder. I came to tell you this that you will be punished for the wrong you have done to my father and my family," Ying Lili stated with a stern expression and got up. Han Sheng Li smirked upon hearing Ying Lili''s words. He saw the crown princess had turned to go when he grabbed her wrist and the next second the crown princess was on thep of the crown prince.


    Their faces were close to each other. Sheng Li''s alcoholic breath was hitting against Ying Lili''s lips whose both hands were rested on the crown prince''s broad shoulders. She tried to get away but Sheng Li pulled her even closer, tightened his grip around her waist.


    "Leave me," Ying Lili with an affirmed tone told Sheng Li. She was struggling in Sheng Li''sp while he was astonishingly looking at her, enjoying that.


    "When you know I am drunk then, why did you approach me?" Sheng Li inquired the crown princess. The crown prince raised his pointer finger and traced Ying Lili''s face outline. Ying Lili felt nervous and she turned her face away. "Don''t touch me," Ying Lili said in a low voice and pushed Sheng Li using her both hands that were on Sheng Li''s shoulder but it was of no use.


    Sheng Li chuckled and put his finger under Ying Lili''s chin, thus forcing her to look into his eyes. "You think I like to touch you? Crown princess is living in her biggest illusion. I might love to touch the other women out there but not you," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Let me go, then," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Are you not here to sleep with me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili with a raised brow. His smirk grew wider when Ying Lili averted her gaze again from Sheng Li.


    "Answer. The Empress must have told you ways to seduce a man as I am not giving you enough attention," Sheng Li said in a loud voice which roared in the bed-chamber, making the crown princess look at him again.


    Ying Lili was furious upon hearing this. "What are you talking about? I should not havee here," murmured Ying Lili and jerked Sheng Li''s hand off her chin. "Let me go. You can enjoy your drinks," stated Ying Lili.


    "You have entered the residence of the crown prince where one enters and leaves only with his permission. I do not want to let you go today. Let''s sleep together. I will pleasure you and fulfill your desires." Sheng Li stated with a smirk.


    Ying Lili pped him which made Sheng Li furious. "How dare you say that? When I told you that I was here because-" Before she couldplete her words, Sheng Li captured her lips and kissed her harshly. Ying Lili tried pushing him but he did not budge instead tightened his grip around Ying Lili''s waist.

 Chapter 20: Do not start a war, Lili

    <h4>Chapter 20:Do not start a war, Lili</h4>


    After dinner time:


    Sheng Li was done reading the scrolls on which the other day he had to inform the Emperor about the petitions filed by the nearest vige in the capital by a peasant group. Eunuch Xing-Fu was helping him when the first Prince came there. Xing-Fu bowed his head in front of Jian Guozhi and then left from there.


    "Elder first brother is here? What could be the possible reason?" Sheng Li asked as he gestured to him to sit over the chair around the desk. A servant came there and pulled the chair out for the first Prince.


    "Bring the tea," Sheng Li ordered the servant who bowed his head and walked out.


    "His highness submerged himself in the work as soon as hees back from the military campaign," stated Jian Guozhi, looking at the scrolls on the table. Sheng Li gave a nod and asked about his sudden visit.


    "I just want to talk with my younger brother," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li chuckled hearing that. "Elder brother, you never did such sudden visits in my residence. Do you think I will believe your words?" Sheng Li was grinning at the first prince.


    "The pce rumors are spreading like a wildfire. I believe you do not know about the rumors neither Ying¨¦r knows," Jian Guozhi asserted. Sheng Li''s facial expressions darkened as he heard his wife''s name from the first prince. Even the crown prince did not call out Ying Lili like that. "What happened, young fifth brother? It seems I said something wrong," proimed Jian Guozhi.


    "Elder brother shall not call my wife''s name with such affection. It is giving me a facious idea," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi smiled slightly. The servant by then came there with a tray on which a teapot and two porcin cups were ced. He served tea to the two princes and left from there. Jian Guozhi grabbed the cup and sipped the tea. "Lavender tea calms my nerves down," Sheng heard the first prince. "Brother Sheng, the crown princess herself agreed to this name so, I do not think the crown prince shall have any problem with this," stated Jian Guozhi. Sheng Li tightened his grip on the porcin cup upon hearing that.


    "It seems the crown prince is not on good terms with the crown princess. Is it because of the lover you have? Brother Sheng, the rumors said that on the wedding night the crown princess was harmed by you. Is it because you again lost control over your beast? I almost forgot that after you lost your mother, you turned evil man," Jian Guozhi asserted and sipped the tea again.


    Sheng Li kept the pressure on the porcin cup intact while gazing into the eyes of the first prince. Jian Guozhi was waiting for the crown prince''s response. "Elder brother, why are you so much interested in my personal life? Is it because the crown princess not married to you? I heard thete King Song did not want his daughter to be your concubine. So, if you are thinking that the crown princess can be yours then you shall throw this idea from your mind," proimed Sheng Li and drank the tea from the cup he was holding.


    Jian Guozhi did not expect the crown prince would fight back for a woman with him. "Brother Sheng, I do not dare to eye your noble wife. Ying¨¦r thinks of me as her elder brother so, as an elder brother, I am concerned about her. I do not want her to get hurt by my ruthless brother. Indeed, I selected her as my concubine but now that''s in past," stated Jian Guozhi in a quite serious tone.


    "It seems the elder brother came here to talk particrly about the crown princess," Sheng Li in a sarcastic tone said.


    "You can say that, brother Sheng. There is one more thing that you must know. I am marrying Miss Xue soon. The prime minister is ready to give her daughter''s hand to me. Brother Sheng, our fate is so twisted. The one whom you love cannot be with you and the one I admired could not be with me," Jian Guozhi pronounced and observed Sheng Li''s expressions.


    "Forgive me, brother Sheng but the mother has decided everything out. I do not think that you have enough power to defy or change the orders of the empress." Sheng Li furrowed his brows upon hearing that. But, he was stuck because for a second he could make his father understand but his stepmother would never agree to him. "Brother Sheng, I shall take my leave. I wish you will take care of Ying¨¦r," saying this Jian Guozhi left the study room. Sheng Li threw the cups on from the table.


    "She cannot marry prince Guozhi," muttered Sheng Li in anger. Xing-Fu came running inside and saw the broken cups on the floor. He called for a servant and told him to clean the floor. "Your highness, there is important news I have to forward," Xing-Fu stated.


    "Speak," Sheng Li permitted head Eunuch.


    "The empress has called for the royal astrologer tomorrow in the pce. To stop the rumors from spreading the imperial majesty will decide an auspicious day for you two to spend a night together. The crown princess is being checked by the royal physician today and she is entirely healthy to bear the future heir." Xing-Fu was done speaking and his head was still lowered.


    "What? What is she trying to do?" Sheng Li muttered and got raged. "Why is the Empress intervening in my life?" Sheng Li shouted.


    "Calm down, your highness. The inner pce rules are decided by the imperial majesty and his highness cannot do anything except epting it," Xing-Fu asserted, lowering his eyes.


    "Send some wine in my bed-chamber and do not let anyone inside," Sheng Li in amanding tone told Xing-Fu.


    "Your highness, you drank with prince Wanxi earlier. I am afraid that excessive drinking can..."


    "Do as I say," the cold tone was enough to stop Xing-Fu from speaking further. "I am sending the wine there in a while, your highness," saying this Xing-Fu left the study room while the crown prince went to his bed-chamber.


    Sheng Li was thinking of stopping the night to be with the crown princess while drinking when the crown princess showed her presence in the bed-chamber which made his suspicions strong on the crown princess. "The empress must have sent her here to seduce me," Sheng Li thought looking at Ying Lili who just took away the wine cup from him. But, when the crown prince questioned Ying Lili if she was sent there by the empress she acted innocent in front of him which raged the crown prince.


    "Let me go. You can enjoy your drinks," stated Ying Lili.


    "You have entered the residence of the crown prince where one enters and leaves only with his permission. I do not want to let you go today. Let''s sleep together. I will pleasure you and fulfill your desires." Sheng Li stated with a smirk.


    Ying Lili pped him which made Sheng Li furious. "How dare you say that? When I told you that I was here because-" Before she couldplete her words, Sheng Li captured her lips and kissed her harshly. Ying Lili tried pushing him but he did not budge instead tightened his grip around Ying Lili''s waist.


    Ying Lili moved one hand behind her hair and took out a hairpin. Sheng Li was not stopping from kissing her which had infuriated the crown princess. She directed the hairpin towards Sheng Li when he grabbed her hand which was earlier on Ying Lili''s waist. Pulling away from Ying Lili, Sheng Li spoke, "I am not drunk enough to be hurt by you easily. This is the second time you pped me." Ying Lili felt the pain in her hand as Sheng Li was tightening his grip around it.


    "Ahh," Ying Lili passed out a scream but Sheng Li did not affect by this. "You are hurting me," Ying Lili with a whimper said. She used her other hand and hit Sheng Li at his shoulder and he pushed her away. Ying Lili was now on the floor while Sheng Li was giving her a murderous look.


    Ying Lili quickly stood up, wanted to leave the bed-chamber as fast as she could. She went towards the door when Sheng Li spoke, "Do not start a war, Lili. When I told you that you cannot step outside this chamber then you cannot." Ying Lili was slightly terrified and she wanted to run away from him as fast she could. "I am afraid if I will stay here any longer then a cruel man like you will not even stop killing me," Ying Lili announced and forwarded his hand to open the door when she was pinned against the door by the crown prince.

 Chapter 21: Want to spend another night

    <h4>Chapter 21:Want to spend another night</h4>


    Sheng Li was furious upon hearing the statement against him. "A cruel man like him?" the crown prince murmured and saw Ying Lili was going to step outside. Right away, he stood up from his seat and walked towards Ying Lili. Even if the crown prince had drunk a lot, he was in his right mind and state. Ying Lili reached out her hand to open the door when she was turned by the crown prince.


    Both of her hands were pinned against the wooden door by the crown prince. They were ring at each other when Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s lips. "Why do you annoy me so much? First, you seduced openly your so-called first brother, then you instead of listening to your husband told your maidservant about our rtionship. Later, you convinced the Empress to organize a wedding night for us. The words I told you on the wedding night are not digestible to you that''s why you nned all this, right?" Sheng Li asked one question after the other from An-Ying Lili.


    "You are still on that? I told you I did not seduce the first brother. Do you think of me as that kind of woman? Undoubtedly, you have low thinking. Furthermore, it shall not matter to you what am I doing or what am I not!? I did not tell anything to her majesty either. Why would I ask for a night with you when I want to run away from you?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili snickered. "Why would I be afraid? Sheng Li, you are the one who ising at me. You are the one who forced yourself on me- earlier in the day and then a few moments ago. You do not own me, neither you have any right on me. So, stop thinking that I will ever listen to you," Ying Lili asserted and kicked Sheng Li on his one leg.


    His grip loosened from Ying Lili''s hand when she got a chance to run away from there. Sheng Li chuckled just seeing the moves of the woman. Before Ying Lili could again go out of his chamber, she was carried up by the crown prince in a bridal style. She struggled in Sheng Li''s embrace when she was thrown on the mattress. Ying Lili moved backward and was hit against the wall because the bed was quite smaller, attached to the sidewall, unlike the bed in her room.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili''s one leg, pulling her towards him. Hovering over Ying Lili, Sheng Li spoke. "This is the best way to end the rumors, and trust me if you ever acted recklessly then I will not spare you. Till now, I am lenient with you because I do not want a kind woman like you to see this cruel man''s other side," Sheng Li said in quite a threatening tone.


    Ying Lili with a stutter said, "D-do not do anything to me."


    "Why? You shall pleasure your husband as well," Sheng Li with a smirk said and leaned further closer to her. Ying Lili was stiffened by Sheng Li''s weight, unable to move even an inch. Sheng Li noticed the crown princess was quite scared just by the thought he could do something to her.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "If I had to do anything to you then I would have done by now," Sheng Li''s words felt weird to Ying Lili when she heard him further saying, "You do not want me to touch then why do you act so strong in front of me? Did I not tell you that I do not like feisty women? But, then I am not a man who will punish you by throwing myself on you. That''s one pathetic way other men use, but not me. For you, I have discovered a better way. By punishing the people close to you."


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li''s anger had gone away while talking to her, and he did not harm her in another way which relieved her a bit. But punishing people close to her. She recalled how Su Binxi was taken away by him so, did he mean he would punish those maidservants when they did not even do anything.


    "You are using a cowardly way to punish me," stated Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li sheepishly smiled. "You na?ve woman! You did not get my words. Well, let''s sleep. It iste night," said Sheng Li as his eyes were getting heavy because of the hangover of the wine he has consumed and pulled the nket up, covering them with that. Sheng Li moved from over Ying Lili''s body and turned away his face. Ying Lili was pleased that Sheng Li did not do anything to her.


    She dragged herself towards the wall, turning to the wall not wanted to be close to Sheng Li. "Do not leave tonight if you do not want to spend another night with this ruthless man. This is the least a cruel man like me can expect from a kind woman like you," Sheng Li pronounced. His eyes were closed as if he would fall asleep anytime.


    Ying Lili found that the crown prince had turned gentle towards her. "Kind persons die," Sheng Li murmured, which Ying Lili heard. She was confused about why he said that. The crown princess turned to the crown prince and saw a teardrop rolling down his cheek. This confused her. She lifted her hand and reached it towards Sheng Li''s cheek. The finger was going to touch the cheek of the crown prince when he caught it.


    Ying Lili blinked her eyes in nervousness as Sheng Li caught her finger and looked at her. She thought he had fallen asleep but to her surprise, he was still awake. Both were peering into each other''s eyes. "You did not see or hear anything. Forget this face," Sheng Li pronounced with the blood-red eyes. Ying Lili did not dare to ask anything more and pulled her hand back, but Sheng Li did not let it go.


    "L-leave," Ying Lili said in a low voice. Sheng Li left her hand and turned her head away. Ying Lili was bewildered by what she just heard. "Did he actually cry?" she wondered, continued staring at the crown prince who had turned his back towards her.

 Chapter 22: We were wild last night

    <h4>Chapter 22:We were wildst night</h4>


    Sheng Li was not able to sleep because of the restlessness he was having. He turned himself and saw Ying Lili was totally stuck to the wall without a nket but, she was sleeping. Sheng Li looked at the face of Ying Lili which was slightly visible in the dim light of the candle. "Goodness, she finally agreed on something with me," Sheng Li murmured and then, averted his gaze from her. "If you would be here then, I guess you would love this woman," Sheng Li murmured and closed his eyes.


    "Why am I feeling as if someone has put loads on me," Ying Lili thought in her sleep. She put her hand on her belly when it touched a hand that was not hers. Feeling an unfamiliar touch, she recalled she is in the Crown prince''s manor. Instantly the crown princess opened her eyes. She was stunned to see that she was lying beside Sheng Li and her one hand was rested on his chest.


    She pulled her hand back and moved away from him swiftly. "How did I end up inside this nket? Did he do something to me at night? How could I put my guard down and fall asleep," Ying Lili thought and checked her clothes. The crown princess wasforted as nothing was done to her. The crown princess decided to leave the bed-chamber. She stood up on the bed and decided to jump over the crown prince as there was no other way to got out of the bed. Moreover, the crown princess did not want to wait for the crown prince to wake up, and then she would leave.


    Lifting her leg slightly up, the crown princess almost jumped out of the bed when she found the crown prince had woken up. Meanwhile, Sheng Li was thinking about what Ying Lili was doing. He bored his cold gaze on Ying Lili who pulled her leg back. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li asked in bewilderment in a threatening tone.


    Ying Lili stepped back when she was entangled in her own dress. Unable to bnce herself she fell over Sheng Li who winced in pain and moaned. Ying Lili''s soft lipsnded on Sheng Li''s lips but the impact was huge because of which Sheng Li got a cut on his upper lip and it started bleeding. Right away, she lifted her head and looked at Sheng Li who was shooting res at her. "F-forgive m-me," Ying Lili stuttered when she saw blood on Sheng Li''s lips. She touched it and murmured, "blood." Sheng Li pushed Ying Lili and quickly sat up on the bed. He touched his upper lip and then looked at his thumb which had blood.


    "What were you trying to do?" Sheng Li shouted at her. Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "Answer," Sheng Li''s voice roared in the chamber. Ying Lili lifted her eyes and saw the blood was stilling from Sheng Li''s upper lip. She instantly sat on the bed and then reached her hand out to touch his lips when Sheng Li pped it off.


    Ying Lili moved closer to Sheng Li. "It is bleeding too much. Let me check it once. Do not be a stubborn kid," said Ying Lili with a concerned look and touched his thumb. Ying Lili put away Sheng Li''s thumb and then looked at the wound. She pulled her hand back and took out the handkerchief from the pocket made on her robe.


    "Get out," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who did not listen to him, and gently wiped off the blood from Sheng Li''s lip. "Forgive me," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili. "I wanted to leave before you will be awake so, I thought to jump over you," Ying Lili told the crown prince. She blew the air over Sheng Li''s lip who was peering at her.


    "Hmm, it is clotted," Ying Lili proimed and lifted her head to look at Sheng Li when she found their closeness. "When I kissed you in your bed-chamber which was a part of an act you pped me then, what shall I do to you who stole my kiss and then hurt me?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who widened her eyes in astonishment.


    "I-I was startled that time and it was without my permission," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li snickered and spoke, "Even I was startled and then without my permission you fell on me and then touched my lips." Sheng Li was grinning at her.


    Ying Lili blinked her eyes and then closed her eyes. "Here, you can p me too," Ying Lili with a stutter said. Sheng Li chuckled and looked at Ying Lili''s face. "Lili, indeed I am a cruel man but I do not p women," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li whispering those words against her lips.


    Forthwith, Ying Lili opened her eyes and asked, "But for you, there is no gender. Because I made a mistake, I am r-ready to take the punishment." Ying Lili proudly told Sheng Li who was looking amusingly at her.


    "You are true that for me there is no gender but it does not mean I will p a woman especially you who is my official wife now. It is surprising to see you are asking for a punishment willingly," Sheng Li pronounced and waited for Ying Lili''s answer. Ying Lili had never thought the crown prince would be that considerate towards her. "Is this really Sheng Li or is he ying with me with his words?" Ying Lili thought when Sheng Li snapped his fingers in front of her.


    Ying Lili came out of her thoughts and looked at Sheng Li. "Thinking that how could this merciless man saying such words?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who did not say anything.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and whispered, "I will wait for you on the military grounds. One who will lose will kill a person inside the jail." Ying Lili was shocked to hear that. She turned her face and looked at Sheng Li who was smirking at her. "So, try to defeat me else you have to kill someone, Lili," his threatening, deep voice terrified Ying Lili for a second.


    "Get out of here before I will throw you out," asserted Sheng Li and got down the bed. Ying Lili quickly got down the bed, wore the shoes, and left the bed-chamber as fast as she could. Seeing the crown princessing out of the chamber, Eunuch Xing-Fu went to her. Bowing his head, he greeted her. "Your highness, the pnquin is ready of you," Xing-Fu told Ying Lili who nodded and walked away.


    Xing-Fu, on the other hand, went inside the crown prince''s chamber and saw his injured lip. A tiny smile formed on his lips. "What is the reason for your smile?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu.


    "Your highness, this eunuch is happy to see the growing rtionship of the crown princess with you. But, it seems you two were too wildst night," Xing-Fu stated and again smiled.


    "Indeed, we were wildst night," Sheng Li proimed, recalling a few incidents with Ying Lili where he had to control his anger at her. "Inform the imperial majesty not to call for the Royal Astrologer. We two will spend such nights on our own," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "Yes, your highness," Xing-Fu epted the order of the crown prince.

 Chapter 23: I am a One-woman man

    <h4>Chapter 23:I am a One-woman man</h4>


    The Crown princess arrived in her manor and sat on the chair there. "Your highness, there is blood on your lips. Are your lips bleeding?" Courtdy Xu asked worriedly. Ying Lili touched her lips and shook her head in refusal. "Is the bath ready?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes, your highness. Last night might have tired you out so, everything is already prepared," asserted Courtdy Xu. Ying Lili noticed the smile which the courtdy trying to hide from her. There was nothing that happened between them still, the crown princess had to keep it a secret to avoid another night with the crown prince.


    Ying Lili dragged herself forward and went to the bathhouse. The crown princess noticed the crown prince also came to the bathhouse next to her. She quickly went inside where the maidservants helped her in undressing. Ying Lili got inside the huge bathtub.


    The hot water calmed her nerves down and the fragrance of the rose petals too soothed her. Two maidservants poured the milk water on the crown princess''s milky white skin and then at her front. "Why is milk water prepared today for the bath?" Ying Lili curiously asked courtdy Xu.


    "Your highness, the Empress wants you to keep a hold on the crown prince that''s why her majesty wants you to take proper care of your body. Milk bath will smooth your skin and¡­" The courtdy could notplete her words as Ying Lili told her to stop.


    "It is a waste of precious milk. Please do not use it anymore in my bath. There are many other ways to take care of the skin," Ying Lili pronounced. Court Lady Xu bowed her head and stepped back. After the crown princess was done bathing, she was taken to the dressing room where she got ready.


    "Your highness, after the morning greetings and having breakfast you have to leave for the Empress'' Manor where you will be taught about the weaving. Soon, the crown prince''s birthday is arriving and if her highness would gift his highness something made of her own hands then it would be great," asserted Court Lady Xu.


    Ying Lili was happy that she did not need to go to the military barracks ground to do a sword fight with Sheng Li. Although she was trained in that but, judging from Sheng Li''s achievements she decided to escape that and ask his majesty to release Su Binxi from the Jail House.


    "Nothing," replied Ying Lili. "Let''s go," the crown princess further said and left for the greeting ceremony. The crown prince too joined her and the two continued going to meet their majesties.


    "Good morning, father and mother," Sheng Li said inly. Both of his hands were raised till the shoulder, joined together and his head was lowered. The crown princess did the same when the Emperor told them to raise their heads. "It was informed that you two spendst night together," Empress Wei stated with a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Yes, your majesty. The Pce rumors were being strange about my rtionship with my crown princess," Sheng Li proimed and looked at Ying Lili. Passing her a Smile, Sheng Li looked back towards the Dragon-Phoenix throne on which the Emperor-Empress were seated.


    "I do not know why some people haveined regarding the swordsmanship that the crown princess was doing with the elder first brother. Then, there were rumors about our wedding night so, to end them, the crown princess camest night to spend time with me," asserted Sheng Li and bored his gaze at the Empress.


    "It is good to see that both the crown prince and the crown princess are getting well along with each other. Summer wille soon then, you two can go to the Summer Pce to spend more time with each other," asserted the Empress. The Emperor agreed with Weng Wei.


    "Crown Princess, after breakfaste to my manor. Court Lady Xu must have informed you regarding that," Empress Wei told Ying Lili.


    "Yes, your majesty," replied Ying Lili.


    "Forgive me for the intrusion, your majesty but, Lili and I have decided to do sword fighting daily after breakfast. Last night, I came to know from the crown princess that she misses it and used to do it every day when she was in Juyan. So, I request your majesty to shift the time for the crown princess to go to her majesty''s Manor," asserted Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li with astonishment. Indeed, the crown prince was making her work in his way. The crown princess was happy thinking not to have any kind of sword fight with the crown prince but, it seemed to her that he was serious in the morning. "Your highness, we can have thatter as well. It is not like I will forget to hold the sword," Ying Lili proimed.


    "My dear Lili," Sheng Li pronounced and stepped closer to her. Han Wenji and Weng Wei smiled looking at them. Ying Lili furrowed her brows as it was awkward to act well around Sheng Li and the way the crown prince was calling out the crown princess, giving her goosebumps.


    "My dear Lili, it will be interesting to have a friendly match with you. I have nned a special surprise for you as well, Lili. I know you do not like the things which a woman desire for her that''s why I have prepared something special for you," Sheng Li pronounced and then turned towards their majesties.


    "Your majesty, I request you to call Liliter in the morning," stated Sheng Li, lowering his eyes.


    Emperor Han Wenji gestured to Weng Wei to permit Sheng Li. "You are allowed to do that, crown prince. Ying Lili, after that sword fighting you shalle to my manor," Empress Wei said in amanding tone. Ying Lili shook her head in agreement and then red at Sheng Li who was giving her a smirk.


    "We shall take leave then, their majesties. Father, I will see you in the courtter," stated Sheng Li when Weng Wei stopped them from going. "The crown prince must have found out about Miss Xue''s wedding."


    "Yes, your highness. Last night, elder first brother told me that you have decided this," asserted Sheng Li. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li with a confused expression. "I am happy you are not defying me. Miss Xue will be a noble consort of Prince Guozhi," stated Empress Wei.


    Ying Lili was bewildered to hear that and again looked at Sheng Li. "Why is he not saying anything. He loves Miss Xue," Ying Lili thought and then looked at the Empress.


    "Your majesty, it is good to see that the crown prince values my decisions. I am happy Sheng Li that you are not opposing this marriage. The concubines for you will be decided soon by your crown princess," stated Weng Wei with a smile.


    "Your majesty, I am a One-woman man. I do not want to have any concubine. Please be considerate to my decision as well, your majesty," Sheng Li softly said. Ying Lili was dumbfounded by the crown prince''s answer.


    "What happened to him? Till yesterday, he was shouting about his love for Miss Xue then, why is he not protesting? Moreover, he refused to have any concubines! What did he mean by a One-woman man?" Ying Lili wondered.


    "But, for the strengthening of our rtionship with the states under the Han Sovereignty, the princes must go with multiple concubines," Empress Wei proimed.


    "Your majesty, please be respectful to my decision as well. I do not want any concubines in my life. I believe in their loyalties towards us. I will not marry anymore. Six years ago, I have talked about this with my father as well. I thought I would get married to Xue Yu Yan but then, this marriage alliance happened. So, I will go with this marriage only. I hope her majesty will not force inner Pce rules on me neither on the crown princess," asserted Sheng Li and lifted his eyes, to look straight into the Empress'' eyes.


    Empress Wei felt her power was belittled by the crown prince but then she heard Emperor Han saying, "Crown prince, we respect your decision. If you do not want any second woman in your life then we will go with that but, you have to make sure the states remain loyal to Han," stated Han Wenji.


    "Thank you for respecting my decision, your majesty," Sheng Li expressed his gratitude and then turned to Ying Lili. "Let''s go," stated Sheng Li and left the hall. Ying Lili bowed her head in front of Emperor-Empress, and then followed Sheng Li.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


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 Chapter 24: Loves another woman rather than her

    <h4>Chapter 24:Loves another woman rather than her</h4>


    Ying Lili followed Sheng Li who was walking briskly. With arge gown, it was difficult for walking at the crown prince''s pace. She was confused whether the crown prince was angry or he was hungry that he was walking with such a speed. Ying Lili raised her high waist skirt a little bit and ran after Sheng Li. Court Lady Xu, Eunuch Xing-Fu, and six other maidservants also started running after Ying Lili.


    The crown princess was now beside the crown prince and walked along with him. "Why are you walking so hastily? Why are you not stopping Miss Xue''s wedding?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li when he halted at his ce. Seeing him, Ying Lili also stopped when Sheng Li stepped closer to the crown princess.


    Immediately, the servants bowed their heads. Ying Lili stepped back and asked Sheng Li what he was doing. She found there were indescribable expressions in the eyes of the crown prince when the crown princess realized that she was hit against a pir. Sheng Li ced his one hand beside Ying Lili''s head.,


    Ying Lili pressed her back against the pir wall. With a confused expression, she told Sheng Li to get away. "Why did you follow me then?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    The crown princess blinked her eyes and then spoke, "Because we are going the same way to the breakfast hall. And, I-I wanted to know why did you not say anything inside? You told me that you will marry Miss Xue then, why did you change your mind out of sudden?" Ying Lili put forwarded her questions and then ced her hand right below Sheng Li''s right shoulder to push him away.


    "How would I know?" Ying Lili muttered.


    Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the short answer from Lili. "I am a One-woman man. I have put a lot of thought into it and came to the conclusion that I shall keep ying with you, Lili," stated Sheng Li with a grin. Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s hot breath on her cheek and then looked at him. "But, I do not want you to y with me. Did we two not agree that we will not intervene in each other''s lives?" Ying Lili asked with an inquisitiveness.


    "I do not remember I said those words to you. Instead, I said to you that ying with you will be fun," Sheng Li proimed. Eunuch Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu were taking nces at the crown prince and the crown princess.


    "Get away from me," Ying Lili told Sheng Li when the first Prince came there along with his younger brothers. Seeing the crown prince and crown princess, all the brothers cleared their throats. Ying Lili saw them and pushed Sheng Li. Lowering her eyes, she greeted all the brothers. Sheng Li smiled and looked at his half brothers.


    "It seems the crown prince was not able to stop himself from getting closer to her highness," Jian Guozhi pronounced and then looked at Ying Lili.


    "Sister Lili, you are looking beautiful in this rose pink dress," the second Prince, Yongzhengplimented Ying Lili who thanked the second prince for his kind words. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and stepped ahead when Jian Guozhi said something which infuriated the crown prince.


    "Ying''er, you shall be happy now. The crown prince will no longer see the other woman except you," Jian Guozhi. The rest brothers were confused hearing those words.


    "The first prince shall not use the title for the crown princess and he is not allowed to tell Lili if I see her or not," Sheng Li pronounced. "No one is allowed to call her by her name. Use the title for her. I do not want to repeat myself," Sheng Li further stated. Ying Lili nced at him but did not speak anything.


    "It seems the crown prince is jealous of us brothers closeness with Ying''er," stated Jian Guozhi. "I would like to listen to Ying''er on this. If she will say so then, we brothers will start using the title," stated Jian Guozhi, ring into the eyes of Sheng Li. The rest brothers looked at each other. Weng Yu was scared already by Sheng Li who he hid behind the sixth brother, Lei Wanxi.


    "I like to call the crown princess as Sister Lili," Sheng Li heard Weng Yu which raged him but by then Ying Lili intervened. "If the crown prince wants the title must be used to call my name out then, I would like to request all the brothers to use that. I apologize for my immature behavior earlier," Ying Lili pronounced. Jian Guozhi clenched his fist as anger built inside him.


    "Your highness, we will call you by your title then," asserted Yongzheng and gave her a tiny smile. Sheng Li turned his gaze at Weng Yu and told him to follow him to the military ground after breakfast.


    Weng Yu had lowered his eyes and in a timid voice said, "Your highness, I do not want to."


    "I did not give you an option. If you won''te then¡­"


    "How could you speak with a kid like this? You are terrifying the youngest Prince," Ying Lili cut the words of Sheng Li in the middle. All the princes looked at each other as Ying Lili was informal with the crown prince and was scolding him as well. Lei Wanxi could not control hisugh and ended upughing.


    "Forgive me, your highness," Lei Wanxi bowed his head in front of Sheng Li who a moment ago gave him a deadly re.


    "Brother Yu, I will be there as well. The crown prince wants you to be strong and if you will not train then, you will not be considered a warrior. Do you not want to be like your father and brother?" Ying Lili asked Weng Yu. Sheng Li looked at the crown princess and was surprised seeing that she was taking his side.


    "I want to be but brother¡­ I mean the crown prince," Weng Yu lifted his eyes to look at Sheng Li who was looking at him. Right away, he lowered his eyes because of the fear of the crown prince. Ying Lili observed the fear in Weng Yu''s eyes when she heard Sheng Li, "You do not need toe. Keep living like a coward." Without waiting anymore there, Sheng Li walked away.


    Weng Yu''s eyes filled with tears. Lei Wanxi put his hand around Weng Yu''s shoulder and pulled him closer. "Will you keep standing there?" Ying Lili heard the loud voice of Sheng Li. Ying Lili bowed her head and walked ahead towards the crown prince followed by the servants behind her.


    "I think the crown prince rtionship has turned good with the crown princess. Good to see them like this," Yongzheng proimed. Han Nianzu agreed with the Second Prince and they walked towards the greeting hall.


    Ying Lili stopped near Sheng Li and asked him why he got angry at the youngest Prince. "Do you not want to eat?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, ignoring her question. Ying Lili noticed something was going on with the crown prince so, she did not bother him by asking any more questions. They both went towards the crown prince chamber where they two had to eat together.


    As they sat around a round table, various kinds of dishes were ced on the table. Ying Lili observed the expressions on the face of the crown prince. "Are you sad because Miss Xue will not marry you?" Ying Lili gathering her courage asked.


    Sheng Li peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. "It seems that the crown princess desperately wants me to marry Xue Yu Yan. Unlike the other women, the crown princess is not jealous that her husband loves another woman rather than her," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili was demented by the words of the crown prince. "Why would I be jealous? I was happy thinking that you two will marry," asserted Ying Lili and picked the wooden lid over a bowl, checking the food. A servant came ahead and checked the food for them. "The food is okay. Your highnesses shall eat," the servant said and stepped back.


    "Lili, you have to die for that," Sheng Li proimed hearing which Ying Lili widened her eyes.

 Chapter 25: I was playing with you

    <h4>Chapter 25:I was ying with you </h4>


    Ying Lili flinched her brows upon hearing the crown prince. "Leave us alone," Sheng Li ordered the servants there. Court Lady Xu and Eunuch Xing-Fu who were standing a few meters away from the crown prince and crown princess gestured to the servants to leave and then they two walked out, shutting the door behind them.


    "Serve the food," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "What do you mean?" Ying Lili asked. "What do you mean by I have to die?" Ying Lili confusedly questioned Sheng Li, peering into his eyes.


    "Why? Will you sacrifice your life?" Sheng questioned Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili chuckled at the question of the crown prince. "Why would I sacrifice my life just to fulfill your wish? Is my death that important to you? Oh, I forgot that your beloved will not be your official wife. You both are really power-hungry. Just kill me as you killed my father," asserted Ying Lili and averted her gaze from him.


    Sheng Li found Ying Lili was raged. "I did not kill your father. I do not know why you do not believe my words," stated Sheng Li and snickered. "And, take your words back regarding Xue Yu Yan and me," Sheng Li in a threatening tone said.


    Ying Lili frowned at him. "No one will believe a man who is barbaric like you and I will not take my words back. You have to see me in front of your eyes every day but, I will not die until I will kill you," Ying Lili pronounced proudly and stood up from the seat.


    The crown princess turned to leave when she heard Sheng Liugh which befuddled Ying Lili and she turned to look at him. "Why are youughing?" Ying Lili queried him. Sheng Li stoppedughing and replied, "I was ying with you. I wanted to see what will your reaction be when I will say that you have to die. As I expected, you crossed your limits in cursing me." Ying Lili doubted his answer and skeptically peered at him.


    "Do not doubt my intentions. Like I earlier said, if I had to kill you then I would not have taken you here. The food is getting cold and we are gettingte for a very interesting match between us," Sheng Li with a smirk remarked. Ying Lili''s anger subsided and she took her seat.


    "You trusted my answer so quick," Sheng Li stated, smiling at her. "Do not confuse me," Lili sneered at him and served him the food. "Eat," Ying Lili said and then filled her te with the food. Sheng Lili started eating and recalled the morning incident after he was done taking the bath.


    "General Wang, you here? In this early morning?" Sheng Li asked while the servants were helping him in wearing the red-colored overcoat.


    "Yes, your highness. I thought to meet you before leaving for the Southern province," replied Wang Hao. Sheng Li told the servants to leave the chamber and sat on a ground seat made on the left side of his room on a cushion and gestured Wang Hao to take a seat who did so.


    "Your highness, there is something you must know. Our top spy found out about this from the Prime minister''s manor," asserted Wang Hao in a serious tone. After the general narrated the information to the crown prince he asked his highness what he would do then.


    "Wang Hao, what do you think of Ying Lili?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao who was bewildered by the crown prince''s question. "What has it to do with the crown princess? I did not understand the words of his highness," Wang Hao stated, lowering his eyes.


    "Wang Hao, is this information true?" Sheng Li asked for confirmation in a damp voice.


    "Your highness, I confirmed it. Miss Xue is after the throne. You know how badly the first prince wants the throne but his one wrong decision four years ago, made him lose the position of the crown prince. The Empress is from the family of the prime minister so, it was conspicuous that Miss Xue will go ording to them," stated Wang Hao.


    "You are not telling lies, right?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao doubtfully.


    Wang Hao felt bad that the crown prince was doubting him but, he also knew that the crown prince surely admired Xue Yu Yan since his childhood days. "Your highness, I do not dare to lie to you," Wang Hao proimed.


    "Forgive me for doubting you. It is just I told Xue to wait for me but, I think I gotte for that. The first prince always eyes on the things I have- first, the throne and now my lover Xue Yu Yan," asserted Sheng Li with a dejected look.


    "Your highness, I do not think that the first prince eyes on Miss Xue instead, he eyes on the crown princess. He even sent a spy as the personal attendant for the crown princess. Your highness, as a close friend of yours I would like to suggest to you that to see the crown princess as your woman. The most unexpected rtionships turn out to be beautiful sometimes. Your longing for Miss Xue was during the childhood and teenage days. Her highness is a pure-hearted woman and calm like an ocean. You two make a great pair," Wang Hao dered proudly.


    "Calm like an ocean?" Sheng Liughed inwardly. "Do not ever use such praise words for her in front of me. She is not calm like an ocean but she is a wild cat who is always ready to snap at me. No one has dared to call me by my name but that woman does not fear me," Sheng Liined.


    Wang Hao smiled hearing the words of the crown prince towards the princess but then he retreated to his neutral face. "Your highness, that''s why her highness is the most perfect woman for you. Most of the men like timid, meek, and easy-going women but you are different from them. A bold, strong, and fierce woman suits you well," Wang Hao proimed.


    Sheng Li gave a faint smile to Wang Hao. "I do not think so," Sheng Li replied. "General Wang, you shall leave. Have a safe journey and keep giving me the information regarding you," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao shook his head in agreement and stood up from the seat. "Your highness, take care of yourself and her highness," saying this Wang Hao left the chamber.


    Sheng Li felt a jerk on his arm and he came out of his thoughts. Ying Lili was beside him, looking at him confusedly. "What are you thinking? I was calling out your name for a long. I have finished my meal and you did not even eat a single grain," Ying Lili asserted. "Is he thinking of a way to get rid of me?" Ying Lili thought and went back to her seat. Sheng Li did not reply to her and resumed eating.


    "You did not put spices to my meal today, why?" Sheng Li curiously asked as he chewed the food inside his mouth.


    "You want me to?" Ying Lili asked with a raised brow.


    "Why do you always question me instead of answering?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked. An-Ying Lili did not reply to him. "What is he hiding? I had thought if he would marry Miss Xue then, I would not have to see his face. But he changed his decision so suddenly. Shall I talk to Miss Xue?" Ying Lili thought.

 Chapter 26: I do not consider you a woman

    <h4>Chapter 26:I do not consider you a woman</h4>


    Therge military practice ground brought a smile over Ying Lili''s lips. All types of military weapons could be found in the military warehouse which was on the left side of the ground. Still, there was insecurity in Ying Lili about whether she would be able to defeat Sheng Li or not. "I have to defeat him else he will enforce me to kill the person," Lili thought.


    "Follow me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. General Xiao came towards their highnesses and bowed his head in front of them. "Your highness, please this way," stated General Xiao. Both the crown prince and the crown princess went inside arge weapon house. The soldiers bowed their heads seeing the crown prince and crown princess there.


    General Xiao turned to the crown prince and spoke, "Your highness, her highness will find difficulty in those robes." Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili who was looking at her royal dress. "Come with me," said Sheng Li and turned towards the dressing room. The guards standing there were dismissed by the crown prince. He then closed the doors when Ying Lili asked him why he was closing the door. "Do you want every man here to see you change?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili got angry at him. "How can you say that? And, what do you mean by change?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    Sheng Li stepped closer to her while Ying Lili stepped back. "Get aside. What are you trying to do?" Ying Lili confusedly asked him, furrowing her brows. Sheng Li did not stop when she was hit against a table there on which military uniforms were aligned. "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream as she was hit against the table. Sheng Li was towering over her and then spoke, "You cannot fight with me in this dress. I do not want you to keep holding your long skirt while fighting with me."


    Ying Lili got aside from him and said, "You want me to wear a dress for just a sword fight. I even defeated elder first brother in the swordsmanship. So, I do not think I shall change," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li gave a smile to Ying Lili.


    "Lili, the first brother is mad for your beauty so, he intentionally got defeated by you. But, I am a different case. Do you think I will be easy on you just because of your charms?" Sheng Li asked.


    "When did I say to you to go easy on me? You are over-confident in your strength. What if I defeat you? What will you do then?" Ying Lili asked the crown prince.


    Sheng Li smiled and spoke, "I will kill that person for you."


    "Eh?" "No, instead you will agree to one of my requests to you," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li agreed with her and leaned closer to her ear. "Other than intimacy with you, you can ask for anything," whispered Sheng Li. Ying Lili pushed the crown prince away. "What do you take me for? How can you even think of that?" Ying Liliined. Sheng Li slightlyughed and then turned towards the table.


    "Judging by your height, this uniform will be suited on you," asserted Sheng Li as he picked the third numbered dress from the right of the table. He picked it up and put it at the front of Ying Lili who stepped back. "Can you not stand straight?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who straightened herself. Sheng Li measured the dress on Ying Lili when he heard her speaking.


    "For a small fight, you are doing too much. Is it that necessary for you to have the swordfight?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "I want to know what kind of fighter you are that everyone praises you. And, yes this is important because it is like a war where your victory or defeat will decide the life of a person," stated Sheng Li with a grin. The military uniform was white with metallic armor at the front with a low waist frock. "Change into this," Sheng Li proimed, handing the uniform to Lili.


    "Call my assistants inside," Ying Lili told him.


    "They cannote inside. This is a men region," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "But, I am a woman," Ying Lili answered.


    "So? I do not consider you a woman," Sheng Li stated. "Now, no more questions and change into this uniform," Sheng Li in a threatening tone said. Ying Lili nodded and told Sheng Li that he shall wait outside for her. "No, I will be here. Do you want to tell every man here that we do not see each other as husband and wife?" Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "And, you expect me to change in front of you? Have you lost your mind?" Ying Lili shouted at him. Sheng Li ced his palm over Ying Lili''s mouth and said, "Do not shout here. When did I say that I will look at you while you will change? There is another secret room behind this. I will be there. When you will be done changing, call me up. If you won''t then, I wille out on my own," saying this Sheng Li put his hand down and went towards his left. Opening the door, he walked in and closed it.


    "You are not looking, right?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li who replied a ''No''. Ying Lili took off her upper overcoat, followed by the upper robes and the high waist skirt. She quickly put the bottom wear followed by the upper dress. She was happy that the dress perfectly fit her. But her hair was messier while changing. She called out Sheng Li who saw her messy hair.


    "The uniform fits you perfectly," Sheng Li stated and got closer to her. "Your hair," he murmured as he caressed them. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and stopped him. She turned back, removed the hairpins and other hair essories from her hair. cing them on the table there, she made a bun of her hair and kept it intact on its ce using a hairpin. "Okay, I am done. Let''s go," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who nodded. They both came out of the dressing room when Sheng Li ordered the soldiers and the guards not to go inside.


    General Xiao had already prepared the swords for them. Ying Lili grabbed the sword and then red at Sheng Li. They both then left to the open ground followed by General Xiao.


    Under the open blue sky, Sheng Li and Ying Lili could be seen standing in front of each other, meters away. Sheng Li was smirking at Ying Lili who was ring at him. Eunuch Xing-Fu came closer to General Xiao and spoke, "what do General Xiao think? Who will win?"


    "The crown prince will win unless he willingly epts defeat which will not," General Xiao answered. Lei Wanxi too came there with Weng Yu and stood beside General Xiao. "Brother Sheng will never ept his defeat. He is not the person who will let go of a person easily," stated Lei Wanxi.


    An-Ying Lili took the lead and attacked Sheng Li who easily defended her attack but was surprised to see the strength in Ying Lili''s attack. The nking sound of swords echoed in the air. Ying Lili pushed her sword towards Sheng Li, increasing the pressure on it when Sheng Li moved his sword swiftly along with Lili''s such that she was pushed back and fell on the ground.


    "Ahh, brother Sheng, be gentle on the crown princess," Lei Wanxi loudly said hearing which Sheng Li smiled. The crown princess was on her one knee and then stood up. "It feels like I am ying with a young girl," stated Sheng Li. Ying Lili again took the lead. Sheng Li easily defended her and moved from his ce. The crown prince was now behind the crown princess. Moving his sword in the air, he hit it on Ying Lili''s bun which opened up as the hairpin fell on the ground.


    Ying Lili''s long ck hair flung open in the air as she quickly turned back. Ying Lili red at him and twirled her sword in her hand. This time Sheng Li attacked her first when Ying Lili kicked him at his leg and with one swift movement turned back, directed her elbow towards Sheng Li to hit his stomach when Sheng Li grabbed her arm and locked Ying Lili''s head in between his arm. Using his other free hand, Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s sword and dropped it to the ground.


    "What kind of game are you ying with me? Hitting me without my permission?" Sheng Li told Ying Lili who was struggling in between his arm. She used her entire strength, punched Sheng Li who wavered in his step, and loosened his grip on her. Ying Lili took the chance and quickly grabbed the sword.


    "I do not think that the crown princess will be able to defeat me," General Xiao said proudly.


    "It means I should not take you lightly," Sheng Li pronounced as he bnced himself, looking at Ying Lili who had put her sword at the front of her face. "Indeed, the crown prince shall not take this woman lightly," stated Ying Lili with a smirk.

 Chapter 27: Not allowed to choose

    <h4>Chapter 27:Not allowed to choose</h4>


    "Prince Yu, did you observe keenly? The crown princess observed the movements of the crown prince first. This is the most important thing in a battle- to know the moves of your opponent. In the beginning, you might feel like losing but once you will learn your foe''s movements then, you can easily defeat him," asserted Lei Wanxi and looked at the ground where both crown prince and crown princess were standing with the swords in their hands.


    Weng Yu shook his head in agreement with whatever his elder brother told him.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li were moving in a circle, twirling the swords in their hands, shooting res at each other. "Lili, you used punches on me so, it means I can also use them, right?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Why are you asking for my permission? It is not like you will make it an exception for me," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li smiled when Ying Lili directed the swords towards him. Sheng Li moved his right foot sideward and raised the sword to defend against the attack of Ying Lili. They both moved around such that their swords again while retreating made a high-pitched noise. Prince Yu quickly covered his ears.


    Ying Lili stretched out her arm which was holding the sword. Joining the two fingers of the other hand, she put them near the de and red at Sheng Li who was also turned serious. Both gripped their swords tightly, waiting for the attack.


    This time Sheng Li took the charge and threw an overhand cut. Ying Lili parried quickly, reflexively. Sheng Li cut from the other side but again Ying Lili parried and threw her hand back to attack Sheng Li but to her surprise, he again defended that. The des kept making that high-pitched sound.


    Prince Yu from the gap between his fingers looked at the crown prince and crown princess who were fighting like the warriors on a battleground. The Prince gradually removed his hands as he was now excited to see them fighting.


    Both the crown prince and the crown princess moved back and forth, attacking each other. The long hair of Ying Lili was swinging in the air as she fidgeted. Ying Lili cut through Sheng Li but he dodged it. Ying Lili again made an overhand cut but Sheng Li leaped backward swiftly, pping aside the de of Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili retreated and waited for Sheng Li''s attack again. Sheng Li by now had read every move of Ying Lili. Indeed, the crown princess was a great sword fighter but her sword skill was not enough to defeat the crown prince although her skills were enough to defeat a general in the Han Army.


    She loosened her guard but before she could reflect Sheng Li''s sword came hanging right in front of her neck. "You have lost," Sheng Li announced proudly. Ying Lili tightened her grip on the hilt. Her chest was moving up and down as she was tired after that match.


    Sheng Li put his hand down and went towards her. There were sweat beads formed on her forehead to which some of her tiny hair stuck. Sheng Li lifted his hand and his finger touched Ying Lili''s forehead. Right away, Ying Lili stepped back which did not surprise Sheng Li because he was not allowed to touch her.


    He turned to look at Eunuch Xing-Fu who understood and went towards the crown prince. Taking the sword from the crown prince and the crown princess, Xing-Fu went towards the warehouse.


    Sheng Li looked at the torn dress and went closer to her. "You did not use your enough strength to defeat me. Now, you have to fulfill my wish," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. General Xiao had lowered his eyes while Lei Wanxi ced his palm over Weng Yu''s eyes.


    Ying Lili with a sneer looked at the crown prince. "I do not want to fulfill any of your wishes," stated Ying Lili with a stern expression.


    "You are not allowed to choose, Lili," Sheng Li asserted and then took out a clean silk handkerchief from his robe. He wiped the sweat from Ying Lili''s forehead while Ying Lili told him to stop. "I wish I could but, I want everyone to know that this cruel prince is good to his wife," Sheng Li proimed.


    From a high-rising tform, Xue Yu Yan was watching them. She tightened her fist. "How could the crown prince get closer to her? Did my marriage with his first brother not affect him? Did he not love me anymore? Just a day ago, he confessed to me then, how could he change his mind this soon? Is it because of her beauty? That wench!! My aspirations to be the next queen have failed but, I will make sure to not let her sit beside him either," Xue Yu Yan thought when a sound of clearing throat interrupted her thoughts.


    She turned her head, found Prince Yongzheng and Prince Zemin came there. She bowed her head in front of them to greet them when Prince Rong Zemin spoke, "Miss Xue is not allowed toe here."


    Xue Yu Yan lifted her head but her eyes were still lowered. "For real? Then what is the crown princess doing here, your highness?" Xue Yu Yanined, looking at the Crown prince and crown princess.


    Yongzheng was moving his fan right below his chin and opened his mouth to speak. "Miss Xue, the crown princess is an exception. The crown prince is the one who made this exception so, no one shall have any kind of problem with this," Yongzheng pronounced softly.


    "May I ask why did the crown prince make the crown princess an exception, your highness?" Xue Yu Yan politely asked, her gaze was fixated on the ground.


    "Because her highness is the second supremedy of this kingdom. Not only that she is trained in the military stuff so the crown prince wants the crown princess to practice with him in the morning hours," Yongzheng replied and noticed the jealous expression over Xue Yu Yan''s face. "Miss Xue is going to be the noble consort of the first brother so, she shall focus there rather than in the crown prince''s life," Yongzheng taunted Xue Yu Yan who walked away from there.

 Chapter 28: Lost your mind

    <h4>Chapter 28:Lost your mind</h4>


    Ying Lili with a sneer peered at Sheng Li. "I do not want to do sins by killing innocent people," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li who gave her a smirk. "The one whom you are going to kill is not an innocent person. The person is someone¡­" the crown prince paused and got closer to Ying Lili. "The person is someone who admires you a lot," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili with an inquisitiveness looked at Sheng Li.


    "Why are you even punishing Su Binxi? She is a young girl who already has suffered a lot," stated Ying Lili.


    "I am not talking about that petty servant. She is already killed by me," Sheng Li pronounced and waited for Ying Lili''s response who was infuriated at him.


    "How dare you kill her?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li and raised her hand to p him when Sheng Li caught her hand. "Do not even try, Lili," Sheng Li said as he tightened his grip on her wrist. Ying Lili flinched but she did not let it show on her face.


    "You did not tell me that you have a lover as well," Sheng Li strenuously spoke. "I thought you are an innocent, kind woman but you are not," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili clutched her dress when Sheng Li released her hand and then grabbed her chin. Lei Wanxi got confused seeing the sudden change in Sheng Li''s expressions.


    "He followed his lover to the Han Pce and now he is in the jail. Because you got defeated in this match then, you have to kill him with your hands," Sheng Li with a stern expression stated. Ying Lili''s eyes fluttered and she spoke, "I do not have any lover," Ying Lili dered proudly. Sheng Li snickered and released his grip from the chin of the crown princess.


    "Let''s go to the dungeon and verify it there," Sheng Li stated and grabbed Ying Lili''s arm.


    "Why is the crown prince angry?" Weng Yu asked in his innocent voice and looked at Lei Wanxi who was also befuddled by the crown prince''s behavior. "Let''s go, Prince Yu," Lei Wanxi stated and took away Weng Yu from there. General Xiao went towards the crown prince. Stopping a meter away from the crown prince, General Xiao said, "Your highness, the court time is near." Sheng Li then dragged Ying Lili with him to the underground dungeon.


    Ying Lili was struggling and telling him to release her but, Sheng Li did not listen to her. As they entered the underground dungeon where the fire torches were hanging on a few meters distance from each other. The soldiers who were guarding there, lowered their heads seeing the crown prince, the crown princess, and General Xiao there.


    They were now in front of the gate of the dungeon where Sheng Li had captured that person. He released Ying Lili''s arm who held her arm and caressed it. She turned to go away from there. "Try going out from here and you will be punished severely by me." Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili who did not listen which made Sheng Li furious. He turned and grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. General Xiao immediately lowered his eyes.


    Sheng Li red into the pearly eyes of Ying Lili. His hand was on Ying Lili''s hand and the other was on her neck. Pulling her closer, the crown prince said, "Every time your stubbornness cannot stop me." The crown princess could not understand the sudden change in his behavior. She was then pushed by Sheng Li such that she hit against the nearby wall.


    "Take her inside," Sheng Li ordered General Xiao who nodded at the order. "Your highness, please this way," stated General Xiao politely. Ying Lili realized that there was no way she could escape this so, she decided to go inside the dungeon. As she stepped inside, she saw a man covered in blood, and both his hands were tied with shackles, same with his feet. She went closer and stopped right behind Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili saw how brutally the man was tortured. His wounds were open from everywhere her gaze was falling on the man. Tears formed in her eyes as her eyes recognized the face which was visible in the dim yellow light of the fire torch.


    The man was none other than her childhood friend from Juyan, Hu Jingguo. "Jingguo," Ying Lili in a trembling voice said and ran to him. She patted on his cheeks and saw the wound on his right forehead which was bleeding profusely. "Ying''er," Hu Jingguo in a meek voice said. "F-forgive m-me for noting at the right time in Juyan," Hu Jingguo further spoke with stutters.


    Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li with tears on her cheeks. "Why did you do that?" The crown princess shouted at the crown prince. "Release him right away," Ying Lili ordered, looking at General Xiao who lowered his eyes.


    "What are you trying to do? Ordering my general just because you are the crown princess," the crown prince in a fit of rage said as he stepped the three stairs to reach the tform where the Ying Lili was standing. "Why did you lie that you do not have any lover?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili. "How dare you try toppling my position by having an affair with him?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Sheng Li, you have lost your mind. He is my childhood friend, Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili announced and looked at the chains from which Hu Jingguo was tied. "Release him this instant. If you will not then, I will go to his majesty," Ying Lili menaced.


    "Go then. I want to see how will you protect your lover?" Sheng Li proimed when he received a p on his right cheek. Sheng Li loosened his temper and grabbed Ying Lili''s neck. "L-leave her," Hu Jingguo said in a loud enough voice, gathering the entire strength. "Xiao, bring the sword," Sheng Li ordered in an infuriated tone.


    ~~~~~


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 Chapter 29: Trust her highness

    <h4>Chapter 29:Trust her highness</h4>


    An-Ying Lili stood in front of Hu Jingguo. "You are killing him just because you think he is my lover, right?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li who had an onerous expression on his face. "Xiao, did you not hear me? Bring me the sword," Sheng Li roared, ring into the eyes of Ying Lili. Xiao pulled out the sword from the sheath and went to Sheng Li. General Xiao handed the sword to the crown prince.


    "Indeed, I think that he is your lover. He broke into the pce to meet his lover," Sheng Li proimed. "Ying¨¦r, get aside. Let this barbaric man kill me," Hu Jingguo stated with a re in his eyes.


    "I will not kill you instead, your lover will kill you with her hands so that you can keep this in mind that I do not like the men who eye on my woman," asserted Sheng Li and then peered at Ying Lili who was crying. "He is not my lover. He is my childhood friend. Please spare his life. I beg you," Ying Lili pleaded as she lowered her eyes.


    "Lili, your tears and your begging will not melt my heart in any way. If you will not kill him then, I will give him a brutal death," stated Sheng Li. The crown prince was raged at the crown princess who was taking the side of another man in front of him.


    "Then kill me. Kill me as well. You always wanted to kill me so, you can do it today. Kill me first and then you can kill him," Ying Lili pronounced. This antagonized Sheng Li, and he grabbed Ying Lili''s chin. "Do you think I will not kill you? What shall I take this as? How shall I believe you that he is not your lover?" Sheng Li shouted at Ying Lili and pointed the sword at her neck.


    "Your highness, please calm down," General Xiao intervened.


    Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili were shooting res at each other when the pointed de of the sword, pierced the skin of Ying Lili and blood oozed out from there. General Xiao got tensed seeing the situation there and again told the crown prince not to take any step in anger.


    The blood covered the de of the sword when Sheng Li threw it away on the ground. Ying Lili took heavy breaths and her eyes gradually closed. She was going to fall when Sheng Li caught her in his arms. "Lili, Lili," Sheng Li with a worried expression said as he patted her cheek.


    Sheng Li carried Ying Lili up in his arms and walked out of the dungeon followed by General Xiao. "Call the Royal Physician," Sheng Li ordered General Xiao who was walking after them. In the military barracks, there was a residing ce as well made for the princes and the armies'' general.


    Sheng Li took Ying Lili there and made hery on the bed. He kept the pressure on the neck region which he pierced through the sword. The Royal Physician came running there. "Your highness," the royal physician bowed his head in front of the crown head. "Treat the crown princess," Sheng Li said as he looked at Ying Lili.


    The Royal Physician quickly took the medicine out and a few bandages out from the cloth bag he had with him. "Your highness," the royal physician said and Sheng Li stood up from the bed. The Royal Physician quickly put the clean cloth over the wound and wiped the blood from it. Luckily the injury was not deep so, the royal physician did not find any difficulty in treating that. Once the royal physician was done, he stood up and turned to the crown prince.


    "Her highness is unconscious because of the sudden blood loss and will wake up in a while," the royal physician informed the crown prince who shook his head. "Please, apply this medicine over the wound in the evening. Your highness can call me as well," stated the royal physician proimed as he handed a tiny medicine bottle to the crown prince who gave a nod. General Xiao took away the royal physician from there.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, sat beside Ying Lili whose brows were furrowed. He lifted his finger and gently ran his finger between her brows. "Do not kill him," Ying Lili in a meek voice said which was inaudible to Sheng Li so, he leaned closer to her and heard the same words again.


    General Xiao came there and bowed his head. "Your highness must have controlled his anger. His majesty will get angry if he found out about this," General Xiao asserted.


    "Are you ming me? She was crying for him. What meaning should have I taken from that?" Sheng Li questioned General Xiao.


    "Okay, stop taunting me. You know now what you have to do?" Sheng Li asserted.


    "Yes, your highness," General Xiao bowed his head and left the chamber.


    ~~~~


    Prince Jian Guozhi could be seen in the dungeon standing in front of Hu Jingguo. "Why did you step inside the pce? Do you not know that I have good eyes for the sneaky people like you?" Jian Guozhi asked as he looked at him. "Because of you, the crown princess is injured. Have you any idea how much it hurt me seeing the crown princess in that state?" Jian Guozhi stated.


    Hu Guozhi did not have enough strength to speak when Jian Guozhi threw a ssh of water on his face. Hu Jingguo panted heavily after getting the ssh of water on his face. "She touched you on the face and I will destroy this face of yours," stated Jian Guozhi with an exasperated look when General Xiao came there.


    "Your highness must leave," General Xiao proimed, looking at Jian Guozhi.


    "General Xiao, I caught the culprit and, the crown prince has permitted me to punish the culprit I would like to," stated Jian Guozhi with a stern expression.


    "I am afraid but the crown prince just ordered me to pass you this message that his highness will solve it himself. The punishment will be decided by him," asserted General Xiao. Jian Guozhi clenched his teeth. Jian Guozhi wanted to speak but in front of the crown prince''s order, he did not dare to. "Try giving him a death sentence. He tried breaking the rtionship of the crown prince and the crown princess," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "Your highness, that is up to the crown prince to decide," stated General Xiao. Jian Guozhi shook his head in agreement and left from there.

 Chapter 30: Fierce Woman like you cry

    <h4>Chapter 30:Fierce Woman like you cry</h4>


    An-Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and found herself in an unknown ce. "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream because of the wound on her neck when she recollected what the crown prince was doing earlier. She turned her head to look but, to her surprise there was no one. She was feeling thirsty so she with the support of her elbows sat on the bed. On the tiny table beside the table, there was a water jar and a silver ss. She picked the jar and poured the water for herself in the silver ss. The water was enough in the jar to quench her thirst. Drinking the water, she ced the ss on the table and then put her feet down on the floor.


    "Jingguo," the crown princess murmured the name and stood up when she felt weak. The crown princess wavered but she was supported by the crown prince. Seeing Sheng Li, Ying Lili struggled to let go from his grip but Sheng Li did not let her go. Instead, the crown prince helped the crown princess sit on the bed. "You are not allowed to go," Sheng Li stated.


    "I d-do not n-need your permission. I want to meet Jingguo," stated Ying Lili.


    "Meet him when you will die," Sheng Li proimed.


    "What? W-what are you saying?" Ying Lili lifted her head to look at Sheng Li who had a grave expression on his face.


    Ying Lili blinked her eyes and tears again rolled down her cheeks. "Y-you killed him? You are really inhuman. Why did you not kill me? I should have died by now," Ying Lili shouted at him as she clutched the sheet on the mattress. Sheng Li clenched his fist which was behind his back and then grabbed Ying Lili''s chin.


    "For another man you are willing to die?" Sheng Li questioned her, boring his cold gaze into her eyes.


    "For any men of Juyan, I am willing to die. You should have killed me as well," Ying Lili told him and pped off his hand. She then stood up and walked ahead when Sheng Li grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. "That was earlier. Before the marriage, you were allowed to die for the men of Juyan but not after marriage," Sheng Li announced with a frown.


    Ying Lili grabbed the water jar which was ced on the table and with full force hit Sheng Li with it on his arm but he did not budge. There was no effect of the hit on Sheng Li when he grabbed the jar from Ying Lili''s hand and spoke, "This jar is not enough to kill me. Use something big next time." He threw the jar at the floor and the falling sound echoed in the chamber.


    He reached his thumb on Ying Lili''s cheek but she turned her face away. Sheng Li wiped the tears from her face using the thumb and whispered, "I do not like when a fierce woman like you cry." Ying Lili flinched her brows and more tears started pouring down her eyes. "At least let me see my friend," Ying Lili in a cracked voice pleaded Sheng Li.


    "I cannot," replied Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili turned to look at him and kept gazing into his eyes for a while. "That''s why you deserve only hate. One who never lost anyone cannot understand the pain of the other. You are a cruel-hearted person who deserves to die in aloofness. Sheng Li, stay away from me as far as you can because now even if I will die I will make sure to kill you first," pronounced Ying Lili.


    "Thank you for saying those praiseworthy words towards me. I wish I can stop myself froming near you. I want to see how you will kill me," Sheng Li stated with a grin and released Ying Lili''s arm. "Xing-Fu," Sheng Li called out the eunuch''s name who instantly came inside.


    "Get the pnquin ready and send the crown princess to her inn," ordered Sheng Li. Xing-Fu bowed his head. "Your highness, please this way," Xing-Fu softly said. The crown princess followed Xing-Fu, leaving the chamber. General Xiao just arrived there and bowed his head in front of the crown prince. "Your highness, everything is done perfectly," stated General Xiao. Sheng Li gave a nod and told him that he would be going to the court so, in the meantime, General Xiao had to do the remaining work.


    "Yes, your highness," stated General Xiao. Sheng Li strode out of there.


    Sheng Li reached the court and kowtowed before the emperor and took his seat. "Is the crown princess fine?" Han Wenji asked his son.


    "Yes, your majesty," Sheng Li replied.


    "Okay. We will talk about this after the court will end," Han Wenji told Sheng Li who shook his head in agreement. The court started in a while as every minister took their respective seats.


    "The problem of food distribution has risen again in the South Province of Han Kingdom. The unwanted storm in thest month destroyed the crops there which is the main reason for this tragedy. ording to the report, the people thrashed the government officials there and looted the grains from the public distribution house," stated the prime minister, Zhang Yong Wei.


    "What about the military? Is it not taking control over them?" The emperor questioned the Prime minister.


    "The attack happened in thete night by the aggrieved vigers," replied Zhang Yong Wei.


    "How can the military be sozy about this incident? Is this the entire truth?" The crown prince spected.


    "Your highness, the report is true as far as I know," stated Yong Wei.


    "The vigers are in dismay and anger because of the sudden loss of the crops. But, the internalmittee will look into this matter more before taking any decision further," the emperor announced.


    "Forgive me his majesty for the sudden interruption but I think I shall raise this point. Corruption will rise during the distribution of the crop. South province is prone to bad weather conditions so, I think proper management of food crops should be done and for that, we have to educate the peasants there about that.


    Apart from that, I think Crown Prince should go there. From my spies, I have heard that some people are trying to raise their voices against the kingdom. Those rebels must be suppressed in the meantime," asserted the first prince, Jian Guozhi.


    "Prince Jian is saying right," the prime minister supported the first prince, followed by the other court ministers.


    "The Crown Prince has other duties too to perform as well in the capital," opined the Emperor.


    "But, your majesty, the southern province is an important part of the kingdom. The great Yangtze River flows mostly from that part making the soil rich in minerals. Such rebellions are not good and if the crown Prince will go there, it will strengthen those subjects'' trust in us. Small rebellions lead torge ones. Apart from crown Prince, I do not think others can work on this matter in a better way," asserted Jian Guozhi and looked at Sheng Li.


    "The first brother is saying right. I will go there and control the situation. It is my duty as crown Prince to consolidate the entire kingdom in any situation," dered Sheng Li.


    Every minister started praising Sheng Li and supported his decision. The Emperor agreed with the decision and passed a Royal decree in which the crown prince was given the right to look into the situation in the Southern Province.

 Chapter 31: You cannot touch the other men

    <h4>Chapter 31:You cannot touch the other men</h4>


    The Emperor and the crown prince were seated around a table, sipping the tea from their respective cups in their hands. "Why the crown prince harmed the crown princess?" Han Wenji interrogated Sheng Li who put the cup at the table. "Do not tell me that it was because of your anger," stated Han Wenji with a stern expression.


    "Father, it was indeed out of anger. Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized.


    "Do not ask for apologies from me. It shall be from the crown princess. Is this way you are going to treat your wife? If the crown prince will act this way then what about its subjects? One who cannot respect his woman has to face bad luck ahead in his life. Keep this in mind," Han Wenji proimed and sipped the remaining tea from the cup.


    "I never disrespected her. Even I know my limits but, she hid the truth from me," Sheng Li with an exasperation stated. Han Wenji slightlyughed and asked, "What truth did the crown princess hide from you?"


    "That she has a childhood friend," Sheng Li replied.


    "How would the crown princess tell the crown prince when he never asked her? You never had amunication with the crown princess. I was always informed that you two fight mostly rather than getting close," Han Wenji proimed and gave a tiny smile to the crown prince. Sheng Li turned to look at Xing-Fu who immediately lowered his eyes.


    "Father, she is the one who starts fights with me. She always calls me a cruel, barbaric man. What shall I expect from this? It is crystal clear that I would fight with her. She is the one who outrages me. I try hard to control myself but she mocks me. I wonder if she used to defeat people with her mockery or her sword," Sheng Limented. He grabbed the porcin kettle and poured tea for his father.


    Han Wenji grabbed the cup from his son''s hand and questioned, "Are you jealous knowing a man is so close to the crown princess for which the crown princess was ready to sacrifice her life?"


    Sheng Li chuckled and answered, "Father, why would I be jealous? He could havee inside by asking about the crown princess but he chose the wrong path that''s why he was punished." Sheng Li by now was annoyed by his father''s question.


    "If he would have said that he wants to meet the crown princess then, I guess there would be a war by now," Han Wenji jovially said.


    Sheng Li gazed into the eyes of his father. "Father, I understood. I will not do any such thing in the future. There is one more thing I want to ask about," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Will Xue marry the first brother today?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Yes. The matter is with the Empress. I cannot intervene in that," Han Wenji answered.


    "There is no use of intervening now. You would have agreed with my marriage with Xue earlier but you did not. So, there is nothing left now," Sheng Li stated, heaving a sigh. The crown prince stood up from his seat and bowed his head. "I shall take my leave now. Once again forgive me for acting reckless," Sheng Li stated and turned to go when Han Wenji stopped him.


    "You also know why is Xue marrying the first prince? The crown princess is the one who is going to support you fully in the future so, start looking forward to that rtionship. An-Ying Lili is perfect for you," Han Wenji dered. Sheng Li did not speak anything and strode out of there, followed by eunuch Xing-Fu.


    "You told everything to my father. Why?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu who was walking behind him.


    "Your highness, I am more loyal to his majesty. Forgive me," Xing-Fu answered.


    "Inform the crown princess that I will have my afternoon meal with her," Sheng Li in amanding tone told Xing-Fu who epted the order and went to Zhenzhu Inn. Sheng Li, on the other hand, went to the royal kitchen. "I have never done this in my life. But, for her, I am forced to do it. If she will not like it then, I will never do such thing for her," muttered the crown prince.


    Seeing the crown prince in the royal kitchen, the workers got confused because this was the first time the crown prince hade there. The Royal chef, Qiu Ying, was informed about this and he came out of the kitchen to fetch the crown prince. He bowed before the crown prince. "His highness should have called this chef," Qiu Ying humbly said.


    "Prepare something good for the crown princess," Sheng Li ordered the royal chef.


    "May I ask what is her highness favorite meal, your highness?" Qiu Ying questioned.


    "Umm...something spicy," Sheng Li replied. "Just prepare something spicy. Do not annoy me by asking me more and more questions," stated the crown prince with annoyance.


    "Forgive me your highness if I asked any stupid questions. I will send the meals to your chamber," Qiu Ying proimed, lowering his eyes.


    "Send it to Zhenzhu inn," Sheng Li ordered and left the kitchen. All took a breath of relief as the crown prince left the Royal Kitchen. Sheng Li arrived at Zhenzhu Inn and quickly ascended the stairs. As he was turning to the resting chamber, Court Lady Xu stopped him. "Forgive me your highness for stopping you. The crown princess is not there. H-her highness has refused to meet you," stated the courtdy.


    For Sheng Li it was not surprising because he was by now was aware of Ying Lili''s anger. But he was stubborn too so, he told Court Lady Xu to send away the servants till the time he would be with the crown princess.


    "Yes, your highness," replied Court Lady Xu and walked away. Sheng Li too followed her. When the servants were gone away, Sheng Li stepped inside the bed-chamber. He continued walking inside when his eyes fell on Ying Lili who wasid on the mattress with her back towards him. He went closer to her and reached his hand towards her but then pulled it back.


    "Why are you sleeping in this bright daylight?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili but she did not answer him. Sheng Li got irritated with this and he shook her arm. "Sit up. There is something I need to talk to you about," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I am not interested," Ying Lili pronounced sternly.


    "It is about that man," Sheng Li with a hesitant said. Forthwith, Ying Lili turned to him and peered into his eyes. "Do not speak anything about him. You already killed him," Ying Lili snapped at him. Sheng Li saw the tears on Ying Lili''s cheeks and he sat down. "Did I not tell you not to cry for another man?" Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he ced his hand on Ying Lili''s cheek who pped it away.


    "?nd, did I not tell you not to touch me?" Ying Lili snapped at him.


    "Why? I am your husband. I have a right on you," Sheng Li asserted as he wiped the tears from the back of his pointer finger. Ying Lili shot a re at him and again pped off his hand. "I am not like other women who will let you im your right on me," Ying Lili stated and averted her gaze.


    "I know that you are an attention seeker. You love to get men''s attention and y with them," Sheng Li with a grin stated. "Are you not going to listen for which I am here, you attention seeker?" Sheng Li teased Ying Lili who was now out of words.


    "Your so-called lover is alive," Sheng Li stated finally.


    "W-what?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I do not repeat myself," Sheng Li answered with a solemn.


    "He is not my lover. He is Hu Jingguo, my childhood friend," asserted Ying Lili.


    "Prove it then," Sheng Li dered.


    "Lili, you cannot touch the other men. I have chosen you as the only woman in my life and I expect the same from you," proimed Sheng Li with a contemted expression.

 Chapter 32: Survive with me

    <h4>Chapter 32:Survive with me</h4>


    "Why? Do you not love Miss Xue? Because of me, you two separated so, it is your chance to kill me when I insulted you so much," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li snickered and asked her why she was now desperately wanted to die.


    "Because you keep killing my people from Juyan," Ying Lili stated.


    "When did I kill anyone from Juyan? Before bloodshed could really happen, your father surrendered and the marriage alliance was put forward. I did not even touch them," Sheng Li replied and took out a tiny bottle of medicine from inside the pocket which the royal physician had handed him earlier. "Lay straight. This medicine needs to be applied over the wound," proimed Sheng Li as he showed the medicine bottle to Ying Lili.


    "I will apply myself. You almost killed me earlier," Ying Lili snatched the medicine bottle from Sheng Li''s hand.


    "You infuriated me that time," Sheng Li in a low voice replied. Ying Lili sat up on the bed and turned her back towards Sheng Li, The crown princess opened the bandage around her neck gently and put it down on the mattress. She opened the medicine bottle and ced the powder on her right palm. She was trembling as she applied the medicine over the wound. "Ahh," she passed a low scream.


    Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s arm and turned her towards him. "Are you a kid? Just put it over there," Sheng Li scolded her and instantly applied the powder over the wound. "Ahh," Ying Lili screamed and clutched Sheng Li''s hand tightly. "It is stinging," Ying Liliined and tightly shut her eyes.


    "What kind of warrior are you? It is just a minor cut and you are weeping like a child. Did you really defeat the general of the neighborhood army? Today''s sword fight told me a thing about you," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili opened her eyes and peered into Sheng Li''s. "What thing?" she asked with an inquisitiveness.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili and tilted her neck slightly to get ess to her neck. He picked some powder from Ying Lili''s palm and gently applied it over there. He then blew air and lifted his eyes to meet Ying Lili''s gaze to answer. "I found that we shall do this daily," Sheng Li replied.


    "So that you can create a drama with me daily?" Ying Lili questioned him with a frown.


    Sheng Li gave a smile to her. "Lili, from tomorrow it will be different. Whoever will be defeated, will have to fulfill one wish of the other. Let''s say if you get defeated then you will fulfill a wish of mine and vice-versa," asserted Sheng Li, boring his gaze onto Ying Lili.


    "I do not want to do anymore. I do not believe you anymore," Ying Lili pronounced and turned her gaze away. Sheng Li menaced and grabbed Ying Lili''s chin gently. Making her look at him, Sheng Li stated, "You have no right to choose."


    "Make me meet my friend first and I want to meet Su Binxi as well," Ying Lili put forward the two conditions in front of Sheng Li.


    "I will let you meet Hu Jingguo but for Su Binxi you cannot meet. She is a spy of the first prince and now, I will not give more details to you," Sheng Li with a stern expression said.


    "She is not even 18," Ying Lili muttered and lowered her gaze.


    "How do you know? Lili, I have told you already that this is the pce where everyone wants the downfall of the other. You should be thankful to me that I have put you away from such politics but till when? Do not trust anyone here except me," Sheng Li manifested as he pulled back his hand from Ying Lili''s chin.


    "I do not trust you," Ying Lili stated simply.


    Sheng Li smiled and amusingly looked at Ying Lili. From outside the bed-chamber, Court Lady Xu loudly said, "Your highness, the meal is here."


    "Send it inside," Sheng Li in a loud enough voicemanded.


    "Come, let''s have the afternoon meal. I am hungry after talking with you," Sheng Li asserted and stood up from the bed. He forwarded his hand towards Ying Lili who did not hold that. Sheng Li then grabbed her arm and pulled her up. "When I offer help then you shall take it without ignoring it," Sheng Li stated as he released his hand from Ying Lili''s arm.


    They both sat on their respective seats around the table. Ying Lili opened the lids from over the bowls. "What is this?" Ying Lili asked as she looked inside the bowl.


    Court Lady Xu took a china dish and chopstick to check the food. After Lady Xu was done eating, she told the crown prince and crown princess to start eating and walked out from there.


    Ying Lili picked the spoon and drank the soup. She started coughing which confused Sheng Li and he quickly poured the water into the silver ss for Ying Lili. The crown prince handed the ss to Ying Lili and told her to drink. Ying Lili quickly drank the water and then red at Sheng Li.


    "Are you taking revenge on me?" Ying Lili angrily asked. Tears had formed in her eyes.


    "I thought you liked spicy food," Sheng Li stated with a frown. "Why are you angry at me?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "I do not eat spicy food. You pulled a prank on me for that day. That''s why I am angry," Ying Lili stated and stood up from her seat. "I want to request to you something," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Yes, speak," Sheng Li permitted the crown princess.


    "Let me meet Hu Jingguo today. To tell you the truth, I am anxious about him as he is gravely injured. You punished him without giving any second thought," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li put the spoon on the table and stood up. Sheng Li stepped closer to Ying Lili. "Lili, but you did not give me an answer to the questions I asked you earlier. If you will answer me and then abide by them then, I will consider taking you there," Sheng Li cleared himself.


    Ying Lili nodded. "I will do daily sword fighting with you and whoever will lose has to fulfill the wish of the winner," Ying Lili proimed, gazing into the eyes of Sheng Li. "One more thing I would like to say," Ying Lili further added.


    "Say," Sheng Li permitted the crown princess.


    "You cannot ask for my heart towards you," Ying Lili stated.


    The crown prince startedughing which befuddled the crown princess. Controlling hisughs, Sheng Li went further closer to Ying Lili. "Lili, you forgot our wedding night?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "What do you mean?" Ying Lili queried.


    "That you will not warm my bed ever," Sheng Li stated, stressing his words. "We have a very strange rtionship, Lili. But, beware!" Sheng Li sounded somewhat threatening. "Do not fall for me because if you fall for me then, it will be tough for you to survive with me," Sheng Li asserted and smiled.

 Chapter 33: Madly in love with me

    <h4>Chapter 33:Madly in love with me</h4>


    An-Ying Lili gawked at Sheng Li and then averted her gaze from him. "So, when are we leaving?" Ying Lili asked.


    "We have to change our clothes. We cannot go outside in these clothes," asserted Sheng Li. Ying Lili amusingly stared at the crown prince. "You sent away Hu Jingguo?" The crown princess asked to which Sheng Li nodded.


    "Even the walls have ears, Lili. His death was portrayed so that no one raises a finger at me," replied Sheng Li and called out for courtdy Xu. "Take this food back to the royal kitchen. And, call General Xiao. Tell him to bring themoner dresses for the crown princess and me," Sheng Li ordered. Court Lady Xu bowed her head and strode out of the chamber.


    "So, we are going into hiding? Why so? You can tell them that I want to meet my childhood friend," Ying Lili suggested in her soft voice. Sheng Li chuckled. He was demented by Ying Lili''s questions. "Is this woman dumb or is she trying to be dumb?" Sheng Li wondered. "So, you want me to tell the entire kingdom that my dear crown princess has a lover who came to meet her by sneaking into the pce?" Sheng Li raised his brow a bit and waited for Ying Lili''s response.


    "I have told you many times that he is not my lover," Ying Lili with a stern expression told Sheng Li who was amusingly looking at the crown princess.


    "Lili, how will you prove it to the people? The first brother caught him and told me to punish him but for you, I forgave him," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili astonishingly looked at Sheng Li. "Thank you for sparing the life of my friend," Ying Lili stated with a tiny smile. Sheng Li did not expect this from her, but General Xiao came there before he could speak. Ying Lili wondered how General Xiao could reach there that soon.


    Two maidservants came inside and took away the untouched food in the two trays. "Lady Xu, if anyone asks for the crown princess then tell them that she is with me," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Yes, your highness," replied Lady Xu and walked out of the chamber. General Xiao was standing at the door with his eyes lowered. Sheng Li walked to him and whispered something which Ying Lili could not hear. Taking the dresses from Xiao, Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili while General Xiao left the chamber.


    "Are you dumb or you are pretending to be one?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Can you not answer simply? Why do you always start arguing with me instead of replying?" Ying Lili annoyingly asked.


    "Dear crown princess, if I will go with you in these clothes then, I will get the attention along with you and I do not intend to tell people that because of you I had to turn kind by sparing the life of that man. Moreover, I do not want people to see you and get head over heels for you," proimed Sheng Li.


    "I understood," Ying Lili replied. The two kept looking at each other when Ying Lili spoke, "Go out as I have to change."


    Sheng Li chuckled and stated, "You can change here. It is not like you are going to excite me in any way." Ying Lili stepped forward when Sheng Li asked her where she was heading to. "To the dressing room. Unlike you, I am not shameless," Ying Lili snapped at the crown prince.


    "Control your sharp tongue, Lili," Sheng Li warned her as she walked away from there. Sheng Li looked at the dress in his hand and walked out of the bed-chamber. Sometimeter, Ying Lili came to the chamber and looked for Sheng Li. She went towards the dressing table and started brushing her hair. "Did he lie to me?" Ying Lili muttered as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.


    The crown princess picked a hairpin from the dressing table and was putting it on her bun when the crown prince grabbed her hand. They both looked at each other when Ying Lili urged him to let go of her hand. "You cannot wear this golden hairpin," Sheng Li asserted as he took it away from her hand and ced that on the table. He then used the other hairpin he had with him and put it on the hair bun.


    Ying Lili who was looking at Sheng Li through the mirror met his gaze and the two kept staring at each other for a while. "Now, a few things which you shall keep in mind while we will be out," Sheng Li proimed as he put his both hands behind his back. "First, this is the first andst time you are meeting him. Second, do not tell him about our rtionship and third, you cannot touch him else I will cut his hands," Sheng Li pronounced as he peered at Ying Lili through the mirror.


    "The first thing you told me is quite unfair to me. I think he would have already found out about our rtionship when you were fighting with me and the third, you cannot order me what to do or what not to!" Ying Lili enunciated.


    "This is the most fairground I have provided to you. Fights happen between couples for a happy married life. This is your headache how to make him believe that you are madly in love with me." Ying Lili red at him as she heard that statement. "I know I cannot order you but you shall keep in my mind that your friend is alive because of my generosity," Ying Lili contended and got away from Sheng Li.


    "I understood," Ying Lili replied.


    "Let''s go then," Sheng Li stated and walked ahead while Ying Lili followed him.

 Chapter 34: Fault of their Princess

    <h4>Chapter 34:Fault of their Princess</h4>


    Empress Wei could be seen drinking the chrysanthemum tea along with his son, Jian Guozhi. "Mother, I do not love Xue Yu. Still, for your sake, I agreed to make her my consort. But, does the mother think it is going to benefit me in any way?" Jian Guozhi raised his doubt as he sipped the tea.


    "You lost the seat of the crown prince. I had told you that time not to be indecisive and see what has happened? Sheng Li has acquired the throne. He is the fifth son of his majesty but the most favored one. That''s why as soon as you are dethroned, his majesty without giving any second thought put him on the throne," Empress Wei stated as she tightened her grip around the porcin cup.


    Empress could see the helplessness of his son and indeed, the imperial emperor was partial towards Jian Guozhi. "Son, the ministers, and the military both support Sheng Li at this moment. The crown princess does not like Sheng Li that''s why I did not oppose his majesty. We can use the crown princess in our way," Empress Wai suggested to Jian Guozhi who furrowed his brows.


    "What is the mother trying to say?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "The crown prince will soon go to the Southern Province to suppress the rebellions there. We will get enough time to make the crown princess on our side. Her father is already dead which is the reason for the rift between them and you know what you have to do next? Juyan people are the weakness of the crown princess and once we will use them as our pawns we will win this chess game. The crown princess will herself kill the crown prince. And, I know Sheng Li will soon fall for the crown princess. The only thing a man cannot resist is the beauty of a woman," Empress Wai pronounced and smirked.


    Jian Guozhi smiled as well and poured more tea for his mother. "Mother, you are tactful. Once she will kill the crown prince then my path towards the throne and the crown princess will be cleared," Jian Guozhi proimed and smirked.


    ~~~~


    "Can you not walk fast?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili with annoyance.


    "How do you expect me to walk fast when there is so dark? What if I will fall?" Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li. General Xiao slightlyughed seeing them fighting when Sheng Li red at him. Xiao lowered his eyes right away and apologized. "Why is there no fire torch here?" Ying Liliined.


    Thentern that Sheng Li was holding, he handed it to Ying Lili and then carried her up in the arms. "How dare you touch me?" Ying Lili shouted at Sheng Li and struggled in Sheng Li''s arms.


    "If we will walk with your speed then, I am afraid we will reach there after two days," Sheng Li announced. "Now, try saying anything to me and we will go back," Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili.


    "General Xiao, tell your crown prince that leave me this instant if he does not want to die," Ying Lili stated, ring into the eyes of Sheng Li which were visible in the dim light of thentern.


    "Do not y with me, Lili. Make me angry and there your lover has to take the punishment," Sheng Li stated with a yful grin. Ying Lili calmed down when Sheng Li told her to lift thentern as the path was not visible. Ying Lili lifted her hand slightly. Sometimeter, the light from the other end was visible to them. "Leave me now. How long are you going to hold me?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li who released his grip around her. Ying Lili fell to the ground and screamed.


    General Xiao rushed to the crown princess and looked at the crown prince. "Help her and I will cut your hands," Sheng Li asserted as he walked ahead. Ying Lili stood up and caressed her arm and then ran after Sheng Li. "How dare you throw me like that? Am I bag or something?" Ying Lili bellowed at Sheng Li and using her full force hit at his shoulder. Sheng Li wavered at his step and snickered. Ying Lili looked around and saw that they were in the forest. General Xiao, on the other hand, smiled seeing the two. Sheng Li was angry when Xiao went to him. "The crown prince must not hit a woman," General Xiao whispered near Sheng Li''s ear.


    "Is she a woman? She hit the crown prince of the kingdom," Sheng Li shouted which Ying Lili heard, and turned to look at him.


    "Are you a man? Throwing the crown princess on the ground," Ying Lili too snapped at Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li chuckled and was going to speak when General Xiao intervened between them. "We will bete if the crown prince and the crown princess kept fighting like this," Xiao opined and gave them a tiny smile, trying to appease both of them. They started walking in that forest and after a while reached near a hut. Sheng Li entered the porch. Stepping the two stairs, they entered inside the door.


    Ying Lili came forward and saw Hu Jingguo who was lying on the bed, covered in bandages. Lei Wanxi was also there as he was treating Hu Jingguo. "Elder First brother brutally thrashed this young man," Lei Wanxi stated as he turned to look at the crown princess who looked at the crown prince.


    "Is he awake or still unconscious?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi.


    "He is awake," Lei Wanxi replied and stood from his seat. "It will take at least a month to heal him," he further added.


    Sheng Li walked near Hu Jingguo who lowered his eyes to greet him. "F-Forgive me for my w-wrong attitude, y-your highness," Hu Jingguo said with some pauses.


    Sheng Li did not give any response to him and looked at Ying Lili who was staring at him. "I think the people of Juyancks manners. To tell the truth, it is not the people''s fault but the fault of their kind, beautiful and smart princess," Sheng Li stated stressing hisst few words, ring at Ying Lili. "You can talk with him," the crown prince then permitted the crown princess.

 Chapter 35: What kind of husband she wants?

    <h4>Chapter 35:What kind of husband she wants?</h4>


    General Xiao and Lei Wanxi walked out of the room leaving the crown prince, the crown princess, and Hu Jingguo inside. Ying Lili came towards Hu Jingguo and looked at him. She sat on the bamboo stool and looked all over the face of Jingguo She asked him why he came into the capital. "Because I was concerned about y-you," Jingguo answered her. Hearing his words Sheng Li tightened his fists tightly which he had behind his back.


    "Do not worry about me. I am happy here," Ying Lili told Jingguo. "Are you saying the truth? Are you happy?" Hu Jingguo questioned Ying Lili.


    "I am asking about your husband. You always feared what kind of husband you will get when you will be married off," Hu Jingguo stated and then looked at Sheng Li who was getting angrier at his questions.


    Ying Lili turned her head and looked at Sheng Li. For the first time, Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li lovingly. "People are wrong about him. He is not that cruel as we all used to think. He keeps my choices in his mind as well and ordingly, takes the decision," Ying Lili pronounced and gave a tiny smile to Sheng Li who was amused by Ying Lili''s answer to Jingguo. Without speaking anything, Sheng Li walked out of the room.


    Hu Jingguo smiled and spoke, "I am happy that the crown prince is considerate to you. But, in the prison, it seemed otherwise to me. However, I think that is because his highness was infuriated seeing his wife taking the side of another man," Hu Jingguo proimed. Ying Lili looked at him and gave a nod.


    "What if you would be killed? You should not have risked your life," stated Ying Lili.


    "I do not know. I thought that they will not let me meet you and I was worried if you were safe or not. You know what is the image of the crown prince so, I took that image in my mind. I thought he would have hurt you. There were numerous thoughts in my mind but now, I have heard from your mouth so, I am relieved," Hu Jinguo stated and gave Ying Lili a tiny smile.


    "You shall rest," Ying Lili told him.


    "I am indeed taking the rest," Jingguo asserted. "The sixth prince told me that this is the first time the crown prince has spared someone''s life. You might have asked for it," stated Jingguo.


    "No. He told me that you are dead. He loves ying with me," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Jingguo smiled. "How is my mother?" Ying Lili asked Jingguo.


    "She is fine. There is a strange rumor about your father''s death," Jingguo asserted which confused Ying Lili. "What do you mean?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Your uncle killed him for the throne," Jingguo answered.


    Ying Lili''s eyes widened. "This cannot be true. Sheng Li killed him," Ying Lili stated with a dejected look.


    "I do not think so. Your uncle has changed many policies for the subjects which are impacting the people. The taxes are raised and the working hours have increased as well. The situation is not good in Juyan. If I had not known the crown prince then, I would have also considered that his highness killed your father but he did not. It is your uncle. The good thing is that your mother is doing good," Hu Jingguo briefed Ying Lili which was shocking for her.


    "Uncle told me that the crown prince made him lie that he killed his brother for the throne," Ying Lili was still not ready to believe this.


    "Ying''er, but it seems the otherwise. The crown prince is not the one who killed your father," Hu JIngguo stressed his words. Ying Lili furrowed her brows, she was going to ask more when Sheng Li came inside and said, "your time is up. We have to go back to the pce." Ying Lili looked at Hu Jingguo and told him to take care of himself and walked out from there. Sheng Li was also going to leave when Jingguo gathering his courage called him out. "Your highness, can we have a brief talk?" Jingguo asked Sheng Li.


    "No, I do not want to," Sheng Li simply refused.


    "It is about Ying''er," asserted Jingguo. Sheng Li''s brows knitted and he closed the door behind him. Sitting on the bamboo stool, Sheng Li told Jingguo to speak fast as he did not have much time.


    "She saved me when I was being abused by my master because I was a ve. Since then she is my everything- I mean my sister and my family. Whenever she lies to me, I catch it easily. Why? Because she cannot lie. I came here for that reason only- to see her if she is happy with his highness or not. Your highness, do not ever doubt her. She is the most trustworthy person. She is just 20 but, she is the most brainy woman I have ever seen. Be the husband that Ying''er always desired for! You also spared the life of me so, I believe that his highness indeed is not that cruel as he is being portrayed," Hu Jingguo rested his words.


    "What kind of husband she wants?" Sheng Li with a bit of hesitance asked.


    Jingguo smiled and spoke, "His highness shall find out about this."


    Sheng Li got annoyed and stood up from the seat. "Shut your mouth. I do not want to listen to anything." Sheng Li was aggrieved and walked out from there. As he came out Ying Lili, Lei Wanxi and General Xiao peered at the crown prince.


    "What did you two talk about?" Ying Lili asked curiously.


    "That I will kill him soon," Sheng Li stated with annoyance and walked ahead. Ying Lili followed him up and caught him. "I am hungry. Since we are outside the pce then, we shall eat something outside," Ying Lili suggested, looking at the crown prince.

 Chapter 36: The biggest lion is in front of you!

    <h4>Chapter 36:The biggest lion is in front of you!</h4>


    "How can someone get suspicious of the crown prince. You cane up with many excuses. Please, let''s go to the market. I have never been to the market of the capital. I also want to see what kind of food the people eat here and this is the best opportunity for us," Ying Lili tried reckoning Sheng Li.


    Lei Wanxi and General Xiao looked at each other. "Can you see general Xiao how much the crown prince has changed himself? A woman has the power to change a man and it is truly visible. The crown prince agrees to the crown princess choices easily which is highly noticeable," Lei Wanxi proimed as he looked at the two.


    "Prince Lei is right. The crown prince acts differently around the crown princess. I have never seen him like this," General Xiao affirmed and looked at the crown and crown princess.


    "Lili, you are not amon person neither is me. If someone will notice me then, things can get wrong. Can''t you put your little brain?" Sheng Li stated as he flicked at Ying Lili''s forehead who passed a low scream and rubbed her forehead.


    "Sheng Li, we can hide our faces then, no one will find out," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Then, how will we suppose to eat?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "We will. Let''s go to the market," Ying Lili asserted as she grabbed Sheng Li''s arm who looked at her hand so, she put it down right away.


    "Lantern festival ising soon. We can go that day," Sheng Li stated.


    "That will be more dangerous. Moreover, I do not think I will be allowed to go outside the Pce that day. I will be busy that day," Ying Lili replied and sighed. Sheng Li gazed at Ying Lili who was appearing a child to him at that moment. "Why am I even listening to her? I shall take her back to the Pce but something is strange. Something is stopping me from doing that," Sheng Li thought in his mind.


    "Cover your face from this," Sheng Li asserted and took out a white-colored silk handkerchief from inside his robe. Ying Lili''s eyes gleamed as the crown prince was ready to take her to the market. "But, how will you screen your face?" Ying Lili queried him with an inquisitiveness.


    Sheng Li turned to look at General Xiao. "Xiao, we are going to the market. How shall I cover my face so that people cannot recognize me?" Sheng Li asked from the general.


    "Your highness, a conical hat will cover your face to some extent but, if someone will gaze at you intently then, one can recognize you," suggested General Xiao.


    "Why don''t you try a mustache, brother sheng? Wait, I have a fake one inside the hut. I am bringing it. I have saved it for such time only," asserted Lei Wanxi with a smile and went inside the hut. Ying Lili was delighted and quickly covered her face with the white silk handkerchief. "Do not create any trouble for me there and try cooperating with me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who shook her head in agreement.


    Lei Wanxi came to the crown prince and put the fake mustache above Sheng Li''s upper lip and pressed it hard against his skin. "Be gentle," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi who smiled and pressed it even harder. General Xiao came with two conical hats in his hand and handed that to Lei Wanxi. "Brother, wear this hat and take care of my lovely sister," attested Lei Wanxi.


    Sheng Li took the cone-shaped hat and wore it on his head. Tying the knot right below his chin, he looked at Ying Lili. "The market is quite far from here," Sheng Li expressed the concern.


    "Brother Sheng, do not worry. The Pce people only think that you two are spending time with each other. So, you can enjoy your time outside the Pce as much as you can. It is going to benefit you only," Lei Wanxi in a teasing tone said.


    "Sister Lili, here wear this hat and remove the handkerchief from your mouth," Lei Wanxi suggested to Ying Lili. The conical hat had a veil around it which would hide her face. The veil was white-colored and was translucent.


    Sheng Li took the hat from Ying Lili''s hand and removed the mask from her face which she had made from the handkerchief. Later, he put the conical hat over Ying Lili''s head and put the veil down this, covered her face.


    "We will meet you after two hours," Sheng Li told them.


    "Your highness, take this with you. You are going outside so, it will be needed," General Xiao worriedly said as he handed a dagger to the crown prince. Sheng Li took that and hid it near the waistband. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and the two walked away from there.


    As they were walking, Ying Lili found difficulty while walking through the stony path and was wavering when Sheng Li grabbed her wrist. Ying Lili peered at the crown prince but she did not oppose this time and followed him.


    "How long will it take us to be there?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "Minimum 20 minutes that too depends on your speed," Sheng Li answered as they were descending the naturally carved stairs. "You can leave my hand. The path seems okay now," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li promptly released his grip from Ying Lili''s wrist.


    "Why are you walking behind my back? Do you want to be the food of an animal here?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who immediately came beside him. "There are wild animals as well?" Ying Lili in a tense expression asked and looked around.


    "Hmm¡­General Xiao was telling thatst time two vige people were killed by a lion here," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and then gulped. "You seem scared," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he peered into her eyes through the veil. "Don''t scare me," Ying Lili with a stern expression said when they heard a roar of a lion.


    Ying Lili halted at her ce and told Sheng Li that they should return. "Why? We are going to reach there soon," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Are you not frightened? T-the lion," Ying Lili''s voice stuck in her throat because of the fear.


    "The biggest lion is in front of you, Lili!" Sheng Li with a grin said.

 Chapter 37: Lets run

    <h4>Chapter 37:Let''s run</h4>


    Ying Lili smiled at Sheng Li''s statement. "When a lion will be in front of you then, throw this line at me. I know you will be the first one to run away from there," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li resumed walking so was Ying Lili.


    "You are undermining the meaning of my name," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Sheng Li, thank you," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li blinked his eyes and nced at her. "Why are you saying thank you out of sudden?" Sheng Li asked skeptically.


    "Because you saved my friend''s life, and you agreed to my request to go to the market," Ying Lili replied to him. Sheng Li could not digest the fact that Ying Lili was saying praise-worthy words regarding him. "So, you are trying to say I am not cruel enough and I have a soft heart too?" Sheng Li looked for an answer from Ying Lili.


    "Indeed. If you would be cruel then, you would have killed Jingguo without giving any second thought. You also treat me well. Back in Juyan, I had heard that the crown prince was a womanizer and he treated women badly. My mother was scared how I will survive with you but, now it feels different," Ying Lili pronounced in her soft tone.


    Sheng Li grinned. "How do you know that I am not a womanizer? It is just I do not see you as a woman that''s why nothing has happened between us till now. Do not deduce things so quickly, Lili. It is not even a week for our marriage and you started deducing things about me? I indeed treat women badly. To put into the right words, I do not consider gender when I punish someone. Forgot about your maidservant? She is a woman too but I killed her. I might have some hidden motives in keeping Hu Jingguo alive," Sheng Li adduced.


    Ying Lili was out of words. "Why are you not answering? Do not tell me that you have started being affectionate towards me," Sheng Li stated.


    "Affectionate towards you? Huh? That will never happen. I was just saying. Okay, throw away whatever I told you from your mind," Ying Lili stated.


    "I am not a child, Lili. How am I suppose to forget whatever you told me? Wait, are you telling me that I am good because I asked his majesty to let me be a one-woman man?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili with a smug expression.


    "We are on the main road, Sheng Li," Ying Lili delightedly said when Sheng Li told Ying Lili that they should use different names, not their original names. Ying Lili nodded and asked him what name they should use.


    "Hushu" "Minli" Ying Lili and Sheng Li both suggested names for each other. Sheng Li blinked his eyes and said, "That is a very wrong name. You want people to call me... " Sheng Li was cut by Ying Lili in the middle. "I will call you Hushu. It fits perfectly with your personality and, I liked the name you gave to me. Let''s go then, Hushu," Ying Lili stated with a smile and started walking.


    Sheng Li could not speak anything as he saw someone wasing from the front. The two kept walking and in a while, they were in the market. Ying Lili saw a restaurant that was quite packed with customers. "Hushu, let''s go there," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who gave a nod and the two walked inside the restaurant.


    They sat around a table when Sheng Li put his hat slightly down so, that people cannot look at him. A young boy came to them and asked for the orders. "Give us the best dish of your restaurant," Ying Lili stated. The young boy nodded and walked away.


    "Minli, I do not think it is safe to eat here. What if someone put the poison in it?" Sheng Li in a low voice asked.


    "Hushu, you are thinking too much. No one knows us," Ying Lili whispered. Sheng Li looked around to check whether it was safe for them there when he heard something which grabbed his attention quickly. Three men were sitting around a table left to them and wereughing with each other.


    "Have you seen the crown princess?" one of them asked.


    "Indeed, I have seen the crown princess. She is a true jade beauty. But, I wonder how is her highness surviving with the crown prince?" the man expressed his concern.


    "Do not lie to us. Going inside the pce is not an easy thing," the other man among them said. Minli was also hearing their conversation and looked at Sheng Li inside whom the anger was building up. The young boy came there with a tray in his hand over which two porcin bowls were ced. "Here is your order," the boy said as he put the bowls on the table.


    "What is it?" Sheng Liined, carrying a disgusting look on his face. He did not realize that he spoke so loud that everyone around him turned their gazes at him. "This is wheat dough noodles, Hushu. Sorry, young boy. My husband had never eaten the outside food so, he is behaving like this," Ying Lili handled the situation well.


    "It is fine, sister," the young boy said and walked away.


    Ying Lili tasted the soup first and then started eating the noodles. Seeing Ying Lili alive, Sheng Li also started eating. The noodles seem not of his taste so he stopped in the middle. "I did not like it," Sheng Li stated with annoyance.


    "Do not waste food like this," Ying Lili told him.


    "I can neither eat this food. It is making my taste buds sick," asserted Sheng Li. Ying Lili did not speak anything further and continued eating. Once she was done eating, they stood up from their respective seats. They went to the counter to pay the bills when Sheng Li recalled something. "Minli, I have no money with me," Sheng Li concernedly whispered near Minli''s ear.


    The cashier was looking at them and spoke, "You have to give 20 coins for two servings." Sheng Li smiled and then looked at Minli who got closer to Sheng Li and whispered, "Let''s run." Sheng Li looked at her in bewilderment.

 Chapter 38: Do not ever ask me

    <h4>Chapter 38:Do not ever ask me</h4>


    Sheng Li chuckled and took Ying Lili aside. "W-what do you mean? I have never done things like this. I am not a thief. I will tell him that he will be given money tomorrow," Sheng Li whispered.


    "He is not going to believe you. Even I have no jewelry with me else I would have paid him through that. Running is the best choice if you want to hide the identity," Ying Lili suggested and nced at the cashier.


    The cashier who was the owner of the restaurant was getting suspicious of them. Although he was cutting the bills of the other customers, he was also keeping his gaze at Sheng Li and Ying Lili. He looked at his left where two well build men were seated and gestured them something.


    "Minli, you are forgetting who I am. I will be considered a thief if I will run away from here," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Hushu, the man is suspicious of us," Ying Lili replied in a low voice as she saw the owner of the restaurant gesturing something to two men. Without any further dy, she grabbed Sheng Li''s hand and dragged him along with her to run out of the restaurant.


    "They are thieves. Catch them!!" the owner announced loudly as he came out of the restaurant. Ying Lili was running as fast as she could, telling the people to get aside of her way, holding Sheng Li''s hand who was running behind her.


    The two men started chasing Sheng Li & Ying Lili and they were joined by three more. Sheng Li looked behind and saw the chasers were closer to them. The crown prince took the lead, grabbed Ying Lili''s hand tightly, and pulled her behind him. The people were getting aside seeing them.


    Ying Lili looked back and saw those five men were still chasing them. They both turned to an alley which was famous for the purchase of clothes. Sheng Li turned to the backyard of a silk cloth house along with Ying Lili. Numerous colored silk clothes were hanging on the bamboo sticks as to dry them after washing.


    Sheng Li forfended them with his hand and moved forward when he saw the end wall there with a small space which could be used to hide for some time. He turned to look at removed the conical veil hat from Ying Lili''s head and threw it away. Both were panting heavily when Sheng Li took her to the small narrow space. Pushing Ying Lili inside, he too got inside and covered Ying Lili''s mouth with his right palm. From his left hand, he took out the dagger.


    The crown prince had noticed earlier those men had seen them going there so, he just wanted not toe into their sight. Ying Lili was pressed against Sheng Li and was feeling nervous. Sheng Li slightly tilted his head to look if the men were there when his eyes fell one of them. Immediately, Sheng Li pulled back and lowered his eyes which met Ying Lili''s gaze.


    Their intense eye lock was broken when they heard, "They are not here. Let''s look at the other way." Sheng Li slightly shifted his head left to look at them and then again pulled back. The men had gone away from there. Sheng Li had lowered his palm from Ying Lili''s mouth and was taking a breath of relief when Ying Lili told him to get aside.


    Sheng Li red at Ying Lili and put back at the dagger. "Don''t look me like that. It was your mistake not carrying money. At least, I helped you from running away from there else we would have to wash utensils there," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Are you ming this on me?" Sheng Li with a snicker asked.


    Ying Lili averted her gaze from him thus, did not reply to him. "I will teach you a good lesson once we will be in the Pce," Sheng Li threatened her and started walking. Ying Lili looked for her hat and asked Sheng Li. "I have thrown it to the other side. Don''t wear that as it would grab unwanted attention and follow me. We have to leave as soon as possible," asserted Sheng Li and walked ahead. Ying Lili followed him up.


    Once they were out of the cloth market, they turned to the route of the mountain hill from where they hade to the market. As they were walking, Sheng Li saw Ying Lili had stopped to watch the local street drama. She turned to Sheng Li with gleaming eyes. "Let''s watch this street drama before going back," Ying Lili requested.


    Sheng Li nodded and the two walked there. "What are they doing?" Sheng Li muttered when he heard the announcer. "Ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to show you how the crown prince falls for the crown princess." Sheng Li knitted his brows. "How can you say that?" Sheng Li angrily said but thanks to the loud sound of drums no one heard him.


    "It is annoying. Let''s go," Sheng Li stated and turned to go when Ying Lili grabbed Sheng Li''s wrist. "It is just a drama. People enjoy such a thing. We shall watch it," Ying Lili softly said with a tiny smile on her lips.


    After the drama ended, everyone pped for them. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who gave a nod and the two left the market. They reached the hut after spending two hours in the market. Ying Lili saw Sheng Li was annoyed at her. "Hushu, thanks to you I feel rejuvenated today, and forgive me for troubling you there. You can ask anything from me and I will fulfill that wish of yours," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who turned to look at her.


    "Do not ever ask me to go to the market," Sheng Li in a fit of anger said when General Xiao came to them. "Your highness, Prince Wanxi has returned for the Pce. As for Hu Jingguo, he is shifted to somewhere safe," General Xiao reported to the crown prince who nodded. "Let''s go back to the Pce," Sheng Li in amanding tone said. Xiao observed the anger on the crown prince''s face but he refrains from asking the reason for that.

 Chapter 39: I want to be yours

    <h4>Chapter 39:I want to be yours </h4>


    The crown prince and the crown princess arrived at the pce along with General Xiao through the secret route. The good thing about the route was that they made it near the crown prince''s inn so that no one could ever doubt it. Ying Lili found that from the crown prince''s inn there was a route to Zhenzhu Inn as well, which made him wonder when and why those routes were constructed that way.


    Out of curiosity, Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li. "Why is there a secret route that directed to my chamber? And, how can no one know about this?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li removed the mustache from his skin and took off the overcoat. "Bring me the water," Sheng Li ordered Ying Lili and sat on the soft mattress. Ying Lili went to the table and picked the jar. Pouring the water into the silver ss, Ying Lili handed that to Sheng Li. He drank the water when he heard Ying Lili.


    "Are you still angry with me?" Ying Lili looked at him with an inquisitiveness.


    Sheng Li put the ss on the table beside the bed. "Indeed, I am angry. I have never run like that. I was looking like a coward. Then, I had to hear many things about myself. Those petty people have to die tomorrow," Sheng Li with exasperation stated.


    "Do not kill them. They were saying what they truly feel about you. They do not know that you also have a soft heart," Ying Lili stated, keeping the tiny smile on her lips.


    Sheng Li put his wait on the left elbow and his right leg was slightly bent while his left leg was straightened. "Lili, just because I saved your friend that does not mean that I am kind. A kind person thinks that if a person does a single act of kindness is called ''Kind'' but it is not so. You will soon find my cruel side. Till now I was ying with you because I wanted to see what a kind woman likes you think. To tell you the truth, no one defied me ever but you are the first one who amused me since the day I met you," stated Sheng Li with a stern expression.


    "Sheng Li, do you want me not to know about you?" Ying Lili asked a question which Sheng Li did not expect.


    "What do you mean, Lili?" Sheng Li queried her with an inquisitiveness.


    "His majesty told me you were not the person in the childhood which you have be now," Ying Lili pronounced. "You had suffered, right?" Ying Lili asked him. Sheng Li furrowed his brows and stared into the eyes of the crown princess for a while and a chuckle escaped Sheng Li''s mouth.


    "Who has the dare to make me suffer?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili smiled. "Your mother''s demise," Ying Lili answered and observed Sheng Li''s expressions, who slightlyughed. "Father told you about my mother as well?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "He did not tell me everything. Father said that he could not spend his time with you when you needed him the most. It was tough, right?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li whose intent gaze was giving chills to Ying Lili.


    "Lili, what do you want?" Sheng Li questioned. "You shall not deduct the things about my personal life. We are husband and wife to the outside world only. Do not even try digging about me. I dislike when someone talks to me about my mother," Sheng Li dered and then sat up. With one swift movement, he pinned Ying Lili to the bed.


    Ying Lili was not afraid of him this time because she had found out by now that the crown prince would never touch her. Both were staring into each other''s eyes. "Pce people shall believe now that we two actually spend a good time together," saying this Sheng Li took out the dagger from his waistband.


    "What are you doing?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li with bewilderment.


    "Just a slight cut will be enough," Sheng Li said. Before Ying Lili could act, Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s index finger and gave a minor cut on it. "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream and kept her gaze fixed at Sheng Li.


    "This blood is for your sparing the life of your friend," Sheng Li stated as he pressed against the cut and more blood dripped from there on the sheets. "Thank you for the cooperation, my dear crown princess. Let''s see each other tomorrow." He stood up from the bed and looked for his dragon overcoat, which was ced on a table there. He wore that and left for his chamber.


    Ying Lili sat up on the bed and looked at her finger. She dabbed it and the bleeding stopped. Court Lady Xu came inside and bowed her head. "Your highness, the empress has sent a message for you," Lady Xu stated.


    "What message?" Ying Lili asked.


    "You did not go to her majesty''s chamber for weaving session. Her majesty is angry with you for not listening. Your highness, you shall leave for there quickly," Lady Xu asserted politely.


    Ying Lili stood up from the bed. "I want to take a bath before going there," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Yes, your highness. Please follow me, your highness," Lady Xu stated, and the two left for the bathhouse.


    Sheng Li was going to his chamber when he encountered Xue Yu-Yan, who bowed her head after seeing him. Sheng Li ignored her and walked ahead when Xue Yu-Yan stopped him. "Your highness, you did not stop my marriage with the first brother. May I ask why?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "You shall ask this from yourself. You changed your love for me," Sheng Li answered.


    "What are you saying, your highness? Shall I not say that to you? You promised me when you were 16 that you will marry me only. I cannot get angry at his highness," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced and lowered her eyes. Sheng Li turned to look at her and spoke. "Then forgive me, because I cannot fulfill your promise. Since her majesty has selected you for the first brother so, I do not want to object her," Sheng Li cleared himself.


    Xue Yu-Yan lifted her eyes and looked at the crown prince. "Your highness, I will kill myself if you will not stop this marriage today. I want to be yours and I love you only. If I cannot be with you then, I cannot see myself with the other man," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced with an affirmed tone.

 Chapter 40: Because for me Love comes Second

    <h4>Chapter 40:Because for me Lovees Second</h4>


    Seeing the tiny smile on the crown prince''s lips, Xue Yu-Yan felt strange. "Xue, you are appalling me?" Sheng Li raised his brow with inquisitiveness.


    Xue Yu-Yan immediately lowered her eyes. "I do not dare to. I said that I will end my life because it will have no meaning if I cannot be beside you. Since the age of 14, I have epted his highness as my husband. But, his highness married someone else. I am just angry at myself for not getting a hold of you, your highness. Forgive me if I sounded rude to you," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced, keeping her gaze down.


    Sheng Li kept staring at her for a while, trying to understand why Xue was behaving like that. Indeed, somewhere the crown prince was hurt too when he found out about Xue''s truth whom he admired always, but he could not risk the throne by marrying Xue Yu-Yan. The crown prince had dered in front of his majesty that he would not marry any other woman and be loyal to one woman only.


    "Xue, do not put hope on me. I will not marry you. Things have changed. Soon you will be the woman of the first brother and I want you to ept that too," Sheng Li in a haughty tone stated when he saw tears were pouring down Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes.


    "What happened to the promise which the crown prince gave to me the day he was marrying the crown princess? I understood his highness decision but, I am not satisfied with his highness decision that''s why I have decided to take my life. I cannot see myself being touched by a man other than his highness." Xue Yu-Yan stressed herst words and lifted her eyes.


    "Xue, stop threatening me. I have killed many women with my own hands. So, it will not be going to matter to me a bit if you lose your life for this ridiculous reason. Indeed, I loved you but I stopped those feelings for you the day I was informed that you will be the noble consort of the first brother. Do not let me open my mouth because it is going to hurt you. I admired you a lot so, for that sake, I am not opening my mouth. Hope Miss Xue understood me." Sheng Li had a stern expression on his face.


    "How can his highness stop his love for me just because of the alliance with the first brother?" Xue Yu-Yan looked at Sheng Li skeptically.


    Sheng Li snickered. "Because for me lovees second. Hope this has cleared your answers- A gesture is more than enough to the Wise." Sheng Li turned and walked away.


    Xue Yu-Yan knitted her brows. "What does his highness mean by that? Lovees second?" Xue Yu-Yan was confused when the courtdy Huo came there. "Mdy, what are you doing here? You may note here as it is the crown prince''s¡­"


    Xue Yu-Yan stopped the courtdy by showing her hand. "I do not want to listen. Where do I have to go?" Xue Yu-Yan askeddy Huo as she wiped the tears from the back of her palm.


    "Please follow me, Mdy," Lady Huo politely spoke, and the two left from there.


    ~~~~~~


    In Empress Manor, the crown princess could be seen doing needlework on a silk cloth. The Empress was seated beside her while court Lady Xu was standing behind the crown princess.


    "Crown princess, what are you doing? Look, what have you made?" Empress Wei, with a slightugh, said as she took the silk cloth and the needle from the crown princess.


    "Forgive me, your majesty. I alwayscked in sewing and the needlework," Ying Lili furrowed her brows with an embarrassment.


    "Crown princess does not need to apologize. It seems the crown princess is specially trained for the military stuff in her home," Empress Wei proimed. "How will the crown princess be going to make the needlework on the overcoat for the crown prince? The crown prince''s birthday is in two days," Empress Wei expressed her concern.


    "Your majesty, I will learn. I grasp things fast," Ying Lili assured the Empress. Frowns could be seen on the crown princess''s face, which showed that she was still unsure about that, but for the Empress''s sake, she said those words.


    "Crown princess, I would love to see that. Court Lady Xu, please help the crown princess in making the pattern using the needle. If possible, stay in the sewing workshop tonight," Empress Wei suggested.


    "Is there a workshop for that as well?" Ying Lili, with an inquisitiveness, asked when she found the Empress was staring at her. "Forgive me, your majesty. I was just curious," Ying Lili in a low voice spoke.


    "There is a workshop for sewing the clothes for the regal people of the Pce, your highness," Court Lady Xu politely told the crown princess who gave a nod. "Your majesty, please forgive her highness for her clumsiness and forgive this courtdy as well for not teaching her highness about all this." Court Lady Xu had bowed her head.


    "It is okay. Crown princess, just spend your time tonight in the workshop. The crown prince''s birthday is the biggest event in the Han Kingdom and if he will not receive a handmade gift from his wife, it will not be good. The pattern is big so, her highness has to work on it on her own. Court Lady Xu, only instruct the crown princess, but keep in mind not to let any worker help her there," Empress Weimanded.


    "Yes, your majesty." Courtdy Xu epted themand, giving a ny degrees bow.


    "You may leave, crown princess," Empress Wei asserted. Ying Lili stood up from the seat and bowed before the Empress.


    "Crown princess must know that the first Prince is going to marry the prime minister''s daughter. The event will start in a while so,e there as well," Empress Wei proimed.


    "Yes, your majesty," Ying Lili stated and left the chamber.


    Ying Lili was walking towards Zhenzhu Inn when something came into Ying Lili''s mind so she spoke," Courtdy Xu, will you tell me something?"


    "Her highness does not need permission for asking any question from me," Court Lady Xu asserted softly.


    "What had happened to the crown prince''s mother?" Ying Lili asked.


    Court Lady Xu did not expect the question from the crown princess. "Did his highness not tell her highness?" Court Lady Xu asked. Ying Lili shook her head in refusal.


    "His highness'' mother died after a prolonged illness. His majesty was in the war at that time. We all did every possible thing to save her. The medicinal herbs were brought from Kun Lun Shan mountains but she could not be saved and left every one of us behind," Court Lady Xu said with a touch of mncholy.


    Ying Lili halted at her ce as her expressions darkened. "Courtdy, what happened to the crown prince then?"


    "His highness was a child that time. He could not even speak properly. The empress gave him the motherly love but his highness always missed his mother''s presence," Court Lady Xu replied.


    "His highness was a calm child. He had isted himself from the other princes. When his majesty returned, the sight of the crown prince ripped his majesty''s heart into many pieces. His majesty had taken the crown prince with him when he again went to war. But, when the crown prince returned after two years to the pce again he had changedpletely," Court Lady Xu answered the query of the crown princess.


    "He must have felt alone," Ying Lili murmured.

 Chapter 41: Wild cat

    <h4>Chapter 41:Wild cat </h4>


    Ying Lili looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a green-colored Hanfu dress with yellowish flowered imprinted on the dress. The maidservants put the anklet around Ying Lili''s both feet and stepped back. "Your highness is ready," the maidservant said in a low voice.


    "Shall we leave?" Ying Lili asked from the Court Lady Xu.


    "Yes, your highness." Lady Xu followed the crown princess. The wedding banquet Hall was decorated heavily. As the crown princess entered, the princes greeted her formally. "Crown princess, you are looking pretty," Weng Yu gave apliment to Ying Lili who gave Prince Yu a tiny smile.


    "Thank you for thepliment, Prince Yu," Ying Lili, thanking the prince walked ahead where the crown prince was standing. She stood beside the crown prince and watched his expressions. "You are looking sullen. May I ask, why?" Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili.


    "I always look like this," Sheng Li responded.


    "The Great Emperor and Empress of Han have entered the wedding wall," a loud announcement was made.


    Everyone stood straight at their ces with bowed heads. Han Wenji and Weng Wei got seated on the throne made for them. Prince Jian Guozhi was on a raising tform, waiting for Xue Yu-Yan toe there. In a while, Xue Yu-Yan came there, followed by a maidservant. Seeing Xue Yu-Yan, Ying Lili recalled her wedding day.


    Ying Lili studied Sheng Li who was intensely looking at Xue Yu-Yan as if he did not want her to marry Jian Guozhi. "Why did he not stop the marriage? How can he give up on her in three days?" Ying Lili wondered.


    "Will the crown princess stop gawking at me?" Sheng Li''s gaze fell on Ying Lili who immediately averted her gaze from him. The wedding ceremony started, but Ying Lili was still in the confusion regarding Sheng Li''s no interference in Xue Yu-Yan''s marriage. The crown princess was lost in her thoughts and did not realize when the ceremony ended.


    Everyone started leaving for having the wedding feast in the hall attached near to the wedding hall. Prince Jian Guozhi came towards the crown prince. "Crown prince, you did not wish me happy married life. So, I thought toe to you." Jian Guozhi gave a sheepish smile to Sheng Li and poured the drinks into two cups. He handed one cup to Sheng Li and raised his cup. "I will take care of your lover well," Jian Guozhi stated with a grin and gulped the drink.


    Ying Lili who was sitting beside Sheng Li heard the first prince and peered at Sheng Li. "Elder brother, you shall refrain from speaking such a defamatory statement against the crown prince. Noble Consort Xue is now your wife and I have nothing to do with her. Have a happy married life with your noble consort. But, wait! I think that what will you tell your official wife when she will see you with one more wife?" Sheng Li sarcastically said, as his lips moved up and a smile formed over them.


    Ying Lili too smiled but hid it quickly before any of them could notice that. Jian Guozhi turned to look at the crown princess and bowed his head slightly before leaving the hall.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Sheng Li questioned again Ying Lili as he brought the chopstick near to Ying Lili''s mouth which had a grilled thin piece of meat between them. "Open your mouth," Sheng Li then said.


    "I will eat myself," Ying Lili replied and chuckled. Sheng Li put the chopsticks inside Ying Lili''s mouth as she answered him. "When I offer you to eat then, you shall eat," Sheng Li proimed and pulled his hand back.


    Ying Lili chewed the meat inside her mouth. She was amused to see Sheng Li who was now calm and was enjoying the food in front of him. Ying Lili too started eating when she heard Sheng Li. "I heard that the crown princess is poor in the needlework," Ying Lili saw the tiny smile on Sheng Li''s lips.


    "How did you find out? Do you always spy on me?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li put the chopsticks down on the te. "I heard from a few maidservants. They whispered that the crown princess is poor in needlework. She was told to make a pattern, but she made something irregr," Sheng Li proimed and read Ying Lili''s expressions.


    "What? How can they talk like this? I made a good pattern. Ask courtdy Xu if you do not believe me," Ying Lili suggested Sheng Li who was enjoying Ying Lili''s gestures.


    The five princes were smiling seeing the crown prince and the crown princess. "Brother Yongzheng, Brother Rong Zemin, it seems you will soon lose the bet against me," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "It is not even a week. So, brother Wanxi cannot conclude everything this quickly," Rong Zemin opined as he sipped the wine from the ss that he was holding.


    Han Wenji who was eating along with the Empress and his three concubines saw Sheng Li who was smiling as was conversing with the crown princess. Weng Wei looked at her husband and then at Sheng Li whom the Emperor was looking at.


    "I do not believe Court Lady Xu. She will take the side of her mistress. But, I can punish the maidservants for you," stated Sheng Li.


    An Ying-Lili knitted her brows. "Why does the crown prince always want to punish people?" Ying Lili with an inquisitiveness peered at the crown prince.


    "Then, does the crown princess want everyone to know that she is poor in needlework? Come to think of it, I now feel that you do not know household works as well," Sheng Li deduced.


    "A wild cat like you do not need to learn household chores. Last time you put so many spices in my meals. s! I can not punish you," Sheng Li muttered.


    Ying Lili darted at him. "Even you make me eat spicy food. I also wanted to punish you but I could not," Ying Lili snapped at him. "And, what do you mean by a wildcat? Can you not simply say my name instead of using such a weird nickname?" Ying Lili demanded Sheng Li.


    "How will the crown princess punish me? She could not defeat me in the swordfight and she is saying that she will punish me!" Sheng Li raised his eyebrow in bewilderment. "Wild cat is the most suitable nickname I can give to my dear crown princess," he further added, keeping the tiny smile on his lips.


    "I could not defeat you¡­ because I was nervous. It will never happen again. I will defeat you and then you have to fulfill my wish," Ying Lili asserted, gazing into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "If I will ever get defeated by you then, that it will be because¡­" Sheng Li stopped speaking.


    "Why did you stop speaking?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Eat. We have talked enough," Sheng Li affirmed and continued eating.

 Chapter 42: I will avenge for your death, mother

    <h4>Chapter 42:I will avenge for your death, mother</h4>


    Ying Lili went to the workshop with the courtdy Xu and two other maidservants where the workers were sewing the dresses. Seeing the crown princess, the workers stood up and bowed their heads. "Your highness, this room is specifically for the sewing and hand embroidery. The yarn is made in the other rooms which are closed as it is nighttime." Court Lady Xu politely told Ying Lili.


    "Then, why is this workshop is still opened?" Ying Lili queried.


    "After two days his highness birthday ising so, dresses are being prepared for the regal people of the pce. The workers have to work tillte," Court Lady Xu answered. An-Ying Lili told the workers to continue their works.


    Bao Ling came towards the crown princess and bowed her head. "Your highness, this is Bao Ling. I will give her highness help with needlework." Bao Ling softly said.


    "You may raise your head. I have only two nights to make the tiger pattern on the back of the overcoat. So, we shall start without further dy" Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Yes, your highness." Bao Ling conformed with the crown princess and bowed her head. Ying Lili sat on the mattress on the ground. Court Lady Xu handed Ying Lili the blue-colored overcoat. She adjusted the embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut where the embroidery had to be made by her.


    Bao Ling had another piece of cloth in her hand, which already had an embroidery hoop on it. "Your highness, you shall first draw the pattern of the tiger using the chalk. Then we will do the needlework over it. Her highness shall watch me first," Bao Ling politely spoke. Ying Lili nodded and kept her gaze intact on the fabric.


    Bao Ling smoothly drew the pattern, which amused Ying Lili. "You draw so fast," Ying Lili praised Bao Ling.


    "Your highness, I took 7 years to master this," Bao Ling stated. Ying Lili hummed and started following Bao Ling''s hand moves. Ying Lili took an hour to make the tiger pattern on the overcoat. Court Lady Xu told a maidservant to bring water for the crown princess. "My wrist is aching. I wonder how do you people design so many patterns?" Ying Lili astonishingly said.


    Bao Ling gave a tiny smile to the crown princess. The water ss was handed to Ying Lili who drank the water and asked the Courtdy if she could water to Bao Ling as well. "Yes, your highness." Court Lady Xu gestured to the maidservant who walked out from there.


    "Your highness, we shall start," Bao Ling stated after she drank the water. Ying Lili found it difficult to put the thread in the needle when Court Lady Xu helped her. She thanked the courtdy and did the same as Bao Ling told her. "Ahh," Ying Lili screamed as the needle pricked her index finger.


    "I do not want to do this. It is more difficult than the swordsmanship," Ying Lili annoyingly spoke as she looked at her finger.


    "Your highness, you cannot lose hope this soon. Do not be annoyed," Courtdy Xu said and encouraged the crown princess at the same time.


    "Courtdy, can Bao Ling make this for me? It is not like anyone is going to find this," Ying Lili suggested. "Why am I even taking pain for him? He is sleeping soundly in his chamber and here I am doing this hand embroidery for him," muttered Ying Lili under her breath.


    "Your highness, this pattern you have to make yourself. It is more auspicious," Court Lady Xu opined. Ying Lili twitched her lips and again started doing the needlework.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li and General Xiao were conversing with each other in the crown prince''s resting chamber. "Your highness, General Wang will soon be in the Southern Province. He will send the message soon regarding the uprisings there," Xiao Zhan spoke.


    "Any other message that Wang Hao has sent?" Sheng Li sought and sipped the wine.


    "General Wang said that one spy was behind him as soon as he left the pce. General Wang had caught him and it was sent by the prime minister," Xiao Zhan informed the crown prince.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "The Prime Minister has lost his mind with age. Sending a spy after Wang Hao?"


    "The Crown Princess will be alone, which can be risky for her highness once you will leave the capital," Xiao Zhan expressed his concern.


    "I have thought something about that as well," Sheng Li replied. Xiao Zhan shook his head agreement.


    Sheng Li drank the remaining wine from the ss and put it on the table there. Eunuch Xing-Fu came over there and bowed his head. "Your highness, the crown princess is still in the hand embroidery workshop. Her highness is..."


    Sheng Li lifted his hand slightly and Xing-Fu stopped speaking. "Why are you giving me that worthless information? Does it concern me in any way?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu in a fit of rage.


    "Forgive this petty servant, your highness." Xing-Fu, with an apologetic look, said. He found that the crown prince was sad and why he would not be? The crown prince had lost his mother on his fourth birthday. It was the day for celebration for everyone, but it was nothing more than a horrendous day for him. Xing-Fu took his leave from there while Sheng Li grabbed the jar and poured the wine into the silver ss. There was a disappointment in Sheng Li''s eyes. He gulped the wine in a go and then went to his study room.


    As he checked the third shelf, he took out a notebook which was of his mother. He moved his hand above that notebook and sat on the floor there, resting his back against the bookshelf.


    Flipping the pages, he stopped at thest page on which her mother had written something, a day before her death. Tears formed in Sheng Li''s eyes reading the lines but he did not let them fall. "I will avenge for your death, mother. Soon a bloody pce war will start," Sheng Li muttered as he closed the notebook.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Since I reached 100 PS on this book so, I will give three chapters tomorrow as I promised. Thank you to those who daily give votes to this story.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 43: Where is he?

    <h4>Chapter 43:Where is he? </h4>


    The crown princess felt a jerk in her sleep. She gradually opened her eyes and realized that she fell asleep while doing the work. Her left arm was on the table in front of her on which her head was rested. She sat up straight and turned to look.


    Court Lady Xu and the maidservants were sitting on the floor but they were sleeping. Ying Lili turned her head left, saw Bao Ling was also sleeping in the sitting position. In the workshop, the workers had left already as it waste. Ying Lili picked the overcoat from the table and looked at the design which she made.


    ''Only two ears'' of the tiger could the crown princess make. Ying Lili took a deep sigh. "I could not even make these ears good. I had never thought that hand embroidery would be so tough," Ying Lili put aside the overcoat and looked at her fingers. "I have never been pricked so much until today," Ying Lili murmured as she touched her fingers.


    She stood up from the seat and walked out from there. Gazing at the night sky, the crown princess spoke, "Can I not gift him something else? Bao Ling took a year to draw simple patterns. How can her majesty expect me to draw the pattern in just two nights? That''s impossible." The annoyance was visible on Ying Lili''s face.


    The guards standing there looked at the crown princess who was talking to herself. "Why am I even doing this? It is not like we are husband and wife. So, what is the auspicious thing hidden in it?" Ying Lili wondered. "But, if I will not make it, then her majesty will scold me. Not only that, Sheng Li will get a chance to taunt me," Ying Lili mumbled.


    "Pardon me, your highness for intruding your thoughts. Her highness shall go inside as it iste at night," one guard came to Ying Lili and told this. Ying Lili turned to look at him and found the guard had bowed his head.


    "But it is the Pce so, there is nothing to be scared about," Ying Lili opined. "I aming in a while. Do not follow me," Ying Lili with a stern expression told the guard. The guard bowed his head but still gathering his courage spoke, "Her highness shall not go alone. I might get punished for thister," the guard anxiously spoke.


    "No one will punish you. I just want to talk a walk then, I have to resume the needlework. You shall go back to your ce," Ying Lili proimed. The guard could not defy the order of the crown princess so, went back to his ce and stood there.


    Ying Lili descended the stairs and was now at the bottom of the stairs. Ying Lili looked around and turned left. The crown princess was walking through the passage and realized that there were few guards posted in that part of the Pce.


    The fire torches had illuminated the passage, so it was not difficult for her to walk when she saw someone running from left to right. Ying Lili halted at her ce. "Who was that?" Ying Lili wondered and again started walking but with quiet steps. She turned to the same path where she had seen the man was running earlier.


    But as the crown princess kept walking on that path, she found that there was a giant wall and that was a dead end. Ying Lili looked at her left and right but saw nothing. "It is impossible for someone to climb this wall," Ying Lili thought. "So, I was hallucinating?" Ying Lili questioned herself.


    The crown princess turned to go when her shoe hit against something. She stepped back and looked down. Ying Lili bent on her knees and found a metallic round object. "An imperial seal?" Lily murmured as she picked it up and stood up.


    "Shall I tell Sheng Li about this?" Ying Lili thought as she looked at the seal. She again turned towards the wall. "That man was definitely here, but where did he vanish to?" There were doubts in Ying Lili''s mind, but there were no answers for them.


    Ying Lili turned back on that passage and came out from there. She was going back to the workshop, but then she halted. "I shall tell this to Sheng Li," Ying Lili told herself and went towards the Eastern side of the Pce.


    As she came out of the western Pce corridor, the guards bowed their heads in front of her. "Your highness, may I ask where are you heading to at thiste-night?" the chief guard at the main gate of Western Pce side asked the crown princess.


    "To the crown prince''s Manor. I am sleepy," Ying Lili replied.


    "Let us escort her highness," the chief guard told Ying Lili who nodded. The chief guard gestured to the other guards to ready a pnquin for the crown princess, which they did swiftly.


    Ying Lili got into the pnquin, and the eight guards carried it up. In a while, Ying Lili was in the Manor of the crown prince. She stepped out of the pnquin and quickly ascended the stairs to go towards the chamber of the crown prince.


    A soldier saw the crown princessing there so, he quickly informed Xing-Fu who was seated outside the study room and was asleep. "Master Xing-Fu," the soldier shook lightly the shoulder of Xing-Fu who woke up.


    With half-opened eyes, Xing-Fu asked the soldier why he woke him up at thatte night. "The crown princess is here," the soldier told Xing-Fu who immediately stood up from the wooden floor.


    Wiping off the drool from his mouth, Xing-Fu turned when he saw the crown princess hade there. He ran towards her and bowed his head. "Your highness, may I ask why are you here thiste? Is everything okay?" Xing-Fu worriedly asked and looked behind the crown princess, but there was no one. "What about her highness maidservants?" Xing-Fu further asked.


    "I want to meet the crown prince," Ying Lili softly said.


    "Forgive me, your highness, but, his highness has given strict orders of not letting anyonee to his highness'' study room. Her highness can tell me then, I will pass the message to his highness as soon as he will awake," Xing-Fu assured the crown princess.


    "Let me go inside," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Your highness, forgive me but I cannot let you go in. Furthermore, it iste so, it not suitable for her highness to be here at this hour. Let me escort her highness back to Zhenzhu Inn," Xing-Fu offered.


    Ying Lili did not listen to him and stepped ahead. She had her hand on the door and she nced at Xing-Fu. "It is important," saying this Ying Lili opened the door and walked in, closing the door behind her.


    As Ying Lili closed the door, she thought about what was the crown prince doing in the study room when he should be in his resting chamber. She turned and stepped ahead when she saw the desk was empty. "Where is he?" Ying Lili muttered under her breath and walked further inside. As the crown princess passed by the bookshelves, she saw the crown prince was sitting against the support of the bookshelf with a notebook in hisp.


    Ying Lili walked to him and bent on her knees. She peered at the notebook in Sheng Li''sp. There was no title written in the notebook. Usually, the notebooks used to have a title written at the front but this had none which amused Ying Lili. She gawked at Sheng Li and found the tears near his eyes'' edges.


    Ying Lili''s eyes widened because this was shocking for her. ''A person like Sheng Li could never cry but he would make other people cry''- Ying Lili used to think this until now, at this moment. She lifted her hand but, then pulled it back.


    ~~~~~


    Hello dear readers!


    So, what do you think? Will the crown princess find out what''s inside the notebook? Who was that man and why she saw him?


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING????

 Chapter 44: Wipe the water off my body

    <h4>Chapter 44:Wipe the water off my body</h4>


    Sheng Li gradually opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Ying Lili. "Why am I dreaming about her?" Sheng Li thought and closed his eyes. Something hit his mind and quickly opened his eyes. "What is she doing here?" Sheng Li thought and looked at the notebook on hisp. "She did not read it, right?" Sheng Li thought, but he was not sure.


    He gazed at Ying Lili whose head fell to her left when Sheng Li acted swiftly and prevented Ying Lili''s head to get hit against the wooden ground. Sheng Li''s hand was on the left face of Ying Lili. He carefully let her head rested on the shelf and stood up from the floor. Putting the notebook on the shelf, he turned to look at Ying Lili.


    Bending on his knees, he grabbed a few strands of hair that were at the front of Ying Lili''s face. "You again did not listen to me," Sheng Li murmured and carried Ying Lili into his muscr arms. As he walked off the study room, Xing-Fu quickly stood up and bowed his head. "Good morning, your highness."


    "When and why did shee here?" Sheng Li demanded an answer.


    "Her highness came in thete midnight. Her Highness said she had something important to tell you," Xing-Fu replied. Sheng Li hummed and turned to his resting room. Two maidservants opened the door for the crown prince. Sheng Li went inside along with the crown princess.


    cing Ying Lili on the soft mattress, Sheng Li went to the right side of the room. A room divider was made there. Sliding the room divider''s door, Sheng Li stepped out. After doing his morning business, he went to the water pool there. The crown prince removed the overcoat, followed by the inner robes. Only his ck lower pants were still on his body. He removed the hairpin from the hair bun which suspended till his broad shoulders.


    Later, he got into the pool and took a dip in the water. The water was chilly, but he needed that to throw-away many things that were revolving in his mind. He remained underwater for a minute and then came out.


    Moving his hand over his face and hair, he rested against one edge of the pool. Xing-Fu showed his presence there along with two maidservants. He had a ck satin bathrobe in his hands while the maidservants were holding the cotton towels in their respective hands. He had lowered his head and took nces at the crown prince.


    "Your highness, in this early morning you are taking a cold bath. His highness may get sick so, he shall not stay for long there," Xing-Fu anxiously expressed his concerns.


    Sheng Li answered nothing and stayed there for thirty minutes. As soon as he came out of the pond, Xing-Fu told the maidservants to wipe the body of Sheng Li. "Send them away," Sheng Li ordered coldly. Xing-Fu gestured to the two maidservants to go away from there. Sheng Li stretched his arms out while Xing-Fu helped him wear the satin bathrobe.


    "You may leave," Sheng Li ordered.


    Xing-Fu bowed his head and walked out from there. Tying the knot on the robe, Sheng Li walked towards his room. As he entered there, he saw the crown princess was sitting on the bed, waiting for him.


    Hearing that door was opened, a smile carved on Ying Lili''s lips. "Sheng Li..." the crown princess stopped speaking when he saw Sheng Li had just taken the bath and his upper body was still visible through the satin bathrobe.


    Ying Lili turned her face away and blinked her eyes. "I willeter," Ying Lili in a low voice spoke and stood up to leave. Ying Lili stepped forward to leave when Sheng Li grabbed her wrist. "You can leave with my permission only," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li and was pulled by him such that she was facing him now.


    Her hands were rested on Sheng Li''s chest, and she quickly closed them. "Wipe me," Sheng Li ordered Ying Lili.


    "W-what?" Ying Lili eximed as she raised her brow.


    "Wipe the water off my body," Sheng Li repeated himself.


    "Tell the maidservants to do that," Ying Lili stated. Ying Lili was pushing Sheng Li when she felt Sheng Li was tightening his grip on her waist. "You have something important to talk to me so, you can tell me while wiping my body," Sheng Li proimed with a stony gaze.


    Ying Lili was released by him. "In the cupboard, there is a towel. Bring that," Sheng Li ordered. Ying Lili nodded. After taking the towel, he came to Sheng Li and saw he had already removed the bathrobe, making his upper body visible. Ying Lili gulped as she saw the perfectly carved abs on Sheng Li''s body. She gripped the towel tightly in nervousness. But then there was something on Sheng Li''s body that caught her attention.


    ''A dreadful scar near his heart''- it was an oval depression which was browned meant that the scar was there for a long time.


    "Stop staring and start doing the work," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li. Ying Lili hummed and stepped closer to him. She wiped his front body, but her eyes were not leaving the sight of that dreadful scar. She did not know when her pointer finger touched the scar. "How did you get this?" Ying Lili asked and lifted her head to meet the gaze of Sheng Li.


    "Just do your work and tell about the important thing for which you came here past midnight," Sheng Li stated. "One more thing, I did not allow you to touch me anywhere so, refrain from that," Sheng Li in a threatening tone said.


    Ying Lili went behind Sheng Li''s back and saw several scars there. "You are not saying anything," Sheng Li again spoke. Ying Lili started wiping Sheng Li''s back and then spoke. "Last night I was in The Western Side of Pce in the embroidery workshop. I took a walk to freshen my mind when I saw someone there." Ying Lili had wiped Sheng Li''s arms as well and hade to the front.


    "Who?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I could not see his face because of the dark but I found something there," Ying Lili asserted. She took out the Imperial seal from inside the pocket near her waistband and showed it to Sheng Li. "This," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li took the seal from Ying Lili''s hand and looked at the seal.


    "Where did you find it?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Lili, you shall not walk alone in this midnight. What if he had attacked you?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Are you worried about me?" Ying Lili asked him.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Why do you not listen to my orders?" Sheng Li asked her. "I had asked you this many times but, you never gave me an answer," stated Sheng Li.


    "This was urgent that''s why I had toe inte at night. I shall take my leave," Ying Lili stated.

 Chapter 45: A gracious gift

    <h4>Chapter 45:A gracious gift</h4>


    "You are answering apletely different question," Sheng Li sternly said. Ying Lili gawked at Sheng Li who was not looking in a good mood.


    "I answered that question earlier. Your orders have no effect on me," proimed Ying Lili, and then averted her gaze from him.


    Sheng Li''s lips moved up, and a smile was carved on them. "I do not know if she read something from that notebook. Did she really not read or is she only acting up?" Sheng Li was skeptical about Ying Lili.


    "What is this scar about?" Ying Lili''s sudden question brought Sheng Li out of his thoughts. He saw Ying Lili was intensely looking at the scar and had knitted her brows.


    "I am a warrior so, such scars are normal," Sheng Li replied, which did not seem satisfactory to Ying Lili.


    "You may leave. You have done a good job," Sheng Li asserted and looked at the imperial seal in his hand. But Ying Lili did not leave. "Why are you not leaving and keep staring at me?" Sheng Li had an inquisitive expression on his face. "It seems the crown princess loves me seeing like this," Sheng Li in a teasing tone said and moved closer to Ying Lili. He wrapped one arm around Ying Lili''s waist before she could act and pulled her up such that their faces came closer.


    The crown princess was on her toes and pulled herself back. Seeing that, Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili further closer. "Do not struggle," Sheng Li whispered against her lips. His hair was still wet and the water droplets were falling on Ying Lili''s hands. "I have not given you permission to touch me," Ying Lili repeated the same words of Sheng Li.


    "I have a right on you so, I can touch you," Sheng Li pronounced and ran his finger along her jawline which stopped right below her chin.


    "You do not own me," Ying Lili asserted.


    "In this pce, I indeed own everyone, Lili," Sheng Li affirmed and grinned. "Are you ready for today''s match? There is something I am going to ask from you if you will lose against me." Sheng Li with anticipation stated.


    "I cannote today. I have some work," Ying Lili replied.


    "Every other work is secondary for you except mine," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili chuckled. "You want me to get scolded by the Empress? I have to finish my work in the embroidery shop," Ying Lili stated annoyingly. Sheng Li noticed the dejected look on Ying Lili''s face. Last night when Xing-Fu told him that the crown princess was still in the workshop he did not pay any heed. But now he was somewhat curious to know about that.


    "How can her majesty scold a beauty like you? I have heard that your pearly eyes are enough to melt the anger of the person in front of you," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Stop ying with me and let me go." Ying Lili ced her hand on his arm.


    "What kind of work are you doing in the workshop? Everyone knows you are poor in needlework," Sheng Li pronounced with a smirk.


    Ying Lili did not want him to say something like that towards her. "Who said I am poor at needlework? In a single night, I drew the toughest pattern on the overcoat. Everyone is amazed by my fast learning skills," Ying Lili told a white lie to Sheng Li who was still smirking at her.


    "Am I a fool? I know your hands are not made for the needlework but for holding the sword. I would like to see that toughest pattern on the overcoat," Sheng Li expressed his desire.


    "No, you cannot," immediately Ying Lili refused him.


    "Why? Are you not making an overcoat for me on my birthday? I wille to see that t.o.u.g.h.e.s.t pattern which you have made in a single night," Sheng Li stressed each of the words.


    "I-I mean you cannot see today," Ying Lili stated.


    "Okay, I will wait for tomorrow," Sheng Li asserted. "Hope you will give me a gracious gift rather than the needlework," Sheng Li stated and released Ying Lili who chuckled and asked him what she could gift him. "Her majesty has told me that making that pattern is auspicious so, I have to gift you that only," Ying Lili muttered.


    "Since when did you start thinking about your husband''s well-being?" Sheng Li''s question did not seem right to Ying Lili. Without answering, she swiftly strode out of the chamber. Sheng Li was amused when Ying Lili left the chamber.


    "How could he say that? Indeed, I do not like him, but it does not mean that I want him to get hurt," murmured Ying Lili when courtdy Xu came before her. "Your highness, you left the workshopst night? Forgive me for taking a nap." Ying Lili found that courtdy Xu was anxious about her.


    "It was not your fault, courtdy Xu," Ying Lili stated.


    "Your highness, let''s leave for Zhenzhu Inn." Ying Lili nodded and left the manor of the crown prince. Sheng Li, on the other hand, was staring at the seal. "This seal is used by all the princes. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu are not the ones who could do something like that. Prince Nianzu also refrains himself from pce politics. Whom did Ying Lili seest night and what was the person doing in the western pce?" Sheng Li had many doubts in his mind.


    Xing-Fu came there and bowed his head. "Your highness, you can catch a cold," Xing-Fu worriedly said and quickly covered a robe around Sheng Li. "Call General Xiao and make sure no one will find out that the crown princess left the workshop past midnight," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "Your highness, I will take care of that," Xing-Fu epted the order by bowing his head and left the chamber.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    As I promised, I have given 3 chapters today after crossing 100 votes in a week. Thank you to those who are daily voting for the story.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 46: Sheng Lis past

    <h4>Chapter 46:Sheng Li''s past</h4>


    Sheng Li was ready for the morning greetings to the Emperor, the Empress, and the consorts of the emperor. He was joined by Ying Lili. "Why have you pulled up a face?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who did not reply to him.


    "Courtdy Xu, the crown princess, said that she drew a Toughest Pattern on the overcoat in a single day. Is it true?" Sheng Li queried while keeping his gaze on the crown princess. Ying Lili red at Sheng Li.


    "Your highness, her highness has done the halfway. It will bepleted soon," Court Lady Xu replied. Sheng Li twitched his lips and raised a brow. "Dear crown princess, you said that youpleted in a single night. So, the kind crown princess can lie as well," Sheng Li with a smirk said.


    Ying Lili blinked her eyes and spoke, "I did not lie." She looked at the front and saw the first prince wasing from the other side along with Xue Yu-Yan. Xue Yu-Yan saw how the crown prince was peering at the crown princess. Halting near the crown prince, Prince Jian Guozhi bowed his head. "Greetings to the crown prince and the crown princess," Jian Guozhi lifted his head then. Sheng Li turned to look at them. Xue Yu-Yan too bowed her head in front of them.


    "The crown prince is looking in a good mood. It is hard to see the crown prince in a cheerful mood a day before his birthday," Jian Guozhi proimed and grinned. Upon hearing that, Sheng Li''s facial expressions darkened. Ying Lili noticed that.


    "Her highness is looking pretty like all the time," Jian Guozhiplimented.


    Sheng Li scowled at Jian Guozhi. "It seems the first brother has lost his shame in this morning. You have two wives and still eyeing the woman of your younger brother," Sheng Li in a fit of rage spoke. Xue Yu-Yan saw that Sheng Li had turned overprotective of the crown princess.


    "I am afraid that the crown prince has taken my words the other way," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li did not speak further and turned to the right. Ying Lili too followed him, followed by Xing-Fu and court Lady Xu with a few maidservants.


    "The crown prince is getting close to the crown princess," Xue asserted and looked at Jian Guozhi who chuckled. "You still love him?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "I used to because he has the power to get the throne," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi turned to Xue Yu-Yan. "The Prime Minister''s daughter has finally got the brains. Do not try harming the crown princess," Jian Guozhi with a stern expression spoke.


    "Why? Do you love her?" Xue Yu-Yan asked. Jian Guozhi smiled. "What are you trying to know?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "I will be the future empress, just keep that in mind. Also, I do not want my husband to see the other woman with that gaze especially her," Xue Yu-Yan asserted. Jian Guozhi slightlyughed and walked away from there.


    ~~~~~


    In the embroidery workshop, Ying Lili had outlined the tiger''s face using the golden silk thread. "Your highness, the pattern is beautiful. You will soon make it," Courtdy Xu encouraged the crown princess. Bao Ling put the white silk thread in the other needle and gave that to the crown princess. "Her highness now shall use this thread to make the strips on the tiger''s face," Bao Ling humbly spoke.


    Ying Lili nodded and took the needle from Bao Ling. So, after eight more hours, the crown princess was seeded in making the tiger pattern on the robe. There was a bright smile on Ying Lili''s lips as she looked at the pattern.


    "Your highness, you are really a quick learner. It is beautifully made," Court Lady Xu praised Ying Lili.


    "Thank you for your help, Courtdy Xu, Bao Ling." Ying Lili expressed her gratitude.


    "Her highness does not need to say thank you to these petty servants," Courtdy Xu spoke.


    "You are not petty. Just ept my thank you," proimed Ying Lili while looking at the overcoat. Bao Ling took the overcoat from the crown princess and told her that she would iron that. Ying Lili gave a nod and gave the overcoat to Bao Ling. The crown princess stood up from the seat and stretched her arms out. "I am feeling so tired," Ying Lili stated.


    "Your highness, let''s go back to the inn. You have skipped your lunch as well so, you are feeling low," Court Lady Xu opined. Ying Lili agreed to her and they left from there. Ying Lili had reached the eastern pavilion where she saw Prince Nianzu there. Prince Nianzu was seated on a wide wooden balustrade, with a bamboo flute in his hand.


    His eye fell on Ying Lili, and he bowed his head. Ying Lili too greeted him. "Can I y that flute, brother Nianzu?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Indeed," Ying Lili answered.


    "I will give you the other flute," Nianzu asserted and looked at Eunuch Chung there who was standing a meter away from him to his left. "Bring a flute for her highness," Nianzu told him, Eunuch Chung bowed his head and walked away.


    Court Lady Xu came forward. "Your highness, you have not taken your lunch meal. It can affect your health," Lady Xu concernedly spoke.


    "May I ask why did the crown princess not take the lunch meal?" Nianzu queried.


    "I was working in the embroidery workshop. Tomorrow is the birthday of Sheng...the crown prince so, I needed to make a design over the overcoat," Ying Lili replied. Nianzu shook his head. "Please make yourselffortable, your highness," Nianzu showed the round wooden stool carved there.


    Ying Lili seated on that while Nianzu sat on the other stool. Eunuch Chung came there with a bamboo flute in his hand and handed that to Nianzu who gave the flute to the crown princess. "Thank you, brother Nianzu," Ying Lili spoke as she took the flute from him.


    Ying Lili brought the flute closer to her lips. Her fingers were rested on the holes. She blew the air and moved her fingers gracefully over the holes, thus produced some soothing- melodious sounds. Nianzu found that the crown princess had an exceptional mastery of the flute.


    Five minutester, Ying Lili stopped. Nianzu pped for her. "The crown princess yed it beautifully," Nianzu apuded Ying Lili.


    "The flute is made good. That''s why the sounds produced were good. Thank you, brother Nianzu for letting me y it," Ying Lili delightfully spoke.


    "His highness has made this flute himself," Eunuch Chung intervened between them. Ying Lili was surprised to know that. "The crown princess can keep it," Nianzu offered. Ying Lili thanked him.


    "Your highness, tomorrow is an auspicious day. Why do you not give a flute performance for the crown prince?" Nianzu suggested.


    "Does he like this?" Ying Lili asked remarkably.


    "The crown prince''s mother used to y the flute. His highness will feel good," Nianzu proimed.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "What if he will get angry? I mean he has a lot of mood swings," Ying Lili asserted and twitched her lips. Nianzu smiled after seeing the reaction of the crown princess.


    "His highness will like that," Nianzu assured Ying Lili who nodded. He lifted his eyes and looked at Chung. "Give us a private moment," Nianzu told Chung who bowed his head and turned to the courtdy. "Pleasee with me," Chung told her and then looked at the maidservants.


    Ying Lili was confused and saw that the courtdy had gone away along with the maidservants. "Do not be afraid. There is something I want to tell the crown princess," Nianzu asserted.


    Ying Lili nodded. "Tomorrow is the day when the crown prince''s mother left him. It might be a grand day for everyone but not for the crown prince," Nianzu stated, and took a deep sigh. Ying Lili''s heart sank upon hearing that.


    "Courtdy Xu did not tell me," Ying Lili said.


    "No one is allowed to speak about this," Nianzu asserted.


    "Brother, will you tell me about Sheng Li''s past?" Ying Lili requested.

 Chapter 47: I do not need your pity

    <h4>Chapter 47:I do not need your pity</h4>


    Ying Lili after having a conversation with Han Nianzu came to Zhenzhu Inn. Court Lady Xu was anxious after seeing the darkened face of Ying Lili. "Your highness, may I ask what is going on with you?" Court Lady Xu asked humbly.


    "Nothing," replied Ying Lili. The crown princess was so lost in her inner thoughts that she did not see that Sheng Li wasing from the front with Lei Wanxi. Court Lady Xu and the maidservants had halted at their ces with their bowed heads.


    Lei Wanxi smiled seeing the crown princess, but then he noticed that the crown princess was lost somewhere. Ying Lili''s head hit against something hard and she came out of her thoughts, passing through a low scream.


    The crown princess lifted her head and saw Sheng Li in front of her. Sheng Li peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. Ying Lili lifted her right hand and brought that near Sheng Li''s cheek. Lei Wanxi lowered his eyes, seeing that, and smiled sheepishly. Sheng Li was confused seeing Ying Lili''s gestures when he felt Ying Lili''s hand on his right cheek.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows as Ying Lili moved her hand over his cheek. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li with a stern expression asked, but Ying Lili did not reply. Sheng Li lifted his hand to put down Ying Lili''s hand from his cheek when he heard, "You have grown beautifully. Mother is proud of you." Sheng Li raised his brow while Lei Wanxi nced at the crown princess.


    "You suffered a lot and turned like this," Ying Lili further spoke. Sheng Li ced his hand over her hand and slid it down to her wrist. The next second, he grabbed Ying Lili''s wrist and took her away from there. Lei Wanxi lifted his head. So did the courtdy Xu. The maidservants had lowered their eyes.


    "From where the crown princess wasing?" Lei Wanxi asked from the courtdy.


    "Her highness conversed with the fourth Prince a few moments ago," replied Court Lady Xu softly. Lei Wanxi shook his head and turned to look.


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to his chamfer and ordered Xing-Fu not to let anyonee in. Ying Lili was standing near the table which had some scrolls over it. Sheng Li came towards her. Ying Lili had lowered her eyes when Sheng Li grabbed her chin and made her look into his eyes. "What were you saying there?" Sheng Li questioned her. Ying Lili clutched her high waist skirt tightly.


    "Answer," Sheng Li demanded an answer as he pulled her chin up.


    "N-nothing," Ying Lili replied, and averted her gaze from him. Sheng Li snickered upon hearing the reply of Ying Lili. "Lili, didn''t I warn you not to look into my personal life?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili and released his grip from her chin. Ying Lili stepped back and was hit against the table.


    The anger inside Sheng Li was growing up. "Did she read everything from that diary? How could I be careless?" Sheng Li thought inside his mind, and then the next second, he threw the porcin vase that was ced on the table beside the scrolls. Ying Lili was shocked for a while and lifted her head to meet Sheng Li''s gaze.


    "So, you know something and still refusing to tell when I asked you? Tell me now why did you say that?" Sheng Li, in a fit of rage, asked.


    "Sheng Li, you know everything about my family but I do not know anything because you never told me neither I asked. You told me to act like a delightful couple in front of everyone to save your reputation, but how can I do that when I do not know things about you?" Ying Lili stated and demanded an answer from Sheng Li.


    "But, you do not need to know about my mother. I never permitted you to do that. Lili, defying my orders is good till a limit, but today you went extreme. Pitying me with those eyes. I do not need your pity," Sheng Li bellowed at her. Ying Lili blinked her eyes as tears formed in them when Sheng Li grabbed her by holding her in both arms.


    "How dare you show pity on me with these eyes of yours? You have no right on me. Keep that in mind. I am warning you thisst time- if you tried looking at my personal matters then, you have to suffer badly." Ying Lili was feeling pain because of Sheng Li''s tight grip on her.


    "Who is pitying you? You took the emotions in my eyes wrongly. This is not pity, but¡­" Ying Lili stopped as a teardrop rolled down her cheek. "Leave me. I understood that I shall not worry for you," Ying Lili spoke with a dejected expression.


    Sheng Li pushed away Ying Lili when her left foot hit against the broken pieces of the porcin jar on the floor. "Ahh," Ying Lili cried out in a low voice. Sheng Li turned to look at her and saw Ying Lili''s foot was pierced by tiny broken pieces of the jar. He grabbed her hand when Ying Lili pped it off.


    "Do not touch me. You have no right on me," Ying Lili angrily stated and stepped forward, but Sheng Li held her wrist. Ying Lili turned and red into the eyes of Sheng Li. She twisted her hand in his grip, thinking Sheng Li would let it go when Sheng Li in one swift movement carried her up in his arms. "Others will think that I took my anger on my wife," saying this Sheng Li took Ying Lili to the bed and ced her on the mattress gently.


    "Xing-Fu," the crown prince called out the name of the Eunuch who after a minute came there. "Bring the Royal physician here," ordered Sheng Li while his gaze was fixed on Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili found Sheng Li''s anger was subsided by but she quickly averted her gaze from him. "You confuse me," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili saying.

 Chapter 48: Abused him?

    <h4>Chapter 48:Abused him?</h4>


    A few moments earlier:


    "Brother Nianzu, do you not think that this ce is not good to converse about a private matter? Shall we talk sometimeter regarding this?" Ying Lili suggested.


    "Your highness, this is the perfect ce for the conversation. The Pce has spies and if we will converse in the private, many suspicions will arise," Nianzu asserted politely.


    "If there are spies, then it means they could be among those servants," Ying Lili proimed.


    "They are loyal. The servants assigned to you this time are loyal to the crown prince so, they will never betray you. I have only one who is with me since my birth," Nianzu pronounced and looked at the bamboo flute in his hand.


    "Your highness, Sheng Li was a four years kid when he lost his mother. ording to the royal physician, his mother was suffering from a rare and incurable disease, which started after the birth of Sheng Li. Han was not an empire, but just a small territory at that time. Father was in a war so, he could not take care of them that much.


    He was a quiet child and used to be scared by anyone. As a child, he was also abused by the first brother and some of his friends," Han Nianzu told Ying Lili. Ying Lili never expected that the first brother would be like that.


    "The first brother abused him? But why? What about his majesty and the other brothers?" Ying Lili questioned Han Nianzu.


    "The crown prince''s mother was beloved of his majesty, so was Sheng Li. But, it does not mean that father never cared for us. It is just the first Prince did not like Sheng Li''s presence. Since I am a son of a concubine so, I had no right to stop the first brother in any way," Nianzu proimed.


    "What about her majesty and the other brothers? Did she not stop the first brother from doing so?" Ying Lili asked another question.


    "What does the crown princess think?" Nianzu looked for an answer.


    "That''s why he despises them because they favored this," Ying Lili muttered. Han Nianzu agreed to her. "I told her highness only a few things about Sheng Li''s past. Rest you have to know yourself by getting close to him," Nianzu advised the crown princess who was befuddled.


    "Why did brother told me all these things?" Ying Lili amusingly asked.


    Ying Lili was in bewilderment after hearing all those things. "What is the reason? His majesty did not tell me anything," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Because he gave me the task to tell her highness," Nianzu replied and smile. "An Empire does not need only an Emperor to rule it, but an Empress as well. The first brother was crowned as the crown prince earlier, but he made a huge mistake. Our father was going to die but Sheng Li, using his intelligence saved our father. Sheng Li was crowned and many potential princesses were looked for him until we heard about you from the first brother who wanted you to be his concubine.


    Father sent me to Juyan with this marriage proposal but yourte father expressed his desire to meet the Emperor himself. I took him here with no one''s notice. Their father andte King of Juyan went with this marriage alliance.


    Sheng Li has a bad temper and a king shall not have anger management issues. A woman who can help him control his mind was needed and the Emperor thought of you as the most suitable woman for him."


    Nianzu had narrated everything to Ying Lili. "Sheng Li is turned like this because of a reason and that reason I have told you. Hope you will mend your rtionship with the younger brother soon. The prime minister''s daughter is married to the first Prince so, soon pce politics will start. But, the throne shall not fall in the wrong hands," Nianzu concluded his conversation.


    Ying Lili''s eyes turned teary. She lowered her eyes and spoke, "Did his majesty find out who killed my father? I am asking because it seems brother is his majesty''s personal advisor."


    Nianzu smiled. "Your highness, the crown prince is not the one who can go against the orders of the father. It was indeed your uncle. For the throne, brothers usually fight, but the investigation is still going on. A few dayster, you will find the culprit with evidence. But, I can assure you that Sheng Li never killed your father," Nianzu stated with assurance.


    "What shall I do to get close to Sheng Li? We mostly end up fighting with each other. Every time I ask him about his personal life, he ignores it. There are indeed misunderstandings between us but, now I found out the reasons so, I want to give my best to support him fully." Ying Lili lifted her eyes and looked at Nianzu who was smiling.


    "Your highness, I am poor in love-rted things. Her highness has to find yourself. My work is done here," Nianzu asserted. Ying Lili nodded and thanked the fourth Prince to make her aware of Sheng Li''s past.


    "Do not say thank you, your highness. I wish you sess in everything you do from today onwards." Nianzu''s cheerful words encouraged Ying Lili. She stood up from the stool and bowed her head slightly. Prince Nianzu did the same. Ying Lili put the Flute on her waistband and took her to leave from there.


    "I hope the crown prince let the crown princesse near him," Prince Nianzu muttered and again started ying the Flute.


    Oppositely, Ying Lili''s mind was filled with thoughts regarding Sheng Li''s past. Although the fourth Prince briefed her about the crown prince''s past, which shook her heart. She regretted arguing with the crown prince when he told her to be away from the first Prince.


    "Is there something in my eyes? You are staring at me for almost fifteen minutes," Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who did not realize when her foot was dressed by the Royal physician and when the Royal physician left the chamber.

 Chapter 49: Eyes on my Wild Cat

    <h4>Chapter 49:Eyes on my Wild Cat</h4>


    Sheng Li snapped his fingers in front of Ying Lili''s eyes. Ying Lili again came out of her thoughts and sat up on the bed. "Now, will this wild cat tell me why did she speak that to me earlier? I asked the courtdy, and she informed me you were with the fourth brother," Sheng Li waited for a response.


    "Forgive me for saying that. I was not pitying you. You took it wrong again," Ying Lili softly said, peering into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "It seems the fourth brother told you something about me. Just forget whatever he told you. I have some work so, I am leaving," Sheng Li stated and stood up from the bed when Ying Lili grabbed the long sleeve from its one end. Sheng Li looked at her and then at his sleeve.


    "Can you not spare me sometime?" Ying Lili requested.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Lili, you love to make me angry?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "I only asked for your time. How did I make you angry? Why do you always take opposite meaning of whatever I say?" Ying Lili in a fit of rage blurted out.


    "Why do you want me to spare some time for you?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "I want to know about you," Ying Lili asserted and lowered her eyes. Sheng Li was amused to hear the answer of Ying Lili. He traced Ying Lili''s jawline using his pointer finger, and then stopped it right under her chin. Sheng Li sat on the bed and the two peered into each other''s eyes. "You are not resisting my touch," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips.


    Sheng Li was smirking at her. "Do you remember what did I tell you yesterday?" Sheng Li questioned the crown princess. She did not answer so Sheng Li replied. "I told you not to start falling for me. Because I will never reciprocate to your feelings. You will start suffocating in this rtionship with no love," Sheng Li asserted as his eyes gazed into Ying Lili''s.


    Ying Lili''s both hands were on herp. Her fingers were moving nervously over one another. "What are you even saying?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "That don''t fall for me because this cruel man will not give you that love," Sheng Li proimed and pulled back his finger.


    "You are so high of yourself. What if you fall for me? I can say the same words for you then," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li''s lips move up and a smile formed in them. "A man like me cannot love anyone," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili slightlyughed. "You love Noble Consort Xue as well. What is your opinion about that?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I loved her in the past. Specifically, I do not know whether I ever loved her. If I had loved her then, I would have not let her marry the first brother. I am possessive of the things I love," Sheng Li announced. He was noticing Ying Lili''s reaction who had a neutral face.


    "What do you want to talk about? I spared you a few minutes," Sheng Li stated.


    "Forgive me for getting rude when you told me to stay away from the first brother. Hu Jingguo told me that my uncle is behind the demise of my father. Forgive me for using you," Ying Lili apologized to Sheng Li.


    "You are apologizing when the investigation rted to your father''s death is still going on. I did not expect that the crown princess will ever ask for the forgiveness," Sheng Li amusingly told Ying Lili.


    "Brother Nianzu also told me the same, and Hu Jingguo would never lie to me. He told me that uncle has changed many things in Juyan city and he was the one who murdered my father," Ying Lili asserted with a disheartened expression.


    "You trust the words of other people really fast. I understand that too. We are enemies so, it is natural that you will not trust me. I cannot forgive this wild cat that easily. She hurt my pride," Sheng Li concluded.


    "How are we enemies? You are again going in a wrong direction. And, why can you not forgive me? I apologize to you," Ying Lili demanded the answers.


    "If we aren''t enemies, then what are we? On the wedding night, you tried to kill me. Here, you stabbed me." Sheng Li ced his hand on his chest. "Lili, I do not forgive people easily¡­" Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and whispered, "Especially those who defy my orders."


    He leaned back andplied with the facial expressions of Ying Lili''s face.


    "I was scared on the wedding night. I was alone with you, and I was scared thinking what if you will harm me? That''s why I had to use that dagger and also I used to think that you killed my father," Ying Lili replied to Sheng Li.


    "Harm you? In what way?" Sheng Li inquired, tilting his head slightly. There was a grin on his face.


    Ying Lili blinked her eyes and quickly changed the topic. "Tell me why can you not forgive me?"


    "First answer my question," Sheng Li spoke and ced his one hand on Ying Lili''s. Ying Lili jolted and right away pulled her hand back. Sheng Li grinned, seeing Ying Lili''s reaction. "Lili, now I am also interested in this topic. What if you would be married to the first Prince then I do not think he would have even waited for a second¡­" Sheng Li stopped speaking as he noticed the horrified expressions on Ying Lili''s face.


    "Why are you intimidated? You are a brave woman," Sheng Li stated.


    "Can you not refrain from saying such things?" Ying Lili requested politely. "I mean I do not like it when someone says that I was supposed to marry the first brother. I am now even regretting that I did a sword fight with him." Sheng Li realized that Ying Lili did not favor the first Prince and somewhere it was giving him satisfaction.


    "Now, you know then you shall not go near him because he still eyes on my wild cat," Sheng Li asserted.


    "No, I cannot stop myself from calling you Wild Cat. Now, answer me do you feel safe around me? Aren''t you scared of me as I might fulfill my desires?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili, smirking. Sheng Li''s deep gaze was turning Ying Lili more apprehensive. She had gripped the high waist dress she was wearing tightly and was moving her fingers over it.


    "I am waiting for your reply," Sheng Li voiced.


    "Your highness, sorry for intruding your private moment with the crown princess, but an urgent matter hase up." Xing-Fu stated who was standing near the door which had beaded curtains hanging from it. Sheng Li stood to from the bed, which relieved Ying Lili.


    "Bring Courtdy inside and tell her to take the crown princess safely," Sheng Li ordered. "The remaining conversation we will have in the morning," Sheng Li told Ying Lili before leaving the chamber.

 Chapter 50: Wants to fulfill

    <h4>Chapter 50:Wants to fulfill</h4>


    Sheng Li was intensely looking at the scroll. "Is Wang Hao safe?" Sheng Li asked Xiao Zhan who knitted his brows.


    "What do you mean, your highness?" Xiao Zhan queried Sheng Li. Sheng Li stood up from his seat with the scroll in his hand and went to the candle stand there. Xiao Zhan was looking confusedly at the crown prince.


    Sheng Li brought the scroll near the candle me and a new message started appearing, right below where the message with the ink ended. "The First and the second prince are responsible for the rebellions. For now, I am able to get only this information. It is their n to kill you," Sheng Li read the message and then burn the scroll there.


    He was smirking when Xiao Zhan asked the crown prince about the message. "I will tell youter," Sheng Li asserted and turned to him.


    "Did you gather any information about the intruder in the Western Pce which the crown princess had happened to see?" Sheng Li questioned as he again took the seat.


    Xiao Zhan lowered his eyes. "Forgive me, your highness. The western Pce has the least security so, no one could see the intruder. I even investigated the ce, but there was nothing. Her highness was right. There is no escape point to escape from there," Xiao Zhan informed Sheng Li who smiled.


    "Are you getting old? This much information I have already received from the crown princess." Sheng Li was not satisfied with General Xiao''s investigation. "Why is security limited in the Western Pce? Is it not the part of the Imperial Pce?" Sheng Li demanded answers from General Xiao.


    Xiao Zhan had lowered his eyes. "Forgive me for giving already given information to his highness. I will do my best to go into the depth of this. I will increase the security there as well," General Xiao assured the crown prince.


    "Don''t deploy soldiers there. It will raise suspicions and directly point fingers on the crown princess. That night she was roaming alone there so, I do not want to get it disclose to anyone. Post a few spies there. Do not make any mistakes, Xiao Zhan," Sheng Li advised and at the same time warned General Xiao.


    "Thank you for trusting me again, your highness. I will not let you down this time." General Xiao bowed his head with a tiny smile on the lips.


    "You may leave," Sheng Limanded. Xiao Zhan stood up from the seat and left from there. Sheng Li looked at the burned ashes of the scroll near the candle stand. "Yongzheng has again started his treacherous ways along with Jian Guozhi. It is not even a week of my stay here and they nned these much things to send me away. I wonder what surprise they will give me tomorrow," Sheng Li thought in his mind.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili was in her chamber, resting on the bed. "Do you feel safe around me? Do you not think I might want to fulfill my desires as well?" These two questions were revolving in Ying Lili''s head. "What did he mean by the second question?" Ying Lili murmured.


    Court Lady Xu saw that the crown princess was talking with herself, which worried her out. "Your highness, may I ask what are you thinking about?" Court Lady Xu politely asked.


    Ying Lili turned her head and looked at the courtdy. "Lady Xu, what it means w-when someone says that he wants to fulfill his desires?" Ying Lili asked the courtdy who was befuddled upon hearing that.


    "May I ask in what context her highness is referring to?" Court Lady Xu queried politely.


    "Umm¡­ The crown prince asked me," Ying Lili in a low voice spoke.


    Court Lady Xu was delighted to hear that the crown prince is showing interest in the crown princess. "This courtdy thinks that his highness was referring to building a sexual rtionship with you," Courtdy Xu replied humbly with a tiny smile on her lips.


    "W-what??" Ying Lili eximed and sat up on the bed. Seeing the horrified expressions on the crown princess'' face. "Your highness, are you not happy about this? Finally, his highness wants to go ahead in this rtionship with her highness," Court Lady Xu pronounced delightfully.


    "Court Lady, how can you be happy about this?" Ying Liliined. "You know that how much do we hate each other? How can he say such a thing to me?" Ying Lili muttered under her breath. Court Lady Xu noticed that the crown princess did not want the crown prince to get close to her in any way.


    "Your highness, this courtdy wants to say something." Ying Lili permitted her.


    "Your highness, you shall not push away your husband. I do not know what happened between you and his highness but I think her highness shall start understanding his highness. Soon, the inner court will intervene. Then her highness has to herself select noble consorts and concubines. I know his highness had announced his decision not to make him marry anymore but for his position he has to.


    If any woman who seems charming to his highness then, her highness will feel dejected. So, it is better to take things in your control," Court Lady Xu made the crown princess understand.


    "Good for him. He can go to as many as women he wants to. Who wants to fulfill his sexual needs!? Pervert," Ying Lili with exasperation said.


    Before the courtdy could further say something, a maidservant came running inside the resting chamber of the crown prince. She bowed her head and informed, "Your highness, the-the overcoat on which her highness was working is destroyed by someone."


    "What are you saying? Who can do this?" Courtdy Xu angrily asked. The maidservant lowered her eyes. "No one knows," replied the maidservant. Ying Lili came down from the bed, wore her shoes. She left for the workshop along with the courtdy and a few maidservants.

 Chapter 51: Enjoyable for you

    <h4>Chapter 51:Enjoyable for you</h4>


    Ying Lili grabbed the overcoat from Bao Ling and looked at it. It was cut from various ces. Ying Lili looked at Bao Ling who was on her knees and had bowed her head. "When did this happen?" Ying Lili asked with a dejected expression.


    "Your highness, please forgive me for not taking care of it. It was perfectly fine an hour ago," Bao Ling stuttered while crying. Ying Lili put the overcoat on the table and took a deep sigh. "This lowly deserves a punishment, your highness," Bao Ling asked for the punishment.


    "You shall say that you want a death punishment," voiced Xue Yu-Yan who was near the entrance of the workshop. All the workers there bowed their heads seeing her entering inside, followed by her servants. "Your highness, you shall give this petty servant a death sentence," Xue Yu-Yan in a fit of rage said while shooting res at Bao Ling who had bowed down such that her head was touching the floor.


    "Your highness, please spare this servant," Bao Ling pleaded the crown princess.


    "How dare you ask for forgiveness? You destroyed the hard work of the crown princess. You shall yourself ask for the death sentence," Xue Yu-Yan shouted at Bao Ling who was profusely crying.


    Ying Lili finally intervened and spoke. "Noble Consort Xue, you do not have to decide someone''s punishment. It is my work so, I will handle it my own way." The tone of the crown princess was threatening. Ying Lili then bent on her knees and grabbed both the arms of Bao Ling. The crown princess made her stand up and wiped the tears from her eyes.


    "You do not need to cry. The design I made was not looking good on the overcoat. I have already prepared a gift for his highness," Ying Lili told Bao Ling and patted her shoulder. "It is fine. Do not cry over such a tiny matter," Ying Lili stated.


    Xue Yu-Yan grimaced upon hearing the words of the crown princess.


    "Thank you, your highness. Her highness is indeed kind. Thank you for showing kindness towards this servant," Bao Ling expressed her gratitude. Ying Lili gave her a tiny smile and told her to take some rest. Bao Ling bowed her head and left from there.


    "It seems her highness does not consider the worth of the crown prince. The worker destroyed the overcoat made for his highness and her highness termed it as a ''Tiny matter''. Strange!" Xue Yu-Yan derided the decision of An-Ying Lili.


    "Are you pointing the finger at the decision of the crown princess? It was indeed a tiny matter. Taking someone''s life might be enjoyable for you, Consort Xue, but not for me," Ying Lili pronounced, which exasperated Xue Yu-Yan. She clutched her dress tightly but could not speak anything to the crown princess.


    Gulping the anger that had built inside Xue Yu-Yan, she spoke. "Her highness is taking my words wrongly. I am not cruel enough to enjoy someone''s death. It is just I thought her highness set an example," asserted Xue Yu-Yan.


    Ying Lili smiled. "I do not like to set examples after taking someone''s life," Ying Lili asserted with a stern expression. "I also know the real culprit, but it does not mean that I shall announce death sentence for that person," Ying Lili pronounced, ring into the eyes of Xue Yu-Yan and left from there.


    Xue Yu-Yan, on the other hand, tightened her fist as she looked at Ying Lili who was near the entrance. Ying Lili had descended the stairs and fastened her steps towards Zhenzhu Inn. "What will I do now? Why did I say that I have already prepared another gift for Sheng Li? Now, what will I gift him?" Ying Lili murmured.


    "Your highness, please walk slowly. Your foot is still injured," Court Lady Xu concernedly spoke.


    "No need," Ying Lili stated. After a while, they had reached the Eastern corridor. The evening has fallen and Ying Lili was panicking about the crown prince''s gift. "If her majesty will find out, then she will be angry at me," Ying Lili thought when she was hit against someone. "Ahh," she screamed, but the person caught her.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and saw Jian Guozhi in front of her. "The crown princess seems anxious," Jian Guozhi with a smile said. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and pushed him off lightly. As soon as Ying Lili pulled away, Jian Guozhi looked at his hand and smiled.


    "Is her highness fine?" Jian Guozhi asked. Ying Lili shook her head and walked past the First Prince, which confused him. Ying Lili reached Zhenzhu Inn and paced in her resting room, thinking about what she should do for the crown prince''s birthday.


    "Your highness, what will you do in such a short period of time?" Courtdy anxiously asked and looked at the crown princess.


    A maidservant came there and bowed her head. "Your highness, her majesty has asked for the royal dragon robe which you are going to gift the crown prince tomorrow," the servant passed the message of Empress Wei to the crown princess.


    "It is not ready yet. Tell her majesty that I will myself bring it in the morning," Ying Lili proimed. The servant bowed her head and left the chamber.


    "Your highness, if her majesty will find out that the Overcoat is destroyed then she might get angry," Court Lady Xu expressed her concern.


    "I will ept my mistake then. But, now the biggest problem is what shall I gift Sheng Li?" Ying Lili muttered. "Court Lady, do you know what does the crown prince likes?" Ying Lili asked, looking at her with hope.


    "Forgive me, your highness. His highness never shared his thoughts on it. He does not share his personal things," Court Lady Xu replied politely.


    "You are with him since the birth time," Ying Lili opined.


    "Yes, your highness but he never shared his thoughts," answered Court Lady Xu.


    "Shall I ask the sixth brother?" Ying Lili thought and told Court Lady Xu to arrange a quick meeting with the sixth prince. "Tell the sixth brother to meet at the Eastern pavilion," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Your highness, meeting the other Prince when evening has fallen is not a good idea. Your image can be tarnished," Court Lady Xu suggested Ying Lili. "In my opinion, her highness shall ask the crown prince and must tell him about this because if her majesty will find out then things will be out of control," Court Lady Xu advised. Ying Lili twitched her lips and wondered if Sheng Li would even help her or would heugh at her.

 Chapter 52: No right to get angry at my wife

    <h4>Chapter 52:No right to get angry at my wife</h4>


    Sheng Li was reading something in his study room when Xing-Fu came there. "Your highness, the crown princess is here. She seems worried," Xing-Fu informed the crown prince who lifted his head from the scroll in his hand.


    "Send the crown princess in," Sheng Li ordered. Xing-Fu nodded his head and walked out. Ying Lili entered the study room and found Sheng Li was not there. The doors were closed, and she walked further in. She stood near the desk when she heard the voice of Sheng Li. "Come here," Sheng Li stated whose voice came from the back of the study room.


    "Why is the wild cat here at this hour?" Sheng Li asked as he ced the scroll on the desk and peered into the eyes of Ying Lili.


    "What do you like?" Ying Lili straight away asked, which made Sheng Li chuckle. He stood up from the chair when Ying Lili stepped back. "You can talk from there only," Ying Lili proimed but Sheng Li did not stop and kept stepping forward. Ying Lili''s back hit against the bookshelf on her right when Sheng Li ced his one hand beside her head.


    "What did you say?" Sheng Li urged again.


    Ying Lili red at him and this time she asked in a loud enough voice, "What does his highness like?" Sheng Li grimaced and tried reading her eyes.


    "Why are you asking out of sudden?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "I understood you do not want to answer," asserted Ying Lili and pped off Sheng Li''s forearm to walk away when Sheng Li grabbed her arm, pulling her back.


    "You amuse me. Now, tell me why are you here?" Sheng Li demanded an answer. Ying Lili gawked at him. "Did I not tell you two times already? You shall check your ears to the Royal physician," Ying Lili yanked at him.


    "My ears are perfectly fine. I just want to hear the real reason behind your visit here," Sheng Li stated, and released Ying Lili''s arm from his grip. "Still not speaking?! Shall I ask the courtdy?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili''s eyes flickered. "The overcoat I made for you is destroyed, and I have to give you something tomorrow on your birthday," Ying Lili answered. Sheng Li raised his one brow and skeptically looked at Ying Lili.


    "Who destroyed it?" Sheng Li inquired from Ying Lili.


    "That does not matter now," Ying Lili stated.


    "It matters, Lili. I heard from Xing-Fu that you worked on it for over eight hours. Did you punish them?" Sheng Li waited for Ying Lili''s response.


    "Sheng Li, it was my mistake. Now, tell me what do you like? I will prepare for that else her majesty will get angry at me," Ying Lili looked for the answers.


    "What can you give me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who knitted her brows.


    "How can I know until I know your wish?" Ying Lili asked him back. "Tell me what do you like?" Ying Lili asked again.


    "I like to kill," replied Sheng Li with a smirk said. "Can you give me a life as a gift?" Sheng Li queried with a grin on his face.


    "It is not the time to joke or y, Sheng Li. I should not havee here," Ying Lili with a despondent expression spoke and averted her gaze from him. Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s chin and made her look at him.


    "I will ask tomorrow. Do not stress yourself over this petty matter," Sheng Li proimed.


    "It is not a petty matter. It is your birthday. I must give you something," Ying Lili stated anxiously.


    "If you will give something from your heart, then it will be epted by me. I do not take gifts from haters," Sheng Li asserted and pulled his fingers back from Ying Lili''s chin. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and lowered them. "I understood," the crown princess replied.


    "Her majesty is here," both of them heard Xing-Fu. Ying Lili got panicked, which was noticed by Sheng Li. "Act with me," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.


    "Huh?"


    Sheng Li cupped Ying Lili''s face and sealed her lips with a kiss. Ying Lili ced her hand on Sheng Li''s chest to push him off when he grasped her hand and pinned it against the shelf there. The door to the library was opened.


    Ying Lili tightened her fist of the hand which was pinned on the shelf so Sheng Li loosened it and intertwined his fingers with Ying Lili''s. He heard the steps of the Empressing there, which he wanted.


    "Crown¡­" the empress stopped speaking as she saw them making out. She red at them and cleared her throat. "Your highness, her majesty is here," Xing-Fu spoke as he also came there when he saw the crown prince and the crown princess were kissing.


    Upon hearing Xing-Fu, Sheng Li pulled away and looked into the eyes of Ying Lili. He wore a smile on his lips and turned back. "Your majesty," Sheng Li spoke and bowed his head. Ying Lili came forward and bowed her head as well. Sheng Li then lifted his head and looked into the eyes of Empress Wei.


    "I told the crown princess to work on the overcoat but she is doing something else here," Empress Wei in a fit of rage spoke. Sheng Li whose both hands were behind his back were tightened.


    Ying Lili was nervous when she heard Empress Wei. "How could the crown princess be so careless? She could not look after an overcoat and lied to me saying that the gift will be ready by tomorrow. Is this the way by which the crown princess preparing for the crown prince''s birthday gift?


    You also let the servant did not take the punishment. Are you going to be this indecisive in judging matters?" Empress Wei was in anger.


    Ying Lili was going to speak when Sheng Li intervened. "Her majesty has no right to get angry at my wife," Sheng Li dered and looked at Ying Lili who was in bewilderment looking at him.


    "Only I can get angry at her and I have not given that right to anyone not even you, your majesty, The crown princess has already prepared a gracious gift for her husband and the overcoat was destroyed by me," Sheng Li pronounced and smirked at the Empress. Xing-Fu knitted his brow and nced at the crown prince while Empress Wei was ring at him.

 Chapter 53: Interested in my married life

    <h4>Chapter 53:Interested in my married life</h4>


    "Both of the crown prince and the crown princess shalle to my Manor," Empress Wei pronounced and walked away from there followed by her servants.


    "Get out," Sheng Li shouted at Xing-Fu who bowed his head and walked out of the study room. Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili. "Now, listen to me. Since it is an inner court matter so, you might get punished. So, do as what I say," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Why are you helping me? Why did you tell a lie to her majesty that you destroyed the overcoat?" Ying Lili was confused, thinking about why the crown prince was protecting her. "You shall be happy that I am getting punished. Isn''t that what you want?" Ying Lili further spoke.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at Ying Lili. "Only I can punish you. There is no one made to punish my wild cat," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili was flustered by that, and right away lowered her eyes. "And, you do not have to do that every time her majestyes to us. It is not good," Ying Lili stated, blinking her eyes.


    "What do you mean by that? You are speaking as if you have done it many women," Ying Lili snapped at him and puckered her lips in embarrassment. Sheng Li lifted Ying Lili''s chin. "I am not a womanizer. If I had been then, there would have been a harem already. But, yes, I am more experienced than you. Do not worry, I will teach you someday how to be a good kisser," Sheng Li yfully said.


    Ying Lili''s eyes flickered, and a red blush appeared over her cheeks. "Why are you blushing? Getting excited thinking about the fact that your husband will teach you¡­" Ying Lili ced her hand over Sheng Li''s lips. "I do not love you so, do not get any wrong idea," Ying Lili softly said. She pulled her hand back and lowered her eyes.


    "Since I have helped my wild cat, then she has to do something for me. I do not do things for free. I took the me for you for a reason. Sometimes protecting an enemy bes important because then that enemy can be used.


    Just say there that you came to me past midnight to show the work on the overcoat," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Why?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li spoke and walked ahead without replying to Ying Lili''s question. Ying Lili followed Sheng Li to the Empress'' Manor.


    In Empress Manor, Empress Wei could be seen on a phoenix throne in the meeting room of the Manor. Xue Yu-Yan was also there, standing a meter away from the Empress. Bao Ling was on her knees, crying. The chief guard of Western Pce was also standing there.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili reached there. Ying Lili''s heart disheartened seeing Bao Ling on the knees. "The crown princess has to give a few answers to me. ording to Consort Xue, the crown princess forgave the embroidery worker who was assigned to you. Is it true?" Empress Wei asked.


    "Yes, your majesty," replied Ying Lili, lowering her eyes.


    "Why was the crown princess roaming in the western Pce past midnight?" Empress Wei asked another question. Ying Lili flickered her eyes in nervousness.


    "The crown princess was not roaming. She came to my chamber that night with the overcoat as she wanted to show me the embroidery she had designed," Sheng Li intervened and answered the questions of the Empress.


    Xue Yu-Yan red at Ying Lili. "The crown prince never allows the people in his chamber atte night. I think the crown princess was meeting someone from her birthce- Juyan City. His highness told me how he caught a sneaker who was imed as the crown princess''s lover," Xue Yu-Yan proimed and grinned.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes to look at Xue Yu-Yan. "Is it true, crown princess?" Empress Wei asked. "What is going on in the Pce? What about you, crown prince? Did you not check this?" Empress Wei questioned Sheng Li.


    "I thoroughly investigated that. Consort Xue must not use the crown princess, neither she shall intervene in the matters which are handled by me," Sheng Li sternly said. "The crown princess does not fall into the category of ''people''. She is my wife and she cane to my chamber any time she wants. Since I expressed the desire to see the overcoat so, that night the crown princess came to me," Sheng Li dered. Ying Lili observed that how tense the situation was!


    "Crown prince shall not lie in front of his mother. The chief guard of the western Pce informed me that the crown princess was not carrying any kind of overcoat," proimed Empress Wei. "It is good to protect your wife, but not when she has done wrong," Empress Wei asserted.


    "How can I lie to you, mother? The chief guard is lying," Sheng Li announced and peered at the chief guard who was terrified. "The night was dark and I think the chief guard could not see what was the crown princess carrying in her hands or was it because he was sleepy?" Sheng Li deduced.


    The chief guard was worried, thinking the crown prince could punish himter, so he was going to agree with the crown prince when the crown prince spoke. "I have more witnesses who have seen the crown princess carrying the overcoat with her. Shall I call them, mother?"


    "Sheng Li, I trust you," Empress Wei asserted and shifted her gaze to the chief guard who bent on his knees. "Forgive me, your majesty. The crown prince is saying right. I was indeed sleepy, and I did wrong by using the crown princess. Please forgive me," the chief guard in a loud voice spoke as he bowed his head too.


    Ying Lili wanted to speak, but Sheng Li grabbed her hand and tightened his grip on her. Ying Lili looked at him, who gestured to her not to speak.


    "So, why did you destroy the overcoat? Giving a robe to the husband is the most auspicious thing and the crown prince destroyed it. It can affect your rtionshipter, son," Empress Wei worriedly said.


    "Mother, thank you for thinking about my rtionship, but I did not like the idea of getting an overcoat as a gift. You know my choices well. I have plenty of overcoats with me with the same pattern so, what''s the use of having another one?" Sheng Li raised a brow and waited for the answer of Empress Wei.


    "It seems the crown prince does not like the things prepared by the crown princess," Xue Yu-Yan mocked, which was scornful to Sheng Li.


    "Why is consort Xue so interested in my married life? Isn''t the respected first brother giving you enough attention? Ahh, I forgot! Consort Xue is not the official wife of the first brother but sister Mi is! Is she jealous of the crown princess?" Sheng Li insulted Xue Yu-Yan in front of everyone. "Forgive me for my tone but I speak like this," Sheng Li further added and smiled.


    Sheng Li looked back at the Empress and lifted his both hands ahead to his shoulders. Joining them and bowing his head, Sheng Li spoke, "Your majesty shall punish Consort Xue for using the crown princess wrongly and for pointing the finger at her character. If her majesty will not do this then, I have to punish consort Xue."


    "Consort Xue, you did wrong by not knowing the things beforehand. Please apologize to the crown princess," Empress Wei proimed.


    "Apologies won''t do anything, your majesty. Are you partial in your judgment? Just give the Punishment of flogging to the consort Xue so that she won''t run here and there for spreading wrong information. This is the easiest punishment I can demand her because I also respect my first brother a lot so, do not want him to get hurt knowing this," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It is fine. There is no need to punish consort Xue. I should have told her earlier," Ying Lili intervened and defended Xue Yu-Yan. Sheng Li turned his head slightly and smiled. "She is too kind," Sheng Li thought.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Since I have crossed 100 votes in a week so, I will do a mass release of 3 chapters this Sunday. Thank you to all those who daily vote on the story.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 54: I am a man, Lili

    <h4>Chapter 54:I am a man, Lili</h4>


    "I do not want anyone to get punished, your majesty. I should have informed you regarding this. Forgive me for that," Ying Lili proimed and bowed her head. Sheng Li grimaced and put his hand down. "She is too kind to see what kind of danger she was going to fall," Sheng Li thought as he nced at her.


    "The crown princess has shown her kindness on Consort Xue," pronounced Sheng Li. "We both shall take our leave then. Please send away this worker," Sheng Li told the empress. Empress Wei permitted them.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and left the meeting room. Ying Lili bowed her head and left behind the crown prince. Sheng Li started walking towards Zhenzhu Inn, which confused Ying Lili. Xing-Fu and courtdy Xu, with a few maidservants, kept following them.


    The night had fallen, and it was almost dinnertime. Sheng Li and Ying Lili arrived at Zhenzhu Inn and went to the resting chamber. As soon as they reached there, Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu to send the dinner there.


    Inside the resting chamber, Sheng Li sat on the bed while Ying Lili stood a few meters away from the bed. "Why did you not let her get punished?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Because punishing is not the answer every time. She might get angry and then n more traps for me in the future," Ying Lili opined.


    "Come here," Sheng Li spoke. Ying Lili observed Sheng Li was outraged still she refused to go near him, which made him chuckle. "I saved you there. And, you are not even listening to me," Sheng Li exasperated.


    "I am listening. You can talk from there only," Ying Lili stated.


    "Come here else I wille there," Sheng Li ordered Ying Lili who twitched her lips and walked to him. Sheng Li reached out his hand and pulled Ying Lili down. "Sitfortably." Ying Lili adjusted her clothes and asked him what he wanted to talk about.


    "Use your brains before doing anything here. I will not save you every time," Sheng Li advised her. Ying Lili peered at Sheng Li and thanked him.


    "I know I was in big trouble this time. I did not know thating to your ce at the night could be taken in the other way. I am new to this world and am getting adjusted to the Pce environment. Thank you for handling things there and taking the me for me," Ying Lili humbly says and lowered her eyes.


    "But you were too kind there. Punishment is made because of a reason. You cannot show kindness in the war and the same goes for the Pce," Sheng Li asserted.


    "War and Pce are two different ces," Ying Lili opined.


    "How are they different? If you think that it''s family then forget about that. Take your family as an example. Your brother killed your father to get the throne. One shall say that Pce is a more dangerous ce than a war ground. Why? Because you cannot find who is your enemy. The most innocent person can be an enemy here," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "What about me? I am also¡­" she stopped speaking. Sheng Li smiled and spoke. "I do not think you are an innocent woman, but yes, you are kind. There are a few people whom you can trust in my absence. General Wang, General Xiao, Lei Wanxi, brother Nianzu, Xing-Fu, and Court Lady Xu. There is one more person, but she is not here at this moment. She is my elder half-sister- Sister Qi Jing. If anything happens and I am not here only trust these people."


    Sheng Li wanted to prepare Ying Lili for the uing danger, so he thought to tell her about his loyal people.


    "What about the second, third, and youngest brother?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Weng Yu is young, but still I do not trust him. The second and third princes are more evil, treacherous, and cunning. They look innocent but they are not," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Even we two are hostile towards each other. Still, you are telling me all this. Why?" Ying Lili was skeptical.


    Sheng Li moved closer to Ying Lili. "We have a strange and amusing rtionship. You are my wife so, your indecisiveness can affect my position as well so, I am telling you a few things," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Your highness, dinner is here," Xing-Fu from the door spoke.


    "Put it on the table," Sheng Li asserted. Xing-Fu instructed the maidservants, and then they left.


    "You said there is something I need to do for you. Since you do not do things for free so, what shall I do to repay you?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li. Sheng Li saw that Ying Lili was nervous, so he thought to tease her a bit.


    Sheng Li took Ying Lili''s one hand when she pulled it back, but Sheng Li gripped it hard and again pulled it towards him. "If you think that I will serve you, then you are wrong. I will not do that ever. I will take punishment but I will never make your desires fulfill," Ying Lili blurted out everything while struggling to release her hand from Sheng Li''s tight grip.


    Sheng Li pulled her towards him such that their faces came closer to each other. Ying Lili wanted to get away, but Sheng Li wrapped his other hand around Ying Lili''s waist, moving here and there. "Leave me. We do not love each other so, do not even think of doing anything. I will surely kill you if you touch me or did anything to me," Ying Lili in nervousness shouted at Sheng Li who was enjoying all this.


    "I do not think love is important here. We are officially wedded, so even if you deny it, I have to do it with you. I am a man, Lili," Sheng Li asserted and grinned.


    "So? I told you already that if you want to do anything like this, you shall find someone else. Pervert!" Ying Lili pronounced. The grin on Sheng Li''s face disappeared.


    "Lili, if I would be a man filled with sexual desires do you think you could be able to say these things to me? I do not want to ruin my mood so, let''s pretend I never heard that word," Sheng Li stated and pushed away Ying Lili.

 Chapter 55: A Perfume

    <h4>Chapter 55:A Perfume</h4>


    Finally, the day hade which was celebrated as the biggest event in the capital of Han- the birthday of the crown prince. The entire city was decorated with various colors ofnterns and people were getting ready to go to the Imperial Pce as the crown prince after 6 years had returned to the capital and would celebrate his birthday.


    The people would be given the gifts by the crown prince himself along with the crown princess so special arrangements were made in the Imperial Pce grounds for that.


    Ying Lili was getting ready for the morning greetings while courtdy Xu was telling her how the precious gifts would be given to the crown prince after the greetings hour by the family members and the court ministers. Ying Lili was wearing a yellow-colored Hanfu dress. She looked at the wooden box which was ced on the dressing table.


    Once she was ready, the helpers stepped back and on the instruction of courtdy Xu. Those helpers left the dressing room. Ying Lili turned to the courtdy Xu and told her they should leave.


    As Ying Lili came out of Zhenzhu Inn, the crown prince joined her. Ying Lili saw the sadness which was filled in the eyes of Sheng Li. "Sheng Li, happy birthday," Ying Lili softly said but the crown prince did not reply to her and started walking.


    Sheng Li sat on the seat with Ying Lili. They were facing the first Prince and his wife. "Who is she?" Ying Lili murmured and shifted her gaze slightly and found Xue Yu-Yan on the other seat, separate from the first Prince. She understood this is the rank ording to which one had to sit beside her husband. Since Xue Yu-Yan was a consort so, she could not sit beside the first Prince.


    "Crown prince," the Emperor called out his name. Sheng Li immediately looked at his father and stood up from the seat. "Happy birthday, my child. I wish you happiness in your life," Han Wenji wished and stood up from his throne. Seeing that, the Empress too stood up, followed by the others in the hall.


    "Come here and take your gift from us, crown prince," Han Wenji pronounced. Sheng Li went turned towards the staircase. After ascending five stairs, Sheng Li reached the Emperor and empress. Han Wenji gestured to Eunuch Dao to bring the gifts who told the servants to bring the portrait there.


    Everyone turned towards the door as a giant portrait was brought to the hall. The satin cloth was removed from the giant portrait, and everyone looked at the portrait. Everyone was bbergasted to see the portrait of the crown prince. "Thank you, Imperial father. I loved it. Did father paint it himself?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes. I am happy that you liked this. This portrait is special because it makes me see the future Emperor of Han," Han Wenji stated and patted Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    "Your father spent almost three months toplete this," Weng Wei asserted. Everyone apuded the Emperor there. "Father, why did you take so much trouble? You could havemissioned it from an artist," Sheng Li suggested.


    "I wanted to make it myself. It is not a trouble," Han Wenji stated with a broad smile.


    "Son, I could not believe that you turned 23 so quick. After 6 years of the campaign, you have returned so, I have prepared something for you and I believe you will surely like it," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "A child always likes the present given by his mother," Sheng Li stated. The next present was taken by the maidservant there. It was an arrow and bow set that was made from special wood. "The wood used to make the arrows and bows are brought from the far Southeastern kingdom (present-day Indonesia) which is the most precious wood known," Weng Wei asserted.


    "Thank you, Imperial mother," Sheng Li bowed his head slightly and then went back to his seat. Now, the consorts of the Emperor gave the gifts to the crown prince followed by concubine Lu.


    The first Prince stood up along with his official wife, Zho Mi, and consort Xue. "My lovely fifth brother came after 6 years so, I have prepared something special for him. I hope the fifth brother will like it," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "I wonder what has elder first brother prepared for me?" Sheng Li stated with a smile.


    "A rest house for the crown prince in the uphills of Changbai mountains. The rest house looks like this," Jian Guozhi asserted and four servants came there, carrying a model. The white satin cloth which was covering the model was removed, and everyone turned their gazes to the model.


    "The rest house is near the Changbai waterfalls, surrounded by the hills. The rest house has four rooms and a kitchen. The garden has every flower and even medicinal herbs. It is a perfect ce for the crown prince to take rest for a month with the crown princess," Jian Guozhi dered, and smiled.


    "I liked the rest house. Brother did so much hard work to select a ce far away from the capital where I do not think I would go with my crown princess for spending some time as I have the duties of the crown prince as well. Still, I will try going there," Sheng Li asserted. Jian Guozhi gave a fake smile to Sheng Li.


    The model was taken away from there. Zho Mi greeted the crown prince. "You have grown into a handsome man, the crown prince. It is an overwhelming feeling to see you after 6 years. Have a great and prosperous birthday, crown prince," Zho Mi wished with a tiny smile on her lips.


    "May I ask when did sister Mi return?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "In the midnight," replied Zho Mi. Sheng Li nodded when Zho Mi presented her gift. "I am gifting the crown prince an armor which is made by the famous armorer of Han Kingdom. Sheng Li thanked her and looked at Xue Yu-Yan who bowed her head to greet the crown prince.


    "I have prepared an overcoat for the crown prince," Xue Yu-Yan stated. Ying Lili knitted her brows upon hearing that. Sheng Li thanked consort Xue who delightedly sat on her seat. The other princes'' turn came.


    Prince Yongzheng presented a horse to the crown prince, which was brought from the great Western Kingdom to the west of the great silk route. "This horse is rarest of its kind. I willter take to the crown prince to the stable," Yongzheng stated.


    Prince Rong Zemin gifted a golden belt which had some of the precious diamonds on the golden belt. Sheng Li thanked him and looked at Prince Nianzu.


    Prince Nianzu''s offering to the crown prince was a porcin dinner set which he had made himself after working on it for 3 months. Sheng Li appreciated the present from Prince Nianzu. The crown prince''s eyes were now on Prince Lei Wanxi who presented a beautiful poem to the crown prince first followed by a precious gift.


    "I would like to present a wine for the crown prince. It is specially made for the crown prince by me, as the crown prince loves to have wine after dinner," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Thank you, brother Wanxi. You know my choices well," Sheng Li expressed his gratitude. Lei Wanxi seated and now every eye turned to the youngest Prince, Prince Weng Yu.


    "Happy 23rd birthday, crown prince. I-I could not prepare anything. Forgive me," Weng Yu with a stutter spoke and lowered his eyes. Sheng Li noticed his much the youngest Prince feared him. "Why are you scared? It is not like I will kill you. Can you not talk normally without being scared?" Sheng Li, in a fit of rage, asked.


    Ying Lili who was standing beside the crown prince tried calming the situation. "Brother Yu, how could you forget you told me to prepare a gift for his highness along with you?" Ying Lili intervened. Sheng Li looked at her, tried to understand what Ying Lili was doing at that instant.


    Weng Yu gazed at the crown princess who gestured to him to calm down. "What did the crown princess and the youngest prince have prepared? We all would like to know," Prince Guozhi asserted.


    "A perfume prepared from the exotic flowers. I know it is a tiny gift but brother Yu and I could prepare only this in a brief interval of time," Ying Lili asserted and took out a tiny bottle of perfume from her pocket. She looked at Sheng Li and handed him the perfume bottle which was inside the wooden box, using both hands.


    Sheng Li opened the box and took out the perfume bottle from it. A smile carved on his lips upon getting the sweet fragrance of the perfume. "Thank you, my crown princess and youngest brother Yu, for this special perfume. I liked its fragrance," Sheng Li stated while looking at the perfume bottle.

 Chapter 56: Silk Dance performance

    <h4>Chapter 56:Silk Dance performance</h4>


    After the offering of gifts to the crown prince, the event started which was organized especially for the crown prince by the prime minister Zhang Yong Wei.


    Five female performers came into the hall. They were wearing white Hanfu dresses which had long, narrow, and wide sleeves to perform the famous ''long sleeve dance''. The dancers bend their waists slightly and then moved their sleeves. The zither was yed by the two men on which tunes the performers were gracefully moving their hands.


    Sheng Li was not even interested in that performance but because he was the crown prince so, he had to watch it till the end. Ying Lili was taking his nces when Sheng Li spoke, "Why are you ncing at me?" He then turned his gaze at her.


    "Are you okay?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Why? Am I not looking okay?" Sheng Li queried. Ying Lili puckered her lips and looked towards the performers. "My present from you is still pending," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. Ying Lili turned her head to him.


    "What kind of present are you going to ask? Do not ask something which I cannot give you," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Do not worry, wildcat. I will tell you soon," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Don''t call me by that nickname. I can also call you by some weird nickname," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li who grinned. He wanted to know what kind of nickname Ying Lili could give him. "What kind of nickname can you give me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who peered into his eyes.


    Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan were looking at them. Sheng Li was smiling while talking with Ying Lili, which did not like by both the first Prince and his consort. "Sheng Li is enjoying this day thanks to Ying Lili but not for long. I will make sure to give him the biggest gift of his life today," Jian Guozhi thought and was ring at Sheng Li.


    "Why am I feeling jealous seeing those two together? I would have been at that seat beside the crown prince but Ying Lili came between us," Xue Yu-Yan thought.


    "I will call you¡­" Ying Lili paused, as nothing wasing into her mind. Sheng Li was gawking at her, waiting for Ying Lili''s response. Sheng Li slightlyughed, seeing how hard Ying Lili was trying to find a nickname for him.


    "Shall I suggest a nickname for me, my wild cat?" Sheng Li asked with a raised brow.


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili and gazed into her eyes for a while. "You can call me- Sweetheart," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.


    "What?" Ying Lili loudly said as she was astonished by this. The performance had ended by then and the voice of the crown princess echoed in the hall, thus attracting the attention of everyone to her. Ying Lili''s eyes were flickering while the crown prince was enjoying that sight of her.


    "What happened, crown princess?" Weng Wei asked. Ying Lili looked towards the Empress. "Nothing, your majesty. Forgive me," Ying Lili apologized as she lowered her eyes and then tilted her head to shoot a re at Sheng Li who was smirking at her.


    The Long Sleeve Dance performers bowed their heads and left the hall. "I heard that the crown princess is going to perform as well," Lei Wanxi asserted. Everyone in the hall looked at the crown princess. Sheng Li was astonished too upon hearing that.


    "You are going to perform, Lili?" Sheng Li asked enthusiastically. Ying Lili nodded and stood up from her seat. "Your majesty, please permit me to perform on this asion," asserted Ying Lili.


    Han Wenji looked at Weng Wei who blinked her eyes thus, giving the permission. "The Crown princess may perform," Han Wenji permitted.


    Ying Lili went to the center of the hall and stood there. Eight female dancers came there in different colors of Hanfu dress with scarfs in their hands. Sheng Li was keenly looking at Ying Lili. Ying Lili grabbed two long silks of vibrant colors in her respective hands. Sheng Li was never interested in dances but he wanted to see Ying Lili perform.


    Prince Nianzu was ying the zither this time. He pulled the strings on the zither and melodious sounds were produced. Ying Lili stretched her right hand out in which she had grabbed the long silk cloth and gracefully moved it rhythmically. The silk cloth was moved vibrantly in the air and she moved at her ce gracefully.


    The other performers did the same and were surrounding her. This blocked the way of Sheng Li. He slightly stretched his neck up and intensely looked at Ying Lili.


    ording to the tunesing from the zither, Ying Lili was moving her body, and the silks in her hands were moving ordingly. Sheng Li had never observed Ying Lili until today and realized she was indeed beautiful in every essence.


    The emotional expressions during the dance were perfectly carried by Ying Lili thus, depicting how proficient she was in this ''Silk Dance''. Her feet movements and her hands'' movements were synchronized with each other. The movement of her eyes was also perfect. The way she was moving her eyes made Sheng Li wondered how could that woman be perfect in martial arts, warfare, and dance.


    Zho Mi was enjoying the dance and turned her head to say something to Jian Guozhi when she saw Jian Guozhi was lost in that dance. His eyes had a different kind of emotion which Zho Mi had never seen until today.


    Everyone in the hall was enjoying the Silk dance and could not realize that fifteen minutes had already passed when Ying Lili took out a flute from her waistband and in one swift movement, she brought it near her red lips, dropping the long silks from her both hands. Prince Nianzu had stopped ying the zither because now, the crown princess was going to y the Flute.


    ~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    I tried my best in exining the ''Silk Dance'' still I think I could not able to define it that perfectly. It had emerged during the reign of the Han Dynasty in China and in modern times it has emerged as ''Ribbon dance''. Hope you have liked this chapter. If you people think I shall add something more to it, please feel free to tell and I will make the necessary changes.


    The next chapter will be about flute performance. Stay tuned.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 57: Her Flute Performance

    <h4>Chapter 57:Her Flute Performance</h4>


    The ''Silk Dance'' performers had stepped back and went out of the hall, leaving the crown princess at the center of the hall. Ying Lili took a deep breath and started ying the Flute.


    Ying Lili blew the air on the flute, and a melodious sound was echoed in the hall. The sound was neither too sharp neither too in but was so enchanting and soothing to everyone''s ears which tamed them. Sheng Li stopped blinking as he recalled how his mother used to y the flute for him.


    The faint memories of his childhood revive and the happy moments with his mother shed in front of his eyes.


    Ying Lili''s eyes were fixated on the flute, and the eyelids were moving as the notes producing from it were changing. The mellifluous notes were produced because of the rapid and gracious finger movements by Ying Lili.


    The resonating notes were synchronizing perfectly, clearly showing how skilled she was in ying the Flute. Sheng Li was recalled that memory with his mother when she yed the flute for him for the first time. The memory was vivid, which Sheng Li had remembered this till now.


    "Mother, what is this?" Sheng Li asked, picking the Flute in his hand from the table in his tiny hands.


    "This is a Flute. Do you want me to y it for you?" Sheng Li''s mother asked. Sheng Li nodded and smiled. Sheng Li''s mother went to the garden and made Sheng Li sit on the swing there. Sheng Li was attentive and focused to listen to his mother when she brought the Flute closer to her lips.


    "Sheng Li, the song that I will y using this flute is based on Love," Sheng Li''s mother told him.


    "Love? What is that, mother?" Sheng Li asked.


    "The most beautiful feeling in this world. Take the example of us- you love your mother a lot and the same goes for me. You feel happy when you are around me. That is love," replied Sheng Li''s mother, and she started ying the Flute. Sheng Li was swinging his head, closing his eyes while listening to those enchanting tunes.


    Ying Lili lowered the amount of air blown from her mouth to control the next tune from the flute. She closed her eyes and felt the tune before catching the next high note. The rhythmic movements between the air blown and her fingers'' movements over the holes of the flute caught the high note.


    Xue Yu-Yan observed that the crown prince not even blinking and his gaze was intense on Ying Lili, which infuriated her. "This wench!" she murmured, looking at Ying Lili who was still ying the flute.


    Sheng Li found that Ying Lili was ying the same song using the flute, which his mother used to y. His mind was calm, and he was feeling light. He always wanted to listen to this song but he could not because no one knew this except his mother. Tears formed in his eyes, not because he was sad but because he recalled the most memorable days with his mother.


    "What a marvelous performance is given by the crown princess!!" Han Wenji apuded Ying Lili. He also recalled his time with his beloved. The flute ying today revived his memories as well, and it brought a smile to his lips. "I am so happy seeing this performance so, I would like to grant a wish of yours," Han Wenji dered. "Anything you will ask and I will fulfill that wish of yours, crown princess," Han Wenji delightedly pronounced.


    "Even I am out of words after seeing this charming performance of the crown princess. She is indeed talented in ssical music as well. I would like to give these gold bangles to the crown princess, which was given by thete queen to me," proimed the Weng Wei with a broad smile.


    Ying Lili bowed her head. "Thank you, your majesty. I am happy that you liked my performance," saying this Ying Lili lifted her head and picked the long-waist skirt a little, to walk ahead.


    She stepped the stairs and again bowed her head. Weng Wei had removed the gold bangles from her hand. Empress Wei reached out her hand towards Ying Lili and grabbed her left hand. "You have beautiful hands," Weng Wei said as she put in the bracelet around Ying Lili''s wrists. Ying Lili thanked the Empress.


    "Crown princess, you did not tell about your wish till now," Han Wenji proimed who was standing beside Weng Wei.


    "Your majesty¡­" before Ying Lili could ask, Sheng Li intervened between them. "Father, the crown princess is happy with everything she is given. But she asked me to fulfill this wish of hers. I do not know if I am in the state to fulfill this or not but because you want to grant a wish of the crown princess, then why do you not give her permission?" Sheng Li asserted, looking at Han Wenji, and then lowered his eyes.


    "What permission does the crown princess need?" Han Wenji questioned and shifted her gaze towards Ying Lili. Ying Lili skeptically looked at Sheng Li.


    "Father, the crown princess wants to go to the far Southern Province with me. I know I am going there for the kingdom''s work but since we are newlyweds so she wants to be with me. We need your permission in this," Sheng Li stated.


    "What is he trying to do? What South Province is he talking about?!" Ying Lili wondered.


    Jian Guozhi understood Sheng Li''s n and quickly stood up from his seat. "Please pardon me for my intrusion, but I do not think the crown princess should go there. The situation is not good there and I am afraid crown princess might get hurt," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "The first brother is right but crown princess and I believe if we will go there together, it will be represented as a magnificent gesture towards the people of Han. Crown princess is also skilled in military-rted stuff so it will not be a problem. Moreover, I, Han Sheng Li will not let her get harm," Sheng Li dered.


    Han Wenji looked at Ying Lili who was frowning at the crown prince. "Does the Crown princess want to go with the crown prince there?" Han Wenji queried her.


    Ying Lili looked into Sheng Li''s eyes and then turned to the Emperor. "I would love to go there. The crown prince had told me about the rebellions going on in the southern province. I believe I as the crown princess should go with the crown prince there," Ying Lili asserted in her soft voice.


    "I grant the crown princess permission to go to the Southern province with the crown prince. Crown princess knows how to work for the people''s betterment. I love knowing that the crown princess is serving her duties most righteously." Han Wenji announced his decision.


    "Thank you, Imperial father," Sheng Li bowed his head while Ying Lili came towards him. "So, this is the present he was asking me," Ying Lili thought in her mind.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    So, this is the 3rd chapter of today as promised by me. Hope you liked the chapter. Keep voting on the story and the readers who are notmenting till now, pleasement and share your thoughts on the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 58 - Else I Will Kiss You

    <h4>Chapter 58 - Else I Will Kiss You</h4>


    Ying Lili came back to her seat and got seated beside Sheng Li. "So, this was the present you were asking from me?" Ying Lili asked in a low voice. Sheng Li turned his head to Ying Lili. "Yes. Well, there is something I want to ask from you," Sheng Li stated.


    "Ask," Ying Lili permitted him.


    Sheng Li did not speak when Ying Lili looked at him with inquisitiveness. "Did you like the surprise?" Ying Lili asked.


    "What surprise?"


    "The Silk Dance performance and the Flute Performance," answered Ying Lili and looked for an answer. Sheng Li gawked at her and then averted his gaze. "No, I did not like," Sheng Li, lied to Ying Lili who knitted her brows. "I expected this only from you," Ying Lili stated and twitched her lips.


    "Your majesty, I request you to end the event here. Crown princess and I need to offer the gifts to capital people as well which will take a lot of time," Sheng Li suggested. Han Wenji agreed with the crown prince and stood up from the throne. "Again, I wish you a very happy birthday. Make sure to end the offering ceremony by noon. The grand feast is organized for you and neighboring state Kings will also be there," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Ying Lili''s eyes glistened upon hearing that but the next second she became sad, realizing her father is no more and she did not want to see her uncle who killed her father.


    "Yes, your majesty," Sheng Li replied and bowed his head. The Emperor left the hall along with Empress and his consorts & concubine. Everyone had stood up from their respective seats. Sheng Li gestured to Ying Lili to follow him when Jian Guozhi stopped them.


    "The crown prince is rushing things so much. Crown princess has performed really well today. Now, we princes found two more qualities in the crown princess- her highness is skilled in ssical music and dance," Jian Guozhi appreciated Ying Lili who had kept a tiny smile on her lips.


    Sheng Li snickered and spoke, "I think the first brother loves to ruin my mood every time I met him." Zho Mi came to Ying Lili and introduced herself. Ying Lili gave her a formal greeting. "It is my pleasure to meet sister Mi," Ying Lili proimed.


    "We are gettingte so, we will take our leave. Thank you first brother for the lovely gift," Sheng Li stated and walked away. Ying Lili lowered her eyes gracefully and then followed Sheng Li. As they came out of the hall, they were followed by their respective maidservants.


    "Who gave you this flute?" Sheng Li inquired from Ying Lili.


    "Brother Nianzu," replied Ying Lili. "I know you like my surprise, but you are not confessing. It is that hard for you to appreciate me!" Ying Lili huffed.


    "Why do you need my appreciation? Appreciation from the enemies is not a good thing," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and then shot a re at Sheng Li. "Are we enemies?" Ying Lili questioned.


    Sheng Li halted at his ce so was Ying Lili. He put his hands at the back and took a step closer to Ying Lili. Xing-Fu and Courtdy Xu had lowered their eyes seeing that. Ying Lili took a step back and bent on her waist while Sheng Li kept leaning towards her. Ying Lili ced her pointer finger at Sheng Li''s chest thus, stopping him from getting closer.


    The other princes who wereing from behind saw them. "Pce Romance is in the air," Lei Wanxi spoke and looked at prince Jian Guozhi to observe his reaction.


    "Then what are we?" Sheng Li asked. "Lovers?" Sheng Li looked for an answer in Ying Lili''s pearly eyes. Ying Lili widened her eyes and gulped. Sheng Li brought his one hand at the front and wrapped it around Ying Lili''s waist who tried getting away but Sheng Li caught her by then, pulling her closer to him.


    "Do you know how many young men''s hearts you pounded by giving those performances?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili and ced his hand''s fingers under her chin.


    "Weng Yu, shut your eyes. I think something big is going to happen which a kid must not see," Lei Wanxi stated and covered Prince Yu''s eyes using his palm.


    "Brother, I want to see," Weng Yuined and pushed away Lei Wanxi''s palm. "They seem so much in love. It seems they both are made for each other. Am I right, respected first brother?" Lei Wanxi peered at Jian Guozhi who was not liking that sight of the crown prince and crown princess at all. "Indeed, they seem lovely but I wonder when will the fifth brother lose his temper and harm the crown princess," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Zho Mi looked at her husband and then at Ying Lili.


    "Leave me. Others are watching us," Ying Lili whispered.


    "So? Tell them to shut their eyes and answer my question. Do not try to escape that question else I will kiss you here in front of those who are looking at us," Sheng Li smirked and found a red faint blush had appeared over the cheeks of Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili chuckled. "What can I do when those young men are perverts?" Ying Lili muttered.


    "What? Perverts?" Sheng Li mumbled and ced his hand on Ying Lili''s nape, bringing her closer. Ying Lili tightly shut her eyes and puckered her lips together. "Wild cat, you shall not perform publicly. Next time you will dance like that openly and you will get a punishment," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips and gently released his grip from Ying Lili''s waist.


    "You are blushing so much," Sheng Li stated and flicked Ying Lili''s forehead.


    "Ahh," Ying Lili rubbed her forehead while Sheng Li started walking briskly. Ying Lili ran after him, followed by their servants.


    Jian Guozhi tightened his fist when Lei Wanxi thought to make him more jealous. "I just wish that some cunning people''s terrible sight don''t fall on the crown prince and the crown prince and the crown princess," Lei Wanxi joined his both hands and looked up.


    "Why are you saying such a thing, brother? Why will a bad sight fall on them?" Weng Yu, in his innocent childish tone, asked.


    "Yu, you do not know. There are many who do not want the crown prince to be happy. You are a kid, Yu. Grow up to know this world," Lei Wanxi stated and opened his fan which was on his left hand. He brought it near the first Prince and fanned him. "Brother, you seem in a grim mood. Let me help you calm your nerves down," Lei Wanxi asserted as he lightly moved the fan on the left of Jian Guozhi''s face.


    Jian Guozhi gave a deadly re to Lei Wanxi and walked ahead. Zho Mi and Xue Yu-Yan followed him, with several servants behind them. Lei Wanxi smiled and fanned himself.

 Chapter 59 - Do Not Start An Argument

    <h4>Chapter 59 - Do Not Start An Argument</h4>


    General Xiao bowed his head as he saw the crown prince and the crown princess had reached the Pce grounds. The other soldiers standing there too bowed their heads. Sheng Li saw on a tform there was a throne ced on which he had to take a seat with the crown princess.


    "General Xiao wishes a happy and prosperous birthday on behalf of the military to the crown prince," Xiao Zhan stated. Sheng Li smiled and thanked him. "Your highness, please take your seat," Xiao Zhan told the crown prince. Sheng Li peered at Ying Lili and gestured to her to follow him. As they were seated on the throne, General Xiao told the crown prince that the ceremony would start soon.


    Ying Lili saw that on the tables there were bamboo baskets which were filled with fruits and tiny bags of grain. The clothes were also prepared for the people in the capital. A tiny smile carved on her lips. "It is good that Sheng Li is going to give all this to the people. I wish he could give this to the entire Han," Ying Lili thought.


    "What is the wild cat thinking?" Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and shook her head, "Nothing."


    "People are going to see their crown princess. You are going to enchant people of the capital by your beauty," Sheng Li stated, looking into the eyes of Ying Lili who twitched her lips. "Can you move a little aside from me? It is ufortable to be too close," Ying Lili requested Sheng Li who smirked. He moved towards Ying Lili, which bewildered her.


    "I told you to move aside. Why do you always ready to pick a fight with me?" Ying Lili queried him. Sheng Li was going to answer when Lei Wanxi came there with Han Nianzu and Weng Yu.


    "We are here to see the event. Sister Lili, the performance was marvelous. We all enjoyed it but I think that brother Sheng enjoyed it more," Lei Wanxi smirked and looked at Sheng Li whose facial expressions suddenly changed.


    "What are you saying? I do not even like music and dance. Did you ever see me in any of those events where such performances were performed?" Sheng Li defended himself. He did not want to show Ying Lili that he did like her both performances.


    "The crown prince must not lie. I have seen with these two eyes how you were smiling and focussing on sister Lili when she was performing. You are also mesmerized by Sister Lili, right? Admit it, brother Sheng. There is nothing to get shy," Lei Wanxi stated and looked at Nianzu, gesturing to him to support him.


    Ying Lili turned her head and peered at the crown prince who was blinking his eyes. "You were smiling??" Ying Lili, with an inquisitiveness, asked.


    "What? Why would I smile? He is just ying. Go away. The event is going to start." Sheng Li huffed and was annoyed by Lei Wanxi.


    Weng Yu came towards Ying Lili and bowed his head. He lifted it and spoke, "Your highness, thank you for saving me there. I could not decide what shall I give the crown prince." Sheng Li looked at Weng Yu and then at Ying Lili.


    "Prince Yu, can I ask something from you?" Sheng Li asked. Weng Yu nervously moved his fingers over each other and shook his head in agreement.


    "Why are you so scared of me?" Sheng Li questioned. "Do you not know I hate the people who cannot even stand for themselves and live in fear?" Sheng Li with exasperation said. Frowns had appeared on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    Weng Yu lowered his eyes in fear. "Why are you speaking like this with brother Yu?" Ying Lili scolded Sheng Li and shot a re at him. "At least talk him with politely," Ying Lili added and shifted her gaze towards Prince Yu. She took his hands in hers and caressed them. "Brother Yu, you shall speak with confidence. I will dailye to meet you from now on and we will y too," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why are you holding his hands?" Sheng Li annoyingly spoke. "Many eyes are on you," Sheng Li affirmed. Nianzu and Lei Wanxi smiled seeing the reactions of Sheng Li.


    "Brother Yu, do not listen to him. He has got no brains, and he thinks of himself as a prominent person. I am your elder sister, right? So, you shall listen to me. You are the Prince who shall not be scared easily. In the future, you will carry an important position like your other brothers then, you cannot be scared. Are you getting my point?" Ying Lili humbly asked. Sheng Li chuckled when Ying Lili said some unbearable things about him, while Nianzu and Lei Wanxi giggled.


    "Yes, your highness," replied Weng Yu.


    "Call me, sister Lili," Ying Lili asserted. Weng Yu looked at the crown prince when Ying Lili spoke, "What did I tell a moment ago that you shall not get scared easily. You can call me sister Lili. No one will scold you. If anyone will then you can tell me. I will give punishment to that person. Understood?" Ying Lili looked for an answer.


    "I understood, sister Lili. Thank you," Weng Yu with a smile spoke. Ying Lili smiled and released Weng Yu''s hands. Lei Wanxi stepped forward and put an arm around Weng Yu. "Let''s sit on our respective seats, then. The offering gift event is going to start," Lei Wanxi told Weng Yu who nodded and walked away with Lei Wanxi. Nianzu bowed his head and then followed the other two brothers.


    "What were you telling him? That you will punish me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "I did not take your name," Ying Lili replied.


    "You indeed are bold to make such defamatoryments against the crown prince in front of his brothers," Sheng Li deduced. Ying Lili knitted her brows upon hearing the statement.


    "I did not make any defamatoryments. Aren''t you like that?" Ying Lili raised her brow and was grinning. Sheng Li smiled and spoke, "Thanks to this brainless man you were saved yesterday else you would have been in the prison." Ying Lili giggled, which befuddled Sheng Li.


    "What? Why are you giggling?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I was teasing you. You do not have control over your emotions. Now, do not start an argument. It''s your birthday so, just smile instead of getting angry and fighting with people," Ying Lili enunciated. Sheng Li tittered hearing Ying Lili, but he said nothing.

 Chapter 60 - Because You Are My Crown Princess?

    <h4>Chapter 60 - Because You Are My Crown Princess?</h4>


    By the afternoon, the offering gifts event was ended. The crown prince and the crown princess went to the Royal Dining Hall to attend the feast. As they were walking to the Northern block of the pce, Ying Lili started feeling pain in her head. It was because of theck of sleepst night. She had to prepare the perfume for the crown prince as a gift and then had to practice the dance performances as well. She touched her forehead when Sheng Li nced at her and asked her if she was fine.


    "Yes, I am fine," Ying Lili replied and gave him a tiny smile.


    "It is tiring to be the nation''s crown princess. The feast will take time to start. Till thene with me," Sheng Li asserted and halted at his ce. Hearing him, Ying Lili stopped as well. "Where are you taking me to?" Ying Lili exuberantly asked.


    "Umm... I will tell youter when we will be there. Just tell me if you want to go there or not?" Sheng Li demanded an answer.


    Ying Lili gave a nod. "I want to go. You are not killing me, right?" Ying Lili was skeptical. Sheng Li grimaced. "You always gave me contradictory answers. I know we are great enemies of each other but, I will not kill you that easily," Sheng Li pronounced, keeping the smile on his lips.


    "Okay, let''s go. But, is the ce far away from here? We have to attend the feast as well," Ying Lili stated.


    "We will arrive on time," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili who shook her head in agreement and told him that they should leave then. Sheng Li nodded. He turned back and looked at Xing-Fu. "I am going out with the crown princess out for some time. Make sure to dy the feast for three hours else you will be punished," Sheng Limanded.


    "Your highness, how can I do that?" Xing-Fu was bewildered hearing the order of the crown prince.


    "Why are you dying the feast? You said that we will return soon. Is the ce that far?" Ying Lili queried the crown prince.


    "I have changed my mind, now. Do not raise a question on my order," Sheng Li proimed and kept his gaze intact at Xing-Fu.


    "Yes, your highness. Shall I prepare¡­"


    Sheng Li cut his words in the middle. "No. You do not need to prepare anything. Just handle this matter. We will return in the three hours," asserted Sheng Li. Xing-Fu bowed his head and epted the order of the crown prince.


    "Follow me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded and walked behind Sheng Li. They reached the stable. "We are taking the horses? Is the ce that far?" Ying Lili was inquisitive.


    "But we are taking only one horse," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I am not going to sit with you," Ying Lili protested. Sheng Li chuckled. "Who said you will sit with me?" Sheng Li muttered. Ying Lili did not hear him and asked him what he was saying.


    "Nothing," Sheng Li replied and told the Stableman to bring his horse to him. The Stableman bowed his head and walked inside. The Stableman brought a ck-colored horse which was gifted by Han Wenji to Sheng Li three years ago when he was in a military campaign. Sheng Li moved his hand over the face of the horse.


    "This is K¨­ngq¨¬," Sheng Li introduced his horse to Ying Lili, who smiled.


    "You named it on ''air''!" Ying Lili was astonished. "May I ask why?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Because he runs extremely fast. He was with me in every war and is my best friend," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili shook her head and twitched her lips. Taking a step towards K¨­ngq¨¬, Ying Lili patted it lovingly. "Howe you befriended this mighty man?" Ying Lili with a touch of sarcasm said. Sheng Li noticed that K¨­ngq¨¬ was calm to the touch of Ying Lili.


    "K¨­ngq¨¬, you never let other people touch you except me. Then, howe you are so calm?" Sheng Li turned his eyes to Ying Lili who looked at him. Sheng Li then wrapped one hand around her waist.


    Ying Lili ced her hand over Sheng Li when he moved closer to her. "Would you like to sit on my horse or would you prefer to walk?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who blinked her eyes.


    "I can take the other horse. I am good at horse riding," Ying Lili replied, gazing into the icy cold eyes of Sheng Li.


    "Only one horse we can take. So, choose one of the options. Do you want to sit with me or do you want to walk¡­ no, not walk but run as K¨­ngq¨¬ is going to run fast," Sheng Li''s smug expression gave chills to Ying Lili.


    "Then go by yourself if you do not want me to take the other horse," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li who ended upughing. Controlling hisugh, the crown prince said, "I understand that my wild cat wants to sit with me on the horse." Before Ying Lili''s reflex act, she was dragged to the left of K¨­ngq¨¬ and was carried up.


    "Do not stare at me, wild cat. Put your foot on the stirrup else I''ll throw you," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili put her foot in the stirrup and sat on the horseback. After that, Sheng Li sat behind her on the horse and stretched the reigns on it lightly. The horse started moving. Ying Lili felt the breath of Sheng Li on her ear and it made her nervous.


    "Isn''t it ufortable like this?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li and nced at him. She found Sheng Li was intensely looking at her. "No, it ispletely fine. You are the first one whom I let sit on K¨­ngq¨¬," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili turned to look at him. "Because K¨­ngq¨¬ knows that I am a good person," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li grimaced and spoke, "Or is it because you are my crown princess?" Ying Lili widened her eyes and gulped.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Sorry for not giving an update for a day. Thank you for the votes you all are giving to the story.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 61 - Can You Play The Same Music For Me?

    <h4>Chapter 61 - Can You y The Same Music For Me?</h4>


    Ying Lili did not answer Sheng Li. "You are blocking my way. I can either look at you or the front," Sheng Li spoke as he saw Ying Lili was staring at him. Ying Lili immediately turned her head to the front. They hade out of the ''Fu Imperial Gates''. K¨­ngq¨¬ was running at its normal speed. "Why are you sticking close to me? Move aside," Ying Liliined and lightly hit Sheng Li on his belly using her elbow.


    "You want to run then? It is not like I want to sit closer to you," Sheng Li snapped at her. Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s hand on her belly and she struggled. "Leave me," Ying Lili protested. Sheng Li smiled and pulled the reins tied on K¨­ngq¨¬. He gained speed and started running fast.


    Her long hair was swinging with the air and some tiny strands were hitting on Sheng Li''s face. Sheng Li got irritated with that and pulled the reins on the horse. "Why did you stop?" Ying Lili asked as she turned her head slightly when she felt Sheng Li''s hands on her hairs. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Your hairs are irritating me," Sheng Li pronounced as he gently grabbed the long, silky hairs in his hands.


    "I will do," Ying Lili stated.


    "I am doing. Sit straight," Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s breath near her ear and she gulped. Sheng Li made a bun and kept it intact using a hairpin. "It is done," Sheng Li stated and again started the ride.


    "Where are we going? It seems an isted path," Ying Lili concernedly spoke, but Sheng Li did not answer to her. K¨­ngq¨¬ had turned to the forested route. After a while, Sheng Li pulled the reins, thus stopping K¨­ngq¨¬ from going further. He got down from the horse and forwarded his hand to Ying Lili. Ying Lili pped off his hand, and she got down from K¨­ngq¨¬.


    "You wanted toe here?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "No, we have to go ahead as K¨­ngq¨¬ cannot go there," Sheng Li stated, patting K¨­ngq¨¬. He tied K¨­ngq¨¬ to a tree there and told Ying Lili to follow him. "Here, hold my hand," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am not a kid. I can walk," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s hand and started walking briskly. "You shall tell me that where we are heading to?" Ying Lili queried, but Sheng Li did not reply to him. Ying Lili gave up asking and kept following Sheng Li. Sometimeter, they turned to a narrow pathway.


    After walking it for ten minutes, they heard the sound of falling water. Sheng Li turned left and, negotiating the bushes along with Ying Lili, reached near the waterfall. Ying Lili''s eyes glistened as she looked around. The green forest had a waterfall at its center. There was a residence as well a few meters away from the waterfall.


    Sheng Li left Ying Lili''s hand and turned to her. He found Ying Lili was delighted to see the ce. "Sheng Li, I never knew that you have also secret ces," Ying Lili stated.


    "Do you have your flute?" Sheng Li inquired from Ying Lili. Ying Lili looked at her waistband. "I left it in the Pce, why?" Ying Lili questioned. Sheng Li started walking towards the Lotus residence. Ying Lili was inquisitive regarding that so, she also followed the crown prince.


    Ying Lili found that the residence was not used by anyone for long. Sheng Li removed the climbers using the dagger that had reached the door. He pushed the door in and stepped inside. Ying Lili too stepped in and they were now on the residence''s porch. "Stay here," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded.


    Sheng Li came out in 5 minutes with a bamboo flute in his hand. The flute was decorated with beads and precious stones at some ces. He turned to the backyard, gesturing to Ying Lili to follow him who did so. The backyard had a swing hanging from a giant tree there. There was a water pond as well, but it had dried out thus, depicting that the ce was not any longer in use.


    "Can you y the same music for me?" Sheng Li humbly requested Ying Lili who was astonished to hear the request. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and wanted to ask the reason first, but then she peered into Sheng Li''s eyes. "Is he longing for someone? Why are those ice eyes are different today? Wait, it is because of his mother who used to y the flute?" Ying Lili wondered.


    "Please, y the same song for me," Sheng Li requested again as he forwarded the flute towards Ying Lili. Ying Lili nodded and took the flute from Sheng Li. Sheng Li sat on the swing. "You may start." Ying Lili blew the air on the flute and a melodious sound was produced. She closed her eyes and started ying the song.


    Sheng Li closed his eyes as he recalled those precious memories with histe mother. The enchanting tonesing out of the flute were simr to what his mother used to y. He recalled how his mother used to sit on the same rock and y the flute for him. "Sheng Li, if you will miss me then remember this music. It will show you that I am always with you," Sheng Li''s mother spoke.


    "Mother, why are you saying this? You will be there for me to y this music," Sheng Li asserted.


    In the present moment, Sheng Li recalled his mother''s pale face. She was so sick despite that, she daily yed the same music on the flute. Tears poured down his eyes on his cheeks and by then music had also ended. Sheng Li''s hands were on the ropes hanging from the tree and he was sniveling.


    Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and looked at Sheng Li. She knitted her brows and was befuddled. "Why is he crying?" Ying Lili thought and took steps towards Sheng Li.


    Halting right in front of Sheng Li, Ying Lili ced her hand on Sheng Li''s right shoulder. "Do not cry," Ying Lili softly spoke.

 Chapter 62 - Consummate With You

    <h4>Chapter 62 - Consummate With You</h4>


    Ying Lili reached out her hand towards Sheng Li when he caught her wrist. Ying Lili looked into the eyes of Sheng Li which were turned reddened. Both kept staring into each other''s eyes for a while. "I did not permit you to be a part of my pain," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili flinched her brows and removed his grip from her hand.


    The crown princess sat on the swing beside Sheng Li as there was enough space for one person. Sheng Li turned his head to look at Ying Lili. "You are wrong. You permitted the moment you asked me to apany you to this beautiful ce. You permitted the moment you let me y the flute," Ying Lili''s feather-like fingers touched the Sheng Li''s right cheek. "You shall not cry on your birthday elsete mother will feel the pain too seeing you like this," Ying Lili proimed, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    Ying Lili moved to the left cheek and wiped the tears from there too and turned her pearly eyes back to Sheng Li''s. She then pulled back her hand and put it on herp. The crown princess turned her head and grabbed the rope on the swing with her left hand. "The ce is of your mother, right? Brother Nianzu told me that no one is allowed to speak about this day. It must be hard to carry that pain inside your heart," Ying Lili pronounced and turned to look at Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li was staring at Ying Lili. "Am I right? You became like this because you were frustrated as a child because you could not be able to save your mother," Ying Lili deduced.


    Sheng Li slightly widened his eyes and chuckled. "You think too much. I was always like this. You are the only person who saw me like this. So, will you keep it a secret?" Sheng Li questioned in a stern expression.


    "You shall say PLEASE, as you are making a request. Ahh, it is tough to see the mighty crown prince like this," Ying Lili teased Sheng Li a bit and observed his reactions.


    Sheng Li moved his eyes over Ying Lili''s face. "You must be enjoying seeing this state of mine," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Of course! It is hard to see the crown prince like this," Ying Lili proimed and giggled. She ced her palm over her rosy lips to control herughter. Sheng Li slightly smiled and averted his gaze.


    "Why do we not revive this ce again?" Ying Lili suggested Sheng Li who peered at her.


    "I do not want to," Sheng Li replied. "I searched for that music you yed for years. Today I let you see my that side which I did not want anyone to see," Sheng Li pronounced and stood up from the swing. He stepped forward when Ying Lili grabbed his hand, pulling him back.


    Sheng Li wavered in step, but he bnced himself by grabbing the rope. He was half bent and his face was close to Ying Lili''s. Both stared into the eyes of each other when Sheng Li immediately stood straight. "What were you doing?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "I-I was making you sit on the swing. We have juste now. It is the ce of your mother so, you shall spend more time here. I can y more music for you, if you want me to," Ying Lili politely said.


    Sheng Li took the seat beside Ying Lili. "Why are you so good to me today?" Sheng Li asked. "If this is not a pity then what is this?!" Sheng Li amusingly asked.


    "Why do you think it is a pity?" Ying Lili queried him. Sheng Li wanted to tell her, but the next moment, he changed his mind. "Just do not tell anyone about today and also about this ce," Sheng Li requested Ying Lili.


    The crown princess thought to tease the crown prince a bit more. "Why do you think I won''t tell? Aren''t we enemies? Enemies love to reveal the secrets of each other. If your brothers will know that the crown prince also cries" Ying Lili paused and noticed Sheng Li''s facial expressions and gave a suppressed smile.


    She stood up from the swing. "If they will that the crown prince also cries, then what will they think?" Ying Lili put her index finger near her chin and grinned at Sheng Li who snickered. The next second she was pulled down by the crown prince on hisp.


    "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream as she was pulled suddenly by the crown prince. The breeze started blowing and tiny petals of the cherry blossom flowers fell started falling from the giant tree from which the swing was hanging. Ying Lili''s both hands were rested on Sheng Li''s broad shoulders while Sheng Li''s hand was around Ying Lili''s waist.


    Ying Lili felt nervous and pulled herself back, but Sheng Li did not let her go. The pin on her hair bun had loosened, and it fell on the swing, thus, her hair was opened. Ying Lili lifted her hand to tuck her hair strands behind her ear when Sheng Li grabbed her hair strands which wereing in front of Ying Lili''s face. Sheng Li tucked them behind her ear. Ying Lili felt the Sheng Li''s thumb touching her earlobe as he pulled it back.


    Ying Lili gulped as her heartbeats started rising. Sheng Li brought his face closer to her. "You are indeed beautiful," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li. She felt his hot breath hitting against her lips. Ying Lili gazed into Sheng Li''s eyes who were intensely gazing at her. "Do not tell anyone about today''s incident if you do not want me to spend a night with you," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes and saw the smirk on Sheng Li''s lips. "The Royal astronomer wille soon, and he will be going to suggest a day when I shall consummate with you for the Royal heir. Now, the only person who can stop this is ME so, you have to cooperate else¡­" Ying Lili covered Sheng Li''s mouth with her palm, thus stopped him from speaking.


    "I understood," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li put her palm down and spoke, "I like this trait of yours." Sheng Li brushed the back of his index finger against Ying Lili''s nose and passed her a smile before letting her go.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Today is the mass release event for this book, and I will publish 5 chapters today that is on 14th May. Keep voting for getting more chapters.


    Thank you to those who daily votes and gifts.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 63 - I Will Support The Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 63 - I Will Support The Crown Prince</h4>


    "What? The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have gone out?" Lei Wanxi muttered as he heard from Xing-Fu.


    "Yes, Prince Wanxi," replied Xing-Fu.


    "That''s why the feast is dyed to the evening," Lei Wanxi mumbled and turned to go. He left the inn of the Crown Prince and came to the Pce grounds where General Xiao was givingmands to the soldiers.


    Seeing the sixth Prince there, Xiao Zhan dismissed the soldiers from there and bowed his head in front of Lei Wanxi. "General Xiao, you do not have to do such formalities with me," Lei Wanxi stared while fanning himself. "Why did you not go behind the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "The Crown Prince wants to go alone somewhere with the Crown Princess. I cannot defy his highness orders," Xiao Zhan asserted. Lei Wanxi closed the fan in his hand.


    "General Xiao, still you should have gone behind them. Do you not know how many enemies the Crown Prince has gotten? It is already two hours and it is worrying me out," Lei Wanxi stated with a distressed expression.


    "Do not worry, Prince Wanxi," asserted Xiao Zhan and excused himself. Lei Wanxi took a deep sigh. "I am indeed worrying too much," Lei Wanxi murmured and went towards the northern block of the Pce where the Kings and governors of various provinces in the Han Kingdom were staying.


    As he was walking through the northern corridor, he saw several young women wereing in his direction. "Father has invited their daughters as well?" Lei Wanxi wondered and kept walking when those young women slightly bowed their heads as Lei Wanxi came in front of them.


    Wanxi too bowed his head and lifted his head when he saw a woman standing atst, and it seemed to him that she did not bow her head while greeting him. "I hope you all are having fun while roaming in the Pce," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Yes, your highness," the young women said in unison. Prince Yongzheng and Prince Rong Zemin too came there. Seeing the second and third Prince, the young women again bowed their heads. Lei Wanxi noticed that the same woman had her head high which amused him.


    "It is a pleasure to see the young daughters of the Kings and governors 9f the provinces of Han," pronounced Yongzheng, and passed a tiny smile to all of them. "The feast is dyed. Hope you all have taken your meals," asserted Yongzheng, while gently fanning himself.


    "Yes, your highness. We have taken our meals. It is our pleasure to see the princes of the Han Empire. The rumors are true that Prince Yongzheng is the most humble Prince among all the seven princes," a woman among them spoke who was in the second row, left most side.


    Lei Wanxi gave a suppressedugh upon hearing that statement. "Brother Yongzheng is indeed the humblest amongst us. May I know what your name is, Miss?" Rong Zemin politely asked.


    "I am Liu Fenfang, the daughter of the Governor of North province." Her eyes were lowered while introducing herself.


    "Fragrance of flowers," Yongzheng stated. Liu Fenfang smiled, hearing the name of her meaning from Prince Yongzheng''s mouth.


    "We shall leave," the woman at thest said on whom Lei Wanxi''s eyes were fixed for long. She came to the front and walked past the three princes. Lei Wanxi turned back and snickered. "What is the reason for that re?" Lei Wanxi thought. The young women walked past the princes who gave them the way.


    "Brother Yongzheng, Miss Liu is interested in you. You shall try it," Rong Zemin asserted. Lei Wanxi slightlyughed. "Brother Zemin, you again started judging who is good for the second brother," Lei Wanxi proimed and looked into Rong Zemin''s eyes.


    "What do you want to say?" Yongzheng asked.


    "Miss Liu has a misunderstanding regarding the second brother. Are you really humble? Ask this question from yourself first," Lei Wanxi stated and closed the fan in his hand. "I shall take my leave," Lei Wanxi then walked away from there.


    Yongzheng clutched the fan in his hand tightly. "He again started speaking impulsively against me as soon as Sheng Li returned," Yongzheng muttered under his breath.


    "Calm down, brother Yongzheng. Soon the Crown Prince will go to the southern province and we have to do our work before his return," Rong Zemin dered.


    "He is taking the Crown Princess with him so, there is no use of our ns. I told the first brother to cut the wings of Sheng Li when he was young," Yongzheng with a fit of rage said and threw the fan on the floor. He then put his shoe over the fan, "I want to crush him like this," Yongzheng furiously stated while pressing the fan beneath his shoe.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi halted near the northern pavilion. "What was wrong with that woman? Those eyes were filled with vengeance. Did the Crown Prince harm any of her family members in any way?" Lei Wanxi thought.


    He looked down from the pavilion on the wide ground. The ministers were walking after leaving the court.


    "You seem tensed," Lei Wanxi heard Nianzu who came forward and stood beside him.


    "Brother Nianzu, thank you for today. Brother Sheng indeed is touched by sister Lili''s performance. I just hope their rtionship will get better as soon as possible," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Brother Sheng shall start gathering the trust of the ministers. Military support is excellent, but the support of the bureaucracy is indispensable at this point. But, the crown prince has anger management issues. I have to talk with Sister Lili because only she can make brother Sheng understand," Lei Wanxi remarked while knitting his brows.


    "That''s why I do not like this Pce politics. I just want to live in the countryside, away from these fights," Nianzu proimed.


    "But you cannot do that, brother Nianzu. You are the Royal Prince. It is now a part of your destiny to stay in the Pce," asserted Lei Wanxi with a smile.


    "I know that''s why I will support the Crown Prince in every way I can," Nianzu pronounced and gave a tiny smile to Lei Wanxi.

 Chapter 64 - Whomever I Want To Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 64 - Whomever I Want To Kiss</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili arrived in the Pce. The Fu Imperial Gates were opened and K¨­ngq¨¬ got in, carrying both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess on his back. Sheng Li got down from the horse, and this time he did not ask Ying Lili to hold his hand. Instead, he encircled one arm around Ying Lili''s waist, thus put Ying Lili on the ground.


    The stableman came there and bowed his head. He grabbed the reins on K¨­ngq¨¬ and walked inside the stable. "Sheng Li, here is the flute of your mother," Ying Lili spoke as she took out the flute from her waistband. She forwarded it to Sheng Li, waiting for him to take the flute.


    "Keep it. I do not know how to y the flute so, it is of no use to me. If mother would be here, then she would have given you this," Sheng Li remarked. Ying Lili smiled and thanked Sheng Li. The two started walking towards the Eastern Block when they were joined by their servants.


    Ying Lili was smiling while looking at the flute. Sheng Li found that cute and ended up giving a smile. "Your uncle hase as well. He lied to you that I killed your father," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li and she turned her head towards him. "I told you to let me kill him there, but you stopped me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Uncle will not betray us," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I hope so because you might get in danger. I will not be able to save you then from the Empress," Sheng Li stated with a frown. Ying Lili gulped and blinked her eyes. "You are getting judgemental. Uncle might fear you that time, as we had heard many strange rumors about you," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Now, your views have changed about me?" Sheng Li inquired from Ying Lili.


    "Hmm."


    "What kind of rumors have you heard about me?" Sheng Li was curious to know. He halted at his ce and seeing him, Ying Lili too stopped walking. Sheng Li''s both hands were behind his back. "Tell me. I am curious." He leaned closer to Ying Lili with a smirk on her face while Ying Lili bent on her waist, backward.


    "Do you not know?" Ying Lili blinked her eyes.


    "If I had known about those ''strange rumors'' then I would not have asked you, wild cat," Sheng Li asserted, keeping the grin on his lips.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "You will not feel bad, right?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li before answering him. Sheng Li refused and shook his head in refusal.


    "That you kill people mercilessly; You do not respect women, you have a harem of women; you are cruel and many other things," replied Ying Lili.


    "What are the ''Many other things''?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili as he stepped closer to her. Ying Lili bent more when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on her waist. "I do not want you to break your back," Sheng Li stated as he pulled Ying Lili up, making her stand straight. "Now, answer. I am listening," Sheng Li added.


    "I do not remember," Ying Lili replied right away.


    "It means you were never interested in knowing those rumors about me. The first rumor is true. It is just that you have not seen my mercilessness because I do not want you to see that side of mine and yes, I am cruel. The second rumor is not true. I do not disrespect women. I consider them equal to men. The third rumor is also not true. I am not interested in many women. I want only one woman in my life who will be like me in every aspect," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu were suppressing their smiles, seeing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess in such proximity.


    "Who can be that one woman in your life just like you in every aspect?" Ying Lili questioned, peering into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "I am still searching for her," Sheng Li replied as he moved his eyes over Ying Lili''s face and then back to her eyes.


    "So, Consort Xue was not that woman? That night you were shouting at me, saying that you love her," Ying Lili pronounced and waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "Wild cat, if she would be that woman then do you think I would have let her marry the first brother? I never loved her," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Liar," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li.


    "You are giving me a very wrong idea, Ying Lili," Sheng Li stated.


    "What?" Ying Lili eximed.


    "You like me, right? You can tell me. That day when Xue kissed me, you were so mad out of jealousy," Sheng Li remarked. He was enjoying ying with Ying Lili who was blushing now. Sheng Li used the thumb of his free hand and ced it over Ying Lili''s right cheek. "You are blushing again," the grin on Sheng Li''s lips fidgeted Ying Lili.


    "I am feeling hot. We just came from outside so it is obvious that my cheeks will turn red," Ying Lili gave a reason. "A-and, how can you say that I like you? I was not jealous. You can kiss whomever you want to kiss," Ying Lili said loud enough and then realized what she had just said. She brought her tongue between her teeth and closed her eyes when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on her cheek.


    She widened her eyes and pushed him off, but Sheng Li''s hand was still on Ying Lili''s waist. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili in bewilderment asked.


    "I did not do anything," Sheng Li cleared himself. "You are the one who challenged me I can kiss whomever I want to kiss. I can''t kiss the other people here so, it is obvious that I have to kiss you," Sheng Li smirked and enjoyed Ying Lili''s mystified expressions.


    Ying Lili could not believe the words of the man in front of him now. "Get away from me," Ying Lili struggled as she kept pushing Sheng Li using her hands.


    "The more you struggle, the more I want to hold you like this," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li.


    "How could you do that?" Ying Lili shot res at Sheng Li. The servants were giggling, seeing the crown prince was getting romantic with the crown princess.


    "Wild cat, what did I even do? You are grabbing unwanted attention," Sheng Li proimed as he tucked Ying Lili''s hair strands behind her ear and then released his arm from Ying Lili''s waist. "Court Lady Xu, please take your mistress to her inn," Sheng gave an order and walked away from there, smiling. Ying Lili was still baffled by Sheng Li''s act as she ced her hand on her cheek where Sheng Li had kissed just a moment ago.

 Chapter 65 - Getting Affectionate

    <h4>Chapter 65 - Getting Affectionate</h4>


    Sheng Li reached his resting chamber andid down on the bed. "Your highness, your lunch meal will be here in a while," Xing-Fu humbly said.


    "I will have my meal in the Crown Princess chamber. Inform the Crown Princess that do not start eating until I will be there," Sheng Li ordered and closed his eyes. Xing-Fu bowed his head, took the steps backward, and walked out of the chamber, closing the door behind him.


    Sheng Li was reminiscing about the days from his childhood with his mother when he saw Ying Lili. Forthwith, he opened his eyes and blinked them. "Why did I see her?" Sheng Li thought when a tiny smile carved on his lips.


    Sheng Li got down from the bed. "Prepare the bath for me," Sheng Li ordered in a loud enough voice that the maidservants outside the chamber heard him, so two of them went to the bathhouse. Sheng Li went to the end table on the left side wall and opened the drawer. He took out the scroll, which was the Royal Decree by his father, mentioning him to go to the Southern Province after thentern festival.


    "Wang Hao, I hope you will get a hold of the rebellions there because I have to return to the capital in one month period," Sheng Li thought in his mind when he heard the sound of the opening of the door. He put back the scroll inside the drawer and turned to look. "Your highness, I have given the message to the courtdy Xu. Her highness is going to take the bath first so, there might be some dy," Xing-Fu replied who was standing near the beaded curtains.


    Sheng Li smirked as he thought of something mischievous. "Is my bath ready?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Your highness, the maidservants are preparing it. His highness has to wait for 10 minutes," Xing-Fu asserted. "Your highness, why do you not check the gifts given to you today? The portrait given by his majesty is ced in your study room," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li.


    "There is nothing to see. I got again those useless gifts except one," Sheng Li muttered as he recalled the perfume gifted by Ying Lili. "Bring me the gift given by the Crown princess," stated Sheng Li. Xing-Fu nodded and went to the side room of the resting chamber. He came back and handed the wooden box to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li opened the box and looked at the perfume bottle. "Her highness prepared for this entire night," Xing-Fu softly said and smiled. Sheng Li hummed at him and went back to the bed,id on it. Xing-Fu ced the wooden box on the table there. "It seems your highness is caring about her highness," Xing-Fu stated.


    "What do you mean?" Sheng Li sternly asked.


    Xing-Fu lowered his eyes. "I want to say that his highness is getting affectionate towards her highness. Your rtionship with her highness is improving," Xing-Fu proimed. Sheng Li did not feel to tell Xing-Fu anything and thought to let him remain in an illusion.


    "The bath is ready, your highness," a maidservant informed Sheng Li who instantly got down from the bed and walked out, followed by Xing-Fu.


    As he entered the bathhouse, he told Xing-Fu not to let anyonee inside of the Crown Princess bathhouse, not even maids.


    "What is his highness going to do?" Xing-Fu teasingly asked.


    "You do not need to know," Sheng Li replied and closed the giant doors of the bathhouse after throwing Xing-Fu out along with the other maids. Sheng Li undressed quickly and was now only in the ck trousers. He removed the pin from his hair bun and put the crown down at the table there.


    Ying Lili who was in the bathhouse next to the Crown Prince noticed that the maidservants were leaving from there. She turned to see and found the door was closed. "Is it Sheng Li again?" she studied the situation and quickly wrapped herself from the white colored satin bathrobe and sat on the marble tform of the huge bathtub.


    She heard the sliding sound of the door. "Are you pervert?" Ying Lili shouted at Sheng Li as she saw himing there with half naked body. She flinched her brows and averted his gaze from him.


    "Lili, didn''t I warn you not to call me pervert?" Sheng Li pronounced as he got into the bathtub. Ying Lili looked at him and then gulped. "Why are you here? Go out else I will scream," Ying Lili stated as she tightly wrapped the satin bathrobe around her.


    "You can scream, wild cat! I am your husband so, no one wille to help you instead they will take another meaning of this," Sheng Li asserted as he grinned. Ying Lili curled up her toes, which were still under the water, while Sheng Li kept walking towards her.


    "Run, Lili," Ying Lili told herself and almost brought her legs out of the water when Sheng Li grabbed her both arms, keeping her intact at the ce. "Where are you running, wild cat?" Sheng Li smirked as he flicked his fingers in front of Ying Lili''s face, sshing the water droplets on her face. She shut her eyes tightly and at the same time wrapped the satin bathrobe tightly around her body.


    "D-do not do anything else I will kill you," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili who had opened her eyes, which amused him.


    "How will you kill me? There is no weapon here," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips who kicked Sheng Li''s leg. "Ahh," Sheng Li passed a low scream when he saw Ying Lili had turned swiftly to run away from him. Before she could run, Sheng Li pulled her into the bathtub.


    The force was immense, and the two ended up falling into the water, but at the right time Sheng Li bnced himself and Ying Lili as well. The water was reaching Sheng Li''s waist while for Ying Lili the level of water was slightly above the waist. Sheng Li flipped his hair from which water droplets were dripping on his upper body and then shifted his gaze to Ying Lili.

 Chapter 66 - How Can A Man Cherish His Woman?

    <h4>Chapter 66 - How Can A Man Cherish His Woman?</h4>


    Sheng Li''s intense gaze and the smirk were making Ying Lili nervous. She lowered her eyes and clutched again the bathrobe tightly. "There is no use of hiding them," Sheng Li uttered as he moved his index finger, starting from Ying Lili''s left hand, traveling through her arm.


    "Sheng Li, do not touch me. I did not permit you," Ying Lili affirmed when she felt Sheng Li''s finger on her corbone. He was beaming at her. "You were going to kill me but see, I am still alive!" Sheng Li yfully spoke when he saw the tears had formed in the eyes of the Crown Princess.


    Sheng Li felt somewhat bad, so he pulled his hand back immediately. "Wild cat, I was only teasing you. I feel happy when I y with you. You do not need to cry," Sheng Li spoke as he let go of his grip on the other arm of Ying Lili and took a step back.


    Ying Lili immediately turned back, not wanted Sheng Li to see her. "It is not good to y like this," Ying Lili spoke as she sat in the bathtub. Never once Sheng Li felt guilty, but the woman in front of him made him feel so.


    "You are such a persistent woman. Why crying? I was only teasing you. If I had to something to you then, would have on the wedding night. I now really wonder what would have happened to you if I would not be your husband¡­" Sheng Li stated. He was annoyed now but did not know at whom- at his childish behavior or because Ying Lili acted that way.


    Sheng Li heard Ying Lili speaking, "If you would not be my husband then I would have found someone who could cherish me and unlike others could see my inner beauty instead of outer appearance."


    Sheng Li clutched her fists when he heard that Ying Lili would have found someone else. But why? Was it because now with her he felt somewhat happy, or was it because of a different reason? Sheng Li came forward to look at Ying Lili.


    He gently removed the hair strands in front of her face. "But, now you are married to me so, you cannot dream of that man who could cherish you." Both peered into the eyes of each other when Sheng Li pulled back his hand. "I am going. You ruined my mood," saying this Sheng Li got out of the bathtub and went back to his bathhouse.


    "Why did he seem as if it was my fault? He ruined my mood," Ying Lili frowned. The door of the bathhouse was opened, and the maidservants came there along with the courtdy Xu.


    Ying Lili had by then removed the bathrobe off her body and was still baffled by the Crown prince''s act. A maidservant started messaging her shoulders while the other was pouring rose water onto Ying Lili''s body.


    "Your highness did something happen between¡­" Before Court Lady Xu couldplete her words, Ying Lili spoke, "Courtdy, nothing happened." Court Lady Xu did not ask anything more, as she observed that the Crown Princess was not in the mood.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, was infuriated by the Crown Princess''s behavior towards him. He threw his hand in the water, which scared Xing-Fu and other maidservants there. "Xing-Fu," Sheng Li loudly spoke who came forward and bowed his head, joining both hands which were near his belly.


    "Yes, your highness," Xing-Fu said and waited for the response from the Crown Prince.


    "How can a man cherish his woman?" Sheng Li asked in a low voice. Xing-Fu lifted his eyes and then immediately lowered them down. "There are many ways, your highness. His highness can prepare daily gifts her highness and¡­"


    "Shut up!!" Sheng Li shouted, and Xing-Fu promptly stopped speaking. Sheng Li shot a re at him. "When did I say that it was Crown Princess and me? Do not say anything stupid!" Sheng Li took out his anger at Xing-Fu.


    "Do your work quickly," Sheng Li ordered the maidservants in an infuriated tone. Sheng Li closed his eyes, "Ahh, who is she to make me feel this guilty? Can''t she take a joke? She was also ying with me earlier. Why am I even caring what she wants and what she does not want?" Sheng Li was murmuring, while Xing-Fu was noticing all that.


    After taking the bath, both the Crown Prince and the Crown princess went to their respective dressing Chambers. Sheng Li came to Zhenzhu Inn after getting ready for his lunch meal. Courtdy bowed her head in front of the Crown Prince who walked inside the door. He removed the beaded curtains and the sight he found was not good to him.


    Ying Lili was eating on her own when he even sent the message to her not to eat. Sheng Li sat on the ground stool and looked at the dishes and then at Ying Lili. "Why have you started eating all by yourself without waiting for me?" Sheng Liined. Ying Lili did not answer when Sheng Li picked the spoon to drink the soup of chicken meatball soup.


    As he sipped it, he realized how many spices there were that he ended up coughing. He red at Ying Lili who was peacefully eating and gulped the water when he noticed the suppressed smile on Ying Lili''s lips.


    "You did this, right?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili as he put the ss on the table.


    "Did I?" Ying Lili asked as she met Sheng Li''s gaze. "You have no proof that I did that," Ying Lili affirmed and continued eating. Sheng Li ended up giving a chuckle and thought to eat the side dishes. He picked a thin slice of pork from the chopstick and put it inside his mouth. As he chewed, he found that salty he ended up throwing that.


    ring at Ying Lili, Sheng Li spoke, "This is not a good way of making your husband suffer." Ying Lili did not reply to him and finished the meal which was served to her. Sheng Li understood that Ying Lili was ignoring him.


    Oppositely, Ying Lili started eating the fresh grapes which were ced in a bowl. She had stood up from the seat and went towards the bed. Sheng Li threw the chopsticks at the table, annoyingly. He stood up from the table and thought to leave the ce when something came to his mind.


    He turned his steps towards the Crown Princess who was seated on the bed, enjoying the grapes. Ying Lili saw Sheng Li hade towards the bed, but she did not stop eating. Sheng Li sat on the bed, facing Ying Lili who was enjoying eating those grapes.


    Ying lifted her eyes to meet the gaze of Sheng Li. She forwarded a grape to Sheng Li who took that and then put a grape in between her lips and teeth. At that instant, Sheng Li ced his hand on Ying Lili''s nape, bringing her face closer to him.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes, but before she could react, Sheng Li brought his lips closer to her and bit the grape, which was still half outside Ying Lili''s rosy lips. She felt a slight brush of Sheng Li''s lips onto hers and she was jolted up.


    Sheng Li leaned slightly back and ate the grape. "It is tasty. I am full. And, I have changed my mind. Be ready for another passionate night with me," Sheng Li whispered as he tilted his neck slightly and grinned.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you have enjoyed these 5 chapters of today''s mass release event. The next chapters will be updated tomorrow or the day after tomorrow depending on my schedule.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 67 - Not Even In My Dreams

    <h4>Chapter 67 - Not Even In My Dreams</h4>


    Ying Lili was perturbed by the sudden change in Sheng Li''s thoughts. Was he again ying with her? She wondered while staring at Sheng Li who snapped his fingers in front of Ying Lili''s eyes. "Do not put so much stress in your mind. I am now interested in having a night with you," Ying Lili heard him again.


    "You are turning back from your words. I will tell everyone about that ce and also about how you were crying there." Ying Lili thought to ckmail the Crown Prince, whoughed at her.


    Sheng Li moved closer to Ying Lili. His left hand again was on Ying Lili''s nape as he moved his eyes over her face. "You can tell whomever you want. If the Crown Princess is thinking of escaping this then, I am afraid, she will end up giving wrong ideas to the Pce people and the nation as well," Sheng Li averred.


    Ying Lili pulled back from Sheng Li''s grip. "Find yourself either a consort or a concubine to fulfill your sexual needs," she scoffed at him while getting up from the bed. Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s wrist, pulling her down. Ying Lili was now on hisp with her back towards Sheng Li.


    "You are not allowed to leave the conversation in the middle when I am talking," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear, who turned her head slightly. "How can the Crown Prince forget what he has said on the wedding night? Moreover, we do not love each other. The Crown Prince has promised me that he will handle this matter," Ying Lili affirmed, turning her head back to the front.


    Sheng Li noticed that his attempt to scare Ying Lili was unsessful. He was desperate to see the fretful expression on his crown princess. He pushed away Ying Lili, which baffled her as shended on the bed. "I am going. I enjoyed this day thanks to you, wild cat." Ying Lili saw the smile that had appeared on Sheng Li''s lips.


    She saw the crown Prince had strode out of the room. After a few minutes, courtdy Xu came inside with two maidservants, who cleaned the table. Courtdy Xu bowed her head, "Your highness, his majesty has sent the royal decree." She was polite and calm as usual.


    "What kind of royal decree?" Ying Lili skeptically asked.


    "Your highness, you have to leave for the Southern Province with the Crown Prince after celebrating thentern festival," Courtdy Xu informed the Crown Princess who flinched her brows.


    Ying Lili questioned, "Do you know the current situation of the Southern Province?"


    "Forgive me, your highness. I do not know," Courtdy Xu replied. Ying Lili nodded andid down on the bed. Courtdy Xu came forward and pulled the nket up to cover the Crown Princess from it. "Take a rest, your highness," Court Lady Xu stepped back and then pulled the curtains down which were attached to the bed. Ying Lili was tired after going out, so she drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~~~~


    Sheng Li was eating lunch in his room when he heard a voice, "The sixth Prince is here to meet the Crown Prince." Sheng Li put the chopstick down on the te and drank the water.


    Lei Wanxi came inside and found that the Crown Prince was having his lunch sote. "Why is brother Sheng eating sote?" Lei Wanxi asked as he pulled the chair around the circr table for him.


    "Do not ask. Ying Lili again messed up with my meal," Sheng Li muttered. Lei Wanxi sat on the chair, "Brother, you are enjoying your time with sister Lili. Good to see that you are getting close to her."


    "I told you not to call her sister. Use a formal title," Sheng Li advised.


    "Forgive me, your highness but I would like to call her sister Lili only," Lei Wanxi smiled. Sheng Li shook his head as he inquired, "So, why are you here?"


    "The daughters of the Kings and Governors of the provinces are also invited. I encountered a young woman among them who seemed suspicious. I am afraid if brother Sheng has done something to her family!" Lei Wanxi asserted as he poured the water into the ss for himself.


    "Suspicious?" "The invitees here are all those who epted the suzerainty with no war," Sheng Li pronounced. Lei Wanxi nodded as he ced the ss on the table after drinking water from it. "Then, I shall keep a check on her. Who knows, she wants to assassinate you?" Lei Wanxi expressed his concern.


    "I cannot be assassinated that easily," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Still, we shall be careful, brother Sheng. I have received the message from Hu Jingguo as well. He has safely crossed the capital borders. He told me to pass a message to his highness that he has to take care of Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi informed and noticed the reactions on Sheng Li''s face.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "That guy!! Who is he to order me like this? I can take care of Ying Lili in the way I want!" Lei Wanxi noticed the jealous expressions on the Crown prince''s face. The sixth Prince could not hold hisughter any longer. Hearing hisughter, Sheng Li shot a re at him.


    Lei Wanxi put his palm on his mouth. "Forgive me, brother. What can I do? I have never seen you get angry like this," Lei Wanxi suppressed his smiles.


    "Don''t get any wrong ideas. I know what you are thinking," Sheng Li stated and continued eating.


    "I saw how my brother was getting romantic with Sister Lili. Are you still going to deny that you are falling for Sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi searched for an answer from Sheng Li who started coughing.


    Lei Wanxi stood up from the chair and went towards Sheng Li. He patted on Sheng Li''s back and handed him a ss of water. When Sheng Li turned stable, Lei Wanxi came back to his seat. "Do not ever joke like this. I can never fall for her, not even in my dreams," Sheng Li in a fit of rage affirmed.


    "Do you want to make a bet with me, brother Sheng? You are good in politics, governance, warfare but you cannot see your own feelings which are growing towards sister Lili," Lei Wanxi asserted and looked for a reply.


    Sheng Li snickered. "Wanxi, I do not want to make any bet and I know what I feel about her," Sheng Li cleared himself as he wiped he threw the chopsticks on the table and wiped his mouth using the napkin.


    Lei Wanxi found that the Crown Prince was raged just by that statement. "Why is brother Sheng resisting his feelings so much?" Lei Wanxi wondered as he knitted his brows.

 Chapter 68 - Not Beat But Kill Him

    <h4>Chapter 68 - Not Beat But Kill Him</h4>


    The evening feast had started. In the grand hall of the Imperial Pce, every regal family member had shown his presence except the Emperor and the Empress. The guests who were invited had taken their respective seats. As soon as the announcement of the arrival of the Emperor and the Empress was made, everyone stood up from their respective seats, the Emperor and Empress of Han.


    Once the Emperor and Empress had taken the seats, others took their seats. "It is a glorious moment to see all the Kings and governors of Han province. The great Han benefited after the merger of tiny provinces in it," Han Wenji pronounced with a warm smile on his lips.


    "Your majesty, we are extremely happy to be a part of the great Han Empire," voiced the governor of North-Western province, Bingzhou province, Qiu Jiewo proudly. Others also agreed with him.


    Han Wenji raised the golden cup, which had wine in it. "Let''s cheer for the prosperity of Han on this auspicious day," Han Wenji asserted. All the people present in the grand hall raised their cups and drank wine after the emperor. "The feast has begun," Han Wenji stated, and everyone started eating.


    The crown princess looked at the crown princess. "Are you still hungry after eating so much?" Sheng Li asked. Ying Lili did not answer him and continued eating. Sheng Li picked a slice of fish meat and ced that on the te on which Ying Lili was eating. Ying Lili tilted her head and raised a brow.


    "Eat that," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili put that aside. "Do not irritate me," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Father," Sheng Li suddenly spoke, which diverted everyone''s attention to Sheng Li. Han Wenji looked at the crown prince with inquisitiveness. "Father, on this auspicious day I think that the crown princess must serve the special custard she has learned from her mother," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili stopped eating and skeptically peered at the crown prince. "What is the crown prince trying to say?" Weng Wei questioned.


    "Mother, one day the crown princess and I were talking about the city of Juyan," Sheng Li proimed and turned his eyes towards Ying Lili. "My crown princess told me that her mother knows a special custard which she has also learned from her. Since we all are gathered here today so, I think that the crown princess must serve us that special custard," Sheng Li suggested and then gazed back at the empress.


    "But, now we all have started eating. The crown princess must be hungry as well," Jian Guozhi asserted and smiled.


    "Respected first brother, my crown princess has eaten so much during lunchtime that she is full and now wants to make a custard for us," Sheng Li proimed. Jian Guozhi tightened his fist and looked at Yongzheng. "Your highness, the custard is already prepared as the sweet dish. We can eat the custard from her highness''s hands in the morning," Yongzheng opined.


    "It is my birthday. I want to eat right now the custard made by my crown princess," Sheng Li expressed his desire.


    "The crown prince is acting like a child!" Sheng Li heard King Ji Kai Huang saying.


    "Child?" Sheng Li mumbled. "Who said this?" Sheng Li in a fit of rage asked. Ji Kai Huang gulped in fear when Han Wenji intervened. "Since it is your birthday, your wishes I must fulfill. The crown princess is also willing for this. We all will wait for the custard that the crown princess will serve as a sweet dish," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Sheng Li thanked his father. Ying Lili stood up from the seat, bowed her head, and left from the grand hall with courtdy Xu for the royal kitchen.


    Sheng Li grinned, looking at Jian Guozhi who was giving a broad smile to him. "You escaped your death today, but for how long? I will kill you at any cost," Jian Guozhi thought in his mind.


    Ying Lili was outraged after Sheng Li suddenly, out of nowhere, expressed his desire to eat the custard. "I know he did this to trouble me. I wish I could beat him to a pulp...no, not beat but kill him," Ying Lili muttered in anger. Court Lady Xu told the crown princess not to say such things openly.


    "Courtdy Xu, I am angry. How will I make custard for so many people?" Ying Lili murmured. In a while, they reached the royal kitchen. The Royal Chef bowed and the other kitchen assistants bowed their heads seeing the crown princess. "You may lift your heads," Ying Lili stated. "Royal chef, I need to make custard for 150 people. Please bring the cauldron," Ying Lili ordered.


    "Yes, your highness," the Royal chef looked at one of his assistants and gestured to him to do that. Ying Lili rolled up her long sleeves while Courtdy Xu made her wear an apron. "Your highness, you can instruct us about the recipe," the royal chef opined.


    "I have to make it. Just assist me in the work. Chop the dry fruits and bring the rose petals as well," Ying Lili ordered. Milk was poured into the cauldron and the burner me was increased using more wood. The fruits were brought there, and the assistants started cutting them. Ying Lili, on the other hand, was checking the milk as it needed to be dense to a certain limit. "Your highness, may I ask why are we using rose petals in this custard?" The royal chef humbly asked.


    "In Juyan we used to do that. Rose tea is beneficial for health, so we use it in custard as well," Ying Lili replied and tried picking the lid from over the cauldron when two servants came ahead and helped her.


    In the grand hall, everyone was enjoying the meals and at the same time talking with each other. "An hour is going to pass. The crown prince has made the crown princess work for just a custard!" Jian Guozhi sarcastically spoke.


    "It seems the first brother is not interested in the custard made by my crown princess," Sheng Li argued. Jian Guozhi chuckled upon hearing the statement of Sheng Li when the maidservants entered there with trays in their hands. In every tray, there were 8 bowls filled with custard.


    "The custard is here!" Prince Weng Yu excitedly said.


    Ying Lili smiled hearing that and came towards Sheng Li who was smiling at her. She picked the bowl and ced it on the table. "You did not put salt in it, right?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips as she took the seat beside him. "Then do not eat it," Ying Lili snapped at him.


    "The sweet fragrance of rose ising out of this custard. It is making me drool," Lei Wanxi loudly said in an excited tone. The Emperor and the Empress agreed with the sixth prince. They all started eating. Ying Lili peered at Sheng Li who was taking in the sweet smell of the custard. "How did you make it? I thought you do not know how to cook," Sheng Li looked at Lili for the answer.


    "Just eat," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li smiled and sipped the custard. He was out of words because the custard was delicious. The proportions of the vors were perfect. Everyone there was enjoying eating that sweet dish. "It is so tasty," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li, so he ate more. He put the spoon in the bowl and turned to Ying Lili. "You made this, right? Because I still doubt," Sheng Li queried.


    "Of course, I made it," Ying Lili replied and picked the spoon to taste the custard when Sheng Li started coughing. Ying Lili turned her head to him when she saw Sheng Li was coughing blood. Ying Lili stared at Sheng Li with blood in his hand, and the next second he fell from his seat.

 Chapter 69 - Do Not Accuse The Crown Princess

    <h4>Chapter 69 - Do Not use The Crown Princess</h4>


    Ying Lili was shocked, so was everyone there. "Sheng Li," she murmured and quickly stood up. She went to him and quickly sat on her knees. "Sheng Li," she held his hand and looked at his face with a fretful expression. Han Wenji left his seat, so did Weng Wei. The other princes too came running towards the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili ced Sheng Li''s head on herp who was still coughing. General Xiao came there and bent on his knees. "His highness is poisoned," Xiao Zhan stated. Jian Guozhi got confused and looked at Yongzheng who was also baffled.


    Sheng Li had closed his eyes by then. "Take the Crown prince to his resting chamber. Call the Royal Physician," Han Wenji shouted, who was also on his knees as he was caressing Sheng Li''s head. Xiao Zhan carried Sheng Li on his back and ran out from there, followed by the Crown Princess and the others.


    In the resting chamber of the Crown Prince, the Royal Physician was checking Sheng Li''s pulse. "How is my son?" Han Wenji worriedly asked.


    "Your highness, I would like to have a private discussion with you," Royal Physician requested, bowing his head. Han Wenji looked at the princes and his Empress. They all left when General Xiao came towards the Crown Princess. "Your highness, pleasee with me this way," Xiao Zhan asserted. Ying Lili nodded and walked out from there.


    Xing-Fu closed the door of the resting chamber.


    "General Xiao, who can do that? Did you start your investigation?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "Isn''t it obvious who can do that?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned all of them.


    "What do you mean, consort Xue?" Weng Wei asked.


    "Mother, forgive me if I cross the line, but I think the one who poisoned the Crown Prince is none other than the Crown Princess," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    "Xue, do not use the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi scolded her and then turned to look at Ying Lili. "Your highness, please forgive Consort Xue for saying such a harsh thing. General Xiao and I will find the real culprit behind all this," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    Ying Lili was still in shock at what just happened when Nianzu went to her. "Your highness, brother Sheng will be fine," Nianzu consoled Ying Lili who was slightly nervous.


    "Is the Crown Prince fine?" Weng Yu asked with teary eyes. Consort Ehuang went to her son and called the assistant for him. "Take Prince Yu to his chamber," Consort Ehuang ordered. The assistant came forward and took Weng Yu from there.


    The door of the room was opened, and the Emperor stepped out. Everyone wanted to know what the Royal Physician had told him. "A rare and extremely strong poison has been fed to the crown prince in the custard," Han Wenji stated.


    "Is my son fine? What about the Royal Physician? He is the best in medicine in the entire Han. He has the antidote, right?" Empress Wei looked for an answer. Han Wenji refused. "He does not know. But he is trying his best. General Xiao, find the culprit as soon as possible. Start with the Royal kitchen. Increase the security here and no one is allowed to go inside the chamber of the Crown Prince except the Royal Physician," Han Wenji gave the order.


    "Yes, your majesty," Xiao Zhan bowed his head and left from there. Han Wenji looked at the Crown Princess who was moving her eyes here and there. "Crown Princess, I would like to talk to you. Follow me," Han Wenjimanded and walked away. Empress Wei followed him along with three consorts and a concubine.


    "Sister Lili, do not be scared," Lei Wanxi tried cheering Ying Lili who walked away from there along with Courtdy Xu.


    "Respected first brother, what do you think? Who can do this?" Lei Wanxi with a stern expression asked. Jian Guozhi did not answer him and left from there. Lei Wanxi and Nianzu looked at each other. "Someone has framed sister Lili. Father did not say in front of us, but he is suspecting Sister Lili. What shall we do?" Lei Wanxi asked Nianzu.


    "We cannot do anything in the current situation. Everyone had their custards and only the bowl which her highness served to the Crown Prince had the poison," Nianzu stated. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows upon hearing that.


    ~~~~~~


    The Crown Princess could be seen standing in front of the Emperor in the Chamber of Virtue. For almost an hour, the Emperor did not utter a word, which turned Ying Lili anxious. After a while, Han Wenji opened his mouth to speak. "Did you do it?" Han Wenji directly questioned.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and then lowered them. "I did not do this," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "The poison which was fed to Sheng Li is from Juyan- the Royal Physician has told me.


    Do you know why I am talking with you in private?" Han Wenji asked.


    Ying Lili''s eyes turned watery, and she shook her head in refusal. "I believe that the Crown Princess cannot do this but spections are showing something else." Ying Lili looked into the eyes of the Emperor. "Sheng Li is my everything and if something happens to him, without any second thought, I will give punishment to you along with your family even if you did nothing. Find out the culprit before that and pray that Sheng Li wakes up soon," Han Wenji ordered.


    Ying Lili bowed her head. "I will find the real culprit," Ying Lili proimed.


    "You may leave," Han Wenji said in a dejected tone. Ying Lili left the chamber and found the soldiersing there with a maidservant. Commander Tao Zedong led the soldiers. He stopped seeing the Crown Princess, followed by the other soldiers, and bowed his head.


    "Your highness, good thing that you are here," Tao Zedong asserted. Ying Lili was bewildered to hear that. "Pleasee inside with me," Commander Tao stated. Ying Lili nodded and went back to the Chamber of Virtue.


    Seeing themander and the Crown Princess there, Emperor Han Wenji put down his hand from his forehead. "Your majesty, this maidservant has heard the Crown Princess saying that she would kill the Crown Prince," Commander Tao pronounced. Ying Lili widened her eyes and shook her head.


    "Is this true?" Han Wenji asked the maidservant.


    "Yes, your majesty," the maidservant had lowered her head. "Her highness was going to the Royal kitchen along with the courtdy Xu when I heard her highness saying that she will beat his highness t-to a¡­" The maidservant was hesitant to say further when Han Wenji shouted at her to speak.


    "¡­ to a pulp¡­ no, n-not pulp but will kill him," the maidservantpleted her words after stuttering.


    "Your majesty, I ept I said this, but I did not¡­" Before Ying Lili could speak, the prime minister Wei Zhang Yong came there.


    "Her highness is the one who poisoned the Crown Princess because her uncle has confessed saying that he gave the poison bottle to the Crown Princess just before the feast started," Wei Zhang Yong used Ying Lili. General Xiao came there with the King of Juyan, Song Li Xiu. Ying Lili blinked her eyes, as she could not believe her uncle told lies there.


    Song Li Xiu came onto his knees and apologized. "Shushu (uncle), why are you lying?" Ying Lili questioned him. "Indeed, I met you but you did not give me anything," Ying Lili cleared herself out.


    "Your majesty, I had told you not to go with this marriage alliance. Not even a week has passed, and they have shown their true colors. Your majesty, punish them for their crimes," Wei Zhang Yong appealed.


    "Did you find the bottle in which there was poison? What about the servants and food inspectors? Did they not taste the food before it was brought to the grand Hall?" Han Wenji queried General Xiao who nodded. He showed a tiny porcin bottle in his hand.


    "I found it in the kitchen. It had the poison. The servants had indeed checked the every bowl before it was brought to the grand Hall in front of the food inspectors," Xiao Zhan informed the Emperor.


    "But the Crown Princess did not let the food inspector taste the custard which she servedter to the Crown Prince," the prime minister opined.


    "Your majesty, that''s because¡­" the prime minister did not let Ying Lili speak.


    "Crown Princess, one bottle is found from your resting chamber as well. What does her highness want to say about that?" Wei Zhang Yong inquired from the Crown princess. "General Xiao, please show the tiny bottle of poison which you have found from the Crown Princess chamber. Forgive us for checking your chamber, but it was important after the King of Juyan confessed the truth," the Prime Minister pronounced.


    "Someone might have ced it there," Ying Lili defended herself.


    The Prime Ministerughed and then apologized for his misbehavior. "The Crown Princess is brilliant in making the ns, but she failed to see that other eyes are always on her. Bring the assistant cook here who had seen the Crown Princess putting this poison in the bowl," Wei Zhang Yong ordered.


    The assistant cook came there and bowed his head. "Just speak the truth," Han Wenji stated.


    "The Crown Princess said that she will prepare the custard bowl for the Crown Prince herself. We all were working when I saw that the Crown Princess took the bowl towards the other side. Her highness then put some liquid in it. I thought it is a part of the recipe, so I did not dare to say anything," the assistant cook proimed.


    "That was a sweet syrup. Sheng Li¡­ I mean the Crown Prince likes sweet dishes, so I thought to add the syrup in that to enlighten his mood," Ying Lili enunciated. She then came onto her knees, "Your majesty, please believe me. Give me time to prove myself. They all are using me." Ying Lili requested as she lowered her head.


    General Xiao wanted to help the Crown Princess, but he was tied to his duty so did not dare to speak anything there.


    "Respected Crown Princess, no one is using you with no valid proof. If her highness thinks that she can escape this, then I would like to summon someone who will rify the rtionship of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Wei Zhang Yong asked for permission from the Emperor. Ying Lili got worried hearing the statement of the Prime Minister.

 Chapter 70 - Uncrowned As The Crown Princess

    <h4>Chapter 70 - Uncrowned As The Crown Princess</h4>


    Ying Lili turned to look and saw Su Binxiing there. She could not believe her eyes. "He lied to me?" Ying Lili thought as she saw Su Binxiing at the front.


    "Greetings to his majesty. I am Su Binxi who was assigned for the Crown Princess." Wei Zhang Yong came to the front and spoke, "Your majesty, everyone knows the blunt nature of the Crown Princess towards the Crown prince. This maid now works as a washer. She will tell you how many times the Crown Princess has tried killing the crown prince," the prime minister enunciated.


    Ying Lili both hands were on the blue colored floor carpet and she found that she was stuck from everywhere.


    "You may speak," Han Wenji permitted Su Binxi.


    "Your majesty, on the wedding day the Crown Princess attacked the Crown prince with a dagger." Su Binxi''s words brought tears in the eyes of the Crown Princess. "Crown Princess on regr asions used to threaten the Crown Prince that she would kill him one day even if she has to die," Su Binxi told the Emperor.


    "Your majesty, the matter is clear now. The Crown Princess has nned all this with her uncle," Wei Zhang Yong appealed to the Han Wenji who was looking at the Crown Princess.


    "Your majesty, forgive me for agreeing to the Crown Princess in this. I did not give the poison to the Crown Prince, so please spare me and my people," Song Li Xiu pleaded to the Emperor.


    A teardrop fell from Ying Lili''s eye. She felt so helpless for the first time. She realized the mistake she had made by not listening to Sheng Li when he told her that Su Binxi was a spy and her uncle was the one who killed her father. "It''s not kindness, Lili but it is your stupidity," the words of Sheng Li revolved in Ying Lili''s mind.


    "Your majesty, I ask for the death punishment for the Crown Princess and her family so, that no one ever dare to evilly n like them. If his majesty wants a court decision on this then, I will call for that as well," Wei Zhang Yong loudly spoke such that his voice roar in the chamber.


    "They say you are brainy but I think the otherwise- that you are a stupid woman. This is the Pce where everyone wants the downfall of the other.


    Not every time I will be there to save you," Sheng Li''s words were echoed in Ying Lili''s mind at that moment. The tears keep pouring down her eyes as her head was lowered.


    "Do you know why I spared you? Because you are the one who stepped ahead that day and replied me back. No one has ever talked with me looking straight into my eyes and I liked your bravery but I would like to see how would you survive in the Pce," Ying Lili recalled another conversation which she had with the Crown Prince when she was brought to the Han Capital city.


    "Your highness, say something," General Xiao in his mind said as he looked at the Crown Princess who seemed like she had lost the hope.


    "Your majesty, you are dying the justice. It is about the nation''s crown prince," Wei Zhang Yong pressured the Emperor when Ying Lili stood up, wiping the tears from her eyes and held her head high. "I did not poison the Crown Prince. Indeed, I said those words to the Crown Prince but that was because of the anger I had inside me. Your majesty, give me a chance to prove myself. The greatws of Han has mentioned that even a culprit is given the chance to prove himself innocent. I, An-Ying Lili, will prove my innocence," Ying Lili requested for a chance from Han Wenji.


    "I do not think that the Crown Princess has anything to prove herself," Han Wenji proimed. Hearing that Wei Zhang Yong gave an evil smile but the smile on his lips disappeared when he heard the Emperor, "But you are right, Crown Princess. Thews of Han gives the chance the culprit to prove himself innocent. You have the time till the morning. Failed to do so, you will be uncrowned as the Crown Princess and the further punishment will be decided tomorrow morning after seeing the condition of the Crown Prince."


    The Emperor announced his decision. Ying Lili bowed her head, "I am grateful to you, your majesty."


    "Throw the King of Juyan in the prison along with the other people who havee from Juyan. Check their belongings and punish them in whatever way it is suitable," Han Wenji gave the punishment to Ying Lili''s uncle and the guests who hade there to attend the feast.


    "Your majesty, why are you punishing us? I did what the Crown Princess has told me," Song Li Xiu pleaded who was on his knees and bent down such that his forehead touched the floor. "Your majesty, please spare us!!" Song Li Xiu kept pleading. Ying Lili clutched her waist skirt tightly upon hearing that. Since when her uncle turned like this, she wondered or he was like that- just she could not figure out that.


    Han Wenji dismissed all of them. General Xiao gestured to Commander Tao to take away the witnesses from there while the prime minister also took his leave.


    General Xiao followed the Crown Princes. As they came out, courtdy Xu worriedly asked Ying Lili if she was fine. "I am okay. You shall go to the Crown Prince Manor. Do not worry about me. I am with general Xiao. I have to prove my innocence and I have gotten less time for that. Courtdy Xu, you also know about the medicines so can you¡­"


    General Xiao intervened in the middle. "Your highness, if the royal physician is finding it difficult to remove it then, it is difficult for everyone. Do not worry, your highness. His highness will make it as he is consuming poison since a very long time," General Xiao assured Ying Lili.


    "But the poison is deadly. That''s why he coughed blood despite consuming poison for a long time. I have heard about this poison but I did not know the antidote!" Ying Lili muttered as she frowned.


    "Your highness, the royal physician will cure the Crown Prince. We shall think what to do to save you. Every evidence is against her highness," General Xiao asserted. Ying Lili nodded and thought to go to the Royal kitchen first.

 Chapter 71 - One-sided Love Will Be Punished

    <h4>Chapter 71 - One-sided Love Will Be Punished</h4>


    General Xiao was following the Crown Princess to the Royal kitchen. "Your highness, why did you not let the food get tasted by the maid in front of the food inspector?" General Xiao confusedly asked the Crown Princess.


    "Because I tasted it myself. Nothing happened to me," Ying Lili replied. "I was annoyed at him for making me cook the custard for everyone. I then realized he was adamant about eating custard made by me as if he knew that something was wrong with the custard that was served to him earlier. So, I made sure not to let anyone get a taste of it and checked it myself," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Your highness, it means the custard was changed right after you came to the Grand Hall. Do you remember where you left the bowl? The time you left its sight was the time when it was poisoned," Xiao Zhan opined. Ying Lili halted at her ce and closed her eyes. She recalled every single moment when she was preparing the custard.


    After a while, she opened her eyes, "I never left its sight. I made sure not to let it get touched by the others, then where did I make the mistake?" Ying Lili thought.


    "Your highness, did you carry the tray all by yourself till the Grand Hall, or did you ask any maid to do that for you?" General Xiao questioned the Crown Princess.


    "I did not let anyone grab that tray except there was one moment when I had to do so. The maids who served the custards to the others in the Grand Hall were confused. So, I handed the tray to one maidservant," Ying Lili proimed. "But that was only for a few seconds," Ying Lili further added.


    "That''s when the poison was added. Even those few seconds were enough to add the poison to it. I will summon all the maidservants for the interrogation. We do not know how many people are involved in this poisoning matter of the Crown Prince," asserted Xiao Zhan.


    "The Prime Minister is the one who did all this. The way he was using me was truly showing his desperation to punish me. I had never thought that for power, people could get mad and approach the evilest ways. I wonder how Sheng Li survived here!" Ying Lili was anxious. Sheng Li had warned her many times but she never paid heed to his warnings.


    Han Nianzu and Lei Wanxi came to them. "Sister Lili, we heard you are used of poisoning and have till tomorrow morning to prove yourself," Lei Wanxi worriedly spoke. Ying Lili nodded.


    "The First and Second Princes are involved in this! They were scheming about it," Lei Wanxi stated in a fit of rage.


    "How can brother Wanxi be so sure? I am suspecting the Prime Minister because of the way he summoned every single witness against me is sceptical," Ying Lili dered and frowned.


    "Let''s think about thister. First, we have to enquire about the maidservants because someone among them poisoned the Crown Prince," General Xiao suggested to them.


    ~~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi could be seen in a chamber with Yongzheng and Rong Zemin. "Did you poison Sheng Li?!" Jian Guozhi queried Yongzheng.


    "What are you saying, elder brother? The poison-filled custard dish was already served to Sheng Li but, then he expressed his desire to eat custard made by his wife. Do you think I can do such a thing in that short a time?" Yongzheng questioned the First Prince.


    "I think it is your consort. She had started using the Crown Princess the moment it was asked who could poison the Crown Prince?" Rong Zemin sceptically answered.


    "Xue Yu-Yan does not? have the capability to do this in such a short time. It seems the person who did this was being way ahead in making and executing the ns cleanly. I want Sheng Li to die, but I do not want anything to happen to Ying''er. I had my eyes on her even when Sheng Li did not know her. But father did the reverse and made them marry," Jian Guozhi muttered under his breath.


    The anger and hatred in him towards the Crown Prince were visible on his face.


    "Your highness, there is an important message," Eunuch Lu Hong announced in a loud enough voice.


    "Come in," Jian Guozhi permitted him.


    Eunuch Lu bowed his head. "Respected First Prince, the Crown Princess had asked for the poison from her uncle. They plotted together to kill the Crown Prince," Eunuch Lu informed them.


    "What are you saying?" Jian Guozhi was bewildered.


    "Yes, First Prince. But, the Crown Princess is refuting the charges against her. His majesty has given a chance to the Crown Princess till the morning to show her innocence. If she cannot do that, then she will be uncrowned and further punishment will be decidedter, ording to the Crown Prince''s state," Eunuch Lu recounted the entire incident to the three princes.


    "Who showed the evidence against the Crown Princess?" Jian Guozhi was curious to know.


    "The Prime Minister," replied Eunuch Lu. Everything was now crystal clear for Jian Guozhi. The First Prince told Lu Hong to leave and told his brothers to go to their respective rooms as he wanted to take a rest. They nodded and left from there. Once they left, Jian Guozhi went to Xue Yu-Yan''s chamber.


    "Your highness is here," Xue Yu-Yan heard. In a few minutes, Jian Guozhi came in. Xue Yu-Yan immediately stood up from the bed and bowed her head. "Did you n all this with your father? Why did you scheme against Ying''er? I warned you not to do anything to Ying''er, didn''t I?" Jian Guozhi shouted at her.


    "I did nothing. You have a misunderstanding here," Xue Yu-Yan cleared herself and turned to sit on the bed when Jian Guozhi gripped her arm and pulled her towards him.


    "Your father was showing evidence against Ying''er. What do you think about this? Aren''t you the one who is jealous of Ying''er?" Jian Guozhi questioned her.


    "Father is always steps ahead of everyone. Good to know that your one-sided love will be punished soon for her crime," Xue Yu-Yan proimed and pulled her arm away from Jian Guozhi''s hand.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Is Sheng Li acting and if not, how will he get cured? Will Ying Lili be able to save herself? There are many doubts rising in your minds. Stay turned to the story to know more. On 20th May, I have decided to do a mass release.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 72 - Sheng Li’s Heart Will Soften

    <h4>Chapter 72 - Sheng Li¡¯s Heart Will Soften</h4>


    The Empress could be seen with the prime minister in her private room. The prime minister was sitting on a cushion almost three meters away from the Empress. "The Crown Princess has been granted the permission to prove herself innocent," Wei Zhang Yong asserted. Weng Wei smiled as she lifted her eyes from the mirror, which was ced on the ground table, ced in front of her.


    "Make sure that the Crown princess cannot gather any evidence in her favor. Kill the maidservant whom who had mixed the poison in the custard," the Empress ordered and picked the white porcin cup to drink the rose tea. She took the scent of the tea first before sipping it.


    "I had already done that, your majesty," Wei Zhang Yong proimed as he lowered his head.


    "What about the King of Juyan? Are you nning to kill him as well?" Weng Wei asked. Wei Zhang Yong looked into the eyes of Empress Wei. "He is being given the punishment for now. As per the promise, he should be safely sent out to Juyan," Wei Zhang Yong asserted, and then a smirk formed on his lips, "But, I think he is not trustworthy. He betrayed his own family so, better to kill him. I will make sure that he will not open his mouth till the end."


    Empress Wei gave a nod to the prime minister. "But, your majesty, how did youe up with such a n?" The prime minister looked for an answer.


    "Sheng Li is not a kid anymore. He knew that someone would try to harm him. Prince Jian had made the n to poison him but, as I expected Sheng Li saw through that. I had to make a backup n. By the coincidence, Sheng Li told the Crown Princess to make custard for him. That is when I only gestured my loyal servant to execute the n. If he would not have told his desire to eat the handmade custard by the crown Princess, then I would have.


    I wanted to turn the Crown Princess on our side that''s why I ordered to kill her father as well to create misunderstandings between the two. But I did not expect that Sheng Li''s heart will soften for the Crown Princess. Sheng Li will die because the one who knows the antidote of the poison is already dead."


    Empress Wei grinned as she sipped the rose tea and then again looked into the mirror. The prime minister also grinned and raised the cup. "Congrattions, my dear sister, this time your son will be the Crown Prince. We are not rted by blood, but you have got the brain like me," Wei Zhang Yong proimed and sipped the drink.


    "This is thest time you are calling me sister. I have not forgotten how your mother killed my mother. But, because you helped me reach here so, I trust you," Empress Wei pronounced.


    "Apologies, your majesty," Wei Zhang Yong lowered his eyes.


    "Emperor is not allowing anyone to go inside Sheng Li''s resting chamber. I want to see the pain on his face. I still remember the words of his mother," Weng Wei outrageously spoke.


    ''You will get the punishment of your crimes'' Empress Wei recalled the words of the former Empress. This made her so furious that she killed her by strangting her. "That witch and her son!" Weng Wei muttered under her breath as she gripped the cup tightly.


    "Your majesty, Sheng Li will not escape the death this time. I have heard about this poison. Even if he is consuming the poison since his childhood days, there will be no use for that. Only the antidote is its cure, which is no longer avable," Wei Zhang Yong stated and smiled. Weng Wei agreed with the prime minister.


    ~~~~~~


    General Xiao summoned the maidservants who hade to the Grand Hall to serve the custard. Ying Lili looked at all of them and checked for that maidservant whom she handed the tray. But, to her surprise that maid was not there.


    Seeing the baffled expressions on the Crown Princess''s face, Nianzu asked her if she was alright. "Brother, that maidservant is not here." Ying Lili replied to Nianzu.


    "Sister Lili, try recalling," Lei Wanxi encouraged her.


    "Your highness, they were the only ones who served and check the check daily," asserted Xiao Zhan.


    "I remember her face. She is not here," Ying Lili was panicked. Lei Wanxi looked at Xiao Zhan.


    "What if she is killed already by the one who ordered her to feed the poison?" Lei Wanxi opined. Xiao Zhan clenched his fist.


    "Has anyone seen the maidservant who was with the Crown Princess when she wasing to the Grand Hall?" Xiao Zhan questioned. "Just tell us the truth else you all will be thrown to prison," Xiao Zhan threatened them.


    "Your highness, I had seen her. She left for her home for a few weeks as her brother is sick," one maidservant spoke.


    "When did she leave?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Your highness, right after we all came out of the Grand Hall," the maidservant answered softly.


    "What is her name?" Nianzu asked.


    "Her name is Jiayi," the maidservant replied. Xiao Zhan toldmander Tao to search about Jiayi. "Bring her here as soon as you will find her," Xiao Zhan announced.


    Tao Zedong bowed his head and left with some soldiers from there. "You all may leave," Xiao Zhan told the maidservants. He turned to the Crown Princess who was troubled. "Your highness, someone went secretly to your resting chamber as well to put the poison there. Let''s search about that as well," Xiao Zhan stated.


    Jian Guozhi came there, "I am looking into that, General Xiao." They all were surprised to hear his statement.


    "Do not worry, your highness. I will find the culprit. General Xiao, there is something you have to do in this period. The King of Juyan is lying so, you shall interrogate him and ask him about the name of the person who ordered him to do that," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Lei Wanxi was confused. "Since when the first brother started caring for the Crown Prince?" Lei Wanxi questioned. They all looked at him.


    "I do care for him. If I had not cared for him, then I would not have been here, desperate to help the Crown Princess. Before the morning, the real culprit will be in front of us," Jian Guozhi announced in an encouraging tone.


    ''Never trust the First Prince''- Ying Lili recalled the words of Sheng Li.


    "Elder First Brother, thank you for the help, but I will find the culprit myself. I refuse to take your help," Ying Lili asserted as she lowered her eyes. "Do not take it the other way, but I do not want anyone to get a wrong idea about us. I have not done anything wrong so, I will not be punished," Ying Lili further added.


    "Forgive me, your highness but I cannot involve the princes in the investigation. Even the fourth and sixth Prince is going to leave. I hope you will understand," Xiao Zhan affirmed. Lei Wanxi understood Xiao Zhan''s meaning and intervened, "Respected first brother, we are not allowed to take part in the investigation. Let sister Lili handle this on her own."


    Jian Guozhi looked at Ying Lili and gave a tiny smile to her. "I respect your decision, Crown Princess," saying this Jian Guozhi left from there followed by Nianzu and Lei Wanxi.


    "General Xiao, summon all the servants and guards of Zhenzhu Inn," Ying Lilimanded Xiao Zhan who bowed his head and went out of the chamber.

 Chapter 73 - Hanged To Death

    <h4>Chapter 73 - Hanged To Death</h4>


    The Emperor was sitting on the chair beside the bed of the Crown prince. The Royal physician was treating the Crown Prince whose face had turned pale. He had used the acupuncture needles to take out the poison from the Crown prince''s body. Beside him, there was a nurse who was making a paste that had to be applied on the Crown Prince''s throat and stomach.


    The Royal physician was getting nervous as the pulse was getting weaker and weaker with time.


    "Your majesty, I think we shall search for its antidote as well. I think the method I am using is ineffective against this poison. Luckily, the Crown Prince has been taking the small quantity of the poison so he is alive," the Royal Physician informed the Emperor whose heart sank upon hearing that.


    Han Wenji looked at Xing-Fu who was on the verge of crying. "Call General Xiao here," Han Wenji ordered. Xing-Fu bowed his head and strode out of the room. He went towards the barracks to ask about General Xiao. There he metmander Tao who told the soldiers to inform General Xiao.


    Xing-Fu went with those three soldiers to the Interrogation House. There he found the Crown Princess and General Xiao were questioning the Pce servants. Seeing Xing-Fu there, Ying Lili came towards him. "How is the Crown Prince?" She had tears in her eyes.


    Xing-Fu refused. "Your highness, his majesty has called for General Xiao," Xing-Fu passed the message. Xiao Zhan came to him. "Let''s go. Your highness, please continue the interrogation," Xiao Zhan spoke politely. Ying Lili nodded. She quickly took out a pendant that she had worn on her neck.


    "General Xiao, this pendant was given by grandmother to ward off the surrounding evil. Make sure that the Crown Prince will wear it," Ying Lili requested as a teardrop rolled down her cheek.


    Xiao Zhan took the pendant from Ying Lili and left from there. She wiped a tear off her cheek and went back to the front. "None of you see anyone going inside my resting chamber?" Ying Lili asked all the Pce servants in a stern expression.


    No one answered and had lowered their heads. "I do not want you to stand mute. I want answers," Ying Lili shouted as she kept walking from the middle of the Pce servants. She was noticing the bodynguage of each of the servants there. "Everyone of you will be punished for not doing your duties. Commander Yang, take them away for the punishment," Ying Lili ordered when.


    The servants came to their knees. "We have done nothing, your highness. Please spare us," they said in unison.


    "Your pleadings will not turn things right. None of you could see that someone has entered my chamber. How can you be so irresponsible?" Ying Lili bellowed at them. Ying Lili came to the front again whenmander Yang came near to Yong Lili.


    "Your highness, this might be a work of a spy. The Pce servants could not notice that" Commander Yang opined. Commander Tao too reached there with a small piece of the army. He bowed his head in front of the Crown princess, "The maidservant which had apanied her highness in the morning is caught."


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing those words. She was delighted because now she could prove her innocence.


    ~~~~~~


    General Xiao reached the resting chamber of the Crown prince. Bowing his head in front of the Emperor, General Xiao spoke, "Your majesty, I am here." Han Wenji whose eyes were fixated on Sheng Li turned to look at Xiao Zhan.


    "Interrogate the King of Juyan, Song Li Xiu, regarding the antidote of this poison. Bring the person who has the antidote. Ask the Crown Princess as well about this. She is from Juyan so, she must know this," Han Wenji ordered Xiao Zhan who bowed his head.


    "Your majesty, the Crown Princess has sent this pendant for the Crown Prince. May I put it beside the Crown prince''s pillow?" Xiao Zhan asked for permission.


    "You may do that," Han Wenji permitted. Xiao Zhan went towards the bed on which the Crown Prince was lying. He was baffled to see the face of the Crown prince, which had turned pale because of the deadly poison. Xiao Zhan ced the pendant beside the pillow and stepped back. "I will find the antidote," Xiao Zhan assured the Emperor and took his leave.


    He came to the punishment Hall and saw the servants and guards were not there anymore. "How is Sheng Li?" Ying Lili asked Xiao Zhan.


    "The Crown Prince is not in a pleasant state. Your highness, do you know about the antidote of the poison?" Xiao Zhan queried the Crown princess.


    "No. Father never told me about him," Ying Lili replied. She was looking as if she would break into tears any time. Xiao Zhan, without saying anything walked out from there. He went to the prison where Song Li Xiu was tied to the chains. Seeing the general there, the prison keeper opened the lock.


    "If you want to go alive from here, tell about the antidote and the person who has the antidote," Xiao Zhan demanded answers from Song Li Xiu who was beaten up badly.


    "The one who had the antidote has diedst year. No one knows about the antidote anymore," Song Li Xiu spoke the words which the prime minister had told him.


    "Don''t lie," Xiao Zhan loudly said in a threatening tone as he took out a hot iron rod from the small furnace made there. He brought it to the front of Song Li Xiu''s chest and was going to pierce him when Song Li Xiu spoke. "Please believe me. He is already dead so, is the antidote. His name was Chou Mang So who died a year ago."


    "How can I trust you who killed his own brother for the throne," Xiao Zhan shouted and the hot iron rod touched the skin of Song Li Xiu who cried out in pain whenmander Tao came running there. "General Xiao, the maidservant is telling that she gave the poison to the Crown Prince at the request of the Crown princess," Tao Zedong informed Xiao Zhan who handed the hot iron rod to the soldier standing beside him.


    Xiao Zhan walked out of the prison and went back to the punishment chamber. "Why are you lying?" Ying Lili questioned that maidservant.


    Xiao Zhan told the Crown Princess to step aside. "Your entire family can get punished for lying to us. Just say the truth," Xiao Zhan said in exasperation.


    "Your highness, I am saying the truth. On the instructions of the Crown princess, I have done this," the maidservant told who was on her knees and was crying. The prime minister came there along with other court ministers who were being informed about that by a soldier.


    "Your highness, you said that you did not do this, but the witness has epted the truth," Wei Zhang Yong asserted.


    "Respected Prime minister, we shall call the emergency court meeting and report to his majesty for the expeditious delivery of justice," requested the Justice andw minister, Shoi-Ming.


    "General Xiao, please inform his majesty toe to the court. The decision has to be taken now," requested the prime minister. Xiao Zhan could not help but agreeing with the prime minister as he was bound by his duty.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili was brought to the court bymander Yang, along with the major witness. Han Wenji was seated on the dragon throne and asked about the emergency call to organize the court.


    Wei Zhang Yong stood up from his seat and bowed his head. "Your majesty, this witness has epted the truth that she mixed the poison in the custard on the instructions of the Crown princess," Wei Zhang Yong pronounced.


    Han Wenji looked at the maidservant. "Is this true?"


    The maid had lowered her eyes and was on her knees. "Yes, your majesty. I did this on the instructions of the Crown princess."


    "She is lying, your majesty. Why would I ask to search for her if I had told her to mix the poison, your majesty? I would have killed her to clear the evidence against me, but I asked general Xiao to search for her," Ying Lili defended herself.


    Wei Zhang Yong smiled and spoke, "Your majesty, the Crown princess is known for her kindness. She could not have dared to kill her. But, the people of Han are loyal to it. That''s why this maidservant, despite the danger, epted the truth. I do not know why his majesty is giving the chances to the Crown Princess when she is the one for the critical condition of the Crown prince," Wei Zhang Yong proimed as he lowered his head.


    The Justice and Law minister also supported the prime minister along with the other court ministers. "Crown Princess, I have given you the chance to prove your innocence. The witnesses say that it is done by you. The condition of Sheng Li is not good at all and I cannot be biased about doing justice. You will be uncrowned tomorrow morning and will be hanged to death along with your entire regal family of Juyan," Han Wenji announced the decision.


    Ying Lili fell on her knees. "I did nothing, your majesty. Please believe me. Every evidence is against me because someone wants¡­" Ying Lili could notplete her words as her voice choked.


    "Take away the Crown Princess to the prison," Han Wenjimanded and walked out from there. Ying Lili was taken away from there to the prison.


    Before going to the prison, a maidservant helped Ying Lili in taking out the Royal robes and made her wear the white-colored robes. The jewelry that Crown Princess was wearing was removed and then she was taken to prison by General Xiao.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    On my Instagram, I have shared a character introduction video about Han Sheng Li and An-Ying Lili. Do check it!!


    My Instagram ID: rayoflight_pcy


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 74 - Punish Her Is Me!

    <h4>Chapter 74 - Punish Her Is Me!</h4>


    Ying Lili sat on the ground, which was covered with straw in the prison. Never once she had thought that she would end up like this. At least Sheng Li never treated her like this, but as soon as he got poisoned, her condition turned terrible. "Sheng li, please wake up. I will take this punishment because Juyan betrayed the Han Kingdom. You have to wake up and punish me as I lost to you, Sheng Li. My poor judgment endangered your life. You were right that this pce is far more dangerous than the battleground," Ying Lili thought in her mind as she ced her forehead on her arms, which were on her folded knees.


    There were tears in her eyes. But what could she do now? She recalled how Sheng Li came to her rescue when she was going to be punished by the Empress the other day. If she would have let Sheng Li kill her uncle that day then this would not have happened. Tears were rolling down her eyes not because she was going to be hanged the next day, but the innocent people who were from the Juyan Regal Family would be hanged along with her.


    Still, there was a tiny hope inside her heart that Sheng Li would wake up. She wanted to see Sheng Li''s face before dying and wanted to apologize to him for the wrong she had done to him. "Your highness," General Xiao came inside the prison and bent on his knees. He had the ss of water in his hand as he forwarded that ss to Ying Lili.


    "Please drink the water. The Crown Prince will get angry at me for not taking care of you in his absence," General Xiao said in a low voice.


    Ying Lili lifted her head and looked into the eyes of Xiao Zhan. "Why would he get angry? This is the punishment I deserve. He will be happy to see me like this. Do not worry about me, General Xiao. Tell Sheng Li that I am guilty of trusting my uncle instead of him. I am apologetic that he had to suffer because of my silliness," Ying Lili inly stated. The tone was filled with regret.


    "Your highness, the Royal Physician has told you that without the antidote the Crown Prince''s survival chance is minimal," Xiao Zhan in a broken voice informed Ying Lili.


    "You shall have faith in your Crown Prince. Nothing can happen to him until he will be the next Emperor. He will wake up," Ying Lili affirmed with a faint smile on her lips. "You shall leave, General Xiao," Ying Lili proimed. Xiao Zhan put down the ss of water and stood up. He bowed his head and walked out of the prison.


    The bloody horrible night passed quickly. In the early morning, Ying Lili was brought to the hanging ground. She was weak and her eyes were swollen. The glow had left her face. She looked around to just get a glimpse of Sheng Li, but he was not there. Her eyes turned teary. She lifted her hands, which were tied to a shackle, and brought them near her eyes. Wiping the tears off her eyes, she put them down. Jian Guozhi came to the Crown Princess. "Ying¨¦r, I will talk with my father," Jian Guozhi pronounced. Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "Brother Jian, thank you for your concern," Ying Lili stated. Yongzheng came towards them and whispered something in his ear. Jian Guozhi tightened his fist and walked away from there.


    Ying Lili was told to get on her knees, which she did. Her head was lowered. She was still hoping that Sheng Li woulde. After a while, the Emperor came with the Empress. They were standing on a high tform. "The Emperor is here," someone announced. Jian Guozhi, Yongzheng, and Rong Zemin to some extent were feeling bad for the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili lifted her head and looked towards the Emperor. "The Crown Princess is found guilty of poisoning the Crown Prince so she will be uncrowned andter will be hanged to death," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan smiled upon hearing the decision of the Emperor. Two maidservants came forward and removed the clips and hairpins from Ying Lili''s head. She clutched her clothes as the hairpins were removed from her head. The crown was almost lifted from over Ying Lili''s head when they heard a loud voice. "Stop!!"


    The voice was familiar, as it was of the Crown Prince. Ying Lili was bewildered to hear his voice. She turned her head when she saw Sheng Li wasing towards her, followed by Lei Wanxi, Han Nianzu and Gu Jingguo.


    Sheng Li''s face was pale, but he seemed fine. Ying Lili did not blink her eyes even for a second. The people there were shocked to see the Crown Prince. Sheng Li halted as he came to the left of Ying Lili. The maidservants stepped back to see the Crown Prince. He gazed at Ying Lili and knitted his brows.


    "Son!" Han Wenji was delighted to see Sheng Li. He descended the stairs, and the Empress followed the Emperor.


    "The Crown Prince ispletely fine," the Prime Minister delightedly stated. Sheng Li turned his gaze towards him and spoke, "In my absence, you dared to hurt my Crown Princess." Sheng Li''s gaze turned to his father who wasing towards him. "Father, forgive me, but no one is allowed to decide the punishment for Ying Lili," Sheng Li dered. Han Wenji halted at his ce upon hearing the statement of his son.


    The Prime Minister stepped forward. "Your highness, the Crown Princess has schemed to kill you along with her family. That is why she is being punished. She will be hanged to the death for harming the Crown Prince," Wei Zhang Yong said with a bowed head. "Shut your mouth before I rip it apart. The only person who can punish her is me," Sheng Li loudly spoke. Ying Lili was staring at the Crown Prince who was defending her.


    "If you would not be the nation''s Prime Minister, then I would have killed you right at this moment for saying such a thing for the Crown Princess," Sheng Li vehemently pronounced. "Whoever nned to kill me..." Sheng Li stopped as he turned his gaze to the Empress and spoke, "... failed to understand that he has made the biggest mistake of his life."


    Empress Wei was ring at the Crown Prince. "I would love to see how you will punish the culprit, son," Empress Wei proimed.

 Chapter 75 - You Disappointed Me

    <h4>Chapter 75 - You Disappointed Me</h4>


    Sheng Li turned his gaze back to Ying Lili who was staring at him for a long time. "How dare you let yourself get into this state?" Sheng Li demanded an answer from Ying Lili. "You are the wife of the Crown Prince whom everyone fears. Whoever did this to you, I will make sure to punish them most mercilessly." Sheng Li''s voice roared.


    "Your highness, you are still favoring this woman who is from Juyan. She asked for the deadliest poison for you from her uncle. If you do not believe us, then you shall ask the King of Juyan. We cannot let such treacherous people live among us because she can kill anyone of us," the Law and Justice Minister proimed in exasperation.


    "I do not believe anyone here except a few and be respectful towards the Crown Princess," Sheng Li''s tone was threatening. "I know you all ministers pressured the Imperial Father when I was in that state. Father, do not believe the King of Juyan. It was my mistake to let him stay alive, and all this happened. I request you to pass an order to not involve any minister in the investigation of my poisoning. I will find the culprit myself," Sheng Li pronounced as he brought his both hands ahead till the shoulder, joined them, and bowed his head.


    "I permit you. This order will be passed," Han Wenji announced. "Indeed, the ministers were in a hurry in deciding so, the investigation shall be done carefully. The bureaucracy is important, that''s why I needed to decide. Crown Prince, I will talk to youter," saying that Han Wenji walked away followed by the Empress.


    Sheng Li put his hands down and turned to Ying Lili. He bent on his knees; his right hand was on his right knee while the left knee was touching the ground. "You disappointed me. I thought you were smart, but you proved me wrong," Sheng Li whispered and then got up from the ground.


    "Release her and send her to the Zhenzhu Inn," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan and walked away. Xiao Zhan bowed his head as the Crown Prince walked away followed by Han Nianzu and Lei Wanxi. The other princes too walked away from there. Xue Yu-Yan huffed seeing that the Crown Princess would not get punished.


    A soldier freed Ying Lili''s hands from the shackles, and she stood up from the ground. Hu Jingguo came to Ying Lili. "Crown Princess, forgive me for beingte," Hu Jingguo asserted. Ying Lili gave him a faint smile. "Thank you for reaching here at the right time," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude.


    "I did my duty, your highness. Luckily, I was not far away else it would have been a problem," Hu Jingguo stated. "Master gave me the antidote a year ago and even passed me his knowledge of this antidote," Hu Jingguo proimed. Ying Lili nodded, listening to him. "Father told me about that," Ying Lili stated.


    "Your highness, do you not want the Crown Prince to know about this? He is misunderstanding you," Xiao Zhan intervened between the conversation of Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo.


    "I will tell the Crown Prince myself. I am grateful to General Xiao as well for agreeing with my n. Without your help, I could not help the Crown Prince," Ying Lili pronounced and gave a tiny smile to him.


    Ying Lili turned her gaze back at Hu Jingguo and looked at his face and hands. "You are still not healed. Because of me, you had to suffer so much," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Thanks to these injuries, I could not go beyond the borders. Prince Wanxi reached me in time, and the Crown Prince got the antidote," Hu Jingguo replied to Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, you shall take rest. You could not sleepst night." Xiao Zhan expressed his concern and turned to look at the two maidservants there. "Take the Crown Princess safely," Xiao Zhanmanded them. They came forward and took the Crown Princess to Zhenzhu Inn.


    "Come with me, Hu Jingguo," General Xiao said, and they left from there.


    Once Ying Lili reached her chamber, she felt good. She sat on the bed when Court Lady Xu came running inside. She stopped right in front of the Crown Princess and bowed her head. "Your highness, I was scared after hearing the judgment of his majesty. I am so happy to see you safe," Court Lady Xu had tears in her eyes as she was speaking to the Crown Princess.


    "Thanks to the Crown Prince I am safe. Court Lady Xu, prepare a hot bath for me. I want to have a rxing bath." Ying Lili touched her shoulders.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu bowing her head stepped backward and left the chamber. "Never have I felt this scared in my life, which I facedst night. Luckily, the winds were with me else things could have worsened," Ying Lili muttered and recalled what happened the previous night.


    "Your highness, if the Prime Minister had done this then he would have killed the maidservant by now. Why would he let her stay alive?" Lei Wanxi questioned, and knitted his brows.


    "Brother Wanxi, I had thought the same, but he will not do this. He will try to give me punishment before the Crown Prince will wake up. He will bring the maidservant in the court and make sure she will give the statement against me. That would be the most solid evidence against me and I cannot escape that.


    This is a game of chess where every pawn is being used against me so, I shall let my opponent think he is winning the game," Ying Lili with a smirk stated.


    "Your highness, we are not understanding what you are trying to do but we will do whatever you will say," Han Nianzu showed support.


    "I am getting what her highness is trying to say. The Prime Minister is treacherous and he will not leave a single point of escape for the Crown Princess," Xiao Zhan opined. Ying Lili nodded and further opened her mouth to speak.


    "Now, the most important thing - the Antidote. If my uncle is with them, then I think they have killed the master as well. But there is one person who knows about the antidote," Ying Lili stated. The two princes looked at each other.


    "Who?" Xiao Zhan amusingly asked.


    "My childhood friend, Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili answered with a smile. They all were shocked to learn that.


    "Your highness, if you would have told about this earlier then you would not have been punished and used like this," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing the words of Lei Wanxi. "Brother Wanxi, such things cannot be told openly. If I had told this there, the Prime Minister would harm Hu Jingguo and I cannot take that risk. Furthermore, the Prime Minister wille up with some convincing arguments against me. I cannot risk the lives of three people," Ying Lili stated.


    "But Sister Lili, there is risk associated with this. This is about the life of¡­"


    "The Crown Prince," Ying Lilipleted the words of Lei Wanxi. "I can take the risk for my life because I know only Sheng Li can save me from whatever punishment is waiting for me ahead. Make sure to bring Hu Jingguo safely and soundly to the Pce. Sheng Li told me yesterday that Hu Jingguo had crossed the capital borders, which are not that far. No one shall know about this n, not even his majesty. Now, we will go with whatever the Prime Minister has nned for me," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Your highness, I know about Hu Jingguo''s whereabouts. He is at the guesthouse, which is on the border. He will travel from there in the morning," Xiao Zhan informed the Crown Princess.


    "Brother Nianzu will go there and bring him here," Lei Wanxi asserted and smiled when they all heard the sounds of boots.


    Immediately, General Xiao changed the topic and spoke. "Your highness, someone secretly went to your resting chamber as well to put the tiny bottle of poison there. Let''s search for that as well."


    "I am looking into that, General Xiao," they were surprised to hear the voice of Jian Guozhi. Ying Lili smiled as she came out of her thoughts.

 Chapter 76 - As That One Woman In Your Life?

    <h4>Chapter 76 - As That One Woman In Your Life?</h4>


    Ying Lili, after taking a rxing bath, came to her chamber to dress up. She looked at herself in the mirror when she saw Sheng Li''s face in front of her. "He seemed angry. I have to apologize to him," Ying Lili thought and called Court Lady Xu who came to the front. "Court Lady Xu, I would like to have my breakfast with the Crown Prince."


    "Yes, your highness. May I say something, your highness?" Court Lady Xu politely asked for permission.


    "You may ask," Ying Lili permitted Court Lady Xu.


    "Your highness, I request you not start any arguments with the Crown Prince. You might have seen how you were used of having an unhealthy rtionship with his highness. I said this because I am concerned about you, your highness," Court Lady Xu stated with a worried expression. The hairdresser had set the hair of the Crown Princess and also the Crown over her head. Ying Lili stood up as she was ready. She was wearing a salmon-pink-colored Hanfu dress with a red overcoat.


    "Court Lady Xu, I understood thisst night," asserted Ying Lili with a smile. "We shall leave for the Crown Prince Manor," Ying Lili proimed. Court Lady Xu bowed her head and followed her mistress along with a few maidservants.


    As Ying Lili reached there, she asked Eunuch Xing-Fu about the Crown Prince. "Your highness, the Crown Prince is having a conversation with the fourth and sixth prince," Xing-Fu answered. Ying Lili nodded when Xing-Fu spoke, "I will tell his highness about your visit." Xing-Fu stepped ahead, opened the door, and walked in.


    After a minute, Xing-Fu came outside. "Her highness can go inside," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Princess who walked inside the resting chamber of the Crown Prince. Ying Lili kept walking until she reached the entrance to the bed-chamber. She looked at Sheng Li who was not looking at her.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi had stood up from their respective seats. They bowed their heads. "Your highness, good to see you again. We shall take our leave," Lei Wanxi with a smile spoke and looked at Nianzu. They both then walked out from there. Once they left, Ying Lili came towards Sheng Li, who was lying on the bed, and sat beside him.


    There wasplete silence between the two for a few minutes. The silence between them was broken as Xing-Fu walked along with two maidservants who had brought the morning meals for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. They put it on the table near the bed, bowed their heads, and left.


    Sheng Li sat up on the bed and got down from it. He ignored Ying Lili''s presence and went towards the table. Ying Lili turned and saw he had pulled a chair for himself. Xing-Fu gestured to a maid to taste the food who did so. "The food is okay," the maid replied softly. Xing-Fu left the chamber along with the maid.


    Ying Lili came towards Sheng Li and pulled out a chair. She sat on it, dragging it closer to Sheng Li''s while peering at him who started eating. "Sheng Li, forgive me," Ying Lili softly spoke as she joined both hands. Sheng Li did not reply to her. He was focused on eating when Ying Lili grabbed his hand. "Are you angry at me?" Ying Lili questioned.


    Sheng Li pulled his hand back. "Thanks to you, I almost died." Ying Lili could feel that Sheng Li was displeased with her. "Sheng Li, forgive me. I will do anything you will tell me to," Ying Lili stated, trying to pacify Sheng Li.


    "Did you forget what I told you when you asked me to spare the life of your uncle?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili who hummed, giving her response.


    "Answer," Sheng Li spoke in exasperation.


    "That you will kill me if he betrays us," Ying Lili replied.


    "Are you ready to die?" Sheng Li asked as he finally turned his gaze at Ying Lili who was staring at him.


    "If you had wanted to kill me, then you would have done that by now." Ying Lili looked for an answer from Sheng Li whose lips quirked up into a smile. "You saved me so, I cannot kill my savior," Sheng Li pronounced. "But it does not mean that I am going to forgive you," Sheng Li further added.


    Ying Lili was baffled to know that Sheng Li found out she was the one who knew about the antidote. "Did the brothers tell you?" Ying Lili asked. Sheng Li shook his head in refusal. "You are from Juyan, so it is crystal clear that you would have known about the antidote," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Jingguo told me about the antidote when he started learning from the medical expert of Juyan," Ying Lili stated.


    "Do you know why I am disappointed in you?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Because I cannot save myself there," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the answer of Ying Lili. "No, that is not the reason. You are not smart enough because despite my hints you left the tray in the hands of the other person," Sheng Li answered. "This would not have happened if you had paid heed to my hints," the Crown Prince added.


    "I know. But after that, I made sure not to get you hurt. Sheng Li, thank you for saving me. Last night was a horrible one. In just seconds, I had been used of poisoning you. I was helpless when the Prime Minister was showing the evidence against me, but then I recalled your words about how you told me why you did not kill me at our first meeting. I recalled your warnings. Sheng Li, forgive me for misunderstanding you; forgive me for not listening to you and questioning your decisions. From today onward, I am not your enemy but a..." Ying Lili stopped speaking as she felt the intense gaze of Sheng Li at her, still shepleted her words, "... but a friend. I am with you and will eliminate all of your enemies." Ying Lili was smiling brightly as she was now feeling good after telling everything to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li snickered as he put the chopsticks on the te. "Lili, I do not forgive people easily and I do not consider you my friend. You are changing your perception of me. What if I saved you for my motives?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Then use me for your motives. I will not disappoint you and willingly help you. If you do not want to consider me as a friend, then do you want to consider me as that one woman in your life who will be like you in every aspect?" Ying Lili''s question astonished Sheng Li as a smirk appeared on his lips.

 Chapter 77 - Lets Sleep Together From Now On

    <h4>Chapter 77 - Let''s Sleep Together From Now On</h4>


    Sheng Li did not say anything for a few seconds and looked over at Ying Lili''s face. "You told me you will never fall for this cruel man, but you seem to be so much in love with me. Your thoughts changed for me in just a night," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili shook her head. "I did not fall for you. I just want to support the Crown Prince," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Can you prove to me you can be a woman of my choice?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili and ced his index finger under her chin. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and nodded. Sheng Li smiled and pulled his hand back and in just seconds the smile on his face disappeared. He knitted his brows and spoke, "Kill your uncle first, followed by the people who apanied him for the feast."


    Ying Lili gulped. "Sheng Li, there might be some innocents among them," Ying Lili opined with a concerned expression.


    "Then they have to sacrifice their lives for a good cause. I will investigate them first and then you have to kill them on my orders. The rest I will tell youter but trust me you are going to step back seeing my mercilessness," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I will not. This is a war ground where one has to be careful every time because the enemies are hidden," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li picked the chopsticks again and told Ying Lili that she should eat.


    As they were eating, Sheng Li queried, "Who do you think nned all this?" "The Prime Minister," replied Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li put the dumpling inside his mouth and chewed it. The Crown Prince shook his head in refusal and after swallowing the chewed food down his throat, he spoke, "The Empress."


    Ying Lili''s eyes widened upon hearing that. She was bewildered and at the same time, infuriated because she had never thought a mother could do this. Indeed, Prince Nianzu had told her that the Empress was not good to Sheng Li from his childhood days, but she had never thought that she could stoop so low.


    Ying Lili was left with no words. She could not find what she should tell Sheng Li in that situation. She found Sheng Li''s face had sadness and at the same time it was filled with anger. She didn''t say anything and continued eating.


    Once they were finished taking their morning meals, Sheng Li went back to bed, as he was still feeling low. The maidservants cleaned the table while Ying Lili sat on the wooden bamboo stool beside Sheng Li''s bed. "Your highness, please give this medicine to the Crown Prince," Xing-Fu stated as he handed a tray over, which a bowl was ced in her hand.


    Ying Lili picked the bowl and sat up on the bed. "Here, drink this," Ying Lili said. Xing-Fu ced the tray on the table before leaving. Sheng Li grabbed the porcin bowl from Ying Lili and then drank it. Ying Lili took the bowl and put it over the table. She took out a handkerchief from inside her long sleeve and wiped the lips of Sheng Li who grabbed her wrist.


    "I can do it myself," Sheng Li stated when Ying Lili pped his hand lightly. Ying Lili pulled back her hand once she was done when Sheng Li spoke. "Aren''t you tired?"


    "Huh?"


    "Aren''t you tired?" Sheng Li repeated his question. "You were in prisonst night and could not sleep. Let''s sleep together," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili blinked her eyes and almost stood up from the bed when Sheng Li swiftly pinned her on the bed. "They all think that we do not have a cordial rtionship but we can prove it wrong by sleeping together from today onwards," Sheng Li offered, keeping a grin on his lips.


    "We will have to follow a rule while we sleep together. You cannot do anything to me," Ying Lili proimed, which made Sheng Liugh. Controlling hisughter, Sheng Li traced Ying Lili''s jawline. "If I were to do anything, wouldn''t it have happened already? And, what if you throw yourself at me?" He waited for Ying Lili''s reply.


    "I-I mean that¡­"


    "I will take it as a yes," Sheng Li stated and leaned back. He took out Ying Lili''s shoes and told her to restfortably. "Is it that important to sleep together now?" Ying Lili was inquisitive. Sheng Li nodded. "It is necessary. If we will not sleep together, I will be pressured to have a consort or a concubine. Mypatibility with other women is not that good as it is with you. Moreover, I want to keep my promise of having only one woman in my life."


    Ying Lili was touched by the words of Sheng Li, but she did not let them show in her face. She quickly moved back to the bed and turned her back towards the Crown Prince. Sheng Li smiled, seeing the reactions of Ying Lili. "Do you want to sleep with this heavy overcoat, Crown, and hair essories?" Sheng Li asked the Crown Princess


    who turned to look at him.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean what I said earlier," Sheng Li replied. "Remove your overcoat, Crown, and unnecessary hair essories you have worn," Sheng Li repeated himself. "Or shall I help you?" Sheng Li asked in a teasing tone.


    Ying Lili did not reply and pretended she did not hear him. She sat up on the bed and removed the pins from her head. "At this rate, we will sleep tomorrow, I think," Sheng Limented. He moved slightly towards Ying Lili and grabbed her hands, which were behind her head. She peered at Sheng Li whose face was so close that she could feel his breath.


    Sheng Li removed the hairpins quickly and gold Buyao (it has flowering branches with dangling beads) followed by the Crown. Sheng Li put them on the empty table beside the bed and then turned back to Ying Lili. "What are you looking at? Remove your overcoat too," Sheng Li ordered as he pulled up the nket.


    Ying Lili took off the overcoat and ced it beside her towards the wall. Sheid down, facing the wall when she felt the nket ced over her. Her heart was beating strangely, but not because of the nervousness. She did not know that indescribable feeling which was developing in her heart.

 Chapter 78 - Lost His Mind

    <h4>Chapter 78 - Lost His Mind</h4>


    The Empress could be seen in her resting room on a chaise. Wei Zhang Yong was standing a meter away from the Empress with a bowed head. "Why did you not kill that maidservant? And, how could you not see what the Crown Princess was nning? Did you see how Sheng Li was ring at me? He has the same eyes as his mother!" Empress Wei was furious as she threw the cup in her hand, which broke into pieces.


    "Your majesty, forgive me. I did not have any idea that the Crown Princess has a friend who knows the antidote," Wei Zhang Yong asserted.


    "I do not need your apologies. Do you even know how much risk I took to n all this? I had given you only one simple task to punish the Crown Princess before Sheng Li would awake but you failed in that too. And, I even told you to kill the maidservant who mixed the poison in that bowl. But, you did the opposite," Empress Wei bellowed at the Prime Minister who got on his knees. "Please forgive me, your majesty. I thought if she was summoned and gave a statement against the Crown Princess then it would be easier to punish her," Wei Zhang Yong pleaded.


    "Shut up! I ordered you to kill her for a reason. Now, kill all the witnesses. Sheng Li knows I am behind all this and I do not want him to get even a single clue regarding me," Empress Wei ordered the Prime Minister.


    "Your majesty, they all were taken to the prison. His majesty has given permission to the Crown Prince to look into it. I have made sure that they would not open their mouths," Wei Zhang Yong assured Empress Wei.


    "Poison them," Empress Wei stated. "I do not know how you will do this but poison them. The King of Juyan will definitely tell about us once Sheng Li will investigate him," Empress Wei proimed. Wei Zhang Yong bowed down as his forehead touched the ground. "Your majesty, I will do this work. The Crown Prince cannot find any evidence against us." the Prime Minister reassured Empress Wei.


    "You may leave," Weng Wei stated. Wei Zhang Yong stood up from the floor mat and left from there.


    "Bring the chrysanthemum tea for me," Weng Wei ordered the courtdy who was standing beside the chaise.


    "Prince Jian wants to meet the Empress," a maidservant came in and informed Weng Wei.


    "Let the Princee in," Weng Wei stated. The maidservant bowed and stepped back. After a minute, Jian Guozhi came inside with an infuriated expression that confused the Empress. "What happened to my son?" Weng Wei worriedly asked. Jian Guozhi greeted the Empress first. "Mother, why is Sheng Li still alive? That Prime Minister has lost his mind. He used the Crown Princess. She was almost hanged to death," Jian Guozhi blurted out.


    Weng Wei noticed her son was still attracted towards Ying Lili. "Son, the Crown Princess is on Sheng Li''s side. Do not be concerned about her. She is the one who saved the Crown Prince. You would have the Crown by now but thanks to the Crown Princess it has slipped from our hands again," Weng Wei exined to Jian Guozhi.


    "Ying¨¦r saved Sheng Li? But how?" Jian Guozhi asked his mother.


    "His majesty was told by Eunuch Xing-Fu that the Crown Princess knew about the antidote. She lied to everyone yesterday about the antidote so that no one could kill the person who brought the antidote for Sheng Li," Weng Wei told her son. Jian Guozhi clenched his fist tightly and without saying anything left in anger.


    Weng Wei chuckled. "He has lost his mind for a mere woman! I have to do something before he acts on his own and gets trapped in this Prince position forever," Weng Wei muttered and clutched the cushion on which she had rested her one arm.


    ~~~~~


    The soldiers were checking the resting rooms of the guests who were invited for the feast on the birthday of the Crown Prince. Lei Wanxi went specifically to the room of the woman whom he had suspected since the time he had seen her the other day.


    Seeing the Prince there, the young woman stood up from the chair and bowed her head. She lifted her head and saw two soldiers were standing behind Lei Wanxi. "How may I help you, your highness?" the young woman politely spoke. Lei Wanxi smiled slightly and closed the fan in his hand.


    He put his hands behind his back. "We are going to search your belongings, young miss. If you do not have any problem then can we start?" Lei Wanxi asked for permission. "Before that may I know the name of this young miss?" Lei Wanxi asked with a raised brow.


    "I am Wu Qinyang, the daughter of the Governor of the East Province."


    "Qinyang means ''Sunshine of my heart''- You have a pleasant name, Miss Wu Qinyang," Lei Wanxiplimented Wu Qinyang and gestured to the soldiers to search.


    "Wu province started a war against the Han Kingdom. Am I right, Miss Wu?" Lei Wanxi asked as he tried reading the facial expressions on her face.


    Wu Qinyang peered at Lei Wanxi and spoke. "You are right, your highness. I lost my two brothers and many other people close to me." Wu Qinyang truthfully told Lei Wanxi who found out why she was angry earlier. "Can she be suspected?" Lei Wanxi thought.


    "What are your views on Han now, Miss Wu?" Lei Wanxi looked for an answer. The checking was done by then. "Your highness, there is nothing suspicious here," one soldier informed Lei Wanxi who gave a nod. "Thank you for your cooperation, young miss," Lei Wanxi said as he walked out of the room followed by the two soldiers. He opened his fan and moved it below his chin.


    "She has anger inside her for us. Brother Li has many enemies. At this rate, he will be in more danger. I have to do something," Lei Wanxi thought in his mind. He told the soldiers to follow him to the other rooms.


    As he was walking through the corridor, something came to his mind. He halted at his ce. "I aming in a while," Lei Wanxi asserted and turned back to the room where Wu Qinyang was staying.

 Chapter 79 - A Deal

    <h4>Chapter 79 - A Deal</h4>


    Wu Qinyang was looking out from the window. Deep frowns could be seen on her forehead as she was thinking about something when she heard the opening of the door. She immediately hid the tiny porcin bottle inside her long narrow sleeves and turned to look at who came in. She lowered her eyes as she saw Lei Wanxi.


    "Forgive me for barging in suddenly, but I forgot something to check," Lei Wanxi asserted. Wu Qinyang gulped in nervousness. "Did he find out?" Wu Qinyang thought when she saw Lei Wanxi seated around the table on a chair.


    This confused Wu Qinyang when Lei Wanxi gestured her to take a sit. Wu Qinyang pulled out a chair for herself and sat on it. "Miss Wu, I learned earlier from your respected father that you have exceptional acupuncture skills and you are also good at medicine," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Yes, your highness," Wu Qinyang replied.


    Lei Wanxi stood up from the chair and opened his fan. He went towards the door and closed it from inside, which panicked Wu Qinyang, but she did not let it show on her face. It was calm as an ocean. Lei Wanxi walked towards Wu Qinyang; his left hand was behind his back while using his right hand he was moving the fan slowly.


    He stopped right behind the chair on which Wu Qinyang was sitting. She pressed her fingers against each other when Lei Wanxi closed his fan. Wu Qinyang did not get intimidated and kept her cool. Lei Wanxi bent slightly, his face came closer to the left face of Wu Qinyang''s and he grabbed both her hands with his left hand.


    Wu Qinyang tilted her head slightly to peer at Lei Wanxi who was not smiling any longer. "Miss Wu, I have the eyes of Eagle. Even though I am not good at military tactics, I can see through a person really quickly," Wu Qinyang heard Lei Wanxi as he took out the white porcin bottle from inside the left sleeve of Wu Qinyang''s dress.


    He was going to stand straight when Wu Qinyang directed her fist towards the Prince. Lei Wanxi quickly dropped the fan in his right hand and grabbed Wu Qinyang''s fist. They both red at each other when Wu Qinyang used her other hand and hit Lei Wanxi''s chest that was pushed back.


    Wu Qinyang curled her lips up. She was going to drink the poison from the ring she was wearing when Lei Wanxi grabbed her hand. "You are not the daughter of the Governor of Wu. How dare you fool us and attempt to assassinate the Crown Prince?" Lei Wanxi asked angrily.


    Wu Qinyang kicked Lei Wanxi''s leg and he lost his grip on her. He fell on the floor. Wu Qinyang took the opportunity to drink the poison when Lei Wanxi grabbed the fan swiftly and threw it towards Wu Qinyang. It hit her hand, and taking that chance Lei Wanxi quickly got a hold of her. Lei Wanxi pinned Wu Qinyang against the table who tried to get released from his grip.


    "There is no use struggling. Why did you do this? Indeed, there are many guests here but how dare you take the fake identity of a person who is already dead? Not only this, you poisoned the Crown Prince! Tell me who gave you the orders to do this?" Lei Wanxi had a stern expression on his face.


    "I did not poison the Crown Prince," Wu Qinyang affirmed. Hearing that, Lei Wanxi got angry.


    "Do not fool with me. Do you know what will happen if I take you to the Crown Prince?!" Lei Wanxi questioned her. She seemed not to be scared at all by him.


    "I will be dead. One day or the other I have to die, so be it today," Wu Qinyang replied with a stern look.


    "Youngdy, being brave is good but not at the time when death is in front of you. The death of a traitor is difficult. Do you want a bloodbath in Wu province?" Lei Wanxi asked. "Tell me on whose orders you are doing this?" Lei Wanxi questioned, tightening his grip on Wu Qinyang''s hands, which were behind her back.


    "I did not poison the Crown Prince. If the Prince does not believe me, then he can check that bottle. It is not poison that was to be fed to the Crown Prince," Wu Qinyang proimed. Lei Wanxi slightlyughed upon hearing that.


    "Then, may I ask what is that?" Lei Wanxi raised his one brow.


    "I cannot tell," Wu Qinyang replied.


    "Youngdy, this stubbornness does not suit you well. It seems you want to go to the Punishment House," Lei Wanxi said in a threatening tone. "And, if it is not poison then why did you try to kill yourself by taking the poison from your ring?" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    "I am the adopted daughter of the Governor of Wu. I wanted to take revenge for my two brothers'' death from the Crown Prince by feeding him that drug so that his highness could be paralyzed." Wu Qinyang epted her crime.


    Lei Wanxi knitted his brows when Wu Qinyang further spoke. "Punish me for the crime I was going to do. I stopped because of my father. He gave me the name of histe daughter who died two years ago and my two brothers diedst year thanks to the Ruthless Crown Prince of the Han Kingdom."


    "You told me the truth so easily. You were going to do something foolish which could have caused the death of the Governor of Wu Province," Lei Wanxi asserted and observed the expression on Wu Qinyang''s face.


    Wu Qinyang by then had lowered her eyes. "I had nned to do that, but then I stopped myself because revenge is not the answer every time," Wu Qinyang proimed.


    Lei Wanxi smiled a bit and said, "Miss Wu, I apologize for your loss but you know your father had started the war against Han and in a war the deaths are inevitable. One side loses but the blood baths happen on both sides. Even I lost my two dear friends who were killed mercilessly by your brothers. It does not mean I will n to kill the Governor of Wu and the people because that would only increase resentment on both sides. Wu Province is a part of Han and now its people are the people of Han as well. The past has gone and we should work for a better future."


    Wu Qinyang was dumbfounded to hear such words from a Prince. Lei Wanxi released the hands of Wu Qinyang and took out the ring from her index finger, which had poison inside it. "If you had died by taking this poison, then your father would have been in danger along with the entire Wu Province. You shall thank me that I saved you," Lei Wanxi stated with a cheerful smile which confused Wu Qinyang.


    "Will I not be punished? I did wrong by¡­"


    "Let''s make a deal, Miss Wu," Lei Wanxi cut the words of Wu Qinyang in the middle. "I will not tell this incident to anyone, but instead, I need something from you. Not you¡­ you are not the type of woman I desire." Lei Wanxi offered a deal to Wu Qinyang and waited for her response.

 Chapter 80 - Love Is A Weakness Rather Than A Strength

    <h4>Chapter 80 - Love Is A Weakness Rather Than A Strength</h4>


    Sheng Li was awoken when his eyes fell on Ying Lili who was sleeping beside him but this time she was not facing the wall but him. For a few seconds, Sheng Li stared at her face. Sheng Li brought his hand closer to Ying Lili''s face. He touched those long eyshes with his index finger, and a tiny smile formed on his lips. Without disturbing Ying Lili''s sleep, Sheng Li went towards the left side of the resting chamber. He opened the drawer of the table and brought out a brush.


    Looking at the brush, he smirked again. He dipped the brush in the ink and came towards the bed. "Wild Cat, you are going to like this," Sheng Li muttered as he sat on the bed quietly. Cautiously and quietly, the Crown Prince moved the brush over the face of Ying Lili. Sometimes, Ying Lili was flinching because of the touch of the brush, but because she was tired, she could not awake from that touch.


    Once Sheng Li was done, he put the brush back to its ce. "I am good at artwork," Sheng Li proudly said as he looked at Ying Lili''s face. He puckered his lips together to stop hisughter and quickly left the chamber.


    Xing-Fu who was standing outside the door bowed his head as soon as he saw the Crown Prince.


    "Your highness, did you sleep well?" Xing-Fu asked politely. Sheng Li was tying the knot of his upper- body garment hummed at Xing-Fu.


    "What time is it?" Sheng Li questioned as he put his hands down.


    "It is past afternoon, your highness." Xing-Fu turned to a maid there. "Prepare the bath for his highness," he ordered and turned back to the Crown Prince.


    "Let the Crown Princess sleep. After the bath, I will meet my father, and after that, I will leave for the prison to look into the matter." Sheng Li told Eunuch Xing-Fu.


    He bowed his head and said, "I will inform his majesty about your visit, your highness." Sheng Li nodded as he went towards the bathhouse, followed by a chain of maidservants behind him.


    In the bathhouse, the Crown Prince sent the maidservants out and got into that enormous bathtub which was filled with roses, and the fragrance was added to the water. He took three dips in the water and flipped his long hair back. He came to the rim and rested himselffortably there. Resting his arms on the tiled tform, Sheng Li tilted his head back.


    "Your half-brother will be my target, Empress Wei. He will be removed from his position of which he is so proud of before I will leave for the Southern Province. Let''s see how Lili will help me in this," Sheng Li internally thought when the door of the bathhouse was opened. Xing-Fu hade in with a bathrobe in his hands. He waited for the Crown Prince toe out and stood there silently.


    Fifteen minutester, Sheng Li stretched his right hand out. Xing-Fu quickly ced the bathrobe in the palm of the Crown Prince, who stood up and wore it. As Sheng Li came out of the bathtub, Xing-Fu wiped the Crown Prince''s body using a towel. He then helped the Crown Prince in putting on the garments of the Hanfu Dress. Sheng Li came to his dressing room, and was being dressed up by the maidservants.


    "Do not follow me. Go to my resting chamber," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu and left to meet his father.


    Sheng Li reached the Chamber of Virtue and saw his father was drinking tea. Seeing Sheng Li, Han Wenji smiled and stood up from his seat. Han Wenji came to Sheng Li who bowed his head in front of him when he tightly hugged him. "You scared me," Han Wenji asserted. Sheng Li ced his hand on his father''s back. "Forgive me," Sheng Li whispered.


    Both father and son pulled away from each other. Taking their respective seats, Han Wenji asked the Crown Prince if he was feeling good. "The King of Juyan betrayed us but amoner of Juyan saved you," Han Wenji proimed. Sheng Li agreed with his father.


    "The Crown Prince is changing."


    Sheng Li knitted his brows after hearing that statement from his father.


    "On the Crown Princess'' request, the Crown Prince spared the life of Hu Jingguo. It is pleasant to see that the Crown Prince is turning gentle," Han Wenji remarked.


    "Because I found he is good at medicine. I thought that he may prove useful to meter, and he did," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You do not trust people easily, especially the outsiders. ept that you did it for the Crown Princess," Han Wenji told his son as he noticed the reactions of his son.


    "Father, that can be one reason. I found that the Crown Princess will not betray me, so I let her friend live. But, the major reason behind sparing was only that," Sheng Li stressed.


    "Father, thank you for not letting me marry Xue Yu-Yan," Sheng Li''s sudden acknowledgment towards his majesty''s decision bewildered the Emperor. "Why is the Crown Prince suddenly thanking me?" Han Wenji wanted to know the feelings which had developed inside Sheng Li''s heart.


    "I just want to thank you, father. I think that Ying Lili is suitable for me. The way she handled everything yesterday made me realize that she is most suitable for the Crown Princess position. She risked her life to save me, which is appreciable. She had the best chance yesterday to take her revenge on me. I have made many enemies and all of them want me to die. I thought Ying Lili was one of them, but she proved me wrong," Sheng Li answered his father in brief.


    Han Wenji faintly smiled as he picked the teacup. "Did the Crown Prince say the same words to his Crown Princess?" Han Wenji queried.


    Sheng Li shook his head. "I do not want her to take it the other way," Sheng Li earnestly spoke. "What I mean is that I do not want her to love me. Love is a weakness rather than a strength," Sheng Li affirmed.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Sorry for thiste update. Actually, I got some discouragingments which made me feel low the entire day. I agree that my writing skills aren''t that refined, but I''m trying my best daily to improve it. Since, I am not earning so good amount from any of my stories so I cannot to hire a content editor for my work for now. I know many of you are paying for the chapters and still not getting that good content so, I would like to apologize for that as well.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 81 - Not Being Affectionate To Anyone

    <h4>Chapter 81 - Not Being Affectionate To Anyone</h4>


    Han Wenji was not amused to hear the answer of his son. "Sheng Li, then why did you used to say to me that you love the Prime Minister''s daughter? You are confused in yourself," Han Wenji proimed.


    Sheng Li had a serious expression on his face. "Father, I will be truthful to you. I did not want to marry in the first ce. I feel if I lie to the father, then he might stop my marriage. I tried the same with Ying Lili, but it did not bother her, which was satisfying for me. Xue used to care for me despite my nature. That''s what I always liked about her. I thought about marrying her for that same reason until I found out that she is power-hungry like her father. To tell you the truth, I do not know what love is! I just know it makes people weak and sad," Sheng Li told his father with a chuckle.


    "When I killed people during the campaign, I realized how much it weakened them rather than giving them the strength. If I have to survive in this world, I must live like that - not loving anyone, not being affectionate to anyone. Indeed, there will be sadness for some time but at least it will not make me feel like a loser." Han Wenji learned that his son had turned into a man which the former queen would never want him to be!


    Was it because Sheng Li lost his mother at the time when he needed her the most or was it because he, as a father, could not look after Sheng Li? The Emperor was wondering while peering at the Crown Prince.


    The Emperor was with all of his sons during their childhood days, but with Sheng Li, it was the opposite. Han Wenji left the day his Queen gave birth to Sheng Li and could not return for four years. Han Wenji could see the loneliness in Sheng Li''s face, which broke his heart into a million pieces.


    Sheng Li never told his father those feelings he used to feel instead he buried them inside his heart until today he had slightly opened up to him.


    "Do you remember what your mother used to say?" Han Wenji asked Sheng Li softly.


    "I forgot," Sheng Li told a white lie to his father. "Father, I shall leave. I have an investigation to do. Do not worry too much about me." Sheng Li stood up; bowed his head and left. Han Wenji took a deep sigh as he saw Sheng Li walking away.


    "I hope the Crown Princess will give him that love and care," Han Wenji muttered.


    Sheng Li reached the Prison after a while. The soldiers standing at the entrance bowed their heads seeing the Crown Prince. Sheng Li had that murderous gaze in his eyes which he used to have whenever he entered the battleground. Commander Tao, who was instructing the soldiers about a matter, saw the Crown Princeing.


    Tao Zedong dismissed the soldiers and went towards the Crown Prince. Joining both hands, Commander Tao greeted the Crown Prince. "Your highness, it is good to see you healthy again," Tao said delightedly.


    "Where is Xiao Zhan? What about the King of Juyan and the others?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Your highness, General Xiao is waiting for you in the Prison where the King of Juyan is imprisoned," Tao Zedong replied as he followed the fast steps of the Crown Prince. He realized that the Crown Prince was not in a good mood.


    They soon reached the prison. Xiao Zhan bowed his head seeing the Crown Prince enter inside the gate.


    Song Li Xiu, the King of Juyan, was hanging on a wooden nk. Both his hands were tied with shackles and hung up. He was tortured badly and could hardly open his eyes. "Did he tell who the mastermind is behind all this?" Sheng Li questioned Xiao Zhan.


    "No, your highness," Xiao Zhan replied. Sheng Li picked the hot iron rod from the furnace and pierced that through the chest of Song Li Xiu who cried in pain. "You should have demanded death that day. At least you would not have to go through this pain," Sheng Li told Song Li Xiu as he gripped his hair with his other hand and kept piercing the hot iron through the skin of Song Li Xiu.


    "P-please f-forgive me," Song Li Xiu spoke in a meek voice. Sheng Li threw the rod to the other side.


    Sheng Li again grabbed a fistful of Song Li Xiu''s hair and pulled him closer. "You shall know that I do not forgive people easily. I forgive them when they die," Sheng Li whispered.


    "You might have been told by the mastermind that you will be sent back safely to Juyan, but let me clear your illusion. You will die in this prison only. Your wife and your children will be turned into ves so, better tell me the name. Do not even dare take the name of


    Lili because I cannot stand those who lie. Earlier I had forgiven you twice - once when you killed your elder brother and the second time when you lied to Lili that I killed the former King of Juyan. Believe me, you will die a slow and painful death if you will not tell me the name of the mastermind," Sheng Li threatened Song Li Xiu.


    "P-Prime," Song Li Xiu was meekly saying the name, showing his blood-filled teeth, when a poisoned needle hit him near his neck. Song Li Xiu died at that very moment.


    Sheng Li immediately turned to look at a soldier, who had taken the poison at the same time and died within a second. Tao Zedong ran towards the soldier who threw the poisoned needle at Song Li Xiu and checked his nerve. "He is dead!" Tao Zedong informed the Crown Prince who snickered.


    "Leave it! Whoever did this is foolish," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Check on those two maids," Sheng Li asserted. Xiao Zhan left for the other prisons. "Prime Minister, your end is near," Sheng Li muttered.

 Chapter 82 - How Strong Our Relationship Is!

    <h4>Chapter 82 - How Strong Our Rtionship Is!</h4>


    Xiao Zhan informed the Crown Prince that the two maids were poisoned as well, which did not surprise him. If Sheng Li had told the King of Juyan to tell the truth in front of his majesty, he would have been considered a liar because he earlier gave a false statement about the Crown Princess. A simr situation was with those two maids who had given false statements regarding the Crown Princess.


    "Xiao, why is the security not tight in the Prison?" Sheng Li was infuriated. "Do not ask for apologies. I need apologies through actions, not words," Sheng Li stated. Xiao Zhan lowered his eyes as he had disappointed the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li wanted the Prime Minister to ept his crime on his own, which was difficult as he had the support of the Empress. This was the biggest hindrance. Sheng Li knew if he tried to say anything against the Prime Minister in court, the Empress would try everything possible to save her half-brother''s position. So, such a piece of evidence was needed in which even the Empress could do nothing.


    The Crown Prince came back to the Eastern Pce when he encountered Jian Guozhi. They both red at each other when Sheng Li broke the ice. "You did not evene to see me, dear First Brother." Sheng Li said sarcastically, which made Jian Guozhiugh.


    "I was busy finding out the culprit who dared to do such a thing to my dear younger brother. I was scared when I found out that the Crown Prince was poisoned. Thanks to the Crown Princess, my younger brother is safe." Jian Guozhi''s words were enough to tell Sheng Li how much the First Prince wanted him to die.


    "Indeed, Lili saved me. She loves me so much that she epted the wrong usations for me. She believed in her love, which is one reason I am safe and sound despite my enemies trying hard to kill me. I was disheartened when I found out your father-inw even questioned my rtionship with Lili. People have such a misunderstanding about us," Sheng Li proimed. The smile did not leave his lips as he kept gazing into the eyes of the First Prince.


    Jian Guozhi knew that the Crown Prince could not love anyone and he was just putting on a show. "Sorry, if you feel offended, Crown Prince but I think I shall tell this to you. Your rtionship with my consort is famous, which is one reason for the misunderstandings among the surrounding people. The wedding night talks are open to the Pce - how the Crown Princess tried killing you and how the Crown Prince treated the Crown Princess?" Jian Guozhi grinned as he waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "Why does it seem that my brother is taking so much interest in my wedding night? Who will believe a maid? I believe that the Crown Princess has proven how strong our rtionship is by saving my life!" Sheng Li affirmed. "About your consort, let me clear one thing, dear First Brother. I never loved her. How can I love the woman whose family is always giving me headaches?" Sheng Li was sarcastic in his tone and showed his hatred towards the Wei Family.


    Jian Guozhi smiled, but before he could speak, the Crown Prince walked past him. "Your luck is with you, Sheng Li, but not for long," Jian Guozhi thought.


    Sheng Li arrived at his Resting Chamber and asked Xing-Fu about the Crown Princess. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is still sleeping," Xing-Fu replied with a bowed head. Sheng Li stepped ahead and opened the door by sliding it on each side. He walked in and closed the door behind him.


    Sheng Li removed his overcoat and ced it on the chair. Looking at Ying Lili, Sheng Li slightly smiled. "Where will she go in the night if she is sleeping so much in this daylight," Sheng Li murmured. He went to the bed and sat on the mattress.


    Shaking Ying Lili''s shoulder, Sheng Li softly called out her name. Ying Lili opened her eyes and looked at him. "You are finally awake," Sheng Li spoke to Ying Lili who was rubbing her eyes. She sat up on the bed and checked her clothes first.


    Sheng Liughed at seeing the acts of the Crown Princess. "You think I would have taken advantage of you in your sleep?" Ying Lili heard Sheng Li asking her.


    "Who knows?" Ying Lili murmured as she tied the knot on the upper jacket of the Hanfu dress that she was wearing.


    "Your uncle is dead," Sheng Li suddenly said. Ying Lili turned her head to look at Sheng Li as her eyes were filled with tears. "He believed the wrong person. As soon as he joined the hands of the Prime Minister, his death was written. Instead of believing me, he believed the Prime Minister," Sheng Li stressed.


    "What will happen to Juyan?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "It will be governed by Han. A Governor will be appointed soon. Your uncle will not be buried with dignity, as he was associated with this poisoning incident. His family will be turned to ves so that they can pay for the crimes that your uncle did," Sheng Li pronounced with a stern expression.


    "But it was not their mistake. Aunt did not know about this, neither did her children. What about my mother and the other ministers there?" Ying Lili worriedly inquired.


    "It does not matter whether or not they were associated with your uncle. Your mother is the? widow of thete King so she will not be thrown out from the Pce. The ministers will work in the departments the appointed Governor will make ording to the situation in Juyan," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili''s queries.


    "Please, do not turn them into ves," Ying Lili pleaded to Sheng Li.


    "Why shall I do that? I cannot be biased just because Juyan''s Princess is my wife now," Sheng Li stated as he gazed into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Do you not feel bad doing such things? I know that my uncle did wrong with you, but his wife and children have no fault in that." Ying Lili was indignant towards Sheng Li.


    "You said that you will be that One Woman in my life who will be like me in every aspect and support me. You are turning back from your words, Lili," Sheng Li asserted as he looked for an answer from Ying Lili.


    "I did say those words to you, but it does not mean that I will forget my principles. Why punish innocents when they did nothing wrong? It is an injustice to them," Ying Lili remarked.


    "Lili, even I have principles. You forget that I have shown enough mercy on Juyan. By now, Juyan would have been filled with dead bodies of the people because their Princess''s words proved wrong. Still, I let them stay alive," Sheng Li proimed with a sly smile.


    "Then you shall punish me because I was the one who endangered your life," Ying Lili offered a deal in front of the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 83 - This Is Your True Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 83 - This Is Your True Beauty</h4>


    Sheng Li gripped Ying Lili''s chin and leaned closer to her. "The biggest problem is that you do not fear me and it will not be fun if I punish you." Sheng Li tried intimidating Ying Lili with his words.


    Sheng Li''s judgment was aggrieving Ying Lili, but she did not want to start a fight with him. In these few days, she had realized that Sheng Li said harsh words because of a reason. Indeed, the Crown Prince''s decision was showing a typical judgment of a ruler, but she wanted the Crown Prince not to make more enemies than before.


    "Sheng Li, do you not think that aunt is also a mother? If she will see her children turning into ves, that would be wrong. Even her children will get hurt seeing their mother like that. Sheng Li, it is not about being biased but it is doing the right justice. We shall punish the Prime Minister who nned all this and joined hands with my uncle," Ying Lili remarked. She had kept her tone polite while talking to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at Ying Lili. The woman in front of him was full of intellect, but the kindness she had inside her was the reason for the differences in their opinions. "Lili, I will exin why I cannot show kindness to them. If I will spare them today, they might harm me tomorrow. Your uncle has died in the prison of Han - does not matter whether he was killed by the Prime Minister or me because, either way, your aunt and her children are going to resent me. I have to be realistic in my judgment," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "Even I wanted to take revenge on you, but I did not. I could have let you die yesterday, but I did not. Why? Do you know?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "Because you wanted to save yourself and your Juyan," Sheng Li answered right away.


    Ying Lili felt dejected hearing that. "I tried hard not to pick a fight with you but it seems we will end up fighting," Ying Lili said in exasperation.


    "Was that not the reason? You married me for that same reason - to save your people, else you would have never," Sheng Li chuckled as he released his grip from Ying Lili''s chin. His mood was ruined by then, but he did not want to let it out on Ying Lili so he simply told Ying Lili to leave as he averted his gaze from her. Ying Lili picked her overcoat and got down from the bed. She quickly wore her shoes followed by the overcoat. Without wasting any more seconds, she walked out from there.


    Sheng Li rubbed the skin between his brows and mmed his hand against the bed. "How can I expect anything from her?" Sheng Li annoyingly muttered. He stood up from the bed and threw the porcin jar that was ced on the table there. Ying Lili, who had opened the door, heard the breaking sound of a porcin jar but she did not want to go to check on the Crown Prince as it would have only resulted in more tension between them.


    She came out and found Xing-Fu gave a suppressed smile seeing her. But, she did not bother to ask about that and walked away from there. Xing-Fu quickly went inside the resting chamber and saw the broken jar near the bed.


    "Your highness is her highness angry at you because you p-p"


    "Why are you stuttering?" Sheng Li shouted at Xing-Fu.


    "... painted the Crown Princess''s face?" Xing-Fupleted his words quickly. Sheng Li immediately ran out of his chamber. Sheng Li was so immersed in making Ying Lili understand his points that he almost forgot that he had painted earlier on her face. Luckily the Crown Princess had not left his manor. She was descending the stairs when Sheng Li gripped her arm.


    Sheng Li had already irked Ying Lili and now this act of him was irritating her more. "Leave," Ying Lili said sternly.


    "You will be aughing stock if I let you go now and that will anger you more," Sheng Li stated.


    "Huh?" Ying Lili was confused upon hearing the statement of Sheng Li when he carried her up in a bridal style. Ying Lili was shocked by this act of the Crown Prince. Ying Lili heard the giggles of the Court Lady Xu and maidservants who were following her. "What is it? Leave me at this instant if you do not want to get a beating," Ying Lili looked menacingly at Sheng Li.


    "Oh! So, you can beat too? We will see thatter. Wrap your hand around my neck," Sheng Li stated.


    "No, I do not want to. Just leave me here," Ying Lili snapped at him.


    Sheng Li turned and saw some twenty stairs. "If I will leave you, then you will fall down those stairs and might break either your hand or leg or probably both. Do you want me to do that?" Sheng Li gazed back at Ying Lili who still did not wrap her hands around Sheng Li''s neck. So, he loosened her grip on her slightly, which terrified Ying Lili, and she quickly wrapped her hands around Sheng Li''s neck.


    Sheng Li ascended the stairs and took Ying Lili back to the Resting Chamber. As soon as they arrived there, Sheng Li threw Ying Lili on the bed, which baffled her. She shot res at him. Sheng Li went to the table on the left side of the chamber and opened the door. Taking out the mirror, he closed the drawer and went to the bed.


    "Your face is looking lovely. This is your true beauty," Sheng Li said while suppressing hisughter. Ying Lili took the mirror from Sheng Li and looked at herself.


    She widened her eyes, seeing herself in the mirror. There were three ck lines on both of her cheeks and a ck dot on her nose tip. "You did this, right?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li who gave a smirk to Ying Lili.


    "I had a dream in which I saw a wild cat attacking me but, when I woke up I saw you and realized that there is only one wildcat, that is you. But, something was off with your face so I just showed my artistic skills to enhance your beauty," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili while appreciating himself and ended upughing. Controlling hisughs, Sheng Li continued, "I was so lost in talking to you that I almost forgot that I painted on your face. This is my first time, and I did brilliant work."

 Chapter 84 - No One Ever Loved Me

    <h4>Chapter 84 - No One Ever Loved Me</h4>


    Ying Lili was ring at Sheng Li who was still suppressing hisughs. She put the mirror on the bed and got down from it. Sheng Li got confused seeing this. He stopped Ying Lili by grabbing her arm. "Where are you going?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili jerked off Sheng Li''s hand from under her arm. "Stop pulling pranks like a kid," Ying Lili said with exasperation.


    "Why are you angry? My mood is fine, now so, better not to start a fight again with me. Let me clean your face first or have you nned to roam with this pretty face of yours throughout the Pce?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili and again grabbed her arm.


    "But my mood is ruined. You are the one who started a fight with me and then you said bluntly that I saved you because of my selfish reasons. How could you say that? Do you really think I would have wanted you to die?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li turned Ying Lili towards him and lifted her chin with his index finger. "I said it because you said those words to me when I saw you for the first time and asked you if you want to marry me. Why would you not want me to die? I am the man opposite that you always wished for," Sheng Li reasoned as he peered into the eyes of Ying Lili.


    "But it does not mean that I want my husband to die. Indeed, you are not the man which I wished for, but it does not mean that you cannot be that man of my wishes," Ying Lili answered.


    Sheng Li never expected this kind of answer from Ying Lili. A husband like him, no woman desired for! He was the definition of danger from whom women tried running away- not only women but men too. Only a few could understand him. Ying Lili was the same at first, but why all out of a sudden she was behaving like that, Sheng Li wanted to know.


    "You think I can be the man of your wishes?!" Sheng Li was astonished and amused upon hearing Ying Lili''sst statement.


    "Can''t you? If I can be the woman you want to have, then why can''t you be the man I always wanted?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    Sheng Li snickered in amusement. "Women never wished for a husband like me. Do you know why?" Sheng Li asked. Ying Lili refused inly.


    "Because I never show mercy. I am emotionless and heartless. I want to survive and rule this world and for that, if I have to kill anyone close to me, I will. I will not even hesitate to kill any of my brothers to rule this world. It does not matter to me if I will end up alone," Sheng Li pronounced. His gaze did not leave Ying Lili''s even for a second.


    "You are wrong. You are not heartless, nor are you emotionless. Yesterday I saw myself. Everyone wants to survive in this world and there is nothing wrong with that. You also hesitate to kill¡­ it is just you want to portray yourself as supreme," Ying Lili counter replied Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li curled up his lips, and a sly smile formed over them. "No one ever loved me because I do not love," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You are wrong again. Your two brothers love you and your father- he also loves you. What about General Wang and General Xiao? They also love you. You also get worried about them and care for them," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows. How should he make Ying Lili understand that he was way more selfish than she thought? But then why should he even tell her those things. "You talked too much. If this ink will not be removed soon, then you have to stay with this face throughout your life. I have no issue with this face but I think you and others might have." Sheng Li changed the topic quickly.


    Ying Lili touched her cheeks when Sheng Li told her to stay there. He walked out of his chamber and after five minutes he came back. He had a white cotton cloth in his hand and a phial too. Sheng Li opened the phial and tilted it on the cotton cloth. He closed the phial quickly and ced it near his waistband pocket.


    Sheng Li gripped the cotton cloth between his fingers and ced his other hand behind Ying Lili''s back head as he brought her closer to him. He started cleaning the ink from Ying Lili''s cheeks. "Ahh," Ying Lili screamed as Sheng Li wiped her cheek with a substantial force.


    Sheng Li pulled his hand back and looked at Ying Lili with inquisitiveness. "Can''t you be gentle?" Ying Liliined as she ced her hand on her left cheek. "Don''t act like a crybaby. I was gentle," Sheng Li stated and removed Ying Lili''s hand from the left cheek.


    This time, he was gentle. Soon he cleaned both cheeks and pinched Ying Lili''s nose tip. "It suits you," Sheng Li mumbled as a smile formed on his lips. Ying Lili hit Sheng Li hard on his arm and the two red at each other. "You are getting violent day by day. I have to find a way to control your violence, wild cat," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li who was carefully wiping her nose tip.


    Ying Lili stared at Sheng Li until he was done cleaning Ying Lili''s face. "It''s done. You can look at the mirror," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and met her eyes. He snapped his fingers in front of Ying Lili''s eyes who blinked and stepped back. She picked the mirror and checked her face. "It is clean. I shall wash my face. Never do this again," Ying Lili stated, and turned back to him.


    "Do you want to shoot arrows with me after having lunch?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who was delighted to hear that.


    "Of course! If I will win, then you will fulfill my wish," Ying Lili quickly bet on that.


    "You can ask anything but you cannot ask anything for your uncle''s family else I will turn your mother also into a ve," Sheng Li put forward his condition.


    Ying Lili was out of words after hearing Sheng Li''s condition. "Okay, I understood," Ying Lili replied.

 Chapter 85 - Fulfilling My Wish For The Second Time!

    <h4>Chapter 85 - Fulfilling My Wish For The Second Time!</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan was sitting in front of the dressing table,bing her hair. "The First Prince is here, your highness," a maidservant informed Xue Yu-Yan who stoppedbing and put theb on the table.


    "You can leave," Xue Yu-Yan told the maidservant who bowed her head; took a few steps back before turning back and leaving the chamber. Xue Yu-Yan stood up from the chair and came towards the chaise to sit on it. Jian Guozhi hade there and was in anger.


    "Why are you angry?" Xue Yu-Yan asked. Jian Guozhi was ring at her. He marched towards her and grabbed her neck.


    "Why did your father ask for the death punishment for Ying Lili? You told him, right? I told you that I will make you Empress only when you will get along with me and not harm Ying¨¦r." Jian Guozhi pressed his fingers on Xue Yu-Yan''s neck whose sharp nails were digging in Jian Guozhi''s hand.


    "L-leave," Xue Yu-Yan said with difficulty. Jian Guozhi pulled his hand back while Xue Yu-Yan took a deep breath. Once she was stable, Xue Yu-Yan stood up from the chaise and pped Jian Guozhi.


    "You think you can control me. Do not forget that you are nothing without my family''s support. You cannot even save your position and tell me to get along with you. Why would it matter to me if Ying Lili got punished or not? I told you already it has nothing to do with me. Ask your mother who nned all this rather than shouting and getting angry at me," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced furiously as she touched her neck.


    She went to the dressing table and picked a mirror from there. "It reddened," Xue Yu-Yan murmured. Jian Guozhi got irritated seeing Xue Yu-Yan. She was indeed power-hungry. "Once I get that Crown, I will make sure to show you your ce. I will take the Revenge of this p, Yu-Yan," Jian Guozhi thought in his mind and left the chamber in anger.


    Seeing the closeness of the Crown Prince with the Crown Princess, and then Xue Yu-Yan''s words made him more furious which ruined his mood. He felt his worth was nil in the Pce despite being the eldest son. When Jian Guozhi expressed his desire to marry Ying Lili, it was immediately refused. Why? Because Sheng Li had to marry Ying Lili.


    Why him? Why did Sheng Li snatch away the things on which he had the right since birth? Why did the Emperor always favor a Prince younger than the First Prince? All this infuriated Jian Guozhi. He hade to the practice ground as he wanted to shoot some arrows when he saw the Crown Prince was also there with the Crown Princess.


    "He is even here," Jian Guozhi mumbled and clenched his fists when Sheng Li''s eyes fell on him.


    "My dear brother is also here!" Sheng Li said with a smile and with a bit of sarcasm. Ying Lili turned and saw Jian Guozhi.


    After ascending the stairs, Jian Guozhi reached the top tform from where arrows were shot at the target. Ying Lili lowered her head and greeted the First Prince. "Can I join the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess in this shooting game?" Jian Guozhi asked for permission.


    "Brother, I am afraid, but today the Crown Princess and I have a match. Why do you not watch us?!" Sheng Li suggested. Jian Guozhi nodded and sat on a chair there.


    Sheng Li stood behind Ying Lili and tied her hair into a bun. "Next timee with tied hair in the practice ground," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.


    Jian Guozhi was looking at them and was feeling disheartened. His blood was boiling, looking at Sheng Li who was smiling with Ying Lili.


    "Lili, try winning this time, else you might end up fulfilling my wish for the second time," Sheng Li asserted and came in front of her. He had two silk ribbons in his hand. "Give me your hand," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Why?"


    Sheng Li, without responding to her, grabbed her hand and looked at the sleeves. "These need to be tied, otherwise you will not be able to give your best. I do not want you to me meter when you will lose the bet." Sheng Li was confident that he would defeat Ying Lili again. He moved the silk ribbon over Ying Lili''s forearm and tied the long sleeves. He did the same on the other hand.


    Sheng Li turned his gaze to a soldier there and asked him to bring a bow and arrow set. The soldier quickly came to the Crown Prince and handed a bow and quiver.


    Sheng Li handed the quiver to Ying Lili who put it around her shoulder. "There are ten arrows. We have to shoot ten times in the middle of those targets. The target is two hundred meters away from us. One who scores maximum will win the game," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and handed her the bow. The soldier gave another bow and arrow set to the Crown Prince and went back to his ce. "Shall I start or will you?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "You shall start," Ying Lili replied to Sheng Li who nodded and took out the first arrow from the quiver and put it in the bow.


    "The Crown Prince is the best archer among us," Ying Lili heard the First Prince who was watching them. "But I will cheer for the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Sheng Li stretched the string of the bow. His eyes were fixated on the target. Ying Lili was gazing at him when the arrow was shot. The speed was so enormous that it was almost invisible to the eyes. The arrow hit right in the middle of the wooden target.


    He took out a second arrow from the quiver and shot it again. The arrow, which was already in the middle of the set target, was pierced with the second arrow.


    Ying Lili observed that Sheng Li indeed had good shooting skills and his concentration was immense. Facing no difficulty, Sheng Li shot ten arrows on the same target board, piercing one arrow after the other. He put his hand down and looked at Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili took out the first bow from the quiver and ced it on the bow. Pulling the string on the bow, she for a minute analyzed the direction of the wind, which was the most favorable factor in shooting the arrow. She shot the first arrow without any difficulty. Jian Guozhi pped for the Crown Princess as the arrow hit the center of the target.


    Ying Lili grabbed the second arrow and drew it from the bow. The arrow pierced the previous one, which astonished Sheng Li. "So, she knows how to shoot," Sheng Li thought as Ying Lili kept hitting the targets. Now was thest arrow that needed to be hit at the target.


    Ying Lili noticed the wind flow was not favorable and if Ying Lili would hit, then she might lose to him. Ying Lili waited for the wind to be stable and after a while, she shot the arrow. Sheng Li turned his gaze towards the target. "I think you have missed," Sheng Li asserted.


    "No, I did not," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "What if you did?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili. "Let''s check it there," Sheng Li stated and went to the stairs. Ying Lili and Jian Guozhi also followed Sheng Li.


    "Look you missed. The arrow shot by you is touching the white outline around the red," Sheng Li proimed as he looked at the wooden target in front of him.


    Ying Lili went to the other target to look if Sheng Li had missed any of the arrows, but there was none. "You are cheating. It is not even touching that white outline," Ying Lili argued with Sheng Li. Jian Guozhi too checked the targets hit by both of them and found the arrow shot by Ying Lili was indeed slightly touching the white outline.


    "I never cheat. We had a fair match, Lili. You have lost so you have to fulfill a wish of mine," Sheng Li remarked.


    "The Crown Prince is saying the right thing. Your highness has indeed missed the target," Jian Guozhi too intervened between them. Ying Lili huffed as she took out the quiver that was hanging on her back and threw it towards Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li caught it and wondered what could be the reason for Ying Lili''s sudden anger. "Okay, I will fulfill your wish. Tell me what do you want?" Ying Lili asked as she red at Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li smiled. "Will you be able to give me that?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "If it will be in my capacity, then I will," Ying Lili replied. Jian Guozhi was wondering what the Crown Prince could ask from Ying Lili and keenly looked at him.


    "I will tell youter," Sheng Li stated, and gave a smile to Ying Lili.


    He then turned to Jian Guozhi and spoke. "Brother, we two met each other after such a long time. Let''s shoot arrows together for a while." Jian Guozhi knitted his brows. "Do not be confused. I just want to have a friendly match with my brother as well," Sheng Li continued.

 Chapter 86 - Pay For His Crimes

    <h4>Chapter 86 - Pay For His Crimes</h4>


    "Will there be a bet between us as well?" Jian Guozhi with inquisitiveness looked at Sheng Li who was checking the arrow. Ying Lili hade towards Sheng Li and stood beside him.


    Sheng Li gave a slightugh upon hearing the request of Jian Guozhi. "A bet? I wonder what kind of bet my brother wants to make!" Sheng Li proimed as he suppressed his smile. At that moment, Xiao Zhan came there.


    He greeted the Crown Prince first, followed by the Crown Princess and the First Prince. Xiao Zhan whispered something in the ear of Sheng Li whose facial expressions turned to a serious one.


    Xiao Zhan stepped back while Sheng Li looked at Jian Guozhi. "Forgive me, dear brother, but I have something urgent. Let''s y this game some other time," Sheng Li politely said.


    Jian Guozhi nodded. "I will wait for the next time, your highness," Jian Guozhi replied and left from there. Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili. "Go to Zhenzhu Inn. I will see you in the night," Sheng Li with a smile said and then leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear. "I will tell you to fulfill that wish in the night," he whispered, and then leaned back.


    Noticing the reaction on the Crown Princess''s face, Sheng Li ended up giggling but he soon stopped. "General Xiao, drop the Crown Princess to Zhenzhu Inn," Sheng Li ordered Xiao. Xiao Zhan told Ying Lili to follow him. Ying Lili left the ce with Xiao.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, went to his Manor. Once he reached there, Xing-Fu bowed his head. "General Wang is waiting for his highness in the Waiting Room," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince.


    "Only let Xiao Zhan into the Waiting Room. If you let anyonee there, then this will be yourst day here." Sheng Li threatened Xing-Fu and walked towards the Waiting Room. He opened the door and closed it from behind. He pushed the beaded curtains away and saw Wang Hao there.


    The Crown Prince was happy to see General Wang there. Wang Hao came forward to Sheng Li and bent on his knees. He brought both of his hands to the length of his shoulders and bowed his head. "Greetings to his highness from Wang Hao."


    "You may stand up," Sheng Li said. Wang Hao had worn blue-colored robes with a ck headband around his forehead. "Have a seat," Sheng Li told Wang Hao, and they both sat around a wooden table.


    "I am happy to see you safe and sound," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    "I found from Xiao that you were poisoned by the Prime Minister," Wang Hao said anxiously. Sheng Li hummed at him.


    "I got the antidote at the right time. It was not only the Prime Minister but the Empress as well," Sheng Li proimed with abhorrence.


    Wang Hao saw the hatred and pain in the eyes of the Crown Prince. He could easily see through the Crown Prince because he was with him since his childhood days. He had seen how the Empress had treated the Crown Prince.


    "Thanks to the Crown Princess, nothing happened to his highness. I knew that the Crown Princess will love his highness," Wang Hao tried cheering up the mood of the Crown Prince who chuckled hearing those praise words towards Ying Lili.


    "Wang Hao, what did you say? Loving me!? Do you even know how much we fight in a day?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked Wang Hao who puckered his lips to suppress his smile.


    "Forgive me, your highness," Wang Hao apologized. "Your highness, the rebellions in the Southern Province are shaped by the First Consort of his majesty. You know the Ju Family is in dominance in South-western province. Prince Yongzheng''s mother wants the Crown Prince to be away from the Pce for some time. So, they created the revolts there," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li.


    The door was opened and Xiao Zhan came there. "Your highness, I dropped her highness to Zhenzhu Inn," Xiao Zhan stated. Sheng Li gestured to him to sit on the chair beside Wang Hao.


    "Basically, they want to find a way to take away the Crown from his highness. Is the Empress with them, I wonder?!" Wang Hao said skeptically.


    "The Empress would never join hands with the father''s first consort. She wants the Crown for the First Prince and wants to secure his position first," Sheng Li opined.


    "General Wang, did you find any evidence regarding that?" Xiao Zhan asked.


    "I could not gather evidence. The security in Ju Pce is extremely tight. Amidst that tight security, I managed to get there and could only hear the Governor''s conversation with his most favorable minister there. The First Consort of his majesty had sent a message to her brother to keep the Crown Prince away from the Pce," Wang Hao proimed.


    Sheng Li could not believe that everyone in the Pce wanted him either not to return or to die. "You gathered a piece of very useful information. I thought that Consort Yao would have stopped her attempts to send me away from the Pce, but she did not change a bit," Sheng Li snickered and mmed his hand on the table.


    "Your highness, we have to put an end to the Ju Family. It is rebellious since the time of yourte grandfather but because it increased the economy of Han, no action was taken against them. I think his highness shall discuss the matter with his majesty," Wang Hao advised, stressing his words.


    "I will, but before that, I want to give a surprise to the Prime Minister. I was on the verge of death thanks to him," Sheng Li muttered.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan agreed with the Crown Prince.


    "The Lantern Festival is after two days. Your highness, I am keeping a check on their activities as they can further n to harm you and the Crown Princess," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    Sheng Li smirked and said, "Lantern Festival will be the best asion of my life. The Prime Minister has been on my nerves for a very long time. I could hardly bear the sight of this enemy for such a long time. It is the time that he shall pay for his crimes," Sheng Li pronounced.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well! Thank you to all of you who sent messages of encouragement to me. I will not get dishearten like this and will keep working on my writing skills.


    Thank you for the votes as well. Today I will give 5 chaps as mass release as you readers gave more than 500 votes to the story in a week.


    So stay tuned to the story.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 87 - Waste My Wish On Something Like This?

    <h4>Chapter 87 - Waste My Wish On Something Like This?</h4>


    Ying Lili was removing the golden bangles from her wrists as she looked at herself in the mirror. "What will he ask for? Last time he scared me to Hell," Ying Lili murmured. "Why did I even agree to sleep with him? What shall I do now? Shall I send a message that I have already eaten and fallen asleep?" Ying Lili muttered.


    Ying Lili removed the Crown from her head and the other head essories quickly. Once she was done, she called Court Lady Xu who came inside the chamber in a minute. "Court Lady Xu, send the message to the Crown Prince that I have taken my dinner and have fallen asleep," Ying Lili stated.


    Court Lady Xu lifted her head and looked at the Crown Princess. "But your highness, you have not taken your dinner. The Crown Prince might get angry if he finds out that the Crown Princess lied to him," Court Lady Xu suggested to the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "I am going to eat and sleep quickly. I am not lying to him," she cleared herself.


    "Your highness, are you afraid of spending a night with the Crown Prince?" Court Lady Xu politely asked. Ying Lili moved her fingers one over the other, as she was indeed nervous. Court Lady Xu made Ying Lili sit on the bed there.


    "Your highness, the Crown Prince is not like the other man. His highness will not start things with you until you permit him. I have seen that the Crown Prince has started liking you and he likes to be around you. Do not run away from his highness, instead embrace him. He is the Crown Prince so, her highness has to give birth to the Royal heir as well in the future but if her highness will keep running like this, then I am afraid, the Crown Prince will be forced to take a concubine," Court Lady Xu politely exined to the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili was still confused. She knew that the Crown Prince likes to tease her, nothing more. "I do not have any problem if he brings a concubine for him," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    Court Lady Xu looked at the Crown Princess in disbelief. "Your highness, you are young and naive. If you are brought together by this beautiful rtionship then why not put effort into it?" Court Lady Xu spoke and looked for an answer from Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili recalled how she told the Crown Prince that she wanted to be the woman of his desires then why she was running away now. But she had not developed a liking towards him. "Okay, I understood your point," Ying Lili replied.


    "What did you understand?" Sheng Li who was standing behind a white curtain asked. Ying Lili jumped in fear if Sheng Li heard her conversation with Court Lady Xu while the Court Lady Xu lowered her head in fear.


    Sheng Li came inside and looked at Ying Lili. "Send dinner for us," Sheng Li ordered Court Lady Xu who bowed her head and left the chamber. Ying Lili stood up from the bed while Sheng Li came towards her. "I asked you a question," Sheng Li stated.


    "Nothing. She was telling me about the Pce rules," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili''s face for a while and then went to the dining table. Ying Lili followed him and they sat in their respective seats.


    "You have good shooting skills," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili did not reply to him, which perplexed him. "What happened? You are lost somewhere. Is there something you want to ask me?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    "I am not," Ying Lili replied.


    "Your face is saying otherwise," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili still did not respond to him. "I think I shall ask Court Lady Xu," Sheng Li stated when Ying Lili stopped him.


    "Trust me, nothing is going on," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Lili, I will ask the Court Lady if you will not tell me," Sheng Li repeated his words with a menacing expression. Ying Lili gave up in front of Sheng Li. Why was she even talking about those things with the Court Lady? She was now internally cursing herself.


    "Okay, I am telling. She was just making me understand that I shall not push my husband away," Ying Lili finally said, peering into the eyes of Sheng Li and continued, "My husband might end up having a concubine if I-I," Ying Lili closed her eyes as she was still nervous.


    "Why do you trust others so easily?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who, hearing his question, opened her eyes. "I told you already if I had to y with women then I would have a harem by now," Sheng Li remarked.


    "But I am talking about having a concubine. I mean if I... I," Ying Lili stuttered again.


    "I will never allow myself to have a concubine. Let''s drop this topic," Sheng Li stated when three maidservants came inside with trays in their hands behind Court Lady Xu. They served the meals to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. One maid tasted the food first. "Your highness can start eating," the maidservant replied.


    Court Lady Xu walked out with the three maidservants. Sheng Li started eating, and so did Ying Lili. There was utter silence between the two. Soon they were done eating. The maids cleaned the table.


    Sheng Li removed his overcoat and ced it on the chaise. Ying Lili was looking at him when he opened the hair bun and his hair flung till his shoulders. cing the Crown on the dressing table, Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and walked towards her. Ying Lili, who was still standing near the table, took a step back and lowered her eyes.


    Sheng Li wrapped his hand around Ying Lili''s waist and from the other hand, he gently gripped Ying Lili''s chin. "It is the time I shall ask for my second wish," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Sorry, I am not ready for that," Ying Lili immediately replied without knowing what Sheng Li was going to ask her.


    "Huh?" There was a skeptical expression on the face of the Crown Prince. He saw how terrified Ying Lili was, which made himugh. Controlling hisugh, Sheng Li asked, "You are not ready for what? What are you thinking in your mind?"


    "What you are thinking!" Ying Lili answered, looking at him innocently. "And, what am I thinking?" Sheng Li asked another question.


    "That you want t-to¡­ consummate with me," Ying Lili after a pausepleted her words.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed, raising his brow. "So, you and Court Lady Xu were talking about this?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who refused.


    "I am in a good mood, so I will pretend I did not hear. Why would I waste my wish on something like this?" Sheng Li muttered. Ying Lilli felt embarrassed for thinking about all those things.


    "So, what is your wish?" Ying Lili asked.


    "You have to go to the residence of the Prime Minister with me but not as the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess but as spies," Sheng Li expressed his wish to Ying Lili.

 Chapter 88 - You Want Me To Kiss You?

    <h4>Chapter 88 - You Want Me To Kiss You?</h4>


    The Crown Prince demanded fulfillment of a wish which Ying Lili would not have thought of even in her dreams. How could she think that the Crown Prince would ask for something like that when their affection towards each other had not even grown a bit? But the wish that Sheng Li had put forward was not understandable to Ying Lili. Why was he asking her to be a spy?


    "Sheng Li, if you had asked me to be a spy I would have agreed with you. Why did you ask this as a wish?" Ying Lili confusedly asked.


    "I have notpleted my words. You would have stepped back once you will know where we actually need to go," Sheng Li affirmed and asked, "Have you ever done spying?"


    Ying Lili shook her head in refusal. "Then, this is your first time. Good to hear!" Sheng Li muttered and took a folded paper from near the waistband. He opened it and ced it on the table. Ying Lili saw the paper had the map drawn on it. "This is the map of the residence of the Prime Minister. He lives in the Northern block, so you need to go inside his chamber," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili was bewildered to hear that. "It is risky," Ying Lili spoke. "I cannot do this," Ying Lili stepped back.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I knew it, that''s why I put forward it as a wish," Sheng Li asserted. "You told me that you want to be a woman of my desires so this is the first step towards that," Sheng Li further added.


    "But Sheng Li if we two are going there then you can also go in. Why me?" Ying Lili demanded an answer.


    "Because I have another important thing to check there. That is more dangerous than this," Sheng Li replied.


    "What about General Xiao?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "He will be with me toplete that important work," Sheng Li asserted. "I always take risks. Are you afraid? It seemed I was wrong that you could..." Ying Lili cut Sheng Li''s words in the middle.


    "I will do it," Ying Lili affirmed. Sheng Li smiled and made her sit on the chair. "From a spy, I have found that the Prime Minister has a secret room inside his chamber. You see, the Prime Minister has only appointed women in his manor. He knows that Han does not train women in these types of things and even sometimes women do note forward. The only woman that I have faith in is you so, you are the best to go there. Your warfare skills are also refined, so I do not need to put much effort on you," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "What is inside that secret room?" Ying Lili with an inquisitive expression looked at Sheng Li.


    "That is your work to find out. He is my biggest enemy for now and I have to throw him out of his position as soon as possible else he will be a threat to uster," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili agreed with Sheng Li and looked at the map.


    "When do we have to go there?"


    "In the middle of the night, that is after four hours," Sheng Li replied. "Till then I will exin everything to you," Sheng Li asserted as he pulled out the other chair for him. Ying Lili was keenly listening to Sheng Li. It took an hour for Ying Lili to understand everything.


    Sheng Li then took out a dagger from his waistband and forwarded it to Ying Lili. "It is my gift for you. I know, unlike other women, you are not interested in precious jewelry or clothes so I thought that it would be the best for you." Ying Lili was delighted to see that dagger. She picked it up and pulled it out from the silver scabbard. Sheng Li smiled, seeing the reactions on Ying Lili''s face.


    "You are gifting me? That is so strange!" Ying Lili remarked.


    "You saved my life, so it is a small present from my side," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili touched the de when she heard Sheng Li, "Be careful. It is very sharp." Ying Lili peered at him as she moved her finger on the de and it got a cut. She passed a low scream when Sheng Li immediately grabbed Ying Lili''s wrist.


    "I told you not to y with that." Unconsciously, Sheng Li brought Ying Lili''s index finger towards his lips and sucked it to stop the blood flow. Ying Lili widened her eyes when Sheng Li realized what he did. He parted his lips while Ying Lili pulled her finger back.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze and closed his eyes while Ying Lili saw that the blood had stoppeding out. Sheng Li again turned to her and took the dagger from Ying Lili which she was holding with the other hand. He put it back inside the scabbard and put it on the table.


    "So, you understand what you have to do, right?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili to confirm she had no more doubts left.


    "I will not be caught. I am confident about that but still what if I get caught?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li with a menacing expression.


    "I will be there. So, do not worry. I will not let you get caught by anyone. Just do not lose your confidence. I am trusting you in taking such a colossal task so, do not return empty-handed. If you return with nothing, then I will perceive you the same as the other women with no special skills," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili''s query.


    "You will not be disappointed. What about you? What are you and General Xiao up to?" Ying Lili was curious. "By the way, there is one simple way to take the Prime Minister down. You can use Xue Yu-Yan," Ying Lili suggested and smiled.


    "In what context are you saying? Do you think I still love her?" Sheng Li looked for an answer from Ying Lili.


    "You confessed many times how much you love her? You can ask her about this secret room. I have seen how she looks at you, so she will tell you immediately." Ying Lili started teasing Sheng Li and stood up from the chair


    Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s arm and pulled her towards him such that she fell on hisp. Their faces were so close to each other that they could hear and feel each other''s breath. "Teasing me is fun, right?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "No. Did I tease you?" Ying Lili got up when Sheng Li pulled her back and wrapped his one hand around Ying Lili''s waist, not letting her move.


    "You want me to kiss you?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, which startled her.

 Chapter 89 - To Enlighten My Mood

    <h4>Chapter 89 - To Enlighten My Mood</h4>


    "You are the first one who teased me like this and I shall repay you for teasing me," Sheng Li amusingly said. Ying Lili was moving her lips, but she could not speak when she felt Sheng Li''s thumb over her lips. Ying Lili''s eyes were fluttering when she ced her hand on his hand. She moved it aside, "Do not y with me."


    "You started ying with me, didn''t you?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "I-I was not ying. The things you told me, I just told you that back," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li chuckled and said, "I told you many times that I do not love her, but you still prefer to go against my words. Is this a way to grab my attention towards you?" Sheng Li''s questions after questions were making Ying Lili fidget because if she would say anything to him, she did not know how he would react.


    Still gathering her entire courage, Ying Lili gave a reply to Sheng Li. "I never sought your attention. I did not know you would take it the other way," Ying Lili replied and bit her lower lip slightly, which felt seductive to Sheng Li.


    "Why did you do that?" Sheng Li queried as he moved his eyes back to Ying Lili''s who was bewildered upon hearing the query of Sheng Li.


    "I did what?" Sheng Li could not believe that the Crown Princess would be that innocent. He pushed Ying Lili away, and shended on the floor. That was shocking for Ying Lili. Right away she turned to look at Sheng Li who was lost somewhere. She huffed in anger and stood up.


    "Are you insane? Why did you throw me away?" Ying Lili screamed at Sheng Li and using her fist hit him hard on the shoulder. Sheng Li tilted his head to look at Ying Lili who was ring at him. He stood up from the chair when Ying Lili again raised her hand to hit him, but he caught it and pulled her towards him.


    "Enough, Wild cat! Your useless acts will not affect me in any way but yes, they can annoy me," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili fluttered her eyes, unable to get what Sheng Li meant. He released her hand and pushed her away.


    Sheng Li went to the bed andid down on it. Ying Lili saw Sheng Li was opening the knot on his upper jacket, so she turned away. Sheng Li noticed that and sat up on the bed. He removed his upper jacket and put it aside on the bed. "Lili,e here," Sheng Limanded her.


    Ying Lili turned and saw Sheng Li was seated on the bed with no upper clothes. "Lili, give me a shoulder massage," Sheng Li requested.


    "Why? Ask the maidservant," Ying Lili immediately refused, which Sheng Li had expected.


    "When I have a wife then, why do I need to ask the maidservant?" Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. Ying Lili jumped in fear as she heard him and turned to look at him.


    "You have seen me like this earlier too so, why are you blushing? Do not tell me seeing me like this, you are getting excited," Sheng Li teased Ying Lili who kept neutral expressions on her face.


    "I am not blushing and wear your upper jacket. I can massage with the clothes on as well." Sheng Li felt as if Ying Lili was scolding him, but he did not budge from his ce. Ying Lili went to the bed and threw the overcoat towards Sheng Li, which he caught.


    "Wear that," Ying Lili said with a re. Sheng Li quietly wore that but did not tie a knot on it. He went to the bed and sat there. "Let''s see if your hands have that magic which can rx me," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili extended her fingers while putting her fingers together and started applying the light pressure on both of the shoulders. Ying Lili pressed the muscles lightly up and down, which rxed Sheng Li when a smirk formed on Ying Lili''s lips. She started pressing her fingers hard on both shoulders and Sheng Li screamed. "Ahh, what are you doing?" Sheng Li asked and turned his head to look at her when Ying Lili turned his face ahead.


    "This is a special massage invented by me," Ying Lili replied and kept squeezing Sheng Li''s shoulder muscles. She quickly fisted her both hands and started hitting him on the shoulders. "Lili, stop! You are beating me," Sheng Liined, but she did not listen to him and continued doing that.


    "This is a very special massage, Sheng Li. I am telling you, every inch of your shoulder muscles will rx after having this massage," Ying Lili proimed while suppressing herughter. Sheng Li could not take it further when he heard Ying Lili''s giggles, so he swiftly turned to her, grabbed both of her hands, and pinned her down on the bed.


    "You yed enough and enjoyed the show," Sheng Li stated as he saw a smile on Ying Lili''s face.


    "Why? Do you not want to get a massage from your wife?" Ying Lili, with a grin, asked and again giggled.


    Sheng Li snickered seeing her and said, "You yed enough with me now it is my turn." The smile on Ying Lili''s lips disappeared upon hearing the statement of the Crown Prince. "I want to enlighten my m-mood," Ying Lili asserted when she saw Sheng Li was getting closer to her.


    "Do you know what servants are thinking outside?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who shook her head.


    "Do you know what I will do next?" Sheng Li further asked. Ying Lili gulped upon hearing his questions. Ying Lili moved her hands to get them released from Sheng Li''s grip, but he did not let them go. Sheng Li moved closer and closer till the distance between their lips was minimal. Ying Lili closed her eyes. Sheng Li looked at her and chortled. "I will do the same with you to enlighten my mood," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips.

 Chapter 90 - I Cannot Feel Like This!

    <h4>Chapter 90 - I Cannot Feel Like This!</h4>


    Ying Lili had opened her eyes and was peering into Sheng Li''s eyes, frightened of what he would do next. Ying Lili tried to distract Sheng Li, so she said, "I think someone ising inside. Get away from me."


    "No one ising. My ears are sharper than yours and even if someone ising, then let them see us. Because of your foolishness, I am already questioned about my rtionship with you. You trusted that maidservant then announced such an amusing rtionship of ours in front of the world," Sheng Li taunted Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili averted her gaze from him. She knew that she made a mistake, but it did not mean that he could keep taunting her. "Didn''t I tell you not to show your kindness?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Why are you bringing the past now? I apologized to you for that. I realized that I made a mistake by trusting her too much," Ying Lili affirmed. Sheng Li snickered upon hearing Ying Lili''s response and let go of her arms. He sat up on the bed with his back towards Ying Lili, whereas Ying Lili kept lying on the bed.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili who sat up on the bed. "I never encountered such things in my home, so I never thought that people could be like that. Did you punish her?" Ying Lili then asked.


    "She is dead. She was poisoned," Sheng Li replied.


    "The Prime Minister is indeed cunning," Ying Lili stated as she moved forward and sat beside Sheng Li. "Would you mind if I ask you some questions?"


    Sheng Li turned his head towards Ying Lili. "What kind of questions?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Umm¡­ I want to know about you. I mean I shall know" Ying Lili could notplete her words as Sheng Li permitted her to ask. This delighted Ying Lili who was looking for this for many days.


    "What do you like?" Ying Lili asked her first question.


    "Do I need to answer?" Sheng Li''s reply did not surprise Ying Lili. "Apart from killing, what does the Crown Prince like?" Ying Lili formally asked.


    "Nothing," Sheng Li answered. Ying Lili twitched her lips. She murmured, "Why is he lying? That day he liked the song yed by me. Brother Wanxi told me that he likes to throw tantrums at every single thing."


    Sheng Liughed as he found how Ying Lili was mocking him. "I can hear you. Forget about that day," Sheng Li stressed hisst statement.


    "I do not easily forget," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li clenched his teeth and red at her.


    Ying Lili giggled seeing those reactions on Sheng Li''s face. "Do not ask me anything now," Sheng Li asserted and after taking a pause he continued, "That is the only day I remember her. That song seems beautiful to me only on that day. Once that day passes, I do not recall anything rted to her. So, do not irritate me by speaking about that day."


    Ying Lili found she was out of words. She wanted to know why he was like this. But would Sheng Li answer her? Never! Because she was not close enough to him.


    "That''s it? You do not want to ask anymore?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "No, I am asking. Tell me about your childhood." Ying Lili wanted to know about Sheng Li''s early life because Prince Nianzu had told her that Sheng Li was abused? as a child. So, she wanted to have an insight into Sheng Li''s childhood.


    "I do not remember that much. The only thing I remember is that I left the pce with my father at a young age and returned when I turned 11." Sheng Li did not want to tell anything rted to his past to Ying Lili as he thought she would pity him.


    Contrarily, Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li did not want to tell her anything. Maybe because they were not that close to each other and had no friendly rtionship till now. So, she did not ask him any more questions. She came down from the bed when Sheng Li asked her where she was going.


    "I am asking Court Lady Xu to bring some fruits for us. I am feeling hungry," Ying Lili replied and went out.


    "She ate so much earlier," Sheng Li murmured. Ten minutester, Ying Lili came inside with a tray in her hand. One bowl had some strawberries in it while the other had some apples. Ying Lili sat on the bed and peeled the apples quickly. "Give me some too," Sheng Li demanded.


    "First let me cut them," Ying Lili stated, and she cut the two apples into pieces. She picked a strawberry and ate that while Sheng Li ate the apples.


    "You shall eat strawberries as well," Ying Lili said with a smile and continued eating. Her lips turned red on which Sheng Li''s gaze fell. Ying Lili found Sheng Li was gazing at her. She had the strawberry between her lips and said, "W-what are you looking at? Eat."


    Sheng Li slid the tray away, which was ced between the two and moved closer to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili put the strawberry inside her mouth and chewed, then picked one strawberry for Sheng Li from the bowl. She brought it closer to his mouth, "Open your mouth." Sheng Li immediately came out of the thoughts which suddenly had formed inside his mind. He looked at Ying Lili who had her hand close to his lips. He opened his mouth and took the strawberry inside his mouth. His gaze was still fixated on Ying Lili''s eyes as he chewed it.


    "It is sweet, right?" Ying Lili asked with gleaming eyes.


    Sheng Li gave a nod. "Indeed, it is!" Sheng Li replied and moved back. "How can I think like that?" Sheng Li wondered. "I cannot feel like this," he told himself as he looked at Ying Lili who was enjoying eating the strawberries.

 Chapter 91 - I Might End Up Kissing You

    <h4>Chapter 91 - I Might End Up Kissing You</h4>


    "Don''t ever eat strawberries," Sheng Li annoyingly said, who had put his weight on his left elbow while his right leg was slightly bent and the left leg was straight.


    Ying Lili who was seated beside Sheng Li had an inquisitive expression. "Why are you saying so? I love strawberries," Ying Lili opined. Sheng Li''s lips moved up as a sly smile formed on them. He reached out his right hand towards Ying Lili who knitted her brows. But before she could understand, Sheng Li pulled her by cing his hand on her nape.


    The two stared at each other for a while before Sheng Li broke the ice. "I might end up kissing you if you eat them next time." Ying Lili blinked her eyes as a taint of red blush appeared on her cheeks.


    Sheng Li moved his thumb over Ying Lili''s lips, which shivered a bit when she further heard Sheng Li, "You seduced me twice today. If you do not want me to kiss you, then better not eat them ever again in front of me and do not try to act innocent." Ying Lili gulped, hearing his words.


    "You are again blushing," Sheng Li whispered as he let go of his hand from Ying Lili''s face. Ying Lili turned her back towards Sheng Li and touched her cheeks.


    "Why are they red and why am I feeling hot?" Ying Lili murmured.


    "You said something?" Ying Lili immediately shook her head to refuse. Sheng Li was amused by the reactions of the Crown Princess. He grabbed the Crown Princess''s arm and in one swift movement, he again drew her towards him such that the Crown Princessnded on his chest.


    Her soft hands had touched the bare chest of the Crown Prince who was grinning at her. "You do not struggle now. The first day you were hating getting close to me and now it seems otherwise," Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili pulled herself up when Sheng Li pushed her down using his arm, which was wrapped around her waist. "Do you think I will let you go without getting answers? I am curious to know about something. Remember what you told me on the wedding night?" Seeing Ying Lili''s bewildered expressions, he smiled.


    "You told me that you want me to die! Why? Because I am cruel and heartless. I am still finding a valid answer to this question - ''why did you save me?'' I do not think it is because I am your husband. You never considered me your husband, so why did you save me? Wasn''t that because only I could have saved you and your people?" Sheng Li queried and waited for Ying Lili''s response.


    "Do I need a reason to save you? I know you do not trust people easily, but I was just worried when you were in that state. I told you that I had misunderstandings regarding you at the beginning, which cleared out gradually. You were there for me whenever I got into trouble. You took the me for me and saved me. Only you can lead the Han Kingdom, and you have to wake up at that time. As I told you earlier, you are my husband, so I will be worried if anything happens to you," Ying Lili exined to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li was impressed by Ying Lili''s words. She thought only he could be the Emperor of the Han in the future. Indeed, their rtionship was getting finer with each passing day. The two had started to know and understand each other in a better way.


    Ying Lili was avoiding the dark icy gaze of Sheng Li, which bored through her, and at the same time, she was struggling to get away from him. The more she was pulling herself up, the more she was pulled back.


    "So, you think I am the most suitable Prince to be the next Emperor?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Yes."


    "Do you love me?" Sheng Li''s question baffled Ying Lili.


    "No," she replied right away as she widened her eyes.


    "Don''t love me because I may not reciprocate your feelings," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili nodded and moved her eyes over the face of Sheng Li.


    "So, there are still some chances that you may reciprocate my feelings, if I build a liking towards you," Ying Lili deduced. Both were staring into the eyes of each other while something strange was going on with them - a strange feeling inside their hearts, which they were not ready to ept.


    "Will you leave me now? It is getting awkward," Ying Lili finally spoke.


    "I have not held you. You are the one who is still clinging to my chest," Sheng Li replied with a smirk. Indeed, he was not holding her, which embarrassed Ying Lili. Her cheeks flushed red again. She immediately got up from him and turned her back to Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili again touched her cheeks from the back of her palm. "Xiao wille here soon with dresses for us. We will go out from the secret route so no one will suspect us. Do not make any mistakes there. Since we will be there at midnight, most of the maids will be asleep. Xiao and I will wait for you at the back gate. Do not hesitate to kill if you find anyone suspicious. I will fulfill your one wish depending on the type of information you will bring from there," Sheng Li again exined to Ying Lili but this time he offered a gift as well - a wish which he would fulfill.


    "I will do my best," Ying Lili affirmed. Court Lady Xu came inside and halted where the white curtains were hanging. "Your highness, General Xiao has sent this." Sheng Li came down from the bed and took the dresses from Court Lady Xu.


    "Do not let anyone know about this," Sheng Li whispered. Court Lady Xu bowed her head and walked out from there. Ying Lili hade near him when Sheng Li handed her the dress, a white-colored Hanfu dress.


    "The maids in the Residence of the Prime Minister wear white only. Change into them. I will not look at you so you can change here. Just blow off the candles," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he handed the dress to her.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Sorry for thiste update. I was sick since the morning so I could not upload the chapter. This chapter was written yesterday. I will not upload for 2-3 days because I am still feeling weak. Hope you will understand.


    Please keep voting on the story. This week''s target is 1000 votes so, let''s reach there. I will do a mass release ordingly after achieving the target.


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 Chapter 92 - I Believe Her

    <h4>Chapter 92 - I Believe Her</h4>


    After blowing the candles, Ying Lili went to the other end of the bed, which was at the center, and pulled the curtains down so that Sheng Li could not see her. She undid her dress and quickly wore the white Hanfu dress. Once she was done, she came towards Sheng Li. "I am done. You shall change too," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li turned to look at Ying Lili and looked at her from head to toe.


    "What shall I do with my face? Other maids will recognize me," Ying Lili worriedly said.


    "First tie your hair to a bun. I will tell you then," Sheng Li stated. He went to the other side of the chamber and changed his clothes. Ying Lili went towards the dressing table and picked up theb. She wasbing her hair when she saw the reflection of Sheng Li in the mirror. Sheng Li was undressing when she turned her gaze away and closed her eyes.


    Sheng Li had worn ck-colored robes, which were generally worn by spies. He tied a ck headband around his forehead and came towards Ying Lili. "You did not tie your hair," Sheng Li said when Ying Lili opened her eyes.


    She tilted her head to look at him and saw he was ready. "I-I was doing," Ying Lili replied as she put theb down at the table. Tying her hair into a bun, she kept it on the ce using a hairpin when Sheng Li stopped her.


    "Do not use a silver hairpin," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. "I gave you thatmoner''s hairpin the other day. Use that," he suggested. Ying Lili opened the drawer and took out the hairpin, which was made of metal. She used that and then turned to Sheng Li.


    The Crown Prince stepped closer to Ying Lili who had a white silk fabric in his hand. He tied it around Ying Lili''s face such that it covered her nose and mouth. "Won''t they suspect me more?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li as she pulled the fabric down.


    Sheng Li flicked at Ying Lili''s forehead. "Ouch," Ying Lili touched her forehead.


    "Just tell them there is a giant mole near your lips which makes you look not so beautiful or tell them that you have got many pimples there," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he tied the silk fabric again around her face. Ying Lili was staring at him while he was saying all this when her gaze met his.


    Sheng Li immediately stepped back and looked away. "Grab the dagger that I gifted you earlier and follow me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. Ying Lili went to the table and picked the dagger from there.


    "Let''s go," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who nodded, and the two walked out from there. Using the secret route, they soon met Xiao Zhan who was waiting for them, and Wang Hao as well. Wang Hao formally greeted the Crown Princess and asked her how she was doing.


    "Of course she is doing fine. The one who was not doing well was me," Sheng Li said in a bit of sarcasm. Wang Hao smiled slightly seeing how the Crown Prince got annoyed. "Leave it. You told me that you will be there then what are you doing here?" Sheng Li queried Wang Hao.


    "Your highness, I am here to inform you about something. I think the Prime Minister is cautious after the poisoning incident. He has increased the security in the residence mainly at the entrance and even at the backyard of the residence. The soldiers appointed are specially trained so we need to be extra careful especially the Crown Princess," Wang Hao stated and then looked at the Crown Princess.


    "Let''s not underestimate the Crown Princess," Sheng Li asserted and looked at Ying Lili. "She saved me the other day so, I believe her," he affirmed.


    "I have done nothing like this before, but I will do my best," Ying Lili proimed.


    Wang Hao nodded. "Your highness, this is your sword," Wang Hao said. Sheng Li grabbed it and they started walking. Ying Lili found that today they were moving to apletely different path than the one they had taken for the forest the other day. Soon they were out of that tunnel. Ying Lili looked around and found that they were near some forest.


    "Your highness, this route is opened near the same forest but this time we are not uphill but downhill. All the residences of the court ministers could be seen from here. This region has been restricted for everyone." Xiao Zhan cleared the confusion in Ying Lili''s mind.


    Sheng Li walked ahead while the three of them followed him. After a few meters, they reached the dead end. Sheng Li extended his hand out. "The biggest residence is of the Prime Minister and is isted from the others. The entrance you can see from here, right?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who nodded.


    "I will wait for you outside the chamber of the Prime Minister," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who was startled.


    "But you said that men are not allowed there," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Indeed, men are not allowed there, but it does not mean that I cannot sneak there. Complete your work in thirty minutes because after every thirty minutes an inspectores there to check on the maidservants and he is the most loyal person to the Prime Minister," Sheng Li answered to Ying Lili.


    "Let''s go then," Sheng Li stated and turned to go to the other side. Because no stairs were constructed on a sloppy hill, which they had to negotiate, Ying Lili found it difficult to descend it. Sheng Li noticed and told Ying Lili to grip his arm. Ying Lili did so and in a few minutes, they overcame that slope.


    "Why do you not construct some stairs there?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "Because I do not want anyone to find out that we use this path," Sheng Li replied. "I will not give you a helping hand next time. If you want to get close to me, then you have to learn all these things. That''s the only way you can be the woman of my desires!" Sheng Li proimed.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan, who were following the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, were smiling upon hearing their conversation. "General Wang, the Crown Prince has gotten close to the Crown Princess. The way her highness saved the Crown Prince, has impressed him. Finally, the gentle side of the Crown Prince ising out," Xiao Zhan whispered and smiled.


    "Yes. But I wonder if the Crown Prince will let the Crown Princess know his heart," Wang Hao worriedly said as he looked at the Crown Prince who was smiling while talking to the Crown Princess.

 Chapter 93 - I Am Worried Now

    <h4>Chapter 93 - I Am Worried Now</h4>


    Sheng Li stopped as they were out of the forest. "Wang Hao, where are the shoes which only maids wear?" Sheng Li queried.


    General Wang had a cloth bag in his hand and took out the shoes. Putting them on the ground, in front of Ying Lili''s feet, Wang Hao said, "Your highness, please wear them." Ying Lili removed her one shoe when she saw Sheng Li had bent on his knee.


    "ce your hand on my shoulder," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who stared at him. "Don''t stare at me," Sheng Li said, annoyed. Ying Lili quickly ced her hand on Sheng Li''s shoulder. Sheng Li tilted his head when Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan both turned their backs towards them.


    Sheng Li moved up Ying Lili''s skirt when Ying Lili scolded him. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li sped Ying Lili''s foot and put that inside the other shoe.


    "Can''t you stay quiet?" Sheng Li snapped at her. Ying Lili turned quiet as Sheng Li made her wear the shoes. "Don''t be scared. I will do my work quickly and be around you," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he stood up.


    "Do something with your eyes," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "What do you mean?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Your eyes differ from the other women. He might catch you. So, do not make eye contact with him. You are going there as a tea maker. Xiao Zhan has taken care of that maidservant who serves tea to Zhang Yong at midnight, so do not get worried. Make him drink the tea first and mix this powder in his tea," Sheng Li proimed as he handed a folded paper inside which white powder was put. "He will be unconscious as soon as he drinks the tea," Sheng Li continued. Ying Lili gave him a nod.


    The Crown Prince turned to Wang Hao and asked him what side would be safe to go. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan turned to face the Crown Prince. "South-West side, your highness. Since it is closer to the forest, security isn''t deployed there," Wang Hao replied.


    Sheng Li nodded and took out a ck cotton fabric from inside his sleeves. He covered his face using that fabric. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan did the same.


    With quiet steps, they walked to the South-West Region of the residence. Once they reached there, Wang Hao stepped forward and negotiated the wall. "Your highness, everything is fine here," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince from the other side.


    Sheng Li bent on his knees and told Ying Lili to get onto his back. Ying Lili at first hesitated, but when Sheng Li red at her, she quickly climbed on his back. The Crown Princess climbed up the wall while from the other side Wang Hao helped her in getting down without getting injured.


    After her, Sheng Li and Xiao Zhan jumped across the wall. Sheng Li ced both of his hands on the shoulders of Ying Lili and said, "Nothing will happen. You can do this." Sheng Li gave a confident smile to Ying Lili who smiled back.


    General Wang came forward and told the Crown Princess to follow him. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and then turned away. She followed General Wang as Sheng Li watched her going away. "I am worried now," Sheng Li murmured as Ying Lili left his sight.


    "Your highness, let''splete our work first," Xiao Zhan spoke. Sheng Li nodded, and the two turned to the other side.


    Wang Hao and Ying Lili reached the center of the Residence, which was fully guarded by the soldiers. They were both hiding at the backside of the Manor entrance. "Your highness, you have only thirty minutes so, make sure to do your work as quickly as possible. One maid, who works the midnight shift, will not be there today. You will rece her tonight. After five minutes, the maids will go inside so, mingle among them," Wang Hao exined to Ying Lili who was keenly listening to him.


    "Do you have any idea what is inside there?" Ying Lili asked.


    General Wang refused. "No one knows. Whatever you will find, just bring it with you, cautiously. The other things her highness knows better," Wang Hao whispered. Ying Lili nodded and kept her gaze towards the stairs. After five minutes, chains of maids came there. Two soldiers were checking the maids'' identities. Wang Hao handed the fake identity, which was a tiny wooden stick, three centimeters in length and four centimeters in width. A name was engraved on it with a seal of the Prime Minister''s residence. He gave it to Ying Lili and told her to go ahead.


    Ying Lili walked ahead and withouting to the notice of anyone there, stoodst in the line. As her turn came, she was asked to show her ID. She did so when one soldier asked her to show her face.


    "Forgive me, master. I cannot show you my ugly face. I have a few pimples near my mouth. The physician has told me to cover my face as it can spread to others as well," Ying Lili made up a story as Sheng Li had told her.


    "Okay, okay. You can go," the soldier replied as he handed her the ID card. Ying Lili bowed her head and followed the other maidservants. Once she ascended the stairs,


    she felt relieved. She walked inside the huge wooden door and kept following the maids when they were stopped. "Where is Ah-Lin?" the chief Eunuch asked as he looked around.


    Ying Lili stepped toward him and bowed her head. "Master, I am here." Ying Lili bowed her head. Eunuch Cai got confused seeing Ah-Lin.


    "Why is your face covered? Remove that. And, what happened to your voice?" Eunuch Cai questioned.


    "Master, I got an allergy and near my lips pimples have appeared. The physician has told me to cover my face as the dirt can worsen it and also it can spread to others if I will make it visible. Forgive me master for getting sick," Ying Lili, in the best of her capabilities acted.


    "It will not spread when you serve the tea to the Prime Minister, right?" Eunuch Cai asked.


    "No, it will not, master. Shall I serve the tea to my master then?" Ying Lili queried softly. Eunuch Cai nodded and told her to follow him. As they stopped right in front of the sliding door of the chamber, Eunuch Cai said, "Milord is not in a good mood, so do not ruin it. Make the tea special so that Milord can get a night of good sleep," Eunuch Cai instructed her.


    Ying Lili nodded, and the eunuch opened the door for Ying Lili. She walked in and the doors were closed. She walked further with graceful steps and saw that the Prime Minister was seated around a table with his head tilted back on a wooden chair.


    Ying Lili bowed her head in front of him and looked at the table. The ingredients for the tea were already put there. She started making the tea.


    "Make the tea strong," Ying Lili heard him as he opened his eyes and looked at her.


    "What happened to your face?" Wei Zhang Yong asked when Eunuch Cai who had just entered replied, "Milord, she has got pimples near her lips." Ying Lili was getting nervous, but she did not let it show on her face.


    "Milord, a message hase from the Southern Province. The situation is gettingplex there," Eunuch Cai asserted as he put the scroll on the table.


    "Hmm¡­ you may leave," Zhang Yong told Eunuch Cai. Ying Lili was stirring the lukewarm water inside the porcin kettle. Once she was done, she put a pinch of dried rose petals powder in the chrysanthemum tea. She nced at the Prime Minister who was busy reading the scroll when she, without getting noticed, put the powder inside the tea which Sheng Li had given her.


    "My lord, your tea is ready," Ying Lili softly said, changing her voice a bit as she forwarded the porcin cup towards the Prime Minister. Zhang Yong had knitted his brows as he was reading the scroll. Without looking at Ying Lili, he grabbed the teacup and started sipping it.


    Ying Lili stepped behind with a lowered head and waited for him to get unconscious. The Prime Minister lifted his eyes as his vision blurred. He found that he could not speak, and he fell unconscious. His head banged against the table and the teacup almost fell on the floor but Ying Lili caught it.


    Putting the cup on the table, the Crown Princess nced around and checked for the secret chamber there. She put away the curtains which were hanging to the left of the bed and walked ahead.


    She found that the Prime Minister had constructed a mini library, but there was no secret room she could find till now. Checking every corner of the chamber, the Crown Princess got worried because now she had less than fifteen minutes to find the secret room and the secret hidden inside that room.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Sorry for thiste update. I was sick since the morning so I could not upload the chapter. This chapter was written yesterday. I will not upload for 2-3 days because I am still feeling weak. Hope you will understand.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 94 - To Catch Sheng Li

    <h4>Chapter 94 - To Catch Sheng Li</h4>


    Ying Lili again went to the mini library and checked if any secret door was there. She checked behind the shelves while touching the wall and tapping on it. As she reached the end shelf, she touched the wall there as well and tapped on it. She heard a sound as if the wall had space behind it.


    But the construction of the wall was so refined that she could find nothing suspicious in that. She scrutinized the end wall, but nothing was there. The Crown Princess looked inside the shelves to find if there could be any secret door lock made. She kept checking inside the shelves when she found a lever, which was hidden at the bottommost shelf behind some old books, and moved it down.


    The shelf moved back, which astonished Ying Lili. "So, the wall had no secret door, but this bookshelf is itself a secret door to the other room," Ying Lili muttered. She quickly went in and the thing that she saw not only shocked her but also, at the same time baffled her.


    "There was nothing inside the secret room except a wooden cupboard. She checked inside the cupboard, but there was nothing except a few scrolls.


    "Did he put bait to catch Sheng Li?" Ying Lili wondered as she closed the cupboard. Ying Lili turned to leave when she found something strange on the wall attached to the wall cupboard. She quickly touched it and kept moving her hand over it when she found a round depression on the wall.


    The depression was so minute that it was difficult to detect it unless one keenly observed it. She pushed it in and heard the lever and pulley system sound. The wall had a door that opened up.


    "How many doors has he made?" Ying Liliined and walked in. Her eyes gleamed seeing the gold there and many other precious valuables as well- ''The True Treasure of the Prime Minister.'' But Ying Lili''s main aim was not to look at the gold and other precious valuables but something that could be used against the Prime Minister.


    She checked the wooden cupboards, which were a total of ten there. Two cupboards had some maps of the residence and the neighboring kingdom which Han had upied to this date.


    The Crown Princess then checked the other cupboards and found a ledger book in which it was shown how the taxes were manipted for those cities which were far from Han. "Will it be okay to take this ledger?" Ying Lili thought. She checked the other cupboards as well when she found something which astounded her.


    A diary she found, which was about Sheng Li''s mother. Ying Lili realized that day in the study room, she had seen a diary in Sheng Li''s hands which was also of Sheng Li''s mother. But then, what was this? And what was this doing there? She quickly flipped the pages and saw how Sheng Li''s mother had written every single moment with Sheng Li, since the day of his birth.


    Ying Lili realized she did not have enough time, so she quickly put the ount ledger book and Sheng Li''s mother''s diary inside her upper jacket. Tying the knot on her upper jacket, she ran outside the room, closed it, and then came out from there.


    She pulled the lever up behind the cupboard, and it closed the wall behind it. Ying Lili took a breath of relief and went to the door when she found Eunuch Cai had a bewildered expression on his face.


    "What did you mix inside the master''s tea?" Eunuch Cai questioned Ying Lili and marched towards her to remove the white silk fabric that was covering her face. He extended his hand when Ying Lili caught it. Before Eunuch Cai could call for help, Ying Lili swirled him and ced her palm on his mouth, thus preventing him from speaking.


    "I can''t let him live but if I will kill him, then suspicion will be on Sheng Li," Ying Lili thought and hit Eunuch Cai''s head who lost consciousness. Ying Lili put him aside, hid the dagger inside her waistband, and then walked out from there. Before leaving, she made sure that she left nothing as evidence against her.


    As she came out, she saw Inspector Honging from the front. She lowered her head and left the manor before she would be doubted by him. Ying Lili walked past him when he stopped her.


    "Who are you? And, why is your face covered?" Inspector Hong demanded the answers. He was wearing a maroon-colored Hanfu dress with ck stripes on the sleeves and a ck hat with a long white feather hanging on it at the top and on the edges, beaded threads were hanging.


    "Master, I am Ah-Lin. I serve tea to the respected Prime minister. Last night I got an allergy and pimples near my mouth, so the physician rmended covering my face as it can spread to others as well. If the master wants to see, then I can¡­"


    "Leave it. Go home. Why did you evene here?" Inspector Hong asked, annoyingly. Ying Lili apologized for troubling him. The Inspector told her to go away from his sight. Ying Lili gave a ny-degree bow and left from there as fast as she could.


    Inspector Hong, on the other hand, checked the identities of the maids there. He did not find Eunuch Cai there and asked about him from the maid. "Master is inside with the Lord," the maid replied, lowering her eyes. Inspector Hong opened the door and walked in.


    He had a scroll in his hand when he was bewildered to see Eunuch Cai lying unconscious on the floor. He panicked to see the Prime Minister who was lying unconscious with his head resting on the table and ran to him. Inspector Hong checked if the Prime Minister was breathing, and was relieved to see that he was fine.


    The Inspector came running out of the room and looked for Ying Lili, but she was not there. He swiftly came out of the manor and saw Ying Lili was at thest stair.


    "Catch that maid," Inspector Hong shouted from the top of the stairs. He was descending the stairs as fast as he could. Ying Lili looked at the soldiers who marched towards her. Ying Lili swiftly took the dagger out and fought with them. She kicked the soldier who was left to her; dodged the attack of the soldier to her right and slit his throat.


    The soldiers from the other side came running to her. Ying Lili ran from there, crossing from beneath the stairs, but could not go to the path which Wang Hao had told her as she didn''t want the soldiers who were chasing her to catch Wang Hao if he was waiting for her on the same route. Instead, she turned to the right from the central region of the residence.


    She had the map in her mind, so it was not difficult for her to get on the same pathter. She slowed her steps as she saw some ten soldiers going to the eastern gate. As she walked past them, she increased her step when she heard a soldier, "Catch that maid. She is a spy."


    Ying Lili started running as fast as she could because if she would be caught then Sheng Li woulde in danger as well. She should have hidden Eunuch Cai in the mini library, she realized and cursed herself internally for making such a mistake.


    Inspector Hong hade there with a bow in his hand. He was a hundred meters away from Ying Lili. Taking the arrow from the soldier standing beside him, he put it on the string and then pulled it.


    Ying Lili was going to turn to the left of the central library of the residence when Inspector Hong released the arrow from the string towards Ying Lili.


    Contrarily, Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Xiao Zhan were waiting for Ying Lili. "Did you tell her toe from this route only?" Sheng Li questioned Wang Hao who gave a nod. Sheng Li was anxious because Ying Lili was taking more time than she should have taken.


    ~~~~~


    Hello dear readers,


    I am feeling good now. Thank you for the votes which you all give despite I could not give the chapter.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 95 - You Ended Up In Such A Mess

    <h4>Chapter 95 - You Ended Up In Such A Mess</h4>


    Ying Lili turned to see and saw the fast moving arrow that was going to hit her but, at the right time, she was pulled towards her left. Inspector Hong was mad seeing this and he told the specially trained soldiers to surround the region. "There is one more with her. Catch them at any cost," Inspector Hong shouted and started running to the path on which Ying Lili had run earlier.


    "Sheng Li," Ying Lili murmured, who gestured to her to be quiet. He tightly held her hand and took her from there. Sheng Li hade many times to the Prime Minister''s residence so he knew the routes well. Sheng Li and Ying Lili reached the Southern pavilion. Sheng Li stepped ahead, holding Ying Lili''s hand when a soldier in blue robes appeared in front of them with a sword in his hand.


    Sheng Li too took out the sword swiftly and in a sh of a second, slit that soldier''s neck. "Come," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as she ran to him. They were close to the South-Western side of the residence when Sheng Li heard the sound of footsteps. He looked around and found a store room there. "Hiding would be better than going ahead," Sheng Li decided and took Ying Lili to the storage room.


    Sheng Li had already sent Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao out of the residence so he was not worried about them getting caught. "Follow me," Sheng Li in a low voice said as he slid into the tiny space along Ying Lili, which was at the end of the room. There were some wooden nks on one side of the wall. Ying Lili was panting and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.


    They could hear the voices of the soldiers. Ying Lili was slightly terrified because if they got caught then it would be an end for them. Sheng Li noticed how tense Ying Lili was so he gripped her right hand. Ying Lili turned her gaze at him. "I am here so do not be scared," Sheng Li whispered. Those words gave security to Ying Lili and now she was rxed.


    Suddenly the wooden nks fell towards Ying Lili when Sheng Li came in front of her, his face facing Ying Lili. The nks hit his back and the left arm that he had extended out at that time, as he could not let them fall. Meanwhile, the fabric, which was tied around his face, fell while he towered over Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili thought to help him but then she heard him say, "Do not move." Ying Lili lifted her eyes and met the stony gaze of Sheng Li. Both had stopped blinking as their gazes turned to an intense eye lock.


    Their eye lock broke when Sheng Li winced in pain as the wedge on the nk pierced inside Sheng Li''s arm. He puckered his lips, not to let himself groan from pain. Ying Lili was worried but then she heard soldiers retreating from there. "Someone suspicious is found at the northern gate," they both heard. After a while, Sheng Li turned left and pushed the nk back and took out the wedge from his arm.


    "Your arm is bleeding," Ying Lili anxiously said.


    "It is fine. Let''s get out of here," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili tore her skirt from the bottom and quickly wrapped it around that injured arm. "If blood drops will pour down then they might check this areater so better be cautious," Ying Lili asserted as she tied the knot around Sheng Li''s arm. Sheng Li picked the fabric from the floor, hid it inside the waistband and went out from there with Ying Lili.


    They negotiated the same wall from where they hade and after walking for a few meters they both met Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao. "Your highness, our spy distracted the security there," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li who hummed. Ying Lili opened the fabric tied around her face and looked at Sheng Li.


    "Forgive me. You took so much pain because of me," Ying Lili lowered her eyes.


    "It is fine. What did you find there?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "I took a ledger ount book from there. It has mentioned every fraud that the Prime Minister is doing in the regions that are far from Han. Basically, he has created his own system of getting taxes from them but to the revenue department it appears something else. The rebellions in the Southern province might be linked with this," Ying Lili exined to Sheng Li.


    "It is enough to remove him from his position. Anything else?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili refused and did not tell him about his mother''s diary. "So, where is the ledger book?" Sheng Li forwarded his hand.


    "I-I have put it inside my upper jacket," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li pulled his hand back and told them that they should leave for the pce. As they started walking, Ying Lili told Sheng Li about the treasure that she saw inside the secret chamber.


    "What kind of treasure does he have?" Sheng Li asked.


    "The secret room is full of gold and many other precious valuables. But, Sheng Li, if you show the ledger then the Prime Minister will find out that we sneaked in there and I even attracted their attention so he might use it against us. Don''t you think so?" Ying Lili asked him.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan agreed with the Crown Princess. "You do not need to know. Your work is to bring the evidence here which you did. The rest, I will take care of," Sheng Li pronounced.


    The cold wind was blowing which made Ying Lili shiver. Sheng Li found Ying Lili was putting more pressure on her left foot while dragging the right one. "What happened to your foot?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili as he halted at his ce. Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao too stopped.


    "I injured my foot when I was running from there," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li bent on his knees and brought his hand closer to Ying Lili''s right foot when she moved it back. "It is fine. You do not need to check," Ying Lili softly said but Sheng Li did not stop and grasped her foot gently. Removing the shoe and the white sock from her foot, he found the foot was swollen and he even saw a red blood mark on the skirt near the knee.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes to look at Ying Lili. "Did you fall down while running?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Yes," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li put the sock back on Ying Lili''s foot. As soon as he stood up, he carried Ying Lili in his arms which startled her. Xiao Zhan picked the shoe up and they all started walking. "I can walk," Ying Lili said in a low voice. Her hands were wrapped around Sheng Li''s neck.


    "We have to reach the pce soon," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was disturbed but she did not ask him. She noticed that they did not climb on the slope. With skepticism Ying Lili asked him the reason for not using the sloppy path. "You are heavy so I cannot climb on the slope carrying you," Sheng Li snapped at her.


    Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao suppressed their smiles as they looked at each other.


    "It means you know that there was another path as well but you..." Ying Lili stopped speaking as Sheng Li gave her a menacing look. Soon enough they reached near the tunnel and walked in. After a while, Sheng Li turned to the route which was attached to Ying Lili''s chamber while General Xiao and General Wang took a different path. They soon reached the chamber and Sheng Li put Ying Lili on the bed.


    To check the wound on Ying Lili''s left knee, Sheng Li moved the skirt up when Ying Lili shouted at him and pushed it down. "Let me see. There is nothing special about your knee," Sheng Li stated as he moved the skirt up again.


    "This is your first time working with me and you ended up in such a mess." He touched the wound which was still bleeding. "I think I made a mistake by asking for such a wish," Sheng Li deduced as he met her eyes.

 Chapter 96 - Run And Hide Like Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 96 - Run And Hide Like Crazy</h4>


    Ying Lili made a pout upon hearing the words of Sheng Li. "You should praise me. It was my first time," Ying Liliined as she crossed her arms.


    "You injured yourself. The Crown Princess is injured, which is not eptable. I meant that. Now, if anyone asks tomorrow what happened to your foot, then just tell him/her that you slipped in the bathhouse," asserted Sheng Li. "Zhang Yong will be mad if seeing the mess you created in his residence," Sheng Li chuckled and smiled.


    "He will check the secret room and will be infuriated if he found out that the ledger book is missing," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li turned his back to Ying Lili and asked her to give him the Ledger ount book. Ying Lili opened the knot of the jacket and cautiously took out the ledger book. She did not take the diary out and quickly tied the knot. "Here," Ying Lili said and forwarded the book to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and took the ledger book from her. The Crown Prince flipped through the pages and saw how the Prime Minister had manipted the taxes. A sly smile formed on Sheng Li''s lips. He closed the book and ced it on the table there.


    "Tell me what do you want?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili. Since no candle was lit, Ying Lili could only see his eyes looking at her. "Tell me your wish and I will fulfill that," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Will you be able to fulfill my wish?" Ying Lili questioned, raising a brow.


    "I believe I have enough power to fulfill your wish," Sheng Li stated and removed the headband.


    Ying Lili, after staring at him for a while, said, "I will askter. Since you are going to fulfill a wish of mine, then I must put a good thought on my wish." Sheng Li nodded and stood up from the bed. He opened the waistband and put it on the side table.


    Turning to Ying Lili he said, "I will be back." Ying Lili saw Sheng Li had walked out of the chamber. She was tired afterpleting the mission soid down on the bed. Soon she drifted to sleep. When Sheng Li came back with a bowl of water and cotton napkin in his hand, he found that Ying Lili was already asleep.


    He put the bowl and the napkin on the table there and lit the candle. Bringing the candle to Ying Lili''s foot, he checked her foot. "It is badly swollen," he murmured and brought the candle closer to the knee to check the wound. He put the candle stand on the bedside table and brought the bowl along with the napkin there.


    He cleaned the wound from the napkin when Ying Lili''s sleep broke. She looked at him and immediately sat up, covering her leg. Sheng Li amusingly looked at her. "What do you think you are doing? You think I will do something to you?" Sheng Li questioned her with annoyance.


    "No, I did not think that. I will do it myself," Ying Lili stated when Sheng Li pulled her leg and stretched it out. "Why are you getting shy? It isn''t like seeing your knee will get me excited," Sheng Li remarked and lifted her skirt up again. "If it is not treated then it can get an infection. You have fought in battles, so how could you be careless?" Ying Lili found a gentle side of Sheng Li towards her. She did not stop him while her eyes fell on Sheng Li''s left arm.


    "You are also injured. We shall treat it as well," Ying Lili whispered.


    "I will do it after I am done with you," Sheng Li stated. "Don''t move too much for a day. Your foot is not in a good condition," Sheng Li leaned back and pulled down the skirt. "Did you understand?" He then asked.


    Ying Lili nodded. "There are some cotton napkins in that cupboard. You can bring one for yourself. I will dress your wound as well," Ying Lili offered her help.


    "No need. I will clean it myself." Sheng Li stood up from the bed and went to the cupboard. Taking out a napkin, he picked the water bowl and took it towards the chaise. He stood such that his back faced Ying Lili. Removing the upper jacket, Sheng Li dipped the napkin into the water bowl, squeezed it, and started cleaning the blood on his arm.


    Ying Lili''s eyes were fixated on Sheng Li''s back. She saw the scars he had on his back and drew her brows together. "Don''t stare at me," Sheng Li in a hoarse voice said as he tilted his head slightly to nce at Ying Lili, who right away lowered her eyes.


    "Who is staring at you? It isn''t like your body is that good," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili''s mumbles when he turned to look at her. He removed the upper robe, put the napkin over the bowl, and went to the bed.


    He sat beside Ying Lili who was avoiding his gaze. "You did not like my body?" Sheng Li asked her, as he noticed Ying Lili was moving to the other side.


    "What are you showing off? Just cover it," Ying Lili snapped at him when Sheng Li gripped Ying Lili''s arm, pinning her down on the bed. She crossed her arms over her chest.


    "I am sleepy. Get away from me," Ying Lili said but Sheng Li was not ready to leave her.


    "I saw how you were drooling seeing me like this," Sheng Li teased her while his index finger traced the contours of Ying Lili''s face.


    "Huh!" "Drooling over you? D-Don''t dream!! There is nothing to be drooling about," Ying Lili responded as she poked her index finger on Sheng Li''s chest to push him away. "Get away and stop doing that," Ying Lili said as her eyes fluttered.


    "Stop doing what?" Sheng Li asked as he stopped his pointer finger under Ying Lili''s chin. "I had never thought that I would have to run and hide like crazy to save you. You did this to me twice - once when you took me to the market and second when I sent you for a mission. What did you do there? Would you like to tell me so that I can cover up your mistakes tomorrow," Sheng Li demanded the answer.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Since this week I cannot achieve the 1000 votes target so, there will be no mass release. Hope we will achieve this target in this week.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 97 - Find Love In A Festival

    <h4>Chapter 97 - Find Love In A Festival</h4>


    "Why do you not lean back rather than hovering over me? That would be morefortable than this," Ying Lili suggested as she applied pressure on her pointer finger to push him away.


    Sheng Li grasped her finger and said, "This is the mostfortable position for me." Ying Lili knew he would not listen to her, so she should better tell him everything.


    "Eunuch Cai caught me, but before he could see my face, I hit him on the head. The Inspector would not have chased me if I had hidden Eunuch Cai. That was my mistake. When I ran from there, I thought not to take the route which General Wang had told me about as they would have searched up the Southwestern side of the residence so I took a different route. Then, you came, and..." she stopped as Sheng Li was boring his gaze on her.


    "Speak, I am listening," Sheng Limanded.


    "... and rescued me" Ying Lilipleted her words. "Now, I have told you then you should get away from me," she stressed, knitting her brows.


    Sheng Li did so and blew off the candle, which was ced on the table. "You shall change your clothes else in the morning it will be a problem," Sheng Li suggested to Ying Lili, who sat on the bed. Sheng Li brought her clothes, which she had ced earlier on the chaise. Pulling the curtains down, he told Ying Lili to change, who quickly changed her clothes.


    "I am done," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li sat on the bed and asked for the dress. Ying Lili handed him, which he put back on the chaise there.


    "How is he able to see things in the dark?" Ying Lili wondered.


    Sheng Liid on the bed beside Ying Lili, who moved away when Sheng Li pulled her closer. The darkness was making it difficult to see what Sheng Li was up to, making her nervous. She felt Sheng Li''s breath hitting her lips, which worried her.


    "Y-You told me that you wouldn''t do anything. Please stay away," Ying Lili found she was stuttering, which was truly showing how nervous she was.


    "When did I do anything to you? When a woman lies beside her man, a man cannot control himself, but I do note into that category. Scaring you is fun for me," Sheng Li whispered against her lips and then leaned back. He had pulled the nket up and covered them with it while Ying Lili swiftly moved as far as she could on the bed.


    "Do you want to fall from the bed?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "What? How can he see me?" Ying Lili wondered and tilted her head to look but could not clearly see where Sheng Li was. She turned her head back and clutched the sheets tightly. "I am fine here," Ying Lili replied in a low voice.


    "What if you fall off the bed while you are asleep? I am not a beast from whom you are running away." Ying Lili''s behavior had irked Sheng Li.


    "You are getting the wrong idea. It isfortable here. May I ask how you found me?" Ying Lili questioned. "I am not sleepy, so let''s talk for a while," she continued.


    "But I am not in the mood to talk. I am sleepy," Sheng Li replied and moved closer to Ying Lili. There was still a safe distance between the two. His face was towards Ying Lili''s back because he could not sleep to his left side. His bare arm was outside the nket, and he soon fell asleep. Even Ying Lili dozed off to sleep after some time.


    In the morning, Sheng Li felt someone''s soft hand on his bare arm. He gradually opened his eyes and saw Ying Lili''s face. But he closed them again as he thought he was seeing a dream. Wait! Why would he dream about her? Right away, he opened his eyes and found that Ying Lili hade closer to him in his sleep. Not only that, her hand rested on Sheng Li''s arm.


    "If she sees us like this, then she will me me only," Sheng Li mumbled and put away Ying Lili''s hand from his arm. He sat up on the bed and got down. He changed into the Royal robes first and called the Court Lady inside.


    Court Lady Xu stood near the door, which had a curtain hanging from it. "Clean the mess here and do not let anyone know aboutst night. I will not forgive you if any rumores out," Sheng Limanded her.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu bowed her head when Sheng Li towards the door, covered with the curtain.


    "The Crown Princess''s foot is injured so do not let her roam in the Pce. Call the Royal Physician and if someone asks, just tell them that she fell in the bathhouse," Sheng Li exined to the Court Lady who stepped back, head still lowered, and walked out from there.


    Sheng Li came back to the bed and removed the nket from Ying Lili. He then patted her cheek thus, waking her up. "What? Why are you disturbing me?" Ying Lili, with half-closed eyes, asked.


    "Get your foot checked by the Royal Physician. He will be here in a while. Do not speak anything and let me handle everything," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "You are scolding me in the early morning. Is this the way you treat a person who has given you a piece of top-notch information?" Ying Lili yanked at Sheng Li, who sat on the stool beside the bed.


    She sat up on the bed and realized something. "I was at the left edge of the bed. Howe I came to the right?" Ying Lili muttered and turned to look at Sheng Li, who was carrying a neutral expression on his face.


    "You did something, right?" Ying Lili asked, looking at Sheng Li, who chuckled. "Why are you so judgmental about me?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Because of the way you sometimes converse with me," Ying Lili replied.


    "I do not do things at the back. If I have to do something with you, then I would prefer to do" Sheng Li stopped in the middle and averted his gaze from her. Ying Lili did the same, and the two waited for the Royal Physician toe there. A maid came inside who was sent by Court Lady to take away the clothes and clean the chamber before Royal Physician''s arrival. She bowed her head and did her work quickly.


    "Do not let anyone notice them. Take them to General Wang," Sheng Li instructed the maid, who nodded and left the chamber.


    The Royal Physician arrived there and came running inside. He greeted the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "The Crown Princess has injured herself in the bathhouse. Her left foot is swollen, and the knee is also injured," Sheng Li told the Physician.


    "Your highness, may I check you?" The Royal Physician politely asked, lowering his eyes.


    "Yes, you may," Ying Lili permitted him.


    Royal Physician touched the foot and said, "Your highness, a lukewarm water massage will reduce the swelling and do not walk unnecessarily as it can increase it." Ying Lili nodded when the Royal Physician told Court Lady Xu to lift the skirt of the Crown Princess.


    She came forward and did so. "The blood is clotted so there is nothing to worry about. The wound shall not leave any scar on the body of the Royal Highness so, for that I will send herbal medicine in my assistants'' hands," the Royal Physician told the Crown Princess. Court Lady Xu pulled the skirt down gently and sent off the Royal Physician.


    As the Royal Physician and Courtdy Xu went out, Sheng Li turned his gaze to Ying Lili. "Don''t jump here and there like a rabbit. If I see you defying my orders, then I will not fulfill your wish," Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili.


    "I will not. But what about the Lantern Festival? I was so excited about that!! I thought we would go to the market to enjoy it," Ying Lili murmured.


    "Is that your wish?!" Sheng Li asked.


    "No. I am saying in general. Every year I used to go out with my friend to the Lantern Festival in the market. But this year it is different," Ying Lili took a deep sigh.


    "You used to go with Hu Jingguo?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili refused. "Ruyi, my assistant. I miss her every day," Ying Lili said in a low voice. "It is said that during the Lantern Festival, you can find your love. Ruyi and I used to go out in those market streets of Juyan during the Lantern Festival. Those were some memorable days," Ying Lili pronounced and lowered her eyes.


    "So, did you find your love?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and peered at Sheng Li. "It is in legends. I do not know. I-I just said what people say," Ying Lili cleared herself out.


    "Why are you stuttering? Don''t tell me you indeed found a lover in that Lantern Festival. Are you missing him?" Sheng Li started teasing her.


    Ying Lili got angry. "Go away," she said in a fit of rage. "You never celebrated such festivals so you cannot understand. Just go away from my sight." Sheng Li''s statements irked Ying Lili.


    "How could I celebrate when I was in the wars for six years? But now I am interested in celebrating this. I would love to see how people find love in a festival," Sheng Li expressed his desire. He stood up from the stool and left from there. Ying Lili saw him walking away. "Did I go too far in my words?" she murmured as Sheng Li left her sight.

 Chapter 98 - After Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 98 - After Marriage</h4>


    Han Nianzu was ying the flute when he heard footsteps. He stopped and turned to look. "Lei Wanxi, you here?" Nianzu asked and put his hands down.


    Lei Wanxi came closer to Nianzu and sat on the broad wooden railing of the pavilion beside Nianzu. "Wu Qinyang is on our side. She came here to harm the Crown Prince, but then stopped herself from doing so. I have sent her to Juyan to find out about the family of the Crown Princess," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Is she trustworthy? The Crown Prince killed her brothers so she might betray uster," Nianzu affirmed.


    "She will not betray us. I spared her because the Crown Prince is making more enemies than friends. Moreover, she realized that taking revenge is not the solution. I had a nice conversation with her," Lei Wanxi asserted. Nianzu nodded and looked at his flute.


    "The Empress is behind all this, and removing her is not going to be easy. The Crown Prince might lose people while fighting with her," Nianzu proimed.


    "Why are you saying so, dear fourth brother?" Lei Wanxi worriedly asked.


    Nianzu lifted his eyes to look at Lei Wanxi. "Don''t you know that Power and Status are everything for the Empress? She did not even spare the mother of the Crown Prince for her power and the mysterious death of the former Advisor of his majesty is no joke. If she sees someone as a threat to her Power then that person will not live. Pce life is sickening," Nianzu proimed. "I wish my mother would not be a concubine," Nianzu stated.


    Lei Wanxi noticed that Nianzu was disturbed because of some reason. "What happened, brother? You seem disturbed. Is everything alright?" Lei Wanxi politely asked. He knew that Prince Nianzu had the lowest status among all the Princes because he was the son of a Concubine, but the Emperor never treated him unequally.


    "The Empress punished my mother as she spent some time with the Emperor," Nianzu told Lei Wanxi. "I have enough power to take my mother away from this Pce but I am afraid that she will never leave with me," Nianzu was outraged.


    "Brother, the Pce is beautiful too. Mother Qian will not go because it is where her world belongs. Indeed, there are weeds in the Pce but now brother Sheng has returned then everything will turn right. Do not feel low," Lei Wanxi consoled Nianzu.


    "Wanxi, this Pce was never beautiful to me nor will it be in the future. I do not desire power, status, and money. I want amoner life where I can enjoy things without any restrictions. Bloodshed is there for the throne and I hate that. When I go to the market, I see the joy on the faces of the people and then I look at myself," Nianzu stated and took a deep sigh. He averted his gaze from Lei Wanxi as he looked at the clear sky.


    ~~~~~~


    "Your highness, are you doing good?" Wang Hao worriedly asked, looking at the left arm of Sheng Li.


    "I am good. It was just a minor injury," replied Sheng Li. "Have you started the preparation for our journey to the Southern Province?" Sheng Li questioned him. The two wereing out of the Ammunition House.


    "Yes, your highness. We will take the short route while going to the Southern Province as it will be safer but the journey will not befortable as the route is mostly through hilly terrain," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince.


    Something clicked Sheng Li''s mind, so he asked, "Wang Hao, why is the Lantern Festival popr? I used to think that it is celebrated to advocate Buddhism. Is there any other meaning for that festival?"


    "Your highness, it is celebrated to advocate Buddhism. That''s why it is popr. Why is his highness asking? Is there any other reason to celebrate this festival?" Wang Hao queried the Crown Prince.


    "Lili said that people celebrate it to find Love," Sheng Li replied to Wang Hao who was startled to hear that.


    "Is it so? Your highness, maybe it is popr among themoners. Shall I look into that?" Wang Hao looked for an answer.


    Sheng Li halted at his ce and tilted his head to look at Wang Hao. "I think she was ying with me. How can someone find ''Love'' in a mere festival?" Sheng Liined. Xiao Zhan who happened toe there heard their conversation.


    "Your highness, it is a belief popr among the people. It symbolizes ''Reunion'' or ''a new person entering your life. So, people associate with Love which one can find at this Festival," Xiao Zhan pronounced. Both Sheng Li and Wang Hao looked at him amusingly.


    "Howe do you know about this?" Sheng Li queried him. "Did you find your love too in the Lantern Festival? But how could you when you were with me for six years!?" Sheng Li astonishingly questioned Xiao Zhan.


    "Your highness, I did not find anyone. During our campaigns, I heard it from a local group of people. But I am wondering why is his highness searching for this?" Xiao Zhan confusedly asked.


    "Her highness told the Crown Prince," replied Wang Hao. "Xiao, does it mean that the Crown Princess also wants to find Love? But how can she when she is already married?" Wang Hao asked Xiao Zhan.


    "What do you want to say? Why would she search for Love after marriage? You two ruined my mood. Such a Baseless Rumor people have spread!!" Sheng Li muttered and walked away from there.


    "Wang Hao, why did you say that? Can''t you usemon sense?" Xiao Zhan scolded Wang Hao.


    "I am not getting you, Xiao," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Wang Hao, the Crown Princess wants to celebrate the festival with the Crown Prince. Maybe she wants to say that she wants to find the Love with the Crown Prince," Xiao Zhan exined to Wang Hao.


    "It means that the Crown Princess wants the Crown Prince to take her out on that day. I pray that they two find love for each other at this festival," Wang Hao stated, passing a tiny smile to Xiao Zhan.


    ~~~~


    Hello dear readers,


    Since this week the 1000 votes target could not be achieved so, there will be no mass release. Hope in thising week, the target is achieved. So, keep voting on the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 99 - Loved By Everyone

    <h4>Chapter 99 - Loved By Everyone</h4>


    "Carefully, your highness. Do not put pressure on your right foot," Court Lady Xu stated as she helped the Crown Princess to get seated on the chaise. Ying Lili was wearing a white-colored Hanfu Dress with red stripes on it.


    "Court Lady Xu, I would like to be alone for some time," Ying Lili expressed in her wish.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu bowed her head and walked out from the chamber, closing the doors behind. Ying Lili quickly stood up from the chaise. Putting the pressure on her left foot, she went towards the bed and took out the Diary from under the mattress.


    Ying Lili sat on the bed, stretching her right leg out, and looked at the diary. "Sorry, mother but I think I shall read it first before handing it to Sheng Li. Why was this doing there? That''s the biggest mystery for me," Ying Lili muttered.


    She opened it and saw a beautiful piece of paper art that was made on the front page. It was a picture of a woman with her baby in her hands. "It must have been painted by mother when Sheng Li was going to be born," Ying Lili murmured. A smile carved on Ying Lili''s rosy lips, and she flipped the pages again.


    "Is it good to read about Sheng Li''s mother?" She had not read anything till now and was only flipping pages. She stopped at thest page when she saw the writing had be irregr as if the former Empress was finding the difficulty while writing.


    "I do not have much time left. I hope you will be loved by everyone around you. I know like your name you will win everyone''s heart around you. Everyone will cherish you, my son! I wish I could be with you and see you growing up." Tears were formed in Ying Lili''s eyes as she read those lines. She found there were red blood marks too in the paper, but they had faded out with time.


    She must have coughed the blood!


    Ying Lili continued reading. "I just want you to see everyone with love and be the Ruler of the people. I want you to treat your subjects as your own children. That''s what a True Ruler is! I want an Empire where everyone loves my son, respects him, and willingly sacrifices for him.


    I think I cannot write anymore. I rest my words here."


    Ying Lili could not control the tears in her eyes and they rolled down her cheeks. "Mother wanted everyone to love Sheng Li, but it is the opposite," Ying Lili mumbled and closed the diary. "It is the personal diary of Sheng Li''s mother which I must hand to Sheng Li. Only he may read it," she continued. Wiping the tears off her cheeks, she put the diary on the table beside the bed.


    "I do not know why I am feeling bad when I should not. It must be tough for him, growing up without his mother''s love and then bullied by his elder brothers. Even I did wrong with him, he never said anything to me. I will apologize to him," Ying Lili thought in her mind and again wiped her face.


    The Crown Princess called for Court Lady Xu who came inside. Bowing her head, she asked the Crown Princess about the sudden call. "Please sit here," Ying Lili told Lady Xu and gestured to her to sit on the bed.


    "Your highness, a lowly person like me is not allowed to sit in the same ce as her highness," Court Lady Xu replied politely.


    "You are the age of my mother. How can you think of yourself as lowly? Please sit beside me," Ying Lili stressed her words.


    Court Lady Xu could not refuse Ying Lili and sit on the bed. "Court Lady Xu, something has been bothering me for a long time. You have been with the Crown Prince since the time of his birth." Court Lady Xu keenly looked at the Crown Princess. "Would you please tell me about the childhood of the Crown Prince?" Ying Lilipleted her words and looked at Court Lady Xu.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li was leaving the CourtRoom when he encountered the Prime Minister. Wei Zhang Yong bowed his head in front of the Crown Prince. "Why does it feel like that something is going on with the Prime Minister?" Sheng Li taunted Zhang Yong.


    Zhang Yong drew his brows together. He was disturbed byst night''s incident but he could not tell anyone about that except the Empress.


    "Nothing is going on with me, your highness. Thank you for asking," Zhang Yong affirmed. Sheng Li smiled and walked away from there. Zhang Yong lifted his head. "Apart from you, no one can break the security of my residence. I have to find the ledger before you could use it against me, your highness," Zhang Yong thought and went to Empress Manor.


    A huge red translucent curtain was hanging in the middle of the chamber. On one side, the Empress could be seen seated on a chaise while on the other side, the Prime Minister could be seen on his knees. Both of her hands rested on the arms while she was ring at the Prime Minister.


    "So, a woman gave you tea, and you got unconscious. Not only that, she took away the ledger with her! How dare you let your guard down?!" Empress Weng Wei bellowed at the Prime Minister.


    "Your majesty, please forgive me. I did not expect thising," Zhang Yong apologized, bowing his head.


    "Do not even ask for forgiveness. First, you let the Crown Princess live and now you let them take the ledger. Sheng Li will not spare you. After this poisoning incident, he has turned into a hungry lion. That''s why I told you not to let him live," Weng Wei pronounced and clenched her fists tightly.


    "Is there anything else missing from your secret chamber?" Weng Wei queried Zhang Yong, who refused.


    "Do not do anything. Let me think about what I can do! You may leave," Weng Wei asserted. Zhang Yong stood up, bowed once again, and then left from there.


    "Tell the Crown Princess that the Empress is visiting her," Weng Wei ordered her personal assistant, who passed the message through a maidservant to the Crown Princess.

 Chapter 100 - Love And Cherish Her

    <h4>Chapter 100 - Love And Cherish Her</h4>


    Sheng Li reached outside the guest room where Hu Jingguo was staying. He walked in and was greeted by Hu Jingguo. "Your highness, please have a seat," Hu Jingguo politely said, showing the ground table around which three seats were made.


    Sheng Li sat on the Prime seat and told Hu Jingguo to take his seat as well. Hu Jingguo took his seat, which was facing the Crown Prince. "How is his highness doing?" Hu Jingguo concernedly asked.


    "I have recovered fully. What about you? The injuries do not seem to be fully healed," Sheng Li proimed as he looked at the hands of Hu Jingguo.


    "It will take more time to heal. Thank you for asking, your highness," Hu Jingguo expressed his gratitude.


    "There is something I want to know," Sheng Li stated. Hu Jingguo nodded and told the Crown Prince to speak without any hesitation.


    "What do you think that the Lantern Festival is for?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Everyone knows it is celebrated to advocate Buddhism," Hu Jingguo replied, keeping the smile on his lips.


    "So, there is no other meaning of this festival?" Sheng Li tried getting the answer from Hu Jingguo but he also did not want to tell him what the Crown Princess had told him.


    "There is one more meaning, your highness but it is popr among themoners." Sheng Li''s eyes glistened upon hearing those words, and he told Hu Jingguo to continue.


    "On this day, people go out to find their soul mates," Hu Jingguo replied. "Thentern festival begins with the new year, so young men and women go out in the night market to look for Love. It is believed that if you find Love on this day, then it is the blessing of Heaven to the couples," Hu Jingguo exined to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li nodded when he heard Hu Jingguo, "Ying Lili¡­ forgive me for this slip of the tongue. I mean the Crown Princess when I was in Juyan, every year used to celebrate this with themoners. As a young woman, she also desired someone who could love and cherish her."


    "Why are you telling me this? I didn''t even ask for it," Sheng Li stated.


    Hu Jingguo smiled seeing the reaction on the face of the Crown Prince. "Your highness, you would not have asked me about this if the Crown Princess had not told you about this. Since you were in wars most of the time, you might not know about this. Didn''t I tell his highness that if he wants full support of the Crown Princess then he must try to know her?


    His highness considers the Crown Princess as a warrior rather than a woman but it will not change the truth that the Crown Princess is a woman. I always prayed for a good husband for my friend. I did not mean that his highness is not a good husband, but it also does not mean that he is trying to be! His highness shall take the Crown Princess to the Lantern Festival since it is her first time celebrating it outside Juyan." Hu Jingguo exined everything to the Crown Prince.


    "Are you sure that such a thing happens?" Sheng Li asked.


    "It happens that''s why it is popr among the folks, your highness," Hu Jingguo replied. "The Crown Princess cares for his highness. If she hadn''t, then she would not have put her life on the stake when you were on your deathbed. Among the people, his highness is tyrannical, but that''s not the truth. The Crown Princess had the same views for you but I do not think they exist anymore," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    Sheng Li stood up in the middle of the conversation. "Have a quick recovery. It was nice talking to you." Sheng Li walked out of the room. He was going to his manor thinking about his conversation with Hu Jingguo.


    "Shall I take her out? But her foot is injured. I cannot take any more risks," Sheng Li thought when the face of the Crown Princess came in front of his eyes. "Ahh, why did I even ask her?" Sheng Li muttered and increased his pace.


    Xing-Fu bowed his head seeing the Crown Prince and opened the doors of the chamber for the Crown Prince. They walked in when Xing-Fu helped the Crown Prince in removing the upper coat off his body.


    The water was brought for the Crown Prince, who drank it and thenid down on his bed. Xing-Fu put the ss on the table beside the bed and pulled the curtain down around the bed and came out of the chamber.


    "We have to bemoners to go out. But what will I do with her foot? I will not carry her around nor will I take her into a pnquin," Sheng Li muttered as he looked at the wooden ceiling.


    Xing-Fu came in thus, interrupting the thoughts of Sheng Li. "Your highness, her majesty has gone to the Crown Princess Manor," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li, who right away sat up on the bed.


    "I am going there," Sheng Li stated. He got down from the bed, wore his shoes, and walked out of the chamber.


    In the Zhenzhu Inn, Empress Wei could be seen sitting on the chaise while the Crown Princess was on the bed and her hand lowered her head. "The Crown Princess must be careful. What about the maids? Did they not work properly?" Empress Wei queried Ying Lili.


    "It was my mistake, your majesty. It will be healed soon, so her majesty does not need to worry," Ying Lili softly said.


    "Court Lady Xu, apply this medicine over the foot of the Crown Princess. It will help in expeditious recovery." Weng Wei forwarded a porcin bottle to her assistant who passed it to the Court Lady Xu.


    "Thank you for your concern, your majesty." Ying Lili bowed her head.


    "The Crown Prince is here!"


    Weng Wei and Ying Lili turned to look at the door. Sheng Li entered and greeted the Empress. "The Crown Princess is injured, so I thought to check on her. How is the Crown Prince doing?" Weng Wei queried. "I prayed from Lord Buddha to wake my son up when you were in that state," Weng Wei continued.


    "I am well now. Thanks to your prayers, I am alive and even woke up, your majesty," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili looked at the two and found the coldness between the two.


    "I shall take my leave. Since the Crown Prince is here, then he must look after the Crown Princess. Pce rumors about your rtionship are known to everyone now. I hope the Crown Prince will not create any situation where I need to intervene. Since the Crown Prince has already refused for having a concubine, then he must abide by that and shall not avoid the Crown Princess," Weng Wei pronounced.


    Sheng Li did not respond and waited for Weng Wei to go out. Once the Empress had gone out of the chamber, Sheng Li came to Ying Lili and asked her how she was feeling.


    "Good. The pain has gone away," Ying Lili replied.


    "Your highness, her majesty has given this medicine to apply over the foot of the Crown Princess," Court Lady Xu forwarded the medicine to the Crown Prince.


    "Throw it away," Sheng Li ordered. Court Lady Xu bowed and left from there.

 Chapter 101 - An Injured Person Is Not Punished

    <h4>Chapter 101 - An Injured Person Is Not Punished</h4>


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili. "I will apply the medicine on your foot," Sheng Li said as he forwarded his hand.


    "It''s fine. You do not need to trouble yourself," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li did not listen to her and grasped her foot. "If you need to go out tomorrow evening, then you need to recover fast," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili got delighted upon hearing him. "Are you telling the truth?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Do you think I am lying?" Sheng Li asked, chuckling. He picked the China dish in which herbal paste was put. Ying Lili lifted her skirt slightly. Sheng Li applied the paste over the foot. "Swelling has reduced," Sheng Li said as he kept applying the paste.


    Ying Lili put aside the pillow behind her and picked up Sheng Li''s mother''s diary. "Sheng Li, forgive me for not giving you earlier." Sheng Li lifted his eyes and saw a diary in Ying Lili''s hand.


    "What''s this?" Sheng Li queried.


    "It''s your mother''s personal diary. I found it in the secret room of the Prime Minister''s Manor," Ying Lili replied and forwarded the diary to Sheng Li.? Sheng Li extended his left hand out and grabbed it.


    "Did you read it?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Except for thest page, I did not read anything," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li took a clean napkin and wiped the paste from his hand.


    "Why did you not tell me earlier? It seems you nned to read this," Sheng Li proimed. His ice-cold voice and stony gaze were giving chills to Ying Lili.


    "I wanted to read but then it is your mother''s so, I thought to hand it to you," Ying Lili stated.


    "You hid this from me so, I do not think I will trust you from now on," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili got disheartened hearing this.


    "Why are you saying so? I told you the truth. What if I had not brought it from there?" Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li.


    "You should have thought about this earlier when you hid the truth," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "I was curious to know. You do not tell me about your mother, so I wanted to know. That''s why I hid it from you, but then I also told you," Ying Liliined. "There is something suspicious which you shall find out. What was the mother''s diary doing there?" Ying Lili was skeptical about that.


    "You are not close enough to whom I can share about my past," Sheng Li stated and gazed into the eyes of Ying Lili.


    "What do I need to get close to you?" Ying Lili asked, raising her brow.


    Sheng Li snickered. "What do you think you can do to get close to me?" Ying Lili was out of words now. She saw Sheng Li had put the diary inside his robes.


    "I forgive you this time, but it does not mean I will every time. Since you brought this up, I am still considerate of you. I hope you will not hide the truth from me anymore. I do not like when people lie and I will not make any kind of exception for you while punishing you. Just because I have not punished you till now, does not mean that I will not punish you in the future," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili averted her gaze from Sheng Li. "So, you want to punish me for the betrayal of Juyan. I told you that you can punish me. You do not need to make an exception for me," Ying Lili murmured.


    "An injured person is not punished," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili nced at him. "Since when did you start thinking like this?" Her voice was low but Sheng Li heard her. He moved towards Ying Lili who knitted her brows together.


    "You give very diplomatic statements to me. I sometimes get confused. What do you exactly think about me? You want to get close to me, but then you also want to run away from me. You want to be with me but then you also do not want to be." Sheng Li''s index finger was under Ying Lili''s chin and he pulled it up.


    "What are you saying? When do I give contradictory statements? Isn''t that your trait?" Ying Lili demanded answers.


    "Do you know why the Empress was here?" Sheng Li queried.


    "She wanted to know how I am doing, " Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Liughed upon hearing Ying Lili''s reply. "Lili, she is the half-sister of the Prime Minister who came to check on you. Do you think that the Prime minister does not know who sneaked into his residence? You are smart, but sometimes, you act na?ve. The Empress wants to find out from you. You might be her next target so be careful." Sheng Li put down his hand and leaned back.


    "She can harm me as well?" Ying Lili looked into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "The Empress is not someone whom you should take lightly. She is the one who poisoned me. Zhang Yong is her right-hand man, which she uses the most. That''s why I want him to be removed from his position. The most treacherous and evil person I have ever seen is Empress Wei. You call me Cruel but there is way crueler than me, that is, Weng Wei." Sheng Li finally revealed the truth to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili found the hatred Sheng Li had for the Empress. And why wouldn''t it be? She killed his mother. A person who had suffered since his childhood had all the reasons to be cruel because he was surrounded by those people who killed his mother and also wanted him to be dead.


    "That''s why throw away your kindness if you want to stand beside me. I hate kind people. They give me a disgusting feeling," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili opened her mouth to speak when Sheng Li said, "Don''t impart me the knowledge of kindness. Just stay away from the Empress and do not believe her words easily."

 Chapter 102 - I Am Meant To Be Alone

    <h4>Chapter 102 - I Am Meant To Be Alone</h4>


    Sheng Li''s eyes had anger, but at the same time guilt could be seen there. "Does his majesty know about this?" Ying Lili politely asked.


    "Father knows about the Prime Minister but I do not think he knows about the Empress. That''s the way the Empress ys. Even if in the future, the Prime Minister gets caught, the Empress will turn aside. You have seen yourself how she nned to kill me. Your uncle trusted the wrong person just to get the throne," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili with an inquisitiveness looked at Sheng Li. "I analyzed everything and this was the most probable answer I got. The Empress knew that after winning Juyan, my campaign would be over and I would be back to the Pce, which was not eptable to her at all. From my spies, I found out that along with your father, your uncle had alsoe to Juyan, but your father did not know about that.


    Your uncle then met with the Empress who promised him the throne. As soon as I brought you from Juyan, your father died and me came on me. In everyone''s eyes, I am a ruthless person, so you all believed that I killed your father. Now, because your father died, it is obvious his daughter would avenge me for his death, but then in the middle; you changed your mind. Now, you can see how you were being used as a puppet. The strings were in the hands of the Empress who was ying with you."


    Ying Lili was shocked to hear all that. "Why did she do this? I didn''t even know her at that time. My father did not do anything to her. Then why she nned all this? Ying Lili questioned as her eyes turned teary.


    "Don''t you know?" Sheng Li chuckled.


    Ying Li shook her head to refuse.


    "Because you are my wife," Sheng Li replied. Ying Li drew her brows together because that answer bewildered her.


    "I am meant to be alone. This is the way my life is! Weng Wei is the one who is holding everyone in her palm and ying with them. She wants this Crown for her son, Jian Guozhi, who has got no brains. She wanted you to be against me and kill me because you are the closest one to me, not by heart, but by status. This poisoning incident was not only to kill me but also for checking on you- whether or not you are heartless for me; whether you will beter useful for her. Jian Guozhi likes you so, she wanted to check if you were suitable for him if something happened to me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    It shocked Ying Lili to hear about the Empress. She not only killed Sheng Li''s mother but also grew the enmity between them by killing her father. It was not her uncle, but the person who killed her father was the Empress! She was bewildered and exasperated by knowing all this.


    "Why did you not tell me earlier?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "Would you have believed me? Would you listen to me? Like all the people you also harmed me when you treat everyone with your kindness. But it was the opposite for me, which is understandable. Who would want a man who killed people throughout his life and is still doing it to save himself? That''s why I told you to not get close to me because in the end you will be harmed," Sheng Li deduced.


    Sheng Li took a deep breath and said, "I do not know why I told you so many things today? Maybe because you brought my mother''s diary from there. Shall we have our meals then?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, who was staring at him. He stood up and turned to go towards the table when Ying Lili grabbed Sheng Li''s hand.


    Sheng Li turned and looked at her. "I will not leave your side. You can trust me. I will prove myself as the most trustworthy person to you. I will help you in punishing the Empress. So, do not think that you are meant to be alone. Many important people in your life want to see you happy and want to support you fully," Ying Lili pronounced and stepped down the bed. She put pressure on her right foot entirely when Sheng Li held her wrists.


    "Don''t be indecisive. You might want to run away from meter. Just because I shared things with you does not mean," he was stopped by Ying Lili, who put her index fingers on his lips.


    "You told me that I can be the woman of your desires if I want to. Let me do my duty as a wife then. I am firm in my decision," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li who did not reply to her.


    "Just sit here. We can eat our meals on the bed, too. Court Lady Xu will arrange for the bed table. Let''s go tomorrow evening to thentern festival. I have thought of something which will not put pressure on your foot." Sheng Li had changed the topic as he did not want to freshen up his childhood memories, nor he wanted to tell everything about the Empress to Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li stretched out Ying Lili''s one foot and put a pillow beneath it. "Lili, you did not tell me about your wish which I have to fulfill," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Oh! I have not thought about it. I need more time to think about it," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nodded and sat beside her. He called for Court Lady Xu and told her to send the lunch meals for them.


    "I need to wash my hands first," Sheng Li mumbled and left the chamber.


    "Mother, your heart must be sunk seeing Sheng Li like this. Isn''t there any way to make him feel happy?" Ying Lili muttered when she recalled the words of the Emperor from their previous conversation. "Only a warm heart can melt the ice-cold heart of the Crown Prince. Will I be able to give warmth to him?" Ying Lili thought.

 Chapter 103 - Want To Kill Her Right Away!

    <h4>Chapter 103 - Want To Kill Her Right Away!</h4>


    Today was the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated every year on the fifteenth of the lunar month. Everyone had gotten ready early in the morning, as they had to go to the Buddhist shrine to give greetings to Lord Buddha.


    All were waiting for the Emperor and the Empress at the Fu Imperial Gates. As soon as they came, everyone bowed their heads and greeted them.


    Han Wenji got into the pnquin along with Empress Wei and took their seats. The pnquin was broad and semi-transparent red fabrics were hanging on both sides.


    Sheng Li got into the second pnquin first and then gave a hand to Ying Lili, who gripped his hand and climbed up. Sheng Li snaked his arm around Ying Lili''s waist and pulled her up, keeping in mind that her foot was injured. "What are you doing? I can walk," Ying Lili whispered when Sheng Li told her to be quiet.


    The other princes were looking at the Crown Prince who was ying in front of everyone with the Crown Princess.


    Sheng Li made Ying Lili sit on the chair and then sat beside her. "It isn''t like I was making out with you openly that you were resisting," asserted Sheng Li.


    "You have got no shame. You are the Crown Prince. How could you d-do that openly? What will people think about us?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li chuckled and tilted his head. "You call that a shame. You are really amusing. I did not even show how shameless I can be. I do not care about people, don''t you know?" Sheng Li noticed that Ying Lili''s cheeks had ripened like a tomato. He wanted to tease her more, but then they were in the open, where many eyes were on them. Ying Lili might get angry at him, which he did not want.


    Jian Guozhi was looking at Sheng Li. "That seat was mine but he is sitting on that too," Jian Guozhi thought when his wife, Zho Mi, said, "Your highness, what are you looking at?" She knew her husband was looking at the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, which was not soothing for her sight at all.


    "Nothing. Get into the pnquin," Jian Guozhi told his wife, and the two got into the pnquin. Xue Yu-Yan had already got into the separate pnquin. The other princes hopped on their respective horses.


    The bearers standing by each pnquin carried them up on their shoulders and started walking. General Wang and General Xiao were at the front, on their respective horses, with a few foot soldiers behind them.


    "So, how will you take me out in the evening?" Ying Lili peered at Sheng Li.


    "Why? Didn''t you call me a shameless man? I have changed my thoughts. You can celebrate it in the Pce too. Why shall I take a risk with you?" Sheng Li muttered.


    Ying Lili did not want Sheng Li to back off his words, so she said, "I did not call you shameless. I only said that you should look around before holding me like that. And, you cannot back off from your words. You told me that you would take me to the market. Now, you should keep your words."


    "Can''t you lower your voice? Do you want to tell the world how much you fight with me, still this man spares you for your scissors like tongue?" Ying Lili averted her gaze from Sheng Li after hearing those words.


    "Just say that you are not capable enough to take me out," Ying Lili said in a low enough voice that it was audible to Sheng Li only.


    "Are you doubting my capabilities?" Sheng Li muttered, keeping the smile on his lips.


    "No. How can I doubt the abilities of the mighty Crown Prince?" Ying Lili said in a sarcastic tone.


    "Stop taunting me." Sheng Li brought his face closer to Ying Lili and whispered in her ear.


    "I did not taunt you," Ying Lili menacingly replied. Her gaze was fixated to the front and now they were outside the Pce. Ying Lili got the scent of the perfume that she had given to Sheng Li on his birthday. She looked at him and asked him why he used that perfume.


    "Now, you have a problem with that too!" Sheng Li was astonished. "It was a gift, so I thought of using it. Is there something wrong with it?" Sheng Li pried into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "I thought you would not use it," Ying Lili answered. Her crown had tiny silver chains hanging in front of her face. Sheng Li''s eyes met her gaze and got lost in her eyes. "It was a gift from my wild cat so I must use it." Sheng Li''s answer flustered Ying Lili, and she turned her head away immediately.


    Ying Lili had turned calm and the rest of the journey to the shrine went quiet.


    The Shrine was on a hill and one had to climb almost a hundred stairs to reach there. The soldiers were already deployed at the regr distance. Everyone got down the pnquin. Court Lady Xu helped Ying Lili and supported her in standing straight.


    Three monks were waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. The Emperor and the Empress went towards the monks. They greeted them, followed by the noble consorts and the concubine.


    Sheng Li stepped forward, along with Ying Lili. They joined their hands and greeted the Chief Monk, who ced his hands on their heads to give the blessings. They both lifted their heads when Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s hand and took her aside. Once the greetings to the monks were over, everyone was ready to visit the Shrine, wherenterns were to be lighted by the monks in the Emperor''s presence.


    "I am afraid but the Crown Princess cannot visit the temple and take blessings of Buddha," Jian Guozhi said.


    "It is auspicious to go to the Shrine with your wife, especially when you are newly wedded. It seems the Crown Prince has to go alone," Yongzheng pronounced.


    "I will help the Crown Princess in going upstairs," Zho Mi offered her help when Sheng Li stopped her.


    "In my opinion, the Crown Princess must not go to the shrine. Her foot might get in a worse situation," Empress Wei proimed, who then turned to the Emperor.


    "Your majesty, they have already taken the blessings of the Chief Monk so I do not think they need toe to the Shrine," Weng Wei politely said.


    Han Wenji looked at the Chief Monk of the Shrine. "What do you say, Chief Monk?" Han Wenji asked for advice.


    "This is the first time the Crown Princess''s visit to the Shrine. On such an auspicious day both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess could have received Buddha''s blessings, but because the Crown Princess is injured so, she did not need to go," Chief Monk advised.


    "Why does it seem that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are not made for each other or was it done intentionally by the Crown Princess? Everyone knows now how the Crown Princess tried harming the Crown Prince. So, it is truly visible that their rtionship is not going well, that''s why the Crown Princess did this," Xue Yu-Yan remarked.


    Ying Lili felt dejected hearing those words when she heard Sheng Li, "Respected first brother, I tried so hard not to punish your consort, but the way she insulted my Crown Princess in front of everyone makes me want to kill her right away."


    "Son, calm down," Han Wenji intervened. Ying Lili found that the situation had gotten tense.


    "Princess Consort, you cannot speak in thisnguage with the Crown Princess. We will decideter your punishment for this. I do not want to ruin such an auspicious day just because of minor arguments," Han Wenji announced.


    Jian Guozhi nced at Xue Yu-Yan and red at her. Turning to the Crown Prince, Jian Guozhi lowered his head, "Forgive my consort for speaking this way."


    Weng Wei frowned, seeing her son''s head lowered in front of Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li. "Don''t be nosy in my life - feed this thing in your consort''s mind, brother Jian," Sheng Li menacingly said. Jian Guozhi nodded and lifted his head.

 Chapter 104 - Stop Teasing Me!

    <h4>Chapter 104 - Stop Teasing Me!</h4>


    Han Wenji turned towards the Monks and apologized to them. "Your majesty, we shall go to the shrine and give greetings to the Lord Buddha," the Chief Monk said.


    Han Wenji looked at the Empress and told her toe along with him. The three monks climbed the stairs, followed by the Emperor and Empress, Noble Consorts, and the Concubine.


    The others also climbed the stairs except for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "You shall go. Forgive me for hurting my foot," Ying Lili told the Crown Prince, who had his arm wrapped around Ying Lili''s waist.


    "I don''t listen to anyone. I make my own rules," Sheng Li asserted as he peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. "I am going to be a bit shameless."


    Ying Lili drew her brows together, but before she could understand what the Crown Prince tried to say, he lifted her in his muscr arms. "Now, we can also seek the blessings of Lord Buddha," Sheng Li pronounced, with a tiny smile on his lips.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan smiled at seeing them. This act of Sheng Li flustered Ying Lili. Moreover, she did not want people to see them like this. "Hold me tightly," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, whose hands automatically wrapped around Sheng Li''s neck. She should have stopped him, but she could not say anything.


    "Let''s go then," Sheng Li said and started ascending the stairs. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan followed them up. Lei Wanxi turned to look at Sheng Li with a smile carved on his lips, seeing how the Crown Prince was carrying and taking the Crown Princess to the Shrine.


    Other princes too looked at them when they heard the firm footsteps sound. "I can walk. Just support me," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "Aren''t you walking? Whether you walk or I walk, both have equal meanings." Sheng Li gave a brief exnation to Ying Lili.


    The Crown Princess''s heart fluttered upon hearing those words. She was astonished at herself because this was the first time her heart reacted this way.


    "You have gained weight. Keep your body fit if you want to work further with me," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili lightly hit him on the shoulder. "I am not gaining weight. If you cannot carry me, then leave me here," Ying Lili yanked at the Crown Prince.


    "Don''t you think I can leave at the very instant? But then, you might hurt your back. Because this is an auspicious asion, I will not do anything," stated Sheng Li.


    "If in the future, I get an injury on either of my feet then you can carry me up like this. Will you carry me like this?" Sheng Li asked her as he halted after climbing fifty stairs and then looked into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "Answer me."


    "Stop teasing me," Ying Lili replied, and lowered her eyes.


    "I am not teasing you. I am having a serious talk. In the future, if I get hurt I expect you to carry me like this," Sheng Li repeated his words.


    "Okay, I will," Ying Lili replied.


    "So, you are not an ordinary woman. I am imagining how you will carry me," Sheng Li slightlyughed. "I think I imagined us. Wild cat carrying up her husband." Sheng Li smiled and again resumed his walking.


    "It seems Heaven has made them for each other," Lei Wanxi said loud enough, specifically wanting Xue Yu-Yan to hear that. "It is understandable that some people are so jealous of them. Why won''t they be? The Crown Prince has never given so much attention to any women so it''s pretty obvious that women will be jealous of the Crown Princess," Lei Wanxi pronounced and tilted his head to look at Xue Yu-Yan who was ring at him.


    She snickered. "Prince Wanxi, you are directing it towards me? I know the Crown Prince still loves¡­" Lei Wanxi cut her words in the middle.


    "Princess consort, I think you are living in an illusion. I did not take your name. And, one more thing - the Crown Prince never loved you. Just because you showed care for him, it does not mean that he loved you," Lei Wanxi affirmed and passed her a sly smile.


    He closed his fan and started walking. Xue Yu-Yan clenched her fists. "I swear to kill you, Wanxi," Xue Yu-Yan said internally to herself.


    The Emperor and the Empress had reached the top. They turned to look at the rest when Han Wenji''s eyes fell on Sheng Li, who had the Crown Princess in his arms. Han Wenji smiled at seeing all this.


    Soon the Crown Prince reached the top with the Crown Princess. He put her down and made her stand. His hand still did not leave her waist.


    "The Crown Prince is not in the Pce. Such a way can deflect a wrong idea about your image," Weng Wei softly said, thus bringing the attention of the Crown Prince to her.


    "Your majesty, everyone has a firm idea about my image. I do not let them think wrong about me. Why don''t we start the ceremony rather than arguing about such petty things?" Sheng Li suggested.


    "The Crown Prince is absolutely right. We shall start the ceremony," Han Wenji agreed with Sheng Li and walked in, following the three monks.


    "You have to give me a massage on my back in the night," whispered Sheng Li in Ying Lili''s ear, who nced at him. Before she could ask him the reason, she was dragged inside the Shrine.


    As they entered the Shrine, they saw arge Buddha idol at the center. The candles were lit in every corner of the Shrine.


    The Chief Monk came forward and joined his both hands in front of the idol of Buddha. The other monks also joined him and they seek the blessings of Buddha for everyone. The monks enchanted some mantras with a piece of soft music yed on a zither.


    Everyone had closed their eyes. When the enchants ended, the Chief Monk lit the firstntern, followed by the Emperor of Han. They showered the blessings over the Emperor of Han and the subjects of the Han Kingdom. The ceremony ended by lighting the incense sticks in front of the idol of Lord Buddha.

 Chapter 105 - Removed

    <h4>Chapter 105 - Removed</h4>


    Before the court hours, everyone arrived at the Imperial Pce. The pnquins stopped in front of the Fu Imperial Gates. The Emperor stepped down from the pnquin along with the Empress, followed by the others.


    Sheng Li helped Ying Lili in getting down and then told the Court Lady to take her to the Zhenzhu Inn. Sheng Li went towards his father when he heard the shouts of a person. He turned to look and saw a man covered in blood wasing running there.


    "Please save me," the person shouted with the remaining strength he had in his body. Everyone turned back to look at the source of the voice. Wang Hao ran towards the person who was by then went down to his knees.


    General Wang gestured to the guards to surround the person. "What''s going on?" Han Wenji asked and walked towards the person. Sheng Li and the First Prince too followed their father.


    "Aren''t you the Former Minister of Revenue?" Jian Guozhi asked and then looked at his father.


    "Minister Luo Peng? What has happened to you? Who did this?" Han Wenji asked. Luo Peng came towards the Emperor and went down to his knees.


    "Please forgive this subject, your majesty. I did not want to do this but on the Prime Minister''s instructions I did this and betrayed the kingdom," Luo Peng pronounced while crying and lowered his head further down such that his forehead touched the ground.


    Empress Wei was stunned to hear the name of the Prime Minister. She got confused and went towards them.


    "What do you mean?" Sheng Li demanded an answer.


    "Please forgive me and also save me, your majesty. Prime Minister Wei wants to kill me and my family," Luo Peng announced. Everyone there was shocked to hear such words from a Former Minister.


    Xue Yu-Yan drew her eyebrows together after hearing such words against her father.


    "Do you know who you are using?" Han Wenji questioned Luo Peng.


    "Your majesty, if it had not been for this Empire then I would not have revealed the truth," Luo Peng stated and lifted his body. He took out the ount ledger from inside his robes and extended his hands out, holding the ledger in his hands.


    "This is the fraud that has been going on in the Empire by the Prime Minister. I wanted to tell you about this earlier but I could not," Luo Peng started weeping. Sheng Li stepped forward and took the Ledger from the hands of Luo Peng.


    He opened it up and flipped the pages. "Father, he is saying right," Sheng Li asserted and handed the Ledger to the Emperor who also checked it. The seal which was given to the Prime Minister had Imperial Stamp on the front page. On the other pages, it was mentioned how the taxes would be imposed on the people of Han who live in the countryside.


    "Call the ministers in the Court. Bring the Prime Minister and the former Minister Luo Peng there," Han Wenji ordered. Sheng Li bowed his head and then turned to look at the Empress.


    "Her majesty shall go to her Inn. General Xiao, please send the Empress to her inn," Sheng Li ordered. Weng Wei red at Sheng Li, but at the moment, she could not even say anything. Xiao Zhan came towards the Empress and took away the Empress from there. Oppositely, General Wang sends the other Regal family members to their respective Chambers.


    In the court, the Emperor could be seen seated on the throne. Luo Peng was on his knees while the Prime Minister was standing beside him.


    "Your majesty, someone is trying to frame me," Zhang Yong pronounced in a firm voice. His head was lowered, but inside he was terrified.


    "Prime Minister Wei is trying to say that the Ledger book is a lie!" the response of the Prime Minister astonished Sheng Li. "The Prime Minister also knows that these seals cannot be forged," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Is the Prime Minister lying in front of the Emperor? This ledger is exining everything. You betrayed not only my trust in you but also betrayed the people of this nation," the Prime Minister, who went to his knees, disappointed Han Wenji.


    "Your majesty, you know the Wei Family more than anyone. Enemies are everywhere. I have not even met him for years. Your majesty, please believe me," Zhang Yong pleaded.


    "Prime Minister Wei is saying that the former minister came to the Imperial Pce for no reason just to say this lie. We are not fools, Prime Minister. You are telling a white lie not only in front of the Emperor but also among these ministers," Sheng Li put forward his argument.


    The Current Minister of ounts, Pei Xuanzing, came forward and said, "Prime Minister Wei, the ledger has the seal of the Emperor and then the Prime Minister. The situation in the viges is worsening because of the taxes implemented by you there. Revenue generation is important but it should not worsen the lives of the people of Han.


    Your majesty, the expeditious delivery of justice is indispensable in this case."


    Zhang Yong found himself stuck and had no way out. "Send the message to the Governors of these provinces to send the ount ledgers. Since the Prime Minister is still not epting his crime, the Crown Prince will handle the matter to bring the truth out. A corrupt minister is harmful to every Empire so, the Prime Minister will be removed from his current position," Han Wenji delivered his decision. The historian who was writing the decision on a scroll came forward and handed the scroll to the Emperor.


    Han Wenji picked the Emperor''s seal and stamped it on the scroll.


    "I will soon elect the new Prime Minister after a high-level Committee meeting, which will be after lunch. Deliver this message to the Civil Service Department as well. The provinces which are affected by all this tax forgery will be checked by me and ordingly, a tax n for the revenue generation will be decided.


    Since the former minister of ounts did the wrong thing, he will be punished too which will be decided in themittee meeting," Han Wenji delivered his second decision in the court.


    The other historian came forward with a scroll in his hand in which decision was noted down. Han Wenji stamped on that scroll as well, and they were given to the Crown Prince for further action.


    General Wang came forward. Gesturing to the guards, Zhang Yong and Luo Peng were taken to the prison.


    "The Court will look into the other matters tomorrow," Han Wenji announced and stood up from the throne. Everyone bowed their heads as the Emperor walked out of the Court.

 Chapter 106 - I Will Chase You Like Death

    <h4>Chapter 106 - I Will Chase You Like Death</h4>


    Sheng Li entered the prison with Xiao Zhan. The Prime Minister''s hands were tied up with the shackles and he was ring at the Crown Prince. "Lower your eyes before I take them out. If you have poisoned me, then you should have made sure to kill me. Everything was fine but then you involve the Crown Princess in this game. Didn''t I warn you earlier not to make petty ns with your beloved half-sister?


    The new year hase up with such a blessing for me. You are in prison and soon your entire family will be here. Trust me, I will not give a peaceful death to them. That''s why I told you six years ago, pray that I would not return to the Pce because my first and foremost target was you."


    Sheng Li had a menacing expression on his face. "Do you think I will spare you after doing this to me!? You and your wife sneaked into my residence, told lies to the Emperor regarding me. My half-sister has nothing to do with this," Zhang Yong proimed.


    "You have forgotten your manners too as soon as you are brought to the prison. They wille back when I will open your secrets today," Sheng Li stated and tilted his head to look at Xiao Zhan. "Tell General Wang to raid the Residence of Zhang Yong Wei. Send the message to his beloved daughter to be ready for getting questioned," Sheng Li ordered to Xiao Zhan, who nodded and left from there.


    "Do not do anything to my daughter and my family. I do this forgery so I take the entire me of this," Zhang Yong pleaded and now he had lowered his eyes as well.


    "Why should I do that? I cannot be biased towards you. To tell you the truth, I am lenient towards you. That''s why your body parts are still safe. Those who betray the Emperor, I torture them badly before giving them death. So, you should be thankful to me for treating you with respect," Sheng Li asserted as a sly smile formed on his lips.


    Zhang Yong was now terrified. He has heard about Sheng Li''s punishment methods but today he was experiencing them. Sheng Li did not even start investigating him and he was already concluding what could happen to him if he tried manipting his words. But then he was sure that Weng Wei would save him. Without him, Weng Wei was nothing, so he thought to be a little patient with the investigation.


    "What was my mother''s diary doing in your residence?" Sheng Li queried Zhang Yong, who knitted his brows. He looked at the Crown Prince and then immediately lowered his eyes. He thought only the ledger was missing andpletely forgot about the Former Empress''s diary.


    "I do not like to be kept waiting," Sheng Li bellowed at Zhang Yong, who jumped in fear. "What was my mother''s diary doing in your residence?" Sheng Li repeated his words.


    Zhang Yong recalled the words of Empress Wei. ''This truth shall nevere out. Burn this diary.'' But Zhang Yong did not burn it, instead, he kept it safe because he also did not believe his half-sister. He had saved the diary for such an asion where, if he got stuck, Empress Wei could save him. But now, the diary was with the Crown Prince, which meant that he was stuck now.


    "Still not speaking?!" Sheng Li astonishingly said as he red at Zhang Yong.


    "You fed her the poison when my father tasked you to take care of her. Didn''t she save you when you were badly injured by the bandits? She showed you her kindness, and you repaid her by killing her. You should not have left that diary there because even if you run away from here, I will chase you like death." Sheng Li''s old wounds were brought out. The memories of his past, which he always buried deep inside his heart, were revived after reading his mother''s diary. He wanted to give a more brutal death to both Weng Wei and Zhang Yong, but his hands were tied too.


    He could not reveal the truth as it would lead to an easy death for those two, which he never thought of. He wanted to torture them to the level that every inch of their bodies remembered him. "You should have tried a little hard to kill me in the womb, Zhang Yong. You and your sister did the biggest mistake of your lives- by letting me live. Unlike my mother, I will never show any mercy to you two. The primary aim to bring you to this prison is also that. Yes, I am avenging my mother''s death."


    Sheng Li caught Zhang Yong''s neck and strangted it. "You bled that day from here, right?" Sheng Li looked at Zhang Yong''s neck and then looked back into his eyes. "She dressed your wound else you would have died. I can see the mark is still there. Let me open it again. Don''t worry, you will not die so quickly but you will beg me to kill you." Sheng Li''s blood-red eyes were enough to show the anger buried inside him.


    "F-forgive me. I-I did this to¡­" the words were noting out of Zhang Yong''s mouth when Sheng Li, using the sharp dagger in his other hand, cut Yong Zhang''s neck where the scar was still visible.


    Sheng Li pulled his hand back while Zhang Yong cried out in pain. The blood was oozing out from his skin, which worried him out. "Your highness, please forgive me. I did everything on her majesty''s orders," Zhang Yong finally confessed.


    Sheng Li snickered. "This you should have thought about when you fed her the poison. I will end your entire family as you did with me," Sheng Li muttered, gritting his teeth. He stepped back and turned to go when something came to his mind.


    "Zhang Yong, I am your death. How could I live in peace seeing you and your half-sister in front of my eyes? For this position, you killed the kindestdy of the Han Empire. I will make sure to rip your dignity apart with each passing day. You have less than a week to live, so enjoy them," Sheng Li stated and walked out of the prison.

 Chapter 107 - Search For Love!

    <h4>Chapter 107 - Search For Love!</h4>


    Jian Guozhi could be seen pacing in front of Empress Wei who was seated on the chaise in her chamber. "Your half-brother is in prison. Sheng Li will not spare him and will extract information about us. How could the mother be so careless?" Jian Guozhi questioned.


    "I was not careless. A night before yesterday, Sheng Li and Ying Lili sneaked inside the residence of the Prime Minister. Ying Lili found the secret chamber and took out the Ledger from there," Weng Wei told her son.


    Jian Guozhiughed upon hearing those words. "He is really an idiot. A woman defeated you all. I told you not to let me marry Ying¨¦r with Sheng Li. If she had not, then this would not have happened today. You all took them lightly. Now, be ready to be their ves throughout your lives. Why did you not kill Sheng Li when he was a kid? You showed mercy on him and see what he has turned into!" Jian Guozhi gritted his teeth.


    "Is there any way to get into the prison? We have to kill Zhang Yong before he will tell anything about me. The Wei family is being investigated and I know in themittee they will question me as well because Zhang Yong helped me to get this throne," Weng Wei asserted.


    "Sheng Li has tightened the security. Only his loyalists can enter there," Jian Guozhi answered.


    Weng Wei clenched her fists tightly. "He would have died if that day his wife had not intervened," Weng Wei said with exasperation.


    Jian Guozhi pinched the skin between his brow. "In my opinion, we shall not do anything for now. Sometimes it is better to hide. Let''s not give bait to Sheng Li. Zhang Yong will not open his mouth because he knows his daughter is with me. If Sheng Li had to do anything against you, then he would have by now," Jian Guozhi suggested. Empress Wei agreed with her son.


    "Mother, I shall take my leave," Jian Guozhi, bowing his head, left the chamber. As he came out of Empress Manor, he saw Xue Yu-Yan wasing there. He ignored her and walked past her when she stopped him.


    "Save my father. They raided the Wei Residence on the orders of the Crown Prince," Xue Yu-Yan in a low voice said. Jian Guozhi looked at his arm, which was gripped by Xue Yu-Yan.


    "How could I save him? Your father acted foolishly. If we try to save him, then we will all be punished. The Crown Prince had tightened the security around the prison so, there''s no way one can enter there," Jian Guozhi exined to Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Just tell me you do not have enough power to do anything." Xue Yu-Yan''s words angered Jian Guozhi, but he kept his cool.


    "Yes, you are right. I am not stupid enough to go against the orders of his majesty. Your father should have safely hidden that ledger or should have burnt it, but see what he did. He nned to kill the Crown Prince who came out from the mouth of death to hound all of us," Jian Guozhi pronounced and walked out from there, leaving Xue Yu-Yan in dismay.


    "I cannot sit and watch. I will beg the Crown Prince to let my father live," Xue Yu-Yan decided and left for the Crown Prince''s Manor.


    Sheng Li returned to his manor when Xing-Fu informed him about the Xue Yu-Yan visit there. "Tell her if she hase here to advocate regarding her father, then she should leave. Also, tell her that this manor does not belong to her, so she shall note here." Sheng Limanded Eunuch Xing-Fu, who bowed his head and opened the doors of the resting chamber for the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li walked in. Before closing the door, Sheng Li told Xing-Fu to not send his lunch meals.


    Xing-Fu realized that the Crown Prince was infuriated, so he thought not to speak further. He passed the message to Xue Yu-Yan, who left the Manor empty-handed.


    Sheng Liid down on the bed and closed his eyes. "I had not imagined that today would be such a fun day. Before leaving to the Southern Province, I need to make them feel my terror which they have not felt till now," Sheng Li murmured when he heard the footsteps. He tilted his head and saw Lei Wanxiing in.


    Seeing Wanxi, a smile appeared on Sheng Li''s lips. "Brother Sheng made such a quick move," Lei Wanxi stated and sat on the stool.


    "Why are you here?" Sheng Li questioned Lei Wanxi and sat up on the bed.


    "Brother shall take Sister Lili outside," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Did Hu Jingguo tell you about our conversation?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Hmm. He became my close friend who shares everything with me," Lei Wanxi stated. "So, how is brother Sheng going to take Sister Lili out in search of love?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "What?" "Search for love!" Sheng Li eximed and chuckled. "I asked him the meaning of festival so that I can know about people''s choice as well," Sheng Li proimed.


    Lei Wanxi suppressed hisughter. "Why is brother Sheng lying to me? Since when brother Sheng started thinking about such things! Just ept the truth that you are curious to know why sister Lili expressed such a desire," Lei Wanxi tried looking for the answers from Sheng Li.


    "Wanxi, just stop whatever you are thinking. I am fulfilling her wishes because she brought something which I have been looking for a long time," Sheng Li enunciated.


    Lei Wanxi drew his brows together and asked the Crown Prince what he was trying to say. "She brought my mother''s diary from the Wei residence. My mother was poisoned as soon as she got pregnant with me. She wrote it in that diary," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi who was shocked to learn about the truth.


    "It means¡­" Lei Wanxi could not speak further.


    "Yes, you are right," Sheng Li asserted.

 Chapter 108 - Missed My Presence

    <h4>Chapter 108 - Missed My Presence</h4>


    Ying Lili was waiting for Sheng Li for lunch when Court Lady Xu said, "Your highness, there is a Committee meeting after lunch hours. I think the Crown Prince had already taken his meals and left for the meeting. You shall also take your meals."


    The morning incident had surprised Ying Lili. She did not think that the Crown Prince had nned such a thingst night. "But he was sleeping beside me then when did he n all this?" Ying Lili murmured. She felt dejected that Sheng Li did not tell her about that.


    "I do not want to eat," Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu who did not force the Crown Princess. She called the maidservant who took out the food from there. Ying Liliid down on the bed. "If the Crown Princees, then do not let him enter," Ying Lili pulled the nket up. Court Lady Xu pulled the curtains down around the bed and walked out from there.


    Soon, Ying Lili drifted off to sleep. In thete evening, Ying Lili''s sleep broke. Gradually opening her eyes and yawning, Ying Lili turned to look for Court Lady Xu, when she found Sheng Li on the bed beside her.


    He had put the weight on his left elbow and was looking at Ying Lili. "W-what are you doing here?" The Crown Princess queried the Crown Prince.


    "This is my Pce. I can go anywhere I want to go," Sheng Li replied. "You specifically ordered Court Lady Xu not to let me enter," Sheng Li stated. His lips quirked up to give a smile to Ying Lili.


    "Why? Can''t I order?" Ying Lili muttered and averted her gaze from Sheng Li.


    "Yes, you cannot order such a thing to Court Lady Xu. You also know that your orders do not affect me," Sheng Li proimed and extended his right hand out, with which he started ying with Ying Lili''s hair strands.


    "Don''t."


    "What?"


    Ying Lili beamed at Sheng Li when he lowered himself. "Why are taking anger on the food?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "I did not. I was not feeling like eating," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li stopped ying with Ying Lili''s hair strands and brought his finger near her nose. He bent it slightly and moved it above Ying Lili''s nose. "Just tell the truth. You were missing my presence," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili huffed. "You think too much. Why would I miss your presence?" Sheng Li amusingly looked at her.


    "Don''t you know?" Sheng Li whispered in her ear. As he was leaning back, his lips touched Ying Lili''s earlobe, and she jolted up.


    "What are you doing?" Ying Lili covered her ear with her palm which baffled Sheng Li.


    "What did I do? These days you are acting strange," Sheng Li muttered. "Don''t you want to go to the market to celebrate the Lantern Festival?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "You are taking me to the festival?" Ying Lili asked to confirm. "But my foot is injured. I do not want you to carry me all around," she continued.


    "Why would I carry you? I have my ways to take you there. We can hop on Kofeng and celebrate the festival," Sheng Li suggested a way to Ying Lili.


    "What kind of solution is this? People will stare at us andugh at us. I will celebrate Winter Lantern Festival. Go away," Ying Lili asserted and turned her back to Sheng Li.


    "I have another way as well. There is no pain in your foot, right?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s arm and made her sit on the bed. "Look at me while I am talking to you," Sheng Li asserted as he peered at her. "You are making me feel as if I did some crime," stated Sheng Li.


    "How will we go there?" Ying Lili asked.


    "In the pnquin," Sheng Li answered. "Now, because we are going among themoners so, we have to again be like them," Sheng Li stated.


    He then got down from the bed and looked at the table on which dresses for them were already ced. "Change into this dress," Sheng Li said as he came with the dress in his hand. "I have taken the permission from his majesty so, we do not need to worry about being caught by anyone. The veiled hat is also on the table, so put it on after you will be ready. I will wait for you outside the chamber."


    Sheng Li went towards the table, picked his dress, and walked out from there. In a minute, Court Lady Xu came there with two maidservants who helped Ying Lili in getting changed.


    Ying Lili took half an hour to get ready. Her foot was not in pain and the swelling was also reduced so, she was less wary about that. She had worn the veiled hat, which had a light pink semi-transparent veil around it.


    As she came out of the chamber, she saw Sheng Li was waiting for her, who came forward and looked at Ying Lili from head to toe.


    Sheng Li stood on the left of Ying Lili, grabbed her arm gently, and then lifted her in his arms. The maids there right away lowered their eyes.


    "You cannot descend the stairs and this is the best way." Sheng Li gave her the reason and walked out from there. Soon, they reached the Fu Imperial Gates, where a pnquin could be seen.


    "It might get unwanted attention," Ying Lili worriedly said, looking at the pnquin.


    "It is the pnquin used by the women out there. No one will find out. Everyone will be busy in searching for soul mates for themselves," Sheng Li opined. General Wang pulled the curtain up, which was semi-transparent while Sheng Li bent down and gently put Ying Lili inside the pnquin.


    Ying Lili saw that General Wang had also changed his looks. Sheng Li too entered the pnquin and sat facing Ying Lili. The bearers carried the pnquin up, and they left for the market.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


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    First, please update your apps so that you all can see the recent changes in the app.


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    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 109 - A Ceramic Bangle

    <h4>Chapter 109 - A Ceramic Bangle</h4>


    Sheng Li was looking out of the tiny window while Ying Lili was looking at him. "Stop staring at me," Sheng Li asserted, and looked at Ying Lili.


    "I want to know," Ying Lili stated.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed, raising a brow.


    "Why did you not tell me that you havee up with a n against the Prime Minister?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li. "I was shocked in the morning when the former Minister of ounts came there and used the Prime Minister," she added.


    "He is no longer the Prime Minister. For betraying the Emperor and his people, he is removed from this position. So, do not call him ''the Prime Minister''. I did not find any solid reason to tell you," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But we are partners. You should have told me," Ying Liliined.


    "Since when did you be my partner? We had a bet in which you lost against me and in return, fulfilled my wish," Sheng Li exined. Ying Lili was out of words, so she looked out of the window.


    "Why don''t you remove this hat?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who refused. "No one is looking at you. So, just remove it. Wait, I will remove it," Sheng Li stated and extended his hands. He reached for the knot which was under Ying Lili''s chin and opened it up. He pulled the hat off Ying Lili''s head and ced it aside.


    "I have taken you out still you have pulled up your face. Don''t make me feel low," Sheng Li annoyingly said when he found Ying Lili was avoiding him.


    Ying Lili did not respond to him when they heard a tap on the pnquin''s door. "Your highness, we will be soon in the market," Wang Hao stated. Ying Lili red at Sheng Li and put her hat back.


    Soon they reached the market''s entrance. They could hear the voices of the people who were excited about the festival. Sheng Li came out of the pnquin and then helped Ying Lili out. "You can walk, right? You refused to bring Kongqi so, now you have to walk with me," Sheng Li said to Ying Lili.


    "I can walk as the pain is no longer there and swelling has gone too," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li nodded and told Wang Hao to stay there.


    "Your highness, I cannot leave you two. I will be at a safe distance from you two," Wang Hao asserted. Sheng Li nodded and then turned to Ying Lili who was looking at the people there.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. They started walking like a turtle, which was enough to irk Sheng Li. But he could not even scold her because the entire market would have been looking at them.


    A roof ofnterns was made in the entire market. There were letters carved on thenterns which were basically riddles. Children could be seen solving those riddles. Various shops were open on the festival day. "I want to eat something," Ying Lili told Sheng Li.


    "Why? You were not hungry in the Pce," Sheng Li yanked at her, but then he asked her what she wanted to eat.


    "Dumplings," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s hand and took her to the stall. Many young kids were surrounding the dumplings stall which was making it difficult for Sheng Li to ask the seller for dumplings.


    "It''s my turn. Why are you going ahead of me?" Sheng Li argued with a young girl.


    "What are you talking about?" The young girl gave Sheng Li a weird look, which angered him. Ying Lili could not believe that Sheng Li was fighting with a young girl.


    "Hushu, how can you fight with a young girl?" Ying Lili scolded Sheng Li. Wang Hao smiled upon hearing such a nickname for the Crown Prince.


    "Forgive my husband, young girl. It is his first time seeing such a festival," Ying Lili told the young girl and took her towards the stall. "Brother, please give us dumplings," Ying Lili told the seller. Sheng Li could not believe that Ying Lili scolded him in front of a young girl.


    "Hushu, give us ten cents," Ying Lili asked for money from Sheng Li, who took out a pouch from his pocket and handed the money to Ying Lili, who paid the seller.


    Ying Lili bought three sticks of dumplings in her hands and handed two to Sheng Li. "Give one to brother Wang," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li looked at Wang Hao who came towards them and thanked the Crown Princess.


    "Mmm¡­ it''s tasty." Ying Lili chewed the dumplings. Wang Hao agreed with the Crown Princess while Sheng Li was looking at the two. He found Ying Lili was indeed hungry, so he thought to give that stick to her. Ying Lili was done eating and asked Sheng Li why he was not eating.


    "I don''t like street food. You can eat this," Sheng Li replied and forwarded the dumpling stick to Ying Lili who took it and thanked him. She was eating it and at the same time noticing Sheng Li''s expression. She moved a bit closer to him and said, "Hushu, have a bite. Trust me it''s good. I guarantee your health." She brought the stick closer to Sheng Li''s mouth.


    "Have it! I won''t feel good eating it all by myself," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li grabbed her hand gently and took a dumpling in his mouth. He left Ying Lili''s hand and ate the dumpling. Ying Lili smiled and wiped Sheng Li''s mouth using her thumb.


    "The sauce was on your lips. It''s clean now," Ying Lili said and pulled her hand back. Taking out the handkerchief, she wiped her thumb on it.


    "Don''t touch me like that," Sheng Li said in a low voice that was audible to Ying Lili. "Do you want to eat more? There were only 3 dumplings on a stick," Sheng Li stated as he looked at the stall.


    "No, I would like to eat something else. It''s just the beginning and Hushu, do not start arguments with people here, especially kids," Ying Lili said, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    Wang Hao smiled seeing how the Crown Princess was handling the Crown Prince.


    They again started walking when an old woman came in front of Sheng Li. "Son, buy something for your beautiful wife at thisntern festival. You can buy the bangles for thedy or you can buy the hairpins for her." The old woman gave choices to Sheng Li and showed him the basket.


    "She does not like these things," Sheng Li replied. Wang Hao chuckled upon hearing the response of the Crown Prince so he tapped on the Crown Prince''s shoulder.


    Sheng Li looked at Wang Hao, confusedly. "Brother, what are you saying?" Wang Hao muttered and got closer to Sheng Li''s ear. "Your highness, you cannot say such a thing openly. Just buy something for her highness," whispered Wang Hao.


    "Okay, I would like to buy this bangle," Sheng Li told the old woman, pointing towards a light green-colored ceramic bangle. It was only for one hand and had a shiny surface. The old woman happily picked it up and handed it to Sheng Li. "It is twenty cents," the old woman said.


    Sheng Li was taking the money out from his pouch when he heard the old woman, "Son, your wife looks beautiful. Is it the reason she has covered her face with the veil?" the old woman asked as she peeked at Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li hummed at her and handed her the coins. The olddy thanked him and walked away. Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and took her left wrist in his hand. "It is for you," Sheng Li said as he put the ceramic bangle on Ying Lili''s wrist.


    They looked at each other when Ying Lili pulled her hand back. "Let''s go ahead," Ying Lili said.

 Chapter 110 - I Want To Love You

    <h4>Chapter 110 - I Want To Love You</h4>


    Ying Lili stopped in front of a stall that was of a future teller. "Let''s go there," Ying Lili fervently told Sheng Li, who read the board on the stall.


    "What? Does he do future-telling? What kind of joke is he ying with the people?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "It''s palmistry, and it is fun. I know no one can tell you your future but people still want to know because they hope for something best for them," Ying Lili exined to Sheng Li who counter-argued with Ying Lili. "That means people are fools," he pronounced.


    Ying Lili grabbed Sheng Li''s hand and took him towards the stall. "Brother, can you tell the future of my husband?" Ying Lili asked politely. The man who was seated on a wooden chair stood up and gave a nod.


    Sheng Li wanted to refuse, but Ying Lili was holding his wrist, not letting him go. The future teller grabbed the palm of Sheng Li and read it. "You are born to be victorious," the palm reader stated. Sheng Li chuckled and pulled his hand back when the man grasped it.


    "Let me read. I can see that you get annoyed easily and you have a short temper too." Ying Lili and Wang Hao giggled upon hearing the words of the palm reader when Sheng Li red at them and the two suppressed their giggles.


    "I can see you are quite adamant. You like to throw tantrums."


    Sheng Li could not take that. "Beware! I do not know if I throw tantrums or not but I will surely throw you away," Sheng Li threatened the palm reader, but he did not pay heed to him, which infuriated him more.


    "Today under the moonlight you will find something precious," the palm reader further stated when Sheng Li pulled his hand back. "Indeed, in this moonlight, I am going to k-" He stopped as Ying Lili cut his words in the middle.


    "Brother, you are excellent in palmistry. Howe do you know about my husband''s traits? Whatever you told was absolutely true," Ying Lili asserted, keeping a smile on her lips.


    The palm reader thanked Ying Lili. "Sister, I have been doing this since the age of twelve. Whatever I say is always true. Look, how your husband was getting angry at me! My predictions about a person are never wrong," the palm reader pronounced proudly.


    "How much do you take for this reading?" Ying Lili then asked.


    "Forty-five cents," the palm reader replied.


    "The reading you gave me isn''t even worth a penny! Asking for forty-five cents! Do you take us as a fool?" Sheng Li blurted out at him. The people around them looked at him when Wang Hao came forward and handed the money to the palm reader.


    Sheng Li started walking in anger when he heard from the palm reader, "You are going to get something precious soon." Sheng Li halted at his ce and tightened his fists when he felt Ying Lili''s hand on his.


    "Wasn''t it fun?" Ying Lili asked.


    "You like when your husband gets insulted," Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili was amused at how quickly Sheng Li got irritated with those words of the palm reader. "Why would I like it if someone would insult you? Your insult is my insult too! That palm reader is making an earning from it. Earlier when we were eating dumplings, I saw he was asked for money from hisndlord. That''s why I went there so that he can earn something from us," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Huh?" "You started showing your kindness here as well! I hate it." Sheng Li''s temper acted up. Ying Lili could not understand why Sheng Li was acting like that when Sheng Li walked ahead.


    Ying Lili felt sad seeing Sheng Li angry even on the festival day. Wang Hao came towards Ying Lili and said in a low voice, "His highness is disturbed because he found out the truth of his mother''s death. She was poisoned right after she got pregnant, thus, making it look like a prolonged illness."


    Ying Lili was shocked to learn about the truth. "Don''t you want toe?" Sheng Li said loudly and turned to look when General Wang quickly stepped back.


    Ying Lili with slow steps moved forward and stood beside Sheng Li. The words of General Wang were revolving in her mind. "That means they wanted him to die even before his birth." Her heart sank just thinking about this. She nced at Sheng Li who was looking straight ahead.


    Soon they reached theke where many people were gathered, especially couples, to light thenterns. This was the first time Sheng Li saw something like that. ''Commoners celebrate this festival with more enthusiasm than us.'' Sheng Li realized at that time.


    "Your highness, you shall light antern with her highness," Sheng Li heard Wang Hao who was standing right to him.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, who was looking around. There was a bright smile on her lips while watching the people. "Sister, please buy antern," said a young boy who came to Ying Lili. Nodding at him, Ying Lili told Sheng Li to buy antern for them, who asked the boy about the price.


    "It is five cents," the young boy replied. Sheng Li handed him the money and took antern from him. The young boy happily went away to sell thenterns to the other people.


    They were standing over the wooden bridge, which was constructed over theke. Wang Hao arranged a candle and handed that to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li lit thentern along with Ying Lili and it flew high in the sky. The night breeze was blowing, which blew away the veil, and showed Ying Lili''s face. Sheng Li smiled looking at her when Ying Lili looked into his eyes. "It was nice," she said and stepped back when she was hit by a woman who wasing along with her friends.


    Ying Lili lost her bnce, but Sheng Li caught her. His hand was around her waist, while his eyes were fixated on her. The two continued staring at each other when Sheng Li broke their eye lock and made Ying Lili stand straight. Wang Hao by then had left the ce as he wanted them to be alone for a while but he was nearby them, as he could not risk their safety.


    Ying Lili held the wooden railings made on the river bridge and looked at the moon. "It''s a full moon. Isn''t it beautiful?" Ying Lili said. Sheng Li peered at Ying Lili. "It is beautiful!" Sheng Li stated.


    "I have decided my wish," Ying Lili stated and then looked at Sheng Li. "Hmm. Speak," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Will you fulfill it?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Hmm. Youpleted the mission so I must reward you," Sheng Li affirmed.


    ''I know you will be loved by everyone'' - the words of Sheng Li''s mother came into Ying Lili''s mind.


    "I am waiting," Sheng Li said.


    "It is crowded here. Let''s go there," Ying Lili stated as she pointed her index finger to the right side of theke. Sheng Li looked in the pointed direction. He saw there were no people, and the ce was dark too because the region was near the forest.


    "Okay,e with me," Sheng Li said and took Ying Lili to that side.


    Sheng Li halted as he saw there was no one around. He looked at Ying Lili who had taken off her hat at that moment. The moonlight was making their faces visible.


    "What is it that you did not ask there?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili was moving her fingers one above the other, as she was not getting what to say now. "What happened? Tell me your wish," Sheng Li asked.


    "Will he ept it?" Ying Lili thought. She was in a dilemma regarding the wish. "Why are you scared? It is not like you are doing something wrong! Just say it and he has to fulfill it," Ying Lili told herself.


    Sheng Li was noticing how Ying Lili''s facial expressions were changing. "Is it that tough to say?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "You will not get angry, right?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Why would I be angry? Wait! Are you asking me to end my life? Or are you asking to spare your uncle''s family? You cannot ask for these two things," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Sheng Li was getting impatient. "Are you going to tell or not? We have little time. We have to leave for the Pce soon. You have to massage my back as well, so tell me your wish quickly." Sheng Li stressed his words.


    Ying Lili opened her eyes. "Sheng Li, my wish is to love you," Ying Lili finally expressed her wish in front of Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li drew his brows together. "What?" an unexpected reaction came from him.


    "I want to love you. This is my wish," Ying Lili repeated her words and stepped closer to Sheng Li.

 Chapter 111 - A Bet

    <h4>Chapter 111 - A Bet</h4>


    "I want to love you. This is my wish, " Ying Lili repeated her words and stepped closer to Sheng Li. "Will you let me love you?" She asked.


    "No," Sheng Li inly replied.


    Ying Lili felt bad about getting rejected. "You read a few words from my mother''s diary ande up with such a wish!" Sheng Li chuckled and then grasped Ying Lili''s chin, making her look at him.


    "If I will kiss you now then will you let me?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili was flustered by Sheng Li''s question.


    "Do you know what love means for a husband and a wife? I have seen how ufortable you get if I get close to you. You lost the bet against me so easily. You told me that you will never seek my love and you wish that no one will love me. But see, what happened? You soften your heart for me," Sheng Li pronounced, and a sly smile formed on his lips.


    Ying Lili got nervous just by hearing the words of Sheng Li.


    "Do you think I am that ideal man whom you should love? Do you think you can love me? If I will go against your wishes in the future, then there will be a rift between us. Do you think I will love you back?" Sheng Li asked many questions at once.


    Ying Lili was confused among those questions. "But I can try." Those wordse out of Ying Lili''s mouth.


    Sheng Li was amused by Ying Lili''s response. "Is it some kind of experiment?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "Huh?"


    Sheng Li leaned towards Ying Lili''s ear and whispered, "You are not sure about your feelings, Lili. Don''t you think you shall first confirm your feelings before asking for such a wish?" He leaned back and peeked into her eyes.


    Getting no response from Ying Lili, Sheng Li said, "Let''s go back. The festival is over." He pulled his hand back from Ying Lili''s chin and walked ahead.


    Somewhere, he was feeling good for not getting any response from Ying Lili. Why? Because he did not want her to be his weakness. He enjoyed being around her but getting love from her would mean that he would break his promise to himself- ''not to love and not to let anyone love him.''


    "Sheng Li." Ying Lili called out his name, which brought him out of his thoughts, and turned to her. Ying Lili with slow steps moved forward to him. She halted an inch away from him.


    "I truly want to love you, and I am adamant about my decision. Feelings are there that''s why I asked for such a wish. Is it wrong to love you? I do not think so! No person is ideal in this world. There are faults in every person, but it does not mean that we cannot love," Ying Lili finally confessed whatever she was feeling. There was a tiny smile on her lips, and her eyes were glistening.


    Sheng Li ced his hand on Ying Lili''s nape and another on her waist. Bringing her face closer to him and keeping in mind that her right foot would not be injured, Sheng Li said, "I stopped loving after I lost my mother. Do you think you can wholeheartedly love a man like me who will never love you back? Directly or indirectly, I was the reason for your father''s demise and your unwanted marriage with me. Do you think I will never hurt you?"


    Ying Lili peered into Sheng Li''s eyes and nodded. "Yes, I can love you, and I believe there is nothing wrong with that. Judging you based on rumors was my mistake and now, because I get to know you, I want to be someone on whom you can lean anytime. You have never hurt me till now, except a few times in the beginning because of a few misunderstandings.


    And I think you will also love me with the same passion as I will," Ying Lili answered every question of Sheng Li.


    "You are wrong. I will not love you back. And, you do not need to force yourself and show fake feelings towards me. It is unnecessary to have a loving kind of rtionship between us," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "How do you know my feelings are fake when you also don''t know what it feels like to be in love?!" Ying Lili queried with an astonished expression.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Even you do not know what it feels like to be in love!" Sheng Li proimed. He brought his lips closer to Ying Lili''s. "Let''s confirm your feelings," asserted Sheng Li as he captured her lips. He kissed her, which did notst for more than a few seconds. Pulling away, he looked for an answer.


    "Did you feel anything? No! Do you know why?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    Ying Lili refused. "Because you are pitying me. Don''t throw yourself on me just because of my mother''s words. That''s why confirm your feelings towards me first instead of giving a philosophical lecture to me. But even if you confirm those feelings, I am afraid I will not love you back. So, better not to love me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Before Ying Lili could speak further, they heard the footsteps of someoneing, which stopped her from speaking. It was General Wang who wasing there.


    "Your highness, why did you twoe here? I left my eyes from you both and you were not there, which worried me out. It is dark here and it can be unsafe," Wang Hao concernedly stated.


    "There was too much crowd, so we decided toe here," Sheng Li came up with an excuse.


    "Let''s go back. The Festival is almost over," Sheng Li stated and went towards Ying Lili. He took the hat from her hand and put it over her head. They then left that ce. Soon they were out of the market.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili got into the pnquin. Ying Lili had taken off her hat and was looking out of the window when she saw a man giving a present to her wife. Sheng Li had removed the fake mustache and beard from his face. He noticed the smile on Ying Lili''s face.


    "What happened? What''s the reason for your smile?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "See that man gifted his wife a gift. Isn''t that lovely? That''s what we call love," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li put the curtain away from his side and looked out of the window. He pulled his head inside and said, "Do you want me to do that for you? Ahh, but we don''t love each other!" Sheng Li was smirking at Ying Lili.


    "I was ready to love you but you rejected me," Ying Lili yanked at Sheng Li.


    "Don''t tell me it was your first time getting rejected by a guy? Oops, I forgot. Your friend was telling me that you were never proposed to by anyone. So, I am the first guy to reject you," Sheng Li stated while teasing Ying Lili.


    "You are in an illusion. Many marriage proposals came for me, almost fifty. You''re the one who is not the choice of any woman," Ying Lili blurted out when she realized what she said and bit her tongue a bit.


    "I mean you cannot be the choice of any woman except me," Ying Lili quickly corrected her words.


    Sheng Li slightly smiled and leaned towards Ying Lili. "What if I be the choice of someone? Will you be jealous?" He raised his brow while asking the question. "I think you will not be jealous because you were the one who was telling me to get myself a concubine. Shall I do that?" Sheng Li muttered while observing expressions on Ying Lili''s face.


    "But you will not love her," Ying Lili stated.


    "So, you will like it if I start sharing the bed with another woman than you," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Go then. Who is stopping you?" Ying Lili was irked by Sheng Li. "You promised that you won''t have any woman in your life. Liar," Ying Lili murmured.


    "I can hear you," Sheng Li stated as he moved closer to Ying Lili.


    "You are angry because I rejected you, right? I think you need to make more efforts to impress me. Ahh, I am loving this feeling. An-Ying Lili, the woman of high self-esteem proposed to Han Sheng Li at the Lantern Festival but ended up getting rejected," Sheng Li giggled saying this. He was enjoying how Ying Lili was reacting and ring at him.


    "Let''s make a bet," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li raised a brow when Ying Lili continued, " I will make you fall for me. You will start loving me like crazy and I will be your strength instead of weakness. So, do you ept the bet?"


    "Lili, why are you still after that? I cannot see you losing one bet after the other," Sheng Li stated, suppressing hisughter.


    "The Nation''s Crown Prince is afraid," Ying Lili right away replied and grinned.

 Chapter 112 - See My Body?

    <h4>Chapter 112 - See My Body?</h4>


    "I am not afraid of any bet. I just do not want to do it," Sheng Li proimed and leaned back.


    "You are afraid that you will end up giving your heart to me," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li realized how Ying Lili was ying with his mind. "I will end up taking your heart. I have found out how to woo you. Just one move and I can make your heart flutter for me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili gave a slightugh. "You are overconfident," she quipped. "Just ept that you are afraid to fall in love with me, that''s why you are not epting the bet."


    Sheng Li stared at Ying Lili for a few seconds and said, "Say whatever you want to say but I will not y such games with you."


    Ying Lili crossed both her arms and found how tough it was to make Sheng Li agree on something. After a long debate with herself, Ying Lili told Sheng Li, "You did not fulfill my wish so, you have to fulfill this at least." "What if you lose the bet? What will you give me?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "I will not lose," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "And I will not let you win. I do not lose, don''t you know?" Sheng Li pronounced proudly.


    "Let''s not put anything at stake. It is a kind of wish I want to fulfill. I want to be your wife in every aspect and for that, I not only need to confirm my feelings for you but also win your heart. And you cannot step back from it. Because this time I will defeat you and make you go crazy for me," Ying Lili delightedly said.


    "Okay. Let''s see how well you move my heart!" Sheng Li murmured and averted his gaze from her. Soon they reached the Pce. Sheng Li took Ying Lili to his chamber.


    "Your bed is small," Ying Lili said as Sheng Li put her down.


    "It is meant to be small for a reason. Do you know why?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, bringing his face closer to her, who shook her head to refuse. "So that the woman lying on my bed cannot run away," Sheng Li replied with a smirk.


    He leaned back and went towards the other side to blow off the candles. "You have to give me a back massage. Today was one tiring day for me," Sheng Li stated as he blew off the candles except for one, which he took with him and ced on the bedside table.


    Xing-Fu came and stood near the door. "Your highness, I have brought your clothes," Xing-Fu said politely.


    "Leave them," Sheng Li replied. Xing-Fu quickly ced the clothes on the other table and left from there. Sheng Li turned and picked the dress for Ying Lili. He came to the bed and sat beside her. "I can help you in changing," Sheng Li was smirking.


    Ying Lili snatched the clothes from him and pushed him away. She got down the bed when Sheng Li told her to be careful. "Go change your clothes in the dressing room," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who stood up from the bed. He stood behind Ying Lili such that there was an inch distance between their bodies.


    "Why? Don''t you want to see my body?" Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear. "I saw the other day how you were drooling seeing my perfect body. I do not have any shame in changing my dress in front of my wife. Now, she has decided to love me which means she isfortable to see me," Sheng Li continued.


    Ying Lili moved her fingers over the clothes she had in her hands. ''He is just ying with me'' Ying Lili thought when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on her earlobe. She widened her eyes. "Shall I teach you how to love?" Sheng Li asked. His hot breath was hitting against Ying Lili''s ear.


    "I want to see how long you would stand against me?" Sheng Li thought when Ying Lili turned to face him.


    "Stop ying with me. And no touching until there will be confirmation of feelings. You are using dirty ways to...." Ying Lili stopped in the middle as Sheng Li had pulled her up by wrapping his arm around her waist while his other finger was on her lips to shut her up.


    "If there will be no touching then how would I make your heart race? And I do not think I used any dirty way. Not even an hour passed and you are getting scared of falling for me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Blushing!" Sheng Li voiced, looking at Ying Lili''s cheeks. He left his pointer finger from Ying Lili''s lips and moved it to her cheek. Ying Lili pped off his finger from her cheek.


    "We just reached here after w-walking so much that''s why I am feeling hot," Ying Lili asserted.


    "But you did not walk at all except in the market? We came in the pnquin and then I carried you in my arms here. You are feeling warm because of another reason, Lili," Sheng Li stated.


    Ignoring Sheng Li''s statements, Ying Lili said, "Don''t you want a back massage? I am tired so get aside and let me change." Sheng Li let go of her waist. She looked around and saw a door on the left of the chamber.


    Ying Lili with slow steps moved forward while Sheng Li was looking at her. "Stop!" Sheng Li said. Ying Lili turned to look when Sheng Li said, "You can change here. I will change in the dressing room."


    "Are you hiding something from me? What is there?" Ying Lili asked skeptically and turned to open the door.


    "If you will open it then the bet between us will end here," Sheng Li''s threatening statement terrified Ying Lili to a little extent but at the same time, it had made her curious to check what''s behind that door.


    Ying Lili stepped back and huffed. "What is there that you are ready to end the bet between us?" Ying Liliined, looking at Sheng Li.


    "If you get close enough to me, then I might make you see what''s behind that door but not now," saying this Sheng Li walked out of the chamber with the clothes in his hands.


    Ying Lili looked at the door once again. "What could be there?" Ying Lili wondered.

 Chapter 113 - Can Feel Your Pain

    <h4>Chapter 113 - Can Feel Your Pain</h4>


    Sheng Li came to the chamber and saw Ying Lili was removing the hair essories. Sheng Liid down on the bed with the support of his belly. "Lili, I am waiting," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili put the hairpin on the dressing table and turned to go to the bed.


    She went there and sat beside Sheng Li who was wearing a satin upper robe. "Don''t do like thest time. Be gentle," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li. Tilting his head, Sheng Li asked, "Do I need to remove this upper robe for better ess?"


    "Your wish," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li sat up on the bed, facing Ying Lili. He removed the upper robe while gazing at Ying Lili who was also staring at him. Ying Lili''s eyes again fell on the scar that was in the middle of Sheng Li''s chest, but at the same time, she saw the mark of the hairpin when she for the first time tried killing Sheng Li.


    "Is it hurting?" Ying Lili asked and lifted her hand. Extending her pointer finger out, she touched the mark, which Sheng Li got from the hairpin. She was moving her finger over the scar while looking at the scar and then moved it to the middle of Sheng Li''s chest where a big scar could be seen.


    "Would you like to tell me who did this?" Ying Lili searched for an answer into Sheng Li''s eyes. "I believe we are close enough to share this," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li grabbed her hand and put it down. "No, we are not close enough to share this. Get back to work," Sheng Limanded andid on the support of his belly.


    Ying Lili ttened her hands on Sheng Li''s back. Using her thumbs and fingers, she applied pressure on his back muscles. During the massage, her entire focus was on the marks on Sheng Li''s back. ''Who whipped him this badly?'' Ying Lili thought. There were scars as well which were prominent but those whipping marks were grabbing more attention from her.


    "Why are you slow?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Ahh, I am doing," replied Ying Lili, and again focused on the massage. After some time, gathering her courage Ying Lili said, "Sheng Li, why do you not share your personal matters with me? I mean not entirely but the things, which I am curious about. That way our rtionship will get stronger."


    "What do you want to know?" Sheng Li queried him who had closed his eyes.


    "I want to know who tortured you this badly? You have whipping marks too on your back. It cannot be from an enemy but someone from the Pce. Was it the Empress? Did she use to beat you when you were young?" Ying Lili was curious to know. She was disheartened to see all that. This entire time she used to think that Sheng Li was the most merciless person she had seen, but as she got to know him, her perception started changing.


    "You are not answering again. When you have to ask anything from me, you threaten me but when I ask you, then you turn silent," Ying Lili said in a dejected tone after not getting an answer from Sheng Li.


    "It was a punishment," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili stopped massaging upon hearing Sheng Li''s answer.


    "Who can punish you?" Ying Lili took that as a joke.


    "I was 11 at that time. I touched the second brother''s arrow set which his grandfather had sent. The bow broke down, so I was punished," Sheng Li answered her query.? Ying Lili stopped blinking as it was hurtful to hear.


    "You were whipped just because a bow was broken." Ying Lili could not believe that they punished him for such a petty thing. "What about father? Didn''t he rescue you?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "Some matters do not go out. I was not the type of kid who wouldin about such a petty matter to father," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili''s eyes turned watery.


    "How could this be a petty matter? You were punished for nothing. How can the Empress whip you like this?" Ying Lili muttered and ran her fingers on Sheng Li''s upper back.


    "Second brother''s mother ordered this. The Empress does not give such a simple punishment," Sheng Li proimed and chuckled.


    What? Even the Noble Consort punished Sheng Li? How could she? And no one rescued him. What did he mean by that the Empress did not give such a simple punishment? Did she torture him more badly than this? Ying Lili could not believe that the person who was cruel to everyone suffered this much or more than that, which he did not even share with her. So, it was true he was always alone among those ruthless people.


    Ying Lili''s insides were raging, hearing all this. She asked Sheng Li, "What kind of punishment did the Empress give to you? Please tell me because" she stopped speaking as the tears in her eyes could not be held back which fell on Sheng Li''s back.


    Immediately, Sheng Li turned and sat up. "Why are you crying?" he asked, and then snickered. "You do not need to pity me," he remarked.


    "Pity you!? Who is pitying you? If a person is crying that does not mean he pities you but it means that he is concerned for you and can feel your pain," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Who is telling you to feel my pain?" Sheng Li asked her with annoyance. Ying Lili turned her back towards Sheng Li. She was sobbing, which Sheng Li could hear. Now, he was feeling bad for talking that way with Ying Lili. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back such that her back hit against Sheng Li''s bare chest.


    "I was a kid back then that''s why I endured this. Now they can''t even raise a finger at me. Past is past so don''t ask me about that ever. This was the first time someone cried for me, and it annoyed me instead of delighting me. Forgive me for raising my voice on you." His hand was caressing Ying Lili''s arm to calm her down.

 Chapter 114 - Your Fault, Lili!

    <h4>Chapter 114 - Your Fault, Lili!</h4>


    Ying Lili wiped the tears off her eyes, and after a while she got stable. "But they did wrong to you. Sharing helps in reducing the pain," Ying Lili turned and looked at him. She grasped Sheng Li''s both hands and caressed them.


    "You are not alone in anything. I know the past cannot be changed. But they need to be punished for this. You were a young kid and torturing you like this was inhumane. How could you even endure all this? Sheng Li, I will teach them a lesson so you do not need to worry. I told you that you can lean on me and you can trust me," Ying Lili proimed and gave a tiny smile to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li felt a spark inside his heart. No one ever cried for him the way Ying Lili did. No one even cared if he was punished. He had to endure all that so that he could survive in the Pce. A smile carved on his lips. He had never thought Ying Lili would ever care for him. "How will you teach them a lesson?" Sheng Li asked with amusement, while his fingers yed with the hair strands that hade upfront from Ying Lili''s face.


    "I will tell youter. Aren''t you hungry?" Ying Lili said as she looked at her belly. "You did not evene at lunchtime. I waited for you," Ying Lili in a low voice said.


    "You can''t even eat without me?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "You were the one who told me that you would like to have every meal with me so, I thought to wait for you but I ended up sleeping," Ying Lili retorted.


    Sheng Li traced Ying Lili''s face outline and stopped his index finger under her chin. Lifting it slightly he said, "Wild cat, your husband has many things to do. He can''t be around you every time. But now because you have raised this issue then I will try taking all my meals with you." Ying Lili smiled and nodded.


    Sheng Li picked the robe from the bed and wore it. He tied the knot on it and looked towards the door. "Xing-Fu," Sheng Li called out. Eunuch Xing-Fu came inside and bowed his head. "Bring the dinner meals for us and send a maid in. The Crown Princess needs to wash her hands," Sheng Li ordered him.


    Xing-Fu bowed and left from there. Sheng Li stood up from the bed and took Ying Lili towards the dining table. The maidservant came there with a water bowl after a while and helped Ying Lili in washing her hands. She wiped Ying Lili''s hands and walked out from there. Sheng Li too washed his hands by dipping them into another water bowl.


    Two other maidservants brought meals and they set the table. Testing the food, they walked out from there while Xing-Fu was standing two meters away from them.


    Sheng Li noticed Ying Lili was eating too fast when he told her to slow down. "I am not running away with this food so slow down."


    Ying Lili slowed down a bit when Sheng Li put a slice of cooked meat over the rice bowl, which Ying Lili had. Ying Lili thanked him and continued eating. After they were finished, they went to bed. This time Ying Lili was facing Sheng Li, unlike the other times.


    "I think I ate too much," Ying Lili said, looking at Sheng Li.


    "Did you?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili gave a nod. "But I was hungry too. So, I ate more than my capacity," Ying Lili stated. "Ahh, since we are not getting sleep, then we can converse for a while. I want to know what happened to Zhang Yong?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    "I told you that he is removed. The Committee was called where the Head of Civil Service Department was also present there. Since removing him was such a big decision and the Wei family is directly associated with the Empress, no further action has been taken. But, Zhang Yong will not be released as he put the nation''s treasure at stake and yed with its people.


    But my work is notpleted here. I will punish everyone in the Wei Family," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili recalled what General Wang had told her earlier but she did not ask because she wanted Sheng Li to open up in front of her by himself.


    "What are you thinking?" Sheng Li''s question was brought out from her thoughts.


    "Nothing," Ying Lili replied.


    "By next week, we will be out of the Pce. Will you keep up with me? The journey is going to be harsh. You have not traveled, right?" If even she was trained as a warrior, Sheng Li had a hunch that Ying Lili would not have gone on such travels.


    "It will be my first time. I always wanted to have an adventurous life. But my father was always concerned about me. It did not mean that he stopped me from anything. Though I went to the mountain valley near Juyan with Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li''s facial expressions changed after hearing Hu Jingguo''s name. "You traveled alone with him?" Sheng Li was slightly angry to learn about that.


    "Hmm. It was a year ago when he started learning medicine. He asked me to apany him. It was a fun trip. In that mountain valley, a beautiful vige is located," Ying Lili proimed and smiled.


    "Did you not fear going out with that physically weak guy?" Sheng Li huffed and found how careless thete King of Juyan was! He sent his daughter alone with that guy!!


    "What? He is not weak. We two are known as the best swordsmen in Juyan. Once Jingguo and I fought against the neighboring state''s best swordsmen. Poor souls! They lost against us," Ying Lili smiled, recalling those days.


    Hearing the words of praise for Hu Jingguo from the mouth of his wife was irking Sheng Li. How could she praise a man in front of her husband, he thought? "Stop talking about him. He is not your friend anymore," Sheng Li stated.


    "He is my friend. He even saved your life, but you still do not like him. This is very bad, Sheng Li. Even though he was tortured to death by the First Prince, he decided to save you. He has a big heart and ..." Ying Lili stopped speaking as Sheng Li pulled her face towards him, cing his hand on her nape.


    "When I told you not to talk about him in front of me, then you should not," Sheng Li whispered.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "I know you are jealous of his skills," Ying Lili remarked, which provoked Sheng Li.


    "Dare to say it again," Sheng Li muttered.


    "You are j.e.a.l.o.u.s of his skills," Ying Lili stressed her words. "Can''t he be considerate to those who are helpful to him?" Ying Lili thought.


    How could Sheng Li expect that Ying Lili would listen to him? "Don''t me me for this. "This is your fault, Lili," saying that Sheng Li kissed Ying Lili.

 Chapter 115 - Duty Towards The People

    <h4>Chapter 115 - Duty Towards The People</h4>


    Ying Lili pushed Sheng Li away and ced her palm on her lips. "What were you doing?" Ying Lili, asked with a shocked expression.


    Sheng Li smirked and put Ying Lili''s hand down. "It was your fault. I told you not to speak about him, then why did you do that?" Ying Lili knitted her brows together as she red at the Crown Prince.


    "How was it my fault? You cannot do this any time you please," asserted Ying Lili.


    "Only if you will never talk about that guy in front of me. I told you to not say that but you did not listen to me, that''s why I need to shut your mouth," Sheng Li whispered, grinning.


    "Are you jealous of him?" Ying Lili looked at him with inquisitiveness.


    "No," Sheng Li inly said.


    "It seems otherwise to me," Ying Lili stated. "I know you are jealous. Do you have feelings for me?" Ying Lili raised her brows.


    Sheng Liughed upon hearing Ying Lili''s words. "Stop talking to me and go to sleep," Sheng Li said as he turned his back to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili put her hand down. She knew Sheng Li was jealous, which she took as a chance. "Sheng Li, why don''t we take Jingguo on the journey to the Southern Province as he is good in medicine?" Ying Lili suggested.


    Sheng Li again turned towards Ying Lili. "You again started. We are not going there for fun. And, I do not want to burden myself. He is not physically strong," Sheng Li deduced. Ying Lili pouted upon hearing the Crown Prince.


    "Why are you saying that he is not physically strong? I told you that we are known as the best swordsmen of Juyan," Ying Lili repeated her words.


    "Do you want to sleep on the floor?" Sheng Li asked her. Ying Lili knitted her brows, hearing the question of the Crown Prince.


    "Don''t talk about him else I will throw you on the floor and don''t y with my patience," asserted Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was not responding the way she wanted him to, so she stopped speaking. "I am sleepy. Thank you for conversing with me," Ying Lili said softly and closed her eyes while Sheng Li was still awake, gazing at her.


    "In the morning you act as if I did something to you but then you sleep peacefully beside me. If I had not been your husband and if by chance Jian had married you, would you look this happy? Would I be able to enjoy the time in the Pce?" Sheng Li murmured. Soon, he also drifted to sleep.


    ~~~~~


    Han Nianzu and Lei Wanxi were returning to the Pce after attending the Lantern Festival in the Capital Market. Only at this festival, Nianzu could fully enjoy it. "Fourth Prince, everyone was enchanted by your flute ying," asserted Lei Wanxi. "Umm¡­ these dumplings are tasty. Why don''t you try, brother?" Lei Wanxi suggested.


    Nianzu smiled when his eyes fell on a woman who was being taken away by a man. "Wanxi, it seems something wrong is going on," Nianzu told Wanxi who had finished eating the dumplings.


    "What is going wrong, brother?" Lei Wanxi asked confusedly.


    "Look there." Nianzu pointed his finger towards a man who was taking a young woman with him. "Brother, the youngdy is crying. Let''s help her," Wanxi said as he took out his fan from the waistband.


    They both walked towards them and stopped in front of the man who was in his forties. Seeing the princes there, the man bowed his head. "It is my good deeds that I saw the Princes today," proimed the man.


    "You are the assistant in the House of Landlord Ma Bojing?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "Yes, I am Lo Chongan," the man introduced himself.


    Nianzu looked at the young woman who was wiping the tears and had lowered her head. "Is this youngdy with you?" Nianzu asked.


    "Her family could not pay the debts so, she would serve as a washer in my Master''s house," Lo Chongan replied.


    Nianzu looked at the youngdy who was trembling in fear. "How much debt does her family owe to your master?" Nianzu questioned Lo Chongan.


    "Your highness, even if she would work a lifetime, she will not be able to repay the debt," Lo Chongan replied while his head was still lowered.


    "Tell your master to meet me in the morning. This youngdy is not going with you," Nianzu pronounced. Lei Wanxi looked at his elder brother but kept quiet.


    "Forgive me, your highness but my master will get angry at me," Lo Chongan expressed his concern.


    "Why would andlord get angry for not getting a washer? Convey him my message that I will repay the debts for this young woman''s family. This is the token which your master must show in the morning when he wille to the Pce." Nianzu handed Lo Chongan a rectangr wooden token seal. "You can leave," Nianzu ordered. Lo Chongan could not speak further and left from there.


    Nianzu walked towards the young woman who had lowered her eyes. "Miss, you do not need to worry. You are debt-free now. Where is your house? We will drop you there," Nianzu stated.


    "Why did his highness pay the debt on my behalf? I am supposed to work there. Your highness, please take back your order," the young woman stated.


    "But, Miss, you do not seem to befortable with that washer job. I do not think you were taken as a washer there, but something else," Nianzu proimed. Lei Wanxi came forward and told the young woman to not refuse the help of Prince Nianzu otherwise.


    "The Fourth Prince is the advisor to the Emperor, so you shall not question his decision. It iste night so, we shall be quick," Lei Wanxi stated while moving the fan in front of his face.


    "I am grateful for the kindness which his highness showed me today. This lowly person does not deserve to go with the Princes of the Empire," the young woman politely said.


    "Who said you are lowly, Miss? You shall not title yourself with this word. Think of it as my duty towards the people of Han," Nianzu proimed.

 Chapter 116 - A Tassel

    <h4>Chapter 116 - A Tassel</h4>


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi were walking with the young woman towards her home. "Miss, what is your name?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "I am Chuntao."


    "A Spring Peach! You have a lovely name, Miss Chuntao." Lei Wanxi gave apliment to the young woman who passed a tiny smile.


    "What does your family do, miss?" Lei Wanxi asked, trying to make the journeyfortable.


    "My father is a peasant," replied Chuntao.


    Nianzu was interested in knowing if the people were happy about the taxes. "Miss Chuntao, are you happy with the taxes that are imposed on the peasants? What I mean is that as a Prince, I do not know what amoner wishes for! The thing which is right in my eyes might not be in the eyes of the people. You were going to be an entertainer for thatndlord because your father could not pay the debts, so it might have some rtion with the tax amount," Nianzu pronounced.


    Chuntao was reluctant to speak when Lei Wanxi said, "Miss, it is for the people. There is a Governor appointed for such matters but sometimes people cannot raise their voices. You have gotten a golden chance."


    "It is strange to see the Princes this polite. His majesty has decided a fair tax amount for everyone but sometimes Tax inspectors ask for more taxes giving us the various reasons. Since many of us are illiterate, we do not know what is right and wrong for us except for epting whatever they tell us," Chuntao truthfully told everything to both princes.


    "Miss, it seems you are pretty aware of such things. Have you ever studied?" Nianzu curiously asked.


    "No, your highness," Chuntao replied.


    "You seem knowledgeable, Miss. I think you are a keen observant," Nianzu deduced some of the traits of Chuntao. Lei Wanxi found that the fourth brother was more interested in amoner''s life.


    "So, could you please tell me how your father got buried in such an enormous debt? The tax amount is one reason. Are there any other reasons?" Nianzu queried Chuntao.


    "Your highness, the debt has been going on since the time of my grandfather and then thendlord kept increasing the interest rates on the debts which is the other reason and father ended up in such a vicious cycle of the debts," Chuntao replied to Prince Nianzu.


    "Miss, you do not need to worry. Your family is no more in debt. I will look into this matter. Thank you for telling me about how tax is being collected by you people," Nianzu stated.


    Soon they reached the locality from where the young woman belonged to. The condition of the locality was enough to tell that the people were also in a critical situation there. Because of thentern festival, people could be seen outside the houses. As the people saw the two elite men walking with Chuntao, they were surprised and at the same time happy to see Chuntao back.


    "Your highness, my house is nearby. Thank you for today''s help. I do not know how I shall repay your kindness," Chuntao politely said.


    "Miss, as I said before it is my duty. I am afraid that you people have to suffer like this," Nianzu proimed.


    "Why is his highness apologizing? It is not the fault of his highness," Chuntao asserted, lowering her eyes.


    Nianzu took out a tassel which he had worn on the waistband. The tassel was made of sky blue color and white color loose threads which were hanging below a white-colored round pendant. He forwarded it to Chuntao "Miss, this is for you. If you feel any kind of trouble in the future, you can ask for me at the Pce Gates using this," said Nianzu.


    Chuntao was a bit hesitant to take that, but when Lei Wanxi told her to take that, she epted. "Thank you, your highness," Chuntao said softly.


    "You shall go," Nianzu stated. Chuntao bowed her head and left from their sight.


    "Brother, why did you take so much trouble? Thendlord might harm herter," Lei Wanxi expressed the concern. They both turned and left for the pce.


    "Wanxi, just think of it as her luck that I happened to see her. That''s why I told that assistant to send his master to the pce tomorrow. The Emperor and the Crown Prince cannot see such matters as they have to look at macro-level matters. Bureaucrats are appointed to look into these but they also ignore it. I think a reformation is needed in the system. I will put it forward in front of the Crown Prince," Nianzu exined to Lei Wanxi.


    "Is brother trying to say that he wants to reform the ways taxes are being collected?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied.


    "Wanxi, when is sister Jing returning?" Nianzu asked. "She is out of the pce for more than a year," Nianzu worriedly said.


    "Do you not know? Sister will be in the pce by early morning," Lei Wanxi replied. Nianzu was delighted to hear that.


    "Sister will be happy to see Sister Lili. She was always concerned about the Crown Prince thinking who would be his wife. But now she will be rxed," Nianzu pronounced. Lei Wanxi agreed with him.


    "I sometimes wonder how Sister Jing came out to be so Kind, unlike her brother and mother," Wanxi asserted.


    "The first brother spent most of the time with her mother and uncle in childhood days while Sister Jing was not being cared for by them that much. She spent most of her time with the father andte Empress. It is said that the surrounding people form your personality in early childhood. That''s why sister Jing differspletely from the first brother and her mother. Thanks to sister Jing, the Crown Prince could survive in the pce when father was not around," asserted Nianzu menacingly.


    Soon they reached outside the market in a stable where they had left their horses. After paying the stableman, the two left for the pce.

 Chapter 117 - Return Of Qi Jing

    <h4>Chapter 117 - Return Of Qi Jing</h4>


    In the morning, Sheng Li was helped by the maidservants in getting ready. The sash was worn by him around the waist. The Crown was ced over his head. A maidservant came there, panting. Seeing her, Xing-Fu asked why she was panting.


    "Your highness, the Princess has arrived," the maidservant replied. Immediately, Sheng Li turned and told the maidservants to leave the chamber. "Xing-Fu, tell the Crown Princess to meet me outside the greeting hall for elders," ordered Sheng Li and left from there.


    Sheng Li was excited to meet his elder sister. And why wouldn''t he be? He was meeting Princess Qi Jing after six years. He hastened his steps towards the chamber of Princess Qi Jing. As he ascended the stairs, the soldiers deployed there bowed their heads.


    Sheng Li soon reached outside the chamber of Qi Jing. "Inform the Princess about my visit," Sheng Limanded the maidservant who was standing outside the door. She bowed her head and walked in. In a minute, the maidservant came outside informing the Crown Prince that he should go in.


    Sheng Li stepped inside the chamber, recalling his childhood and teenage days when he used toe here frequently. He saw his sister was standing with a back towards him. "Sister Jing," Sheng Li softly called the name. Qi Jing, who was putting something on the table, turned back to look at Sheng Li.


    A wide smile formed on the lips of Qi Jing. She was wearing a white-colored Hanfu dress with silver essories worn in her hair. Qi Ling stepped towards Sheng Li. "You have grown into a handsome man, brother Sheng Li," Qi Jing proimed and ced her hand on Sheng Li''s cheek.


    "You used to be shorter than me, but now you have turned so tall. Sister is happy to see brother Sheng. Time passes so quickly." Qi Jing caressed Sheng Li''s cheek and then put it down.


    "You have turned more beautiful, sister Jing. I missed you so much," Sheng Li stated and smiled.


    "Forgive your elder sister foring sote. I thought to spend more time in the valley of Kun Lun Shan after you left for the military campaign with our father. But when I got the message of your return to the capital, I decided to return," Qi Jing asserted. She then told the Crown Prince to take the seat.


    Sheng Li nodded. But before he could sit, he pulled out a chair for Qi Jing and told her to sit first. Qi Jing thanked the Crown Prince. Sheng Li then sat on the other chair, facing his sister.


    "I heard that the Crown Prince is married to a beautiful and smart woman of Juyan City. I also heard that you were poisoned and the Crown Princess saved your life." Sheng Li saw the frowns on the forehead of his elder sister.


    "People say that the Crown Princess is beautiful, but I did not find her beautiful. The most beautiful woman for me is my sister and no one can beat her in beauty," Sheng Li remarked.


    Qi Jing smiled after getting such a remark from the Crown Prince.


    "Sister, do not title me as ''Crown Prince.'' Call me Sheng Li because you are my elder and I love it when you call me by my name," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But you are now the Crown Prince, so I must use the title," Qi Jing opined.


    "No. For you, I am only Sheng Li. Just call me by my name," Sheng Li repeated his words. Qi Jing nodded to Sheng Li''s request.


    "Do you not have to leave for the morning greeting to his and her majesty?" Qi Jing queried Sheng Li.


    "I was going there only, but then I got the news of your arrival, sister Jing. I thought to meet you first," Sheng Li replied.


    "I am still recalling that 16 years old boy," Qi Jing softly said, and gave a tiny smile. "Seeing you like this is indeed prideful for me. Oh, I have brought a present for you," Qi Jing stated and almost got up from the chair when Sheng Li stopped her.


    "You can give me the presentter. I have so much to talk with you, sister," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Even though I have many things to tell my younger brother, I will converse with him in the presence of the Crown Princess as well. Since it is morning hours, the brother shall go to greet his and her majesty. We can have breakfast together," Qi Jing suggested to Sheng Li, which he liked and agreed on.


    Sheng Li then stood up. "I shall take my leave, sister. I will see you at the breakfast table," Sheng Li stated.


    "Bring the Crown Princess as well," Qi Jing told Sheng Li who nodded and left the chamber.


    ~~~~~~


    Outside the Greeting Hall, Ying Lili was waiting for Sheng Li toe. Jian Guozhi came there with his wife, Zho Mi and Princess Consort, Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Greetings to the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi said as he bowed his head in front of Ying Lili who also greeted him. She then wished morning to Zho Mi and Xue Yu-Yan as well.


    "May I ask why the Crown Princess is standing here?" Zho Mi asked.


    "I am waiting for the Crown Prince," answered Ying Lili, giving a tiny smile to Zho Mi.


    "This is the first time I am seeing the Crown Princess waiting for the Crown Prince so patiently," Xue Yu-Yan remarked. Ying Lili was baffled to know about that.


    "What do you mean, Princess Consort Xue?" Zho Mi asked in her soft voice.


    "I meant that the Crown Princess usually defies the orders of the Crown Prince but today it is different," Xue Yu-Yan replied and looked at Ying Lili.


    "Princess Consort, you have still got the guts to talk like this with my Crown Princess," Sheng Li voiced when everyone turned to look at him. "Princess Consort, you will start showing respect towards my Crown Princess from today onwards. This is the third time you insulted the Nation''s Crown Princess and I will not forgive you this time," Sheng Li proimed in a threatening tone.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!!


    I will today give 3 chapters as a mass release as I have reached the target of over 100 votes. If the book will reach 1000 votes in a week, I will give 5 chapters as the mass release next week.


    Thank you for voting on the story daily.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 118 - Sharp Memory!

    <h4>Chapter 118 - Sharp Memory!</h4>


    Jian Guozhi did not defend Xue Yu-Yan because he also wanted to get her punished. Xue Yu-Yan apologized to the Crown Prince, but he ignored her and walked ahead. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, and they walked in.


    Inside the hall, Han Wenji could be seen with Weng Wei and others. Sheng Li and Ying Lili greeted them.


    "Is your foot fine, Crown Princess?" Weng Wei asked.


    "My foot is fine now. Thank you for asking, your majesty," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude. Weng Wei smiled and gave a nod. Jian Guozhi, Zho Mi, and Xue Yu-Yan entered there; greeted the elders there.


    Sheng Li looked at Weng Wei and said, "Dear mother, I am disappointed that you are discriminating against my wife." Weng Wei got confused upon hearing such a statement.


    "What does the Crown Prince mean?" Weng Wei asked.


    "Mother, how could you forget what happened yesterday during our visit to the Shrine? Princess Consort Xue insulted my wife, but you did not take any action¡­ I mean the inner court action. Last time too she tried using the Crown Princess when she was preparing an overcoat for me. That time you let her go easily. But today Princess Consort Xue crossed her limits. She again was disrespectful towards the Crown Princess. I want to give the harshest possible to the Princess Consort so that she will respect my wife," pronounced Sheng Li. The other princes had also arrived and heard everything that Sheng Li told the Empress.


    Getting no response from the Empress, Sheng Li further said, "Your majesty, I think you are lenient towards Princess Consort Xue because she is from the same family as yours. If it is difficult for you, then the mother can permit me. I will implement your teachings in a good way, mother."


    Weng Yu got scared how Sheng Li was asking for the punishment for Xue Yu-Yan so he hid behind Lei Wanxi.


    "Son, do not be angry in the morning. The Empress will punish the Princess Consort," Han Wenji pronounced. Weng Wei agreed with the Emperor and told Sheng Li not to ruin his mood in the morning.


    "Then, would the Empress like to announce what kind of punishment she will give to the Princess Consort? I remember when I was five years old, I touched my first brother''s dress which was tailored by a special royal designer of those times. Then mother gave me the harshest punishment of staying without food for a day. To this date, I do not touch other people''s belongings without their permission thanks to the mother''s punishment, which imparted good values to me," Sheng Li proimed, keeping a smile on his lips.


    Ying Lili nced at Sheng Li who felt a little mncholy. Han Wenji looked at Weng Wei. "You punished Sheng Li by not giving him food for a day?" Han Wenji asked Weng Wei who was out of words now. Jian Guozhi snickered to see how Sheng Li was taking out the past things.


    "Your majesty, Sheng Li was a kid back then. I think he remembered little of that time. It was only to teach him good values, but I only threatened little Sheng Li that time. Had I not punished him then he would have not learned those values," Empress Wei changed the words of Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li agreed with Weng Wei. "But mother, I do not forget things easily. I have a sharp memory thanks to you. So, I want you to punish Princess Consort Xue in the harshest possible way. If you cannot do that, then I can take charge," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I will do it. It is indeed ungracious that Princess Consort Xue insulted the Crown Princess," Empress Wei announced.


    "What about washing the clothes?" Sheng Li suggested the punishment. Empress Wei agreed on that punishment. "Princess Consort Xue will wash the clothes for a day. The punishment is given to her so that she can reflect on her mistakes and will not repeat them in the future," asserted Weng Wei.


    "Mother is indeed impartial to everyone. I shall take my leave as I have to visit the Prime Minister¡­ Apologies, he is not the Prime Minister anymore but a traitor who was doing corruption," Sheng Li said menacingly. He gestured to Ying Lili to follow him, and the two left from there.


    Weng Wei was clutching the cushion tightly on her left as Sheng Li left.


    "Why are you so angry in the morning?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "Don''t tell me you want me to forgive her," Sheng Li stated.


    "Thank you for protecting me there," Ying Lili said.


    "My elder half sister has returned. She has invited us for breakfast with her." Ying Lili saw how happy Sheng Li was just talking about his sister. "Lili, sister Jing and I met after such a long time. What do you think I should give her? I want to give something special to her. Since you are a woman, you know about the choices of a woman," Sheng Li asserted with a smile.


    "Uhh¡­ I do not know. This is my first time meeting her, so how would I know what sister Jing likes?" Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Hmm¡­ you are right. I will think about that. I might bete for lunch so do not wait for me today," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Why? Are you going outside?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. The meeting is there for the next Prime Minister so it will take time," Sheng Li replied.


    "Can I take part in the meeting?" Ying Lili expressed her desire. Sheng Li astonishingly looked at the Crown Princess.


    "I cannot expect something less from you. Do you have something in mind for the selection of the Prime Minister?" Sheng Li searched for an answer.


    Nodding her head Ying Lili said, "I think someone efficient from the Civil Service Department who has given the best results to the Empire would be suitable for the Prime Ministerial Post. Let''s not involve families but also give the chance to the efficient civil servants." Sheng Li agreed with Ying Lili''s points.


    "Even I was thinking so. I did not know you are good in politics as well," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili huffed, "I am good at many things. It is just that you think that I am useless and na?ve." Sheng Li halted at his ce and so did Ying Lili.


    "What? Did I say something wrong?" Ying Lili wondered.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    So, this week we reached 1K votes on this story. Yayyy. I am so happy. This is the first time I got so many votes. So, as per my promise, I will give a mass release of 5 chapters after Sunday. Stay tuned to the story and keep voting????.


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    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 119 - Equal To Me

    <h4>Chapter 119 - Equal To Me</h4>


    Ying Lili took a step back as Sheng Li was leaning closer to her. Sheng Li lowered his head such that their faces were at the same level while his both hands were behind his back. "Are you sure about your statement?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili who nodded.


    "You are not good at many things. You got defeated by me two times and then you cannot even flutter my heart." Sheng Li then leaned towards Ying Lili''s ear and whispered, "You are also not good when ites to a husband-wife rtionship. I have seen you how the thought of me getting close to you terrifies you."


    Ying Lili titled her head when Sheng Li straightened his back. "You won so many battles, so it is normal that I would lose against you. And, I have just started working on our rtionship and I believe it will turn out to be a beautiful one," Ying Lili replied.


    "I want you to be equal to me so that no one can defeat you, not even me. Then I will say that you are good¡­ not good, but perfect. And, I do not think you are working for our rtionship, which is good for me because it is benefiting me only," proimed Sheng Li and again started walking.


    Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu looked at each other. Ying Lili followed Sheng Li and soon the two reached the chamber of Qi Jing. Seeing the two there, Qi Jing weed them. Qi Jing was mesmerized to see Ying Lili. ''Howe Sheng Li does not find the Crown Princess beautiful?'' This was the first thought that came to Qi Jing''s mind.


    "It is my pleasure to meet Sister Qi Jing," Ying Lili softly said and kowtowed before her.


    "The Crown Princess does not need to do something like this," Qi Jing proimed.


    Ying Lili put her hand down and lifted her head. "You are my elder, so I should do it, sister Qi Jing," opined Ying Lili. Qi Jing smiled and told them to take their seats.


    After taking the seats around the breakfast table, Qi Jing said, "Brother Sheng, you were saying that the Crown Princess is not beautiful. Why did you lie?" Ying Lili red at Sheng Li.


    "Is she? I do not know why people think of her as the most beautiful woman of Han," Sheng Li remarked, looking at Ying Lili.


    "Brother Sheng is joking, Crown Princess. He does not want to praise you intentionally. The things which he likes the most, he prefers to stay away from them as he believes they will spoil him," Qi Jing told Ying Lili which was something new which Ying Lili heard.


    "Sheng Li, do you like me?" Sheng Li who was drinking started coughing. Putting the ss down, he red at Ying Lili.


    "What are you trying to say? Don''t annoy me in the early morning," Sheng Li said with exasperation.


    "Can''t you talk politely? I was only asking because sister Jing said that you push the things away you like. It means you are declining my love for you because you like me!" Ying Lili said with a raised brow as her lips moved up to smirk at Sheng Li.


    Qi Jing found out how Sheng Li got irked as soon as Ying Lili asked him if he liked her. ''Crown Princess differs from the other women. They are made for each other, but then their rtionship is not going the way it should be,'' Qi Jing thought.


    "Let''s have breakfast because I have to go to the Court," Sheng Li stated and looked at Xing-Fu. "Bring in breakfast for us," he ordered.


    "Crown Princess, spend today''s time with me. I hope there will not be any problem," Qi Jing requested to Ying Lili.


    "I would love to spend time with sister Jing," Ying Lili answered when Sheng Li said, "Don''t you have to practice with me? You are cking off these days." Ying Lili was confused upon hearing those words.


    Sheng Li did not want Ying Lili to spend time with his elder sister because he knew that Sister Qing would tell everything about him to Ying Lili and then Ying Lili would bother him.


    Qi Jing with an inquisitiveness peered at Sheng Li. She was astonished to see that Sheng Li was actually spending his time with Ying Lili. ''I was wrong about them. But the way brother Sheng acts it seems their rtionship is not started in the way it should be.''


    "Forgive me for the intrusion. Is the Crown Princess trained in military stuff!?" Qi Jing out of curiosity asked.


    "Yes, I am well aware of the warfare," Ying Lili replied.


    "Brother Sheng, let the Crown Princess spend today''s time with me. You two can start your training from tomorrow. I am here after six years so, brother Sheng must fulfill this wish of his elder sister," Qi Jing insisted. Sheng Li could not refuse his sister''s request and agreed with her.


    "The food will get cold. We shall start," Sheng Li stated and picked up the chopsticks. He told his sister to eat first, and then Sheng Li, Ying Lili started eating.


    Qi Jing noticed the ceramic bangle in Ying Lili''s hand and asked about that. "This is gifted by Sheng Li yesterday when we went to celebrate the Lantern Festival," Ying Lili replied, and smiled.


    "Brother Sheng went to the Lantern Festival. Since when did Brother Sheng take interest in the festival?" Qi Jing asked curiously.


    "I was always interested in going to the festivals but because I was in wars, I could not get to watch them. That''s why I decided to take Lili out for the festival but it was not that good," Sheng Li pronounced and turned to look at Ying Lili. "That palm reader annoyed me the most there," Sheng Li stated.


    "He did not lie about your personality either. You get annoyed easily if someone sees your true self," Ying Lili pronounced with a smile.

 Chapter 120 - Find Out Everything

    <h4>Chapter 120 - Find Out Everything</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili stared at each other for a while when Qi Jing told them not to argue with each other and have their meals. After finishing their respective meals, Sheng Li took the leave as the Court was going to start.


    "I hope sister Jing will not reveal things about me," Sheng Li thought when he encountered Xue Yu-Yan who was going with a maidservant. Sheng Li walked past her when Xue Yu-Yan caught his hand, thus stopping him there.


    "Look whom you are touching, Princess Consort!" Sheng Li said angrily and jerked her hand from his.


    "I do not know why the Crown Prince started hating me after my marriage with the First Prince. It seems like the Crown Prince never loved me," Xue Yu-Yan asserted as tears formed in her eyes.


    Sheng Li snickered as he saw the fake crocodile tears in Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes. "Do you know how much I hate your sight? I used to think you were an innocent woman, but you aren''t. Never stop me like this." Sheng Li walked ahead, leaving Xue Yu-Yan in bewilderment.


    "After Ying Lili''s entry in the Pce, the Crown Prince has changed. I want to kill her so badly. Because of her, the Crown Prince did not stop my marriage with Jian. She went as a spy to my father''s residence and brought the ledger from there. Now the father is not the Prime Minister anymore and this useless husband of mine will never win against the Crown Prince," Xue Yu-Yan thought when her thoughts were interrupted by the maidservant who was from the Empress''s Manor.


    "Princess Consort must hurry, else the punishment might get harsher."


    Xue Yu-Yan gulped the anger that had formed inside her and went to the Washers'' House.


    "Xue can harm Lili in the future. I wonder how she could be so rxed after her father''s imprisonment. Is the Empress giving her some kind of assurance? But what? I have to ask for Zhang Yong''s execution from the father. Weng Wei will not stay quiet and will n something evil." Sheng Li''s deep thoughts were put to an end by the fourth Prince.


    Sheng Li halted at his ce as he saw Prince Nianzu there. "Forgive me for halting the Crown Prince," Nianzu humbly said.


    "You do not need to apologize, fourth brother," Sheng Li stated.


    "There is something I would like to tell the Crown Prince," Nianzu stated.


    "You may tell." Getting permission from the Crown Prince, Prince Nianzu opened his mouth to speak. "Crown Prince, I think the governor of the capital is not doing his job the way he should do. I have found that the tax inspectors are collecting more than the mentioned taxes from the peasants," Nianzu briefed the problem to Sheng Li.


    The two started walking towards the Court while conversing with each other. "Brother is smart not to disclose such a piece of information in the Court. I appreciate how you look after the state affairs at the micro-level where father and I cannot reach," Sheng Li praised Prince Nianzu.


    "It is my duty towards the Empire. Crown Prince, I think we shall take a look into the capital asmoners. But I am afraid that the Crown Prince is leaving for the Southern Province in a few days so the efficient working of the system will take more time," Nianzu expressed his concerns.


    "Brother, let''s first attend the Court. I have recently gotten lost in my own matters and thus, did not check the state affairs in depth. But after the Prime Minister is exposed, I think reform is needed. After the end of the court session, we will discuss these matters," Sheng Li suggested.


    Nianzu agreed with the Crown Prince, and the two hastened their steps to reach the Courtroom.


    ~~~~~


    "Sister Jing, Sheng Li¡­ I mean the Crown Prince says nothing about him. Brother Nianzu told me a little about him and told me to get close to him. If I ask him something, he asks me the question instead of answering. I do not understand him sometimes," Ying Liliined about Sheng Li to Qi Jing who giggled upon hearing the Crown Princess.


    Controlling her giggles, Qi Jing said, "Crown Princess, brother Sheng is like this. But I have seen how brother Sheng cares for you. Brother Sheng must have developed a soft spot for you but he might be afraid to open up with you because of his dark past."


    "I know he was abused when he was young, but he should share that with me. I had such wrong ideas about him because he has portrayed himself in front of the people as the most barbaric human when he isn''t. I epted my mistake for always thinking he was wrong, but it seems he still does not trust me." Ying Lili said in a dejected tone.


    "Crown Princess, do not be disheartened," Qi Jing replied and grasped the hands of Ying Lili. "You need to be patient around the Crown Prince. Our Father for a long time was in the wars which are one reason that brother Sheng had to suffer. I feel so ashamed to this date that I could not do anything to stop the torture on little Sheng.


    I think I was not strong enough to raise my voice against my mother and I still am not," Qi Jing recalled those dark days.


    "Could you please tell me what the Empress is like? I know she is your birth mother and it would be inappropriate to talk behind the back of the Empress but still, I want to know because I want to help Sheng Li. I want to punish all the surrounding people who made him like this," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Indeed, she is my birth mother, but she never acted like my mother. Mother of Little Sheng gave me the motherly lovely when I was young. When the mother of Little Sheng passed away, he was a mere four-year-old kid. Because Mother Mei was dearest to the father, so her son was also dear to the father, ording to my mother.


    She used to think that Little Sheng might be a hindrance to the path of my elder brother''s session that''s why she did every possible thing to torture him.


    Little Sheng could not have the same facility as us; he could not have meals with us; he could not even talk with us." Tears formed in the eyes of Qi Jing while remembering all those things.


    Ying Lili felt wretched upon hearing such things from Qi Jing. "Why did his majesty never look after his son? Why has no oneined about all this to his majesty?" Ying Lili queried, carrying a baffled expression on her face.


    "Because those who were loyal to his majesty were killed mysteriously. Thete Emperor was bedridden at that time because of his deteriorating health. The situation in the Pce was messed up at that time, Crown Princess," Qi Jing exined to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili frowned because she was not ready to believe that the Emperor did not know about all this. "I will ask about this from the Emperor once. If I really want to punish the people because of whom Sheng Li suffered, then I need to find out everything. Howe Eunuch Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu survived to this date. They must have informed the Emperor about all this," Ying Lili thought.

 Chapter 121 - A Good Husband

    <h4>Chapter 121 - A Good Husband</h4>


    "Your highness, this is the list of the government officials who have given marvelous performance for over twenty years to the Han Empire," the Head of Civil Service Department, Shao Zichen, handing the List to the assistant Huo who passed the List to the Emperor.


    "What is the suggestion of Minister Shao?" Han Wenji queried after skimming through the list.


    "Your majesty, ording to me, Gong Yutong, who is currently working as the Chief in the Department of Law will be suitable for the Prime Ministerial Post." Shao Zichen put forward his suggestion.


    "Your majesty, Gong Yutong is a known schr from the time of his grandfather. He reformed thews for the Empire which has benefited us in a good way. Thew and order of Han is better thanks to Chief Gong," Sheng Li proimed.


    Han Wenji looked at Prince Nianzu and asked for his advice. "I agree with the Crown Prince and Chief Head of the Civil Service Department. Gong Yutong is a true Civil Servant who works for the people. Thew and order situation is not only maintained in the Capital but also in the areas far from the capital. He was offered the position of Law Minister earlier by you but he refused it saying he would like to serve the people from outside. So, we can see that Chief Gong has no greed for power or status." Han Nianzu rested on his words.


    "What about you, Law Minister Zhi?" Han Wenji questioned.


    "I will go with the name of Chief Gong. He deserves to be the Prime Minister," replied Zhi Xiang. Han Wenji after five minutes announced his decision.


    "After the discussion for two days, I would like to entitle the Post of Prime Minister to Gong Yutong. He will be titled as Prime Minister Gong from today onwards." Han Wenji was handed a scroll in which the decree was written and he put the Imperial Seal on the decree. "Convey this message to Gong Yutong and call him to the Pce," Han Wenji ordered Han Nianzu who took the scroll from his father.


    "Head Shao, Minister Zhi, you two shall leave," Han Wenji asserted. Shao Zichen and Zhi Xiang stood up from their respective seats, bowed their heads, and left the Private chamber.


    "Father, there is something you must know," Sheng Li proimed. "There is ongoing corruption which needs to be checked especially at the vige levels. Brother Nianzu and I think that there must be reforms in the administration system," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Firstly, I would like to see the ground reports on all this. After analyzing everything, further action will be taken. The Crown Prince also needs to check the ongoing rebellions in the Southern Province. I think you shall expeditiously work on the situation of the Southern Province first," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Sheng Li nodded. "Father, I also want you to appoint the new Governors of every province of Han, even for those who are ruled independently by the Kingdom who will be directly responsible for the Empire. That way we''ll keep a check on every state without worries," Sheng Li suggested another important thing to the Emperor.


    "The Crown Prince is saying the right thing. The sovereignty of Han must be realized by every Province. Since the Crown Prince haspleted the military campaign so now the chief focus shall be on the betterment of the Han Empire and its people," Nianzu advised the Emperor.


    "You are right, Prince Nianzu. Start your preparation on this n," Han Wenji ordered the Fourth Prince. He then looked at the Crown Prince and said, "Crown Prince, you must leave for the Southern Province as soon as possible and return within a month with the Crown Princess."


    "Yes, your majesty. I have prepared everything for my departure with the Crown Princess but now I am thinking we shall leave in disguise as the safety of the Crown Princess is of utmost importance," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Do not let her get harmed. I am letting her go with you because I believe that her intellect will work there more. Talk with people and do not lose your temper," the Emperor affirmed.


    Sheng Li bowed his head. "Father believes the Crown Princess more," Sheng Li stated. Han Wenji and Prince Nianzu smile at how the Crown Prince wasining about that.


    "You are not giving a tough time to the Crown Princess, right?" Han Wenji asked.


    "I am not giving her a tough time. I even took her to the Lantern Festival and purchased a gift for her. I am doing my duty as a good husband," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Han Wenjiughed, seeing the reactions of Sheng Li. "It is good to see that my son is gentle around his wife. I want you to be gentle around everyone," Han Wenji enunciated.


    "I understood, father," Sheng Li replied.


    "How is the investigation going on with Zhang Yong Wei?" Han Wenji questioned.


    "Father, his residence is being raided where it is found how he umted such a vast amount of wealth. Not only that, some maps of the neighboring kingdoms are found which shows that he has links with them as well," Sheng Li replied to the Emperor.


    "Wei family is one of the strongest families of the Han Empire. Father must punish Zhang Yong because he misused the title just to fill his greed. It will set an example if he will be given the harshest possible punishment," Sheng Li pronounced with abhorrence.


    "I will announce the punishment for Zhang Yong tomorrow in the Court," stated Han Wenji. Sheng Li and Nianzu took their leave from there.


    Xing-Fu was waiting for the Crown Prince outside the chamber. "I will see youter, Crown Prince," stated Nianzu. Sheng Li nodded and turned to Xing-Fu.


    "Your highness, a message hase from Juyan City," Xing-Fu reported to the Crown Prince.


    "What message?" Sheng Li asked.


    Xing-Fu lowered his eyes. "Your highness, the Crown Princess''s mother has passed away. She could not take the demise of her husband and then she was also worried about the Crown Princess'' safety," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince, looking disconste.

 Chapter 122 - A Promise

    <h4>Chapter 122 - A Promise</h4>


    "When did this happen?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Your highness, two days ago in the early morning. Her highness''s mother felt a severe chest pain as informed by Juyan''s Royal Physician," replied Xing-Fu.


    "Where is the Crown Princess? Does the Crown Princess know about this?" Sheng Li queried. Xing-Fu refused.


    "I am going to Zhenzhu Inn. Postpone myter evening schedule and also inform General Wang that I will note to the prison today," Sheng Limanded Xing-Fu who bowed his head. Sheng Li quickly left to meet Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li soon reached the Zhenzhu Inn and asked about Ying Lili from Court Lady Xu. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is resting," Court Lady Xu replied.


    "Did she take her meals?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Yes, your highness," replied Court Lady Xu. Sheng Li was relieved to hear that.


    "Don''t disturb us and if anyone asks about me, then tell him to wait till tomorrow as I will be unavable till tomorrow morning," Sheng Limanded and walked in. Court Lady Xu closed the doors.


    Sheng Li put away the curtains which were hanging around the bed. He saw Ying Lili was sleeping peacefully. "How will I tell her that her mother has passed away?" wondered Sheng Li and sat on the mattress beside her. Removing his shoes, Sheng Li stretched his legs out on the bed and rested his weight on his left elbow.


    He kept staring at Ying Lili, waiting for her to wake up. By the evening, Ying Lili woke up and found Sheng Li sitting beside her. She rubbed her eyes and sat up on the bed. "What are you doing here? You told me that you will not see me today," Ying Liliined and yawned.


    "Sheng Li, I think I am gettingzy. I fell asleep during the day instead of getting myself involved in the work. The household chores I do not like. It bores me. Can''t you take me with you? I won''t trouble you at all during work. I promise," Ying Lili stated, raising her hand and joining three fingers together to make a promise.


    "You want me to take you to the court; to the prison; to the barracks?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili nodded her head and smiled. She had put her hand down and moved closer to Sheng Li. "I will help you with the work. It is like an assistant working for you. You shall not decline such a kind offer from my side," Ying Lili proimed.


    "We are leaving for the Southern Province the day after tomorrow so, I do not think that you will get bored," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili was delighted to hear about that.


    Contrarily, Sheng Li was in confusion about how he should tell Ying Lili about her mother''s demise. Why was he even thinking how she would feel? He was not like that before.


    Ying Lili noticed that Sheng Li was lost somewhere, so she tapped on his shoulder, thus bringing him out of those thoughts. "What happened? What are you thinking?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "Lili, I have got news from Juyan," Sheng Li finally said.


    "What kind of news? Did my mother send something for me?" Ying Lili was excited to know.


    "Your mother has passed away," Sheng Li replied when he saw Ying Lili''s eyes filled with tears. "The messenger has reported that¡­ that she could not bear the death of her husband and," Sheng Li paused, "¡­ she was worried about your safety. You are married to me, which is another reason for her demise," hepleted his words.


    She turned her back towards Sheng Li as tears rolled down Ying Lili''s eyes to her cheeks. She ced her hand on her chest and tightly closed her eyes. "M-mother," she whimpered in pain. Sheng Li back hugged Ying Lili and caressed her one arm. "Why did this happen? I epted this marriage alliance to save my father and mother, but I ended up losing them," Ying Lili voiced mournfully.


    "That''s why you shall stay away from me because the more you get closer to me, the more you will lose your loved ones," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili started weeping while Sheng Li''s grip was tightened around her. He wanted to soothe her, but he did not know how! Ying Lili''s cries were piercing through his heart as he recalled the time when he lost his mother.


    After a while, Ying Lili stopped weeping, but her snivels could be heard. Her eyes were swollen because of excessive crying, and her head was aching. Her backhead rested on Sheng Li''s chest. Sheng Li had one hand on hers and he was caressing it.


    Ying Lili lifted her hand and wiped the tears off her eyes. "When did she pass away?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Xing-Fu informed me that it happened two days ago. Yourte mother felt a severe chest pain in the early morning," Sheng Li replied.


    "Are you sure that my mother died because of my father''s demise? I-I mean there could be someone who could have killed her. Uncle is no more. What if my aunt killed her or the Empress could be behind her death." Ying Lili told the possibilities behind her mother''s death.


    Sheng Li made Ying Lili look at him. He cupped her face in his hands. Ying Lili''s eyes had again turned watery when a tear rolled down her cheek. Sheng Li, using his thumb, wiped that tear from Ying Lili''s cheek. "I will investigate. I am also responsible for your mother''s death. If I had not been harsh on her and assured her that I would not harm you then she would have been alive. Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized to Ying Lili who lifted her both hands and hit on Sheng Li''s chest.


    The Crown Princess again broke into tears. "You should have been considerate to her at that time. My mother won''te back now. I could not even see her for thest time," Ying Lili in a broken voice said as she kept hitting Sheng Li while crying. Sheng Li did not stop her this time because he knew the pain of losing his mother. No one could understand that pain better than him. Ying Lili rested her head on Sheng Li''s chest after she stopped hitting him.


    "Lili, I promise you to find the real culprits behind your mother''s death. I will punish them so brutally that their entire generation and generation after generation will remember it."


    Sheng Li gave his words to Ying Lili and put his hand behind Ying Lili''s back to caress it.

 Chapter 123 - Burn You Alive

    <h4>Chapter 123 - Burn You Alive</h4>


    Ying Lili lifted her head and peered into the eyes of Sheng Li. "Are you telling the truth?" Ying Lili queried him. Sheng Li nodded and brought his hand over Ying Lili''s head. He moved his hand gently over Ying Lili''s hair when he heard Ying Lili, "I think it is the Empress. I want to kill her. She killed your mother too, and she killed my both parents. We did nothing wrong with her, then why?!"


    Tears again welled from deep inside Ying Lili''s heart and coursed down her cheeks. "I sent my mother a message four days ago, saying I am doing good and everyone around me treats me well. My husband treats me well, so she does not need to worry. I was eagerly waiting for her message."


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "I had never thought that the Pce life would lead to this. My parents did nothing wrong then why did they have to die like this?" Ying Lili was disheartened.


    Sheng Li cupped Ying Lili''s face again and wiped the tears from her face. "I have given you my words, Lili. Give me some time. I promise if Weng Wei did this then I will skin her out and the entire Wei family. She is still alive because of a reason else I have the capability to kill her right at this moment," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Forgive me for turning a blind eye towards your mother. I should have made arrangements to protect her." Sheng Li put his hands down as he took a deep breath.


    "How did you bear her sight all these years? She killed your mother. You should have told his majesty and you could have handed the mother''s diary to his majesty then, why didn''t you? The Empress has killed so many people just for her power. She shall be punished for her crimes," Ying Lili demanded the answers from Sheng Li.


    "Because I had to survive in the Pce for my mother. I cannot make the decision in haste. My blood boils when I see her but then I have to control myself because there are many hidden things which need to be brought out," Sheng Li proimed.


    He looked at her and said, "Your parents'' grave will be made here. They will be given a tribute by his majesty. I do not know how to console someone in this situation. Your loss is my loss too. I admire one thing the most in you is that you are brave." Sheng Li put his both hands on both the arms of Ying Lili and patted them.


    "But this brave woman can''t save her mother," Ying Lili regretfully said. "These tears will not bring her back, but then they are not stopping. Why?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "You can cry as much as you want to. You can lean on me. This is the only thing I can do right now," Sheng Li proimed as he pulled Ying Lili into a hug. Ying Lili was sobbing silently, recalling the moments with her mother.


    This was the first time Sheng Li actually hugged someone. The demise of Ying Lili''s mother brought many of his memories back when he lost his mother.


    "Why is she not waking up?" Sheng Li asked in his innocent voice from Xing-Fu, while patting his mother''s cheeks. Everyone around him was crying except him because he thought she would wake up and embrace him. But she did not.


    Weng Wei then entered the chamber and ordered to do thest rites of Sheng Li''s mother. He was not ready to leave his mother when he was dragged away on the orders of Weng Wei to the other chamber and was locked there.


    "Weng Wei, you yed very dirty with me but I swear if you are involved in Lili''s mother''s demise then I will burn you alive along with your entire Wei Family," Sheng Li''s nostrils red in anger when he heard Ying Lili''s weeping.


    He put his hand on Ying Lili''s head as he caressed it. Hours passed like that when Sheng Li found Ying Lili had fallen to sleep. He brought his arm near her head and with the support of it; heid Ying Lili down on the bed when his head touched Ying Lili''s forehead. She was burning with fever which worried Sheng Li.


    He quickly covered Ying Lili from the nket and called Court Lady Xu in. Court Lady Xu showed her presence. "Call the Royal Physician. The Crown Princess is sick. Send Xing-Fu in," Sheng Li ordered Court Lady Xu who bowed her head and hurriedly went to bring Royal Physician.


    "Your highness, you called me," Xing-Fu asked politely while his head was lowered.


    "Is there any message which the Crown Princess''s mother wanted to give her? Did the messenger bring anything with him?" Sheng Li inquired from Xing-Fu who refused.


    "Bring Hu Jingguo here," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Yes, your highness. The Sixth Prince was here earlier. He wants to report something urgent to his highness," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li.


    "Bring him here and inform his majesty about the demise of the Crown Princess''s mother," Sheng Li gave the further orders. Xing-Fu bowed his head and left from there.


    Sheng Li turned to the bed and looked at the pale face of Ying Lili. "You do not look good when you cry," Sheng Li murmured.


    The Royal Physician entered the chamber and greeted the Crown Prince. "Please check the Crown Princess," Sheng Li told the Royal Physician who sat on the stool beside the bed. He took Ying Lili''s wrist and checked the pulse. He then examined the eyes of Ying Lili and stood up from the stool.


    "Your highness, the Crown Princess lost her consciousness because of excessive crying. She needs a good rest. I will give the medicine which will reduce the fever of her highness," Royal Physician advised and took a pill from the medicine box.


    "Please give this pill to her highness with the water," the Royal physician handed the pill to the Crown Prince. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and was outraged to see that sight of her.

 Chapter 124 - Next Target Is Hu Jingguo

    <h4>Chapter 124 - Next Target Is Hu Jingguo</h4>


    Sheng Li sat on the bed and uplifted Ying Lili''s head slightly. He opened Ying Lili''s mouth and made her drink the water in which the pill was dissolved. After she was done drinking a few drops, he wiped her lips and then made hery on the bed.


    Lei Wanxi and Hu Jingguo were looking through the semi-transparent curtains. Sheng Li stood up from the bed and came towards them. "Can I check her¡­ her highness?" Hu Jingguo asked. Sheng Li gave a nod to him.


    Hu Jingguo went to the bed and sat on the stool. He took the hand of Ying a Lili and checked her pulse. Hu Jingguo ced Ying Lili''s hand back over and looked at her worriedly.


    "Why do you want to tell me?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother Sheng, I had sent Wu Qinyang, the adopted daughter of the Governor of Wu Province to Juyan," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li was perplexed to hear that when Lei Wanxi continued, "She is on our side. She has great acupuncture, medicinal, and martial art skills. She has brought something from there." Lei Wanxi forwarded a scroll to Sheng Li who grabbed it and opened it. "It''s from Ying Lili''s mother. So, she had left a reply to her," Sheng Li asserted and put the scroll on the table. Lei Wanxi nodded.


    "Brother, Miss Qinyang told me that there was nothing suspicious going on with sister Lili''s mother. She was even consideringing to the capital to meet her daughter. Apart from that, Ying Lili''s aunt and cousins were also good to Sister Lili''s mother. You must be thinking why did I send Miss Qinyang to Juyan all of a sudden? That''s because I do not want you to send any punishment order for Sister Lili''s aunt and cousins with no evidence.


    Miss Qinyang had also informed me that after Sister Lili''s message to her mother, thete widow of Juyan King was relieved that you were taking care of Sister Lili," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "What if this woman is lying? That Governor had rebelled against Han in the past. Even if he has epted the Sovereignty of Han, I cannot believe nor can I believe his adopted daughter," Sheng Li proimed.


    "She is not lying, brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi insisted.


    "Wanxi, you want me to believe in a traitor''s daughter. Who permitted you to do that?" Sheng Li suddenly bellowed at Lei Wanxi. Hu Jingguo stood up from the seat and came to them. "Did you ask me before making such a decision?" Sheng Li angrily asked Lei Wanxi who had lowered his eyes.


    Sheng Li closed his eyes. "Forgive me. I will talk to you tomorrow. I am not in the right mood. Thank you for thinking about me," Sheng Li soon realized his mistake and apologized to Wanxi. He hugged Wanxi and said, "I know you want me to befriend everyone and do not want to see me in any trouble in the future."


    Lei Wanxi hugged back Sheng Li. "It''s fine, brother. You do not need to apologize. The sudden sickness of Sister Lili has worried you. Moreover, I know you do not believe people easily, that''s why I told Miss Qinyang to bring something special for Sister Lili from her mother," asserted Lei Wanxi and pulled away from Sheng Li.


    "Something special? What do you mean?" Sheng Li asked confusedly.


    Lei Wanxi took out a ring box from inside his pocket. Hu Jingguo''s eyes widened seeing the ring box. "I crafted it for Ying Lili on her mother''s order. It has two rings which her highness''s mother had designed from the jeweler three years ago when her highness reached the marriage age," asserted Hu Jingguo.


    Lei Wanxi agreed with him. "What do you mean?" Sheng Li asked as he took the ring box from Lei Wanxi.


    "Your highness, I am good at crafting too. These rings she wanted to give to her highness''s future husband. She would not have handed it to Miss Qinyang for any reason. His highness shall not think that everyone around him is the enemy," Hu Jingguo remarked. Sheng Li red at him and asked him if he examined Ying Lili.


    "I did. She will wake up by tomorrow. Be gentle around her," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "Why are you using informal words with me and her?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "It is a slip of tongue. Her highness and I are close friends so I am still not ustomed to using a title with her highness," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    "You two shall leave. She needs rest. I will see you tomorrow, Wanxi, and will also meet that woman. She is here, right, or did she leave for Wu Province?" Sheng Li questioned Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother, she is here. Okay, we are leaving, brother. Take care of Sister Lili. I think his highness shall not take Sister Lili to the Southern Province. She is in a weak state and if she starts the journey, she might get sicker." Lei Wanxi expressed his concerns.


    "I cannot leave her here. Weng Wei and Jian Guozhi can harm her. I will dy the journey but will not leave her here," stated Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi nodded and then left with Hu Jingguo from there.


    Sheng Li picked the scroll from the table and read it again. "Lili''s aunt did not kill her then it is clear that Weng Wei had done this," Sheng Li clutched the scroll tightly.


    Xue Yu-Yan was in the private chamber of Empress Wei, smiling. "An-Ying Lili will hate Sheng Li after this incident. You know what you have to do after this. Ying Lili should not have gotten close to Sheng Li because she will lose everyone close to her now. Because of her, Zhang Yong is in prison and he will note back alive. So, now our next target is Hu Jingguo who saved Sheng Li. He has been getting on my nerves since the day he saved Sheng Li," pronounced Weng Wei and gave a wrathful grimace.

 Chapter 125 - Get Well Soon

    <h4>Chapter 125 - Get Well Soon</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was doing the calligraphy when Zho Mi came to him and stood behind him. "Your highness, your mood seems off these days. Are you having some kind of stress?" Zho Mi asked her husband in a soft tone. She ced her hands on both of the shoulders of Jian Guozhi.


    "My life has only one stress," Jian Guozhi replied and put the brush on the table, on the inkstone. "Is there something you want?" Jian Guozhi asked Zho Mi.


    "No, I do not want anything. I desire for your happiness only," stated Zho Mi. Jian Guozhi chuckled upon hearing that.


    "My happiness is gone already. The day the Crown was snatched away from me, everything one by one was taken away from me. What''s the use of being a firstborn when I cannot get anything," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "Is there no way his highness can get the Crown back?" Zho Mi asked.


    "Brother Sheng has the hold on the Crown and I do not want to create a rebel kind of situation when he has gotten the support of his majesty and the military. Leave it! The more I talk about it, the more I get a headache," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Zho Mi did not say anything when a maidservant came there. "What happened?" Zho Mi asked the maidservant who had lowered her head.


    "The mother of the Crown Princess has passed away. The Crown Princess is not in a fit state. His majesty and the others have gone to Zhenzhu Inn to see the Crown Princess.'''' The maidservant conveyed the message. Jian Guozhi immediately stood up from the chair, which startled Zho Mi.? He wore the overcoat and left for Zhenzhu Inn with Zho Mi.


    In Zhenzhu Inn, the Emperor was talking with the Crown Prince. "The Crown Prince should have behaved well in front of his inws," Empress Wei proimed, which infuriated Sheng Li, but he kept his cool.


    "Weng Wei," Han Wenji stopped Empress Wei from further speaking. "A Royal Tribute will be given to her parents tomorrow," Han Wenji told the Crown Prince who thanked his father. Jian Guozhi and Zho Mi arrived there. They bowed their heads in front of the Emperor and the Empress to greet them.


    "How''s the Crown Princess doing, Brother Sheng?" Jian Guozhi worriedly asked.


    "She is not good and resting for now. Thank you for asking, First Brother," Sheng Li answered and saw the frowns on his forehead. Weng Wei and Zho Mi noticed how anxiously Jian Guozhi was looking at the Crown Princess.


    "Father, I am dying my trip to the Southern Province for 2-3 days. Once the Crown Princess will be stable, I will prepare for the journey," Sheng Li told Han Wenji who agreed with Sheng Li but then Weng Wei intervened.


    "The Crown Prince must not step back from his duties even in the worst situation. The rebellion in the Southern Province can harm the Empire if it will not be handled soon. Let the Crown Princess stay in the Pce. We all are here to take care of her," Weng Wei pronounced, and then looked at Han Wenji.


    "Your majesty, the Crown Princess needs the love of a family, needs someone who can truly understand her pain. I, as a mother, will be with the Crown Princess and take care of her. Then there are Noble Consorts as well who will take care of the Crown Princess with me. Taking the Crown Princess on a journey can worsen her current health." Weng? Wei waited for an answer from the Emperor.


    "Mother is saying right. We all are here for Sister Lili and if she goes on the journey with the Crown Prince, her health might deteriorate," Zho Mi asserted. Sheng Li was ring at Weng Wei when he heard his father.


    "I will not say anything about this. The Crown Prince knows better for the Crown Princess but he must not neglect his duties," Han Wenji deduced. Sheng Li nodded and told his father that he would not dy his ns.


    Han Wenji stood from the chaise along with Weng Wei. "We are leaving as the Crown Princess is resting," Han Wenji stated. Sheng Li bowed his head as the Emperor and the Empress left the chamber, followed by the other Consorts. The Princes also left the chamber except for Qi Jing, Jian Guozhi, and Zho Mi.


    "Brother, you shall leave," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, I am leaving." Jian Guozhi looked at the Crown Princess once again who was not visible enough through the semi-transparent curtains before leaving the chamber.


    "Brother Sheng, I have learned a soup which will reduce the fever of Sister Lili to some extent. Though the pill rmended by the Royal Physician is more effective, if she would take this soup then it will help in fast recovery," Qi Jing offered her helping hand.


    "Sister Jing does not need to trouble herself," Sheng Li replied.


    "Brother, it is not a problem at all. I will bring the soup in a while," Qi Jing asserted and walked out of the chamber.


    "Court Lady Xu, don''t let anyonee inside except Sister Jing," Sheng Li gave the order who also left the chamber. Sheng Li went to the bed and sat on the mattress. He ced his palm on Ying Lili''s forehead to check if the fever was reduced or not.


    "It is not dropping. I am afraid if I can take you to the Southern Province but I cannot leave you behind else she will harm you so get well soon, Lili," Sheng Li murmured and leaned down to kiss Ying Lili''s forehead but then he stopped himself. "I cannot do this," he mumbled, and leaned back.


    Taking the water cup in which the pill was dissolved, he brought it near Ying Lili''s mouth. He opened her mouth and made her drink the medicinal water. Wiping her lips, Sheng Li pulled his hand back and then took off the same pendant which Ying Lili had given her when he was poisoned.


    "This should go back to its actual owner," Sheng Li muttered and put the pendant around Ying Lili''s neck. "Get well soon, my Wildcat," Sheng Li murmured and caressed Ying Lili''s cheek.

 Chapter 126 - Tears Of Blood

    <h4>Chapter 126 - Tears Of Blood</h4>


    Qi Jing came to the chamber with a tray in her hand. Putting the tray on the bedside table, she put away the curtains. "Brother, I have prepared the soup. Let it cool down. Shall I help Sister Lili, or will you help herter in taking this soup?" Qi Jing queried.


    "I will do it. Thank you, Sister Jing. You shall leave for your chamber. It iste night," Sheng Li told Qi Jing.


    "Brother Sheng, you did not have your dinner. You shall do the dinner," Qi Jing anxiously stated. Sheng Li refused and replied he was not hungry. Qi Jing found that Sheng Li had be closer to Ying Lili, which brought a smile to her lips. Qi Jing sat on the mattress near Ying Lili''s feet.


    "Brother Sheng, today Sister Lili and I conversed a lot. Sister Lili has feelings for you but she is not aware of them." This sudden revtion bewildered Sheng Li. "The feelings are very little and I know they will grow sooner. Sister Lili told me that she wants to get closer to you, wants to embrace you, wants to fight for you, and wants to love you, but the brother is pushing her away. He does not speak with her about him and his inner thoughts." Qi Jing looked into the eyes of Sheng Li, searching for an answer.


    "Did Sister Jing tell anything rted to my past to Lili?" Sheng Li queried.


    "I did tell a little to Sister Lili. Forgive me for not keeping my promise, but it is for you. Brother, you have the right to be happy. Right now, I can see how much you are worried about her! I know Mother Mei''s demise made you stone-hearted but then you finally found someone who will cherish you and has the same thoughts as ofte mother Mei. So, ept Sister Lili''s love." Qi Jing tried making Sheng Li understand.


    "Sister Jing, I do not want her to be my weakness. She is na?ve. Loving me is not a simple task," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "How can you think like that, Brother Sheng? I also love you as a brother and you also love me as a sister. Did I ever turn into your weakness? Take Brother Wanxi and Nianzu. There is love among us, and it has only strengthened our rtionship. Loving someone is not a weakness," Qi Jing scolded Sheng Li for his childish behavior and for holding onto the past.


    "I know the demise of your mother was tragic, but it does not mean that everything will be tragic for you. Please open your heart for Sister Lili and move forward from your past," Qi Jing advised Sheng Li.


    "Sister Jing, you cannot understand. Let''s leave this topic here. You shall go back," Sheng Li stated and called Court Lady Xu who came inside. "Send the Princess to her chamber safely. Make sure she will take her dinner," Sheng Li ordered.


    Qi Jing found there was no use talking with Sheng Li at that moment, so she did not insist to stay there and left the chamber.


    Sheng Li noticed how sweat was forming on Ying Lili''s forehead. He took the towel and wiped the sweat. He then picked Ying Lili such that her head rested on his chest. Picking the bowl from the tray, he first tasted the soup to make sure there was no poison. "Ahh, it''s bitter," Sheng Li murmured.


    After a while, he spoon-fed the soup to Ying Lili. Ying Lili flinched as she took the first sip. "Don''t throw it out," Sheng Li muttered while caressing her head with the other hand. Fifteen minutester, when the bowl got empty, he put it back on the tray and made Ying Liliy down on the bed.


    "Why is she wearing such a heavy overcoat!?" Sheng Li murmured and removed it from Ying Lili''s body. He covered her with the nket andid beside her. "I do not know why I am worried about you? I should not let my heart turn soft towards you." He was tired from the entire day''s event, so soon drifted off to sleep.


    In the early morning, Sheng Li''s sleep broke as he felt hot. He was surprised to see that he had taken the entire nket from Ying Lili while she was without the nket. Wait!! He did not take the nket, but Ying Lili had thrown it at him in her sleep.


    Sheng Li took the nket from him and covered Ying Lili with it. He sat up and checked her temperature by cing his palm over her head. Her fever was gone and the body temperature was normal which made him d.


    He waited for her to wake up, when after two hours, Ying Lili finally opened her eyes. "How are you feeling?" Sheng Li asked her as he helped her in sitting.


    "I am not feeling good," Ying Lili replied and asked for water. Sheng Li turned to the table and filled the ss from the water. Handing it to Ying Lili, he told her to drink. Ying Lili drank the water and then handed the ss to Sheng Li who put it on the table.


    "Take rest," Sheng Li replied.


    "It is not the time to take a rest. I want to find the real culprit and kill him," Ying Lili said with an exasperated expression.


    "You do not need to look into that. Your aunt has nothing to do with it. Lei Wanxi had sent someone there to find out if your aunt was nning something evil like your uncle but she did not. Your mother was happy after receiving your letter. So, it was the Empress who nned this. There is something which your mother has sent for you." Sheng Li got down from the bed and went to the end table.


    He came back to Ying Lili and handed her the scroll, which her mother had written a night before her death. Ying Lili took the scroll and opened it.


    "Dear An-Lili,


    Your mother is d to know that you have adjusted yourself in the Pce and the Crown Prince is good to you. Your father was right then that they will take care of you. There is this young woman who is sent by Prince Lei Wanxi, Wu Qinyang. She handed me another message from Prince Lei Wanxi about you and the Crown Prince. After reading the message I am fully rxed.


    An-Lili, that day things happened so fast that your mother could not tell you what marriage means to a woman! I could not even give my blessings to you both. But they are always with you two.


    Now, you are married, which means you have a responsibility towards your husband and inws. My daughter is smart but still as a mother it is my duty to tell her about the pious meaning of marriage.


    ''Two bodies and one soul'' - just keep these words in mind. It tells the entire meaning of the marriage. The rest my daughter knows. I am thinking ofing to Luoyang to shower my blessings on you two.


    Do not worry about me as I am doing well here. Your father''s memories are with me which have kept me strong and alive. There are many things I want to write in this letter but cannot.


    Atst, I would only say that your father, mother, and entire Juyan are proud of you. I wish you two all the happiness in this world.


    Your mother."


    Tears poured down Ying Lili''s eyes then she swiftly wiped them off. Sheng Li patted on Ying Lili''s head. "Here, this is another thing your mother has sent." Sheng Li showed the ring box to Ying Lili, which she took.


    "She made this design with the best goldsmith of Juyan especially for me and my future husband," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "Then we must wear them," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili''s misty eyes met Sheng Li''s gaze and nodded. She opened the ring box and handed one ring to Sheng Li.


    The two exchanged rings with each other. "It looks good." Sheng Li looked at his ring finger and then at Ying Lili. "Weng Wei made you cry and I will make her shed tears of blood. It will take time, but I will surely do it," Sheng Li affirmed.

 Chapter 127 - Equal Shoulder In Everything

    <h4>Chapter 127 - Equal Shoulder In Everything</h4>


    Sheng Li told Court Lady Xu to take care of the Crown Princess as he hade up with an urgent matter. Court Lady Xu went to the Crown Princess who was on the bed. "Is the bath ready?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "It is prepared, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied. She saw how pale Ying Lili had turned. "Your highness, this Court Lady wants to say something," Court Lady Xu asked for permission. Ying Lili nodded thus permitting her.


    "Your highness, the day I was tasked in your service by the Crown Prince, I started considering you as my own daughter. I know I cannot be your birth mother, but I can be a mother. You can share everything with me. Just do not keep it inside your heart," Court Lady Xu asserted.


    Ying Lili stood up and wrapped her hands around Court Lady Xu. "You did not sleepst night, right? You do not need to worry too much about me and I consider you as my mother only. Since the first day, you never let me miss the presence of my mother. It hurts, Court Lady Xu." Ying Lili again broke down into tears and her grip around Court Lady Xu tightened.


    Court Lady Xu ced one hand over Ying Lili''s head and another on her back. She patted her, calming the Crown Princess down. After a while, Ying Lili stopped weeping and left for the bathhouse with her.


    After getting ready, she left for the morning greetings to the elders. As the Crown Princess came out of her chamber, she met the Crown Prince. Sheng Li took Ying Lili to the Greeting Hall. As they were walking, Xiao Zhan came to them. He greeted them and whispered something in the Crown Prince''s ear.


    "Wang Hao knows what he has to do. I aming in a while," stated Sheng Li when Ying Lili intervened between them. "May Ie as well?" Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who had a menacing expression on her face.


    "Why do you want toe?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "Because there is something I want to ask him," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li did not refuse because he thought that Ying Lili''s mind would remain distracted.


    "Will you do a task for me?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili and waited for her response.


    "Why not?"


    Sheng Li gave a tiny smile to her. "I will tell you in the prison," Sheng Li replied. He then turned to Xiao Zhan and asked if the preparation had been done for giving a tribute to Ying Lili''s mother.


    "Yes, your highness. After the morning greetings, everyone will gather in the Pce Grounds," Xiao Zhan informed the Crown Prince.


    "You may leave," Sheng Li replied. Xiao Zhan bowed his head and left from there. Sheng Li then looked at Ying Lili who was looking disturbed. "Tomorrow I have to leave for the Southern Province. The journey is tough but I am considering taking you there," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I am good. I want to go with you. I will get bored if I will be in the Pce and as the Crown Princess it is my duty to serve my duties first," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li was impressed by Ying Lili. "Lili, today there are no Court hours. Would you like to go somewhere with me?" Sheng Li asked out Ying Lili.


    "Why? Do you not have work to do? Are you pitying my state?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li which made him chuckle.


    "I thought you would like to go outside the Pce. Fine, if you do not want to go. And I am concerned about you. Can''t you see? Leave it! We are gettingte. Let''s go," Sheng Li started walking. Ying Lili followed him.


    They greeted the elders when the Emperor asked Ying Lili about her health. "I am feeling good, your majesty. Thank you for giving the tribute to my mother," Ying Lili bowed her head and expressed her gratitude.


    "I am sorry for your loss, Crown Princess. You must be thinking that this marriage alliance took away the lives of your parents. Forgive me for that," Han Wenji politely apologized to the Crown Princess.


    "Your majesty, please do not ask for forgiveness. It is making me feel embarrassed. His Majesty has given me everything and also kept his promise that was given to my father," Ying Lili humbly said.


    Xue Yu-Yan who was standing behind Zho Mi was smiling, seeing the condition of Ying Lili.


    "Your majesty, you told me on the birthday of the Crown Prince that you will fulfill my wish if I ask for it in the future," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, wondering what was going on in her mind. The others in the hall were also confused. "Yes, Crown Princess. Did youe up with your wish? I will fulfill whatever you will ask for," Han Wenji said.


    "Thank you, your majesty. Your majesty, I have seen that in political matters there is no active participation by a woman. My wish is to take part actively in political matters and have some authority," Ying Lili expressed her wish.


    Everyone was shocked to hear the wish Ying Lili asked for. Sheng Li was not only shocked but also surprised to hear Ying Lili''s wish. A smile was carved on his lips while Weng Wei had an amusement on her face.


    "Forgive me, but it seems that the Crown Princess is thinking herself as equal to a man. She should focus on the household matters and internal court matters instead of getting involved in the political matters," Xue Yu-Yan remarked.


    "These words areing from the daughter of a corrupted Ex-Prime Minister of our Empire. I cannot expect less from you, Princess Consort," Ying Lili pronounced. Her words pierced Xue Yu-Yan who clenched her fist tightly.


    "A woman in the court is not eptable, Crown Princess. A woman is for household work, serving her husband and bearing children," Empress Wei proimed. "I think the Crown Princess is disturbed after the loss of her mother and has asked for such a wish," Weng Wei continued and looked at the Emperor.


    "Your majesty, I am not disturbed by my mother''s demise. I just want to make this Empire grow. As a Crown Princess, it is my duty to have knowledge about my subjects. As a woman, my duty is not only to serve my husband but also to give him an equal shoulder in everything.


    Your majesty, this wish I am asking because tomorrow the Crown Prince and I are leaving for the Southern Province. I think as the Nation''s Crown Princess, I must have some authority to take control of the situation there along with the Crown Prince," Ying Lili exined herself.


    "But it seems otherwise, Crown Princess. It seems you are taking the authority for your personal benefits," the Second Prince, Prince Yongzheng stated.


    "Brother Yongzheng, I am afraid that you think like that," Ying Lili stated.


    "Father, I would like to speak something," Sheng Li asserted. Han Wenji permitted him.


    "Father, do not doubt the capabilities of the Crown Princess just because she is a woman. Father must give some authority to the Crown Princess. Father also knows that back in Juyan the Crown Princess used to go among the people of Juyan and she used to solve their problems thus, creating the small city of Juyan economically stronger.


    She even saved me with her intelligence when I was poisoned. Father, the Ex-Prime Minister had given the orders to poison me. Forgive me for not telling you earlier, but the Ex-Prime Minister epted his crime yesterday in the morning. So, you can see that the Crown Princess is not an ordinary woman but a woman with intellect." Sheng Li rested his words and lowered his eyes.


    "Zhang Yong poisoned you?" Han Wenji was shocked to learn about that.


    "Yes, your majesty. The Crown Princess that day let him do whatever he was doing and secretly called for Hu Jingguo who had the antidote. She did not want the person behind this to know about Hu Jingguo. That''s why she even went to the hanging grounds until thest moment to save me," Sheng Li exined to Han Wenji.


    "Did he really say that? We would like to hear about this," Weng Wei proimed.


    "Your majesty does not trust her son but her corrupted brother which is understandable. Father, I will take you to the prison in a while where you can hear the testimony of Zhang Yong," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Han Wenji nodded. "If he had poisoned the Crown Prince, then his punishment is clear ¡ª execution in the middle of the Capital Market," Han Wenji dered.


    "Crown Princess, I will give you the little authority for handling the political matters," Han Wenji announced his decision.


    "Thank you, your majesty. I will never disappoint you and with this authority will serve this Kingdom wholeheartedly," Ying Lili pronounced and kowtowed before the Emperor.

 Chapter 128 - Doesnt Trust Me

    <h4>Chapter 128 - Doesn''t Trust Me</h4>


    After the Emperor gave Royal tribute to Ying Lili''s mother, everyone left for their respective works. Ying Lili went to the Prison with Sheng Li where he told Ying Lili a task to do. Ying Lili went to the special prison where she saw Zhang Yong was tied with shackles, beaten up, and tortured.


    Seeing the Crown Princess there, Zhang Yong pleaded to her to tell the Crown Prince to let him live. "I wish I could do that. You should not have listened to your half-sister. Look, she did not evene to rescue you," Ying Lili asserted.


    Zhang Yong fell silent after hearing that. "Empress Wei knows how to use the pawns. She is now using your daughter. I am afraid how long she will survive," Ying Lili stated.


    Zhang Yong panicked and said, "Crown Princess, please save my daughter. I beg you." He lowered his eyes and continued, "I regret now for killing the mother of the Crown Prince. The one who saved my life, I killed her and I regret it."


    "Your daughter will be at your ce after a few days. Why? Because she is going to turn useless to Empress Wei. Only I can save her, but for that, I want something from the Ex-Prime Minister," Ying Lili put forward.


    "What do you want, Crown Princess? I will tell you anything to keep my daughter safe. But then how can I trust you? What if you are using me?" Zhang Yong was skeptical of Ying Lili''s condition that she was going to put forward.


    "Ex-Prime Minister, I have many ways to kill her right away. I just need to n like you did while poisoning the Crown Prince," Ying Lili pronounced in a menacing expression.


    "What does the Crown Princess want to know?" Zhang Yong asked.


    "Who does the work for the Empress? There is someone who is backing her from the shadows and working for her. I want to know about him," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I do not know. The Empress never told me," Zhang Yong replied. His eyes were closing because of the tiredness.


    "It seems you do not worry about your daughter," Ying Lili stated and turned to go when she heard Zhang Yong.


    "Crown Princess, I am telling the truth. The Empress never told me because she and I are half-brother and sister. She doesn''t trust me fully," Zhang Yong asserted. "I did everything she told me till now because she promised me that she will make my daughter the next Crown Princess and then the next Empress," pronounced Zhang Yong.


    "This was not useful for me at all. If you do not know anything, then there is no use in keeping my promise to keep your daughter safe from the Empress," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Crown Princess, I really do not know. But there is one thing which can be useful for you," Zhang Yong, gathering his entire strength, said. Ying Lili turned and looked at him. "Crown Princess, the Empress daily goes to the nearest Buddhist Shrine for the prayers. The Shrine is especially constructed for her by the Emperor himself as she is a keen believer of Lord Buddha. But I think there is something suspicious about that," Zhang Yong pronounced.


    "You mean to say that she meets someone in the shrine and executes her ns?" Ying Lili questioned. Zhang Yong hummed. His eyes were closing as he asked for the water. Ying Lili saw the earthen pot there. She took the water in the porcin cup and came closer to Zhang Yong. She helped him in drinking the water. Tears started pouring down his eyes.


    "I should have saved Sister Mei," Zhang Yong regretfully said. "My greed took me here. Crown Princess, I know I will not get out alive from here. The Empress is not someone who can be taken lightly, so, whatever you do, keep a backup n. You must save that boy w-who¡­" Zhang Yong started coughing blood. Ying Lili rubbed his back and again gave him water.


    "Whom do I have to save?" Ying Lili asked as the Ex-Prime Minister turned stable.


    "The young man who saved the Crown Prince. The Empress killed the master already who knew the antidote and now, I think she will kill this young man. Save him. Keep him near the Crown Prince so that the unknown person who works for the Empress cannot get near him," Zhang Yong proimed. Ying Lili thanked Zhang Yong and told him she would keep her promise.


    She turned to go when something came to her mind. "There is something I want to know," Ying Lili stated. "What did the Empress do to Sheng Li when he was young?" Ying Lili asked.


    "She tortured him because she failed to kill him along with the former Empress. Sister Mei was poisoned since the day her pregnancy was announced. But then nothing happened to the Crown Prince. Sister Mei started getting weak because of the poison, which appeared to be a prolonged illness. I would have told this in front of the Emperor, but he would not believe a traitor," Zhang Yong stated.


    Ying Lili agreed with Zhang Yong and left from there. As she came out of the prison, Sheng Li saw the blood on Ying Lili''s, which worried him. "Why is there blood in your hands?" He took her hands and cleaned them with a handkerchief. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and her eyes turned watery.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan looked at the Crown Princess. Sheng Li was done cleaning and looked at Ying Lili. "Let''s have breakfast first and then I will take you out," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded.


    They came out of the prison when Han Wenji came there with a few servants behind him. Both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess bowed their heads. "Father, you came here unannounced," Sheng Li softly said.


    "Because I want to hear the truth from Zhang Yong''s mouth. I cannot have breakfast as I want to hear the truth from Yong Wei. Let''s go in," Han Wenjimanded. Sheng Li told Xiao Zhan to send the Crown Princess to Zhenzhu Inn before going inside the prison with the Emperor.

 Chapter 129 - Fluttered Sheng Lis Heart

    <h4>Chapter 129 - Fluttered Sheng Li''s Heart</h4>


    Zhang Yong epted his crimes in front of the Emperor for poisoning the Crown Prince. The Emperor ordered the execution of Zhang Yong in the middle of the market of the Capital. Sheng Li came to Ying Lili''s chamber to have breakfast.


    Ying Lili was already in her seat, waiting for Sheng Li. Sheng Li took his seat and told Xing-Fu and Court Lady to leave them alone.


    Ying Lili told everything to Sheng Li that Zhang Yong had told her. "You never fail to astonish me," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili drew her brows together in confusion.


    "I have to agree with this opinion that you are smart," Sheng Li further said and told Ying Lili to eat the food. The two finished the breakfast soon. The maidservants came inside and cleaned the table.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Where are you taking me to?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "That''s a surprise," Sheng Li stated and walked ahead.


    "Are we going in these clothes?" Ying Lili asked another question as the two came out of the chamber.


    "Yes."


    "Means we are going somewhere in the Pce? Wait, are you taking me to that secret ce?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "No," Sheng Li inly refused.


    Coming out of the Fu Imperial Gates, Sheng Li hopped on Kofeng and then made Ying Lili sit sideways in front of him such that her back was on one side while her hands gripped on Sheng Li''s arm.


    "The Crown Princess told me that Weng Wei is after Hu Jingguo. Tell Wang Hao about this," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan and started riding the horse. Xiao Zhan smiled seeing the two and walked away.


    "Why don''t you give me a horse? I do not have to sit like this then," Ying Lili stated.


    "In these clothes, I am afraid, if you could sit on the other horse," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili turned her head away and looked at the front. The soldiers had lowered their heads as they saw them. As they came out of the Pce, Kofeng gained speed. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and tightened her grip on his arm.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, was looking at the front. "You did not let the securitye with us. What if someone attacks us?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "No one is going to attack us because we have turned to the route which is made only for the Crown Prince and his Crown Princess," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili. After a while, Kofeng halted. Ying Lili turned to look and found there was a residence. Two guards were standing near the huge entrance.


    "What''s this?" Ying Lili asked when Sheng Li got down from the horse. He wrapped his arm around Ying Lili''s waist and put her down on the ground. Commander Tao came there and greeted them.


    "Your highness, everything is prepared," Tao Zedong replied and told a soldier to take Kofeng to the stable. Sheng Li told Ying Lili toe with him and the two ascended the few stairs. They went inside. Ying Lili was delighted to see that the residence started with a beautiful garden.


    "Father gifted this residence to us at our marriage so that we can spend our quality time here," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded.


    "Why are we here now?" Ying Lili twitched her lips and walked ahead. Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the question of Ying Lili.


    "You wanted me to take you as soon as you and I got married? That time you wanted to kill me instead of spending time with me," Sheng Li stated and huffed.


    "So, you now want to spend time with me?" Ying Lili asked, and halted at her ce. Sheng Li stood behind her when Ying Lili turned back. "Answer," Ying Lili stated.


    "Aren''t you sad? That''s why I took you here," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili smiled and asked him why he was turning gentle towards her.


    "What do you want to know? If you are thinking I am falling for you, then you are wrong," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I did not say that," Ying Lili said and suddenly hugged him. "But I feel like your heart is epting my presence. Thank you for yesterday and today." She pulled back and turned to the pavement. She kept walking on it while Sheng Li followed her. He was shocked when Ying Lili suddenly hugged him, but he felt good.


    Soon they reached ake that had lotuses in it. "This ce is beautiful," Ying Lili sat down and dipped her hand in the water. "Theke is deep. Do not go near it if you do not want to drown," Sheng Li warned Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili stood up and came towards Sheng Li. "Okay, I will not go there," Ying Lili replied and sat on the grassy ground.


    "Don''t sit there," Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s arm when she pulled him down. Sheng Li lost his bnce and fell over Ying Lili. Ying Lili was lying on the ground while Sheng Li was hovering over her. "Forgive me," Ying Lili whispered when Sheng Li leaned back.


    Ying Lili sat up and told him to sit beside her for a while. Sheng Li did not refuse this time and sat beside her. "It must be tough for you," Ying Lili''s sudden words baffled Sheng Li.


    "Living with the Empress who schemed against you since the time of your birth. It must be tough not finding any way out except bing strong and cruel like her," Ying Lili deduced and peered into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "Yes. It was tough," Sheng Li replied.


    "I will help you in taking her down from the position of Empress," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Hmm. But Lili, you shall not involve yourself with me. Because of me, you lost your parents. So, better stay away from all this," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I cannot. It was not your fault," Ying Lili asserted and rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder. "We both will give justice to your mother and my parents. Sheng Li, if I have to turn cruel to them I will. You are not alone in anything because now An-Ying Lili is with you." Ying Lili''s words fluttered Sheng Li''s heart, and he pushed Ying Lili''s head.


    "Don''t do that ever," Sheng Li stated as he moved away from Ying Lili who was confusedly looking at him.

 Chapter 130 - I Will Open My Heart To You

    <h4>Chapter 130 - I Will Open My Heart To You</h4>


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li looked at each other. "How could you do that? You pushed me away!" Ying Liliined and averted her gaze from Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li rubbed the skin between his brows and then moved towards Ying Lili. "I do not know. My body just reacted that way. Sorry," Sheng Li apologized.


    Ying Lili looked back at him. "Why? I was only resting my head on your shoulder. Can''t I even do that? What kind of husband are you?" Ying Lili''s question made Sheng Li feel bad, so he told her to rest her head on his shoulder.


    "I do not want to," Ying Lili snapped at him. Sheng Li chuckled and, using his left hand, rested Ying Lili''s head on his shoulder. "You get angry so quickly, Wildcat," Sheng Li said as he looked at theke.


    "Tomorrow we have to leave for the Southern Province so let''s focus there. We have to resolve the matter there. Zhang Yong will be executed today. Weng Wei will be mad after hearing the decision of his majesty. But she will calm herself down till we return," Sheng Li deduced.


    "But she can send someone behind us. The Ex-Prime Minister said that someone in the Shrine is helping Weng Wei. He does the work for her. Sheng Li, there is someone who is very sharp and smooth in executing the ns of Weng Wei," Ying Lili expressed her worries.


    "But after all these events, she will stop for a while," Sheng Li affirmed. Aplete silence surrounded the two when Ying Lili broke the ice.


    "Why don''t you tell me about your past? Now, we are partners, so you shall share things with me too," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li nced at her when he heard Ying Lili, "I do not feel good when a third person tells me that the Crown Prince suffered in childhood. I feel like I am not an important person to you, which makes me sad sometimes. I have lost both of my parents so I know the pain that is still there in you after losing your mother."


    Ying Lili had rested her words and waited for Sheng Li''s reply. But like all the times, he was silent. Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li still did not trust her. She stood up from the ground, which confused Sheng Li. "I want to go back," Ying Lili sternly said.


    Sheng Li too stood up and confusedly looked at her. "It has been only 15 minutes here and you are asking to return?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "Then what should we do here? You do not talk when I ask something from you. It feels like I am throwing myself on you in everything. I understand that you do not trust me fully. I told you I will love you, cherish you and give you an equal shoulder, but then it feels like you do not need me," Ying Lili stated in a dejected tone. She stepped forward to walk away from there when Sheng Li grasped her arm and pulled her back.


    They both looked at each other. "You conclude things quickly and sometimese to wrong conclusions," Sheng Li pronounced. Sheng Li then wrapped his other arm around Ying Lili''s waist and pulled her towards him.


    "Fine! I will open my heart to you but you have to Love me to the point that you want to kill everyone whoes in my path and be cruel to them for me," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression. "Will you do this?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili, gazing into her eyes.


    "Yes, I will do," Ying Lili replied. "You cannot step back from your words," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and then raised her pinky finger. "Give me a promise that you will Love me to this point that you will turn kind to those who are innocent, and amend your ways to be a True Ruler," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li left the grip on Ying Lili''s arm and grabbed her pinky finger with his. They both locked each other''s pinky fingers and then made a promise by touching their thumbs on each other.


    A smile carved on Ying Lili''s lips, and she tiptoed. She gave a light peck on Sheng Li''s right cheek and pulled away. "You are blushing, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said and walked past him. Sheng Li touched his cheek and turned to Ying Lili.


    "I am not blushing. Don''t deduce things in your imagination," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili turned and smiled at him. "I know you have never been kissed by any woman like that. You don''t need to hide from me."


    Sheng Li walked to her when Ying Lili turned and started running. "Hey, stop there! Why are you running?" Sheng Li shouted at her and increased his walking speed.


    Ying Lili ascended the stairs to the pavilion which was made beside theke when Sheng Li caught her. He pinned her against the pir and leaned closer to her. "So, what were you saying there?" Sheng Li queried her. His breaths hit on Ying Lili''s lips which made her nervous.


    "That you were blushing," Ying Lili replied.


    "No, not that. What did you say after that?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "That you were never kissed like that," Ying Lili stated. "Now, let me go," Ying Lili asserted when Sheng Li refused.


    "Let me give you something back," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li and she felt Sheng Li''s lips on hers. Giving a light peck on her lips, Sheng Li leaned back and noticed Ying Lili''s reaction. He left his one hand from her arm. Extending his index finger out, he started moving it on Ying Lili''s face to trace the outline of her side face.


    Ying Lili''s heart was pounding when she heard Sheng Li, "You have given your heart already to me! Earlier you used to shout at me for touching and kissing you without your permission. I won the bet. An-Ying Lili fell for Han Sheng Li first. Now, you have to do everything which I will ask for without asking any questions."


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    So, this week we reached 1K votes. Yayyy. I am so happy. This is the first time I got so many votes. So, as per my promise, I will give a mass release of 5 chapters after Sunday. Stay tuned to the story and keep voting????.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 131 - Trigger

    <h4>Chapter 131 - Trigger</h4>


    Nianzu was writing a poem when Eunuch Chung came to him. "Your highness, Landlord Ma is here to meet you," Eunuch Chung announced. Nianzu put the brush down and asked Chung to bring Ma Bojing in. Eunuch Chung bowed his head and walked out. After some time, he came to the room with Ma Bojing.


    Ma Bojing greeted Nianzu who was told to take a seat. Pulling a chair out for himself, Ma Bojing sat on it. "Chung, send tea for us," Nianzu ordered, and then looked at Ma Bojing.


    "Landlord Ma, something urgent came up yesterday, so I could not meet you. Thank you foring today," Nianzu politely said. Ma Bojing told Nianzu not to thank him, "I was called, so I needed toe."


    After a while, a maidservant came there with a tray in her hand. She served them the tea and left from there. Nianzu picked the cup and sipped the tea. Ma Bojing too picked the cup and drank the tea. Nianzu looked at Eunuch Chung and showed him a pouch full of gold coins.


    Nianzu put it on the table in the center. "I think it is more than enough money to pay the debts of the peasant whose daughter was going to be an Entertainer in your house." Prince Nianzu had a stern expression on his face seeing that Ma Bojing gulped in fear.


    "I think his h-highness is misunderstanding me. She was supposed to be a washer in my house to pay the debts of her family," Ma Bojing asserted.


    "Landlord Ma, I do not like lies. I would like to see thend records and also the amount of interest you ask from those peasants who ask for loans from you," Nianzu proimed. Ma Bojing got scared upon hearing that.


    "I want your cooperation in this. If there will be any illegal extortion of money from the subjects, then your punishment will be decided ordingly," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Your highness," Ma Bojing came to his knees. "Please forgive me. I ept that I put enormous interest on the borrowers. I-I will amend those interests. Please don''t punish me, your highness. I plead with you." Ma Bojing bowed down such that his forehead touched the ground.


    "If I will forgive you, then it will be an injustice to those who fell into your trap because of their illiteracy. I cannot show mercy to you. You have to be present in Court tomorrow. This is the Royal order," Nianzu announced, and then looked at Eunuch Chung. "Please send Landlord Ma to his house." Nianzu handed a scroll to Chung in which the Royal order was written.


    Ma Bojing stood up from the ground, bowed his head, and left from there with Eunuch Chung. Just then Lei Wanxi entered the study room with Hu Jingguo and greeted the Fourth Prince.


    "Brother, you called Ma Bojing?" Lei Wanxi queried as he came towards the table and gestured to Hu Jingguo to take a seat.


    "Yes. Yesterday I could not meet him. Why are you two here?" Nianzu asked.


    "Ex-Prime Minister is going to be hanged soon. But he told an important thing to Sister Lili. The Empress is after Hu Jingguo," Lei Wanxi told Nianzu who was bewildered upon hearing that.


    "So? Now, we have to send Hu Jingguo safely to Juyan," Nianzu proimed. Lei Wanxi clicked the tongue from the roof of his mouth.


    "Brother, General Wang said that sending Brother Hu back to Juyan will be risky. Even if we tighten the security, there is still a threat to Brother Hu''s life. That''s why I came up with the best solution. I know the Crown Prince will not agree to it if I tell this to him but he will never refuse the advice of Brother Nianzu," Lei Wanxi asserted, keeping a smile on his lips.


    "What solution have youe up with?" Nianzu asked Lei Wanxi.


    Lei Wanxi smiled. "Brother, if Brother Hu will go to the Southern Province with Brother Sheng and Sister Lili, then he will be safe. Moreover, Hu Jingguo is good in medicine so that''s the other reason that he shall go with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "The Crown Prince will never agree to this. If he has given the task to General Wang then he will surelye up with a solution," Nianzu stated.


    "But, Prince Nianzu, if I go with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess that will be better. The journey is long. What if one of them gets sick? Furthermore, I am good at warfare so I can protect them in the journey," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    Nianzu gave a tiny smile to Hu Jingguo. "Do you not know that the Crown Prince doesn''t like your presence around the Crown Princess? He does not like the fact that you are a friend of the Crown Princess," Nianzu truthfully told Hu Jingguo.


    "That''s why Brother Hu Jingguo must go with them. Brother Sheng will then start getting affectionate to the Crown Princess. Please, Brother, help in this," stated Lei Wanxi.


    "The Crown Prince is short-tempered. If Hu Jingguo goes with them, then I am telling you he will not hesitate in killing him," Nianzu deduced, and told Lei Wanxi to let General Wang handle this.


    "The Crown Prince will nevery a finger on me because of the Crown Princess. The Crown Prince even asked me what kind of man the Crown Princess desires? I shall go with them. Please Prince Nianzu, help me with this.


    What if I am attacked while going to Juyan? If I go with them and die, then at least I do not have any regrets. That day I felt bad when the Crown Prince did not behave properly with my friend. I want their rtionship to turn good and also I want the Crown Prince to cherish my friend. I will truly be a help to the Crown Prince," Hu Jingguo tried to make Nianzu understand.


    After giving it a thought, Prince Nianzu agreed with Hu Jingguo and Lei Wanxi. "I will talk with the Crown Prince. Still, I warn you not to trigger the Crown Prince too much," Nianzu advised. Hu Jingguo nodded and thanked the Fourth Prince.

 Chapter 132 - He Protected Me!

    <h4>Chapter 132 - He Protected Me!</h4>


    Ying Lili scoffed on hearing the statement by Sheng Li. "You have concluded wrong. I did not fall for you. You are the one who fell for me first," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Lili, you shall not hide the truth. Just ept the truth," Sheng Li asserted as he let go of her.


    "I did not push you because I have epted you as my husband. Feelings take time to grow," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li did not argue on that further as he thought it would only waste their time. He stepped back and went to the pavilion while Ying Lili followed him. The two sat down around the ground table.


    "Are you feeling good now?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili nodded and replied, "Thank you for taking me here. I cannot be mournful for long. The Empress will be angry after knowing about the decision of his majesty. She will n something big after this."


    Sheng Li agreed with Ying Lili. "But she will not n anything till we return," proimed Sheng Li.


    "He regretted that he contributed to your mother''s death. He was saying, he was saved by your mother. Would you like to tell me what had happened in the past? Earlier you promised me that you will open your heart to me so you cannot go back on your words," Ying Lili put pressure on Sheng Li.


    "She saved him when he was attacked and was heavily injured. He might have lost his life but thanks to my mother he survived," Sheng Li answered.


    Ying Lili nodded and looked at Sheng Li who spoke further, "I was locked in the chamber the day she died by Weng Wei. When my father arrived, I got the chance to see her. Since I was young, the memories have faded, I noted them down in a notebook that used to be my mother''s, with the help of Xing-Fu. I told him to write everything that I felt at that time."


    "Are you talking about that notebook which I saw in yourp the other day in the library?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Sheng Li nodded. "It is now more like a diary," Sheng Li stated. "Soon father had to leave for war and Weng Wei got control over the Pce. She could not poison me as it would have raised suspicion so she did every possible torture she could do to me so that I would die by myself." Ying Lili could feel the pain while Sheng Li was telling about his past.


    "No one helped you?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Who would dare to lose his or her life? General Wang is older than me. He protected me sometimes but then I told him not to intervene as it could risk his life as well. General Wang is the son of thete Great General of Han, Wang Guofeng. Luckily, my father returned soon after two years. I told the father to take me away with him and left with my father to the Eastern Han where I trained hard with General Wang." Sheng Li briefed about his past to Ying Lili whose eyes had turned misty.


    "I had never imagined that Pce life could be like this. I led a very peaceful life and never once was treated like that. Now, I understand why you turned this way but then you are a thoughtful person too. Forgive me for misbehaving with you earlier," Ying Lili proimed and quickly poured the water from the jar into a cup that was ced on the table.


    She drank the water andter ced it on the table. "Were you whipped on the back by her? And, what about the scar which you have on your chest? Did Weng Wei do that to you?" Ying Lili enquired.


    "Let''s not talk about that. I am hungry. Do you know how to cook? Cook something for us," Sheng Li stated, changing the topic. Ying Lili did not pressure him because she wanted to develop their rtionship to such a level that Sheng Li would tell her everything on his own one day.


    "Aren''t there any servants here?" Ying Lili asked, looking around.


    "No. I told you this is for us two. I sent them away for some time," Sheng Li stated. "Now, go and cook. Wait, I will show you the kitchen." Sheng Li stood up from his seat and so did Ying Lili.


    "You have to help me else I will not cook," Ying Lili rified. Sheng Li snickered and told Ying Lili that he never cooked so better not to ask for his help.


    "So? I want my husband to help me. As the Crown Prince you shall know everything," Ying Lili pronounced.


    A chuckle escaped Sheng Li''s mouth. "Where did you learn about this?"


    "I learned it today. Let''s go," Ying Lili grasped Sheng Li''s hand and moved forward. "Show me the way," Ying Lili said as she picked her high waist skirt slightly as it was touching the floor. Sheng Li took her to the kitchen, which was a spacious one.


    "Lili, I will call for servants. We might gette if you cook," Sheng Li replied and turned to go out when Ying Lili stopped him.


    "You shall not run away from such a simple task," Ying Lili crossed her arms as if she was challenging Sheng Li. But Sheng Li has the reasons prepared.


    "We have to leave tomorrow, so there are some arrangements I need to check. That''s why we shall not cook, as it can dy my work. Furthermore, I have to discuss with Wang Hao how to send Hu Jingguo safely to Juyan," Sheng Li opined.


    Ying Lili did not oppose Sheng Li. They both came out of the kitchen. "Then we shall leave for the Pce." Sheng Li agreed with her and the two left the Residence. Soon they arrived at the Pce. As they were crossing the Eastern Pavilion, they encountered Jian Guozhi who greeted them.


    "How is the Crown Princess doing?" Jian Guozhi concernedly asked.


    "I am good. Thank you for your concern, First Brother," Ying Lili replied. Jian Guozhi gave a faint smile when Sheng Li walked past him, followed by Ying Lili. Jian Guozhi turned to look and saw how the Crown Princess was smiling with Sheng Li.


    "They have gotten closer," Jian Guozhi murmured. "Mother did not do right by giving orders to kill the mother of Ying¨¦r. I told her not to harm Ying¨¦r in any way then why did she not listen to me," Jian Guozhi thought.

 Chapter 133 - Repay The Kindness

    <h4>Chapter 133 - Repay The Kindness</h4>


    "What? Wang Hao, what are you saying?" Sheng Li eximed. "What has happened to your brain? How could youe up with such a stupid idea?" Sheng Li scolded Wang Hao who lowered his eyes.


    Nianzu intervened and said, "Your highness, do not be angry at General Wang. In my opinion, this is the best idea. You must take Hu Jingguo with you on the journey. He is a medical expert which will be beneficial for you and the Crown Princess."


    "Brother Nianzu, I do not want to burden myself. I am already concerned about the safety of Lili and then taking a physically weak person will only burden me. I have been into wars so, know the general medicine level. Even General Wang knows, so I do not think that taking him is necessary," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Your highness, forgive me but you are wrong. Hu Jingguo is not physically weak. He told me how he defeated the best swordsmen with the Crown Princess¡­" Nianzu stopped speaking as Sheng Li stopped him.


    "Did he tell you to send him to the Southern Province? I do not want to hear what he did in the past in Juyan and whom he fought with? General Wang let him stay in the Pce and tell General Xiao to ensure his safety," Sheng Li ordered, thus ending the conversation.


    But Nianzu did not ept that, so he further spoke, "Your highness, are you jealous of the fact that he is close to the Crown Princess?" Wang Hao looked at Nianzu and suppressed his smile, not wanting the Crown Prince to notice that.


    "What? Why would I be jealous of him? I do not know why Brother Nianzu thought like that," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Then take him with you. I am saying this as the Advisor of the Emperor. Hu Jingguo will be helpful on the journey. He is loyal to his highness and also saved his life once," Nianzu professed. Sheng Li was stuck because he could not defy the orders of the Fourth Prince.


    "If anything happens to Hu Jingguo while you two will not be here, then it would be an enormous loss for us. The Crown Prince should repay the kindness by protecting Hu Jingguo as well," Nianzu suggested to Sheng Li who nodded, thus agreeing to the Fourth Prince.


    He stood up from the chair and turned to go when Nianzu said, "The Crown Prince shall not pull up a face. Hu Jingguo considers the Crown Princess as his sister. For her, he came to Juyan and also saved her husband so you can see how much he cares for both of you."


    Sheng Li turned back and saw Nianzu was smiling. "Brother, you are thinking wrong. I am not jealous of him. If I had been jealous, then I would not even have agreed to this and like a mad lover killed him right away¡­ what I mean is it does not matter to me if he knows Lili or not." Sheng Li was still not epting the truth that he was indeed jealous of Hu Jingguo in some aspects.


    He dashed out of the chamber. Wang Hao smiled, looking at Nianzu, and then went after the Crown Prince. "Your highness, since we are taking the short route, I have prepared a separate horse for the Crown Princess," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li. "But I am afraid the Crown Princess will not be able to handle the scorching summer heat in this journey," Wang Hao expressed his concern.


    "She will. Don''t underestimate her. The shortest route is tough, but that will be safer for us. After a day we will use the horse cart for the Crown Princess for her safe travel. You arranged that already, right?" Sheng Li inquired from Wang Hao.


    "Yes, your highness. During my return to Luoyang, I arranged everything so his highness does not need to worry." Wang Hao assured the Crown Prince. They were turning to Zhenzhu Inn when Sheng Li encountered Weng Yu.


    Weng Yu was smiling, but as soon as his eyes fell on Sheng Li, the smile disappeared from his lips and he lowered his eyes. "Greetings to the Crown Prince and the General," Weng Yu said. Sheng Li saw a wooden box in the hands of Weng Yu.


    "What is this? And why are youing from Zhenzhu Inn?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Y-your highness, I-I was ying with the Crown Princess. She is leaving tomorrow, so I thought to meet her and y with her for some time," Weng Yu replied while stuttering.


    "How many times did I tell you to train and study instead of ying around? And what''s this in your hand?" Sheng Li asked with exasperation.


    "I trained in the morning with the Sixth Brother," Weng Yu replied. "This is a gift that the Crown Princess has given me, your highness," Weng Yu replied.


    "Okay. General Wang, send the Younger brother to his chamber," Sheng Li ordered and walked ahead.


    "Prince Yu, please this way," Wang Hao told Weng Yu, and the two left from there. Wang Hao observed how the Seventh Prince got scared seeing the Crown Prince. "Prince Yu, may I ask why do you get nervous around the Crown Prince?" General Wang asked humbly.


    "I do not know. I heard that he punishes badly," Weng Yu truthfully replied to Wang Hao who smiled upon hearing the response of the Young Prince.


    "Prince Yu, the Crown Prince punishes only those who do wrong. The Crown Prince is worried about you, that''s why he tells you to train because it is for you," Wang Hao told Weng Yu and continued, "Is the Prince getting what I am saying?"


    Weng Yu nodded. "The Crown Princess also told me the same. Brother Wanxi has told me that from tomorrow General Xiao will train me. I know that the Crown Prince wants me to get stronger," Weng Yu proimed. Wang Hao was delighted to know that Prince Yu had not had any ill thoughts for the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 134 - It Would Be More Fun

    <h4>Chapter 134 - It Would Be More Fun</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan was with the Empress who was consoling her. "Father is hanged to death! This was so brutal. He did everything for this Empire and he got this in the return. Your majesty, why did you not do anything?" Xue Yu-Yan was weeping andining.


    "Xue, it is not the time to cry but to avenge the death of Zhang Yong. Did you not see earlier how Ying Lili asked about the political power from his majesty? She is making her moves against us and most importantly she joined hands with Sheng Li," Weng Wei pronounced as she clenched her fists.


    Xue Yu-Yan wiped the tears off her cheeks. "As soon as An-Ying Lili entered the Pce, she gave the biggest blow to the Wei Family. For years, no one could do anything against us and now my family is stripped of every title. Even my brother is removed from the position from the Department of Finance," Xue Yu-Yan narrated to Weng Wei.


    "I thought that their marriage would benefit us. But I was proven wrong," Weng Wei asserted. "Ying Lili has not seen my potential. If she is thinking that she can fight against me, then she is wrong. I am the Queen of that chess game around which everyone revolves. Let them go to the Southern Province because as soon as they enter the Pce, they will be weed with something big. We have enough time to execute the n against them," Weng Wei pronounced with an assured look.


    "Your majesty, since these two have joined hands, don''t you think that we shall remove An-Ying Lili from our path first? We have to make sure that she does not return to the Pce then our path will be clear," Xue Yu-Yan suggested to Weng Wei and smirked.


    Jian Guozhi who was standing near the door heard their conversation. He put the beaded curtains away and stepped in. "Jian," Weng Wei smiled, seeing her son.


    "Mother, what''s this? I told you to do anything to Sheng Li but not to Ying¨¦r," Jian Guozhi shouted at his mother. Xue Yu-Yan stood up from her seat and turned to Jian Guozhi.


    "And you," Jian Guozhi pointed his finger at Xue Yu-Yan. "Don''t get on my nerves. If I find out that you are scheming against Ying¨¦r or harming her in any way, I swear I will kill you without any second thought," Jian Guozhi threatened Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Prince, what is this attitude? Do you still love An-Ying Lili?" Weng Wei asked as she knitted her brows.


    Jian Guozhi did not answer his mother when Xue Yu-Yan answered on his behalf. "Forgive me, your majesty, but your son, despite having two wives cares for a third woman, eyes on that woman who destroyed the entire Wei Family. Your son is going crazy for her," Xue Yu-Yan burst out in anger while ring at Jian Guozhi.


    Weng Wei stood up from her seat and went to Jian Guozhi. She stood in front of Jian Guozhi and took both hands in hers. "I know my son fell for Ying Lili when he saw her for the first time. But she is not suitable for you. You could see she is a threat to us who created the blunder in Wei''s family and because of her my brother, Zhang Yong was hanged to death. That''s why we need to throw her out of our way." Weng Wei searched for the response in her son''s eyes.


    "You should not have let her marry Sheng Li. I told you, but you said that she would be useful to us. See, what happened?! Now, you will not do anything to her," Jian Guozhi asserted and walked out from there in anger.


    Xue Yu-Yan snickered as Jian Guozhi left the conversation in the middle. "He has gone mad for Ying Lili, your majesty. I am afraid of what he will do in the future," Xue Yu-Yan stated.


    "Don''t worry. He is only bluffing. He will never go against his mother," Weng Wei proimed and came back to her seat.


    ~~~~~~~


    Ying Lili was reading a book when Sheng Li asked her why she called Weng Yu in Zhenzhu Inn.


    "To y and to give something to him," Ying Lili replied and closed the book. Sheng Li removed his overcoat and went to bed.


    "You are not a kid anymore. Don''t call him here as people can take it the other way," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili who made a pout. Sheng Li sat beside her. "The journey is going to be tough. We will go from a rough route. You will be able to ride the horse for a day, right?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "Are you doubting my capabilities?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No, I am not. You have never gone on journeys like this that''s why I am asking. The scorching summer heat can tire you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I can bear the heat. So, how are we going? I do not want to go in that pnquin."


    "Horses. You will be given a separate horse. You know horse riding, right?" Sheng Li asked for confirmation.


    "Yes."


    "The routes will be narrow, so ride the horse carefully. For the night, we will stay in a resting house, and then in the early morning we will leave," stated Sheng Li.


    "Okay. I am excited to go. It will be fun. After such a long time, I am going out. Sheng Li, when will we return?" Ying Lili asked.


    "It depends on the situation there. It can take a week up to a month. I have to stop the rebellions there in a month. Wang Hao told me that the situation is tense there as the people are distressed," Sheng Li briefed Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili took Sheng Li''s hand in hers and said, "Do not take too much stress. I will be there to help you. Everything will turn right."


    Sheng Li was amused at how Ying Lili was treating him. "Lili, tell me the truth. You have feelings for me, right?" Sheng Li asked as he gazed into her eyes.


    "Something is indeed there. I cannot tell what it is exactly. If these are feelings, then I do not know how to depict them," Ying Lili answered.


    "Huh? Why are you giving such aplex exnation? Shall I help you in realizing if you have feelings for me or not?" Sheng Li queried.


    "You want to win the bet, right? I will find out for myself," Ying Lili replied when Sheng Li pulled her by gripping her hand. Their faces came closer to each other. Sheng Li did not want Ying Lili to pull back, so he ced his other hand on her nape, thus keeping her intact in her ce.


    He looked into her eyes and then at her lips. "Now, tell me do you feel something strange in your heart?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili felt her heart flutter the moment Sheng Li got closer to her. But she did not want to lose her bet, either. How could she fall for him first when she was supposed to make him fall for her? "You are taking too much time," she heard Sheng Li.


    He pulled her further closer such that an infinitesimal distance was left between their lips. Ying Lili did not let her guard down and kept staring into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "Why isn''t she telling? Ahh, it''s so hard to make her confess. I thought if she would confess then it would be more fun, but it seems I have to work hard to win this bet," Sheng Li thought in his mind.

 Chapter 135 - Kiss Me

    <h4>Chapter 135 - Kiss Me</h4>


    Sheng Li let go of Ying Lili and called for Court Lady Xu. Ying Lili took a breath of relief as she was close to confessing that her heart indeed fluttered when Sheng Li got close to her. Court Lady Xu came to the chamber and greeted them.


    "Prepare for our dinner," Sheng Li ordered. Court Lady Xu bowed her head left from there. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and saw she was lost somewhere. He snapped his fingers in front of her eyes, which brought her out of her thoughts.


    "What were you thinking?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Nothing," Ying Lili lied and got down from the bed. She went towards the dining table and pulled a chair out. "Come," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who too came there, and the two sat on their respective sides. After the food was served to them, Sheng Li ordered everyone to leave.


    As they were eating, Ying Lili started the conversation. "Sheng Li, what did you think of Hu Jingguo? How are you going to send him back to Juyan? He is my only friend and I do not want him to fall in danger because of me," Ying Lili pronounced and waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    Sheng Li did not reply to Ying Lili and continued eating. Bothering Sheng Li again did not seem good, so she quietly finished her food.


    "Am I doing good by taking him on the journey? Lili will get happy to see him in the morning and the two will again start praising themselves. Wait! Is this Hu Jingguo''s n or Lei Wanxi is the one who is behind all this?! Lei Wanxi is close to Jingguo and Wanxi knows I do not like the presence of Jingguo because he is Lili''s friend.


    Ahh, how could I not think about this at that time? Wanxi did it intentionally so that I could get jealous of Jingguo. How can he y with his own brother? Now, I cannot even take my words back and even the Fourth Prince has advised me to take him on this journey," Sheng Li thought.


    After they finished their meals, Sheng Li went to bed while Ying Lili was removing her jewelry. Sheng Li picked the book which Ying Lili was reading earlier and flipped the pages. "You were reading about Governance. Lili, women are not allowed to study, still, you studied. May I know how?" Sheng Li queried.


    "I was interested in studies since a young age. My father hired a teacher for me then," Ying Lili replied. She put the Crown on the dressing table, followed by earrings and bangles.


    "Most men oppose education, but my father did not do that. Even you did not oppose me in the morning when I asked his majesty to fulfill my wish. You helped me there, which is your biggest quality as a husband. You consider your wife''s wishes and support her." Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li through the mirror who closed the book.


    Ying Lili stood up and removed the overcoat. She blew off the candles except for one candle. She came to the bed andid on it. "You are not afraid of me anymore," Sheng Li said as he looked at Ying Lili''s face. He was resting his weight on his elbow left elbow and kept moving his eyes over Ying Lili''s face.


    Sheng Li''s intense gaze made Ying Lili nervous. "Why don''t youy down? We have to leave early, so you shall sleep early," Ying Lili stated.


    "Don''t worry. Even if I sleepte, I will wake up early," Sheng Li replied. "Kiss me before sleeping. You have acknowledged me as your husband so, I can expect this from you," Sheng Li stated. ''Let''s see how you will escape this?'' He thought.


    "I am waiting," Sheng Li asserted and smirked. Ying Lili slightly moved her body up and gave a peck on Sheng Li''s cheek. She leaned back and turned her back toward Sheng Li who touched his cheek. "She did not hesitate means she is truly epting me as her husband," Sheng Li thought andid down. He pulled the nket up and covered them both with it.


    Ying Lili''s hand was near her heart, which was pounding. Her cheeks were flushed red. "Why don''t you look at me while sleeping?" She heard Sheng Li. She felt Sheng Li''s breath was hitting on her nape, which meant he was lying closer to her.


    She moved away when she was pulled back by Sheng Li. Her back hit the chest of Sheng Li. She nced at him and caught his sight. "d to know that you are not running away from me," Sheng Li whispered and nuzzled her neck and softly kissed there.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes. "You are not resisting me. It means only one thing that you like me, love me, doesn''t it?" Sheng Li asked as he turned Ying Lili towards him so that he could look at her while talking.


    He stroked Ying Lili''s hair to make her feel rxed. "I can feel and hear your heartbeats. You shall ept the truth that you are in love with this man," Sheng Li pronounced and observed how Ying Lili was gawking at him. ''Should I need to do more? This woman is so stubborn!''


    "Anyone''s heart will beat if someone will do that," Ying Lili opined.


    "No, you are wrong. My heart won''t beat if you do that to me," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili felt stuck now, unbeknownst to what she should do in such a situation when Sheng Li said, "Sleep," and closed his eyes but his grip was still intact on Ying Lili thus, not letting her go.


    Ying Lili took a heave of relief. "I was almost caught and flustered by his acts. If this went on, then I might lose against him. It is not like I want to win, but if I will ept the feelings so easily, then he will push me away. After spending time, I have realized that he thinks whom he loved goes away from him, so I need to open his heart first and at the same time I have to ovee his fear of love," she pondered and closed her eyes.

 Chapter 136 - Close To Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 136 - Close To Each Other</h4>


    Han Wenji was conversing with the Crown Prince in the morning before his departure to the Southern Province. "Take care of the Crown Princess. I know you and the Crown Princess will give the best result," Han Wenji confidently said.


    "Yes, your majesty. Then we shall leave," Sheng Li stated and bowed his head in front of his father. Han Wenji looked at the Crown Princess. "You always impress me, Crown Princess. Thete King of Juyan gave us a gem which this Empire needed," Han Wenji praised Ying Lili who thanked the Emperor for trusting her and giving her such an opportunity.


    Both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess lifted their heads. Weng Wei gave them their blessings too. "Crown Prince, your mother is waiting for you. Return safely with the Crown Princess." Sheng Li could feel how angry the Empress was!


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili went to the horse cart when Jian Guozhi stopped Ying Lili. "Crown Princess, this is something you should keep with you," Jian Guozhi stated as he handed a sword to Ying Lili. "It is specially crafted for you," Jian Guozhi further said. Zho Mi and Xue Yu-Yan looked at Jian Guozhi who always turned polite around Ying Lili.


    "Thank you, Brother," Ying Lili smiled looking at the sword.


    "Fifth Brother, have a safe journey. We will be waiting for you both," Jian Guozhi said. Sheng Li hummed and turned to the cart. Ying Lili got into the horse cart first, followed by Sheng Li. The horse cart moved on Wang Hao''smand.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who was smiling looking at the sword. "Give me that sword," Sheng Li forwarded his hand. Ying Lili lifted her eyes to meet his gaze and refused.


    "Give me. You should not use this sword," Sheng Li asserted and snatched it from Ying Lili. "First Brother still flirts with you openly and you let him do that!" Sheng Li muttered.


    "He was not flirting. Why are you jealous of him?" Ying Lili demanded an answer but Sheng Li did not reply to her instead he changed the topic. "After a while, we will get off this cart and use our horses to travel."


    He took the ribbons from his pocket and then grasped Ying Lili''s right hand. Tying her sleeves of both hands with the ribbons, he said, "Do not cry while traveling and do not irritate me. I will punish you if you do not listen to me."


    "What?" Ying Lili eximed and pulled her both hands back. "What does he think of himself? Why would I listen to him?" Ying Lili murmured. The horse cart was moving at a high speed on the bumpy route when Ying Lili''s head got hit against the side of the wooden horse cart.


    "Ahh," Ying Lili passed a low scream. Sheng Liughed slightly when Ying Lili shot a re at him.


    Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s arm and made her sit on hisp which astonished her. "What are you doing? Leave me!" Ying Lili sternly said.


    "If you don''t want to get more bumps on your head, just stay like this. Also, I have realized that you like to get close to me like this," Sheng Li affirmed as a sly smile appeared on his lips.


    "You love to tease me, don''t you?"


    "Is this teasing? I am only holding my wife so that she will not bump her head again," Sheng Li stated. Soon they were far from the Pce and reached the route from where others were waiting for them.


    The Cart stopped so Ying Lili told Sheng Li to let her go when he threw her on the floor of the cart. "Ahh," Ying Lili screamed. "Why did you do that?" Ying Lili said when the door of the cart was opened by Xiao Zhan.


    "You told me to leave you so I did that," Sheng Li proimed and smiled. He got out of the cart and told Ying Lili toe out quickly. As Ying Lili got down the cart, she saw Hu Jingguo which brought a broad smile to her lips.


    "Jingguo," Ying Lili called out his name and went to him. That was the main reason, Sheng Li did not want Hu Jingguo toe with them. "Brother Sheng, I had never imagined that you would agree to this," Lei Wanxi whispered in the ear of Sheng Li while moving his fan in front of his face.


    Sheng Li titled his head and told Wanxi not to open his mouth. "Brother Sheng, you are taking me wrong. I did nothing so, don''t let your jealousy overpower you. Brother Hu is going with you because he is a medical expert," Lei Wanxi affirmed and gave a tiny smile to the Crown Prince.


    "Look Brother Sheng, how Sister Lili is smiling with Brother Hu. I have never once seen her this happy. Ahh, is it because they are very close to each other? I guess so. Oh, they just grabbed each other''s hands. They are indeed very¡­ v.e.r.y close," Lei Wanxi stressed his words. He observed Sheng Li''s facial expressions and suppressed his smile.


    Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li and said, "You did not tell me that Hu Jingguo ising with us on this journey."


    "Was that even important?" Sheng Li queried her and then looked at her hands which were holding Hu Jingguo''s hands. He clenched his fist and then looked at Hu Jingguo. "Don''t you think you are doing something heinous?" Sheng Li''s question confused everyone there, but Hu Jingguo understood what the Crown Prince meant.


    He let go of Ying Lili''s hands and bowed in front of the Crown Prince to greet him. Lei Wanxi giggled after noticing that but stopped when Sheng Li red at him.


    "Your highness, the horses are ready. We shall not dy. By noon we need to cross the Capital borders," Wang Hao intervened thus, ending the tense atmosphere that had formed there.


    "Are youing too?" Sheng Li asked Wanxi who refused.


    "The Pce needs me more. I wish you and the Crown Princess a safe journey." Lei Wanxi closed the fan in his hand and embraced Sheng Li into a warm hug. "I will miss your presence. Return soon and take care of Sister Lili there. I wish to see you two in love when you return to Luoyang," Lei Wanxi whispered in Sheng Li''s ear, who smiled and patted his back.


    They pulled away from each other. Sheng Li went towards Ying Lili and told her to get on the horse. A white horse was brought there by Xiao Zhan. Sheng Li made Ying Lili wear the veiled hat so that she would not be troubled by the sun''s rays. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and gave her a tiny smile.

 Chapter 137 - If You Get Sick!

    <h4>Chapter 137 - If You Get Sick!</h4>


    Sheng Li hopped on Kofeng and held the reins on it. "Lili, show me if you can ride the horse or not," Sheng Limanded. Ying Lili slightly pulled the reins on the horse and it started moving.


    Sheng Li looked at Hu Jingguo who was on the other horse. "Wanxi, take care of yourself," Sheng Li told Wanxi who nodded and waved at him. Sheng Li rode the horse followed by General Wang, Hu Jingguo, and General Xiao.


    Soon Sheng Li came closer to Ying Lili. Ying Lili tilted her head and smiled at him when Sheng Li gestured to her something and he went ahead of her. They rode for six hours straight and by noon they were out of the Capital. Sheng Li decided to take a rest and pulled the reins such that Kofeng stopped moving.


    The others too stopped behind him. Wang Hao came forward. "Is there any resting ground here? Lili is tired," Sheng Li asked Wang Hao.


    "Your highness, we still need to ride for a few miles. Resting here could be dangerous so just let''s pass this route," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li. Sheng Li turned his head to look at Ying Lili who was given water by Xiao Zhan.


    "Lili, do you want to rest?" Sheng Li queried her. Ying Lili after drinking water met Sheng Li''s gaze.


    "I did not know that it was going to be this tough," Ying Lili told Sheng Li truthfully.


    "Come here. Get on Kofeng," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. Ying Lili hesitated when Sheng Li told her not to think too much. Ying Lili got down from the horse and came towards Kofeng. Sheng Li grasped her arm and pulled her up. She sat on the saddlefortably. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan were surprised to see that Kofeng was actually letting the Crown Princess sit on him.


    Xiao Zhan grabbed the reins of the horse which Ying Lili was riding.


    "I shall remove this hat," Ying Lili murmured when Sheng Li told her not to do so. Sheng Li took a handkerchief from his pocket, turned Ying Lili towards him, and put away the veil from her hat. He wiped the sweat from her forehead and upper neck portion.


    "You did well though it is your first time going on such a long journey," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and pulled his hand back. He put the handkerchief back inside his pocket. Ying Lili thanked him and turned to the front.


    "It is hot and your face can burn in such a zing afternoon heat so do not remove your hat," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and then looked at Wang Hao. "We will stop only at the rest house now. Let''s not stop in the middle," Sheng Li ordered him.


    Wang Hao agreed with the Crown Prince. "And you are not feeling sick, right?" Sheng Li asked, looking at Hu Jingguo who refused.


    Sheng Li started riding the horse while Wang Hao led them this time. The others followed him. She felt Sheng Li''s hand on her belly. She had thought that it would be adventurous to go on a horse, but now she realized that it was tough. Now she was wondering how much Sheng Li might have traveled during the campaigning.


    "Rest your body weight on me. Don''t tire yourself out. It will be a problem if you get sick. Don''t think that it will tire me," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li. When Ying Lili did not do so, Sheng Li pulled her back such that her back touched his chest and her head rested on his shoulder.


    "The forest wille soon so we can get some relief," Sheng Li further said. Ying Lili smiled and closed her eyes. "How could he be so strong and this caring? Sheng Li is indeed turning to a man which I had always wished for," she thought. The tiredness had swept her entire body and soon she dozed off to sleep.


    Ying Lili felt a jerk and her sleep broke. She gradually opened her eyes and saw a rest house in front of her. "We arrived?! How could I sleep while traveling?" She muttered and nced at Sheng Li.


    "It also surprised me. How could you sleep while we were on the horse? You amuse me very uniquely," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your highness, I am overwhelmed to have the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess in my rest house," the owner of the rest house Mu Zuheng said and bowed his head.


    Sheng Li epted his greetings. He got down from Kofeng and then helped Ying Lili in getting down from Kofeng. "The other people will be here and they..." Sheng Li cut Ying Lili''s words in the middle.


    "It is made for us especially. Everything was nned already. Let''s go in," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded.


    "Your highness, this way," Mu Zuheng showed them the way. Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao took the horses to the stable there while Hu Jingguo followed the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "This is your room, your highness. General Wang told me that you will all have dinner together, so I will send a servant in an hour to bring you to the dining room," Mu Zuheng proimed. Sheng Li nodded and entered the room with Ying Lili. He closed the door behind him. Mu Zuheng left from there to attend the others.


    Ying Lili removed the hat from her head. Sheng Li saw blisters had formed on her neck because of the heat. "Take a bath. You will feel good. I aming in while," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili nodded, but before Sheng Li could leave, she asked him about the ce. Was it safe? It was the biggest question revolving in her head at that moment.


    "I had sent Wang Hao a few days ago to the Southern Province. During his return, he prepared all this. The ce is safe, so do not worry about it. No one knows that we have taken this route," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who was happy to know about that.


    Sheng Li then turned to the door, opened it, and walked out of the room.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    So, I did the 5 chapters mass release. Thank you to all of you for your continuous support. This was my first time crossing so many votes. Keep supporting me like this.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 138 - Not Shameless

    <h4>Chapter 138 - Not Shameless</h4>


    Ying Lili, after taking a cold water bath, came to the room. She was wearing a white upper jacket with a long underskirt. Her long hair was still wet, which was hanging below her waist. Sitting in front of the mirror, she looked at herself and touched her neck. "It was so hot," Ying Lili murmured when she heard the door open.


    Sheng Li walked in and looked at Ying Lili who was also looking at him. "What''s this in your hand?" Ying Lili asked.


    "A herbal medicine for the blisters," Sheng Li replied and walked to her. He put the China dish on the dressing table and stood behind Ying Lili. "I will apply," Sheng Li said before Ying Lili could pick it up. He took another chair and sat on it beside her.


    Sheng Li moved the robe slightly down that Ying Lili was wearing above the jacket. He took a little paste in his fingers and applied the paste gently over the blisters. "Your friend seemed reliable. I did not know you were prone to heat. It is a good thing that you did not get dehydrated." Sheng Li talked with Ying Lili while applying the paste.


    Ying Lili clutched her skirt tightly as whenever Sheng Li''s fingers were touching her skin, she felt a tingling sensation. "They aren''t anywhere else, right?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili who nodded. Sheng Li took the cotton towel from the table and wiped his fingers from it.


    "I will wipe it in a while. Jingguo said it needed to be kept for ten minutes," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. "Tomorrow the journey is going to befortable as we will use a horse cart." Ying Lili was delighted to know about that.


    "Are you not taking a bath?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "I will take a bath after dinner," Sheng Li replied. A smirk appeared on his lips. "Want to take a bath with me?" Sheng Li asked her back which resulted in the widening of Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Huh?" she eximed. Ying Lili averted her gaze from him. Sheng Li noticed that Ying Lili did not argue with him. He took out the fan which he had put inside the sash and started fanning Ying Lili who felt good. He was fanning mainly near Ying Lili''s neck to soothe her out.


    "I will do it myself," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li refused and kept fanning. Ying Lili was looking at Sheng Li''s face when she felt how strangely her heart was beating. "I am indeed falling for him," she thought. She was happy that Sheng Li turned gentle and caring for her. She did not realize when those ten minutes passed.


    Sheng Li wiped the paste off those blisters and looked at Ying Lili. "They will go by the morning. I will apply it before sleep," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he helped her to wear the robe. "Your hair is wet. I am sending a maidservant who will help you." Sheng Li stood up from the chair and walked out of the room.


    Ying Lili looked at herself in the mirror. "Why am I falling for him first? Now, even my heart beats strangely when he touches me. What if he found out that I¡­" She shook her head and patted her cheeks.


    "Your highness, this maidservant is in your service," a maidservant came there and greeted the Crown Princess. She dried Ying Lili''s hair, which took almost twenty minutes.


    "Your highness, you need to go down to the dining room for dinner. Pleasee with me," the maidservant humbly said. Ying Lili nodded, and the two walked out of the room.


    As Ying Lili reached the dining room, she saw how Sheng Li was busy talking with Wang Hao and others. He was smiling with them, which made Ying Lili wonder, ''He never smiled like this with me.''


    "Ying Lili," Hu Jingguo called out her name. Sheng Li shot a re at Jingguo who apologized for his mistake. "Do one more time and I will cut your tongue," Sheng Li threatened Hu Jingguo.


    "Her highness is my friend. I always called her like this. This habit will take time, your highness," Hu Jingguo told Sheng Li.


    "Then also learn to call her the Crown Princess and make this your permanent habit," Sheng Li affirmed and looked at Ying Lili.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had stood up as the Crown Princess came there. Seeing them Hu Jingguo too quickly got up from his seat. "Your highness, are you feeling well?" Wang Hao asked Ying Lili.


    "Yes, I am good. Thank you for asking, General Wang," replied Ying Lili.


    "Please have a seat," Wang Hao told Ying Lili who smiled and took a seat beside Sheng Li around the dining table. Mu Zuheng came there with a few maidservants and told them to serve the food.


    "Her highness likes rice noodles a lot," Hu Jingguo said with a smile.


    "Yes. Do you remember, Jingguo, that time when we two made the rice noodle dish for the first time? It was not good, but it was not bad," Ying Lili said andughed with Hu Jingguo. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan were also smiling upon hearing that, but Sheng Li was indifferent.


    "Jingguo, you can call me by my name. Why are you using the title? I do not like it when you use the title. It feels like we are distantly apart," Ying Lili told Hu Jingguo.


    "Okay, I will call you by your name," Hu Jingguo told Ying Lili.


    "If you two keep talking, I will starve you both tonight and in the morning as well," Sheng Li said in a threatening tone, then peered at Jingguo. "Try talking with her by using her name." That was enough to scare Jingguo.


    "What is your problem? Since when did friends start talking using titles," Ying Lili yanked at Sheng Li.


    "Shut up! And eat your food. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan are my friends but unlike your friend they are not shameless," Sheng Li red at Jingguo and then looked back at Ying Lili.

 Chapter 139 - In Front Of Another Man

    <h4>Chapter 139 - In Front Of Another Man</h4>


    "Whom are you calling shameless?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "Don''t you know?" Sheng Li asked her back. Wang Hao intervened between them. "Your highness, we shall start, otherwise the food will get cold." Sheng Li hummed and started first, followed by the others.


    Xiao Zhan leaned closer to Hu Jingguo and whispered in his ear, "Do not annoy the Crown Prince. He can punish you or worse he will leave you here." Hu Jingguo nodded and looked at the Crown Prince.


    He recalled how Prince Lei Wanxi had exined to him about the personality of the Crown Prince. "Jingguo, Brother Sheng has never shown an interest in any women. But with Sister Lili it is different. Though Brother Sheng is not epting that he likes her. So, your chief work is to make Brother Sheng jealous to the extent that he confesses to Sister Lili. You know about Sister Lili more than anyone, so use that against Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi with a smile said and stopped pacing in the room.


    "Prince Wanxi, the Crown Prince, gets angry easily. What if he punishes me? I do not think anyone will be able to save me from his wrath," Jingguo expressed his worries.


    "Sister Lili will not let you get punished. Brother Sheng might use words to show his anger, but he will not punish you. For Sister Lili, he even saved your life else he would not have spared you. He would have killed you not because you sneaked into the Pce but because you are the friend of Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "I understood, Prince Wanxi," Hu Jingguo said.


    "Jingguo, why are you not eating? What are you thinking?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Nothing," Jingguo replied. Jingguo saw Sheng Li had picked soybeans and was going to put them into Ying Lili''s te, so he quickly picked the cooked pork meat slice and put it on Ying Lili''s te. "Your highness, eat this. You like this, right?" Ying Lili nodded and thanked him.


    "Her highness does not like vegetables that much. Back in Juyan, her highness was so picky while having her food," Hu Jingguo said. Sheng Li chuckled and pulled his hand back.


    Ying Lili thanked him and the two continued talking with each other while Sheng Li was listening to them. The chopsticks in his hand broke, and everyone looked at him. "Oh, your chopsticks broke," Ying Lili murmured and asked for another pair when Sheng Li said, "I am not hungry. Come to the room after you finish your meal."


    "But you have not eaten anything," Ying Lili worriedly said and grasped his arm. Sheng Li jerked it off and walked out from there.


    "What is wrong with him!?" Ying Lili muttered.


    "Your highness, you must finish your food quickly. We will leave early in the morning," Wang Hao told the Crown Princess who nodded. After finishing their meals, they all left for their respective rooms. Ying Lili was going to open the door when she thought to take dinner for Sheng Li, so she went to the dining room where maidservants were cleaning.


    "The Crown Prince has not taken his meals. ce the main dishes on the tray. I will take it to the room," Ying Lili ordered one maidservant who nodded and quickly went to the kitchen. She returned with a tray in her hand. Ying Lili took the tray from her and left for the room.


    "He has such terrible mood swings," Ying Lili murmured, opened the door, and went in after closing the doors behind her. She did not see Sheng Li there and ced the tray on a table there. "Did he go outside?" Ying Lili wondered and turned to the door when Sheng Li came out of the bathroom attached to the bedroom.


    He was not wearing upper garments and the water droplets were still there on his perfectly chiseled body. "I-I have brought dinner for you. You left in the middle," Ying Lili said and found Sheng Li was not responding to her. She went towards him and took the towel from him.


    "I can help," Ying Lili said and started wiping his upper body. "It is not good to leave dinner in the middle. Do not ever disrespect food like this," Ying Lili advised Sheng Li. She tiptoed to reach Sheng Li''s face and wiped the water from it.


    Ying Lili turned Sheng Li in such a way that his back faced her and quickly wiped his back. "It is done," Ying Lili said with a smile as if she had won something. But Sheng Li''s silence was making her worry.


    She went towards the table and said, "Come here and have your dinner."


    "I am not in a mood to eat. I will now have my meal in the morning," Sheng Li announced and wore a silk robe. He went to the dressing table, picked a China Dish, and told Ying Lili to sit on the bed. Ying Lili came to the bed and sat on the mattress. Sheng Li sat beside her and told her to remove the silk upper robe she was wearing.


    Ying Lili took off the robe and ced it on the bed. Sheng Li applied the paste to the blisters again. "You and your dear friend are annoying me. I hope you two do not talk too much in front of me," Sheng Li said.


    "What did we even do? We were just having a conversation," Ying Lili murmured and pouted.


    "Of course, you did a crime. Just because he is your friend, he is alive," Sheng Li said and looked into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "You are jealous that a man knows me better than you?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    "No. I am angry because you smile so brightly in front of another man," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "That means you are jealous. Why did you mold your words and say you are angry? Just ept that you have feelings for me that''s why you cannot see me smile in front of the other men," Ying Lili stated and ced her index finger under Sheng Li''s chin.

 Chapter 140 - You Got Violent On Me

    <h4>Chapter 140 - You Got Violent On Me</h4>


    Sheng Li gripped Ying Lili''s finger. "I am not jealous." He pulled her closer and continued, "You do not even know what jealousy means to me. He would not have been standing alive in front of you till now. He is ying with fire and if he keeps annoying me like today, I won''t even hesitate in leaving him in the middle of this journey."


    "How could you think of something like this for someone who has saved your life? You are forgetting humanity towards that person," Ying Lili stated.


    "Humanity does not exist for me," Sheng Li stated and left Ying Lili''s finger. "Let the paste dry over those blisters," Sheng Li said and stood up from the bed. He went to the bathroom and washed his hands there. After he was done, he came back to the bed. The candles were blown away by him except for letting out one candlelight.


    Ying Lili felt bad that Sheng Li was not having his dinner. ''Can''t she even talk with Hu Jingguo? Why was Sheng Li pulling up a face for that?'' she wondered. She saw Sheng Li had opened the knot on his robe and taken it off.


    "I am feeling hot," Sheng Li said, looking at Ying Lili and telling her to move aside. Ying Lili moved back and pulled the nket up. Sheng Li got into the bed andid down; his back was facing Ying Lili who was still sitting on the bed.


    Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li was angry with her, too. "Why is he so stubborn? Why is he lying when he has feelings for me?" Ying Lili wondered and thought of something.


    "Sheng Li," Ying Lili softly called his name.


    "Hmm?"


    "Turn towards me," Ying Lili requested. Sheng Li did so and asked her why she was not lying on the bed.


    "You told me to let this dry," Ying Lili answered. "Forgive me for ruining your mood," she apologized and leaned towards him. Sheng Li knitted his brows as he saw Ying Lili''s face closer to him.


    "Do it," Ying Lili told herself and kissed on Sheng Li''s lips and leaned back. It was more like a peck to shoo away the anger which was on Sheng Li''s nose tip, ording to Ying Lili. "Have a good sleep," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and averted her gaze from him. Sheng Li kept blinking for a few seconds.


    Ying Lili touched her lips and smiled when she heard Sheng Li. "This will not suffice my anger. If you think my heart fluttered at such an act, then you are wrong." Ying Lili turned her head to look at him and saw he had already turned his back towards her.


    Ying Lili scoffed andid down on the bed, turning her back towards Sheng Li. She pulled the entire nket towards her.


    Sheng Li tilted his head slightly and asked her what she was doing. "You were feeling hot so, you should not take the nket," Ying Lili said as she wrapped the nket around her.


    "Are you fighting with me?"


    "No."


    Sheng Li grabbed the edge of a nket and snatched it from her. But Ying Lili did not want him to have the nket therefore, pulled it back towards her.


    "Whates into you in the middle of the night?" Sheng Li chuckled.


    "Nothing. You said you are feeling hot. Then sleep without a nket," Ying Lili said loudly. ''You rejected my feelings so you must get punished'' Ying Lili thought. She was furious when Sheng Li inly told her that he would not feel anything with her kiss. This was the first time she kissed him on the lips, willingly and he answered her like that?!


    Sheng Li, using his entire strength pulled the nket towards him and Ying Lili too who did not get enough time to react. Sheng Li quickly hovered over her and pinned her both hands on the mattress. "What were you doing? Exin," Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "I did what was right for you," Ying Lili answered.


    Sheng Li snickered. "You did not like that I did not kiss you back. Tell me your heart has fallen for me, that''s why you kissed me. You used to resist so much but today you showed apletely different side of yours," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Is it a crime to kiss your husband?" Ying Lili questioned him instead of confessing.


    "In your case, it is indeed a crime. You would not have kissed me if there was nothing in your heart," Sheng Li affirmed and smirked. "You want me to kiss you? Then this anger will go away, right?" Sheng Li queried with a raised brow.


    "Who is angry? Get away from me," Ying Lili said and kicked him so that he fell out of the bed. Ying Lili put a palm on her lips as she saw Sheng Li on the floor and she ended upughing.


    "Ahhh," Sheng Li groaned as his bareback hit against the floor. "You kicked me?!" Sheng Li shouted at her.


    "You deserve this," Ying Lili said and leaped to the other side of the bed. She quickly wrapped the nket around her before Sheng Li could snatch it again and closed her eyes.


    Sheng Li got up from the floor. His hand was on his back. "You think I would let you sleep peacefully," Sheng Li muttered.


    Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan, and Hu Jingguo were hearing the noises from the room next to them where the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were staying.


    "General Wang, what do you think those two are doing?" Xiao Zhan queried when he heard the scream of the Crown Princess.


    "I do not know," Wang Hao replied.


    "Aren''t they shouting too much? Has any kind of war started there?" Wang Hao murmured and moved his fingers under his chin.


    "General Wang, General Xiao, I think they are making love with each other," Hu Jingguo said and giggled. Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao ended upughing upon hearing Hu Jingguo''s words.


    Wang Hao controlled hisughs and said, "Hu Jingguo, the kind of conversation you were having with the Crown Princess did not make the Crown Prince jealous but angry. I think they both are fighting regarding that only." Xiao Zhan agreed with Wang Hao.


    "We shall sleep. They both are quiet now," Xiao Zhan advised and pulled the nket up.


    Hu Jingguo blew off the candles, keeping only one candle on, and went to his bed when they heard a loud thud. "I think something happened," Hu Jingguo murmured. Wang Hao immediately got off the bed when Hu Jingguo stopped him.


    "Let''s not disturb them," Hu Jingguo stated. "Let them fight because only then love will grow between them," pronounced Hu Jingguo, and smiled. Wang Hao nodded, and the three went to their respective beds.


    Sheng Li was lying on the floor while Ying Lili was on top of him. "Ahh," Sheng Li cried out in pain and pushed Ying Lili away. "You are a violent woman," Sheng Li remarked and sat up on the floor. "I did not kiss you and you got violent on me," Sheng Limented and caressed his shoulder.


    "I learned about violence from you. And who wants your kiss? Don''t deduce things that have no meaning," Ying Lili yanked at him.


    "Don''t even open your mouth. I swear I will throw you out of this room," Sheng Li warned Ying Lili.

 Chapter 141 - Use The Tassel

    <h4>Chapter 141 - Use The Tassel</h4>


    "Your highness, did you not have a good sleep?" Wang Hao asked as he saw Sheng Li was yawning. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and recalled how she disturbed him the entire night. ''The biggest mistake of his life- Bringing Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo on this journey'' he realized.


    Ying Lili was showing her neck to Hu Jingguo. "The herbal medicine you gave was very useful. They are no more there," Ying Lili said as she moved her hand over her neck.


    "Thanks to my master who passed me all the knowledge of medicine. Do you want to study medicine? It may be useful to you. I will give you a notebook in which I have noted about various medicines," Hu Jingguo offered Ying Lili.


    "Okay. You can give me thatter," Ying Lili stated when Xiao Zhan came to her. "Your highness, please get into the cart." Ying Lili turned to him and nodded. She came towards the cart and got inside. Sheng Li was already waiting for her inside the cart.


    Mu Zuheng handed a cloth bag in which there were lunch boxes for them. Wang Hao thanked him and told him to get rid of that rest house. He hopped on the horse after putting the cloth bag inside the cart.


    "Let''s go," Wang Haomanded. Unlike the previous day, they were not speeding the horses. The coachman too started the cart, and they now left for the Southern Province.


    There was a pin drop silence between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Both did not utter a single word as they both were angry at each other. Sheng Li was feeling sleepy, so he closed his eyes. Last night was trouble for him because he was forced to sleep on the floor.


    Ying Lili nced at him and found Sheng Li was sleeping. She twitched her lips slightly. "He should not have fought with me. How could he say I seduce everyone around me?" Ying Lili raised her hand to hit him but then stopped. Sheng Li''s head rested against the sidewall of the carriage, which was slightly ufortable for him.


    Ying Lili gently ced her hand on the side of Sheng Li''s head and brought it closer to her shoulder. A smile carved on her lips as Sheng Li''s head rested on her shoulder without any disturbance. "But he looks cute while he is asleep," Ying Lili murmured and held his hand in hers. She intertwined her fingers with Sheng Li''s.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu wasing from the court when Eunuch Chung informed him that a woman was asking about him at the Pce gates.


    "What?" Nianzu eximed. "What did she say?" Nianzu questioned Eunuch Chung.


    "That she wants to meet the Prince who is the Advisor of the Emperor," Chung replied. Nianzu halted at his ce and asked Chung if the woman showed something to the Pce gatekeepers.


    "I do not know, your highness. The gatekeepers send her away," Chung informed Nianzu who nodded.


    "Eunuch Chung, I will see youter. I have some important work outside the Pce," Nianzu stated.


    "Your highness, please take some guards with you," Eunuch Chung said with concern, but Nianzu refused and left from there. Nianzu came to the stable, took a horse for him, and left the Pce.


    Nianzu pulled the horse in the vige where he hade the other day with Lei Wanxi to drop Miss Chuntao home. Upon seeing the Prince there, the people bowed their heads to whoever saw him. Nianzu got down from the horse and started walking.


    The people there were wondering what the Prince was doing there. A ce like theirs was not meant to be visited by a Prince. The news of the Prince''s arrival in the vige reached the ears of the Vige Headman, Wuqing Pao who quickly left for the ce where the Prince was heading to.


    "Where does she live?" Nianzu murmured and looked at one man who was going to the fields.


    Nianzu stopped the man and asked, "Do you know where Miss Chuntao lives?" The man first greeted the Prince and then told the directions to the Prince. Nianzu got confused with the directions when the man offered his help to him.


    Nianzu agreed with that and followed the man. Nianzu was asking the man about his work when he heard the sound of a speeding horse cart. He turned to look when the cart stopped a few meters away from him.


    Wuqing Pao quickly came out of the carriage and greeted the Fourth Prince. "Your highness, you did not tell me about your sudden visit." Wuqing Pao then lifted his head and looked into the eyes of Prince Nianzu.


    "I was here to meet someone, so I did not find it suitable to tell the Vige Headman. Now, you havee, so I would like to meet youter in the evening. There is something I want to discuss with the Vige Headman," Nianzu asserted.


    Wuqing Pao nodded and told the Prince that he woulde to the Pce.


    "No, not the Pce. I will meet you at your residence. You shall leave then," Nianzu stated. Wuqing Pao bowed his head and left from there. Once the Vige Headman had left, Nianzu told the man to continue walking.


    Soon they reached outside the house of Chuntao. Nianzu noticed there was no one there, so he looked at the man who had shown him the directions. "Thank you for taking me here," Nianzu said, and took a pouch from inside his pocket. He forwarded it to the man. "It is to help me." The man thanked the Prince and left from there.


    Nianzu tied the horse from a wooden railing made around the house and walked in. He found there was no one there, so he decided to wait for her. He sat on a bedstead there and looked around.


    Almost an hour passed, but no one came to the house. He stood up and walked ahead when he saw Chuntaoing there. Chuntao was surprised to see a horse in front of her house when her eyes fell on the Prince.


    She bowed her head and greeted the Prince. "Miss, sorry foring inside the gate but I was informed that you came to the Pce to meet me," Nianzu politely said.


    "Yes, your highness. I wanted to pay you back, that''s why I came to the Pce but I was refused entry there," Chuntao replied. Her eyes were still lowered.


    "You do not need to, Miss Chuntao," Nianzu stated. "Why didn''t you use the tassel I had given you? It would have been easier to meet me then," Nianzu proimed.


    "I thought it will not be good to use a tassel. Your highness, I really want to pay you back. I will pay my debt in monthly installments. Please do not refuse, your highness," Chuntao stressed her words.


    Nianzu could not refuse her and agreed to that. "I wille here at the end of each month to take the money from you. The amount is less and I think you will clear your debts in a year. The Landlord had applied illegal interest rates on many people. You need to pay one hundred cents every month," Nianzu stated.


    Chuntao agreed and thanked the Prince for agreeing with that. Nianzu smiled. "I shall take my leave then. Use the tassel next time if you want to meet me," Nianzu asserted, and left from there.

 Chapter 142 - A Great Observant

    <h4>Chapter 142 - A Great Observant</h4>


    Nianzu was walking by the route along with his horse when he heard the conversation among a few people. "Her parentsmitted suicide along with their son after she was taken away by the Landlord Ma''s servant," a man in his thirties said when the other remarked, "But she had returned. I heard the princes helped her."


    "What do you mean?" a third man asked in astonishment.


    "Don''t you know? Everyone in the vige knows that the Royal Princes have sent her back. I think she sold her body to them else why would the Princes help amon vige girl?" the fourth one said and startedughing. The three others alsoughed along with him.


    "You are right. Even if she is a vige girl, she has charm, that''s why Landlord Ma wanted her to be an entertainer," the second one said with a grin.


    Nianzu widened his eyes upon hearing all those statements from those men. He went towards them. "It is very sickening to know that people like you are disgracing a youngdy." The four men turned to look and found the Fourth Prince in front of them. Immediately, they lowered their heads and asked for forgiveness.


    "I do not need the apologies from people like you," Nianzu angrily said. Nianzu would hardly get angry, but the way those four men talked about a young woman made him lose his temper. The other vigers came near them after hearing the voice of Prince Nianzu.


    Nianzu looked at a man there. "Call the vige headman here," Nianzumanded. The four men came to their knees and asked for forgiveness.


    "You should feel lucky that the Crown Prince is not in the capital else he would have decided your punishment. Taking ill about a woman and then about the Royal Princes has only one punishment ¨C a death sentence, but I will not do that. Punishment will be given where you four will realize your mistake," Nianzu announced. The vigers started whispering to each other.


    After waiting for fifteen minutes, Vige Headman Wuqing Pao reached there.? "Forgive me for making you wait, your highness," Wuqing Pao said. "May I know what happened here, your highness?" He asked further.


    "These four men were gossiping and speaking disgracefully about the Princes and a woman of this vige. Take them into custody. Their punishment will be decided by me in the evening," Nianzu ordered Wuqing Pao, who looked at the soldiers behind him and ordered them to take the four men away.


    "Your highness, please do not be angry. I will make arrangements to send his highness to the Imperial Pce," the Vige Headman offered but Nianzu refused.


    "I have some work, so you shall leave," Nianzu stated. The vigers dispersed away while Nianzu went back to the house of Chuntao. "Why did she not tell me that her family is no more!" Nianzu wondered.


    He again reached outside the house of Chuntao and saw she was spreading the grains on a white cotton sheet to dry them in the sun''s rays. "Miss," Nianzu called her out. Chuntao turned and saw Nianzu there with his horse.


    Tying his horse again to the wooden railing, Nianzu walked inside the wooden gate to the porch where Chuntao was working. Chuntao quickly stood up and lowered her head.


    "How are you going to pay me?" Nianzu queried Chuntao.


    "Your highness, we have a field. So, after selling the crops I can pay my debt," Chuntao replied.


    "Come with me to the Pce," Nianzu offered. Chuntao lifted her eyes and looked confusedly at Nianzu. "I need help with my work. You are suitable for the position of assistant, Miss Chuntao. It is not a request, instead it is an order of the Fourth Prince."


    "But your highness, I am illiterate. How could a person like me be an assistant to his highness? Forgive me, but I cannot work for you," Chuntao stated.


    "Do not misjudge me, Miss Chuntao. You impressed me the day you told me about the Landlord''s doings. Despite being illiterate, you are a great observant. I am an advisor to the Emperor and I have an eye for good things and persons.


    The job you will do for me will pay much more than you will get from your fields," Nianzu proimed.


    "I do not dare to misjudge the intention of his highness, but it does not seem suitable for me," Chuntao rejected the order of Prince Nianzu.


    Nianzu did not want to talk about Chuntao''s family, but he could not stop himself and finally spoke out about that. "Miss, this house is not safe for you when your family is no longer here. I am sorry, but I found that your parents and brother are no more in this world. Forgive me because as a Prince I failed in my duties towards my people and you lost your parents and brother."


    Chuntao''s eyes turned watery, but she did not let her tears fall. "Since I happened to meet you that day so now it is my duty as the royalty to give you sufficient care. I am offering you a job because you have a unique talent which I need. Moreover, you seem young and I shall ensure your safety.


    If I had not encountered you, then I would not have even done this. It is like heaven wants to give you something good. You can think about this till the evening because I will send someone to bring you to the Pce," Nianzu asserted, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    Nianzu stepped towards Chuntao and patted her head. "You are not alone, Miss Chuntao." Prince Nianzu pulled his hand back.


    "Could Miss give me a ss of water? It is a hot day," Nianzu stated and looked up at the sky.


    Chuntao was hesitating because a Prince could not drink the water from the house of amoner when she heard, "Miss, water?" Nianzu was looking at her. Chuntao told the Fourth Prince to wait and quickly went to the kitchen. She searched for a new porcin ss in which she could give the water to the Prince.


    After five minutes of searching, Chuntao came out of the kitchen with a porcin ss in her hand and handed that to Nianzu. "Thank you." Nianzu started drinking the water.


    "How can a Prince be polite and humble?" Chuntao was amused and had an inquisitive expression on her face.


    Nianzu drank the water and handed the porcin cup to Chuntao. "Earthen pot water is so delicious." an indescribable smile formed on the lips of Nianzu as if he had drunk the elixir of life.


    "Miss, I would like to stay here till the early evening. I have some work in the Vige Headman''s houseter in the evening so I will leave after having lunch here. Is it okay with you?" Nianzu asked.


    "Yes, your highness. It is my pleasure to serve his highness," Chuntao stated, but she feared what people would think. "Your highness, people might take the wrong meaning of this. What I mean is¡­" She paused as the Fourth Prince cut her words in the middle. "People always talk. You and I know that we have not done anything wrong then there is no need to get scared," Nianzu affirmed. Chuntao nodded and went inside her tiny house. She brought a cotton sheet and put it over the bedstead.


    "Your highness, you can sit here. Wait! It is melting hot here," Chuntao said when she saw Nianzu had gone near the tree which was on the right side of the porch and was quite shady. Nianzu sat under the tree and took out his bamboo flute, which he always ced near the sash on his waist.


    Chuntao was shocked to see the Prince had sat on the ground.


    "Miss, you can continue your work," Nianzu stated, and brought the flute closer to his lips.

 Chapter 143 - Getting On My Nerves

    <h4>Chapter 143 - Getting On My Nerves</h4>


    Sheng Li''s sleep broke as the horse cart was running through a rough path, full of pebbles. He saw Ying Lili was sleeping, her head was on hisp and also her fingers were intertwined with his. A tiny smile formed on his lips. He tucked the hair strands which were on Ying Lili''s face.


    Caressing her left cheek with the back of his palm, Sheng Li murmured, "You made me suffer the entire night. You could have confessed then I would not have been angry. But now my mood is lightened."


    Sheng Li moved his hand and pulled down slightly the upper robe which Ying Lili had worn. "Why were you showing your neck to him? You should be happy that I did not take his eyes out. He is really a shameless man. Because of him, my entire night was ruined," Sheng Li murmured and pulled up the robe, thus covering Ying Lili''s neck.


    The horse cart stopped moving. Sheng Li looked at the door when it was opened by Wang Hao. He lowered his eyes as he saw the Crown Princess was lying down on thep of the Crown Prince.


    "Where are we?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao.


    "Your highness, just a few more miles then we will be in the Southern Province. We are taking a rest here for an hour and then we will resume the journey," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince.


    "Okay," Sheng Li replied. "I will be outside in a while," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao nodded and shut the doors without making any noise.


    Ying Lili woke up and found herself in Sheng Li''sp. She sat up immediately and apologized to Sheng Li. "Why are you sorry?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I slept on yourp. It must be ufortable for you," Ying Lili stated. "Why has the cart stopped? Oh, are we resting?" Ying Lili asked to which Sheng Li nodded.


    He then continued, "Yes, it was ufortable! That''s why I have decided something." "What have you decided?" Ying Lili was baffled.


    "Let me sleep like thatter. I mean for the remaining journey. Because of someone, I was not able to sleepst night," Sheng Li proimed.


    "That was your mistake," Ying Lili snapped at him.


    "What?" a chuckle escaped Sheng Li''s mouth. He saw Ying Lili had moved towards the door to go out when he caught her arm and pinned her down on the cart''s floor. "What are you doing? Someone will see," Ying Liliined.


    "I did not do anything that needed to be seen," Sheng Li stated. "So, I get it thatst night I made a mistake by not kissing you back. Shall I satisfy that now?" Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili''s lips and smirked. He left his grip on Ying Lili''s arm and moved his thumb over Ying Lili''s lips. "I am waiting for your answer. Do you want me to kiss you?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes thus, giving Sheng Li an answer. Sheng Li smiled and leaned down. Ying Lili felt his hot breath on her lips. Sheng Li''s lips brushed against her when the door of the cart was opened. Immediately the two moved away from each other as if they had done some crime.


    Ying Lili sat up before the door could openpletely while Sheng Li was looking at the other side. "Your highness, let''s have lunch," Sheng Li heard the voice of Hu Jingguo. Right away the Crown Prince turned to look at him and saw how he was giving a broad smile to them.


    Sheng Li clenched his fists. "This man is getting on my nerves," Sheng Li told himself.


    "Crown Princess, hold my hand. I will help you in getting out of the cart," Jingguo stretched out his hand. Ying Lili smiled and forwarded her hand when Sheng Li stopped her.


    "I am getting off first," Sheng Li stated and red at Hu Jingguo. "Get away," Sheng Li snapped at him. Right away, Hu Jingguo turned aside. Sheng Li got down from the horse cart and then forwarded his hand towards Ying Lili who held it and stepped out of the cart.


    Ying Lili looked around. They were in a forest. "It''s safe. Wang Hao has checked everything on our journey. Since we are not in the innermost part of the forest there are no animals here," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili nodded and walked ahead. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had made the arrangements already. "Your highness, please take a seat," Xiao Zhan said, gesturing towards the mat they have ced on the ground.


    Sheng Li sat beside her while the others took their respective seats. The coachman was also given a lunch box and everybody started eating. After they finished eating, Sheng Li told Ying Lili to wait for him in the cart.


    But Ying Lili got busy talking with Hu Jingguo. Sheng Li did not notice that, as he was busy talking with Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan. "His highness''s arrival news is not known to anyone except the governor," Wang Hao told Sheng Li who praised him for preparing everything with great caution.


    "We have to get out of this forest before the evening. So, let''s resume the journey," Sheng Li said and turned to go to the cart when his eyes fell on Ying Lili who wasughing with Hu Jingguo in front of the cart. He hastened his steps and without any thought, grasped Ying Lili''s wrist and took her towards the cart.


    Ying Lili was confused about the way Sheng Li was acting. "Get in," Sheng Li said in a fierce tone. Ying Lili got into the cart, followed by Sheng Li who shut the door behind him.


    "The Crown Prince is getting jealous. Good work, Jingguo," Hu Jingguoplimented himself and went to his horse.


    "What was that? Why do you have so many mood swings?" Ying Liliined when Sheng Liid down on Ying Lili''sp.


    "I am sleepy," Sheng Li said and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 144 - In My Own Way

    <h4>Chapter 144 - In My Own Way</h4>


    Prince Nianzu, after having lunch in the house of Chuntao, got ready to leave for the residence of the Vige Headman. But before leaving, he asked Chuntao about her decision.


    "Your highness, if I work in the Pce then I have to live there. Am I right?" Chuntao queried.


    "Yes. I am taking responsibility for you. So, you need to leave this ce. I know this house has many memories so, you cane here whenever you want to," Nianzu pronounced.


    Chuntao nodded and lifted her eyes. "I will work as an assistant for you, your highness. I am happy that you consider me suitable for that position," asserted Chuntao and continued, "Thank you for the other day and today as well. I will never disappoint you, your highness."


    Nianzu was delighted to know that Chuntao agreed with his offer. "I will send my personal assistant Eunuch Chung to bring you to the Pce in the evening. I am leaving then. Thank you for lunch. I enjoyed it. See you in the Pce, Miss," Nianzu stated and walked out from there. He hopped on the horse and left for the residence of Vige Headman.


    Chuntao sat on the bedstead and rxed. "The Prince is very humble. People are wrong about the royalty, I think," she murmured.


    Nianzu stopped in front of the residence of Vige Headman Wuqing. He got down from the horse when a servant came there and bowed his head. Nianzu ascended the stairs quickly and went inside the residence.


    Wuqing Pao came to the porch of his residence and weed the Fourth Prince. "This way, your highness," he showed him the way, and they soon reached a chamber. Nianzu took a seat followed by Wuqing Pao who ordered the servant to send tea for them.


    "I am in a hurry, Headman Pao. Bring those four men here," Nianzu then ordered the servant who bowed his head and left from there.


    "This is my second time visiting this vige. Why did the Vige Headman not informed about the situation in this vige to the higher-ups? The roads are not well maintained, and I found out the water drinking supply is also not good. I think that you are sick of this position," Nianzu remarked, and looked for a valid answer.


    "Forgive me, your highness. The limited supply of finances is one reason that I cannot spend more. I have once told about this problem to the Governor of the Capital under whom this vige alsoes," Wuqing Pao replied.


    "The First Brother?" murmured Nianzu. "What can I expect from the First Brother! He is not doing his work the way he should. I need to talk to him regarding this," Nianzu thought, and then looked at Wuqing Pao. "Okay, I will look into this. Thank you for answering me truthfully."


    The soldiers brought the four men who immediately got on their knees and lowered their heads. "Your highness, please forgive us for giving such maliciousments," the four of them pleaded. "We have families to take care of."


    "Do not worry. I do not give death punishments. You four have to work for the Public Water Supply Department for a month. You will be paid ordingly for your work. Apart from that, you have to give extra hours of free service in those fields in which most women are working for a month. Do not even try to oversmart me," Nianzu announced his decision and then looked at Wuqing Pao.


    "I will take the report from you about their work," Nianzu told the Vige Headman. The free service in the fields will start after lunch hours till thete evening. I want you to respect the women around you," Nianzu pronounced, turning his gaze towards those four men.


    "Your highness, we realized our mistakes. Forgive us," the four of them apologized to Prince Nianzu. Nianzu stood up from his seat and left from there. Soon he reached the Pce and ordered Eunuch Chung to bring Chuntao to the Pce. Eunuch Chung bowed his head and left without asking anything.


    ~~~~~~


    "Your highness," Wang Hao knocked at the cart''s door. Sheng Li and Ying Lili had slept off during the journey. Wang Hao knocked a few times, then looked at Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo. "I think they have fallen asleep inside the cart," stated Wang Hao.


    "Let''s not disturb them then," Xiao Zhan opined.


    "We cannot let them sleep here. General Wang, I will wake up the Crown Prince," said Hu Jingguo, and opened the door. He looked in and saw the two were sleeping soundly beside each other. Luckily towards the door side, Sheng Li was sleeping so Hu Jingguo pinched him hard near the leg.


    "Ahh," Sheng Li cried out and opened his eyes. He sat up and saw Hu Jingguo who was smiling at him. "Your highness, we have reached the Capital of the Southern Province," Hu Jingguo politely said.


    "You pinched at my leg, right?" Sheng Li angrily asked.


    "What are you saying, your highness? How could I touch the Crown Prince and harm him? I think there was a mosquito," Hu Jingguo pronounced and passed a smile to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li snickered and mmed the door at his face. He then turned to Ying Lili and shook her. "Wake up! We have reached our destination," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and hummed at him. She sat up and rubbed her eyes.


    "Tell your friend not to irritate me. If you won''t then, I will tell him in my own way," Sheng Li said and got out of the cart.


    Ying Lili with bewilderment looked at Sheng Li and huffed. "Why is he angry again?" murmured Ying Lili.


    "Come out," Sheng Li said, who was standing outside the cart. Ying Lili ced her hand on his palm and got down from the cart.


    The Governor, Tzu-Yang, of the Southern Province greeted them. "Pleasee this way," Tzu-Yang said humbly. Sheng Li stepped on the stairs, followed by the others, and entered the residence of the Governor.


    The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were shown their room. "Your highness, this chamber is for you two during your stay in the Southern Province. If you want anything, then the servants are also lined up here. His highness can call for me too if he wants anything," Tzu-Yang stated.


    Sheng Li nodded and told Tzu-Yang that he would talk to him in the morning. Sheng Li then walked inside the chamber, followed by Ying Lili.

 Chapter 145 - Plan Was Shattered

    <h4>Chapter 145 - n Was Shattered</h4>


    Sheng Li called for a maidservant who came inside the room. "Is the bath ready?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Yes, your highness. The bathhouse is this way," the maidservant replied, and went to the left side of the chamber. She put the hand on thetch on the sliding door and opened it. Turning to the Crown Prince, the maidservant replied, "Your highness, do you need some assistants to help?"


    "No. You can go," Sheng Li replied. The maidservant bowed her head and left the chamber. Ying Lili went to the bathhouse when Sheng Li stopped her. "I need to take a bath. You can check in thereter," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Okay," Ying Lili replied. "But, where are your clothes?" She asked.


    "Wang Hao will send the clothes for us. Do not worry about that," Sheng Li replied and opened the door by holding thetches on the sliding door. He walked in and closed the door behind him. Ying Lili came to bed andid down.


    "I do not think I will be able to sleepter in the night. Shall I ask Sheng Li to go out with me?" Ying Lili thought. A maidservant came there with the dresses in her hand.


    "Your highness, I am keeping these clothes on the table here," the maidservant humbly said. Ying Lili gazed towards her and sat up on the bed.


    "What''s your name?" Ying Lili asked.


    "This servant is called Zi Xin."


    "Okay. You may leave," Ying Lilimanded her. Zi Xin bowed her head first and then with gradual steps moved backward till she reached the door where she turned and walked out of the door.


    Ying Lili removed the overcoat and ced it on the bed. A maidservant came there with a tray in her hand. "Your highness, the master has sent tea for you and his highness. This will reduce the tiredness his and her highnesses have gotten after the journey," she briefed the Crown Princess.


    "We will drink itter. Say thank you to the Governor," Ying Lili passed a message to the maidservant who nodded and left from there. Half an hour passed but Sheng Li did note out of the bathhouse, so Ying Lili went towards its door and knocked at it.


    "Sheng Li,e out quickly. I am getting itchy too. You are taking too much time," Ying Liliined. Getting no response from Sheng Li, Ying Lili slightly opened it and peeked inside. Her eyes fell on Sheng Li''s back, which was slightly visible.


    "Why isn''t heing outside?" Ying Lili huffed and almost closed the door when Sheng Li spoke. "Lili, you shall not take nces of me. Now,e in and help me with washing." He tilted his head and found Ying Lili was stunned to hear that.


    "A-Ask the servants," Ying Lili quickly closed the door and turned so that her back rested against the sliding door.


    "If you don''te in, then I wille out," Sheng Li voiced. Ying Lili ignored that for a second, but she knew that Sheng Li would not hesitate a bit ining out of the bathhouse.


    Ying Lili went to the table, picked the dress that was for Sheng Li, and went inside the bathhouse. "Wear your pants first!" Ying Lili stood behind him, with her back towards him while her one hand was stretched out which was holding Sheng Li''s pants. Sheng Li found Ying Lili''s hand towards his left. "Wear this, first," Ying Lili said with a stutter.


    Sheng Li ended up chuckling. He grasped Ying Lili''s hand and pulled her into the bathtub. Ying Lili fell into the bathtub and the water sshed out of the bathtub. Ying Lili waspletely drenched in the water from head to toe. Quickly, she got up when her foot slipped. She fell backward, but at the right time, Sheng Li caught her snaking his arm around her waist.


    Ying Lili''s both hands rested on Sheng Li''s bare forearms. She was pulled up such that her face came closer to Sheng Li who was grinning at her. She took a deep breath and red at Sheng Li.


    "I have my pants on," Sheng Li said.


    "Leave me," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who refused and wiped the water off Ying Lili''s face. "You are looking charming in this state," Sheng Li whispered as his fingers moved over her cheeks.


    His thumb moved over Ying Lili''s lips. "Your heartbeats, I can hear them. Just ept that you have fallen for me. There is no use in hiding these feelings." Sheng Li''s hand traveled from Ying Lili''s waist to her nape and brought her face closer to his. "In the noon, we almost kissed, but your friend ruined that moment. Now, there is no one to disturb us, so shall we continue where we had left?" Sheng Li asked for Ying Lili''s permission as his eyes moved up and down on her lips.


    "Tell me first that you love me," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li lifted his eyes and bored his gaze into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Why? Is that important now?" Sheng Li searched for an answer.


    "Indeed, it is important," Ying Lili replied. Her heart was thudding seeing their intimacy.


    "It was not important earlier," Sheng Li reasoned. "You amuse me and confuse me," Sheng Li remarked, but he did not let her go. "I think we shall kiss." Sheng Li brought his lips closer to Ying Lili when a voice interrupted them.


    "Crown Prince, Crown Princess, where are you? I brought these special fruits for you two. General Wang told me that the Crown Prince likes mandarins a lot," Hu Jingguo said loudly. Hu Jingguo stopped as he did not see the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess there.


    "We are bathing," Sheng Li angrily said as he took a step back. "How dare youe to our room?" Sheng Li had lost his temper by then. He got out of the bathtub, wore a silk bathrobe which was ced on a table there, and walked out of the bathhouse but Hu Jingguo was not there.


    This was the second time Hu Jingguo interrupted them. Today Sheng Li would have won the bet and made Ying Lili confess that she had fallen for him but thanks to Hu Jingguo his n was shattered. "I will kill this guy today," Sheng Li murmured in anger.

 Chapter 146 - Death In Front Of Me

    <h4>Chapter 146 - Death In Front Of Me</h4>


    Sheng Li shut the door in anger and turned to Ying Lili who was trembling in cold. He walked ahead, picked the towel from the table, and wrapped it around Ying Lili. He took her out of the bathtub. "Dry yourself ande out," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and walked out from there.


    Sheng Li shouted for a servant but no one came. He again shouted for them when a maidservant came inside with hurried steps. "Do you have a death wish? Who let a third person enter this chamber?" Sheng Li bellowed at the maidservant who was none other than Zi Xin.


    "Your highness, I-I w-was preparing for dinner," Zi Xin replied after a few stutters. Beads of sweats formed on her forehead after seeing the anger of the Crown Prince.


    "What about the other servants?" Sheng Li demanded the answer.


    No words wereing out of the mouth of Zi Xin. She was scared, thinking it was thest day of her life. "Bring a pair of clothes for me. And don''t let anyonee inside else I will punish you," Sheng Li ordered and threatened Zi Xin who bowed her head before leaving the chamber.


    Sheng Li looked at the table where a dress for Ying Lili was ced. He picked it and went inside the bathhouse when he saw Ying Lili was wiping her hair. "I am putting your dress here," Sheng Li said and ced that in the basket which was ced on the table, before leaving the bathhouse.


    Ying Lili, after ten minutes, came out of the bathhouse but did not find Sheng Li there. This scared her, so she walked out when Zi Xin stopped her. "His highness has ordered not to let you go out of this chamber else I will be punished," Zi Xin humbly said.


    "Could you tell me where the Crown Prince went?" Ying Lili asked.


    "His highness did not tell about this," Zi Xin replied. Ying Lili nodded and went back towards the bedchamber.


    "Hu Jingguo, I hope you will handle this. But why did Sheng Li overreact? Did he want to kiss me that desperately?" Ying Lili thought.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, arrived outside the chamber that was given to Hu Jingguo for his stay. He marched in and did not find him inside. He checked the bathhouse, but there was no trace of Hu Jingguo. This angered him, and he tightened his fists. Sheng Li then left for General Wang''s chamber where he found Hu Jingguoughing with him.


    Wang Hao saw the Crown Prince and stood up from the chaise. "Your highness," he whispered. Hu Jingguo was terrified to see the Crown Prince there. He blinked his eyes and stepped back when Sheng Li walked to him. Before Hu Jingguo could run, Sheng Li caught him by pulling his robes. Wang Hao was confused when he saw that.


    "You are taking me lightly. I have been bearing your sight since the first day. Do you think I won''t kill you? Do you think because you are Lili''s friend, I will spare you?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Y-your highness, I-I d-did not k-know¡­"


    "Shut up!!" Sheng Li shouted at Hu Jingguo thus, stopping him from speaking further. "I know what Lei Wanxi told you. But let me tell you something - such petty tricks will not work on me. Try roaming around Lili and I will break your legs," Sheng Li pushed Hu Jingguo off and he fell on the chaise. His heartbeats had shot up in fear, the moment Sheng Li grabbed his robes.


    Before Wang Hao could speak, Sheng Li left for his chamber. Wang Hao looked at Hu Jingguo who brought his hand on his chest. "I almost died," Jingguo murmured.


    "What did you do this time? I told you not to annoy the Crown Prince," Wang Hao said and filled a ss with water. He came to Jingguo and handed him the ss. "Drink it and rx," Wang Hao handed the ss to Hu Jingguo and saw that even his hands were trembling.


    Wang Hao patted Hu Jingguo''s shoulder and told him to calm down. "I cannot. I saw death in front of me. I did not fear this much even when I was caught and was put into prison," Hu Jingguo murmured.


    Sheng Li arrived at the chamber and walked in. He saw Ying Lili was on the chaise, peeling the mandarins, which were brought by Hu Jingguo. Ying Lili saw Sheng Li and told him to sit beside her. "I will serve you these tasty mandarins," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    "I hate this fruit," Sheng Li moodily responded. Ying Lili put the peeled mandarin on the other te and came towards Sheng Li. She grabbed his hand and brought him to the chaise. "It is your favorite fruit. You didn''t even tell me about this," Ying Liliined as she gestured to Sheng Li to sit on the chaise. He averted his gaze from her.


    Ying Lili pushed him down and hended on the chaise. "Such a stubborn child!" Ying Lili mumbled and sat beside him. She picked a peeled mandarin and took a clove. "Have this," Ying Lili said as she brought the clove closer to Sheng Li''s mouth. She gestured to him to open his mouth and eat it.


    Ying Lili started eating too and at the same time fed them to Sheng Li as well. Soon the anger had gone away, and he was enjoying eating mandarins with Ying Lili, who felt happy.


    "Sheng Li, I have an idea for tomorrow. We will go in disguise asmoners to find out about the reason for the rebellions," Ying Lili suggested to Sheng Li who immediately agreed with her.


    "I thought the same. In the disguise of themoners, it would be easy to find out about the cause of the rebellions rather than showing ourselves in front of them," Sheng Li opined.


    "Hmm." "That way we will be able to find a reasonable solution to these arising rebellions," Ying Lili stated.

 Chapter 147 - Knife Game

    <h4>Chapter 147 - Knife Game</h4>


    The next morning, Sheng Li and Ying Lili got ready, wearing the clothes of themoners. Sheng Li had put on a fake mustache and beard so that none could recognize him. On top of that, he had worn a conical hat. General Wang and General Xiao also had changed their looks.


    "Crown Princess, I also want to go with you," Hu Jingguo told Ying Lili who looked at Sheng Li.


    "You are noting with us," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "Your highness, why are you angry at me? I brought your favorite fruits to your room yet you are getting angry with me. This is not good," Hu Jingguo asserted, and then looked at Ying Lili.


    "Let hime. What will he do here all alone? It isn''t like you are going to carry him on your back," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "We are not going outside to y a children''s game. Don''t ruin my mood in the morning," Sheng Li remarked and looked at Wang Hao who handed him a dagger. Sheng Li hid the dagger inside the sash that he had worn on the waist.


    "Your highness, I live the life of amoner so I know how they act and talk. You shall take me with you and forget aboutst night," asserted Hu Jingguo. Wang Hao thought to help him so he agreed with him and told the Crown Prince that they should take Hu Jingguo with them.


    Sheng Li nodded and walked out of the hall. Governor Tzu-Yang was waiting for the Crown Prince outside the hall. Seeing the Crown Prince, Tzu-Yang bowed his head. "Your highness, I will send some security behind you. Going outside without any security can be dangerous," Tzu-Yang stated.


    "Governor Tzu, we two generals are enough for giving protection to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Wang Hao affirmed. Tzu-Yang agreed with that and asked them when they would return.


    "We will be here by the evening," Sheng Li replied.


    "Your highness, what about your lunch?" Tzu-Yang worriedly asked.


    "We will have lunch in the market. Don''t let anyone find out about this else you know the result," Sheng Li in a threatening tone said.


    "Your highness, do not worry. Everything has been taken care of. No one knows about your arrival to the Province except me and a few others," Tzu-Yang assured the Crown Prince who nodded and walked ahead followed by the others.


    As they reached outside the residence of Tzu-Yang, Sheng Li gestured to Wang Hao to leave. Ying Lili asked Sheng Li where General Wang was heading.


    "He has an important matter to handle," Sheng Li replied. They changed the route and took a forest route to reach the market so that no one could see theming from the residence of Governor Tzu.


    After twenty minutes, they reached the market. The market was packed with people as if they had gathered for some special asion. "Xiao, why is there such a crowd today?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Your highness, the traders havee from the other cities to sell the items here. Usually, around this month, theye here," Xiao replied in a low voice. Sheng Li hummed.


    Sheng Li saw Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo had gone to a stall where vegetables were being sold. He too went there along with Xiao Zhan.


    "Brother, how much does it cost?" Ying Lili asked the seller, holding a radish in her hand.


    "Ten cents, youngdy," the shop owner replied.


    "Ten cents for one radish? Isn''t the price too much?" Hu Jingguo asked the shop owner.


    "Young man, if you do not want to buy, then go away. Do not trouble me," the shop owner stated, and snatched the radish from Ying Lili''s hand.


    "Why is this radish so expensive? Forgive me, but my wife and I have shifted with our family to this Province yesterday and also forgive my servant for his rude behavior," Sheng Li stated and looked at Hu Jingguo.


    He then turned his gaze back to the shop owner and continued, "The ce where we used to live has cheap prices so we are not aware of the environment of this province," Sheng Li politely said. Hu Jingguo and Ying Lili were astonished to see the way Sheng Li was talking.


    "Why did you even shift here? The crops have been destroyed by the changing climate. It is the reason prices are hiked up. The people are trying to leave this province but we cannot even leave," the shop owner told Sheng Li.


    "We heard that this countryside is pleasant to live in. I think someone gave us the wrong information. But then, this is such a big issue. Why isn''t this being reported to the higher-ups? The Great Emperor listens to everyone''s grievances," Sheng Li asked.


    "I do not know," the shop owner replied. Sheng Li nodded and then took a pouch full of coins from his pocket. "I would like to buy some radishes," Sheng Li said and picked three of them. The man wrapped them in paper and handed them to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li looked at Hu Jingguo and handed him the wrapped radishes. They walked forward when Ying Lili told Sheng Li that she did not know he could be polite too. "You misjudge me too much," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "The shop owner did not tell us theplete truth," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili looked at him through the veil and said, "I know. He was nervously moving his fingers." They kept walking and observed the market activities. Sheng Li halted in front of a restaurant. "Let''s go in," Sheng Li said and walked inside the restaurant with the others.


    Taking a table, Sheng Li ordered tea for them. At the other table, five people were seated who were talking loudly. "You won 50 silver cents?" the other man asked in bewilderment.


    "Yes."


    "But that game is dangerous. You can lose your hand," another man worriedly said. "Last time when I yed that, I almost lost my thumb," he said with a terrified expression.


    "I even heard that the ce where this Knife Game is yed is not good. You should not go to such ces, Qi Yun," the same man advised him.


    "You know that this is my only source of earning and I am efficient in this," Qi Yun pronounced proudly. "The one who introduced me to this game was telling me that he would let me enter the Group, which is known for its terror in the province. Even the Governor fears the leader of the group. Last time they destroyed the Public Distribution Food Office because the Empire is not helping us," Qi Yun asserted with a broad smile.


    Sheng Li raised his brow and almost stood up from his seat when Hu Jingguo pulled him down by grabbing his hand. "I don''t think his highness shall intervene," he whispered.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed.


    Hu Jingguo then stood up and went towards the table where those men were seated. "Brother, I also want to make money with my elder brother. Will you take us there?" Hu Jingguo asked Qi Yun who was startled.


    Sheng Li red at Ying Lili. "Whom is he calling his brother?" Sheng Li questioned in a low voice. Ying Lili shrugged her shoulders when they both heard the voice of the same man.


    "First show me that you and your brother can y this Knife Game," Qi Yun told Hu Jingguo who immediately agreed to that.

 Chapter 148 - A Complex One

    <h4>Chapter 148 - A Complex One</h4>


    WARNING: The Hand Knife game is mentioned for entertainment purposes only. Don''t try this at home.


    The people in the restaurant turned their gazes towards them. Hu Jingguo came towards Sheng Li and pulled him up. Putting his hand around Sheng Li''s shoulder, Hu Jingguo said, "Elder brother, this is the only way we can earn money in these hard times. Let''s show them how efficient we are in this game."


    Sheng Li did not budge from his ce because he did not know what kind of game that was! "You are not allowed to stand this close to me and hold me like this," Sheng Li said in a low voice that was only audible to Hu Jingguo.


    "Just bear with this," Hu Jingguo replied and gave a white teeth smile to Sheng Li.


    Qi Yun saw that Sheng Li was not moving from his ce. "Young man, I think your elder brother is scared. If he does not want to join, then it is okay. You know how to y it so just show me," Qi Yun advised Hu Jingguo.


    ''What is this man saying? I am scared?'' Sheng Li thought and huffed. "Watch your words," Sheng Li warned Qi Yun as if he would punish him right away.


    Hu Jingguo chortled and pulled Sheng Li forward towards that table where those five men were seated. "I will start. Give me the knife," Hu Jingguo pulled his arm back and pulled out a chair for him.


    The people started surrounding them. Ying Lili and Xiao Zhan too stood up from their seats. They stood close to Sheng Li and confusedly looked at Hu Jingguo. The restaurant owner came there with a knife in his hand. "Master here is the knife," the restaurant owner said, as he kept the knife on the round table.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear. "If he did something wrong, I swear, I will not save him," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili tilted her head when Sheng Li leaned back.


    "Young man, start," Qi Yun said as he pushed the knife lightly towards Hu Jingguo who caught it. "Young man, you don''t have to show off if you don''t know. This game is dangerous. You need to stab in between the gaps of your fingers and if you miss it then it''s the end," said another man who was seated around the table.


    Hu Jingguo smiled and ced his left palm on the table such that the fingers were stretched apart. "Hand Knife game is my favorite game since my childhood days," Hu Jingguo stated. The people were curious to know if this young man truly knew the game or was he just fooling around.


    Sheng Li had no idea what the game was about. This was his first time seeing such a game. Hu Jingguo started stabbing between the gaps of his fingers, back and forth. Sheng Li had never thought such a dangerous game was also there. Even if he was an efficient swordsman, such an advanced level of motor coordination needed practice, which he never had.


    The way Jingguo yed the game truly showed how efficient he was in that. Qi Yun and his tablemates were surprised to see how Hu Jingguo yed with good speed. "Enough, young man!" Qi Yun happily said. Hu Jingguo stopped and put the knife on the table. Everybody pped for him.


    "You are proficient in this game," Qi Yun said, looking at Hu Jingguo who smiled and stood up from the chair. He stood beside Sheng Li and said, "It is all because my elder brother knows this game and helped me y it." Sheng Li widened his eyes and titled his head to gaze at Hu Jingguo.


    "I don''t know this game," Sheng Li whispered in Hu Jingguo''s ear, who was shocked to learn about that.


    "Come here. Show us your skills. I think you can do aplex one easily," Qi Yun stated. Sheng Li is stuck now. He was furious about why Hu Jingguo involved him in such a mess. "Brother knows, but he cannot y today," Hu Jingguo replied.


    "What? Why?" Qi Yun asked, and looked skeptically at Sheng Li.


    "My brother''s hand is injured. Yesterday he carried heavy sacks to get his daily wages and ended up hurting his hand," Hu Jingguo lied to them. "Sir, can we go there? I think it is open for all," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "Everyone is allowed there, but the ce is not considered good so only those who have a strong heart are rmended to go there," affirmed Qi Yun. The surrounding people went to their respective tables, and the activities resumed.


    Hu Jingguo thanked Qi Yun and his friends. Sheng went to his table and sat there followed by the others. The tea was served to them. Ying Lili sipped the tea and looked at Sheng Li. She picked the teacup for Sheng Li and handed it to him. "Drink this. You will feel good," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li took the teacup from her.


    Sheng Li was concerned now because he had to learn that game in a day if he wanted to meet the leader of this group. The Ju Family was also associated with that group as Wang Hao had informed the Crown Prince earlier. "This means the leader is directly linked to the Ju family."


    Sheng Li put the teacup at the table with such a loud thud sound that it startled the others around the table. "Take her back to the residence. I wille in the evening," Sheng Li ordered General Xiao in a low voice.


    "I wille with you," Ying Lili stated.


    "No, you are not needed. This is an order so follow it." Sheng Li stood up from his seat, paid the bills at the counter, and left from there. Ying Lili lost sight of Sheng Li and asked General Xiao if they should follow him.


    "I cannot defy his orders. Let''s go back." General Xiao stood up along with them and then took them back to the residence.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu was going to meet the First Prince when he met Lei Wanxi. "Brother, you did not tell me that you brought Miss Chuntao to the Pce," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "It was all of a sudden. Her familymitted suicide the day she was taken as an Entertainer to Ma Bojing''s residence. That''s why I brought her to ensure her safety, but that''s not the only reason. Miss Chuntao is a great observant so I think she will be useful to me," Nianzu proimed.


    "But, Brother, you have never taken an interest in a woman. This was shocking," Lei Wanxi skeptically looked at Nianzu.


    "You think too much. You shall help Little Yu in his practice. General Xiao had to urgently leave for the Southern Province with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess so, no one is there to help Prince Yu," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Commanders are there, Brother. Moreover, I am not that skilled in warfare," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Hmm." Nianzu stepped forward when Lei Wanxi said, "I am going to meet Miss Chuntao. See youter, Elder Brother." Lei Wanxi left from there while Nianzu left to meet Prince Guozhi.

 Chapter 149 - Son Of A Concubine

    <h4>Chapter 149 - Son Of A Concubine</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was reading the scrolls of the petitions which hade from the three viges near the capital. "Your highness, the Fourth Prince wants to see you," a maidservant informed Jian Guozhi who told her to send the Prince in. He put the seal aside on the table and waited for Nianzu toe in.


    Nianzu greeted the First Prince as he entered his study room. "Please take a seat, Fourth Brother," stated Jian Guozhi. Nianzu pulled the chair out for him and sat on it.


    "What happened that you suddenly wanted to see me?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "Elder First Brother, I went to the vige nearest to the market. I found that the condition is not good there, and the finances given to the vige are not sufficient," asserted Nianzu.


    "Who is the Vige Headman?" Jian Guozhi questioned.


    "Wuqing Pao. There is a water supply problem in the vige, so you must look into that as the Governor of Luoyang," pronounced Nianzu. Jian Guozhi nodded and thanked the Fourth Prince for informing him about that.


    "Fourth Brother, I heard you told the Crown Prince to make reforms in a fewws. The Civil Service Department Chiefs were being called to the Pce, but I was not informed about that. Why so? I think as a First-Born child I have some rights over such issues," Jian Guozhiined.


    "You are taking it wrong, Elder Brother. The Emperor wanted it to discuss with all the Five Princes after the return of the Crown Prince to the capital. Earlier the Crown Prince told me not to jump to conclusions without discussing the matters with you and the two senior brothers," Nianzu politely replied. Jian Guozhi nodded and apologized for doubting their intention.


    "Elder Brother does not need to apologize," Nianzu stated.


    "I heard you have brought a young woman to the Pce. I am surprised to find out about that. Mother will try to question you," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "What questions, Brother?" Nianzu queried.


    "You also know that a son of a concubine does not have many rights." This statement hurt Nianzu, but he did not say anything. "I have not any ill-thought. I am just saying what the rules say. But because you are the Advisor to the Emperor, I think that mother will be considerate to this and let amon vige woman live in the Pce," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "I hope so, Elder Brother," answered Nianzu. "Elder Brother, I would like you to look into that vige matter," pronounced Nianzu and took his leave. Nianzu was going to meet Chuntao when he was stopped by the Head Eunuch from Empress Manor.


    "The Fourth Prince is summoned by the Empress," the Head Eunuch informed Nianzu who nodded and followed him to the Manor of the Empress. Nianzu greeted the Empress as he arrived at her chamber.


    "Please have a seat, Prince Nianzu," Weng Wei said. Nianzu took a seat left to the Empress. "I heard amon vige girl has entered the Pce. Isn''t this known to Prince Nianzu that without my permission you cannot let anyone take here?" Weng Wei asked.


    "Forgive me, your majesty. I took such a decision because of a reason," Nianzu responded.


    "A son of a concubine cannot take the decision. I am disappointed that a smart person like you forgets about your rights," Empress Wei remarked.


    "I was responsible for something rted to the young woman whom I brought here," replied Nianzu. He clenched his fists as he was titled as the ''son of a concubine.'' He had no shame in that, but the way Empress Wei was referring to it made him angry that he was not considered equal to his other brothers.


    "Send her away else I will," Weng Wei ordered.


    "I cannot do that, your majesty," Nianzu stated thus, refusing the order of the Empress which outraged her.


    "I know you are the Advisor of the Emperor but it does not mean that you have the power to refuse my orders, Prince Nianzu. Be like your mother who always listens to me. If her rebellious son talks like this, then I am afraid I need to take further action. You have no status in this Pce," Empress Wei proimed.


    "I understood. Your majesty, I want to leave this Pce," Nianzu pronounced.


    "What!?" Empress Wei asked.


    "I do not want to live in the pce. Will you convey this message to the Imperial Father? If he will agree to this, then I will leave along with the young woman whom I have brought here," Nianzu affirmed. "And I request you not to title me as the son of a concubine. If his majesty knows about this, then he will not feel good that you discriminate against me."


    Nianzu had lost control over his emotions. He knew the repercussions which woulde after his statements, but he could not control himself today. He was sick of the Pce already and it was his best chance to leave the pce forever.


    "You are going out of your line, Prince Nianzu. Do you know what could be the consequences of whatever you said to me?" Empress Wei threatened the Fourth Prince.


    ''She will punish his mother'' it hit the mind of Nianzu so he gulped the anger that had built inside him in that brief moment. He lowered his eyes and apologized to the Empress. "I brought the youngdy here because I want her to help me with the work. I hope the Empress will allow this," Nianzu humbly said.


    "Prince Nianzu, you are like my own son. Why do you need my permission? Like the Fifth Prince, you think that I discriminate against you? I am afraid that the Fourth Prince thought like that." Nianzu frowned, seeing the sudden changes in the Empress''s statements.


    "Discriminate?!" Han Wenji who happened to hear that asked.


    Nianzu turned his head and saw his father there. He got up from his seat and greeted him. "What happened?" Han Wenji asked.


    Weng Wei shed the fake tears, and then immediately wiped them. "Your majesty, you are here! Nothing happened. I was talking with my son," Weng Wei answered as she stood up from her seat.


    "I heard that you were asking for some permission," Han Wenji said, looking at Nianzu.


    "Yes, father. I brought a vige girl to the Pce as I found her smart. She will help me in the work so for that I was taking the permission of her majesty," Nianzu pronounced.


    "But then, why was the Empress saying that you think she discriminates against you?" Han Wenji questioned.


    "Father, I apologize for that. I thought that her majesty would not agree to this. Forgive me," Nianzu apologized and lowered his head further down. Weng Wei smirked at seeing that.


    "Prince, why are you apologizing? It is fine," stated the Empress. Nianzu gulped the anger inside him and took his leave from there. Han Wenji looked at Weng Wei but said nothing to her.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    I will give two more chapters by the evening thus giving 5 chapters today (3 I have given already), as per my time zone. This early mass release is because, on Monday, I cannot give more than one chapter or two as I have some work that day.


    Keep Voting on the story so that my story can enter the top 100 soon.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 150 - Leave

    <h4>Chapter 150 - Leave</h4>


    Sheng Li after inquiring from a few people in the market reached outside the Entrance of the Merchants'' Market. The moving carts were taking goods there towards that market. Sheng Li walked in and after walking a few meters, he met Wang Hao.


    "Don''t use the title for me," Sheng Li in a low voice told Wang Hao.


    "Brother, the information given by Governor Tzu was correct. The group is known as ''L¨£oh¨³ Group'' which means ''Tiger Group''. They have control over the Merchants group here who are affecting the economy of the Southern Province.


    In short, this group handles the market prices and they are the ones who want to get separated from the Han Empire. They are recruiting the men from the vige through a dangerous game called Hand Knife game and a sword fight. I could not get further information on this," Wang Hao asserted.


    Sheng Li hummed. "Let''s go to the ce where they y this game," Sheng Li told Wang Hao who showed the way towards the game ce. Many people were standing there; some were talking with each other, some were drinking, while some had weapons in their hands as if they were guarding the ce.


    Sheng Li stepped up on the wooden stair when one man pointed a sword at his neck. Sheng Li moved the conical hat up and red at him. "Who are you? You do not seem to have belonged to this ce," proimed the man. He had worn a ck Hanfu Dress.


    "Brother, we have shifted here and found that this ce is famous for easy money. I want to make that easy money for survival," Sheng Li replied to the man with a smile. The man nodded and moved his sword away from the neck of Sheng Li and let him in.


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao walked in. They saw how the men were enjoying the dance performance on the stage. Sheng Li ignored that and went upstairs with Wang Hao where the real game was going on. They saw around 4-5 people were seated around each round table.


    Many people had surrounded a huge table, and they were cheering for the people who werepeting with each other. Sheng Li and Wang Hao got in between them and moved forward. The Hand Knife game was being yed between the two. Sheng Li found out how proficient they were while ying that game and unlike Jingguo, they were using a veryplex method to y that game which he could not understand.


    Sheng Li looked at the man standing beside him. "Brother, they are so good at this game. But why use such aplex method when you can stab between the fingers with a simple move?" Sheng Li queried and waited for the desired response. "Winning prize is 200 gold cents. That''s why they are using thisplex method," the man replied and smiled. Sheng Li nodded and wondered how they got so much money.


    Suddenly the knife was stabbed in the index finger of one of them and he cried out in pain while the other threw his knife on the table because he had won the game. Heughed after winning the game while the other was crying as the knife pierced through his finger. Sheng Li snickered and walked out from there.


    Sheng Li could not believe that the leader of the group had created such a deadly game to recruit in his group. He descended the stairs and turned left towards the exit when a dancer came in front of him, which startled Sheng Li and Wang Hao.


    "Move aside." Sheng Li''s bitter voice was enough to threaten her, and she walked away from there. Sheng Li and Wang Hao left the ce as soon as possible.


    "Your highness, that ce is dangerous. We need a solid n before doing anything," Wang Hao asserted.


    "We need to get into that group and for that, we have to pass those two games," Sheng Li pronounced and hastened his steps towards the Residence of Governor Tzu.


    "But, your highness, it is difficult to learn that game. This is the first time we are seeing this game. Sword fighting we two can do easily, but this Hand Knife game is difficult for us," Wang Hao expressed his worries.


    "Hu Jingguo knows the game but I do not know if he is good at sword fighting," Sheng Li stated.


    Wang Hao was astonished to learn that Hu Jingguo knew the Hand Knife game. "I will learn from him. The sooner the better because the leader is recruiting the people alluringly. He wants to rule independently over this Province but the biggest problem is that people do not talk about the leader as if they are threatened by him," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Your highness, yesterday a case was reported where the Leader of L¨£oh¨³ Group, killed a man in the middle of the market by cutting both his arms. Even the police did not report this incident," Wang Hao informed.


    Sheng Li clenched his fist. "How could someone be crueler than me? I have found an interesting opponent this time," Sheng Li murmured and grinned.


    Byte noon, Sheng Li and Wang Hao reached the Tzu Residence. Sheng Li asked about the Crown Princess and went straight to his chamber.


    Maidservants bowed their heads as Sheng Li walked past them. He heard theughs and asked, "Who is inside with the Crown Princess?"


    "Your highness, Master Hu and the daughter of the Governor are inside with the Crown Princess."


    Sheng Li walked in and saw the three were ying a board game. Ying Lili saw him and quickly stood up from the ground. "Sheng Li," she called out his name. Hu Jingguo and the daughter of the Governor also stood up. They bowed their heads. Miss Tzu took her to leave from there while Hu Jingguo was still there.


    "Leave," Sheng Li said, looking at Hu Jingguo who bowed his head and left the chamber.


    Sheng Li removed the hat from his head, followed by the fake mustache and beard. Ying Lili came towards him and helped him in removing the overcoat. "You are feeling hot, right?" Ying Lili asked and picked the fan from the table. She started fanning him when Sheng Li told her that he would like to freshen up first and then would talk to her.


    Ying Lili stepped back while Sheng Li went to the washroom, which was near the bathhouse.


    "His mood is off. Is he angry with me? Because I was ying with them?" Ying Lili mumbled and pouted.

 Chapter 151 - Isnt This Love?

    <h4>Chapter 151 - Isn''t This Love?</h4>


    Sheng Li came to the chamber after freshening up and sat on the bed. "Sheng Li,e have lunch," Ying Lili said softly, who was sitting around a table.


    "You did not eat?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No, I was waiting for you. You left me in the middle. How could I eat without you?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li who chuckled. He stood up from the bed, tied the knot of his upper jacket, and went towards her. He took his seat, facing Ying Lili who handed him the chopstick.


    Sheng Li thanked her, and the two started eating. A minuteter, Ying Lili asked him where he was.


    "The ce where the Hand Knife Game is yed," Sheng Li replied.


    "What?" Ying Lili eximed. "Why did you not take me there? This is wrong. You promised me that you will let me stay beside you," Ying Liliined.


    Sheng Li smiled upon hearing theint of the Crown Princess. "I was there to check about the ce and there were no women except a few dancers," Sheng Li stated.


    "Dancers?" Ying Lili murmured and huffed. "Did you also watch their dance?" Ying Lili asked as she picked some of the rice from the chopstick from the bowl.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at her. "Eat your food," Sheng Li said with a smile. Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was smiling too much, which made her suspicious.


    "Did he also watch them? He is looking happy. That''s why earlier he ignored me! But he promised me that he would only look at me. How could he forget his promise and enjoy it with those dancers?" Ying Lili questioned herself.


    "I did not know that Hu Jingguo knew of such a game. I would like to learn that game from him," Sheng Li suddenly said, which brought Ying Lili out of her thoughts.


    "Uh¡­ yes, he knows. I also know that game," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li astonishingly looked at Ying Lili because he had never thought that she would know about that game.


    "How? I mean, isn''t that game popr amongmoners? Among royals, such games are not yed, and this was my first time seeing this game," Sheng Li stated.


    "Really?" Ying Lili could not believe what she heard a moment ago.


    "Yes," Sheng Li epted again that he did not know the game.


    "You are right that it is not yed among royals. I told you that I used to y with Hu Jingguo when we were kids and then he taught me this game," Ying Lili replied.


    "He taught you this dangerous game? Your friend annoys me. How could he teach such a game to you? You could have lost your fingers," Sheng Li worriedly said and picked the sd to eat.


    "I did not start with a knife. If you are a beginner, then you need to use a brush which I did," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li nodded and told Ying Lili to eat. Once they were done eating, Ying Lili called a servant there to clean the table.


    Ying Lili then asked Sheng Li to tell her about everything so he told her whatever he saw there and found out about that group.


    "So, you want to go into that group to find out about the leader. Take me with you for this mission," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I cannot. That ce is dangerous. Moreover, you are a woman, and¡­" Sheng Li stopped speaking when Ying Lili asked him toplete his words.


    "You cannot go there," Sheng Li stated.


    "I will handle it myself. I might take Hu Jingguo with me but for that, I need to check his skills if he is strong enough to go with me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "He is stronger than you. He even knows that game!" Ying Lili yanked at Sheng Li.


    "I can master that game, too. I am talking in a different context. Your friend has never been to wars and defeating swordsmen is not a hard task. The leader is not someone whom I can take lightly. One wrong move and he can lose his life, that''s why I have to be cautious," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "What do you mean? Is it that dangerous?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes. He kills mercilessly. I cannot take him without checking if he is good enough, else he can lose his life and then you will get angry at me for taking your friend there," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili was touched by Sheng Li''s words. He was thinking about her first in that situation, too. ''Isn''t this love?'' She recalled the time when he used to threaten her, but now he was theplete opposite.


    But Ying Lili was worried about Sheng Li too. "What about you? What if you get injured?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    "Why would I get injured?" Sheng Li asked and looked into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Why? Aren''t you a human?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Worried about me?!" Sheng Li amusingly asked her.


    "You are my husband, so I will be worried," Ying Lili replied, and stood up from her seat. She went to the bed while Sheng Li followed her. "Aren''t you tired? Come here. I will give you a head massage." Ying Lili sat in the center of the bed.


    "Why are you turning sweet towards me? I am alright. I don''t need any massage," Sheng Li replied andid down on the bed.


    "Why? I have magic in my hands. You will sleep in seconds after getting the massage from me," Ying Lili praised her massaging skills.


    "Have you ever given a head massage to anyone? I am asking becausest time I told you to give me a back massage, and you almost broke my back," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes. I used to massage my father''s and mother''s forehead," Ying Lili replied and smiled brightly, recalling those days.


    "Ahh, they would have praised their daughter even if she did not know how to massage," Sheng Li remarked.


    "What? You should not doubt my magical hands," Ying Lili stressed her words. "Okay, if you do not believe me, then ask Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili proimed.


    "What?" Sheng Li''s facial expressions changed immediately.

 Chapter 152 - Let Me Teach You!

    <h4>Chapter 152 - Let Me Teach You!</h4>


    "Okay, if you do not believe me, then ask Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili proimed.


    "What?" Sheng Li''s facial expressions changed immediately. "Why do I need to ask him?" Sheng Li asked as he sat upon the bed.


    "I had massaged his head. Even he said that I possess magical hands. Go ask him if you do not believe my words," Ying Lili stated.


    "You cannot massage his head! How could you do this?" Sheng Li was now fuming in anger. Ying Lili could not touch any other man than him. How could she talk so casually about this? Did herte father not tell his daughter not to do such things? Many questions ran into Sheng Li''s mind in that brief moment.


    "I did the massage likest year," he heard Ying Lili.


    "Don''t talk about him. How many times did I tell you not to talk about other men in front of me?" Sheng Li muttered and moved towards Ying Lili. He quicklyid down on Ying Lili''sp, which startled Ying Lili. "Give me a massage from your magical hands," Sheng Li said and closed his eyes.


    Ying Lili smiled. "Let me open the bun first," Ying Lili stated and took out the pin. Opening the bun, Ying Lili found out that Sheng Li''s hair was smoother than hers. "Your hair is nice," Ying Lili said and ced her hands on his cheeks. "Just move a little."


    Sheng Li did so and opened his eyes. Ying Lili had ced her fingers on Sheng Li''s head and was moving them gently. It was rxing. She indeed knew how to massage, but Sheng Li was wondering if Ying Lili let Hu Jingguoy down on herp, so he asked Ying Lili about that.


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li clenched his fist. "Is he crazy? How could he let my wife massage his damn head?" Sheng Li thought. "Wait, a year ago Lili was not my wife." He clenched his fist.


    "Close your eyes. You will feel good," Ying Lili softly said. Sheng Li lifted his eyes and looked at Ying Lili. She had a tiny smile on her lips as she was moving her soft fingers around Sheng Li''s forehead. For a second, Sheng Li was mesmerized to see her.


    He caught Ying Lili''s hand, which startled her. "What happened? Did you not like it?" Ying Lili asked when Sheng Li sat up and pulled her closer to him. Ying Lili was bewildered seeing such an act of Sheng Li.


    She widened her eyes and asked him what happened.


    Sheng Li kept gazing into her eyes, which were sparkling for him. He ced his hand on Ying Lili''s cheek and caressed it. "We were interruptedst night by him," Sheng Li said.


    "Huh?"


    Sheng Li moved his face closer to Ying Lili as he looked at her lips. It seemed to him that those rosy lips were inviting him to savor their taste. That was tempting to him.


    He lifted his eyes and gazed into the eyes of Ying Lili. "I want to kiss you¡­ badly," he whispered against her lips. Ying Lili clutched her dress skirt tightly because she did not know what to reply. Even though she wanted him to kiss her, what if he did not confess to her? That was the only insecurity in her mind.


    "Hmm." Nevertheless, she permitted Sheng Li who smiled and ced his lips on Ying Lili. Sheng Li had kissed her before too, but during those times it was without Ying Lili''s permission or because of some emergencies. Those kisses were never from his heart, but out ofpulsion.


    At this moment, it was different. There were feelings but he was not ready to ept them, still with this kiss he wanted to let Ying Lili know that she was his now.


    Ying Lili had tightly shut her eyes, but this time she was not resisting instead she wanted to feel an actual kiss. As soon as Sheng Li''s lipsnded on hers, she felt a spark that ran throughout her body. He did not even go further, but the feeling built inside her was different. The moment Sheng Li moved his lips on hers, her heart exploded, and she could feel how her heart was pounding.


    Sheng Li waited for Ying Lili to respond to his kiss. He knew Ying Lili was inexperienced in all this, so he waited till she moved her lips slightly. Though it was not what he wanted, he was okay with it because he could feel that the kiss was from Ying Lili''s heart. His hand traveled to Ying Lili''s nape and pulled her further, closer.


    Slightly moving away from her lips, Sheng Li whispered, "Let me teach you how to kiss." With that Sheng Li almost kissed her when he heard the loud voice of Hu Jingguo who was calling for him and it felt to him that he had entered the chamber. The other second he was pushed by Ying Lili and he fell on the mattress while Ying Lili moved back.


    "Crown Prince, General Wang told me that you want to learn the Hand Knife game from me," Jingguo said with a wide smile and stopped near the beaded curtain hanging at the second door. He saw the Crown Prince was lying on the mattress and the Crown Princess was sitting away from him.


    ''Did they fight again?'' Hu Jingguo thought.


    "I willeter," Hu Jingguo announced when he heard the loud voice of Sheng Li.


    "Don''t even dare to move an inch," Sheng Li bellowed at him. Hu Jingguo gulped when he saw Sheng Li hade down from the bed and wasing towards him. He wanted to run away from there, but he felt like his feet were glued to the ground.


    Before Hu Jingguo''s reflex could act, Sheng Li gripped his neck. Ying Lili was shocked to see that, so she ran to Sheng Li and told him to let Jingguo go.


    ''I want to kill this man. How dare he ruin our precious kiss? This is the third time he did this crime.'' Sheng Li thought in his mind when he saw Hu Jingguo was struggling for air. He let go of his grip from Jingguo''s neck and he pushed him such that he fell on the floor.


    Jingguo was coughing loudly when Ying Lili stepped forward, but Sheng Li caught her arm. "Do not even think of touching him. I will kill him if you do so," Sheng Li threatened Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, I am fine." Ying Lili heard Hu Jingguo say as he crawled back till he reached the door. He stood up and ran out from there.


    Ying Lili was angry at Sheng Li now. "Why did you do that? How could you be so mean to the person who did not do anything wrong?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    "Because he ruined a precious moment between us. I am mean and I will be mean if he keeps acting like this," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was infuriated, so she did not ignite his anger instead she wanted to vanish it.


    Ying Lili grabbed Sheng Li''s hand and caressed it. "Don''t be angry. You don''t look good when you are angry," Ying Lili softly said and tiptoed to kiss Sheng Li''s right cheek. Sheng Li''s anger had gone, but notpletely. His mood was ruined, so he left the Chamber without saying anything to Ying Lili.

 Chapter 153 - Never Belonged To This Place

    <h4>Chapter 153 - Never Belonged To This ce</h4>


    Nianzu was taking heavy sighs as he was seated on a giant rock with a flute in his hand. He looked at the sky. Sun was setting down, spreading the redness in the evening sky. Today he had a bad day that he almost wanted to run away from the Pce because his mother got angry at him. He recalled everything which happened with him during the daytime.


    After meeting the Empress, Nianzu came to his room and started reading a book to divert his mind. An hourter, Eunuch Chung informed Prince Nianzu that his mother visited him. Nianzu put the book in his hand on the table and stood up from his seat.


    Concubine Deng Hui, the mother of Nianzu, came inside the chamber. Nianzu kowtowed before his mother. "You should have called me, mother," Nianzu said as he lifted his head when Deng Hui pped him hard.


    Nianzu touched his cheek and looked at his mother in bewilderment. He lowered his eyes and asked his mother why she did that. "Why did the Prince talk inappropriately with the Empress? You were threatening her with words?!" Deng Hui questioned Nianzu who lifted his eyes and looked into the eyes of his mother.


    "Mother, I did not want to but the way she reminded me of my rights, made me lose my control," Nianzu pronounced.


    "So? Are you ashamed that you are a son of a concubine?" Such a question from his mother baffled Nianzu.


    "No, mother. Why would I be ashamed?" Nianzu questioned her mother.


    "Then why did you say to her majesty that you feel like you are being discriminated against? Why did you tell her not to use such a title for you? Are you disgusted to know that your mother is a concubine?" Deng Hui questioned her son who had lowered his eyes. "Why did you say that you want to leave this Pce? Do you not know how much I suffered just to see you here?" Deng Hui asked his son.


    Nianzu clenched his fists. "Mother, you also know that I am not a power-hungry person. I just want a peaceful life," Nianzu pronounced. "I am sick of this. All the other brothers can do anything, but why can''t I? Am I not the son of his majesty? This is the first time I did something without the permission of the Empress and she summoned me and thenined to you. I tried hard to breathe the same air as them but I do not think that I am suitable for this. Let me go away from here," Nianzu asserted.


    Deng Hui frowned. "You will not go anywhere from this Pce. If you want to go, then go over my dead body," Deng Hui stated. Her voice was almost choked up, but she did not let it show to Nianzu.


    Nianzu knitted his brows, and tears formed in his eyes. "You know that just for you I am staying here, then why do you need to use such harsh words, mother?" Nianzu asked. Deng Hui had turned her face away from Nianzu, as she did not want to meet her son''s gaze. Why? Because it would make her weak.


    "His majesty loves you so much, Prince, that''s why he made you his advisor. How can you talk about leaving this ce? Your brothers are always good to you. They never looked down upon you. So, do not ever bring this thought of leaving this Pce," Deng Hui told her son.


    Nianzu chuckled and said, "I was never considered equally and am still not. I know father sees his every son equal but¡­" he paused and after a while continued, "¡­ but he never stopped the Empress from the wrong she had done till now and is still doing."


    Deng Hui looked at her son. "Son, his majesty cannot intervene in the matters of the inner court. I plead with you not to raise your voice against her majesty. Just stay in the Pce because this is the ce where you belong," Deng Hui stated.


    Nianzu drew his brows together. "I never belonged to this ce. It is suffocating for me," Nianzu pronounced and walked out from there in anger.


    Nianzu came out of these thoughts and looked downhill as the sun had almost set down. The birds were returning to their homes and their chirps could be heard. "I want to be free," Nianzu murmured and brought the flute closer to his mouth. He started ying the music he had written on the flute.


    The music was the only way through which he could bring out his emotions. Everyone in the Pce thought that he was the most patient and brainy person who had control over his emotions, but none ever tried to understand him except Lei Wanxi and Sheng Li.


    Suddenly he felt a palm over his shoulder and he stopped ying the music. He put the flute down. "Wanxi, why are you here?" Nianzu asked.


    Lei Wanxi pulled his hand back and replied, "I was searching for you in the Pce but did not find you there. Then I thought the brother would be here only." Lei Wanxi noticed that Nianzu was sad because he argued with his mother.


    "Did you write another new song?" Lei Wanxi excitedly asked.


    "Hmm¡­ I wrote it a few days ago so I thought about practicing it on the flute," Nianzu replied.


    "Brother, look at those birds in the sky. They left home early in the morning but then by evening they returned home. Do you know why?" Lei Wanxi asked. Nianzu refused and looked up at the sky.


    "Because that''s where they belong¨Ctheir precious Home. I know brother feels that the Pce restricts you but at the end of the day it is your home where we all want to see you," Lei Wanxi proimed. "We all respect you, brother, so do not ever think that you are alone in the Pce," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Nianzu tilted his head and looked at Lei Wanxi. "Even I am the son of a Consort, whose rank is lower than the Empress. I have also faced many problems during my stay in the Pce, but then this ce gives me warmth because my family is here.


    You shall look at Brother Sheng who, despite undergoing so much suffering, did not leave the Pce. We brothers might have some differences with each other, but we have something which binds us together. So, do not ever talk about leaving the Pce," Lei Wanxi rested his words and looked back at the sky.


    The anger inside Nianzu had gone away, and he was feeling good now. How could he forget that at the end of the day he felt good around them even if they had a few differences? But then it did not mean that he would find the peace and happiness that he always searched for.

 Chapter 154 - Fallen For Me!

    <h4>Chapter 154 - Fallen For Me!</h4>


    Sheng Li was talking with General Wang and Xiao regarding the L¨£oh¨³ group. "I had thought that I would learn the game in a night but it seemed impossible for me. I concluded that we shall find more information about this group," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, your highness. We cannot do things in a rush. We need to first find out about our opponent. Apart from that in the market, that seller told us that climate is also responsible for worsening economic conditions in this province," Xiao Zhan forwarded his points.


    Sheng Li turned his gaze to Tzu-Yang. "Why did you not report about this earlier? Do you have a death wish?" Sheng Li asked Governor Tzu who apologized for his mistake.


    "I don''t need apologies. I need results. Do you not know the origins of this rebellious group?" Sheng Li demanded answers from Tzu-Yang.


    "It came into existencest year but was not that prominent in the region, your highness. The Leader of the Group usuallyes in the night, which makes it difficult for us to find anything about him. He kills the innocents in the night and we are unable to do anything," Tzu-Yang worriedly exined to Sheng Li.


    "Leave," Sheng Li ordered the Governor who stood up from his seat, bowed his head, and left the room.


    Once Governor Tzu had gone, Wang Hao said, "Your highness, shall I sneak into that group? I will bring the information about that man to you."


    Sheng Li shook his head in refusal. "No, you will not go there. I will go there alone but before that, I need to find out everything about this leader," Sheng Li proimed. Wang Hao nodded. "Don''t tell Jingguo about this and any other conversation among us," Sheng Li told Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan.


    "What happened, your highness? It seemed he had again made some mistake," Xiao Zhan stated.


    "He did something heinous which has only one punishment, but I cannot even punish him. I should not have listened to the Fourth Brother." Sheng Li had an exasperated expression on his face.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan looked at each other. "What did he do, your highness?" Xiao Zhan asked. Sheng Li recalled his kiss with Ying Lili, but then it was ruined by Hu Jingguo. Just because he was Ying Lili''s friend, Sheng Li was bearing his sight.


    "Nothing," Sheng Li replied. "I will see you two tomorrow morning. Don''t do anything without my permission." He then stood up from his seat. Seeing the Crown Prince standing, General Wang and General Xiao also stood up from their respective seats.


    "Wang Hao, don''t let Hu Jingguoe near my private chamber. You will be punished if hees in front of my sight tonight," Sheng Limanded and left from there.


    "What did Jingguo do that made the Crown Prince so furious?" Xiao muttered and peered at General Wang who shrugged off his shoulder.


    "We need to ask him," Wang Hao stated, and told Xiao that they should go to their room.


    Sheng Li reached his chamber and saw Ying Lili was pacing in the room. Seeing Sheng Li, Ying Lili halted at her ce. "Where were you? You left the room in anger," Ying Liliined.


    Sheng Li sat up around the floor table and gestured to Ying Lili toe and sit beside him. Ying Lili went towards Sheng Li and sat down. "Do you drink wine?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "I do not have a habit of drinking wine. I only take a few sips during special asions," Ying Lili replied. "You also should not drink," Ying Lili stated, and red at him.


    "I like to drink wine. It has been many days since Ist touched wine. I think thest time I drank was the day when you came to my chamber for the first time and pped me," Sheng Li recalled the day when Ying Lili suddenly came to his room. That was the first time when someone actually stopped him from drinking. But apart from Ying Lili, no one had enough guts to stop him.


    Ying Lili felt sad upon hearing the words of Sheng Li. "You are the first woman who not only dared toe to my chamber at thete-night without thinking about the consequences but also pped me." A chuckle escaped from Sheng Li''s mouth.


    Ying Lili then opened her mouth to speak but before she could speak, she heard Sheng Li, "But that was past. We had a lot of differences between us. Then I learned about you and I found a perfect woman for me in you," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes slightly. "Have a drink with your husband," Sheng Li said, looking into the eyes of Ying Lili who was hesitating, but then she nodded.


    "But then you need to answer a few questions of mine. Will you? Ahh, why don''t we ask some questions regarding each other so that we can learn about each other more," Ying Lili suggested to Sheng Li who agreed to her.


    Ying Lili smiled when something clicked in her mind. "Don''t you want to have dinner? If we will drink before dinner then¡­"


    Sheng Li cut Ying Lili''s words in the middle. "Then let''s have dinner first," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili nodded and smiled.


    "Sheng Li, you need to learn that game, so would you like to see me?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li, which startled him. He wanted to see the Crown Princess ying that game, but he was worried too. What if she would injure her hand while ying?


    "I am proficient in this game so do not worry about me," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li who huffed, "Who''s worried about you?"


    "I know you are!" Sheng Li answered. Ying Lili stood up from her seat. She took the knife from the other table and came back towards the floor table.


    "Don''t do this now," Sheng Li stopped Ying Lili and took the knife from her hand.


    "Why?" with an inquisitive expression, Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li who shook his head and replied, "Because I do not want you to see you get hurt." Ying Lili looked into the eyes of Sheng Li and forwarded her hand to take the knife, but then Sheng Li moved his hand further back.


    "I will not get hurt. I told you that..." Sheng Li did not let herplete her words as he pulled her towards him and shended on hisp. "When I say No then it is a No. Understood?" Sheng Li with a raised brow stated.


    "Why are you holding me like this?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Can''t I? I know you like it when I get close to you. Your little heart rhythms seeing me. It beats strangely as if it has..." Sheng Li leaned further closer to Ying Lili''s lips and continued, "...as if it has fallen for me!"


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 155 - Woman Of The Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 155 - Woman Of The Crown Prince</h4>


    "You also have fallen for me. The way you got angry at Jingguo was truly showing how jealous you were!" Ying Lili remarked. She lifted her right hand and traced Sheng Li''s face with her index finger. "You were so desperate to kiss me not once but three times," Ying Lili stated and from the back of her index finger caressed Sheng Li''s face.


    Sheng Li was surprised to see Ying Lili''s this side. But he knew that Ying Lili wanted him to confess that yes, he was jealous of her damn friend and had fallen for her. But it was not that easy to make him confess, not unless Ying Lili would confess.


    Sheng Li caught Ying Lili''s finger and put it down. "You are thinking too much. I am not desperate to kiss you but you are the one who is desperate to take them," Sheng Li yanked at the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili drew her brows together. "Don''t say that. Why would I think like that?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "It is simple, Lili. You do not know how to kiss so, you want me to teach you. I know the wild thoughts in your mind," Sheng Li stated and grinned.


    "W-what!?" Ying Lili eximed. "You are talking as if you kissed so many women. I knew that you are a womanizer, that''s why you went there without me to watch those dancers," Ying Lili blurted out at him.


    "That is a wrong word you used against me. And, why are you jealous of those dancers!? Lili, tell me you do not want me to look at the other women, right? Earlier you told me to keep a concubine, but now you do not want that. Why?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    "Because you promised me that you will keep only one woman beside you, and that''s me," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li slightlyughed because he was amused at how Ying Lili was escaping the question that he asked. Because they were on this topic so, Sheng Li thought to tease Ying Lili a bit more.


    "Those dancers were superb. One even stopped in front of me. The way they were dancing made me think that¡­" Sheng Li paused as he saw an incensed expression on Ying Lili''s face.


    "Why did you stop? Complete your words," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li nodded and leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear. "¡­ nothing can beat the dance of my wildcat." A smile carved on Ying Lili''s lips and a taint of red appeared on her cheeks. The Crown Prince leaned back and looked at the face of the Crown Princess. "You get so jealous when I mentioned the other women. Just ept that you love me," Sheng Li then said.


    ''How tough is it going to make her confess? But then she is Lili, who is a stubborn woman.'' Sheng Li let go of Ying Lili and shended on the mattress on the floor. "Let''s have our dinner then," Sheng Li said and called the maidservant in. He ordered her to serve them dinner when she left for the Kitchen.


    "Take me with you there," Ying Lili suddenly said.


    "Where?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "To that ce where you have gone. Even the Emperor had permitted me so, it will not be a problem," pronounced Ying Lili.


    "Father also told me to take care of you. I already told you that this ce is not a good one. If you will be caught and then it will be a dead-end for us. I cannot take you with me everywhere," Sheng Li affirmed when two maidservants came there with trays in their hands. They set the dining floor table for them and left from there.


    "But you sent me to the Ex-Prime Minister''s Residence as well. That was dangerous too," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Lili, I do everything after putting a deep thought. You are here not because you are good at warfare, but because you are safe beside me. Now, do not argue over this and start eating," Sheng Li stated.


    "You are making excuses. You do not want me to get praised by the Imperial Father," Ying Lili huffed and picked up the chopsticks.


    "What?" "Why would I think so? That ce is not suitable for you. I cannot risk your life by taking you there when I know nothing about our opponent. And, then you are not an ordinary woman. You are the Woman of the Crown Prince. I know you can fight many at once, but then I cannot risk your life. So, never ask me about this," asserted Sheng Li and picked the chopsticks up.


    Ying Lili was touched by Sheng Li''s words. He indeed cared for her, but then she had a question. "Sheng Li, what about you? You should be careful too." Ying Lili was anxious.


    "I have been in these situations so I know how to tackle them," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili nodded, and the two started eating dinner. After they finished their meals, Sheng Li told the maidservant to bring some wine.


    The maidservant had put the wine jar and two porcin cups on the table. "You may leave. Do not let anyone enter here," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant who bowed her head before leaving.


    Sheng Li poured the wine for Ying Lili and him in the porcin cups. Ying Lili picked the cup when Sheng Li stopped her. "Let me ask a question first," Sheng Li stated.


    "Ask," Ying Lili permitted him.


    "Tell me about your best childhood memory," Sheng Li asked the first question.


    Ying Lili smiled because the question was easy for her to answer. "There are many but this one is special. When I was six years old, my father gifted me a sword that he had made himself. My father even engraved my name on that sword. That''s the best memory I had with him," Ying Lili replied with a smile.


    "So, you started swordsmanship at the age of 6?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Yes," Ying Lili replied. She then brought the cup closer to Sheng Li and toasted it with his cup. She brought it closer to her lips and gulped the wine in a go. Sheng Li smiled and drank the wine too.


    "My turn!" Ying Lili excitedly said as she ced the cup on the table while Sheng Li poured the wine for them.

 Chapter 156 - Attracts

    <h4>Chapter 156 - Attracts</h4>


    Sheng Li waited for Ying Lili''s question when she said, "Tell me something about your mother. You cannot escape this question." She added and looked at Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li sipped the wine and then put the cup on the table. "I think I have told many things about her," Sheng Li replied.


    "So, you are not going to answer this?" Ying Lili raised her brow.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze from Ying Lili. "Why do you always ask about her?" Ying Lili found Sheng Li was still hesitant to share such things with her. She felt bad thinking that she had already devoted herself to her husband, but it seemed otherwise from Sheng Li''s side. He still did not consider her as his other half with whom he could share everything without any hesitance.


    But then Sheng Li spoke, which broke Ying Lili''s delusions towards Sheng Li. She saw how sad he had gotten just by the mention of his mother. "Words are less to describe her. I do not know what shall I exactly tell you about my mother?"


    Ying Lili grasped Sheng Li''s right hand and caressed it. "It''s okay. You do not need to tell. I was just curious," Ying Lili stated and pulled her hand back. "I will ask another question. Why do you love Xue?" Sheng Li was startled to hear such a question. He had exined to her many times, but then why she brought that up again.


    "I do not love her. How many times do I need to exin to you?" Sheng Li menacingly said and then continued, "I never loved her and I lied to everyone because I did not want to marry you. I thought if I use that excuse then the father will not let me marry you."


    Ying Lili was dejected to hear that, but then she was happy that Sheng Li was truthful to her. "What about now?" Ying Lili asked. She was hoping for an appropriate answer from Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li found that Ying Lili was sad to learn about his thoughts. "Lili, since we are on this topic, then I shall tell you everything. I liked Xue as a person because when I was mistreated in the Pce, she used toe and give me herpany. It was more like a friend whom I could lean on and at that time I had thought I would marry her but that was a young child inside me.


    But at the same time, I did not want to associate myself with the Wei Family. How could I? They killed my mother, so even if their daughter cared for me, I would not have married her, loved her.


    Then I found out she also betrayed me. Well, I had no special attachment to her, but I was sad after finding out the truth about her. I never loved her, that was just to stop my marriage with you."


    "Liar! I had heard how the people in the Pce used to say that you two were lovers," Ying Lili stated. She was slightly angry at him now.


    "Those rumors were spread by me. I wanted to use Xue against her father. I told you that I am not a nice person and can be heartless," Sheng Li pronounced and drank the remaining wine from the cup.


    Ying Lili had never thought that Sheng Li would be like that. But she could understand him. If she had put herself in Sheng Li''s shoes then she would have done the same thing to punish those people.


    "I am happy that my father chose you for me." Sheng Li''s sudden confession astonished Ying Lili. "You amused me the day you held the sword which I pointed at yourte father. I had never encountered a brave woman until I met you," Sheng Li asserted and gave a tiny smile to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili picked the cup and gulped the wine. She was happy that Sheng Li considered her special. "Even I am happy that I got you as my husband. You respect my decisions and don''t force me for anything. Even on the wedding night, you could have forced yourself on me because consummation is crucial on the first night, but you did not do that. That''s what I admire about you," Ying Lili was veracious while telling her thoughts about him.


    Sheng Li filled their cups and handed the cup to Ying Lili. She thanked him and told him he could ask her the next question.


    "The other day you told me that you received 50 marriage proposals from the Princes of various kingdoms. Was that the truth?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Yes. When I turned 18, proposals starteding. Although many came earlier too, my father never told me about them, as he did not want his daughter to get married early," Ying Lili responded.


    "You rejected all those proposals?" Sheng Li curiously asked.


    "Yes. I did not want to marry them as everyone said that I am beautiful, this and that," stated Ying Lili and twitched her lips.


    Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the response of Ying Lili. "They were not wrong. You are beautiful enough to make anyone go crazy for you," Sheng Li asserted and brought the porcin cup closer to his lips.


    "What about you?" Ying Lili asked.


    Sheng Li gazed at her and put the cup down at the table. "Beautiful faces do not attract me," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili drew her brows together because she did not expect such an answer from Sheng Li.


    ''Does he not find me beautiful? Why?'' Ying Lili thought when Sheng Li tapped on the table thus, bringing her out from those thoughts.


    "Then what kind of faces do you like?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Just normal faces," Sheng Li replied. He found how Ying Lili''s facial expressions changed when he told her he did not like beautiful faces. He saw Ying Lili was touching her cheeks. But those gestures of Ying Lili were making him smile.


    "Lili,e here," Sheng Li moved his hand in the air. Ying Lili peered at him and moved forward when Sheng Li leaned closer to her. She felt Sheng Li''s lips on her forehead, which was only for a few seconds. Sheng Li leaned back and looked into the eyes of Ying Lili. "Lili, but your face attracts me," Sheng Li averred.

 Chapter 157 - A Butterfly

    <h4>Chapter 157 - A Butterfly</h4>


    Ying Lili''s heart raced because of this gesture of Sheng Li. He was getting affectionate to her, and she liked it. "You blush whenever I say such things to you," Sheng Li said and smiled.


    "So, would you like to tell me who were those princes who sent the marriage proposals to you?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    "Why?"


    "Because I want to know," Sheng Li replied.


    "Those Princes were from neighborhood kingdoms. I know little about them," Ying Lili replied. She turned towards the table and filled their cups with wine.


    "You shall not drink anymore," Sheng Li voiced and extended his hand to take the cup from her, but she did not let him take it. Instead, she gulped the wine quickly and wiped her mouth from the back of her mouth.


    "I am sober. Tell me why you did not get any proposals?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I told you about this the other day," Sheng Li answered and grabbed the wine jar when Ying Lili ced her hand over his, thus stopping him from taking it away. "Answer," she said as she snatched the jar from him.


    "No."


    Ying Liliughed loudly, which baffled Sheng Li. "No one wants you," Ying Lili stated as she lowered her head. She held the wine jar tightly. Sheng Li found that Ying Lili was drunk by then. So, he held the jar again, but Ying Lili pped on his hand.


    "Ouch," Sheng Li pulled his hand back. Ying Lili lifted her head and gaze at Sheng Li. Her cheeks were red, like a ripened tomato. "B-but you are the Crown Prince?" Ying Lili raised a doubt.


    "You are right. Usually, the Crown Prince gets marriage Proposals without any second thought, but in my case, it was the opposite. No one dared to give their daughter''s hand to me," Sheng Li stated.


    "But you have gotten good looks. It must be from your mother," Ying Lili half closed her eyes and giggled. Sheng Li chuckled, seeing the way Ying Lili was acting in her drunk state.


    "Good looks do not matter. A person must be good by heart, that''s important," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Who said you are not good by heart? If you would not be¡­ " Ying Lili patted near her chest as she paused and continued, "If you would not be good then I would not have thought of wanting a husband like you."


    Sheng Li peered at the Crown Princess who further spoke, "You saved me from the Empress twice, and that time I did not even consider you my husband but you stood for me. You stood for me despite our differences. When we went to the Shrine, you carried me up and my heart fluttered... It was a strange feeling which I never felt." Sheng Li widened his eyes as Ying Lili giggled.


    Sheng Li found that if Ying Lili would not stop talking then things could go in the other direction.


    "Let''s stop talking about all this. Give me the jar," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who refused. She brought it closer to her lips and started drinking from the jar directly.


    She put the empty jar on the table and peered into the eyes. "You!" The sudden loud voice of the Crown Princess dumbfounded the Crown Prince because Ying Lili had cupped Sheng Li''s face between her palms.


    "I was terrified the day you were poisoned. That day I thought everything ended." Suddenly the tears formed in her eyes when she pulled her hands back and stood up.


    She went towards a table with her wavered steps when Sheng Li stood up from his ce. "What is she up to?" Sheng Li murmured and walked towards her. "What are you searching for there?" Sheng Li asked as he stood beside her.


    Ying Lili took out a brush and ink set which was put inside the drawer. "What''s this? Do you want to write something?" Sheng Li questioned as he saw Ying Lili dipping the brush in the ink. She turned towards him and grabbed his hand.


    "Come" she took him towards the bed and made him sit on the bed. Ying Lili sat beside Sheng Li and pulled his sleeve up off the left hand. "S-sister gave me that ink in the day saying it never f-fades away," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li was confused because he was not getting what Ying Lili meant.


    He felt the brush on his wrist, so he looked at that. Ying Lili was drawing something on his wrist. Sheng Li keenly looked at his wrist until Ying Lili said, "It''s done."


    "A butterfly," Sheng Li murmured as he looked at his wrist. "What''s this?" Sheng Li muttered and almost wiped it from his other hand when Ying Lili stopped him.


    He lifted his eyes and looked at her. "Don''t wipe that. It has a beautiful meaning. It will never fade away," Ying Lili said with a smile and then moved her left-hand sleeve up. She drew the same butterfly on her wrist and put the brush on the bedside table.


    cing her left hand near Sheng Li, she whispered, "Now it is looking good." She looked at Sheng Li who was astonishingly peering at her.


    "What''s this?" Sheng Li questioned her again, but she did not reply. A secondter, she stood up from the bed when she wavered. Sheng Li stood up immediately to catch her, but she bnced herself.


    She stepped forward when Sheng Li caught her arm and turned her towards him. "Let''s go to bed," Sheng Li said when Ying Lili made a pout.


    "I do not want to. I want to ask you more questions. You still have not answered many of my questions," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li could not even refuse her wish, but he made her sit on the bed. "You can ask me here too," Sheng Li stated and sat beside her.


    "Ask," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Do you like me?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Even when she is drunk, she is thinking of this. She is unbelievable," Sheng Li thought as a smile carved on his lips. He was in his own thoughts when he felt Ying Lili''s hands around him. She was hugging him and her side face rested near Sheng Li''s chest.


    "I l-like you, but I will not confess until you will. Why are you not confessing to me? W-why are you so stubborn?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    Sheng Li did not expect that Ying Lili would confess in her drunk state. "You won my heart out of all the men I have met. You truly are the husband of my desires," Ying Lili asserted and pulled herself back. Sheng Li was staring at her when Ying Lili closed her eyes.


    "You can k-kiss me," Ying Lili said, and she brought her face closer to Sheng Li''s.


    Sheng Li smiled and ced his hand on Ying Lili''s right cheek. He caressed it and leaned forward. "You are drunk and if I will kiss you now, you are going to get angry at me when you will get sobered," Sheng Li whispered against her lips. Ying Lili had almost opened her eyes when Sheng Li nted a soft kiss on her forehead.


    He caressed her cheek from the back of his palm and looking straight into her eyes, Sheng Li said, "Let''s stop here. You shall sleep, now." Ying Lili''s eyes were half-closed when she felt hot. She tried to remove the overcoat but failed when Sheng Li helped her.


    Sheng Li made Ying Liliy down on the bed and covered her from the nket. He caressed her hair for a few minutes as he watched Ying Lili fall asleep. Covering Ying Lili from the nket, Sheng Li stood up and blew off the candles except for one.


    "It was necessary to make you drunk," Sheng Li murmured and walked out of the chamber.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 158 - Worthy Of Your Love?

    <h4>Chapter 158 - Worthy Of Your Love?</h4>


    Sheng Li wore a ck Hanfu Dress and left the Residence in the night. He had to make Ying Lili drunk because he knew that she would insist on taking her with him. Soon he reached outside the Department of Police Bureau. To his surprise, the Bureau Office was closed. "What is wrong with them? They are not active at night. Is it because ofst night''s incident?" Sheng Li thought and walked away from there.


    Hiding, the Crown Prince went to the market. In Luoyang and the other cities of Han, the market usually closed by 9 o''clock but here the situation was different. The market was closed before that and not a single person could be seen there.


    Sheng Li kept walking in between the narrow alleys when his attention grabbed the cries of a man and a child. Following the voice, Sheng Li stopped as he found the cries had gotten prominent. He hid behind a shop and peeked from there.


    A few meters away from him, some men had surrounded a child and his father in the middle of the shops. The father was pleading to spare him and his child from the man in front of him. Sheng Li could not see the face of the man.


    It was the Leader of the L¨£oh¨³ Group!


    "Master, why are we even listening to him? Just order me to kill them," stated one of them. The Leader stopped him by lifting his hand in the air and looked at the father who was tightly hugging his son.


    "I am Sun(pronounced as Soon) L¨£oh¨³. My name is enough to create fear in the people. How dare you leave this Province? You all are my people. Now, you have to pay the price to defy my orders," stated Sun L¨£oh¨³ and came on his one knee. He grabbed the arm of the young boy who had buried his chest in his father''s chest.


    "Now, your little son will pay the price of your mistake," L¨£oh¨³ said as he pulled the young boy towards him who started crying while the father was held by the two other men who were with Sun L¨£oh¨³.


    Sheng Li found that there was someone who was truly crueler than him. He had gone to many wars but never hurt children like the way this man was doing. He clenched his fist tightly but at that moment he could not do anything.


    L¨£oh¨³ wiped the tears from the cheeks of a young boy. "You are a man so do not cry. You need to be a strong, young boy," he said to the young boy who had stopped crying. L¨£oh¨³ then patted his head and stood up.


    "Please, Master Sun, spare my child," the father pleaded to L¨£oh¨³ who grinned and looked at the young boy.


    "Look kid, how weak is your father?! Do you want to be like him?" L¨£oh¨³ asked. The young boy had no answers.


    "Here, take this sword and kill this man. You need to be strong and I will make you powerful," L¨£oh¨³ told the young kid as he handed the sword to him. The young boy was scared, and the sword fell from his hand.


    Sheng Li took out the knife which he had earlier picked from the Knife Game House. "How can he think of himself as the Ruler?" Sheng Li thought and directed the knife towards Sun L¨£oh¨³. "Let me give you a surprise," Sheng Li murmured and threw the knife towards L¨£oh¨³ who was going to kill the young boy''s father.


    The knife hit on the back of L¨£oh¨³ and pierced through his skin. He cried out in pain and fell to his knees. Seeing their Master on the knees, the men came towards him and surrounded him.


    The father quickly picked his son and ran as fast as he could. Sheng Li smirked, but now he had to run away from there withouting to anyone''s notice.


    Oppositely, Sun L¨£oh¨³ cried out in pain as the entire knife had entered his skin. "Catch him whoever did this,"manded the assistant of Sun L¨£oh¨³. A few of their men started searching for the person who did the crime of hurting their master.


    Sheng Li had left the market quite smartly and was on the route towards the forest, which was restricted for the use ofmoners. He was panting because he had to run extremely fast and not only that he had to hide from their sight as well. He rested his back against the tree, gasping for the air. It waste at night so he needed to cross the forest too.


    Resting for five minutes, he resumed the journey to the Residence. By midnight Sheng Li arrived at the Governor''s Residence. The guards bowed their heads as Sheng Li walked inside the Residence. He went straight to his chamber and found Ying Lili was sleeping soundly.


    He rested on the chaise and put the sword beside him. "He is ill-treating my people, the people of Han. I could have killed him now, but I need to find out how he started it all. Is the Ju Family supporting him? I now know why no one could inform me about this. Sun L¨£oh¨³ and his men kill the people who try to leave this province," Sheng Li concluded.


    "W-water." Sheng Li heard the faint voice of Ying Lili. He stood up from the chaise and went towards the bed. Filling the cup with water, he sat beside Ying Lili and raised her head slightly. He made her drink water and then wiped off her mouth.


    Sheng Li then put the water cup on the bedside table and stood up. He changed intofortable clothes andid on the bed beside Ying Lili.


    In the dim candlelight, he could see her face, which brought a smile to his lips. "You fluttered my heart today but am I worthy of your love?" Sheng Li muttered as he caressed Ying Lili''s cheek.

 Chapter 159 - Enjoyed That Side Of Yours

    <h4>Chapter 159 - Enjoyed That Side Of Yours</h4>


    Sheng Li''s sleep broke abruptly in the morning. He was bewildered to see Ying Lili was sleeping while hugging him. Her one leg was above his and her face was buried in Sheng Li''s chest. Sheng Li thought to move Ying Lili away from him, but then something mischievous hit his mind. He smiled and closed his eyes.


    After three hours, Ying Lili woke up and felt as if she was hugging a person. She immediately opened her eyes and found she was hugging Sheng Li. She moved back when she saw Sheng Li was sleeping. Taking a breath of relief, she quietly pulled her hand back from Sheng Li''s waist and her leg from above his leg.


    She ced her hand near her chest and took a breath of relief. Her head was aching so, ced her hand on one side of her head. She sat up on the bed and murmured, "How much did I drinkst night?" Closing her eyes, she rubbed her forehead, using her fingers.


    ''I-I like you, but I will not confess until you will¡­'' She shouted but then she put her palm on her mouth. "No, no. How could I say this?" Ying Lili''s eyes widened as she recalled everything that had happenedst night.


    She moved her left sleeve up and saw she had painted a butterfly on her wrist. Unable to believe that she had done such a thing, she moved towards Sheng Li and grasped his left hand gently. Moving his sleeve up, she saw the butterfly that she had painted on his wrist, too.


    "What did I do?" Ying Lili felt a little mncholy. The previous day, Governor''s Tzu daughter had given her that special ink which, once used, could not be erased. Ying Lili had thought that when Sheng Li would confess to her, she would draw butterflies in their left hands, but the opposite happened. She not only confessed to Sheng Li but also drew that.


    "How would I face him? I know he will pretend that nothing happenedst night. I made the biggest mistake of my life- agreeing to drink wine with him. I not only confessed but did other weird things too," she internally cursed herself.


    Ying Lili formed in her imagination: what would be Sheng Li''s reaction to her confession?


    "You confessed to mest night that you like me," Sheng Li said. She lifted her head and peered into her husband''s eyes. "So, do you like me?" Sheng Li queried.


    Ying Lili felt nothinging out of her mouth as she saw Sheng Li too had sat up on the bed. When Sheng Li did not get any answer from Ying Lili, he turned to get out of the bed when Ying Lili caught his hand by holding the edge of his sleeve, thus stopping him from going.


    "Where are you going? Since I already confessed, then I shall agree to that. I like you and have fallen for you," Ying Lili veraciously said.


    Sheng Li turned to look at her and smirked. "You lost the bet, Lili." Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was more concerned about that bet than her confession, which disheartened and at the same time exasperated her.


    Ying Lili shook her head and came out of her imagined scenario.


    "He would inly reject me if he asked me this. What shall I do now?" Ying Lili thought as she opened her eyes and looked at Sheng Li who was still sleeping.


    She hit herself on the forehead for saying all those things to Sheng Li by tightly shutting her eyes when she heard the voice of Sheng Li, "Why are you hitting yourself?"


    Ying Lili opened her eyes and looked straight at him. Her heartbeats were raised because she knew that Sheng Li would nowugh at her which saddened her.


    Sheng Li sat up on the bed. "You were so wildst night," she heard him and widened her eyes.


    "Did I trouble you too much?" Ying Lili asked while stuttering.


    "No. I enjoyed that side of yours," Sheng Li replied and smiled. He lifted his left sleeve and showed Ying Lili his wrist. "You drew this and told me to find the meaning of this," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili clutched her dress tightly because she knew that Sheng Li was going to say something which she did not want to hear.


    Sheng Li observed Ying Lili''s movements. "I will not ask you about the confession because that was in the drunkard state and one shall not believe drunkard talks. I want you to admit in your right mind so, I want you to say that you acknowledge your feelings for me. But I can keep doing my work till you confess," Sheng Li thought and peered at Ying Lili.


    "You were attractivest night," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili looked at him in bewilderment and asked him what he meant by that.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili and brought her closer to him by cing his hand on her nape. "I meant what I said," he whispered and leaned back. His hand automatically came to Ying Lili''s face as he touched her lips.


    Ying Lili was thinking why was Sheng Li not asking about the confession when she heard him say, "You asked me to kiss you. But you were drunk, so I thought not to do that else you would have carried an angry cat face all day."


    "Huh?" Ying Lili did not think that he would be so thoughtful, but then she was confused why he was not asking about the confession.


    Sheng Li''s thumb was moving above Ying Lili''s lips while his other fingers were caressing her cheek. "Tell me the meaning of this butterfly," Sheng Li said as he put his hand down.


    "Uh¡­ this! You need to find out this yourself," Ying Lili pronounced and got down from the bed. Before Sheng Li could ask her further questions, she ran inside the washroom and shut the door tightly.


    Sheng Li smiled at seeing Ying Lili''s acts and called for the maidservant inside and told her to prepare the bath for them. The maidservant bowed her head and left from there.

 Chapter 160 - Full Rights As The Emperors Son

    <h4>Chapter 160 - Full Rights As The Emperor''s Son</h4>


    Chuntao stood up from the mattress on the floor as she heard from the maidservant that Prince Nianzu had called for her. She followed her and came to the Eastern side of the Pce. A tiny smile formed on her lips as she saw the magnificent residence of the princes. "It is like a dream," she murmured.


    They reached outside the chamber of Prince Nianzu. Chuntao greeted Eunuch Chung. "Miss, please go in," he humbly said. Chuntao nodded and walked inside.


    She saw the room was painted in white and had white and sky blue curtains hanging on the second door and the windows there. She stopped near the second door and saw that the Fourth Prince was seated around a round floor table. He was reading the scrolls and was dissolved in his work.


    "Your highness, you called for me," Chuntao softly said while her eyes were lowered.


    A smile carved on Nianzu''s lips, and he put the scroll in his hand on the table. "Yes, Miss Chuntao. Please take a seat," Nianzu stated. Chuntao came forward and sat down around the floor table, facing Prince Nianzu.


    "Forgive me for yesterday. I could not visit you. The Pce is new for you and I hope you are enjoying your stay here," Nianzu proimed.


    "Yes, your highness. Amoner like me has never seen such things in her life so this is all enjoyable but I am afraid because it has somewhat restricted my freedom. I might sound rude but your highness, I have to think so much before doing anything," Chuntao asserted. "But then I feltfortable when the Sixth Prince visited me," she added.


    "d to hear that you are now gettingfortable here. The room you have been allotted does note in the Inner Pce so, you do not need to worry about anything, Miss Chuntao," Nianzu affirmed.


    "I have called you here for a reason. There is some work you need to do for me. Are you ready for your first task, Miss Chuntao?" Nianzu queried her.


    Chuntao looked at the scrolls on the table and knitted her brows. "Your highness, but I do not know how to read. I do not think that I will be of help," proimed Chuntao, keeping her eyes low.


    Nianzu smiled upon hearing the words of Chuntao. "Miss, I am not going to ask you to read this. I want you to tell me everything about your vige. How does the system work there? I want to know about that. Last time you told me that the tax inspectors take more than mentioned which many of you are unable to pay.


    Since the Crown Prince is not in Luoyang, there will be a dy in the execution of these things but before his return, I need to check those areas so that the system can work effectively and efficiently," Nianzu pronounced.


    Chuntao nodded, as she had understood what Nianzu meant by that. Nianzu took out a paper and prepared the ink for him on the inkstone. Chuntao looked at the inkstone keenly and found out how the ink was being prepared. Nianzu dipped the brush in the ink and peered at Chuntao. "Miss, please start."


    Chuntao nodded, and she told the Fourth Prince about those areas which needed investigation. It took almost two hours to finish them. Nianzu was impressed by Chuntao''s keen eyes. Not only the taxation and its distribution was affecting the life of themoners but also each bureaucrats treating them.


    Before Nianzu couldpliment Chuntao, Eunuch Chung interrupted them. "Your highness, the Emperor has called for his presence in the Chamber of Virtue," Chung informed Nianzu who nodded and ced the brush near the inkstone.


    "Miss, I wille in a while," Nianzu told Chuntao. He stood up and left from there. Chung looked at the table and started cleaning it.


    "Master, please tell me how to do that? I will clean the brush," Chuntao expressed her desire to work.


    "Do not call me master, youngdy. Just call me Eunuch Chung. Ahh, you just need to clean the brush in the water and then wipe it from the cotton cloth. After that put them inside the brush stand," Chung exined to Chuntao who nodded her head.


    "How to prepare the ink, Eunuch Chung?" Chuntao asked who showed her the ink stick.


    "Miss, you need to pour a little water in this inkstone well and at the same time rub the ink stick until the water bes dark and can be used as ink," Eunuch Chung replied. Chuntao thanked him and helped Eunuch Chung in cleaning the table.


    "Prince Nianzu is the humblest among all the seven princes. This is the first time, Prince had brought someone to the Pce against the rules of the Pce," stated Chung. Chuntao frowned upon hearing that.


    She folded the scroll and put it aside with the other scrolls. "Against the Pce Rules?" Chuntao questioned.


    Chung nodded. "So, Miss Chuntao, do not do something which can me my master. I am not saying you would do something wrong instead, I am trying to say that you need to be careful in the Pce," Chung politely said as he folded the papers on which Nianzu had jotted down whatever Chuntao told him.


    "Okay, Eunuch Chung," Chuntao replied.


    In the Chamber of Virtue, the Emperor could be seen pacing around. Nianzu reached there and greeted his father. Han Wenji went to his seat and gestured to Nianzu to take his seat.


    "How is the Fourth Prince doing?" Han Wenji asked Nianzu.


    "I am doing well, father," Nianzu replied. "Is there something urgent that my father needs to discuss with me?" Nianzu then asked.


    Han Wenji shook his head in refusal. "Can''t a father converse with his son?" Han Wenji questioned.


    Nianzu was surprised to hear that, but he felt good. "Father can," Nianzu answered.


    "What happened yesterday? Why did my son seem angry to me?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Nothing, father." Nianzu did not want to tell his father anything rted to that matter.


    "Why is the Fourth Prince lying to me? You can share with your father. I know while managing this Empire, I sometimes forget to look at what is happening internally, but it does not mean that I am easily fooled. I am an Emperor for a reason," Han Wenji pronounced. "Did the Empress say anything?" he then asked.


    Nianzu clutched his dress. "I brought a vige girl to the Pce without thinking about the Pce rules. Her majesty was making me understand, but I lost my temper. Father does not need to know about that as it was between a mother and his son." Nianzu hid the truth from Han Wenji. He feared the consequences his mother could get if he told the truth to the Emperor.


    Han Wenji was dejected to learn that his son was lying to him. "You have full rights as the Emperor''s son. Your mother may be the Concubine but for me, she is not less than the others. Never talk about leaving the Pce. I do not allow you to do that." Nianzu widened his eyes slightly upon hearing those statements of his father.


    ''Father heard everything? Then why is he not doing anything?'' Nianzu wondered. "No one has the right to take away your rights as my son. Until myst breath, all my sons and a daughter are equal for me," Han Wenji affirmed. Nianzu noticed that the Emperor definitely knew things, but he never let it show.


    "You may leave," said Han Wenji. Nianzu stood up from the seat but before leaving he said, "Father, forgive me for the other day. I am curious about something."


    "Speak," Han Wenji permitted his son.


    "Father, do you know that the Empress does not look the way she portrays herself? I might be rude but I think that father knows about this but he is silent because of a reason," Nianzu proimed.


    "When the timees, I will definitely answer your query, Prince Nianzu," Han Wenji menacingly said. Nianzu nodded and thanked his father for that conversation before leaving.


    Nianzu came back to his chamber and saw Chuntao was staring at the sheet. "Miss Chuntao, what are you looking at?" Nianzu asked curiously.


    Chuntao upon hearing the voice of the Fourth Prince immediately put down the sheet on the table and stood up. "I cleaned the table, your highness. Your highness, I want to go home. Last time I could not bring my things here," Chuntao asserted, lowering her eyes.


    Nianzu gave the permission to her. "I wille with you as well. I have some work in the house of Vige Headman," Nianzu proimed. Chuntao thanked him but was still hesitant to go with him.


    "It will not be considered good if his highness will go with me," Chuntao anxiously said. Nianzu understood that but he did not want Chuntao to go alone to the vige when now everyone knew there she had gone to the Pce.


    "Miss Chuntao, no one will think the other way. Follow me. We are leaving for your ce," said Nianzu when his eyes fell on Lei Wanxi who was watching them.


    Lei Wanxi came forward. "Forgive me for hearing your conversations. Miss, you are like an assistant to Brother Nianzu so do not think too much. No one has enough guts to say anything to you when you have received the protection of my brother," Lei Wanxi affirmed and turned his gaze to Nianzu who gave him a tiny smile.


    ''Sixth Brother always likes to tease. First the Crown Prince and now me." Nianzu walked out from there while smiling.

 Chapter 161 - Cares For You

    <h4>Chapter 161 - Cares For You</h4>


    Ying Lili asked Sheng Li why they did not go outside. They had to gather more information about the L¨£oh¨³ group. Sheng Li was resting on the bed with one leg over the other, and his eyes were closed while Ying Lili was on the chaise.


    "Why are you not answering?" Ying Lili asked.


    "People might get suspicious of our identities. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan have gone outside to gather some information," Sheng Li answered and opened his eyes. He turned to his right, shifting his weight on his right elbow, which was supporting his head, and stretched out both legs.


    "I need to learn that game. Tonight I will start practicing," Sheng Li stated.


    "We can start now," Ying Lili said but Sheng Li refused. He gestured to her toe towards him, using his pointer finger. Ying Lili stood up and went towards him. Sheng Li moved back while Ying Lili sat beside him.


    "So, did you recall more things that happenedst night?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili frowned as she was confused about what Sheng Li was talking about. Was there something she had forgotten? She skeptically looked at Sheng Li who had a smug expression.


    "So, you indeed forgot! Since the morning, I waited for you to talk about that but you are pretending as if nothing happened," Sheng Li pronounced and sat up. He brought his left leg closer while his left hand rested over it.


    "Why is he suddenly bringing this up? I did not want the confession to happen like this," Ying Lili thought in her mind when Sheng Li snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. The smirk was not leaving Sheng Li''s lips. Ying Lili''s hands were sweating because of her nervousness.


    "I am going to see Hu Jingguo. He might be alone" she stood up and turned to go when Sheng Li caught her wrist and pulled her down.


    Ying Lili was now in Sheng Li''sp while both his hands were wrapping around her. "I do not like it when you say the name of that guy in front of me. Didn''t I warn you not to talk about him in front of me?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili.


    "W-what did I even do? I was just saying that he might be¡­" Sheng Li ced his index finger over Ying Lili''s lips thus stopping her from speaking further. He edged his eyes up


    and looked into her eyes.


    "When I am in front of you, then your focus should be on me. You should care only about me, not about the other men. Just because of you, I am tolerating his sight else I would have sent him back," Sheng Li maliciously said.


    Ying Lili felt the possessiveness in Sheng Li''s eyes for her, but it was not in a wrong way but a good way. Sheng Li put his finger down. "Understood?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili nodded.


    "So, where were we? You did somethingst night." Sheng Li then titled his neck slightly and showed her his bare neck. "You kissed me here¡­ no, no, not kissed but bit me there. Look, it is still red," Sheng Li said.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes because she had no memory of when she did such a thing to him. "Stop lying!" Ying Lili yanked at Sheng Li and then hit both of his shoulders.


    Sheng Li straightened his neck and with inquisitiveness peered at Ying Lili. "I am not lying, Lili. What good will ite to lie to you? Hmm?" He lifted her chin by cing his pointer finger under it.


    "You will be happy to see the intimidating expression on my face. I am aware of your tricks," proimed Ying Lili and put Sheng Li''s index finger down. Ying Lili then ced her fingers over the region of the neck which was red. "It seems you are hurt here," Ying Lili moved back her eyes to meet Sheng Li''s gaze.


    "How did you get hurt here? Something sharp has pricked you here." Sheng Li had not thought that Ying Lili would catch his lie and now he was cursing himself internally for showing her that. Last night when he had gone out, he did not see a thorny creeper that was hanging from a tree and it pricked his skin. Luckily, it was not poisonous.


    "What are you thinking? Answer. How did you get hurt here? Wait, it''s blood here. Did you get pricked by something sharp here?" Ying Lili questioned as she was staring at the redness.


    "Yes. The previous day whileing back to the Residence with Wang Hao, I did not see a thorny creeper on a tree and it pricked here." Sheng Li told a white lie to Ying Lili. "I thought to tease you, but you caught me. You have sharp eyes," Sheng Li stated, giving a tiny smile to her.


    "Isn''t it hurting? Why did you not tell me at that time? What if it was poisonous? Do you like to get poisoned?" Ying Lili''s anger burst out at the Crown Prince who was looking at


    her with amusement.


    Before he could speak, Ying Lili let go of his grip on her and got down from the bed. "Wait here. I wille. If you follow me, then you will sleep on the floor tonight," Ying Lili''s threat bewildered Sheng Li, but instead of getting worried about that he passed a smile to her. She had gone out and after ten minutes, she returned to the chamber with a China dish in her hand.


    She sat beside Sheng Li and took the paste in her fingers. Moving her fingers towards Sheng Li''s neck, Ying Lili applied it over the red region. The mix of the coldness of the paste and Ying Lili''s feathery touch felt tickling to Sheng Li, and he ended up giggling.


    Ying Lili stopped moving her fingers and gazed back at Sheng Li. "Why are you giggling?" Ying Lili''s stern expression intimidated Sheng Li for the first time.


    "Y-your fingers are ticklish," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili put the China dish on the side table and cleaned her fingers using a cotton towel.


    "You are not allowed to get hurt or injured anymore. You have someone who cares for you," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li found that Ying Lili was concerned about him. In those few seconds, his heart fluttered just by hearing those words.


    "I get worried when you get hurt. Do not hide even a minor injury from me. You already have so many scars on your body, and I do not want you to have more. Now, I realized that you had never properly dressed your injuries, that''s why those scars were left."


    Sheng Li kept listening to her. His focus was now on her rosy lips, which were tempting him. His heart could not take it anymore so he leaned forward and kissed Ying Lili who was perplexed by that.

 Chapter 162 - Sheng Lis Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 162 - Sheng Li''s Kiss</h4>


    The time had stopped for them when their lips met, but the flutters of their hearts were intensifying. Sheng Li moved his lips gently over hers, while Ying Lili closed her eyes to feel the essence of that kiss.


    She moved her lips too, thus responding to Sheng Li''s kiss. The way Sheng Li was moving his lips, she tried to imitate that, when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on her cheek. He tilted her face to an angle such that he would get enough ess to her lips.


    Butterflies started dancing in Ying Lili''s stomach.


    ''So, this was the feeling of getting a kiss from whom you love!''


    Ying Lili felt her heart was thumping so loudly that it might be audible to Sheng Li but she did not want to stop the kiss. It was an actual kiss between them, though admittance of feelings was still left.


    Sheng Li felt how soft, and almost pillowy Ying Lili''s lips felt against his. Warmth filled his heart, and the sparks ignited inside him because of the way Ying Lili was kissing him. He could feel the warmth she was carrying for him, but the only thing he wanted to hear from her was the confession that she liked him despite his nature. Last night when Ying Lili admitted her feelings, it was hard for him to control, but he did not want to do anything when she was not in her right mind.


    Now, at this moment, he realized that his father was right! Ying Lili was the woman who could equalize him in everything though still, he was a little hesitant to open up to her. Why? Because he did not want to get hurt, but then he could not stop his growing feelings for Ying Lili except to ept them.


    It seemed to Ying Lili that her heart was exploding because of the magic that Sheng Li was doing on her lips from his. She was breathless, but she did not want to leave the kiss. Her hands traveled from Sheng Li''s arm to his shoulders as she slowly encircled them around his neck.


    A momentter, Sheng Li pulled away from the kiss and opened his eyes. Both were gasping for air. The back of his palm was still caressing Ying Lili''s cheek as he looked at her. Ying Lili had also gradually opened her eyes, but she was too shy to look into his eyes, so she lowered them. Heat rose in her cheeks, which spread till her ears thus were looking like a ripened tomato.


    Sheng Li smiled, seeing those facial expressions on her face. He was happy that Ying Lili had not pushed him away, so now he was convinced that Ying Lili indeed was in love with him. But why was she not confessing? The only thing which was troubling him.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili''s chin up thus, making her look at him. Despite that, her eyes were lowered. "Look at me," Sheng Li whispered against her lips.


    She gradually lifted her eyes and found how those ck pairs of eyes were looking at her. That calmed her down, but her heart was still racing. The more she was looking at Sheng Li, the more her mind was saying to confess to him.


    ''But he kissed me first then he should confess to me.''


    "Lili, you did not kiss me that well, but I liked it. Did you eat strawberries again? I felt the taste of the strawberry on your lips." Those words brought Ying Lili out of her thoughts. "Ahh, I am happy that your friend did note today to interrupt us." He looked towards the door and smiled.


    "How can you say it was not good?" Ying Lili blurted out. It was her first actual kiss with him and he was speaking like this!


    "Was it? I did not get excited to kiss you more. That''s why I pulled away way earlier," Sheng Li pronounced. He was teasing Ying Lili again because when she used to get angry, he enjoyed it.


    Ying Lili huffed. "Even you do not know how to kiss? Else I would have expected for more," Ying Lili remarked. Sheng Li drew his brows together, and the smile from his lips disappeared upon hearing thatment.


    Ying Lili stood up from the bed when she was pulled back by Sheng Li who hoisted over her, pinning her down at the bed. "What did you say?" Sheng Li asked.


    "You heard clearly what I said" she ced her hands on Sheng Li''s chest and pushed him away when he pinned her hands on the mattress.


    "I know you said that to make me furious," Sheng Li stated with a grin. He leaned again towards her lips, but then did not kiss them. Instead, he moved up. His hand released her one hand as it pinched Ying Lili''s nose. "You get angry so easily. I know you were expecting more" he pulled his hand back and then nted a soft kiss on her forehead.


    A tiny smile formed on Ying Lili''s lips but she suppressed it and did not want to show it to Sheng Li. Her mood was cheered up by then. "I heard from Miss Tzu that this residence has an enormous garden and there are a variety of flowers there. Let''s go there," Ying Lili delightedly said, waiting for what Sheng Li had to say.


    "Garden? I don''t go to the garden," Sheng Li said as he moved away from her and sat up.


    Ying Lili was not only surprised but also confused to learn about that. "What do you mean by that?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "The flowers give me a headache. The flowers are temporary and then they wither away. What''s the use of seeing them? I do not know why people even like them?" Sheng Li was annoyed, and it was visible from the way he was talking.


    Ying Lili grabbed Sheng Li''s hand and got down from the bed. "Let''s go. I will not listen to anything," Ying Lili said as she pulled him up. Sheng Li''s heavyweight resulted in the wavering of Ying Lili''s step and she fell backward.


    "Ahh," a cry escaped her mouth as she felt she was going to hit the ground, but Sheng Li caught her by encircling his arm around her waist. Ying Lili was in a half-bent position while both her hands were gripping the long sleeves of Sheng Li''s dress. They stared into each other''s eyes for a while before Sheng Li made her stand straight.


    "You can go to the garden. I have some urgent work," Sheng Li proimed and walked away from there. Ying Lili was disheartened as Sheng Li left her sight.

 Chapter 163 - Challenge You

    <h4>Chapter 163 - Challenge You</h4>


    Walking through the corridors, Ying Lili reached the garden. One could see hundreds of flowers there. But Ying Lili could not even enjoy their sight as Sheng Li refused to go with her. She halted in ce and said, "Who could not like flowers?!" She stomped her foot at the ground and walked through the pavilion.


    She kept walking until she reached the center of the garden, which had a hugeke. She stood beside the water and looked at her reflection. Touching her cheeks, she murmured, "Why does he think I am not beautiful? Everyonepliments me except him."


    Theke had plum blossom trees around it at a regr distance. Ying Lili stood under one tree and looked at theke filled with lotuses. "It''s so beautiful," she murmured and sat down under the tree. The petals of plum blossom flowers were falling with each breeze.


    "Has he gone out without me? I told him to involve me as well," Ying Liliined.


    "Your highness!" Hu Jingguo called Ying Lili who immediately turned to look and found Jingguo there. Delighted to see him, Ying Lili told him to sit beside her. Hu Jingguo did so and sat down.


    "What is her highness doing alone here?" Hu Jingguo queried.


    "I just wanted toe here," replied Ying Lili and continued, " You do not need to use the title. The Crown Prince is not here so we can have a normal conversation like friends."


    "I am afraid but I do not think I can do that any longer," Hu Jingguo affirmed. Ying Lili was looking at him with inquisitiveness.


    "You are now the Crown Princess so I shall respect your title and also follow themand of the Crown Prince," Hu Jingguo answered. Ying Lili nodded and turned her gaze towards theke.


    Hu Jingguo observed that the Crown Princess was disturbed because of something so he asked her about the reason. But Ying Lili did not tell him. Hu Jingguo sat there for an hour, waiting for Ying Lili to speak but she did not! It saddened him.


    ''Did the Crown Prince again fight with her? I know she has feelings for him but I think the Crown Prince is not reciprocating her feelings.'' His deep thoughts were interrupted when he heard the voice of the Crown Princess.


    "You shall leave. I want to be alone," Ying Lili said in a low voice. Hu Jingguo nodded and left the garden. He came to his chamber and saw the Crown Prince was having a conversation with both the Generals. He greeted the Crown Prince who was ring at him. "Where are youing from?" Sheng Li asked with a skeptical expression.


    "Your highness, I was in the garden," Hu Jingguo answered. "The Crown Princess was not feeling well so I thought to check on her," Hu Jingguo added. His eyes were lowered and a smile appeared on his lips.


    "What? She is not feeling well?" Sheng Li muttered. "Why didn''t you take her inside?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "I don''t think I can when her highness has a husband." Sheng Li frowned as he heard that. Hu Jingguo lifted his eyes and looked straight into the eyes of the Crown Prince. "If I talk with her highness then his highness gets jealous and if I had brought her inside then his highness would have killed me like the other day" Jingguo touched his neck and recalled that incident.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan smiled seeing the acts of Hu Jingguo. Sheng Li clenched his fist tightly. "I do not get jealous," Sheng Li lied when he heard the chuckle escape from Hu Jingguo''s mouth.


    "Why is his highness lying? The other day you were asking what kind of husband Ying¡­ forgive me! The other day his highness was asking what kind of husband the Crown Princess desires for and I had told you to find the answer yourself but it seemed that his highness had not found the answer till now," Hu Jingguo proimed. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan looked at the Crown Prince who could lose his temper any time.


    "Jingguo, you shall leave. Cometer. We have something important to discuss." Wang Hao did not want a war to start there but then he saw the Crown Prince had raised his hand slightly thus gesturing him to stop.


    "Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan, give us some privacy," Sheng Li ordered. Both the Generals stood up from their respective seats and left from there. The doors were closed behind them and now only Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo were left behind in the chamber.


    "Since we are having this conversation so, have a seat," Sheng Li stated. Hu Jingguo nodded and took the seat.


    "It seems you are angry at me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I cannot get angry with the Crown Prince but I have full rights to be angry at the husband of Ying Lili. Pardon me, but I just want to keep this conversation at an equal level that''s why I will use her name," Hu Jingguo menacingly stated.


    "You do not need to intervene in the life of a married couple," asserted Sheng Li.


    "I am afraid but I am not intervening. I do not dare to and it is not the right thing to intervene in the married life of someone but I am intervening as a friend and as a brother," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    "Then tell me what kind of husband she wants?" Sheng Li asked. Though the Crown Prince knew the feelings of Ying Lili, this question was bothering him for a long time. Ying Lili had told him that he could be the husband of her desires but she did not exactly tell him.


    "Is his highness serious? Does he really want to know?" Hu Jingguo asked for confirmation.


    Sheng Li nodded and drew his brows together as he saw a smile on Hu Jingguo''s lips.


    "I will tell you only if you will defeat me," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    Sheng Li raised his brow and eximed, "Defeat you?" He snickered and said, "Then you have already lost."


    Hu Jingguoughed slightly. "Your highness, I challenge you to the Hand Knife Game."

 Chapter 164 - Beautify My World!

    <h4>Chapter 164 - Beautify My World!</h4>


    "Why are you silent, your highness?" Hu Jingguo asked the Crown Prince who did not respond to him regarding the challenge. "Are you scared that thismoner will defeat you?" Hu Jingguo questioned.


    Sheng Li snickered and replied, "No. It is not about the challenge. During all this time, I realized that my rtionship with her could not be defined easily. If I ept this challenge, I will be incapable of understanding her, which I do not want. I want to know about her myself and I want Lili to tell me everything about her," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Hu Jingguo had not thought that the Crown Prince would refuse to ept the challenge, but he was right. It was not about knowing everything about Ying Lili from someone else, but about knowing her with each passing day.


    Hu Jingguo used to think that the Crown Prince was not the Believer of Love but today he proved wrong. The Crown Prince was different and was not the person that everyone used to think. ''The Sixth Prince was right. The Crown Prince cares for Ying Lili, but he is not epting her. That''s why he sent me to this mission because he wants the Crown Prince to show his feelings to Ying Lili.''


    "Tell Wanxi that I am not jealous of you, but I am angry that someone knows Lili better than me," Sheng Li asserted as he looked into the eyes of Hu Jingguo who nodded and lowered his eyes.


    "Teach me Hand Knife Game from today onwards. I will see you in the evening," stated Sheng Li and stood up from his seat. Seeing that, Hu Jingguo too stood up and bowed his head. Sheng Li left the chamber and went straight to the garden. Both of his hands were behind his back.


    The Crown Prince asked a servant about the garden who showed him the way. As they reached the entrance, Sheng Li told the servant not to let anyone enter. The servant bowed his head while the Crown Prince walked inside. This was his second time setting foot in the garden. Thest time he went to the garden was with his mother.


    Sheng Li found that the garden was indeedrge with a variety of flowers. He kept walking through the pavilion. "Where is she? I thought she would be here," Sheng Li murmured when his eyes fell on Ying Lili, sitting under the Plum Blossom Tree beside theke. He hastened his steps and reached near her.


    Sheng Li quietly sat behind Ying Lili who was looking at theke. "What are you looking at?" Sheng Li voiced. Ying Lili came out of her thoughts upon hearing the voice of Sheng Li and immediately turned her head.


    "You?!"


    "Did you expect someone else toe here?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili shook her head in refusal and turned her head to the front. Sheng Li found that Ying Lili was sad so he moved closer to her and circled his arm around her belly thus, pulling her closer. Ying Lili''s back hit Sheng Li''s front. "Would you like to tell me what happened?" Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.


    "You do not like to be in the garden then, why are you here?" Ying Lili asked and tilted her head slightly.


    Sheng Li found Ying Lili was indeed upset with him. "I need toe to find my wildcat," Sheng Li replied and moved his other free hand up and down over Ying Lili''s arm thus, caressing it.


    "Who''s your wildcat?" Ying Lili questioned and pped at Sheng Li''s hand which rested on her belly. "Go away from here. This ce is not for you," Ying Lili asserted and huffed.


    Sheng Li tightened his grip around Ying Lili''s belly and pulled her further closer to him. He leaned closer to her such that his left cheek touched Ying Lili''s right cheek. Ying Lili clutched her skirt as this was the first time their skin touched. Her heart fluttered as she tilted her head slightly to take a nce at him.


    Sheng Li too had turned his face towards her. His nose was touching her cheek as he rubbed it against her cheek. Ying Lili closed her eyes as she felt some knots forming in her stomach. "Indeed this ce is not for me but this ce has something which belongs to me," Sheng Li''s breath hit against Ying Lili''s cheek.


    His hand was no longer on the belly instead it had moved up and was now on her left cheek as he turned her towards him. "Open your eyes," Sheng Li said and moved his eyes all over Ying Lili''s face while his hand kept caressing her cheek.


    "Why do you note to the garden? Why do you not like flowers?" Ying Lili asked him those questions.


    "I told you already," answered Sheng Li.


    "I want to know the reason. Flowers have a special hidden meaning and they soothe us that''s why people love them. If you do not like them then there must be a reason. So, I want to know the reason," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li nodded. "What does China Rose symbolize?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili. "Eternal Longevity," Ying Lili immediately replied.


    "I gifted my mother that flower, but she died early. So, why do you think that I should like them? This is all in your imagination. Flowers give temporary happiness as they gave me," Sheng Li replied.


    "You are pessimistic about many beautiful things. Isn''t thete mother alive in our hearts and memories? That''s longevity in the genuine sense." Ying Lili ced her hand on Sheng Li''s cheek and caressed it. "Do not rte everything to your past. If you think too much then how will you enjoy life? Hmm?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Then beautify my world," Sheng Li suddenly said.


    "Pardon me."


    "I am a pessimistic person for beautiful things ording to you. But I do not think so. Beautify my world to the extent that I start seeing them as beautiful," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili hummed and put her hand down.


    "I will," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li.


    "I would love to fall in love with the beautiful things around me," Sheng Li proimed as he bored his gaze into Ying Lili''s eyes who slightly widened them. She then leaned closer to Sheng Li and kissed his lips. She lowered her eyes and then rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder who smiled.

 Chapter 165 - Forget To Love Someone

    <h4>Chapter 165 - Forget To Love Someone</h4>


    Jian Guozhi wasing back to his chamber from the court when he saw Yongzheng and Rong Zemin. Both of them greeted the First Prince. "How is the First Brother doing?" Yongzheng asked, slightly moving the fan under his chin.


    "I am good. I will see you twoter as I have some important work outside," Jian Guozhi replied and stepped forward when Yongzheng stopped him.


    "Brother, there is something you need to know. Please spare some time for us then you can leave," Yongzheng requested. Jian could not refuse the request of his brothers and went to his chamber along with them.


    In the chamber, the three princes took a seat around a floor table. Jian Guozhi asked the Second Prince to speak.


    Yongzheng put the fan down at the table and said, "Brother, you know that the Fourth Prince has now firm support with him ¡ª the Crown Princess. Mother told that she had a conversation with the Empress regarding this. Last time Sheng Li was almost dead but then his wife saved him."


    Jian Guozhi knitted his brows. "What are you trying to say?"


    "Brother, I am saying that we need to limp Sheng Li. Generals are not easy to kill. Sheng Li''s rtionship has grown beautifully with Ying Lili. If she is dead, then he is going to die on his own. Remember Brother, when his mother died. He almost took the poison, but then Sister Qing stopped him and saved him. Suppose if he does not take it then it will be easy for us to kill him. A broken heart person is easily defeated," proimed Yongzheng and smirked.


    Jian Guozhi could not believe that his mother was still after the life of Ying Lili. What had Ying Lili even done to her? Jian Guozhi wanted to get the throne but he did not want Ying Lili to die in that. He told his mother not to hurt Ying Lili but she was not paying heed to his own son''s request.


    "Have you all joined hands then?" Jian Guozhi,ing out of his thoughts, asked from Yongzheng and Rong Zemin.


    "Our hands have joined long ago, Brother. The Crown Princess shall not be taken lightly. She asked for political power from our father. No woman has dared to reply to me but she¡­" Yongzheng paused and then said, "Brother, the Empress said that either the Crown Princess must not return to the Pce or both of them."


    "I will talk with my mother regarding this. I do not think that killing the Crown Princess is


    important in any way. Our primary target is Sheng Li, so we shall focus on that only," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Brother, what are you saying!?" Rong Zemin astonishingly questioned. "The Crown Princess must die. She went to thete Prime Minister''s Residence and then brought out the biggest evidence against him. In the end, he was executed. See, the Crown Princess is far more daring and brave than we had imagined. The beauty is just to lure the person in front of her," Rong Zemin remarked and snickered.


    "Don''t speak a word against her. The Ex-Prime Minister was foolish. He died because of his foolishness," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan, who just arrived there, happened to hear that. "What are you saying?" Xue Yu-Yan was angry. Both the Second and Third Prince stood up from their respective seats.


    "What are you doing here? I have not permitted you toe here," Jian Guozhi said with exasperation.


    "Why did you call my father foolish? He did everything for you and you are speaking like this about him." Xue Yu-Yan was angry to see the behavior of Jian Guozhi. Yongzheng and Rong Zemin took their leave from there, leaving the two behind.


    Jian Guozhi stood up from his seat and walked past Xue Yu-Yan, as he did not want to ruin his mood by arguing with her when she stopped him. "I am not interested in talking to you," said Jian Guozhi.


    "I cannot believe that you are not taking revenge for my father''s death. You are taking the side of Ying Lili whom I hate to the core of my heart. Believe me, if you will not kill her then I will," Xue Yu-Yan threatened Jian Guozhi who turned back and looked at her.


    "Xue, don''t dream of bing the next Empress. I will not let it happen. You shall look at yourself. Sheng Li used to love you, right, or was he just ying with you? Despite being his lover you could not find what was in his mind but he found out everything rted to you," Jian Guozhi proimed and left from there.


    "No one can harm Lili," Jian told himself and went straight to his mother''s chamber. He recalled when for the first time he had seen Ying Lili in the Water Lantern Festival. She saved him that day else he would have died but Ying Lili did not remember that. He had expressed his desire to marry her but his mother did not agree with that.


    He now regretted listening to his mother. He was hurt that his mother wanted to kill Ying Lili. Although his love for her was one-sided, it was true in essence. Indeed, he wanted


    the throne but not the way his mother had crafted for him.


    He reached outside the chamber of his mother and told the servant at the door to inform the Empress about his visit. After a while, he went inside when Weng Wei stood up from her seat and hugged her son. Pulling away from him, she told him to take a seat.


    "You have reduced your visit to your mother," Weng Wei stated.


    "Forgive me, mother for not visiting youtely. I was busy with the Capital''s work," Jian Guozhi replied. "Mother, do you really think that Ying¨¦r must die?" Jian Guozhi asked without beating around the bush.


    "Indeed. She can be proved dangerous for uster. Son, before they reach the Capital we need to kill them in the mid-way. I have been informed that they used a different route to go to the Southern Province. Sheng Li might use that path again, so we will attack them in the midway. If they both die, then it''s good but if our forces cannot kill them, then the Crown Princess will be the target. You have to do this," Weng Wei said with a smile. Jian Guozhi clenched his fist.


    "Mother, earlier you were targeting Hu Jingguo? Then, why Ying¨¦r now?" Jian Guozhi wanted to know.


    Weng Wei grinned and said, "Hu JIngguo will also die during their return journey but the chief target is An-Ying Lili. I want to cripple Sheng Li to the extent that he will forget to love someone." Jian Guozhi peered into the eyes of his mother and passed her a tiny smile.

 Chapter 166 - Come Out

    <h4>Chapter 166 - Come Out</h4>


    "Do you not want to have lunch? We have been sitting like this for two hours," Sheng Li said, tilting his head towards Ying Lili who raised her head and looked at him.


    "You don''t enjoy spending time with your wife?" Ying Lili asked.


    Sheng Li smiled and lifted his hand. He picked the plum blossom flower''s petal from her head. "Indeed, I enjoy spending time with you, but I have to bnce everything. I cannot let us skip our meals because of this. And, then I am thinking of going to the market with you," asserted Sheng Li.


    Hearing the name of the market, Ying Lili''s eyes glistened up. She sat up straight and turned to Sheng Li. "But you said that people might get suspicious of us," Ying Lili stated.


    "Hmm. I need to check something outside. So, you and I have to go outside. I have found out something about the L¨£oh¨³ group and its leader. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had done their work in the morning but now only we can do the remaining work," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili nodded and asked the Crown Prince to tell her about the L¨£oh¨³ group.


    "Sun L¨£oh¨³ is the man who has founded this group. Earlier Wang Hao had informed me that the Ju family is involved with these sudden uprisings of the peasants. This is kind ofplex to understand. The information given to the Emperor was wrong. The peasants are forced to join him and rebel against the Han Empire. Sun L¨£oh¨³ wants an


    independent province to rule and this for him."


    Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili who drew her brows together.


    "So, he wants the ruling power over this province. Generally, it happens. Han is such a big Empire and as I told you the functioning of the Empire is not that great. A reformation is needed. Efficient bureaucrats, ministers, and governors are required to handle everything. The fault is of the Governor as well because he did not keep a check on all this," Ying Lili opined. "What do you think we are going to tackle?" Ying Lili, with an inquisitiveness, looked at the Crown Prince.


    "I have thought of this n. I need to learn the Hand Knife Game to enter for the second game," Sheng Li stated.


    "There is a second game as well?!" Ying Lili queried with astonishment.


    Sheng Li nodded and further said, "A sword fighting game with his best swordsmen to get an entry into L¨£oh¨³ group. I will pass these two games and then enter there. I will not kill him right away but I need to find first how did he start all this? Earlier I thought to take Hu Jingguo with me but then he can get hurt or in a worse situation can die too. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan also need some time to learn this game but then I do not have that much time because the Capital also needs me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "We talked about this earlier, and then I told you that you can get hurt as well. If the opponent is that strong, then you shall take me with you. Don''t go alone there. Don''t take me as a woman in this situation but as a warrior," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Taking you is not even an option," Sheng Li affirmed. "You are right, Lili, but I am making the decision as to the Crown Prince, which is favorable and desirable. Now, don''t argue with me over this." Sheng Li rested his words and stood up from the grassy ground. He extended his hand towards Ying Lili who ced her hand gently over his.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili up. "I am also making the decision as to the Crown Princess. I do not want the Crown Prince to go alone there. Sheng Li, it will worry me out if I let you go there alone," said Ying Lili concernedly.


    "I have been to 20 wars till now, but nothing happened to me. Those wars were far more dangerous than this mission. Nothing will happen to me," Sheng Li stated and ced his palm over Ying Lili''s right cheek as he caressed it gently.


    "I can kill Sun L¨£oh¨³ without even entering that group." Ying Lili was amused to hear that. "But then I cannot do that because I need to know the root cause of his uprising," he added.


    Ying Lili nodded. "I understand, but as a wife, it will only concern me. At least going with you will assure me that you are alright," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li looked into Ying Lili''s eyes for a while. "Lili, with this face of yours I cannot take you there. If I get caught, then I have a hundred ways toe out safely from there, but if you get caught there, then I have only one way toe out from there. If you truly want to support me, then go with my decision," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili nodded and passed a tiny smile to Sheng Li who put his hand down and then stepped back. "Let''s get out of this garden then," Sheng Li asserted and walked ahead. Ying Lili followed him up, and the two soon reached their chamber.


    The lunch table was set for them. The two did their lunch and then got ready to leave for the market.


    "What do we need to do in the market?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Some general inquiries," Sheng Li replied as he tied the knot of the veiled hat under Ying Lili''s chin.


    "I will be around you, your highness," Wang Hao said. Sheng Li nodded as he wore the conical hat. They left for the market.


    While crossing the forest, Ying Lili asked, "General Wang, where did you go with General Xiao in the morning?"


    "Your highness, to search about the L¨£oh¨³ group," Wang Hao replied. He saw that the Crown Prince was quite ahead of them so he thought to tell the Crown Princess. "Your highness,st night Sun L¨£oh¨³ was punishing a man and his child in the middle of the market but his highness saved them. He had not even taken us with him and went out all alone. Xiao and I gathered the information about that person and his child. As per the orders of the Crown Prince we sent them safely away from this vige," General Wang informed everything to the Crown Princess.


    "He did not tell me this. That''s why he made me drink that wine because he knew I would also insist on going with him," Ying Lili thought.


    "Is Sun L¨£oh¨³ dangerous? I mean, if he can be a threat to Sheng Li, General Wang?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I do not think so. His highness is far more skilled than him," Wang Hao replied.


    "Why did you tell me all this? I know Sheng Li might have ordered not to tell me," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Because I want you to not let his highness go alone to that ce, your highness. Indeed, his highness warfare skills are not a match to anyone but as the General, I am still afraid of his safety," Wang Hao told Ying Lili who agreed with him. Before she could ask further, Sheng Li turned back and called out their names.


    "Why are you two walking so slowly?" Sheng Li frowned.


    Ying Lili and Wang Hao hastened their steps and reached near Sheng Li who grabbed Ying Lili''s hand. "Let''s go," he said and then turned to the front. They started walking while General Wang followed them up.

 Chapter 167 - Dark

    <h4>Chapter 167 - Dark</h4>


    Nianzu and Chuntao reached the vige. "I will see you in your house in a while. Do not go anywhere, Miss," Nianzu asserted, and told her to go. Chuntao bowed her head and walked away. Once she disappeared from his sight, Nianzu went to the house of Vige Headman.


    Wuqing Pao weed the Fourth Prince in his residence and told him that he should have informed him about his visit. The tea was served to Nianzu who thanked Wuqing Pao for the hospitality.


    "I have a message from the Governor of the Capital, The First Prince, Jian Guozhi. He wants to see you in person. The reconstruction of the vige will start after your conversation with the First Prince. So,e to the Pce tomorrow," Nianzu passed the message to the Vige Headman who had lowered his head.


    "Yes, your highness. I understand. Be truthful in front of the First Prince," asserted the Fourth Prince. He picked the teacup and sipped the tea. After conversing about the other matters, Nianzu left the Residence of the Vige Headman and went straight to the house of Chuntao in a horse cart which was arranged by Wuqing Pao.


    The Horse cart could not go to Chuntao''s house because of the poor road condition, so Nianzu thought to go on foot there. Getting out of the cart, Nianzu walked towards Chuntao''s house. As he reached there, he saw Chuntao was hugging a youngdy of the same age as hers, crying.


    "It was my mistake. I should have told them that I would be fine. I should not have fought with my father that day for selling me off. They would be alive today, but because of me they are no more," Chuntao said in a broken voice. Nianzu stepped out of the house as he wanted to give some personal space to them.


    He stood aside from the door, but the cries were still heard by him. He took Chuntao to the Pce but did not try to understand how hurtful it must be for her, losing her family, and left her alone behind. Nianzu realized that the punishment given to Landlord Ma was not enough.


    "It was not your fault, Chun. Your anger at that time was understandable. You were going to be an entertainer there," Miaoran, the friend of Chuntao said as she wiped the tears off Chuntao''s eyes.


    After a few minutes when Chuntao had calmed down, Miaoran made her drink water. "Bingbing has returned. He was asking about you. I told him that you are taken to the Pce by the Fourth Prince. He was worried and went to the Pce because he thought that¡­" Miaoran paused as she did not want to speak further.


    "Fourth Prince helped me a lot. I was lucky to meet him that day. His highness not only saved me from the Landlord Ma but also is taking care of me. Where is Bingbing? I will talk to him and tell him not to worry about me," Chuntao said softly.


    Miaoran smiled. "Chun, why do you not marry him? He likes you and is ready to take care of you. Pce is Pce and then there is the Crown Prince. What if he saw you and killed you? He is not as generous as others," Miaoran expressed her worries.


    "I think we all have misunderstood the Princes. They think about their subjects but the bureaucrats working for them are corrupted, not all but some of them," Chuntao replied.


    "But the Crown Prince is dangerous. I have heard Pce is not for outsiders and people like us. What if he harms you?" Miaoran asked. Nianzu could not believe the strange rumors about Sheng Li.


    "Why would his highness harm me!? Nothing will happen. I want to serve the Fourth Prince because he was the one who saved me. Moreover, I need to pay my debts which he paid on my behalf. I shall not run away from my duties," Chuntao asserted.


    Miaoran knew that Chuntao was an upright woman. But she did not want her friend to go to the Pce. "Do you like the Fourth Prince?" Miaoran asked.


    "What are you saying?" Chuntao eximed and was baffled to hear why her friend said so.


    "Then do not go there. What if you fall in love with him but then he is the Prince and he will never marry you. Did you not hear about the former Emperor''s son who loved a peasant woman. He took her to the Pce, but what happened atst. She was punished to death! Pce is not a beautiful ce. As the life of amoner, we have many miseries but at least we are away from this Pce scheming." Miaoran tried to make Chuntao understand.


    Chuntao agreed with Miaoran. "I do not even dare to love his highness. I know my ce. Once I will pay my entire debt, I will be back. Do not worry about me," Chuntao proimed.


    Miaoran was assured to hear that. "Shall I bring Bingbing here? He will be happy to see you," Miaoran asked Chuntao who nodded.


    Nianzu hid on the other side as he knew that Miaoran would walk out of the house soon.


    "Wait for me here," Miaoran said, and walked out of the house. After ten minutes, Bingbing came there who was happy to see Chuntao. Miaoran could note as she had some urgent work in the fields.


    He looked at her from head to toe. "You are safe. Why did you go to the Pce? Miaoran told me everything. Tell the Fourth Prince you do not want to go there. Stay here and marry me," Bingbing said. Chuntao did not expect that he would propose to marry her.


    "I cannot leave the Pce for a year. The Fourth Prince has saved my life so I need to fulfill my promise to his highness," pronounced Chuntao.


    "Forgive me. I have never imagined that something like this would happen," Bingbing said and ced both of his hands on Chuntao''s shoulders. "Chun, you know that I like you, and I am ready to marry you. My family has agreed with this. You do not need to work for the Prince. I will repay his highness. Do not go to the Pce," Bingbing affirmed.


    "Why would you repay his highness? It was my family''s debt so I need to pay it back. Thank you for thinking about me, but I have taken this decision after thinking a lot," proimed Chuntao.


    Bingbing put his hands down and said, "Then after a year we can marry. Will you?" he asked.


    "Answer," Bingbing said when Chuntao did not speak anything for a few minutes.


    Chuntao had known Bingbing since his childhood days. She would love to marry him and today his words indeed touched her heart. "Yes, I will marry you," Chuntao answered Bingbing who was delighted to hear that. "I will wait for you. When will youe here again?" Bingbing asked.


    "His highness has told me that I cane anytime I want to," Chuntao replied and gave him a tiny smile.


    "That''s good. Whenever you will be here,e to my house as well," Bingbing said. Chuntao nodded. Nianzu was listening to all that walked in there.


    "Your highness," Chuntao lowered her eyes upon seeing him. Bingbing turned towards the Fourth Prince and he also bowed his head.


    "Your highness, I am Chuntao''s friend, Bingbing. Thank you for saving her the other day," Bingbing said.


    "It was my duty as the Prince," Nianzu affirmed. Binging smiled and took his leave from there.? As soon as he walked out, Chuntao told Nianzu to sit on the bamboo stool there. She went to the kitchen and brought water for the Prince.


    Nianzu took the ss and thanked her. "His highness returned early," Chuntao said as she took the ss from Nianzu.


    "Yes. I need to pass the message of the First Brother to the Vige Headman," answered Nianzu. Chuntao brought a hand fan as well and started fanning near Nianzu''s face. "You do not need to do that, Miss," Nianzu said as he took the hand fan from her hand.


    "Miss, do not tell anyone here about the Pce''s matter. The talks between you and me shall remain between us. I trust you, but not the others," Nianzu asserted.


    "Yes, your highness," Chuntao replied.


    "Miss, do not trust men easily. Sometimes things appear beautiful but something dark is hidden behind them," Nianzu advised Chuntao who could not understand that but she gave a nod to Nianzu.

 Chapter 168 - Proposals

    <h4>Chapter 168 - Proposals</h4>


    After spending a few hours in her home, Chuntao left with the Fourth Prince to the Pce. After silently walking behind the Prince, she stopped as the Prince had halted in front of a Horse Cart.


    Nianzu turned to Chuntao and told her to get into the Horse Cart. It was the first time Chuntao had seen a Horse Cart. She saw the door and went towards it. She found that it was tough for her to get inside the cart as the door was at a good height when she heard Nianzu. "Miss, pardon me." She tilted her head when she felt Nianzu''s hand on her waist as he carried her up.


    "ce your foot there," Nianzu said. Chuntao quickly did so and entered the cart. She quickly turned and saw Nianzu had also entered the cart. "Sit over there," Nianzu said, showing the wooden bench made on the backside.


    Chuntao put the bundle of clothes which she was holding at one side and then sat on the bench there. Nianzu told the coachman to start the Horse Cart and closed the door. He sat beside Chuntao and the horses at the front pulled the cart.


    Chuntao found that Nianzu was not conversing with her properly after he had returned from the house of the Vige Headman. But it could be her delusion about him.


    Nianzu thought that he had forced Chuntao to live in the Pce. He felt that he did wrong to Chuntao but then somewhere he was thinking the youngdy needed protection.


    "Your highness, there is something I need to tell you," pronounced Chuntao thus, bringing Nianzu out of his thoughts. He had an inquisitive expression on his face.


    "Your highness, I am thinking of selling the fields to pay off my debt to you. The remaining debt I will pay by using the sry his highness will give me monthly," Chuntao proimed.


    "Do you want to pay the debt as soon as possible? What will you do after a year? The field is the only source of your ie," Nianzu affirmed. He was baffled for a moment.


    "Your highness, there is this man whom I have known for a long time. He likes me and even I like him. So, I have agreed to marry him. I do not want him to keep waiting for me, so I thought to pay my debt this way," Chuntao asserted.


    "Miss, what if I tell you that you do not need to sell the fields? Miss, I do not even intend to take the money from you. But because you insisted that day, I agreed with that. That is the only source of ie you have, so you shall keep that to you," said Nianzu.


    Chuntao nodded her head in agreement.


    Nianzu found that Chuntao hade easily into the words of the young man who proposed to her to marry him. Nianzu had cautioned Chuntao for not trusting others too much but it seemed to him that she did not pay heed to his advice, so he thought not toment on Chuntao''s personal matters anymore.


    Soon they arrived at the Pce. Nianzu got out of the cart and extended his hand out for Chuntao who ced her hand over his. Stepping down from the cart, she followed Nianzu and stepped inside the Fu Imperial Gates.


    They reached the main Pce grounds where Nianzu told Chuntao to leave for her quarter. Chuntao bowed her head and thanked Nianzu for taking her there. She was going away when Prince Lei Wanxi stopped her.


    "Miss, do not go away. I have been searching for you since the morning," Lei Wanxi said.


    Chuntao lifted her eyes. "Pardon me, your highness. Did I forget to do something?" She asked.


    Lei Wanxi moved his hands in the air and refused. "Sister Qing wants to meet you," Lei Wanxi replied and turned to Nianzu. "Brother, you shalle too. Sister Qing wants to give something to you," Wanxi added.


    "What does sister Qing want to give me?" Nianzu asked.


    "She did not tell me," Wanxi replied and then turned to Chuntao. "Sister Qing is the only Princess in the Pce and the only sister among us seven brothers. I told her about you so she expressed her desire to meet you. Let''s go. She is waiting for us," Lei Wanxi said and grabbed the arms of both Nianzu and Chuntao thus, taking them away from there.


    As they were walking towards the chamber of Princess Qing, they encountered Lei Wanxi''s mother, the third Consort of Han Wenji, Consort Yinlong.


    The three greeted her, who epted their greetings except Chuntao''s. Chuntao kept her head lowered and stepped back. "Mother, why are you here on this side of the Pce?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "I have something urgent to tell you," Consort Yinlong said.


    "What happened, mother? Is everything alright?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Yes, everything is fine, Prince. His majesty and her majesty took a decision to marry off the remaining Princes and the Princess except for the youngest Prince so, regarding that I went to your chamber to converse with you but you were not there," Consort Yinlong stated, keeping a tiny smile over her lips.


    "Marry?!" Lei Wanxi eximed. "I will not marry. I do not intend to," Lei Wanxi immediately pronounced.


    "Mother, so the Princesses from various states will be invited to the Pce soon?" Nianzu queried.


    "Yes. In the next two weeks, the Princesses will be invited for the four princes. Princess Qing has received the marriage proposals already so, his majesty and her majesty will decide the groom for her," Consort Yinlong answered the query of Nianzu.


    "I do not want to marry. I am going to meet my father to converse about this," Lei Wanxi stated and left from there in anger.


    "Wanxi, Wanxi," Consort Yinlong shouted his name, but he did not listen to his mother. Yinlong took his leave from there, while Nianzu bowed his head as she walked past him. She lifted his head and drew his brows together.


    "What is the Empress trying to do this time?" Nianzu wondered.

 Chapter 169 - Painful Death!

    <h4>Chapter 169 - Painful Death!</h4>


    "Are you two newlyweds?" An old woman who was selling the flowers asked Sheng Li.


    "Yes," Sheng Li replied and looked at Ying Lili. "I heard that these flowers have an enormous demand in Luoyang," asserted Sheng Li as he turned to look at the old woman.


    "Yes. But for the past one year the supply has been limited because of which our ie has been affected," the old woman replied.


    "Why is it so? Does the Royalty not want them anymore?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "Do you not know?" the onlydy asked in a low voice. Sheng Li shook his head in refusal when the olddy gestured to him to get down. Sheng Li did so, and thedy whispered, "We are not allowed to send goods to the capital without this permission of the Master." Sheng Li tilted his head and pried into the eyes of the old woman.


    Ying Lili too came to her knees and checked the flowers. "Why is it so, mother?" Sheng Li asked. "You will get good prices there," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Because we are not allowed to. We cannot step foot outside this province without his permission. Last night, a neighbor of mine tried doing so, and he is no more. Both father and son left this world. Earlier his wife was taken away by the people of L¨£oh¨³ group." Sheng Li and Ying Lili saw how the olddy''s eyes had turned watery.


    "I do not know why the Crown Prince is noting here. I heard that he is invincible. Only he could save us from these miseries. My one and only beloved son also died a month ago when he refused to sell them our fields. Now, only one field is left¡­" the old woman could not speak anymore. Her voice was broken as she could no longer hold her tears.


    Ying Lili moved towards the olddy and embraced her into a warm hug. "Mother, don''t cry. The Crown Prince will definitelye here and give us justice." Ying Lili patted her back. Sheng Li, on the other hand, was infuriated to learn how his subjects were being treated there.


    The olddy stopped crying and thanked Ying Lili for consoling her. Sheng Li picked a Hibiscus flower from the basket and told the old woman to give three such flowers. He was taking out his pouch from inside the sash around his waist when he heard the sound of galloping horses. He turned his head left and saw a few horses wereing running there.


    "Ahh, they must be here to extort the money," Sheng Li heard the old woman. He stood up from the ground and so was Ying Lili. She stood beside Sheng Li and looked at the horses, which were halted a few meters away from them.


    Twenty men were there, and they spread into the entire market to collect the money from the sellers. One of them went to the food stall there and asked for the weekly extortion when the seller and his wife pleaded with him to give him a day as his sales were not good that week.


    The man in ck robes lost his temper and started abusing them. The other shop owners were terrified to see that. The people there were also quiet because no one has enough strength to voice against them.


    Wang Hao too came there and stood beside Sheng Li. "Your highness, shall I take the charge?" Wang Hao asked in a low voice.


    "No. Let''s see how far he can go. I want to see the extreme evilness inside them," Sheng Li replied. Wang Hao nodded and gazed back at the stall. Sheng Li looked around and found the terror in the eyes of his people.


    The extorter threw the porcin dishes and other raw materials the seller had ced on his stall to prepare the dumplings. The seller came to his knees and grabbed the feet of the extorter thus, urging him to stop doing that.


    "Master, please do not do this. I will give you the money tomorrow. I promise, master," pronounced the seller. The seller''s wife too came to her knees and pleaded with the extorter to give them some time.


    Two more extorters joined him. "Just take away his wife. As soon as you pay us tomorrow, your wife will be given back to you," proimed one of them, and startedughing.


    Ying Lili could not watch that any longer and stepped forward when Sheng Li caught her wrist. "Don''t. I will handle this in my way," Sheng Li whispered and looked at Wang Hao, thus featuring him to look after Ying Lili. He took out the pouch of money from inside his sash and walked straight towards those extorters.


    The people there were confused to see a young man going towards those extorters. The extorters too looked at him and saw how he was ring at them. Sheng Li was too close to them when he turned to the men who were on the ground.


    Suddenly, a smile appeared on his lips. "Brother, I want to buy this shop. I found this location to be perfect for getting customers," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Hey, who are you?" one extorter asked.


    Sheng Li ignored him and bent on his knees. "Brother, please do not refuse." Sheng Li showed the seller those gold coins inside the pouch. The extorters'' eyes gleamed to see those coins, and they told the seller to sell their shop to that man.


    The seller, without a thought, took the money from the young man, which was snatched by one of the extorters. Sheng Li clenched his fist and stood up from the ground.


    "Give that pouch back," Sheng Li told the extorter.


    "It is not yours," the extorter stated and startedughing with his fellows. "Is that your wife?" one of the extorters asked, looking at Ying Lili whose face was covered with a veiled hat. "She must be beautiful, that''s why you have covered her face. Our master will like¡­" before he couldplete his words, Sheng Li grabbed his neck so fiercely that the extorter died right at that moment.


    The two other extorters were shocked to see that while the people started gossiping. Ying Lili knitted her brows and asked Wang Hao what was Sheng Li up to.


    "I do not know, your highness," Wang Hao replied and looked confusedly at the Crown Prince.


    Those two pulled their swords out of the sheaths right away and attacked Sheng Li, but he easily dodged them. Sheng Li acted swiftly, kicked one of them, and snatched the sword from him. Before the other one could even attack Sheng Li, the sword in Sheng Li''s hand pierced his heart thus, killing him right away. Sheng Li did not even give the chance to the other to stand up and stabbed his stomach with the sword.


    Chaos urred in the entire market. The other extorters came there and saw their fellows'' dead bodies lying on the ground. "Who the heck are you?!" shouted one of them at him and pulled out the sword from the sheath, followed by the others.


    Sheng Li lifted his hand slightly and directed the sword towards them. "I am your death," Sheng Li announced and a fierce fight broke out.


    "General Wang, help him," Ying Lili said who nodded and stepped forward. He picked the sword from the ground lying beside a dead body and went towards the Crown Prince. Both Sheng Li and Wang Hao had advanced swordsmanshippared to those seventeen men.


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao killed all of them in five minutes except sparing the life of one. The market ground was filled with dead bodies and their blood. The people there were happy but at the same time terrified of such a mass killing.


    Sheng Li walked towards the man who was left alone among those twenty extorters. He was crawling back while his one foot was heavily wounded.


    Sheng Li put his shoe above the man''s injured leg and pressed it hard. The man cried out in pain but Sheng Li did not show mercy to him. "P-please do n-not," the man let another cry when Sheng Li put more pressure on his leg.


    Some people covered their eyes because they had never seen such a horrendous fight. "Feel this pain because only then I will feel that you are truly feeling guilty," Sheng Li pronounced. The man started begging Sheng Li when he felt the sword near his chest.


    "Tell your master that the Crown Prince is here. Tell him to present himself in the Governor''s residence and do not try to be over smart. I swear I will give every single person who is working for him an extremely painful death. It is a pity that you all took me so lightly." Sheng Li passed his message to the man who was begging for his life.


    Sheng Li lifted his shoe and ced it on the ground. But he did not pull the sword until a tiny hole was bored into the man''s chest. "Crawl to your master''s ce and tell him toe by the evening to meet me else I will kill him." Sheng Li repeated his message.


    "Y-yes, yo-ur, hig-hness," the man epted the order of the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili was confused why Sheng Li changed the n at thest moment!?

 Chapter 170 - For You

    <h4>Chapter 170 - For You</h4>


    The man was crawling on the ground while Sheng Li kept staring at him, till he vanished from his sight. He threw the sword in his hand at the ground, which made a loud nking voice. He removed the conical hat from his head, followed by the fake mustache and the beard.


    He turned when the people quickly went to their respective knees and bowed their heads. "Long live the Crown Prince!" someone loudly shouted, followed by the others, and reverberated throughout the market.


    Ying Lili saw the blood in the hands of Sheng Li. She stepped towards him and the two halted as the two came face to face with each other. Ying Lili quickly took out the handkerchief from the pocket and grasped Sheng Li''s hands. She wiped them and said, "You were impressive, but then you scared me for a minute. Your n was something else, and you did something else."


    Sheng Li smiled because it was the first time someone was showing care for him. The moment that the extorter said that his master would like the Crown Prince''s wife, he lost his control over him. The Crown Prince wanted to rip his mouth apart but the poor soul died as soon as the Crown Prince gripped his neck.


    Sheng Li could have gone to the Merchants Market at that moment and killed everyone inside that Hand Knife Game House, but he did not. Why? Because he had promised Ying Lili that he would not kill the innocents while climbing the path of a True Ruler.


    Yes, the Crown Prince changed his n at thest moment because of those words he heard about the Crown Princess. He wanted to be gentle with his enemy, but not anymore. Sun L¨£oh¨³ was not only considering himself as the Ruler of that Province but doing so many crimes which had only one punishment- a painful Death.


    Ying Lili was done cleaning Sheng Li''s hand, and she lifted her pearly eyes. Gazing into the dark eyes of Sheng Li, Ying Lili took off the hat she was wearing. General Wang came forward and took the hat from the hand of the Crown Princess.


    "You terrified everyone. We know you are a great warrior, but it does not mean that you need to act like this," said Ying Lili, looking into the eyes of the Crown Prince.


    The people on both sides did not dare to raise their heads because they had heard that the Crown Prince was Ruthless and if someone dared looking into his eyes, he was killed right away.


    "For you, I will act like this," Sheng Li replied and tucked the loose hair strands which were restricting the view of Ying Lili''s face. Ying Lili''s eyes grew wider upon hearing that statement. But she could not get what she did that he had acted that way.


    Those reverberated noises for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess kept intensifying as more and more people joined them. The Police came there and stopped a meter away from the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili stood beside Sheng Li. "Take these dead bodies away," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Yes, your highness," the Chief Police officer said and gestured to some juniors to do that. Sheng Li looked at the old woman who was selling hibiscus flowers there. The olddy was on her knees and her head was lowered. Sheng Li walked to her and said, "The Crown Prince is here. You are the first one who said such pleasant words about me. Forgive me that your son could not be saved but the one who did this will be punished severely¡­ right in the middle of this market."


    He then sat down on one knee while the other touched the ground. Picking three hibiscus flowers, Sheng Li told the olddy about the price.


    "His highness does not need to ask the price. These are his flowers. I am grateful to you, your highness," the olddy said in a loud voice. Sheng Li turned to look at Wang Hao who came towards the Crown Prince. He took the pouch full of coins and handed that to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li turned to the olddy and said, "I am giving you three gold coins. I think that''s enough. Your confiscatednd will be given to you soon." He put the gold coins in the flower basket and stood up.


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was considerate of his subjects. Sheng Li came towards her and handed her those flowers. "These are for you as you like them," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili smiled and thanked him.


    "You all may rise!" Sheng Li ordered the people there to stand up from the ground. Governor Tzu had also arrived there as someone had informed him. Xiao Zhan too hade with the Governor.


    They greeted the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "Your highness, the military has arrived here," Xiao Zhan informed the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili was surprised to know about that. "When did Sheng Li prepare for all this?" she wondered.


    "Take military control over this region. Rest you two know," Sheng Li ordered to both Generals who bowed their heads.


    "You all are the people of the Great Han. No one has the dare to make my subjects suffer until I am alive. My people shall not live in fear. Justice will be there and everything will be sorted out before my departure to the Capital," pronounced Sheng Li.


    He then turned to Ying Lili. "Let''s go back. Rest will be handled by them," Sheng Li told her. The two stepped towards the Horse Cart when Sheng Li saw that a young boy had grabbed his leg. He looked down and saw him. "Leave," with a displeasing look Sheng Li said.


    "How are you talking with a little boy?" Ying Liliined and then got on her knees.


    "What happened, little boy?" Ying Lili asked him as he grabbed her arm and gently pulled him away from Sheng Li''s leg.


    "I wanted to see the Crown Prince," the little boy replied and lifted his head when he started crying. Ying Lili lifted her head and saw how Sheng Li was ring at the young boy. Ying Lili hugged the boy and patted his head. "Do not cry. It is alright," Ying Lili consoled him.


    Sheng Li got irritated with that. Ying Lili wiped the tears off his cheeks and kissed him. "You shall go home," Ying Lili told the boy who nodded and ran away from there. Ying Lili stood up and looked at Sheng Li. "Can''t you wear a smile on your lips?" Ying Lili asked him but Sheng Li ignored it and went straight to the cart.

 Chapter 171 - Kill

    <h4>Chapter 171 - Kill</h4>


    Inside the carriage, Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, "Why did you kiss him?"


    "Who?" Ying Lili queried.


    "That boy," replied Sheng Li. The carriage started moving.


    "You made him cry so to console him I needed to peck his cheek. Now, are you even jealous of an eight-year-old kid?!" Ying Lili huffed and crossed her arms.


    "Who is jealous? You are the Crown Princess. You cannot do things like that. That annoying brat wanted something from me," Sheng Li argued.


    "What could a kid want from you? Don''t tell me you do not like kids," Ying Lili searched for an answer in Sheng Li''s eyes but they were unreadable as always.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze. "When did the Han Army arrive here? You did not even tell me anything," said Ying Lili.


    "Some things are not necessary for you to know about. I also got a message from my father. He wants me toplete this matter as soon as possible. Then, Sun L¨£oh¨³''s men said something which made me change my n at thest moment. I usually work like this but because I have promised that I will not kill the innocents, I thought of another n," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was mending his ways for her. She was astonished to see Sheng Li in the market. His decision-making ability was marvelous thus making him fit for the position of the next-in-line ruler.


    "Is there something on my face?" Sheng Li asked as he noticed that Ying Lili was staring at him. He turned his head and peered into her eyes.


    "Nothing," Ying Lili replied and averted her gaze.


    "Tell me what punishment is the most suitable for Sun L¨£oh¨³?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Umm¡­ you want me to punish him?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I will punish him, but I just want your opinion on this. We need to establish a Law and Order here as well after that. I would like to know your opinions regarding that as well," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili nodded. "Let Sun L¨£oh¨³e to the Residence first. Then, I will tell you about my opinion on his punishment," Ying Lili replied. "But, Sheng Li, I wonder if he wille or not." Ying Lili was skeptical regarding that.


    "He will not defy my order after that incident in the market. He knows the consequences of defying my orders," Sheng Li asserted.


    "But he might go into hiding," Ying Lili raised a doubt.


    "The borders of this province are sealed. The Han army is deployed there. He is trapped here. He cannot run away from me. Moreover, his back is wounded, so he cannot run far in that state!" Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Aren''t you overconfident? In my opinion, you should not have revealed your identity," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li moved his eyes over her face. "It was necessary. Why shall I hide my identity? The wrong he had done with my people was unbearable. Now, do not ask any more questions regarding that," Sheng Li asserted.


    Soon they reached the Residence of the Governor. They both went straight to their chamber. They saw Hu Jingguo was waiting for them in front of the door of the chamber. Seeing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess Hu Jingguo went to them and bowed his head. "It was informed that chaos urred in the middle of the market. Are his and her highness alright?" Hu Jingguo worriedly asked.


    Sheng Li hummed at him. "You may leave our chamber. We need to rest for some time," Sheng Li told Hu Jingguo who got away while Sheng Li walked ahead. Ying Lili told Hu Jingguo not to worry about them and followed the Crown Prince.


    ~~~~


    Sun L¨£oh¨³ was enjoying a fistfight between two when a man came running inside. "Master, Master," he called out for Sun L¨£oh¨³. Seeing the terrified look on his face, Sun L¨£oh¨³ lifted his hand in the air, thus gesturing to the fighters to stop.


    "What happened?" Sun L¨£oh¨³ asked. He drew his brow together because the expressions on his assistant''s face were showing something unpleasant had happened.


    "Our one of the best sword fighters, Ju Yi is outside. He is covered in blood and calling out for you," the assistant informed Sun L¨£oh¨³ who immediately stood up from his seat.


    He walked out, followed by the others. He saw Ju Yi was indeed covered in blood and his leg was heavily injured. ''Did he crawl till here?" Sun L¨£oh¨³ wondered.


    "Master, he is here and has killed the neen extorters in the market. He has sent a message for you and has summoned you to the Governor''s Residence." Ju Yi started coughing blood when one of L¨£oh¨³''s men went to him and patted his back.


    "What are you talking about? Be clear," Sun L¨£oh¨³manded him.


    "The C-Crown Prince," answered Ju Yi.


    Sun L¨£oh¨³''s eyes grew wider upon hearing the name of the Crown Prince. "His highness has said if the master will not show his presence in the Governor''s Residence by the evening then h-his high-ness¡­" Ju Yi paused as he was scared to speak further.


    "Speak," Sun L¨£oh¨³ shouted at him.


    "His highness will kill everyone in the Game house a-and," he was stuttering but then he continued, "¡­ and he will kill Master Sun in the middle of the market."


    Sun L¨£oh¨³ had not expected that the Crown Prince would arrive there unannounced. But where did his man''sck? "When did hee here? Why is no one aware of this? What about security?" Sun L¨£oh¨³ bellowed at his men who lowered their heads.


    Cold shivers ran down the spine of everyone upon hearing the news of the arrival of the Crown Prince. Sun L¨£oh¨³ looked at the sky, which was turning red. "Bring my horse here," Sun L¨£oh¨³ told his assistant.


    "But Master Yang had said that he would inform me if the Empire would take any step then, how could I not get the message?" Sun L¨£oh¨³ thought. Frowns had appeared on his forehead because he knew that running was not an option since the work of the secret tunnel was notpleted yet. Except for surrendering, there was no option left in front of Sun L¨£oh¨³.

 Chapter 172 - Thrown Out

    <h4>Chapter 172 - Thrown Out</h4>


    Nianzu was doing the calligraphy when Eunuch Chung informed him that the Sixth Prince hade to meet him. Nianzu told Chung to send Lei Wanxi inside. Chung epted the orders of his master and walked out.


    Nianzu put the brush down on the desk and waited for Lei Wanxi who in a minute came inside. Nianzu saw the panicked expression on Wanxi''s face who pulled out a chair for him.


    He sat on the chair and ced both of his hands on the desk. "Brother, I could not see the Imperial Father today. He has gone out and will returnter, so now I can meet him until tomorrow." Lei Wanxi sighed. "Why is the Empress doing this?" Lei Wanxi confusedly asked.


    "She wants to gather support and just wants to empower her seat. She must have decided the Princesses who will marry the four of us," Nianzu replied and continued, "She is doing all this at the time when the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are not here. Because she wants to gather the support of the Provinces by raising their greed for power."


    "Did brother Nianzu receive any message from the Crown Prince?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "No. The Crown Prince had told me that he would not send the message as the messenger can be caught by the Empress''s men. The Crown Prince''s return journey is going to be tough. I pray that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will return safely to the Pce," asserted Nianzu worriedly.


    Lei Wanxi nodded. "It is giving me a headache. The Empress is like a vengeful spirit who is after the life of Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxiined and clenched his fists.


    "She might target the Crown Princess too. They both need to be aware of her. I do not know when the truth wille and she will be punished for her crimes," Nianzu proimed and knitted his brows.


    "What about the young woman who has joined the hands with you? Can''t she gather the information about the Empress''s Manor?" Nianzu asked Lei Wanxi who refused.


    "It would be risky to send her to the Empress''s Manor. Moreover, the Second and the Third Princes have seen her. Miss Wu Qinyang is not in Luoyang. She has gone to the Northern Province with the other spy as per my request to look into something," Lei Wanxi informed the Fourth Prince.


    Nianzu took a deep breath. He was getting an intuition that something big was going to happen upon the return of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. ''The only thing that is bothering me is why is father not doing anything? What did he mean by that statement? Does he know the true face of the Empress?'' Nianzu was baffled as these questions again came in front of him but s he had no answers for these.


    ~~~~~~


    Xue Yu-Yan was making herbal tea for the Empress in her chamber. "Xue, the scent of the herbs has already calmed down my nerves. I can see that you have great tea skills," Weng Wei asserted.


    Xue Yu-Yan thanked the Empress forplimenting her. She picked the porcin kettle which was filled with hot water and poured it into a cup that had fine-powdered herbs inside it. She stirred the content well and then ced the cup in front of the Empress.


    Weng Wei picked the cup and smelled the tea. "I can see that it is rich in herbal vors" Weng Wei smiled and sipped the tea.


    "Your majesty, this herbal tea rejuvenates one''s body. I will serve this tea daily to you," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced, keeping a tiny smile on her lips. Weng Wei nodded her head in agreement.


    Putting the cup at the table, Weng Wei said, "Xue, bear a royal heir for this Empire before Zho Mi does that. This time the Crown Prince will definitely die and then my son will get the Crown. But the position of the Crown Princess will go only to one - either you or Zho Mi."


    "Your majesty, you know that the Prince does not like my presence around him. He does not evene to my chamber and bearing a royal heir is impossible for me," Xue Yu-Yan veraciously said. "I will try getting closer to the Prince first and once he gets the Crown, I will give the Royal heir to this Empire as well," Xue Yu-Yan confidently said.


    Weng Wei smiled. "Wei Family daughters are always this bold. This is the most impressive thing about you, Xue," stated Weng Wei.


    "Thank you for your praiseworthy words, your majesty. Your majesty, what is the n this time? What if the Crown Princess againes in between this n? She acts way too fast." Xue Yu-Yan recalled how she saved not only the Crown Prince but also herself.


    "This time she will not be able to do anything. Sheng Li will die, his widow wife will be thrown out of this Pce and the path to the throne for my son will get opened up," proimed Weng Wei and grinned.


    "Forgive me, your majesty, but you shall also n something to kill An-Ying Lili. Prince Jian might express his desire to marry the soon-to-be widow of the current Crown Prince. And I have seen that for your son her majesty falls weak," Xue Yu-Yanined.


    Weng Wei drew her brows together. "Xue, Jian will never do that. He listens to me only. Moreover, Jian knows that for his secure future and his lost birthright, his mother is doing this," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Your majesty, I understand that, but I do not trust the intentions of Ying Lili. She has caged the Crown Prince in her charm. I am afraid if she will¡­" she paused as she saw the Empress was ring at her.


    Xue Yu-Yan immediately lowered her eyes and said, "Forgive me, your majesty. I understand¡­" her words were cut in the middle by the Empress.


    "I expect you to handle your marital life yourself. Jian might admire her but he is not someone who will forget his aim just because of her," asserted the Empress. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head in agreement.


    "Your majesty, the teacup is empty. Let me fill it again." She sprinkled a little herbal powder inside the cup and then poured hot water into it. Giving the cup to the Empress, she leaned back.


    Xue Yu-Yan after a while returned to her chamber. Removing the hair essories, she looked at herself in the mirror. "Why does he like her? He did not even touch me after marriage. Is it because of the differences we two have?" Yu-Yan thought. Her assistant, Miao, came there and greeted her mistress.


    "Your highness, the Prince is spending a night with his wife today," informed Miao to Xue Yu-Yan who frowned. Xue Yu-Yan knew that Jian and Zho were married for almost three months, so they were closer to each other.


    "You may leave," Xue Yu-Yan said. Miao bowed her head and left from there while Xue Yu-Yan went to bed.

 Chapter 173 - Fight For The Throne

    <h4>Chapter 173 - Fight For The Throne</h4>


    Zho Mi was delighted to see her husband. "Jian Ge, you did not inform me earlier about your visit," Zho Mi said softly and went towards her. She smelled the wine from her husband.


    "I didn''t even know that I would visit you. What were you doing?" Jian asked as he saw some papers on the table.


    "Jian Ge, I was doing painting. Do you want to see?" Zho Mi asked. Jian Guozhi smiled and nodded.


    "Please take a seat, Jian Ge!" Zho Mi told her husband who sat down on the mattress around the floor table. Zho Mi gracefully lifted her high waist skirt and sat down. She showed some of the paintings she did in her spare time.


    "Your paintings are good," Jian Guozhi praised his wife who thanked him.


    "Jian Ge, I tried to paint your figure but I think I could not do well with your face," Zho Mi said as she picked another sheet of paper. Jian Guozhi took the sheet from his wife and looked at it.


    A tiny smile formed on his lips. "You tried to draw me when I was not even in front of you. I appreciate it. Next time if you want to do so, then call me. I will definitely take out time for this," Jian Guozhi said as he ced the sheet on the table. Zho Mi nodded. She noticed that her husband was tense.


    "Are you okay, Jian Ge?" Zho Mi queried Jian Guozhi who lifted his eyes from the sheets. "It seems something is bothering you, Jian Ge," Zho Mi said as she drew her brows together. She waited for her husband to respond. Getting no response from him, she asked, "My husband, is it because you are not the Crown Prince?"


    Jian gazed into the eyes of Zho Mi. "Am I worthy enough of that title? Since the age of 3, I was taught to be a Crown Prince! I did everything to get that but in the end, it did note to me. I did everything that my mother told me. Sheng Li grew up without a mother''s love, in miseries and in the end he got the title. Not only did he get the best woman for him," Jian Guozhi veraciously told Zho Mi who felt sad knowing her husband indeed admired the Crown Princess.


    "Zho, I do not know why am I telling you this but I need someone to share all this," Jian said and passed a faint smile to Zho Mi.


    "Sister Xue told me that you wanted the Crown Princess as your wife," Zho Mi said and searched for an answer in Jian''s eyes.


    "Hmm. She saved my life once, so I expressed my desire to marry her. That all happened before our marriage when I went to the North-western Province for the Empire''s work. I fell for her but I could not marry her because my mother wanted me to gain political power for my benefits," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    Zho Mi nodded. "Political marriages aremon among Royals. Forgive me that my marriage with you could not benefit you."


    "Why are you asking for forgiveness? Marriage with you at least sounds like a marriage unlike marriage with Xue. That''s a political marriage in the true sense. I didn''t even have control over my life," Jian said in a dejected tone.


    Zho Mi took the hand of Jian in hers and caressed it. "Why do you not make your own decisions yourself? His Majesty has given you the entire Capital Province. Being a Governor in itself is a big thing. You shall not take so much stress," asserted Zho Mi.


    Zho Mi wanted to know how her husband felt about the Crown Princess. She had seen the First Prince looking at the Crown Princess lovingly but not at her. "May I know why you like the Crown Princess? Forgive me, but as a wife, it is weird to hear about the other woman from the mouth of your husband," she proimed.


    "The Crown Princess saved my life that time, that''s the reason I built a liking towards her. She is perfect. You must be feeling jealous that I am talking about another woman." Jian Guozhi snickered and took a deep sigh.


    Zho Mi was out of words when she heard Jian Guozhi saying, "Do you also think that I am incapable of doing anything? I feel sometimes that I got special advantages because of my mother," Jian Guozhi muttered.


    "I do not think so. I have heard how you convinced some of the neighboring Kings two years ago and built diplomatic rtions with them. Now, they are a part of Han which in itself is an impressive achievement. You did not choose the path of war which is appreciating," Zho Mi replied.


    Jian Guozhi shook his head. "But my mother was not satisfied with that. She said I should have done something like Sheng Li, building the fear inside them for me so that they would respect me. That''s why I wanted to see Sheng Li as dead. If he had died at least my mother and other brothers would have seen me and thought of me as a capable leader.


    But now I do not want him to die! Ying¨¦r will get sad if anything will happen to her husband," Jian Guozhi stated and chuckled.


    Zho Mi''s eyes grew big. She found that her husband was so considerate about Ying Lili. She clutched her dress tightly, but she could not even me the Crown Princess for that. She saved her husband''s life. That''s why he acted that way towards the Crown Princess.


    "I do not know what has happened to me! I should fight for the throne but now I am getting disinterested in that. Mother will get sad upon hearing this," Jian asserted and pinched the brows between his eyes.


    "Your highness, shall I massage your forehead? Is it aching?" Zho Mi humbly asked.


    Jian put down his hand and looked at her.


    "I need a good sleep. For the past few days, I have not gotten a good sleep." Jian replied.


    Zho Mi nodded and stood up from her seat. "You should not have drunk the wine in this state. I am your other half so, you should share your worries with me as well" she helped Jian in getting up and took him towards the bed. "Sit here! I aming in a while," Zho said and walked away.


    Ten minutester, she returned with a porcin bowl in her hand. Jian asked her about that.


    "It is an essential oil extracted from Chuan Xiong (a herbal nt in China). I will massage your forehead with this. It will relieve your headache and you will get a night of good sleep too," Zho Mi briefed Jian Guozhi. She sat at the centre of the bed and told her husband to lie down such that his forehead was on herp.


    "Close your eyes," Zho Mi said. Jian did so while his both hands rested on his chest. Zho took a little oil in her fingers and started massaging the forehead of Jian.


    "I am gentle, right?" Zho asked.


    "Hmm."


    She smiled and continued massaging Jian''s forehead for half an hour. "Jian Ge is asleep," Zho Mi said and gently lifted Jian''s head. With the other hand, she brought a pillow under Jian''s head and gently ced it on the pillow. Pulling the nkets up, she covered Jian with it and got down from the bed.


    She went to the dressing table and removed the hair essories and jewelry. "I can feel him. Being the firstborn child, he was bereaved of those rights on which he has the right from his birth, but today, it felt to me that Jian Ge is bound by his mother. He would have been happy if the mother had agreed to his marriage with the Crown Princess. I had never thought that he would be tense because of all this," thought Zho Mi.


    She stood up from the chair and went towards the bed. Caressing Jian''s head, Zho slept beside him.


    ~~~~


    Not every bad person wants to be bad but because of the circumstances he chose to be like that. Jian Guozhi is that character which I feel was forced to choose the path that his mother crafted for him. So, what do you guys think? Will he change himself or will he continue this path?

 Chapter 174 - Nice Around You

    <h4>Chapter 174 - Nice Around You</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili were sitting on a seat as they were informed that Sun L¨£oh¨³ hade to the Residence. In the hall, Governor Tzu and General Xiao were also present. General Wang brought Sun L¨£oh¨³ there.


    As Sun L¨£oh¨³ entered there, his eyes met the gaze of the Crown Prince. Immediately, he lowered them and came on his knees. Sheng Li chuckled seeing that. "You call yourself a tiger but your acts seem otherwise to me," Sheng Li remarked.


    "Your highness, forgive me," Sun L¨£oh¨³ said.


    "Asking for forgiveness after dering the Ruler of this Province does not suit you, L¨£oh¨³," Sheng Li dered. "How is your back doing?" Sheng Li queried him.


    Sun L¨£oh¨³ lifted his head and then immediately lowered it down. "You are thinking right. I was the one who hit you that night. Do you know how badly I wanted to kill you at that moment?" Sheng Li muttered and stood up from the throne. He went towards Sun L¨£oh¨³ and between his fingers, grasped his hair.


    "You thought I won''te here? How dare you deceive the eyes of mine?" Sheng Li questioned him. Governor Tzu gulped thinking that the Crown Prince would kill Sun L¨£oh¨³ there.


    Sun L¨£oh¨³ shut his eyes as the grip of Sheng Li on his hair kept tightening. "Governor Tzu, you shall leave from here. I think you will end up getting sick because I am going to kill this person brutally," Sheng Limanded Governor Tzu who bowed his head and left the hall. The door was closed and now only four people were there- Sheng Li, Ying Lili, Wang Hao, and Xiao Zhan.


    "In the forest, there are many who try to be the King of the Forest but in the end, the Lion wins over everyone. You chose a nice name for yourself and used an eptable strategy to rule over my people." Sheng Li was pulling up the hair of Sun L¨£oh¨³ while talking, which resulted in a sharp pain over his head.


    Sheng Li let go of those hairs and stepped back. "Tell me who was behind all this?" Sheng Li asked and extended his hand out. Xiao Zhan handed the sword to Sheng Li who gripped it and put his hand down.


    Getting no response from Sheng Li said, "Don''t make me repeat my words. I will keep you alive till the day you tell the name of the person behind all this." Sheng Li pointed the sword at the cheek of Sun L¨£oh¨³ and slightly moved the top down. It got a cut and blood started dripping from his cheek.


    "Your highness, if I tell you the name then what''s the guarantee that you will not kill me after that?" Sun L¨£oh¨³ raised a question.


    "Good question! But what if you beg for your death?" Sheng Li queried him. Sun L¨£oh¨³ gulped. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead when he felt the sword on the back of his right palm which was resting on the floor.


    "I heard you have a keen interest in ying Hand Knife Game" Sun L¨£oh¨³ heard Sheng Li. He thought the sword was going to prate his hand when Sheng Li pulled it back. "Give me a knife," Sheng Li said. Xiao Zhan went towards a table there and brought a knife from there.


    Sheng Li looked at the sharp de of the knife and got on his knees. "Look into my eyes," Sheng Li sternly said. Sun L¨£oh¨³ lifted his eyes when he felt the knife on the back of his right palm. "How many people lost their hands in this?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "I-I do not know," Sun L¨£oh¨³ replied. He felt the knife was piercing through his skin. He flinched in pain when he felt the grip of Sheng Li on his cheeks. "I did not permit you to close your eyes," Sheng Li voiced.


    "You wanted power over this territory by ying this petty game. Okay then, I will let you live, but without these hands. You love to y with people and I love to y with people like you." Sheng Li said in exasperation when Sun L¨£oh¨³ stopped the Crown Prince.


    "Master Yang is the one who helped me in gaining power," Sun L¨£oh¨³ told the Crown Prince. His right hand was bleeding, as the knife had pierced his skin already.


    "Who is Master Yang?" Sheng Li questioned as frowns appeared on his forehead.


    "Master Yang is from the Ju Province," Sun L¨£oh¨³ replied and then narrated everything about how it all started to the Crown Prince. "He told me that he would inform me if the Emperor sends someone here," proimed Sun L¨£oh¨³.


    Wang Hao brought the right information then. Ju Province was the one who was behind these forced rebellions against the Han Empire. "Your Master Yang forgot then that my informants killed his in the midway that''s why you could not get the information about my visit," Sheng Li told Sun L¨£oh¨³.


    "Your highness, please forgive me. I did what I told to do," Sun L¨£oh¨³ pronounced.


    "Wrong!" Ying Lili voiced from behind. Sheng Li tilted his head and saw she wasing towards them. Sheng Li stood up while Ying Lili stood beside him. "You did all this to fulfill the greed for power. Do you think that forgiveness is the answer to this? Are you not ashamed of your acts? Your acts were disdainful," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Your highness, I have heard that you are the kindest woman. Please forgive me for my mistakes. I will repent on my mistakes," Sun L¨£oh¨³ pleaded in front of the Crown Princess.


    "You do not deserve to live. You destroyed many families. You yed with women as if they were your toys. General Wang informed us how the young women were dragged out of their houses on yourmand just to fulfill the desires of you and your men! Crown Prince, kill him in the most brutal way that everyone will think a thousand times before doing such things," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li looked at Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan who dragged out Sun L¨£oh¨³ from there.


    Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and looked at her. "Why are you staring at me?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Can''t I?" Sheng Li questioned her back.


    "Can I kill him?" Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li and searched for the answer.


    "No. I do not want to see your hands filled in the blood of that man who does not even deserve a nce of yours," Sheng Li answered.


    Ying Lili huffed. "Am I not equal to you?"


    "I have never considered you unequal," Sheng Li replied.


    "Then let me kill him. My blood is boiling," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at Ying Lili. "You will not be able to kill him, Lili. You even told me to spare the life of Zhang Yong Wei who is considered dead by everyone. And I cannot even defy you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "That''s because Zhang Yong is useful for us. He knows everything about the Empress. When the timees, I will kill him. He killed your mother so, of course, he is not worthy to live but he will be alive till the time he keeps informing us about the Empress''s moves," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li nodded his head in agreement. "I know that is why I epted your request to spare him for some time. He has sent a message," Sheng Li stated.


    "What kind of message?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Weng Wei has nned something vicious this time. She wants to kill me during our return journey," Sheng Li replied.


    "We cannot expect anything less from her. What have you thought of?" Ying Lili asked.


    "We will go among the traders. Xiao informed me that the day after tomorrow, a group of traders from the nearby town will leave for Luoyang. We will join them. That is the safest way to get an entry into Luoyang. I have also prepared a surprise for the Empress this time," Sheng Li asserted and smirked.


    Ying Lili went closer to Sheng Li and grasped his both hands which confused him. "It must be tough for you. Tackling against the evil ns of the Empress all by yourself. You might have wanted to lean on someone but you never found that shoulder. You grew up in that environment beautifully. You be stronger each day to survive among them. You inspire me, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said and peered into his eyes whose eyes grew big.


    "Do not get inspired by me. Inspiration shall be taken from a nice person, not a man like me," Sheng Li remarked when Ying Lili hugged him.


    "You are a nice person," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li lifted his hand and ced it on Ying Lili''s back. "I am a nice person to you only. I do not know but I just end up being nice around you," Sheng Li announced.

 Chapter 175 - Feelings Growing Stronger

    <h4>Chapter 175 - Feelings Growing Stronger</h4>


    Ying Lili lifted her head and pried into the eyes of Sheng Li. "Is it because you like me?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "We shall go to our chamber. I am sleepy," Sheng Li replied and pulled away from Ying Lili who pouted because Sheng Li again ignored her. She followed her husband, and the two soon arrived at the chamber. Sheng Li removed his overcoat and rested on the bed.


    Ying Lili was removing the essories, but her focus was on Sheng Li whose reflection she was looking at from the mirror. "How will I make him confess his feelings for me?" Ying Lili thought. She removed the earrings from the ear and then lifted her hands to her hair. Removing the hairpins, she was removing the Bu Yao from her head, but it seemed the fringes were stuck in her hair.


    She kept trying for a few minutes when she felt Sheng Li''s finger on her hand. "Let me help," Sheng Li said in a low voice. Ying Lili looked at his reflection in the mirror and put her hands down. Sheng Li after a few minutes seeded in removing the Bu Yao hair essory from Ying Lili''s head and ced it over the dressing table.


    Ying Lili stood up and turned to thank him when she found the proximity between them. "Uh...thank you for the help," Ying Lili found she was stuttering. But why? She blinked her eyes as she lowered them because Sheng Li''s intense gaze was making her nervous.


    "You tempted me toe here," Sheng Li said.


    "Huh?" Ying Lili raised her brow when she felt the grip of Sheng Li''s thumb and finger on her chin as it was lifted.


    Sheng Li moved his eyes over Ying Lili''s lips. She found that candle lights were getting dimmer and she could feel how her heartbeats were rising just by the intense gaze of Sheng Li on her.


    Ying Lili''s mouth went dry seeing the intimate situation building between them. "A-are you not sleepy?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I am sleepy but I want something before sleeping," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes and waited for Sheng Li to kiss her. Sheng Li puckered his lips together and after a while asked, "May I know what you are doing?"


    Ying Lili immediately opened her eyes and found Sheng Li was smiling at her. "Y-you said that you want s-something," Ying Lilipleted her words after a few stutters.


    "Are you having some dirty thoughts?" Sheng Li asked with a grin.


    "No," Ying Lili pushed him away. She turned towards the dressing table. She felt how red her cheeks had turned. What was she even thinking? A kiss with Sheng Li! But did he not say that he wanted something from her? She tightly shut her eyes because of the embarrassment when she felt Sheng Li''s hand around her belly. She was pulled back such that her back hit Sheng Li''s chest.


    "I was asking for the meaning of the Butterfly that you have drawn on my wrist," Sheng Li whispered near her ear. She felt Sheng Li''s lips on her earlobe. Goosebumps ran down her entire body.


    Ying Lili was spun by Sheng Li, and now she was facing him. "Answer," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "I told you to find this meaning yourself," Ying Lili replied.


    "I am getting impatient," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Then learn to be patient," Ying Lili yanked at him. Sheng Li ced his hand on Ying Lili''s cheek and leaned closer to her. "Do you remember the previous night? You told something which you tried hard to hide but now I want you to answer," Sheng Li whispered.


    Ying Lili pretended that she did not remember a thing. "What are you talking about!?" Ying Lili giggled and tried to avoid his gaze.


    Sheng Li astonishingly looked at Ying Lili and smiled, seeing how she was pretending not to remember anything. "You like me but you will not confess your feelings until I do," Sheng Li pronounced out of sudden.


    Ying Lili stopped giggling. She did not expect that Sheng Li would bring that now. "Because you were drunk, so I did not believe those words, but I want to know now. Do you like me?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili clutched her dress. A few of the candles were quenched, thus reducing the light in the chamber. Sheng Li like all the time did not get a response from Ying Lili. She was as stubborn as him! He realized.


    Sheng Li started moving his fingers over Ying Lili''s cheeks who had closed her eyes. "Let''s sleep. I am tired after today''s incident," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili hummed, and they both went to the bed.


    They both were facing each other while lying side by side. "Close your eyes," Ying Lili in her soft voice told Sheng Li who refused to do so.


    Ying Lili then slightly moved towards him and lifted her body such that her lips came close to Sheng Li''s forehead. She softly kissed his forehead and ced her head on the pillow.


    The two kept staring at each other, and their hearts started racing just by looking at each other. Ying Lili quickly turned her back towards Sheng Li and ced her hand near her heart. She tightly shut her eyes when she felt Sheng Li''s arm around her.


    "Let me hold you like this," Sheng Li stated and pulled Ying Lili towards him. "It is irresistible for me when you look at me with those eyes. My feelings for you are growing stronger with each passing day, but I am still scared that my closeness to you won''t bring danger to you.


    I am getting protective of you when I should not be. That''s why I fear to love because if anything happens to you, it is going to affect me a thousand times more than you. But you told me that love strengthens you, that''s why I want to go with my heart too," Sheng Li thought and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 176 - Always Truthful

    <h4>Chapter 176 - Always Truthful</h4>


    Jian Guozhi turned left and gradually opened his eyes. He found himself in the chamber of his wife, Zho Mi. He had a peaceful sleepst night after so many days because of which he was feeling fresh. A smile formed on his lips as he saw Zho Mi beside him. He sat up on the bed and looked around.


    Last night memories appeared in front of his eyes. But he was not angry at himself. Those things were burdening him and eating him up from inside. He got down from the bed and called for a servant in. A maidservant came there to whom Jian Guozhi told not to wake his wife up.


    He wore the overcoat and left from there to his chamber. As he walked in, he saw Xue Yu-Yan there. Frowns appeared on his forehead. He ignored her presence and turned to go when Xue Yu-Yan stopped him.


    "Come to my chamber tonight," Xue Yu-Yan in a threatening tone said.


    "Why?"


    "To spend a night with me," Xue Yu-Yan replied. Jian Guozhi snickered and walked to her. "Just go away from here. Don''t ruin my morning," Jian Guozhi sternly said. Xue Yu-Yan who was on the bed got down from that and stood in front of Jian Guozhi.


    "You ruined my entire night. What about that?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned him. "You do not even nce at me. I know we two have some differences, but it does not mean that you shall ignore my presence around you," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "Didn''t I tell you that you need to live like this with me?! We both married to each other for our benefits. Once I will get the Crown, you will be the Crown Princess andter the Empress," Jian Guozhi stressed.


    "But to keep my position intact, I need to be a mother." Jian Guozhi knitted his brows and understood what she was trying to say.


    "Leave my chamber and do not step foot here without my permission," Jian Guozhi told her, but Xue Yu-Yan did not budge from her ce. Jian had no choice but just to throw her out of his chamber when he heard Xue speaking.


    "I get jealous easily. Sister Mi is innocent, that''s why I do not want to hurt her, but if you keep acting like this, then I will not even think about her innocence. Spend time with me too," Xue Yu-Yan told and walked out from there, hitting the shoulder of Jian Guozhi.


    Jian Guozhi clenched his fist tightly. "Xue, you are forcing me to do those things which I do not intend to," Jian Guozhi muttered as he mmed his hand against the wooden post of the bed.


    "What is the mother trying to do? Xue was looking happy. What did they two discuss again?" Jian wondered. His personal assistant, Eunuch Ru, came there. He greeted the Prince and apologized for noting there early.


    "Do not let Xue enter here from the next time," Jian ordered Eunuch Ru who bowed his head this, epting the order.


    "Is the bath ready?" Jian then asked him.


    "Yes, your highness. Pleasee with me," Eunuch Ru humbly replied. Jian walked out from there. After freshening up and taking a hot bath, Jian Guozhi got ready for the morning greetings to the Elders.


    In the greeting hall, Han Wenji smiled at seeing all his sons, daughters-inw, and a daughter. "Prince Yu, you are growing fast. Soon the Crown Prince will return and learn warfare from him," Han Wenji asserted. Weng Yu nodded in agreement.


    "Father, I do not want to marry," Lei Wanxi suddenly said. The Empress looked at his mother who lowered her eyes.


    "What happened, Prince Wanxi? You are of marriageable age. So, you must marry," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "Father, I am young. Moreover, I do not want this kind of marriage for me," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "The Sixth Prince is raising the question on our decisions. It does not seem good. You are just a year younger to the Crown Prince so, I do not think you are young, Prince Wanxi," stated Empress Wei.


    "Imperial mother, forgive me, but I did not question your decision. I do not know why the imperial mother thought that." Lei Wanxi then looked at his father and continued, "Father, I do not want to marry. I want to fall in love and then get married to that woman," Lei Wanxi veraciously said.


    Han Wenji smiled upon hearing those words. "Prince Wanxi is always truthful about his feelings. I like this thing about you. Okay, do not get married now. But after a year you need to marry so better fall in love with a woman before that," Han Wenji proimed.


    Lei Wanxi got happy and thanked his father. He then looked at the Empress and passed her his signature smirk.


    "Father, even I do not want to marry now. It seems too early for me," Nianzu pronounced.


    Weng Wei clenched her fists upon hearing that. She gazed at Concubine Deng Hui who was sitting at a seat near the third Consort. "Prince, you are older than the Crown Prince so, you cannot refuse this," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "If my son has such a wish, then I will not force him. Do you perhaps want to fall in love first like Prince Wanxi and then get married?" Han Wenji queried Nianzu, keeping a smile on his lips.


    "Thank you, Father. Yes, Father. I also want to fall in love first," Nianzu replied and passed a tiny smile to his father.


    "What about the Second and the Third Prince?" Han Wenji asked them.


    "We have no problem with this decision," Yongzheng replied. Han Wenji nodded and told the Empress to send the invitations to the Kingdoms ordingly.


    "Prince Jian, is everything alright? You do not look good," Han Wenji worriedly said.


    Zho Mi looked at Jian and found he was indeed tense. She knew the reasons behind her husband''s worries.


    "I am well, father," replied Jian Guozhi and looked at his mother who was anxiously looking at him. "Come to my chamber after this," Weng Wei told Jian Guozhi who nodded.


    Han Wenji looked at his daughter. Time passed so soon that Han Wenji did not realize when his daughter grew up into a woman. His eyes were misty thinking his daughter will soon get married and leave the pce.

 Chapter 177 - Lei Wanxis Request

    <h4>Chapter 177 - Lei Wanxi''s Request</h4>


    "Princess Qi Jing, a few princes and the sons of the governors have been selected for you. Talk with your mother about that. Whomever you will select, you will be married to him," Han Wenji proimed.


    Princess Qi Jing nodded. "Father, I would like to get married after the arrival of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Princess Qi Jing expressed her desire.


    "It is not known when those two will return. We cannot dy your marriage just because of that reason," pronounced Weng Wei. Han Wenji agreed with the Empress.


    "But mother, father, if I leave without seeing the Fifth Brother, I will feel sad. Once I get married, then I will nevere back here, so please let them return first," Princess Qi Jing softly said.


    Han Wenji nodded. "You have been attached to Sheng Li since your childhood days. Okay, then you will get married after their return. Prince Jian, is there any news from the Southern Province?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Father, I am afraid, but there is no news sent by the Crown Prince," Jian Guozhi replied. Han Wenji nodded.


    "Report to me when the Crown Prince will send a message to you," Han Wenji proimed. Jian Guozhi bowed his head. "You all may leave. It was nice conversing with my children. Is there any other thing anyone wants to say?" Han Wenji asked.


    Lei Wanxi raised his hand. "Father, there is something I want to ask for," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Weng Wei was ring at him. ''After Sheng Li, one who bothers me the most is Lei Wanxi. He is not good at warfare but he is clever!'' Weng Wei thought.


    "Yes, Prince Wanxi," Han Wenji permitted him.


    "Father, these days I am getting influenced by Buddhist teachings. I want to go to the Shrine daily but the Shrine is so far from the Pce that it would take me almost half a day traveling," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "What is the Sixth Prince trying to say?" Han Wenji confusedly asked. "Be clear," he then added.


    "Father, can I go to the shrine which you have made especially for the Imperial Mother as it is within the Pce?" Lei Wanxi asked for permission.


    Weng Wei''s eyes slightly turned big, but she quickly turned normal and did not want to show it on her face.


    "It is a shrine and I think anyone can visit that, but then I think you shall ask Empress Wei as well," asserted Han Wenji, and looked at Weng Wei. "Empress Wei, you do not have any problem with this, right?" Han Wenji asked.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Weng Wei who was a bit hesitant. "Why would the Imperial mother have a problem with this? Since my childhood days, she has taught me how important it is to seek the blessings of the Lord Buddha. The main reason for this influence is my dear Imperial mother. The Imperial mother always takes care of her sons'' requests," Lei Wanxi affirmed and smiled.


    "Prince Wanxi is so sweet. You do not even need my permission. I do not know why the Princes ask for my permission for such petty things," Weng Wei pronounced and smiled.


    "Imperial mother is great just like her name. Thank you, Imperial mother," Wanxi again passed a signature to the Empress.


    "You all may leave. Prince Jian, today there is no court hour so,e to my chamber in the afternoon," Han Wenji stated. Jian Guozhi nodded, and they all left the Greetings hall.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi went to the pavilion. "What are you trying to do?" Nianzu asked from Wanxi.


    "Something great," replied Lei Wanxi and joined his both hands together. Bringing them to the front near his chest, he said, "I am seeking the blessings of the Buddha which the Imperial mother has been doing for over 24 years."


    Nianzu smiled and understood what he was trying to say.


    "Be careful," Nianzu warned Wanxi.


    "Hmm. Did you notice the expressions on her face? She is definitely hiding something there but cannot hide it from my eyes," Lei Wanxi menacingly said.


    "She is at the seat of the Empress because of a reason. She will clear the evidence from there even before you could catch that," Nianzu opined.


    "That''s why I am leaving now, Brother Nianzu," Lei Wanxi stated and turned to go when he stopped.


    "What happened?"


    Lei Wanxi turned back and said, "Brother Nianzu, why don''t you teach how to write to Miss Chuntao? I saw her yesterday evening. She was drawing something on the ground of the garden which seemed to me like some letters but she was drawing them wrong."


    Nianzu nodded. "I will talk with her regarding that. Even I have noticed that," Nianzu stated. Lei Wanxi smiled and took his leave from there. He opened the hand fan and went straight to the Shrine.


    Nianzu, on the other hand, went to his chamber and ordered Eunuch Chung to bring Chuntao there. Nianzu put the inkstone on the table. He then took out an ink stick from inside the drawer of the floor desk and prepared the ink. Chuntao arrived there and greeted the Fourth Prince.


    "Have a seat, Miss," Nianzu said humbly. Chuntao nodded and sat down around the floor desk.


    "Does his highness want to ask something?" Chuntao asked.


    "Do you want to learn Chinese?" Nianzu asked her. Chuntao''s eyes glistened, but she was a bit hesitant to say yes.


    "I will teach you basic Chinese characters first. Then, we will learn it at an advanced level. It is a great opportunity for you to learn," Nianzu proimed. Chuntao nodded and thanked him.


    "Miss, the grip on the brush is extremely important followed by its movement," asserted Nianzu. Chuntao nodded and keenly looked at the way Nianzu was moving the brush over the sheet and writing the characters. After he was done writing the basic characters, he told Chuntao to hold the brush and wrote them on a separate paper.


    Chuntao did so and started imitating the characters. Oppositely, Nianzu took out a book on philosophy and started reading it.

 Chapter 178 - Considerate

    <h4>Chapter 178 - Considerate</h4>


    In the Southern Province, Sun L¨£oh¨³ was hanged to death in the middle of the market. The people were joyful as the administrative rule by the Crown Prince was restored.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li interacted with themoners in the Governor''s Residence and listened to their problems.


    "We assured you that no such thing will happen in the future. Those who chose this path are also forced in a way to do this because they were given the greed of money and power. The trade is now open and people can go out to trade. The roads will be constructed, and the work has been started regarding that. This will also open the employment opportunities for you people and wages will be given ordingly.


    Because the Southern Province is far from Luoyang, it was difficult for the Emperor to visit the Province so he sent me and the Crown Princess here. To prevent this kind of situation in the future, the Han Army will be deployed here as well and some people will be picked among you to fill the vacant space in the army.


    Commander Tao Zedong will lead the forces of Southern Province and any kind of rebellious situation will be checked by him. His orders will be supreme but it does not mean that people''s rights will be exploited.


    Those families who lost their earning family members will be given monthly benefits by the Department of Public services." Sheng Li rested his words and looked at Governor Tzu.


    "I do not want to listen to any corruption-rted activities here. This time I am sparing you because you acted smartly by sending a messenger to Luoyang. You are the Governor so tackle all this on your own. I do not like to repeat myself," Sheng Li sternly said.


    The people who were present in the assembly were happy to hear the decision of the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li then turned his gaze to Ying Lili. "Would you like to say something to them?" Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili nodded and then in front of her, towards the people who were sitting on the floor mat. "When wee here, we disguised us as themoners to know about them and their worries. During that period, we heard how the image of the Crown Prince was among most of the people."


    The people got sad upon hearing that because they used to think of the Crown Prince as a tyrannical person. They lowered their eyes and realized how wrong they used to think about the Nation''s Prince.


    Contrarily, Sheng Li had not thought Ying Lili would be brought up to the front.


    "After yesterday''s incident, you all might have realized how considerate the Crown Prince is to his people! As soon as he got the news of the uprisings here, he nned everything out with his Generals andmanders. I hope you people put your trust in the Crown Prince. Rest you all have witnessed," Ying Lili asserted.


    A man in his twenties stood up. His head was still lowered, and he said, "Your highness, I would like to say something."


    Ying Lili permitted him. "Your highness, I would like to serve the Han Empire by getting into the military. I also was in the L¨£oh¨³ group, but it was out ofpulsion. I will be grateful if the Crown Prince grants the permission to all such people who were in L¨£oh¨³ group," the man requested.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li who said, "As I said that military recruitment will be opened up for all the people. Commander Tao is in charge of all this and he will not consider those factors for recruitment." The man thanked the Crown Prince and sat down.


    An old man in his sixties stood up. He was sitting quite far, so he was brought forward by some soldiers. "Your highness, this is the privilege for us people that we get to see the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. We used to think that no one could uplift us from these miseries, but we people were wrong. The Emperor really cares for his people. We are overwhelmed to have your presence in this province. Your highness, you saved my son- and daughter-inw from the L¨£oh¨³ group. Long Live, your highness," the old man kowtowed before them.


    The old man started chanting those words which other people followed. Ying Lili smiled at how people''s trust built over the Crown Prince. Sheng Li moved his hand up thus, gesturing to them to stop.


    "A grievancemittee will be set up here so whatever problems people may face in the future, thatmittee will look into that. Governor Tzu, you know what you have to do," Sheng Li pronounced. Tzu-Yang nodded and assured the Crown Prince that the Southern Province would flourish again like the earlier times.


    The General Assembly was dismissed. A few soldiers led the way outside to the people. Sheng Li told Ying Lili to go to the chamber as he wouldeter there. Ying Lili stood up from the throne and left from there followed by a few servants.


    "Governor Tzu, we are leaving tomorrow, but this news shall not be gone out. Tao Zedong will have eyes on you always so better be loyal to me," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Your highness, I am always loyal to you," Tzu-Yang stated.


    "Have you prepared everything for our departure?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Yes, your highness. The group of Traders will leave the town next to this one after a day. The rest house where they are staying is also found out and the passes have been made for you," Tzu-Yang notified the Crown Prince and brought out the five passes from his pocket.


    Wang Hao took them and checked them. "No one will get suspicious of his highness but your highness, the Crown Princess might get noticed," Tzu-Yang said concernedly.


    Sheng Li hummed and told Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan to visit the rest house once so that they could check everything there. Sheng Li then stood up from the throne and left from there.

 Chapter 179 - Proposes

    <h4>Chapter 179 - Proposes</h4>


    Sheng Li returned to his chamber but did not find Ying Lili there. He asked a servant about that who told him that the Crown Princess did note there.


    "Where did she go?" Sheng Li wondered when something clicked in his mind. He turned and went to the chamber where Hu Jingguo was staying with the two Generals.


    He hastened his steps and reached there when he heardughs. Quickly he walked in and saw Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo were sitting around a floor table, conversing with each other.


    "Crown Prince," Hu Jingguo saw Sheng Li and stood up from his seat while Ying Lili tilted her head slightly.


    "I was searching for you in our chamber," Sheng Li stated as he came towards the table and sat beside Ying Lili. "Why were you twoughing?" He then asked.


    "Ahh, we were talking about our childhood days," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li knitted his brows because Ying Lili never told him about those things, but she conversed about that with Hu Jingguo.


    "Does his highness want to know?" Hu Jingguo asked, which brought Sheng Li out of his thoughts.


    "Okay, let''s share the memories about our childhoods with each other," Hu Jingguo stated and passed a smile to Ying Lili who agreed with him.


    "Whom shall we begin with?" Ying Lili asked.


    "One who is the oldest among us," Hu Jingguo stated. Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo quickly turned their gazes and index fingers towards Sheng Li.


    "You" "The Crown Prince" Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo replied at the same time.


    "What shall I tell? I do not even remember many things about my childhood," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I told you Jingguo that Sheng Li does not tell anything about his childhood. Let''s go out and talk there," Ying Lili stated and almost got up when Sheng Li grabbed her arm.


    "How dare you leave me behind? I am telling you. At least give me time to recall," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili looked at Hu Jingguo who gestured to her to sit there.


    "Umm¡­ when I was a child I-I" Sheng Li paused as nothing good wasing into his mind. ''Did all bad things happen to me?'' he wondered and put more pressure on his brain so that something good he could recall.


    "Your highness, you can tell us about your memories with your brothers, sister¡­ the people around you," Hu Jingguo hinted at Sheng Li who hummed.


    Sheng Li recalled something funny and decided to share that. "Once Wanxi, and I put a cockroach in the lunch meals of the Empress," Sheng Li slightlyughed, recalling that. Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo''s eyes grew bigger upon hearing that.


    "Did you really do that?" Ying Lili asked.


    "It was Wanxi. But I helped him in catching that cockroach. She was forcing us to study philosophy, which we both hated. So, Wanxi told me that we should do something that she would not speak for some days. We went to the kitchen and mixed it in the main dish. Weughed so much after that," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I did not know that his highness was naughty in childhood," Hu Jingguomented and smiled. "Did she find out about that?" Hu Jingguo asked, curiously.


    "Yes, her eyes fell on that, and she ended up puking. For three days, she did not take anything except liquid and a teacher was appointed for us," Sheng Li proimed and againughed.


    "So, to escape that ss you and Prince Wanxi do that. Don''t tell me you did not like studies," Ying Lili with an inquisitiveness looked at Sheng Li.


    "Who likes to study?" Sheng Li muttered and gave white teeth smile to Ying Lili.


    "His highness is saying right. Even though I did not like to study with Ying¡­ forgive me¡­ I mean with her highness I had to study. She was stricter than a teacher," Hu Jingguo announced.


    "Really?"


    "Yes. Once I escaped the sses and her highness asked the teacher to punish me the next day," Hu Jingguo stated and looked at Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at Ying Lili. "I am happy that I did not meet you those times else I would have tied you with a rope and thrown you into a room without lights. I heard that girls are afraid of darkness," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili red at him.


    "I am not afraid of darkness. But if you had met me and tried escaping sses, then I would have asked for the most severe punishment for you," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Aren''t you too harsh on your husband?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "But you were not my husband that time," Ying Lili answered. Sheng Li nodded and shifted his gaze to Hu Jingguo.


    "Tell me something embarrassing about Ying Lili''s childhood. That memory which she does not want to share with anyone," Sheng Li told Hu Jingguo. The Crown Prince then looked back at Ying Lili and continued, "I want to know if the righteous Ying Lili was always like this or not."


    "There is no such memory in my mind but there is one thing which I would say was not embarrassing. It''s the memory of those days when we entered our teenage days," Hu Jingguo proimed. Sheng Li keenly waited for his response, and so was Ying Lili.


    "Remember Lili that day when the new year festival wasing. A Prince from a neighboring city visited Juyan with his father. He was 15 years old," Hu Jingguo stated. Ying Lili could not recall that when Jingguo said that she would recall after he would tell.


    "So this Prince came to Juyan with his father. We two were shooting arrows when he came to us. He then proposes to the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo asserted. Ying Lili recalled that memory and startedughing. "And then I¡­" she could notplete her words as Sheng Li cut her words in the middle.


    "Tell me the name of that bastard," Sheng Li tempestuously told Hu Jingguo.

 Chapter 180 - Possessive Of The Crown Princess

    <h4>Chapter 180 - Possessive Of The Crown Princess</h4>


    Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo shockingly looked at Sheng Li. "Why are you getting angry?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Don''t you know?" Sheng Li questioned her. "Who was the Prince who proposed to you?" Sheng Li was furious.


    "His highness is so possessive of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo said when Sheng Li realized how he was acting. He rubbed the skin between his brows. "Does his highness like¡­" Hu Jingguo stopped speaking as she felt the deadly re of the Crown Prince at him.


    "Let''s talk about something different," Hu Jingguo asserted and changed the topic. "Crown Princess, do you recall the day when you and I were plucking the mandarins from themercialnd of a bigndlord. He almost caught us, but then we were saved because you were the Princess," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "You two used to be thieves!" Sheng Li was astonished to hear that and then looked at Ying Lili. "Your Princess''s status saved you there. But you could have asked the mandarins from him instead of taking all this pain," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You had never heard about fun, right? I was a kid then, and it was fun. Why are you sulking in that too?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I am not sulking. I never did things like that after I was punished once by the Empress. You two were lucky not to get beatings," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo felt bad hearing that. "You should have put more cockroaches in her food then," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "It was not easy. Living in the Pce does not always give the feel of paradise," Sheng Li remarked. Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo were silent now. Seeing that Sheng Li told them to not carry those faces. "That phase has gone and now she cannot control me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Your highness, I am an outsider to you still in these few days I got closer to you. So, keeping that in mind I want to ask you, did it nevere to your mind to run away from such a ce? And why did you not tell all about this to his majesty?" Hu Jingguo curiously asked.


    "My mother''sst words to me was to stay there and be strong. How could I run in that state? I did not want to trouble my father for such petty things," Sheng Li replied to Hu Jingguo.


    "Petty things? The torture she gave to you was not petty at all!" Suddenly Ying Lili lost her temper. "She used to beat you, punish you for those things which you never did. You bore all that just to survive there?! What if something would have happened to you?" Ying Lili was infuriated at him. She stood up and left the chamber.


    Sheng Li could not understand how to interpret that situation. Ying Lili hardly got angry, but today she lost her temper. "Your highness, you shall go behind the Crown Princess. Forgive me for ruining the atmosphere," Hu Jingguo apologized as he lowered his eyes.


    Sheng Li did not say anything and stood up from the floor mattress. He then left from there. ''Where did she go?'' Sheng Li drew his brows together and looked around. Sheng Li stopped a servanting from the front and stopped him.


    "Did you see the Crown Princess?" Sheng Li questioned the servant who refused. Sheng Li went to his chamber but did not find her there. He came out of his chamber and then again searched for her when he encountered the daughter of Governor Tzu.


    She greeted the Crown Prince. "Did Miss Tzu see the Crown Princess?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Yes, your highness. The Crown Princess earlier was heading towards the garden." Sheng Li thanked her and walked past her.


    "Does she like gardens that much?" Sheng Li murmured and hastened his steps towards the garden. Soon he reached there and searched for Ying Lili there. Half an hour passed, but he did not find Ying Lili there. "What kind of garden is this? Tzu-Yang had lost his mind and constructed this big garden," Sheng Liined.


    "Last time she was here, then where is she this time?" Sheng Li looked around theke. He walked a few meters and got into the bridge that was constructed over theke. Crossing the bridge, he went to the other side.


    He kept going on the pavement when he saw Ying Lili who was sitting on the swing. Her eyes were lowered as she was looking at the ground.


    "So, you are here?" Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili lifted her eyes and asked him what he was doing there.


    "I came here to search for an angry wildcat," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili huffed and told Sheng Li to leave her alone. Sheng Li did not listen to her instead, he went to her back and pushed the swing lightly. Ying Lili moved ahead on the swing. She came back when Sheng Li caught both hanging ropes that were tied to the tree branch.


    "Why did you get angry? Would you like to tell me?" Sheng Li queried.


    Ying Lili did not reply to him when Sheng Li again pushed the swing. When she returned on the swing, Sheng Li sat on the swing such that he was opposite to her. He tilted his head to look at Ying Lili. "I do not like to keep waiting like this," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili turned her head towards him.


    "Because something could have happened to you. You should not have borne the wrong she did to you instead you should have told your father and he would have mercilessly punished her to death. You would not have suffered like this then," Ying Lili blurted out.


    She looked into his eyes and said, "I am getting sick of her. Never in my life, I felt so angry, but whenever I recall how wrong she did to you, my blood starts boiling up. Forgive me for getting so angry," Ying Lili proimed and lowered her eyes when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on her forehead.

 Chapter 181 - Raced His Heart

    <h4>Chapter 181 - Raced His Heart</h4>


    The anger which developed inside her moments ago melted away when Sheng Li nted a soft kiss on her forehead. Sheng Li leaned back and gripped a few of the hair strands in his fingers. Tucking them behind Ying Lili''s ear, Sheng Li said, "Father loved mother a lot. It would have broken his heart if he found out that the son of his beloved was treated like this."


    Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li was thoughtful since his childhood days. He did not want to make his father worry about him. It was tough for both father and son while the Empress was enjoying the show.


    Sheng Li lifted his pointer finger and bent it slightly. Moving it down on Ying Lili''s nose, he said, "Anger does not suit you." He then ced his palm on Ying Lili''s face and caressed it.


    The plum blossom flowers from the neighboring trees were falling as the breeze blew there. "I want a garden like this where I can sit on a swing with you," Ying Lili expressed her wish as she rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    Sheng Li gave a light push to the swing, and the two moved forward. "I want to revive the ce that belongs to your mother. Can you permit me to do that?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li who ced his foot on the ground, stopping the swing from moving.


    Ying Lili lifted her head and peered at him. "That ce can be heaven again. Don''t let your mother''s ce get ruined just because she is not physically present among us," Ying Lili humbly pronounced.


    "Okay. You can do that," Sheng Li permitted Ying Lili.


    "Really?"


    "Hmm."


    Ying Lili jumped in happiness and wrapped her hands around Sheng Li. "Thank you. You will like that ce after I revive it and then we can spend our time there," she whispered. A tiny smile formed on Sheng Li''s lips seeing those gestures of Ying Lili. After a while, Ying Lili pulled away from him and stood up from the swing.


    "Do you want to see something?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    "What?" Sheng Li amusingly raised his brow when Ying Lili stood in front of him, a few meters away.


    "A dance. This I learned from Governor Tzu''s daughter," Ying Lili pronounced. "You are the first one whom I am showing this dance to," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li nodded and told her to start.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes gracefully and started moving her hands and fingers rhythmically. She extended her arms out and spun around. Her perfect body movements along with the graceful steps were alluring Sheng Li towards her. The way she moved her hands in front of her eyes with dazzling facial expressions raced his heart.


    Sheng Li was mesmerized by her beauty. He was so lost in her dance that he did not realize when the dance ended. "How was it?" Ying Lili asked with gleaming eyes who was panting a little.


    "Nice," Sheng Li replied and pped for her. Ying Lili smiled and asked him if he wanted to learn from her.


    Sheng Li''s eyes widened as he put his hands down. "No," Sheng Li immediately refused when Ying Lili came towards him, grasped his both hands, and pulled him up.


    "The Crown Prince should have the knowledge of everything," Ying Lili asserted and told him to imitate her. Sheng Li was hesitant to do that when Ying Lili''s sharp re fell at him.


    "Move like this," Ying Lili stated as she moved her hand and fingers in a rhythm.


    "If anyone will see me dancing like this, he/she willugh," Sheng Li opined.


    "No one is here," Ying Lili stated. "Follow my steps, okay?" Ying Lili started moving at her ce as she showed some simple steps to Sheng Li. Sheng Li told her that he would try to do that but his movements were restricted.


    Ying Lili ced her hands on her high waist skirt and spun around and brought her hands up at a certain distance away from her face. Sheng Li rubbed his forehead, thinking what Ying Lili was teaching him, but he could not even refuse her so he followed her when Ying Lili ended up giving augh.


    Sheng Li immediately stood straight and wondered what he did. cing the palm over her lips, Ying Lili apologized forughing out of a sudden. "But the way you moved your hands was hrious," Ying Lili giggled again and closed her eyes.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows and pulled her towards him by snaking his arm around her waist. Ying Lili was bewildered by this act of Sheng Li.


    They both stared into each other''s eyes. "This is the first time a woman made me dance and thenugh at me," Sheng Li huskily said.


    "The steps you were doing seemed hrious to me," Ying Lili puckered her lips as she was going tough again.


    "I am the Crown Prince, not a dancer," Sheng Li remarked.


    "You can never be a dancer. The way you danced was enough to make someoneugh," Ying Lili blurted out and bit a little of her tongue in between her teeth.


    Sheng Li snickered. "I do not intend to make othersugh. I danced because you told me to. I would be mad if others wouldugh seeing me dancing or worse I could kill them. But if youugh then¡­" he paused as he got lost in those dove eyes of Ying Lili.


    "What will you do if Iugh at your dance?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "I will kiss you because you look like a dazzling star at that moment," Sheng Li replied.


    A taint of red formed on Ying Lili''s cheeks and it spread till her ears. She lowered her eyes when Sheng Li lifted her chin. "Shall we head back to our chamber? I have something important to discuss with you," Sheng Li stated, and let go of Ying Lili.

 Chapter 182 - Fascinated

    <h4>Chapter 182 - Fascinated</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was sitting around the floor table with his mother. The morning meals were served to them. Jian picked up the chopsticks when he heard his mother, "Why are you tense?"


    "I am alright, mother," Jian replied, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    "A child cannot hide anything from his mother," Weng Wei pronounced.


    Jian peered at his mother and ced the chopsticks on the te. "Mother, there is nothing. You think too much." Weng Wei was assured that nothing was going on with her son, so she told him to eat.


    After a while, Weng Wei said, "Jian, Sheng Li will return soon to the Pce after solving the problems in the Southern Province. This time I have nned something that would definitely kill him. He cannot escape death this time," Weng Wei proimed and smirked. Jian stopped eating and put his hands down.


    "Mother, I told you not to n anything now. After the poisoning incident, everything turned negative for us. Your half-brother is dead and the Wei Family is now seen as the traitor but because you are the Empress, no one has the dare to speak about this openly. Don''t do anything for some time," Jian requested his mother.


    Weng Wei drew her brows together. "But if I do not do something quick, then Sheng Li can be a proven threat to us. Ying Lili had joined hands with him despite my trying to create misunderstandings between them," Weng Wei muttered.


    Jian Guozhi snickered. "Why did you not stop their marriage then? If she would have been married to me, then things would have been different. You would not have to n things like this," Jian stated. Weng Wei observed that the infatuation of Jian Guozhi towards Ying Lili had still not gone.


    "That''s why I want to rectify the mistake I made. Giving more time to Sheng Li will increase difficulties for us. This time he cannot escape from my trap. I have made two ns. First, when they reach the border an attack will happen. Sheng Li will not have time to think about anything and they will all be killed there. If this n seeds, then you will get the Crown. But if it fails, then the second n is also ready," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Is mother nning to kill Ying¨¦r as well?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "If the first n works then she will also die," Weng Wei replied. "But why is the Prince asking about this? For him, the focus should be on the Crown and the future throne," Weng Wei proimed.


    "Mother, there is no need to take the life of Ying¨¦r. It is not her fault that she got married to Sheng Li. And your brother died because of his foolishness. Moreover, there is no proof that Ying¨¦r went to his residence. Sheng Li might have a woman spy who broke into that secret chamber," Jian tried making his mother understand.


    Weng Wei realized that Xue was right. Jian was still in love with the Crown Princess. But why? This was bothering the Empress, so she asked her son, "Do you love her?"


    Jian did not expect this question to being from his mother''s mouth. They both looked at each other when Jian inquired, "What if I love her? Will you let her live peacefully for my sake?"


    Weng Wei could not believe that Prince Jian would ask such a thing from her. "Do you think after Sheng Li dies she is going to fall in love with you and support you?" Weng Wei questioned her son. "Prince, you cannot ruin your future just because of a woman. Look at Xue and Zho who adore you. Eyeing another man''s woman does not suit the prince," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Mother, do not say the name of Xue in front of me. I know my ambition. I know I have to take over that throne but it does not mean that I will take that killing the woman who saved my life," Jian Guozhi veraciously said.


    "Saved you?" Weng Wei eximed.


    "Mother, do you remember when I had gone to the city near Juyan for the Capital''s work?" Jian asked his mother who nodded her head. "Mother, I took the wrong route that time and got lost in a dense forest. I do not know what the Crown Princess was doing there, but she saved me from getting submerged in a swamp. The Crown Princess had forgotten about that but I did not. That''s why I expressed my desire to marry her. For you, I did not marry her but now she is in front of me, but then she is also far away from me," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    The pain in his voice could be felt. It was true that he did everything his mother told him to and never defied her. "Mother, I just want you to not target Ying¨¦r in all this," Jian Guozhi requested to his mother again.


    "You should have told me that time. Now, nothing can be done. Son, she might prove a threat to uster. What if she harms your mother just like she and the Crown Prince did to my half-brother? Have you not seen how she asked for political powers from his majesty? Son, I cannot take the risk by sparing her," Weng Wei affirmed.


    "What about me? I am ready to take that risk. Just do not harm her," Jian Guozhi pleaded with his mother.


    Weng Wei found that Jian was adamant about that request. "I am afraid. I cannot let you get harmed in the future. Xue was right that you are captivated by Ying Lili. Now, I will definitely kill her along with Sheng Li because I cannot see my son getting weak for a woman!" Weng Wei dered her decision.


    "Xue told you that I was captivated by Ying¨¦r?" Jian asked with a raised brow when Weng Wei averted his gaze from her. He stood up in the middle of finishing the meals and said, "Now, we two have our next meal when you will agree to me and will not do anything to the woman who saved your son''s life."


    Before Weng Wei could speak, Jian Guozhi left the chamber. Weng Wei shouted the name of Jian Guozhi, but he did not return so in anger, Empress Wei turned the floor table upside down. The entire dishes over the table broke into pieces and the food spread on the floor.


    Jian Guozhi, oppositely, went straight to Xue''s chamber, but then he stopped mid-way. "I cannot do that. That woman will again go to mother, manipte her and tell her to give orders to kill Ying¨¦r," Jian thought. He turned back and went back to his chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili could be seen in the chamber. Sheng Li was telling Ying Lili about his n for the return journey.


    "Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan have gone to the nearby town to check the security for us. We will leave with a group of merchants to Han else we might get attacked," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Will the Empress spy be waiting for us in those two routes?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Yes. Weng Wei will get a shock seeing both of us safe and sound. Lili, since you have epted me as your husband, you might face difficulties because of me. Earlier only my life was in danger, but now your life is also at risk. You can step back and live the way you want to. I will not force you for anything," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Are you telling me to leave you in the middle?"


    "No."


    "Then?"


    Sheng Li had no words to exin the fear he had in his mind when he heard Ying Lili speaking.


    "Are you worried about me? I mean¡­ you think that I might get hurt, which is scaring you. Sheng Li, I am not that easy to be killed so do not ever ask such a question. The day I told you I am ready to share everything with you, I meant that. Your happiness is mine and your sadness is also mine. The pain you will undergo, I will share that with you. Together we will negotiate everything and bring justice to yourte mother," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li.


    The Crown Prince recalled the day when he first saw Ying Lili and told her that she might get killed if she would marry him. She then said the same words to him¨C''I am not that easy to be killed.'' Perhaps that was the quality that fascinated Sheng Li towards Ying Lili because she was the one and only one who did not step back even at that time when they were unfamiliar with each other.


    Sheng Li lifted his hand and stroked Ying Lili''s long hair. "I like this quality in you. Only you have the courage to stand beside me," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili smiled when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on her.

 Chapter 183 - Hypnotizing

    <h4>Chapter 183 - Hypnotizing</h4>


    Sheng Li nudged his nose against Ying Lili''s who closed her eyes while her head was tilted a little by Sheng Li to get a perfect angle to kiss her. Their soft lips met soon. Sparks ignited in their respective bodies. They could feel their heartbeats, which were kept on rising.


    Sheng Li had insecurities towards Ying Lili, but every time he put them in front of her, she gave the most suitable answer, ending his worries.


    The freehand of Sheng Li touched Ying Lili''s hand, and he moved it over her. Soon, their fingers intertwined. He pulled her more towards her, not letting her go this time.


    Ying Lili felt the kiss was delicate, with a million loving thoughts that had condensed at that moment. Sheng Li was not confessing to her, but she could feel that he also had fallen for her. Both were lost in the gravity of those kisses, forgetting their surroundings.


    They both pulled away from each other as they felt the urgency of air. Their eyes were still closed, noses were still touching. Sheng Li''s thumb was moving over Ying Lili''s cheek. Gradually Sheng Li opened his eyes and moved them over Ying Lili''s face.


    "I want more next time," Sheng Li whispered against Ying Lili''s lips who right away opened her eyes and looked at him with her doe eyes. "Next time the kiss will be intense and you will like it," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili wondered what could be more there while Sheng Li read her eyes.


    "Did you not like it?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li. "Do I have to do something? I mean I d-did what you taught me. Is there something more left?" Ying Lili kept asking and unknowingly licked her lips. Sheng Li felt how his heart skipped a beat just seeing that.


    "Are you dumb?" Sheng Li''s sudden question baffled Ying Lili, and she drew her brows together.


    "What do you mean?"


    Sheng Li had leaned back and averted his gaze from her. The more he looked at her, the more he was losing control over himself. He just wanted to take everything slow and not want to go extreme until they confessed to each other.


    "What are you thinking? Are you ming me again? Are you¡­"


    "Quiet" he turned to look at her and ced his index finger over her lips. "Don''t speak any other word," Sheng Li sternly said.


    ''Those eyes! How could they be so hypnotizing?''


    Sheng Li put his hand down, stood up, and walked inside the bathhouse, leaving Ying Lili in confusion. "What does he mean by that?" Ying Lili thought, but then she smiled and touched her lips.


    Inside the bathhouse, Sheng Li removed his upper robes quickly and got into the cold water bathtub. He took a few dips in the water before settling down at its edge. "How could she do that? Dumb woman!" Sheng Li moved his hand from above his hair and then wiped his face using his hand.


    He did not know how long he was there when he heard a knock at the door of the bathhouse. He heard Ying Lili''s voice. "Sheng Li, I am going out with Governor Tzu''s daughter and Hu Jingguo. In a while, we will be here," Ying Lili informed Sheng Li who got out of the bathtub and opened the door immediately.


    Ying Lili was bewildered to see Sheng Li half-naked in front of her. Her focus was now on his chest and perfectly carved abs through which the water was dripping down. "How many times did I tell you not to take your friend''s name in front of me? You are not going anywhere. Bring the towel and wipe my body," Sheng Li ordered Ying Lili who immediately lifted her eyes to look at him.


    "Don''t you have hands?" Ying Lili yanked at him.


    "I have but I want you to wipe my body for me," Sheng Li stated.


    "But I need to go out. I should not have told you," Ying Lili muttered but Sheng Li heard her.


    "Do you want to have an argument with me? You are not an ordinary person. I would have let you go if any of the Generals were here," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I can take care of myself. Why do you bother your Generals? Moreover, Hu Jingguo and other soldiers¡­" Ying Lili could not speak further as she was pulled inside the bathhouse by Sheng Li and the door was shut behind her.


    She was trapped in between the arms of Sheng Li while his gaze was boring at her. "No means No. Put these words in your mind. I cannot let you go there with your friend. Understood?" Sheng Li asked her. Ying Lili nodded and put down his left hand. She went towards the wooden shelf and took out a clean towel from the shelf.


    "Come here," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li walked to her and stood in front of her. Ying Lili wiped the water from Sheng Li''s chest. "Would you like to tell me how you got this scar?" Ying Lili asked this for the third time from Sheng Li.


    Getting no answer from Sheng Li, Ying Lili said, "You are still hesitant to tell me. Do you even consider me your wife?" Ying Liliined to him.


    "What do you mean by that?" Sheng Li inquired from her.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. "I mean don''t you think as a wife I should know about this?" She waited for his response but like every time he was silent. ''Why can''t he tell me? Does he think I willugh at him? How could he think like that?''


    "The Empress did this," Sheng Li finally told her. Ying Lili stopped wiping him as her eyes turned misty. She lifted her finger and traced the scar which was middle of the chest.


    "Why did you stop? Tell me what she did to you," Ying Lili with a stern expression said.


    "I mistakenly hurt the First Brother. I was bringing hot water in a porcin jar for me as I was sick at that time. First Brother wasing from the front and I did not see him so, got hit against him. The hot water fell on his chest. As soon as the Empress found out about that and punished me," Sheng Li finally told the history of the scar on his chest.


    "Don''t tell me she¡­" Ying Lili paused, as it was difficult for her toplete those words.


    "She was angry since the brother was crying in pain. A dagger was there so she just hit me with that and this happened. I think that was the first time when the thought of getting stronger came to my mind," Sheng Li pronounced and smiled.


    He got a hit on his bare arm. "How could you smile in this situation? She was brutal to you! How could a mother do such a thing to a child?" Ying Lili started crying when her eyes fell on the tiny wound which she had given him on the wedding night. She felt awful upon seeing that and thinking that, like the others, she was also harsh on him. She threw the towel there and walked out from there, leaving Sheng Li behind.

 Chapter 184 - I Have Never Despised You

    <h4>Chapter 184 - I Have Never Despised You</h4>


    Sheng Li after dressing up came outside the bathhouse and saw Ying Lili was on the bed, with a nket over her. Sheng Li went to her and sat beside her. He ced his hand over her shoulder, making her turn towards him, but Ying Lili pushed away his hand.


    "Go away. I am sleepy," Ying Lili said as she pulled the nket up and moved aside from him.


    "Why are you lying? A moment ago, you were telling me that you were going to the market and now suddenly you are sleepy. That''s why I do not like to share with you anything," Sheng Li stated when he heard the sobs of Ying Lili.


    He closed his eyes, thinking about what he should do. "Why are you even crying? You were not the one who was hurt." He gripped the edge of the nket and pulled it aside. Ying Lili''s back was towards him and she had hidden her face by cing her palms at its front.


    "You don''t understand," Ying Lili in a low voice said. "Even if you are not hurt, just knowing about that and imagining that situation is hurting me," Ying Lili said while sobbing.


    Sheng Li was touched by those words of Ying Lili. This is the second time she cried for him. Heid down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "I sometimes could not understand you. You smile, you enjoy it one second and then the next second you get sad and start crying. Are women like this or are you the only one like this? I have decided that I will not tell you anything rted to my childhood," Sheng Li whispered in the Crown Princess''s ear.


    Ying Lili stopped crying. "Why won''t you tell me?" Ying Lili queried him and hit Sheng Li''s stomach using her elbow. She then turned towards him.


    Sheng Li found that in just a few minutes, the Crown Princess shed so many tears that her eyes got reddened and so was her nose. He brushed his thumb above her cheeks and wiped those tears.


    "Can I not even cry when I feel sad?" Ying Lili lowered her eyes and rested her hand on Sheng Li''s chest. "Something could have happened to you. Did no one dress your wound?" Ying Lili concernedly asked him.


    "No one was allowed to go to my chamber. I treated the wound myself, but the scar was left behind. Ahh, Wang Hao had arranged medicine for me at that time. After that, I got a high fever. Sister Qing sneaked into my room and looked after me. Those times were difficult for me to survive, but I ended up surviving. Father returned from the city next to Luoyang and then I left with him the following year," Sheng Li narrated Ying Lili everything.


    Again tears poured down her eyes, which did not feel pleasant to Sheng Li. "Let''s not talk about that. You have a soft heart. So, the more we will talk about this, the more you will cry," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes. "Even I stabbed you there. Is it hurting?" Ying Lili''s sudden question bewildered Sheng Li.


    "You did that in anger. Even I cut the skin near your index finger so that made us equal." Ying Lili opened her eyes and bored her gaze at him.


    "I know. You might have despised me because of that." Ying Lili was guilty of her acts.


    "I have never despised you," Sheng Li replied. "Are you fine now?" he then asked her.


    "Hmm. My heart sank when I learned about that scar," Ying Lili in a low voice replied. Sheng Li was amused by Ying Lili. She should admit to her feelings if she cared for him, he thought. He stroked her hair and did not leave his gaze from her.


    ''I have to admit my feelings for her. When we reach Luoyang, I will make a confession.'' Sheng Li made up his mind, and a smile was carved on his lips.


    ~~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi reached the Buddhist temple that was located inside the Pce. The temple was surrounded by the Gingko trees. He closed his fan and put it in the sash. Putting his both hands behind the back, he walked ahead. The broad central pavilion was dissolved near the staircase.


    Lei Wanxi climbed those stairs and removed his shoes outside the entrance and walked in. "Why isn''t no one here?" Lei Wanxi wondered and entered the courtyard of the temple.


    Lei Wanxi took a round around the courtyard before going inside the temple. Lei Wanxi found that in front of arge Buddha idol, on the incense burner a few incense sticks were still burning. He joined his both hands together and then bent down on his knees. Touching his forehead against the floor, he stood up and repeated that three times. After that, he burned an incense stick and put it inside the incense burner.


    Lei Wanxi turned and looked around but there was nothing except a few drums that were used in the prayer. "Did Zhang Yong fool the Crown Princess?" thought Lei Wanxi and went towards the other end of the temple where drums were ced.


    "She cannot be fooled. Zhang Yong was going to die so he would not have lied. I think the Empress already sent the Monk away. Since I have gotten permission toe here so I cane here anytime. I shall check this ce once in the night," Lei Wanxi told himself. "What if someone is always keeping an eye on me?" Lei Wanxi wondered as he came out of the temple.


    He descended the stairs and checked the backyard of the temple. There was a huge wall on the backside. "Is there any kind of secret route here?" Lei Wanxi moved his eyes to the ground. "An undergoing tunnel could be there. Wanxi, now you have to keep an eye on the Empress and visit this temple at the same time as her."


    Lei Wanxi turned and then walked back towards the Eastern side of the Pce.

 Chapter 185 - Like A Flower

    <h4>Chapter 185 - Like A Flower</h4>


    The next day in the early morning, Sheng Li along with the others left for the nearest town of the Capital of Southern Province. They arrived there by noon. Ying Lili''s appearance was slightly changed so that people there would not get skeptical about her identity.


    Entering the rest-house, Wang Hao went towards the counter and asked for the two-room keys. A young boy at the counter handed the keys to the rooms which Wang Hao had booked there earlier. Handing one key to the Crown Prince, Wang Hao told the young boy to show them the rooms.


    A man came with them and showed them their respective rooms, which were on the second floor. Sheng Li closed the door behind and looked around the room. Ying Lili removed the veiled hat from her face and sat down on a chair there.


    "It was so hot," Ying Lili murmured.


    Sheng Li went to her. By taking out a fan from inside his sash, Sheng Li moved it near Ying Lili''s face. "You can open your dress. Since it''s a man''s clothing, first remove the sash, and then this upper jacket will be loosened," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded. She did what Sheng Li had told her, and now she was feeling good.


    Putting the fan down at the table, Sheng Li went towards the door. On the left side of the door, an earthen pot was ced. Sheng Li took out the water in a porcin cup and tasted that first. When he was assured that water was okay, he brought the water for Ying Lili.


    "Here, drink this!"


    Ying Lili thanked him and took the cup from him. She drank the water when she heard Sheng Li. "Have some sleep." Ying Lili put the cup at the table and stood up. She went towards the bed when a knock on the door grabbed their attention. Sheng Li went to the door, opened it, and saw Wang Hao there.


    Ying Lili saw Wang Hao whisper something in Sheng Li''s ear before leaving.? When Sheng Li closed the door, she curiously asked him what General Wang told him.


    "We need to leave in the evening. The Merchants changed their ns. They want to reach the capital in two days," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili nodded andid down on the bed. Her arms and legs were stretched out, and she was looking at the ceiling.


    Sheng Li came near her, sat on the mattress, and started moving the fan above her face. "Close your eyes," Sheng Li told her.


    The Crown Princess turned to bed left to look at the Crown Prince. "Aren''t you tired?" Ying Lili curiously questioned him.


    "No." Sheng Li moved his free hand above Ying Lili''s eyes thus, closing them. "Sleep," he repeated his words. Soon the Crown Princess drifted off to sleep while Sheng Li continued fanning her. All the time, he did not move his eyes from Ying Lili''s face.


    Ying Lili moved her hands in her sleep on her dress. She opened the knot of the satin which she was wearing below the upper clothing. After a while, Sheng Li moved his eyes from Ying Lili''s face. A shocking expression appeared on his face as he saw the innerwear ''Xinyi'' was visible. Her belly was slightly visible where the Xinyi ended.


    Sheng Li looked back at Ying Lili who was in a deep sleep. "She does not even stop in her sleep," Sheng Li thought and carefully, without disturbing her sleep, tied the knot on the satin inner clothing above the Xinyi.


    He stood up and went towards the table. Sitting on a chair there, he took out the map from the pocket and spread it on the table. Checking the route, Sheng Li saw a river stream there near which they had to stay for a night. Sheng Li checked the other remaining checkpoints and then closed his eyes.


    "Since the Empress had already deployed her spies there, they could be in any getup. I need to be extremely careful." Again, someone knocked at the door. Sheng Li opened the door and saw Jingguo there.


    "Your highness,e downstairs for lunch," Jingguo said.


    "Lili is resting. I will have my lunchter with her. You three shall eat," Sheng Li stated. Jingguo bowed his head and left from there while Sheng Li closed the door.


    Two hourster, Ying Lili''s sleep abruptly broke. "You are awake," Sheng Li voiced as he brought the chair near the bed. Ying Lili sat up on the bed and yawned. "I am still tired. I didn''t even do much work, but I am feeling tired," Ying Lili whispered. She was itching near her neck and at the back.


    "That''s because it''s your first time traveling so far," Sheng Li opined. He noticed Ying Lili was itching too much when he saw something red there. "I saw something there" he moved his fingers and slightly pulled down the satin inner clothing. Ying Lili lowered her eyes but could not see what was there.


    "You got rashes from heat," Sheng Li murmured and frowned.


    "What?"


    "You need to take a cold water bath," Sheng Li said.


    "I cannot take a bath here. Men have surrounded this ce. Taking a bath in themon bathhouse of the rest house could be risky," Ying Lili worriedly said.


    Sheng Li came up with an idea and told her to wait there as he walked out of the room. In a few minutes, he came back with a water bowl in his hand and a small cotton towel. Closing the doors behind him, Sheng Li came towards the bed and put them on the table there.


    "Let me wipe those parts with water. It will relieve you," Sheng Li said. He found Ying Lili was hesitant. "There is no maidservant here. I am your husband so you should not be so hesitant," Sheng Li whispered. He had dipped the water in the water bowl and squeezed extra water from it.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes and peered at her. Ying Lili pulled down the upper clothing first and then opened the knot of the inner clothing. Sheng Li moved it slightly down to her chest. He gently ced the wet towel on her neck where rashes had appeared. Ying Lili was looking at him while her fingers were ying with each other.


    Sheng Li''s fingers touched her corbone, which passed a tingled sensation throughout her body. "Is it alright?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who hummed at him. She noticed their faces'' proximity, which raced her heart. Sheng Li met her gaze and told her to turn back.


    "Why?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Let me check if there is any rash on your back," Sheng Li stated. "What''s this look on your face? I am not going to eat you. Why are you terrified?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "I am not. I-I..." Ying Lili felt the words were stuck inside her mouth.


    "You have seen me half naked so many times. I never felt ufortable then why are you acting like this? Turn around," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "I am not terrified. Why would I be? It is just nervousness," Ying Lili whispered and turned her back towards Sheng Li.


    "You think something will happen if I look..." Sheng Li had not evenpleted his words when he heard Ying Lili snapping at him. "Do not assume things. Why would I think that?"


    He smiled, slid down her dress, and saw her bareback. Rashes had appeared there as well. Sheng Li dipped the towel again in the water, squeezed it, and moved it over Ying Lili''s smooth milky white back.


    "You are so sensitive like a flower, Lili. I have decided that I will not take you with me anymore anywhere," Sheng Li stated.


    "This is wrong. You want me to stay alone in the Pce!" Ying Lili yanked, which made Sheng Liugh. Stopping hisughs, Sheng Li asked her if she was feeling good.


    "Hmm."


    "Don''t itch there, else it will worsen," Sheng Li said as he put the towel inside the bowl. He then moved the inner clothing up on Ying Lili''s body. "Stay like this until the evening. Wearing more clothes will be ufortable," he whispered in her ear.


    "Thank you for taking care of me," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li picked the bowl and put it on the table there. He then walked out of the room to tell Wang Hao to send meals to their room. When he was returning to his room, he got identally hit by a man.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li said without looking at him and went to his room. The man turned to look at Sheng Li and drew his brows together. "You made a nice n to return to the capital but you won''t be able to reach there," the man told himself and smirked.

 Chapter 186 - Protect Her

    <h4>Chapter 186 - Protect Her</h4>


    Sheng Li closed the door and saw Ying Lili was fanning herself when something hit his mind. "Lili, don''te out. I aming in a while," Sheng Li stated. Before Ying Lili could ask him, Sheng Li had left the room.


    "Did I miss something? Who was that man?" Sheng Li wondered and walked ahead, keeping a serene expression on his face. He went to the room next to his where the two Generals and Hu Jingguo were staying.


    "Your highness," the three stood up from the chairs and bowed their heads.


    "I think a spy is here. Check the rest- house," Sheng Li ordered his Generals. The two bowed their heads.


    "Your highness, how did you find out?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "Because someone identally bumped into me. I did not see his face but it was unusual," Sheng Li pronounced. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had taken the daggers, hid them inside their waistbands.


    "Kill him right away without getting into anyone''s notice," Sheng Li ordered the two. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan nodded and walked out from there.


    "Rashes have appeared on Ying Lili''s body. Is there any medicine which could relieve her?" Sheng Li asked.


    Hu Jingguo nodded his head and told the Crown Prince that he would send it to his room. Sheng Li told him to be careful with food and water before leaving the room. As Sheng Li arrived at his room, he saw Ying Lili was waiting for him at the table. Ying Lili had worn the mustache on her upper lips and also had worn the upper clothing. He found that the meals had already arrived there which was suspicious to him.


    "Did you eat anything?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili worriedly as he walked to her.


    "No, I was waiting for you," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li picked the bowl full of meat soup and smelled it. "Don''t eat this," Sheng Li said as he put the bowl at the table.


    "Why? I am hungry," Ying Lili replied.


    "I think a spy is here. I don''t know how he reached us but he might have mixed something in this," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili stood up from the chair and knitted her brows.


    "How could it be possible? We took precautions whileing here," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "It does not matter. Maybe the spy hade here earlier and was keeping an eye on us. Weng Wei might have informed him about our stay in the Governor''s Residence. He must be following us from that time onward," Sheng Li opined and rubbed the skin above his right eyebrow.


    "Let''s catch him and kill him," Ying Lili suggested.


    "Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan are searching for him. It isn''t known how many are with him so it might be risky to do anything. Just stay here and don''t leave the room. I think I need to go as well," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Where?"


    "He is in the rest-house so I will be here only," Sheng Li stated. "I need to act fast before he or they can make his or their moves," Sheng Li muttered. Hu Jingguo knocked at the door thus interrupting their conversation. Sheng Li opened the door and let him in.


    "Your highness, I have prepared this herbal paste for her highness. The rashes will vanish after applying this," Jingguo said with a smile, looking at the China dish in his hand.


    "Okay. Stay here. I need to go out," Sheng Li told Jingguo who widened his eyes.


    "Is his highness letting me stay beside the Crown Princess? Isn''t he jealous?" Jingguo asked. Sheng Li red at him when he immediately apologized.


    "Protect her even if you will die," Sheng Li ordered Jingguo who bowed his head. "I need to leave," said Sheng Li, looking at Ying Lili. He then left from there.


    Jingguo found out how tense Ying Lili was. "It will be alright. The Crown Prince and the Generals will tackle this," Jingguo persuaded the Crown Princess. "The life of the Crown Prince is difficult. His highness has to be extremely careful at every step," he added.


    Xiao Zhan met the Crown Prince on the first floor. "Did Wang Hao send the meals to our room?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No," Xiao replied.


    "That means the spy is indeed here. He was listening to our conversation. Where is Wang?" Sheng Li queried as the two kept moving forward while conversing with each other.


    "He is with the owner, looking at details of the Merchants who havee here for the stay," Xiao replied. Sheng Li nodded. "Go to my room and protect the Crown Princess. Wang and I will take care of the rest of things," Sheng Li whispered.


    "But, it can be risky for you, your highness," Xiao expressed his concern.


    "No. If he is sent by the Empress, then I need to extract something important from him, and only I can do that. Go upstairs and look after them. The Crown Princess is hungry so take food for her as well. Make sure that she will eat that. If she refuses then pass this message to her- ''Hu Jingguo will get punished if she will not have her lunch meal.'' Go now!" Sheng Limanded General Xiao who turned and walked away.


    Sheng Li gazed around and took a seat around a table. He ordered the rice wine so that no one could suspect him. He looked at the table to his left.


    "The silk trade is flourishing these days. Even some middle-ss people can afford it. Thanks to the new rules passed by the Emperor of Han," Sheng Li heard them talking. He turned his gaze to the table to his right, which was vacant. Looking at the other tables, Sheng Li realized that the man was not there. He only remembered his clothes so no such person in those clothes could be seen there.


    He picked the cup and sipped the rice wine when his gaze fell on General Wang. Sheng Li grabbed the tiny porcin jar full of rice wine in his hand, paid for it.


    "Let''s have fun outside," Sheng Li loudly said, looking at Wang Hao who put his hand around Sheng Li''s shoulder and the two walked out.


    When they were at a safe distance from the rest-house, Wang Hao let go of his arm from Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    "I checked the entries. Nothing is found which could be suspected," Wang Hao stated.


    "It would be difficult to find out from the entries. You know how spies work. Someone is there. He even sent the poisoned meals to the room allotted to me and my wife. He is after me so let''s take him somewhere far from the rest-house," Sheng Li asserted and sipped the wine again. Actually, he had seen the same person when he went to the counter for payment. That''s why he decided to go out of the rest-house, rather than staying there.


    "What about the Crown Princess? Is Xiao there?" General Wang asked Sheng Li who hummed at him. This gave relief to Wang Hao.


    "If the spy hase this far, then he might have a force which would be ready to attack us anytime. What if they attack the Crown Princess in the rest-house?" Wang Hao concernedly said.


    "They won''t. If they had to, then they would have done it by now. He might have noticed that I have seen through his tactics," Sheng Li voiced. They both turned to a route that was quite isted when Sheng Li pulled out the dagger from the sheath which was hidden inside the sash.

 Chapter 187 - A Vow

    <h4>Chapter 187 - A Vow</h4>


    Nianzu looked at the sheets on which Chuntao had written the basic Chinese characters. He smiled, seeing how neatly she had written the characters. "Did you learn them? Shall I ask you?" Nianzu queried Chuntao who bowed her head. Nianzu asked her a few characters which Chuntao answered correctly. This impressed Nianzu.


    "You are a fast learner, Miss," Nianzu stated, and took out a book from the drawer. "Let''s start with the first lesson," pronounced Nianzu. Chuntao nodded and listened keenly to whatever Nianzu was telling her. After studying for two hours, Chuntao took her to leave.


    But before leaving Chuntao asked permission to go to her home. "You don''t need to ask for my permission, Miss. Do you want to go by a pnquin there?" Nianzu humbly asked.


    "No, your highness. I will go there on foot. Thank you for asking," Chuntao stated, and left from there. Nianzu wanted to give her that book from which he was teaching Chuntao but she had already left the study room. He put it back inside the drawer and called out the name of Eunuch Chung.


    Eunuch Chung in a few seconds came there and bowed his head. "Master, do you need something?"


    "I am going to meet my mother. I will be there until this evening. If someonees by, then tell him to meet me tomorrow," Nianzu proimed as he stood up from the chair.


    "Yes, your highness," Eunuch Chung epted the orders while Nianzu left his study room. Soon he arrived outside the chamber of his mother. He went inside the chamber when he saw his mother was applying something over her elbow.


    "Mother!" Nianzu called out for her when she jolted up on the bed. She had a bewildered expression on her face. Quickly she put her sleeves down and hid the china dish so that Nianzu could not see that but she was wrong! Nianzu had noticed that. Hastily he came towards his mother and asked her what she was hiding.


    Deng Huo hid the China dish behind her back, and said, "Nothing son. You came here unannounced. Have you done your lunch? Come, have lunch together," Deng Hui proimed. She stood up from the bed and turned Nianzu towards the other side. She took her towards the other end of the chamber when Nianzu halted at his ce.


    "What happened, son?" Deng Hui asked and saw the frowns on the faces of her son when she felt Nianzu''s hand on her right wrist. Before she could react, her sleeve was moved up.


    A tear rolled down the eye of Nianzu as he saw the bruised hand of her mother. It was purple mostly near the elbow. Deng Hui pulled her hand back and pulled the sleeve down. "I slipped in the bathhouse," Deng Hui lied to Nianzu who was prying into her eyes.


    Nianzu lowered his eyes. "How can you lie to your own son? Did she do it?" Nianzu asked. His nostrils red up in anger. "Why are you not answering? Did she do it?" Nianzu shouted and looked into his mother''s eyes.


    "Calm down. Don''t get angry," Deng Hui worriedly said as she looked towards the door, hoping no one would hear that.


    "I will kill her," Nianzu suddenly said when Deng Hui told him not to say things like that, but Nianzu did not listen to his mother. "This is enough, mother. I will not spare that woman! She is torturing you. How dare you bear all this? You are as equal as her. Then why?" Nianzu blurted out.


    Deng Hui too was crying. "Howe father does not know anything about this? I will tell everything to my father and show him how callous the Empress is! She first killed Sheng Li''s mother and now she is after you." Nianzu was infuriated by the way Empress Wei was treating his mother.


    He turned to go when Deng Hui held his arm and came to his front. "Don''t do anything. It is just a minor injury. His majesty will get sad if he learns about this," Deng Hui tried to make her son understand.


    "Mother, I will not listen to you anymore," Nianzu said and moved forward but Deng Hui did not let him go.


    "I beg you, son. Do not do anything. If you step out of this chamber now, then I-I will" she moved back and grabbed the knife from the table there. She brought it closer to her neck and said, "I will die here if you step out of this chamber."


    Nianzu clenched his fist and told his mother to drop that knife. "First, promise me," Deng Hui stated.


    "I promise," Nianzu said with a heavy heart. Deng Hui was relieved upon hearing that and put the knife back at the table.


    "Why are you doing this? Let''s leave this pce. I will request father to give a separate residence for us then we two will live happily there," Nianzu suggested to his mother.


    "No. We are not leaving. Do you want to let people talk about your mother? Nothing has happened to me," Deng Hui said as she came closer to her son and ced both of her hands on his cheeks. She wiped the tears from his cheeks when Nianzu stepped back.


    "I do not like this. Seeing my mother in this state broke my heart into a million pieces. How can a son like me not do anything in this? It hurts, mother. I know you are doing all this for me, but what''s the use? I am not happy with this life," Nianzu veraciously said. "I am sick of all this!" he turned his back towards his mother.


    "I, Han Nianzu, take a vow that until I punish Weng Wei for her crimes, I will not step in your chamber. Even if I have to die, I will do that." Deng Hui with inquisitiveness looked at her son. She stopped him, but he did not listen to her and left his mother''s chamber.

 Chapter 188 - Let Her Live

    <h4>Chapter 188 - Let Her Live</h4>


    Nianzu was lost in his thoughts regarding his mother when he bumped into the First Prince. "Forgive me." Nianzu lifted his head and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Are you alright, Fourth Brother?" Jian Guozhi queried as he found that Nianzu''s eyes were misty. Nianzu nodded and walked past him. Jian Guozhi turned to look at Nianzu and realized something was indeed wrong with the Fourth Prince.


    Jian hardly cared about his brothers, but with Nianzu he had a special attachment. Because he was the humblest among them and unlike the other princes, he had no greed!


    "Fourth Brother!" Jian Guozhi called out the name of Nianzu who halted at his ce. Hastily, Jian Guozhi reached to him and asked him if he would like to have some wine with him. Nianzu nodded.


    "Come with me to my chamber," said Jian Guozhi.? Nianzu followed Jian Guozhi to his private chamber where Jian ordered Eunuch Ru to send wine for them. "Have a seat, brother." Jian motioned his hand towards the seat around the floor table.


    The wine jar was brought there, and a maidservant served them the wine. "You all may leave," Jian Guozhi ordered. Eunuch Ru and the maidservant bowed their respective heads and left.


    Jian forwarded the silver sses in his hand towards Nianzu and lightly hit it against his. The two sipped the wine from their respective sses.


    "Forgive me for the other day, Fourth Brother. I had no intention of hurting you," Jian Guozhi sincerely apologized to the Fourth Prince.


    "I do not like it when my mother''s status is considered lower among others," Nianzu asserted. Jian Guozhi saw how tense Nianzu was. What could be the possible reason for that? Did his mother again say something to the Fourth Brother, he thought. Nianzu hardly used to drink but today he easily agreed to the request of the First Prince as if he wanted to lessen his sorrows.


    "Fourth Brother, may I know what happened?" Jian Guozhi queried and searched for an answer in his eyes.


    "I am afraid if I can tell you or not," Nianzu replied and looked inside the cup. "I wish I could take my mother away from here," a deep sigh released from his mouth.


    Jian Guozhi had seen from his childhood days how his mother treated Concubine Deng Hui. At those times he could not understand that, but as he grew up, he realized it was wrong in a way! Yes, he did not want to support the ways of his mother, but then if he would say anything to her, she would probably be sad. But then he saw the same traits in his Consort, Xue Yu-Yan.


    "What if she hurts Zho Mi the same way my mother hurts Concubine Deng Hui" this thought suddenly hit Jian Guozhi. He sipped the wine and then peered at the Fourth Prince.


    "Brother, did my mother do something to your mother?" Jian Guozhi with inquisitiveness waited for the answer of Nianzu who snickered.


    "Will my older Brother do something if I tell him?" Nianzu asked. "I am afraid if you will because it is tough to raise a voice against your own mother," Nianzu pronounced.


    The Fourth Prince was right! Raising the voice against the person who did everything for you was difficult. But it was turning a blind eye to all those wrong things even after knowing them. Moreover, Jian Guozhi started hating the ways of his mother.


    "Fourth Brother, I might seem cunning because I ill-treated Sheng Li but it isn''t the same for you. Even I was pressured to do those things, I still am! You can tell me. I will definitely help you." Jian Guozhi forwarded his help.


    Nianzu chuckled. "Really, Senior Brother?!"


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head in agreement.


    "I am afraid the son of the Empress can raise a voice against her. You and I both know what will be the consequences of all this. In the end, my mother will be punished again for letting her son open his mouth in front of the son of the Empress," Nianzu pronounced, and poured the wine in the ss he was holding. "In this daylight, I am drinking with you. It is so unusual for me," Nianzu muttered and smiled.


    Jian Guozhi noticed that Nianzu was talking in a drunken state. He was feeling disgusted to be a part of all this. ''If mother can still torture Brother Nianzu''s mother who is not even in my path to the throne, then will she spare Ying¨¦r just because I admire her? Will she really consider my opinion? Will she let me marry Ying¨¦r if Sheng Li dies in future?" Jian Guozhi contemted.


    "First Brother, you are not the same as your mother. Sometimes I think otherwise. It seems to me that you are a pawn to her." Nianzu''s sudden statements grabbed the attention of Jian Guozhi who drew his brows together.


    Nianzu smiled. "I know you are not merciless like her. You once helped Sheng Li. He would have died if you had not saved him," Nianzu babbled, and gulped the remaining wine from the ss. "You were scolded by the Empress a lot that day a-and you were not fed any food. I saw that day. Sheng Li does not even remember that as he was little that time," Nianzu proimed.


    "Shhh¡­ even I did not tell him as it is between you and the fifth brother," stated Nianzu and picked the jar.


    Jian Guozhi recalled that day when he identally saw the poison being fed in the food to Sheng Li. He did not know why he did that but he told about that incident to his father. That''s why from that day onwards, Sheng Li''s food was checked by the Emperor first. Empress Wei scolded Jian that day and he was not given dinner that day. But after that day he never did that because his mother told him how Sheng Li''s mother ill-treated her. But was that true? Did his mother never lie to him?


    These thoughts were bothering him for a long time and it made Jian Guozhi stuck from everywhere. He looked at Nianzu who was now crying. "I am a bad son who cannot do anything for his mother."


    Jian Guozhi knitted his brows and stood up from the chair. He stood behind him and patted his back. "It''s alright. You are a better son than anyone here. I will help you, Fourth Brother. I will help you and your mother." Jian Guozhi affirmed. Nianzu jerked off the hands of Jian Guozhi from him and stood up. He wavered, but quickly bnced himself.


    "I do not need your help. She will kill my mother just like she did to Sheng Li''s mother. Sheng Li is alive thanks to his strong will even after your mother and you did wrong to him but I am not him. He never told father anything but if things slipped out of hand, I might. I am just a little drunk, that''s why I-I told you a few things. No one wants a senior brother like you," Nianzu proimed. He then took his leave from there, leaving Jian Guozhi in his own deep thoughts.


    The words of Nianzu started roaming in Jian Guozhi''s mind when he recalled the past. That horrible past which he never wanted to remember. He clenched his fist and mmed his hand on the table.


    "Why are you angry? What did the Fourth Prince talk to you about? It seemed the Fourth Brother was a little drunk." Jian Guozhi heard the Xue Yu-Yan who came towards Jian who immediately turned.


    "Didn''t I warn you not to enter here without my permission?" Jian said with exasperation. Xue Yu-Yanughed slightly.


    "I am afraid, but your warnings do not seem like warnings to me," Xue Yu-Yan said with a smile. She extended her hands out and put them on Jian Guozhi''s arms. "Why are you angry? You can share with me. Is it because you do not have the Crown? Don''t worry, in a few days, it will be in your head. Soon you will get the news of Sheng Li and Ying Lili''s demise." She moved her hands up to Jian''s shoulders and then to his face when he caught both of her hands.


    "You are in an illusion. Only Sheng Li will die and Ying¨¦r will be my official wife." Jian stated.


    Xue Yu-Yan red at him. "You adore her so much that''s why she has to die. I cannot see my husband taking and admiring the woman who can never be his. You can admire her for a few more days," Xue Yu-Yan stated and patted his right cheek.


    "Mother has told me that she won''t do anything to Ying¨¦r. So, don''t threaten me with those words," Jian pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan smiled upon hearing his words. "Whatever. I will wait for you tonight in the chamber. Come there if you don''t want to get scolded by your mother," she put her hands down, stepped back, and strode out of the chamber.


    Jian flinched his brows. "My intuition was right, then. Just because I admire her does not mean that my mother will let her live. I need to find out what she has nned," Jian Guozhi muttered.

 Chapter 189 - An Arrow

    <h4>Chapter 189 - An Arrow</h4>


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao turned to look with the daggers in their hands but did not find anyone there. Sheng Li gestured to Wang Hao, and the two turned towards the forested area, as that ce was safer for them.


    An arrow was shot in the direction of Sheng Li, but he dodged it. Immediately, he turned back and saw the same man who was following them. He threw a fist at him, but he dodged it. Wang Hao was attacked by another man there so he got busy in that.


    Sheng Li was attacked by the sword when he defended himself from the dagger in his hand. The two hit against each other, producing a clunking sound. Sheng Li kicked at the man''s leg, but he did not budge from his ce. Sheng Li realized that the unknown man was well trained.


    "Your highness," Wang Hao shouted as another man was going to attack him. Thanks to that, Sheng Li defended himself. He somersaulted, kicked the other one who was attacking him from behind, and threw the dagger towards him which pierced through his chest.


    A few more men came there and had masks over their faces. His reflexes acted quickly as he picked the sword that had fallen on the ground. Fighting with those men was not difficult for Sheng Li and Wang Hao but a few of them were good fighters.


    Oppositely, Ying Lili heard everything from Xiao Zhan. "General Xiao, you should not have let him and General Wang go alone. What if the spy wanted that?" Ying Lili worriedly asked.


    "Your highness, what are you trying to say?" Xiao Zhan queried.


    "The spy or assassin wanted to separate Sheng Li and Wang Hao from us. That''s why he intentionally bumped against Sheng Li. Who knows how many more assassins are with him?" Ying Lili worriedly said.


    "Ying Lili is telling the truth. Let''s go there. Those assassins will not do anything here because it would bring them to notice. That''s why he put such bait," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    "But your highness, I cannot do this. For me the Crown Prince''s orders are supreme," Xiao Zhan affirmed and bowed his head.


    "Even supreme then his life? I am alsoing with you. Let''s not dy even for a second. It is about Sheng Li''s and General Wang''s life," Ying Lili asserted.


    Xiao Zhan did not want the Crown Princess to go when she said, "General Xiao, I got training for such moments only. It is the order of the Crown Princess and I believe my order is as equal as the Crown Prince''s order," Ying Lili announced.


    "But where has the Crown Prince and General Wang gone? We don''t know where they lead them to?" Hu Jingguo stated.


    "This rest house is near the border, far from the marketce. When we arrived here, I saw the forested area which is nearest to this ce. Sheng Li would have led those assassins to that route only because he cannot let themoners see all this," Ying Lili stated. General Xiao agreed with the Crown Princess.


    "General Xiao, let''s go on the horses. That way we will reach them fast and give me a bow and arrow set, a sword too," Ying Lilimanded Xiao Zhan who bowed his head and took them to the other room.


    Ying Lili quickly tied up her hair into a bun and put the hairpin which Sheng Li had told him to put whenever she would be out. Xiao handed one sword to Ying Lili and another to Hu Jingguo. Ying Lili put the quiver and bow around her shoulder.


    "People here might notice us," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "It''s not important now," Ying Lili said and walked out from there. Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo followed her. A few people noticed them, but they ignored them and went straight to the horse stable. Ying Lili saw Kongqi there and caressed its face.


    "Kongqi, your master needs you today. Let''s get there as fast as we can," Ying Lili told him and hopped on it. There was a fear in her heart, but she did not let it overpower her.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao were surrounded by more than a dozen assassins. "Your highness, there are too many. It was a good move that we brought them away from the rest-house," Wang Hao stated who was standing against Sheng Li with his back touching Sheng Li.


    "I cannot see the man with whom I bumped into! He only fought for a few minutes. Did he go back to the rest-house to attack them?" Sheng Li voiced.


    "Let''s finish this quickly and then we will head back to the rest-house," Wang Hao pronounced. Sheng Li hummed and marched forward. He was attacked by three at once while Wang Hao got busy with the others.


    The man who earlier baited Sheng Li was now at a certain height. He pulled out an arrow from the quiver, which had poison on its pointed edge. Because Sheng Li was moving too much, it was tough for him to make an aim.


    Sheng Li got hit on his arm, but he did not flinch a bit. Instead, this infuriated him. He stabbed the assassin and swiftly moved back to hit the other. An arrow came gushing in between the air, directly towards Sheng Li. Sheng Li could not see it, as he was busy fighting with the other four assassins.


    The shooter assassin was delighted to see that an arrow was going to hit Sheng Li. "Empress Wei, you will praise me this time. Sheng Li will die even before reaching Luoyang''s borders. Finally, I can get the military powers after killing his Generals as well," the man smirked seeing all that.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well.


    What do you think will happen to Sheng Li? Will Ying Lili be able to reach there on time? Who is this shooter? Stay tuned and keep voting for the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 190 - Act Bravely

    <h4>Chapter 190 - Act Bravely</h4>


    "Whoosh!" Suddenly an arrow from the other side hit the arrow, which was going to hit Sheng Li. The shooter drew his brows together and came to the front from behind the tree.


    Sheng Li right away turned back and saw Ying Lili on Kongqi. He then looked down at the arrow, which was going to hit him. "Lili," he murmured.


    Kongqi stopped while Ying Lili got down from it. An assassin attacked her, but she easily defended him. Ying Lili was surrounded by two more assassins. She extended her sword out. She bent on her waist as the assassin shoved the sword towards her stomach.


    Ying Lili ced her right hand on the ground and moved her left leg to kick that assassin. She kicked him and he fell to the ground. Ying Lili swiftly moved up and turned back, thus stabbing the sword in the assassin''s stomach behind her.


    She pulled out the sword and looked uphill from where the assassin had shot the arrow. She saw how Sheng Li was surrounded by a few more assassins, so she picked the sword from the ground beside the assassin''s body and marched towards Sheng Li.


    The shooter watched them from the uphill and clenched his fist tightly. "I underestimated this woman!" he thought and took out another arrow. Pulling the arrow on the bow, the shooter released it towards Sheng Li.


    Wang Hao saw the arrow was going to hit Sheng Li. He kicked the assassin from his way and ran towards Sheng Li. But before the arrow could hit Sheng Li, Ying Lili had pushed him down and the two fell on the ground.


    Ying Lili fell beside Sheng Li. "Lili," Sheng Li murmured, who cried out in pain as her hand hit against the pebble there. Sheng Li immediately got up and killed the assassin that had approached them.


    Wang Hao looked towards the slight hill from where two arrows were shot. General Wang quickly cleared his way out and stood in front of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "Your highness, someone is shooting arrows from the uphill," Wang Hao stated.


    Sheng Li was on his knees as he was making Ying Lili stand up. "Check out there. Don''t spare him," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao. Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo had killed the assassins there. They both came near them.


    "Xiao, protect them!" General Wang told Xiao Zhan who nodded. Wang Hao ran towards the uphill. The shooter who was standing behind the tree got panicked as the distance between him and General Wang was not far. He quickly picked the quiver and bow from the ground and ran towards the other side.


    "I told you to protect her." Sheng Li shouted at Xiao Zhan after seeing the wounded hand of Ying Lili.


    "Don''t scold General Xiao," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who red at her.


    "You are not allowed to act bravely in such situations. And don''t advocate on behalf of him," Sheng Li''s anger burst out at Ying Lili. He tore a piece of cloth from his dress and wrapped it around Ying Lili''s right hand, which was bleeding.


    "If I would not have been here at the right time, you might have gotten injured again. You shall thank General Xiao for listening to me," Ying Lili yanked him.


    "Shut your mouth," Sheng Li angrily said and took her towards Kongqi. Sheng Li red at Kongqi and said, "Why did you take her here? Since when did you start listening to others?" Kongqi neighed when Ying Lili giggled.


    "Kongqi loves me more, that''s why he took me here. Now, you even have a problem with this?!" Ying Lili astonishingly asked him.


    Hu Jingguo smiled at seeing them. "They are indeed made for each other," he thought when he saw General Xiao was examining the arrows.


    "Your highness, the arrows have poison on them and the design of these arrows are very familiar," Xiao voiced, which grabbed the attention of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess towards him.


    "Let''s examine all thister. First, we need to go somewhere safe. We cannot go to the rest house," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Your highness, another rest-house is near the market. We can go there," Xiao Zhan suggested.


    "What about General Wang?" Ying Lili worriedly asked.


    "He wille thereter. Xiao, bring our luggage to the rest house which is near the market. Ahh, before leaving, check these dead assassins. Maybe we could find something from them," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan. Hu Jingguo too helped in that, and they checked the dead bodies of the assassins.


    Ying Lili was on Kongqi while Sheng Li was looking around. His hands were on his waist. Nothing could be found from those assassins'' dead bodies so they decided to leave from there. Sheng Li, Ying Lili, and Hu Jingguo took the route of the market while Xiao Zhan went to the rest house. They were in disguises so recognizing them was difficult.


    General Wang, on the other hand, caught the shooter. "Cai Hong." General Wang recognized him as he pointed his sword at his neck.


    Cai Hong wanted to be the military general but Sheng Li did not let him. He then left the military and left for his home.


    "Wang Hao, it has been a long time. You indeed became the right hand of the Crown Prince," Cai Hong said.


    "You tried assassinating his highness?" Wang Hao questioned him.


    "If I say yes, then what will you do? Kill me? Then do it!" Cai Hong provoked Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao went closer to Cai Hong and put the sharp edge of the sword beneath his chin. "Do you think I will not do this? Who gave you the orders to do this?" Wang Hao asked him.


    Cai Hong chuckled. "No one. I have wanted to kill your Crown Prince since the day he stopped my enlistment in the army as the General," Cai Hong pronounced. He took out the dagger from his waistband quietly. "No wonder he forgot me so easily. Well, I do not have any regrets because his favorite General will die now," Cai Hong stated and almost pierced the dagger in Wang Hao''s stomach but he caught his wrist.


    "I am afraid but you are wrong," General Wang directed it towards Cai Hong and it stabbed his stomach, who cried out in pain.


    "Who gave you the orders to do this?" Wang Hao demanded an answer from him again. "Is it the Empress?" Wang Hao asked, but Cai Hong did not open his mouth. Wang Hao moved it further inside because of which Cai Hong ended up coughing blood. The de of the dagger was poisoned. But Cai Hong until hisst breath did not take the name. Wang Hao pulled the dagger out, and Cai Hong fell to the ground.


    Wang Hao checked inside the clothes of Cai Hong and found two scrolls there. He put them inside his pocket and left for the rest-house.

 Chapter 191 - A Loggerhead

    <h4>Chapter 191 - A Loggerhead</h4>


    Ying Lili was sitting on the bed while Hu Jingguo was examining the wound on her hand. He cleaned it using the lukewarm water that Sheng Li had arranged in the rest-house. After dressing the wound, Hu Jingguo stood up from the chair. "Your highness, it will heal in a few days," Hu Jingguo told Sheng Li.


    "Hmm."


    "Why are you ring at me? It is just a minor injury," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li averted his gaze from her and walked out from there. Hu Jingguo looked at Ying Lili and then at the door.


    "Why is he acting this way? He should praise me for helping him there," Ying Lili scoffed when she heard the giggles of Hu Jingguo. She met the eyes of Hu Jingguo and asked the reason for hisughter.


    Hu Jingguo controlled hisughs and answered Ying Lili. "Your highness, the Crown Prince is concerned about you. He loves you a lot," Hu Jingguo stated.


    Ying Lili huffed upon hearing that. "Love me?! One who loves does not get angry. He did not even confess his feelings to me. But I know he cares for me," Ying Lili asserted and looked at her hand.


    "Your highness, why don''t you confess to the Crown Prince then? You are aware of his highness''s personality. He is different from everyone," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    "I know. But why should I confess? I made a bet with him. I told him that he would fall in love with me like crazy. If I tell him now, then he will never confess to me," Ying Lili said with a disheartening expression.


    "Why will his highness not confess his feelings towards you? I think he is waiting for you to confess first. Do you want to know something? His Highness asked me a strange question when you two came to meet me when I was injured," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "His every question is strange. What did he ask about?" Ying Lili waited with inquisitiveness for his response.


    "What kind of husband does Lili want?" Hu Jingguo replied. Hearing that Ying Lili''s eyes widened. "His highness loved you even before you realized your feelings for him. He indeed loves you like crazy but he will not confess. That''s why Prince Wanxi sent me here so that he can get jealous of seeing my closeness to you. Any man would get jealous if his woman is known more by some other man," Hu Jingguo pronounced.


    Ying Lili''s heart skipped a bit upon hearing all this. She recalled how Sheng Li defended her every time she was in a trouble. Her thoughts were interrupted when Sheng Li entered the room with Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao. Hu Jingguo went to them and helped them.


    "Did she eat?" Sheng Li suddenly asked Xiao Zhan.


    Xiao put the bags down on the wooden floor. He lowered his eyes, unable to answer the Crown Prince''s query. "Did you pass her the message if she would not take her meals then her friend will get punished?" Sheng Li questioned Xiao Zhan.


    Hu Jingguo''s eyes grew big. "Why would I be punished!?" He astonishingly asked the Crown Prince.


    "Because your friend does not listen to me. I cannot punish her but I can do this to you," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili stood up from the bed and stood beside Hu Jingguo.


    "Do you expect me to have lunch when you were in danger? How could I enjoy my meals when you were attacked by assassins? Stupid!!" Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li in front of everyone.


    "What did you call me?" Sheng Li angrily asked.


    "Stupid! Aren''t you?! Who goes behind the assassins without being prepared? Did you want to show off again that you fought with over a dozen assassins all by yourselves? Did you really win those battles or did you act stupidly like this there as well?" Ying Lili argued with Sheng Li which infuriated him more.


    "Shut up!!" Sheng Li shouted at her.


    "Why are you shouting at me?" Ying Lili snorted and then looked at General Wang. "General Wang, you tell me if I am wrong. Your Crown Prince would have gotten injured if I would not have reached there at the time and see now he is getting angry at me," Ying Lili asked for Wang Hao''s opinion.


    Sheng Li bored his gaze at Ying Lili. "Wang Hao knows that what I did was right," Sheng Li proudly stated.


    "That''s what you think!" Ying Lili retorted.


    "The Crown Princess is absolutely right. The Crown Prince should not have acted this way. The shooter was there to kill his highness. Thanks to the Crown Princess''s quick actions, nothing happened to the Crown Prince," Wang Hao replied veraciously.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows and turned to look at Wang Hao. "You are taking her side?! You also think I''m stupid!" Sheng Li asked in skepticism.


    "What is there to think about! It was visible that you acted stupidly," Ying Lili whispered. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan smiled. They puckered their lips together when they heard the Crown Prince, "Get out from here. Leave the two of us alone!"


    The three walked out from there leaving the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess behind. "Why did you send them out?" Ying Lili asked when she saw Sheng Li was taking steps closer to her. She crossed her arms and averted his gaze from him.


    "Say what you were saying earlier," Sheng Li ordered her.


    "Shall I make a poster of that? I will tell then everyone how stupid is their Crown Prince. Your father willugh when I tell him how you acted today. You called me a na?ve woman but today you showed me you are a loggerhead!" Ying Lili''s words kept fuming Sheng Li. He was now in front of her.


    He brought his hand closer to Ying Lili''s face. His thumb and index finger grabbed Ying Lili''s chin thus turning her face towards him. "Say one more time," Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili opened her mouth to speak when Sheng Li sealed her lips with a kiss.

 Chapter 192 - Arent You Scared?

    <h4>Chapter 192 - Aren''t You Scared?</h4>


    Ying Lili widened her eyes as she was kissed by Sheng Li. In this situation, she did not expect this from him. Sheng Li pulled away and looked into her eyes. "Do you think I did that because I want to show off? Did you see how many assassins were there? Even if the arrow had poison, it would not have harmed me. You were not allowed toe there. If he had shot it towards you, then it would be a bigger problem for me." Sheng Li pulled out the fake mustache which was ced on Ying Lili''s upper lip.


    In those few seconds, Ying Lili''s heart raced when she felt Sheng Li''s thumb on her cheek. "Don''t evere like this. It scares me," Sheng Li whispered and touched his forehead against hers. Ying Lili closed her eyes and felt the hot breaths that were hitting on her lips.


    "But you impressed me. I was wrong about you! You were indeed great today. I saw the way you killed a few assassins there without thinking about your life. I have never cared like this before by anyone, so it''s very new to me. I am angry at myself that my woman does not listen to me. Xiao and even Kofeng listened to you, which infuriated me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "You are my husband, so I could not sit and wait for you toe back. Even my man does not listen to me, which angers me," Ying Lili pronounced, and gradually opened her eyes. She pried into the eyes of Sheng Li, which were intensely looking at hers.


    "Let''s have lunch. I''m hungry. It''s almost evening. Our n to go with the Merchants failed as well," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li hummed, but he did not let go of Ying Lili. He dipped his face closer to Ying Lili''s such that their noses touched each other. "Aren''t you scared sometimes that being with me can endanger your life?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "No. I know my husband will save me from those dangers," Ying Lili replied. Their lips were an inch apart and now were brushing against each other when they heard someone had opened the door. Ying Lili''s reflex acted fast, and she ended up pping Sheng Li to push him away, though the force he felt on his cheek was light, it shocked him.


    "Your highness, this medicine needed to be applied over the wound of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo told Sheng Li who was standing there with his hand on his cheek and a bewildered expression on his face.


    "Did something happen?" Wang Hao asked who entered after Hu Jingguo.


    "Do you not know the word ''knock''?" Sheng Li put his hand down.


    Hu Jingguo forgot to knock as he was worried about the wound on the hand of the Crown Princess. "Forgive me, I forgot. The injury can get infected, so I brought this," Hu Jingguo, with a stutter said and showed the herbal paste to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li without saying anything walked out from there. Ying Lili looked at him when the door mmed loudly. "Did I interrupt you two?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "No."


    Wang Hao left behind the Crown Prince, leaving Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo in the room. Sheng Li was standing near the deck railing of the second floor, both hands resting on its upper end. Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao came near him. The two Generals stood on either side of the Crown Prince.


    "Forgive me, your highness." Xiao Zhan apologized.


    "Next time don''t act like this," Sheng Li told Xiao Zhan who gave a nod.


    "Did you find something?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao, tilting his head towards him.


    "Cai Hong did all this," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li who drew his brows together.


    "That guy who wanted to be the General?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao.


    "Yes, your highness. Cai Hong wanted to kill his highness because of that reason only but that was one-sided. He was working for the Empress and I found two scrolls from him," Wang Hao asserted. Sheng Li told them to follow him to the room.


    They were now in the room next to Ying Lili''s. Pulling the chairs out, the three took on their respective seats. General Wang handed the scrolls to the Crown Prince who opened one of them. "This is not the writing of the Empress," Sheng Li pronounced and read the message.


    "Kill the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess before they reach Luoyang," Sheng Li read out and then opened the other scroll. In that scroll, there was a route map to go to the Southern Province. "He followed us the time we left Luoyang," Sheng Li murmured and again picked the scroll in which the message was written.


    "We are stuck. Going back to Luoyang is difficult now. We do not know who is ahead in our way," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Your highness, we can take the route of the forest to reach the outer border of the Southern Province but the forest route is not preferred because of the wild animals. It would be risky but less than going straight among a group," Xiao Zhan suggested.


    "Wild animals are not a problem. We will take this route in the early morning. We need to get out of this forest before the evening. But because no one has ever used this, we are unsure if we will not deviate from the true path. Check a local here who has used this route. We will not leave until we are sure about the route," Sheng Limanded both Generals.


    "Yes, your highness."


    Sheng Li stood up from the chair, folded the two scrolls, and left for his room. Entering the room, he told Hu Jingguo to leave, who stood up from the chair and walked out. Sheng Li put the scrolls on the table there and took off the upper robe.


    "Forgive me for earlier," Ying Lili apologized to Sheng Li.


    "You need topensate for that," Sheng Li stated and smirked.


    ~~~~~~


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 Chapter 193 - Because Of You!

    <h4>Chapter 193 - Because Of You!</h4>


    "Compensate?" Ying Lili mumbled when she found Sheng Li beside her on the bed. Her right hand was taken by Sheng Li as he examined it. "You hurt yourself to save me," Sheng Li whispered.


    "How many times are you going to say this?" Ying Liliined and pulled her hand back but Sheng Li did not let it go. "Don''t," she heard. "What are you staring at? It is making me nervous," Ying Lili said after a few minutes.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes to meet the pair of pearly eyes. "I promised myself that I would not let you get injured on this journey. But look, because of my negligence you ended up getting hurt," Sheng Li stated.


    "It happens when you need to fight enemies. What about you? You are also injured, but you hid your wounds as if they never existed. Do you want me to treat it or shall I call Jingguo here?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li.


    ''She even noticed my injuries!'' Sheng Li thought.


    "Those are minor cuts, but yours is not. Also, you have topensate for the p which you gave me earlier," Sheng Li proimed.


    "That was idental. I did not intentionally do that. You always kiss me at the wrong time and the wrong ce," Ying Lili defended herself.


    "Shouldn''t you say that your friend jumps in every time I get affectionate to you? Do you know how badly I want to beat him up but just because of you, I control myself every time Jingguo acts that way," Sheng Li affirmed and gazed into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    Ying Lili''s heart fluttered. "Why do you control yourself?" Ying Lili twitched her lips as a smile started appearing on them.


    "Because of you!" Sheng Li immediately replied. His fingers were ying with Ying Lili''s hair strands which tried blocking his view of her face.


    Ying Lili was confounded by Sheng Li''s statement. "Because of me!?" With an inquisitiveness, Ying Lili searched for an answer in Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "Hmm."


    Ying Lili gave a tiny smile and lowered her eyes. ''Does it mean he loves me? Can''t he just say that he loves me, that''s why he doesn''t want me to get hurt in any way?'' Ying Lili contemted when she felt the rough lips of Sheng Li on her forehead. He parted his lips away from her skin and again met those beautiful pairs of pearly eyes.


    Ying Lili was equally focusing into Sheng Li''s eyes when she heard him. "Promise me you will not do this again." Sheng Li had let go of those hair strands. He brought his left hand closer to Ying Lili''s chin and showed her his little finger.


    "What are you saying? I cannot promise this," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Can''t you fulfill this one wish of mine? I fulfill your wishes so easily but you refused to fulfill mine," Sheng Li opined.


    "Ask for some other wish then. This one I cannot fulfill. Why can''t you understand? You are not alone now. You have a wife who will get worried every time such kind of danger falls on you," Ying Lili argued and huffed.


    Sheng Li put his hand down. "Fine. I will ask for that wishter. If you refuse to fulfill that then I will not see you for two weeks," Sheng Li stated.


    "Two weeks? What kind of wish are you going to ask me to fulfill?" Ying Lili muttered.


    "Something which you will like too," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili nodded and asked him when they would take their meals.


    Sheng Li realized that it slipped his mind, so he dashed out of the room. After five minutes, he entered the room with a food tray in his hands. Ying Lili stood up and walked near him. "Why did you bring it here? Let me help you," Ying Lili said and lifted her hands when Sheng Li told her to take a seat around the table.


    Ying Lili could not help that and followed him to the table. Sitting in their respective seats, Sheng Li brought his chair closer to Ying Lili''s. "I don''t think you will be able to use your right hand," Sheng Li said and picked the chopsticks from the tray. He picked a little rice from it and brought it closer to Ying Lili''s mouth. "Open your mouth," he said.


    "I will use the other hand," Ying Lili softly voiced when Sheng Li put the rice into her mouth. Ying Lili chewed them while Sheng Li picked a slice of cooked meat. He brought it closer to Ying Lili''s mouth.


    "You shall eat too," Ying Lili told Sheng Li.


    "I will after you," Sheng Li replied. He fed the food to Ying Lili till her stomach was full. Taking out the handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped Ying Lili''s mouth from it. He then poured water into a ss and fed it to Ying Lili.


    "You shall take a rest," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am not sleepy. You shall take your meal as well," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li nodded and started eating.


    "What did General Wang inform you? Did he catch the shooter?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Hmm. He was working for the Empress," Sheng Li replied.


    "We need to be cautious. What did you think then?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Xiao has suggested going from the densely forested area, which is not in use. I have sent them to check with the locals if someone can lead us to the right way," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Taking the help of a trustworthy local is important," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li agreed with her. Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was tense. "We will safely reach the Pce so do not worry. I was thinking of exposing the Empress''s true intentions once we will be in the Pce. We need to stop her before she will do something extreme," Ying Lili, with a menacing expression stated.


    "I advise you not to do anything. Weng Wei has the backing of lots of people whom we don''t know," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili and continued eating.

 Chapter 194 - Immense Pleasure

    <h4>Chapter 194 - Immense Pleasure</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was restlessly pacing in his room. Suddenly, he stopped and opened the fan in his hand. He moved it in front of his face. "It is my third visit to the temple, but I did not find anything or anyone there. This Empress is a clever, sly fox. She sent the priest away and there is nothing around the temple which could be suspicious," Lei Wanxi muttered and closed the fan in his hand.


    "No, I cannot lose against her that easily," Lei Wanxi murmured and strode out of his room. "Only Brother Nianzu can help me in this," Lei Wanxi thought and went straight to the chamber of the Fourth Prince.


    Outside the Fourth Prince''s chamber, Lei Wanxi was informed by Eunuch Chung that Prince Nianzu would returnte as he was with his mother.


    "Brother will talk to me in the morning?" asked Lei Wanxi.


    "Yes, your highness."


    Lei Wanxi hummed and left from there. "When will the Fifth Brother return? I hope they are safe. There is no news from them, and it is worrying me," Lei Wanxi thought and went back to his chamber.


    Nianzu could be seen in the wine shop of the market, in a private room. After a conversation with the First Prince, Nianzu had left the Pce ande here. Today was the third time he hade here. Earlier, almost a year ago, when the Empress punished his mother because he did not support Jian Guozhi''s appointment in the Ministry of Law and Justice.


    Unlike the other times, today Nianzu had consumed more wine than his capacity. His emotions were acting up all at once, making him look like a drunkard rather than a Prince. The owner of the wine shop arranged a horse cart for the Fourth Prince to send him back to the Pce, but he refused to go in that.


    Although Nianzu was drunk, he did not say anything about the Pce. He paid the bills and took his leave from there. The night had fallen, and he was walking with wavering steps towards the Pce when he stopped. "Why am I going there? I do not want to go there." Nianzu turned back when he recalled his mother would be alone there.


    Luckily, because of the night people walking past through the Prince could not recognize him. Nianzu, with his wavering steps, walked towards the Pce. "I cannot feel my legs. I want to take some rest," Nianzu murmured. He looked around for a resting ground and saw some trees a few meters ahead of him.


    He walked there and was now under one of those trees. Sitting beneath a tree, he rested his head against its stem and took out the flute, which he always kept with him from the sash.


    He counted the holes, blew the air through those holes, and smiled. Bringing it closer to his mouth, Nianzu started ying it. People who were walking through that path listened to the soothing sound, but since the night was falling, they could not stand there for long.


    Chuntao was hurrying to the Pce. She wanted to leave early from her home, but Bingbing did not let her go. In the evening, she had left her house, and now night had fallen. While running, she heard a flute sound which stopped her.


    "This sound!" Chuntao mumbled. "Am I hearing voices?" She wondered and stepped ahead, but she again heard the voice. "Why does it seem like Prince Nianzu is ying the flute?" Chuntao muttered. She decided to follow the sound and turned left.


    She saw a few people had gathered near a few trees and then walked away. She stepped ahead and soon reached those people. Craning her head, she looked ahead but was not able to see who was sitting under the tree.


    "Excuse me, brother! Who is ying the flute?" Chuntao queried a man standing in front of her.


    "Sister, I do not know. But it seems he is from a rich family," the man replied. Chuntao thanked the man for answering her and went ahead from among those people. To her surprise, it was Prince Nianzu who was ying the flute.


    She hurried to him and bent on her knees. "Your highness," she whispered and patted his shoulder. Nianzu stopped blowing the air on the flute and peered at her.


    "Miss, you here?" Nianzu said. "D-do you want to learn this?" he asked.


    Chuntao refused and turned to look at those people. She stood up and told them that they should leave. The people dispersed from there. "Ayee, don''t go. Listen to my song," Nianzu shouted as he stood up from the ground. Chuntao also got up and told the Fourth Prince to keep quiet.


    She realized that the Prince was drunk. But why? She had heard in the Pce that the Fourth Prince had no such habits. "Why did you send them away?" Nianzu''s sudden outburst at Chuntao brought her out of those thoughts. "They were listening to me," Nianzu muttered.


    "Your highness, what if they would have recognized you? Let''s converseter. First, we need to reach the Pce," Chuntao pronounced and looked around.


    "Pce? I don''t want to go there, but I cannot leave it either," Nianzu muttered. Chuntao heard him and turned her head. She saw the sad expressions in the eyes of Prince Nianzu.


    On that dark night, she could only see the pair of dark eyes, which had turned misty. "My mother will be alone if I leave the Pce. I promised her that I would end her miseries." The tears poured down the eyes of Nianzu. Chuntao could not understand what to say in that condition.


    She saw Nianzu had walked past her. She turned to him and grabbed Nianzu''s arm. "Let me support you, your highness." Nianzu hummed, and the two started walking on the route to the Pce.


    "Your highness, difficulties are everywhere. I do not know what is going on with you but I know that his highness will ovee them," Chuntao asserted.


    "I do not know the way to ovee them. I am indeed a Prince but because my mother is a concubine so, I am not allowed to have rights like my other brothers. Thanks to my father, I have never been deprived of those rights but it does not mean I can use them fully. When I see people like you, I feel immense pleasure and I wish for that life too, free from fights for power," Nianzu proimed and looked up at the sky. Chuntao also stopped and looked at the Prince.


    "Rain will pour soon," Nianzu murmured when the thunder sound reverberated throughout the sky.


    "We shall hurry," said Chuntao worriedly, when she felt a raindrop on her cheek. She grasped Nianzu''s hand and moved forward. Holding her high waist skirt, she started running while pulling Nianzu with her.


    "We need to hurry, otherwise it will be difficult for us," Nianzu heard her. It was a thin drizzling rain which gave them the chance to reach the pce sooner without being drenched. Nianzu realized that rain could get heavier any time sooner, so he took the lead and overtook Chuntao. Soon they reached outside the first gate of the Pce and the two stopped, gasping for the air. Nianzu had never felt this good as he was feeling today, after running. He turned to Chuntao who was panting. Because of the light-bearers which were ced there, their faces were visible.


    Nianzu lifted his hand and moved the back of his finger over Chuntao''s cheeks, which had rain droplets on them.


    "Your highness, you might catch a cold," Chuntao murmured and looked towards the first gate of the pce. Nianzu nodded and put his hand down her cheek. He saw Chuntao had gone towards the Pce guard and was talking something with him.


    After a few minutes, she came back to him with an Oil-Paper umbre in her hand. She opened it and covered Nianzu from it. "Your highness, let''s go in!" Chuntao said with her sparkling eyes.

 Chapter 195 - I Am Not Sheng Li

    <h4>Chapter 195 - I Am Not Sheng Li</h4>


    Nianzu hummed at Chuntao and started walking. The intensity of the rain had increased by then. Nianzu noticed that Chuntao''s clothes were soaking through as the umbre was not over her. Because of her small height, she needed to raise the arm high so that the umbre''s internal canopy would not hit Prince Nianzu''s head.


    "Let me hold this," Nianzu held the crook handle from Chuntao and pulled her lightly towards him, thus covering her from the umbre.


    "Your highness," she murmured but Nianzu did not let go of her hand. She walked along with Nianzu as the two crossed the First Gate of the Pce. The Pce Guards bowed their heads as the Fourth Prince crossed their sights.


    "Miss Chuntao, you shall not stay outside the Pce after evening," Chuntao heard Nianzu. She was wiping her face which was covered with water droplets. She found that Prince Nianzu had sobered because of the running and drizzling rain which fell on them earlier. She pulled her hand back, and did not want the Pce people to get a wrong idea about them but to her surprise, Nianzu did not let it go. "Why were you outside thiste?" Nianzu asked.


    "Forgive me, your highness. I will keep this in my mind," Chuntao bowed her head and lifted her head to look at him. Nianzu was devoid of expressions at that moment. They had crossed the Fu Imperial Gates by then and soon reached the Pce grounds.


    "Today I was feeling low," Nianzu halted at his ce and then let go of Chuntao''s hand. He turned towards her and continued, "Forget whatever I told you today. It was not meant to be told."


    The thunder reverberated the second time. But the two kept intact in the Pce grounds. "Yes, your highness," Chuntao replied and lowered her eyes when she felt Nianzu''s hand on hers. He put her hand on the crook handle. "I will see you tomorrow. Thank you for today," saying that Nianzu walked away from there.


    Chuntao lifted her other hand and stepped forward to stop Nianzu but in thiste-night, she thought that it would not be good to go to the Eastern side of the Pce with the Fourth Prince. She felt a little bad as the Prince walked away without the umbre. She left for the quarter that was allotted to her till the period of her stay in the Pce.


    Nianzu reached the Eastern Pavilion when he found an umbre over his head. He turned his head and saw it was the Sixth Prince. Lei Wanxi noticed the tears which were hidden behind those raindrops. "Brother might catch a cold," Lei Wanxi stated and gestured to him to ascend those stairs.


    The two stepped on the stairs. Lei Wanxi did not want to ask his Fourth Brother anything as he found out from his mother how he left the Pce in anger. They reached outside the chamber. Eunuch Chung was shocked to see Prince Nianzu in that disheveled state. He told the maidservant to bring the towels, who worked fast.


    "Master, I will prepare a hot bath for you," Eunuch Chung said.


    "Eunuch Chung, please prepare for me as well," Lei Wanxi said.


    Eunuch Chung nodded and gave the orders to the other maidservant there. Nianzu and Lei Wanxi walked inside the chamber.


    The towels were given to them and they dried themselves. "What happened, your highness? Why are you in this disheveled state?" Eunuch Chung worriedly asked as he took the drenched overcoat from Prince Nianzu but he did not reply to him.


    Lei Wanxi gestured to Chung to leave them. Eunuch Chung understood the indication and left from there. Nianzu sat on the chaise there and closed his eyes. He remained in that position for fifteen minutes. Lei Wanxi did not speak anything and waited for his Senior Fourth Brother to speak to him.


    A deep sigh was heard by Lei Wanxi which showed how despondent he had turned. After five minutes, a maidservant came inside to inform the princes that the bathhouse was ready to use.


    Nianzu stood up and walked straight to the bathhouse, followed by Lei Wanxi. Dipping themselves in the separate bathtubs, the two princes felt rxed. "Is the Fourth Brother okay?" Lei Wanxi finally asked.


    Nianzu turned to look at Lei Wanxi. "Wanxi, I want to kill Weng Wei," Nianzu''s sudden statement worried Lei Wanxi. He turned towards the door but they were closed.


    "Brother, calm down. You cannot be irrational. This is not the time to get depressed. I know mother Hui is undergoing the torture by the Empress but we cannot do anything in hurry," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Her entire elbow had turned purple. What if something happens to her? What will I do then? Seeing the cunning Empress in front of me boils my blood. Even if I have to die, I will make sure to kill her," Nianzu uttered. This was the first time Lei Wanxi saw his Fourth Brother this angry.


    Anyone could get angry seeing her mother in that state! But taking a decision indiscreetly would affect them negatively only. Nianzu motioned his hand in the water that sshed out of the bathtub.


    "Brother, if killing her would be easy then don''t you think she would be dead by now by the hands of Brother Sheng? He is waiting for the right moment. The Empress is not only supported by the strong Wei Family but also the Han''s other strongest family. Brother Sheng wants to weaken her from her every side to punish her that''s why he bore every single torture," Lei Wanxi tried making the Fourth Prince understand.


    "Shall I wait then for my mother to die by her hands? I told you that I am not Sheng Li. I would have run away from this ce if I was at his ce after killing that cunning woman! It hurts. It hurts badly!" Nianzu stated as his eyes again turned misty.


    "Seeing your mother in that state and not being able to do anything is the worst feeling ever. You cannot understand this feeling. No one apart from Sheng Li! She killed the mother of Sheng Li, Sister Lili''s parents were also killed by her and now she is after my mother! I am a simple man who just wants to live a simple life with his mother," Nianzu''s emotions again burst out.


    Lei Wanxi clenched his fist. He did not know what he should say to console his older brother.


    ~~~~


    In the Emperor''s Manor, Han Wenji was looking at the portrait of histe beloved, Sheng Li''s mother. He moved his fingers over the portrait when his loyal Eunuch Jin Delun came there. Both of his hands were near his stomach, and his head was lowered.


    "Your majesty, the medical assistant is provided to Concubine Deng Hui," Eunuch Jin informed the Emperor.


    Han Wenji put his hand down from the portrait and turned to look at Jin Delun. "Weng Wei did that?" Han Wenji asked. Jin Delun nodded his head.


    "Shall I punish her?" Han Wenji queried.


    Jin Delun lifted his head and then again lowered it. "Your majesty, you have the power to punish Empress Wei for the wrong she has been doing for a long time. She killed the former Empress of the Han Empire and tried numerous attempts to kill the Crown Prince not once but many times. I am not able to understand when his majesty knows everything, then how could he bear the sight of an evil Empress. Forgive me, your majesty, for using a foul word," Eunuch Jin Delun apologized but he was sick of the Empress''s behavior.


    "Because she is not alone in this. There is someone who is behind all this whom I could not find all these years. I know because of my negligence many have to suffer but not anymore," Han Wenji pronounced. Jin Delun lifted his head and peered into the eyes of the Emperor.


    "Your majesty, what are you going to do?" Jin Delun asked. Han Wenji gave a slight smile. "You will find out soon," Han Wenji replied. "Is there any news from the Crown Prince?" he then asked.


    "Yes, your majesty. The control has been taken over the Southern Province, and remaining reports will be given to you by the Crown Prince," Jin Delun informed the Emperor and took out a scroll from inside his pocket. He handed that to Han Wenji and stepped back.


    Han Wenji read the message sent by Sheng Li. "Check the routes that will be used by them on the return journey. Make sure to escort them here safely," Han Wenji ordered as he folded the scroll. "Send the message to Yang Fei Ke of the Ju Province. Tell him that he will be given a big responsibility by the Emperor," Han Wenji told Jin Delun, who nodded and took his leave.


    ~~~


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 Chapter 196 - Eat Them Up

    <h4>Chapter 196 - Eat Them Up</h4>


    "Your highness, this is Chonglin, a local who has been living in this town for 60 years. Grandpa will help us go through the forest," Hu Jingguo pronounced.


    Chonglin greeted both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "It is my pleasure that I can be useful to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. I have been living here for 60 years and know the forest route as I used to pick the herbs from there," Chonglin proimed.


    "Will you be able to walk? The forest is dense and if anything happens, then you know the consequences," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Your highness, please trust this old man. I might be old by age, but my body is still strong," Chonglin replied. Sheng Li hummed and told him to exin the route. Chonglin nodded and exined the entire route to the Crown Prince.


    "We will leave this ce in the early morning. Wang Hao, take him with you. Stay here for today," Sheng Li told Chonglin, who agreed to that. General Wang and General Xiao walked out of the room along with Chonglin while Hu Jingguo stayed there.


    "Are you sure he can be trusted?" Sheng Li asked Hu Jingguo.


    "Your highness, the Generals and I were told by many locals the name of this grandpa who knows the forest route. I know the day''s event has scared you but trust me that grandpa will help us cross the forest," Hu Jingguo pronounced and lifted his head.


    Sheng Li gave a nod to him. "Crown Princess, may I know how your hand is?" Hu Jingguo queried.


    "Pain has gone. Thank you," Ying Lili replied and passed a tiny smile to her friend. A loud sound of thunder was heard by them.


    "Your highness, rain is going to fall. Do you remember we used to y in the rain? It was so much fun," Hu Jingguo told Ying Lili who smiled recalling her childhood days.


    "I remember. Mother used to scold me so much every time I yed in the rain," Ying Lili stated. The smile from her lips faded, and sadness surrounded her. Sheng Li red at Hu Jingguo and dismissed him from there. Sheng Li went towards the door and locked it.


    "Because you could have fallen sick, your mother scolded you!" Ying Lili heard Sheng Li who lifted her eyes to look at him. She hummed at him and went to the bed. "Do you like to y in the rain?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li who refused immediately.


    "It irritates me," Sheng Li replied and sat on the chair around the table. He checked the map once again and checked the points that were told by Chonglin for the forest route.


    "Rain gives you a romantic feeling," Ying Lili said, grabbing the attention of Sheng Li. "Isn''t it?" Ying Lili asked, looking at Sheng Li.


    "I do not know. It is my first time hearing this, but it does not mean that I will try it. We have to leave tomorrow and I do not want you to fall sick on the journey," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Who wants to get romantic with you? I was just saying in general. I know you do not like all this," Ying Lili yanked at him. Ying Lili had picked the fruit bowl, which had cherries in her hand from the bedside table, and started eating them. Her words provoked Sheng Li, and he stood up from the chair.


    "You think I''m not romantic?" Sheng Li asked as he sat beside Ying Lili who hummed and tasted the cherry. Sheng Li chuckled at how easily Ying Lili said that. "Then teach me how to get romantic with my wife?" Sheng Li requested. Ying Lili threw the seed of cherry in the other bowl and gazed at Sheng Li.


    "What? You act strange sometimes," Ying Lili stated and brought a cherry closer to her lips. "Romance is not learned. Ites when you love someone. Do you have to love me?" Ying Lili asked him and put the cherry in her mouth. The rain started pouring down. The sound of it hitting the roof was soothing, which brought a smile to Ying Lili''s lips.


    She kept eating cherries and asked Sheng Li if he wanted to eat when she realized how intense Sheng Li''s gaze was on her. She felt her cheeks getting hotter by that intense gaze. "Aren''t you feeling that it''s getting hot here? Could you please open that window there?" Ying Lili asked and put thest cherry in her mouth when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on her cheek.


    "But I know how to flutter your heart." Sheng Li''s thumb caressed Ying Lili''s cheek. "I know how to make your heart race crazily." Sheng Li hade closer to her, leaving an infinitesimal distance between their faces. Ying Lili gradually chewed the cherry in her mouth and gulped it.


    Ying Lili found how Sheng Li''s gaze was boring through her soul, which was making her nervous in a strange way. "Did I say something wrong?" Ying Lili wondered when her lips felt the touch of Sheng Li''s lips.


    As Sheng Li parted his lips from her, he whispered, "Your lips are tasting like a cherry. It makes me want to¡­" he paused and observed Ying Lili''s reaction.


    "W-why did you pause?" Ying Lili asked with a stutter.


    "¡­ eat them up." Ying Lili''s cheeks flushed red upon hearing that. Oppositely, Sheng Li did not wait for Ying Lili''s response this time and captured her lips. The way he was kissing her, making her vulnerable for those kisses and at the same time filled her with euphoric feelings.


    When he bit her lower lip, she moaned and immediately opened her eyes. She never did this! She looked at Sheng Li whose eyes were still closed, lost in those kisses. Another moan left out of her mouth when Sheng Li licked her lower lip which he had bitten a second ago. She had lost her guard and Sheng Li took the chance to enter her mouth.


    Her mind was sting off from the pleasure that was building inside her. And she lost itpletely when Sheng Li''s tongue touched hers. Savoring the taste of the insides of Ying Lili''s mouth, Sheng Li gently pulled away as the two needed air after that heated kiss. Their breaths were hitting against each other''s lips.


    She felt Sheng Li''s cheek on hers as she was pulled closer by Sheng Li for a hug. "That was sweet," she heard him whisper in her ear.

 Chapter 197 - The Way You Do

    <h4>Chapter 197 - The Way You Do</h4>


    "Why are you not saying anything now? Earlier you were speaking like scissors," Sheng Li demanded an answer from Ying Lili as he leaned back; his eyes were fixed at hers.


    "I heard your moans two times. Was it that good?" Sheng Li asked another question. Ying Lili was too shy to answer those questions. She saw how Sheng Li had caught a few of her loose hair strands in his fingers and yed with them.


    "You make me wait too much! You are turning an impatient man into a patient man," Sheng Li remarked and again looked back at her. "First, you tell me to find the meaning of this butterfly." Sheng Li lifted his hand to show her and continued, "and now you are not answering me about the heated kiss we just had. Is it that tough to exin? I want your participation as well in such things. Since when the Crown Princess started acting shyly."


    Sheng Li''s remark and his signature smirk were racing Ying Lili''s heart. "I do not know how to exin this feeling," Ying Lili replied after a while. "But it was good," she stated. Sheng Li smiled and let go of those hair strands by tucking them behind her ear.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li was satisfied with Ying Lili''s answer. "I will prove to you how romantic this Crown Prince is!" Sheng Li affirmed as his lips moved up to give a smile to Ying Lili. "But I want you to be equally romantic with me. Will you?" Sheng Li searched for an answer in Ying Lili''s eyes.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "Only when you will find the meaning of this butterfly and confess to me," Ying Lili asserted and looked at his wrist. Taking his hand into hers, she ced her palm over his. "Your fingers are so long," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li lowered his eyes and looked at Ying Lili''s finger.


    "Are they?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Yes. Look, my fingers are so tiny in front of you," Ying Lili pronounced, looking back at him.


    Sheng Li intertwined their fingers together. He lifted their joined hands and kissed Ying Lili''s knuckles. "Your hands are not soft. These are hard, depicting how much you have trained," Sheng Li pronounced and released Ying Lili''s hand.


    "Are you hungry?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili who refuted.


    "I have eaten so much. You shall take dinner," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li shook her head in refusal. "I am sleepy. I am a little tired and tomorrow we need to leave so let''s sleep," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili tried taking off the overcoat when Sheng Li told her that he would help. Gently removing the overcoat and cing it over the table, he blew off the candles there, keeping one remain lit, and came back to the bed.


    Getting into the bed, heid down beside the Crown Princess. "Sheng Li, how long will it take to reach the pce?" Ying Lili suddenly asked.


    "Since we will use the forest route, we will cross the border by the evening. Then it will take one more day to reach the borders of Luoyang. But, we need to be careful. Assassins were here to kill us, and I think some of them must be waiting for us at the borders," Sheng Li menacingly said.


    Ying Lili ced her left hand on Sheng Li''s cheek and caressed it. "We will safely reach the Pce. Together we will ovee everything in our way. Close your eyes," Ying Lili softly said.


    "You close first," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili pulled her hand back and did so. A tiny smile formed on his lips and he moved closer to her. He nuzzled her hair, which made Ying Lili open her eyes. She felt Sheng Li''s hand on her belly so she tilted her head slightly.


    "Thank you for today. You are a courageous woman who wonders for me. Even if I get angry, you do not leave me. No one makes me feel the way you do," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili ced her left hand over his right one. Soon their fingers intertwined once again with each other.


    Ying Lili was happy because Sheng Li was epting her. For her, he changed a lot, which was visible. This kind of husband she always wanted for her! The two had fallen to sleep, snuggling closer to each other.


    ~~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi could be seen in the Eastern Pavilion. He was looking at the dark cloudy sky and the heavy rain which was pouring. Zho Mi came there and stand beside him. She looked at the sky and then at her husband.


    "Jian Ge, may I ask what happened?" Zho Mi asked. That voice brought him out of his thoughts and he turned towards his wife.


    "Just looking at the sky," Jian Guozhi replied. "What are you doing here? Isn''t this your sleeping time?" Jian Guozhi asked as he moved aside on the wooden bench, gesturing to Zho to sit there. "Come and sit here," Jian said.


    Zho Mi thanked him and took a seat beside him. "Jian Ge, I was informed by my personal assistant that you are sitting here for two hours. So, I thought of visiting you," Zho Mi answered.


    Jian Guozhi nodded and looked back again at the dark sky. The dark clouds were visible as the lightning was traveling through them, which scared Zho a little. "I hope the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are safe," Zho said. Jian looked at her and hummed.


    "My life is like this dark sky. The only difference is that after every rain, the clouds clear up thus making the sky clear." Zho Mi could not understand the words of her husband fully. "As the eldest son, I was always told to do this and that by my mother. And I followed her teachings until I realized that I cannot clear the darkness ahead of me. I cannot even express it." a sigh escaped his mouth.


    Zho Mi found that her husband, unlike earlier, had changed after the poisoning incident. What could be the possible reason? She thought.


    "Jian Ge, are you sad again because of the Crown?" Zho asked him.


    "No. I don''t care about that anymore. I want to be acknowledged for my achievements, which are nil because of the one mistake which I made years ago," Jian pronounced.


    A rumble of thunder was heard which scared Zho and she immediately grabbed the hand of Jian Guozhi; her eyes were tightly shut. "Are you scared of thunder?" Jian asked as a smile appeared on his lips.


    Zho nodded and hid her face behind his back. "I heard it kills people," Zho stated. Jian chuckled seeing the reaction of his wife.


    "But we are inside this shelter, so nothing will happen. You shall open your eyes and look at me," Jian Guozhi softly said. Zho gradually opened her eyes and looked into the eyes of Jian Guozhi. He patted her back and calmed her down.


    When she was rxed, Jian Guozhi pulled his hand back and told her that she should return to her chamber. "Are you going to stay here the entire night?" Zho asked.


    "I do not know. Maybe till the rain stops." Jian replied.


    "You shall go back to your chamber as well. Staying here in the open is not good," Zho expressed her concern.


    Jian Guozhi leaned towards Zho and kissed her lips, which bewildered her. Leaning back, he peered at her. "I want to stay here a little longer. Thank you for showing concern for me." Jian looked behind and saw Zho''s personal assistant, almost ten meters away from them. "Take Lady Zho to her chamber," Jian stated and turned back to look at his wife.


    Zho could no longer refuse her husband and left from there. Xue Yu-Yan watched all this from the other side and clenched her fist. "I told you to not make me angry and jealous," she muttered and strode away.

 Chapter 198 - Disguise As Women

    <h4>Chapter 198 - Disguise As Women</h4>


    In the early morning, the Crown Prince along with the others left the rest-house. Ying Lili was on Kofeng while others were walking. The forest was dense. Even a single ray of light was not touching its ground region. It was good because it had saved them from the roasting heat.


    As assured by the old man, they indeed reached the borders before evening. Sheng Li offered Chonglin a ransom amount, but he refused. "Your highness, it is my pleasure that I could prove important to you," Chonglin proimed.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who stepped towards the old man. "Grandpa, take it for your family. The Crown Prince is overwhelmed by your service and he wants to reward you for that. You not only helped us to cross the borders but also saved our lives. Please take this," Ying Lili asserted as she took the pouch full of gold coins from Sheng Li and handed that to Chonglin.


    The old man could not refuse them as it would disrespect the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "There is a rest house a few meters away from here. General Xiao will drop you there. Thank you again for helping us. I will never forget your beneficence ever," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Long live, your highnesses!" Chonglin said delightedly. Xiao Zhan walked near and told the old man toe with him. Soon they had left their sight. Sheng Li looked at the sky. It waste evening. The sky had turned red, and the night was going to fall.


    A river stream passed across the border, so they decided to stay there for a night. Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo were making the tent house for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili had gone towards the stream to wash her face and hands. Sheng Li went near her and bent on his knees. "Don''t use your right hand. I will help you," Sheng Li stated and took water in his palm. He then washed Ying Lili''s face who had closed her eyes.


    Hu Jingguo came there with a towel in his hand. Sheng Li took that and cleaned Ying Lili''s face. Sheng Li then washed her left hand, followed by the right one. He told Hu Jingguo to dress that wound again after he would be done cleaning. Once he was done, he let go of Ying Lili''s hand. By that time, the tent house was also ready.


    "Go there," Sheng Li told both of them. They went to the tent house while Sheng Li and Wang Hao kept a check on their surroundings.


    "Your highness, why did we not go to the rest-house?" Wang Hao asked.


    "We might get noticed. This area is safer than that ce as it is hardly used by any," Sheng Li answered and asked him to collect some firewood. Wang Hao bowed his head and walked away.


    Inside the tent house, Hu Jingguo dressed the wound of Ying Lili and asked her why she was looking tense. "Jingguo, Sheng Li is anxious about us. After the attacks of those assassins, he is suspected that some of them might be waiting for us at the borders. Is there any way that we can escape them?" Ying Lili asked.


    "The Crown Prince is absolutely right. The Crown Prince was lucky that the poisoned arrow did not hit him. There is one way to escape those assassins," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "What way?"


    "I am afraid if the Crown Prince will agree to this," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "He will agree to this. Tell me," Ying Lili said. Hu Jingguo nodded and told the way which he thought could save them from getting noticed. Ying Lili loved the n and praised Hu Jingguo for his brilliant mind. Hu Jingguo thanked her and the two came out of the tent house.


    Wang Hao had ignited the fire in the wood thus, illuminating their resting area. Oppositely, Sheng Li was checking the bow and arrow. Seeing Ying Lili out, he told her to go in.


    "I''m getting bored inside. Shall I help you?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No."


    Ying Lili went towards General Wang who was feeding the horses. "Your highness, you shall take a rest," Wang Hao said.


    "I have rested enough. General Wang, I need a favor from you," Ying Lili dered while caressing Kongqi''s face.


    "A favor?" General Wang drew his brows together.


    "Yes. Tomorrow we will reach the borders of Luoyang. We do not intend to be attacked by the assassins again, so we need to disguise ourselves, but not as men," Ying Lili stated. Wang Hao confusedly looked at the Crown Princess.


    "What is the Crown Princess trying to say?" Wang Hao asked.


    "General Wang, you all need to disguise yourself as women," Ying Lili affirmed with sparkling eyes.


    "But, your highness, the Crown Prince would never agree to this. Instead, he will get angry," Wang Hao veraciously replied.


    "That''s why I came to you. When I will tell this idea to Sheng Li, then General Wang has to agree with my n. This time our safety is more important than anything else. You have seen earlier the Crown Prince might have gotten hurt, but we were lucky that time. It does not mean that we will be lucky at all times. It is said that Prevention is better than Cure so, we shall go with this n," Ying Lili exined to General Wang who understood the Crown Princess.


    "Your highness, I agree with you and will support you," General Wang assured Ying Lili who thanked General Wang.


    "Kongqi, your master will look funny tomorrow, but don''tugh at him else he will get angry at us and will throw his tantrums like fireballs," Ying Lili stated. Kofeng neighed upon hearing Ying Lili who smiled.


    "What are you two talking about there?" Both the Crown Princess and General Wang replied at the same time, "Nothing."


    "Come here then," Sheng Li said. Xiao Zhan had arrived there, and they all sat around the bonfire. "We need a n for tomorrow," Sheng Li stated, looking at his Generals.


    "I have a n," Ying Lili stated. Hu Jingguo smiled but quickly suppressed that before Sheng Li could notice that.


    "What kind of n, your highness?" General Wang asked.


    "Just like I disguised myself in a man''s attire, you three need to be disguised as women," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li tilted his head and raised his brow.


    "What are you saying?" Sheng Li sternly queried.


    "What you heard," Ying Lili replied immediately. "If we will be disguised as women, then no one is going to be skeptical about us and we will safely enter the Capital," Ying Lili added.


    Immediately Sheng Li refused that n. Ying Lili red at him. "This is the best n. Okay, let''s decide by vote. Who likes my n, please raise your hand," Ying Lili stated.


    Hu Jingguo immediately raised his hand, which was not unexpected for Sheng Li but when General Wang also raised his hand.


    Sheng Li red at General Wang. "Wang Hao, you too!" he astonishingly said. Xiao Zhan too raised his hand and agreed with the Crown Princess n.


    "I won''t do this," Sheng Li stated. "I won''t disguise myself as a woman," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Then, I have an idea for you. You don''t need to disguise yourself as a woman, your highness. But promise me you will not refuse for that," Hu Jingguo pronounced and smiled.

 Chapter 199 - Do Not Want To Listen

    <h4>Chapter 199 - Do Not Want To Listen</h4>


    Ying Lili told Hu Jingguo to tell them. "The Crown Prince does not need to disguise as a woman; instead, he will be a renowned merchant who is going to the capital with his four wives," Hu Jingguo announced delightedly.


    "What?" Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Xiao Zhan said at the same time.


    "Have you lost your mind?" Sheng Li bellowed at Hu Jingguo. "Do you have a death wish?" Sheng Li shouted at him.


    "Your highness, you promised me that you will not be angry at me," Hu Jingguoined and then looked at Ying Lili. "Crown Princess, it is only for show. Why is the Crown Prince getting angry?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "Shut your mouth! Do you have any idea what you are saying?" Sheng Li yelled at him.


    Ying Lili frowned and peered at Sheng Li. "Why are you shouting at him? The three will be in the disguise of women. You need to lie only that you have four wives. If you cannot do this, then disguise as a woman," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    "I am against both the ideas," Sheng Li announced.


    Ying Lili turned her gaze towards both generals. "General Wang, General Xiao, do you have any problem with this idea? Don''t you think it is the best idea to reach Luoyang? No one will doubt us," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Why are you talking with them? When I said that this is the worst idea then it is! You two do not need to use your dead brain cells," Sheng Li scolded both Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo when Wang Hao intervened.


    "Your highness, I think we shall go with this idea. At this moment, reaching Luoyang without getting harmed is important. I do not mind being disguised as a woman and I think that even Xiao Zhan has no problem with this," Wang Hao affirmed and then looked at Xiao Zhan who agreed with General Wang.


    "Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan, it is not right," Sheng Li stated.


    "Then, do you want to get killed with us? Is your stubbornness more important than our lives? It is not like you never lied. We need to cross the forest thates before the borders where the assassins of the Empress are waiting for us. If we do not take a good disguise, then our lives maye into danger. If you do not care about your life then at least care about the lives of these three people." Ying Lili had turned infuriated because of the childish behavior of the Crown Prince. "You are the Crown Prince who shall not act stubbornly, shall not be self-centered, instead shall think wisely and be thoughtful. Yesterday''s incident was not a joke. We could have got wounded badly and even worse could have happened." Ying Lili stood up from the ground and went to the tent house.


    Everyone looked at Sheng Li who was feeling guilty now. "Crown Princess is enraged. She is not wrong either," Hu Jingguo said and nced at the Crown Prince.


    "Your highness, you shall go to the Crown Princess and apologize to her highness to appease her anger," Xiao Zhan asserted. Sheng Li stood up and went to the tent house. He saw Ying Lili was seated with her back on the floor mat. He opened his shoes and sat beside her.


    "Forgive me. I acted inadvertently. I acted selfishly. Do not get angry at me," Sheng Li was sincere in his apologies, but Ying Lili did not look at him. Getting no response from Ying Lili, Sheng Li made her look at him.


    "I do not want to talk to you," Ying Lili said, knitting her brows and not meeting the gaze of Sheng Li.


    "I understand. Take some sleep and forgive me," Sheng Li said as he let go of her arm. He stood up and left from there. Ying Lili turned to look at him as he left her sight.


    Outside the tent house, Hu Jingguo was telling the Generals about the anger of the Crown Princess. "She does not talk once she gets angry. The Crown Prince should not have acted that way," Hu Jingguo said.


    Sheng Li, who hade there, heard Hu Jingguo. "Don''t spoil my mood. I agreed with this n and if anything goes wrong, then be ready to take the me," Sheng Li voiced and came forward.


    Hu Jingguo was bestirred upon seeing the Crown Prince there. "Why does his highness think that this n will go wrong?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "Because none of you will look like a woman. They will get suspicious," Sheng Li stated.


    "The Crown Prince is misconstruing the power of my makeup skills," Hu Jingguo cheerfully said. "Since we are on this, then we shall n for our story which we will tell at the borders while getting checked," Hu Jingguo suggested.


    "First tell me how to make Ying Lili happy," Sheng Li asked.


    "I do not know. She never got angry with me," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li chuckled hearing the response of Jingguo.


    "I should not have asked you. Tell us about the story which we need to tell those guards at the border," Sheng Li ordered Hu Jingguo who gave a nod.


    "You are a Merchant Hushu who has four wives." Sheng Li frowned when he heard the name which Ying Lili had given him from Hu Jingguo''s name.


    "How did you find out about that name?" Sheng Li asked.


    "The Crown Princess told me that she nicknamed you as Hushu," Hu Jingguo replied. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan giggled upon seeing the reaction of the Crown Prince.


    "Why does she tell you everything?" Sheng Li murmured and suddenly stood up which baffled them. "I do not want to listen. I wille in a while. Wang Hao, make sure that the Crown Princess will have her dinner," Sheng Li ordered and left the conversation in the middle.


    "His highness indeed has terrible mood swings," Hu Jingguo mumbled and looked at the Generals. "I will go after his highness," Hu Jingguo stated and walked away.

 Chapter 200 - Tangled

    <h4>Chapter 200 - Tangled</h4>


    Sheng Li was sitting on a rock beside the river stream. Only the moonlight was making his face visible when he heard someone was approaching him. He turned and saw Hu Jingguo there. "What are you doing here?" he asked as he turned back, looking towards the stream.


    Hu Jingguo sat on the other rock and replied, "I thought to converse with his highness."


    "I do not want to talk. You should leave," Sheng Li stated and looked at the arrow in his hand.


    "Is his highness sad because the Crown Princess is angry with him?" Hu Jingguo queried. But he did not get a response from the Crown Prince. Taking a deep breath, Hu Jingguo said, "She was happy. When she told me about you, she was cheerful. ''Hushu bought a ceramic bangle for me.'' ''Hushu agreed to me and will open his heart.'' ''Hushu wants to love me.''"


    Both of them looked at each other. "Your highness, she was telling me how you fulfilled her wishes. You now live inside her. That''s why she gets sensitive to his highness because she loves you. Furthermore, she is concerned for his highness and his loyalists who are ready to sacrifice for him.


    Yesterday, when General Xiao informed us that you would bait those spies so that they would not create any scene in the rest-house, the Crown Princess was terrified. That''s why, without thinking about her life, she went there with us to save you. Now, you are no longer a single person but a married man. If anything happens to you, even if it''s a minor scratch, then the Crown Princess is going to be affected."


    Sheng Li averted his gaze from Hu Jingguo. "Why are you advocating her love? I can see that too," Sheng Li annoyingly said.


    Hu Jingguo widened his eyes. "His highness knows that the Crown Princess loves him?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "Why does it concern you? Do you take me as a fool? Even I can see that" Sheng Li pronounced. Hu Jingguo smiled because the Sixth Prince was going to be happy, but he knew only the feelings of the Crown Princess, not the Crown Prince.


    "She told him about her feelings, but she did not confess to me! What a stubborn woman!" Sheng Li thought when he heard someoneing there. Both of them turned to look and found the Crown Princess there. Hu Jingguo stood up from the rock.


    Sheng Li too stood up and looked at her. "Give us some privacy," Ying Lili announced. Hu Jingguo bowed his head and walked away. In the moonlight, Sheng Li realized how illuminating Ying Lili''s face was!


    Ying Lili came towards Sheng Li and stood beside him. "Forgive me for getting angry at you there," Ying Lili apologized. She moved forward to close the distance between them and hugged him tightly. "I know you are stressed regarding our safety. I should not have said those words. I will take them back," Ying Lili whispered.


    Sheng Li found the anger inside him subsided as soon as Ying Lili hugged him. "Don''t be sad because of me," Ying Lili stated. She leaned her head back to meet his gaze. Her arms were still circled around Sheng Li.


    "You are not angry with me anymore?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "No. When you came to the tent house, my anger had gone away. I could not find you there so, I came here," Ying Lili stated as her hands loosened around Sheng Li. She drew back from the Crown Prince, but then those long arms caught hold of her such that she was on her tiptoes.


    Sheng Li brought his face closer to her when he heard Ying Lili whisper, "They might see us. Let''s go back."


    "Let them see. I want to kiss you," Sheng Li replied andnded his lips on hers. He sucked them first followed by a gentle nibble. Ying Lili wrapped her arms around Sheng Li''s neck and kissed him back equally.


    "Every single time I kiss her it feels new to me. I can''t get enough of kissing her," he thought. His hand was now behind her head, in her hair some of which were tangled in his fingers as he pulled her closer. Parting away his lips from her, he ced his thumb over her lower lip thus, rubbing it gently.


    The kiss was short, yet it felt as if they kissed long. "Thank you for showing me the way. You are right. I shall think about their safety as well. Forgive me for acting stubbornly and do not get angry easily. It does not suit you, Wildcat," Sheng Li again apologized to her.


    "If you had not gotten irked, then I would not have gotten angry," Ying Lili stated.


    "Because I do not want to lie about having four wives. This is the only thing I refrain from lying about! In my life, there is only one wife, that''s you. It makes me feel pathetic. But since it''s the way to reach the Capital, I have to lie about it," Sheng Li exined.


    Ying Lili fluttered upon hearing those words. It never hit her mind that Sheng Li was hesitating because he did not want to lie to her about having four wives. She had seen how Princes mostly had more than one wife, but it was the first time she had seen a Prince who refrained from this.


    Her father was right! Even if her father had not told her theplete truth, he was definitely aware of the fact that Sheng Li would never marry another woman apart from his daughter.


    She gazed into those ck pairs of eyes that were shining under the moonlight. ''I will confess to him once we will be in the Pce,'' Ying Lili made up her mind.


    Sheng Li snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. "What are you thinking?" Sheng Li asked. Ying Lili shook her head.


    "Now, tomorrow I will be a Merchant named Hushu with four wives!" Sheng Li whispered against her lips.


    Ying Lili giggled but soon stopped. "Merchant Hushu?!" Her eyes glistened. "Doesn''t it look funny? You want to use the nickname given by me!" Ying Lili astonishingly asked.


    "Your dear friend told me to use this name," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "So, shall we go back?"


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li let go of his arm that was encircling her waist and the two walked back towards the tent house.

 Chapter 201 - Till My Last Breath

    <h4>Chapter 201 - Till My Last Breath</h4>


    "Your majesty, we have been keeping a check on both routes," voiced a man whose face was not visible.


    "Kill both of them, but primarily focus on the Crown Prince. Don''t let him enter the Capital. Kill him brutally," Weng Wei ordered the assassin. "This time I do not want to listen to any excuse," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Yes, your majesty." The man bowed his head and left from there. An evil grin formed on Weng Wei''s lips. "This time he cannot enter Luoyang and the Crown wille to my son," Weng Wei murmured and drank the tea.


    A maidservant came there and stood near the second entrance to the chamber. "Your majesty, Consort Xue wants to meet you," informed the maidservant. Weng Wei told her to send Xue in. The maidservant bowed his head and walked out. In a minute, Xue Yu-Yan entered. She kowtowed before the Empress before taking the seat.


    "What happened, Xue? You look angry," Weng Wei asked and put the porcin cup on the table.


    "Your majesty, I am afraid, but two days ago I was waiting for Prince Jian toe to my chamber. He did note there. I tried to meet him yesterday, but I was not given an entry there as Jian Ge had ordered his personal assistant not to let me in. I think I made a mistake by marrying her majesty''s son," Xue Yu-Yanined.


    Frowns appeared on Weng Wei''s face. "Can''t Consort Xue handle her husband well? Earlier you two were acting as a perfect couple then what happened now?" Weng Wei asked menacingly.


    "Your majesty, forgive me, but Jian Ge despises me. He thinks I am the reason for his bad luck. He says that he does not even like my presence around him. He spends time with his first wife, Sister Zho Mi, but refuses to do so with me. Jian Ge was not like this earlier but after the demise of my father, he is acting strangely. Your majesty, you had assured me and my father that I would be the next Crown Princess but now I think it will not happen." Xue Yu-Yan expressed her concerns, as she was dejected.


    "Xue, that''s what you need to learn. Fine, since you brought this issue to me, I, with the other consorts, will decide the date on which Jian wille to you, to spend a night with you. Do not lose hope this soon. Look at me. Even if his majesty has three wives and a concubine, he trusts me and shares everything with me. Wei Family women are strong and know the solution to every problem," Weng Wei proimed.


    Xue Yu-Yan was happy after the Empress told her that she would look into that. But there was something which was troubling her- the presence of Zho Mi near Jian Guozhi.


    "Your majesty, it is tough to get the love of your husband when your man has more than one wife. It makes me jealous and angry. Two days ago, Sister Zho intentionally approached Jian Ge when she knew that day Jian Ge was supposed to be with me. It hurts, your majesty." Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes filled with tears and her voice choked.


    Weng Wei recalled the time when Han Wenji had married Sheng Li''s mother. He did not even nce at her and used to avoid her. This was the main reason she killed Sheng Li''s mother but failed to kill Sheng Li. Seeing Xue, she felt her old self who had then gone to the Queen Dowager to seek her help.


    Coming out of her thoughts, Weng Wei looked at Xue Yu-Yan. "I will talk with my son," Weng Wei told Xue who was delighted to hear that. She thanked the Empress and took her to leave from there.


    Jian Guozhi afterpleting his Court''s work reached his chamber when the Eunuch informed him about the Empress''s call to him. He wondered why his mother called him in the early morning.


    He arrived at the chamber, greeted his mother, and took his seat. "Mother, you called me in the early morning. Is there something important you want to talk about?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "The matter is important, that''s why I called you here. Would you like to drink some tea?" Weng Wei asked.


    "Thank you mother but I do not want to drink tea," Jian Guozhi replied. Weng Wei nodded her head and tilted her head right. That gesture was enough for the maidservant to leave the chamber.


    Turning her gaze back towards his son, Weng Wei said, "You have been married for three months. It is the time to give the next heir to the throne. Your way to the throne will clear soon and to strengthen your position, you need an heir as well."


    Jian Guozhi curled up his fingers to clutch the overcoat. "Mother, but I¡­" Jian Guozhi paused as his mother motioned her hand in the air to gesture to him to let her speak.


    "Zhang Yong was the one who helped your mother to get this seat. Even if he was my half-brother, he did everything for me. As a sister, I promised him that his daughter would be the next Empress of Han, but that''s possible only if you will consummate marriage with her. I will call a royal astrologer who will decide an auspicious date for the consummation." Weng Weipleted her words and picked the porcin cup that was filled with tea.


    "I am afraid, mother, but I will never consummate with her," Jian Guozhi announced his decision. "Mother, please don''t decide upon my life. I am not a child anymore. I understand what is good or bad for me," Jian Guozhi proimed, shocking Weng Wei.


    This was the first time Jian Guozhi acted this way in front of his mother. Never once has he questioned his mother''s decision until today. "Mother, Xue is not the right woman to get that throne. Moreover, you also know my heart," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    Weng Wei did not want to tense the situation between them so, with a calm mind, she answered, "Jian, I am afraid but this is the rule of the inner court. Princes have to agree on this."


    "What about the Crown Prince then? He defied the rules of the inner court. He even refused to have a second wife and no one dared to question his decision. Even father agreed with him. For you, I did not go against your decision but now I will. If you need an heir that badly, I would love to consummate with Zho Mi but not Xue Yu- Yan," Jian Guozhi firmly stated his decision.


    "Xue is like me. A capable woman¡­"


    "Mother," shouted Jian Guozhi, which bewildered Weng Wei. He took a deep breath and gulped the anger that had built inside him. "Mother, please do not intervene in my married life. I respect you the most in this world and because of Xue I do not want myself to stop meeting you. I will handle my marriage life in my own way. So, I beg you not to intervene in it," Jian Guozhi requested from his mother and stood up from the floor mattress.


    He bowed his head. "Forgive me for raising my voice at you. Take care, mother. I will see youter," Jian Guozhi stated and turned to go when Weng Wei stopped him.


    Jian Guozhi turned towards his mother who was ring at him. "Is it because I did not let you marry Ying Lili, so you are acting this way?" Weng Wei asked.


    Jian Guozhi chuckled. "No, mother. It is not because of that. Xue started this with me. For the throne, she betrayed Sheng Li who admired her, and I think she will betray us too in the future," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Weng Wei had calmed down. "Jian, for you I did everything. I killed Sheng Li''s mother and soon both Sheng Li and Ying Lili will die. I am clearing your path towards the throne so, for that sake please agree to your mother. Only Xue will bear the heir through you. Zho Mi can''t bear the heir for the Han Empire," Weng Wei stated.


    Jian Guozhi was skeptical of his mother as he heard from her that soon Sheng Li and Ying Lili would die. He wondered what his mother could n?


    "Mother, I know. I need time to understand Xue. Let me understand her first by spending time with her," Jian Guozhi told his mother.


    "I heard that you are not allowing her to your chamber. Is the Prince lying to me?" Weng Wei asked.


    "I did not let her enter because she disrespected me. She called me an incapable and foolish-minded person who was given the position of Governor of Luoyang because of you. I do not know what she told you but after saying such harsh things to me, I decided not to meet her. That''s why I got angry at you earlier because you did not understand your son and believed her lies," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Weng Wei was enraged upon hearing that. "How dare she call my son incapable?!" Weng Wei muttered.


    "Mother, I will handle my personal matters with her in my own way. Just let it go. I indeed acted foolishly once but not anymore," Jian Guozhi said and hugged his mother. Weng Wei patted his son''s back.


    "My son is the smartest person. No one has the right to use such words against him." Jian Guozhi heard his mother''s words.


    "Mother, Xue is indeed like you. She can kill Zho Mi just to get close to me as you did years ago with Sheng Li''s mother. You did not do anything for me, but it''s all for your personal greed. Since you are adamant about killing Sheng Li and Ying Lili, that''s why this time I will go against you. The one who saved my life, I will save her life till myst breath," Jian thought in his mind.

 Chapter 202 - Red Lips

    <h4>Chapter 202 - Red Lips</h4>


    Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan, and Hu Jingguo changed their attire after they reached the town which was the second nearest to the Capital. Hu Jingguo gave them the veiled hat after putting makeup on their faces. "Please cover your faces with these," Hu Jingguo said while suppressing his smiles.


    They put the hats on their heads, covering their faces, and stood up from their seats. Sheng Li startedughing as he put away their veils. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan looked at each other, startedughing. Controlling hisughs, Sheng Li asked Hu Jingguo what he was trying to do.


    Hu Jingguo had put lipstick on their lips, making them red. He used blush on their cheeks, but the amount used was more, which made them nothing less than jokers.


    "I think we could have taken the disguise of old women such as mother and aunt. That would have been better than this," Wang Hao proimed and he looked at himself, wearing a high waist skirt. Sheng Li had put his fist near his mouth to suppress hisughter. Xiao Zhan also agreed with Wang Hao.


    "I am afraid, but there''s a reason for that," Hu Jingguo asserted. "We have be the wives of the Crown Prince because of a reason." Hu Jingguo saw how the Crown Prince was ring at him when he said that statement.


    "We don''t have fake IDs of women except for the Crown Princess. If women from other statese into marriage, then it means they need to make a new ID so their IDs aren''t checked," Hu Jingguo pronounced. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan agreed with Hu Jingguo. "Since the merchant Hushu is married recently, no one will doubt our true identities," Hu Jingguo stated.


    Hu Jingguo then wore the veiled hat and asked the Crown Prince how he was looking. Sheng Li did not reply and went outside the tent house where Ying Lili was waiting for them.


    Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan, and Hu Jingguo came out of the tent house. Sheng Li removed the tent when Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan said that they would help. "It''s fine," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili looked at the three and saw how ufortable it was for them in those heavy clothes.


    "It is so irritating," Xiao Zhanined. "I do not know how her highness manages to wear such a heavy dress," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "General Wang will be the first wife, whose pseudonym is Lady Ji Rui; General Xiao is the second wife- Lady Xi Yu; I am the third wife- Lady Hu Jin, and the Crown Princess is the youngest wife," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li had put the tent material inside the horse cart. Wang Hao and Xiao had arranged a horse cart with a coachman in the early morning.


    The Crown Prince had listened to Hu Jingguo''s conversation. "You three cannot talk since birth," Sheng Li said, looking at his Generals and Hu Jingguo.


    "This is wrong. I can talk in a woman''s voice but your first two wives cannot talk," asserted Hu Jingguo as he peeked through his veiled hat. Ying Lili smiled as she saw his face.


    "Why are your lips so red?" Ying Lili asked Hu Jingguo.


    "I thought the Crown Prince likes red lips so I put it like this," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li scowled at him and then looked at Ying Lili. "Tell him to stop bothering me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who gestured to Hu Jingguo not to stop.


    "Get into the cart," Sheng Li told them. They all got into the cart. The coachman started moving the cart, and they left the forested area.


    "Your highness, we will soon reach the forests near to the Capital but before that, we need to pass the security check," Wang Hao said, putting the veil from his face. Sheng Li nodded.


    "Just don''t speak. I will handle that in my own way. They will check our belongings as well. You have hidden the swords and daggers carefully, right?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, your highness. They will not be suspicious," Wang Hao said and looked at Xiao Zhan.


    "As soon as we arrive at the Capital, surround the entire forest and kill those assassins. Send a message to Weng Wei from my side then that her end is near," Sheng Li ordered his Generals.


    In thete afternoon, they arrived at the First checkpoint to Luoyang. The cart had slowed down. Sheng Li got out of the cart and saw two soldiersing towards him. One of them asked for the ID card from Sheng Li which he handed to him. The soldier looked at Sheng Li and asked, "Are you shifting to Luoyang?"


    "Yes."


    "Hey,e here!" Another soldier shouted at Sheng Li who turned and went to him. "Show us the identities of these four women," the soldier said and peered at Ying Lili when Wang Hao stood in front of her.


    "They are my wives. I married them recently. We have decided to shift to the Capital. Here is the permit which I received from the Governor of Luoyang," Sheng Li pronounced and took out a permit paper on which Prince Jian Guozhi had put the stamp. Sheng Li heaved a relief as he took the stamp of Jian Guozhi on a nk paper before leaving for the Southern Province.


    "So, you married all of them at once?!" the Chief of those soldiers came there. Sheng Li nodded when he felt someone''s hand on his arm. He tilted his head and saw Hu Jingguo beside him.


    "My husband fell in love with four of us at once, so he married us," Hu Jingguo said as he rested his head on Sheng Li''s arm. Sheng Li clenched his fist and closed his eyes because of the anger developing inside him.


    "Tell me their names," the Chief said, looking at Sheng Li who nodded and told them their pseudonyms. The Chief had noted then in a register that he was carrying in his hand. He checked the permit once again and told Sheng Li that he should pay some money to them.


    "Money?!" Sheng Li queried.


    "I am allowing you to enter the Capital so, you shall be thankful to me," the Chief stated.


    "Dear husband, give the money to them. It is so hot here," asserted Hu Jingguo. Sheng Li took out a pouch, full of money, from inside his pocket and handed that to the Chief Soldier.


    "Let them go," Chief said as he smiled, looking inside the pouch. They all were relieved to hear that. The soldiers went towards the other cart. The chief handed the permit to Sheng Li and moved ahead. Sheng Li pushed away Hu Jingguo and red at him. They got into the cart and it started moving.


    Inside the cart, Sheng Li scolded Hu Jingguo. "Who told you to intervene? Just because you are Lili''s friend it does not mean that I will spare you every time," Sheng Li shouted at him.


    "I was only helping the Crown Prince," Hu Jingguo replied. Sheng Li averted his gaze and looked outside the window. The carriage had entered the forest, and they were slightly feared if any attack could happen on them. If the assassins were keeping a check on the Security Checkpoint, then they would not suspect them and let go of the cart.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had taken out the swords to be at the safe point. An hourter, the cart came out of the forest safely, which relieved them.


    "Your highness, see how my n worked!" Hu Jingguo asserted. Sheng Li gave a slight smile to him when he felt Ying Lili''s head on his shoulder. Tilting his head, he saw Ying Lili had fallen asleep. Hu Jingguo was going to speak further when Sheng Li told him to shut his mouth.


    "The Crown Princess is sleeping. She is tired from this journey," Sheng Li asserted as he held Ying Lili''s hand. Hu Jingguo and the Generals smiled seeing that. Once again checking was done at the main city entrance of the Capital. Without any suspicion, the cart passed through the entrance and they had entered the Capital.


    After some time, the cart was pulled in front of the Pce Gates. "Jingguo, go and show this Royal seal to the gatekeeper," Sheng Li stated as he took out the seal from inside the pocket.


    "But, your highness, I cannot go in this dress," Hu Jingguo dered.


    "Are you refusing the order of the Crown Prince?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No," Hu Jingguo replied. Wang Hao said that he would go but Sheng Li stopped him. "Why? Don''t you love to do such deeds? Go and show this seal," Sheng Li said while grinning. Hu Jingguo nodded and took the seal from the hands of Sheng Li. He stepped out of the cart and went towards the gatekeepers who were confused to see a womaning towards them.


    Hu Jingguo in his manly voice said, "The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are here. Open the gates for them." The gatekeeper checked the seal. Suppressing hisughs, he loudly said, "The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are here. Open the gates." Hu Jingguo took back the seal and went towards the cart. Sheng Li asked for the seal first, which Jingguo handed to him.


    Before he could enter the cart, Sheng Li ordered the coachman to drive it, leaving Hu Jingguo behind. Sheng Li smirked at him and waved at him.


    "Your highness," Hu Jingguo shouted and ran behind the cart. The gatekeepers startedughing at him while Sheng Li felt happy. "Finally, I got rid of him," Sheng Li murmured.

 Chapter 203 - Perceived Wrongly

    <h4>Chapter 203 - Perceived Wrongly</h4>


    Ying Lili awakened from the deep sleep, blinked her eyes once and then twice when the realization hit her. She was in the bed-chamber of the Crown Prince. She felt Sheng Li''s hand, which was securely wrapped around her belly. Her body was aching from the trip and even after sleeping for many hours, she was feeling exhausted.


    "When did Sheng Li take me here?" Ying Lili murmured. She was feeling rxed that they arrived at the Pce unharmed. She took a turn towards Sheng Li and found that he was still sleeping. There were frowns on Sheng Li''s forehead. Ying Lili extended her pointer finger towards Sheng Li''s forehead and put it on his forehead. The frowns disappeared and his facial expressions turned calm.


    Pulling her finger back, she ced her hand above her chest, waiting for Sheng Li to wake up. She recalled the first time when she came to his bed-chamber and was trying to run away from there but failed to do so. A tiny smile formed on her lips when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on hers. She tilted her head. "You are awake?"


    "Hmm." Sheng Li gradually opened his eyelids and gazed into the eyes of Ying Lili. "You were in a deep sleep so I took you here instead of sending you to the Zhenzhu Inn," Sheng Li said. He lifted his body, putting his weight on his left elbow while his left hand on Ying Lili''s hair, stroking them.


    "We safely reached the Pce," Sheng Li whispered. "It was a tiring journey so, rest here for some time more," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am hungry," Ying Lili in a low voice said. Sheng Li sat up and called out Xing-Fu''s name who immediately came inside and stopped near the second door.


    "Prepare for a bath for us and prepare for the meals," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "Your highness, the bathhouses are already prepared," Xing-Fu humbly replied.


    "Is Court Lady Xu here?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes, your highness."


    Sheng Li turned his gaze towards Ying Lili and told her to freshen up first. "Go with Court Lady Xu. After you will be ready, then we can have our breakfast. Even I have not taken any meals," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili nodded and got down from the bed. "I will see you in your chamber," Sheng Li further added as he also got down the bed.


    He helped Ying Lili in wearing the overcoat and caressed her hair. "Go," he said. Ying Lili walked out from there, followed by Xing-Fu. Outside the chamber, she met Court Lady Xu and hugged her. "I missed you," Ying Lili said.


    "Your highness, the Pce got quiet after you both went on this journey. We all missed your presence," Court Lady Xu replied. "Pleasee this way." Court Lady Xu motioned her hand to the left, and they left the Manor of the Crown Prince.


    The news of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess''s safe return was given to everyone the previous night. Everyone was waiting for them in the greeting hall.


    "I think both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess after the tiresome journey are still sleeping," Yongzheng stated and looked at his father, Han Wenji.


    "They are taking so much time. The Court Hours will be dyed at this rate, your majesty. I think we shall meet themter," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Meeting them is also important," Han Wenji proimed. Weng Wei was already infuriated from the previous night after she got the news of the arrival of Sheng Li and Ying Lili at the Pce. Not only that, she got a threatening message from Sheng Li which had ruined her mood sincest night.


    "The situation ispletely controlled in the Southern Province. General Wang had informed mest night how the Crown Prince decisively caught the group which was behind the fake rebellions in the Province," Prince Nianzu told Han Wenji who smiled upon hearing that.


    They heard the sound of shoes and anklets, so everyone turned their gazes towards the door. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess entered the hall. A different kind of charm could be seen on their faces, which delighted Han Wenji. Halting in the middle of the hall, in front of the Emperor and the Empress, both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess kowtowed before them.


    "ept the greetings of us, your majesties," Sheng Li voiced. Their heads were bowed when the Emperor told them to lift their heads.


    "Wee to the Pce, Crown Prince, Crown Princess," Han Wenji delightedly said.


    "You two unexpectedly arrived. There was no news of your return," Weng Wei said and waited for the answer from Sheng Li.


    "Your majesty, we have been attacked by some assassins during our return journey so, we decided not to disclose about our return," Sheng Li pronounced. Han Wenji and others got worried upon hearing that.


    "Assassins attacked you in the Southern Province?" Jian Guozhi skeptically asked.


    Sheng Li turned his gaze towards him and nodded. "Yes, first brother." He then looked back at his father and said, "I could have died but my Crown Princess had saved me there." Ying Lili smiled and lowered her eyes.


    "Crown Princess saved you, how?" Han Wenji asked.


    "A poisonous arrow was shot towards me when I was fighting assassins with General Wang but then the Crown Princess at the right time arrived there and saved me," Sheng Li stated. "s, we could not find the shooter," Sheng Li lied.


    "No wonder it was the right decision to send the Crown Princess with you. I will take the report regarding the Southern Provinceter from the Crown Prince," Han Wenji stated and looked at Ying Lili.


    "Crown Princess, you always surprise this emperor. I am happy to have such a courageous woman in my family. This is the second time you saved the life of the Crown Prince. I can see that your hand is wounded. Is it because you were fighting those assassins?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Thank you for your praiseworthy words, your highness. The Crown Prince''s life is associated with me as well after I got married to him. Yes, I got a little injured while fighting them. The Crown Prince took good care of me," Ying Lili replied, keeping the smile on her lips.


    Jian Guozhi looked at his mother and wondered if she had sent the assassins to the Southern Province to assassinate them.


    "I do not know who wanted to assassinate me and the Crown Princess but it seems it was someone from the Pce, father," Sheng Li stated and then looked at Weng Wei.


    "Someone from the Pce? I think it''s one of those enemies which the Crown Prince has made during the military campaign. Son, that''s why you shall not use your cruel ways to rule over the people. What if something would have happened to you?" Weng Wei showed her fake concern towards Sheng Li.


    "Your majesty, I think you are mistaken about your son," Suddenly Ying Lili spoke up. Sheng Li peered at her and so were the others in the hall. "The Crown Prince is Cruel to those who are cruel to him," Ying Lili pronounced as she lifted her head and looked into the eyes of Weng Wei. "I have seen how the Crown Prince was considered as a God to the people who were suffering in the Southern Province. I have seen how kind and generous he was towards an olddy there who lost her son because of a man who imed himself as the Ruler of the Province. I have seen¡­" Ying Lili turned her gaze towards Sheng Li and continued, "¡­ the most righteous ways that the Crown Prince could use to save the people of Han. He is not a cruel person, but he is the kindest person who is perceived wrongly."


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi smiled seeing how the Crown Princess answered the Empress.


    Ying Lili then looked straight into the eyes of Weng Wei and said, "Your majesty, I wonder how could a mother use such a defaming word for her child." For the first time, Weng Wei had no words left. She felt humiliated in front of everyone.


    Sheng Li''s heart fluttered the moment he saw Ying Lili stand up for him. No one ever had the courage to say anything to the Empress whenever she made such remarks for him. Since the atmosphere of the Hall turned tense, Sheng Li thought to leave the hall with Ying Lili.


    "We shall take leave as the Crown Princess is still tired from the journey. Father, I wille to meet youter," Sheng Li stated and bowed his head. Ying Lili did the same. The other princes also took leave from the hall.


    Jian Guozhi wanted to talk to Sheng Li and Ying Lili; wanted to ask them if they were fine, but he was also wrong in their eyes. "There is something a mother wants to talk about," Xue Yu-Yan whispered in Jian Guozhi''s ear, who hummed and left with her to the Empress''s Manor.

 Chapter 204 - Close Your Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 204 - Close Your Eyes</h4>


    Sheng Li saw how fast Ying Lili was walking, so he grabbed her arm thus stopping her. The servants behind them stopped and lowered their heads. "What was that inside?" Sheng Li amusingly asked as he stepped towards Ying Lili.


    "No one has the right to call you cruel," Ying Lili replied. She lifted her hand and was going to ce it on Sheng Li''s cheek when he caught her wrist in the air.


    The Princes and the Princess wereing behind them, saw them. Lei Wanxi was delighted to see that. "Hu Jingguo indeed did his work. They two havee closer to each other," Lei Wanxi thought and smiled.


    "The Crown Princess was blunt today. Her majesty said nothing wrong. Cruelty''s second name is Sheng Li. I wish that the Crown Princess could learn about this. Soon the day wille when the Crown Prince will be cruel to his own wife," Rong Zemin remarked and snickered.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi skeptically looked at the Third Prince.


    "Brother Sheng is indeed the kindest man. Brother Zemin, you never spent the time with Brother Sheng that''s why you think like that," stated Princess Qi Jing.


    Rong Zemin looked at Yongzheng, and they walked away from there.


    "Sister Qi Jing, finally, Brother Sheng has someone in his life who understands him, loves him. No one ever answered back the Empress the way Sister Lili did," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    Princess Qi Jing and Prince Nianzu agreed with Lei Wanxi. They looked at the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess who were conversing with each other.


    Ying Lili looked at her wrist and then at Sheng Li. "You love to get romantic with me anywhere, anytime?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Huh?"


    "Something strange happened in my heart when you stood up for me there. I always heard her tantments for me, but never once anyone had the courage to speak up for me. You were attractive today." Sheng Li''s words brought a smile to Ying Lili''s lips.


    Sheng Li let go of her hand and bent a little so that their faces came closer. "Close your eyes," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Why?"


    "You ask so many questions. Just close your eyes," Sheng Li repeated his words.


    "You will not draw something on my face, right?" Ying Lili asked.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I do not roam taking a brush and inkpot with me," Sheng Li replied. "Now, will you close your eyes?" Ying Lili raised her brow but did not close her eyes when Sheng Li brought his left hand to the front which was behind his back and covered Ying Lili''s eyes.


    Xing-Fu, Court Lady Xu, and the maidservants were taking nces at them when Sheng Li tilted his head towards them. "Do you want me to take your eyes out?" Sheng Li asked them and they immediately lowered their heads.


    "Whom are you threatening again?" Ying Lili asked when she felt Sheng Li''s lips slightly beside her lips.


    "Don''t open your eyes for a minute," Sheng Li said and pulled his hand back. Ying Lili''s eyes were closed. He saw how her cheeks turned red and he walked away from there, leaving Ying Lili behind.


    Lei Wanxi started giggling and jumping at his ce. "Wasn''t that romantic? They havee closer to each other. My eyes¡­ it is unbelievable for me that Brother Sheng has lost against me, and Sister Lili has won his heart. Let''s go to Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi told Princess Qi Jing and Prince Nianzu.


    "Shall I open my eyes now? I think it is a minute already," Ying Lili said.


    "Sister Lili, who are you talking to?" Upon hearing Lei Wanxi''s sudden voice, Ying Lili opened her eyes. She looked around but Sheng Li was not there.


    "Where did Sheng Li go? He said¡­" Ying Lili realized she was again calling the name of the Crown Prince openly.


    "Crown Princess, how are you? Is your hand alright?" Nianzu asked as he looked at Ying Lili''s hand.


    "I am well, Brother Nianzu. Yes, it is healed. Just a little scar, which will soon go away," Ying Lili replied.


    "Sister Lili, I know a way by which this scar will vanish soon," Princess Qi Jing stated. "I wille to your chamberter," she added. Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "Sister Lili, I missed your presence a lot. Now, you are here, all my worries are gone. I have so much to tell you," Lei Wanxi excitedly said.


    "Wanxi, let the Crown Princess take a rest. She has returned from a long journey," Nianzu told Lei Wanxi.


    "I cannot sleep too much. Sleeping is also tiring in itself. I would love to have a conversation with Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili pronounced. Lei Wanxi was delighted to hear that.


    "Let''s go to the Eastern Pavilion. We can have a conversation there," Lei Wanxi said.


    "I am afraid I cannot join. I have to look into some work," Nianzu stated.


    "Even I cannot join Sister Lili and Brother Wanxi. I have to take some lessons before my marriage," Princess Qi Jing said.


    Ying Lili raised her brows. "Your marriage? Are you going to get married? And what kind of lessons do you need to take for that?" Ying Lili asked in shock.


    "I am afraid, Sister Lili, but I cannot exin to you now since I am gettingte," Princess Qi Jing told Ying Lili.


    "Do not worry, Sister. I will tell Sister Lili everything," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Prince Nianzu and Princess Qi Jing took their leave from there while the Crown Princess left for the Eastern Pavilion with Prince Wanxi.


    Ying Lili was seated on a circr wooden carved stool in the pavilion while Lei Wanxi was on the seat to her left. "So, Brother Wanxi is saying that the second and third brother will be married soon. But before their marriage, will Sister Qi Jing be married off?" Ying Lili asked for confirmation.


    "Yes, Sister Lili. The Empress wanted me and Brother Nianzu to get married as well but thanks to our father we are saved. I think she wants to gather political support after the death of her half-brother," Lei Wanxi deduced.


    "That can be the possibility. Brother Wanxi, since Sister Qi is going to marry then Sheng Li will miss her presence. They could not even spend more time together with each other. Can''t it be dyed a little?" Ying Lili queried.


    "I wish it could be. You also know that women are married off early. But because Brother Sheng was in the wars for six years, Sister Qi Jing kept dying her marriage. I think she is in the Pce for a week," Lei Wanxi stated. Ying Lili turned sad to learn about that. "Brother Wanxi, who is the Princess going to marry?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Father gave the chance to Sister Qi Jing to choose the bridegroom for herself. She has chosen Prince Lu Qifeng from the Lu province near Juyan City," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Lu Qifeng?!" Ying Lili asked in astonishment.


    "Yes. Why? Does Sister Lili know him?" Lei Wanxi curiously asked.


    "Yes. No¡­ I mean he came to Juyan City once with his father," Ying Lili replied. Lei Wanxi nodded.


    "Sister Lili, the Empress is making moves, and we do not know what she is thinking and nning. The assassin''s attacks on you and the others were her doing. You need to be careful in the Pce," Lei Wanxi told Ying Lili who agreed with him.

 Chapter 205 - Inner Palace Powers

    <h4>Chapter 205 - Inner Pce Powers</h4>


    Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan were in front of Empress Wei who was seated on the floor mattress. She threw a paper towards Jian. "Read what Sheng Li has sent to me!" Weng Wei said.


    Jian picked the paper and read it out. "Be ready to get punished for your crimes. I will even punish your soul."


    "The Crown Prince has sent a threatening message," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "Your majesty, you were confident that they both would die even before reaching the Pce but nothing happened to them. Although a few assassins attacked them, we do not know who was behind all that attack," Xue Yu-Yan confusedly said.


    "Jian, check the forest region. The assassins are hidden there. Bring Feng Lui here. He was the one who assured me that he would kill them but see what happened," Weng Wei tempestuously pronounced.


    "I will, mother," Jian Guozhi replied. The day Feng Lui met Jian Guozhi''s mother, he caught him outside the Pce. He told him to leave the Capital and also told the other assassins, hired by his mother, to never show themselves in the Capital.


    Yes, he was the one who prevented the attack of assassins on Sheng Li and Ying Lili but he did not want his mother to find out about that so, after the assassins retreated from the forest, Jian attacked them with his force and killed those assassins because he knew someday they would be back because they were the loyalists of his mother.


    Coming out of his thoughts, Jian Guozhi looked at his mother. "Forgive me, mother but I will not walk on the path created by you. Instead, I will prefer to walk by myself," Jian thought. "Mother, I am taking my leave. I have some work rted to the Capital with Brother Nianzu," Jian Guozhi stated and stood up from the floor mattress. He bowed his head and left the chamber.


    "Your majesty, did you see how the Crown Princess embarrassed you in front of everyone? Even his majesty did not say anything. The blunt reply from the Crown Princess shows something else. I think the two have gotten closer," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    Weng Wei agreed with Xue Yu-Yan. "Not only close, but it seems he is now supporting her. After so many years, someonees into Sheng Li''s life who is not only smart but also good in warfare unlike us. But, if Sheng Li will be out of our way, then Ying Lili''s wings cut on their own. So, killing Sheng Li is important for now. But I am still confused about what happened to those assassins? Feng Lui did not report to me," Weng Wei proimed and gritted her teeth.


    "Your majesty, but you should punish Ying Lili for disrespecting you in front of everyone. I have an idea. Ying Lili is poor in household work and if she does any mistake, then she would be punished ording to the Inner Pce Rules. The Princesses from the other provinces will arrive at the Pce soon. Why doesn''t her majesty give the responsibilities regarding the preparation of the selection of the Princesses to the Crown Princess? Indeed, her majesty and his majesty''s other consorts will also check that but let''s keep the Crown Princess busy in that work," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    "What kind of mistake could Ying Lili make in those preparations?" Weng Wei asked.


    "Your majesty, leave that to me. Ying Lili disrespected you and I will not spare her for this," Xue Yu-Yan stated. She wanted to avenge her father''s death as well. She had not forgotten how the Wei Family was treated after that incident.


    "You are saying right. I will talk about this with Ying Lili. You shall leave. I need to go to the temple for the prayers," Weng Wei stated. Xue Yu-Yan stood up, bowed her head, and left from there.


    ~~~~~~


    "Where did he go? He told me to close my eyes and vanished," Ying Lili mumbled. She was descending the stairs to the garden when Court Lady Xu told Ying Lili that they should go back, but she did not listen to her. Ying Lili was going to take some flowers for Sheng Li from the garden when she saw the Emperor with the newly elected Prime Minister.


    She halted at her ce, followed by the others. Han Wenji was talking about something serious with the Prime Minister, so Ying Lili thought to wait there for some time.


    After some time, the Prime Minister left the garden. But before leaving he greeted the Crown Princess. Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu to wait there and walked towards the Emperor who was looking at theke.


    Ying Lili greeted Han Wenji who was delighted to see Ying Lili. "What is the Crown Princess doing here?" Han Wenji asked.


    "I was looking for Sheng Li¡­ I mean the Crown Prince and decided to go from there to the military barracks to meet him. But then I saw his majesty, so I thought to have a conversation with his majesty," Ying Lili answered.


    "What does the Crown Princess want to talk about?" Han Wenji asked.


    "You were right, your majesty. The Crown Prince is a caring person. Forgive me for using the Crown Prince earlier." Han Wenji passed a tiny smile to Ying Lili.


    "Finally, the misunderstandings between you two have been cleared out. I have seen the change in the Crown Prince. He has turned gentler thanks to his wife," Han Wenji affirmed.


    Ying Lili wanted to ask the Emperor if he knew about Weng Wei''s truth because ording to her the Emperor was not a fool, but for Sheng Li, she kept quiet for a while. It would bring the hurtful memories of his mother in front of his father. Still, she could not resist herself and ended up asking.


    "Your majesty, do you know how the Crown Prince was treated in his childhood days?" Ying Lili asked. Han Wenji did not expect that Ying Lili would ask such a question from him. He found how the Crown Princess was searching for an answer in his eyes.


    "I know. It has a long history. When I lost my beloved, I gave up the hopes of ruling and did not take care of my son. At that time wars were also frequent for power growth, and I could not neglect my duties either. I left Sheng Li behind thinking the next Empress would take care of him, but then I got the news of how he was treated in the Pce. I dyed the military campaign and came back to Luoyang. I investigated the matter and found out many things that happened right under my eyes, which I could not stop.


    I could not even give punishment to her because to punish the Empress you need evidence. There was no witness and evidence. The Wei Family was strongest at that time and that family helped my forefathers. The other families also supported them so, even if I decided the punishment there would not have been any effect.


    In short, the Empress ruled the Inner Pce, and it still happens. An Emperor has limited powers for the Inner Pce. If I want to intervene in that then, I need evidence against her.


    Moreover, there is someone who is aiding her and he is the mastermind behind all this." Han Wenji truthfully told everything to Ying Lili who was bewildered to know about that.


    "W-why did his highness not tell Sheng Li about this? And a mastermind? I am confused, your majesty. You told me everything without being hesitant, yet you did not tell your son!" Ying Lili asked, astonished.


    "Because the Crown Princess will keep it a secret. I agreed to give you political power for a reason, Crown Princess. I believe you will act smartly and bring out the evidence upfront because, after the Empress, the Crown Princess holds the inner Pce powers.


    I rushed your marriage with Sheng Li because of that particr reason only because you have the perfect qualities to be the next Empress and lead the nation with Sheng Li. Sheng Li is hot-headed and if I had told him this, it would have only increased his pain. All these years he is alive because I kept a check on him. The Empress might take me as a fool for some time." Han Wenji exined everything to Ying Lili.


    "Then, why did his majesty not tell me about this earlier?" Ying Lili confusedly asked.


    "Because you had no trust in Sheng Li. I needed you two toe closer first," Han Wenji stated.


    "Your majesty, I will bring down the Evil Empress. Thank you for trusting me with all this information. I will not tell Sheng Li about it until his majesty permits me," Ying Lili gave a promise to Han Wenji who smiled.


    Han Wenji started coughing and ced his hand near his chest to soothe himself.


    "Your majesty, your health does not seem good. Do you want me to make herbal tea for you?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Crown Princess, you do not need to trouble yourself for this. It is an old age symptom," Han Wenji stated andughed. "I am leaving. It was a nice conversation with the Crown Princess," asserted Han Wenji. Ying Lili bowed her head as the Emperor walked past her.

 Chapter 206 - Red Rose

    <h4>Chapter 206 - Red Rose</h4>


    Sheng Li came out of the arsenal room after checking the supply of new weapons with Wang Hao. "Your highness, Xiao and I with our soldiers yesterday searched the entire forest but there was no one. Did his highness get the false information about the attack?" Wang Hao asked.


    "It cannot be possible. Maybe they retreated from the forest," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao nodded and handed a scroll to the Crown Prince.


    "Your highness, this is from Juyan City. The Aunt of Ying Lili had sent a message for the Crown Princess. It arrived in the morning," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince who took the scroll and checked the scroll first. Reading the message, Sheng Li folded it up.


    "There is another important news his highness must know about," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li tilted his head to look at Wang Hao. "The Second and the Third Prince are getting married. But before that Princess Qi Jing will get married. The Prince with whom Princess Jing is getting married is arriving tomorrow," Wang Hao passed the message to Sheng Li.


    "Sister Qi Jing is getting married!" Sheng Li muttered. "I am leaving. If anything importantes up thene to my chamber to inform me regarding that," Sheng Limanded and walked away from there.


    Sheng Li soon reached outside the chamber of the Princess. The maidservant there informed him that the Princess was taking lessons before the marriage.


    "When will Sister Qi Jing return?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Your highness, it is not known," replied the maidservant. Sheng Li nodded and decided toe thereter. He went to Zhenzhu Inn to meet the Crown Princess when he found hering from the garden.


    "Does she love being in the garden that much?" Sheng Li murmured and walked towards her. He found she was in deep thoughts when she hit against his chest. "Be careful," Sheng Li said when Ying Lili lifted her eyes.


    "You here? Where have you gone earlier, leaving me there? It was so embarrassing," Ying Lili in a fit of rage said and hit lightly at Sheng Li''s arm who ended up smiling.


    "What was there to embarrass about? Is my sudden kissing was embarrassing or your wait for another kiss was embarrassing!?" Sheng Li amusingly asked and saw a red rose in her hand.


    "Indeed both were embarrassing," Ying Lili immediately replied.


    "What? Really? So, I shall not kiss you anymore," Sheng Li concluded.


    Ying Lili raised her hand and again hit his right arm. "Why? I am just angry at you. Can''t you see? Fourth and Sixth Brother saw me in that state. I was waiting for you when you were not there. Even Sister Qingughed seeing how her brother made a fool of me," Ying Liliined. Court Lady Xu smiled upon hearing the conversation of Ying Lili with Sheng Li.


    "Forgive me. I had some work in the barracks and if I had told you, then you would have insisted that I take you there. So, I thought to leave you there," Sheng Li stated and again looked at the rose in her hand. "Is it for me?" Sheng Li asked as he forwarded his hand to take the red rose from Ying Lili when he was hit on the hand.


    "No, it is not for you," Ying Lili replied; shot res at him, and walked ahead. Sheng Li drew his brows together and turned to Ying Lili. He walked after her and grabbed her arm, turning her back towards him.


    "Leave," Ying Lili said.


    "I have no intention of leaving you until you will give me that rose," proimed Sheng Li and tightly wrapped his both arms around Ying Lili. "Doesn''t the red rose symbolize love? Are you confessing to me?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili and smirked.


    "Wrong! Who is confessing to you?" Ying Lili yanked and hid the truth from Sheng Li. "It is for me. I thought about putting it in my hair. Now, leave me," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li let go of Ying Lili and was sad to learn that Ying Lili was still not confessing to him. But then he had decided earlier that he would confess to her first because that was the only way to make Ying Lili admit her feelings for him.


    "Tomorrow let''s go to the Residence which my father has gifted us for our marriage. I want to show you something there," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he took the red rose from her hand.


    "What do you want to show me?" Ying Lili asked as she lifted her eyes to look at Sheng Li, who had leaned closer to her and ced the red rose near her hair bun. "It''s a surprise," Sheng Li replied and leaned back. He shifted her gaze back to Ying Lili''s face and ced her hand on her cheek.


    "Your aunt has sent a message for you," Sheng Li stated and took out the scroll which he had ced inside the sash. Ying Lili was slightly tense thinking what it could be about.


    "It''s a good message. I read it," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he brushed his thumb on her cheek and then pulled his hand back. The smile on Ying Lili''s reappeared and she took the scroll from Sheng Li''s hand.


    Opening the knot on the scroll, she opened it and read the message. After a minute, she scrolled it up and tied the knot on it. "She liked the new arrangements and has thanked you for sparing her and her children despite uncle was behind your poisoning. Thank you for forgiving them," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude. "I had given you my words that time that Juyan would never betray you but my uncle did, but you did not punish me. Why?" Ying Lili then asked.


    "I cannot punish, I realized. You saved my life that time so, you proved your loyalty towards me and I proved my loyalty towards you by sparing your aunt and her kids," Sheng Li replied and started walking. Ying Lili followed him up and came to his right side.


    "Don''t answer back to the Empress in the future. She might harm you," Sheng Li suddenly said.


    "How can she harm me when you are there to protect me," Ying Lili stated. "Moreover, I cannot hear anyone insulting you for no reason. Your insult is my insult," Ying Lili asserted and looked at Sheng Li.


    "Let''s meet Hu Jingguo. I did not even ask him how he is doing," Ying Lili said.


    "No," Sheng Li refused immediately.


    "Why?"


    "Because I do not want to meet him," Sheng Li said.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "Then stay here. I will be back in a while and I need to get this check from him," Ying Lili said as she showed her right hand to Sheng Li which had a scar.


    "You can check it with the Royal Physician," Sheng Li argued.


    "Why bother the Royal Physician!? You cannot stop me from meeting my friend. How inconsiderate of you! He saved your life and you are not even asking him if he is doing fine," Ying Lili remarked.


    Sheng Li could not help but agree to Ying Lili''s request. He turned to look at the Court Lady Xu and other maidservants who were following them. "You all shall leave to the Zhenzhu Inn. We will be back after a while," Sheng Li ordered them and turned back to Ying Lili.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, and the two left from there.

 Chapter 207 - Ideal Husband

    <h4>Chapter 207 - Ideal Husband</h4>


    Hu Jingguo was delighted to see Ying Lili and Sheng Li. He told them to take their seats. They both took seats on the floor chairs around the table. "Jingguo, are you doing fine?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes, Crown Princess. The Crown Prince has provided me with everything," Hu Jingguo replied.


    Ying Lili was happy to know about that. "Do you want to go back?" Ying Lili''s sudden question bewildered both Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo at the same time. "I said this because the Pce might be dangerous for you. In any case, I do not want to lose my one and only friend," Ying Lili pronounced as she knitted her brows together.


    "Nothing will happen. I am well aware of my surroundings," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li found Ying Lili was anxious about Hu Jingguo''s safety. "You shall leave. I will make arrangements for you so that you safely reach Juyan," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "But, your highness-" Hu Jingguo wanted to stop that when Sheng Li cut his words in the middle.


    "I will call you when you will be needed here, but for now just leave. Even earlier I wanted you to leave, but circumstances did not let that happen. I know you are concerned about your friend but for her, I am here. She is my responsibility now and her friend''s responsibility is also mine. If anything happens to you, she will get affected. Go back to Juyan." Sheng Li took out something from his pocket and forwarded that to Hu Jingguo.


    "This is the seal which can help you at many ces. Keep it. I will make safe arrangements for your departure," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Hu Jingguo took the seal and thanked the Crown Prince for thinking so much about him. Hu Jingguo looked back at Ying Lili and said, "I will miss you."


    "Take care of yourself, and do not worry about me. Thank you for everything you did for me and the Crown Prince," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude.


    "Her highness is making me feel tiny by thanking me. It is my duty to serve you both. Till myst breath, I will serve you two," Hu Jingguo affirmed. They stood up from their respective seats. Hu Jingguo wanted to hug Ying Lili, but now she was married, so it was not allowed.


    "Can the Crown Prince give me a hug?" Hu Jingguo expressed his wish. Ying Lili peered at Sheng Li who stepped ahead and hugged Hu Jingguo.


    The Crown Prince was going to pull away when Hu Jingguo tightened his grip on his back and whispered in his ear, "Your highness, you are her ideal husband." Sheng Li tilted his head when Hu Jingguo continued, "She answered me this when I had asked her about her ideal husband choice- ''Someone who will consider her equal in everything; someone who will stand for her in the worst possible circumstances and will respect her decisions, he will be her ideal husband''. But she wondered if in this patriarchal society this kind of man will ever exist! That''s why she rejected those marriage proposals because when she met them at her father''s request, she got disappointed."


    They both pulled away from the hug and looked at each other. Hu Jingguo was smiling at Sheng Li. "What did you tell him?" Suddenly Ying Lili asked Hu Jingguo.


    "I was asking the Crown Prince why his highness left me in the middle yesterday. Everyone wasughing at me seeing me in a woman''s attire," Hu Jingguo lied to Ying Lili.


    "What?" Ying Lili eximed and looked at Sheng Li.


    "It was his punishment to annoy me on the journey. Let''s go back," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and turned to go. Ying Lili waved at Hu Jingguo and left the room with her husband.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzupleted their works on the pending decisions over Capital''s matters. "Senior First Brother, forgive me for the other day. I blurted out many things in the drunkard state. I should have controlled my tongue even if I was drunk," Nianzu stated.


    "It is alright. Brother was angry and wanted to leash it out. How is your mother doing?" Jian Guozhi then asked.


    "She is fine, I think," Nianzu replied.


    "You think?" Jian Guozhi raised his brow. "Aren''t you meeting her?" he then asked.


    Nianzu did not reply to the query of the First Prince so Jian Guozhi did not pressure him.


    "Brother Nianzu, I found the youngdy you brought here is diligent and observant. A vige girl like her is indeed exceptional, but be careful of the Pce rumors," Jian Guozhi warned Nianzu.


    Nianzu nodded his head. "Brother, I shall take my leave. It was nice working with you." Nianzu stood up from the chair, bowed his head, and walked out of the chamber.


    Jian Guozhi called a maidservant in and told her to clean the table. He then went to the chamber of Zho Mi. As he entered there, he saw Zho was busy with the needlework. He sat in front of her around the floor table. He did not disturb her and kept watching her. After a while, Zho moved her eyes from the cloth and saw Jian Guozhi in front of her.


    "When did youe here? Forgive me. I got busy with the needlework," Zho stated.


    "It''s fine. What have you made?" Jian asked.


    "It is a flower pattern for the tablecloth," Zho Mi replied. "Does Jian Ge want to see?" she asked.


    Jian Guozhi nodded and leaned forward on the table. He looked at the intricate flower pattern. "You have fine crafting skills," Jian Guozhi praised Zho Mi who thanked him.


    She stood up from her seat and went towards a table near the dressing table. Jian Guozhi too stood up from his seat and went to her. Zho Mi took out a handkerchief and came towards him. "This is for you. I made it a day ago," Zho Mi said. Jian Guozhi looked at the handkerchief with a smile carved on his lips.


    "It''s beautiful. Is it for me?" He asked.


    "Yes, Jian Ge," replied Zho Mi. Jian Guozhi put the handkerchief inside his pocket. Leaning closer to Zho Mi, he nted a kiss on the top of her head. Zho Mi lifted her eyes and met the gaze of Jian Guozhi. "I will meet you in the evening. Let''s have dinner together in the evening," Jian Guozhi said. Zho Mi nodded and asked him if he was going somewhere.


    "Yes. I need to report to the Crown Prince, as I need his approval in a matter," Jian answered and stepped back. "I thought to give this message personally to you, that''s why I came here. You shall continue your work," Jian stated and left from there.

 Chapter 208 - Young Love

    <h4>Chapter 208 - ''Young Love''</h4>


    Lei Wanxi and Sheng Li could be seen in the study room of Sheng Li. "Brother is not with Sister Lili. It is rare to meet Brother in the daylight," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li was searching for a good book on art and philosophy.


    "I came here a few minutes ago after having lunch with her. What do you mean by that? I am avable all the time except evening," Sheng Li replied as he took a book out and flipped the pages.


    "So, Hu Jingguo is leaving. Sister Lili is going to miss her friend and me too," Lei Wanxi said.


    "Hmm. The Pce is not safe for him," Sheng Li replied and checked the pages. Lei Wanxi agreed with the Crown Prince. "He told me how you got angry when he intervened in your private moments with Sister Lili. I remember the day how you and Sister Lili were fighting. That day I have seen the spark between you two," Lei Wanxi stated as he opened the fan in his hand.


    "What kind of spark are you talking about?" Sheng Li queried while skimming through the pages.


    "The Spark of a Passionate Love, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi replied and smiled. Sheng Li lifted his eyes from the book and looked at him.


    "What kind of stories are you reading these days?" Sheng Li jokingly asked Lei Wanxi. He put the book inside the shelf and took out another book.


    "I am watching a story these days which I had only imagined for Brother Sheng." Lei Wanxi stretched out his arm and continued, "How a man who considered himself ruthless and how that almighty warrior encountered a brave woman who gripped the sword which he had pointed at her father."


    Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing his words. "Wang Hao told you many things," Sheng Li muttered while his gaze fixed on the pages of the book he was holding in his hands.


    "I did not ask General Wang about your first meeting with Sister Lili. He told me himself. Two ck eyes saw a beautiful young woman, stopping him, who then was mesmerized to see the young woman. That was the Love at First Sight! s, I could not capture this beautiful moment with my own eyes." Lei Wanxi brought his hands closer as he put one of them behind his back while the other under his chin was holding the fan.


    "Wang Hao told you this!" Sheng Li amusingly said. "It was not love at first sight. It was something else. Don''t deduce the wrong meanings of my first meeting with Lili," Sheng Li pronounced. He was annoyed now because the thing he was searching for was not in those books. He threw the book inside the shelves.


    "What kind of books are these? Xing-Fu, throw them out," Sheng Li shouted. Xing-Fu who was standing near the door asked, "What happened, your highness? Royal libraries have the highest quality books in them." Xing-Fu humbly replied to the calm Crown Prince.


    "Brother Sheng''s mood swings are so unpredictable. May I ask what is Brother Sheng looking for?!" Lei Wanxi asked, and looked towards the shelf. "Art and philosophy section," Lei Wanxi readout. "Brother, are you okay? Since when did your interest grow in art and philosophy? I remember we two used to run away from these sses," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Sheng Li walked out from there while Lei Wanxi followed him up. They were now in the Private Chamber of Sheng Li. "What does a butterfly mean?" Sheng Li asked as he took the seat on the floor chair around the floor table.


    "Butterfly?" Lei Wanxi asked as his brows raised slightly. Sheng Li nodded.


    Lei Wanxi sat on the other floor chair and put the closed fan on the table. "Butterfly means butterfly," Lei Wanxi replied.


    Sheng Liughed upon hearing that reply. "You are dumber than me in the art," Sheng Li stated, puckering his lips. Lei Wanxi pouted, "When brother knows then why he is asking me."


    Sheng Li lifted his left-hand sleeve. "Because of this," Sheng Li replied. Lei Wanxi leaned closer and saw a butterfly painted on the wrist of Sheng Li. "Brother, since when did you start drawing? You drew a butterfly on your wrist! It is so unbelievable," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Sheng Li picked the fan from the table and hit Lei Wanxi''s head with it. "Ouch," Lei Wanxi rubbed his head. "Brother, it hurts," heined.


    "Lili has drawn this. She told me to find the meaning of this. I asked her many times but she is not telling me," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi who nodded his head.


    "It''s so weird. Sister Lili asked you, who always failed in the ss of art and philosophy, to find the meaning of the butterfly. If she knows about it, then she willugh at you," Lei Wanximented.


    "Are you making fun of me? I should not have asked you. Go away. Do not irritate me," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Brother, I am not going anywhere. Why don''t we ask Brother Nianzu about this? He is the most suitable person who can answer you about this. Master Shing used to praise him in the art and philosophy ss," Lei Wanxi suggested to Sheng Li who agreed with him. "Brother, when did Sister Lili draw this on your hand? It seems not so new but neither old. But then I am curious why this isn''t fading away," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "She said that this ink never fades, and she wants it to be permanent on my wrist," Sheng Li asserted.


    Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. "Brother, I think there is something deep meaning behind that. We shall ask Brother Nianzu about this. Let''s go," Lei Wanxi said and stood up from the chair. Sheng Li too stood up, and the two left to meet the Fourth Prince.


    Nianzu was conversing over a matter with Chuntao when Eunuch Chung informed him about the visit of the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince. Chuntao stood up from the floor mat and got aside. "Your highness, I willeter," Chuntao said.


    Nianzu nodded when he saw the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince there. Lei Wanxi waved his hand at Chuntao who passed a tiny smile to him when Sheng Li looked at her and she immediately lowered her eyes. She left the chamber with Eunuch Chung. "How despicable? Who was she? Did she forget her manners?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "Brother, she is a vige girl whom Brother Nianzu had brought to the Pce. Her name is¡­" Sheng Li motioned his hand up in the air.


    "I am not interested in knowing her name," Sheng Li replied. He turned to look at Nianzu and greeted him. Nianzu stood up from his seat and told them to take their seats.


    "It is good to see the Crown Prince. I hope this journey did not tire you out," Nianzu softly said.


    "It was not tiring. How is the Fourth Brother doing?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I am doing fine. Thank you for asking, Crown Prince. Do the brothers want to drink tea?" Nianzu asked.


    "Why not?" Lei Wanxi immediately said. Nianzu smiled and called Eunuch Chung inside. He ordered him to bring the tea for them.


    "How is your mother doing?" Sheng Li asked.


    "She is fine," Nianzu replied.


    "I heard something else. The Empress is torturing her. Shall I take action?" Sheng Li asked.


    "When our father is not able to do anything, then how is the Crown Prince going to take action?" Nianzu questioned. The maidservant came there with a tray in her hand. She served them the tea and walked out from there.


    "Father cannot intervene in the Inner Pce matters. Lili has the powers equal to the Empress, slightly less than her, in the Inner Court so I will ask her to look into that matter. She will handle that matter in her own way," Sheng Li asserted and picked the teacup from the table.


    "I promised myself that I would punish Weng Wei for her crimes," Nianzu stated. Sheng Li saw the anger in the eyes of the Fourth Prince.


    "Even I promised myself but till now I could not do anything. Things take time. Wiping her out is not easy when she is supported by so many ministers. We need to be careful while bringing her truth out and also the evidence against her," Sheng Li stated in a menacing expression.


    "Crown Prince, let''s not talk about this. The Crown Prince shall tell me why he suddenly visited me?" Nianzu asked, and grabbed the teacup. He gulped the tea and put the cup on the table.


    "Brother wants to get an answer to a question," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Question?"


    Sheng Li moved his sleeve up from the left hand and showed the butterfly on his wrist. "The meaning of this butterfly is unknown to me. Lili drew it on my wrist. Since I am weak in art, I decided toe here to find the meaning of this."


    Nianzu keenly looked at the pattern. "Did the Crown Princess draw it?" Nianzu asked.


    "Brother Nianzu, you know that Brother Sheng was not good at painting. Of course, it is painted by our Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Nianzu smiled, looking at Sheng Li. "Crown Prince, did the Crown Princess express her love to you?" Nianzu asked. Sheng Li refused immediately.


    "A Butterfly indicates ''Young Love'' - an undying love between the two lovers. A Butterfly always looks youthful that''s why this is called Young Love, which never dies in any circumstance. In short, Sister Lili expressed her love to you through this," Nianzu pronounced and smiled.


    Sheng Li blinked his eyes and then twice before pulling his hand back, moving the sleeve down. "She already confessed to me," Sheng Li murmured as a smile appeared on his lips.

 Chapter 209 - Such A Precious Woman

    <h4>Chapter 209 - Such A Precious Woman</h4>


    Lei Wanxi with sparkling eyes said, "Sister Lili confessed to you, Brother Sheng. How could you be so dumb?" He happily hugged Sheng Li. "You got such a precious woman for you who loves you wholeheartedly. I am so happy for you, Brother," Lei Wanxi said and pulled back.


    "Brother Sheng, when did Sister Lili draw this?" Nianzu asked.


    "Many days ago when we were in the Southern Province," replied Sheng Li. The smile from his lips was not disappearing.


    "You shall answer her," Nianzu stated. Sheng Li nodded. "I had never imagined that she would confess to me this way. Though she did this in her drunkard state when she was awake, she told me to find the meaning. How could I be so na?ve?" Sheng Li thought.


    "Brother Sheng, you shall start learning art and philosophy. Sister Lili talks in such anguage that is not understandable to you. You always used to say that no woman would ever love you because of your nature. But look, the opposite happened. I cannot even express the feelings I have at this moment. Sister Lili is so romantic, unlike our brother," Lei Wanxi said.


    Nianzu agreed with Lei Wanxi. "Sister Lili indeed expressed her love uniquely. She must be hurt after brother Sheng did not give any response to her. Any woman would get disheartened! Such a beautiful confession and yet, Brother Sheng did not even reply. I wonder how Sister Lili could talk to you. If I were at her ce, then I would have not talked to you," Lei Wanxi proimed and crossed his arms.


    "Why are you ming me? Wait, how do you know I have not confessed to her?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi. "Oh, how can I forget that you had sent a spy to make me jealous!" Sheng Li stated.


    "Brother, is that important now? The most important thing right now is that you need to confess your feelings for Sister Lili. Go and tell her the meaning of this. Tell her how you feel for her," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Sheng Li was confused regarding what kind of confession he would do.


    "Brother, what are you thinking?" Lei Wanxi shook up Sheng Li, bringing him out of his thoughts. "Brother, what are you waiting for? How long are you going to keep Sister Lili waiting? Go, tell her about your feelings," Lei Wanxi in a firm tone told Sheng Li who stood up.


    "I thought about confessing to her tomorrow. I mean I have not nned anything. Unlike Lili, I am not a believer in art and I never once put any thoughts on these kinds of things. After knowing the meaning of this, it is more confusing for me to give a beautiful confession to her from my side," Sheng Li stated.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi stood up from their respective seats. "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili would be happy hearing those words from you. A simple confession is also beautiful in its own way. Do not wait for tomorrow. You never know what will happen in the future. You have already dyed it so much, it is better to answer Sister Lili, now." Nianzu exined to Sheng Li who knitted his brows.


    "Now?" "I cannot do that. I mean I want it to be special," Sheng Li proimed. "I will do it tomorrow. I mean Lili has given me an answer indirectly, and she waited for this much then I believe she can wait one more day," Sheng Li opined.


    Lei Wanxi held his head upon hearing the statements of the Crown Prince. "Brother, let''s suppose you have proposed to Sister Lili this, and if she had not given any response to you then, wouldn''t you have felt dejected?" Lei Wanxi queried Sheng Li.


    "I would have but¡­"


    "There are no ifs and buts, Brother. You already let Sister Lili wait so much and then you openly tease her. This is very wrong, Brother. You shall answer Sister Lili. How could you do this to Sister Lili? Confess to her today else I will never talk to you a-and also Brother Nianzu will not talk to you¡­ I will tell Sister Qi Jing not to talk to you," Lei Wanxi said in a loud voice.


    Nianzu agreed with Lei Wanxi. When Sheng Li did not budge from his ce, Lei Wanxi threatened Sheng Li. "Brother, I am going to Sister Qi Jing and will tell her not to talk to you ever," asserted Lei Wanxi and stepped forward when Sheng Li stopped him.


    "I am going. I understand. You don''t need to pressure me," Sheng Li replied and walked out from there. Nianzu and Lei Wanxi looked at each other.


    "Brother Sheng is so stubborn. Let''s go behind him," Lei Wanxi told Nianzu.


    "Let''s not disturb the Crown Prince. He has said that he is going to answer the Crown Princess," Nianzu answered.


    "Brother, what if he had said that to escape us? We shall see him off till Zhenzhu Inn. Let''s go," Lei Wanxi affirmed and the two Princes left behind the Crown Prince. But as they came out of the chamber, they did not find Sheng Li there. "Where did he go?" Lei Wanxi murmured. Nianzu asked Eunuch Chung about that.


    "His highness has taken the route of Zhenzhu Inn," Eunuch Chung replied. This brought a smile to Lei Wanxi''s lips, and he took a sigh of relief.


    Sheng Li, oppositely, was thinking how he would confess to Ying Lili. He wanted it to be special, but answering her at that moment was also important. He realized that he indeed did wrong by not confessing to Ying Lili till now.


    "What would be the best confession for her? A simple or something special which I have not decided till now!" Sheng Li mumbled when something clicked in his mind. The frowns which had appeared earlier vanished now because he had found the best way to confess his feelings to Ying Lili.


    He went to Zhenzhu Inn happily. "Lili, forgive me for not answering you till now. I hope you will like this," Sheng Li thought and soon reached the Zhenzhu Inn.


    Court Lady Xu greeted the Crown Prince. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is resting. Shall I wake her up?" Court Lady Xu humbly questioned.


    "No. I am going in," Sheng Li said and walked inside the resting chamber of Ying Lili.

 Chapter 210 - Unless I Fall For You

    <h4>Chapter 210 - Unless I Fall For You</h4>


    Sheng Li saw that Ying Lili was sleeping like a baby on the bed. The red rose was still intact in her bun, which was magnifying her beauty. A few moments ago, his mind was filled with many thoughts, but as soon as he saw Ying Lili, his mind calmed.


    He remembered the earlier days vividly; when on the wedding night Ying Lili told him that a cruel person like him does not deserve love or happiness, he was dejected. Not because he was called cruel, but because Ying Lili could not see through him.


    He wanted to wake her up and take her to their private residence, but breaking her sleep was not a good idea, so he decided to wait. The long journey was tiresome for Ying Lili and giving her enough rest was important too.


    Sheng Li sat beside her on the mattress. His one hand was over Ying Lili''s head, and he caressed it. Ying Lili drew her brows together in her sleep as she felt someone''s hand on her head but it was soothing for her. It felt as if her mother was doing it. Her face got rxed, and she fell into a deep sleep.


    By the evening, Ying Lili woke up from her sleep and she saw Sheng Li beside her. She rubbed her eyes. "You here?" She murmured and sat up on the bed. She stretched her arms out and patted her cheeks. "That was a nice sleep. I am feeling fresh," Ying Lili said as she passed white teeth smile to Sheng Li who smiled back.


    "When did youe here?" Ying Lili asked.


    "After lunch," Sheng Li replied. "Do you want to go to the Residence?" He then asked.


    "Aren''t we supposed to go tomorrow?" Ying Lili asked.


    He nodded. Indeed, they had decided to go there the next day but now he had found the true feelings of Ying Lili, so he wanted to admit his feelings for her. "I want to go today as well," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "Let''s go then," she said as she moved her hands over her hair. "Let me do my hair first," Ying Lili said and quickly got down the bed. She went towards the dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror. She brushed her hair and tilted her head. Sheng Li was intensely looking at her. After she was done brushing, she turned to him, "I am ready."


    Sheng Li came towards her and told her toe along with him. They reached the stable. The stableman brought Kongqi there. Ying Lili caressed his face, and he neighed. "Kongqi has be a friend to you," Sheng Li stated, and told her to stay there.


    A few minutester, Sheng Li came to her with two swords in his hand. "What''s this? Are you going to have a friendly sword fight again? I will defeat you," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "You cannot defeat me," Sheng Li replied and wrapped his arm securely around her waist. Ying Lili hopped on Kongqi with her both legs on the left side, followed by him. Sheng Li put Ying Lili''s hands around his neck. "Hold me firmly," he voiced. He pulled the reins, and the two rode the horse. Coming out of the Fu Imperial Gates, Kongqi gained speed.


    Ying Lili''s gaze was fixed on Sheng Li''s face. She noticed keenly the facial features of Sheng Li when her eyes saw a tiny mole near his right eye. It was not visible unless someone looked closely at it. "You have a mole here," Sheng Li heard Ying Lili, as she pointed her finger near his right eye. Sheng Li did not reply to her and kept riding the horse.


    Halting in front of the Residence, they both got down. A soldier came and bowed his head. He held the reins and took Kongqi away from there. Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s hand and ascended the few stairs to go inside the Residence.


    Sheng Li took her to the in ground and handed her a sword. "Show me what you have got!" Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "Are you challenging me?" She asked and saw Sheng Li had taken out the sword from the scabbard. Ying Lili did the same and threw the scabbards on the ground. "Okay, whoever will lose..." Sheng Li did not let Ying Liliplete her words.


    "Today, there will be no bet. I just want to have this friendly match with you. I want to see how good you are!" Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili nodded her head and lifted her hand in which she had a sword. Sheng Li swirled the sword in his hand, and the two moved in a circr motion, waiting for the attack.


    Sheng Li attacked first, while Ying Lili defended his attack; her feet were glued to the ground as she pushed Sheng Li away who smiled. Ying Lili found Sheng Li was using full force, unlike thest time. The sword came straight towards her, and she dodged it by turning left. The sword in her hand nked against Sheng Li and the two fought for dominance.


    Ying Lili swiftly moved back, tossed the sword in her left hand, and hit Sheng Li who defended it. He was impressed today, seeing Ying Lili was actually fighting with her full strength. Last time, she was nervous because her friend''s life was at stake.


    The nking sound of the two swords echoed in the air. Ying Lili had again moved the sword ahead when Sheng Li grabbed her wrist, swiftly turned her around, and locked her neck in his arm. "Never do this in front of your opponent. He will end up killing you," Sheng Li whispered. Ying Lili struggled to release her grip when Sheng Li pushed her and stepped back.


    "Wildcat, you are not using your full strength. I''m losing interest in ying with you," Sheng Li voiced. Ying Lili turned back and red at him. She attacked him once again, this time fiercely. She pushed him back, and got the chance to defeat him this time but Sheng Li dodged her.


    Their swords were now directed at each other as they moved in a circle. "You will lose today," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "Do you remember what I told you when we fought for the first time?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili knew Sheng Li was ying with her mind, to distract her, so this time she did not listen to him and attacked him again, but Sheng Li easily defended himself. "You said many things that day," Ying Lili replied.


    "I told you that if I lose to you in this game, then that will be for only one reason," Sheng Li pronounced. She ran towards him with the sword directed towards Sheng Li when at that moment, he lost his guard and Ying Lili this time pointed a sword at his neck.


    But something was wrong, she realized. It seemed Sheng Li willingly did that. Her grip tightened around the hilt as she felt strange under Sheng Li''s gaze. "Why did you do that?" Ying Lili asked as she pulled her hand back, but then Sheng Li grasped her wrist, pulling her closer to him.


    Their faces came closer, and both were panting because of the friendly fight they just had. "The day hase. You defeated me," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili skeptically looked into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "I didn''t. You¡­" Sheng Li ced his pointer finger over her lips. "Shhh¡­ You always forget important things which I tell you. That day you told me that you would defeat me and I replied ¨C ''that will never happen unless I fall for you.''"


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. This chapter was tough to write as I needed to think a lot to make the confession different. Hope you will enjoy this. The two chapters are on Confession.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 211 - I Love You, Lili

    <h4>Chapter 211 - I Love You, Lili</h4>


    "Shhh¡­ You always forget important things which I tell you. That day you told me that you would defeat me and I replied ¨C ''that will never happen unless I fall for you.''"


    Ying Lili''s eyes slightly grew big. "I don''t like to lose to anyone but I want to lose repeatedly from the woman whom I love the most." Ying Lili''s heart was rxed a moment ago, but after hearing those words of Sheng Li, it again raced.


    Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s hand on her right hand, and a momentter, the sword was no more in her hand. It had fallen on the ground along with Sheng Li''s sword, making a loud voice as they hit the ground.


    "I used to think that there is no one born who has the guts to stand against me but you proved me wrong. All these years, I have made only enemies. I got only curses for destroying lives. I was called heartless and it never bothered me until I met you." He moved back his finger from her lips and put his hand down.


    Ying Lili saw the deep emotions in Sheng Li''s eyes for her. She had also cursed him earlier for being ruthless and heartless. Tears formed in her eyes thinking how badly her words had affected Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li noticed Ying Lili''s watery eyes. He did not know the reason for that. He decided to confess first. Moving his left sleeve up, he showed the butterfly to Ying Lili. "You asked me to find the meaning of this. I will be truthful. I am not good with the arts. I don''t understand the pictures, the deep hidden meanings in them so I asked my Fourth Brother. Looks like a dumb head like me has to learn art too!" Sheng Li made a little joke to cheer up the mood of Ying Lili who was ardently peering at him.


    "''An undying love between us'' - you want a love which will always be young." He pulled his sleeve down and again peered into her eyes. His right hand rested on her left cheek.


    "I wanted the confession to be beautiful so that it will be memorable to us. But I do not know what exactly you would like. That''s why I decided to have this friendly match where I wanted to be defeated by you."


    "But you intentionally lost to me. I wanted to defeat you by my strength," Ying Liliined.


    "Isn''t this your strength?" Sheng Li questioned and immediately replied, "You defeated the invincible Crown Prince with your love. That''s your biggest strength, Lili." Sheng Li pronounced and continued, "I was touched by your words when you told me that you want to love me. Despite my nature, you stood beside me and understood me. It was strange when I saw you crying for the wounds I got. You saved my life twice and did not care about your life. Throughout these years, I fought alone and suffered alone. Nobody cared for me the way you do. You won not only my heart but my soul, too," Sheng Li''s every word pounded Ying Lili''s heart. She wanted to hear those three words from him when she heard him.


    "I love you, Lili," Sheng Li finally confessed to her and at that moment a tear rolled down her right cheek.


    Ying Lili did not want to waste even a second. She tiptoed and ced her lips on his, bewildering Sheng Li.


    Leaning back she said, "You took a lot of time to confess to me. I had thought of doing something special for you but I was confused about your choices. You admitted your feelings uniquely, and I loved it. You are the most beautiful, thoughtful, andpassionate person that I have ever met. I had always wished for a man like you. I wanted to admit my feelings earlier but then I was afraid that you would reject me. In the drunkard state, I ended up making that pattern." Ying Lili exined as she looked down towards Sheng Li''s wrist. "I love you too, Sheng Li." She removed the rose from her bun and forwarded it to Sheng Li.


    "Right now, I can only give you this. Earlier, I went to the garden to bring a flower for you, but you left me alone in the corridor, so I thought not to give it to you," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li smiled, thinking how quickly Ying Lili got angry at him. He took the rose from her and put it back in her hair bun. "It looks good here," he voiced. He securely wrapped his arm around Ying Lili''s waist, pulling her up.


    "I waited for this moment for a long time," Sheng Li''s face was dangerously close to Ying Lili. Their hearts beat faster and faster while their faces kepting closer. The hand which was earlier on her cheek was now on her nape as he closed the distance between them.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes while Sheng Li closed his after hers. Their lips met, and it ignited heat in their respective bodies. They had kissed many times, but today it was different. They both were pouring their feelings through that kiss.


    Sheng Li angled Ying Lili''s face to get a perfect kiss. Moving his lips over Ying Lili''s, he gave her enough time to respond, and without any dy, unlike the previous times, she reciprocated his kiss. Sheng Li pulled away and traced her lips with his thumb before capturing them again.


    She was melting under those kisses when he bit her lower lip, but quickly licked it thus, vanishing the pain she felt with the bite. This was the second time he did that, but the passion this time was different.


    Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s lips to be warm and soft against hers. She parted her lips, giving him easy ess. In a second, Sheng Li''s tongue slipped inside her mouth and touched her tongue. She felt how he yed with her tongue for a few seconds, which electrocuted her mind. Her hands went to his shoulders and gradually locked around his neck.


    Slowly, the two parted their lips from each other, gasping for the air. Their eyes were still closed as their foreheads touched against each other; their breaths were hitting against each other''s face. Ying Lili''s hands moved down. She felt her heart would explode because of the kiss she just had when she felt Sheng Li''s fingers grazing on her cheek.


    She opened her eyes and found Sheng Li''s intense gaze on her. She could see the anticipation and love for her in his eyes. "I can''t get enough of these lips," Sheng Li whispered as his thumb brushed her lips again. Butterflies danced in her stomach as a smile appeared on her lips.


    She hugged him tightly. Her left hand moved down as she grabbed Sheng Li''s right hand. She lifted her head again, meeting his gaze. "I am your strength from now on. You told me that love is a weakness but trust me Sheng Li, the love between us will only strengthen deeply with each passing day. I will never let it turn into your weakness," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I believe that you are my strength!" Sheng Li remarked.


    He securely wrapped his arm around her and carried her up, astonishing Ying Lili. "There is something I want to show you," Sheng Li said and walked inside the residence.

 Chapter 212 - To Love You

    <h4>Chapter 212 - To Love You</h4>


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to the Pavilion of Flowers, which was the main garden of the Courtyard. Earlier in the day, he had ordered the servants to put a swing in the garden.


    The swing ropes were decorated with flower vines which were hung from an oak tree. Sheng Li made Ying Lili sit on the swing whose eyes glistened upon seeing the picturesque view of the garden.


    The courtyard had a small pond in the center with lotuses. A wooden zig-zag path was also constructed above the pond so that one can view the crystal clear water and the tiny fishes moving. On the other side, different kinds of flowers were nted which could soothe out the soul of a person. Since the residence was on a height higher than the Imperial Pce, the gigantic mountain peak could be seen from every part of the Residence.


    A smile carved on Ying Lili''s lips, analyzing every part of the garden. She lifted her head and found Sheng Li was gazing at her. "You said you do not like the garden then what is it," Ying Lili waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "It has been here since its construction. Last time I did not bring you here as I did not know you liked it," Sheng Li pronounced. He sat beside Ying Lili on the swing and moved it forward. "The day you danced and then yed the flute, my heart fluttered. You were beautiful that day. It was an indescribable feeling," Sheng Li said.


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing that. "I can dance again and y the flute for you if you like, but I do not think that there will be a flute here," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Next time I will bring that too," Sheng Li stated and pushed his feet on the ground to move the swing forward. Ying Lili rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "Then, dance with me the next time if I will y the flute," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li was hesitant, but then for Ying Lili, he agreed.


    "There is a memory I have with my mother. I want to share it with you." Ying Lili lifted her head and peered into his eyes. "The music that you yed that day was yed by my mother daily for me before her death. She told me to remember her through that music. I remember her saying ¨C ''Love is the most powerful weapon which can defeat everyone.'' But I stopped believing that because she ended up dying most miserably. She saved the life of Zhang Yong, but he fed her poison; she was kind to everyone around her but in the end, people turned cruel to her."


    Sheng Li''s voice broke at thest few words. Ying Lili could feel his pain. She held his hand in hers and caressed it.


    "People around thete mother were power-hungry and they still are! Some people lose their conscience before power, money, and status. She was too good for such a selfish ce," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "If she would be alive then, she would be happy to see that her son married a woman who had the same traits as hers," Sheng Li stated, keeping a tiny smile on his lips. His hand went near her right ear to tuck the curl behind her ear.


    Gradually, it came under her chin as he lifted it slightly. Closing the distance between them, he kissed her again. Pulling back, he kept his gaze intact on her as if he was peering through her soul. Ying Lili''s heart thumped in her chest, seeing that intimidating gaze on her.


    The night was falling as the sky had turned dark. "We need to go back. The night is falling," Ying Lili whispered and stood up when Sheng Li caught her wrist, pulling her back. She fell back on Sheng Li''sp.


    "We are not going to the Pce today. We will spend our night here," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear and he kissed her earlobe. Ying Lili closed her eyes and curled her fingers as they soon intertwined with Sheng Li''s.


    He nuzzled her hair and bit her earlobe followed by a kiss which resulted in a moan from Ying Lili''s mouth. She immediately ced her palm over her mouth and tilted her head to look at Sheng Li who chuckled upon seeing her reaction.


    He ced his index finger in between her brows. The frowns that had formed on her forehead disappeared. "Do you want me to love you a little more?" Sheng Li asked as he removed the palm from Ying Lili''s mouth.


    Words were noting out of her throat. Her heart was thumping more with each passing second. "W-what do you mean?" after a few seconds she asked with a stutter.


    "I mean what I said," Sheng Li replied as he leaned closer to her ear, "Let me repeat my words. Do you want me to love you a little more tonight?" Gradually he leaned back and saw how nervous had Ying Lili turned. He forgot that in the Pce she was not given such lessons after her wedding as Sheng Li had told the Empress not to involve Ying Lili in the Inner Pce.


    The sides of his lips moved up to give a smile to Ying Lili, to make her rx. "It is fine. Let''s go back." His grip around her waist loosened when he heard Ying Lili.


    "Yes." She lowered her eyes as the blush on her cheeks had spread till her cheeks thus, making her face turn red. "It''s fine. We will take it slow," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili recalled the words of Court Lady Xu. It was her duty as the wife of the Crown Prince and now, when they love each other, it should not be a problem. "But we love each other. Court Lady Xu told me that¡­" She stopped as she saw a mischievous smirk on his lips. "I-I mean¡­" Ying Lili''s words stuck in her throat as her fingers curled again, clutching the skirt.


    Sheng Li grazed Ying Lili''s lips with his thumb. "You look cute when you stutter, Wildcat. It tempts me more," Sheng Li said before pulling his hand back. With Ying Lili, he wanted to give time to everything steadily and slowly.


    "Umm¡­ I recalled something. There is no cook in the residence. The dinner time is near, so we need to go back," Sheng Li affirmed. He stood up along with her from the swing. "It was a pleasant day," Sheng Li said before holding Ying Lili''s hand and taking her out from there.

 Chapter 213 - A Beauty Mark

    <h4>Chapter 213 - A Beauty Mark</h4>


    The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess arrived at the Pce. Sheng Li went to Zhenzhu Inn when they encountered Lei Wanxi just near the stairs of the Zhenzhu Inn. It was not surprising for Sheng Li that Lei Wanxi would be waiting for them.


    "Brother Wanxi, you here? Is there something important you want to talk about?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Yes, Sister Lili. I want to know if my dear brother confessed his feelings in the right way to you or not," Lei Wanxi proimed. Ying Lili smiled as she lowered her eyes. "Sister Lili is blushing, which means my dear brother admitted his feelings. Brother, you lost the bet against me." Lei Wanxi immediately pointed the fan towards Sheng Li, who looked at him confusedly.


    "What kind of bet, Brother? May I know about that?" Ying Lili curiously looked for the answer.


    "He is babbling. Don''t listen to him. Go away from here," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi as he motioned his hand in the air. He grabbed Ying Lili''s hand to ascend the stairs with her, but Ying Lili did not move from her ce. "I want to know," Ying Lili stated.


    Quickly, Lei Wanxi came to Ying Lili''s side, putting his hands behind his back. "Sister Lili, Brother used to be in love with¡­ I won''t take the name as you are smart."


    "Wanxi," Sheng Li called out his name to stop him but he did not stop.


    "So, Brother said that you are not beautiful enough to attract him. Your beauty can attract others but not him," Lei Wanxi quickly finished his words and ran away. "Sister Lili, Brother will beat me up if I stand there," Lei Wanxi said loudly while running. Soon, he vanished from their sight. Sheng Li found Ying Lili was ring at him.


    "Don''t listen to him. He was lying," Sheng Li stated. "I don''t know why did he¡­" Sheng Li saw Ying Lili had climbed the stairs without listening to him. Sheng Li walked behind her. "Lili, I did not say that. Are you angry at me?" Sheng Li questioned as the two kept climbing the stairs.


    They reached outside the chamber. "Go away. I don''t want to talk to you," Ying Lili said and walked in. She closed the sliding doors as she went in, baffling him. Court Lady Xu looked at the Crown Prince and then lowered her eyes. "Your highness, is everything alright? The Crown Princess seems angry."


    Sheng Li did not say anything and walked in. He saw Ying Lili was on the chaise lounge; her body''s entire weight was on her left elbow. She had removed her overcoat already.


    One of her legs was stretched out while the other was touching the floor. Seeing Sheng Li there, she put her leg down and sat straight on the chaise lounge. "Why are you listening to him? I did not say that. He is just messing with us," Sheng Li stated and went further closer to her.


    "Because I have heard this from you once. Can''t I even be angry? My husband does not see me as a beautiful woman!" Ying Liliined. Sheng Li sat on the chaise lounge beside her. He made her look at him. "That time I was lying to myself. I prefer inner beauty more but yes, you are beautiful," Sheng Li stated and tapped on her nose using his finger.


    "I will not forgive you this time. I have the right to be angry at you," Ying Lili said and stood up, but Sheng Li pulled her down on the chaise. "Leave," Ying Lili pulled her hand back, as she peered at him.


    "Don''t you love me? Then why are you getting angry? That was the past," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "In the present too, you did not admire me because of my beauty. Don''t you think it''s unfair to me? Not getting admiration from your husband but from other men. It takes me an hour to get ready daily yet my husband neverpliments me," Ying Lili pronounced and made a pout. Sheng Li ended up chuckling as he found that Ying Lili wanted him to admire her beauty. She was not wrong, either. Sheng Li had neverplimented her.


    He lifted his finger and traced her eyebrows. Ying Lili lifted her eyes at this sudden action of Sheng Li. "What are you doing?" She asked confusedly when Sheng Li moved the finger down to her jawbone. Ying Lili''s insides tingled, it happened to her whenever Sheng Li touched her like this.


    "You have a beauty mole. Here," Sheng Li whispered, cing his thumb right beside the corner of her upper lips. "This enhances your beauty more. Your big eyes, rosy red lips always tempt me towards you but I control myself. So, you can see how much your beauty affects me. Even now, I am controlling myself," Sheng Li whispered and leaned towards her ear.


    He kissed her right under her ear, and she closed her eyes. He leaned a little down and nuzzled the milky white skin of her neck. Sheng Li kissed her there, followed by a gentle bite and a lick which resulted in a moan from Ying Lili''s mouth. His finger traced her corbone andter moved to her nape.


    He continued his torture on her neck. Ying Lili''s mind was blowing up from the pleasure building inside her. A strange feeling was developing, which she experienced for the first time. Suddenly Sheng Li stopped; moved back, tracing her cheek with his nose, and soon their noses touched. He noticed how Ying Lili''s chest was moving up and down just because of a few kisses on her neck.


    Sheng Li ced the kiss on the corner of her upper lips, right at her beauty mark, and moved his lips over hers. He kissed her and moved back to look into her eyes. He again pulled her into a kiss, this time a more passionate one. Soon, he left his lips from hers and started stroking her hair. "This is the little that I showed you that I feel after I see you. I want to touch you, kiss you, and love you, but since you are young and inexperienced, I control myself to not hurt you in any way. We will take it slowly," Sheng Li asserted.

 Chapter 214 - A Womans Heart

    <h4>Chapter 214 - A Woman''s Heart</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was going towards the chamber of Zho Mi for dinner when he encountered Xue Yu-Yan midway. "What are you doing here?" Jian questioned her.


    "I am here to take you with me to my chamber. You are forgetting that you have a Consort as well," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced. Jian ignored Xue Yu-Yan and stepped ahead when she caught his arm. He tilted his head, "Leave."


    But Xue Yu-Yan did not let go of his arm instead, she came in front of him. "Jian Ge, if you go to her chamber tonight then trust me, I will end up killing her. Do not me meter," Xue Yu-Yan threatened Jian Guozhi.


    Jian Guozhi continued staring at her for a while and then spoke, "Xue, you should not have married me. Tryying a finger on her. I swear I will kill you before that. Don''t test my patience. Just stay away from me. You disgust me," Jian muttered and pushed her away. Xue Yu-Yan gritted her teeth.


    "Jian," she shouted at him and continued, "Don''t test me. I want to be the Crown Princess and for that..." She stopped speaking as Jian shouted at her.


    "Yu-Yan, stop. You will never be an Empress. As long as I am alive, I will not let you be the Crown Princess. So, stop dreaming that you can be one," Jian Guozhi told Xue Yu-Yan who knitted her brows. Jian moved towards her and grabbed her neck. The part of the Pce where the two were arguing was isted so no one could see them.


    Xue Yu-Yan gripped his hand, trying to remove that from her neck. "Just because you are favored by my mother does not mean that I would let you say anything to me. You used to roam behind Sheng Li, but when he deceived you, married another woman, you came after me! You are power-hungry who neither deserve any love nor any mercy. I wish I could kill you right now," Jian menacingly said and left his grip from her neck.


    Xue Yu-Yan started coughing and gasped for the air. She red at Jian Guozhi who snickered and walked away. Tears formed in the eyes of Xue as she sat on the ground. Lei Wanxi happened to see all this. Before Xue Yu-Yan could see him, he hid behind the pir. Peeking from the side of the pir, he saw Xue Yu-Yan was leaving the ce.


    Once she left from there, he quickly came to the front. "What was that? Elder First Brother and Consort Xue fighting with each other! That''s why a man should not get married to more than one woman. But why was she asking to be the Empress? What is going on? What is Weng Wei nning this time?!" Lei Wanxi contemted.


    Xue Yu-Yan arrived at her chamber. She told the maidservant not to bring dinner and went to the bed. Sheid on it on the support of her belly. Tears started flowing down her eyes.


    When she entered her teenage years, she was taught only one thing: to be the potential wife of the next-in-line Crown Prince. She was told to forget about her aspirations and was told to focus on that one goal. That was the difference between a girl born in a royal family and a girl born in a normal family, that is, not to be able to live her life freely.


    She had heard only in the stories how the pathetic life of a woman in the Pce of the King or a Prince never came to her. But she had never imagined that such a thing would ever happen to her.


    She sat up on the bed and wiped the tears off her eyes. "Why don''t I deserve the love?" Xue Yu-Yan murmured. More tears poured down her eyes. From the back of the palm, she wiped them again. She looked around and saw how lonely she felt in that chamber, particrly in that Pce.


    "It all happened because of Ying Lili. Jian started acting weirdly with me because the Empress and I want her to be dead. This Lili," she clenched her fist and gritted her teeth, "¡­I will kill you by my own hands and then I will kill Zho Mi. Yes, I will do this. I will kill them both." Xue Yu-Yan shouted andughed loudly, which echoed in the entire room.


    Jian Guozhi had reached the chamber of Zho Mi who was eagerly waiting for him. "Jian Ge," she whispered his name and passed a tiny smile to him, but the smile on her face disappeared when she found Jian Guozhi was in anger.


    "What happened? You do not look to be in a good mood," Zho Mi looked into his eyes.


    "Stay away from Yu-Yan. That woman gives me a headache. I should not have married her," Jian Guozhi said with exasperation.


    "Jian Ge, have a seat," Zho Mi said as she made him sit on a chair there. She pulled out another chair for her and sat on it. Shifting her gaze towards Jian, she asked him the reason for his anger.


    "She wants me to spend a night with her. I don''t want to! I hate the sight of her," Jian Guozhi immediately answered. His nose red in anger.


    "Sister Xue also wants her husband to be with her. There is nothing wrong with that. After her marriage, Jian Ge has not even once spent time with her. I can feel a woman''s heart. If I would be at her ce, then I would have also felt an urge to spend some time with my husband," Zho proimed.


    Jian Guozhi found out how soft Zho was from her heart. Was it because she was unaware of Yu-Yan''s true nature, or was it in her personality to be thoughtful towards everyone?


    "You do not understand. Let''s have dinner," Jian Guozhi said. Zho Mi called a maidservant inside and ordered her to bring the dinner for them. The meals were served to them and the two started eating.

 Chapter 215 - Face Me First

    <h4>Chapter 215 - Face Me First</h4>


    After the morning greetings, the Empress sent the message to Ying Lili toe to her Manor as the Empress had something important to discuss with her. "Why is she calling me all of a sudden?" murmured Ying Lili. She stood up and left for the Empress''s Manor with Court Lady Xue, followed by other maidservants.


    Reaching there, she greeted the Empress and the other consorts. "Have a seat, Crown Princess," Weng Wei said. Ying Lili nodded and took the seat. "The reason I called the Crown Princess here is that you have the second-highest power in the Inner Pce yet your presence is nil," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Forgive me, your majesty, for not showing my presence," Ying Lili bowed and apologized.


    "Crown Princess, it is your duty to actively take part in the Inner Pce too," the First Consort, Ju Fen stated and turned her gaze towards the Empress. "Sister Wei, I think the Crown Princess''s mother never taught her such things," Consort Ju Fen deduced.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes. "Respected Consort Ju, forgive me, but please do not use my mother. She has taught me everything, but there was no Inner Pce in Juyan so I never learned about it," Ying Lili affirmed. Consort Ju Fen twitched her lips upon hearing that.


    "Crown Princess is right. Tiny kingdoms rarely have Inner Pces. You will be given lessons about the rules of the Inner Pce. Prince Yongzheng and Prince Zemin are getting married. The messages have been sent to the Provinces that will participate in the selection of the most suitable wives for the two princes. So, you need to prepare for that. Apart from that, Princess Jing is going to marry in a few days. Today the Prince from Lu Province will arrive at the Pce. You will check everything regarding these three marriages. You have to arrange the things for them in the most courteous way," Empress Wei exined to the Crown Princess.


    "Yes, your majesty," Ying Lili replied.


    Weng Wei looked at the Court Lady Xu who was standing behind the Crown Princess. "Lady Xu, please guide and help the Crown Princess in all this. There is one more thing that is necessary and inevitable. Since the Crown Prince does not want any second wife and concubine, the Crown Princess needs to fulfill his needs. It has been over a month but the Crown Princess did not get a check-up from the Royal Physician for bearing the heir of the Empire. Lady Xu, you will be punished if the Crown Princess dys her check-up further," Empress Wei pronounced.


    "I understand, your majesty," Court Lady Xu replied as she bowed further.


    "Crown Princess, do not be scared. It is a normal check-up which you need to go for so that you can safely bear an heir," Third Consort Yinlong humbly said. Ying Lili nodded.


    "What if the Crown Princess''s body proves unhealthy by the Royal Physician?" Second Consort Shoi-Min raised a doubt.


    Empress Wei nced at her and then looked back at the Crown Princess. "Then, the Crown Prince needs to marry another wife or has to take a concubine to strengthen his position on the Crown else the ministers will not support him," Weng Wei pronounced. "But since the Crown Princess is a trained warrior, she will bear a healthy heir for the Empire," Weng Wei passed a tiny smile to Ying Lili who smiled back.


    "The Royal Astrologer wille to the Pce tomorrow to give the appropriate date to consummate with the Crown Prince," Weng Wei proimed. Ying Lili curled her fingers because she was forced to go for such things.


    "Sister Wei, what about the First Prince? He has been married to Princess Zho for 3 months and with Princess Consort Xue it is almost a month. I think those two must be given the dates for consummation by the Royal Astrologer," stated Consort Ju Fen.


    "Yes, tomorrow they will be given the appropriate dates," Weng Wei replied. "Crown Princess, if there is any doubt you can ask us," she added.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. After conversing with them for some more time, Ying Lili left the Empress''s Manor. She asked the Court Lady Xu about the arrival of the Prince from Ju Province. "Your highness, it is said that the Prince will be here by noon. The arrangements for the Prince''s arrival have already been made. You only need to check them," Court Lady Xu replied.


    Ying Lili gave a nod and told Court Lady Xu that they should first check them. She first went to the room, which was prepared for Prince Lu Qifeng. After thoroughly inspecting everything, she went to the barracks. Before going there, Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu and other maidservants to go back to Zhenzhu Inn as in the barracks women were not allowed although she was an exception.


    The soldiers who were practicing on the ground bowed their heads upon seeing her. "Where is the Crown Prince?" Ying Lili queried them.


    "What happened? Why are you here?" Sheng Li voiced from the side left of her. The soldiers bowed their heads upon seeing him. Ying Lili turned left and went to him. "I have something important to discuss with you," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nced at General Xiao who understood the gesture and walked ahead towards the soldier.


    "Come with me," Sheng Li said and took Ying Lili away from there. They were now in a private room. Sheng Li picked the jar from the table and poured water in a ss for him. He drank the water and put the ss on the table. Ying Lili was seated on the bed when Sheng Li came to her and sat beside her.


    "Why are you tense?" Sheng Li asked, and he tapped her nose with his finger.


    "I was summoned by the Empress today. She has given me the responsibility for the marriages of Sister Jing, Second and Third Brother. I am suspicious of this. Why am I given the responsibility of all this? Other than that, I want you to give me a security check once again. Prince Lu Qifeng''s safe arrival to the Pce is important," Ying Lili exined.


    "She won''t do anything that would affect her daughter in any way but giving you the responsibility of this is indeed suspicious. She involved you in the Inner Pce. But this is what we wanted! Xue Yu-Yan had given her the idea to involve you in this, so it is good for us," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You are right. But what if they do something just to punish me?" Ying Lili worriedly said.


    "They can''t punish you. No one has been born to punish you," Sheng Li stated. "Since when have you started getting scared of all these things, huh?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "She killed my parents and I could not do anything about that. What if something big happens!? I am scared about that," Ying Lili stated as she furrowed her brows.


    Sheng Li embraced Ying Lili into a hug. "Nothing will happen. I am here. She has to face me first before doing anything to you. General Wang and my few spies are checking everything so, do not worry," Sheng Li pulled away and caressed Ying Lili''s head.

 Chapter 216 - To Judge My Decision

    <h4>Chapter 216 - To Judge My Decision</h4>


    Everyone was eagerly waiting for Prince Lu Qifeng at the Fu Imperial Gates. Soon some foot soldiers were visible to them; behind them, on a white horse, Prince Lu Qifeng could be seen. Beside the Prince were two more horsemen, followed by horse carts.


    A broad smile appeared on Han Wenji''s lips upon seeing Prince Lu Qifeng. The foot soldiers stopped, stepped aside, and aligned in a row. Lu Qifeng got down on his horse and walked towards the Emperor. He lifted his hands, ced his right fist on the left palm, and bowed. "Greeting to the Emperor and the Empress of Han from the Prince of Lu Province," Lu Qifeng stated.


    "Wee, Prince Lu Qifeng to the Imperial Pce of Han," Han Wenji said. Lu Qifeng lifted his head to look at Sheng Li. He bowed and greeted the Crown Prince, followed by the Crown Princess. His eyes stopped at her for a few seconds when Ying Lili averted her gaze from him.


    Lu Qifeng turned slightly, looking at the horses'' carts. "Father has sent some valuables for the respected Emperor," Lu Qifeng stated. Han Wenji nodded and then looked at Weng Wei.


    "Please show the personal chamber where Prince Lu will stay till his marriage with the Princess," Han Wenji told the Empress who nced at the Crown Princess.


    "Wee, Prince Lu. Please this way," Ying Lili softly said. Lu Qifeng passed a tiny smile to her but before going he looked at the Emperor.


    "Prince Lu Qifeng, you shall follow the Crown Princess," Han Wenji stated. Lu Qifeng bowed and walked behind the Crown Princess. Sheng Li looked at Weng Wei and then looked at Xue Yu-Yan who was smirking. "Brother, there is something that you must know." Lei Wanxi whispered in the ear of Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li tilted his head and waited for everyone to leave the ce. After everyone left the ce, Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan to send the valuables from the other entrance. "What do you want to tell me?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi who narrated the entirest night incident that he witnessed between the First Prince and Princess Consort Xue.


    "What? They were fighting with each other?" Sheng Li was bewildered to hear that.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. The Elder First Brother also hates Princess Consort Xue. I am confused why she was telling him to make her the Crown Princess? Is something going to happen, Brother?" Lei Wanxi anxiously asked.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows. "I think they have nned something. They might harm Ying Lili this time since she is with me," Sheng Li deduced. "I need to find out what''s going on in Xue''s mind?" He thought.


    "Brother, I think they want to harm you both. Upon your order, I am granted permission to enter the Buddha Temple by our father where the Empress goes daily for prayer. But, I found nothing suspicious there. I kept a check on her all the time but there was nothing which could be doubtful," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "As soon as you asked permission publicly, Weng Wei might have taken care of everything. Unlike her brother, she has brains that''s why she is in that position for so many years," Sheng Li muttered and clenched his fist. "There might be some kind of secret passage there. Did you thoroughly check that area?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I checked everything there, Brother. But there was nothing that could seem doubtful to me. Brother, why do you not take a secret visit there?" Lei Wanxi suggested.


    "Hmm." "Where is Brother Nianzu? I need to talk to him."


    "He must be busy in his study room," Lei Wanxi replied. "But, why does Brother want to talk to the Fourth Brother?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "I need to consult something with the Fourth Brother. Lili has been given the responsibility of the marriage of Sister Jing and she thinks something big will happen. I felt the same way, that''s why I need the advice of the Fourth Brother," Sheng Li exined.


    Lei Wanxi nodded and followed the Crown Prince.


    ~~~~


    Ying Lili showed the chamber to Lu Qifeng. Shemanded the maidservants to serve the Prince. "Princess Jing will meet you tomorrow morning. Please make yourselffortable here and call the maidservants if you need anything. Don''t be hesitant in anything," Ying Lili stated.


    Lu Qifeng nodded and thanked her for the hospitality provided to him. "I shall take my leave," Ying Lili said and turned to go when Lu Qifeng''s question stopped her.


    "You married him?" Ying Lili turned and looked at him.


    "Be respectful, Prince Lu Qifeng," Ying Lili said with a stern expression.


    "Forgive me for not using the title for the Crown Princess. I was a little curious that the Princess of Juyan also epted the defeat at the hands of the Crown Prince. I still remember that day when¡­"


    "Prince Qifeng," Ying Lili cut his words in the middle, "Just because my father and your father were acquaintances does not make us acquaintances. Moreover, Prince Qifeng does not possess any right to judge my decision. Since you are here as the bridegroom of Princess Jing, I will be respectful to you. I want you to keep in your mind that I will not tolerate any inappropriate behavior, Prince Qifeng," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Hearing the firm voice of Ying Lili, Lu Qifeng apologized again. Ying Lili walked out of the chamber and encountered Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Crown Princess, her majesty sent me to bring you to her Manor. The Royal Astrologer is in the Pce," Xue Yu-Yan stated. Ying Lili nodded and walked ahead.


    "They both know each other?" Xue Yu-Yan murmured. "I need to find out how much these two know each other. Are they just an acquaintance or more than that?" Xue Yu-Yan mumbled and saw the Crown Princess had reached quite ahead. "I just hope that I found out something which will tarnish your imagepletely," she muttered and walked behind Ying Lili.

 Chapter 217 - A Sister Is The Second Mother

    <h4>Chapter 217 - A Sister Is The Second Mother</h4>


    On the Empress''s orders, the Royal Physician examined the Crown Princess, Princess Zho, and Princess Consort Xue. The Empress and the other consorts were waiting for the response of the Royal Physician who turned to the Empress and bowed.


    "Your majesty, the Crown Princess is healthy to bear the Royal Heir," the Royal Physician informed them with a delighted face. The Empress faked a smile and asked about Zho Mi and Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Your majesty, Princess Zho is also healthy but Consort Xue might face some problems in theter stage." The smile from Xue Yu-Yan''s lips vanished instantly. Zho Mi nced at Xue Yu-Yan who was looking dejected.


    "Royal Physician, I think you made a mistake. You shall examine me one more time," Xue Yu-Yan requested.


    "Princess Consort, the Royal Physician has checked all of us when we got married to his majesty. You are doubting the knowledge and skills of the Royal Physician," Consort Ju Fen stated and then looked at the Empress who was slightly disheartened to learn about that.


    "I do not dare to question the knowledge of the Royal Physician. Forgive me, if it seemed an insult to you, Royal Physician," Xue Yu-Yan apologized.


    "Princess Consort shall not ask for the forgiveness. She can improve her health to avoidplications in theter stage. I will rmend some herbal medicines to Princess Consort which she needs to take after dinner," the Royal Physician asserted. Xue Yu-Yan was delighted and heaved a sigh.


    "Soon we will hear the noises of young kids in the Pce. Crown Princess, you have to bear a healthy boy to strengthen the position of the Crown Prince else it will be difficult for him," Consort Ju Fen taunted the Crown Princess.


    "Consort Ju, I might sound rude but my future child will have nothing to do with the position of the Crown Prince. The support of the subjects, our people, is indispensable for any Ruler. And it will be heaven''s wish whether I give birth to a boy or a girl. Even a girl has the strength and capability to strengthen the Empire," Ying Lili pronounced. The Second and the Third Consorts found how embarrassed Consort Ju felt at that moment.


    "Crown Princess, calm down and be respectful towards Consort Ju," Weng Wei said with a stern expression.


    "Forgive me, your majesty. I was only saying that Consort Ju must not discriminate," Ying Lili pronounced. Weng Wei nodded and told the First Consort to be careful of her words.


    "Royal Physician, thank you for examining them. You shall take leave," Weng Wei stated. The Royal Physician bowed and left. Weng Wei ordered the Court Lady of her Manor to bring the Royal Astrologer who was waiting outside the chamber.


    As the Royal Astrologer entered, he greeted the Empress first, followed by the Crown Princess and the others. "Please take your seat Astrologer Mengyao," the Empress said. Mengyao took his seat and took off the cloth bag which he had hanged around his shoulder.


    "Astrologer Yao, please give three auspicious days when the three daughters-inw can consummate with their respective husbands," Empress Wei stated. "Start with the Crown Princess, first," she added.


    Mengyao nodded his head and took out a book of astronomy and stars from his bag. He checked the positions of the moon and stars thus, ordingly calcted a day of consummation for the Crown Princess. "ording to their stars, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess shall consummate on the next full moon which is after five days," Astrologer Mengyao suggested.


    Empress Wei nodded and was going to ask about Zho Mi and Xue Yu-Yan when she heard Astrologer Mengyao. "Since this is the first time I matched the stars of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, I found a distinctive and astonishing thing," Mengyao pronounced.


    Everyone got curious to know about that except Ying Lili who had the least interest in that. "What is it, Astrologer Mengyao?" Empress Wei queried.


    "They together are considered as the greatest rulers of our Empire. The Empire will be prosperous under them. Basically, the stars of the Crown Princess are too good for the Crown Prince." Frowns appeared on the forehead of Astrologer Mengyao.


    Empress Wei asked the astrologer why he was looking worried.


    "Your majesty, something is disturbing in the stars of the Crown Prince. It may happen or may not," Mengyao stated. This grabbed the attention of the Crown Princess.


    "What does the Royal Astrologer mean?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Your highness, a dark time wille in the life of the Crown Prince. He may lose everything," Mengyao stated. Empress Wei, Consort Ju, and Xue Yu-Yan smiled a little upon hearing that while others got a little worried. "But because the Crown Princess''s stars are strong, that may not happen," the Astrologer stressed in his final words.


    "It is just a prediction. A prediction has nothing to do with the future of anyone," Ying Lili opined. The Third Consort and Princess Zho Mi agreed with her.


    Mengyao nodded and then predicted a day for Princess Zho and Princess Consort Xue for the consummation with Prince Jian Guozhi. "This month no such day is good for them. It will be next month in the first and third weeks. Any day will be better for the consummation in these two weeks," Mengyao depicted.


    Weng Wei smiled upon hearing that. Astrologer Mengyao took his leave. "Crown Princess, you need to be careful. Whatever Astrologer predicted for all these years has turned true. What if something happens to him?! I think you need to go do powerful chants in the Buddhist Shrine," Ju Fen advised the Crown Princess who nodded her head.


    "Crown Princess, you do not need to be worried. Everyone shall take their leave. It iste lunch hours. The Emperor must be waiting for me," Weng Wei stated. The other stood up, bowed, and left from there.


    As they came out of the chamber, Zho Mi saw that the Crown Princess was troubled after hearing the prediction. "Crown Princess, Astrologer Mengyao said that it may happen or may not happen. Do not get anxious. Nothing is going to happen," Zho Mi sced Ying Lili who thanked her but her heart was still a little disturbed to know all that.


    "I will see youter, Sister Mi," Ying Lili said and walked away. She went to the chamber of Princess Qi Jing as Sheng Li had told her that they would have lunch there. As she reached the chamber, she saw Sheng Li was looking delighted with Qi Jing. He was smiling brightly.


    ''They are right. A sister is the second mother,'' Ying Lili murmured. "I just hope everything will go right. I never believed in predictions that much but whatever the Royal Astrologer said today is making me worried," she thought.

 Chapter 218 - To Protect Me

    <h4>Chapter 218 - To Protect Me</h4>


    "Sister Lili, why are you standing there? Come here," Qi Jing softly said. Sheng Li turned his head and stood up from the chair. He found Ying Lili was disturbed. Ying Lili stood near Sheng Li and greeted Princess Qi Jing. "Have a seat." They both sat down on the floor chairs.


    "How was the check-up, sister Lili? You look anxious. Is everything fine?" Qi Jing queried.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili. "Why did you need a check-up? What happened?" Sheng Li furrowed his eyebrows.


    "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili was called by the mother for a medical check-up to examine whether Sister Lili is medically healthy to conceive a child or not," Qi Jing replied and shifted her gaze to Ying Lili.


    "What kind of weird check-up the Empress called you for?" Sheng Li yanked as he looked at Ying Lili. "What did the Royal Physician say?" Sheng Li then asked.


    "Brother, it is not a weird check-up. It is important for every woman," Qi Jing stated. Sheng Li apologized to his sister and asked Ying Lili about the check-up.


    "Everything is alright. I am healthy," Ying Lili replied and passed a tiny smile to him.


    "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili, let''s have lunch," Ji Qing stated and called for a maidservant. She ordered them to bring their lunch. Looking back at Ying Lili, Ji Qing said, "Sister Lili, what does Prince Qifeng look like? I have seen him in portraits, so I am a little curious. I asked Brother Sheng too, but he gave me a vague exnation." Ji Qing red a little at her brother.


    "Even I am weak in describing the features, Sister Jing. You will get to see Prince Qifeng in the morning," Ying Lili asserted. Ji Qing nodded. The maidservants served them lunch and the three started eating. After finishing their meals, Ji Qing told them she was going to miss them the most.


    "Sister Lili can truly understand me. It is not easy to leave the house where you have so many memories," Ji Qing stated. Sheng Li recalled how he brought Ying Lili from Juyan. He nced at her and felt guilty for behaving that way.


    "Sister Jing, you are saying right. It is not easy for women to leave everything behind. Once I heard my mother saying that a woman takes birth twice - once in her parental home and the other when she enters her husband''s home. I now feel those words were true," Ying Lili pronounced, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "I am a little scared because of all this. I do not know what my new home will be like? I am a little worried," Qi Jing asserted.


    "Sister Jing, that''s why father has given you a week so that you can know about Prince Lu Qifeng. Do not be worried," Sheng Li consoled the Princess.


    "It is not easy-to-understand someone in a week, Sheng Li. You do not understand these things," Ying Lili yanked at him.


    Sheng Li frowned and replied. "I know Sister Jing more than anyone here. I do understand. Sister Jing, I will ask our father to increase the time for marriage duration," Sheng Li assured his sister.


    "Brother Sheng, it is not about the duration. You really do not understand these things. I respect Sister Lili for adjusting to the Pce so soon when my brother was not good to her," Qi Jing stated.


    "I was always good to her," Sheng Li asserted and looked at Ying Lili.


    "Brother Wanxi has told me everything about how you treated Sister Lili," Qi Jing sternly said, and shifted her gaze to Ying Lili. "That''s why I admire and respect Sister Lili who adjusted herself in the Pce so quickly," Princess Jing added.


    "Even I troubled him in the beginning. There were many misunderstandings between us. Even though I was mean to the Crown Prince, he was always there to protect me," Ying Lili proimed.


    "I do not know why Wanxi always announces my rtionship to everyone. Did he not tell Sister Jing how much I love Lili? He only says negative things about me. I forgot to beat him earlier," Sheng Li was irked. Qi Jing and Ying Lili smiled upon seeing the sudden change in the mood of Sheng Li.


    Their conversation was interrupted when a maidservant came there. "Your highness, forgive me for intruding on you all. Eunuch Xing-Fu is outside who has a message from his majesty," the maidservant informed the Crown Prince.


    They all stood up from their respective seats and went out. Seeing the Crown Prince, Eunuch Xing-Fu bowed and said, "Your highness, the Emperor has called you and the Crown Princess in the Chamber of Virtue. His majesty has something important to discuss with you two."


    Sheng Li turned to his sister and told her that would see her the next day. Sister Jing nodded while the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess left to meet the Emperor.


    "Did father tell you anything?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu.


    "No, your highness," Xing-Fu replied who was walking behind them. Soon they reached the ''Chamber of Virtue'' where the Emperor was waiting for them. Sheng Li and Ying Lili saw the Prime Minister, the First Prince and the Fourth Prince were also present there. They greeted them and then took their respective seats.


    "What happened, father? You called us," Sheng Li queried.


    "I received your message the other day. The person who supported the rebel group in the Southern Province has arrived at the Capital. I called you two here because you two had gone to the Southern Province, so, ordingly, punishment will be decided for the culprit," Han Wenji pronounced. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li who was smiling. Han Wenji gestured something to his personal eunuch, Jin Delun, who walked out from there. A few minutester Eunuch Jin entered the Chamber with Yang Fei Ke.


    Yang Fei Ke gave his formal greetings to all of them. "Your majesty, there are some valuables which I have brought from the House of Consort Ju Fen," Yang Fei Ke stated. Han Wenji nodded and looked at the Crown Prince.


    "Crown Prince, what information did you receive from Sun L¨£oh¨³? Could you please tell us?" Han Wenji urged the Crown Prince.


    Hearing the name of Sun L¨£oh¨³, Yang Fei Ke panicked. "Sun L¨£oh¨³ was the one who was ruling the Southern Province and had spread fear in our people. But he did not do that alone," Sheng Li pronounced and stood up from his seat. He walked towards Yang Fei Ke who was nervous.


    "The person who backs him is Yang Fei Ke whom he used to call Master Yang," Sheng Lipleted his words and stopped right in front of him. He was boring his deadly gaze at him as if he would kill him right there.

 Chapter 219 - More Stubborn Than You

    <h4>Chapter 219 - More Stubborn Than You</h4>


    "Your highness, I-I don''t know w-what..." He could notplete his words as Sheng Li gripped his neck tightly and pulled him closer. "Crown Prince, calm down," Han Wenji stated.


    "Father, I am calm. It is just this person who created so much trouble for us and now instead of admitting his crimes, lies to us!" Sheng Li proimed. Jian Guozhi stood up from his seat and went to Sheng Li.


    "Let him go, Crown Prince. At this rate, he will die," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Sheng Li loosened his grip from Yang Fei Ke''s neck and pushed him.


    "Just speak the truth else the entire Ju family has to take the punishment," Sheng Li sternly said. Jang Fei Ke got onto his knees and asked for forgiveness. He was pleading with the Emperor. Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi turned towards the Emperor.


    "Why did you do this?" Han Wenji demanded the answers from Yang Fei Ke who did not open his mouth.


    "Father, I think he shall be sent to prison. General Wang will do the rest of the work," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "The First Prince is saying right. After getting punishment in prison, this person would open his mouth on his own," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Your majesty, please do not do this. I did this because I was suspended from the position of Governorship of Southern Province. I wanted to be the Governor again by portraying it as my act of bravery. Forgive me, your majesty," Yang Fei Ke lowered his head such that his forehead touched the ground.


    "Your majesty, I epted my crime. I was going to control everything," Yang Fei Ke cried and begged in front of the Emperor to spare him.


    Han Wenji asked the Prime Minister and Nianzu regarding the punishment who thought to give him life imprisonment, but Ying Lili opposed that.


    "Life Imprisonment is not sufficient for Yang Fei Ke," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Crown Princess, he has epted the Crimes, and the situation is controlled there," the Prime Minister asserted. "If we keep giving the death sentence, then people might see the Emperor as a tyrant," he opined.


    "What about the people who lost their lives because of the greed of Yang Fei Ke? A mother lost her son, a father lost his daughter, a wife lost her husband, a husband lost his wife, a sister lost her brother and a brother lost his sister. These are the limited cases that the Crown Prince and I could report in the Southern Province.


    We met an old mother whose son lost his life. We saw how Sun L¨£oh¨³ men were treating men, women, and children there. The people from Southern Province want justice from the Emperor," Ying Lili affirmed and stood up from her seat.


    "Your majesty, Sun L¨£oh¨³ was acting as the tyrant of the Southern Province and Yang Fei Ke did not even step forward to stop him. Why? Was it just because he wanted governorship or there is something hidden behind it?" Ying Lili raised a doubt, which made everyone think about that.


    "I urge his majesty to send him to prison. Ex-Prime Minister was also doing illegal activities under the nose of the Emperor, Crown Prince, Governor of Luoyang, and the other ministers. When he can do such a thing, then I am sure that this person can also do the same. What if the Ju Family is associated with this?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Ju Family has nothing to do with this. Moreover, there is no evidence that there is involvement of the Ju Family. Your majesty, the Crown Princess is manipting you. You know me personally. Don''t believe this woman!" Yang Fei Ke requested as he lifted his head when his hair was pulled by Sheng Li.


    "Do you want me to take your tongue out? Do you even know who you are raising your voice to? How dare you talk this way to the Crown Princess?" Sheng Li gritted his teeth. Yang Fei Ke cried out as the pull on his hair increased. He let go of his hair and supported the Crown Princess.


    "Your majesty, I also support the decision of the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi asserted. Sheng Li and Ying Lili nced at him before looking back at the Emperor.


    Han Wenji agreed to that and ordered the soldiers to throw Yang Fei Ke in the prison. Nianzu was impressed by Ying Lili''s unbiased view. Jian Guozhi was also impressed by Ying Lili''s bold personality. Yang Fei Ke was taken away from there. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and passed him a smile.


    The Emperor dismissed them and left the Chamber with the Prime Minister, while Nianzu left with Jian Guozhi.


    Ying Lili walked towards Sheng Li and said, "I told you that I will punish every single person who tortured you and ourte mother. It is just the beginning. Soon Consort Ju Fen will be punished for her crimes. She hit you on your back when you did nothing wrong. I will break her hands and back for you."


    "You surprise me every single day. You are turning cruel for me and I like it," Sheng Li asserted as he stepped closer to Ying Lili.


    "What happened to you? Earlier you were looking worried?" Sheng Li then asked as he grasped Ying Lili''s left hand.


    "Nothing," Ying Lili replied.


    "Lying to me? I will punish you if you lie to me again. Tell me what is bothering you?" Sheng Li queried again.


    "You always notice wrong things," Ying Lili mumbled and pushed him away. She stepped forward when Sheng Li pulled her back such that her back touched against his chest.


    "Leave," Ying Lili said in a low voice. "Someone will see us," she added.


    "No one enters here without the permission of the Emperor," Sheng Li replied and spun her around. Ying Lili''s both hands rested on Sheng Li''s arms while his arms were securely wrapped around her waist.


    "You start anywhere without any shame," Ying Lili remarked and hit him lightly on his arm.


    "Did I do something shameful? I do not think so," Sheng Li replied and pulled her closer to him. "Tell me what is bothering you?" Sheng Li asked.


    "First leave me," Ying Lili said.


    "I will not leave you until you tell me. You know that I am stubborn," Sheng Li proimed.


    "And I am more stubborn than you," Ying Lili replied.


    "Then, let''s stay like this," Sheng Li brought his lips closer to Ying Lili''s cheek and kissed it. "Speak," he whispered near her ear.

 Chapter 220 - Husband Is With You

    <h4>Chapter 220 - Husband Is With You</h4>


    "You still are not speaking," Sheng Li said, kissing her earlobe.


    "Sheng Li, our father wille anytime here. Do you want our father to see us like this?" Ying Lili tilted her head slightly.


    Sheng Li rested his chin on Ying Lili''s shoulder. "Father will note. He has gone for some work with the Prime Minister. Now, tell me what is bothering you? Do not make me wait," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Leave me first," Ying Lili was still adamant. This time Sheng Li gave up. Earlier Ying Lili used to tell him immediately, but this time, she did not. He loosened his grip from Ying Lili''s waist and she hit his stomach with her elbow.


    "Ouch," Sheng Li passed a low scream and ced his hand on his stomach. By then, Ying Lili had run away from there. "Lili," Sheng Li called out her name and ran after her. As Sheng Li came out of the chamber, he did not see her there. "She left me alone here!" Sheng Li murmured. "I will punish you, Lili," he grinned.


    Ying Lili looked behind to check whether or not Sheng Li was behind her. Seeing no one behind her, she heaved a sigh when she got hit against someone. "Ahh," she turned and saw the First Prince there.


    "First Brother," she murmured and bowed.


    Jian Guozhi looked around and asked Ying Lili, whom she was running from. "No one," Ying Lili immediately replied as she lifted her eyes.


    Jian Guozhi looked into Ying Lili''s eyes and smiled. "Crown Princess, there is something I want to tell you." Ying Lili curiously peered at him. "Crown Princess, if you will ever need any kind of help in a situation that you think you will not be able to escape from then you can tell me without hesitation," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows but then she did not ask the First Prince as she was still thinking about escaping Sheng Li''s question. "Okay, First Brother. I shall take my leave," Ying Lili said. Jian Guozhi bowed, giving a tiny smile to the Crown Princess, and got aside thus, giving way to her to go ahead.


    Ying Lili soon reached her chamber. She was delighted that Sheng Li would not meet her till the evening and by that time she would think of something else because she did not want to tell him about the prediction.


    Court Lady Xu and other maidservants bowed upon seeing the Crown Princess there. "Your highness, some lessons are there which you will need before the consummation," Court Lady Xu politely said.


    "I will take a little rest first, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili said.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied. The doors were opened for her and she entered the chamber. Getting inside, she removed her shoes and the heavy overcoat she was wearing. She moved her head left and right; stretched her arms out. "Today was a tiring day," she murmured as she looked up at the wooden ceiling.


    She then looked straight and put away the beaded curtains when her eyes fell on Sheng Li who was on the bed. His right hand was supporting his head in the air while both his legs were stretched out. Ying Lili found he was in his thin clothes and his naked chest was slightly visible from it.


    "Has my wife finished checking me out?!" Sheng Li asked. Right now, his voice was something different.


    "W-what are you doing here?" Ying Lili asked, showing him that she was not bothered by his sudden presence there. She ced the overcoat on the chaise and sat on it.


    "You left me alone in that hallway. So, I thought abouting here," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips up. ''Why is he showing his chest, then? Shameless!'' Ying Lili bored her gaze at Sheng Li who was smiling.


    "I was feeling hot, so I removed the extra heavy clothing from my body. Someone made me run after her. I know you love seeing me like this. I did not even show you how shameless I can be," Sheng Li exined, and smirked.


    Ying Lili''s eyes slightly grew bigger. ''How did he hear me?" Ying Lili wondered, but kept her face calm.


    "Don''t you have work to do? Earlier you used to be busy all day. Are you escaping from your work? This is bad," Ying Lili tried sending Sheng Li away from her chamber.


    "Fortunately, Wildcat, Ipleted all my day''s work. Why are you sulking when you should be happy that your husband is here with you? Come here," Sheng Li motioned his hand in the air.


    "No, I feel good here," Ying Lili stated as she rested her elbow on the pillow on the chaise lounge and brought her legs up.


    "Come here else I wille there," Sheng Li in a firm tone voiced but Ying Lili ignored him atid on the chaise, closing her eyes. A few secondster, she was carried up by Sheng Li in his arms. "Put me down. I have almost fallen asleep," Ying Lili lied.


    "Wildcat, you shall not lie to me. You should not have left me there and should not have defied me a few seconds ago. Now, be ready for punishment," Sheng Li said as he ced her gently on the mattress. Before Ying Lili could go to the other side, he caged her between his arms and locked her legs as well to stop her from moving.


    Ying Lili gulped, seeing the closeness between them. Sheng Li stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. "I heard something from the Court Lady Xu," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili tightly shut her eyes as she forgot to tell Court Lady Xu not to tell Sheng Li about the predictions as it could worry him. She opened her eyes as she felt Sheng Li''s lips against hers. He was kissing her, so Ying Lili responded to him. Sheng Li pulled back and caressed Ying Lili''s cheek from the back of his palm.


    "You do not need to be worried about that. The Royal Astrologer exaggerated his predictions," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Hmm¡­ the Astrologer said that there is," Sheng Li ced his index finger on Ying Lili''s lips thus, stopping her from speaking. "You do not need to tell. I know he has given the date of consummation for us. You will be given some lessons regarding that. That''s why you are tense," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Court Lady Xu has not told him about the prediction!" Ying Lili was happy.


    Sheng Li saw the smile on her lips. "Why are you smiling suddenly?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili brought out her thoughts. "Nothing," she replied. "I am not worried about consummation. Why would I be tense about that? I mean there is a little nervousness which I think every woman feels. I am just a little tired," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li studied her eyes for a few seconds because he felt as if Ying Lili was still hiding something from him. So, he decided to find out on his own.


    Sheng Liid beside her and wrapped his arm around her belly. "Get some sleep then," he said and from the other hand pulled the curtain down.


    "You are a great husband, Sheng Li. I love you," Ying Lili thought in her mind and closed her eyes.

 Chapter 221 - A Slingshot

    <h4>Chapter 221 - A Slingshot</h4>


    Nianzu had gone to the Capital''s main office to meet The Department of Civil Services to ask for the report of military recruitment in Southern Province through civil services examination. After two hours of meeting with the Head, Nianzu went to the market.


    As the Fourth Prince was passing by themoners, the one who recognized him greeted him and cleared the way for him. Nianzu passed a smile to them. Today he was happy because the Emperor had talked with him regarding his mother. After talking with him, all his worries were gone but it did not mean that he had forgotten the vow he took the other day.


    Han Wenji had told Nianzu that his mother would be given a special title that would protect her from the ill-treatment of Weng Wei. Thinking of all this, Nianzu got extremely delighted. At that moment, he recalled about Chuntao who had gone to her house for some time. Since it was the time ofte noon, Nianzu thought to walk with her to the Pce.


    He turned to go when he felt someone''s grip on his leg. Nianzu lowered his head and saw a young boy was gripping his leg. Nianzu found that the boy had a grubby face, clothes covered in dirt, and mucky, torn-out shoes.


    "Master, please buy these flowers from me for only twenty cents," the young boy requested from Nianzu as he pulled away from his leg. He had a basket which had flowers of Lily in it. The basket was also covered in dirt, depicting the poor condition of the family from which the young boy belonged.


    Nianzu got on his knees and took out a handkerchief from his pocket. He cleaned the face of the young boy and asked, "Does your family grow these flowers?" Nianzu questioned.


    The young boy gulped and blinked a few times before answering, "Yes, master." He looked behind and then looked at Nianzu. "Master, please buy these flowers. My mother needs urgent medicine and no one is buying them. I will be grateful to you if you buy these," the young boy requested again. His eyes had tears but he was acting strongly in that tough time.


    "Keep them. Come with me. I will buy medicine for your mother," Nianzu assured the young boy when a loud voice interrupted them. Nianzu and the young boy looked in the direction of the source of the voice.


    "Brothers, the thief is here," a man in his twenties with a bamboo stick in his hand delightedly said. He was joined by three more people. Nianzu looked at the young boy who tried to run away but Nianzu caught his arm.


    "Master, let me go. My m-mother will die¡­" the young boy finally broke down into tears which he was holding for a long time.


    The four men stood in front of them. "Young man, you look from an aristocratic family. Thank you for catching this thief. He stole these lilies from Lord Feng''s garden," pronounced the man in his twenties. He then looked at the boy and red at him. "You will be punished brutally today," he told the young boy and extended his hand out to grasp the ear of the young boy who tightly gripped the overcoat of Nianzu, hiding his face in it.


    Nianzu caught the hand of the man and pushed him away. He ced his hand over the head of the young boy. "How dare you!" The other man shouted at Nianzu and attacked him when he was hit by a stone right in the middle of the forehead. The man cried in pain and stepped back.


    Nianzu looked back and saw Lei Wanxi with a slingshot in his hand. Nianzu smiled seeing Lei Wanxi there. "Whoa! I did not know that I was good at this," Lei Wanxi said with glistening eyes. The people had surrounded them. "How dare you try hitting the Advisor of the Emperor and the Fourth Prince of this kingdom," Lei Wanxi loudly said as he came towards them.


    Upon hearing that the four men were terrified. Immediately they bowed their heads. Lei Wanxi had put the slingshot inside his sash and took out the fan from it. He stopped in front of those men and hit their heads using his fan. "Brother, are you okay?" Lei Wanxi asked. "They should feel lucky that the Crown Prince did not see them attacking you but s, he hardlyes to the market," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    The four men immediately got on their knees and asked for forgiveness. "Please do not tell the Crown Prince. We are extremely sorry for acting this way, your highness," one among them said as they bowed.


    "Your highness, we would not have done this but this thief forced us to. He should be punished¡­ ahh," he screamed as Lei Wanxi hit his head using the fan.


    "At this moment, you should beg for your life. Brother, just give them a death sentence for raising a hand on the Royal Blood. If Brother will not do this then I will take the matter to the Crown Prince," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Nianzu smiled at how Lei Wanxi was terrifying those four men.


    The people were whispering with each other seeing them. "I asked the young boy for these flowers. He is not a thief. I will spare you all if you promise me that you will give the lilies to this young boy daily," Nianzu dered his decision.


    "Yes, yes, your highness. We promise to you," they said in unison.


    "Tell your Lord that it is the order of the Fourth Prince. If he defies my order, then not only you four will be arrested but also your Lord will be arrested," Lei Wanxi warned them. Those four agreed to the Princes and apologized to the young boy.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Nianzu and then at the young boy who was hiding behind Nianzu. "Let''s go, Brother," Lei Wanxi said. Nianzu nodded and looked at the young boy.


    "Kid, take us to your home," Nianzu stated. The young boy nodded and started walking while the two Princes followed him.

 Chapter 222 - Abject Poverty

    <h4>Chapter 222 - Abject Poverty</h4>


    The young boy was thankful to the Princes for saving him. He stopped and turned to them. "Thank you for helping me there, your highnesses," the young boy expressed his gratitude and bowed.


    "You do not need to thank us. Show us the way to your home," Nianzu said, cing his hand again above the head of the young boy. "May I know the name of this young boy?" Nianzu softly asked.


    "I am Su Tengmin," the young boy replied.


    "You have a nice name," Nianzu replied, and the three kept walking. They were in the same vige from where Chuntao belonged.


    "Why are the people from this vige always in trouble and why is my brother always there?" Lei Wanxi wondered. Seeing the princes in the vige, the vigers were bowing as they walked past them. After walking for a few meters, they reached outside the house of Su Tengmin.


    The house was made of bamboo sticks and was shabby unlike many other houses in the vige. "My mother is inside the house," Su Tengmin replied. Nianzu nodded and walked inside with him while Lei Wanxi followed them.


    On a wooden bedstead, a woman was lying who was covered with a torn nket. "Su-min, where is your father?" Nianzu asked who had gone towards the bed and was checking his mother''s fever by cing his hand on her forehead.


    Nianzu looked at Lei Wanxi. "Bring a physician here, Brother Wanxi," Nianzu politely asked Lei Wanxi.


    "But Brother, I don''t even know about this ce. It might take me more time. Why don''t we send the boy?" Lei Wanxi suggested.


    "We cannot send him. Stay here. I will be back in a few minutes," Nianzu asserted. Tengmin had opened her eyes, but she could not see the person standing in front of her because of illness.


    In a meek voice, she asked, "W-whom have you brought, Su?" the woman asked her son who looked at Lei Wanxi.


    "I am the Sixth Prince of Han Kingdom, Lei Wanxi." Hearing the name of the Prince, the woman tried to get up. "Y-your highness," she was weak because of the illness.


    "Please don''t get up. You do need to bow," Lei Wanxi stated and looked towards the door. "Su-min, I am going out to see the Fourth Prince," Lei Wanxi informed the young boy and walked out of the house. As he came out he saw Nianzu there.


    "Brother, you did not go?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "I''ve sent a viger to bring the Physician," Nianzu replied. "Wanxi, we live such a luxurious life that we forget the people surrounding us, especially the subjects who are living their lives in abject poverty," Nianzu proimed.


    "Brother, I have no answer for this. The condition of this vige is poor and we do not know how many such viges there are where people are living miserable. Even if we find out, can we help every single person? Giving them money is not the only option. Poverty is a broad scale concept and eliminating it is difficult," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "Don''t you think it is because of the unequal distribution of resources? People at the top will have everything they want, but the people at the bottom will not be able to afford all that. Even a two-time meal is hard for them to manage. There are many other reasons as well, but discussing them is of no use until we conclude," Nianzu proimed.


    "Brother, you think too much. You cannot help everyone, every time you meet them," Lei Wanxi pronounced. By then the Physician came there with the viger. He greeted the two princes.? "Please check thedy and give her sufficient medicine," Nianzu ordered the Physician.


    "Yes, your highness," the Physician replied and walked inside the house. The viger had already gone away from there while the two princes went inside the house. The Physician after examining thedy gave her some pills and a powered herbal medicine. He told Su Tengmin about the medicines.


    Nianzu took out a silver coin from his pouch and handed it to the Physician who took it, thanked him, and left the house. "Su-min, have your mother taken any meal? You need to feed her this pill," Nianzu said.


    "Yes, your highness. Mother has taken her meal an hour ago," Su Tengmin replied. He walked out of the house and brought water in the earthen ss. He told his mother to take the pill, which she did. In a meek voice, she thanked the princes.


    "Su-min, where is your father? What kind of food do you take in your meals? Could you please tell me?" Nianzu asked.


    "My father left us two weeks ago. We eat the sweet potatoes mostly as we cannot afford other kinds of food," Su Tengmin replied. Nianzu''s eyes filled with tears.


    "What kind of food do you want to eat? Have you had your lunch?" Nianzu further asked.


    "I could not have lunch today as we did not have enough money. I need to find a small job so that I can buy food for us," Su Tengmin replied.


    Nianzu nodded. "Su-min, you are a young kid who is doing more than enough for your family. I am impressed by you. Here, take this pouch. It has coins which you can use daily. Don''t tell anyone, okay?" Nianzu extended another pouch, which was made of a mixture of copper and iron.


    Su Tengmin was hesitant in taking the money when Lei Wanxi put the pouch in his hands. "Keep them and use them carefully. Don''t tell anyone about them. Use two coins daily. That will be sufficient for two-time meals," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Su Tengmin nodded and bowed. "Thank you, your highnesses. Thank you. Because of you, my mother is saved," Su Tengmin expressed his gratitude once again as he wiped off the tears in his eyes. Nianzu caressed his head once again before leaving from there.


    As they left the house, Lei Wanxi noticed that the Fourth Prince was again turned sad. "Wanxi, let''s go to Miss Chuntao''s House," Nianzu said, and the two turned to her house.


    "She is not here. Brother, I think she has returned to the Pce," Lei Wanxi answered.


    "But she used to close this door before going back to the Pce. I do not think she has gone back," Nianzu deduced when Chuntao came out of the room, wiping her tears.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi looked at each other when Lei Wanxi asked, "Miss, why are you crying?"


    Chuntao, who had not seen them, immediately turned and bowed. She had already wiped the tears from her face so she lied, "Your highness, I was not crying." Lei Wanxi nodded his head while Nianzu skeptically peered at her.

 Chapter 223 - Loved By You

    <h4>Chapter 223 - Loved By You</h4>


    "Brother, I recalled something. I will see youter in the Pce," Lei Wanxi said and ran away from there. Nianzu turned back to see Lee Wanxi who soon vanished from his sight. He then turned to look at Chuntao who was standing in front of him.


    "Your highness, have you had some work in the vige again?" Chuntao asked.


    "No. I was here with a young boy," Nianzu replied. "Shall we go back to the Pce or do you want to spend some more time here?" Nianzu queried.


    "We shall go back," Chuntao replied.


    "I am waiting for you outside the house. You can lock the doors," asserted Nianzu and walked out. Chuntao quickly locked the doors and came out of the main wooden gate. She locked it too and put the key in the pocket of her dress. "Your highness, let''s go," Chuntao said softly.


    There wasplete silence between the two as they were walking. Nianzu finally broke the silence and asked Chuntao, "Miss, why were you crying earlier? Is everything alright?"


    "Yes, I am fine. I recalled my parents and brother, so I ended up crying, your highness," Chuntao replied.


    "That is sad to hear. It is indeed a tough time for you, but this phase will pass soon," Nianzu stated. Chuntao agreed with the Fourth Prince. They reached the Pce soon. "Miss, tomorrow you need toe early to the chamber. I have something important to discuss with you," Nianzu told Chuntao.


    "Yes, your highness." Nianzu turned and walked away. The night had fallen, and he soon reached the Eastern Pavilion. He saw Jian Guozhi there with his first wife Zho Mi. "Brother spends more time with Sister Mi. I hope Princess Consort Xue will not do anything," Nianzu thought. He turned his gaze away when his eyes fell on Xue Yu-Yan who was ring at the two.


    Nianzu found the same look in the eyes of Xue Yu-Yan as he had seen in the eyes of Weng Wei. Nianzu walked to Xue Yu-Yan and stood at a safe distance from her. Xue Yu-Yan noticed him and gave him evening greetings.


    "Princess Consort Xue, how are you doing?" This sudden question of Nianzu bewildered Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I am doing well. What about the Fourth Prince?" Xue Yu-Yan asked back.


    "I am also doing well," Nianzu replied. Xue Yu-Yan passed a tiny smile to the Fourth Prince. "Princess Consort Xue, what are you looking at from here?" Nianzu queried, intentionally acting as if he did not see the First Prince and his first wife.


    "Nothing, Fourth Brother," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    "Princess Consort Xue, I would like to advise you something. Now, it is up to you whether you want to take it or not. Do not let your jealousy overpower you. You might end up doing those things which you never wanted to do. You might even regretter," Nianzu proimed. Xue Yu-Yan contemted upon hearing those words.


    "Fourth Brother, it seems you know what kind of turmoil I am going through. It seems in this Pce, I can share a part of my worries with you because you might have observed all this with your mother. I had never thought my life would be like this.


    A concubine usually suffers from this- ''not able to see her husband for months.'' I am an official wife of the First Prince, but still, I could not grab his attention. I am just feeling low and indeed I''m jealous because of all this," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced and lowered her eyes. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it off, not wanting anyone to notice that.


    Nianzu had no sympathy towards Xue Yu-Yan because of her evil ways, but a part of his heart softened whenever he used to see women in that state. Even if she was evil, she should not be treated this way. "Sister Xue, can you promise me one thing?" Nianzu asked.


    Xue Yu-Yan confusedly looked at the Fourth Prince. "A promise?" she asked.


    "Yes," answered Nianzu.


    "What kind of promise, Fourth Brother?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned.


    "Just do not harm anyone in all this, Sister Xue," Nianzu said.


    Xue Yu-Yan chuckled. "Why do you think I will harm anyone, Fourth Brother?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "I have seen the same expression in the eyes of the Empress when I was young, though the Emperor has given equal concentration to all his wives. Though she is the Empress now, time gives a lesson to everyone. Do not be a person like her," Nianzu was direct with Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I am afraid, Brother Nianzu, but I am not like the Empress. I do not know why you said so. I just want love from my husband, too. He admires two women in his life¡ªone is the Crown Princess and the other is Sister Zho. I stand nowhere in his life that''s why the expression in my eyes was anger and jealousy. I do not want to harm anyone, but if I am being neglected like this, then I might end up doing something," Xue Yu-Yan said with a heavy heart.


    "Sister Xue, you can turn good. No one is bad in this world, but circumstances turned them into one. You are in a state where you still have time to turn things right using the right way. Though it may take time, you will be happier that way rather than choosing the wrong path. I hope Sister Xue will keep this in her mind," Nianzu stated.


    "I understand, Fourth Brother. Thank you for conversing with me. Brother truly deserves to be the advisor of the Emperor," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    Nianzu smiled and took his leave but before leaving he said, "Sister Xue, good things take time but eventually they lead to more happiness than the bad things which bring momentary happiness. I will talk to the First Brother in my own way regarding this. You cane to me if you ever feel low. Have a good night."


    Nianzu walked away while Xue Yu-Yan stayed there for a few more minutes. "I wish I could stand beside you, Jian Ge. You are forcing me to take the wrong path. I know I will regret using that path, but I also want to be loved by you," Xue Yu-Yan murmured.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well.


    Reading historical stuff, I always tried to think about life about every single person there. In the story, Xue Yu-Yan is experiencing some bad things in her life that have turned her into a person she never wants to!! I hope you liked this chapter.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 224 - It Is Beautiful!

    <h4>Chapter 224 - It Is Beautiful!</h4>


    Ying Lili''s sleep abruptly broke as she saw something weird in her dream. She saw Sheng Li was crying and had blood in his hands. Her chest rose up and down seeing that weird dream. She ced her hand on her chest as her brows came closer. "What was that?" she murmured. She looked at Sheng Li who was sleeping peacefully.


    "There is something strange. I have never seen such a dream," Ying Lili thought. She sat up on the bed and waited for Sheng Li to wake up. Since it was nighttime, the room has turned dark. She got down from the bed to light the candles in the chamber. She walked out of the chamber and after a few minutes came back to the room with a candle in her hand.


    She lit the candles in the chamber. Sheng Li had also awakened by then. He found Ying Lili was not beside him, so; he turned and found her near the second door where she was lighting the candles. Ying Lili was so lost in lighting the candles that she did not realize that Sheng Li''s sharp gaze was on her. He saw Ying Lili''s mind was somewhere else as the candle wax was falling on the ground.


    Sheng Li got down from the bed and walked to her. "Lili," he called out her name and straightened her hand by holding it. Ying Lili looked into his eyes. Sheng Li had put the candle in the candle stand and shifted his gaze to her. "What happened? Where are you lost?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili did not answer him and kept staring into his eyes when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on her cheeks. "Nothing," she lied. Sheng Li hummed and asked her if she wanted to go somewhere with him.


    "Where would you take me at this hour?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "Just answer if you want to go or not," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili hummed and nodded her head.


    "Get ready then. Brush your hair and wear the overcoat," Sheng Li whispered in her ear. Ying Lili went towards the dressing table. Sheng Li wore the overcoat and tied the sash around his waist. He went towards the mirror and stood behind Ying Lili who was brushing her hair.


    "Shall I brush?" Sheng Li asked as he forwarded his hand to take the brush from Ying Lili and took the brush from her hand. Sheng Li brushed her hair gently. "Your hair is long and beautiful," Sheng Li said in a low voice. He was done brushing and put the brush at the dressing table. He picked a hairpin from there and put it inside the little bun, followed by Bu Yao.


    "You are ready," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili thanked him and stood up from the chair. Turning to him, she tiptoed and moved her hand above his head. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li asked as Ying Lili put her soles on the ground.


    "There were a few strands which were up. I wanted them to settle to use my hand," Ying Lili said while showing her hand, "It would have taken more time if a maidservant will do your hair."


    Sheng Li looked at his reflection in the mirror and adjusted the hairpin on the bun to keep the Crown intact on it. The two walked out of the chamber where Sheng Li informed Court Lady Xu that they would not be at the Pce.


    Ying Lili looked at him astonishingly. "We will be in our private residence tonight," Sheng Li replied. Court Lady Xu bowed along with the other maidservants as both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess walked away.


    They reached the horse stable where Sheng Li asked the horseman to bring K¨­ngq¨¬. "Are we going to the Residence?" Ying Lili queried.


    "You will find out soon," Sheng Li replied. K¨­ngq¨¬ was brought there who was delighted to see his master. Sheng Li caressed his face. "Sit with your legs on one side," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded. After that, Sheng Li hopped on it and pulled the reins to ride the horse.


    The soldiers standing there had lowered their eyes as the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess passed from their sights on K¨­ngq¨¬. As they came out of the Fu Imperial Gates, Ying Lili noticed that Sheng Li was not taking her to the Residence, instead, he had changed the route.


    "Where are we going?" Ying Lili asked and turned her face to look at Sheng Li. Her hands were tightly wrapped around his neck.


    "Can''t you stay quiet? You will find out once we will be there," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili who twitched her lips and huffed. K¨­ngq¨¬ had increased his speed.


    "What if someone attacks us?" Ying Lili asked another question.


    "There are light torches on this route so you can see that it is also a part of the Pce. Moreover, no one knows that we are on this route," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili nodded and again looked at the main route. After a while, K¨­ngq¨¬ stopped.


    Ying Lili saw ake a few meters away from there. Lanterns were tied on the ropes above all around theke, illuminating it and there was a boat as well at the shore. Sheng Li put Ying Lili down on the ground. "You wanted to see theke at night, so I prepared this for you. You told me that I am not romantic enough with you, so I thought to show you my love for you," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes because of the shyness and then lifted them. "Come, I will row the boat," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and held her hand. He helped her get in the boat and made her sit on its one side. Sheng then opened the rope from the tiny ground pole from which it was tied. He quickly got into the boat as it moved ahead in the water.


    Gripping the oars, Sheng rowed, and soon they were in the middle of theke. The moon was in the waxing gibbous phase and was illuminating the water. Sheng Li had stopped rowing the boat, as they were now in the middle of theke. He looked at Ying Lili who was looking at the sky.


    "The moon is looking beautiful," Ying Lili delightedly said.


    "Indeed, it is beautiful!" Sheng Li remarked, looking at the face of Ying Lili.

 Chapter 225 - Moon Of My Life

    <h4>Chapter 225 - Moon Of My Life</h4>


    "When I see this moon, my mind gets calm;


    Never once I felt happy the way I feel now, seeing it daily."


    Sheng Li recited a poem that grabbed Ying Lili''s attention. "I never heard this poem. Did Brother Nianzu tell you?" Ying Lili curiously asked him.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I created this on my own. I am not that dumb in art and philosophy." Sheng Li was irked. He recited such a lovely poem for Ying Lili, and she did not even respond to him.


    "Let''s go back," he said annoyingly and again gripped the oars.


    "What? Why?" Ying Lili astonishingly asked.


    "Because it is cold here," Sheng Li replied. Annoyance was clearly visible on his face. Ying Lili stood up from her ce when the boat wavered in the water. "What are you doing? Sit there," Sheng Li sternly said.


    Ying Lili did not listen to him and came to him. She sat in front of him, her hand was under her chin. She stared into his eyes for a few seconds.


    "Why are you staring at me?" Sheng Li asked when Ying Lili pinched his nose.


    "Anger lives at the tip of your nose," Ying Lili remarked and pulled her hand back. "You never listen to the whole thing and conclude things so quickly. I was asking, ''Did you ask for a poem from Brother Nianzu?'' Because I do not think such kind of poem Brother has told you. Instead, it came from the heart of my Hushu" She ced her index finger near his heart. "You areparing me with this moon, aren''t you?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    Sheng Li smiled. "Yes," he replied. "You are the moon of my life. In a night, there are many stars which illuminate your way to some extent but not the way this Moon does," Sheng Li stated. He left his grip on the oars and grabbed the hands of Ying Lili.


    He pulled her towards him, bringing her face closer to him. He brought his one hand behind Ying Lili''s nape to bring her face further closer to him. In that entire moment, their eyes were fixed at each other.


    Sheng Li was going to kiss her when Ying Lili ced her index finger in between their lips. Sheng Li leaned back and put Ying Lili''s finger down. "Why did you not kiss me?" Sheng Li queried.


    Ying Lili stood up on the boat again. "You kiss me too much," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the excuse of Ying Lili who spun at her ce because of which the boat wobbled in the water.


    Sheng Li held the edges of the boat. "Lili, sit down. We might fall into the water," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Don''t tell me you are scared," Ying Lili enjoyed this and again spun around, bncing herself while Sheng Li was screaming a little because of the wobbling.


    Ying Lili giggled seeing that. "The Mighty Crown Prince is scared of this. It''s enjoyable," Ying Lili muttered. Sheng Li red at her.


    "I am not scared. What if we fall in the water? The water is cold so, I am careful," Sheng Li opined. "Now, sit down, Lili," Sheng Li repeated his words, but Ying Lili did not listen to him when she felt a pull.


    Sheng Li had grabbed her hand, drawing her towards him, but she pulled herself back. The boat jiggled this time, and the two fell into the water as the boat had overturned.


    It was dark under the water, which scared Ying Lili. She moved her legs and hands when she was pulled up by Sheng Li.


    "Ahhh," she took a deep breath. Sheng Li quickly took her to the shore without wasting a second. In a few minutes, they were on thend. K¨­ngq¨¬ came towards them and neighed seeing them.


    Sheng Li wiped Ying Lili''s face and saw she was trembling because of the cold. He decided to go to the Residence, so they hopped on K¨­ngq¨¬. K¨­ngq¨¬, just like his name, moved at a very high speed. In just five minutes, they reached the Private Residence.


    Ying Lili was doddering due to the cold. The gatekeepers, seeing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, quickly opened the door for them. Sheng Li, before entering, ordered them to prepare the hot bath for them. He walked in and took Ying Lili straight to their private chamber.


    The maidservant who was waiting for them saw them and walked behind them in the chamber. She took out two towels from the cupboard there and went to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, ced Ying Lili gently on the bed when the maidservant handed a towel to the Crown Prince. He first removed the overcoat she was wearing and then wrapped a towel around her.


    "I told you not to do that. Look, what happened!" Sheng Li scolded Ying Lili.


    "Inform us when the bath will be ready," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant who went to the bathhouse to check.


    "A-aren''t you cold?" Ying Lili asked with a stutter.


    "No, I am not," Sheng Li replied. He saw how pale Ying Lili had turned. He cursed himself internally for taking her to theke in the night.


    "Liar!" Ying Lili voiced, which brought Sheng Li out of his thoughts. "I-I can see h-how you are trembling," Ying Lili stammered while speaking due to the coldness. Sheng Li pulled the towel down thus, covering her eyes.


    "Just keep quiet. Don''t say a word," Sheng Li said with exasperation. He picked the other towel as well which was beside him and wrapped that too around Ying Lili who rested her head against his chest.


    "Why isn''t she here? I will punish her for not working properly," Sheng Li murmured. "Lili, I aming. Just stay here," Sheng Li stood up from the bed and turned to go when the maidservant came there.


    "Your highness, the hot water is ready," the maidservant informed. Sheng Li nodded and told her to send their clothes there. Sheng Li carried Ying Lili again in his arms and took her to the bathhouse.


    Sheng Li found that hot water was avable in one bathtub only. He put Ying Lili down on the ground and removed the towel. "You shall go into the bathtub. I will wait outside," Sheng Li replied.


    "You are also cold. Let''s sit together in the hot water bathtub," Ying Lili suggested.

 Chapter 226 - You Started This

    <h4>Chapter 226 - You Started This</h4>


    "What are you waiting for? I''m getting cold. Let''s get into the bathtub," Ying Lili asserted. She helped him in removing the overcoat.


    "Get into the tub first, I will join you," Sheng Li asserted as he opened the sash, and then removed the knee-length tunic from his upper body. Ying Lili removed the hairpin and Bu Yao from her hair and opened the bun as well. She turned and went towards the table to put them.


    Ying Lili quickly removed the upper jacket, followed by the high waist skirt. She did not remove the ''Xinyi'' and the underpants and got into the bathtub. The sound of sshing was heard by Sheng Li, so he turned and looked at her.


    "It is warm here. Come quickly, else you will catch a cold," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li had removed the other clothing but did not remove the underpants. He removed the pin from the hair bun, took off the crown and his long, shiny hair spread till the shoulder.


    He came to the bathtub and got into it, sitting at the other edge, facing Ying Lili. The dim candlelight was making their faces visible. "I told you not to do that. Why don''t you listen to me?" Sheng Li suddenly burst out his anger at her.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "It was fun scaring you," she lifted her eyes and continued, "You were the one who suddenly drew me towards you, and then it happened. If you had not had done that then this would not have happened," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze from her. "I will never take you to such ces. What if something would have happened?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "But you were there then how could something have happened," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li got irked hearing her response. "Don''t reply," Sheng Li stated, looking at her. Ying Lili huffed and brought her both hands out of the hot water and joined them, to form a cup. The water-filled in between her hands then she brought near her corbones and let it go. She washed there. The tiny smile on her lips was not fading.


    Sheng Li was getting tempted to see this. He gulped seeing Ying Lili''s acts. He washed his face and looked away to distract himself but it was of no use. "Stop doing that," Ying Lili heard Sheng Li. Her hands were still joined as she peered into his eyes.


    "What happened? Why are you angry?" Ying Lili questioned and again started doing that. Sheng Li knitted his brows as Ying Lili did not hear from him.


    "Do not me meter. You started this," Sheng Li stated while Ying Lili confusedly looked at him who was now in front of her. His eyes scanned Ying Lili''s face for the tenth time and without any further dy, captured her lips. Though it was hard to control himself, he did not go rough on Ying Lili and thus kept the kiss gentle.


    Pulling away, he looked at Ying Lili and said, "You started this. Now, I will end this." His intense gaze was enough for racing her heart. A hue of red had formed on her cheeks as their lips again met. Sheng Li pulled her closer to him by cing his hand on her nape.


    Sheng Li left her lips and nted kisses on her cheeks, then her eyes and forehead. "I will love you a little more today," Sheng Li whispered against her lips, and then wiped the water droplets from them using his thumb. His other hand was roaming on her bare arm which is under the water.


    Unbeknownst, Ying Lili tilted her head, showing she was ready to take a step forward. Sheng Li nuzzled her neck first, kissed her at the area where the neck connected the shoulder. He opened his mouth and sucked that area softly. Ying Lili moaned as she felt Sheng Li''s tongue was touching her there. Her hands moved up from his bare arms to his shoulders and soon they were wrapped around his neck.


    Sheng Li was slow and gentle while giving wet kisses to Ying Lili. He bit her there which resulted in another moan from Ying Lili''s mouth. He moved back on her bare neck, leaving the sloppy and wet kisses there. He lifted his head in between to look at her.


    Sheng Li moved to the front of her neck and kissed her there. It blew up her mind. Her heart was pounding hard with each passing moment. Sheng Li continued his torture on Ying Lili''s neck for a while and then lifted his head. They kissed again and gradually opened their eyes. "You did this to me. It''s hard to control myself but then I want to wait till the consummation," Sheng Li huskily said.


    Ying Lili hummed as her eyes kept fluttering. "I liked the surprise you nned for me. I was a little stressed today but I am feeling good now," Ying Lili said.


    "You still did not tell me the truth behind your worries. I might ask the Astrologer myself if you will not tell me," Sheng Li pronounced as he tucked the hair strands behind her ear.


    "Try lying to me and I will punish you," Sheng Li stated.


    "The Astrologer said that in your life a dark time mighte because of which you might lose everything. I am scared and worried because of that," Ying Lili finally told the prediction by Mengyao to Sheng Li.


    "I do not believe in the prediction. He cannot see the future of anyone so it is meaningless. Earlier I used to be alone but now you are with me so nothing will happen," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili, as he kissed her knuckles and then kissed the top of her head. "I will be in the room outside this bathhouse. You can take your time," Sheng Li asserted. He came out of the bathtub, wore the satin bathrobe, and walked out of the bathhouse, leaving Ying Lili behind.

 Chapter 227 - A Stubborn Wildcat!

    <h4>Chapter 227 - A Stubborn Wildcat!</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili, after dressing up, went to their private chamber. The dinner table was already set for them. "Have a seat," Sheng Li gestured towards the floor table. Ying Lili sat around the table, followed by Sheng Li. The two started eating silently.


    Suddenly Sheng Li broke the ice. "Lili, have you met the mother of Brother Nianzu?"


    "No, I never. I found that she does note to the inner pce. I was going to ask Brother Nianzu about that," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Do not ask him. She has a concubine status so she cannot attend. She is also ill-treated by Weng Wei," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "What? Why did you not tell me earlier?" Ying Lili queried.


    Sheng Li chewed the food and a few secondster said, "Because Weng Wei was not troubling Mother Hui for a year. She started again. Brother Nianzu is a little worried. I assured him that the Crown Princess will handle this. Use the power which the Emperor has provided you," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "You want me to change the rules in the inner pce?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes. Limit the powers of Weng Wei. Make her weak," Sheng Li stated.


    "Okay. Before that, the Ju Family will be investigated. Do you think Consort Ju is nning something?" Ying Lili waited for the response of Sheng Li.


    "Lili, Consort Ju is someone who seems somewhat innocent but she is not. Even her son, the Second Prince talks nicely but he is cunning," Sheng Li stated. He again started eating.


    "What did the Second Brother do to you?" Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "That''s not important. You might cry if I tell you and I do not want to see tears in your eyes because of me," Sheng Li stated.


    "I won''t cry. You can tell me," Ying Lili softly said.


    "Finish your meal," Sheng Li stated, gesturing towards the rice bowl. Ying Lili pouted and started eating. The two finished the meals soon. "Let''s talk for some time," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li nodded.


    "Lili, when does your birthdaye?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "You do not know?!"


    "How would I know when you never told me?" Sheng Li queried.


    "When you love someone, you know everything about them," Ying Lili opined which made Sheng Liugh.


    "I am not a God but a human. How would I know when you never told me?" Sheng Li muttered and told her to tell him.


    "Find yourself," Ying Lili replied.


    "How? Your friend has left for Juyan. Now, there is no way I can know," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You love me then you need to find this out yourself," Ying Lili stressed her words.


    "What a stubborn Wildcat!" Sheng Li remarked. "Lili,e here," he said.


    "No," she simply refused.


    "You like to irritate me, right?" He was not surprised by Ying Lili''s behavior. "Come here. I want to hold you in my arms," Sheng Li requested.


    Ying Lili smiled and stood up from her seat. She went to Sheng Li who made her sit on hisp. Sheng Li had securely wrapped both his hands around her waist and rested his forehead on her shoulder.


    "Did you like what I did to you earlier in the bathhouse?" Sheng Li asked and lifted his head to peer into the pearly eyes of Ying Lili.


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li passed a smile upon hearing the response when he heard her, "Let''s gaze into each other''s eyes without blinking. It is said that if you look long into the eyes of your lover, it shows how strong your love is for each other. The one who will blink, he/she needs to fulfill the wish of the other who wins." Sheng Li agreed with her.


    "Don''t plead with me to y another game if you lose," Sheng Li said.


    "You think I will fail!" Ying Lili hit him lightly on the shoulder.


    Sheng Li caught her hand and ced her hand behind his neck. "I am confident that you will lose, looking into my eyes," Sheng Li whispered.


    "You are in illusion, Crown Prince," Ying Lili whispered against his lips. "Let''s start then. On the count of three, we will begin. 3¡­ 2¡­ 1" The two looked into the eyes of each other.


    Ying Lili drew her brows together as she intensely looked into Sheng Li''s eyes. Thirty seconds passed and Ying Lili''s eyes filled with tears. She curled her fingers, not wanting to lose against Sheng Li but atst, she blinked.


    Sheng Li smiled and said, "You lost, Wildcat." He tapped his finger on her nose. "What will you do for me? What wish shall I ask for?" Sheng Li knitted his brows, trying to act as if he was thinking hard.


    Ying Lili was sad because she lost against him. "Just say quickly. I will fulfill," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "Let''s do it one more time. I want to look into your eyes a little longer," Sheng Li stated. "No one has looked at me the way you do," he added. Ying Lili''s heart fluttered upon hearing those words.


    "Let''s start on the count of three. 1¡­ 2¡­ 3" The two again gazed into each other''s eyes. Their hearts were racing with each passing second. This time Ying Lili did not want to get lost against Sheng Li so she tried hard not to blink when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on hers. Sheng Li had closed her eyes as he moved his lips gently over hers.


    Ying Lili pushed him lightly when Sheng Li with inquisitiveness looked at her. "I-I¡­ we are supposed to look at each other. Why did you suddenly start kissing?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Because I want to. Your eyes invited me," Sheng Li said and pulled her into a kiss. He kissed her passionately while Ying Lili equally reciprocated to him. They pulled away, gasping for the air. Sheng Li brought Ying Lili''s forehead closer to his and touched it with his forehead. "I love you, Lili. Always be with me," he said.

 Chapter 228 - Open Up A Little

    <h4>Chapter 228 - Open Up A Little</h4>


    The next morning, Sheng Li and Ying Lili arrived at the Pce. They went to the hall to give morning greetings to the elders. Today, Prince Lu Qifeng would also show his presence in the greeting hall and eventually meet Princess Qi Jing.


    After the morning greetings, Ying Lili and Sheng Li sat in their respective seats. "Crown Princess,st night you were not in the Pce. I have given the responsibility to you regarding the hospitality towards Prince Lu Qifeng. There were a lot of spices in his food because of which he could not eat. This behavior by you was not expected," Empress Wei scolded the Crown Princess in front of everyone.


    Ying Lili apologized for not being present at that time. "Pardon me, your majesty. But why are you scolding the Crown Princess? She was spending time with her husband. Isn''t this the marriage of your daughter?! Her majesty should take care of the needs of Prince Lu, not the Crown Princess," Sheng Li proimed in exasperation.


    Weng Wei kept herself calm. "Crown Prince, you cannot understand the Inner Pce. The Crown Princess has been given the responsibility of this, so she must fulfill them," Empress Wei asserted.


    Sheng Li chuckled. Han Wenji then spoke. "It is early morning. The Prince of Lu Province can enter anytime." Sheng Li red at Weng Wei andter averted his gaze from her.


    "You do not need to stand for me every time. I can handle tiny things on my own," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "I cannot help it," Sheng Li replied. A voice of a servant was heard who passed the message of Prince Lu Qifeng''s arrival in the Pce. Everyone shifted their gazes to the entrance of the hall when Prince Lu Qifeng entered.


    He stopped in the middle of the hall. Bringing his arms up and joining the two hands, he bowed before the Emperor and the Empress. "Greetings to the Emperor and the Empress from the Prince of Lu Province, Lu Qifeng." He then turned to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to greet them.


    "Wee, Prince Lu Qifeng. We are happy to see you here. Did you sleep wellst night?" Han Wenji queried.


    Lu Qifeng looked at the Emperor. "Yes, your majesty. I got a good rest from the long, tiring journey," Lu Qifeng replied.


    "Prince Qifeng, this is my daughter, Princess Qi Jing," Han Wenji shifted his gaze to the Princess who stood up from her seat. Lu Qifeng turned to look at her and gave a tiny smile before giving a formal greeting to her. Qi Jing lowered her eyes and greeted him.


    Sheng Li recalled the day when the King of Juyan told him to stay in the Pce, but he did not listen to him. Now, he loves Ying Lili, so a question suddenly came to his mind. ''Did Ying Lili truly forgive him? Because that day, he did not do right. He should have been respectful towards her parents. But then at that time, he wanted not to involve a person in his life who could suffer with him, that''s why he was a bit harsh on them.'' Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who was lovingly looking at Prince Lu and Princess Qi.


    Lu Qifeng turned to meet the gaze of the Emperor. "Your majesty, can I have my morning meal with Princess Qi Jing?" Lu Qifeng requested. Han Wenji looked at Weng Wei who gave a nod.


    "Of course, you can," Han Wenji replied.


    "Thank you, your majesty," Lu Qifeng expressed his gratitude.


    The Emperor and the Empress took their leave, followed by the other Consorts and a concubine. Lu Qifeng too left from there with Qi Jing, followed by the others.


    Ying Lili told Sheng Li she woulde a littleter, as she needed to check the morning meals of Prince Lu and Prince Qi.


    "There are many servants to do that work," Sheng Li opined.


    "But it is about the soon-to-be son-inw of the Han Empire. I will be back soon. If I gette, then have your breakfast and leave for the court. I do not want you to dy work because of me," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who nodded. Ying Lili left for the kitchen from there while Sheng Li went to Zhenzhu Inn.


    Ying Lili reached the kitchen and checked the food herself. They left for the chamber of Princess Qi Jing. Before entering the Chamber, Ying Lili once again tasted the food and with utter carefulness, the food was taken inside the chamber.


    Seeing the Crown Princess there, both Prince Lu and Princess Qi stood up from their respective seats. "Please be seated," Ying Lili told them.


    "Sister Lili does not need to trouble herself," Qi Jing humbly said.


    "It is not troubling at all," Ying Lili replied, and requested them to take their seats. They both took their respective seats while Ying Lili ordered the maidservants to serve them breakfast.


    Qi Jing thanked Ying Lili who told them to enjoy their food before leaving the chamber. Lu Qifeng looked at Qi Jing who was looking towards the door.


    "Miss Qi, what are you looking for?" Lu Qifeng curiously asked which brought her attention to him.


    She lowered her eyes and replied, "Nothing, Prince Qifeng."


    "Miss Qi, let''s start our breakfasts," Lu Qifeng said and picked the chopsticks. Seeing that Qi Jing too picked that and the two started eating.


    "Miss Qi, you look nervous," Lu Qifeng said as he saw the trembling hands of Qi Jing. "Be rxed. I am not going to eat you," Lu Qifeng joked andughed. Qi Jing felt a little rxed when she heard him say, "Give me a tour to the Pce after we finish our meals, Miss Qi."


    Qi Jing nodded, and the two continued eating silently. Once they finished eating, they stood up from their respective seats. Lu Qifeng saw the hairpin on Qi Jing''s hair bun had loosened, so he leaned a little towards her and inserted the hairpin in. Qi Jing''s eyes grew big as she looked at the prince in bewilderment. "That was going to fall," Lu Qifeng stated as he leaned back.


    Qi Jing nodded and touched her hair bun. "Let''s start our tour, then. We will open up a little towards each other to understand each other in a better way," Lu Qifeng asserted to which Qi Jing agreed.

 Chapter 229 - Furious Easily

    <h4>Chapter 229 - Furious Easily</h4>


    In the Royal Court, the matter regarding the nearest vige to the market is put forward by the Fourth Prince in front of the Emperor. "Your majesty, Vige Shuanxi (Imaginary name) is not developed well and the condition of the people in the vige is also miserable. The abject poverty in the region is my concern which is affecting many lives there," Nianzu pronounced.


    Han Wenji nodded and looked at Jian Guozhi. "Is the Governor of Luoyang not looking into these matters?!" Han Wenji asked.


    Nianzu intervened and said, "Your majesty, I have discussed the matter with the Governor already. I think there is some problem with the administration. Even the Governor of Luoyang is busy with the work of the entire capital, so he cannot work on this all by himself."


    Nianzu''s suggestion was weed by the Emperor. The Prime Minister stood up from his seat, and said, "Your majesty, this problem is not of a single vige. And there is not a single problem from which viges are suffering. The officials recruited in various government departments are also responsible for not executing their duties well. In short, the problem is big and needs a n to work out these problems.


    Even I wanted to put forward this issue in front of his majesty, but because the Crown Prince was not in the Province so, I thought to dy it. I think the Crown Prince shall look into this with the Governor of Luoyang."


    Han Wenji, after giving it a thought, agreed to that. "Then, this matter I will leave to the Crown Prince and the Governor of Luoyang. You are given 10 days to submit the report regarding this. Crown Prince, I want you to personally visit those viges. You two can take the advice of the Advisor and the Prime Minister. I want you two to work efficiently and effectively," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Both Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi bowed upon hearing the orders of the Emperor thus, epting them.


    "General Wang, how is the investigation going? Did Yang Fei Ke tell you anything? Are there other suspects in this?" Han Wenji queried.


    General Wang stood up from his seat and came forward. "Your majesty, the investigation is still in process. I will report to his majesty as soon as I find out something important, " General Wang pronounced.


    Han Wenji nodded. "There will be no court for a week, as Princess Qi is going to get married. Tomorrow the princesses from the other provinces will arrive at the Pce. Prime Minister, if any special matteres, then report to me directly else solve it with the help of the Crown Prince.


    One more important announcement is there. Since Princess Qi is getting married, the people will be given free basic grains and a silver coin. Prime Minister, it is your responsibility to distribute them among the people of Han." The Emperor announced and stood up from the Dragon throne.


    They all stood up and bowed in the respect of the Emperor. Once he left the court, the other ministers left as well. Jian Guozhi came towards Sheng Li.


    "Crown Prince, when shall we visit those viges? We will get busy from tomorrow onwards, so we shall visit the vige about which the Fourth Brother was telling earlier," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    ''Since when the First Brother started showing interest in the Empire''s work.'' Sheng Li contemted.


    "We need to go in disguise," Sheng Li stated. "I will see the First Brother in the next half an hour," he added.


    Jian Guozhi nodded and looked at Nianzu. "I am afraid, but I cannote as the people have seen me many times. You two shall go there," Nianzu affirmed. Jian Guozhi nodded when Sheng Li walked away from there.


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu too left the Courtroom. Sheng Li went straight to Zhenzhu Inn to inform the Crown Princess about his outing.


    The Crown Prince was ascending the stairs when he heard the sound of anklets. He halted at his ce and turned back. Ying Lili wasing there when she saw Sheng Li there.


    She ascended the stairs and reached him. "Where are youing from?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "I was checking the preparation for tomorrow," Ying Lili replied. "What about you?" She questioned.


    "I need to go out with the First Brother to Shuanxi vige. I came here to inform you regarding that," Sheng Li stated.


    "Why a sudden visit to the vige?" Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "The condition of the vige is not good. Brother Nianzu has raised this issue in Court. Father wants me and the First Brother to look into this matter. We then need to submit the report," Sheng Li answered.


    "Take me with you," Ying Lili expressed her desire.


    Sheng Li raised his brow when he heard her, "You forgot? I can actively take part in these matters because his majesty has permitted me. I want to see my people and their living conditions."


    "It can be risky," Sheng Li said in a serious tone.


    "It will not be. I have to understand my people as well. I told you that I will help you in bing a true and righteous ruler. I have seen that you get furious easily so, there must be someone beside you to calm the situation, and that someone is me," Ying Lili opined, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Okay. We will be in disguise. You need to take the disguise of a man, Junior rank 7 officer," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili nodded when Sheng Li grasped her hand and took her to his manor with him while Court Lady Xu followed him.


    They encountered Prince Lu Qifeng and Princess Qi. "What are you two doing here?" Sheng Li curiously asked.


    "Your highness, I asked Miss Qi to give me a tour of the Pce. We have roamed every side of the Pce and this ce is thest one," Lu Qifeng replied.


    Sheng Li nodded and looked at his sister. "Crown Prince, I want to y a game of shooting with you. Do not take it as a challenge. It is just I always want to have my favorite game with a person powerful than me," Lu Qifeng exined.


    Sheng Li shifted his gaze back to Lu Qifeng and said, "Pardon me, but I am not avable today. Maybe tomorrow, Prince Lu."


    "Anytime will be suitable for me, your highness," Lu Qifeng asserted.


    Sheng Li nodded. "We have some work, so we will take our leave," Sheng Li stated. He looked at Ying Lili and went inside the hallway to the chamber of Sheng Li.


    "It seems the Crown Princess has adjusted herself fully in the Pce. I still wonder how she could be with the Crown Prince?" Lu Qifeng stated and looked at Qi Jing who confusedly peered at him.


    "Brother Sheng is good to Sister Lili, Prince Qifeng. Most importantly, Sister Lili changed my brother a lot," Qi Jing affirmed.


    "I know the Crown Princess a little," Lu Qifeng stated, which aroused curiosity in Qi Jing.


    "I mean I have seen her highness in my teenage days. Let''s go ahead, Miss Qi," Lu Qifeng stated who nodded, and they resumed their tour of the remaining part of the Pce.

 Chapter 230 - Black Marketing

    <h4>Chapter 230 - ck Marketing</h4>


    After getting ready, Sheng Li and Ying Lili went to the Fu Imperial Gates where Jian Guozhi was waiting. Seeing Ying Lili there, Jian Guozhi was surprised. "The Crown Princess is alsoing with us?" Jian Guozhi astonishingly queried, looking at Sheng Li.


    "Yes," Sheng Li replied and turned to Ying Lili. He put the fake mustache above her upper lips, pressed it, and stepped back. Looking back at Jian Guozhi, Sheng Li said, "She knows better than us. That''s why taking her would be wise."


    Xiao Zhan came there with the fake IDs that they had to carry with them. He handed their respective IDs to them. "Your highness, for safety purposes, our soldiers will be there in disguise," Xiao asserted.


    "Zu Tao, Junior Rank 7 officer in the police department," Ying Lili read her fake name. She lifted her eyes and asked Sheng Li his fake name.


    "Hu Shan, Senior Rank 2 officer in the police department," Sheng Li replied and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Li Zhuang, Senior Rank 2 officer in the police department," replied Jian Guozhi. The three hopped on their respective horses and left for Shuanxi vige.


    Soon, they reached the vige, but because the roads were filled with mud, they decided not to ride their horses and got down from them. Vigers who wereing across their way were looking at them when Jian Guozhi asked one to help them.


    "We are from the police department. Help us in finding a stable for these horses," Jian asserted.


    "Master, there is no stable in this vige. Why don''t you tie them up on the trees over there? If you want, I can guard them," the viger replied. Jian Guozhi looked at Sheng Li who gave a nod.


    Sheng Li tied Kongqi to the tree himself and told the viger that he would be rewardedter. The viger was happy to hear that and assured Sheng Li about the safety of the horses. Sheng Li walked away with Ying Lili and Jian Guozhi.


    "Why is this route so muddy? Even a forest route is better than this," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Two months earlier, an order was passed to reconstruct the main routes of the viges and towns, but I think they did not do the work," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Brother is absolutely right. They think that no one wille to check these things from the Pce. I wonder where they spent the money which would have been provided for this particr vige," Ying Lili raised a doubt.


    "Vige Headman is not working properly. Brother Nianzu has reported this to me but at that time the Crown Prince was not here, so I could not do the work," Jian Guozhi proimed. Ying Lili observed how poorly the huts were made.


    "We will rece the Vige Headman today. He is no longer needed here," Sheng Li pronounced. The people there were ncing at them and whispering among each other.


    Suddenly, they heard the shouts of a young girl. The people were going to the source of the voice when Ying Lili stopped one of the men. "What is going on here?" Ying Lili said in a manly voice.


    "I do not know, master," the person replied. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi.


    "Let''s go there," Sheng Li asserted.


    The crowd could be seen in front of a hut. A young girl was being dragged away along with a young boy by four men. They had worn the soldiers'' uniforms. There were two Police officials as well, but they were smiling.


    "Master, please give us a week. I will repay the entire debt that I have taken from the respectedndlord. Do not take away my children. I beg you," the father of those children was crying and pleading with the police officials.


    "You were given a time of over a month and still you couldn''t pay your debt. Now, your ve children will do that," one police official said.


    "Father, please save us," the young girl says with teary eyes.


    "I will be the ve of the master. Let my children go. They are young," the man tried to convince them.


    "Take them away," the other police officialmanded the soldiers who dragged the two children. The father held the feet of the police officer to stop him, but he kicked him away.


    "You filthy man!" The police officer shouted at him and kicked him again.


    Ying Lili stepped forward when Sheng Li caught her wrist, thus stopping her. She looked with inquisitiveness at Sheng Li. "Let him show his strength!" Sheng Li whispered in her ear.


    "What is your name?" Sheng Li suddenly asked, looking at the police officer who was beating the man.


    He looked at him and saw the dress he was wearing. A ck dress with red stripes, showing his rank was above him.


    "I am Yao Ming," the police officer replied. Sheng Li looked at the other one who also told his name.


    Sheng Li looked at Jian Guozhi who was introduced. Who ordered you to do this?" Jian Guozhi asked them.


    "Landlord Qian," replied Yao Ming.


    Jian Guozhi smiled. "Keep doing your work," he said and looked at Sheng Li. The three left from there, but Ying Lili could not understand them. "Why did we not punish them?" Ying Lili was baffled.


    "Because we need to first check what other wrongs are going on in this vige," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "Hmm." "We asked for their names, so we can take action on them. Let''s first check the other things too," asserted Sheng Li. Ying Lili nodded and calmed herself down. She looked back and saw how the young girl and boy were being taken away from there. "What if something happens to them? Thatndlord can do anything to the young girl. We should do something for that," Ying Lili suggested.


    Jian Guozhi and Sheng Li looked at the girl. "Nothing will happen. Xiao Zhan is here, so he also knows what must be done in this situation," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili who nodded.


    "Brother, we need to check if the Food and Basic Supplies Department is working," Jian Guozhi told Sheng Li who nodded, and they left.


    After fifteen minutes, they reached the Food office. A long queue for basic grains could be seen there. "The godown still needs to be refilled. Come tomorrow for ration," the announcement was made.


    The people were frustrated to learn about that. "We grow so many crops but we are still not able to get anything. Every month, the ration supplies are dyed, and we are forced to buy at higher costs," a man conversed with the other.


    "I think we shall go to the Pce toin about this," another said.


    "I went once, but the gatekeeper did not let me in. We are destined for this miserable life." he heaved a sigh and walked away.


    Sheng Li, Ying Lili, and Jian Guozhi heard them. They decided to check the godown. "I will check the entries of supplied ration to this vige in the ledger. You two shall check the godown," Jian Guozhi suggested to them and went inside the office.


    In the godown, Sheng Li and Ying Lili were shocked to see the grain sacks. "ck marketing is taking ce," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li agreed with her.


    Seeing the police officers there, the head of the godown came and asked about their sudden visit. "I am Hu Shan, Senior Rank 2nd officer and this is my junior, Zu Tao, Junior Rank 7 officer. We are newly appointed for this vige, so we thought of checking every office in the region," stated Sheng Li.


    A worker came there and whispered something in the head''s ear of godown who frowned upon hearing that. "I would love to talk to you, but something urgent hase up. You two can go upstairs to check the office work," proimed the godown head.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili nodded so, took leave from there. They met Jian Guozhi who told them about the fraud that was being done by the officers in the department.


    "So much corruption is going on!" Sheng Li remarked. Byte noon, they checked the other departments in the vige. They decided to have their meals in a restaurant of the market before going to the residence of Landlord Qian.

 Chapter 231 - Doom To You

    <h4>Chapter 231 - Doom To You</h4>


    Sheng Li noticed that Jian Guozhi''s behavior had changed around him. He was a little curious and also skeptical about this. ''Why does it seem that the First Brother turned civilized? Unlike in the earlier times, he does not look at Lili in the wrong way. Xue Yu-Yan is giving him a headache. Is that the reason for his sudden change?!''


    He came out of his thoughts as he felt the hand of Ying Lili in his hand. "Why are you not eating, Senior?" Ying Lili queried.


    "I did not like the food. I am done," Sheng Li replied and put the chopsticks on the te.


    "You are wasting food," Ying Lili stated.


    "It is only one dumpling. It will not matter much," Sheng Li opined. Ying Lili picked the dumpling from the chopstick and ate that. "Why did you eat that?" He asked.


    "Because I was hungry" She leaned a little closer to Sheng Li and whispered in his ear, "I heard eating from the same te as your lover increases the love manifold." Sheng Li tilted his head to peer at Ying Lili. He wanted to kiss her at that moment but he could not.


    Jian Guozhi heard the words of the Crown Princess and felt a little dejected but then he felt happy too. "Finally, Sheng Li got someone who loves him. I envy him for this," he thought.


    "We shall go to the residence of thendlord. Soon, the evening will fall and we need to return before that," Jian Guozhi suddenly said, grabbing the attention of Sheng Li and Ying Lili. They nodded and stood up from their respective seats. After paying for the meals, they went outside; hopped on their horses.


    Riding their horses for twenty minutes, they reached outside the residence of the Landlord Qian. The gatekeepers bowed seeing the senior police officers there and asked about their visit.


    Jian Guozhi stepped forward and showed the Royal Seal to them. The gatekeepers were astonished. "Your highness, please follow me," one of them stated and walked in, followed by them.


    Landlord Qian was informed about the visit of the Governor, so he ran to meet him in the private chamber. He took a deep breath upon reaching outside the chamber and wore a smile on his lips. He walked in and saw not only the Governor but also the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess there.


    He bowed and greeted them. "Y-your highness, why did you not c-call me in the Pce?" Landlord Qian stuttered while speaking, showing he was scared.


    "If we have called you to the Pce, then we might have not been aware of wrong-doings," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "Still standing when you should be on your knees," Sheng Li voiced and immediately Landlord Qian knelt on his knees.


    "Wrong-doings?" Landlord Qian could not get the Governor''s words. "What did I do, your highness?" He asked.


    Jian Guozhi looked at the Crown Prince. "Today you picked two ve children from the vige. Send them home," Sheng Li straightforwardly stated.


    Landlord Qian looked at Sheng Li. "B-but your highness, their father could not pay the debts so¡­"


    "Did I ask for any exnation from you? Just do what I said!" Sheng Li pronounced menacingly. Landlord Qian did not want to anger the Crown Prince, so he agreed with that. He called a servant in and ordered him to send the children back to their vige. The servant nodded, leaving the chamber.


    "In an hour, the investigation will start and if something suspicious is found then, be ready to get punished," Sheng Li affirmed. Landlord Qian was scared to hear that. But then he had an hour to clear everything from his way.


    "Yes, your highness. Let me prepare horse carts for you all," Landlord Qian almost stood up when he heard Sheng Li.


    "Try standing up, and your legs won''t be with you," Sheng Li threatened Landlord Qian who was now glued to the ground.


    Soon Qiao Zhan came there with a few military soldiers and the entire residence was surrounded by them. Sheng Li told Qiao Zhan to raid the house and then looked at the Landlord. "Tell everyone''s names who are involved with you if you do not want to lose your family," Sheng Li stated. Landlord Qian was asking for apologies, but Sheng Li did not listen to him and walked out from there, followed by Ying Lili and Jian Guozhi.


    The evening had fallen, and the sky had turned red. "Crown Prince, we will summon the department heads tomorrow in the Pce, and ordingly, a decision will be taken," Jian Guozhi suggested. Sheng Li agreed with him and they left the residence soon.


    While riding back, Ying Lili had worn the fake mustache again so that she would not grab any unwanted attention. Soon, they reached the Pce.


    "First Brother, I will see you in the morning to make the report on this entire matter," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili had removed her mustache and came forward.


    "Brother, there is something I would like to suggest. Please consider my suggestion in this," Ying Lili said.


    Jian Guozhi nodded, and the three started walking towards the Eastern Pce. "What is the suggestion, Crown Princess?" Jian Guozhi inquired from her.


    "Change the administration of the Provinces. People are unable to reach us, which makes them suffer. Brother Jian, we need to bring the changes as soon as possible especially in food supplies and water distribution systems. There is a need for faithful and sincere administrators," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li agreed with Ying Lili. "Crown Princess, I will implement your suggestion. As Governor, I did not look into these matters and corruption has reached this level," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Xue Yu-Yan who wasing from the Empress''s manor saw them. She saw how Jian Guozhi was smiling while conversing with Ying Lili. She then shifted her gaze to Sheng Li and saw the love in his eyes for Ying Lili. "Why is everyone good to her? Even the Empress is unable to do anything. I have to do something before things slip from my hand," Xue Yu-Yan murmured.


    "Princess Consort Xue, who are you looking at with so much anger?!" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    Xue Yu-Yan turned and wondered if the Sixth Prince heard her. "Nothing, Brother Wanxi. Why would I be angry?" Xue Yu-Yan told a white lie.


    "Isn''t the Princess Consort jealous of the Crown Princess?" Lei Wanxi asked and smirked.


    "Brother Wanxi has so much interest in the other''s lives when he should focus on his and his mother''s life." Lei Wanxi confusedly looked at her. "Even your mother is jealous of the Empress and the other Consorts because the Emperor does not look at her the way he looks at the others," Xue Yu-Yanmented.


    Lei Wanxiughed slightly and opened his fan. "Princess Consort Xue, unlike others in the Pce, I am not affected by the words of people who have no ce in my life," Lei Wanxi proimed and smiled. "I want to give you a warning before leaving. Do not try to do anything which will bring doom to you just like your father," Lei Wanxi closed the fan in his hand and walked ahead.


    Xue Yu-Yan gritted her teeth. "This Prince annoys me the most, more than Ying Lili." She stomped her foot on the wooden floor.

 Chapter 232 - You Are Looking Hilarious!

    <h4>Chapter 232 - You Are Looking Hrious!</h4>


    Sheng Li, after freshening up, went to the chamber of Ying Lili for dinner. He found Ying Lili was yawning while waiting for him at the dinner table. He went to the table and pulled out a chair for him. Ying Lili was delighted to see him and told the maidservant to serve the food to them.


    After the food was served, Sheng Li dismissed the maidservants. Ying Lili was eating silently when Sheng Li tasted the chicken soup from the bowl, which was ced in front of Ying Lili.


    She knitted her brows and asked him why he was eating from her bowl. "You told me that eating on the same te increases the love manifold," Sheng Li stated and continued, "So, I decided to eat on the same te as yours." He moved his chair near to Ying Lili and picked the rice from the same bowl as hers. "I think food tastes sweeter by doing so," Sheng Li murmured, passing a smile to her.


    The two continued eating when Ying Lili said, "How are we going to change the administration? We need a better implementation so that people do not need to suffer," Ying Lili asserted.


    "First Brother and I will first make the reports since we need to submit it to the Emperor who will check the report to give the further decision. In short, there will be a discussion with the Court Ministers and other chief administrators of the Kingdom," pronounced Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili nodded and continued eating. They finished their meals soon. Ying Lili went to bed andid down. She closed her eyes as she was tired from the entire day''s activities when she felt Sheng Li''s hand on her foot. She opened her eyes, raised herself using the elbows, and saw Sheng Li was massaging her feet.


    "What are you doing!?" Pulling her leg away she asked.


    Sheng Li caught her foot and told her to lie down. "Earlier youined that your feet were in pain. I do a good foot massage," Sheng Li stated, passing her a smile.


    "No, don''t. I do not want my husband to touch my feet," Ying Lili protested as she again tried to pull her leg away from Sheng Li''s grip, but he did not let it go.


    "Justy down and close your eyes," Sheng Li scolded Ying Lili, who did not protest this time andid down. Sheng Li dipped his fingers in the mustard oil and started massaging Ying Lili''s foot. He massaged mostly near the pressure points where the pain was immense. "I am not too hard, right?" Sheng Li queried.


    "No, you are not," Ying Lili veraciously replied. Sheng Li wore a tiny smile on his lips and continued the massage for ten minutes. He then cleaned Ying Lili''s feet using a clean towel.


    "By the morning, the pain will be gone," Sheng Li stated, looking at Ying Lili.


    "Thank you. I am feeling a little better. Let''s sleep because I am tired," Ying Lili said and yawned. Sheng Li put the bowl of oil on the table there and called a maidservant to bring the water bowl. After cleaning his hands, he sent the maidservant away.


    Sheng Li blew off the candles and went to the bed. He found Ying Lili was already asleep, which didn''t surprise him. He got into the bed and pulled the nket up. Covering Ying Lili from the nket, he leaned for a kiss and pecked her lips. A smile was carved on Ying Lili''s lips. Sheng Liid down and soon he also drifted off to sleep.


    In the morning, Ying Lili woke up early because the Princesses were going to arrive at the Pce. She was feeling good and even her feet were not aching, thanks to the massage that Sheng Li gave to her the previous night.


    She looked at Sheng Li. "Today, I will put makeup on your face," Ying Lili murmured and quietly got down the bed, without disturbing the sleep of Sheng Li. She went to the dressing table and picked up the makeup products. She went to the bed and ced the products there. She first put the red color on Sheng Li''s lips. The same red color she applied on his cheeks and nose. She then used soot and made three lines on both of his cheeks. She giggled, looking at his face.


    "Your punishment for that day. I just wish I could do more, but I need to get ready. Have a good day," Ying Lili mumbled and got down the bed. She put the lip color and the tiny soot box back at the dressing table and left the chamber.


    "Your highness, good morning," Court Lady Xu greeted the Crown Princess as she came out. Ying Lili greeted her back.


    "Your highness, the bath is ready. Is his highness still sleeping?" Court Lady Xu asked.


    "Yes. Let the Crown Prince sleep. Is there any news of the arrival of the princesses?" Ying Lili queried.


    "They have entered the borders of Luoyang. Before the morning greetings, they will be in the Pce," Court Lady Xu replied. Ying Lili nodded and left for the bathhouse with them.


    Sheng Li moved his hand in his sleep as he wanted to embrace Ying Lili, but his hand could not reach her. He opened his eyes and did not find her there. Rubbing his eyes, he turned his head to the other side and realized Ying Lili was not in the room. He stood up, wore the overcoat, and left the Zhenzhu Inn.


    He reached his chamber. Seeing his master there, Xing-Fu stood up from the floor and greeted the Crown Prince. He lifted his head and was shocked to see the face of the Crown Prince. He suppressed hisugh by puckering his lips together. "What happened? Why are you making such a face?" Sheng Li asked sternly.


    "Nothing, your highness," Xing-Fu replied. Sheng Li nodded and was going to turn to the washroom when he heard the voice of Lei Wanxi.


    ''What is he doing here in the early morning?'' Sheng Li thought and turned to look.


    "Brother Sheng, the Prince of Lu Province¡­" Lei Wanxi paused and scanned the entire face of Sheng Li. He ended upughing. "What is this brother? You are looking hrious!" Lei Wanxi held his stomach and continuedughing. Xing-Fu and the other maidservants also started giggling.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed. "What are you saying?" He annoyingly asked.


    Lei Wanxi ced his palm over his lips to stop hisughter and went to Sheng Li. "Eunuch Xing-Fu, bring a mirror for the Crown Prince," Lei Wanxi asserted. The mirror was brought by him and it was handed to Lei Wanxi who ced the mirror in front of Sheng Li''s face.


    Sheng Li was shocked to see his face, covered in red and ck. The red circles on his both cheeks and three ck lines over those circles. He heard everyone giggling around him and covered his face. ncing at Xing-Fu, Sheng Li told him to bring a towel, which he did. Sheng Li cleaned her face, but the marks were still left behind.


    "Prepare a bath for me. If this incident goes out, then I will kill you all," Sheng Li walked inside his chamber.


    "Sister Lili is going to be in danger," Lei Wanxi muttered. "Eunuch Xing-Fu, please inform the Crown Prince that Prince Lu Qifeng will wait for him in the practice grounds," asserted Lei Wanxi and walked away.

 Chapter 233 - No One Asked

    <h4>Chapter 233 - No One Asked</h4>


    Lu Qifeng was shooting arrows with Jian Guozhi. "I have heard of the Crown Prince, mostly. There is a terror of the Crown Prince among us, but seeing the Crown Prince with the Princess of Juyan was shocking, First Prince," Lu Qifeng stated.


    Jian Guozhi aimed at the target and then turned to look at Lu Qifeng. "Prince Qifeng, their marriage was an alliance so, indeed the Crown Princess could not step back from that," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "First Prince, the Crown Princess is not someone who agrees to the decision without her involvement. I wonder why her father did so," Lu Qifeng stated.


    "It seems that Prince Lu knows the Crown Princess at a personal level. Pardon me, but the way the Prince is speaking is proving that," Xue Yu-Yan who was watching them, finally spoke.


    Lu Qifeng peered at Xue Yu-Yan. "My father and thete father of the Crown Princess were close allies. So, I know a little about the Crown Princess, Princess Consort Xue," Lu Qifeng stated. Qi Jing, who was seated on the round wooden stool beside Xue Yu-Yan, got curious.


    "It means you are a close friend of the Crown Princess. But she does not tell us about this. I think she wants to hide it from us," Xue Yu-Yan proimed and nced at Qi Jing.


    "No, I am not a close friend of the Crown Princess. Please refrain from using that word, Princess Consort Xue. I have gone only once to Juyan that was when I was a teenager," Lu Qifeng replied.


    Lu Qifeng turned back and picked the arrow to shoot it at the target, but this time he missed it. "You need to meditate, Prince Lu," a voice was heard which was of the Crown Prince.


    They all turned to the Crown Prince who had a menacing expression on his face. "Since you are going to be the husband of my sister, I will not say anything to you for talking about the Crown Princess," Sheng Li pronounced and stepped towards Lu Qifeng.


    Qi Jing and Xue Yu-Yan stood up from their seats seeing the Crown Prince there.


    "Her marriage with me should not bother you, Prince Lu," Sheng Li added. Lei Wanxi, who hade there with Sheng Li, stood beside Jian Guozhi.


    Lu Qifeng passed a smile to Sheng Li. "Forgive me, Crown Prince" he bowed and lifted his head, "I just wanted to share my thoughts."


    "No one has asked about your thoughts, Prince Lu," Sheng Li proimed and looked at Qi Jing. "Sister Jing, forgive me for being rude to your soon-to-be husband!"


    "Let''s start the game, then. First Brother, it is good to see you here," Sheng Li said. Jian Guozhi nodded and asked the servant to bring a bow for the Crown Prince.


    "Sister Lili should have been here. She has great shooting skills. I heard from General Wang how she bravely saved Brother Sheng when an assassin tried to harm him," Lei Wanxi praised Ying Lili.


    "Really? The Crown Princess is truly amazing. But Brother did you find anything about the assassin?!" Qi Jing questioned.


    "No, he was dead by then," Sheng Li lied. "Let''s not talk about those things. I do not like to openly discuss my personal matters," Sheng Li stated and took the bow from the servant.


    He put the arrow and pulled out the string. The arrow shot the middle of the target easily. "Prince Lu, it''s your turn," stated Sheng Li.


    Xue Yu-Yan looked at Qi Jing who was smiling while looking at Lu Qifeng. "Princess Jing has a deep respect for Ying Lili, but that will not be anymore. It seems Lu Qifeng admires Ying Lili. If Lu Qifeng and Ying Lili are seen together, then it would be great. Ying Lili will not only lose her image but also the trust of Sheng Li in her," Xue Yu-Yan thought and smirked.


    "Lei Wanxi, do you want to shoot arrows?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "I wish I could, but I have poor shooting skills. Moreover, I do not want to hurt my fingers. I shall take my leave," Lei Wanxi said and walked away.


    An hourter, the game was over. "Thank you, Crown Prince, First Prince, for ying this game. I enjoyed it," Lu Qifeng stated.


    "We need to leave, Prince Lu. It was indeed fun," Sheng Li stated and looked at Jian Guozhi. "Brother, we need to discuss the matter with Brother Nianzu. Let''s meet him," Sheng Li pronounced and left with Jian Guozhi.


    Qi Jing was earlier called by the Empress so now, on the ying grounds, only Xue Yu-Yan and Lu Qifeng left.


    "Prince Lu, you might have known Hu Jingguo as well. Last month, he saved the Crown Prince from a deadly poison," stated Xue Yu-Yan.


    Lu Qifeng was astonished to learn about that. "Hu Jingguo was a keen learner of medicine. He is a close friend of the Crown Princess. Was he here? I missed the opportunity to meet him." Lu Qifeng heaved a sigh.


    "The Crown Prince was furious with the Crown Princess when he learned about Hu Jingguo. But then, the Crown Princess adjusted well with everyone. If I would be at the ce of the Crown Princess then, I would have epted death instead of surrendering myself," Xue Yu-Yan remarked.


    Lu Qifeng raised his brow but then turned normal. "The Crown Princess is not someone who will ept death easily. She loves to fight against the odds. That makes her different from the other women in this patriarchal society. Princess Consort Xue, it was a nice conversation with you. I shall leave." Lu Qifeng bowed and walked ahead.


    Xue Yu-Yan clenched her fists. "Why does every man think of her differently? Well, she will receive her first punishment today. She made me wash clothes that day. I will request punishment for flogging her! That way she will not be able to get up for a few days," Xue Yu-Yan grinned, thinking about this.

 Chapter 234 - While I Am Alive

    <h4>Chapter 234 - While I Am Alive</h4>


    Ying Lili, afterpleting her work and addressing the Princesses regarding their next day routine, returned to her chamber. "Court Lady Xu, there is nothing more to do, right?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Everything ispleted, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied. Ying Lili nodded and turned towards the chamber. She walked in and turned to the second entrance. Pushing the curtains away, she saw Sheng Li there, who was seated around the ground table. "You''re here?"


    "Hmm. I was waiting for you for an hour," Sheng Li asserted. "Come here," he then said. Ying Lili gulped and walked near him. Sheng Li pulled her down and made him sit beside him.


    "I became aughing stock thanks to you," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili acted as if she did not know anything. "What did I do?" She asked. Sheng Li brought his forefinger and thumb under Ying Lili''s chin thus, bringing her face closer to him.


    "You don''t remember?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Even you painted on my face the other day. I only put a little makeup on your face. I did nothing wrong," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "But only I saw your face that day, but the opposite happened to me. I do not know how many people watched me in that state. Wildcat, that was not a good way to y with your husband," Sheng Li proimed and left the grip from her chin.


    Ying Liliughed slightly. "Isn''t it good that the Crown Prince made another smile in the morning?" Ying Lili waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "I am not a joker whose work is to make them smile. Though I can be one for you." The smile from Ying Lili''s lips disappeared and her eyes grew slightly big. "Next time don''t do that. You will be punished," Sheng Li stated.


    "Really?" Ying Lili chuckled. "How will you punish me?" Ying Lili queried when Sheng Li kissed her lips.


    "Like this or even more," Sheng Li replied as he pulled away. He ced his hand on her nape and then kissed her neck.


    "What kind of punishment is this?" Ying Lili muttered. Sheng Li lifted his eyes to meet the gaze of Ying Lili and answered, "A punishment which only my Wildcat can have."


    Ying Lili blushed upon hearing his words when her lips were captured by Sheng Li. She felt Sheng Li''s hand on her waist as he pulled her closer to get enough ess to her lips. They pulled away from each other. Sheng Li ced his thumb over Ying Lili''s lips and grazed them.


    "Are your feet good?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Hmm. Thank you for the massage," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li kept peering into the eyes of Ying Lili. "Lu Qifeng was talking about you." Ying Lili widened her eyes and had a befuddled expression.


    "Is he the one who proposed to you in your teenage days?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Yes," Ying Lili replied.


    "Ahh, I wanted to beat him but he is going to marry my sister," Sheng Li stated.


    "What was he saying?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Nothing much. Why did Sister Jing choose him as her husband? I do not like him even a bit," Sheng Li proimed.


    "He is good as a person. He will keep our Sister Jing happy," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li hummed and asked her if they should have their lunch. Ying Lili hummed and turned to call Court Lady Xu inside but to her surprise she herself came there.


    Ying Lili moved away from Sheng Li. "Your highness, the Empress has summoned you. Something big has happened," Court Lady Xu worriedly said. Ying Lili and Sheng Li stood up from the floor mattress.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Your highness, the Princesses have gotten sick after taking the food," Court Lady Xu replied.


    "Then, why is the Crown Princess summoned for that? Chefs should be summoned," Sheng Li pronounced. "Let''s go," he said, looking at Ying Lili who nodded.


    They arrived at the manor of the Empress where the other Consorts of the Emperor, First Wife, and Princess Consort of the First Prince were present.


    They greeted the Empress and the Consorts. "Why did the Crown Princee here? Today''s work is rted to the inner pce," Weng Wei pronounced.


    "Shouldn''t the Empress summon the chef?" Sheng Li questioned Weng Wei.


    "Crown Prince, please calm down. The Crown Princess has been given the responsibility of today''s work. The Princesses are sick just because the Crown Princess did not perform her duty well," Consort Ju Fen stated.


    "Then summon the chefs and inquire from them. We two have some work, so we need to leave," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Crown Prince, even the Emperor does not intervene in the inner pce matters. The Crown Prince should leave," Weng Wei pronounced.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li who was furious. "Go. I will handle this," Ying Lili said in a low voice, but he did not pay heed to her.


    "Crown Prince, you shall leave," Weng Wei then softly said.


    "I want to hear your judgment." Weng Wei understood that Sheng Li was challenging her power. She shifted her gaze at Ying Lili and said, "How are you going to take the responsibility of this, Crown Princess? The Princesses are sick and this is the first time such a terrible incident has happened in the Pce. We understand that you are given special powers to look into the matters of the Empire, but it does not mean that you neglect your duties, Crown Princess. I have not expected the mistake from your side. You disappointed us," Weng Wei scolded Ying Lili who lowered her head.


    "Forgive me, your majesty," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li clenched his fist.


    "Your majesty, may I know what happened to the Princesses?" Ying Lili then asked.


    "Severe headache, stomachache, and vomiting," Weng Wei replied.


    "Your majesty, will you punish the Crown Princess? If her majesty will not, then it will be an injustice to those Princesses. What if any of them would have died? Thanks to the Royal Physician they all are safe," Xue Yu-Yan intervened. Zho Mi nced at her.


    Sheng Li chuckled and red at Xue Yu-Yan. "It seems to me that Princess Consort Xue did not learn her lesson from thest time punishment. No one can punish Lili. No one!" Sheng Li dered.


    "Crown Prince, the Crown Princess has made a mistake. If she was unable to take the responsibility, then she should have asked for the help," Xue Yu-Yan asserted and shifted her gaze to the Empress. She continued, "Your majesty, the families to which the Princesses belong, if found out about this then, they might step back from this marriage thanks to the mistake made by the smart Crown Princess. I even saw the Sixth Prince in the royal kitchen, so I think he should be investigated regarding this. The chefs, maidservants, and the food servers must be punished along with the Crown Princess and the Sixth Prince."


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li were bewildered that Xue Yu-Yan even dragged Lei Wanxi in that.


    "What was the Sixth Prince doing there? Eunuch Yun, bring the Sixth Prince here. Call the chefs, the maidservants, and the servers who served the food to the Princesses," Weng Wei ordered.


    Eunuch Yun bowed and walked out from there. Third Consort Yinlong was anxious to hear that.


    "Your majesty, there is no need to involve Brother Wanxi in all this. He was just conversing with me," Ying Lili stated.


    "This is wrong, Crown Princess. I wonder why you can''t understand the depth of this incident. The lives of the Princesses were in danger because of your carelessness," proimed Xue Yu-Yan.


    "The way you''re sounding makes me feel that you nned all this," asserted Sheng Li, looking at Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Your majesty, this is not about the inner pce, now. If it is such a big incident, why don''t we take it to the Emperor?" Sheng Li suggested. "Last time everyone used Ying Lili of poisoning me and this time she is again used. Last time I was on my deathbed, but this time I am not. You and your inner pce rules cannot punish her while I am alive," Sheng then pronounced proudly.


    Weng Wei and the First Consort red at Sheng Li.


    "She will be punished, Sheng Li. I want to see her in pain and for that, I will do anything," Xue Yu-Yan thought, looking at Ying Lili.

 Chapter 235 - Her Precious Son

    <h4>Chapter 235 - Her Precious Son</h4>


    "This matter will stay in the inner court and the decision will be taken by us. I hope the Crown Prince will not intervene in this, because he also knows that his powers are limited to the outer pce and court," proimed Weng Wei.


    Lei Wanxi entered, followed by the three chefs and several maidservants and servers who were appointed for the work. They all bowed before the Empress.


    Lei Wanxi lifted his head and asked about the incident. Consort Ju Fen narrated the entire incident to him.


    "You will be punished since you were also with the Crown Princess at that time. The servants will be punished too but the mistakes from your and Crown Princess''s end were not expected," Weng Wei announced.


    "Your majesty, Brother Wanxi was there for a short period of time. He has nothing to do with this. Kindly send him away," Ying Lili requested.


    "Crown Princess, it has been only a month of your stay in the pce. We have all known how naughty Prince Wanxi is since childhood. He has done this once with Sister Wei, putting soil in the custard served to her. Sister Wei had gotten sick that time. We did not punish Prince Wanxi at that time, as he was a kid. So, he might have done the same thing today as well. And because you were irresponsible towards your duty, all this happened," Consort Ju Fen pronounced.


    Jinlong stood up from her seat and requested the Empress not to punish him. "Sister, please sit in your seat. I will not be biased towards anyone," stated Weng Wei and turned to look at the chefs, maidservants, and servers who were panicking.


    "Fifty-fifty floggings will be given as punishment to the chefs, maidservants, and servers because they were cumtively associated in this incident," Weng Wei pronounced. They started pleading with the Empress, but she did not listen to them. Eunuch Yun called the soldiers to take them away.


    Weng Wei now looked at Ying Lili and Lei Wanxi. "Since it was the responsibility of the Crown Princess, she should take the punishment as well. Prince Wanxi was present in the kitchen, so he will be punished too. I cannot be partial towards anyone, that''s why sixty floggings to each of them," Weng Wei announced her decision. Xue Yu-Yan smiled upon hearing the decision of the Empress.


    Jinlong got on her knees to plead with the Empress. "It is a severe punishment, your majesty. Please take back your order," Consort Jinlong pleaded.


    "I am afraid, Sister Jinlong, but this is an unbiased justice for all the Princesses who have suffered the food poisoning," Weng Wei affirmed.


    Four soldiers came forward to take the Crown Princess and Prince Lei Wanxi to the punishment grounds when Sheng Li stepped forward and red at them. The soldiers did not dare to take further steps towards them.


    "I think I shall escort the Crown Princess to the punishment grounds," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced and stood up from her seat. She came towards the Crown Princess when Sheng Li pushed her away. He shifted his gaze towards Weng Wei and said, "Don''t make me kill this woman. I told you already that you cannot punish her means you cannot. Lei Wanxi has nothing to do with this, so let him go. I bear all your tortures but you cannoty a finger on my woman."


    Sheng Li was furious at seeing how the Empress was using her powers against Ying Lili.


    "Brother Sheng, indeed, no one cany a finger on the Crown Princess," voiced Jian Guozhi. They all looked towards the door. Jian Guozhi came forward, followed by a maidservant.


    "Mother, the Crown Princess, and Brother Wanxi have nothing to do with this. The Crown Princess performed her duty well but then there is one person who''s extremely jealous of her," stated Jian Guozhi and nced at Xue Yu-Yan.


    "What is the First Prince trying to say?" Weng Wei asked.


    Jian Guozhi tilted his head, and the maidservant came forward. She lowered her head and got onto her knees. "Your majesty, I was the one who, on the orders of Princess Consort Xue, mixed a tiny portion of poisonous nt leaves," the maidservant epted the crime in front of everyone. She started crying and apologized to the Empress.


    Ying Lili, Sheng Li, and Lei Wanxi could not believe that Jian Guozhi saved them. Oppositely, Weng Wei and other Consorts were shocked to learn the truth.


    Xue Yu-Yan shook her head and looked at Weng Wei. "Your majesty, she is lying. I did not do anything. Please believe me," Xue Yu-Yan affirmed.


    "Xue, the one who is lying is you. You should be punished for not only endangering the lives of the Princesses but also defaming the name of the Crown Princess and dragging the Sixth Brother in all this," Jian Guozhi asserted and smirked.


    Looking back towards the Empress, Jian Guozhi said, "Mother, punish the Princess Consort for creating a nuisance in the Pce. I know my mother can never be biased. The punishment should be severe because she tried using the nation''s Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    Sheng Li agreed with Jian Guozhi and told the Empress to announce her decision. Lei Wanxi pretended to cry. "I did not know that my imperial mother would be so harsh towards me. I will tell our father how the Princess Consort tried framing me and Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi stated and went towards the Empress.


    Weng Wei was looking at him with inquisitiveness when he got on his knees. "Imperial mother, forgive me for putting soil in your food. I was only 5 years old at that time. It might have hurt your taste buds that time. Mother, the usations put on me and Sister Lili were severe! What if we have been flogged then the culprit would have slipped? I think the Imperial mother is getting old, that''s why she decided everything in such a hurry that she forgot that her precious son can never do such a thing," Lei Wanxi said. He then smirked and said in a low voice, "Except with you."


    Weng Wei red at him when Lei Wanxi ced her hand on his head. "Mother, this lovely pat on my head shows how much you love this Sixth Prince. I request you to not only flog Princess Consort Xue but also tell her to clean the entire Royal Kitchen. I know death penalty will be severe for her but Crown Princess and I are so kind that we will be happy with this punishment only," Lei Wanxi pronounced and turned to look at Ying Lili. "Am I right, Crown Princess?" He asked her opinion.


    "I agree with Brother Wanxi. Your majesty, please take back the orders of punishment for the chefs, maidservants, and the servers," Ying Lili requested.


    "They are all lying, your majesty. They are framing me," Xue Yu-Yan tried to defend herself.


    "Princess Consort Xue will be flogged sixty times and she will herself clean the entire kitchen," Weng Wei announced with a heavy heart. Eunuch Yun gestured to two soldiers who took away Xue Yu-Yan from there.


    "Thank you, Imperial mother. You are a great mother," Lei Wanxi remarked. He stood up and came towards the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Ying Lili looked at the First Prince who passed a tiny smile to her.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Thank you so much for continuously voting for me and supporting me. On 26th July, there will be 5 chapters Mass Release as I havepleted the target of 1500 votes in a week. Thanks to all of you, my ranking is increasing. I really want to win this contest and I will keep working hard, just keep supporting me through votes,ments.


    One more thing, I have reduced the privilege prices for the next month. I felt this month privilege was costly so I have set the highest tier(4th tier) price to 199 coins which is 399 coins this month while 3rd tier I set to 99 coins which is 199 coins this month. The 1st and 2nd will be same as now. Since privilege buyers unlocked the first level so, you guys will get 5% rebate next month on the coins.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 236 - Disobediently

    <h4>Chapter 236 - Disobediently</h4>


    Sheng Li, Ying Lili, Lei Wanxi, and Jian Guozhi could be seen in the Eastern Pavilion. "Thank you, First Brother, for today. I do not know how it happened, and even Brother Wanxi was dragged into this. I am extremely grateful to you for today," asserted Ying Lili as she lowered her eyes.


    "I did what was right, Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi replied and looked at Sheng Li who was still befuddled. Even Lei Wanxi was looking skeptically at the First Prince. It was iprehensible for them that Jian Guozhi helped them.


    Jian Guozhi passed a smile to Sheng Li and patted his shoulder. "Forgive me," He said as he walked away from there. As the First Prince vanished from their sight, Lei Wanxi turned to Sheng Li.


    "Brother Sheng, did you see what happened? Brother Jian helped us. He not only helped us but also requested his mother to punish Xue Yu-Yan. Is it because of the fight they had a few days ago?" Lei Wanxi stated.


    "A fight?" Ying Lili was bewildered to hear that.


    "Indeed, it is strange. First Brother never helped us but today he did," Sheng Li confusedly said.


    "Sheng Li, are you sure that Brother Jian is like her mother? I saw something different today. It seems he is not as bad as he is perceived," Ying Lili opined.


    "Sister Lili, Brother Jian was never good to Brother Sheng. I think because he fought with his second wife is why he defended you there. Their rtionship is not going well so that could be a possible reason that Brother Jian wanted to punish Princess Consort Xue," Lei Wanxi put forward his points.


    Sheng Li agreed with Lei Wanxi. "I also think the same. Once he gets annoyed with someone, he does not spare him/her and this was a good opportunity for him to punish Xue," Sheng Li proimed. "Wanxi, you shall leave. Forget about today''s incident," Sheng Li told the Sixth Prince who nodded and walked away.


    Sheng Li held both of the hands of Ying Lili. "Why did you stand for me there? Do you know how many rules you broke there?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "For you, I will break thousands of rules. You are the most precious person to me. If Brother Jian had note, I would have taken this matter to the main court. But I am d nothing big happened," Sheng Li asserted and pulled Ying Lili into a warm hug.


    "From now on, you will not defend me. I do not want people to say that the Crown Prince has softened because of a woman and he is breaking rules for her," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li pulled back and peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. "It does not matter what the people think. It''s a duty of a man to stand for his woman and protect her," Sheng Li affirmed and patted Ying Lili''s head. "No one can harm you because I will always be in front of you. I am your shield, just like you are my shield. And do not ever lower your head in front of the Empress. Your head shall remain high in front of her," Sheng Li''s words overwhelmed Ying Lili. She looked around, tiptoed, and kissed Sheng Li''s cheek.


    Sheng Li''s lips moved up into a smile. "You could have kissed me, here," he ced his forefinger on his lips.


    "We are outside. It would be inappropriate for the Crown Princess to do such a thing openly," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li wrapped his arm around Ying Lili''s waist and pulled her closer to him. "You mean to say that it will be appropriate if the Crown Prince kisses you openly," Sheng Li smirked.


    Ying Lili lightly hit his shoulder. "Leave me. Let''s go to the chamber. I am hungry," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li let go of her and both of them left for Zhenzhu Inn.


    ~~~~~


    Weng Wei was ring at her son who was sipping the Chrysanthemum tea.


    "Why did the Prince do that?" Weng Wei demanded the answer.


    "I only brought the truth upfront," Jian Guozhi replied and again sipped the tea.


    "Prince Jian, that was a n devised by me and Xue Yu-Yan and you destroyed it. What is wrong with the Prince?" Weng Wei frustratedly said.


    Jian Guozhi wore a menacing expression on his face as he put the porcin cup down at the table. "Mother, I told you not to harm Ying`er yet you nned all this. That''s why I did that. Stop troubling Ying`er, mother." Jian Guozhi''s tone was serious, and it sounded as if he was warning his mother.


    "What is wrong with you, son? I am doing all this for you. I want to see you on the throne. That is your birthright for which I am doing all this," Weng Wei stated.


    "No, mother. You are doing all this for yourself. I think I shall better go from here before starting any argument between us," Jian Guozhi asserted. He stood up from the floor mattress, bowed his head, and left the chamber.


    Weng Wei knitted her brows. "Is it because of Ying Lili he is acting this way? Xue Yu-Yan was true. Ying Lili has done something to my son. He never once acted disobediently towards me. I indeed made a big mistake by agreeing to her marriage with Sheng Li. But, I still have time. Ying Lili, you should not have seduced my son. Now, she has to pay for this," Weng Wei muttered and mmed her hand on the table.


    "Eunuch Yun," shouted Weng Wei. Eunuch Yun came running inside and bowed before her. "Bring her here. No one shall find out about this," Weng Weimanded.


    "Yes, your majesty. There is something I would like to inform you about," Eunuch Yun stated.


    "Speak," Weng Wei permitted him.


    "The Emperor has raised the status of Concubine Deng Hui. She is now a Virtuous Lady of the Han Empire," Eunuch Yun told the Empress.


    "What?!" Weng Wei eximed, flinching her brows.


    "Yes, your majesty. Since she is the only concubine of his majesty, his majesty has increased her rank. The ministers have also approved the decision of the Emperor unanimously," Eunuch Yun stated.


    "Okay. Just do the work which I have told you. Be careful," Weng Wei asserted. Eunuch Yun nodded his head and stepped back to the main door and then turned to walk out.


    "Why did his majesty raise the rank of Deng Hui?" Weng Wei murmured.

 Chapter 237 - Hatred And Jealousy

    <h4>Chapter 237 - Hatred And Jealousy</h4>


    Jian Guozhi entered the chamber of Xue Yu-Yan who was lying on the bed in a half-conscious state. The maidservants who were applying herbal medicine on her back stopped as they saw the Prince there.


    "W-why did you stop?" Xue Yu-Yan, in a meek voice,ined.? One maidservant adjusted the clothes of Xue Yu-Yan and stood up.


    "Leave!" Jian Guozhi ordered, and the maidservants walked out of the chamber. Xue Yu-Yan, upon hearing the voice of Jian Guozhi sat up on the bed with difficulty. She had tears on her cheek. "W-why are you here?" She questioned in a fit of rage.


    Jian Guozhi walked to her and held her chin using his thumb and forefinger "I warned you not to test my patience. I told you not to trouble Ying`er yet you did not listen to me." He pulled his hand back and put it behind his back.


    Xue Yu-Yan was crying in pain. "A-and you produced a fake witness in front of the Empress. You hate me this much?" Xue Yu-Yan asked. Jian smirked upon hearing those words.


    "Xue, I never hated you, but you made me hate you. You shall feel lucky that I did not do something fatal to your life. Ying`er is kind enough that''s why she did not ask for any severe punishment for you. You should be thankful to her for this," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Xue Yu-Yan lowered her eyes as tears kept pouring down her eyes. "I hate her as she is the reason for all this. My father died because of her," Xue Yu-Yan said with utter hatred.


    "Your father is dead because of his foolishness. He was misusing his powers. Don''t go with my mother''s ns if you do not want to suffer," Jian Guozhi advised Xue Yu-Yan. "I might start considering you a good woman if you stop doing anything reckless," he added.


    Xue Yu-Yan chuckled. "Mother and I are doing all this for you. T-they are getting stronger and if we do not do anything now, then things might be difficult for uster," she argued.


    "No! You are doing all this so that you can have power. Xue, since we are conversing on this matter, then I would like to tell you something more. Mother killed Sheng Li''s mother and you also know about this. It was hatred and jealousy, not because she wanted the throne for me. You used to admire him, but I do not know what has happened to your mind. Don''t get blind just because of the throne. This is thest time," Jian Guozhi exined to Xue Yu-Yan.


    Xue Yu-Yan peered into his eyes for some time before she queried, "Do you no longer want this throne? Are you going to keep living like a ve to them?"


    "What? ve?!" Jian Guozhi eximed and chuckled. "Even though I made a mistake, my father gave me the highest responsibility after the Crown Prince." Xue Yu-Yan curiously looked at him, who continued, "I always did wrong with Sheng Li still, he supported our father when I was given the Governorship of Luoyang. Being the Crown Prince is not the only responsibility of an Empire."


    "Are you saying you are no longer interested in bing the Crown Prince?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "Does it matter now?" Jian questioned back.


    "You never conversed with me this much, then why today?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned.


    "Because I am here as your husband today. I hope you will keep these things in your mind. If not, I am afraid that you will end up dying," Jian pronounced. "I shall take my leave. Here, this is a special medicine you shall apply over your back. If you really want me to love you then, you need to change, Xue," Jian Guozhi put the tiny medicine box there. He wiped off the tears from her cheek using his thumb and walked out from there.


    Xue Yu-Yan felt a little strange in her heart. The maidservants came there and told her to lie down. Xue Yu-Yan did so andid on the support of her belly.


    ~~~~


    "Your majesty, you raised the rank of Sister Hui without even consulting me and the other consorts," Weng Wei said as she poured the tea for Han Wenji.


    "I thought all my wives would easily agree to my decision. Like you all, Deng Hui is also close to me," Han Wenji affirmed.


    Weng Wei nodded. "Sister Hui is now a Virtuous Lady which is overwhelming in itself," Weng Wei proimed.


    "Empress Wei, I heard that Princess Consort Xue schemed against the Crown Princess. Did you handle the matter? Han Wenji questioned.


    "His majesty does not need to trouble himself. I have already cleared the matter," Weng Wei replied. Han Wenji smiled and sipped the tea.


    Putting the cup on the table, Han Wenji said, "I want to meet Princess Consort Xue. Pass her my message." Weng Wei drew her brows together but quickly turned normal.


    "Your majesty, I think the Crown Prince shall have one more wife. It is to strengthen his position for the throne," Weng Wei requested the Emperor.


    "The Crown Prince wants to have only one wife. Let''s not intervene in his private life," Han Wenji suggested. Weng Wei nodded her head in agreement. Han Wenji stood up from the chair and so was Weng Wei. "I shall leave. There is an urgent matter which I need to discuss with Prince Jian," Han Wenji asserted.


    Weng Wei with inquisitiveness looked at Han Wenji. "Some major changes are needed in the administration of the Empire. Prince Jian along with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess hase up with a n," Han Wenji briefed Weng Wei who nodded.


    "Prince is working hard these days. Yesterday, I was informed that he was awake till midnight. I am happy that he is performing his duties well," proimed Weng Wei. Han Wenji agreed with her.


    "Prince Jian has most of the responsibilities of the Empire. Being a Governor is itself a big responsibility, even more than the responsibility of a Crown Prince. I am happy to see that my both sons are working together unlike the earlier times," Han Wenji expressed his happiness.


    Weng Wei also faked a smile when Han Wenji said he should take leave and left the Empress''s manor. "Jian Guozhi and Sheng Li are working together! Something is wrong with my son," Weng Wei thought.

 Chapter 238 - My Hatred Towards You

    <h4>Chapter 238 - My Hatred Towards You</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan was taken to the Chamber of Virtue on the orders of the Emperor. Han Wenji was seated on the throne. Xue Yu-Yan greeted the Emperor first before taking the seat.


    "This is my first time talking with Princess Consort," Han Wenji asserted.


    "Forgive me, your majesty for today," Xue Yu-Yan stated as she lowered her head.


    "Princess Consort Xue, the Crown Princess was going to be punished for the wrong you did. Do you expect me to forgive you? You have to earn my trust in you again. I kept the Wei family alive and safe even after that incident because I believe that the things yourte father did, have nothing to do with the other members of the Wei Family," Han Wenji proimed.


    "Thank you for your grace, your highness," Xue Yu-Yan said. She lifted her eyes, which were filled with tears. "Your majesty, I want to say something," Xue Yu-Yan stated. Han Wenji nodded thus, giving her permission.


    "Your majesty, my father served this Empire for years, yet in the end he was given a death sentence. I am not raising the doubt on your decision but... but he could have been forgiven." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "My husband does not look at me. This is all because of the Crown Princess. Everyone praises her and it hurts me when my own husband looks at her lovingly," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    Han Wenji could understand the worries of Xue Yu-Yan. "Princess Consort, the death sentence was important for your father. I decided that based on his position. He gave poison to the Crown Prince and framed the Crown Princess. I could not forgive such a heinous crime. Jian expressed his desire to marry the Crown Princess earlier, which could be why he still admires her. But since you raised this issue, I will talk it out with my son," Han Wenji assured Xue Yu-Yan.


    "No, your majesty. Do not do that. I am just a little emotional at this moment. That''s why I shared some of my worries with you. Please forgive me once again for scheming against the Crown Princess," Xue Yu-Yan requested.


    "If you truly are apologetic, then you need to prove yourself. I want to see the improvement in your nature, Princess Consort. I would like to rmend something to you," Han Wenji proimed. "Talk with the Crown Princess about this. Only a woman can feel another woman. I believe after having an amiable conversation with the Crown Princess, you will find a way," Han Wenji advised Xue Yu-Yan.


    "You are like my own daughter. Even if your father is not here, you cane to me anytime," Han Wenji stated.


    Xue Yu-Yan lowered and nodded. "Thank you, your m-majesty."


    "You shall leave. You do not need to clean the Royal Kitchen. Take a few days rest," Han Wenji pardoned Xue Yu-Yan''s second punishment. The Emperor called in the maidservants and told them to take Xue Yu-Yan back to her room.


    Xue Yu-Yan stood up with difficulty and bowed before leaving. Two maidservants were supporting her on the walk. She put a thought to the Emperor''s advice. "Help me in walking till the Crown Princess''s manor," Xue Yu-Yan ordered the maidservants.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li were drawing something on the white paper. "Why are you taking a peek? Do not cheat," Ying Lili asserted and covered the white sheet on which she was painting.


    "Let me see a little. It is not even a real exam," Sheng Liined but Ying Lili did not show him what she was drawing.


    "Sorry for intruding, your highnesses but Princess Consort Xue is here to meet the Crown Princess," Court Lady Xu informed them who was standing near the second entrance.


    "Why is she here? Send her away," Sheng Li annoyingly said when Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu, "Send her in." Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out.


    Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li and said, "Do not say anything to her. You used to love her."


    Sheng Li widened his eyes upon hearing the statement. "Take back your words," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who refused to do so. Before Sheng Li could speak, Xue Yu-Yan entered there along with the two maidservants. Ying Lili saw how pale Xue Yu-Yan''s face had turned. She stood up from her seat and went to her.


    Sheng Li was looking at Ying Lili in disbelief. He stood up and walked out from there.


    Ying Lili made Xue Yu-Yan sit on the chaise lounge. "Bring a ss of water," Ying Lili told a maidservant. "You should have called me to your chamber," Ying Lili said to Xue Yu-Yan. She handed the water ss to Xue and told her to drink it. Xue Yu-Yan thanked the Crown Princess and drank the water.


    Ying Lili gave the ss to the maidservant who put it on a table and walked out of the chamber with others.


    Ying Lili sat beside Xue Yu-Yan and asked her about the reason for her visit.


    "I am here to apologize to the Crown Princess. I should not have done that," Xue Yu-Yan stated.


    "I forgave you the moment you were given the punishment. I do not have any grudge against you," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan thanked the Crown Princess for forgiving her. "I want to ask you why you did this?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Because I was jealous of her highness," Xue Yu-Yan veraciously replied and lifted her head to look at Ying Lili. "My father is no more, which grew my hatred further towards you. Everything was fine until you were in the pce, but then¡­" Yu-Yan broke down into tears. "I-I do not know why my heart took m-me here. Jian Ge admires Sister Mi and you while he hates me. Why does everyone hate me? Only father loved me and he is no more. That''s the main reason I did all this," Xue Yu-Yan epted her crimes.


    Ying Lili wiped the tears from Xue''s cheeks. "No one hates you, Sister Xue. If you leave this wrong path of vengeance, then things will change. Also, I can understand fully how much it hurts when your husband does not look at you and care for you. I do not know why Brother Jian admires me but I only see him as the elder brother of the Crown Prince. What if someone had died today? Don''t let your hatred and jealousy grow. In the end, it will only harm you," Ying Lili exined to Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I understand, Sister Lili. Thank you for forgiving me," Xue Yu-Yan sniveled and stood up from the chaise. Ying Lili too stood up and apanied her till the door.


    Sheng Li was ring at Xue Yu-Yan, but he kept quiet because of Ying Lili. The maidservants took Xue away while Ying Lili watched her until she disappeared from her sight.


    "Court Lady Xu, do not disturb us," Sheng Li sternly said, and caught Ying Lili''s hand. Before she could ask him, she was taken inside by him and the doors were closed behind them.

 Chapter 239 - Now, Lets Kiss!

    <h4>Chapter 239 - Now, Let''s Kiss!</h4>


    "What were you saying earlier?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili.


    "Nothing," replied Ying Lili and pulled her hand from Sheng Li''s grip when he drew her closer to him by holding her arm. "You said something erroneous. I never loved her. Indeed, as a kid I admired her, but that was because she used to help me but I never loved her," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "I know. That''s why I said because you admired her for that sake she should be brought inside. Why are you sulking over this?" Ying Lili asked, raising her brow.


    "I love only you. Don''t ever say that I admire another woman. I do not. I will never. The only woman I admire since the day I met her is you. I enjoy being around you and you make me feel special," Sheng Li blurted out everything, whatever came to his mind at that moment.


    A smile formed on Ying Lili''s lips. She put her both hands around Sheng Li''s neck. "Did you fall for me at first sight?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Umm...probably. You held my sword without thinking about your life," Sheng Li stated. "Only a strong woman can handle a strong man!" Sheng Li remarked, looking into Ying Lili''s eyes. Soon, his gaze shifted down to Ying Lili''s lips. He leaned towards her and kissed her. Ying Lili kissed him back. They pulled away and touched their foreheads against each other.


    "Sheng Li, I think the Empress will n something big this time. We need to meet Zhang Yong," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li leaned back to hear her out. "I do not think that Xue did all this by herself. There is a strange feeling inside my heart this time. It''s like I am a little scared," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li stroked Ying Lili''s hair. "Stay away from her for a few days. I will look into this matter," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili. He looked at the floor table. "So, shall we continue what we left in the middle?" He asked.


    Ying Lili nodded. Sheng Li pulled his hand back from her arm, and the two sat around the table. Ying Lili picked the brush andpleted the remaining drawing on the white paper.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li was still struggling with making a painting. Ying Lili found that he could not even paint a simple house. "I am losing my patience. Why is it so hard? Lili, I am not painting anymore" He lifted his head to look at her when she grabbed his hand from which he was holding the brush.


    "Why are you holding it so fiercely? Loosen your hand," Ying Lili said and applied the stroke of the brush on the white paper. Sheng Li instead of focusing on what Ying Lili was teaching him, he kept his focus on Ying Lili''s face. He kissed her cheek and immediately Ying Lili turned to him.


    "What are you doing? I am..." Before she couldplete her words, Sheng Li sealed her lips again with his. He removed Ying Lili''s grip from his hand and grabbed her hand, bringing her closer to him.


    Ying Lili pulled away and ced her hand on his chest. "You promised me that you will learn to paint and see what you are doing. You get distracted easily," Ying Liliined.


    "I am not made for all this. I am not learning it anymore," Sheng Li affirmed.? "And you distracted me," he added.


    "Do not me me. I was only helping you. You even held the brush wrongly," proimed Ying Lili.


    "But why shall I learn art? It is not like I will be a painter. I ept that I cannot draw anything," Sheng Li asserted. "Now, let''s kiss," he said and leaned forward, but Ying Lili ced her palm between their lips. "No more kissing. Let''s go to the office where Brother Jian works. We need to work on the new administration system," Ying Lili suggested.


    "We will go there but after¡­" Ying Lili did not Sheng Li speak further and pressed her forefinger tightly on his lips. "No. This is enough for today," Ying Lili opined and put her hand down.


    Sheng Li nodded and let go of her. The two stood up from the mattress and walked out of the chamber.


    Soon, they reached the chamber which Jian Guozhi used as the Office of Governor. They walked in and found not only Jian Guozhi there, but also Nianzu.


    Seeing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess there, the two Princes stood up from their respective seats. "How is the Crown Princess doing?" Nianzu asked.


    "I am doing well. Thank you for asking, Brother," Ying Lili replied and saw Chuntao there who lowered her eyes.


    "Have a seat, Crown Prince, Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi asserted. They nodded and sat on the chairs beside each other.


    "This is Miss Chuntao, from Shuanxi vige. She is the one who told me about the drastic ongoing problems in the vige," Nianzu told Sheng Li and Ying Lili. Chuntao formally greeted them.


    "Have a seat, Miss Chuntao," Ying Lili offered. Chuntao hesitated when Sheng Li said, "We do not have enough time to make you agree to sit on the chair."


    The remark was indeed harsh, but Chuntao quickly sat on the chair, to the left of Prince Nianzu.


    "We will suspend a few higher-ups in the Department of Food supplies and Water Distribution. The vige headman will be changed, and the police officials involved in the illegal works will be removed. If needed, ranks might get lowered in a few cases," Jian Guozhi put forward his decision as the Governor of Luoyang.


    He waited for Sheng Li to respond who agreed with him. "Brother, impose the fine on them as they tried harming the finances of the Empire," Sheng Li stated.


    "I think we shall not suspend the higher-ups," Ying Lili pronounced. They all looked at her with inquisitiveness.


    "We want our people to work for us willingly. Suspending them will create a sense of hatred in them towards us. We want to create an amiable and prosperous nation. Punishment shall be there but not the suspension from their position," Ying Lili pronounced.

 Chapter 240 - My Admiration

    <h4>Chapter 240 - My Admiration</h4>


    Nianzu analyzed whatever Crown Princess put forward. Indeed, they did not want them to turn into their enemies, instead; they needed to make sure that the appointed officials themselves understood their responsibility towards the Empire.


    "What does the Crown Princess think we should do?" Nianzu queried her.


    "We can reduce their sries and increase the taxes for them, as they are the ones who exploited our people. The severity of this punishment will be decided based on their ranks, and a close check will be kept on them by a special group of officers," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "That special group will be directly responsible to the Governor, that''s the First Prince and the Crown Prince," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi looked at each other. "Then, we two will be responsible directly to the Emperor and the Advisor," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Indeed! I think this would be better. Suspending the officials will not bring any good instead we need to make them realize that what they did was wrong so that future officers will take a lesson from this," Ying Lili asserted.


    The three princes agreed with the Crown Princess. Chuntao observed that despite being a woman, the Crown Princess understood the people as if they were her own child!


    "Miss Chuntao," Ying Lili softly called the name of Chuntao who came out of her thoughts.


    She lowered her eyes immediately. "Yes, your highness?"


    "Could you please tell me what wrong do you think officers do with the people? Be truthful, as we have to formte the n, ordingly," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Your highness, thendlords exploit the people mostly because of their increased interest rates. People being illiterate cannot understand that. Then we are forced to be their ve and young women even forced into¡­" Chuntao stopped speaking.


    "What happened, Miss?" Ying Lili asked.


    Nianzu took the lead and said, "Crown Princess, young women are mostly taken as entertainers."


    Ying Lili nodded. "So, the next thing we need to work on is ending the abusive powers ofndlords," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Lili, we cannot limit their powers as thendlords mostly contribute to the revenue to the Empire after the trade. And, ministers are going to oppose this," Sheng Li proimed.


    "The Crown Prince is absolutely right. The ministers and the bureaucrats might even think that the Crown Princess is trying to topple the monarchy," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "But we cannot let thendlords ill-treat the people," proimed Ying Lili. Frowns appeared on her forehead.


    "We are here, so that will not happen. We put forward this matter in court. The suggestions given by you are excellent and I think his majesty will agree to them as well," stated Sheng Li and looked at Nianzu. Before Sheng Li could speak, a maidservant came there to inform the Crown Prince about the visit of General Wang.


    "I think something urgent hase up. I will see you both in the Chamber of Virtue," Sheng Li told the First and the Fourth Prince as he stood up from the chair. Seeing him standing up, they all also stood up from their respective chairs.


    Shifting his gaze back to Ying Lili, Sheng Li said, "Go to my chamber. I will see you there,ter."


    Ying Lili nodded her head. Sheng Li turned and walked out from there. Nianzu looked at Chuntao who was curiously looking at the Crown Princess. "Miss, do you want to say something to the Crown Princess?" Nianzu asked.


    Ying Lili looked at Chuntao and told her to speak whatever she had in her mind. "The Crown Princess is a thoughtful woman. We are happy to have a Crown Princess like you. Being a vige girl, I had only heard how intelligent and generous the Crown Princess is, but today, I witnessed this. Thank you, your highness, for thinking about themoners," Chuntao expressed her gratitude, and she bowed.


    Ying Lili passed a tiny smile to her. "It is the duty of mine to think about the people of Han."


    "First Brother, I will see you in the Chamber of Virtue. It was a nice meeting," Nianzu said and took his leave while Chuntao followed him.


    Ying Lili looked at Jian Guozhi who told her that he would arrange a pnquin for her. "That is not needed, Brother Jian," Ying Lili stated. There was an awkwardness between them when Ying Lili further said, "Brother Jian, I had never talked with you about this matter. But, I think I should." Jian Guozhi with an inquisitiveness looked at the Crown Princess.


    "I know you wanted to marry me. I do not know why you admire me, but I think you should not anymore. I am the woman of the Crown Prince. All the six brothers of the Crown Prince are also my brothers. Today, you saved me, for which I am grateful to you. I want to request you not to do this anymore," Ying Lili straightforwardly told Jian Guozhi.


    "I shall take my leave," the Crown Princess turned to go when Jian Guozhi stopped her.


    "Crown Princess, I do not think my admiration for you will end. I am aware of the fact that you are the woman of the Crown Prince, but that has nothing to do with my feelings. Because of these feelings, I decided to change my path." Ying Lili''s eyes grew slightly bigger upon hearing the words of the First Prince. She turned towards him and asked him to rify his words.


    "Sheng Li and my rtionship as brothers is not good. I abused him as a child, but there was a reason for that. I wish I could tell you further things, but I do not want to. Crown Princess, I give you a promise that if ever you need my help, I will help you. Though I know that such a day will nevere still if you feel stuck you cane to me for help." Ying Lili was going to speak when Jian Guozhi said, "It is my admiration towards the Crown Princess that I want to keep within my heart. Sheng Li has changed after marrying the Crown Princess. It feels good seeing him happy. I shall take my leave."


    Jian Guozhi walked past Ying Lili, leaving her in confusion.

 Chapter 241 - Share With You

    <h4>Chapter 241 - Share With You</h4>


    Ying Lili arrived at the manor of the Crown Prince. Xing-Fu bowed and asked, "Your highness do you want anything for the evening snacks?"


    "No. I will stay here tonight," Ying Lili stated. Xing-Fu nodded and asked a maidservant to arrange evening clothes for the Crown Princess. Ying Lili had walked in and sat on the bed there. She was disturbed by the conversation with the First Prince.


    "Does it mean that the First Brother never wanted to do all those things to Sheng Li which he kept doing with him? Is it because of the Empress?" Ying Lili wondered. A maidservant came inside and ced the night clothes for Ying Lili and Sheng Li on the table.


    "Your highness, Court Lady Xu has alsoe here. She wants to talk to her highness," the maidservant stated.


    "Okay. Send her in," Ying Lili replied.


    Court Lady Xu entered the bed-chamber and bowed before the Crown Princess. "Your highness, tomorrow is the day when you and the Crown Prince need to consummate your marriage. But the Empress has sent a message not to consummate tomorrow as there are a few Royal events from tomorrow onwards. Her Majesty has told that after the events will be over, again the Royal Astrologer wille to decide a new date for you two," proimed Court Lady Xu.


    Ying Lili nodded and asked Court Lady Xu about the ce of the Royal Astrologer, who looked at the Crown Princess skeptically.


    "I need to discuss something important with the Royal Astrologer," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Your highness, he has his residence in the valley of Laojun mountains. He is leaving the pce this evening," Court Lady Xu replied.


    Ying Lili stood up from the bed. "I want to meet the Royal Astrologer," Ying Lili expressed her desire. "Please take me to his chamber," she added. Court Lady Xu nodded and told the Crown Princess toe with her.


    Astrologer Mengyao was staying in the Western Pce. When he got the message of the arrival of the Crown Princess, he told the servant, who was packing the luggage of the Royal Astrologer, to go out.


    Seeing the Crown Princess entering, Mengyao bowed. "Good evening to the Royal Astrologer," Ying Lili said, bowing in front of him.


    "Her highness could have called me," Mengyao stated.


    "It is alright, Astrologer Mengyao. I want to have a private conversation with you," Ying Lili proimed.


    Mengyao raised his head and motioned his hand towards the floor table and the mattress. "Please have a seat, your highness," Mengyao said. Ying Lili thanked him and the two sat around the floor table.


    "Is her highness here because of the prediction I made?" Mengyao queried.


    "Yes," answered Ying Lili.


    The impassiveness on Mengyao''s face worried Ying Lili. "I never believed in the predictions, but it is something which has been bothering me since the day the Royal Astrologer told me," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Your highness, predictions sometimes are for carefulness. Indeed, there are a few stars that are not favorable to his highness. Something big is waiting for him! He might lose everything," the Royal Astrologer stated.


    Ying Lili frowned when she heard him say, "But there is something strange too. Your stars protect him, so you may prevent that from happening."


    "But I do not know what is waiting ahead? It is unpredictable," Ying Lili said, confused.


    "Your highness, you will find the way when the timees." Mengyao asserted.


    "I had a strange dream. The Crown Prince had blood in his hands and he was crying. Is this rted to that? I am a little worried," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Mengyao nodded his head. "It might be the result of the prediction I made. You need to be cautious," Mengyao stated. "After dark skies, a bright dayes. If such a timees, then it will pass too," the Royal Astrologer further added.


    "Thank you for giving me your time," Ying Lili stated and stood up from the floor mattress.


    Mengyao too stood up. Ying Lili bowed and then left from there. "The Empress will do something again. But there is no way I will find out. If I ask Zhang Yong, maybe he could help but it will be difficult for him. What if the Empress does something during the Royal event?" Ying Lili was lost in her thoughts when she was tripped and almost fell, but she was caught at the right time.


    She lifted her eyes and saw Sheng Li in front of her. "What are you doing in the Western Pavilion? I told you to go to my chamber." Sheng Li made her stand up. Ying Lili thanked him and adjusted her high waist skirt. Sheng Li nced at Court Lady Xu and asked her where they wereing from.


    "I was here for a walk. I was getting bored so, I walked till here," Ying Lili lied to Sheng Li.


    "Hmm."


    "Did you all talk with his majesty? What did his majesty say?" Ying Lili queried.


    "A private meeting will be held tomorrow where ministers and bureaucrats will be present. Then, after having a discussion everything will be implemented," Sheng Li briefed Ying Lili.


    The two started walking while conversing with each other. "What did General Wang tell you?" Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "Yang Fei Ke has mentioned a name but it is not rted to the Ju family," Sheng Li answered.


    "What?" "That means he was doing all this on the orders of someone else," Ying Lili deduced. Sheng Li agreed with her and told her that they would discuss thatter in private. Soon the two reached the manor of the Crown Prince. Sheng Li removed the overcoat and looked at the clothes, which were on the table there. "Lili, there is something I want to show you," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili, who had her back towards him, turned to him. "Have you nned another surprise for me?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. There are some precious things I want to share with you," Sheng Li replied. His lips moved up, and a smile formed on them. "You once asked me what is behind that left door. Today, I will show you," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili looked towards the door and recalled how she was desperate to know, but Sheng Li had threatened her that day not to go there.


    She felt Sheng Li''s hands on her shoulders. "Let''s go there," Sheng Li said in her ear.

 Chapter 242 - A Fan Dance

    <h4>Chapter 242 - A Fan Dance</h4>


    Ying Lili was bewildered to see the space behind the left door. She thought it would be a room, more like a secret room. There was a narrow path that opened at the right end. "Follow me," Sheng Li said and walked ahead of Ying Lili. They came out of the pathway in an open space.


    There was a water pool at one end and the other end, there was a broad wooden swing that had cushions on it. Other than that the space was empty. But the ce was good to spend alone time. "I thought there was a secret room here. Why did you not allow me here earlier?" Ying Lili turned her gaze to look at Sheng Li.


    "You were not that close to me, that''s why. Do you want to sit with me on that swing? We will talk tillte night," Sheng Li stated and back hugged her. His chin rested on her shoulder as he held both her hands. "Father told me to praise his daughter-inw foring up with this brilliant idea of wiping out corruption. He will soon bestow you with a special power," Sheng Li affirmed. They stood like that for a few minutes before Sheng Li pulled away and took her towards the swing.


    He made her sit on the swing and then sat beside her. "Yang Fei Ke was not aided by the Ju Family. He said it''s someone from Luoyang," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Is it the Empress?" Ying Lili raised a suspicion.


    "No. Someone who had sent the message to Cai Hong and ordered him to kill me in the Southern Province," Sheng Li proimed. "I showed Fei Ke the message which Wang Hao had recovered from Cai Hong. He recognized the writing and told Wang Hao that the same person sent him messages. Unfortunately, he never showed his face to him so it will take more time to catch him," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "So, the person is from Luoyang and did all this!! Sheng Li, what if this is the same person who''s backing the Empress," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I also think the same. Zhang Yong told you that Weng Wei cannot do anything on her own, but there is someone who''s helping her. Lei Wanxi went to the Buddhist Temple where Weng Wei goes daily for the prayers but he could not find anyone there. So, now, we need to find how and where Weng Weimunicates with this unknown man!" Sheng Li remarked.


    "I have an idea. I will go to that temple with Weng Wei and try finding out who''s the other one with her," Ying Lili suggested.


    "She does not let anyone go with her so, there is no way you can go there," opined Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili brows furrowed and asked, "Who cleans the temple? I mean that I will go there in the disguise of a cleaner," she suggested. At this moment, finding the true conspirator was crucial. For that, Ying Lili was even ready to take the risks.


    "It could be dangerous for you. I do not want you to¡­" Ying Lili ced her forefinger on Sheng Li''s lips thus, stopping him from speaking further.


    "It is dangerous, that''s why I must do this. I am the most suitable person for this task," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li peered into the eyes of Ying Lili for some time. He agreed with her and said, "I trust you. Find the person then. We need to bring the Empress down from her position and punish her as soon as possible."


    "Thank you for trusting me." Ying Lili recalled how the Emperor shared with her that he was even trying to find the person who was the reason for all the schemings in the pce. She was a little befuddled how a person could plot so much when he had no real power or he had but none of them was aware of that except Weng Wei.


    Ying Lili came out of her thoughts. "Brother Jian is not a bad person." She saw the impassiveness on Sheng Li''s face. "He is sorry for whatever he did to you but it was not in his hand. He is happy that his brother is married to me," Ying Lili proimed.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed as his brows were drawn together. "The First Prince told you this?" It was unbelievable for Sheng Li to believe that Jian Guozhi would say such words about him.


    "Hmm. I think he is a nice person, but because he is the son of the Empress, he was forced to treat you badly," Ying Lili deduced.


    "I do not know. For me, he is a bad person. Just stay away from him," Sheng Li menacingly said. He was a little pissed off after Ying Lili talked about Jian Guozhi in front of him.


    Ying Lili did not want to ruin the mood, so she kept quiet. Since the ce had no lights, she stood up from the swing. Sheng Li watched her go and felt guilty for getting angry with her. After a few minutes, he stood up to look for Ying Lili when he saw hering with two papernterns in her hands.


    He went to her and helped her in, carrying onentern. "It was dark, so I brought these here," Ying Lili said and raised herself on her toes to tie thentern to support made between the two wooden pirs. Sheng Li had hanged onentern and caught Ying Lili''s hand.


    "I will do it. Go there," he said, gesturing towards the swing. Ying Lili hummed and went towards the swing. She took out a red-colored fan from her sash. The fan has white-colored flowers painted on it.


    Sheng Li came towards her and told her to sit on the swing, but she refused. "Do you want to see a little performance of mine?" Ying Lili asked.


    "You want to dance?"


    "Hmm." She nodded her head.


    "What kind of dance will you do?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Fan dance. It is popr among both the civilians and military. You must be aware of this," Ying Lili said with glistening eyes.


    Sheng Li shook his head. "No, I am not aware of this dance form," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili pouted. "But General Wang and General Xiao also know this dance. Howe you do not know," she muttered and huffed. "You hardly know good things. Go sit there!"


    "Are you scolding me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No. Sit on the swing. I will show you how to do a fan dance," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li went towards the swing and sat down.

 Chapter 243 - I Lied! You Were Looking Pretty!

    <h4>Chapter 243 - I Lied! You Were Looking Pretty!</h4>


    Hello Dear Readers!


    I mostly listen to Chinese historical drama songs. While writing this chapter, I listened to this song. You readers can try this song if you want to!


    The song is: Legend of Yunxi Ost by Jujingyi- Sigh (Download from the web or on YouTube)


    ~~~


    Ying Lili stood a few meters away from Sheng Li. Opening the fan she brought it near her face such that only her eyes were visible. She bent her waist to her left and stretched out her arm. Moving her body up and down and outstretching her arms, she kept the fan movements graceful.


    The movement of her eyes and her hands were synchronous with each other. She brought both her hands up, covering one side of her face. The hand movements had slowed down along with the movement of the fan.


    Sheng Li was intensely looking at Ying Lili. With every rhythm, his heartbeat was increasing. At this moment, she was looking as if a true jade beauty had descended from heaven. ''How could she be so perfect in every dance?'' he wondered.


    Ying Lili jumped in the air. Her left leg was raised while her left hand was outstretched, while her right hand had the red fan in front of her face. Her feet touched the ground soon. But, it was not the end of the performance. This was just the beginning!


    Ying Lili gracefully threw the fan up in the air and quickly caught it with her left hand. She stretched her right foot to the front while her left foot went behind. Her face was turned towards Sheng Li as she moved the fan again. The smile on her lips was getting brighter as the dance was continuing.


    Ying Lili sat on the ground. Her right knee was up in the air while her left leg was touching the ground. Sheng Li was going to tell her not to sit on the ground, but then he saw it was a part of the dance that Ying Lili was performing.


    She had ced the fan on the ground and stood up, putting her weight on the right leg and standing up. Making a lotus-like shape using her hands, she motioned her hands gracefully in the air and bent slightly on her waist. She gripped her high waist skirt and swirled it in the air.


    Moving her right hand again such that it formed an arch in the air. She again jumped; quickly spun and bent down to pick the fan up. She ended the dance by closing the fan and bowed.


    Her chest was rising up and down from the dance she had just done. She lifted her head and looked at Sheng Li, smiling brightly. "How was the dance?" She asked with sparkling eyes but did not get any response from Sheng Li. "I need to perform this dance tomorrow at the opening event. Tell me how it was," Ying Lili again demanded the answer as she walked towards him.


    "You are not performing any dance tomorrow," Sheng Li growled. Ying Lili stopped at her ce. Her brows were drawn together in confusion. Sheng Li stood up from the swing and went to her. Stopping right in front of her words, he again repeated his words.


    "But why?" Ying Lili questioned, confused.


    "Because you were looking ugly!" Sheng Li pronounced.


    "W-what?" Ying Lili mumbled.


    "Yes, you were looking ugly. Give me this fan," he took the fan from her hand, "This dance is not made for you," Sheng Li stated and turned his back towards Ying Lili.


    "But I want to perform this dance. It means I need to practice the entire night." Sheng Li heard Ying Lili''s deep sighs. "I did this dance after many months, so that might be one reason that I was looking ugly. Sheng Li, was I looking that bad? Maybe it is because of the dim light or because of these clothes!" Ying Lili deduced as she peered at her clothes.


    Sheng Li could not believe that Ying Lili would talk like that. ''Is she testing me? Can''t she feel what she did to my heart? I will not let her perform in front of anyone,'' he wondered.


    "Sheng Li, could you please watch my dance one more time? Trust me, this time I will try to do it more elegantly," Ying Lili requested and lightly gripped the upper jacket of Sheng Li.


    He immediately turned to her. Grasping Ying Lili''s right hand, he ced it on his chest near his heart. Ying Lili felt his uneven heartbeats. "You did this to me. I do not want any man to feel like this. You will not perform in front of anyone," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "But-"


    She was pulled closer by Sheng Li. "No means No. Do you even have any idea how you were looking!" He muttered.


    "You said that I was looking ugly," Ying Lili replied.


    "I lied. You were looking pretty," Sheng Li stated, and let go of Ying Lili''s hand.


    "Why did you lie?"


    "Don''t you know?"


    "Tell me," Ying Lili waited for the response of the Crown Prince.


    "Because you would not have listened to me then. Don''t dance tomorrow," Sheng Li stressed his words.


    "No one is going to feel the way you feel after watching me doing this ''Fan Dance'' tomorrow. I am only giving a warm wee to the princesses," Ying Lili asserted.


    "You will not listen to me," Sheng Li looked for an answer into the eyes of Ying Lili.


    "When you know then why are you asking?" Ying Lili mumbled and lowered her eyes when her chin was gripped by Sheng Li. He looked into her eyes when her lips were captured by Sheng Li.


    "You will not dance because a few men eye you. I cannot even kill them because I promised you that I will not kill the innocents. A war will start if I raise my sword, that''s why I will not let you dance tomorrow," Sheng Li said after pulling away from the kiss.


    "Then kill them for eyeing on your woman. But do not let me limit myself just because of those few men," Ying Lili asserted. "How could they be innocent if they eye on your woman? Huh?" she questioned. Sheng Li thought for some time.


    "Okay, you can dance then," Sheng Li permitted Ying Lili who smiled and hugged him tightly.


    "No one eyes on me. You are over protective of me," Ying Lili stated. "How could you be so good?" Ying Lili murmured. "I am lucky to have you as my husband," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li smiled and kissed the top of her head.


    ~~~~


    Chinese Fan Dance is originated in the Han Dynasty. It is a slow and graceful dance. I tried to depict it through words but I am not sure if I able to give that picture or not.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 244 - Emerging As A Bad Person

    <h4>Chapter 244 - Emerging As A Bad Person</h4>


    The next morning, after the wee ceremony ended, the Princesses were taken to the Hall where the selection was going to start. Soon, everyone left the pce grounds except Sheng Li, Ying Lili, and Lei Wanxi.


    "Sister Lili, I saw how Brother Sheng was looking at you. You hypnotized himpletely. I remember how Brother Sheng used to refrain from watching dances, but it is different whenever Sister Lili dances," Lei Wanxi stated and looked at Sheng Li while smirking.


    "Lili is different from others, that''s why," Sheng Li opined.


    Lei Wanxi lightly hit Sheng Li''s chest. "Brother should say openly that he loves Sister Lili that''s why he loves watching her dance," Lei Wanxi deduced.


    Ying Lili smiled and told them that she had to go. "The selection for the Princesses will start soon. My presence is needed there," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nodded and told her to be careful.


    "Do not worry about me," Ying Lili said and left the pce grounds followed by Court Lady Xu and a few maidservants.


    Soon, she vanished from the sight of Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi. "Brother Sheng, did you notice something today?" Lei Wanxi asked Sheng Li who was inquisitive to know.


    "Oh, I forgot that your focus was on Sister Lili only," Lei Wanxi passed a sly smile and continued, "The Empress was looking at the First Prince. I think she is angry with her son. First Brother helped us yesterday, which is so unusual of him."


    "That''s still bothering me. First Brother usually never helps, but yesterday he acted differently," Sheng Li stated.


    "Is it because he loves Sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi''s sudden statement brought frowns on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    "Watch what you are saying," Sheng Li warned Lei Wanxi.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng, but this is what I observed. For the first time, Brother Jian stood for us, against his mother''s wish. You also know that Brother Jian never once went against the Empress''s wish," Lei Wanxi exined.


    "First Brother is a nice person," Nianzu pronounced. Upon hearing the voice of Nianzu, the two turned their backs and bowed slightly. Nianzu halted in front of them.


    "Why did the Fourth Brother think so? We never found any good thing in the First Brother," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "He saved the Crown Prince a long time ago," Nianzu affirmed. Both Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi were bewildered to hear that.


    "What are you saying, Brother Nianzu?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Brother Jian saved you when you were young. You were fed poison, but luckily, the First Brother saw that. He informed our father about the incident. After that incident, the Empress never tried to kill you with poison until a month ago," Nianzu pronounced, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    "What?" Sheng Li''s eyes fluttered. Even Lei Wanxi was shocked to learn about the truth.


    "Are you sure, Brother Nianzu? You have seen how brutally I was thrashed once by Brother Jian," asserted Sheng Li. It was unbelievable for him to believe that the First Prince saved him.


    "I witnessed all this with my own eyes. I never told you because I thought that the First Brother did that because he was young," Nianzu stated. "But after learning about yesterday''s incident, I thought to tell you. Brother Jian never intended to be the person he is now. The reason he ill-treated you was because of his mother. It is said that a mother is the first teacher of a child and her influence impacts a lot. Brother Jian did what his mother taught him," asserted Nianzu.


    Sheng Li was out of words after hearing the truth of Jian Guozhi from Nianzu.


    "It means that Brother Jian was always good to Brother Sheng, but because of his mother, he ended up emerging as a bad person," stated Nianzu.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Sheng Li and then at Nianzu. "But I think after Sister Lili''s marriage with Brother Sheng, Brother Jian''s behavior had changed¡­ I mean he never stood for Brother Sheng until yesterday. I think Brother Jian wants to turn good," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    Nianzu agreed with Lei Wanxi. "Crown Prince, the pce can be a beautiful ce if the Empress stops her scheming. Her son and daughter both are suffering because of her, especially Brother Jian," Nianzu opined. "We do not know what kind of turmoil Brother Jian is undergoing. A person turns bad because of the circumstances. We need to be in the shoes of Brother Jian to understand him," he advised Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li recalled how Ying Lili was telling himst night that he was wrong about the First Prince. ''What did they talk about yesterday?'' Sheng Li wondered. ''Why did he save Lili yesterday? It is unusual of him. Does he really love her?'' Sheng Li''s mind was filled with many doubts at once.


    "I am taking my leave. I have something to discuss with Wang Hao," Sheng Li told Nianzu and Lei Wanxi who nodded. Soon, Sheng Li vanished from their sight.


    "Brother Nianzu, I heard that mother Deng Hui''s rank has increased. I am happy for your mother. Finally, she is safe from the torture of the Empress," Lei Wanxi delightedly said.


    "I still doubt that. But now, my mother holds a little power though I know she will never raise her voice against the Empress," Nianzu stated.


    Lei Wanxi took the fan out from his sash and started fanning himself. "Once this Empress will die, then everything will turn right," stated Lei Wanxi with a smile.


    "Wanxi, after yesterday''s incident, I think the Empress will plot more. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess need to be careful, especially the Crown Princess. Brother Jian has gone against his mother, which has definitely infuriated her. We need to keep our eyes and ears open," Nianzu pronounced.


    Lei Wanxi was slightly scared to hear that. "Brother, you sound as if something big will happen this time. Last time Brother Sheng was almost dead and I do not want anything wrong to happen to him." Lei Wanxi joined his both hands. "I pray for the safety of my Brother Sheng Li and Sister Lili."

 Chapter 245 - To Irritate Me

    <h4>Chapter 245 - To Irritate Me</h4>


    Wang Hao handed the scroll to Sheng Li, which was the message sent by Hu Jingguo. "Your highness, Hu Jingguo has safely reached Juyan city. This message he has sent for the Crown Princess and he told the messenger to tell the Crown Prince not to open it. He knows that the Crown Prince is jealous of him," stated Wang Hao.


    Sheng Li raised his brow upon hearing that. "Jealous of him!" Sheng Li chuckled. "He didn''t send the message for me, but Lili. He does this to irritate me," murmuring he ced the scroll on the table there.


    "Did Yang Fen Kei reveal any other important information?" Sheng Li had a map in his hand which he was studying and waited for Wang Hao to respond.


    "No, your highness. Xiao is trying, but Yang Fei Ke is refusing to cooperate," Wang Hao replied.


    "Did you talk with Zhang Yong? What is Weng Wei nning this time? Does he know anything about this?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "No, your highness. After you and her highness safely returned to the pce, Weng Wei had be cautious. Your highness, Zhang Yong reported that Prince Jian ordered his men to kill the assassins, who were hidden in the forest route to kill us." Sheng Li lifted his head to meet the gaze of Wang Hao.


    "The First Prince ordered to kill those assassins?!" Sheng Li was bewildered to hear that. Why was Jian Guozhi doing that? He was going against the wishes of his mother, which he would never do. ''Does his mother know about this?'' Sheng Li wondered.


    "Your highness, there is something more to inform you," Wang Hao stated.


    "Hmm."


    "Prince Jian and Princess Consort Xue are not on good terms. The spy informed that Prince Jian does not spend his time with her. Prince Jian admires the Crown Princess, which is the main reason for jealousy in Princess Consort Xue. That''s why she plotted against the Crown Princess with the Empress," Wang Hao exined.


    Sheng Li clutched the map in his hand. "Who is he to admire Lili?" He muttered. "I warned him not to look at Lili, but it seems he will not listen to me." His anger was growing when Wang Hao pacified him.


    "Your highness, you should take things calmly. Prince Jian is changing. I think the Crown Prince shall talk to him to rify things with him," suggested Wang Hao. "Standing against your mother is not easy. Something is odd and his highness shall find that out by talking with the First Prince," he proimed.


    Sheng Li was not interested in talking with Jian Guozhi, but he had to. He could not let things go worse. Admiring Ying Lili was not good. "I understand," Sheng Li stated.


    "There is no secret route near the Northern Pce. Ying Lili suggested going to the temple in the disguise of a cleaner. Did you check everything regarding that?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I checked everything. But sending her highness alone there would be risky," Wang Hao asserted.


    "I know. I will go with her. We need topletely change our look so that no one will be suspicious. Prepare everything and if anybody asks about us then tell him/her that we are in our private residence," Sheng Li told Wang Hao.


    "Yes, your highness." Wang Hao helped Sheng Li in folding the maps and then put them on the shelf. "I am leaving," Sheng Li stated, picked up the scroll which had the message of Hu Jingguo for Ying Lili, and walked away.


    Soon, he reached the Eastern Pce and went to the room where only Princes could enter. He saw no one there and turned to go when Jian Guozhi came with Nianzu. Without beating around the bush, Sheng Li said, "I want to talk to you in private."


    Jian nodded. "Follow me to my study room," Jian said and the two went away. Pulling the chair for themselves, they took their respective seats. "Does the Crown Prince want to have tea?" Jian humbly asked.


    "No, thank you, Brother Jian," Sheng Li simply refused. "I will be straightforward. Why did Brother Jian save the Crown Princess yesterday? You did not only astonish me but also astonished your mother," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi gazed into the eyes of Sheng Li and ended up smiling. "I did what was right, Brother Sheng. Indeed, my mother was bewildered to see that but she praised meter for bringing the truth out," Jian Guozhi lied to Sheng Li which was not surprising for him. He knew that the First Prince would not easily tell him the truth.


    "Brother Jian, yesterday you were different. You were never bothered with other people''s affairs especially mine but yesterday Brother Jian suddenly took our stand. Is it because of Ying Lili?" Jian Guozhi raised his brow.


    Sheng Li waited for Jian Guozhi''s reply who after a few minutes answered, "Yes."


    Sheng Li snickered when he heard Jian Guozhi. "A kind person like her cannot be harmed in any way. That''s why I helped her," Jian Guozhi replied. "I wanted to tell you but before I could reach you, my mother summoned you two so I ended uping there at thest moment," stated Jian Guozhi. Sheng Li read the eyes of the First Prince and left from there, without saying anything.


    Jian Guozhi heaved a sigh. "I hope the Crown Princess will not tell anything to the Crown Prince. He might take my admiration for her in an opposite way," he murmured.


    Sheng Li was going to his chamber when he was hit by a young woman. She immediately apologized to him. "Don''t you have eyes?" Sheng Li shouted at her and walked past her when she said, "Your highness, I am the Princess of Xi province (imaginary name), Xi Jiao. It is my pleasure to see the Crown Prince."


    "Did I ask your name?" Sheng Li bellowed at her and turned towards her. "No one is allowed in the Eastern Pce then, what are you doing here?" Sheng Li got suspicious.


    "I got lost in the pce. I was supposed to ¡­" Before she couldplete her words, Sheng Li walked away.


    "Her majesty was right. Getting close to the Crown Prince is going to be difficult," Xi Jiao murmured.

 Chapter 246 - Keep An Eye

    <h4>Chapter 246 - Keep An Eye</h4>


    Xing-Fu bowed as he saw the Crown Princeing there. "Send the message to the Crown Princess to meet me hereafter she will be free," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "Yes, your highness. There is a message sent by Court Lady Xu," asserted Xing-Fu. Sheng Li nced at him. Xing-Fu understood that the Crown Prince had permitted him to speak.


    "Your highness, your consummation with her highness, is dyed because of the Royal selection of Princesses for the Second and Third Prince and also because of the marriage of Princess Qi Jing. The order hase from the Empress''s manor. The next date of consummation will be decided after the family events are over," Xing-Fu passed the message to Sheng Li.


    "Does her orders ever affect me? Just tell the Crown Princess toe here, after she will be free," Sheng Li sternly said and walked inside his resting chambers.


    He removed the overcoat and threw it on the floor. Putting the scroll on the table, he went to the bed andid down, his right leg resting above the left leg. A maidservant came inside the chamber and asked the Crown Prince if he would like to take water.


    "Hmm. Hand me a ss of water," Sheng Li ordered and sat up on the bed. The maidservant ced the overcoat and ced it over the chaise. Quickly she poured the water in the silver ss and handed the Crown Prince the ss of water.


    Sheng Li was drinking the water when he heard the maidservant. "Your highness, earlier a Princess hade here." Sheng Li stopped drinking and looked at her.


    "Where was Eunuch Xing-Fu?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu had gone to the kitchen," the maidservant replied.


    "What was she doing here? Howe you let her enter here?! Where are the guards? Call them here," Sheng Limanded.


    "Your highness, the Princess had lost her way and ended uping here. I thought to inform his highness as he told us earlier to report if any outsideres to the manor," the maidservant replied.


    "You may leave," Sheng Li stated and drank the remaining water from the ss before putting it on the table. "That woman seems suspicious to me," murmured Sheng Li. He called in the maidservant and told her to bring Lei Wanxi to his chamber.


    Sometimeter, Lei Wanxi came to the Crown Prince''s chamber. "Brother Sheng, why did you call me?" Lei Wanxi asked and sat on the chaise there.


    "I want you to do something for me," Sheng Li stated. Lei Wanxi was inquisitive to know about that. "The Princess of Xi Province was roaming near my manor and had evene here," Sheng Li asserted.


    Lei Wanxi was befuddled. "What was she doing in the Eastern Pce and specifically in this region?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "That you need to find out. This Princess selection process is in itself suspicious. Weng Wei will choose only those Princesses who will benefit her in strengthening her position," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Brother is absolutely right. I will keep an eye on her," Lei Wanxi assured Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng, my spy from North Western Province, has returned. Governor Yuan is loyal to you," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    Sheng Li nodded. "Just keep an eye on Xi Jiao. Tomorrow, Lili and I will go to the temple in the disguise of cleaners. You need to follow the Empress during the morning hours. We two willplete our work soon, but in case, we are unable to do that, just keep the Empress busy," proimed Sheng Li.


    "Do not worry, Brother Sheng. There might be some secret route inside the temple. One more thing I would like to tell you. Weng Wei does not let me follow her when she offers the prayer. Though I do not think that she prays there," Lei Wanxi informed him.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows together. "She is cleverer than Zhang Yong. I need to end her reign before she will create further problems for people close to me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili was watching how the Princesses were judged based on their cooking skills, household works, needlework, etc. For one second, she was thankful that no such thing happened to her. She felt blessed because Sheng Li, unlike other men, did not look for such things in her; instead, he looked for those things which she liked.


    Twenty Princesses were already out in the selection process and only ten more Princesses were left for the final selection.


    "Crown Princess, suggest a way to select the suitable Princesses for the Second and the Third Princes," Empress Wei asked.


    Ying Lili nodded her head in agreement. "Your majesty, I think a Princess shall be well versed in music and philosophy. So, we can select the two Princesses based on that as well for the final selection," Ying Lili suggested.


    Weng Wei hummed. "Then the next round for the selection will be based on the knowledge of music. Prince Nianzu and the Crown Princess have good knowledge of this field. So, for the next round, you two need to be present," Weng Wei proimed. She shifted her gaze to Virtuous Lady Deng Hui.


    "Sister Hui, will you tell Prince Nianzu to be present in tomorrow''s selection round?" Weng Wei requested.


    "I will, your majesty," Deng Hui replied, lowering her eyes.


    "Just call me Sister Wei. You do not need to use the title with me," stated Weng Wei, keeping the tiny smile on her lips.


    "Sister Wei, from the ten Princesses we will select five and then, one more round will be organized. Then among five Princesses two will be selected based on the knowledge of philosophy but I do not think that the Princesses will be aware of that," Consort Ju Fen raised a doubt.


    "One does not need to study philosophy, ording to me. You learn it from childhood," Ying Lili stated. "Consort Ju, do not worry. The task will be easy," asserted Ying Lili.


    "You all shall leave," Empress Wei proimed. They all stood up, bowed before her, and left from there.


    "Your highness, the Crown Prince has told you toe to his resting chamber. Let''s go there," Court Lady Xu politely said.


    "Before that, I need to meet the Emperor. I have something important to discuss with him. Is his majesty in the garden or his private chamber?" Ying Lili asked.


    "His majesty is in the garden pavilion, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied. Ying Lili nodded and told Court Lady Xu not to tell about her visit to the Crown Prince, who agreed.

 Chapter 247 - Seven Brothers Together

    <h4>Chapter 247 - Seven Brothers Together</h4>


    Han Wenji was sitting on a chair on the garden pavilion which was made right beside theke, near the garden. "Your majesty, the Crown Princess wants to meet you," Eunuch Jin informed the Emperor. Han Wenji came out of his thoughts and told Eunuch Jin to bring the Crown Princess there.


    Eunuch Jin informed the Crown Princess who ascended the few stairs and went to the Emperor. She bowed and greeted the Emperor. Han Wenji smiled seeing Ying Lili there. "Have a seat, Crown Princess," Han Wenji told Ying Lili who thanked him and sat on the chair next to him.


    "Your majesty, how are you doing?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I am doing well, Crown Princess. Yesterday, I was told that you were wrongly used by Princess Consort Xue. I hope you conversed with her and cleared the misunderstandings between you two," Han Wenji looked for an answer in Ying Lili''s eyes who nodded.


    "I do not think she will try again to do such a thing. It was all because she is under the influence of the Empress," Ying Lili remarked.


    "Hmm." "I do not want any kind of rivalry among my sons'' wives," Han Wenji affirmed. Ying Lili understood that. It was the main reason she had decided to mingle with Xue Yu-Yan so that she would not take any wrong steps in the future.


    "Your majesty, tomorrow the Crown Prince and I are going to the Temple where the Empress does daily prayer," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Han Wenji with inquisitiveness looked at the Crown Princess. "Is the Crown Princess suspicious of the temple? I have checked the temple myself earlier. Because it was constructed under my eyes, I know everything about that. I do not think there''s something which could be of help," Han Wenji proimed.


    "Your majesty, still, I believe I shall check the ce once. What if we find something which can be proven helpful to us!!" Ying Lili had hoped that they would definitely find out something. Han Wenji, after thinking for a few minutes, gave a nod.


    "The Crown Princess knows better. I also wish the same," Han Wenji asserted.


    "Your majesty, it was good to see mother Hui in the selection hall. His majesty made a good decision to increase her rank," Ying Lili stated.


    "It was difficult though, but atst, the ministers agreed. Thanks to Prince Jian this all happened," Han Wenji said with a smile. Ying Lili was astonished to hear that.


    "Prince Jian has a hand in this?" Ying Lili queried and waited for the Emperor''s response.


    "Indeed," Han Wenji replied. "Keep it a secret, Crown Princess," Han Wenji told Ying Lili who nodded.


    "Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi both deserve to be the next monarch. Since Jian Guozhi is older, he has full rights to the throne, but because of Weng Wei, I do not want to hand him the throne. Sheng Li has the support of the military and many governors. I know he will be an ideal king, but only when the Crown Princess will show him the right path," Han Wenji asserted.


    "Why is his majesty speaking like this? It will take a lot of time for Sheng Li to be there," Ying Lili said.


    "I am getting old. These days, I am not feeling good, and it seems my time will soone. But before that, I want to punish Weng Wei for killing my beloved and torturing my son. That''s why I am emphasizing on you to find the person who''s aiding her. I will then pass the throne to Sheng Li to rule over the Empire," Han Wenji expressed his deep desires.


    Ying Lili flinched for a second. Although she had only a few conversations with the Emperor, it always provided her a warm feeling, as if she was talking with her own father. The Emperor had always protected her like a daughter. It brought tears to her eyes when Han Wenji said that he was getting old because, after the demise of her parents, she did not want to lose anyone anymore.


    "His majesty will live a long life!" Ying Lili said, controlling the tears in her eyes which could have fallen anytime. "Your majesty, I wille to meet you daily. It feels good when I talk to you. It feels as if I am talking to my own father," Ying Lili veraciously said.


    Han Wenji passed a smile to Ying Lili. "I will feel good if the Crown Princesses by," stated Han Wenji. Suddenly, he started coughing. Ying Lili stood up from her seat and grabbed the water jug, which was ced on a table there. She poured the water into the ss and handed it to Han Wenji, who quickly drank the water.


    Ying Lili put the ss back on the table and came to her seat. "Your majesty, you are a strong father who, despite all the evil things going around the Pce, has kept the Royal family intact," stated Ying Lili.


    "But, I failed to develop between my sons. A few support Sheng Li, while a few hate him; same with Jian Guozhi. They are divided. Crown Princess, when I heard about you, I did not give a second thought and called your father to meet me personally because I was assured that if there is someone who can unite them, it is the Crown Princess," asserted Han Wenji.


    "Your majesty, what if I were a different person," Ying Lili skeptically asked.


    "I have checked everything about the Crown Princess," Han Wenji answered.


    Ying Lili had seen it herself. Sheng Li had a good rtionship with Lei Wanxi and Nianzu, but he was cold to the rest of the brothers. It was not his fault still, after getting the Crown, he should take everyone with him, ording to Ying Lili. Now, because Han Wenji had raised this concern, Ying Lili had thought to do work on that as well.


    "Your majesty, I will bring the seven brothers together," Ying Lili gave her words to the Emperor who trusted her.


    "I know the Crown Princess will do that," Han Wenji asserted and rested his hand on his chest. Ying Lili noticed that but before she could ask, Eunuch Jin came there, telling the Emperor that the Empress was waiting for him for lunch.


    Han Wenji stood up, so did Ying Lili. "It was a nice conversation with the Crown Princess," the Emperor walked away, leaving Ying Lili behind.


    "Hu Jingguo is gone to Juyan else I would have told him to check the Emperor once. I shall meet with the Royal Physician regarding the Emperor''s health," Ying Lili murmured. She looked at theke once before leaving the garden pavilion.

 Chapter 248 - Forgive Me

    <h4>Chapter 248 - Forgive Me</h4>


    Ying Lili arrived at the manor of the Crown Prince. Xing-Fu bowed and greeted her. "The Crown Prince is waiting for her highness," Xing-Fu said.


    "Send the meals in, Eunuch Xing-Fu," Ying Lili stated, and walked in. She saw Sheng Li was lying on the bed. As he saw her, he immediately sat up and asked her toe to him.


    "What happened?" Ying Lili queried as she sat beside him on the mattress.


    "What did Brother Jian talk about with you yesterday?" Sheng Li''s sudden question bewildered Ying Lili.


    "Why are you asking this now? Aren''t we done talking about this?" Ying Lili asked.


    "We are not. Now, answer my question," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Nothing much. I just thanked him again for helping us there," Ying Lili vaguely replied to Sheng Li. Two maidservants came there with trays in their hands; their eyes were lowered and set the table for lunch. "Let''s have lunch," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and stood up.


    "Are you lying to me?" Sheng Li questioned. "I told you to be truthful to me," he continued. The maidservants walked out from there after setting the table.


    "Why would I lie to you?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Because you do not want to tell me what the First Prince told you! Did he confess his feelings to you? Didn''t I tell you not to talk with him?" Sheng Li turned furious. Ying Lili wanted to keep herself calm but seeing how childish the Crown Prince? was acting at that moment made her infuriated.


    "Sheng Li, I cannot ignore the presence of the First Brother just because you told me to. You shall change your perception towards people," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Upon hearing the words of Ying Lili, Sheng Li knitted his brows and got down from the bed. "Lili, don''t you know he has eyes on you? Do you expect me to keep quiet seeing him flirting with my wife who is not bothered about this?" Sheng Li blurted out.


    Ying Lili had not expected that Sheng Li would say something like that. He realized that he said something wrong to Ying Lili, who had tears in her eyes. Ying Lili turned and walked away when Sheng Li told her to stop, but she did not.


    He walked behind her to stop her, but she had gone out. Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu saw the angry face of the Crown Princess. Xing-Fu was going to speak when Ying Lili walked away. Court Lady Xu ran after the Crown Princess.


    Sheng Li hade out of his chamber and asked Xing-Fu about Ying Lili. "Her highness did not tell where she was going," Xing-Fu replied. Sheng Li headed to Zhenzhu Inn to apologize to Ying Lili, but he did not find her there.


    "Where did she go?" He wondered and clenched his fist. Punching the wooden pir beside him, he returned to his chamber.


    Ying Lili had gone? to the Pce garden and was sitting under a tree in front of theke. "Your highness, what happened? You suddenly left the manor of the Crown Prince. If such a thing goes out, rumors will grow. Let''s go back," Court Lady Xu, who was standing a meter away from Ying Lili, tried to pacify her.


    "I do not want to see his face," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Her highness shall not speak like this," Court Lady Xu said.


    "Why? Who is he to say that I enjoy when someone flirts with me?" Ying Lili shouted in anger. "Forgive me, Court Lady Xu. Please leave me alone," Ying Lili said as a tear rolled down her cheek. She wiped it off quickly and turned her face towards theke.


    Court Lady Xu stepped backward and let the Crown Princess calm herself down .


    Ying Lili brought her knees together and rested her head on them. "I will not talk to him even if he cries in front of me," Ying Lili murmured.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li was pacing in his chamber, waiting for Xing-Fu to tell him about the Crown Princess. "Where has he gone?" Sheng Li muttered, looking towards the door. He saw Xing-Fuing in with hastened steps. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is in the garden. A few maidservants saw her highness going there," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li.


    "Why does she go to the garden every time she gets angry?" Sheng Li thought.


    "His highness should not have gotten angry at the Crown Princess," Xing-Fu said in a low voice.


    "I was not angry at her. I only said¡­'''' he paused and heaved a sigh. "I know I made a mistake. Do not make me feel more guilty by making such a face," Sheng Li warned Xing-Fu.


    "His highness can get angry at everyone but not at the Crown Princess. Why did his highness ask the Crown Princess not to talk with the First Prince? How can his highness say that her highness likes to¡­ likes to¡­" Eunuch Xing-Fu paused.


    "Xing-Fu, you know that I do not like it if anyone looks at her differently than me. I know that it''s in her nature to be kind even to the enemies, but whenever she talks with the First Brother, it makes me feel insecure? because I do not trust the First Brother," asserted Sheng Li


    "His highness must prepare something for the Crown Princess which she will like," Xing-Fu advised the Crown Prince.


    "I will prepareter. She did not even have her lunch. First, let me fetch her from the garden," Sheng Li stated and walked out of the chamber.


    Soon, he reached the garden and saw Court Lady Xu was standing a few meters away from the tree. He walked to her, who was astonished to see him there. Sheng Li ced his forefinger on his lips, gesturing to the Court Lady to keep quiet who nodded. He then gestured to her to leave.


    Court Lady Xu bowed and quietly walked away from there.


    Sheng Li for a few seconds looked at Ying Lili who was sitting under the tree with her forehead resting on her knees. He walked to her and sat quietly beside her.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li said.

 Chapter 249 - My Love And Devotion

    <h4>Chapter 249 - My Love And Devotion</h4>


    Ying Lili lifted her head upon hearing the voice of Sheng Li. Before their gaze could meet, she quickly averted her gaze from the Crown Prince and turned her back towards him.


    Sheng Li found that he hurt Ying Lili and cursed himself internally. Moving a little closer to Ying Lili, Sheng Li ced his hand on her shoulder, but she jerked it off. "Lili, please forgive me," Sheng Li again apologized but did not get any response from her.


    He went towards her side so that he could face her. "I should not have gotten angry at you. Forgive me." He joined both hands as he apologized to her.


    Ying Lili stood up from the ground and was going away when Sheng Li caught her wrist, thus, stopping her. He stood up and gently brought her closer to him. "Lili, I do not feel good when you get angry. I know I made the mistake but-"


    "Go away," Ying Lili sharply said, releasing his grip from her. "You think your wife likes to flirt with the other men. I think there''s not enough understanding between us." While speaking, her eyes turned watery. "Sheng Li, I will not forgive you this time because you have hurt me," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Lili, I did not mean that. Let''s go to the chamber first. Then, fight with me. Rumors will spread if people will see us," Sheng Li worriedly said.


    "I am not going anywhere. Let the rumors spread. Let them know what this Prince thinks about his wife," Ying Lili affirmed and turned her back towards him. She crossed her arms and looked at the vastke. Sheng Li had no other way now, except to carry her to the chamber.


    Ying Lili was in deep thoughts which were halted when Sheng Li carried her up in his arms. This angered Ying Lili. "Leave me," she shouted and asked for help from Court Lady Xu.


    "Court Lady Xu, do not intervene as it is between a husband and a wife," Sheng Li pronounced, grinning at Ying Lili who was ring at him.


    "Leave me if you do not want to get beaten up by my hands," Ying Lili threatened Sheng Li who smiled.


    "I would love to get beaten by the hands of my Wildcat." He started walking while Ying Lili kept hitting him on his shoulders, sometimes chest but this did not stop him. He was enjoying it because no one ever got angry with him like this.


    As Sheng Li was ascending the stairs of his manor, he almost lost his bnce as Ying Lili was still hitting him. Ying Lili shouted in fear when Sheng Li wavered. The soldiers standing there took a peek and smiled. "You want me to get hurt. Can''t you walk properly? Just leave me," Ying Lili again fought with him.


    "I do not want you to get hurt, that''s why I am carrying you like this. I am walking carefully, but then an angry Wildcat keeps hitting me. I cannot leave you," Sheng Li answered Ying Lili and again resumed walking.


    Soon, they reached the chamber. "Do not disturb us. Don''te inside even if you hear something. Just keep your ears shut," Sheng Li told Xing-Fu and walked in with Ying Lili.


    Removing their shoes, he put Ying Lili gently on the bed. Ying Lili got down from the bed as she wanted to go to her manor when Sheng Li caught her by holding her arm. "I do not want to stay here," she told him.


    "One enters and leaves from here with my permission," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili nced at him and pulled her arm back from his grip.


    "Now, beat me up," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili turned her gaze away. "Earlier you never got angry like this," Sheng Li stated.


    "Earlier we had no love. Your words did not matter to me," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li realized that he indeed hurt Ying Lili today. He should not have said that. His heart ached when he saw tears rolling down Ying Lili''s cheek. He promised himself not to make Ying Lili cry, but he was the one who broke it.


    He went to her and wiped off her tears. "Don''t cry. I ept my mistake. I should not have said that."


    "What if you say the same thing tomorrow?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I won''t. I promise," Sheng Li stated.


    "The First Brother said that he is happy that you married me," Ying Lili asserted. "He said he is guilty of his past mistakes," she added. It was unbelievable for Sheng Li that Jian Guozhi spoke like this.


    "You still do not trust your wife fully. Now, don''te to me until you are truly sorry. If you cannot stand seeing me talking with the other men, then it is your eyes fault," Ying Lili proimed. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and pushed Sheng Li away to walk out of the chamber when she was back hugged by Sheng Li.


    "I know that I did wrong. I trust you more than I trust myself. It is just that I do not trust others. Don''t go away," Sheng Li tightened his grip around Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili did not respond this time. She knew that Sheng Li would again repeat the same mistake.


    "I will hold you like this until you forgive me. I will not let you go away," Sheng Li affirmed. "There are several things in my mind regarding Brother Jian. He helped us even in the forest, by killing those assassins. That''s why it was confusing for me why he did that. I thought that he had feelings for you. That''s why he went against the wishes of his mother. I am sorry for hurting you like this. It is my fault that I thought like that," Sheng Li epted his mistakes again and apologized.


    "Prove to me then that you will never think like this! You raised doubt on my loyalty to you; on my love and devotion to you. I am not a woman of many desires. If I can trust my husband in everything, then why can''t he? I am afraid, Sheng Li, but I will not forgive you until you prove to me," Ying Lili affirmed and got away from him.


    Sheng Li was confused. How could he prove that? He was indeed loyal to her, and he believed her. It was a slip of tongue.


    "Do note to Zhenzhu Inn until you find the answer and truly realize that you did wrong," Ying Lili left the chamber, leaving Sheng Li in dismay.

 Chapter 250 - Loyal To Her

    <h4>Chapter 250 - Loyal To Her</h4>


    "Prince Qifeng, this is the private room for us, seven brothers, though hardly anyone could be seen here," Lei Wanxi told Lu Qifeng while fanning himself.


    "May I ask the reason, why is it so?" Lu Qifeng asked.


    "All brothers are busy, that''s why," replied Lei Wanxi. He pulled out a chair for Lu Qifeng and gestured to him to take the seat. Lu Qifeng thanked Lei Wanxi who had taken a seat beside him.


    "Sister Jing will soon leave the Pce. She''s not allowed to meet you until her marriage," stated Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi, I will keep Miss Jing happy and safe," Lu Qifeng assured Lei Wanxi, who closed the fan and ced that on the table.


    "I know that Prince Qifeng will take care of Sister Jing well," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi, I might sound a little rude, but I want to say something," Lu Qifeng asked for permission.


    "Prince Qifeng does not need to ask for permission," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Lu Qifeng nodded. "The Crown Princess was not used to such an environment. I mean she is a free bird." Lei Wanxi amusingly looked at Lu Qifeng who paused as he felt a little awkward to continue.


    "Is Prince Qifeng trying to ask why Sister Lili adjusted well with the Crown Prince?" Lei Wanxi questioned. "Brother Sheng is popr among all the people of Han. As you know that their marriage was an alliance, Brother Sheng would have created plunder there. Thanks to our father those two are tied into this marriage. Prince Qifeng, it is an irony that the Crown Prince is cold to all the people except the Crown Princess. I know many won''t believe this but this is the truth.


    The Crown Prince admires Sister Lili not because she is beautiful but because, unlike the other women, she is intelligent, and has an interest in warfare and politics." Lei Wanxi exined to Lu Qifeng.


    "Ahh, that''s why she rejected my proposal," Lu Qifeng muttered.


    "Pardon me! You had sent the marriage proposal to Sister Lili? Wait, are you the Prince who proposed to Sister Lili when you two were teenagers?" Lei Wanxi astonishingly asked.


    "How does the Sixth Prince know about this? Did the Crown Princess tell this?" Lu Qifeng queried.


    "No! Hu Jingguo had told me," Lei Wanxi replied, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    Lu Qifeng nodded. "The Crown Princess defeated me in the archery game. And being a na?ve child, Imented on how a woman could defeat me! Generally, women aren''t supposed to learn such things. I was infatuated with her because of her beauty and ended up proposing to the Crown Princess. That was a na?ve, teenage child inside me. The Crown Princess simply refused my proposal. I asked for the reason, but she never told me," Lu Qifeng proimed.


    Lei Wanxi smiled upon hearing that. "Yes, Hu Jingguo told me that the Crown Princess does not like when someone restricts her. By fate, Brother Sheng''s qualities matched with Sister Lili''s choices. That''s why she is well adjusted in the Pce because Brother Sheng respects her more than anyone and listens to her. You might have heard that Brother Sheng does not even nce at women, but it is different with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Xi Jiao, who was standing outside the room, heard their conversation. ''So, it is the way I can seduce the Crown Prince,'' she thought.


    Oppositely, Lei Wanxi had seen her and smirked. ''Poor soul has fallen into my trap. I hope Brother Sheng will not take away your life,'' Lei Wanxi thought in his mind. Indeed, it was a n devised by Lei Wanxi. He wanted her to get close to Sheng Li so that they could find the person who ordered her to roam around Sheng Li.


    "Prince Qifeng, you shall go to your chamber and take a rest," Lei Wanxi stated. Lu Qifeng nodded in agreement and stood up from the chair.


    "It was a nice conversation with Prince Wanxi," Lu Qifeng and left the room.


    Lei Wanxi opened his fan and started fanning himself. "I am so smart! Brother Sheng is going to praise me," Lei Wanxi thought when he heard the footsteps. He looked towards the door and saw Sheng Li there.


    "Brother," Lei Wanxi stood up from the chair.


    "Wanxi, finally I found you. Help me!" Sheng Li requested.


    Lei Wanxi was perplexed to hear that. "What happened, Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi saw the frowns on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    "Lili is angry at me. She even cried. I made a mistake," Sheng Li said and heaved a sigh.


    "Brother, what did you do this time?" Lei Wanxi asked and went towards the door. Looking outside, he shut the door from inside and came back towards Sheng Li who narrated the entire incident to him.


    "Brother, how could you say such a thing to Sister Lili? You know how much she loves you and you doubted her! I am also angry at Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi scolded Sheng Li.


    "I know I did wrong. It was a slip of the tongue," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Don''t make excuses, Brother," stated Lei Wanxi.


    "She told me to prove that my love is loyal to her. Until then, she will not see me," Sheng Li proimed. "What shall I do? Because of me, she could not have her lunch," Sheng Li worriedly said.


    "Brother, why don''t you prepare something for Sister Lili¡­ like giving her a surprise! She might like that," Lei Wanxi suggested an idea to Sheng Li.


    "She will not like that. She will get angrier," Sheng Li was dejected. He sat on the chair and closed his eyes.


    "Brother, what will you do then? Sister Lili must be crying in her chamber!" Lei Wanxi was anxious.


    Sheng Li mmed his hand on the wooden table and stood up. "I know what I need to do! I know how to calm my Wildcat," Sheng Li murmured.


    "What is Brother Sheng trying to do?" Lei Wanxi curiously asked. Sheng Li turned to him.


    "You do not need to know," Sheng Li said and left the room.

 Chapter 251 - I Promise

    <h4>Chapter 251 - I Promise</h4>


    Sheng Li arrived at Zhenzhu Inn with a tray in his hand. Court Lady Xu quickly went to him and bowed. "Your highness, why are you carrying this tray?" She worriedly asked. She saw the bruises on the fingers of the Crown Prince which clearly showed that he had prepared something special for lunch for the Crown Princess.


    "Open the door for me," Sheng Limanded.


    Court Lady Xu looked at the maidservants who opened the door for the Crown Prince. He walked in and the door was closed behind him. As he pushed the curtain away, he saw Ying Lili around the floor table, drawing something on the paper.


    Sheng Li for a few seconds looked at her and analyzed her face fully. There were tear marks on her cheeks, showing how much she had cried. Seeing that his grip on the tray tightened. He stepped ahead and walked towards her.


    Ying Lili noticed him but did not look at him. She continued painting on the paper. Sheng Li ced the tray on a table there. "I have brought your favorite meal. I have prepared it myself. You always wanted to eat the food made by my hands. It was my first time in the kitchen and I did my best," Sheng Li exined. But Ying Lili did not give any response to him.


    Sheng Li sat beside her and grabbed her hand, thus stopping her from painting further. "You can paintter. Have your meals first. I know that you are hungry," asserted Sheng Li.


    "I am not hungry." Ying Lili extended her hand to take the paintbrush, but Sheng Li put his hand back. "Have your lunch first," he repeated his words.


    Ying Lili stood up and went towards the bed. She sat on the bed, pulled the nket up when Sheng Li grabbed her hand. He put away the nket and sat beside her. "Wherever you will go, I will follow you," stated Sheng Li.


    Grabbing both hands of Ying Lili, he continued, "Lili, no one ever gets angry at me and that''s why I turned like this. I speak many things recklessly without giving any second thought. That''s why I do not know what to do to make you happy again. I know you are hungry. Please have your meals first. Then, you can get angry at me."


    Ying Lili saw the bruises on Sheng Li''s finger.


    Getting no response from Ying Lili, Sheng Li further said, "I know it is my fault to think like that. If someone looks at you differently, I end up like this."


    "And I enjoy whenever they flirt with me," asserted Ying Lili.


    "No. That''s not true," Sheng Li proimed and cupped her face between his palms.


    "I found the answer. You are not bothered by all that, because for you they are nothing. You only love me that''s why my words are indispensable to you rather than anyone else. Lili, I am wrong to restrict you from talking with the First Brother. Forgive me. It will never happen. I understand it fully," Sheng Li stated and almost pecked her lips, but felt Ying Lili''s palm on her lips.


    Sheng Li leaned back and peered into her eyes. The two kept looking at each other for a long time, without blinking. Slowly, Sheng Li closed the distance between them andid his lips on hers. His hand was on hers, caressing it. He felt the tears of Ying Lili''s on his face, showing him the love of Ying Lili for him.


    This time even he could not stop himself from crying. Indeed, he was holding back his tears because he was not supposed to cry. But feeling how Ying Lili felt after he said such harsh words to her made him cry.


    He angled her face and kissed her, feeding all the emotions he had that time. Ying Lili had epted his apologies, kissing him back with the same intensity as him. Parting away, they gasped for air. Sheng Li''s thumbs reached Ying Lili''s cheeks to wipe off the tears.


    Ying Lili ced her hands on his and brought them down. She traced her fingers over the bruises which formed because he cooked himself. "You should not have gone to the kitchen," Ying Lili stated and lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. "I got hurt when you said that. I forgive you," she said, cing her hand on his cheek. She caressed it for some time.


    "Why? You always want to taste the food made by my hands," asserted Sheng Li. He caught her hand. "Come down. Let''s have lunch. I do not want you to stay hungry." He got down from the bed and took her with him.


    Making her sit around the table, he cleaned it quickly and put the food tray there. He served the food to her and told her to eat. "You shall eat too," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li shook his head and replied, "After you." He handed a spoon to her to taste the chicken soup. Ying Lili brought the spoon filled with soup closer to her mouth and cooled it down by blowing air. When it cooled down, she brought the spoon near Sheng Li''s mouth.


    "Have it," she sternly said.


    "No, you shall have first," asserted Sheng Li and took the spoon from her hand. He fed her the soup and waited for her response.


    "Is it really your first time cooking or did someone help you?" Ying Lili was astonished to taste the soup.


    "I cooked all this myself. I only told the royal chef to guide me while cooking," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "You have exceptional cooking skills. Let''s start eating then," Ying Lili put the spoon on the te and served the food to Sheng Li. The two started eating while talking to each other.


    "Sheng Li, forgive me too," Ying Lili suddenly said. "I should not have reacted that way. But-"


    "I understand. You do not need to apologize. You did well by getting angry at me. At least I realized that even I could be wrong and people who love me, care for me, can get affected. I am apologetic towards you," stated Sheng Li and ced a dumpling on Ying Lili''s te. "Have this," he said, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    ''I will never let you get angry and never let you cry. I promise,'' Sheng Li internally thought as he saw Ying Lili, who was enjoying the meal.

 Chapter 252 - Calling You Dear?

    <h4>Chapter 252 - Calling You Dear?</h4>


    Ying Lili applied the white powdered medicine over the bruises on Sheng Li''s fingers. "They might be talking about us. What kind of wife does the Crown Prince have? Making him work in the kitchen!" Ying Lili muttered as she gently dabbed a small cotton pad on the bruises.


    "They do not have the audacity to talk behind my back. I can do anything I want to," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili lifted her eyes.


    "They do talk behind your back. I think they might have even noticed us fighting," Ying Lili softly said and put the cotton pad inside the wooden first-aid box.


    "I told you to fight with me in the chamber, but you were so angry that you wanted to fight in front of everyone," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Then you should have taken me here," Ying Lili stated.


    "But if I had done that then, I am afraid, I would have been thrown out of the Pce by your hands," proimed Sheng Li and slightlyughed.


    "How can I do that with the Crown Prince?" Ying Lili queried, putting the wooden box aside.


    "Only you have the power to do this," Sheng Li pronounced and grabbed a few of her hair strands. "Why do you always go to the garden when you either get angry or sad?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "My feet took me there," replied Ying Lili.


    "Then, shall I shift my chamber to the garden?" Sheng Li asked as he looked back into her eyes. Ying Lili smiled but did not reply.


    "Leave my hair," stated Ying Lili andid back on the bed. She rested her right elbow on the pillow and put her entire weight on it. Sheng Li''s lips moved slightly up thus, a smile formed on them. He moved towards Ying Lili and rested himself behind her.


    His hand rested on her belly as he pulled her closer to him. Ying Lili tilted her head and found a different kind of gaze in Sheng Li''s eyes. "Don''t you have any work to do? Are you skipping work?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Why do you care about my work? When we spend time together, then we should not talk about my work. And, I am not skipping my work," whispered Sheng Li. His lips touched Ying Lili''s earlobe, who closed her eyes. Their fingers intertwined with each other.


    "We did not make any ns for tomorrow," hearing these words Sheng Li leaned back and made Ying Lili rest on her back.


    "I have told Wang Hao to prepare the dresses for us. We need to go outte at night so that we can enter the pce tomorrow from the Fu Imperial Gates," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Are we going from that secret route to the forest and then will stay there in that house for a night?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "No. Not the forest. It will take a lot of time in the morning to return to the Pce . We will be staying in a house, near the market. I have talked with Xing-Fu and told him that if anybody asks about us in thete evening then, he needs to tell them that we are staying for a night in our private residence. I''ll tell the Court Lady Xu the same,"? Sheng Li answered.


    "We need to find the mastermind behind her at all costs. Once we will find him, then many things can be easier for us," Ying Lili opined.


    "Hmm." "Even Lei Wanxi will be near to help us in the time of emergency," proimed Sheng Li. "Ahh, I forgot to tell you something important," He stated.


    Ying Lili looked at him with inquisitiveness.


    "Hu Jingguo has safely reached Juyan and has sent a message for you," asserted Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili''s eyes glistened upon hearing that. "What kind of message has he sent?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I do not know. It''s on the scroll which is in my room. He has urged me not to open the scroll. That little rat! He has received special privileges because of his friend," Sheng Liined.


    Ying Lili giggled seeing how Sheng Li was whining over that. "So, you also wanted a letter from him? I did not know that the Crown Prince also misses his presence," stated Ying Lili.


    "I do not miss him. Why would I?" Sheng Li chuckled and called Court Lady Xu in, who in a few seconds came there.


    "There is a scroll in my chamber. Bring that here," Sheng Li told her, who bowed and left. Sheng Li turned his gaze back to Ying Lili and saw how happy she had turned, hearing Hu Jingguo''s name.


    Sheng Liid down on Ying Lili''sp which astonished her. "I am wondering what is special in Hu Jingguo. Whenever I take his name, my wife bes happy," Sheng Li muttered.


    "He is my childhood friend and the only person from Juyan whom I canmunicate with even after my marriage. You should not be jealous of him," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I am not jealous of him," Sheng Li immediately replied.


    "ept that you are jealous! Everyone knows how jealous you are when I talk about Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili proimed and huffed.


    "You all are in illusion then," Sheng Li pronounced and closed his eyes. Ying Lili grazed her finger over Sheng Li''s cheek. "I asked Hu Jingguo how to remove the scars of old wounds. The paste will be ready by tomorrow and then I will apply that medicine over the wound on your chest," asserted Ying Lili.


    "There''s no need to do that. That wound shall be there to remind me about my aim," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "No. You will not forget your aim if the wound disappears. Didn''t I tell you that I will be the medicine of your wounds? I do not want you to recall the memories of those people who don''t have any ce in your life." Sheng Li opened his eyes and met the gaze of Ying Lili.


    "Okay. Do whatever you feel is good for me," Sheng Li stated.


    The two were interrupted by the voice of Court Lady Xu. "Your highness, I have brought the scroll." She had lowered her head and was standing near the second door.


    "Leave it over the table there," Sheng Li ordered. Court Lady Xu nodded and left the scroll on the table. Sheng Li stood up and brought the scroll for Ying Lili.


    Handing it to her, he said, "Read it loudly. I want to know what kind of message he wants to share that he did not even let me look at."


    Ying Lili took the scroll from him. "But it''s between two friends," Ying Lili asserted.


    "My memory is sharp, Lili! The other day you two told me that I am also your friend so, you shall share it with me as well. If you won''t read then, I will check myself," Sheng Li stated.


    "Okay. I will read it out loud," Ying Lili proimed. Ying Lili opened the scroll and started reading the message.


    "Dear friend,


    I have safely reached Juyan city"


    "Wait! Why is he calling you dear? I told him to call you the Crown Princess! Next time when I meet him, I am going to beat him," Sheng Li said annoyingly.


    "But this is a personal message. Why are you sulking? I won''t read it further if you keep acting like this," Ying Lili threatened Sheng Li who apologized to her and told her to continue reading.

 Chapter 253 - A Hard Time

    <h4>Chapter 253 - A Hard Time</h4>


    "Dear Friend,


    I safely reached Juyan City, thanks to the arrangements that the Crown Prince made for me. Your aunt and her children are being taken care of by the newly appointed Governor . Prince Wanxi sent me a message that the Crown Prince has confessed his feelings to you. He told me that the Crown Prince had fallen for you since the day he saw you but he was scared to admit his feelings."


    "Wanxi even told him this. This was my personal matter. Why is he¡­" Sheng Li paused as he found the sharp gaze of Ying Lili at him. Sheng Li quickly averted his gaze from her.


    Ying Lili continued reading. "Lili, sometimes the Crown Prince acts like a child. Tell him that he looks cute when he gets jealous of me. I had never imagined, not even in my dreams, that the Crown Prince would get jealous of a person like me."


    Sheng Li clenched his fist as he could feel through those words how much Hu Jingguo? enjoyed writing all that.


    "I am happy that my friend got a husband like the Crown Prince. I did not tell you this earlier because I thought the Crown Prince would beat me up for telling you this. He was asking me about the ''ideal husband'' that you wished for, way earlier than you realized your love for him." Ying Lili paused and peered into the eyes of Sheng Li. She again lowered her eyes and continued, "I know you will keep the hot-headed mind of the Crown Prince in control. At this moment, the Crown Prince must be listening to all this, so tell his highness that he will be a Great Ruler.


    Lastly, I want to say that be the strength of each other to fight against your enemies. Keep smiling and be happy!


    Your dearest friend,


    Hu Jingguo."


    Ying Lili folded the scroll and looked at Sheng Li. "Am I hot-headed? Did you see what kind of words he uses for the nation''s Crown Prince?" Sheng Liined.


    "He is not wrong. You are a hot-headed person. Look, even at this moment, you are furious. Hu Jingguo said so many sweet things about you, yet you are getting angry," Ying Lili pronounced as leaned forward towards the bedside table and put the scroll there.


    Meeting Sheng Li''s gaze, Ying Lili asked, "When did you ask him about my choice?"


    "I never asked. He is lying!" Sheng Li lied andid down, again his head was on Ying Lili''sp.


    "Hu Jingguo never lies," Ying Lili yanked at him.


    "I was curious, that''s why I asked," Sheng Li then replied.


    Ying Lili leaned down and nted a kiss on top of Sheng Li''s head. This astonished Sheng Li. Ying Lili leaned back and said, "Thank you for giving the protection and care to my aunt and her children, despite uncle betraying us."


    "A mother and her children had no involvement in his crimes. I realized this when you told me. There is no need to be thankful for this. As a Crown Prince, this is the least I could do for them," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Lie down beside me. It''s difficult for me to see you," stated Sheng Li as he sat up. Ying Liliid down beside him while Sheng Li nuzzled his face in the crook of Ying Lili''s neck. "I am a little tired. I want to take some sleep," Sheng Li whispered to which she hummed.


    ~~~~


    "Miss Chuntao, you have learned a lot of things in just a few days," Nianzu asserted as he looked at the notebook on which Chuntao had practiced Chinese characters.


    "His highness worked hard on? me and I did not want to let him down," Chuntao politely replied.


    "You are a diligent woman, Miss," Nianzu said as he stroked his hand above Chuntao''s head. Chuntao smiled while Nianzu pulled his hand back.


    "There is a reward for you. You can have a one-day leave. You can go to Shanxi vige and enjoy your day with your friends," Nianzu proimed. Chuntao was delighted to hear that.


    "Thank you, your highness," Chuntao expressed her gratitude.


    Nianzu passed a tiny smile to her. Chuntao stood up and bowed her head. She was ready to leave when Eunuch Chung came there with a worried expression on his face.


    "Your highness, your mother¡­"


    Nianzu immediately stood up from the floor mattress. "What happened to my mother?" Nianzu anxiously asked.


    "She has lost consciousness. The Royal Physician is examining her." In a second, Nianzu strode out of the room. For a second, numerous weird thoughts had surrounded his mind. He was running when he stumbled and fell on the floor.


    The servants who saw him came running towards him to help him out but Nianzu had stood up by then and picked up his speed. Soon, he arrived at his mother''s chamber. He regretted getting angry? at his mother the other day. Breaking the promise, he walked in and saw his mother lying on the bed.


    Han Wenji asked the Royal Physician about Deng Hui, who was checking the pulse followed by her eyes.


    A few minutester, the Royal Physician stood up from his chair and turned to Han Wenji. "Your majesty, Virtuous Lady Hui? has not been properly taking her meals for a few days."


    Nianzu walked towards the bed and stood near his mother''s feet.


    Han Wenji turned to the personal assistant appointed for Deng Hui. "Did you not take care of the Virtuous Lady?" The Emperor angrily asked her.


    "Forgive me, your majesty. I tried hard but the Virtuous Lady refused to eat because¡­"


    "Why did you pause? Speak!" Weng Wei sternly said.


    The personal assistant looked at Nianzu who was looking at his unconscious mother. Weng Wei looked at Nianzu and asked, "Prince Nianzu, are you giving your mother a hard time?"


    Nianzu shifted his gaze to Weng Wei upon hearing her question.


    "Sister Hui was mentioning earlier that Prince Nianzu is angry with her. I think this is the reason that she stopped taking her meals properly," Weng Wei asserted and looked at Han Wenji.


    "Is it because Sister Hui had the status of Concubine? Prince Nianzu should not be ashamed of Sister Hui''s background," Ju Fen suggested. "We all are aware how much Prince Nianzu hates living in the Pce just because of his mother''s background," Ju Fen remarked.


    "You all shall leave except Nianzu. Consort Ju, this is thest time I am hearing such a defamatory remark against my child. Eunuch Jin, show them the way out," Han Wenji ordered.


    "I am staying here," Weng Wei said.


    "There is no need to trouble yourself, Empress Wei. You shall leave too." Weng Wei could not refuse themand of the Emperor. She stood up from the chair and left with the three Consorts.

 Chapter 254 - My Time Will Come Soon

    <h4>Chapter 254 - My Time Will Come Soon</h4>


    Han Wenji looked at the Royal Physician. "When will Lady Hui wake up?" Han Wenji queried.


    "Probably in an hour or two, your majesty. I am giving a herbal powder for her which the Virtuous Lady can take in water after she will be awake," stated the Royal Physician.


    Han Wenji nodded and nced at the personal assistant, who had taken the powdered herb from the Royal Physician. "You may leave," Han Wenji ordered him. The Royal Physician bowed and left, followed by the personal assistant.


    "Nianzu, what happened between you and your mother?" Han Wenji asked.


    Nianzu lowered his eyes as he was ashamed of himself. He should not have argued with his mother. "I fought with my mother a few days ago and told her that I will not show my face to her until I kill the Empress," Nianzu was veracious.


    Han Wenji frowned upon hearing the words of Nianzu. "Why did you argue with your mother? What was the reason behind all this?" Han Wenji queried.


    "Because my mother bears the tortures of the Empress without uttering a word. That day her elbow turned purple. I do not know how that happened, but I lost control. If we had not been in the pce then, things would have been different- I told my mother," Nianzu exined to his father.


    "Nianzu, you are the most brainy among all my children. I did not expect you to act like this in front of your mother. Since you always desire for the outside world, then I free you from the Pce. But, Lady Hui will not leave with you because questions will be raised on her character," Han Wenji dered.


    Nianzu lowered his head further down as he was guilty. "Forgive me, father. This will never happen again. I reacted that way because I thought my mother could lose her life just like Sheng Li''s mother," Nianzu proimed.


    "That will never happen," Han Wenji affirmed. He felt a slight pain in his chest but he bore it and continued, "I will punish the Empress soon." He stood up and added, "Stay with your mother and take care of her." Han Wenji walked out, followed by Eunuch Jin.


    Eunuch Jin observed the restlessness that the Emperor was having at that time. "Your majesty, are you okay?" Eunuch Jin concernedly asked.


    Han Wenji had ced his hand around his chest and rubbed the area gently. "Everything is fine. Call the Crown Princess to my chamber," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin who bowed and told the maidservants to follow the Emperor. Eunuch Jin went to the Crown Princess''s manor while the Emperor went to his chamber.


    ~~~~


    "Sister Wei, did you see how the Emperor sent us away? Is there something going on with his majesty? He even raised the rank of a concubine," Consort Ju Fen stated.


    "Sister Ju should not have said those words in front of the Emperor. That''s the reason he got angry," Weng Wei pronounced. "You shall leave to your chamber, Sister Ju," she requested. Consort Ju stood up from the chaise, bowed, and left.


    "Why does it feel like the Emperor knows something which he should not? Tomorrow, I will meet him and ask him if he knows anything regarding this?" Weng Wei thought.


    "Your majesty, the Emperor has called the Crown Princess in his personal chamber," a maidservant informed Weng Wei who knitted her brows.


    "Why?" Weng Wei asked.


    "It is unknown, your majesty," the maidservant replied. The Empress motioned her hand in the air, gesturing to the maidservant to leave.


    "Why is the Emperor close to Ying Lili?" Weng Wei wondered.


    ~~~~


    Ying Lili had almost fallen to sleep when Court Lady Xu came there to inform her about the Emperor''s message. Court Lady Xu was standing behind the curtain with a lowered head. Ying Lili gently pushed Sheng Li away so that she could go down from the bed.


    Covering him from the nket, Ying Lili went to the second door and pushed the curtain away. "Your highness, his majesty has called for you. His personal assistant is waiting for you outside," Court Lady Xu in a low voice said.


    Ying Lili nodded and went towards the chaise, where she had earlier ced her overcoat. Wearing it and brushing her hair, she came out of the chamber. Ying Lili greeted Eunuch Jin who too greeted her. "Please follow me, your highness," Eunuch Jin said, and the two left for the manor of the Emperor.


    This was the first time Ying Lili had entered the manor of the Emperor. She was slightly nervous because this was a sudden call from the Emperor. They stopped before a huge wooden door that was crafted beautifully. The maidservants, standing outside, bowed seeing the Crown Princess. "Please go in, your highness," Eunuch Jin humbly said.


    Ying Lili walked in. The corridor wasrge, and it took her a few minutes to reach inside the inner chamber. She saw the Emperor was standing with her back towards her.


    "Your majesty, you called for me?" Ying Lili asked, lowering her eyes. Han Wenji turned and looked at her.


    "Yes," Han Wenji asserted and sat down on the chaise there.


    "Crown Princess, I am a little sick these days." Ying Lili lifted her eyes when the Emperor continued, "I want you to topple the position of the Empress! I thought I would live a little longer, but judging by my current state, it seems my time wille soon. This was incapability of mine not to be able to feed the family values among them. They always fought while I was busy with the nation''s affairs, thinking someday everything would turn outright. But I was wrong."


    "Your majesty, I will do it. I will bring the real face of the Empress in front of everyone. I will expedite my work," Ying Lili proimed.


    "I have prepared the will. The next Emperor will be Sheng Li. Before my death, I will hand it to you. There are many other changes too which Sheng Li will not like, but I believe that you will use your intellect in implementing them," Han Wenji exined to her.


    "Your majesty, why do you think that you have less time left? I will send a message to Hu Jingguo and call him here. He knows about some distinct medicines which can help you recover," Ying Lili opined.


    "Because my illness cannot be cured," Han Wenji stated and started coughing. He brought the handkerchief close to his mouth and covered it. Bloodstains appeared on the handkerchief, which worried Ying Lili.


    "Y-your majesty, why did you not tell me earlier? Since when are you sick?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "It has been a year. It has been kept a secret from everyone because of a reason," Han Wenji stated.


    "Does his majesty think that a rebellion can break out if the Empress, the Consorts, the ministers, and the seven princes know about his majesty''s illness?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Yes, I believe so," Han Wenji replied.


    "Your majesty, do not worry. I will not let this happen. I will bring this Royal Family together, thus preventing them from fighting," Ying Lili assured the Emperor. Internally, she was a little scared, but she did not let her fear over-power her. Now, she did not have the time to rest and enjoy but work as fast as she could to bring peace and love among the people of the Royal Family.

 Chapter 255 - I Will Cripple The Empress

    <h4>Chapter 255 - I Will Cripple The Empress</h4>


    " "Your highness, you should have called me instead of troubling yourself bying here," Wang Hao stated.


    "General Wang, it is not a problem. I need you to do something for me," asserted Ying Lili.


    Wang Hao with inquisitiveness looked at the Crown Princess. "Bring Hu Jingguo here. Do not let him get harmed," proimed Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, but why do I need to bring him here? Does the Crown Prince know about this?" General Wang queried.


    "General Wang, I cannot tell you about that now. No, I have not told him about this. General Wang, keep in mind that this conversation shall not go out. It is between you and me. I have written this letter, which you will hand to Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili proimed. "You shall leave tomorrow morning. Tell the Crown Prince that you are going for the work of the Empire to the Northern Province," Ying Lili told General Wang, who took the folded paper from the hands of Ying Lili.


    "I will leave tomorrow, your highness. I promise you that I will bring Hu Jingguo safely to the Pce," stated Wang Hao. Ying Lili nodded and thanked him. As she left the barracks, she went straight to the residence of the Royal Physician which was in the Eastern Pce.


    In the residence of the Royal Physician, Ying Lili was warmly weed by him. The Royal Physician told the assistant to bring tea for the Crown Princess. "Thank you, Royal Physician, but I do not want to drink tea. Can I have a word with you in private?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Her highness does not need to ask for permission," the Royal Physician said and motioned his hand towards the chair . Ying Lili sat on the chair first, followed by the Royal Physician.


    "Does the Royal Physician know about the Emperor''s illness?" Ying Lili asked.


    The Royal Physician was a little bewildered to hear that. This thing was not supposed toe out then how did the Crown Princess find out about this?


    "His majesty has told me. I know this matter should note out. I just want to know the survival rate of his majesty," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Your highness, there is no chance that his majesty can survive this disease. I sent my disciple to Kun Lun Shan to bring the medicinal herbs that is why his majesty is still alive, but not for long. A month is a maximum time for which his majesty can survive," proimed the Royal Physician.


    Ying Lili''s heart ached a little upon hearing all those words. Her eyes filled with tears. She was a little scared because if the Empress found out about his majesty''s illness, she would be the first to rebel and do anything to take the entire power.


    "If anyone asks about my visit here, then tell them that I asked for the medicine for Princess Consort Xue Yu-Yan," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Yes, your highness. I will give you the medicine that the Princess Consort can use," the Royal Physician stood up from the chair and went near a shelf. He brought a china dish in which herbal paste was already put. "This medicine Princess Consort Xue can apply." Ying Lili took the China dish from the Royal Physician and thanked him for the corporation.


    Ying Lili was in big trouble because she had to save his majesty by curing his disease. She had called Hu Jingguo to the Capital, but she was a little worried if he could find the cure for the Emperor''s illness. But before that, she had a bigger responsibility of bringing the family together so that there would not be any bloodshed for the throne.


    Han Wenji being the Emperor kept the family intact all these years and did not let the instability grow. People would say that he was weak, but he was not! He did not let the outer enemies who could affect the Han lineage in any way grow. Even if there was internal turmoil and indifference, the Emperor did not let it overpower and most importantly, did not let the Empress grow stronger though he could not bring her true face? out.


    Ying Lili reached outside the chamber of Xue Yu-Yan where the maidservants bowed in front of her. "Tell the Princess Consort that I want to meet her," Ying Lilimanded. In a few minutes, she went inside and saw Xue was resting on the bed.


    Seeing the Crown Princess, Xue Yu-Yan tried sitting up but Ying Lili told her toy down. "Sister Xue, this is the medicine I brought for you from the Royal Physician. The Emperor had called me earlier and told me that I shall bring the medicine for you," Ying Lili said, showing the China dish to Xue Yu-Yan.


    Xue Yu-Yan turned teary-eyed. "No one came to see me after that day. I am guilty of plotting against the Crown Princess. For my greed, I married the First Prince, but he also turned his face away from me. I have never thought that my life would turn like this- in loneliness," Xue Yu-Yan broke down into tears. "Forgive me, your highness," Xue Yu-Yan again apologized to Ying Lili.


    "Sister Xue, I will give you back your lost dignity. Every human deserves a second chance. I have no enmity towards you. Sister Xue, I will give you a second chance. This time you need to prove to me that you are indeed turning good," stated Ying Lili.


    She sat on the bed and helped her in sitting up. "Past was passed. I know you married the First Prince because the Empress assured you that you will be given the Crown. I met your father before his death. Do you want to know what yourte father told me?" Ying Lili questioned.


    Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes glistened, and she nodded.


    "He told me to save you from the Empress. I know you will not believe me, that''s why I told him to write down the final letter for his daughter. It is in my chamber. I will give you the letter tomorrow morning," Ying Lili told Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Why did her highness not tell me earlier about this?" Xue Yu-Yan asked while sobbing.


    "Because I was waiting for the right time to converse with you. Sister Xue, your father chose the path of greed and his fate turned like this. Hisst message was something like this only. He does not want his daughter to choose the path which he chose. This is all written in the letter," Ying Lili proimed.


    Xue Yu-Yan lowered her eyes. "I also want to go on the right path but the people around me look down at me."


    "No one can look down at you. You shall take rest and apply this medicine," Ying Lili stated as she stood up from the bed.


    Ying Lili turned to go away when she heard Xue Yu-Yan, "You are indeed a kind woman, Sister Lili. Thank you for today. I feel good."


    Ying Lili turned to her and passed her a smile. "I am kind to those whom I find affectionate and whose heart is warm. You are one of them Sister Xue," Ying Lili affirmed.? She then left the chamber of Xue Yu-Yan.


    While walking, Ying Lili thought internally, "I will cripple the Empress. When you are alone, you are at your weakest point. That''s when a person can be defeated.

 Chapter 256 - Cannot Lose His Father

    <h4>Chapter 256 - Cannot Lose His Father</h4>


    "Why did father call you?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili, who had just entered the chamber. Ying Lili removed her overcoat first and then went towards the bed.


    "When did you wake up?" Ying Lili asked.


    "A few minutes ago. I did not see you here and then asked Court Lady Xu about you. So, what was the matter that my father called you urgently?" Sheng Li demanded the answer.


    Ying Lili recalled how the Emperor told her that his illness should not be brought out but she could not hide it from Sheng Li. To fight against the Empress, she needed to tell the truth to Sheng Li so that together they both could tackle that problem and find a way to save the Emperor.


    "Why are you taking so much time? It seems that father and you conversed about something serious," proimed Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili agreed with his words. She grasped Sheng Li''s both hands in hers. With a bewildered expression, Sheng Li looked at her. "I promised you that I would be devoted to you only. For that reason, I am telling you something which is going to be difficult for you," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li did not say anything as he waited for her to answer.


    "Promise me that you will listen to me first and won''t say anything until I finish," Ying Lili raised her little finger. Sheng Li joined his little finger with Ying Lili''s and promised her. Both pulled their hands back. It was indeed difficult for Ying Lili to speak, but telling Sheng Li about this was essential.


    "Father is terminally ill. He has given me a task before his¡­" she paused as words did note out of her throat. But then, a few secondster, she continued, "I need to bring the Royal Family together and end the reign of the Empress. He has been sick for a year, and regarding this, I even talked with the Royal Physician who told me that... that our father has only a month left to survive. Father did not let thise out because instability will arise among the regal people for power." Ying Lili found that not a single frown showed on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    "Say something!" Ying Lili told him.


    "What shall I say? This Royal Physician is useless. I will call Hu Jingguo here. At least he has better knowledge of medicine than that oldie," Sheng Li pronounced. "I will not let anything happen to him. Even my mother was told that she was terminally ill, but she was fed poison. You did good by not hiding this fact," Sheng Li added and got down from the bed when Ying Lili grabbed his wrist.


    "Don''t go anywhere," she said.


    "I need to save him before anything bad will ur," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili got down from the bed and came to his front, facing him.


    cing her palm on Sheng Li''s cheek, Ying Lili said, "I have told General Wang to bring Hu Jingguo here. Even I believe that his majesty will survive. We will make every possible effort to save him. But, Sheng Li, do not let it show on your face that you know about his majesty''s health. The Empress, the Consorts, the Princes, and the Ministers must not know about this. This matter shall not leak out else rebellion will start within the Pce for the throne. Do not rush any decision."


    Sheng Li understood Ying Lili''s words. "We need to focus on tomorrow''s n. Sheng Li, even if we need to take risks, then we will tomorrow. Finding the mastermind is the most important task. It is our first andst chance to catch that mastermind. If he finds out about the Emperor''s illness then, it will be a problem for us. Weng Wei stays close to the Emperor, and if she notices which she should not then, we will be trapped," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I have the support of the military, and even the newly elected Prime Minister, so, in this short interval of time, they cannot do anything," Sheng Li stated.


    "We shall not underestimate our enemies. We need to save not only the Emperor but also the entire Han Empire. One wrong move and the nation will fall apart. Let''s not dy our work and work expeditiously," Ying Lili stated and passed a tiny smile to Sheng Li who agreed.


    Internally, Sheng Li was worried about his father. He lost his mother for the same excuse that Royal Physicians had at that time, but he could not lose his father. Ying Lili pulled her hand back but kept reading the eyes of Sheng Li.


    ~~~~


    The spy informed the Empress about the Crown Princess''s visit to the Emperor. "Your majesty, the Crown Princess was told by the Emperor to mend her broken rtionship with Princess Consort Xue."


    "What?" Weng Wei drew her brows together. It was unbelievable for her that the Emperor would say such a thing to the Crown Princess.


    "Are you sure?" Weng Wei asked again.


    "Yes, your majesty. I followed the Crown Princess to the Royal Physician residence from where she brought the medicine to Princess Consort Xue," the spy informed the Empress, who was skeptical regarding that.


    The Empress nodded and told her to go away. "She is indeed a kind woman. The one who tried hurting her, she put the medicine on her wounds," Weng Wei mumbled.


    She picked the mirror from the table and looked at her reflection. "Due to stress, my face had turned pale. I shall not take so much stress," Weng Wei murmured and put the mirror down. She called a maidservant inside and told her to call Jian Guozhi there.


    "Jian is ignoring me after that day. Today, I will make him understand how important it is to throw away Ying Lili from our way." She stood up from the floor mattress and went to the inner chamber. Opening the drawer of a table, she took out a scroll which was the message sent by someone in the day. Because she was busy at work, she could not read.


    She opened the scroll and read the message written there. "Your son killed the assassins to whom you ordered to kill the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess."


    Weng Wei was shocked to read the message.

 Chapter 257 - Stay Like This

    <h4>Chapter 257 - Stay Like This</h4>


    Jian Guozhi arrived at the manor of his mother. As he went inside the chamber, he saw his mother standing with her back towards him. He greeted his mother first and then asked, "Why did mother call me?"


    Weng Wei turned to look at Jian Guozhi. She was outraged after reading that message. "You killed the assassins that day?" Weng Wei questioned him.


    Jian Guozhi did not expect his mother to find out about that. He had cleanly done his work then how could his mother find out; he wondered.


    "Prince Jian, I am asking something. Did you kill the assassins who were supposed to kill them?" Weng Wei bellowed at Jian Guozhi who epted.


    Weng Wei came towards her son and pped him hard. Jian Guozhi flinched and lowered his eyes. "Why did you do that?" Weng Wei shouted at him. Never in her wildest dream did she imagine that her own son would do something like this.


    Getting no response from Jian Guozhi, Weng Wei grabbed both of his arms and jerked him. "Answer me, Jian!" she shouted at him again. "Answer me, why did you kill them?" Weng Wei repeated her words. "Is it because of An-Ying Lili?"


    Weng Wei was skeptical that her son would have done that definitely to save Ying Lili. Despite that, she wanted to hear the reason from the mouth of her son.


    Jian Guozhi let go of his mother''s grip from his arms. "Yes. I told you not to harm her, but you were crazy to kill her. I had no option but to kill those assassins," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "Jian, have you lost your mind? This was your best chance to get the throne, yet you did that!" Weng Wei lost her temper. It was hard to swallow that for a woman Jian Guozhi betrayed his own mother.


    "Yes, I have lost my mind! I don''t want any throne. How many people are you intending to kill just because of that throne? Do you not get tired of all this? Do you think that only the position of the Crown Prince matters?" Jian Guozhi lost his temper. "Didn''t I tell you not to harm Ying Lili? For you, your son''s wish does not matter in front of the power. Ying Lili saved me, yet you want to kill her! You killed Sheng Li''s mother for your greed and now you are behind his wife. I have no words left for you," Jian Guozhi blurted out everything that he had in his mind at that moment.


    "Jian, if we don''t kill her, she will be a threat to us. My son was not like this earlier then what happened to him now. Come, have a seat." Weng Wei grasped the arm of Jian Guozhi who jerked it off, bewildering Weng Wei.


    "Mother, it''s your mistake that she turned into a threat to us¡­ No, I am wrong. Not us, but for you! If she had not married Sheng Li then this would not have happened. But now it is done, so nothing can happen. I am happy with this Governor position. I do not want any kind of hatred among us brothers. So, please stop scheming if you want to live," Jian Guozhi told his mother.


    It was imusible for Weng Wei to hear those words of Jian Guozhi.


    ''I am leaving,'' Jian Guozhi stated and left the chamber, leaving Weng Wei in dismay.


    "For the first time, my son turned against me just because of a woman!" Weng Wei was furious as she clenched her fists. "I should not dy further. I underestimated her. She turned my son against me," Weng Wei muttered under her teeth.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li had turned calm after hearing about his father''s health. He was standing in front of the mirror, wearing the sash around his waist. Ying Lili stood behind him and back hugged him, astonishing Sheng Li by that gesture.


    She did not say anything and strongly wrapped her arms around him, resting her forehead on his back. Sheng Li felt warm and secure because of Ying Lili''s gesture. Fighting alone was arduous for Sheng Li, but since the day Ying Lili married him, he had someone to lean on and without even speaking, could convey his emotions to her.


    Ying Lili saw that Sheng Li, unlike other people, did not learn to share his pain with others. He would suffer alone and quietly rather than epting that he was in pain. The two stayed like this for a few minutes when Sheng Li turned to her.


    "Do not worry about me. I have you and I believe with you I can negotiate every difficulty," Sheng Li stated and drew Ying Lili closer to him for a hug.


    "Shall I brush your hair?" Ying Lili asked him as they again pulled away. Sheng Li permitted her and sat on the chair in front of the dressing table. Ying Lili removed the hairpin from Sheng Li''s bun and his hair spread till his shoulders.


    Picking the brush, Ying Lili started brushing Sheng Li''s hair. After brushing, she picked the head sash which she tied around Sheng Li''s head, keeping his hair intact. "You look good like this," Ying Lili said, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Hmm. I know. Women fall for me because of my looks. If you want then, I can keep this look," stated Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili hit him on the shoulder. "No, I do not want other women to gaze at my husband in this look," Ying Lili asserted, wrapping her arms around him.


    Sheng Li brought her to the front and made her sit on hisp, such that Ying Lili was facing him. "Jealous?" He asked.


    "Hmm. Only I can see you like this." Sheng Li ced his hand on her nape, bringing her face closer to him. Their noses nudged against each other.?Sheng Li moved his lips to Ying Lili''s cheek and kissed it. Their cheeks touched each other as they hugged again. "We might bete if we continue to stay like this," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear.

 Chapter 258 - In The Temple- Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 258 - In The Temple- Part 1</h4>


    The next day, in the early morning, Ying Lili and Sheng Li got ready in the attire of the cleaners. Their makeup was done perfectly, hiding their true faces. Wang Hao handed the wooden identification sticks to both of them.


    General Wang looked at the Crown Princess. "I have told the Crown Prince that you will bring Hu Jingguo to the Capital," Ying Lili told General Wang who nodded and shifted his gaze towards the Crown Prince.


    "Try reaching here in one and a half days. Rest you know," Sheng Li proimed as he patted on Wang Hao''s shoulder and then pulled his hand back.


    "Yes, your highness."


    Ying Lili took out a letter from the pocket and forwarded that to Wang Hao. "Give this to Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili stated. Wang Hao took the letter and put it inside his pocket. "You shall leave now. We two will go to the Pce," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao bowed and walked out of the house.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and said, "Let''s go then. I have never done a cleaning job. I do not know how I am going to do this today," asserted Sheng Li.


    "We will not clean the temple for real. We need to check what is there in that temple," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li agreed with her. The two left the residence where they had stayed for a night.


    Soon they reached the Pce where they took the second route, which was used specifically by the workers in the Pce. Their identifications were checked by the soldiers there first before letting them enter the Pce.


    "Who are you?" The Northern Pce Head, Shu Luoji asked. "Why did you two note yesterday? The Empress could not do the prayers as the temple was not cleaned," Shu Luoji asked the two. He was a little angry at them, but since it was morning, he did not want to ruin his mood.


    "We are the temple cleaners here, Master. My elder brother and his wife are sick, so wee here on their behalf. Forgive us for noting yesterday," Sheng Li answered." Sheng Li replied in a changed voice.


    "Tell them not to evere here. They are fired from this job. Take their paymentter from me," Shu Luoji stated. "I will keep a check on you two today. The Empress scolded me a lot yesterday," he added.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili looked at each other. "Master, you do not need to trouble yourself," Sheng Li politely said. It would be a problem if Shu Luoji followed them and kept his eyes on them.


    "Just shut up!" Shu Luoji raised his voice. Sheng Li clenched his fist. "Why are you ring at me? Just lower your eyes!" Shi Luoji further shouted at him.


    Sheng Li wanted to punish him for raising his voice on him, but he could not. "Head Luoji, I was looking for you," Lei Wanxi appeared there which relieved Sheng Li and Ying Lili. Shu Luoji turned and greeted the Sixth Prince.


    "Your highness, you were searching for me?" Shu Luoji politely asked, lowering his eyes.


    "Yes. Today, the final selection of the Princesses will be done for the Second and Third Brother. The arrangements in the hall are not done nicely. I am afraid, but the Empress might get angry at you for not looking at the arrangements in the main selection hall," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    Shu Luoji got scared upon hearing that. "I am going there," Shu Luoji stated and then looked at Sheng Li. "Don''t run away from work today if you two don''t want to get punished," he threatened them before leaving. Lei Wanxi passed a smile to the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li quickly went to the Northern Pce. As per Lei Wanxi, the region of the Buddhist temple remained quiet and peaceful all the time. No servants could be seen there and the ce strictly restricted the entrance of Regal family members except the Empress and Lei Wanxi.


    "Lili, let''s not go directly to the main temple. There might be some spies around and they will get suspicious if we go there directly without cleaning the surroundings," Sheng Li whispered.


    Ying Lili agreed with him. The two, after taking the brooms, stepped inside the huge entrance of the temple. They started mopping the central pavement first and soon reached near the temple.


    Both ascended the stairs quickly and reached the top. Cleaning the outside area of the main sanctum, Sheng Li''s gaze fell on Lei Wanxi, who wasing to the temple. He knew that now was the time when Ying Lili and he needed to go in.


    Sheng Li was going to enter when the Chief Priest of the temple came outside, which shocked both Ying Lili and Sheng Li.


    ording to Lei Wanxi, Weng Wei had sent away the priests the day he asked permission to enter the temple. Ying Lili lightly hit on Sheng Li''s shoulder, gesturing him to lower his eyes, which he did.


    The Chief Priest furiously said, "Don''t you know that no one can enter the main sanctum except me and the Empress?"


    Ying Lili quickly apologized. "We are new here, Master. Forgive us for not knowing it," Ying Lili softly said as she lowered her head. Sheng Li did the same.


    "Leave. The Empress is going toe," the Chief Priest ordered them. Ying Lili and Sheng Li walked away from there. As they reached near the second entrance, which had a garden surrounding it, the two went to the backyard.


    Sheng Li had not expected this. "Who was that person? How does he know that the Empress ising here?" Ying Lili whispered. Luckily, he knew one more way in which was constructed from the backyard to the main sanctum.


    "Come with me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Where?" She asked.


    "Something is hidden in the sanctum. We need to see what she does there," Sheng Li in a low voice said and grasped her hand. The two were on that path which Sheng Li had seen in the map.


    Yes, this was a secret hidden route which he found outter in the evening when he met Zhang Yong after leaving the Pce with Ying Lili. Zhang Yong had provided him with the true map of the temple which Weng Wei hid from everyone. But the route was not used for many years because of which the door was jammed. After a few attempts, Sheng Li seeded in opening the door.


    It was confusing for Sheng Li why Weng Wei had told the architect to hide this route in the false map. ''Could it be for an emergency exit?'' Sheng Li wondered.


    The two kept walking until they found the door to the main sanctum. Sheng Li quietly opened the door a little so that he could peek inside.


    He could not see the Chief Priest there; instead, he saw a person in white robes, standing in front of the idol with incense sticks in his hands. Ying Lili lowered herself and looked through the tiny space. Her eyes widened seeing a person who was not looking like a Priest. She stood straight and looked at Sheng Li. "Are you able to see his face?" She whispered near Sheng Li''s ear, who refused, shaking his head.


    Ying Lili again lowered a bit and peeked through the gap when she saw the Empress entering the temple.

 Chapter 259 - In The Temple- Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 259 - In The Temple- Part 2</h4>


    Weng Wei entered the sanctum followed by the Chief Priest, which Sheng Li and Ying Lili had encountered earlier.


    Weng Wei stood quietly beside the person in white robes. The person put the incense sticks in the silver cauldron and chanted some mantras. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and told the Chief Priest to leave.


    The Chief Priest left, shutting the huge doors of the sanctum behind him.


    "Why did you send me an urgent message to meet you?" The person asked, carrying a menacing expression on his face. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili tried seeing the face of the person but were not able to as Weng Wei was hindering their view to see the person.


    "Sheng Li''s position on the throne is getting stronger. I am worried if..." Weng Wei could notplete her words as the person gestured her to stop.


    "Isn''t that the fault of your son? The other day he, leading a tiny piece of the army, killed all the assassins who were supposed to kill both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess!" The person questioned Weng Wei. Because their distance from them was quiterge, Sheng Li and Ying Lili could not hear anything.


    "First handle your son! I will not do anything until his mind gets into the right path," asserted the person. Weng Wei frowned upon hearing his words. "There is something you need to look into." The person turned back, now facing Weng Wei. Still, the view of his face was blocked for Sheng Li and Ying Lili.


    "I keep doing things for you, but until this day, we got nothing!" Weng Weiined.


    "You are the Empress, Weng Wei. You are at the second-highest position in the Empire. This is your biggest power, yet you say that we got nothing," stated the person.


    "What do you want me to do?" Weng Wei questioned.


    "I will tell youter," the person replied. Sheng Li and Ying Lili both tried hard to hear their conversation, but it was in vain.


    "Don''t call me for petty matters," the person sternly said. Weng Wei hummed. "We need to kill Sheng Li this time without failing. We can thenter think of the Crown Princess. I have devised a n." The person moved slightly left thus, making his face visible to both Sheng Li and Ying Lili.


    "What kind of n?" Weng Wei was curious to know.


    "On the day of your daughter''s marriage, he will be killed. Don''t share this thing with your son," the person warned Weng Wei.


    "I will not! I thought you would kill his woman first," asserted Weng Wei.


    "Your son has to be controlled, and that woman is the key. Jian might rebel if we kill her. Let''s first focus on Sheng Li. This time he will surely die," the person affirmed, moving his lips up to give a sly smile.


    Both Ying Lili and Sheng Li noticed that there was a scar near his right eye. The person was going to leave when his gaze fell on the door behind which Sheng Li and Ying Lili were hiding. Sheng Li''s reflexes acted fast, and he pulled Ying Lili back, pinning her to the wall.


    "Shh," he ced his pointer finger on Ying Lili''s lips and tilted his head slightly to peek through the gap. He found the man wasing there to open the door.?Sheng Li grabbed Ying Lili''s hand, dragging her out from there.


    Weng Wei confusedly looked at the person who had pushed the door but did not find anyone there. "What are you looking at?" Weng Wei queried him.


    "Nothing," the man replied and turned to face Weng Wei. "I shall leave," the person stated and walked past her.


    Sheng Li closed the door as the two came to the backyard again. "Let''s leave from here, first!" Sheng Li told Ying Lili. They picked the brooms and then quietly left withouting into anyone''s notice. Soon, they left the Pce and after an hour returned to the Pce.


    "We will discuss thatter after the morning greetings," Sheng Li told Ying Lili who nodded and went to Zhenzhu Inn. After freshening up and getting ready, she again met Sheng Li.


    "You are looking beautiful," Sheng Liplimented Ying Lili looked at him, astonished. "This pink color suits you more," he added, passing her a smile. "I never gifted you anything except a dagger! What do you want to have?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili.


    "Why are you suddenly asking about my choices? You were never interested earlier," stated Ying Lili.


    "I was interested but you hated me," Sheng Li proimed. Sheng Li slowed down as he found it was difficult for Ying Lili to catch his steps.


    "Even you hated me that time," Ying Lili mumbled.


    "I never hated you," Sheng Li halted and looked at her. "I was sad that you could not see through me! That angered me most of the time and there were a few other reasons as well," Sheng Li pronounced and again repeated his words, "Tell me what do you want?"


    "Umm¡­ are you sure that you will be able to give me whatever I will ask?" Ying Lili asked with a raised brow. Sheng Li moved closer to her and brought his hand to the front. Curling his fingers beneath her chin, and lifting her face, Sheng Li said, "Do not doubt the ability of your man, Lili."


    "You are sounding as if you can bring the stars and moon for me," Ying Lili remarked. Sheng Li put down his hand and stood straight.


    "What if I bring them?" Sheng Li asked.


    "What?" Ying Lili giggled. "We are gettingte for morning greetings," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and started walking. Sheng Li smiled and followed her.


    "I am not joking, Lili. I can indeed bring them for you," Sheng Li loudly said, without realizing that the Princesses who were standing in the corridor were hearing him.


    "Crown Prince, everyone is hearing you. I know you are shameless but at least look at your surroundings. Look, the Princesses are watching you," Ying Lili stated.


    "Lili, you really need to fix your dictionary. You do not know the meaning of getting shameless," Sheng Li affirmed. "Later, I will correct your dictionary," he pronounced and grinned.

 Chapter 260 - Planning

    <h4>Chapter 260 - nning</h4>


    Sheng Li looked at his father, who was sitting on the throne beside Weng Wei. He was smiling and pretending as if nothing had happened to him. After giving the morning greetings, Sheng Li came out of the hall with Ying Lili.


    Lei Wanxi joined them and asked them if he could have morning meals with them. They agreed to him and left for the Crown Prince''s manor.


    In the chamber, the three took their respective seats around the floor table. The meals were served to them, and the maidservants walked out of the chamber.


    "Where were you?" Sheng Li questioned Lei Wanxi.


    "Weng Wei told me that I was not allowed in the temple today because she had a special prayer today. Brother Sheng, I could not refuse her order," Lei Wanxi proimed. "Did you find something there?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Yes. We saw a person there. It is my first time seeing him. He has this scar near his right eye and seems to be in his forties," Sheng Li proimed.


    "You said that there was no priest there, but we encountered the Chief Priest too, who stopped us from entering the main Sanctum. We then need to use a different path to reach the sanctum," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "A different path?" Lei Wanxi mumbled. "But in the map, there is only one path for the sanctum. How did you two find the second path?" Lei Wanxi confusedly asked.


    "That''s a false map. The right map has three more secret routes," Sheng Li asserted. "The person enters the pce in the attire of a Priest," he added.


    "Sheng Li, his Majesty constructed the temple under his eyes. Then how did it happen? Isn''t it suspicious?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "It isn''t difficult for Weng Wei to fool the Emperor. She is on the throne because our father gets fooled by her all these years." Lei Wanxi also agreed with the Crown Prince.


    "Brother Sheng, why did you not nab that mastermind today? Everything would have turned easy for us. We could have summoned them in front of our father," Lei Wanxi opined.


    "Wanxi, that was not possible. We could not hear their conversations. We do not know what they were nning there. Nabbing the person could have affected us only negatively and would have alerted him and his allies who are supporting him," Sheng Li answered.


    They started eating and soon finished their breakfast. Xing-Fu told the maidservants to clean the table andter walked out with them.


    "Sheng Li, don''t you have any uncles?" Ying Lili''s sudden question befuddled him.


    "No, they died early, two in wars and one due to illness," Sheng Li replied. "My father''s brothers were short-lived. He never experienced Pce politics from his brother''s side," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Then, who is this person?" Ying Lili frowned.


    "The person knows Weng Wei since a long time or way before her coronation as the Empress. That could be one of the reasons that I never saw him," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili hummed and stood up from the floor mattress.


    "I need to leave. There''s a final selection round today. I will see youter," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and left the chamber.


    "Brother Sheng, the Princess whom you told me about, I kept an eye on her. The Empress wants her to seduce Brother Sheng. In short, the Empress wants to see if Brother Sheng can get distracted by a woman other than Sister Lili or not," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "And how is she going to seduce me?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Let''s go to the practice ground, Brother. She will herselfe there as she wants to get closer to you," Lei Wanxi replied and smiled.


    "Let''s go then. My hands are getting itchy to kill her," Sheng Li said, looking at his hands.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu was waiting for her mother to open her eyes. He had not taken hisst night''s meals. Eunuch Chung was anxious thinking that Prince Nianzu might have fallen sick.


    Chuntao came there to see Nianzu before going to her vige. "Eunuch Chung, how is the Fourth Prince doing? Did he take his meals?" Chuntao humbly asked.


    "No. The Fourth Prince has refused to eat anything until his mother wakes up," Eunuch Chung informed Chuntao.


    "Can I go inside?" Chuntao asked for permission.


    "I need to ask, Miss," Eunuch Chung replied and walked inside the chamber.


    "Your highness, Miss Chuntao is here. She wants to meet you," Eunuch Chung said, lowering his head.


    "Send her in," Nianzu replied inly.


    Chuntao entered the chamber and saw Nianzu on a wooden stool beside the bed, looking at his mother. She formally greeted him first. "How is his highness''s mother doing? Did she wake up?" Chuntao politely asked.


    "No. Mother is still unconscious. I troubled her, that''s why she ended like this," Nianzu replied. A tear rolled from his eye down to his cheek, seeing the pale face of his mother.


    Chuntao walked towards Nianzu. She extended her hand to put it on Nianzu''s shoulder, but because of her status, she could not do that. She could not touch a Royal.


    "Your highness, you shall freshen up. I will take care of your mother for you," Chuntao humbly said.


    "No. I will take care of my mother. You shall leave," Nianzumanded Chuntao, who could not refuse him. She turned to go when she saw the Crown Princess there. Immediately, she lowered her eyes.


    "Brother Nianzu, how''s the mother doing?" Ying Lili asked as she came near him. Chuntao stood aside with a lowered head. Nianzu was going to stand up from the chair to pay respect to the Crown Princess when she told him to be seated.


    "Forgive me. I could note yesterday," Ying Lili stated and looked at Deng Hui, who was lying unconscious on the bed and then at Nianzu.


    "You should not have skipped your meals. If Mother Hui will wake up and see her son hungry, it will make her unhappy," Ying Lili asserted and shifted her gaze to Chuntao.


    "Crown Princess, I will take my mealster. I need to be with my mother," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Miss Chuntao and I will stay here. Brother shall freshen up first and then take his morning meals. I will not talk to Brother Nianzu if he refuses to do so," Ying Lili stated, keeping the smile on her lips.


    "But, Crown Princess-"


    "Brother Nianzu, I will not listen to your excuses. Go to your chamber, freshen up, and then have your meals. Your father and mother will both get angry seeing you like this," Ying Lili stressed her words. Nianzu could not refuse Ying Lili and stood up from the stool.


    "I will be back soon," Nianzu stated and walked out from there.


    Chuntao raised her head a little and saw the Crown Princess had taken the seat on the stool. "Miss Chun, could you please call the Royal Physician?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes, your highness." Chuntao went to fetch the Royal Physician. Court Lady Xu came to the Crown Princess and told her that she could get scolded by the Empress for not reaching there at the time.


    "Send her Majesty the message to wait for some time because Mother Hui needs help," Ying Lili pronounced.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    As you all know this book is a part of contest. I am thankful to all of you who are continuously supporting me through voting and even buying the privilege. I want to win the contest so that this story can get a chance to turn into a movie adaptation. I do not know if that''s possible or not but if you people will keep supporting me, the story might shine among the top books which is indeed difficult. Keep supporting me by voting andmenting on the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 261 - Disqualified

    <h4>Chapter 261 - Disqualified</h4>


    "Your highness, the Virtuous Lady will wake up in a while. It is because of the effects of the medicines, she is still in sleep, that was fed to herst night," the Royal Physician humbly told the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili thanked him. The Royal Physician checked the pulse of Deng Hui once again. "Her Highness does not need to worry. Virtuous Lady Hui is absolutely fine," Royal Physician repeated. The Emperor entered at that moment there. They all bowed and gave a side to Han Wenji.


    Han Wenji asked about the condition from the Royal Physician. Hearing that Deng Hui had recovered, Han Wenji smiled. The Royal Physician took his leave.


    "The Crown Princess shall be in the hall at this time then what is she doing here?" Han Wenji asked.


    "I came to check Mother Hui, your majesty. Mother''s health is more important than that matter," Ying Lili affirmed. Han Wenji faintly smiled and sat on the stool there. "I will be here. The Crown Princess shall go to the hall. The Final Selection Process shall not be dyed further," pronounced the Emperor.


    "Yes, your majesty." Bowing, Ying Lili left for the hall, followed by Court Lady Xu.


    As she entered the hall, she saw the infuriated expression on Weng Wei''s face. Even the First and Second Consort were narrowingly gazing at her. The ten Princesses were standing in the middle of the hall and were also skeptically looking at the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili''s both hands were joined, resting near her belly while her head was lowered. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for dying the process," Ying Lili apologized.


    "If the Crown Princess will be this careless about the time, then what will happen to the Empire?" Consort Ju Fen remarked and looked at Weng Wei.


    "Pardon me! Consort Ju, I am a daughter-inw first before the Crown Princess. It is my duty to check on my family members. Virtuous Lady Hui was also a part of today''s Selection Process, but because she is sick, I thought to meet her once. I urge Consort Ju to be careful of her remarks from the next time," Ying Lili sternly said as she looked into the eyes of Ju Fen.


    The Princesses had heard about the boldness of the Crown Princess but today they saw themselves. It was considered ungraceful to talk this way with the elders and one could get punished for conversing this way but because the Crown Princess position had its own perks thus, making the Crown Princess immune to punishment from Consorts and other lower ranks.


    "How is Sister Hui doing? The Crown Princess did right by visiting Sister Hui," Weng Wei said.


    "She is well, Your Majesty," Ying Lili pronounced. Weng Wei told Ying Lili to take her seat, which she did.


    "Today, the Crown Princess will take your final test. This test will check the intellectual level of the Princesses," Empress Wei announced and looked at Ying Lili.


    "Bring the Painting inside," Ying Lilimanded. All were confused to hear themand. A Canvas Painting was brought there by two servants which were ced against the wall. It was covered with a red silk cloth. The servants bowed and walked out of the hall.


    "Crown Princess, yesterday you said that music skills will help to select the suitable Princesses. Now, suddenly you changed the game," Weng Weiined.


    "Your majesty, I think music shall be included in the final round," Ying Lili opined and looked at the Princesses.


    "Don''t panic. You all need to tell the meaning hidden in the Painting," Ying Lili asserted and gestured to the maidservants to remove the cloth from the Canvas. Everyone looked at the painting from which the cloth had been removed.


    The canvas was nk, which astonished them.


    "Your highness, the canvas is nk," one Princess among them said.


    Ying Lili smiled and said, "Princess Lian, you are already out of this race then. Please step back." Lian Ning could not believe her ears.


    Weng Wei had thought that Lian Ning would be the wife of Prince Yongzheng but seeing how the Crown Princess had disqualified her, worried her.


    "Crown Princess, do not be indecisive. I think that Princess Lian was only asking because we all are surprised to see a nk canvas," proimed the Empress.


    Internally, she was cursing Ying Lili. Because of the Emperor, she was forced to give the final selection task to Ying Lili. Now, the Empress was regretting listening to the Emperor.


    Ying Lili found the fear formed on the Empress''s face. "Your Majesty, then I will start with Princess Lian first." Ying Lili turned her gaze towards Lian Ning and asked her to tell the meaning hidden in the painting.


    Lian Ning gulped as nothing wasing into her mind. She was intimidated by the gaze of the Empress and Consort Ju. Beads of sweats formed on her forehead as her head turned nk.


    "Princess Lian, you are taking longer," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I-I do not know, your highness," Lian Ning stuttered, lowering her eyes.


    Ying Lili gazed at the right end and told the Princess standing there to start. Every Princess gave the best exnation they could think of.


    Out of ten Princesses, only five could give the answer which Ying Lili was searching for! "A nk Canvas depicts a person who has nothing in his life which can be filled with new things. Your Majesty, this selection round ended so quickly but we still need to select only two Princesses among them," Ying Lili said after exining the meaning to them.


    Weng Wei was relieved to see that Princess Liao Jun had qualified for the final round. At least she could get the support of the Second Consort''s son and his wife, she thought.


    "Now, thest round will be based on ssical music knowledge. The elimination method you used was quick and fast. The two gems will be found among these five Princesses," Weng Wei proimed.


    The other five Princesses who failed to qualify were told to go back to their chambers while the other five were told to take their respective seats on the wide floor mattress. Prince Nianzu could not attend the final round as his mother was sick, so the Empress decided to judge herself in the final round.


    After listening to the music of each of the five Princesses, Weng Wei selected Princess Bai Yaling and Liao Jun for the Second and Third Prince.


    "Princess Bai Yaling, Princess Liao Jun. Congrattion on being selected as the potential wives of Prince Yongzheng and Prince Rong Zemin. After two days, you will get married to the Second and Third Princes respectively. The Crown Princess will tell you the rest of the things about the Pce," Weng Wei pronounced.


    Bai Yaling and Liao Jun kowtowed before the Empress, before leaving the hall with the Crown Princess.

 Chapter 262 - Thinking Of Getting A Second Wife

    <h4>Chapter 262 - Thinking Of Getting A Second Wife</h4>


    "Weng Yu, you are holding it wrong!" Sheng Li corrected the Seventh Prince who was practicing the sword fight.


    Weng Yu was intimidated to see the Crown Prince in the practice ground. He lowered his eyes and hand when Sheng Li caught his hand and told him to look at him. "You need to tighten your grip around this part of the hilt. This way you will not feel the heaviness of the sword and easily be able to use it against the enemy," Sheng Li exined to Weng Yu who carefully observed that.


    Lei Wanxi was fanning himself lightly and was smiling, seeing how gentle Sheng Li had turned towards Weng Yu. He thanked the Jade Emperor internally for sending the Crown Princess in the life of the Crown Prince.


    Prince Lu Qifeng also came there along with the First, Second and Third Prince. "It is a great sight to see that the Fifth Brother is teaching Little Yu about the basics of the sword," Yongzheng pronounced.


    Sheng Li looked at a soldier there and told him to pass a sword to him. Lu Qifeng was curious to see how the Crown Prince fought. He had only heard about his great swordsmanship.


    "Brother Yu, try defeating Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi loudly said.


    All the brothers startedughing upon hearing the statement. "Brother Wanxi, why are you joking? You know how poor I am at this," Weng Yuined.


    "Little Yu, you are better than me. You can do it! Remember what Sister Lili said to you once." Sheng Li intimidatingly looked at Lei Wanxi, who continued, "She has faith in Brother Yu. One day Brother Yu will definitely defeat his arrogant Fifth Brother."


    Sheng Li raised his brow and snickered while the other Princes startedughing.


    "Lili said this!" Sheng Li asked with inquisitiveness.


    "Only the Crown Princess has enough guts to use such words against the Crown Prince," Yongzheng proimed. "Since the Crown Princess has said this then, we shall believe that Little Yu can indeed defeat the Crown Prince," he added.


    "Observe my movements and then copy them," Sheng Li told Weng Yu who nodded. Weng Yu was copying whatever Sheng Li was telling him and moving the sword the same as the Crown Prince was doing.


    "Brother Wanxi, you shall also learn this. Who knows, this might help you in the future," Rong Zemin stated.


    "Thank you, Brother Zemin, for thinking about me. But I do not think that sword is made for me. I just want to enjoy my life without any violence," Lei Wanxi affirmed. His gaze fell on Princess Jiao who was looking at the Crown Prince from the pavilion.


    "Princess Jiao, do you want something?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    Sheng Li looked at Lei Wanxi and then at the pavilion where Xi Jiao was standing. The other Princes looked astonishingly at her. "Women are not allowed here. Do you not know?" Jian Guozhi sternly asked Xi Jiao.


    "Brother Jian is absolutely right. Women are not allowed toe here except the Crown Princess," Lei Wanxi stated and then looked at the Crown Prince.


    "What do you want?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Your highness, I want to challenge you in the sword fight! I know I am crossing the line but..."


    "When you know that you are crossing the line then why are you asking?" Jian Guozhi skeptically looked at her.


    Lei Wanxi widened his eyes, as he had not expected that Xi Jiao would take his conversation with Lu Qifeng that seriously. But this was what Sheng Li wanted. "She will definitely die by the hands of Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi thought and smiled.


    "Why not?" Sheng Li''s words shocked the Princes there except Lei Wanxi who knew it was all a part of the n.


    "Follow me to the Military ground," Sheng Limanded. Xi Jiao smiled and thanked the Crown Prince for giving her a chance. The Princes were bewildered that the Crown Prince epted the challenge of a woman other than the Crown Princess.


    "Since when Sheng Li started showing interest in the other women?" Jian Guozhi wondered.


    "Weng Yu, I will see youter," Sheng Li said and walked away from there, while Xi Jiao followed him.


    "I am going behind them," Lei Wanxi said. Closing the fan in his hand, he went behind Sheng Li.


    Reaching the Military grounds, Sheng Li halted, and so did Xi Jiao. Xiao Zhan, who was instructing the soldiers, was befuddled to see a woman other than the Crown Princess there. He came towards the Crown Prince and bowed.


    "General Xiao, give a sword to Princess Xi," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Pardon me, your highness!" Xiao Zhan thought he heard something wrong when Sheng Li took the sword from him, which he was holding in his left hand. Sheng Li turned to Xi Jiao and threw the sword towards her which she caught easily.


    "So, she is a little trained. Foolish woman! Joined hands with Weng Wei and thought she could win my heart with these useless tactics," Sheng Li thought in his mind.


    Oppositely, Ying Lili, after dropping Princess Bai Yaling and Liao Jun, came to the Pce grounds as she was informed by Court Lady Xu that the Crown Prince was there. Arriving there, she did not find Sheng Li there; instead she met Jian Guozhi, Yongzheng, Rong Zemin, Weng Yu, and Lu Qifeng.


    "Crown Princess, is the selection over?" Rong Zemin asked curiously.


    "Yes, Brother Zemin. The Princesses are selected and after two days there will be marriage ceremonies," Ying Lili replied, keeping a smile on her lips.


    "Did the Crown Princesse here to inform us about this?" Yongzheng asked.


    "No. I thought that the Crown Prince would be here," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Brother Sheng was here a moment ago. He had gone to the Military grounds with Princess Xi," Yongzheng replied.


    "Pardon me?" Ying Lili raised her brow.


    "A Princess challenged Brother Sheng to a sword fight. So, he left with her," Yongzheng rified his statement.


    "We used to think that Brother Sheng has no interest in any other woman except the Crown Princess but I think seeing so many Princesses in the Pce from the various Provinces, Brother Sheng thinking of getting a second wife," Yongzheng pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi and Lu Qifeng both looked at Yongzheng at the same time. The remark he just made was not good at all. Jian Guozhi was going to speak when Ying Lili walked away from there, straight to the Military grounds.

 Chapter 263 - No Second Woman

    <h4>Chapter 263 - No Second Woman</h4>


    Xiao Zhan stood beside Lei Wanxi. "Prince Wanxi, do you know why the Crown Prince brought a woman here other than the Crown Princess?" Xiao Zhan asked in a low voice.


    "General Xiao, just wait and watch," Lei Wanxi whispered and focussed at the Crown Prince and Princess Xi fight. Xi Jiao did not know how to move a sword but to impress him, she decided to have a sword fight with him. Her main motive was just to get close enough to the Crown Prince that he would willingly order the Empress to ask for her hand.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, had made up his mind to y a little with Xi Jiao before asking about the Empress''s n. ''I was wrong. She doesn''t know how to move a sword. I will be light on her then,'' Sheng Li thought. Their swords nked against each other. Xiao Zhan was shocked to see how the Crown Prince was using the sword against Princess Xi.


    "What is wrong with the Crown Prince? He never acted this way. I have a feeling that the Crown Princess will not like it at all," Xiao Zhan stated.


    "Why would Sister Lili not like it?" Lei Wanxi asked General Xiao when he heard the sound of anklets. Both Lei Wanxi and Xiao Zhan tilted their heads to look. They saw the Crown Princessing there with a deadly expression on her face.


    "Look, the Crown Princess is angry!" Xiao Zhan said in a low voice.


    Lei Wanxi cursed himself internally. It did not enter his mind that the Crown Princess would get angry if she would see the Crown Prince doing a sword fight with a woman other than her. Since they were at a good distance from the Crown Prince, he was not aware that the Crown Princess had arrived.


    Lei Wanxi and Xiao Zhan quickly ran towards the Crown Princess. "Sister Lili, it is not what you are thinking! It is a part of the n," Lei Wanxi blurted out.


    "Princess Xi, you have a weak body. I do not know why you challenged me for this," Sheng Li stated.


    Xi Jiao acted as if her feet got twisted and fell backward when Sheng Li caught her by snaking his arm around her waist.


    "Is that a part of the n as well?" Ying Lili asked as she saw Sheng Li holding a woman. Lei Wanxi confusedly looked at Ying Lili and then turned to look at Sheng Li.


    The sight was not good! Lei Wanxi brought his fist closer to his mouth. ''Why did Brother Sheng do that? Brother Sheng, you are dead,'' Lei Wanxi thought in his mind.


    Sheng Li tightened his grip around the hilt while gazing into the eyes of Xi Jiao. "I think the Empress selected you for me," Sheng Li finally initiated the conversation with Xi Jiao as he slowly straightened Xi Jiao who was acting that her foot was injured. She tightly grabbed the arm of Sheng Li for support, who was not liking it at all but it was just for a few more minutes.


    "I asked something," Sheng Li said, this time with a firm tone. "Did the Empress tell you about me? It ismon to have two wives for a Prince so, she might have told you something," Sheng Li tried taking out the truth from her.


    The foolish woman agreed with the words of the Crown Prince. "Yes, your highness. I think I am the most suitable woman who can be your second wife," Xi Jiao proimed. "The Empress told me that you do not look at the other women except the Crown Princess but I think it is the opposite," Xi Jiao asserted.


    "Sister Lili, that''s a part of an act. Brother Sheng is just¡­" Lei Wanxi paused as he saw Sheng Li was smiling while conversing with Xi Jiao. Lei Wanxi slightlyughed and looked at Ying Lili. "Sister Lili, this is all an illusion. Come with me. I will exin everything to you, Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi did not want a fight to happen between Sheng Li and Ying Lili.


    But the way Sheng Li was acting was making Lei Wanxi nervous. "I think that Brother Sheng is going to cry the entire day," Lei Wanxi thought and heaved a sigh.


    Ying Lili stepped forward when she saw that Sheng Li had pushed Princess Xi, who had fallen to the ground. Lei Wanxi and Xiao Zhan were happy to see that but they were confused why the Crown Prince did that.


    Xi Jiao with a befuddled expression looked at Sheng Li, whose expressions had darkened. Sheng Li pointed the sword at the neck of Xi Jiao who gulped in fear. "You might have gotten false hopes from the Empress but let me tell you something. First, I do not like women like you. If for a few minutes, you believed that I showed interest in you then you are wrong. Tell the Empress not to y with me like this." Sheng Li moved the sword closer to her neck such that it touched her skin.


    "P-please forgive me," Xi Jiao closed her eyes in fear. The sharp pointed de had cut the skin on her neck and blood started oozing out.


    "In my life, there is no second woman! Tell these words to the Empress. If you won''t then today will be yourst day on this earth. I will not hesitate even for a second to kill you," Sheng Li growled and looked at her right hand. "You gripped my arm with this hand, right?" He further asked.


    Xi Jiao was terrified. She had heard that the Crown Prince was cruel, but had never imagined that such a thing would happen to her. "You do not deserve this hand," Sheng Li and brought his sword towards her hand. "Tell your father the exact reason why you lost your hand today," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Xi Jiao was crying and pleading with the Crown Prince to forgive her. But it did not affect him. Instead, it was making him furious. The sword hade over her wrist when Ying Lili grasped his hand.


    "Lili," he murmured. His hand was pulled back while his gaze was fixed at Ying Lili.


    "General Xiao," Ying Lili loudly called the name of Xiao Zhan who came near her. "Take Princess Xi to the Royal Infirmary," Ying Lilimanded. Xiao Zhan bowed and helped Xi Jiao in getting up.


    "Thank you, your highness," Xi Jiao said before leaving.


    "Lili, why did you intervene? She needs to be punished," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Why did you do that?" Ying Lili queried.

 Chapter 264 - Sharing

    <h4>Chapter 264 - Sharing</h4>


    Nianzu skipped breakfast as he wanted his mother to wake up first. Han Wenji told Nianzu to have a meal, but he refused. Eunuch Jin came to the Emperor and whispered something in his ear. "I have some urgent work. Inform me when Lady Hui will be awake," Han Wenji asserted. Nianzu bowed and stayed in that position until the Emperor walked out of the room.


    Once the Emperor left, Nianzu lifted his head and looked at Chuntao. "Why is she taking so much time to wake up?" Nianzu worriedly asked.


    "Your highness, it''s because of the medicines," Chuntao replied and looked at Deng Hui, who had opened her eyes.


    "Your highness, the Virtuous Lady is awake," Chuntao jumped in happiness. Nianzu quickly looked at his mother and sat on the stool beside the bed.


    "P-Prince Nianzu," she murmured and tried to get up. Nianzu helped his mother while Chuntao put some pillows behind her back.


    "Give me a ss of water," Nianzu told Chuntao, who filled the ss from the jar and handed it to Nianzu. Nianzu helped his mother to drink the water. Wiping the mouth of her mother from the handkerchief, Nianzu asked, "How are you feeling? Why did you not take your meals properly? Do you know how scared I was after seeing you in this state?"


    Deng Hui faintly smiled. "How could I when my son didn''te to me after that day? I am absolutely fine now," Deng Hui said.


    "Forgive me for that day, mother. I will never do such a thing," Nianzu said and looked at Chuntao. "Bring breakfast for us." Chuntao bowed and walked out of the chamber. She informed Eunuch Chung about the waking up of Lady Deng Hui, who told a maidservant to inform the Emperor regarding that.


    After taking their breakfasts, Nianzu gave medicines to his mother and told her to take a rest. He called a maidservant there and told her to look after his mother.


    Nianzu came back to his chamber with Eunuch Chung and Chuntao. As he got seated on a chair, he recalled that Chuntao was supposed to go to her vige today. "Miss, Ipletely forgot that you were supposed to go to your vige for a day. You can leave now," Nianzu proimed.


    "His highness might need me for work. I will go some other day," Chuntao humbly said, lowering her head.


    "Today is a free day. I have only limited work which I willplete myself," Nianzu replied. "You might not get timeter, that''s why go today. Enjoy your day," said Nianzu with a tiny smile on his lips. He opened the drawer of the desk and took out a pouch with coins in it.


    He ced the pouch on the desk and said, "Take this. It is your monthly wage that you have earned."


    Chuntao was astonished to see that the Prince was giving her wage quite earlier. "But, your highness, there are still five days left for this month to get over," Chuntao stated.


    Eunuch Chung picked the pouch and handed it to Chuntao. "If his highness is giving it earlier, then you should not refuse. You worked hard, so keep it."


    Nianzu smiled and agreed with Eunuch Chung. "I will get busy, then I might forget to give you this. There are three marriages in the pce so, I will be busy with that," Nianzu affirmed.


    Chuntao nodded and thanked the Fourth Prince. She was contented to see the wages that she had earned. But then she recalled that she had to pay her debts as well. "Your highness, I need to give you the first installment of the debt I have taken from you." She opened the pouch when Nianzu stopped her.


    "Miss, you do not need to give. What will I do with this money? I have been provided with everything. Let''s forget about this debt thing," Nianzu pronounced. Eunuch Chung was not surprised to see this side of his master. Nianzu usually loved helping vulnerable people like this.


    "But, your highness, I cannot take your money. I came to the Pce because of this sole reason that is to pay your debt back," Chuntao stressed in her words.


    "Miss, then use this money somewhere. I will be happy if you use this money for a good cause. I brought you to the Pce because of your observation skills which I need. I want to see the Empire from the eyes of amoner. That time you were not agreeing so, I had no option other than that," Nianzu affirmed. Chuntao agreed to the Fourth Prince and again thanked him.


    "You may go now," Nianzu said. Chuntao bowed and left the chamber.


    "Your highness, can I say something?" Eunuch Chung asked.


    "Hmm."


    "His highness is too good to Miss Chuntao. It is unusual of you. His highness did not only teach Miss Chuntao how to read and write but also taught her music. Forgive me if I sound rude, your highness," Eunuch Chung humbly said.


    Nianzu smiled. "A diligent woman like her must be taught. Knowledge increases by sharing," Nianzu replied.


    "Pardon me, your highness, but the people around you might see it in the other way," Eunuch Chung asserted. Nianzu understood what Chung was trying to say.


    "Miss Chuntao will leave the Pce soon. Since we could not help her family, that''s why I decided to take care of her for a short period of time," Nianzu exined to Eunuch Chung, who nodded his head.


    "I understand, your highness." He went to a shelf there, and brought the three scrolls with him which needed the stamp of the Advisor.


    "The First Prince sent these scrolls yesterday," putting them on the desk, Eunuch Chung informed the Fourth Prince. who nodded and opened one of them.


    After reading them thoroughly, Nianzu opened the second drawer and took out the stamp. He stamped on the scrolls and approved the decision- on changing the officials'' pay structure for three months.


    "I will give them to the First Prince," Nianzu said. After the ink of the stamp dried, he folded the scrolls and left for the Office of the Governor.

 Chapter 265 - Stay With Me!

    <h4>Chapter 265 - Stay With Me!</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was standing behind Ying Lili and gesturing to Sheng Li not to say anything; his finger was on his lips. "I was punishing her for the wrong she had done," Sheng Li stated.


    "You were holding her and thenughing with her," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li was befuddled to hear that, as he was expecting something else. "You told me that you never brought a woman here except me then what was that? The Second Brother was saying that you were thinking of getting a Second Wife!" Ying Lili blurted out.


    "Sister Lili, that was just an act," Lei Wanxi intervened between them and looked around before shifting his gaze back to her. "The Empress had told her to get closer to Brother Sheng. He was just bringing the truth out from her," Lei Wanxi said in a low voice.


    "There are many other ways to do that. Your brother was smiling brightly and holding her so close to him. Do not defend your brother," Ying Lili said with a stern expression.


    Sheng Li smiled, seeing Ying Lili''s reaction. Without wasting a second, he carried Ying Lili up in his arms. Ying Lili, Lei Wanxi, and Xiao Zhan were shocked to see the gesture of Sheng Li.


    "Why don''t we solve this matter privately?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili, keeping a tiny grin on his face.


    "Leave me," Ying Lili said in a firm voice.


    "I can''t, Wildcat. You will get hurt. I am not the Sheng Li you used to know before," Sheng Li pronounced while smirking.


    Lei Wanxi and Xiao Zhan smiled, seeing how the Crown Prince had controlled the situation. "Wildcat! What kind of nickname Brother Sheng has given to Sister Lili. Did Sister Lili give any nickname to Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi curiously asked.


    "Wanxi, you can''t say that name. It will be thest time I hear this from your mouth," Sheng Li suddenly stated.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng." Lei Wanxi apologized.


    "Xiao, throw that woman out of this Pce," Sheng Li furiously said.


    Ying Lili lightly hit him on the shoulder. "Didn''t you promise me that you will not act recklessly? Xi Province is a close ally of the Han Empire, and misbehaving with Princess Xi will not be good," proimed Ying Lili.


    "But she was misbehaving with me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Don''t lie!" Ying Lili pointed her forefinger towards Sheng Li. "You were the one who was enjoying it. I saw it with my own eyes. You were the one who took her here. Now, leave me," Ying Lili struggled in Sheng Li''s arms.


    Sheng Li, being stubborn, tightened his hold on Ying Lili and walked ahead. "My wife is so jealous," asserted Sheng Li as he kept walking.


    Ying Lili? saw the narrow gazes of soldiers, servants, and whomever they were crossing by. "I can walk. Put me down," Ying Lili requested to Sheng Li, who refused.


    She strongly hit him this time on the shoulder. He lost his bnce and tripped. Ying Lili screamed, but Sheng Li''s reflexes acted fast. He had turned himself towards the wooden floor, and the two fell. Ying Lili was lying on the top of Sheng Li.


    The maidservants came running towards them and helped them get up. They took them to the Crown Prince''s manor as it was nearby. Ying Lili saw Sheng Li was in pain, but he was not showing it.


    "Where did you hurt yourself? Let me check," in a polite tone, Ying Lili said.


    "Could you not stay quiet in my arms? Did you hurt yourself anywhere?" Sheng Li worriedly asked and grasped her hands with his left hand. He checked her palms, wrist, and then elbows. Ying Lili pulled her hands back.


    "You saved me at the right time," Ying Lili stated. "But it seems that you are injured. Is your back hurting? Shall I check?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Hmm. I think my right hand is injured. I am unable to lift my wrist. And my mid-back and lower back are hurting too," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili apologized for acting that way. She stood up when Sheng Li asked with a raised brow, "Where are you going? Stay with me!"


    "I am telling Eunuch Xing-Fu to bring the Royal Physician here. He will apply medicine or give a massage there," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li hummed while Ying Lili walked towards the door.


    Opening the door, she told Xing-Fu to bring the Royal Physician. Coming back to Sheng Li, she sat beside him. "Let me help you in removing the upper clothes," she said and extended her hands out. She first removed his upper robe, put it on the bed, followed by another piece of the robe.


    She stopped as she had the intense gaze of Sheng Li on her. Ignoring it, she opened the knot on the inner white silk upper garment. While opening the knot, she asked, "Why are you looking at me?"


    "Can''t I?"


    "No, you cannot," Ying Lili replied. She gently pushed the silk jacket down to his shoulders. Her fingers touched Sheng Li''s bare shoulders while doing so. Ying Lili went behind Sheng Li''s back and saw that his back had reddened when her eyes fell on a fresh wound. Blood wasing out from there. She touched it, and Sheng Li hissed in pain.


    "You are injured here as well," Ying Lili mumbled. "Forgive me," she apologized. Sheng Li immediately turned to her. Before he could speak, the Royal Physician came there with Xing-Fu.


    Ying Lili stood up from the bed and stood at a minimal distance from Sheng Li. The Royal Physician greeted the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. He sat on a stool beside the bed.


    "The Crown Prince has hurt his back and right wrist," Ying Lili said.


    "Your highness, may I take a look at your hand?" The Royal Physician humbly asked.


    "Hmm."


    The Royal Physician examined Sheng Li''s wrist, which seemed absolutely fine to him. "It is painful here. I think it is fractured," Sheng Li pronounced. The Royal Physician looked into the eyes of the Crown Prince to tell him that nothing had happened when he saw the re in the Crown Prince''s eyes.


    "It is broken. Am I right, Royal Physician?" Sheng Li inquired from him.


    "Yes, your highness. The wrist is twisted, but for a few days, the Crown prince should not use it as it will increase the pain," the Royal Physician said and took out the bandage from his cloth bag and a tiny porcin phial in which a liquid paste could be seen. Applying it over the wrist, he wrapped it with the bandage and tied a cotton cloth around that and tied it behind Sheng Li''s nape so that he would not move his hand too much.


    Later, he checked the back and dressed the wound from where blood was oozing out. "It seems his highness hit a prated object. His highness should be careful," the Royal Physician concernedly said.


    "Your highness, pleasey down on the bed. I will apply a special medicine on your back which will relieve you from the pain," the Royal Physician humbly said.


    "No."


    Hearing a simple ''No'' from Sheng Li''s mouth had confused Ying Lili. "The one who injured me is you so, you should apply that," hepleted his words. "Thank you for treating me. Give me that special medicine and you two can leave," Sheng Li pronounced.


    The Royal Physician quickly crushed some herbs in a mortar and then made a paste of it. Looking at the Crown Princess he said, "Your highness, keep it until it dries out and then with a wet cloth wipe the part where it had been applied."


    Ying Lili nodded and thanked him for treating the Crown Prince. The Royal Physician stood up, bowed, and left the chamber with Xing-Fu.


    "Apply it," Sheng Li said.


    Ying Lili huffed and averted her gaze from him. "Why? Earlier you were enjoying the touch of Princess Xi. Go, tell her to do this for you!" Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Since when did my Wildcat start getting jealous?!" Sheng Li astonishingly asked. He was feeling happy that Ying Lili was now affected by the presence of other women around him.


    ''I should have teased her more that time. s, I did not know that Lili was watching me. It is tough to see her acting this way but it''s a nice feeling,'' Sheng Li internally thought.

 Chapter 266 - Married Another Woman

    <h4>Chapter 266 - Married Another Woman</h4>


    "I am not jealous of her," Ying Lili crossed her arms, ring at Sheng Li.


    "Shall I call her here then?" Sheng Li with a smirk asked.


    "I will kill you if you do that," Ying Lili threatened him.


    Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the statement of Ying Lili. Now, he did not want to stop it. "And how will you kill me?" Sheng Li questioned, raising a brow. "Shouldn''t you kill that Princess who was seducing your husband?" He inquired from her.


    "Why should I kill her when the one who was enjoying all this was you. If you had not encouraged her then she would not have done this," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li ended upughing.


    "How could youugh in this situation?" Ying Lili went closer to him and pped at his bare shoulder. Sheng Li stoppedughing and pulled her towards him, using his left hand. He made her sit on hisp and tightly wrapped his arm around Ying Lili''s waist.


    "What if I had married another woman? Then would you have loved me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Never," Ying Lili replied. "I don''t like it. I would have died and never would have fallen in love with you if you had another wife," Ying Lili proimed.


    "You did good by not epting the marriage proposals early," Sheng Li asserted.


    "That''s why I am blessed to have you as my husband. Even though there was no love between us, you decided to have only one woman. When you told the Empress not to look for a second wife or a concubine for you, my heart fluttered a little," Ying Lili smiled and wrapped her hands around Sheng Li''s neck.


    "When you know your husband does not look at any other woman except you then why did you get angry? That was all a part of the n. Weng Wei had told her to get close to me so I wanted to hear this from her mouth. I was even mad when she held my hand and when I saved her from falling. But then she epted the truth which I wanted from her. I pushed her way, wanted to cut her hand but you intervened and saved her," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "I understand. Let me apply the medicine. It will relieve you," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li let go of her. Heid down on the bed while Ying Lili applied the paste.


    "It''s cold," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Are you still feeling the pain?" She queried.


    "No. It has gone as soon as you applied the medicine," Sheng Li replied.


    "Liar!" She remarked.


    Sheng Li tilted his head to look at her. "I am not lying," he said while gazing into her eyes.


    "I am feeling hot. Help me in taking a bath," Sheng Li said.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "A moment ago you said that you are feeling cold! And why shall I help you? I will not. You are not a kid anymore," Ying Lili snapped at him.


    "This is summertime, Lili. I take bath twice a day," Sheng Li proimed.


    "You didn''t bathe twice yesterday," she immersed her hands in a water bowl andter wiped them with a clean towel.


    "Yesterday, I was not feeling hot but today I am." Sheng Li passed a smile to her. "But your left hand is alright. You can ask the servants to do that. Why are you troubling me? I have so much work to do," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Forget about other work," Sheng Li sat on the bed and looked at his right hand. "When you had injured your foot, I helped you and even carried you to the shrine. Can''t you do this little work for me?"


    "You can ask the maidservants," Ying Lili opined.


    "I don''t allow them in my bathhouse. It''s fine...I will use this right hand," Sheng Li stated.


    "Okay. I will help," Ying Lili stated and picked another towel. Soaking it in the water, she wrung it and wiped the applied medicine from Sheng Li''s back. "It''s done!" She said and helped him wearing the silk upper garment.


    She called a maidservant and told her to clean everything there. "Get the bathhouse ready," she ordered. The maidservant after cleaning left the chamber.


    "You should not lose your temper easily. Next time do not do such a thing and try not to make such ns," Ying Lili told Sheng Li. She removed the hairpin from his hair bun, followed by the crown, and let the hair flow down till his shoulders.


    "Did you check about that man whom we saw in the temple?" she asked, sitting on the stool there.


    "The sketch is made. I told Xiao to look into that," Sheng Li replied. "I want to know what he and Weng Wei were nning?" Sheng Li muttered. "I have a feeling that they will do something again. Weng Wei does not want me to live peacefully, and she will do anything to k¡­" Ying Lili ced her palm over Sheng Li''s mouth.


    "Nothing will happen to you. I will not let it happen," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li nodded while Ying Lili put her hand down. "I know when you are with me, nothing will happen to me," he said, keeping the smile on his lips.


    "Sheng Li, I aming in a while. Wait for me, okay?" Ying Lili informed him.


    "Why? Where are you heading to?" Sheng Li confusedly asked.


    "To meet Xue Yu-Yan."


    The facial expressions on Sheng Li''s face darkened. Knitting his brows, he asked, "Why?"


    "I promised her that I will show thest letter written by her father. I will be back soon," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li recalled the other day when Ying Lili urged Zhang Yong to write something on paper that he did not know about, but Ying Lili had told him that it would prove good for themter.


    "Okay. I will be waiting for you. I cannot do anything without your help," Sheng Li stated.


    "I know. I will be back soon. Till then, you can read something," Ying Lili stood up from the stool and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 267 - Promise Of Xue

    <h4>Chapter 267 - Promise Of Xue</h4>


    Ying Lili, after taking the letter from her chamber, went to meet Xue Yu-Yan. "Court Lady Xu, stay here. I wille outside in a few minutes," Ying Lili walked inside the chamber. Xue Yu-Yan was sitting on the porch on the wooden stairs.


    Ying Lili found Xue Yu-Yan was in some deep thoughts. But unlike earlier days, her sight was not pleasant. Ying Lili felt a bit guilty for agreeing with the punishment. ''I should not have been harsh on her!'' Ying Lili told herself.


    Ying Lili saw Xue Yu-Yan had focussed her gaze on the plum blossom tree in the garden of the porch.


    "Sister Xue." Softly Ying Lili called out her name, bringing Xue Yu-Yan from her thoughts. She turned back and stood up upon seeing the Crown Princess there.


    Ying Lili went near Xue Yu-Yan. "Is Sister Xue doing well?"


    "Yes, your highness," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    Ying Lili noticed Xue''s puffy eyes. She might have cried continuouslyst night, so she embraced Xue Yu-Yan in a hug. "Forgive me for requesting that kind of punishment. I have promised your father that I will take care of you, and I did the opposite."


    Ying Lili wanted to show Xue Yu-Yan that she was not alone in the Pce. She was downhearted at how they all were treating Xue Yu-Yan. Though it was the fault of Xue Yu-Yan that things turned this way for her.


    Oppositely, Xue Yu-Yan could not control her tears. She wanted to hold someone, but there was no one. Jian Guozhi did note after that day while his first wife did not visit her. Even the Empress did not ask about her well-being. The person whom she wanted to kill today was embracing her and empathizing with her. She rested her forehead on Ying Lili''s shoulder and cried profusely.


    Ying Lili patted her back lovingly and told her to cry her heart out. Indeed, Xue Yu-Yan did wrong to her from the beginning, but it was not her fault. It was the fault of the teachings and surroundings she had since childhood.


    After a few minutes, Xue Yu-Yan pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes. Ying Lili wiped the tears that were on her cheek and took Xue Yu-Yan near the floor table. Making her sit on the floor chair, Ying Lili handed her a ss of water which Xue Yu-Yan drank.


    Ying Lili ced the ss on the table and sat on the other chair, facing her.


    "Crown Princess, I do not know how I can express my gratitude towards you. I am extremely guilty of whatever I did to you," Xue Yu-Yan stated.


    "That was in the past. I know that Sister Xue will never do this again. I have faith in the person whom I have considered my younger sister," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    Xue Yu-Yan sobbed and lowered her eyes. It was the nobility of Ying Lili that she forgave her. She was known for her kindness for a reason, Xue realized.


    "This is the letter from your father," Ying Lili forwarded a white folded paper towards Xue Yu-Yan on the table. Xue Yu-Yan picked it and unfolded it. She read the letter as tears formed in her eyes.


    She folded the paper and brought her hands closer. "Father, I am not happy," she cried again. Ying Lili curled her fingers and clutched her skirt.


    ''A father always wants his daughter to be happy after marriage. But what if she does not remain happy? She has no other option and just epts her fate. She cannot even tell her family about the mental turmoil she was going through in that period.'' Xue Yu-Yan epted the marriage because of her greed, and now she was suffering from all this. Even her father turned blind in front of power. He agreed with the Empress to marry her son to his daughter.


    "Father wants me to be happy and stay away from the Empress. But is that even possible for me?" Xue Yu-Yan wiped the tears again from the back of her palm. "The Empress has already abandoned me so there is no way I would go too close to her. Sister Lili, you did a lot for me, so I want to do something for you too," Xue Yu-Yan proimed.


    "The Empress wants to kill you both. She did not tell me exactly about her n, but I will try bringing the truth. I know you will not trust me, that is why this time I will prove myself," asserted Xue Yu-Yan.


    Ying Lili was stunned to hear that. Earlier, Xue Yu-Yan wanted to kill her, but now it was the opposite. She remembered Sheng Li''s words - Not to trust anyone in the Pce, especially the people from the Wei Family. Xue''s father betrayed Sheng Li''s mother even though she saved him. So, should Ying Lili trust the words of Wei Zhang Yong''s daughter?


    "Sister Xue, I cannot trust you because you also betrayed Sheng Li. He told me that he used to admire you a little, long time ago when you were kids, but then he was aware of what the Wei Family had done? to him. I believe in the words of Sheng Li and that is not to trust anyone in the Pce except a few people," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan smiled a little. "I know, Sister Lili. That''s why I told you that I will prove myself trustworthy through my actions. I have seen his highness? bearing the torture of the Empress when we were young. I know he befriended me because I was the daughter of the Wei Family. Even I was told the same - To keep a check on the Crown Prince but instead of doing that I felt pity for him. But, as we grew up, my main aim was to get the Crown because every single day I was taught this. I had lost my conscience and walked on the path which was already paved by the people around me.


    When the Crown Prince married you, my hopes to get the Crown ended. Later, I realized that the Crown Prince yed with me. He wanted the information about the Wei Residence which I gave him. Vengeance surrounded my mind and I thought to kill him and you. Thank you, Sister Lili, for embracing me at the time when everyone left me. Xue will definitely return the kindness the Crown Princess has shown to her."


    There was a different kind of spark in Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes. The Emperor had told Ying Lili that in the Pce everyone seemed close but were too far from each other. There was no connection of hearts. It was because of the greed for power. Hunger for Power destroyed many lives even in the earlier times and it was visible in the Royal Han Family as well.


    Ying Lili has to bring those hearts together and has to create the Pce into a beautiful ce. All this was possible when the Empress would be removed and punished for her crimes, followed by the others!


    "Brother Nianzu advised me a few days ago not to let my greed overpower my mind. I will now walk on the path which I always wished for myself. You have given me the light and direction for the life which I will create from today onwards. Sister Lili, you are the most suitable woman to get the throne and lead this nation. And in that even if I can contribute a little, I will. It is the promise of Xue."


    Ying Lili nodded and stood up from the chair. "I am happy that Sister Xue understood her worth. I wish you a happy life. I shall leave. Do not cry ever," Ying Lili proimed and walked ahead. Xue Yu-Yan bowed her head until the Crown Princess left her sight.


    Ying Lili came out of the chamber and left for the Crown Prince''s manor. "Believing a foe is tough, but what if that enemy wants to turn into your friend and wants to walk on the right path! Risk is there, but sometimes that risk can give you good results," Ying Lili thought.

 Chapter 268 - I Do Not Allow It

    <h4>Chapter 268 - I Do Not Allow It</h4>


    Ying Lili came back to the manor of the Crown Prince. She found Sheng Li pacing in the chamber. Seeing Ying Lili, Sheng Li asked her why she took so much time.


    "She was sad, so I consoled her," Ying Lili replied.


    "I told you not to get involved with her. Why don''t you listen to me? Don''te crying to meter," Sheng Li remarked.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "I think her surroundings turned her into that," Ying Lili opined. "She had puffy eyes and¡­" Sheng Li ced his index finger on Ying Lili''s lips.


    "I told you not to show your kindness to the wrong people. Mother saved her father, but in the end, she lost her life. I urge you not to get closer to her," Sheng Li proimed as he put his finger down.


    "She is alone, Sheng Li. I know she did wrong, but she wants to change herself," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li pinched Ying Lili''s cheek, who passed a low scream. She touched her cheek and red at him. "Stay away from her. She is from the Wei Family. I cannot see you getting hurt. I will burn this pce if anything happens to you, ," Sheng Li repeated his words.


    "Hmm. I understand." "Is the bathhouse ready?" She asked.


    "Yes. Let''s go," Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s wrist, and the two went towards the bathhouse.


    "Sheng Li, do you think it is good for me to enter your bathhouse? People will be gossiping about us," Ying Lili stated.


    "Let them gossip. Why do you care so much about the people? Your prime focus should be your husband," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili agreed?and went inside the bathhouse with him.


    Ying Lili checked the water''s hotness and turned to look at Sheng Li. "Come here," She said and helped him in taking off the upper robes.


    Ying Lili went towards the shelf and took a tiny jar filled with the rice water. She put it on the marble support made around the bathtub.


    Turning to Sheng Li, she stood on her tiptoe?to open the knot on the cotton cloth which was hung around his neck to support his wrist. Sheng Li bent down a little. "Now, you can do itfortably," he said. Ying Lili opened the knot and put the cloth and bandage aside. She gestured to him to get into the bathtub.


    Later, Ying Lili sat on the marble tform while Sheng Li got into the water. The white curtains were hanging around the bathtub which was filled with rose petals and a small quantity of sandalwood fragrance in the water.


    Removing the overcoat, Ying Lili folded the sleeves of her Hanfu dress. She dipped the wooden hemispherical jug into the water and took it out. Ying Lili poured the water over Sheng Li''s head. She did the same until Sheng Li''s hair gotpletely wet. Pouring the rice water over Sheng Li''s head, she massaged his scalp for a few minutes. The rice water got evenly distributed throughout the scalp.


    Sheng Li had closed his eyes as it was rxing for him. Once she was done with his hair, she said, "You can do the remaining work. I am going."


    Immediately Sheng Li opened his eyes and tilted his head to look at her. "No. How would I reach my back?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    Drawing her brows together, Ying Lili red at Sheng Li. But because Sheng Li injured his wrist because of her, she agreed to do that. Filling the hemispherical wooden jug with the water, she poured it above Sheng Li''s head and washed his hair. Once she was done, she told Sheng Li to move forward as she had to scrub his back.


    Every time she saw Sheng Li''s back, her heart ached. She moved her fingers over the scars which were imprinted on Sheng Li''s back. "Will they ever go?" Ying Lili asked, grazing her fingers over them.


    "Huh?" Tilting his head, Sheng Li noticed Ying Lili''s reactions, who looked at him. "I forgot to put the medicine which Hu Jingguo had told me to apply over these scars. I will do it in the evening," Ying Lili said. Her lips moved up, thus giving a smile to Sheng Li, who nodded.


    Ying Lili scrubbed Sheng Li''s back gently, keeping in mind that he had injured his back as well. After she was done she washed his back and told him to turn to her. Sheng Li did so, and now his naked chest was in front of Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "I will sit on this marble tform. Then you can do your work." Sheng Li sat up on the tform as the water moved down his body in the bathtub. Ying Lili looked at him before scrubbing his chest.


    "This is thest time I am doing this. Next time be careful and do not injure your hand," Ying Lili said.


    "But I want to get injured daily," Sheng Li murmured.


    Looking into the eyes of Sheng Li, she asked, "What did you murmur?"


    "Nothing," Sheng Li lied. Ying Lili''s hand rested near the region of the chest, where she could feel Sheng Li''s heartbeats. She lifted her gaze to meet the eyes of Sheng Li, who was lovingly looking at her.


    "Why did you stop?" He asked.


    She blinked, lowered her eyes, and shook her head. A strange atmosphere was building up around them. Ying Lili finished scrubbing Sheng Li''s front body and told him to do the remaining work himself.


    "Hmm. Thanks," Sheng Li said as he got back into the bathtub.


    Sheng Li took a dip in the water and came out of it. Wiping his face, he said, "Lili, why don''t you take a bath with me? Now, you havee here," he paused and turned towards her, who was still on the counter.


    "I am leaving," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li grasped her hand using his left hand.


    "I do not allow it," Sheng Li whispered near Ying Lili''s ear before kissing her ear. Butterflies danced in her stomach the moment Sheng Li kissed her earlobe. He nuzzled his nose in the crook of Ying Lili''s neck and kissed her there.


    Her chest was rising up and down as Sheng Li kept sweetly torturing her neck. That''s why she did not want toe there. But in front of Sheng Li, she could not even refuse.


    She ended up moaning when Sheng Li found the sweet spot right below her ear from where her neck started. Her eyes shuddered closed, and she brought her palm closer to her mouth, not wanting to moan out again because the intensity of those wet kisses kept increasing.


    She heard the sound of water as if Sheng Li hade out of it. She gradually opened her eyes and saw him sitting on the tform. His face was dangerously close to her. "Let''s not do anything here. They are outside and, if-" Sheng Li ced his forefinger on Ying Lili''s lips, stopping her from speaking further.


    "When you are with me, just think about me. These past few days were hectic, and we could not spend time together," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili nodded and lowered her eyes. Sheng Li ced his thumb and index finger under her chin to lift it.


    "Don''t put the pressure on your right hand," Ying Lili said.


    "I am not. It is on myp," Sheng Li replied.


    For a long time, they kept staring into each other''s eyes as the distance between them gradually closed, and those soft, pillowy lips of Ying Lili met the rough lips of Sheng Li.

 Chapter 269 - Wildcat Got Out Of Control!

    <h4>Chapter 269 - Wildcat Got Out Of Control!</h4>


    Sheng Li ced his left hand on Ying Lili''s nape, drawing her further closer to him. His thumb was gently stroking her cheek. He pulled a little back, giving them enough time to breathe when he heard the sound of someoneing there. He nced towards the door, which was half visible from the curtains. He saw Xing-Fu, who was standing behind the white curtain with a bowed head.


    "Your highness, forgive me for disturbing you two. General Xiao is waiting for you in the chamber. He has something important to discuss with you," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li. Ying Lili had moved away from Sheng Li by then.


    "Can''t he wait? Why does everyone love to intrude in my precious moments?" Sheng Liined.


    Xing-Fu did not say anything when he heard themand of Sheng Li. "Leave." Xing-Fu quietly stepped back and left the bathhouse. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who was smiling.


    "I think everyone is the enemy of us. Every time I get romantic, someone ruins it and turns my mood off," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "General Xiao must have something important to tell you else he would not have sent a message here," Ying Lili stated.


    "Hmm, I know," Sheng Li replied. He went back into the bathtub.


    "I will see you in your chamber," Ying Lili stated. She stood up and left the bathhouse. Sheng Li for some time stayed in the bathtub beforeing out of it and then dressed up.


    Xing-Fu tied the bandage in the Crown Prince''s hand. Buckling the golden belt around the dress, Xing-Fu picked the overcoat. Sheng Li stretched his arms out while Xing-Fu made him wear the overcoat.


    Seeing how freely the Crown Prince was moving his hand, Xing-Fu got suspicious. "Your highness, pardon me but it seems that your wrist is alright," Xing-Fu said in a low voice.


    "Really?" Sheng Li asked and stepped ahead to put on the shoes.


    "The way his highness is moving his hand-"


    "Xing-Fu, I have injured my wrist. Keep it in your mind," Sheng Li said and flicked at his forehead before leaving the bathhouse. Xing-Fu caressed his forehead and adjusted the hat he was wearing. He hastened his steps and followed the Crown Prince. As he came out of the bathhouse, he instructed the servants to clean it.


    Soon, he caught up with the Crown Prince. "Does his highness want the Crown Princess to do his work? That''s why his highness acted to have a broken wrist," Xing-Fu deduced.


    Sheng Li was smiling. "Xing-Fu, I have been wondering since when you started using your brain. The things where you should use your brain, you do not but using too much of your brain in my n," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Forgive me, your highness. I was a little curious," Xing-Fu replied. Soon they reached the manor and Sheng Li went to the chamber where Xiao Zhan was waiting for him.


    Sheng Li found Ying Lili was also there, looking at the sketch that he had made from the painter. Xiao Zhan saw the Crown Prince and stood up from the chair, bowing his head.


    "Your highness, what happened to your hand?" Xiao Zhan worriedly asked.


    Ying Lili shifted her gaze to look at him and stood up from the chair.


    "Nothing much. Just a Wildcat got out of control and I ended up falling and hurting myself," Sheng Li answered, looking at Ying Lili. Xiao Zhan suppressed his smile and quickly pulled out the chair for the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li sat on the chair, followed by Ying Lili and Xiao Zhan. "What is the important matter that you could not wait longer?" Sheng Li questioned Xiao Zhan.


    "Your highness, General Wang has sent a message from Juyan. Three assassins chased General Wang. So he would take a longer route to get back to Luoyang," Xiao Zhan informed the Crown Prince and ced the rolled paper on the table.


    Sheng Li quickly opened it and read the message by Wang Hao. "Someone is keeping an eye on all of our activities," Sheng Li proimed after reading the message. He looked back at Xiao and inquired him if he could find out anything about the person in the sketch.


    "I am afraid, your highness, but I did not find any clue till now. I have informed our best spies, and they will get back to us soon," Xiao Zhan affirmed.


    "Hmm."


    "Sheng Li, if the assassins chased General Wang, then it might be dangerous for him and also for Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili was anxious upon hearing the message.


    "Do not take General Wang lightly. He will bring Hu Jingguo safely here," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, but why is Hu Jingguo brought back?" Xiao Zhan confusedly asked.


    "I will tell youter," Sheng Li replied. Xiao Zhan nodded his head in agreement. "Tighten the security around the Pce. After two days, there are three marriages. Keep a close eye on everything. I wille in the evening for a meeting with the Military Commanders," Sheng Li exined to Xiao Zhan.


    "Yes, your highness. The First Prince hade earlier to check the security arrangements."


    Sheng Li narrowly gazed at Xiao Zhan. "It''s the marriage of the sister of the First Prince so, he might be tense," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "General Xiao, keep a close check in the marriage hall. This enemy is more dangerous for us. We do not know what he is nning with each passing second," Ying Lili menacingly said. Xiao Zhan nodded and took his leave, taking the sketch with him.


    "Lili, you did not tell me what you would like to have as the present," out of sudden Sheng Li said, bewildering Ying Lili.


    "If I tell you, then how will that be my present? I cannot ask for gifts from you. Though I liked the first present you gave me- The ceramic bangle on the day of Lantern Festival." Ying Lili moved her sleeve up and showed Sheng Li her left wrist in which she had worn the bangle.


    "The butterfly and the bangle both look good," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    Sheng Li recalled the day when he purchased the bangle for her. He used to think that Ying Lili did not like such things, but today he realized that she was a woman who indeed wanted to have trappings.


    He was lost in his thoughts when he felt Ying Lili''s hand on his left hand. She had moved the sleeve up and was looking at the butterfly that she had drawn. She ced her hand beside his and passed a broad smile to him.


    "This is the symbol of our love. These imprints of butterflies will remind us every day about our Young Forever Love," Ying Lili stated.

 Chapter 270 - Bad Karma

    <h4>Chapter 270 - Bad Karma</h4>


    The Empress was eating fruits when the maidservant informed her that Xue Yu-Yan visited her. Weng Wei flinched her brows. "Bring her in," Weng Weimanded. In a minute, Xue Yu-Yan came inside the chamber. She bowed and greeted the Empress.


    "You showed your face after a long time," Weng Wei asserted.


    "Forgive me, your majesty," Xue Yu-Yan apologized.


    "Will you keep staying like this? Have a seat," Weng Wei gestured towards the floor mattress. Xue Yu-Yan got seated down on the mattress and asked Weng Wei if she could peel the fruits for her.


    "No need. I am done." Weng Wei replied and picked the napkin from the table. She dabbed her mouth with it. cing it back on the table, Weng Wei said, "You disappointed me. And what is wrong with your face?" Weng Wei was annoyed at Xue Yu-Yan.


    Xue Yu-Yan felt dejected upon seeing how the Empress was still worried about the failed n. The Empress did not even ask her about her well-being, which disheartened her.


    "Your Majesty, what''s your next n? Our n failedst time, and you said that you prepared a second n as well." Xue Yu-Yan wanted to know what the Empress was scheming.


    "I have thought of not doing anything for some time," Weng Wei proimed, not wanting to share the n with Xue Yu-Yan. A maidservant came inside to inform the Empress about Princess Xi Jiao''s visit.


    "Send her in," Weng Weimanded.


    Xi Jiao came there and bowed. "Your majesty, forgive me. I could notplete the task you had provided me," Xi Jiao said. Xue Yu-Yan noticed the bandage on Xi Jiao''s neck, so she got a little curious.


    "What happened to your neck, Miss?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    Xi Jiao was trembling in fear. Gathering her courage, she said, "The Crown Prince was going to kill me. I thought he would get close to me if I would do the same things as the Crown Princess. I heard from the Sixth Prince that the Crown Prince likes those who are more into warfare. I challenged him for a sword fight. Firstly, he was smiling at me and even held me when I was going to fall, but then, suddenly he pushed me away and pointed his sword towards me. He was going to-'''' Xi Jiao started crying and continued, "He was g-going to cut my hand but thanks to the Crown Princess I was saved."


    The facial expressions of Weng Wei darkened. She clenched her fists.


    "The Crown Prince has passed a message for the Empress- Not to y with his highness and there is no second woman in his life." Xi Jiao informed the Empress.


    "Leave," shouted Weng Wei at her. Xi Jiao, wiping her tears, left the chamber.


    Weng Wei mmed her palm against the table. "Isn''t he flying too much after that woman came into his life? Jian was right. I made the biggest mistake of my life by agreeing to their marriage." Weng Wei was taking deep breaths.


    "Your majesty, please calm down. Here, drink the water," Xue Yu-Yan said as she poured the water from the jar in the ss. Weng Wei took the water ss and drank the water. Putting it on the table, Weng Wei said, "I was focussing on the wrong target. Even if Sheng Li dies, she will torment us, but if she dies, then everything will be in my control."


    Xue Yu-Yan knitted her brows and looked at the Empress. ''What is she trying to do this time?'' she wondered and again thought to ask when Weng Wei told her to leave the chamber. Xue Yu-Yan bowed and left.


    She thought of going to the garden to stay there for some time when she saw Zho Mi with Jian Guozhi. The two were standing in the Flower Pavilion, smiling at each other. Xue Yu-Yan lowered her eyes. She turned to go when Zho Mi called out her name.


    Xue Yu-Yan turned and looked at her. She bowed and lifted her head.


    "Sister Xue,e here." Zho Mi waited for Xue Yu-Yan''s response, who gazed at Jian Guozhi. She found that he was not even looking at her.


    "Thank you, Sister Mi, but I have some work," Xue Yu-Yan said with a smile and walked away from there.


    "Sister Xue is still adjusting to the Pce. Jian Ge, why do we not take Sister Xue tomorrow with us? She will feel happy," Zho Mi stated.


    "But I will not be happy seeing her beside me. It will infuriate me more," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    As Xue Yu-Yan walked back to her chamber, she met Lei Wanxi, who gazed at her with narrowed eyes. "Brother Wanxi, please forgive me for that day," Xue Yu-Yan lowered her eyes.


    "Why should I? The thing which I had not done, I was going to be punished for that," Lei Wanxi was veracious in his statements.


    Xue Yu-Yan felt embarrassed and guilty.


    "Wanxi, forgiveness is the greatest adornment," Nianzu voiced. Xue Yu-Yan lifted her head while Lei Wanxi turned to look at him. Nianzu stopped near Lei Wanxi and peered at Xue Yu-Yan, whose eyes were watery.


    "Brother Wanxi, one shall forgive a person when he/she realizes his/her mistake," Nianzu affirmed.


    Lei Wanxi did not agree with Nianzu. "That way we shall also forgive the enemy on the battlefield. Traitors and enemies cannot be forgiven, because they betray," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "But Sister Xue is not a traitor. She is part of the Han Family, don''t you think so?" Nianzu asked Lei Wanxi, who huffed.


    "Brother, I did not say that Sister Xue is a traitor. I gave only my opinion. Brother Nianzu, what if Sister Lili and I would have gotten flogged that day? Sister Lili and I never did any harm to Sister Xue despite that she did that," Lei Wanxi argued, looking at Xue Yu-Yan, who lowered her eyes.


    "Wanxi, that was in the past. Since when did Brother Wanxi start holding grudges? Even our Sister Lili has forgiven Sister Xue, then why can''t you?" Nianzu inquired from Lei Wanxi.


    "Sister Lili is naive and kind. Brother Sheng told me not to show kindness to anyone," Lei Wanxi again argued.


    Nianzu did not want tough but ended upughing. Controlling hisughter, he said, "Brother Wanxi, stop acting like a kid. I know you favor and idealize Sister Lili''s thoughts in your life." Nianzu shifted his gaze towards Xue Yu-Yan and continued, "He is just a little angry at you. Don''t take his sayings to your heart, Sister Xue."


    Looking back at Lei Wanxi, Nianzu said, "Brother, if one person is bad in a family, it does not mean that the entire family is bad. Every person is different in his/her aspect. Sister Xue grew up in an environment where she could not help but end up following a path that others have decided for her. Don''t judge a person just because of the bad karma of his/her family member," Nianzu advised Lei Wanxi.


    "I forgive you, Sister Xue," Lei Wanxi stated and walked away.

 Chapter 271 - Want To Go To The Mountains

    <h4>Chapter 271 - Want To Go To The Mountains</h4>


    "Thank you, Brother Nianzu, for understanding me. Despite the wrong I did, you and Sister Lili supported me and understood me," Xue Yu-Yan asserted; her eyes were still lowered.


    "Sister Xue does not need to thank me. Brother Wanxi is young, that''s why he acts that way. He has a pure heart and cannot stay angry with someone for a long run," Nianzu proimed, passing a tiny smile to Xue Yu-Yan.


    "How is your mother doing? I have heard that she was a little sick. Is she alright?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "Yes. She is fine now. I wasing from her chamber only," Nianzu told Xue Yu-Yan, who nodded.


    "How is Sister Xue feeling? I advised you the other day not to let your greed and jealousy overpower you," Nianzu stated and waited for Xue Yu-Yan''s response.


    "I am regretting that I did not follow the advice of the Fourth Brother," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    "Let''s have a small conversation, Sister Xue," Nianzu said with a smile. Xue Yu-Yan agreed to him, and the two went to the Eastern Pavilion. Sitting on the wooden stools, Nianzu said, "Over a month ago, at this ce, I had given a tiny piece of advice to Sister Lili. Everyone is aware of the toxic rtionship that existed between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. She was not ready to ept things around her, things rted to the Crown Prince, but gradually she did, and now their rtionship has turned strong and unbreakable."


    "Brother Nianzu, are you trying to help me through my rtionship with Jian Ge? To tell you the truth, I married him because of the political benefits I saw in front of me. Unlike Sister Lili, I am a greedy woman," Xue Yu-Yan epted the truth.


    "You were a greedy woman, Sister Xue. Not anymore. Every woman has the wish to be cherished by her man. Please do not deny it. It is the truth that leads to rivalry among the wives, consorts, and concubines. Sister Xue, the First Brother is angry at you because of many reasons. You are smart enough to understand what I am trying to say. I know that soon the First Brother will peer through you and will find out your true self, but before that, you also need to find out about yourself," Nianzu pronounced.


    Xue Yu-Yan nodded. "I have promised myself that I will find my true self," she affirmed. "I know I cannot change the past, but I will try my best to change my future. I want to live happily, free from others'' pressure," she added.


    Nianzu smiled and took out the fan which he had beside the sash. He started fanning himself. "What does Sister Xue like? What are your hobbies?" Nianzu queried her.


    "Umm¡­ I always wanted to go to the mountains and spend some time there. But my mother and father never allowed me to go there," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    "I also want to go to the mountains, but everyone says I am a kid," suddenly Weng Yu voiced, who had a bow in his hand. Nianzu slightly turned and passed him a smile. On the other hand, Xue Yu-Yan stood up upon hearing the voice of the young prince.


    "Little Yu, you were practicing?" Nianzu curiously asked.


    "Yes, Fourth Brother." Weng Yu came closer to him and said, "Today I scored 50 in aiming the targets." Weng Yu was happy while sharing his achievement. "I will tell you about this to Sister Lili. She will be happy to hear this," Weng Yu stated.


    "You can tell the Crown Princesster. Have a seat," Nianzu said.


    Weng Yu looked at Xue Yu-Yan and told her to take a seat. "I will after Brother Yu," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "Sister Lili said that as a gentleman I should tell ady to sit first," Weng Yu proimed. Nianzu was bewildered to hear that and told Xue Yu-Yan to sit down. Once she sat, Weng Yu sat on the other wooden carved bench there.


    "I also want to go to the mountains," Weng Yu initiated the conversation. "Sister Xue, we can take the permission of his majesty," Weng Yu said.


    "Mountains are far from here. Moreover, after two days there are three marriages in the Pce so, the father will not allow this. Lastly, you are young, so you will not get permission to go out. Grow up a little and then you can go," Nianzu told Weng Yu, who heaved a sigh.


    "I will ask Sister Lili. Only she can fulfill my wish. Sister Xue, then you can apany us," Weng Yu excitedly said. Xue Yu-Yan agreed to the Seventh Prince.


    "I do not think that Sister Lili will agree to your request, Little Yu. The Crown Prince will not allow her to go. So, do not ask Sister Lili," Nianzu urged Weng Yu, who pouted and crossed his arms.


    "You can first ask the Crown Prince, Brother Yu," Xue Yu-Yan opined.


    "Never, Sister Xue. I-I do not have enough courage to speak to the Crown Prince," in a low voice, Weng Yu said.


    Nianzu closed the fan and said, "We can have a trip to the nearest mountain of Luoyang for a day. Summer is going to end soon and we need a trip at least before it will end."


    Weng Yu''s eyes glistened upon hearing the n of going to the mountain with his brothers. He always wanted to spend time with his brothers. "Fourth Brother, then will you talk with the Fifth Brother? It will be fun if we all go on a trip together," Weng Yu asserted.


    "I will talk with the Crown Prince regarding this. Sister Xue, your dream to go to the mountain wille true. Are you happy now?" Nianzu asked her.


    Xue Yu-Yan nodded. She was indeed happy. She was feeling blessed thinking that there were a few people around her who did not despise her despite the wrong she did to them.


    "It is lunchtime. I shall take my leave. My mother will be waiting for me." Nianzu stood up, followed by Weng Yu and Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Even I am going," Weng Yu said. Xue Yu-Yan thanked both the Princes for having a conversation with her. Nianzu passed a tiny smile to her before leaving with Weng Yu.

 Chapter 272 - Tell My Fifth Brother

    <h4>Chapter 272 - Tell My Fifth Brother</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was eating dumplings in front of a food stall when the seller asked him, "You seem from an upper-ss family. I wonder if eating from this food stall is suiting your taste or not, young master."


    "Indeed, it suits my taste. I love eating food in the stalls, especially the dumplings," Lei Wanxi affirmed and took another dumpling stick from the seller. While chewing the dumpling inside his mouth, he took out two cents and handed that to the seller.


    Walking ahead while holding the dumpling stick in his hand, he looked around. "Where shall I have my food today?" Lei Wanxi wondered and kept walking in search of a good restaurant.


    As he finished the dumpling, he threw the stick in the wooden basket, which was ced beside another food stall. Walking ahead, he came across a restaurant. He ascended the stairs and walked in when he was hit on the shoulder by a woman, who walked past him.


    He turned and found that the woman who hit him was none other than Chuntao. He extended his hand out and called out her name, "Miss Chuntao." But she did not stop when a man ran past him.


    "What is going on?" Lei Wanxi was confused. He decided to follow Chuntao and went behind her.


    Chuntao was running aimlessly when she was caught by the man, who was chasing her. There were tears in her eyes. "Chun, forgive me," Bingbing said.


    "Why did you do that? You told me that you like me and want to marry me. Then, why?" Chuntao asked while sobbing.


    "Chun, I only kissed her, nothing more." Bingbing rified himself.


    Lei Wanxi was hearing their conversation, who were fighting in the restaurant''s backyard.


    "Don''t lie! I caught you the other day as well. You and Miaoran were fooling me. Let''s depart our ways. You did a few things for me for which I am grateful to you," Chuntao stated, wiping the tears from her cheeks. Bingbing moved closer to her and held her hands.


    "Chun, that was just a mistake. We only kissed and did not do anything further," Bingbing affirmed.


    Chuntao struggled to remove her hands from Bingbing''s grip. "Leave me. I need to go. It''s ended between us," Chuntao stated, twisting her hands in his hands.


    "I cannot let you go, Chun. You are mine," Bingbing''s words did not seem right to Chuntao. Using her whole strength, she pushed him away.


    "You have lost your mind. I do not want to create any kind of nuisance here. I am leaving for the Pce. Don''t ever show me your face," Chuntao stated and turned to her right when Bingbing stopped her.


    "Even you betrayed me by going to the Pce. You are entertaining the Fourth Prince, right? That''s why hees to you and takes you to the Pce," Bingbing proimed and chuckled. "Why would a Prince take interest in you unless you give him some sexual favors? He paid off your debts and even punished Landlord Ma. Why didn''t he punish him for the other people but you only? Because you gave your body to the Fourth Prince. At least I wanted to marry you¡­ not anymore. But when you leave the Pce, no one will even nce at you," Bingbing pronounced and ced his hands on his waist.


    Lei Wanxi could not tolerate the conversation between them. "Watch your tongue, young man!" Lei Wanxi loudly said.


    Both Bingbing and Chuntao turned to the voice source. Bingbing could not recognize the Sixth Prince and stepped towards him. "You look from the upper ss. Master, this is a matter between us so, you shall not intervene. Chun, let''s go home," Bingbing went to Chuntao and grasped her hand, who was resisting, but in front of the Sixth Prince, she did not want to create a scene.


    "Leave her hand," Lei Wanxi sternly said, ring at Bingbing.


    "Young Master, she is my soon-to-be wife," Binbing affirmed and looked at Chuntao. "Let''s go home," he said with a smile, moving forward. Lei Wanxi walked to him and hit Bingbing''s hand with his fan.


    "Ahh," Bingbing passed a low scream, leaving Chuntao''s hand.


    "Sister Chuntao,e here," the Sixth Prince stated. Chuntao went behind Lei Wanxi, who had extended his arm out.


    "Sister Chun, he did not do anything to you, right?" Lei Wanxi asked, tilting his head, with a slight worriedness.


    "No, your highness," Chuntao replied when Bingbing threw a punch at Lei Wanxi, thus hurting him. Lei Wanxi fell on the ground and touched his lower lip which was bleeding.


    "Your highness," Chuntao shouted and fell on her knees. "Are you okay?" She asked and then red at Bingbing. "Have you lost your mind? You hit the Sixth Prince!" she shrieked. The restaurant owner came upon hearing the shouts and saw the Sixth Prince there. He ran towards him and helped him in standing up.


    Bingbing gulped in fear and quickly fell on his knees. "Your highness, please forgive me."


    "Ahh, my cheek," Lei Wanxi cried in pain.


    A few other men had alsoe there upon hearing the noise. "Call the Royal Inspector. This man has hit the Royal Sixth Prince," the restaurant owner shouted for help.


    "Your highness,e with me. We will get you treated," the restaurant owner humbly said.


    "It''s fine. I will go back to the Pce and tell my Fifth Brother about today''s incident. I think something happened to my jaw," Lei Wanxi said in a low voice. Bingbing was asking for forgiveness. The Royal Inspector came there with two junior inspectors and told them to take Binbging away.


    "Chun, save me! It was a mistake," Bingbing pleaded, who was in tears.


    "Royal Inspector, take him away. His sight is giving me goosebumps. What if he hits me again?" Lei Wanxi muttered, holding his cheek.


    The Royal Inspector bowed and gestured to the junior officers to take Bingbing away. "Your highness, pleasee with me. I will drop you to the Pce," stated the Royal Inspector.


    Lei Wanxi nodded and looked at Chuntao. "Let''s go, Sister Chun." He walked ahead, followed by Chuntao.

 Chapter 273 - My Beautiful Face

    <h4>Chapter 273 - My Beautiful Face</h4>


    "Your highness, I request you not to tell about today''s incident to the Crown Prince," The Royal Inspector urged from the Sixth Prince, who was still holding his cheek.


    "Why shouldn''t I? It is your negligence that it happened," Lei Wanxi stated and got into the house cart in anger. Chuntao also got into the cart, and the door was closed. The chauffeur started the horse cart.


    "Your highness, forgive me for today. Because of me, you got injured," Chuntao lowered her head and apologized.


    "It was not your fault, Sister Chun. Did I act well today?" Lei Wanxi asked with glistening eyes.


    Chuntao lifted her head and looked into the eyes of Lei Wanxi, who was smiling.


    "Don''t be shocked. I never let someone hit on my beautiful face. Because this was the best way to punish him, that''s why I let him hit me. Now, I need to hide this face from Brother Sheng else he will kill the entire family of that guy," stated Lei? Wanxi.


    "Your highness, you are a considerate person. Bingbing did wrong for which he will surely be punished, but his family has no role in that. But your highness, your cheek has swollen. I am afraid that the Crown Prince will find out about this," Chuntao said concernedly.


    "I will not go in front of him. I need to maintain a distance from Brother Sheng. Sister Chun, I will tell about this incident to Brother Nianzu," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    Chuntao furrowed her brows. "Your highness, please do not inform anything to the Fourth Prince. The things which Bingbing said were not pleasant to hear," Chuntao requested Lei Wanxi, who contemted for a minute.


    "If Sister Chun wants this, then I will not tell anyone." Lei Wanxi said, which relieved Chuntao. "But Sister Chun, what if the Fourth Brother finds out about this from someone else. Brother will not feel good. In my opinion, we should inform him. Don''t worry, I will tell him." Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Chuntao nodded. "Thank you for today, your highness."


    "Do not say thanks. You were lucky that I was there. But what were you doing in the restaurant?" Suddenly Lei Wanxi asked her the question.


    "It is also known for rest and fun. People can go there to rest for a day and y games etc. I was told by someone in the vige that Bingbing has gone there with my friend. Bingbing had promised to marry me, but then he cheated on me," Chuntao stated; her eyes filled with tears.


    "Marry you?" Lei Wanxi was bewildered.


    "Yes, your highness," Chuntao replied.


    "Don''t be sad over that man. It is good that you found out about his true nature earlier," Lei Wanxi proimed. Chuntao agreed with him and wiped the tears from her eyes.


    Soon, they both reached the Pce. Lei Wanxi told Chuntao to go to her quarter. Chuntao again thanked the Sixth Prince before leaving from there. Lei Wanxi saw a minister and went to him.


    "Minister Tian," Lei Wanxi called out his name, who stopped upon hearing his name.


    "Sixth Prince, what happened to your cheek and your lip?" Minister Tian worriedly asked.


    "Shhh" Lei Wanxi ced his forefinger on his lips.? "Lower your voice, Minister Tian," Lei Wanxi whispered. "Did you see the Crown Prince?" Lei Wanxi inquired about him.


    "No. The Crown Prince met us ministers in the early morning. After that, I have not seen his highness," Minister Tian replied. Lei Wanxi heaved a sigh of relief, resting his hand on his chest.


    "Minister Tian, can you do something for me?" Lei Wanxi asked for a favor.


    "You do not need to ask, Prince Wanxi. Just give me the order," Minister Tian humbly said.


    "Please bring the Royal Physician to my chamber quietly, without anyone''s notice. I do not want anyone to find out about this," Lei Wanxi said, pointing towards his cheek.


    "But, Prince Wanxi-"


    Lei Wanxi grabbed the hands of Minister Tian and pleaded with him. "I do not want anyone to get worried."


    "Prince Wanxi, you do not need to cry. I understand," Minister Tian stated and told Lei Wanxi to go to his chamber. Lei Wanxi stepped ahead when he saw General Xiao wasing .


    He turned back and started walking in the opposite direction of General Xiao, who saw him and called his name, but Lei Wanxi did not stop and ran away.


    "Minister Tian, why did Prince Wanxi run away!?" Xiao Zhan asked.


    "He was not running away. I think General Xiao saw something wrong," Minister Tian lied to Xiao Zhan, who furrowed.


    Oppositely, Lei Wanxi reached the chamber. He checked his face in the mirror and saw the swelling had increased. "I can handle everyone but handling Brother Sheng is difficult. He will burn that man and his family alive," Lei Wanxi muttered as he touched his lips. "Ahh, it is hurting," Lei Wanxiined.


    A growling sound came from his stomach. "Oh no! I could not even eat my lunch there. Is someone outside?" Lei Wanxi shouted. A maidservant came there and bowed.


    "Bring the lunch for me," Lei Wanxi told her. The maidservant stepped back and left for the kitchen. Minister Li Tian brought the Royal Physician. Lei Wanxi sat on the chaise and asked the Royal Physician if his face would be okay.


    "Don''t worry, Prince Wanxi. I will apply the medicine. and the swelling will go away in a day. But, may I know how the Sixth Prince got injured? It seems someone hit you," asserted the Royal Physician.


    "No! Who has the dare to hit on my face? It just happened. Please quickly apply the medicine," Lei Wanxi affirmed. The Royal Physician nodded and applied the medicine on the swollen part and then on the lower lip. "Keep it for ten minutes, Prince Wanxi," the Royal Physician said, looking at the lower lip. Lei Wanxi nodded and thanked him.


    "Please do not tell anyone about this. I do not want to trouble my family in this busy time," Lei Wanxi stated. The Royal Physician nodded and left the chamber.

 Chapter 274 - More Than Me

    <h4>Chapter 274 - More Than Me</h4>


    Princess Qi Jing visited Sheng Li and Ying Lili. She was in the Pce for a day only. Ying Lili made her sit on the chaise while she sat beside Sheng Li on another chaise. "Sister Jing, do you want to go with this marriage? Do you like the nature of Prince Lu Qifeng?" Sheng Li queried Qi Jing.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. You have asked me this question more than twenty times," Qi Jing stated with a smile.


    "Because I am scared. I want my one and only sister to be happy throughout her life. I am a little possessive towards Sister Jing," Sheng Li stated.


    "I know. Prince Qifeng is a nice person. His thought process is simr to mine. I chose him as my future husband because of a reason. During my visit to the Kun Lun Shan, I had crossed Lu Province where I heard from manyymen about the politeness and good behavior of Prince Qifeng towards his people," affirmed Qi Jing. Shifting her gaze towards Ying Lili, Qi Jing continued, "Sister Lili must be aware of his nature."


    "Huh!" Ying Lili eximed and then said, "Yes. I had heard about Prince Qifeng from my father," proimed Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows as he peered at Ying Lili.


    "Prince Qifeng told me that he proposed to Sister Lili when you two were teenagers but you refused to get married to him. He is still bothered why Sister Lili rejected him?!" Qi Jing proimed.


    "Because Lili''s fate wanted her to marry me and love me," out of sudden Sheng Li answered, bringing a broad smile to Qi Jing''s lips. "Why was Prince Qifeng talking about all that? I do not like this thing. Talking with my elder sister about his teenage infatuation. Forgive me, Sister Jing, if I sounded rude," Sheng Li asserted.


    Qi Jing smiled, seeing how possessive Sheng Li had turned for Ying Lili. It was good. After such a long time, Sister Jing saw thepassion of her brother towards someone. "Prince Qifeng was confused about Sister Lili''s adjustment in the Pce. ording to him, it was difficult to please Sister Lili," Qi Jing replied to Sheng Li.


    "Tell Prince Qifeng he irritated Lili that''s why he got rejected," Sheng Li annoyingly said.


    Qi Jingughed, and a few secondster, she stopped. "It is good to see Brother Sheng''s affection towards Sister Lili. I always prayed for this- to turn my brother gentle and fill his heart withpassion." Qi Jing looked at Ying Lili. "Thank you Sister Lili for loving Brother Sheng and understanding his true nature."


    "I would like to give something to you both. I have been preparing for this for a month." Qi Jing nced at her personal assistant, who handed her two pairs of silk dresses.


    "These dresses I have prepared myself for your future child. If the child turns out to be a girl, then this pink colored dress will look good on her. I have even made some flower patterns on it. If the child turns out to be a boy, then these blue robes will look good on him." She stood up from the chaise and went towards Ying Lili and Sheng Li. She put the dresses in Ying Lili''sp, who thanked Qi Jing.


    "These are beautiful dresses," Ying Lili said. Her eyes were sparkling. "Thank you, Sister Jing," Ying Lili said while looking at both the dresses.


    "If Mother Mei would be here then, she would have woven so many clothes. I am d that Sister Lili liked these dresses," Qi Jing stated. Her eyes turned watery.


    "Keep sending the dresses for my child. I would like him/her to wear the dresses made by the hands of my sister," Sheng Li affirmed. He was also getting emotional, but did not let it show it on his face. "I will miss you," Sheng Li said.


    Qi Jing smiled a little. "I know. I will miss Brother Sheng the most," Qi Jing answered back.


    "I will keeping there," Sheng Li stated.


    "It is not permitted to go in the sister''s house once she is married off," Qi Jing stated. She was on the verge of crying.


    "Who cares about such rules? Don''t you know your brother? The more I am stopped from doing something, the more I want to do that," Sheng Li pronounced. He then looked at Ying Lili and said, "We will meet Sister Jing and then will go to Juyan as well. I realized that you might miss your family¡­ I mean your aunt and your cousins," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili smiled. Qi Jing was delighted to see that the Crown Prince was not only gentle but also considerate towards Ying Lili. She felt overwhelmed seeing this.


    "I shall take my leave," Qi Jing said, and she stood up from the chaise. Sheng Li immediately stood up, followed by Ying Lili. He went towards Qi Jing and tightly hugged her. "Sister Jing, thank you for everything you have done to me since my childhood. You were there when I cried and needed someone to pat me, embrace me. I promise you that I will be a great person whom you will be proud of always," Sheng Li was getting emotional.


    For the first time, Ying Lili witnessed this side of Sheng Li. A tear fell from her eye seeing that moment.


    Qi Jing patted Sheng Li''s back. "Now, there is someone who will embrace you more than me. Keep Sister Lili always happy. I know that if she will be happy, then my brother will always be happy. She is the one who not only supports you but also shows you the right path," Qi Jing said in a low voice.


    "Sister Lili, pleasee here!" Qi Jing said, extending her other hand out. Ying Lili went to them. Qi Jing held Ying Lili''s hand and pulled her into a hug. Sheng Li put his arm around Ying Lili''s shoulder and the trio stayed in that position for some time. "We will miss you, Sister Jing. As Sheng Li said, we will surely visit you," Ying Lili stated.


    "Hmm. You two are my stars, whom I want to keep shining and show the way to our people," Qi Jing whispered. After a long hug, they pulled away from each other. Qi Jing was crying, so was Ying Lili.


    "Why are you two crying? Don''t cry," Sheng Li said as he wiped the tears from their cheeks using his thumbs. "I can''t see the tears in the eyes of two precious women in my life," he added, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.

 Chapter 275 - Show Me Your Face

    <h4>Chapter 275 - Show Me Your Face</h4>


    Sheng Li dropped his sister to her chamber and then went to military grounds for meeting with the Commanders of the Military. Descending the stairs, he met Xiao Zhan, who followed him to the military barracks to the chamber where the Commanders.


    As the Crown Prince entered the chamber, the tenmanders stood up from their respective seats and bowed. Sheng Li took his seat, followed by General Xiao and the Commanders.


    "Ren Qingling, did you make the arrangements?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes, your highness. The arrangements for the safe departure of Prince Lu Qifeng and Princess Qi Jing are also ready. The route through which they will travel has our soldiers deployed there," Ren Qingling informed Sheng Li. He stood up and showed the map of the route that would be used by Lu Qifeng and Qi Jing to go to Lu Province.


    Sheng Li nodded and looked at Commander Sun Qiu, who answered, "Your highness, I checked the goods properly which will be used in the marriages and also the identities of the workers who have brought them."


    "Keep your eyes and ears open. There are three marriages on the day after tomorrow. Even if there''s a slight suspicion, arrest the person and inform me," Sheng Limanded.


    "Yes, your highness," all the Commanders said in unison.


    "Your highness, I went to the Northern Pce for the security check but was prohibited entry," Commander Gao Xinyi reported to the Crown Prince.


    "You can go there. If you prohibited from entering, then say it''s the orders of the Crown Prince, and the Empress can talk with me," Sheng Li pronounced. Gao Xinyi bowed upon hearing themand of Sheng Li.


    After an hour, the meeting was over, and the Commanders were dismissed. Sheng Li was leaving for his chamber when Xiao Zhan informed him about the Sixth Prince. "Your highness, earlier in the afternoon, Prince Wanxi ran away as soon as he saw me. I think something is going on with Prince Wanxi."


    Sheng Li put the map on the table and looked at Xiao Zhan. "You might have misunderstood him. He does not ignore people," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Yes, your highness," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "I am leaving. Inform me when Wang Hao will be back," Sheng Li whispered. Xiao Zhan nodded and stood up from his chair. Sheng Li walked out of the chamber and soon left the barracks. He was going to meet Lu Qifeng when the words of Xiao Zhan started hitting his mind. ''Shall I check on him?'' Sheng Li murmured and turned left to go to the chamber of Lei Wanxi.


    Lei Wanxi was looking at the mirror when the servant informed him about the arrival of the Crown Prince. The mirror fell from Lei Wanxi''s hand, but he caught it. "Tell the Crown Prince that I am sleeping," Lei Wanxi urged the servant to lie, who bowed and walked out.


    Lei Wanxi put the mirror on the table and jumped towards his bed. Heid down, covering himself from the nket such that the Crown Prince could not see his face. He had tightly shut his eyes when he heard the footsteps of Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi was scared, who heard Sheng Li''s voice. "Why is he covering his face from the nket? Isn''t it suffocating?"


    Cold sweat started forming on Lei Wanxi''s forehead. "Heaven, please save me!" Lei Wanxi prayed in his mind.


    Sheng Li gripped the nket and almost pulled off the nket from Lei Wanxi''s face when Prince Nianzu stopped him. "Crown Prince, I was searching for you," Nianzu stated. Sheng Li turned back and greeted the Fourth Brother while Lei Wanxi heaved a sigh.


    "What happened, Brother Nianzu?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Ahh¡­ mm¡­ I forgot," Nianzu said. "But, it is important to work. Why don''t we go to my study room? I might recall," Nianzu proimed.


    Sheng Li hummed and stepped forward when he again turned back. "It''ste evening. Wanxi is still sleeping," Sheng Li murmured and shook the Sixth Prince.


    "Let him sleep, Brother Sheng. He might be tired after roaming all day in the market," stated Nianzu.


    "Brother, General Xiao informed me that Wanxi ran away seeing him so, I need to check on him if he is okay," Sheng Li asserted when Lei Wanxi sat up with nket wrapped around him, astonishing both Sheng Li and Nianzu. He sneaked his right face out while hiding his left face which was injured.


    Yawning, Lei Wanxi said, "Brother Sheng, I was in such a beautiful dream. But then your voice broke my dream," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized.


    Lei Wanxi lightly hit Sheng Li''s forearm and told him not to apologize. "Brother Sheng, do you want to hear about my dream?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Hmm, what''s it about?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I saw two little kids- a girl and a boy. They were calling me uncle. The kids were so cute, just like my Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows. "What are you trying to say?" He asked. Nianzu was smiling, seeing how Lei Wanxi was distracting Sheng Li.


    "Brother, I saw your kids in my dream. I think they were twins. Brother, I think I will soon be an uncle," Lei Wanxi asserted and giggled. "What names shall we give to Brother Sheng''s kids?" Lei Wanxi muttered.


    Sheng Li smiled a little. "Wanxi, shall I tell our father to marry you off?" Sheng Li''s sudden question confused Lei Wanxi.


    "Why is Brother Sheng speaking this way?" Lei Wanxi asked. "Moreover, I am not a girl whom you will marry off," Lei Wanxi added.


    "Then don''t lie to me and show me your face," Sheng Li pronounced with a stern expression.


    Lei Wanxi and Nianzu both widened their eyes. Lei Wanxi''s breath hitched when Sheng Li pulled off the nket. "Who did this?" Sheng Li asked; his eyes darkened.


    "I-I got hit from a wooden pir. I-I was eating dumplings and could not see the pir in front of me," Lei Wanxi lied to Sheng Li.


    "What about your lower lip, then? How much more do you want to lie to me? I will not punish you for lying, but the person who did this to you gets the punishment twice," Sheng Li pronounced.

 Chapter 276 - Wrong To My Son

    <h4>Chapter 276 - Wrong To My Son</h4>


    Sheng Li was ring at Lei Wanxi, who lowered his head. "Who did this?" Sheng Li asked, carrying an infuriated expression.


    Nianzu came forward. "Brother Sheng, Lei Wanxi saved my assistant, Miss Chuntao, from the person who was harassing her in the market. The person did not know that Brother Wanxi is the Royal Prince and hit him," Nianzu exined to Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi wondered how Prince Nianzu found out about that incident.


    "Why have you brought amoner to the Pce, Brother Nianzu? I am afraid I have never objected to any of your decisions but, today I will," Sheng Li pronounced and called a servant in.


    "Brother Sheng, I will look into this myself. It was not the mistake of Miss Chuntao, but the man who was harassing her," Nianzu affirmed. Lei Wanxi agreed with Nianzu and looked at Sheng Li with his doe eyes.


    Sheng Li ignored Nianzu''s words. "Bring thatmoner here," Sheng Li ordered the servant whom he called in.


    "Brother Sheng, I request you not to do this," Nianzu stated.


    "Apologies, Fourth Brother, but I have to ask something from her," Sheng Li proimed. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows because he knew that now Sheng Li would punish Chuntao even if she had done nothing.


    "Brother Sheng, my injury is minor. Such things happen. Moreover, I let him hit me in the face. I was¨C"


    "Shut up!" Sheng Li loudly said, terrifying Lei Wanxi.


    Chuntao came there and greeted the Crown Prince. "How did this happen?" Sheng Li queried, ignoring Chuntao''s greetings.


    "Your highness, I was being harassed by a man when the Sixth Prince came upfront to save me. Forgive me, your highness," Chuntao fell on her knees and bowed her head further down.


    "Since you work for the Fourth Brother, I will not say anything to you. But keep in mind if such a thing happens next time then be ready to die. Don''t think just because of the Fourth Prince I will spare you. I do not want you to involve the Princes with you this way. That''s why there is a little punishment for you. You are not allowed to leave this Pce while you are here," Sheng Li announced his decision. "What''s the name of the person who did this?" He then asked.


    "His name is Bingbing," replied Chuntao.


    "Leave," Sheng Limanded.


    Chuntao stood up and walked out of the chamber.


    "Brother Sheng, why did you get angry at Sister Chun? I was the one who went out to have lunch in the restaurant and encountered Sister Chun. It was my n to get hit by Bingbing," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Brother Sheng, the Royal Inspector, has arrested Bingbing. Thew will punish him and since he raised his hand on the Prince, he will be given severe punishment," Nianzu pronounced. Lei Wanxi nodded his head in agreement.


    Sheng Li looked into his eyes and walked out from there. "Did Brother Sheng get angry?" Lei Wanxi mumbled and looked at Nianzu who shrugged his shoulders.


    "Wanxi, you should not have let yourself get a hit. Don''t you know the temper of the Crown Prince?" Nianzu muttered.


    "I did not think of all this until I got the punch in my cheek," Lei Wanxi answered and lowered his eyes.


    "You shall take rest. We will talk about this in the morning." Nianzu left for his chamber. As he reached outside the chamber, he asked about Chuntao from Eunuch Chung.


    "Miss Chun is waiting for you inside," Eunuch Chung replied.


    "Hmm." Nianzu entered the chamber and saw Chuntao on the floor mattress. He went to her and took his respective seat, facing her.


    "Your highness, I am guilty today. Because of me, the Sixth Prince got injured and the Crown Prince got angry," Chuntao said, her gaze lowered. "I should have listened to the advice of his highness not to trust anyone blindly," she added. Nianzu did not say a word as he kept listening to Chuntao.


    "Your highness, Bingbing made some defamatory remarks towards you. Forgive me for that as well. Eunuch Chung had told me not to involve your name and tarnish your image in any way. I think I shall leave the Pce," Chuntao asserted.


    "Miss, you should not feel guilty because you did not do anything wrong. Why will my image be ruined when I did nothing to you? Instead, it''s Bingbing, who has a low mindset. If you want to leave the Pce then I will make arrangements for you. I will not force things on you," Nianzu proimed.


    Chuntao''s eyes filled with tears. "Forgive me, your highness. I could not keep my promise to work here for a year. You always helped me, showed me the right path, and also made me learn the elitenguage which is hardly known tomoners." Chuntao was grateful towards Prince Nianzu.


    "Miss, the main concern I have towards you is safety. I do not want¨C"


    Nianzu had not evenpleted his words when Eunuch Chung came running there. "Your highness, the Emperor has called you and Miss Chuntao to the Pce Grounds. Someone has reported the incident to his majesty."


    "What?" Nianzu immediately stood up from the mattress, followed by Chuntao.


    "Let''s go," Ninanzu stated.


    Reaching the Pce Grounds, Nianzu saw the Empress, and the three Consorts were looking at him with anger. "Father," Nianzu bowed his head and then looked at the Empress.


    "Prince Lei Wanxi is injured. I told you not to keep amoner in the Pce," Weng Wei said. Nianzu lowered his eyes when he heard her. "Chief Inspector, bring the man who hit the Sixth Prince," stated Weng Wei.


    Lei Wanxi arrived there, followed by the other Princes as the news had spread in the entire pce.


    "Father, why did you call everyone? It is a minor injury! Nothing more," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "How can it be a minor injury?" Consort Jinlong angrily said and came towards Lei Wanxi. "Look at your face. It has swollen. Your majesty, punish the ones who did wrong with my son," Consort Jinlong requested to the Emperor.

 Chapter 277 - Punish For No Reason

    <h4>Chapter 277 - Punish For No Reason</h4>


    Lei Wanxi told his mother to calm down, but Jinlong did not listen to him. She went to Nianzu. "Prince Nianzu, you are the most brainy among all then why did you allow amoner to live in this Pce?" Nianzu was being questioned by Consort Jinlong.


    Bingbing was brought to the Pce Ground by the two soldiers led by the Royal Inspector. Chuntao was horrified to see the sight of Bingbing. He was beaten brutally. She wanted to punish him, but not this way.


    ??


    The soldiers pushed Bingbing, who was now on his knees. His forehead was bleeding while his hands were hit brutally. His entire clothes were stained with blood. The sight was not pleasant at all.


    Bingbing''s parents were also brought there and were forced to get onto their knees. "Your majesty, please forgive my son. We know that he made a mistake, but please be generous," Bingbing''s father pleaded.


    "Your son did a heinous crime by raising a hand on the Sixth Prince," Han Wenji proimed. Lei Wanxi was now regretting letting himself be hit. He did not imagine that things would turn out this way.


    "Your majesty, I did not know that he is the Prince. I was talking to my soon-to-be wife when the Sixth Prince intervened. His majesty is known for his justice. Justice should not be one-sided. Even the Fourth Prince is involved in this. My soon-to-be wife wanted to leave the Pce, but he was refusing her to leave. This angered me. I lost my conscience that I could not see that I was talking to the Sixth Prince," affirmed Bingbing.


    Chuntao drew her brows together as the matter was gettingplex.


    "Why are you lying? Father, this did not happen. He was harassing Miss Chuntao. He is the one who cheated on Miss Chuntao behind her back with another woman," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Your majesty, I am not lying neither have I cheated on her. If his majesty does not believe me, then his majesty can ask the people who know about my rtionship with Miss Chuntao, and also the people from the vige. You can ask Chuntao if the Fourth Prince refused to let her go or not. And I was not harassing her, your majesty. I was taking her home when the Sixth Prince intervened. Why are the two Princes involving themselves in the matter between me and my soon-to-be wife? I lost my temper and ended up hitting the Prince," Bingbing exined to Han Wenji.


    "Your majesty, even I have warned the Fourth Prince not to bring amoner in the Pce. His Majesty has also heard from the Vige Headman how the Fourth Prince helped thismon vige girl and punished Landlord Ma. Forgive me, Your Majesty, but for the past month, many rumors have been circting in the Capital about Prince Nianzu and this vige girl. Now, the Sixth Prince also involved himself with a vige girl. The image of the Royal Family of Han is being tarnished because of all this," Weng Wei pronounced.


    Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the words of Weng Wei. Nianzu and Lei Wanxi red at Weng Wei. By now, they had realized that the Empress had something to do with this.


    "What are you trying to say, Empress Wei? Do you want me to take the words of the Vige Headman seriously?" Han Wenji questioned Weng Wei and then looked at Bingbing, who had lowered his head.


    "I am not interested in your personal matters, neither am I interested in knowing what others are saying. The reason you are summoned here is as you hit the Sixth Prince. If you think that this Emperor will believe the lies of a person who hit the Prince and was harassing a woman, then you are wrong," Han Wenji announced.


    Looking at Chuntao, Han Wenji continued, "Prince Nianzu had taken my permission to keep this vige girl as his assistant. No one can object to the decision of the Emperor. Losing control of your emotions is the fault of the used. If there would be amoner in ce of the Sixth Prince then, I would have appreciated his effort for rescuing a woman, same as I am doing for the Sixth Prince."


    Weng Wei narrowly gazed at Han Wenji who then announced his decision.


    "You will be flogged a hundred times in the middle of the vige and will work for free in the fields for a hundred days. For harassing the young woman, your right hand will be cut down," Han Wenji announced. Bingbing''s parents started crying upon hearing the punishment. They all were taken away by the soldiers and Royal Inspector.


    "Your majesty, thank you for punishing that person," Jinlong thanked Han Wenji and looked at Lei Wanxi. "Come with me," she said, holding Lei Wanxi''s hand and taking him away.


    "Your majesty, what about the rumors that have been spread about Prince Nianzu and this vige girl? Is his majesty going to neglect them?" Weng Wei queried.


    "Why is her majesty so interested in such rumors? It seems her majesty wants to punish the Fourth Brother for no reason." Sheng Li proimed.


    Weng Wei lifted her brow. "Why would I think that way? I was only following the rules!" Weng Wei asserted.


    "Mother, what rules are you talking about? We all know the nature of the Fourth Brother," Jian Guozhi sided with Prince Nianzu, which astonished not only Sheng Li but everyone in the Pce ground. The Emperor was astonished upon seeing how the First Prince came forward to defend his younger brother. This delighted him and a smile carved on his lips.


    "Mother, did Wuqing Pao tell you all this? I will inquire with him regarding this tomorrow," asserted Jian Guozhi.


    "Your majesty, we cannot trust the words of the people. I urge you to punish those who have spread such wrong rumors about the Fourth Prince and Miss Chuntao," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li agreed with Ying Lili.


    "Crown Prince, we can punish them after the marriage ceremonies. I also think that it was the negligence of the Royal Police officers that a woman was harassed openly and then the Prince was injured," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    Han Wenji was overwhelmed to see this sight. Jian Guozhi was defending his brothers, standing with them! He gazed at the Crown Princess and smiled. Sheng Li was amused by the First Prince suggesting the most favorable ways.


    Oppositely, Weng Wei was furious to see how her son, instead of taking her side, was going against her. She could not believe her eyes that Jian Guozhi could act this way. She clenched her fists as she saw her son favoring the two people whom she did not like a bit.


    ~~~~~


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 Chapter 278 - Dont Blame Her

    <h4>Chapter 278 - Don''t me Her</h4>


    "Night has fallen. So, everyone must retire to their respective chambers," Han Wenji walked away, followed by Eunuch Jin. Soon, everyone left the Pce Grounds except Sheng Li, Ying Lili, Nianzu, and Chuntao.


    "Hey, you!" Sheng Li said while looking at Chuntao. "Did you see what happened just now? You are a young girl, so better be careful next time if you do not want to get killed in the evil plottings devised by the Empress," Sheng Li advised Chuntao, who nodded her head.


    ??


    "Be respectful towards her. How can you talk this way to her?" Ying Lili scolded Sheng Li and went near Chuntao.


    "Miss, you must be terrified seeing all this. Come with me," Ying Lili told Chuntao, who lifted her eyes.


    "Where are you going?" Sheng Li asked.


    "It is the talk between two women. You don''t need to know," Ying Lili proimed and again told Chuntao to go with her. The two left the Pce Grounds, leaving Sheng Li and Nianzu behind.


    "The Empress was keeping a check on my activities, but why?" Nianzu confusedly asked, looking at Sheng Li.


    "Not only you Brother Nianzu, but also on Lei Wanxi. She must be plotting something dangerous ahead. That girl would have gotten punished even if it was not her fault, and you might get punished as well for bringing her to the Pce," Sheng Li pronounced. He put his hands behind his back and started walking, along with Nianzu.


    "Is it because our father let me have Miss Chuntao as my assistant? Or was it because I did not listen to her?" Nianzu questioned. Sheng Li gazed at him when Nianzu continued, "When you were in the Southern Province, I argued with the Empress. She was ill-treating my mother, and I threatened her that I would tell everything to our father. I told her to tell our father that I am leaving the Pce. Could it be because of that?" Nianzu had many unanswered questions in his mind.


    "She might want to throw you out of the Pce by using this as an excuse," Sheng Li deduced. "Brother, right now, I am confused seeing how the First Brother defended you today. Isn''t it odd? It''s bewildering to see the First Brother going against his mother. Don''t you think there is something odd with the First Brother?" Sheng Li furrowed his brows as he asked Nianzu.


    "I told Brother Sheng that he is a gentle soul but was hidden somewhere because of the pressure of the Empress," replied Nianzu.


    Sheng Li nodded as he hummed. "But this change after years is strange to me."


    "Indeed, it is strange. Do you think it is because of the Crown Princess?" Nianzu''s sudden question made Sheng Li frown.


    He halted at his ce, so did Nianzu. "I asked the First Brother about this, but he refused," Sheng Li stated.


    "Why would the First Brother tell Brother Sheng about his inner thoughts? You need to work on your rtionship with the First Brother," Nianzu advised him.


    Sheng Li gazed into the eyes of Nianzu for a while. "Does Brother Nianzu know about Brother Jian''s inner thoughts?" Sheng Li questioned. Even Ying Lili told him that the First Prince was not the person he seemed. Was there something that Ying Lili hid from him? He came out of his thoughts when he heard Nianzu talking.


    "Brother Sheng, I do not know except this." Sheng Li looked at the Fourth Prince with a bewildered expression, who continued, "One day we had wine together. He said something which even made me wonder. But because I was in a drunkard state, I did not contemte the things that the First Brother said. He said he would help me in saving my mother from his mother. And he did help. Thanks to him, my mother''s rank has been raised! Elder First Brother even said that he is forced to do such things and still is!"


    Sheng Li was confused to hear everything which Nianzu told him. It was hard to believe, but it was the truth. Maybe Sheng Li never tried thinking from the perspective of Jian Guozhi. The Empress might have pressured him to aim for the Crown and do anything for that. There were numerous questions in Sheng Li''s mind with unknown answers.


    The two Princes soon reached the resting chamber of Lei Wanxi. There he saw Consort Jinlong, who was making Lei Wanxi eat dinner with her hands. Sheng Li recalled his mother upon seeing that sight. Nianzu nced at Sheng Li and felt how must be feeling at that moment.


    Lei Wanxi saw them there. "Brother Nianzu, Brother Sheng," he called out their names as his eyes glistened.


    Consort Jinlong turned and passed a displeased look to Nianzu. The two bowed their heads in front of Consort Jinlong. Lifting his head, Sheng Li said, "We wille tomorrow. And, don''t get hit next time."


    "I understand," Lei Wanxi replied.


    Sheng Li and Nianzu turned to leave when Consort Jinlong said, "Prince Nianzu, if you consider me as your second mother then, send that girl away." Lei Wanxi looked at his mother as?his eyes grew big.


    Sheng Li looked at Nianzu, who turned to face Consort Jinlong. Sheng Li also faced her.


    "Mother, why are you still on that topic? I told you that I intentionally took the hit," Lei Wanxiined.


    "Send that girl away if the Prince considers me as a mother," Consort Jinlong pronounced.


    "Mother," mumbled Lei Wanxi.


    Nianzu wore a smile on his lips. "Indeed, I consider you my mother. I will send Miss Chuntao away. Forgive me, Mother, for letting Lei Wanxi get hurt. It will never happen again," Nianzu bowed his head as he announced his decision to Consort Jinlong.


    "Brother, you do not need to do that!" Lei Wanxi stated and looked at his mother. "Mother, take back your words," Lei Wanxi requested.


    Sheng Li looked at Nianzu and decided to help. "Mother, I am afraid, but she can''t leave the Pce for a year. Earlier, I had passed this decision, and as the Crown Prince, my order is supreme after the Emperor''s orders," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Consort Jinlong was out of words. "Don''t me her for the mistakes a man did," Sheng Li then said.


    Both Nianzu and Lei Wanxi looked at the Crown Prince. There was a transformation in his nature. Earlier, he was not even interested in such petty matters. Was it because of the Crown Princess? The two Princes contemted. Indeed, it was the Crown Princess because of whom the Crown Prince was changing himself day by day.


    "I shall take my leave. Finish your food," Sheng Li said while looking at Lei Wanxi.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi answered.


    Sheng Li turned and left the chamber, followed by Nianzu.

 Chapter 279 - Sufficient Time To Prepare

    <h4>Chapter 279 - Sufficient Time To Prepare</h4>


    Sheng Li arrived at Zhenzhu Inn and told Court Lady Xu to send the dinner for them. As he entered the resting chamber, he found Ying Lili was removing her jewelry. He walked to her and stood behind her.


    "Let me do it," Sheng Li removed the hairpins from Ying Lili''s hair bun, who looked at him through the mirror. He gently removed the Bu Yao, followed by the Crown. cing them on the dressing table, he picked up theb.


    ??


    "What did you talk about with that girl?" Sheng Li asked as he startedbing Ying Lili''s hair.


    "I told her a few things and told her to be careful," Ying Lili answered. She studied Sheng Li''s facial features and realized he was a little disturbed, so she asked, "Why are you anxious? Is everything okay?"


    "Nothing much. Brother Jian''s sudden behavioral change is bothering me. It is the second time he went against his mother. It was all Weng Wei''s n to punish the Fourth Brother, but her son intervened, thus shutting her mouth," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Sheng Li, I think it''s the upbringing which turned Brother Jian cold towards you. The Empress corrupted Brother Jian''s mind since his childhood. As he grew up, he might have realized that he wants things on his own without any pressure," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li hummed and nodded his head. "That''s what''s bothering me! What is the exact reason behind this change?! I want to know about that," Sheng Li asserted.


    Court Lady Xu came there and instructed the maidservants to set the table. Once it was done, they left the chamber, shutting the main door behind them.


    "Then, you should start working on your rtionship with Brother Jian. Get close to him to know about him. He also wants this, but he thinks that the brotherhood between you two can never be restored," Ying Lili proimed. She stood up while Sheng Li pulled his hand back and peered at her.


    "What did he tell you?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili and ced theb on the dressing table. Looking back at Ying Lili, he searched for an answer.


    "He regrets treating you like that. I do not know what happened between you two, that''s why I cannot exactly tell what you shall do. But I would like you to initiate this time and talk with Brother Jian, forgetting the past. The Empress is greedy and she puts the same values in Brother Jian. The day he talked with me, I saw guilt and regret in his eyes," Ying Lili suggested to Sheng Li, who epted her advice.


    "Is there something else which is bothering you?" Ying Lili ced her palm on Sheng Li''s right cheek.


    "I am worried about my father''s health. I don''t want to lose him in any way," Sheng Li proimed. "After mother left, he did everything for me though he was unaware of the fact and still is that the Empress does not like me a bit. I told you that it does not affect me much if people close to me die, but that was a lie. It affects me a lot! Because of my father, I became this capable and if anything happens to him then¡­" Sheng Li paused as he tightly shut his eyes.


    Ying Lili wrapped her arms around Sheng Li and hugged him tightly. "Nothing will happen to our father. Hu Jingguo ising, so have faith," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li brought his hand up and ced it on Ying Lili''s back, pulling her closer for a hug.


    "Forgive me, Ying Lili. I could not save your parents. I said so many strident remarks towards your parents. Is this the reason that heaven is punishing me again?" Sheng Li rested his forehead on Ying Lili''s shoulder.


    "You indeed did wrong by saying harsh words to my parents. But those were not the words of the Sheng Li whom I know now. You did not want me to marry you because you did not want me to get involved with the evil people around us. Heaven is not punishing you, just taking an exam of yours in this tough time," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Sheng Li lifted his head and brought it closer to Ying Lili''s face. "You understand Sheng Li fully." His hand rested on Ying Lili''s nape, bringing her face closer to him. Their foreheads touched, and they closed their respective eyes. Sheng Li''s hand, which was earlier on her nape, now rested on her cheek, stroking it.


    "What would have happened if you had note into my life? I don''t even want to imagine this," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Then don''t," Ying Lili replied as she opened her eyes. Sheng Li had also opened his eyes and gazed into the beautiful pair of eyes in front of him.


    "Don''t hurt yourself in all this," Sheng Li suddenly said.


    "How can I get hurt when you are always in front of me as my shield?" Ying Lili questioned.


    Sheng Li''s lips moved up as a smile appeared on them. "Hmm. Let''s have our dinner before it gets cold," Sheng Li stated and took Ying Lili towards the dinner table. Pulling a chair out, he made Ying Lili sit on that and then sat next to her.


    The two started eating while conversing with each other.


    Sheng Li''s eyes suddenly fell on the clothes which his sister gifted them for their future kids. "You did not put the dresses in the cupboard?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Huh?" "Ahh, I will," Ying Lili replied.


    "I want my child to be like you in every aspect," Sheng Li affirmed. Ying Lili, whose eyes had fixed on her meal, lifted them to meet Sheng Li''s gaze.


    "Like me?" Ying Lili mumbled as she put the chopsticks down on the te.


    "Hmm. Smart, kind, and lovable," Sheng Li replied, keeping the tiny smile on his lips.


    Ying Lili twitched her lips. "Why are we talking about kids? We didn''t even¡­" she paused and gulped.


    "Why did you pause? Complete your words," Sheng Li told Ying Lili in a teasing tone; the smile on his lips turned to a smirk.


    "E-eat your food and let me eat too," Ying Lili picked up the chopsticks and quickly started eating.


    "We will consummate after those marriages. I think I have given you sufficient time to prepare," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili widened her eyes and a hue of red appeared on her cheeks. Sheng Li smiled and continued eating.

 Chapter 280 - In The Feet Of Mother

    <h4>Chapter 280 - In The Feet Of Mother</h4>


    Sheng Li removed the overcoat and saw Ying Lili was cing the clothes inside the cupboard. He walked to her and stood behind her. "Sheng Li, I need to revive the ce you and thete mother used to go to," Ying Lili said as she closed the cupboard. She turned and saw Sheng Li there. Her back hit the cupboard while Sheng Li moved forward.


    "I permitted you to do that a long time ago," Sheng Li replied.


    ??


    Ying Lili hummed. "I told you to blow out the candles. Go to bed. I will do that," Ying Lili said, looking around the room. She walked away and started blowing off the candles. Her heart was thumping and she did not know the reason. Was it because of the conversation she had with Sheng Li during dinner? She tilted her head and saw Sheng Li was pulling the curtains down around the bed.


    ''Why is he doing that? He never did this early? W-why am I scared and why is my heart racing?'' she questioned herself.


    Sheng Li sat on the bed and waited for Ying Lili. Ying Lili blew off the candles in the chamber except one. She got on the bed from the other side.


    Sheng Li too moved his legs up on the bed and before Ying Lili could sleep, heid his head on herp, astonishing her. "Today, I missed my mother," Sheng Li said in a low voice. His eyes were closed, while both his hands were resting on his chest. "Lei Wanxi''s mother was feeding him food with her own hands. I do not even remember when was thest time I had food from my mother''s hand," Sheng Lipleted his words.


    Ying Lili ced her hand over his and caressed it. There wasplete silence between those two. Ying Lili saw the tears in the corner of Sheng Li''s eyes. She was confused thinking what was going on in Sheng Li''s mind. She was also regretful for telling about the Emperor''s illness to Sheng Li.


    "Sheng Li, look at me," Ying Lili said with a firm voice.


    Sheng Li opened his eyes which were moist. "Why are you sad? Is it because that father has a terminal illness? Or is it because Sister Jing is leaving the Pce? I have seen you getting low but not this way. What is going on?" Ying Lili furrowed her brows.


    "I don''t know. I am just sad. I am missing her¡­ " Sheng Li said with a pause.


    "Let''s go out," suddenly Ying Lili said.


    "What?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Let''s go there where your mother used to take you. Get up," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li sat up on the bed. Ying Lili wiped the tears from the edges of Sheng Li''s eyes. "How can this Crown Prince cry? I will tell everyone that you cry like a baby. Such a soft heart you have!" Ying Lili said and huffed. "Let''s go," Ying Lili said as she got down from the bed. She came near Sheng Li and grasped his hand, pulling him down from the bed.


    "It''ste and I don''t want-"


    "Shh'''' Ying Lili ced her index finger on Sheng Li''s lips, thus stopping him from speaking further. "Does it matter that it''ste or if someone will see us?" Ying Lili queried him as she put down her hand.


    Sheng Li shook his head.


    Ying Lili went to the chaise and picked the overcoat. Coming towards Sheng Li, she told him to stretch his arms out. Sheng Li did so while Ying Lili helped him in putting on the overcoat. She then wore her overcoat and tied her hair up, keeping the bun intact with the hairpin.


    "Let''s go," she said, holding Sheng Li''s hand and the two walked out of the chamber.


    "Your highness, where are you two heading to?" Court Lady Xu humbly asked.


    "We are going to take a stroll," Ying Lili replied.?Court Lady bowed her head, along with the other maidservants as they walked away from there. Reaching the stable, Ying Lili told the stableman to bring Kongqi there.


    Kongqi seeing his master neighed. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili caressed it''s face and he liked it. Sheng Li hopped on Kongqi first and then pulled Ying Lili up, making her sit on one side of the saddle. Ying Lili wrapped her hands around Sheng Li''s neck. Kongqi started moving. At the Fu Imperial Gates, Sheng Li told a soldier to hand a torchbearer to him which he did.


    Xiao Zhan came there as he was informed by a soldier. "Your highness, I will follow you two as well," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "No. Stay here," Sheng Limanded.


    "But, your highness, I cannot let my guard down," Xiao Zhan affirmed.


    "Nothing will happen. Stay here," Sheng Li replied and pulled the reins. Kongqi moved forward and soon both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were out of the Pce. Kongqi was moving at a decent speed. Soon, they arrived at the ce near the forest. Sheng Li got down from Kongqi and then put Ying Lili down.


    Grabbing the reins, they moved forward. Sheng Li tied Kongqi from the tree stem. "We will be back in a while," Sheng Li said. Grasping Ying Lili''s hand, he walked forward, holding the torchbearer in the other hand.


    Pushing the door in, Sheng Li and Ying Lili walked in. He ced the torchbearer in the stand, thus illuminating the ce. Ying Lili was standing near the swing and looking around. Sheng Li came near her and made her sit on the swing, and then sat beside her.


    "Suddenly the unknown fears inside me have disappeared," Sheng Li said while pushing his feet on the ground. The swing moved forward taking the two.


    "It happens. In the feet of the mother, the universe exists. This ce belongs to your mother, that''s why it calmed you down," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li rested his head on Ying Lili''s shoulder.

 Chapter 281 - Fireflies

    <h4>Chapter 281 - Fireflies</h4>


    Sheng Li lifted his head after some time from Ying Lili''s shoulder. "Lili, where were you all these years?" Sheng Li asked.


    "In Juyan," replied Ying Lili. "You never searched for me," Ying Lili stated with a tiny smile on her lips.


    ??


    Sheng Li smiled back and ced his palm over Ying Lili''s eyes. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili asked as she rested her hand on Sheng Li''s hand, who kissed her lips.?Leaning back, he said, "Stay like this. Do not open your eyes."


    "Why?"


    "Wildcat, do you want me to tie your eyes?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Immediately, Ying Lili refused.


    "Then, stay like this. I aming in five minutes," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili nodded as Sheng Li pulled away from his hand gradually from her eyes. Waving his hand, he made sure she was not looking. He stood up from the swing and walked away.


    Five minutes passed quickly, but Sheng Li did note there. "Sheng Li, I am opening my eyes. You promised that you would be here in five minutes," Ying Lili loudly said. "Sheng Li, Sheng Li," she shouted again.


    Sheng Li reached there with a bamboo-circr basket in his hand. "Forgive me," he was panting. He got on his knees and said, "Now, you can open your eyes."


    Ying Lili opened her eyes and saw Sheng Li was sitting in front of her on his knees. She saw the bamboo basket in his hands and asked him when Sheng Li opened the bamboo lid. Ying Lili''s eyes widened upon seeing the fireflies. Because of them, the peony petals which were lying at the base of the basket illuminating it, giving a splendid view.


    Ying Lili''s eyes sparkled seeing that. A broad smile appeared on her lips. "It''s magnificent," she said. She extended her hand out, and some of the flies moved around her fingers. She slightly moved her finger with a little fear.


    "They don''t bite," Sheng Li replied. He was mesmerized to see the beauty in front of him. Ying Lili caught one firefly in between her palms and then gradually opened her hands. She giggled while Sheng Li found immense pleasure in seeing her happy.


    "Where did you find them?" Ying Lili asked curiously.


    "In the forest. It''s a little far from here," Sheng Li replied.


    "I liked it," Ying Lili said and stood up. Sheng Li also stood up and saw Ying Lili raising the basket in the air. The fireflies flew in the air. Their lights had intensified. Once they were gone, Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li.


    "Are you feeling well?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Yes."


    "It''s a special ce which calms you down. Even I feel good here," Ying Lili stated and extended her hands out. She spun at her ce and told Sheng Li to do the same.


    "No," he simply refused.


    Ying Lili caught both of his hands and moved in a circle with him. "Lili, we are not kids. Let''s stop," Sheng Li said, as they two were moving.


    "You are not an old man, either. Even old people enjoy doing this. Don''tin and keep moving like this. Then we will dance," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Again dance?!" Sheng Li, with a bewildered expression, asked.


    She stopped and so did Sheng Li. "You did not do it perfectlyst time. Moreover, if you dance, then you will feel happy. People dance for that reason only. It gives you happiness even in troubled times," Ying Lili asserted. She put her hands down and put them behind her back.


    "Watch me," Ying Lili said as she took a few steps back. She moved her feet left first and then right. Bringing her hands at the front, she moved first near her left face and then near her right face. She then brought her hands near her belly and rolled them one above the other.


    Sheng Li chuckled seeing her, and the smile kept widening on his lips. Ying Lili looked like an adorable young girl. He could not help but feel attracted to her. His feet moved as he approached her. Ying Lili, who was moving her hands and feet, doing a simple dance to cheer up the mood of Sheng Li suddenly stopped as she found him near her.


    She was looking at him amusingly. "You need to¨C" Ying Lili stopped speaking as her lips were pressed against the forefinger of Sheng Li.


    "You don''t know how pretty you are looking." Ying Lili gulped upon hearing his words. She felt Sheng Li''s hand on her waist as she was pulled up closer to him. Sheng Li''s forefinger grazed Ying Lili''s cheek and then held her chin.


    "It''s hard to resist when my Wildcat seduces me by doing such a dance," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "I did not seduce you. I thought to cheer your mood up," Ying Lili stated.


    "You don''t have any idea that you were seducing your man," Sheng Li proimed and captured her lips. Out of nowhere, the fireflies came there, illuminating their surroundings.


    Ying Lili rested her hands on Sheng Li''s forearm while responding to his kisses equally. His thumb was stroking her cheek, and then tilted her head. The two kissed for a long time. Departing their lips from each other, they gasped for air. Ying Lili rested her forehead on Sheng Li''s chest, who wrapped his arm around her, resting his chin above her head.


    "Thank you for today. You are a fearless woman whom I admire the most. Your love for me makes me stronger and gives me security. Words be less to describe my love for you," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili was happy that Sheng Li found their love as a strength rather than a weakness. The promise she made to herself was fulfilled. Now, the only thing was to punish the wrong, especially the Empress, who was still plotting. She remembered Xue Yu-Yan''s words that Weng Wei was plotting to harm Sheng Li and her. ''I will not let anything happen to us, nor will I let anything happen to the Emperor,'' she pledged.

 Chapter 282 - You Were Snoring

    <h4>Chapter 282 - You Were Snoring</h4>


    Finally, the day of the marriage had arrived. The entire Pce was decorated. The servants, maidservants, Eunuchs were running errands. Sheng Li was getting ready in his chamber. The servants were helping him to wear the Dragon robes when Eunuch Xing-Fu came there and bowed.


    "Your highness, General Wang is here," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li who raised his hand in the air, thus gesturing to the servants to stop.


    ??


    "Leave," Sheng Limanded the servants who stepped back, bowed, and left the chamber.


    "Send him," Sheng Li stated. Xing-Fu bowed and walked out.


    Sheng Li tightened the sash around his waist and then wore the overcoat. Coming out of the Dressing room, he went near the floor table. Wang Hao came there and greeted him.


    "Your highness, I have brought Hu Jingguo safely," Wang Hao reported to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li hummed and asked him, "Are you good? I got your message. Who attacked you?" He came near him and scanned his face and hands.


    "I do not know, your highness," Wang Hao replied. Sheng Li nodded and patted Wang Hao''s shoulder.


    "Where is he?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Since no one knew about his arrival, I took him to my residence. In my opinion, that would be a safer ce for him," Wang Hao suggested.


    "Hmm. Keep him there. There''s something you need to look into," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Yes, your highness," Wang Hao stated.


    Sheng Li narrated General Wang about the mysterious person that he had seen in the Pce with the Empress. "Xiao Zhan has the sketch of that person. He is the one, who is backing Weng Wei and aiding her in everything," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I understand, your highness. I will look into that," General Wang assured the Crown Prince.


    "Take a good rest, first," Sheng Li told him. Wang Hao hummed and took his leave. Sheng Li also left for the greeting hall. He met Ying Lili, who was wearing a peach-colored Hanfu dress with golden-red embroidery at the edges.


    "You were snoringst night," Sheng Li suddenly said.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes. "Pardon! You are lying. I do not snore," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why do you think that I will lie early in the morning?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "Because you love to tease me," Ying Lili replied. "I never snore," said with a firm tone.


    "You were snoring, Wildcat! I don''t dislike it. I know you were tired," Sheng Li proimed, keeping a smirk on his lips. Ying Lili knitted her brows and red at him.


    "Then, why is this smirk on your lips?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I like smirking," replied Sheng Li and hastened towards the greeting hall.


    Ying Lili ran after him to match his steps. "Why is he running?" Ying Lili murmured and scoffed. Suddenly, Sheng Li stopped. Ying Lili''s forehead hit against his back.


    "Ahh," she passed a low scream and lifted her head. Sheng Li turned swiftly and blew air on her forehead and stroked her forehead with his thumb.


    "Walk slowly," Sheng Li said.


    "You were running so, how could I walk slowly?" Ying Liliined.


    Sheng Li grasped her hand, and they started walking. Leaning closer to Ying Lili''s ear, he said, "Hu Jingguo is here. Wang Hao brought him safely."


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing the news. Sheng Li leaned back as he saw the First Princeing from the other side with his wife and consort. He found him looking at Ying Lili, but unlike earlier times, his gaze was different.


    Jian Guozhi shifted his gaze to Sheng Li and bowed. Sheng Li did the same while their wives greeted each other.


    "Sister Lili, you are looking beautiful," Zho Mi said with a smile. Ying Lili passed a smile to her and thanked her for thepliment.


    "Sister Jing will leave after morning greetings," Jian Guozhi informed Sheng Li who nodded. They left for the Greeting hall where the Emperor and his wives were waiting for their children.


    The other Princes arrived there as well.


    "How is the Sixth Prince? The swelling has reduced," Han Wenji asserted.


    "I am well, father. Yes, the swelling has reduced," replied Lei Wanxi.


    Han Wenji nodded and looked at the Empress. "Empress Wei, Princess Qi Jing is not here," Han Wenji stated.


    "Princess Jing is getting ready. She has to leave for Lu Province. Your Majesty, we shall go to the Pce Grounds where Prince Lu Qifeng is waiting for the Princess," Weng Wei proimed.


    "Yes. Let''s go then," Han Wenji stood up from the throne, followed by the Empress and his other wives. They all left for the Imperial Pce Grounds.


    Lu Qifeng was checking the sedan, making sure that it would befortable for Princess Qi Jing to travel such a long distance in the sedan. "Prince Qifeng, the Emperor, and the other Royal Family members will soon be here," Commander Su Yan informed Lu Qifeng, who nodded his head.


    Xiao Zhan came there and told Lu Qifeng then he would apany them to the Borders of Capital.


    "Thank you, General Xiao," Lu Qifeng bowed when a little announcement was made about the arrival of the Emperor and the Empress.


    Xiao Zhan stepped a little back while Lu Qifeng walked forward. Soon, the Emperor arrived there with the Empress and the others. Everyone was now standing at their respective ces, with lowered heads. "Prince Lu Qifeng, I, Han Wenji, is giving you my biggest treasure- my precious daughter. I want you to keep her happy at all times. Princess Jing has chosen you above all the great princes in the Empire and I also believe in her choice," Han Wenji pronounced. He nced at Weng Wei and said, "Bring the Princess here."


    Weng Wei looked at her personal assistant, who went to the chamber of Princess Jing.


    "Your Majesty, I will keep Princess Jing happy. I am blessed that Princess Jing chose me over all the other men in the Empire," Lu Qifeng assured the Emperor.

 Chapter 283 - My Lilis Dance Is The Best

    <h4>Chapter 283 - My Lili''s Dance Is The Best</h4>


    Qi Jing reached the Pce Grounds where everyone was waiting for her. She was wearing red wedding robes, and her face had covered with a head-kerchief. She stopped in front of her father, who patted her head. Qi Jing was emotional, and she closed her eyes.


    Weng Wei came forward and embraced her daughter into a hug. "Have a great married life and always be happy," Weng Wei said in a low voice. Her eyes were misty, and soon she pulled back. Qi Jing, for thest time looked at her father, mother, brothers, and their wives.


    ??


    ''I will miss you all,'' she said to herself.


    Jian Guozhi and other brothers came near her. Being the elder brother, Jian Guozhi held the hand of his sister. He led her to the sedan. Sheng Li grasped Qi Jing''s hand and led her to the sedan with Jian Guozhi and other brothers. She got inside the sedan. "Keep writing to us," Jian Guozhi told his sister.


    "Yes, Elder Brother," with a heavy voice, teary eyes, Qi Jing replied. Jian Guozhi put the red curtain down. All the brothers came to their respective ces.


    Lu Qifeng raised his hands to his shoulders. Joining them and bowing, he said, "Your Majesty, it is time to leave the Imperial Pce. I was overwhelmed by the love and respect you all gave to me."


    He lifted his head and went towards his horse. He hopped on it and motioned his hand in the air. Sheng Li walked beside the sedan, to see his sister off till the Fu Imperial Gates. Qi Jing was crying as she left the Imperial Pce. "Make sure that she safely crosses the Borders," Sheng Limanded Xiao Zhan, who was on a horse.


    "Yes, your highness." Xiao Zhan pulled the reins on the horse and he gained speed. Sheng Li''s eyes were misty. He could not even spend enough time with his sister.


    "I never cared much about Qi Jing in all these years. But as soon as her marriage got announced, it saddened me somehow," Jian Guozhi said, standing beside Sheng Li.


    "Sister Jing always felt alone in the Pce as her own brother never had enough conversations with her, and I do not have to say anything about her mother," Sheng Li affirmed. Jian Guozhi looked at Sheng Li and agreed with him. "But now, all these things have no meaning. Prince Qifeng will take good care of her," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Li turned his head to look at him and read his eyes for a few seconds. "These days the change in your behavior is bothering me. I have found out many things about you and it makes me wonder how you are coping with your mother. I just hope she is not angry with whatever things you are doing," Sheng Li straightforwardly said a few things that were on his mind for a few days.


    Jian Guozhi kept staring into the eyes of Sheng Li. ''Did the Crown Princess tell him everything? But if she had then the Crown Prince would not have been talking to me with this calmness,'' Jian Guozhi thought. Sheng Li turned and walked away, leaving Jian Guozhi behind.


    Sheng Li saw Ying Lili was waiting for him in the Pce Grounds. A smile carved on his lips and walked to her when his arm was grabbed by Lei Wanxi. "Brother, let''s meet the Second and Third Brother. In the Second Brother''s Residence, a party is going on," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "I am not interested," Sheng Li replied.


    "Brother Sheng, soon those two will enter married life. They told me to bring Brother Sheng with me," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Ying Lili hade near them and asked, "What are the two brothers whispering?"


    "Sister Lili, I am asking Brother Sheng to join us brothers for a small party which is going on in the residence of the Second Brother," Lei Wanxi informed Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li. "Why are you hesitating? Go there and enjoy yourself. We can have our lunch together," Ying Lili pronounced, keeping a smile on her lips. "I have some work for the evening marriages," asserted Ying Lili.


    Lei Wanxi locked his arm around Sheng Li''s arm. "Let''s go, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi dragged Sheng Li out from there.


    "Will you let go of my arm?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi, who nodded and apologized.


    "How can they enjoy today? Sister Jing has just left. Those two love to y, and do parties," Sheng Li annoyingly said. "And why are you happy? Aren''t you sad?" He questioned.


    "I am both sad and happy. To be a part of the celebration of my Elder Brothers, I need to be happy. If Brother Sheng will not be present at the party then, Brother Yongzheng and Brother Zemin might not feel good. I do not want them to distance themselves from you. Even if we are separated by the blood of our mothers, we brothers shall live with fraternity," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    They reached the Residence of Yongzheng. The courtyard was well decorated and many people could be seen there, mostly the friends of Prince Yongzheng. Dancers could be seen in the middle of the courtyard who was performing the Fan dance. Sheng Li turned to leave when he found someone''s hand on his shoulder.


    "Brother Sheng, you just entered and leaving so early," Yongzheng stated, who had a winess in his hand. "I can put my arm around your shoulder for today as you are here as my younger brother." Lei Wanxi agreed with the Second Brother.


    "You started drinking early in the morning!" Sheng Li chuckled and removed Yongzheng''s hand from his shoulder.


    "It is breakfast time, Brother Sheng. You should not sulk on my marriage day," asserted Yongzheng, and looked for a servant. Looking at one, he gestured to him toe near them. Yongzheng picked a silver ss and handed the ss to Sheng Li.


    "Have this first drink with me, Brother Sheng. Do not worry. There is no poison in it," Yongzheng proimed as he brought his wine ss close to his mouth. Sheng Li took a sip and passed a smile to the Second Brother.


    "Brother Sheng, let''s watch that dance over there. Special dancers have been called for today. They do better dance than the Crown Princess," Yongzheng affirmed. Sheng Li raised his brow and tightened his grip around the winess.


    Lei Wanxi gulped hearing the words of the Second Prince. ''Why is he conversing this way with Brother Sheng?'' Lei Wanxi wondered.


    Sheng Li scoffed and said, "Second Brother, for me my Lili''s dance is the best. Your remark was not pleasing to hear. Be thankful that today is your marriage day. I do not want anything worse to happen here."


    Yongzheng understood what Sheng Li tried saying. Before he could speak further, Jian Guozhi intervened between them. "Yongzheng, do notpare the Crown Princess with those dancers. Be careful of your words," Jian Guozhi sternly said.


    "Haha," Yongzhengughed aloud.


    "Brother, I was joking with Brother Sheng. He bes serious. I know that the Crown Princess cannot bepared to them," Yongzheng replied and looked at Sheng Li. "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. I did not intend to hurt you," Yongzheng apologized.


    Sheng Li frowned but did not say anything.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 284 - Most Desirable Bachelor!

    <h4>Chapter 284 - Most Desirable Bachelor!</h4>


    Sheng Li''s attention was grabbed by Rong Zemin who was contended. He was dancing with his friends while drinking with them. "Brother Zemin forgot that by night he will need to be in a good state. Such behavior from the Prince is not expected," Sheng Liined and looked at Yongzheng.


    "Brother Sheng, it is for today only. Brother Zemin is enjoying his bachelor''s life," pronounced Yongzheng.


    ??


    "Where are Brother Yu and Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi asked, looking around.


    "Brother Nianzu is with his mother. He will be here in a while. Little Yu will be here in a while," Yongzheng replied. He drank the wine and queried, "Wanxi, why did you refuse for marriage? Is there someone on your mind?"


    Lei Wanxiughed upon hearing the questions of Yongzheng. "I do not want to marry at such a young age. And, there is no one in my mind. No one is made to handle a person like me," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi smiled upon hearing him.


    "Wanxi, you will be handled soon by someone fiercer than you!" Sheng Li proimed.


    "Brother, are you giving me a curse?" Lei Wanxi twitched his lips and huffed. "I want to remain as the Most Desirable Bachelor Prince of the Empire. I am indeed the most handsome Prince among us all," Lei Wanxi praised himself.


    "Most Desirable Prince!" Sheng Li eximed. "I never knew that you are the women''s choice," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Wanxi is! When I go to the Capital main office center, I usually hear this from the bureaucrats. Brother Sheng, there is this incident which you might have not been aware of. The incident is rted to Lei Wanxi," Jian Guozhi pronounced, making Sheng Li curious regarding that.


    "Why don''t we sit over that pavilion? Then, we can have a nice conversation," Yongzheng suggested. They all agreed with him and went to the ''Moon Pavilion''. They took their respective seats on the floor mattress. Sheng Li put the winess on the floor table beside him.


    The maidservants brought the snacks and drinks. They ced them on the central table and walked away. Rong Zemin had alsoe there.


    Nianzu had also arrived there with Weng Yu. "Forgive me," Nianzu told Yongzheng and sat beside Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi gestured to Weng Yu toe near him.


    "Brother Jian, please continue where you left the conversation. We all want to know why the Sixth Brother is famous among women?" Yongzheng curiously asserted.


    "Brother Wanxi yed a chess game in The Fun House, which is situated in the market. The yer against Brother Wanxi was the son of the Minister of Law. The Fun House is dedicated mostly to upper-ss people irrespective of men and women. So, you can see many women there as well in the daytime."


    "How is this game rted to that?" Sheng Li confusedly asked. Nianzu smiled as he also recalled the incident of that day.


    "Teng Lin is a known chess yer," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "He was a known yer, Brother," Lei Wanxi corrected Jian Guozhi, who nodded.


    "Wanxi went there with a mask on his face and defeated Teng Lin in five minutes, creating chaos in The Fun House," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "There was a bet, I think. There is this famous entertainer in The Fun House. I heard she is the prettiest among all the women and Teng Lin wanted her to be in his residence. She told Teng Lin to defeat every man in chess who''lle to The Fun House if he wants to take her from there," Nianzu proimed.


    "What a useless bet!" Sheng Li scoffed.


    "Brother Wanxi by chance went there. He saw Teng Lin defeating many good chess yers until he met Lei Wanxi, who defeated him in five minutes," Jian Guozhi pronounced. "The women flocked there and requested Wanxi to show his face to them, which he did! Indeed, he has good looks with a brilliant mind which makes him the women''s choice," Jian Guozhipleted his words.


    Sheng Li looked at Lei Wanxi. "You never told me," Sheng Li said.


    "Brother, I forgot!" Lei Wanxi answered and smiled. He picked the chopstick and picked a dumpling from it. Eating the dumpling, he said, "There is so much stress in having a woman. That''s the reason I refused for my early marriage."


    Jian Guozhi smiled lightly. "You made a good decision, Sixth Brother. I wish I could get a chance to choose," Jian Guozhi said in a low voice. Only Sheng Li heard him and saw the regret in his eyes while the other brothers were conversing among themselves.


    "You can choose if you want to, First Brother," Sheng Li stated, looking at Jian Guozhi, who was bewildered to hear that. He picked the winess from the table. Averting his gaze from Sheng Li, Jian Guozhi sipped the wine.


    "If the Fifth Brother would be in my shoes, then his answer would not be this," Jian Guozhi proimed as he put the winess down at the table.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I would have rebelled. I do not like to be caged," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at his other brothers. They all were smiling,ughing along with each other. "This is my first time seeing them happy, but how long!"


    Jian Guozhi confusedly gazed at Sheng Li. "What are you trying to say, Fifth Brother?" Jian Guozhi inquired.


    "Don''t you know, First Brother?" replied Sheng Li. "You are more aware of this than me," he added.


    Jian Guozhi understood what Sheng Li was trying to say. His mother always taught him to be superior as he was the firstborn and not to get close to any of his brothers, scare them with his power, which he did mostly with Sheng Li. Why? Because he was told that his father favored Sheng Li. But this was wrong! His father had chosen Jian Guozhi as the next heir apparent to the throne, but he lost it. There was no bias among them from the Emperor''s side. It was the wrong teachings of his mother that blinded him and made him jealous of Sheng Li.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. Forgive me for treating you badly," Jian Guozhi finally apologized to Sheng Li.

 Chapter 285 - Ended This Hatred

    <h4>Chapter 285 - Ended This Hatred</h4>


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. Forgive me for treating you badly," Jian Guozhi finally apologized to Sheng Li, whose eyes widened a little upon hearing those words. He scoffed and grabbed the winess.


    Getting no response from Sheng Li, Jian Guozhi averted his gaze and brought the winess closer to his mouth. Sheng Li put the ss on the table after finishing the wine and turned to look back at Jian Guozhi. "Why did you apologize to me?" Sheng Li''s sudden question bewildered him.


    ??


    Jian Guozhi put his hand down with which he was holding the winess. Looking back at Sheng Li he said, "I have to. I am guilty of many things. I am even guilty of having this life. As your Elder Brother, I should have supported you. My arrogance and jealousy never let me do that."


    It was unbelievable for Sheng Li, but he could see the penitent expression in Jian Guozhi''s eyes. Sheng Li was in a dilemma: whether he should forgive his First Brother or not?! He recalled the day when he, by mistake, broke the wooden cart, which was made by the famous artisan of Han, on Jian Guozhi''s birthday. He thrashed him brutally. But this was not the one instance that could be forgivable. On numerous asions, Sheng Li was ill-treated by the First Prince. Jian Guozhi made fun of him for not having a mother.


    Amidst all these thoughts, Sheng Li recalled the words of Ying Lili. Maybe Jian Guozhi did all this because of the upbringing he had! Maybe he had his insecurities and he was forced to do that! The other day, Brother Nianzu said that Jian Guozhi was the one who saved him from getting killed.


    "I know you can''t forgive me. I don''t want it either. If I would be in your ce, I would have done the same," Jian Guozhi pronounced, as he stared into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "Why?" Sheng Li suddenly questioned. "You never cared about me then why now?" He asked. "Be truthful with me, First Brother," Sheng Li sternly said.


    The other brothers found them having some serious conversation between them. "Why is Brother Sheng ring at Brother Jian?" Rong Zemin questioned.


    "Brother Sheng, please do not fight today. It is such a special asion. Your two Elder Brothers are getting married," Yongzheng requested.


    "Second Brother, we are not fighting. We were having a serious conversation over the new administration matter," Jian Guozhi lied to them, thus burying the conversation between him and Sheng Li.


    "Let''s watch the dance there. My friends are waiting there," Rong Zemin excitedly stated and stood up from the mattress. "Brother Yu,e with me. I will introduce you to my friends," Rong Zemin stated.


    Weng Yu was delighted to hear that. He stood up and left with Rong Zemin, followed by the other brothers except for Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi. Once they left, Sheng Li again went back to the same question.


    "You can answer me now. Why are you doing this, Brother Jian? I want the truth. I even found out that you killed the assassins in the forest and saved us from an attack. Lili told me that I shall work on my rtionship with you. I am in confusion because of all this," Sheng Li proimed, furrowing his brows together.


    Jian Guozhi did his best in hiding about the assassin''s attack. But it was not surprising for Jian Guozhi that Sheng Li would have found out about that with his spywork.


    "Because I realized that I am not worthy of handling that position. Moreover, I am happy with my position as the Governor of the Capital. The day when you, Crown Princess, and I went to Shuanxi vige, I got the meaning of the true sense of my duty. Furthermore, I realized that I am not doing anything which could give me happiness. There are many things for which I am guilty. Forgive me if it''s possible for you," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Sheng Li kept studying Jian Guozhi''s eyes. "Brother Jian, I can keep everything aside, but there is one thing which stopped me all these years to give you enough respect. You insulted my mother. I still remember the words which you used for my mother. I was flogged for a day. You wereughing and were still using the same words for my mother. I will never forgive you for that!" Sheng Li announced. He was enraged recalling all those memories.


    Jian Guozhi recalled the day when he insulted Sheng Li''s mother.


    ''Your mother was not less than a whore.''


    Jian Guozhi was ashamed of saying those words to Sheng Li''ste mother. He indeed had lost his mind that day. Why was he evenughing that day, he wondered. Han Wenji was in war those times so, no one could save Sheng Li. His mother, Weng Wei, told him how Sheng Li''s mother snatched her rights from her. That''s why they should do the same thing to Sheng Li. He was brainwashed. A young kid, who had no sense of right and wrong listened to whatever his mother told him. In the end, he ended up bullying Sheng Li until he left the Pce with their father after some time.


    Sheng Li snickered. "I will never forgive you, Brother Jian," Sheng Li pronounced. "It doesn''t matter to me whether you were a young kid at that time or not! It doesn''t matter to me whether you were influenced by the ideology of your mother. The only thing that matters to me is that I want to punish you all for the wrong you all did to me and my mother," Sheng Li blurted out. "Don''t tell Lili anything rted to us. Let this hatred persist between us. Unlike myte mother and Lili, I am not good at forgiving, neither am I kind," Sheng Li asserted.


    He stood up from the mattress when Jian Guozhi said, "I do not want you to forgive me either. From my side, I have ended this hatred between us. I want to serve you by being loyal. I know it will be hard for you to believe, but I will definitely show you, Crown Prince."


    Sheng Li, from the periphery of his eyes, looked at Jian Guozhi. "I am afraid, but I do not trust the words of the First Brother," saying that Sheng Li left the pavilion, leaving Jian Guozhi behind.

 Chapter 286 - Hu Jingguos Abduction

    <h4>Chapter 286 - Hu Jingguo''s Abduction</h4>


    Ying Lili was checking the arrangements in the wedding hall when Xue Yu-Yan came to her. "Sister Lili, I will help you," Xue Yu-Yan offered her help.


    "You should have taken a rest, Sister Xue. How is your back? Has the pain gone, now?" Ying Lili queried.


    ??


    "I have rested for many days, Sister Lili. Yes, the pain is no more," Xue Yu-Yan stated and took one bamboo basket filled with Rose flowers. "The Crown Princess shall not do such tasks. Servants are provided for a reason," Xue Yu-Yan opined.


    "These flowers are specially for the bedchamber. The Empress and the Consorts told me not to make any kind of mistake. Give me the basket," Ying Lili stated, but Xue Yu-Yan put her hand behind.


    "Then, I will carry this for you," Xue Yu-Yan offered a helping hand, passing a tiny smile to Ying Lili, who nodded her head. They stepped forward but halted as the Crown Prince came in front of them. Ying Lili passed him a smile while Xue Yu-Yan lowered her head. "Come with me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "I have work toplete. Wait for me in Zhenzhu Inn," Ying Lili said.


    "Leave the work then. Servants can do that. I need you," Sheng Li sternly said.


    Ying Lili gazed into Sheng Li''s eyes for a while. "Okay," she said, and then turned to Xue Yu-Yan. "Sister Xue, please look into this work for me," Ying Lili requested.


    "Yes, your highness." Xue Yu-Yan took another bamboo basket from the hands of the Crown Princess and assured her that she would work carefully. Ying Lili thanked her and left the marriage hall with Sheng Li.


    "Why have you pulled up your face again?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li as they descended the stairs. "Is the party over? I told you to spend your time with your brothers as well. Then, why did you leave the party so early?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "I do not like to spend time with my brothers," Sheng Li retorted with a stern expression. Ying Lili realized that something was indeed wrong with Sheng Li. Did one of his elder brothers say something to him? Her foot slipped on the stairs, but Sheng Li caught her at the right time. "Be careful," he said, making her stand straight.


    "Is your foot alright? Shall I check it?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "It is fine. Let''s go." She walked ahead, followed by Sheng Li. He grasped her hand and took her to the Eastern Pavilion. Getting seated on the circr wooden stools carved on the floor, Sheng Li ordered the servants to be far from them. Once the servants were gone, Sheng Li initiated the conversation with Ying Lili.


    "Lili, I don''t think that I will be able to rify misunderstandings between me and the First Brother. Misunderstandings are not the right word, but I am using it to not show any kind of enmity between us two brothers. You told me that there might be some problems in Brother Jian''s life that he cannot share. I tried thinking that but my heart did not agree to forgive him and consider him my Elder First Brother." Ying Lili kept gazing into the eyes of Sheng Li. It seemed something was triggered inside him.


    "It''s fine. Forgiving someone is the toughest decision when that person has done some of the worst things with you. You do not need to rify anything with the First Brother, if your heart does not want to," Ying Lili suggested to him, thus calming him down.


    "You do not want to know why am I acting like this?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "You never tell me so, I did not ask," Ying Lili answered.


    "Because I do not want to see you troubled because of me," Sheng Li replied.


    "Seeing you in trouble, worries me more," stated Ying Lili, keeping her gaze intact on Sheng Li.


    "Have you eaten your breakfast?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili shook her head.


    "Why?"


    "I got busy with work."


    Sheng Li looked at Xing-Fu who was standing near the stairs of the pavilion. "Xing-Fu, bring the breakfast for us here," Sheng Limanded. Looking back at Ying Lili, he said, "Servants are there to do the work. Why are you tiring yourself in all this? I will tell the Empress not to trouble my wife."


    Ying Lili smiled. "I need to be careful of certain things. I do not want any kind of problem in the marriages," Ying Lili dered.


    "Do not give me excuses. You want to help everyone," Sheng Li stated. The maidservants came there with trays in their hands. They set a breakfast table for them. Xing-Fu gestured to the maidservants to go away. Sheng Li and Ying Lili were seated around the table.


    "Here," Sheng Li handed the chopsticks to Ying Lili, who thanked him. The two started eating while conversing with each other.


    "When will we meet Hu Jingguo?" Ying Lili suddenly questioned.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes. "Why are you so desperate to meet him? Didn''t you see him a few days ago?" He scoffed and ced a steamed bun on the te. Forwarding it towards Ying Lili, he said, "Don''t give me that look. I do not like it when you talk about your idiot friend in front of me. That brat!"


    Ying Lili ended up giggling. "You look cute when you are jealous," sheplimented him and pinched his cheek. "Now, eat."


    "I am not jealous!"


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, does the Crown Prince not look jealous? Please be truthful," Ying Lili looked at Xing-Fu, who was standing a meter away from them.


    Sheng Li turned his head to listen to his answer.


    "Yes, your highness. His highness was indeed jealous of your best friend," Xing-Fu replied.


    "Why are you lying? I never get jealous of anyone," Sheng Li vehemently said. Ying Lili was smiling at his childish behavior.


    "You should not be jealous because you know that your Lili only loves you," Ying Lili pronounced. A smile carved on his lips as he turned to look at her. The two finished their meals soon and stayed in the pavilion for some time.


    ~~~~~


    In the Wang Residence, Hu Jingguo woke up from a deep sleep. He yawned as he sat upon the bed. Stretching his arms out, he looked here and there. He rubbed his eyes and got down from the bed.


    "I shall go to the Pce after getting ready. I will not disturb General Wang for this petty thing," he thought and got down from the bed. After freshening up, he was helped by a few servants in getting ready.


    He had his breakfast first before leaving for the Imperial Pce when the assistant of Wang Hao stopped him from going alone, but he did not listen to him. Instead, he said, "Assistant Guo, the Pce is a short distance from here. Do not trouble yourself and I am a trained warrior. Do not worry about me. I will return by the evening with General Wang."


    Hu Jingguo soon came out of the residence and went to the market first as he wanted to purchase gifts for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "Will the Crown Prince get angry for the words I used for him in the letter?" Hu Jingguo wondered and shook his head. "The Crown Princess will save me," he smiled and hastened towards the market. He hade far from the Wang Residence when a person came from his front and ended up getting hit with him.


    "Forgive me," Hu Jingguo apologized. The man also apologized to him. As he crossed Hu Jingguo''s shoulder, he hit him on his neck with a needle thus, making him unconscious in seconds. In that short time, two more men came there, and the three took Hu Jingguo from there beforeing to anyone''s notice.

 Chapter 287 - Lili!

    <h4>Chapter 287 - Lili!</h4>


    The evening had fallen. Everyone came to the marriage hall. The Second and Third Princes were wearing red wedding robes and were conversing with the Emperor. The Chief Priest reached the hall. Bowing to the Emperor and the Empress, he stood at his ce.


    "Your majesty, we shall start the marriage ceremony," the Chief Priest suggested. Weng Wei nodded and ordered the Court Lady to bring both the Princesses to the marriage hall. Han Wenji came to his ce while Yongzheng and Rong Zemin stood at the aisle, waiting for the Princesses toe.


    ??


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili recalled their marriage day. Sheng Li cursed himself internally for being rude towards Ying Lili. Even Ying Lili regretted taking negative vows during their marriage. Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and said, "Let''s get married again."


    She tilted her head to meet the gaze of Sheng Li. "Our marriage day is not memorable. I want it to be a memorable day," Sheng Li whispered.


    "When are we getting married then?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Hmm. Do you want to get married now?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Stop joking," Ying Lili replied.


    "I am serious," Sheng Li stated.


    "Keep quiet. The Chief Priest is looking at us," Ying Lili said in a low voice. Sheng Li shifted his gaze towards the Chief Priest, who was cing the wine sses on the table.


    "You want a separate marriage ceremony for us?" Sheng Li inquired, tilting his head slightly.


    "Yes," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li nodded. He brought his hand near to Ying Lili''s hand and grasped it tightly. He intertwined his fingers with hers. "I need to n our marriage then," Sheng Li whispered in her ear.


    Princess Bai Yaling and Princess Liao Jun were brought there. The two stood beside Prince Yongzheng and Prince Rong Zemin, respectively. The ceremony started, and the wedding wines had exchanged. Taking the three bows for the Heaven, Parents, and the Kitchen God, the ceremony ended.


    "Princess Bai Yaling is the official wife of Prince Han Yongzheng, and Princess Liao Jun is the official wife of Prince Han Rong Zemin. Congrattions to both Princes on getting married. I bless you to have a great married life. May the Heaven bless both the couples with healthy children soon," The Chief Priest gave his blessings.


    "Court Lady Yin, Court Lady Mao, take the Princesses towards their respective bedchambers," Empress Wei ordered.


    "Leave my hand! I need to go there," Ying Lili said as she tried letting go of her hand.


    "No, I do not want you to leave," Sheng Li affirmed in a low voice.


    "Brother Sheng, you are openly showing your love for Sister Lili. Every eye is on you," Lei Wanxi whispered in Sheng Li''s ear, who was standing on his right. Sheng Li looked around.


    "Don''t they have any other work?" Heined as he let go of Ying Lili''s hand.


    "The most romantic couple always grabs the attention of the people in the Pce," Lei Wanxi stated and opened his fan. Ying Lili went towards the Empress, who asked her about the wedding feast. She stood beside the Empress, and the two started conversing.


    A few maidservants came there, with trays in their hands. The brides were taken to their bedchambers by then. Han Wenji congratted both his sons on getting married. The Princes came forward to have the first wine with the Second and Third Prince after their marriage.


    One of the maidservants had a dagger hidden in her long left-hand sleeve. She was pouring the wine in the porcin cups while others were giving it to the Princes.


    The maidservant, who had a dagger hidden in her sleeve, went towards Sheng Li, who was smiling along with his brothers. Ying Lili contended to this side of Sheng Li. ''He has terrible mood swings,'' she thought when her eyes fell on the maidservant who was pulling out a dagger from her one of the sleeves.


    The smile from Ying Lili''s lips disappeared, seeing that the maidservant had approached closer to Sheng Li. She lifted her high waist skirt, and ran towards Sheng Li, confusing the Empress and the other wives of Han Wenji.


    Sheng Li''s eyes fell on Ying Lili, who was running towards him. Frowns appeared on his forehead while the other Princes got aside, confusedly looking at Ying Lili. Before anyone could understand anything, Ying Lili came in front of Sheng Li and hugged him tightly.


    But, it was toote!


    The maidservant had already directed the poisoned de of the dagger towards Sheng Li, which now ended up piercing through Ying Lili''s upper back, below the shoulder. Everything happened so fast that no one could react to the situation.


    "Ah," Ying Lili passed a low scream as the de pierced through her skin.


    "Lili," Sheng Li whispered and quickly pulled a little away to look at her. Beads of cold sweat had formed on her forehead and her eyes filled with tears.


    "S-Sheng Li" She fell but Sheng Li caught her, who had fallen on his knees. General Wang and General Xiao ran towards the Crown Prince.


    Chaos was created in the entire wedding hall. The maidservant, who was an assassin, tried running away when Jian Guozhi caught her. But before he could ask the name who ordered this assassination, the woman consumed the poison and died there.


    "Lili!" Sheng Li ced his palm over her cheek. His breath hitched, seeing Ying Lili in pain. There was the same look in her eyes that was in the eyes of his mother before she died. "L-Lili," he again said with a broken voice. Unbeknownst to him, the tears fell from his eyes when Ying Lili ced her palm over his one cheek.


    "N-nothing will h-happen," she stuttered as her eyes slowly closed.


    At that time, the Emperor felt severe chest pain in his heart. "Your Majesty, what is happening?" Empress Wei concernedly asked as she was the one who noticed it first. Quickly, his other wives came towards him. General Wang ran towards the Emperor, followed by the Fourth Prince and Second Prince.


    "Call the Physician!" Sheng Li shouted as he carried Ying Lili up. At that time, he heard the sound of a vase falling. He turned his head and saw his father had fallen unconscious.


    "Brother, take Sister Lili first. She is losing blood," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li nodded and ran out of the wedding hall, carrying Ying Lili in his arms.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. What do you think will happen? Hu JIngguo is kidnapped already! Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess are in danger this time. How will Sheng Li handle all this? Stay updated to know more!!


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 288 - Dont Stop Me, If You Dont Want To Die!

    <h4>Chapter 288 - Don''t Stop Me, If You Don''t Want To Die!</h4>


    Sheng Li arrived at Zhenzhu Inn, carrying Ying Lili in his arms. As he sat on the mattress, he found the dagger was still inside Ying Lili''s back. "It will hurt a little," he murmured, looking at Ying Lili, who was unconscious. "Where is the Royal Physician? Why is he taking so much time?" Sheng Li shouted.


    Xing-Fu came forward and replied, "Your highness, the Emperor had severe chest pain. The Royal Physician has gone there. Another Physician is on the way."


    ??


    "Xiao, bring Hu Jingguo. He is in Wang Hao''s residence. Bring him here," Sheng Limanded. Xiao Zhan bowed and ran out from there. Sheng Li looked at the Court Lady Xu. "Did you bring the warm water?" He asked.


    "Yes, your highness," Court Lady Xu replied. Lei Wanxi went out of the chamber to bring Physician Yan.


    "Prince Yu, pleasee with me," Xing-Fu told Weng Yu, who was standing beside the bed, looking at Ying Lili. The maidservants had pulled the curtains down, which were hanging around the bed. Physician Yan reached there with his assistant, Nurse Mian, and Lei Wanxi.


    Xing-Fu sent everyone out from the chamber, except the Crown Prince, Court Lady Xu, Physician Yan, and two maidservants.


    "Her highness''s clothes need to be removed," Physician Yan stated. Court Lady Xu brought the scissors and cut the overcoat. Sheng Li threw the overcoat on the floor, which was stained with blood by then. Sheng Li removed the upper robes of Ying Lili, except the Xinyi (the inner upper garment).


    Physician Yan came forward and removed the dagger from Ying Lili''s back. She winced even in her unconscious state. He immediately used a clean piece of cotton cloth to clean the blood from the wound. Nurse Mian dipped another clean cloth into the warm water. Squeezing it, she handed it to Physician Yan, who cleaned the wound.


    Sheng Li''s hand rested on Ying Lili''s cheek. There were deep frowns on his forehead.


    "Your highness, it seems the de was poisoned. The skin has turned purple," Physician Yan stated.


    "What kind of poison?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "A venomous poison, your highness," Physician Yan replied.


    "Don''t stare at me and start your treatment! Do everything to save her else I will kill you," Sheng Li bellowed at him. His eyes had turned red because of the anger and fear inside him.


    Outside the chamber, everyone who was present heard Sheng Li''s shouts. Fear ran through their spines. Xiao Zhan arrived. Lei Wanxi asked about Hu Jingguo. "He is not in the residence. He left the residence during the day saying he wasing to meet the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Xiao Zhan informed Lei Wanxi.


    "What?!" Lei Wanxi eximed. "He has note here," he added. Jian Guozhi, who also came there, heard the conversation of Xiao Zhan and Lei Wanxi.


    Jian Guozhi clenched his fist. ''I told you not to do anything. I will not spare you today,'' Jian thought in his mind. He turned to leave when the doors of the chambers opened. The maidservants immediately stepped back, seeing the Crown Prince at the door. His hands were filled with blood and in one hand, his sword. "Where''s Hu Jingguo?" Sheng Li asked Xiao Zhan, who lowered his eyes.


    "Your highness, Hu Jingguo had left the Residence in the afternoon and wasing to the Pce," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "He is not here," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Keep a check on her," Sheng Li in a hoarse voice said, looking at Xiao Zhan.


    "Brother Sheng, where are you going?" Lei Wanxi asked concernedly.


    "To kill the person who did this," Sheng Li replied and walked past him.


    Weng Yu hid behind Lei Wanxi upon hearing the statement of Sheng Li. Jian Guozhi peered at Sheng Li, who had made up his mind to kill Weng Wei. Jian Guozhi came to the front and stopped him.


    "Stay with your wife! That''s more important now," Jian Guozhi replied. Nianzu hade there with Yongzheng and Rong Zemin. They found Sheng Li was furious.


    "Do you think you can stop me? Your mother killed my mother, and today she hurt my wife. All these years, I did not utter a single word, but today I will. I will k-" Sheng Li''s words could not bepleted as Jian Guozhi stopped him in the middle.


    "Do not lose your conscience. Think like a Crown Prince," Jian Guozhi for the first time scolded Sheng Li. Wang Hao came there. He saw Sheng Li with a sword in his hand. Jian Guozhi was going to take the sword from Sheng Li''s hand when he pushed him and then using the other hand grabbed his robes.


    "I have my conscience with me. It was fine until you all hurt me. Don''t try to stop me, if you don''t want to die," Sheng Li furiously said and pushed Jian Guozhi away.


    Seeing the anger of Sheng Li, Yongzheng, and Rong Zemin got scared. They stepped back and went near Nianzu. "Brother, stop Sheng Li," Yongzheng requested.


    By then, Wang Hao stepped forward to stop Sheng Li. "Your highness, don''t go. Stay with her highness. It might be a problem for youter when her highness will regain consciousness."


    "Wang Hao, do not tell me what''s right and wrong. Find Hu Jingguo. If you won''t then, be ready to die. You did not do your duty well," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao lowered his eyes while Sheng Li walked away.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Jian Guozhi. "First Brother, please stop Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi pleaded. Jian Guozhi nodded and walked past Wang Hao. "How is the father?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "His majesty is unconscious. The Royal Physician is examining his majesty," replied Wang Hao. Jian Guozhi hummed and left Zhenzhu Inn.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li arrived at the manor of the Emperor. He soon reached outside the chamber of the Emperor. The maidservants, who were standing outside the chamber, were terrified to see the Crown Prince with a sword in his hand. "Is the Empress inside?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Y-yes, your highness," one maidservant with a stutter replied.


    Without any more dy, Sheng Li walked into the chamber, tightening the grip around his sword.

 Chapter 289 - Disgrace To This Han Family

    <h4>Chapter 289 - Disgrace To This Han Family</h4>


    The Crown Prince saw how the Empress was crying while looking at the Emperor, who was lying unconscious on the bed. Eunuch Jin saw him and found a strange expression on the Crown Prince''s face.


    "Your highness," Eunuch Jin mumbled and walked towards him, but by then Sheng Li had moved from his ce. He went towards the Empress, pushing Eunuch Jin away. The other wives of the Emperor looked at Sheng Li with a confused expression. They stood up from their respective seats.


    ??


    He halted right in front of Weng Wei, who then lifted her head. Before she could understand anything, Sheng Li pulled her up, grabbing her arm tightly, shocking everyone there. "Why did you do this?" Sheng Li questioned her, scowling at her.


    The Royal Physician stood up from his seat upon hearing the voice of the Crown Prince. Eunuch Jin tried intervening when Sheng Li red at him. "No one wille to the front if he/she wants to live," Sheng Li loudly said.


    "Crown Prince, what are you doing? Leave my arm! You are disgracing the Empress," Weng Wei sternly said.


    "You are a disgrace to this Han Family. You killed my mother. I stayed quiet. Do you take me as a fool? How dare you harm Lili? You tortured me, beat me, tried to kill me- all was fine but you harmed my Lili." Sheng Li brought the sword closer to her neck and continued, "Be ready to die! I should have killed you earlier."


    Jian Guozhi reached there and saw Sheng Li had pointed his sword at Weng Wei''s neck. He quickly went towards them and grabbed Sheng Li''s wrist. Weng Wei covered her neck, which got cut and was bleeding, with her palm. She started crying and the two consorts went to her.


    "Leave my hand," Sheng Li growled.


    "Calm down," Jian sternly said.


    Sheng Li lost his temper and kicked him. Jian Guozhi fell back, his back hit against the table. The flower vase on the table fell down and it broke into pieces. The Empress, the Consorts and the Virtuous Lady covered their ears as the vase smashed on the floor.


    "Sheng Li, you are fighting with your elder brother! Shame on you. If the Emperor will be awake, I will request him to uncrowned you," Weng Wei scowled at him.


    "Before that I will kill you. How dare you harm the person precious to me?!" Sheng Li stepped towards her when Jian Guozhi grabbed his arm, stopping him. Nianzu had also arrived there. He also came to the front of Sheng Li and ced both of his hands on his shoulders. "Stop, Sheng Li! You cannot act like this. Our father and Sister Lili are going to be angry seeing you like this," Nianzu asserted. He tried calming down Sheng Li.


    "The poison is spreading in her body. Remember what Ying Lili did when you were on the deathbed. She kept calm in the entire situation. At least for her don''t do anything," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "Let''s go back. Father also needs rest! Come with us," Nianzu added. Sheng Li was ring at Weng Wei, who was also ring at him.


    The soldiers hade there but seeing Sheng Li no one came forward. "What are you looking at?! Arrest him and take him away. Follow my orders. I am the Empress," Weng Weimanded.


    "Enough, mother!" Jian Guozhi shouted at her. He left Sheng Li''s arm and went to his mother. Holding her arm, he took her away from there. Everyone in the chamber was terrified to see this side of Sheng Li. They had only heard that Sheng Li was ruthless in the battlefield but never thought that he would be ruthless?to his own family.


    "Come to the Zhenzhu Inn after treating our father," Sheng Li told the Royal Physician, who was trembling in fear.


    "Y-yes, y-your highness."


    Sheng Li turned and left the chamber. There were tears in his eyes. His mind had stopped working in this situation. ''Why did you save me?'' he murmured as he hastened towards the Zhenzhu Inn.


    "Nothing will happen to Sister Lili. Physician Yan is doing his best," Nianzu assured Sheng Li, who did not respond. They soon reached the Zhenzhu Inn, where Ying Lili''s treatment was going on. Sheng Li stood beside the bed and saw how pale Ying Lili had turned. Physician Yan was applying the herb over the wound when he heard the Crown Prince, "Be gentle. She is feeling pain."


    Physician Yan nodded. Xing-Fu brought a chair for the Crown Prince and told him to sit on it, but Sheng Li did not sit. There was fear inside him- the fear of losing Ying Lili. With each passing second, Sheng Li''s heart was sinking. This was the main reason he did not want Ying Lili to be a part of his life. Did he make a mistake by loving her? He contemted.


    Wang Hao was standing near the second door, observing the expressions of the Crown Prince. He had promised himself that he would not let anything happen to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. He squinted his eyes and walked out of the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi left the hand of his mother once they reached his mother''s chamber. "Jian, go and arrest Sheng Li. Throw him in prison. How dare he point a sword at me?" Weng Wei was infuriated. Her hand was still near her neck, where the wound clotted by now.


    "Enough Mother!" Jian Guozhi bellowed at her again. He turned back and ced his hands on his waist. Weng Wei was bewildered to see how her son was behaving.


    "Tell me where Hu Jingguo is?" Jian Guozhi questioned.


    "Pardon me!" Weng Wei was befuddled.


    Jian Guozhi turned to face his mother. "Just give me an answer. Where is Hu Jingguo? You ordered his abduction, right? Tell me where he is?" Jian Guozhi repeated himself.


    "I do not know. And why is it bothering you? Isn''t this what we want? Ying Lili will die and Sheng Li will be uncrowned for raising his hand on the Empress. My son, you will get the Crown," Weng Wei with a broad smile said.


    "I warned you not to do this! Still you went against my wish. Have you lost your mind? You plotted an assasination against Ying Lili. Trust me, mother, if you will not tell me about Hu Jingguo then I will ask for the most severe punishment for you," pronounced Jian Guozhi. "Please tell me where Hu Jingguo is," he requested after that.


    Weng Wei''s eyes widened seeing his son acts. She did everything for him and today he was speaking like this to her!


    "Don''t tell me you did something to our father for your greed," Weng Wei heard Jian Guozhi, who was looking at her skeptically.


    "Jian, how can you use your mother? His Majesty is my life. If anything happens to him then, there is no meaning to me staying alive," Weng Wei affirmed. Her eyes were misty while her voice was cracking.


    "I doubt you. Your love for us was never genuine. Let''s put this conversation aside. Just tell me about Hu Jingguo. Tell me about his location, if you consider me your son." He grabbed both of her arms and repeated his questions at her.


    "Are you saying that you do not want the Crown and do not want to be the next Emperor? My love for you and my husband was always genuine and still is! You were deprived of your birth rights and I only did whatever was good for you. How could you doubt your mother''s intentions?" Weng Wei questioned her son.


    "Can''t you see the situation? Can''t you see that your son never wanted this? Mother, I did not save you from Sheng Li for having a debate with me. I saved you so that you can tell me about Hu Jingguo''s location. Tell me else I will tell everyone that you murdered Sheng Li''s mother. I have evidence with me. Don''t test my patience," Jian Guozhi threatened his mother. He let go of his grip from her arms and stepped back.


    Weng Wei was devastated to hear her son''s words. "Evidence against me? Are you doing this to your own mother, who sacrificed everything for you?!"


    Jian Guozhi scoffed. "You did not sacrifice anything for me, mother. It was all for you. It was your jealousy from the beginning towards Sheng Li''s mother. What wrong did a child do to you? Do you even have any idea how guilt-stricken I used to be after ill-treating Sheng Li? Leave the past memories aside for now!


    You harmed the woman who saved your son''s life. Your son would not be alive today if that day Ying Lili had not saved me!?Still you have no shame and ordered to harm her. Don''t make me take any step which will tarnish your image which you have built all these years. If you cannot think about anyone other than your greed then at least think about your son once. I need to repay Ying Lili for the kindness she showed me. She saved my life and I will save hers even if I die," Jian Guozhi pronounced.

 Chapter 290 - Hu Jingguos Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 290 - Hu Jingguo''s Rescue</h4>


    "Why are Lili''s lips turning purple?" Sheng Li asked Physician Yan, who was terrified.


    "I think the medicine is not suitable for her highness," Physician Yan replied. The Royal Physician entered the chamber and greeted the Crown Prince.


    ??


    "What are you saying? How dare you apply this medicine over her wound!" Sheng Li squeezed his hand around his neck as he pulled him up from the chair. Physician Yan could not get enough air because of the tight hold of the Crown Prince on his neck. No one has enough courage to stop the Crown Prince. Physician Yan''s eyes had popped out when Sheng Li let go of him. He fell on his knees and took a deep breath.


    "Check the Crown Princess. I don''t want to hear that you do not know the cure!" Sheng Li ordered the Royal Physician. His anger had reached the seven skies. He narrowly gazed at Xing-Fu and said, "Throw him in prison. Flog him until he dies." Xing-Fu gulped while Physician Yan pleaded with the Crown Prince.


    "Your highness, please forgive me. I-I thought-"


    "Take him away," Sheng Li shrieked. The Princes who were waiting outside the chamber heard everything. Prince Yongzheng and Prince Zemin had gone to their bedchambers to perform the wedding rituals. That could not be neglected, and they needed to see their respective wives'' faces after the marriage.


    Nianzu, Lei Wanxi, and Weng Yu saw Xing-Fu bring Physician Yan outside. Nianzu went to him and told him to go to his quarters.


    "But, your highness-"


    "The Crown Prince is angry. He did not mean that," Nianzu told Xing-Fu, who nodded and looked at Physician Yan. The two left Zhenzhu Inn.


    Weng Yu started crying. Lei Wanxi hugged him and patted his back. "Everything is fine. Don''t cry," Lei Wanxi consoled Weng Yu, who sobbed.


    The Royal Physician checked the pulse of the Crown Princess. He then told the nurse to make Ying Lili lie on her belly support. Nurse Mian did that while the Royal Physician examined the wound. He removed the herbs from the wound and cleaned the skin with warm water. The purplish color had encircled the entire wound. The blood was clotted, but the poison was slowly spreading.


    "Your highness, judging by the wound it seems that poison is not that deadly. There is a poisonous herb that can cure this. But the recovery will be slow," the Royal Physician informed the Crown Prince.


    "How much time will it take for her to recover?" Sheng Li queried.


    "At least a week. The body might get weak to the extent that her highness might feel sleepy most of the time," the Royal Physician answered. "In short, her highness''s body will turn weak. The poison was given for that purpose only- to weaken the person physically," the Royal Physician affirmed.


    Sheng Li furrowed his brow. "What side-effects does this treatment have?" He waited for the response of the Royal Physician.


    "Her highness will tire after a little work. But, that can be improvedter by increasing the diet of her highness. Your highness, we shall not dy the treatment," the Royal Physician stated. Sheng Li nodded and permitted him to start the treatment. He sat beside Ying Lili, holding her hand tightly. On the other hand, he caressed her hair. ''I will not let anything happen to you,'' Sheng Li told himself.


    The Royal Physician checked the pulse of the Crown Princess again. He then picked the mortar and crushed the roots of herbal medicine.


    ~~~~


    Hu Jingguo gained consciousness and felt the severe pain in his neck. He winced in pain. He could not move as his hands were tied to a pole while his feet were also tied. A ck cloth was tied around his eyes, thus making him unable to see anything further, while a white cloth was tied around his mouth, thus preventing him from speaking.


    "Where am I?" He thought and struggled to release his hands. Because he could not see anything, it was difficult for him to find any escape point.


    Suddenly, he heard a few voices.


    "Master has given amand to burn this hut."


    "So, that man will burn alive!" Another said. Hu Jingguo gulped upon hearing their conversation. He pulled himself away from the pole, but it was in vain.


    "Bring the torchbearer," another ordered.


    Hu Jingguo felt stuck because he could not do anything. "Is this my end?!" Hu Jingguo wondered.


    "You go to the backside of the hut. Put the fire from there," Hu Jingguo heard another voice. The torchbearer was thrown on the straws, lying around the hut. Fire surrounded the entire hut. Hu Jingguo heard the sound of mes when he heard another sound- the galloping of horses.


    Outside the hut, Jian Guozhi had arrived with Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan on horses. They all got down from the horses and started fighting with five masked men who were hired to kill Hu Jingguo. "Prince Jian, go to the hut. It''s on fire. Save Jingguo. I will handle them," Wang Hao affirmed as he dodged the attack of one. Jian Guozhi nodded and ran towards the hut. An assassinator came forward to stop him when Xiao threw a knife towards him. It pierced in the middle of his chest, killing him at the spot.


    Jian Guozhi saw the mes had fallen over the hut. The front door of the hut was already burned, and it was dangerous to use. He went back to the side of the hut where the mes were not intense. Getting in, he saw Hu Jingguo was tied to a pole. Half of the roof was already destroyed because of the mes. Jian Guozhi removed his overcoat and put it over his head, to prevent himself from the burning straws of which hut was made.


    Hu Jingguo was feeling warm as the mes had surrounded him. A burning wooden pole fell over him when Jian Guozhi jumped in the fire. The burning pole hit his arm, and he cried out in pain.


    Hu Jingguo by then had lost consciousness because of the limited avability of oxygen. Jian Guozhi threw the pole away. Without thinking about his pain, he quickly cut the ropes which had tied around Hu Jingguo. The fire was intensifying with each passing second.


    He then removed the ck cloth from Hu Jingguo''s eyes, followed by the white cloth which was tied between his lips. Without wasting a single second, Jian Guozhi carried Hu Jingguo on his back and tried escaping the hut.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan had killed everyone outside and walked in to save both the First Prince and Hu Jingguo. They safely brought both of them outside.


    Jian Guozhi put Hu Jingguo on the ground. Xiao Zhan wiped the sweat off Hu Jingguo''s face.


    "Let''s take him to the Pce." Wang Hao carried Hu Jingguo on his back while Xiao Zhan helped Jian Guozhi, who was also injured badly. Wang Hao had put Hu Jingguo on the saddle and sat behind him. Pulling the reins, he left for the Pce.


    "Are you alright, First Prince?" Xiao Zhan asked. "Your arm and back are injured," he added.


    "It''s fine. Let''s go back to the Pce first," Jian Guozhi went to his horse and hopped on it. Soon Jian Guozhi and Xiao Zhan left for the Pce.


    The Pce gates were opened as the Royal Guards saw the Generals and the First Prince on the horses. General Wang took Hu Jingguo to the Royal infirmary where Physician Sun Teizi examined him.


    Jian Guozhi sat on the other bed and removed his upper garments. Physician Lin and two more nurses there treated his wound on the back and arm.


    Looking at Hu Jingguo, Physician Sun said, "There are no serious injuries on his body. He will wake up in a while."


    Wang Hao nodded and shifted his gaze to Jian Guozhi, who was squinting his eyes because of the pain. "Why did the First Prince help us?" General Wang wondered.


    "Your highness, the wound can leave a scar. The burn marks usually leave the scars behind," Physician Lin informed Jian Guozhi.


    "First Prince, let me drop you off till your chamber. You need rest," Xiao Zhan stated. Jian Guozhi put on his upper garments and left with Xiao Zhan, while Wang Hao waited for Hu Jingguo to gain his consciousness.

 Chapter 291 - Save My Lili

    <h4>Chapter 291 - Save My Lili</h4>


    Xing-Fu came near Sheng Li to inform him about the health of the Emperor. "Your highness, his majesty has gained his consciousness. His majesty is asking for you."


    Sheng Li, who was holding both hands of Ying Lili, hummed. He was happy that nothing happened to his father. cing Ying Lili''s hands on the bed, he stood up and said, "Don''t take your eyes off her. I aming back in a while."


    ??


    Court Lady Xu bowed while Sheng Li left the chamber. He wiped the tears from his eyes and hastened towards the Emperor''s manor. Reaching there, he entered and saw the face of the Empress. Nianzu quickly went near Sheng Li and whispered in his ear, "Your highness, don''t say anything to the Empress. The Emperor has just woken up. It will not be good for his majesty''s health if he sees you fighting with the Empress."


    "Everyone, leave this chamber!" Sheng Li in a loud voice said, grabbing everyone''s attention.


    Weng Wei was ring at him, saying, "We cannot leave the chamber."


    "L-leave the chamber," the Emperor said in a weak voice. Weng Wei and the other wives followed the orders and left the chamber. The other servants, and also the Princes walked out. Eunuch Jin helped Han Wenji in sitting up. Sheng Li went near the bed and sat on the stool ced beside the bed.


    Han Wenji noticed the gloomy face of Sheng Li. "How are you feeling, Father?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "I am good. How is the Crown Princess?" Han Wenji asked.


    "S-she is¡­" Sheng Li''s voice choked and he started crying. Han Wenji ced his hand over Sheng Li''s back and patted him. "I am scared," he said. The tears poured down his eyes and he lowered his head.


    "The medicine is not working. The Crown Princess''s body is getting weaker," Sheng Li said while sobbing. Han Wenji narrowly gazed at Eunuch Jin, who started speaking.


    "ording to the Royal Physician, the poison gradually weakens the body. The Crown Princess treatment has started, but the Crown Princess''s body is not responding fully to it," Eunuch Jin exined to the Emperor.


    "Father, nothing will happen to her, right? Someone has abducted Hu Jingguo. Father, please arrange the best doctor for Lili. I cannot see her like this. Last time...st time I saw the same expression in my mother''s eyes. I don''t want anything to happen to her." Han Wenji found how fearful his son had turned seeing Ying Lili in that state.


    "Nothing will happen to the Crown Princess. I have seen how strong she is! Have faith in your love, son. Be strong at this difficult time. Last time when you were on the verge of death, the Crown Princess did not let a single tear fall from her eye. Be like her and stay stronger by her side," Han Wenji encouraged his son as he patted his shoulder.


    Sheng Li wiped off the tears from his cheeks and nodded his head. "I am trying, father. I want to kill the person who did this! All these years, I never spoke to you, father. But today, I will. Weng Wei is the one who killed my mother. She attempted to kill me numerous times. Everything was fine until she hurt my Lili. Father, allow me to kill her. Now, I cannot see her in front of my eyes even for a second," Sheng Li proimed.


    Han Wenji was tearful seeing his son in that condition. "After the Crown Princess wakes up, the punishment for Weng Wei will be decided. I know what Weng Wei did to my beloved wife. But all these years, I stayed quiet because the real culprit behind her is far more dangerous than her."


    Sheng Li was shocked to learn the truth from his father. He knew everything! Then, why did his father stay quiet? How could he stay quiet and smile in front of Weng Wei? Sheng Li''s mind filled with many questions at once. But at this moment, he had no time to debate with his father regarding this.


    "Take rest, Father. I will talk to you regarding thister. I am leaving," Sheng Li stood up from the stool, bowed his head, and left the chamber.


    As Sheng Li came out of the chamber, Xing-Fu informed him about Hu Jingguo. "Your highness, Hu Jingguo is in the Zhenzhu Inn." As soon as these words fell in Sheng Li''s ear, he ran towards Zhenzhu Inn. Panting, he stopped in front of the door and walked in.


    Hu Jingguo was conversing with the Royal Physician. A smile appeared on Sheng Li''s lips. "Jingguo," he called out his name and walked near him.


    Hu Jingguo stood up from the chair. "Your highness," he looked at Sheng Li, who was devastated.


    "Where were you? How did youe here?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "It is a long story, your highness. I will exin everything to youter," Hu Jingguo stated. "I was conversing with the Royal Physician regarding the Crown Princess''s treatment. The poison indeed makes a person weak. Since it''s the first time her highness has undergone something like this, it''s deteriorating her condition. But, there is nothing to worry about. My master had taught me a special medicine for such cases. It will take a few hours to prepare that medicine, but it will effectively cut off the poison from the body of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo exined.


    Sheng Li was relieved to hear that. He hugged Hu Jingguo tightly. "Thank you foring back. Do whatever you want to do. Just save my Lili," Sheng Li requested Hu Jingguo, who hugged Sheng Li back.


    "I will do my best, your highness," Hu Jingguo assured Sheng Li, who pulled back and looked at Ying Lili.


    Hu Jingguo had already told the nurse about the herbs and roots, from which he needed to prepare the medicine.


    Wang Hao came near Sheng Li. "Your highness, there is something urgent you must know about." Sheng Li tilted his head to meet his gaze and gestured to him to speak.


    "Prince Jian saved Hu Jingguo. He is severely injured. You shall once meet him," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li, who furrowed his brows together.


    "I will talk to himter. Right now, I need to be with Lili. She needs me," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao bowed and stepped out of the chamber.


    Xing-Fu came to the Crown Prince. "Your highness, please take your meals."


    "Get out!" Sheng Li shouted at him. "Don''t trouble me," he said and went towards the bed and sat beside Ying Lili.

 Chapter 292 - As A Friend

    <h4>Chapter 292 - As A Friend</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was on the bed in his chamber. He removed his upper garments and looked at his arm in the mirror. Though the doctor had treated it, he was still unsure if it was alright or not. The burning mark was itching him, making him feel ufortable. But unlike the earlier times, he was not feeling low. Instead, he was feeling good. For the first time, he stood against his mother! It was a great feeling for him.


    He recalled after fighting with his mother, he finally got to the location of Hu Jingguo. Weng Wei had ordered her men to take him far from the Pce and burn him alive. Luckily, with the help of General Wang and General Xiao, he found Hu Jingguo. The promise that he had given to An-Ying Lili was fulfilled from his end.


    ??


    He was lost in his thoughts when he heard the footsteps of someone. Immediately, he lifted his eyes and saw Xue Yu-Yan there. He knitted his brows and picked the white satin robe to wear, keeping the hand mirror on the mattress.


    "What are you doing here?" He asked as he tied a knot on the satin robe. Xue Yu-Yan stopped a meter away from him.


    "You are injured, so I thought to-"


    "Leave from my sight. I do not need your fake sympathy," Jian Guozhi coldly answered her, averting his gaze from her.


    "Jian Ge, I am no longer on the wrong path. The Crown Princess has forgiven me and I am improving myself," Xue Yu-Yan stated, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Xue, Ying''er is kind, that''s why she forgave you despite your attempts to harm her. She does not know your true self behind this face. But, I am well aware of this. You were the one who encouraged my mother to harm Ying''er. Because of you, she is in this state today," Jian Guozhi was furious at Xue Yu-Yan. He shut his eyes and continued, "Leave and don''t show me your face! The two faces that I hate the most are my mother and you. So, just leave if you don''t want to hear anything more from my mouth."


    A tear rolled down Xue Yu-Yan''s eye. She clutched her skirt and lowered her head. She suppressed her sobs and lifted her other hand in which she had brought the medicine from the infirmary. But before she could give it to Jian Guozhi, Zho Mi arrived there.


    "Jian Ge," Zho Mi softly called out his name and went to him. Jian Guozhi was a little happy to see her. Zho Mi nced at Xue Yu-Yan and took the medicine from her hand. "Sister Xue, I will apply this medicine," Zho Mi stated. Xue Yu-Yan nodded and passed a tiny smile to her. She looked at Jian Guozhi before leaving the chamber.


    Xue Yu-Yan decided to see the Crown Princess once, although she knew her entry was forbidden there. It waste at night and soon she reached the Zhenzhu Inn. The Crown Prince had tightened the security there. The soldiers at the bottom of the stairs stopped her from going up.


    "Is no one allowed to go there?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned the soldier.


    "Apart from the Three Princes and the Generals, no one is allowed inside the Zhenzhu Inn," replied the soldier.


    "How is the Crown Princess doing? Did she respond to the medicine?" Xue Yu-Yan was anxious.


    "I do not know, your highness," replied the soldier.


    Xue Yu-Yan looked up again towards the grand entrance of Zhenzhu Inn. Sighing, she turned and was ready to leave when she saw General Wanging from the front with two Assistant Physicians. General Wang''s eyes fell on her. He instructed the Assistant Physicians to go to the inn while he went near Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Princess Consort, what are you doing herete at night?" General Wang inquired.


    "I was here to see the Crown Princess. Is there any improvement in her condition?" Xue Yu-Yan concernedly asked.


    "Forgive me, Princess Consort, but no information regarding the Crown Princess will be given out until she wakes up," General Wang replied. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head.


    General Wang called Commander Sun there and told him to send the Princess Consort to her chamber.


    "I will go myself, General Wang. There is no need to trouble the Commander," Xue Yu-Yan asserted, looking at the Commander Sun.


    "It''s our duty towards the Regal Family. Pleasee this way, Princess Consort," stated Commander Sun. Xue Yu-Yan followed him while General Wang took the stairs. Reaching inside the Inn, General Wang told Prince Nianzu, Lei Wanxi, and Weng Yu to leave for their chambers.


    "We will stay here until Sister Lili opens her eyes," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Prince Wanxi, how long are you going to stay here? The Crown Princess will not wake up until tomorrow. The treatment has just started. You all need to take your meals as well. When the Crown Princess will be awakened, she will not feel good seeing the Princes hungry," Wang Hao exined to them.


    "But, I have eaten so much earlier in the morning and then in the day. Even Brother Nianzu and Brother Yu had stuffed their stomachs in the evening," Lei Wanxi affirmed. He then looked at a servant there and told him to bring chairs for them.


    "General Wang, we will be restless if we go back to our respective chambers. Let the Crown Princess awake and then we three will return to our chambers," Nianzu finally spoke. General Wang agreed to them. The servants ced three chairs for the Princes while Wang Hao walked inside the Crown Princess''s chamber.


    He halted near the second door and found the Crown Prince, who was telling the Physicians to work faster. "I never saw his highness this scared," Xiao Zhan said.


    Wang Hao agreed with him. "Thest time I saw him like this was when he was a young three years old kid. I failed in my duty not only as a General but also as a friend. I should have been careful. The Crown Princess would not be in this state if I had performed my duty well," Wang Hao proimed.

 Chapter 293 - Looking Like A Coward!

    <h4>Chapter 293 - Looking Like A Coward!</h4>


    Hu Jingguo had prepared the medicine by midnight. He mixed the powder in the lukewarm water and stood up from the chair. Sheng Li was looking keenly at Hu Jingguo. "Your highness, please lift the Crown Princess slightly and open her mouth," Hu Jingguo humbly requested.


    Sheng Li did what Hu Jingguo had told him. He ced his palm under Ying Lili''s head and raised it a little. Hu Jingguo handed the porcin cup to Sheng Li. He carefully helped Ying Lili in drinking the medicine. He ced her head gently on the pillow and wiped her lips.


    ??


    "When will she wake up?" Sheng Li asked worriedly.


    "It will take time. I cannot tell his highness the exact time," Hu Jingguo replied.


    The Royal Physician, who was standing beside Hu Jingguo, opened his mouth to speak. "Your highness, I think it will take probably twelve hours or more for her highness to gain consciousness." Hu Jingguo nodded his head while Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, who was still looking pale.


    "Your highness, the Crown Princess will wake up tomorrow. Do not be dejected and do not let anything negativee into your mind." Hu Jingguo looked at the Royal Physician and said, "You shall leave, Royal Physician. I will keep a close check on Her Highness."


    The Royal Physician bowed and left the chamber with the other assistants. Xing-Fu and Court Lady also walked out of the chamber, followed by General Wang and General Xiao. The doors were closed behind them.


    Hu Jingguo rested himself on the chair and observed Sheng Li for some time.


    "I think I should not have agreed with you. I should have stopped myself from getting close to you. Look, what I brought on you!" Sheng Li said while stroking Ying Lili''s hair.


    "The Crown Prince shall not speak like this," Hu Jingguo interrupted him. Sheng Li lifted his eyes to meet Hu Jingguo''s gaze. "The Crown Princess told me that the Crown Prince fears love. Is it that fear which I am seeing on your face?" He questioned.


    "It hurts when the person close to you ends up in such a state. She told me that love makes a person strong. But look at me. It''s my weakness. I cannot see what''s right and wrong! If I had not agreed to her, then she would not be lying like this," Sheng Li opined. The tears made their way from his eyes to his cheeks and some even to the side of his nose.


    "Your highness, are you saying that you did wrong by epting Ying Lili''s love for you?" Hu Jingguo asked. "Forgive me for taking the name of the Crown Princess. Let me use her name for today''s conversation," he stated.


    "Indeed, I did wrong. That was the main reason I was stopping my marriage with her because I knew that she would be my weakness," Sheng Li affirmed. "I never stopped myself from killing anyone but for her, I think thousands of times. I never-"


    Hu Jingguo cut Sheng Li''s words in the middle. "You are looking like a coward!" He remarked and scoffed. "Didn''t I tell you why she loves you?" Hu Jingguo started talking informally with Sheng Li and he did not mind it.


    Getting no response from Sheng Li, Hu Jingguo further spoke, "She saved you not to speak like this but because she wants to see you safe. She was crying in front of me the other day. Do you know why? Because there was no one to hold you in your worst times. No one has ever tried understanding you, and everyone saw you as a ruthless, heartless man. I am sure that even today she saved you for those reasons only. She wants to be your shield in tough times like this! Don''t speak negatively about her love."


    Sheng Li lowered his eyes and looked back at Ying Lili. "For her, I have be a coward!" Sheng Li epted.


    "Then, don''t be a coward. The day when I was treating you, she was not even beside you. She was in prison, not crying but praying for you. How can you lead a nation with no control over your emotions? Ying Lili does not love a coward. Instead, she loves the strong Sheng Li, who does not let his emotions y with his mind.


    I understand you lost your mother, but that does not mean you will keep other rtions at par. Gaining and losing is a part of our life. That makes you grow. Even Ying Lili had lost her father when she was taken here. But she did not let herself vanish in that darkness, instead, she found her happiness with you. Be like her and be her strength."


    Hu Jingguo rested his words and looked at Ying Lili. "I am also scared to see her like this, but I know she will make it. Because she is An-Ying Lili," Hu Jingguo mumbled.


    Sheng Li kept caressing Ying Lili''s hair.


    ~~~~~


    Zho Mi was done applying the medicine over the burn marks on the arm and the back of Jian Guozhi. She wiped her hands with a clean napkin and ced it on the table. "Jian Ge shall have his dinner," Zho Mi said.


    "No, I do not want to! My stomach is full," passing a tiny smile to her, he answered. "Go to your chamber and have your dinner."


    "How can I have my dinner when Jian Ge has refused to eat? I know you are not eating because Sister Lili is still not awake. You are worried about Sister Lili, right?" Zho Mi looked for an answer in Jian Guozhi''s eyes.


    "I cannot hide the truth from you. Yes, I am worried about her. I just want her to recover quickly," Jian Guozhi said as he pulled up the satin robe over his shoulder.


    "Sister Lili will recover quickly. The Physicians are doing their best," Zho Mi affirmed while Jian Guozhi agreed with her. Zho Mi leaned closer to Jian Guozhi, stared at his lips for a few seconds, and then kissed them softly. Leaning back, she peered into his eyes. "Take a good rest. I will see you in the morning," Zho Mi stated. Jian Guozhi nodded while she left the chamber.

 Chapter 294 - Nations Crown Prince Is My Friend

    <h4>Chapter 294 - Nation''s Crown Prince Is My Friend</h4>


    Hu Jingguo had fallen asleep on the chair. His sleep broke abruptly due to a sleep jerk. Rubbing his eyes, he looked at the Crown Princess first who was still unconscious and then at the Crown Prince, who did not even move from his ce. Judging by his eyes, it seemed he did not sleep the entire night.


    Hu Jingguo stretched his arms out and stood up from the chair. "Your highness, l am examining her highness," Hu Jingguo stated. He moved the nket down a little and checked the wound on Ying Lili''s back. The purplish color had vanished, meaning the medicine suited her.


    ??


    Hu Jingguo then checked her eyes and pulse. The pulse had turned stable. Sheng Li was keenly observing Hu Jingguo''s examination. "Is she fine?" Sheng Li anxiously asked.


    "Yes, her highness pulse has turned stable. She will wake up in a while," Hu Jingguo dered. Sheng Li took a breath of relief. "I need to clean her highness''s wound else it can lead to infection," Hu Jingguo asked for the permission, which Sheng Li gave him.


    Hu Jingguo went towards the table and picked a clean cotton cloth. He called in Court Lady Xu and told her to send a bowl full of lukewarm water. Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out of the chamber. A few minutester, Court Lady Xu came inside with a water bowl in her hand. Hu Jingguo thanked her, who asked about the Crown Princess.


    "She is stable now. She will soon wake up," Hu Jingguo replied. Court Lady Xu joined her both hands and thanked the Jade Emperor. Hu Jingguo soaked the cotton cloth in the lukewarm water, wrung it and then went towards the bed. He cleaned the wound gently while conversing with the Crown Prince.


    "Did his highness not sleep? Your eyes are puffy. Please take some rest," Hu Jingguo advised Sheng Li, who refused inly.


    "The Crown Prince is stubborn!" Hu Jingguo remarked. "Look at yourself in the mirror. Freshen up and thene back here," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "I will freshen up once she will open her eyes and talk to me," Sheng Li stated.


    "She will feel mncholy seeing his highness like this. Court Lady Xu and I are here to look after her highness," Hu Jingguo stressed upon his words.


    "But if she will wake up right after I leave, then-"


    "Nothing will happen. I will tell her that her dear husband is taking a bath," Hu Jingguo with a smile said. He wanted to lighten up the mood but when the Crown Prince did not respond to him, he said, "The Crown Prince is infecting her highness. You did not even clean your hands, which still have clotted blood. So, freshen up, take a bath and then you can stay with her highness."


    Sheng Li kept staring into Hu Jingguo''s eyes, who chuckled. "If you would be my friend then, I would have beaten you up for not listening to me. Poor me! I can''t even raise my hand at you," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "I am going. Don''t let your guard down. I will be back soon," Sheng Li ordered him.


    Hu Jingguo bowed his head. "Yes, your highness. Now, you shall leave," he lifted his head and passed a broad smile to Sheng Li. He got down the bed and walked out of the chamber.


    Hu Jingguo took a deep sigh. "It''s so difficult to make your husband agree," Hu Jingguo murmured, looking at Ying Lili.


    As the Crown Prince came out of the chamber, the two Generals came to him, so did the Princes. "How is Sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "She is fine now. She is still unconscious but Hu Jingguo said that she will wake up in a while," Sheng Li answered. Everyone was delighted to hear that when Sheng Li asked about his father''s health.


    "Father is resting. The Royal Physician is in his chamber, so there is nothing to worry about," Nianzu informed Sheng Li, who nodded. "You all shall return to your respective chambers," Sheng Li requested them and looked at Weng Yu whose eyes were puffy.


    "Your mother will get angry at me for keeping you awake. Go to your chamber," Sheng Li told Weng Yu with a stern expression. Before Weng Yu could speak, Sheng Li walked away followed by Eunuch Xing-Fu.


    "Princes, you all shall leave," General Wang humbly said, who agreed with him and left the Zhenzhu Inn.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li after undressing got into the bathtub. Xing-Fu was standing a few meters away from Sheng Li, lowering his head.


    "Forgive me for yesterday. I shouted at you," suddenly Sheng Li apologized to Xing-Fu, who lifted his head.


    "His highness is not supposed to apologize. I indeed made a mistake," Xing-Fu stated and again bowed.


    "You did not. I have no control over my anger. Just ept that I made a mistake," Sheng Li said in a hoarse voice. He took a few dips in the water and flipped his hair back.


    "Shall I call the servants to help his highness in washing?" Xing-Fu humbly asked.


    "No."


    Sheng Li, after bathing for half an hour, got dressed in clean clothes. His hair was still wet which would have taken half an hour to dry them. "Let them open," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant. A blue strip with a blue diamond at its front was tied around his forehead. The other maidservants helped him wearing the overcoat.


    "I will not do work for a few days so, tell the ministers to go to the First Prince in my absence," Sheng Li informed Xing-Fu. The maidservants left his chamber, while he left for the Zhenzhu Inn.


    Reaching there, he was informed by the Court Lady Xu that Ying Lili had still not gained consciousness. He walked in and sat on the chair beside the bed. Hu Jingguo was crushing some seeds in the mortar, while ncing at Sheng Li.


    "Don''t stare at me. I know I need to wait," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Your highness, after Ying Lili¡­ " he paused and bit his tongue and continued, "After her highness will recover fully then we will go on a trip. Don''t give me that look," he pouted.


    "Okay," Sheng Li replied.


    Hu Jingguo was bewildered upon seeing how easily the Crown Prince agreed to him. "Her highness''s birthday is approaching. It will be good if we visit her favorite ce," Hu Jingguo added.


    Sheng Li turned his gaze towards Hu Jingguo, who was smiling. "When is her birthday?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Hu Jingguo widened his eyes. "His highness does not know!" He was shocked to learn about that.


    "She did not tell me. I asked her many times," Sheng Li replied. "You, tell me, when is her birthday?"


    "Umm¡­ if her highness has not told then even I should not. Find out for yourself," Hu Jingguo stated, passing a broad smile to Sheng Li, who had not expected something less than this.


    Sheng Li had turned calm by now. Unlike the previous times, he did not get angry at Hu Jingguo. "You are a great friend, Jingguo. I admire your pure, selfless friendship with Lili. I think since the day Lili entered my life, I met with some amazing people. Thanks to her nature, I did not kill you the first time I learned about you. You indeed proved your loyalty towards me. I am thankful to you." Sheng Li for the first time praised Hu Jingguo, who was still astonished by this side of the Crown Prince.


    "I can be a great friend to you if you want me to! But, if I be your friend then, I will call you by your name. I will use informalnguage with you and also with the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    Sheng Li again met his gaze and smiled a little. "You are allowed to do that but there is one condition," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "Condition?" Hu Jingguo eximed.


    "Hmm."


    "Tell me the condition," Hu Jingguo said.


    "Don''t risk your life for me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Why would I?" Hu Jingguoughed a little. "I love my life," he stated.


    "Good. You are my friend from today onwards, Hu Jingguo," Sheng Li announced and forwarded his hand for a hand shake. Hu Jingguo could not believe his ears, but he was happy. He put the mortar on the table and went to Sheng Li.


    Forwarding his hand, he shook his hand with the Crown Prince. "So, the nation''s Crown Prince is my friend now. It is the greatest achievement that Hu Jingguo has achieved. My friendship to you will always be selfless and true-hearted, Sheng Li." The two smiled while shaking hands with each other.

 Chapter 295 - Crime Should Be Punished

    <h4>Chapter 295 - Crime Should Be Punished</h4>


    Jian Guozhi handed the water ss to Han Wenji. He caressed his father''s back, who drank the water. He took the water ss from his father and ced it on the tray, which a maidservant was holding. Eunuch Jin gestured to the maidservant to go out.


    "How is the Crown Princess doing? Did she gain consciousness?" Han Wenji questioned.


    ??


    "Father, the Crown Princess has not woken up yet. Though, it is informed that she is out of danger, thanks to Hu Jingguo''s medical skills. Why don''t we promote him as the Second Royal Physician," Jian Guozhi suggested to the Emperor.


    "You are saying the right thing. Sheng Li is totally devastated after Ying Lili got injured badly. He never cried in front of his father nor he asked for anything in all these years until yesterday," Han Wenji asserted. "Your mother will be punished for the wrong she has done. I had never imagined that you would provide this evidence to me. It is tough to go against your own mother," Han Wenji pronounced, looking at the scroll.


    "Father, I want her to get punished for the wrong she has done to you, Sheng Li, and his wife. She killed Sheng Li''s mother, attempted to kill Sheng Li many times, and then Ying Lili''s parents. Crime should be punished in whatever form it is! I know she is my mother, but before that, she is the culprit," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Even I did wrong to Sheng Li and had an inferiorityplex towards him. Thanks to An-Ying Lili it doesn''t exist anymore. Now, my sole aim is to make the Empire prosperous by working progressively towards its growth. If Brother Sheng will ask for punishment for me, then I will willingly ept that," Jian Guozhi told his father.


    Han Wenji was delighted to see that his eldest son finally understood that bing a Crown Prince was not the only responsibility in the Empire. However, the Emperor was wondering how Ying Lili changed the perspective of the First Prince.


    "How did the Crown Princess influence you to change?" Han Wenji asked Jian Guozhi.


    "The courage to stand up and fight for yourself, I learned it from the Crown Princess. My admiration towards her forced me to change," Jian Guozhi replied. Han Wenji found the sadness in the eyes of Jian Guozhi of not being able to marry Ying Lili, but then there was also a different spark in his eyes which he could not interpret. Han Wenji was happy to bring Ying Lili to the Pce as the daughter-inw. The change he always wanted to see in Jian Guozhi was finally visible and it gave him immense happiness.


    "There is something on which Prince Jian has to work upon," Han Wenji pronounced and waited for Jian''s response.


    "Yes, father. Give me themand," Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes.


    "You know I did multiple marriages so that the Empire could grow but I failed to see the jealousy which rose among my few wives. Since you are married to two women, give attention to both of them. I know your rtionship is not going good with Xue Yu-Yan but-"


    "Father," Jian Guozhi cut the words of Han Wenji in the middle. "She is the one who encouraged my mother to harm Sheng Li and Ying Lili. I will not forgive her nor will I develop any kind of husband-wife rtionship with her. You also know why she got married to me! I just hate her," Jian Guozhi asserted. Han Wenji could see that hatred in his expressions.


    "Don''t do that. You should have backed off from the second marriage if you hated her. You were also in greed for the throne once," Han Wenji reminded his son, who could not deny that truth.


    "I know, even I was on the wrong path. But father, after Sheng Li was poisoned, I stopped myself. I tried stopping her many times but she never listened to me. That was the main reason, my hatred developed towards her," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Give her a chance," Han Wenji suggested to his son.


    "I will try."


    Han Wenji smiled a little. He wanted to talk more with his son, but then a maidservant informed them that the Princes were waiting outside to meet him.


    "Send them in," Han Wenji ordered the maidservant, who bowed and walked out.


    Soon, his other sons came there except Sheng Li. They all greeted their father, who was cheerful to see them.


    "You scared us, father," Lei Wanxi said and sat near his feet.


    "What did the Royal Physician say? Has the Emperor recovered fully?" Yongzheng asked Eunuch Jin.


    "His majesty is alright. He needs a little rest, Second Prince," Eunuch Jin replied. Yongzheng nodded his head and looked at his father. "Father is taking too much stress these days," he said.


    Han Wenjiughed a little. "My sons are with me, so I have nothing to worry about. I want all of you to stay close to each other and be ready to help each other at all times," Han Wenji stated.


    "Father, we all always will stay together," Lei Wanxi proimed and looked at all of his brothers present there. They all agreed with him.


    "I just pray that the Crown Princess wakes up soon. Brother Sheng was so furiousst night. I had never seen him with such a temper. For a second, I thought he would kill all of us," Rong Zemin affirmed and looked at all of his brothers as he gulped.


    "Why would he kill all of us? Third Brother, Sheng Li is not cruel to his brothers," Jian Guozhi defended Sheng Li. Han Wenji was astonished to see this.


    "Shall we meet him? Maybe the Crown Princess has woken up. The informant will take time to reach here," Rong Zemin suggested. The other Princes agreed with him.


    "Father, we will see youter in lunchtime," Jian Guozhi stated as he stood up from the chair. They all bowed before their father before leaving the chamber.


    Han Wenji was gleeful, seeing his sonsing together in tough times. "I can die peacefully. The Crown Princess seeded in bringing their hearts together," Han Wenji said while looking at Eunuch Jin.

 Chapter 296 - Spoon Feed Me

    <h4>Chapter 296 - Spoon Feed Me</h4>


    "W-water," in a meek voice, Ying Lili asked for water. Her eyes showed the movements. Sheng Li, who was observing her closely, quickly poured the water into a porcin cup. He lifted Ying Lili''s head and helped her in drinking the water. Sheng Li''s eyes were filled with tears when he heard Ying Lili''s voice.


    Wiping her lips, he waited for her to open her eyes. Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and the first person she saw was Sheng Li. She passed a tiny smile to him and lifted her palm. cing it on his cheek, she said, "I am f-fine." She caressed it for some time.


    ??


    Hu Jingguo quietly stood up from the chair and walked out of the chamber, along with Court Lady Xu. The doors were closed behind them.


    Sheng Li kissed her forehead and then cheeks. Leaning back he said, "You scared me to death." Ying Lili passed a tiny smile to him. Seeing Sheng Li in that state, even her eyes turned misty.


    "Why did youe in between? Huh?" Sheng Liined as he stroked her hair. Ying Lili wanted to embrace him in a warm hug, but her back was hurting.


    "Help me in sitting up," Ying Lili in a low voice requested. Sheng Li hummed. He gently made her sit on the bed. Ying Lili raised her left arm and put it around Sheng Li''s neck, her head resting on his right shoulder. "I ended up doing that. It was not my fault. I needed to save you from getting injured," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li made her face him. He cupped her face between his palms and furrowed his brows. "Do not ever do that. I was terrified when you closed your eyes. I thought-" Ying Lili put her forefinger on his lips and lifted her eyes.


    "How could you think that I will leave you? We have many things to do in this life. I will never leave you. Our love is eternal and you cannot stop me from doing that. If you were in my ce, then you would have done the same thing," Ying Lili put her finger down. Sheng Li closed the distance between them by capturing her lips. He kept it gentle, and the two kissed for a while. Their foreheads touched against each other, while their fingers intertwined.


    "Are you hungry? You did not take meals, right?" Suddenly, Ying Lili asked.


    "Hmm. How could I eat in that situation?" Sheng Li questioned her back.


    "I am feeling pain in my back and arm. Spoon feed me," Ying Lili, like a little child, made her request to him.


    Sheng Li nodded. "Is it hurting a lot? Don''t lie," He warned her.


    "Hmm¡­ a little," Ying Lili replied.


    "Next time you will do something like this I will not talk to you," Sheng Li affirmed, which made Ying Lili giggle.


    "I am serious," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili suppressed her giggles by puckering her lips together. She pinched his nose using her left hand and said, "I cannot watch you getting hurt. It does not matter if you will not talk to me. At least, the one whom I love more than my life will be safe."


    Sheng Li knitted his brows. "What about me then? Do you know how hard it was for me? With each passing second, I was getting restless," Sheng Liined to her.


    "Then protect me. Why are you sulking again? You should advance your security system so that such a situation will never arise," Ying Lili scoffed. "Your wife has just woken up and you are acting this way!" She turned her gaze away from him.


    Sheng Li took her hands in his. "Forgive me. Hu Jingguo is here. He treated you," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili looked at him and hummed.


    "Call the Court Lady. I need to wash. I am feeling itchy," Ying Lili said.


    "I will help you. I cannot trust the maidservants with this task," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "No. It is not good toe to a woman''s bathhouse," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li gave a gleeful chuckle. "Your husband can enter that bathhouse." Ying Lili was going to speak when Sheng Li put his finger on her lips. "Shhh¡­ don''t say anything because I will not listen to you. What if the maidservants hurt you while helping you in washing? I cannot take any risk. You told me a moment ago that I shall protect you at all times, so just let this husband do his duties well," Sheng Li added.


    Ying Lili agreed with him and rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder again. She was feeling a little weak because of the medicine. "Let''s go then," Ying Lili meekly said. Sheng Li nced towards the second door and called for Court Lady Xu.


    Court Lady Xu quickly came. "Prepare the bathhouse for the Crown Princess," Sheng Li ordered her, who bowed and stepped back. She turned and left the chamber.


    Sheng Li picked the satin robe which was ced on the other table beside the bed, and helped Ying Lili in wearing it. Four maidservants came inside to help the Crown Princess but Sheng Li did not let them touch her.


    "Stay back. Clean the chamber until the Crown Princess and Ie back," Sheng Li ordered them.


    Sheng Li got down from the bed when one of the maidservants said, "Your highness, the Princes are waiting outside to meet the Crown Princess. The Empress and the Consorts wille in a while to Zhenzhu Inn."


    Hearing the Empress''s name, Sheng Li turned furious. "Don''t let the Empress enter here. Tell the Princes and their mothers toeter. The Crown Princess is still weak, and she is not in the state to talk to anyone," Sheng Limanded her.


    Ying Lili was quietly listening to him and contemting why Sheng Li was acting that way. ''Is it because of me? His eyes are puffy and red. I know he did not sleep the entire night. It must be tough for him, seeing me in this state,'' Ying Lili thought as she watched Sheng Li''s behavior.

 Chapter 297 - For Your Wife!

    <h4>Chapter 297 - For Your Wife!</h4>


    Ying Lili was sitting on a stool in the bathhouse, waiting for Sheng Li toe. Her eyes were closing as she was a little sleepy, but at the same time, she was feeling hungry. "Your highness, get into the bathtub. Here, I will help you in undressing," Court Lady Xu humbly requested.


    Ying Lili hummed. Court Lady Xu removed the satin robe, which was covering the upper body of the Crown Princess. "Court Lady Xu, how was the Crown Prince behaving when I was unconscious?" Ying Lili queried her. The Court Lady stopped in the middle, removing the skirt, and peered at the Crown Princess, who was waiting for her response.


    ??


    "The Crown Prince was angry. His highness even pointed the sword at the Empress. He hadpletely lost his temper." Ying Lili''s eyes widened. How could he raise the sword at the Empress? Ying Lili was not only astonished but also a little worried if this would lead to any bad consequences.


    Suddenly, they heard the creak of the door. The Crown Prince had entered the bathhouse. Court Lady Xu stepped back, leaving Ying Lili near the bathtub. Sheng Li ordered the Court Lady to leave the bathhouse, who bowed and taking gradual back steps she was soon out of the bathhouse.


    Ying Lili was standing with her back towards the Crown Prince. Her long hair was covering most of the back but the wound was visible. Sheng Li poignantly watched her as he slowly went to her. He walked past her and checked the water. Tilting his head, he asked her toe near him.


    Ying Lili went to him when she was gently pushed down to sit on the marble-raised tform around the bathtub. He ced his hand on the high waist skirt''s knot and opened it. Ying Lili gulped out of nervousness because she was going to be half-naked in front of Sheng Li. "Get into the water," she heard him as he helped her get into the bathtub.


    Sheng Li was a little confused regarding the washing of those long hairs. He gently caught them and made a bun. Her smooth white skin was now visible to him and the wound too. He traced his finger over the wound, which was not healed fully. Ying Lili hissed in pain. Sheng Li pulled his hand back and took the hemispherical jug to pour water over Lili''s body. "If you feel pain, then tell me," she heard him say.


    The lukewarm water fell over Ying Lili''s body and her muscles were rxed. She closed her eyes and kept ying with her fingers under the water. The nervousness had gone now and it had turned into a rxing bath.


    "Sheng Li picked the rose water bottle as he poured it over her body. Ying Lili was squeezing her hands together when Sheng Li''s fingers touched her corbones. He had not touched her this close, though she wanted him to. The entire time, Sheng Li''s focus was on Ying Lili''s weak body state. "Sheng Li, did you raise the sword at the Empress?" Ying Lili suddenly questioned him, thus breaking the ice between them.


    "Hmm. I wanted to kill her but-"


    "Don''t let your conscience fall in such cases. It''s uwful to raise the sword at the Empress," Ying Lili said and tilted her head to nce at Sheng Li.


    "I know. Everyone would have thought that I was rebelling but it was the need of the hour. She harmed the most precious person to me. I could not sit behind and do nothing," Sheng Li stated, drawing his brows together. Ying Lili was out of words upon hearing him.


    Sheng Li washed Ying Lili''s back with utter carefulness. Every time the water hit the region of the wound, Ying Lili would wince. His eyes were teary and it seemed that tears would fall anytime from them.


    "My heart is aching every time I see this," she heard him say. "I know you love me but please do not do anything like this again. I would not be able to take it. For me, each passing second was like a day when you were unconscious. Indeed, this is my fault for having poor security, still, you should not have taken that in my ce. My body is made for those wounds, not yours. I will not allow it." The tears poured down his eyes to his cheeks and even to the bridge of the nose.


    He pulled his hands back from Ying Lili''s shoulders and stood up. "I am sending maidservants for the rest of the work," in a hoarse voice Sheng Li before leaving the bathhouse. Ying Lili turned and saw Sheng Li had walked out of the bathhouse.


    Court Lady Xu and two maidservants walked in, helping Ying Lili in washing.


    Sheng Li entered the chamber in Zhenzhu Inn. The chamber was cleaned when Xing-Fu came to him. "Your highness, the Empress is arrested and is sent to prison."


    Sheng Li was shocked to hear about that. "What?" He eximed.


    "The First Prince provided the evidence against his mother," Xing-Fu further said.


    Sheng Li waspletely shocked to hear that Jian Guozhi did this to his mother. Why? Sheng Li wondered. He wanted to converse with Jian Guozhi, so he left the chamber.


    Reaching outside Jian Guozhi''s chamber, he told the maidservant to inform Jian about his visit. A few minutester, the maidservant informed the Crown Prince that he could go in.


    Sheng Li went in and saw the First Prince was waiting for him. There was a tiny smile on his lips as he saw the Crown Princeing. "You should have called me there. How is the Crown Princess doing?" Jian Guozhi asked Sheng Li.


    "She is fine. Thank you for bringing Hu Jingguo safely to the Pce," Sheng Li expressed his gratitude and saw the arm of Jian Guozhi.


    "It was my duty. Do not thank me," Jian Guozhi asserted and told him to sit on the floor chair. The two took seats around the floor table. "It seems Brother Sheng has a lot of questions in his mind. Ask me. I will be veracious," affirmed Jian Guozhi.


    "Why did you do all this? I know it''s not because of me. If it had been for me, then you would have fought with your mother every time she harmed me," Sheng Li proimed.


    "You are right. I did it for your wife. But, there is something more that strived me to do it. I think there''s no use hiding the truth from you when we two are going to work together and be like brothers for the rest of our lives," Jian Guozhi pronounced with a menacing expression.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 298 - Keeping The Emotions Aside

    <h4>Chapter 298 - Keeping The Emotions Aside</h4>


    Sheng Li kept staring into the eyes of Jian Guozhi, waiting for him to tell the entire truth.


    "The Crown Princess saved my life."


    ??


    Sheng Li clenched his fist and at the same time furrowed his brows as he was a little confused.


    "You were on a military campaign during that time which means you did not know about the Crown Princess then. I had gone to the North-Western Province for the Capital''s work. I got lost in a forest and fell in a swamp. I was shouting for help when a woman saved me, who was none other than the Crown Princess. She did not recognize me because I was covered in mud. That''s why I wanted to make her my wife but my mother refused! The Crown Princess gave me the reason to change myself and correct my ways.


    I always wanted to help you, but my hands were tied," Jian Guozhi exined to Sheng Li, who was contemting.


    "Why did you provide evidence against your own mother?" Sheng Li asked.


    "She must be punished for the wrong she did to you and yourte mother." Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes. "Forgive me," he apologized.


    "I want to kill her with my own hands," Sheng Li stated. Jian Guozhi lifted his eyes and read Sheng Li''s eyes for a while. If he would have been in his ce and undergone all this, then he would have wanted the same. ''Killing the person with his own hands.''


    "I will do justice for my mother. Don''te to me begging that I shall let her live. Yesterday, you stopped me from killing her but not anymore. I want to stab her numerous times and want her to whimper in pain," Sheng Li pronounced, gritting his teeth. His nose red in anger.


    "Will it do any good? It will depict you as the Cruel?Prince who did not deliver justice ording to the Laws," suddenly a voice said. Both Jian Guozhi and Sheng Li looked at the source of the voice. Prince Nianzu was standing near a table that had a porcin flower vase over it.


    He came towards them and rested on a chair. "Forgive me for intervening between you two but I was here for some work when I overheard your conversation," stated Nianzu and continued, "If you just kill her then what difference will there be between a Crown Prince and amon person. A Ruler is known for his righteousness, unbiased ruling."


    "I did not be a Crown Prince for living as a righteous man. I do not like philosophical reasons," Sheng Li scoffed. "First Brother, thank you again for saving my Lili by bringing Hu Jingguo at the right time. Since you did something equivalent to saving my own life, I forgive you. From today, there is no enmity between us," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Jian Guozhi was delighted after hearing Sheng Li''s words. Forgiveness is tough to seek but once it''s given it relieves you. Sheng Li took his leave, leaving the two brothers behind.


    Nianzu observed the facial expressions of Jian Guozhi. "Brother, you proved your words today. But I can see what others cannot see," Nianzu proimed.


    Jian Guozhi amusingly peered at him.


    "She is your mother even if she did wrong. It must be the toughest decision for you to take. I know the sadness you are carrying at this moment in your heart," Nianzu pronounced. Jian Guozhi smiled a little and then heaved a sigh.


    Jian Guozhi was indeed sad because he knew his mother either would be hanged to death or beaten to death. He knew it would be hard to see his mother in that state but he had to decide as a Governor rather than a son, thus keeping his emotions aside.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li arrived at the Zhenzhu Inn. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is in the other chamber with Prince Wanxi, Prince Yu, and Hu Jingguo," informed the maidservant.


    "Set the breakfast table. We areing in a while," Sheng Li ordered her and went to the chamber adjacent to it.


    "Sister Lili, when you were unconscious?Brother Sheng had lost his temper. He came out with a sword in his hand and we brothers thought-"


    "That I will kill every one of you!" Sheng Lipleted the words of Weng Yu, who trembled to see him.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze from him and looked at Lei Wanxi. "She needs rest. You all shall leave," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. We thought to converse with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi pouted and stood up. Weng Yu and Hu Jingguo also stood up and left with him.


    Sheng Li helped Ying Lili in getting up. He gently put his arm around her shoulder while from the other hand, held her left hand. "You need to be careful of your health. The poison has weakened your body. Even if you are cured, it doesn''t mean that you are fully healthy."


    Ying Lili was overwhelmed to see the care of Sheng Li towards her. They entered the bedchamber where the maidservants had already set the table. He made her sit on the chair and ced a cushion behind her back so that she would not feel much pain.


    "All your favorite dishes are prepared. What would you like to eat first?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Noodles," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li nodded and picked the bowl of noodle soup. cing it near him on the table, he picked a little amount of it and brought the chopsticks closer to Ying Lili''s mouth. She ate that.


    "You shall eat too," Ying Lili softly said.


    "After you," he answered and again brought the chopsticks closer to her mouth. He then picked the porcin spoon and fed her the soup.


    "But you are also hungry. It is not considered graceful that your husband takes his meal after his wife," Ying Lili picked a chopstick from her left hand which Sheng Li caught.


    He chuckled a little. "Since when did we start caring about those things? Don''t talk while eating," his stern expression made her stop speaking further.


    Once Ying Lili finished eating the noodles, Sheng Li picked the bowl of meat soup. Ying Lili was full, so she told Sheng Li to stop. "But there are still many dishes left," Sheng Li said, looking at the table.


    "You shall finish this all then," Ying Lili stated.


    "You need to take a pill. Come, I will take you to the bed," Sheng Li dabbed Ying Lili''s mouth with a clean napkin. Putting it down, he forwarded his hand but Ying Lili refused.


    "I want to watch you eat. Start eating," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li did not argue with her and started eating.

 Chapter 299 - More Than My Life

    <h4>Chapter 299 - More Than My Life</h4>


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to the bed. He had given her the medicine, an herbal pill, and told her to take rest for some time. "You are also tired. Your eyes are so red. You did not sleep the entire night, right?" Ying Lili moved her eyes on his face.


    "I forgot to sleep," Sheng Li replied. "When I was bedridden, how did you spend your night in prison?" Sheng Li muttered.


    ??


    "It was tough, but General Wang and Xiao kept informing me. That was past. Come here, let''s sleep together," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nodded and removed his overcoat. cing it aside, he pulled the nket and first helped Ying Lili to lie down on the bed. Sheid on her left while Sheng Li pulled the curtains down.


    He thenid beside her and tucked the hair strands behind her ear. With his fingers, he kept stroking her cheek. "I can sleep peacefully now," he said in a low voice. Keeping his hand down, he caught her hand and leaned towards her. nting a kiss on her forehead, he told her to close her eyes.


    Ying Lili did so and shut her eyes. Sheng Li kept gazing at her. "Sheng Li," she whispered and again opened her eyes.


    "Hmm?"


    "Forgive me. I worried about you so much. You cried for me, shouted for me, and even forgot that the status of Empress is bigger than you. You raised your hand to her! Indeed, the Crown Prince was going to burn this Pce for me. You have a lovely and warm heart, Sheng Li. I am blessed to have you as my husband." She moved closer to him as she buried her face in his chest. Sheng Li ced his hand on her hair and patted it.


    "For you, I will go to any limit, Lili. Only you can control the cruel beast inside me, so just keep in mind not to let yourself be hurt. My heart was restless. She harmed you ¨C whom I love more than my own life," pronounced Sheng Li, stroking her hair. He closed his eyes gradually. "Let''s sleep," he softly said, and soon he drifted off to sleep.


    "So, this was the prediction that the Royal Astrologer was talking about! I am d that nothing big happened, otherwise it would have been difficult to tackle the situation. Now, Hu Jingguo is here, so he will cure the Emperor. The Empress is going to be dethroned. Now, I wonder who will be the next Empress? Will there be a fight for the position among the Consorts?" Ying Lili was contemting deeply.


    Her eyes were getting heavy because of the pill she had taken a few minutes ago. She closed them and fell asleep.


    ~~~~~


    Hu Jingguo was conversing with the Royal Physician regarding the illness of the Emperor, upon the request of Ying Lili. Han Wenji was lying on the bed, closing his eyes but was not asleep.


    "Your majesty, allow me to check your pulse," Hu Jingguo said. Han Wenji nodded, thus permitting him. Hu Jingguo gently grabbed the hand of Han Wenji and ced his fingers on the wrist to check the pulse.


    ''His majesty''s health is not so good,'' Hu Jingguo thought and ced the Emperor''s hand on the bed. He furrowed his brows and checked the eyes of Han Wenji. Eunuch Jin was anxiously looking at the Emperor when he started coughing. Eunuch Jin offered a clean handkerchief in his hand and gave that to the Emperor.


    Han Wenji stopped coughing after a while. Hu Jingguo saw the blooding from the cough. So, he took the handkerchief and examined it.


    "What happened, Master Hu?" Eunuch Jin queried.


    "His majesty is indeed terminally ill. It''s a miracle that he is alive this long. The Royal Physician is right. His majesty has a few days left or at most a month," Hu Jingguo replied in a low voice.


    Eunuch Jin''s eyes filled with tears.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Hu Jingguo lowered his eyes.


    Han Wenji passed a tiny smile to him. "What are you sorry about? It is not your fault. I have be old, so I need to leave this body soon. Hu Jingguo, because of your exceptional medical skills I would like to give you a special rank. You have proven yourself loyal to this Han Family. From today onward, you will be called the Second Royal Physician. A residence is given to you in the Eastern Pce," Han Wenji announced.


    Hu Jingguo was dumbfounded to hear about that. "Your Majesty, I never intended for such a position. I am happy to serve the Regal Family anytime. But, because His Majesty thought of me capable of this position, I will dly ept it," Hu Jingguo humbly replied, bowing ny degrees.


    Eunuch Jin brought the Royal Medical Robes with a Royal Decree for Hu Jingguo and handed the robes to him. The robes were white. Hu Jingguo epted them and looked at Han Wenji. "I will still try to find a cure for your illness, Your Majesty. We still have some time," Hu Jingguo assured the Emperor, who smiled.


    After a while, he left the manor of the Emperor and met Lei Wanxi, who was eagerly waiting for him.


    Lei Wanxi smiled seeing the Royal Medical Robes presented to Hu Jingguo. He picked the scroll and looked at it. "Congrattions, Second Royal Physician Hu," Lei Wanxi hugged Hu Jingguo, who thanked him.


    Pulling away from each other, Lei Wanxi said, "First Brother appealed for your appointment as the Second Royal Physician. You shall thank him."


    "Prince Jian asked for my appointment?" Hu Jingguo was stunned to hear. He was the one who brutally tortured him when he got caught sneaking into the Pce.


    "The First Brother is no longer an evil person. He was evil because of his mother," Lei Wanxi stated as the two started walking. "Brother Jian was never happy with the acts of the Empress, but what could the First Brother do? He fed with this thought that he should have been the Crown Prince. I am d that my mother never forced me to focus on such things. I guess I would have definitely run away from the Pce if she had tried to impose this on me," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    The two soon arrived outside the chamber of Jian Guozhi. Lei Wanxi handed the Royal Physician Robes to the Pce maid, "Send them to the Residence of Royal Physician Hu," hemanded and walked in with Hu Jingguo.


    Jian Guozhi was having a conversation with Nianzu when Lei Wanxi interrupted them. "Brother, Hu Jingguo wants to thank you," Lei Wanxi said with a broad smile.


    Jian Guozhi shifted his gaze to Hu Jingguo, who had lowered his head. "Thank you for helping me there. You saved my life so, this Hu Jingguo will serve you till hisst breath. Also, I thank the First Prince for rmending my name to the Emperor," Hu Jingguo expressed his gratitude.


    "I only rectified the mistake that I made two months ago," Jian Guozhi replied.


    Hu Jingguo smiled when Nianzu told them to take their seats.


    "Thank you, Brother, but we two need to go outside," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Take soldiers with you. Do not go alone," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "Okay. We will take General Xiao with us," asserted Lei Wanxi and looked at Hu Jingguo. "Let''s go. We will have our lunch in the market," Lei Wanxi excitedly said.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all have updated your apps. As you know that the power ranking no longer important. From now on, Golden Ticket Ranking will be important. It means from now on, whoever will be in Golden ranks will be given more exposurepare to the others.


    I hope you readers will vote through golden tickets and help me getting into the ranks. Some even voted for me and I am thankful to them. Earlier, whenever I achieved the PS vote targets, I gave the mass release and sometimes I tried to release more than 2 chapters in a day.


    So, for Golden Tickets target will be- ''25 Golden Tickets in a week.'' If I achieve this target then in the uing week there will be a mass release of 5 chapters.


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    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 300 - Princess Of Huan Province

    <h4>Chapter 300 - Princess Of Huan Province</h4>


    Chuntao was cleaning the shelves in the private library of Nianzu when she heard the creak of the door. She stepped left and saw Nianzu hade there. "Your highness," she murmured, who scanned his eyes throughout the library.


    "Miss Chuntao, you cleaned the library yourself? Why did you not ask a few Pce maids for help?" Nianzu queried her as he came towards her.


    ??


    "Your highness, I thought not to disturb them. I mostly am free, so I thought to clean it myself," asserted Chuntao; her head was lowered.


    "I would like to converse with you. The other day, many things happened that I could not talk to you," pronounced Nianzu, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    "Forgive me, your highness. Because of me, your name got dragged," Chuntao apologized. Nianzu knitted his brows as he recalled everything that Lei Wanxi told him and then the bitter words of Bingbing.


    "It has affected your image more than me. I am a Prince, so no one will dare to say anything to me. But for you, it''s the opposite. That''s the kind of society we have! A woman gets med no matter what the situation is! I should have been considerate while bringing you to the Pce. People pointed out the finger on your character! You did not do anything wrong so, never feel shameful or guilty of those things. Forgive me that you underwent all this," Nianzu sincerely apologized to Chuntao.


    "His Highness shall not apologize. His highness always helped me," replied Chuntao. "I should have listened to his highness when he told me to be aware of men," Chuntao stated.


    "You cannot go out of this Pce for a year since the Crown Prince has given orders. I can talk to him if you do not want to stay here." He waited for Chuntao''s response, who, after contemting for some time, answered him.


    "Your highness, I would like to go with the order of the Crown Prince and serve you."


    Nianzu was happy to hear the decision of? Chuntao. "Shall we put the books back on the shelves?" Nianzu questioned her.


    "I will do it. You shall leave for your chamber. Do you want to read something? I will bring the desired book for his highness," Chuntao humbly replied.


    "There is a book called- ''The Last Summer Night.'' Please pass me this book," Nianzu requested. Chuntao smiled and went towards the other side of the shelf.


    She checked the book on the first shelf, followed by the second and third. She put her finger under her chin and looked at the other shelves. "I saw that book a few minutes ago. Was it on the other side shelf?" Chuntao murmured.


    "Miss, I think the book is over there," Nianzu replied, pointing his finger towards thest shelf. Chuntao nodded and quickly went to the end shelf. Nianzu recalled that he had put the book at the top shelf where Chuntao could not reach because of her small height. He too went there and saw Chuntao was on her toes, trying to grab the book from the top shelf.


    "Miss," he went ahead and stood behind her. He raised his hand and easily grabbed the book from the top shelf. "I forgot that you could not reach the top." Chuntao was on her feet now and turned back, while Nianzu lowered his head. He found out how close he was to Chuntao.


    He grabbed the book and quickly stepped back. "Forgive me," he said and left from there. Chuntao''s heart was thumping, and she brought her hand over her chest. "Why?" She murmured.


    Nianzu could be seen in his chamber, sitting on the floor mattress. The book was still in his hand while he was thinking about what happened in the library. He never got close to many women in his life that''s why this feeling was foreign to him.


    "Your highness-"


    "Huh?" Nianzu reacted in a strange way, which befuddled Eunuch Chung. "Are you alright, your highness?" He worriedly asked.


    "Hmm." "Why are you here?" Nianzu questioned him.


    "It is your tea time so, I brought the tea for you," Eunuch Chung replied and looked at the maidservant, who was holding a tray in her hand.


    "Prepare the tea for his highness," Eunuch Chung instructed the maidservant, who ced the tray on the table there.


    Eunuch Chung saw the shocked expression on Prince Nianzu''s face. "Your highness, are you alright? Is there something in the library? Why are you carrying such an expression? Did Miss Chuntao make any mistake?" Eunuch Chung asked all possible questions that coulde to his mind.


    "Nothing. Eunuch Chung, send some servants to help her," Nianzu ordered. Eunuch Chung bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    ''I never observed her that closely. I shall refrain from going near her,'' Nianzu thought in his mind when the teacup was put before him.


    "Your highness, the tea is ready," the maidservant humbly said. Nianzu nodded and told her to leave. He picked the porcin cup, but that incident kept shing in front of his eyes. "Ahh," the tea was hot, and his tongue burned. He put the cup on the table. He grabbed the book and walked out of the chamber.


    Oppositely, Chuntao was arranging the books on the shelf. ''I should keep a distance from his highness. If someone would have seen us that close then, it could be a problem,'' she mumbled and heard the footsteps. Three servants walked in along with Eunuch Chung.


    "Wrap up the work quickly. Servants will help you," Eunuch Chung informed Chuntao. She nodded, and soon the work gotpleted.


    Locking the library, Chuntao went to Nianzu''s chamber but did not find him there. She put the key on the table and turned to leave when she saw a scroll lying near the table. She picked it up and ced it on the table when the words in it grabbed her attention.


    She opened the scroll and read it. She read each character carefully with a few pauses in between. "...Princess of Huan Province," she read. "It''s a marriage proposal," she folded it and ced it on the table. She stood up from the floor and left the chamber.

 Chapter 301 - Makes Me Happy

    <h4>Chapter 301 - Makes Me Happy</h4>


    Hu Jingguo saw a beautiful tassel near a stall. It had a white-colored porcin head that had a braided green-colored cord. Below the head,y numerous threads beaded with pearls. "I want to buy this. How much is it?" Hu Jingguo queried, picking the tassel. Lei Wanxi astonishingly looked at her.


    "Master, it''s 80 cents. The pearls used in this are real," the seller with a broad smile replied.


    ??


    Lei Wanxi took the tassel from Hu Jingguo and looked at the pearls. "Are you sure about your statement?" Lei Wanxi keenly observed the pearls. "Because I think they are fake," he added and looked back at the seller who gulped.


    "Master, you have a good eye for this. Give me 15 cents," replied the seller and smiled. Hu Jingguo took out the money from his pouch and handed the 15 cents to the seller. He then put the tassel in his pocket and walked ahead with Lei Wanxi.


    "Do you have a lover? For whom did you buy this tassel?" Lei Wanxi inquired him while opening the fan.


    "I do not have any lover. It is for the Crown Princess," replied Hu Jingguo.


    "For Sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi was astonished to hear about that.


    "Yes. I forgot to bring something for her from Juyan. She will like it," Hu Jingguo stated. Lei Wanxi tilted his head slightly and asked him why he was talking in an informalnguage.


    "Did I?" Hu Jingguo queried.


    "Yes."


    "Because the Crown Prince has permitted me," replied Hu Jingguo. Lei Wanxi was stunned to hear that.


    "If you will give this tassel to Sister Lili then, Brother Sheng is going to be angry. You know that he is jealous that you know so much about Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi stated as the two kept walking.


    "The Crown Prince will not get jealous," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    "Are you hiding something from your best friend?" Lei Wanxiined.


    "The Crown Prince has be my friend," a sudden reply came from Hu Jingguo, which astonished Lei Wanxi. "He has the heart of a child. I wonder how he fought in wars," Hu Jingguo jokingly said.


    Lei Wanxi agreed with him. Indeed, Sheng Li''s heart was like a child but only around the Crown Princess. Byte noon, the two arrived at the Pce. As they were walking through the Eastern corridor, their gaze fell on Nianzu who was standing near the pavilion.


    "Jingguo, I will see you in the evening. I really enjoyed my day thanks to you," Lei Wanxi said. Hu Jingguo bowed and walked away while Lei Wanxi went to the Pavilion.


    "Fourth Brother, what are you doing here at this hour? At this time, you usually are with your mother," Lei Wanxi halted beside Nianzu, who skeptically nced at him.


    "Nothing. Mother and other Consorts are in the Emperor''s Manor. I thought about sitting here for a while," Nianzu replied. "A proposal hase from Huan Province," suddenly Nianzu said.


    "Pardon me? A proposal?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Hmm. Father wants me to marry the daughter of the King of Huan Province. King Huan Zhn fought every battle with our father when Han expansion started. I am a little tense," Nianzu asserted. Lei Wanxi read the Fourth Prince''s facial expressions for a while.


    "Brother, you are older than me and even Brother Sheng. Even if you want to stop the marriage, you cannot! But, why did our father ask you to marry the daughter of the King of Huan? The other day, he agreed with you and allowed you to marry whomever you want to!" Lei Wanxi was a little confused.


    "Because the King of Huan has requested this alliance! Father cannot refuse him as he always supported father every time he needed him," Nianzu proimed.


    "Brother, then you can fall in love with Princess of Huan after marriage, just like Brother Sheng fell in love with Sister Lili. Your confusion is cleared by me. You do not need to praise me," Lei Wanxi asserted and patted his own shoulder.


    Nianzu heaved a sigh. "I just do not want to marry early," he murmured.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li woke up and found himself embracing Ying Lili. Moving himself a little back, he checked Ying Lili, who was in a deep sleep. Since Ying Lili had wrapped her arm around him. He did not remove it and stayed in that position until Ying Lili woke up.


    Sheng Li gazed his eyes all over Ying Lili''s face. The glow on her face had returned. Sheng Li ced his palm over her cheek and with the thumb stroked her cheek. ''How could you love me so much? You did not think about your life while jumping in between. What if something would have happened to Hu Jingguo? Would I be able to save you, then?'' Sheng Li pondered. Tears again came off his eyes.


    Unbeknownst to him, a few teardrops fell over Ying Lili''s hand which was lying on the bed, below Sheng Li''s face. She drew her brows together and then felt the touch of her man. Gradually opening her eyes, she saw the crying face of Sheng Li.


    Her heart sank seeing the sight. Was he crying again because of her? But she was fine now! Then, why? Was there any other reason behind those tears?


    "You are awake. Did I disturb you?" Sheng Li looked into her eyes, who shook her head.


    Ying Lili extended her hand and wiped the tears from Sheng Li''s cheek. "Why are you crying? Did you recall something?" She lifted her eyes and met his gaze.


    "I cried?" Sheng Li was astonished. "I think something fell in my eyes," he lied to Ying Lili.


    "We are not sleeping in a ce full of sand. At least lie using your brain," Ying Lili sarcastically said and giggled.


    A smile appeared on his lips seeing his woman smiling. "Keep smiling like this. My heart flutters every time I see you this way. It makes me happy," Sheng Li professed.

 Chapter 302 - Could See Her One More Time!

    <h4>Chapter 302 - Could See Her One More Time!</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan could be seen doing the painting in her private chamber, but her hand was trembling. She was trying hard, but could not draw anything. A fear had grown in her, an unknown fear! She put the brush down and sighed. "This was the only thing I was good at," she sighed. "But, my hands tremble every time I try to paint," she murmured.


    She stood up from the floor mattress and went towards the porch of her chamber. Sitting on the stairs of the porch, she rested both hands on her knees and her knuckles were under her chin.


    ??


    "Lady Xue, it''s hot outside. Please go inside," a maidservant humbly requested Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I am not feeling hot. I am cold," Xue Yu-Yan replied. "Leave me alone. Clean the table," Xue Yu-Yan ordered her. The maidservant bowed and turned to leave when Xue Yu-Yan asked her about Jian Guozhi.


    "The First Prince is with Lady Mi. They have gone outside to the nearest shrine to the Pce," the maidservant replied. Xue Yu-Yan was dejected to learn about that, but what could she possibly do. Indeed, as the woman of the First Prince, she wanted his love but she could not let her entire life waste on that! After conversing with the Fourth Prince the other day, she realized that she had full rights to be happy. ''I won''t think about him anymore! If he wants toe, then he is wee, but I will not let myself ruin over this,'' she thought.


    "Do you want to go out with me? I am getting bored here," Xue Yu-Yan with gleaming eyes waited for her response. The maidservant was a little astonished, but she immediately agreed with Princess Consort.


    "Where does Lady Xue want to go?" She humbly asked.


    "It has been a long time since I have been to the market," asserted Xue Yu-Yan and expressed her desire to go there. "I forgot to ask your name. What is your name?" Xue Yu-Yan questioned her.


    After Princess Consort plotted against the Crown Princess, her personal assistant was removed, keeping only two Pce maids to serve her.


    "This servant is called Zhiyi."


    Xue Yu-Yan nodded and looked back at the old plum tree on the porch. "Zhiyi, I have only a few people around me who are a little concerned about me. You are also one of them. Be free to talk to me not as the Princess Consort, but as your elder sister. It must be tough for you, serving us day-night and hardly being able to meet your family." Zhiyi was stunned to notice the changed behavior of Xue Yu-Yan. Even for a servant like her, she was thoughtful.


    "I will see my father''s residence then. I just want to see it once from outside. Maybe I will get to see my mother. Hopefully, she is doing well," Xue Yu-Yan murmured. When she had stepped inside the Pce, she thought of a better life, but it was the opposite.


    "Lady Xue, we shall go near the evening time to the market. But, I am a little concerned¡­" she paused. Xue Yu-Yan nced at her and asked the reason for her concern.


    "People might recognize you, Lady Xue," Zhiyi stated. She was right. People would gossip about herte father, who was charged with illegal works and corruption in the Empire. However, she did not run away from all this. One day she had to face this, then why not today.


    "Zhiyi, my father''s crime has nothing to do with me. Just bring me a veiled hat. We are going now because before sunset we need to be back. My father''s residence is a little away from here so, it would take a lot of time to walk there," Xue Yu-Yan opined.


    "Walk?" "I will arrange a sedan for Lady Xue," Zhiyi humbly said.


    "No. That would grab unwanted attention. Let''s just go there on foot. It is my first time walking such a long distance. It will be fun," Xue Yu-Yan smiled. Zhiyi was delighted to see the smile on Princess Consort''s lips, that had vanished in the past few days. Xue Yu-Yan stood up and stretched her arms out. She walked inside the chamber, followed by Zhiyi.


    Zhiyi brought a veiled hat for Xue Yu-Yan. She wore it and tied the knot under her chin. Looking at herself in the mirror, Xue Yu-Yan smiled a little.


    "Let''s go," with full enthusiasm she told Zhiyi, and the two walked out of the chamber. Soon, they reached the Fu Imperial Gates where Commander Sun was checking the food supplies delivered to the Pce. He bowed, seeing the Princess Consort, who also did the same.


    "May I know where the Princess Consort is going?" Commander Sun queried.


    "To the market," replied Xue Yu-Yan.


    Commander Sun narrowly gazed at Zhiyi and asked her why she did not prepare a sedan for her mistress.


    "I told her not to. I want to go by foot," Xue Yu-Yan said in a firm tone.


    "Princess Consort Xue, you cannot go out without a security and sedan," Commander Sun opined. "The market is far from here and the sun is still shining. I will arrange a sedan for you. Moreover, you are Princess Consort. I will follow you else I will be punished," he added.


    Xue Yu-Yan did not argue with him and slightly nodded her head. Commander Sun gestured to a soldier, who left the sight and momentster came there with six people carrying a sedan. Another Commander did the remaining work of Commander Sun.


    Xue Yu-Yan got into the sedan, which was carried up by six sedan carriers.?She peeked outside through the tiny window of the sedan while Commander Sun and Zhiyi followed her. "I want to see my Father''s Residence," Xue Yu-Yan told Commander Sun, who slightly raised his brow. "I will peek from outside. I know I cannot enter there," Xue Yu-Yan added.


    Commander Sunmanded the carriers, who changed their direction to the Wei Residence.


    After a while, Xue Yu-Yan told them to stop as they were a hundred meters away from the Wei Residence. The carriers put the sedan down. Zhiyi helped Xue Yu-Yan to get out of the sedan.?Xue Yu-Yan stood up and adjusted her hat. "My face is not visible, right?" Xue Yu-Yan inquired from Zhiyi, who refused.


    She walked ahead and took the other path which was connected to the Western part of the Residence. Soldiers were guarding the Residence, so, seeing them she stopped. She recalled the days when she used to climb over the wall to go out but was scolded by her mother to act gracefully. She trained herself hard to be the potential Crown Princess keeping aside her wishes, but what good did it bring to her? Nothing! Though she was missing the scoldings of her mother. ''I wish I could see her one more time. Is she eating well? Is she taking good care of herself?'' A tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it off.


    "Lady Xue, the soldiers are watching you. We must go back," Zhiyi humbly requested.


    "Hmm." Xue Yu-Yan turned and walked back to the Sedan. Getting in, she told them to drop her till the market entrance.

 Chapter 303 - The First Prince Is Associated

    <h4>Chapter 303 - The First Prince Is Associated</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan arrived at the market and her eyes gleamed to see it. The evening market is more popr than the morning market. "Your highness, I will follow you from here," Commander Sun pronounced. Xue Yu-Yan could not refuse it and nodded her head.


    She looked around and then nced at Zhiyi. "Do you know where that popr dumpling stall is? I heard from the Sixth Prince that he usually visits the famous dumpling stall in the market." She always wanted to taste the roadside market food, but because she was from an Aristocratic Family, she could not!


    ??


    "I do not know, Lady Xue. It is my first timeing here," Zhiyi replied.


    Xue Yu-Yan started walking, while Zhiyi and Commander Sun, who was a few meters away from them, followed them. Xue Yu-Yan went to a vendor stall, who was selling some sweets which she had never seen in the Pce. "What''s this?" She curiously asked, looking at the buns, which were of red color.


    "These are called Red Bean Buns. Do you want some, My Lady?" the vendor asked.


    "Hmm. I need three," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    The vendor happily forwarded the buns, wrapped in the papers. "3 cents," he forwarded his palm. Xue Yu-Yan took out the pouch, full of coins, and handed him the money. Taking the buns from the vendor, she gave one to Zhiyi and went towards Commander Sun to give him the other.


    "Thank you, but I do not eat sweets, your highness," Commander Sun bowed.


    "Ahh," Xue Yu-Yan pulled her hand back. She came to Zhiyi and told her to eat. As Xue Yu-Yan took the first bite, she found the deliciousness in that. She should have purchased more! She ate the second one too and went back to the vendor. "Brother, give me 5 more!" Xue Yu-Yan excitedly said. The vendor happily packed the buns in a paper envelope and handed it to her. Xue Yu-Yan paid him and walked ahead with Zhiyi.


    "I never knew such a sweet existed!" she mumbled. Zhiyi took the envelope from Princess Consort and followed her. Xue Yu-Yan was confused thinking why were people looking at her. She moved closer to Zhiyi and asked, "Why are people looking at me? Is my face visible?"


    Zhiyi refused. "Maybe seeing ady in rare silk clothes is grabbing their attention," Zhiyi opined. Xue Yu-Yan stopped in front of a stall where the seller was selling women''s adornments. She found that many women were flocked around the stall, especially women of high-ss families.


    She too went there and saw the ribbons, tassels, bangles, and other items. "Will you remove this hat? It''s ufortable for us,"ined one young woman.


    "Remove the hat?! Oh, I cannot," Xue Yu-Yan said. She clutched her skirt as she was scared if people would see her face.


    "Then, go there. You can check the itemster," the other said with a stern expression. If she would be the earlier Xue Yu-Yan then, she would have chopped off their heads, but because she left that side of hers which developed mainly because of her arrogance and pride, she quietly stepped back.


    "Have you heard about the Wei Family?" The woman in the blue Hanfu dress asked the other one, who was in a peach-colored dress. This grabbed Xue Yu-Yan''s attention, so she stopped and keenly heard them.


    "No. What happened this time?" She asked.


    "The Empress killed the former Empress, who was the beloved of the Emperor. She plotted to kill the Crown Prince several times and this time she harmed the Crown Princess. My father was telling us that the Crown Prince raised his sword at the Empress to kill her, but then the First Prince intervened. He is the one who requested the Emperor to dethrone the Empress. Tomorrow, the Empress will be dethroned." It also grabbed the attention of other women who had surrounded that stall.


    "Really?"


    "Hmm."


    "The Crown Prince is a dangerous person to deal with! What if the Crown Prince had chopped off her head?" The other said. Hearing it everyone trembled.


    "Then, it is the end for the Wei Family. Didn''t you see how the Empress chose a second wife for the First Prince? I just hope she does not follow the path of the Empress. I have heard that she was jealous of the Crown Princess. What if she harmed the Crown Princess?"


    Xue Yu-Yan lowered her eyes upon hearing the remarks against her.


    "The Pce is not a safe ce. That''s the main reason I told my father not to send the proposal of marriage to the Second Prince. Although power is there, but who wants such power which makes you blind. The Wei Family will be soon thrown out of the capital. I even heard this," the woman in blue dress continued.


    Xue Yu-Yan was shocked to hear that.


    "The First Prince is associated with all this, I think. Who knows the Prince did all this to get on the good side of the Emperor? The position of the Crown Prince was snatched from him so, he might have nned this way to get the throne back," the same woman deduced.


    "Entire Wei Family is corrupted. First the ex-prime minister, then her daughter, and now the Empress. The ministers should give them severe death punishment so that no one will dare to do such things in the future."


    Xue Yu-Yan furrowed her brows. Those whispers were terrifying her. She kept stepping back as she brought her hands closer to her ears. "No, no...this cannot happen," she murmured.


    Zhiyi and Commander Sun walked forward but they stopped as they saw the First Prince there.


    Xue Yu-Yan stumbled and her back hit the chest of Jian Guozhi, who had halted behind her. Immediately she turned back and found Jian Guozhi''s gaze at her.


    Seeing the First Prince there, the women stopped speaking and lowered their eyes, thinking the Prince did not have heard anything.


    "What''s your father''s name?" Jian Guozhi asked, looking at the woman who was in a blue dress. She was terrified and asked for forgiveness. Commander Sun hade near the First Prince.


    "I do not want your fake apologies. Tell me the name of your father," Jian Guozhi said with a stern expression.


    When the woman did not reply, Jian Guozhi nced at Commander Sun, who walked forward and pulled his sword out. The sword was hanging on her neck which sent shivers in the bodies of the women, who were curiously hearing her.


    "My father is Ma Lujin," the woman finally replied.


    "Tell him to leave the Capital by tomorrow morning else I will throw him out," Jian Guozhi affirmed.?Xue Yu-Yan tilted her head and with a befuddled expression peered at him.


    ~~~~


    Thank you so much for giving the story Golden Tickets. I was overwhelmed to see so many tickets on the story and also the good rank. As per my promise, there will be 5 chapters Mass Release after this Sunday.

 Chapter 304 - Grabbing Unwanted Attention

    <h4>Chapter 304 - Grabbing Unwanted Attention</h4>


    Jian Guozhi grasped Xue Yu-Yan''s hand and dragged her out of the market. A horse cart was standing near the sedan, he pushed her in and then he got into the horse carriage.


    "Move the carriage," Jian Guozhimanded the chauffeur, who pulled the reins and the horse cart moved forward.


    ??


    Jian Guozhi pulled off the hat from Xue Yu-Yan''s head. "Who told you toe here?" He shouted at her. Xue Yu-Yan flinched her brows. She was still in shock at the way those young women were talking about the Wei Family.


    "Answer," Jian Guozhi loudly said.


    "I-I was getting bored in the Pce. So, I decided toe to the market," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    Jian Guozhi scoffed. "Getting bored! Then start working in the Pce. Do the chores there! Don''t you know that you can''t step out of the Pce whenever you feel like it?" Jian Guozhi red at her.


    Xue Yu-Yan chuckled upon hearing him. He must be joking with her. What kind of chores did he expect her to do? Why could she not step out? Now, she had to ask his permission in this! She was contemting all this.


    "If I had not stepped out today then, how would I have found out what people are thinking of me? His majesty promised me that nothing will happen to the Wei Family then why are they being sent away? It was not the fault of the innocents in the Wei Family." Xue Yu-Yan broke down into tears. The terrifying thoughts had upied her mind. Jian Guozhi felt a little guilty seeing her crying.


    ''Did I shout too much?'' he wondered.


    "Don''t believe in rumors. Why would I harm my mother''s own family? The crime shemitted has nothing to do with any of them," asserted Jian Guozhi. He leaned closer to her and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Xue Yu-Yan peered at him, who pulled his hand back.


    "How did you find out that I was here? Weren''t you with Sister Mi?" Xue Yu-Yan asked curiously.


    "I had sent her to the Pce earlier. I was here for some work in the Capital''s main office when I heard about you from someone. You went to your house as well when you know that you cannot," Jian Guozhi replied, gazing at her.


    "I wanted to see my mother," Xue Yu-Yan in a low voice said.


    "And you went wearing a hat there!" Jian Guozhi scoffed. "You grabbed unwanted attention," he added.


    Xue Yu-Yan amusingly looked at him. It was unbelievable to her that Jian Guozhi was talking with her so humbly. Then a thought ran in her mind- ''I even hate the sight of you.'' Jian Guozhi''s words always roamed in her head.


    "I will call your mother to the Pce tomorrow. Meet her then," suddenly Jian Guozhi said. Xue Yu-Yan was delighted to hear as a smile appeared on her lips but it soon vanished.


    "Aren''t you happy?" Jian Guozhi asked after getting no response from her.


    "I am, but do not call my mother to the Pce. Seeing my state, she will get hurt," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "I mean¡­" she paused as she was out of words.


    "Will she question you why you could not get the heart of your husband?"


    Xue Yu-Yan lifted her eyes and again met the eyes of Jian Guozhi. The two kept staring at each other when Jian Guozhi broke the ice. "It was not your fault entirely. It was my fault as well. I also agreed with my mother and used to question her why Sheng Li has the Crown and the woman which everyone desires! I married you to strengthen my position in the Court. In brief, I was also greedy and agreed to marry you. We both were blinded by the power that''s why we did not see that in the future we would have problems. Had I stepped back from this marriage, then you would have been at a better ce." Xue Yu-Yan clutched her skirt as tears formed in her eyes. Did he mean that he would never get close to her??He hated her this much!


    "I will give you a second chance to prove yourself. I was also given a chance by Sheng Li for the mistakes I did, the same goes for you. Forgive me for treating you this way until now." Xue Yu-Yan was stunned to hear that. That was unexpected for her. A second chance! It surely meant that he would consider being her husband if she proved herself right from now on. Her heart thumped a little from the happiness she got now, at this moment.


    "Thank you for forgiving me. And I am also guilty of hurting you and going against you whenever you tried correcting me. Xue will surely prove that she has changed," Xue Yu-Yan gave her words to him. His lips curled up a little as he nodded his head.


    The horse cart stopped as their conversation ended. A soldier opened the door of the horse cart for them. Jian Guozhi got down first and turned towards the door. He forwarded his hand to Xue Yu-Yan, who ced her hand on his. Jian Guozhi ced his other hand on her waist and put her down. "I will walk with you till your chamber," Jian Guozhi told her.


    "Ahh, it''s fine. I can go by myself." Xue Yu-Yan did not want to disturb her husband but he insisted so, she did not refuse further. As they were walking, Jian Guozhi asked suddenly from her, "I heard you like mountains. Do you want to go to a nearby hill someday?"


    Xue Yu-Yan widened her eyes with astonishment. "D-did Fourth Brother-"


    "No! Little Yu was talking to me about a trip to the hills. He mentioned that you also like mountains but could never be there," Jian Guozhi pronounced. Xue Yu-Yan nodded.


    "I will be d if you take me there," Xue Yu-Yan stated, passing a tiny smile to him.


    "Let the situation get better, then I will. I promise," Jian Guozhi raised his little finger. Xue Yu-Yan amusingly stared at him.


    "Don''t stare at me. Take a promise from me," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Xue Yu-Yan raised her little finger and locked it with Jian Guozhi''s little finger, who then joined their thumbs. Xue Yu-Yan was feeling happy. After a long time, she was smiling her heart out.

 Chapter 305 - I Am A Husband Before A Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 305 - I Am A Husband Before A Crown Prince</h4>


    Sheng Li applied the ointment over the wound while blowing the air over it. Once he was done, he closed the bottle and wiped his finger with a clean towel. "Let it dry," he told Ying Lili, who hummed at him.


    "You usually eat fruits at this time. Which fruit do you want to eat?" Sheng Li asked her.


    ??


    Ying Lili tilted her head slightly to peer at him. "Strawberries," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li nodded and looked at the Court Lady.


    "Send fresh strawberries for the Crown Princess," he ordered. Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out of the chamber. Sheng Li looked back at Ying Lili and turned her towards him. "Hu Jingguo said that you will feel weak for some time. So, you are not allowed to even move from this bed for at least a week."


    "Isn''t that too much? I will get bored here," Ying Liliined.


    "I will be with you all the time. I have taken leave from work for some time," Sheng Li asserted.


    "The Empire is more important than me. You cannot ck off. I am expeditiously recovering from this so, do not neglect your duties as the Crown Prince. Before a husband, you are the Crown Prince, who shall work for his people at all times," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I am a husband before a Crown Prince. You are my crucial work whom I have to take care of. If the Crown Princess is healthy, then the Crown Prince can lead the Empire in a right mind," Sheng Li gave her the reasons. Ying Lili ended up smiling upon hearing those words.


    "You should have been a dramatist. Where did you find these lines? Huh?" she inquired from him.


    "These came from my heart," he ced his hand over his chest. "This is what I truly feel. How would a leader lead in his right mind if the person most precious to him is sick?" Ying Lili was going to open her mouth when Sheng Li shut her up by cing his index finger over her lips. "You are speaking too much these days. Just keep quiet and let your husband perform his duties," Sheng Li whispered, gazing into her eyes. Their noses touched when Ying Lili ced her hand on his chest to push him away. However, Sheng Li did not budge from his ce.


    She leaned back and red at him. "Don''t disturb us until unless the matter is important," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant, who had lowered her head. She ced the tray on the table there and left quietly. Sheng Li got down from the bed and picked the bowl full of strawberries.


    "Can you not stop in front of the Pce maids? Do you want everyone to talk about how the Crown Prince bes shameless?" Ying Lili questioned him, who sat back on the mattress in front of her.


    "Isn''t it good?" Sheng Li asked as he picked a strawberry and peered into her pearly eyes.


    "How?" she asked.


    "Your husband does not care about the world in front of you. Women desire such husbands," Sheng Li answered as he put the strawberry between her lips, who swallowed it a chewed and swallowed it. "Umm¡­ it''s tasty," she mumbled. "So, do you mean you want to be the choice of women?"


    "What?" "No. I just want to be your choice in every birth," Sheng Li replied as he put another strawberry between her teeth. Ying Lili smiled as she chewed it.


    "My heart fluttered when you said that," she stated.


    "I will marry you in every birth," Sheng Li put another strawberry in her mouth.


    "And how will I recognize that you were Sheng Li in the past?" Ying Lili amusingly queried him.


    "Maybe through our bonding, our heartstrings," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili had picked the strawberry and pushed it inside Sheng Li''s mouth.


    "Eat," she said. Sheng Li chewed it while looking at her. Ying Lili had lowered her eyes as she was picking the strawberries from the bowl. Sheng Li curled his fingers under her chin and made her look at him.


    "I almost forgot that I told you if you ever eat the strawberries in front of me, I will kiss you," Sheng Li suddenly turned serious while a grin did not leave his lips.


    He closed the distance between them. His hand moved to her nape as he pulled her closer. With a swift push, he plunged his tongue inside her mouth. Ying Lili moaned inside his mouth as their tongues yed with each other. Savoring the taste of her mouth, he pulled back and did not leave her lips, though. He nibbled them and did not want to leave them. After a while, he pulled back, leaving Ying Lili gasping for her breath. She was in a mess after the heated kiss. His thumb was stroking her cheek while his forehead touched against hers.


    "You are not feeling pain in your shoulder, right?" Sheng Li asked, catching his breaths.


    "N-no," with quivering lips, a response came from Ying Lili, who had closed her eyes. Sheng Li leaned towards her ear and nibbled her earlobe. Another moan came out of her mouth when Sheng Li kissed the sensitive spot on her skin, right below her ear, where the neck started. He slowly put Ying Lili on the mattress, her head resting on the pillow.


    Sheng Li had put the bowl, half filled with strawberries, aside. He leaned down above her and stroked her hair. Ying Lili kept her gaze fixed on Sheng Li, who said, "If you are feeling pain in your back or shoulder then we can postpone it for some other time." He waited for Ying Lili''s response, who lifted her both hands and grabbed the robes of Sheng Li.


    Pulling him closer to him, she said, "My shoulder is fine. Don''t worry." She sealed their lips with a kiss, giving consent to Sheng Li. Sheng Li kissed the top of her forehead and then gazed back into her eyes while his one hand traveled down and rested on the knot of her dress.

 Chapter 306 - Hushu, Anger Does Not Suit You!

    <h4>Chapter 306 - Hushu, Anger Does Not Suit You!</h4>


    Sheng Li opened the knot of Ying Lili''s dress, but then a familiar voice fell into his ears. "Crown Prince, Crown Prince!" Hu Jingguo was shouting from outside the chamber while Court Lady Xu was trying to stop him.


    "His highness has strictly given the orders unless it is a crucial matter, they should not be disturbed."


    ??


    "Court Lady Xu, it is indeed a crucial matter. You will not understand. It is between two friends," Hu Jingguo stated, keeping a smile on his lips and then again called out for the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili ended upughing. Stopping herughs, she said, "I think we need to wait for more. Hu Jingguo is here."


    Sheng Li scoffed and pulled Ying Lili up, gently. He tied the knot of her dress and brushed her hair using his fingers. "He destroys my mood every time he interrupts. I cannot even get angry at him," Sheng Li whispered as he kept his gaze intact on her. Before Ying Lili could ask him why he could not get furious at Hu Jingguo, Sheng Li stood up from the bed and walked out of the bedchamber.


    Sheng Li opened the doors and red at Hu Jingguo. "I have ears, so you do not need to shout so loudly." He turned and walked in. Hu Jingguo walked behind him and put his arm around Sheng Li''s shoulder. "Hushu, anger doesn''t suit you," he said with a smile.


    Court Lady Xu was shocked to see the way Hu Jingguo put his arm around the Crown Prince. "Has he lost his mind?" Xing-Fuined,ing closer to Court Lady Xu, who shook her head.


    They came to the sitting room outside the chamber when Sheng Li pushed him away. "Have you lost your mind? You cannot use that name!" Sheng Li scolded him and put his hands on his waist.


    "You get angry so quickly, Sheng Li. You should be calm in every situation," Hu Jingguo stated and asked, "Where is Ying Lili? I need to check her." Sheng Li moved from his ce to bring Ying Lili when she came there herself.


    Sheng Li swiftly went near her and gently grabbed her arm. "Why did youe by yourself?" He questioned. Hu Jingguo smiled upon seeing the care of Sheng Li towards Ying Lili. Hu pulled out a chair of Ying Lili while Sheng Li took her there, making her sit on it. After her, Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo took their respective seats.


    "Forgive me if I disturbed you two. But this was urgent, so I need to report it," Hu Jingguo said with a menacing expression.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "His Majesty has only a few days to live, at most a month. His Majesty indeed is suffering from a terminal illness," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    Sheng Li furrowed his brows together. "Did you check my father thoroughly? Maybe there is a mistake," He was anxious, his voice cracking.


    "I am afraid, but this is the truth. Still, I will try my best to find the cure. There is a mountain which I heard is rich in medicinal nts. I need to go there. It will take at least a week for me to return. My Master had told me once that if the cure is found nowhere, then I shall surely go there," proimed Hu Jingguo.


    "Then go there. Find the cure. Survival of the Emperor is crucial for us," Ying Lili stated.


    Hu Jingguo nodded his head. "I will find the cure. I will not let anything happen to His Majesty," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan will go with you. I would havee, but I cannot leave Ying Lili here nor could I take her there," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Go with him," suddenly Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo both with a bewildered expressions peered at her.


    "There is nothing to worry about. The Empress will be punished by tomorrow. I do not think the mastermind behind her will do anything for a while because the First Prince stood against them. Moreover, if General Wang and General Xiao will go with Hu Jingguo, then it might raise suspicion. We cannot let our enemy find out about this," Ying Lili exined to them.


    "Lili, your health is more important. I will-"


    "The Emperor''s life is crucial at this moment. You also know if anything happens to him, many unknown enemies wille forward to ask for power! We cannot let it happen. Not until we find the main culprit behind the Empress. She will not open her mouth, so we need to find out," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Ying Lili is saying right. You shalle with me. Last time when General Wang brought me here, it was difficult," Hu Jingguo stated, looking at Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili amusingly looked at the two. "Why are you talking informally with us?" She asked out of curiosity.


    "Because your husband has finally agreed to be my friend. I can call you two by your names," Hu Jingguo proudly said.


    "Pardon!" Ying Lili shifted her gaze towards Sheng Li. "You agreed to this? Why?" She queried again, keeping a grin on her face.


    "Because I saved your life," Hu Jingguo replied. Sheng Li red at him for telling Ying Lili about that. "I do not hide anything from her, Hushu," Hu Jingguo affirmed with a smile. Ying Liliughed because unlike earlier times Sheng Li was not shouting but making faces.


    "You cannot take this name," Sheng Li told Hu Jingguo.


    "Why? Isn''t this name more suited to you? It is a name given to you by your friend. I mean when Ying Lili had not proposed to you, she was merely a friend of yours. So, I think I can also use that, Hushu," Hu Jingguo grinned. He wanted to irritate Sheng Li because it was easy to annoy him without even doing anything.


    Hu Jingguo took out a tiny porcin bottle from his pocket and handed that to Sheng Li. "Use this from tomorrow on her wound. It is more effective," he said. Sheng Li nodded acknowledging it.


    "We need a n to go out. If I stay out of the Pce for a week, then doubts will arise," Hu Jingguo concernedly said.


    "When do we need to leave? Also, what is the name of the mountain?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Mount Jishi. We need to leave as early as possible. Finding that nt is going to be tough. But before that, climbing the mountain will be more difficult," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    After contemting for some time, Sheng Li said, "I think you should leave with Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan. It will not be wise if I leave the Capital. I am taking the decision as the Crown Prince. My two Generals are capable enough to kill anyone whoes in the way. They won''t let anything happen even if they lose their lives. So, go with them. Tomorrow, when the Empress will be dethroned, many hidden enemies will make their move for the position of the Empress."


    Hu Jingguo acknowledged Sheng Li''s decision. "I will definitely bring the cure with me. I won''t let you down," Hu Jingguo assured Sheng Li.

 Chapter 307 - Always Wants To Pay

    <h4>Chapter 307 - Always Wants To Pay</h4>


    After Hu Jingguo left the chamber, Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to the bed. "So, Hushu did friendship with him and did not even tell me," Ying Lili huffed and pouted. Sheng Li passed a faint smile to her.


    "Hmm."


    ??


    "That''s why you said you cannot get angry at him because he is your friend now," Ying Lili moved her feet up on the bed. She picked the bowl of strawberries and ced it on the bedside table while Sheng Li was putting the medicine on another table. He was tense about his father''s health. If Jingguo could not find any cure, then there was no way he could save his father. He had to watch his father slowly die in front of him.


    "I ended the military campaign as quickly as possible because I wanted to meet my father. I wanted to be a good son to him. But, now, it feels as if Icked in my duties towards my father. I neglected his health," Sheng Li suddenly blurted out. Ying Lili turned to look at him and saw the deep frown on his forehead. Sheng Li sat on the mattress and gazed at Ying Lili.


    "I know death is a bitter truth from which everyone has to pass one day, but I want my father to live a little longer. I want him to feel the happiness that he never did. He kept quiet for over 20 years and stayed closer to Weng Wei despite knowing she killed my mother, his beloved wife. It must have been tough for him. And, now after her dethronement, a fight will definitely break out for the position of the Empress." Sheng Li''s worries were now visible on his face. He wanted to save his father and also prevent the fights among the wives and Ministers for power.


    Ying Lili was aware of this. When she first came to the Imperial Han Pce, she never thought that everyone would be so mad about the power. Since Juyan was a tiny kingdom, she never saw the actual fights among Ministers for power. Moreover, his father only had one wife. Thoughter, her uncle betrayed them because of the loyalty of Ministers towards Late King Song, her uncle''s intentions could not be sessful earlier.


    Now, in Luoyang everything wasplex. To keep the power, the wives of the Emperor were fighting among them. Though it was not visible now, it would be soon.


    "If I want, I can be heartless to them, but then I do not want them to see me as a terror," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili kept staring into his eyes. "I want your opinion on this. I don''t want to be called a Cruel Person, who did not spare his own family," he waited for Ying Lili''s answer.


    Ying Lili contemted for a while before answering him. "What if Prince Nianzu''s mother bes the Empress?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Sheng Li looked at her with a shocked expression. "To tell you the truth, Lili, I do not trust anyone among them. And Mother Hui cannot be the Empress. Even if we ignore the fact about her status, people will not! Since the eldest is the First Consort, she will acquire the position of the Empress. I do not have any problem with her. I will give this Crown Prince position to her son, but it will not be good for the people of Han. If anything happens to the father, the Empress wille to power for a certain time, leading to drastic consequences." Sheng Li exined it to Ying Lili, who understood his words.


    Ying Lili recalled the Emperor''s words, which he told her, and even-handed her the will. ''Sheng Li will be the Emperor.'' But she needed to hide it from Sheng Li because she had little faith that Hu Jingguo would save the Emperor.


    "Wait till tomorrow. Sometimes, if a solution is not visible, waiting for a little gives wonderful results," Ying Lili advised him.


    Sheng Li agreed with her.


    Ying Lili motioned her hand in the air, gesturing to him toe near her. Sheng Li climbed on the bed and sat beside her. "So many responsibilities you have! Hu Jingguo will do his best to save his majesty. Brother Jian has left the path of vengeance and the same with Sister Xue. So, you can see things turned right with time and mutual efforts. We won''t let any fight break in the Pce," Ying Lili rested her head on his shoulder.


    Sheng Li frowned. He was hoping the same because if a fight broke out, he might end up killing those people that did not want to do.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu re-read the message on the scroll. ''Princess of Huan is waiting for the reply of Prince Han Nianzu.'' He kept staring at those words.


    "Master, you have been staring at it for the past ten minutes. Is there something wrong in the message?" Eunuch Chung worriedly asked.


    Nianzu heaved a sigh and ced it on the table in front of him. "Father wants me to marry the Princess of Huan Province, though he did not say directly," Nianzu told Eunuch Chung.


    "King Huan always helped His Majesty during the wartime. Does the Master have someone in mind who has kept him in a dilemma?" Eunuch Chung waited for the answer.


    "No," Nianzu simply refused. "I never thought I would marry a Princess. I thought I would fall in love with someone and marry her," Nianzu added.


    "Why don''t My Master meet the Princess of Huan and spend time with her?" Eunuch Chung suggested.


    "That would be like an arranged meeting. I know I cannot step back from this marriage because King Huan always rescued my father and even got injured for him in the war." Nianzu was always considerate to others from a young age. He never raised his voice for the things he wanted.


    "Master, you never shared what kind of woman you want? May I know, My Master?" Eunuch Chung humbly asked.


    Nianzu fell silent. He never once put a thought on it. But then, there was one woman who came to his mind at that moment, Chuntao. Yes, she was the woman whose personality somewhere attracted him since the day he encountered her. After a while, he answered, "I will try postponing this marriage. Maybe by then, I will find someone whom I can marry, but if my father insists, then I need to agree with this." Nianzu picked the scroll and put it inside the drawer of the table.


    Getting not the desirable answer which Eunuch Chung wanted to hear, he did not ask Nianzu again. "Master, Miss Chuntao is working with other pce maids," he informed Nianzu, who was befuddled a little.


    "Why?" Nianzu confusedly asked.


    "She said that it would be inappropriate if she lives here for free. His highness does not let her pay the debts so, she decided to do the Pce works," Eunuch Chung replied.


    "That girl always wants to pay my debts," unbeknownst to him a smile appeared on his lips. "I am going to meet father," Nianzu stood up from the chair and left the chamber.

 Chapter 308 - No One Is Watching

    <h4>Chapter 308 - No One Is Watching</h4>


    In the early morning, Jian Guozhi left for Prison to meet his mother. Today was thest day for him to see his mother for thest time. The First Prince narrowly gazed at the prison keeper who bowed and opened the locks of the prison.


    As the First Prince stepped in, he saw the disheveled state of his mother. He was downhearted to see that. Weng Wei was dressed in white clothes, there was no jewelry worn by her; every adornment was removed from her. Her hair was loosely spread till her lower back while her eyes soared. Her lips had left redness and even the skin color had faded.


    ??


    He lowered his eyes as tears formed in them. He would be called the brutal son, who was responsible for the state of his mother. She raised him and today; he went against her. He was shameful of himself. But then he cannot let the crime go. Whatever Weng Wei did in the past, she deserved this punishment. "Mother," with quivering lips he called her out, who lifted her eyes and peered at her son.


    Her eyes were red and swollen. She might have cried a lot. "Why are you here?" Weng Wei asked. "Why did you do this to the one who gave birth to you? The day when I first held you in my hands was the best day of my life. I saw my world in you and decided to go to any extent for you. To save a woman, you killed your own mother!" Weng Weiined to her son.


    Jian Guozhi broke into tears. "Forgive me," he sobbed.


    Weng Wei scoffed and stood up from the straw mat. She went closer to Jian Guozhi, who was still crying. "I was blinded by the love of my son, which forced me to chose the wrong path. The other day you told me that I did everything for myself, but you were wrong, son! For a mother, more than her husband, her child is important. I did the same for you. I killed Sheng Li''s mother because I wanted your future to be secured.


    I urged my father to support His Majesty''s position, but he never once acknowledged me after the arrival of Sheng Li''s mother. It scared me because you were four years old at that time. His Majesty hardly used to spend time with you. My heart broke seeing that. That''s why I chose that path, and I have no regrets. Whatever I did was out of love for my child."


    Jian Guozhi, with a bewildered expression, gazed at his mother. "You did wrong. My future was secured, mother. I was the Crown Prince earlier, but because of my foolishness, I lost. Father gave me a second chance, made me the Governor. And the Crown Princess saved my life. That''s why I was trying to stop you. Mother, you were indeed blinded by the power. Do you even know how difficult it is for me?" Jian Guozhi took a step back. He clenched his fist. "Seeing you in this state breaks my heart, mother," he said, wiping the tears that had spread over his cheeks.


    Weng Wei averted her gaze. She did not let her tears fall. Somewhere, she was guilty of her acts. The power had blinded her! Despite all these facts, she did not want to ept her mistake.


    "Please embrace me for the lst time," Jian Guozhi requested his mother, who looked at him with teary eyes. She kept staring at him and then turned her back towards him.


    A chuckle escaped from Jian Guozhi''s mouth. She should at least hug him for thest time. He would miss her presence after today, but his mother was not willing to do that. "I will noteter. So, please hug me for thest time," Jian Guozhi begged his mother this time.


    Tears rolled down the cheeks of Weng Wei. "Go away!" She said with a stern voice. Jian Guozhi knitted his brows and walked out of prison. Weng Wei fell on the floor and started crying profusely.?Should he appeal to his father to pardon his mother? For a second, this thought hit his mind. However, Weng Wei could not be pardoned. He regretted not stopping his mother earlier. He was in all these thoughts when he almost hit the Crown Princess.


    He bowed as he saw the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess in front of him. Sheng Li confusedly peered at him. Jian Guozhi''s eyes were teary which, Sheng Li noticed, but he ignored it.


    "How is the Crown Princess doing? I am afraid, but the Crown Princess should not be here," Jian Guozhi quickly said.


    "I am well, Brother Jian." Ying Lili replied with a smile. "Thank you for bringing Hu Jingguo and letting my treatment continue, Brother Jian," Ying Lili lowered her eyes as she expressed her gratitude.


    "I am happy that I could help, Crown Princess. Forgive my mother, if you can."


    Sheng Li raised his brow as he gazed at the First Prince. He scoffed and asked, "Brother, how do you expect this? For your mother, the word forgiveness does not exist." Sheng Li was a little furious after he heard Jian Guozhi''s request.


    Ying Lili tilted her head slightly to look at Sheng Li. "I want to converse with Brother Jian in private."


    Jian Guozhi amusingly looked at Ying Lili, and at the same time, was befuddled. "It''s fine-"


    "Sure." Sheng Li cut Jian Guozhi''s words in the middle and permitted Ying Lili. He nced at Xiao Zhan and gestured to him to take Ying Lili away.


    "I will see youter," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who nodded. "Xiao, don''t let her go alone anywhere. I have still not forgiven you," Sheng Li walked ahead, leaving Ying Lili, Jian Guozhi, and Xiao Zhan there.


    "Your highness, this way," Xiao Zhan said. Ying Lili turned to go when Sheng Li came there, shocking her. Before she could understand, he carried her up. Xiao Zhan lowered his eyes, so did Jian Guozhi and other soldiers in prison.


    Ying Lili gestured to him to put her down when she heard him, "Crown Princess can not walk so, I am dropping her till the chamber near the barracks." He started walking while Jian Guozhi followed him.


    The Commanders, soldiers who came in their way, lowered their eyes. "I can walk. They are looking at us," Ying Lili whispered.


    Sheng Li tilted his head and found their lowered heads. "No one is watching," he replied to her. Ying Lili did not speak because she knew that Sheng Li would not listen to her. Reaching the chamber, Sheng Li put down Ying Lili on the chaise there. "Now, you can talk. I wille in a while," Sheng Li stated and turned back. He looked at Jian Guozhi and then left the chamber.


    "Brother Jian, please have a seat," softly Ying Lili offered him to sit. Jian Guozhi sat on the chaise, facing her. There was a pin drop silence between them for a while.


    Ying Lili broke the ice and asked, "First Brother, are you alright?"


    Jian Guozhi lifted his eyes to peer at her.


    "I am not!" In front of Ying Lili, Jian Guozhi ended up being veracious. "I can feel the pain which Sheng Li went through all these years. I am in pain seeing my mother in that state though I know she cannot get pardoned for her crimes," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "Forgive me, but I cannot pardon her for her crimes either. I would have been kind enough to her, but my heart does not go with it. My parents were killed in a conspiracy by your mother. And I do not know how many lives she took away for the throne," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi recalled his mother saying she did everything for him. Though it was partially true. Jian Guozhi was the one who used toin to his mother about Sheng Li. Had he not done that then, his mother would not be at this point. "Please punish me as well. I was the one who was always jealous of Sheng Li. I wanted everything for myself and¡­ " His voice trembled, and he paused.


    "But you never harmed him, First Brother. Your mother could have amended your ways, but she encouraged you. Now, it does not matter for whom she did all that! She and her half-brother did wrong. They both tried to kill Sheng Li when he was not even born. They fed poison to his mother when she was pregnant." Jian Guozhi looked at Ying Lili with a shocking expression. He did not know that they fed her poison.


    "That time the First Brother did not even know the meaning of hatred," she rested her words.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


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 Chapter 309 - Banishment Of The First Brother!

    <h4>Chapter 309 - Banishment Of The First Brother!</h4>


    "I know, but throughout my life, I will regret not stopping my mother." Jian Guozhi curled up his fingers, clutching his robes. "She did not even give me a hug for thest time." Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes.


    It was true, though. Jian Guozhi made the toughest decision of his life, but if he had not done this, then his mother might have continued plotting against the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    ??


    Wiping the tears which were on the verge of falling from his eyes, Jian Guozhi quickly wiped them off and lifted his eyes. "Crown Princess, I shall take my leave. Thank you for conversing with me," Jian Guozhi stood up from the chaise so did Ying Lili.


    "Brother Jian, you are a great brother and a son. Earlier I had a different perception of you, but as time passed, I found out that you were always considerate of your brothers. Your qualities are indeed like your name! You healed this Kingdom by taking such a great decision. I urge Brother Jian not to me himself."


    "Hmm. I will try, Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi said, passing her a tiny smile before leaving the chamber. Ying Lili knitted her brows and sat back on the chaise.


    In prison, Sheng Li was standing in front of Weng Wei. Seeing the disheveled state of Weng Wei, Sheng Li smiled. "I warned you not to do anything which will bring doom on you. Everything ended for you." The two were ring at each other.


    "Good times remain for some time. You are also in that phase, Sheng Li. It''s your mother''s fault who seduced my husband," Weng Wei shouted. Sheng Li clenched his fists so tightly that his veins on the wrist popped out.


    "Do not say anything about myte mother," Sheng Li growled.


    Weng Wei chuckled andughed slightly. "Everything was fine in my life until she entered the Pce," she gritted her teeth. "I was the queen but then your mother she¡­" Weng Wei tried moving forward but the shackles in her feet stopped her from going closer to Sheng Li. She then continued, "...that wench-"


    Sheng Li did not let her speak further as he squeezed her neck by grabbing it tightly. "Shut up! At least respect the dead. I can cut your tongue for disrespecting my mother. I am stopping myself because I called you ''mother'' many times, though that was never from my heart." His eyes turned blood red. The long nails of Weng Wei had pierced through his skin on the fingers as she tried to get free of his hold.


    "Your highness," Wang Hao pulled Sheng Li back. Weng Wei was coughing loudly as she held her neck.


    "Leave me," Sheng Li moved ahead, but Wang Hao did not set him free. "Your highness, you cannot do this. Don''t do this," Wang Hao pacified Sheng Li, who had calmed down. He jerked off his arms from Wang Hao''s grip and pointed his finger at Weng Wei.


    "Your mother first snatched the love of a husband from me, and now your wife snatched my son from me. You are so proud of your position, right? Sheng Li, how can you forget whoever gets close to you is destined to die!" Weng Wei smirked while Sheng Li frowned. "Ying Lili will die soon. That will be because of you," Weng Wei passed an evil smile to him.


    "Shut up! Don''t take the name of the Crown Princess with your filthy mouth." Sheng Li bellowed at her. Wang Hao did not stop the Crown Prince this time. He recalled the face which he had seen the other day in the temple. The face of the person who was helping Weng Wei in everything. After Lili got injured, he had almost forgotten about that person.


    "Who is the person behind you? Tell me his name," Sheng Li suddenly asked her. The smile on Weng Wei''s lips disappeared. She never expected Sheng Li to learn about that. Sheng Li pulled out the sword from the sheath and grabbed Weng Wei''s arm. Pointing the sword near her neck, he gazed into her eyes.


    "Tell me the name of the person whom you meet at the temple," Sheng Li demanded the answer from her.


    "Person!? What are you talking about?" Weng Wei tried to act.


    "I have seen you with my eyes, talking with that person. Now, tell me." The de of the sword had cut the skin of the neck. Weng Wei flinched but did not open her mouth.


    "You will not speak this easily. Because you were once an Empress that''s why you did not go through this prison''s torture. Do you want to experience that torture before dying? I am not gentle on enemies even if you are a woman or elder. Right now, you are a traitor who betrayed the Han," the grip on his sword tightened and the de cut a little more of her skin.


    "I do not know what you are talking about. Torture me if you want to! I know you are born cruel like your mother," Weng Wei snapped at Sheng Li, who dropped the sword,?shocking her and General Wang at the same time.


    "If you think I will lose my temper hearing those words then you are wrong," Sheng Li pronounced. Weng Wei carried a bewildered expression on her face as she drew her brows together. The blood drops had stained her dress near the neck.


    "A mother always loves her son no matter what. Now, your end is near so why do you not do something useful for your son?" Weng Wei confusedly peered at Sheng Li.


    "W-what do you mean?" Weng Wei was a little terrified.


    Wang Hao was also trying to understand what the Crown Prince was trying to do.


    "First Brother epted how he did wrong to me. You are right. I am proud of this power that I have. I can do anything I want to. I can even ask for the banishment of the First Brother. What do you think will happen, then?" Sheng Li smirked this time and left Weng Wei''s arm. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and covered the wound on her neck. "Hold it, else you will end up dying because of blood loss," Sheng Li removed his hand from her neck.

 Chapter 310 - A Mother Is Always Good To Her Child!

    <h4>Chapter 310 - A Mother Is Always Good To Her Child!</h4>


    Weng Wei ced her hand on her neck and confusedly looked at Sheng Li. "Still wondering what did I mean? Let me simplify this," Sheng Li stated and continued, "Your son, my respected First Brother will be banished after you get hanged. Do you want to save him?" Sheng Li waited for Weng Wei''s answer.


    "Stop threatening me. You cannot do anything to him," Weng Wei stated.


    ??


    "I can and I will. You called me heartless, and I epted that. You are not the only culprit in all this. Your son is also a culprit. I just need to tell my father how your son treated me. Do you think he will believe the son of his First Wife, who killed the former Empress?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Weng Wei was terrified to hear that. She could not neglect the threats of Sheng Li. However, if she told the truth to Sheng Li then, the person who always aided her could even kill her son. Now, her end was near so, there would be no one to protect her son. She found herself stuck from both ends.


    "Your highness," a voice interrupted them that was of a soldier. "The Emperor has ordered to bring Lady Wei to the Hanging grounds," the soldier informed them.


    Sheng Li hummed while the soldier walked out. Sheng Li with a grin looked at Weng Wei. "Your death is calling you. You are still not speaking. So, you are not even a good mother. Atst, you proved that you are a power-hungry woman, who knows only her benefits. I gave you a chance, but you lost it. Now, I have found out about that person, so I am confident that I will find him soon. I wish you a good journey after your death. I have heard the people who did wrong to people in their lives are not spared after they die. The same will happen to you," Sheng Li passed a smile to her and turned to go when Weng Wei stopped him.


    "A mother is always good to her child! I will tell you, but you need to promise me something," Weng Wei affirmed.


    Sheng Li turned to face her again. "What promise do you need?" He gazed into her eyes.


    "Let''s keep this conversation private. Send General Wang outside," Weng Wei requested.


    Sheng Li nced at Wang Hao. "Go and check on Ying Lili. She is alone in the chamber next to the barracks," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao, who bowed and walked out.


    Soon, Wang Hao arrived at the chamber. He saw the Crown Princess was on the chaise, patiently waiting for the Crown Prince. Upon hearing the footsteps, Ying Lili turned her eyes towards the door and saw General Wang.


    A smile carved on her lips, and she slightly bowed her head to greet him. General Wang did the same and stood a meter away from her. "How is her highness? Pardon me for letting you get hurt," General Wang apologized.


    "It was not your fault, General Wang. Everything happened so fast that it did not give anyone any time to react to anyone," Ying Lili asserted. "Please have a seat," she offered him to sit then. General Wang sat down on another chaise, facing the Crown Princess.


    "Is Sheng Li still conversing with Lady Wei?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes, your highness. He got a little angry earlier," replied Wang Hao. Ying Lili got a little tense upon hearing that.


    "I could have been there, but I thought to let him solve his matter with Lady Wei. Because it is the anger of over twenty years, which was buried inside him, I did not tell him this time not to be furious at her," pronounced Ying Lili.


    Wang Hao nodded his head in agreement. "Your highness, I remember the first day when you both met each other. For the first time, the Crown Prince worried about someone. I am d that you two cleared the misunderstandings between each other and have be the strength of each other. His highness never was considerate to others, but not anymore. It feels good seeing my friend smile even for smaller reasons." Wang Hao recalled the time when Sheng Li used to bear everything alone, quietly. He always prayed for someone toe into his life, who could change him and make him feel happy all the time.


    "General Wang, I need help from you." Wang Hao came out of his deep thoughts and asked for themand.


    "There is a ce that belongs to thete mother of Sheng Li. I want to revive that ce and give him a surprise. I know you will soon leave with Hu Jingguo for the search for herbal medicine, but before that aid me in decorating that ce. I do not think any other person whom I can take there, except you," Ying Lili proimed. She wanted to do it in a day.


    "Your highness, you are still recovering. I do not think you shall work in this state. His highness will be angry at me for letting you work. Furthermore, I also do not want you to work," General Wang politely refused the request of Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili was a little dejected. "Means I need to wait for a little more! But I am not weak enough. The medicines rmended by the Royal Physician are effective. I am gaining my strength," Ying Lili tried to make General Wang agree with her request.


    "What kind of strength are you gaining?" Sheng Li voiced, making her jump from her seat. They both stood up from their respective seats as they saw Sheng Li there. He came near Ying Lili and looked at Wang Hao.


    "What was she asking for?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao, who looked at the Crown Princess. She shook her head, gesturing to him not to tell.


    "Nothing, your highness. The Crown Prince said that she has gained her strength after consuming those medicines," Wang Hao lied to Sheng Li, who hummed.


    "Weng Wei has been taken to the hanging grounds. Do you want to go there?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili, who refused.


    "It is difficult to see," she said in a low voice.


    Sheng Li nodded and patted her head. Wang Hao excused himself, leaving them behind.


    Sheng Li ced his forefinger under Ying Lili''s chin and lifted her face. "I waited for this day for many years. So, I will watch her die. After that, I will kill Zhang Yong for betraying my mother and poisoning her. Still, I want to ask you. Shall I kill him or spare him?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "I promised you that whoever has tortured you and done wrong to you will be punished. Kill Zhang Yong because he did wrong to the Empress of the Empire because pardoning him will not be right," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li nodded and put his hand down.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili into a side hug. His chin rested over her head.

 Chapter 311 - Forgiving The Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 311 - Forgiving The Wrong</h4>


    "Your highness, the Empress is dead," a servant informed Jian Guozhi, who was restlessly pacing in his chamber. When he heard this news, tears rolled down his cheeks. He had promised her that he would not see her when she would be hanged to death. However, at this moment, he could not stop himself and ran outside. Zho Mi, who had just arrived, was shocked to see when Jian Guozhi walked past her, ignoring her presence.


    He reached the hanging grounds and saw the lifeless body of his mother. The other Princes were standing at an elevated tower, watching it. The Emperor was standing with his other wives while the ministers were standing at a raised tform.


    ??


    ''Meimei, forgive me for giving you this justice sote,'' Han Wenji told himself and looked at Sheng Li.


    Jian Guozhi went towards the body of his mother and ced her head on his lips. "Mother," he called out to her as his tears fell over her cheeks. He hugged his mother tightly. "Forgive me," he said.


    "Brother Sheng, this was really cruel. You could have stopped our father from taking such a decision," Yongzheng pronounced. Sheng Li nced at him but kept quiet.


    "The Empress''s crimes were not forgivable. If there was someone else in her ce then the Emperor should have taken the same decision. A king has to put his emotions aside to deliver justice," Nianzu answered on behalf of Sheng Li.


    "This way he would kill us, too. Brother, I did not want to say this but-" Yongzheng stopped as he saw the intense gaze of Sheng Li on him. He felt a little intimidated because he recalled the time when he scourged Sheng Li. He walked away from there withoutpleting his words.


    The Emperor left, followed by his wives. After a while, the Princes too left except the Crown Prince. He was looking at Jian Guozhi, who was profusely crying. He descended the stairs and went towards Jian Guozhi. Halting beside him, Sheng Li bent down on his right knee. His right hand rested on it and then he said, "Do herst rites."


    Two servants came forward and took away the body of the Empress. Sheng Li ced his left hand on the shoulder of Jian Guozhi. He patted it several times and finally looked at him.


    "Now, I can feel now what you felt all these years. I-I s-should has¡­" his voice choked, so he stopped speaking. Sheng Li helped him in standing up by holding his arm.


    Sheng Li''s eyes fell on Ying Lili who hade there with Court Lady Xu. Zho Mi has also reached there and seen her husband in this state, her heart sank. "This was the only way to stop her," suddenly Jian Guozhi said and peered at Sheng Li, who broke his eye lock from Ying Lili and looked at him.


    "She did not even hug me for thest time. She hates me for doing this with her. I will be called a callous son. I will not be able to get off this weird feeling." Jian Guozhi was guilty for exposing her mother''s truth in front of the world.


    "Let''s see herst rites. As a son, you should do it," Sheng Li proimed. Jian Guozhi wiped the tears off his eyes and left with Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows and looked at Zho Mi, who was concerned about her husband. "Your highness, you shall get back to your chamber. The Crown Prince will get angry for not taking care of you," Court Lady Xu requested Ying Lili.


    Zho Mi turned to face Ying Lili and bowed. She came near her. "Forgive me for not meeting you till now, Crown Princess. It is good that the Crown Princess recovered. My husband was a little worried to see you in that state."


    Ying Lili frowned because of the way Zho Mi was speaking. She skeptically observed her.


    "He saved the life of the Crown Princess then, her highness should have spared his mother," Zho''s statement was out of the blue.


    "It was not my decision, Sister Mi. Moreover, the crimes of Brother Jian''s mother were punishable. She killed the former Empress by poisoning her. She tried to kill the Crown Prince many times. I am afraid I could not object to the decision of His Majesty," asserted Ying Lili. "I am thankful for what Brother Jian did to me," Ying Liliter added, after a pause.


    "I think the Crown Princess did not get the meaning of my words," Zho Mi stated as a chuckle escaped her mouth. Ying Lili was utterly confused by this behavior of hers. "I never objected to the Crown Princess nor did I have any problem with her acts. But today, my husband cried. A person like him went against his own mother just because of you. Crown Princess, everything was going well until you entered the Pce. The kindness of yours which people talk about is merely a show." Zho Mi was a little baffled by Ying Lili.


    "Lady Mi, you cannot talk this way to the Crown Princess," Court Lady Xu intervened. "Please apologize to her," she added.


    "It''s fine, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili proimed while keeping her gaze intact on Zho Mi.


    "I will let this go, Sister Mi. I will pretend that I never heard it. I know that you are hurt seeing the First Brother in that state. I wish I could help, but delivering justice was also important. Forgiving the wrong increases it and it does not stop with those people who already havemitted numerous crimes. I hope Sister Mi will be careful next time. I shall take my leave," Ying Lili turned and walked away.


    Oppositely, Jian Guozhi performed thest rites of his mother. Han Wenji came there with Eunuch Jin and put a flower over the mound, under which Weng Wei was buried. He came to Jian Guozhi, patted his shoulder, and walked away while coughing.


    Sheng Li noticed his father''s deteriorating health, which worried him. "I would like to be alone, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi requested him. Sheng Li hummed and left the burial grounds.

 Chapter 312 - Traced Her Eyebrows

    <h4>Chapter 312 - Traced Her Eyebrows</h4>


    Hu Jingguo came to meet Ying Lili in her chamber before leaving for Mount Jishi. Sheng Li had also reached there and seen them conversing with each other. Hu Jingguo stood up from the chair upon seeing him. "I thought of meeting her before leaving," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "Return as soon as possible. You are my only hope," Sheng Li affirmed.


    ??


    "I know. I will not disappoint you," Hu Jingguo confidently said. Sheng Li passed him a smile and told him to go to the barracks where Wang Hao was waiting for him.


    Hu Jingguo turned to go, but then halted at his ce. He turned to face Sheng Li and hugged him tightly. "Nothing will happen to the Emperor. I will be back soon." He patted Sheng Li''s back. Ying Lili smiled upon seeing how close the two had be. Hu Jingguo pulled himself back and walked away.


    "This time is tough for everyone," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li agreed with her and gently pulled her up from the chair. Taking her back to the bed, he lifted her feet and ced them on the bed.


    "What did she say to you?"


    "Huh?" She raised a brow.


    "What did the wife of the First Prince say to you? Sheng Li repeated his question.


    Ying Lili shook her head, "nothing." She cursed herself internally for not telling Court Lady Xu not to inform Sheng Li about her conversation with Zho Mi.


    "Lili, even if you will not tell me, I have people to inform me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It was not a big deal. It was just a normal conversation between two women. Sister Mi was a little sad seeing Brother Jian. So, she-"


    "Even if she is sad, she does not have any right to talk to you bluntly." Sheng Li was furious when Court Lady Xu informed him how Zho Mi talked with Ying Lili. "I want to tell her to be within her limits before throwing such kind of remarks at my wife," Sheng Li annoyingly said.


    "Sheng Li, it''s between us. Don''t ruin your mood because of this. She did not mean that" Ying Lili calmed down Sheng Li. "Did Weng Wei tell you about that person?" Ying Lili then asked.


    "No," Sheng Li refused.


    "Then, it is going to be tough for us," Ying Lili muttered, but Sheng Li heard her.


    "Hmm." "Leave it aside. Tell me, when is your birthday? This month is almost gone. Is it next month?" Sheng Li changed the topic.


    "You shall find yourself," Ying Lili replied, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "You want me to go to Juyan and ask your aunt there," he raised a brow, "... Or you want me to make you drink a strong wine." The smirk was not leaving his lips.


    Ying Lili scoffed. "Why are you so desperate to know about my birthday?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Lili, you are my wife. So, I shall know everything rted to you. And, this is an important thing. Tell me, when is your birthday?" Sheng Li again repeated his question. But Ying Lili did not tell him. She almostid down on the bed when her leg was pulled by Sheng Li, and she moved towards him,pletely shocked.


    Ying Lili was now facing Sheng Li closely. Her one leg was slightly exposed and rested on hisp. "Aren''t you feeling hot? Remove this," Sheng Li looked at her overcoat.


    "Huh?" She eximed. Sheng Li gestured to her with his eyes.


    "I wasn''t," she replied.


    "Your wound on your back needs to be exposed to air for a while."


    Sheng Li said as he left his hand from her feet and slid down the overcoat from her shoulders. He ced it aside on the bed. "No one can disturb us. Shall we continue where we were left?" He grazed his forefinger just below her neck.


    Ying Lili''s breath hitched. "B-but it''s bright daylight. In a while, we need to have our lunch. Then-" she was stopped from speaking. Sheng Li ced his finger over her lips.


    He leaned closer to her, gradually closing the distance between them.


    He pulled his forefinger back as hended his lips on her. He caressed her cheek from his finger while kissing her. Pulling back, he gazed into her eyes. "Tell me, when is your birthday? If you won''t tell me then," he leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and bit her earlobe, resulting in a moan from her mouth. He nibbled it and moved down to kiss on her exposed neck.


    Ying Lili''s shuddered closed when Sheng Li sucked her skin near her neck and then bit it, leaving it red. She felt his hand on the knot of her dress, but he did not stop the pleasurable torture on her neck.


    "You are such a stubborn Wildcat," Sheng Li whispered as he again was closer to her ear. He leaned back in front of her face. He traced her eyebrows with the back of his other hand''s pointer finger. "Look into my eyes," he said, urging her to open them. Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes only to meet a pair of ck eyes.


    "Tell me," he repeated.


    "I will tell you when the dayes," Ying Lili finally answered. Sheng Li smirked as he did not ept her answer. He had opened the knot on her dress, exposing her upper body, which was still covered with a red-colored Xinyi (inner garment).


    His hand traveled to her shoulder as he slid it down from her left shoulder. The finger traced her entire bare arm and did the same with the other. "I want to know now," Sheng Li demanded and nted a kiss on the skin of her exposed shoulder.


    He then peppered the kisses up and reached her cheek. Kissing it, he moved to her lips and captured them once again. Ying Lili reciprocated his kisses fully. He pulled back from the kiss, leaving them gasping for air. The two stared into the eyes of each other for a few seconds before crashing their lips again.


    From the back of his hand, Sheng Li soothingly caressed her other arm. He plunged his tongue into her mouth to find her tongue.


    Ying Lili gripped her skirt tightly and moaned inside his mouth. By now, she was in a mess and did not want him to stop. Pulling back, he peered into her eyes. Their chests were moving up and down while the two continued staring at each other.

 Chapter 313 - Make Me Completely Yours

    <h4>Chapter 313 - Make Me Completely Yours</h4>


    Ying Lili gripped her skirt tightly and moaned inside his mouth. By now, she was in a mess and did not want him to stop. Pulling back, he peered into her eyes. Their chests were moving up and down while the two continued staring at each other.


    Sheng Li picked the bottle of medicine from the table. "Turn back," he told Lili. She was bewildered a little, which Sheng Li noticed.


    ??


    "W-why?"


    "This," he showed her the ointment bottle. "I need to apply it," he said. Ying Lili hummed at him and turned her back towards him. He put the powdered ointment on his finger and rubbed it across the wound. She winced in pain when Sheng Li kissed her shoulder. Ying Lili tilted her head to nce at him.


    Sheng Li moved his fingers on her bareback. Ying Lili''s breath hitched when she felt his hand on the knot of Xinyi near her lower back. "Stop me," Sheng Li said.


    "Why?"


    She felt Sheng Li''s chin resting on her shoulder. "I will not stop then," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I do not want you to stop," Ying Lili replied as she tilted her head again, to get a perfect view of his face. Sheng Li smiled and nted a gentle kiss on her shoulder.


    "Wildcat does not get shy anymore. She wants her husband to love her," he said as he trailed the kisses on her jawline and stopped near her ear. "You are enjoying this, right?" He whispered against her ear.


    "Yes," an immediate answer came from her mouth.


    Sheng Li smirked and whispered further, "If you want this to continue, then tell me the day when my Lili was born." Though it was hard for him now to control himself before making love to her, he was desperate to know about this. He was happy that Ying Lili did not push him away and wanted to be his. However, he wanted to keep teasing her until she revealed her birthday.


    "This is not fair," Ying Liliined.


    "Really?" He asked. Sheng Li kissed her nape, making her moan his name. "Please¡­," her lips quivered because of the pleasure buliding inside her. The pain of her wound has vanished because of this euphoric feeling.


    "I-I wanted to surprise you that''s why I was not telling you. It''s a day after the Dragon Boat Festival," Ying Lili revealed her birthday to him.


    "You took so much time to tell me this," Sheng Li pronounced. The strings of Xinyi with which he was ying were loosened and her back was now exposed to him. He grazed his finger over her spine. "Your skin is so smooth," she heard him.


    Sheng Li trailed a few kisses on her back before pulling back. He opened the sash tied around his waist, followed by his dress. He removed the Crown over his head and ced it aside. His smooth ck hair spread till his shoulders.


    They both were fully aware of their buried desires for each other. Ying Lili had let Sheng Li wait for a long time, but today she would not step back. He had never forced her and given her enough time to prepare herself. Now, she was ready for him.


    Ying Lili could hear her heartbeats, which were getting intense with each passing second. He turned her to face him. To his surprise, her eyes were closed. Taking her hand in his, he ced it over his chest. "Open your eyes, Lili. I want you to look at me," Sheng Li demanded.


    Ying Lili opened them again and looked into his eyes. A taint of red was visible over her cheeks. Sheng Li smiled seeing that. Her fingers were slowly moving over his bare chest. Sheng Li moved his other hand up to her hair and removed the hairpin. Her long, silky ck hair fell, covering her entire back. He removed the Buyao, followed by the crown. Putting them aside on the bed, he again looked back at her.


    Ying Lili traced her fingers gently over his chest. "I hate seeing it," Ying Lili''s fingers stopped on the scar in the middle of his chest, slightly curved to the left.


    "I know," he said.


    "I promised you that I will remove this scar, but then I got injured," Ying Lili stated.


    "You need to take care of your health first. Such scars do not even matter now," Sheng Li proimed.


    Sparks ignited in Sheng Li''s body because of the way Ying Lili moved her fingers. He groaned when Ying Lili kissed him there. "Lili," he called out her name and quickly cupped her face in his palms. He lost patience that he had kept for a long time.


    He kissed her lips, this time more fiercely. She should not have kissed him there, he thought to himself. He bit her bottom lip, easily entering her mouth. Tasting her mouth once again, he pulled back and made her lie down on the bed.


    He hovered over her. Stroking her hair, he said, "I love you. Do you want to do it?" He asked for her permission. Though he knew that she was ready, but still he wanted to ask her.


    "Make mepletely yours, Sheng Li." Ying Lili gave him the permission.


    He leaned down and kissed the top of her forehead. His other hand was caressing her shoulder as he leaned further down. Kissing her lips, he moved further down.


    Ying Lili''s hands were holding Sheng Li''s hair gently as she pulled her up. Both studied each other''s eyes. Ying Lili''s plump lips invited him again. Every kiss of his took Ying Lili to heaven''s sky.


    He kissed her, touched her, and caressed every body part of hers.


    A tear rolled down her cheek because of the pain she felt, but it soon left because of the pleasure she got after that. Her hands were wrapped around him, as her nails dug in his flesh. She had be hispletely while he had be hers. Sheng Li kissed her lips softly before lying beside her. The nket was pulled up, covering themselves. His both hands were wrapped around Ying Lili as he pulled her closer to him.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. Finally, I wrote this chapter. I did not go into deep stuff as I am not that good at writing that. Another reason is, I refrain from writing this and that''s why book rating is kept ''Parental Guidance Suggested.''


    I was so d to see the amount of Golden Tickets today. The book''s rank has climbed up because of this reason. Thank you for the love you are showering on this story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 314 - Take Out Time

    <h4>Chapter 314 - Take Out Time</h4>


    Nianzu brought Jian Guozhi to his chamber. "Have water." He forwarded the silver ss to Jian Guozhi, who refused. He brought his hands up, joined them, and rested his forehead on them.


    Nianzu ced the ss on the table there and pulled out a chair for him. Taking his seat, Nianzu waited for Jian Guozhi to turn stable. Hours passed, but Jian Guozhi did not speak a single word.


    The evening had fallen, and the two stayed like that. Finally, the First Prince lifted his head and leaned back on his chair. His eyes were focused on a wooden tiger that was ced on the shelf. He recalled the day when he told his mother about his wish of having a toy tiger. "She found the best craftsman to carve that wooden tiger. I was so happy when she fulfilled my wish."


    Nianzu turned himself back to look where the First Prince was gazing. His eyes fell on the wooden tiger on the shelf. Turning to the front, he heard the First Prince, "She fulfilled every wish of mine until she stopped listening to me. If I had listened to her then, she would have been alive. But I would not be able to live in peace because someday she might end up killing either Sheng Li or Ying Lili. I always wondered why the Fourth Brother wanted to leave the Pce. But then I got my answers."


    Nianzu''s eyes turned wider as Jian Guozhi continued, "Because this Pce only increases jealousy among the Regal family members. It took me a long time to stop walking on the wrong path. People will talk ill about my mother, so I need to work hard to restore her image so that people could at least forgive her for her grave mistake."


    "I will help you in doing so, First Brother. You already gained a lot of respect from all of us for punishing the crime," Nianzu proimed as he ced his hand on his back, caressing it soothingly.


    "Brother shall eat something. I heard from Eunuch Long that you have not had your meals since thest day. You might fall sick if you keep skipping your meals," Nianzu stated.


    "I need some sleep. I have not had enough sleep for the past few days. I will surely have my dinner," Jian Guozhi assured the Fourth Prince. He stood up and rubbed his forehead with his forefinger. "My head is getting heavier," he mumbled as he turned towards the bedchamber. Nianzu also stood up and watched his brother, who had soon left his sight.


    Nianzu walked out of the chamber when he encountered Xue Yu-Yan, who had juste there. "Sister Xue, Brother Jian is taking a rest. He has a headache," Nianzu informed her. Xue Yu-Yan nodded when Eunuch Long came forward.


    "Princess Consort Xue, I am afraid, his highness has prohibited any entry to his resting chamber for today. Earlier, Lady Mi had alsoe to see him. You shalle tomorrow," Eunuch Long kept his tone polite while giving her the message.


    Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head and then left with Nianzu.


    "Brother is going through a tough time. It''s tough to make choices like he made," Nianzu asserted. "What about Sister Xue? Did she realize fully what consequences it could bring? Temporary happiness, followed by loss of dignity and your virtue!" Nianzu nced at Xue Yu-Yan narrowly.


    "Yes, Fourth Brother. The wrong path may give you happiness, but not for long. I understood it when I was punished, and everyone looked at me as if I hadmitted some crime. Everyone distanced away from me. I would have been dead by now if I had continued walking on this path," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced. "After I chose the right path, Jian Ge agreed to give me a second chance. I am d that he does not despise me anymore."


    Nianzu smiled upon hearing that. Now, the Pce would be a ce with no enmity. He was delighted to think about it. "It was a nice conversation with you, Sister Xue," Nianzu took his leave while Xue Yu-Yan thought to meet the Emperor.


    Lei Wanxi was sitting on the Eastern pavilion, fanning himself. He was gazing at the peaks of the mountains that were visible from this ce only. ''I did not see Hu Jingguo today. Where is he?'' Lei Wanxi wondered when he heard the footsteps. He turned and found Nianzu was approaching him. A bright smile appeared on his lips, seeing him there.


    Nianzu halted beside him and took his seat. "Brother, where were you? I went to your chamber earlier, but even Eunuch Chung did not know about your whereabouts," Lei Wanxiined.


    "I was with the First Brother. He needs us in this difficult time," Nianzu replied.


    Lei Wanxi closed the fan and put it inside his sash. "I was shocked when I found out that Brother Jian himself handed the evidence to our father. But, I wonder what the evidence was. I asked our father, but he did not tell me," Lei Wanxi pouted.


    "Why are you interested in that? Let it be private between our father and Brother Jian," Nianzu proimed.


    "Brother Nianzu knows that I am curious about everything around me. Brother, the air of the Pce feels different. Finally, we got rid of the biggest enemy of everyone. Brother Sheng''s mother will now rest in peace," Lei Wanxi joined both of his hands and closed his eyes. "May their souls rest in peace. I pray for everyone''s safety," he said and opened his eyes.


    "Brother, did you see Hu Jingguo? I have not seen him since this morning. I told him yesterday to meet me in the evening," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "He might be busy somewhere. He is now the Second Royal Physician so it is understandable," Nianzu stated.


    "But, I am his friend. For me, he should take out time," Lei Wanxi sulkily said.


    Nianzu smiled at the childishness of Lei Wanxi when he heard Eunuch Chung.


    "Forgive me for intruding on the Princes, but there is a message for the Fourth Prince," Eunuch Chung said.


    "What type of message?" Lei Wanxi questioned curiously.


    "His Majesty wants to meet the Fourth Prince," Eunuch Chung informed. Nianzu knitted his brows and stood up. He had an instinct that his father might have called him to ask about his decision on the marriage, but he was hoping this not to be true.

 Chapter 315 - Just For My Happiness

    <h4>Chapter 315 - Just For My Happiness</h4>


    Han Wenji took the pills from the Royal Physician. "Your majesty, your condition is better than the previous day," The Royal Physician dly informed the Emperor.


    Han Wenji passed a tiny smile to him as he handed the silver ss to Eunuch Jin, who ced that on the table.


    "Your majesty, I shall take my leave," the Royal Physician stood up from the chair, bowed, and walked out.


    Han Wenji looked at Eunuch Jin and asked, "Did you send the message to the Fourth Prince?"


    Eunuch Jin nodded his head. "He might be on his way," he replied. Han Wenji looked towards the entrance and saw the figure of Prince Nianzu. A smile carved on his lips seeing his son there.


    Nianzu bowed, lifted his hands, and joined them to formally greet the Emperor. He put his hands down as his father told him to take a seat.


    "Is father doing well?" Nianzu asked as he took the seat on the chair a meter away from the bed.


    "Yes. Prince might have noticed wondered why did I call him here." Han Wenji waited for Nianzu to respond, who shook his head. "I am afraid, but I am still wondering what it could be about." Nianzu lied because he did not want to show interest in the marriage proposal that was received from the Huan Province.


    "Did you think about the marriage with the Princess of Huan?" Without beating around the bush, the Emperor queried. Taking a pause, the Emperor continued, "My friend wants us to take our friendship at a much stronger level. This marriage will surely deliver the message to the people regarding our strong friendship. Prince is getting older and I do not know how much I am going to live. Before dying, I want to see my son getting married," Han Wenji expressed his deep desire.


    Nianzu widened his eyes a little. "Father is still healthy. He should not speak this way," Nianzu stated. "I am still thinking about it, Father," he then added.


    "ording to me, you shall not refuse for this marriage. His daughter is perfect for you," Han Wenji tried to convince Nianzu.


    "Father, give me a week. I will surely give you my answer," Nianzu requested, keeping his tone polite. "I understand father wants my best but marriage is a big decision for me. I need a little more time to contemte about it," Nianzu affirmed. Han Wenji agreed to his son''s request though internally he was worrying if he could survive for long or not!


    Eunuch Jin found the tense expression on his master''s face so, he thought to talk to Nianzu. Looking at the Fourth Prince, Eunuch Jin said, "Princess of Huan has same qualities as you. She even takes part in Court matters, showing her intelligence. Prince shall not refuse for such a great woman."


    "I understand, Eunuch Jin. As I said, I need more time to think about this," Nianzu asserted.


    "Son, you can take your time. I know, you will not disappoint me," Han Wenji said with a tiny smile on his lips.


    "Yes, Father. I shall leave as a father must rest. Take your meals properly and do not take the stress. I will soon tell you my decision," Nianzu stated, and stood up from his seat. He bowed before leaving the chamber.


    "Your Majesty, you should have told the Prince to get married to the Princess of Huan. You and I both know that your health is not much stable," Eunuch Jin anxiously said.


    "I do not want him to live unhappily just for my happiness. I will be a little dejected if the Prince refuses this marriage, but his happiness is my priority. It''s up to Heaven, now. Whatever will be the decision of Prince Nianzu, I would dly ept that" Han Wenji proimed with a menacing expression.


    Nianzu returns to his chamber and saw Chuntao there. "Miss, why are you still here?" Nianzu asked.


    "Your highness, tomorrow there is a fair in the market. A friend of mine from the vige dropped a message for me. We are childhood friends and she wants me to go to the market with her. Since his highness was not here since the morning, so I decided to wait," Chuntao answered him. "So, can I go to the market tomorrow?" Chuntao asked for permission.


    "Why not? Let''s go together tomorrow. I never heard about any fair in the market. I want to see how does it looks like," Nianzu delightedly stated.


    Chuntao nodded her head. "Thank you for the permission, your highness. However, wouldn''t it be a problem if a Prince goes with a person like me? Forgive me," she lowered her head, "if I sounded rude," andpleted her words.


    "Ahh, yes. I forgot around you that I am a Prince," Nianzu dered. Chuntao lifted her head to meet his gaze when she heard him, "Then, let''s meet in the evening under that tree where you once saw me and helped me," Nianzu suggested. He wanted to drive off the thought of getting married from his head, so wanted to go out.


    Chuntao agreed with him. "I will wait for his highness there," Chuntao asserted.


    "And, if Ie early there, then I will wait for you," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Does his highness want to drink the tea? I have learned today a special tea from the tea maker. I hope his highness will like it," Chuntao asked with gleaming eyes.


    "Hmm. I would like to have that tea," Nianzu went towards the floor desk and sat around it while Chuntao walked out. Nianzu opened the drawer to take out the flute when his eyes fell on the scroll which had the message of King of Huan regarding marriage. He opened it again and re-read it.


    "My father wants me to marry her but my heart is not ready to ept the decision of my father. If I refuse this marriage, then his friend might get dejected. He always helped my father and even protected him," Nianzu murmured.

 Chapter 316 - A Lie Is Not A Lie

    <h4>Chapter 316 - A Lie Is Not A Lie</h4>


    Sheng Li, after taking a bath, came back to Zhenzhu Inn. He had a broad smile on his lips. Xing-Fu was following the Crown Prince. He was delighted to see those expressions on the face of the Crown Prince. "Xing-Fu, did you bring those flowers that I told you to pick from the garden?" Sheng Li turned and looked at him.


    "I forgot, your highness," Xing-Fu was terrified, thinking if the Crown Prince would be angry at him, so to rectify his mistake, he immediately said, "Forgive me. I will bring them quickly, your highness."


    "I am going there. You go to Zhenzhu Inn. Prepare for our dinner," Sheng Limanded him. Xing-Fu bowed, acknowledging the order of the Crown Prince, who walked past him.


    It waste evening, so it was a little difficult for him to check the flowers. He asked a servant to hand him antern. The servant did so and asked humbly from the Crown Prince if he should lead the way.


    "No. No need. You do your other work," Sheng Li stated and walked inside the garden, to the flower valley where almost every kind of flower could be seen.


    Sheng Li was a little confused to see different varieties of flowers. He wandered his eyes as far as he could, holding thentern up. "What shall I take for her?" He murmured.


    "That China Rose Flower is perfect," he heard a voice. Immediately he turned and saw Lei Wanxi there.


    "What are you doing here?" Sheng Li again looked back towards the flowers


    "Why? Can''t this Prince even roam in this Pce?" Heined and shrugged off his shoulders. "I was roaming here when my eyes caught Brother Sheng. So, I came to him," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Sheng Li hummed and looked at the flowers again.


    "I think I will take peonies and roses for her," Sheng Li moved ahead and plucked a few peonies. Lei Wanxi, oppositely, asked a servant to bring a basket for them. Putting the flowers in the basket, Sheng Li was ready to leave when Lei Wanxi stopped him by holding his arm.


    "Leave. I am gettingte. I will see you tomorrow," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Brother, are you going to give Sister Lili this basket with flowers?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "Hmm. Now, you got your answer so, leave my arm," stated Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi could not believe his brother to be this dumb.


    "Brother Sheng, how could you hand Sister Lili this basket?" Sheng Li knitted his brows. "I mean, at least make a bouquet or a..." he paused as he thought about something and then continued, "...a flower crown. You cannot hand over this basket to Sister Lili. This is so unromantic," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Lili likes everything I give her. She knows that I am poor at making such things," Sheng Li opined.


    "Brother Sheng, but if you make a flower crown for her, then Sister Lili would be delighted. You can give her a flower bouquet as well if you feel making a crown will take time. Wait, I shall call the Pce maids. They will make one for Brother Sheng that he can give to Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi excitedly said and turned to look at the servant, who earlier brought the bamboo basket.


    He gestured to the servant toe near them andmanded him to bring a Pce maid, who could make a crown.


    "Brother, let''s go to the Flower Pavilion. The Pce maid wille there," Lei Wanxi dragged Sheng Li to the Flower Pavilion. The Flower Pavilion was well illuminated from the lights of thenterns.


    "I will make it myself," Sheng Li said as the Pce maid came there and humbly asked for the flowers. "Just instruct me," Sheng Li stated.


    The Pce maid nodded and sat a meter away from the Crown Prince. She has a needle and thread box in her hand. cing it on the wooden floor, she put a white silk thread into the needle and handed that to the Crown Prince.


    "Brother, will you be able to do it?" Sheng Li knitted his brows as Lei Wanxi was doubting him. However, it was true that he never once used a needle. Even, Ying Lili was poor in needlework then, how could he excel in a few minutes? Still, he wanted to make a tiara for Ying Lili himself.


    The Pce maid instructed the Crown Prince as she demonstrated to him by making another tiara of flowers. The needle was pricking Sheng Li''s finger. Lei Wanxi was squinting his eyes whenever the needle pricked Sheng Li''s finger, and he cried in pain.


    "Your highness, let me¡­"


    "Shut up! I can do it. Are you doubting my skills?" Sheng Li was irked to see that a Pce maid had made a better tiara than him. Was he so poor that he could not even surpass the skills of a Pce maid? He was annoyed and was giving up. But then he realized if he would make one himself then, Ying Lili would be happy.


    "Brother Sheng''s hands are made for a sword, not for a needle. I have heard that a needle can defeat a sword," Lei Wanxi suddenly said, which annoyed Sheng Li.


    "If you cannot help then, leave."


    Lei Wanxi pouted to see the bafflement on Sheng Li''s face. "It has been an hour, and you have not put more than three flowers in the tiara. Are you going to make Sister Lili wait the entire night? You have destroyed so many flowers! Let the Pce maid help. You can tell Sister Lili that you made it," Lei Wanxi suggested to Sheng Li.


    "You are suggesting that I tell a lie to Lili. Have you lost your mind?" Sheng Li shouted at him.


    "Brother Sheng has such an odd temper," Lei Wanxi opened his fan and fanned Sheng Li to calm him down. "Brother, for you, Sister Lili''s smile is important, right?" Lei Wanxi waited for the answer.


    Sheng Li nodded his head, acknowledging it.


    "Then, just give this tiara to Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi pointed at the tiara which the Pce maid was holding. The Pce maid had lowered her head.


    "But-"


    "Brother, look at the flower crown which you were trying to make. Even the petals are broken. Sister Lili might show you that she is happy, but, internally she will not be. Will you feel good then? No, right?" Lei Wanxi questioned. Sheng Li agreed with the points of his brother.


    "Then, take this tiara and tell Sister Lili that you made it. She will be happy to see such a beautiful tiara. Sometimes a lie is not a lie when it is told to bring a smile to your loved one''s face," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Sheng Li acknowledged whatever Lei Wanxi told him.


    "Give me that tiara," Sheng Li said, looking at the Pce maid who stood on her knees and extended her hands out. Lei Wanxi took the tiara, and gave it to Sheng Li. "Go and express your love to Sister Lili, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi said with a smile. Sheng Li looked at the tiara, which he was trying to make but failed to do so. He took out a ring from his finger and handed a golden ring to the Pce maid for helping him.


    "Take it. It''s rare to see Brother Sheng generous to people," Lei Wanxi stated. The Pce maid epted the golden ring and thanked the Crown Prince, who motioned his hand, thus gesturing her to go away.

 Chapter 317 - This One Is Precious

    <h4>Chapter 317 - This One Is Precious</h4>


    Ying Lili was brushing her hair which just dried out. There was a bright smile on her lips. Court Lady Xu, who was standing beside the chair, noticed the smile on Ying Lili''s lips. "Your highness, it is good to see that you have epted this rtionship fully. Though it took a long time to her highness you to get open to the Crown Prince."


    "Hmm. I had no hopes for this rtionship because the way I had perceived Sheng Li waspletely different. I am guilty of that. However, I learned a lesson from this. Never judge a person because of his outer appearance. Sheng Li has always respected me. He always puts me before and makes decisions ordingly. I like it. The first time my heart fluttered for him when he announced that he would never bring a second woman in his life," Ying Lili lowered her eyes and yed with her hair strands.


    "Court Lady Xu, you were right. The pain was for just-" She lifted her head and saw Sheng Li''s reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks flushed red, recalling everything. She averted her gaze from him and kept brushing her hair.


    "You did not announce that you are here," Ying Lili muttered which Sheng Li heard.


    "I never make announcements," Sheng Li whispered in her ear. Ying Lili''s body stiffened when Sheng Li''s lips touched her earlobe. "There is something I have brought for you. Come to bed when you are done," Sheng Li pulled back and walked away. Ying Lili stole his nces through the mirror.


    "Why did you take so much time? Did something urgente?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "No. I was busy somewhere," Sheng Li replied. "How long are you going to brush them? Come here," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili put the brush at the table and stood up. She came towards Sheng Li, whose hands were behind his back.


    "Why are your hands behind your back? What have you brought?" Ying Lili curiously asked him.


    "Sit first," Sheng Limanded her. Ying Lili sat beside him and tilted her head backward, but Sheng Li had already pushed back his hands. She sat straight and looked at him.


    "Close your eyes," Sheng Li said.


    "Why?" Ying Lili scoffed when Sheng Li brought his left hand to the front and ced them over her eyes. "You ask so many questions. Just keep them close for a minute," Sheng Li requested.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes while Sheng Li pulled his hand back. He brought the tiny wooden basket to the front in which he had the two flower crowns. The Crown Prince picked the flower crown that he had made himself. Though it was not as beautiful as the one the Pce Maid had made, he felt if Lili somehow found outter, then she might be sad.


    Ying Lili felt something soft touch her forehead. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili asked as she squeezed her eyes.


    Sheng Li did not reply. He leaned back and gazed at Ying Lili''s face. "Don''t open your eyes yet," Sheng Li stated and went towards the dressing table. He picked a hand mirror and came back to bed. He ced the mirror in front of Ying Lili''s face and told her to open her eyes.


    Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and saw the tiny peony flowers around her head. She touched her forehead. "You made this?" She raised a brow.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "Though it is not perfectly made. I tried my best," Sheng Li rified. "Next time, I will make a good one for you," Sheng Li promised her. Ying Lili nodded and looked down at the bamboo basket.


    "A Pce Maid made this, but I wanted you to wear the one I made myself even if it does not look good," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili''s heart thumped upon hearing that.


    "This one is precious- the one you made," Ying Lili affirmed, taking the mirror from him. She kept looking at herself, while the smile never left her lips. Sheng Li wanted to draw this moment, to keep it as a memory. If he would be good at painting then, he might have painted Ying Lili, wearing that flower crown.


    ''I need to learn painting. I will ask Brother Nianzu to teach me. I cannot ask Lili because I will not be able to focus on anything except her,'' Sheng Li contemted when he heard the snapping of fingers. Ying Lili was gazing at him intently.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    "Nothing," replied Sheng Li and put the basket on the table. He nted a soft kiss in the middle of Ying Lili''s forehead and leaned back.


    "You are looking beautiful," Sheng Liplimented her.


    "Really?"


    "Hmm. You look pretty always, but this enhanced your beauty," Sheng Li admitted.


    Ying Lili blushed and thanked him for thepliment. Sheng Li turned his gaze towards the dinner table. "I told Xing-Fu to set the dinner table. You have not eaten since noon," Sheng Li turned furious.


    "Ahh, I told Eunuch Chung to set it once the Crown Prince wille," Ying Lili defended Xing-Fu. Sheng Li hummed and called out his name. Xing-Fu quickly came inside and halted near the second entrance.


    "Send the meals for us," Sheng Li ordered him. Xing-Fu bowed and walked out. Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to the dinner table and pulled out a chair for her. Making Ying Lili sit on it, he sat next to her.


    The maidservants served the meals to them and stood beside Xing-Fu. Sheng Li picked the spoon first and fill it with the soup. "I can eat myself now," Ying Lili stated.


    "I have heard that if a husband feeds his wife with his hands, then their love increases manifolds," Sheng Li proimed and brought the spoon near her lips.


    Ying Lili opened her mouth and sipped the soup from the spoon. "It''s not appropriate to let your husband do such things. Let''s eat together," Ying Lili took the spoon from him.


    "Look, my hand is fine now," she said and picked the rice bowl from the chopstick. She ced it on the te in front of Sheng Li and put the chopsticks on the te. "Start eating." Like an obedient child, Sheng Li started eating. Ying Lili also continued eating.


    "Hu Jingguo wants to go somewhere with you and me," out of sudden Sheng Li said.


    "But, how can we go? You are always busy," Ying Lili stated and picked the dumpling from a bowl.


    "I will take out time for you. It has been a long time since we have gone out. But, I wonder if taking Hu Jingguo will be wise!" Sheng Li mumbled.


    "Why? Are you jealous of him again?" In a teasing tone, Ying Lili asked.


    "No. I do not want him to interrupt us as he did many times. Now, I acknowledge him as a friend, so I cannot even shout at him. Moreover, my wife will not feel good if I scold her best friend," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili nced at Xing-Fu and the maidservants, who were suppressing their smiles. "Can''t you talk about these things privately?" Ying Lili muttered. "Don''t talk and eat your food," she scolded him.


    Sheng Li smiled and then looked at Xing-Fu. "I will call you when we finish our dinner. So, stand outside," Sheng Limanded him. Xing-Fu nodded and left the chamber with the maidservants.


    "So, where were we? Yes, Hu Jingguo always interrupts us. Luckily, he was not here today," Sheng Li grinned as he noticed his wife''s face, which had turned red like a ripened tomato.


    "E-eat your food. Don''t talk while eating. Mannerless!" Ying Lili scoffed and hastily consumed the rice in her bowl.


    "Slow down. I am not snatching your meal." He was enjoying this as his Wildcat had turned shy, which she hardly used to be! "I was thinking about something, Lili," he grabbed her attention.


    She met his gaze and heard him, "I wasing here when I heard a few Pce maids conversing with each other. There is a fair tomorrow in the market. Since you like such things, then we two can go out.."


    Ying Lili''s eyes gleamed. She had not been to a fair for a long time.


    "But both of the Generals are not here. So, it might be risky for us," Ying Lili said.


    "No. We will be in disguise and I am there to protect you," Sheng Li proimed, passing her his white teeth smile.

 Chapter 318 - Punish The Entire Wei Family

    <h4>Chapter 318 - Punish The Entire Wei Family</h4>


    Jian Guozhi woke up early in the morning. After freshening up, he got ready for the court. Today, the decision about the next Empress had to be taken. He was a little intimidated because the Ministers in the Court might raise an issue to either remove him from the position of Governor or banish him to a deste ce with his wives. Somewhere, he was ready to ept this because this is what he sowed with his mother and uncle.


    "Your highness, what are you thinking? The food is getting cold," Eunuch Long said. Eunuch Long hade back from a long journey after two months. His master never was thoughtful towards anyone, but he was astonished to see how the First Prince raised his voice against evil. He was tense to see the state of his master, but a servant like him could not be of any help.


    Jian Guozhi picked the chopstick when Zho Mi arrived there. "Jian Ge," she softly called out his name and bowed to greet him. Eunuch Long excused himself and walked out of the chamber.


    Zho Mi lifted her head and went near Jian Guozhi. She pulled out a chair for her and sat gracefully on it. "I prayed for you the entire night. It is a magical thread from the shrine where I prayed for you," Zho Mi stated and took out the thread from her pouch, which she was holding.


    Jian Guozhi knitted his brows when Zho Mi took his hand and tied the thread around his wrist. "Jian Ge, this will always protect you. Did you eatst night? Eunuch Long informed that you were not taking your meals properly for a few days," Zho Mi questions clearly showed how worried she was for Jian Guozhi. He felt good to realize that he had someone to lean on.


    "Did you have your meals? Forgive me, I prohibited anyone''s entry here," Jian Guozhi apologized.


    Zho Mi refused. "I was praying for you in the shrine. I returned in the morning from there," Zho Mi replied.


    "Have breakfast with me then," Jian Guozhi stated and picked a te for her. cing it in front of her, he handed her the chopstick.


    Xue Yu-Yan was watching them from the second door''s entrance. She lowered her eyes which had turned watery. She had prepared wheat soup noodles for Jian Guozhi. It was her first time cooking, but it was a waste. She lifted her head and saw how brightly the two were smiling. ''I am not meant for him,'' she told herself and left from there.


    She reached the royal kitchen where Zhiyi was waiting for her. "Mydy, you came so soon. Did the Prince not like this?" Zhiyi asked as she took the tray from her hand.


    "Jian Ge was having his breakfast with Sister Mi. I thought not to disturb them, so I returned," Xue Yu-Yan asserted and left the kitchen with Zhiyi.


    "My Lady, you should not have left like this. This way your husband will distance himself from you. You are his official second wife, so you need to go closer to him," Zhiyi humbly said.


    "I am trying," Xue Yu-Yan replied in a low voice. "Let''s go to Zhenzhu Inn," Xue Yu-Yan excitedly said.


    "My Lady, you shall do your breakfast first," Zhiyi anxiously requested.


    "I am not hungry," Xue Yu-Yan simply replied.


    ~~~~


    In the Imperial Court, everyone was waiting for the Emperor toe. The ministers were whispering with each other while the Crown Prince was conversing with the Prime Minister. As the Emperor set foot in the Imperial Court, the whispers died out, and everyone stood straight with bowed heads.


    Han Wenji got seated on the Dragon Throne. "Your Majesty, we were informed about your sudden passing out during the marriage ceremony. Today''s hearing was not mandatory, but then a few dark things came to light. We Ministers could not help but call for a court to discuss a few matters," Minister Zhong voiced.


    "These past few days have not been pleasant for the Royal Family. The Crown Princess got injured, and then I passed out because of severe chest pain. I gave the punishment to Empress Wei because shemitted a crime that could not be pardoned. Apart from that, Hu Jingguo, a skilled young man in medicine, has taken his position as the Second Royal Physician." The Emperor briefed about the decisions taken by him in the Court.


    "Your Majesty, the decisions taken by you are indeed supreme. The crime was punished, but then in the Capital rumors are spreading about the Regal Family." Minister Zhong humbly put forward his points.


    "What kind of rumors, Minister Zhong?" Sheng Li showed his interest.


    "That the members associated with the Wei Family shall be banished from the Pce. Earlier it was Prime Minister Zhang Yong, who was doing rampant corruption in the capital. We Ministers did not say anything because of the Empress. But, the true face of thete Empress came out, which had created insecurities among us. We Ministers do not want any casualties in the Pce. That''s why we all have signed this petition to remove the current Governor of Luoyang and also banishment of the First Prince," Minister Zhong showed the scroll in his hand.


    Jian Guozhi squinted his eyes as the Ministers had turned against him, not one but all.


    Sheng Li was astonished to see if those Ministers would gather against the First Prince- asking for his removal and banishment.


    Minister Zhong stepped forward and extended the scroll to one assistant when Sheng Li grabbed it, astonishing the Minister.


    "Minister Zhong, you work for the Ministry of State affairs, right? Forgive me, but I have never seen you speak until today. I shall intake more almonds to sharpen my memory," Sheng Li sarcastically said and looked at the scroll.


    Nianzu amusingly looked at the Crown Prince. ''Crown Prince is defending the First Prince. It is such a rare thing to see.''


    Suddenly they heard the loudugh of Sheng Li. He controlled hisughs and asked for apologies. "You all Ministers have so much free time to write such a long message which is useless. There are numerous pending matters for the betterment of people, but you never came with a petition for them," Sheng Li stated and scoffed. Jian Guozhi was bewildered to see that the Crown Prince took his side.


    "Crown Prince, it is not your battleground where everyone listens to you." The Minister of Justice came forward and bowed before the Emperor and then continued, "It is the Court, whichprises the Emperor and his Ministers. As the Crown Prince, your duty is to be unbiased towards everyone. The Wei Family had made not one mistake but many grave mistakes. Everyone is equal in front of thews of the Han Empire. It would be an injustice to the Former Empress if the Wei Family each member is not punished.


    Spections are there that Princess Consort Xue was also associated with thete Empress and the First Prince. I urge his highness to punish the entire Wei Family for their crimes severely."


    Every Minister bowed ny degrees and in unison asked for the First Prince''s banishment from the Empire along with the Wei Family.


    Sheng Li clenched his fists. "The Criminals are already punished. If Imit a crime, it does not mean that my wife and people rted to me will be punished," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at his father. "Your Majesty, the First Prince should not be punished just because his mother was from the Wei Family." Sheng Li then turned to face the Minister of Justice, who was ring at him.


    "I am indeed good in battleground but in the Pce matters, I am excellent. I ask every Minister here what the Governor of Luoyang did not do for the people correctly? Provide me one solid reason to agree with all of you. I will myself ask for the banishment of the First Prince if the reason is satisfactory, with evidence," Sheng Li put forward the condition in front of the Court Ministers.


    "What kind of reason does the Crown Prince need?" A chuckle escaped from the mouth of the Minister of Personnel. "If amoner makes a mistake, his entire family is punished, then why can the same thing not happen with the Royal?" He questioned.


    "Everyone, keep quiet. This is the Court, yet you all are fighting here," Han Wenji finally spoke. "No one from the Wei Family will be punished. The First Prince will not be banished. It was his mother who did the crime, and she was punished for this. I believe as an Emperor, you all will respect my decision. It is not a biased decision. If such rumors are spreading, then find the root cause behind it. As the Crown Prince mentioned, bring the evidence against Prince Jian if Ministers think that he is involved in all this," Han Wenji announced his decision.


    No one dared to speak further. They all bowed in front of the Emperor, acknowledging his decision. The Minister of Justice narrowly gazed at the Crown Prince before lowering his head.

 Chapter 319 - Comfortably

    <h4>Chapter 319 - Comfortably</h4>


    The Court session ended in the afternoon. Jian Guozhi came towards Sheng Li. "I am grateful for what the Crown Prince did earlier," Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes. Nianzu also came near them and stood beside Jian Guozhi.


    "You do not need to be. This is what I shall do as a Crown Prince, First Brother," Sheng Li stated. "It was unusual of them. All the Ministers put forward a petition for not only the dismissal of the First Brother but also the banishment," Sheng Li skeptically said. Deep frowns appeared on his forehead.


    "They found out that the Pce has loopholes that''s why forwarded such a ridiculous matter upfront," Nianzu proimed. "Does the First Brother want to go out with me and Prince Wanxi? There''s a fair in the Capital market," Nianzu wanted Jian Guozhi to get distracted from all this.


    "Wanxi and you are also going out!" Sheng Li was bewildered.


    "Yes. Does Brother Sheng want toe with us? It will be fun," stated Nianzu, passing a smile to him.


    "No. I do not like such things. I need to be with Lili as she has not recovered fully," Sheng Li lied to Nianzu. He did not want them to know about his nned outing with Ying Lili because then Lei Wanxi kept intruding on them. Like Hu Jingguo, Lei Wanxi also loved to irritate him.


    "I will note, Fourth Brother. I have some matters to look into. The Civil Services Department has shuffled the Bureaucrats, so I have to check the new list. You two shall enjoy it. Take Brother Yu with you. He hardly goes out," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li found out that the First Prince was lying.


    "Brother, let me help you," Sheng Li offered his help.


    "It''s fine, Brother Sheng. You shall be with the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi refused his help politely.


    "Lili will scold me if I sneak out from work. Court Lady Xu is there to take care of her," Sheng Li affirmed. Jian Guozhi nodded his head. Nianzu was happy to see that both the First and Fifth Brother hade closer to each other.


    Soon, they left the court. The Fourth Prince went towards his chamber while the First Prince and the Crown Prince went towards the chamber of the First Prince.


    Eunuch Long greeted the Crown Prince. Sheng Li smiled upon seeing him. "It has been long since Ist saw you," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, your highness. The Crown Prince has grown into a handsome man. Congrattions on getting married, your highness." Eunuch Long looked at the First Prince. "Shall I send the tea for the two Princes?" Eunuch Long humbly asked.


    "Hmm. Send wine for us. Don''t let anyone enter as we two will be doing work," Jian Guozhimanded Eunuch Long. "Let''s go in, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li nodded, and the two walked in.


    As they walked on the red carpet, Sheng Li said, "This is my first timeing to your chamber. Earlier I was not allowed here, andter I never wanted to."


    Jian Guozhi agreed with him. "It is still unbelievable that we two are conversingfortably with each other," a tiny smile formed on Jian Guozhi''s lips. "It''s good though," he added.


    "I will give credit to Lili to change me. Had she not been in my life then I would have not thought to talk to you or even forgive you," Sheng Li pronounced. The two reached the inner chamber and took their respective seats around a floor table.


    "You are right, Brother Sheng. You would have killed me by now," Jian Guozhi scoffed. A maidservant came there with a tray in her hand that had a wine jar and sses over it. cing them on the table, she left.


    "Brother Sheng caught that I was lying. Thank you for apanying me for this." Jian Guozhi picked the jar and filled the cups. They picked their respective cups and sipped the wine. "I really appreciate your kind help in the court. I knew that the Ministers would raise issues about my position and stay in the Pce. I have never thought the person whom I was always jealous of would defend me. For the first time, I felt helpless among all those people." Jian Guozhi brought the cup closer to his lips and gulped the wine.


    He picked the jar and poured more. Sheng Li only took tiny sips as he had to go to market with Liliter.


    "Now, I feel how you felt all these years. There was not a single person to stand beside you. Iughed at you and made fun of yourte mother. However, when today people talked about my mother, I found myself at your ce," Jian Guozhi gazed into the eyes of Sheng Li.


    "It''s fine, Brother Jian. I forgot them the day I forgave you," Sheng Li asserted. "I would not be here if you had not saved me when I was young."


    "My mother never let anyone raise his voice on me. Indeed, it was her power gained in the wrong way, but she protected me. I recalled the words which were once said by your mother to me once." Sheng Li widened his eyes. His mother talked with the First Prince. But why?


    Jian Guozhi wore a gentle smile on his lips. "To protect my younger brothers, and also protect my people. That was the main reason when you were being poisoned for the first time. I saved you by informing our father. Forgive me for the words I used for her once. You are not a Cruel Person. We made you like this. You have a heart like your mother," Jian Guozhi revealed a secret in front of Sheng Li, and again sincerely apologized to him.


    Sheng Li smiled and drank the remaining wine in his cup. "I wonder why all the ministers ganged up against you? They were asking for your banishment! Isn''t it weird?" Sheng Li frowned.


    "It is not weird. My mother is no more, that''s why they all came forward at once. The Wei Family has been known for its strong ties with the Royal Family for a long time which was never eptable to many Ministers. Though they supported us, they were not loyal," Jian Guozhi exined to Sheng Li, who was pouring wine in their respective cups.


    "Sister Qi Jing has safely reached Lu Province. A message hase from there. I will hand you the letterter. By tomorrow, she might receive the message about her mother," Sheng Li informed his First Brother.


    "Hmm. After the capital''s work will be over, I will take leave for a few days. I will visit her. Mother never gave enough love to her, and I never bothered to care about her. This is the least I can do for her." Sheng Li found Jian Guozhi guilty about many things. He used to think that his First Brother was never considerate towards his family. But he was wrong. Jian Guozhi was tied to doing anything freely.

 Chapter 320 - He Knows My Weakness

    <h4>Chapter 320 - He Knows My Weakness</h4>


    Ying Lili looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a white-colored Hanfu dress.


    She touched her lips and applied the red lip color on them. "Now, they are looking good," Ying Lili murmured, smiling at herself. She heard the footsteps and turned her eyes towards the entrance. Sheng Li had arrived there, already dressed in the clothes of amoner.


    Ying Lili stood up from the chair and went to him. "I heard you were with the First Brother. Is he alright?" Ying Lili concernedly asked.


    "Yes. You told me that I should try to understand the First Brother, so I was doing that." Sheng Li noticed the bright red plump lips of Ying Lili. Did she do that on purpose? He lifted his hand, brought it to her nape, and pulled her towards him for a kiss. Ying Lili was on her toes while her hands were resting on his arms.


    Sheng Li moaned as Ying Lili bit his bottom lip. He pulled back and peered at her. "Don''t start now, else we won''t be able to leave," Sheng Li said with a smirk.


    "What did I do? You were the one who started kissing me," Ying Lili yanked at him. Sheng Li gawked at his wife.


    "But, you were the one who tempted me to do it. I only wanted to taste them," Sheng Li whispered against her lips. Ying Lili''s heart thumped a little as she felt Sheng Li''s breath hitting against her lips. "Are they making strawberry lip balms? Why is it every time I kiss you, I crave for more." His thumb rested on her lips and traced them.


    "The next time you will do this, I will not stop," he whispered again. His gaze never left hers. Ying Lili hummed at him while Sheng Li put his hand down.


    Ying Lili brought her fingers closer to Sheng Li''s lips. She wiped them. "Those were red," she pulled her hand back and turned her back towards him.


    "Wildcat, you can get shyter. Let''s leave for the market first. When we return, we can continue where we left," Sheng Li teased her a little. He went towards the table and picked a white veiled hat. Ying Lili had turned to him, so he put it over her head. Tying the knot under her chin, he continued, "I have arranged a carriage for us.


    "A carriage? Everyone will look at us and be suspicious of our identity," Ying Lili raised a doubt.


    "No one will raise any doubt," Sheng Li assured her. "Many bureaucrats'' sons and daughters usually use carriages," Sheng Li put his hand down and looked at her through the translucent veil. "Don''t look into anyone''s eyes," Sheng Li huskily said.


    "How is it possible?" Ying Lili chuckled. "What if-"


    "It is possible, Lili. Your eyes are the most beautiful body part. These eyes made me fall for you. You can hold my hand and look at me all the time," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili smiled and nodded.


    Sheng Li put on a fake mustache and beard. "I do not like to put it on but people will recognize me, if I won''t wear it," Sheng Li murmured. He pressed them against his skin. Once he was done, he left with Ying Lili to the market.


    At the Fu Imperial Gates, Commander Sun told them he would apany them, but Sheng Li refused. "I do not want to grab any unwanted attention," Sheng Li pronounced. Commander Sun bowed and opened the door of the cart for them. Sheng Li got in first and forwarded his hand to Ying Lili, who held it firmly. She was pulled up by him. Making her sit on one side, Sheng Li sat beside her. The door was closed, and the carriage started moving.


    "You have carried the money, right?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li wrapped his hand around her waist and swiftly ced her on hisp.


    Ying Lili was startled by it. Both of her hands were resting on his shoulders. "What are you doing? Let go of me," Ying Lili said.


    "The road is bumpy. I do not want you to be ufortable," Sheng Li opined. He then moved the veil up and ced it over her hat.


    "Liar!" she scoffed and gently hit Sheng Li''s shoulder. "The road is not bumpy. I know you are doing this deliberately," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "When you know I love holding you like this, then, why don''t you sit quietly?" Sheng Li queried her. "No one can see us, so you cannot call me shameless. The market is a little farther, so till we reach there, you can keep looking into my eyes." Sheng Li leaned closer to her face, leaving a minuscule distance between them.


    "Sheng Li, w-what are you trying to do?" Ying Lili muttered. Her eyes were flickering as she felt Sheng Li''s fingers on her cheek.


    She closed her eyes, knowing that he wanted to kiss her. Even she wanted the same. Her thoughts stopped as their lips met. She jolted when Sheng Li licked her lips and again kissed them before pulling back.


    Ying Lili was expecting more, and Sheng Li''s sudden withdrawal confused her. She opened her eyes to meet his gaze. "I will end up doing more with you if I do not stop," He stated. Ying Lili hummed andid her head on his shoulder.


    "Sheng Li, how are you going to find that enemy? Weng Wei did not even tell you about him. Is there any n in your mind?" Suddenly Ying Lili asked him.


    "I do not know. I will soone up with a n," Sheng Li said with assurance.


    "Do tell me about your n when youe up with something," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Indeed," Sheng Li answered. A menacing expression appeared on his face. ''Forgive me, Lili, but I will not involve you this time. The enemy is someone whom I cannot take lightly. He knows my weakness. In any case, I do not want to see you getting hurt,'' Sheng Li contemted.

 Chapter 321 - Anyone To Ruin It!

    <h4>Chapter 321 - Anyone To Ruin It!</h4>


    Nianzu, Lei Wanxi, and Weng Yu were strolling in the market. Because of the fair, there was more crowdpared to the other days. Some artists were doing a stunt that grabbed Lei Wanxi''s attention. "Brother, let''s go there," he said, and the three walked ahead. People were standing in a circle, cheering for the two stuntmen.


    They came to the front to enjoy the show. One stuntman was standing on the rope, which gave goosebumps to everyone there. Lei Wanxi put his palm over his mouth as he was intimidated by that stunt. Nianzu smiled upon seeing the expressions of his younger brothers.


    "Brother, what if he falls?" Weng Yu asked Lei Wanxi.


    "He cannot fall. He has practiced a lot for this," Lei Wanxi affirmed when the toes of the stuntman slipped from the rope, and he leaned to the left. "Ahhh," some people shouted in the crowd, including Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu.


    The stuntman bnced himself, and it relieved everyone there. They pped for the stuntman who soon reached the other end. "Look, I told you that he would not fall," Lei Wanxi delightedly told Weng Yu. Now, an 8-9 year-old girl climbed up and stood straight on the rope. She had a long stick in her hand, and she was going to perform some stunts.


    "Little girl, be careful," Lei Wanxi shouted from the crowd. His one hand rested near his chest, which was beating fast.


    Nianzu was calmly watching the stunt when his eyes fell on Chuntao. She was standing in front of him on the other side. A smile appeared on Nianzu''s face, seeing her there. There were some weird expressions on Chuntao''s face watching those stunts. She was grabbing her friend''s hands tightly. Sometimes, she would squeeze her eyes tightly, while the other times, she brought her palms in front of her eyes.


    The young girl, standing on the rope, somersaulted in the air. It hitched the breath of everyone there. The girl stood straight on the rope, bncing herself well. The people cheered for her. Soon the stunts were over. That little girl came ahead with a hemispherical bamboo basket in her hand. Lei Wanxi put a few silver coins in the basket and turned to look at Nianzu, but he was not there.


    He looked around but did not find him there. "Brother Yu, did you see Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "No. Where did the Brother go?" Weng Yu mumbled.


    "Maybe Brother Nianzu has gone back to the Pce. Brother has a load of work on his head. Let''s go there and have some dumplings," Lei Wanxi stated and walked ahead with Weng Yu.


    Oppositely, Nianzu followed Chuntao, who was walking towards the market ground where a street y was going on. The y was about a legendary hero who was a great military general, who loved a woman lower in birth status than him but could not marry him because of her low status.


    Nianzu stood at the left hand while Chuntao was standing somewhere in the middle of the front row. She had a circr paper fan in her hand. The young women standing beside the Prince were whispering, some were sobbing upon watching the end of the y, where the military general died recalling his love.


    Nianzu''s attention was not on the y but on Chuntao, whose eyes had turned teary, watching the y. He looked towards the stage and found the dramatists were acting. For a few minutes, his eyes were fixed on the stage, watching the heart-wrenching scene. ''It is sad indeed,'' he murmured.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili arrived at the market. The carriage was pulled up, and the chauffeur quickly opened the door for them. Sheng Li caught Ying Lili''s hand and stepped down from the cart.


    "Stay here. We will be back soon," Sheng Li instructed the chauffeur, who bowed. Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili, who was looking around. "Let''s go," he held Ying Lili''s hand and dragged her along with him.


    "Where are you taking me to? The shops are here," Ying Lili stated.


    "Don''t tell me you want to buy something from those stalls. I am taking you to a ce that is popr for various ys and games," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili saw a ''Zhiyuan'' (kite) seller. She never once saw anyone in the Pce flying kites, so she requested Sheng Li to buy a few for her. Sheng Li stopped before the shop. "We can call him in the Pce," Sheng Li whispered in her ear. "I will call a good one for you. It would be a headache-"


    Ying Lili tilted her head as she red at him. "I want it now. You said we would enjoy the fair," Ying Lili opined.


    "Okay. I am buying for you," Sheng Li said and walked ahead. He asked the price of ''Zhiyuan'' from the seller. After checking the various patterns, he bought a red one for Ying Lili. As he was paying, Ying Lili came near him. "Buy fifteen kites," Ying Lili whispered in his ear.


    "Why fifteen?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "For seven princes, including my husband and their respective wives. We will fly the kites together, that''s why," Ying Lili exined to him further.


    "Okay," Sheng Li replied and asked the seller for fourteen more kites. Now, a problem had arisen in front of him. How to carry those to the Pce? He was thinking of a way when he heard a familiar voice and looked towards the voice.


    "Wanxi is here." Sheng Li knitted his brows as he saw Lei Wanxi standing in front of a dumpling stall.


    "What is he doing here? If he sees me then, he definitely will recognize me. I have prepared a surprise for Lili, and I do not want anyone to ruin it," Sheng Li told himself. He turned to the seller and asked him till what time he would be selling those kites.


    "I will wrap up before the curfew hours," the seller humbly replied. Ying Lili confusedly peered at him when she saw him keeping the kites on the table there. "I will pick them upter," Sheng Li affirmed and handed half money to the seller.


    "Don''t go away from this ce until wee to pick those up," Sheng Li told the kite seller in a threatening tone, who nodded and assured the Crown Prince that he would wait for them.


    "We will take themter. It would be inappropriate to carry these kites with us," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who understood him.

 Chapter 322 - Brother, They Ran Away

    <h4>Chapter 322 - Brother, They Ran Away</h4>


    "Brother, you were right! These dumplings are so delicious," Weng Yu happily said.


    Lei Wanxi agreed with him. "This is my favorite ce," Lei Wanxi muttered and turned when he saw Sheng Li''s back. But since Sheng Li was wearing the clothes of amoner, he paid little heed to him. "Brother Nianzu missed this," Lei Wanxi stated and turned towards Weng Yu.


    "Master, do you want more?" The vendor asked him.


    "I am full. I mighte again in a few days." Lei Wanxi pulled out a pouch from his pocket and handed the money to him. Weng Yu still had one dumpling stick left, so Lei Wanxi waited for him to finish. He pulled out his fan and started fanning himself.


    The sky had turned red, and birds were returning to their respective homes. The people had lit thenterns outside their respective shops.


    Sheng Li titled his head and found Lei Wanxi was not looking at him. He was relieved. Lei Wanxi turned towards the direction where Sheng Li was standing when his eyes fell on Ying Lili. "Is she Sister Lili?" He murmured. "That hat looks like Sister Lili''s." He drew his brows together and intently looked at Ying Lili.


    "Brother, I have finished eating," Weng Yu asserted and looked in the direction where Lei Wanxi had focussed his gaze.


    "Brother, what are you looking at?"


    "Don''t they look like the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess?" Lei Wanxi whispered in Weng Yu''s ear, leaning closer to him.


    "How could theye here? I think the Brother is mistaken," Weng Yu stated.


    Lei Wanxi did not agree with the statement of Weng Yu. "Come, let''s go behind them. They are walking away," Lei Wanxi stepped forward and closed the fan in his hand. Weng Yu followed his Brother. ''Why did Brother not tell me that he wasing to the market?'' Lei Wanxi mumbled and hastened his steps.


    Weng Yu had to run to match the steps of Lei Wanxi. "Brother, I think they are someone else," Weng Yu affirmed.


    "No. Look at the physique of the man. Those broad shoulders and the way of walking. Only the Fifth Brother can walk like this." Lei Wanxi was confident in the deductions that he had made.


    Ying Lili saw a Dragon Beard Candy stall and asked Sheng Li to buy one for them. "I can ask the Royal Chef to prepare one for you. Don''t eat street food as you are still recovering," Sheng Li advised her.


    "I have recovered. Look, my arm has healed," Ying Lili moved her arm. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu were watching them from a certain distance. Lei Wanxi''s suspicions were rified by now.


    Sheng Li looked at the sky and found evening was falling. He had to reach that ce soon, but he could not even refuse Ying Lili''s request. She hardly asked anything from him, and now they hade to the market, so he must fulfill her every wish. Sheng Li took her to the vendor''s shop and requested one Dragon Beard Candy for Ying Lili.


    "We also want to eat," Lei Wanxi suddenly said. Sheng Li was shocked to hear his voice, while Ying Lili was astonished to see Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu there. They both were wearing coned bamboo hats. A smile carved on her lips upon seeing them there.


    "Uncle made three. Two for us and one for our lovely sister-inw," Lei Wanxi stated, keeping a broad smile on his lips. Sheng Li squeezed his eyes tightly and put his hand around Lei Wanxi''s shoulder.


    Taking him aside, Sheng Li requested him to go away.


    Lei Wanxi pouted. "Brother, it''s my first time with you at a fair, and you''re telling me to go away," Lei Wanxi whined.


    "Wanxi, we cane some other time. Can''t you see Lili and I are here¨C"


    Lei Wanxi cut Sheng Li''s words. "Brother, I know you two are here to enjoy. Then, take Weng Yu and me with you too. This is wrong, Brother. Earlier Brother Nianzu left us in the middle of the market," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "But people may get suspicious of Ying Lili and me if you two will roam with us," Sheng Li tried his best in convincing Lei Wanxi.


    Before Lei Wanxi could reply to Sheng Li, Ying Lili came to them, holding the candy stick in her hand. "Brother, have it!" Ying Lili humbly said. Lei Wanxi thanked her.


    "Sister, one more candy is prepared. Let''s go there," Lei Wanxi excitedly said. Ying Lili nodded and went towards the stall. Sheng Li rubbed his forehead with a forefinger.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li and found he was a little irked. He might want to spend time with her.


    Lei Wanxi was paying for the Dragon Beard Candy when Ying Lili went closer to Sheng Li and grabbed his right hand. "I wasing there," Sheng Li muttered, faking a smile while Ying Lili stepped forward, dragging Sheng Li along with her. She started running, which startled Sheng Li.


    Weng Yu, who was eating the candy, looked at them confusedly and shook the arm of Lei Wanxi, who was busy conversing with the seller. "Brother, Brother, they ran away," Weng Yu softly said.


    "What?" Lei Wanxi immediately turned away and could not find his brother and sister-inw. He chuckled and said, "They want to spend time together. I only wanted to tease Brother Sheng a little. No worries. I can do the same in the Pce." Lei Wanxi started eating the candy and told Weng Yu that they should leave for the Pce.


    Ying Lili halted, and so did Sheng Li. Both were panting and found themselves deep inside the market. "Why did we run?" Sheng Li was happy that they got rid of the two Princes.


    "Isn''t this what you wanted?" Ying Lili questioned him. Sheng Li smiled while nodding his head. Ying Lili put her hand around his arm, and the two walked ahead.

 Chapter 323 - You Dont Want To Get Beat Up!

    <h4>Chapter 323 - You Don''t Want To Get Beat Up!</h4>


    With great excitement, Sheng Li stepped ahead, when he was stopped by a man. Sheng Li red at him when the man pointed his finger at him. "You seem familiar," the man said.


    "Huh?" Sheng Li eximed and nced at Ying Lili. "What do you mean?" Sheng Li questioned him in a firm tone.


    "Aren''t you the person from the other day?" Sheng Li was confused because this was his first time meeting this man and he imed that he had seen him earlier.


    "I think you are mistaken, Brother" Sheng Li stated and turned left to leave with Ying Lili when the man stood in front of him. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li controlled his anger and kept his tone polite as much as he could.


    "I told you about your future the other day. I know palmistry. Looks like what I predicted was true. You have anger management issues," the man?remarked and then shifted his gaze to Ying Lili. "Sister, I will read for you today. I am giving a heavy discount on my readings. Pleasee to my shop," the man humbly requested from Ying Lili.


    "No. Go away. We do not want a reading from you. I know you were lying that day. You are lucky that I did notin about you to the police about how you fool us people," Sheng Li tried escaping from there. He was enraged after he recalled the things this palmist told about him. Sheng Li found the palmist lucky because he was in disguise. If such words he had said openly about him then he would be dead by then.


    "Sister, you do not believe me? Why would I make a fool of the people? Your husband is..." He nced at Sheng Li and continued, "He is hot-headed, isn''t he?"


    Ying Lili giggled upon hearing that. Sheng Li clenched his fist when the palmist held his hand, shocking them. "What are you doing?" Sheng Li was furious when he heard the palmist, "Your hands are hard like iron ¨C a born warrior you are! I can see that you¡­" he paused, confusing both Sheng Li and Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li was pulling his hand back, but the palmist was not letting it go. Sheng Li chuckled. It was unbelievable for him that there were more annoying people than Hu Jingguo. At least, Hu Jingguo used to stop his ridiculous acts, but this palmist or con artist was the most annoying person the Crown Prince had ever encountered.


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was getting angrier so, she tiptoed and whispered in his ear, "Let him read. He wants some money from us."


    Sheng Li tilted his head. "I am not giving him a single penny," Sheng Li muttered.


    "You have the lines which only a leader has!" The palmist left Sheng Li''s hand and asked for 20 cents for the reading.


    Sheng Li red at him and pushed him away. "I did not tell you to read my palm. Just go away if you don''t want to get beat up," Sheng Li threatened him. Ying Lili quickly pulled out the pouch full of money from the sash and opened it. She took out the coins and handed them to the palmist.


    "Brother, thank you for reading!" Ying Lili asserted. The palmist thanked her and went back to his tiny movable cart.


    "Why did you do that? I am taking my money back from him," Sheng Li was annoyed.


    Ying Lili scoffed. "Let it be. How could you fight like kids with an unknown person? He has such a sharp memory. He remembers you. Don''t ruin your mood over such matters," Ying Lili stated.


    "Let''s not talk about him," Sheng Li looked towards the cart of the palmist and saw no one there. "Con-artist," he huffed. Holding Ying Lili''s hand, he walked ahead. After walking a few hundred meters, they halted outside a pottery shop.


    Ying Lili''s eyes gleamed, and she turned to face Sheng Li. "So, this is the ce where you desperately wanted to bring me," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li nodded his head. "You told me once that you love to make pottery. So, I thought to bring you here," Sheng Li asserted and took her inside.


    The pottery shop was quite old when a man in his 50s came to them. He bowed before them. "He is Ye Haoyu, making pottery for over forty years," Sheng Li introduced him.


    "Your highness, it is my pleasure to have you two in this ce. I am blessed to have you two at my workce. Please,e this way," Ye Haoyu motioned his hand in the air and took them to another room, which was used mainly to make various earthen pottery.


    Sheng Li made Ying Lili sit on a stool on a cushion and sat beside her on another. There was a ''pottery throwing wheel'' that was ced in front of Ying Lili. Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili and removed the hat from her head.


    Ye Haoyu ced the veiled hat on a clean table there and brought a water bowl there. He put it on the table in front of Ying Lili and then brought some y.


    cing everything on the table, Haoyu started the wheel. Ye Haoyu put the y over the wheel. "Is her highness aware of this? Shall I demonstrate?" Ye Haoyu humbly asked.


    "The Crown Princess knows. You can leave and wait for us outside. If we need anything, we will call you," Sheng Li ordered him. Ye Haoyu bowed and walked out of the big room, shutting the door behind him.


    Sheng Li folded the sleeves of Ying Lili''s sleeves. "Thank you," suddenly she said. A smile appeared on Sheng Li''s lips, who pulled his hands back and told her to start.


    Ying Lili nodded. She dipped her hands in the bowl, full of water, and then ced them over the y. The moving wheel gave the shape to the y ording to the hand movements of Ying Lili over the y. She held the y from the sides, thus giving it the shape of a bowl. She was smiling brightly, like a child who had received her first gift. Sheng Li rested his chin on his curled hand, which rested over his knee, gazing at Ying Lili.

 Chapter 324 - I Have Everything

    <h4>Chapter 324 - I Have Everything</h4>


    "Time stops for me, whenever you are around me,'''' Sheng Li told himself, intently gazing at Ying Lili, who was working to make a bowl. An hourter, Ying Lili sessfully made a bowl and put it on the table. She turned to look at Sheng Li, who was lost somewhere.


    She waved her hand in front of his face, bringing him out of deep thoughts. "What were you thinking? Look, I have made one," Ying Lili pointed her finger towards the earthen bowl.


    "How could you be so good at everything?" Sheng Li praised her.


    "Do you want to make one?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. I do not know how to make it? You can make more since you like this," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I will teach you. Come here," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li moved the stool, on which he was seated, closer to her. "Fold your sleeves," Ying Lilimanded him.


    "I might break it. I am not good at making things," Sheng Li stated as he folded his sleeves up. Ying Lili put the y on the wheel and pressed it for a few minutes. She gently pulled it to give it a dome-like shape. Once she was done, she told Sheng Li to dip his hands into the water bowl. Sheng Li did so and brought the hands near the y. Ying Lili grabbed them and ced them over the y.


    The wheel was started again while Ying Lili instructed Sheng Li to shape the pot. "I am doing," he shouted as he pulled the y and it was now in his hands. He looked at Ying Lili, "It is destroyed."


    "No worries. We will make another," Ying Lili calmly said. She picked some more y and put it on the rotating wheel. "See, you need to first think about the shape you want to make. Then, you need to work from your hands ordingly." Sheng Li carefully listened to the instructions of Ying Lili. He again started making the bowl with the help of Ying Lili. The shape of the bowl was formed soon andter, Ying Lili brought his fingers inside the depth of the bowl, to deepen it further.


    "See, the shape is forming," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, whose eyes were now focused on Ying Lili. He was mesmerized to see the facial expressions on her face that appeared in a span of a few seconds. He leaned closer to her and kissed her cheek.


    Ying Lili tilted her head and found his intense gaze on her. "The bowl is ready," she averted her gaze, thus breaking their eyelock. She removed the bowl from the wheel. "It''s almost night. We shall return to the Pce," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li cupped her face. Before Ying Lili could react, Sheng Li kissed her deeply. Ying Lili kissed him back. She ced her palms over the back of his hands, which were cupping her face.


    The two pulled away after a few seconds, gasping for air. Sheng Li stroked her cheeks from the back of his hands. "Did you like this surprise? I could have called him to the Pce but then it would not be this fun," he whispered against Ying Lili''s lips, who agreed with him.


    "You give me too many surprises." Sheng Li rubbed his nose against Ying Lili''s while his fingers intertwined with hers.


    "I have not given you enough surprises," he replied. After a few minutes, he pulled back and cleaned the y from her cheeks, which had the impression of his hands. "I will tell him to send these two bowls to the Pce once they are ready," Sheng Li informed Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li called in Ye Haoyu and ordered him the same. He thanked him for letting them use the pottery wheel for almost two hours.


    "Your highness, please do not say thank you for this. This subject is already overwhelmed by your presence. It is my pleasure to have the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess here."


    "Give us water as we need to wash our hands." Ye Haoyu swiftly went towards the left wall and brought the two clean bowls and two clean cotton towels. He ced the bowls on the table and poured water into them.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili washed their hands in the respective bowls. Then, Sheng Li neatly wiped Ying Lili''s hands with the towel and also wiped her cheeks, although he had cleaned them earlier with his handkerchief. After he was done, he took out a pouch full of silver coins and ced that on the table.


    "This is for your family," Sheng Li stated.


    "I do not need it, your highness. It is my duty to serve you and I cannot take money for this," Ye Haoyu humbly requested.


    "Keep it, uncle. Do not refuse it," Ying Lili politely said. Yu Haoyu epted the money given by the Crown Prince. Sheng Li then helped Ying Lili in wearing the veiled hat. Ye Haoyu bowed as the two left the shop.


    Coming out of the shop, Sheng Li asked Ying Lili if she wanted to buy something for her.


    "No, what can I buy from here? I have everything," Ying Lili replied when her eyes fell on a prosperity fish wall hanging, which was crafted beautifully. "I want to buy that. I will put it in my chamber," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nodded and took her to the vendor shop that was selling those wall hangings. Sheng Li purchased one for Ying Lili. They both then left the market after picking the kites from the other shop.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope all of you are doing well. This special chapter I want to dedicate to all my fans who are supporting me from day 1 of the creation of this book. Naming them here would be a little difficult. Thank you for supporting me through Golden Tickets, Gifts, and the Power-stones. Hope you all are enjoying the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 325 - Because You Are A Prince

    <h4>Chapter 325 - Because You Are A Prince</h4>


    Chuntao hastened towards the ce where Nianzu had told her to wait for her. "I amte. His highness might be waiting for me. How can I be so careless?" Chuntao mumbled while walking briskly. Since night had fallen, the road was not fully visible. She did not see the pebble on the ground and fell.


    She hurt her knee while a low cry escaped from her mouth. A few people who were walking past her nced at her but walked away. She quickly stood up and resumed walking. Soon, she reached the same ce which Prince Nianzu had mentioned to her. She was relieved to see him there, who was sitting under it with antern beside him.


    Chuntao halted right in front of him, catching her breath. Nianzu was delighted to see her. "F-forgive me, y-your highness. I got busy with my friend," Chuntao said, lowering her eyes. She stepped ahead and quickly carried thentern in her hand.


    Nianzu stood up from the ground. Chuntao found it a little weird when she did not get any response from the Fourth Prince. Her grip on thentern tightened as the Prince started walking. She too quietly followed him and then went a little ahead of him, illuminating the path for him. ''I should have been careful regarding the time. His highness never got angry at me.'' Chuntao contemted.


    Nianzu, on the other hand, was following in her footsteps. Earlier in the evening, he lost her and decided to wait for her under that plum blossom tree. While walking, he questioned himself why he was following Chuntao. It was so strange of him. He never acted that way until today. After deep contemtion, he realized that he was gradually falling for Chuntao.


    As he came from the market, he encountered a young man who was thrashed brutally by the men of a bureaucratic family. Why? Because he loved the woman of their family. At that moment, he realized the wrong he was doing.


    Being a Prince with the highest status in the Empire after the Emperor, if he loved a woman who had no social status then, more than him the woman would suffer. He had seen his mother suffer, who was originally a concubine. He did not want the same would happen with the woman he adored.


    While thinking all this, his eyes noticed that Chuntao was dragging her one foot as if she had injured it. He extended his hand out, but then stopped himself and pulled it back.


    He continued following her, without speaking anything.


    Chuntao was fidgeting with her fingers, which were on thentern. "Shall I apologize to his highness again?" She halted at her ce. Nianzu, who was walking behind her, stopped, too. Chuntao turned to Nianzu and lowered her head, befuddling him. "Your highness, forgive me. I will help his highness toplete his work. And, I will note outside the Pce for a year," Chuntao affirmed.


    Nianzu knitted his brows as he still could not understand what Chuntao was trying to mean.


    "I know his highness is angry at me as I wasted the precious time of his highness and let him wait for me. Please forgive me, your highness," Chuntao sincerely apologized to him.


    Nianzu smiled. "I am not angry at you, Miss. Why would I be?" Nianzu questioned her. Chuntao lifted her head and peered at the Fourth Prince before lowering them again.


    "His highness did not reply to me earlier, so I thought..." she took a pause and then continued, "...I thought that I made a grave mistake."


    "Did his highness enjoy the fair?" Chuntao asked.


    Nianzu nodded and started walking while Chuntao walked beside him. "Give me. Thentern must be heavy." Nianzu forwarded his hand, but Chuntao put her hands towards her left.


    "It is not heavy at all, your highness. I am supposed to carry it, not the Prince," Chuntao pronounced.


    "Why do you think so?" Nianzu queried.


    "Because you are a Prince while I am a servant who has the duty to serve the Prince. In the presence of a servant, a Prince cannot work," Chuntao answered. Nianzu chuckled upon hearing her.


    "This is what everyone thinks but in reality-" Nianzu stopped and so did Chuntao. He took a step closer to her, which intimidated Chuntao. She stepped back on her foot and lost her bnce, but Nianzu caught her by wrapping his arm around her waist. They both looked into each other''s eyes. Chuntao''s grip on thentern tightened, and she gulped. "A servant''s duty is indeed to serve the Prince but the Prince can do the petty work himself. He also has a duty towards his servant, that is not to exploit him/her." Nianzu had taken thentern from Chuntao''s hand and made her stand straight.


    Chuntao''s cheeks flushed red, and she quickly took a few steps to get away from Prince Nianzu. "Forgive me," she said in a low voice.


    "Let''s resume our journey," Nianzu stated. Chuntao nodded and walked along with him, but was at least a meter away from him. She was stealing nces of the Fourth Prince when Nianzu spoke, "Don''t you know that this route also joins with the forest? Since it''s night, any animal mighte out and take you away. So, stay close."


    Chuntao was intimidated to hear that. She looked around and found the long trees around. She came closer to Prince Nianzu, leaving an arm''s distance between them.


    Soon, they reached the Pce. Nianzu had taken a shortcut for the Pce that''s the forest route. The Royal Guards at the gate bowed, seeing the Prince, and opened the gates. Both Nianzu and Chuntao walked in.


    As they reached the Pce Grounds, Nianzu told Chuntao to check her foot with the Physician. She wondered how the Prince found out, but before she could ask, Nianzu walked away to the Eastern Pce.


    Chuntao returned to her quarters and found the Chief Pce maid. "Where were you?" The Chief Pce maid asked.


    "I went to the market. There was a fair. I took the permission of the Fourth Prince," Chuntao replied, lowering her head.


    The Chief Pce maid red at her for a few seconds before leaving her room, followed by two maids. She was confused because this was the first time she was questioned.

 Chapter 326 - I Will Miss You

    <h4>Chapter 326 - I Will Miss You</h4>


    Ying Lili as soon as reached her chamber, removed the veiled hat from her head andid down on the bed, not putting pressure on her right shoulder. He put the kites on the table and also the prosperity wall hanging. Sheng Li pulled out the fake beard and mustache from his face.


    "I am so tired," Ying Lili said in a low voice, but Sheng Li heard her. He poured water in a ss and went towards the bed. "Sit up," Sheng Limanded Ying Lili. He regretted taking Ying Lili out, but he wanted her to enjoy it a little. Ying Lili, putting her weight on her elbows, sat up on the bed.


    Sheng Li sat beside her on the mattress and handed her the silver ss. "Drink it," he said. Ying Lili took water from him and drank the water. She finished it when Sheng Li asked her if she wanted more.


    "No," she simply refused. Sheng Li took the ss from her hand and ced it on a bedside table. His eyes fell on the tassel which was hanging from the sash on Ying Lili''s waist.


    "Who gave you this?" Sheng Li curiously asked.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes. "Hu Jingguo. He brought a gift for me," Ying Lili said with a smile and took it out. Her fingers grazed over the beads, hanging at the bottom of the tassel.


    Sheng Li took the tassel from her and put that inside his pocket, startling her. "I will give you better than this. Why is he giving such gifts to you?" Sheng Liined.


    "Because he is my friend," Ying Lili replied. "You are again jealous. Give it back," she reached her hand towards his pocket, but Sheng Li caught her hand.


    "If I have a friend who''s a woman and she gives gifts to me then would you like that?" Sheng Li questioned.


    Ying Lili''s lips quivered. Sheng Li knew that Ying Lili would not ever allow a woman to do such acts.


    "Why not? She can give you and you can ept that gift. I know my husband loves me only, so there''s no point in getting jealous." Sheng Li was bewildered to hear the answer of Ying Lili.


    "I am not jealous of him and I do not want any woman to give me anything," Sheng Li stated. He gently grabbed her legs and ced them over hisp. "I just hate it," Sheng Li pronounced and gently pressed his fingers over her legs.


    Ying Lili was touched by his words. Indeed, Sheng Li acted like a child many times, but he always thought of her first. His love towards her was indeed eternal. "It is not good when a husband touches his wife''s legs or feet. I have told you many times," Ying Lili ced her hands over his and gazed at him.


    "I want to do it," Sheng Li sternly said and looked down at her legs. "I was not good in studies but I heard from the teacher of medicine that when someone is tired and his legs ache then one should press them. Blood cirction turns good and it soothes you," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili''s heart fluttered to hear his words. Every single day she used to find a new side of Sheng Li. "You are indeed my soulmate," Ying Lili suddenly said. Sheng Li gazed at her and again focused on her legs. "I was feeling pain in my legs. You read my mind even when I don''t say anything," Ying Lili stated.


    "Lay down and close your eyes. You will feel better that way." He grabbed her both arms and made hery down on the bed. He again continued his work. "I want to cherish every moment with you. For me not a single day was exciting. However with you, since the beginning, I was curious to know everything. I started understanding everyone. You showed me the world differently." Sheng Li was a little emotional today. The reason was unknown to Ying Lili. She just stared at his face, reading his every expression.


    "Sheng Li," Ying Lili called out his name.


    "Huh?" Sheng Li looked at her.


    "Lie down beside me," Ying Lili requested him.


    Without any question, Sheng Li put her legs on the mattress gently. He covered her legs from the fabric of the skirt and climbed up on the bed. As per Ying Lili''s request, heid down beside her. Ying Lili turned to him. cing her palm over his cheek, she caressed it. Their eyes never left each other''s gaze.


    "Lili, after Hu Jingguo will be back, I need to go somewhere," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili frowned because this statement was sudden.


    "Where and why?" Ying Lili queried.


    Sheng Li had thought to keep lying to Ying Lili about the enemy whom he talked to Weng Wei before her death, but he thought to share half a truth to Ying Lili.


    "Why are you not speaking?" Ying Lili''s soft melodious voice brought her out from his thoughts. After peering at her for a few minutes, he said, "Northern Province because of-" no words wereing out of his mouth to tell a lie to Ying Lili. He clenched his fist and finally spoke, "Some work rted to the Empire."


    "What type of work you cannot do from here that you have to go there? Is there any kind of confrontations going on between the people and higher-ups? Let''s go there together," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "You are not going with me," Sheng Li replied. "Look after the Empire from here," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili pulled her hand back. She was utterly confused by now.


    "Indeed confrontations are going on between the people and the higher-ups," Sheng Li asserted. "Earlier I was scared of Weng Wei, that''s why I took you to the Southern Province. But, this time the situation is different. Pce is no longer a dangerous ce. I have more people to trust on. Furthermore, I want someone to check up on everything behind me and that''s you because I trust you more than myself," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Are you lying to me?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No," Sheng Li immediately replied. "Why would I lie?" Sheng Li muttered and smiled at her.


    "Do not even think of lying to me. If you do, I will kill you from my hands," Ying Lili sternly said. Sheng Li chuckled, though he felt good upon hearing those words. Someone who loved him beyond one could even think of having full rights to say this to him.


    "Wildcat, do you know when you react this way or get angry, you look more attractive?" Sheng Li curled up his fingers under her chin and pulled her face closer to him. Kissing her lips, he pulled back and then brought that hand on her hair to caress them.


    "In how many days will the work bepleted?"


    "I do not know. You know that when such matterse up then usually two weeks, a month, or sometimes even months are needed. But, I will try toplete the work as soon as possible," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili nodded and snuggled closer to him. "I will miss you," Ying Lili said and ced her arm over his chest.

 Chapter 327 - I Do Not Want To Be The Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 327 - I Do Not Want To Be The Crown Prince</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili wereing out of the greeting hall when Lei Wanxi stopped them. Both of his arms were crossed, and he was ring at them. "Get aside," Sheng Li said.


    "Why did you two leave me alone yesterday?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Because you were disturbing us," Sheng Li replied.


    "When did I? I only wanted you to eat Dragon beard candy with me and Weng Yu. Sister Lili, Brother Sheng never took us outside. This was the first time we saw him in the market, yet he left us younger brothers alone," Lei Wanxiined. Sheng Li chuckled upon seeing his acts.


    "Sixth Brother, I was the one who told your brother to run away with me. He will go with you next time," Ying Lili asserted and looked at Sheng Li. "Take your brothers outside someday."


    Sheng Li with a bewildered expression looked at her. "They are not kids anymore! I have loads of work in the Capital rather than roaming," Sheng Li affirmed and shifted his gaze at Lei Wanxi. "Stop whining! You are grown up so act like one else I will tell our father to marry you off," Sheng Li threatened him.


    Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. "Brother cannot do this. I will run away from here if you try this," Lei Wanxi sternly said.


    Sheng Li chuckled and scoffed at the same time. "Do not underestimate me and you cannot run away from me. Even a 7th rank soldier is enough to catch you," Sheng Li mocked Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother thinks I am weak, doesn''t he?" Lei Wanxi was getting enraged when Sheng Li ridiculed his strength. He knew he was not strong, unlike his other brothers, but the Fifth Brother should not have to be harsher on him.


    Ying Lili kept mum as she realized that Sheng Li wanted Lei Wanxi to feel responsible for his duties.


    "Wanxi, I do not have to answer that. Both of us know how poor you are in warfare. You never train yourself and just keep wasting your time. You are only a few months younger than me. So, you shall grow up," Sheng Li calmly told him.


    "I understand, Brother Sheng. But I do not like to train myself. I am not made for that. Moreover, I have my Brother, who will save me if anyone attacks me," Lei Wanxi proimed and passed a smile to Sheng Li, who rubbed his forehead using his forefinger.


    "I need to leave for the court. The seat of the Empress is empty so the discussion will be there for the next Empress Position," Sheng Li stated.


    "Who will be the next Empress, ording to you, Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "No one knows. Whatever will be the decision of our father, we all need to ept that. It''s up to our father, whom he thinks is perfect to be the Empress," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Sister Lili, will youe with me? Weng Yu is practicing hard these days. You shall see his progress," Lei Wanxi asserted. Ying Lili agreed with him.


    "Do not exhaust yourself," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili, who nodded. Lei Wanxi assured Sheng Li that he would take care of Ying Lili. Sheng Li left their sight after instructing Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu to keep a check on the Crown Princess.


    "Let''s go, Sister Lili!" Lei Wanxi excitedly said. The two left for the Practice Grounds where Prince Yu was practicing with Commander Sun. Seeing the Crown Princess there, Prince Yu and Commander Sun bowed. Ying Lili also bowed a little, thus greeting each other.


    "Sister Lili," Weng Yu was delighted to see her there. "I am learning how to defend myself from the enemies," Weng Yu told Ying Lili before she could ask him.


    She did not want him to stop practicing, so she said, "Prince Yu, we will watch you from the pavilion." Weng Yu agreed with her and started practicing. On the other hand, Ying Lili and Lei Wanxi went to the pavilion.


    Sitting on the chairs there, Lei Wanxi asked Lili, "Sister Lili, do you know where Hu Jingguo is? I could not find him. I asked the Royal Physician, and he replied that Hu Jingguo is in his quarters. When I went there, I could not see him," Lei Wanxi anxiously said.


    Ying Lili could not tell the truth to him. "He might have gone to the forest heights to pick the herbs or might be busy somewhere, Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili lied to him.


    Lei Wanxi nodded and mumbled, "He could have taken me with him."


    ~~~~~


    In the Court, everyone was shocked to learn about the next Empress chosen by the Emperor.


    "Pardon me, your Majesty, but Lady Hui is from a low background. Dering her the next Empress-"


    "Lady Deng Hui will be the next Empress," Han Wenji announced his decision, cutting the words of the Minister of Justice. Nianzu had not expected that his mother would get such a status. He was happy knowing the decision of the Emperor. After so many years, the dignity of his mother was revived.


    "Pardon me, your majesty!" This time Minister of State Affairs came forward and continued, "If the Empress is Lady Hui then her son, Prince Nianzu shall be the next-in-line Emperor and for that" he narrowly gazed at Sheng Li, "...for that Prince Nianzu shall be the next Crown Prince."


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu frowned upon hearing that while Sheng Li chuckled.


    Nianzu stood up from his seat and joined his both hands. Bringing them to the front, he said, "Your Majesty, I do not want to be the Crown Prince. Please be considerate of my decision."


    "Prince Nianzu, it is what you can decide! Last time, Prince Jian, being the eldest, had been given the position of Crown Prince, but because he made a grave mistake, he needed to be removed. Whoever is the Empress, her son bes the Crown Prince without any question," Minister of State Affairs rified. He was not wrong, either. The Empress''s son had the full rights to be on the seat of the Crown Prince.


    "Your Majesty, I do not consider myself as the right leader for this nation. I do not want to be the Crown Prince," Nianzu requested the Emperor.

 Chapter 328 - Embarrassed

    <h4>Chapter 328 - Embarrassed</h4>


    "Minister Gu Zhenya, I wanted the Fourth Prince to be the next Crown Prince many years ago, but he refused to take the position. Prince Nianzu''s decision is still the same. So, there will be no discussion on this," Han Wenji pronounced. Minister of State Affairs, Gu Zhenya, bowed his head thus acknowledging the decision of the Emperor.


    Nianzu heaved a sigh of relief. He thanked the Emperor and then sat down. Jian Guozhi forwarded the report regarding the shuffling of Ministers in the various administrative departments.


    "Your Majesty, everything has been thoroughly checked while formting all this. The Grievance Committee will be directly responsible to the Crown Prince and the Governor whoter will be responsible for the Emperor," the Prime Minister pronounced. The Emperor skimmed through the report and then picked the Imperial Seal. He stamped on the Royal order thus, approving the new administration system of the Empire.


    "The Coronation Ceremony for the next Empress will be tomorrow morning. Distribute the grains and other valuables to the people in the capital and also in the other provinces. Send the message regarding this to every province," Han Wenjimanded. The Prime Minister bowed, epting the orders of the Emperor. The Court was adjourned for two days. Han Wenji stood up, and in his respect, everyone stood up. After the Emperor left the court, the Princes and the Ministers also left the court.


    "Crown Prince, this is the report which the Crown Princess has asked for," Jian Guozhi forwarded a few pages report to Sheng Li, who flipped the pages.


    "Brother Sheng, since things are turning right I would like to suggest something to you," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li lifted his eyes from the report and put his hands back. He knitted his brows, unable to understand what the First Prince would suggest to him.


    "We brothers never had a gathering nor did we spend time with each other." Nianzu, who was standing beside him, understood what the First Prince was trying to say. He was stunned to see that the First Prince had changed himself a lot in thest few days. The side of the First Prince, which was hidden from everyone around him, was nowing to the front.


    "So, does Brother want me to organize some event or party where we brothers can enjoy?!" Sheng Li asked with an astonished expression.


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head. "A two-day trip to the nearby mountain, Mount Jishi," Jian Guozhi proimed. "Even our wives will apany us for this trip. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu have hardly been outside the capital so, they will also feel good," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Nianzu agreed with him and said, "Brother Sheng, everything has been sorted out in the Pce, so we shall go on this trip. The other day Weng Yu said that he always wanted to go to the mountains."


    "I have no problem with this," Sheng Li replied, "But I cannot leave the Pce. You all can be there. The Crown Princess and I will note." Sheng Li was concerned about his father, who has an incurable disease, ording to the Royal Physician and Hu Jingguo. Furthermore, if something happened to the Emperor in his absence, then he could not forgive himself. Also, the hidden enemy could attack them when they were not in the Capital.


    "But the Generals and Commanders are here to look after everyone. It is a two-day trip and we will return the second day," Nianzu opined.


    "Brother, as the Crown Prince my duty is to protect everyone and I cannot be absent from the Capital for my own pleasure. The Generals and the Commanders cannot do anything in the absence of their leader. I hope this has cleared everything. You all shall visit Mount Jishi and spend some time there. I will make the safety arrangements for you all." This was the best quality of the Crown Prince. He always thought of the safety of his people before his personal pleasure and enjoyment.


    Jian Guozhi acknowledged the decision of the Crown Prince and praised him for being thoughtful of everyone. Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to him. "I shall take my leave. Thank you for the report, Brother Jian," stated Sheng Li, and walked away. He reached the practicing grounds and saw Ying Lili was shooting arrows with Weng Yu and Lei Wanxi.


    "Sister Lili, I told you I am not made for all this. Look at my arrows. All have dispersed in random directions. I am lucky that I have never been sent to war, otherwise, I would have been dead by now," Lei Wanxi said with a terrified expression. "Now, I wonder how did Brother Sheng fight so many wars!" Lei Wanxi muttered.


    "The first step towards bing a warrior is to never give up, and be fearless." Hearing Sheng Li''s voice, the trio turned to look at him. "Other than that you need to train yourself until your limbs start hurting. Patience, perseverance, and virtue are indispensable for a warrior during training time. Train yourself daily even if it is for a few minutes." Sheng Li instructed both Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu at the same time.


    Sheng Li walked to Ying Lili and took the bow and arrow from her hand. "I told you not to let your sister Lili do all this. Her arm is still healing," Sheng Li scolded Lei Wanxi instead of Ying Lili.


    "I told you that I am fine. I only shot a few arrows. Do you want to practice with Brother Yu?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Sheng Li looked at Weng Yu, who, unlike in earlier times, was not fearing him. "Do you want to have a match with your elder brother? If you lose, then you will not go on a trip," Sheng Li put forward a condition.


    "Pardon me, Brother!" Weng Yu astonishingly said.


    Ying Lili and Lei Wanxi were also bewildered upon hearing Sheng Li''s challenge.


    "Are we going on a trip?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Hmm."


    Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu were delighted to hear that. "Brother Yu, you have to win though I know it is tough," Lei Wanxi said thest words in a low voice.


    "Let''s see how much you have learned all this time! Do not beg meter if you lose against me," Sheng Li warned Weng Yu. "So, you can step back now if you do not want to be embarrassedter," Sheng Li further added. Weng Yu gulped upon hearing the statement of his elder brother, but he also wanted to see the outside world so, instead of stepping back, he epted the challenge given by the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 329 - For A Show?

    <h4>Chapter 329 - For A Show?</h4>


    Rong Zemin gave a wryugh as he heard Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi looked at him and asked him when did he hade there. "A minute ago, Wanxi. Crown Prince, you are challenging a kid who will definitely lose against you. This is not a good way to show off," remarked Rong Zemin.


    Sheng Li did not respond to the Third Prince''sment and told the Commander to hand him a bow. Commander Sun handed the bow to the Crown Prince, who pulled the string on it to check its force.


    "Try to hit the middle of the target," Sheng Li told Weng Yu, who nodded and picked an arrow from the table. He went ahead on the raised tform, at the same level as the target.


    "Do you know that the new Empress will be the mother of the Fourth Prince," Rong Zemin suddenly whispered near Lei Wanxi''s ear, who was shocked to learn about that. Rong Zemin scoffed. "Father raised a Concubine to the status of the Empress." It was clear that he was not happy with the decision of his father. Ying Lili, who was sitting on a chair beside them, heard Rong Zemin.


    "I think that the Emperor will not feel good to hear such words from his own son''s mouth," Ying Lili pronounced and looked at the Third Prince.


    "Crown Princess, most of the Ministers are against this decision of the Emperor. I am not active in the Court, but I am a keen observant. I have seen and heard how the Ministers gossip about our father''s poor judgment skills. He knew that Brother Sheng''s mother was murdered by thete Empress, but he let her rule. I think there might be a situation where Ministers might rebel," Rong Zemin proimed. Ying Lili used to think that the Third Prince usually killed off his time by ying games and having fun, but she was wrong.


    Lei Wanxi confusedly looked at the two. "Third Brother, there was a reason behind that. His Majesty wanted to protect the Crown Prince as his life was in danger and¡­" Ying Lili paused when Rong Zemin raised one brow. "Why did the Crown Princess stop? Is there something more about which we do not know?" Rong Zemin queried.


    "And his Majesty did not have enough evidence to prove her guilty. Punishing and removing the Empress was not easy, so he weighed everything. We all do not know how much his majesty had suffered because of all this," Ying Lili stated. She could not tell anyone about the hidden enemy which aided the Empress.


    "I am still suspicious," Rong Zemin muttered.


    "About what, Brother?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "The change in the behavior of the First Prince. He suddenly turned good and punished his own mother! What if he had done all this just for a show?" Rong Zemin skeptically said.


    Lei Wanxi slightlyughed. "Why would the First Brother do that? He even gave the reason that he was guilty about whatever he did to Brother Sheng. Brother Zemin, we brothers will live with fraternity from now on," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "What if it is all to get on good sides of the Emperor?!" Ying Lili nced at Rong Zemin when he further said, "The Empress was supposed to be punished someday but the First Prince might have been punished with her if he had not stopped. Even Brother Sheng knows that the First Brother never regretted his ways. Suddenly, he started regretting. It is odd to me. Ahh, I think I am thinking too much."


    "This is what I was going to say! Third Brother is thinking way too much," Lei Wanxi affirmed. But, Ying Lili started contemting. Sheng Li had told him that the most innocent person in the Pce might be their enemies. What if whatever Rong Zemin said was true? What if Jian Guozhi did all this to be on the good side of everyone and especially the Emperor? This was also one possibility which they had totally ignored.


    Ying Lili looked at the tform from where Sheng Li was shooting arrows with Weng Yu. Both the Princes were smiling with each other, which was rare for her. She was happy that all the youngest Prince had stopped seeing Sheng Li as a threat rather the youngest Prince was considering Sheng Li as his Elder Brother.


    She stood up from the chair. "Brother, I am going to my chamber. Please inform the Crown Prince about this," Ying Lili requested.


    "Of course, we will inform the Crown Prince. Take care and have a good rest, Crown Princess," asserted Rong Zemin. Ying Lili thanked him for his kind words and walked away, followed by the Court Lady Xu and Xing-Fu, who were standing a little farther from them.


    Ying Lili turned to the Manor of the Emperor. She asked the Royal Guard outside if she could meet the Emperor. A minuteter, the Royal Guard came outside and informed the Crown Princess that she could go in.


    Ying Lili entered the chamber while Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu stayed outside the chamber. Ying Lili greeted the Emperor, who was on a chaise, and then greeted Eunuch Jin, who was beside the Emperor.


    "Make yourselffortable, Crown Princess," the Emperor gestured to another chaise. Ying Lili sat down on it and asked about the Emperor''s health.


    "I am fine these days," Han Wenji had a tiny smile on his lips. "What about you, Crown Princess?" Han Wenji questioned her.


    "I have recovered, your majesty," Ying Lili replied.


    "You always wonder me. Without thinking about your life, you jumped in to save Sheng Li. A brave woman like you is tough to find," Han Wenji asserted.


    "His life is mine too. I could not see him getting hurt for the second time. Forgive me for using informalnguage towards the Crown Prince," immediately Ying Lili corrected her mistake.


    Han Wenjiughed while Eunuch Jin smiled a little. "The Crown Princess does not need to apologize."


    "Your Majesty, do you think the Pce has turned into a safer ce?" Ying Lili wanted to know the opinion of the Emperor because ording to her, only the Emperor could answer it correctly.


    "Crown Princess, a few days ago I had thought that everything had turned right. But, I was wrong." This revtion befuddled Ying Lili. She drew her brows together and heard the Emperor, "The enemy is still hidden. He could be dangerous for us. Until we find him, nothing will turn right. He might be a danger to Jian Guozhi, as he betrayed his mother when she needed him the most. And also, keep an eye on the first wife of Jian Guozhi."


    "Is the Emperor trying to mean that Sister Zho Mi is not as she seems?"


    "Yes. Crown Princess, yesterday she hade here to ask the Emperor to give justice to Prince Jian!" Eunuch Jin said on behalf of the Emperor. "She wanted me to dere Jian Guozhi as the Crown Prince because he did everything under the influence of his mother. I did injustice to the eldest son of the Han family by not giving him the seat of which he is a legitimate heir!" Han Wenji pronounced.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes upon hearing those words. If Prince Jian would learn about that, he would definitely be angry at his first wife for asking such a thing from his father.


    "Does Brother Jian know about this?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. I thought not to say anything to him, as he is still in shock after losing his mother," Han Wenji asserted. "Ministers oppose the appointment of Jian Guozhi as the Crown Prince since the day he made a grave mistake. The sudden request of Prince''s first wife did not seem good to me. That''s why I want the Crown Princess to look into this," Han Wenji stated.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "I will look into this, Your Majesty," she bowed, thus epting the order of the Emperor.

 Chapter 330 - This Is The Last Time I Am Hearing This!

    <h4>Chapter 330 - This Is The Last Time I Am Hearing This!</h4>


    Nianzu went to his mother''s chamber to congratte her on raising her rank as the Empress. Never even in his dreams, he had thought that it would be possible for him to see his mother in a dignified position. She was disrespected by many in the Pce. He remembered each of those faces.


    As he reached there, he found the Minister of State Affairs, Gu Zhenya,ing out from there. He skeptically looked at him before bowing. Minister Zhenya passed a tiny smile to the Prince and left. Nianzu walked in and found many servants there. He realized that his mother would live in the special inn of the Empress.


    Seeing Prince Nianzu, the servants stopped working and, on themand of Deng Hui, left the chamber.


    Nianzu walked to her mother and hugged her. "I am happy for you," Nianzu stated. He pulled back and found his mother did not even smile at him. "What happened? Are you tense about bing an Empress and handling such a big position?" Deng Hui had never been given such a big responsibility ever in her life. All these years, she stayed in her quarters, and even her participation was limited.


    "Why did Prince Nianzu refuse to be the Crown Prince?" Hearing this question from the mouth of his mother, Nianzu was a little shocked. The smile on his lips gradually disappeared, and he frowned.


    "Because I am not suitable for that position," Nianzu replied. "Mother knows that I never had a liking towards bing a Crown Prince." Nianzu remained calm. Thest time he got angry at his mother then she had fallen sick.


    "You should not have refused such a great position. Even Minister Zhenya stood up for you there to support you, yet you simply declined this. Your mother did not bear the tortures of the former Empress because she was weak but because she wanted her son to be safe and in a good position." Nianzu could not believe that his mother was speaking like that. Was he wrong about his mother''s true nature? He was disheartened to learn that his mother was not less than thete Weng Wei.


    "Mother, this is thest time I will hear this from you. I cannot lead a nation. I am good at giving advice that is why I epted the position of an Advisor to the Emperor, else I would have even refused for that." The way Nianzu talked seemed as if he warned his mother. "Since it is a great asion for you, I do not intend to ruin your good mood. I shall take my leave." Nianzu bowed, and before Deng Hui could stop him, he left her sight.


    Angrily, Nianzu reached his chamber. Eunuch Chung greeted him, but he ignored it and went straight to his study chamber. Closing the door behind him, he rested his back against the door and closed his eyes. How could his mother speak that way? She always considered Sheng Li as her son, so why? In the eyes of Nianzu, other than Sheng Li, no one could be the Crown Prince.


    "Your highness," a familiar voice interrupted him, and he immediately opened his eyes. Chuntao was standing in front of him with a pile of old books in her hands.


    Nianzu dashed towards her and helped her in carrying those books. He ced them on the study table. "What are you doing here?" Nianzu turned to her and then again looked back at the books. It slipped his mind that he had told Chuntao to send the old books to the local bookshop in the market so that future civil servants, who could not afford high price books, could purchase them at a lower price.


    "His highness hasmanded me to send these books to the local bookshop," Chuntao answered.


    Nianzu recalled immediately. "I forgot about that. Take the help of a servant. You shall not carry so many books alone." Nianzu was a little concerned.


    "These are not heavy at all, your highness. I do not want to disturb the servants for the work which I can do easily," Chuntao stated and put the books one above the other, again to carry them.


    "Do thister. Spend time¡­ I mean stay here. I want someone to have a conversation with me." Nianzu made a request. Chuntao peered at him and nodded her head.


    Nianzu pulled out a chair for her and gestured to her to sit. "Your highness, how can I sit first before you?" Chuntao mumbled when Nianzu put his hands on her shoulders and made her sit, startling her.


    Nianzu then took another seat in front of her around the study table. He put aside the books so that he could see her face, which was blocked because of the piles of the books.


    "What does his highness want to converse about?" Chuntao queried.


    Nianzu leaned his back on the chair. Suddenly, his mind had turned calm. It used to happen when Chuntao was around him. A moment ago, he had a surge of various negative thoughts, but the moment he thought to share them, they vanished as if they never existed. Chuntao kept staring at him for a few minutes. When she did not get any response from the Fourth Prince, she decided to ask him again.


    "You shall leave." These words fell from the mouth of Nianzu, leaving her in a confused state. His eyes had turned nk as if there was nothing to say. Chuntao was indeed astonished by the behavior of the Prince, but she did not think it would seem right to ask him the reason. She stood up, carried those old books, and left the study chamber.


    Nianzu watched her leave the room. "Involving her in my matters will not be good," Nianzu murmured and opened the drawer to read the book, which he had left thest time in the middle. As he opened it, he saw the scroll that seemed familiar to him. "What is it doing here?" Nianzu muttered. "Did Chung put it here?" He wondered and threw it on the desk.


    He stared at the scroll. "What if Mother forces me to marry this girl?" Suddenly this thought came into his mind. He brought his hands over the desk, joined them, and rested his forehead over them. "I will leave the Pce if she does this," Nianzu concluded after thinking hard.

 Chapter 331 - Oh, Lili!

    <h4>Chapter 331 - Oh, Lili!</h4>


    Commander Sun came forward to take the bow from the Crown Prince''s hand. He stepped back while Sheng Li looked at Weng Yu who was disheartened to see that out of twenty, only three arrows could hit the middle of the target.


    "Little Yu, you cannot go for a trip as you lost," Rong Zemin loudly said, making fun of him, who was standing behind them with Lei Wanxi.


    Sheng Li approached Weng Yu and put his hands on his shoulders. Weng Yu looked into the eyes of his brother, who was patting them. "It''s fine if you could not make it. Next time you will do better," Sheng Li pronounced, encouraging the Youngest Prince. "And I just want to see if you quit or not. That''s why I challenged you. Commander Sun, you have done a good job by training the youngest Prince." Sheng Li praised them both and put his hands down.


    "So, can I also go on this trip?" Weng Yu hesitantly asked.


    "Yes, you can go. You are a grown-up now so, you shall be aware of your surroundings. I have been to half of the ces at your age," Sheng Li told him while smiling. Weng Yu was delighted to hear that.


    "Thank you, Brother Sheng," Weng Yu tightly hugged Sheng Li, who felt it a little strange. Weng Yu had never gotten closer to him. He ced his hand on his back and patted it. Lei Wanxi smiled, seeing how the Crown Prince had negotiated his differences with the Seventh Prince.


    Rong Zemin was astounded by the behavior of Sheng Li. "It''s rare to see Brother Sheng appreciating Weng Yu. The Crown Princess has changed the Crown Prince which is good," Rong Zemin stated as he nced at Lei Wanxi who agreed with him.


    "Brother, you are also married, so aren''t you going to take charge of an office to work?" Suddenly Lei Wanxi asked Rong Zemin. He curiously waited for him to answer.


    "Father has told Second Brother and me to take in-charge as Chief Officers in the Governor''s office. We will work along with the First Brother from tomorrow," Rong Zemin asserted. Lei Wanxi nodded and realized after some time he would have to work, too. Sheng Li and Weng Yu came to them.


    "Where is Lili?" Sheng Li asked, looking around. The smile on his lips had disappeared.


    "Sister Lili has gone to Zhenzhu Inn. She was tired and told us to inform you," Rong Zemin answered. Sheng Li nodded and told them that he would take leave too. Before leaving, he advised Weng Yu to keep practicing.


    Commander Sun reported to Sheng Li about Wang Hao''s message. Sheng Li took a brown folded paper. "No one knows about this, right?" Sheng Li asked him while walking towards Zhenzhu Inn.


    "No, your highness."


    "Hmm."


    "Give some difficult tasks to Weng Yu. He is stillcking," Sheng Limanded. "You shall leave," he added and walked away while Commander Sun left for the barracks.


    Sheng Li arrived at Zhenzhu Inn and ordered Xing-Fu to bring Kongqi to the Fu Imperial Gates. "Is his highness going somewhere?" Xing-Fu humbly asked with gleamed eyes.


    "Hmm, to our private residence," Sheng Li answered and walked in. He saw Ying Lili wasid on the bed with her back facing him. "Are you sleeping?" Sheng Li asked when Ying Lili turned to him. She sat up on the bed.


    "No, I was bored. So, Iid down." She looked at a folded brown paper in his hand which was tied with a thread. "What''s that?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "Wang Hao has sent a message for us. I have not opened it yet. I thought about reading the message in front of you." Sheng Li sat beside her on the mattress. Ying Lili brought her feet closer to let Sheng Li sit beside her.


    He opened the tight knot of thread and then opened the paper. As usual, there was nothing visible to the naked eyes so, Sheng Li lit a candle and brought the paper near to the me. The letters appeared on it. Ying Lili had joined her both hands in nervousness, hoping for the good news.


    "We have found it," Sheng Li readout, bringing a broad smile on Ying Lili''s and Sheng Li''s lips. He came back to the bed and hugged Ying Lili tightly. "I was scared. It relieved me. Thanks to Hu Jingguo, Father will live longer," Sheng Li said happily. Ying Lili ced her palms on his back and caressed it.


    "Hmm. Nothing will happen to Father." She pulled back and looked into the eyes of Sheng Li. "Sister Jing has safely reached Lu Province. I forgot to tell you. Soon the First Brother will go to meet Sister Jing," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It''s good to hear. She might have found out about her mother," Ying Lili said in a low voice. Sheng Li nodded. "I have sent a message to her. I am waiting for her reply," he stated and picked the ointment bottle from the table. cing it inside his sash, he looked back at Ying Lili.


    "Let''s go," he said.


    "Where?"


    "Where we two can spend our time together," Sheng Li replied and held her wrist. He got down from the bed and pulled her up, bringing her out of bed. "To our Private Residence," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili''s eyes glistened upon hearing that. "But, will something be entertaining?" Ying Lili''s question brought a smirk on Sheng Li''s lips.


    "There are two answers to your questions. What would you like me to answer?" Sheng Li picked the overcoat from the chaise and helped Ying Lili wear it.


    "How would I know what you are thinking," Ying Lili huffed. Sheng Li, who was standing behind her, hugged her from the back.


    "Oh, Lili! You know what I am thinking about. But since you do not want to say it even I will not say." His lips touched her earlobe, while his hands were holding Ying Lili''s hands at the front.


    "Let''s go," he pulled himself back and walked out of the chamber with her. Sheng Li informed Court Lady Xu that they might not return in the night.


    Arriving at the Fu Imperial Gates, Sheng Li hopped on Kongqi along with Ying Lili and left the Pce. Kongqi was walking today instead of running. "We could have gone in a carriage there," Ying Lili opined.


    "Then, I could not hold you like this," an immediate answer came from Sheng Li, whose eyes met hers.


    "I am not running anywhere," Ying Lili gave a wryugh and looked at the front.


    "I know." Sheng Li pulled the reins tighter this time and Kongqi started running. Ying Lili tightly wrapped her hands around Sheng Li''s neck while his hold on her waist also got firm. Soon the two reached their Private Residence which was well guarded by the soldiers and Royal Guards. Sheng Li might have deployed them. Getting down from Kongqi, Sheng Li took Ying Lili inside the residence.

 Chapter 332 - Shadow Puppetry Show

    <h4>Chapter 332 - Shadow Puppetry Show</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili were in their private chamber, having lunch. "Food was delicious," Ying Lili praised the maidservant, who was standing a meter away from them. She picked the water ss and took a few sips. Sheng Li ordered the maidservant to clean the table, who did so.


    "Come with me," Sheng Li stood up from the mattress on the floor and forwarded his hand to Ying Lili. Ying Lili ced her hand on his, who pulled her up gently. Ying Lili followed her husband''s steps that had taken her to the room attached to the chamber.


    The room waspletely dark. "Why is it so dark?" Ying Lili asked when a dim source of light was visible to her. The maidservant there brought a candle and she ced it on the candle stand. Ying Lili nced at Sheng Li with astonishment. He had again nned a surprise for her. Her eyes fell on the white curtain, which was illuminated by the lights of thenterns. Ying Lili had understood what could be the possible surprise for her.


    "''A Shadow Puppetry Show''" Sheng Li stated and peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. He took her further in and made her sit on the floor mattress in front of which a circr table was ced. Some sweet dishes were ced on the table that they could eat while watching the show.


    The maidservant, who had lit the candle earlier, blew it off as the show was going to start. She walked out of the darkroom quietly.


    Ying Lili looked at the white curtain with glistening eyes. "Greetings to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. We were overwhelmed when the Crown Prince invited our group to perform this show. Now, the show will begin," a voice echoed from behind the stage. Ying Lili was excited to watch the puppetry show.


    The show started with the zither ying in the background. A colorful silhouette of a man appeared on the illuminated screen. The figure was made from paper and was moving with the help of the rods, which the puppeteer had held behind the translucent cloth screen. The shadow figure looked like Sheng Li to Ying Lili. She looked at Sheng Li, whose gaze was focused on the cloth screen.


    From the musical instruments, the shing of swords was produced. The shadows of other puppets were seen which were killed by the man. This continued for a few minutes until a silhouette of a woman appeared on the screen. The music was changed into a calming one, depicting that there was something unique in the woman, which had calmed the man down.


    Ying Lili realized it was their love story being yed on the screen. She recalled the time when she, for the first time, looked at Sheng Li and who was gazing at her, amusingly.


    Suddenly, a moon shadow appeared on the screen. On the screen, a boat appeared on which two people were seated. She heard the same poem that Sheng Li had told her to show his feelings. Ying Lili broadly smiled, recalling the day when Sheng Li nned the first surprise for her, a night boat ride. It was a wonderful outing until she fell into the water. Soon the shadow puppetry ended, followed by the sound of the zither.


    Ying Lili pped for them for giving such a marvelous performance. "It was phenomenal," Ying Lili said as the five artists came forward. Their heads were lowered in the respect of both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "Here''s your reward. It was indeed a good performance," Sheng Li stated and looked at the maidservant, who hade inside with a polished wooden basket. Sheng Li gestured to her to give that to the head of the puppeteer group. Among them, an old man came forward and epted the reward. "Thank you, your highness, for this gracious reward." They all bowed again, this time a ny-degree bow.


    They all left the chamber, leaving the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess behind.


    "That was astounding for me. I liked it," Ying Lili said and picked a sweet from the te. She took a tiny bite of it and forwarded it to Sheng Li, who shook his head. The smile on his lips did not fade away. He brought his right hand on the table and rested his head over it while his left knee was folded and his other hand rested on that.


    "Lei Wanxi once told me about this. We were mere teenagers then. He told me that when I get married, then I must arrange this show for my wife." Ying Lili was patiently listening to him. She could see the eternal, blissful love for her in Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "I joked, asking him why I should watch this with my wife. His reply was, "You will find out about this when you would be sitting with her, watching this shadow puppetry show," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili put her hand down while holding the sweet. "So, did you find out?" Ying Lili raised a brow.


    Sheng Li nodded. "I was different earlier. As I have told you, I never enjoyed things. Seeing others happy, I used to question why they are happy when it is not even permanent. Lei Wanxi believed only a woman would change me. He was right. I became gentle, calmer, and also became patient. This shadow puppetry show will tell about our love for the other people in the Han Empire. My love for you all live even if I leave this..," Ying Lili swiftly moved towards him and ced her palm on his lips. Her knees were hitting the mattress on the floor.


    "Do not say that. We have a long way to go," Ying Lili proimed and gradually slipped her hand down. Sheng Li smiled and noticed every expression that had appeared on her face in that short time. The hand that rested on his knee moved to her nape, and he pulled her towards him.


    "I know that we have a long way to go," Sheng Li whispered against her lips and shifted his gaze on her plump red lips. He was going to kiss them when Ying Lili pushed the half-eaten sweet inside his mouth, bewildering him.

 Chapter 333 - Know Everything

    <h4>Chapter 333 - Know Everything</h4>


    "Eat this," Ying Lili said, looking at the sweet between Sheng Li''s lips. Sheng Li chewed the sweet inside his mouth and gulped. Licking his lips he said, "I ate."


    "Do you want another?" Ying Lili asked, looking at the circr table.


    "Those sweets aren''t sweeter than your lips," Sheng Li remarked. Ying Lili widened her eyes. Sheng Li drew her closer to him and now she was on hisp.


    "H-how could you say that?" Ying Liliined and then pursed her lips together.


    "Why can''t I say that?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Because it is not appropriate," Ying Lili stressed in each of her words. Sheng Li snickered, "No one is here. So, everything is appropriate between us." He put his forehead to hers. Their lips were so close to each other that Ying Lili could feel his breath. She closed her eyes, cherishing that moment. He leaned into her, connecting their lips. They stayed like that for a minute until Sheng Li heated the kiss by pulling her bottom lip and sucking it hard, thus earning a moan from her.


    He shoved his tongue into her mouth, feeling the taste of the sweet they had eaten moments ago. Teasing her skillfully with his tongue, he pulled back. Both of their chests were rising and falling quickly because of this passionate kiss.


    Sheng Li ced his hand on her slender neck and tilted it a little. Exposing the neck to him, he left feathery kisses on her neck and heard her giggles. Immediately, he bit her skin, resulting in a moan from her. The red mark appeared on her skin where her neck met her shoulder.


    He lifted his eyes and met hers. Stroking her hair, he said, "There is something I want to show you." Ying Lili raised her eyebrow when she saw him taking out a red silk scarf from her eyes. His hand left her waist and held the scarf. "Close your eyes, Lili," Sheng Li demanded. Ying Lili, without questioning him, closed her eyes. Sheng Li tied the scarf around her eyes. "It''s not tight, right?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Yes, it''s not tight," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li kissed at the top of her head before lifting her in his arms. Her hands swiftly wrapped around him. He stepped out of the room with her.


    "What is it that you want me to see?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "You will know in a few minutes," Sheng Li replied to her. They were now outside the private chamber. Ying Lili waited patiently for his surprise. Sheng Li was walking through the corridor and soon they reached the Lotus Pavilion, which was surrounded by a smallke, filled with lotuses. Red and White Curtains were hanging around the Lotus Pavilion.


    Sheng Li stepped on the stairs and reached inside the round Lotus Pavilion. He put Ying Lili down who reached her hands behind her head to open the scarf around her eyes. "WAIT!" Sheng Li grabbed her hands and put them down. Ying Lili lifted her face. "I will open it," Sheng Li stated. At that moment, Ying Lili looked like a Jade Star to him. He could not stop himself but nted a kiss on her lips.


    Sheng Li ced his hands on Ying Lili''s shoulders and turned her around. Sheng Li opened the knot of the scarf and pulled it away. "Open your eyes, Lili," Sheng Li whispered in her ear.


    Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes and found her painting in front of her. She was on a swing with a transverse flute in her hand and behind her, a plum blossom tree could be seen. The light pink shade flowers were falling over her and her hair was swinging in the air.


    The painting was wless, making it alive.


    "It''s magnificent," Ying Lili proimed. "It feels like I am there," Ying Lili stated.


    "I wish I could make such a painting. s! I am not good at painting. Though I recalled that day when you first visited my mother''s ce. So, I tried to convey to him those emotions which I had seen on your face," Sheng Li exined to her. On his birthday, when he took Ying Lili to his mother''s secret ce, he read every feature, every emotion of Ying Lili. It was his first time seeing a woman happy for him. That was the most precious moment for Sheng Li.


    "It''s perfect. Even if the painting is not drawn by you, but the emotions you had narrated to the Royal Painter are real," Ying Lili pronounced and tilted her head to look at him.


    Sheng Li back hugged her, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her cheek and looked at the painting again. "That memory is precious to me. My heart fluttered that day for the first time," Sheng Li professed to Ying Lili. She turned to him and took the scarf, which was still in his hand.


    "Let''s y blind man''s bluff," Ying Lili said.


    "What''s that?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili astonishingly looked at him. "Don''t tell me you never yed this game," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "Yes, I have never yed this game," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili scoffed. "What did you even do for enjoyment as a kid? It''s a very famous game among kids. I remember how Hu Jingguo and I used to y this," asserted Ying Lili.


    "You and Hu Jingguo have yed everything. You two know everything. Your friend indeed knows how to irk me even if he is not around. y every game with me that you know and that you have not yed with anyone." Sheng Li was annoyed just by hearing that Hu Jingguo had yed games with Ying Lili.


    "Oh, my husband!" Ying Lili pulled his cheeks, "Do you know when you act like this I love to tease you more," asserted Ying Lili.


    "Let me blindfold you. You need to catch me with closed eyes. This is called ''Blind man''s bluff''," Ying Lili pronounced.

 Chapter 334 - Your Scent

    <h4>Chapter 334 - Your Scent</h4>


    "So, I need to catch you by bing a blind man." Sheng Li had understood the game. Ying Lili nodded and tied the scarf over his eyes. Once she was done, she waved her hand in front of his eyes, trying to find out if his eyes were covered by the scarf or not.


    "Shall I start?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No," Ying Lili replied.


    "I am confused. How will I find out where you are standing?" Sheng Li queried.


    "I will call your name. This game is good for reflexes," Ying Lili stated and took him to the center of the pavilion. She left his hands and spun him around. She quickly jumped back and stepped a few meters back from Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili lifted her high waist skirt a little and hit her feet against the wooden floor. The sound of anklets fell in Sheng Li''s ear and he turned toward Ying Lili. "Are you there?" Sheng Li extended his hand out and stepped ahead. Ying Lili had changed her ce while suppressing herugh as Sheng Li was going in the wrong direction.


    Sheng Li kept moving ahead and the curtain which was flowing because of the gentle breeze touched his fingers. He thought it was Ying Lili''s dress and moved further, but when he caught it, he realized it was just a curtain. At that moment, Ying Liliughed loudly. "I am here, Sheng Li. You caught a curtain," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li smiled and moved towards her. This time he focused on the sound of anklets. "I will catch my Wildcat this time," Sheng Li confidently stated.


    "Really?" Ying Lili said, cing both of her hands behind her back. "I never lost in this game. Hu Jingguo could never catch me. So, you can see how efficient I am in this game," Ying Lili proudly pronounced.


    Sheng Li gave a wryugh and then turned serious. "But I am not Hu Jingguo. I am your husband who can catch you whenever he wants to. He knows how to make his wife lose!" Sheng Li asserted. "Hu Jingguo is brainless, that is why he lost to you." Sheng Li never failed to insult Hu Jingguo.


    Ying Lili snickered. She saw Sheng Li approaching her, so she went near a pir. "The Mighty Crown Prince is underestimating his Crown Princess," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li had trained himself even blindfolded so that his reflexes could act better on a battlefield so this game was a lot easier for him.


    Ying Lili found Sheng Li was more focused now. She went behind the pir and the sound of not only her anklets but also the bangles fell into Sheng Li''s ears. He dashed in the direction, but the pir blocked his path. Ying Lili had stepped back and swiftly to the other side of the pavilion that was open to theke.


    A giggle escaped her mouth. "I did not know that the Crown Prince likes to embrace the pirs," Ying Lili teased him a little. Sheng Li pulled back and tried to understand where the voice wasing from. Ying Lili moved from pir to pir, making Sheng Li confused about her location.


    "Where are you? It''s irritating," Sheng Li muttered.


    "What has happened to the husband''s confidence? I did not expect you to lose this soon," Ying Lili stated while removing her anklets and ced them there. Pressing her feet tightly on the floor, she went closer to Sheng Li and halted behind his back. She reached her hand out when Sheng Li swiftly turned back just to catch her but Ying Lili was also quick on her acts. She moved to the left and her back hit against the pir.


    "Lili, you made a mistake," Sheng Li said, smirking. Before Ying Lili could move from her ce, she was locked between the arms of Sheng Li.


    Still, he had not touched her, so Ying Lili had a chance to run away. She bent a little just to escape from his catch when Sheng Li caught her arm and on the other hand removed the blindfold.


    "Wildcat, I caught you," Sheng Li stated, pinning her to the pir while the scarf in his hand fell on the floor. He''s moved closer to her such that their bodies pressed against each other.


    "How did you do that? I made sure not to make any noise. I even removed my anklets," Ying Lili affirmed and shifted her gaze towards the anklets which were lying near the fourth pir, which was close to the exit of the Lotus Pavilion.


    "I believe in my reflexes. You should admit that your husband can catch you even if you are far away from him," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and peered at him. "Tell me," she was curious.


    "Your scent," Sheng Li leaned closer to her ear and nuzzled her neck. "The perfume you are wearing is strong, Lili," Sheng Li moved back as his cheek touched hers. Ying Lili closed her eyes when she felt Sheng Li''s lips just above her lips.


    "Let me blindfold you," Sheng Li stated.


    Forthwith, Ying Lili opened her eyes and drew her brows together. Sheng Li found Ying Lili did not want to catch him. "I want to see how good you are at catching your husband," stated Sheng Li.


    "You said you will lose easily against me because you love me," an immediate and interesting reply came from Ying Lili. Sheng Li acknowledged that answer, but not fully.


    "This is my first time ying such a game. It is fun. I do not want to y this with another person except my wife," Sheng Li stated. "But if you want me to y this with-" Ying Lili ced her palm over his lips andpleted his words, "Why would you y with someone else? I will y but don''t let me fall."


    Sheng Li smiled. He could see Ying Lili did not want to be blindfolded. Now he was desperate to y this game with her.

 Chapter 335 - Make Love

    <h4>Chapter 335 - Make Love</h4>


    Sheng Li stepped back and picked the scarf from the floor. He again blindfolded Lili and brought her to the center. The anklets that were lying near the pir caught his attention. He picked the anklets and came near Ying Lili. Bending on his knee, he gently lifted her right foot and ced it on his knee. "Don''t remove your anklets ever again," Ying Lili heard him.


    He stood up and spun her around. "Lili, I would love to see how you will catch me," Sheng Li stated. He left her hands and stepped a few meters back. Ying Lili extended her hands out and moved ahead.


    Sheng Li quietly went behind her and touched her shoulder. "I am here, Lili." Ying Lili turned back, tried catching him. She walked in that direction. This time Sheng Li came to her left, at a safe distance, and kept walking along with her.


    Ying Lili halted because everything was quiet. "Why are you not saying anything? How am I going to find you?" Ying Liliined and pouted. She kept swinging her hands in the air in the hope she would catch him.


    "I am here," Sheng Li stated. Hearing his voice, Ying Lili turned to her left and spread her arms out. Sheng Li also started walking towards her. Ying Lili''s hands were moving up and down in the air when Sheng Li caught them. He drew her towards him; his hands were around her waist. "Don''t y this game with anyone else," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili had removed the blindfold from her eyes and gazed at him.


    "Why? It was not even funny. You were just silent," Ying Lili said.


    "You told me not to let you fall. I was afraid that you might fall, so I just remained silent. Moreover, I do not want to see you lose," Sheng Li asserted.


    "But I lost! You grasped my hands."


    "But you touched my robes first, so I was caught by you," Sheng Li opined. Ying Lili felt she lost against Sheng Li in the argument. She could see in his eyes the fondness for her.


    "Where did you get lost?" He snapped his fingers in front of her, bringing her out of those thoughts.


    "Nowhere. I am feeling hot in this overcoat. I want to remove it." Sheng Li let her go and helped her in taking off the overcoat. Sheng Li put the overcoat around his arm when Ying Lili went towards the fourth pir from where theke filled with lotuses was visible.


    Sheng Li walked to her and sat beside her. "Don''t bend. You might fall in the water," Sheng Li warned her. "I will call a servant to bring a lotus for you." Ying Lili stopped him from calling out a servant.


    "It''s not even deep water. ying in water is fun. Don''t you think so?" Ying Lili wanted to pick the lotuses herself while walking in theke. The water was crystal clear, which brought a smile to her lips.


    "But, the base is muddy. You can y in the bathhouse with me. Here the bathhouse is even bigger than the Pce one," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili''s eyes turned bigger, and a hue of red appeared on her cheeks.


    "I-I did not say that I want to y with you. Stop being dirty," Ying Lili turned her face away and touched her cheeks that were radiating heat into her palms.


    Sheng Li blew air over Ying Lili''s ear, making her jump. She tilted her head towards him. "W-what are you doing?" She was stuttering, which encouraged Sheng Li to tease her more.


    "There was a fly," Sheng Li moved his hand in the air. "It is gone, I think," he said, keeping a grin on his face. "You were thinking something dirty, right? Just share with me. I will not tell anyone that the innocent Crown Princess has some dirty thoughts in her mind," Sheng Li rested the back of his forefinger on one of her cheeks.


    "You are the one who was talking dirty!" Ying Lili yanked at him, and almost stood up when Sheng Li pulled her down, pinning her on the wooden floor. Her hands rested on his chest. "Are you going to do it in the open?" Ying Lili questioned.


    Sheng Li amusingly looked at her and burst out inughter. "You are indeed thinking about making love here! Lili, I did not know that you are this desperate." A wide grin formed on his lips as he stroked her cheek.


    Ying Lili covered her face with both of her palms. She turned shy. ''How could I say something like this? He was not even thinking about this.'' Ying Lili was embarrassed now. "Turn away. Do not look at me," she told Sheng Li.


    "Why?" Sheng Li was befuddled to see her reaction. He caught her palms and put them down. He leaned closer to her and ced his hand over her chest. "Your heart is thumping with the burning desire for me," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili shook her head, not ready to ept that. "No, it''s not because of that. It''s because¡­because" she paused and flickered her eyes while Sheng Li kept smirking.


    "Why did you stop? Complete your words else I would" he moved closer to her ear; his lips brushed against her earlobe as he whispered, "make love to you here." He leaned back to check the reaction of Ying Lili.


    "Because we yed that g-game, and then you pulled me down, which was shocking for me," in a single breath, Ying Lilipleted her words.


    Sheng Liughed at her excuse. Stopping hisughter, he said, "I can see through you, Lili. How could you forget about this?" He kissed her nose tip. "Teasing you is fun. You look adorable at that moment," he tapped his finger on her nose and moved away from her. Ying Lili had calmed down. Sheng Li helped her in sitting and put his arm around her shoulder.


    His feet were just above the water. He bent down and picked a lotus from the water. Removing the leaves of the lotus flower, he turned towards Ying Lili and tucked the tiny lotus flower in her bun. "Next time, I have to bring the Royal Painter with me so that he can draw this moment between us," Sheng Li pronounced.

 Chapter 336 - Harsh Words

    <h4>Chapter 336 - Harsh Words</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was sitting for his lunch when Eunuch Long informed him about the visit of Xue Yu-Yan. "Send her in," Jian Guozhimanded. Eunuch Long bowed and walked out. A minuteter, Xue Yu-Yan came there.


    She bowed and asked him, "How is Jian Ge doing?"


    "I am better than the previous day," Jian Guozhi replied. Xue Yu-Yan passed him with a tiny smile and saw the lunch table was set. "Forgive me for disturbing you at this hour. I thought Jian Ge had his lunch," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "You shall not eatte," she said concernedly.


    "I was a little busy at work. Did you eat?" Jian Guozhi queried her as he pulled out a chair.


    "I ate so much in the morning that my stomach was full," Xue Yu-Yan replied. She lied to him! When Jian Guozhi told her that he would give her a second chance, she decided to devote herself to him, too. She could not have her food before her husband, so when Jian Guozhi told her that he did not take his meals, she was relieved.


    "Have lunch with me," offered Jian Guozhi, who bewildered Xue Yu-Yan. "Do not look at me with those eyes. Aren''t you hungry?" Jian Guozhi questioned. He was tapping on the chair.


    "How did you find out?" Xue Yu-Yan curiously asked.


    "I get informed about both my wives," Jian Guozhi proimed. "The food is getting cold. We can have this question-answer sessionter," stated Jian Guozhi and grasped her arm. He made her sit on the chair and sat beside her on another chair.


    The maidservant came forward and served them the food. The two started eating. "So, did you meet your mother?" Jian Guozhi picked the fried slice of fish and ate that.


    "Yes. Thank you for letting here here. Mother had turned weak after my father was punished. She is not taking good care of herself," a tear fell from her eye and it fell on the back of her hand which was around the rice bowl. She wiped the tear on her hand and on her cheek.


    She looked at him and said, "Mother did not do wrong but people taunted her." Jian Guozhi did not answer her. What could he answer? He did not want to tell her that even her mother was well aware of her father''s work. He did not want her to feel sad about that. "Eat your meal. I wonder when you became this weak. Xue Yu-Yan used to make people cry, and it''s strange to see her like this," Jian Guozhi was astounded to see her in this state.


    Xue Yu-Yan slightlyughed. She picked the chopsticks and started eating. Soon they finished their lunch and the maidservants cleaned the table.


    "A trip is nned. I promised you that I would take you to the mountains. We brothers have decided to go to Mount Jishi. However, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will not apany us," Jian Guozhi informed her. She was happy that Jian Guozhi thought of her. But the smile soon disappeared as the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were not apanying them. Was that because the Crown Prince still thought that she would harm the Crown Princess?


    "Brother Sheng said that as the Crown Prince he should be in the Pce. That''s why they both will not apany us," Jian Guozhi asserted. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head.


    "I heard there is a valley of flowers. Is it true?" Xue Yu-Yan with glistening eyes asked.


    "Yes. I have seen it. There are different varieties of flowers. The picturesque view of Mount Jishi is breathtaking," Jian Guozhi said with a broad smile. Xue Yu-Yan smiled back and the two continued talking.


    ~~~~~


    Zho Mi was eating berries when her personal assistant, Lin Ning, informed her about Xue Yu-Yan and Jian Guozhi.


    "What? She had her lunch with Jian Ge!" She squeezed the berries in her hand. She looked at Lin Ning, whose head was lowered and was on her knees. "It''s good that they both are spending time with each other. Jian Ge is finally looking after his both wives," Zho Mi delightedly replied.


    "My Lady, the Prince, and the Princess Consort have known each other for a long time. If they will be together like this then..." Lin Ning stopped speaking.


    "Complete your words," Zho Mimanded her.


    "...then the Prince will start?liking the Princess Consort more. The Crown Princess became the bridge between their broken rtionship. Earlier the Prince did not look at her nor cared for her. What if the Prince started ignoring you? After a month he got closer to you," asserted Lin Ning.


    Zho Mi picked the knife which was ced near the fruit basket on the table. She stood up from the chair and walked to Lin Ning. Halting near her, she gazed at the sharp de of the knife and curled her fingers under the chin of Lin Ning. Forcing her to look up at her, she traced her cheek with the knife.


    Lin Ning gulped and cried in pain as the sharp de cut her skin. "My Lady," she winced in pain. Tears overflowed her eyes and she was terrified thinking that she would be dead today.


    "This wound is nothingpared to your harsh words towards your mistress. Don''t you know some even give immediate death sentences to the servants like you upon insulting their masters," Zho Mi pulled her hand back and gazed at the blood on the de?


    "Leave," Zho Mimanded. Immediately, Lin Ning stood up. Holding her cheek, she dashed out of the chamber.


    "Till now I was quiet, but not anymore. The one who did not want me to be the Empress is no more. The one who is trying to take her ce in Jian Ge''s life will soon leave and the one because of whom it all happened will be punished soon," Zho Mi smirked and threw the knife on the floor. She went back to the chair and took her seat. Putting one leg over the other, she picked a napkin and cleaned her left hand with which she had squeezed the berries.

 Chapter 337 - I Do Not Want You To Get Hurt

    <h4>Chapter 337 - I Do Not Want You To Get Hurt</h4>


    Ying Lili''s sleep broke abruptly and found her head resting on Sheng Li''s shoulder. The night had fallen and stars had appeared in the night sky. "You are awake!" Sheng Li said and saw her stretching her arms out. Two overcoats were covering her, preventing her from the cold breeze.


    She nced at Sheng Li who was not wearing his overcoat. "Aren''t you feeling cold?" Ying Lili removed the overcoats which were around her shoulders.


    "No. Keep it," Sheng Li stated. The Pavilion was illuminated with red papernterns, giving it a majestic view.


    "Where is that painting?" Ying Lili looked around.


    "I have sent it to the Pce- the Zhenzhu Inn," replied Sheng Li and stood up along with Ying Lili. They both came out of the Lotus Pavilion. "Today we are staying here," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili hummed. She could feel the surrounding air was getting warm. Sheng Li had intertwined his fingers with his. Both had tiny smiles on their lips for some unknown reason.


    Suddenly Ying Lili stood in front of Sheng Li, astonishing him. Before he could understand, he felt her soft- feathery lips on his. "Catch me," Ying Lili whispered against her lips and ran away. Sheng Li who was bewildered for a few seconds smiled and started running behind her.


    "Lili, you might fall so do not run at night," Sheng Li shouted as he ran after her.


    Ying Lili turned back while stepping back. She was at a good distance from Sheng Li.?Both of her hands were on her high waist skirt and had raised it a little for a convenient run.


    "I will not fall," Ying Lili loudly replied. She turned and again started running. This time gaining a little speed. Sheng Li too gained speed to reach her when he saw Ying Lili had changed direction and had gone inside the Residence. He followed her, not missing where she was heading to.


    "Lili, stop right there! I do not want you to get hurt." Sheng Li was anxious. "And if I catch you then I will punish you. So, just stop there," Sheng Li warned her.


    Ying Lili looked back and found Sheng Li was going to nab her. She did not stop even hearing his warning. "You cannot punish me," Ying Lili retorted. She saw a chamber and jumped in. The chamber was spacious but was dark. Ying Lili hit her knee on a table. "Ahh," she cried out in pain.


    Sheng Li, who was outside the chamber, heard her voice. "Lili," he shouted and raced into the chamber. He stopped, as there was no light there. "Lili," he called out her name. Ying Lili, who was near the table, bent down and covered her mouth. She did not know why she was doing this, but now it was fun for her.


    "Lili,e out! You are hurt." She could feel he was annoyed but also concerned for her. This was like a hide and seek game for Ying Lili now. She knew Sheng Li did not even have yed this game. What did he use to do when he was a child? She used to wonder if Sheng Li ever had fun like the other kids or he just refrained from all this. Sheng Li since the age of 5 started training so there might be a possibility that he only gave his time in the training rather than enjoying his childhood days.


    Suddenly, a bright light forced Ying Lili to squeeze her eyes tightly. She covered her eyes from the back of her hands when the light source moved away from her eyes,forting her.


    "Stand up," Sheng Li said in a hoarse voice who was not in a good mood. He had ced thentern over the table. When Ying Lili did not stand up, he forwarded his hand and gently pulled her up.


    Ying Lili felt her throat had dried out. She was confused whether it was because she ran so much or was it because Sheng Li was furious. Before she could speak, Sheng Li carried her up by the waist and made her sit at the table. Her hands rested on his shoulders while her eyes were fixed on his.


    "Where did you hurt yourself?" Sheng Li asked.


    Ying Lili was so lost in his eyes that she did not even hear his question. When she heard the snap of the fingers, she came to reality. "I asked something. Where did you hurt yourself?" Sheng Li repeated his query.


    "Nowhere," Ying Lili lied to him.


    "I heard your cry," Sheng Li stated, who cupped her face, thoroughly checked her forehead, and then tilted her face right and left to check. Grabbing her hands, the Crown Prince moved her sleeves to check her elbows, which appeared fine to him. He squeezed them gently only to find if Ying Lilei would pass a cry or not. But she did not.


    "What are you doing?" Ying Lili was confused.


    "Checking where you hurt yourself!" Sheng Li replied. He bent on his knee and moved her skirt up. "Sheng Li," Ying Lili immediately lowered her skirt down, but Sheng Li moved it up. "You hurt your knee, right?" Sheng Li saw a light purple mark over Ying Lili''s right knee. He pressed it, and Ying Lili winced in pain.


    "Why were you running when I told you to stop," Sheng Li was calm and was gentle while enquiring about her.


    "It was fun," Ying Lili answered.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes from her knee and peered at her. Ying Lili gulped, seeing his intent gaze on her. She felt he would scold her for being careless. "It was indeed fun until you hurt yourself. You have not recovered fully. I allowed you to have fun because I know you cannot stay in one ce for longer. But if you do this again, you will stay in Zhenzhu Inn for a week until you recover fully as your dearest friend has told me." Sheng Li did not scold her, but he warned her.


    "I understand. I will not do this again," Ying Lili stated, and pushed her skirt down to cover her exposed knees.


    "Be ready for your punishment then," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "Pardon me?"


    "I told you to stop, else I will punish you," Sheng Li stated. A smirk appeared on his lips, which made Ying Lili gulp, who clutched her skirt tightly.

 Chapter 338 - End Up Fearing

    <h4>Chapter 338 - End Up Fearing</h4>


    Ying Lili looked around the chamber, which had no furniture except this table on which she was sitting. ''Why was it here? I would not have been caught if this table was not here.'' She lightly hit the table.


    "It''s not the table''s fault that you got caught," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili widened her eyes as Sheng Li had heard her inner thoughts. He stood straight in front of her. Pinching her nose, he said, "Be ready for your punishment."


    "You cannot punish me. It happens when we y. It is natural to get hurt and..." she was stopped from speaking as Sheng Li had sealed her lips with a deep kiss, leaving her breathless. Sheng Li removed the overcoats from her shoulders and they fell behind her on the table. Sheng Li ced his hands on both sides of her thighs. Their faces were inches closer to each other and could hear each other''s breath.


    Sheng Li reached his palm on her neck. Pulling her gently he again kissed her. He easily essed her mouth and their tongues met. She locked her hands around his neck and drew him closer to him. They kissed as if there was no tomorrow. Was this a punishment? She wondered for a second. They pulled away from the heated kiss. Both were panting when Ying Lili felt Sheng Li''s hand around her waist, making her steady at her ce.


    "From now on, you cannot let yourself hurt when you y. And, you are a grown-up woman. Acting like kids do not suit you," Sheng Li told her when his breathings turned stable.


    "When did I act like a kid?"


    "Earlier. When I told you to stop!" He carried her up in his arms and took her to their personal chamber. Putting her gently down on the bed, he took out the ointment bottle from his pocket. "Take this off," Sheng Li said, looking at her upper garment. "I need to apply this ointment," he added. Ying Lili opened the knot of her dress and let it slide down over her arms.


    She turned her back towards Sheng Li. He carefully applied the ointment. Because of him, on such a wless body, a scar had appeared. Ying Lili indeed was brave, but this bravery of hers sometimes worried Sheng Li. While he was applying the ointment, he heard her say, "Tomorrow is the coronation of the Empress. I saw Brother Nianzu in the morning. This was the first time I saw Brother Nianzu contented."


    "Hmm. She was never considered equal to others. Minister of State Affairs, Gu Zhenya was suspicious," Sheng Li stated. He closed the bottle and put it inside the pocket.


    "Why?" Ying Lili gripped her dress and moved it up, covering her shoulders.


    Sheng Li wiped his fingers from the handkerchief. "He was asking to appoint the Fourth Brother." Ying Lili stopped making a knot in the dress. She turned to Sheng Li. "Why did you not tell me earlier?"


    "The matter did not appear important to me," Sheng Li gave an immediate answer. "He was right, though. The son of the Empress bes the next-in-line ruler," he affirmed.


    Ying Lili agreed with him. "But this was sudden. Did Minister Gu earlier support the appointment of Brother Nianzu as the Crown Prince?" Ying Lili was curious. She wondered if that had something to do with Prince Nianzu''s mother.


    "Umm...he never. Before me, my father has offered Fourth Brother to be the Crown Prince, but he refused that''s why I epted the position. Brother Nianzu again refused for bing the Crown Prince. But Minister Gu did not like it," Sheng Li pronounced. His hands were on the knot of Ying Lili''s dress as he tied it.


    "Sheng Li, did you order to close all the secret routes in the temple?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Yes. The work is going on. Only trusted workers are employed to do that." He had tied the knot of her dress. His hand moved up on her head and helped her in removing the head essories.


    "Let''s show the sketch to father. We shall dy this," Ying Lili suggested. She had a menacing expression on her face. "What if father knows about that person?" Somewhere, Ying Lili had an intuition that Han Wenji might recognize the person, seeing his sketch. That way it would be easier for them to reach the mastermind.


    "Lili," Sheng Li called her name and intently gazed into her eyes. "I will work on this matter on my own. You do not need to take stress over this." He stroked her ear, keeping his voice as gentle as he could.


    "Why would you handle this on your own? We promised that¡­" Sheng Li shut her up by putting his pointer finger over her lips.


    "I never promised you that I would let you endanger your life with me. Lili, after you took that stab for me, I am scared." Sheng Li did not want to show Ying Lili his fear. The other day Hu Jingguo told him to be brave but how could he be! Seeing his woman unconscious, battling for her life was the most painful experience he had until then. When his mother left him, he was only a mere four years old kid unaware of all those feelings. But as time passed, and he grew up, he buried those scary feelings inside his heart and kept his heart shut for everyone around him. He was not even ready to open it for Ying Lilipletely, but he did because he thought he would keep her safe until that day she got stabbed.


    Ying Lili found out that something was wrong with Sheng Li. How could she forget that her husband''s biggest fear was Ying Lili!


    "Sheng Li," she ced her hand on his left cheek. "Don''t let me be your fear. If you would be at my ce, then you would have done the same. You are a warrior, Sheng Li. You have led and won many wars. Such injuries are normal and a warrior knows how to tackle this all," Ying Lili encouraged Sheng Li and at the same time, tried removing the fear he had for her.


    "Lili, when you love someone dearly you end up fearing," Sheng Li affirmed.

 Chapter 339 - He Is Tan Gengxin

    <h4>Chapter 339 - He Is Tan Gengxin</h4>


    "Lili, when you love someone dearly, you end up fearing," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili frowned. The hand that rested on Sheng Li''s cheek had stopped caressing it. "Then what do you want me to do? Just watch you doing everything alone? Let you get injured! Do my wife''s duties! Just stay inside those walls! Praying for my husband''s safety when he goes alone on missions? Tell me!" Ying Lili shouted at him. Sheng Li had never seen her this angry, but why was she angry?


    "Lili," he held her hands when she pulled them away. "Sheng Li, if you keep fearing just because of me, then you are a coward. I do not love the coward Sheng Li. Do you know why I took that stab?" Ying Lili''s eyes had turned watery.


    "Because I know you would save me, and also I promised you that I will not let you get harmed. I will be your shield just as you became mine from the first day. Even I lost people close to me and got the taste of my betrayal. But your love for me never let me turn weak. Instead, it made me stronger. If you act like this, then do you not think that you are already defeated by your enemy?" Ying Lili had calmed down. She waited for Sheng Li to respond.


    Sheng Li rested his forehead on Ying Lili''s shoulder and sighed. His hands held Ying Lili''s as he spoke, "You are indeed a brave woman. A man bes stronger because of his woman. I am learning to be one. Forgive me for making you angry."


    Silence surrounded them, and the two stayed like that. Ying Lili gave time to contemte. By now, she was sure that after meeting Weng Wei, he refrained from talking to her about the enemy. Was he nning to go alone behind the enemy? She finally broke the ice and asked him, "What did Weng Wei tell you?" She further said, "I did not enquire about you earlier as it was a matter between you two. But, now you need to tell me. Talk to me when you build your trust in me and my love." Ying Lili''s statements befuddled Sheng Li. He lifted his head and gaped at her.


    "What do you mean?" He knitted his brows. His hands continued caressing Ying Lili''s hands, who did not reply.


    "I trust you more than me. We only had some conversations about the past. Why did Weng Wei hate me, and did she regret doing all of those things? But she did not tell me about the Mastermind. I tried hard," Sheng Li proimed.


    Ying Lili chuckled because she knew that Sheng Li was lying to her. She knew that he wanted her to stay away from that matter.


    "You do not trust me, Sheng Li. It is the fourth time you are lying to me for the same thing. You can make a fool of the entire world, but you cannot make a fool of me. Let''s end our conversation here. Come to me when you will be strong enough to convey the truth to me," Ying Lili pronounced and pulled her hands back from his grip.


    She turned to go when Sheng Li hugged her from behind, not letting her go. "Don''t go. You have seen through my lies, so I will not lie anymore. The enemy has created an army in the remote vige of the Northern Province," Sheng Li finally told the truth to Ying Lili, who was shocked to learn about that.


    Ying Lili turned to him. "Who is he?" She questioned.


    "He is Tan Gengxin, who is the son of a former minister in the Court of my grandfather. He fought many wars with my father until one day father got the news of his demise. I talked with my father regarding this, and it was unbelievable to him that his friend supported Weng Wei. Father said that Tan Gengxin never once showed that he wanted to rule the Han Empire."


    "Why did you not tell me about such important news? You are leaving for the Northern Province because-"


    Sheng Li cut her words in the middle and continued, "Because I want to kill him before he will approach us. Weng Wei said that her son betrayed her by saving you and giving evidence against her, so his next target is you. That''s why I am keeping you away from this." Ying Lili understood the reason why Sheng Li lied to her. Because she would have insisted on taking her with him.


    "But I think I did wrong by lying to you. Now, my heart is at rest as I shared it with you," Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to Ying Lili.


    "You did the right thing by telling me. But I am still angry. I will show you my angerter," Ying Lili asserted. "How could you n to go alone there? I know you have many battles, but every battle needs a n. Furthermore, don''t fully trust the words of Weng Wei. I almost trusted her once and also got the taste of trusting wrong," Ying Lili advised Sheng Li.


    "I have sent my spy there. As soon as it gets confirmed, I will go there with Wang Hao," Sheng Li informed her.


    "Hmm." She hummed at her response. She kept gazing into his eyes when she heard him, "I shouldn''t have lied to you. Forgive me." He brought her hands towards his lips and kissed her knuckles.


    Ying Lili could understand that. Sheng Li lied to her to protect her, however, she was not ready to send him alone to the Northern Province. "What if Ie with you?"


    "I wish I could take you there. But I am afraid I will not be able to do that. As I told you earlier, someone is needed in the Capital, and there is no one better than you. I promise I will return before your birthday," Sheng Li stated with a firm tone. Ying Lili nodded, acknowledging his decision.

 Chapter 340 - Busy Romancing With Sister Lili!

    <h4>Chapter 340 - Busy Romancing With Sister Lili!</h4>


    Today was the Coronation of Deng Hui as the Empress of the Han Empire. The entire pce was magnificently decorated.


    In the Pce grounds on the right side, the Han military was standing, led by the Commanders. The Court Ministers and a hundred other lower-rank ministers were standing on the left side of the military in their respective dress code. The Pce servants and maids were standing at the end of the Pce ground in white robes with lowered heads.


    The Princes and their respective wives were standing at the front, on the left side. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were standing ahead of them because of their higher positions than the other princes.


    A loud announcement was made, informing the arrival of the Emperor and the Empress of Han in the Pce Ground in two different pnquins. The loud voices of drums could be heard, weing the Emperor and the Empress on the ground. The pnquins stopped near the stairs, which were covered with red carpet till the top.


    Han Wenji got down the pnquin first, and everyone bowed their heads. Deng Hui stepped out of the next pnquin and came near the Emperor, who passed a smile to her. The pnquins were taken away from the Pce Ground. Han Wenji had worn an exquisite rare silk Hanfu dress of red color with golden embroidery, while Deng Hui had also worn the same colored dress, only the patterns made were different. They both ascended the stairs while the sound of drums kept increasing. The Pce maids who were standing at each side of the stairs showered the flowers on them.


    Upon reaching the top, the Emperor raised his hand a little up. The sound of the drums had died out and now the Emperor addressed his subjects. The Chief Pce Head brought the Phoenix Crown. Han Wenji took it and ced it over Deng Hui''s head. The Emperor dered Deng Hui as the next Empress of the Han Empire. All the Ministers sat on their knees and bowed their heads, followed by the Pce servants.


    The Military Commanders had alsoe to their knees to pay their respect and show their loyalty towards the Emperor and the Empress.


    The Coronation Ceremony ended after Deng Hui''s address to the Empire and a few performances. The Pce Ground was emptied by noon. In the Great Hall, the grand feast was organized. Sheng Li noticed that the Fourth Prince was not enjoying as he should. It was a great asion for him. Then, why?


    Ying Lili looked in the direction where Sheng Li was looking. "What happened?" She leaned closer to him.


    "Fourth Brother does not appear happy. Something is troubling him," Sheng Li replied and picked the noodle te. He ced it in front of Ying Lili and told her to eat.


    "Talk to Brother Nianzuter," Ying Lili stated. A server came to them, bringing the dessert. She ced two bowls of dessert on the table. Ying Lili remembered the day when Sheng Li was poisoned. Sheng Li picked the spoon and dipped it in the dessert to get a taste when Ying Lili snatched the spoon and sipped it. Sheng Li astonishingly asked, "What are you doing?"


    "Tasting the dessert," Ying Lili replied, and put the spoon on the other te. "Last time I was careless. Use the other spoon," she said when she saw Sheng Li using the same spoon which she had used to taste.


    "Why?" He amusingly asked. "The dessert will taste sweeter. Don''t you think?" He muttered. Ying Lili smiled and lightly hit him on the shoulder.


    Lei Wanxi who was sitting beside Nianzu enquired, "Brother, are you seeing how Brother Sheng is teasing Sister Lili?" Nianzu simply nodded.


    "Every brother is married. Now, I am getting scared. What if our fatheres with a proposal for me and tells me to marry?" Lei Wanxi muttered as he picked rice from the chopstick.


    "Father has given you the time of one year," Nianzu stated.


    "Father even told Brother Nianzu that he can marry the woman of his choice, but suddenly a proposal came and he wants you to marry. Though the father is not showing, he wants Brother to marry that woman," Lei Wanxi pronounced. He brought the chopsticks closer to his mouth and ate the rice.


    "But our father is waiting for my answer. If I refuse, then he will not force me." Nianzu wanted to be positive about this.


    "Brother, don''t you think father is getting older? I mean I saw him coughing one day! I shall not say this but I think he is sick, however, is not showing to us." Lei Wanxi''s words bewildered Nianzu. He recalled that earlier his father told him he wanted to see him married before dying.


    "I think I need to ask Brother Sheng. How to fall in love with the woman of your liking?" Lei Wanxi asserted and looked at the First Prince.


    "Poor First Brother! Tied between two women. Whom to choose and whom to love? Sister Mi or Sister Xue? He cannot neglect any of them, or he can? Ahh, marriage is such a headache. I want to be Weng Yu. He is young and does not have to worry about," He had notpleted his words when Nianzu left the feast in the middle.


    "Did I say something wrong?" Lei Wanxi wondered. Sheng Li and Ying Lili looked in his direction. Their gazes met. Sheng Li gestured to Lei Wanxi, asking what was wrong with the Fourth Prince.


    "Brother, I will tell youter," Lei Wanxi said loud enough that it was audible to Sheng Li. After the feast was over, everyone left the hall. The wives of the Princes had gone to greet the Empress personally while the Princes separated their ways. Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi went to the chamber of the Fourth Prince to converse with him.


    "A marriage proposal for the Fourth Brother?! Why did you not tell me earlier?" Sheng Li scolded Lei Wanxi.


    "You were busy romancing with Sister Lili! I know you would have beaten me if I had ruined your precious moments," Lei Wanxi snapped at Sheng Li, who chuckled.


    "Do you always keep an eye on me and Lili? Since when you turned like this?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "Brother, why would I keep an eye on you two? Everyone knows in the Pce that the Crown Prince spends most of his time with the Crown Princess. As soon as hepletes his work, he goes to Zhenzhu Inn. I think in a few months I will read stories of romance between the Crown Prince and his Crown Princess," Lei Wanxi remarked. Sheng Li chuckled and shook his head in disbelief.

 Chapter 341 - Bleeding Fingers

    <h4>Chapter 341 - Bleeding Fingers</h4>


    Nianzu was ying the zither in his private music room. His eyes were closed while his fingers were plucking the strings at an expeditious rate. The words of Lei Wanxi were ringing like a bell in his head. Suddenly, a string broke and a sharp noise echoed in the room. He opened his eyes and took a deep breath.


    "Your highness," Chuntao called him gracefully, who was standing near the door of the room. Nianzu lifted his eyes to look at her. "What are you doing here? No one is allowed here without my permission." Nianzu never let anyone enter his music room. Seeing Chuntao did not annoy him, but surprised him.


    "Earlier I saw his highness leaving the feast in the middle. His highness did not even take his meals so¡­" she stopped speaking as she heard the voice of the Crown Prince. Nianzu stood up from his seat and walked past Chuntao. He heard Lei Wanxi and Sheng Li''s voices talking with Eunuch Chung.


    "Go tell them that I want to be alone," Nianzumanded Chuntao, who did not understand that the Prince wasmanding her. He tilted his head and nced at her.


    "Ahh, yes. Yes, your highness," Chuntao bowed and immediately followed themand. Nianzu went back to his seat and looked at the zither and its broken strings. He stroked his hand above it. "I pulled it hard," he heaved a sigh. The Zither was gifted to him by a singer in the capital when he heard him ying the zither.


    Chuntao came back there. "Your highness, I informed the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince." Nianzu nodded his head. Chuntao was still standing beside the door, not wanting to enter until the Prince would allow her.


    "Do you know someone in the market who repairs Zither?" Nianzu questioned her. He lifted his eyes and found the young woman was standing beside the door. "Come inside and close the door," Nianzu softly said. He again focussed his gaze on the zither.


    Chuntao walked in and closed the door behind her, who had seen earlier the fingers of the Prince which were bleeding after ying the zither so intensely. She again opened the door quietly and walked out. She returned with a first-aid box in her hand.


    She closed the door and went closer to the Prince, who was sitting on the mattress. "Your highness, your fingers are bleeding. Let me treat those else the pain will increase," proimed Chuntao. Nianzu looked at his fingers.


    "Do it," Nianzu forwarded his hands towards her. Chuntao sat on the mattress in front of him. She ced the wooden first-aid box beside her and opened it. "It is strange that his highness treats his wounds himself whenever he gets injured. When Eunuch Chung told me this, it stunned me." Chuntao took a white-colored powder and caught the sleeve of Nianzu, not touching him because the servants were not supposed to.


    "I love living like amoner. I love doing my work myself," stated Nianzu, who was amused to see the way Chuntao was holding his hand. She was sprinkling the powder over his fingers while blowing air over them.


    "What is this?" Nianzu asked, looking at his sleeve which Chuntao was holding.


    "I needed to put his highness hand at a level, so I grasped his highness sleeve," Chuntao replied.


    "You can hold my hand. Isn''t that be more convenient?" Nianzu queried.


    Chuntao lowered her eyes. "How could I grab his highness hand?" Nianzu chuckled at her reaction.


    "I will not bite you," Nianzu replied. "It''s fine. Continue whatever you were doing."


    "May I ask why was his highness ying zither with such a force? I have never seen his highness annoyed until today," Chuntao pronounced.


    Nianzu grimaced as he again recalled why he was annoyed. He was annoyed because of two reasons: one was the decision about marrying the Princess of Huan and the other was because of his mother. "A marriage proposal hase for me," Nianzu finally spoke, monotonously.


    "So, is this not good news?" Chuntao lifted her head as she was done applying the powder over Nianzu''s fingers.


    "I do not love that woman. Though I shall not talk this way because as a Prince I am destined to marry a Princess," Nianzu pronounced. Around Chuntao, Nianzu used to befortable and even used to speak his heart out, which he had not done in front of the others.


    "Does his highness want to marry amoner, then?" Chuntao jokingly asked, which bewildered Nianzu. "Indeed, as a Prince, his highness will marry a Princess," Chuntao then affirmed.


    "Why do you think so?" Nianzu was now curious to know Chuntao''s view on that.


    "Umm...I have heard that a Prince cannot marry amoner. He can only take her as his Concubine," Chuntao answered to him. Nianzu admitted that. "But, your highness, don''t you think it will bring trouble? What I mean is marrying amoner is not epted to the upper-ss society," Chuntao opinionated.


    "You are right," Nianzu acknowledged her answer.


    "Your highness, love can happen after the marriage too. Usually, it happens! His highness shall not take stress over this," Chuntao smiled brightly just to enlighten the mood of the Fourth Prince. She looked at the zither and recalled the question which was previously asked by the Prince.


    "There is a shop of instruments. I will call the owner here then his highness can ask him to repair this zither," Chuntao asked for Nianzu''s permission.


    "Take me to that shop. No need to bring him here," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao nodded her head and closed the first-aid box. She stood up when a small portion of her long skirt came under her foot and she fell directly towards Nianzu. The first-aid box in her hand hit the floor while her whole body hit against Nianzu''s, whose back touched the wooden floor with a loud thud sound. The hand which was on the zither moved down, producing the sound, not pleasant for the ears.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. This is thest month of WSA Contest 2021. Please support me through golden ticket votes and power stones. I worked hard for this book and only readers can help me win something in this contest! Because of you all the book reached this level and got a few paid readers after 5th book. I hope you all will support me.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 342 - Dont Tell Anyone {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 342 - Don''t Tell Anyone {Bonus }</h4>


    Chuntao''s lips were on Nianzu''s right cheek. His hand slipped from the zither andnded on her back. "Ahh," a low cry escaped his mouth because of the impact of the fall. Chuntao lifted her body only to meet his eyes, which were intently gazing at her, carrying an unusual expression.


    She gulped and helped herself to move away from the body of Nianzu. Her hand slipped on the wooden floor, and her face banged against his chest. She widened her eyes and turned to look at the door, praying that no one would enter at that time. Nianzu wrapped his arm around her waist and moved her away. They both sat up on the floor.


    Chuntao kept apologizing by bowing her head numerous times. Nianzu''s left elbow hit hard against the floor when Chuntaonded over him. He moved his sleeve up when Chuntao ced her palm over her mouth. The elbow had reddened and she was scared that she might have broken his elbow.


    "Your highness, I am bringing the Royal Physician," Chuntao worriedly informed him and raised herself when she was pulled down by Nianzu.


    "Nothing happened," Nianzu simply replied. But Chuntao did not listen to him.


    "Your highness, what if something has happened to the bone? I will bring the Royal Physician," Chuntao repeated her words. She opened her mouth to speak further when Nianzu ced his forefinger on her lips. "Quiet. When I said nothing happened, then you should agree with that." Chuntao gave a nod. Nianzu put his hand down and again looked at his elbow. He pushed the sleeve down.


    "Don''t let anyone find out about this," Nianzu told Chuntao, who was befuddled.


    "But, the falling sound was loud. I think that Eunuch Chung and others might have heard it. Eunuch Chung will ask me and then I need to tell," Chuntao asserted.


    Nianzu found that the woman was innocent and still did not understand the Pce. "It will not be good if people know that you fell on me," Nianzu proimed. "So, do not tell anyone about this," he advised her.


    Nianzu nodded. The medical box lying on the floor had not broken, which provided relief to her. She went to pick it up. Nianzu''s eyes fell on her heels, which were cracked. He never noticed that the girl used to walk bare feet in his chamber.


    "Your highness," He heard her calling him. "I shall leave. Please forgive me again." Her head was lowered.


    "You may leave. You can rest today," Nianzu stated. Chuntao felt a sudden coldness in his voice. She bowed before leaving the room. As soon as she left, Nianzu again examined his elbow. "I will check it with the Royal Physician," Nianzu murmured. He recalled the touch of Chuntao''s lips on his cheek.


    He felt a strange feeling in his heart, which he was unable to describe. These past few days, his emotions around Chuntao were unknown to him. He brought his hand near his heart and found his heart was beating fast. Why? He questioned himself as his brows came together. He knew the answer, but he did not want to admit that.


    As soon as Chuntao came out of the room, Eunuch Chung enquired about therge thud sound. Chuntao fidgeted with her fingers on the handle of the medical box, unable to lie when she saw Eunuch Chung had lowered his head. She immediately turned back.


    "The medical box fell," Nianzu lied in ce of Chuntao and gestured to her to go away. She quietly left the ce while Nianzu continued his conversation with Eunuch Chung. "Send the lunch for me in my chamber," Nianzu ordered Eunuch Chung, who followed him to the resting chamber.


    "The Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince were here to converse with you. They are still waiting for you in your chamber, my master," Eunuch Chung informed the Fourth Prince. They halted outside the chamber. "I am not in a mood to eat. Don''t send the lunch." Nianzu walked inside the chamber. Eunuch Chung was astonished to see the behavior of his master. It was odd for him to see his master getting upset. The biggest strange thing he had observed was that his master wasfortable around Chuntao.


    "Don''t touch those things. Where are your manners?" Sheng Li scolded Lei Wanxi, who was looking at the paintings that Nianzu had drawn in his free time.


    "Why can''t I touch them? Brother Nianzu never gets angry at me. He knows his younger brother loves to admire his talent," Lei Wanxi stated when his eyes saw something which no one should have seen.


    "Brother Sheng,e here. Look what I have found!" Lei Wanxi called Sheng Li, who refused.


    "Please, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi requested him. Sheng Li stood up from the chair and walked near Lei Wanxi, who was near the shelf with a white paper in his hand. Sheng Li noticed how big Lei Wanxi''s eyes had turned as if he had found something unique.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li asked him. Lei Wanxi brought the sheet in front of Sheng Li, who was not surprised to see the painting.


    "Nice," heplimented the art.


    "Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi chuckled. "Can''t you see what Brother Nianzu has drawn? It is shocking," Lei Wanxi stated, and looked back at the painting.


    Sheng Li was least bothered about what the Fourth Prince had drawn. "Put it there. He will not feel good if he sees that we are taking a peek into the Fourth Brother''s stuff," Sheng Li asserted and snatched the white sheet from him. He rolled it and put it back on the shelf.


    They heard the footsteps of Nianzu, who had arrived there. Both of them went towards the table. Nianzu came to them and asked about their sudden visit.


    "Brother, that painting-" Sheng Li hit Lei Wanxi''s stomach from his elbow, thus stopping him from talking about the painting.


    "Ahh," Lei Wanxi winced in pain. Nianzu confusedly looked at him and asked if he was alright. Before Lei Wanxi could speak, Sheng Li said, "Brother, I think he has an upset stomach. Earlier, he ate so much at the feast. I shall drop him to his chamber. I will return once I drop Lei Wanxi to his chamber," Sheng Li pronounced. Lei Wanxi shook his head when Sheng Li grabbed his arm tightly and dragged him out from there. Before Nianzu could stop them, they both had vanished from his sight.

 Chapter 343 - No Freedom, No Desires {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 343 - No Freedom, No Desires {Bonus }</h4>


    Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi stopped near the Eastern Pavilion. Sheng Li left his grip on Lei Wanxi''s arm and looked around. "Brother, why did you do that? Why did you hit your younger brother? This is wrong. I willin about this to Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi whined. Sheng Li flicked at his forehead, resulting in a low scream from Lei Wanxi''s mouth.


    "Do not whine," Sheng Li sternly said. "Don''t speak about that painting to Brother Nianzu or any other. Now, go to your chamber and rest as you have an upset stomach," Sheng Li pronounced. Lei Wanxi squinted his eyes, trying to understand why his Fifth Brother said this. Before he could ask him, Sheng Li left his sight.


    He arrived at Nianzu''s chamber, where he was reading a book. Seeing the Crown Prince, he closed the book and told him to take a seat. Sheng Li sat around the table on the floor mattress. Nianzu asked the Crown Prince for tea, but he refused.


    "What is it that the Crown Prince wanted to talk about?" Nianzu curiously asked.


    "Wanxi told me about a marriage proposal that hase for Brother," Sheng Li asserted. "Why did the Fourth Brother not tell me about this?" He then asked.


    "I hardly like to share about my personal matters. Moreover, it is not confirmed yet whether or not I will marry the Princess of Huan, so talking about that would have only wasted our precious time." Sheng Li did not speak for a few seconds.


    "Brother, do you love someone?" Sheng Li straightforwardly asked.


    Nianzu looked up at him. Sheng Li smiled a little because the Fourth Prince would have answered by now. "By any chance do you love that young girl? I forgot her name," Sheng Li stated and waited for Nianzu''s response.


    "I do not know. I am still trying to understand my feelings, but I do not think I can dream about marrying amoner and spending the rest of my life with her," Nianzu in a dejected tone said, and sighed.


    "Love takes you to any extent. It has that power which hardly any force has! I realized it after giving my heart to Lili," Sheng Li said with a tiny smile on his lips. "I can understand you better than anyone here because I fell in love and it changed me. I was hesitant to love Lili because of many insecurities. However, breaking those boundaries gave me wonderful results. Do not limit yourself, Brother. If you like her, then go with it," Sheng Li encouraged Nianzu.


    "The proposal that I have received is from our father''s best friend, who has numerous times saved our father in the war. Though I asked for time from our father, I do not think that I shall refuse this marriage. I am in a dilemma, Brother Sheng." Nianzu knitted his brows and heaved a sigh. "I cannot marry Chuntao because of many reasons. I cannot let her life ruin in this Pce. It''s not a good ce for a young woman like her," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Then send her away. Keeping her near you will only create problems for you," Sheng Li suggested. "I told her to stay in the Pce for a year thinking you will express your love. But if you feel that it will create problems for you and her, then let her go." Nianzu was astonished to learn that the Crown Prince passed the order of her stay in the Pce because of him. But he was also right. Sending her away was the best way to stop his growing feelings. Would he be able to do that?


    "Brother, you cannot marry a woman from a family of unknown origin. Though I will support it if you go through this rtionship but I do not know about the others. There might be some serious repercussions of this as well. If Brother thinks he can negotiate all those difficulties, then he shall not let go of her," Sheng Li opined. Nianzu thanked him.


    Sheng Li noticed the fingers of Nianzu on which the blood was clotted. "Brother, why did you leave the feast in the middle? Is everything okay? And you did not appear happy. It was a big day for your mother."


    "I did not feel like eating. Indeed, it was a big day for me," Nianzu asserted and smiled faintly. He did not want to talk about his mother''s response to Sheng Li after he refused the Crown Prince''s position.


    "I shall take my leave. Have your meals," Sheng Li stated, before leaving the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Chuntao came to her quarter which she was sharing with another Pce Maid, Mo Jie. She sat on the bed and brought her legs up. Pressing her legs and feet for some time, sheid down on the bed. She touched her lips, recalling the incident when they touched Nianzu''s cheek. She squeezed her eyes tightly. "How could I do that?" Chuntao murmured.


    "What happened?" She heard Mo Joe''s voice, who had just arrived there. Chuntao sat up on the bed and brought her knees closer.


    "You came early? Is work your over?" Chuntao queried. Mo Jie removed the shoes and sat on another bed.


    "Yes. But, what were you murmuring?" Mo Jie again enquired her.


    "Nothing," Chuntao replied.


    "Did something between you and the Fourth Prince?" Mo Jie''s question bewildered Chuntao. She wondered how Mo Jie found out. "You are lucky that you got to work for the Fourth Prince. Look at me. I have been working here for four years, but I have never seen the Prince. Life as a washer is difficult!" A sigh escaped Mo Jie''s mouth.


    "I am here only for a year though," Chuntao kept her voice low.


    "Chun, do you think you will be able to leave the Pce? When we join as a worker here, we are told this: Once you enter the Imperial Pce, then only your body leaves," Mo Jie told her.


    "You mean that you cannot leave this ce before you die!" Chuntao chuckled but did not believe her. "I heard this too, but then, why do peoplee to work here?" Chuntao queried.


    "Because we get good wages here. Most of us want to give a good life to our family or want to reduce family debts. Some are ves so they are born to do these works. Some evene here to see how the Pce life is! Good food, a secure roof like the pce cannot be found anywhere. Annually, an examination is done where the rank of a few maids is increased. Sometimes, it can be early if the Regal people notice and are happy with your work. I also wish that someday my rank will increase," Mo Jie stated, keeping the smile on her lips.


    "But then, isn''t your life bound here? You have no freedom and no desires. Don''t you want to marry someone? In the Pce, I am afraid if it is possible or not!" Chuntao proimed.


    "It is possible. Even married couples work here. Who needs freedom when you can give a good life to your family! Isn''t this what we all desire? The smile on the faces of your close ones is enough to make your life worth living. The Pce gave me many things. My four sisters got married from the money I earned here. This will be probably myst year here. If I earn enough money for my marriage and my parents by the end of the year, I will also leave the Pce. Come to my marriage then," Mo Jie delightedly said. Chuntao nodded and promised her that she would surelye.


    "Jie Jie, you said that one cannot leave the Pce then how will you leave?" Chuntao was confused.


    "If you want to get married and start a life, you are free to go. But if you are purchased as a ve then, you are bound to serve your masters generation after generation," Mo Jie exined to Chuntao, who was surprised to learn about the new things about the Pce.


    "So, only a small proportion of servants get married?"


    "Yes. Because the Pce binds you with it till you die. You will understand everything as time passes. Chun, you are lucky to serve the Fourth Prince. I heard he has a great intellect and is the calmest among all the Princes. The maids who are employed in the Crown Prince''s manor are always in fear. I heard the Crown Prince kills the person right away if he makes a mistake." A shiver ran through the spine of Mo Jie.


    "Jie Jie, the Crown Prince, is not like that. I have heard from the Fourth Prince that the Crown Prince has turned calm and gentle after the arrival of the Crown Princess," Chuntao corrected Mo Jie.


    "Oh! That''s a relief. You did not tell me what you were murmuring earlier," Mo Jie again asked. Chuntao recalled the incident again. "It''s fine if you do not want to tell. But, I will advise you not to get close to the Prince. What I mean is, it is making you feel good that the Prince converses with you, but at the end of the day, you also know that once the Prince will be married, your presence around him will not matter," Mo Jie pronounced.


    "Ahh, you are scaring me. His highness saved me the other day so, I am only repaying my debt. I know my ce," Chuntao stated, ignoring the words of Mo Jie. She wanted to go with the feelings which were developing in her heart.

 Chapter 344 - Stroke

    <h4>Chapter 344 - Stroke</h4>


    The Crown Princess was reading the report that the First Prince had given in the hands of the Crown Prince to her. She was impressed with the new rules and regtions devised for the Han Empire. A well-systemizedwork of bureaucrats who will be responsible for each of their work to the body above them.


    "Why are you smiling?" Ying Lili heard the voice of Sheng Li. She lifted her eyes and gaped at him. Ying Lili was on the chaise, her weight was on one of the elbows.


    "The new administration is perfect to curb the Corruption, to increase the exposure of the people to the higher-ups. That''s why I was smiling," proimed Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li stopped near the chaise while Ying Lili put the report on the table there. Sheng Li from the other side sat behind her. "Everyone is now respectful to Empress Hui. So, what did the Brother tell you? What was the reason that he left the feast in the middle?" Ying Lili waited for Sheng Li to answer.


    "A marriage proposal hase for him, so he is tense," Sheng Li replied. "He does not want to marry as he likes that girl," he added. Ying Lili furrowed her brows.


    "Who?" Ying Lili was confused.


    "That girl whom Brother Nianzu has saved and brought to the Pce," Sheng Li replied. His fingers were entangled with a few hair strands of Ying Lili with which he was ying.


    "Brother likes Chuntao?!" Ying Lili was bewildered after knowing the truth. "Then what''s the problem? Brother can refuse the proposal and ask Chuntao to marry him," Ying Lili concluded. Sheng Li chuckled and rested his hand on her shoulder.


    "The proposal is from Huan Province. The King of Huan has always assisted our father in tough times. So, Brother Nianzu is in a dilemma about how to refuse that. Moreover, marrying amoner isn''t easy. Brother has to face many difficulties along with that girl," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili understood the words of Sheng Li. "Sheng Li, do you know about Sister Mi''s background?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "What?" "Why?"


    "She is suspicious. Tell me about her background. Do you know something about that?" Ying Lili turned to him and rested her head on a Bolster pillow.


    "I do not know. What would I do knowing about her? Ask the First Brother regarding this," Sheng Li stated.


    "You shall ask the First Brother. It would not be appropriate if I would talk to him," Ying Lili requested Sheng Li.


    "Okay, I will ask him," replied Sheng Li.


    "Sheng Li, shall we fly the kites tomorrow? The weather will be pleasant tomorrow," Ying Lili excitedly stated.


    "What if it rains!" Sheng Li raised a doubt.


    "I know that tomorrow will be a pleasant day," Ying Lili affirmed. "Didn''t you see the sky today? Oh, there is something I want to show you," Ying Lili got down from the chaise and went to the other side of the chamber. Sheng Li, whose forehead rested on his arm, lovingly looked at Ying Lili. She brought a red kite in her hand.


    "Tell me how it is!" She forwarded the kite towards him. A chuckle escaped Sheng Li''s mouth seeing the drawing that Ying Lili had made over the kite. It was a picture of a man with big eyes, ck hair thus, making the kite beautiful. Ying Lili even painted the front side with different colors. Sheng Li keenly observed it, and it appeared to him that Ying Lili had made him in the kite.


    "Is it me?" He asked astonishingly, raising his brow.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "You are looking cute, right?" Ying Lili was delighted and again looked at the kite. "Look, I have painted your cheeks with red dots," she again turned it towards him.


    "Hmm. No one ever did this. It''s beautiful," Sheng Liplimented her. "When did you make it?" He curiously asked. Ying Lili ced the kite on the table and sat beside him.


    "When you were with Brother Nianzu," Ying Lili replied.


    "I also want to make one. I will make a figure of yours. Kites should be in pairs," Sheng Li expressed his desire.


    "But you are not good at painting. What if you ruin the kite? We have limited kites with us," Ying Lili stated.


    "Help me then!"


    "I do not help people for free. You have to pay me for helping you," Ying Lili put forward her demand. The Crown Prince raised his eyebrow, astonished by the Crown Princess''s sudden demand.


    "I have seen you helping people for free. I think it''s special for me. You do not want to help your husband for free. What do you want? Ask me and I will give you," Sheng Li proudly pronounced.


    "I need to think about that," Ying Lili answered. The Crown Prince nodded his head. He felt Ying Lili''s hand on his as he peered at her. "Let''s start then," Ying Lili asserted, and the two got down from the chaise. They went towards the floor desk and sat around it.


    The colors were already put on the table and so were the brushes. She put the kite over the table on which Sheng Li was going to draw Ying Lili. "Since it''s merely a character of yours rather than your true face, I don''t think it is going to be difficult," Sheng Li deduced.


    Ying Lili picked a brush that was dipped in ck paint and instructed Sheng Li ordingly. "Make outlines for me. Rest I will make," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili nodded and moved the brush on the kite, making the outlines on it. Once it was done, she handed the brush to Sheng Li.


    "I am done. Now, paint the hair first," Ying Lili told Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li took the brush from Ying Lili and dipped it in the ck color paint. He tilted his head and thought for a while before applying a stroke on the hair.


    "Why are you taking a pause? You will ruin it," Ying Lili scolded him.

 Chapter 345 - Camellia

    <h4>Chapter 345 - Camellia</h4>


    "Be continuous," Ying Lili lightly pped Sheng Li''s hand and then told him to see her. She applied a stroke without break on the hair part and colored the head that she had outlined on the kite. "Did you see? Hold it like this, not so firmly, not so loosely, and move the brush," Ying Lili again told me. Sheng Li nodded and took another brush to paint the eyes. He did as Ying Lili had instructed him.


    "It feels like I am in art ss. The teacher used to scold me a lot those days," Sheng Li asserted as he made two red dots on the cheeks. "He used to shout at me every time. Now, I think that I should have listened to him," Sheng Li muttered. He was done painting and put the brush down.


    "Let it dry. You did a great job," Ying Lili stated, looking at the kite.


    "But it''s not looking that great. Lei Wanxi will definitelyugh seeing it. I mixed up colors," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "But it''s beautiful in my eyes so, do not worry about the others," Ying Lili affirmed. Sheng Li smiled because it was what he wanted to hear. Why would he care about the others'' opinions? Moreover, he had no energy left to paint another kite. It used to happen with him whenever he used to sit to paint.


    Ying Lili was cleaning the brushes when Sheng Li stopped her. "Call a maid. She will do it. You do not need to do this," Sheng Li stated.


    "I enjoy doing it. Let me do it," Ying Lili replied, and lowered her eyes. She dipped the brushes in the water bowls and then cleaned them with a clean cloth. The stains of paints were imprinted on her fingers while cleaning the brushes. Sheng Li called a maid in despite Ying Lili stopping him.


    "Why did you call the maid? I was doing it," Ying Lili pulled up a face as sheined. The maid started cleaning the table, keeping the kite untouched. Sheng Li took Ying Lili''s right hand and cleaned the paint by sprinkling a powder on it. "I don''t want you to do such works in my presence." He wiped her fingers with a clean cloth, cleaning the paint stains from her fingers. The maidservant had left the chamber after she was done cleaning the table and the brushes.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili up and took her to the bed. "Why do you not rest for some time?" Sheng Li asked her while stroking her hair.


    "I do not want to. I have thought about what I should ask from you. So, will you be able to give me that?" Ying Lili asked him again. "I do not want you to step back from your words, that''s why I want to confirm," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li raised a brow and then chuckled.


    "Have I ever stepped back from my words? Just ask me," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili passed him a tiny smile.


    "I want you to bring me a flower," Ying Lili told him.


    "What?" Sheng Li snickered. "Your wishes are strange. Which kind of flower do you want? I will bring it from the garden," Sheng Li waited for her answer.


    "It''s tough to bring. It''s a rare flower that grows in a higher ce," Ying Lili proimed. "Bring me Middlemist red by this evening," Ying Lili stated.


    Sheng Li''s turned big. He did not know where the flower used to bloom. Was that far away? Ying Lili snapped her fingers in front of him. "What happened? You cannot bring that," She asked.


    "I will bring it. But, where does it grow? I do not know," Sheng Li stated and furrowed his brows.


    "The mountains which are at the backside of this Pce where you took me once. General Wang told me that the region is filled with Middlemist Red Camellia flowers," Ying Lili told him.


    "Oh!" Sheng Li smiled and was happy. "I will bring it then," he confidently said. Ying Lili nodded and hugged him.


    "You need to find its meaning too. Don''t ask anyone this time. I will take the flower only when you tell me the meaning behind the flower," Ying Lili pulled back and looked into his eyes.


    "I will do it. I will not ask anyone this time," Sheng Li affirmed. He stood up and went towards a table where a water clock was ced. "I have four hours. By then, you can take a rest. I will be back soon," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili nodded when she felt Sheng Li''s lips on the top of her forehead. Leaning back he said, "Take rest." He stood straight and called Xing-Fu inside.


    "You called me, your highness," Xing-Fu stood near the second door behind the curtain.


    "I am going out. Take care of the Crown Princess," Sheng Limanded him. Xing-Fu bowed his head, acknowledging themand of the Crown Prince. "Yes, your highness."


    Sheng Li turned and dashed out of the chamber. Once he walked out, Ying Lili stood up from the bed and went towards Xing-Fu. "Eunuch Xing-Fu, please check if he is gone," Ying Lili requested him. Xing-Fu nodded and walked out of the chamber. After a minute, he came inside and informed the Crown Princess that the Crown Prince had left the Zhenzhu Inn.


    Ying Lili nodded and told him that they should go to the manor of the Crown Prince. Xing-Fu nodded, and the two walked out of the chamber. Court Lady Xu bowed, seeing the Crown Princess. "Lady Xu, if anyone asks about me then tell him/her that I am sleeping."


    Court Lady Xu, without questioning the Crown Princess agreed to that.


    Ying Lili and Xing-Fu arrived at the manor of the Crown Prince. "His highness has note to the bedchamber for a long time," Xing-Fu asserted. Ying Lili agreed with him and went towards the left side. Sliding through the door, she stepped out while Eunuch Xing-Fu followed her.


    "It''s a good thing that the Crown Prince did not find anything about this ce. Your highness, the ce is looking marvelous. His highness never let me decorate it, but now it''s looking like a ce in heaven," Xing-Fu proimed. Ying Lili brightly smiled, looking around.

 Chapter 346 - Lili Made A Fool Of Yours

    <h4>Chapter 346 - Lili Made A Fool Of Yours</h4>


    The garden which had nothing except a water pool there, now was changedpletely. For the past few days, Ying Lili nted every flower there and she kept Sheng Li away from that ce with the help of Xing-Fu. Last time when Sheng Li brought Ying Lili there, she decided to renew the ce and give a new life to this ce. She even nted two lychee nts.


    The big water pool was surrounded by a few big boulders and paintings were carved on them. She recalled how tough it was to bring the boulders to this ce withouting into Sheng Li''s notice. The work is mostly done at night by Eunuch Xing-Fu while in the morning when Sheng Li used to go to the court and the barracks, Ying Lili used to do the remaining work of decoration.


    The swing was also reced with a new one and a shelter was made over it to prevent it from rainy season.


    The green grass was grown on the ground, making it no less than a region hidden somewhere in the mountains. Thest work remained was of cing the papernterns around the garden. Ying Lili had made thenterns with the help of Pce maids so she asked Eunuch Xing-Fu to bring them.


    Xing-Fu brought the papernterns there. "Your highness, I shall call the servants to put them at their respective ces. Two Pce servants Brought the equal quantity of oilmps which were to be put inside the red papernterns. Every paperntern had some symbols written over it, with different patterns.


    Two servants brought a wooden stepdder and ced it near the part where stairs to the porch ended. Ying Lili folded her sleeves and then tied her hair into a bun. Seeing that the Crown Princess would hang them at a particr distance on the roof, Xing-Fu objected.


    "Your highness, you might fall down. Please refrain from stepping on thedder. The servants will do that. Her highness can instruct them," Xing-Fu suggested to the Crown Princess but she did not listen to him.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, I want to decorate every part of this ce with my own hands. It''s a special ce for not only Sheng Li but also me. And, I have climbed ondders numerous times so, do not worry for me," Ying Lili exined to Xing-Fu, who did not say anything to stop the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili stepped on thedder, holding the string of thentern and tied it on a protruding wooden end on the roof. The maidservant handed a oilmp to the Crown Princess which she put inside the paperntern.


    Xing-Fu checked the other things in the porch, not wanted to left anything. "Your highness, the Crown Prince will scold us for letting you work at this, but then those scoldings will not matter in front of his smile." Ying Lili smiled upon hearing those words.


    "His highness was picky about everything but not anymore! Because of her highness, the Crown Prince had learned to be patient. Your highness, thank you for epting the love of his highness and looking that side of his highness which we all failed to see," Xing-Fu was overwhelmed with many emotions.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, the Crown Prince is tough to please. He was not ready to ept my love. I have never met such a stubborn person like him!" Ying Lili remarked while tying the string of anotherntern on the end of the roof.


    "Your highness, when you were injured the Crown Prince had lost his temper. We thought we all would be dead for a while. It was a difficult time," the maidservant, who was filling the oilmp with oil informed Ying Lili.


    "Then, how did he hold his anger? You all should not be afraid of him. He is gentle," Ying Lili stated, keeping the smile on her lips. She stepped down thedder. The two servants moved the stair to the left of porch.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li was on Kongqi, near the Fu Imperial Gates. He had decided to go on Kongqi till the downhill of the mountains. Pulling the reins, Kongqi gained momentum and started running. "I have heard about the flower but I forgot what that actually means," Sheng Li thought.


    He was going to turn to the mountain route when he saw Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo on three horses. Immediately, Sheng Li stopped Kongqi who neighed. Seeing the Crown Prince there, the three also stopped their respective horses.


    "Your highness," Wang Hao greeted Sheng Li, followed by Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo.


    "Where are you heading to?" Hu Jinnguo asked Sheng Li, keeping his tone informal. Xiao Zhan scolded Hu Jingguo for talking that way with the Crown Prince.


    "We are friends, General Xiao. I can talk with Sheng Li informally," Hu Jingguo delightedly said and winked at Sheng Li, who chuckled. Xiao Zhan and Wang Hao were shocked to learn that.


    "Why did you not tell us earlier?" Xiao Zhan asked.


    "I will talk to youter. I have to go uphill," Sheng Li told them.


    "May I ask why, your highness?" Wang Hao asked.


    "Lili has asked something to bring me from the mountain," Sheng Li replied.


    "What did she ask you to bring?" Hu Jingguo was curious to know.


    "She asked me to bring Middlemist Red Camellia Flower. She has asked something from me for the first time, so I need to bring it from there," Sheng Li asserted. Hu Jingguo nodded and told him to go.


    "Your highness, it''s in the Pce Garden. Why are you going to the uphill when it is easily avable in the Imperial Garden," Wang Hao pronounced.


    "What? But she said that you told her it only grows in the mountain," Sheng Li frowned and his grips on the rein tightened.


    "Lili made a fool of yours. Sheng Li, how could you not know that the flower grows in the Imperial Pce?" Hu Jingguo mocked Sheng Li whileughing, who red at him. Right away, Hu Jingguo suppressed hisugh.


    Sheng Li pulled the reins and rode Kongqi back to the Imperial ce. Wang Hao, Xiao Zhan and Hu Jingguo started riding their horses and followed the Crown Prince to the Pce.


    "Why did you lie to me?" Sheng Li wondered.

 Chapter 347 - Do Not Abuse Your Powers

    <h4>Chapter 347 - Do Not Abuse Your Powers</h4>


    The Chief Pce Maid, Lady Yefei, came to the room allotted to Chuntao with her two assistants. Chuntao, who was tidying her clothes, left the work and stood straight in front of Lady Yefei. She had lowered her eyes as she heard Lady Yefei speaking to her.


    "You will not work for the Fourth Prince. You are transferred to work in the Empress''s manor," Lady Yefei informed her. Chuntao lifted her eyes, but then immediately lowered them.


    "Lady Yefei, I am brought to the Pce by the Fourth Prince and was told to work for him for a year," Chuntao skeptically enquired.


    "This is the Pce. Since the ession of the new Empress, several things have changed in the Pce upon her orders. Are you raising question on the decision taken by her majesty?" Lady Yefei''s expressions were stern, and it appeared that as the Chief Pce Maid, she was also not happy seeing Chuntao working for the Fourth Prince.


    "I do not dare to question the decision of her majesty. Forgive me for my behavior, Lady Yefei," Chuntao asserted.


    "The Empress wants to meet you. Come with me," Lady Yefei stated, and turned to go. Chuntao quickly wore her shoes and followed her. After some time, they reached outside the manor of the Empress. Chuntao was mesmerized to see the ce. She had only heard from Mo Jie, but she never knew that the Empress''s manor was no less than a ce in heaven.


    "What are you staring at?" Lady Yefei scolded Chuntao.


    "Nothing," Chuntao replied.


    "Be respectful and graceful in front of the Empress," Lady Yefei stated and walked in, followed by Chuntao. Empress Deng Hui was seated on the chaise, eating grapes. She saw Lady Yefei and a petite girl walking behind her.


    "Your Majesty, this is Chuntao," Lady Yefei introduced her. Chuntao stepped forward and bowed. She was on her knees while her head was touching the ground. "Greetings to the Empress. I am Chuntao." She was respectful and graceful as she was told to.


    Deng Huimanded the maidservants to leave except Lady Yefei and Chuntao. After they left, Deng Hui told her to stand up. "I have been informed that my son has taken you to the Pce," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Yes, your majesty."


    "The real reason for your transfer to my manor is some strange rumors I heard about you with the Fourth Prince. Prince Nianzu is getting married soon and I do not want a servant girl to tail him. It''s a disgrace to his reputation," Deng Hui forwarded her views. Chuntao was dejected to learn about that.


    "Your Majesty, on the day she was in the music room with the Prince. The Prince never allowed anyone to enter there. I want you to punish the girl for forgetting her ce," Lady Yefei requested Empress Hui. Chuntao clutched her dress. Why was it happening? She did not know.


    "Your Majesty, his highness had injured his fingers, so I only applied the ointment. I did not enter the room until his highness permitted me," Chuntao defended herself. She had heard how badly the Pce servants were punished for their mistakes. But she did not make any mistake then why was she asked to be punished?


    "Injured his fingers! Why?" Deng Hui was bewildered and at the same time worried.


    "His highness was ying the zither, and the strings broke," Chuntao immediately answered.


    "How can a servant touch his highness? What kind of medicine did you apply? Why did you not call the Royal Physician?" Lady Yefei inquired from her. Chuntao felt as if she hadmitted a crime by doing that. She did not know that going to the music room and doing all this would bring doom to her.


    "Answer," Deng Hui ordered Chuntao, who was lost in her thoughts.


    "Your Majesty, his highness does not like to call the Royal Physician. So, I did the dressing. Forgive me, your majesty. I did not know that I could not do this," Chuntao humbly said.


    Deng Hui knew about this, so she forgave Chuntao. "Since you will not work there anymore, I forgive you. This is thest time I am hearingin about you. If you make a mistake, you will be punished without any second chance. You are not allowed to go to the Eastern Pce from now on," Deng Hui passed her order. Chuntao nodded and thanked the Empress for forgiving her mistake.


    Chuntao had a doubt, so she gathered her courage and said, "May I ask a question, your majesty?"


    "Yes," Deng Hui permitted her.


    "Can I leave the Pce after one year?" Chuntao stated.


    "Servants cannot leave the Pce! And you have to pay the debts which the Prince paid for you," Deng Hui replied. Chuntao was disheartened to learn about that. She was told by the Fourth Prince that she could leave after a year, then why?


    "Mother, you cannot decide for her," they heard a familiar voice. Both Deng Hui and Lady Yefei nced towards the third door where Nianzu was standing. Chuntao was still on her knees and her head was lowered. Nianzu came inside and greeted his mother first before speaking to her.


    "Do not abuse your powers over my people," Nianzu proimed and red at Lady Yefei. "I brought Miss Chuntao for my work so, only I have the right to make decisions regarding her." Nianzu was furious at his mother, but he could not be disrespectful to her.


    "Prince Nianzu, intervening in the Inner Pce-"


    "I am not intervening," Nianzu cut the words of Lady Yefei. "Leave everyone. I need to talk to my mother," Nianzumanded in a loud voice. Chuntao stood up and turned to leave when she heard Nianzu, "Wait for me in my chamber."


    Deng Hui narrowly gazed at Chuntao who had gone out.


    Nianzu red at his mother as soon as Lady Yefei and Chuntao left the chamber. "I did not know that you are no less than thete Empress Wei. At least, she did not intervene in my life the way you do. Do you know what I hate about the Late Empress Wei?" Deng Hui waited for him to answer. "Because she abused her powers. I could not do anything because I was called a son of the concubine, but not anymore. If I caught you doing something wrong, I would be the first one who would raise his voice against you," Nianzu warned Deng Hui.

 Chapter 348 - Some People Are Not Meant To Be Together

    <h4>Chapter 348 - Some People Are Not Meant To Be Together</h4>


    Deng Hui wore a smile on her lips and stood up from the chaise. "Prince, your mother is not abusing her powers. I did what I was told. How can I let rumors spread about you? Do you know what people are saying? That you brought a girl from the vige-"


    Nianzu cut the words of his mother in the middle. "I do not care what the other people are saying. I also do not believe these groundless rumors. I respect you, it does not mean that I let you decide on my life. And, do not even think about making me marry the woman of your desire. Father has given me the time to think about my marriage," Nianzu affirmed. "The other day Minister Gu Zhenya was here. I do not know what you are nning with him, but trust me, if I smell something wrong, I will request myself to dethrone you. So, work with utmost honesty," Nianzu''s words appeared threatening to Deng Hui.


    "I will not do anything wrong. I have never been given such a big responsibility that''s why I am learning from others. Minister Zhenya was only thinking about you," Deng Hui rified herself. Nianzu was still skeptical about the words of his mother. Her actions differedpletely from her words. He did not want to argue with her anymore, so he took his leave.


    Arriving outside his chamber, Nianzu asked Eunuch Chung about Chuntao. "My Master, Chuntao is waiting for you inside," Eunuch Chung replied. Nianzu nodded and walked in. He saw Chuntao was pacing in nervousness in the chamber.


    "Forgive me for letting you fall in this trouble," Nianzu first apologized. Chuntao immediately halted at her ce and bowed. Nianzu walked to her and asked her if she was fine.


    "Yes, your highness. His Highness does not need to apologize. I was the one who created troubles for you. I should have been within my limits," Chuntao stated and lifted her eyes. Nianzu was standing tall in front of her. There was something strange in the eyes of Nianzu.


    "You never crossed your limits. When people get jealous, they spread rumors," Nianzu stated.


    "Why would people be jealous of this lowly person? I have nothing," Chuntao asserted. Nianzu deeply gazed at her.


    "You are wrong. You are not lowly either. There is something in you that''s why I told you to work for me. Since you are close to a Prince, that became the reason for jealousy among the people," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao understood the meaning of Nianzu now. She fidgeted her fingers out of nervousness.


    "Your highness, I want to say something," Chuntao stated.


    "Hmm. Say."


    "I want to leave the Pce. The new administrative policies have been set up and implemented throughout the Han Empire. Even my vige situation is improving. My friend told me how expeditiously the new policies have been adopted there." There was a bright smile on her lips as if she seeded in a big task.


    Nianzu was afraid of letting her go. He did not want her to go but if he would not then it would be difficult for her. ''The woman he loves, he does not want her to get affected or harmed in any way.'' Every time, he could not save her. Nianzu had a deep contemtion after conversing with Sheng Li. He indeed started loving her and he did not realize when it all happened. Nianzu could not either want to step back from the marriage proposal that hade for him. He wanted to make his father happy by fulfilling his wish and also wanted to pay back the King of Huan Province by marrying his daughter.


    "Your highness, one day or the other I need to leave the Pce. Then, why not, now? I can take care of myself and-" Chuntao could notplete her words when Nianzu pulled her into a hug.


    It was shocking for Chuntao and she ced her hands on his arms to push Nianzu away, but he did not let her go. "I know you are a grown-up. I will send you away. Do not talk about clearing debts. In this short period of time, you brought out my true self and I loved conversing with you. I found a friend in you with whom I loved sharing everything. I will miss your presence," Nianzu stated as his arms tightly wrapped her, drawing her closer.


    Chuntao curled up her fingers. In the toughest time, the Fourth Prince gave her shelter, protection, and warmth. He not only saved her from turning into an entertainer but also saved her from the aftermath. She had never thought that she would ever learn Chinese, philosophy, and music! The Fourth Prince indeed changed her life. There were strange feelings towards the Prince in her heart which she never wanted to ept because she was a lowborn and she still would not ept them. But this hug was enough for her. She lifted her arms and ced them on the back of Nianzu. She caressed his back.


    "Thank you, your highness. I will also miss you. You gave me a new life." Chuntao had fallen short of words. Her eyes had turned watery, but she could not be emotional at this moment. Nianzu pulled back and turned himself away.


    "Leave. I will not see you. Take care of yourself. If you need any help in the future, I will send Chung to you," Nianzu stated. His hands were behind his back and had clenched his fists. "Leave. Don''t look back, else I will not let you go. You have to stay in the Pce throughout your life then," Nianzu pronounced.


    Chuntao stepped back, turned, and walked out from there. A tear fell from the eye of Nianzu and he closed both his eyes. Something came to mind. He picked something from the table there and ran behind Chuntao. As he came out of the chamber, he asked Chung, who pointed the finger towards the left. Nianzu, without wasting any second, ran after Chuntao and saw her walking away. "Miss," he called her. Chuntao halted at her ce and turned to look at him. Nianzu walked to her and forwarded his hand, which had a tassel.


    "I forgot to give you this. This is a farewell gift from my side," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao looked at his hand and the tassel. It was a Royal Tessel. A circr porcin red-colored ring and beads are attached to it. "If you fall in any trouble, you can show it. Take it," Nianzu pushed his hand towards her, his eyes glistening.


    Chuntao picked it up and thanked him. "Sadly, I do not have anything to give to his highness," Chuntao stated.


    "You have already given me something," Nianzu thought while peering at her. "Go! The evening will fall soon and you might gette for your home. Lock it from inside at night and yes¡­" Nianzu took out a pouch full of coins from his pocket. "...take this too. It''s your wage. Don''t refuse it. It''s the money earned by your hard work," Nianzu pronounced. Chuntao could not hold her tears and started crying.


    "You are such a nice person, Fourth Prince. I will¡­ I will¡­" Her voice choked, and she lowered her eyes. Nianzu patted her head and told her not to cry. With the thumb, he wiped her tears from the cheeks. "Don''t cry," Nianzu said. Chuntao suppressed her sobbings and looked into his eyes. Nianzu pulled his hand back and gestured to her to go away. Chuntao nodded and soon left his sight. Nianzu heaved a sigh as he watched her leave. "This is to protect you. I wish I could be with you, but some people are not meant to be there together," Nianzu murmured. He started crying and went to the watchtower to see her view for thest time.


    Half an hourter, Nianzu saw Chuntao at the Fu Imperial Gates from the high watchtower. His eyes again turned misty. His heart was sinking with her every step outside the Gate. He knew he would never see her anymore or might see her privately, but not from the front. ''Go stop her,'' his inner voice told him but he did not. ''She might lose her life if I stop her today. I will be happy to watch her from far away rather than not seeing her ever again,'' Nianzu told himself.

 Chapter 349 - Undress In The Open!

    <h4>Chapter 349 - Undress In The Open!</h4>


    Sheng Li told the gardener in the Imperial Garden to show him Middlemist Red Camellia flowers. The gardener took the Crown Prince inside the Imperial Garden and showed him the flower. Sheng Li plucked one and looked at it. ''What could be its meaning?'' Sheng Li thought. But before that, he needed to find out why Ying Lili lied to him.


    He went to the Zhenzhu Inn first. Court Lady Xu was shocked to see the Crown Prince there. She did not expect him to return so early. She bowed as the Crown Prince approached her. Sheng Li turned towards the door and the maidservants opened it.


    Before Sheng Li could step in, Court Lady Xu stopped him. "Your highness, the Crown Princess is not inside," Court Lady Xu informed the Crown Prince. Sheng Li raised an eyebrow and asked her the whereabouts of the Crown Princess.


    "Her highness is in your manor, your highness." The Court Lady could not hide the truth anymore from the Crown Prince.


    "My manor? But, why?" Sheng Li asked the Court Lady.


    "Kind apologies, your highness, but I cannot say this. His highness shall go there and check," Court Lady Xu asserted. She did not want to ruin the surprise on which the Crown Princess was working for many days.


    Sheng Li furrowed his brows and left for his manor. The soldiers, seeing the Crown Prince bowed their heads. Sheng Li quickly climbed the stairs and walked inside the manor. Entering the chamber, he saw the door of the left side was opened. He took steps towards it and heard a few voices. The most prominent voice was of Ying Lili.


    "Crown Prince is nothing like he is described by everyone. If he would be a heartless person then, I would not have even done this. Unlike all the men I have met, he is the bravest and full of warmth. We two had a different way of thinking but he never forced his thinking on me. He stood for me and protected me without my knowledge." Sheng Li heard Ying Lili and smiled a little. His heart fluttered upon hearing those words for him.


    "Crown Princess, let me help you in hanging the remainingnterns," a maidservant requested. "You are our mistress whom we shall not let work. The Crown Prince will not feel good if he will see her highness working," the maidservant suggested.


    "He will feel good. He loves seeing me like this. I want to decorate this entire ce without any help," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li quietly entered the porch. He saw Ying Lili on adder, tying thenterns around the woodenmppost.


    Xing-Fu and the maidservants saw the Crown Prince, astonished and terrified at the same time. Sheng Li brought his forefinger on his lips and gestured to them with the other hand to leave. They all left quietly while Ying Lili kept talking to them.


    "Give me an oilmp," Ying Lili extended her hand back, while her other hand was still working on thentern. Sheng Li looked at the table where two oilmps were put, probably thest one. He picked it and went towards thedder. Quietly, he handed that to Ying Lili, who put the oilmp inside the redntern. Sheng Li looked around the porch, which hadpletely changed from earlier. His heart was fluttering by seeing all the decorations. He wondered when Ying Lili did that!


    "Allnterns are hanged. Sheng Li will be happy to see this surprise," Ying Lili murmured and asked for thestntern. Sheng Li picked it and saw a peacock painting on it. ''Did she draw it?'' Sheng Li thought and handed thentern carefully to her. Ying Lili stepped on thest step of thedder to reach the top of themppost. Sheng Li saw she was struggling to reach the height. He picked the tiny oilmp and went towards her.


    He stepped on thedder when Ying Lili felt the increase in weight on thedder. "I will do it myself," Ying Lili again said, without looking at her back, climbing thedder. She found the hand reached out to the top and her back was pressed against the familiar body. She tilted her head, shocked to see Sheng Li.


    "I like the surprise," Sheng Li had stopped tying thentern on the top of themppost and had also put the oilmp inside it. He then gazed at Ying Lili, who was staring at him. The Middlemist Red Camellia Flower was in his sash. He took it out and put it inside Ying Lili''s hair bun. "It is not a good way to send your husband away and n surprises for him," Sheng Li asserted. "Love, passion, excellence, and loyalty- this is represented by this flower," Sheng Li even told her the meaning.


    Ying Lili''s lips quivered as her surprise was ruined. She stepped down thedder when she stumbled. "Ahh," she screamed as both of them fell towards the ground. Sheng Li wrapped his arms around her waist and fell on his back on the green grassy ground. Thedder too fell, which was going to hit Ying Lili''s back when Sheng Li acted swiftly. He flipped her, and she was now on the ground while he was hovering over her.


    Thedder hit Sheng Li''s back. Because of the hit, he was pushed closer to Ying Lili who had tightly squeezed her eyes. "Ahh," Sheng Li winced in pain. Hearing his cry, Ying Lili opened her eyes and saw thedder had hit him.


    "Sheng Li," She worriedly said, who pushed the heavydder aside. Heid beside Ying Lili, spreading his arms out. Ying Lili quickly pushed herself up and touched his face. "Are you okay? Where did you get hurt? Let me see."


    Xing-Fu had alsoe there after hearing the scream of the Crown Princess. "Your highness," he called and descended the stairs.


    "Leave us alone. I am fine," Sheng Li loudly said. Xing-Fu did not step forward and left.


    "You are not fine. Thatdder hit your back. Show me," Ying Lili grabbed his arm and tried pulling him up. Sheng Li chuckled and pulled Ying Lili down and locked her between his arms.


    "You want me to undress here in the open." A smirk appeared on his lips.

 Chapter 350 - I Will Indeed Tie You Up!

    <h4>Chapter 350 - I Will Indeed Tie You Up!</h4>


    Ying Lili pushed him up and sat on the ground. "Are you done teasing me? It hit so hard. Let''s go inside. I will check," Ying Lili grabbed his hand and was ready to stand up when Sheng Li pulled her down.


    "I am not teasing you," Sheng Li looked towards the water pool and continued, "We two can y in the pool and then you can examine my back." Sheng Li reached his hand towards her hair bun and pulled out the Middlemist Red Camellia.


    Sheng Li looked around and saw Ying Lili had nted the Red Camellia there. "You made a fool of me! The flower grows in the Imperial Garden," Sheng Li stated.


    "How did you find out the meaning? Did you ask the gardener?" Ying Lili folded her arms. Sheng Liughed upon hearing her questions.


    "My brain acted, and I recalled what my teacher told me once. Love, Passion, Excellence, and Loyalty," Sheng Li repeated the meaning and traced Ying Lili''s face with the flower.


    Ying Lili pushed his hand aside and asked, "Who told you about this?"


    Sheng Li saw that Ying Lili was annoyed because her surprise was ruined. "Forgive me. I ruined your surprise. But, when did you prepare all this?" Sheng Li looked around. The smile did not leave his lips. The sky had turned red and the night was falling. "It''s surprising that I could not find out about this. It appears that my servants are more loyal to you than me. Nobody informed me," Sheng Li asserted and put back the Camellia into her hair bun.


    "But what''s the use? The surprise is ruined. I had thought of many things, but now I cannot do that," proimed Ying Lili and averted her gaze from him.


    "Lili, you should not have taken Wang Hao''s name. He is back, and I encountered him." Ying Lili turned her head and looked at him. "He told me that the Camellia blooms in the Imperial Garden. I had gone to the mountains, but Wang Hao ruined it. Scold him instead of me. Get angry at him," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "They are back!" Ying Lili was astonished. "How is Hu Jingguo?" Ying Lili asked him.


    The smile on Sheng Li''s lips disappeared. "He is alright," he replied monotonously. Ying Lili smiled upon knowing about that.


    "I am going to see him," Ying Lili mumbled and stood up when Sheng Li grasped her hand. "Leave," Ying Lili red at him when Sheng Li pulled her down. He tightly wrapped his hands around Ying Lili, making her sit on hisp.


    "I will tie you up to that pir if you keep acting this way," Sheng Li threatened her.


    "You will never do this. Leave me. I need to go," Ying Lili screamed. She moved her legs in the air when Sheng Li with his other hand, put them down and the next second he was pinning her to the ground.


    "I will indeed tie you up, Wildcat! You nned a surprise for me and are now leaving me in the middle. This is bad. Meet him tomorrow because this evening is ours," Sheng Li affirmed, grinning at her.


    "But isn''t the surprise already ruined? Enjoy your evening yourself. I will not stay here tonight," Ying Lili asserted and averted her gaze. Her legs were still moving beneath him. Sheng Li locked them with his legs and put his fingers under her chin.


    Making her look at him, he said, "Who said it is ruined? I did not even check itpletely. My focus has been on you for a long time. It happens to me. Whenever you are around, even the most beautiful thing appears dull to me in front of you." Ying Lili''s lips moved up, however she suppressed her smile.


    "Are you trying to say I am not the most beautiful woman but because you love me I look beautiful to you?" Ying Lili raised her eyebrow. Sheng Li chuckled and clicked the tongue from the top of his mouth''s roof.


    "I did not mean that," Sheng Li stated. "I mean you decorated this ce so beautifully but it failed to grab my attention because you took all the attention," Sheng Li rified the meaning of his words. "Throw away this anger. You wanted to give me more surprises, right? I will keep my eyes shut and you can prepare for that. I would like to see how it feels to be surprised a second time," Sheng Li expressed his wish.


    Ying Lili''s anger had gone away by now. She gripped the cors of Sheng Li''s robes and pulled him down. Their lips met, shocking Sheng Li for a second. Ying Lili pulled back and gazed into his eyes. The two smiled as their lips again met, and gently kissed each other.


    Ying Lili ced her index finger between their lips, thus stopping him from kissing her. "I still have a few things left to do," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li nodded and made her sit. "Close your eyes and do not open them if you do not want to make me angry," Ying Lili stroked her soft palm over his eyes. Sheng Li closed them upon Ying Lili''smand.


    Ying Lili stood up and went inside. Sheng Li slightly opened his eyes but did not find her. "Where did she go?" He murmured when he heard her footsteps. He closed his eyes again. Ying Lili had a tray in her hand in which there was a wine jar and two porcin cups.


    She ced them on the circr carved table with two circr seats around it. An umbre-shaped shelter was made to protect it from the rain. She put the tray there and asked Sheng Li to open his eyes.


    Immediately, he opened them and looked at Ying Lili, who was preparing the tea. He went to her and keenly observed her.


    "Have a seat. Let''s drink wine today," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li with a bewildered expression gawked at her.


    "What happened? You are asking me to drink wine with you! It is so... strange," Sheng Li, taking a pause, said.


    "Why is it strange? Couples do drink wine together and spend their time ying games. We will y a board game as well. It will be fun to y under the dark sky andntern lights. Oh, I almost forgot that I need to light thenterns first!" Ying Lili stated.


    "I will do that. You shall take your seat, Lili. This ce is looking great." Sheng Li moved close to her and nted a kiss on her forehead. "Let your husband do the rest of the work," he said.

 Chapter 351 - I Am Worried

    <h4>Chapter 351 - I Am Worried</h4>


    Sheng Li had lit the oilmps inside thenterns. The porch was illuminated with rednterns. Ying Lili was still on the stool, waiting for Sheng Li to sit. As soon as he was done, he came to Ying Lili and sat opposite her, facing her. "Aren''t we going to y a board game?" Sheng Li queried.


    Ying Lili shook her head. "I have changed my mind. We will have our dinner first and then we will drink," Ying Lili pronounced. She called Xing-Fu and told him to send the dinner for them.


    Sheng Li opened the lid of the jar and smelled the wine. "It is a strong one," Sheng Li lifted his eyes and looked at Ying Lili, "Are you nning to get drunk?"


    "No. Brother Wanxi told me that you like this wine. Last time I had wine with you, which was stronger than this. I will not get drunk this time," Ying Lili confidently replied. The maidservants came there and served them dinner. Tasting the food, they told the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to start.


    "Leave us," Sheng Li told the maidservants. He picked the chopstick and ced a few slices of cooked meat on Ying Lili''s te. "Eat," He said and also put the rice bowl and soup bowl in front of her. She started eating, followed by Sheng Li.


    "I found the same painting of mine in your chamber. Did you ask the Royal Painter to make two paintings?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Yes. I also needed one," Sheng Li answered and picked the boiled beans. He ate them and looked at Ying Lili. "You shall eat beans too. It will increase your immunity," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "I do not like them. The taste of my mouth vanishes after eating them," Ying Lili''s answer made Sheng Liugh. She used to sometimes act like a child. He used to think he was picky about the food, but then he found Ying Lili who was more than him.


    Soon they finished their meals, and the maidservants cleaned the table, taking away the utensils. Sheng Li grabbed the wine jar and poured the drinks for them.?Handing one cup to Ying Lili, he picked the other and touched it with hers.


    Holding the cup with both hands, Ying Lili lifted it. She brought her palm closer to her mouth and drank the wine.


    "You do not need to be graceful while drinking in front of your husband," Sheng Li proimed and filled the cups again.


    "Your birthday month is approaching," Sheng Li stated. "Rainy Season will start probably in the next two weeks," he asserted.


    "Hmm." She recalled Sheng Li would leave the Pce in a few days. She could not even stop him as it was important to kill the main conspirator before he would get stronger. "You promised that you would return before my birthday. I will wait for you," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "I will. Just look after the Empire. Xiao Zhan will be here along with the othermanders. Wang Hao and I will go secretly on this mission," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You shall take Hu Jingguo with you. Do not refuse. Your wife will be worried here," Ying Lili affirmed and sipped the wine.


    "Taking him with us will lessen your worries?" Sheng Li raised his eyebrow and amusingly peered at her.


    "Yes. I know he is not as strong as you and General Wang, but he might be helpful if you or General Wang get injured," Ying Lili suggested to him. Sheng Li gulped the wine and filled the cup again. "I will tell him to apany us then," Sheng Li asserted.


    There wasplete silence between them. Sheng Li should not have talked about this as it only worried Ying Lili. But he could not help it. Other than him, no one could put an end to this. He knew Ying Lili''s worries as a wife, but as the Crown Prince, it was his duty to prevent the Han Family and the Empire from such evils.


    "Sheng Li, first you shall confirm everything. Do not take decisions in a hassle," Ying Lili advised him. This time she picked the jar and poured the wines into their respective cups. "Don''t worry about the Pce. My ears and eyes will always be open. You are right that someone is needed in the Capital and other than me no one is better. Though I know Capital will be safe, however, if anything happens, I will be ready to fight with it," Ying Lili supported Sheng Li''s decision and encouraged him.


    Sheng Li smiled and sipped the wine. "I will miss you. You have be my habit," Sheng Li stated. His left hand grasped Ying Lili''s left hand which was resting on the table. "I will leave as early as possible, probably in one or two days," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili stared into his eyes. "It means it is probably ourst night together before your departure." Sheng Li told Ying Lili toe towards him. Ying Lili stood up and went near him.?He pulled her down and made her sit on his thigh. Ying Lili''s left hand was on his shoulder while with the right she was holding the cup.


    "Your husband is not amoner. That''s why, unlike them, he cannot enjoy his life every time. He has to take care of everyone around him. Since Tan Gengxin is raising an army against the Han Empire, without any dy I need to go and kill him before he creates any kind of plunder in the viges or cities or the provinces of the Empire," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I know. What can I do? Even if I am physically present here, my heart will always be with you. Until you return safely, I will only be worried. I cannot help it," Ying Lili whispered and kissed the middle of his forehead. She put down the cup on the table and encircled her both arms around him.


    "Now, I can understand the feelings of every warrior''s wife on the battlefield. They all pray for the safety of their husbands. But with a brave heart, they send them away," Ying Lili asserted, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Even I realized all this after you came into my life. Many of my soldiers had lost their lives during the battles. It must be difficult for their families, surviving without them. As the Crown Prince, I failed to understand all this earlier," Sheng Li affirmed and heaved a sigh. "This is thest enemy in the Empire. After this, I will probably never go into such missions," Sheng Li stated.


    He brought the cup closer to his mouth and drank the remaining wine from it. cing it on the table, he wrapped his arms around Ying Lili''s waist. "Leave it aside. This evening is not to worry about all this. Such thingse and go in life," Sheng Li stroked her hair and took a few hair strands in his fingers.


    The two look intently into each other''s eyes. "Let''s go in. It''s getting cold outside," Ying Lili stood up when she was pulled back,nding on Sheng Li''sp. She curled her fingers on his robes and felt Sheng Li''s lips on hers. The taste of wine they just had, seemed sweeter to Sheng Li while exploring Ying Lili''s mouth. They parted only to gasp for air when their lips again crashed against each other.


    Sheng Li left her lips swollen. He trailed the kisses on Ying Lili''s jawline and removed her upper jacket. He kissed her neck, sometimes would nibble the skin only to leave red marks behind. Ying Lili was moaning while her hands were roaming in the hair of Sheng Li.


    He stood up, carrying her in his arms, and dashed inside the chamber. The golden lights of the flickering oilmps had illuminated the chamber. He ced her gently on the bed. Ying Lili removed the overcoat, followed by the head essories. "You are not drunk, right?" Sheng Li asked her while helping her remove the crown.


    "No," Ying Lili replied, and pulled him into a kiss. Sheng Li felt the tears on his cheeks and he pushed her back, gently. "What happened? Why are you crying?" Sheng Li questioned him, wiping the tears.


    He cupped her face between his palms and told her to look into his eyes. She shook her head and buried her head in his chest. "I am worried. I do not know, why?" He heard her.

 Chapter 352 - Joking About My Feelings?

    <h4>Chapter 352 - Joking About My Feelings?</h4>


    Sheng Li found Ying Lili had drifted off to sleep because of the wine. He did not want this and regretted bringing about his departure. He made hery on the mattress and covered her from the nket. Caressing her forehead, he stood up and walked out of the chamber. He went straight to Hu Jingguo''s quarters as he needed to discuss things with him.


    Hu Jingguo was moving his hand over his stomach as he had just had dinner when he saw Sheng Li at the entrance. A smile carved on his lips and put his hand down. Sheng Li closed the door and came near Hu Jingguo.


    "Why did you not call me? This ce does not suit you," Hu Jingguo remarked. Sheng Li sat on the chair there and gestured to him to sit.


    Hu Jingguo pulled out a chair for him and rested on it. "It is a relief that you reached the Capital safely," Sheng Li stated. Hu Jingguo nodded and told him that he would prepare the medicine in a while.


    "Do it quick because tomorrow evening, we are leaving," Sheng Li asserted.


    Hu Jingguo drew his brows together. He had just arrived and now he had to leave again. But why? "A mission where we need to kill someone who has raised an army against the Han Empire," Sheng Li informed him before he could ask.


    Hu Jingguo was shocked to learn about that. "What? Where? Are you saying a war can happen?" Hu Jingguo inquired from him.


    "War can happen if we do not act expeditiously. Weng Wei told me about the person who aided her in her ns. He has created an army in a remote vige of the Northern Province where the poption is in hundreds," Sheng Li asserted.


    "How many areing with us?" Hu Jingguo asked.


    "Wang Hao will apany us. I do not know how many aplices Tan Gengxin has, so taking an army could be risky for us. Commander Sun will lead a piece of the army after our departure and they will be disguised so that if there will be any spies of Tan Gengxin, they will not act," Sheng Li exined to Hu Jingguo, who nodded. Sheng Li found that Hu Jingguo was tired because of the long journey, so he decided not to take his time.


    "Take a good rest. I will exin the rest of the things to you in the morning. Do not share anything with Lei Wanxi as it''s a secret mission," Sheng Li stated.


    "I know. I will not share it with him. I will prepare the medicine for his majesty tonight. With this medicine, he will recover gradually and he will survive longer," Hu Jingguo said with a smile. Sheng Li noticed his hands which were bruised. He might have touched some thorn bushes while searching for the medicinal nt.


    "Apply an ointment over your hands," Sheng Li said and walked out of his room. Hu Jingguo chuckled and looked at his hands. "He does care for me. It is unbelievable to see the Crown Prince this way. I am the most privileged person on this earth," Hu Jingguo praised himself.


    Sheng Li went to the barracks once before returning to his chamber when he found Nianzu at the Eastern Pavilion, ying the flute. The sounding from the flute showed that Nianzu was hurt. He walked to him. Hearing footsteps, Nianzu stopped ying the flute and turned to look at Sheng Li.


    "Why is the Fourth Brother ying the flute at this hour? I do not have enough knowledge of music but judging by the music you yed, it felt that Brother is missing someone or is hurt. Forgive me, if I am wrong," Sheng Li leaned himself on the broad wooden railing while waiting for Nianzu''s answer.


    "I freed her," Nianzu said. Sheng Li knitted his brows. "You were right, Brother Sheng. Keeping her close to me will only bring misfortunes to her as I am a Prince. I wish I could leave this tag of Prince in front of my name," Nianzu affirmed, with guilt in his eyes. Sheng Li sat on the railing as he decided to converse with the Fourth Prince for some time.


    "I also said that if you have enough courage, then you shall go with it," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But I am not courageous enough. Her life mighte into danger because of my status. It''s over, Brother Sheng. I will cherish the memories I had with her. Every love story cannot bepleted. She almost got punished because of me. I cannot rule out the principlesid by our forefathers," Nianzu pronounced and looked at the dark sky, covered with numerous stars.


    "Since it''s the decision of the Fourth Brother, then I will acknowledge it," Sheng Li asserted. Nianzu passed a smile to him and looked at the flute.


    "The Crown Princess might be waiting for Brother Sheng. You shall leave," Nianzu advised.


    "She has fallen asleep," replied Sheng Li.


    "The Crown Princess works hard. The administrative reforms suggested by her are indeed effective. I got a few petitions today from themoners which earlier were hard to get." Sheng Li agreed with him.


    "If it would be in my hands, I would have given Lili as equal rights as us men. She has a great intellect which Ick somewhere," Sheng Liplimented her.


    "Yes. That''s the greatest quality in her. But the norms set for women cannot be changed so easily, Brother Sheng. Maybe the uing generations will work towards it and be more open-minded," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Brother Nianzu, Brother Sheng!" A familiar voice called their names. They both turned to look at the First Prince, who had a ledger in his hand.


    "Ahh, you both do not need to stand up. Please be seated," Prince Jian stated and came towards them. He sat in their midst on the railing.


    "What''s this ledger?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "It has the records ofst one-month revenue generation," replied Jian Guozhi. He then looked at Nianzu. "You look low. What happened?" He waited for Nianzu to answer.


    "Brother has sent away the girl whom he had rescued. So, he is disheartened," Sheng Li answered before Nianzu could. Nianzu did not want to share about this.


    "Brother Sheng, some might hear this and if this goes out, then it will not be good," Nianzu worriedly said. Sheng Li snickered. He opened his mouth to speak when Lei Wanxi voiced, "No one enters the Eastern Pavilion except us brothers. It is a ce for us."


    "What is going on? I guess all the Brothers are around!" Sheng Li stated.


    "No. Brother Yu does note out after evening. His mother is so strict!" Lei Wanxi asserted and sat beside Sheng Li. He tilted his head to get a view of Nianzu. "Why did Brother Nianzu tell Sister Chuntao to leave? I was so excited when you brought Sister Chuntao to the Pce," Lei Wanxi said and pouted.


    "You are always excited! Wanxi, do not trouble the Fourth Brother. Go to your chamber," Sheng Li scolded him. Lei Wanxi clicked his tongue from the roof of his mouth.


    "I am not going anywhere, Brother Sheng. I have to make my Brother Nianzu understand that he shall not let his feelings be buried like this," Lei Wanxi stated and nced at him. Jian Guozhi smiled upon hearing the words of Lei Wanxi.


    Yongzheng and Rong Zemin also came there. "What''s the asion? All the brothers are sitting here," Yongzheng amusingly said. Lei Wanxi stood up and went near Yongzheng.


    "Second Brother, we all are here to solve the problem of the Fourth Brother. He is in a dilemma," Lei Wanxi affirmed while keeping his gaze at Nianzu, who was smiling at the childish acts of the Sixth Prince.


    "How can Brother Nianzu be in a dilemma? He is the one who gives the best advice to everyone," Rong Zemin remarked.


    "Brother, it is a matter of heart," Lei Wanxi stated and ced his hand on his chest, near the chest.


    "Brother Wanxi, just stop. You are exaggerating it," Nianzu was a bit ufortable talking about it.


    "Brother Nianzu, I am afraid, but if I get quiet today, then you cannot find the best solution," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Brother Wanxi, are you joking about my feelings?" Nianzu suddenly got angry, tensing the atmosphere. The smile from Lei Wanxi''s lips disappeared. The Fourth Prince never raised his voice on Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother, I did not intend to do that," Lei Wanxi in a low voice said and lowered his eyes. Sheng Li stood up and went near Lei Wanxi. Jian Guozhi told Nianzu to calm down.


    "You were!" Nianzu said with a menacing expression. Sheng Li intervened between them, but Nianzu ignored him too. "You never experienced this, that''s why it is like a y to you. If you do not understand, then refrain from speaking too." Nianzu had stood up from the railing. Things got heated suddenly. Lei Wanxi lifted his eyes and looked at Nianzu.


    "I only wanted to help, Brother Nianzu. I am indeed na?ve to understand all this, but I really respect your feelings. Forgive me, if I hurt you," Lei Wanxi apologized this time sincerely.

 Chapter 353 - Out Of My Way

    <h4>Chapter 353 - Out Of My Way</h4>


    Nianzu, seeing the teary eyes of Lei Wanxi, calmed down. He pinched the skin between his brows and felt guilty for raising his voice on his younger brother. Lei Wanxi was going to leave when Nianzu stopped him and went to him.


    "Forgive me." Nianzu hugged him tightly and patted back. "I should not have lost my temper," Nianzu immediately apologized for his wrong behavior. He pulled back and looked at Lei Wanxi.


    "I am not angry at you, Brother. I should have been a little careful of my words," Lei Wanxi epted his mistakes. The other Princes found out that the understanding between Nianzu and Lei Wanxi despite being half-brothers was impressive.


    "Brother Nianzu, since Lei Wanxi has already told us a few things, why don''t we discuss this? Every problem has a solution. I agree with Lei Wanxi. You shall not bury your feelings deep inside your heart," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "Maybe some other time. I am taking my leave," Nianzu stated and left the Pavilion. Lei Wanxi was disheartened as he ruined Nianzu''s mood.


    "It''s fine. By tomorrow, he will be fine," Jian Guozhi patted Lei Wanxi''s shoulder, who also left the Pavilion.


    "Is it because of the girl that the Fourth Brother has brought to the Imperial Pce?" Yongzheng finally asked to clear his doubts.


    "He has sent her away. He started liking her," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "Liking her? It''s not eptable! He is a Prince while she is just a vige girl," Yongzheng opined.


    "That''s why he sent her away, Second Brother," Rong Zemin stated. Yongzheng understood everything and looked at Sheng Li. "It''s strange to see the Crown Prince at this hour here. He is usually busy with the Crown Princess at this hour," Yongzhengmented, a smirk appearing on his lips.


    "You are right, Second Brother. I am leaving the Capital for a few days so, had gone to the barracks to check on the arrangements," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Where is the Fifth Brother going?" Rong Zemin asked, knitting his brows. The First and the Second Prince also waited for Sheng Li''s answer.


    "In the neighboring Kingdom, I have to look into military work. The Military strength is to check and also some border checks." Sheng Li told a white lie to them.


    "Shall I apany you? Checking the borders is also essential," Jian Guozhi forwarded his help.


    "No, Brother Jian. Wang Hao is apanying me," Sheng Li replied. Jian Guozhi nodded and asked about the Crown Princess.


    "She will not apany me. She is still recovering from the attack, so I do not want to put pressure on her body by taking her with me," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Everything has changed so fast in a few months. We Brothers never had a cordial rtionship, but we got closer irrespective of the circumstances," Yongzheng pronounced and looked at Sheng Li. "Forgive me for my cold behavior towards you, Brother Sheng." He lowered his head as he was apologetic towards the Crown Prince.


    Rong Zemin also asked for forgiveness as he brought his hands to his shoulders and lowered his head. "I am also ashamed of my wrong behavior towards the Fifth Brother. As the Elder Brother, I should have protected you instead of hurting you through words," Rong Zemin sincerely apologized.


    "How can I trust my two elder brothers? I do not know whether it is sincere or not! However, I learned this from Lili. Forgiveness is one of the greatest treasures a person has. Let''s end this enmity among us. Even I am apologetic to the Second and Third Brother because as a younger brother, I did not respect you two." Sheng Li raised his hands to his shoulders and joined both hands.


    They all put their hands down and lifted their respective heads. "Brother Sheng, thank you for forgiving us," Yongzheng stated and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Brother Sheng, when are you leaving tomorrow?" Jian questioned.


    "By early evening. I will be back before the Dragon Boat Festival," Sheng Li informed them.


    Jian Guozhi recalled how he used to pray for Sheng Li''s death whenever he left the Capital but this time it waspletely different. "Come soon, Brother Sheng. I wish you a safe journey. You can still consider taking me with you," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to him. "It''s just the matter of fortifying the borders. I willplete the work soon and return at the earliest. After the Crown Prince, a Governor is the one who looks after the entire Empire, so the First Brother shall not apany me," Sheng Li stated. Yongzheng and Rong Zemin agreed with him. "I shall take my leave. Good night," Sheng Li walked past them and left the pavilion.


    "We shall leave too. It''ste. Let''s see each other in the morning. Goodnight," Jian Guozhi stated, and they all left the pavilion. He reached his chamber and saw Zho Mi there, which surprised him.


    "You did not leave," Zho Mi asked and put the ledger on the table there.


    "I want to rest here tonight," Zho Mi demanded. Jian Guozhi flinched his brows. Even after five months of marriage, Jian Guozhi did not get intimate with Zho Mi. The truth was, he was still not able to decide what his heart wanted! He was still in a dilemma regarding his closeness to both of his wives.


    "Zho, I have some work tonight. Let''s sleep together some other day. I will be awake tillte night," Jian Guozhi tried escaping from it.


    "Jian Ge, you never take time for your wife. Don''t you think you are running away from your duties?" Jian Guozhi did not expect her to be straightforward. "If you keep running away from this rtionship, then the question will be raised about-"


    "I am not running away." Before Zho Mi couldplete his words, Jian Guozhi said. "Father is sick these days. I am looking after his work as well," Jian Guozhi made excuses.


    "Why do you only do the work? Isn''t the Crown Prince responsible for the work of the Father-inw?" Zho Mi asked.


    "He is, but the Crown Princess is still recovering, so, I told the Crown Prince not to worry about the work. The health of the Crown Princess is also important, and you have seen that she hardly takes care of her health so, the Crown Prince has to be around her all the time," Jian Guozhi exined to Zho Mi, to whom it was unpleasant. She saw how her husband was tense about another woman.


    She wore a smile on her lips and said, "Jian Ge is so considerate of everyone. I understood. I will see Jian Ge tomorrow," Zho Mi slightly bent her knees and lowered her head before leaving the chamber.


    Jian Guozhi heaved a sigh of relief and sat on the chaise there. Eunuch Long came inside in a few minutes and bowed.


    "Why did his highness let Lady Mi go away?" Eunuch Longined.


    "I have some work. I did not want Zho to be awake tillte," Jian Guozhi told him.


    "Your highness, you two are married for five months, yet you are not close to Lady Mi. The same goes with Consort Xue. You need to fulfill your duties and give the heirs to this nation," Eunuch Long stated. Jian Guozhi closed his eyes and brought his fingers over his forehead.


    "Eunuch Long, I know my duties as a husband. Let this week pass, and I will indeed take out the time for my both wives," Jian Guozhi assured Eunuch Long, who bowed. "Inform Lady Mi that I wille to her chamber after two days," Jian Guozhi stated. Eunuch Long was happy to hear that and walked out of the chamber.


    ~~~~


    Zho Mi, inside her chamber, stabbed the knife in a pillow many times. "I want to stab her like this," she said and continued stabbing into the pillow. "Why does he care about her? Does she still talk to my husband? How could she act like this? She already has the Crown Prince, then why is she eyeing my husband?" Zho Mi muttered. She threw the knife, and it hit the wooden door. The maidservants standing outside were shrieked, seeing this.


    "I need to do something. After the Empress has gone, it seems no one has the dare to kill her. I have a n, but I am finding a good opportunity to implement that," she mumbled and sat on the mattress.


    An evil grin appeared on her face. "Xue Yu-Yan will be bait this time. I will hurt Ying Lili, but the person who will be used is Xue Yu-Yan! The Crown Prince will be furious and then-" Zho Mi picked another knife from the bedside table and continued, "then he will kill her with his sword. This way Xue Yu-Yan will be out of my way forever, and also Ying Lili will lose her life. Poor Crown Prince will be a mad lover and give up his position. Then, Jian Ge will get the throne, and everything will be cleared of our way."


    Zho Miughed while thinking all this when her personal assistant came inside. Zho Mi stoppedughing and nced at her. "Mydy, the Prince has sent a message for you. He wille to you after two days to spend a night with you," she informed her mistress. Zho Mi was delighted to hear that and told her to leave. Sheid down on the bed and smiled brightly.


    ~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Last week I could not mass release because of my sickness. I will upload 5 chapters this Monday on reaching the first goal of 50 Golden Tickets in a week. Thank you for the support.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 354 - I Am A Born Slave

    <h4>Chapter 354 - I Am A Born ve</h4>


    Ying Lili opened her eyes and brought her fingers to her eyes. Rubbing them, she recalledst night''s incident where she was with Sheng Li, kissed him, and cked out. She turned her head and found Sheng Li beside her, sleeping.


    cing her palm over his cheek, she caressed it. Sheng Li gradually opened his eyes when Ying Lili pulled her hand back. "Did I disturb your sleep?" Ying Lili knitted her brows.


    "Your touch is like a feather," Sheng Li stated. He moved closer to Ying Lili and embraced her. "You fell asleepst night. Why did you even ask to drink wine!?" Sheng Li was disappointed.


    "I did not know it would happen. You also stopped drinking wine, so I thought to drink with you. But I was in my senses," Ying Lili tried proving herself.


    Sheng Li moved the back of his index finger on her nose and put it under her chin. "A drunk person is not in his senses. I did not want to do anything to you in that drunkard state," Sheng Li proimed and captured her lips. He pulled back and again kissed her. He did the same while Ying Lili giggled.


    "What are you doing?" Sheined while giggling. Sheng Li leaned back. He was happy to see her smile. Last night when she cried before passing out, his heart sank. Ying Lili stoppedughing after a while.


    "We shall freshen up," Ying Lili suggested.


    Sheng Li raised his eyebrow, and a grin appeared on his face. "Wash me up then. It has been a while since we bathed together," Sheng Li suggested while ying with her hair strands.


    Ying Lili, after thinking for a while agreed with him. Sheng Li called in Xing-Fu and told him to escort Ying Lili to Zhenzhu Inn. Xing-Fu waited for Ying Lili at the door. A few minutester, she came outside and left with him.


    Sheng Li tied the knot of his robes when a maidservant came inside. "Your highness, the Second Royal Physician has sent a message. He has prepared the medicine and is waiting for you to give your orders to feed the medicine to his majesty."


    "He is permitted," ordered Sheng Li.


    The maidservant bowed and walked out of the chamber. ''I just pray that this medicine will effectively cure my father''s illness,'' Sheng Li told himself, and went to the washroom.


    Hu Jingguo was seated in front of the Emperor on a bamboo stool received the order of the Crown Prince. He put the powder on a spoon. Dipping the tip of his finger in the water bowl, he poured the drop over the spoon, thus mixing it with the powder.


    Eunuch Jin was keenly observing Hu Jingguo. "Your Majesty, it is ready. Please open your mouth," Hu Jingguo humbly requested as he stood up from the stool, forwarding the spoon to Han Wenji.


    The Emperor opened his mouth and sipped the medicine. It was bitter, so he squeezed his eyes tightly. Immediately Hu Jingguo brought the silver ss closer to Han Wenji''s mouth. "Drink this, your majesty." Han Wenji grabbed the ss and drank the water quickly. Eunuch Jin caressed the back of the Emperor as he drank the water.


    He handed the ss to Hu Jingguo, who took the ss and put it on the table. "In the beginning, it will take time. But once it starts doing its work, his majesty illness be cured," affirmed Hu Jingguo. Han Wenji nodded andid back on the bed.


    Eunuch Jin thanked Hu Jingguo, who smiled and said, "It is my duty. You do not need to express your gratitude, Eunuch Jin." Han Wenji was impressed seeing the generosity of Hu Jingguo. He met only a few people with such quality. "Juyan City indeed has some of the finest jewels in it," Han Wenji pronounced. "Physician Hu, what do your parents do? They must be proud of their son," Han Wenji smiled.


    "They were ves, your Majesty." The smile on his lips slowly faded away. Han Wenji and Eunuch Jin were shocked to learn the truth.


    "A ve can never get free from his master. Then, how did you get free?" Eunuch Jin questioned. In those times, a child born from ves would always be a ve with no rights.


    "The Crown Princess saved me from my oppressive master. My parents died after they got punished. I do not even remember what crime they have done that they got thrashed so brutally. They sumbed to injuries," Hu Jingguo asserted.


    "What is the upation of your master, and what is his name?" Han Wenji asked.


    "He is the reputed Landlord in the capital of Juyan. His name is Kong Peng," Hu Jingguo replied.


    "Did thete King of Juyan punish him?" Han Wenji queried.


    Hu Jingguo stared at the Emperor for a few seconds before lowering his head. "I am a born ve, your majesty. A King cannot punish the Landlord because of a ve. I am delighted by the fact that he, on the Crown Princess''s request, bought me at a higher price and freed me from that oppression," Hu Jingguo proimed.


    "Eunuch Jin, send the message to the Governor of Juyan City. Free the ves from this Landlord and publicly thrash him. Her entire property will be seized. Snatch the rights of the Landlord from him and make him and his entire family serve in the Governor''s residence as the servants," Han Wenji passed his judgment. Hu Jingguo widened his eyes upon hearing all this.


    "Your Majesty, this was not needed. I request his majesty to take his order back."


    "Hu Jingguo, you saved the life of the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and also you found the cure for my disease. This is the way I can repay you. Your selfless acts made me take this decision," Han Wenji said with a smile. Hu Jingguo nodded but somewhere he felt he did wrong by telling his past to the Emperor because the Landlord''s family would also be punished. However, he was happy as well because his parents would rest in peace and many other ves who were exploited by the Landlord.


    "I shall take my leave, Your Majesty. Please take a good rest. I wille at noon to give his majesty the second dose." Hu Jingguo stood up and bowed before leaving the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Please say no to Piracy!


    THANK YOU

 Chapter 355 - Sending You Letters

    <h4>Chapter 355 - Sending You Letters</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili came to the Emperor''s manor. Han Wenji sat up on the bed and asked the Crown Princess about her health.


    "I have recovered, Your Majesty. How is his majesty doing? Did his majesty take his medicine?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Yes. Hu Jingguo gave me the medicine earlier," replied Han Wenji and asked about their sudden visit. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and then at his father. "Father, I am leaving the Capital for a few days," Sheng Li informed Han Wenji who knitted his brows.


    "Why? What happened?" Han Wenji asked.


    Sheng Li exined everything to his father, who nodded. "Killing Tan Gengxin is necessary. You shall leave, Crown Prince. Take two moremanders with you. You cannot take any risk," Han Wenji stated.


    "Yes, father. I am leaving in the early evening and I will try my best to return as early as possible. Father, since it is a secret mission, I urge you to tell whoever asks about me that I went to the neighboring territories to look into the borders," Sheng Li suggested. Han Wenji nodded and blessed the Crown Prince.


    "The spy has returned and confirmed that he had raised an army, ammunition, and arms," Sheng Li stated. He did not want to tell his father much, not wanting him to get tense over this matter.


    "Take Jian Guozhi with you," Suddenly Han Wenji suggested.


    "I am afraid, but I do not want the First Brother to apany me. Since the situation is difficult this time, I cannot let him get involved in all this. Moreover, his presence in the Capital is more important," Sheng Li pronounced. Han Wenji acknowledged the decision of his son.


    "Do not worry about me. Like always, I will be victorious," Sheng Li confidently said, while keeping a smile on his lips. Han Wenji always praised Sheng Li for his optimism whenever battles happened. He knew his son would conquer the enemies, but as a father, he was also tense about his safety.


    "Father shall rest. We are taking our leave," Sheng Li and Ying Lili stood up from the chaise.


    Han Wenji walked to Sheng Li and hugged him tightly. "Do not let yourself get hurt. Return safely back to the home," Han Wenji patted his shoulders as they pulled away. Sheng Li bowed and then left the manor with Ying Lili.


    As they descended the stairs, Ying Lili asked him about the Court.


    "There is no Court session today," Sheng Li answered and grasped her hand, and intertwined their fingers.


    "Leave. Many eyes are on us," Ying Lili whispered.


    Sheng Li tilted his head and looked at the soldiers first, followed by the servants. "No one is watching. They are busy working and we only held hands," Sheng Li pronounced. "I will miss your touch for a few days so let me hold your hand," he then added.


    They reached the bottom of the stairs. "The weather is changing. Look, the tiny clouds are appearing," Sheng Li asserted, looking up at the clear blue sky. Ying Lili saw the feathery clouds in the sky. "Rain will pour soon," she heard him and he peered at her.


    Ying Lili pulled her hand and removed the pendant from her neck. Sheng Li confusedly watched her. "This will protect you," she rose on her toes and tugged off it around Sheng Li''s neck, "You will not feel lonely whenever you will see this and also the butterfly in your wrist." She stepped back and passed him a smile.


    Sheng Li caught her left wrist and drew her closer. Her hands rested on his shoulders. The two kept staring into each other''s eyes, reading them. "I will keep sending you letters and will wait for your messages. Don''t let yourself get hurt, else I will punish the people around you whether they will be at fault or not. Take your meals at a time and do not let a single tear fall from these pearly eyes." Ying Lili nodded her head. Sheng Li leaned to her and nted a soft kiss on top of her head.


    "Brother is getting romantic openly in front of the Emperor''s manor." Lei Wanxi voiced, who was fanning himself while smirking. Sheng Li tilted his head to nce at the Sixth Prince.


    Hu Jingguo and Lei Wanxi were smiling seeing them.


    "Are you good now? Last night Brother Nianzu scolded you!" Sheng Li stated. Lei Wanxi stopped fanning himself and put his hand down. "Brother Nianzu sent a beautiful gift for me in the morning. He even ate morning meals with me," Lei Wanxi answered.


    "Good to know. Leave," Sheng Li coldly said.


    "Why are you asking them to leave?"


    "Sister Lili, Brother wants to be alone with you...getting lovey-dovey with Sister Lili that''s why he is telling us to leave," Lei Wanxi stated. "This is wrong, Brother Sheng. You did not tell your younger brother that you are leaving the Capital. Everyone knows except me and Weng Yu. I went to your chamber but you were not there so, I came here. However, you are telling me to leave," Lei Wanxiined.


    "I am leaving in the evening. Why are you acting like a child?" Sheng Li was irritated with his whining.


    "Jingguo," Ying Lili called him and walked to him. Halting in front of him, she turned to Sheng Li and said, "I have something important to discuss with Jingguo. Talk with Brother Wanxi." Before Sheng Li could speak, Lei Wanxi went towards him and tightly grabbed his right arm.


    "Sister Lili, I will take care of Brother Sheng till you are done conversing with Hu Jingguo," stated Lei Wanxi. Sheng Li frowned and tried releasing his arm from him but Lei Wanxi was holding him firmly.


    Ying Lili passed a smile to them and left with Hu Jingguo. As she vanished from his sight, Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi to leave his arm. "I wanted to spend some time with her but you intervened. From where have you received the training to interrupt the two lovers?" Sheng Li annoyingly said and walked ahead.


    "Brother it was not intentional. Let the two friends converse. I have something important to tell you which I could not say in front of Sister Lili. That''s why I came here," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Sheng Li halted at his ce as his facial expressions turned menacing.

 Chapter 356 - Lucky For Me

    <h4>Chapter 356 - Lucky For Me</h4>


    Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo were in the Imperial Garden Pavilion. A maidservant served tea to them and stepped back. Ying Lili told Hu Jingguo to drink the tea, who picked the cup and sipped the tea. Putting the cup down, Hu Jingguo said, "It was a difficult journey. Only a few herbs grow there of this medicinal nt."


    "But, you found it," asserted Ying Lili and picked up the cup. Taking a few sips, she put it down. "This time I will not apany Sheng Li so, take care of him." Hu Jingguo lifted his eyes and saw the anxiousness in Ying Lili''s eyes for Sheng Li.


    "There will be dangers ahead, and he knows a little about the enemy. Though I know he is good at making decisions at such times but, if something happens, protect him," Ying Lili requested Hu Jingguo.


    "You do not need to make a request, Ying Lili. Even if you had not told me, I would have done that. Your husband''s life is supreme and even if I have to sacrifice my life I will do that willingly without giving a second thought," Hu Jingguo asserted with a smile.


    "But for me, your life is also supreme. Don''t let yourself get hurt. I only want you to look after him as I will not be with him," Ying Lili proimed and again raised the cup. Hu Jingguo did the same, and they both drank the remaining tea in the cups.


    Ying Lili noticed the bruises on Hu Jingguo''s hands. "Didn''t you apply ointment on them? Forward your hands," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "The Crown Prince gave me an ointmentst night. He is also funny. Giving a physician an ointment," Hu Jingguoughed. "My hands are fine. Do not worry," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "Put your hands on the table," Ying Lili repeated her words. Hu Jingguo obediently put them on the table. Ying Lili caressed both of his hands and said, "Now, the bruises will disappear soon." Hu Jingguo recalled how Ying Lili used to do the same whenever he injured himself. A smile carved on his lips but he pulled his hands back, bewildering her.


    "You cannot do this anymore. If Sheng Li sees this, he might break my hands for letting you do this," Hu Jingguo stated and crossed his arms.


    "He will not do this. Put your hands down," Ying Lili gestured to the table. However, Hu Jingguo refused. "Lili, Sheng Li will indeed get angry. And, I also do not want you to do this. Before my friend, you are the wife of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    "Tell me about the most annoying habit of your husband! When he will be back, that habit will no longer be with him. I promise to you," Hu Jingguo stated.


    Ying Lili brought her index finger under her chin and thought for a while. "Umm...I never found out if there''s an annoying habit of his!" Ying Lili proimed.


    "Ahh, there is one. He gets annoyed, as I know more about you than he knows about you. I love to tease him," Hu Jingguo stated and picked the teapot. He poured the tea for them and said, "Today his majesty passed an order to punish the Landlord who abused me and ordered to thrash my parents."


    "Really?" Ying Lili was delighted to hear that.


    "Hmm." "You are indeed lucky for me," Hu Jingguo stated and forwarded the teacup to her.


    "Even you are lucky for me," Ying Lili stated, and picked the cup.


    "You are lucky for me, Lili. You also know my birth status. I am a ve with no identity and-"


    "You were a ve with no identity. Now, you have an identity." They both heard the voice of the Crown Prince. Sheng Li came towards them and sat beside Ying Lili. "Now, everyone knows you with a name and a title - ''The Second Royal Physician''." Sheng Li gestured to a maidservant, who came forward and put the teacup on the table.


    "Don''t stare at me. Pour the tea," Sheng Li scolded Hu Jingguo, who averted his gaze and picked the teapot.


    "Why did you jump between the conversation of two friends?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.


    "Because I am also his friend. Moreover, I am the Crown Prince so, I can jump in the conversation of anyone, anywhere," Sheng Li pronounced proudly. Hu Jingguo smiled upon hearing his words.


    "Where is Brother Wanxi?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "He has gone to the market. He is such a free bird!" Sheng Li remarked and brought the cup in front of his lips. Gulping the tea, he put the cup on the table. "Even Weng Yu started working on himself, but Wanxi does not listen to me," Sheng Li shook his head.


    "Jingguo, so as a child you were abused! Your story is not any different than mine though I was a Prince so, the torture was limited," Sheng Li chuckled and looked at him. "Your parents must be proud to see you from heaven! You have be the friend of the Crown Prince and have also got many privileges," Sheng Li stated.


    Hu Jingguo passed a smile to him. "Yes. Even the Generals were shocked to learn about this truth." Sheng Li picked the teapot and poured the tea into his ss. "If I said run then you have to run. Don''t defy my orders," Suddenly Sheng Li stated.


    "I cannot leave you behind. As a friend, I can defy your orders, I believe," stated Hu Jingguo. Ying Lili found out that the two had be closer after she got attacked. Whatever was the reason behind that, she was happy for the two. It gave her relief to see Sheng Li frank with Hu Jingguo. Her worries were lessened, and she was assured now that Hu Jingguo would take care of Sheng Li. She hardly had seen Sheng Liughing unless he was with her. Hu Jingguo filled the void of a friend as well in Sheng Li''s life.

 Chapter 357 - No One Made For Me!

    <h4>Chapter 357 - No One Made For Me!</h4>


    Lei Wanxi had a dumpling stick in one hand and a fan in another hand, from which he was fanning his face. He stopped in front of the funhouse. "It has been a while since I have gone in," he mumbled and closed the fan. He finished the dumpling in his hand and threw the stick. Later, he put the fan inside the sash and walked Inside the Fun House.


    Men and women could be seen there, mostly from the upper ss. He heard the noises and followed them. Many people were surrounding a table and cheering for someone. Lei Wanxi tiptoed, trying to see what was going on! Unable to see anything, he pushed the people and came to the front of the table. To his surprise, he found two men were ying the famous board game ''Liubo''. He looked above; found women and men had stood near the wooden railing, to watch the game.


    "Meng Zhou, you shall not waste more money on this game. It is clear that I am going to win this game," Yao Yang said with a mischievous smirk on his lips.


    "Senior Yao, the game has not ended yet. Senior should not jump to conclusions this early," Meng Zhoumented.


    Lei Wanxi looked at the Board and found Yao Yang had used a trick to defeat Meng Zhou which he failed to catch. He chuckled and noticed that Yao Yang used a trick that would force everyone to see that Meng Zhou was winning, but ultimately Yao Yang had to win.


    Meng Zhou picked the porcin cup in which wine was poured and drank that. He threw the dice and made another move.


    "What is the Prince doing here?" Lei Wanxi heard a whisper near his ear. He tilted his head and saw Duan Xie, a 5th Rank officer in the Police Bureau.


    A smile appeared on the Sixth Prince''s face as he saw his childhood friend there. He put his arm around him and lightly punched on his chest. "How are you, Officer Duan?" Lei Wanxi asked. Because of the noises, his voice was not clear, so he took Duan Xie to a less noisy ce.


    They took a seat around a table. Duan Xie ordered tea for them and a light meal. "You are not in your dress, Officer Duan," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Why is the Prince calling me Officer? Just call me by my name," stated Duan Xie and called a young boy, who was taking the orders. Duan Xie gave the order of Rose tea and noodles soup. The boy went away to prepare for the order.


    "You hardlye to the Pce!" Lei Wanxiined.


    "Workload, Prince Wanxi. I cannot help that. I was thinking of visiting you tomorrow as I am on leave for a few days," proimed Duan Xie. Lei Wanxi ced his paper fan on the table. "Your lifelong dream of bing a police officer hase true. I am lucky that I was born in the Royal Family and did not need to struggle like everyone around me. Such a blessed life I have! Brother Sheng scolds me for not doing anything," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "However, no one carries the mind like you. It''s hard to find such a brain," stated Duan Xie with a smile. The server came and served them their ordered items.


    "Childhood friend, only you can understand me. I am d that I met you here," Lei Wanxi smiled and picked the teacup. Duan Xie did the same, and the two sipped the tea.


    "I am getting married in a few days," Duan Xie stated and put the cup on the table. Lei Wanxi was a little surprised to hear that but it was the marriageable age for most of the men of his age, including him.


    "Love marriage or arranged marriage?" Lei Wanxi asked curiously.


    "Love," Duan Xie replied. Lei Wanxi grinned and started teasing Duan Xie, who told him to stop. "I fell in love with her while I was in the training academy. I saw her in the market," Duan Xie stated, and blushed. Lei Wanxi was happy for his friend. The Sixth Prince recalled his stance where his father had given him a time of one year to find a woman for himself else he would marry him off with someone of his desire!


    "I have also seen many women in the market, but no one attracted me," Lei Wanxi stated and sighed. "Sometimes I think there is no one made for me with whom I can magically fall in love and romance like Brother Sheng does with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Duan Xie was surprised to learn about that.


    "Prince has many women head over heels for him. Even my soon-to-be wife was so delighted when I told her that the Sixth Prince is my childhood friend. She even told me that if her family''s status was big enough, she would have told her father to send a marriage proposal to you. I envied you for a second but then it''s the truth. Women found you charming. There must be that one woman, who will take your heart," Duan Xie encouraged Lei Wanxi, who nodded.


    "The Crown Prince has changed. I heard from many. So, it is true that it''s because of the Crown Princess?!" Duan Xie waited for Lei Wanxi to answer.


    "Yes. They are the sweetest couple I have ever seen. The moment Sister Lili entered the Pce, I knew she would change my Fifth Brother," Lei Wanxi delightedly briefed Duan Xie. He picked the chopsticks and started eating the noodles.


    "The Crown Prince hardly used to converse with me. Later, when he became General at the young age of 16, I was so shocked to see the sudden transformation in him. People used to fear him, still do but the respect for the Crown Prince is more in everyone''s heart. A woman indeed changes a man." Duan Xie picked the chopsticks when he heard Lei Wanxi.


    "Even a man changes a woman. That depends on person to person how he treats his other half," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Duan Xie agreed with him. As the two were eating, suddenly a man sat beside Lei Wanxi with a bamboo hat over his head.


    "Who are you?" Duan Xie got alerted while Lei Wanxi was confused. He moved aside to stand up when the man put his hand around the Sixth Prince''s shoulder and snatched the chopsticks from him. Before Lei Wanxi could understand, the man dipped the chopsticks in the noodle bowl and started eating.


    "That''s mine! How can you-" he stopped when the man looked into his eyes.


    "Brother, you promised me outside that you will give me a treat. How could you forget?" The man said. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows because he did not remember any such promise with this man.


    "But this is my first time seeing you. Could you please remove your arm from my shoulder?" Lei Wanxi caught his arm and tried to remove it but the man pulled him closer. Duan Xie took out the dagger but Lei Wanxi gestured to him not to do anything.


    "Help me. Some goons are behind me," the man whispered in the ear of Lei Wanxi, whose eyes turned big. He tried looking back, but the man pulled him, preventing him from looking.


    Both of his hands rested on the table to support himself. "Just help me. Pretend as if we are friends," the man stated.


    "But, how can I trust you? You know who you are-"


    The man cut his words in the middle. "See to your left. There is a man with a sword in white robes," the man whispered in Lei Wanxi''s ear. He tilted his head and found the man in white robes. "There are many like him, who want to kill me." Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. He never got stuck in such situations and he thought if the goons attacked, he would be the first one to get injured.


    "Just stay like this," the man asked for cooperation and lowered the bamboo hat over his head further down.


    Lei Wanxi stayed in that position when he heard. "There!" Before he could realize what was exactly going on, the table was broken into pieces, shocking them. Lei Wanxi fell back with the man on the floor. "Ahh," he screamed, grabbing the attention of everyone in the funhouse

 Chapter 358 - Annoyed

    <h4>Chapter 358 - Annoyed</h4>


    Lei Wanxi cried out as he fell on the floor. He heard the nking of swords and opened his eyes. The man who earlier ate the noodles from his bowl was doing a sword fight with the man in white robes. Duan Xie came to Lei Wanxi and helped him in standing up when two men came towards them to attack them.


    Duan Xie swiftly pushed Lei Wanxi behind him, preventing him from the attack, and also dodged the attack from the man. "Wanxi, leave!" Duan Xie stated. Lei Wanxi, without wasting any second, turned left to leave the Fun House when he was attacked with a spear.


    "Ahh," he screamed and brought his hands up when a high-pitched nking was heard. The same man with a bamboo conical hat defended him. Chaos had created and everyone started running out of the Fun House because tens of unidentifiable men had entered the ce. All had worn ck clothes and had covered their faces.


    Lei Wanxi was befuddled, thinking from where so many goons entered the capital. But before that, he was worried about his safety as well. How to run when the goons had surrounded them? He stood near a pir and let Duan Xie fight those goons.


    "I am the Prince so, you all should stop else-" he stopped speaking and felt a sword on his neck. "Keep Quiet. Do not lie about your identity. We have seen people calling themselves Prince," the man hoarsely said who had caught Lei Wanxi as a hostage.


    "Stop you two!" The man shouted, looking at Duan Xie and the man in a conical hat. "Drop your swords if you" He tightly pressed his fingers on Lei Wanxi''s shoulder and continued, "do not want this friend to die."


    "D-do not do anything," Lei Wanxi requested, the beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He brought his hand closer to the sword''s de and tried pushing it aside when the man shouted at him.


    "Drop your swords if you do not want him to die," the man again shouted.


    "He is the Sixth Prince so, you shall not do any harm to him," asserted Duan Xie.


    "Yes, I am the Sixth Prince. Wait, let me show your royal seal," Lei Wanxi proimed and put his hand inside the pocket, but nothing was there. He widened his eyes and checked in the other pocket. He recalled he left the seal in the chamber as he was in a hurry.


    "I forgot to bring m-my seal," he gulped but did not lose his confidence. "But I am the Sixth Prince, Lei Wanxi. Look at my clothes. These are made of the rarest silk which is avable to the Emperor''s family only."


    "Keep your mouth shut! Don''t say a single word. We know you are protecting this guy from us," the man said, looking at the man with a conical hat.


    "I do not know him. He came to us and sat beside me. Leave me else your end will be bad. If my Elder Brother, who is the Crown Prince found out about this then it will be an end for you," Lei Wanxi threatened the man who was still holding the sword on his neck.


    "They have nothing to do with me. Leave them," finally the man in a conical hat voiced. Lei Wanxi smiled and at the same time was relieved, but then the man caught his arm. He started dragging Lei Wanxi along with him.


    "Bring them to the forest side before the policee here," the man ordered his goons. He did not believe that Lei Wanxi was indeed a Prince. The Sixth Prince kept urging him to leave, but it was in vain. Since the Fun House location is far from the Capital''s Police Bureau, the police could not reach them in time.


    They were brought to an isted ce, surrounded by forest. "I do not know him. Leave me," Lei Wanxi kept struggling to get the release from the unknown man''s grip. He was pushed to the ground, his hands got injured.


    "Prince," Duan Xie worriedly shouted. But his hands were tied too. He did not bring his Seal with him so, acting stupidly could have cost him the life of Lei Wanxi.


    "You despicable woman! How dare you cheat us!" The man shouted at her. Lei Wanxi and Duan Xie were shocked to learn the truth that the man was actually a woman.


    "Leave them. They are not associated with me." The woman opened the knot of the conical hat and took it off her head. Her hair spread down till her waist as the hat was removed. She nced at Lei Wanxi, who was lying on the floor, and then looked at the man who was standing in front of him.


    "Since you are so reluctant to not give up on the illegal activities, then I think I have to kill you right now," the woman pronounced. She had a hairpin in her hand, which she took off while removing the hat and threw it at the man, whose reflex could not act in time. The hairpin pierced through his neck, making him momentarily vulnerable, and he fell to the ground.


    Before the goons could understand, the woman attacked them ferociously. Duan Xie was also freed, and he fought with the goons, killing two among them. All the goons were killed in the fierce fight. Duan Xie picked Lie Wanxi from the ground, examining him to see if he was fine.


    Oppositely, the woman went towards the leader of the goons and pulled him up by the robes. "I told you not toe behind me. If you had stopped selling the poor children at the beginning when I warned you then, it would not have happened," the woman pronounced and turned her gaze towards Duan Xie.


    "You are good at fighting. Thank you for today. Could you please tell me where the Police Bureau is?" The woman asked.


    "I''m an officer in the Police Bureau. I will show you the way, Miss," Duan Xie was ready to help.


    Lei Wanxi clenched his fist tightly. He never got annoyed with any woman except Weng Wei in his life until today. Because of her, his life came at stake. He could have died because of her. "You did not do right by involving me in all this. I will ask for the punishment from my father to punish you both," Lei Wanxi said furiously.

 Chapter 359 - Miss You Badly!

    <h4>Chapter 359 - Miss You Badly!</h4>


    "You do not seem like a Prince. Youck the skills despite being a Prince and have never trained," the woman pronounced and chuckled. "Brother, please take him to the Police Bureau and investigate the matter," the woman stated. Before Lei Wanxi could tell her to apologize to him, she left the sight, kicking the dead body, which was in her way.


    "How dare you talk to me this way? I am indeed strong," Lei Wanxi shouted. He never got irked by anyone. Duan Xie told him to calm down. "You shall go back to the Pce, Prince Wanxi. I will see youter." Lei Wanxi''s mood was already ruined by this woman. Without saying goodbye to Duan Xie, he left from there.


    Lei Wanxi reached the Pce before evening. He could have gottente because of that woman and missed meeting Sheng Li before his departure. The Sixth Prince found the Crown Prince in front of Fu Imperial Gates with everyone surrounding him.


    Lei Wanxi ran towards there, calling out the name of Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng!" Hearing his voice, everyone turned to him and was shocked to see his state. Sheng Li furrowed his eyebrows. Lei Wanxi halted in front of Sheng Li and hugged him tightly.


    "Oh, I am happy that I did not gette, Brother Sheng. Take care of yourself, Brother Sheng, and do not worry about Sister Lili. I will take care of her," Lei Wanxi whispered in the ear of Sheng Li, who was patting his back. They both pulled away when Sheng Li asked him with whom he had fought.


    "Long story, Brother Sheng! When you return to the Capital, I will narrate it to you," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "You are injured, Wanxi. Did someone try harming you?" Jian Guozhi intervened between them. Lei Wanxi turned to him and shook his head. "I fell while walking," Lei Wanxi lied.


    "Be careful. You cannot let yourself get hurt," Yongzheng stated. Lei Wanxi smiled upon seeing how much his elder brothers cared for him. Lei Wanxi went towards Nianzu and stood beside him. Nianzu put his hand around him and looked towards Sheng Li, who was conversing with the other Princes.


    Hu Jingguo came to Lei Wanxi and grabbed his hands. "Prince has injured his hands. It seems someone pushed you to the ground. We are leaving, else the Crown Prince would have broken his hands whoever did this," Jingguo stated, and pulled his hands back. Taking a tiny bottle from his pocket, he handed it to Lei Wanxi.


    "They will heal if the Prince applies it." Lei Wanxi dly took the medicine bottle from him and hugged him tightly. "You are leaving again. It''s tough to spend time with my friend. Come back soon. I have so much to tell you. I will wait for you," Lei Wanxi wished him a safe journey.


    Hu Jingguo pulled back and thanked the Sixth Prince for the wishes. He went towards Ying Lili, who was a little worried but not letting it show on her face. "We will keep sending you messages upon reaching the particr location," Hu Jingguo assured her. Ying Lili nodded and passed him a smile.


    Since there were many Regal Family members so, Hu Jingguo could not even hug Ying Lili openly. "I will patiently wait for your safe arrival. Come back soon," Ying Lili told him.


    "I will. Then, we will fly kites together. It has been such a long time since we flew thest time. There are special medicine books which I wrote all these years. You can read them. It will be useful," Hu Jingguo stated. Ying Lili hummed. She did not stop herself and hugged him tightly. Sheng Li, who was conversing with the First Prince and Second Prince saw them while the other Princes and their wives were shocked.


    Hu Jingguo put his hand on her shoulder and caressed it. "Everyone is watching us, Lili," he said. Ying Lili knew that, but she wanted to do that. The Crown Princess did not know the reason why she did that. There was a strange fear in her heart. Hu Jingguo had never been to such missions, so that could be a reason for her insecurity.


    "The Crown Princess is indeed bold. She doesn''t care about the norms set for the women," Rong Zemin remarked. Sheng Li did not say anything, as he understood why Ying Lili did that. He let her hug him.


    "The Crown Prince is not getting angry. It means that he trusts her wife a lot. The Crown Princess is indeed lucky to have such a husband," Bai Yaling said with a smile. Xue Yu-Yan agreed with her.


    Ying Lili pulled away and looked at Sheng Li, who came towards her. Hu Jingguo stepped back as the Crown Prince approached them.


    He saw tears in Ying Lili''s eyes. He knew it was for him. Whenever he went to battles, except his father, he never saw tears in the eyes of others. He found out how deeply Ying Lili loved him. She was holding back all this to give him strength. His heart once again fluttered and he took another step towards Ying Lili, leaving an infinitesimal distance between them.


    He ran his thumb over Ying Lili''s cheek, soothing her. "If you will make such a face, it will be hard for me to leave," Sheng Li whispered.


    "But you need to fulfill your duties, so you have to leave," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li nodded and leaned closer to her. Hu Jingguo lowered his eyes while the other Princes averted their gazes. The Princesses lowered their heads as they all knew what was going to happen next.


    Sheng Li ced a soft kiss on Ying Lili''s lips without thinking about his surroundings. He pulled back and looked into her eyes which were flickering. He again captured her lips and kissed her deeply. Ying Lili did not stop him or it appeared as if she had forgotten her surroundings at that time.


    They pulled back and hugged each other. "I am going to miss you badly," Sheng Li whispered in her ear. "I wish I could apany you," Ying Lili replied. The two stayed in that position until they heard Wang Hao''s voice.


    "Your highness, we need to leave, else we might gette," pronounced Wang Hao. They pulled back, but Sheng Li again pulled Ying Lili by her arm. He ced a soft kiss on her forehead and stroked her hair.


    Pulling back, he went towards Kongqi. Hopping on it, he for thest time looked at Ying Lili. Passing a smile to her, Sheng Li rode his horse while Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo followed him on their resort horses. Ying Lili started walking behind Sheng Li. The tears in her eyes finally poured down as Sheng Li left her sight. "I did not know that such a day would alsoe," she mumbled.


    Jian Guozhi came towards her. "If I tell the Crown Princess not to worry, she will not listen to me. But I can say and even assure her that the Crown Prince will be safe," Jian Guozhi stated. The other Princes had also gone towards the Crown Princess and assured her the same.

 Chapter 360 - Cannot Raise A Hand On A Woman {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 360 - Cannot Raise A Hand On A Woman {Bonus }</h4>


    "The Crown Princess''s position is tough. Watching your husband go away for weeks is just unbearable for any woman," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "We shall be with the Crown Princess in this tough time," she suggested. Zho Mi was not interested in the Crown Princess''s matter, so she took her to leave.


    Ying Lili went towards the watchtower to look at Sheng Li. Nianzu decided to follow her when he heard the galloping of a horse. The Princes too heard and saw a womaning on a horse towards the Fu Imperial Gates. Lei Wanxi, who had not forgotten the incident, recalled it again as he saw the face of the woman, who was on a horse.


    She halted her horse upon seeing the Princes. Jian Guozhi stepped forward and asked her about her identity. The woman got off the horse. The bamboo conical hat was hanging on her back.


    She lowered her eyes to introduce herself. "I am Huan Zhu Lin, the Princess of Huan Province." Lei Wanxi widened his eyes upon hearing her name while Nianzu got tense seeing the Princess of Huan in front of him.


    "Princess of Huan Province!" Yongzheng amusingly said and looked at her getup. She was in a man''s attire and her hand was on her right waist, over the hilt of the sword.


    "How could you be the Princess?" Suddenly Lei Wanxi burst out, grabbing their attention. They found him angry, which was rare to see. "Brother," Lei Wanxi turned towards the First Prince and continued, "She is the one because of whom I ended up in this state. I was caught as a hostage. The sword was hanging at my neck just because of her. I do not think that she is the Princess." Lei Wanxi blurted out everything he had in his mind.


    Zhu Lin put her hand inside her pocket and took out a seal. "This is the seal of Huan Province. Unlike someone, I did not forget to bring my seal," Zhu Lin asserted with a menacing expression. Lei Wanxi lost his temper, and he snatched the seal from her hand.


    "This is fake. Brother, do not trust her. How could you follow me here? You cannot harm me anymore as you are in the Imperial Pce. Brother, you shall punish her for hurting and injuring me," Lei Wanxi requested to Jian Guozhi, who was befuddled seeing such behavior of Lei Wanxi.


    However, he could not deny the fact that Lei Wanxi never lied on such matters. When he returned, he was not looking in a good state, which meant something serious had happened.


    "It was not my fault that you are so weak. I only asked for help from you. I had never thought that a Prince could be¡­" she stopped speaking, not wanting to say the words.


    "You cannot say such words for Brother Wanxi," Nianzu intervened between them. "He never involves himself in fights and the state in which he is today, clearly shows that something big had happened. We will discuss that matterter," Nianzu proimed and took the seal from Lei Wanxi''s hand. "It''s not fake. She is the Princess of Huan Province," stated Nianzu.


    Before he could speak further, the Empress and the Consorts arrived there to wee Zhu Lin. Zhu Lin greeted them. Deng Hui stepped forward and hugged Zhu Lin. "It is the pleasure of us to meet the future wife of the Fourth Prince. Wee Huan Zhu Lin," stated Deng Hui.


    Nianzu chuckled and walked away from there, bewildering everyone. Lei Wanxi too left as he was pissed off by Zhu Lin.


    "I will not let her marry my Fourth Brother. She might put his life in danger as well. I wanted to punch her and beat her, but s, I cannot raise a hand on a woman!" Lei Wanxi muttered while hastening towards his chamber. He saw Nianzu walking ahead of him, so he ran to him and stopped upon reaching him.


    "Brother, do not marry her." Lei Wanxi straightforwardly said.


    "I do not think I will be able to refuse. I did not know that our father would call her here," Nianzu sighed.


    "But Brother, you love Sister Chun. Marry her instead of this Princess. I hate her," Lei Wanxi loudly said. Nianzu halted and looked at Lei Wanxi. He never saw him in such a wave of anger, especially towards women.


    "My marriage with Chuntao is not possible. Maybe in the next birth, but not in this birth. I will send the Royal Physician to your chamber. Let''s see each other in the morning," Nianzu stated, and left for the watchtower, leaving Lei Wanxi behind.


    "I will not let this happen. She cannot be a part of this family," Lei Wanxi pledged and clenched his fists. "Ahh, my palms," he winced in pain because of the bruises, and went to his chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili has thest glimpse of Sheng Li from the watchtower. Xiao Zhan was standing a meter away from her. The tears in her eyes did not stop for some time. Nianzu had arrived there, but he stood beside Xiao Zhan.


    Ying Lili raised her right hand and wiped the tears off her eyes. She turned back and saw Nianzu standing with General Xiao.


    "I did not know that it would be this difficult," Ying Lili said in a low voice and lowered her eyes.


    "Brother Sheng will be back soon. Do not cry. He will not be happy if he learned about this," Nianzu sced the Crown Princess, who nodded.


    "Brother Sheng has told me to take you with us on a trip to Mount Jishi." Ying Lili lifted her head and peered into his eyes. "How can he say this? I will not go there." Her eyes were again filled with tears.


    "Brother Sheng wants you to not think about him every time. Since we all have nned a small trip to Mount Jishi, the Crown Princess shall apany us," Nianzu asserted.


    "I will not go. He is such a diplomat. He refused to take me with him, saying I shall look after the Empire from the Capital and also want me to go on a trip without him," Ying Lili proimed. "Forgive me, Brother Nianzu, for talking this way. I am already missing him," Ying Lili said in a meek voice.

 Chapter 361 - Felt No Remorse

    <h4>Chapter 361 - Felt No Remorse</h4>


    Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Hu Jingguo stopped by a forest. Wang Hao prepared a tent house for them to spend a night there while Hu Jingguo helped him. Oppositely, Sheng Li was seated on the rock and was in deep thoughts.


    "He is missing the Crown Princess. I have never seen him like this," Wang Hao said while trying the rope of the tent on a paling which was put under the ground.


    "Sheng Li, why do you not light the fire?" Hu Jingguo handed him a task, diverting his mind from Ying Lili. Sheng Li turned to look at him and nodded. He gathered the wooden sticks and a few dead leaves. Rubbing the two pebbles, he lit the tiny heap of dead leaves first that ignited the fire in the wooden sticks. Hu Jingguo and Wang Hao had set up the tent house.


    Wang Hao brought the meal boxes that the Crown Princess had packed for them. He gave the meal box to Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo, who sat down on the ground. Wang Hao gave the grains to the horses as well before sitting beside Sheng Li.


    ''Did she take her meal?'' Sheng Li thought, looking at the rice cakes and the meatballs.


    "Your highness, you shall start," Wang Hao wanted the Crown Prince to eat before them. Sheng Li gazed at him while Hu Jingguo stopped eating.


    "Lili does not take her meals without me. She might have told me that she will take care of herself, but I feel like she will be careless towards her health. She is as stubborn as me, so she will not listen to anyone there either," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Hu Jingguo snickered and said, "Lili will not act carelessly. She has to look after the Capital in your absence. You shall eat. Your Lili has prepared your mealbox with so much love. So, eat it." Sheng Li hummed and dug into the food.


    They kept talking while having their meals. "Hu Jingguo, you will not follow us to the base camp of Tan Gengxin. This is your first time so, I do not want you to get injured in any case." Sheng Li did not want to bring Hu Jingguo with him but because Ying Lili requested him to take Hu Jingguo, so he did not refuse her. Though, he had decided not to let Hu Jingguo get harmed in all this.


    "Sheng Li, what is the n?" Hu Jingguo was curious.


    "I will formte the n after analyzing everything there. He knows about Luoyang and I know he is first targeting the Imperial Pce. Weng Wei told him everything...all the secret routes just to fulfill her desires. It is good that before her death, she told about her spies which you killed," Sheng Li stated and looked at Wang Hao. "You had exined everything to Xiao, right?" He inquired.


    "Yes, your highness. The secret routes have been closed," Wang Hao stated.


    "Wait! Is this like a war kind of situation? Sheng Li, you left Ying Lili behind so that if the enemy attacks, she will lead the army there?" Hu Jingguo furrowed his brows together.


    "You are right. Though the chances are small since Tan Gengxin is not in Luoyang. He escaped Luoyang, the day Lili got injured," Sheng Li asserted. "If there is any general who''s working for Tan Gengxin, for any reason, attacks at Luoyang, Ying Lili will lead the military. But the probability is very less," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "The Han Army is enough to push them away. Moreover, they will not make a mistake in attacking Luoyang when their leader is not here. That is why the Crown Prince and I will end the root cause of all this ¨C the main conspirator who all these years helped Weng Wei in her evil deeds," Wang Hao exined to Hu Jingguo who had understood everything by now.


    "Finish your food. We need to leave in the early morning," Sheng Li told them and they resumed eating.


    After they finished their meals, Wang Hao told the two to go into the tent house, but Sheng Li refused. "I will stay awake. You two shall take rest," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "But, your highness-"


    "Wang Hao, you have been on a journey for many days and you still are! Go and take a rest," Sheng Limanded him. Wang Hao could not refuse the order of the Crown Prince and went inside the tent house.


    "Go inside," Sheng Li told Hu Jingguo.


    "I will, but after conversing with you for a while," Hu Jingguo replied. Sheng Li skeptically peered at him. "I do not get a good sleep until I talk to someone," he added. Sheng Li amusingly looked at him.


    Sheng Li had a wooden stick in his hand with which he was drawing something in the ground. "I thought you would beat me up when Ying Lili hugged me," Hu Jingguo stated, and gave a wryugh.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I cannot do that. It is your first time on such a mission and Ying Lili is very close to you. So, hugging you was out of concern," the Crown Prince proimed. Hu Jingguo was impressed by the Crown Prince. He was indeed a great husband. If there would be someone else in ce of Sheng Li, then Hu Jingguo might have gotten punished.


    Sheng Li moved his left sleeve up and saw the butterfly that was painted on his wrist. That night when Ying Lili drew it on his hand, he was overwhelmed with many emotions for her at once. A smile formed on his lips, recalling that night.


    Sheng Li pushed his sleeve down, covering his wrist.


    "Today when her eyes were misty, I did not want to leave. Now, I understand why the wives of soldiers, Commanders, and Generals always worry about their husbands. You never know what is ahead on the battlefield! I am feeling guilty for killing the soldiers from the enemy''s side. Their wives might have cursed me." Sheng Li threw the wooden stick on the ground while chuckling.


    "But as a warrior, it is your duty. You could not do anything about that," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "I could but killing was my hobby. I felt no remorse while killing mercilessly. But when Lili entered my life, I started being considerate and my restless heart turned calm. Today, I felt guilty when Ying Lili had tears in her eyes. She might have cried after I left. It just hurts," Sheng Li pronounced, while gazing at Hu Jingguo.

 Chapter 362 - Known As The Tyrant

    <h4>Chapter 362 - Known As The Tyrant</h4>


    Ying Lili woke up early in the morning, a little sad because, unlike the other days, Sheng Li was not with her. As she came out of the chamber, Court Lady Xu greeted her. Ying Lili was always surprised to find Court Lady Xu every time awake or was she an early bird?


    "Your highness, you woke up early! Did her highness not have a good sleep?" Court Lady Xu was worried for the Crown Princess.


    "My sleep broke. I had a good sleep," Ying Lili monotonously replied. Court Lady Xu took her to the washroom first, followed by the bathhouse. Sitting inside the bathtub, she thought about the task that the Emperor had given her- ''Finding of Zho Mi.'' The maidservants helped her wash while she kept thinking about how to find her true intentions.


    "Your highness, the First Prince has dyed the trip because the Crown Prince is not here," Court Lady Xu informed the Crown Princess.


    "When did you get the message?"


    "Last night, your highness," replied Court Lady Xu.


    After having a bath, Ying Lili got ready and went to the Emperor''s manor to give him the medicine. She ascended the stairs and heard the thunder of the sky. Halting at her ce, she looked up at the sky. Court Lady Xu and the other maidservants also stopped upon seeing the Crown Princess.


    ''Rainy season has arrived. I had thought to have fun with him in the first rain.'' She closed her eyes and prayed for Sheng Li''s safe journey to the Northern Province. Opening her eyes, she climbed the stairs, and soon reached outside the chamber of the Emperor. The servants there bowed upon seeing the Crown Princess. She walked in and to her surprise found Deng Hui there.


    She halted near the second entrance where Eunuch Jin was keeping the guard. "Good morning, Crown Princess," Eunuch Jin humbly greeted. Ying Lili greeted him back and asked him how long Empress Hui was there.


    "It has been 15 minutes, Crown Princess," Eunuch Jin answered. Ying Lili nodded her head and waited for the Empress toe out. After ten minutes, Empress Hui came out and smiled upon seeing the Crown Princess, who bowed.


    "It''s good that I saw the Crown Princess here. Come to my chamber after breakfast. I have something important to discuss with you," Deng Hui requested the Crown Princess.


    "Yes, Imperial Mother." Ying Lili''s head was still lowered. Deng Hui passed a smile to her before leaving the manor. Eunuch Jin and Ying Lili lifted their respective heads and walked in. The Emperor was delighted to see the Crown Princess there.


    "Good morning, your majesty. Did you have a good night''s sleep?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes. What about the Crown Princess?" The Emperor asked and gestured to her to sit on the chaise. Ying Lili took the seat and replied, "I had a good sleep." Though it was a lie to not let the Emperor think that she was missing the Crown Prince.


    "Your Majesty, it''s your medicine time. Let me feed you the medicine," Ying Lili humbly said. Han Wenji nodded. Ying Lili stood up from the chaise and went towards the table. Pouring the water into a ss, she went towards the bed. As Hu Jingguo instructed her, she mixed the medicine in the water. "Jingguo told me to mix this in water. " She handed the water ss to the Emperor who started drinking it.


    "Crown Princess, the medicine is effective. The blood has stoppeding in the cough. Your friend is the lifesaver of the Emperor," Eunuch Jin praised Hu Jingguo. Han Wenji emptied the ss and handed that to the Crown Princess.


    "His Majesty will recover soon!" Ying Lili confidently said, passing a smile to Han Wenji, who agreed with her.


    "Has the Crown Princess kept the Will safely?" Han Wenji queried.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." "Shall I return it? Since-"


    "No, keep it with you," Han Wenji replied, cutting her words in the middle. "It will be safer with the Crown Princess."


    "Your Majesty, do you know when will Sheng Li¡­ the Crown Prince send a message?" Han Wenji found out how worried Ying Lili was. But it was her first experience staying away with her husband who had gone on a dangerous mission.


    "Crown Princess, do not worry about him. He will return safely. The message will surelye but Sheng Li will keep the safety in mind before sending such a message!" Han Wenji answered.


    "I shall take my leave, Your Majesty. Take your breakfast an hourter," Ying Lili stated. Han Wenji permitted her, who bowed and left the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    "Sister Hui, the Princess of Huan, is talented. She has simr traits to the Crown Princess. Do you not think so?" Consort Ju Fen delightedly said and looked at the other Consorts who also agreed to her.


    Deng Hui had a broad smile on her lips. "Prince Nianzu and Princess Huan Zhu Lin will be a great couple. Since you are the Empress, in the future they might lead the nation," Ju Fen affirmed.


    "Lead the nation? That is not possible! Prince Sheng Li and his wife will be the future Emperor and the Empress," asserted Deng Hui. The First Consort looked at the Second Consort, gesturing to her.


    "Sister Hui, Prince Nianzu, is the advisor of the Emperor. His Majesty favors you more than us Consorts that''s why his majesty chose you as the Empress. If you talk to the Emperor about your son, then it might be possible. You also know that the Crown Prince''s mother passed away a long time ago. He is the Crown Prince because of the two reasons: First, Prince Jian acted foolishly because of which he has no support from the Court of Ministers; Second, your son, Prince Nianzu, refused the position," the Second Consort manipted the mind of Deng Hui and nced at the First Consort.


    "Sister Hui, everyone knows that Prince Nianzu has a selfless character. He has great potential, but because he does not care about all this, he is deprived of all these rights. Legally, the Empress'' son bes the Crown Prince, but in the Imperial Pce the opposite is happening," The First Consort, Ju Fen supported the Second Consort while filling the mind of Deng Hui.


    The Third Consort was only listening to them, as she was least bothered about all this.


    "Even Sheng Li is like my son so-"


    Ju Fen cut her words in the middle. "Sister Hui, he is not your birth son. You cannot do wrong with your birth son for the son who is born from another woman," Ju Fen pronounced.


    The smile on Deng Hui''s lips disappeared. Consort Ju was absolutely right, but would her son agree to her?


    "Sister Hui, aren''t you aware of the Crown Prince''s nature? For this throne, he can kill anyone, even his brothers. Sister Hui, since you were not involved in meetings earlier because of your status, you are not aware of all this. The Crown Prince is known as the tyrant, while Prince Nianzu is known for his calmness. You also know what kind of ruler the public wants! If we would be at your ce then we would have fought for our son''s rights because that is their birthrights!" Consort Ju Fen pronounced.

 Chapter 363 - I Am Missing Brother Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 363 - I Am Missing Brother Sheng</h4>


    "I heard the other day in the Court, Minister Gu Zhenya raised the matter of who should be the next Crown Prince? But Prince Nianzu refused again. Sister Hui shall talk with the Prince regarding this as it concerns his future," Consort Ju Fen proimed and waited for Deng Hui''s response.


    "I talked with the Prince but he is not interested," Deng Hui simply replied.


    A maidservant came inside and informed the Empress about the arrival of the Crown Princess. "Send her in," Deng Huimanded. The maidservant bowed and walked out. After a while, the Crown Princess came there and greeted all of them. She took her seat and heard Deng Hui.


    "Crown Princess, my son is going to marry soon. The Princess of Huan Province has arrived here. She might be resting in her chamber at the moment. I want you to make her aware of the Pce environment," Deng Hui politely said.


    "Crown Princess, she has qualities like you. Earlier, when she came to the Imperial Pce, she was wearing the clothes of a man and had a sword in her hand. Such women are rare to see," Consort Ju Fen stated, and praised Zhu Lin a little. Ying Lili smiled upon hearing about Zhu Lin.


    "I will meet her after my morning meals, Your Majesty," Ying Lili assured her. There was a doubt in her mind regarding the marriage. Sheng Li had informed her that Prince Nianzu loved Chuntao. Was he going with this marriage because of his status? Ying Lili wondered.


    "The Crown Princess shall leave then," Deng Hui asserted. Ying Lili bowed and left the chamber of the Empress. She went straight to Zhenzhu Inn. After having a light breakfast, she took the medicine and went to the chamber where Huan Zhu Lin was staying, leaving Court Lady Xu behind in the Zhenzhu Inn.


    Zhu Lin was writing something over a paper when she was informed by the maidservant about the Crown Princess''s arrival. She put the brush on the stand and stood up from the chair when Ying Lili entered.


    Zhu Lin bowed her head. Both of her hands were on the front, resting slightly above the belly over the overcoat, and were joined together. "Good Morning, Crown Princess. I am Huan Zhu Lin, the only Princess of the Huan Province." Zhu Lin greeted Ying Lili with a brief introduction.


    "You have a beautiful name. ''Zhu'' means vermillion and ''Lin'' means Sun Goddess. Please raise your head, Princess Zhu Lin." Upon hearing the meaning of her name, Zhu Lin lifted her head only to meet the two beautiful eyes. She had heard right! The Crown Princess had charming eyes and her face was wless. She was called a Heavenly Jade Beauty for this reason only.


    "The Crown Princess is beautiful. I have heard from the people but today it is cleared." Zhu Lin could not remain quiet without praising Ying Lili, who passed a smile to her and thanked her for thepliment.


    "Have a seat, your highness," Zhu Lin stated and removed the paper, which was ced over the desk. Ying Lili found Zhu Lin was writing a letter for her father. She took the seat and gestured to Zhu Lin to sit.


    "I think I interrupted Princess Lin." Zhu Lin confusedly looked at Ying Lili, who continued, "You shall finish the letter first."


    "I will do thatter, Crown Princess," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "Just finish it, Princess Lin, because I am going to take your precious time for the entire day," Ying Lili proimed. Zhu Lin smiled and nodded. She picked the brush and pulled the paper back to her side. Stroking the brush on the paper, she wrote a message for her father. Once she was done, she put it aside to let it dry.


    "The Empress has told me everything rted to the Pce. Forgive me for not weing you yesterday," Ying Lili politely apologized.


    "It''s fine, your highness. You do not need to apologize. I was informed that the Crown Prince has gone out of the Capital for some work, so it is natural that the Crown Princess must be upset," Zhu Lin proimed. Ying Lili smiled and agreed with her. Before the Crown Princess could speak, they both heard the voice of the Sixth Prince.


    "Why can''t I meet the Princess? I have to tell her that she cannot marry my elder Fourth Brother," Lei Wanxi shouted at the maidservant. Ying Lili and Zhu Lin stood up from their respective chairs, walking out to see themotion created by the Sixth Prince.


    "Brother Wanxi, what is going on?" Ying Lili asked with a raised brow. Lei Wanxi was bewildered to see Ying Lili with Zhu Lin.


    "Sister Lili, this woman yesterday put my life in danger. I urge you to help me and cancel her marriage with Brother Nianzu," Lei Wanxi requested Ying Lili, who was befuddled to hear him.


    "I already apologized for that matter," Zhu Lin monotonously said.


    "LIAR!" Lei Wanxi loudly said. "Sister Lili, she is lying. The sword was hanging here." Lei Wanxi pointed his index finger on his neck. "That man was going to kill me, Sister Lili just because of her," Lei Wanxi stated and red at Zhu Lin.


    "Language, Brother Wanxi. Since when the Sixth Brother is talking this way with a woman. Apologize to Princess Lin," Ying Lili scolded Lei Wanxi.


    "Sister Lili, I will talk this way only with her. Even Sister Lili does not care about my life. I am missing Brother Sheng. He would have broken the hands of the person who harmed me by now, without even asking me." Lei Wanxi was enraged and without listening to Ying Lili further, he walked away.


    She turned to Zhu Lin to apologize for the behavior of the Sixth Prince.


    "Your highness, please do not apologize. It was sort of my fault. But I did not know that a Prince would be weak," Zhu Lin asserted. "I will apologize to the Sixth Princeter," Zhu Lin proimed.


    "May I know what happened between you two?" Ying Lili asked. "You can tell me while we two walk," She added. Zhu Lin nodded her head, but before that, she told the maidservant to send the message which she had put on the table to her father.


    Ying Lili and Zhu Lin then left to roam around the entire Pce. While walking, Zhu Lin narrated the entire incident to Ying Lili, who understood the anger of the Sixth Prince. "Princess should have been careful," Ying Lili advised Zhu Lin.


    "I thought they would not catch me and I did not know that the one from whom I seeked the help was the Sixth Prince. As soon as I found out, I made sure to save the Sixth Prince," Zhu Lin exined her point to Ying Lili, who nodded.


    They stood by the Practice Grounds where Weng Yu was practicing with the First Prince. "Here only Princes cane but the Crown Prince made an exception for me as I love all this."


    "I also love this, so will I be allowed here? I hope so else I would have to ask the Emperor for permission," Zhu Lin stated.


    "You will be allowed, Princess Lin," Ying Lili said with assurance.

 Chapter 364 - Given My Heart

    <h4>Chapter 364 - Given My Heart</h4>


    Nianzu was with his father in the chamber, regarding a discussion about his marriage. "Father, you already called the Princess of Huan. I still had one day left to announce my decision," Nianzuined to Han Wenji.


    "I did not call her here. Miss Huan Zhu Lin herself came here. She wants to marry you," Han Wenji stated. Nianzu furrowed his eyebrows, as it was unexpected for him.


    "She had a conversation with me the previous day and she told me that she could not wait for the reply, so came to Luoyang. The one whom she wants to marry, she would like to know about him before the marriage," Han Wenji proimed. Nianzu chuckled upon learning the truth.


    "What if I refuse this marriage!?" Nianzu asked his father. "Will you force me to marry her?" He wanted to know his father''s wish. "I contemted over this for the days you granted me to make the decision. Father, initially I thought that I would have to marry her because this is what I should do as a Prince! But my heart was restless. If I marry her, I will never love her because I have given my heart already to someone. But because of my status, I cannot marry her." Han Wenji''s eyes grew bigger. He wondered who could be the woman whom the Fourth Prince adored.


    "Father, I have decided that I will not marry anyone. I do not want to break the heart of Miss Huan by marrying her. I hope my father will respect my decision," Nianzu asserted and waited for his father to respond.


    "Who''s the woman whom you love? And why has your statuse between that?" Han Wenji demanded the answer from Nianzu. The Fourth Prince did not want to take the name of Chuntao as her life coulde into danger because of his selfishness.


    "I am afraid, Father, but I cannot tell you about her," Nianzu stated, lowering his eyes.


    "Is she themoner whom you brought to the Pce?" Nianzu lifted his eyes to meet the gaze of his father and refused.


    "That''s good. Don''t think about marrying amoner," Han Wenji proimed. Nianzu curled up the fingers of his hands, which rested over his knees. He did not know that even his father would oppose that. He was relieved that he did not tell his father about her name.


    "You have to marry Prince Nianzu. Do you want to talk to people about you? I gave Prince Nianzu the time to think about this alliance, yet he did note up with a decision. You cannot remain unmarried just because you love someone else. Love happens even after marriage!" Han Wenji stated.


    "Love indeed happens even after marriage, but I am different," proimed Nianzu. Han Wenji knitted his brows upon hearing the arguments of Nianzu. Remaining unmarried throughout his life was not uneptable to everyone especially when one was from a royal family.


    "Since Princess Zhu Lin is here so you shall spend time with her," Han Wenji pronounced. Nianzu was disheartened after hearing his father. How could he expect his father to stand with his decision? He was least interested in the talks of his father now.


    "She is with the Crown Princess at this hour. Eunuch Jin informed me that she is as talented as the Crown Princess. King Huan transferred all his traits to his daughter," Han Wenji delightedly said. Suddenly, Nianzu stood up from his seat and bowed in front of his father before leaving the chamber.


    Eunuch Jin came inside as soon as the Fourth Prince left. "Where is the girl whom he brought to the Pce?" Han Wenji asked.


    Eunuch Jin found Han Wenji''s mood had turned off. "Your Majesty, the Prince ordered her to leave the Pce. She is no more in the Pce," Eunuch Jin replied. "Apologies, your majesty, but what has happened?"


    "Prince Nianzu loves themoner. Arrange my meeting with her. No one shall find out about this," Han Wenjimanded with a stern expression. Eunuch Jin bowed, acknowledging the order of the Emperor.


    ~~~~


    Nianzu halted after reaching the bottom of the stairs. His eyes were misty and his heart was again uneasy. He walked ahead, taking gradual steps while contemting over the conversation with his father. "Is there no way to escape this?" He wondered. Deeply lost in his thoughts, he did not realize where he was heading to!


    The day Chuntao left the Pce, he had lost interest in everything. Sometimes he would me himself for getting close to her, for helping her but sometimes he would be happy thinking about the moments between them. Although they were limited, at least they were enough for his lifetime.


    Eunuch Chung had informed him how Chuntao began working in her fields. The knowledge he departed to her, she used that fully. A local bookshop owner had given her the work to copy the contents at a reasonable price. Thinking all this brought a smile to his face. He had a deep urge to see her now to calm down his restless heart.


    He looked around and found himself near the Pce Grounds. His eyes met with the Crown Princess, who stood by Zhu Lin. They both came towards him when Ying Lili introduced Nianzu to Zhu Lin. He passed her a fake smile. The two bowed, looking at each other.


    "Brother Nianzu, Princess Zhu Lin did not have any conversation till now. I feel Prince shall drink tea with Princess Zhu Lin," Ying Lili humbly said.


    "Forgive me, Crown Princess, but I need to go outside. My zither is broken and I need to repair it," Nianzu found a way to escape the conversation with Zhu Lin, who was bewildered to hear that.


    "Brother, I will call the-"


    "No, Crown Princess. I also have some work in the Capital so, I need toplete that as well," Nianzu quickly came up with another excuse.


    "I would like to apany you, Prince Nianzu. I also have work in the Police Bureau," Zhu Lin proimed. Nianzu clenched his fist as he felt stuck. He hummed, unable to refuse Zhu Lin.

 Chapter 365 - You Are Not Less Pathetic Than Me!

    <h4>Chapter 365 - You Are Not Less Pathetic Than Me!</h4>


    Nianzu brought the zither from his music room and tied it around his back. "Let''s go, Miss Huan," Nianzu stated, passing a tiny smile to her when Lei Wanxi came in front of them. He saw Zhu Lin was standing close to his Fourth Brother, so he brought his fan forward, pushed Zhu Lin away from it.


    Nianzu amusingly looked at the Sixth Prince. "What are you doing?" Nianzu queried him.


    "I aming with you, Brother Nianzu," Lei Wanxi affirmed and put his arm around him and dragged him forward. Zhu Lin chuckled upon seeing the childish behavior of the Sixth Prince. She went behind them and came to the left of Nianzu. Lei Wanxi red at her and dragged Nianzu a little right. Nianzu was confused thinking why Lei Wanxi acted that way.


    Soon they reached the Fu Imperial Gates when Zhu Lin said, "I think we shall go from the Horse Cart."


    "Why? Can''t you walk?" Lei Wanxi scoffed. "You were calling me weak, but cannot even walk. This is so saddening," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "These questions areing from the one, who is weakest among all the people I have ever encountered," Zhu Lin remarked, which infuriated Lei Wanxi. He pushed Nianzu aside and came to her front.


    "Look, don''t make me hate women!" Lei Wanxi pointed his finger at her. Nianzu confusedly looked at the two. Never once, he saw Lei Wanxi this enraged. But, what could be the reason?


    Zhu Linughed slightly and scowled at Lei Wanxi. "I did not know the Royal Prince would be this ill-mannered. Are you jealous of a woman? You could not save yourself and were crying like a kid, threatening in the name of the Crown Prince because youck strength and brain both," Zhu Lin loudly said, grabbing the attention of the soldiers.


    "How dare you say that? You were the one who endangered my life. Just because I did not fight it does not mean I have no strength. Everyone knows how smart I am! But, wait! Why am I even exining to a woman who loves to show off!" Lei Wanxi retorted back.


    Nianzu came towards them and told them to stop as their verbal fight kept intensifying. However, both were not ready to step back. The limit was broken when Lei Wanxi pushed Zhu Lin, who lost her bnce and fell to the ground, shocking everyone there.


    "Wanxi," Nianzu called his name, who grabbed his arm and said, "Let''s go, Brother. She will note with us." He made Nianzu turn towards the gate.


    Zhu Lin huffed and stood up from the ground. She pulled Lei Wanxi''s arm, who widened his eyes because the next second he was pinned to the huge wall. Nianzu held his head, seeing the two fightings like kids.


    "You are such a pathetic man!" Zhu Lin sternly said. Lei Wanxi had held her both arms, trying to push her away, but it was in vain. Nianzu dashed to them and told them to stop. Xiao Zhan who had just appeared there, seeing the Sixth Prince fighting with Zhu Lin ran towards them.


    "You are not less pathetic than me. Instead of apologizing to me, you are portraying me wrong. I will not let you marry in this Han Family. I never knew that a woman can turn into a headache until I met you," Lei Wanxi gritted his teeth. Xiao Zhan approached them and pulled Zhu Lin away while Nianzu grabbed Lei Wanxi''s arms, not letting him go towards Zhu Lin.


    "You both calm down!" Nianzu shouted when their verbal arguments stopped.


    "What kind of behavior are you two shows? How can you two act like kids at this age?" Nianzu began scolding them.


    "Brother, she is the one who started all this. Scold her, not me," Lei Wanxi urged. His chest was falling up and down because of the anger that had built inside him.


    "The mannerless person is you! So, you should be scolded. Initially, I thought to apologize to you, but now, I never will," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "See, Brother! How is she talking to me? Even after putting my life in danger, she is not guilty," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Will you two stop? I will lock you two in a room till dusk if you two do not stop," Nianzu threatened.


    Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin red at each other before averting their gazes from each other. Xiao Zhan had left his grip on Zhu Lin''s shoulder and apologized to her before stepping back.


    "Stay here, you two! You two are not apanying me," Nianzu said with a stern expression.


    "Prince, I am apanying you because I indeed have work in the Police Bureau," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi snickered. "She thinks only she does the work in the entire capital," he murmured. ''If she goes with Brother Nianzu, I will definitely follow her. What if she harms my brother just as she did to me?'' thought Lei Wanxi while narrowly gazing at Zhu Lin.


    "General Xiao, bring the carriage. I will leave for the market in the carriage. Make sure these two will note out of this gate," Nianzumanded Xiao Zhan, who bowed, epting the order.


    "But-"


    "Miss Huan, you will not go out. Since you are not a resident of Luoyang, you cannot go to the Police Bureau. I would talk to youter regarding yesterday''s incident that happened with Brother Wanxi. Since you two were fighting so, punishment will be there. Prince Wanxi will give a tour to Princess Huan Zhu Lin of the Pce. If I found you two were fighting again, then be ready for another punishment," Nianzu pronounced, cutting her words in the middle. Lei Wanxi was happy because now Zhu Lin would not go near the Fourth Prince. However, he was also irked because he had to be with Zhu Lin.


    The chauffeur came on a carriage and stopped it near the Fourth Prince. Xiao Zhan walked ahead and opened the door for the Prince, who got inside and left for the market.


    Zhu Lin and Lei Wanxi stepped towards each other. "Please do not start a fight," Xiao Zhan requested them and the two halted.


    Lei Wanxi wore a smile on his lips. "I will not fight with her. As per the punishment, I will show her the grandeur Imperial Pce," he affirmed while grinning.

 Chapter 366 - I Am Wasting My Time On You

    <h4>Chapter 366 - I Am Wasting My Time On You</h4>


    Zhu Lin was a meter away from Lei Wanxi, who was fanning himself. "This is the grand library of the Imperial Pce," Lei Wanxi said, looking at the board hanging above therge door. "Although these three Princes have made their personal libraries in their respective living ces." He turned and looked at her.


    She was ring at him. "You love to get in between two people. Correct me If I am wrong," Zhu Lin sharply gazed at him.


    "No. I never do that. But with you it''s an exception," Lei Wanxi replied and smirked. Zhu Lin skeptically looked at him. "I will not let you marry the Fourth Brother. I am the one who was most excited about his marriage, but since the day I have seen you, I have pledged that this woman is not right for my brother," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Zhu Lin gave a wryugh and walked inside the library. Lei Wanxi also entered the library. He kept walking behind her when she halted and turned to him.


    "Stop following me!" Zhu Lin raised her finger. Lei Wanxi stepped towards her and put her finger down with the fan in his hand.


    "I am afraid, but I cannot do this. I do not like to defy my elder brother," Nianzu opined. Zhu Lin rolled her eyes and resumed walking. She looked into the shelves and found many books on Governing Laws of the Han Empire.


    Lei Wanxi raised his hand with which he was holding the fan to hit Zhu Lin when she turned back. Right away, Lei Wanxi opened his fan and fanned himself. "What were you doing?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "Can''t you see?" "Since you have taken a look, then shall we head out? I do not have time to waste on you," Lei Wanxi remarked.


    Zhu Lin scoffed and retorted, "You always waste your entire day. I think this is your first time doing something useful."


    "Correct your words. I am wasting my time on you but I cannot leave you either. Otherwise, I have to again get the punishment with you which I do not want," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "The Crown Princess had toured all the regions of this Imperial Pce to me except Eastern Pce. I want to go there," Zhu Lin told him, who shook his head.


    "That Pce is for the Princes and their wives if married. I cannot take you there," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Why?"


    "Because you will not marry Brother Nianzu. If your marriage was confirmed with my brother then, I would have taken you there, but since it''s not confirmed so, you will not go there," Lei Wanxi answered and turned to go when he heard her mumbling.


    "It''s good. Now, I can go out," Zhu Lin mumbled and walked past Lei Wanxi, who grabbed her arm, thus pulling her back.


    She looked at her arm and then at Lei Wanxi, who swiftly pinned her to the shelf. Tracing her face with the fan in his hand, he said, "I forgot that there is one more ce to see."


    Zhu Lin pushed him away and told him to be within his limits. "I am within my limits, Huan Zhu Lin. You are the one who is defying Brother Nianzu''s orders," He was smirking again. Zhu Lin had understood that Lei Wanxi would not let her go today.


    ~~~~


    The chauffeur pulled the carriage in front of the repair shop. He quickly opened the door for the Fourth Prince, who stepped out, holding the zither on his back. "Your highness, shall I carry the zither?" The chauffeur humbly asked.


    "No," Nianzu replied and walked inside the shop. Seeing the Fourth Prince, the owner of the shop stopped his work and came towards him. The workers also stopped their work and bowed before him.


    "Your highness, why are you carrying this zither? Let me help you." The owner lifted his hands to take the zither off the Fourth Prince''s shoulder, who showed him his hand. "I will do it," Nianzu politely replied. The owner gestured to one of the workers to bring a chair for the Fourth Prince.


    Nianzu had removed the zither from his back and put it on the table there.


    "Your highness, please have a seat," the owner, after wiping the wooden chair once again, offered. Nianzu smiled and sat on the chair. "Bring the fan," the owner shouted.


    "It''s not needed." Nianzu stopped the worker from bringing a fan.


    "Your highness, you could have sent an order. I would havee to the Pce," the owner humbly replied, while his head was lowered.


    "I have some work, so I thought to bring it on my own," Nianzu replied and looked at the workers. "Please continue your work. I am not someone special," Nianzu asserted.


    "What are you saying, your highness? You are the Royal Prince," the owner stated and asked, "Would his highness like to take water?"


    "No. Please befortable around me," Nianzu said humbly and then looked at his zither. "Will you repair this zither? Two of its strings are broken." Nianzu waited for the reply of the owner.


    The owner went towards the table and opened the knot of the cover, which was wrapped around the zither. He examined the strings and then turned to Nianzu. "It will take a few hours, your highness, probably 4-5 hours," the owner replied. "I will bring it to the Pce as soon as it is repaired," he added.


    "No need. I wille after five hours to take it," Nianzu stated and stood up from the chair. He put his hand in the pocket and took out a pouch full of coins. "How much will it take?" Nianzu looked at the owner, who refused to make money.


    "Why? Don''t you have to run your house with this business? Also, you need to pay your workers," Nianzu stated while smiling. He opened the pouch and asked him again.


    "How can I take the money from royalty, your highness?" The owner was still hesitant to take payment from the Fourth Prince.


    "Why can''t you? It''s your work, so you should make the payment. Giving the service to royalty is not good. Provide free service to those who are in dire need of it," asserted Nianzu while smiling. "Tell me the payment. I need to leave urgently," Nianzu stated.


    "It is 50 cents, your highness," replied the owner. Nianzu nodded and asked him if he told the true price.


    "Yes, your highness."


    Nianzu took out a silver coin and handed it to him. "It is equivalent to 50 cents," replied Nianzu and put it in the hands of the owner. "I shall leave. I will be back after five hours," Nianzu stated while they all bowed. He walked out of the shop and told the chauffeur to wait for him there.


    "Have your lunch. Here''s the money to buy your meal." Nianzu handed one silver coin to the chauffeur before leaving for Shanxi vige. He crossed a shop that was selling bamboo hats. He bought one for him and wore it. Since he had worn a rare silk overcoat, he decided to change that. Going to a shop, he changed into amoner''s dress. He covered his head from the bamboo hat and left for Shanxi vige to see Chuntao.

 Chapter 367 - An Intransigent Person {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 367 - An Intransigent Person {Bonus }</h4>


    Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Hu Jingguo had stopped for their breakfasts in a restaurant. They were in disguise. The table around which they were seated was isted from the rest. Sheng Li took out the paper, brush, and a bamboo inkpot from his pocket.


    "Are you writing a letter for her?" Hu Jingguo queried.


    "Yes. Now, look away," Sheng Li ordered him. Wang Hao, on the other hand, went to take their meals. Hu Jingguo turned his back towards Sheng Li and told him to write quickly. Sheng Li dipped the brush in the ink and started writing on the paper.


    "Write about me as well," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "No. It''s my personal letter to her. I cannot put your name in this. You can write a separate letter for her," Sheng Li asserted and continued writing.


    "Really?" Hu Jingguo was happy that he got permission. "Are you not jealous of me anymore?" He asked, keeping a grin on his face.


    "I told you many times that I was not jealous. I was irked," Sheng Li answered while writing as many words as he could in the letter for Ying Lili.


    Chuckling, Hu Jingguo said, "I think you do not know the meaning of getting ''jealous''. You are such an intransigent person. When a person annoys you because he is close to your wife, then that''s jealousy." Hu Jingguo''s both elbows and back were resting against the table. He turned to look at Sheng Li, who hit his head with the brush in his hand.


    "I told you not to look back!" Sheng Li scolded Hu Jingguo who had turned away and was caressing his head.


    "You can shower your love on your wife once we will be there. What are you even writing on this tiny piece of paper?" Hu Jingguo was turning impatient.


    "Will you shut your mouth or shall I throw you out?" Sheng Li questioned him. Hu Jingguo sighed and stopped talking. Wang Hao came with a tray in his hand and ced it on the table. Sheng Li had folded the letter and asked Wang Hao to deliver it to Luoyang.


    "Her highness will receive the letter by tonight," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li, who nodded. Hu Jingguo turned to them and asked Sheng Li for a paper. He took out a paper from his pocket while Wang Hao took his seat beside Hu Jingguo.


    "My hand is aching from holding the reins for too long. Could you please write a letter from my side to my friend?" Hu Jingguo asked and looked at his right hand. "Ahh," he faked a cry while pressing his fingers.


    "I will write," Wang Hao offered help, but Hu Jingguo refused.


    "I want him to write for me," Hu Jingguo stated while gazing at Sheng Li, who could see through his tricks but he did not say anything to him.


    "Speak. What do you want me to write?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Hmm." "My Dear Friend-" he paused because Sheng Li scowled at him. "What happened? Write quickly. Our breakfast is getting cold," Hu Jingguo stated while grinning.


    Sheng Li looked at the paper and wrote, "Friend, we three are safe. Do not worry about us." Hu Jingguo tried to stop Sheng Li who started to write whatever came to his mind. "Don''t write this. Write my words," Hu Jingguo requested Sheng Li, who did not listen to him. After finishing, Sheng Li let it dry before handing it to Wang Hao.


    "No, I want to write a separate one. He wrote those things which I never say," Hu Jingguo stated and narrowly gazed at Sheng Li. "Your actions tell your jealousy level!" He remarked.


    Sheng Li snickered. "Be happy that it is not jealousy else your tongue would have been in your hand, by now!" Sheng Li pronounced.


    Wang Hao smiled as he found that the Crown Prince was indeed jealous of Hu Jingguo, but was afraid to ept. The Crown Prince who never used to listen had not only turned patient around the Crown Princess but also around them.


    They had their breakfast and left the restaurant. Wang Hao went to the check post first and delivered the letter there. "Send it safely to the Crown Princess. No one shall find out from where it was sent," Wang Hao told the delivery agent who nodded before hopping on a horse. Wang Hao then came back to the ce where Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo were waiting for him.


    "Your highness, I delivered them to the agent," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince.


    "Hmm. By night, we will be at the Borders of Northern Province. From there, it will take a day to reach the remote vige. Be aware of your surroundings. The army will be there soon. Hu Jingguo, you might have won against people but it''s not somepetition so, stay away from all this. Do not try to act courageous," Sheng Li warned him.


    "Do you want me to stay and watch?" Hu Jingguo queried him.


    "Yes. You are here because you are a Physician. That is why if I say run then run away don''t look back. Wang Hao and I have been in this situation many times, so we know how to escape," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I love my life," Hu Jingguo affirmed, cing his hand on his chest. "I will run away if something bad happens. Do not scold meter for not helping and running away like a coward," Hu Jingguo stated and put his hand down.


    "I will not scold you as long as you follow my orders," Sheng Li replied. "Let''s go then. We will now take the rest near the borders," Sheng Li proimed. He pulled the reins on Kongqi, which started running. Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo followed him up.


    "I do not know why I have a strange feeling. I never felt this way, but it seems something bad will happen. I feel I should not have brought Jingguo with me," Sheng Li thought while riding.

 Chapter 368 - Still Young

    <h4>Chapter 368 - Still Young</h4>


    Nianzu arrived at Shanxi vige. He had made sure that no one would recognize him. He continued walking while noticing the people around him. Soon he reached outside the house of Chuntao. A smile carved on his lips as he saw Chuntao. But, there was a man with her.


    Nianzu hid behind a giant tree there and saw them.


    "Chun, master Tai was impressed by you. You learned many useful things in the Pce," He Rong stated while looking at the sheet in his hand. "Do they give sses in the Pce?" He Rong was curious to know.


    "No," replied Chuntao. "The Prince whom I served was nice. He passed his knowledge to me. Not entirely, but enough for my survival," Chuntao asserted.


    "Who?" He Rong asked.


    "The Fourth Prince," replied Chuntao, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Oh," He Rong folded the sheet and continued, "I have heard about his highness. The Fourth Prince is the humblest and righteous Prince among all of them. Leaving the Pce is more difficult than entering. It is good you left early else you would have been bound in the Imperial Pce for eternity."


    "Shall we leave then?" He Rong asked her.


    "Yes," replied Chuntao.


    Nianzu saw theming out of the house. Chuntao locked the door and walked away with He Rong. He followed her by keeping a safe distance from them. ''Who is this man? Did she not know not to go with an unknown man?'' Nianzu had many questions in his mind. He saw Chuntao smiling, sometimesughing with He Rong. "Did she forget me?" Nianzu wondered, and frowned. ''Isn''t it good? This is what I wanted,'' Nianzu thought.


    There was a pit where Chuntao was going to fall. Nianzu extended his hand out when he saw He Rong had pulled Chuntao aside. "Be careful," he said; his hand was still on her arm.


    "Thank you," she smiled at him and resumed walking. Soon, they reached the local bookshop where Chuntao got the work to copy the books. There were not many people in the shop.


    Nianzu followed them to the bookshop and was weed by the owner. "What would you like to have? There are several books which are used in the Imperial Pce," the owner delightedly said.


    Nianzu did not pay heed to him as his focus was on Chuntao, who had gone to a room, probably where she copied work from the other books. The owner cleared his throat, and this time said in a loud enough voice, which brought Nianzu''s attention to him.


    "Hehe. Young man, you did not tell about your preference," the owner stated. Nianzu lowered his hat as he tried to take a peek at him.


    "Where is the poetry section?" Nianzu asked.


    "Forgive me, young man, but the poetry books are not avable here," the owner replied. "Are you preparing for the Civil Service Exam? I can show you some of the best books. People from our vige, especially sons of thendlords, rank 6th and 7th-grade officers are purchasing the books from my shop. Young man, you shall also buy," proimed the owner. He tried to convince Nianzu who was least interested in all this.


    The owner realized that Nianzu was a little difficult to please. "Young man, I have a worker who worked in the Pce. She can guide you in a better way. She used to work for the Fourth Prince." Nianzu squinted his eyes in annoyance.


    ''Why did Chuntao tell everyone? Does she not know it could bring danger to her?'' Nianzu wondered. He was in his own thoughts when Chuntao came there.


    "Master Tai, you called me?" Chuntao asked, and looked at the man in front of her. She amusingly looked at him but was unable to see his face.


    "Chun, show this young man some of the useful books which you saw in the Pce!" The owner, Master Tai, said and then turned to Nianzu. "She is the one who worked for the Fourth Prince," stated Master Tai affirmed.


    "Pleasee with me," Chuntao humbly said. Nianzu nodded and followed her. They went to the second floor where the library for Civil Services Preparation was made.


    "This is the shelf where you can find the books for Chinese characters and-" she paused as Nianzu dragged her to the back where the shelf ended. Chuntao was going to shout when Nianzu ced his palm over her lips. With the other hand, he raised the bamboo hat, thus showing her his face.


    Chuntao widened her eyes and pushed herself to the wall. Nianzu lowered his hand and gradually pulled it back. "What is his highness doing here?" Chuntao questioned him. "You promised that you would never see me," Chuntao then lowered her eyes as if she was dejected.


    "Meet me outside," Nianzu said and walked away. Chuntao knitted her brows and wondered how she could meet Prince Nianzu at this time. However, she could not either defy Prince Nianzu. She came downstairs and made an excuse from the owner. As she came out of the shop, she did not see Nianzu.


    ''Where did his highness leave?'' mumbled Chuntao, while fidgeting her fingers. Nianzu grasped her hand and took her to the backyard of the bookshop, which was an isted alley.


    "Your highness, why are you here?" Chuntao asked.


    "Why did you tell everyone that you worked for me? How could a brainy woman like you do this?" Nianzu scolded her.


    "When they asked I could not lie," Chuntao replied, lowering her eyes.


    "Did you see that owner how he was using you for the customers? You cannot tell everyone!" Nianzu fiercely said. Chuntao nodded her head.


    "People might harm you." She lifted her head to look into his eyes. "You and I both know what kind of world we two belong to! Telling a lie is wrong, but not every time. I do not want you to fall in any danger because of me. I am the Prince so, no one will say anything to me but, you are amoner who impressed this Prince. Be careful of the people around you. And, why did you allow a man in your house?" Nianzu kept scolding her. Chuntao''s heart was beating strangely. She could see the care for her in his eyes.


    He snapped his fingers in front of Chuntao''s eyes. "You did not listen to me?" He asked.


    "I did," Chuntao immediately replied. "He knows me. His house is a meter away from mine, your highness," Chuntao replied. Nianzu did not like that but he could not help.


    "This was thest time I met you. I only wanted to warn you regarding this. Avoid that you worked for me. It might give wrong ideas to the people and I do not want that. People raise their fingers on a woman rather than a man. I do not want you to get punished for no reason," Nianzu exined to her. Chuntao nodded and apologized to him.


    Nianzu turned back and walked away. He returned to the market within five hours. The Zither was repaired, and it delighted him. He got into the carriage and returned to the Pce before evening. "I should not have scolded her. She is still young to understand all this," Nianzu murmured and looked outside the window. The rain started pouring, and he recalled the day when he ran with Chuntao to the Pce. A tiny smile appeared on his lips recalling that memory.

 Chapter 369 - Leave This Palace

    <h4>Chapter 369 - Leave This Pce</h4>


    "Open the door! I will surely break your back once Ie out of this room," Zhu Lin shouted to whom Lei Wanxi had locked in. He was leaning against the door and fanning himself. "First, apologize to me. Say - ''Forgive me, Prince Lei Wanxi. I should not have used the Sixth Prince for my personal causes and should not have troubled him. I should not have called him the ''weakest and brainless man.''" Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "I will never say this. Open the door! How could you trouble a Princess? I will inform the Emperor about this and demand for the strictest punishment for you," Zhu Lin shouted from inside while mming the door.


    "You indeed do not know how to be guilty of your acts! Now, stay here till thete evening," asserted Lei Wanxi and went ahead. He ced his hand on the wooden railing to look at the cloudy sky. The rain started pouring, and he sat on the railing. ''Zhu Lin, you have made the worst enemy of your life. I will annoy you to the extent that you yourself will step back from this marriage,'' Lei Wanxi thought.


    Zhu Lin sat on a chair there, as she was tired of shouting for almost an hour. Why did she agree toe with Lei Wanxi to the Northern Pce? He lied to her that he would show the only temple in the Pce and instead closed her in a room.


    She again stood up and hit the door to open its lock. Lei Wanxi turned to look and smirked. "There is no chance you can break through this door! My blood has been boiling since yesterday. I will create more troubles for you," Lei Wanxi muttered and looked away.


    He was busy admiring the beauty of the rain when he heard the banging of the door. He turned back and to his surprise; the door was opened. Zhu Lin was standing at the door with both of her hands on her waist. He closed the fan in his hand and stood up. "How did you..." he paused as Zhu Lin stepped towards her with a broomstick in her hand.


    "Throw that away," Lei Wanxi stuttered and stepped back, but was stuck at the railing. He turned to run away when Zhu Lin threw the broomstick towards him and it hit his back.


    "Ahh," he screamed. Bringing his hand at his back, he angrily turned towards her and shouted. "You violent woman!" The thunder was heard at the same time, and the two were scowling at each other.


    The two marched towards each other and grabbed each other''s cors. "Leave my cor, right now," Zhu Lin with a stern expression said.


    Lei Wanxi chuckled. "You shall do that first. Your hands might get cut if you do not get your filthy hands off my cors," Lei Wanxi shouted at her. The lightning again struck, but the two did not budge.


    "I do not want to raise my hand on you. So, let go of my cor," Zhu Lin said in a threatening voice. "You might get injured and like a crybaby will run to either the Emperor or the Crown Princess," Zhu Lin mocked him.


    "No. This time I will hit you, too. Brother Sheng told me that on a battlefield I cannot let go of an enemy just because the enemy is a woman!" Lei Wanxi proimed and tightened his grip on the cors of Zhu Lin''s Hanfu dress.


    "The Crown Prince was indeed right," Zhu Lin stated and swiftly pinned him to the wall. He tried to move away but could not. Zhu Lin indeed was stronger than him but he could not lose against her. The raindrops were hitting the roof of the building where the two were fighting. Far and wide, not a single person could be seen.


    Lei Wanxi locked Zhu Lin''s leg and swirled them. This time he pinned her to the wall. They kept doing this and did not realize that they were near the stairs when Zhu Lin used her strength and kicked Lei Wanxi. He could not bnce himself and fell off the stairs. Zhu Lin widened her eyes and brought her palm over her mouth.


    Luckily the building had only 5 stairs. The rain hit his face, drenching himpletely. Zhu Lin lifted her skirt slightly and ran down the stairs. Lei Wanxi was crying in pain when Zhu Lin helped him in standing up.


    As he stood up, holding his back, he jerked off her arm from his shoulder. She, with a befuddled expression, peered at him. Both were drenched in rain. Lei Wanxi''s hand was bleeding while his forehead had bruises this time.


    "Forgive me. I did not intend to"


    "Shut up! I do not want to even hear your voice," Lei Wanxi stated. "I always thought women were the most beautiful creation of the Almighty but you proved me wrong. Just because your father stood beside mine and always protected him, I will keep quiet. Do not show me your face ever," Lei Wanxi said furiously.


    "It was not entirely my fault, Prince Wanxi. You are the one who started all this," Zhu Lin pronounced.


    "Indeed, I was a fool to help you," Lei Wanxi said with a stern expression and turned to leave. "Leave this Pce. You do not deserve my gentle and calm brother. Leave him, you do not deserve to be with any man." Lei Wanxi walked away, without listening to what Zhu Lin had to say to him.


    She clenched her fists. "How can he say that?" Her chest was falling up and down because of the anger that had built inside her.


    Lei Wanxi, while dragging his foot, arrived at the Northern Pce Gate, where the chief Eunuch was telling the workers to dy the work in the temple. Seeing Lei Wanxi, he asked for a bamboo umbre. A servant handed it to him and he ran towards the Sixth Prince, followed by a few servants.


    "Your highness," the Chief Eunuch quickly put the umbre above the head of Lei Wanxi. He brought him to the pavilion and made him sit on the chair. "Bring the litter. His highness is injured," the Chief Eunuch told the servants who did so. Lei Wanxi got into a litter and was dropped to his chamber.

 Chapter 370 - Forced

    <h4>Chapter 370 - Forced</h4>


    Nianzu arrived at the Pce and reached his chamber. He put the zither down and heard Eunuch Chung, "The Sixth Prince and Princess Zhu Lin fought with each other again. Prince Lei Wanxi ended up getting injured badly." This bewildered Nianzu. He told them not to fight and still, they did. But how could a fight be so intense that Lei Wanxi got injured badly?


    Nianzu asked to bring new clothes for him as he had wornmoner''s clothes. Eunuch Chung informed a maidservant to bring the clothes for the Prince. Once he changed, he went to Lei Wanxi''s chamber to meet him.


    Consort Jinlong was seated on the chaise while Lei Wanxi was on the bed. "Forgive me, mother. I will stay away from all this." He lowered his eyes, keeping his voice low. "I did not know she would push me off the stairs," he added.


    "You are not a child anymore. You are a Prince, and fighting with your soon-to-be sister-inw is inappropriate. What would people say if this incident goes out?" Jinlong questioned Lei Wanxi, who got annoyed.


    "She will never be my sister-inw, mother. I request my mother to leave me alone," Lei Wanxi stated and pulled up a nket. He covered himself with it andid down, turning his back towards his mother. Jinlong went to the bed and shook him.


    "Wanxi, do not act this way. Get up and drink this warm turmeric milk," Jinlong told her son, who put his head inside the nket. "I will drink thister. Please leave me alone," Lei Wanxi repeated his words. Jinlong put her hand down and told the maidservant standing meters away from the bed to take care of her son.


    Consort Jinlong came out of the chamber where she encountered Prince Nianzu. He greeted her and asked about Lei Wanxi.


    "He wants to be alone. Go to him and make him understand not to act this way. It is so strange," Jinlong asserted.


    "Do not worry, mother. I will talk to him," Nianzu assured her. Consort Jinlong passed a smile to him and walked away. Nianzu walked in and found a maidservant there. He gestured to her to leave, who bowed and left.


    "Brother Wanxi," Prince Nianzu called his name. Lei Wanxi threw the nket away and sat up on the bed.


    "Elder Brother, look what happened to my face and hands!" Lei Wanxiined. The right hand had a bandage over it and the stain of blood was visible while the forehead had a bruise. The left hand luckily was safe with minor bruises on that. Nianzu sat on the bed, facing Lei Wanxi.


    "You never got involved in fights. I am shocked to see you like this. You prevent fights but today it ispletely different. Why is it so?" Nianzu politely inquired from him.


    "Brother, Zhu Lin started this. I was enjoying a meal with my childhood friend when she, out of nowhere, sat beside me, and then I got harmed." Lei Wanxi then narrated his entire incident to Nianzu.


    "And today?" Nianzu questioned.


    "I was angry at her. I told her to leave the Pce. If Brother Sheng would be here then he would have punished her to death but none of my brothers did anything for me. Even the First Brother told me to grow up. Brother, please do not marry her," Lei Wanxi joined his both hands while pleading with him.


    Nianzu caught his hands and put them down. "I told our Father that I do not want to marry anyone in my life as I have given my heart to someone, but he did not agree with me. I have to marry her, Brother Wanxi," Nianzu stated.


    Lei Wanxi furrowed his brows together. "You told our Father that you love Sister Chuntao?" He was befuddled because earlier their father told them Nianzu could marry the woman of his wish! Then, why did he respond like this?


    "But she will never be considered official. If I marry her, then probably many people wille to question her before me. You know what the life of a concubine is! Even if I marry her, I have to marry another woman with a high status like me. I will be forced to do that," Nianzu pronounced. Lei Wanxi did not know that his Fourth Brother had undergone so much pain. Lei Wanxi had never experienced love, so he did not understand the feelings.


    "But, Brother, you will never be happy this way. Your mother is also raised to the status of the Empress. I mean you can raise her status as you have powers," Lei Wanxi suggestedNianzu.


    "I cannot. I am only an advisor, and I do not want any power to do that. I want people around me to acknowledge my decision. The great Philosopher of Han said in his one book, ''When there is love and duty, you follow your duty.'' As a Prince my duty is to keep the people around me happy and keep the traditional values intact," Nianzu pronounced. "Brother Wanxi, I know you care for me but do not do anything as it can harm you as well."


    "Don''t let yourself get hurt. I will talk with Miss Huan Zhu Lin and urge her to apologize to you," Nianzu stated.


    "I do not want to see her face, nor do I want her apology," Lei Wanxi furiously said. Nianzu giggled and patted Lei Wanxi''s head.


    "Take rest," Nianzu stated. "Your mother is worried too, and I am worried too," Nianzu affirmed. Lei Wanxi hummed while Nianzu stood up. He then headed to the chamber where Zhu Lin was staying.


    Zhu Lin was murmuring while the pce maids were drying her hair when the maidservant informed her about the arrival of Nianzu. "Ahh, Prince is here!" She was astonished and also happy that the Fourth Prince finally came to meet her.


    She stood up from the chair and told the maidservants to leave. Nianzu came there and found Zhu Lin near the floor table. She bent on her knees and then stood straight. "Fourth Prince, forgive me for making you wait," Zhu Lin said softly. "Please have a seat," she said, gesturing towards the floor mattress.


    Nianzu took the seat while Zhu Lin sat on the other side, facing him. "Does his highness want to have tea with me?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied. Zhu Lin called a maidservant in and ordered her to bring the tea.


    "I met Brother Wanxi a few minutes ago," Nianzu proimed. The smile on Zhu Lin''s lips disappeared as she recalled the incident. "Brother Wanxi is never treated this way. He has a joyful personality, and he hardly gets annoyed or bes resentful towards someone. Brother Wanxi told me how you involved him in your personal fight in the Fun House." Nianzu paused to get the answer from Zhu Lin.


    The maidservant hade with tea. She served them the tea and left. Nianzu picked the teacup and sipped the tea.


    "I was stuck because of the goons. I also wanted to nab them so, when I entered the Fun House, I saw him first and thought to take his help. I failed to see that he could be a Prince," Zhu Lin asserted. Nianzu skeptically looked at Zhu Lin.


    "You are using informalnguage for Brother Wanxi. You two indeed took your fight to a different level!" Nianzu pronounced and raised the cup. "Would you like to tell me why you pushed him?" Nianzu further asked.


    Zhu Lin hummed. "He locked me in a room after giving a tour. I told him to open the door numerous times, but he did not listen. It infuriated me and then he grabbed me from here," Zhu Lin stated, showing the cors of her dress. "It is my mistake that I used more strength on him," Zhu Lin replied and sighed.


    "Miss Zhu Lin should be happy that the Crown Prince is not here," Nianzu affirmed and passed her a smile.


    "Why?"


    "Because the Crown Prince does not like when someone hurts Lei Wanxi. It does not matter to him if it''s a man or a woman. Miss Lin shall apologize to Brother Wanxi," Nianzu advised her, who nodded her head. "Miss Zhu Lin, the tea is getting cold. You shall drink."


    "Ahh, yes." She picked the teacup and sipped the tea. Putting it down she assured Nianzu that she would apologize to the Sixth Prince. "l am afraid if he will forgive me or not," she said.


    "He will," Nianzu affirmed and sipped the remaining tea in the cup. He put the cup on the table and looked at Zhu Lin. "I have something to ask from you, Miss Lin," Nianzu menacingly said.

 Chapter 371 - Not Aware Of His Heart

    <h4>Chapter 371 - Not Aware Of His Heart</h4>


    "I did not send the reply to the proposal yet Miss Lin arrived here. May I ask, why?" Nianzu kept his tone polite.


    "I wanted to know about the Prince whom I am supposed to marry. I had heard about you, but I thought to see myself before giving a nod to this marriage," Zhu Lin asserted. "I will marry you," Zhu Lin stated.


    Nianzu passed a fake smile to her. "Marry me? How did you find out that I am suitable? You do not know anything about me," Nianzu opined.


    "Your politeness, humble behavior, and down-to-earth nature are enough to tell me that you are perfect for me," replied Zhu Lin while smiling. Nianzu amusingly looked at her.


    "What if I had refused this proposal? I am still in a dilemma about this arranged marriage." Nianzu wanted to be veracious with Zhu Lin. He knew that after marriage, he could not keep Zhu Lin happy and would suffer with her. He wanted Zhu Lin to step back from the marriage, but in a way that she would not get hurt. So, for thest time, he thought to try.


    "Why is the Fourth Prince in a dilemma?" Zhu Lin asked.


    Nianzu could not tell her the truth about his feelings for another woman, so he kept mum. "I believe the Prince could not refuse this marriage. I think that the Emperor has not informed you about his promise with my father. He promised that he will make me marry one of his sons," Zhu Lin affirmed. "This is the main reason I came here because I wanted to see the person before agreeing. The promise was I will have the right to choose the Prince for me. I refused for all the Princes earlier except you." Zhu Lin revealed the entire truth to Nianzu, who was shocked to learn about that. How could his father not tell him?


    "Father did not tell me," devastated Nianzu said.


    "I said in the message not to tell the Fourth Prince about this. That was a separate message from the one the Prince received," proimed Zhu Lin.


    Nianzu felt dejected upon learning the truth. But he wondered why his father asked about his opinion when everything was already decided.


    "So, you want to marry me?" Nianzu asked and waited for her answer patiently.


    "Yes," Zhu Lin answered.


    Nianzu curled his fingers and passed a smile to her. He did not know he was destined to marry Zhu Lin from the beginning. He stood up in the middle of the conversation, left the chamber thus, befuddling Zhu Lin.


    He walked gradually while contemting the truth that Zhu Lin told her. Why did his father ask about his opinion when he already decided his son''s fate? Why did his father tell him to think about that and deliver his decision to him when his father would not have listened to him? Was it just for a show or was there something big hidden behind all this?


    ~~~~~


    Chuntao afterpleting her work came to her home. She opened the lock and went inside when she saw a person in the white Hanfu Dress. She understood the person was from the Pce so she immediately bowed.


    "Follow me," the person said and walked past her. He went out of the house while Chuntao followed him, forgetting that she should lock the house! The person was a few meters away from her so that no one would be suspicious of him.


    Chuntao found that they were on a route which she never took and heard that it was prohibited for use. She was a little scared, but there was no other way except following the man in the white dress. She saw the Royal Carriage in front of her and her steps slowed down.


    She lowered her gaze when it fell on the chauffeur. She stopped as the man told her to stop. Eunuch Jin opened the door of the carriage where the Emperor was seated.


    "Your Majesty," Chuntao mumbled and got on her knees.


    "Rise," Han Wenjimanded.?She quickly stood up but her head was still lowered.


    "Prince Nianzu brought you to the Pce. I had no objection to that until he grew romantic feelings towards you," Han Wenji pronounced. Chuntao widened her eyes and raised her head when themander put a sword on her neck. "Lower your gaze!" He said in a threatening tone. Immediately, Chuntao lowered her eyes.


    "Commander Yang, step back." Han Wenji ordered him, who bowed acknowledging the order of the Emperor.


    "Romantic feelings?!" Chuntao murmured. How could it be possible?


    "The confusion on your face is showing that you were not aware of his heart or he did not confess it to you," the Emperor deduced. Chuntao clutched her skirt tightly.


    "Prince Nianzu is refusing to marry. I found out that today he came to meet you." Chuntao wondered how could the Emperor find out about that when the Fourth Prince was in a disguise. "May I ask why?" The Emperor asked.


    "Your Majesty, his highness wanted to...wanted to¡­" Chuntao was stuck because of the sudden question of the Emperor.


    "Whatever was the reason this was yourst meeting with him. You will not stay in this vige anymore. You will safely be sent out of this vige where you can start your new life," the Emperor announced. Chuntao widened her eyes again and right away fell on her knees.


    "Your Majesty, this vige is my birthce. I have memories of my family here. Forgive me for getting close to his highness. I will never meet him again. I promise his majesty that I will never meet him," Chuntao repeated her words as the tears formed in her eyes.


    "That would not suffice. The Prince might not stop himself froming to you. It is good that you do not have any feelings for him," Han Wenji asserted. Tears poured down her eyes. She had feelings for him but she would never ept them and with the Emperor''s words, she was relieved that she did well by not confessing her feelings.


    "A man will be seen for you with whom you will get married after leaving this vige. Many rumors have started and I do not want it to affect the reputation and image of my son. You shall repay the kindness that Prince Nianzu showed to you and this is the way," Han Wenji announced.


    Chuntao felt helpless. Her fingers dug into the ground and were filled with mud. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will re-repay the kindness shown by the Fourth Prince to me," Chuntao stated. She did not know her fate would take a turn this way. Han Wenji smiled and ordered the chauffeur to start the carriage.


    Commander Yang came forward and closed the door of the carriage. The rain started to pour down. Chuntao stayed in that position until the carriage left her sight. She looked up at the sky as the rain fell over her face.


    "Why?" She questioned and stood up from the ground. But there was no answer. The thought of getting married was making her sick. But she could not either raise her voice against the order of the Emperor.

 Chapter 372 - Rain Means Romance

    <h4>Chapter 372 - Rain Means Romance</h4>


    Ying Lili delightedly took the letter from Court Lady Xu and sat on the mattress. "He sent two letters," Ying Lili murmured, the smile never fading from her lips. She opened the first letter and read it.


    "Lili,


    Hope you are taking care of yourself in my absence. We have reached close to our destination. Soon, I willplete the work here ande back. Do not worry about me. I am also taking care of mine. Ahh, I have so much to say to you, but writing them is impossible. I am ending this letter here. Do not send a reply as it can be risky.


    I love you


    Sheng Li."


    Ying Lili''s eyes filled with tears. She did not know the importance of letters until today. She was restless since thest day and this letter calmed her heart down. But she was sad that she could not send Sheng Li any message. Putting it down on the mattress, Ying Lili opened another letter.


    ''Friend, we three are safe. Do not worry about us.


    Hu Jingguo.''


    Ying Liliughed loudly, amusing Court Lady Xu. She curiously asked the Crown Princess about thatugh. "Hu Jingguo wanted to write a letter for me, but Sheng Li did not let him write, I think. He is even getting jealous when we are far away," Ying Lili wiped the tears formed in her eyes because ofughing.


    "But your heart and souls are connected, your highness. The Crown Prince is possessive towards her highness," stated Court Lady Xu.


    Ying Lili passed a smile to Court Lady Xu and folded the letters. She put them on the table. "I am eagerly waiting for his return. Without him, the Pce feels empty to me," Ying Lili suddenly turned emotional. She lowered her eyes and closed them. "He is staying in the forest, sleeping on the floor while I have this fluffy mattress. I know he will neglect the injuries he gets," Ying Lili proimed. She opened her eyes and looked at the Court Lady, who had a tense expression on her face.


    "The Crown Prince will return soon, your highness. General Wang and the Second Physician would take good care of his highness even if he neglects it. He was out of the Pce for 6 years, so it is not the first time for the Crown Prince," Court Lady Xu proimed and made Ying Lili understand.


    "I get it," Ying Lili replied. "I want to sleep," she told the Court Lady, who bowed. "I will cover her highness from the nket. Pleasey down," stated Court Lady Xu.


    "I will do that. Just blow off the candles," Ying Lili ordered her. Court Lady Xu called a maidservant who did that work. The chamber turned dark and then went out. Ying Lili quietly got off the bed and went towards the window. She opened it and stood by it. The rain had not stopped, which worried her more. The lightning traveled in the sky through clouds, scared her.


    "Sheng Li, please be safe. My heart is again restless," Ying Lili murmured, bringing her hand to her chest.


    Here, Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Hu Jingguo could not reach the borders of the Northern Province at the desired time. The heavy rain had muddied the ground and it was tough for them to resume the journey. They decided to stop and took shelter in a nearby vige.


    Since it was ate-night, all vigers were fast asleep. Wang Hao took them to a hut where he had taken rest thest time he used this route. They werepletely drenched, so were their horses. Luckily, the hut had arge space where horses could be put without any trouble. "Your highness, please go in. I will do the rest of the work," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li nodded and went towards the door of a room. He pushed it and walked in, while Wang Hao made the stable for the horses with the help of Hu Jingguo.


    The hut was abandoned a long time ago, so there was nothing except the straws, dry wood on the floor. He had to light the fire as well to keep them warm. Gathering them, he created a tiny heap near one end of the room and lit a fire using the pebbles. He removed his upper garment, removed the headband around his forehead, and sat beside the fire to keep his body warm.


    After some time, Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo entered the room. "Sheng Li, change into these clothes," Hu Jingguo stated, who stood up and took the clothes from him.


    Hu Jingguo came closer to Sheng Li and poked his muscr arm. "Whoa! Your muscles are so¡­" he paused as he found the Crown Prince was scowling at him. Bringing his hand to his nape, Hu Jingguo said, "Forgive me."


    "So, this is the scar about which Lili was talking!" Hu Jingguo said, looking at the middle of Sheng Li''s chest, who immediately brought the clothes in front of his chest, thus covering it.


    "Go over there and change your clothes," Sheng Li pointed towards the left wall of the hut. Hu Jingguo did not defy him and walked away. After changing their clothes, they sat beside the fire. Hu Jingguo remembered the day when he almost died in the fire. It still terrified him.


    The rain got heavier instead of slowing down. Luckily, they packed the meals early in the morning. They took their meals first, before sleeping. Sheng Li sat up on the bed of straw, as he could not sleep. Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo had already fallen asleep.


    ''It is getting difficult. We are behind our destination. I just hope tomorrow there will be no rain,'' Sheng Li thought. His mind went back to Ying Lili''s words. ''Rain means romance.'' A smile formed on his lips. He went towards the window and after a few tries opened it as it was jammed for a long time. He brought his hand to his chest and closed his eyes. "Hope you have slept peacefully," he murmured.


    ~~~


    Read the author note below.

 Chapter 373 - You Would Love Me

    <h4>Chapter 373 - You Would Love Me</h4>


    Jian Guozhi came to the bedchamber of Zho Mi as per his promise. He looked around and found that the chamber had dim lights. Zho Mi, seeing the First Prince, stood up from the chair and bowed. "Forgive me. I got busy with some work," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Jian Ge shall not apologize," Zho Mi replied. "I took my supper after you sent the order," she added. Jian Guozhi nodded and went towards the bed. He sat on that. Zho Mi delightedly turned to him.


    Jian Guozhi smelled the pleasant scent and looked around. "Did you order to burn the incense sticks?" He then asked.


    "Yes. I thought you would love this scent," Zho Mi asserted.


    "Indeed. It is pleasant and unique." He removed the overcoat and put it on the bed. He lifted his hand to remove the hairpin but felt Zho''s fingers on his hand. "Let me help," she softly said. Jian Guozhi passed her a tiny smile, thus giving her approval. Zho Mi removed the hairpin from the hair bun, opening his hair.


    She stepped back when Jian Guozhi caught her wrist and drew her closer. He locked her slender body between his legs and peered into her eyes. "Jian Ge," her voice had turned low. Her heart raced the moment he pulled her. Gradually, Jian Guozhi made her sit on his right thigh. However, their gazes did not leave each other.


    "It seems the incense sticks have aphrodisiacs in them." Zho Mi slightly widened her eyes. She felt his fingers tracing her face and stopped near her lips. "I like your calmness," she heard him.


    "I am d that Jian Ge likes it," Zho Mi stated. She raised her hand and ced it on Jian Guozhi''s cheek, caressing it. "It is my first time touching your face," she whispered and nced at him.


    "Same goes for me," Jian Guozhi replied. He could see how Zho''s chest was falling up and down. "Are you nervous?" He queried her.


    "Hmm. A little. Every woman gets nervous when it''s their first time," affirmed Zho Mi. Jian Guozhi''s lips moved up as a smile formed on them. His fingers, which were near her lips, were now under her chin. Jian Guozhi leaned closer to her lips, which were glowing bright red to im them. Heat rose on her cheeks and they flushed while the heart thumped crazily.


    ''The aphrodisiac is working,'' Zho Mi thought.


    Jian Guozhi kissed her but it was not even for seconds before he pulled away. Zho Mi gawked at him.


    "Do you love me?" He asked.


    Zho Mi hummed in response. The smile never left her lips.


    "But, I still do not love you." Right away, the smile left her lips and a befuddled expression appeared on her face.


    She still wore a fake smile on her lips. "It does not matter. I was taught that even if the husband doesn''t love you, you have to love him wholeheartedly. He is your everything after marriage," Zho Mi asserted.


    "Such weird teachings you received!" Jian Guozhi remarked andughed wryly. Zho Mi clutched her skirt and wondered why Jian was not initiating. So, she thought about taking the initiative. She closed the distance between them by capturing his lips. She pulled back and met his gaze.


    "Jian Ge," she murmured as her eyes flickered the same as an oilmplight.?Jian Guozhi moved his hand. His finger grazed her back, only to reach the bottom of her spine. He pulled her closer so that their bodies pressed against each other. At that moment, he captured her lips. The kiss was more intense this time, unlike thest time.


    Jian Guozhi pulled back from the heated kiss, gasping for air. "Jian Ge, I want to be useful to you by giving the birth of the first heir among all the Princes," Zho Mi proimed.


    "My mother wanted the firstborn from Xue Yu-Yan," Jian Guozhi stated, resulting in the disappearance of a smile again from Zho Mi''s lips.


    "But, Jian Ge does not love even her sight," Zho Mi affirmed.


    "That was earlier. I promised her to give a chance to her as she repented on her mistakes," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Jian Ge, you shall not trust her. Last time she not only created troubles for the Crown Princess but also for the Sixth Prince," Zho Mi opined.


    "Then, does it not go the same for you?" Jian Guozhi questioned.


    Zho Mi confusedly looked at him when she was pushed and thrown on the mattress. She was bewildered at how Jian Guozhi acted. He wiped the lips from the back of his palm. "Do you think you can y under my eyes?" Jian Guozhi waited for her response and stood up from the mattress. He went to the table and poured water into the ss. He sipped the water and turned to look at Zho Mi, who was stillid on the bed.


    "You did not give an answer," Jian Guozhi said, holding the ss in his left hand.


    Zho Mi sat up on the bed. She was still confused. The way Jian Guozhi pushed her away and his question worried her. She saw Jian Guozhi shaking his head because of the aphrodisiac incense stick. He moved towards the other table where a cauldron was ced.


    He halted in front of it and poured water into it. The incense sticks quenched.


    "Zho Mi, I asked something. Do you want me to use another method to get the truth from you?" Jian Guozhi questioned her again.


    "I do not know what Jian Ge wants to know. I am indeed more trustable than Xue Yu-Yan." She stood affirmed on her point, not wanting to make Jian Guozhi''s suspicions stronger.


    The First Prince put the ss on the table and went towards her. Halting in front of her he ced his hand on her neck before pressing his fingers firmly around it. "I hate lies. I know you were formting ns to hurt Ying''er and Sheng Li." Zho Mi was stunned to hear that. She had no idea how and when Jian Guozhi found out about that.


    "For her and Brother Sheng, I even decided to show the true colors of my mother to the world. Then, what are you? How dare you make a fool of me when I thought to get close to you?" Jian Guozhi screamed at her and pulled her up.


    Zho Mi patted his hand, gesturing to him to let go of his grip from her neck. "L-l-leave," she struggled to breathe when Jian Guozhi released her hand from her neck. Zho Mi started coughing while holding her neck. She continued coughing and stepped back to sit on the bed.


    "Zho, I thought you would love me but I was wrong. I was ready to open my heart, but greed in your heart did not see my true self. I do not want the throne. My both wives ended up making my life sick," he remarked.


    "Jian Ge, but I did nothing wrong. I do not know why you are acting this way," Zho Mi stood up from the bed.


    "Again lying?" Jian Guozhi scowled at her. "I caught my mother''s wrongdoings then what are you? Do not show me your face," Jian Guozhi warned her and walked out from there, after picking his overcoat and hairpin.


    Zho Mi''s facial expressions turned grim. "What did he find out? I nned everything carefully! And, why does he care so much about Ying Lili? He is not his but his love for her is not dying," Zho Mi clenched her fists.


    Jian Guozhi halted after a few meters from Zho Mi''s chamber. He tied the knot of his overcoat and resumed walking. The First Prince found Nianzu on the pavilion with a porcin jar in his hand. "What is the Fourth Brother doing at thiste night in the pavilion?" Jian Guozhi mumbled.


    He went to the pavilion and found Nianzu was crying. "Brother Nianzu," he called his name and went towards him. Nianzu tilted his head and smiled. Jian Guozhi stood by him and took the jar from him. Taking the scent, he looked back at Nianzu, who again started crying.


    "Why is the Fourth Brother doing this? He always refrained from wine except on special asions," Jian Guozhi affirmed. He put the jar on the broad wooden railing.


    "I want to run away. Can I?" Nianzu asked Jian Guozhi, whose eyes turned big.

 Chapter 374 - Fruit Of My Bad Karma

    <h4>Chapter 374 - Fruit Of My Bad Karma</h4>


    "Run away?" Jian Guozhi muttered.


    "Yes. I do not want to live here anymore," Nianzu replied and stood up. His steps wavered, but Jian Guozhi held his arm and kept him steady at one ce.


    "Brother, Come with me. I will drop you to your chamber," Jian Guozhi offered his help. Nianzu pushed Jian Guozhi away.


    "No, I do not want to go." Nianzu''s eyes were getting heavier because of the wine consumption. "Leave m-me alone," requested Nianzu and turned towards the wooden railing of the pavilion. He again sat on that and pulled out the bamboo flute from his sash. He blew the air and a melodious sound was produced.


    Jian Guozhi did not force Nianzu and let him stay alone. He thought of meeting the Crown Princess but since it waste at night, he postponed the n to the morning. He came to his chamber, where Eunuch Long confusedly looked at him but lowered his eyes.


    "My master, why did youe in the middle of the night here? You were supposed to spend a night with Lady Mi." Gathering his courage Eunuch Long asked. It was unusual on the behalf of Jian Guozhi that he left Zho Mi in the middle of the night.


    "Make sure that Lady Mi will not leave her chamber for a week," Jian Guozhi did not reply to the query of Eunuch Long instead ordered him.


    "Yes, my master," Eunuch Long bowed his head while Jian Guozhi walked inside his chamber. He removed the overcoat and put it aside on the bed. Sitting on the bed, he brought his fingers to his forehead and moved them over it. "Why is everyone mad for power? The one whom I thought innocent and trustworthy, turned out to be greedy." He questioned as tears filled in his eyes.


    "The first mother did not listen to me and I ended up killing her indirectly. I thought I would get support from Zho Mi, but she did the same. I opened myself to her and she betrayed me. But isn''t it the fruit of my bad karma?" Jian Guozhi muttered and wiped his eyes.


    Lying down on the bed, he stared at the wooden ceiling. The tears poured from his eyes, without his knowledge. ''Now, I can feel the real pain that Sheng Li underwent at that time. I used tough at him, but now my own life hase at that point. I thought to repay them till myst breath, but I feel that my wife now turned against them. At least Xue did everything openly but Zho Mi hid her true self from me.'' Jian Guozhi felt stuck once again. He changed himself, but what''s the use when the whom he trusted plotted against the Crown Princes and the Crown Princess?


    Eunuch Long came inside with two maidservants, who blew off the candles and the oilmps except one.


    "Your highness, let me open your shoes," Eunuch Long bent on his knees and took off the shoes from Jian Guozhi''s feet. "Your highness, I passed your order to Lady Mi," Eunuch Long added.


    "My teacher was right, Dai Long," Jian Guozhi said, making Eunuch Long furrow his eyebrows. Jian Guozhi sat up on the bed while Eunuch Long stood up and took a step back. "He told me to not trouble Sheng Li because time may change anytime. Do you know what I did that time?" Jian Guozhiughed wryly.


    Eunuch Long was still befuddled, thinking why his master talked that way.


    "I asked myte mother to punish him. He was smiling while getting flogged, and it irritated me more," Jian Guozhi asserted. "Now, I am in that phase where I can understand my teacher''s wordspletely. Time indeed changed. Though it is good, but it is painful too," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "Your highness, please do not think about the past and rte it to your present events," Eunuch Long suggested to Jian Guozhi, who raised his head to look at him in that dim light.


    "His highness shall take rest. It iste," Eunuch Long worriedly said. Jian Guozhi hummed andid on the bed. Eunuch Long covered him with the nket and blew off thest candle before leaving the chamber.


    Tossing and turning on the mattress, he drifted off to sleep after a while.


    ~~~~~


    Zho Mi was infuriated as Jian Guozhi left her in the middle. What did Jian Ge find out and how? Zho Mi threw the flower vase that was on the table, on the floor. "I cannot go out of this chamber for a week. He did not give such punishment to Xue Yu-Yan, so why me?"


    The maidservant came Inside upon hearing the sound of a flower vase. She cleaned it but Zho Mi stopped her.


    "Why did you not stop his highness? Did you see he left me in the middle?" Zho Mi shouted at her.


    The maidservant apologized. "Apologies, My Lady but this lowly subject could not stop the First Prince from leaving," she was trembling in fear.


    "Clean it and leave," Zho Mi ordered her. The maidservant epted the order. She cleaned the floor and left the chamber.


    Zho Mi went to the bed and sat on the mattress. She touched her lips. "It was only an act. Jian Ge tried to learn everything from me and like a fool, I said words against Xue Yu-Yan. Now, I cannot do anything else Jian Ge would do something more," Zho Mi murmured. But after today''s incident, she was in a dilemma whether Jian Guozhi would ever trust her or not.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well.


    What do you think about how Jian Guozhi finds out Zho''s true face? Will she stop here? What do your readers think? Do share your thoughts on this and stay tuned to the story.


    Thank you to everyone who''s reading the story and supporting me. It''s such an overwhelming feeling to see this book in the ranks.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 375 - Apology

    <h4>Chapter 375 - Apology</h4>


    "What happened to you Prince Wanxi? Your face and hand are injured," Han Wenji was worried. He nced at Consort Jinlong, "You did not inform me."


    "It was not important, father," Lei Wanxi replied and looked at his hand.


    "Brother Wanxi was ying with Princess Zhu Lin, who pushed him and he ended up falling off the stairs," Yongzheng told Han Wenji.


    "I was not ying," Lei Wanxi annoyingly said and left the greeting hall. Everyone was shocked because this was the first time he acted this way.


    "Your Majesty, I will converse with Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili stated. Han Wenji permitted the Crown Princess. "Your Majesty, before the Crown Prince left Luoyang, we conversed regarding the matter of new administrative policies. So, I need to go out of the Pce to the Capital Bureau office to check on the work. If His Majesty permits me, then that would be great," Ying Lili asserted.


    "The Crown Princess does not need to ask for my permission. She can go," Han Wenji affirmed and shifted his gaze to the First Prince. "Since the Crown Prince is not here, follow the Crown Princess," Han Wenji told Jian Guozhi, who nodded his head.


    The Emperor noticed that Prince Nianzu was lost somewhere. In the early morning, Eunuch Jin informed him how Nianzu stayed the entire night in the Eastern Pavilion. Because of this reason, Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin to send Chuntao to the vige away from the capital. "Prince Nianzu, did you meet Princess Zhu Lin? She wants to marry the Prince," asserted Han Wenji.


    Ying Lili looked at Nianzu whose face was pale. It seemed he did not sleep the entire night. Jian Guozhi also knitted his brows upon seeing the state of Nianzu.


    "I met her regarding Wanxi''s matter, father," Nianzu replied and passed a faint smile.


    "Why does it seem the Fourth Prince is not getting enough sleep?" Consort Ju Fen questioned. Deng Hui anxiously gazed at her son and wondered if it was because of the marriage proposal?


    Ying Lili thought about taking a stand for Nianzu when she heard him.


    "Father, you already decided on my marriage with Princess Zhu Lin. My opinion has never mattered since the beginning." Nianzuughed wryly. All of them could feel the anger in Nianzu''s voice.


    "Does the Prince want to marry someone else? I heard some strange rumors," Ju Fen proimed. "That vige girl and Prince Nianzu have-"


    "Mother Ju, please refrain from speaking things based on rumors," Nianzu sternly said.


    "I asked about your opinion, Prince Nianzu," Han Wenji affirmed.


    Nianzu chuckled but prevented himself from saying anything to the Emperor. "Son, go and take a rest. We will talk about this matterter," Deng Hui intervened between the father and son. Nianzu bowed and left the greeting hall. Han Wenji frowned upon seeing the behavior of the Fourth Prince. ''It is good that the girl is gone,'' he thought.


    "First Prince, where is your first wife? I heard that you left her chamberst night. Is everything good?" Deng Hui curiously queried him. Everyone shifted their gazes towards Jian Guozhi.


    "She got sickst night. I went to bring the Royal Physician for her and it appeared that I left in the night," Jian Guozhi wondered. But he was befuddled, thinking why Deng Hui was suddenly interested in his life? Was it because of histe mother who always tortured Deng Hui? Jian Guozhi realized that he could not keep Zho Mi for a week inside her chamber as it would raise suspicions that he did not want.


    "How is she?" Han Wenji queried.


    "She is resting," Jian Guozhi replied and faked a smile. Han Wenji nodded his head and told all of them to leave as it was time for the morning meals.


    Ying Lili came out of the hall and found Jian Guozhi outside. The two greeted each other and began walking. "Brother Jian, I will see you after breakfast near the Imperial Gates," she informed him. "Brother Nianzu is a little disturbed. Did the First Brother try conversing with the Fourth Brother?" Ying Lili asked.


    "The Fourth Brother hardly shares his worries. I saw him in the pavilion the previous night. He said he wants to run away from here," Jian Guozhi proimed. "Heart sometimes makes mistakes. He fell in love with the person, who can never be his other half except a mere concubine," He added. Ying Lili agreed with him.


    "Also, he believes if he marries her then he will be forced to marry a Princess of high status. Unlike the Crown Prince, none of us are brave enough to say no to a second marriage," stated Jian Guozhi. "Though I could refuse, I was blinded by power that time," he asserted.


    "Now, you are married to the two so, you need to share the love equally to them," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I tried your suggestion, Crown Princess. I will discuss the matter with youter. I shall take my leave," Jian Guozhi bowed and walked away. Ying Lili turned to the left and went to Lei Wanxi''s chamber.


    "Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili softly called his name. Lei Wanxi, who was on the mattress on the floor, stood up and walked to her. "Sister Lili, she did this to me. Look at her audacity! Even father did not punish her after knowing the matter," Lei Wanxiined.


    "I found the Prince did not want her to get punished, that''s why he did not tell the Emperor," Ying Lili affirmed and waited for his response.


    "No, Sister Lili. I just hate talking about her. My blood boils. She injured me two times and also made me feel low," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Brother Wanxi should not have locked her inside that isted room. It angered her. You are a gracious man, Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili proimed and grabbed his right hand, which was injured.


    She caressed it and said, "It will heal soon. Even Princess Lin is upset after doing this with you. I heard she came to apologize to you, but you refused to meet her. Earlier Brother Wanxi said he wanted an apology," Ying Lili raised her eyebrow.


    "Yes, I want an apology. I was irked at her. So, I refused to meet her. She could have waited more, but she did not. She is not sincere, Sister Lili. She still thinks I did wrong, that''s why she left," Lei Wanxi deduced. "I miss Brother Sheng. He knows my heart. Last time when I was hurt, he was so tense," Lei Wanxi recalled the other day when Bingbing punched him.


    "Just meet Princess Lin for me. End this fight between you two. I will not act partially, Brother Wanxi. You should not have locked Princess Lin and also she should not have pushed you. You both are at fault, so you both need to apologize to each other. We three will have breakfast together," Ying Lili stated.


    Lei Wanxi acknowledged the Crown Princess''s idea. "For Sister Lili, I can do anything. I just hope after today she will not do this else something big is bound to happen," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Ying Lili assured him nothing would happen and called a maidservant in.


    "Bring Princess Zhu Lin here and also set the breakfast table for three," Ying Lili ordered the maidservant.


    "Sister Lili, I will meet herter. I do not want to ruin my breakfast because of her. Sister Lili can have breakfast with me. I will feel a little better," Lei Wanxi stated. Ying Lili nodded and ordered the maidservant to set the table for two only.

 Chapter 376 - Shooter

    <h4>Chapter 376 - Shooter</h4>


    The Crown Princess arrived at the Fu Imperial Gates where she met the First Prince and General Xiao. The two greeted the Crown Princess. "Please get into the pnquin, Crown Princess." Jian Guozhi looked around and asked, "You should have brought a maidservant with you."


    "No, it is not needed, Brother Jian," Ying Lili replied and went towards the pnquin. She got inside it, while the First Prince and General Xiao hopped on their horses. The pnquin was lifted by the carriers, and they left it up.


    Soon, they reached the office of the Capital Bureau. The officials, workers, and servants who were working were bewildered to find out the sudden news.


    Ying Lili walked inside, followed by the First Prince, General Xiao, and a few soldiers. She went to the main office building, where the Minister of State Affairs, Minister Zhong weed her. Ying Lili bowed and looked around the office. The officers were on their respective tables, standing with bowed heads.


    "Your highness, you did not tell about your visit," Minister Zhong asserted.


    Ying Lili looked at him. "It was a sudden thought," Ying Lili replied. "But, Minister Zhong, I wonder why are you here? Court Ministers are usually in the Pce at this time," Ying Lili was curious.


    "Your highness, Ie in the morning to see the reports. After new administration policies are implemented, it is mandatory," Minister Zhong answered. Ying Lili nodded and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Let''s see that report, then. What does Brother Jian think?" Ying Lili asked about his opinion.


    "It''s great. We can start with the report first," Jian Guozhi affirmed. A servant brought chairs for them, on which they took seats. Minister Zhong brought the file and handed that to the Crown Princess. She skimmed through it while whispering a few things to Jian Guozhi, who hummed at her.


    The Crown Princess asked for more reports. Spending a good time analyzing the reports, Ying Lili was satisfied the work was done with utmost honesty and all the grade officers became sincere towards their job after the reforms in the policies and a fewws.


    Ying Lili was ready to leave when she encountered Minister Gu Zhenya. They both bowed to greet each other. "The Crown Princess in the Capital Bureau does not suit the societal norms," the first remark he coulde up with against the Crown Princess, who snickered.


    "Minister Gu shall need to work upon his thinking," Ying Lili stated.


    "The Crown Princess is lucky because of the Crown Prince. But she needs to keep the Confucian teachings in her mind as well," this time Gu Zhenya was a little harsher.


    "Minister Gu, you are talking in a wrong way with the Crown Princess. Apologize to her," Jian Guozhi intervened. Gu Zhenya smiled and apologized. Ying Lili turned and left the Capital Bureau.


    Ying Lili got back into the pnquin and returned to the Pce. She got out of the pnquin and joined Jian Guozhi once again. "Earlier in the morning, Sister Mi was not in the hall. Is everything fine, Brother Jian?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Umm... I should not say everything is fine. I could not believe she plotted against you. Thank you for informing me about her intentions the other day, but howe the Crown Princess found out about her true nature?" Jian Guozhi was curious.


    "I only told you to keep an eye on her, Brother Jian. You did the rest of the work. It is saddening that she schemed against me. I hope she will not do this anymore, else rifts can ur among us," Ying Lili pronounced. "Brother, what is Sister Mi''s background? I apologize to you if I am rude," Ying Lili stated.


    "She is from the Zhi Family, Southern Province. It''s not a powerful family, but it has a good rtionship with my father, so he decided to marry her," Jian Guozhi replied. "It seems the Crown Princess is suspicious of her family. Don''t be. The Zhi Family has been loyal to us for a long time," he proimed.


    Ying Lili nodded and halted upon reaching the Pce Grounds, so was Jian Guozhi. She looked at the Jade Emblem carved on the top of the Pavilion and said, "Brother, I want this Royal Family to be united but sometimes, it seems there are still insecurities among us."


    "It may be because of the upbringings that we cannot change. Every mother wants to secure the future of her child, but they end up getting greedy because of power at the top. It does not mean that hearts cannot be changed. It will take time," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "I think it is because of the inferiorityplex. When my uncle killed my father, I realized this. Somewhere, uncle felt inferior, which made him join hands with thete Empress Wei," Ying Lili deduced and looked at him.


    "Hmm. There are many possibilities. This is the main one. Even I felt inferior to Sheng Li because I was the firstborn. My upbringing made me think ill of him. I lost my conscience and did what I felt was right. I contemted my character and now, I feel good. At least, my heart is not restless unlike the earlier times," Jian Guozhi exined to the Crown Princess.


    Ying Lili agreed with Jian Guozhi. "Brother Jian has a good heart," Ying Lili said with a smile. Jian Guozhi smiled back. They both turned to walk when an arrow passed right in front of them and hit the wooden pir. They got alerted and looked for the shooter.


    The shooter was on the roof, in ck clothes. His face was covered as well. Jian Guozhi ran towards the other building, calling the soldiers, who got down the roof and surrendered himself, dropping the bow from his hand.


    The soldiers surrounded him while Jian Guozhi went to him with a sword in his hand. He pointed the sword at him and removed the cloth mask from his face. "Who are you?" Jian Guozhi skeptically asked.


    "I will answer to the Crown Princess," the man stated, bringing his hands up.

 Chapter 377 - Kill The Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 377 - Kill The Crown Prince</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was staring at Zhu Lin, who was looking down at the wooden floor. They both were at the Eastern Pavilion as Lei Wanxi told her to meet there. "You are taking more time than usual. Just because Sister Lili told me to be patient around you, that''s why I kept myself calm," Lei Wanxi sternly said.


    Zhu Lin lifted her head and met his eyes. "Forgive me for hurting you. I should not have used force on you," Zhu Lin bowed and continued, "I should have acted like an adult."


    Lei Wanxi frowned upon hearing that. Was Princess Zhu Lin thought Lei Wanxi acted like a child? Thest remark made him angry.?He clenched his fist when he heard her. "Please do not take it the other way. I am older than you, so I should have acted calmly. Forgive me for involving you the other day."


    Lei Wanxi skeptically nced at her and opened his mouth to speak when a servant interrupted them. "Your highness, in the Pce Ground an unknown man is...is..." he stopped midway because of the fear.


    "What happened?" Lei Wanxi demanded an answer from him.


    "Your highness, the unknown man shot an arrow which hit the pir right beside the Crown Prince and the First Prince. He then surrendered and asked the Crown Princess to talk to him. The situation seems tense there." The servantpleted his words. Lei Wanxi ran towards the Pce Grounds, followed by Zhu Lin.


    In the Pce Grounds, Ying Lili took out the arrow from the wooden pir through which a paper was attached. But there was nothing on it. She examined it first before speaking. "Commander Yang, bring the ink and brush," Ying Lili ordered, who gestured to the soldier to bring the same.


    She looked at the shooter in front of him, who was suspicious. He shot the arrow and then willingly surrendered himself? The first doubt came into Ying Lili''s mind. She widened her eyes as something clicked in her mind. "General Xiao, check the entire Pce. The shooter is someone else. Do not let him go out," Ying Lili ordered him. Jian Guozhi confusedly looked at the Crown Princess.


    "What do you mean, your highness?" Xiao Zhan questioned.


    "I will exinter," Ying Lili stated. Xiao Zhan nodded andmanded the soldiers to follow him.


    The ink and brush were brought by another soldier. Commander Yang handed the brush to Ying Lili, who colored the paper with the ink. The letters were visible now. Ying Lili read the message which said, "He made a mistake by leaving the Capital."


    "What happened, Crown Princess?" Jian Guozhi saw the grim expression on Ying Lili''s face and took the paper from her and read the message. Ying Lili stepped towards the shooter, who was on the ground on his knees. "Who is with you? The arrow was not shot by you," Ying Lili affirmed and looked at the hole made on the paper because of the arrow, airspeed, and friction.


    "Your highness, I am just a messenger," the man stated while gazing into her eyes.


    "Lower your eyes," Jian Guozhi shouted at him.


    "Brother, it is fine," Ying Lili stated. By then, the Princes had arrived there and went towards Jian Guozhi.


    "What kind of messenger are you? Are you making a fool of me? The one who shot is not you." Ying Lili proimed and pulled out the sword from the sheath which Commander Yang had held. She pointed it at his neck and said, "Tell the truth, otherwise you will be dead."


    "My master will kill the Crown Prince." The man smirked and red into the eyes of Ying Lili. "He told me to pass this message. The paper in the hand of the First Prince is the message of my master to you. He wants you to surrender to him if you want your husband to be alive," the man informed Ying Lili. "You can kill me because if you will not, I will kill myself," stated the man and brought his left hand up. Before he could drink the poison from his ring, Ying Lili cut through his neck with the sword, shocking everyone there.


    "Crown Princess, what did you do? He could have told us further," Commander Sunined. Rong Zemin agreed with him.


    "No, he is loyal to his master. He would have not told us. Take him away. Check the entire Pce and increase the security," Ying Lili ordered and threw the sword on the ground. She turned towards Jian Guozhi. "Brother, we need to report to the Emperor." Jian Guozhi nodded, and they left for the Emperor''s manor.


    Han Wenji was going out with Eunuch Jin after getting the news of an intruder in the Pce when they encountered the Crown Princess and the First Prince.


    "Your Majesty, let''s talk inside your chamber," Ying Lili requested. Han Wenji nodded, and they went inside the chamber. Han Wenji got worried when Jian Guozhi narrated the incident. "Father, I will send a message to Brother Sheng and tell him to return to the Pce," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "No, Brother Jian," Ying Lili prevented him from doing so. "We do not know whether or not it is true. The enemy is threatening us, but he would not make the mistake of attacking Luoyang. The message is specifically directed towards me. We need to thoroughly investigate this matter before making any decision," Ying Lili advised Jian Guozhi.


    Han Wenji kept reading the message and said, "this quality of paper is used in Northern Province. Does Tan Gengxin find out that the Crown Prince has left the Capital?" Han Wenji looked back at Ying Lili.


    "It cannot be the possibility, your Majesty. No one knows that Sheng Li has left for the Northern Province, and Tan Gengxin is in Northern Province," Ying Lili affirmed. Jian Guozhi confusedly looked at them, so Ying Lili exined everything to him. "Forgive me for lying to everyone here, but it was for his safety," stated Ying Lili.


    "Crown Princess, it was a good decision. The biggest question in front of us is who can send such a message? The Crown Prince had left 3 days ago and the n about his departure had been made random. It is not sent by him but by someone in the Pce, who is aiding him," Jian Guozhi concluded.


    Ying Lili frowned, as she had the same thoughts as Jian Guozhi. But then the arrow was shot by someone else who ran away the moment they saw a man on the roof.

 Chapter 378 - A Piggyback Ride

    <h4>Chapter 378 - A Piggyback Ride</h4>


    Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Hu Jingguo reached the remote vige border of the Northern Province. They were disguised well so no one could recognize them. Moreover, the people had never seen the Crown Prince and any from the Capital in real life.


    "Hushu, I am hungry. Let''s find a ce to have lunch," Hu Jingguo said and grabbed the arm of Sheng Li, resting his head on his shoulder. Sheng Li pushed him off and told him to behave with him.


    Hu Jingguo huffed. "I am tired. You should carry me on your back," Hu Jingguo stated. Wang Hao smiled, seeing how Hu Jingguo again started annoying Sheng Li.


    "Carry you?" Sheng Li chuckled. "Hop on your horse if you are tired," asserted Sheng Li and walked ahead of him, pulling the reins on Kongqi.


    "My horse is also tired," Hu Jingguo stated and ran behind him. He jumped a little and climbed on Sheng Li''s back, locking his arms around his neck and legs around his waist.


    Wang Hao was shocked to see what Hu Jingguo did. "The Crown Prince will definitely beat him," Wang Hao murmured and gulped.


    Sheng Li stopped and calmly told Hu Jingguo to get down. "No, I will not. I am tired," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "Do you know on whose back you are? Do you know it can lead to a death sentence?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "I know that my friend is carrying me, and I know he will not kill me," Hu Jingguo affirmed. He yawned and said, "I am indeed tired, Hushu. I have never been given a piggyback ride. Give me one."


    "Jingguo, get down. You cannot do this. Come, I will carry you on my back," Wang Hao requested him.


    "No. If I do so, then it will prove Hushu is a physically weak guy," Hu Jingguo pronounced.


    Sheng Liughed wryly and put both of his hands around Hu Jingguo''s legs. "She told you that I called you ''weak'' or did you hear my conversation with her?" Sheng Li asked him while walking.


    "What do you think, friend?" Hu Jingguo asked him back.


    "She told you about this. But It was true. Now, you started to trouble me but it feels like I cannot even say anything," affirmed Sheng Li. Hu Jingguo had slept off by then as Sheng Li felt his head resting on his shoulder. "He was indeed tired," Sheng Li murmured. He turned and looked at Wang Hao.


    "He is asleep. We need a ce to rest," Sheng Li told him.


    "I will carry him," Wang Hao offered, but Sheng Li refused. "It''s fine. Just find a ce where we all three can stay," Sheng Li ordered him. Wang Hao bowed and pulled the reins on two horses, walking ahead.


    The clouds had gathered in the sky, and it appeared that the rain would pour down soon. Kongxi neighed, so Sheng Li nced at him. "You are missing her?" Sheng Li questioned. Kongqi neighed again, bringing a smile on Sheng Li''s lips.


    "She will be fine," Sheng Li told him. For fifteen minutes, they kept walking until Wang Hao came on his horse along with another man, who was on the second horse.


    "This is Feng Yao. It is my pleasure to meet the"


    Sheng Li cut his words and told him to be careful. Wang Hao got down from the horse and woke up Hu Jingguo. "Get off his back. Hop on my horse," Wang Hao told him. Hu Jingguo nodded; his eyes were still heavy. After that, Sheng Li straightened his back. They hopped on their respective horses and followed Feng Yao, whom Wang Hao brought.


    Soon, they reached outside a house that seemed as if it was of the vige headman. Sheng Li did not bother asking him until they got inside. Feng Jiao showed Sheng Li his room where he would stay for a few days. "His highness should have sent a message about his arrival," Feng Yao said.


    "It is a mission. Don''t call me ''his highness''. Call me Hushu," Sheng Li told him.


    "I do not dare to call you by a name," Feng Yao humbly said while lowering his eyes.


    "It''s an order. No one shall find out about this. If I find then be ready to die," Sheng Li warned him. Feng Yao gulped and assured Sheng Li that no one would find out about his arrival. Sheng Li told him to leave and went towards the bed. Heid down and in seconds drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~


    Here, in the Pce, chaos had urred because of the message. Xiao Zhan, upon the order of Ying Lili, searched every corner of the Pce, but no such suspicious person was found. The search in the capital was also in process.


    Ying Lili was with the First Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Commanders in the military house.


    Nianzu was keenly examining the letters carved on the message. "The paper used is indeed from the Northern Province. But it is strange. How did the culprit find out that the Crown Prince had left for the Northern Province? This was not shared with anyone in the Pce," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Brother, we do not know whether the conspirator knows where Sheng Li is! Let''s not reveal this to anyone. This shall remain among us only," Ying Lili suggested them, who agreed with her.


    "This writing is not of Tan Gengxin. We have the sample of his writing which we recovered from an exmander of the Han army, Ciao Hong. He had joined hands with Late Empress Wei," Ying Lili revealed another truth in front of them.


    "Pardon me?" Jian Guozhi could not believe that his mother had joined hands with Tan Gengxin.


    "Yes. When we were in the Southern Province, he shot arrows towards the Crown Prince. General Wang collected the message of Tan Gengxin from him. That time we were unaware of him until thest day your mother told the truth to Sheng Li," Ying Lili told the truth to Jian Guozhi.


    "This shape of this arrow is unique, different to the one our soldiers use," Xiao Zhan stated. "It''s made for arge distance range. Crown Princess, it''s the same that was with those assassins when we were attacked," Xiao Zhan concluded. Ying Lili furrowed her brows and looked at the Commanders.


    "We need to start from the Pce. The n is to find the real culprit for doing all this. Increase the security on the borders, gates, and around the Pce. The goods would be collected outside the Pce third gate. No one from the outside is allowed, and no one from the inside is allowed to go out," Ying Lili ordered them. The Commanders agreed with the Crown Princess and the meeting was over with this.


    ~~~~


    Thank you ''LydiaF'' for giving such a big gift to the story. It was just shocking for me in the morning. This chapter is dedicated to you. Thank you so much for supporting me since the beginning.


    Since I got a Banner on the story for the first time, thanks to all of you, so I will give a surprise mass release to all of you.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 379 - Her True Identity

    <h4>Chapter 379 - Her True Identity</h4>


    "Crown Princess, you killed that suspicious man for a reason, right? Because he could have told us about the enemy," Xiao Zhan pronounced. Jian Guozhi and Nianzu looked at her, who smiled.


    "Yes. Let the enemy think that we do not know. I need to solve this riddle. Why did he send him? He told me to surrender myself. Why?" Ying Lili muttered.


    "Crown Princess, but the real shooter was someone else, and the person you killed could give us the name," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "Brother, whoever it is, he wants to divert my mind, or he wants to know about the location of Sheng Li. A few Ministers do not want Sheng Li to be the Crown Prince, so in all this, a minister''s involvement can be possible," Ying Lili deduced. "I have a n. We will lure the enemy to us," Ying Lili suggested.


    "How?" Nianzu questioned.


    Ying Lili passed a smile and told them toe closer. She shared the n with them, and they liked the idea. Ying Lili dismissed the meeting but stopped Nianzu as she had something important to talk to him about. Jian Guozhi and Xiao Zhan left the Crown Prince''s manor while Ying Lili and Nianzu stayed there.


    "What does the Crown Princess want to talk about?" Nianzu was curious.


    "Why is the Brother going with this marriage? It is clear that he does not want to marry Zhu Lin." Ying Lili, without beating around the bush, straightforwardly questioned Nianzu.


    "Because my father promised Miss Lin''s father a long time ago. She can choose any of the Princes she wants to marry. She has chosen me. I was wrong that Father respected my decision," Nianzu briefed the Crown Princess.


    "You cannot marry Chuntao just because she has low birth status, right? I will help you, Brother Nianzu," Ying Lili offered her help.


    "I am d that Sister Lili thought so much of me, but I do not want her to trouble herself over my matter. I will handle it. Moreover, it was one-sided. I cannot be selfish over my one-sided love. Chuntao is a young woman. I do not want her to get involved in the fights at the Pce. And, I know I am not a suitable man for her. She deserves someone better than me," Nianzu pronounced. Ying Lili could see the selfless and true love in the eyes of the Fourth Prince for Chuntao.


    "I do not want her to get hurt by entering this Pce. And, I am bound to fulfill the promise of my father that he gave to the King of Huan Province. If she enters here, then she will be a concubine, and then what? The same life she has to undergo which my mother faced. That would be selfishness. Just to make myself happy, I cannot ruin the life of the person who stole my heart." Nianzu''s eyes were misty. Ying Lili''s eyes turned watery. The Crown Princess could not believe that such a level of love could exist. She only read stories about such love, but seeing it with her own eyes was painful. Ying Lili decided to talk to the Emperor about Prince Nianzu''s matter after she would find the real culprit behind today''s incident.


    "I shall take my leave." Nianzu stood up from the chair, bowed in front of the Crown Princess, and then left the chamber.


    Ying Lili''s eyes fell on the paper on the table. The words of the man whom she killed roamed in her head. ''He will kill the Crown Prince if you will not surrender.'' She clenched her fist and then mmed at the table. "Whoever yed this way with me, I will not spare him," She affirmed.


    Her attention was diverted when Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili about the Sixth Prince, who wanted to meet her. Ying Lili permitted her to send him in. In a while, Lei Wanxi came inside and worriedly asked Ying Lili if she was alright.


    "I am alright, Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili stated. Lei Wanxi took a seat.


    "I was scared when the servant informed me. Sister Lili, do you have suspicion on anyone? And why did he threaten you? The message," Lei Wanxi''s eyes fell on the paper on which the message was written. He picked it up and continued, "And what is the meaning of this?"


    "Brother Wanxi, calm down. General Xiao and the Commander will soon find out about the enemy," Ying Lili assured Lei Wanxi.


    "I trust you, Sister Lili. Whoever it is, not thinking of war against the Han Empire, right? I do not like wars, Sister Lili. We lose many innocent lives." Ying Lili found Lei Wanxi was panicked after today''s incident.


    "Brother Wanxi, no one can attack us. If it happens, I will be the first one who will face the enemy. Do not get scared," Ying Lili proimed. Lei Wanxi put his hand over his chest and heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Sister Lili, I think there is something you must know. I told this to Brother Sheng the day he left the Capital," Lei Wanxi asserted. Ying Lili amusingly looked at him when Lei Wanxi said, "The First Wife of the First Brother is not good."


    Ying Lili raised her brow. "What do you mean, Brother Wanxi?"


    "She is suspicious. One day I heard her speaking to herself and she was cursing you. I told Brother Sheng because I thought he would do something about that. But he handed the matter to me. He told me to keep an eye on Sister Zho Mi. I wanted to but these past few days my brain was diverted to Zhu Lin and I forgot about that task until today," Lei Wanxi exined to Ying Lili.


    "Why did Sheng Li not tell me?" Ying Lili murmured.


    "I told Brother Sheng not to trouble you. I mean you are such a kind woman so, it might have hurt you that Sister Mi talks about you that way. Sister Lili, I think that today''s incident has something to do with her. Because thest audible words I heard were- ''Father will be proud of her after getting the throne.''"


    Ying Lili frowned and was befuddled at the same time. "But her father is loyal to the Emperor," Ying Lili murmured.


    "There is something wrong, Sister Lili. We need to find out about her true identity," Lei Wanxi suggested to Ying Lili.


    ~~~~


    Please read the author note????

 Chapter 380 - Where Is The Real Shooter?

    <h4>Chapter 380 - Where Is The Real Shooter?</h4>


    "Brother Wanxi, earlier I made a n so that the real culprit would show his face to us. If Zho Mi is after this, then she will definitely make a mistake, which I want her to," Ying Lili stated.


    "But, Sister Lili, we should check her background," Lei Wanxi again suggested to her.


    "We will investigate about that, but in thete evening. I will sneak into her chamber," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why would Sister Lili sneak into Sister Mi''s when she can ask Brother Jian?" Lei Wanxi queried and put the paper down on the table.


    "If she is behind all this then, she will never tell Brother Jian. I had suspicions about her, but I was not sure whether or not I was right about her. But now, I think that she is behind all this. The question that is bothering me is why did she n this way?" Ying Lili muttered while drawing her brows together.


    Court Lady Xu came inside and bowed. "Your highness, General Xiao and Commander Yang are here," she informed her. Ying Lili told her to send them inside.


    Both of them bowed before the Crown Princess. "Your highness, we have found the culprit," Xiao Zhan informed Ying Lili. Lei Wanxi widened his eyes and nced at Ying Lili, who was shocked.


    "Who is the culprit?" Ying Lili demanded the answer.


    "Princess Consort Xue Yu-Yan," Xiao Zhan replied and gestured to Commander Yang, who forwarded a few papers to Ying Lili. "This paper is the same as used for the message and also the real shooter is caught," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "The paper does not tell that Sister Xue has done this," Ying Lili defended Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Crown Princess, the shooter took the name of the Princess Consort Xue," Commander Yang informed her. Deep frowns appeared on her forehead. "Is she arrested?"


    "Yes, your highness," replied Commander Yang.


    "Why would she keep a paper from the Northern Province?" Ying Lili stood up from the chair. "Take me where she has kept. But before that I want to meet the shooter," asserted Ying Lili. General Xiao and Commander Yang bowed their heads.


    "Your highness, please this way," General Xiao led the way. Ying Lili told Lei Wanxi that she would converse with himter. She followed General Xiao and soon reached the prison. She met the shooter first as was decided. Seeing the Crown Princess, the shooter sat on his knees and lowered his head.


    Jian Guozhi was also there as military charge temporarily with him until the Crown Prince returned. The shooter was beaten and tortured a little, tied into the shackles.


    "On whose orders you did this, and why?" Ying Lili nced at Jian Guozhi, who was in anger.


    "I was told by the Princess Consort to do so," he replied and bowed down. His forehead touched the ground. "I did what I was told. Please do not kill me. I have a family of six to feed," he replied.


    "But you seemed professional. The way you shot an arrow from such arge range was incredible. How can I believe a traitor just because he has a family to feed? How can I believe that Princess Consort Xue ordered you?" Ying Lili sternly inquired from him.


    "Your highness, I met her in the night outside my house. She told me her name and even showed me the token which is used specifically by the Royals," the man narrated to Ying Lili. She pulled out the royal token which was hanging on her waist and went towards him.


    "Was the seal like this?" The Crown Princess queried him. The man lifted his head and peered at the token.


    "Yes, it was of the same color, your highness. However, there was another symbol as well," stated the man. Ying Lili nced at Jian Guozhi and asked him if he could bring the Royal token from Xue Yu-Yan. Jian Guozhi nodded and walked out. After a few minutes, he came back and handed the token to Ying Lili, who showed it to the man.


    "This was the Royal Token, your highness." Immediately, the man recognized it. Ying Lili hummed and asked him why he never applied for the military of Han when he had exceptional shooting skills.


    "I failed the Civil Service examination and waster used of cheating. Then, I was disqualified from the exam," the man answered.


    "What kind of questions the Crown Princess is asking? From a woman I cannot expect any less," a voice was heard. They all turned to look and saw Minister Gu Zhenya and the other few ministers.


    "What is a Minister doing here?" A stern expression appeared on her face.


    "Crown Princess, since the Crown Prince is not here and such a big incident happened, we also need to inquire from this person. As the Chief State Affairs Minister, it is my duty towards the Empire. The Prime Minister and I have concluded that this person could have a direct association with the Wei Family," Gu Zhenya made a bold statement, directing it towards the First Prince, who clenched his fists.


    "Such an insolence behavior towards the First Prince depicts something else. Please be within the limits, Minister Gu," Ying Lili warned him. "Since the Crown Prince leads the Military and has full control over it, I, as his wife in his absence, pass the order that no Minister will be allowed in the Prison until the investigation goes. Now, you shall leave. If you have something to say, then the Imperial Court is there," Ying Lili pronounced.


    The Ministers acknowledged the order of the Crown Princess, but Gu Zhenya did not feel it was right. "Just because the Crown Princess is the wife of the Crown Prince, it does not mean that she can give the orders like this. Before a Crown Princess, you are a woman. Do not try to overtake the powers in the name of the Crown Prince. Crown Princess," Gu Zhenya remarked.


    "Please be respectful towards the Crown Princess, Minister Gu," Xiao Zhan stepped forward. "In the presence of the Crown Prince, ministers were never allowed in prison. Please leave," Xiao Zhan affirmed.


    Gu Zhenya had a grim expression on his face. He turned and walked out from there, following those few ministers.


    "What''s your name?" Ying Lili turned to the man.


    "I am Gao Ting."


    "Gao Ting, when did the persone to you? It seems you are famous for your archery," Ying Lili deduced.


    "Your highness, she came to my house three days ago. Her face was covered with a veil, so I did not see her," asserted Gao Ting.


    "At what hour she came?" Jian Guozhi questioned.


    "It waste at night, your highness. Just before the curfew hours."


    "Gao Ting, why did you not run away when you had the perfect time to run? Your mate has helped you. He surrendered himself so that you could get enough time to run away from the Pce yet you got caught," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "I am telling the truth, your highness," Gao Ting asserted.


    "You are not!" Ying Lili bent on her one knee and grabbed his hand. "Your highness," Gao Ting murmured when the Crown Princess grasped his hand. "Your hand has a scar. It means you once injured your hand, so you cannot shoot for a long-range. Where is the real shooter?" Ying Lili questioned him. Jian Guozhi, Xiao Zhan, and Commander Yang widened their eyes upon hearing the conclusion of Ying Lili.

 Chapter 381 - Adamant To Remove You {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 381 - Adamant To Remove You {Bonus }</h4>


    "I do not know what her highness meant?" Gao Ting furrowed his brows together.


    "Who is the real shooter, Gao Ting? Do you think you will escape this ce or the person who told you that he would help you? No one is going to help you except me. You lied everything to me, Gao Ting," Ying Lili stood up and continued, "Only the Crown Princess token differs and the rest of the Princesses tokens are the same. A Princess is not allowed from the Pce to go out. Three days ago, Princess Consort Xue was with me. Now, tell me who is the person who told you to say all this?" Ying Lili took the sword from Xiao Zhan''s hand and pointed it on his neck.


    Gao Ting lowered his head. "Please kill me," he asked the Crown Princess, who ignored his request.


    "Keep investigating him," Ying Lili ordered Commander Yang and handed the sword to Xiao Zhan. "Check his background," Ying Lili stated and walked out of the prison followed by the First Prince.


    Jian Guozhi apologized to Ying Lili. "Because of me, the Crown Princess has to face all these things. My wife always creates trouble." Ying Lili found the guilt in Jian Guozhi''s voice.


    "Do you think it was done by Xue Yu-Yan?" Ying Lili asked about his opinion.


    "I think so," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "It''s not her doing, Brother Jian," Ying Lili asserted. Jian Guozhi astonishingly nced at Ying Lili. "What if it''s your first wife?" Jian Guozhi knitted his brows.


    "Why would she do this? I know she is greedy for power, but I think it''s because she¡­" Jian Guozhi stopped when he heard the chuckle of Ying Lili.


    "Brother, she had made the n to hurt me and use Xue Yu-Yan in her ce. Do you really think she cannot do this? I am afraid I used your first wife, but there is something Brother Wanxi has noticed about her," asserted Ying Lili. Jian Guozhi gritted his teeth.


    "If it was done by her. I will kill her with my own hands," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "Calm down, Brother Jian. Don''t let it show to her. I will sneak into her chamber tonight to find out about her identity. Every crime has a clue left behind," proimed Ying Lili and halted. Seeing her, Jian Guozhi also stopped. "Keep her busy in the evening. I need to find out what she is in reality? And why is she ying this way with me?" Ying Lili muttered.


    "Do not worry, Crown Princess. I will keep her busy," Jian Guozhi stated. "I have a hunch that she is associated with Tan Gengxin," Ying Lili murmured. She and Jian Guozhi resumed the walk towards the prison house where Xue Yu-Yan was kept.


    The soldier opened the gate for them and the two walked in. Xue Yu-Yan was on the ground, chained in shackles. "Sister Lili," a smile appeared on her face. There were tears on her cheeks. Shifting her gaze to Jian Guozhi, she said, "I am not behind all this. Trust me." It seemed to her that Jian Guozhi doubted her after today''s incident. Tears filled her eyes as Jian Guozhi skeptically looked at her.


    Ying Lili went to her and wiped the tears off her eyes. "We know you have not done anything this time. Stay strong. Soon, the real culprit will be out," Ying Lili sced Xue Yu-Yan, patting her shoulder.


    Ying Lili stood up and looked at Jian Guozhi. "You shall talk to her, Brother Jian," Ying Lili said and walked out of prison.


    "Jian Ge," she stood up but could not go near him because of the shackles in her feet. "I-I did not do anything," Xue Yu-Yan repeated her words.


    "What can I say? Ministers saying it''s the Wei Family who always conspire against the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess? How did that paper reach your room? An outsider can''t reach the Eastern Pce," asserted Jian Guozhi. The words of Ying Lili roamed in his mind. He thought it would be possible that his both wives joined hands.


    "Someone did this to tarnish the name of the Wei Family. I indeed did not do anything," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "The Crown Princess has trust in you so, I will trust her judgment and help to find the real culprit. But I will not give any hope to you," stated Jian Guozhi and averted his gaze from her.


    Tears rolled over her cheeks. Why was this happening to her? Even her husband did not trust him. It was the worst day of her life. Jian Guozhi turned and walked out of the prison. As he came near the Court, he found how Ministers were looking at him as if he did a crime.


    "We have filed a petition to remove the current Governor. First, his mother and uncle conspired; unruly ruled over us, and now, his wife. The entire Wei Family is corrupted. The Emperor is not doing good by keeping him as the Governor. One day or the other, he would show his true colors. After all, he is the son of a traitor," Minister of Personnel told the Minister of State Affairs.


    "The Emperor is blind to his first son''s love," stated Minister Zhong. "Confucian teachings had left no meaning," he added.


    Jian Guozhi looked at them, heard their conversation while ascending the stairs for the Imperial Court. The ministers stopped conversing and went to the Court where thetest signed petition for the removal of the Governor had to be discussed.


    Nianzu passed a tiny smile to Jian Guozhi, who stood beside him. Yongzheng and Rong Zemin had alsoe there. They greeted each other and waited for the Emperor toe.


    The Ministers stood at their respective ces and kept whispering. "First Brother, the Crown Prince is not here. It is going to be tough. Court Ministers are adamant this time to remove you," Yongzheng whispered.


    "Father will give unbiased justice.. Whatever it will be, I will ept that," Jian Guozhi asserted.

 Chapter 382 - A Womans Decision In The Court

    <h4>Chapter 382 - A Woman''s Decision In The Court</h4>


    Han Wenji entered the Imperial Court, and everyone bowed in his respect. He sat on the throne and looked at the petition in front of him on the desk. Reading the petition, he lifted his head.


    "This is the first time the Court startedter in the noon. The incident urred in the morning and the ministers wrote and signed on the petition for the removal of the Governor instead of finding a solution," Han Wenji affirmed and looked at the Prime Minister.


    "You could have handled this matter, Prime Minister," asserted Han Wenji.


    "Forgive me, your majesty. This matter was out of my reach," the Prime Minister replied. Han Wenji looked at the petition paper and saw the signature of the ministers. Mostly were those Ministers who never wanted Jian Guozhi to take over the Governorship of Luoyang.


    "It is said here that the First Prince is from the Wei Family and because of that he should step down from this position," Han Wenji read out from the petition paper in front of him.


    "Your Majesty, in just a few months we found out the true face of the Wei Family. First the Prime Minister, then Empress Wei, and now the daughter of the Prime Minister. His Majesty is unaware of the fact that people are speaking in the capital! Last time we respected your decision, but not this time, your majesty. For the nation, his majesty shall remove the First Prince, Jian Guozhi''s, from the position of the Governor," Gu Zhenya asserted.


    "Your Majesty, please pass the order to the First Prince to step down from his position," the majority of the ministers voiced in unison and bowed.


    "Your Majesty, you should not be biased just because the First Prince is your son. The Law and Order of the Han Empire are equal for everyone," pronounced the Minister of Personnel. The Minister of Rites agreed with him.


    "Your Majesty, the major Court Ministers do not want the First Prince to be the Governor of Luoyang. Any person from the Wei Family cannot be trusted," the Minister of Rites'' direct usations disheartened Jian Guozhi. He clenched his fists as his value was still nil. No matter how hard he tries, people would look down on him for the wrong his mother and uncle did!


    "Your Majesty, this time the Wei Family''s daughter did not do anything," Ying Lili pronounced and her voice echoed in the Court. The Ministers turned to look behind while the Emperor and the Princes looked towards the door of the Imperial Court.


    Ying Lili walked in while everyone looked at her. She halted right beside the Princes and bowed. "The one who did this is not Princess Consort Xue," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "It is a disgrace that a woman has entered a court," Gu Zhenya remarked.


    Ying Lili lifted her head and ignored his remark. "Forgive me for intruding in the middle of the court. But the matter was important. I heard from the Pce people how the First Prince was used just because his mother and uncle were from the Wei Family. That is why I decided toe here. The First Prince is the Royal Son of the Han Dynasty. So, no one shall judge him." Ying Lili proimed and nced at Gu Zhenya.


    "My presence here is important because I know the real culprit. By the evening, I will provide the evidence to his majesty," Ying Lili confidently said.


    "Pardon me? Why in the evening? Why not now?" The Minister of Personnel questioned.


    "I will reveal thatter in the evening," Ying Lili stated. "It is the time to be in unison instead of fighting. Your Majesty, I request you to adjourn the court till the evening," Ying Lili extended her arms out and joined them, keeping them at the front.


    "It seems the Crown Princess is poor in Politics. We are not fighting instead we want to maintain the strength of the Empire. Your Majesty, a woman''s decision in the court is never applicable. I urge you to send the Crown Princess away," Gu Zhenya bowed his head, along with a few other Ministers.


    "I am asking for time, Your Majesty. The unjust ruling is equal to defeat from an enemy," Ying Lili did not want to step back. She had realized that a few Ministers still had corrupted minds. They were adamant to remove the First Prince so that the Capital Governorship coulde into one of the Minister''s hands.


    "I have given political rights to the Crown Princess a long time ago. So, no one shall question it. The Crown Princess has gotten the powers because of her exceptional observational skills and decision-making abilities. I have not made Jian Guozhi Governor because he is my son. He knows the politics of Han well. Many times he had prevented the wars with a few kingdoms, whichter epted Han''s suzerainty. The Court will again begin in thete evening," Han Wenji pronounced, turning the Court Ministers quiet. He stood up from the throne, left the court before gazing at Jian Guozhi.


    Ying Lili turned towards the Ministers. She gazed at Gu Zhenya, who had a grim expression on his face. Nianzu came towards the Crown Princess and asked her about the evidence.


    "Be patient, Brother Nianzu. Whoever did this, his true face will be brought out in the evening," Ying Lili assured Nianzu. The Ministers started to leave the Court, whispering among themselves.


    Gu Zhenya pped his sleeves and walked out of the Imperial Court.


    Yongzheng and Rong Zemin were astonished by Ying Lili''s act. "Crown Princess saved Brother Jian else things could have slipped out of hand. You are right, Crown Princess, it seems someone wants to break the Royal Family," Yongzheng pronounced and looked at Jian Guozhi. He patted his shoulder.


    "Who''s the real culprit, Crown Princess? The enemy knows that the Wei Family''s recent incidents can aid him. That''s why he worked evilly this time," concluded Rong Zemin.


    "Brother Zemin, I cannot reveal anything so soon. Please be patient," Ying Lili replied and looked at Jian Guozhi. Sheng Li was right when he told the matter to Ying Lili.. The majority of the Court Ministers never supported Jian Guozhi, and that was another reason he badly wanted power.

 Chapter 383 - Smart Like Lili

    <h4>Chapter 383 - Smart Like Lili</h4>


    Sheng Li woke in thete afternoon. Three days'' journey tired his body. He was d that he did not bring Ying Lili to this journey else she might have fallen sick. Drinking the water, he went to the restroom to freshen himself. After an hour, he came out of the washroom, wearing a silk bathrobe.


    He saw the clean clothes on the bed and changed into them. He kept his disguise since he did not want to know many people about him. Wang Hao came there and bowed.


    "Did his highness have a good sleep?" Behind him, two maidservants came with trays in their hands.


    "Hmm... What about you?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "The tiredness has gone after a good sleep," replied Wang Hao. Hu Jingguo also came there and quickly sat around the table.


    "Let''s eat. I am starving." He pulled out a chair and sat on it. Sheng Li and Wang Hao also took their respective seats. Hu Jingguo thanked the maidservants for the food, who tasted it first before telling them to continue. Hu Jingguo started to eat while Sheng Li and Wang Hao amusingly peered at him.


    Sheng Li chuckled seeing the way Hu Jingguo ate. He recalled even Ying Lili sometimes ate that way- when she would be starving. Sheng Li picked the tofu from a te using the chopstick and put it on the te in front of Hu Jingguo. Hu Jingguo and Wang Hao astonishingly peered at Sheng Li.


    "You are hungry so¡­" Sheng Li pulled his hand back and started eating from his own te.


    A broad grin appeared on Hu Jingguo''s face. "You acted like a big brother who cares for this younger one," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li choked the food and started coughing. Wang Hao quickly handed the ss of water to him, who drank it and was relieved.


    "It was only apliment. I did not know you would choke," Hu Jingguo muttered and continued to eat.


    "Who cares for you? Lili will be angry if I do not keep her friend healthy," Sheng Li picked the tofu and ate it. Hu Jingguoughed wryly.


    "Why do you lie so much?" Sheng Li skeptically looked at him while Wang Hao enjoyed watching them.


    "I said the truth," Sheng Li defended himself.


    "It seemed otherwise to me," Hu Jingguo stated. Sheng Li scowled at him for a few seconds but did not give any response. Instead, he focused on his meals. Once they finished their lunch, they thought of making a n.


    Wang Hao put a paper on the table. He dipped the brush in the ink which Hu Jingguo had prepared. Wang Hao first made the map on paper. Hu Jingguo was impressed to see the drawing of Wang Hao. "General Wang should have taught Hushu about the art," Hu Jingguo remarked.


    Wang Haoughed and then suppressed it, thinking the Crown Prince would feel bad. "Lili is teaching me. I would love to learn from her rather than any other person," Sheng Li affirmed and smiled. Hu Jingguo hit Sheng Li''s arm with his. "You are blushing, Hushu. Do you really learn from her or just stare at her? Be truthful," Hu Jingguo sternly stated.


    Wang Hao smiled the way Hu Jingguo was asking questions about the Crown Prince''s personal life.


    "Yes," Sheng Li replied. "What can I do? Wang Hao knows," Sheng Li nced at him, who stopped drawing.


    "What do I know, your highness?" Wang Hao muttered.


    "I do not like to draw. I am not patient enough to draw. I, most of the time skipped those sses. When Lili teaches me, I end up staring at her," Sheng Li affirmed and smiled.


    "You love her that''s why. When Lili taught me in the initial years, she used to scold me a lot for not being able to draw well. Haha,e to think of it in the future, your kids are going to be smart like Lili," Hu Jingguo stated. "If you want, I can teach your kids about medicine," Hu Jingguo offered Sheng Li.


    "But do not scold my kids," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I do not dare to," Hu Jingguo replied.


    "You can if they will be interested," Sheng Li permitted him. "Ahh, we should focus here. This is the priority," Sheng Li immediately looked at the halfpleted map. Wang Hao resumed the work and in thirty minutes, the map was ready.


    "It looks real. The spy only narrated you and you drew an exact copy," Sheng Li delightedly said and praised Wang Hao.


    "The base camp is underground, not letting people know about it. Your highness, there are only two routes for the exit, and for entry, there is only one route. This one" Wang Hao pointed at the huge cave which was the entry point. "Another exit point lies at the end of this underground base camp, which is used by Tan Gengxin and is also a short route for the province''s southern border from where one can reach in a day in Luoyang," Wang Hao exined to Sheng Li.


    "Hmm. He has devised everything carefully. The day Weng Wei''s true face was known to the world, Tan Gengxin fled away," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Hushu, don''t you think it might be a trap?" Hu Jingguo intervened.


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao gazed at him when he continued, "Weng Wei never wanted your good. What if she wanted you to throw yourself in a lion''s den and it all was a part of the n? See, she did all this for her son. We can say it was for her own greed but above her greed, she wanted to see her son on the throne. It can be risky."


    "I know. I thought that way also. I threatened Weng Wei that I would ask for the banishment of Brother Jian from our father. Even she knew that I would do that if he would not tell me. She did not tell me about Gengxin until her end approached. And, she asked me something in return before telling me about Tan Gengxin," Sheng Li asserted.


    "What did she tell you, your highness?"


    "The safety of Brother Jian. Since Brother Jian betrayed his own mother, she was terrified that he would get killed anytime. So, I promised her son''s safety and she knew that I would never get back from my words," Sheng Li replied.


    "I will go there as amoner," Hu Jingguo affirmed.


    "No. You will not! Tan Gengxin was the one who abducted you the other day. He knows about you," Sheng Li revealed a shocking truth to him.


    "Pardon me?" "He knows me?" Hu Jingguo could not believe what he had just heard.


    "Brother Jian pressured his mother that day to know about your location. That''s when Tan Gengxin''s trust broke on her and he decided to y this way," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Shivers ran down Hu Jingguo''s spine as he recalled that day. It was a traumatic experience for him," stated Hu Jingguo, and ced his hand on his chest.


    "Wang Hao, let''s go there tonight. We need to observe what is going on in their base camp. The rest of the nning will be done after that," Sheng Li proimed. Wang Hao agreed with him and looked at the map again.


    ~~~~


    Please add my new story to your library.


    "Love Under the Blood Moon"


    Thank you????

 Chapter 384 - I Am Powerless

    <h4>Chapter 384 - I Am Powerless</h4>


    Zho Mi came to the chamber of Jian Guozhi, who was seated around a table. The maidservant was serving him the tea. He lifted his eyes and passed a warm smile to Zho Mi. "Have a seat," Jian Guozhi stated. He ordered the maidservant to leave. Zho Mi sat in front of him around the table.


    Jian Guozhi picked the teapot and poured the tea into two cups. He handed the cup to Zho Mi, who was staring at him. "Take it," Jian Guozhi told her. Zho Mi brought her hands and took the cup from him.


    "Thank you, Jian Ge," Zho Mi humbly said. Jian Guozhi raised the cup and said, "I am a little stressed so I thought to spend some time with you." The cups touched each other, and he pulled his hand back. He sipped the tea while Zho Mi turned her head right and sipped a little from the cup.


    She turned to look at him and put the cup down on the table. "But Jian Ge was furious at mest night. He left me in the middle," Zho Mi said and lowered her eyes.


    "Forgive me for that. I just do not want you to get harmed. What if the Crown Princess found out? How could you make a n to hurt the Crown Princess from hot water? My second wife has already done enough crimes and then you?! I trust you so much, Zho. You embraced me at my lowest point. But yesterday when I found out, more than you it hurt me," Jian Guozhi''s eyes were filled with tears. Zho Mi clutched her skirt as she heard her husband.


    "Jian Ge, forgive me for hurting you. I only wanted...I do not know why I acted that way. Jian Ge, can I tell you the truth?" Zho Mi asked him. Jian Guozhi knitted his brows and hummed at her question.


    "I hate it when you care for the Crown Princess. I mean every woman will be jealous of her husband cares for another woman. But I should not have acted that way. I sincerely apologize to you," she bowed when Jian Guozhi told her not to do that.


    She lifted her head. "I heard Sister Xue plotted this time something big against the Crown Princess. It might have upset you that¡­" she paused and wiped the tears that had rolled over cheeks and continued, "Forgive me, Jian Ge. I realized my mistakest night."


    "I have forgiven you the moment you entered my chamber. I am just upset with Xue''s nature. Despite giving her a second chance, she betrayed me. Today in the Court the Court Ministers filed a petition to remove me as Governor," Jian Guozhi narrated to Zho Mi, who was shocked to learn about that.


    "Why are they removing you?" Zho Mi worriedly asked.


    "Because they think I am also behind all this," Jian Guozhi stated, andughed wryly. "The Crown Princess entered at the right moment and saved me there," he further told her. Zho Mi was astonished to learn about that.


    "The Crown Princess saved you?" Zho Mi queried.


    Jian Guozhi hummed and passed a tiny smile to his wife. "Tea is getting cold. You shall drink it," he informed her. Zho Mi picked the cup and drank the remaining tea.


    ''Why did she help Jian Ge?'' she wondered.


    "What will they do to Sister Xue?" Zho Mi inquired from Jian Guozhi.


    "She will probably get a death sentence for doing such a heinous crime," Jian Guozhi replied. Zho Mi''s lips slightly moved up but she quickly wore a sad facial expression on her face. ''Finally, I will get rid of her. But why does Jian Ge want power?'' Zho Mi thought in her mind and at the same time furrowed her brows together.


    "Jian Ge, I might sound rude but I am curious. Can I ask you something?" Zho Mi asked for his permission.


    "You may ask." Jian Guozhi poured the tea in the cups.


    "Have you ever felt that you were not given the rights and respect you have as the Firstborn?" Jian Guozhi stopped pouring the tea into his cup and peered at her. Zho Mi felt she did wrong by asking so she said, "If Jian Ge does not want to tell then it is alright."


    "I do feel," replied Jian Guozhi. Zho Mi widened her eyes.


    "I feel when I am considered inferior to my younger Brother Sheng. Even my mother thought that I could not do anything without her support. The ministers always hate me because my mother was from the Wei Family," Jian Guozhi answered.


    "Then why Jian Ge does not raise his voice?" Zho Mi queried.


    "What''s the use? I am powerless," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    Zho Mi kept staring at him for a while. She picked the teacup and sipped the tea. Once she finished, she stood up and told Jian Guozhi that she would take her to leave.


    "No, you cannot go," Jian Guozhi stated. Zho Mi astonishingly looked at him. "Spend time with me. I feel lonely these days. I have no one with whom I can share my worries," Jian Guozhi asserted as he put the cup down. He stood up from the mattress and went to her. Holding her hands, he ced them over his cheeks. "The day when you massaged my head, I felt so rxed. My mind turned light," Jian Guozhi said.


    He then put her hands down and waited for her response. Zho Mi tiptoed to kiss on his lips when he turned immediately, shocking her. "Wait, where is that oil? I think I have put it inside that drawer," Jian Guozhi muttered and went towards the left, to the end table. He pulled out the drawer and took out the oil bottle.


    Turning to Zho Mi, he showed her that oil. Zho Mi passed him the smile and went towards the bed.. ''I need to keep her busy for just an hour,'' Jian Guozhi thought.

 Chapter 385 - I Am Not His Weakness

    <h4>Chapter 385 - I Am Not His Weakness</h4>


    The Imperial Court resumedter in the evening. The Court Ministers had taken their positions. All were waiting for the Crown Princess toe. The Court Ministers were whispering with each other. "Your Majesty, the Crown Princess has already taken a lot of time in the Court," asserted the Minister of Rites.


    "What can we expect when a woman tries to intrude in the matters of politics and the court?" The other said.


    "Please be patient," Nianzu pacified the ministers. Han Wenji''s eyes were fixed at the door. ''Why is the Crown Princesste?'' Han Wenji wondered. The ten minutes passed but the Crown Princess did not show up in the Court.


    "Your Majesty, even the First Prince is nowhere to be seen. Is it possibly because the First Prince epted his mistake?" A whisper was heard.


    "The Ministers are forgetting that disgracing the Royal Family members is a crime. Be in limits," Han Wenji said with a stern expression. The whispers died out and the wait for the Crown Princess continued.


    "Brother Nianzu, have you seen the First Brother? At least he would havee here," Rong Zemin whispered in his ear.


    "I do not know, Brother Zemin," Nianzu humbly replied.


    Finally the Crown Princess entered the Court with the First Prince. They both apologized to the Emperor for beingte.


    "It''s alright," Han Wenji stated. "Hopefully, the Crown Princess has found the evidence," he added. Ying Lili, who had bowed down, raised her head up.


    "Your Majesty, the real culprit is Tan Gengxin," Ying Lili announced.


    Everyone was shocked while the Court Ministers were confused. "Can the Crown Princess rify who Tan Gengxin is?" The Prime Minister urged the Crown Princess.


    "Yes, Prime Minister. Tan Gengxin is the son of his majesty''s friend, who is no longer alive. Tan Gengxin''s right hand man, Su Feng did this, who was caught by General Xiao and Commander Yang in the evening," asserted Ying Lili.


    Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang entered the court. Behind them four soldiers brought Su Feng, whose hands and feet were tied with shackles. They stopped in the middle and greeted the Emperor first, followed by the Crown Princess and the Princes.


    Su Feng, who had worn dark blue robes, was on his knees. Ying Lili walked to him and told him to tell the truth to the Emperor. "Your master will note here to save you, so speak the truth only. Even thework of your spies has been caught by ourmanders and soldiers. If you will ask for death, that will not be granted," Ying Lili reminded him beforehand, to remind him about the might of the Han Military.


    Su Feng''s mouth was bleeding while there were blue marks in his face, showing abat fight broke out while they were catching him.


    "I wanted to know about the location of the Crown Prince. I thought if I do this, we would be able to conquer the H-Han Empire," Su Feng revealed the truth. The Court Ministers and the Princes except the First Prince were utterly shocked to learn about the truth.


    "So, you have nned the assassination of the Crown Prince?" The Prime Minister queried.


    "Yes," Su Feng lowered his eyes.


    "Howe you know about the Pce? It is like someone from the Pce helped you," The Prime Minister asked another question.


    "The Former Empress Weng Wei helped us," Su Feng replied.


    Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes because now it was evident that harsh remarks from the Court Ministers woulde his way.


    "The Wei Family is plotting against the Han Empire? It is such a shameful act by the Former Empress. She first killed the mother of the Crown Prince and now this. The entire Wei Family needs to be punished, your majesty," Gu Zhenya proimed. The other few Ministers supported him.


    "Be clear Su Feng. Why was Princess Consort Xue Yu-Yan dragged into all this? She is also the daughter of the Wei Family, however, she was intentionally dragged into this megan of yours," stated Ying Lili, ignoring the remarks against the Wei Family.


    "B-because I thought that would benefit me," Su Feng replied.


    Ying Lili did not fully agree with him. "Then, why did you not use the name of the other Consorts or Princes or Princesses? Why only Princess Consort Xue Yu-Yan?" Ying Lili demanded the answers from him.


    "The Former Empress truth when came upfront, you thought she would tell us about Tan Gengxin. Isn''t this the reason, you thought, to eliminate the Wei Family, who can betray your master? Or your master ordered this?" Ying Lili put forward two situations in front of him.


    Su Feng was silent when he heard the Emperor. "Your life will be spared if you tell the truth," Han Wenji announced.


    "I nned all this. My master has no involvement in this," Su Feng stated. "Since the Former Empress was caught so, I had the fear that she would probably tell the Crown Prince. Since she betrayed us, that''s why I thought about killing her entire family. I thought by turning the Royalty and the Ministers against the Wei Family, I could avenge the betrayal she gave us," Su Feng proimed.


    "How are you sure that the Former Empress betrayed you and your master?" Ying Lili asked him another question.


    "Because the Crown Prince suddenly left the Capital. I thought by doing so I will be able to create turmoil in the capital and...and make the Crown Princess surrender. My master would be happy knowing this," Su Feng answered.


    "How could you think that I would surrender? I am not his weakness with whom you can y easily. Unfortunately, you made a weak n, Su Feng," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Where is Tan Gengxin at this moment?" Han Wenji asked him.


    "The Northern Province," Su Feng replied.


    "How can we agree with this betrayer? Maybe he is lying to us to deviate us from the truth? What if this is all part of the Wei Family, which is skilled in making ns?" Gu Zhenya raised the suspicions.


    "Minister Gu, Su Feng is telling the truth. The Former Empress had indeed told the truth to the Crown Prince that''s why he had left for the Northern Province. This truth is hidden from all of you because of his safety and safe execution of the n," Ying Lili rified the doubts of Gu Zhenya, who nodded his head.


    Ying Lili turned to the Emperor and said, "He has epted his crimes. I request his majesty to release Princess Consort Xue from prison." She bowed in front of Han Wenji, who passed the order to release Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Thank you, your majesty." She lifted her head and looked at him.


    "Your Majesty, I want you to hand their punishment case to me. I might sound rude, but I have a few more investigations to run on him and thework of his spies," Ying Lili requested the Emperor.


    "I do agree with the Crown Princess. I think his majesty shall hand over the matter to the Crown Princess," the Prime Minister supported her, followed by the Minister of Law and Justice and also some other high rank ministers.


    The Emperor, seeing the majority wanted the Crown Princess to handle the matter, epted the request and granted her the permission.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for showing faith and trust in me." Ying Lili expressed her gratitude.


    "It is clear now. I hope the ministers will not judge my son and his wife based on their family background. Next time, I will consider it as profanity against me and the minister, who will do so be removed from his position," Han Wenji delivered the decision.. Everyone bowed, acknowledging the decision of the Emperor.

 Chapter 386 - More Than Ten Years

    <h4>Chapter 386 - More Than Ten Years</h4>


    In the Prison house, Ying Lili, Jian Guozhi, General Xiao, and Commander Yang could be seen. "Your highness, why did you not let him take the name of Zho Mi? You did not even show the real evidence to His Majesty about her," Xiao Zhanined as he was confused about the Crown Princess''s decision.


    "If I had revealed that she is the daughter of Tan Gengxin, then this would have been spread entirely in the Empire. Sheng Li is in the Northern Province. I still believe that the spyingwork of Tan Gengxin could have informed him in a day. We only caught a few of those spies. Su Feng wanted to use me against Sheng Li, and he wanted to confirm through me where Sheng Li had left for," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Crown Princess, I could not understand why you let Su Feng talk about the Wei Family? It could have created more problems for the First Prince and Princess Consort Xue," Commander Yang confusedly peered at Ying Lili.


    "I know it could have been dangerous. Those few Ministers in the court might have urged the Emperor to remove Brother Jian from Governorship and even have asked for his banishment. However, with this, it was cleared that the enemy wanted to use the Wei Family against everyone and under their shadow wanted to execute his ns. Now, no one will raise the question on the First Prince and his second wife," Ying Lili exined to Commander Yang. Jian Guozhi felt overwhelmed upon hearing the words of Ying Lili. Even if he would thank her millions of times, it would still be insufficient.


    "Also, Sheng Li has promised thete Empress Wei that he will protect his First Brother from all this," Ying Lili stated. Jian Guozhi was stunned to hear that. Protect him? Why? He always thought ill of Sheng Li except when he had a change of thoughts. Sheng Li indeed had no enmity between them and had forgotten the past things that happened between them.


    "Crown Princess, do you think that the Crown Prince is in danger? Commander Sun has reached the Northern Province today with high-quality trained soldiers. Still, I believe that I should go there to aid them," proimed Xiao Zhan.


    "I will leave for the Northern Province. Su Feng might have sent the news about all this to Tan Gengxin, but he refused that. However, I do not trust his words that he did not inform Gengxin about this," Ying Lili was a little worried.


    "Crown Princess, you shall not go there. It is dangerous. General Xiao, I, and Commander Yang will lead the army to aid Sheng Li," Jian Guozhi advised the Crown Princess. "Brother Sheng wants you to stay in the Capital so you shall stay here. I have sent him the message earlier not to do anything for a few days. He will receive the message by the morning," stated Jian Guozhi.


    "I agree with the First Prince in this. Crown Princess shall not leave the Capital," Xiao Zhan supported Jian Guozhi''s advice.


    "I will be restless if I stay here. I know that he also told me to stay here but this time the situation is dangerous," Ying Lili affirmed. "Last time in the South-Western Province, General Xiao saw how he got lured by the enemy. Every time he cannot be lucky," Ying Lili proimed. "After today''s incident, I am terrified, but it does not mean my fear will overpower me," she stated.


    "Your Highness, we agree with the orders of the Crown Prince only. However, this is the first time I have seen a woman leading and executing the ns. I have been in the army for more than ten years, but never once have I encountered a brave woman like you. I support your decision. If you want to go to the Northern Province, I will safely take you there," Commander Yang stated. Xiao Zhan and Jian Guozhi looked at him. "General Xiao, I think we need the Crown Princess there who can lead us," he said.


    Xiao Zhan, after contemting for a few minutes, he said, "Crown Princess, then you also shall apany us. Let''s leave for the Northern Province. I will follow your orders from here." Ying Lili thanked him for understanding her.


    "Prepare the best of the soldiers. Five Commanders will apany us to the Northern Province, and the remaining will protect the Capital," Ying Lilimanded General Xiao.


    "Crown Princess, but before that what shall we do with Zho Mi. In our absence, she might n something dangerous," Xiao Zhan raised a doubt.


    "Do not worry. I have handled her well. She will not do anything because she knows I know about her intentions," Jian Guozhi assured him.


    "Brother Jian, Zho Mi cannot be taken lightly. She has to be punished for betraying the Emperor and you. I think that the King of Southern Province does not know that his daughter was killed midway and Zho Mi not only reced her but also gained her identity. They want the throne through you. I suggest you stay in the Capital. Sheng Li and I will bring Tan Gengxin alive in Luoyang, and then they both will be punished," Ying Lili asserted.


    "But, Crown Princess, your safety is of utmost importance," Jian Guozhi argued.


    "I can take care of myself. The safety of the Empire and its people is above mine," Ying Lili proudly said and passed a smile to him.


    Jian Guozhi acknowledged the decision of the Crown Princess.


    "General Xiao, prepare everything quickly. We will leave in an hour. The route we will take is the shortest one, even if it''s tough to use. Our target to reach the Northern Province will be two days. We need to reach there within two days," Ying Lili said with a menacing expression.


    "Brother Jian, make sure these things shall not spread out of the Pce. If anyone asks about me, tell them I have gone to the shrine for two days." Jian Guozhi told Ying Lili not to worry.. He would keep everything in check and would not let people find out about her.

 Chapter 387 - Cold Towards Me

    <h4>Chapter 387 - Cold Towards Me</h4>


    Zho Mi was pacing in her chamber. After Zhiyi informed her about the court matter, she was tense. "How could Su Feng get caught? He never acted this way. Did he tell them about me as well? What about father?" She was fidgeting with her fingers in nervousness. She stopped pacing. "But if he had talked about me then, they would have taken me away by now. This means he did not say anything. I need to inform my father that Su Feng betrayed him. I need to send a message to him, but I do not know how many spies they have caught."


    She went towards the floor desk and sat around it. She ground some of the ink on an inkstone and picked the brush. Dipping it into the ink, she spread a in sheet on the table and quickly wrote a message on it. Fanning over it, she dried it and then folded the paper. "I need to meet Huo Jin. Only he can help me now. I hope he does not get caught," Zho Mi murmured and put the paper inside her pocket. She stood up and went towards the chaise on which she had ced the overcoat.


    She picked it when Jian Guozhi entered her chamber. "Are you going somewhere?" He questioned, passing a fake smile to her.


    Zho Mi''s face turned pale. "I-I¡­" words did note out of her mouth. Jian Guozhi stood behind her and helped her to wear the overcoat. "Were you going to my chamber?" He whispered in her ear.


    Zho Mi turned and smiled faintly. "Yes. I heard the judgment from my assistant. The Crown Princess saved you. I wanted to thank her as well. I thought to go to Jian Ge''s chamber, and then from there we two might go to meet the Crown Princess," stated Zho Mi.


    "I am afraid, but the Crown Princess is tired from the entire day''s activities," Jian Guozhi told Zho Mi. "I will take a rest in my chamber. My name got dragged into all this," Jian Guozhi sighed.


    "Jian Ge, they are jealous of you. Please do not take their words to your heart," asserted Zho Mi.


    "I am trying," Jian Guozhi replied. "You shall take your dinner in a while. I need to meet Xue as well." Zho Mi flinched her eyes as she heard him.


    "You shall go, Jian Ge," Zho Mi told him. "I will meet Sister Xue in the morning," she added. Jian Guozhi nodded his head and walked out of the chamber. She heaved a sigh of relief and brought her hand to her chest. "I would not have let you go to her but today I have urgent work," she murmured.


    She went towards the inner garden of her chamber and sat on the porch. The sky was turning dark, but the redness was still there. She waited for the sky to turn dark because that was the time when she could meet Huo Jin.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi went inside the chamber of Xue Yu-Yan, where she was assisted by the maidservants. He found she had taken a bath aftering from the prison. The maidservants were drying her hair when they all heard the voice of Jian Guozhi. "I need some privacy." The maidservants stepped back and left while Xue Yu-Yan stood up from the chair.


    The two looked at each other for a few seconds. "Why did it happen? I chose the right path, yet they did this," Xue Yu-Yanined. It seemed that she would break into tears anytime. "Even you did n-not believe me. You shall note here," Xue Yu-Yan said in anger.


    "Forgive me."


    Xue Yu-Yanughed wryly, and at the same time, tears rolled over her cheek. "I will not. What if the Crown Princess did not prove me innocent? I would have died by now for the crime I never did," Xue Yu-Yan affirmed. Jian Guozhi found how angry she was, which was legit. He walked to her and hugged her.


    "Okay, do not forgive me, but do not cry. It makes me feel guilty," Jian Guozhi said. Xue Yu-Yan could not hold her tears anymore and cry profusely. She clutched his robes and rested her head on his chest. "I have no one except you in this Pce, yet you are always cold towards me. I expected my husband''s help today, but... you¡­?you." Her voice choked and again cried.


    "I will be good to you from today onward. I promise," Jian Guozhi stated and pulled back from the hug. He wiped the tears from her cheeks.


    "I do not want you to be good to me anymore. Don''t evere here. You and I were forced into this marriage, so I free you from this. I do not expect any love from you, and I will neverin about your love to Sister Mi. You shall leave," Xue Yu-Yan told him while averting her gaze from him.


    "Fine." Jian Guozhi respected her decision and walked out of the chamber.


    Xue Yu-Yan chuckled and again started crying. "He indeed never wanted and cared for me," she muttered while crying.


    Jian Guozhi reached the Secret exit of the Pce where Ying Lili, General Xiao, and Commander Yang were waiting for him. Ying Lili was on the horse and looking at the sky. "It''s good that there are no clouds."


    "Crown Princess, you shall use the horse carriage," Jian Guozhi suggested to her.


    "It''s fine. I will use the horse," Ying Lili stated and covered her head with the veiled hat. "Brother Jian, keep an eye on Zho Mi. Today''s incident might force her to make her moves," she further stated.


    "Do not worry. I will keep my ears and eyes open," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Ying Lili nodded and pulled the reins on her horse, which started moving. General Xiao, Commander Yang, and five other Commanders with the piece of the army followed the Crown Princess while Jian Guozhi waved at them. Once they vanished from his sight, the soldiers closed the doors. Jian Guozhi retired to his chamber while the soldiers went to the barracks.

 Chapter 388 - Run Away With Me

    <h4>Chapter 388 - Run Away With Me</h4>


    After dinner, Zho Mi went to the Western Pce to go out to meet Huo Jin, making sure no one would see her. From the Western Pce, she sneaked out of the pce by negotiating a wall. Her face was covered with a veiled hat. Hastening her steps, she reached the house where Huo Jin was living for a year. She knocked at the door and looked around.


    When no response came from inside, she knocked once more. ''Did they catch him?'' she frowned but then she heard the creak. Huo Jin had opened the door for her. She quickly stepped inside and closed the door behind her.


    "Why are you here?" Huo Jin went towards the table and sat on the chair. Zho Mi removed the hat from her head and red at him.


    "Do you even know what has happened in the Pce?" Zho Mi queried him.


    "Su Feng and a few spies are caught," replied Huo Jin. "Take a seat. I will exin to you," affirmed Huo Jin, gesturing to the chair beside her. Zho Mi sat on it and told him to continue.


    "Sheng Li suddenly left the Capital, so it raised doubt in Su Feng''s mind. I told him to let it get clear first. However, he did not pay heed to me. Instead, he ckmailed Ying Lili through the name of your husband''s second wife," Huo Jin proimed.


    "How could he be so na?ve? Jian Ge''s name got dragged into all this," Zho Mi stated. Huo Jin scowled at her. His facial expressions suddenly turned grim. "You did not develop feelings for your husband, right?" His intimidating gaze was focused on her.


    "Why?"


    "Because you cannot grow feelings for him. You also know our goal. As soon as hees to power, you will kill him," Huo Jin stated.


    Zho Mi chuckled. "You are daydreaming these days. " She folded her arms and looked at the table. "He found out that I was nning to harm Ying Lili. He loves her crazily. I think every man in the pce loves her madly," Zho Mi remarked.


    Huo Jin snickered. "You also acted like a fool, then. It is the end for us." Zho Mi widened her eyes upon hearing his statement.


    "How can you say this?" Zho Mi questioned him. She was slightly anxious after hearing his statement.


    "Su Feng might have confessed everything in the Court. Did your husband tell you what happened in the Court?" He waited for her reply, but she shook her head.


    "Your father is gathering the army to attack Luoyang. After Weng Wei''s death, he took this decision. You were told to kill Ying Lili at all costs, but you failed in that. You told Su Feng that Ying Lili is the weakness of Sheng Li. However, it seemed otherwise to me," affirmed Huo Jin.


    "But he rushed his n. Just take this letter to my father. Inform him that Su Feng destroyed everything." She pulled out the letter from her pocket and handed it to Huo Jin.


    "I am afraid, but I cannot do this. My life is also in danger. Can''t you see I am preparing to leave this ce? I would suggest you run away with me. Your father could not do anything all these years, so nothing will change overnight," Huo Jin pronounced.


    Zho Mi furrowed her brows. She looked around and found that Huo Jin indeed had packed his stuff. So, he wanted to leave her father''s side? "Are you not loyal to my father?" She peered into his eyes.


    "I am loyal to you, not your father," asserted Huo Jin, and put the letter on the table. "Your father is a power-hungry man," he scoffed. "He even sacrificed the life of his daughter for his ambition. I joined him three years ago because of you. You are his puppet. Nothing more."


    Zho Mi pped him and told him not to say anything against her father. Huo Jin passed a tiny smile to her. "You always do this when I tell the truth. Sheng Li is far more powerful than your father. And after his marriage, he got such a brave wife, who is no less than him. They both will defeat us easily. This I have observed in these few months," Huo Jin stated.


    "I do not care about that. You have to save my father. I beg you," Zho Mi lowered her eyes.


    Huo Jin clenched his fist. "Look at me," he demanded. His tone was fierce, unlike the earlier time.


    Zho Mi lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. "I cannot save him. His end was decided the day Weng Wei''s truth came in front of the world," Huo Jin exined to her. "If your husband knows about you, then chances are high that he will not spare you," he deduced.


    "He forgave me. I assured him that no such thing would happen in the future," replied Zho Mi. "I do not have much time. Just give this letter to my father," she requested him again.


    "Your husband did not spare his mother, then how do you expect he would spare you? I have a hunch that he is checking on you and soon he will expose you as well," Huo Jin told her. "You are well aware of my deductions. How urate they are!"


    "He needs me, and I saw in his eyes the love for me. He loves Ying Lili too...I mean it''s different towards her. Now, let''s not waste any more time on the arguments." She picked the letter from the table and put it in his hands, who threw it on the floor, shocking Zho Mi.


    "He doesn''t love you. You fool! How could you fall for his trick?" Huo Jin''s anger suddenly burst out. "Did you develop feelings for him? How could you do that?" His ears turned red because of the anger that developed inside him.


    "Yes, I fell for him. Your father was a mere servant of my father, so you shall also fulfill the same duties as him," Zho Mi reminded him. Huo Jin chuckled and told her to leave.


    "If you love me, then you will do this," Zho Mi stated, gazing into his eyes.

 Chapter 389 - You Can Hate Me

    <h4>Chapter 389 - You Can Hate Me</h4>


    "That was an imusible reason you gave me," Huo Jin stated.


    Zho Mi skeptically peered at him. "Imusible reason?! You stopped loving me?"


    "No. I still do. However, I cannot go to the Northern Province. It''s his order," Huo Jin pronounced. "Your father told me to stay in Luoyang and since I am the son of a mere servant, I shall follow his orders," Huo Jin replied to her.


    "You said a few minutes ago that you will run away." Zho Mi was confused, thinking about what could have been running inside Huo Jin''s mind.


    "I decided to run away after today''s incident. Su Feng is caught and also a few other spies; your husband knows about you and we do not know what the Crown Princess is nning?" Huo Jin exined to Zho Mi.


    "Because he acted foolishly. Jian Ge was angry at me because he trusted me, who could embrace him not only in happy times but also in tough times. I broke his trust by plotting against her. He has forgiven me. And the Crown Princess is not nning any more," Zho Mi answered to his queries to clear his confusions. She picked the letter from the floor and again put it in Huo Jin''s hands.


    Huo Jin smiled at her response. He picked the paper and tore it into pieces shocking Zho Mi. "Huo Jin," she murmured as her eyes filled with tears.


    "I would have run away in the day, but I waited for you because I thought you would alsoe with me. You love your father this much that you cannot see what is ahead of us." He gazed into her eyes. They were misty, which irked him more.


    "I will drop you at the Pce. This is thest thing I can do for you," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "I will go by myself. Do note in front of my sight. I hate you," Zho Mi stood up from the chair. Huo Jin caught her wrist. "You can hate me. But this is for your best. The Han army cannot be underestimated. If I leave for the Northern Province, I will definitely get caught. That''s why stop being stubborn and foolish," Huo Jin had calmed down.


    Zho Mi turned to him. "Your capabilities are the same as those of the Generals. You shall not doubt your abilities," she tried to get across to him.


    Huo Jin heard the strange voices, so he quickly blew off the candle that was on the candle stand and pressed his palm on Zho Mi''s lips. In the darkroom, they couldn''t see each other.


    "Someone is here," she heard his whisper in her ear. "Be quiet. Do not move from your ce." He put down his palm. The sound of horse galloping was heard. "The First Prince passed the order to check every house, even the abandoned ones," they both heard the voice.


    After a few minutes, the voices died. Huo Jin opened the back window of the house a little. He quickly picked up the cloth bag and put it around his shoulder. He then made Zho Mi wear the veiled hat. "Let''s go," he grasped her hand and the two walked out of the hut. Huo Jin brought Zho Mi to the Pce.


    "Go inside," Huo Jin told her as he left his hand. He looked around to make sure no one chased them. Looking back at her, he asked her why she did not go in till now. "Take care," thest words she told Huo Jin, who smiled at her.


    "I will," he answered. Zho Mi went towards the wall when she heard the voice of Jian Guozhi. "Stay there, Zho Mi." She gulped, and a shiver ran through her entire body.


    "R-run," she said in a loud enough voice, audible to Huo Jin only. The soldiers surrounded them. Huo Jin stood in front of her and looked at Jian Guozhi and another Prince with him.


    Jian Guozhi went towards Zho Mi and removed the veiled hat from over her head. "Get on your knees," Jian Guozhi tilted his head to look at Huo Jin, who lowered his eyes and bent on his knees.


    "Jian Ge-"


    "Shut up!" Jian Guozhi shouted at her. "Do not force me to raise my hand on you," He warned her.


    "Take him to prison and start investigating him. He might tell us about Tan Gengxin''s spywork." Jian Guozhi passed the order.


    "Your highness, you do not need to take me to the prison. I will tell you here but on one condition," Huo Jin affirmed and lifted his eyes.


    "How dare you talk about the condition?" Jian Guozhi was furious to hear him. He would torture Huo Jin to the extent that he had to reveal the truth to him. Zho Mi wondered what Huo Jin was thinking to do.


    "I need it to be put in front of his highness because it will save his time as well," Huo Jin stated.


    "Take him to the prison house. I will be there in a while," Jian Guozhimanded the soldiers when Nianzu intervened. "Brother Jian, let''s hear him instead of applying torture to him."


    Jian Guozhi turned to Nianzu and agreed to his suggestion.


    "What''s your condition?" Nianzu asked Huo Jin.


    "Please do not punish Lady Zho. She did what she was told to do!" Huo Jin asserted. Zho Mi was out of words. Huo Jin indeed was saving her. He did not need to! She never loved him. He should have run away the moment she told him.


    "She is Tan Gengxin''s daughter and you are telling me to not punish her. You cannot decide for her," Jian Guozhi gritted his teeth and nced at Zho Mi, who was shocked to hear her truth from her husband. So, it was all a trap for her! Jian Guozhi lied to her.


    "Take him to the prison. Rest things will be decided there," Jian Guozhi ordered. The soldiers came forward and took Huo Jin with them. Nianzu followed them while Jian Guozhi and Zho Mi stayed there.


    "I warned you, didn''t I?" Jian Guozhi grabbed her arm, and she winced in pain.


    "F-forgive me," she lowered her eyes in fear.


    Jian Guozhi dragged her to the prison house and threw her inside a cell.. "Be ready to die," Jian Guozhi told her and left the prison.

 Chapter 390 - Did Not Recieve Message

    <h4>Chapter 390 - Did Not Recieve Message</h4>


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao dressed as the workers had entered the underground base. They had grain sacks on their backs. The view of the underground base was spectacr. They put the sacks on one side and looked around. "You two seem new to the work," a bearded man talked to them. Sheng Li and Wang Hao nodded.


    "The wages are good here. I have been working here for five months. Fortification is going on at the other end," the man told them. "If you want to get employed as a worker there, then this is the best opportunity," he added with a smile.


    "Fortification? Did the Emperor order it?" Sheng Li curiously asked him.


    "Nobody from the Empire cares for this remote vige. We are lucky that the master provided us with resources and jobs," the man stated, as the workers around him heard him. He looked at his friend, who was noting the entries in a ledger book in his hand. "Shu Tian," he called him and he came towards them.


    "What happened, Wan Ju?" Shu Tian queried him.


    "These two are newly appointed. Aren''t they perfect for the job of fortification that is going on in the borders?" Wan Ju asked for his suggestion. "Look at their bodies," Wan Ju touched Sheng Li''s arm, who did not like it at all.


    "But the work will bepleted soon. I do not think more men are needed there," Shu Tian affirmed.


    "Brother, maybe there are two posts vacant for us. Take us there," Wang Hao requested Shu Tian. Sheng Li also put pressure on him. "We have a huge family to feed, master. Just take us once," asserted Sheng Li and joined his both hands.


    "Come with me. I will show you the way. Shu Tian, let''s go," he said.


    They took them to the other side of the camp, which opened up on the level ground. Sheng Li and Wang Hao were shocked to see that a Pce was already constructed. The spy that Sheng Li had sent might not have been able to find out the entire information for him.


    "A Pce?" Wang Hao murmured. Since it was night time only a few soldiers could be seen around the Pce. Shu Tian told them to wait there. "I will ask my senior first about the vacancy. If there are some, then you two can join but I cannot assure you." Sheng Li and Wang Hao nodded while joining their hands.


    ''I, as the Crown Prince, indeed neglected my duties. Tan Gengxin has not only raised a Pce and an army but also fortified this vige. He is making this as its capital and trying to gain control over the masses, who are far from our reach,'' Sheng Li thought. ''Weng Wei aided the worst enemy. I did not know for the power she would stoop so low.''


    Shu Tian returned and said, "Only one vacancy is there. Now, you two decide who will take the work. Wages are 100 cents a month."


    "Elder Brother, I shall work there," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li, who delightedly agreed with that. "I will continue carrying the sacks and you can give this work to my younger brother," Sheng Li stated. Shu Tian nodded and asked for their names.


    "My name is Hushu, and he is Hujin," Sheng Li told him their alias names. Shu Tian then asked for the identification, which they showed and their name was registered by him in the other ledger.


    "Today''s work ispleted. You shalle in the early morning," Shu Tian told them. They both thanked him and left the ce. As they ascended the stairs toe out of the underground base, Wan Ju stopped them.


    He negotiated the stairs and halted at a stair below the one on which Sheng Li stood. He looked around and then in a low voice said, "I need to talk to you. I know that you are" he stepped on the stair where Sheng Li was standing and leaned closer to his ear, "the Crown Prince."


    Sheng Li kept his face calm and told him to follow him. Once they reached far from the underground base, Sheng Li put the dagger on his neck. Wan Ju raised his hands in the air and gulped. Wang Hao was befuddled to see that.


    "Your highness, it''s me, Wan Ju. How could you forget me?"


    Sheng Li pulled his hand back. He put a little pressure on his brain and recalled him. "You are that boy-"


    "Yes. I am that boy whom you met when you first started your military campaign at the age of 16," Wan Ju confessed. Wang Hao was still confused about their conversation.


    Sheng Li smiled and hugged him tightly. "You have grown up so much. I almost could not recognize you," Sheng Li stated.


    "Even his highness has changed so much," Wan Ju replied. The two pulled away from each other.


    "Let''s go to our ce first. Then we''ll talk more," Sheng Li suggested to him. Wan Ju agreed to him and they left for the residence of Vige headman Feng Yao.


    Hu Jingguo was pacing in the garden, worrying about Sheng Li. "Lili told me not to leave him alone. Did I make a mistake by not apanying him?" He muttered when he saw Sheng Li, General Xiao, and an unknown man whom he did not know.


    He was d to see that Sheng Li was alright. "Let''s talk in my chamber," Sheng Li stated while the others followed him. In the chamber, Hu Jingguo brought the tea for all of them and ced the tray on the table. He served tea to them and sat beside Wang Hao on a chair.


    "I was 16 when I first met Wan Ju on the Yangtze Riverbank. Our military camp was put there. Wan Ju was heavily injured, and I found him near the riverbank," stated Sheng Li.


    "Yes, and you saved my life. After 3 months, I parted my way with you," Wan Ju replied.


    "But, what are you doing here and how did you recognize me?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "I live here and I recognized you from those eyes¡­," answered Wan Ju.


    Sheng Li raised the cup and sipped the tea, followed by them. "Did you see what is going on here?" Sipping the tea, Wan Ju asked him.


    "Why didn''t you inform me? You told me you''ll help me in the future," Sheng Li jokingly said.


    "I sent you a message two months ago. I came to Luoyang at that time to inform you. Since I am amoner, I could not meet you, so I gave the letter to the gatekeeper there," Wan Ju affirmed.


    "What? I did not receive any message," Sheng Li knitted his brows. Wang Hao and Hu Jingguo got worried thinking about that.


    "You are not here because you did not get my message?" Wan Ju questioned him.


    "No."


    "Then where did my message go?" Wan Ju frowned.


    "Maybe a spy of his got his hands on the message," Wang Hao raised a possibility.


    "But if it so then he would have searched about the source of the message," Sheng Li concluded and furrowed his brows together. "Someone in the Pce... wait, Weng Wei''s spies might have gotten their hands on it," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Your highness, if that''s the case then she might have told them to search for its source," Wang Hao stated. "Wan Ju might havee into danger," he said.


    "There are many possibilities that they would not have thought amoner could send, or the gatekeeper threw it thinking it''s from amoner," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li, who hummed. "Let''s leave it. Because it''s not a concern. Tan Gengxin has developed many things. We need more forces from the Han because war will break," Sheng Li concluded.


    "I will send the message tomorrow to Xiao Zhan," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li, who agreed with him.

 Chapter 391 - I Will Investigate From Huo Jin

    <h4>Chapter 391 - I Will Investigate From Huo Jin</h4>


    Jian Guozhi came to the cell where Huo Jin was locked. Nianzu and Commander Guo were standing beside a table where Huo Jin''s cloth bag was being checked. Nothing suspicious was found in it. Only two daggers were found which Huo Jin had hidden in his robes.


    Upon seeing Jian Guozhi, Nianzu and Commander Guo bowed. "Did you find anything suspicious?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "No, your highness. Just two daggers. He had decided to run away from the Capital," Commander Guo informed Jian Guozhi, who hummed.


    "Why did you say that you will tell us about Tan Gengxin only if I promise you Zho Mi''s safety?" Jian Guozhi calmly questioned him. He kept his anger in control, though his inner mind had told him to kill Zho Mi. "Aren''t you loyal to your master?" His second question came right after the first.


    Huo Jin curled his fingers because he felt stuck.


    Seeing him quiet, Jian Guozhi asked him another question. "Why did you meet herte at night? Do you by any chance love her?" Nianzu and Commander Guo nced at Jian Guozhi.


    "I do not love her," Huo Jin lied. "I am a servant to her. My father had served Master Gengxin. I have watched Lady Mi growing up in front of me. She did what her father told her to do," Huo Jin answered. He tried to save Zho Mi and wanted to clear the doubts in their minds regarding her.


    "But her actions speak otherwise," Jian Guozhi chuckled. "You are also taking me as a fool?" He menacingly inquired from him.


    "I do not dare to fool his highness. I was the one who told her to meet me in the night as I was going to leave the Capital," Huo Jin lied to him. Jian Guozhi clenched his fist and went towards him. He punched him hard, and he fell backward.


    "Lying to me again? You shall be grateful that you are not killed till now. I saw her walking out," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Huo Jin sat on his knees and wiped the blood from his lips.


    "I ept that I lied, but his highness will not kill me because only I can tell him about the exact location of Tan Gengxin, his spyingwork, and his allies," Huo Jin proimed. "But all this will be on one condition - his highness will pardon her," Huo Jin stated.


    "So, you indeed love Sister Mi," Nianzu said. He saw the genuine feelings of Huo Jin towards Zho Mi.


    "Her death is destined either tonight or tomorrow," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "The First Prince shall not act foolish," Huo Jin''s statement annoyed Jian Guozhi.


    "You want me to believe a traitor who is ready to prove his disloyalty towards his master," Jian Guozhi snickered when he heard him.


    "I know you will not trust me, so let me present something. You will indeed then trust my words," Huo Jin asserted.


    "What do you mean?" Tilting his head, Nianzu astonishingly looked at him.


    "I know that the Crown Princess has left for the Northern Province. Forgive me for my rudeness, but if I wanted to harm her, I would have done that the moment she left the Pce. Instead, I decided to run away," Huo Jin proimed.


    Nianzu and Jian Guozhi were shocked to learn that Huo Jin already knew about the departure of the Crown Princess. But, how? "Did Zho Mi-"


    "No. I know the secret route which the Crown Princess followed. Thanks to yourte mother, I got to know everything about Luoyang," Huo Jin affirmed. "And only I know about all this."


    Nianzu found that Huo Jin was smart and a calm person. Even in this situation, he did not lose his temper or get nervous, instead, he gave them answers which were indeed impressive.


    "You might have informed the Crown Princess about your alias too and are making a fool of us. Or did you turn disloyal towards your master because of some past grudge?" Nianzu stated and waited for his response.


    "I was never loyal to him. I worked as a servant for him," Huo Jin replied.


    "That''s why your words are suspicious. What if you will divert us to the wrong path?" Jian Guozhi skeptically nced at him.


    "In that sense, the Crown Prince also believed the words of an unloyal Empress," Huo Jin retorted. "The Crown Prince also left for the Northern Province upon believing the words of your mother. Forgive me if I said something wrong," Huo Jin then apologized and lowered his eyes.


    "Zho told me that you were not sure where the Crown Prince was going. Why did you lie to her about this?" Jian Guozhi was curious to know.


    Huo Jin knitted his brows. "I lied because it is not a matter of her concern," Huo Jin replied. ''Zho, hope you have not spilled the beans, otherwise, it will be difficult for me to save you. I know from this prison, I will not go out alive, but I will make sure that nothing happens to you,'' he thought.


    "Bring Zho Mi here. You both will be investigated together at the same time," Jian Guozhi pronounced. Huo Jin''s eyes were lowered.


    After a few minutes, Zho Mi was brought there. "Jian Ge, please hear me out." She stopped speaking when Jian Guozhi scowled at her.


    "Answer me truthfully. For your every lie, this hot iron rod would be touched at his body parts," Jian Guozhi threatened Zho Mi. A soldier had brought the hot iron rod with him and handed that to Jian Guozhi. He stepped towards Huo Jin and stood beside him.


    "What did you talk about?" Jian Guozhi asked his first question from Zho Mi.


    She looked at Huo Jin and gulped. ''If I tell Jian Ge that I was there to send a letter to my father, then he will lose his trust in me. I might die for doing that and also many questions will be raised about my character for meeting a man other than my husbandte at night.''


    "Answer," Jian Guozhi shouted at her.


    "He sent me the message that day to meet me. He works for my father so, probably my father has sent him a message," Zho Mi lied. Huo Jin could not believe his ears that Zho Mi would tell such a lie. But he had noints because he admired her from a young age. Since it was a few moments before his death, he was willing to sacrifice himself for her.


    Jianughed wryly. He brought the hot iron rod near Huo Jin''s chest when Nianzu caught his hand. "Brother, do not torture Huo Jin. You shall punish Lady Mi for lying and also for betraying all of us.. And I will investigate from Huo Jin in my way," Nianzu intervened, thus saving Huo Jin from getting a burn.

 Chapter 392 - No Right To Take It Away {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 392 - No Right To Take It Away {Bonus }</h4>


    Huo Jin looked at Nianzu, befuddled, thinking why it happened. Zho Mi was also confused, thinking about what went wrong. How did Jian Guozhi find out that she lied? Did Huo Jin tell them about her already!? How could he do this to her? He told her that he would protect her.


    "Brother Jian, let me handle the investigation. You shall rest in your chamber. It has been a hectic day for Brother Jian," Nianzu advised him. Jian Guozhi looked at Commander Guo and told him to take away Zho Mi.


    "Jian Ge, please listen to me once," Zho Mi pleaded with him, who nced at her with disappointment and left the prison house. Commander Guo took her to the next cell, leaving Nianzu and the other soldiers there.


    Nianzu handed the rod to the soldier and ordered them to leave. "Your highness, if you think that I will tell you-"


    "Who said I will ask about Tan Gengxin?" Nianzu cut his words in the middle, confusing Huo Jin. "You love Lady Mi, but she sees you as a mere servant. Strange! And because she is your master''s daughter, you are saving her. Why? Because you think your end is near when it is not true," Nianzu affirmed. Huo Jin could not get how Nianzu found out those things about him. Maybe his great observational skills.


    "You found out many things about the Han. You are useful to us, that is why I will protect you till the end." Huo Jin lifted his eyes, befuddled about Prince Nianzu''s words.


    "I do not wish to live more. If his highness wants, then he can save Lady Mi. Please spare her life. Earlier Lady Mi told you all about me and she was right," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "She cannot be spared. The Crown Princess herself found out about her. We have evidence against her. Lady Mi might not know but Su Feng and his allies got caught because of her. Foolish, isn''t she?" Nianzuughed scornfully. "And Brother Jian will also urge for her punishment. She betrayed him after all. You tried to prevent her in every possible way, but she did not care about that. You are far-sighted and already saw the end of your master. You did not attack the Crown Princess when you knew about the secret route. You stayed in the Capital instead of running away just because you thought Lady Mi would run away with you."


    Huo Jin''s eyes flickered like amp. He had no idea how Nianzu found out all this. "Do not put so much stress in your mind. Your eyes are enough to tell all this. Running away was the only way to save her. But, she refused, so you dropped her to the Pce," Nianzu narrated everything to him and went towards the table. "You are not loyal to Tan Gengxin but you are loyal to your love," he remarked.


    Huo Jin had nothing to say except asking for the death sentence.


    "Do not be loyal to that love which will go wrong even in the future. Your father was a servant to Tan Gengxin. Somewhere, he might have been beaten by his master. That''s the grudge inside you for him but for his daughter, you forgot that." Huo Jin peered at Nianzu, wondering how he found out. Was he a mind-reader?


    Nianzu pointed towards the table on which his cloth bag was put. "I found a letter from your father in which he mentioned remaining loyal to your master. But how could a son do that?" Nianzu muttered.


    "I cannot see her dying," Huo Jin pronounced.


    "But when you dropped her to the Pce, didn''t this thoughte to your mind?" Nianzu questioned him.


    "I thought she would not be caught," Huo Jin replied.


    "Do not act foolish, Huo Jin. You shall consider yourself lucky that I am investigating you today." Huo Jin agreed with him. "Life is giving you a second chance. ept it. I never let the person get punished, whom I investigate because I believe if I cannot give life to anyone, then I have no right to take it away. But this applies to only those whose crimes are not heinous," Nianzu proimed.


    "This entire night is yours to think about. Do not think that you will betray your loyalty towards Lady Mi. Think of it as you are stopping bloodshed from urring. Lady Mi is not a gentledy. She nned to kill the Crown Princess, who was always good to her. She is ready to sacrifice you for her goal. Don''t let it happen," Nianzu asserted. He tried his best to get across him. He turned and walked out of the cell.


    ~~~~~


    "My spy informed me that there is an Underground exit. I think he could not get to see those things which we saw," Sheng Li said, looking at Wan Ju.


    "I think so," Wan Ju drank the remaining tea in the cup.


    "Have you ever gone inside the Pce?"


    "We are not allowed. Only special people can go there, mostly soldiers and his generals," Wan Ju replied.


    "His Generals? How many does he have?"


    "I do not know about that. Forgive me," replied Wan Ju. Sheng Li nodded. Hu Jingguo found that Wan Ju was informal with Sheng Li, yet he did not get angry at him unlike him. So, he asked Sheng Li about the reason.


    "You lied to Lili and me that you do not have any close friends," Hu Jingguo squinted his eyes at him.


    "I did not remember about Wan Ju. I mean we met seven years ago, so there was no possibility that I would meet him," Sheng Li told him. "It seems this world is small," he then smiled.


    "Indeed it was unexpected," Wan Ju stated and passed a tiny smile to them.


    "So, did you marry?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No, I did not. Who would marry me when I carry such a scar on my face?" Wan Ju pointed towards his face. While conversing with him Sheng Li did not even notice that scar. "I will find a nice girl for you when we reach Luoyang," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    "Don''t be a matchmaker. I might not go as I love this ce," Wan Ju answered.


    "What? It''s an order of the Crown Prince," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Pardon me?" Wan Ju scoffed. "You are showing off your power. This is bad, Sheng Li."


    The Crown Prince passed a scornfulugh. "You shall be happy that I am offering you all this. Instead, you are taunting me. What kind of friend you are!" Sheng Li chuckled.


    "I cannot rely on you. Just turn everything good here. Do your duty as the Crown Prince," Wan Ju proimed.


    Sheng Li recalled Lili upon hearing the statement of Wan Ju. The smile on his lips faded. "What happened? Ahh, do not take my words to your heart," Wan Ju mumbled.


    "He is not. He is probably missing his wife," Hu Jingguo informed Wan Ju.


    "Oh, I almost forgot that you are married. I heard from people in my vige that the Crown Princess is a beauty with brains. When I came to Luoyang, I heard this there as well. It is good to see you missing someone," Wan Ju stated. He recalled the time when they were 16 years old. Sheng Li hardly cared for people, though he was good to Wan Ju. A few words never urred in his dictionary.


    "I miss her every minute.. Hope she is well," Sheng Li said in a low voice.

 Chapter 393 - More Like An Elder Brother

    <h4>Chapter 393 - More Like An Elder Brother</h4>


    Sheng Li was wrapping the sash around his waist when Wang Hao came there. "Your highness, a message hase from Luoyang," Wang Hao affirmed. Sheng Li turned and came towards him. Extending his hand out, he took the tiny rolled paper from Wang Hao and opened it.


    "It''s from the First Brother," Sheng Li recognized the writing and then read. Frowns appeared on his forehead as he read the entire message. "An unknown attack happened in Luoyang. Brother has told me not to take any step until more forcese from Luoyang," Sheng Li stated. He gave the letter back to Wang Hao and told him to burn it.


    "An unknown attack? Is everything alright there?" Wang Hao was worried.


    "Lili handled everything. Brother Jian has mentioned that he would be here soon. Let''s not do anything until we find out what happened in Luoyang," Sheng Li told Wang Hao.


    "But Your Highness, I need to go there. I will collect as much information as I can get," Wang Hao asserted. Sheng Li agreed to him. "Wan Ju must be going with you. He knows that ce better. Be around him," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Yes, your highness," Wang Hao bowed.


    Hu Jingguo came to the chamber while calling out his name. "Do not start in the morning," Sheng Li warned Hu Jingguo, whose smile disappeared from his lips.


    "You are scolding me in the morning. This is not right. With Wan Ju, you talk so nicely. Then why do you turn cold with me?" Hu Jingguoined and scoffed.


    Sheng Li squinted his eyes and then turned his gaze to General Wang. "Return early," Sheng Li told him, patting his arm. Wang Hao nodded and walked out of the chamber.


    "You did not answer my questions. This is unfair," Hu Jingguo againined.


    "The answer is simple. He does not irritate me," Sheng Li replied and went towards the floor table. He took his seat and told Hu Jingguo to sit with him.


    "Something has happened in Luoyang. I have postponed the n to attack Tan Gengxin," Sheng Li asserted. Hu Jingguo was stunned to learn about Luoyang.


    "Is everything okay there? Did someone try attacking Lili in your absence?" Hu Jingguo waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "I do not know exactly what has happened there, but Lili has handled everything," Sheng Li pronounced. "My decision to leave her behind was right. Only her brain can work in such a situation," Sheng Li stated and smiled.


    "We shall go out. Maybe we will find out any information which can be useful for us," Hu Jingguo suggested to Sheng Li, who agreed with him. "I need to eat breakfast first. And then I need to meet Commander Sun as he has arrived with the army here," Sheng Li informed Hu Jingguo.


    "Okay. After that, we can go," Hu Jingguo stated. "I also have not eaten my breakfast. It is nice. I got a chance to have a meal with you." Sheng Li was amused upon seeing Hu Jingguo''s reaction.


    "Why do you get so excited when you have meals with me?" Sheng Li called a maidservant and ordered her to bring the meals for them.


    "Because I feel secure," Hu Jingguo replied.


    "What?" Sheng Li gave a scornfulugh to him.


    "I am serious. I have no family unlike you all. For me Lili is my family and when she got married, her husband also became my family¡­ more like an Elder Brother." The smile from Sheng Li''s lips vanished as he heard Hu Jingguo. "I missed eating with my parents but it covered up as I grew up with Lili and then the other day when the two of us had a meal together, I felt blessed."


    "Why? I am not your parent," Sheng Li thought to add some humor.


    "You are the Crown Prince for whom his people are like a child. For me you are not only a friend but a big brother and also a parent as you are the Crown Prince," Hu Jingguo stated. The maidservant served the food to them. She tasted the food. "His highness can start," she softly said. Sheng Li motioned his hand in the air, gesturing her to leave.


    "Then, you shall treat me like an elder brother." Sheng Li put a dumpling on his te. "Eat," he said. "Don''t stare at me. Only Lili can stare at me." Hu Jingguo smiled and picked the dumpling from the chopstick.


    "I know only Lili can stare at your ugly face," Hu Jingguo thought to tease Sheng Li, who chuckled and snatched the dumpling from Hu Jingguo''s chopsticks.


    "How can you call me ugly? I am the most handsome-"


    "Ahh, you are in illusion. The most handsome man is Prince Lei Wanxi and then the First Prince, Fourth Prince and so on," Hu Jingguo teased Sheng Li, who scowled at him.


    "Lili told me that I am handsome," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    "Haha. You shall ask people someday," Hu Jingguo stated and snatched back the dumpling. He ate that and said, "When we return to Luoyang, let''s go somewhere with Lili. I always want to have a trip with you two," Hu Jingguo requested to Sheng Li.


    "Why should I take you with us? You earlier said I am ugly," Sheng Li was a little annoyed at him.


    "I joked. You took that to heart. Forgive me for that then. I will also marry someday then it will be impossible for me to go with you two," Hu Jingguo asserted and picked the rice bowl from the table.


    "We will go together," Sheng Li assured him.


    "We can go to the mountains where you hid me. I like that ce. It calms me down," Hu Jingguo replied as he smiled. Sheng Li nodded and told him to focus on eating.


    Hu Jingguo smiled and dug into the food. After the two finished eating, they went first to meet Commander Sun.. Later, they went to the market in disguises.

 Chapter 394 - Free Him From These One-sided Feelings

    <h4>Chapter 394 - Free Him From These One-sided Feelings</h4>


    Jian Guozhi came to the prison-house to properly investigate Zho Mi before taking her to the Imperial Court. Seeing Jian Guozhi entering the prison house, Zho Mi stood up from the floor.


    "Jian Ge," she called him with affection. Jian Guozhi halted a meter away from her. "I did not do anything. Please leave me. Huo Jin lied to you. Please trust me." She joined her both hands and pleaded to him. "Huo Jin was telling me to run away with him. But I refused to do so." Tears poured down her cheeks and she kept crying, pleading with her husband.


    "Stop lying. I will kill you right away if you keep lying to me," Jian Guozhi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.


    "Jian Ge admires me and he needs me. What happened to you overnight? Is it because of the Crown Princess? Did she manipte you against me?" Zho Mi lowered her eyes while sobbing.


    "I do not admire you and I do not need you. That was all a part of an act." Zho Mi lifted her eyes, which had turned wide after hearing the truth. "And stop ming the Crown Princess for your mistakes," proimed Jian Guozhi.


    He called a soldier who had a few things in the cloth bag. "The evidence that is collected from your chamber. The letters of father & daughter; letters to Su Feng; invisible ink and the biggest evidence is that this kind of paper is used in Northern Province. So, stop lying because I have everything against you," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "Why did you marry me?" Jian Guozhi questioned her.


    "Jian Ge," she whispered his name.


    "Stop calling my name. I am not your husband," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Zho Mi''s tears did not stop. She should have listened to Huo Jin, but why did he not save her??He told her that he loved her. However, when the time came, he betrayed her. Zho Mi contemted.


    "Will you answer or should I use another method to get an answer from you?" Jian Guozhi shouted at her. His expressions were grim.


    Zho Mi lifted her eyes and scowled at Jian Guozhi. "Kill me. I will not utter a single word," Zho Mi affirmed.


    Jian Guozhi chuckled and went to her. He pped her hard. She lost her bnce and fell on the floor. Her hands got injured from the shackles that she had worn. "An enemy is an enemy; a traitor is a traitor. Their gender does not matter when ites to a battle or an investigation. Feel lucky that you are not tortured to death by now," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Zho Mi loudlyughed and turned to look into his eyes. "Then treat me as the other prisoners. I will not say anything about my father," Zho Mi asserted.


    "Such a loyal daughter you are," Jian Guozhi smiled and pped for her. "s! Even if you will not tell me, then it is not my loss. Huo Jin told everything about Tan Gengxin. How he murdered the real Zho Mi and you two switched ces. A woman once gets married, does not go to her birth home, so it was best for you to be my wife;ter kill me and acquire the throne."


    Zho Mi could not believe that Huo Jin told him everything. ''Huo Jin indeed betrayed us. I thought he was joking when he said that he is disloyal to my father. But he is disloyal to me as well.'' She contemted.


    "When you know everything, then you should not ask me," Zho Mi stated.


    "You need to stay in this state for a few more days. Let your fathere here," Jian Guozhi proimed and nced at the soldier. "Do not give her water and food until I permit," he turned to go when she stopped him.


    "My death is near. I want to talk to Huo Jin for thest time. The dying wish of a person is always fulfilled. Just fulfill this wish of mine," Zho Mi requested him.


    Jian Guozhi walked out of the prison, leaving her bewildered.


    Nianzu was waiting for the First Prince outside the cell. As soon as he came out, Nianzu bowed in front of him. "Let her meet Huo Jin, Brother Jian. He is willing to aid us, but the grudge against us inside him may live longer," Nianzu advised Jian Guozhi. "Zho Mi would definitely question him about the betrayal he gave her. He should know that the person for whom he is ready to sacrifice his life is not worthy of his love," Nianzu asserted.


    "Brother Nianzu, I do not care whether they love each other or not. I just hate this word ''love''," Jian Guozhi frowned and stepped away when Nianzu grabbed his arm. "Brother, it''s for the Han Empire. Let Huo Jin meet Zho Mi. Trust my judgment," Nianzu stated.


    "Do whatever you want to do. I am going to meet our father," Jian Guozhi asserted and walked away.


    Nianzu ordered the soldiers to bring Huo Jin there. He walked inside the cell where Zho Mi was kept. The Fourth Prince found her on the floor. Her hand was bleeding. Nianzu could see the finger marks on her face. "Am I getting hanged?" Zho Mi questioned.


    "No. Huo Jin will speak to you," Nianzu answered.


    He took out the handkerchief from his pocket and bent on his knees. "May I?" He asked her before grasping the long sleeve of her dress.


    "Why is the Fourth Brother treating me? I am going to die anyway," she affirmed.


    Nianzu wiped the blood from her palm and replied, "In front of Huo Jin, you shall look good." Nianzu looked into the eyes of Zho Mi. "He loves you, so he shall see Sister Mi beautiful in hisst moments." Zho Mi knitted her brows as the tears formed in her eyes. "He was ready to bear the torture for you. Such a pure love he has for you! Free him from these one-sided feelings," Nianzu menacingly said.


    "Why shall I care about him?" She jerked Nianzu''s hands off her and moved backward.. "Still, I am thankful that Brother Nianzu fulfilled myst wish," Zho Mi said in a low voice.

 Chapter 395 - Sink For Her Anger

    <h4>Chapter 395 - Sink For Her Anger</h4>


    Huo Jin was taken to the same cell, where Zho Mi was imprisoned. His heart sank seeing the state of Zho Mi. Nianzu looked at Huo Jin, who was displeased upon seeing the sight of Zho Mi. She was in a in white Hanfu dress with no essories. He saw her hand, which had a blood clot mark. "You two can talk but pretend that I am not here," Nianzu stated. He gestured to the soldiers to go out from there.


    "You said you are loyal to me. Is this the way you proved your loyalty?" Zho Mi started her question. "How could you tell them about my father and me?" Tears filled her eyes again. "You became a snake hidden in the disguise of a loyalist," Zho Mi harshly said to him.


    "I told them to save you. I will indeed prove my loyalty-"


    "Shut up. How dare you think a servant can save me?" Zho Mi inquired from him. She stepped forward, but the shackles in her feet did not let her move ahead.


    Huo Jin lowered his eyes. "What did my father did to you that you turned this way to him?" Zho questioned him. "Answer," she screamed.


    "Because he used you," Huo Jin replied. He lifted his eyes and looked into her misty eyes. "I pleaded with him not to send you to the Imperial Pce, but he did not listen to me," Huo Jin gulped and averted his gaze.


    Zho Mi chuckled. "Who are you to decide for me? Father never used me. You would have died on the roads after your father''s and mother''s death if my father had not taken you inside. He gave you everything like me, yet you betrayed him. I despise you the most," Zho Mi said as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Huo Jin controlled the tears from falling. "I repaid him for that by giving every single piece of information about Luoyang. I stayed true to him until he decided to make you marry the First Prince. I told him that staying in the Pce would be difficult because someday you might get caught," Huo Jin exined to Zho Mi. "I still have a chance to prove myself. I will not let anything happen to you," the tears in his eyes fell and he immediately lowered his eyes.


    "I do not want to live. I will choose death rather than living such a disgraceful life," Zho Mi asserted. "I do not want your fake pity. And, what do you think you are? A mere servant cannot save me!" Zho Mi snickered.


    Nianzu was bewildered upon hearing those words. ''Sister Mi is indeed underestimating Huo Jin,'' he thought.


    "If you think I will start loving after you give a sacrifice for me then, you are wrong. Do you remember the day when you were poisoned?" Huo Jin gazed back at her.


    "I was the one who fed you the poison because I had a feeling someday you would betray my father. s, nothing could happen to you." Huo Jin was shocked to hear that. "I despised when a servant forgot his position and showed his concern towards me. That''s why I wanted you to die," Zho Mi pronounced.


    "I think the conversation is going the wrong way," Nianzu intervened between them. "Take him away," Nianzu ordered the soldiers, who came inside and took Huo Jin away. He turned to go but then stopped. "Xinyue, I will ask you only one question." Nianzu was stunned to hear the real name of Zho Mi.


    "You were always an illusion and still are!" Zho Mi stated.


    "Do you want me to live?" He asked and turned to look at her. Zho Mi gazed into her eyes, waiting for her answer.


    Zho Mi did not answer his query. "Xinyue, answer me. This is myst meeting with you." His eyes had turned misty.


    "It does not matter to me if you live or die." She averted her gaze from him. Nianzu gestured to the soldiers, who took Huo Jin away. The iron gate of the prison cell was closed. Nianzu peered at Zho Mi, whose face had turned nk. Nianzu stayed there for a few minutes before leaving.


    Nianzu came to the cell where Huo Jin was kept. He found how devastated he was! He stayed quiet until after a few minutes, Huo Jin said, "I will go with your offer, but there is something I want from you, your highness."


    "What do you want?" Nianzu questioned.


    "I do not want anyone to remember Zho Mi as a traitor. Can you do this, your highness?" Huo Jin lowered his head.


    "I can, but I want to know why you asked for this?"


    "Because she did all this under her father''s influence. She will not ept this, but she had a hard time while doing all that," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "She fed you the poison, yet you want to keep her identity alive as a nice woman. May I know why?" Nianzu was curious to know.


    "She was asked by my master to feed the poison to me. Tan Gengxin wanted her to train every way so that she would never feel remorse for her bad acts in the future," answered Huo Jin.


    "Why did you not say that to her? She should have known the truth. Maybe she would be less bitter to you," Nianzu suggested.


    "She would never. I am a sink for her anger, and it never bothered me. She wanted to be the best in her father''s eyes. Whenever she made mistakes, she was scolded. Then, she used to use bitter words towards me. She did feed me poison, but then she is the one who saved me by stealing the medicine from her father''s chamber. If I choose death here, then we two will be perceived wrongly by people. It doesn''t matter if people say wrong things about me, but it will be wrong to her. I would like to keep her kindness alive because for me she is a kinddy," Huo Jin''s eyes again turned watery, but this time he smiled.


    Nianzu smiled upon hearing all that. Huo Jin was indeed a keen observer and a patient person. Nianzu was assuredpletely that he did right by saving this man. He was a gem among many. "I promise you that no one will ever remember Sister Xinyue as the wrong woman, Huo Jin," Nianzu, this time, used the real name of Zho Mi and passed a warm smile to him.


    "I am grateful to you, your highness.. Thank you," Huo Jin bent on his knees and bowed.

 Chapter 396 - Xinyue Is The Real Name

    <h4>Chapter 396 - Xinyue Is The Real Name</h4>


    Han Wenji looked at the devastated state of the First Prince. "She is not the real Princess," Han Wenji was shocked to learn about her identity. Jian Guozhi''s face had turned pale. "Father, I am hurt. First, my mother did not listen to me, and now, my first wife betrayed me. They both used me for their benefit. They both considered me incapable, that''s why they chose such a path." Jian Guozhi lowered his head and brought his palm over his eyes. He was crying profusely.


    Han Wenji stood up from the chaise and went towards him. He patted his back. "You are not incapable, Jian. Do not me yourself for all this. I also could not find that the real bride was murdered in the middle. This is the incapability of your father," asserted Jian Guozhi.


    "Father, I am tired of all this. I thought she would support me. However, she hade to kill me. I found out the secret message from her father to her in which she was tasked to kill me. I trusted her," Jian Guozhi lifted his eyes and met his father''s gaze. There were tears all over his face. Han Wenji realized that Jian Guozhi waspletely broken by all this.


    Eunuch Jin interrupted them. "Apologies, Your Majesty, your highness. The Fourth Prince is here. He had something important to inform you." He had lowered his head.


    "Tell the Fourth Prince to wait," Han Wenji stated when Jian Guozhi said, "Father, let hime. I am okay." Han Wenji told the same to Eunuch Jin, who nodded and walked out.


    After a while, Nianzu reached the inner chamber and saw the red eyes of Jian Guozhi. He bowed in front of them and then raised his head. "I am done investigating Huo Jin. He has been ready to tell us everything since the beginning, father," Nianzu informed Han Wenji, who hummed.


    "Shall we trust a traitor?" Jian Guozhi raised a doubt.


    "We shall. I take the guarantee," Nianzu assured them.


    "Brother, one traitor has already betrayed us. Trusting her ally is not right," stated Jian Guozhi.


    "First Brother, you are absolutely right. However, Huo Jin was notpletely disloyal to Tan Gengxin. It was more like he stayed for Sister Mi with him and epted his orders. I have investigated more things about him. He never once harmed anyone while executing his missions. Huo Jin is trustworthy, and I believe that he will be a great jewel for the Han Empire," Nianzu took the stand for Huo Jin. He gazed back at his father, who drew his brows together.


    "Why does the Fourth Prince think that Huo Jin will be a great jewel for us?" Han Wenji questioned him.


    "Father, Sister Mi went out of the Pce to give Huo Jin a message regarding Su Feng and the other spies. She told him to take the message to Tan Gengxin, but he refused. Because he believes that the Han army will easily oust Tan Gengxin and his army- This Sister Mi told me, not Huo Jin.


    He is a far-sighted person, and despite knowing everything about Han, he never used it against us. I believe such a man shall remain alive," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Nianzu, it does not seem right. He might not use all this against us today, but maybe tomorrow," Han Wenji stressed his words.


    "Father, Huo Jin even knows the secret route to your chamber. But he never shared it with Tan Gengxin or thete Empress Wei," Nianzu revealed the biggest truth in front of Han Wenji. Even Jian Guozhi was stunned to hear that.


    "Why did he not tell him? Since when is he living in the Capital, and how did he find out all this?" Han Wenji was bewildered.


    "He thinks Tan Gengxin will be a tyrant king. That''s why he lied to him. He is in the Capital for a year. He has great spying skills and above that is good in warfare though he refrains from physical fights," stated Nianzu with a smile.


    "He might have told Tan Gengxin about the other things," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "I also thought the same. Huo Jin told me if he had told him then, the entire Royal Family would have died a long time ago," Nianzu proimed. Han Wenji could not believe that among so many traitors, a person was there who made the fool of those traitors.


    Han Wenji agreed to Nianzu. "I would like to meet him now," Han Wenji expressed his desire. Nianzu was d to know his father''s decision.


    Jian Guozhi stood up from the chair and took his leave. As Jian Guozhi walked past Nianzu, he stopped him. "Let''s leave together, Brother." He looked back at his father and said, "Father, I will inform Commander Guo about your order." Han Wenji nodded while the two brothers left the chamber.


    Jian Guozhi was silent and so was Nianzu. They descended the stairs when the rain started pouring. Two servants came running to them with bamboo umbres in their hands. They covered the Princes from it. "We will drop his highnesses till the next building," the servant said.


    Jian Guozhi refused and took the umbre from him. He walked ahead while Nianzu followed him up, holding another umbre.


    "I wish the Crown Princess did not fall into any trouble. The rain may get heavier then it will be difficult for them," Nianzu asserted.


    "I wish the same," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "Xinyue is the real name of your first wife." Jian Guozhi stopped and nced at him. "Her one of thest wishes was to deliver her true name to you. She said do not ever forgive her," Nianzu stated. "Huo Jin told me that Xinyue does what she was taught since childhood. She wanted to look best in her father''s eyes. She loves you that is why she dropped the n to kill you." Nianzu briefed everything to Jian Guozhi. "This was the reason Huo Jin betrayed his master because he used his daughter," Nianzu proimed. Strong winds suddenly flew, taking away the umbre with it from Jian Guozhi''s hand.


    Nianzu had gripped his umbre tightly and quickly went closer to Jian Guozhi. He grabbed the First Prince''s arm to take him to the other side, and the wind kept blowing when Jian Guozhi jerked off his arm from his grip and walked away in the opposite direction, drenching in the rain.

 Chapter 397 - Surrender

    <h4>Chapter 397 - Surrender</h4>


    Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo were in the market. Sheng Li saw a bangle seller and went to him while Hu Jingguo followed him. The Crown Prince found the variety of colored bangles in the basket and asked about the price of one bangle.


    "It is 5 cents," the woman replied. Hu Jingguo leaned closer to Sheng Li''s ear to whisper. "You can buy a golden bangle for her, then why are you purchasing this?" The woman kept staring at the two, trying to hear the whisper.


    Sheng Li handed the 5 cents to her and picked the red ceramic bangle. They walked ahead when Hu Jingguo asked him the same question again. "She likes it. When we were in the South-Western Province, she told me that she would prefer to buy bangles from them. So, I bought it," Sheng Li answered, looking at the wide red bangle. He put it inside his pocket. "She did not tell you," he was d there''s something which Hu Jingguo did not know about Lili. However, his smile faded when he heard him.


    "Umm... She wants their products to get sold. That''s why she prefers purchasing from them," Hu Jingguo stated. "But the red color will not look good on her," Hu Jingguo remarked.


    "I know better than you which color will look good on her," replied Sheng Li as he put the bangle inside his pocket.


    "Buy something for me as well. As a friend, you shall gift something to me. Don''t you think so?" Hu Jingguo wanted Sheng Li to give him a present as a symbol of their friendship. However, he was not sure whether Sheng Li would do so!


    "What do you want? I will give you," Sheng Li waited for his reply.


    Hu Jingguo was a little astonished since Sheng Li epted his request. "Ahh...umm," he looked around.


    "What are you looking around at?" Sheng Li curiously asked him.


    "I am just looking for the most expensive thing, which you can give me," stated Hu Jingguo and passed him a smile. Sheng Li chuckled.


    "There is nothing expensive here. You can ask for that expensive gift in the Capital," Sheng Li suggested to him. He kept his voice as low as possible.


    "No, I want a present from here," Hu Jingguo stubbornly said. Sheng Li hummed and put his hand around his neck. "s! There is nothing expensive here. We need to go specifically to gold or silver shops to find something for you," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I do not want a gold or silver essory. I just want a present which will be the only one in this world. Then, I can unt that present to everyone. That''s the definition of expensive for me," Hu Jingguo answered. Sheng?Li understood him.


    "We shall return as I do not want anyone to recognize me," Sheng Li whispered in his ear. Hu Jingguo agreed to him, and they left for Feng Yao''s house. While walking on the route towards the vige headman''s house, Sheng Li felt as if someone chased them. He halted, and so Hu Jingguo was.


    "What happened?" Hu Jingguo asked him.


    "I think I hurt my foot," Sheng Li lied and bent down.


    "Oh, really?!" Hu Jingguo also bent on his knees when he heard Sheng Li, "There''s someone following us. Let''s change route and lure the person to an isted ce."


    Hu Jingguo nodded. "Your foot ispletely fine, Elder Brother," Hu Jingguo acted, and the two stood up. They continued walking. But this time, instead of going to Feng Yao''s house, they changed the route.


    Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo continued their random talks. They did not let the people who were chasing them know that they had found out about them. Sheng Li halted when he heard the sound of high-speed poisonous needles in their direction. Sheng Li''s reflex acted swiftly. He wrapped his arm around Hu Jingguo''s back and pushed him forward at the same time he also bent forward.


    The needles went ahead and then fell on the ground. Sheng Li took out the dagger hidden in his boot and turned back when a masked man attacked him. "Run," Sheng Limanded Hu Jingguo, who had fallen on the ground because of the force.


    A nking was heard as the sword''s de in the hand of the masked man, hit the de of the dagger in Sheng Li''s hand. Sheng Li punched him in the stomach, and the masked man was pushed back. Sheng Li turned to the left and dodged the attack of another masked man with a sword in his hand. Sheng Li was now behind him and kicked him.


    Hu Jingguo thought to help him when he heard Sheng Li, "Run away. Listen to my orders." Hu Jingguo gulped.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, got busy with those attackers. Three more had appeared, and one of them shed the sword towards Sheng Li''s right arm. The de ripped his clothes, and it cut his skin.


    Sheng Li winced in pain, but he could not step back. He caught the arm of the attacker, who just shed his arm and twisted his arm. He stabbed the dagger in his chest and, from the left hand, took his sword.


    He marched towards the attacker on his right and killed him, followed by the third one. Hu Jingguo stepped forward to help Sheng Li when he shouted at him. "Run! I will join you in a few minutes," Sheng Li affirmed. Hu Jingguo forgot to bring a dagger with him, so even if he would go ahead, he would get harmed before even helping Sheng Li.


    "Stupid fool! Listen to my orders," Sheng Li once again screamed at him. Hu Jingguo hummed and stepped back. He turned away and ran away from there.


    Sheng Li had killed the four of the attackers by then. But then he saw more attackers joined the fifth one. How did they find out? He wondered. Sheng Li jumped towards the fifth attacker and shed his throat. He grabbed the sword from his hand and red at the attackers who had surrounded him.


    "If you want to live, then just surrender," Sheng Li warned them.

 Chapter 398 - Your General Has To Die

    <h4>Chapter 398 - Your General Has To Die</h4>


    "If you want to live, then surrender," Sheng Li warned the unknown attackers. However, they did not budge from their ces. Sheng Li swirled the swords in his hands as he nced to his left and right. One of them attacked him, whose attack he dodged while shing the sword through his waist. He did the same with another attacker and pushed him away.


    He fought with them without getting harmed.? ''Who informed them about my visit here? Is Wang Hao fine?'' Sheng Li wondered. He got kicked from behind and fell forward. However, he bnced himself and killed the man who had kicked him.


    Suddenly, he heard the sound of a speeding arrow towards him. He turned back and swiftly pushed himself to the left, thus getting saved from the arrow. He caught one of the attackers and used him as a shield to prevent getting attacked by the unknown shooter.


    "Sheng Li, you shall surrender yourself," he heard a voice. "Do not put so much pressure on your brain cells. Here''s your General whom we have caught," Sheng Li heard the person. "You all step back," the personmanded those masked attackers.


    Sheng Li pushed the dead person whom he had used as his shield and he fell to the ground. He turned and found five men on the horses, probably be the Generals or could be the Commanders of Tan Gengxin.


    He saw Wang Hao, who was brought to the front by two soldiers. Wang Hao was beaten brutally.


    "s! The other person with your General is no more," the same man replied, who was in the middle on a horse. Sheng Li tightened the grip on the hilt.


    "Your highness, do not hear him," Wang Hao loudly said.


    "Sheng Li, drop the weapon and get on your knees if you want to see him alive. Before that, let me introduce myself. I am Shao Ping." He hopped down the horse and came ahead, near Wang Hao. He caught the fistful of Wang Hao''s hair and kicked him from behind, thus forcing him to get on his knees.


    "Why did your face color fly away? Wait, you do not remember me, right?" Shao Ping scoffed and pointed the sword de on Wang Hao''s neck, and pulled his head up. "The Crown Prince has this problem. He does not remember those who are not useful to him," he chuckled. Sheng Li was a little confused regarding the identity of Shao Ping.


    "You indeed forgot about me. Four years ago, you killed my entire family because my father refused to surrender in front of you. Luckily I survived, and I had pledged to kill you with my own hands," Shao Ping pronounced. "Enough of this old time''s conversation. Let''s get to the point. It was a foolish move to send your General to our base camp. Look, what did you bring?" Shao Ping nced at General Wang, whose forehead was bleeding. "He did not tell us about your location. Your Generals are indeed loyal. But, you see, even the spyingwork of us is far better than yours," he proudly stated.


    "Where''s Wan Ju?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "His name is Wan Ju. That dead person. Bring the body forward," Shao Ping ordered. "Unlike you, I thought to bring the deceased body. I respect people from all statuses," Shao Ping smirked.


    Two soldiers brought Wan Ju''s dead body on a wooden stretcher. Sheng Li could not believe that Wan Ju was no more. It was not even a day when he met him, and he died for him.


    "Now, drop the weapon and get on your knees, otherwise you will lose your favorite General." Shao Ping tightly fisted Wang Hao''s hair, and the de touched his neck''s skin.


    "Your highness, d-do not listen to him. Your life is of utmost importance. Just leave from here," Wang Hao said without letting his neck hurt.


    "Sheng Li, do not be Cruel this time. He fought every war with you and even protected you from danger. You cannot let him die only to save yourself," Shao Ping pressured Sheng Li.


    ''I underestimated Tan Gengxin''s force,'' Sheng Li thought.


    "Sheng Li, it seems I need to be heartless like you so that you can surrender," Shao Ping loudly said. "How did you kill my father? Do you remember or you forgot about that as well? Shall I use the same torture method on your great General?" A wide grin appeared on his lips.


    Sheng Li did not react to his warnings. "It seems the Crown Prince is no longer heartless. Is it because the Crown Princess taught him some kindness? I heard she is a Heavenly Jade beauty." Sheng Li red at him as the anger started developing inside him.


    "After your death, we will rule Luoyang. I will probably marry your¡­ "


    "Say one more word, and I will rip your throat. Do not involve someone''s woman in this fight," Sheng Li warned him.


    "Why shall I listen to you? You do not have any audacity to say things like this to me. But, after hearing this, I am more excited to kill you and then see your wife." The grin did not leave his lips. "Whoa! Do not give me that look. I am scared," Heughed scornfully. "My mother killed herself the day you killed my father. I want you to go through the same pain as I underwent. You killed my three brothers, their wives, my father, and my mother. I will do the same with you," Shao Ping roared.


    "Drop the sword in your hand," He repeated himself. The de pierced Wang Hao''s neck, and the blood oozed out of his skin.


    "Do not do anything to him. Put your sword down," Sheng Li urged him before dropping the sword on the ground.


    "Okay," Shao Ping put away the sword from Wang Hao''s neck.


    "Your Highness, please don''t do this. My life is not important," Wang Hao shouted.


    Sheng Li did not reply to him. He raised his both hands in the air.


    "You are doing nice, Sheng Li. Now, get on your knees," Shao Ping delightedly said.. "s! Your General has to die," Shao Ping immediately changed his words and pushed the sword towards Wang Hao.

 Chapter 399 - I Will Rest In Peace Now

    <h4>Chapter 399 - I Will Rest In Peace Now</h4>


    Shao Ping had pushed the sword towards Wang Hao to kill him when a speeding arrow hit his hand and the sword fell from his hand. "Ahhh," he cried in pain as the arrow pierced through his skin. He turned and saw many arrows started toe in their direction, hitting a few of his soldiers. Wang Hao stood up and ran towards the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li had picked the sword from the ground. He tightened his grip on the hilt as the Han forces joined them. Commander Sun and the soldiers in his lead attacked those Generals and Shao Ping.


    Sheng Li fought with the masked attackers as Wang Hao approached him. Sheng Li quickly cut the ropes tied to his hands and picked another sword from the ground. They both fought fiercely with the attackers. Soon, they all were killed.


    The Han forces were getting heavy on the forces led by Shao Ping.


    Sheng Li turned to Wang Hao and asked him if he was fine. "Forgive me, your highness," Wang Hao said. "Why did you drop your weapon? You are not supposed to do that," Wang Hao proimed.


    "I cannot let you get harmed. You are precious to me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Sheng Li, you are the Crown Prince. Think of yourself before me. My life is nothingpared to you," Wang Hao for the first time called his name. "How can you make that decision? He would have killed me anyway, whether or not you would have dropped the weapon. Please, never do this," Wang Hao requested the Crown Prince.


    "I will never let this kind of problem arise again," Sheng Li stated. They both were intervened by Hu Jingguo.


    "You two shall talkter. You need to help Commander Sun, Hushu. I do not think I will jump into such a battle. I might get harmed. So, I will watch from here," Hu Jingguo asserted. Sheng Li smiled and patted his shoulder.


    "Take care of Wang Hao," Sheng Li walked ahead.


    Wang Hao looked at Hu Jingguo. "You save us all! The Crown Prince could have been harmed," Wang Hao said with a dejected expression.


    "I only called them," Hu Jingguo stated, looking at Commander Sun. "I am d that I was notte, else worse could have happened," he added. "Come with me. Let''s go to a safer ce," Hu Jingguo stated.


    "Let''s stay here. I am alright. The Crown Prince is still here, so we shall not let our guard down," Wang Hao suggested. Hu Jingguo did not force him, as he also agreed with him. They watched them fighting. "He fights so well. Shall I get training from him when we return to Luoyang?" Hu Jingguo murmured while looking at Sheng Li. He panicked when he saw Shao Ping was going to hit Sheng Li from behind with the sword.


    "Sheng Li, watch your back," Hu Jingguo said as loud as he could. But among those nkings and other noises, his voice was not audible to him. Wang Hao, with an injured leg, moved forward to protect Sheng Li when Hu Jingguo ran past him.


    Shao Ping was injured already, so it was a little difficult for him to reach near Sheng Li, who was fighting with another General of Tan Gengxin.


    "I will kill you," Shao Ping mumbled as he ran towards Sheng Li.


    Hu Jingguo dashed in between the soldiers towards Sheng Li. "Sheng Li," this time, he shouted at the top of his lungs. Sheng Li shed the throat of the general in front of him and turned to see. He was shocked upon seeing Shao Ping and, before he could react, Shao Ping was already close to him.


    "Die, Sheng Li," Shao Ping screamed. The sword was drawn to him, but then something happened which Sheng Li had never thought about. Hu Jingguo came in between them. The de pierced through his back, and he fell on Sheng Li.


    "Jingguo," Sheng Li muttered his name, who had hugged him tightly.


    Commander Sun pushed away from the soldier with whom he was fighting and then killed Shao Ping. The sword was pulled out, and Hu Jingguo coughed blood.


    "Ahh," he winced in pain and coughed.


    Sheng Li got on his knees while Hu Jingguo was on hisp. The soldiers surrounded Sheng Li, protecting him while Wang Hao arrived near them.


    "I-It''s hurting," Hu Jingguo said. His breathing was heavy. "Earlier, I looked cowardly when I ran away, leaving you behind. Forgive me," Hu Jingguo said while smiling.


    "Shh. Don''t speak. You need to keep your strength. Bring the doctor for him," Sheng Limanded Wang Hao, but he did not budge from his ce.


    "Sheng Li, m-my time is near."


    "Will you shut up?" Sheng Li was a little angry at him. "I told you not to save me. Then, why? I will beat you upter," Sheng Li''s eyes filled with tears.


    Hu Jingguo smiled. "You always say that, but you never do that. Of course, I-I w-was joking that time. I promised Lili and myself if such an incident arises, I will protect you. I wish you could beat me, but i-it is the end," he coughed more blood. The tears poured down his eyes.


    "Bring the physician here. Wang Hao, go," Sheng Limanded him again. He tilted his head back and looked at Wang Hao, who had lowered his eyes. Sheng Li quickly shifted his gaze towards Commander Sun. "You go. Listen to mymand," his voice for the first time stuttered.


    He felt Hu Jingguo''s hand on his. "Take my body to Luoyang, to the same mountain where we first talkedfortably with each other. T-that was the day when I found a big brother in you. I will rest peacefully there. Tell Lili¡­" he paused and winced in pain before coughing some more blood, "...I am grateful to her. I will always watch her. I-I am happy." He cried as he could not control his tears.


    The sky thundered, and raindrops fell on them. Sheng Li could not control his tears. "You should not have done this, Jingguo. How am I going to live with this?" Sheng Li''s voice broke. "I still need to give you an expensive present and then we need to go for a pic as well. You do not annoy me. I lied to you. Just bear for a few more minutes. The Physician will be here. Nothing will happen to you," Sheng Li assured him as he caressed his cheek.


    "I wish...wish it coulde true. I know you always lie to me. Thank you for everything, Sheng Li. I got to see a beautiful world with you and Lili, despite being a ve." Sheng Li cried upon hearing his words. General Wang and Commander Sun had also turned emotional.


    "I enjoyed the day with you. I will rest in peace now." Hu Jingguo''s eyes gradually closed. There was still a tiny smile on his lips.


    Sheng Li embraced Hu Jingguo tightly. "Jingguo," Sheng Li mumbled and kept crying. "Don''t leave your friend behind," he murmured as he kept weeping. The rain had turned heavier, and everyone lowered their heads.. Sheng Li, who had never got affected in war or battle, was nowpletely devastated.

 Chapter 400 - Never Listened To Me

    <h4>Chapter 400 - Never Listened To Me</h4>


    "Your Highness, we shall go to the house of Vige Headman," Wang Hao bent on his knees as he came closer to Sheng Li.


    "Why did you not bring the Physician?" Sheng Li looked at the face of Hu Jingguo. "Why did you let hime to me?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Forgive me, your highness," Wang Hao lowered his eyes. The rain hadpletely drenched them.


    "Sheng Li," they heard a familiar voice. Sheng Li lifted his eyes and saw Ying Lili in front of him. Because of the rain, it was difficult to understand if Sheng Li was crying or not as his face had turned nk. Seeing the Crown Princess there, Wang Hao stood up and bowed.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li immediately lowered his eyes, not able to meet her gaze. How could he? He broke his promise to her to protect Hu Jingguo.


    Ying Lili stepped forward and got on her knees. She looked at Hu Jingguo, who had fallen into a deep sleep from which he would never wake up. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She rested her palm on his cheek.


    "F-forgive me," Sheng Li said in a low voice.


    Ying Lili shed tears silently. The lightning traveled among the dark clouds, followed by thunder. "I gotte," she finally said. She wiped the blood from Hu Jingguo''s cheeks and chin. "I will kill the person who did this to you, Hu Jingguo," Ying Lili took a pledge before breaking into tears. She nced at Sheng Li, who was also crying but did not meet his gaze with her.


    Ying Lili cupped Sheng Li''s face between her palms and made him look at her. "This is not the time to cry. It is time to get up and kill the person who did this," Ying Lili pronounced. Sheng Li gazed into her eyes and shook his head in a negative affirmation.


    Xiao Zhan came towards Wang Hao and found out how injured he was! He then looked at Hu Jingguo''s lifeless body, who had sacrificed his life to save the Crown Prince.


    "Sheng Li, get yourself together. He did not sacrifice for you to see you like this. Go and kill Tan Gengxin," Ying Lili sternly said. Sheng Li stopped crying after hearing her words. "Sheng Li, before Tan Gengxin kills more people close to us, we need to end him," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "The Han Army is here along with the Five Commanders. Let''s openly challenge him. You shall not hide anymore from him. Send him the message to prepare for a battle," Ying Lili encouraged Sheng Li, who kept looking into her eyes for a few minutes before speaking.


    "Prepare a cart for Hu Jingguo," Sheng Limanded. The rain''s intensity reduced gradually and soon it stopped. A Cart was brought there. Sheng Li, with the help of Xiao Zhan, made Hu Jingguoy on the cart.


    "Let''s first go to the vige headman''s house," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Wang Hao, where''s Wan Ju''s body?" Sheng Li queried. Ying Lili wondered who could be Wan Ju when two soldiers brought him on a stretcher and put him beside Hu Jingguo''s dead body.


    Ying Lili clenched her fists, seeing the battle sight when her eyes fell on Sheng Li''s arm, which was slit from a sword. She gazed at him, who was still looking at Hu Jingguo. Her eyes turned teary again. ''You kept your promise, but I could not. I promised you to keep you safe from every danger, but today, I could not pull you out from that danger.'' She thought and started crying. The shbacks from childhood starteding in front of her eyes as she realized that Hu Jingguo would never wake up; it was the bitter truth which she had to ept for the nth time.


    "Crown Prince, Crown Princess, the carriage is ready," Xiao Zhan stated.


    Sheng Li turned, and without looking at Ying Lili, walked ahead. "Your highness, the border is sealed by our forces. The vigers will soon be evacuated from their houses to a ce safer for them for a few days¡­ mostly to the tent houses," Xiao Zhan reported to Ying Lili, who hummed at him and followed her husband''s steps.


    When Sheng Li stopped near the carriage, she halted too. He took her hand and helped her get into the carriage. However, never once he met her eyes. He then got inside and sat beside her, turning his head away, again ignoring her.


    The ground had turned muddy after rain, so it was a little difficult for the chauffeur to run the horses. The carriage was moving at a slower pace than usual.


    Ying Lili also did not speak a word. She wanted to give time to Sheng Li. She did not know that Sheng Li had lost two dearest friends to him today. It was more shocking for him because it never once happened with him.


    Soon, they reached the Residence of the Vige Headman, which was well guarded by the soldiers. Feng Yao was pacing in front of the door, waiting for the Crown Prince. His wife and son were also worried for the Crown Prince.


    They heard the sound of a moving carriage which stopped in front of them. Sheng Li and Ying Lili came out of the carriage. Quickly, Feng Yao, his wife, and his son bowed. Three more carriages came. Wang Hao came out of the one and from the other dead bodies of Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju were brought out.


    Feng Yao was shocked to see that. "Your highness, your room is prepared. Please rest in your prepared room," Feng Yao informed the Crown Prince.


    "Xiao, tell the servants to clean their bodies and dress them up in neat dresses," Sheng Li ordered and walked in with Ying Lili. In the chamber, Sheng Li stood in the middle with his back towards Ying Lili. His eyes were red, and he was guilty even looking at Ying Lili. With what face he should look at her? But the biggest question in front of him was how Ying Lili arrived in this Northern Province''s small vige.


    "How did you get here? Why did youe here when I strictly instructed you not toe? Then why did you not listen to me? He also never listened to m-me," Sheng Li''s voice quivered.


    ~~~


    Please Read the author note.

 Chapter 401 - I Would Miss Him This Way

    <h4>Chapter 401 - I Would Miss Him This Way</h4>


    Sheng Li squeezed his eyes tightly. The tears, which stopped for a while, started flowing again. "Why am I even ming him? It was my fault. I was overconfident, and it happened. I am not even worthy of his friendship," Sheng Li said while sobbing.


    Ying Lili also started crying. She was also devastated as she was not able to see her friend for thest time.


    "I failed Lili as a friend. I deserve to be hated by the people. Now, I understand why I got curses from people. I do not know how am I going to live with this burden? He stopped breathing right in front of me, and like a stupid fool, I did not do anything," Sheng Li med himself.


    Ying Lili stepped forward and back hugged him. "You do not deserve anyone''s hate. I heard hisst words. He said he is in peace now," Ying Lili stated and tightly wrapped her arms around him, giving him warmth; making him realize that he was not alone.


    The two stayed in that position for a few minutes when they were interrupted by a maidservant. "Your highness, the bathhouses are ready." Ying Lili pulled herself back. "Let''s talk after taking a bath," Ying Lili proimed.


    Sheng Li lethargically went towards the bathhouse with one maidservant while Ying Lili followed the other. She controlled her tears from falling and went inside the bathhouse.


    Undressing, Ying Lili went into the bathtub and took a dip. She flipped her hair back and ran her palm over her face. Sheid back, resting herself against the bathtub wall. ''Hu Jingguo, I should have apanied you both.'' They say when a person important to you leaves the world only regret is left behind. Ying Lili had that regret at that moment. Life is unpredictable, and the Crown Princess has learned this in these few months.


    The maidservants helped the Crown Princess in washing while she was lost in her thoughts. ''It is not the time to mourn. Tan Gengxin shall be punished for all this. First, his man, Su Feng, threatened me with Sheng Li''s life, and now, because of him, my precious friend has to lose his life. But the question is- how did he find out about Sheng Li?!'' Ying Lili wondered.


    In the adjacent bathhouse, Sheng Li took many dips in the water. The image of Hu Jingguo dying in his arms was shing. His words, his teasing, everything shed in front of his eyes. Wan Ju, whom he met after so many years, also died for him. Even if he won this small battle, it was like a loss for him because the two people close to him were no more. Sheng Li stopped taking dips and rested against the bathtub. He ran his hand through his fingers and covered his face with his palms.


    The water had turned a little muddy. Sheng Li came out of the bathtub and went into the other, which also had hot water. After contemting for half an hour, he washed himself properly and came out of it. Wearing a silk bathrobe, he ordered his servant to bring his dress.


    The servant brought a white Hanfu dress inside. He took it and went to the adjacent room to the bathhouse, changed into them.


    He went out to check the bodies of his two friends. They were put in the casket. Sheng Li looked at Hu Jingguo, and tears formed in his eyes. He touched his hand and caressed it. "The only thing I can hand you which I believe is the most expensive is the pendant which my mother made me wear when I was a kid. It is the only one in this world," Sheng Li murmured and took off the golden chain in which the pendant was hanging. The pendant was flower-shaped.


    Ying Lili had alsoe to the front yard of the residence where Sheng Li was. She stood by him and watched him.


    Sheng Li put the chain around Hu Jingguo''s neck. "You cannot even see this," Sheng Li chuckled and then looked at Ying Lili. "He asked me to present him with the most expensive gift. This pendant is the only one in the world. I should have given it to him when he was alive." He then looked at Wan Ju.


    "I met Wan Ju seven years ago in a military campaign. He ran away from the house of his abusive master and was gravely injured. I thought so much for him, s! it could not bepleted," Sheng Li sighed, feeling ountable for the death of his both friends.


    "Your highness, we need to kill Tan Gengxin soon. Wan Ju''s and Hu Jingguo''s bodies might get rotten if we arete," Xiao Zhan affirmed.


    "No. We will not misjudge them this time. I made this mistake. I sent them to their base camp. All of your lives are precious to me. If anything happens to even one person in my army, it will be my defeat," Sheng Li announced. "Commander Yang, send Hu Jingguo back to Luoyang, safely while Wan Ju will be buried in thisnd. He loved this ce," Sheng Li ordered.


    Ying Lili wiped the tears from her eyes as the lid of the casket was closed. Eight soldiers carried the casket and took it out of the front yard. Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s hand, who tilted her head to look at him. "I will indeed kill him in the most brutal way," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili.


    "I know. It is unbelievable that I had myst hug with him, had myst tea with him. He was so happy. I was worried about you, and I asked him to protect you. But I did not know he would leave like this," Ying Lili said and lowered her eyes.


    "I would have been dead if he had note in the middle. He did not think about his life. He gave me a second life," Sheng Li stated and hugged her. His one hand was over her head, caressing it. The Commanders, the vige headman, and the servants lowered their heads. Sheng Li saw the casket had been taken out.


    Ying Lili rested her forehead on his chest, who sobbed. "Let''s go in." Sheng Li pulled away and took Ying Lili inside.


    He made Ying Lili sit on the bed and bent on his knees. "What are you doing?" She asked. Sheng Li did not reply to her; instead, he removed the socks from her legs and saw her swollen feet. "Why did youe here? What happened in Luoyang?" Sheng Li queried and called a maidservant inside.


    "Bring the lukewarm water in a tub," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant, who bowed and walked out.


    "You do not need to do this. How many times did I tell you that a husband shall not do this?" Ying Lili proimed.


    "I shall do this," Sheng Li replied as he lifted his head to meet her gaze. "Tell me what has happened in the Capital?" Sheng Li again questioned.


    "Tan Gengxin spies are caught. He married his daughter to Brother Jian," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li was bewildered to hear that when Ying Lili continued, "It''s Zho Mi. She was plotting against us." She then narrated to him the entire incident, which shocked Sheng Li.


    "And youe here to save my life?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "Hmm."


    The maidservant brought a tub half-filled with lukewarm water. "Keep it here," Sheng Li gestured towards the ground. She did so, and he put it beneath Ying Lili''s feet. The maidservant left before leaving a soft, small towel on the bed.


    Sheng Li dipped Ying Lili''s feet in the lukewarm water and massaged them.


    "I was scared that something could happen. So, after solving everything, I decided toe here," Ying Lili replied to him.


    "Do you not regret it?" Sheng Li suddenly asked him and again looked at her.


    "What do you mean?" Ying Lili was befuddled.


    "Do you not regret loving me?" He repeated his question. However this time with more rity. "Remember, I told you before epting your love that loving me will be the most difficult thing. I have made only enemies around me who desperately want me to die. I failed to save the one who was close to me. Doesn''t it make you regret it?"


    "No, I do not regret it." Immediately, Ying Lili replied. Her eyes turned misty. "Why would I regret it? And how could you even ask this?" Ying Lili hit his shoulder.


    Sheng Li smiled. "Forgive me," he apologized and again focussed his gaze on her feet. "You shall not worry about me. I will not die easily," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili was confused to hear him. He never talked that way.


    He heard the growling sound from Ying Lili''s stomach, who put her palm over it. Sheng Li heard that and told her to wait for a little. He picked the towel from the bed and wiped her feet. cing them on the bed, he called in a maidservant and told him to take the tub and towel away. "Send the meals for the Crown Princess."


    "Are you not eating?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No," replied Sheng Li.


    "If you won''t eat, then I also-"


    "You need to have your meals if you want to fight tomorrow," Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to her. The maidservant walked out of the chamber. "Let me stay hungry for Jingguo and Wan Ju," Sheng Li stated.


    "Jingguo was my friend as well," Ying Lili murmured, which Sheng Li heard.


    "But, he would be angry if you won''t eat," Sheng Li made her understand. "I learned a great lesson after their losses. You do not know when those happy moments turn into sad ones. So, be respectful to the person in front of you no matter what. Cherish the moments with them as if there''s no tomorrow. I learned it quitete though," Sheng Li lowered his head. "I never thought I would miss him this way," stated Sheng Li and scornfullyughed.. "Jingguo made this man crazy in just seconds," he added.

 Chapter 402 - Keeping The Promise

    <h4>Chapter 402 - Keeping The Promise</h4>


    Sheng Li pulled out a chair for Ying Lili and made her sit on it. "Sheng Li, I really do not want to eat," she said in a low voice.


    "I am afraid, but you cannot skip your meals. You have traveled such a long distance," Sheng Li stated and removed the lid from over a bowl that had hot vegetable soup in it. In the other bowls, there was rice, dumplings, and chicken soup.


    "Eat it before it cools down," Sheng Li pulled out a chair for him and, after taking a seat, continued, "I will watch you until you finish everything." He picked a pair of chopsticks for Ying Lili and handed them to her. Ying Lili started eating.


    "You acted bravely, Lili," suddenly Sheng Li said. Ying Lili nced at him with a bewildered expression. "In my absence, you did not let anything happen to the Capital. I am proud to be your husband." Ying Lili''s heart fluttered to hear that. She passed him a tiny smile and continued eating. Sheng Li had rested his hand on the table while his chin was resting on his fist.


    Ying Lili, after a while, finished eating. "I think I will not be able to finish the chicken soup. My stomach is full," Ying Lili informed Sheng Li, who hummed and called the maidservant, who cleaned the table.


    "So, what are you going to do? What is your n? Tan Gengxin might have known about us by now," Ying Lili asserted and waited for Sheng Li''s response.


    "I will give him an open challenge. Xiao Zhan had sent the message to him to be ready for the war. It''s strange to see that he did note here to surrender even after knowing that his daughter''s truth was revealed," Sheng Li snickered.


    "He has only one motive to rule over the Han Empire. I believe his daughter was merely a tool for him to get into the Royal Family. Since the Emperor was unable to find out about all this, fingers would be raised on his majesty," Ying Lili reasoned. "Why did Weng Wei not tell you about this?" Ying Lili was confused.


    "She did not know that Zho Mi is Tan Gengxin''s daughter. Weng Wei wanted Xue to be in power the same as her. Tan Gengxin just used her for his benefits," stated Sheng Li. "Zho Mi disguised herself well. She covered herself by acting naive and least interested in Pce politics," Sheng Li chuckled.


    "Brother Jian is devastated."


    Sheng Li peered at Ying Lili. "Brother Jian had opened his heart for her and this truth broke him down. Even Brother Jian does not share his worries like you," Ying Lili deduced.


    "Maybe," Sheng Li replied.


    "Lili, today even Wang Hao could lose his life. Hu Jingguo saved him. I surrendered myself at that time." Ying Lili''s eyes grew wider upon learning about that. "Hu Jingguo got the time to run away, and he brought the army at the right time. He was smiling at me."


    Sheng Li knitted his brows whereas, his eyes had turned misty. "I was busy fighting with enemies, and he jumped in the middle, just to save me. The day you got injured, I asked him to promise me not to ever risk his life for me. But he did! He is such a liar," Sheng Li was happy and sad recalling those moments with Hu Jingguo.


    Ying Lili was surprised to see that the death of Hu Jingguo shook Sheng Lipletely. "He hugged me tightly and took that attack instead of me," Sheng Li murmured. The tears poured down his cheeks. "I am sorry, but his face is running in front of my eyes." He ced his hand on his chest, near his heart. "It is hurting," he mumbled.


    Ying Lili grasped both of his hands and caressed them. She did not utter a single word. She was silent, but even in that silence, she could feel his every emotion. "It is bound to get hurt. But you have to remember your duties as well. Mourning over his death will bring nothing," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. Ying Lili ran her thumb over his cheeks and wiped the tears. "Gain and loss are a part of life. We both lost many people close to us, but we cannot be weak. Hu Jingguo is watching us, and at this moment, he would be dejected seeing you like this," Ying Lili made him understand.


    "I know. My head is aching. I want to sleep. I will tell you my entire nter. You must be tired too. Let''s take a little rest," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili pulled him up, and the two went towards the bed.


    The twoid beside each other. Sheng Li was nkly gazing towards the ceiling when he felt Ying Lili''s palm on his cheek. She made him look at her. "Close your eyes," she moved closer to him then.


    "Shall I? But now, I think I will not be able to sleep. His image is still in front of me," Sheng Li whispered.


    "Do it," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li closed his eyes. Ying Lili patted his head like a child. Even she was tired after such a long trip. She was excited to meet both Sheng Li and Hu Jingguo. However, she could not even converse with him. She could not fall weak at this moment because Sheng Li was at his worst phase. This incident had triggered him in a way that he had begun questioning his strength. Though Sheng Li did not share it with Ying Lili, it was clear when he asked her if she did not regret loving her! ''This phase will pass soon. I only need to keep reminding Sheng Li that it was not his fault,'' Ying Lili thought. She nced at Sheng Li, who had fallen asleep.. ''Thank you, Jingguo, for keeping the promise to me though I never wanted it this way,'' she murmured.

 Chapter 403 - To Lessen The Pain

    <h4>Chapter 403 - To Lessen The Pain</h4>


    Jian Guozhi returned to his chamber after staying outside in the rain for a long time. Eunuch Long was worried about seeing hispletely drenched master. "Your highness-"


    "I do not want to talk," Jian Guozhi affirmed and from there went to the bathhouse. After he washed up, he changed into a white Hanfu dress and came back to his chamber.


    The First Prince sat on the floor mattress around the desk and thought about painting something to distract his mind. He took out a sheet and ced it on the table. Later, he put the inkstone on the table, ground some ink, and started painting.


    He drew a plum blossom tree under the moonlight. It took him two hours to make that. His hand stopped as he was going to draw Zho Mi ¨C a memory shed in front of his eyes. A few days back, he was in the flower pavilion with Zho Mi in the night. She went to the plum blossom tree and gazed at the moon, which mesmerized him. "Why did I draw this?" He murmured and crumbled the sheet.? He threw it and it fell on the other end of the room.


    Jian Guozhi then pushed the table, and it tilted. The ink fell on the floor and spread there. Upon hearing the voice, Eunuch Long came inside, panicking. He saw the table had turned upside-down and ink was on the floor.


    "I told you to leave me alone," Jian Guozhi shouted at him. Eunuch Long lowered his eyes and took a few steps back. "Get out," he yelled at him. Eunuch Long acknowledged the order of his master and walked outside. Today his anger was different. It was not like the earlier times. It seemed he was hurt badly, because of the betrayal he received from the one towards whom he had opened his heart.


    Eunuch Long looked at a maidservant and went near her. "I aming in a while. Keep a check on his highness." Eunuch Long walked away, and after some time, he arrived outside the chamber of Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Inform the Princess Consort about my arrival," Eunuch Long told a maidservant, who walked in, and after a minute, she came out to inform Eunuch Long that he could go in.


    Eunuch Long went inside and stood near the second door, which had a long translucent curtain hanging on it. Xue Yu-Yan was on the other side of the curtain. "Why is Eunuch Long here? It is strange," Xue Yu-Yan started the conversation.


    "His highness is not doing good after he found out about Lady Mi''s true face. He is broken," Eunuch Long informed Xue Yu-Yan.


    "What shall I do in this?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him.


    "Princess Consort must be with his highness in this tough period," Eunuch Long suggested to her, whoughed wryly.


    "Eunuch Long does not know that Jian Ge hates me. Though I tried not to hate him, it could not be helped. He did not trust me when I said I was not behind the conspiracy. He deserves that," Xue Yu-Yan affirmed.


    Eunuch Long was befuddled to hear that. "His highness lost two women whom he respected the most¨C his mother who did not listen to him when he told her to stop and now his first wife, who had changed her identity. Princess Consort, I know you two have a bitter rtionship with each other, but this is the time when you shall mend it." Eunuch Long tried hard to make Xue Yu-Yan understand.


    "You may leave. I am going to bed," Xue Yu-Yan stated. Eunuch Long bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    "I do not care about him," Xue Yu-Yan muttered. "Why shall I? He bitterly told me that he would kill me. He doesn''t trust me even a bit," she murmured.


    "Her highness shall not say this. The First Prince might have said that in anger. Apologies if I am rude, Princess Consort. Her highness also knows that the Prince was close to his mother and after her demise, he was broken. Also, the First Prince''s heart was broken after the truth of Lady Mi came into light," Zhiyi told Xue Yu-Yan.


    "So, you mean I shall go to him and then he will be disrespectful to me!" Xue Yu-Yan chuckled. "He always is blunt to me," she murmured.


    "It''s your duty as his chief wife now," Zhiyi asserted.


    Xue Yu-Yan peered at her. "The First Prince will be married to another woman if the Princess Consort keeps neglecting her duties," Zhiyi stated. Xue Yu-Yan contemted upon that. Her personal assistant was right. It wasmon in a Royal Family. But, what about her dignity? Should she again lower her self-esteem and talk to him? After fighting with her inner thoughts, she decided to go to Jian Guozhi''s chamber.


    She reached outside the chamber, which delighted Eunuch Long. "Shall I go in?"


    "Of course, your highness," replied Eunuch Long. Xue Yu-Yan walked inside. She was a little nervous, not aware of the reason. She kept moving ahead when her eyes fell on the silhouette of Jian Guozhi, who was standing near the giant window.


    She saw the ink on the floor and the inverted table on the floor. Oppositely, Jian Guozhi heard the sound of anklets, so he turned back. Their eyes met, but soon she averted her gaze from him. Xue Yu-Yan fidgeted her fingers when she heard him. "What are you doing here? Didn''t you tell me not toe in front of each other?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "You took my conversation so seriously," Xue Yu-Yan snickered.


    "I am not in a good mood today. If I get harsh, then you will cry. So, it''s better to leave," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "You did not feel bad when I was in prison, right?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him.


    Jian Guozhi did not answer her. "It''s fine. I know the answer. I am asking because I will not expect any affection from you then," Xue Yu-Yan proimed. "I am here to just listen to you today. You can tell me about the thoughts you have at this moment.. Sharing thoughts is a great way to lessen the pain," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.

 Chapter 404 - Miss Chuntao Has Left

    <h4>Chapter 404 - Miss Chuntao Has Left</h4>


    Jian Guozhi amusingly peered at Xue Yu-Yan. She was conversing differently with him, which was indeed strange for him. Xue Yu-Yan, on the other hand, getting no response from Jian Guozhi thought about leaving. "I shall leave," she turned to leave when Jian Guozhi stopped her. Xue Yu-Yan was bewildered. She was confident that Jian Guozhi would not stop her. However, the opposite happened.


    Jian Guozhi came near her and halted right in front of her. "Will you listen to me?" He looked for an answer. Xue Yu-Yan nodded and hummed.


    "Come," he walked past her.


    "I shall call the servant to clean that," Xue Yu-Yan said while looking at the floor and flipped the table.


    "Let it be. I am not in a mood to even see people at this time," Jian Guozhi pronounced while taking a seat around the table.


    "Then why did you allow me?"


    Jian looked at her and replied, "I did not allow you. You came on your own. And since you came then sending you away, talking rudely to you did not seem right." He looked at the chair, adjacent to him and then Xue Yu-Yan, "Come, sit here."


    Xue Yu-Yan dragged herself ahead and sat on the chair. "I had never thought that we two sit in front of each other like this. Forgive me for not trusting you," Jian Guozhi apologized to her once again.


    "Are you sincere?" Xue Yu-Yan queried.


    "Hmm," he nodded his head. "These days I feel, if I have not been the First Born, then I would have a little freedom to choose. It is an irony that I am talking this way, who always looked down on the people in the past. Now, I feel that amoner''s life is better than mine. I am tired," Jian Guozhi proimed; his eyes had turned watery.


    Xue Yu-Yan realized that Jian Guozhi was suffering a lot. However, he always kept his feelings hidden and always put on the mask of being happy.


    "Even I think the same. Commoners have freedom unlike us. We are bound to our duties no matter how hard we try to run away," Xue Yu-Yan asserted. Jian Guozhi agreed with her. "But they also have to undergo many problems."


    "At least they are happy. Two days ago when I went out, I saw many couples going to some fair in the market. Among them, there are no trust issues, no plotting or evil scheming, and no greed. My mother turned evil because of her greed and I always supported her until realization hit me. No one knows how tough it was for me when I handed the evidence against my mother to my father." His voice quivered.


    "Zho Mi came forward to lend her shoulder to me. But that was fake. She also wanted power. When the Crown Princess told me she was suspicious, I was not ready to believe for a few minutes." Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes and chuckled. "I badly want to run away from here," he said.


    "The more you will run away, the more it will chase you," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "When the Crown Princess forgave me, I learned this from her. The more you run away from your problem, the more it will haunt you. Just face it and keep moving ahead," Xue Yu-Yan advised Jian Guozhi.


    "I see, you have turned optimist. I am amazed," Jian Guozhi stated. "I will try then," he said.


    "Did you have dinner?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "No. I did not feel like eating," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "She affected you this much? Is there no way to forgive her?" Xue Yu-Yan inquired from him.


    "Her crime is unforgivable," Jian Guozhi affirmed. "She is a traitor and forgiving her can affect us," he added. Xue Yu-Yan peered at him and felt lucky. "Thank you for forgiving me at that time," Xue Yu-Yan expressed her gratitude. "Though I also deserved a severe punishment that time for wrongly using the Crown Princess and the Sixth Prince," she asserted.


    "But your crime was not dreadful like Zho Mi. She plotted against the entire Royal Family and even reced the real Princess Zho, who was supposed to marry me," Jian Guozhi exined to her.


    "You shall take your dinner," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "Don''t take out your anger on the food," she smiled at him. "You are a brave man, Jian Ge," she praised him. Jian Guozhi did not expect her to say things like this to him.


    She stood up from the chair and bowed. "I shall take my leave," she said. Jian Guozhi hummed.


    "Thank you."


    Xue Yu-Yan passed a tiny smile to him and left.


    ~~~~


    Nianzu was doing calligraphy when Eunuch Chung disturbed him. "Forgive me, your highness." Chung had lowered his head. Nianzu put the brush down on the brush stand and looked at him.


    "What happened?" Nianzu asked.


    Eunuch Chung was a little worried and was not able to understand how he would tell his master. "What happened, Chung?" Nianzu waited for him to reply.


    "Your highness, Miss Chuntao...she¡­" Eunuch Chung took a few pauses.


    Nianzu frowned as he heard about Chuntao. "What happened to her?" He was anxious now. "Speak," Nianzu demanded the answer from him.


    "Miss Chuntao has left the vige. Upon your orders, I went to check on her. However, she was not there. I inquired from the neighbors. Most of them did not know but then an olddy said that she saw her leaving early in the morning in a bullock cart," Eunuch Chung after much hesitation informed the Fourth Prince.


    "She might have gone to meet her rtives somewhere," Nianzu stated. He did not want to believe that Chuntao left Shanxi vige.


    "I am afraid, my master, but the olddy confirmed it from Miss Chuntao. Miss Chuntao told the olddy that was leaving the ce permanently," affirmed Eunuch Chung. The entire time while conversing, his eyes were lowered.


    Nianzu was dejected to learn about that. "How could she leave the vige? Something is weird. She loves her parental house and she would never leave the ce unless something had happened," Nianzu concluded. He stood up from the chair and told Chung that he woulde to the chamber a littlete.


    "Your highness, where are you going at this night? The weather is also not pleasant," Eunuch Chung expressed his worries.


    "Do not worry about me," Nianzu assured him and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 405 - I Shall Turn Selfish?

    <h4>Chapter 405 - I Shall Turn Selfish?</h4>


    Seeing the Fourth Prince in the Emperor''s manor, the Pce maids bowed before him. "Is his majesty asleep?" Nianzu asked one of them.


    "No, your highness."


    Eunuch Jin came there with Chief Eunuch and greeted the Prince. "Your highness, why are you here at this hour?" Eunuch Jin humbly questioned him.


    "To meet my father. Please tell him that I have to discuss something important," Nianzu asserted. Eunuch Jin nodded and walked in while the Chief Eunuch left the manor. A minuteter, Eunuch Jin came out and informed the Fourth Prince that he could meet the Emperor.


    Nianzu walked in. He found his father on a chaise, sipping the tea. "Sincere apologies to disturb you at this hour, Father," Nianzu politely said.


    "You did not disturb me." Han Wenji passed him a smile and gestured to him to take a seat on another chaise. Nianzu sat while Han Wenji ordered the Tea maker to serve tea to the Fourth Prince.


    The tea maker handed the teacup after pouring tea in it to the Fourth Prince. Nianzu raised the cup, turned his head to the right, and sipped the tea. He put the cup on the table beside the chaise and peered at his father. "I want to converse in private, Father," Nianzu urged.


    The tea maker bowed and left the chamber.


    "What is it that you want to talk about at this hour?" Han Wenji was curious.


    "Father, do you remember the day when you told me during the morning greetings session that I can choose the woman of my choice to marry?" Nianzu did not want to jump to the question. He had many other suspicions in his mind regarding his father''s interference in all those things.


    Han Wenji knitted his brows and hummed. "Do you have that woman in your mind?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Father knows," Nianzu replied.


    "Amoner cannot be the choice of the Princes," Han Wenji this time straightforwardly answered Nianzu.


    "It appears Father already knows about my choice," Nianzu chuckled.


    "Prince Nianzu''s behavior around amoner was enough to show that," Han Wenji asserted.


    Nianzu smiled. He was a little dejected seeing his father''s behavior towards his choice of woman. "Father, did you tell her to leave the vige?" Nianzu looked into the eyes of Han Wenji. "Be truthful because even if Father lies, I will see through it," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Since when has conversation regarding amoner became so important?" Han Wenji did not want to admit his orders to send Chuntao away.


    "Why? Amoner is also like us, isn''t he?" Nianzu frowned.


    "Their status is still lower. We have many important things to discuss, yet the Prince is adamant on that topic only," Han Wenji sternly said.


    "Chuntao''s topic is important. Father, I have deep respect for you. However, you did not do good by sending her away from Shanxi. She loves her parental house. How could Father decide for her life?" Nianzu almost lost his temper.


    Han Wenji wondered how the Fourth Prince found out about all this. "To prevent strange rumors among the people. You are the advisor of the nation yet you¡­"


    "I do not want to be the advisor then," Nianzu pronounced. "For the Nation, I let her go. I thought it would be enough for me to watch her from afar. I am not a man of many desires. All these years, I only suffocated in the Pce. I had faith in you. You should not have broken it," Nianzu proimed. He lowered his eyes.


    "When a child goes on a wrong path, a parent has to bring him on the right one. To prevent you from getting hurt in the future, I decided to do this. At this moment the Fourth Prince is angry, that''s why cannot see what his father truly wants for him," Han Wenji exined to Nianzu, whoughed wryly.


    "Father, I am hurt now because Chuntao had to leave Shanxi, her birthce, because of me. Loving amoner was never walking into the wrong path. Father shall not y with my feelings towards someone," Nianzu announced his decision to Han Wenji.


    "Father, tell me where did you send her?" Nianzu requested.


    "The Prince shall leave," Han Wenji was not willing to answer.


    "I will not until Father tells me," Nianzu stated.


    "It is of no use. After the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess return, you have to marry Princess Zhu Lin," Han Wenji asserted.


    "I will not marry her after today''s incident," Nianzu stated, and drew his brows together. "Father shall tell me about-"


    "You may leave," Han Wenji ended the conversation. He was not ready to listen to Nianzu''s opinions because, in his eyes, it was a crime to grow feelings for amoner. He could not forget the teachings of his forefather.


    Nianzu curled his fingers and fisted them. He stood up, bowed, and walked out from there. He went straight to the residence of Du Qin, the spy of Sheng Li who worked as a servant in the Pce. Sheng Li had told the Fourth Prince so that in time of need, in his absence, Nianzu could converse with him. Nianzu ordered him to find the whereabouts of Chuntao as early as possible.


    Du Qin nodded and asked the Prince about her face. Nianzu took a folded paper from inside his pocket, which was the sketch of Chuntao. "Your highness, I will inform you in the morning," Du Qin stated.


    "No worries. Find everything about her. Thank you," Nianzu''s humble behavior impressed Du Qin. Hearing words of gratitude from the mouth of a Regal person was rare. The Fourth Prince was truly a gem among all the Princes. Nianzu came back to the Eastern Pavilion.


    "Is it the time when I shall turn selfish? All these years, I thought of Father and Mother, but when I needed them the most, they turned their faces away.. I cannot expect anything from my mother as her greed had grown after getting the title of the Empress," Nianzu contemted.

 Chapter 406 - Plan

    <h4>Chapter 406 - n</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili came to the ground where the five pieces of the Han army were resting. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan followed them, while the Commanders stood near therge table in the middle of the resting ground. The torchbearers were put all around the resting grounds, illuminating the entire area.


    Seeing the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, they all bowed. "Raise your heads," Sheng Li said in a loud voice.


    Wang Hao put the map of the Pce, which he stole in the morning with Wan Ju. "Your highness, there is only one entrance to enter the Pce. The front of the Pce has skilled shooters and javelin throwers. So, we need a good defense to prevent the entire army from these attacks," Wang Hao pronounced.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili keenly studied the map. "What about this?" Sheng Li pointed the finger at the south of the Pce.


    "Your highness, this is a forest route and difficult to negotiate. If we use this, the army might get tired, and it can affect us negatively," Wang Hao asserted.


    Sheng Li hummed when he heard Ying Lili. "What if we check this route first? This route seems the best way to escape from the Pce. Earlier, Sheng Li told me that there''s one escape route which takes you outside the border of Northern Province," Ying Lili suggested all of them.


    "Hmm. No reply came from Tan Gengxin even after my open challenge. Either he has nned something huge or he is nning to run away with the secret underground route about which we all are unaware," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "What about the Eastern and Western part of this Pce?" Commander Sun and Yang asked at the same time.


    "They are guarded well. I got caught at the Western Part," Wang Hao replied. "Your highness, we shall not take him lightly. Tan Gengxin must be furious after the death of his General and soldiers," affirmed Wang Hao.


    "This Southern Part needs to get checked. I will go there tomorrow, early in the morning. General Xiao and Commander Yang will apany me," Sheng Li stated.


    "I will also go," Ying Lili was ready to go with them.


    "It will not be"


    Ying Lili cut his words in the middle. "I think General Xiao shall be here. Since General Wang is injured, taking General Xiao is not favorable. Commander Dao shall apany us," Ying Lili suggested to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li looked at Dao Ming. "You will apany us." He bowed and came forward. "The forest route is not shown in the map entirely. It can be problematic for us. As Wang Hao informed us that the forest route is not easy to negotiate, so there might be traps," Sheng Li deduced.


    "First, this forest route will be checked. We need to return before noon. After that, the rest of the n will be devised," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Your highness, a message hase from Luoyang," a soldier came there and grabbed their attention. Xiao Zhan took the paper from him and read the entire message. "The First and the Fourth Prince has caught a man named Huo Jin, who knows everything about Tan Gengxin. He told them everything rted to Tan Gengxin." Sheng Li was stunned to hear that and extended his hand out. Xiao Zhan gave the letter to him, who read it.


    The soldier came forward and handed the map to the Crown Prince. "The Fourth Prince has sent it, your highness," the soldier informed Sheng Li, who opened the map. He was bewildered to see every detail in the map¨C the secret routes which Tan Gengxin used.


    Ying Lili came closer to him and widened her eyes. "It''s the underground secret route. Wait, it''s from the Northern door!" Ying Lili was befuddled to see the underground route near the entrance.


    Sheng Li put the map on the table. The Generals and the Commanders came closer to each other. "The Forest is a bait. Tan Gengxin is smart. He knows that none of us will ever think that the secret underground route starts where the main entrance is!" Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Who''s Huo Jin? Did you see him?" Sheng Li tilted her head to look at Ying Lili.


    "No, I did not. I think both the Brothers nabbed him after I left," Ying Lili concluded. "He surrendered easily! Is this not suspicious?" Ying Lili waited for Sheng Li''s opinion.


    "Brother Nianzu had mentioned in the letter to trust Huo Jin. He has thoroughly investigated him," Sheng Li affirmed and looked back onto the map. "The front entrance has maximum security. Since we have found the underground route, we do not need to go."


    "Bait them to the Southern Part. If somehow, those who are guarding the Front Entrance will be baited toe here," Ying Lili pointed on the map, "then it will be easy for us to get into the Pce. Let Tan Gengxin take us as fools." She suggested the idea to them.


    "The Crown Princess tries to say that half of our soldiers shall go to this part and rest will wait at the Northern side," Commander Sun asserted.


    "Not half of the soldiers. We need to bait them. We cannot let our soldiers get injured," Ying Lili replied and nced at Sheng Li. "Do you have anything in mind?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "I have a nice n," Sheng Li grinned. He told them toe closer and told them the entire n. They all were delighted to hear the n. "The shooters will go to the Southern hill, and fake statues of the soldiers will be ced at some particr locations so that it will appear to them as real soldiers have attacked them. Since the distance will berge, they will fail to distinguish. The shooters will shoot the arrows from here," Sheng Li pointed his index finger on the hill closer to the Southern Part.


    I will be the one who will go inside, to the central part of the Pce, to catch Tan Gengxin. Keep in mind to destroy all the weapons and heavy arms of the enemies in the Front Entrance. Lili will lead the army in the Northern part while Xiao Zhan and Commander Dao will attack the Western Part. The two other Commanders capture this Eastern Part while Commander Yang will be with the Crown Princess," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "What about you? You also need¡­"


    Sheng Li cut Ying Lili''s words. "I will be safe until you all will do the work perfectly. The Han Army''s size is bigger than the army they have. We will overpower them in that. All this will start in the early morning, before the sunrise," Sheng Li pronounced.


    ~~~~~


    Please check the author note ????

 Chapter 407 - I Only Care

    <h4>Chapter 407 - I Only Care</h4>


    In Luoyang, in the early morning, Du Qin met the Fourth Prince.


    "Your highness, Miss Chuntao is in Vige Nyang (Imaginary name)," informed Du Qin.


    "Is it all arranged by the Emperor?" Nianzu questioned him.


    "Yes, your highness. Miss Chuntao will get married the next day to a peasant family."


    "What?" Nianzu was shocked to hear that. He could not believe his father arranged the marriage of Chuntao in a peasant family. However, if he would ask his father, then there were no chances that Han Wenji would agree to his request. So, he thought of going to Vige Nyang first to meet Chuntao.


    "Who''s the person with whom she will marry? Do you know about that?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Yes, your highness. It is a man in histe 20s. He is from a good peasant family," Du Qin answered.


    "You may leave. Thank you again for helping me." Nianzu expressed his gratitude. "Ahh, could you please tell me where she is in Nyang?" Nianzu queried.


    "It was my duty, your highness. Thest house in Nyang. The region where most peasants live." Du Qin bowed and jumped out of the window, as he could not use the main door. Nianzu, on the other hand, walked out and told Eunuch Chung that he woulde in the evening. Chung did not question his master while Nianzu walked away.


    He took a horse from the stable and left for Nyang on it. In the entire journey to Nyang, his mind got filled with not only fear but also insecurities. "Will she converse with me after so many things happened!? Father might have warned her. It is my fault to let my feelings show on my face," Nianzu thought. By noon, he reached Vige Nyang. He first left his horse outside the vige entrance, tied it to a tree.


    He kept walking on the route and entered Vige Nyang. Unlike Shanxi, the vige was quite loaded with people. He was surprised to see that people enjoyed each other''spany more here than Vige Shanxi. The conical hat which he had tied around his neck, he quickly wore it so that people would not get doubtful upon seeing him or would not recognize him.


    He went near a man who was in histe 30s. "Sir, do you know the region where peasants live?" Nianzu humbly inquired from him. He saw the man was a little suspicious of him because of his dress and tried taking a peek at his face. "My friend shifted here a few months back. I am a rank 6th officer in the Department of Justice," Nianzu lied and took out a tiny pouch full of coins and willingly showed him.


    "Master, you just need to go straight, then turn left and take one more left. The route will take you straight to the region where peasants live," the man quickly replied. Nianzu opened the pouch and handed him two coins. The man was a little dejected, not able to get the full pouch of money. Nianzu thanked him and moved ahead.


    Nianzu kept walking on the told route and after an hour, he started to see the tiny fields. A smile formed on his lips because he was now close to Chuntao. The kids were ying, people were leaving for fields in groups, the old people were under a huge banyan tree ¨C conversing with each other. The atmosphere of this region was lively and the picturesque sight made his heart happy.


    He continued to walk to reach thest house. A few keenly looked at him while others did not bother. Nianzu regretted not wearing amoner''s dress. He pulled the fan from the sash and brought it near his face after opening it. Fifteen minutester, thest house was visible from his sight. A smile appeared on his lips and he hastened his steps towards the house.


    Halting right in front of the house, he looked inside and found Chuntao was seated on the wooden floor of the house while her head was rested against a pir. The smile on his lips faded away as he found that Chuntao cried a lot. He closed the fan and walked inside the house.


    Chuntao tilted her head and was shocked to see Nianzu there. "W-what is his highness doing here?" She stuttered and lowered her head. Nianzu grasped her hand and took her inside the room of that small house. "Your highness, it''s inappropriate to be inside," She protested when she saw him closing the door from inside. She did not want any more troubles for her, however, Nianzu did not listen to her.


    After closing the door, Nianzu put down the hat, and it fell backward, resting on his back. The room was quite tiny, with limited space.


    Chuntao took a step back and lowered her head. "Why is his highness here? The Prince has said that he would never meet me." Nianzu found the anger and dejection in Chuntao''s tone.


    "It was necessary," Nianzu answered. Chuntao lifted her eyes and met his gaze.


    "Why are you here? Why did you live in Shanxi?" Nianzu did not reveal the truth as he wanted to hear what Chuntao would answer him.


    "I left the vige. I am getting married tomorrow," Chuntao replied.


    "You loved your parental house. You had no intentions of marrying this early, then why? Be truthful with me," Nianzu urged her.


    Chuntao''s eyes filled with tears. If she would tell him the truth, then the Emperor might punish them. "A girl has to leave her parental home one day. My soon-to-be husband is a nice person. He promised me that he would take me to my home whenever I would ask him," Chuntao faked a smile. However, Nianzu knew she lied about everything to him.


    "How did you find the groom for you?" Nianzu wanted to know how much Chuntao could lie to him.


    "My neighbor introduced me to my soon-to-be husband," replied Chuntao. She kept the fake smile on her lips. "His highness shall leave. If someone will see you and me together, then it might bring problems." She humbly requested him.


    "I do not care what people will say." Nianzu''s tone suddenly changed for the first time in front of Chuntao. He stepped closer to her and said, "I only care about the person standing in front of me.." Chuntao widened her eyes as the two gazed at each other.

 Chapter 408 - I Will Fight With My Father For You

    <h4>Chapter 408 - I Will Fight With My Father For You</h4>


    Chuntao smiled and thanked Nianzu for caring about her. "Your highness, now I already have a man so, you do not need to worry about me." She clutched her dress tightly as she got nervous.


    "What''s his name?" Chuntao''s eyes fluttered, as she did not know about the name. She did not bother to ask about it.


    "Forgive me, your highness. I cannot take the name of my future husband. It is prohibited," Chuntao smartly escaped his question. Nianzu, oppositely, was thinking that his father told Chuntao that she lied to him every question.


    "You want to marry a man who is almost ten years older than you!" Nianzu finally said and snickered. "At least do not lie to me. I trust you so much," Nianzu stated. Chuntao lifted her eyes and looked at him. She fidgeted with her fingers and felt guilty for lying to the person who shielded her.


    However, except for lying there was no other way to stop Nianzu froming to her. After knowing the truth from the Emperor about the Fourth Prince''s heart, she had made up her mind that she would behave and maintain her distance. That''s why she epted the first proposal given to her by the matchmaker, whom the Emperor had hired.


    "Age doesn''t matter if someone loves you," Chuntao said. Nianzu stared at her and clenched his fist.


    "Stop. Don''t lie to me," Nianzu stated as he took another step towards her.


    Chuntao gulped but she did not stop. "Why would I lie to his highness?" She chuckled. "He is considerate of me. Three days ago when he met me, he even brought my favorite flowers. Every girl in Shanxi was jealous of me," Chuntao smiled while telling all this to Nianzu, who did not blink even for a second.


    "I said stop!" Nianzu raised his voice and it intimidated Chuntao a little. She wondered if she said something wrong. She did what the Emperor had told her. Not to let Nianzu get close to her!


    "What did I do wrong that you are misleading me? Do you not know that I catch lies easily? Your mouth can tell lies, but what about your eyes and face?" Nianzu cross-examined her. "You will not marry him," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Why?" Chuntao confusedly looked at him. "Forgive me, your highness but I cannot do that. I will marry tomorrow," Chuntao pronounced, gazing at him.


    "Because you do not know who he is! You told lies because you are told to." Nianzu had calmed down. "I will take you back to Shanxi. That''s your birthce. No one has the right to forcibly move you away from that ce," Nianzu asserted.


    Chuntao had understood by now that the Fourth Prince knew everything. She knew that the Emperor conversed with the Fourth Prince. She wondered how the Prince could develop feelings for her. So, she contemted her conversation with the Emperor. Since Prince Nianzu already knew everything, she decided to ept the truth.


    "I cannot defy the orders of the Emperor, your highness. Please be understanding," Chuntao confessed the truth and at the same time requested him.


    "Father will not do anything to you. I promise." Nianzu gave her his words.


    "But I want to marry," Chuntao stated, while Nianzu knitted his brows. "One day or the other I have to get married. Then, why not tomorrow?" Chuntao questioned him. "I am grateful to his highness that he saved me from bing an entertainer in the house of Landlord Ma. However, every time his highness cannot intervene in my life," Chuntao argued.


    "I cannot see you hurt in a marriage which is forced upon you." Nianzu''s eyes had turned watery. "The woman I like, I cannot see her crying. That''s why I will intervene," Nianzu professed his feelings to her.


    Words did note out of Chuntao''s throat. "I know you will never reciprocate my feelings because of our background and status and I will not force you for that. However, I will not let you marry any random man," Nianzu proimed. His selfless love towards Chuntao melted her heart.


    "I will marry whomever I want to," Chuntao thought to end Nianzu''s feelings towards her. So, she tried to portray herself as a selfish woman. "You cannot stop me. He is well off. I do not have to work then," she stated. "You only know half of the things. Last evening, he took me to the market, and we enjoyed each other''spany too. It was a memorable moment," Chuntao broadly smiled when she felt an arm wrapped around her waist.


    The other second, Nianzu, pulled her towards him. "Why don''t you stop? You think I will get disheartened upon hearing all those things! Huh?" He waited for her response. Chuntao felt her heart had suddenly raced, and it worried her more.


    She lowered her eyes. Her hands were on his arms. "You will not marry him. This is my order. I will fight with my father for you," Nianzu told her.


    Chuntao directed her eyes towards him and shook her head. "His highness shall not raise his voice against the Emperor. His highness might get punished," Chuntao worriedly said.


    "This is my first time standing for myself. All these years, I did things for others. I will marry you, Chun. I will fight for my love," Nianzu affirmed. "Earlier I said you will not be forced to reciprocate and I will still say the same. However, after hearing so many lies from you, I concluded that you also like me¡­" Nianzu peered at her and brought his palm over her side face.


    Chuntao curled her fingers. "You cried the entire day. Your skin is rough. Your eyes are swollen. Why did you note to me when my father met you? Do you not trust me enough?"


    "How could I, your highness?" Chuntao questioned. "Let me go." She ced her other hand on his arm which Nianzu had wrapped around her waist.


    Nianzu drew her closer and closed the distance between them.

 Chapter 409 - To Prove Her Love

    <h4>Chapter 409 - To Prove Her Love</h4>


    Nianzu leaned closer to Chuntao when she covered her lips with her palm. Nianzu was amused to see her reaction. The two gazed into the eyes of each other. "We cannot do that," he heard her. Nianzu had controlled himself for a long time and since he had professed his feelings to her, he did not want to stop.


    He let go of his hand from her cheek and brought it towards her wrist. Chuntao nced at her wrist, which Nianzu had put down. Nianzu moved forward and their noses touched. Soon he captured her lips while Chuntao closed her eyes. Her heart thumped loudly against her chest.


    Nianzu moved his lips over hers and waited for her to reciprocate to him. Chuntao, a few secondster, moved her lips. The two kissed each other for a few more seconds before Nianzu pulled back. Chuntao did not open her eyes. Her chest was falling up and down because of the nervousness. "Forgive me for not confessing my feelings to you earlier. You suffered a lot because of me. I will not hide and watch you from afar any more," Nianzu proimed. Chuntao finally opened her eyes and again peered into his eyes.


    "What if something bad happens, your highness? You are supposed to marry a woman from-"


    Nianzu ced his pointer finger on her lips thus stopping her from speaking. "I will decide whom I marry. For me, the status of a person does not matter. If I have to give up this title of the Prince, I will also dly do that," Nianzu pronounced. Chuntao moved his finger down from her lips.


    "Why? I am just amon vige girl. His highness shall give up on his feelings towards me. I will do the same," Chuntao asserted and lowered her eyes.


    Nianzu could not even scold her for saying all those things. Because, as amoner, she had many insecurities. "Chun, I delivered my feelings to you after putting a thought. If you think that I will leave your hand in the middle, then you can step back now. I will not question you. But keep in mind that I will not let you marry that 30 years old man," Nianzu proimed.


    "Your highness, I have faith in you," she lifted her eyes, "But I do not want you to fight with the Emperor and your own family for me. For defying the orders of his majesty, you might get punished. Ministers and upper-ss society will raise their voices against us. Your family has to suffer from all this! I have no one, so it will not matter much," Chuntao affirmed. She tried her best to make Nianzu understand.


    "Chun, you do not know about my background fully. I have felt discrimination among my six brothers and one sister since my childhood days because I am the son of a concubine. Father though protected me and even a few of my brothers. However, there were many instances when I was restricted to do things, unlike my brothers. I never wanted to live in the Pce, but for my mother, I could not leave it either. When you entered my life, you understood me and I enjoyed yourpany.


    All these years, I never asked my father-mother for anything. I was quiet until Father intervened in my personal life. He made decisions for the woman whom I adore. He did not understand my choice. The Crown Prince told me if I want, I can fight for myself. And I have decided to fight this time," Nianzu exined to Chuntao, whose eyes filled with tears again.


    So, even the Princes had a difficult life. During Chuntao''s stay in the Pce, she also heard from the servants, and maids used to praise every Prince except the Fourth Prince. Even they used to say that he was the son of a concubine but because of the Emperor''s favor, he lives in the Pce else he could have lived outside the Pce in a separate residence.


    Chuntao never saw a man from the high ss so thoughtful towards the people as the Fourth Prince was! In the most difficult time, the Fourth Prince saved her and provided her everything which she never deserved. Now, it was the time to prove her love for him. She should stand with him and walk with him on the same path he was going to carve for them.


    "What are you thinking?" Nianzu asked Chuntao.


    "I will stand by his highness no matter what," Chuntao gave her answer to him. Nianzu smiled and thanked her for believing him.


    "I will not disappoint you, Chun," Nianzu replied. "Do you like me or love me?" Nianzu raised his eyebrow. Chuntao lowered her eyes as she blushed. Nianzu felt good seeing her reaction. He curled his index finger under her chin and lifted her head.


    "I want to hear," Nianzu urged.


    "Hmm."


    "What?" Nianzu asked. "Be clear," he said. "One more thing, don''t use graceful titles for me. You can call me by my name," Nianzu suggested to her. Chuntao widened her eyes.


    "No, your highness," she immediately refused when Nianzu kissed her again. It astonished her and a tint of red appeared on her cheeks, which spread till her ears.


    "Call me by my name. I want to hear my name from your mouth," Nianzu stated.


    "Okay," Chuntao replied.


    Nianzu caressed her head and stepped back. He let go of his arm from around her waist. "Come," he grasped her hand and took her out of that small room. The sky had turned dark. "Rain will pour soon," Nianzu stated when tiny raindrops started pouring.


    "Oh, the rain has started," Chuntao asserted.


    "It''s drizzle, not heavy," Nianzu replied and removed the overcoat.


    "Why is his highness removing it?" Chuntao confusedly looked at him when he put the overcoat around her.


    "Because I do not want you to get sick," Nianzu answered.


    She grabbed it. "No. I cannot wear this." She moved it back when Nianzu enshrouded her with the overcoat. "Why can''t you wear it?" He waited for her answer.


    "Because it''s of the Prince," she reasoned. Nianzu chuckled upon hearing her answer. "Just wear it," Nianzu stated.. He put on the conical hat and the two walked out of that small house.

 Chapter 410 - Lei Wanxis Surprise

    <h4>Chapter 410 - Lei Wanxi''s Surprise</h4>


    In the Northern Province, the n to attack Tan Gengxin was dyed because of the heavy rain. But with this, a good thing happened¨C Tan Gengxin sent a reply to the message of the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li read the message. He snickered and looked at Ying Lili. "Tan Gengxin has challenged us as well. He does not want to end this peacefully," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Because he thinks we will fall into his trap," Ying Lili reasoned.


    "Hmm. He does not know that Huo Jin betrayed him," Sheng Li stated. "He might attack us any time so, stay on alert," Sheng Limanded Xiao Zhan.


    "The hill will be difficult to climb on after today''s heavy rain. We have to deploy a few of our soldiers there to trap Tan Gengxin and his army," Ying Lili affirmed while looking at the map in her hand. "There is a good thing about this Pce structure. He has fortified it, unlike the Imperial Han Pce." Sheng Li nced at her when he heard her speaking.


    "Luoyang''s boundaries are fortified instead of the Pce," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li agreed with her. "But in terms of secrets, Luoyang has better," stated Ying Lili.


    "Your highness, after some time the first piece of the army will be sent to the hills. As per the n, we will set the bait. When the sun''s first ray falls, we will attack the Southern Part where only limited security is deployed," Xiao Zhan proimed.


    "Do that. Prepare the army. I aming," Sheng Li told Xiao Zhan, who bowed and walked out of the tent.


    "Sheng Li, did you see this point on the map?" Ying Lili observed something strange on the map. Sheng Li stood up from the tall chair and went to her. He looked at the map where Ying Lili had pointed her finger. "Because of the prolonged use of this map, it is not clear," Ying Lili muttered.


    Sheng Li leaned down and hummed. He took the map from her and studied it again. "Isn''t this like another secret path?" Sheng Li mumbled while Ying Lili stood up from her seat. "Call General Wang. He knows maps better," Ying Lili suggested to him. Sheng Li called a soldier in and ordered him to inform Wang Hao toe to him. The soldier bowed and left.


    "Let''s study this map well. I wish Huo Jin would be here," Sheng Li sighed.


    "Your highness, the Second and the Sixth Prince are here with Huo Jin," Commander Yang came to the tent house to inform him. Sheng Li and Ying Lili were delighted to hear that, but they wondered how they both reached the Northern Province in a day.


    "Where are they?" Sheng Li asked and folded the map in his hand.


    "They had just arrived, your highness," Commander Yang answered. Both Ying Lili and Sheng Li then went with Commander Yang to meet them.


    Lei Wanxi was amazed to see how the Han Army had made tent houses in the resting grounds, near the residence of the vige headman. "So, this is how Brother Sheng and other soldiers stayed during battles," Lei Wanxi mumbled. He saw the figures of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    He walked to them and bowed. "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili, how is the surprise?" Lei Wanxi queried and blinked at Sheng Li.


    "It was great," Sheng Li replied and patted his shoulder. He looked at Prince Yongzheng who was standing with Xiao Zhan and Huo Jin. Sheng Li bowed and greeted him. "Let''s greet each otherter, Crown Prince. Meet Huo Jin, who was the servant of Tan Gengxin but now epted to work for us," Yongzheng affirmed.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili turned their gazes towards Huo Jin who had lowered his eyes. He deeply bowed in front of them. "The ground is muddy. You do not need to get on your knees," Ying Lili stated.


    Huo Jin was stunned to find that the Crown Princess was polite. "Xiao, take Brother Yongzheng and Wanxi to the residence of Feng Yao. We will meet you in a while," Sheng told both of his brothers.


    "No worries, Brother Sheng. You shall take your time. Is Hu Jingguo here? I have to surprise him too!" Lei Wanxi delightedly said. Earlier, the n was to send the Second and the Fourth Prince to the Northern Province but at thest moment, Lei Wanxi volunteered to go just because he was missing Hu Jingguo and Sheng Li both.


    The smile from everyone''s faces disappeared. Sheng Li again recalled how Hu Jingguo died in front of him. Yongzheng found something was wrong. "Where''s General Wang? He usually is around the Crown Prince," Yongzheng looked around.


    "Second Prince, General Wang is resting," Xiao Zhan replied when Wang Hao came there. Oppositely, Lei Wanxi again asked about Hu Jingguo.


    "He is no more," with a heavy heart and quivered voice Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi. His eyes were lowered. Ying Lili went closer to Sheng Li and ced her hand on his arm.


    "Pardon?" Lei Wanxi was shocked to hear that. "A-are you ying a joke with me? He promised me that¡­" Lei Wanxi paused and stepped closer to Sheng Li. "What happened to him?" Lei Wanxi questioned. His eyes tuned misty.


    "Prince Wanxi, I will tell you. Pleasee with me," Xiao Zhan stepped forward and took Lei Wanxi and Yongzheng away. Sheng Li clenched his fist. For the first time, he found himself guilty in front of Lei Wanxi. Never once he felt this way.


    "It''s fine," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who hummed and then looked at Huo Jin. "Follow us," Sheng Li stated. "Wang Hao, you too," he said and walked inside the tent house with Ying Lili. Commander Yang also followed Huo Jin.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili stood around a table. Wang Hao too went to them while Huo Jin stood a few meters away from them, behind whom Commander Yang had stood.


    "Begin.. Don''t leave anything," Sheng Li sternly ordered Huo Jin, who nodded and began narrating everything about him.

 Chapter 411 - High With Humbleness {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 411 - High With Humbleness {Bonus }</h4>


    Huo Jin narrated everything to them. The things he told were unbelievable for Sheng Li, but those were the truth. "How did you find the secret underground routes of the Imperial Pce? Weng Wei could not find them, then howe you find out? And why did you not tell Tan Gengxin about that?" Sheng Li put forward a few questions.


    "As I said, I never intended bloodshed. The First Wife of the First Prince was in the Pce. I wanted her safe departure first, but my master was not ready for that. He wanted to use her as bait," Huo Jin stated. "I happened to find out about secret routes, your highness," Huo Jin did not tell the way through which he found them.


    "How?" Sheng Li demanded the answer.


    "I sneaked into the barracks and from there found a few maps," Huo Jin replied. Sheng Li scowled at Wang Hao and Commander Yang, who lowered their eyes.


    "You proved that our security is weak," Sheng Li affirmed and looked at Ying Lili. "What do you have to say in this?" He wanted to know her opinion. In such situations, he felt Ying Lili could make better decisions.


    "Huo Jin has good cognizance. Surprisingly, he did not tell his master about all this. However, there is something suspicious," Ying Lili pronounced. Huo Jin lifted his eyes and looked at her. "What if it''s all the n of Tan Gengxin? What if he wants to send Huo Jin as bait to us? If Huo Jin can easily go through our maps, then he is capable of many things," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I know that her highness will not believe me easily. That''s why I will give another proof," Huo Jin stated.


    "I do not want any proof," Ying Lili stated. The stern expression did not leave her face. "Let''s do this. You will be our bait and will go to Tan Gengxin. Will you do this?" Ying Lili questioned him. Sheng Li agreed with what Ying Lili was doing. He nced at Huo Jin and waited for his response.


    "Yes," without any hesitation, Huo Jin answered. "I will go there," Huo Jin epted Ying Lili''s offer. "If you want to put a sword on his neck, I will do that as well, your highness," Huo Jin pronounced. Sheng Li was astonished upon seeing that.


    "So even servants can turn disloyal? Interesting!" Sheng Li was amused.


    "Your highness, I would not have turned disloyal if Tan Gengxin had not used his daughter in all this. She did not deserve all this," Huo Jin''s anger towards Tan Gengxin was visible. Ying Lili understood that it was the case of one''s heart for the other.


    "What''s the real name of Tan Gengxin''s daughter?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Her name is Xinyue," Huo Jin replied. There was a tiny smile on his lips which could be noticed if one would focus on him.


    "Why did you not stop her when all this began?" Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "Because I am a mere servant. My views do not matter," Huo Jin replied.


    "Even to the one whom you love?" Ying Lili raised her brow while Sheng Li, Wang Hao, and Commander Yang looked at her. "Love?!" Sheng Li was confused.


    "Yes, your highness. But to prevent her, I tried many times to stop all this. When I first entered the barracks a year ago, the first realization hit me that Tan Gengxin would surely be defeated. Though he has a good spyingwork, his system has loopholes too. I told him to step back from all this, but I have no one to advise him. I pleaded with him to not involve his daughter in all this. He did not agree with me and asked for secret routes. Then, I lied to him," Huo Jin proimed.


    "In short, you did all this for your love, not because you had remorse to work with him!" Ying Lili deduced.


    "It can be one answer but not the whole, your highness." Huo Jin''s answer bewildered Ying Lili. "I never wanted bloodshed. Also, I never wanted to have a tyrant ruler. I served him because myte father was loyal to him. I could not escape from the fate which was already decided from my birth that was to work for Tan Gengxin," Huo Jin exined to Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li recalled Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju, who were ves by birth. Huo Jin''s state was the same as theirs. However, Huo Jin suffered more than them as he was tied to Tan Gengxin. "We believe you," Sheng Li stated, astonishing everyone. Even Huo Jin could not believe that the Crown Prince would believe him before the Crown Princess. He got on his knees and deeply bowed.


    "Thank you, your highness." Huo Jin expressed his gratitude.


    Wang Hao noticed the frowns on Sheng Li''s forehead. The Crown Prince never turned lenient like this for anyone. He believed him without giving any warnings to him. Generally, if a spy or a servant of the enemy is destined to die, then why did the Crown Prince not announce such a decision towards Huo Jin? Wang Hao decided to talk to the Crown Prince regarding that.


    "What if you will be given a death sentenceter, as you are from the enemy side? Will you still help us?" Ying Lili wanted to know his answer to this. She keenly observed him because his body expressions somewhere would show hesitance towards this.


    But the opposite happened. Huo Jin''s face was calm like an ocean and he answered, "I will ept that then. However, the Emperor had pardoned me, so I do not think I can get a death sentence. But, if the Crown Princess asked him then I might get it. Your highness, I could have escaped when I brought the Second and the Sixth Prince here. I could have even killed them, but I did not. This also proves my loyalty to the Han Emperor. The shortest path which Tan Gengxin used for travel, I brought them here from that route," Huo Jin lifted his head, but his gaze was still lowered.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li were impressed by him. "Wee to our team, Huo Jin. We are d that you have turned good. I would have helped Xinyue, but I am afraid that is not possible since she did wrong," Ying Lili asserted.


    Huo Jin nodded. "Thank you, your highness. Thank you for being understanding to me." Huo Jin found the Crown Princess during such incidents had not forgotten to keep her kindness together. He deplored that he once was thinking of killing her and the Crown Prince. He had also regretted that he did not stop Xinyue earlier. But now, since he was given a second chance, he wanted to prove himself by turning loyal to them.


    "One who is a part of us never lowers his head. It shall always be high with humbleness," Ying Lili pronounced. Huo Jin lifted his gaze and smiled. He never once was treated this way.


    "Her highness is a kind woman. I am privileged to get that kindness. I will indeed prove myself. No bloodshed will ur, and this war will be stopped. I will help you capture Tan Gengxin," Huo Jin affirmed. Sheng Li and Ying Lili smiled, as did General Wang and Commander Yang.


    ~~~~


    Please add my new story to your library.


    "Love Under the Blood Moon"


    Thank you????

 Chapter 412 - No One Will Come

    <h4>Chapter 412 - No One Will Come</h4>


    Nianzu rode the horse gradually as it was Chuntao''s first time riding a horse. His hand was firmly yet gently wrapped around Chuntao. She was terrified in the beginning, but gradually the fear subsided. The drizzle had stopped too, so it was not difficult to ride the horse.


    She could feel the chest of Nianzu pressing against her back. "Chun, are youfortable?" Nianzu asked her.


    "Yes," she replied. "Then I will speed up. We need to reach Luoyang before the rain pours. Else we have to take shelter outside," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao hummed and nodded her head. Nianzu pulled the reins a little, and the horse started running. Chuntao''s heart was thumping strangely. This feeling was nice for her.


    When she used to visit the market, upper-ss women generally talked about all these things. They used to fantasize about the princes and at those times she used to wonder why they did so! When she got closer to Nianzu, she understood those feelings. Chuntao spread her arms out, gradually astonishing Nianzu.


    "What are you doing?" Nianzu asked her as he slowed down.


    "I want to feel it. This is my first time on a horse and it feels like I am in the air," Chuntao affirmed. Nianzu smiled and kept the normal speed of the horse. Chuntao giggled and after a while, closed her arms. She tilted her head and looked at the face of Nianzu, which was near her shoulder.


    "It was nice," she said with a smile.


    Nianzu for a second looked at her to pass her a smile and then focussed back on the route. "I never knew it was fun until today," Nianzu stated.


    "Really?"


    "Hmm. I guess it''s because I never tried to look that way," Nianzu answered. Chuntao moved her head to the front. After two hours, they reached the city''s center. The people who were on that route were shocked to see the Fourth Prince with a woman. Even some of the upper-ss people noticed them. "Why is the Fourth Prince with a vige girl?" The son of the Minister of Justice saw them.


    Nianzu took Chuntao straight to the residence of General Wang. "Your highness, where are we heading to? My house is on the other side," Chuntaoined and looked behind towards the route which directed towards her vige.


    "You cannot stay in your house for a few days. I cannot take you to the Pce either," Nianzu pronounced. "Rest things I will exin to youter," Nianzu replied and tightened his hold on the reins.


    Chuntao found that they had entered a region that was for the high ss. Where was the Fourth Prince taking her? She wondered. She saw the grand residences and how the soldiers guarding them.


    Nianzu stopped the horse outside a residence, probably the biggest in that region. She looked at the huge wooden board hanging at the top of the entrance of the Residence. Connecting those words, she read¨C ''Wang Residence''. Nianzu had gotten down from the horse. He reached his hands towards Chuntao and put them on her waist. He put her down and said, "It''s the residence of General Wang."


    Chuntao''s feetnded on the ground and she peered at Nianzu, who adjusted her dress and high waist skirt. "Does the Prince want me to stay here? Will it be appropriate? And I don''t even know anyone. He is the General in the Army." Suddenly Chuntao had turned nervous.


    A soldier came forward and bowed before Prince Nianzu. He took away the horse of Nianzu while from inside the assistant of General Wang came. Chuntao lowered her eyes and hid behind Nianzu.


    "Your highness, please this way," Qi Wun humbly said. Nianzu looked behind and grasped the hand of Chuntao. "Let''s go inside." Nianzu dragged her along with him. Qi Win dropped them to a chamber, isted from the rest.


    "Your highness, shall I send the lunch for you two?" Qi Wun humbly asked.


    "Yes. Thank you Assistant Qi," Nianzu expressed his gratitude, who smiled. His gaze was still lowered. "His highness shall not say thank you to me. It is my duty towards his highness," Qi Wun stated. "I will send your meals in a while," he asserted and walked out.


    Chuntao looked around the room and it was magnificent to her eyes. "What happened?" Nianzu saw the frowns on Chuntao''s forehead.


    "I shall not stay here. I mean this is the residence of the army''s General. I will stay at my house. I will not go out and-" Nianzu ced his index finger over her lips, thus stopping her from speaking.


    "You think so much! Father has met you and after today''s incident, he might again try to find you. I will talk with my father first. Till everything turns out alright, you will stay here. General Wang''s residence is safest for you. Though at the moment he is not in the Capital," proimed Nianzu and put his finger down.


    "Your highness, please do not let yourself get harmed. If his majesty does not agree, then-"


    "Father will agree. If he does not agree, then I have another way as well. Do not worry. I do not speak unless it''s necessary. However, this time it is necessary! I do not want to suffer anymore nor do I want you to see you in trouble," Nianzu affirmed and caressed her head.


    He pulled her into a hug. Chuntao lifted her hands and ced them on his arms. She felt secured this way. "And stop using titles for me. I would love to hear my name from your mouth," Nianzu said and pulled back. He cupped her face and gazed into her eyes.


    "It is still ufortable for me to call the Prince by his name. It will take a little time for me," Chuntao said.


    "No one is here. You can call me by my name." Nianzu was excited to hear his name.


    Chuntao was still hesitant to call the Fourth Prince by his name. "N...Nian...zu¡­ Nianzu," she pronounced his name after a few stutters.


    Nianzu broadly smiled. "Say one more time," he requested, "Please."


    "Prince Nianzu," Chuntao pronounced the name again. Nianzu pulled her closer again while his hand went to her nape. He leaned down and kissed her. Chuntao ced her hand on his chest and pushed him away.


    "Someone mighte," she said anxiously.


    "No one wille," he replied and closed the distance between them. This time they kissed a little longer, and more passionately. Nianzu then let go of her. He removed the conical hat and ced it on a table there. After that, he helped Chuntao in removing the overcoat. cing it on a chair there, Nianzu stroked her head.


    "Let''s have our lunch," Nianzu stated and ordered the servant to send the food in.


    The two sat around the table while the maid served food to them. She tasted the food first. "His and her highness may eat," the maid asserted. Chuntao looked at her amusingly. Before she could tell her not to call her as ''her highness'', Nianzu sent her away.


    The two started eating. Nianzu looked at Chuntao and asked her why she agreed to marry a 30-year-old man. Chuntao lifted her gaze from the rice bowl to peer at him. "Ahh, because¡­ because" she was hesitant to tell Nianzu.


    "You can tell me," Nianzu politely told her.


    "Because I could not defy the orders of his majesty, and I was not interested in seeing any man in particr. So, the first proposal which the matchmaker forwarded to me which I epted," Chuntao replied.


    "Don''t take decisions in a rush. These past few days many things happened in the Pce so I could note to you, to check on you. I am d that I found out about you. Earlier I thought you deserve a better man than me but now, I think no one is better than me for you." Chuntao''s heart fluttered upon hearing those words. "Am I right?" Nianzu asked her.


    Chuntao nodded and passed him a tiny smile. "Prince alwayses to rescue me," Chuntao stated and again started eating. Nianzu hummed, and he also continued to eat. Once they finished eating, Nianzu told Chuntao to note out of the residence.


    "I will not," Chuntao replied. "I will wait for you," she added.


    "I will see you tomorrow after attending the court. I will talk with my father today about us. Just keep your faith in me. Do not think that your rtionship with me will create problems for me. I have decided to walk on a path different from others and I want the full support of the woman whom I love. That is all I need," Nianzu affirmed.


    "I am with you, Prince. I epted your love and my feelings because I trust you," Chuntao asserted. Nianzu was delighted to hear that.


    "I shall leave. Have a good rest and do not cry. I will find out if you did cry," Nianzu warned her before leaving the chamber.. Chuntao ced her hand on her chest and felt her racing heartbeat.

 Chapter 413 - Never Betray Him

    <h4>Chapter 413 - Never Betray Him</h4>


    Sheng Li sent Ying Lili to the chamber while Commander Yang took Huo Jin to the base camp where he was staying. General Wang waited for the Crown Prince in the tent house when he entered. Wang Hao stood straight and bowed in front of him.


    "You should have taken a rest. You still have to recover," Sheng Li stated and gestured to him to sit. Wang Hao sat after Sheng Li sat on the long chair. "Huo Jin got his hands on the map, and you did not even find out. There is someone who can even escape from your eyes," Sheng Li remarked.


    "Forgive me, your highness," Wang Hao lowered his eyes.


    "We are lucky that he did not tell Tan Gengxin about all this else something big could have happened," Sheng Li affirmed. "Where is Huo Jin? He will study maps for us," Sheng Li stated.


    "Commander Yang has taken him with him. I will call him here," Wang Hao asserted. Sheng Li hummed when he heard Wang Hao.


    "Your highness, why did you easily believe Huo Jin? Even if you had, you would have punished himter. What is going on in the mind of the Crown Prince?" Wang Hao questioned.


    "He was tied with the status he had¨C The status of a servant. It was not his choice, but he was forced to do that. However, he did not walk on the wrong path. Wan Ju and Hu Jingguo were the same. They ran away from their masters while Huo Jin could not. Hu Jingguo said this to me once- ''Why can''t I see through people like them? I should feel them too. That way people will be my friends instead of my enemies.'' Iughed at him but today I recalled his words. I felt that Huo Jin might have suffered," Sheng Li asserted.


    Wang Hao understood the Crown Prince. He was surprised to find that the demise of Hu Jingguo turned Sheng Li into a thoughtful person. Wang Hao was happy but the Crown Prince could not be kind to everyone, he felt.


    "Do not worry. My ruthlessness is with me, but for those who are evil," Sheng Li assured him. "I was a little scared when you were held captive by them. I am d nothing happened to you," Sheng Li stated.


    "But you should not have dropped the weapon. My life is nothing in front of yours," Wang Hao replied.


    "Really? You have always protected me, Wang Hao. What''s the use of this power if I have no friends or family? I learned this from Lili. A ruler is not about making people fear him but it is about the respect and willingness to die for him. That''s possible only when the ruler opens his heart for his people," Sheng Li proimed. "Your life is dear to me. I could not lose it at any cost."


    Wang Hao smiled. He recalled the first day when he started serving Sheng Li. He used to get irked at little things. He used to punish even one petty crime. It might be because of the anger buried deep inside his heart. But when the Crown Princess met the Crown Prince things changed. Wang Hao had seen Sheng Li grow in each phase, differently yet beautifully. After marriage, he indeed had turned calmer, which was the biggest change in his personality.


    "Your highness, after the end of all this, let''s have drinks together. It has been months since you drank with me," Wang Hao offered Sheng Li, who dly acknowledged that. "I need to talk to the Second Brother and Wanxi too. Wanxi will surely be crying. He will curse me," Sheng Li chuckled.


    "It was not your fault, your highness," Wang Hao sced him.


    Sheng Li hummed. He called a soldier in and ordered him to bring Huo Jin. Wang Hao offered he would but Sheng Li told him to be seated.


    After a while, Huo Jin came there and bowed. "Have a seat," Sheng Li gestured to the chair around the table. Huo Jin pulled a chair out and sat on it. Sheng Li ced the map on the table.


    "Exin this map to us," Sheng Li stated. "Is there only one secret route or are there more than one?" Sheng Li queried.


    "There are two. It is on the map, your highness," Huo Jin stated and looked at the map. "Forgive me, because of the prolonged use it faded out from here," Huo Jin replied.


    ''Means Lili was right.''


    "The first one is under the main entrance but the second one is confusing," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Your highness, the second one goes out from the first one," Huo Jin answered. Sheng Li was stunned to know that.


    "How will you go there? By now, he might have gotten the information from his spies that a few of them got caught in Luoyang. He might have also found out that you have been caught and might tell us about him," Sheng Li reasoned.


    "Your highness, all his spies are killed. I killed them beforeing here. And the First Prince kept my capture private. Everything is done privately," Huo Jin asserted. Sheng Li was impressed to hear that. For the first time, Sheng Li found Jian Guozhi useful in such situations.


    "I will inform him that the Governor has found out about his daughter, who is under arrest. I was also captured, but I escaped from prison. I will direct him to this part of the fortified pce," Huo Jin pointed at the Southern Part on the map. "There is no escape point from here. By then, his highness can attack the Pce and surround them thus forcing him to surrender," Huo Jin told his n.


    "We need to take control of these Underground routes. Make sure to deviate all of them from here," Sheng Li stated.


    "Do not worry, your highness. I will fully help you with this. I will send a signal to you and then you need to attack with your forces. Before that, rece everyone in the underground base camp within thirty minutes because two soldierse to check on the workers," Huo Jin stated.


    Sheng Li nodded his head.


    "How will you send us the signal?" Wang Hao asked.


    "From the flute," Huo Jin replied.


    "You cannot y the flute in front of Tan Gengxin," Wang Hao reasoned.


    "As soon as he gets busy with his forces, I will do that," Huo Jin replied.


    "From the hill, a few of our shooters shoot the arrows in their direction, making them believe that we are on this side," Sheng Li stated. "We then attack them and destroy their war equipment first, followed by the other things."


    "Yes, your highness," Huo Jin stated.


    "Tan Gengxin will not get suspicious of you, right?" Sheng Li asked for confirmation.


    "He will not. He knows that I will never betray him. I am alive to this date because of this reason only. He trusts me blindly," Huo Jin assured Sheng Li.


    "Wang Hao, share this n with Xiao and the Commanders," Sheng Limanded him.. Wang Hao stood up and walked out of the tent house.

 Chapter 414 - Get Rude To Him?

    <h4>Chapter 414 - Get Rude To Him?</h4>


    Sheng Li, after formting the entire n with Huo Jin and Wang Hao, went to meet Lei Wanxi. To his surprise, Yongzheng was with Lei Wanxi, and there wasplete silence between the two.


    "Wanxi," Sheng Li called out his name, bringing him out of some of his deep thoughts. Yongzheng stood up and went towards Sheng Li.


    "Could he not be saved?" Lei Wanxi directed his question towards Sheng Li, who shook his head. Both of his hands were behind his back, and he clenched them into a fist.


    "General Xiao narrated the entire incident to us," said Yongzheng. "He was brave," he added. Sheng Li hummed. Lei Wanxi came near Sheng Li and hugged him tightly.


    "It''s fine, Brother Sheng. He is still alive in our hearts and will always be." Lei Wanxi knew that Sheng Li had gotten close to Hu Jingguo in that period. His teasing had be the habit of Sheng Li. "It is just saddening that I could not see him for thest time," Lei Wanxi muttered while patting the back of Sheng Li.


    Both the Princes pulled back from the hug. "Why are you not angry at me?" Sheng Li was curious to know.


    "Why shall I?" Lei Wanxi questioned him back. "If I would be at his ce then I would have done the same," Lei Wanxi proimed. Sheng Li averted his gaze from Lei Wanxi. They were again filled with tears. Why is everyone ready to sacrifice his life for him? He did not deserve all that. This thought somewhere hit him.


    "Brother Sheng, where is he? I would like to see his grave," Lei Wanxi requested.


    "I sent him back to Luoyang. He¡­ he wanted to rest there," Sheng Li turned his eyes to meet the gaze of Lei Wanxi. "In the same ce where I, for the first time, talked to himfortably. H-He wants to rest there," Sheng Li affirmed. Lei Wanxi nodded and rubbed his eyes.


    "Jingguo told me once that he wants to live with his family on that hill," Lei Wanxi chuckled. "He left soon. I will fight with him when I meet him in the afterlife," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "I might not even talk to him if there is anything like the afterlife," Sheng Li muttered.


    Yongzheng found the Crown Prince unusually strange. ''He never got bothered by anyone''s life. It is strange to see him in this state! It is unbelievable that the one whom I thought is heartless, still carries the soft heart inside him,'' Yongzheng thought.


    "Brother Sheng, kill Tan Gengxin. Because of him, we lost our dear friend," Lei Wanxi could not control his tears and began crying.


    "I will. I lost two friends. Another was Wan Ju, the friend whom I met seven years ago," Sheng Li gulped.


    Yongzheng amusingly looked at the Crown Prince. "It might sound rude, but Brother Sheng should have not taken Tan Gengxin lightly. Even General Wang''s life fell into danger," stated Yongzheng.


    "I am guilty and apologetic for that," replied Sheng Li. "You two shall take a rest," Sheng Li stated and left.


    "Brother Sheng is sad. Why did the Second Brother get rude to him? It was not the choice of Brother Sheng. He has fought many battles, and many lost their lives around him. However, since Jingguo saved Brother Sheng''s life and then Sister Lili''s life, he got attached to him. And Brother Sheng did not put General Wang''s life at risk. You also know how tough it gets when one needs to make decisions for the war. Brother Sheng never let his Brothers go into the war that''s why none of us can understand those difficulties." Lei Wanxi exined to Yongzheng, who found he did wrong by saying those things to the Crown Prince.


    "I never thought that way. I will apologize to Brother Shengter," Yongzheng stated and went towards the bed.


    Lei Wanxi looked at him and asked, "Brother, did you apologize to Brother Sheng for the wrong you did to him when we were young?" The sudden question of Lei Wanxi surprised him a bit.


    "I did. I realized my mistake the time Brother Jian did," Yongzheng replied. "You also know that this feeling of jealousy is filled in our mind since our childhood days, by our dear mothers. I lost my conscience in front of the power. But, now I look at all these things and contemte. It is tough to be a Ruler. You are right. Brother Sheng never let his brother go into the battles. He protected us in a way which we failed to see. It must be difficult for him during the military campaigns, staying outside, eating not so good food," Yongzheng smiled a little.


    "I just hope that nothing goes in the Pce after this. It is too much sometimes. We Brothers almost became enemies just for power," Yongzheng proimed.


    Lei Wanxi hummed and agreed with his Second Brother. "We will not fight among each other and live in harmony," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Yongzheng nodded his head and smiled again.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li came to the chamber and found Ying Lili waiting for him. Seeing Sheng Li, Ying Lili stood up from the chair and went to him.


    "How did things go?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "It went well. Huo Jin exined to us everything about the map. You were right. There is one more underground path that is connected to the first one. Though, it was difficult to see in the map as it had faded out," asserted Sheng Li and went towards the table. Pulling out the chair, he made Ying Lili sit first and then took his seat.


    "The entire n is the same. Huo Jin will go to Tan Gengxin in the morning. Huo Jin will inform him regarding his daughter and then lie to him that we will attack him from the Southern Part. The deployed army in his fortified Pce will direct to the Southern Part. That''s when we will attack. He will send a signal to us to attack Tan Gengxin," Sheng Li affirmed. "Now, we need to sneak into the basecamp with our men, recing everyone there in just half an hour. After every half an hour, two soldierse to examine them. We have to kill them and upon getting the signal, leave their basecamp," he added.


    "So, it will take almost half an hour for Huo Jin to take Tan Gengxin to the Southern Part and also for us to shift of their army. Tan Gengxin will surrender tomorrow," Ying Lili said confidently.


    "Yes.. We need to end Tan Gangxin tomorrow at any cost," Sheng Li agreed with her.

 Chapter 415 - Sacrifice My Daughters Life

    <h4>Chapter 415 - Sacrifice My Daughter''s Life</h4>


    The next morning, Huo Jin, as per the n, went to meet Tan Gengxin while Sheng Li had sent a piece of an army to the Southern Hills with skilled shooters in the leadership of General Wang. Sheng Li had earlier advised Wang Hao to stay behind. However, General Wang refused and assured Sheng Li that this time there would be no mistake.


    Sheng Li helped Ying Lili wear the armor. He then handed her a sword. "My irondy, don''t try to be brave. Just stay near the secret underground routes," Sheng Li told her as he ced his palm on her cheek.


    "When you know that I am an irondy, then why are you stopping from acting bravely? It''s a battle so I can hide like a coward," Ying Lili stated.


    "I know. Still, as a husband, it worries me," Sheng Li replied.


    "You worry too much. Today, you need to fight with your full might. Because of them Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju are no more. I want you to not spare any enemy today," Ying Lili''s anger suddenly burst out. "Even if they beg for forgiveness, you will kill them," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I will avenge our friends'' death. Just keep yourself safe," Sheng Li patted her shoulder. Ying Lili passed him a smile. She tip-toed and ced her lips on his. Sheng Li kissed her back and then kissed the top of her head.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li grabbed his sword from the table, and the two walked out of the tent house.


    ~~~~


    Huo Jin reached outside the gates of the fortified pce when a soldier stopped him. "I work for the master." Huo Jin took out the token which Tan Gengxin had given him. The soldier bowed and asked the gatekeepers to open the door. The doors were opened, and Huo Jin got the entry.


    He kept walking and found how the soldiers were ready to attack the Han soldiers. In every corner, the soldiers were deployed at the top. Four catapults were also at a certain distance from the main entrance.


    One of the three Generals, Liu Qifen, saw Huo Jin and went to him. "How are you? What happened? You came here unannounced!" Liu Qifen stated. He was surprised and happy to see Huo Jin.


    "I have to deliver an important message to our master," Huo Jin replied as the lines of frowns appeared on his forehead.


    "Master is getting ready for the war against Han," Liu Qifen informed him. The two started to walk. Liu Qifen narrated to him a few things that happened in the past few days.


    "We had captured the General of Sheng Li. I told Shao Ping to inform the master first, but he told me that he would surprise the master. s! He died while fighting with them," Liu Qifen affirmed.


    "Why do you not stop the war?" Suddenly Huo Jin asked him, which surprised Liu Qifen a little.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Master Tan''s daughter''s truth came in front of everyone. Her husband caught her," Huo Jin informed him. Liu Qifen widened his eyes upon learning about that.


    "This is not true. Lady Xinyue can never be caught," Liu Qifen was not ready to believe the words of Huo Jin. ording to him, Xinyue was smart enough to fool everyone around her.


    "I havee to inform the Master about that only. Can you not see the bruises on my face?" Huo Jin queried him and then continued, "I was caught. But, luckily I escaped their prison. I tried hard to break into the special cell where Lady Xinyue was locked, but it was difficult. So, I ran here. Many things have happened in the capital." Huo Jin was worried. His eyes turned misty while narrating all this.


    Liu Qifen got tense. He told Huo Jin to walk fast as they needed to inform all to Master Tan Gengxin.


    Soon, they reached inside the pce, to the chamber where Tan Gengxin was getting ready for the war. "Master, Huo Jin is here," his assistant informed him.


    "Send him in," Tan Gengxin ordered.


    A minuteter, Huo Jin came inside and quickly got on his knees and bowed. His forehead touched the floor. "Greetings to my master," Huo Jin said humbly.


    "Huo Jin, I missed your presence," Tan Gengxin delightedly said and turned to him. He then went to a long, throne-like chair and sat on that. "You may raise," Tan Gengxin told him.


    Huo Jin lifted his head and looked into the eyes of Tan Gengxin. Both of his hands were still on the wooden floor. "Master, there is bad news from Luoyang," Huo Jin stated.


    The smile on Tan Gengxin''s lips vanished, and a menacing expression appeared on his face. "What?"


    "Your daughter, Lady Xinyue, is caught," Huo Jin replied.


    "How? She does not make mistakes easily? Why are you here instead of saving her?" Tan Gengxin raised questions and finally noticed the bruises on Huo Jin''s face. "Were you also caught?" Tan Gengxin questioned him.


    "Su Feng made a mistake. He thought of attacking the Crown Princess with a fake message from you. I warned him not to y like this but because I am a mere servant, he did not pay heed to my warning. Everything was fine as Princess Consort Xue''s name got dragged but the Crown Princess saw through the trick. Our spies are also killed brutally. Later, Lady Xinyue hade to meet me to send you a message about Luoyang''s situation, but the First Prince caught us. Anyhow, I escaped the prison and reached here to inform you about this."


    Tan Gengxin stood up and walked to him. He put his shoe on Huo Jin''s hand and pressed it hard. "You should have saved her at any cost instead of running away." Huo Jin endured the pain. His veins were visible on his forehead.


    "F-forgive me, Master," Huo Jin said as Tan Gengxin put his foot away. "I tried to break through the prison where she was kept but it was of no use. I thought informing you would be the best, my master," Huo Jin cleverly tried to convince Tan Gengxin to believe his lies.


    "Master, we shall stop this war against Han, else Lady Xinyue will lose her life," Huo Jin affirmed when he got kicked. He fell on the floor and quickly lowered his eyes.


    "We cannot get defeated by them this easily. I have prepared for all this for a long time. I will sacrifice my daughter''s life for this," Tan Gengxin announced.


    Huo Jin clenched his fist tightly. He knew that his master would not care for the life of Xinyue. How could a father do this to her daughter? She was ready to do everything for her father. Oppositely, her father did not even care about that. Still, Huo Jin wanted to try for onest time. He knew that Xinyue would not be saved. However, hope was lingering in his mind that if Tan Gengxin stopped all this then the Emperor might consider Huo Jin''s request, though the chances were limited.


    "Master, she is your daughter," Huo Jin quickly grasped his foot and pleaded with him. "You shall save her. We do not know-"


    Tan Gengxin kicked him away. "My goal is to rule the Han Empire. For this, even if I have to sacrifice Xinyue, I will. People will know her sacrifice for her father and remember her till generations," Tan Gengxin proudly pronounced.


    Now, Huo Jin was clear that Tan Gengxin would not stop the war, so he put the first bait in front of him. He stood up from the floor and said, "Master, there is good news too." Tan Gengxin looked at him amusingly.


    "The Crown Prince has deployed his army in the Southern Hill. He does not know that he made the biggest mistake of his life. Let''s direct the forces to Southern Hill and end them," Huo Jin asserted and smirked.


    Tan Gengxin was delighted to hear that. "He is indeed a fool. Thinking of attacking us from that hill. We will kill his entire force in just an hour. Tell my Generals toe to the Southern Part of the Pce with their forces and shooters," Tan Gengxin ordered Huo Jin, who bowed.


    ''Tan Gengxin, you do not deserve to be a ruler,'' Huo Jin told himself internally.

 Chapter 416 - To Drag Her Out!

    <h4>Chapter 416 - To Drag Her Out!</h4>


    Nianzu could not converse with his father the previous night. Therefore, he decided to talk about the matter in front of everyone in the ''Hall of Greetings.''


    As he walked in, he saw the First and the Third Prince with their respective wives. Even Princess Zhu Lin was present there. They all greeted each other and took their respective seats. Han Wenji came there with Empress Deng Hui and his other consorts. Seeing them, they stood up and bowed in front of them.


    Han Wenji took his seat while Deng Hui sat beside him, followed by the other Consorts. "You all may sit," Han Wenji told them.


    "Father, Brother Yongzheng and Brother Wanxi might have reached the Northern Province with Huo Jinst night. In a day or two, they all will return after ending the matter with Tan Gengxin," Jian Guozhi informed Han Wenji.


    "That''s a relief. Any news from the Crown Prince''s side?" Han Wenji asked.


    "No, Father," replied Jian Guozhi.


    "The punishment to your first wife will be decided after the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess return along with two other Princes," Han Wenji asserted. Jian Guozhi nodded his head.


    Han Wenji looked at Nianzu. "Prince Nianzu,ter talk to me in private," Han Wenji stated. Nianzu had understood that his father had found out about Chuntao and him.


    Nianzu stood up and said, "Father, let''s talk in front of everyone." He bowed and looked at him. Everyone in the Hall was confused to hear the statement of Nianzu.


    "What does the Fourth Prince want to talk about?" Consort Ju Fen curiously asked and looked at Deng Hui, who had knitted her brows.


    "Father, I do not want to marry Princess Huan Zhu Lin," Nianzu pronounced in front of everyone. Zhu Lin was shocked to hear that. She could not understand what went wrong, that Nianzu refused to marry her.


    "Why, son?" Deng Hui asked. The three Consorts also asked the same question.


    "I love someone else, and I wish to marry her," Nianzu replied to her mother.


    Han Wenji did not like that his son brought the matter into the light like this.


    "Does it mean that the Fourth Prince likes that vige girl?" Ju Fen said in a way that it appeared as if she was taunting the Fourth Prince.


    "She has a name, Mother Ju," Nianzu reminded her. "I hope from here on, mother Ju will not call her a vige girl," Nianzu humbly told her.


    Zhu Lin had no idea what was going on there? She was devastated to learn about the truth that the Fourth Prince was in love with another woman.


    "Son, you can not love her," Deng Hui intervened. "You might have taken your infatuation the other way," she added.


    "Mother, I am aware of my heart. I love Chuntao and I want to marry her," Nianzu stated.


    "This is a shame that a brainy Prince-like Prince Nianzu ended up giving his heart to a woman with no identity. Everyone will raise questions on us and His Majesty. The advisor of the nation if does such deeds then what message will it give to our people?" The Second Consort remarked and looked at Han Wenji.


    Nianzu clenched his fist but he kept his cool. "People always talk. However, I do not care about them. I have not done any crime by loving her. It was my choice to open my heart for her and I want to follow this. I may sound rude but the Second Mother shall not say about the identity of my woman or any other woman." Nianzu''sst words seemed like a warning to the Second Consort.


    Jian Guozhi thought to stand for Nianzu when he heard Han Wenji.


    "Prince Nianzu cannot marry amoner. It is not eptable," Han Wenji proimed. "There will be no conversation on this anymore," Han Wenji stated.


    "Father, why are you doing this? For the first time, I have asked something from you. Why can you not ept my rtionship?" Nianzu questioned. He suddenly turned furious.


    "Prince, be within your limits. Do not raise your voice against your father," Deng Wei scolded Nianzu.


    "Apologies if I raised my voice. I do not know what is wrong with it to marry a person who is amoner. Father, tell me, why can I not marry her?" Nianzu questioned again and pressured his father to answer.


    "I have already given my answer, Prince Nianzu. Empress Hui, please talk to your son regarding this. I am leaving," Han Wenji stood up when Nianzu stopped him. Deng Hui and other Consorts along with other family members had also stood up.


    "I renounce my title as the Prince and as your advisor," Nianzu pronounced. Han Wenji could not believe that Nianzu would say those words this way. "I was never happy with this status anyway. I renounce this, and I will no longer stay in this Pce," Nianzu affirmed as he gazed into the eyes of his father.


    "Brother Nianzu, please calm down," Jian Guozhi tried to pacify him.


    "Brother, I am calm. I only said what I truly felt from my heart! This desire I always wanted to express. Earlier the reason was different, and now it is different. Earlier, I was titled as the son of a concubine, and now as soon as my mother became the Empress, people started respecting me. I do not want to live in the Pce," Nianzu asserted and extended his hands out. He brought them up, to the front, till his shoulders and joined them. Bowing his head, Nianzu requested, "Free me from this title." His eyes were filled with tears.


    "Son, please do not request such a thing. Your Majesty, I will talk to the Prince. Forgive him for his behavior," Deng Hui bowed her head.


    "I will pretend I never heard it," Han Wenji asserted. "Prince shall be happy that the young woman is still alive for defying my orders and running away from her marriage," Han Wenji affirmed. Nianzu lifted his head, and he peered at his father. His eyes flickered, and his hands trembled.


    Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin gulped because this was the first time they saw their father announcing such a thing.


    "She defied my orders, and defying the order of the Emperor means only Death," Han Wenji pronounced while gazing into the eyes of Prince Nianzu. "If the Prince thinks that he can hide her from me, then he is wrong. Even the General of this Empire listens to me first. For me, only one order is enough to drag her out of the Wang residence." This time Han Wenji threatened his son, who was stunned to hear such words from the mouth of his father. He had lost his temper.


    "Father, how could you do that? You arranged a matchmaker for her. You forced a marriage on her. She was going to marry a 30-year-old man. Is this the way an Emperor makes decisions?" Nianzu raised his voice this time. "You are no less thante Empress Wei, who always controlled my life," Nianzu remarked as tears poured down his cheeks. He controlled hard but not anymore. Jian Guozhi nced at Nianzu while Rong Zemin raised his eyebrow in shock. Such a remark from the Fourth Prince was unexpected to them.


    "I want to see how extreme my father can go. I always stand for the right things, and this time I will do the same," Nianzu proimed, keeping the menacing expression on his face.


    "Nianzu, don''t speak a word," Deng Hui scolded her son again and then pleaded with Han Wenji to forgive the Fourth Prince.


    Nianzu chuckled and turned to go. "Nianzu, apologize to your father," Deng Hui stated, but he did not listen to his mother and walked out of the hall.


    "Your Majesty, please forgive the Prince. I will talk to him and make him understand," Deng Hui tried to calm down Han Wenji and at the same time assured him. Her head was lowered. "I will make him understand," she repeated herself. Han Wenji frowned but did not say anything. He turned and left the hall.


    "Sister Hui, today the Prince''s behavior was strange. It is the grace of His Majesty that he did not punish Prince Nianzu for conversing this way with him," Ju Fen asserted.


    Jian Guozhi shook his head and walked out of the hall.. Rong Zemin also left with his wife while Xue Yu-Yan stayed there for a while, before leaving the ce.

 Chapter 417 - Coward And Pitiful

    <h4>Chapter 417 - Coward And Pitiful</h4>


    Nianzu came to his chamber and ordered Eunuch Chung not to let anyone enter. Eunuch Chung, for the first time, found Nianzu in such anger. Nianzu poured the water into a ss and gulped it. Putting it on the table, he sat around the floor desk and picked the brush. He spread a white sheet on the desk and dipped the brush into the ink.


    He stopped as he gazed into the paper. Then, he applied the first stroke and wrote something on the sheet. He formally wanted to give the resignation from the position of Advisor, so wrote a letter for that. Suddenly, he heard the footsteps of someone and lifted his eyes. To his surprise, his mother hade to his chamber.


    Nianzu put the brush down and stood up from his seat. "Mother, I am not in a mood to converse with anyone," Nianzu stated. "Please leave," he said. Deng Hui saw the sheet and picked it up.


    "Mother," Nianzu reached out his hand when Deng Hui called Eunuch Chung inside. Eunuch Chung dashed inside the room and bowed.


    "Read it," Deng Hui ordered him as she forwarded him the sheet.


    "Mother, I urge you not to intervene in my life," Nianzu stated.


    "Eunuch Chung, read," said Deng Hui loudly, who got terrified and started to read. Deng Hui widened her eyes as she heard the words that Nianzu wanted to leave the position of Advisor. She took the sheet from Eunuch Chung and tore it into pieces.


    "Mother," Nianzu went near her to stop her but by then Deng Hui had torn the sheetpletely. "You will not do this, nor will you leave the Pce. You will not marry amoner," asserted Deng Hui as she grabbed both of her son''s arms. "Prince, did you understand?"


    "Mother, why shall I understand every time? I also want to enjoy my life. First, I was unable to do anything because Empress Wei restricted me and now my father!" He let go of her mother''s hands from his arm and stepped back. "How could he say that he will harm the woman I love? I am not made for this ce. I tried hard, but it''s not working, Mother," Nianzu asserted.


    "I request you to support my decision. I want to l-leave this Pce," Nianzu asserted. Eunuch Chung got disheartened upon hearing the words of his master. Though, if leaving the Pce made his master happy, then he would willingly support him. Chung thought to himself.


    "Prince, there are better girls than Chuntao for you. Princess Zhu Lin is the best one for you. She hase to marry you, and her father saved your father''s life numerous times. You shall marry her," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Mother, I will not marry Zhu Lin. I know her father saved the life of my father. However, she is not the woman who can understand me, nor will I understand her. I love Chuntao and will marry her only," Nianzu again repeated himself.


    "Prince, you will not agree like this, right?" Nianzu knitted his brows and confusedly looked at his mother. "I will die if you step out of this Pce and marry that girl. Now, you will choose yourself. Is your mother''s life bigger than the life of that girl or is my life never mattered to you?" Deng Hui put forward a condition in front of Nianzu.


    "Mother, how can you say something like this? Does my happiness not matter to you?" Nianzu''s eyes again turned watery. "I have lost my words. My own mother is not understanding me," Nianzu ced his hand on his chest.


    Zhu Lin, who had alsoe after the Empress heard their entire conversation. She found the state of Nianzu miserable. ''How can his family force him with me?'' she thought and walked out of the second door, without getting into their notice.


    Nianzu walked past his mother and left the chamber. "Eunuch Chung, do not let Prince Nianzu leave the Pce today. You will get punished if you do so," Deng Hui warned him. Eunuch Chung bowed while Deng Hui walked out of the chamber.


    Eunuch Chung went behind his master to check on him.


    Nianzu with a heavy heart towards the Eastern Pavilion when he encountered Zhu Lin. He averted his gaze from him and walked past her when Zhu Lin stopped him. "You are looking like a coward and pitiful," Zhu Lin remarked. Nianzu halted and turned to look at her. At the same time, Zhu Lin turned.


    They both looked at each other. "If you love someone else, at least you should have told me, shouldn''t you?" Zhu Lin questioned him.


    "Forgive me," Nianzu lowered his eyes. "I disappointed you," he said.


    "Pardon?" Zhu Lin chuckled. Nianzu lifted his eyes to meet her gaze. "What did you even do for me that would disappoint me?" She heaved a sigh. "Though you disappointed me. I thought you were a brainy Prince, but sadly you are not¡­ not in my eyes, at least. You should have told me first instead of creating a scene in the Hall of Greetings," affirmed Zhu Lin.


    "Princess Zhu Lin, you cannot understand my matter," Nianzu proimed.


    "I cannot understand you, however, I can surely understand it hurts when you do not get together with your lover," Zhu Lin asserted. Nianzu found that Zhu Lin heard his conversation with his mother.


    "Please do not sneak in my matter. I apologize to you sincerely for bringing pain to you as well," Nianzu stated and again bowed.


    "Why would you bring me pain when I never loved you. Do not stare at me. I only liked you, but that likeness today disappeared," Zhu Lin cleared his misunderstanding.


    "I am d that you do not like me anymore," stated Nianzu.


    "You shall feel lucky that the Emperor did not pass the order to kill your lover." Suddenly ament came from Zhu Lin, which sounded unpleasant to Nianzu. "It''s the truth, the great Advisor Nianzu. Do not give me that look. Ask yourself. Isn''t this foolishness? Love makes you blind and foolish¨C this I have heard from a few of my friends. You proved that proverb right today. His majesty is patient with you. The Emperor is humble and is bound by his duty. He cannot let you marry amoner because it''s prohibited, and at the same time, he does not want to lose his son. If the Ministers found out that you raised your voice against the Emperor, your lover will fall into the danger before you," Zhu Lin asserted.


    Nianzu had calmed down by now. He realized that he did wrong by rushing things this way.


    "You should have firstmunicated with me, and then I would have canceled the marriage proposal from my side. If you had followed such simple steps then, things would not have reached this level," Zhu Lin exined to Nianzu, who finally understood his mistake.


    "I will help you and will unite you with your love. So, do you want my help, or will your ego overpower you?" Zhu Lin questioned him.


    Nianzu kept gazing into her eyes before answering her. "I will be d if Princess Zhu Lin helps me," Nianzu admitted.. Zhu Lin smiled and passed him a smile full of assurance.

 Chapter 418 - No More An Advisor

    <h4>Chapter 418 - No More An Advisor</h4>


    Zhu Lin and Nianzu went to the Emperor''s manor. Eunuch Jin let them inside the chamber where they both greeted the Emperor, who gestured to them to sit.


    Zhu Lin took the seat, but Nianzu did not. He lowered his head and sincerely apologized to his father for creating a nuisance in the morning.


    "You will not be the Advisor anymore," Han Wenji announced his decision. Nianzu lifted his head and acknowledged the decision of his father.


    "Your Majesty, may I speak?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "Yes, Princess Zhu Lin," Han Wenji permitted her, who thanked him.


    "I do not want to marry Prince Nianzu. Since the Fourth Prince already loves someone, I believe if I marry him, then we both will suffer," Zhu Lin asserted. Han Wenji had expected this the moment Nianzu raised the matter in the Hall of Greetings.


    "Since Princess Zhu Lin does not want to marry, then I will not force her. Forgive me for not being able to keep my promise to your father," Han Wenji apologized.


    "Your Majesty, you are embarrassing me with this. Please do not apologize to me," Zhu Lin asserted. "I will leave after the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess will safely arrive at the Luoyang," Zhu Lin informed the Emperor.


    Han Wenji was dejected to learn about that. "Does the Princess want to marry any of the other Prince? Since I have promised your father so, I want to fulfill it." Han Wenji recalled the time when during battles, King Huan without thinking about his life took the attacks for him. He regretted letting amoner close to Nianzu.


    "No, your majesty. I do not want to marry any other Prince. Please do not think I am disheartened because of all this. His Majesty knows that how mature I am. My father did what his duty was towards you, and I also will do the same for you," Zhu Lin proimed. Han Wenji passed her a smile. He was sad that such a beautiful woman could no more be a part of the Han Family.


    "Your Majesty, I have a request to make. Hope his majesty will ept my request," Zhu Lin politely said.


    "Go ahead," Han Wenji told her.


    "Your Majesty, let the Fourth Prince marry Miss Chuntao. This is my humble request," Zhu Lin asserted. "I know that the marriage is prohibited however, as the Emperor you have the power to change thews. Please consider my this request," Zhu Lin bowed her head. Nianzu was stunned to see that Zhu Lin would help him this way. He cursed himself, internally, for not conversing with her first and hurting her.


    "Since Princess has requested for this, so I will surely think about this," Han Wenji assured her.


    Zhu Lin stood up from the chaise. "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave," Zhu Lin lowered her gaze. Han Wenji hummed. Zhu Lin looked at Nianzu and left the chamber.


    "Why is the Prince still here?" Han Wenji questioned him.


    Nianzu bent on his knees and again apologized. "Forgive me, Father. I hurt not only you but also the Princess of Huan. Please give punishment to me," Nianzu humbly said.


    "This you should have thought earlier before speaking," Han Wenji reminded him. Nianzu did not say anything because he also knew that he was at fault. He thought if he would express this way then his father would understand him. But the things heated when his father got raged and also he used some defaming remarks against the Emperor.


    "Father, forgive me forparing you with thete Empress," Nianzu said. "However, I cannot leave Chuntao''s hand in the middle," Nianzu stated.


    "Leave. I do not want to hear anything. Do not show me your face," Han Wenji stated. Nianzu except epting the order of his father could do nothing. However, there was one way he could show his sincere apologies to his father- by staying on his knees in the middle of the Pce Ground.


    He stood up, bowed, and left the chamber.


    Han Wenji called Eunuch Jin inside and told him to bring the scroll and brush.


    "Pardon me, your majesty!" Eunuch Jin was shocked to hear when Han Wenji told him that the Fourth Prince would no longer be the advisor. But how could raise the voice against the order of the Emperor?


    "I will remove him from the status of the Prince as well once the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess return. For now, he shall no longer serve as the Royal Advisor," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince made a mistake in a rush. His Majesty shall not punish the Prince this way," Eunuch Jin suggested to Han Wenji. "Forgive me if I stepped out of my line," he said immediately.


    "Eunuch Jin, this is the time when Prince Nianzu shall realize that what it feels like to live as amoner''s life? He always wanted to live as amoner that is why I have decided to free him from the title of Prince as well," affirmed Han Wenji. Eunuch Jin found that this time the Emperor was hurt more than ever. He had seen the Emperor''s love towards his fourth son. He never let once feel him lower than the other Princes. It was strange that the Fourth Prince thought that way.


    Eunuch Jin went towards the study desk of the Emperor and brought the scroll and ink brush along with inkstone. He put them on the table, in front of the chaise, and ground some ink in the inkstone. Dipping the brush into the ink, he handed it to the Emperor. Eunuch Jin opened the scroll and spread it on the table. He then put four wooden square-shaped cubes on the four corners of the scroll.


    Han Wenji''s hand trembled as he was going to give the hardest judgment of his life. He never intended to do that, but today''s incident had forced him. He wrote the decree on the scroll about the removal of Prince Nianzu from the position of Advisor. Until the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess returned, he would work as the Royal Advisor however, after that, he would not work in that position anymore.


    As the Emperor was done writing, he asked for the Royal Seal from Eunuch Jin, whose hands trembled first but then handed it to the Emperor. Han Wenji looked at the decree for thest time before cing the Royal Seal on his order. "Today in the Court, this will be the first thing I will dere," Han Wenji proimed.

 Chapter 419 - Capitulated

    <h4>Chapter 419 - Capitted</h4>


    As per the n, Huo Jin shifted the entire army to the Southern Part of the Castle of Tan Gengxin. "My master, look over that hill," Huo Jin pointed his finger towards the Southern hilltop where soldiers had stood in rows. In reality, those were the fake statues behind them, shooters had hidden, shooting the arrows.


    Suddenly, a speeding arrow came in their direction. The General of Tan Gengxin came forward with a shield in his hand to protect his master. The arrow fell before them with a paper stick on it. A soldier moved forward and picked the paper attached to the arrow.


    The general grabbed it and read, "Tan Gengxin, your end is near." Tan Gengxin took the paper from him and crumbled it. He threw it at the ground and pressed his shoe on it. "Get into the position. The hilltop they had chosen is still at a lower height than this castle. Their shooters could not be taken lightly, so use the best formation to overpower them," Tan Gengxin pronounced..


    He asked for the bow and arrow. "Foolish, Crown Prince. Attacking me from the ce which will make him lose this war," muttered Tan Gengxin. The soldiers started moving, taking their respective positions as the first line of soldiers.


    Huo Jin sneaked out of their sight. He first went to the main entrance to check whether or not it was open. They had deployed there a few of the soldiers to whom he went and said, "I need to go out. Open the entrance."


    The soldiers nodded and moved the pulley. The huge door moved up. Huo Jin went to the other side, slightly away from the sight of them, and took out the flute, which he had hidden inside the sash.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li and others were waiting for the signal of Huo Jin to attack the castle. "Your highness, it is more than an hour," Xiao Zhan stated.


    "He might be arranging the things," asserted Sheng Li. "We cannot move until the signales," he stated. They heard the sound of the flute and it delighted them. "Let''s attack," Sheng Li said.


    They came out of the underground base camp and, as per the n, stormed the castle. Seeing the enemy forces, the few soldiers started shouting for help. Sheng Li stretched an arrow and pulled it out. He kept doing and killed a few. The Commanders separated with their respective pieces of armies and went to the told locations of the castle to capture it.


    Ying Lili and Xiao Zhan went to the underground route made directly below the entrance and guarded it so that even if Tan Gengxin tried to run away, they would capture him first.


    Huo Jin smiled upon seeing that the entire Han army had entered the castle. He pulled out the dagger and went back to Tan Gengxin.


    In the Southern Part of the castle, Tan Gengxin''s army was getting heavier on the soldiers on the hilltop. "He is a fool to attack from behind," murmured Tan Gengxin and smirked.


    "Master," he heard a shout and turned back when his eyes fell on an injured soldier, whose back had an arrow. "Master, Master, they have invaded us. They¡­ they have entered the castle!" shouted the soldier. Tan Gengxin and his Generals widened their eyes.


    "Where is Huo Jin?" Tan Gengxin looked around. However, he did not find him there.


    "Master, I think, he betrayed us," one of the Generals said.


    "Everyone stop. Generals, take your soldiers and fight with them," Tan Gengxinmanded while tightening his grip on the hilt of the sword. "Huo Jin, you traitor!" He muttered while gritting his teeth.


    Sheng Li proceeded straight to the middle of the castle, where he had to catch Tan Gengxin. He killed the soldiersing on his way. The enemies had panicked because of the sudden attack on them.


    Tan Gengxin checked the situation in the castle and found that his soldiers were getting killed at a faster rate. "At this rate, I will be caught," Tan Gengxin murmured and ran towards the secret route to run away.


    He stopped when he saw Huo Jin in front of him. "You traitor!" He shouted at him. "I brought you up; gave you food and shelter, yet you betrayed your own master!" Tan Gengxin''s anger burst at him.


    "I was never loyal to you, Tan Gengxin. Because of you, Xinyue is unhesitant to be hanged, yet you did not care for her life. How could a father do this to his own daughter?" Huo Jin questioned him while scowling at him. Tan Gengxin stepped towards him, so Huo Jin extended his hand out in which he had held a dagger.


    "Surrender if you want your daughter to"


    "Shut up and be ready to die. You filthy traitor!" Tan Gengxin attacked him while Huo Jin dodged him easily.


    ''I have to keep him busy till the Crown Prince finds us,'' Huo Jin thought. But his strength was not enough to defeat Tan Gengxin in a duet. Tan Gengxin kicked Huo Jin''s hand, and the dagger fell from his hand.


    Tan Gengxin pointed the sword at Huo Jin''s neck. "Now, die!" Tan Gengxin almost shed his throat when a speeding arrow came in his direction. Tan Gengxin''s reflex acted, and he quickly stepped back. The arrow hit the pir behind them. Both Tan Gengxin and Huo Jin watched from where the arrow came from. It did not surprise them to see Sheng Li, who directed another arrow towards Tan Gengxin.


    The arrow released from the bow and was going to pierce the right eye of Tan Gengxin when he swiftly dodged it. s, the arrow touched his right ear, and it got cut. "Ahh," he screamed in pain when Sheng Li threw the bow. He pulled out the sword from the sheath and ran towards Tan Gengxin. They both started fighting. Their swords kept nking against each other.


    "Tan Gengxin, finally we met," Sheng Li said as he pushed him behind and he lost his bnce. Quickly stabilizing himself, Tan Gengxin fiercely attacked Sheng Li.


    "You did not get your lesson even after losing two close people to you," Tan Gengxin said as the des of their swords hit against each other. Both were in proximity, moving at their ce while keeping the pressure on the sword to dominate the other.


    "It never rains when the clouds thunder. Keep speaking because your end is near." Sheng Li punched Tan Gengxin''s stomach and pushed him back. He stumbled when Sheng Li pointed the sword at his neck. "Drop your weapon," Sheng Li ordered him.


    Tan Gengxin''s chest was rising and falling after this fierce fight. He threw the sword, and it fell on the ground. "Get on your knees," Sheng Li said, "and put your hands behind your head." Tan Gengxin could do nothing except epting themand of Sheng Li.


    Huo Jin smiled, and it relieved him to see that finally, Sheng Li made Tan Gengxin captured. Commander Yang hade thereafter clearing the way out outside. "Your highness," he murmured and ran to him.


    "Announce that Tan Gengxin has capitted," pronounced Sheng Li. Tan Gengxin red at the Crown Prince. "Lower them before I pull them out," asserted Sheng Li.

 Chapter 420 - Such A Decree?

    <h4>Chapter 420 - Such A Decree?</h4>


    "Where is Brother Nianzu?" Rong Zemin asked Jian Guozhi, who did not know. "The Court will soon start," he stated. "Love has blinded him. He should have been respectful towards our father," asserted Rong Zemin. Jian Guozhi hummed at him.


    The Ministers started toe. They greeted each other and took their respective ces. The Emperor came soon, and everyone bowed in front of him. The Emperor sat on the throne and told them to raise their heads. "Today, there is something I would like to announce in the Court," Han Wenji pronounced and gestured to Eunuch Jin, who handed him the scroll.


    "What is it, your majesty? It seems to be an important decree," Gu Zhenya asserted.


    "Yes, it is an important one," Han Wenji replied.. Suddenly, the doors of the Courtroom opened and a soldier came inside. The Ministers and the Princes turned to gaze at the soldier, who stopped in the middle of the Courtroom.


    He deeply bowed in front of the Emperor. "Your Majesty, apologies for intervening in the middle of the Court. I havee with a message from the Crown Prince," the soldier replied.


    "What''s the message about?" Han Wenji asked.


    "It is about the Second Royal Physician and a childhood friend of the Crown Prince," the soldier replied. Everyone in the Courtroom got befuddled.


    "Speak," Han Wenji permitted him.


    "Your Majesty, the Second Royal Physician has died while saving the Crown Prince in a mini-battle. The other childhood friend of the Crown Prince named Wan Ju also lost his life while protecting General Wang," the soldier narrated in front of everyone in the court.


    Everyone was shocked to hear that. "Hu Jingguo is no more!" Jian Guozhi murmured. "But he was fine a few days back," Jian Guozhi said.


    "Your highness, he jumped in between to save the Crown Prince. His body has been taken to the Capital. The Crown Prince will soon return and will do thest rites for the Second Royal Physician," the soldier asserted.


    The Ministers started to whisper among each other. "This is saddening to hear that a brave man like Hu Jingguo is no longer among us. There will be two days of mourning in the Capital. Lower the Royal g in the tribute of Hu Jingguo," Han Wenji announced with a heavy heart. ''Such a young man sacrificed his life. He gave me life for some time. However, I could not even do anything for him,'' Han Wenji thought and stood up from the throne. He forgot to take the scroll and left the Court.


    Rong Zemin nced at Jian Guozhi. "This is the first time someone sacrificed his life for the Crown Prince," he asserted


    "Brother Zemin, it does not matter now. It is a grave loss for us," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Indeed, it is a grave loss. I only meant that no one ever sacrificed his life for Brother Sheng because of his nature. It is strange. And who''s Wan Ju? I never knew that Brother Sheng has any friend with this name," Rong Zemin muttered.


    "The Crown Prince was close with Hu Jingguo, so he did not hesitate and jumped in between," Jian Guozhi asserted. His heart sank because once he tortured Hu Jingguo brutally. But he forgave him when the next time Jian Guozhi saved him.


    ~~~~~


    "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince is asking for your forgiveness by being on his knees and not eating anything. Eunuch Chung said that the Fourth Prince earlier was crying as he felt that his parents did not understand him," Eunuch Jin informed Han Wenji, who stopped walking.


    "Let him do that. Do not tell me any news rted to the Fourth Prince," Han Wenji stated.


    "Your Majesty, even the Empress in her chamber refused to eat and is apologizing to you. This way the matter will spread in the entire Pce and then the Capital," Eunuch Jin tried making the Emperor understand.


    "Send the message to the Empress that she does not need to do such things. It is between a father and his son," Han Wenji proimed. His mood was still ruined because of the Fourth Prince''s behavior.


    "Your Majesty, this is the first time the Fourth Prince made such a mistake. Please forgive him, your majesty," Eunuch Jin pleaded with the Emperor.


    "Eunuch Jin, the Prince stepped out of his boundaries by not only disrespecting the position I gave him. He hurt Princess Zhu Lin, though she did notin about that. Let him beg for forgiveness. Tell the Empress and the Consorts to dress in white for two days. Also, start the preparation for his final rites. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will return in a day or two," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin and walked ahead.


    Eunuch Jin bowed and first dropped the Emperor to his manor,ter he went to inform the Empress.


    In the Courtroom, Gu Zhenya saw the Royal Scroll on the desk of the Emperor in the court. "What is in this scroll?" He picked it and removed the string rolled around it. He opened the scroll and read the decree.


    Gu Zhenya widened his eyes as he read the decree. "What? The Emperor is removing the Fourth Prince from the position of Advisor?" He mumbled and looked around. "What has happened that the Emperor wrote such a decree?" Gu Zhenya murmured.


    He heard the creak of the door, so, quickly closed the scroll and tied the golden string around. He stepped down and hid behind a pir in the courtroom.


    Eunuch Jin walked inside the Courtroom. He picked the scroll. "I almost forgot to pick it up. It is good that no one saw it," he muttered and put the scroll inside his pocket. Eunuch Jin then left the Courtroom while Gu Zhenya came to the front from behind the pir.


    "I need to ask Empress Hui regarding this matter. How can she not tell me about this? If the Fourth Prince is removed then my aim to be the Prime Minister will get ruined," Gu Zhenya muttered and left the Courtroom.

 Chapter 421 - Your Mother Paid The Price

    <h4>Chapter 421 - Your Mother Paid The Price</h4>


    After besieging the castle and capturing Tan Gangxin and his Generals, Sheng Li returned to the resting ground. The bloodshed was not intense this time because Tan Gengxin surrendered easily.


    "Behead those Generals," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan.


    "Why do you not kill me?" Tan Gengxin queried him. Shackles were put around his hands and feet. Though Sheng Li had not beaten him yet.


    "Why are you so desperate to die now? Let''s have a conversation before death embraces you," affirmed Sheng Li.


    Tan Gengxin chuckled and looked at Huo Jin. "Sheng Li, you should not trust him. He betrayed me today, and tomorrow he will betray you," proimed Tan Gengxin.


    .


    "He will not betray me. There is a difference between us, Gengxin. You used him as a pawn while I use only those as pawns who are my enemies," asserted Sheng Li. "I do not want to know what happened between you two. Your father was older than my father. He considered him a friend and always was loyal to him. Howe his son became an enemy of my father?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Your father did not tell you!" Tan Gengxin raised his brow.


    "Answer," Sheng Li said sternly.


    "He married the woman I love," Tan Gengxin replied. Sheng Li frowned upon hearing his statement.


    "What?" He blinked a few times.


    "He indeed did not tell you," Tan Gengxin snickered and then scornfullyughed.


    "Stop speaking rubbish," Sheng Li clenched his hand. Huo Jin and the Commanders nced at Sheng Li.


    "Rubbish?!" "It is the truth. He married Shu-Mei, and I decided to end his family," Tan Gengxin asserted.


    "Do not take the name of my mother from your filthy mouth," Sheng Li stepped forward and grabbed his robes. "Just speak what I am asking," He gritted his teeth.


    "Sheng Li, you shall know the truth about your mother, me, and your father," pronounced Tan Gengxin and smiled wickedly. "Do you not want to know who killed your mother?" Tan Gengxin asked him. "Do you not want to know why she had to face such a brutal death?"


    "Give me my sword," Sheng Li shouted. Commander Yang came forward when Ying Lili stopped him and took the sword from his hand. Ying Lili went to him and grabbed his arm.


    "Calm down. Let''s listen to him, first," Ying Lili stated.


    "Lili, step back. Do not intervene in this matter," Sheng Li shrieked. "Take her away," hemanded. Commander Yang stepped forward and told Ying Lili toe with him. Ying Lili left his arm and left the ground.


    "What has angered you? You shall know the truth, Sheng Li. The past which has hidden from everyone," Tan Gengxin affirmed. He noticed Sheng Li''s reaction.


    "Your highness, please calm down," Commander Sun intervened this time. "We need to know the truth. There might be some of his allies in Luoyang," Commander Sun simmered down the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li pushed Tan Gengxin, and he fell to the ground, whoughed for a while. "I wanted to marry your mother, but she fell in love with him. That''s when I thought about conquering the Han Empire. Weng Wei was my pawn, who was jealous of your mother. Han Wenji adored Shu-Mei a lot! Sigh, she could not live long. If she would have been with me, then she might have had a good life. So when Shu Mei died, I decided to kill the entire Royal Family and also her son, whom she had with Han Wenji. Earlier, I had nned to kill Han Wenji only. I did not do anything wrong. Your father did wrong, and your mother paid the price of marrying him," Tan Gengxin briefed Sheng Li.


    "You killed my mother?" Sheng Li inquired from him.


    "What do you think?" Tan Gengxin questioned him back while smirking.


    "How could you kill my mother? So, you arranged that deadly poison for her," Sheng Li''s suspicion grew stronger.


    Tan Gengxin chuckled. "I did. She refused my love so she had no right to live." Sheng Li punched him hard and kept punching him. His hands filled in his blood.


    "How dare you kill her? How?" Sheng Li shouted. No one dare to stop him. The Commanders and the soldiers lowered their eyes while Huo Jin was shocked to see that side of the Crown Prince.


    Tan Gengxin was onlyughing, which angered Sheng Li more. He pulled out the dagger which he had hidden inside his sash. He almost stabbed him when Ying Lili caught his hand. She returned to the ground because she knew if Sheng Li turned aggressive, he would only kill him without investigating him properly. Moreover, Sheng Li usually gets triggered only by hearing about his mother.


    Sheng Li''s red eyes gazed at Ying Lili, and he pushed her, but she again caught his hand. "Commander Yang, help me," Ying Lili asked for her help. Swiftly, he grasped the arms of Sheng Li and pulled him back. Commander Sun also needed toe forward, and they pulled him back.


    "Leave me," Sheng Li bellowed at them. "He killed my mother. I need to kill him," Sheng Li said.


    "Calm down. You can kill himter. I need to interrogate him. Do not lose your temper," Ying Lili told Sheng Li as she grasped both of his arms. "Do not act this way," Ying Lili stated when he pushed the two Commanders and let go of her hands.


    "If anyone intervenes, I will kill him too," Sheng Li threatened them. "If you cannot see me this way, then leave. It is the matter of my mother, so even you do not have the right to stop me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili as he snatched the dagger from her hand and stepped forward.


    Wang Hao stopped Sheng Li this time. "Your highness, you cannot kill him. His punishment is in the hands of the Emperor. We have to take him back alive," Wang Hao reminded the Crown Prince.


    "I do not care," Sheng Li pronounced and pushed him away.


    "Themand of the Emperor is supreme. He has ordered the Crown Prince to bring Tan Gengxin alive to Luoyang. If the Crown Prince does not listen, then I will take action," Wang Hao warned Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li did not listen to him, so Wang Hao grabbed both of his arms. "The Crown Prince shall not act stubbornly," Wang Hao pulled Sheng Li back. He did not want the Emperor to punish Sheng Li for defying his orders. He took Sheng Li away to the nearest tent house while Xiao Zhan took Tan Gengxin away.

 Chapter 422 - Stop Preaching The Lesson Of Kindness

    <h4>Chapter 422 - Stop Preaching The Lesson Of Kindness</h4>


    "Your highness, please calm down. I know that it is the matter of your mother, but his highness shall understand that he cannot kill Tan Gengxin without interrogating him about the other things. Also, we do not know if Tan Gengxin''s statements are true or false," asserted Wang Hao.


    "Wang Hao, he killed my mother. I read his expressions and his eyes. He was the one who handed the poison to Weng Wei, and she gave that to Zhang Yong. I do not care if the Emperor punishes me. It is about my mother," Sheng Li ced his hand on his chest.


    "The Crown Prince will not go out. I request you to stay here until the investigation is over." Sheng Li scowled at him. "Your highness, even if you do not care about yourself, but I do care. I cannot see you getting punished for defying the orders of the Emperor.. His highness might lose many things because of his temper." Wang Hao made Sheng Li understand.


    Sheng Li mmed his hand on the table. "Leave me alone. We are leaving for Luoyang by this evening through the shortest route," Sheng Li told him. Wang Hao bowed and walked out of the tent house.


    "Because of him, I lost three precious people in my life," he clenched his fist and hit the table with it. Ying Lili came to the tent house and stopped a few meters away from him.


    "I want to be alone, Lili," Sheng Li felt her presence and turned to her. She had a wooden bowl and cotton fabric in her hand. "Leave. I might say something to you which I do not want to!" Sheng Li requested her.


    "You can say anything to me. At least your anger will go away. I know you are hurt after such a big revtion from Tan Gengxin. However, the Emperor does not know about this, else he would have told you," Ying Lili stated as she ced the wooden bowl and fabrics on the table.


    Sheng Li averted his gaze from Ying Lili. She lifted her hand and brought it closer to his cheek when Sheng Li caught it. They both intensely looked at each other. Sheng Li had knitted his brows as if he was questioning her something. "You should not have intervened," Sheng Li said finally.


    Ying Lili grasped his same hand, put it down, and touched his knuckles. Sheng Li closed his eyes tightly as he felt the pain. She dipped one cotton fabric in the water and squeezed it. Bringing it near Sheng Li''s hand, she cleaned the wounds on his knuckles. She blew air over them while gently cleaning them.


    Sheng Li nced at her and pulled his hand back. Ying Lili tightly drew his hand closer to her. "Do you want a beating?" Ying Lili asked her as she dabbed the cloth in the depressions between the knuckles. "Stop acting as if only you are hurt. I am also hurt. Your Generals, Commanders, and soldiers are hurt too. It''s just we could not act that way," Ying Lili affirmed. She picked the clean cotton bandage and wrapped it around his hand after applying medicine on his knuckles.


    "I told you that I am heartless to those who did wrong with my mother. Stop preaching the lesson of kindness in front of me," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression. "Tan Gengxin arranged poison for her, and he wasughing like crazy. I want to stab every part of his body so that he feels the same pain that my mother underwent when she had fed that poison," Sheng Li proimed. He pulled his hand back and turned back.


    He threw the water bowl, therefore, bewildered Ying Lili. Removing the bandage from his hand, he threw it on the floor. "I hate it when someone puts his nose where my mother is involved. Just leave," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili''s eyes turned watery. She stepped back and lowered her head. Sheng Li squeezed his eyes tightly and mmed his hand on the table again. "Why am I here? I shall just kill him," Sheng Li murmured and turned. To his surprise, Ying Lili was still there, crying silently.


    Sheng Li felt bad for talking rudely to Ying Lili. It was not her fault then why he was angry at her. He contemted. He cursed himself internally for behaving this way with her. "Forgive me," Sheng Li said and walked to her. He kissed the top of her head and leaned back. "I am out of my mind at this moment. Do not take my words to your heart." He wiped the tears from her cheek using his thumb.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and peered into his eyes. "I told you that I would listen to whatever you say. But I will not let you make a decision in a rush," Ying Lili stated as again tears rolled over her cheeks.


    Sheng Li had turned calmer by now. When he saw Ying Lili''s tears, he got the realization that he was hurting her when she only tried to pacify him. "Don''t cry," Sheng Li again ced his thumbs on her cheeks and wiped them.


    "They areing on their own," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li pulled her into a hug and rested her head on his chest. His one hand was over her head while the other was on her back. He patted her back. After a while, they pulled back from the hug.


    "Fine. I will keep control of myself till we reach the Capital. Though my hands are itching to kill him, still I will control myself," Sheng Li promised Ying Lili and brought her hands towards his lips. He kissed them and again apologized.


    "Let me treat your wounds," Ying Lili said. "Those might get infected," she said in a low voice. She took him towards the same table, and made him sit on the chair there. "You shall not hurt yourself like this. It hurts me too, more than you," asserted Ying Lili.

 Chapter 423 - I Will Leave The Palace

    <h4>Chapter 423 - I Will Leave The Pce</h4>


    Ying Lili wrapped the bandages around Sheng Li''s hands and asked him if he had any other injuries. He shook his head. Ying Lili cleaned her hands and called a soldier to take the things away that were on the table.


    "How can someone do this? If he loved her, shouldn''t he¡­" Sheng Li''s voice quivered, and he paused. "Did his hands not tremble once while doing such a thing?" Sheng Li then said.


    "He never had any affection for her. Let''s confirm the facts first. Maybe he is lying to you? Let''s first reach Luoyang," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    "My heart ispletely broken," Sheng Li sighed and lowered his head. Ying Lili moved her chair closer to Sheng Li and told him to lean onto her. He rested his head on her shoulder and closed his eyes.


    .


    Ying Lili grasped both of his hands again and continued to caress them. "At this moment, my mind is fired with only one thing that I shall not keep him alive. His words are roaming in my mind," Sheng Li stated. "You told me that you would turn cruel to others for me. You promised me, Lili." He lifted his head and peered into her eyes.


    "I never broke my promise. However, this time the situation is different. We cannot kill Tan Gengxin unless his majesty meets him. Once Tan Gengxin and his majesty meet, you can do whatever you want to do," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Brother Sheng, can Ie in?" Lei Wanxi shouted from outside.


    "No," Sheng Li simply refused him while Ying Lili gazed at him in bewilderment. However, Lei Wanxi did the opposite. He walked in and greeted them. "Wanxi, leave," Sheng Li urged him.


    "I will not until you stop being aggressive. I do not want Brother Sheng to take such a wrong step in his anger that might impact him and his wife in the future," Lei Wanxi kept the stress on his words. Sheng Li recalled Hu Jingguo at that time. Just like Lei Wanxi, he used to defy him, annoy him more in times when he did not want to.


    Lei Wanxi came to Sheng Li''s left and stood there. cing his hand on Sheng Li''s shoulder, Lei Wanxi said, "Sometimes, things happen the way that we never want them to. You acted bravely and tough, Brother Sheng¨C all these years."


    ~~~~


    Nianzu was on his knees for the past 5 hours. Eunuch Chung told him to not be adamant and hard on himself as the Emperor had refused to see him. However, Nianzu did not pay heed to him.


    "Your highness, his majesty is here," a maidservant came inside to inform them. Eunuch Chung smiled as he heard it. He turned and found the Emperor hade in. They bowed deeply. "Leave," Han Wenji told Eunuch Chung and the maidservant, who stepped back, lowered their heads, and left the chamber.


    Nianzu was still on his knees, and his eyes were lowered. "I apologize to you, Father. Please forgive me," Nianzu stated and bowed.


    "Stand up." Han Wenji did not reply to his son''s apologies. Nianzu tried standing up but because he was in such a position for a long time, his legs gave up. He tried harder and despite feeling numbness in his legs, he stood up. He wavered when Han Wenji grabbed his arm, thus holding him intact at his ce.


    Nianzu finally peered into his father''s eyes. "When a child falls, his parents immediately hold him. When he falls into danger, they protect him. However, that is valid for a certain time only," Han Wenji affirmed and took him to the bed.


    Sitting on the mattress, Han Wenji continued, "I did not like it when youpared me with Weng Wei. I have never controlled your life. However, when I contemted, I realized that I did a few things that offended you this time," Han Wenji admitted his mistake as well.


    "Forgive me, Father. I said those words in anger. I am sincerely apologetic towards you." Nianzu was guilty. He never acted in such a way and it made him fall in front of the eyes of his father the most.


    "In my eyes, Zhu Lin was the perfect wife for you. But after today''s incident, I realized Zhu Lin deserves someone better. Indirectly, you disrespected her." Nianzu clutched his overcoat because he knew his misbehavior affected and insulted her as well.


    "About Chuntao, I still do not think she is suitable for you. But since she understands you, I permit your marriage with her." Nianzu was stunned to hear about that. He widened his eyes as it was unbelievable for him. "However, it wille with a price. Leave the Pce and even Luoyang," Han Wenji pronounced.


    The tiny smile which had started to appear on his lips faded away. His father was hurt badly. But this was what he wanted. "I took this decision as an Emperor and a father too. As an Emperor, I should have beheaded that girl for defying me, but if I think as a father, that will make you hate me more. At least, I do not want this. So, sending you away is the best. Do not ever enter Luoyang, and if you do, I will not hesitate in passing an order to hang the girl, for whom you did all this," Han Wenji warned Nianzu.


    Nianzu blinked a few times because it was like a dream to him, not a good one. He never wanted it this way.


    "I wanted to tell you this after the return of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. However, I could not make you wait longer. They might be in the Pce by tomorrow, so leave after that. You would not take even a single penny or a thing from this Pce. Since you always wanted to live as amoner, so be it. The Emperor has given you that life," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "I cannot even meet my brothers and my mother?" Nianzu asked his father.


    "No. Your identity as the Prince will disappear from tomorrow. You will no longer be their brother and her son," Han Wenji replied.


    "Father, you have not forgiven me, right?" Nianzu questioned.


    "Whatever you are thinking is right," Han Wenji gave him an indirect answer.


    "I will leave the Pce, Father," Nianzu answered. ''Even at this moment, you did not understand why your son always felt alone?'' Nianzu thought while Han Wenji was disappointed in his son. He was ready to leave everything behind for a meremoner. Both of their eyes filled with tears, but they did not let them fall.


    Han Wenji was ready to leave when Nianzu said, "Thank you for everything, Father. I will miss you." Han Wenji gulped but did not say anything and left the chamber.

 Chapter 424 - A Caged Bird

    <h4>Chapter 424 - A Caged Bird</h4>


    Nianzu dressed in a white Hanfu dress and left to meet Chuntao. It waste evening. Nianzu promised Chuntao that he would meet her in the morning, but it got dyed. After walking for half an hour, he arrived at the Wang Residence. He walked in and went straight to the chamber where he had left Chuntao.


    He found her sitting around the floor table. "Did you not take a rest?" She heard the voice of Nianzu and stood up immediately.


    "I was not tired," Chuntao answered. She saw the troubled expression on Nianzu''s face. She walked to him and asked, "Are you okay? Has everything gone well? You look a little troubled." She was anxious when Nianzu did not reply to her for a few seconds.


    "Shall we go out? For a walk?" Nianzu asked her..


    "Yes," she passed him a tiny smile. Nianzu grasped her hand, and the two left Wang''s Residence. The two continued to walk while a few upper-ssmen saw them. Chuntao lowered her eyes, tried to hide her face so that she could prevent herself from capturing their nces. At the same time, she pulled her hand back when Nianzu did not let it go. "Are you ashamed to hold my hand in the open?" Suddenly Nianzu queried her and looked at her.


    "No," she replied. "I thought those-"


    "That should not be a worry, Chun. Let them see us. I have not done any crime," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao realized that something big had happened in the Pce that was why Nianzu looked troubled, though he had not shared it with her. She wondered if the Emperor punished Nianzu when her attention went to his steps. He was walking slowly as if he got hurt.


    Chuntao halted at her ce, and so did Nianzu. "What happened? Are you tired? Shall I carry you on my back?" Nianzu asked her.


    "I am good," replied Chuntao.


    "It''ste evening. Shall we go to your house?" Nianzu queried her.


    Chuntao nodded her head, and the two went to her house. Chuntao opened the lock on the door and told Nianzu toe inside. She then quickly opened the door of the first room in the house. "Let me light a candle," Chuntao said and told him to stay at his ce. She lit a candle which illuminated the small room. cing it on the table, she told Nianzu toe inside.


    Nianzu removed his shoes and stepped inside. Chuntao closed the door behind him and put a cushion near the table. "Please sit on it," Chuntao affirmed, gesturing towards the cushion on the floor. "Ahh, it''s a little old." She scratched her head.


    "It''s good," Nianzu said and sat on it. "Did you make that?" He asked.


    "Yes. I can do the craftwork," Chuntao replied and sat beside him on another cushion.


    "Is it your room?" Nianzu asked her as he looked around.


    "Yes. It is quite small, right?" Chuntao muttered.


    "It isfortable and warm," Nianzu answered. Silence again surrounded them. Chuntao fidgeted her fingers while taking nces at Nianzu. "Why is he not saying anything? What is bothering him?" Chuntao thought.


    "I will leave the Pce tomorrow," Nianzu finally informed her. Chuntao was bewildered to hear that. Nianzu peered into her eyes.


    "Why? Is it because of me?" Chuntao inquired from him as her eyes turned misty. "You should not do this. Your family is there," Chuntao said.


    "Family?" Nianzu chuckled. "I have to leave Luoyang, and also I will no longer be identified as a Prince from tomorrow," Nianzu told her. "I will not have anything with me from tomorrow except you. So, do you want to hold my hand even after this?" Nianzu waited for Chuntao''s reply. "I know as a woman you want a man who will have a stable ie while with me, it''s the opposite. You can step back if you want to. I will notin," Nianzu asserted and smiled at her.


    Chuntao could feel how broken Nianzu was! Behind that smile, those things had hidden which he did not reveal to her. "I want a man who can cherish me, not a man with a stable ie. I will hold your hand till myst breath," Chuntao said and grasped his one hand.


    "You love this ce. You have to leave it all behind to live with me. You can never enter Luoyang once we leave this ce. It is the order of my father," Nianzu pronounced.


    "The memories of them are in my heart. I will take away their memorable things with me. But if you think I will leave you in the middle, then you are wrong. You hold me in my worst time, and I will hold you throughout my life," Chuntao asserted.


    Nianzu''s worries ended a little upon hearing her. It was what he liked about her. Even if he told her a few things, she understood him. Unlike his family, who always argued with him for every decision he made. They gave him numerous reasons not to go with this rtionship instead of understanding him. Though, Sheng Li did understand him. Thanks to him, Nianzu was able to make this decision today, but it cost him. He would lose his rtionship with everyone in the Pce. It had hurt him somewhere.


    She caressed his hand and said, "You can lean on me. If you want to cry, then cry but do not let it remain inside your heart."


    "I made a mistake as Ipared my father with thete Empress Wei. Also, I did not converse with Princess Zhu Lin about my feelings for you, so I hurt her. These two things I regretted the most. Other than this, I do not regret anything. A caged bird always wants to be free despite the dangers that it would face outside. I am that caged bird. Finally, I can live the life as Nianzu only... not as the son of a concubine or a Prince or an Empress''s son." Nianzu heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you for being with me in this tough time, Chun." He leaned forward and nted a kiss on her forehead.

 Chapter 425 - My Identity Was Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 425 - My Identity Was Nothing</h4>


    Nianzu drew Chuntao closer and put his hand around her shoulder. Chuntao lifted her head and peered into his eyes. "Are you good? I still feel you did not tell me everything," she proimed.


    "Do you want to know about me? I never told you things rted to me," Nianzu asserted.


    "I would love to know about you," Chuntao replied.


    "When I was a kid, my father, was mostly into the battles as the Empire needed to expand. At that time, Weng Wei was the queen and ording to the rules of the Pce, the inner pce is controlled by the Queen and now the Empress. My education was limited, and I was not allowed to enter the main Pce by her. I even could not select the things of my choice.


    I remember, once I wanted a dress. That was a beautiful piece.. But the material was from the rarest silk. As my legal mother was Weng Wei, so she had the right to decide. She refused and told me- ''Not to select those things which are not made for me.'' I was nine years old at that time. From that day, I stopped asking for those things. I limited my choices." Nianzu heaved a sigh reminiscing those hurtful memories.


    After a while, he resumed speaking. "She used to get angry with my mother if I tried raising my voice on her.


    Then, my other mothers also did not treat me well. I excelled in my studies, and it became the reason for jealousy in them because father might have handed me a good position in the future. I never wanted fights in the family because of me, so I refrained from getting involved with them," Nianzu told her a few of the dark things which no one could ever imagine would ever happen to the Prince.


    "Weng Wei once warned me not to give answers to the philosophers as my father wanted to check the knowledge and intellect of his five sons at that time. Also, there was a reward too¨C Father would give 100 golden coins to that son who would give the best answers. I wanted them because once my mother liked gold jewelry but Weng Wei did not let her buy it. We used to have limited pocket money so that was arge amount, and I could have purchased that jewelry for my mother. So, I did not listen to Weng Wei and answered every question. I did not want to restrict myself that day." He suddenly paused as he recalled something. Chuntao kept her gaze intact at him but did not say anything. She only read his expressions.


    "Later in the evening, Weng Wei called me and punished me for defying her orders. I was beaten with a stick. The stick hit my legs a hundred times. My legs hurt that day badly. I was not able to walk for five days. Father also found out, but he did not do anything. That''s when I told my mother that I wanted to leave the Pce. My Father found out about this. However, he refused to send me away. Father did not punish her that day as I had told him, and I hated it," Nianzu pronounced as tears on his own rolled over his cheeks, recalling those painful memories.


    "It was not my fault that my mother was a Concubine. Everyone around me ill-treated me except Sheng Li, Wanxi, and Weng Yu. I wanted my father to see this side of me which he never bothered to know about. I know he was more concerned for Sheng Li, but he could have once tried to know why I demanded to leave the Pce because my identity as an individual was nothing to anyone. I was told to fulfill my duties towards everyone- respectful towards my legal mother and other three mothers, my brothers," Nianzu finally stopped speaking.


    He was disheartened that his father would end every rtionship with him and even would not allow him to meet his brothers and his mother.


    "What happened to your knees? Earlier I noticed that you have difficulty while walking," Chuntao waited for his answer. Her eyes were misty.


    "I begged for forgiveness from my father for hurting him. I was on my knees for a few hours."


    "Did his majesty forgive you?" She had a hunch that the Emperor did not forgive him.


    "No," Nianzu snickered.


    Chuntao also cried after hearing all this. She pulled Nianzu''s head down and caressed it. Nianzu closed his eyes, buried his face in her neck, and hugged her tightly. Chuntao, with her other hand, caressed his arm. "You are a great person. Despite all this, you never left your true self. That''s what is great about you." She felt the tears of Nianzu on her skin, near her neck.


    They stayed in that position for twenty minutes when Nianzu pulled back and quickly turned his face away. He wiped off the tears from his face and remained silent. Chuntao wrapped her arms from behind and rested her cheek on his back.


    "You are not alone. Do not feel low," Chuntao asserted.


    "Even my mother has turned selfish since she became the Empress. I wish this time she could understand me," Nianzu said in a low voice. "Thank you for holding me like this. For the first time, I am feeling warm." Nianzu ced his hand on her hands which had wrapped around him and then turned to her.


    Chuntao lifted her hands and with her thumbs wiped the area below his eyes. "Are you feeling good now? Is there something more to say? Say then. It will make you feel better." Chuntao moved her thumbs over his cheeks.


    "I am better, now," Nianzu replied.


    Chuntao smiled and moved a little up to reach his lips. She pecked them and leaned back. "You shall not remember your past anymore. It always hurts. Let''s live in the present and make our future better," suggested Chuntao.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied. He stroked her hair. "I will marry you the day after tomorrow. Sigh, it will not be a grand marriage as you might have dreamt of. Is there any distant rtive of yours? I will call them if there are any," Nianzu opined.


    "There is none," Chuntao replied. "I wish my parents and younger brother would be here. Father always wanted to see me as a bride." Chuntao suddenly missed her family.


    Nianzu stopped stroking her hair and touched her cheek from the back of his palm. He gently stroked it. "Do you not want to return to the Pce? You are still a Prince for a day," Chuntao reminded him.


    "I do not want to go there. I will go in the morning," Nianzu answered her.


    "Then, are you staying here t-tonight?" Chuntao asked him.


    "Hmm. I will spend the night here," Nianzu replied.


    "Then, I shall cook for us. You must be tired from the day-long activities," Chuntao stated when Nianzu told her not to move.


    "Why?" Chuntao asked.


    "Because I want to look at you."


    Chuntao giggled upon hearing him. "You can look at meter," she said when Nianzu kissed her lips and leaned back. Both peered at each other before their lips again met.

 Chapter 426 - My Life And His Life

    <h4>Chapter 426 - My Life And His Life</h4>


    "The Crown Prince has arrived," Eunuch Jin informed the Emperor, who swiftly stood up from the chaise and went to the Fu Imperial Gates, followed by Eunuch Jin. The Empress and the other Consorts also joined them. Rong Zemin looked around and did not find Nianzu there.


    "Brother Jian, where is Brother Nianzu?" Rong Zemin queried.


    "He might being," replied Jian Guozhi and saw the horsesing. A smile appeared on his lips, and he walked ahead. Rong Zemin, on the other hand, kept searching for the Fourth Prince. He found Eunuch Chung and went to him.


    "Where is Brother Nianzu, Eunuch Jin? Since yesterday I have not seen him. Is he still asking for forgiveness?" Rong Zemin asked a few questions.


    "No, your highness.. The Prince left early in the eveningst day and has not returned to the Pce since then," Eunuch Chung informed Rong Zemin.


    "What? He never did such a thing? What happened? Can you borate?" Before Eunuch Chung could tell, they heard the loud cheer-up voices for the Crown Prince. "I will converse with youter," Rong Zemin walked ahead and stood by the First Prince.


    Sheng Li got down from Kongqi. Ying Lili also hopped down from her horse, followed by the Generals and the Commanders. Yongzheng and Lei Wanxi stepped out of the horse cart behind and came to the front.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili greeted the Emperor, first followed by the Empress and the other Consorts. Han Wenji stepped ahead and hugged Sheng Li. "Wee to Luoyang," he pulled back and looked at the Crown Princess.


    "The Crown Princess never fails to wonder me," Han Wenji asserted. Ying Lili passed a tiny smile.


    "Father, you shall praise us as well. If Brother Yongzheng and I had not gone with Huo Jin, then it might have been difficult for them," Lei Wanxi proudly pronounced.


    Han Wenjiughed upon hearing the Sixth Prince. "Prince Wanxi always cheers me up with his talks," Han Wenji stated and smiled. His eyes fell on Wang Hao, whose face was a little bruised.


    "Wang Hao, are you good?" Han Wenji asked him.


    "Yes, your majesty," Wang Hao replied and bowed.


    "Get your wounds treated from the Royal Physician and take a proper rest for a few days," Han Wenji ordered him.


    "Yes, your majesty. Thank you for being considerate, your majesty." Sheng Li recalled about Hu Jingguo and asked his father if he got his message regarding Hu Jingguo.


    "Yes," Han Wenji replied.


    "We were waiting for you all. Hu Jingguo''s final rites have not been done till now," Jian Guozhi informed the Crown Prince, who hummed.


    "I will do his final rites. He wanted toy on the hill, behind this Pce," Sheng Li told them. "I did not win this battlepletely because I lost two of my dearest friends," Sheng Li lowered his eyes. All were shocked to see the Crown Prince this way.


    "The Princes shall rest. It was a long journey," Deng Hui intervened. Sheng Li looked at her and nodded. Sheng Li bowed his head and walked past them, followed by the Crown Princess and the other two princes.


    Sheng Li saw Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu, who greeted them. Xing-Fu took Sheng Li''s sword and followed him to his manor while Ying Lili went to Zhenzhu Inn. Before leaving to his manor Sheng Li told Ying Lili that he woulde to her chamber after freshening up.


    "You did not miss me, right?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu.


    "I did, your highness. The Crown Prince never takes me together. If I had been with his highness then I might have served him well," Xing-Fu expressed his desire.


    "This was myst time going out of the capital. This battle made me learn a few things on which I will work. The reach to the distant people is almost nil which I will open for them. A lot of work still needs to be done for better functioning and administration of the Empire," Sheng Li told Xing-Fu, who was quietly listening to him.


    Soon they reached the chamber where a few servants helped Sheng Li in removing the armor. Sheng Li then went to the bathhouse followed by Xing-Fu.


    After undressing, Sheng Li went into the bathtub and spread his arms out. The warm water rxed his muscles. "Does anything happen in my and Lili''s?absence?" Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu, who had stood a meter away from him.


    "Yes, your highness."


    "Speak," Sheng Li permitted him.


    "Your highness, the Fourth Prince had a big argument with the Emperor. He refused to marry the Princess of Huan Province." Sheng Li, who had shut his eyes, opened them and frowned. "Your highness, the Fourth Princepared the Emperor with the former Empress Weng Wei." Sheng Li was shocked to hear that.


    "Brother Nianzu said this?!" It was unbelievable for Sheng Li.


    "Yes, your highness." Eunuch Xing-Fu then narrated the entire incident to the Crown Prince.


    "Brother Nianzu never liked the Pce life because he was not treated the way the rest of the Princes were treated. If I would turn back and see, then my life and his life did not differ much. The only benefit I had was that my mother was from high status," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Does his highness mean that the Fourth Prince did right?" Xing-Fu wanted to know the Crown Prince''s opinion.


    "Yes. Brother Nianzu is a calm person, unlike me. I am rebellious, but Brother Nianzu is not. Brother just does things to make others happy. If his happiness lies in this, then he should go with it," Sheng Li affirmed and asked the servant to massage his shoulders.


    "Your highness, Eunuch Jin told me that the Emperor had made a decree in which his majesty has removed the Fourth Prince from the position of the Advisor and also his majesty has permitted him to leave not only the Pce but also Luoyang," Xing-Fu finally revealed another important information in front of the Crown Prince.


    "What? How could Father give such a decree?" Sheng Li muttered. "Where is Brother Nianzu? I did not see him earlier."


    "Your highness, the Fourth Prince has not been in the Pce sincest evening," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li. The Crown Princess moved his hand up to stop the servant from massaging his shoulders. He started to massage the scalp of the Crown Prince and washed his head with rice water and rose water.


    ''Where did Brother Nianzu go? He might have gotten hurt when Father did not acknowledge his request,'' Sheng Li thought. The servant washed the hair of Sheng Li, followed by the body.


    Sheng Li removed the bandages from his hands and put them away.


    The servant stepped back, and after a while, Sheng Li stood up. Xing-Fu quickly covered him with the white silk bathrobe. Sheng Li tied the knot and came out of the bathtub.


    "Does anyone know about the leaving of Prince Nianzu?" Sheng Li waited for Xing-Fu''s response.


    "Your highness, the Emperor waited for your safe return along with the others. He will announce his decision today," Xing-Fu stated.


    "I still have time to turn things right. I will make my Father understand," Sheng Li proimed. Xing-Fu anxiously looked at the Crown Prince.


    "His Majesty might get angry at the Crown Prince," Xing-Fu did not want the Crown Prince to intervene in this.


    "I shall intervene before Father started to regret it. It will not be good if the Fourth Brother leaves the Pce. It might have some big consequencester," Sheng Li pronounced. Xing-Fu did not understand the words of the Crown Prince, but he believed him, so he did not say anything more.

 Chapter 427 - Leaving This Life

    <h4>Chapter 427 - Leaving This Life</h4>


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili together with him, and the two went to the Pce Grounds, where everyone was waiting for them. Sheng Li and Ying Lili showed their filial piety towards Hu Jingguo. Since the Emperor and his wives were elder to Hu Jingguo, they did not pay respect and only stood at their ces with lowered heads. A few of Hu Jingguo''s favorite things had been put in the coffin so that in the afterlife he could use them (a general belief of those times). Sheng Li started to cry as he saw the lifeless body of Hu Jingguo. ''I wish you could wake up again.''


    Ying Lili had nothing to say. She only cried upon seeing him. The tears she had held back, she let them fall today. The clouds had gathered in the sky.


    The chief priest told the Crown Prince that Hu Jingguo should be taken to the burial site. Sheng Li nodded, and six soldiers came ahead to carry the coffin. Sheng Li told one soldier to stay back and carried the coffin along with the others.. It surprised everyone in his family. Even Lei Wanxi came ahead and caught it.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li said with a broken voice. They left the Imperial Pce except for the Emperor and his wives. After a while, they reached the uphill where Hu Jingguo desired to get buried.


    Sheng Li had decided to bury Hu Jingguo near the same hut where they two talked for the first time. The servants dug the pit. Sheng Li also helped them, and then the coffin was put into the pit. He looked at Hu Jingguo for thest time before it was enclosed. They covered it with soil. Sheng Li stayed on his knees staring at the burial ce.


    "Leave," Sheng Li ordered his brothers and their wives. Jian Guozhi understood that he wanted to be alone, so he gestured to the others to follow them. Ying Lili, Lei Wanxi, Nianzu, and the Generals stayed there.


    Ying Lili went to him and sat beside him. She touched the soil of Hu Jingguo''s burial site. "He must be at peace now." Sheng Li whispered and looked at Ying Lili. "I could not save him, Lili. He left me with this regret. I could not save the only family member of yours."


    After staying there for a few hours, they returned to the Pce. Sheng Li told Ying Lili not to wait for him for lunch as he might gette. He went to Prison where Tan Gengxin was kept as a captive. Xiao Zhan had brought the Emperor to prison.


    "Did you kill my wife?" Han Wenji asked the first question. Xiao Zhan had already narrated the revtion that Tan Gengxin had made.


    Tan Gengxin, whose both hands were up, tied to the shackles, peered at Han Wenji. "Yes. When she could not live with me then how could I let her live with you?" Han Wenji stepped ahead when Sheng Li walked past him and threw a punch at him.


    He grabbed his robes. "Father, give me the order to kill him. I have held enough," Sheng Li gritted his teeth. Han Wenji pulled out the sword from the sheath and went to Tan Gengxin and pierced it through his body. Sheng Li was shocked to see that. "You should have killed me instead of her," Han Wenji pronounced and moved the sword ahead.


    Tan Gengxin coughed the blood andughed. With hisst breath, he said, "I wanted to see you die thousands of times. That relieved me each day." Tan Gengxin gradually closed his eyes and died.


    Han Wenji took out the sword and threw it on the ground. "Throw him away. Let the eagles eat his flesh. Hang his daughter," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Sheng Li gazed at his father. "Why are you so weak, Father? You never cared what was going behind your back? You let Weng Wei do everything she wanted to! My mother had to lose her life because of all this." Sheng Li had lost his temper. "You never bothered to know who plotted her death. She never thought ill of anyone yet she had to die."


    Han Wenji lowered his eyes. He had nothing to say and already admitted it was his fault.


    "Forgive me, Father. I am just angry," Sheng Li apologized.


    "You are right, Sheng Li. I did not know there were a few people who could harm such a kind woman. A lot of things I have regretted since the day I lost her." He stepped towards Sheng Li and patted his arm. "Forgive me for being a weak father," asserted Han Wenji.


    Sheng Li rubbed his eyes and walked out of prison.


    "Your majesty, the Crown Prince has been in anger since yesterday. The Crown Prince even got angry at the Crown Princess," asserted Xiao Zhan.


    "His anger is legit. He should be angry," Han Wenji affirmed and looked at Tan Gengxin.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li visited his mother''s tomb in the Western Part of the Imperial Pce. He sat in front of her burial site and kept gazing at it. "Why did you do good to everyone? Look what you have got," Sheng Li murmured.


    Nianzu came to him and sat beside him. "I heard about Mother Mei," Nianzu said.


    "Does Brother Nianzu also want to give me a lecture?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked him. "I do not want to listen to any philosophical talk," He added.


    "I am not here to lecture Brother Sheng. I only want to listen to you," Nianzu replied. "You found the real culprits behind your mother''s death. How does it feel?" Nianzu queried him.


    "My heart is at peace. Finally, my mother will be happy in the afterlife. She was in pain all that time. Tan Gengxin did not feel remorse for his actions. He was stillughing. Before I could kill him, our father killed him," Sheng Li answered and touched the soil of the grave.


    "Mother Mei was beloved of our father. It might have broken him. Be his strength," Nianzu stated.


    Sheng Li nced at him. "What about you, Brother Nianzu? You shall leave the Pce. I will talk to our father," Sheng Li stated.


    "No. Do not talk with him regarding this matter. I always wanted to leave the Pce and finally, the day hase," Nianzu requested to Sheng Li.


    "Brother Nianzu knows that I will not listen to him," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Brother Sheng, Father did not try to understand me. Even my mother wants to use me for her benefit. I do not want to be part of all these fights," Nianzu stated and sighed.


    "Every mother wants to see her son at the top. She wants you to see you as the Crown Prince or probably be the next Emperor then go with it. You also know why I became the Crown Prince. I wanted authority over matters to nab the culprits and most importantly I wanted to bring Weng Wei''s true face in front of everyone. Regarding Chuntao, I will fight in court to give you the freedom to marry her. Do not leave the Pce because something big can happen," Sheng Li made the Fourth Prince understand.


    "Brother, I am not suitable for the position of the Crown Prince. I will fight for myself. Thank you for thinking about me, Brother Sheng. Father wants me to go away, so I will not stay back, and I cannot leave the hand of Chuntao either. Leaving this life is the best option. Do not worry, Brother Sheng. Nothing will happen. I will keep us safe," Nianzu assured Sheng Li. The Crown Prince found that Nianzu was adamant about his decision.


    "The Empress will not let you go away, Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li reminded him.


    "I will not see my mother before leaving. I will leave in a few minutes. I wanted to converse with you before leaving Luoyang," Nianzu informed him.


    "Are you sure, Brother?"


    Nianzu nodded his head as he gazed into the eyes of Sheng Li. "I want to leave the Pce," Nianzu confirmed.


    "Where have you nned to live? I have a ce in my mind," Sheng Li stated.


    "I have not thought. I think I will not live near Luoyang," Nianzu replied. "What ce did Brother Sheng have in his mind?" Nianzu curiously asked.


    "Huzhou Town (Imaginary name) is a nice ce to live. It will take a day to reach there," Sheng Li asserted.


    "The ce is surrounded by mountains. Indeed, it is a nice ce to spend my life with Chuntao," Nianzu replied. "Brother, will you promise me something?"


    "Hmm."


    "Do not tell anyone about this ce. Please promise me this," Nianzu requested.


    "I cannot lie to Lili. She is going to be upset."


    "Apart from Sister Lili please do not tell anyone," Nianzu said.


    "Okay. Xiao Zhan will safely take you to Huzhou Town. Don''t deny it. This is what I want to do for you," Sheng Li asserted. Nianzu agreed to him and thanked him for being understanding.

 Chapter 428 - Nianzus Departure - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 428 - Nianzu''s Departure - Part 1</h4>


    "Why are you still here?" Lei Wanxi asked Zhu Lin, who was in the Eastern Pavilion. "What are you doing here? I told you not to step in the Eastern Pavilion," Lei Wanxi said annoyingly. "You still think that Brother Nianzu will marry you!" He chuckled.


    "You are so eager to kick me out of here. The route to the Huan Province is blocked due to heavy rain. Because of that, I dyed my n to leave. Why would I marry him when he has someone," Zhu Lin pronounced. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows. He wondered if he heard something wrong.


    "You stepped back from the marriage?" Lei Wanxi queried her.


    Zhu Lin hummed at him. "You do not know what happened here yesterday?" She asked.. Lei Wanxi confusedly peered at her.


    "Did something happen in my absence?" Lei Wanxi waited for Zhu Lin''s answer.


    "Prince Nianzu angered the Emperor. You shall ask the rest of the matter from your brother," Zhu Lin suggested to him.


    Lei Wanxi was stunned to hear that the Fourth Prince infuriated their father. It was odd. What happened behind his back. He turned and left the Eastern Pavilion. Arriving outside the chamber of the Fourth Prince, he asked Eunuch Chung about Nianzu.


    "Your highness, the Prince has gone to the Pce Grounds," Eunuch Chung answered. Lei Wanxi nodded and turned to leave when his eyes fell on Empress Deng Hui. He bowed before her and found she was a little troubled.


    "Where is the Prince? Did he return? Did you tell him toe to me and converse with me?" Deng Hui asked Eunuch Chung who had lowered his head.


    "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince said that he would first go to the Pce Grounds and then woulde to meet you," Eunuch Chung humbly replied.


    "Eunuch Chung, I strictly instructed you to send him to me. Then, why did you let him go?" Deng Hui''s anger burst suddenly. Lei Wanxi got terrified seeing all this. He was feeling strange but he kept himself calm.


    "Imperial Mother, Brother Nianzu does not lie. If he had told you that he woulde to you then he was telling the truth. Do not get panicked," Lei Wanxi consoled Deng Hui, who was still restless.


    "Prince Wanxi, Nianzu did note to the Pcest night. He has lost his mind because of that vige girl," Deng Hui furiously said. "Go, and bring the Prince here. I am waiting for him," Deng Hui ordered Eunuch Chung, who bowed and ran towards the Pce Grounds.


    "Mother, I will bring Brother Nianzu. Please sit inside," Lei Wanxi asked her and then went behind Eunuch Chung to bring Nianzu to the chamber.


    "Something big has happened in the Pce," Lei Wanxi murmured and ran through the corridors. He encountered Jian Guozhi, who stopped him and asked where he was running to.


    "Do you know where Brother Nianzu is?" Lei Wanxi asked him while panting.


    "Why? What happened? He might be somewhere in the Pce," Jian Guozhi replied. Lei Wanxi shook his head.


    "Mother Hui is in anger. Brother did note to the Pcest night," affirmed Lei Wanxi. "Did you not check on Brother Nianzu? I think something is wrong." Lei Wanxi panicked.


    "First Brother, did you hear that our father announced the removal of Brother Nianzu and also told him to leave the Pce?" Rong Zemin, from the other side, came to them while speaking.


    "Pardon?" "Nianzu is leaving the Pce? Where is he?" Jian Guozhi was shocked to find out about this.


    "I do not know, Brother. I just got the news. Even in the morning, I did not see Brother Nianzu," Rong Zemin asserted.


    "He was there during the burial ritual," Jian Guozhi stated. Lei Wanxi nodded.


    "First Brother, let''s first find the Fourth Brother," Rong Zemin suggested to him.


    "You two find him. I am going to meet our father and will request him to take back his order," Jian Guozhi proimed and left for the Emperor''s manor, while the Third Prince and the Sixth Prince left for the Pce Grounds.


    The news about the Emperor''s decree spread like a fire throughout the Pce. Everyone started to whisper among each other. The Ministers praised the Emperor for staying true to his roots and not letting amoner enter the Pce. They appreciated the decision of the Emperor except for Minister Gu Zhenya.


    "I should not have rmended the name of Deng Hui to the Emperor. I trained her all this time and in the end, her son messed up," Gu Zhenya muttered.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li, Nianzu, and Xiao Zhan came to the Wang Residence where Nianzu had kept Chuntao. Wang Hao got the news of their arrival so quickly went to fetch them inside.


    "I will bring her," Nianzu said. Wang Hao bowed and gave him the way. As he left, Wang Hao told him that he found out about this matter when he reached the residence.


    "Your highness, the Fourth Prince shall not leave the Pce. It is only my opinion," Wang Hao asserted.


    "I talked with Brother Nianzu. However, he is adamant about his decision. He does not want to live there as Father still has not epted his rtionship with themoner. I will not stop him," Sheng Li pronounced. "Xiao will safely escort them to Huzhou Town. Do not reveal this thing to anyone. It shall only stay between us," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Yes, your highness. I shall also go with them. I have rested well," Wang Hao suggested to the Crown Prince.


    "Okay," Sheng Li agreed with him. Nianzu came there with Chuntao, who bowed upon seeing the Crown Prince.


    "Greetings to the Crown Prince," Chuntao softly said.


    "Hmm." "Take care of my Brother. You are lucky that I am helping you," Sheng Li stated. Nianzu smiled and looked at Chuntao.


    "Yes, your highness."


    "You cannot enter Luoyang, but I can go anywhere. I wille to meet you two," Sheng Li asserted and stepped towards Nianzu. He hugged him and handed his special Royal Tassel in Nianzu''s hand.


    Sheng Li pulled back when Nianzu looked at his hand. "I do not want it, Sheng Li," Nianzu stated.


    "You will need it. Maybe in the future. I-I do not want you two to get harmed in any way," Sheng Li affirmed. Nianzu''s eyes filled with tears.


    "Thank you, Brother Sheng," Nianzu hugged him again and patted his back.


    "We will use a different path to leave Luoyang. Because someone might notice us," Nianzu said as he pulled back from the hug. Sheng Li hummed and looked at Xiao Zhan.


    "I understood, your highness."


    "I wish you a happy married life, Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li wished them. He shifted his gaze to Chuntao, who was a little scared of the Crown Prince. "Do not let him miss us."


    "Yes, your highness. Crown Prince, thank you for everything," Chuntao expressed her gratitude. Sheng Li did not reply to her and gazed back at Nianzu.


    "I shall leave. Father might have announced his decision. I need to handle everything there," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Take care of my mother," Nianzu requested Sheng Li, who nodded and walked out of the Wang Residence. The night had fallen. Sheng Li looked up at the sky. Hopping on Kongqi, he returned to the Pce.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    There will be no mass release on Monday as I am getting vinated. Also, for past 15 days my power stone rank has reduced and it discouraged me a little. I think many of the readers not voting on the story or are disappointed with it. But no worries, I will keep writing. Hopefully, things will change.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 429 - Nianzus Departure - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 429 - Nianzu''s Departure - Part 2</h4>


    Han Wenji looked at Deng Hui, who was crying and pleading with the Emperor to bring her son back. The Consorts were also shocked. They asked the Emperor about Nianzu, who did not speak a word. The Princes were also there. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu were weeping like children.


    Lei Wanxi''s eyes fell on Sheng Li, and he dashed to him. "Brother Sheng, where were you? Do you know about Brother Nianzu? He was in the Pce earlier," Lei Wanxi queried.


    "I do not know," Sheng Li replied and nced at his father, who was troubled. ''Why did he rush his decision? Why did the father get harsh on Brother Nianzu?'' Sheng Li wondered.


    "Brother Sheng, let''s find Nianzu. Brother Nianzu might be in the house of Chuntao," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "No one will find him," they heard Han Wenji, astonishing everyone. Jian Guozhi opened his mouth to speak when he heard Han Wenji. "Whoever will defy my order will be sent away from the Pce. He chose this path, so be it. I will not hear any questions on this matter. No one will take his name ever here," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Deng Hui got on her knees. "Your Majesty, I beg you. Please, bring my son back. He will never show such behavior." The tears continued pouring down Deng Hui''s eyes. The other Consorts also requested the Emperor, but Han Wenji was inexorable.


    "Everyone, leave," Han Wenji sternly said. Eunuch Jin came forward with a few maidservants and helped the Empress. The Consorts and the Princes left the chamber except for the Crown Prince as nothing could be done.


    "I am not interested in talking to anyone," Han Wenji stated as he turned his back towards Sheng Li.


    "The Emperor must talk to the Crown Prince," Sheng Li opined. "Beg your pardon, your majesty, but why did you do this?" He queried.


    "Nianzu always wanted this. Even if I had acknowledged his rtionship with Chuntao, then also nothing good woulde. Someone might have harmed or killed his woman. And it was bound to happen. I have the regret of losing my beloved wife and all these years were painful without her. I do not want to see the same thing happen to Nianzu.


    Also, he infuriated me. That was also the reason I did not stop him from leaving," Han Wenji affirmed.


    "Forgive me for being rude to the Father. I was angry earlier. The truth of my mother shook me from inside," asserted Sheng Li. "You are right, Father. Chuntao could have be a part of Pce politics and might be targeted," he concluded.


    Han Wenji turned to look at Sheng Li. "Keep a check on Gu Zhenya. His intentions do not appear good." Han Wenji ordered Sheng Li.


    "Did you take your medicines?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes. The pain in the chest had gone, and even the blood stoppeding from the cough," Han Wenji replied.


    "Hu Jingguo fulfilled every promise he made to me. I told him to save my father, and without thinking about his life, even for a second, Hu Jingguo voluntarily went to find the herbs for your illness," Sheng Li again reminisced those memories and rubbed his eyes.


    "I will give tribute to him by turning the department of medicine in his name. Hu Jingguo''s name shall remain till generations. His contribution towards the Empire was unusual and remarkable," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Eunuch Jin came inside. "Apologies for interrupting the Emperor and the Crown Prince. The Empress has lost her consciousness," he informed them.


    Han Wenji got worried and left for the Empress''s manor. Sheng Li also followed his father. After knowing Deng Hui''s state from the Royal Physician, Sheng Li returned to his chamber. Xing-Fu and a few servants helped Sheng Li in changing his clothes.


    "I did not see the Crown Princess around. Is she resting?" Sheng Li asked as he tied the knot of his robes.


    "Earlier, Court Lady Xu told me that the Crown Princess is tired because of the travel and has gotten fever," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince, who knitted his brows.


    "Why did you not inform me earlier?" Sheng Li grasped the overcoat from the hand of the maidservant and quickly wore it. He left for the chamber of the Crown Princess.


    "The Crown Prince was nowhere to be seen in the Pce so it was difficult for me. Forgive me, your highness," Xing-Fu sincerely apologized.


    "Did the physician examine her?" He ascended the stairs and entered Zhenzhu Residence.


    "Yes, your highness. The Royal Physician had given the pills to reduce the body temperature," Xing-Fu answered. The maidservants bowed upon seeing the Crown Prince and two of them opened the door of the Crown Princess.


    Sheng Li walked in and saw Court Lady Xu was standing by the table. She stood up and lowered her head to see the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li sat beside Ying Lili and put his palm on her forehead. "She is burning with fever," he murmured and gazed at Court Lady Xu. "What kind of pill did the Royal Physician give to the Crown Princess? Why is she burning?" Sheng Li furiously questioned her.


    "Your highness, the Royal Physician said that it will take a night to see a drop in the temperature of the Crown Princess''s body. I, earlier, gave her highness waterpress," Court Lady Xu replied.


    "This useless Physician!" Sheng Li scoffed. "Send the water holder and a clean cotton cloth," Sheng Li ordered Court Lady Xu. She nodded and, after some time, brought what the Crown Prince had asked.


    Sheng Li dipped the cloth into the water and wrung it. He gently ced it over Ying Lili''s forehead. ''She might be sick because the only family member she had also left this world. She stays strong in front of me for my sake,'' Sheng Li thought as he looked at the pale face of Ying Lili.


    "Did she take her lunch?"


    "Yes, your highness. Though earlier, the Crown princess refused to eat as she wanted to take her meals with you. She ate a little. Your highness, she cried profusely because of the grave loss of her childhood friend," Court Lady Xu briefed the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li''s heart shattered to hear all this. Because of him, his Crown Princess cried again. The void had already been created in their hearts for Hu Jingguo, which could never be filled. His eyes turned watery because of the guilt inside him.

 Chapter 430 - If He Would Be Here

    <h4>Chapter 430 - If He Would Be Here</h4>


    Nianzu and Chuntao stepped out of the carriage as they reached Huzhou Town. It was early morning and the redness still had not disappeared from the sky.


    "Your highness, take this," Xiao Zhan stated and forwarded a key to Nianzu, who confusedly looked at it. "It''s for your new house," asserted Xiao Zhan and took a map of the town. "The house is marked red on this map. No one knows about your identity here. So, you can start a new life," asserted Xiao Zhan.


    "I do not need this. I will-"


    "Keep it, your highness. The Crown Prince will not feel good if you do not take it. He mighte here to talk to you," Wang Hao affirmed. Nianzu looked at the keys and hummed.. He then opened the map and saw the house''s location.


    He folded it and put it near his sash. "Thank you, General Wang and General Xiao," Nianzu bowed.


    "Please take care of yourself. We cannot go further as someone might notice us," proimed Wang Hao. Nianzu nodded his head. "Your luggage has already arrived at the house. Have a great and happy life," Wang Hao wished them. Both the Generals then left for Luoyang.


    Nianzu looked at Chuntao. "Let''s go," he said and grasped her hand. Nianzu read the map once and memorized it. After an hour of walking, they both reached outside the house. "It''s a big house," Chuntao murmured.


    "Brother gifted a residence to us," Nianzu murmured. They stepped on the stairs. Nianzu took out the key and opened the lock on the door. Pushing the door in, he told Chuntao to enter first. After her, he entered and closed the door behind him. The courtyard was neither too big nor too small. Since the house had been locked for a long time, it was not clean and well decorated.


    Chuntao found her luggage on the porch. "Did you not bring anything with you?" Chuntao when did not find any luggage of Nianzu queried him except a zither.


    "Nothing was mine there. Everything was of my father," Nianzu replied. "We will make this ce an abode for us," he said and looked around.


    "Yes," Chuntao answered.


    Nianzu walked inside the house and checked the rooms. Somewhere, Nianzu did not want Sheng Li to do all this for him. However, he did not want to hurt Sheng Li''s heart. That''s why he did not refuse to take the Residence''s keys.


    He came out and saw Chuntao had tied a cloth around her head. She had a broomstick in her hand. "Stay there. I will clean the house," Chuntao stated. Nianzu came out and took the broomstick from her hand. "Sit there," Nianzu pointed towards the porch. "I will do it. The journey was long. You must be tired," Nianzu asserted when Chuntao held the broomstick.


    "You shall not do this work," she opined.


    "Why? I am no longer a Prince. I always wanted to do such works," asserted Nianzu as he let go of Chuntao''s grip from the broomstick.


    "I will clean the rooms and the kitchen then. That way we willplete our work soon," Chuntao said. Nianzu understood that Chuntao would not listen to him, so he let her do whatever she wanted to do. Chuntao smiled and went to the main house in the North.


    Nianzu started to sweep the courtyard. While sweeping he thought about his work. What should he do for a living? Though he was knowledgeable enough tond a good job. However, he was still a little scared that it would be easy for him to get a job when he had left his identity as the Prince.


    He swept the entire courtyard in half an hour and then put the broomstick in the tiny room where cleaning equipment was put. He then checked the well in the residence and found it was in the backyard but dried out. "Oh, no." Nianzu sighed and came to the main house.


    Chuntao had already cleaned the two rooms in the main house. "Chun, the well is dry. I need to arrange water," Nianzu stated.


    "Really? A well usually does not dry unless the rain cycle is not good," Chuntao affirmed.


    "Hmm. I think I need to go into the well then and check it. Maybe something stuck there," Nianzu opined.


    "Let''s first clean all this and then we can take the help of the neighbors. Do not go into the well. It might be dangerous," Chuntao advised him. Nianzu agreed with her and helped her with the work.


    ~~~~


    In Luoyang, inside the Zhenzhu Inn Sheng Li was seated on the stool near the bed. He rested his cheek on one hand while another was on Ying Lili''s forehead. The entire night, he looked after Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li jerked in his sleep and it broke his sleep abruptly. He opened his eyes gradually and yawned. "Her body temperature has reduced," Sheng Li mumbled and heaved a sigh of relief.


    "These few days have been stressful for you. I will try to keep you away from all this," he murmured as he moved the hair strands aside from her face. He stood up from the stool and went towards the door.


    Opening the door, he ordered Xing-Fu to bring the Royal Physician. Xing-Fu bowed and dashed out. Walking back to the chamber, Sheng Li put on the overcoat and waited for the Royal Physician toe.


    After ten minutes, the Royal Physician came to the chamber with Xing-Fu. Greeting the Crown Prince, he examined the Crown Princess. "Her highness''s fever has reduced. She will wake up in a while," the Royal Physician after checking the pulse of the Crown Princess informed the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li hummed. "Your pills are not effective. I think your knowledge of medicine is fading." Sheng Li was furious at the Royal Physician. "I might ask for the recement of the Royal Physician." It was visible on Sheng Li''s face that he was not happy with the Royal Physician.


    "Forgive me, your highness. I troubled you this way. However, the pill was indeed effective. I did not want to give a heavy medicinal pill to her highness. I again sincerely apologize to you," the Royal Physician deeply bowed.


    Sheng Li frowned and told him to leave. Xing-Fu watched the troubled expression on Sheng Li''s face. "Her highness will wake up soon, your highness. Do not be anxious."


    ''If he would be here then this would not be happening,'' Sheng Li thought.

 Chapter 431 - You Shall Be Happy

    <h4>Chapter 431 - You Shall Be Happy</h4>


    Lei Wanxi came to the chamber of Nianzu with a heavy heart. The things were ced as usual in their respective ces. Nothing was cleaned. The Brush, inkrone and sheets had been put on the table. It seemed that Nianzu would enter and sit around the desk to do his work. Lei Wanxi started to cry seeing all that.


    "Why did you leave without even meeting me, Brother?" Lei Wanxi lowered his head and sobbed. "Can''t you even wait for me?" Heined while crying.


    Eunuch Chung came to him. "Your highness, the Prince did not inform anyone¡­ not even me," Eunuch Chung cried as he stood by the Sixth Prince.


    Lei Wanxi turned and walked out of the chamber. Unlike the other days, today his walk was lethargic.. He used to smile every day but today he was not. There were two reasons: First, Hu Jingguo''s loss and second, Brother Nianzu left the Pce.


    He looked at the fan in his hand and again broke into tears. "Brother gifted me this," he mumbled and went towards the practice ground. "If I learn archery then he might return. Brother once told me that if I excel in this then he would fulfill my wish," Lei Wanxi wiped the tears off his eyes and descended the stairs.


    He looked for a bow when the soldier came to him. "Is the Prince searching for something?"


    "I need a bow and a few arrows," Lei Wanxi demanded. The soldier for a second looked at him in amusement.


    "What are you looking at? Do you also think that I am incapable of doing this?" Lei Wanxi was in a bad mood. This was the first time he talked this way with a person in the Pce.


    "Forgive me, your highness. It is rare to see you¡­" he paused as he found the narrow gaze of the Sixth Prince at him. "I am bringing a set for his highness." The soldier swiftly went down the tform and after a few minutes, brought a bow and arrows for the Sixth Prince. He ced them on a table behind Lei Wanxi.


    Lei Wanxi picked up the arrow and put it on the bow string. He pulled the string and released the arrow. The string broke while the arrow fell down. "Why?" He mumbled. "Did you give me a broken bow?" Lei Wanxi''s mood ruined more.


    "I do not dare to," the soldier replied. "I will bring the other," the soldier stated and quickly brought another bow for the Sixth Prince.


    Lei Wanxi''s eyes were filled with tears. His hands were trembling as he again put the arrow on the string. He released it and the arrow fell a meter away from his feet.


    He kept doing that and none of the arrows could not go travel more than a meter away. It discouraged him more. "I am not made for this," Lei Wanxi mumbled and almost threw the bow when Zhu Lin grasped his hand.


    "You shall not disrespect the bow this way," Zhu Lin pronounced. She had put on a maroon Hanfu dress.


    Lei Wanxi frowned and pulled his hand back. "Do you always keep an eye on me? Why are you always around?" Lei Wanxi was irked by her presence.


    "I was here earlier than you," stated Zhu Lin. "Emotional imbnce will not take you anywhere," she asserted.


    "You cannot understand. Brother Nianzu left without a trace," Lei Wanxi proimed. "He told me if I learn it then¡­ then he will fulfill my wish. I will ask Brother Nianzu to return back," he was on the verge of crying.


    Zhu Lin chuckled. "You will not learn it in a day. The state you are in, clearly shows that even if you practice it for ten years, you will not excel in it," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "Do you have to be this harsh?" Lei Wanxiined.


    "I said the truth. Ask your Brother Sheng if you do not believe me," Zhu Lin stated and picked the arrow from the table. "Your Fourth Brother will not return. He wants to spend his life with his lover. The Pce will not allow him that kind of life, that''s why he preferred to leave." She released the arrow that hit the target. She retreated back and peered at him.


    "Did you converse with my Brother? Did you know that the Fourth Brother would leave?" Lei Wanxi waited for her answers.


    "Do you know what your brother did?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "Brother Nianzu requested father to let him go from this Pce," Lei Wanxi stated. "And hepared father with that traitor," he added.


    "Your Brother was aggressive in the Hall. He hurt me because he did not tell me that he had someone in his life. Your Brother told me that he would have to marry me even if he did not want to. Suddenly, he decided to leave and angered your father. However, the Emperor is kind enough to agree with him. Instead of punishing the woman of your Brother, the Emperor sent them away," Zhu Lin exined to Lei Wanxi.


    "You mean that Brother Nianzu should not have stayed here," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Yes. It was for your Brother''s good," Zhu Lin replied. "So, do not try to find him. It will bring problems only. Moreover, your Brother is not a Prince anymore and he is not allowed to enter Luoyang. Follow the Emperor''s order because it is for everyone''s good. Also, you wanted your brother not to marry me," Zhu Lin asserted.


    Lei Wanxi was dejected to learn about that. "I only wanted to meet him for thest time. Brother did not even leave a message for me," Lei Wanxi said with a broken voice. Zhu Lin lifted her hand and wiped the tears off his cheek.


    Lei Wanxi looked at her in bewilderment. "You shall be happy that your elder Brother is free from this Pce life," she put her hand down and patted his shoulder. "Do not force yourself to do something that you do not intend to do," Zhu Lin advised him and then walked past him.


    Lei Wanxi touched his cheek and turned back. Zhu Lin had left the Practice Grounds. "Ahh, how could I cry before her? She will consider me a weak person," he mumbled.

 Chapter 432 - Blame On The Crown Prince {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 432 - me On The Crown Prince {Bonus }</h4>


    Ying Lili got ready after freshening up. Court Lady Xu informed her how the Crown Prince took care of her the entire night. "He did not take his meals, right?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Yes, your highness." "There is something more I would like to tell to the Crown Princess," Court Lady Xu asked for permission.


    "What do you want to tell?" Ying Lili curiously asked.


    "Your highness, the Fourth Prince has left the Pce." Ying Lili was shocked to hear that. Court Lady Xu narrated the entire incident to Ying Lili, who got worried.


    "Brother Nianzu did not meet anyone and left?" Ying Lili was stunned to know that. Court Lady Xu nodded her head.. "What about the mother of the Fourth Prince?"


    "Her Majesty got unconscious the previous day. She pleaded with the Emperor to bring her son back but it was in vain," answered Court Lady Xu. The hairdresser was done making the hair of Ying Lili. She stepped back and left the chamber. Ying Lili looked at her reflection in the mirror when her eyes fell on the table.


    She stood up and went towards the table on which kites were ced. Ying Lili moved her hand above them. "I thought we would all fly these kites together," Ying Lili mumbled. She reminisced about the day when the Emperor told her to reunite the Royal Family.


    Suddenly two hands wrapped around her firmly yet gently. "Lili," Sheng Li whispered as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "How are you feeling? Forgive me, an urgent matter came," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I am well. You took care of me the entire night," Ying Lili replied and tilted her head to gaze at him. Sheng Li lifted his head while Ying Lili rested her head against his chest. "We should have flown these kites earlier," she said.


    "Hmm."


    "Court Lady Xu informed me about the Fourth Brother," Ying Lili stated. "Do you know anything about him," she curiously asked.


    "Hmm. He is in Hazhou Town." Ying Lili turned to him and peered into his eyes. "I told him to live there. It is safest for them. Father thinks that Chuntao might have be the target if he had allowed her entry into the Pce as the legal wife of Brother Nianzu. He thinks that someone might target her to create trouble among us brothers. The biggest consequence would be that Brother Nianzu had to suffer," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "You arranged the travel for Brother Nianzu and Sister Chuntao," Ying Lili inquired from him.


    "Yes. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan have escorted them," Sheng Li replied.


    "Brother Nianzu''s mother might be angry because of the Emperor''s decision. Don''t you think something big could happen? It''s difficult to see through the hearts of them," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li agreed with her.


    "Why did you not take your mealsst night? You did not evene in the day. I waited for you," Ying Lili''s tone changed to a sad one and she sighed.


    "How could I have a mealst night when my wife was sick?" Ying Lili turned to him and read his expressions. "I have given so much stress to you in these few days. Forgive me," Sheng Li lifted her hand and brought it near his lips. He kissed the back of her hand and put it down.


    "The Crown Prince''s wife was only sharing his work so that he would not tire himself out," Ying Lili opined. "You cannot work on everything alone," she stated.


    Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to her when his stomach growled. Ying Lili immediately called Court Lady Xu inside. She pulled away from Sheng Li and told the Court Lady to send breakfast for them. "Come," she held the hand of Sheng Li and took him towards the table. They both sat around it, waiting for the food.


    ~~~~~


    Gu Zhenya gazed at Deng Hui, whose face was pale and whose eyes were swollen. "I did not rmend your name to the Emperor for this day," Gu Zhenya stated. "You were a mere concubine with no status!" He remarked.


    "Be respectful towards the Empress, Minister Gu," Deng Hui affirmed. "You are at a lower rank than me," she said.


    Gu Zhenya snickered. "You are showing your true colors finally. I apologize to you, your majesty," he lowered his head.


    "Why did you not tell me that the Emperor had already prepared a Royal Decree for my son? Are you not loyal to me?" Deng Hui scolded him.


    "I had sent the message for you," Gu Zhenya asserted. Deng Hui drew her brows together.


    "I did not receive any message," she replied. Gu Zhenya got confused. He remembered that he had sent the message to the Empress that day. "Someone took away the message," Deng Hui muttered.


    "Who can do this? And, why?" Gu Zhenya asked her.


    "One who did not want to see my son as the Crown Prince," Deng Hui stated. Gu Zhenya raised his eyebrow because Deng Hui''s suspicion was on Sheng Li.


    "The Empress thinks that the Crown Prince did it?" He scoffed. "The Crown Prince did not know about the matter. Her Majesty also knows that the Fourth Prince kept refusing the position of Crown Prince. Prince Jian Guozhi can also do this. Don''t forget, your majesty, he was once behind the throne," Gu Zhenya rified Deng Hui.


    "Prince Jian has no power. After his mother and half-uncle''s truth came out in front of everyone, he became weak. Sheng Li has many spies in the Pce. Prince Nianzu had told me once," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Your Majesty, I think it''s the Emperor."


    "What?"


    "The Emperor favors the Crown Prince the most. Everyone knows about his love for his beloved wife, Shu-Mei. Every time in the court if an issue is raised against the Crown Prince, the Emperor tries to protect him first. In front of him, other children do not matter," Gu Zhenya proimed.


    "Minister Gu has a wrong idea then. My son, when informed about my ill state to the Emperor, promised him that he would do everything to protect me. His Majesty never let the Prince feel inferior," Deng Hui argued. Gu Zhenya scornfullyughed and gazed at Deng Hui.


    "Then why did he not stop him this time? Ministers are not happy that the Crown Prince is the Fifth Prince who is younger than the other four princes. Three of themcked capabilities. Now, only Prince Nianzu remained. He would be the choice of many ministers and even people, but the Emperor never wanted that to happen," Gu Zhenya pronounced.


    Deng Hui frowned and contemted. "Your Majesty, this is all the doing of his majesty. He snatched the rights of the Fourth Prince, who could have threatened his position in the near future," he asserted.


    "If the Emperor does this then¡­" she paused and looked at Gu Zhenya.


    "Let''s first find out about your son," he suggested.


    "Prince loves Chuntao, and if I tried to force him, then he might-"


    Gu Zhenya cut the words of Deng Hui in the middle. "Your Majesty, the Prince is not supposed to be with amoner. We need to kill Chuntao and put the me on the Crown Prince. Prince Nianzu will then fight for his position. He will understand his worth," Gu Zhenya filled the ears of Deng Hui.

 Chapter 433 - As Far As I Could

    <h4>Chapter 433 - As Far As I Could</h4>


    Nianzu went to the bookshop in Hazhou Town to check whether he could get the job of a scribe. Since every year many prepared for the Civil Services Examination, books were needed which mostly came from the Capital.


    The owner of the shop, Tai Sung, was hesitant to give work to Nianzu. "Master, I will scribe each book for 100 cents. If you doubt my skills, then I can show you," asserted Nianzu.


    Tai Sung quickly handed him the brush which he had dipped in the ck ink. "You have five minutes. Scribe this entire page," Tai Sung opened the book on Han Governance. "Start," Tai Sungmanded Nianzu, and he started writing the characters on the spare notebook. The assistant of Tai Sung, Mo Shen, was bewildered to see the way Nianzu imprinted the characters.


    Mo Shen leaned closer to Tai Sung and whispered in his ear, "Master Tai, he seems talented and skilled. Look at the movement of the strokes and the way he is writing.. We shall hire him." Tai Sung agreed with Mo Shen. Getting such a scriber at such a cheap rate was rare.


    "Stop. You are hired. I will give 100 cents for each book you scribe," Tai Sung stated. Nianzu smiled and put the brush down. He bowed and thanked Tai Sung for hiring him as a scriber.


    "Give me your identification token and also tell me about your family name." Tai Sung took out the ledger book from behind the shelf. "I need to write it here," Tai Sung stated.


    Nianzu handed his identification token to Tai Sung, who frowned. "There is no family name imprinted," Tai Sung gazed at Nianzu.


    "I do not know my parents'' origin," Nianzu lied.


    "Then, are you an orphan or a ve? How are you able to read and write?" Mo Shen queried him. Tai Sung also waited for his answer.


    "I learned from my master who taught me music," Nianzu told another lie. Tai Sung and Mo Shen were surprised to find that Nianzu knew about the music.


    "Why don''t you teach music in the house of the town''s Governor? I heard he was looking for a music teacher for his daughter," Mo Shen suggested to Nianzu.


    "I am not that good at music," Nianzu lied again. "Thank you for thinking about me, Master," he expressed his gratitude. "I will join the work from tomorrow," he informed them.


    "Fine," Tai Sung said as he entered the name of Nianzu in the ledger book. Nianzu was ready to leave when he heard the conversation of two people.


    "Hey, did you hear about the Fourth Prince, Han Nianzu?" One of them asked. Judging by clothes, it appeared that he was the son of an upper-ssman.


    "Why, what happened?" Another asked while going through the books.


    "His rights as a Prince have been snatched, and also he is no longer the Advisor to the Emperor." Nianzu widened his eyes as he heard them.


    "Really? How?" His friend turned curious.


    "I do not know. Father got the Royal order from the Capital." Nianzu looked at Tai Sung and Mo Shen, who were busy chatting with each other. He walked out of the bookshop and went straight to the house. An unknown fear had developed inside him.


    ''It is a bad idea to live in this town. If someone finds out about me then it can bring trouble,'' Nianzu contemted and hastened towards home.


    Arriving outside the residence, he knocked at the main door. After a few minutes, Chuntao came and opened the door. "You returned soon," Chuntao said and stepped back. Nianzu walked in and closed the door behind him.


    "Yes. I got the work," Nianzu told her. Chuntao was delighted to hear that. "But, there is a problem," Nianzu asserted and halted. Chuntao stopped too and looked at him.


    "What kind of problem?" She asked.


    "I think people here might recognize me. Let''s leave this ce. It can be dangerous for us if we live here," stated Nianzu. Deep frowns appeared on his forehead. "My identity shall remain hidden, Chun. I mean¡­ I have a hunch that my mother will try to find me," Nianzu asserted.


    "Then, let''s go to the next vige of this town. In a vige which is not known to many," asserted Chuntao.


    "Let''s go to the Vige Xiandong," Nianzu suggested to Chuntao, who nodded. "Forgive me for troubling you this way," Nianzu felt guilty.


    "Do not apologize. I understand your concern. I did not set the things in the house, so we can shift easily," Chuntao affirmed.


    "Then, let''s leave now," Nianzu looked for the answer in her eyes. Chuntao nodded her head and told him to stay there as she would bring the bundles in which she had her valuables. Nianzu held the two bundles in her hand when Chuntao told him that she would carry them.


    "Why would you?" Nianzu asked. "Let''s go. Wait, did you take your meals in the morning? I left early in search of work, so could not have breakfast with you," Nianzu stated.


    "Yes, I ate," Chuntao lied to him. Nianzu passed her a smile and then grasped her hand. "By the evening, we will reach Xiandong Vige," Nianzu said.


    "Hmm. Nianzu, here take this. We need thister. So, keep it with you," Chuntao handed him a pouch that was full of coins. "It''s the wages you gave me, also the money from fields I sold and the coins you gave me thest time," Chuntao exined to him.


    "It''s yours. I cannot take your money," Nianzu replied, looking at the pouch.


    "Are we not one? Whatever you have is mine and whatever I have is yours. It is for us." Chuntao affirmed. Nianzu gazed into her eyes. It seemed to him that Chuntao did not spend a single penny. She thought so much about them that she even sold thends to support them. It brought tears to his eyes. Chuntao not only understood him wholeheartedly but also did not leave him when he needed her the most. ''I have a hunch that mother might give orders to harm you. I should have told Brother Sheng to keep a check on her activities. Now, nothing could be done, so I will take you as far as I could, away from everyone,'' Nianzu told himself internally.

 Chapter 434 - Love Is A Powerful Weapon

    <h4>Chapter 434 - Love Is A Powerful Weapon</h4>


    A weekter, everything turned normal in the Imperial Pce. Though everyone missed the presence of Nianzu, they understood his priority and his wishes. Sheng Li''s rtionship with his brothers had turned good, and they all tried to meet each other in the evening.


    Jian Guozhi had demanded the status of chief wife for Xue Yu-Yan, and the Emperor had willingly provided her that title. Jian Guozhi had decided to develop a cordial rtionship with Xue and was working on that.


    Amidst all this, Sheng Li used to visit the tomb of Hu Jingguo daily in the mountains. Today he also went there. He got on his knees and put the white chrysanthemums over Hu Jingguo''s grave. He stood up and bowed.


    Sometimeter, he lifted his head and looked around. The ce was surrounded by Red Pine trees. Because of the rainy season, the hill had a picturesque view.. "You were right. The weather is pleasant on this hill. It has the power to rejuvenate one. It was a good ce for a pic- You, me, and Lili. We could have enjoyed it here. You would have definitely annoyed me," Sheng Li murmured.


    He closed his eyes and listened to the natural voicesing from the forest and its surroundings.


    Sheng Li heard the sound of a sword shing in the empty air. He opened his eyes and searched for the voice. Once he got the source, he followed it. He kept walking until he saw a man practicing sword fighting in the open field in the hill forest.


    "Who are you?" Sheng Li questioned, and the man stopped. As he turned, Sheng Li got bewildered.


    "Huo Jin," the Crown Prince pronounced his name.


    Huo Jin gave a sincere palm and fist salute to the Crown Prince and bowed. "Your Highness, forgive me if I disturbed you. General Wang told me about this ce, so I thought to practice here." He lifted his head and put his hands down.


    "Other than me, no one is allowed here," Sheng Li stated.


    "Forgive me, your highness." Sheng Li took out the handkerchief as he saw the beads of sweat on Huo Jin''s face. "Here, wipe your face," Sheng Li forwarded the handkerchief to him.


    "How can this lowly subject take the handkerchief from his highness?" "Apologies, but I cannot ept it," Huo Jin humbly refused.


    "Lowly subject?!" Sheng Li chuckled. "I do not like this word. Take it. It''s a normal handkerchief," Sheng Li affirmed. Huo Jin forwarded both of his hands and took it from the Crown Prince. He wiped off the sweat from his face and thanked the Crown Prince.


    "I could not thank you properly that day. Without your help it would be impossible to catch Tan Gengxin alive without any bloodshed," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I did what I should have done a long time ago. Please do not make me feel embarrassed by expressing your gratitude, your highness," Huo Jin politely answered. Sheng Li passed him a smile.


    "There is something I want to tell the Crown Prince," Huo Jin gathered his courage to speak.


    "Say," Sheng Li permitted him.


    "Your highness, I was wrong about you," Huo Jin affirmed. Sheng Li chuckled. "Most of the people are wrong about me. There is nothing new in that," the Crown Prince stated.


    "The Crown Prince is a kind person," Huo Jin stated, keeping a smile on his lips.


    "You shall thank the Crown Princess for this then. She changed me," Sheng Li gave the credit behind the change in his attitude to Ying Lili.


    "I think his highness had buried his kindness somewhere deep inside his heart. The other day when Tan Gengxin revealed about the First Empress, I found out this. No one is born cruel, but circumstances turn him into one," Huo Jin proimed.


    Sheng Li did not respond to him and looked up at the sky. "Let''s head back to the Pce, and you are not allowed here," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "If I take his highness permission then will he permit me toe here?" Huo Jin queried. "His highness cannot refuse as he promised to fulfill one wish of mine," Huo Jin said while smiling.


    Sheng Li snickered and turned to go. Huo Jin ran after him and walked by his side. "Is it a Yes or a No, your highness?" Huo Jin was desperate to know.


    "You cane here," Sheng Li permitted him. Huo Jin thanked the Crown Prince, and the two descended the hill.


    "Love is a powerful weapon," Sheng Li suddenly said, bringing the attention of Huo Jin to it. "I never believed in this earlier until the Crown Princess proved me, Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju proved me, and also you proved me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It is, your highness," Huo Jin acknowledged the words of Sheng Li. "It can either turn you into a good person or a bad person," Huo Jin stated.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li nodded his head and jumped down from a certain height. Huo Jin did so and kept following the Crown Prince.


    "This forest has animals too. So, be careful of them." Sheng Li warned Huo Jin.


    "Then, why does his highness not carry any weapon with him?" Huo Jin curiously asked.


    Sheng Li found that Huo Jin was a good observant, and he hardly fell into the words of the person in front of him. "Will you spy for me?" Sheng Li halted and looked at him. Huo Jin also stopped and gazed at Sheng Li with bewilderment.


    "You know almost everything about the Imperial Pce. You also are well aware of Luoyang''s every location. So, I would like to give you a mission," Sheng Li put the offer in front of Huo Jin. "Do you want to work on this mission? There is nopulsion," Sheng Li stated.


    "I would like to work for you, Your Highness," Huo Jin willingly epted the offer of the Crown Prince.


    "Find out the evil scheming of Minister Gu Zhenya," Sheng Li pronounced. Huo Jin nodded and assured Sheng Li that he would find out about his ns.


    "Could his highness brief me about Minister Gu Zhenya?" Huo Jin humbly requested.


    "He is the Minister of State Affairs but he has some evil intentions hidden. You need to find out those intentions of his," Sheng Li affirmed and resumed walking. Huo Jin followed him up.


    "Ministers usually are power-hungry," Huo Jin deduced.


    "Yes. He used to support the Fourth Prince but since he left the Pce, there is none whom he could support, or maybe there is someone about whom I do not know," Sheng Li asserted. Huo Jin carefully listened to whatever the Crown Prince told him.


    "Your highness, the position you have such a big responsibility. I wonder, sometimes, how is his highness able to manage? You not only check the Affairs of the Kingdom but also keep a check on the Pce affairs and then also your personal life," Huo Jin proimed. "General Wang told me how tough his highness life was! Despite all those odds his highness grew up into such a person," Hui Jinplimented Sheng Li.


    "You are interested to know about me!" Sheng Li amusingly said.


    "I got curious after that day," Huo Jin stated.


    "You should not be," Sheng Li replied.


    "Why, your highness?" Sheng Li tilted his head to look at Huo Jin.


    "I am in a good mood today. You shall feel lucky," Sheng Li stated. Huo Jin puckered his lips and did not question Sheng Li further.

 Chapter 435 - Do Not Want To Talk

    <h4>Chapter 435 - Do Not Want To Talk</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was strolling in the market. He reminisced about the moments with Prince Nianzu and heaved a sigh. "If I ever get to see Brother Nianzu, then I will not talk to him," he murmured and kicked the pebble on the ground. The sky got covered with clouds, so he hastened towards the Pce as rainfall could ur anytime.


    He took the shortest route to get out of the market, which went through an isted alley. As Lei Wanxi walked on that route, he heard the nking of swords. "Who is fighting here?" Lei Wanxi wondered and followed the noises.


    He stopped and quickly stepped back, hiding behind the wall of a house. Lei Wanxi peeked out and saw the same men who had captured him the other day. "Zhu Lin," he mumbled as he saw her there. He pulled back himself. "What is she doing here? Is she again trying to be brave?"


    ''Because of you, they beat me up.. Today, you have to die.'' Lei Wanxi heard the voice of the man. It was the same man who had captured him.?He decided to leave and not to intervene between them.


    ''Are you a coward? How can you leave like that? They are ten while she is one. You should help her.'' His inner voice stopped him. Lei Wanxi shook his head and reminded himself how Zhu Lin treated him. "I will not help her," he walked away after fighting with himself.


    "You shall not use such petty ways. You think you will be spared after all this mess," Zhu Lin threatened the leader, who was not interested in her talks.


    "Why are you all waiting? Go, catch this woman," the leader roared, and again a fierce fight broke between them. It was tough for Zhu Lin to escape, and also fighting with ten people at once was tiring her.


    Suddenly the leader of the group got hit on the forehead from a pebble. "Ahh," the leader screamed in pain and put his palm over his forehead. He brought his palm down and saw blood on it. His men had stopped fighting with Zhu Lin.


    "Master," they said in unison in concern.


    His facial expressions turned grim as they annoyed him more. He lifted his gaze and saw a young man near Zhu Lin. He tightened his grip on the hilt of the sword.


    Lei Wanxi, on the other hand, grabbed the hand of Zhu Lin and dragged her to run away with him. Zhu Lin was not only shocked but surprised too to see Lei Wanxi there.


    "Catch them," screamed the leader, and his men started to chase Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin.


    "Run fast, else they will nab us," Lei Wanxi said while panting. They halted and entered the market. Running among the people, Lei Wanxi turned to a cloth house backyard. He dragged Zhu Lin with him and hid behind a tiny space. Lei Wanxi put his index finger on Zhu Lin''s lips, gesturing to her to not make any sound.


    Their chests rose and fell because of the running. Lei Wanxi tilted his head slightly to peek out of the space and found those men were searching for them. "They are not here. Let''s go ahead," both Zhu Lin and Lei Wanxi heard them. He heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Zhu Lin. Putting his finger down, he took Zhu Lin out from there. They heard the thunder and quickly left for the Imperial Pce.


    Lei Wanxi preferred the long route this time, and soon they were out of the market and near the Imperial Pce. "You can let go of my hand," Zhu Lin stated. All this time, Lei Wanxi did not realize that he had held Zhu Lin''s hand.


    "Why did you fight with them again?" He curiously asked.


    "They chased me this time. I had gone to the market to stroll around," Zhu Lin replied. "I think they have sources that''s why they came out of prison easily," Zhu Lin deduced.


    "Why do you involve yourself in other people''s matters? They were ten while you were alone. Anything could have happened if I was not there at the right time," stated Lei Wanxi.


    Zhu Lin amusingly nced at him. It bewildered her that Lei Wanxi saved her. She took out the handkerchief from her pocket and started to wipe the sweat from Lei Wanxi''s forehead. "You shall not havee in between us," Zhu Lin put her hand down and handed him the handkerchief.


    "Do you know not that one shall say thank you when another person helps him or her?" Lei Wanxi taunted her and walked ahead. Zhu Lin followed him up.


    "I sincerely thank the Sixth Prince," Zhu Lin expressed her gratitude. "I did not know you carried a slingshot around," she stated.


    "I bought itst time and helped Brother Nianzu as well." The smile on Lei Wanxi''s lips faded away.


    "You are good at it. Come to think of it, it appears you are good at children''s games." Zhu Lin''s statement irked Lei Wanxi when he heard her, "The Sixth Prince could have be a good archer if he had practiced diligently."


    "Why are you still in Luoyang?" Lei Wanxi questioned her.


    "The Crown Princess wants me to celebrate the dragon boat festival and also her birthday with her. I could not refuse her request," Zhu Lin replied to Le Wanxi, who nodded. A raindrop fell on his cheek, and he looked up at the sky.


    "Let''s run before we get drenched," Lei Wanxi suggested to Zhu Lin, and the two hurried towards the Pce. Zhu Lin found that Lei Wanxi had turned calmer and quieter after the Fourth Prince left the Pce.


    "Do you want me to find Prince Nianzu?" Zhu Lin asked Lei Wanxi, who was not surprised by her question.


    "How will you find it when no one can!" Lei Wanxi doubted Zhu Lin. "It''s better not to search for him. Moreover, I do not want to talk to Brother Nianzu anymore. He did not care to meet me before leaving, so why shall I?" Lei Wanxi was aggrieved at the Fourth Prince. Zhu Lin realized that the Sixth Prince was hurt because the Fourth Prince did not see him for thest time.


    ~~~~


    Far from Luoyang, in Vige Xiandong, Nianzu could be seening out of the house of the Vige Headman. Nianzupleted his work of the day. He had gotten the job in the Vige Police Bureau to file the grievances of the vige people if any. Other than that, he used to jot down the justice delivered by the Chief of the Vige.


    He had a small house in the middle of the vige. As he reached outside his house, he saw a few childrening out from there. A smile formed on his lips, and he walked in.


    Chuntao hung thentern at one edge of the house when she heard the footsteps. She lowered her eyes and put her feet on ankles on the ground.


    "Nianzu," she pronounced his name and smiled. Nianzu sat on the bedstead in the small front yard. Chuntao brought water for him in a copper ss and handed it to him.


    Nianzu drank the water while Chuntao picked his cloth bag. "You camete today," Chuntao asserted.


    Nianzu put the ss down and gazed at her. "Yes. Today, I had more work to do. The Crown Princess''s birthday ising, so the bureau is working fast as an order is passed from the Capital¨C the bi-annual report is asked from every vige and town. It is said that she will reward those viges and towns which have given outstanding performance during these six months," Nianzu informed Chuntao with a smile.


    "Oh. I pray this vige name alsoes in the list," asserted Chuntao.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied.


    "You shall freshen up. By then, dinner will be ready," Chuntao asserted.


    Nianzu nodded and picked the ss from the ground. "I will take it," Chuntao forwarded her hand.


    "It''s fine. I am going to the kitchen, so I will put it there," Nianzu walked away while Chuntao went inside the house.


    After Nianzu took a hot water bath, he felt fresh. He came to the kitchen and saw Chuntao had already cooked for them. He helped her and took the tray to the room. Putting the tray on the floor mattress, he put the bowls and tes on the table.


    The two started to eat. "I heard about the water crisis in the neighboring viges. It''s a good thing that a river stream flows by this vige," Nianzu stated and put the cooked green vegetable over the te from which Chuntao was eating.


    "Oh. Then?"


    "I think water will be supplied from here then. Again fight for water," Nianzu sighed. Chuntao hummed and soon they finished the food. After washing the utensils, Chuntao came to the room and found Nianzu had already made the bed on the floor.


    "I told you not to do all this. I can do it," Chuntao said as she removed the hairpin from her hair bun. She put it on the table there and sat on the mattress.


    "It is fine. Let''s sleep," Nianzu stated andid down on the mattress. Chuntao blew off the candle and went to bed. As soon as sheid down, Nianzu wrapped his arm around her.


    "Dragon Boat Festival ising. It will be our first festival together," Nianzu stated.


    "Yes. I am excited too," Chuntao replied. "Back in Luoyang-" she paused.


    "Complete your words," Nianzu said.


    "Umm¡­ It is a great event in the Capital. You also missed them, right?" Chuntao turned to Nianzu and faced him.


    "Yes, I do miss my Brothers. Lei Wanxi must be furious at me," Nianzu answered. "I did not meet him before leaving," he added.


    "Because of me, you needed to leave everyone. Forgive me," Chuntao felt guilty.


    "Chun, I left because it was necessary. Don''t say such a thing," Nianzu stated and nted a soft kiss at the top of her forehead. Chuntao hummed, but somewhere she felt that Nianzu would be happier in Luoyang.

 Chapter 436 - All My Heart

    <h4>Chapter 436 - All My Heart</h4>


    Jian Guozhi closed the ount book after scrutinizing it. He put the seal on it and sent it back to the Finance and ounts department. Eunuch Long brought the tea for Jian Guozhi, who refused to take it. "I will not be here tonight. I will spend the night with Xue. Inform her about this," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Eunuch Long was delighted to hear this. "Yes, your highness. I will inform the Princess about this," replied Eunuch Long and left the chamber.


    Jian Guozhi wore the overcoat and left for Xue Yu-Yan''s chamber. As he walked past the chamber of the Fourth Prince, he sighed and walked ahead. He descended the stairs and went to another building where Xue Yu-Yan was residing.


    In the chamber, Xue Yu-Yan was doing the needlework. She had made the plum blossom flower pattern on the fabric. "Princess," Zhiyi came inside, carrying a delightful expression on her face. Xue Yu-Yan lifted her head and looked at her.


    "What is the reason behind this smile?" Xue Yu-Yan curiously asked.


    "Eunuch Long informed me that the First Prince wants to spend a night with you," Zhiyi asserted. Leave this needlework, your highness." Zhiyi came near Xue Yu-Yan, who identally pricked her finger.


    "Ahh," she looked at her index finger.


    "Be careful, your highness," Zhiyi humbly said and inserted the needle on a thread roll. "Come, let me help you in getting ready. What kind of dress does her highness want to wear?" Zhiyi asked.


    Xue Yu-Yan was still in shock as it was unbelievable to her that the First Prince wanted to spend the night with her. Her mind went nk, and she turned nervous.


    "Your highness," Zhiyi shook Xue Yu-Yan, who came out of her thoughts. "Where did you get lost?" Zhiyi raised her eyebrow.


    "Nothing. Isn''t this good?" Xue Yu-Yan looked at the dress she was wearing. It was a green Hanfu dress with Golden Embroidery. The intricate golden patterns of flowers were also imprinted on it.


    "The First Prince is here," Xue Yu-Yan and Zhiyi heard the voice of Eunuch Long. Zhiyi stepped back and lowered her head upon seeing the First Prince.


    "Leave," Jian Guozhi ordered. Xue Yu-Yan looked at Zhiyi, who left the chamber and closed the doors behind her.


    Jian Guozhi looked at the desk on which a piece of fabric was put. A wooden box with threads and different kinds of needles was also ced over the desk. "I was making a dress. The Crown Princess Birthday is near," Xue Yu-Yan asserted while fidgeting her fingers.


    "You will present the Crown Princess a handmade dress?" Jian Guozhi queried with curiosity. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head. "I did not know you were good at needlework," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "How could Jian Ge know? We never talked that friendly," Xue Yu-Yan immediately replied.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with her when he saw Xue Yu-Yan had bent on her knees and was searching for something in the drawer. "What are you looking for?" Jian Guozhi nced at her. Xue Yu-Yan told him to be patient and, after a while, found the thing.


    She closed the drawer, stood up, and came near Jian Guozhi. "This is for you," she forwarded a pink-colored silk handkerchief towards him.


    Jian Guozhi grabbed it and looked at the chrysanthemum flowers that Xue Yu-Yan had made on it. The borders of the handkerchief also had a red-colored embroidery made of thread. "It''s nice. Thank you," Jian Guozhi replied. He had never received presents like this, so it was new for him.


    Jian Guozhi folded it and put it inside his pocket.


    "I am d that Jian Ge liked my present. I wanted to give it to you when I first made it but¨C" she paused and recalled their rtionship, which was full of their selfish causes.


    "¨CBut we did not have a good rtionship, so we could exchange such things," Jian Guozhi said. He had a jade ring on his index finger. He took it off and grasped the hand of Xue Yu-Yan. She confusedly looked at him.


    "It is for you," Jian Guozhi inserted the ring in her index finger. Xue Yu-Yan''s heart fluttered by this gesture of Jian Guozhi. That''s why walking on a good path was considered better even if the oue camete. Jian Guozhi let go of her hand.


    "If a man gives his jade to a woman then¡­" Xue Yu-Yan lifted her eyes and looked at Jian Guozhi. "Then it means that the man wants that woman," Jian Guozhipleted her words.


    Xue Yu-Yan hummed. Jian Guozhi grasped her wrist and drew her closer to him. "Y-You want me!" Xue Yu-Yan wanted to confirm from Jian''s mouth, who nodded his head.


    "Indeed," Jian replied. He brought his finger under her chin and lifted it gently. "We both suffered because of one thing and we both understand each other''s pain because of that. I had developed feelings for Zho but her truth broke my heart. The realization hit me when I did not trust you. I want to go ahead with this rtionship," Jian Guozhi professed his feelings.


    "What about you?" He asked Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I want to be loved. I want to get that feeling," asserted Xue Yu-Yan. "You gave me a second chance despite the evil plots I made. You are right. We both suffered for the same cause and truly understand each other. Let''s start our rtionship," Xue Yu-Yan reciprocated his feelings.


    Jian Guozhi passed her a tiny smile. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her up. His hand cupped her cheek and sealed her lips with a kiss. Xue Yu-Yan closed her eyes as she knitted her brows. They kissed and pulled away. Their foreheads and noses touched against each other. Jian Guozhi''s hand moved to her nape as he pulled her more towards him.


    He captured her lips and kissed them. Xue Yu-Yan kissed him back with the same enthusiasm and passion. Jian Guozhi pulled away and traced Xue Yu-Yan''s lips. "I have nned a trip for us to Mount Jishi. Tomorrow morning we will leave," Jian Guozhi informed Xue Yu-Yan, who was delighted to hear that.


    "Thank you," Xue Yu-Yan answered.


    "Don''t be." Jian Guozhi tucked her hair behind her ear. "I shall fulfill my promise to you," he affirmed. "When we were young, I had seen that you always desired to go out of the Residence. But restrictions on you did not let you go. I will fill your heart withpassion and will love you with all my heart," Jian Guozhi assured her.


    Xue Yu-Yan blinked a few times before smiling. Her heart thumped against her chest. "I will also do the same," she said.

 Chapter 437 - Threw The Shoe

    <h4>Chapter 437 - Threw The Shoe</h4>


    Ying Lili was eating Yangmei (Chinese Bayberry) with Court Lady Xu in the morning. "Sheng Li does not like Bayberry?!" Ying Lili astonishingly asked. Court Lady Xu nodded her head.


    "Does he like any fruit? Last time when we were in the Southern Province, he refused to eat Tangerine," Ying Lili muttered and picked another bayberry from the bowl.


    "The Crown Princess shall think about the future heirs of Han," Court Lady Xu made Ying Lili understand. "The Empress has called the Royal Astrologer tomorrow. He will give you the date on which you must consummate with the Crown Prince. The Yin and Yang energies must get together," Court Lady Xu told Ying Lili, who keenly listened to her..


    "I understand," Ying Lili replied.


    "A son will lead your legacy, Your Highness. So, keep in mind to bear a son only else the position of the Crown Prince might get in danger. Since other Princes are also married, everyone will try to have a son," Court Lady Xu opined.


    Ying Lili knitted her brows. "It is not in my hands," she replied. "Who cares whether it is a girl or a boy?" she queried. "Let''s leave this topic here," Ying Lili requested the Court Lady, who nodded her head.


    "His highness is picky," Court Lady Xu smiled a little. "When the Crown Prince will have kids, they might be as picky as him."


    Ying Lili blushed and smiled. "Will they? I do not want our kids to be picky," Ying Lili stated and picked the bayberry from the bowl. She ate the berry and put the bowl on the table. "Court Lady Xu, I am going outside." She then walked out of the chamber.


    "He did not evene to have breakfast. Is he busy? He did not even tell me what kind of work he is so immersed in that he forgot about his wife," Ying Lili murmured and huffed.


    "Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi called her. Ying Lili halted at her ce and turned. Seeing Lei Wanxi, a smile appeared on her face. She walked to them, and the two greeted each other.


    "Why is Sister Lili alone? Did your assistants not follow you?" Lei Wanxi looked behind.


    "I refused them to apany me, Brother Wanxi. You seem happy, Brother. Is there any reason behind it?" Ying Lili patiently waited for his answer.


    "Your Birthday is near. The Dragon Boat Festival is just a day before your birthday. Two great asions are near to celebrate. Sister Lili will turn 21. That''s why I am happy," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Ying Lili passed him a smile and asked him if he turned good towards Princess Zhu Lin.


    "A little. Though I try to avoid her. I do not want to fall into any kind of trouble because of her. A few days ago, she again encountered those goons. I saved her," Lei Wanxi proudly said. Ying Lili astonishingly nced at him and praised him for being brave.


    "Sister Lili, Brother Sheng is preparing something big for you," Lei Wanxi whispered.


    "Oh?" Ying Lili asked as they resumed walking.


    "Yes. Though Brother Sheng did not share his surprise with me," Lei Wanxi heaved a sigh. "He thinks I might tell Sister Lili about his surprise. He doubts his own younger brother," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Because you are the kind of person who will definitely ruin the surprise of the Crown Princess." Both Lei Wanxi and Ying Lili turned back. Zhu Lin greeted the Crown Princess while she ignored Lei Wanxi, who chuckled.


    "You were hearing our conversation. You mannerless girl!" Lei Wanxi remarked.


    "When the Prince will bark this loud, then anyone can hear!" Zhu Lin retorted back. Lei Wanxi widened his eyes and stepped towards her.


    "You called me a dog! You insolent woman," Lei Wanxi lost his temper.


    "I did not say you are a dog. You called yourself a dog," Zhu Lin proimed, pointing a finger at him. Ying Lili told them to calm down.


    "Sister Lili, I will not calm down. She called me a dog. You also hear this. Do you think I look like a dog? I am the most handsome man. All praise my looks and she isparing me with a dog," Lei Wanxi red at her and pped at her finger which was pointed towards him.


    "Crown Princess, the Sixth Prince is the one who started this. He called me a ''mannerless'' girl. And, I did not say that he looks like a dog. The Sixth Prince is making up stories. You also hear our conversation. He talks rudely with me, Crown Princess," Zhu Linined while ring at Lei Wanxi.


    "I did not talk rudely. You liar! Everyone knows how respectful I am around everyone," Lei Wanxi stated as he drew his brows together. Zhu Lin snickered upon hearing his contradictory words.


    "Your actions speak otherwise," Zhu Lin pronounced.


    "Please keep quiet, you both!" Ying Lili scolded them.


    Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin averted their gazes from each other. "Apologize to each other, you both," Ying Lili said.


    "I will not apologize to her this time," Lei Wanxi announced and stepped closer to Zhu Lin. "Go away from here, Zhu Lin. If you had note to the Imperial Pce, then Brother Nianzu would not have left."


    "Brother Wanxi, stop!" Ying Lili intervened, but Lei Wanxi did not pay heed to her.


    Zhu Lin, with bewilderment, peered at him. "I hate your presence here. You are the reason the Fourth Brother is not here. Still, you enjoy your stay here. It disgusts me," Lei Wanxi stated and walked past her in anger.


    Zhu Lin''s eyes turned watery. She did not expect him to be this harsh. "Princess Zhu Lin, I apologize to you on the behalf of the Sixth Prince. Please forgive him. I will scold himter. Please do not take this to your heart," Ying Lili joined her both hands.


    "The Crown Princess shall not apologize. The one who made the mistake will apologize," Zhu Lin pronounced. Her statement befuddled Ying Lili.


    Zhu Lin turned and saw Lei Wanxi, walking casually, while fanning himself. She removed the shoe from her foot.


    Before Ying Lili could understand what Zhu Lin tried doing, she widened her eyes because of Zhu Lin''s act.


    Zhu Lin threw the shoe towards Lei Wanxi and screamed his name. Lei Wanxi tilted his head and saw the pink-colored shoe flying in the air. Before his reflex could act, the shoe hit the mid of his forehead. The impact was huge, which wavered him, and he stumbled back.


    "Ahh," Lei Wanxi screamed and quickly brought his palm over his forehead.


    "I will not spare you today, Lei Wanxi," Zhu Lin shouted at him and ran towards him.


    "Princess Lin, please stop!" Ying Lili tried hard to stop her. However, it was in vain. The servants stopped working and ran in their direction.


    Zhu Lin threw a punch at Lei Wanxi, but he dodged it and caught her hand. "Are you mad!" Lei Wanxi bellowed at her. He mistakenly grabbed her hair and pulled it while protecting him from her attack, resulting in a scream from Zhu Lin.


    Zhu Lin was furious now, and she grabbed a fistful of Lei Wanxi''s hair and pulled them with her entire strength. "Leave my hair," he protested and screamed at the same time. When she did not stop, Lei Wanxi also did the same to her hair. Their cries echoed in the air, but both were not ready to step back.

 Chapter 438 - Call Me A Dog

    <h4>Chapter 438 - Call Me A Dog</h4>


    Ying Lili grabbed their arms to stop them. "Brother Wanxi, please leave the grip on Princess Lin''s hair," Ying Lili requested him.


    "Sister Lili, tell her to leave me first," Lei Wanxi stated and screamed again. Their fight became so intense that they both pushed Ying Lili. She fell on the ground, and the jade bangle cut her wrist while her palm got bruised.


    "Both of you stop!" Sheng Li''s voice roared. "Now." His voice was enough to threaten the two. Upon hearing the loud voice of the Crown Prince, both Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin loosened their grips from each other''s hair.


    Jian Guozhi, Yongzheng, and Rong Zemin had alsoe there with the Crown Prince after hearing the loud noises of Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin.


    Sheng Li went to Ying Lili and helped her in standing up.. Lei Wanxi stepped ahead as he found that because of him the Crown Princess got hurt. "I will break your legs if you take even a step," Sheng Li warned Lei Wanxi, who immediately took his step back.


    "Are you fine?" Sheng Li asked as he checked her hands. Ying Lili did not want him to know about the injuries she got so quickly pulled her hands back. "I am fine," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    Sheng Li grasped her left hand and pulled her sleeve up. "How dare you two hurt the Crown Princess in your useless y?" Sheng Li shouted at them as he saw the blood on Ying Lili''s wrist.


    Rong Zemin could not control hisugh. "Brother Wanxi, you got beaten by a woman," Rong Zemin stated and giggled. Lei Wanxi narrowly gazed at Zhu Lin and red at her.


    "It''s a minor cut. Nothing more," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and pushed her sleeve down, who frowned. He turned his gaze towards Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin.


    "How can you act this way?" Sheng Li got furious at them. Lei Wanxi lowered his head because of the guilt and shame.


    "I sincerely apologize to the Crown Princess." Zhu Lin lowered her head. Ying Lili tried to speak but Sheng Li did not let her.


    "You two will get punished for creating ruckus in the Pce and also not respecting the Crown Princess," Sheng Li announced.


    Lei Wanxi raised his head. "Brother Sheng, I did not do anything. She is the one who threw her shoe at me. Ask the servants if I am lying," Lei Wanxi was still infuriated by Zhu Lin.


    "Look at this shoe of hers, Brother Sheng." Lei Wanxi pointed his index finger towards the ground. "She threw it at me. I urge you to punish her not me. When you were in the Northern Province, she hit me with a broomstick and then pushed me off the stairs. Brother Sheng, no one listened to me that time." Lei Wanxi briefed Sheng Li about the incidents with Zhu Lin due to which he did not like her a bit.


    Jian Guozhi came forward and told Lei Wanxi not to bring past things. "Crown Prince, forgive them this time," Jian Guozhi requested to Sheng Li. Ying Lili also agreed with Jian Guozhi and told Sheng Li not to punish them.


    "If there had been someone else instead of their ces, I would have punished them without any single thought. They both shall act as per their age. This behavior was not expected from them, especially from you, Lei Wanxi." Sheng Li announced and scolded Wanxi, who confusedly looked at the Crown Prince.


    "You both will work in the dye house for one day and dye the clothes there. If I found you two fighting again, then be ready to get a more severe punishment than this," Sheng Li threatened them.


    "Princess Zhu Lin, is it true that you hit Wanxi with the broomstick and then pushed him off?" Sheng Li wanted to confirm.


    "That''s because the Sixth Prince locked me in a storeroom, your highness. I was angry and ended up hitting him. I even apologized for my mistake and the Sixth Prince had forgiven me," Zhu Lin rified her point in front of the Crown Prince while Lei Wanxi could not believe how good she could act. "I wonder why the Sixth Prince brought old things! I am ready to work in the dye house, your highness." Zhu Lin epted her punishment.


    "I had forgiven you, but then again, you called me a dog. Brother Sheng, it is all her mistake," Lei Wanxi defended himself. He never once got punished, and today also, he would not.


    "I did not call you a dog. Do not cook things on your own." They both again started to argue.


    Sheng Li chuckled upon seeing how the two were fighting even after creating such a nuisance in the Pce. "You two will not stop this way, right?" They both heard Sheng Li and gulped.


    "Fine. After working in the dye house the next day, you two will work in the horse stable." Sheng Li announced the second punishment to both of them.


    "Brother, No. I cannot work in a stable. I am a Prince," Lei Wanxi protested.


    "This thing you have thought about before arguing again," Sheng Li menacingly said. Lei Wanxi stayed quiet as he understood if he would talk to more, the Crown Prince would turn furious.


    "Forgive me, Sister Lili. It was not intentional." Lei Wanxi was embarrassed.


    "Do not apologize, Brother Wanxi. I understand," Ying Lili said and looked at Zhu Lin, who was also in a mess.


    Lei Wanxi turned to leave when Sheng Li stopped him. "Your punishment has started, Wanxi." Sheng Li turned to look at a servant. He ordered him to take Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin to the dye house. "Tell the chief there that these two will work there. Other workers can take a day''s rest. Keep a check on them. If they fight, inform me else you will be punished," Sheng Limanded the servant, who bowed and epted themand of the Crown Prince.


    "Come with me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, and the two left, followed by the other Princes.


    Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin red at each other as they set their respective hair. Though they did not say any word, the way they scowled at each other was enough to show that the two wanted to fight with each other badly. However, they could not do that.


    "Your highness," the servant in a meek voice said, grabbing their attention. "Please follow me this way," the servant humbly said. The two followed him quietly.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to her chamber, where the Royal Physician had arrived already. He dressed the wound on Ying Lili''s wrist and also applied the powdered ointment on the bruised palm.


    Sheng Li thanked the Royal Physician, who then left with Court Lady Xu.


    Ying Lili gazed at him with her pearly eyes, who told her to stop. "What did I do?" She huffed and averted her gaze.


    Her eyes fell on the bowl half-filled with bayberries. She picked the bowl and picked the lid from it.


    "I know you want me to forgive Princess Zhu Lin and Lei Wanxi," Sheng Li stated and sat on the mattress, facing Ying Lili.


    "But you will not forgive them," Ying Lili stated. She forwarded the bayberry towards him, who refused to eat. "It was only a minor cut, yet you got aggressive," Ying Lili said and ate the berry.


    "Because that minor cut was on you. Moreover, it was important to punish them. Xing-Fu had informed me about their behavior earlier. However, I let that go," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "You want them to get friendly. What if they ended up fighting again?" Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li with skepticism.


    "Lei Wanxi will refrain from doing that. He knows me well. I will punish him more if he fights with Princess Zhu Lin," Sheng Li asserted and looked at the bowl in her hand. "Did you not have breakfast?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I took my breakfast. These berries are tasty. Eat one." Ying Lili brought the bayberry near Sheng Li''s lips, who opened his mouth. Ying Lili pushed the berry in his mouth. She curiously looked at him.


    "Hmm. It''s good," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili smiled and asked him if he wanted to eat more.


    "No, you shall eat," Sheng Li replied to her and looked at her lips. Ying Lili ate one and sucked the juice of it. She chewed it and opened her mouth to speak about the Royal Astrologer when Sheng Li kissed her.

 Chapter 439 - Names Of Our Kids

    <h4>Chapter 439 - Names Of Our Kids</h4>


    Sheng Li pulled back and said, "You eat fruits to seduce me?" Ying Lili giggled as it sounded ridiculous. "Do people eat fruits to seduce?" Ying Lili questioned him back. "You sounded funny, Sheng Li." Sheughed again. Sheng Li felt happy to see Ying Lili happy after so many days. It was the smile that he yearned for a long time.


    She felt Sheng Li''s hand on her nape. "I talked about you, not about the other people." He drew her closer to capture her lips when Ying Lili pushed the bayberry between his lips and smiled.


    Sheng Li grinned and chewed the berry. "You are preventing me from kissing you." His hand circled her waist and advanced to her. Nuzzling his nose on her neck, he nted a soft kiss on her smooth skin.. Ying Lili closed her eyes to feel the ecstasy of the moment.


    He peppered the kisses up to her jawline and approached her lips. "So, what were you going to tell me?" Sheng Li asked as he grazed his thumb over Ying Lili''s cheek, who pried open her eyes.


    "Tell me else I will start my work," Sheng Li whispered.


    "The Royal Astrologer wille tomorrow to the Imperial Pce. Court Lady Xu told me that¡­ that I shall prepare myself for¡­" She paused as she was a little nervous to tell Sheng Li.


    "He might again give us a date to consummate once again. What else? Why are you blushing for this?" Ying Lili touched her cheeks and shook her head.


    "I am not blushing," she replied. "I need to bear the future heir," Ying Lili put her hands down. "Court Lady Xu also told me that I shall bear a boy. Isn''t this odd? How would I know if it will be a girl or a boy? What do you think will happen?" Ying Lili knitted her brows.


    Sheng Li kissed her lips that astonished her. "She might have told you because it''s to keep the dynasty alive. There are some kinds of beliefs among the old people and they think if we follow them then a boy will be born. Nothing will happen. I am happy with either of the children. Though I am personally praying for¨C" he paused when Ying Lili told him toplete his words.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and whispered, "Twins¨C a boy and a girl. Let''s see if the Jade Emperor listens to my prayer or not. I have even chosen the names for our kids." He leaned back and gazed into Ying Lili''s eyes, who was smiling.


    "What kind of names? You did not even discuss with me," Ying Lili muttered.


    "I will tell youter. Let''s start where we left," Sheng Li replied. He took the bowl from Ying Lili and ced it on the table. Sheng Li pulled down the curtain around the bedpost.


    "Is today''s workpleted? You have been busytely," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li grasped her left hand gently and moved his fingers over hers. "If the work was notpleted, then I wouldn''t be here." He then kissed the tips of her fingers. With his other hand, he pushed the overcoat off her shoulder.


    Ying Lili''s heart thumped wildly against her chest. She moved closer to Sheng Li and kissed his lips.?Afterfortably sitting on hisp, she cupped his face. She gently grazed her fingers against his cheeks. Sheng Li lifted his head to peer at her. He stroked her hair back and the two closed the remaining distance between them.


    As Ying Lili''s lips met Sheng Li, his world melted away. Her fragrance and the taste of berries were intoxicating him. His hand on Ying Lili''s waist moved up and came to the front while his other hand tilted her head to an angle that he could kiss her perfectly. He bit her lower lip, yearning a delightful moan from her after ying with her tongue. He again captured her lips, not wanting to stop kissing her until the two needed oxygen. Parting away, they gasped for air.


    Sheng Li did not stop here instead he started to kiss her jawline. His palm rested on her other cheek, and he moved down to her exposed neck and half exposed corbone.


    Pulling away, he peered at Ying Lili, who removed the overcoat. Sheng Li opened the first knot of her dress. He yanked off the dress from the shoulder and ced a feathery kiss on her shoulder. He trailed the kisses up while Ying Lili shut her eyes. He nipped her corbone, and she moaned for the second time.


    "Sheng Li," she called out his name, which enticed him.


    Her mind drove crazier when Sheng Li''s hot breath hit her cold skin on the neck. He nuzzled against her neck and gave open-mouthed kisses to her. Pleasure arose in the pit of Ying Lili''s stomach. His slow wet kisses made her lose her sensations.


    He sucked her neck''s skin gently and blew the cold air over it before biting her. "Oh!" She moaned again her breathing had be erratic.


    "You want me to stop?" Sheng Li asked her. Ying Lili shook her head. He pushed the overcoat off his shoulder when Eunuch Xing-Fu came on the second door.


    "Apologies for intruding on the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, but an urgent matter hase up." His head was lowered while informing the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li sighed and told him to speak about the matter. "Your highness, Huo Jin has brought an important piece of information for you. Shall I tell him to wait for some time?" Eunuch Xing-Fu asked.


    "I aming," Sheng Li replied after thinking for a few seconds. Eunuch Xing-Fu bowed and walked out of the chamber. Ying Lili smiled looking at Sheng Li''s face who was not in a mood to leave.


    "Go," Ying Lili said while smiling.


    "Why does every time someone disturb us?" Sheng Liined as he tied the knot on Ying Lili''s dress. He picked the overcoat and made her wear it. "Don''t be sullen. We can continueter," Ying Lili muttered as she set Sheng Li''s hair.


    Sheng Li smirked upon hearing her statement. "Today I am not allowed toe here. Don''t you know?" The smile on Ying Lili''s lips disappeared


    "Why?" She queried.


    "Forgive me for not informing you earlier. Xing-Fu talked about Yin and Yang energy earlier with me. He said that if Ie today, then it can be harmful to youter," Sheng Li answered.


    "And you believed it?" Ying Lili raised her brow.


    "For you, I believe in superstitions." He tucked the hair strands behind her ear.


    "I understand," Ying Lili replied and moved up the overcoat of Sheng Li over his shoulders. "Then we cannot even eat at night together? You did not evene for breakfast," Ying Lili had turned sad after hearing all that.


    "I had an urgent matter to solve in the morning. Forgive me," Sheng Li kissed softly at the top of her head. "We will have our lunch together," stated Sheng Li.


    "Fine. Go now," Ying Lili said and passed him a tiny smile. Sheng Li hummed and stood up from the bed. He put away the curtains and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 440 - Teamwork Is Always Best

    <h4>Chapter 440 - Teamwork Is Always Best</h4>


    In the dye house, Chief Dexter Cui Chang was informed about punishments for Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin. Cui Chang sent the workers away as per the Crown Prince''s order.


    Lei Wanxi looked at the huge wooden containers with bundles of silk fabrics. "Give us the easy work," Lei Wanxi told Cui Chang, who nodded his head.


    "The Prince is lucky today because we have already prepared the bundles of silk fabric. The Sixth Prince and Princess Zhu Lin need to dye the fabric. Later you need to dry it outside in the shelter," Cui Chang exined the work to them.


    Lei Wanxi looked at his hands and said, "My soft hands will turn pale and rough just because of someone." Zhu Lin narrowly gazed at him but kept mum.


    "Please follow me this way." Cui Chang took them to a hall size room, whererge ground mortars could be seen.. Beside the mortar, dry red-colored flowers were put in a container. "You have to crush these dry flowers into a fine powder and then that will be mixed with the hot waterter. The Royal Prince and the Princess of Huan first shallplete this work." Cui Chang made them understand.


    "How long is it going to take us? Can you not help us? I am a Prince and you know that this is my first time," Lei Wanxi innocently requested Cui Chang.


    "Forgive me, your royal highness. I wish I could help you but the Crown Prince has strictly ordered not to help you," asserted Cui Chang and lowered his head.


    "Thank you, Chief Cui. We will do the work. If we get into any trouble, we will ask for your help." Zhu Lin intervened this time. Cui Chang bowed and left the hall.


    As soon as he left, Lei Wanxi came near Zhu Lin. "Because of you, I fell into this trouble. Now, you will do my work too," Lei Wanxi threatened Zhu Lin, who snickered and pushed him away from her shoulder. She grabbed the heavy wooden pestle.


    "Help me. It''s heavy," Zhu Lin asked the help of Lei Wanxi, who ignored her and went to the other mortar. He smirked at her and with one hand gripped the pestle. To his surprise, he could not lift the pestle. He looked down and then at Zhu Lin who suppressed herughs. He used both of his hands and with much difficulty lifted the pestle.


    "It''s so heavy," he murmured. "How am I supposed to crush these dry flowers?" Lei Wanxi mumbled.


    "Why do we not work as a team? This way we willplete our work fast." Zhu Lin offered a deal to Lei Wanxi, who snorted. He scowled at her.


    "You have forgotten that we can never be a team. You are acting as if nothing has happened! If you had not thrown your shoe at me, this would not have happened," Lei Wanxi furiously said and tried to put the pestle inside the mortar.


    Zhu Lin chuckled and started to do her work. She put a fistful of dry flowers thrice in the mortar and then started crushing it with the pestle. Lei Wanxi nced at her and found she started the work before him. "Howe she is more powerful than me?" Lei Wanxi wondered and after fifteen minutes struggling, put the pestle inside the mortar.


    He looked at the wooden container ced beside the ground mortar. Taking a fistful of dry flowers, he put them in the mortar, and he started to grind them using the pestle. However, he could not lift it. Contrarily, Zhu Lin was easily able to lift it.


    He kept trying but then gave up after half an hour of struggle. He sat on the floor and looked at his hands. "I am so weak," he murmured. "Brother Sheng will make me work tomorrow if I do notplete this today," he murmured and narrowly gazed at Zhu Lin, who was busy grinding the dry flowers.


    Lei Wanxi stood up from the floor and went near Zhu Lin. He cleared his throat and said, "Zhu Lin, let''s work together." She stopped and tilted her head to look at him.


    "Pardon me!"


    "Let''s work together," Lei Wanxi asserted. "If we work in unison then we willplete the work fast," he enthusiastically said.


    Zhu Lin looked at the pestle on the ground. "Don''t tell me you could not lift that," she smiled.


    "I did lift that," Lei Wanxi lied to her. He did not want her to make fun of him for his nil strength. At that moment, he recalled Sheng Li''s words who used to tell him to practice and increase his strength.


    "You lifted that!" Zhu Lin gave a scornfulugh and then said, "Then go there and show me." She challenged him. Zhu Lin knew that Lei Wanxi would make more excuses to prove that he was indeed powerful.


    ''This woman is smart! She knows that I am not strong enough to lift but still is provoking me. I am Lei Wanxi. I know how to handle such situations. I will keep my cool.'' Lei Wanxi contemted as he gazed into the eyes of Zhu Lin.


    "Zhu Lin, I ept my mistake. Forgive me for earlier." Lei Wanxi put stones on his heart and apologized to her. This was thest time though. "Zhu Lin, you will leave after certain days. I do not want any enmity between us. Look at my forehead." He pointed his finger at his forehead and continued, "You threw a shoe at me still I am apologizing to you. I am an empathetic person. Let''s end the bitterness between us and work together." Lei Wanxi manipted Zhu Lin with his words.


    "Fine. I also apologize to you," Zhu Lin lowered her eyes and then lifted them.


    ''I will never forgive you,'' Lei Wanxi told himself but to show her he said, "I forgive you." He immediately grabbed the pestle and told her to start. The two started to lift it and pushed it against the mortar thus, ground the dry flowers into a fine powder. Lei Wanxi found that Zhu Lin was quite strong. It astonished him. ''She might have trained hard,'' he thought and continued the work.


    An hourter, both of them stopped. They bent on their knees and were d to see that they had seeded in making a fine powder. "Teamwork is always best," Lei Wanxi muttered and left his grip on the pestle. Zhu Lin had held it lightly and it fell over her, who screamed but at the right time, Lei Wanxi caught it with his entire strength.


    "Are you okay?" He asked and told her to help him. Zhu Lin hummed and supported the pestle from one end. They both put it on the ground and then shifted the fine red powder in arge wooden tray.


    "I am calling Chief Cui. He will guide us on what to do next," Lei Wanxi stated and went to the room where Cui Chang was resting. Both of them came there when Cui Chang told them to shift to the next room and fill therge water containers with hot water.


    "Can servants not do that?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "The Crown Prince has ordered us to do everything," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi sighed. "Let''s take this tray to the other room. We will heat the water first and then will mix it," Zhu Lin affirmed. Lei Wanxi nodded his head and the two started to work.


    Cui Chang scrutinized them, not wanting them to get harmed while doing all this work.

 Chapter 441 - I Am In That Hell

    <h4>Chapter 441 - I Am In That Hell</h4>


    Sheng Li came to his chamber. Huo Jin bowed as soon as he saw the Crown Prince. "Take a seat," Sheng Li told him after sitting around the floor mattress.


    Huo Jin sat down on the floor chair. "I went to Minister Gu Zhenya''s residencest night," He informed the Crown Prince.


    "And?" Sheng Li was curious to know.


    "Minister Gu has been searching for Prince Nianzu," Huo Jin answered. Sheng Li raised his brow in bewilderment.


    "Why? Did you find something more?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Yes, your highness," replied Huo Jin and continued, "Minister Gu met with other important ministers of the Courtst night.. They had a meet where ministers talked about you."


    "Me?!" Sheng Li got befuddled to hear that. But it was not shocking as the Ministers usually talked about him, behind his back, for a very long time.


    "Your Highness, they are not happy that you are the Crown Prince," Huo Jin stated.


    "Yes, they were never happy about me being the Crown Prince as I am the Fifth Prince. It is nothing new," Sheng Li affirmed and scoffed. Huo Jin found out how people were after the life of the Crown Prince. Even, he once worked for enemies and plotted to kill Sheng Li. He was d though that he never did that.


    "Your highness, you shall remove Minister Gu before he does anything inappropriate," Huo Jin asserted.


    "I cannot remove any Minister. Only if I found something serious against him then, he can get removed," Sheng Li briefed Huo Jin.


    "I will bring the evidence against him. If he is behind the Fourth Prince, then he might have nned something big against you," Huo Jin asserted.


    Sheng Li drew his brows together. "What exactly was he talking to the Ministers? Tell me about the Ministers who were present there," Sheng Li demanded the answers from Huo Jin, who lowered his eyes.


    "They want the Fourth Prince to be the Crown Prince. Minister of Personnel, Minister of Rites, Ministers of Finance, and other few, whom I could not recognize were present in that meeting. They are not happy that the Emperor sent the Fourth Prince away. They think that it is because the Fourth Prince could have been a threat to your position," Huo Jin exined to Sheng Li. "Your highness, luckily I went there yesterday else all these things could not be found."


    Sheng Li hummed and called Xing-Fu inside. Xing-Fu came inside and bowed. "Call Wang Hao. Tell him it''s urgent," Sheng Li ordered him. Xing-Fu left the chamber to bring General Wang while Sheng Li continued his conversation with Huo Jin.


    "The Crown Princess Birthday is near. Can you keep a close eye on Gu Zhenya? I do not want any trouble, and after all these things from you, it seems Gu Zhenya might formte a n against us," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I will do it, your highness," Huo Jin epted the order. "I will be d to help his highness in every possible way," affirmed Huo Jin.


    "Fine. Report me about his activities," Sheng Li stated. Huo Jin nodded and then lifted his head to peer at Sheng Li.


    "Your Highness, may I ask something?" Huo Jin queried him.


    "Hmm."


    "Did you ever get scared? Pardon me. I asked because¡­ because during all this time, I found many people are against you, not themoners but the upper sses and royalty. I believe you are powerful enough to shut the mouths of these Ministers around you, but it seems you have turned quieter. I am curious to know," Huo Jin raised a few questions.


    "That way, my enemies will increase more. I already lost people closer to me because of my pride. I killed mercilessly without thinking about what it could bring in the future. When the Crown Princess came into my life, I started to see the world differently. Hu Jingguo also gave a new perspective to my life. But it is not that I left my heartless side. I still am to those who are evil and only want power," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "I think I changed a lot after losing Hu Jingguo. His death pains me. That General of Tan Gengxin wanted to make me feel the pain after losing someone close, and I am in that hell once again," he lowered his eyes as guilt overpowered him. "I cannot bring him back. However, I can change the things because of which I ended up losing him and also Wan Ju." He chuckled and said, "I usually do not share my things. Keep it to yourself," Sheng Li requested him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Huo Jin nodded.


    Wang Hao by then reached the Crown Prince''s chamber. He bowed before sitting down around the table. "His Highness called me! What''s the urgent matter?" Wang Hao asked.


    "Gu Zhenya has been searching for Brother Nianzu. Go to their ce and check them if they are safe," Sheng Li stated. "Deploy a few spies there so that they keep an eye on the suspicious activities around," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao.


    "Yes, your highness," Wang Hao acknowledged the order. "But how did his highness find out about all this?"


    "Huo Jin found out. Gu Zhenya''s activities were suspicious, so I asked Huo Jin to find out," Sheng Li replied. Wang Hao nodded and told Sheng Li that he would inform him by night.


    "Hmm." "You two may leave," Sheng Li ordered them. Wang Hao and Huo Jin stood up, gave a palm and fist bow before leaving the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Here, in the Dye House, after heating the water Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin mixed the fine powder into the hot water. After that, the hot water was passed through a sieve into a container to remove the chunks of dry flowers.


    Chui Chang had brought the white silk fabric. Zhu Lin grabbed its one end and asked Lei Wanxi to slowly put it into the hot water who hummed. He did that, and the color started to appear in the fabric. Zhu Lin pushed the fabric deep into the container with a stick. Cui Chang walked out of the room to check the shelter where the dyed fabric had to hang.


    "It''s over finally," Lei Wanxi stated and stepped back to leave when his shoe slipped because of the water that was spread on the floor. "Ahh," he screamed. He almost fell into the hot water when Zhu Lin grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her.


    Because of the fear, he hugged her tightly. His breathing was heavy and, his heartbeat shot up. For a moment, he thought he would fall into the hot water. "It''s alright," Zhu Lin caressed his back. "Be careful next time," she said and kept caressing his back.


    Lei Wanxi closed his eyes because of the fear and tightly wrapped his hands around her. "I could have burned," he murmured. A few momentster, he realized what he was doing. He pulled away and stepped back.


    There was an awkward silence between the two. "I was scared, that''s why I did that. Do not take any wrong meaning," muttered Lei Wanxi.


    "It''s fine. You shall be careful. Our work has beenpleted. We just need to hang this colored fabric outside in the shelter," Zhu Lin told him. Lei Wanxi nodded and told her to take the fabric out from the hot water into a basket.


    "Ahh, the color has not distributed evenly," Zhu Lin informed Lei Wanxi.


    "It''s our first time doing this. We are not Dexter," Lei Wanxi was annoyed. "My full body is aching," heined.


    "Come, carry this basket with another end. Let''s take it outside," Zhu Lin asked for his help. Lei Wanxi nodded, and the two took the basket outside.

 Chapter 442 - Ying Lili Is Strength Of Sheng Li

    <h4>Chapter 442 - Ying Lili Is Strength Of Sheng Li</h4>


    The Emperor and the Empress were having a conversation as they had their tea. "Your Majesty, could you please not take your order back? I want to see my son," Deng Hui asked and requested at the same time.


    "Empress Hui, it is not possible. Nianzu wanted this. I granted his request. I thought after Weng Wei would be punished, he would feel happy here. But this Pce life never provided that happiness," Han Wenji exined to Deng Hui.


    "Your Majesty, then will he never return? I am his mother. How am I supposed to live without my son? Please, bring him home. I beg you, your majesty." Deng Hui pleaded with the Emperor. However, he did not agree with her.


    "I already passed an order. I cannot take it back. Nianzu wanted to marry amoner, and I think he would have even married her. If our son gets his happiness by living that way, then we shall let him live like that," Han Wenji affirmed. Deng Hui peered at the Emperor with skepticism.


    "May I ask his Majesty something?" Deng Hui queried.


    Han Wenji nodded his head, granting permission to Deng Hui.


    "Did his Majesty send my son away because he was a potential candidate for the position of next Emperor?" Deng Hui''s question made Han Wenji suspicious of her. "Pardon me," she bowed and then lifted her head, "When I see every Prince in the Pce, it hurts me. His Majesty took such a big decision of snatching the rights of the Prince from my son and then sent him away from the Pce, without consulting me once."


    "Empress Hui, you are taking me wrong. I did it for his betterment. Our son''s happiness does not lie here. Though I realized itte," Han Wenji asserted. "I also know that Prince Nianzu is good among the Princes, but he could not differentiate between love and duties. He can never be the next Emperor because of that quality," he added and sighed. "Empress Hui, I have given him responsibility for the nation, but he refused it. Then, I made him advisor despite many ministers'' opposition. But, then he did not respect that position. For him, all these do not matter. He wants a simple life," Han Wenji exined to Deng Hui.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for getting rude to you." Deng Hui lowered her head.


    "You do not have to apologize. I understand that as a mother, it is tough for you. The other Princes are also your sons. Nianzu has already left us all, and he is happy in his current life," Han Wenji stressed in his words. Deng Hui knitted her brows. She was not happy with the Emperor''s decision. However, she could not say anything on this matter.


    She stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I shall return to my chamber. Tomorrow the Royal Astrologer wille," Deng Hui informed the Emperor, who was delighted to hear that.


    "It is the time when the royal heirs shall be born," Han Wenji asserted.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Deng Hui replied.


    "You shall go then. It was a nice conversation, Empress Hui," stated Han Wenji.


    Deng Hui nodded, keeping a tiny smile on her lips, and left the Emperor''s manor.


    After reaching her manor, she waited for Gu Zhenya, who after an hour came to meet her. Bowing to her, he sat a few meters away from her, on his knees.


    "Did you find out about the whereabouts of Prince Nianzu?" Deng Hui questioned him.


    "My men are still searching for the Prince, Your Majesty. Please be patient," Gu Zhenya told her.


    "Hmm." Deng Hui drew her brows together and said, "I talked to his majesty as ording to our n. I thought he loved my son, but it is the opposite. His Majesty sent him just because Prince Nianzu showed his disinterest in a few things. Then, his majesty told me to see other Princes as my sons. How can I? His Majesty even told me that Prince Nianzu cannot be the Emperor as he ran away from his duties."


    Gu Zhenya patiently listened to Deng Hui.


    "You were right, Minister Gu. The Emperor does not want anyone to be the Crown Prince and the Emperor other than Sheng Li. In the Emperor''s eyes, only Sheng Li is the best. Though the Emperor did not directly admit that. Finally, I understood now why Weng Wei hated Sheng Li," Deng Hui clenched her fist. She was furious that just to keep Sheng Li''s position safe, Han Wenji sent her son away without conversing with her once.


    "Your Majesty, then would you like to go with my n?" Gu Zhenya asked.


    "Yes. We need to find Prince Nianzu first. Kill Chuntao, and this me will be put on Sheng Li. Let''s create the rift between these two brothers. I have seen my son always supporting Sheng Li. I lived 25 years as a concubine and bore all the torture to see my son at the position of the Crown Prince. Just because of a meremoner, I cannot let his life get destroyed," Deng Hui pronounced. She was furious that the Emperor did not acknowledge her request.


    Gu Zhenya smirked. "Your Majesty, until Sheng Li is alive, your son will not get his rights back. None of us can rule the way we all want. We need to kill Sheng Li as well," stated Gu Zhenya.


    "That is going to be tough. Moreover, our ns can fail. Weng Wei used to have a strongerwork than us still she got caught," Deng Hui affirmed.


    "That''s because of the Crown Princess. We need to throw these two away from our way. We need to create a situation where there will be killed together," Gu Zhenya asserted. Deng Hui nodded her head as she agreed with Minister Gu.


    "Ying Lili is the strength of Sheng Li. Nianzu had told me once that Sheng Li found the perfect woman for her who does not get scared in any situation. Sheng Li might lose his confidence for once but Ying Lili never," stated Deng Hui with a menacing expression.


    "I do not like the Crown Princess a bit. Most of the Ministers do not. She is way too extraordinary. She saved Sheng Li with her wit when he was poisoned.?Weng Wei could have killed Hu Jingguo if the Crown Princess had told about him in front of everyone, so she epted to get hanged to death then to risk the life of the Crown Prince. She is a brainy woman. Why don''t we n to kill her first?" Gu Zhenya suggested Deng Hui.


    "Sheng Li will burn the Pce if anything happens to Ying Lili. Thest time she took the arrow for him, and he did not even care about the status of Weng Wei. We need to kill both of them at once," Deng Hui proimed. Gu Zhenya was not aware of all these facts. He found the training he gave to Deng Hui finally worked out. Deng Hui observed everything keenly when she was a Concubine.


    "Your Majesty, I will think about the n," stated Gu Zhenya. Deng Hui nodded.


    "Inform me everything that you will find out about my son. We need to find him before it gets toote," Deng Hui opined.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Today, I will give a surprise Mass Release. Sorry, couldn''t give on Monday as I was not well. Thank you for the Golden ticket votes and power stones.


    Please do check my new story - "Love under the Blood Moon."


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 443 - Beaten Up By A Woman

    <h4>Chapter 443 - Beaten Up By A Woman</h4>


    Lei Wanxi, after eating his lunch, came to meet the Crown Princess in her chamber. He wanted to apologize to her for the morning''s incident. Court Lady Xu let him go in. "Sister Lili," he pronounced and stopped near the second door.


    Ying Lili, who was reading something, closed the book and lifted her eyes. "Brother Wanxi," Lili called his name and closed the book in her hand. Lei Wanxi sat on one of the ground chairs and asked her what she was reading.


    "A few poems," Ying Lili replied.. "Did youplete the work?" She asked him.


    "Yes, Sister Lili. My body is aching. Brother Sheng knows he gave a strict punishment to me," Lei Wanxi sighed. "Forgive me, Sister Lili. I should have stopped when you told me to. Is your wrist good? Sister Lili did not get injured anywhere, right?" He worriedly asked.


    "It was a minor cut, Brother Wanxi. I am fine. Do not worry about me." Ying Lili looked at the red marks on his palms and even on his forehead.


    "Brother Wanxi, did you get hurt somewhere? What are these red marks?" Ying Lili peered at his palms.


    "It''s a dye color, Sister Lili. The pestle was so heavy and I regret not working on my strength. Now, Zhu Lin will make more fun of me since I asked for her help. Though working as a team made us do less effort," Lei Wanxi asserted as he looked at his palms.


    "Princess Zhu Lin is a nice woman. I do not know why Brother Wanxi fights with her. As a Prince, you are not expected to do this," Ying Lili made him understand, who got irked.


    "Sister Lili, she is not nice to me. Every time I think about getting on good terms with her, she does something which annoys me more. Did Sister Lili not see how she hit me with her shoe? How can she do this to me? I got embarrassed in front of everyone. Even the servants saw me getting beaten up by her," Lei Wanxi asserted. Ying Lili was befuddled to see Lei Wanxi talking this way for a person. She recalled the words that Lei Wanxi said to Zhu Lin, which angered her.


    "Brother Wanxi should not have said to Princess Zhu Lin that because of her, Brother Nianzu left. Your statement hurt her," Ying Lili stated.


    "She hurts others, Sister Lili. Do not stand for her. I do not like when you talk good about her when she is not," Lei Wanxi scoffed. "Today, I got punished for the first time in my life. No one ever punished me¡­ not even Weng Wei. And because of Zhu Lin, I received two punishments at once." Lei Wanxi''s words made Ying Lili feel that he had some serious misunderstandings regarding Zhu Lin.


    "Brother Wanxi, do you know that Princess Zhu Lin loved Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. "She had heard about Brother Nianzu from many that''s why she chose him to be her future husband. She came to Luoyang to confirm the facts regarding Brother Nianzu. It hurt her when Brother Nianzu did notmunicate with her. However, as soon as Princess Zhu Lin found out about Brother Nianzu''s feelings for a woman other than her, she stepped back from the marriage."


    Ying Lili did not want Lei Wanxi to know about this as Zhu Lin had requested her not to tell anyone about that. However, when Ying Lili saw how wrongly Lei Wanxi thought of Zhu Lin, she decided to tell him.


    Lei Wanxi felt guilty for whatever he said to Zhu Lin. Did he by any chance make fun of Zhu Lin''s feelings?! He wondered. But she was the one who always initiated fights with him.


    "Brother Wanxi shall apologize to Princess Zhu Lin. She will leave soon and your words will keep hurting her. The Princess does notin as she finds it a waste of energy," Ying Lili persuaded Lei Wanxi to befriend Zhu Lin. Lei Wanxi had the nature to embrace everyone, but with Zhu Lin, his equation waspletely different.


    "I will, Sister Lili. I am annoyed at her because she thinks of me as a weak person and also¡­" he paused. Ying Lili waited for him to answer, but he did not speak.


    "Brother Wanxi, she never considered you a weak person. It''s just she was bewildered to see that a Prince got defeated against her. She then apologized to you regarding that. The incidents after that kept growing, and it brought you to different stages," Ying Lili stated. Lei Wanxi hummed. He was now guilty because he somewhere made fun of her feelings. He only thought about his elder Brother, Nianzu, while he forgot about the woman who left her home to just meet him.


    "Sister Lili, thank you for informing me about this. I will apologize to her and end my bitterness with her," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Ying Lili was delighted to hear that.


    "Brother Wanxi, do you fly kites?" Ying Lili suddenly asked.


    "No," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Tomorrow, we all will fly kites. It will be fun. Though I will miss Brother Nianzu and Hu Jingguo''s presence." The smile disappeared from her lips.


    "I will also miss them. Brother Sheng told me that Brother Nianzu is way happier with Chuntao than with us. And about Hu Jingguo, I have no words. He was such a nice friend," Lei Wanxi said. Ying Lili''s eyes turned watery.


    "Brother Sheng visits the grave of Hu Jingguo daily. He is in guilt, Sister Lili." This sudden revtion tensed Ying Lili.


    "That''s why heeste," she knitted her brows.


    "I happened to see Brother Sheng going to the grave of Hu Jingguo. He did not get such a shock after losing his mother, which he did get after losing Hu Jingguo. Brother Sheng denied his friendship with Hu Jingguo, but he had made a different bond with him. Hu Jingguo''s death had a huge impact on Brother Sheng''s life," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    Ying Lili wiped the tears from the edges of her eyes. "Thank you for sharing it with me, Brother Wanxi. Hu Jingguo was my only family member left, but this bloody fight for the throne ended up taking his life. He saved the life of Sheng Li at the cost of his," Ying Lili said with a broken voice.


    "He wanted to see Sister Lili happy. If anything had happened to Brother Sheng, then things would have worsened," Lei Wanxi stated. Ying Lili agreed with him. After a few minutes, Lei Wanxi took his leave while Ying Lili decided to meet Sheng Li.


    She looked at herself in the mirror and came out of the chamber. "I am going to meet the Crown Prince. Do not follow me," Ying Lili requested Court Lady Xu after informing, who bowed. Ying Lili left the Imperial Pce to check on Sheng Li in the uphills.


    While walking, the words of Lei Wanxi roamed in her head. ''How could I not see through all this? Sheng Li is in trouble. He is still in trauma and, this time, its impact is huge. I cannot let him ruin like this.'' Ying Lili told herself.

 Chapter 444 - Sorting Out

    <h4>Chapter 444 - Sorting Out</h4>


    "Princess Lin, the Sixth Prince is here to meet you," informed a maidservant to Zhu Lin, who had just finished her lunch.


    "Let the Prince in," Zhu Lin told the maidservant, who bowed and walked out. Zhu Lin stood up from the chair and waited for the Sixth Prince. Lei Wanxi came inside and asked her if she was free.


    "I am free. What does the Prince want to talk about?" Zhu Lin queried.


    "Won''t you ask me to sit?" Lei Wanxi looked at the chaise. He quickly sat on that and told Zhu Lin tofortably sit first.


    "I amfortable this way," Zhu Lin stated.


    "Are you not tired after doing that much physical work?" Zhu Lin crossed her arms and skeptically peered at him.. "Why are you looking at me that way?" Lei Wanxi questioned and touched his face.


    "It is strange to see that you are humble with me," Zhu Lin affirmed. "What is the matter?" She then asked. Lei Wanxi stood up from the chaise and grabbed her arm.


    "Sit first," he pushed her down on the chaise. Zhu Lin was bewildered. Lei Wanxi hardly behaved this way with her. Lei Wanxi looked around and quickly brought a chair which was ced at the left end of the chamber. He sat on it and looked at Zhu Lin.


    "I want to sincerely apologize to you." Lei Wanxi lowered his head. Zhu Lin blinked a few times and then squinted her eyes. "I should not have made such remarks against you. Forgive me," he stated.


    "It''s fine," Zhu Lin replied. Lei Wanxi looked at her and thanked her for forgiving him. "I hope we will not fight in the future," stated Zhu Lin. "Forgive me for my behavior too. I should have acted my age," she stated. Zhu Lin looked at the tiny bump because of the hit on Lei Wanxi''s forehead.


    "Did you not apply any ointment on that?" Zhu Lin asked him. Lei Wanxi touched the bump on his forehead and shook his head.


    "I have one effective medicine," Zhu Lin asserted and stood up from the chaise. After a few seconds, she came to him and told him to raise his forehead. Lei Wanxi did so and closed his eyes. Zhu Lin took the paste in her hand and then gently rubbed it over the bump. "I never fought this way with anyone except you," Zhu Lin asserted as a smile appeared on her lips.


    "You love to get violent on me. I am such a patient man. Even after you beat me, I, every time reconcile with you," Lei Wanxi proimed. "Such a great-hearted man I am!" Lei Wanxi praised himself and opened his eyes.


    Zhu Lin smiled at him. "You are the only person who annoys me to do things which I do not want to!" She stated as she pulled her fingers back. She put the lid on the tiny bottle of porcin.? "You seem the pampered child of the Emperor," she added.


    "You are the only woman who loses temper so fast. Whoever will be your future husband, he will definitely stay quiet around you," Lei Wanxiughed in his own words. Zhu Lin smiled back and went to the chaise.


    "I wanted Prince Nianzu as my husband." Lei Wanxi stoppedughing. "He was an ideal husband for me. If he had asked me to leave the Pce for him then I would have. But before I could get into his life, he ended up falling for someone else," Zhu Lin said and lowered her head.


    "You will get someone better than Brother Nianzu. He was not the one for you. There are many ideal men like him," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Umm¡­ maybe. Since I am of marriageable age so my Father will marry me off soon to someone- maybe son of the Governor!" A chuckle escaped from her mouth.


    Lei Wanxi regretted being harsh on Zhu Lin. "Let''s go to the market. The Dragon Boat Festival is near, so the preparations are going on. We will have fun in the market," Lei Wanxi said delightedly and with enthusiasm. He wanted to enlighten the mood of Zhu Lin. The market was the perfect ce for this, ording to him.


    "Aren''t you tired? It''s almost evening," Zhu Lin stated.


    "I am a little tired. I am craving dumplings, and in the market, Uncle Ma sells delicious dumplings. Let''s go," Lei Wanxi jumped in happiness.


    "Okay. Let''s go," Zhu Lin agreed to go to the market. Lei Wanxi stood up from the chair and told her he would wait for her outside. He walked out of the chamber and opened his fan.


    Slightly moving it near his face, he waited for Zhu Lin. A few minutester, Zhu Lin came out of the chamber, and the two left for the market in the carriage.


    "Zhu Lin, you did not get hurt by my words, right?" Zhu Lin looked at him amusingly and shook her head.


    "Then, it''s good. I was scared thinking that you took my words to your heart. Once Brother Nianzu told me that I do not understand the true meaning of love. Maybe while fighting with you, I said a few things which I should not have," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Hmm. Your brother was right. You do not know what love is between a man and a woman! But your words did not hurt me. I was a little hurt when you said I was the reason your brother left the Pce," Zhu Lin finally told him the truth.


    "Your brother hurt me. I did not even know he had someone in his life until the day he revealed his lover in the Hall in front of everyone. I felt disrespected at that time. And, I realized that he is not the man I was looking for!" Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. Brother Nianzu was not the man whom Zhu Lin had thought? Lei Wanxi was befuddled for a second when he heard her.


    "He acted cowardly and made a rash decision in a rush. He might be happy now, but after looking at all the scheming going on in the Pce, it seems he might be the next target! Your Brother ran away from his responsibilities without sorting out everything," Zhu Lin pronounced.

 Chapter 445 - Help Me!

    <h4>Chapter 445 - Help Me!</h4>


    Ying Lili reached the top of the hill where the grave of Hu Jingguo was located. She saw Sheng Li near the grave, and it brought tears to her eyes. She took gradual steps towards Sheng Li, who turned upon hearing the footsteps.


    "Lili," Sheng Li was shocked to see her. He walked to her and saw the sweat on her forehead. "Why did youe here alone?" He worriedly asked and looked behind. He took out the handkerchief and wiped the sweat off her forehead.


    Ying Lili gazed into his eyes. "Aren''t you afraid of animals?" He asked curiously. He remembered the first time he took Ying Lili there, and she asked him if there were animals.


    "No. I was not scared.. However, I was concerned about you." Ying Lili let go of his hands from her arms and went to the grave of Hu Jingguo. She joined her hands and prayed for a while. Sheng Li stood by her.


    Ying Lili opened her eyes and put her hands down. She saw the chrysanthemum flowers over the grave. "He might be watching us. It is sad though that we cannot see him," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li agreed with her. He put his arm around Ying Lili''s shoulder and drew her close to him.


    "I miss him. That''s why Ie here¡­ mostly in the evening," stated Sheng Li.


    "You should have told me. Are you guilty?" Ying Lili tilted her head to look at him. Sheng Li gazed at her and nodded his head.


    "I am guilty, Lili. After such a long time, I have met so many beautiful people in my life. He was one of them. But he left so soon. He was smiling even in hisst moments. He was happy that I acknowledged him as my friend. I had nned to give him something but he left before even receiving that. There are many regrets that I have." Sheng Li''s eyes were watery and so were Ying Lili''s.


    "You did not share with me all this earlier. I did not know you are still in that trauma," Ying Lili said while reading his expressions.


    "But somehow, you found out!" Sheng Li smiled. "Hu Jingguo told me that it''s difficult to hide things from you. I did not want to trouble you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "But it gets more troubling when I find outter," Ying Lili pronounced. "You should be proud of his sacrifice but not guilty. I heard that in the afterlife, souls get more pain than in their physical form." Ying Lili reasoned with Sheng Li.


    "I understand. I will try, Lili," Sheng Li said and rested his cheek over her head.


    "You always say this," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "In this hut, I asked him what kind of husband does my Lili want? He teased me a lot and told me to find the answer myself. Then, one day he told me that I have transformed into the man that Lili wanted," Sheng Li stated. "Such memories appear out of nowhere and make his absence more painful," He briefed.


    "Hmm. Cherish those memories that you made with him. Just take it as that you have a wonderful person in your life, who turned it more beautiful," Ying Lili opined. Sheng Li lifted his head and wondered how Ying Lili could be positive in every situation. Hu Jingguo was her friend more than his, still, he did not see her sad. It not only amused him but also astonished him.


    "Lili, you are the light in my good days and dark days. You enlighten my life. My respect for you increases day by day. I wonder what would have happened to me without you." Sheng Li expressed his gratitude towards her to acknowledge him and see through him. "Hu Jingguo gave me a new perspective to life which I was unaware of. I met him thanks to you. Just hold me like this even in my most devastating times," Sheng Li requested.


    "I will, Sheng Li. Even when there''s no one by your side, you will always find me," Ying Lili stated. "Do not let yourself feel low. Hu Jingguo lies inside your heart as a strength. Remember this," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li hummed and looked up at the sky.


    "Let''s go back," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who hummed, and the two left the hilltop.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi held the two dumpling sticks in his hand and went towards thekeside with Zhu Lin where preparation for the Dragon Boat Festival was going on.


    The painters were decorating two giant boats. The front of the boats had Dragon shaped face. "Thiske is sorge. Let''s go there," Zhu Lin pointed her finger towards thekeside.


    Lei Wanxi refused. "I do not like going near the water. What if giant water monsters are there?" Lei Wanxi queried and chewed the dumpling. Zhu Linughed, which confused Lei Wanxi.


    "I did not crack a joke," Lei Wanxi said.


    Zhu Lin controlled herughter. "It appears to be a joke. Who told you there are giant water monsters in the water?" She asked and again giggled.


    "You did not read legends. In our legends, it is mentioned numerous times that we should not go near the water because water beasts are present there," Lei Wanxi stated and quickly finished the dumplings. Zhu Lin grasped his wrist and took him towards theke.


    "Hey, where are you dragging me to?" Lei Wanxiined.


    "You will today be the food of water beasts or monsters," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Pardon." He halted, so was Zhu Lin. She pulled him towards her, but he dragged himself back.


    "I told you that I am scared of water. Don''t do this. Look, you have again started the fight with me. I will tell Brother Sheng about this," Lei Wanxi warned her.


    "You can tell the Crown Prince," Zhu Lin stated. "You must end your fears. You are the Prince who should not be scared of all this. What message will you deliver to your people this way?" Zhu Lin again dragged him while Lei Wanxi tried hard not to move ahead, but in front of the strength of Zhu Lin, he was weak.


    "Help me, Help me!" Lei Wanxi started to shout for help which bewildered Zhu Lin.


    "Are you serious? Wanxi, you are such a crybaby. Stop shouting. People might take it the other way," Zhu Lin told him.


    "I will not stop. You shall stop. Leave my wrist, else I will keep shouting," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Zhu Lin smiled and moved closer to him. She tip-toed and whispered in his ear, "Sixth Prince, today you will end this fear of yours. Else I will tell everyone in the Capital that the most demanding bachelor is a crybaby." Lei Wanxi knitted his brows. Zhu Linnded her feet on the ground and gazed into his eyes, smirking.


    "Are you threatening me? Go, tell them then. It does not matter to me," Lei Wanxi challenged Zhu Lin, who scoffed.


    "I will tell people about your other secrets as well. No one knows about your special qualities except me, and trust me, it will take a few days for me to make you popr," Zhu Lin asserted.

 Chapter 446 - Why Do You Annoy Me?

    <h4>Chapter 446 - Why Do You Annoy Me?</h4>


    Lei Wanxi squinted his eyes. Why was Zhu Lin so adamant to take him near theke? Was she pulling a prank on him? He did not trust her after she hit him with her shoe. "Zhu Lin, if anything happens to me, then you will be punished. So, it''s better to not let me go near the water." Lei Wanxi confronted her.


    "Nothing will happen. We will just stand by the shore of theke." Zhu Lin did not listen to him and dragged her to thekeside. "There are no water beasts in theke." She bent on her knees and touched the water surface. The surface of the water shone red because the sun was setting down.


    "They will appear by the night," Lei Wanxi reasoned. Zhu Lin tilted her head and gazed at him.. "I am telling the truth. Ask any of the people around here if you do not believe me." Lei Wanxi looked at the people who were quite far away from them.


    "I do not know what kind of stories the Sixth Prince read during his childhood. But there is nothing like a water beast," Zhu Lin affirmed. She gripped the end of his sleeve and pulled him down.


    Lei Wanxi was now on his knees, facing her. "You should not be scared of water. It is the time when this fear shall leave your life," Zhu Lin stated and threw a ssh of water at his face.


    "Zhu Lin!" Lei Wanxi screamed and tightly shut his eyes. He wiped his face with his palm when another ssh of water hit his face. Zhu Lin giggled and continued to hit him with water. Lei Wanxi chuckled and did the same to her.


    Zhu Lin grasped the end of her high waist skirt as she was ready to run. She stood up after hitting Lei Wanxi''s face with water and started to run. Lei Wanxi stood up and loudly said, "Zhu Lin,e here. If I catch you then it will not be good." He tried to threaten her.


    Zhu Lin stopped and turned to look at him. "Really?" Sheughed and then stopped after a few seconds. "But Prince Wanxi will not be able to catch me." She continued to walk backward while mocking him.


    "You are in illusion." Lei Wanxi stepped forward. "I am good at running. It is the only thing I am good at. I defeated Brother Sheng many times in this. So, it is better to stop and apologize to me. Because if I catch you, then I will throw you in thiske. Then the water monster will eat you," Lei Wanxi threatened her again.


    "Prince Wanxi shall not lie. Prince Wanxi shall not brag about his running skills," Zhu Lin stated. She did not believe him and started to run. Lei Wanxi wiped his face once before running after her.


    Zhu Lin had climbed the stairways to reach the top. ''He will not be able to catch me,'' she thought and stepped at thest stair when she found Lei Wanxi in front of him, scowling at her.


    She stopped and blinked a few times. "How did you¡­"


    Lei Wanxi was panting. "I told you I will not spare you if I catch you." He grabbed her hand and took her towards theke.


    "Ahh, leave my hand. I was kidding with you. You cannot throw me in theke," Zhu Lin protested as they descended the stairs.


    "Why? You also did not listen to me and then threw water at me. I also want to give you special treatment," Lei Wanxi stopped and smirked at her. Zhu Lin twisted her hand but found he had grabbed it tightly.


    "Leave my wrist. It''ste evening. The sun has almost set, and we need to return to the Pce. Tomorrow we have to work in a horse stable. What if we got sick?" Zhu Lin gave him as many reasons as she could to stop him.


    "No, we will not fall sick. Today, you will meet the water monster," Lei Wanxi stated. This time he dragged her towards theke while she protested. Zhu Lin wondered from where did he get strength. She fiercely glued her feet against the rough ground, filled with pebbles.


    Lei Wanxi stopped and looked at her feet. "Wanxi, do not be stubborn. Find. I ept that you are good at running," Zhu Lin affirmed. "Do not do this." Lei Wanxi went closer to her and carried her on his one shoulder.


    Zhu Lin was shocked to see that. She hit him in the back. "Put me down, Wanxi," Zhu Lin requested.


    "I wish I could stop. I also want to end my fear of water," Lei Wanxi stated and walked towards the shore of theke. He put her down. Grabbing both of her arms, he said, "I usually do not y this way. But with you, I have to y like this." He pushed her towards the water. Zhu Lin''s shoes dipped into the water.


    "Ahh, it''s cold," she screamed and closed her eyes.


    "Do not be a crybaby, Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi said and pushed her further into the water. He let go of her arms, passing a smirk to her. However, Zhu Lin pulled Lei Wanxi along with him into theke.


    They both fell into the water. Both of them came out of the water,pletely drenched.


    Because they were near the shore, the depth of water was not much. Their bodies were submerged till their waists while their feet touched the ground.


    Lei Wanxi''s chest heaved up and down while his eyes were closed. He had held the arms of Zhu Lin tightly. "Zhu Lin, why do you annoy me?" He asked and gradually opened his eyes. The anger disappeared as he saw Zhu Lin''s face. They were standing so close to each other that they could feel each other''s breath. Lei Wanxi had never observed her this closely until today.


    He knitted his brows as the two gazed into each other''s eyes intensely.

 Chapter 447 - With This Identity

    <h4>Chapter 447 - With This Identity</h4>


    Lei Wanxi lifted his hand and grazed his fingers over Zhu Lin''s cheeks. The water droplets stuck on his fingers. The gentle brush of his cold fingers sent shivers in her body. He pulled his hand back and came out of the water. He shivered because of the cold and looked towards the giant boats. The painters had left for their home already, and no one was around.


    "Are you going to stay there? Come out!" Lei Wanxi shouted at her with exasperation. Zhu Lin quickly came out of the water. Lei Wanxi looked at her and saw her dress waspletely drenched. Since she had not worn the overcoat, she was shivering in the cold.


    "L-let''s g-o back," Zhu Lin requested while crossing her arms.


    Lei Wanxi removed his overcoat and put it around Zhu Lin.. "Come. The carriage is nearby, so we will reach the Pce soon," Lei Wanxi asserted. Zhu Lin nodded and they left. The chauffeur upon seeing the two rushed to them and asked if they were fine.


    "Yes. Drive the carriage fast," Lei Wanxi ordered him. Zhu Lin stepped inside the carriage, followed by him. The two did not speak to each other. The Chauffeur rode the carriage as fast as he could and the two arrived at the Pce within ten minutes. They went straight to their respective chambers.


    After having a hot water bath, Lei Wanxi felt good. He was tired from the entire day''s activities so fell asleep there. The servant, who saw him sleeping, woke him up. His sleep abruptly broke and he looked around. "Your highness, please go back to the chamber and take a rest." Lei Wanxi nodded and came out of the bathtub. A silk bathrobe covered him and after getting ready, he came to his chamber.


    Heid down on the bed and yawned. "Can you press my legs and my hands?" Lei Wanxi asked the servant, who nodded his head. He sat down on the floor, by the bed, and started to press Lei Wanxi''s legs.


    Lei Wanxi reminisced the moment he fell into the water and came out of it. "She is pr--" he did notplete his words and shook his head. "How could I say that?" He muttered. The servant found his master was acting more strangely than the other days. However, he did not question him and kept doing his assigned work.


    "You may leave," Lei Wanxi told the servant, who bowed. But before leaving, he asked Lei Wanxi about his dinner.


    "I am not hungry. I am tired. Blew off the candles," Lei Wanxi said and pulled the nket up. He closed his eyes and within seconds, he drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~


    Nianzu came home after purchasing a few things from the market. "Today, I brought pork for dinner," Nianzu informed Chuntao, who had lit the wood on the stove.


    "It is expensive. Why did you bring it?" Sheined and turned to him.


    "You like it, that''s why. And it feels you have shed weight in the past few days," Nianzu reasoned. "Do not worry about the money. I have gotten one more job," Nianzu stated and picked the bronze te.


    Chuntao''s eyes filled with tears. She took the te from his hand. "You already worked hard in your workce. I will bring the dinner to our room. You shall rest till dinner gets ready," Chuntao told Nianzu.


    "I am not tired, Chun," Nianzu replied. "Shall I help in cooking? I can make rice for us. Pork soup and rice are good to eat," Nianzu excitedly said. He stood up and brought another vessel. He filled water in it and put it over the stove. Chuntao, on the other hand, washed the pork meat first and then cut it into little pieces.


    "Even I will work in the fields." Nianzu heard Chuntao. He turned to her, who continued, "I have made a few friends and they told me that working in fields has many benefits. I might get grains along with wages." There was a smile on her lips, which showed she desperately wanted to work in the fields.


    "Chun, that involves a lot of hard work," Nianzu stated.


    "But I get bored here. I have to work till afternoon. Let me work, please. I used to work earlier too," Chuntao requested to Nianzu, who was in a dilemma. He did not want his wife to work. But because she loved to do that, he agreed with her.


    "Thank you," Chuntao said and passed him a smile. "You earn enough for our survival. I get bored in the house, that''s why I thought about working in the fields," Chuntao rified herself again.


    Nianzu hummed and put a saucer over the vessel to let the rice cook. Chuntao prepared the ingredients for pork soup. They both worked together and prepared dinner for them. After having their dinner, they went to the room.


    "Chun, there''s something I have brought for you." Nianzu took out a Hanfu dress from the bag. Chuntao was unbraiding her hair and it surprised her. Nianzu brought the dress to her and handed her that. "I did not present you anything on our marriage day." Nianzu smiled as he looked at the dress.


    The upper garment was of red color while the upper waist skirt was of peach color. She touched the dress and found the material was silk. Chuntao gazed at Nianzu, who was smiling. "It''s silk," she murmured.


    "Yes. It''s not that expensive. It''s not good quality silk but not bad enough. I hope you liked this," Nianzu pronounced and handed the dress to Chuntao, who started to cry.


    He was perplexed to see Chuntao''s reaction. Did she not like the dress or did he make any mistake? Nianzu asked her the reason and told her to stop crying.


    Chuntao sobbed. "How can I stop? I am overwhelmed by all this. Why are you so good? You did not buy anything for yourself. It''s wrong," she stated and put her palm over her eyes.


    "I will buy a dress soon for myself. Do not cry," Nianzu caressed her head. After a while, Chuntao stopped weeping. She moved her hand over the dress.


    "It''s beautiful. Thank you for this," she lifted her eyes. She put the dress inside the small cupboard and came near Nianzu, who was d. He leaned down and kissed her lips. Chuntao reciprocated his kiss and circled her arms around his neck. She parted her lips and he easily shoved his tongue inside her mouth.


    Chuntao lost her senses when their tongues touched. It was the first time they got this intimate. They both pulled back in the need of air. However, Nianzu did not stop here. He kissed her jawline. His hand went to the knot of Chuntao''s dress. Opening the knot, he removed the upper garment that she had worn.


    Chuntao''s heart fluttered and the next second, they were on the bed, on the floor mattress. Her chest heaved up and down because of the nervousness. Nianzu buried his face in her neck and trailed numerous kisses on her neck.


    Chuntao moaned when he bit her skin, where her neck met the shoulder. Quickly, Nianzu kissed the bit skin and moved up. His weight rested on his palm as he peered into the eyes of Chuntao.


    "Do you want to do this?" He asked.


    Chuntao hummed and pulled him down for a kiss. She cupped his face in her palms and had a heated kiss. Nianzu had undressed her first, followed by him. Chuntao blushed to see the body of Nianzu. She lifted her hand and gradually moved it towards his chest. Her fingers grazed over his chest, who leaned down.


    "I love you, Chun. I am happier in this life, with this identity," Nianzu stroked her cheek with his palm. "I can read your eyes. You think that you brought misery to me. But it''s not the truth. I do not want you to get involved in Pce Politics. That''s why I made this decision. I could not leave you in the middle and trust me this is the best for us," Nianzu asserted.


    Chuntao hummed. "I thought I separated you from your family. It sometimes makes me feel guilty," she proimed. "I love you, too." She responded back.


    "You did not separate me from them. Don''t think that way." He nted a soft kiss on her forehead, then nose tip and followed by her cheeks. They became one, on that night.

 Chapter 448 - Without Any Trace

    <h4>Chapter 448 - Without Any Trace</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili returned to the Imperial Pce. They encountered Xiao Zhan at the Fu Imperial Gates.


    "Your highness," Xiao Zhan bowed his head for both of them and lifted his head.


    "Is everything alright?" Sheng Li asked him, who looked troubled. Xiao Zhan leaned closer to Sheng Li''s ear and whispered something. He drew his brows together. Xiao Zhan stepped back when he heard the Crown Prince say, "Escort the Crown Princess to her chamber."


    "What happened?" Ying Lili immediately asked him. "I will apany you to your chamber. I also want to know," Ying Lili stated.


    Xiao Zhan looked at Sheng Li, who said, "I will tell you in the morning.. Have your dinner and have a good sleep." Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li did not want to share it with her. She did not force him and walked away. "Ahh, is she angry?" Sheng Li mumbled.


    "I will escort the Crown Princess," Xiao Zhan took his leave while Sheng Li looked at a soldier and ordered him to bring Kongqi.


    After a while, the soldier came with Kongqi. A smile appeared on Sheng Li''s lips upon seeing Kongqi. Sheng Li caressed him, and he neighed. "How are you, Kongqi? These days I did note to you. You did not miss me, right?" Sheng Li talked with Kongqi, who moved his head. Sheng Li hopped on him and left.


    Kongqi stopped in front of the Wang Residence. The guards at the entrance quickly stepped down the stairs and greeted the Crown Prince. Sheng Li let Kongqi stay in their care and went inside.


    Wang Hao was in his chamber, being treated by the physician. "General Wang, the Crown Prince, is here," his assistant informed him. Wang Hao sat up on the mattress and told the physician to stop. However, by then, Sheng Li hade to his chamber.


    "Get your treatment first, Wang Hao," Sheng Li ordered him. The Physician stood up from the stool and deeply bowed. "Continue the treatment," Sheng Limanded the Physician who took the seat and told General Wang to not move his foot.


    Sheng Li got seated on the chaise, near the bed. "Why did his highnesse to my residence? I was going toe to the Imperial Pce to report to his highness," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Your foot is injured," Sheng Li replied and looked at the Physician. "Is it serious? Shall I call the presence of the Royal Physician from the Imperial Pce?" Sheng Li asked.


    The Physician stood up. His head was lowered. "It is not a serious wound, your highness. There is no need to trouble the Royal Physician," he assured Sheng Li, who hummed. He again sat on the stool and continued the treatment. He wrapped the bandage around the foot of Wang Hao and handed him two pills.


    "General Wang must take these after dinner," the physician asserted. Wang Hao nodded and thanked him. The Physician bowed before the Crown Prince before leaving the chamber with the assistant of Wang Hao.


    As the doors got shut, Sheng Li asked Wang Hao about how he got hurt.


    "The Forest route was inconvenient to use during the return journey. I fell from the horse, and my foot got a cut," Wang Hao informed the Crown Prince. He frowned and continued, "Your Highness, it is not concerning. The concerning matter is that the Fourth Prince is not in Hazhou town. I searched everywhere, but they were not in the town."


    Sheng Li was bewildered to hear that. "Did you ask around? People might have seen them," Sheng Li asked.


    "I inquired about them in the neighborhood, but no one saw them. Though, one of them told me that Prince Nianzu had asked about the cleaner to clean the well in the house. However, I also asked in a bookshop, where the owner told me that he wanted to work there. The owner had hired the Prince, but the next day, Prince Nianzu did not go for work." Wang Hao narrated everything to Sheng Li, who got confused.


    "Where did Brother Nianzu leave? What could have happened?" Sheng Li menacingly asked.


    "Your Highness, there is news of Prince Nianzu''s renouncing of the Prince title for amoner. It seems that because of that reason, Prince Nianzu left the town, without any trace," Wang Hao deduced. Sheng Li agreed with him.


    "But we do not know whether Brother Nianzu is safe or not! They might have used carts to go to the other town or vige. I will send two spies there to find out about them," asserted Sheng Li. Wang Hao nodded.


    "Prince Nianzu should not have left like this. He did not even leave a clue behind," Wang Hao anxiously said.


    "Gu Zhenya is looking for the Fourth Brother. I do not know what he is nning. If Brother Nianzu has suddenly left the town then there might be a big reason," Sheng Li concluded.


    "Why is Minister Gu searching for Prince Nianzu?" Wang Hao was perplexed.


    "That is suspicious. Gu Zhenya doesn''t want me to be the Crown Prince. Huo Jin found out only this. Brother Nianzu left the Pce for two reasons- First, he was not happy, and Second, he was concerned about Chuntao. There might be something more, but he did not share it with me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "We need to find out about the whereabouts of Prince Nianzu before Minister Gu would! He might attempt to harm the Prince''s wife," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li nodded his head and told Wang Hao to take a rest for a few days.


    "Yes, your highness."


    "I shall take my leave. You did a great job, Wang Hao," Sheng Li praised him.


    "Crown Prince, I will arrange a carriage for you," he offered, but Sheng Li refused.


    "I have brought Kongqi. Do not worry," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao smiled while Sheng Li walked out of his chamber.


    As the Crown Prince came out of the Wang Residence, he decided to go to the Residence of Gu Zhenya.

 Chapter 449 - Never Considered Him A Son

    <h4>Chapter 449 - Never Considered Him A Son</h4>


    Sheng Li tied Kongqi from a tree in the forest. "Stay here. I will be back soon," Sheng Li patted Kongqi''s face. Tying the handkerchief around his face, he turned and walked out of the forest as quickly as he could.


    He easily sneaked inside the residence of Gu Zhenya. There was not much security which made it easy for him to enter the main house. Whenever the house servants woulde in his way, he hid behind the pirs, thus preventing himself from getting noticed.


    Suddenly he heard the noises¨C the loud voices made him think of some kind of party going on in the house. He followed the voices and saw the illuminance from the chief room of the main house. It was not surprising for him to see almost every Minister in that room. Gu Zhenya was seated at the main table, enjoying the wine with the other ministers. Sheng Li stayed at a safe distance from them so that they could not notice him. However, he could check on their activities..


    Two hourster, many of the ministers took their leave while some of the Court Ministers stayed behind. Those who were drunk were sent into a litter to their respective homes. Sheng Li found that Minister of Personnel- Dong Xi; Minister of Finance- Gao Ju and Minister of Agriculture- Teng Jin, were the only ministers left in the room. His view was blocked when a servant closed the doors.


    Sheng Li looked around and thought about entering as a servant in that room. But that could be a risky task so he dropped the idea and stayed at his ce, for a while, to observe the activity.


    For almost ten minutes, no servant came to that room which assured him that the Court Ministers were having an important conversation. He decided to go near the room and stepped ahead when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He narrowly gazed and saw Huo Jin.


    "You?"


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "I will go and hear their conversation. His Highness shall stay here," Huo Jin whispered in his ear.


    "I will wait for you at the Southern end of this house," Sheng Li said in a low voice.


    "Yes, your highness." Huo Jin agreed with him. Sheng Li left the ce, while Huo Jin went towards the chief room from the backside to hear the conversation. He made a tiny hole on the Fusuma (sliding paper doors) and peeked inside. The few candle lights had illuminated the room well. The three figures of ministers were visible to Huo Jin.


    "Minister Gu told me to support the Emperor''s concubine in bing the next Empress so that we could get benefits. The Empress seems weak. She had no power over the Emperor, who snatched away the rights of the Fourth Prince and also banished him from not only the Pce but also Luoyang," Gao Ju affirmed and picked the porcin cup.


    "Minister Gao, the Fourth Prince himself asked for this. And some ministers were not happy that the Fourth Prince disrespected the Emperor," Teng Jin stated and poured the wine in their respective cups. "Ministers can never be powerful until the Crown Prince is here," he added.


    "We could not do anything when the Crown Prince was campaigning," Gao Ju tightened his grip on the cup.


    "Because we thought that Empress Wei and her half-brother would cut off the Crown Prince from our path. They almost had-" Gu Zhenya paused and knitted his brows.


    "But the Crown Princess saved him. That woman is an exception in the Han Family. We saw her brainy side a few days ago! How the Crown Princess caught the real culprit behind all this. The First Prince could have been banished along with the entire Wei Family but that woman won the game," proimed Gao Ju. He raised the cup, brought it near his mouth, and gulped the wine in it.


    "We cannot do anything until they both are in the Imperial Pce. We have to send them away. We also need to find the Fourth Prince. Prince Nianzu always supports the Crown Prince, so we need to create a rift between these two brothers," Gu Zhenya asserted.


    "Did Minister Gu have anything in his mind?" Teng Jin questioned.


    "The Empress has said that the only way to rule over Han is to assassinate the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess both at the same time. Because until they both are alive, they will never let us Ministers rise. The aristocracy will always listen to them, especially that woman," Gu Zhenya clenched his fist. The veins on his forehead became visible because of the anger that built inside him.


    "The Crown Princess does not listen to anyone because she knows that the Crown Prince will save her. Most importantly, the Emperor favors the Crown Princess. The entire Military support is with them. The Crown Prince has upper hand on many things," stated Teng Jin and heaved a sigh.


    "That''s why either they both should die or the Fourth Prince returns and asks for his rights," Gu Zhenya said in a low voice.


    "That''s impossible. Killing them is impossible while Prince Nianzu, if returns, will again refuse the position of Crown Prince," Gao Ju stated.


    "If themoner with whom he married is killed off and the me was put on the Crown Prince, then he will never refuse. He will rebel, and we Ministers will support him to give the Fourth Prince his rights." Gu Zhenya exined to them, who smiled. "Let''s find the Fourth Prince first. Then we will execute this n," Gu Zhenya told them, who acknowledged his idea.


    Huo Jin was shocked to hear them. He stepped back and looked around before safely leaving the Gu Residence. He came to the ce where Sheng Li was waiting for him.


    Sheng Li was delighted to see him and told him to follow him up. The two left the ce and came to the forest, where Sheng Li had left Kongqi.


    "What did you find out?" Sheng Li asked Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin was confused about where to start. After a while, he narrated everything he heard to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li could not believe that Deng Hui had joined hands with them. After his mother''s demise, to some extent, he considered her as his mother. However, Deng Hui never considered him a son. Atst, she also cared for power and her son''s position.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Hope you are enjoying the story. Your suggestions are wee, if you feel I amcking somewhere or I shall add something to the story.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 450 - I Am Taking My Life

    <h4>Chapter 450 - I Am Taking My Life</h4>


    Huo Jin observed the facial expressions of Sheng Li. Huo Jin did not know being the Crown Prince was a tough job. It felt to him that every second person was an enemy of the Crown Prince. He was curious to know why everyone was after Sheng Li when he never harmed them though he did not dare to ask at that moment.


    "Your Highness, it''ste. You shall return to the Pce," Huo Jin stated.


    "Shall I kill Gu Zhenya before he does anything wrong? I will take care of the Empresster," asserted Sheng Li. Huo Jin was bewildered to hear that.


    "Tell me." Sheng Li demanded an answer from Huo Jin.


    "That would be good else Minister Gu could be a problemter- same like the former Prime Minister.. The Crown Prince shall not take a risk because four lives are associated with this- yours, the Crown Princess, the Fourth Prince, and his wife. To stop the bloodshed of the innocents, his highness shall kill him," Huo Jin reasoned. Sheng Li smiled and agreed with him.


    "You shall return. You did a good job," Sheng Li turned towards Kongqi. He took the sword from the horseback.


    "I will apany his highness," Huo Jin offered his help. Sheng Li gazed at him and refused.


    "I know about the Gu Residence. I can be helpful," Huo Jin stated, keeping a smile on his lips. Sheng Li contemted and then agreed to take Huo Jin with him.


    They both sneaked into the Residence of Gu Zhenya again. Huo Jin showed Sheng Li the way to Gu Zhenya''s bedchamber. They killed the security deployed outside his bedchamber.


    Inside the bedchamber, Gu Zhenya was smiling thinking about an increase in rank, if he found out about Nianzu. Gu Zhenya removed the overcoat and put it aside when he heard the sliding sound of the door. He turned back and did not find anyone. The door was closed too. "I drank a lot today," he murmured and turned when he saw the Crown Prince near the bed.


    "Your Highness," he immediately lowered his head and saw the sword in Sheng Li''s hand. Beads of sweat formed on his face and he lifted his head. Sheng Li picked the book from the table and saw the philosophies which were written by some great schrs.


    "You read Philosophies before going to bed! Interesting," Sheng Li stated and ced the book at the table. He gazed at Gu Zhenya and found how terrified he was!


    "Shall I open the windows?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "Huh?"


    Sheng Li came near him and looked at his forehead. "You are sweating too much. Minister Gu needs fresh air," Sheng Li stated.


    "May I know what his highness is doing at this hour? Has something importante up? His highness should have called me to the Imperial Pce," Gu Zhenya asserted as he again lowered his head.


    He widened his eyes when the de of the sword touched his chin. Sheng Li lifted his face, thus making him look at him.


    "Y-y-your¡­ h-high..ness," Gu Zhenya stuttered and trembled in fear.


    "Minister Gu, do you have anyst wish?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Lst wish?" He eximed when the tip of the sword touched his throat. His breathing got heavy because of the fear. Gu Zhenya wondered what he did wrong that the Crown Prince was acting this way.


    "Hmm. These are yourst moments, Minister Gu," Sheng Li stated. "How could you underestimate me?" He chuckled when, immediately, Gu Zhenya got on his knees. He got a cut below his chin, but he did not care. "Your highness, please forgive me. Please spare my life, your highness." Gu Zhenya deeply bowed. His forehead touched the mattress below.


    Sheng Li kicked Gu Zhenya and he fell back. He put his shoe on his chest and pressed him harder against the floor. "I spared you two times already. First, when you insulted the Crown Princess and second time also you insulted her in my absence," asserted Sheng Li. He pointed the sword at his chest and pushed it inside.


    "His Highness is kind. I beg you to save my life," Gu Zhenya pleaded with him.


    "Pardon," Sheng Li snickered. "You are wrong, Zhenya." The tip of the sword pierced through his chest.


    Before Gu Zhenya could shout, Sheng Li put his palm on his mouth. "Shhh. It will not be painful, Zhenya. I will give you an easy, peaceful death," Sheng Li affirmed. However, he thought of something and pulled the sword back.


    "Let''s y a game the same way you yed with me," Sheng Li pronounced. Gu Zhenya confusedly peered at Sheng Li, who removed his palm from his mouth and patted his cheek. He thanked the Crown Prince for saving his life.


    Sheng Li stood up while pulling Gu Zhenya with him.


    "Your Highness, please let me treat my wound first." He joined both of his hands.


    "You will not die with this scratch," Sheng Li replied. "Now, you will write a letter for the Empress. Tell her that you do not want to work for her anymore," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Yes, your highness. I will write this now," Gu Zhenya immediately agreed to the Crown Prince, who dragged him towards the desk and then pushed him towards the chair. Gu Zhenya pulled out a sheet from the drawer and spread it on the table surface. He dipped the brush into the ink and wrote the message for the Empress.


    "We shall not fight against the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Also, I am taking my life," Sheng Li narrated.


    Gu Zhenya stopped writing when he heard thest words of the Crown Prince. "What happened? Write this," Sheng Li menacingly said. Gu Zhenya gulped and started to write the message. Heter handed it to Sheng Li, who read it. He folded it and put it inside his pocket.


    "Your highness, I will leave Luoyang with my family. Please do not kill me," Gu Zhenya grabbed the foot of Sheng Li, who slit his throat and kicked his body away. "Empress Hui, now it''s your turn," Sheng Li muttered and cleaned his sword from the robes of Gu Zhenya.


    He put the sword inside the sheath and looked around. A candle was lighting in the corner. He picked it up and threw it into the books there. The books caught fire, followed by the desk, curtains and soon it spread in the entire room.


    Huo Jin, who was outside the room, got scared seeing the mes. He came inside when Sheng Li grabbed his arm, and the two left the Gu Residence.

 Chapter 451 - Fear Me Or Respect Me?

    <h4>Chapter 451 - Fear Me Or Respect Me?</h4>


    Sheng Li and Huo Jin heard the outcries from the Gu Residence. Some were screaming for water while others were running to save their lives. "Let''s go," Sheng Li told Huo Jin, and the two disappeared into the woods. They reached the ce where Sheng Li had tied Kongqi.


    "Your Highness, someone might get suspicious of us," Huo Jin worriedly said.


    "We will leave for the Pce after curfew starts," Sheng Li suggested to Huo Jin and sat down, resting his back against the tree stem. Huo Jin sat a meter away from Sheng Li and looked around.


    He looked back at the Crown Prince and said, "His Highness lit Gu Zhenya''s bedchamber. That scared me for a second." Sheng Li smiled and told Huo Jin to sit closer. Huo Jin moved closer to Sheng Li.


    "I had no n to kill him this way. However, he nned to harm Lili with me. He called me kind," Sheng Li chuckled.


    "But his highness is kind," stated Huo Jin.


    Sheng Li tilted his head. "I am not kind, Huo Jin. He has two daughters, a son and a wife. If I would be kind, then I would have thought of his family. However, I did not hesitate to kill him," asserted Sheng Li. "The Empress will get a big blow tomorrow, and so will those two Ministers."


    "Your Highness, but that was necessary, right? He could have been a threat to you and the Crown Princess," Huo Jin affirmed. Sheng Li nodded his head.


    "It seems that no matter how hard his highness tries, the enemies will continue to grow. Everyone wants to abuse power by ruling over the weak instead of growing them. Does his highness never get tired of all this?" Sheng Li amusingly peered at Huo Jin. "What I mean is does his highness never get scared about his life? Even when I was on the enemy''s side, I taught to kill you and the Crown Princess."


    Sheng Li raised a brow upon learning the truth.


    "Now, whenever I look back and contemte, I realize that it was because of our selfishness, the greed which only grows," asserted Huo Jin as he knitted his brows. Today''s incident had troubled him. When he overheard the conversation among the three Ministers, it made him guilty for his acts. Even Xinyue was like them. And Huo Jin was selfish for her.


    "Then, what stopped you from assassinating us? By now, it is clear to me that you are good at many things. You have trained yourself well," Sheng Li pronounced and waited for an answer.


    "I never killed or assassinated anyone in my life. It is against my rules. Though somewhere, I was selfish," Huo Jin answered.


    "I have made more enemies than friends. That could be one reason they want me to die," Sheng Li stated. Huo Jin did not agree with that.


    "Your Highness, you have more loyal people than anyone. Every person cannot be turned good. Aftering to power, they mostly want to keep their position intact, thus forgetting their conscience. The Ministers think that the Aristocracy can nevere to power unless the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are in power," asserted Huo Jin.


    "I think it is time to remove most of the Court Ministers. That is the only way to stop this," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "This will increase the hatred in them for his highness," Huo Jin stated.


    "Remove here means Kill. I will kill them," Sheng Li menacingly said.


    "The Crown Prince shall not do that. Killing someone will increase the fear in them for you. You have to be the Ruler who will be respected by everyone," Huo Jin advised.


    "Do you fear me or respect me?" Immediately Sheng Li asked him.


    "I do not fear his highness, but I respect him," Huo Jin replied.


    "You talk like Lili and Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li stated. "Lili tells me to control my anger. Make people respect me rather than creating fear in them. Brother Nianzu says the same," he added.


    "So, how do you think I should make people respect me? How shall I make the Court Ministers understand that they should not fear me?" Sheng Li asked for Huo Jin''s opinion.


    Before Huo Jin could speak, they heard the sounds of drum beats. "Curfew has started. We shall head back," Sheng Li said and stood up from the ground with Huo Jin.


    "Go back to Wang Hao''s residence. I will head back to the Pce," Sheng Li said as he hopped on Kongqi. "Come," he extended the hand for Huo Jin, who was startled for a second.


    "We do not have time," Sheng Li told him. Huo Jin extended his hand out. Sheng Li pulled him up, who sat behind him. Sheng Li rode the horse and dropped Huo Jin near Wang Hao Residence.


    Huo Jin bowed his head as Sheng Li rode away on Kongqi. He reached the Pce and came to his chamber. "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is inside, waiting for you," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince.


    "Forgive me, your highness. The Crown Princess did not listen to me. She was adamant to stay here to meet you," he added and lowered his eyes.


    Sheng Li stepped ahead when the two maidservants opened the doors for him. Sheng Li walked in and told Xing-Fu to send the dinner for them.


    Ying Lili heard the footsteps of Sheng Li and stood up from the mattress. "Why did you not listen to me?" Sheng Li put the sword on the table and gazed at her.


    "I was restless," Ying Lili replied and looked at the blood in his hand. She got worried and went near him. Lifting his hand, she said, "You again injured yourself."


    Sheng Li looked at his hand and pulled it back. "It''s nothing," he stated. A maidservant brought a copper vessel half-filled with water. She ced it on the table and stood aside. Sheng Li washed his hands while Ying Lili took the clean towel from the maidservant. She wiped the hands of Sheng Li and found he was hiding something from her.


    The maidservant left, taking the towel and copper vessel away. Xing-Fu instructed the maidservants to set the dinner table. "Leave," Sheng Li ordered, and they all left.


    "Promise me from the next time that you will listen to me," asserted Sheng Li.

 Chapter 452 - Hold Me In My Toughest Times

    <h4>Chapter 452 - Hold Me In My Toughest Times</h4>


    "Why are you sullen? Where were you?" Ying Lili questioned him, ignoring his words.


    "I was outside. I only want you to promise to listen to me. You know that I worry about you. I have a fear for you inside me," Sheng Li stated.


    "You have a fear that I will get hurt if you involve me in your work," Ying Lili asked. Sheng Li hummed. "I am not that easy to be hurt, Sheng Li. I have faith in my love. I know that you will protect me." She passed a smile to him.


    Ying Lili''s words soothed Sheng Li.. "Come, let''s have our dinner first. Then, we will converse." She grabbed his hand and brought him to the dining table. They both got seated. Ying Lili served him the food and the two started eating.


    "I killed Gu Zhenya," suddenly Sheng Li said in the middle of the dinner. Ying Lili was shocked to hear that. "It was necessary to kill him. I am hurt," he said and put the chopsticks on the te. Ying Lili drew her brows together, confused about what was going on in Sheng Li''s head.


    She left the spoon in the soup bowl. "Finish your food first," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who shook his head. "I am not in a mood to eat more," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili picked the silver ss and handed it to Sheng Li, who drank the water.


    Ying Lili called the maidservant inside and told her to clean the table. She did so and took away the food. Ying Lili grasped his hand and took him out to the porch. "Have some fresh air with me. We can have a good conversation then," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li followed her without speaking anything.


    A fewnterns had illuminated the small garden. They both came towards the swing and sat on it. "Tell me now. What has happened?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li, who gazed into her eyes for a few minutes, before narrating everything to her.


    "I thought that Brother Nianzu''s mother loved me. However, I was wrong," Sheng Li said and smiled. "Even she wants to kill me. Am I that hateful? Along with me, she nned to kill you as well. How could she? I always respected her, Lili," Sheng Li sighed and looked up at the sky.


    "That''s why I wanted you to promise me not to involve yourself in my works, not to stand for me," Sheng Li''s words made Ying Lili cry. "Now, did you find out why I said to you months ago that I am meant to be alone? No matter how hard I try to be good, they will never treat me as a good person." Sheng Li tilted his head and looked at the Crown Princess.


    The tears on her cheeks ached his heart. "Do you mean that I shall stay away from you? I shall ignore everything and...and-" she paused as her voice broke.


    Sheng Li lowered his eyes. "I cannot see you getting hurt. I love you more than my life," he stated.


    "Sheng Li, you are not meant to be alone. You cannot even if you want to. Because, your personality ended up attracting people to you. I have observed this. And if you love me more than your life, you shall not push me away. Your enemies want this only. They know until we are together, nothing will happen to us," Ying Lili cheered up Sheng Li''s mood. He gazed at her and moved his hand up.


    Putting his palm on her cheek, he stroked it with his thumb. "I had many negative thoughts in my mind. Talking to you made me feel good. Do not take my words to your heart. These days I am ending up saying those things which I don''t want to," Sheng Li exined to her.


    Ying Lili ced her hand on the back of his hand. "I never took your words to my heart. I know my husband gets disheartened at the thought of me getting hurt." She caressed his hand when Sheng Li leaned closer to her.


    His eyes focused on her lips and then at her eyes. Ying Lili moved her face closer to him. Sheng Li captured her soft lips as the two closed their eyes. He moved his lips gently over hers and drew her closer. They parted their lips, giving more ess to each other. Sheng Li withdrew first and touched his forehead against hers. Both of them could feel their breaths and their warmth for each other.


    Sheng Li kissed Ying Lili''s cheek, who was amused. "You are indeed my strength. You know how to hold me in my toughest times," Sheng Li stated.


    "You say this every time and then you change your statement," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I will not anymore," Sheng Li replied and locked his little finger with hers. "I promise," he joined their thumbs. Ying Lili was delighted to hear that.


    "Sheng Li, let''s bring back Brother Nianzu and Sister Chuntao to the Pce. Father sent them away so they would not be a part of this politics. But we will make this ce free from those evils," asserted Ying Lili.


    "Brother Nianzu will note, Lili. He even left the town where I told him to live. Let''s first end these internal politics. Every second minister is corrupted. Also, I will now keep my eyes on the other three Consorts. If a woman like Empress Hui can fool me, then those three too. I still cannot believe that Empress Hui wanted to put me on me after assassinating Brother Nianzu''s wife," Sheng Li affirmed and gave suggestions to Ying Lili, who acknowledged them.


    Sheng Li took out a folded paper from his pocket and unfolded it. "Read this," he handed it to Ying Lili, who was confused.


    "What does this mean?" Ying Lili queried.


    "It''s for the Empress so that she will stop," stated Sheng Li.


    "Hmm." "But will she change?" Ying Lili raised a suspicion.


    "Let''s see. We will observe the movements of the Empress," Sheng Li replied to her. Ying Lili nodded her head.

 Chapter 453 - Most Caring Brother

    <h4>Chapter 453 - Most Caring Brother</h4>


    Deng Hui was getting ready for the morning greetings. The chief pce maid put the phoenix crown overhead. The Empress smiled looking at herself. "Your Majesty, there is a message from Minister Gu Zhenya for you," the Court Lady informed her and handed her the folded paper.


    ''I do not know how to read then why did he send such a message?'' Deng Hui wondered. She told the Court Lady to bring Eunuch Zhen inside, who bowed and walked out. Deng Hui stood up from the chair, and the maidservant helped her wearing the overcoat.


    Eunuch Zhen came inside with the Court Lady and bowed. Deng Hui told the chief Pce maid and the maidservant to leave. They gradually stepped back and left the chamber. Deng Hui handed the letter to Eunuch Zhen. "Read it," she said.


    Eunuch Zhen nodded his head and started to read. "Your Majesty, I cannot work for you anymore. We cannot win against the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Also, I am¡­ I am taking my life," Eunuch Zhen stuttered, and his hands trembled in fear.


    Deng Hui was shocked to hear this.


    "Your Majesty, I got the news a few minutes ago thatst night a fire broke out in the main house of the Gu Residence. Minister Gu is dead, and many of the soldiers, servants are also dead," Eunuch Zhen pronounced.


    Deng Hui could not believe her ears. However, she got suspicious over the letter. What could be the meaning of sending a message to her? "Leave," she told them before taking the letter from Eunuch Zhen. She lowered herself on the chaise and looked at the message.


    "Did by any chance Sheng Li find out about our n? Did he kill Gu Zhenya? He was not someone who would kill himself," Deng Hui suspected.


    "Eunch Zhen, Eunuch Zhen!" Deng Hui called him out, who quickly came inside.


    "I want to see Gu Zhenya''s body. Inform the physician to examine his body," Deng Hui ordered him.


    "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty but the body of Minister Gu is burned. The physician could not examine the body because of the high proportion of burn levels on the body," Eunuch Zhen exined to Deng Hui, who sighed. She stood up and left for the Greeting Hall.


    She met the Emperor and wished him a morning. "Empress Hui is looking beautiful today," Han Wenjiplimented her


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this beautiful dress," Deng Hui bowed and lifted her head. The two went inside the Greeting Hall and sat on the throne, followed by the other three Consorts.


    "Your Majesty, thank you for gifting the precious jewelry to us three. After such a long time, we received such pretty gifts from you," Consort Ju Fen thanked the Emperor on the behalf of three of them.


    "Haha," Han Wenjiughed. "I am d that you all liked the gifts. These few months were not good for us," asserted Han Wenji. His wives agreed with him when the Princes started toe.


    They kowtowed before the Emperor, the Empress, and the Consorts with their respective wives. They all took their respective seats. "The First Prince and his wife are not here," Deng Hui looked towards the grand door.


    "Prince Jian and his wife have gone to Mount Jishi. The Prince informed me before leaving," asserted Han Wenji. Deng Hui nodded and looked at Sheng Li.


    "How is the Crown Prince doing?" The sudden question of Deng Hui amused Sheng Li and Ying Lili. "The Crown Prince has recently lost two people close to you, that is why I am asking," she rified herself.


    "I am good, Imperial Mother." Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to her.


    "I heard that yesterday that the Crown Prince punished Prince Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin," Deng Hui stated. Consort Jinlong narrowly gazed at Sheng Li.


    "That was necessary, Imperial Mother," Sheng Li replied.


    "The Crown Princess got a tiny scratch and the Crown Prince punished his younger brother without any thought. Also, he did not hesitate to punish Princess Zhu Lin whose father always protected his majesty. When King Huan will find out this then he might not feel good," Deng Hui affirmed and looked at Lei Wanxi. "Prince Wanxi looks pale after getting the punishment," stated Deng Hui.


    "The Crown Prince forgets about his blood rtionships in front of the Crown Princess," Consort Ju Fen proimed and looked at Han Wenji. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince might harm our sons and daughters-inw in the future. His Majesty shall look into this," Consort Ju Fen urged. Zhu Lin looked at Lei Wanxi, who was getting furious.


    "Princess Zhu Lin and I made a mistake and we got punished. I do not have anyint regarding Brother Sheng''s actions, so why is Mother Ju bothered about this," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Yongzheng and Rong Zemin smiled as they were aware of Lei Wanxi''s loyalty and love towards Sheng Li.


    "Son, you do not care about this, but I do. How can the Crown Prince do this with his younger brother and a woman?" Consort Jinlong was angry at Sheng Li.


    "The Crown Prince did nothing wrong. It was not a punishment but more like a lesson to the Sixth Prince and Princess Zhu, Your Majesty. They both have been on bitter terms with each other and-" Ying Lili defended Sheng Li in front of everyone and then looked at Lei Wanxi followed by Zhu Lin. She continued, "-and always fights. The Crown Prince only wanted them to learn a few things through the punishments so that in future, they both will not repeat such a thing."


    Lei Wanxi agreed with Ying Lili. "Father, Sister Lili is absolutely right. It was not a punishment but more like a lesson for me. I always ran away from physical training and work. However, yesterday when I went to the dye house with Princess Zhu Lin, I found how much Ick in the physical aspect. Also, I learned another important lesson- to work in a team." He looked at Zhu Lin and in front of everyone apologized to her.


    "Even I was at fault, Prince Wanxi. Forgive me too," Zhu Lin apologized to him and then looked at Han Wenji. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince''s punishment was not a punishment. It made us learn and also ended the bitterness between me and the Sixth Prince," Zhu Lin supported the words of Lei Wanxi, who smiled.


    "Mother, you shall be angry at me for acting this way. Brother Sheng did not do anything wrong. I even hurt Sister Lili," stated Lei Wanxi and lowered his eyes.


    Deng Hui clenched her fists but kept the smile on her lips.


    "We also feel that Brother Sheng did nothing wrong," Yongzheng finally spoke and looked at his father. "Brother Wanxi and Princess Lin fought with each other earlier as well. And this behavior from them was not expected," he asserted.


    Ju Fen was startled to see that her son was taking the side of Sheng Li.


    "If I had been at Brother Sheng''s ce, then I would have given a severe punishment to both of them. Brother Sheng was not harsh on his younger brother, Imperial Mother and Mother Ju," stated Rong Zemin.


    "Father, may I say something?" For the first time, Weng Yu spoke. Han Wenji permitted him.


    "Father, Brother Sheng''s punishment usually has lessons. I used to be scared of Brother Sheng, but the day he trained with me and taught me a few techniques, I realized how much he is concerned about us brothers. Brother Sheng considers his blood rtionships above all," Weng Yu affirmed. Sheng Li was shocked to see Weng Yu speak for him. Ying Lili, on the other hand, passed a broad smile to Weng Yu, who smiled back.


    "Thank you, Sister Lili, for bringing me closer to Brother Sheng and making me see Brother Sheng''s good side. You were right. Brother Sheng is the most caring brother in this world. He always protected us all from the outside world," Weng Yu pronounced.


    Han Wenji was delighted to see that all the Princes stood for Sheng Li. It happened for the first time, and it gave him immense pleasure. Han Wenji looked at Ying Lili and smiled. ''The Crown Princess seeded in bringing the hearts of all the Princes together.''


    "Empress Hui, Consort Ju, I believe that you might have found your answers. Consort Jinlong, do not be angry at the Crown Prince. He did his duty as a brother and a Crown Prince," Han Wenji exined to them.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Jinlong bowed.


    Sheng Li smiled and looked at Ying Lili. It was the first time his all brothers stood for him. It was an indescribable feeling for him.


    ~~~~~


    Do check the author note!!

 Chapter 454 - Bring Back Nianzu

    <h4>Chapter 454 - Bring Back Nianzu</h4>


    Sheng Li thanked his brothers and Zhu Lin for supporting him. Lei Wanxi suddenly hugged Sheng Li, astonishing him. "Brother Sheng, forgive me. I should have listened to you when you told me to train myself," asserted Lei Wanxi. Sheng Li patted his back.


    "When I was in the Northern Province, I saw how difficult it was during a battle. Brother Sheng has always protected us," stated Yongzheng. Lei Wanxi pulled away from Sheng Li and stood beside him. "It is not easy to lead your soldiers and formte a n. Brother Sheng never let us feel that pain. Forgive me for my past behavior, Brother Sheng," Yongzheng lowered his eyes. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li, who was utterly shocked.


    "Even I wanted to apologize for a long time.. We should have acted as your elder Brothers. However, it was the opposite. You always acted as our elder brother. It took time for us to realize. Forgive me as well," Rong Zemin also lowered his eyes.


    "I have forgiven you already. The Second and Third Brothers need not apologize to me," Sheng Li replied. "It is my duty towards the Royal Family," he added.


    "Brothers, let''s fly kites. Sister Lili has bought some beautiful kites from the market, and she said it is a lovely sport," Lei Wanxi said excitedly.


    "I have seenmoners ying with kites. It is an interesting sport. But the weather is not pleasant to y this kind of sport," Yongzheng suggested.


    "Wanxi, your one punishment still remains. You need to work in Horse Stable," Rong Zemin reminded him.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Sheng Li and requested him to cancel his punishment. "We both have learned our lesson. We both will never fight, Brother Sheng. I cannot work in a Horse Stable, Brother Sheng. Everyone willugh at me. Also, that smell makes me sick. My head is already aching because of this," Lei Wanxi held his head and nced at Ying Lili.


    "Brother Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin have learned their lessons. Withdraw your punishment," Ying Lili also requested Sheng Li.


    "Fine. But if I catch you two, then I will not be easy on you two," Sheng Li threatened both Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin.


    "We will not, Brother Sheng," asserted Lei Wanxi and winked at Zhu Lin, who chuckled. "Brother Sheng, I heard you are preparing a big surprise for Sister Lili. You did not tell me. I will tell Sister Lili, if I found out," Lei Wanxi tried to know from Sheng Li, who red at him.


    He put a hand around Lei Wanxi and dragged him out of their sight. Yongzheng and Rong Zeminughed seeing them.


    ~~~~~~


    Deng Hui was thinking hard over the things that happened in the Greeting Hall. No one raised his voice against the Crown Prince except Consort Ju. She also recalled the words of Gu Zhenya. ''The Emperor favors Sheng Li the most.'' His words were true. Han Wenji did not speak a word against Sheng Li, not even scolded him.


    When Nianzu raised his voice, the Emperor did not hesitate to give a verdict of snatching his rights away. Deng Hui found out how badly her son was discriminated against the other day.


    "Your Majesty, Consort Ju is here to meet you," Eunuch Zhen informed Deng Hui, who came out of her thoughts.


    "Let Sister Ju in," Deng Hui gave permission. Eunuch Zhen stepped backward and walked out of the chamber. After a few seconds, Consort Ju came inside and greeted Deng Hui.


    "Please have a seat, Consort Ju," Deng Hui gestured towards the other chaise. Ju Fen rested herself on the chaise and thanked her for giving her the time.


    "Did Sister Hui have her breakfast?" Consort Ju Fen queried.


    "No, Sister Ju," Deng Hui replied. "After my son has left, I do not feel like eating," she said with a heavy heart.


    "I can empathize with Sister Hui. Only a mother can understand this feeling," Consort Ju Fen pronounced.


    "I do not know how he is doing? Is he taking his meals? What about his livelihood? In which kind of house my son is living? Is he sleeping well? His Majesty did not understand all this while giving his verdict." Deng Hui''s heart sank. Tears appeared in her eyes.


    "Sister Hui, did you converse with his Majesty regarding this?" Ju Fen queried.


    "I conversed with his majesty, Sister Ju. But his majesty said it is for the good of my son. I am unable to understand how this is good for Nianzu," asserted Deng Hui.


    "Prince Nianzu always supported the Crown Prince. Why do you not ask the Crown Prince to help you?" Ju Fen suggested to Deng Hui.


    "Will the Crown Prince bring back my son? What if he refuses? No one can defy the orders of his Majesty," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Sister Hui, the Emperor listens to the Crown Prince. Did you not see in the morning? His Majesty agreed with the Crown Prince''s decision that he took against Prince Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin. It is all because the Crown Prince is the son of his majesty''s beloved wife," Consort Ju Fen tried to manipte Deng Hui.


    "I will talk to the Crown Prince," Deng Hui said and thanked Ju Fen for suggesting such an idea. She called Eunuch Zhen inside and ordered him to bring the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li, who was going to Ying Lili''s chamber, met Eunuch Zhen in the mid-way. "Your Highness, the Empress has called for your presence in her manor," Eunuch Zhen humbly said.


    Sheng Li nodded and the two left for the Empress''s manor.


    Sheng Li greeted Deng Hui and Ju Fen upon going inside the chamber of the Empress. "Please take the seat, Crown Prince," Deng Hui told him, who got seated on the chaise.


    "Why did the Imperial Mother call for me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Crown Prince, I want you to bring back Nianzu to the Pce," Deng Hui expressed her request.

 Chapter 455 - No Longer Useful

    <h4>Chapter 455 - No Longer Useful</h4>


    Sheng Li raised his brow upon hearing themand of the Empress. "Crown Prince, please talk to His Majesty and bring your Fourth Brother back," Deng Hui requested to Sheng Li.


    "Imperial Mother, I am afraid, but I cannot go against the words of the Father," Sheng Li replied.


    "Crown Prince, His Majesty listens to you. If you talk to His Majesty then he will contemte. Think about the condition of my son. We do not know how he is living. As a mother, it tenses me every second," Deng Hui worriedly said.


    "Crown Prince, Prince Nianzu always supported you in the toughest times. It is your time to show your brotherly love for him," Consort Ju intervened and said.


    "Imperial Mother, Consort Ju, I had conversed with the Father.. However, he has refused to take back his order. Conversing with the Father over this matter would not bring anything," asserted Sheng Li. "Also, the Fourth Brother has married amoner. If hees back, then the Ministers will oppose his marriage. The Fourth Brother will not like this, and the situation might get worse," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Consort Ju Fen looked at Deng Hui to notice her reaction.


    "The Crown Prince may leave. I am thankful that he gave his time to me," Deng Hui stated and passed him a smile.


    "It is my duty, Imperial Mother." Sheng Li stood up from the chaise. He bowed his head before leaving the chamber.


    "I think the Crown Prince lied to us, Sister Hui. Did you notice the frowns on his forehead? He did not want the Fourth Prince to return to the Pce," Ju Fen filled the ears of Deng Hui. "He can raise his voice for giving the rights to his woman in the court, but he cannot raise his voice for the Fourth Prince! This is suspicious, Sister Hui," asserted Ju Fen.


    Deng Hui fell into her deep thoughts. After Gu Zhenya''s death, Deng Hui had no idea what she should do. The Empress didn''t even know how to find out the men of Gu Zhenya, who were searching for Nianzu. The only way she could bring Nianzu to the Pce was to talk to the Emperor about this and persuade him by hook or crook.


    "Sister Hui, what are you thinking?" Ju Fen questioned.


    "Ahh, nothing," Deng Hui replied. "I need to eat my breakfast," she stated. Ju Fen stood up and left the chamber. Deng Hui called Eunuch Zhen inside and asked him to bring the breakfast.


    "Your Majesty, are you concerned about the Fourth Prince?" Eunuch Zhen suddenly asked. Deng Hui nodded her head.


    "Your Majesty, I saw the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince together that day when the Fourth Prince left Luoyang," Eunuch Zhen revealed the truth to Deng Hui, who widened her eyes.


    "Why did Eunuch Zhen not tell me earlier?" Deng Hui queried.


    "I thought her majesty already knows," Eunuch Zhen answered.


    "Did you hear what they spoke about?"


    "Forgive me, your majesty. I could not hear that. I was far away from them," Eunuch Zhen replied.


    "Where did both of them converse?" She asked another question.


    "Your Majesty, they were in the graveyard of the Crown Prince''s mother," replied Eunuch Zhen. "They conversed with each other for almost half an hour, your majesty," he added. Deng Hui knitted her brows. She could not believe that Sheng Li did not tell her all this. Why? What was the reason? Why did his son meet Sheng Li and forget to meet his own mother?


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu dipped the brush into the ink and started copying the material from the book on Governance. "Nianzu, you write incredibly fast. It seems you studied at the Civil Services academy. I have observed that you write sometimes without even looking at the book," stated his colleague, Ye Fang. "You also work in the Police Bureau, then why do you have to work here?" Ye Fang was a little curious.


    "I have been doing this work for a year. Maybe that''s the reason. Also, I am in dire need of money. Working in the Police Bureau is not enough for livelihood as I have no rank and vigers hardlye to fileints," Nianzu told him.


    "We have been doing this for three years, still could not remember these words," replied Quan Bo, another colleague of Nianzu, who faintly smiled.


    "Why did you not take the Civil Services exam? You might have been a rank 6th or 7th officer in the Government," Quan Bo affirmed.


    "I could not qualify," Nianzu told another lie. His speed slowed as both Ye Fang, and Quan Bo asked him a few other questions.


    "There is a feast in the house of the Vige Headman. We all are invited with our family," stated Ye Fang excitedly.


    "Try not to take your wives there or sisters," suddenly they heard the voice of another copyist, Luo Hai, who came with a few textbooks in his arms. Ye Fang helped him, and they ced the books on the table.


    "Why?" Nianzu asked curiously.


    "I almost forgot that the vige headman eyes the young women," Ye Feng said and scratched his forehead.


    "It does not matter to him whether they are married or unmarried," stated Luo Hai.


    "What about the Police Bureau? Does the Royal Inspector not take action?" Nianzu asked them.


    Quan Boughed, so did the others. Theirughs befuddled Nianzu. Quan Bo stopped tough and said, "Nianzu, the Royal Inspector does nothing. The vige headman has more power than the Royal Inspector. Also, the vige headman has a good rtionship with Luoyang''s Governor."


    Nianzu was shocked to learn about that. He never heard from Jian Guozhi about this vige. "Are you sure? The First Prince is the Governor of Luoyang, and this vige is far from Luoyang. How could the vige headman know the First Prince?" Nianzu queried him.


    "Vige Headman Ha has met the First Prince numerous times. You know that this vige is a source of major crops and grains for the Han," asserted Quan Bo. Ye Fang and Luo Hai agreed with him. Quan Bo leaned closer to the ear of Nianzu and whispered, "Ha Doji has many resources." He leaned back and looked at Ye Fang and Luo Hai.


    "Do you two remember the incident when he asked for the wife of a viger and when the man refused, he flogged to death?"


    "That was one tragic incident. Poor man! His woman and five-year-old kid are now ves in his residence. However, this is not the only incident," Luo Hai asserted.


    Nianzu tightened the grip around the brush. He still had a page left to write. He quickly finished that, but the truth about the Vige Headman was worrying him.


    "Ye Fang, let''s finish our work as well," Quan Bo stated, who nodded. The three also went to their respective desks and started to jot down the words.


    Nianzu dipped the brush into the ink, but his focus was nowpletely on that incident. He wanted to punish the Vige Headman, but how? He was no more a Prince, and also, he could not reveal his identity. ''I shall ignore this. I cannot risk the life of my wife by disclosing my identity. Moreover, my identity is no longer useful as my father stripped me of the Prince''s title,'' Nianzu thought.

 Chapter 456 - Enchanted

    <h4>Chapter 456 - Enchanted</h4>


    Nianzu wrapped up the work and left for the market to purchase two fish. "Here are your 15 cents," Nianzu handed the money to the seller and left for his home.


    Upon reaching the home, he found Chuntao in the front yard, waiting for him. "Nianzu," she smiled and ran to him, who showed her the fish. Chuntao got happy and took them from him.


    "You shall freshen up. I will prepare the dinner by then,* Chuntao suggested it to him before leaving for the kitchen. Nianzu nodded and took out the cloth bag from his shoulder. He sat on a bed and moved his neck. Due to the entire day''s work, he was exhausted.


    Chuntao handed him a water ss, who drank it and thanked her. "I went to work today.. It was fun." Her eyes were glistening with happiness.


    "That is great," Nianzu replied.


    "I made some new friends," she added. "They asked me about my husband. A few had seen you and told me that you are good-looking. They got envious of me," Chuntao asserted. Nianzu found how happy she was while narrating all that to him.


    "So, do you like to unt your husband?" Nianzu asked her. Chuntao nodded her head when Nianzu wrapped his hands around her waist, drawing her closer.


    "Nianzu, people might watch us," Chuntao put her hands on his shoulders when he rested his head on her belly.


    "No one is watching," he tilted his head to look outside the door and then shifted his gaze to Chuntao. "There is a fair tomorrow. I will return early from work, and then we will go to the market," he suggested as he let go of his arms around her waist. Chuntao agreed with him.


    "Water is getting cold. You shall take a bath before it gets cool," she told him. Nianzu stood up and went to the washroom. Chuntao, on the other hand, went to the kitchen.


    Nianzu, after getting freshened, went straight to the room. He put the bag on the desk and sat around it. Taking out a long circr brush holder, he put it on the inkstone and opened the notebook. He prepared the ink quickly and started to write. By the time Chuntao brought the dinner, he had finished writing two pages.


    He put the brush down and helped Chuntao in setting the table. Chuntao put the te in front of him. She put a cooked fish on it and handed him the chopsticks.


    "You are working hard for us. Do not take too much stress. I can also help you with that. So, will you let me help?" Chuntao queried him.


    "It is not much work, Chun. Tomorrow there is a fair, so I thought toplete the work earlier," asserted Nianzu. He had cut the cooked fish into slices with the chopsticks and put the te in front of Chuntao. "This is for you," he asserted.


    Chuntao was overwhelmed to see this. "Start eating," Nianzu said and put another cooked fish on another te. He put one bowl of rice in front of Chuntao and another in front of him.


    They both started to eat. "Today, I found from my colleagues that the Vige Headman is not a nice person," Nianzu began the conversation. "He eyes on women and if finds someone beautiful, he forces her to serve him," Nianzu stated.


    "Even I heard this from some of the women in the fields. There is an event in his house and he has invited everyone from the vige," Chuntao pronounced.


    "We will not go," Nianzu stated.


    Chuntao understood her husband''s worries. "It''spulsory. If we deny, then things could get worse," Chuntao asserted. "Also, many are going," Chuntao affirmed.


    Nianzu put the chopsticks on the te. "I cannot take a risk. I am not a Prince anymore, and if he does something with anyone, I might lose my temper. I cannot disclose my identity. Moreover, he will not ask about us. So, we shall not worry about it. " Nianzu affirmed.


    "Okay." Chuntao agreed with her husband.


    "That''s why you shall not go to the fields to work. Do not consider that I am restricting you from working. I am only cautious and concerned," asserted Nianzu. Chuntao understood him.


    The two finished eating soon. Chuntao left to wash the utensils while Nianzu made the bed on the floor and waited for Chuntao toe.


    "I told you not to do this. You shall not overwork," Chuntaoined and got angry while wiping her hands from a cotton towel.


    "You are also tired from working in the field. Don''t treat me like a Prince. I can do such little work," Nianzu stated. Chuntao pouted and removed the hairpin from her hair bun. Her hair spread down till her waist.


    Nianzu was mesmerized to see her the second her loose from the hair bun. He drew her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist, and kissed her. Pulling back, he looked into her eyes and found he had startled her. "You enchanted me that is why I could not stop myself from kissing you," Nianzu told her. Chuntao smiled and told him that they should sleep.


    "I will sleep after finishing the work. You shall sleep." Nianzu pulled back his arm from Chuntao''s waist. "Sleep," Nianzu gestured towards the mattress.


    "How could I sleep when you are awake?" Chuntao was not ready to sleep. "I will watch you. That way I will learn a few more things," Chuntao affirmed. "I am not tired," she rified herself before Nianzu could say that.


    "Fine," Nianzu did not argue and went towards the desk. He put a cushion on the floor for Chuntao and told her to sit on that. She did so while he sat on his seat. He picked the brush when Chuntao asked if she should narrate the words.


    "Sure," Nianzu permitted her. Chuntao picked the book and started to read where Nianzu had left. She kept her speaking pace in ordance with Nianzu''s writing pace. Nianzu let her read because this way, Chuntao would learn about the Governance of the Han Kingdom, which was truly admirable.


    After thirty minutes, Nianzu told Chuntao to stop as the ink had finished. "Let me prepare," she offered help, but Nianzu did not let her do it. "I can do this," he stated and started grinding a ck ink stick in the inkstone mortar while pouring a few drops of water into it.


    After ten minutes, he was done and turned to look at Chuntao but found she was sleeping. Her eyes were closed while her head swung in the air. Nianzu stood up and came near Chuntao.


    "Chun," he patted her shoulder, and she instantly woke up from sleep.


    "Ahh, did you prepare? Let''s start," she said and picked the book from herp.


    "You should sleep." Nianzu took away the book from her and put it on the table. Chuntao shook her head when Nianzu took her to the bed. He made hery down on the mattress and covered her from the nket. "Have a good sleep." Stroking her hair, he nted a kiss on her forehead. "I will sit here until you sleep," he stated as he continued to stroke her hair. Chuntao soon drifted off to sleep while Nianzu got back to work.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    There will be no mass release on Monday as I am getting vinated. Also, for past 15 days my power stone rank has reduced and it discouraged me a little. I think many of the readers not voting on the story or are disappointed with it. But no worries, I will keep writing. Hopefully, things will change.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 457 - You Complete Me, Lili!

    <h4>Chapter 457 - You Complete Me, Lili!</h4>


    Sheng Li came to Ying Lili''s chamber and found her reading some scrolls. She was on the stairs covered with a blue carpet, and above the five stairsy a chaise. "What are you reading?" Sheng Li asked as he sat beside her on the stairs. "Why did you not sit on the chaise?" He then asked.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes from the scroll and peered at him. "I wanted to sit here. I am reading this beautiful anthology by Schr Qu," she said. Her weight rested on her left elbow.


    "You did note for dinner. Are you preparing something big for me? Brother Wanxi told me that you have nned a surprise for me for my birthday," asserted Ying Lili as she scrolled up the scroll and put it aside.


    "Do not listen to Wanxi. He loves to ruin my ns for you," stated Sheng Li and leaned closer to her.. "After four days, your birthday ising. Just as you gave me a nice surprise, I will do the same. You shall wait," he proimed.


    "I danced for you and yed the flute for you. Will you dance for me? People mightugh at you," Ying Lili queried.


    "I can dance for you when we are alone. I am not good at music so you need to protect your ears if I y the flute," Sheng Li answered and touched the nose from the back of his finger. Ying Lili giggled, amusing Sheng Li.


    "Today the Royal Astrologer hase. Do you know what he said?" Ying Lili asked. "Eunuch Xing-Fu might have told you," Ying Lili curiously said.


    "Umm¡­ I told him not to tell me. I wanted to hear it from you," Sheng Li replied. "Tell me," he asked.


    "The Royal Astrologer has given the date of my birthday which is after four days," Ying Lili replied and lowered her eyes. A hue of red formed on her cheeks that spread till her ears. Sheng Li curled his fingers under her chin and lifted her face.


    "You are shy, Lili. It is so strange of you," Sheng Li teased her a little.


    "I do get shy sometimes," Ying Lili answered.


    "I can see that," Sheng Li whispered and let go of her chin. He moved his hand down her arm and wrapped it around her waist. This entire time, their gazes were focused on each other. He pulled her closer and moved his gaze towards her lips.


    Ying Lili put her finger on his lips, astonishing him. "I heard that the Empress called you. What did she ask?" She asked.


    Sheng Li put her finger down and replied, "She asked me to bring Brother Nianzu back. Consort Ju was also present there. I do not know what is going on in their minds. They think that the Father will listen to me and revoke his decision for Brother Nianzu."


    "She is a mother. I think that the Emperor was harsher on Brother Nianzu. He should have allowed him to meet his mother," Ying Lili put forward her view.


    "Lili, Brother Nianzu did not want to meet his mother. And if he was allowed then it was easier for Empress Hui to harm Chuntao. Do not think that Empress Hui is good just because she is the mother of Brother Nianzu." Sheng Li exined to her. He was disheartened after knowing the truth about Deng Hui.


    "I said in the perspective of a mother," Ying Lili stated.


    "A mother wants the good for her child. However, Empress Hui does not care for her son. Why? Because she only wants to see him with power. She does not care about Brother Nianzu''s other half that gives him happiness. Brother Nianzu left this Pce because of that too. I think he did not want to tell me about his mother. Brother Nianzu might have seen his mother''s truth after she became the Empress, but he did not want to tell anyone about this." Frowns appeared on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    "Lili, I forgot topliment you for this," suddenly, his mood changed to a delighted one. "You told me that you will fight with my enemies and will change the hearts of my brothers. Today I felt happy. I have never gotten this feeling. You indeed turned my life beautiful," Sheng Li stated.


    "And you also turned my life beautiful. You taught me many things throughout this period," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Sheng Li brought his head closer to his and touched their foreheads with each other. "Youplete me, Lili. This Sheng Li is iplete without his Lili," he closed his eyes so did Ying Lili. They heard each other''s breath hitting against each other''s lips. Their noses touched, and the two felt the essence of this moment. Sheng Li without wasting any more time carried Ying Lili up and took her to the bed.


    He put her on the mattress and hovered over her. Ying Lili wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down. Sheng Li captured her lips and nibbled them. Ying Lili moaned a little and parted her lips. They both kissed each other passionately before pulling away.


    Both of them smiled before again kissing each other. Sheng Li gave them enough time to breathe while kissing. His hands opened the knot of her dress. He trailed the kisses down to her bare neck, and shoulders, leaving no point unattended.


    "Sheng Li," Ying Lili called his name when he nipped his skin on the corbone. Her soft voice was like music to his ears that encouraged him more. The wet, open-mouthed, sloppy kisses build something strange in the pit of her stomach. Her hands were now in his hair. She pulled him up and kissed him on his lips. She flipped him, and now she was over him.


    "Lili," Sheng Li called her name and smirked. He moved her hair away from her face and then pulled her down. With the other hand, he pulled down the curtains that hung around the four-poster bedpost.

 Chapter 458 - Beating Loudly

    <h4>Chapter 458 - Beating Loudly</h4>


    Lei Wanxi looked at the dress which a maidservant had held. "What did you say? Zhu Lin told you to give me this? Why?" Lei Wanxi asked as he tied a knot on his upper jacket.


    "Your Highness, I do not know."


    Lei Wanxi looked at the dress and took it from the maidservant. "It''s so soft. Shall I wear this today?" He excitedly asked from the maidservant.


    "The Prince shall wear this," the maidservant replied. Lei Wanxi hummed and got ready for the dress gifted by Zhu Lin. The maidservant tied the sash around his waist and stepped back. Lei Wanxi looked at himself in the mirror.


    "This dress suits me," Lei Wanxi murmured.. A smile appeared on his lips, and he left for the morning greetings to his elders. After the greetings, he came back to his chamber and had his breakfast. "I willete," Lei Wanxi informed the maidservant and left the chamber. He was moving the fan in his hand while friskily walking through the corridor when he stopped.


    "Shall I take Zhu Lin with me?" He thought for a few seconds and then went to her chamber.


    "Is the Princess inside?" Lei Wanxi asked a servant outside the chamber, who nodded. "Tell the Princess that Prince Wanxi hase to meet her," Lei Wanxi told the servant, who informed Zhu Lin.


    Zhu Lin, who had a scroll in her hand, told the servant to send Lei Wanxi inside. She put the scroll on the desk and stood up from the ground chair. Lei Wanxi came there and waved at her. She was astonished to see that he wore the dress that she had gifted him.


    *You shall praise me. I know that I am looking too good that you are out of words," Lei Wanxi praised himself and put the fan inside the sash. Zhu Lin chuckled.


    "The Prince could have worn it on some other day," asserted Zhu Lin.


    "When I was getting ready, this dress was brought to me. I thought about wearing it. It''s fine if you do not want topliment me. I know that you do not like to praise me," Lei Wanxi stated. "Today, there is a mini-fair in the market. The dragon boat festival is in three days. Do you want to go with me?" He asked her out.


    "You want to go with me?" She was bewildered.


    "Hmm. There is no one in the Pce whom I can take with me except you," Lei Wanxi replied. "Though it is not apulsion," he added.


    "I do not have any work so I will apany you," Zhu Lin asserted. Lei Wanxi got happy and told her to follow him. They both got into the carriage and left for the market.


    "Why did you give me this dress?" Lei Wanxi suddenly questioned her.


    "That I had brought for the Fourth Prince," she replied right away. Unbeknownst to him, he stopped smiling. Lei Wanxi did not feel good about this. He wore the dress which Zhu Lin brought for his Fourth Brother.


    "Why did you give it to me then?" Lei Wanxi queried her. It seemed he suddenly turned furious.


    "I thought to give you. There''s no particr reason behind that," Zhu Lin answered. "This color suits the Prince," she stated. The maroon Hamfu dress with ck borders was indeed enhancing his good looks.


    The wheel of the carriage hit a few pebbles, and it wobbled. Lei Wanxi could not bnce himself and fell left on Zhu Lin''sp. They both widened their eyes. Lei Wanxi immediately sat up and turned his face away. He acted to look outside the window of the carriage.


    "Can you not drive the cart smoothly?" Lei Wanxi scolded the chauffeur in a loud enough voice. He did not dare to meet Zhu Lin''s eyes. How could he lose bnce and fall on herp? He closed his eyes and gulped the moment of embarrassment he just had.


    He was startled when he heard theugh of Zhu Lin. Gradually, he turned and confusedly nced at her. "Are you okay?" He asked. Zhu Lin continued tough while Lei Wanxi knitted his brows.


    After a while, she stoppedughing. She tilted her head to look at him and said, "Prince Wanxi appears to be a kid, sometimes. I will not tell anyone about this. So, do not worry."


    Lei Wanxi was thankful to her, but he was worried, thinking that Zhu Lin would make fun of him for being weak. "The previous day, you saw how athletic I was! I caught you within minutes," Lei Wanxi diverted the topic to change their attention from the current situation.


    "Indeed, the Prince is good at running. That was quite surprising for me," Zhu Lin affirmed. "By the way, the water beast did not take me away. And I believe your fear of water also has ended. Am I right?" Her eyes glistened upon asking this question.


    "That was not deep water. I am afraid of deep water. There was indeed a water beast, but because we both were near the shore, that''s why we could not see it," Lei Wanxi reasoned.


    "You are the first man whom I have seen talking like this. Prince Wanxi is amusing," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi turned his head to look at her when the carriage again wobbled, and this time, he fell backward while Zhu Lin was towards him. Out of reflex, his hands wrapped around her waist.


    The two had an intense eye lock followed by this. Lei Wanxi felt strange near his chest. He had nevere across such a feeling. The other second, he heard it beating loudly that astonished him. "This cannot happen," he murmured.


    Zhu Lin, on the other hand, also felt strange. It was weird for her because her heart had also racedst time when she was in theke with Lei Wanxi. She should not feel this way, then why? She questioned herself as the two continued to gaze at each other.

 Chapter 459 - Fluttered The Hearts Of Many {Bonus }

    <h4>Chapter 459 - Fluttered The Hearts Of Many {Bonus }</h4>


    Lei Wanxi pushed her away and told her to sit straight. "Can''t you drive smoothly?" Lei Wanxi againined to the chauffeur, who apologized. Lei Wanxi narrowly gazed at Zhu Lin and then looked out of the window.


    ''I should not have brought her with me. It was strange. I thought I had a heart attack,'' Lei Wanxi thought and ced his hand near his chest. ''I need to ask the Royal Physician about this. I cannot risk my health.'' Soon they reached the market. The Chauffeur opened the door for them, and the two of them stepped out of the carriage.


    The entire market of Luoyang was decorated with various colorednterns, hanging several feet above the sky. Because the Crown Princess''s birthday was on the next day, preparations for that were also done.


    "Prince Wanxi," Duan Xie called his name and came to him. He stopped in front of Lei Wanxi and bowed.


    "You look good in this uniform of a police inspector," asserted Lei Wanxi and patted his back. Duan Xie lifted his head and looked at Zhu Lin.


    "Are you not the same from the other day, Princess of Huan?" Duan Xie asked. "Prince Wanxi, did you reconcile with the Princess?" He was curious to know.


    "She apologized to me," Lei Wanxi stated and looked at Zhu Lin, who nodded her head. Lei Wanxi touched the feather on the hat which Duan Xie had worn. "It''s beautiful. s, I cannot wear such a hat," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi''s rank is higher than mine. He does not need to wear such hats," Duan Xie proimed.


    "Inspector Duan, let me rephrase it. Prince Wanxi could not qualify the civil services second stage to receive this kind of hat," Zhu Lin remarked. Lei Wanxi nced at her with bewilderment.


    "What do you mean?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Nothing," Zhu Lin replied and walked ahead. Duan Xie smiled a little when Lei Wanxi asked him the reason.


    "The Princess pulled the Prince''s leg. You are not good in physical strength, and this post requires that," Duan Xie exined to Lei Wanxi, whose eyes grew bigger.


    "How dare she?" Lei Wanxi gritted his teeth. "I will see youter," he said and went after Zhu Lin. ''She always insults me. I try to be humble, but she does not,'' he thought and found her. He ran towards her and caught her arm.


    "Why did you say that?" Lei Wanxi queried her.


    Zhu Lin pulled her arm from his grip. "Prince Wanxi shall ept the reality. He should not get annoyed by this easily. Do you want to eat Zongzi Rice Dumplings?" Zhu Lin looked towards the food stall where those specials dumplings were being sold. She looked at him and asked about his opinion.


    "My stomach is full. I will eatter. You can eat if you want to," Lei Wanxi told her. Zhu Lin hummed. Their attention was grabbed by some upper-ss young women, who wereing in their direction.


    "Greetings to the Sixth Prince from the daughter of the Minister of Personnel." A youngdy bowed in front of Lei Wanxi, followed by others. Lei Wanxi passed her a tiny smile and looked at the others, who introduced themselves to them.


    They looked at Zhu Lin but ignored her. Unlike those women, Zhu Lin was not dressed. For a second, Zhu Lin felt intimidated under their gazes. "This is the Princess of Huan Province, Princess Zhu Lin." Lei Wanxi introduced her to them.


    Those youngdies greeted her. "Sixth Prince, father had told me that you love rice dumplings. If the Prince permits, then Liao Jia will bring them to the Pce. Liao Jia is good at cooking," the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Liao Jia, told Lei Wanxi, who found it a little strange. Zhu Lin chuckled when Liao Jia noticed.


    "It is fine, Sister. I do not want to trouble the daughter of the Minister of Personnel," Lei Wanxi politely refused.


    "Sister?" Liao Jia widened her eyes while the friends with her started giggling.


    "Did I say something wrong?" Lei Wanxi waited for her answer. Liao Jia smiled and shook her head.


    "We shall go ahead. You all shall enjoy," Lei Wanxi looked at Zhu Lin, and the two walked away. Liao Jia turned back and red at the two.


    "I think Sister Liao Jia did not expect that she would be insulted this way by the Sixth Prince," Shun Chao, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, said andughed along with the other women. Liao Jia red at them and stomped her foot on the ground.


    Oppositely, Lei Wanxi found Zhu Lin was smiling at something, so he curiously asked the reason behind her smile. Zhu Lin halted, and so did Lei Wanxi. "Prince Wanxi, why did you call that youngdy a sister?"


    "Pardon?" "I called her sister because she is Sister. Why? Is it wrong? I usually prefer to call other women as a ''sister'' who are young or a little older to me," Lei Wanxi exined to her.


    "Prince Wanxi never called me a Sister," Zhu Lin said out of curiosity.


    "You are not a sister. You are an exception," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "Why?"


    "I do not know," Lei Wanxi replied. "How was it hrious? I called her a sister, and youughed. Why?" Lei Wanxi inquired from her again.


    "Prince Wanxi, she is interested in you. However, you called her a Sister and ended her attraction towards you," Zhu Lin said and started tough.


    "What?" "Interested in me? So, she flirted with me!" Lei Wanxi was happy upon hearing that. "It is because of my good looks that she fell for my charm. Zhu Lin, I have fluttered the hearts of many women," He added. Zhu Lin was astonished to see the reaction of Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi, has anyone called you an interesting person?" Zhu Lin suddenly asked.


    "No," Lei Wanxi refused when he saw a cart full of grain sackse in their direction.


    "You are an interesting person, Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin said when Lei Wanxi grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. Lei Wanxi stumbled and fell back, while Zhu Lin fell on top of him.

 Chapter 460 - Such A Rare Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 460 - Such A Rare Beauty</h4>


    *Trigger Warning*


    Chuntao hade to the house of Landlord Peng to give the details of the crops that she had sown. Landlord Peng''s assistant noted the details in a notebook and told them to leave. As Chuntao was ready to leave,ndlord Peng''s assistant stopped her. "Take this to the main house," he forwarded a scroll towards Chuntao.


    "Isn''t it supposed to be done by a servant of the house?" Chuntao questioned. "What I mean is that I am not allowed to go to the main house of Landlord Peng," asserted Chuntao and lowered her eyes.


    "There is no servant at this moment.. I have one more work left which can take a little longer. Master Peng might get angry if he did not give it at the time. Leave it! I will send it through someone," the assistant told Chuntao to leave when she forwarded both of her hands.


    "I will give it to the Master. Forgive me for earlier," Chuntao stated. The assistant smiled and put the scroll in her hand. "If this work would not be important, then I would have given my master myself. Thank you," he expressed his gratitude and walked past her. Chuntao looked at the scroll. She came out of the storehouse and searched for the main house.


    Near the storehouse, hardly any servant from the Residence was visible except the workers. She asked one of them, who guided her in the direction to the main house. "Thank you, Brother," Chuntao walked ahead. She now had entered the main yard of the residence. She could see a few servants and thought to ask any one of them to give the scroll to Landlord Peng.


    However, a thought hit her mind that if the scroll did not reach the hands of Landlord Peng, then she might get punished, so she decided to fetch it herself to him. She had entered the main house of the residence. "Brother, could you please tell me where I can meet the master of this house?" Chuntao politely asked a servant, who was mopping the floor.


    He pointed his finger to the left. "Sister shall go straight and then turn right. Sister will see chains of servants outside the chamber of the master of this house." The man told Chuntao about the directions.


    "Thank you, Brother," Chuntao stated and walked in the told direction. Finally, she reached outside the chamber of Landlord Peng. However, to her surprise, there were no servants outside.


    Chuntao stepped ahead and heard the voices of a few men from inside the chamber. She halted outside the chamber and lowered her head. "Sorry for intruding on the master," Chuntao said from outside in a loud enough voice. The manners she had learned in the Imperial Pce, so it turned a lot easier than she thought.


    "What happened?" Landlord Peng asked. The noises of the people with him had died out.


    "Master''s assistant has sent a scroll," replied Chuntao, keeping her tone polite.


    "Come in," Landlord Peng permitted her. Chuntao slowly pushed the door away and entered. Her gaze was lowered as she moved forward. She could see five men around a table, probably feasting in the day.


    "Put it over that table," Landlord Peng instructed her. Chuntao turned left and put the scroll on the table. She turned to thendlord and bowed. She was ready to leave when she heard the voice of the men among them.


    Chuntao got intimidated by the question. "This person works in the fields," Chuntao replied. She did not know but her heart started beating against her chest in fear.


    "Respected Vige Headman, she is amon vige woman," Landlord Peng asserted. Chuntao got terrified as she found that the Vige Headman was present in the chamber.


    "You may leave," Landlord Peng stated. Chuntao bowed and stepped back, but then the Vige Headman stopped her.


    "May I know the name of this young woman?" The vige headman, Zou Min, asked. He had an evil grin on his face as he checked her out from head to toe.


    Chuntao tightly intertwined her fingers. She could not take her name but if she would not, the Vige Headman might do something more. Landlord Peng had tried to help Chuntao, but in front of Zou Min, it was in vain.


    "What is the name of this young woman?" Zou Min repeated his question.


    "Ch-ch-" Chuntao found that her voice was noting out of her throat. She found herself stuck as sweat formed over her forehead.


    "Shall I give you a name?" Zou Min asked.


    "No," immediately Chuntao replied. Zou Min smiled upon hearing her answer. Chuntao did not know what she should do in this case. If she told her name, Zou Min might do something more. The thought was scaring her.


    Zou Min stood up from the table with a porcin cup in his hand. The other four men looked at Zou Min nervously. It seemed they had an idea what was going to happen next.


    "Master Zou, let this woman go. We have important matters to discuss. We need to submit the report by tomorrow morning," Landlord Peng again tried to save Chuntao.


    "We have an entire day to discuss those matters," affirmed Zou Min and halted before Chuntao. He once again checked her out. "Drink this," Zou Min said as he extended the porcin cup, which had wine in it.


    Chuntao flickered her eyes, unable to believe what she had heard. Gathering her courage, she said, "Forgive me, My Lord. I do not drink wine."


    Suddenly she felt the hand of Zou Min touching her hands. She yanked her hand away and stepped away. "Please refrain my lord from touching me," Chuntao protested. Zou Min ignored her words.


    "So soft. Such a rare beauty in this vige is tough to find! You will embellish my residence. Let''s get married," Zou Min offered the deal in front of her.


    Chuntao widened her eyes and lifted her head. The other four men in the chamber did not dare to speak now. They knew if they would do anything to help this woman, their life woulde to an end.


    "My Lord, I am already married." Chuntao did not know at this moment how she should defend herself. She did not want either Nianzu to reveal his identity so decided to end it on a good note.


    Zou Min stepped closer to her and put his hand on her waist. "No worries, dear. I will kill your husband." Chuntao''s reflex acted, and she pped Zou Min, shocking everyone. Zou Min put his palm on his cheek.


    "My Lord, please be respectful towards my husband and do not touch me without my permission," Chuntao asserted. The anger was visible on her face. The four men stood up from their respective seats. Lord Peng intervened, to calm the situation.


    Zou Min scowled at Chuntao in anger. He grabbed her by the fistful of her hair. She screamed in pain. "How dare a filthy woman to p me?" Zou Min bellowed at her.


    "My Lord, let her go. I will give her a severe punishment," Landlord Peng tried to control the situation and grabbed the arms of Zou Min, but he pushed him away. Landlord Peng gestured to the Royal Inspector to do something, but he shook his head.


    "Leave me," Chuntao pleaded with him. Zou Min pped her and pushed her to the floor. She was in a disheveled state now. Tears started to pour down from her eyes. "Royal Inspector, bring her to my residence. The judgment regarding her will be done today. I will make sure today that she loses her respect," Zou Min growled in anger.


    The Royal Inspector walked out and came with two soldiers. "My Lord, she made a mistake. I will scold her and then-"


    "Shut up, Landlord Peng. You might lose your life or your entire family," Zou Min threatened him. The soldiers grabbed Chuntao from her arms and pulled her up. "Lower your eyes before I pull them out," Zou Min shouted at Chuntao, who did not. He raised his hand on her when Landlord Peng, gathering his courage, stopped him.


    "My Lord, please calm down. We are going to punish her anyway," Landlord Peng stated. Zou Min walked out of the chamber while Chuntao was dragged out of the house behind the vige headman.


    "Why did you not stop it?" Landlord Pengined to the Royal Inspector.


    "Landlord Peng, don''t you know how powerful he is! I care for my family too. And that woman raised her hand. She should be within her limits. It was not like Lord Zou did something wrong to get this angry," the Royal Inspector defended Zou Min. "Let''s go before Lord Zou loses his temper," he stated and walked out.

 Chapter 461 - Arrest

    <h4>Chapter 461 - Arrest</h4>


    Nianzu, who was in the police bureau, wrote theint regarding and dispute between two brothers. "Nianzu, Nianzu," Mo Shing came running towards Nianzu and halted in front of his desk.


    "What happened?" Nianzu asked.


    "Your wife has been taken to the house of the Vige Headman," Mo Shing proimed.


    Nianzu immediately stood up from the chair and walked out of the office. No Shing followed him and narrated everything to Nianzu, who was infuriated, panicked at the same time. He ran as fast as he could towards the house of Zou Min with Mo Shing. The vigers had already gathered in the front yard of the Residence of Zou Min.


    Zou Min was seated on the chair while the Royal Inspector was on the chair next to him. Landlord Peng stood beside Zou Min along with two otherndlords. The whispers among the people had turned louder..


    Zou Min stood up from his chair and addressed the people. "It has been ten years to me for serving as the Vige Headman of this beautiful vige. Never once have I felt humiliated until today. The woman in front of you is the reason that I got humiliated in front of the respected Landlords of this vige and the Royal Inspector," Zou Min affirmed.


    "Lord Zou, may we people know what this woman did?" A viger asked out of curiosity.


    "She pped me on my face when I offered her work in my house," Zou Min stated. Chuntao red at him. Landlord Peng nced at him but did not dare to speak. "I do not want to do injustice that''s why the Royal Inspector will make the judgment regarding this," asserted Zou Min and looked at Fu Donghai.


    The Royal Inspector, Fu Donghai stood up from the chair and bowed before the Vige Headman.


    "Inspector Fu, did you see how she pped me? It is not hidden from the respected Royal Inspector and the Landlords who were present with me," stated Zou Min.


    "The Vige Headman is lying," Chuntao finally spoke. "I pped him because he touched me inappropriately and¡­" her voice quivered. "...and disrespected my husband," she finallypleted her words.


    The people pitied the sight of Chuntao. They knew that the Vige Headman was lying in front of all but no one could step forward to stop all this. ''This is an end for her,'' a woman whispered in the ear of her friend, who agreed with her.


    "You should not lie. I did not touch her. Why would I touch a filthy woman like you? I have three wives, prettier than you. How dare she lie in front of everyone? She was the one who threw herself on me! I know women like her who seduce men first but when they don''t give them attention, they act as if they are being harassed." Zou Min crossed every limit to humiliate Chuntao in front of everyone.


    "Royal Inspector, tell these people what this woman did to me. You were the witness and I expect you to tell the truth only," requested the Vige Headman and bowed.


    Fu Donghai told Zou Min not to lower his head in front of him. "The Vige Headman is right. This woman is at fault. Our respected Vige Headman was polite with her but she did not stop," Fu Donghai testified the false statements of Zou Min towards Chuntao, who had no words left.


    Nianzu arrived there and saw Chuntao''s disheveled state. His heart broke into pieces seeing this sight of her. She was tied to a pole and all her hair was messy. Even her dress was dirty and her hands and feet were bruised. She might have been brought to the residence bare feet.


    "Since she is so interested in seducing men, I think removing her clothes will be the best punishment-"


    "Shut your filthy mouth!" Nianzu''s voice roared in the entire residence. The people did not expect this from amoner. Raising his voice against the Vige Headman! A few people sighed while the others prayed that they both would not lose their lives.


    Nianzu went towards Chuntao and stood in front of her. "Forgive me," the first words he said to her. His heart wrenched seeing her face. He untied the ropes when they heard Zou Min.


    "Stop it! Go tie this man too for stopping us in the middle," Zou Min shouted at the soldiers. Four soldiers came towards Nianzu, and two of them grasped his arms when he pushed them away.


    The people saw how Nianzu was fighting for his woman with those dirty people. Chuntao''s hands were still tied to the pole. She had lost her words.


    Nianzu pulled the sword from the sheath that a soldier had and pointed it outward. "Try taking a step, and it will cut your throats," Nianzu threatened them. Fu Donghai called for more soldiers.


    "Drop that sword else consequences can be worse," Fu Donghai warned Nianzu. He hade forward with the sword in his hand.


    Zou Min descended the stairs and came to them. "Royal Inspector, kill both of them," Zou Min affirmed.


    "This is injustice. How dare you raise your hand on my wife?" Nianzu shouted at Zou Min, who chuckled and looked at Fu Donghai.


    "What are you waiting for? His wife insulted me first, and now he is insulting me. Inspector Fu, I might rece you from this position," Zou Min lost his temper.


    Fu Donghai gestured to the soldiers to attack Nianzu, who stopped them. "It is odd to see that the woman whom this man has harassed is also being harassed by you all. You are the Royal Inspector. It is your duty to maintainw and order in this vige. Yet, you are supporting this evil Vige Headman. Have you ever thought what would happen if the oppression of this vige headman reached the ears of the Crown Prince and the Emperor?" Nianzu questioned Fu Donghai, who was intimidated a little.


    Quan Bo, Luo Hai, and Ye Fang had also arrived in the Vige Headman''s Residence. "Oh, no. What did they do with his wife?" Ye Fang muttered and put his palm over his mouth.


    "I do not want any bloodshed to happen here. So step back and give justice to my wife. Punish this vige headman," Nianzu appealed in front of Fu Donghai, who wanted to punish Zou Min for many years, but because he could only listen to his orders, he had not enough guts to take any action against him.


    "You are disrespecting the Vige Headman. If we catch you, then it is an end to both you and your wife," Zou Min asserted.


    "This man harassed my woman," Nianzu looked at Chuntao. He removed his overcoat and quickly covered her from it. "How could you all let this happen? What if a simr thing happens to your family women? Would you all act this way?" Nianzu questioned all of them, turning towards them.


    The Landlords lowered their eyes, and so did the vigers.


    "Why are you listening to his rubbish talks?" Zou Min shrieked in annoyance. "Give me the sword. I will kill him and his petty woman," Zou Min snatched the sword from a soldier and stepped forward to attack Nianzu, who easily dodged and hit his wrist. Zou Min screamed in pain, and the sword fell to the ground. Nianzu grabbed him by his cor.


    "Leave me. You don''t know who I am! Inspector Fu, why are you standing like a statue?" Zou Min got mad. "Let me go. I know the Governor of Luoyang. You and your wife will be punished in the Capital for raising the hand of an upper-ssman!" Zou Min threatened Nianzu.


    Nianzu did not want to use his title because he was no longer a Prince. However, there was something more precious he had that could have ended the reign of the Vige Headman in this vige. The Royal Inspector and the soldiers did not go near Nianzu as he had taken the vige headman as the hostage and could harm him.


    Nianzu pushed Zou Min, and he fell to the ground. Nianzu took out the token that the Crown Prince had given him and almost showed it when he heard a familiar voice.


    "Arrest this Vige Headman," Xiao Zhan announced.


    ~~~~


    What do you think will happen next? Do share your thoughts!

 Chapter 462 - You Will Regret It

    <h4>Chapter 462 - You Will Regret It</h4>


    Upon seeing General Xiao, everyone got on their knees. "General Xiao," Fu Donghai murmured and went towards him. Nianzu turned to look at him and heaved a sigh of relief. Zou Min stood up and ran towards Xiao Zhan and grabbed his legs.


    "General Xiao, why are you ordering them to arrest me?" He confusedly asked and looked at Nianzu who had gone near Chuntao. Pointing his finger towards Nianzu, he said, "These two have created a ruckus. I beg you to punish them, General Xiao, especially that woman, who pped me and embarrassed an upper-ssman in front of the threendlords and the royal inspector."


    "What are you waiting for? Did you not listen to me? Arrest the vige headman," Xiao Zhan repeated his words, looking at Fu Donghai, who gestured his soldiers to grab Zou Min. Xiao Zhan kicked Zou Min and ordered Fu Donghai to drag out everyone from the residence of Zou Min.


    "Tie him to this pole and hit his legs and stomach until he bleeds," Xiao Zhan ordered. Zou Min confusedly looked at Xiao Zhan and asked him why he was being punished. The people were happy to hear that the Vige Headman would be punished.


    Nianzu moved the hair strands away from Chuntao''s face and put his arm around her. "Everything is fine," Nianzu said and caressed her arm. He put back the token inside his pocket before anyone could notice that. Huo Jin came towards Nianzu and Chuntao.


    "Please follow me," Huo Jin requested them. Nianzu moved forward, dragging Chuntao with her, and followed Huo Jin while Xiao Zhan decided to punish the Vige Headman in front of everyone.


    More than three dozen women were brought from the Residence of the Vige Headman. Nearly two dozen servants and ves also came to the front yard. "Why did you not start yet?" Xiao Zhan scolded Fu Donghai, who quickly asked for a stick.


    "General Xiao, why am I being punished? You have misunderstood me, General Xiao," asserted Zou Min. Xiao Zhan ignored his words and looked at the three wives of?Zou Min. "Even your wives want you to die," Xiao Zhan stated and looked at the other women¨C some young and some older. "You have a harem here," Xiao Zhan stated and looked at Fu Donghai, who still had not started. He pulled the sword out from the sheath and slit the throat of Fu Donghai with lightning speed.


    A few drops of blood sshed on the face and robes of Zou Min. Everyone in the front yard was scared to death. Fu Donghai''s lifeless body fell to the ground. "Throw him away," Xiao Zhan ordered the soldiers. They quickly acted on themand and took the body away.


    The other six officers from the police bureau had also arrived at the residence. They greeted General Xiao and looked at the blood on the ground. "Hit his legs and stomach until he bleeds to death," Xiao Zhan ordered one of the Rank 7 officers. He came forward and did what Xiao Zhan ordered.


    Zou Min cries echoed in the air. There was a smile on everyone''s lips. Not a single person pleaded with Xiao Zhan to stop. Even the children of Zou Min kept mum and had lowered their heads.


    The torture continued till half an hour and the area around the pole had been covered in the blood. Xiao Zhan told the officer to stop, who stepped back. Zou Min cried in pain. He could not feel his body. "W-water," Zou Min requested for water when Xiao Zhan gestured to a servant to bring the water. The servant quickly brought the water in a ss and handed it to Xiao Zhan. He sshed it on the face of Zou Min.


    "You do not deserve to drink this water. Do you know why you are getting punished?" Xiao Zhan asked. Zou Lin''s eyes were half-closed. He shook his head.


    "Does anyone here know why your vige headman is getting such kind of punishment?" Xiao Zhan asked. Landlord Peng stepped forward because finally, he could speak up about the wrong.


    "General Xiao, the Vige Headman, harassed a woman. Forgive us, people, for never raising our voice on this issue. All these women have suffered because of the Vige Headman," asserted Landlord Peng.


    "The mistake lies in the department of Police Bureau which has been set up to punish such people," asserted Xiao Zhan and grabbed the fistful of Zou Min''s hair. ''He harassed the woman of the Fourth Prince.''


    "Tie his hands with a rope and I will drag him in the entire vige," Xiao Zhan let go of his hair and walked out of the residence. Zou Min was untied from the pole and brought outside the residence. He had not any strength left in his body so soldiers supported him.


    Xiao Zhan hopped on the horse and tightly gripped one end of the rope with which they had tied Zou Min''s hands. Everyone came outside to see that majestic sight¨C the vige headman was getting punished for his crimes. Zou Min with his remaining strength tried to plead Xiao Zhan but he didn''t listen. Instead, he started to ride the horse, dragging Zou Min, who was lying on the ground. His robes ripped apart because of the abradant against the ground.


    The vigers started to run after them in happiness, mostly men and children. Zou Min could not stand for even ten minutes and die. After half an hour, Xiao Zhan reached in front of the residence of Zuo Min and stopped. He hopped down the horse and kicked the lifeless body of Zou Min. "Throw it in the open fields and let the hawks and eagles eat it," Xiao Zhan ordered one of the officers.


    He looked at Landlord Peng and went to him. "Make an arrangement for those women who are unmarried, make them marry while married women will be sent back to their homes. Free the ves from working here," ordered Xiao Zhan. Landlord Peng bowed, acknowledging the orders of Xiao Zhan.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu and Chuntao sat on the mattress on the floor. Tears rolled down Nianzu''s cheeks. Today, Chuntao could have lost her dignity because of him. He internally cursed himself for not protecting Chuntao well.


    Huo Jin brought water into a bronze vessel and ced it beside Nianzu. "Your Highness, this is for cleaning the wounds of her highness," Huo Jin ced the cotton towel down on the floor and walked out, closing the door behind him.


    "Forgive me, Chun," Nianzu joined his both hands and lowered his head. He looked at her hands which were trembling in fear. He grasped them and moved closer to her. "Chun, everything is fine." He drew her for a hug. Chuntao rested her head on his chest and started crying.


    "I was scared. He touched me and then grabbed my hair. No one ever raised a hand on me but he did. It''s disgusting," Chuntao informed Nianzu, who also cried with her.


    "You should have revealed my identity, Chun. You should have told them that your husband used to be a Prince," Nianzu stated.


    "I could not think of anything at that moment," Chuntao said. "I was scared," she said as more tears poured down her eyes. "I did not know that I would encounter him and this would happen," Chuntao asserted.


    Nianzu cupped her face in his palms and wiped the tears from his thumbs. "General Xiao will punish him to death. If he had note, then I would have killed him after showing the Crown Prince''s token to everyone. Thankfully, General Xiao reached at the right time," Nianzu exined to Chuntao. "Did he do something more? Did he touch you anywhere? Tell me," Nianzu asked. His voice was quivering.


    Chuntao shook her head. Nianzu hummed and picked the cotton towel. He dipped it into the lukewarm water and wrung it. He grabbed her hands first and wiped them, followed by her feet. Seeing the blood on her feet, he again broke down. He did the cleaning quickly and put it aside. He looked at her arms, elbows, face, back to make sure she was not injured or harmed anywhere.


    He moved his hand above her head and kept caressing it for some time. For the first time, he regretted his decision to leave the title of Prince and the Pce. He finally understood the meaning of his father''s words¨C ''A life of amoner is not easy.. You will soon regret it.''

 Chapter 463 - My Childhood Friend

    <h4>Chapter 463 - My Childhood Friend</h4>


    After Chuntao slept, Nianzu came out of the room. The vigers hade to his house but had stood near the facade as the soldiers had guarded the house well. General Xiao came towards Nianzu and bowed. "How is her highness?" Xiao Zhan asked.


    "She is not good. I made her sleep," Nianzu said in a low voice. He had lowered his head to hide his tears. They were standing with their back towards the people, so no one could see or hear what they were conversing about.


    "I will inform the Emperor and the Crown Prince regarding this matter," Xiao Zhan assured Nianzu. The people outside the house were trying to hear what Nianzu and General Xiao were saying to each other.


    "No," Nianzu stated. "Please do not tell my Father about this. Inform about this to Brother Sheng only," Nianzu requested. "I am no longer a Prince, and Father will not try to meddle anymore," asserted Nianzu.


    "Return to the Pce, your highness. You do not belong here. What if something worse would have happened? Amoner cannot fight the evil of society. You need power at some point," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    Nianzu agreed with him, but if he would enter Luoyang, his father would give the order to kill Chuntao. He never understood the meaning of having influence and power until today. "My wife is a peasant. No one will ept her, and I cannot leave her. I underestimated a few things. After today''s incident, I have realized that to protect your loved ones you need power in one form or the other. I am grateful to you for my entire life, General Xiao," Nianzu stated and bowed in front of him.


    Xiao Zhan did not want Nianzu to bow. But in front of the people, he was helpless. Nianzu lifted his head and asked him how they found out his location.


    "We searched for you. Huo Jin has exceptional skills in spying and finding people. Prince Nianzu, the Crown Prince found out something. Your mother had joined hands with Gu Zhenya. They had schemed to kill your wife and put the me on the Crown Prince," Xiao Zhan stated and then narrated everything to him.


    Nianzu could not believe his ears. His mother nned to kill his wife! He regretted not removing her from the position of Empress before leaving the Pce.


    "The Crown Prince had killed Gu Zhenya before he could be a threat to us. His highness also sent a letter to your mother in the handwriting of Gu Zhenya so that she would stop. Now, our spies have kept their eyes on her movements," affirmed Xiao Zhan.


    "How could mother turn this way!?" Nianzu chuckled and sighed at the same time. Xiao Zhan did not feel suitable to tell other details to Nianzu.


    "Landlord Peng is the new Vige Headman. I told him about you, so you and your wife are safe from now on," asserted Xiao Zhan. "Also, soon the Crown Prince will visit you," Xiao Zhan added. Nianzu once again thanked him for saving them today.


    "It is my duty towards a Prince. Though the Emperor does not want this for the Crown Prince, we are ready to even go against the Emperor''s orders," stated Xiao Zhan, keeping a tiny smile on his lips. Nianzu nodded his head and looked at Huo Jin.


    "Thank you, Huo Jin. I will never forget the favor you did to me," Nianzu lowered his eyes.


    "The Prince is embarrassing me. He is the one who gave me a second life. So, it is just a small part of his graciousness that I was able to return. I only worked to find you. General Xiao has done the rest of the work," asserted Huo Jin.


    Nianzu lifted his eyes and passed a smile to him.


    "We shall leave," Xiao Zhan asserted when Huo Jin volunteered to stay with Nianzu.


    "Pardon," both Nianzu and Xiao Zhan said at the same time.


    "This way I will be able to protect and serve his highness. I can even inform the Crown Prince about the Fourth Prince and we need not worry about anything," Huo Jin suggested to them.


    "People might get suspicious of the identity of the Prince," Xiao Zhan stated.


    "I will say that we two have studied together. Everyone has seen today how the Prince fought so, they would be a little doubtful of his identity. However, if I say that we two prepared for the Civil Services Exam together then the suspicions will die out," Huo Jin told them the entire n. Xiao Zhan liked the suggestion of Huo Jin and told him to stay with the Fourth Prince and his wife.


    Nianzu did not refuse help this time because he wanted someone to be with them. Nianzu bowed again in front of General Xiao, who turned and left the house. The people gave him the way and had also lowered their heads.


    The soldiers had also walked after their General. Quan Bo, Luo Hai, and Ye Fang quickly came towards Nianzu. "How is Sister Chun? Is she alright? Shall I call the physician?" Quan Bo asked Nianzu.


    "She is resting¡­ not in a good state. It will take time to recover from this," Nianzu told him. "The Physician is not needed. Thank you for asking," Nianzu replied.


    "We were scared to death when we found out that such a thing happened to your wife. Then you lifted the sword, which scared us more. Forgive us for not raising our voices. You were lucky today that General Xiao was on the inspection of this vige. Though, it benefitted us all. We are finally free from an evil Vige Headman," stated Ye Fang.


    The other vigers had alsoe to the yard asking Nianzu about his wife. Huo Jin stepped forward and told them that Chuntao was resting. "Pleasee tomorrow. Give some time to the family," Huo Jin requested. The people understood and started to leave.


    Huo Jin came towards Nianzu and saw the gazes of Nianzu''s friends at him.


    "Forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Huo Jin, the childhood friend of Nianzu. We both studied together. I work in the Han Military and fortunately met my friend after so many years," Huo Jin stated.


    "I am Quan Bo. This is Luo Hai and--"


    "I am Ye Fang. We all work together in the bookshop. It is our pleasure to meet you," hepleted the words and bowed a little.


    "Let''s get along with each other. I hope you all will take care of me," Huo Jin asserted.


    Luo Hai confusedly looked at him. "Do you not want to go back? Your words are a little confusing," he raised the doubt.


    "I will live here with my best friend," Huo Jin replied to him. They were surprised to hear this.


    "What about your job and family?" Quan Bo asked.


    "I had no family. Nianzu saved me once, so I had promised to repay his kindness if we ever met before we turned adults and separated our ways," Huo Jin pronounced. Nianzu was impressed by the way he made those three believe his words.


    "Such a loyal friend you are!" Ye Fang stated.


    "I am going inside. You shall continue," Nianzu stated.. He ascended the stairs and walked inside the room where Chuntao was resting.

 Chapter 464 - I Hate Her

    <h4>Chapter 464 - I Hate Her</h4>


    Sheng Li, after checking the work in the Capital Governor''s office, returned to the Pce. He reached the Pce Grounds when the rain started pouring. Quickly Xing-Fu opened the oil paper umbre for the Crown Prince. He covered Sheng Li from it, and they quickly arrived at the Eastern Pce. They ascended the stairs, turned towards the Eastern Corridor. Xing-Fu closed the umbre and handed it to the servant.


    Crossing the corridor, Sheng Li found Lei Wanxi in the Pavilion. He halted, and so did Xing-Fu, who looked in the direction where Sheng Li was looking. "Go to the Chamber. I will be there soon,"manded Sheng Li and walked ahead. Xing-Fu bowed and left for the Crown Prince''s chamber.


    Lei Wanxi was lost in some deep thoughts. "Wanxi," Sheng Li put his hand on his shoulder, who came out of his thoughts and greeted Sheng Li. "You seemed lost. Is everything okay?" Sheng Li was anxious for Lei Wanxi after Brother Nianzu left the Pce.


    Sheng Li noticed the dirt on the robes of Lei Wanxi. "Did you fall? Your robes are dirty," Sheng Li stated while dusting Lei Wanxi''s robes.


    Lei Wanxi reminisced about the incident that happened with him in the market. He saved Zhu Lin from getting hurt from the cart. The two fell on the ground, and Zhu Lin''s lips touched his. The impact was not heavy, so his lips did not get hurt. But something strange happened in his heart, which was indescribable.


    "Wanxi, what happened?" Sheng Li snapped his fingers in front of Lei Wanxi''s eyes, who shook his head.


    "Nothing, Brother," Lei Wanxi replied and passed a tiny smile to Sheng Li, who skeptically looked at him.


    "You are so quiet. It is strange to see you this way," Sheng Li asserted and put the back of his palm over Lei Wanxi''s forehead. "You are not sick, right?" Sheng Li asked him, who refused. He put his hand down and asked his younger brother why he looked worried.


    "I am not worried. There is something I want to know, Brother," Lei Wanxi told Sheng Li.


    "Hmm. Say," Sheng Li waited for him to speak.


    Lei Wanxi, for the first time, felt nervous, but if he would not ask it would trouble him more. After fighting with his mind, he finally spoke.


    "Brother," he took a pause and then, after a few seconds, asked, "Brother Sheng, can a person"s heart beat strangely around a person whom he hates the most?"


    "Pardon!" Sheng Li got confused upon hearing his question.


    "Nothing, B-Brother," Lei Wanxi stuttered. "I shall take my leave. I am sleepy," Lei Wanxi asserted and walked past Sheng Li, who grabbed him by his arm.


    "Wanxi, what happened?" Sheng Li repeated his question. "Will you not even tell me!?" He was befuddled upon seeing the behavior of Lei Wanxi.


    Lei Wanxi looked at Sheng Li and then sighed. "I want to ask Sister Lili. Let''s go to her chamber. Brother Sheng cannot understand this," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Sheng Li hummed. "She is in my chamber. Come, let''s go there," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi and the two left for the Crown Prince''s manor.


    "The Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince are here." Ying Lili, who was doing a painting, stopped and put the brush down. She stood up and came forward when Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi entered.


    Sheng Li saw that Ying Lili was painting. "Lili, Lei Wanxi wants to talk to you," Sheng Li told her, who looked at the Sixth Prince. Seeing his pale, Ying Lili thought something wrong had happened.


    "Please sit down on the chairs. I will tell Eunuch Xing-Fu to bring tea for us," Ying Lili told them. Sheng Li hummed and took Lei Wanxi towards the floor table and gestured to him to sit down. Ying Lili, after a while, came to them and sat down beside Sheng Li.


    Eunuch Xing-Fu came inside with a tea server, who served them chrysanthemum tea. "Brother Wanxi, drink this tea. You will feel good," Ying Lili asserted. Lei Wanxi nodded and picked the teacup. He sipped it. Ying Lili too sipped the tea while Sheng Li waited for the tea to cool down.


    "Now, tell us what happened, Brother Wanxi?" Ying Lili politely asked.


    "Sister Lili, can a person''s heartbeat strangely for another person who is his enemy?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "It''s not possible," Sheng Li immediately answered when Ying Lili red at him. "I mean your blood will boil upon seeing your enemy," Sheng Li rified his words.


    "Brother, not like that. You are taking it the wrong way," Lei Wanxi stated as he put the teacup down on the table. He tapped his fingers on the teacup. Ying Lili found Lei Wanxi was ufortable speaking about his worries.


    She extended her hand out and put it on Lei Wanxi''s hand. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and told her to pull her hand back, but she ignored his words. Ying Lili caressed it and asked, "Brother, is this rted to you?"


    Lei Wanxi''s eyes grew bigger and he nodded after much hesitation. "By any chance, is this about Princess Zhu Lin?" Ying Lili asked. Lei Wanxi was confused about how the Crown Princess found out.


    "Can Sister Lili read minds too? How did she find out?" Lei Wanxi mumbled. Sheng Li, on the other hand, confusedly looked at the two of them.


    "Could Brother Wanxi please borate to me?" Ying Lili asked.


    Lei Wanxi nodded. "I think I shall Sister Lili. It feels that I have some kind of heart disease, Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "What? Why did you not tell me earlier?" Sheng Li panicked when Ying Lili scolded him.


    "Will you keep quiet? How you could be some?" Ying Lili suddenly turned angry at Sheng Li.


    "Lili, Wanxi said that he is feeling something is wrong with his heart," asserted Sheng Li. "Why are you angry at me?" He queried.


    "It''s not any disease. So, keep quiet for some time. Let''s hear what Brother Wanxi is saying," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li agreed with her and told her to remove her hand from Lei Wanxi''s hand. He moved his hand closer to Ying Lili''s wrist when she pped at his hand from her other hand. "Stop being jealous, Crown Prince," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    Lei Wanxi giggled seeing the two. Sheng Li red at him and squinted his eyes. But for Ying Lili''s sake, he kept quiet.


    "Brother Wanxi, look at me and tell me what you feel inside your heart?" Ying Lili queried.


    "My heart suddenly races when I see Zhu Lin. I mean we both are each other''s enemies, and I feel weird. It happened to me three times. I am worried about my heart. Shall I check it with the Royal Physician?" Lei Wanxi asked Ying Lili''s opinion.


    "Of course, you should. Why did youe to Lili for your heart problem?" Sheng Li intervened again.


    Ying Liliughed, and it confused both the brothers. She had pulled her hand back and brought it near her mouth. "Why are youughing, Lili?" Sheng Li queried her. She stopped after some time and then peered at Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother, if I tell you that your heart has fallen for Princess Zhu Lin, then will you believe me?" Ying Lili asked Lei Wanxi, who widened his eyes as he was shocked by Ying Lili''s opinion. Sheng Li was also shocked.


    "Wanxi, you love Princess Zhu Lin?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "No, this cannot be true. How could I? I think Sister Lili has made a wrong observation," Lei Wanxi stated. "I hate her. Didn''t I tell Sister Lili that only one woman irritates me to the point that my insides urge me to fight with her?" Lei Wanxi pronounced and found the Crown Princess was still smiling.


    "But Brother Wanxi''s heart says otherwise," Ying Lili affirmed. Lei Wanxi was still not ready to believe this. He had read all these kinds of things in a story but never thought it could happen with him.


    "I shall leave. Thank you, Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi said. Sheng Li was going to stop him, but Ying Lili spoke before he could.


    "Brother Wanxi, it is not a heart disease," Ying Lili told him. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows and left the chamber.


    Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili. "Why did you call it love? Wanxi is not able to speak well," opined Sheng Li.


    "Court Lady Xu saw them together.. They havee closer to each other," Ying Lili informed Sheng Li, who was amused to hear this.

 Chapter 465 - Wanxi Is A Child

    <h4>Chapter 465 - Wanxi Is A Child</h4>


    "When did all this happen? Why did you not inform me? I was worried about him. I thought Wanxi indeed had some heart disease," Sheng Li asserted and picked the teacup. He sipped the tea and looked back at Ying Lili. "Wanxi is a child. Are you sure he has fallen for the Princess?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Did you not see how Brother Wanxi was reacting? And Brother Wanxi is not a child. You were once like Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili remarked and lifted the teapot. She poured the tea into their cups and heard Sheng Li.


    "I never acted like him. We both are different," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili smiled. "Sheng Li, you are more childish than Brother Wanxi. Earlier, you were stopping me from caressing Brother Wanxi''s hand. Such a jealous man you are!" Ying Lili stated and brought the teacup near her lips.


    "Lili, I do not like that. If I grab another woman''s hand, then will you like it?" Sheng Li questioned her. "Let''s suppose if there would be a sister of yours and she would havee to us regarding some problem. If I had grabbed her hand to console her, would you have liked that?" He rified his words.


    Ying Lili sipped the tea and put the cup down on the table. "I would not have said anything. I know that you only love me," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li chuckled upon hearing the response of Ying Lili.


    "Are you sure, Lili? I bet you will get jealous," Sheng Li confidently told Ying Lili, who scoffed.


    "I do not get jealous," Ying Lili answered. Sheng Li moved closer to her and put his index finger under her chin.


    "The other day, when that woman got close to me, you were so jealous that you ended up fighting with me," he smirked. He enjoyed this expression on Ying Lili''s face. It was hard to make her confess that she would get jealous if Sheng Li allowed women around her.


    "You are deviating the topic, Sheng Li," Ying Lili yanked his finger away from her chin. "Finish your tea," stated Ying Lili. Sheng Li hummed and picked the teacup.


    "We need to go outside today," Sheng Li suddenly told Ying Lili, who was happy to hear that. "It is a mission which only we two can aplish," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "What kind of mission?" Ying Lili questioned him, who gulped the tea and peered at her.


    "We need to go to the Courtesan''s House," Sheng Li replied.


    "Why?"


    "I found from my spy that in the Courtesan''s house, a few Court Ministers are regr customers. They do meetings to avoid suspicions. Also, today they have invited a big merchant to the Capital. Since a few of them had joined hands with Gu Zhenya, we need to find out what they are nning for the future," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "But, Sheng Li, I might get caught. The Ministers have seen me," Ying Lili replied. "Take General Wang with you," she suggested.


    "General Wang is injured; Xiao Zhan is outside, and others are not swift like you," Sheng Li reasoned. "It seems you do not want to go," he deduced.


    "No. I was being cautious," Ying Lili answered. "If someone sees us, especially me, and recognizes my face, then it might create a problem even if I will be in the disguise of a man. We might have to run, and this mission can be failed." Ying Lili rified to him.


    *Hmm. You are right. Then, I will not take you with me. Commander Sun will apany me," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who agreed with him.


    ~~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi reached his chamber and sat on the bed. The words of Ying Lili yed in his head time and again. He picked the water jar and cup to drink water but to his surprise the water jar was empty. He shouted for a maidservant, who came inside.


    "Why have you not filled this water jar?" Lei Wanxi did not intend to scold her but ended up. "You are not taking care of the Prince," Lei Wanxiined.


    "Forgive me, Sixth Prince," she apologized and deeply bowed.


    "Bring me the water," Lei Wanxi ordered her, forwarding the water jar towards the maidservant. She took it and walked out of the chamber.


    Lei Wanxi removed the headband around his head and put it on the table. "How can I love her? I hate her from the bottom of my heart. Why would my heart fall for her out of so many women? Sister Lili''s deduction was wrong. I think because I have never been kissed this way, my heart raced," Lei Wanxi tried to reason with his mind and rested his hand on his chest.


    The maidservant came inside and filled the ss with water. "Here, your highness," she forwarded the water ss to Lei Wanxi, who took it and gulped it. The maidservant put the jar and the ss on the bedside table and left.


    "She is trained in martial arts. How could she fall over me? If she had not fallen on me, our lips would not have touched, and I would not have been restless," asserted Lei Wanxi andid down on the mattress.


    Oppositely, Zhu Lin was practicing sword fighting. She was in the same dilemma as Lei Wanxi. The movements of the sword were swift in the air, making it invisible sometimes. There were beads of sweat on her forehead because of the intense practice for an hour.


    The drizzle had turned to heavy rain, so she stopped and went towards the shelter. Dusting her dress, she again recalled the day''s incident. After that unintentional, idental kiss, Lei Wanxi had run away from the market, leaving her in the middle.


    She put the sword in the sheath. There were a few instances when Zhu Lin had felt strange, but she ignored them. "I shall apologize to the Prince. He will againin that I made a mistake and did not even apologize," she murmured. She left for Lei Wanxi''s chamber and halted in front of it.


    "Is the Prince inside?" Zhu Lin queried the maidservant.


    "Yes, the Prince is inside, Miss."


    "Can I meet the Prince?" Zhu Lin humbly asked. The maidservant told her to wait and walked in to inform Lei Wanxi about Zhu Lin''s visit.


    "Why is she here?" Lei Wanxi, who was already troubled by his internal thoughts, panicked.


    "This servant doesn''t know."


    "Uhh¡­ tell her I do not want to meet her," Lei Wanxi ordered. The maidservant turned to go when something came to mind. "Don''t say this. Send her in," he stated.


    ''If I refuse to meet her, then she will be suspicious of me,'' he thought.


    Zhu Lin came inside and bowed in front of him. Lei Wanxi skeptically peered at her. "Forgive me for the day," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi rxed his brows.


    ''Why is she apologizing?'' Lei Wanxi wondered.


    "It was a mistake. I should have bnced myself. I hope I did not hurt the Prince," Zhu Lin stated and lifted her head.


    Lei Wanxi got annoyed. "You always make mistakes and then apologize. Go away. I do not want to see your face," Lei Wanxi furiously said. Zhu Lin had not expected less from him.. She bowed and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 466 - Dirtier Than Mud

    <h4>Chapter 466 - Dirtier Than Mud</h4>


    Chuntao opened her eyes and saw Nianzu, who was smiling. "You are awake," he said. The memories of the day shed in front of her eyes once again, and it brought tears to them. She averted her gaze from Nianzu.


    "It was not your fault, Chun," she heard him. Nianzu caressed her head in a gentle, loving motion. "It is the fault in the eyes of him, who objectified you," Nianzu said. "And it was also my fault, unable to protect you from such a beast. Because of me, you underwent this," Nianzu asserted.


    Chuntao turned her head to look at him. "How was it your fault? I should have stayed back," Chuntao stated. "Because of me, your identity was almost revealed," she stated.


    "Chun," Nianzu took her hand in his. "Why would you stay behind the walls? I once was a Prince and used to fight against such evils. But as soon as the title got snatched from me, I refrained from doing anything. When I found out about his evil face, I should have taken action. There''s no use of my education and my intellect as he raised his dirty hands on you. I truly apologize to you, Chun," Nianzu lowered his eyes. The pain Chuntao had undergone, no one could even imagine that or feel that.


    When Landlord Peng told Nianzu about what exactly happened, his heart broke into pieces. Chuntao raised her hand on him when Zou Min not only touched her inappropriately but also said ill about her husband. That made her furious. Today, her life could have gone because of him.


    "Father told me that once I will be stripped of all the privileges, which I never respected, I will find their true meaning. I was wrong and I hurt him as well. I thought being amoner is fun as it gives freedom. However, I forgot thatmoners are suppressed by upper-ssmen. I forgot that if amoner gets into trouble, he cannot do anything in most of the cases," Nianzu exined to Chuntao.


    "I had faith that you would save me, which you did. I was not scared of him. Do you know why? Because I knew you woulde and protect me. Somewhere, I wanted you to punish him, and I knew that only you could. Because he would have done this or more horrific things with other women. Luckily, General Xiao came, and everything turned right," affirmed Chuntao.


    "Thank you, Chun. Your words areforting me. You shall wash up. The hot water is in the washroom. You will feel good," Nianzu asserted. He helped her get up and took her to the washroom. "Shall I stay here?" Nianzu asked.


    "No. Don''t trouble yourself. I am good," Chuntao told Nianzu, who nodded and walked out. He closed the door behind him and came to the front yard.


    Huo Jin was looking at the sword''s de when he heard footsteps. He put the sword in the sheath and stood up. "Is Sister Chuntao good?" Huo Jin asked.


    "A little," Nianzu replied and sat on the wooden stair. Huo Jin sat beside him.


    "Did you hear the conversation of Gu Zhenya and other Ministers?" Suddenly Nianzu asked him. He tilted his head to peer at him. "Tell me. Did you hear that my mother wants to kill Chuntao? That''s why she is searching for me." Nianzu wanted confirmation from Huo Jin. He had not imagined even in his scariest dream that his mother would order something like this.


    "Yes," Huo Jin replied. "She wanted to put me on the Crown Prince if she would have seeded in her n," Huo Jin confirmed.


    "How could a mother do this? She always got bad treatment because of her concubine status. Yet, she turned evil just for the throne. Why is the Pce even dirtier than mud? I used to curse the mother of the First Brother but was unable to see my own mother," Nianzu heaved a deep sigh. "I had this thought that she would not ept Chuntao as my wife, but I had never thought that she would plot to kill her," he proimed.


    "I wanted to leave the Pce because of all these schemings. But now I feel the more I run, the more I will be chased by it," Nianzu proimed.


    "Then what did his highness have decided?" Huo Jin queried.


    "I will talk to the Crown Prince first if hees to meet me," replied Nianzu. Huo Jin hummed and looked at the dark sky, covered with stars.


    "Your highness, you are a great person. Not everyone can take a step like his highness," Huo Jinplimented Nianzu, who smiled.


    "You shall call me by name, Huo Jin," Nianzu stated.


    "How can I?" He muttered.


    "I am no longer a Prince, and also someone might hear us," Nianzu told him to be alerted. Huo Jin agreed with him. "I think I will go back to my original life and also prove to people that status does not matter. Also, no one can stop my mother except me," Nianzu pronounced. Huo Jin keenly listened to him. He found out that the Princes in the Pce had no easy life. It was wrong to think that the Royals had an easy life. Oppositely, they had to be cautious at every step¨C because everyone in the Pce wanted absolute power for him except a few.


    "I shall prepare dinner," Nianzu stated and stood up when Huo Jin caught his hand.


    "I will cook, Nianzu. Sister Chuntao might need you," Huo Jin offered his help. "I have more experience in cooking in the furnace," he said andughed. Nianzuughed back. "I want to cook with my hands. Please stay here and keep a check," Nianzu patted Huo Jin''s shoulder and went towards the kitchen.


    Huo Jin took a deep breath. ''Forgive me, Nianzu. I did not tell you theplete truth about your mother. You would have been disheartened knowing more details about her. Even I refrained from telling about the Empress to the Crown Prince. But, now I think, I should have told the Crown Prince. At least he would have been in an alert state around the Empress..'' Huo Jin contemted as a menacing expression appeared on his face.

 Chapter 467 - To Show Filial Piety

    <h4>Chapter 467 - To Show Filial Piety</h4>


    Sheng Li was leaving for the court when Xing-Fu informed him about General Xiao. "Your Highness, General Xiao is waiting for you in the chamber."


    "Is it an urgent matter?" Sheng Li asked him. Xing-Fu looked around before going closer to the Crown Prince. He whispered in Sheng Li''s ear and stepped back.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows and hastened towards his chamber. Xiao Zhan heard the footsteps of the Crown Prince and stood up from the floor mattress. "Greetings to Your Highness," he gave a fist and palm to the Crown Prince, who took his seat. Xiao Zhan then sat down.


    "What happened? Where are Brother Nianzu and his wife?" Sheng Li asked Xiao Zhan.


    "Your highness, they are living in Vige Xiandong. Prince Nianzu left the town as he thought he might get caught. However, something happened in the vige," Xiao Zhan paused, and lines of frowns formed on his forehead.


    Sheng Li realized something worse had happened to Nianzu. "Speak," he told Xiao Zhan.


    "Prince Nianzu''s wife is harassed by the Vige Headman," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "What?" Sheng Li knitted his brows and clenched his fists. "Did you take action?" Sheng Li queried. Xiao Zhan nodded and narrated the Crown Prince''s entire incident that he witnessed in Xiandong.


    "Brother Nianzu might have been broken. Make an arrangement for me and the Crown Princess. We will head to Xiandong after five days," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan.


    "Huo Jin is staying with them, Your Highness. He expressed his desire to stay with them," Xiao Zhan asserted. Sheng Li hummed. He was happy that Huo Jin volunteered to stay with them. Moreover, Huo Jin had special respect towards Nianzu after he saved his life and changed his way of thinking.


    However, Sheng Li had not expected that this kind of incident could ur in Xiandong with his Brother''s wife. It made him realize that there could be many parts in the Han Empire where women might get abused and harassed daily. Sheng Li decided to put forward this issue in front of the Emperor and the Ministers in the Court.


    "You may leave. You did a great job, Xiao Zhan," Sheng Li praised him, who thanked him. He stood up, bowed before the Crown Prince, and then left. After a while, Sheng Li also left for the Court.


    In the Court, Sheng Li saw his Second and Third brothers. The First Brother still had not returned from Mount Jishi. The terrible weather might have made it difficult for him to return.


    The three brothers greeted each other. The Court Ministers also gave greetings to the Crown Prince. Soon, the Emperor arrived at the Court. Everyone had lowered their heads until the Emperor took his seat on the throne.


    Han Wenji looked at the scroll on the desk. It was already open, and the message was visible to the Emperor. "Appointment of a new Advisor," Han Wenji read and then murmured these words. Even the name was already rmended for the position of Advisor.


    "Currently, I will not appoint any advisor," Han Wenji announced. Eunuch Jin took a step forward and put away the scroll after scrolling it up.


    "Your Royal Majesty, I got information from a few viges of the Empire regarding the oppressive behavior of the Vige Headmen towards its people. Mostly women and children suffered from such oppression. I request His Majesty to give orders to look into the internal matters of not only the viges but also the towns," Sheng Li urged politely.


    "Such words are not suited from the mouth of the person, who never cared for the life of anyone," a Court Minister remarked. The Prime Minister intervened to not create a ruckus in the Court and supported the decision of the Crown Prince.


    "Crown Prince, can we Ministers know what kind of oppressions are you talking about?" The Minister of Rites asked.


    "It is about the harassment women usually undergo and the physical abuse which is done on the children as well," Sheng Li replied.


    "Mostly, ves are treated that way. We cannot change norms for them. ves are the possession of a master," the Minister of Personnel affirmed.


    Sheng Li recalled how Hu Jingguo, Wan Ju, and Huo Jin had faced all those. Then, Chuntao had to suffer from that. The words of Xi Feng triggered Sheng Li.


    "It seems Minister Xi does this with his ves and even servants," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "The Crown Prince shall be careful of his words," Xi Feng got enraged because of the Crown Prince.


    "Myte friends Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju had suffered physical torture from their masters. One reason they hated the Upper-ssmen for a while. We do not even treat animals in that way. It is the bane for the Empire," Sheng Li affirmed.


    The Court Ministers got against the Crown Prince. "ves are supposed to be treated that way. It seems the Crown Prince does not like the rules of the Han Empire. Your Majesty, we shall not look into such petty matters. Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju''s loss are understandable to us. But the Crown Prince is turning emotional," Xi Feng pronounced.


    Sheng Li chuckled and tilted his head to look at him.


    "Crown Prince, we cannot abolish very as it is part of the Laws and Governance. It does not matter to us whether a master abuses his ve or praises him. Because it is his possession. We are no one to speak in the matter of a master and his ve. It is the duty of a woman, if she is a ve, to serve his master," Xi Feng proimed. It angered Sheng Li.


    "Did the Crown Princess tell the Crown Prince to appeal for this in front of the Emperor?" Gao Ju questioned Sheng Li.


    "Only the Crown Princess has problems with the establishedws of our forefathers. A woman shall stay within his limits. We know that she is brave, with great intellect but it does not mean that she shall rule over us by preaching such things," Xi Feng asserted. Han Wenji found the Ministers were not happy with the Crown Princess. But what could be the probable reason, he wondered.


    Sheng Li red at them but kept himself calm. "Please be respectful towards the Crown Princess. I might take your tongues out." Sheng Li did not get afraid to say this to the Ministers in front of everyone.


    "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince shall not preach the ideas of a woman in the Court. I urge his majesty to take away those special powers from the Crown Princess that his majesty has granted her," Xi Feng requested the Emperor, along with a few other Ministers.


    "Women are supposed to show filial piety towards us men. However, with the Crown Princess-"


    "Your Majesty, tell the Minister of Personnel to shut his mouth. I want to maintain the dignity of the Court. Otherwise, Minister Xi''s head would have beenid on the floor," Sheng Li openly threatened the Minister of Personnel.


    Shivers ran in their spines. However, Minister Xi did not stop. "I cannot expect anything less from the Crown Prince. If someone defies him; angers him, he mostly threatens.. If I get quiet today, then women might think of themselves as superior," Minister Xi Feng affirmed while gazing at the Crown Prince.

 Chapter 468 - On Our Pride

    <h4>Chapter 468 - On Our Pride</h4>


    Xi Feng looked towards the Emperor, who was silent. He put his hands inside the opposite sleeves and bowed.


    "Your Majesty, we are your subjects. We have been with you since your reign and it is odd to see that his majesty considers the decisions of a woman superior to his subjects. The Crown Princess might be brave and work for the Kingdom''s growth. However, she forgets to be within her limits. Earlierte Minister Gu also raised this issue. I urge you to remind the Crown Princess of her duties as a woman. We ministers will not tolerate if she tries to step out of her boundaries."


    Xi Feng requested the Emperor, who came into a dilemma. Han Wenji could not ignore the requests of his subjects. Also, he could not limit the Crown Princess because she was different from the other women.


    "Your Majesty, we have growing daughters in our houses. When they heard about the Crown Princess and her behavior, they tried to question us. The rules devised by our forefathers. A woman looks good inside the house, performing her duties. However, if the nation''s Crown Princess will show such behavior, then it may befall," another Minister, Tai Jin, spoke and lowered his head while putting his hands in his opposite sleeves.


    "Minister Tai, Minister Xi, you have perceived the words of the Crown Prince in a wrong way. The Crown Princess is an intelligent woman, and we witnessed this a few weeks ago. She does perform her duties as a woman. I do not think discussing the Crown Princess does not seem appropriate," the Prime Minister humbly made the two ministers understand.


    Sheng Li found that they all took a different meaning from his plea request. Sheng Li did not want any women to face the harassment which Chuntao faced the previous day. He realized until now, the Ministers wanted to overthrow him and the Crown Princess, not only one but everyone except the Prime Minister.


    "Prime Minister, this topic is important to discuss because it is worrying us," Xi Feng stated.


    Yongzheng came forward and bowed in front of the Emperor. "Your Majesty, May I speak?" He asked for permission. Sheng Li nced at him.


    "Prince Yongzheng may speak," the Emperor permitted him.


    "I was one of those who was against the Crown Princess as she defies Confucian teachings most of the time. However, as time passed, I found that the Crown Princess does not like to stay within the four walls and she does follow Confucian teachings. The only thing is she has a rational mindset that most of us men feel insulting. From a young age, we all are taught that women are supposed to follow a definite trend that already had been set up by our forefathers. They mostly get the sses to be a virtuousdy.


    With the Crown Princess, it was the opposite which is admirable. Not everyone can stand against the opposite. If it was a man, then we would have appreciated him. Because it''s a woman, we, most of the time, take it on our pride." Yongzheng''s words somewhere made every Minister contemte.


    Han Wenji acknowledged the response of Yongzheng. "The Crown Princess had never abused her powers. She always worked for the people. The Ministers need to align their thoughts with the Crown Princess. The matter that the Crown Prince put forward today is concerning. Even the Pce has ves, but treating them inhumanely, is not good," Han Wenji pronounced.


    The Ministers acknowledged the decision of the Emperor. "Forgive us, Your Majesty," Tai Jin apologized on the behalf of the Minister.


    "I will pass the order to allow the Crown Prince to check on the treatment of ves," Han Wenji added.


    The Crown Prince was delighted to hear that. He thanked the Emperor. The other important issues were being discussed, and the court session ended before the afternoon. Sheng Li took the scroll of order from Eunuch Jin and left the court.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili and Zhu Lin were shooting arrows while conversing with each other. Ying Lili put the bow down and looked at Zhu Lin. "Princess Zhu Lin, Brother Wanxi is still living his youthful days with a carefree life. However, the day you entered the Pce and reminded the Brother about his weaknesses which most of us ignored, he turned furious towards you," Ying Lili exined to Zhu Lin, who left the arrow from the bow and it hit the bullseye on the target.


    Ying Lili praised Zhu Lin, who handed the bow to the servant.


    "Crown Princess, I do not have any intention to hurt the Sixth Prince. I was straightforward with the Prince regarding his personality," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "He and Younger Brother Yu are the most pampered sons of the Emperor. Brother Wanxi is protected by Sheng Li most of the time. He does not like when someone makes fun of his strength," Ying Lili pronounced. Zhu Lin agreed with the Crown Princess.


    "The Sixth Prince is a gentle soul. One second he is angry, and the other second, he is cheerful. I usually hate the people with weak personalities and dependent ones, but the Sixth Prince is a little amusing character. He is witty and avoids fights using his brain, which is the Sixth Prince''s remarkable trait. I wanted to tell this to the Sixth Prince, but he is ignoring me again," Zhu Lin said and heaved a sigh.


    "Did you two fight again?" Ying Lili skeptically looked at her.


    "No, Crown Princess," Zhu Lin replied. "It is because-" she paused and recalled the previous day when she mistakenly kissed Lei Wanxi. That was when he left her in the middle of the market and when she tried apologizing, he scolded her.


    "Because?" Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "He fell in the market because of me, Crown Princess," Zhu Lin did not tell theplete truth to Ying Lili, who already knew what had happened between the two. However, she kept mum.

 Chapter 469 - My Bad Luck

    <h4>Chapter 469 - My Bad Luck</h4>


    "Your Royal Highness, forgive this Court Lady to intervene between the conversation. The Crown Prince has asked for your presence in his chamber," Court Lady Xu humbly said. Zhu Lin looked at the Crown Princess.


    "It was a fun game, Princess. I will see youter," Ying Lili took her to leave. Zhu Lin bowed her head and, after a few seconds, lifted it. She also left the practice grounds and encountered Lei Wanxi. They both stared at each other when Lei Wanxi averted his gaze.


    He walked past her when Zhu Lin stopped him. "Sixth Prince, can you not stop being angry at me?" She requested.


    Lei Wanxi halted at his ce and then turned to look at her. "I do not think so," he replied to her. "I told you not toe in front of me. You and I both know that our stars do not match a bit," asserted Lei Wanxi. He was right, though. Every time Zhu Lin and Lei Wanxi came face to face, they ended up arguing.


    "Prince Wanxi, you should not have pulled me with that force. It was partially your fault too that we ended up kissing-" Lei Wanxi stopped her from speaking by cing his palm over her mouth.


    "Don''t say it loudly," Lei Wanxi knitted his brows. "I helped you, and you have put the me on me. And nothing happened between us. Forget it as a nightmare," he gradually moved his hand down, and the two did not move their eyes away from each other.


    "I did not say anything happened between us. Prince Wanxi is the one who has made this issue a big one. The way Prince Wanxi is ignoring me depicts only one thing," Zhu Lin affirmed. Lei Wanxi widened his eyes and looked around.


    "There is no use talking to you. Don''t imagine anything weird. If you think that I like you and are avoiding you for that reason, then, you are wrong," Lei Wanxi rified her doubts. However, Zhu Lin was shocked to hear those words. It was strange that Lei Wanxi thought that way.


    "So, you indeed like me!" Zhu Lin astonishingly said, and a grin appeared on her lips.


    "Pardon? Have you lost your hearing ability?" Lei Wanxi got irked again. "W-Why would I like you?" He chuckled and stepped back. "You are an imaginative woman, Zhu Lin. Now, do not say this to anyone else, something big might happen between us. Either you''ll get injured, or I will," Lei Wanxi threatened her.


    "Is the Prince challenging me for a fight?" Zhu Lin amusingly asked. "I will not be easy on you. Prince Wanxi might end up crying and run to his elder brother," Zhu Lin mocked Lei Wanxi.


    However, Lei Wanxi did not take it in a negative way. "Zhu Lin, you might regret saying that someday. I may look like an idiot while holding a weapon, but you see, I have something which most of the Princesck," Lei Wanxi proimed and put his finger on the side of his forehead.


    "My brain works faster than any person here!" He put his finger down and passed a smile to her. "Why would I like a woman like you? There are plenty of women outside, prettier than you, Zhu Lin." He pulled out the fan from inside his sash and started to fan himself.


    Zhu Lin did not like thest statement of Lei Wanxi. "Prince Wanxi, let''s y a game," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi drew his eyebrows together.


    "A game?"


    "Yes. Since the Prince said that he needs a brain while fighting with someone, I would like to see it. If the Prince defeats me, then I will acknowledge that he is great. But if the Prince loses, then be ready to face the shame," Zhu Lin afformed.


    Lei Wanxi closed the fan and took a step towards Zhu Lin. He brought the fan near her face and traced it. Zhu Lin was intimidated by this gesture of his when Lei Wanxi stopped the end of the tip of the fan under her chin.


    He brought his other hand behind his back and said, "The Princess shall get ready to ept her defeat. I love ying games, Zhu Lin. I might be weak in studies and warfare but in games, Ie first. It is going to be fun." Zhu Lin did not budge from her ce and intensely gazed at him. She saw confidence in his eyes and it made her worry if she did wrong by challenging him.


    "Tell me when do you want to y the game of sword fighting with me?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Is the Prince sure?" Zhu Lin asked once more for confirmation.


    "Of course," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "It''s a water game, Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin revealed.


    "What?" Suddenly the colors flew away from Lei Wanxi''s face. "You cheated. You said-" he paused because he recalled that Zhu Lin did not reveal the game. He pulled his hand back which had a fan and closed his eyes.


    "What happened, Prince Wanxi? Is the Prince already stepping back? This is the fastest when someone epts his defeat in front of me," Zhu Lin scoffed.


    "No. I will not step back. I am ready. What is the game?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "It''s simple. Prince Wanxi has to control his breath inside the water for three minutes," Zhu Lin stated.


    "What? Don''t you know I fear water? I might die, Zhu Lin. I cannot risk my life," Lei Wanxi tried to convince Zhu Lin.


    "The Prince told me that he has a brain. Then, he shall use this brain and prove me wrong about him," Zhu Lin proimed.


    "Why shall I prove my abilities? A great schr has said this- ''It is sometimes advisable to step back without taking it on your pride.'' I will do the same. I do not want to create trouble for myself by ying such a risky game." Zhu Lin could not believe that Lei Wanxi stepped back from the game that easily. She did not expect this from him.


    Lei Wanxi left while Zhu Lin contemted. "Why does it seem that some kind of deep fear exists inside Prince Wanxi? More than a phobia? But what''s that?" Zhu Lin murmured.


    Lei Wanxi, on the other hand, reached the Eastern Pavilion and hit his head on a pir. "How could I ept my defeat against her? And why did she say that I like her? Is she out of her mind? I should not have taken her outside with me," Lei Wanxi murmured while continuously hitting his forehead against the pir.


    He felt someone''s palme in between his forehead and the pir. He stepped back and found Weng Yu.


    "Yu," he called out his name and caressed his forehead.


    "What happened, Elder Brother? Why were you hitting your head against the pir?" Weng Yu concernedly asked and looked at the forehead of Lei Wanxi. "Brother, your forehead has turned red."


    "Brother Yu, I am in trouble. I think my bad luck has returned after so many years.. I used to be the luckiest person but for the past few weeks I feel someone has jinxed my luck," Lei Wanxi asserted and heaved a sigh.

 Chapter 470 - The Most Miserable Life

    <h4>Chapter 470 - The Most Miserable Life</h4>


    "You called me?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li as she entered his chamber. Sheng Li nodded his head and gestured to her to sit on the floor chair.


    "What happened?" Ying Lili asked as the two took seats around the floor table.


    Sheng Li informed Ying Lili about the Fourth Prince and his wife. She put her palm over her mouth. Chuntao got harassed! Ying Lili was shocked to learn the truth. She put her hand down and said, "Sheng Li, let''s meet Brother Nianzu and Sister Chuntao."


    "We will go to Xiandong after your birthday. Lili, how could that bastard touch her? Xiao Zhan had punished him to death, but after this incident, I wondered how many women in the Empire have to undergo this?" Sheng Li put forward a question. "That''s why I raised this issue in the courtroom. However, the ministers started to oppose it. But somehow, they realized, and the Emperor passed an order in which I have the authority to look over these matters."


    "I want to remove the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Rites from the Court. I want every Minister to die. They don''t deserve to stay in the court," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who was bewildered to know about that.


    "Why? Something happened in the Court?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Sheng Li did not want Ying Lili to get worried and sad. "No," Sheng Li lied to her. "Lili, I could not gost night to the Courtesan''s House. Today, I will go. So, I will not be in your chamber tonight," Sheng Li informed Ying Lili.


    "Okay. Do not get caught," Ying Lili told him to be cautious and put her hand over his. Ying Lili had a jade ring on her index finger that touched Sheng Li''s back of the palm. She caressed his hand.


    "What?" He asked.


    "Nothing. I want to caress it," Ying Lili answered. Sheng Li rested his head on her shoulder and closed her eyes. ''I might kill those ministers today, who said ill about you. Why to keep such snakes who can be venomous to uster,'' he thought.


    He slowly lifted his face and gazed at Ying Lili''s. "What are you staring at?" A tiny smile was visible on her lips.


    Sheng Li grasped her hand and moved it closer to his lips. He kissed her knuckles and took the pleasant scent of the perfume she had put on. He kissed her fingers and said, "We have not taken a bath together in a long time."


    Ying Lili was dumbfounded to hear that. "What are you thinking in this bright daylight?" Sheined and pulled her hand back, bewildering Sheng Li.


    "I am thinking to take a bath with you," he asserted.


    "But I do not want to! It''s not allowed. You break rules, Sheng Li. You already have done that many times," Ying Lili answered.


    "Who cares about the rules?" He muttered and leaned down to her lips. He kissed them and brought his hand to her nape. She moaned as he nipped her lower lip. The two pulled away when he heard Ying Lili, "Let''s not go ahead. I will get scolded from Court Lady Xu for not waiting for the day which is allocated to us."


    Sheng Li chuckled. "She scolds you? How could she?" He questioned.


    "She can scold me as I consider her equal to my mother," Ying Lili replied.


    "Court Lady Xu''s words are more important than my wish? This is bad, Lili," Sheng Li whispered against her lips.


    "Indeed, mother''s words are superior even more than husband''s words," Ying Lili reasoned.


    "Fine. I respect your words. But at least give me a good kiss. My day will be good and I will be cheerful the entire day," Sheng Li expressed his desire. Ying Lili smiled and quickly pecked on his lips.


    "What was that?" Sheng Liined.


    Ying Lili kissed him again and this time Sheng Li did not let her leave the kiss. They kissed for some time before withdrawing. Ying Lili rested her head on her chest and smiled. "We will have fun in the dragon boat festival," she muttered.


    Sheng Li rested his hand on her back. "We will have more fun on your birthday," he affirmed.


    ~~~~~


    Deng Hui red at Xi Feng and the few other Ministers. "So, you all could not do anything? This was the simplest task that I had given you, Minister Xi," Deng Hui pronounced.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Second Prince also supported the Crown Prince and forced the Ministers to think the other way," asserted Xi Feng.


    Deng Hui picked the teacup and sipped the tea. ''So, even the other two princes support her. It was unusual. Prince Yongzheng did not ever seem to favor the Crown Prince. All the Princes'' hearts havee closer. I have to create situations where they again be each other''s enemies. But, how?'' Deng Hui wondered. The Ministers had kept their heads low when they heard her majesty.


    "You all may leave." The Ministers stood up, bowed, and left the chamber of the Empress. Eunuch Zhen came forward and moved the curtain up.


    "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are not easy to defeat, especially when they have the support of many.?The strongest is Military support. The former Empress had tried to divide them. However, there is no loophole in the Military," asserted Eunuch Zhen.


    "The Crown Prince had spent his early childhood,te teenage, and adult days with the soldiers. That''s why no one in the military will ever go against the Crown Prince. Unity among the Princes has to be destroyed. The Crown Prince threw my son away now I will throw him and his wife out of this Pce," Deng Hui proimed.


    "Did you arrange the thing I told you to?" Deng Hui asked Eunuch Zhen.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Zhen took out a tiny bottle and handed it to Deng Hui. "Be careful, Your Majesty. This poison is the rarest of the rare. I arranged it from the far West," Eunuch Zhen replied.


    "How many doses are enough to kill the person?" Deng Hui asked Eunuch Zhen while looking at the bottle.


    "Your Majesty, only two drops are sufficient to kill the person. The Emperor is old, so he might die with just one dose," Eunuch Zhen pronounced.


    Deng Hui smiled and praised Eunuch Zhen. "Weng Wei could have done this but her love for the Emperor did not allow her to poison him. Now, I have to do the work that she should have done a long time ago. The me will be on the Crown Prince. I would love to see, how will he escape this? He made my son leave the Pce, I will make sure to give him the most miserable life that he had ever imagined," Deng Hui confidently said and tightened her grip around the bottle.


    "Forgive me for speaking in the middle. But, Your Majesty, we need to be extremely careful. Getting into the Crown Prince''s manor is difficult," Eunuch Zhen expressed a concern.


    "I can go wherever I want to! I will keep this bottle myself in the Crown Prince''s manor," Deng Hui said and grinned.

 Chapter 471 - A Signal

    <h4>Chapter 471 - A Signal</h4>


    "I will go to the market. You shall stay behind," Huo Jin took the bag from the hand of Nianzu.


    "I have to go to the Police Bureau for an extension of leave and then also need to converse in the bookshop. Stay with Chuntao. She is still sleeping because of the pill effect. I will be back soon," Nianzu humbly said and took the bag from the hand of Huo Jin. "Don''t go outside and don''t let Chun go outside," Nianzu told Huo Jin.


    "Do not worry. I will guard the house. You shall finish your work." Nianzu thanked him and left for his workce.


    In the Police Bureau, the grade officers asked Nianzu about his wife, who outrageously said, "I do not want to be rude to any of the officers here. But, I did expect from you all that you will maintainw and order in the vige. I know that I am at a rank lower than you all. However, as a husband, I want to say this. You all acted cowardly when my wife needed you the most." The grade officers lowered their heads.


    The newly appointed Royal Inspector, Ah- Lian Hong, came forward. Nianzu recognized him as he was in the Han Army. "Forgive them this time. It will never happen again with any woman. I assure you," Lian Hong stated. Nianzu trusted his words as he was one of the greatest second-linemander in the Han Army. So, General Xiao left Lian Hong to protect Nianzu. He was grateful for this but at the same time, Nianzu felt that he was incapable of doing anything even with this state.


    "Thank you, Royal Inspector," Nianzu replied and passed him a smile. "I wille to work for the next two days. Thank you for granting the leave to me," Nianzu bowed. Lian Hong did not feel right seeing this. However, he could not even stop him from acting that way.


    Nianzu took his leave and went to the bookshop.


    "Ahh, I did not feel this bad ever in my life. But it was not our fault. We are bound to follow the orders of the Royal Inspector. We could not risk our lives to save his wife," affirmed Grade Three officer Zhuan Jun.


    "You could have reported about the previous Royal Inspector. Don''t you know that theint section is always open? The Governor and the Crown Prince keep a check on theints," Lian Hong proimed.


    "Royal Inspector, pardon me, but I do not think thatints even reach the capital. Nianzu''s luck was good that General Xiao came at the right time," affirmed Zhuan Jun.


    "You are given this position to be responsible towards it. This way, no one will believe in thews of the Han Empire," Lian Hong corrected him.


    Nianzu, oppositely, reached outside the bookshop. The shop owner, Ru Gaoying, stopped conversing with the customer he had and came towards Nianzu. "How is your wife?" Ru Gaoying concernedly asked.


    "She is a little better than the previous day, Master Ru. I am here to return the work that was assigned to me. Hope I have not dyed your order," Nianzu asserted.


    "You did not. Ahh, my wife has sent a special food for your wife,"?Ru Gaoying went towards the counter and told the worker to hand him the lunchbox. It was wrapped in a blue cloth. Ru Gaoying handed the lunchbox to Nianzu, who refused to take it.


    "Aye, take it! It is healthy food. Mostly Royals eat it," Ru Gaoying stated. Nianzu thanked him as he took the heavy lunchbox from the shop owner.


    "I heard you are an exceptional copyist," suddenly Nianzu heard a voice. He looked towards the source of the voice, and so did Ru Gaoying.


    "Young Master Fei," Ru Gaoying murmured and ran towards Fei Jing. Nianzu found that the person was from an Upper-ssman family.


    "Yes, Nianzu is an exceptional copyist," answered Ru Gaoying and looked at Xuan Ye, the young worker in the shop.


    "Go bring a chair for the young master," Ru Gaoying ordered the young boy, who ran towards the small library to bring the chair.


    Fei Jing did not blink even for a second and kept gazing into the eyes of Nianzu, who felt a little intimidated. He averted his gaze and looked at Ru Gaoying. "Master, I will see you after two days. Thank you for this," Nianzu said, looking towards the lunchbox in his hand. He stepped ahead and walked past Fei Jing when he stopped Nianzu.


    "Your name is simr to the banished Prince," Fei Jing remarked. Nianzu kept himself calm when Fei Jing tilted his head. "The Fourth Prince''s name is simr to yours. Howe amoner''s name is simr to the Fourth Prince?" Fei Jing looked at Nianzu with skepticism, who finally turned to him.


    The people in the bookshop started to whisper among each other. "Young Master, the Prince has not stopped anyone from choosing the same name as his," Nianzu replied and lowered his eyes.


    "Can you throw some light on your family?" Fei Jing asked Nianzu.


    "I am not aware of my origins. My music master gave me this name, Young Master," Nianzu replied.


    Fei Jing sat on the chair and raised his brow. "Music? Who taught you music?" Fei Jing queried.


    "Forgive me, young master. I cannot pronounce the name of my music teacher as it will be disrespectful," Nianzu cleverly escaped the question of Fei Jing. "It is gettingte. My wife must be waiting for me," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Nianzu, you shall not waste your talent. You shall try for the civil services exam this year." Fei Jing suddenly gave him a suggestion, and it confused Nianzu.


    "I have failed the Civil services exam many times. I do not intend to give the exam anymore," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Don''t you think if you were a civil servant in the Han Empire, then you could have handled yesterday''s situation in a better way?" The strange question Fei Jing made Nianzu contemte. "Though it was the fault of our officers too. But, no one would ever risk his and his family''s life for an unknown person," Fei Jing asserted.


    Nianzu lifted his head and peered into the eyes of Fei Jing. "It seems the young master heard my conversation," Nianzu stated. Fei Jing did not respond to that and passed a smile to Nianzu.


    "Get into the government and see yourself how tough it is to get involved in another person''s matters," Fei Jing stated. "After three days there is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam. I would like to see you on the examination ground. Hopefully, you pass it this time and then work for the betterment of Han," Fei Jing advised Nianzu.


    "Beg your pardon, Young Master, but it is odd to see that you are advising amoner like me to give the examination," Nianzu wanted to know what was going on in the head of Fei Jing.


    "A signal is enough for an intelligent person," Fei Jing affirmed. Nianzu smiled and bowed his head.


    "Thank you for the advice, Young Master," Nianzu replied and left the bookshop.. Fei Jing chuckled and asked Ru Gaoying for the book on ounts.

 Chapter 472 - Miss My Son

    <h4>Chapter 472 - Miss My Son</h4>


    Nianzu, whileing back to the home, kept thinking about what Fei Jing suggested to him. He could take the exam to get into the Government. His father did not pass any order that could stop him from appearing for the civil services exam. If he qualified, then he would get a good position.


    But, for a year, he had to stay in the academy after qualifying for the exam. He could not stay away from home for a year. There was only one way through which he could directly get appointed in the government office, that is if he gets rank 1.


    Soon, he reached home and found how Huo Jin was helping Chuntao in the work. He felt secure to have Huo Jin in the house. He stepped inside the wooden facade and went towards them.


    "Have you had a good sleep?" Nianzu asked from Chuntao.


    "Yes," she replied and looked at the lunchbox in his hand. "What is this?" she looked at it.


    "Master Ru''s wife has prepared a healthy lunchbox for you, and us," Nianzu stated. Huo Jin took the lunchbox and took it inside the kitchen.


    Nianzu put his hand over Chuntao''s head. "You are doing good, right?" He asked again. She nodded and hugged him. "I am alright," she whispered.


    Nianzu kissed the top of her head and pulled away before Huo Jin coulde and see them. "Did you take the morning meals?" He asked as he made her sit on the bedpost.


    "I had breakfast with Brother Huo," Chuntao answered and passed him a smile. He sat beside her while Huo Jin came out of the kitchen.


    "After three days, there is the first phase of the Civil Services Exam," Nianzu said. It befuddled both Chuntao and Huo Jin that why Nianzu talked about the exam.


    "Are you taking the exam?" Suddenly Huo Jin asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied. He looked around and said, "Father has not passed any order regarding it. I cannot be dependent on the Crown Prince every time. And it will bring more security to us, and also I can work for the betterment of people," Nianzu affirmed. Huo Jin nodded his head.


    "They will ask about your identity while taking the exam. If youe into power, people might recognize you, and the Empress can easily approach you," Huo Jin stated.


    "When I was in the Pce, no one bothered about it. We do not care for the government servants appointed. And in the inner court, among the women especially, these talks are rare to see. They mostly indulge in their household activities," Nianzu reasoned.


    "You need to be away from home for a year. And the academy is in Luoyang where you cannot go," Huo Jin argued.


    "What if I get rank 1?" Nianzu questioned him. "I do not need to go to the academy," asserted Nianzu.


    "You will definitely get into the eyes of the higher-ups after scoring the highest rank. It will create more troubles for you."


    Nianzu drew his brows together. He wanted to do something on his own but with this identity, he could never.


    "It''s not necessary to be a civil servant to work for the betterment of people," Chuntao stated and continued, "Nianzu, you want to protect us by having a good position in the government but what''s the use if it brings trouble on you. Because of me, you are already suffering."


    Chuntao''s statement irked Nianzu. It was not because of her, he was suffering. It was his own incapabilities. With a calm voice, he said, "It is not because of you. Why do you me yourself for all this? I hope you will not speak this way next time." Though his voice was calm, his words were enough to show that he was angry at her.


    Huo Jin found that Nianzu was disheartened after yesterday''s incident. The sudden rush of his emotions was again acting up. Anyone in Nianzu''s ce might act that way. However, it would be foolish if Nianzu takes the exam and got into the eyes of higher-ups especially the Court Ministers.


    "Nianzu, I know you want to be on the safe side but taking this path will bring unwanted attention. You have already lied that you have failed civil services many times and suddenly if you get the highest rank, everyone will doubt you. Luckily, people here don''t know about the names of the Princes," Huo Jin started to convince Nianzu to not take the exam.


    "I understand that. Today an Upper-ssman''s son was skeptical of my identity. He knows the name of the Princes. Though, I handled it cleverly. Huo Jin, you are right. I cannot give it as my mother will definitely find me this way. Then, I will create a new path for myself," Nianzu stated in a confident tone.


    "New Path?" Chuntao asked.


    "Hmm. I have something in my mind. That way my identity will never be revealed in front of anyone and I can work for the betterment of people," Nianzu asserted and smiled.


    ~~~~~~


    Han Wenji was writing a poem in his book of the anthology when Eunuch Jin informed him about the Empress, who was waiting outside.


    "Let the Empress in," the Emperor ordered. He put the brush aside and closed the notebook.


    Deng Hui came inside and bowed in front of the Emperor. She had a tray in her hand. "What is this, Empress Hui?" Han Wenji asked.


    "It is the custard that I have made for the Emperor," Deng Hui replied. Han Wenji told her to put it on the table, and Deng Hui did so.


    "Empress Hui might have asked the servants to send this to my chamber," Han Wenji stated. Deng Hui passed a tiny smile to him.


    "I wanted to serve this with my own hands, Your Majesty," Deng Hui replied. Han Wenji nodded and picked the spoon. He started to eat and found it delicious.


    "Empress Hui still has that magic in her hands. It is delicious," Han Wenji replied.


    "I am d that Emperor liked the custard," Deng Hui said and bowed. She lifted her head and said, "Your Majesty, after a day, the Crown Princess''s birthday ising. The decorations are going on in the Pce. It will be a grand celebration. Last time, during the birthday of the Crown Prince, such a terrible thing happened."


    "Hmm. But this time no such thing will happen," Han Wenji stated. "Did the Royal Astrologer provide the date to them?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. The date given is of the Crown Princess''s birthday. Hopefully, the Crown Princess bears the Royal Heir in the first chance," asserted Deng Hui.


    "Yes." A broad smile appeared on Han Wenji''s lips. "The children of our sons, calling us Imperial grandfather and grandmother will be enticing to see," Han Wenji was delighted to think about the future.


    "Though, I will not be able to see my son ever," Deng Hui stated. "I need to find happiness in other son''s children." Han Wenji stopped smiling.


    "Nianzu might be happy at his ce, Empress Hui," Han Wenji stated. Deng Hui gently smiled and nodded her head.


    "I know, your majesty. I miss my son sometimes. Do not mind my words, your majesty," Deng Hui stated.


    "You are a great mother, Empress Hui," Han Wenjiplimented her.. Deng Hui passed a smile to him and they continued their conversation.

 Chapter 473 - A Cruel Crown Prince

    <h4>Chapter 473 - A Cruel Crown Prince</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili looked at each other and then at the man in front of them. "Are you sure?" Sheng Li asked the maidservant.


    "Yes, Your Highness," the servant replied, who was an appointed spy in the Empress''s manor. "The Empress has arranged a poison for the Emperor," he stated.


    Sheng Li clenched his fists and knitted his brows. "So, Eunuch Zhen saw me with the Fourth Brother," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    "At what time, Eunuch Zhen leaves the Pce?" Sheng Li asked his spy.


    "Since Eunuch Zhen is the chief Eunuch in the Emperor''s manor, he hardly goes out. However, I have seen him going for a walk sometimes in the evening," the Spy informed the Crown Prince.


    "On which specific days does Eunuch Zhen go out?" Ying Lili queried the spy.


    "Your Highness, it is not specific. It is random. I will inform his highness when I see Eunuch Zhen leaving for the evening walk," the Spy suggested to them.


    "The poison had been arranged. We cannot wait for Eunuch Zhen to leave the pce, specifically for the evening walk. If the poison is deadly and is fed to the Emperor before all that then everything will turn upside-down," Sheng Li concluded. "Let''s create a situation. Force the Eunuch Zhen to leave the Empress''s manor today," Sheng Li gave the task to the spy.


    "Yes, your highness," the spy acknowledged themand of Sheng Li.


    "Make sure he leaves for the market. Also, try to take the poison from the Empress''s manor," Sheng Li ordered his spy.


    "Your Highness, I will try my best," the spy lowered his head. Sheng Li nodded his head. Ying Lili thanked him and also told him to be careful. The spy stood up and left the chamber of the Crown Prince.


    Ying Lili turned towards Sheng Li, and with a worried expression, said, "Sheng Li, even the Fourth Brother''s turned selfish and evil. She has a grudge against you. She thinks that you are the reason that the Fourth Brother is no longer in the Pce."


    "Are you scared, Lili?" Sheng Li questioned her. He then smiled and said, "Did you see how the people whom I respect deeply turn against me? After I lost my mother, Mother Hui used toe to me sometimes. Her concubine status never allowed her to meet the higher-ranked princes, but she used to meet me. I am not able to understand why? Am I that hateful? Am I that heartless to them? It hurts, Lili," Sheng Li suddenly turned emotional.


    "That''s why I never wanted you to get involved with me. The enemies I have, want to hurt you as well," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili grasped both of the hands of Sheng Li and caressed them. She could not let Sheng Li''s morale go down at this point.


    "I am not scared. How could I get scared? Maybe Mother Hui never showed her evil side to anyone. My uncle, whom I believed was evil, and because of him, I lost my parents. However, we never got to see his true face. Simrly, Mother Hui never showed her true side. She remained quiet and waited for her time.


    You are neither hateful nor heartless. You told me that the Imperial Pce is like a war ground. Everyone wants the downfall of the other for power. It is the same with Empress Hui. She wants her son to be in power."


    "You always encourage me. I think I shall not be gentle with Empress Hui just because she was good to me when I was a child. I might kill her at this rate if she will not stop," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Ying Lili frowned. At this point, she did not know what was going on in the head of Sheng Li. "What do you say? I think I will poison her to death," Sheng Li told Ying Lili. His eyes were teary. "You promised me that you would be cruel to others, for me. Will you let your husband kill the mother whom he respects?" Sheng Li waited for her answer.


    Ying Lili intensely gazed into the eyes of Sheng Li and continued to stare at them. "If you respect her then you will not kill her," Ying Lili replied.


    "But if I do not kill her, everything will change," Sheng Li answered. "We might lose many innocent lives," he added.


    "I think you will not be able to kill her because you felt motherly love in her embrace after Sister Qi Jing," Ying Lili reasoned.


    Sheng Li took a deep breath. "I have another n then." Ying Lili astonishingly peered at him. "But it does not mean that I will be kind to her. After all, I am a Cruel Crown Prince," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili was confused to hear him.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to Ying Lili''s ear and shared his n with her. Ying Lili widened her eyes. "Do you think it is possible?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I make impossible things possible, Lili. It is the only way she and other Consorts will stop scheming," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili smiled and nodded her head.


    "I have faith in you," Ying Lili asserted. "I want to take you somewhere," Ying Lili expressed her desire.


    "Where?"


    "To your mother''s ce. Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. We will go to your mother''s ce tomorrow. I have something to show you," Ying Lili stated.


    "Did you revive that ce?" Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili hummed. "Forgive me. I went alone outside. But Commander Yang was with me. Don''t worry. He did note inside the ce. He only guarded it." She informed him.


    "Sure. It''s been a long time. I find peace at that ce. I would love to see what it looks like," Sheng Li said and passed her a smile. He turned normal. "Today, I need to find the sources of Empress Hui from Eunuch Zhen and then have to go to the Courtesan''s house."


    "I will also go to the Courtesan''s house with you."


    "You refused earlier, Lili," Sheng Li was confused, thinking why Ying Lili wanted to go with him.


    "Because you will definitely need a woman at such a ce," Ying Lili answered.

 Chapter 474 - Provoking Me

    <h4>Chapter 474 - Provoking Me</h4>


    Chuntao brought the tea for Nianzu into the room. Nianzu helped her, and the two sat around the table for tea. He picked the teacup and sipped it. "Brother Huo brought the tea herbs from the market," Chuntao told Nianzu.


    "Oh. The scent and taste are good," Nianzu stated and asked if she gave the tea to Huo Jin. Chuntao nodded her head.


    "Brother Huo told me how you saved him from getting a death sentence. He had no hope to live, but you gave him that hope."


    Chuntao was overwhelmed because Nianzu cared for every person around him. When he had the power, he used it for people''s betterment. She somewhere regretted separating Nianzu from his family. She should have listened to the Emperor and should have never confessed her feelings to Nianzu.


    "What are you thinking?" Nianzu asked in his gentle voice.


    "Nothing," Chuntao replied and sipped the tea. "Brother Huo also told me about his love for the First Prince''s wife. He used to serve her and wanted her to step back from the wrong path," she asserted. "His love story is tragic," she added, and tears appeared in her eyes.


    "Huo Jin loved her, but she never loved him. He will get a nice partner for himself. It is only a matter of time," Nianzu stated. "What''s going on in your head?" He queried.


    Chuntao peered at him and shook her head. She gripped the teapot and poured tea for Nianzu and her. "There is a mini-fair tonight. We will go and have fun," asserted Nianzu and smiled. Nianzu noticed that there were frowns on the forehead of Chuntao.


    "Chun, you shall tell me everything. Nothing good wille from hiding things from me," Nianzu advised her.


    "Then, please only listen to me," Chuntao requested. Nianzu nodded his head.


    "Nianzu, I did wrong by separating you from your mother. Now, she is scheming against the Crown Prince and, if caught, will get punished. I recall the words of the Emperor. I feel that I did wrong by stepping out of my boundaries. All this would not have happened if--" she paused as her voice quivered. She did not want toplete her words.


    "Chun, you did not separate me from her. She was evil from the beginning. She was a concubine that is why no one saw her true face. When I first told my mother about you, then instead of supporting me, she told me to leave you and marry Princess Zhu Lin. Why? Because it would help me in raising my rank and also would give me the support of Father''s close friend.


    It would be worse if I would have turned a blind eye towards you. My heart would never be at peace. We both might have been lifeless even with these bodies," Nianzu exined to her.


    "Materialistic things don''t bring happiness, at least for me. I am happy as long as I am free. Though, the incident with you made me realize my mistake too. I acknowledge that a position and its power bes necessary to survive," Nianzu affirmed.


    Chuntao lowered her gaze. "I understand. My head is cleared now," stated Chuntao. Nianzu passed a tiny smile and told her to drink the tea before it turned cold.


    ~~~~~


    Consort Jinlong told Lei Wanxi to drink the potion. "Mother, why do I have to drink it? It is not even good to see," Lei Wanxiined.


    "So, it has magical herbs that will increase your strength. The herbs are rare to find and specifically brought from the Himyas," Consort Jinlong stated.


    "I will not drink it. There is no magical herb in this world that can make my strength grow, Mother. If it had happened, then my Elder Brothers would have drunk it daily," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "For your mother, Prince shall drink this," Consort Jinlong adamantly said. Lei Wanxi found himself stuck, but at the same time, he was annoyed.


    "Mother, I am strong enough to fight against the bad people. And if I get into a huge problem, Brother Sheng will save me," He argued and told the maidservant to put away the bowl from his sight. The smell of the potion had already nauseated him.


    "But the Crown Prince will not always protect you. Is the Prince unaware of the Crown Prince''s ambitions?" Consort Jinlong asked her son.


    "What is the mother trying to say?" Lei Wanxi knitted his brows.


    "You are already 23, Prince Wanxi. But you have no special ability. You only lurk and have fun. Look at your Elder Brothers. All have gotten into good positions. Do you want people to call you a weak Prince with no special position? Even the Youngest Prince is training to be powerful," Consort Jinlong made her son understand. Lei Wanxi never got a lecture from his mother this way.


    "Mother, my father is the Emperor, and I inherited this fortune of a Prince. Why shall I train or work when everything is being handled by the Elder Brothers?" Lei Wanxi was not ready to implement any of her mother''s advice.


    "Prince, this is the Pce. Everyone wants their benefits in the Pce. The Crown Prince is the strongest among you all, followed by the First Prince and the others. Do you want to be their ves, especially the ve of your Fifth Brother?" Consort Jinlong''s question irked Lei Wanxi.


    "Mother, I urge you not to say ill about Brother Sheng. I do not like it when someone tries provoking me against Brother Sheng. Since you are my mother, I will let it go. And, please do not bring such potions for me. I will not get strong that way," Lei Wanxi asserted. He stood up from the chaise and bowed his head.


    "Where is the Prince going? Prince shall not roam around the market," Consort Jinlong stopped her son. "I never stopped you earlier, but you have grown up, so act like one." Her tone was sharp.


    "Okay, Mother," Lei Wanxi replied and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 475 - Learned This From You

    <h4>Chapter 475 - Learned This From You</h4>


    Lei Wanxi walked past Prince Nianzu''s chamber and sighed. ''I miss you, and I am angry at you. Brother never loved me.'' Lei Wanxi walked ahead and pulled out the fan from his sash. After his mother''s lecture, Lei Wanxi was feeling strange.


    "What is happening in the Pce? My mother talked badly about Brother Sheng. I used to think only Zhu Lin considered me weak, but I was wrong." He moved the fan gently against his face and halted at his ce.


    "I am craving for something good. That pungent smell is still in my nostrils. It''s making me sick," Lei Wanxi muttered. He closed the fan in his hand and took out the perfume from his pocket. Taking the scent of it, he felt good. "Brother Nianzu gifted me this perfume. Now, only his memories are left behind. It''s so sickening. First Hu Jingguo left this world and then Brother Nianzu left the Pce," he put the lid over the perfume bottle and put it inside his pocket.


    Reminiscing about his old days, a smile appeared on his lips. He took a deep breath and walked ahead when he saw his second brother. "Brother Yongzheng!" He called out the name of the Second Prince, but he did not hear him. Lei Wanxi walked behind him and found Yongzheng was going to the Western Pce.


    ''Why is the Second Brother heading to the Western Pce?'' Lei Wanxi wondered. The western pce was for the Eunuchs, servants, and royal maids of the Pce. He stopped and hid behind a pir as he saw Yongzheng was conversing with a servant.


    Lei Wanxi tried to hear their conversation but could not hear any word because of the distance and also because of the low pitch. Yongzheng turned his head when Lei Wanxi quickly hid behind the pir.


    Yongzheng again turned to the servant and handed him a tiny porcin bottle. "One drop is enough," Yongzheng told the servant.


    "After you willplete your work, leave the pce, and also the capital. If I find you here, then that will be yourst day," Yongzheng threatened the servant, who bowed his head. "Leave," Yongzheng ordered him. The servant walked away while Yongzheng went back to the Eastern Pce.


    Lei Wanxi came to the front from behind the pir and brought the tip of the fan under his chin. "What did Brother Yongzheng hand to the servant? Did he rectify or did he act in front of everyone?" He murmured.


    "He has arranged the poison," Lei Wanxi heard the voice of Zhu Lin, and it scared him. He astonishingly looked at her and asked her what she was doing there.


    "I followed you," Zhu Lin replied. "Come with me," Zhu Lin grasped the hand of Lei Wanxi and dragged him along with her. They both came to an isted ce when Lei Wanxi told her to leave his hand. Zhu Lin let go of it.


    "You cannot hold my hand whenever you please," Lei Wanxi reminded her.


    "Forgive me," Zhu Lin quickly apologized.


    "The Pce is so dirty," Zhu Lin suddenly remarked.


    "Are you sure that the Second Brother arranged the poison?" Lei Wanxi asked Zhu Lin.


    "Those bottles are specially made to store poison," Zhu Lin replied. "But we need to confirm it," she added.


    "I will inform Brother Sheng about this," Lei Wanxi suggested.


    "Why do you always bother your Fifth Brother?" Zhu Lin asked him and frowned. "You told me that your brain works more than anyone else here. At least show everyone your capability," she suggested.


    Lei Wanxi chuckled and nodded his head. "I was skeptical of the Second Brother but did not know that he would act gently in front of Brother Sheng," he asserted.


    "Prince Wanxi, would you like to tell me why there are so many enemies of the Crown Prince? Is it because he is cold to people and mercilessly kills people?" Zhu Lin queried.


    "Watch your words, Zhu Lin. My Fifth Brother is not merciless," Lei Wanxi furiously said. "Do not judge Brother Sheng," he added. "He is the most loving person that is why some are jealous of him. They know that they can never equal my brother, so find ways to harm Brother Sheng."


    Zhu Lin hummed and crossed her arms. "We can catch the servant and take the poison from him," Zhu Lin stated.


    "No. The Second Prince will try to formte new ways then. It is important to bring his real face in front of everyone. You do not need to do anything. I will handle it on my own," proimed Lei Wanxi.


    "Are you sure?" Zhu Lin was worried that Lei Wanxi could make a mistake.


    "Zhu Lin, why do you underestimate me so much? Wait, why are we even talking? Didn''t I tell you not toe in front of me?" Lei Wanxi questioned her. "Go away," he pushed her, but Zhu Lin didn''t budge from her ce. Instead, she grasped his hand and twisted it. Lei Wanxi started to scream. "Ahhh. Let go of my hand, Zhu," he pleaded with her.


    Zhu Lin loosened her grip from Lei Wanxi''s hand. "Prince Wanxi, I am training you to be a little stronger. You should bear this little pain," stated Zhu Lin.


    "Zhu Lin, why do you torture me this way?" Lei Wanxi cried in pain.


    "Torture! Prince Wanxi, this is to train you. It will help you know how much you need to move your muscles," Zhu Lin stated and smiled. She let go of his arm. Immediately, Lei Wanxi turned to her and scowled at her.


    He lifted his hand and winced in pain. Zhu Lin was shocked to see that Lei Wanxi was not arguing with her. It appeared to her that Lei Wanxi had taken the lesson from the punishment.


    "Prince, I just want to make you smile," Zhu Lin said and grasped his hand. He yanked it away, and Zhu Lin fell back. Lei Wanxi quickly extended his hand out to grab her hand, but then he did not hold it. Zhu Lin widened her eyes, and the next second she was on the floor with a loud thud sound. Lei Wanxi started tough while Zhu Lin screamed in pain.


    "You- you intentionally did not lend me a hand," Zhu Linined.


    "I have learned this from you," Lei Wanxi answered and smiled.. He walked past her while fanning himself.

 Chapter 476 - My Surprise

    <h4>Chapter 476 - My Surprise</h4>


    As per the order of the Crown Prince, the spy somehow created a situation because of which Eunuch Zhen had to go out of the Pce. Eunuch Zhen was on the litter which was carried by the four people. A few Royal Guards were following the litter. "Walk fast. I cannot stay outside the Pce for long. I need to find out how that perfume shop could shut down!" Eunuch Zhen angrily told the carriers, who hastened towards the market.


    The Perfume Shop was one of the favorite ces of Eunuch Zhen in the market. Everyone knew his hobby of perfumes. But no one knew that it was a source of his indirect ie, which was not recorded in the official ount.


    After thirty minutes, they reached the market, in front of the perfume shop. The carriers put the litter on the ground. Eunuch Zhen stepped down from it and went inside the shop. As he stepped inside, the door got closed.


    "Why is it so dark here?" Eunuch Zhenined and called for the shop owner. "Duxin! Duxin!" Eunuch Zhen called out his name loudly when his leg got hit against the table. "Ahh," he screamed because of the pain.


    "Darn it! Why is there no light?" Eunuch Zhen murmured while wincing in pain when suddenly a dim yellow light illuminated from the far end of the shop.


    Eunuch Zhen did not look towards the source. "Come here quickly, you idiot!" Eunuch shouted. The person started to move towards Eunuch Zhen, who was caressing his leg. "Aish! Why was there so much dark in the shop? And why did you close the sho...p?" Eunuch Zhen widened his eyes upon seeing the Crown Prince in front of him, with a paperntern in his hand. The sweat appeared on his forehead, and he deeply bowed.


    "Your Highness, please forgive me," Eunuch Zhen pleaded with him. He heard the sounds of anklets and found that the Crown Princess was also there. He pped himself and said, "Forgive me, your highness. This mouth called you--" he paused and pped a few times at his mouth. Sheng Li chuckled and put his hand on Eunuch Zhen''s shoulder.


    His grip was so tight that Eunuch Zhen screamed in pain. "Lower your voice else," Sheng Li put thentern on the table and took the sword from Xiao Zhan, "else this sword will pierce directly through your heart."


    Eunuch Zhen quickly pursed his lips tightly. Sheng Li threw him on the chair behind. "Eunuch Zhen, I think I am talking to you after many years," Sheng Li said while checking the de of the sword.


    "Y-Your H-Highness, wh-why are you angry at me?" Eunuch Zhen asked.


    "When was I happy with you?" Sheng Li asked him and brought the sword''s de under his chin, horizontally.


    "Y-Your H-Highness, that''s sharp. P-Please put it away," Eunuch Zhen requested Sheng Li. Ying Lili told Sheng Li not to scare Eunuch Zhen. Sheng Li pulled his hand back and Eunuch Zhen heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Thank you, Crown Princess," asserted Eunuch Zhen. "Why am I being held as a captive? Does the Crown Prince not know that he cannot treat head Eunuch from the Empress''s manor this way. The Emperor might punish his highness," Eunuch Zhen reminded the Crown Prince of his position and limited power over the matters and people from the Empress''s manor.


    "Are you getting old, Eunuch Zhen?" Sheng Li questioned him, who with a confused expression peered at the Crown Prince.


    "I did not get the words of the Crown Prince," Eunuch Zhen replied.


    "I do not care for your rank. I thought that because of aging Eunuch Zhen is forgetting about my nature. I can kill you and bury you somewhere far. Will I get punished for that? No, right?" Sheng Li exined to him.


    Eunuch Zhen gulped. "Bring the poison to me that you and the Empress have nned to feed to the Emperor," Sheng Li without beating around the bush asked Eunuch Zhen, who slightlyughed.


    "What is his highness talking about? Poison? Eunuch Zhen acted as if he did not know anything. "Ahhh," he cried in pain when Sheng Li pierced the sword on his right hand. The tears poured down his eyes and he pleaded with the Crown Prince to not do that.


    "I do not like when someone lies. I did not expect this from a Head Eunuch of the Empress''s manor," Sheng Li kept moving the sword inside his hand. Xiao Zhan, on the other hand, had closed his mouth from cloth so that outsiders would not hear Eunuch Zhen''s screams. Furthermore, because the perfume shop was in the middle of the market, and because the loud voices kept reverberating in the surrounding, it was impossible to notice the scream of Eunuch Zhen until someone came to shop.


    Eunuch Zhen gestured from his other hand to the Crown Prince to stop. Sheng Li pulled back the sword and with a menacing expression said, "Eunuch Zhen, don''t y with me. Got it?" He leaned towards him and patted his cheek. The tears had covered the cheeks of Eunuch Zhen.


    Sheng Li removed the cloth from the mouth of Eunuch Zhen, whose cries were audible to them. "I did not know that Eunuch Zhen was weak. Ahh, I cannot stand when my opponent cries even before fighting with me," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "F-Forgive me, your highness," Eunuch Zhen apologized and looked at his bleeding hand.


    "I will indeed forgive you if you bring the poison to me. Try to over-smart me and you will be killed at that moment," Sheng Li threatened him. "Eunuch Zhen, my eyes are always on you. You know me better than anyone. After all, you also served the previous Empress. You are the Head Eunuch and I do not want to kill you. You have a long way to live," Sheng Li humbly said.


    "I understand, your highness. Tonight, I will hand the poison back to you," Eunuch Zhen assured the Crown Prince. Before Sheng Li could threaten him more, Eunuch Zhen said, "Your Highness, I will hand you back the poison. Just spare my life." He started to cry as the pain in his hand kept growing.


    "Indeed," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your Highness, my hand...it''s bleeding. Will it be okay?" Eunuch Zhen asked, squeezing his eyes tightly.


    "You cannot move it for a week. Lucky you! I did not cut it else, you had to live without a hand throughout your life. Commander Sun will take you to the Royal Physician," stated Sheng Li.


    "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for sparing my life," Eunuch Zhen expressed his gratitude. Commander Sub came forward and took out Eunuch Zhen from the perfume shop. Xiao Zhan took the sword from Sheng Li and wiped the blood from it.


    "Will he bring the poison?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "He will," Sheng Li replied.


    "Will you spare his life?" She asked another question.


    "No. Tonight, something big will happen in the Pce. The Empress will like my surprise," Sheng Li said and grinned.


    Ying Lili nced at him and nodded. "The Ministers will be exposed today. Let''s wipe them away from our ways."


    Xiao Zhan came forward and handed a veiled hat to Ying Lili.. "Thank you, General Xiao."

 Chapter 477 - A One-time Meal

    <h4>Chapter 477 - A One-time Meal</h4>


    Nianzu, Chuntao, and Huo Jin went to the market in the evening. The children were ying among each other with the paper dragons in their hands. Some people were purchasing things for them, while some were enjoying the food at the stall. Women could be seen purchasing hair adornments, jade bangles, and other jewelry.


    Nianzu grasped Chuntao''s hand and took her near the stall. He came to the front and saw many beautiful hairpins on the stall. Seeing Nianzu, a few women backed off while some started to admire his good looks. "Which hairpin would you like to buy?" Nianzu asked Chuntao while moving his eyes towards the jade bangles and rings.


    "Umm¡­ I am confused," Chuntao replied.


    Nianzu hummed and picked a golden hairpin with a circr carving. White and red Pearls were engraved into it. "I would like to buy this," Nianzu told the seller. Chuntao oppositely nced at the women who were admiring her husband.


    "It is 50 cents, Brother," the seller answered.


    "Give it for 40 cents, Brother. I want to purchase two jade bangles too," Nianzu stated and picked the two jade bangles. The seller agreed and asked for 50 cents. Nianzu took out the pouch and handed him the coins. Nianzu put the hairpin in Chuntao''s hair and looked at her face. "It is looking good," he said and made her wear the jade bangles.


    Huo Jin smiled seeing the two. However, regret-filled him. He remembered purchasing a hairpin for Xinyue during the Winter Festival. When he gave the hairpin to Xinyue, she refused and told him to be within his limits. ''A servant should not be giving me this. Next time, I willin about this to my father, if you give something like this to me.'' However, he could never hate her; instead, his love for her kept growing. He took a few steps back and vanished from there.


    Nianzu and Chuntao came towards the ce where Huo Jin was waiting for them. "Where did Brother Huo Jin leave?" Chuntao murmured and looked around. Nianzu found him but noticed the sad expressions on his face. "Chun, let''s go ahead. He might have gone home," Nianzu stated. He did not want to stop Huo Jin as he realized Huo Jin recalled about Xinyue.


    "Without telling us? We shall search for Brother Huo," Chuntao was concerned for him.


    Nianzu looked at her and said, "Huo Jin wants to be alone for some time. Hope this has sufficed your anxiousness for him." Chuntao understood and nodded her head.


    Huo Jin came towards the river edge and sat at the rock, a few meters away from the river. Thenterns were glowing a few meters away from him, spreading the light in the region. He fidgeted with his fingers and sighed. "This is the first festival that I am celebrating without you," he murmured. "How could you love your evil father more than your own life?" heined.


    Huo Jin was the type of person who had great control over his emotions. Even in the worst time, he had trained himself to keep a calm face. After his father died because of a prolonged illness, he religiously served his master and Xinyue. ''I should have taken you away when your father started all this,'' Huo Jin thought and lowered his eyes. He reminisced about thest few moments with Xinyue, where she told him that she had started to love Jian Guozhi. But even Jian Guozhi did not stop her from getting the death sentence.


    He ced his palms over his cheeks and moved them slowly over his face. "I shouldn''t think about that. It would bring pain only," he muttered. Putting his both hands down, he looked towards the water.


    He heard the sound from the water,ing from the left, and turned his gaze towards that side. He stood up and went towards the source of the noise and saw a young woman and a young man of his age filling the bucket with water from the river.


    "Why are you filling water from here?" Huo Jin asked them. Both of them quickly turned to Huo Jin, who saw their shabby clothes and faces covered in dirt. For a second, their appearances disheartened him.


    "Forgive us," the young man apologized and lowered his head, bringing Huo Jin out from his thoughts.


    "Why are you apologizing? I am simply asking. Doesn''t the Water Bureau distribute water to the people?" Huo Jin questioned.


    Both brother and sister looked at each other. Huo Jin found it weird as both of them were not answering. He thought they might be scared to see an unknown person, so he decided to leave. "You shall continue your work," Huo Jin stated and turned to leave when he saw a man with a torchbearering in that direction.


    "Sister, he is here. Run! I will follow you." Huo Jin heard the words of the young man. He saw the woman had run away in the opposite direction while his brother ran after a few seconds.


    The man with a torchbearer approached Huo Jin and asked if he saw two shabby people.


    "No," Huo Jin lied. He was curious to know, so he asked him, "Mister, whom are you searching for and why? If you tell me, then I might find them for you."


    "Ahh, they are the children of a butcher family. They are not allowed to drink water and have food as their father mercilessly killed his master whom he had served for thest ten years," the man informed Huo Jin.


    "That''s saddening. But, why aren''t they provided with water and food?" Huo Jin asked another question.


    "Because he killed a higher rank person in the society. So, his family has to suffer. The punishment decided was to provide no food and water to them," the man stated.


    Huo Jin clenched his fists. "Mister, why did you think they hade here? Only a fool cane outside after giving such a heavy punishment," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "I have seen theming here a few times. Last time, I caught those two children and they got punished. I shall leave. It''s cold here," the man told Huo Jin and walked away.


    Huo Jin frowned as it angered him. The upper-ssmen always suppressed the people lower than them. ''There might be some other reason that their father killed his master. He might have troubled him a lot. This was harsh. They would die if did not provide water and food.'' Huo Jin''s heart melted thinking all that. It was saddening that even during the festival days when people are enjoying and having fun with their families, there were a few people, who were praying for a one-time meal. Huo Jin got the urge to help the family as their faces kept shing in front of his eyes.


    He looked towards the direction where both the brother-sister had run to. However, he could not see them. "Maybe I will find them soon. I was once like them," Huo Jin mumbled and turned to return home. After half an hour, he reached home and found Nianzu and Chuntao waiting for him in the front yard.


    "Where have you gone?" Nianzu worriedly asked.


    "I went near the river. You two should have slept," Huo Jin replied and looked towards the bedpost. There were two cloth bags ced on it, loaded with things. "Did you buy something for me?" Huo Jin happily asked.


    "Yes, Brother Huo," Chuntao answered and took out a dress for him from one of the cloth bags. "This is for you, Brother Huo," Chuntao smiled at him. Huo Jin thanked her and moved his hand over the dress.


    "It is the first time I have received a gift. It is a wonderful feeling," Huo Jin stated and broadly smiled.


    "You left in the middle. So, we could not get the idea which type of color would suit you," asserted Nianzu.


    "But this grey color would suit me. Sister Chuntao has a nice choice," Huo Jin stated.


    "I am d that Brother Huo likes the dress. Let''s have dinner. There is still leftover food from the day. "Brother Huo, you shall wash your hands," Chuntao said before leaving for the kitchen. Nianzu also went to the kitchen to help Chuntao. Huo Jin kept smiling while looking at the dress.. "So, it is the feeling which one gets from the family," Nianzu murmured.

 Chapter 478 - Free From This Life?

    <h4>Chapter 478 - Free From This Life?</h4>


    Xiao Zhan put the makeup on Sheng Li''s face. In the beard and mustache, it was impossible to recognize him. "Lili, you shall return to the Pce," suddenly Sheng Li said.


    "What? Why?" Ying Lili confusedly asked him.


    "You shall note with me. It is not a good ce to go. Xiao, take her back to the Pce," Sheng Li gave him themand.


    "But you needed a woman toplete the task. I should apany you," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Lili, I will do that work too. Go back to the Pce. I will not take you with me," Sheng Li simply stated. Ying Lili did not argue with him and left with Xiao Zhan for the Pce.


    Sheng Li reminisced about the court day where the Court Ministers were dragging Ying Lili''s name in the middle. If by any chance, someone recognizes Ying Lili, then it could create problems for her. So, at thest moment, Sheng Li decided not to take Ying Lili with him.


    He put the dagger inside the sash and walked out of the perfume shop from the backdoor. Commander Yang bowed his head and asked the Crown Prince to be careful. "Hmm." Because of the crowd in the market, it took Sheng Li an hour to reach the Courtesan''s house.


    He found how the men had flocked around the house. But, it was not of his prime concern. He was there to look for Xi Feng and his allies. As he walked in, two guards stopped him and asked for his identity. Sheng Li showed them his identity card.


    "Are you a merchant from the North?" One of them asked as he read his name- ''Hao Hushu.''


    Sheng Li nodded his head. The guard handed Sheng Li the identity card, letting him inside. Sheng Li looked around and heaved a sigh for not bringing Ying Lili with him. He walked ahead and looked for the most famous courtesan in the house. He saw a few men who were conversing with each other. Going closer to them, Sheng Li tried to hear their conversation.


    "Lady Ki is not avable easily. Be a Court Minister first, and then you will get a night to spend with her," one of them told his friend, who was dressed in maroon robes. He had a cup full of wine in his hand.


    "May I know where?Lady Ki resides in the house?" Sheng Li asked. They all turned their gazes to him when the man in maroon robes came towards Sheng Li.


    "Why do you ask? You seem a new one to this ce," the man skeptically said.


    "Ahh, yes. I am new to this ce," Sheng Li answered. "I heard that she is the most demanded Courtesan of this ce," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "You are right, Brother," another man in white robes said. "See that long line to just get a nce of Lady Ki. But if you are a Court Minister, then you can have a direct appointment with her," replied the man.


    Sheng Li smiled. "I guess, it is going to be tough for us then," Sheng Li stated. "Thank you, Brother, for answering me. You shall enjoy your time," he added and walked away. Sheng Li chuckled, seeing the long line, and put his hands on his waist. ''I have to meet her anyhow. Only she can help me,'' Sheng Li thought in his mind when two courtesans dressed in red robes came in front of him.


    One of them extended her hand out to touch Sheng Li''s arm when he stepped back. "Please refrain from touching me," Sheng Li hoarsely said.


    "It is not possible in this Courtesans house, Young Master. Once you step inside, it is our duty to serve every man," the other stated.


    Sheng Li pointed his finger towards the line of people and said, "You two shall entertain them." His voice was firm, enough to show them that he did not like their presence.


    They two walked away as they felt insulted. Sheng Li walked inside the house and went through the hallways, searching for Lady Ki. The sight was not pleasant when his eyes fell on Wang Hao. Sheng Li stepped ahead and soon reached the isted part of the house. He saw a courtesan, bowing before him. ''What is this?'' Sheng Li saw a different kind of gaze in the eyes of Wang Hao. He hid behind the pir and overheard their conversation.


    "I can ask his majesty to let you go from this ce," Wang Hao told thedy.


    "This ce is my home, General Wang. Thank you for thinking about me," thedy replied to him.


    "Let me do this for you. The Emperor will acknowledge my request," Wang Hao told her with assurance.


    "I do not want fingers to be raised on General Wang. I am happy here," thedy was not ready to leave the house.


    "Forgive me. I got busy with a lot of work and was not able toe to see you," Wang Hao sincerely apologized to her.


    "General Wang, please do not apologize. I am overwhelmed that you thought of me else except some perverts no one even remembers this courtesan." Thedy expressed her gratitude towards Wang Hao.


    "I shall leave. I have one customer to entertain today. Please do not ever visit the house, General Wang." It was clear that she made a request from him. There was a strange tension between the two and for Sheng Li, it was not understandable. Soon, she left the sight of Wang Hao, who had clenched his fists. Sheng Li went towards him and took him away.


    "Your Highness, what are you doing here?" Wang Hao was shocked to see Sheng Li in disguise. Sheng Li hushed him and looked around.


    "I told you to take a rest. Then-"


    "I had some work." Wang Hao did not tell Sheng Li neither he asked.


    "Do you know about Lady Ki?" Sheng Li asked him. "I am on a mission," he added. "You were recovering from injuries, so I did not trouble you. But it seems your help is needed in every mission," Sheng Li said in a low voice.


    Wang Hao was relieved that Sheng Li did not hear his conversation. "She is busy with the Court Ministers," replied Wang Hao. "Don''t worry. I will bring her here. Please wait for me." Wang Hao walked away.


    Wang Hao reached the chamber of Lady Ki, who was almost leaving. She bowed upon seeing him. "General Wang, it''s rare to see you here," stated Lady Ki and lifted her head.


    "Are you alone?" Wang Hao asked in a low voice and looked around.


    "No one is allowed here, General Wang," Lady Ki informed him. Wang Hao hummed and got closer to her. He whispered about the presence of the Crown Prince in the house and asked her to follow him. Lady Ki was astonished that the Crown Prince wanted to see her.


    Wang Hao took Lady Ki with him. They reached the backside of the house. "Lady Ki is here," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li, who turned to her. Lady Ki could not recognize Sheng Li but bowed before him. "It is my pleasure to see the Crown Prince," Lady Ki stated and lifted her head. "It is unbelievable to me that the Crown Prince needs me," she added, keeping the tiny smile on her face.


    "You are also a citizen of Han, so indeed I need you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Let''s not waste our time. Which Ministers will you serve today?" Sheng Li asked. Lady Ki stepped ahead when Wang Hao stopped her from getting close to Sheng Li.


    "I think the Crown Prince already knows that''s why he hase here in this disguise," Lady Ki stated. "Forgive me, but why does the Crown Prince trust me? I am asking beforehand so that no confusion will remain," she affirmed.


    "Don''t you want to get free from this life? And only I can do that," Sheng Li replied. Lady Ki hummed.


    "I heard the Crown Prince doesn''t look at any other woman except the Crown Princess. But it seems otherwise to me," Lady Ki asserted. Sheng Li chuckled and stepped forward. He extended his hand out and handed her a tiny porcin bottle. Lady Ki confusedly looked at the Crown Prince.


    "Mix it in the drinks of the Ministers whom you are going to entertain today," Sheng Li ordered Lady Ki.

 Chapter 479 - A Courtesan is also a Woman

    <h4>Chapter 479 - A Courtesan is also a Woman</h4>


    Lady Ki, with a befuddled expression, looked at the Crown Prince. "Is his highness telling me to feed the poison to them?" She was a bit scared.


    "No. It is not poison," Sheng Li replied. Lady Ki heaved a sigh of relief and took the tiny bottle from Sheng Li. "They will get unconscious after drinking this in the wine," Sheng Li answered. Lady Ki nodded and told him not to worry.


    "Can we talk in private?" Lady Ki requested the Crown Prince.


    "Isn''t this private?"


    Lady Ki nced at Wang Hao, who told Sheng Li that he would be around. Lady Ki was delighted as General Wang left them alone.


    "What do you want to talk about?" Sheng Li queried. Lady Ki walked towards him and brought her hand near his face. "Don''t you know that touching my face can bring some severe consequences?" Sheng Li threatened her. Lady Ki stopped and looked into his eyes.


    "Crown Prince, you need me today. I also need something for myself. I have passed many years in this house and now, I have no intention to leave this ce. Why don''t you grant me something else?" Lady Ki smirked. "Spend a night with me, your highness," she expressed her wish.


    "That''s why I hate women like you," Sheng Li muttered.


    Lady Ki smiled. "But I am a courtesan, your highness," Lady Ki replied.


    "A courtesan is also a woman," Sheng Li replied and lowered his gaze towards her hand. The smirk from Lady Ki''s face disappeared. The words of the Crown Prince hit her hard.


    ''A woman?! No one ever called me that. Everyone titled me as a Courtesan. I even forgot this word until the Crown Prince pronounced it today.'' She had tears in her eyes and heard Sheng Li''s voice.


    "Give it back," Sheng Li demanded. Lady Ki looked at him and then at her hand.


    "I will do the work. Forgive me for my imprudent request," Lady Ki lowered her head. Sheng Li was confused for a second. He could not believe her anymore, so decided to kill her when he heard her.


    "Your Highness, I have been in this Courtesan House for more than twenty years. No one ever called me a woman. While serving the men, I forgot my identity of being a woman. I will do this work and then will inform you," Lady Ki affirmed.


    Sheng Li could not let her leave. So, he tested her. "I will kill you if you try to fool me," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am ready to die by the hands of his highness," Lady Ki answered. Sheng Li had nothing more to say. He told her that she had ten minutes toplete her task.


    "Thank you, your highness, for trusting me. I will not let you down." Lady Ki was confident. "I will prove myself loyal to the Crown Prince," she added. Though Sheng Li was irked by her earlier when she asked him to spend a night with her, now, he had calmed down.


    "Go then," Sheng Limanded her. Lady Ki stepped back and soon disappeared from her sight. Wang Hao came towards Sheng Li. "Follow her." Wang Hao nodded and went behind Lady Ki. After some time, Sheng Li also left for the main house.


    Lady Ki entered the chamber where the Six Ministers were waiting for her. "Lady Ki, you took more time than usual," Xi Feng stated. She gave curtsey to them first.


    "I was getting ready," Lady Ki replied. A servant came inside with a tray in her hand. Lady Ki grabbed the tray from her hand. "Today, I will serve the wine for the Ministers," she softly said.


    "Lady Ki seems happy today," Minister Gu asserted. Lady Ki sat gracefully down on the cushion and picked the wine jar. "The wine will taste better than the other days," Minister Gao added.


    "Masters shoulde here regrly. Last week none of the Court Ministers came," Lady Ki said as she poured the wine into the six cups.


    "We have been busy with work," Tai Jin muttered.


    "I heard about the Minister of State Affairs. He had a tragic death," Lady Ki said with a sad expression. She dexterously mixed the powder that the Crexpeditiouslyown Prince had handed to her.


    "The fire broke out from a candle, and it spread in the entire main house of the Minister Gu that he sumbed to death. Many servants and soldiers also lost their lives," Yao Ming exined to Lady Ki.


    "I do not think that fire incident took his life," Xi Feng spected. The other Ministers and Lady Ki nced at him.


    "He had the highest chance to get promoted as the Empress supported him. The Crown Prince might have done that. Remember, how the former Prime Minister was exposed. Both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess had gone to the Wei Residence," asserted Xi Feng. Lady Ki keenly listened to their conversation.


    "The Crown Prince became more powerful after he got married. Everyone had thought that whomever he would marry would definitely die. But, the opposite happened. The Crown Princess is smart, good in politics, and also knows warfare¨C enough qualities to impress the Crown Prince. Even the Emperor supports the Crown Princess, and his support for his fifth son isn''t hidden from anyone," Tai Jin affirmed. Lady Ki stood up from her ce and put the wine cups in front of the ministers.


    Lady Ki never knew the qualities of the Crown Princess. She indeed was fierce and perfect for the Crown Prince, Lady Ki thought. Going towards the mattress, she sat on it and moved her fingers over the strings of the zither.


    "Let''s leave all this. We are here to enjoy our night," Xi Feng stated and looked towards Lady Ki. They all had turned quiet. Lady Ki started to y the zither. The Ministers sipped their wines except for Xi Feng. His intense gaze on Lady Ki made her nervous for a few seconds. Xi Feng finally sipped the drink, which relieved her. He stood up and came towards Lady Ki. Sitting beside her, Xi Feng traced her face. Lady Ki did not stop ying. Xi Feng''s fingers traced her corbone, and she stopped ying. The other Ministers had already fallen unconscious.


    "You should not stop, Lady Ki," Xi Feng told her, who smiled.


    "How can I when the Minister is doing this to me?" Lady Ki answered.


    "Be my Concubine," Xi Feng offered her and gulped the remaining wine from the ss. Tai Jin''s head banged on the table. Xi Feng almost turned his head away when Lady Ki cupped his face in her hands.


    "I would love to be yours." Xi Feng smirked. His eyes started to close, and he shook his head. Lady Ki let go of her hands from his face when Xi Feng grasped one of them.


    "Howe you agree so easily?" Xi Feng queried when he was hit from the wine jar from behind. Xi Feng fell on the floor while Lady Ki got scared. She lifted her eyes and saw the Crown Prince.


    "Such a tough job you have! But you did great," Sheng Li praised her.

 Chapter 480 - It Was The Empress

    <h4>Chapter 480 - It Was The Empress</h4>


    Sheng Li had already made the arrangements to take the Ministers out of the Courtesan''s House. Lady Xi was on her knees and deeply bowed before the Crown Prince.


    "You should have epted my offer," Sheng Li stated.


    "I cannot, your highness. Today your words gave me new hope. I want to keep this identity and do not want to go away," Lady Ki replied. "However, if his highness can give me a memory of his which I can keep with me, then that would be great," asserted Lady Ki.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "You still are flirting with me. I am afraid that there is nothing I can give you. I do not give anything to the women other than my wife. Hope that cleared your answer," Sheng Li rified himself.


    Lady Ki smiled and kept her gaze low. Sheng Li turned and walked out of the chamber. Lady Ki lifted her head and saw the silhouette of the Crown Prince on the wooden sliding door. "People were wrong about the Crown Prince. His Highness is a nice person," she murmured.


    ~~~~


    Xi Feng gradually opened his eyes and found himself in a strange room. No! It was not a room but more like a hut! His hands and feet were tied to the poles. He looked around and saw other fellow Ministers tied on the wooden poles.


    "Minister Tai!" Xi Feng called his name and tried to wake him up. He shouted the names of the other Ministers too, but no one woke up.


    "Minister Xi, you are so loud! Can''t Minister Xi keep his voice low?" Sheng Li''s voice echoed in the hut. He tilted his head to look but did not find the Crown Prince. Only onentern was glowing, making it difficult to see him. Sheng Li showed himself and halted in front of Xi Feng.


    "Crown Prince, what is this?" Xi Feng confusedly asked. Commander Sun hade with a bucket full of water in his hand. He threw the water at the faces of the other five ministers, who quickly woke up from the unconsciousness.


    The ministers were shocked to see this. Sheng Li picked the sword from the table and pulled it out from its sheath. "Your Highness, w-what ar-are you d-doing?" Gao Peng asked with a stutter.


    "Do not stutter, Minister Gao. I will not kill you," Sheng Li replied with a smile.


    "The Crown Prince shall not do this. We are the Court Ministers, and if the Emperor finds out about this, then it will not be good. You might have to step down from the position of the Crown Prince," asserted Xi Feng.


    "Minister Xi, do you know, after a few minutes, you will die?" Sheng Li smirked and raised his eyebrow.


    Tai Jin and the others started to tremble in fear. "Your Highness, please do not jo-joke," Tau Jin stated.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Shall I demonstrate? The Ministers have only heard about my mercilessness, but they never saw me. I can show it to you, Minister Tai," affirmed Sheng Li.


    Yao Ming understood that the Crown Prince had found out about their ns. So, he decided to spill everything in front of the Crown Prince.


    "Forgive me, Your Highness. I beg you. I was not part of the n. I only did what Minister Xi told me to!" Yao Ming pleaded with the Crown Prince. "I have a young son and daughter," he started crying.


    "What rubbish are you spitting, Minister Yao? What did I tell you?" Xi Feng outrageously asked him.


    "Minister Xi was the one who was plotting against the Crown Prince and also the Crown Princess. Your Highness, I am only at the Courtesan house for fun," asserted Yao Ming. Sheng Li started to enjoy the fights of the Ministers.


    "Your Highness, please spare us. We are not at fault. It is all done by Minister Xi," Tai Jing also took the name of Xi Feng, who could not believe that the Ministers ditched him in the middle.


    Gao Peng and Ning Xian also took the name of Xi Feng. "Your Highness, we beg you to let us go," Tai Jin requested the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li started tough upon seeing how the Ministers turned their back to Xi Feng. He controlled hisugh and looked at Xi Feng. "Minister Xi controls the topmost Ministry of the Empire. He is at such a prestigious post. It is sad to know that Minister Xi thought ill of me," Sheng Li proimed. He patted the shoulder of Xi Feng, who gulped the saliva down his throat. He was unable to think how he should act at this moment since those Ministers had turned against him.


    "Your Highness, please do not kill me. I can be useful for you. It was not me who was plotting against you but it was the Empress, who told me to go to her side. I was only doing my job as a minister," Xi Feng took the name of the Empress this time.


    Sheng Li looked at all of the Ministers. "You all are no less than a chameleon," he remarked. Suddenly the door was opened, and the Emperor and the Empress came inside, followed by the Consorts and the other Princes- Princesses. All the Ministers got scared and lowered their gazes.


    Sheng Li bowed his head before the Emperor and the Empress. "Father, these Ministers should not live, especially Minister Xi. He is taking the name of the Empress and ming our Imperial mother. The rest things you all have heard already," Sheng Li affirmed and nced at Deng Hui, who was fidgeting with her fingers.


    "Your Majesty, it is not our fault. The Emperor knows my loyalty towards him. I do not dare to fool his Majesty. I ept that I made a n, but it was all done upon the order of the Empress. Please forgive me, your majesty," Xi Feng pleaded with Han Wenji. The other Ministers did the same.


    "Sister Hui was nning to assassinate the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess!" Ju Fen astonishingly said.


    "It is a lie," Deng Hui immediately replied. "Your Majesty," she turned to him and lowered her head, "The Crown Prince is like my own son. I can never think of doing this to him. Minister Xi is lying."


    "Your Majesty, the Empress is lying to you. Thete Minister of State Affairs, Minister Gu Zhenya told me how the Empress wanted to kill the Crown Prince and bring--"


    Before he couldplete his words, Sheng Li intervened. "The Imperial Mother can never do this," Sheng Li affirmed and looked at Deng Hui, whose breath was stuck at her throat.


    "Crown Prince, do not trust the Empress. Her Majesty wants her s--"


    "Father, this poison bottle I have retrieved from Minister Xi''s inner pocket," Sheng Li showed it to the Emperor. Deng Hui widened her eyes as it was the same poison that she had arranged for the Emperor. Ying Lili smiled a little and nced at Deng Hui, who was looking at Sheng Li with a horrendous expression.. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she saw her end near.

 Chapter 481 - Does It Still Hurt?

    <h4>Chapter 481 - Does It Still Hurt?</h4>


    "Your Highness, I do not know about this. The Crown Prince is lying," Xi Feng defended himself. "Your Majesty, even the Empress is lying," Xi Feng stated, but Han Wenji did not believe him.


    "Take them to the Prison," Han Wenji ordered. "It iste night, so I will not give any judgment," the Emperor asserted and walked out of the hut. The Empress nced at the Crown Prince while Xi Feng and the Ministers kept pleading for forgiveness.


    "Imperial Mother, you shall go back. You shall take a good sleep. We all know that Minister Xi is lying," Sheng Li told Deng Hui, who was still in utter shock. "Xiao, escort the Empress to her chamber," Sheng Limanded Xiao Zhan, who came forward.


    "Your Majesty, pleasee this way." Deng Hui looked at General Xiao and left for her manor. The other princes also left except Lei Wanxi. Commander Sun took away those six Ministers to Prison after ordering the soldiers.


    "What was this, Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi asked curiously.


    "Wanxi, I will converse with you in the morning. You shall sleep," Sheng Li patted his shoulder and turned his gaze to Ying Lili. "I wille to the chamber in a while. Go back," Sheng Li told her, who nodded and walked out of the hut with Lei Wanxi.


    "Your Highness, is there something more left?" Wang Hao asked Sheng Li.


    "Who was she?" Sheng Li knitted his brows and waited for Wang Hao''s response.


    "May I ask about whom his highness is talking?" Wang Hao asked.


    "The one whom you met in the Courtesan''s house. Why do you want to free that woman?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    Wang Hao did not answer. He did not want to share it with anyone. However, the Crown Prince had seen him, and, if he hid, then it would not be good. "Five years ago, I saved her from getting killed in a war. She is like a sister. I could not meet her for many years, and she ended up in the brothel," Wang Hao felt guilty.


    "She does not want to leave that ce. Do you want me to do something for it?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao, who politely refused the Crown Prince.


    "No, your highness. Thank you for thinking so much for me. However, I cannot take your help. It is between a brother and a sister. Somewhere, I am responsible for this state of hers. I didn''t meet her for five years, and she had the anger hidden inside her because of this."


    Sheng Li did not argue with him anymore. "If you do feel like that I can be of your help, then do not hesitate to tell me," he affirmed. Wang Hao nodded. "You shall leave and have a good sleep." Sheng Li patted his shoulder and walked out of the hut.


    He went straight to Ying Lili''s chamber. Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu bowed before him. "Your Highness, the bathhouse is ready," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li, who hummed and walked in.


    He found Ying Lili on the bed. "I will be back in a while," he informed Ying Lili. "I will take a bath first. Do you want to join me?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "No," Ying Lili immediately refused. Sheng Li smiled and told her to wait for him then. He walked out of the chamber and left for the bathhouse.


    Ying Lili, oppositely, ordered the maidservants to set the dinner table. She stood up and checked the dinner. "Your Highness, you shall remove the jewelry and the Crown. Let the maidservants help you," Court Lady Xu suggested to Ying Lili, who nodded.


    She went to the dressing room where two maidservants removed the jewelry and buyao, first, followed by the Crown. ''It is the reason for the fights among everyone,'' Ying Lili thought while looking at the Crown.


    She removed the bangles from her hand and went back to the chamber. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince will soon be here. Refrain from getting too close to the Crown Prince for two nights," Court Lady Xu reminded Ying Lili, who nodded her head.


    Sheng Li came to the chamber after 20 minutes, in a white silk robe. His hair was wet while he had not worn an upper jacket. "Forgive me for letting you wait for too long," he apologized first before taking a seat around the table.


    Court Lady Xu gestured to a maidservant to serve the dinner to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "Leave," Sheng Li ordered them and they left.


    He picked the chopsticks and started to eat the rice. "I scared the Empress. I cannot punish her, since she is the mother of Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Hmm. You did right. I saw how terrified she was! What will you do about Eunuch Zhen?" Ying Lili queried.


    "I will let him live until he is useful for us," Sheng Li asserted. He picked a slice of meat and put it over the te ced in front of Ying Lili. "Eat this," he told her. Soon they finished eating and the servant cleaned the table for them.


    "What happened in Courtesan''s house?" Ying Lili suddenly asked him. "Whom did you ask to help you?"


    "I asked Lady Ki to help me¨C the chief courtesan, who serves the Court Ministers," Sheng Li replied. He pulled the curtain down and sat on the mattress beside Ying Lili.


    "And she helped you?" She was a little astonished.


    "Hmm." "Why?"


    "No one touched you, right?" She asked him more.


    Sheng Li was amused to hear Ying Lili''s questions. Was she jealous that he went to a ce full of women? It was fun for him whenever Ying Lili used to be jealous.


    "I was on a mission so, I could not help," Sheng Li gave a vague answer to her. Ying Lili peered into his eyes. "And so many women were there that--"


    "--that you let anyone touch you!" Ying Lili chuckled and scoffed.


    "How do you know? I cannot let the mission get ruined," asserted Sheng Li and passed her a tiny smile.


    "Why are you here, then? Go to them and sleep there," Ying Lili got angry. "That''s why you did not let mee with you," she deduced. "Go away. You will not sleep here today." Ying Lili pushed him, but Sheng Li did not budge from his ce. Instead, he was enjoying the reactions of Ying Lili.


    She put her hands on his arm and tried to push him away. "Go away!"


    Sheng Li caught her arm and swiftly pinned her down on hisp. He leaned down and kissed her nose tip. "Lili, I was teasing you. I did not know you would react this way," Sheng Li asserted, keeping the smile on his lips.


    "Don''t talk to me and let me go." She averted her gaze from him.


    Sheng Li curled his fingers under her chin and turned her face towards him. "There is no one born who can touch me except you, Lili. I do not permit others. Don''t you know?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "Why did you say that so many women were there that you let them touch you?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "That''s your deduction, Lili. You did not let meplete my words. I got angry at two women who approached me. They ran away from my sight. Other than that, I encountered the most famous Courtesan there, who mixed the powder in those Ministers wine," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili. He pulled his hand back and made Ying Lili sit on hisp.


    "Let me go," She requested.


    "No." "I want to hold you like this," he added. Ying Lili extended her index finger out and moved the hair back which wasing to the front of Sheng Li''s face.


    "Your hair is still wet. You should have let it dry first," Ying Lili suggested.


    "I was hungry," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili looked at his chest and then moved the robe slightly away. The scar was still there. Sheng Li looked at her face, which had focussed on the scar. She moved her finger over it gradually.


    "Does it still hurt?"


    "No. I have forgotten about it," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili lifted her gaze to meet his.. Studying them for a while, she leaned towards him and kissed his lips.

 Chapter 482 - The Lotus Pavilion

    <h4>Chapter 482 - The Lotus Pavilion</h4>


    Deng Hui was trembling in fear. The Pce maid brought the water for her and forwarded the water ss to the Empress. Deng Hui grabbed the water ss with a trembling hand. She brought the ss closer to her lips when it fell from her hand.


    The Pce maid got on her knees and started to plead with the Empress. "Clean the floor and leave," Deng Hui ordered her.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," the Pce Maid cleaned the floor quickly and left. Deng Hui called Eunuch Zhen inside.


    "Your Majesty," he bowed in front of her.


    "Tha-that poison bottle was with me, then how did it reach the hands of Minister Xi?" Deng Hui questioned. "Did someonee here?" She asked him.


    "Your Majesty, it is confusing for me as well," Eunuch Zhen replied.


    "The Crown Prince does not know that the poison was arranged by me. But that Minister took my name, and I do not know what will happen in the morning," Deng Hui stated.


    Eunuch Zhen remained quiet as the Crown Prince had already threatened him with his life¨C if he would open his mouth, he would die instantly.


    "What do you think, Eunuch Zhen?" Deng Hui again queried him.


    "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince, thinks that you can never do this. Moreover, the poison bottle is found in the robes of Minister Xi. All evidence is against Minister Xi. Her Majesty does not need to be scared," Eunuch Zhen reassured Deng Hui.


    "What about the poison? Someone knows that I had that poison because even the Minister was unaware of that," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Your Majesty, please do not stress yourself over this trivial matter. It iste at night. Tomorrow is an important asion," affirmed Eunuch Zhen. Deng Hui nodded and told him to leave. She went to bed andy down. However, she could not sleep. She sat up on the bed and looked around.


    "Did the Crown Prince fool me? Was he keeping an eye on me? How did the poison find in the robes of Minister Xi?" Deng Hui muttered. "Will I be hanged to death simr to Weng Wei?" She murmured. She again went towards the tiny cupboard at the left end of the chamber and opened it.


    "How did he find the key for this? What is the Crown Prince thinking? I should not have taken such a step," Deng Hui mumbled and sat down on the floor. Tears started to flow down from her eyes. "I shouldn''t have underestimated the Crown Prince," she hit her forehead on the cupboard''s door.


    After some time, Deng Hui stopped. "What shall I do now? Shall I apologize to Sheng Li for doing this? I know that he knows that I did all this but why did he not expose me in front of everyone?" She contemted.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili kissed Sheng Li''s lips and pulled away. Sheng Li stroked her hair. "I never thought that the pain I suffered would be understood by anyone. I mean, the close people around me used to tell me to forget these scars. However, they never understood why it was difficult to forget these scars," asserted Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili rested her head on Sheng Li''s chest. "It''s fine, Sheng Li. Aren''t you tired? It''ste. We shall sleep," Ying Lili suggested. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes.


    "I am not tired, Lili," Sheng Li replied. "Let''s go to the Lotus Pavilion," he suggested.


    "Let''s go then," Ying Lili agreed with him and got down the bed. "You need to dress up," asserted Ying Lili.


    Sheng Li called Xing-Fu inside and told him to bring his dress. Xing-Fu bowed, and after some time, he came with a dress in his hand. "Shall I call the maidservants to dress up his highness?" Xing-Fu humbly asked.


    Sheng Li took the dress from Xing-Fu and told him to leave. Xing-Fu stepped back and left the chamber. "Will you dress by yourself?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. You will help me," Sheng Li answered.


    "Do it yourself!" Ying Lili sternly said.


    "You know that I need someone to dress me, especially tying these knots on the upper jacket," Sheng Li reasoned.


    "How could you lie so openly?" Ying Lili questioned him and crossed her arms.


    "We are gettingte," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili took the upper jacket from his hand and helped him wear it. She came to the front and tied the knots on the jacket. "Wear the rest of the dress yourself. I need to wear bangles and a head essory," Ying Lili stated and walked away.


    "It''s wrong, Lili," Sheng Li shouted.


    Sheng Li dressed up quickly but did not tie his hair. Ying Lili was also ready by then. She stood up from the chair and came near Sheng Li, who said, "Let''s go." The two walked out of the chamber.


    "We are going to the Lotus Pavilion. Keep twenty meters away from us," Sheng Li ordered the servants. He looked at Ying Lili, and the two left for the Lotus Pavilion.


    In the Lotus Pavilion, Sheng Li had arranged something special for Ying Lili. As they reached the entrance of the garden, Sheng Li halted, and so did Ying Lili. The servants behind them also stopped.


    "What happened?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Sheng Li looked around and then swiftly carried Ying Lili in his arms. "Sheng Li," Ying Lili pronounced his name with bewilderment.


    "Close your eyes, Lili," he said in the softest possible tone.


    "Why?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Just close them. Why do you ask so many questions?" Sheng Liined.


    The maidservants giggled as they took peeks at the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu scolded them for not acting appropriately.


    Ying Lili lightly closed her eyes when she heard Sheng Li, "Don''t open your eyes until I say so," He told her.


    "Hmm. I will not open my eyes," Ying Lili assured him. Sheng Li smiled and started walking, followed by those servants.. Soon, they reached near the Lotus Pavilion when Sheng Li ordered the servants not to take even a step from there onwards.

 Chapter 483 - Adores You The Most

    <h4>Chapter 483 - Adores You The Most</h4>


    Sheng Li ascended the stairs of the Pavilion. "Shall I open my eyes?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "No, not now," He replied. He was now in the pavilion and made Ying Lili stand on her feet. His one hand quickly covered her eyes, not wanting her to see the surprise he had nned for her. Even after the hectic day, he managed to prepare a surprise for her.


    Sheng Li put his hand down and rested both of his hands on the shoulders of Ying Lili. "Lili, I hope you will like it," He whispered in her ear. "You can open your eyes, Lili," Sheng Li permitted her.


    Ying Lili gradually opened her eyes. Her eyes glistened to see the different shapednterns mostly, in a star pattern, painted in different colors, thus emancipating light ordingly. In the center, a sphere-shapedntern was hanging, appearing as the moon in the sky, filled with stars. The shape of thentern stars was smallerpared to the moon-shapedntern.


    Sheng Li slid the wooden door and closed it, preventing them from being seen by anyone from outside.


    Ying Lili stepped ahead and lifted her head. It was the perfect sky that anyone could imagine if they went closer to it. "How did you do it? Did you prepare this all by yourself!?" Ying Lili was not only surprised but also overwhelmed to find that despite so many ongoing tensions in the Pce, Sheng Li managed to prepare such a beautiful surprise for her.


    Sheng Li went near her. Both of his hands were behind his back and he looked up. "You once jokingly asked me if I could bring the moon and stars for you. I couldn''t, but I could create something simr to that." Sheng Li for the past week was working on the shapes of thenterns and that was the reason he sometimes skipped his lunch. Since he had to prepare everything with his own hands, he took a little pain.


    "I prepared all this by myself. Xing-Fu and a few pce maids helped me in guiding how to do this. It was my first time preparing all this," Sheng Li stated. He mentioned the contribution of Xing-Fu and the Pce maids, who worked with him day and night to guide him.


    Ying Lili again looked back at the star-lookingnterns. Sheng Li put so much hard work into that. It fluttered Ying Lili''s heart but at the same time worried her out. She turned her gaze at him. "You shouldn''t need to take such a pain to create all this. You should have taken the help of the Pce maids. It is not good that the Crown Prince is working on such petty things," Ying Lili said out of concern.


    "It is not petty work, Lili. And I could not take the help of the Pce maids. It was my surprise for you, before your birthday. I wanted to work on it, so I did. It was fun. If you do not believe me, ask Xing-Fu and those maids. I enjoyed preparing all this," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu and those maids are loyal to you. Even if I ask, they will lie to you and will tell me that you enjoyed it," Ying Lili deduced. "It''s beautiful. Thank you, Sheng Li. You gave me such a wonderful surprise," Ying Lili said and smiled at him.


    Sheng Li smiled back and moved closer to her. "Come, let''s sit here," Sheng Li gestured towards the warm mattress near the other end of the pavilion which was open to theke in front of it. "We will enjoy the view from here," he added. Ying Lili hummed and the two sat on the mattress. The floor table in front of them had a teapot and two cups.


    "It''s Chamomile Tea." Sheng Li picked the teapot, shook it a little, and poured the tea into the cups. Putting the teapot on the table, he handed the cup to Ying Lili first. Sheng Li then raised his cup and brought it closer to Ying Lili''s cup. The two touched their cups and then took a sip, respectively.


    Ying Lili looked towards the artificial sky inside the pavilion and passed a dim smile. Sheng Li loved her a lot. For her, he learned new things and also controlled his anger. Butterflies danced in her stomach, thinking all this. Her heart raced when she heard Sheng Li, "What is Lili thinking?"


    Ying Lili tilted her head and met his gaze. The two continued to stare at each other when Ying Lili finally spoke, "Can''t you read my mind?"


    "Umm¡­ I am not a mind-reader. However, I will try to depict the meaning behind this smile and blush on your cheeks," Sheng Li affirmed. Ying Lili lowered her eyes and again lifted them.


    "Tell me," she curiously said and took another sip of tea.


    Sheng Li after contemting, said, "It is unbelievable for you that I did such work. You are blessed to have a husband like me, who adores you the most in this world."


    Ying Lili giggled and brought her palm over her mouth, to hide herugh from him. She stopped after a while and said, "Hmm. I was thinking something simr to that." She brought the cup near her mouth and drank the remaining tea from it.


    Sheng Li took out a jade bangle from inside his pocket. Earlier, Xing-Fu handed him that while they wereing to the Lotus Pavilion.


    "Hu Jingguo purchased it for you in the market. I was quite annoyed at that time. I should have given it earlier, but it''s the best time to give it to you. He wanted to present it to you before the dragon boat festival," Sheng Li forwarded the bangle to Ying Lili. She extended her hand out and took the bangle from Sheng Li.


    "It''s hisst present for me, then." Ying Lili looked at the bangle and smiled. "Whenever he used to go to new ces, he used to bring something for me from those ces," she told Sheng Li.


    "Lili, are you not angry at me? I could not save thest person close to you from Juyan," Sheng Li asked her.


    "No. It was not your fault," Ying Lili ced her palm on his cheek. Sheng Li rested his hand on the back of her palm. His eyes were again misty.


    "I had tea with him before you two left for the Northern Province. I asked him to save you even if it cost him his life." Ying Lili also became teary-eyed. "His words were¨C ''even if I had not told him then he would have done that only.'' It was his willingness for the person, whom he respected the most," Ying Lili told Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li hummed and put his hand down while Ying Lili pulled her hand back. He picked the teacup and raised it. "It''s for you, Hu Jingguo, if you are watching us," Sheng Li said as he gave tribute to him through the tea and drank the tea from it. Ying Lili smiled, seeing the smile on Sheng Li''s lips.


    "If we have a son in future, we will name him Hu Jingguo," He revealed the name to Ying Lili that he had thought of, who acknowledged his decision.. "I want him to be remembered by the people," He affirmed.

 Chapter 484 - I Do Not Need Cowards

    <h4>Chapter 484 - I Do Not Need Cowards</h4>


    Today is the Dragon Boat Festival. In Xiandong Vige, in the early morning, people were seen preparing for the festival. Chuntao hung the cmus and wormwood at the entrance door to their house to ward off the evil. Huo Jin was weaving a bamboo hat for him when Chuntao told him that she would do that.


    "I love weaving hats, Sister Chun. It used to be my source of ie," he proudly mentioned. "I think I will start weaving hats again."


    Chuntao brought wild rice leaves in a tray and sat on the patio. Putting the tray aside, she first ited the millet flour. Huo Jin was done making the bamboo hat and quickly wore it. Tying the knot on the hat under his chin, he asked Chuntao if he was looking good.


    Chuntao lifted her head and nodded. "Brother has beautifully weaved the hat," sheplimented. Huo Jin thanked her and went to her.


    "I will wrap the dumplings in these leaves," Huo Jin forwarded his helping hand. He moved his hand over the wild rice leaves.


    "I still need to make dumplings first. Then the Brother can help me. Also, I will pack a few dumplings for Master Ru. Sending an empty lunchbox brings bad luck," Chuntao stated.


    "Hmm." Huo Jin recalled the brother and sister from yesterday. Somewhere, he got the urge to find out about them. When the man told him that the family was punished by leaving without food and water, his heart broke down.


    Looking at Chuntao, Huo Jin requested, "Sister Chuntao, could you please prepare more rice Dumplings?"


    "Is Brother hungry? Forgive me for letting you wait for hours, Brother Jin," stated Chuntao.


    "No, no. I am not hungry, Sister Chun. There is a family in the vige which has no ess to water and food," Huo Jin replied. "I thought of giving a few dumplings to them," he added.


    "Oh! That''s sad to hear. Why are they not allowed to have food and water? Isn''t this inhumane treatment?" Chuntaoined.


    "I thought the same. The head of the family killed his master, so his entire family is forced to die by not having food and water," asserted Huo Jin and sighed.


    "But, brother, if you give them food then won''t it bring trouble to you?" Chuntao skeptically asked.


    "Don''t do this. Let me look into it first," Nianzu advised Huo Jin, who was at the entrance of the house.


    "By then, they might die! I saw their condition. It was miserable. Do not worry, Nianzu. No one will find out that I gave them food," Huo Jin said confidently. Nianzu came inside and put the bag on the bedpost that was ced in the yard.


    "The former Vige Headman might have given such a punishment to them. If a servant harms or kills his master, then the punishment announced is usually for the entire family. The family has to bear the consequences," Nianzu stated.


    Chuntao reminisced about her family, who did suicide after she was taken by the Landlord. Why did it always happen to those who were weak and without power? Weren''t they human?


    "Can''t you do something for them?" Chuntao asked Nianzu. "Maybe they are used wrongly. You know how the upper-ss treats the people below them," Chuntao reasoned.


    Nianzu hummed. "I will do that," he assured them. "I will go to the police bureau to look into this case. The Royal Inspector this time is from the army of the Han Empire, so he will not be partial," stated Nianzu. He took out a pouch from inside his waistband and gave it to Chuntao.


    "What''s this?" She asked.


    "Master Ru has sent the money through Quan Bo," Nianzu replied. "I will be back soon," he said and left the house.


    ~~~~~


    In Luoyang, Sheng Li went to prison to meet the captive Court Ministers. Seeing the Crown Prince, the Ministers got on their knees and apologized to him.


    "I am afraid, but now nothing can be done. Minister Xi had plotted to kill me, so there is no chance of getting a grant of pardon," Sheng Li stated.


    Xi Feng lifted his head and said, "I did not arrange this poison, your highness. Please trust my words. It was the Empress who wanted the Crown Prince to die. She wants her son to be back and rule the Han Empire," Xi Feng again exined to Sheng Li. He joined both of his hands in front of him and pleaded with him to forgive him.


    "Minister Xi, I do not forgive those who betray me," Sheng Li affirmed and averted his gaze. Looking at Tai Jin, he said, "Minister Tai thinks that a woman shall not participate in court activities and refrain from speaking on a man''s behalf. I tolerated your behavior in the court, but inside this cell, I won''t."


    Tai Jin moved ahead and caught the foot of Sheng Li. "Your Royal Highness, I sincerely apologize to you and the Crown Princess. Please forgive this subject. I beg you. I have a family, your highness. Please show mercy on me," Tai Jin started to cry as he rested his forehead on Sheng Li''s shoe.


    "Get away from me, Minister Tai. Don''t take your family''s name to get saved," Sheng Li kicked him away. "All of you should have thought this before nning against me. You all think that in the Imperial Court, I am a sheep who has no support. To keep the dignity of the Emperor and the Imperial Court, I control my anger. It won''t take me seconds to take the lives of the Ministers and their families," Sheng Li said sternly.


    The Ministers could not deny the fact that the Crown Prince possessed most of the powers. Yet, they foolishly schemed against him and the Crown Princess. "I never treated the Ministers this way, but after they dragged the name of the Crown Princess in the Court and maligned her character just because she is smarter than you all, I decided to make you feel what it is like to be captured, from all sides? The Ministers shall not y with fire as instead of extinguishing it they might increase its intensity," Sheng Li exined to them with a grin on.


    Sheng Li turned to leave when Xi Feng requested him for thest time. "Your Highness, we understood our faults. Please, give us a chance. We will be loyal to you from this moment onwards. I assure you that the Court Ministers will change their thoughts towards the woman and, also we will work towards the betterment of the Han in an efficient way. Your Highness, you might be a great ruler in the future. However, you will need the assistance of Loyal Ministers. We will provide you that," Xi Feng affirmed.


    Tai Jin, Yao Ming, and the other two agreed with Xi Feng. Sheng Li turned back to face Xi Feng and passed him a smile. Grabbing both of his shoulders, Sheng Li made him stand up. He patted his shoulders and said, "So, you want to be my loyalist Minister." Xi Feng nodded his head.


    "Fine," Sheng Li pronounced, which brought a broad smile on Xi Feng''s lips, and he thanked the Crown Prince for forgiving his life. However, the smile from his lips disappeared as soon as he heard Sheng Li.


    "Minister Xi, please take your life and show your loyalty towards me," Sheng Li pulled out the dagger from the sheath and handed it to Minister Xi, who started to tremble.


    "Y-Your H-Highness, what are you saying?" Xi Feng stuttered.


    "Take your life," Sheng Li repeated himself and took a step back. The other Ministers had horrendous expressions on their respective faces.


    Xi Feng lowered his head and looked at the dagger in his hand, which was trembling in fear. "I-I cannot do this, Your Highness," Xi Feng stated. Sheng Li chuckled and took the dagger from him.


    "Coward. You can never be my loyalist," Sheng Li pronounced and then looked at the others.


    "Kill Xi Feng," Sheng Li ordered Tai Jin, who widened his eyes when Sheng Li forwarded the dagger to him. Tai Jin took it and was ready to kill Xi Feng when Sheng Li stopped him. He took the dagger back from him and pped lightly at his face.


    "Tai Jin, you also do not fit in the category of the Crown Prince''s loyalist," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But, I did not refuse your order, your Highness," Tai Jin argued.


    "You shall not kill therades in any situation," Sheng Li asserted and put the dagger back into the sheath. "I do not need cowards.. Enjoy yourst few moments," Saying this, Sheng Li walked out of prison.

 Chapter 485 - Even Your Son Wont Be Able To Save You

    <h4>Chapter 485 - Even Your Son Won''t Be Able To Save You</h4>


    Sheng Li reached the Eastern Pce and saw Jian Guozhi. The two bowed at each other. "The First Brother returned after many days," Sheng Li stated. "Hopefully, the journey was not troubling."


    "The journey wasfortable, Brother Sheng unless the rain poured and the route became muddier. That''s why we returnedte," Jian Guozhi replied. "How is Brother Sheng doing? I heard a few things from a few ministers," he stated.


    "I am well, First Brother. You might have heard about the Ministers," Sheng Li stated. The two started to walk towards the Pavilion.


    "Yes. The Imperial mother''s name is dragged. The Ministers are creating chaos among the Royal Family members," Jian Guozhi opined. Sheng Li did not tell the First Prince about the true intentions of Deng Hui as he wanted to give her a chance for improvement. Moreover, Sheng Li had promised the Fourth Prince that he would take care of his mother.


    "Hmm. The Aristocrats want some power in the Imperial Court and also over the Pce matters," stated Sheng Li.


    "Brother Nianzu should not have left like this. If we had talked with the elders and the Court Ministers, his wife might be epted by everyone. Earlier, I saw Lei Wanxi, but he was not as active and happy as he used to be," Jian Guozhi asserted. They both halted near the railing of the pavilion.


    "But it was what the Fourth Brother wanted. Even if we had fought, it would be difficult for us to give Chuntao the status of Brother Nianzu''s wife. Under the pressure, he might have had to marry a girl of the same level," Sheng Li asserted. "Brother Nianzu did not want to see Chuntao living as a concubine with restrictions. He already has suffered seeing his mother as a Concubine for many years. That''s why Brother Nianzu took such a decision," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Jian Guozhi took a deep breath and after thinking for a while said, "Brother Sheng, you also know that living as amoner is tougher than living as a Prince. If something wrong happens, Brother Nianzu will not be able to protect himself, let alone his wife."


    Sheng Li did not say anything. He did not want to reveal the location of Prince Nianzu to anyone. Jian Guozhi had proved himself to be loyal but somewhere Sheng Li stillcked faith in him. After Deng Hui''s sudden change in nature, his trust had again wobbled a little from everyone around him except a few.


    "The hearing of the judgment will be in a while. Minister Xi plotted against the Imperial Father, so he will not be able to escape the death sentence. The other Ministers might have to serve lifetime imprisonment," Jian Guozhi deduced the judgment of the Emperor. Sheng Li agreed with him.


    "Brother, I need to meet the Imperial Mother. I will see youter in the Court," Sheng Li took his leave. Jian Guozhi also left for his chamber.


    During the morning greetings, Sheng Li had seen how terrified Deng Hui was afterst night''s incident. "I want to meet the Empress," Sheng Li told a maidservant, who was at service of the Empress. The maidservant informed the Empress first and let Sheng Li go in.


    Sheng Li bowed in front of Deng Hui. "Greetings to the Imperial Mother." He lifted his head and found the sweat on her forehead. "Imperial Mother, why don''t we have tea?" Sheng Li suggested.


    Eunuch Zhen was also trembling in fear by the presence of the Crown Prince. He ordered a maidservant to bring the tea for the Empress and the Crown Prince.


    Deng Hui got seated around the floor desk while Sheng Li sat a meter away from her. A tiny table for tea was ced in front of him. The tea was served to them. "Leave," Deng Hui ordered them. Both Eunuch Zhen and the tea server left the chamber.


    Sheng Li picked the teacup after Deng Hui took the first sip from her teacup. Taking the scent of the tea, Sheng Li took a sip and put it on the table. "It seems the Imperial Mother already knows why I am here. Now, whatever we talk about will remain between us only," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    "Forgive me, Crown Prince," Deng Hui apologized and lowered her head. "I am sincerely apologetic towards you," she stated.


    "I called you mother affectionately," he chuckled. "I did not know the one whom I called ''mother'' never considered me her son because I am not her birth son. I did not know that she would act more evil than Weng Wei, the woman I hated the most," asserted Sheng Li.


    Deng Hui lifted her eyes, gulped, and gazed at him.


    "I am not Weng Wei," Deng Hui answered.


    "You are more evil than her," Sheng Li corrected her, whose eyes flickered in anger. "ept the truth. At least Weng Wei was truthful of her character, Imperial Mother," Sheng Li stated and picked the cup. He sipped the tea and finished it.


    "She did not dare to poison the Emperor unlike you. It is weird that you did not care about the life of the person who gave you this much respect," Sheng Li opined.


    "The Crown Prince is the one who forced me to do this," Deng Hui med Sheng Li, who was now not surprised with Deng Hui''s words. "The Crown Prince lied to me about my son. He did not tell me about my son''s departure and let him go," Deng Huiined.


    "Do you know that your son also knows about your evil ns?" Sheng Li''s question bewildered Deng Hui.


    "I realizedter that Brother Nianzu knows your true face. However, he did not tell me. He met me because he wanted to make sure that I would take care of his mother. Brother Nianzu knew that you would be the first one to harm his wife that''s why he left the Pce. Also, you did not understand your own son, his sufferings which made him leave without meeting you," Sheng Li exined to Deng Hui, whose eyes turned teary.


    "You earlier made ns with Gu Zhenya, yet I forgave you. But, you did not stop. Poisoning your own husband, ming the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess¨C were the parts of your n," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "How was it my fault? Even at this moment, I saved you. I have risked my position to save a culprit. Do you know why?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    Deng Hui shook her head.


    "I am responsible towards you as a son. I once called you ''mother'', and you called me ''son''. Our rtionship was so pure- a selfless one. But as time passed, greed grew. The selfless rtionship of a mother and a child turned selfish. At least, from my side, you were always my mother, but not anymore. This is thest time I will protect you. If I find you are again plotting, then be ready to die. Also, don''t try to say bad things about Lili. It''s fine to say anything to me but not to Lili. Viting any of these things will result in your instant, brutal death. Even your son won''t be able to save you," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Deng Hui''s eyes filled with tears. "Bring my son back. I beg you, Sheng Li. You considered me a mother. I promise that I will never try or think evil. I cannot live without my Nianzu," Deng Hui joined her both hands to request Sheng Li.


    "I cannot. Brother Nianzu''s life can get at risk. I do not consider you my mother anymore. So, pleading with me is useless. It will annoy me more," Sheng Li menacingly said and stood up. "It was a nice conversation with the Empress. Thank you for sparing your precious time, Your Majesty," Sheng Li bowed and left the chamber. Deng Hui started crying as she realized that she made the biggest mistake of her life.


    Sheng Li pushed the door in anger and scowled at Eunuch Zhen. He grabbed his cors and pulled him up. "Zhen Dao, how dare you arrange the poison for Xi Feng?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    Zhen Dao got confused. "What is his highness saying?" Sheng Li pushed him, and he fell to the ground. The maidservants got terrified, seeing the anger of Sheng Li. A few soldiers came there whom Sheng Li ordered to take Eunuch Zhen away.


    "Your Highness! Your Highness!" Eunuch Zhen shouted.. Deng Hui closed her eyes as she heard the cries of Eunuch Zhen.

 Chapter 486 - Such An Obscene Thing To Me

    <h4>Chapter 486 - Such An Obscene Thing To Me</h4>


    Lei Wanxi went to the chamber of Prince Yongzheng after he left for the court. Eunuch Kang stopped Lei Wanxi from entering the chamber. "Your Highness, the Second Prince is not present in his chamber at the moment. Pleaseeter, or I will send you the message," Eunuch Kang softly said.


    "I will wait for Brother Yongzheng toe," Lei Wanxi stated and stepped ahead when Eunuch Kang came in front of him.


    "I beg your pardon, your Highness, but the Sixth Prince cannot enter without the prior permission of my master," Eunuch Kang humbly said.


    "Eunuch Kang, I am the younger brother of the Second Prince. By any chance does Eunuch Kang think that I will steal anything?" Lei Wanxi heaved a sigh when Eunuch Kang apologized to him.


    "Sixth Prince, please do not take my words to heart. How can I dare to say or think that way? I am a mere servant, following the orders of the Second Prince," Eunuch Kang kept his tone as polite as he could. It made Lei Wanxi not force Eunuch Kang to let him go inside.


    "You do not need to apologize, Eunuch Kang," Lei Wanxi grasped both of his arms and then patted his shoulders. Lei Wanxi had seen the red bruises on the back of the hands of Eunuch Kang. However, he kept mum because if he had asked about those bruises, Eunuch Kang would not have spoken. It appeared to Lei Wanxi that the Second Prince used to abuse Eunuch Kang.


    "I willeter," Lei Wanxi stated and walked away.


    "Why does it seem that Brother Yongzheng has still anger-management issues?" Lei Wanxi murmured and halted at his ce. ''Wait! It''s been a long time since Ist saw Brother Yongzheng''s wife. Shall I meet her first?'' he thought for a while. After contemting, he left for the chamber of Bai Yaling.


    "Is Sister Bai inside?" Lei Wanxi asked the maidservant in the service of Bai Yaling.


    "Yes, your highness," she replied and bowed.


    "Please ask Sister Bai if the Sixth Prince can meet her?" Lei Wanxi requested the maidservant, who bowed and went inside.


    The maidservant came out after a few seconds and replied, "Forgive me, Your Highness. The Princess is resting at the moment."


    "Oh!" Lei Wanxi got sad. "No worries. Give my greetings to Sister Bai when she will be awake," Lei Wanxi reminded the maidservant, who nodded her head. As he came towards his chamber, he saw Zhu Lin, who was conversing with Xue Yu-Yan.


    ''Why does she appear in front of me when I am not in a good mood?'' Lei Wanxi knitted his brows. He thought to ignore both of them. He turned his back towards them and slowly moved ahead. However, he caught the eyes of Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Sixth Brother," Xue Yu-Yan dly took out his name. Lei Wanxi tightly shut his eyes. He turned towards them and greeted them. "Brother Wanxi, how are you doing?"


    "Not good," Lei Wanxi answered.


    "Pardon, Brother!" Xue Yu-Yan did not hear him, but Zhu Lin had heard him.


    "I am good, Sister Xue," Lei Wanxi stated and faked a smile. "How is Sister Xue doing? I can see that after the trip Sister Xue''s facial flow has increased. It must be fun to explore the things that you have never encountered," Lei Wanxi asserted. Xue Yu-Yan agreed with him.


    "I did not know that mountains are so beautiful. It was fun," Xue Yu-Yan smiled. Lei Wanxi recalled the time when Xue Yu-Yan used to keep whining about the things she did not have. He was d that she turned into a good person.


    "Sister Xue, I shall take my leave. Keep smiling like this," Lei Wanxi said and stepped ahead when heard Zhu Lin.


    "Prince Wanxi, I have something to discuss with you. Could you please spare me a few minutes?" Zhu Lin requested. Xue Yu-Yan looked at the two.


    "I am sleepy. Let''s talkter," Lei Wanxi wanted to escape her. After his heart got weird feelings around Zhu Lin, he tried to note into her sight.


    "Prince Wanxi is sleepy at this hour!" Zhu Lin was amused to hear his excuse. She looked at Xue Yu-Yan and said, "Princess Xue, it was nice to have a conversation with you. Prince Wanxi and I have an important matter to discuss." Before Lei Wanxi could run away from there, Zhu Lin grasped his arm and dragged him along with her.


    They both came to Lei Wanxi''s chamber. "Leave!" Lei Wanxi pointed towards the door.


    "What have you nned?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "Why do you care? I told you to stay away," Lei Wanxi reminded her.


    "Prince Wanxi shall take my help. I looked for the servant but could not find him. I think he is trained. Tomorrow will be the grand feast on the asion of the Crown Princess''s birthday. We need to find out before that," Zhu Lin suggested to Lei Wanxi.


    "I know. Don''t eat my mind," Lei Wanxi annoyingly said. "Now, go away!" He asserted.


    "Why are you avoiding me? Earlier too, you conversed with Princess Xue. However, you did not even make eye contact with me," Zhu Linined and crossed her arms.


    "I always ignore you. It''s you, who follows me everywhere. Tomorrow is yourst day so isn''t it better to avoid talking to you already?" Lei Wanxi opined.


    "Do you hate me?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "Haha. You know the answer. I hate you¡­ the most," Lei Wanxi admitted loudly.


    "Why?"


    "Because you troubled me a lot," Lei Wanxi replied. "Women are supposed to be gentle like a flower, yet you gave me nightmares after that day," He pronounced.


    Zhu Lin did not like it at all. She grabbed the robes of Lei Wanxi from the cors and bewildered him. "What are you doing? Do not hit me! I will s-shout if you try to harm me," Lei Wanxi threatened her.


    "Brother Sheng will severely punish you. Then, don''t me me. Servant! Servant!" Lei Wanxi shouted and looked towards the door. He thought to shout louder this time but stopped when Zhu Lin nted a soft kiss on the middle of his forehead.


    At that moment, time stopped for him. His heart started to beat like a drum against his chest, and he stopped blinking. Zhu Lin loosened the grip on his cors and leaned back. Their eyes met.


    Lei Wanxi felt the beats getting intense with each passing second, and it scared him if Zhu Lin would hear it. He did not want her to! Quickly, he brought his hands near her ears and closed them. "Don''t hear it," he said. He lowered his eyes and breathed heavily. How could his heart react this way? He hated her since the beginning, and he wanted his heart to understand this.


    Zhu Lin confusedly looked at him for a few minutes before yanking his hands away. Lei Wanxi lifted his eyes and gazed at her.


    "I will not let Prince Wanxi hate me," Zhu Lin stated.


    "Y-You di-did such an obscene thing to me. I willin to my father," Lei Wanxi clutched the sides of his robes.


    "Prince Wanxi canin whomever he wants to! I was wrong.. I liked the ideal qualities of the Fourth Prince, but the person I like is you!" Zhu Lin confessed her feelings to Lei Wanxi, who knitted his brows and gulped.

 Chapter 487 - My Heart Never Acted This Way

    <h4>Chapter 487 - My Heart Never Acted This Way</h4>


    "Prince Wanxi canin whomever he wants to! I was wrong. I liked the ideal qualities of the Fourth Prince, but the person I like is you!" Zhu Lin confessed her feelings to Lei Wanxi, who knitted his brows and gulped.


    "But I do no-not like you," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Zhu Lin smiled and stepped closer to him. Seeing her getting close to him, Lei Wanxi again stepped back. "W-Why are you taking forward steps?" Lei Wanxi stuttered and continued to take backward steps. His back hit against the bedpost and fell on the mattress when Zhu Lin grabbed his hand.


    She pulled him towards her but Lei Wanxi did not want to hold her hand, so pulled his hand back. However, Zhu Lin did not leave his hand. The two fell on the mattress¨C Zhu Lin on top of Lei Wanxi. "Ahhh," Lei Wanxi screamed as the two fell on the mattress.


    The maidservants who were outside the chamber ran inside upon hearing the scream of the Sixth Prince. "Your Highness, are you okay?" A maidservant asked but shut her mouth as she saw Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin on the bed. She instructed the other maidservants to lower their heads.


    Lei Wanxi curled his fingers as Zhu Lin''s face was just an inch away from his. He could feel her breathing against his lips and could feel her heartbeat. Simr happened with Zhu Lin. The way her heart was beating, the same way or even more intense Lei Wanxi''s heart was beating for her.


    ''Do I really like her? Why? My heart never acted this way! How can I fall for the woman when my mind isn''t epting her?'' Lei Wanxi questioned himself.


    Ying Lili afterpleting her work headed to Lei Wanxi''s chamber. Upon seeing no maidservant outside the chamber, she got concerned. She told Court Lady Xu to stay there and walked in. Seeing the six maidservants standing with their bowed heads, Ying Lili panicked.


    "Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili called his name but halted at her ce seeing Zhu Lin and Lei Wanxi on the bed. Lei Wanxi heard the voice of Ying Lili and pushed Zhu Lin away from him. He moved her legs away and quickly stood up.


    Ying Lili suppressed her smile as she did not want Lei Wanxi to feel embarrassed about that. Ying Lili ordered the maidservants to leave the chamber and herself walked ahead.


    Lei Wanxi had lowered his eyes. It is the first time he was avoiding the gaze of the Crown Princess. Zhu Lin had also stood up and bowed in front of the Crown Princess.


    "Princess Zhu Lin, could you please give us a moment?" Ying Lili requested Zhu Lin, who nodded and walked out of the chamber. Lei Wanxi did not like it at all. He was embarrassed that the Crown Princess saw him in that state with Zhu Lin.


    "Sister Lili, that was not¡­" he paused and looked at his fingers. Fidgeting with his fingers he continued, "It was a mistake. There was nothing wrong going on, Sister Lili."


    Ying Lili walked towards Lei Wanxi and took his hands in hers. Caressing them, Ying Lili said, "I know there was nothing wrong. Brother Wanxi shall not feel embarrassed." Lei Wanxi''s racing heart had calmed down when Ying Lili sced him.


    Ying Lili made him sit on the mattress and went towards the table. "Sister Lili, I will ask the servant to give me water," Lei Wanxi stopped Ying Lili from pouring water.


    "I want to pour water in this ss for Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili stated and brought the water ss to Lei Wanxi. "Drink it slowly," Ying Lili said after handing the silver ss to Lei Wanxi.


    She went towards the chaise and sat on it. Ying Lili waited for the Sixth Prince to finish drinking the water first. Lei Wanxi finished drinking water and put it on the bedside table. Taking the handkerchief out from his pocket, he wiped his mouth and put it aside. He didn''t speak anything for almost ten minutes.


    "Brother Wanxi can tell me what is going on in your head? You never avoided my gaze that way? It seems you are embarrassed for no reason," Ying Lili deduced.


    "Sister Lili, my mind tells me that I do not and can never like Zhu Lin, but my heart...it says otherwise. It reacts differently, Sister Lili. There''s this saying¨C ''A man shall listen to his mind before his heart.'' But then there''s another saying too¨C ''You shall not ignore what your heart tells you.'' What shall I do, Sister Lili? I am confused," Lei Wanxi exined his uncertainties to Ying Lili.


    "What is Brother Wanxi''s heart and mind saying to him?" Ying Lili queried.


    "My mind says that I do not like Zhu Lin. I hate her but then my heart acts strangely. It is not acting synchronously with my mind," Lei Wanxi pronounced. "My mind says that I cannot fall for a woman who was violent to me. I have imagined myself falling in love beautifully. Is it infatuation, Sister Lili? Shall I leave Luoyang for some time to let go of this odd feeling?" Lei Wanxi did not know what he was saying.


    "Leaving the Capital will not rest the heart of Brother Wanxi. So, ording to me, it is best to find the solution to this," Ying Lili advised Lei Wanxi.


    "How, Sister Lili? I am confused," Lei Wanxi drew his eyebrows together.


    "Brother Wanxi has created a wrong image of Princess Zhu Lin in his mind. That is creating the hindrance in all this," Ying Lili stated.


    Lei Wanxi acknowledged what Ying Lili told him. The image of Zhu Lin in his mind was something else which changed after he spent a little time with her. However, his mind dominated and kept the grudges in him. No one ever scolded him, or got harsher on him the way Zhu Lin. That was one reason for his hatred towards her. However, the day Zhu Lin told him about his weaknesses, he self inspected himself. Zhu Lin was never wrong.


    "Sister Lili, I am still confused. I do not have any reason to like or maybe I do not know. I have many things in my head and then she confessed-" Lei Wanxi stuck out his tongue between his teeth and nced at Ying Lili, who was smiling.


    "Does Princess Zhu Lin like Brother Wanxi?" Ying Lili asked to confirm.


    Lei Wanxi nodded his head. "Why does she like me? How can she? She called me a brainless person yet she likes me! Isn''t it ridiculous?" He skeptically peered at Ying Lili.


    "Brother Wanxi, when you like and fall for someone, you even fall for his or her ws. Do not run away from these feelings. Love happens at the most unexpected time," Ying Lili affirmed.


    Lei Wanxi understood the words of Ying Lili but he was not understanding his mind and heart. Ying Lili read his facial expressions for a few seconds before standing up from the chaise. "Brother Wanxi, I shall take my leave. Try conversing with Princess Zhu Lin. She is in Luoyang until tomorrow morning," Ying Lili informed Ying Lili to Lei Wanxi.


    "Morning? Wasn''t she supposed to stay here till evening?" Lei Wanxi immediately asked.


    Ying Lili shook her head and replied, "She will leave in the morning after giving me birthday wishes."


    Lei Wanxi got dejected to learn about that, yet he didn''t say anything.. Ying Lili passed a tiny smile to him before leaving the chamber.

 Chapter 488 - Extraordinary Talent

    <h4>Chapter 488 - Extraordinary Talent</h4>


    After the court session ended, the Ministers seemed terrified as the Emperor announced the change of Ministers in the Court. Since this time, six Court Ministers were found guilty, so no one could object to the decision of the Crown Prince.


    The Prime Minister, Miao Yazhu, weed the decision of the Emperor by joining his fist to the palm and bowing his head. The other Court Ministers did the same and acknowledged the decision of the Emperor.


    "The Court is dismissed. Tomorrow there will be no court session on the asion of the Crown Princess''s birthday," asserted the Emperor. There was a broad smile on his face while informing this.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. May his majesty live long!" All the Ministers said in unison. The four princes, also bowed their heads as the Emperor stood up from the throne and left the Court. The Ministers lifted their heads and started to leave the Court except a few.


    The Prime Minister, the Finance and ounts Minister, and the Law Minister came towards the Princes. "The Crown Prince has decided to select the ministers through the uing Civil Services Exam. Top three candidates will get the direct entry for the position of the Court Ministers," Miao Yazhu repeated the decision of the Emperor.


    "Yes. That''s why fair conduct of examinations is important. Please send this order to every Province before the examination. Also, this time the army will be deployed as the invigtors. I have been informed by the Crown Prince that there are cases of cheating in the exam," Jian Guozhi told the Prime Minister.


    "Hopefully, we get the best candidates who will be responsible for their positions and work," asserted Yongzheng. "However, I feel that they mightck experience. So, giving them such a big responsibility might have negative effects as well," Yongzheng shone the negative aspect on the selection of such a candidate.


    "Don''t worry, Brother Yongzheng. For that, First Brother and I have already thought of something. Till the time, the new Ministers take over those Ministries, these three Ministers will be responsible for those Ministries," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at the Prime Minister and the other two.


    After conversing for some more minutes, the Ministers took their leave while the Princes left together for the Eastern Pce.


    "We brothers never sat together for drinks and dinner. Why don''t we dine tonight together? Only we six brothers? What about this?" Rong Zemin suggested.


    "Not six but five brothers. Brother Nianzu is no longer in the Pce while Brother Yu is still young, so I am afraid if he can join us for the drinks," Yongzheng corrected Rong Zemin.


    "Brother Yu can also dine with us. Wine will not be served to him. However, he can have fresh fruit juice in the ce of wine," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Sheng Li did not want to dine with them as he had to prepare for the surprise for Ying Lili. By midnight, he had to prepare everything, so he decided to refuse them.


    "Brother Sheng, do not refuse for this because this is the first time we brothers will be together with true fraternity amongst us," Rong Zemin stated. Sheng Li felt stuck. If he were old Sheng Li, he would have refused but since everything had changed, he could not refuse their request either. He did not want to get distanced from his brothers.


    "When will the dinner be over?" Sheng Li queried.


    "Brother, we are thinking of keeping it the entire night. There will be music and dance," Rong Zemin excitedly said.


    "Dance?" Sheng Li asked with a bewildered expression.


    "Yes. I heard that a group of Dancers from the West is in the Capital for today''s Dragon Festival. I will send the invitation to them," Rong Zemin added.


    "It seems Brother Sheng does not want to join us," Yongzheng skeptically looked at Sheng Li.


    "No, Brother Yongzheng. I will join," Sheng Li told them. The three Princes were delighted to hear that. "I will join you allter," he said and left for Prison.


    Jian Guozhi understood the hesitance of Sheng Li to not join the dinner. "Tomorrow is the Crown Princess''s birthday. I think that Brother Sheng is nning a surprise for the Crown, that''s why he was getting hesitant," Jian Guozhi exined to the Second and Third Princes.


    "Oh! It did not hit my mind. No worries! We will free Brother Sheng early so that he can prepare for the surprise," Rong Zemin said with a smile. He turned his gaze towards Yongzheng and asked him if he would apany him to his chamber.


    "Why, Brother Zemin?"


    "I want to show you something," Rong Zemin told Yongzheng, who nodded his head, and the two left after giving a bow to Jian Guozhi.


    Jian Guozhi could not believe that the Pce had be more peaceful than the earlier times. This change was unpredictable, and even in his most beautiful dream, he had never thought all the Brothers would evere together. He went towards his chamber when encountered Ying Lili.


    A smile appeared on his lips. Ying Lili halted at her ce and lowered her head. Jian Guozhi also greeted her.


    "First Brother, it is pleasant to see you after so many days," Ying Lili said. Jian Guozhi said the same words to Ying Lili.


    "Crown Princess, thank you for giving a second chance to Xue''er," Jian Guozhi expressed her gratitude. Ying Lili was stunned to hear ''Xue''er'' from the mouth of Jian Guozhi. It made Ying Lili happy that the First Prince had taken her out of her head, and mind and epted Xue as his wife. She felt good that finally, Xue Yu-Yan received the love of Jian Guozhi.


    "Sometimes giving a second chance can bring good results," Ying Lili pronounced. Jian Guozhi agreed with Ying Lili, though in his mind Ying Lili was still the best woman. His admiration for Ying Lili could never die.


    "May I ask where the Crown Princess was heading to?" Jian Guozhi softly asked.


    "I was going to meet the Emperor. The past few days his health was not good, so I wanted to check if the Imperial Father was taking his medicines regrly," Ying Lili replied to Jian Guozhi, who nodded.


    "Crown Princess, I shall apany you as well. Can I?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    Court Lady Xu did not like it as she thought that the First Prince was unnecessarily conversing with the Crown Princess.


    "Why not, First Brother?" Ying Lili stated. Jian Guozhi thanked her, and the two left for the Emperor''s manor.


    While walking, Jian Guozhi told Ying Lili about today''s Court session. "It is great that some new talents cane to the Court and aid the Empire with their intellect," Ying Lili pronounced.


    They soon arrived at the manor of the Emperor. Eunuch Jin took them inside the chamber, where the Emperor was doing calligraphy.


    They both greeted the Emperor, who told them to take the seats. Both of them got seated on the respective chairs and waited for the Emperor to finish the calligraphy. After ten minutes, the Emperor had done calligraphy. Eunuch Jin took the brush from the Emperor and started cleaning it.


    "Is the Imperial Father taking his medicines regrly?" Ying Lili humbly asked.


    "Yes. The medicine rmended by Hu Jingguo is effective, and I now get a night of good sleep too," Han Wenji replied.


    "There is one more medicine which he had told me to start for you after twenty days. I will give it to the Imperial Father from tomorrow onwards," Ying Lili informed Han Wenji.


    "Does the Crown Princess have the knowledge of the medicine?" Han Wenji curiously asked.


    "Yes, Imperial Father," Ying Lili replied. "Hu Jingguo used to teach me whatever he learned from histe master. He even passed me the knowledge of some of the rare medicines," Ying Lili told Han Wenji, who was delighted to hear that.


    "The Crown Princess always surprises me with her extraordinary talent," Han Wenji stated. Jian Guozhi agreed with his father.


    A Pce Maid came inside along with a Royal Messanger and bowed in front of them.


    "Greetings to his royal majesty, the Crown Princess and the First Prince. This is the message from Lu Province." The messenger opened the scroll and read out the message.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. So, what could be the message from the Lu Province? Have any idea? Do share in thements.


    I will try to release as many as chapters in the Monday mass release.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 489 - Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 489 - Pregnant</h4>


    "Greetings to the Emperor from the King of Lu Province.


    From the blessings of the Heavens, Princess Qi Jing is pregnant with her first child," the messenger read out the message.


    Han Wenji, Jian Guozhi, and Ying Lili were happy to hear the news. Jian Guozhi stood up from his seat and took out a gold ring and bracelet. "It is such great news. Here," Jian Guozhi delightedly said and handed the bracelet to the messenger while the ring, to the Pce Maid.


    They thanked the First Prince for the generous gift. The Emperor also took out two golden rings from his fingers and handed them to Eunuch Jin. "Give these to them. Make arrangements for the stay of the Royal Messenger from Lu Province. I will soon be a grandfather!" The smile on his lips never reduced. "Also, send the precious gifts and jewels to Lu Province. Deliver this news to the entire Empire," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin.


    Jian Guozhi came towards the Emperor. "Father, I will be an uncle," Jian Guozhi said happily.


    Sheng Li walked out of prison with Wang Hao when a soldier came running towards them. The soldier halted in front of them and lowered his head. "Your Highness, Princess Qi is pregnant with her first child. The message hase from the Lu Province," the soldier informed Sheng Li, who was astonished to hear the good news.


    "Sister Qi Jing is pregnant!" Sheng Li hugged Wang Hao tightly. "I will be an uncle soon, Wang Hao." Wang Hao patted the back of Sheng Li, who, after a while, pulled away. He had a golden chain hanging around his neck and handed it to the soldier. "Wang Hao, I am going to meet my father. I will see you in the evening," Sheng Li informed him and left for the Emperor''s manor.


    As he reached the manor, he found everyone had gathered there. He stood by Ying Lili''s side. "Princess Qi Jing did not fail to do her duties. I have prayed to the Lord Buddha for Princess Qi''s safety. Your Majesty, I will daily go to the shrine to pray," Consort Ju Fen proimed.


    "Sister Ju, Sister Jinlong, and I will also join you," the Second Consort stated. Han Wenji permitted them and looked at Deng Hui.


    "Since her mother is no more, Empress Hui has to fulfill the duties of an Imperial Mother. I will hand you the work rted to sending gifts and jewels to the Lu Province," Han Wenji requested.


    Sheng Li skeptically looked at Deng Hui. He had no faith left in him, so he intervened and said, "Father, I will deploy some special soldiers to look into everything. Everything will be done under their eyes. If the Father, permits this, then that will be great."


    Everyone agreed with Sheng Li. Han Wenji permitted Sheng Li to keep an eye over that matter. Yongzheng skeptically looked at Sheng Li.


    ''Why is the Crown Prince acting strangely towards the Empress? He did not even greet her. With the former Empress, he never acted that way. What has happened between these two?'' Yongzheng thought.


    "Father, I am thinking of sending the Royal Designers to Lu Province. They will sew and design the clothes for the future child of Sister Jing," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Everyone started tough. "Prince Jian, there is time for that. We know that as an elder brother you are concerned for your sister, but sending designers at this time will not be appropriate. You shall visit your sister if you want to," Han Wenji permitted Jian Guozhi when Sheng Li also asked for permission.


    "You both brothers can go to the Lu Province," Han Wenji told them. Sheng Li was delighted to hear that. After an hour, everyone left the manor of the Emperor except the Empress who had to discuss a few things with the Emperor.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili reached his chamber. Sheng Li tightly hugged Ying Lili. "I am so happy for Sister Jing. Prince Lu Qifeng took great care of my sister. I am so excited to meet my sister, Lili," Sheng Li pulled away and, with glistening eyes, gazed at Ying Lili, who was also happy.


    "Yes. Sister Jing will get happy to see you. Will you take me with you? I also want to meet her," Ying Lili expressed her desire.


    "Of course. I will take you with me. Without you, it''s difficult to go on a journey now," Sheng Li replied and again pulled Ying Lili into a hug.


    ~~~~


    Nianzu talked with the Royal Inspector regarding the family that Huo Jin mentioned to him.


    "I will look into it," Lian Hong assured Nianzu, who thanked him. Nianzu was ready to leave when Lian Hong stopped him.


    "I received the Crown Prince''s message in the early morning. His Highness wants you to give the uing Civil Services Examination and secure the topmost rank in the exam," Lian Hong informed Nianzu, who was stunned to hear that.


    "I cannot give the exam. My identity can be revealed this way. And, also someone might attack us," Nianzu told Lian Hong about his fear.


    "If the Crown Prince has sent such a message then there might be a reason behind it. Please take the Civil Services exam. Also, you do not need to fear anymore. I have deployed a few spies around your house. You arepletely safe," Lian Hong assured Nianzu, who contemted for a while.


    The Crown Prince might have found ways to eliminate those evil Ministers. Nianzu thought. He had no idea if the Crown Prince found out the true face of the Empress or not. Nianzu told Lian Hong that he would write the exam.


    "Did the Crown Prince tell when he will be here?" Nianzu queried.


    "There is no news regarding that," Lian Hong humbly replied. Nianzu reminded Lian Hong about that family again before leaving.


    On his way home, he found so many young children ying games. Some people were going to the riverside to see the preparation for the evening''s match for the dragon boat race. Amidst all this, Nianzu was thinking why the Crown Prince wanted him to give the Civil Services Exam. Was the Crown Prince thinking of bringing him back to Luoyang? But, how? This was the biggest question in front of Nianzu.


    Nianzu was confident that he would easily qualify for the exam. But why did the Crown Prince want him to secure the topmost rank? If he got Rank 1, he would definitelye into the eyes of the people. ''If Brother Sheng wants this, then he might have thought something. I will try my best to get the topmost rank,'' Nianzu made up his mind.


    He hastened his steps towards his home. As he stepped inside the house, he saw Chuntao was weaving bamboo baskets with Huo Jin. She had a beautiful smile on her lips, which brought a smile to Nianzu''s lips.


    "Nianzu!" Huo Jin called out his name. Chuntao lifted her gaze and looked at him. Huo Jin had by then stood by Nianzu and made him wear the bamboo hat.


    "You look like a great martial artist in it.. It suits you," Huo Jin told Nianzu, who thanked him.

 Chapter 490 - Qu Yuan, The Great Poet

    <h4>Chapter 490 - Qu Yuan, The Great Poet</h4>


    In the evening, the dragon boat festival started. The entire Royal Family was present at the Imperial River Bridge, where the Emperor had to give a green g to start the dragon boat race. Four boats have been prepared with ten people in each boat. The Dragon faces were carved at the front of the boats.


    As soon as the Emperor showed the green g, the race started and loud cheers of the people reverberated in the air. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu predicted that boat 3rd would win.


    The Emperor and the Princes could not stay outside for long, so soon returned to the Pce.


    Lei Wanxi happened to buy the Zongzi Rice dumplings while returning to the Pce. He gave one stick to Weng Yu, who told Lei Wanxi about his training. "It''s good to see Brother Yu bing stronger," Lei Wanxiplimented Weng Yu.


    "Brother, why don''t you train with me? You will get stronger, then," Weng Yu asserted.


    "Brother Yu, don''t you know that I do not like all these things. Moreover, there are no longer any battles, so there is no use to learn all that," Lei Wanxi stated and started to eat the dumplings.


    "Prince Yu, your brother is toozy to do anything. He only wants to live a life full offort," Zhu Lin voiced, who was behind them. Both the Princes turned to look at her.


    "How could you hear the conversation of two brothers?" Lei Wanxiined.


    "It was not private. The Princes were loud enough to be heard," Zhu Lin stated and passed a smile to Lei Wanxi, who put his hand on his chest. Zhu Lin noticed that and stepped forward. She stood beside Lei Wanxi and whispered in her ear, "Prince Wanxi, I will wait for your answer. Hopefully, you will consider your feelings for me."


    Lei Wanxi tilted his head to nce at Zhu Lin, who walked away. Weng Yu looked at Lei Wanxi and asked him if he was okay. "I am not okay, Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Brother shall visit with the Royal Physician," Weng Yu advised Lei Wanxi, who shook his head.


    "Brother Yu, it''s something you cannot understand. I am getting hungrier because of this," Lei Wanxi proimed and quickly took out another stick of dumplings from the envelope he had in his other hand.


    "Brother, are you excited about the dinner? It''s the first time we all brothers will dine together. The Third Brother told me that there will be entertainment too. I am still young, so I cannot drink wine. I want to grow up fast and be like my brothers, especially the Crown Prince," Weng Yu excitedly said.


    Lei Wanxi stopped eating. "Brother Yu has lost his mind. Growing up is no fun," Lei Wanxi suddenly told him. Weng Yu got confused.


    "Brother Wanxi used to tell me to grow up quickly to enjoy life," Weng Yu affirmed.


    "I was wrong, Brother Yu. These days my bad luck is prevalent. I am sick of these weird feelings," Lei Wanxi murmured and walked away. Weng Yu could not understand the words of Lei Wanxi. He thought to go behind him when he recalled that he had to study a topic, so he left for his chamber.


    Lei Wanxi finished eating the dumplings and handed the envelope to a servant. "Throw it away," Lei Wanxi told him and took out his fan. Slowly, he fanned himself while thinking about the confession of Zhu Lin.


    ''I never encountered such a bold woman! She kissed¡­ No, Wanxi, that''s not considered a kiss. She pecked me on my forehead and then confessed. She has confused me more. And, why is she leaving in the early morning?'' The thoughts of Lei Wanxi kept changing. ''It is good if she leaves. These feelings will end, then I can enjoy my life again. Probably my good luck will return too. But, what if the opposite happens?''


    Lei Wanxi closed the fan and saw a pir ahead. He rested his forehead against it. "Brother Nianzu, I need you. Pleasee back," Lei Wanxi mumbled.


    ~~~~~


    In Xiandong, Nianzu sneezed and it worried Chuntao. "Are you getting cold?" Chuntao asked him.


    "No. I think Wanxi is missing me," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Really? How do you know?" Chuntao asked him.


    "Whenever Brother Wanxi gets into trouble, he recalls me. I used to get sneezes- one or two. That was enough indication for me," Nianzu asserted and grasped the hand of Chuntao.


    "Do you want to go to the River Bridge?" Nianzu asked Chuntao, who nodded her head. Huo Jin did not apany them today as he thought to find out about the family. Although Nianzu had told him that he had talked to the Royal Inspector regarding that, Huo Jin could not stop himself from finding out about the family.


    In the market, a few dancers were performing the Dragon dance in the Dragon''s costume. Nianzu and Chuntao watched the performance for a while, before leaving for the river bridge where many people had gathered.


    On the river bridge, manynterns were hung to illuminate the bridge. A storyteller was narrating the story of the Dragon boat Festival.


    "Is it true?" Chuntao asked Nianzu about the story.


    "Hmm. It is said that a great poet of Warring States, Qu Yuan,mitted suicide after jumping into a river. He was known as the most upright and honest Government official but ndered publicly by another official. Qu Yuan was then sent into exile. He wrote poems to spend his exile, but his mind was always troubled. So he jumped into the Miluo River. The people were panicked that his body might get eaten by fish, so went into the boats and retrieved his body. From then onwards, this dragon boat race is famous," Nianzu narrated the story briefly to Chuntao.


    "Have you read the poems written by him?" Chuntao curiously asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu answered.


    "You also write poems, right?" Chuntao curiously asked.


    "Hmm." "I wrote one poem for you as well. Do you want to hear?" Nianzu asked.


    "I would love to," Chuntao replied. Nianzu was ready to speak when the loud drum beats started to y as the boat race was ending soon. Chuntao giggled and told Nianzu to tell herter.


    "Chun, there is something I bought for you. I saw that the hairpin you had is broken, so it''s a new one," Nianzu showed her a silver hairpin. He moved closer to her and fixed the hairpin in Chuntao''s bun. "It looks good," Nianzu whispered and looked at Chuntao.


    Chuntao tiptoed and kissed his lips.. Nianzu kissed her back and gave her a side hug.

 Chapter 491 - Show Me Your Hand

    <h4>Chapter 491 - Show Me Your Hand</h4>


    Sheng Li entered the hall where his brothers were waiting for him. Rong Zemin came towards Sheng Li. "Brother, you gotte. Come, have a seat," Rong Zemin gestured towards the seat.


    "Where''s Lei Wanxi?" Sheng Li asked as he did not find him.


    "He ising. He had gone again outside the Pce to watch the boat race," Rong Zemin replied. Sheng Li hummed and looked at Weng Yu.


    "Do you want to say something? Why are you looking at me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Brother Sheng, I am happy that you joined the dinner," Weng Yu answered. Sheng Li passed him a smile and told him not to drink wine.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng," Weng Yu agreed and showed him the silver ss with fresh apple juice. "I am drinking an apple juice," Weng Yu happily said. Sheng Li nodded when Yongzheng came to him.


    "Brother Sheng, have this wine. It is imported from the west," Yongzheng stated. Sheng Li thanked him and sipped the wine. Yongzheng went back to his seat.


    Lei Wanxi came inside and apologized to them for beingte. Lei Wanxi instead of sitting in his seat sat beside Sheng Li. "Wanxi, are you in trouble?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "No," Lei Wanxi replied.


    Sheng Li nced at him. "Are you sure? What is happening between you and Princess Zhu Lin?" Sheng Li asked and again took a sip.


    The rest of the Princes looked at Lei Wanxi. "Is Brother Wanxi again fighting with the Princess?" Yongzheng queried.


    Before Lei Wanxi could answer, Sheng Li said, "Second Brother, our Lei Wanxi has grown up. He has fallen in love."


    "Is it true, Brother Wanxi? You love Princess Zhu Lin?" Rong Zemin asked and started teasing him.


    Lei Wanxi shook his head and moved his hands in the air. "No, no. That''s not true," Lei Wanxi again ignored his feelings.


    "You told Lili the other day that your heart strangely beats around her. Why are you lying?" Sheng Li confusedly looked at him.


    "I told Sister Lili that it cannot be true. I hate her," Lei Wanxi stated. He grabbed the wine ss from Sheng Li''s hand and gulped the wine. Putting the ss on the table, he wiped his lips.


    "Let''s not talk about that. We are here to enjoy," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "Shall we start with a dance performance? The dancers are skilled in every type of dance form," Rong Zemin said delightedly and gestured to Eunuch Long to call the dancers.


    Seven female dancers came to the hall and bowed before the princes before starting their dance. Sheng Li was least interested in their dance, and with each passing second, he was getting bored.


    ''I still have to prepare her favorite flowers. What if I gette? Then, I have to check the preparation in the Residence,'' Sheng Li thought when Lei Wanxi shook him.


    "What happened, Brother Sheng? I called your name thrice," affirmed Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother Sheng, today your focus shall be here," Yongzheng told him. Sheng Li looked towards the dance floor and gazed at the dancers.


    ~~~~


    Xue Yu-Yan, Bai Yaling, and Liao Jun could be seen in the chamber of the Crown Princess. They wereughing while conversing with each other.


    "Sister Lili, the Crown Prince''s decision made our husbands think twice for the second marriage. Our mother-inws wanted our husbands to go for second wives too, but because the Crown Prince started with a single wife pledge, even our husbands refused to get second wives," Liao Jun informed Ying Lili.


    "I am d that the Second and Third Brothers did not get influenced to get the second wives. Mostly, it is to get more heirs," Ying Lili stated and looked at Bai Yaling, who appeared quieter to her.


    "Sister Bai, is everything alright?" Ying Lili asked with a concerned expression.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head and faked a smile.


    "You can share with us if anything is bothering you," Ying Lili told Bai Yaling, who thanked the Crown Princess for her concern.


    "The Princes are having fun in the hall. Prince Zemin had called a few dancers. One of the dancers is prettiest, and her dance moves are enough to sway the hearts of men," the personal assistant of Liao Jun, Yujie, informed them.


    "Prince Zemin has arranged the dancers?" Liao Jun was shocked to hear this.


    "The Princes are having fun after a long time," Bai Yaling stated.


    "What if they got swayed by those dancers? Men''s hearts are crazy. I did not expect this from my husband," Liao Junined and looked at Yujie. "Has the Prince fixated his gaze on that prettiest dancer?" She queried.


    "I could not see that your highness," Yujie replied.


    Ying Lili wondered what Sheng Li was doing. She recalled his words that he never watched dances, then how could he watch it today?


    "Sister Lili, we shall check on our husbands. We cannot let them enjoy it this way. Let''s sit along with them, and then it would be more fun," Liao Jun suggested to Ying Lili.


    "I do not think it would be appropriate to go to them. After a long time, all the Princes had gathered together. We shall let them enjoy," Ying Lili advised them.


    However, Liao Jun was not satisfied with the advice of the Crown Princess. "What if those dancers seduce our husbands?" She looked with skepticism at all of them.


    Ying Lili found that the Third Prince''s wife was possessive of him. It is not her fault though. Every wife can get possessive of her husband. "Sister Liao, we shall keep trust in them. Earlier, Sister Liao said to herself that her husband wants only you as his wife. So, she shall not get worried," Ying Lili this time calmly exined to Liao Jun.


    "I know, Sister Lili but--" Liao Jun paused and stood up from her seat, bewildering them. "--I do not trust those dancers. Sister Lili, I aming in a while," she said and walked out of the chamber, followed by her assistant.


    "I will stop Sister Liao Jun," stated Xue Yu-Yan and walked out of the chamber, whose personal assistant went behind her.


    Ying Lili peered at Bai Yaling and then at Court Lady Xu. "Please send the maidservants outside." Court Lady Xu bowed and told the maidservants to leave the chamber. Once they left, Ying Lili thought to ask Bai Yaling.


    "Sister Bai, now, there is no one," Ying Lili pronounced. Bai Yaling lifted her gaze to look at the Crown Princess and heard, "Sister Bai can tell me what she is going through."


    "There is nothing going on, Sister Lili," Bai Yaling again refused.


    "The wound on the palm of Sister Bai''s hand is showing something else," Ying Lili asserted. Bai Yaling pulled her sleeve down. She did her best not to let the wound get shown to anyone.


    "I slipped in the bathhouse," Bai Yaling replied. "I did not want to worry anyone, so did not call the Royal Physician," she added.


    Ying Lili stood up from the chair and went towards Bai Yaling. "Please show me your hand, Sister Bai," Ying Lili requested her.. Bai Yaling hesitated and fidgeted with her fingers when Ying Lili again repeated her words.

 Chapter 492 - Prince Yongzheng Would Stoop This Low

    <h4>Chapter 492 - Prince Yongzheng Would Stoop This Low</h4>


    Ying Lili grasped the hand of Bai Yaling, gently and looked at the deep red bruise on her palm. Ying Lili''s heart palpitated seeing the sight of Bai Yaling. Court Lady Xu brought her hand near her mouth seeing the wound.


    "Sister Lili, it will heal--"


    "It will never heal if Sister Bai does not dress it. This wound is not from slipping in the bathhouse, instead, it is from someone''s beating," Ying Lili spoke finally. There was agony in her voice. "Did by any chance the Second Prince hurt you?" Ying Lili asked Bai Yaling, who shook her head.


    "Sister, at least be truthful in front of me. I selected you as the wife of the Second Prince, so this is partially my fault too." A tear rolled down Ying Lili''s cheek and she told the Court Lady Xu to call the Royal Physician.


    "Sister Lili, I beg you," Bai Yaling said and pulled her hand back. She lowered her head and continued, "Please do not call the Royal Physician." Bai Yaling started to cry. Ying Lili then instructed Court Lady Xu to bring a few herbs from the Royal infirmary. "Do not let anyone enter inside. Pass this to all the maidservants," Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu, who nodded her head and walked out.


    Ying Lili pulled Bai Yaling up from her arms and brought her to the bed. Making her sit on the bed, Ying Lili sat beside her. She wiped the tears off Bai Yaling''s eyes. "Forgive me. You underwent so much pain because of me. There is no one here. I promise you this will be between us and if needed I will take the help of the Crown Prince," Ying Lili stated.


    "I do not need any help, Sister Lili. I do not want to say anything. It was not your fault. It was my destiny to be with the Second Prince," Bai Yaling asserted and again started to cry. Ying Lili could not believe that Prince Yongzheng would stoop this low and raise his hand on his wife. It made her more guilty because she was unaware of the fact or she never tried to look towards the other Princesses.


    "Sister Bai, if you do not tell me then I will take it to the Emperor," Ying Lili used the threatening way. Bai Yaling pleaded with Ying Lili not to do that.


    "I have to if Sister Bai will not tell me," Ying Lili menacingly stated. "Sister Bai, the Second Prince has no right to treat you this way. You are a human," Ying Lili''s eyes again became watery. "It seems he hit you with a sharp object," Ying Lili said with a heavy heart.


    Bai Yaling had no words left. Indeed, Prince Yongzheng took his anger out on her. She had never thought her life would end up like this.


    "Sister Bai, please tell me. You can trust me," Ying Lili said while caressing Bai Yaling''s cheek.


    "Sis-Sister Lili, Prince Yongzheng was in angerst night, so he p-pushed me away. I could not bnce myself and get hit against the edge of the table first. I tried to calm him down when he again pushed me and my hand touched the de of the knife," Bai Yaling narrated to Ying Lili and started crying.


    "Did the Second Prince asionally do this to you?" Ying Lili asked.


    Bai Yaling lowered her eyes. Ying Lili understood her answer. "Did you get injured anywhere else?" Ying Lili asked.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head. "My back and lower waist, my left arm and near the corbone," Bai Yaling told Ying Lili, who ended up crying. She wanted to kill Yongzheng for treating his own wife in this way. Ying Lili hugged Bai Yaling tightly.


    "Sister Bai, you will not suffer anymore. An-Ying Lili promises you that she would end your pain and punish the culprit," Ying Lili gave Bai Yaling her words, who pulled back.


    "No, Sister Lili. I am fine. He is my husband," Bai Yaling stated. Ying Lili could see the fear in her eyes and at the same time the love she had for Yongzheng. But he did not deserve that love.


    "You might end up dying this way!" Ying Lili remarked. This was true though. The wound on Bai Yaling''s hand was enough to show how violent Yongzheng was to her. "Sister Bai, even if he is your husband, he has no right to raise his hand on you," Ying Lili pronounced. "You have an identity, Sister Bai. You did not marry in this family to get abused like this," she made her understand.


    "Sister Lili, what good will happen if I raise my voice? You also know that this is a society led by men. Only our image will tarnish. My parents'' names can get dragged into this. I am happy that Sister Lili understood my pain. These wounds will go away soon. Prince is loaded with work, that''s why he sometimes gets angry. I will bear it," Bai Yaling was not ready to let Ying Lili take action. She had the fear that her husband might leave her and might get a second wife.


    "It''s your life, Sister Bai. You have your own self-respect. No one can hurt it. Even though the Prince is loaded with work, it does not mean that he will treat you this way. He shall leave work if he cannot bear the pressure," Ying Lili suddenly got angry. "Sister Bai, I am getting hurt only by hearing all this. I cannot even imagine how much you are suffering!" Ying Lili asserted.


    "Sister Bai, nothing will happen. Trust me. You do not need to be scared. You have not done anything wrong," Ying Lili consoled her.


    Court Lady Xu came by then and put the tray on the table. "Your Highness, I made sure that no one saw me," Court Lady Xu reassured Ying Lili, who nodded.


    Ying Lili stood up and took the mortar from the tray. She ground the herbs in it into a coarse paste. Ying Lili then cleaned the hand of Bai Yaling before applying the herbal paste.


    "Ahh," Bai Yaling winced in pain, so Ying Lili blew the air while applying the paste. "Sister Bai, if you don''t mind then will you show me your other wounds?" Ying Lili humbly asked her after dressing Bai Yaling''s hand.


    Bai Yaling gave permission to Ying Lili. Court Lady Xu came forward and helped Bai Yaling in taking off the clothes.


    Oppositely, Ying Lili had made up her mind to punish Yongzheng. ''The Second Prince has not improved. The reason for Prince Yongzheng''s anger might be us. However, he is not showing this to anyone, especially to Sheng Li.'' Ying Lili thought. She checked the arm and back of Bai Yaling.


    Her eyes were misty seeing Bai Yaling''s back. The marks of the bruises left had turned violet. Ying Lili applied the paste on those bruises. "Sister Bai, do not let him harm you. Please raise your voice if he does wrong to you and do tell me if he raises his hand again at you.. I do not want to see you in this state anymore," Ying Lili affirmed.

 Chapter 493 - Tough To Survive Those Times

    <h4>Chapter 493 - Tough To Survive Those Times</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan had stopped Liao Jun and made her understand not to disturb the Princes and let them have fun. Liao Jun finally agreed with Xue Yu-Yan and left for the Crown Princess''s chamber. Ying Lili had by then dressed Bai Yaling, and Court Lady Xu had taken away the medicine tray.


    They all conversed for some more time. Later, the three Princesses took their leave. Court Lady Xu looked at Ying Lili''s worried expression.


    "Your highness, please do not stress yourself. Tomorrow is a great day for you," Court Lady Xu stated.


    "How can I not get worried? Such a heinous thing happened with Sister Bai, yet no one found out about this. I was the one who selected her as the bride for Brother Yongzheng. How could this happen? I am guilty, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili stated and heaved a sigh. She stood up and started to pace in the room.


    "What shall I do, Court Lady Xu? I cannot let Sister Bai suffer," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Your Highness, even if you raise your voice, then nothing will happen. Princess Bai Yaling might not speak, and it might backfire at you. I urge the Crown Princess not to do anything. That is the matter between Prince Yongzheng and his wife. Her Highness does not need to get involved," Court Lady Xu expressed her viewpoint. She was well aware of the nature of Prince Yongzheng.


    "I cannot let it slip, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili said in a firm tone. "He apologized to Sheng Li a few days ago. We all thought that he had improved but--" Ying Lili sighed.


    "Your Highness, Prince Yongzheng is not a good person. I have seen the Second Prince growing. He appears gentle but behind the doors, he is not a nice person," Court Lady Xu told Ying Lili, who halted at her ce.


    Ying Lili always wanted to know what the Second Prince did to Sheng Li, but he always ignored her question. "Court Lady Xu, what did Prince Yongzheng do to Sheng Li when he was young? Could you please tell me?" Ying Lili asked.


    Court Lady Xu bowed and nodded her head. "I was a mere Pce Maid that time in the Emperor''s manor. However, the Emperor appointed me to the Crown Prince''s manor to take good care of him. The Crown Prince returned to Luoyang when he turned 11, and at that time the first three Princes got insecure about their positions.


    Prince Yongzheng once pushed the Crown Prince deep into the river. Luckily, Eunuch Xing-Fu reached there and saved the Crown Prince. But in front of the Emperor, Prince Yongzheng proved the Crown Prince guilty.


    On one asion, Prince Yongzheng intentionally dropped the boiling oil on his highness''s chest- over the wound that the Former Empress gave to his highness."


    Ying Lili''s heart was wrenched to hear that. That was why that scar never disappeared. She cursed herself for telling Sheng Li to forgive Yongzheng and start afresh with him. "Why did he not tell me?" Ying Lili asked. The tears could be seen at the edges of her eyes.


    "His Highness did not want you to know the pain that he had undergone. It was tough for him to survive those times. The First and the Third Prince were not that harsh on the Crown Prince, but the Second Prince¡­" The Court Lady''s voice quivered, reminiscing about those days.


    "Court Lady Xu, I want to know everything," Ying Lili requested.


    "Your Highness, there was one terrifying incident. The Crown Prince could have l-lost his life. His Majesty was in another Province, and the Five Princes decided to go to the forest. Prince Yongzheng intentionally sent the Crown Prince to a wrong route which opened into the inner forest. General Wang used to follow the Crown Prince, so he saved his highness. There were many instances when the Second Prince tried to harm his highness. He was the only Prince, who used to even punish his servants," Court Lady narrated to Ying Lili and also told a few more incidents.


    Ying Lili could not hold her tears back. She ended up crying. Court Lady Xu panicked. "Forgive me, Your Highness. My intention was not to hurt you," Court Lady Xu asserted.


    Ying Lili sobbed and, after a while, stopped weeping. A thought came into her mind, and she rushed out of the chamber. "Your Highness!" Court Lady Xu rushed after Ying Lili, who had run out of Zhenzhu''s residence.


    Ying Lili went straight to the hall where the Princes had gathered to dine. The Third Prince feast suddenly organized a dinner for all the brothers. What if the Second Prince tried to harm Sheng Li? This thought troubled her after finding out the reality of Yongzheng.


    She heard the sound of the zither, Xiao (Chinese Flute), and guzheng as she reached near the hall. The guards standing outside the hall, at a regr interval, got confused seeing the Crown Princess running. Ying Lili, without caring stepped inside the hall. Lei Wanxi saw her first and called her.


    Ying Lili was panting. He looked around but did not find Sheng Li. Rong Zemin told the musician to stop ying the music, and they all stood up from their respective seats. The dancers had stopped dancing and stepped back as Ying Lili came forward.


    "What happened, Crown Princess?" Jian Guozhi asked and went towards her.


    "Where''s Sheng Li?" Ying Lili immediately questioned. The Princes found that something was wrong with the Crown Princess.


    "Calm down, Crown Princess. Did something happen?" Jian Guozhi asked and knitted his brows. Lei Wanxi had alsoe to her.


    "I am calm. Where''s Sheng Li?" Ying Lili again gazed around the hall. "Did he drink something, or did he eat?" Ying Lili queried.


    "Sister Lili, Brother Sheng left a long time ago. He did not even have his dinner with us," Lei Wanxi replied. Ying Lili was relieved to hear this. "Did he note to your chamber?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    Ying Lili shook her head and thanked Lei Wanxi.. She gazed at Yongzheng, red at him, and left the hall.

 Chapter 494 - Need Your Care And Your Affection [Bonus ]

    <h4>Chapter 494 - Need Your Care And Your Affection [Bonus ]</h4>


    Jian Guozhi went behind the Crown Princess, who was in the hallway, walking slowly, apanied by Court Lady Xu. Jian Guozhi approached her and cleared his throat. Ying Lili tilted her head and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Can I trust the First Brother?" Ying Lili''s first question was this.


    Jian Guozhi drew his brows together and nodded his head. Ying Lili started to walk while Jian Guozhi followed her up. He was curious to know what was going on in the head of the Crown Princess and why she acted this way.


    "Brother Sheng does not like to watch dances. It irritates him," Jian Guozhi stated, and a tiny smile appeared on his lips. "But, why did the Crown Princess ask if Brother Sheng had his dinner with us or not?" Jian Guozhi finally asked.


    "I thought someone might poison him," Ying Lili rified. Jian Guozhi was not surprised to hear this answer. They had used such ways to kill Sheng Li earlier, so a wife''s concern was legit at that moment. However, he felt as if the Crown Princess had yet to trust them fully.


    "Did the Crown Princess think we could poison the Crown Prince?" Jian Guozhi queried.


    "No." Ying Lili''s immediate answer made Jian Guozhi happy but then what was the reason that he thought that way and rushed to the hall. "I do not trust the Second Brother," Ying Lili finally confessed and halted at her ce.


    "He apologized to Brother Sheng long ago," Jian Guozhi tried to make things easy. After such a long time, enmity had ended among them.


    "Brother Jian, will you help me?" Ying Lili asked for a favor.


    "The Crown Princess does not need to ask," Jian Guozhi gave his confirmation.


    "I want Brother Jian to keep a check on the Second Prince. Please inform me if you find anything," Ying Lili requested. Jian Guozhi hummed. He was confident now that something was going on with the Second Prince. Hopefully, he had not nned to harm Sheng Li else they would again get onto bad terms.


    "Sheng Li never shared everything with me rted to his childhood. I only know a few things about his three elder brothers. The First Brother has repented on his mistakes, but I am not sure if the Second Brother has also done the same. It is difficult to trust a person, who broke every limit of inhumanity a long time ago," Ying Lili told Jian Guozhi, who understood what she tried to deliver to him.


    "Crown Princess, Second Brother remains quiet most of the time. It is difficult to find what is going on in his head. If such a doubt about the Second Prince''s behavior has risen in the mind of the Crown Princess, then there might be some reasons. I will not ask you about those reasons. Give me some time. I will surely tell you about the Second Prince," Jian Guozhi reassured Ying Lili, who thanked him.


    "Brother Jian, do you know where Sheng Li went?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Brother Sheng said that he has important work to do," Jian Guozhi replied. He did not want to ruin the surprise that Sheng Li had prepared from Ying Lili.


    "I shall take my leave. I will wait for your answer, Brother Jian," Ying Lili stated and bowed. Jian Guozhi also bowed for her. Ying Lili tilted her head back and looked at Court Lady Xu. "Let''s go," she said and walked past the First Prince.


    ''Is the Second Brother plotting something? The Crown Princess never reacted this way,'' Jian Guozhi thought and left for his chamber.


    ~~~~


    "Your Highness, why did you tell the First Prince? What if he is the same as the Second Prince?" Court Lady Xu expressed her concern.


    "The First Brother has changed. I have trust in Brother Jian. Also, Court Lady Xu, Brother Jian once was with the Second Prince and abused the Crown Prince," Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu, who understood her.


    They halted near the patio of the Zhenzhu Residence. "Court Lady Xu, I thought I seeded in bringing the hearts of every brother together. I never knew that the kindness shown to someone might backfire. Prince Yongzheng is abusing his wife, and behind those walls nning many things that we do not know," Ying Lili frowned and looked up at the sky.


    "Your Highness, the Crown Prince will supervise all this. He has his spies with the help of whom he will protect everyone around him," Court Lady Xu stated.


    Ying Lili went silent. Court Lady Xu told her to go in, but Ying Lili refused. "I am waiting for Sheng Li. Where did he go? He should havee here. Does he not know I have not taken my dinner? He could have gone to the barracks tomorrow." Ying Liliined.


    "Your Highness, his highness does not like to watch dance and listen to music. The Crown Prince might have something urgent to look after," Court Lady Xu stated.


    "He always works, yet no one cares for that. Most people think he got the position because of the Emperor''s favors. However, they fail to understand how much effort Sheng Li has put into protecting them. He neverined about the wounds he got. How could they treat him like this?"


    Ying Lili suddenly turned emotional. She was sad that the Princes had fun even in the absence of the Crown Prince. They did not force him to stay with them and let him go to the barracks.


    "Can''t they even see that Sheng Li also needs rest? He does not speak, but it does not mean that--" She stopped speaking as she felt a robe around her and felt the familiar arms that had encircled around her belly.


    "Your Husband does not like to watch dance. Your husband does not like to eat without his wife beside him. That''s why he left in the middle," Sheng Li whispered in Ying Lili''s ear and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I do not need the care of others.. I only need your care and your affection," Sheng Li appended.

 Chapter 495 - You Got Seduced By Her, Right?

    <h4>Chapter 495 - You Got Seduced By Her, Right?</h4>


    "A family''s care is also important," Ying Lili argued.


    "You are my family, Lili," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili took a forward step while Sheng Li straightened up. She turned to him and gazed into his eyes. "What were you doing in that hall? I heard that you were panicking. Did something happen?" Sheng Li asked concernedly.


    "Hmm." "The Second Prince has abused his Bai. I saw the wounds on her body. Sheng Li, Brother Yongzheng is still the same." Ying Lili did not want to keep the secret from Sheng Li, so she revealed the truth regarding Yongzheng.


    A menacing expression appeared on Sheng Li''s face. "How did you find out?" He asked.


    "From Sister Bai. She was scared to share this. After many requests, she told me. Then, Court Lady Xu told me that Brother Yongzheng had been abusive to his servants for a long time. He used to beat them up to vent his anger on them. She even told me that how--" Ying Lili could not speak further as her heart ached from reminiscing about them.


    "I will look into it," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili and caressed her head. Ying Lili thanked him and urged him to do everything fast.


    "You came to the hall to inform me about this matter?" Sheng Li raised his eyebrow.


    "No. Court Lady Xu told me how the Second Brother plotted against you. So, I was scared. I thought he might have fed poison to you," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li could see in her eyes that she had found out about his dark past which he hid from her or avoided most of the time. He tilted his head back to look at Court Lady Xu.


    "Next time, I will not let it go," Sheng Li threatened her, who apologized to him.


    Sheng Li turned his head back to Ying Lili. "Lili, the Second Prince cannot do that. Your husband has eyes everywhere," Sheng Li told her and put his hand down. After an hour, Ying Lili''s birthday woulde, and seeing her worry was concerning for him.


    "Come, let''s go to our private residence," Sheng Li grasped her wrist and took her to their private residence. Soon, they reached the residence after taking a ride on Kongqi.


    They went to their private chamber inside the residence. Sheng Li pulled out a chair and pushed Ying Lili gently on it. Pouring water into a ss, he handed it to Ying Lili. "Drink it," Sheng Li told her.


    "Bring the food," Sheng Li then ordered Court Lady Xu, who bowed and stepped out of the chamber.


    Ying Lili drank the water and put it on the table. Sheng Li sat beside her on the other chair.


    "Why are we here?" Ying Lili asked.


    "To spend time," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "Sheng Li, I heard from the assistant of Sister Liao Jun about the dancers. She told us that there was a beautiful dancer too," Ying Lili suddenly said.


    "So?"


    "You did not look at her!" Ying Lili astonishingly asked Sheng Li.


    "I don''t remember watching any dancer in particr. Why did you ask?" Sheng Li asked and rested his elbow on the table while his chin was on his fist.


    "Sister Liao was worried that she might seduce the princes," Ying Lili replied.


    Court Lady Xu came with two maidservants, who served the food to them. One of them tasted the food before letting the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess eat it.


    "Leave," Sheng Li ordered them. They all lowered their heads and stepped backward.


    "Did you think the same?" Sheng Li curiously asked.


    "No," Ying Lili replied and picked the chopsticks. She picked the rice bowl and dug the chopsticks into it. Picking a small quantity of cooked rice, Ying Lili brought the chopsticks near her mouth but stopped as she heard Sheng Li.


    "Well, her figure is nice," Sheng Li remarked.


    Ying Lili widened her eyes and tilted her head to look at him. "Pardon!" She could not believe what she heard.


    "Her figure is nice," Sheng Li repeated his words with a grin on his face.


    Ying Lili blinked a few times and ate the rice. After chewing her food, she asked him, "So, you did watch the dance. You earlier said that you don''t remember any dancer in particr. Did you learn to lie to your wife?" Ying Lili''s tone was clear to show that she was angry.


    "I recalled moments ago. She has theserge, beautiful pearly eyes; a tiny nose; long eyshes; long ck hair reaching below her waist and a slender waist," Sheng Li described her features.


    Ying Lili stopped eating and snickered. She angrily threw the chopsticks on the te. So, even Sheng Li checked out that dancer! Ying Lili was proud of thinking that Sheng Li was not like the other men. Her mood was already ruined after knowing the true face of Yongzheng and it ruined more after Sheng Li exined about another woman in front of her.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li intentionally asked. Teasing Ying Lili was fun for him. On rare asions, she acted this way, and this face of hers, seemed cutest to Sheng Li.


    "She even grabbed my hand once and asked me to dance with her," Sheng Li added fuel to the fire.


    "Then, why are you here?" Ying Lili turned furious. "Go and dance with her," Ying Lili said angrily.


    "Oh! Thank you, Lili. You are such a sweet wife," Sheng Li stated and stood up from the chair.


    Ying Lili could not believe that Sheng Li was desperate to go for a dance with the other woman. He told her that they would spend time together, yet Sheng Li wanted to dance with another woman!?Big tears formed in her eyes when Sheng Li stopped behind her chair and put his hands on her shoulders.


    "Don''t touch me!" Ying Lili was annoyed. She yanked away his hands from her shoulders, but Sheng Li again put his hands on them.


    He pulled her up when Ying Lili angrily turned to him and said, "Don''t annoy me. Go away."


    Sheng Li smiled upon seeing her reaction, but then he saw the tears in her eyes.


    "Oh, my Lili! You are such an angry bird. Why would I go to another woman when I have one? Huh?" Sheng Li moved the back of his index finger down her nose and quickly kissed her lips.


    "Do you think this will bring my anger down?" Ying Lili questioned him. "I will kill you if you go near another woman, and I will also kill that woman, who trieding closer to you," Ying Lili loudly said. She grabbed his robes from the cors. "How dare you notice these many features of another woman? You got seduced by her, right?" Ying Lili''s anger reached the heavenly sky.


    Sheng Li ended up smiling. "You are cute, Lili."


    "You-" Ying Lili could not speak as Sheng Li captured her lips. He withdrew back and said, "I remember only one woman who can dance and make my heart go crazy." Ying Lili''s anger reduced gradually, and she confusedly peered at him.


    "I only remember one woman, who can seduce me; who has theserge, beautiful pearly eyes; a tiny nose; long eyshes; long ck hair reaching below her waist and a slender waist." Sheng Li repeated the words that he mentioned earlier to her. "She is the only woman who grabbed my hand and told me to dance with her. Only she can do this," Sheng Lipleted his words.


    Ying Lili smiled and hit his chest with her arm. "Do you like to tease your wife?" Ying Lili questioned him and a tear rolled down over her cheek.


    "A lot," Sheng Li tucked the hair strands behind her ear and leaned towards it. "It''s rare to see her getting jealous. It''s rare to see her getting possessive of me," he whispered in her ear.


    He leaned back and looked again into her eyes. Ying Lili had understood that Sheng Li talked about her and she ended up thinking that he praised another woman in front of her. Her grip loosened from his robes.


    Sheng Li dipped his head near Ying Lili''s neck and kissed her there. Moving his face up, he touched his forehead with hers and said, "There is only one woman in Sheng Li''s life that is his Lili." Sheng Li confessed to Ying Lili, who smiled.


    "It''s almost midnight," Sheng Li murmured.


    "Huh?" Before Ying Lili could understand, Sheng Li covered her eyes with his palm. "What are you doing?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Shhh," Sheng Li ced his index finger on Ying Lili''s lips. "Just stay quiet and close your eyes," he told her. He slowly moved his hand down and then blindfolded her eyes with a red silk ribbon.


    "Sheng Li, what are you doing? We need to eat our dinner," Ying Liliined.


    "Will you keep quiet?" Sheng Li urged her.


    Ying Lili pouted and let Sheng Li do his work. "It is done, Lili.." Sheng Li was done blindfolding Ying Lili.

 Chapter 496 - Jealous Of His Younger Brother

    <h4>Chapter 496 - Jealous Of His Younger Brother</h4>


    "Sheng Li, where are you taking me?" Ying Lili questioned her and put her hands on her eyes. Sheng Li told her to wait a little more. He brought her out of the Private Chamber. As they reached the stairs, Sheng Li carried her up in his arms and started to walk.


    "Put me down," Ying Lili tapped on his shoulders.


    "You might fall," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili clung to him tightly. Sheng Li halted after some time and put Ying Lili down gently on the floor. Ying Lili asked him if she could remove the blindfold.


    "No."


    "Sheng Li, what surprises have you nned at thiste night? I am hungry," Sheined.


    Sheng Li told her to open the blindfold. Ying Lili quickly brought her hands behind her head and opened the knot. She pulled it and opened her eyes. She saw the residence far away from her. Ying Lili looked around and saw she was in theke pavilion of the Residence.


    She turned back and saw the entireke was illuminated with yellownterns. Tworge scrolls were hanging on the pirs of the pavilion. Sheng Li had done calligraphy on it. Ying Lili read, ''Happy Birthday An-Ying Lili.''


    A circr table was at the center of theke pavilion with two chairs. Ying Lili saw the dishes that had already been put on the table. She turned her eyes to the left and saw the various colored satin curtains surrounding the pavilion.


    "Happy Birthday, Lili," Sheng Li whispered in her ear. She tilted her head when Sheng Li came to her front.


    "Lili, this is for you." Ying Lili lowered her eyes and looked at the Red Hanfu dress in Sheng Li''s hand. It appeared to be a wedding dress to Ying Lili.


    "You are right! I want you to marry me again, tomorrow in the evening. Our wedding was a disastrous one. Both you and I took vows without putting any heart into them. On an auspicious day, I desired to marry you again. And your birthday is perfect for this. I want to be yours, Lili," Sheng Li proposed to her for marriage.


    Ying Lili moved her hand over the dress. "I also want to take the wedding vows with you," Ying Lili epted his proposal. A shade of red appeared on her cheeks and she lifted her eyes to meet his gaze.


    "Brother Sheng sewed it with his own hands," Ying Lili heard a voice which was none other than Lei Wanxi. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili were shocked to hear the voice of Lei Wanxi. They both turned left and saw Lei Wanxi was seated at the railing of theke pavilion, fanning himself.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Brother Sheng, I came here to wish Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi replied and closed the fan. He stood up and came near them.


    "You can do it tomorrow. Go away!" Sheng Li said annoyingly. Lei Wanxi halted beside Sheng Li and took out a tiny, circr golden box from his pocket.


    "Brother Sheng, I wanted to be the first one to wish Sister Lili. s! You took Sister Lili here. Do you know how much I run to arrive here? Brother Sheng shall not get jealous of his younger brother. I am only a ''Brother'' to Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi asserted and turned his gaze to Ying Lili, who was smiling.


    "May you live a thousand years, Sister Lili. This is the gift from my and Hu Jingguo''s side. We were preparing for this day for two months," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Ying Lili took the box from Lei Wanxi''s hand and thanked him for the wishes.


    "You can check itter!" Sheng Li took the box from Ying Lili''s hand, bewildering her. Before Sheng Li could put it inside his pocket, Lei Wanxi snatched it from him.


    He stepped back and said, "Brother Sheng, do not be a kid. Let Sister Lili see it," Lei Wanxi scolded him.


    "Wanxi, you are ruining my surprise. Lili is hungry and--"


    "Let me see it," Ying Lili expressed her desire. Sheng Li could not refuse her. Lei Wanxi smiled and handed the box to Ying Lili.


    He pulled Sheng Li''s cheek and said, "Brother Sheng, you will also like it."


    Sheng Li scowled at him. ''Could you not wait for tomorrow?'' Both the brothers started to talk with their eyes.


    ''No.'' Lei Wanxi shook his head.


    Sheng Li huffed and averted his gaze from him. Ying Lili, on the other hand, opened the box. She was stunned to see two golden rings inside the box and, also a tiny piece of folded paper. She took out the paper and unfolded it.


    "Dear Lili,


    Happy Birthday to you. You have turned 22. It is unbelievable that you grew up into a beautifuldy this fast. This letter I wrote earlier because I think I will be in Juyan City at this time. You know how I used to celebrate your birthday. Initially, you two started with odd terms, so I want you, two to get united again on your birthday. There''s one ring for Sheng Li, and one is for you. Exchange them and be together for eternity. I know Sheng Li will be annoyed that again Hu Jingguo came between you two. So, to make him smile, just pull his nose, and his anger will vanish in a second.


    Your friend


    Hu Jingguo."


    Sheng Li nced at her. "What is it?" He asked.


    "Nothing," she replied and folded it. Ying Lili lifted her hand and pulled his nose. Sheng Li knitted his brows as he reminisced how Hu Jingguo once pulled his nose when he was annoyed with him. A smile appeared on his lips.


    Ying Lili showed him the rings. Sheng Li understood and picked the ring. Lei Wanxi took the golden box from Ying Lili and told them to exchange the rings.


    "Give me your hand," Sheng Li asked. Ying Lili forwarded her hand. Sheng Li gently held her hand and inserted the ring in her ring finger. Ying Lili did the same, and the two smiled.


    "There''s one more thing I have prepared for you," Sheng Li stated.. Lei Wanxi gradually stepped backward and left theke pavilion soon, leaving both Ying Lili and Sheng Li alone.

 Chapter 497 - Lets Have A Dance

    <h4>Chapter 497 - Let''s Have A Dance</h4>


    "What is it that you want to show to me?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Let''s have dinner first," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili looked at the dress in his hand and took it. Ying Lili checked the dress on herself and asked Sheng Li how she was looking.


    Sheng Li looked at her from head to toe. It fluttered his heart, seeing how pretty Ying Lili was looking while showing herself in the wedding dress. "You sew it with your own hands. It''s so precious for me," Ying Lili stated as she stratified the dress.


    "A few sewers helped me. Making these golden patterns was difficult for me," Sheng Li replied. Sheng Li took the dress from her hand and put it on the table.


    Ying Lili took his hands in hers and checked his fingers. "You did not hurt them, right?" Ying Lili asked. "You prepared so much for me," Ying Lili said and lifted her eyes to gaze at him.


    "A Crown Prince shall not do such work," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "No. I wanted to work on our wedding dress myself. I put my whole heart into sewing the dress. This will increase our love manifolds," Sheng Li delightedly affirmed. "We will talkter. Let''s first have dinner. I hope it''s not cold," he turned and checked the dishes.


    "Where did Brother Wanxi go?" Ying Lili asked. Sheng Li put his hands on Ying Lili''s arms and made her sit on the chair.


    "Wanxi left. He did not want to interrupt us," Sheng Li replied and sat on the other chair. Ying Lili looked towards theke wherenterns were glowing.


    Sheng Li served the food to her and told her to start. "These are your favorite dishes. Eat your food before it gets cold."


    "What about the food inside the bed-chamber?" Ying Lili asked. "That will go to waste," she said concernedly.


    "Servants will send that to a cowshed," proimed Sheng Li and handed her the chopsticks. The two started to eat while conversing with each other.


    After they finished their dinner, Sheng Li took her to the residence hall, where he had organized a music event for Ying Lili. She sat on the chaise beside Sheng Li. "You have a keen interest in music, so I have called some musicians. Hope you will like it," Sheng Li stated. Five musicians came inside and greeted them before taking their seats on the mattress.


    They started to y the music. Sheng Li, after some time, whispered in Ying Lili''s ear, "The song is regarding a Jade Princess, who came to earth to roam around. However, she fell in love with an assassin, who saved her from drowning in the river."


    Ying Lili tilted her head slightly and keenly listened to him. This poem she had never listened to.


    "It was the first time the assassin had saved someone''s life as he was trained to only kill. The story is about how the assassin left the path of killing to be the perfect man for the Jade Princess. One day Heaven called her back. Even if she wanted to stay behind, she could not. That''s when she promised to meet her man twice in a year- once during spring blossom and the other is on winter blossom. The song depicts that even if the two lovers drift apart, they are bound to meet." Sheng Li narrated the entire meaning to Ying Lili {This folklore is of my own imagination}.


    Ying Lili could feel the poem''s essence in the music yed by the musicians. It was hurtful and lovable, both at the same time.


    After ten minutes, the music ended and Ying Lili pped for the musicians. "Thank you for ying the instruments for this poem."


    "We are d that the Crown Princess liked the music," the chief musician said and bowed his head. They left the hall after giving their curtsy to them.


    "Who has written this song?" Ying Lili curiously asked. "I never heard this song," Ying Lili stated.


    "It''s a popr song written by Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li answered.


    Ying Lili was not surprised to hear that.


    "''The day you descend from heaven, my heart filled with joy, ¨C This is one of the lines in the song," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "It is the perfect song depicting me. Don''t you think? You are my Jade Princess," Sheng Li asserted and ced his palm on her cheek. He stroked it for a while before leaning for a kiss.


    "Sheng Li, I love you," Ying Lili suddenly said.


    "I know," Sheng Li answered and kissed her lips. Pulling back, he moved his thumb over her lips. "Lili, thank you for being born. You are my everything. My world starts from you and ends at you," Sheng Li affirmed. Ying Lili saw the sincerity in the words of Sheng Li.


    "Heaven has made us for each other," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who agreed with her.


    "Come, let''s have a dance," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who was amused to hear that.


    "Can you dance? Did you learn it?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I can dance for you, but only for you. I did not learn it. Xing-Fu would haveughed at me. A Crown Prince cannot dance. However, inside the four walls, in front of his woman, he can!" Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili stood up and also pulled him up along with him.


    They came to the center of the hall. They had held each other''s hands and were moving in a circle. "This is not a dance. Leave my hands. I will show you, then you can copy me," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    Sheng Li shook his head. Ying Lili tilted her head when he pulled her closer, closing the distance between us. His hands were now on her elbows as he drew her against his chest while her hands rested on his shoulders.


    He removed his hand from her elbow and moved it up to behind her head. He pulled the hairpin and let it fall on the ground. "Your open hair looks better on you. Keep them open from today onwards," Sheng Li requested Ying Lili.


    "It is not allowed to keep hair open for long," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li swiftly moved her and leaned her back. Sheng Li''s one hand was on her waist while the other was holding her hand.


    "I allow you to keep them open," Sheng Li stated as he leaned towards her. He kissed her throat, and it electrified her body. He straightened up slowly and, at the same time, pulled Ying Lili along with him.


    Their noses touched against each other, and the two could hear each other''s breath. Ying Lili''s eyes flickered, and she moved them up. A passionate eyelock happened between the two. However, they did not stop moving.


    "I am sleepy. We have to leave early in the morning," Ying Lili said. She wanted to avoid getting close to Sheng Li for a day as Court Lady Xu would have warned her.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li carried her up in his arms and took her to the bed-chamber. Even he did not want to lose control tonight. As he put her gently on the mattress, Ying Lili thanked him for the surprise.


    Sheng Li removed the overcoat and sash that had held his Hanfu dress.


    "I forgot to bring that wedding dress," Ying Lili said as she put her feet down.


    "Court Lady Xu would have taken that. Don''t worry. Let''s sleep. It''s past midnight," Sheng Li replied and helped her remove the head essories. Once he was done, he removed the overcoat that she had put on and put it aside.


    He pulled the nket up and covered her from it. "Are you not sleeping?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I am. Let me blow off the candles first," Sheng Li went towards the table and blew the candles off. He came to the bed andy beside Ying Lili.


    Wrapping his hand around Ying Lili''s belly, Sheng Li drew her towards his chest. "It was a tiring day, Lili. I am eagerly waiting for tomorrow. It will be the most special day for me," Sheng Li whispered in her ear before nudging his nose on her neck.


    Ying Lili grasped his left hand, which had rested on her belly. "I am also waiting for tomorrow. I pray that nothing wrong happens tomorrow. Every time there''s an event, something bad has happened," Ying Lili said with concern.


    "Nothing will happen this time.. I am extra conscious from thest time," Sheng Li assured Ying Lili.

 Chapter 498 - I Have Fallen In Love

    <h4>Chapter 498 - I Have Fallen In Love</h4>


    Lei Wanxi came back to the Pce. "Ahh, it''s so cold. I should have worn an overcoat," Lei Wanxi murmured while rubbing his palms together. Even the servants had slept, and only royal guards were guarding the Pce.


    Lei Wanxi hastened towards his chamber while yawning and turned right. "Ahh," he almost got hit against Zhu Lin, who quickly put her palm on his lips and dragged him away. She halted behind a pir and looked around. Lei Wanxi tried to remove her palm from his mouth, but it was in vain.


    "Listen to me carefully," Zhu Lin requested him and put her hand down. "I aming from the second prince''s chamber," she stated.


    "Why did you enter the second brother''s chamber?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "But I couldn''t enter," Zhu Lin stated.


    Lei Wanxi huffed. "You could not do this simple task," He scoffed.


    "Let''s go to the Second Prince''s chamber," Zhu Lin suggested to Lei Wanxi.


    "We will go tomorrow. I am sleepy," Lei Wanxi stepped ahead when Zhu Lin grabbed his arm and pushed him against the pir.


    "Prince Wanxi, we need to find evidence against the Second Prince. How could you be so careless? It is about your Fifth Brother," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "I know. But a tired body cannot do much. It can only hinder work," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    Zhu Lin red at Lei Wanxi, who red at her back. "Except roaming what did even Prince Wanxi do?" Zhu Lin attacked his ego.


    "Just tell me that you need my help. Can''t you even beg for my help?" Lei Wanxi said annoyingly.


    "Fine. I beg you, Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin whispered and joined her both hands. "Please help me almighty Prince Wanxi," the ironic statement of Zhu Lin did not seem good to Lei Wanxi but if he argued with her anymore, she would also argue with him.


    "At least let me buy my overcoat. I am cold," stated Lei Wanxi.


    Zhu Lin removed her overcoat and pushed it towards Lei Wanxi. "Wear this," Zhu Lin told her, who yanked her hand away.


    "Why would I wear your clothes?" He murmured when Zhu Lin took a step towards him and made him wear the overcoat. "You already wasted so much time. At this rate, the Sun will rise, and we will not be able to find anything," Zhu Lin stated. Her voice was as low as possible and ced her hands on his shoulders.


    "We need to find now what the Second Prince is plotting. It''s about the life of your Fifth Brother and Sister Lili," Zhu Lin patted his shoulders. At that moment, Lei Wanxi''s heart suddenly thumped against his chest, and he curled his fingers. He did not want to have this feeling at this time.


    "Let''s go," Zhu Lin told him.


    "What if someone sees us?" Lei Wanxi questioned her.


    "It''ste. No one will see," Zhu Lin replied and looked around. Lei Wanxi did not agree with her. He had heard from Sheng Li about the spies. He grasped Zhu Lin''s hand and told her to follow him.


    "I know about the Pce more than you," stated Lei Wanxi. The two went to Yongzheng''s chamber, escaping the eyes of the Royal Guards. He took Zhu Lin from a secret door to Yongzheng''s chamber, who asked him how he found out.


    Lei Wanxi ced his index finger on his lips, gesturing to her to be quiet. Both were now inside the chamber of Prince Yongzheng. Lei Wanxi went towards the bed and found how peacefully Yongzheng was sleeping. He came to Zhu Lin and told her that they should start searching.


    Zhu Lin nodded her head, and the two started to search the room for the evidence. Lei Wanxi checked the study desk of Yongzheng and found the scrolls on important state works. He gradually pulled out the drawer and checked inside. There were brushes and some ink sticks. He closed it and went towards the shelves where a few books were put, and a few antiques.


    Zhu Lin also searched the shelves. But there was nothing. They kept searching for the next fifteen minutes but found nothing. It disappointed them and the two left Yongzheng''s chamber.


    They came to Lei Wanxi''s chamber. "There was nothing suspicious," Zhu Lin was frustrated. She put her hands on her waist.


    "I will talk about this with Brother Sheng. Only he can do something," Lei Wanxi asserted. "These past few months were full of trouble. Brother Yongzheng might be alerted after seeing how Brother Sheng eliminated the enemies from his path," Lei Wanxi deduced.


    Zhu Lin hummed. "How did you find out that secret door to his chamber?" She curiously asked.


    "Brother Sheng and I once mistakenly found that. We were teens then," Lei Wanxi replied. "Now, you shall leave. It''s past midnight. If someone sees you with me, it will not be good," Lei Wanxi expressed his concerns. Zhu Lin put her hand down from her waist and went towards Lei Wanxi.


    "Stay there. Don''t get close to me," Lei Wanxi ordered her. "Listen to a Prince''smand," he added. However, Zhu Lin did not stop and halted, in front of him, keeping a few inch distance between them.


    "Prince Wanxi, I am still waiting for your answer. Hopefully, you will answer me before I leave," stated Zhu Lin.


    Lei Wanxi acted as if he did not know. "What are you speaking about?" He raised his brow.


    "Do not act, Prince Wanxi. I am talking about my confession. I professed my feelings to you, so I need an answer. I know that you also like me," Zhu Lin asserted. "But you still are fighting with your heart and mind. I am the most suitable woman for you," Zhu Lin proimed and grasped his hand.


    She brought it near her chest and said, "My heart races when I am close to you. I will love you with all my heart if you ept my love." She brought their hands down and kept her gaze on him.


    Lei Wanxi did not know what to answer. "I do not love you, I guess," Lei Wanxi did not know why he said that.


    Zhu Lin was disheartened to hear that. "But, it feels strange. When I say to myself that I do not love you," Lei Wanxi asserted. "I asked Sister Lili about these strange feelings. How can I like a woman who always made fun of me and fought with me? She told me that I have fallen in love. However, I want time. Can you not stay longer? I still have to understand myself," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Zhu Lin was happy that Lei Wanxi was truthful to her.


    "I never enjoyed thepany of a man except yours. I never made fun of Prince Wanxi. I again apologize for my misbehavior," Zhu Lin rified herself.


    Lei Wanxi took a step and brought his fingers under her chin. He brought her closer to him and nted a soft kiss on her forehead. Zhu Lin widened her eyes. Lei Wanxi pulled away and peered at her.


    "The feelings of my heart are real, but I need to fight with my mind too. That''s why I need time to reciprocate fully to you," Lei Wanxi stated.


    ~~~~~


    Happy Diwali to all the dear readers. It''s an Indian festival of lights. I pray for you all that this Diwali brings joy, happiness and prosperity in your lives????.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 499 - Most Romantic

    <h4>Chapter 499 - Most Romantic</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili came back to the Imperial Pce in the early morning. After getting ready, they left for the greeting hall where Ying Lili took the blessings of the elders. From there, they went to the Buddhist Temple in the Northern Pce. They sought the blessing of the Buddha by reciting prayers after the Chief Priest in the temple.


    They returned to the Main Pce and went to the hall where everyone had to present gifts to Ying Lili.


    As everyone took their respective seats, Han Wenji initiated the gift ceremony. "Crown Princess, it was difficult for me to decide on a gift for you. The Empress and I then decided to give the Crown Princess the Pce in her name. The Northern Pce has only a Buddhist Temple, so a grand Pce will be constructed in the name of the Crown Princess," Han Wenji stated. Ying Lili stood up from her seat and bowed her head.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is such a wonderful present for me." Ying Lili was happy to receive such a grand present. Sheng Li had also stood up and brought both of his hands forward. Joining them and lowering his head, he thanked both the Emperor and the Empress.


    "Your Majesty, if you allow then can I ask for something else instead of this present?" Ying Lili requested Han Wenji. Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili, unable to understand what was going on in Ying Lili''s head.


    "It seemed the Crown Princess did not like the gift of the Emperor and the Empress," Consort Ju Fen remarked.


    "What does the Crown Princess want?" Han Wenji ignored the words of Consort Ju Fen and asked Ying Lili.


    "His Majesty has already presented a Private Residence to the Crown Prince and me. I do not want a Pce anymore. Instead, I want to construct houses for those who do not have one. I already have such a beautiful pce to live in. I hope His Majesty will fulfill this wish of mine," Ying Lili humbly put forward her request.


    "Sister Lili always thinks for the betterment of the people," Lei Wanxi suddenly said and praised her as much as he could.


    "Father shall fulfill this wish of the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi told the Emperor.


    "Fine. Prince Yongzheng and Prince Zemin are State Chief Councillors. I give them the responsibility to work on this," Han Wenji asserted with a smile.


    Sheng Li was astonished to see how selfless his wife was! She could have a Pce of her own, but she refused for that. If there would be someone at her ce, then he would have dly epted such a present.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Ying Lili deeply bowed this time.


    She looked at Sheng Li, and they both took their seats on the chaise. Ying Lili then received gifts from the other Princes and the Princesses.


    After it ended, Han Wenji left the hall with Deng Hui and the other Consorts. Lei Wanxi came towards Sheng Li and asked him what he had gifted the Crown Princess.


    "You do not need to know," Sheng Li replied.


    "I heard that Brother Sheng had decorated their Private Residence and even stitched a dress for Sister Lili," Rong Zemin stated.


    Sheng Li red at Lei Wanxi, who hid behind Ying Lili. "I ended up telling, Brother Sheng. Forgive me," Lei Wanxi apologized and winked at him. Sheng Li chuckled and told them they had to leave.


    "Brother Sheng, let us converse with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi requested.


    "No. I have something important to discuss with Lili." Sheng Li told her and looked at Ying Lili. "Come," he grasped her hand, and the two left the hall.


    Rong Zemin rested his elbow on Lei Wanxi''s shoulder. "It is the reason my wife gets angry at me. ording to her, I fail to get romantic like Brother Sheng," Rong Zemin whispered. Lei Wanxi slightlyughed and looked towards Liao Jun, who was conversing with Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Indeed, Brother Sheng is the most romantic among us," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    ~~~~~


    In Xiandong, Huo Jin came running inside the facade. Nianzu, who was helping Chuntao in spreading the grains on a cotton sheet, got tensed upon seeing Huo Jin panting.


    "What happened?" Nianzu stood up and walked to him.


    "There''s good news," Huo Jin said while taking deep breaths. Chuntao stopped moving her hands over the grains and listened to them.


    "Good news?" Nianzu astonishingly asked.


    "Yes," Huo Jin replied and looked around. "Nianzu, your sister, Princess Qi Jing is pregnant," Huo Jin said in a low voice. "The Emperor has announced free rations to the people of Han," Huo Jin stated.


    A broad smile appeared on his face upon hearing this news. He hugged Huo Jin tightly. "It is such great news, Huo Jin. Sister Jing is pregnant," Nianzu muttered andughed for some time. Huo Jin patted his back and pulled back. Chuntao came near them when Nianzu hugged her too. "My elder sister is pregnant, Chun. I am so happy for her."


    Huo Jin lowered his eyes and waited for them to withdraw from the hug. Once they did, Huo Jin lifted his head. "If I were in Luoyang, I would have gone to Lu Province by now to see my sister," Nianzu stated, and slowly the smile faded from his lips.


    Chuntao looked at Huo Jin, who put his arm around Nianzu and told him not to be disappointed by that. "We can go to Lu Province. It will be a nice trip. But it will be difficult to see your sister as she is a Princess," Huo Jin asserted.


    "Hmm. Sister Jing is a Princess. I can only pray for her safety," Nianzu proimed and looked at Chuntao. "Sister Jing is the daughter of the previous Empress, Weng Wei," he said in a low voice. Chuntao nodded her head.


    "Nianzu!" Quan Bo pronounced his name, standing near the facade. The three turned to peer at him.


    "Quan Bo, why are you standing there? Pleasee inside," Nianzu requested him, who came inside. They all greeted each other.


    "How is Sister Chuntao doing?" Quan Bo asked.


    "I am fine, Brother," Chuntao replied.


    Quan Bo passed a tiny smile to her and gazed back at Nianzu. "You are giving the Civil Services Examination?" Quan Bo queried him.


    Huo Jin and Chuntao looked at Nianzu with shocking expressions.


    "Yes. I think I shall try this year. Maybe I will pass," Nianzu answered.


    "Master Ru has sent a new brush for you. Write with this in the exam." Quan Bo took out the brush wrapped in a brown-colored cloth.


    "It is the special brush that Master Ru purchased this year in the Capital. He said that it is made of a rare horsetail, and it will help you qualify in the exam." Quan Bo forwarded the pen to Nianzu, who thanked him and also told him to thank Ru Gaoying for being helpful.


    "I will.?I hope you will pass this year. It will be d to see you working in a government department," Quan Bo gave his best wishes to Nianzu and patted his shoulder.


    Chuntao brought the water ss for Quan Bo in a wooden tray. "Thank you, Sister Chun." He took the water and drank that. Putting the ss on the tray, he took his leave.


    Chuntao went to the kitchen while Nianzu looked at the brush. "Why have you decided to give the Civil Services Exam?" Huo Jin queried. He was confused why Nianzu decided to do that.


    "The Crown Prince wants me to give the exam. That''s why I have decided to give it," Nianzu answered.


    "What has the Crown Prince thought of?" Huo Jin asked confusedly.


    "I do not know. The Royal Inspector informed me yesterday about this," Nianzu replied to him.


    "Then, the Crown Prince might have thought of something," Huo Jin stated. Nianzu hummed.


    "The Crown Prince wille to meet you soon. Probably in 2-3 days," Huo Jin informed him.


    "The Crown Prince should note. It might be dangerous for him to leave the Pce. After my mother''s sudden change in nature, she might harm him. And if the Crown Prince wille then the Crown Princess will also apany him," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Forgive me if I sound rude, but I do not think that your mother is powerful enough to harm the Crown Prince," Huo Jin opined.


    "I used to think this. But after learning about the truth about my mother, and also how she plotted against my wife and my brother and sister-inw, it makes me think that she might have something in her mind," Nianzu stated.


    "Do you want me to go to Luoyang and inform the Crown Prince not toe here?" Huo Jin asked.


    "Yes. Please go back to Luoyang. I do not want the Crown Prince to get harmed in any situation. My mother is mad to make me the Crown Prince, and I have an intuition that she might be plotting something bigger," Nianzu said with a menacing expression.


    "I will go to Luoyang and inform the Crown Prince.. Since the vige is safe, so I do not have to worry about you and Sister Chuntao," Huo Jin assured Nianzu, who thanked him.

 Chapter 500 - I Might Have To Kill Him

    <h4>Chapter 500 - I Might Have To Kill Him</h4>


    Princess Zhu Lin personally came to Ying Lili to give wishes to her for her birthday. "Greetings to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Zhu Lin bowed and then lifted her head.


    "Happy Birthday, Crown Princess. May the Crown Princess lead a healthy and prosperous life," Zhu Lin wished her and handed the gift to Court Lady Xu. "It is a gift from my side, your highness," Zhu Lin stated.


    Ying Lili stood up and gave a hug to Zhu Lin. "Thank you for these wishes and also for the present." She pulled back and told her to take the seat.


    Ying Lili went back to the chaise on which Sheng Li was seated. Zhu Lin sat on the other chaise and thanked Ying Lili for giving her so much love.


    "Your highness, Prince Wanxi wants me to stay for a few days. Prince Wanxi likes me, but he''s still struggling with his thoughts," Zhu Lin asserted.


    Sheng Li was stunned to hear that. "Wanxi confessed his feelings to you!" He could not believe that.


    "Yes, your highness," Zhu Lin answered.


    "It''s great," Ying Lili replied. "Sister Zhu must stay for a few more days. I am sure that Brother Wanxi will provide his answer to you," Ying Lili affirmed and nced at Sheng Li who agreed with her.


    "Yes, your highness," Zhu Lin replied with a tiny smile.


    "Princess Zhu Lin, Lei Wanxi might appear as if he only enjoys, and is not like the other Princes. However, he is the smartest Prince among us. He acts like a child sometimes, but his mind is sharper than us," Sheng Li told Zhu Lin, who nodded her head.


    "Forgive me, Crown Prince, for misbehaving with Prince Wanxi and for making fun of him," Zhu Lin was guilty of her previous acts.


    "It''s fine. I do not like when someone hurts him," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili tilted her head a little to peer at him. Zhu Lin lowered her eyes and fidgeted with her fingers.


    "Since Princess Zhu Lin is the daughter of the Huan Province''s King, I refrained from scolding you or punishing you. Do not hurt him in any way. He is dear to my heart. You may leave," Sheng Li stated after warning her. Zhu Lin stood up and bowed before leaving the chamber.


    "Why did you do that? Is this the way you talk to a woman?" Ying Lili scolded Sheng Li.


    "Because it was necessary. Lei Wanxi was badly hurt when Princess Zhu Lin embarrassed him. I do talk with a woman like that when she''s at fault," Sheng Li rified himself.


    "Wanxi does not like to fight for a reason. He feels every life is important. He thinks his hands are not made to kill someone. That''s why he never practiced. He trusts my hands and knows that I will be in front of him every time there is a bad incident," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Scolding the Princess was important. Lei Wanxi''s self-esteem was hurt. She misjudged Wanxi. He is a patient person, unlike me. I only wanted her to know that Lei Wanxi is more powerful when he''s without a weapon," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili understood Sheng Li''s words. Before she could speak, Lei Wanxi entered the chamber. "Sister Lili, did you check my present? Forgive me. I entered without asking first," Lei Wanxi excitedly said. He looked at Court Lady Xu and waved at her with a fan in his hand.


    Court Lady Xu smiled and bowed.


    "Brother Wanxi cane whenever he wants toe. Please have a seat. I have not checked gifts," Ying Lili asserted. "Please hand me the present that Brother Wanxi gave me, Court Lady Xu."


    "What is it in the present?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother Sheng, it is something for which you will envy your younger brother," stated Lei Wanxi with a smile.


    Sheng Li wrylyughed. "Why would I envy you?" He confusedly asked.


    "Let Sister Lili see my present," Lei Wanxi stated and looked at her. Ying Lili looked at therge wooden box. "I wonder what has Brother Wanxi prepared for me," Ying Lili mumbled while moving her hand on the box which she had ced on herp.


    "Open it, Sister Lili."


    Ying Lili nodded her head and opened the wooden box. There were two figures inside the box, who had worn Hanfu Dresses. Sheng Li was amused to see that because the figures looked like Ying Lili and Sheng Li.


    "Did you make it?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi, who stood up from his seat and came near them.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. It is a mechanical device. You need to move this golden handle from here so that these two figures will move," stated Lei Wanxi and showed them the demo.


    The figures started to move in the circle as if they were dancing. It brought a smile to Ying Lili''s and Sheng Li''s lips. "Wonderful!" Ying Lili was astonished to see that. Her eyes glistened to see that.


    Wanxi removed his hand from the handle, and the figures kept moving for a minute. Court Lady Xu was also astonished to see such a gift. Sheng Li took the box and looked at the figures. "You even carved this. It looks simr to us," Sheng Li stated and touched the doll figure of Ying Lili.


    "It''s so cute, Wanxi," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    "I told you, Brother Sheng, that my gift will be best. It took me three months to prepare this, especially the mechanical device in it," Lei Wanxi proudly pronounced.


    Ying Lili thanked Lei Wanxi for the present. Sheng Li closed it and handed it to Court Lady Xu, who put it on the table.


    Lei Wanxi seated back. "Brother Wanxi won my heart with this present," Ying Lili answered.


    "I am d that I won your heart, Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi stated delightedly. "Earlier, I saw Zhu Lining out of this chamber. Did shee to tell you that I have asked for time from her?" Lei Wanxi''s tone suddenly turned serious.


    "Yes, Brother Wanxi. Princess Zhu Lin is happy that you asked for some time from her," Ying Lili replied.


    "Hopefully, my mind will get cleared soon," Lei Wanxi affirmed and turned his gaze towards Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng, there is something that you need to know," Lei Wanxi stated with a menacing expression.


    "What happened?"


    "Brother Sheng, Brother Yongzheng has not improved. He is still the same. Two days ago, I saw Brother Yongzheng giving a tiny porcin bottle to a servant. Zhu Lin said that it''s a poison," Lei Wanxi informed him.


    Ying Lili nced at Sheng Li, who had clenched his fists. "Why did you not tell me earlier?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "I thought to confirm it. I wanted to find evidence against him and did not want to trouble you," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "Brother Wanxi shall not do such a thing. It might be risky for him. Next time, do tell us whatever you find out. Brother Wanxi never troubled us," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Yes, Sister Lili." He looked back at Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng, I do not want to lose any brother," Lei Wanxi said concernedly.


    "Wanxi, if he did note on the right path, I might have to kill him. There''s no other way," Sheng Li sternly said.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Yayy, we crossed 500 chapters in the story. It is unbelievable for me that I wrote so many. Please leave a review if possible on the story. Thanks to the support of all you readers.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 501 - Circumstances Did Not Favor You [Bonus ]

    <h4>Chapter 501 - Circumstances Did Not Favor You [Bonus ]</h4>


    "Wanxi, if he did note on the right path, I might have to kill him. There''s no other way," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "Brother, you are scaring me! Is there no way to stop him? And we do not know if he is the old Prince or not." Lei Wanxi did not want to believe that Yongzheng could plot against them.


    "Look at the First Brother. How did he change himself? He was on the wrong path for a long time, but he self-realized that he was doing wrong. Now, he is happy, and I even started to respect him. Brother Yongzheng will also be like this if Brother Sheng politely makes him understand," Lei Wanxi suggested to Sheng Li.


    "Brother Wanxi, there is something that we have found out about the Second Brother," Ying Lili said. Lei Wanxi knitted his brows. The expression on Ying Lili''s face was worrying him.


    "Brother Yongzheng abuses his wife," Ying Lili stated. Lei Wanxi brought his palm over his mouth. "Sister Bai does not want to raise her voice over this. Please do not act indifferent near Brother Yongzheng else he might be suspicious. Sheng Li and I are finding a solution for this," asserted Ying Lili.


    Lei Wanxi put his hand down. "How could the Second Brother do this? But it''s nothing to be surprised about. Brother Yongzheng was abusive to his servants too. I saw Eunuch in service for Brother Yongzheng, who seemed scared. I think Brother Yongzheng still beats him," Lei Wanxi stated with a sad expression.


    "I do not think that the Second Prince will ever change," Sheng Li affirmed. Lei Wanxi had been saddened again as he did not want to fight among the brothers. Once the Brothers started to fight, it had no end except bloodshed.


    "Do not worry, Wanxi. I will not let this family fall apart. I promise you," Sheng Li assured Lei Wanxi, who was a little happy to hear that.


    He stood up from his seat. "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili, I shall take my leave. Sister Lili, you need to fully enjoy today. If you want something from the market, I will bring that for you," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Thank you, Brother Wanxi, but I do not need anything," answered Ying Lili. Lei Wanxi nodded and left the chamber.


    As he left, Ying Lili asked Sheng Li what he had thought of this problem.


    "I have to discuss with Wang Hao first. I will then decide and inform you," Sheng Li replied. He took her hands in his and caressed them. "Lili, I need you in all this. Your encouragement is enough for me," proimed Sheng Li.


    "I am with you, Sheng Li. We will not let this family fall," Ying Lili reassured him.


    "I want the same. I do not want to kill anyone with these hands," Sheng Li looked down at his hands.


    "I will not let it happen, Sheng Li," Ying Lili affirmed.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin came from the market after purchasing fresh meat for the night''s dinner. He had a smile on his lips as he had heard the news which would definitely make Nianzu happy.


    "Where''s Nianzu, Sister Chuntao?" Huo Jin questioned.


    "He is studying in the room. What happened, Brother Huo? You seem happy," Chuntao asked and took the cloth bag from him.


    "Come with me, Sister Chun. I will tell you inside," replied Huo Jin.


    "I have to prepare for lunch, Brother Huo. You shall go in," Chuntao said humbly and went to the kitchen. Huo Jin went inside the house to the room where Nianzu was studying.


    As he slid the door, Nianzu lifted his eyes and looked at him. "Forgive me for disturbing you. There is something you must know," Huo Jin stated as he entered and closed the door behind him.


    Huo Jin sat on his knees and said, "This year, something new has been announced for the Civil Services. Whoever wille into the top 3 ranks will have direct entry as the Court Ministers."


    "Pardon!" Nianzu was shocked to hear that.


    "Yes. Did you get it? Did you get why the Crown Prince wants you to sit in this exam?" Huo Jin questioned him.


    "Yes. Brother Sheng wants me to enter the Pce and show my worth to my father. Because I am no longer a Prince, I can give this exam. Brother Sheng knows that I will definitely crack the exam with rank 1. Father has to revoke the decree he had given earlier for me. That way, I do not need to live in the Pce and at the same time, can protect my wife from those evil ns," Nianzu affirmed with a smile.


    "Nianzu, I think the Crown Prince wants you to enter the Pce. This exam is just to show how skilled you are and how much you are needed!" Huo Jin opined.


    "I do not want to enter the Pce," Nianzu said adamantly.


    "Nianzu, maybe the Crown Prince has gotten rid of those ministers. I heard from a few upper-ssmen that there''s a change in the Ministry of the Empire. I know you do not like the Pce, but outside the Pce, your life is in more danger and it involves the Crown Prince''s life too," Huo Jin reasoned. Nianzu agreed with him but notpletely.


    "A Pce life is full of selfishness. Even if I do not want to do something, I will be forced to do that," Nianzu stated.


    Huo Jin understood him. He did not say anything further and walked out of the room.


    Nianzu picked the book on Governance but fell into deep thoughts. ''What is the Crown Prince trying to do? He wants me to enter the Imperial Court, but why?''


    Huo Jin came back to the room, astonished him. "Nianzu, the Pce is a beautiful ce to live in. It is the way you perceive it. I have seen how much you miss your family. Don''t lie to yourself. You loved your old self. Just because the circumstances did not favor you, you decided to give up and leave. The Crown Prince must have a n in his mind.. And, I am sure that soon you will have the old life, and they all will understand you," Huo Jin pronounced with sparkling eyes.

 Chapter 502 - Wedding Night Special

    <h4>Chapter 502 - Wedding Night Special</h4>


    The evening had fallen. In the Lotus Residence, Sheng Li was done checking the preparation for their wedding. He had not invited anyone from his family except Lei Wanxi, who had apanied Sheng Li on the day when he was leaving for the Lotus Residence.


    Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang were checking the arrangements in the wedding hall. "Your Highness, the chief priest, is here," a soldier informed them. Xiao Zhan went to receive them at the entrance of the Residence.


    In the dressing room, Ying Lili was seated in front of the mirror in a white silk bathrobe. Five maidservants were drying her hair using incense sticks. There was a hue of red on her cheeks which kept increasing as she was looking at herself in the copper mirror.


    "Your Highness, your wedding dress is here," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili, who lifted her gaze and tilted her head to look at her. A broad smile appeared on her lips upon seeing the wedding dress. "Sheng Li made it with his own hands," she mumbled and her heart thumped against her chest.


    Court Lady Xu scolded the maidservants to do their work fast. Ying Lili told Court Lady Xu to calm down. "My hair is long, that''s why it is taking time," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Your Highness, the auspicious hour of the wedding is near. We cannot gette for this." Court Lady Xu was still panicking as she put the dress on the table over the table cloth.


    Ying Lili reminisced about her mother at that time. Court Lady Xu never let Ying Lili feel the absence of a mother. However, at this moment, she recalled her. ''Mother, hopefully, you are looking at me,'' Ying Lili said to herself. Her eyes got misty and she lowered them.


    Court Lady Xu came near her and caressed the shoulder of Ying Lili. "Your Highness, she is indeed near you. Your mother is happy to see how good her daughter is doing." The Court Lady sced her. Ying Lili nodded her head and smiled a little.


    The maidservants were done drying the hair of the Crown Princess. The hairstylist came forward and bowed before starting her work. She gently brushed Ying Lili''s hair.


    Court Lady Xu called the makeup artists. "I think my face looks good without make-up," Ying Lili said as she touched her cheeks.


    "Your Highness, it is to enhance your beauty. Today is also consummation night, so her highness shall not leave anything today. The adornment on a wedding day is mandatory, and make-up is a part of it, your highness," Court Lady Xu made Ying Lili understand.


    "I understood," Ying Lili answered.


    The hair-dresser styled Ying Lili''s hair. She let some hair loose in the back and also near the ears while the rest hair was tied in a loose bun, supported by the hairpins. The buyao was put on the top of her head as a head essory.


    Once it was done, her facial makeup started. Various herbal white powders were used as a foundation while dried rose flower leaves powder was used to apply it as a blush on her cheeks. A dark ck color was used to darken her eyebrows.


    "Your Highness, please part your lips." Ying Lili did so and the make-up artist applied vermillion lip color on Ying Lili''s lips. She then picked a thin brush to draw a red beauty spot on the middle of Ying Lili''s eyebrow. She dipped it in the wet red color and brought the brush near Ying Lili''s forehead.


    She made a tiny red spot in the middle of the eyebrows. The makeup artist then picked the golden earrings and put them on Ying Lili''s ears. "Your Highness, the facial makeup is done," she informed her.


    Court Lady Xu looked at the mirror and smiled, seeing how beautiful Ying Lili was looking. Ying Lili stood up and then wore the wedding dress. The maidservant tied the knot on the dress and then put the sash around Ying Lili''s Hanfu dress to keep it intact. The tassel that Sheng Li had earlier sent for Ying Lili was tucked on the left side of the belly near the sash.


    A maidservant brought the red silk fabric from which Ying Lili''s head and face had to be covered. Court Lady Xu instructed the maidservant to put it on Ying Lili''s head carefully.


    Here, in the other dressing chamber, Sheng Li was getting ready. Lei Wanxi was teasing him as he told the make-up artist to apply some make-up on his face.


    "General Wang, Brother Sheng wants to look handsome today. It is unbelievable to see Brother Sheng asking to apply makeup. It is called the magic of love," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Wanxi, on the wedding day it is important to look good," Sheng Li stated as he looked at himself in the mirror.


    "Thest time Brother Sheng got married to Sister Lili, he had refused to apply make-up. General Wang was also present at that time," Lei Wanxi affirmed and brought the tip of the fan under his chin.


    Wang Hao agreed with Lei Wanxi and smiled while looking at Sheng Li, who had stopped the make-up artist.


    "Brother Sheng, do not y any kill and run away game this time. Make your night beautiful and memorable," Lei Wanxi told Sheng Li, who chuckled while Wang Hao ended upughing. Even Xing-Fuughed upon hearing the words of Lei Wanxi.


    "Earlier, we did not love each other. Why are you making me remember those days?" Sheng Li asked annoyingly. Xing-Fu and Wang Hao suppressed theirughs.


    "Then, shall I teach Brother Sheng how to make the wedding night special?" Lei Wanxi asked with a grin.


    "Wanxi, go out. I do not want to learn about my wedding night from you. You will give me the strange ideas from the weird love stories you have read," Sheng Li stated.


    Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. "Brother Sheng, I do not read such stories. You broke my heart, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Sheng Li looked at his Red wedding robes and asked Wang Hao if he was looking good.


    "Yes, Your Highness. We shall go to the wedding hall. Earlier, Xiao Zhan informed me that the Chief Priest hase," stated Wang Hao.


    "Okay.. Let''s go then," Sheng Li stated and left the chamber, followed by Lei Wanxi, Wang Hao, and Xing-Fu.

 Chapter 503 - Can You Feel It?

    <h4>Chapter 503 - Can You Feel It?</h4>


    In the wedding hall, Sheng Li was shocked to see the Emperor, the Empress, and the Consorts. His three Elder Brothers, their wives, and Weng Yu were also present.


    Sheng Li greeted them and looked at Lei Wanxi, who shook his head. The First Prince came towards Sheng Li and informed him that he was the one who called everyone.


    "A marriage is empty without the blessings of the Elders and the Family," Sheng Li heard the words of Han Wenji and nodded his head. "You should have told me. I was not going to stop you from doing marriage for the second time," Han Wenji stated.


    "Forgive me, Father," Sheng Li apologized and nced at Deng Hui. She was the main reason that he refrained from inviting his own family.


    The Priest told the Crown Prince toe forward at the family altar and also told to bring the bride. Sheng Li stood in front of the Jade Emperor idol and looked towards the door for Ying Lili toe. After five minutes, Ying Lili entered the wedding hall. Sheng Li felt how his heart started to beat upon seeing Ying Lili. He was already married to her, but this feeling was special.


    Ying Lili, on the other hand, saw Sheng Li through the red veil over her face. With each step, her heart felt contended. She halted and stood by Sheng Li.


    The Priest handed them the wine sses, and the ceremony started with giving three bows. The first was to Heaven and Earth; the second to their elderly, and the third bow was for each other by kneeling down and bowing. While doing so, both Sheng Li and Ying Lili took their respective vows in their heads for each other.


    The Priest took the wine sses from them. Court Lady Xu and the four maidservants came forward to take Ying Lili to the wedding bed-chamber while Sheng Li had to attend the banquet. It was surprising for him that the First Prince had also prepared for all this.


    The Emperor and his wives after eating with the Crown Prince left for the Imperial Pce while the Princes stayed behind and the three Princesses too.


    "I cannot drink wine today," Sheng Li told Rong Zemin, whoughed a little.


    "Brother, take one sip for us," requested Rong Zemin. Sheng Li could not refuse him and took a sip of the wine. Sheng Li desperately wanted to leave, but Lei Wanxi stopped him.


    "Brother, it is wrong to leave the banquet in the middle. You have an entire night with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi stated and grinned. "At least give an hour to your lovely Brothers," he stated.


    "I cannot let her wait for me. She is also hungry. Can''t you understand today''s situation?" Sheng Li asked Lei Wanxi.


    "Last time, Brother Sheng was not ready to go to the Bridal Chamber. It is a great change in Brother Sheng," Yongzheng remarked and forwarded the wine cup to Sheng Li. Lei Wanxi stepped back while Sheng Li took the cup from Prince Yongzheng. He sipped the wine and put it down on the table.


    "You all shall enjoy the meals. I am leaving," Sheng Li asserted and walked away.


    He happily went towards the bridal chamber. As he reached outside the chamber he felt nervous, and he did not know the reason behind it. The maidservants bowed in front of him. Sheng Li walked in, and with his step towards the bridal chamber, his heart skipped a beat. He saw Ying Lili was on the bed, waiting for him. He smelled the scented incense sticks, probably, the aphrodisiac incense sticks, to increase his sexual urges.


    "Your Highness, please pick the veil of the Crown Princess with this stick and then--"


    "I know, Court Lady Xu. Leave and no one should be outside the bridal chamber today. Keep this in mind," Sheng Li sternly said. Court Lady Xu bowed and took the steps backward till she reached the door and walked out. The maidservants closed the door, and upon the instructions of Court Lady Xu, they left the sight.


    Sheng Li picked the wooden stick on which some beautiful carvings were done. He slowly moved it towards Ying Lili''s veil and gently removed it from her face. Sheng Li was mesmerized to see her. Every day he used to get, but today it was something more.


    Ying Lili had lowered her eyes, and there was a tiny smile on her lips. Sheng Li''s heart thumped crazily against his chest. He saw how beautifully she got ready today. Even the make-up was perfect. Her long eyshes, arched brows, and red lips were enough to enchant him.


    "How long are you going to stare at me?" Finally, Ying Lili spoke, and it brought him out of his thoughts.


    Sheng Li passed her smile. "I do not know," he answered. He sat beside her and saw the table on which wedding cups were ced, tied with a red string. He carefully picked them up and handed one to Ying Lili.


    "Just like this red string, our hearts and souls are bound with each other now," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who finally lifted her eyes and looked into his eyes. "You are looking pretty. No¡­ today you are looking prettier than the other days," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who smiled and looked at the wine cups. They brought the wine cups closer to their mouths and drank that at the same time.


    Sheng Li took it from her and put it on the table. "Come! Let''s have dinner first," Sheng Li grasped the hand of Ying Lili. He brought it closer to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "Your scent is driving me crazy," Sheng Li said while inhaling the perfume on her hand.


    "You always say this," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li pulled her up along with him and made her sit around the table on a chair.


    He leaned down, closer to her ear, and whispered, "But today it''s special, Lili." He could not help but kiss her earlobe.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes. "I will control a little more until the dinner," He whispered and leaned back. Pulling the chair out for himself, he sat on it and handed the chopsticks to Ying Lili, who took it. The two started to eat and finished soon.


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili towards the bed which, was decorated in red color. The bedsheet, the pillows, and the curtains surrounding the bedpost were all in red color.


    Ying Lili sat on the mattress when she saw that Sheng Li was on his knees. He lifted her skirt and removed the shoes she had worn, followed by the socks. His fingers touched her feet, and she curled her toes because of Sheng Li''s cold touch.


    Sheng Li stood up and sat on the mattress. He removed his shoes and socks and peered at Ying Lili, who was smiling at him. "Will you only stare at me? Even at the dinner table, you were eating less but staring at me more," Ying Lili asserted and rested her hand on his chest.


    "What can I do? My mind and heart were somewhere else," Sheng Li replied.


    "Somewhere else? Where?" Ying Lili intentionally asked.


    "Don''t you know?" Sheng Li asked her back.


    Ying Lili shook her head.


    "ying with me?" Sheng Li grinned at her.


    "No," Ying Lili refused while suppressing her giggle.


    Sheng Li could not wait any longer and leaned down to kiss her. As he kissed her, Ying Lili closed her eyes to feel it fully; wanted to immerse into it fully. Sheng Li brought her hand on his left chest while moving his lips synchronously with her. They pulled back as their foreheads touched each other.


    "Can you feel it?" He asked her.


    "Hmm." She opened her eyes and gazed at him. "Mine is beating the same way," Ying Lili stated. "It''s a wonderful and an ecstatic feeling," she affirmed.


    Sheng Li again brought Ying Lili''s hand near his mouth. He kissed her fingers individually while peering at Ying Lili. She yanked his hand away and pulled him closer for a kiss. Sheng Li dominated the kiss and slurped his tongue in her mouth, yearning for a moan from her. Their tongues danced synchronously with each other, both fighting for dominance. Sheng Li had opened the knot of her dress and slowly pushed it down her shoulders.


    They pulled away from each other, gasping for air.. "I Love you, Lili."

 Chapter 504 - Desires Of My Husband

    <h4>Chapter 504 - Desires Of My Husband</h4>


    Ying Lili intertwined her fingers with Sheng Li''s fingers. She leaned towards his cheek and kissed it. Gradually moving back, she caressed Sheng Li''s other cheek with her free hand. "Are you happy, Sheng Li?" Ying Lili asked him.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "I am happy. You indeed taught me the meaning of love. I have understood that Love is the driving force that makes us stronger with each passing day. You were right, Lili," Sheng Li answered. It was the answer Ying Lili wanted to hear from him.


    She kissed him again, but this time it was gentle. They withdrew their fingers from each other''s grip. Sheng Li brought his hand over Ying Lili''s head and removed the head essories that she had worn. All this time, Ying Lili did not blink even for a second and kept her gaze fixated at him.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to her left ear and removed the earring from her left ear first, followed by the right one. He moved his gaze to her hands and removed the bangles from her hands and rings except for the wedding ring.


    Sheng Li pushed her left sleeve up and looked at the butterfly that Ying Lili had painted on her wrist. "Your confession was so beautiful, Lili. Our love indeed is like this butterfly- Forever Young." Sheng Li nted a soft kiss on her wrist.


    He looked back at Ying Lili and nuzzled his nose on the crook of her neck. He brought his hand on the knot of Ying Lili''s dress and opened it. Ying Lili moaned as Sheng Li nted feathery kisses on her neck. He pushed down the upper dress from her shoulders. Her corbone was revealed, and he grazed his fingers over it. His other hand went behind her head and removed the hairpin that had held her bun. Her long, silky hair fell on her back and reached her waist.


    Sheng Li then opened the knots of the second garment that Ying Lili had worn inside the upper garment.


    Ying Lili also lifted her hands and grabbed the robes of Sheng Li. "You shall remove it," Ying Lili said.


    "I will. Let me do it for you, first," Sheng Li said and smirked. He kissed her corbone and bit a little of her skin. Ying Lili passed out a cry, but soon she felt good as Sheng Li kissed that region. He gave her numerous hickeys like this until she cried out his name.


    Ying Lili''s Chest was falling and rising because of the pleasure that she just passed through. "Sheng Li, you--" Before she could speak more, Sheng Li captured her lips again and sucked them. Ying Lili was losing her mind, and something strange was developing in the pit of her stomach. She moved her hands on his robes and removed the sash from around his waist. Sheng Li swiftly took off the Dragon overcoat.


    However, he did not leave the kiss and kept torturing Ying Lili with this pleasure. After some time, when they withdrew back, Sheng Li opened the knot of his Hanfu dress without wasting any more time.


    Upon pushing the dress off his shoulders his taut chest was revealed to Ying Lili''s naked eyes. She averted her gaze for a second when heard him say, "Don''t move them away. Just look at me, Lili."


    Ying Lili could not ignore this request and met his gaze. She brought her hand on his chest and moved the fingers gently over it. Sheng Li had wrapped his hand around Ying Lili''s waist as he made her sit on hisp. Their bodies touched but there was still a thin piece of clothing remaining on Ying Lili''s upper body that was Qinyi.


    Sheng Li traced Ying Lili''s spine with his index finger, who clung to him tightly. She kissed his shoulder and moved her hand behind his back. She caressed his back while Sheng Li had removed thest piece of cloth from her upper body. He groaned when Ying Lili continued to kiss him on his shoulder and neck. He pushed her away gently, bewildering her.


    "You used to be so shy during this," Sheng Li stated while ying with a few of her hair strands. "You finally took the training for this," he smirked as he slowly let go of those hair strands.


    "I need to learn because I want to fulfill the desires of my husband too," Ying Lili answered. Sheng Li pinned her on the bed and hovered over her. His weighty on his elbows while he locked Ying Lili''s legs between his legs.


    Stroking her hair, Sheng Li said, "I lost in front of your love, Lili. I married you once again because I want to remove those memories from my mindpletely- the memories of our first wedding night."


    "I want the same, Sheng Li," Ying Lili stated. "Those were dark days of our lives. We both have misunderstandings and fears. You did not want to marry me because you thought my life could get harmed along with yours. Yet, you have protected me since the day we married. I gave you a headache by not trusting you," Ying Lili asserted. Her hands were on his shoulders. Slowly they moved on his nape and she pulled him down.


    They both smiled as their bodies touched against each other.


    He was thankful to Ying Lili for looking at and understanding his dark side. Because of her, he started to trust and have faith in the people, not just a few close ones to him.


    "I want you, Lili," Sheng Li whispered against her lips. He wanted to take permission from her despite knowing her answer.


    "Take me and make me yours, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said as she pulled him for another kiss.


    After a while, Sheng Li buried his face in the crook of her neck and also kept caressing her body''s curves. He kissed every inch of her body, and it ignited her on fire. Her moans had reverberated in the entire chamber. It was the best day for both of them. They both had be one not only from the body but also from their hearts and souls.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    It was one difficult chapter for me to write. Hope, I have not disappointed you all.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 505 - The Love Bite!

    <h4>Chapter 505 - The Love Bite!</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili were wrapped into the silk sheets. Ying Lili had rested her hand on Sheng Li''s chest while her head rested on his arm. Sheng Li''s sleep broke and a smile formed on his lips. He caressed her head and kissed the top of her head. He stroked her hair while peering at her.


    He brought his hand on her face and traced her eyebrows. Ying Lili knitted her brows as her sleep disturbed. Sheng Li pulled his hand back and closed his eyes. Ying Lili rubbed her eyes and gradually opened them.


    She reminisced about thest night, and a blush appeared on her cheeks. Though she was feeling pain in her lower body, she enjoyed it. Also, ording to the Royal Astrologer, she had to get impregnated. Hopefully, she would get pregnant and wouldplete her family with Sheng Li.


    She lifted herself a little; her weight was on her right elbow while a few of her hairstrandsnded on Sheng Li''s face. She pushed them behind her ear and quickly pecked on his forehead. She moved her eyes down and looked at the neck of Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili''s mouth formed into an o-shaped when she saw the love bite which she had given to him. She moved her fingers on his neck and smiled.


    "Umm¡­ you can give me another if you want to!" Sheng Li suddenly said. Ying Lili immediately looked up.


    "You were awake!" Ying Lili was astonished.


    "Hmm¡­ are you good? I was not harsh, right?" Sheng Li asked.


    "It''s a little painful down there but not much. After a bath, I will feel good," Ying Lili asserted and rested her one face on Sheng Li''s chest, who put his arm on her back. He caressed her arm.


    "I will join you for a bath," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili hummed. She started to draw something on his chest, and it amused him.


    "What are you doing?" He asked.


    "Nothing," Ying Lili replied. She brought her face closer to Sheng Li''s and rubbed her nose against his. They both smiled and parted their respective lips. Sheng Li tried to capture her lips, but Ying Lili withdrew back and ced her index finger on his lips.


    "You started again in the morning. It''s wrong," Ying Liliined. Sheng Li grasped her finger and put it down.


    "You initiated it, Lili," Sheng Li reminded her. "Morning kiss is important, Lili." Saying this he pinned her on the mattress. He kissed her on the cheek and then lips. Pulling back, he gazed down and saw the red marks on her skin.


    "I think I was intensest night," Sheng Li stated.


    "So was I," Ying Lili answered right away. "Our love-making was intense," Ying Lili said and smiled. Sheng Li was happy that Ying Lili enjoyed it. However, he was tense about the pain he gave her during all this. "Let''s have a bath. I will ask Court Lady Xu to prepare bathhouse for us," Sheng Li moved away from Ying Lili. He saw the silk robe that was put on the table. He got down from the bed and quickly wore it. Tying the knots on it, he walked towards the door and opened it by pushing the sliding doors away.


    Xing-Fu, Court Lady Xu, and other servants were seated meters away from the chamber as Sheng Li had strictly instructed them the previous night.


    As they heard the sound of the door, they stood up and bowed. "Prepare the bathhouse," Sheng Li ordered and closed the door. Court Lady Xu understood that the Crown Prince wanted to prepare the single bathhouse for him and the Crown Princess. She instructed the maidservants, who went to the bathhouse.


    "Court Lady Xu, this time, I feel that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will get a child. Last night they were so intense," Xing-Fu said. He could not suppress his happiness.


    "Yes, Eunuch Xing-Fu. Hopefully, it will be a boy. I have made a prayer to the Jade Emperor that if he gives a boy to the Crown Princess, then I will go barefoot to the Buddhist Shrine to give prayers," Court Lady Xu said with a smile.


    "Court Lady Xu, but the Crown Prince wants a girl. His Highness wants a girl like the Crown Princess. Will you not do the prayers if a girl is born?" Xing-Fu queried.


    "I will do the prayers if the girl child is born, Eunuch Xing-Fu. However, if a boy gets born, then it will benefit the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. The legacy of the Han Empire will continue from the Crown Prince''s side too," Court Lady Xu stated.


    "It is all in the lord''s hands," Xing-Fu stated as he joined both of his hands and looked up.


    Court Lady Xu nodded her head. In her mind, she was only praying for a boy so that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess position would be safe for a long time.


    Inside the chamber, Sheng Li helped Ying Lili wear the silk robe. "I can do this, Sheng Li," Ying Lili stated when Sheng Li told her not to move. He then brushed her messy hair with his fingers.


    Ying Lili rested her head on his shoulder. Court Lady Xu came inside with a few maidservants and they all bowed. "The bathhouse is ready, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu informed them. Ying Lili lifted her forehead from Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    Two maidservants came forward to help Ying Lili when Sheng Li stopped them. "I will take the Crown Princess," Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and lifted her in his arms. All the servants lowered their eyes.


    "Sheng Li put me down. You are making me feel embarrassed," Ying Lili whispered in his ear.


    "Just hold me tightly, Lili," Sheng Li ignored her request. "Clean the room before wee back," He ordered them and walked out of the chamber.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu answered.


    Sheng Li went straight to the bathhouse where Xing-Fu and the maidservants were waiting for them. "Good Morning, Your Highness. The bathhouse is ready," Xing-Fu stated, keeping the smile on his lips. Sheng Li hummed and told them to stay outside.


    He walked inside the bathhouse with Ying Lili while Xing-Fu closed the door for them.

 Chapter 506 - I Was Only Looking At The Love Bite

    <h4>Chapter 506 - I Was Only Looking At The Love Bite</h4>


    Ying Lili after taking a bath apanied by Court Lady Xu and a few maidservants to the dressing chamber. As she sat in front of the dressing table, Court Lady Xuplimented Ying Lili.


    "Last night, Her Highness was so loud. Her Highness indeed enjoyed the night with the Crown Prince and also fulfilled his desires fully," Court Lady Xu stated and smiled.


    "I was loud?" Ying Lili murmured and lowered her gaze. "But I tried to keep my voice low. Was Court Lady Xu near the door?" Ying Lili asked as she fidgeted with her fingers.


    "Your Highness, you were loudst night. The Crown Prince had instructed us not to be near the door," Court Lady Xu said with a smile. Ying Lili''s cheeks turned red after hearing this. How could she lose control of her voice? She did not realize that her screams would be loud enough to be heard by them. It embarrassed her when she heard Court Lady Xu.


    "Your Highness, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Your body responded the way it should have," She humbly exined to Ying Lili, who nodded her head. After getting ready, she came to the bed-chamber.


    She sat on the mattress. A maidservant brought the fresh fruits for the Crown Princess. There was pomegranate in one bowl, in the other peeled mandarins, while in the third, there were jujubae fruits.


    "When will the Crown Princee?" Ying Lili asked.


    "His Highness has gone to the Imperial Pce for some work. His Highness will arrive soon. By then, the Crown Princess needs to finish all this," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili, who started to eat.


    Today, Ying Lili would rest in the Lotus Residence as Sheng Li had told her. She ate a little and put the bowl on the table. "I am feeling tired. Court Lady Xu, I will sleep for some time," Ying Lili told her.


    "What about your breakfast, Your Highness?" Coury Lady Xu asked worriedly.


    "When the Crown Prince will be here, I will take that," Ying Lili pulled her legs up and stretched them out. Sheid down on the bed pulling the nket up. Court Lady Xu gestured to the maidservant, who picked up the tray and left the chamber. Court Lady Xu pulled down the curtains and told Ying Lili that she would be outside.


    Ying Lili closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li met Huo Jin, who after traveling throughout the night had reached Luoyang in the early morning.


    "Brother Nianzu''s mother will not do anything. I have shown her what worse could happen if she tried to plot against us," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince is not willing toe to the Pce. Is His Highness confident that the Fourth Prince will return after qualifying the exam with top rank?" Huo Jin was doubtful because Nianzu was adamant not toe to the Pce.


    "I have thought of everything. Brother Nianzu only needs to qualify for this exam. The rest things, I will take care of," pronounced Sheng Li. "Do not tell Brother Nianzu about our conversation regarding his mother''s ns. He would get upset. I am watching the activities of Empress Hui after the day she arranged a poison to kill our father," Sheng Li told Huo Jin.


    "I will not tell the Prince about this. There is something that Sister Chun has sent for you," Huo Jin asserted and took out a folded paper from his pocket. Sheng Li took it and unfolded the paper.


    Sheng Li was not surprised to see that Chuntao knew how to write. Prince Nianzu could never let her stay illiterate. As Sheng Li opened the letter, he started to read it.


    Huo Jin saw the facial expressions of Sheng Li, which had changed a little. "What is it, Your Highness?" Huo Jin queried.


    Sheng Li did not reply and threw the paper in the torchbearer. As itpletely burnt out, Sheng Li came back to the chair and got seated on it.


    "You shall leave. Stay with them. I do not think I will be able toe to Xiandong Vige," Sheng Li ordered Huo Jin, who bowed.


    "Take some rest and leave in the evening," Sheng Li said and looked at Xiao Zhan, who understood what the Crown Prince wanted. Sheng Li stood up from the chair and left a secret chamber in the prison house.


    As Sheng Li came to the Pce Grounds, Lei Wanxi caught him and put his hand around his shoulder. "How was the night, Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Why do you want to know? Were you looking for me only?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Of Course, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi put down his arm and took out the fan. He moved away from the cor with his fan''s tip and saw the hickey. Sheng Li yanked the fan away.


    "What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?" Sheng Li shouted at him and flicked at his forehead.


    "Ahhh!" Lei Wanxi rubbed the middle of his forehead. "It is wrong to hit your younger brother in the morning," Lei Wanxi said. Sheng Li put the cor of his robes in ce and scowled at him.


    The servants wereughing among them upon seeing how the Sixth Prince was teasing the Crown Prince.


    "I was only looking at the love bite that you gotst night," Lei Wanxi said while grinning and looking at Sheng Li''s neck.


    "Since when has your mind be this dirty? Go away! Don''t trouble me," Sheng Li said annoyingly and stepped forward when Lei Wanxi put his arm around Sheng Li''s arm.


    "Leave, Wanxi. I am not in a mood to y. I have to leave soon," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Brother Sheng, you are pushing your younger brother away. It is wrong," Lei Wanxiined.


    "Wanxi, you are troubling me in the morning," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Brother, you will apud me after I tell you something big," Lei Wanxi whispered in the ear of Sheng Li, who tilted his head and looked at the menacing expression of Lei Wanxi.


    ~~~~


    Please do check thement box????

 Chapter 507 - A Copyist

    <h4>Chapter 507 - A Copyist</h4>


    Nianzu got ready for the examination. Chuntao handed him the cloth bag in which she had put two brushes, two bamboo holders for ink, a few ink sticks, and a handkerchief.


    "Chun, I will be rxed if you apany me to the examination ground," Nianzu expressed his desire.


    "Are you scared that something might happen to me if I stay alone?" Chuntao asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu answered. "I will then be fully concentrated on the exam. You can wait for me," Nianzu stated as he held Chuntao''s hands.


    "Okay," Chuntao passed him a smile. Internally, she did not feel good. Because of her, Nianzu was undergoing so much pain. Last night, she heard the conversation between Nianzu and Huo Jin, which she was not supposed to hear.


    She heard how Nianzu was stressed for her safety. It made her wonder again if she did wrong by marrying him. If she had not epted those feelings, Nianzu would not have had to leave his own family. And then, the Empress had not plotted against the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    The Emperor was right when she met him. ''Amoner is not made for a Prince.'' When Nianzu used toe home tired, her heart ached seeing how much he worked. It felt to her that she had be a burden to Nianzu. However, despite all this, instead of running away from Nianzu''s life, Chuntao decided something that could help Nianzu and have that old life.


    Chuntao decided to write a letter to the Crown Prince where she requested Sheng Li¨C A request to dissolve the decree made by the Emperor. She knew that Nianzu did not like the Pce life, but she also knew that he was internally suffering.


    Amidst all these thoughts, Chuntao hugged Nianzu and rested her one side face on his chest. Nianzu smiled and put his hand on her arm. "Nianzu, you are a great person. I have full faith that you will qualify for this exam with a good rank. My all wishes are with you," Chuntao wished him.


    Nianzu caressed her back and thanked her. "Thank you, Chun," He caressed her arm and kissed the top of her head. They pulled away after a few seconds and came out of the room. Chuntao locked the rooms and the two left for the examination ground.


    While walking, Chuntao noticed the shoe Nianzu had worn, torn out. She knitted her brows and then nced at Nianzu, who was not bothered by that all. "Chun, you are not tired, right? The examination ground is situated in the middle of the market, so we need to walk a little fast," Nianzu asserted and held her hand.


    "No, I am not tired," Chuntao stated.


    Nianzu hummed, and the two hastened towards the market. After twenty minutes of walking, they reached the market. Many people, mostly, upper-ssmen, were heading towards the ground.


    Ye Fang and Quan Bo were waiting at the entrance of the examination ground for Nianzu. Seeing him and his wife, they went towards them and greeted them. Nianzu was d to see them. "You brought Sister Chuntao!" Ye Fang astonishingly said.


    "Hmm. I cannot let Chuntao stay alone in the house," Nianzu replied.


    "Sister Chuntao can stay in the bookshop till the time you are done with the exam," Quan Bo suggested to Nianzu, who liked it.


    "Do your best. Yesterday, I heard about the big announcement for this year''s Civil Services. It is a great opportunity for you to get into the Imperial Court," Ye Fang boosted the confidence of Nianzu.


    Nianzu nodded his head.


    "It would be great if you get such a position then you can help the people in a better way," Quan Bo stated.


    "Get aside. Clear the way for the Young Master," they heard the voice of a Royal Guard. The people who had surrounded the gate got aside. Nianzu grasped the hand of Chuntao and gently pulled her back.


    A litter was stopped, and Fei Jing stepped down from it. A few people lowered their eyes after seeing them. Fei Jing halted in front of Nianzu and turned his head to look at Nianzu.


    "So, Copyist Nianzu has alsoe to take the examination. I did not expect that you woulde to give the exam," Fei Jing asserted.


    Nianzu lowered his eyes while Chuntao confusedly looked at them. "I thought to try for thest time, Young Master," Nianzu answered politely. Chuntao felt bad how Nianzu had to lower his gaze despite being a born Prince.


    The people whispered among each other.


    "Great! I think a Copyist can give mepetition in this exam," Fei Jing affirmed. Nianzu lifted his head but then lowered it again.


    With a smile, Nianzu said, "How can amoner be thepetition of a person who is from an upper-ss family?"


    "Your knowledge is enough to beat this upper-ssman''s son. However, I will try my best to qualify for this exam on my first attempt. All the best," Fei Jing stated and walked ahead. He nced at Chuntao before walking away, who got a little intimidated.


    "What was that?" Quan Bo muttered.


    "I am thinking the same. It seems Young Master Fei has taken Nianzu as hispetitor," Ye Fang said. Nianzu did not say anything.


    Ah-Lian Hong had alsoe to the examination ground. He nced at Nianzu and passed him a smile. Nianzu smiled back at him. "You shall go in," Quan Bo told Nianzu, who hummed. He let go of Chuntao''s hand.


    "I will see you in the bookshop," Nianzu told Chuntao, who nodded her head.


    "Do not take stress," Chuntao told him. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the sweat from Nianzu''s forehead. "Here''s the water," Chuntao handed him the copper bottle that she had carried with her earlier.


    Nianzu thanked her and drank the water. Chuntao wiped his lips and again gave him best wishes for the exam. Nianzu told Quan Bo and Ye Fang to take care of his wife.


    "Do not worry. Sister Chuntao will enjoy her time in the bookshop," Ye Fang assured Nianzu. He waved at them and stepped inside the gate. Soon, he vanished from sight.


    "Sister Chun,e with us. Now, we need toe after three hours," Ye Fang said. Chuntao nodded and left with them.


    Nianzu submitted his identification card at the counter at one end of the ground. The man on the table handed a token to Nianzu. "Your seat number is 75," the man informed him. Nianzu thanked him and looked at the token.


    He went to the allocated seat. On the ground some hundred tables were put on therge mat, covering arge part of the ground.


    Nianzu sat down on the 75th table and took off his bag from the shoulder. He ced his things on the table and waited for the seat distribution.


    Fei Jing, who was beside Nianzu, observed his expressions. "Fei Jing, what are you looking at?" His friend asked him and looked towards Nianzu.


    "Nothing," Fei Jing answered and looked at the brushes on the table.


    The announcement was made regarding the beginning of the exam. Ten invigtors came to the ground with white sheets in their hands. "If anyone is found cheating during the exam, he will be disqualified permanently from the exam," one of the invigtors announced, and the exam started.


    ~~~~~


    Mass Release of 5 chapters!!

 Chapter 508 - Make You Owe Me

    <h4>Chapter 508 - Make You Owe Me</h4>


    Chuntao greeted the Owner of the bookshop, Ru Gaoying. "Thank you, Master Ru, for the healthy meal that you had sent."


    "I am d that you liked the food. Come home someday. My wife will be happy to meet you," Ru Gaoying stated. Chuntao nodded her head. "You can wait for Nianzu in the other room.?Ye Fang will show Lady Chuntao the room," Ru Gaoying stated and went towards a customer.


    Ye Fang took her to the room where many tables and benches were put. Chuntao sat on one of the benches and looked at the stack of the old books at a table.


    Chuntao thanked Ye Fang for the help.


    "Sister Chuntao, I will see youter. I have some pending work left," Ye Fang informed Chuntao.


    "Sure, Brother Ye. Thank you for the help," Chuntao stated. Ye Fang passed her a smile and walked out of the room. Chuntao rested her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm.


    "Nianzu''s workce is friendly. I am d that he did not have to suffer here," Chuntao murmured. A man who was resting on a bench got disturbed by the voice of a woman. He moved his arm from his forehead and sat up on the bench. He had some messy hair. A headband was tied around his head.


    Chuntao widened her eyes when she saw a man in that room. She immediately stood up from the table. "Who are you?"


    The man had worn the blue robes. He quickly stood up from the bench and took a wooden box, and dashed out of the room. Chuntao was intimidated for a second after seeing the man in the room. She frowned and looked towards the door when Quan Bo entered. "What happened, Sister Chuntao?" He asked as he put the tray on the table.


    "Master Ru has sent tea for Sister Chuntao," Quan Bo told her.


    "A man was resting here. He suddenly stood up from the bench over there," Chuntao pointed towards the end wall and continued, "and then he rushed out of the room."


    "What? He might be some copyist, Sister Chuntao," Quan Bo stated and checked the other benches. "There is no one here. No one will enter the room, Sister Chuntao," Quan Bo assured Chuntao, who thanked him.


    "Sister shall drink the tea before it gets cold," Quan Bo reminded her before leaving the room. Chuntao sat back on the bench and looked at the teapot.


    "Master Ru is too kind to me," she murmured. "However, how can I drink the tea when Nianzu is giving his exam?"


    In the examination ground, the candidates'' identities were carefully checked to prevent forging. The invigtors were scrutinizing the candidates. In the chilling heat, everyone was writing the exam. It was the first time Nianzu was under such heat.


    His head started to ache because of the scorching sun rays. He looked around and found that people had brought the hats. ''I should have brought a bamboo hat,'' Nianzu thought and shook his head.


    "What are you looking at?" An invigtor asked him.


    "Nothing, master," Nianzu quickly shifted his gaze to the sheet in front of him. He still had five questions left- two on philosophies, one on poetry, and two on mathematics. He dipped the brush in the ink and asked for another sheet.


    Hepleted the exam at the exact time and submitted the response sheets to the invigtor. Many candidates had started to submit their response sheets. Nianzu came back to his seat and wound up his things. He put them in the bag and took out the handkerchief that Chuntao had put inside it. He wiped the sweat formed on his forehead and stood up. After collecting his identity card at the counter, he left the ground. As he came out of the gate, Fei Jing stopped him.


    "Nianzu, there is a small party in my house. I would like to invite you there," Fei Jing humbly requested. Three friends of Fei Jing wondered why he was inviting amoner.


    "Forgive me, Young Master Fei, but there is no reason for me to attend the party in your house. Moreover, I am a married man. Therefore, I do not leave my house after evening," Nianzu politely refused the invitation of Fei Jing.


    "Hey, Commoner! You shall not talk this way with Fei Jing. Don''t you know his father is the--"


    Nianzu cut the words of Fei Jing''s friend''s words, in the middle. "I am not interested in knowing the profession of the Young Master''s father," Nianzu menacingly said. "I shall take my leave," Nianzu stated and walked ahead when another friend of Fei Jing extended his leg out. Nianzu couldn''t react, and his feet hit against it. He fell and injured both of his hands.


    "Amoner shall know his ce," the same man said and started tough. Lian Hong noticed that, but he could not do anything about it. Fei Jing helped Nianzu in standing up.


    "Don''tugh at him," Fei Jing scolded his friends. "I would like to see you Nianzu at the party that night''s party. You shall not decline the offer of an upper-ssman. I will wait for you," Fei Jing patted his shoulder.


    Nianzu was unable to understand what Fei Jing was trying to do. He did not know that upper-ssmen treated amoner this way. "Young Master does not owe me anything that I cannot decline his offer. So, there''s no need for me toe to your party. You are a young man with a lot of fortune to spend. I have a family. Hope, I have made myself clear," Nianzu kept his tone as polite as he could. He passed him a tiny smile and left.


    "Who is he? Shall I show him his ce?" The friend of Fei Jing stepped ahead when he stopped him.


    "There''s no need," Fei Jing stated.


    "He talked informally with you, Fei Jing. The Royal Inspector is here. Don''t you think he shall get punished?" His other friend asked.


    "No," Fei Jing replied. "I do not want to create a nuisance for petty reasons," he pronounced.


    "Let me be a government official, then I will show him his ce," the same friend stated and clenched his fist.


    Fei Jing did not say anything.. "I will make sure to make you owe me something, Nianzu," Fei Jing murmured.

 Chapter 509 - I Called You A Sister

    <h4>Chapter 509 - I Called You A Sister</h4>


    Lady Ki saw Wang Hao in the Courtesan''s house, and she halted at her ce. "What happened, Lady Ki?" Her assistant asked him.


    "Nothing," Lady Ki said and walked away.


    Wang Hao stood outside the room of the woman whom he had met a few days ago. He extended his hand out to slide the door but stopped. He did not know how to face the young woman whom he had promised to protect.


    He came out of his thoughts as the same woman opened the door. She bowed upon seeing him and told him toe inside. "I saw the reflection of General Wang on the door," the young woman said as she sat down around the table.


    "Please make yourselffortable, General Wang," she requested.


    Wang Hao had opened his shoes near the door and came inside. He sat down, facing her. "Yin Na, forgive me for not protecting you well. Will you please tell me how you ended up in this house?" Wang Hao worriedly asked her. "Call me Brother," Wang Hao urged her.


    Yin Na''s eyes were filled with tears. "I am not Yin Na anymore. I have a new name and a new identity, General Wang. It is not good for you toe here," Yin Na stated. Wang Hao clenched his fist tightly. He cursed himself for not taking care of the young woman.


    "For me, you are still Yin Na, the young sixteen years old girl, who called me Brother," Wang Hao stated. "What about your older brother? You told me that he--"


    "He sold me off," Yin Na stated before Wang Hao could ask her.


    Wang Hao was shocked upon hearing the truth. His eyes flickered, and his ears turned red because of the anger. "Yin Na, what happened? Please tell me. I promise you that I will turn everything right. Please trust me," Wang Hao stated and put his hand on the floor table.


    "General Wang, there is nothing left. It is my new life. There is my new life, and I am good. General Wang does not need to worry about me," Yin Na stated. Her words were clear enough to tell that she did not want any kind of help from Wang Hao.


    "Yin Na, I called you a sister. I will not let you stay here. Even if I have to burn this house to free you, I will do that. I made a mistake by not visiting you. Even my apologies will not suffice that mistake," Wang Hao affirmed. "Come with me. You will live with me in the Wang Residence," Wang Hao offered her.


    Yin Na averted her gaze from Wang Hao. "General Wang is not my brother. So, he does not have any right to decide for me," Yin Na bitterly said. Wang Hao did not mind her words because he could understand the frustration of Yin Na. He did not want to imagine how much this young woman suffered in the Courtesan''s house.


    "Yin Na, do not think that fingers will be pointed at me just because I will bring you out of this house. I am the General of the Han Empire. I have the power to shut everyone''s mouth for my younger sister," Wang Hao stated.


    Suddenly the door opened. "Lady Yi, the royal inspector is here. He is waiting for you." The Courtesan informed Yin Na, who did not see that General Wang was present in her room. Wang Hao could not believe what he just heard. He stood up, holding his sword, and turned towards the woman who had just informed about the arrival of the Royal Inspector.


    "Where is he?" Wang Hao furiously asked.


    "General Wang," Immediately, the Courtesan lowered her gaze while murmuring his name. Yin Na stood up from her seat and came in front of Wang Hao.


    "Please, don''t do this," Yin Na pleaded with Wang Hao and got on her knees.


    "So much drama!!" They heard another voice with which Wang Hao was familiar.


    "Sixth Prince!" Wang Hao mumbled.


    Lei Wanxi told thedy to get aside and went inside the drama. "What is the Prince doing here?" Wang Hao was confused to see Lei Wanxi at such a ce.


    Lei Wanxi took out a scroll from his pocket. "To give this to General Wang," Lei Wanxi replied and then went closer to Wang Hao. "Brother Sheng has sent this," he whispered in the ear of Wang Hao and stepped back.


    "I will see you outside, General Wang," Lei Wanxi said and walked out of the room.


    Wang Hao opened the scroll and read the message. It was an order of the Emperor to free Yin Na from the Courtesan House. Wang Hao did not know how to react at that moment. He did not want the Crown Prince to do this, but Sheng Li made things easier for him.


    "It''s the Emperor''s order to set you free," Wang Hao told Yin Na and bent down on his knees. The Chief of the Courtesan came there as the news about Wang Hao''s arrival had spread.


    But in front of General Wang, the Chief couldn''t say anything. The words were stuck in his mouth.


    Wang Hao put his hand on Yin Na''s shoulders and pulled her up along with him. "It''s not toote. The Emperor has given the order to set you free. Forgive me for not looking for you," Wang Hao again apologized. Yin Na started weeping. Her cries reverberated not only in the room but also in the narrow hallway. Thus, bringing the attention of other people in the house.


    Wang Hao removed his overcoat and put it around Yin Na. He wiped the tears off her eyes and told them to clear the way. The Chief gestured to thedies to show the way to General Wang, and soon they both were out of the house.


    The Royal Inspector had already left as he got the news that General Wang was also in the brothel house. Wang Hao saw a few soldiers around a carriage. He took Yin Na straight towards the carriage. A soldier opened the door, and Prince Wanxi waved at Wang Hao from inside. He helped Yin Na to get inside the carriage. Wang Hao also stepped inside the horse carriage.. The chauffeur started it and drove the carriage to Wang''s Residence.

 Chapter 510 - No Reason To Lie To You

    <h4>Chapter 510 - No Reason To Lie To You</h4>


    The carriage stopped in front of the Wang Residence. Wang Hao stepped out of the carriage. He gave his hand to Yin Na and put her down the carriage. Lei Wanxi also stepped out of the carriage, and the three went inside the Residence.


    "Yin Na, go with them. After you get ready, I will meet you," Wang Hao said and looked at the two maidservants whom he had called. They both took Yin Na away while Wang Hao and Lei Wanxi went to General Hall.


    Lei Wanxi sat on the chaise while Wang Hao sat on the other one. "How does Prince Wanxi find out?" General Wang asked.


    "I happened to find out. Doesn''t General Wang know that I have eyes in every direction?" Lei Wanxi praised himself. General Wang smiled and asked him if he would like to take tea.


    "Thank you for asking, General Wang, but I drank the tea earlier in the morning," Lei Wanxi affirmed. "General Wang should not have refused the help of Brother Sheng. He is a little sad that General Wang did not tell him everything," He informed Wang Hao.


    "I did not want to worry the Crown Prince. He already has so many problems to deal with," Wang Hao stated.


    "Well, General Wang is right. Brother Sheng has to keep his eyes on everything. But it does not mean that he would not have listened to General Wang''s problem. Your sister Yin Na was adamant not to leave the Courtesan House. When I found out that General Wang visited the Courtesan''s House, I found out everything. Then I told Brother Sheng to ask to sign an order with our father. Miss Yin thought people would look upon you with different eyes," Lei Wanxi exined to Wang Hao, who nodded his head.


    "It is my mistake to not visit her after that day," Wang Hao was guilty.


    "Can General Wang tell me how he found Miss Yin?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    Wang Hao nodded his head. "Four years ago, we did the military campaign to the East where I happened to encounter Yin Na. She was taken away by the enemies as a ve. We rescued many women at that time. Prince Wanxi knows that my sister died at a very young age, so when Yin Na called me Brother, my heart melted, and I decided to make her my sister.


    However, Yin Na said that she wants to live with her older brother. I found her older brother and sent them to Luoyang. I did not know that I have made the biggest mistake of my life. Also, I got so busy with military campaigns that I never came to see her. I have been searching for her since the day I returned to Luoyang. Then, I saw her in the Courtesan''s House, and it hurt me," Wang Hao narrated to Lei Wanxi and lowered his eyes.


    "Her older brother sold her off for money. He is married and is living in the capital. Thanks to the assistance that you provided him, he is a merchant," Lei Wanxi informed Wang Hao, who was shocked to hear that.


    "But I could not find him," Wang Hao muttered.


    "He has changed his identity," Lei Wanxi replied. "General Wang shall punish him. Even the death penalty will be less for him," Lei Wanxi stated and took out the identity card from his pocket. "I stole it from his shop," Lei Wanxi said with a grin and handed it to Wang Hao, who took it and read the name carved on it.


    "Shi Kun."


    "I gave the money so he could take care of Yin Na," Wang Hao tightened his grip around the identity card.


    "She has served twenty men in this one year. Mostly are petty officials," Lei Wanxi gave some information to Wang Hao. "It is the men''s fault to have such uncontroble desires. Young women have to suffer because of this mostly from low sses," Lei Wanxi stated and sighed.


    "Is the Crown Prince free? I would like to take His Highness''s advice on this matter," Wang Hao stated.


    "Today, Brother Sheng is not free. Last night was a passionate one for him, so he is rxing with his beloved wife," Lei Wanxi replied, keeping a smile on his lips.


    Wang Hao smiled back upon hearing the words of Lei Wanxi. "Prince Wanxi loves to tease the Crown Prince," Wang Hao said.


    "That''s my birthright, General Wang. I am waiting for your marriage too. You are older than us, yet you have not married. Does your father not nag you?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Father is not in Luoyang for four months. The day I returned, he left the capital after meeting me. Father has gone to the East to give prayers to the famous Buddhist Temple. When he returns, he will find someone for me," Wang Hao asserted.


    Lei Wanxi hummed and gave his best wishes to Wang Hao.


    "Xiao told me that Prince Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin are together. So, when are you going to marry?" General Wang suddenly asked.


    Lei Wanxi widened his eyes. "Together? We are not together. I mean¡­ I am still confused. I have asked for time from her. How did General Xiao find out? Why is he spreading such rumors about me?" Lei Wanxiined.


    Wang Haoughed for some time before speaking. "Prince Wanxi, Xiao was not spreading rumors about you. He only told me," Wang Hao rified to Lei Wanxi.


    "Hmm. I shall leave, General Wang. The Pce also needs me. Some strange things are going on in the Pce which I need to find out," Lei Wanxi stated and bowed.


    "Let me see you off till the--"


    Lei Wanxi stopped him from doing so. "Stay with your younger sister. I will go in the carriage," he said and left the hall.


    As Lei Wanxi came out of the Residence, he saw Zhu Lin in front of the carriage. "What are you doing here?" Lei Wanxi asked and descended the stairs.


    "I am here to tell General Wang that I was the one who helped you," Zhu Lin replied and crossed her arms.


    "Haha!" "You did only a tiny thing for me," Lei Wanxi stated. "General Wang is a busy person. Do not disturb him," Lei Wanxi told her and grabbed her arm. He forced her inside the carriage and then told the chauffeur to start it.


    A royal guard had closed the door of the carriage. Lei Wanxi sat beside Zhu Lin, who was ring at him. "Where were youst night? I did not see you at the wedding," Lei Wanxi asked Zhu Lin.


    "I was resting," Zhu Lin replied.


    Lei Wanxi narrowly gazed at her. "It''s odd to see you taking a rest. Are you lying?" He straightforwardly asked.


    "Why would I lie to the Prince?" Zhu Lin questioned back.


    "Because you consider me a fool," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "I was indeed resting. You can ask the servant outside my chamber," Zhu Lin answered.


    "Hmm. Good. Don''t lie to me. I might stop my feelings towards you if you tried lying to me," Lei Wanxi said and tilted his head to peer at her. Zhu Lin did the same and they both gazed into each other''s eyes.


    "There is no reason to lie to you," Zhu Lin pronounced.

 Chapter 511 - Sick

    <h4>Chapter 511 - Sick</h4>


    Nianzu reached the bookshop and greeted Ru Gaoying, who asked him about the exam.


    "It went well, Master Ru," Nianzu replied and thanked Ru Gaoying for sending the brush for him.


    "You do not need to thank, Nianzu," Ru Gaoying stated and continued, "Lady Chuntao is waiting for you in the second room." Nianzu nodded his head and went to the room. As he pushed the door in, he found Chuntao had rested her head on her arm, which was on the table. His gaze fell on the teapot and teacup, but Chuntao had not drunk the tea.


    "Chun," he pronounced her name as he put his hand over her head. He caressed it as Chuntao gradually opened her eyes. Feeling the touch of Nianzu, she immediately sat up straight and then lifted her head.


    Nianzu passed her a smile. Chuntao stood up from the chair. "How was the exam?" She asked worriedly.


    "It was good," Nianzu replied. "Let''s go home," Nianzu told her and put his arm around her shoulder. They came out of the room when Nianzu thanked Ru Gaoying for letting Chuntao stay in the bookshop. Nianzu met Ye Fang and Quan Bo before leaving the bookshop with Chuntao.


    Soon they reached the house. Nianzu after washing his hands, face and feet came to the room. While washing he saw the bruises on his hands. "Those Kids!" Nianzu mumbled and gently wiped off his hands from the towel. After he was done wiping, Nianzu went to the room where Chuntao was waiting for him.


    "I will make lunch for us. Till then you can rest," Chuntao suggested to Nianzu.


    "I will help you in cooking," Nianzu gave the helping hand to Chuntao, who refused.


    "You shall take rest. Isn''t your head aching?" She asked him. Nianzu was astonished as Chuntao found out about his headache even when he did not tell her. "I noticed earlier how you were pressing your head," Chuntao rified and made the bed for Nianzu on the bed.


    "I think because of the heat, you got a headache. Sleep for some time, and you will feel good," Chuntao advised him and pushed him on the mattress. She covered him from the nket and asked if she should fan him.


    "No. I will take some sleep," Nianzu replied. Chuntao told him to close his eyes and caressed his head. "I will wake you upter," she said and pulled her hand back. Standing up, she left the room and closed the door behind her.


    Chuntao came to the kitchen and cooked rice and soybeans for lunch. She lit the fire in the stove and put a vessel over it. Putting a bowl of rice and three cups of water into the copper vessel, she covered it from the lid.


    "Is there anyone inside?" Chuntao heard the voice of a man. She stood up and came out of the kitchen. It was surprising for her to see the upper-ssman in the small yard, whom she had seen in the morning.


    Chuntao bowed and then said, "My husband is taking a rest."


    "No worries. I am here to invite Nianzu for the evening''s party in my house, Lady..." Fei Jing paused in the end as he did not know the name of Chuntao.


    Chuntao lifted her head and drew her brows together. "I am Chuntao," She told her name to Fei Jing.


    "Lady Chuntao," Fei Jing pronounced her name and continued, "And also I apologize from my friends'' side who misbehaved with him," Fei Jing informed her.


    "Misbehaved?" Chuntao murmured.


    "Pardon! Did Lady Chuntao say something?" Fei Jing asked.


    "No," Chuntao immediately replied.


    "Does my husband know the young master?" Chuntao asked as she was skeptical of Fei Jing. The way Nianzu talked with Fei Jing made her a little suspicious of him.


    "Of course! He is the copyist in the famous bookshop of the market. Forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Fei Jing, the son of the District Tax Officer," Fei Jing gave his introduction.


    "My father has control on many matters in this vige. I again request you to pass this message to your husband toe in the evening to my house," Fei Jing again made a formal request.


    "Sure, Young Master Fei," Chuntao replied.


    Fei Jing looked around the house. Chuntao found it weird when she heard Fei Jing, "I shall take my leave." He handed a card to Chuntao before leaving the yard. Chuntao looked at the card in her hand and then looked outside. Fei Jing disappeared from her sight.


    "What did his friends do with Nianzu?" Chuntao murmured and went to the room where Nianzu was resting. Without making the slightest of noise, she entered the room and put the card on the floor table.


    She looked at Nianzu and found he was sweating. She quickly sat down by his side and touched Nianzu''s forehead. "Fever!" She mumbled and grasped Nianzu''s hand. She was shocked to see the clotted blood on Nianzu''s palm. She checked his pulse, which was abrupt. Putting his hand down, Chuntao ran out of the room to bring the Physician.


    She ran past a litter in which Fei Jing was seated. He told the lifters to stop the litter. As they put it down, he got down from it and called out Chuntao''s name, loudly. "Lady Chuntao."


    Chuntao, who was meters away from him, stopped and turned back. Fei Jing dashed towards her and asked her where she was heading to.


    "Young Master, I need to find a doctor. Nianzu is sick," Chuntao said worriedly while panting.


    "The infirmary is in the market. It will take more than an hour toe back home. Why don''t we take your husband to my Residence? We have a personal doctor at the residence," Fei Jing offered his help to Chuntao.


    "Lady Chuntao can trust me. I am Nianzu''s friend. For me, a person''s ss doesn''t matter. Don''t think too much. Let''s take your husband to my residence," Fei Jing repeated himself. Chuntao had no other option left than to agree to Fei Jing.


    "Thank you, Young Master," Chuntao deeply bowed.


    "Please do not embarrass me by doing this. Let''s go, Lady Chuntao.. Nianzu is alone in the house," Fei Jing stated and gestured to the carriers to take the litter towards Chuntao''s house.

 Chapter 512 - You Owe Me This Help!

    <h4>Chapter 512 - You Owe Me This Help!</h4>


    Fei Jing told the servants to take Nianzu inside the Residence. "Lady Chuntao, let''s go in," asserted Fei Jing, and they two walked in. The servants nced at them and wondered why Fei Jing brought a low ss inside the Residence. The Young Master never did this, and it was so strange of him.


    "Young Master, you brought a low ss in the house! Is everything alright?" Mao Shi asked, who was the personal assistant to Fei Jing.


    Chuntao heard that when Fei Jing scolded Mao Shi. "Go and bring Physician Du Meng," Fei Jing ordered him. Mao Shi bowed and walked away to bring the physician.


    "Do not mind him, Lady Chuntao. Please this way," Fei Jing showed her the way to the chamber where Nianzu was taken to.


    Chuntao sat on the stool beside the bed on which Nianzu was lying. She put her hand on his forehead and got worried as Nianzu''s body temperature had risen.


    "Your husband was sweating during the exam. I think he is not supposed to be in harsh environments," Fei Jingmented.


    ''It is all because of me that Nianzu has to undergo all this,'' Chuntao thought.


    Du Meng arrived at the chamber and greeted Fei Jing, who told him to examine Nianzu. Chuntao stood up from the stool and let Physician Du sit on it.


    Du Meng first removed the overcoat that Nianzu had put for better cirction of air around Nianzu''s body. Du Meng examined him, and while doing, so he saw Nianzu''s hands were bruised.


    "Did he fall somewhere?" Du Meng asked.


    "Yes. After leaving the examination ground, he stumbled on some pebbles and fell," Fei Jing lied to Physician Du, who hummed and told him to bring lukewarm water in the bowl.


    "Because of the heat, he fell sick, and his body temperature has risen. Give him enough liquids at regr intervals. To reduce the temperature, I am giving this pill which he can take now," Du Meng told Chuntao. He handed two pills to Chuntao. "Second one, you can give in the night," stated Du Meng.


    Chuntao carefully listened to the advice of the Physician. A servant brought a water vessel and put it on the bedside table. Du Meng wiped the wounds on Nianzu''s palms and applied a paste on the bruises.


    "He will be awake in a while," Du Meng stated as he stood up from the stool. Fei Jing thanked Du Meng, who left the chamber.


    Chuntao bowed deeply and thanked Fei Jing for doing so much for them. "Lady Chuntao, you are again embarrassing me. Please do not do this," Fei Jing requested and told Mao Shi to bring a water ss.


    Chuntao stood straight as Fei Jing told her to give the medicine to Nianzu.


    "You can leave with your husband once he is awake," Fei Jing told Chuntao, who hummed. She sat on the stool and looked at the pills in her hand. Mao Shi handed her the water ss and came near Fei Jing.


    "Young Master, what are you trying to do?" Mao Shi whispered in Fei Jing''s ear.


    "You shall leave," Fei Jing did not reply to Mao Shi. He did not argue with his master and left the chamber, closing the door behind him. Fei Jing sat on the chaise that was ced at one side of the chamber. Taking the fan out from his sash, he slowly fanned himself.


    ''Nianzu has such a weak body! He cannot be amoner. The way he speaks isn''t either of a Commoner. The knowledge he has can never be of a Commoner. The way he holds the brush and writes the words clearly shows that he was trained by some great schrs. His name resembles the banished Fourth Prince, whose whereabouts no one knows. Why is a Prince undergoing so many problems when he has inherited such a great fortune?'' Fei Jing contemted.


    He then looked at Chuntao, who was wiping the lips of Nianzu. "Lady Chuntao, may I know how you two met?" Fei Jing''s sudden question intimidated her. She tilted her head to look at him.


    "I tried to know from Nianzu but he got shy every time. Forgive me, if it seems rude to you," Fei Jing humbly apologized.


    "We met in my vige. He saved me from a bad person," Chuntao replied with a smile on her lips. "Gradually, we started to fall in love," she replied.


    "In these times having a love marriage is difficult. Lady Chuntao''s family agreed to love marriage... that''s strange!" Fei Jing remarked.


    Chuntao did not say anything and also Fei Jing did not ask any more questions.


    ''Father has told me that the Fourth Prince was not ready to marry the Princess of Huan Province. It seems he fell in love with amoner. Interesting! A Prince left his everything just to be with amoner! The other day, his wife was being punished and out of nowhere, General Xiao arrived. For a meremoner, a General will never treat an upper-ssman brutally,'' Fei Jing thought.


    After two hours, Nianzu gained consciousness. His body temperature had fallen. He gradually opened his eyes and found himself in a strange room. "Nianzu, you are awake!" Chuntao delightedly said as she caressed his head.


    Nianzu tilted his head. "Where are we?" He asked in a low voice.


    "You are in the Fei Residence," Fei Jing replied as he stood behind Chuntao.


    "Young Master Fei helped us. You fell sick. The young master brought you here and checked you with their personal doctor," Chuntao said with a smile. Nianzu did not like it, but he wondered how Fei Jin found his house.


    He sat up on the bed and lowered his head. "Thank you, Young Master." Nianzu sincerely thanked him.


    "You are making me feel low," Fei Jing stated. "Take a good rest. The lunch is almost ready," Fei Jing proimed.


    "Lunch?" Chuntao recalled she had let the rice cook on the stove. "Nianzu, the fire is lit on the stove. I need to go home," Chuntao immediately stood up from the stool. Nianzu confusedly looked at her.


    "Young Master, please take care of my husband. I have to go home. I wille back soon," Chuntao stated.


    "Of course, Lady Chuntao. Nianzu is my friend, as I told you earlier. Let me send you in the carriage," Fei Jing stated.


    "I am leaving as well," Nianzu threw the nket away when Fei Jing stopped him.


    "The Physician will examine you once again. You cannot leave," Fei Jing affirmed.


    "Nianzu, I wille back soon," Chuntao told Nianzu and walked out of the room. Fei Jing also went after her and instructed Mao Shi not to let Nianzue out.


    After Fei Jing sent off Chuntao in the litter to her home, he returned to his chamber where Nianzu was resting. He heard the shouts of Nianzu. Mao Shi opened the door as Fei Jing gestured to him.


    Nianzu red at him and stepped out of the room when Fei Jing grabbed his arm and pushed him back inside the room.


    "Leave my arm!" Nianzu angrily said.


    "I cannot. Your wife wants you to rest," Fei Jing affirmed and smirked. "Now, you owe me this help.. Your condition could have worsened if I had not helped you," Fei Jing whispered in his ear.

 Chapter 513 - I Am Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 513 - I Am Nothing</h4>


    Nianzu narrowly gazed at Fei Jing. "Why is the Young Master too desperate to have my presence in the party? Doesn''t he know that the lower ss is not invited to such parties?" Nianzu asked him amusingly.


    Fei Jing had closed the door behind him and turned to look at Nianzu.


    "You are not from a lower-ss family, Prince Nianzu," Fei Jing deduced. Nianzu did not let his facial expressions change and wrylyughed.


    "Please do not address me as a Prince," Nianzu asserted.


    "Hmm. Then, how shall I address you?" Fei Jing queried Nianzu.


    "By my name, Young Master," Nianzu answered and took a step forward but Fei Jing stopped him.


    "I will address you as Nianzu, but then what about the characteristics that you possess as a Prince? Why did you abandon your Prince title and instead choose amoner''s life? Was it because of your wife?" Fei Jing questioned Nianzu, whose face was as calm as before.


    "Thank you, Young Master, for bringing me here. I will surely repay your kindness. The Young Master wants me to attend the evening''s party. Then, I will do that," Nianzu asserted and bowed. Fei Jing had not expected this kind of response from Nianzu, who had lifted his eyes.


    "I shall take my leave," Nianzu said and walked past him.


    "Go in a litter," Fei Jing suggested to him.


    "It is not needed," Nianzu replied.


    "I have promised your wife that I will take care of you," Fei Jing affirmed and turned to him. "Follow me," he said and walked out of the room.


    As they came out of the Residence, Fei Jing told Nianzu to get into the Litter. Nianzu did so and left for his home. ''Nianzu, you are trying to hide this identity. But, why?'' Fei Jing wondered.


    Nianzu, oppositely, arrived at his home. Chuntao, who hade out of the kitchen, was shocked to see Nianzu. She dashed to him and gave him support.


    "Nianzu, why did youe alone?" She murmured.


    "Why did you leave me at that Residence?" Nianzu asked her as the two went towards the room.


    "Young Master has said that the Physician will examine you again," Chuntao replied and opened the door. They both walked inside the room. Nianzu sat on the mattress while Chuntao handed him a ss of water.


    She took out a fan from the table and started to fan Nianzu, who was drinking the water. Nianzu put the ss down and told Chuntao not to trouble herself.


    "How is it a problem? Lay down. You need a good rest. You have exhausted yourself," Chuntao told him and tried to push him on the mattress.


    "I am hungry, Chun," Nianzu said and rested his hand on his stomach.


    "Give me a few minutes. I will prepare something quick," Chuntao said and walked out of the room.


    Oppositely, Nianzu thought about how to make Fei Jing believe that he was not Prince. Because if he would not do something quick regarding this then things might get problematic for him.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili woke up from sleep in the afternoon and tilted her head. "Sheng Li," she whispered his name and sat upon the mattress.


    "Where were you? You left me alone in the Residence," Ying Lili pouted.


    "I had some work toplete," Sheng Li replied while stroking Ying Lili''s hair. "Why did you not eat your breakfast? Skipping breakfast is not good," Sheng Li said and then looked towards the door.


    "Send the meals in," Sheng Li said in a loud enough voice. He turned his gaze back at Ying Lili.


    "Is it still hurting? Did I--"


    "No. I was sleepy," Ying Lili replied and lowered her gaze. "Last night was wonderful," she stated and a shade of red appeared on her cheeks. Sheng Li rested his palm on her cheek and touched their foreheads.


    The maidservants had walked with Court Lady Xu. They set the table. "The lunch is ready, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu told Sheng Li.


    "Hmm. You shall leave," Sheng Li said while gazing at Ying Lili. Court Lady Xu left the chamber and closed the doors behind her.


    "Come, let''s have lunch," Sheng Li pulled back and took Ying Lili towards the table. Pulling out the chair for her, he made her sit on it and then sat beside her. The two started to eat while conversing with each other.


    "Sheng Li, we need toprehend Brother Yongzheng before he ends up doing something which can break the rtionship of Brothers," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    Sheng Li chewed the food and answered, "Lili, I am looking into that. You also know that men are not punished even if they are abusive to their wives and servants. And he is the Second Prince. Moreover, the wife of the Second Brother will never raise her voice. Because if she does so, her life will be ruined. So, everything has to be done carefully," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili.


    "Why can a Prince not be punished? Isn''t a Prince the ideal of a society?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li.


    "He is! But you also know it''s patriarchy. The decisions of men are supreme. A woman is considered a man''s property once they are married. Servants are also the property of a man. And if a woman raises her voice, then she has to bear the consequences," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "If Brother Yongzheng''s wife raises her voice, he will definitely bring a second one. Also, Father will never give him punishment for this, nor will the Court Ministers ask for it," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "So, nothing can be done, right?" Ying Lili asked him with a sad expression.


    "I will handle it my way. Give me time," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who nodded her head. He put the beans and a few vegetables on her te and told her to eat. Ying Lili did so.


    "You are a great man, Sheng Li. You never considered me inferior to you. I am blessed to be your wife," Ying Lili suddenly said, and it made Sheng Li happy.


    "You are my treasure. Without you, I am nothing. You have brought the real Sheng Li out of me," Sheng Liplimented her.. The two smiled and continued to eat.

 Chapter 514 - Keep Integrity Between The Brothers

    <h4>Chapter 514 - Keep Integrity Between The Brothers</h4>


    Jian Guozhi folded the scroll after putting the seal on it. Eunuch Long picked the scroll and left for the Office of Personnel in the capital. A maidservant came forward and cleaned the table.


    Jian Guozhi stood up and went to the chamber of Yongzheng. As he walked in, he found Yongzheng was shouting at a servant. He went inside the chamber and found the servant had mistakenly thrown the water on the floor.


    "Brother Yongzheng," Jian Guozhi pronounced his name. Yongzheng turned back and saw the First Prince. He greeted him and told the servant to clean the floor.


    "First Brother, you did not inform about your visit," Yongzheng humbly said and gestured to Jian Guozhi to have a seat on the ground chairs. "Would the First Brother like to have tea with me?" Yongzheng asked.


    "I would love to have tea with the Second Brother," Jian Guozhi replied. Yongzheng ordered a maidservant, who was near the second door to bring green leaves tea for them.


    "Brother seemed angry earlier. Is something going on?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "The servant ruined my mood. Leave it, Brother Jian," Yongzheng stated. "So, why has Brother Jian visited me so suddenly?" Yongzheng asked.


    "I wanted to drink tea with Brother Yongzheng," Jian Guozhi answered. The maidservant served tea to them and left the chamber. Yongzheng skeptically looked at Jian Guozhi, who sipped the tea.


    "Is everything going good, Brother Jian?" Yongzheng asked.


    "I do not know. After Brother Nianzu left, it seems the Royal Family is parting," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "Hmm. Father should not have announced such a decision," Yongzheng replied and sipped the tea. As he put the teacup on the table, Yongzheng said, "Brother Jian, after Brother Nianzu''s mother became the Empress, it was a legal right of her son to be the next Crown Prince. Don''t you think our Father was a little partial?" Yongzheng queried Jian Guozhi, who drew his brows together.


    "Ahh, these are not my words, but the Ministers are saying this," Yongzheng rified to Jian Guozhi.


    "Brother Nianzu wanted to marry amoner, and if he would remain in the position of a Prince, he had to marry someone from a high-ss family," Jian Guozhi exined to Yongzheng.


    "There was nothing wrong in that," Yongzheng concluded.


    "It was for Brother Nianzu. You are also aware of his nature. Also, he suffered a lot because of the status his mother had," proimed Jian Guozhi.


    "But if Father wanted he could have given a good status to Brother Nianzu''s wife which is amoner. When our father can revoke the rules for Brother Sheng, then why not for Brother Nianzu?" Yongzheng questioned.


    Jian Guozhi finished the tea and poured it again into his cup. "What does Brother Yingzheng mean by that statement?" Jian Guozhi asked for rification.


    "When Brother Sheng refused for bringing a second wife, then our Father did not say anything. Brother Jian knows that a Prince is supposed to have more than one wife, yet for Brother Sheng, our father did not say a word. It seems our father favors his one son more than the others," Yongzheng tried to manipte the mind of Jian Guozhi.


    "Brother Yongzheng, you know that we have left the path where we used to trouble Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Who is troubling Brother Sheng?" Yongzheng muttered. "Brother Jian also knows that Brother Sheng does not forgive his enemies. I think Brother Jian doesn''t know how Brother Sheng conspired against the Minister of Personnel and others."


    Jian Guozhi gazed at him with bewilderment.


    "Yes. Brother Sheng cleared his way by eliminating those Ministers who were against him from the beginning. Brother Sheng will slowly take over us, and we need to suppress our voices. Brother Jian, it is strange to see that you have turned into a saint while Brother Sheng, taking advantage of all this," Yongzheng filled the ears of Jian Guozhi.


    "Brother Yongzheng, I have not turned into a saint. I have epted my mistakes and have walked ahead," Jian Guozhi corrected him. Yongzheng chuckled upon hearing his words.


    "Brother Jian, do you think after father''s demise, Brother Sheng will let us stay in those positions?" Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes and looked into the teacup.


    "You have not forgotten anything, right?" Jian Guozhi asked Yongzheng. "You still consider Sheng Li a threat, right?" He turned informal and then lifted his eyes while rubbing his fingers on the teacup.


    "Indeed. Sheng Li is a threat to us. Brother Jian, let''s join hands and put the end on Sheng Li," Yongzheng pronounced. "Father only cares about the child of his beloved wife. He does not care for any of his children except Sheng Li. Also, he has given some special perks to the Crown Princess, which is annoying sometimes. Brother Jian, people take you as a weak and traitor... just because your mother did those crimes, but in reality, your mother did everything for you. Why? Because Father stopped looking at his other wives when Sheng Li''s mother entered the Pce. Father discriminated among us, and you suffered a lot because of that," Yongzheng stated.


    Jian Guozhi tightened his grip on the cup that he was holding. However, he didn''t let the anger show on his face. Calmly he asked, "Brother Yongzheng, what do you think we shall do?"


    Yongzheng smirked as he was able to make Jian Guozhi understand. "Is Brother on my side?" He asked to confirm.


    "I was with you for a long time," Jian Guozhi affirmed and passed him a smile.


    "I want to kill the Crown Princess," Yongzheng affirmed. Jian Guozhi chuckled but did not say anything.


    "Don''t you think that will worsen the situation?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "No. Sheng Li is madly in love with the Crown Princess. He will break down if she leaves him forever," Yongzheng concluded. "Then, Brother Jian can take the throne, and everything will be sorted out," Yongzheng suggested to him.


    "Yongzheng, I am not old Jian Guozhi. I have left that path long ago. You shall do the same. Do not worry. I will not tell this to the Crown Prince. I will keep the integrity between the Brothers," Jian Guozhi advised him, astonishing Yongzheng. He put the cup down with a loud thud sound and stood up.


    "It was nice conversing with you.. The only advice I would like to give is to see happiness without thinking about the greed you have," Saying this, Jian Guozhi walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 515 - A Cute Prince

    <h4>Chapter 515 - A Cute Prince</h4>


    In the evening, Sheng Li and Ying Lili returned to the Imperial Pce. Sheng Li had told Ying Lili about Wang Hao, so after dropping her at the Zhenzhu Residence, Sheng Li left for Wang Hao''s house to meet him.


    As Sheng Li hopped on Kongqi, he found Lei Wanxiing towards him. Lei Wanxi stopped by the left side of Kongqi and told Sheng Li to take him too.


    "Kongqi does not allow anyone except me and Lili on it," Sheng Li affirmed. Sheng Li pulled the reins on Kongqi and scared Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother, do not scare me off," Lei Wanxi stepped back and brought his arms near his face. Sheng Liughed seeing Wanxi''s reactions. "This is not the way Brother Sheng shall treat his younger Brother," Lei Wanxiined.


    "Go to your chamber or else go to Princess Zhu Lin. Spend time with her and then you can get married," Sheng Li teased Lei Wanxi a little. Kongqi neighed too and it made Sheng Liugh more. "Even Kongqi wants you to spend time with Princess Zhu Lin," he said.


    "Brother, don''t tease me. Fine, I will not go with you. I will tell Sister Lili how you teased me. Then, she will hold my hands and you will get jealous," Lei Wanxi teased Sheng Li back, who stopped smiling.


    "Wanxi, aren''t you ashamed of doing that?" Sheng Li menacingly asked.


    Lei Wanxi smirked. "I am not doing anything shameful. I am Sister Lili''s younger brother," Lei Wanxi started teasing Sheng Li and then took backward steps. Waving at Sheng Li, Lei Wanxi walked away from his sight.


    "Wanxi, don''t do anything inappropriate else I will beat you," Sheng Li said loudly.


    Lei Wanxi turned back and shook his head. "Brother Sheng, then I will make Sister Lili beat you," Lei Wanxi shouted. Sheng Li chuckled and then left for Wang Hao''s house.


    The Royal Guards quickly descended the stairs and bowed as they saw the Crown Prince. Sheng Li got down from Kongqi and walked inside the Wang Residence.


    Wang Hao got the news about Sheng Li''s arrival and came to the Courtyard. "Your Highness," Wang Hao bowed and lifted his head.


    "Let''s talk inside," Sheng Li told him and they walked inside the general hall. As they sat on the chaise, Sheng Li asked Wang Hao about Yin Na.


    "She is resting. Thanks to the Crown Prince I brought her out of the hell," General Wang affirmed.


    "You should have told me earlier. Wanxi happened to notice all that and told me to do something. It was Father, who passed the order," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I have a job for you," Sheng Li said.


    "Please give the order, Your Highness," Wang Hao stated.


    "Prince Yongzheng is scheming against me. Hiswork of spies is a little unknown to me. But be careful of him. He has not left any of his traits behind. So, you know how dangerous he could be," Sheng Li warned Wang Hao.


    "I understand, Your Highness. It is sad to hear that Prince Yongzheng is still on that path," Wang Hao concluded.


    "Wanxi saw the Second Prince handing a poison to a servant," Sheng Li stated. Wang Hao got worried to hear that.


    "Crown Prince, I will look into it and will report you soon regarding this," Wang Hao assured Sheng Li, who hummed.


    "Did Huo Jin leave?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Highness. Huo Jin left an hour ago. Huo Jin said that Prince Nianzu is afraid that his mother might try to harm you. He said that Empress Hui is not someone to be taken lightly," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li agreed with those words.


    "I know. I have kept my eyes on her. But before that I need to bring the Second Prince on the right path," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    ~~~~


    Lei Wanxi came to his chamber and found Zhu Lin was waiting for him. "What are you doing here?" Lei Wanxi closed the fan in his hand and put it on the table.


    "I have brought this fruit custard for Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin answered, looking at the bowl on the table.


    Lei Wanxi came near her and looked at the bowl. He removed the te from it and a smile formed on his lips. "It is the first time someone made a special custard for me." Zhu Lin pulled out the chair for him and pushed him on it. She picked the spoon and handed it to Lei Wanxi.


    "It is also my first time making it. It took me two hours," Zhu Lin informed him.


    "I had not expected that you would cook something for me," Lei Wanxi stated and dipped the spoon in the custard. He took the first sip and widened his eyes. "Wonderful! I did not expect that you can cook," Lei Wanxi praised her and pulled a chair out that was next to him. He made Zhu Lin sit on it and forwarded a spoonful of custard towards her.


    Zhu Lin opened her mouth a little and sipped the custard. To her surprise, it tasted awful. She made a weird face and asked for water. Lei Wanxi smiled upon seeing her and quickly poured water into a ss. Forwarding the ss to her, he told her to drink. Zhu Lin drank the water and then put it down on the table.


    "I put salt instead of water," Zhu Lin muttered.


    "You could have taken someone''s help," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "It was my first time trying," Zhu Lin mumbled.


    "Well, such things do not impress me," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Are you telling me not to try cooking anymore?" Zhu Lin skeptically peered at him.


    "Hmm. Do not try to cook. I do not want my taste buds to die," Lei Wanxi remarked and started tough. He stoppedughing after some time and said, "I am kidding. Do not take it to heart and do not start a fight with me for no reason."


    Zhu Lin chuckled. "You are a Cute Prince," sheplimented him.. Lei Wanxi''s cheeks and ears turned red like a ripened tomato upon hearing that statement.

 Chapter 516 - Lets Have Our First Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 516 - Let''s Have Our First Kiss</h4>


    Zhu Lin smiled upon seeing how Lei Wanxi was hiding his smiles. "Prince, you can smile openly. You indeed are the cutest among all," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "I know. I am dear to everyone''s heart in the Pce. Thank you for thepliment, Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi stated. "Do you want to eat sweets?" He asked her with excitement.


    "I would like to eat sweets. The salty custard hurt my taste buds," Zhu Lin answered. Lei Wanxi called a maidservant inside. He ordered her to clean the table and bring sweets for them.


    "Zhu Lin, why do you like me?" Lei Wanxi asked, out of nowhere. "You did not tell me the reason behind your likeness towards me. I live a tension-free life and only enjoy it," he rified his question.


    "There are many reasons, but the most prominent ones are¨C Prince Wanxi''s cheerful personality and his love towards his royal family," Zhu Lin answered. Lei Wanxi was delighted to hear praise words from the mouth of Zhu Lin regarding him.


    The maidservant hade with sweets and ced two tes on the table. Walking backward, she left the chamber.


    Lei Wanxi picked a green-colored sweet and brought it near Zhu Lin''s mouth. "Open your mouth," Lei Wanxi requested. Zhu Lin did so and took a bite of the sweet. He smiled and pulled his hand back.


    As he ate the remaining sweet, Zhu Lin asked him why he ate it. "Because I wanted to!" Zhu Lin answered.


    "I already had eaten a piece of that," Sheined.


    "So?" Lei Wanxi questioned and picked another sweet. He handed that to Zhu Lin. "Are you thinking that we had an indirect kiss?" He suddenly asked, and she widened her eyes.


    "How could the Prince talk that way?" Zhu Lin scoffed and started to fan herself with her hand. "Doesn''t the Prince think it''s hot here?" Zhu Lin questioned him.


    "Is it?"


    "Hmm."


    "I think you are feeling hot because I talked about the kiss," Lei Wanxi stated and smirked.


    Zhu Lin was dumbfounded to hear that. "Do you want me to kiss you?" She heard Lei Wanxi, so she turned her gaze towards him. He was patiently waiting for her answer.


    She sometimes lowered her eyes, sometimes averted them while the other times peered at him. It all happened in a fraction of a few seconds. The blush on her cheeks was getting prominent. No one made her feel this way. She fidgeted with her fingers when heard Lei Wanxi.


    "Do you want to see your face in the mirror?"


    She confusedly peered at him.


    "You are looking hrious," Lei Wanxi affirmed and started tough. Zhu Lin frowned, and Lei Wanxi tried to control hisughter.


    "Forgive me forughing. It is my first time seeing you nervous and blushing. Else, most of the time, you carry a serious expression, or you can say one expression most of the time," Lei Wanxi answered.


    Zhu Lin touched her cheeks from the back of her palm and said, "Any woman would get nervous if you talk this way with her." She huffed and murmured, "I thought for a second that he would kiss me."


    "I shall leave." Zhu Lin stood up from the chair when Lei Wanxi grasped her wrist and pulled her towards him.


    "Ahh," she let out a small scream andnded on him. Their faces came dangerously close to each other. Zhu Lin''s hands were on Lei Wanxi''s shoulders while his hands were on her waist.


    "It is strange to see Zhu Lin getting nervous," Lei Wanxi stressed the word Zhu Lin and moved the back of his finger on her jawline. Bringing it under the chin, he stopped and pulled her face a little towards his face.


    "I heard your murmur, ''I thought for a second that he would kiss me.'' Let''s have our first kiss," Lei Wanxi stated and leaned closer to her lips. Zhu Lin closed her face, so did Lei Wanxi.


    Their lips were at hair width distance apart, almost going to touch when they heard a voice. "Brother Wanxi! Brother Wanxi!" They both opened their eyes and looked towards the door and again at each other.


    "Weng Yu?" Lei Wanxi murmured. His reflex acted fast, and he pushed Zhu Lin with such a great force that she hit the floor.


    Weng Yu came inside and saw the awkward situation between them. Zhu Lin was on the floor while Lei Wanxi had a shocking expression on his face.


    "Did Brother Wanxi again fight with the Princess?" Weng Yu asked.


    Lei Wanxi immediately stood up and shook his head. "She was standing up from the chair, but her foot slipped, and she fell on the ground," Lei Wanxi told a white lie, looking at Zhu Lin, who chuckled.


    "Why doesn''t Brother Wanxi help the Princess?" Weng Yu asked.


    "Ah, I am doing," Lei Wanxi replied and forwarded his hand to Zhu Lin, who yanked it away. Lei Wanxiughed a little and then looked at Weng Yu. "She is full of attitude," he stated. Zhu Lin stood up, looked at her dress if it was alright, and left the chamber.


    "It seems the Princess is angry at Brother Wanxi," Weng Yu said as he looked back. Zhu Lin had walked out of the chamber.


    "Why are you here, Weng Yu?" Lei Wanxi asked, who turned towards him and smiled.


    "Brother Wanxi, I am here to show you this painting. I made it myself," Weng Yu delightedly said and came near Lei Wanxi. He opened the rolled sheet and spread it on the table.


    "Wonderful, Little Brother Yu! You drew an incredibly beautiful peach blossom tree," Lei Wanxiplimented Weng Yu.


    "Really, Brother Wanxi? I think I could not mix up the colors perfectly," Weng Yu asserted.


    "You will learn to do that too. It is magnificent," Lei Wanxi encouraged him. Weng Yu smiled and rolled the sheet.


    "Thank you, Brother Wanxi. I am d that you liked it. The Fourth Brother is not in the Pce else, I have asked him for more tips," Weng Yu said and sighed.


    "Sister Lili has an incredible knowledge about art. Brother Yu shall go to her. Sister Lili will definitely guide Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi suggested to Weng Yu.


    "Oh, yes. Sister Lili knows art. Let''s go, Brother Wanxi," Weng Yu affirmed.


    "Forgive me, Little Yu. But I have important work," Lei Wanxi told Weng Yu.


    "Okay, Brother Wanxi. Thank you for giving me your time."?Weng Yu bowed and left the chamber.


    "I need to meet Zhu Lin.. Hopefully, she will not beat me up," Lei Wanxi mumbled.

 Chapter 517 - Not Give You My Kiss This Easily

    <h4>Chapter 517 - Not Give You My Kiss This Easily</h4>


    Lei Wanxi went to the chamber of Zhu Lin and found she was doing something with her sword. "Zhu Lin, Forgive me for earlier," Lei Wanxi apologized when she turned towards him. "Put the sword on the table," He gestured towards the table beside them.


    Zhu Lin did so and then looked at Lei Wanxi. "You threw me as if I was a trash bag. Goodness, if you did not want to kiss me, then you should have said so," Zhu Lin asserted. She was annoyed at Lei Wanxi.


    "Weng Yu hade at that time. He is a child, and if he had seen us that way, then it would not have been good," Lei Wanxi reasoned.


    "I was going to stand up, but you pushed me," Zhu Lin stated. "Are you going to treat me this way in the future?" Zhu Lin questioned him.


    "No. Don''t make me feel low. The Jade Emperor will punish me if I do wrong to you," Lei Wanxi stated. He quickly put his arm around Zhu Lin''s shoulder, astonishing her.


    "What are you doing?" Zhu Lin tried pushing him away.


    "Come, let''s y in my chamber," Lei Wanxi told Zhu Lin.


    "I am not a child who ys games," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "But, you love me, and I love to y games," Lei Wanxi opined. The smile on his lips kept increasing as he was enjoying teasing Zhu Lin. "We will y a board game," He said and slowly removed his arm from her shoulder.


    "I am not good at Board games," Zhu Lin answered.


    "Then, it will be more fun," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Prince Wanxi, did you make up your mind? Do you want to be your wife? Do you want to love me?" Her sudden questions vanished the smile on Lei Wanxi''s lips. "The Emperor asked me in the morning. I lied to His Majesty that I am not feeling well that''s why I dyed my journey. I want your answer first," Zhu Lin exined to him.


    "I like you but I do not know whether I love you or not. Forgive me if I hurt your feelings," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Prince Wanxi was going to kiss me earlier. Don''t we kiss someone whom we like or love?" Zhu Lin raised her eyebrow.


    "I know."


    "Does your heart get restless when Ie close to you or when you think about me? Does it feel like many butterflies are dancing in your stomach? If it is so, then Prince Wanxi loves me," Zhu Lin told him a few things. "Shall we confirm your feelings for me through a Kiss?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    Lei Wanxi was bewildered to see how bold Zhu Lin was! Usually, men say those lines but in his case, Zhu Lin was taking initiative and telling him the things that he had read or heard from the people.


    "How can you be so bold? D-do you not feel shy? Huh?" Lei Wanxi wanted to know.


    "Why shall I feel shy? You are well aware of my nature. If I think about something, I say it. I do not keep it to my heart," Zhu Lin replied.


    Lei Wanxi hummed and took a step closer to her. He leaned a little down to reach Zhu Lin''s lips. "You are so desperate to kiss me! I will not give you my kiss this easily," Lei Wanxi said with a serious tone. "You shall make more efforts, Zhu Lin. I am the most desirable bachelor among women. I want to keep this title as long as I can," He stated and leaned back.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li came back to the Pce and went to Ying Lili''s chamber. Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li that the youngest Prince had visited the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li walked in and heard theirughter. "Why are you twoughing so much?" Sheng Li asked.


    They both stopped and stood up from the chairs. Weng Yu greeted Sheng Li. "Greetings to the Crown Prince. Sister Lili was telling me about her childhood days. That''s why we wereughing. Forgive me for acting inappropriately," Weng Yu humbly requested.


    "You did not do any crime, so you should not apologize," Sheng Li stated and put his hand on Weng Yu''s head, who liked it. Sheng Li patted his head and said, "General Xiao told me about your performance. You are working hard. It is good to see you making progress."


    "Thanks to Brother Sheng, I can do this. He has been the constant source of my inspiration," Weng Yu replied. Sheng Li never thought that he could be someone''s inspiration. He felt good listening to those words, so he embraced Weng Yu into a hug.


    Since Weng Yu was smaller in height, he usually reached the upper stomach of Sheng Li. It was the first time Sheng Li hugged him, and he felt as if he was in the seventh sky. Weng Yu encircled his arm around Sheng Li and tightly hugged him.


    Sheng Li patted his back and told him to keep working hard.


    "I will, Brother Sheng." Weng Yu reassured him, and the two pulled away from each other after some time.


    "I shall take my leave. Thank you, Sister Lili, for giving me your time. I will implement your advice. Hopefully, my art teacher will give me good marks in this drawing," Weng Yu stated.


    "Tell me if he fails you. I will scold him for you," Sheng Li told Weng Yu, who passed white teeth smile to him.


    "Sheng Li, it is not good to scold a teacher," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "But, he is not my teacher. I can scold him as much as I want to," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili red at him. "Ahh, fine. I will not do that. Why does Weng Yu have to learn art? It''s not like he will be a painter. Such a useless subject it is. Even myte teacher used to scold me. Never once did that knowledgee into good use for me," Sheng Li chuckled. He wanted to say more but the way Ying Lili was ring at him made him stop.


    Weng Yu left the chamber as he found the weird tension that had grown between the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "How could you call art a useless subject?" Ying Lili, with a fit of rage, inquired.


    "It is useless for me. It never helped me," Sheng Li answered. "Let''s not ruin our mood on this topic," Sheng Li stated and back hugged her.


    "You ruined my half mood already," Ying Lili snapped at him, tilting her head to peer at him.


    Sheng Li quickly nted a kiss on her cheek. "Is it okay, now?" He asked, tilting his head.


    Ying Lili smiled and turned her head to the front. "Brother Yu respects you a lot," Ying Lili informed him.


    "I do not know why he respects me, and then howe I be his inspiration?" Sheng Li whispered and rested his chin on her shoulder.


    "Because you protect them, you handle everything by yourself before letting its impact fall on the Royal Family," Ying Lili told him. "For Brother Yu, his Brother Sheng is invincible and a perfect man," Ying Lili stated.


    "He became a grown-up. But does he not know his Brother Sheng can do this because of his incredible wife?" Sheng Li brought his cheek near Ying Lili''s and then closed the distance between them.


    Ying Lili smiled. "Ask your Brother about this," she suggested and turned to him. She rested her palm on his cheek and, with glistened eyes, kept looking at him.


    Sheng Li nuzzled his nose on Ying Lili''s neck and gave her feathery kisses. Ying Lili giggled and told him to stop. Sheng Li did so and moved back. Drawing her closer, he hugged her tightly. "Lili, I do not know, but I am getting a strange intuition. It feels that something good is on my way," Sheng Li said.


    "So, isn''t it good?" Ying Lili moved her hand on his chest.


    "I fear sometimes. After every good thing, something bad is destined to happen to me," Sheng Li asserted with a gloomy expression.


    Ying Lili lifted her head to again gaze at him. "It''s fine. We both will face that together. Good and Bad are a part of life," Ying Lili did not let him get low.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. He kissed Ying Lili''s upper lip, followed by the lower one. She kissed him back, before withdrawing. Her head rested on his chest while Sheng Li rested his chin over Ying Lili''s head.


    ~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    These days I sometimes givete updates. It''s because of a little stress I am having. Hope, you all will understand.


    Thank you for the continuous support.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 518 - The Emperor Has Fainted

    <h4>Chapter 518 - The Emperor Has Fainted</h4>


    Jian Guozhi was trying to focus on the work, but after meeting Yongzheng, it was difficult for him. He put the brush down when Eunuch Long came forward.


    "What happened, your highness?" He humbly asked.


    Jian Guozhi did not reply to him and brought both his hands under his chin, after joining them. He did not want to tell Ying Lili about Yongzheng''s true face because he did not want her to stress over it. Also, he was sure that Sheng Li would soon find out about this.


    Jian Guozhi had spent a lot of his childhood and teenage time with Yongzheng, so he knew him better than anyone. ''He does not like women to rule. His hatred towards Sheng Li has not lessened a bit. He wants to harm the Crown Princess. I warned him but I wonder if he would listen to me or not.'' Jian Guozhi contemted and heaved a sigh.


    Eunuch Long was getting worried upon seeing the First Prince. However, he did not dare to disturb him.


    "Princess Xue is here." They both heard it. Jian Guozhi came out of his thoughts and looked towards the door. Xue Yu-Yan bowed in front of her husband and raised her head.


    "Jian Ge, I did not disturb you, right?" Xue Yu-Yan asked as her gaze fell on the table on which a few sheets were spread.


    "No. Have a seat." Jian Guozhi looked at Eunuch Long and told him to bring tea for them. He bowed and left the chamber. At that time, a maidservant came inside and cleaned the table.


    "You seem happy," Jian Guozhi said as he put his hands on the table.


    "Jian Ge, tomorrow I have to go to the Buddhist Shrine to pray for Sister Qi Jing''s health and safety. I am excited about that. It is my first time praying with my heart," Xue Yu-Yan rested her hand on her chest and passed a smile to Jian Guozhi. "Will Jian Ge apany me?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    "I will," Jian Guozhi replied and it delighted Xue Yu-Yan. Eunuch Long and a maidservant entered the chamber. She made the tea for them and served it to them.


    After Jian Guozhi picked the cup, Xue Yu-Yan picked it and sipped the tea. Jian Guozhi had already gestured to Eunuch Long to leave, so he left the chamber again with the maidservant.


    "Jian Ge, did you hear about Brother Wanxi?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him, who shook his head in refusal.


    "How could you not?" She mumbled and sipped the tea again.


    "Why? What happened?" Jian Guozhi concernedly queried.


    "Brother Wanxi loves Princess Zhu Lin. They both confessed their feelings to each other. Sister Lili told me," Xue Yu-Yan answered and smiled.


    "Wanxi loves Princess Zhu Lin!" It was unbelievable for Jian Guozhi. "He has finally grown up. He is a good yer. There are a few Court Ministers whose daughters showed interest in him. However, he never showed any interest in them. He flutters the heart of the women around him without knowing what he is doing," Jian Guozhi stated and started tough.


    "Brother Wanxi has a cheerful personality. Maybe that''s one reason that women get attracted to him, and also he has gotten good looks," Xue Yu-Yan concluded. Jian Guozhi agreed with her and sipped the remaining tea from the cup. He picked the teapot and poured the tea into the cups.


    Xue Yu-Yan noticed the frowns on Jian Guozhi''s forehead. "Is everything alright, Jian Ge?"


    He lifted his eyes and nodded. Putting the teapot at the table, he handed the teacup to Xue Yu-Yan. "You seem in trouble," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "No. Xue might have noticed something wrong," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Is it the work stress?" She asked another question.


    "No. You know that the Princes have limited works to do except the Crown Prince," Jian Guozhi answered and passed a faint smile to her. It relieved Xue Yu-Yan, and the two continued to converse. When she stood up to leave, Jian Guozhi stopped her.


    "Stay here tonight," Jian Guozhi requested.


    Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head and sat down.


    Eunuch Long rushed inside the chamber. "Your Highness, the Emperor has fainted suddenly," He informed Jian Guozhi, who immediately stood up, and so did Xue Yu-Yan.


    "What happened?" Jian Guozhi asked with a panicked expression.


    "It is not known, Your Highness," Eunuch Long said worriedly. Both Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan dashed out of the chamber, followed by Eunuch Long.


    In the Emperor''s manor, everyone from the Royal Family had gathered. The Royal Physician was examining the Emperor and it worried him if the prolonged illness had not stopped. ording to Hu Jingguo, the Emperor at most could live for a year.


    "Did His Majesty take his doses regrly?" The Royal Physician questioned Eunuch Jin.


    "Yes. His Majesty daily took his medicines," Eunuch Jin replied.


    "Don''t tell me that you are again not able to do anything," Sheng Li shouted at the Royal Physician. "I told you many times to leave--"


    "Calm down. Let the Royal Physician do his job. Forgive my husband for his insolent behavior, Royal Physician," Ying Lili pacified the situation. She intertwined Sheng Li''s fingers with hers. "Father will be alright," she whispered. Sheng Li was a little calm upon hearing Ying Lili''s words.


    "Royal Physician, what is the reason that Father fainted?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    The Royal Physician nced at Eunuch Jin, who understood it. The Emperor had told the Royal Physician not to reveal about his illness as an internal fight could break among the family members.


    "It is because of weakness," the Royal Physician lied in front of everyone. "The Emperor needs to take care of his diet," he stated.


    Deng Hui and the other consorts looked at each other. "We will take care of His Majesty''s meals," Deng Hui affirmed.


    "There is no need for that. I will take care of that," Sheng Li sternly said.


    "The Crown Prince shall not stop the Empress and the Consorts from serving His Majesty," Consort Ju Fen pronounced.


    "I can stop them because it is about the safety of the Emperor," Sheng Li reasoned.


    "Does the Crown Prince mean that we, the wives of the Emperor, can harm His Majesty?" This time Consort Jinlong raised her voice. Lei Wanxi looked at his mother and then at Sheng Li.


    "I do not want any kind of argument over this," Sheng Li proimed, ending the argument.


    "The Crown Prince is abusing his powers. Why does it seem that something suspicious is going on?" The Second Consort raised the doubt. "The Emperor fainted suddenly, and the Crown Prince is preventing us from taking care of our own husband," She furiously said.


    "Calm down, everyone. The Crown Prince is only performing his duty. If any of us would be at his ce, then we would have done the same. The Crown Prince has not stopped anyone from meeting the Emperor, instead, he is being cautious for the Emperor''s meals. These past few days, so many schemings happened in the Pce. The Crown Prince, after looking at those factors decided that," Jian Guozhi exined to everyone.. The Consorts understood the point of Jian Guozhi and apologized to the Crown Prince for initiating the arguments.

 Chapter 519 - More Than Everything

    <h4>Chapter 519 - More Than Everything</h4>


    The Royal Physician left after examining the Emperor, so Sheng Li followed him. He stopped the Royal Physician and took him near the pavilion.


    "Why did the Imperial Father faint? Is it because of weakness?" Sheng Li asked.


    "The Emperor''s body has be weak. The Late Second Royal Physician has said that the medicine could only help His Majesty survive at most for a year. However, I think that His Majesty will not be able to make it for long," the Royal Physician narrated to the Crown Prince.


    Sheng Li''s heart sank. "Do you know how long my father can make it?" He asked.


    "It is tough to say yet, Your Highness," the Royal Physician replied.


    Sheng Li was out of words. He was again missing Hu Jingguo and this time he badly needed him.


    "Your Highness, the Emperor''s illness is terminal. Hu Jingguo has stopped its growth for some time using that medicine," the Royal Physician exined to Sheng Li.


    "So, Father will--"


    "Yes, Your Highness," the Royal Physician replied even before letting Sheng Liplete his words. "His Highness shall prepare himself. The illness has badly affected the internal body parts of His Majesty. In a few days, His Majesty will stop eating because of the digestive issues," the Royal Physician told some more facts to Sheng Li, who stumbled back.


    "Thank you, Royal Physician. Forgive me for my earlier behavior," Sheng Li lowered his head.


    "Please do not mortify me, Your Highness," the Royal Physician said. Sheng Li nodded his head and told him to leave. The Royal Physician bowed before leaving the chamber. Sheng Li hit his hand on the pir. He came back to see his father.


    Jian Guozhi had sent everyone away, including the wives of the Emperor as he needed rest. Sheng Li stood near the bed and looked at his father. The same face that his mother had carried when she had fallen ill.


    "Father will wake up soon. Let our father take a good rest," Jian Guozhi suggested to Sheng Li.


    "First Brother shall leave," Sheng Li told Jian Guozhi, who did not argue and left the chamber. Eunuch Jin brought the chair for Sheng Li.


    "Your Highness, please sit on this," Eunuch Jin requested him. Sheng Li sat down on the chair and took the hand of his father. Deep frowns appeared on Sheng Li''s forehead. On the other hand, Sheng Li caressed his father''s chest.


    "Call Xiao Zhan," Sheng Li ordered Eunuch Jin, who dashed out of the chamber.


    Outside the chamber, Ying Lili was waiting for Sheng Li toe out. Instead, she met Jian Guozhi, and the two greeted each other. "The Crown Princess shall go back. The Crown Prince will take time toe out," Jian Guozhi advised Ying Lili.


    "I will wait for him, Brother Jian," Ying Lili answered. Their attention was grabbed by Eunuch Jin, who was rushing to the military barracks to bring Xiao Zhan.


    "It was sudden," Ying Lili murmured.


    "Hu Jingguo had found the cure for our father''s illness. Then, why is it happening?" Jian Guozhi confusedly queried.


    "It was not a permanent cure. Hu Jingguo stopped the growth of terminal illness for some time. Brother Jian also knows what Hu Jingguo told about the Imperial Father''s health," Ying Lili asserted and frowned.


    "We cannot even tell anyone in the family about this. Because who knows what any of them could do," Jian Guozhi concluded. Ying Lili agreed with him.


    "Did Brother Jian find out about Brother Yongzheng?" Ying Lili inquired from him.


    Jian Guozhi hesitated to answer first but then refused. He did not want any kind of at this moment. He had thought to converse with Yongzheng one more time and made him understand.


    "Crown Princess, I shall leave. Everything will turn alright," Jian Guozhi assured Ying Lili. He bowed and then left. Xiao Zhan reached the manor. Since Ying Lili was standing a few meters away from the main door of the chamber, Xiao Zhan did not notice her and walked in.


    "Your Highness, you called my presence," Xiao Zhan humbly asked.


    "Yes. Tighten the security of the Emperor''s manor and check every single thing or person before letting him inside including me, and the Crown Princess," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Crown Prince, you shall go back. As soon as the Emperor awakens, I will inform you," Eunuch Jin advised Sheng Li, who put Han Wenji''s hand down on his chest and stood up from the chair.


    Ying Lili saw Sheng Li, who hade out of the chamber. She walked to him, and her maidservants also followed her.


    "Sheng Li," she pronounced his name and stood by him.


    "Lili, do you know anything about this? You are good at medicine," Sheng Li said with a lot of expectations.


    "Let''s go to the chamber. Then, I will tell you," Ying Lili suggested to him, and the two left the manor.


    In Ying Lili''s chamber, she gestured to Sheng Li to sit on the bed while she went to a cupboard. Taking a notebook out, she came to Sheng Li.


    "What is this in your hand?" Sheng Li asked Ying Lili, who sat on the mattress beside him.


    "Hu Jingguo''s entire knowledge is in these pages. He handed it to me before leaving the Imperial Pce," Ying Lili moved her hand over the notebook. "Hu Jingguo told us that the Emperor cannot survive more than a year. However, he told me that in any case if the Emperor''s condition worsens before the one year, then I shall go through this," Ying Lili informed Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li was d to learn about that. Hu Jingguo did more than everything he could do as a friend for him. He missed his presence. He recalled the smile that Hu Jingguo used to pass whenever Sheng Li passed through his toughest time.


    "He could have told you directly about the medicine if he had a doubt that Father''s condition could deteriorate," Sheng suddenly raised a doubt.


    Ying Lili tilted her head and peered at him. "He also did not know. It depends on the symptoms that the Imperial Father gets," Ying Lili stated. "I will read it and then will discuss this with the Royal Physician," Ying Lili asserted.


    She put her hand on Sheng Li''s and said, "Don''t worry. Father will not leave us this early. He still has to see his grandchildren," Ying Lili cheered up Sheng Li''s mood, who smiled a little.


    ~~~~


    Please add my new Historical Story - ''A Touch of the Heaven.''


    I will appreciate it if you will read that story. It is based on Korean History.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 520 - I Need Entertainment In My Life

    <h4>Chapter 520 - I Need Entertainment In My Life</h4>


    "Brother Jian, you were the one who used to tell me to get rid of Sheng Li. Now, you are telling me to leave that path. Your mother is right. After the Crown Princess entered, you have changed. Do you like her? Does Sheng Li know about this? I cannot believe the First Brother changed himself because of a mere woman," Yongzheng chuckled and mocked him.


    Jian Guozhi put both of his hands on Yongzheng''s shoulders. "Yongzheng, I never wanted to do that. I was influenced by the wrong thoughts regarding Sheng Li. Whenever I used to punish him for no reason, I used to feel guilty. However, greed had overpowered my mind, and I never cared about anything else, nor even a person''s emotions.


    Indeed, after the Crown Princess entered this Imperial Pce, I changed. I will not deny it. But she is a human. Sometimes, a human can change you, make you think twice on your own decisions," Jian Guozhi politely exined to Yongzheng, who yanked his hands away.


    "Brother Jian has turned into a coward. A man''s heart can never change because of a mere woman. If he does, he is considered weak. Don''t you know this?" Yongzheng questioned Jian Guozhi.


    "Why do you hate women so much?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "I do not hate them. I cannot see them, getting equal to me. I cannot see them, raising their voices against men. I do not like it when women try to rule over us. No one is this way except the Crown Princess. Because of her, many things have changed in this Pce," affirmed Yongzheng.


    "The other day, you sided with the Crown Princess. When the Ministers were speaking that a woman shall not intervene in the Court Affairs, you shut them up. Was that for a show?" Jian Guozhi skeptically inquired from him.


    "Yes. That was a mere show. I do not like the Crown Princess''s presence in every matter. It makes me mad," Yongzheng pronounced. "We are taught that women are inferior to us. Only the Empress is supreme to whom we shall show Filial Piety," he stated.


    "Yongzheng, I request you not to do anything because it can lead to instability within the Royal Family. Myte mother always was jealous of Sheng Li''s mother, but what good came from that? The vengeance path only gives miseries. Sheng Li is not bad. We all made him like this. But after marrying, he has been considerate to us and started to show brotherly love towards us," Jian Guozhi reasoned.


    Yongzheng''s heart had filled with bitterness towards Sheng Li, and it kept increasing over the years. Jian Guozhi had the feeling that Yongzheng might end up dying if he continued to think that way.


    "I do not need his brotherly love. It feels to me that everything I get is in alms. I am not a beggar, who has to ask for everything. Father only cares for Sheng Li. For him, he is the best, and the rest of his sons are useless. For him, he changes his decisions within fractions of seconds. Why? Because he is the son of histe beloved," Yongzheng pronounced.


    "Yongzheng, I had the same thoughts. But I contemted all those things. Father was never impartial. Most importantly, the Crown Prince position is not everything. Even the contribution of a farmer in the building and prosperity of the Kingdom is equal to the position of the Crown Prince," Jian Guozhi remarked.


    Yongzheng started tough, confusing Jian Guozhi. "Brother, do you mean that I shall serve Sheng Li, a person younger than me, throughout my life? I am not a farmer whose name and contribution are nil. At the end of the day, everyone has to bow in front of the person who will have the Crown and the throne," Yongzheng menacingly said. "Please leave. Brother has ruined my mood," Yongzheng stated while clenching his fists.


    Jian Guozhi was out of words. He realized that Yongzheng could no longer understand his words. So, he left his chamber. Yongzheng threw the copper vases, porcin vases on the floor and its sound reverberated in the entire chamber. He screamed and shouted for the servants to clean the mess that he had created.


    Lei Wanxi sneaked out of the chamber of Yongzheng, holding his breath. When he reached a safe distance, he took a deep breath. "Brother Yongzheng is crazy. He has a heart of stone," Lei Wanxi murmured.


    ''I miss Brother Nianzu. He made Sister Xue''s heart change. If he would be here, then he would have made Brother Yongzheng understand. If Brother Sheng finds out about this, he will definitely kill him,'' Lei Wanxi thought. ''Father is sick. What if something happens to him? Then, all will start to fight among themselves. Ahh, my mind cannot take that. Even my mother today got furious at my Brother Sheng.''


    "Prince Wanxi," Consort Jinlong pronounced his name. He turned back and found his mother.


    "Mother, you here?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Come with me," Consort Jinlong stated. Lei Wanxi followed his mother to his chamber.


    As they sat down on the chaise, Consort Jinlong said, "Prince Wanxi, did you start working on yourself?"


    "What do you mean, Mother?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "You will be 23 in a few months, Prince. Did you see it today? The Emperor is sick. He is old now and we do not know what will happen in the future. The Prince needs to secure a good position for himself in the Court," Jinlong asserted.


    "Mother, nothing has happened to Father. I do not want to enter the Court. I will probably desire to work in the Capital Bureau Office," Lei Wanxi expressed his desire.


    "You are a Prince. Why would the Prince work in the Capital Bureau? All the Princes have secured their positions in the Court except you. Don''t you want to grow up?" Jinlong suddenly started to scold Lei Wanxi.


    "I have grown up, Mother. Why do I need to secure the position in the Court only? I have seen that the work in the Capital Bureau is more adventurous," asserted Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince, tomorrow I will talk to the Emperor regarding your position in the Court," Jinlong stated.


    "Mother, I do not want to work in the Court. Also, please do not force your decisions on me. I am a free person. I do not like when someone forces his or her decisions on me," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "I am your mother. I am thinking for your good only," Jinlong stated.


    "Mother, please. I know you gave me birth but that does not mean that I will forget my own identity. Mother also knows that I prefer to do only those works which I like. If you will force me, then I won''t go to the Court. Then, Father will get angry at you," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    Jinlong shook her head. She had almost forgotten that her son was quite different from every Prince.


    "Mother, in the Capital Bureau Office, I will rule the Ministers," Lei Wanxi stated and winked at her mother. "You do not need to worry about my future. Let me enjoy my days fully. When I feel like working, I will talk to my Father or probably with Brother Sheng to appoint me in the office. It is fun to find out the corruption among the Ministers.. I need entertainment in my life, and the outside world is more entertaining," Lei Wanxi exined to his mother, who ended up smiling.

 Chapter 521 - He Will Not Let Me Down

    <h4>Chapter 521 - He Will Not Let Me Down</h4>


    Huo Jin arrived in the morning at Xiandong Vige. Chuntao was taking breakfast to the room when she saw Huo Jin. "Brother Huo Jin," she said with a smile and stopped.


    "Greetings to Sister Chuntao," Huo Jin bowed and went near her.


    "Brother Huo Jin shall take rest. He has returned from a long journey. I will bring breakfast to your room," Chuntao said.


    "I will have my breakfast with Nianzu. Sister Chuntao shall also do breakfast with us," asserted Huo Jin. Chuntao hummed, and the two went to the room where Nianzu was waiting.


    Huo Jin pushed the door in and greeted Nianzu. He walked in and sat around the table in front of Nianzu. Chuntao also sat down and set the breakfast table.


    "d to see that you returned safely," Nianzu stated.


    "Have your breakfast first," Chuntao told them and handed them the chopsticks.


    "I will bring more," Chuntao told them and went to the kitchen.


    "You shall start," Nianzu told Huo Jin.


    "Let Sister Chune. Then, we will eat together," Huo Jin replied.


    "How is everyone doing in the Pce?" Nianzu asked.


    "They all are doing well. The Sixth Prince misses you the most," Huo Jin informed Nianzu.


    "Brother Wanxi might be upset with me as I did not meet him." Nianzu lowered his head and looked at the chopsticks in his hands.


    Chuntao entered the room with another tray in her hands. Nianzu helped her and after a while, they started to eat. Once they finished breakfast, Chuntao quickly cleaned the table. She returned and found them talking.


    "The Crown Prince has made a n. His Highness is aware of your mother. He punished those Ministers, who had aided your mother. The Crown Prince wants you to return through this Civil Services Examination. After the results are announced, His Highness will reveal his n," Huo Jin informed Nianzu, who drew his eyebrows together.


    Chuntao peered at Nianzu. She also had sent a message to the Crown Prince regarding revoking the decision of the Emperor.


    "Nianzu, the Crown Prince did not tell me about your mother. However, General Wang told me a few things. She med the Crown Prince for your departure. Also, the three Consorts and many Ministers think that the Crown Prince cleared his way. That was the main reason your mother decided to kill both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Huo Jin told Nianzu, who was dejected to learn about the truth.


    "Brother Sheng did not tell you about this," Nianzu asked again.


    "No. General Wang informed me. The Crown Prince was hurt that your mother plotted against him. Because of you, he spared her life. Also, your mother had arranged the poison for the Emperor," Huo Jin revealed another truth to Nianzu.


    Nianzu could not believe his ears. His mother arranged the poison!


    "The Crown Prince has given Her Majesty a chance because of you," asserted Huo Jin.


    Tears formed in Nianzu''s eyes. "How could she do this? Father made her the Empress, and she--" His voice quivered, and it made him guilty. He recalled Weng Wei''s face. His mother was no less than Weng Wei or even worse. He could feel Sheng Li, who always considered Nianzu''s mother as his.


    "Why could she not understand the heart of her own son? How could she me it on Brother Sheng and plot against the Imperial Father?" Nianzu muttered and clutched his fists.


    Chuntao and Huo Jin looked at each other.


    "Nianzu, that''s why your return to the Pce is important," Huo Jin concluded. Nianzu could not agree with him as they would never give the wife status to Chuntao. They would keep her separate and someone might harm her. Other than that, Nianzu did not want to get involved in those fights. However, after hearing Huo Jin, he felt as if he became the reason for more evil ns in the Pce. Sheng Li had to fight with everything on his own.


    "I have to leave for the workce. I will see you twoter." Nianzu stood up from the cushion and so did they. Chuntao handed him the bag and the lunchbox. Nianzu thanked her and left the house.


    Chuntao saw him off till the gate. Once he disappeared from her sight, she turned and looked at Huo Jin, who was standing near the pir. Her worries had increased more. She felt because of him, they all had to undergo so much pain.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li went to the Emperor''s manor in the morning. The wives of the Emperor wereing out of the chamber. Sheng Li greeted them. However, none of them responded to his greetings. They walked past him. He went ahead and walked in.


    The Emperor had awakened, but he had closed his eyes. Sheng Li asked Eunuch Jin, who whispered near his ear, "His Majesty is a little weak."


    Sheng Li hummed and sat down on the chair which, was ced near the bed. "Father, good morning," Sheng Li in a soft voice said. Han Wenji opened his eyes gradually and tilted his head. He passed a faint smile to Sheng Li.


    "How are you feeling?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Not so good," Han Wenji replied in a low voice.


    "It''s fine. You will soon be healthy after taking a good rest," Sheng Li assured his father. He put his hand over his father''s hand to caress it.


    "I do not think so. My death is approaching, Crown Prince," Han Wenji said in a low voice. The faint smile on his lips had not disappeared. Eunuch Jin''s eyes turned misty as he heard the Emperor.


    "Father shall not speak this way," Sheng Li stated.


    "I want to meet your mother," Han Wenji asserted. "It''s been long. You have to take care of everything. Be the Emperor after I will leave this body," Han Wenji told Sheng Li.


    "I do not want to. I am not ready," Sheng Li immediately refused. His tone was a little high because of sudden anger. However, it was the anger that he had on himself.


    "It is your duty. Only you can perform it. I want to get free from this pain. I really want to," Han Wenji asserted as he put his hand on his chest.


    "Hu Jingguo had told Lili that there would be a time when your condition might deteriorate. But he had left a cure behind for that as well. The pain will go away with that medicine," Sheng Li told Han Wenji, keeping a smile on his lips.


    "Sheng Li, Hu Jingguo also said that with time pain will increase only¡­ gradually. Medicine cannot make me live longer. One day or the other, I have to leave this body," Han Wenji affirmed.


    "Eunuch Jin, tell Father not to speak this way," Sheng Li asserted.


    Eunuch Jin lowered his head. What could he say? The condition of the Emperor was not good. He had also left the hopes.


    "The medicine can relieve you from that pain. Father shall not talk negatively. Everything will be alright," Sheng Li stated to cheer up his father.


    "I am only telling you the truth. You need to lead this Empire, and keep this Royal Family intact. You need to bring peace and prosperity to the Empire," Han Wenji repeated his words and started to cough. Sheng Li titited his father''s chest and put the handkerchief on Han Wenji''s mouth. Once he stopped, he pulled his hands back and saw the blood on the handkerchief. He got teary-eyed. It was the same situation as his mother had years ago.


    "I have faith in Sheng Li.. He will not let me down ever," He heard Han Wenji, who was smiling.

 Chapter 522 - Without The Love Of A Mother

    <h4>Chapter 522 - Without The Love Of A Mother</h4>


    Ying Lili met with the Empress and the Consorts in the Empress''s manor.


    "It is rare to see the Crown Princess these days," Consort Ju Fen asserted. "The Crown Princess keeps herself busy in political affairs," she added.


    "Forgive me for not being able to attend the Internal Court meet, Consort Ju Fen," Ying Lili apologized and bowed. She lifted her head and said, "I was only lessening the work of the Crown Prince by giving him a helping hand."


    "The main reason we call the Crown Princess is because we want her to tell the Crown Prince to remove the restriction on us. We are the wives of the Emperor, yet the Crown Prince has limited our meeting time," the Second Consortined.


    Ying Lili looked at the Empress and asked her opinion on that.


    "Crown Princess, I agree with the Consorts. Our movements shall not be restricted. It appears as if the Crown Prince is trying to take control over every matter," Deng Hui stated.


    "The Empress and the Consorts are not aware of the fact that a few days ago a poison bottle was retrieved from one of the Court Ministers," Ying Lili affirmed. The Empress gulped, and cold sweat started to appear on her forehead. The Consorts frowned and told the Crown Princess to exin.


    "The Crown Prince did not want me to tell any of you about this, but the day the Court Minister was caught, he revealed something unusual," Ying Lili replied.


    "What did he say?" the Second Consort asked the Crown Princess.


    "The Minister took the name of the Empress," Ying Lili answered. "Only the Military Generals and the Crown Prince know about this. The Emperor did not believe his words as he was trying to frame Empress Hui," Ying Lili told them.


    Ju Fen and Jinlong brought her hand near her mouth. "But how is it rted to the restriction on our movements, Crown Princess?" Ju Fen curiously asked.


    "Consort Ju, the restrictions are not applied to you only or on the Consorts of the Empress. It is on every person from the Royal Family, Court Ministers, and the other people. Someone may try to harm the Emperor and can try to put the me on any of us," Ying Lili exined to them.


    "Oh. Forgive us, Crown Princess for ming the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince should have told us about this. These poisoning incidents have be frequent after Weng Wei poisoned the Crown Prince," the Second Consort stated.


    "Also, there is something I want to request from the Empress and the Emperor''s Consorts. The Crown Prince does not hold absolute power. In these four months, I have seen how everyone treats Sheng Li. He has grown without the love of a mother. The reason behind his coldness is also because of that. The Crown Prince''s position is not thatforting as it seems. I request you all to see Sheng Li as your own son," Ying Lili requested them and lowered her eyes.


    "We consider him as our son. It is the Crown Prince, who does not consider us as his mother," the Second Consort stated.


    "Forgive me, but I have never seen any of you ever talk to him and show care towards him," Ying Lili pronounced. The Consorts looked at each other.


    "I know every mother wants the best for their children. The Late Empress Wei took the life of Sheng Li''s mother but what was the fault of Sheng Li in all that. He was abused and treated badly. None among you had ever tried to show motherly love towards him. However, he never minds that. He always focused on protecting you all and everyone in this Royal Family," Ying Lili blurted out. She knew Sheng Li would never tell his heart out, so on his behalf, she had to make the Empress and the Consorts understand.


    "Crown Princess, it seems you are to me for Sheng Li''s behavior," Ju Fen interpreted.


    Ying Lili shook her head. "Apologies, First Consort, but I do not intend to me any of you. I am urging you all to be a support and show equal care towards Sheng Li. I want this Royal Family toe together. We have seen so many ups and downs within these four years. There is no use in fighting among ourselves," asserted Ying Lili.


    "Crown Princess, since we are on this matter, then I will be honest with you on the behalf of each wife of the Emperor. We feel that our sons have not received as much consideration as Sheng Li has received. Sheng Li is the Fifth son of the Emperor, yet he gets the maximum perks," Ju Fen affirmed.


    Ying Lili smiled a little. "Enough consideration? I think your sons have enough time to get that consideration. Except for Prince Wanxi and Prince Yu, every Prince elder to Sheng Li got an equal opportunity in everything. Even in military affairs, every Prince was given equal opportunity. However, your sons could not lead wars and military campaigns," stated Ying Lili.


    "But Sheng Li alsocks in the work in which the other Princes excel. A Kingdom does not work merely because of the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince''s position was initially handed to the First Prince. Later, due to a reason, it was taken back from him and then offered to the Fourth Prince, the son of the current Empress. Prince Nianzu refused to take the position on his own. Then, it was given to Sheng Li. Why? Because he was leading the Army of Han.


    The Second and the Third Prince are the State Councillors. The work done by them in this period is marvelous. The Governor, who is the First Prince, got a lot of help because of the work of Prince Yongzheng and Prince Zemin."


    "Respected Sisters, the Crown Princess is absolutely right," the Second Consort supported Ying Lili''s words. "We shall look at the happiness of our sons. Prince Zemin was conversing with me two days ago, who is happy to work as a State Councillor."


    "Even my son told me yesterday that he wants to work in the Capital Bureau Office. I cannot go against his words as it will only impact our rtionship and health," Jinlong stated.


    "My son does not live in the Pce. When he was here, he mostly told me that the work done by the Crown Prince cannot be easily done by the other Princes. We all failed to see true happiness without these positions," Deng Hui replied and agreed with the Crown Princess''s words.


    "I am d that all the mothers understood my points," Ying Lili stated and passed them a tiny smile.


    "Crown Princess, you did well by sharing the thoughts of Sheng Li with us. Late Sister Mei used to love our children as her own. However, we failed to do the same with her son. Heaven will surely punish us for this," proimed the Second Consort. "We will try our best to get close to the Crown Prince," she stated.


    Ying Lili was happy that the wives of the Emperor finally understood her. However, she was still skeptical of Consort Ju Fen. Ying Lili had the n ready to bring her on the right path.. The Consorts took their leave while the Empress told Ying Lili to stay behind.

 Chapter 523 - Cant She Surprise Me First?

    <h4>Chapter 523 - Can''t She Surprise Me First?</h4>


    Once the Consorts left the chamber of Empress, Deng Hui told the maidservant not to let anyone inside. There was an awkward silence between the two when Deng Hui finally broke the ice.


    "Crown Princess, I cannot meet my eyes with the Crown Prince for the wrong that I did to him," Deng Hui said. Ying Lili agreed with her because Deng Hui was going to do something which was not imaginable.


    "Sheng Li got hurt after he found the thoughts of the Imperial Mother," Ying Lili informed her. Since they were on that topic, Ying Lili did not want to stop herself from speaking either.


    "Sheng Li has tried to stop Brother Nianzu. However, he did not want to stop. Brother Nianzu did not want anyone to know that Sheng Li and he met for the first time. Also, Brother Nianzu was dejected when his own mother did not understand him. He fell in love with a woman, who understood him more than any person around him. Also, Brother Nianzu had seen his mother suffering just because she was from a low-born family. He did not want the same treatment with his wife. That''s why he decided to leave the Pce."


    Deng Hui started to cry as she realized her mistake. Indeed, she had turned blind after she got such power.


    Ying Lili did not stop and continued, "But that was not the only reason that he chose amoner''s life." Deng Hui lifted his head and peered at Ying Lili with her slightly red eyes.


    "Brother Nianzu does not like the politics involved in every matter. Her Majesty has seen herself how much everyone is behind the throne. Brother Nianzu might have found out about his mother''s intentions, and he knew that someday his mother might ask him to get the throne. Brother Nianzu respects his mother a lot. He could not choose between his mother and his ideals. That''s also why he raised a voice and asked the Emperor to send him away," Ying Lili exined everything in detail to Deng Hui.


    Deng Hui started to weep like a child. "Forgive me. I made a grave mistake in my life. I let my son go away because of my greed. I should have conversed with him and tried to understand him. How could I do that?" Deng Hui hit herself because of the guilt she had inside her.


    Ying Lili did not stop her because Deng Hui truly had to understand where she failed. After a while, she stopped and got on her knees in front of Ying Lili.


    "Crown Princess," Deng Hui joined her both hands, "I beg for your forgiveness. I should ask this from Sheng Li but he does not like me at all. I tried to do something which could have ruined the entire Royal Family. Please forgive me." Deng Hui lowered her head while crying.


    Ying Lili stood up from the chaise and went near Deng Hui. She got on her knees and grabbed both the arms of Deng Hui.


    "Your Majesty, it is good that you have realized your mistake. Sheng Li does not hate you. He is angry at you. How could he hate the woman whom he called mother once? I can feel your distress over Brother Nianzu''s departure. But you had chosen the path, which could have ended many rtionships with you," Ying Lili stated. She caressed the arms of Deng Hui, who was still crying.


    She cupped Deng Hui''s face in her palms and wiped the tears from her face. Ying Lili did not tell Deng Hui about Sheng Li''s n, who had thought to bring Nianzu back. She sced her, and after a while, when Deng Hui stopped crying, Ying Lili helped her and made her sit on the chaise.


    "Crown Princess, thank you for telling me everything. I will be a good mother to Sheng Li," Deng Hui assured Ying Lili, who nodded her head.


    "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave. Thank you for your time," Ying Lili deeply bowed.


    "You may leave, Crown Princess," Deng Hui politely said. Ying Lili soon left the chamber of the Empress. She left for the Emperor''s manor when she encountered Lei Wanxi.


    "Sister Lili, good morning. Are you heading to meet the Imperial Father?" Lei Wanxi curiously asked.


    "Good Morning. Yes, Brother Wanxi. I thought to meet the Emperor," Ying Lili replied.


    "Father is resting. I just came from the Emperor''s manor," Lei Wanxi informed Ying Lili, who nodded her head.


    "Can Sister Lili spare me her time?" Lei Wanxi requested.


    "Yes, Brother Wanxi. What does Brother Wanxi want to talk about?" Ying Lili waited for him to answer and saw how Lei Wanxi was looking around.


    "Sister Lili, it is an important matter. Shall we head to your chamber?" Lei Wanxi asked. Ying Lili agreed with him, and they left for Zhenzhu Residence.


    Lei Wanxi pulled out a chair for Ying Lili. "Sister Lili shall sit first," Lei Wanxi said. Ying Lili passed him a smile and sat down. Quickly Lei Wanxi pulled out another chair and sat on it.


    "Yesterday, I saw Prince Yongzheng and Prince Jian conversing with each other. Sister Lili, Brother Yongzheng wants to harm you. He does not like women who raise their voices, and he does not like the fact that Brother Jian changed himself," Lei Wanxi, in a haphazard manner, told Ying Lili. She could sense the anxiousness in the voice of Lei Wanxi. However, she wondered why Prince Jian did not inform her about this.


    "Sister Lili, I was scared when I saw the anger of Brother Yongzheng," he said in a low voice. "I got goosebumps thinking what could possibly do to Sister Bai if she ever tried to ask something from him. Sister Lili, please save Sister Bai from the torture of Brother Yongzheng," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Ying Lili frowned, unable to understand how to help Bai Yaling amidst all this. Above all, Yongzheng outwardly never showed his evil side. She and Sheng Li were almost got deceived by him.


    "Sister Lili, what are you thinking?" Lei Wanxi queried, bringing her out of those thoughts.


    "Brother Wanxi, Sheng Li told me that he would handle the matter with Brother Yongzheng. Please do not worry," Ying Lili assured him.


    "Tell me how is it going with Princess Zhu Lin?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Nothing is happening, Sister Lili. I asked her to y a board game with me but she refused," stated Lei Wanxi.


    Ying Lili giggled. "Brother Wanxi, you shall take her out and n some surprises for Princess Zhu Lin. You shall get some tips from Sheng Li. He has given me numerous surprises," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    "Hmm. But, why shall I give a surprise to her? Can''t she surprise me first? I like surprises," Lei Wanxi passed white teeth smile to Ying Lili, who smiled.


    "What if Princess Zhu Lin thinks the same way as you? Brother Wanxi has promised Princess Zhu Lin that he will give her an answer soon. For that, Brother Wanxi has to take steps," Ying Lili told him.


    "Sister Lili is correct. I will take her to the market. I am craving for dumplings, then we can have fun," Lei Wanxi replied and stood up from the chair. "Thank you, Sister Lili." Lei Wanxi stepped backward and waved at Ying Lili.. As he reached the door, he turned and stepped out of the chamber.

 Chapter 524 - Many Lives Got At Stake

    <h4>Chapter 524 - Many Lives Got At Stake</h4>


    Sheng Li stopped practicing sword fighting. He panted because of the long hour of practice. After meeting his father, he came straight to the practice ground and kept practicing¡­ did not know for how long! His entire body was covered in sweat. The words of his father were ringing in his ears like a bell in the temple.


    Wang Hao came near him and took the sword from him. He wiped the sweat from Sheng Li''s forehead, followed by the face. "The Crown Prince shall not be hard on himself. You even injured your hands," Wang Hao worriedly said as he looked down at the hands of Sheng Li.


    The breathings of Sheng Li turned normal. "It is the only way I can put my mind off of the things that have already started to trouble me." Sheng Li took the handkerchief from Wang Hao and wiped his neck, and then nape.


    He turned and went to his chamber, followed by Wang Hao. "Does his highness want to go to the public bathhouse with me?" Wang Hao asked. "It has been long since the Crown Prince, and I went to a public bathhouse," Wang Hao then said.


    "But, now people know me. Those childhood days cannot be brought back," Sheng Li asserted.


    "What about the Waterfall in the mountains?" Wang Hao suggested and looked towards the hills, which were standing tall, surrounding the Eastern and Northern Pce. "Let''s go, Crown Prince. It will be fun," Wang Hao requested. Sheng Li nodded his head though he did not want to go. However, for Wang Hao, Sheng Li agreed.


    They both left for the mountains. After half an hour they reached the waterfall. The sshing of water, hitting therge rocks beneath the waterfall was soothing to ears. They both walked and soon arrived at the waterfall.


    "Your Highness, please remove your shoes and the upper garments," Wang Hao told Sheng Li. He did so but did not remove the crown as it was considered inauspicious to remove the Crown apart from his chamber.


    They kept their pants on and got into the water, near the waterfall. The height of the fall was notrge, so the water body was not deep. They both dipped into the water and came out.


    "Your Highness, do you remember the first time when we both came here?" Wang Hao excitedly asked.


    "Yes. I got scolded by all of my teachers," Sheng Li replied and chuckled. "Useless teachers!" Sheng Li mumbled.


    "Crown Prince, there was one other reason too," Wang Hao stated. The tiny smile also disappeared from Sheng Li''s lips.


    "I had the fear that I would lose everything. That was the first time I got that feeling," Sheng Li answered. Wang Hao wiped his face and hummed at the response of Sheng Li.


    "Does the Crown Prince remember what I had told him that time at this same ce?" Wang Hao asked.


    Sheng Li tilted his head and peered at him. "Until I face the problem, it will keep scaring me. It is simr to this waterbody. Until I get into the water, I cannot tell how deep it is!" Sheng Li answered.


    "But this time problem is something which I can never tackle. My Father has told me that he would not be able to survive anymore. This problem has no solution. If the thing about his illness goes out, I do not know what will happen. I am still not ready...not because Ick capabilities but because the wives of the father think I could be a threat to them. If I had been alone, I would have usurped the throne without even thinking for a second, but now I have someone whose life is above mine," Sheng Li exined to Wang Hao.


    He again took a dip and took heavy breathing as soon as came out of the water.


    "Crown Prince, you cannot let the throne fall into the wrong hands," Wang Hao advised him.


    "Brother Nianzu is not a wrong person. Since the current Empress is the mother of Brother Nianzu, he shall be the next Emperor," Sheng Li told Wang Hao with a menacing expression.


    "Prince Nianzu does not hold the qualities to be an Emperor. He ran away from the Pce when he fell in love with amoner. People do not need a king, who cannot control his emotions and cannot consider his duty above all. Also, he never led a war," Wang Hao pronounced.


    Sheng Li swam a little far into the water while Wang Hao followed him.


    "Leading a war does not mean that the person is not capable of leading the nation. I will give him protection. At least, I can end the bitterness in the hearts of the wives of my father. Father wants me to keep the Royal Family intact and it is the best way," Sheng Li stated and stopped swimming.


    "Does the Crown Prince really think that if the Fourth Prince usurps the throne, the problems will be solved? His wife is weak and also she has not listened to the orders of the Emperor. She made an irrational decision by epting the feelings of Prince Nianzu. I might sound rude, but it''s the truth. Many lives got at stake when the Fourth Prince left the Pce," Wang Hao argued with Sheng Li.


    "I happened to know about that and prevented all the mishaps," Sheng Li replied.


    "For how long will the Crown Prince be lucky? Last time, we lost two of your friends because of overconfidence," Wang Hao reminded Sheng Li, who knitted his brows. Guilt struck him again.


    "Your Highness, you need to think as a leader. Nothing is permanent in this world. The Emperor has to go away one day too but you need to fulfill your duties. You cannot let the throne get away just because your family thinks of you as a threat. Also, we are not sure if the Empress has indeed stopped or not because after that incident she might make plots in silence.


    Let''s suppose you tell the Emperor to make Prince Nianzu the next Emperor. Then, what will happen? Forgive me, if the Emperor passes away, the Empress will be Empress Dowager, whose powers are supreme even more than the Emperor. If Empress Hui can be evil as soon as she gets into power then what will happen when she bes Empress Dowager? She was trained by Gu Zhenya. They both nned for all this for a long time."


    Wang Hao was right at his stance. The throne should not get into the wrong hands.


    "The Royal Physician has told me that there''s still time for Father''s condition to get worse. I need to do everything before that period. And the first thing I need to do is bring back Prince Nianzu to the Pce," Sheng Li affirmed. Wang Hao was d that Sheng Li understood his words.


    "Your Highness, let''s swim," Wang Hao told Sheng Li and started to swim. Sheng Li followed him, and the two swam for some time. They both got out of the water and sat at the top of therge rock.


    "We had a lot of fun after a long time. There were a lot of things going on in my mind. Thank you, Wang Hao. You are a great friend," Sheng Li stated and patted his shoulder.


    "You are also a great friend, Crown Prince," Wang Hao pronounced.

 Chapter 525 - Be Careful!

    <h4>Chapter 525 - Be Careful!</h4>


    Jian Guozhi sipped the tea and gazed at the Crown Princess, who was reading the scroll. Once she was done reading, she put it on the table and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "Brother did not tell about the Second Prince," stated Ying Lili.


    "Ahh, yes. I have not met him yet. I am still thinking how to talk with him," Jian Guozhi answered and passed a tiny smile to Ying Lili.


    "Why is Brother Jian lying?" Ying Lili asked without beating around the bush. "He shall tell me what Prince Yongzheng said," she added.


    Jian Guozhi had no way to hide the truth from Ying Lili. "Forgive me, Crown Princess, for hiding the truth from you. The meeting was not pleasant. That is why I thought to hide it from you," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Brother Jian does not need to apologize," Ying Lili replied and waited for him to speak.


    "Crown Princess, I have made a grave mistake," Jian Guozhi sighed. "Yongzheng is following the words that I have told him once. His bitterness towards Brother Sheng has not ended. He also considers you as his enemy. He wants to harm you," Jian Guozhi lowered his eyes.


    "It was not your fault, Brother Jian. Brother Yongzheng has his own mind. If he had a conscience, he would have stopped," Ying Lili concluded.


    "But, Crown Princess, I am the eldest brother. I should have thought about the consequences of my actions," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "What is done cannot be corrected," Ying Lili stated. Jian Guozhi agreed with her and asked her what she would do to stop Yongzheng.


    "I have not decided yet. Brother Jian, do not talk anymore about this with Brother Yongzheng. Thank you for giving your time for this," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I have not even done anything. Crown Princess, I will handle Yongzheng in my way. I have started this mess. If we would told Sheng Li about this, then he would only get angry. I have been with Yongzheng for a long time that''s why I know his nature more than anyone else," Jian Guozhi did not want Ying Lili and Sheng Li to involve themselves in this matter.


    "Brother Jian, in my opinion, you shall talk about this with Sheng Li," Ying Lili suggested to Jian Guozhi, who nodded his head. "We need to rescue Sister Bai from his torture as well."


    "That''s a little tough, Crown Princess. Princess Bai Yaling isn''t raising her voice. If we try to do something about that, things could get worse. So, we shall first solely focus on correcting the path of Yongzheng," Jian Guozhi advised Ying Lili. Sheng Li had told the same to Ying Lili, but she had the fear that Yongzheng might abuse Bai Yaling more and more with each passing day.


    "Crown Princess shall not worry. We will soon find the solution for that," Jian Guozhi assured Ying Lili, who hummed. After their conversation ended, Ying Lili went to the Royal Physician to talk about the Emperor''s health.


    "Your Highness," the Royal Physician stood up from the chair and bowed. Ying Lili also did the same, and the two took seats around the table.


    "Crown Princess, I have informed the Crown Prince about the condition of the Emperor," the Royal Physician said. There were deep frowns on his forehead. "The condition of the Emperor has deteriorated, and I am not sure how long the Emperor will make it," the Royal Physician stated.


    "What about the medicine that I suggested to the Royal Physician in the morning?" Ying Lili queried.


    "I am afraid, but the Emperor is allergic to Huangqi roots. It will worsen His Majesty''s state. Hu Jingguo had told me about the reference medicines, and we discussed that too, but none of them are suitable for the Emperor. The pulse rate of the Emperor is weak. The infection has spread throughout the body of His Majesty," the Royal Physician exined to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili was sad to hear that. She thought there could be a way by which the infection in the body could be stopped. But she was wrong. She had no idea how she would handle Sheng Li at this time and also prevent the Royal Family from fighting among each other.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li reached the Imperial Pce in the afternoon. He went to his chamber first and changed into another dress. Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li about the Crown Princess, who hade earlier to meet him.


    Sheng Li put on the overcoat and told Xing-Fu that he would have lunch with the Crown Princess. Lei Wanxi stopped Sheng Li, who had ascended the stairs of Zhenzhu Residence.


    "Brother Sheng! Brother Sheng!" Lei Wanxi pronounced his name while running on the stairs. He panted as he reached the top of the stairs.


    "Brother Sheng, please give me some tips on giving surprises to a woman," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Meet meter. I am busy," Sheng Li told him.


    "Sister Lili told me to ask you. You have given numerous surprises to Sister Lili. She told me that women like surprises," Lei Wanxi requested.


    "You know more than me, Wanxi," Sheng Li replied.


    "I do not want bookish knowledge. I want some real-life examples," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Just give her flowers or something," Sheng Li annoyingly replied. He was already stressed because of his father''s health, and Wanxi was troubling him by asking such questions.


    Lei Wanxi understood that Sheng Li was not in a good mood. So, he did not disturb him anymore. "Thank you, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi humbly replied and turned to leave when Sheng Li stopped him.


    Leaning closer to Lei Wanxi''s ear, Sheng Li whispered the surprise n to him. A broad smile appeared on Lei Wanxi''s lips. He hit the shoulder of Sheng Li in a teasing manner.


    "Brother Sheng surely is the most romantic person. Thank you, Brother Sheng. Hopefully, Zhu Lin likes this surprise," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Do not fight with her," Sheng Li reminded him.


    "We do not fight anymore, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi replied. He waved at Sheng Li and hastily descended the stairs.


    "Be careful! You might fall," Sheng Li concernedly said.. However, Lei Wanxi did not pay heed to his warning and soon left the sight of Sheng Li.

 Chapter 526 - Old Memories Are Precious

    <h4>Chapter 526 - Old Memories Are Precious</h4>


    Sheng Li stepped inside the chamber. He pushed the curtains away and saw Ying Lili near the window. He went to her and back-hugged her. "Lili," he softly called her name and rested his chin on her shoulder.


    He looked outside and found Ying Lili was looking at the dry tree. "I told Xing-Fu to get it cut," Sheng Li muttered.


    "Do not get it cut," Ying Lili urged him and tilted her head. "The tree is still alive. It''s just the weather is not in the tree''s favor," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li removed his arms from around her and stood straight. "It has been months and its condition is the same," Sheng Li replied. He put both of his hands behind his back and stood by Ying Lili''s side.


    "But none of its branches broke even in the extreme weather conditions. The things which appear to be weak are not sometimes," Ying Lili asserted.


    "What do you want to say? Be clear." Sheng Li knitted his brows and turned himself to face her. Ying Lili also turned to face him and smiled.


    "I am referring to the Royal Family. Isn''t it like that tree? It has fought against the worst situation but never got separated. Even if it appeared weak now, in reality, it is not," Ying Lili stated.


    "Did something happen?" Sheng Li asked. "Are you sure we will be able to end the enmity from everyone''s heart? Are you sure that they would ept me?" Sheng Li queried Ying Lili. In his eyes, Ying Lili''s opinions were best.


    "I have already taken the first step, Sheng Li. I talked today with the wives of the Emperors," Ying Lili informed him. "I think there is amunication gap among us all," she concluded.


    "What did you talk about with them?" Sheng Li was curious to know.


    "The wives of the Emperor thought that you were favored in everything. I exined to them a few things. The Second and the Third Consorts have no problem with you being the Crown Prince. Even the Empress has no problem. She has apologized to you," Ying Lili briefed Sheng Li.


    "You do not need to defend me, Lili. It does not matter to me what they think about me," Sheng Li ced his hand on Ying Lili''s cheek and caressed it.


    "It does matter," Ying Lili stressed the words of her statement. "They do not know how much you suffered till now. They should know how you lost your childhood. They should know that Sheng Li has always thought about his family. It was necessary to represent your voice, Sheng Li," Ying Lili exined to him.


    "Why?"


    "Because reuniting the Royal Family is important. If I do not do it now, then everything will be ruined. History has shown how the internal political fights of a family have be the reason for the downfall of such kingdoms," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li put his hand down when Ying Lili said, "Father has a little time left. Before that, we have to bring everyone close. Except the First Consort, everyone had understood that fights would not benefit anyone in any way," stated Ying Lili.


    "In a few days, the Civil Services Exam result will be announced. I am sure that Brother Nianzu will ace the exam. Then, he can return to the Pce, and also his wife will get the rights. That way no one would raise his voice against her status," Sheng Li disclosed his n to Ying Lili.


    "That''s great. We will not let Brother Nianzu ever feel that this Pce is the wrong ce to live," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li agreed with her.


    "Hopefully, everything goes on ording to my n," Sheng Li muttered. "Soon, the news will break out¨C the news about the health of our Father. Also, Lili, do you think that the Fourth Prince cannot be the king?"


    Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "Why?"


    "Because he does not think about his duties," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li hummed. Wang Hao said the same to him, and it did not surprise him that Ying Lili had the same thoughts.


    "Forgive me for intruding on the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. Consort Jinlong is here to meet the Crown Prince," Court Lady Xu informed them.


    Sheng Li was astonished to hear that. He told her to let Consort Jinlong in. Court Lady Xu stepped backward and left the chamber. Jinlong came in with two maidservants, who had trays in their hands.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili greeted her.


    "What''s this, Mother?" Sheng Li amusingly asked as he looked at the trays which had bowls and tes on them.


    "It''s the lunch meal for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," Jinlong replied.


    "Why did you trouble yourself, Mother?" Sheng Li worriedly asked.


    "It is not a problem," Jinlong stated and ordered the maidservants to set the table. Ying Lili was d that Consort Jinlong understood her words.


    "Mother, have you eaten your lunch?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No. I will after you two will be done," Jinlong answered.


    "Have lunch with us," Sheng Li expressed his desire. His eyes were glistening. Ying Lili knew that Sheng Li was a bit close to Lei Wanxi''s mother.


    Jinlong nodded her head, and the three went towards the lunch table. Sheng Li had already pulled out a chair for Jinlong. "Mother, please sit on it," Sheng Li politely said. Jinlong smiled and sat down, followed by them.


    Jinlong started to serve the food to the Crown Prince. "You are getting weak these days. Earlier I saw you on the practice grounds. Don''t push yourself too much," Jinlong stated. Ying Lili peered at Sheng Li, who had focussed his gaze on Jinlong.


    "The Crown Prince shall not tire himself out. The Emperor will be healthy soon," Jinlong assured Sheng Li and started to serve the food to the Crown Princess, followed by herself. The three started to eat. Jinlong noticed that Sheng Li had separated the carrots from the soup as he always used to do.


    "The Crown Prince shall not leave any of the vegetables. He is grown up now. Soon, he will be a father, then his children will also learn the same," Jinlong advised Sheng Li.


    "It tastes weird," Sheng Li replied, looking at the te. Jinlong ended upughing, confusing them.


    She tilted her head to meet the gaze of the Crown Princess. "When the Crown Prince was young, he used to give the same excuse. Once, he and Lei Wanxi distributed carrots in the capital for free. Those were specially imported for his majesty and all the children."


    "Mother, why are you bringing the old memories?" Sheng Liined.


    "Old Memories are precious¨C it doesn''t matter if they are good or bad," Jinlong stated. Ying Lili agreed with her. "You used to be so naughty. But then you grew up so quickly that I started to miss the young Sheng Li. It feels good that Sister Mei''s son grew up into a beautiful person. She must be proud of her son," Jinlong asserted.


    "Crown Princess, both the Crown Prince and Prince Wanxi used to run here and there all day. Those times were indeed golden," Jinlong''s eyes filled with tears, recalling the old days.


    She ced her hand on Sheng Li''s head and caressed it. His heart fluttered. The touch of a mother is enough in your worst time. After such a long time, he felt this feeling. "If you ever feel low,e to me. You are as equal as Lei Wanxi to me. Don''t hesitate," Jinlong said. Sheng Li hummed. His heart was giddy with this overwhelming feeling.


    ~~~~


    Sorry to all the readers as I could not give mass Release on Monday. Last time, I could not get vinated. So, took the vine yesterday. Earlier, I was thinking to take a leave but then many of you patiently wait for updates. So, gave only two chapters. Again, I am sorry.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 527 - Its Lovely

    <h4>Chapter 527 - It''s Lovely</h4>


    "What''s this?" Zhu Lin asked Lei Wanxi as she saw the bouquet of orchid flowers in his hand.


    "Orchids. Don''t you know?" Lei Wanxi asked back.


    "I know, but why are you giving it to me?" Zhu Lin questioned him. Lei Wanxi was out of words upon hearing her. He searched the orchids for Zhu Lin in the market, and she was replying this way. He mmed the bouquet on the table in the restaurant where they both had decided to have their lunch.


    "Be gentle on the flowers," Zhu Lin scolded him.


    The owner of the restaurant came to them and greeted them. "Prince Wanxi hase here after a long time," stated the honor humbly.


    "I missed the food of this restaurant. Soon, I will be one of the regrs in your restaurant," Lei Wanxi informed him while giggling. The owner was delighted to hear that and asked them what they would like to have.


    "Dumpling soup, rice and," Lei Wanxi looked at Zhu Lin, who said, "...and vegetable broth." The owner rubbed his hands and told them to wait for a few minutes.


    The owner saw the orchids on the table and amusingly asked Lei Wanxi, "Prince Wanxi, are you going to propose to someone?" The owner understood the meaning of orchids.


    Zhu Lin peered at Lei Wanxi and arched her right brow. "Hmm... something like that, but she refused to take it," Lei Wanxi replied and nced at Zhu Lin.


    "That''s so bad. The woman does not deserve our Prince then," the owner said and started tough. Zhu Lin lifted her head and red at him. The owner somehow felt intimidated, so he left after making an excuse.


    Lei Wanxi rested his right elbow on the table and rested his chin on his fist. "Did you hear? The owner thinks that you do not deserve me. You kicked off the love of the great Sixth Prince of the Han Empire," Lei Wanxi said in a teasing tone.


    "If you hand someone flowers like this, he will definitely get surprised," Zhu Lin argued with him.


    "Wrong. If a man gives flowers to a woman, then there''s a special meaning behind that." He picked the bouquet of the orchids and took their pleasant smell. "I think you do not know the meaning of orchids. It means Love," Lei Wanxi stated and again put the bouquet back on the table.


    "But you already declined my love," Lei Wanxi sighed.


    "No. I did not. You should have at least told me," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Zhu Lin,e here. Sit beside me. I want to tell you something," Lei Wanxi requested to her.


    "Why?"


    "Why do you ask so many questions? Just sit beside me," Lei Wanxi stated. Zhu Lin stood up and went towards his side. She sat beside him when Lei Wanxi put his arm around Zhu Lin''s shoulder and drew her closer to him.


    "Look over there¨C to your left. A few women are staring at me," Lei Wanxi whispered in her ear. Zhu Lin turned her nce towards her left and saw a few women from upper-ss families. One of them was familiar to her.


    "If I give these beautiful orchid flowers to any one of them, she might think I love her. Zhu Lin, you are never given flowers by any man, that''s why you do not know," Lei Wanxi then deduced.


    Zhu Lin furrowed her brows. "How do you know?"


    "It''s written over your face," Lei Wanxi replied.


    Zhu Lin yanked his hand away from her shoulder. "This is the second reason no man tried to get close to you. You get violent," Lei Wanxi teased her even more.


    "Am I more violent, or are they weaker?" Zhu Lin queried him. Lei Wanxi pointed his index finger at him, which Zhu Lin caught. "If the Prince thought that I had directed the remark towards him, then he is wrong," Zhu Lin affirmed and smiled.


    "I did not think that, Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi pinched her cheek.


    "Ahh," Zhu Lin hissed in pain.


    "Your cheeks are soft, that''s why I did that," Lei Wanxi said and pulled his hand back. A middle-aged man brought their order and told them to enjoy the meals. After they finished the meals, Lei Wanxi paid the bills and left with Zhu Lin, who had picked the orchid flowers bouquet.


    "People are looking at us. Why did you not leave it behind?" Lei Wanxi asked while fanning himself.


    "The man who loves me has given me these flowers. How could I leave them behind?" Zhu Lin muttered and took in the scent of the flowers. Lei Wanxi was happy that Zhu Lin liked the flowers.


    ''Brother Sheng indeed has great knowledge about flowers. I used to think that he does not know about flowers and hidden meanings behind them,'' Lei Wanxi thought. He saw a vendor selling hairpins and a few other essories for women.


    He closed the fan and put it inside his sash. "Uncle, how much is this hairpin?" Lei Wanxi asked as he looked inside the bamboo basket that the middle-aged man had held. Lei Wanxi liked a jade-colored hairpin and wanted to purchase that.


    Zhu Lin smiled, seeing how Lei Wanxi was purchasing a hairpin for her. Her heart thumped against her chest. Lei Wanxi came to him after buying the hairpin.


    "What happened? Why are you happy? Do you like these flowers this much?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "No. You purchased the hairpin for--"


    "Ahh, this hairpin." Lei Wanxi showed her the hairpin. Zhu Lin nodded her head and turned her back towards him. "This I have purchased for Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    Zhu Lin immediately turned to him. "Pardon," she said as her heart shattered into a million pieces.


    "It is for Sister Lili. Isn''t it pretty? Sister Lili does not like expensive jewelry. Brother Sheng will get jealous, and I love to tease Brother Sheng. I miss Hu Jingguo. He was the perfect person to tease Brother Sheng." Suddenly Lei Wanxi turned silent, and even the smile on his lips disappeared.


    It was weird to see him this way. Zhu Lin had never seen Lei Wanxi getting sad all of a sudden. They both started to walk back to the Pce.


    "Who was Hu Jingguo? I only know that he sacrificed his life for the Crown Prince," asserted Zhu Lin.


    "Hu Jingguo was the childhood friend of Sister Lili. He hade to Juyan to rescue Sister Lili as he thought that the Crown Prince would kill her."


    "Pardon. Why did he think that way?" Zhu Lin confusedly asked.


    "Everyone used to think that Brother Sheng was cruel. Hu Jingguo became a close friend of mine and also of the Crown Prince. Brother Sheng was so reluctant to go close to Sister Lili, so I gave him a task to make Brother Sheng jealous to the extent that he would get close to Sister Lili. Those days...I miss them," Lei Wanxi said, followed by a deep sigh.


    "Hu Jingguo used to call Brother Sheng by his name. They both have gotten very close to each other. I used to roam with him, and we both have the same interests too," Lei Wanxi stated and chuckled. His eyes got misty, recalling his precious memories with Hu Jingguo.


    "It is hard, right? I lost my older brother in a war. These values and these habits I have received from him," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi was shocked to learn about that.


    "Don''t be shocked. My Elder Brother sacrificed his life for this Empire. I am proud of him. I also miss him sometimes," Zhu Lin proimed. Lei Wanxi could not help but hug Zhu Lin tightly. He patted her back.


    "You are a great warrior, like your brother. If you ever miss your elder brother, then you can talk to me," Lei Wanxi stated. Zhu Lin hummed and pulled away from him.


    "You can do the same if you miss Hu Jingguo," stated Zhu Lin. Lei Wanxi agreed with her and the two went back to the Pce.


    As Lei Wanxi escorted Zhu Lin to her chamber, he recalled the second hairpin that he had bought for her. He walked in to give it to her. "Do you want something?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "No." Lei Wanxi grasped her hand and brought her towards the dressing table where the mirror was ced.


    "What is the Prince doing?" Zhu Lin questioned.


    "Stay quiet," Lei Wanxi stood behind her and put the hairpin in Zhu Lin''s hair bun.


    "Have you not bought it for the Crown Princess?" Zhu Lin tried to move away when Lei Wanxi put his hand on her shoulder to stop her from moving.


    "I bought two hairpins. One for Sister Lili and another for you. I will give you an expensive er," Lei Wanxi stated, and put his hand down. Zhu Lin tilted her head a little and saw the jade-colored hairpin. "It''s lovely," Zhu Linplimented and turned to Lei Wanxi.


    Zhu Lin realized how close they both were standing, so she took a step back while tucking the lock of her hair behind her ear.. Suddenly, Lei Wanxi wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her towards him.

 Chapter 528 - Dont Hide

    <h4>Chapter 528 - Don''t Hide</h4>


    Lei Wanxi leaned closer to Zhu Lin as he drew her towards him. With his other hand, he had angled her face. Zhu Lin closed her eyes and then it happened. She felt Lei Wanxi''s smooth lips on hers and tingles spread throughout her entire body. Butterflies started to dance in her stomach.


    The kiss was chaste, only the movement of lips and nothing more. Zhu Lin clutched the sleeves of Lei Wanxi as she equally responded to him. After a while, they pulled away, gasping for air. Lei Wanxi wiped her lips using his thumb and then put it down.


    Zhu Lin gazed at him and got shy. She rested her forehead on his chest. "Don''t look at me with those eyes," she hit his shoulder.


    "Why? It is rare to see that face of yours," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "I will talk to my father," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Zhu Lin pulled away. "About what?" She asked.


    "About our marriage. Don''t you want to marry me?" Lei Wanxi asked with a sheepish smile.


    "I want to. But, are you not supposed to give the answers to my feelings? Are you sure you want to marry this violent woman?" Zhu Lin questioned and crossed her arms.


    "I gave the answer already. This kiss I had saved for the woman, whom I would marry. Now, I have given you my kiss, so that means I want to marry you," Lei Wanxi stated. Zhu Lin brought her both palms to her face because of her shyness.


    "Prince Wanxi confessed to me. It is unbelievable to me," Zhu Lin replied and then hugged him. Lei Wanxi caressed her hair and rested his right cheek over her head.


    "I love you, Zhu Lin. You made my heart go crazy for a few days. I almost thought that I was suffering from some heart disease," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Zhu Lin''s heart raced upon hearing those words.


    "I love you too, Prince Wanxi," She reciprocated his feelings. After some time, they both withdrew and kept smiling while ncing at each other.


    "Leave," Zhu Lin told Lei Wanxi.


    "Sure. See you in the morning," Lei Wanxi stated and took backward steps. He waved at her and soon left her sight. Zhu Lin looked at herself in the mirror and then touched her cheeks.


    "Prince Wanxi loves me!" Zhu Lin murmured with a broad smile.


    Lei Wanxi came out of the chamber and extended his arms out. "So, this feeling is called love," Lei Wanxi said and he spun at his ce. The Pce Maids looked at him amusingly. He put his hands down and went towards his chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu was on the shore of the Yellow River. At a particr time, he was throwing the stones into the river. The ripples had formed on the surface of the water which soon disappeared.


    He had no idea how his life was taking turns. He felt a hand on his shoulder and it was Huo Jin. "So, you are here. We were worried about you," Huo Jin stated.


    "Chun is also here?" Nianzu turned his head back and saw Chuntao in front of him.


    "I encountered your friends in the market, who told me that you had already left for home. However, you did not return, so Brother Huo Jin and I searched for you," Chuntao asserted and sat beside Nianzu. She saw he had not finished the lunch and it hurt her.


    Huo Jin sat on the left of Nianzu on the samerge rock. Nianzu had put a few pebbles on it. Huo Jin grabbed them and threw them on the ground.


    "So, will you tell us what is going on with you?" Chuntao asked and found Nianzu''s gaze at the sun in the horizon.


    "I thought after I leave the Pce, everything will turn right. I do not need to involve myself in those fights. However, I failed to see that my Mother could do something which would make me fall in front of everyone''s eyes," Nianzu stated.


    "No one knows about the ill intentions of the Empress except a few," Huo Jin said.


    "And those few are the ones who are precious to me. How would I meet my gaze with them?" Nianzu questioned and looked at Huo Jin.


    "Why do you think it is your fault?" Nianzu turned to Chuntao, whose gaze was fixed at the flowing river water.


    "Brother Huo Jin exined to me the situation. Your Mother deviated from the path of honesty not because of you but because of jealousy towards the Crown Prince. It was not your fault, Nianzu. Every human has a conscience but most of us get tempted to see power, money and influence over others.


    Then, shouldn''t it be my fault who separated you from your family? If I had not epted these feelings, then you would not have to see all this."


    Nianzu shook his head. Before he could speak, Chuntao said, "I med myself when I heard about all this. However, I recalled the words of the Crown Prince, who told me to take care of you. That means I would have made a grave mistake if I had not epted your feelings. Nianzu, it''s fine if you left the Pce. There is nothing wrong with that. You should not lie to yourself that you miss everyone. Even the Pce life can be beautiful. Help your Brother in making the Pce a Heaven. Do not run away anymore.


    Yes, you were wrong. You are born to live the life of a Prince. You are born to make a difference in this Empire by bing the right hand man of the Crown Prince. You can empathize with the people that''s why you were the Royal Advisor," Chuntao made Nianzu understand.


    Huo Jin agreed with the words of Chuntao. "Nianzu shall not run away anymore. Remember, what you told me when I was ready to die for Xinyue?" Huo Jin stood up and came in front of them.


    "You told me that with my qualities, I shall contribute for the prosperity of the Han. I shall not hide myself," Huo Jin reminded those same words to Nianzu. "You have those qualities which hardly people possess. Put them into a good use. Don''t hide. This is the only advise I can give you," Huo Jin affirmed.


    Nianzu hummed and stood up. Chuntao also stood by him. "I shall go back to correct everything. I shall help Brother Sheng, whom I left in the middle," Nianzu stated with a confident tone. He put his arms around Huo Jin and Chuntao, pulling them into a side hug.


    "Thank you," Nianzu stated and the three looked towards the red sky.

 Chapter 529 - To Save The Person Dear To You

    <h4>Chapter 529 - To Save The Person Dear To You</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan was pouring the tea for Jian Guozhi and found he was in deep thought. "Jian Ge seems lost these days. Is everything alright?" Xue Yu-Yan asked humbly.


    Jian Guozhi did not want her to worry, so he lied. "Everything is fine." He picked the teacup and sipped the chamomile tea. "It''s refreshing," He said and put the cup down.


    "Jian Ge can share with me if he is troubled," Xue Yu-Yan politely said. "He shall not keep it to himself." She blew the air over the tea surface before taking a sip.


    "Xue, I spent most of my childhood with Yongzheng and Rong Zemin. While growing up, the teachings I got, I imparted them as well, mostly to Yongzheng. They were not good things to be taught. But because I was naive, I did not understand that it could bring some serious repercussions in the future," Jian Guozhi pronounced. He had a menacing yet troubled expression on his face.


    Xue Yu-Yan understood a little from his words that Prince Yongzheng was doing something evil. She was also aware of the Second Prince''s nature. After all, she had heard about him from her father.


    "What did Jian Ge teach Brother Yongzheng? To my knowledge, Prince Yongzheng was always cunning¡­ even his mother is!" Xue Yu-Yan remarked.


    Jian Guozhi chuckled. "I made him the person which he is today. If I had acted as an ideal Elder Brother, then he would not have turned this way," he regretted.


    "Jian Ge, did you try to talk with Brother Yongzheng? What exactly has Brother Yongzheng nned?" Xue Yu-Yan asked.


    Jian Guozhi sipped the tea and shook his head. "You do not need to know.?I will note to you today. I have some pending work toplete. So, have your dinner without me," Jian Guozhi stated. He had finished the tea and left the chamber. Xue Yu-Yan turned sad because for the past few days, Jian Guozhi was under stress and he was not ready to share anything with her.


    Jian Guozhi had decided to talk to Yongzheng once more. He had the hunch that Yongzheng would do something big if was not stopped at the right time. He turned to Yongzheng''s chamber but found Sheng Li, who wasing from the front side.


    They both greeted each other. Sheng Li looked around and then gazed at Jian Guozhi. "Lili told me to talk to you regarding our Second Brother." Jian nodded his head and told Sheng Li to follow him.


    Once they reached the chamber of Jian Guozhi, Sheng Li asked him again. Jian Guozhi had thought to hide the truth about Yongzheng''s face from Sheng Li, but since Ying Lili had already informed him, there was no use to hide anything from him. However, he wanted to make sure that Sheng Li would not lose his temper.


    "Brother Sheng, Brother Yongzheng wants to," his voice quivered while eyes flickered, "ki-kill the Crown Princess." He finally said. Sheng Li clenched his fists. Jian Guozhi told him everything about Yongzheng.


    "Brother Sheng, let me handle this matter," Jian Guozhi requested Sheng Li, who refused.


    "First Brother, it has a risk. Second Brother can even harm you," Sheng Li stated. "I will handle it in my own way. However, I need your help. I will give a chance to Brother Yongzheng to change," He proimed.


    "What if he refuses to change? I know Yongzheng better than anyone. That''s why I think I should handle the matter with him," Jian Guozhi suggested.


    "Brother Jian, Brother Yongzheng will not listen to you. If you think that he will listen to you, then you are wrong. I still cannot believe that I almost got deceived by him," Sheng Li gritted his teeth. He wanted to punch Yongzheng for speaking ill about Ying Lili.


    "He did not change a bit all these years," Sheng Li snickered and mmed his hand on the table.


    "What has Brother Sheng thought?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "I will tell you after two days. I still need to scrutinize Brother Yongzheng''s moves. Thank you for informing Lili about all this. Father is sick, and if he finds his one son is still on the path of vengeance, then his health might deteriorate," Sheng Li expressed his concerns towards his father''s health.


    "You are right. We cannot let this out. Even a few Court Ministers will try to take advantage of this. We need to do everything quickly. Also, there is no trace of the poison bottle that Brother?Yongzheng handed to the servant. The Crown Princess has told me to search about the servant," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    ''Whom could he possibly n to poison?'' Sheng Li wondered.


    ~~~~~


    "Did you mix it well?" Yongzheng asked while sipping the wine.


    "Yes, Your Highness," the unknown person replied to Yongzheng, who smiled.


    "Leave and never step inside the borders of Luoyang," Yongzhengmanded the person. He bowed and vanished from his sight.


    Yongzheng opened the drawer of the table and took out a tiny wooden box. He put the wine ss over the table and then opened the wooden box. There was one white pill in it.


    He took it out and peered at it. "There is only one antidote to this poison. Sheng Li, now you will kneel in front of me and beg me for it. I surely will hand this to you but only on one condition," Yongzheng murmured and smirked. "To save the person dear to you, you need to give up on the throne and also leave the Pce."


    Heughed evilly and put the pill back into the wooden box. "I will not let you rule over the Han Empire, neither do I let your woman rule over us men," Yongzheng muttered.


    Suddenly he heard the clink of the flower vase. He lifted his gaze and found the broken vase near the second door. He immediately stood up and walked near it. "Who''s there?" He shouted and pushed the curtains away. He kept walking and went outside the chamber.


    He asked his Eunuch if he saw someone, who refused. Yongzheng knitted his brows.. ''How could the vase break? Did someone hear?'' Yongzheng wondered and got tense.

 Chapter 530 - You Did Great, General Wang!

    <h4>Chapter 530 - You Did Great, General Wang!</h4>


    One hour ago:


    Wang Hao tied the ck headband around his forehead. He put the dagger inside his sash and picked the sword from the table. He had already covered his face with a ck cloth.


    "General Wang, from the spy, I found out about the person who has been tasked to give the poison. He is still in the Pce. Also, from tomorrow he will no longer be in the Pce," General Xiao told Wang Hao.


    "We need to nab him today. If he is leaving today, it means he will do his work today. No one has taken their dinner till now. You shall go to the Royal Kitchen and do not let it get sent to anyone in the Pce," Wang Hao stated.


    "Yes, General Wang," Xiao Zhan replied. "Where are you heading to?" Xiao Zhan queried.


    "To the Eastern Pce. I need to check the chamber of Yongzheng," Wang Hao replied and left for the Eastern Pce. Without getting into the eyes of anyone, he sneaked into the chamber of Yongzheng.


    Wang Hao stopped near the second door as he saw Yongzheng was drinking the wine. Wang Hao took out a needle from which he had thought to make Yongzheng unconscious. But he stopped when a man entered the chamber. He had worn the clothes of a servant.


    Yongzheng smiled upon seeing him. The servant got on his knees. Wang Hao put the middle inside the narrow cylindrical bamboo tube and keenly looked at them.


    The unknown person had taken out a tiny porcin bottle from his pocket. "I have mixed the poison well into the dinner of the Emperor and the Crown Princess," he informed Yongzheng and put the bottle down on the floor.


    "Good. You shall leave and never enter the boundaries of Luoyang," Yongzheng ordered him. He threw a pouch full of gold coins towards the unknown man, who grabbed it. He weighed it and thanked Yongzheng. "Keep this bottle in the chamber of Lei Wanxi before leaving," Yongzheng told him.


    Wang Hao was shocked to hear that Yongzheng gave such an order. The Second Prince had made the n that could bring the downfall of the entire Royal Family.


    The unknown man stood up and left the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Present time:


    Wang Hao''s hand touched the vase as he turned to leave when it fell and broke down into pieces. Yongzheng lifted his eyes and looked towards the second door. He quickly put the wooden box inside the drawer and stood up.


    Wang Hao stepped back and jumped out of the window while Yongzheng walked out of the chamber.


    Wang Hao ran to the chamber of Lei Wanxi. He had removed the ck cloth mask from his face and ran as fast as he could. Instead of the door, Wang Hao thought of using the window. He stopped running as he reached near the window when it opened, and a man sneaked out of it. He was the same person, whom Yongzheng had given orders to hide the poison bottle in Lei Wanxi''s chamber.


    Their eyes met. The man, without waiting even for a second, ran to the opposite side while Wang Hao chased him. Wang Hao was not surprised to know that the unknown man was aware of the Pce routes which were rarely used. Also, from his moves, Wang Hao could easily understand that the man was highly trained in martial arts.


    Wang Hao took out the dagger and threw it towards the man, who easily dodged it. The man climbed the wall and jumped to its other side. Wang Hao did the same, and now they were out of the Pce.


    "Stop, right there if you do not want to die," Wang Hao shouted. However, the man did not stop. They had entered the forest and because of the night, it was difficult to see what was ahead.


    Wang Hao stopped as the man vanished from his sight. He looked around and then turned back but could not see him. "Where did he go?" Wang Hao murmured when the man attacked him from his backside.


    Wang Hao heard the noise that the sword made as it cut through the air, so he turned left and with the sword in his hand defended the attack of the man. They both looked into the eyes of each other when the man swiftly turned back. He bent slightly and punched Wang Hao''s stomach with his elbow.


    Wang Hao pushed back, and he put his hand on his stomach. He coughed, and blood came out of his mouth. This time Wang Hao attacked him first. The nking of swords reverberated in the air. "Surrender yourself, else you will end up dying," Wang Hao threatened the man.


    "I have never surrendered myself. Instead, you should run away if you do not want to die," the man warned Wang Hao and kicked his leg, but Wang Hao dodged him this time.


    Yongzheng, on the other hand, had seen them so reached the forest. He saw Wang Hao and his man fighting against each other. "Wang Hao, why are you so loyal to Sheng Li?" He muttered and pulled out an arrow from the quiver.


    "Sheng Li underestimated me. You have to lose the life of your dear General. I cannot let you seed when I havee this far." Yongzheng put the arrow on the bowstring and pulled it out.


    He recalled how aftering out of his chamber, he went back inside and saw the window was open. Yongzheng looked at the broken vase again. "Whoever it was, if he had heard the conversation, he would go to Lei Wanxi''s chamber to nab my man." Yongzheng walked in and quickly picked the bow and quiver. He put the quiver around his shoulder and jumped off the window.


    Yongzheng went straight towards the chamber of Lei Wanxi and found Wang Hao and his man in front of each other. Since they were in the backyard of the Eastern Pce, therefore no one noticed them.


    "Wang Hao, I wish you were not close to Sheng Li," Yongzheng mumbled while gritting his teeth. He left the arrow and said, "You did great, General Wang!"


    ~~~~


    What will happen next? Do share your thoughts. If you have not read my new historical story yet, please read it once. I am sure it will not disappoint you.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 531 - Beheaded

    <h4>Chapter 531 - Beheaded</h4>


    The arrow gushed through the leaves of the tree before it hit the back of General Wang. The unknown man got the chance and ran away while General Wang grabbed his shoulder tightly. He turned to see but could not see anyone in the dark.


    The grip around his sword tightened while his throat got dried. Now, he was injured, so it was more difficult for him to get focused.


    "Why is he still standing? These arrows are special. I think I need to use one more to kill him," Yongzheng murmured and pulled the string with an arrow on it. "Oh, Sheng Li! Tomorrow you will get the biggest shock of your life¨C Two people on their deathbed while your favorite General will end up dying here. How could I forget Lei Wanxi?" An evil grin appeared on Yongzheng''s lips.


    "Don''t even try to lose the string, else this de will cut your neck. Before General Wang, you will end up dying." Yongzheng heard the voice of a woman. "Put your arrow down," she said.


    Yongzheng did what the woman told him. He slightly tilted his head and saw Zhu Lin. "Throw them," she ordered. Yongzheng did so, however, he did not throw the arrow.


    "You might get punished for putting the sword on the neck of a Royal Prince," Yongzheng threatened her.


    Zhu Lin chuckled. "And you will be beheaded for assassinating the Emperor, the Crown Princess, and General Wang," Zhu Lin reminded him.


    "I do not like when a woman orders me around." Yongzheng swiftly turned and pierced the sharp arrow in the stomach of Zhu Lin, who had let her guard down. He red into her eyes and said, "No one will know that I killed you. Don''t worry. I will give you an easy death," Yongzheng whispered as he pushed her away.


    Zhu Lin put her hand on her stomach as blood oozed out from it. He attacked her with the same arrow but Zhu Lin defended herself with the sword. Wang Hao, who was on the other side, heard the nking. He had already taken out the arrow from his back and moved towards the source of sound with the calm yet wavered steps.


    Yongzheng grasped her hand tightly to take away the sword from her. Zhu Lin, with her entire strength, kicked him in the stomach, and he fell back. She turned and started to run, holding the wound on her stomach.


    Yongzheng swiftly stood up and picked his bow and quiver. He ran after her and put another arrow on the string. He left the string, and the arrow passed from the side of her right arm. The sword in her hand fell, and she hissed in pain. Yongzheng ran a few meters and pulled the second arrow on the string.


    "Stop, Yongzheng!" Wang Hao said with austerity as he put his sword on his neck. "Get on your knees. Now!" Wang Haomanded him.


    Zhu Lin stopped as she heard the voice of Wang Hao. She was relieved to see him. But because of the blood loss, she fainted and fell to the ground.


    "Wang Hao, let me go," Yongzheng said as he threw the arrow and bow from his hand.


    "I cannot do that," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Only I know the antidote. Sheng Li adores his wife, and if anything happens to her, then you will also be med," Yongzheng tried to manipte Wang Hao, who hit with the tilt of the sword on the backside of Yongzheng''s head. He fainted and fell.


    Wang Hao bent on one knee and checked Yongzheng. He took off the headband around his head and tied the hands of Yongzheng with it. He looked at the bowstring and broke the bow. With the string, he tied the legs of Yongzheng.


    Once he was done, he rushed to Zhu Lin, dragging Yongzheng''s body along with him. Luckily, the moonlight was enough to show her face. He saw the blood on her face and then at her hand. "How could Yongzheng do this?" Wang Hao muttered and checked her pulse.


    He tore off the clothes of Zhu Lin, near her stomach as he had to stop bleeding. He pressed the wound and frowns appeared on the face of Zhu Lin. He tore his dress material and wiped the wound from it. He wrapped the cloth around her stomach, and then put her on his back.?With his right hand, he grasped the right leg of Yongzheng and dragged him through the rough forest route.


    Wang Hao while fighting took care that he would not go deep inside the forest. Soon, he came out of the forest and reached the Western Pce Entrance. The Royal Guards were shocked to see General Wang in that state.


    Two of them ran towards him. "Bring the rope stretcher," Wang Hao ordered. He had let go of Yongzheng''s leg, who was lying on the ground.


    Two soldiers brought it near him. Wang Hao put Zhu Lin gently on it. "Take her to the Royal Physician," he ordered.


    "Wang Hao!" Sheng Li shouted his name. He turned his head and saw Sheng Li with a few soldiers.


    "Your Highness," Wang Hao said in a low voice and passed a tiny smile to Sheng Li, who tightly hugged him.


    "Are you alright?" Sheng Li asked and saw the blood on his hand. He pulled away and went to Wang Hao''s backside.


    "You are injured," Sheng Li worriedly said.


    "I am fine, Your Highness. You shall save the Emperor and the Crown Princess. The dinner--"


    "I have taken care of that. Come," Sheng Li grabbed his arm and looked at unconscious Yongzheng with disgust. "Commander Sun, take him to the prison," Sheng Li passed an order and took Wang Hao inside the Pce.


    "Princess Zhu Lin had gotten injured too. She saved my life. Prince Yongzheng had almost killed me," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li.


    "He has lost his mind.. You should not have gone alone inside the forest," Sheng Li told Wang Hao, who smiled.

 Chapter 532 - False Hopes

    <h4>Chapter 532 - False Hopes</h4>


    The Physician dressed the wound on General Wang''s back. He told him to rest for a few days. The Royal Physician was busy treating the wounds of Zhu Lin in the next room.


    "Brother Sheng, we shall inform our father. It is a serious issue," Jian Guozhi suggested to Sheng Li, who furrowed his eyebrows.


    "I cannot do that. Father''s health is not good. Let''s keep it in between us for some time," Sheng Li told Jian Guozhi.


    "Are you saying that we should keep this incident hidden from everyone? It has risks. Yongzheng did something unforgivable," Jian Guozhi angrily said.


    "I know. But it is for our father. His health is not good," Sheng Li said with a worried expression. Jian Guozhi did not argue with Sheng Li and looked at Wang Hao.


    "What will we tell everyone tomorrow? His mother will definitely ask about him and also will search for him," Jian Guozhi was a little panicked. "Also, what about the servants and soldiers who have seen all this?


    "Crown Prince, we shall inform. It is not a matter that we shall hide. If he had not harmed Princess Zhu Lin, we could have tried to hide it, but the matter has reached its peak," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li.


    "General Wang is absolutely right. Let''s not hide this matter. Yongzheng hasmitted a grave crime. Nothing will happen to our Father," Jian Guozhi advised Sheng Li, who nodded his head.


    "Your Highness, how did you prevent the deadly poisoning incident?" Wang Hao asked curiously.


    "Ying Lili and I had dinner with Lei Wanxi''s mother. That''s why there was no use in sending the poisoned meal to Lili. About Father, I wonder how Brother Yongzheng was going to send it? Because I have put high security in Father''s manor. Luckily, at the right time, Xiao Zhan stopped the chefs from sending the meals to the Father," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Assassin might be hidden in the Emperor''s manor itself. That''s why despite this high security, Yongzheng had nned to send the poisoned meals to Father," Jian Guozhi deduced.


    "Yes. But, who?" Wang Hao asked.


    "The one who is always close to Father," Sheng Li stated when something came up in his mind.


    "What do you think, Brother Sheng?" Jian Guozhi asked for his opinion.


    "Eunuch Jin is the closest person to our Father," Sheng Li replied.


    "But he is loyal to our father," Jian Guozhi defended Eunuch Jin.


    Sheng Li shook his head. "We need to keep an eye on him. Just because he always showed his good side to us. But it does not mean that his bad side never existed. Every person has a bad side which no one knows," Sheng Li proimed. Wang Hao agreed with Sheng Li.


    "If that''s the case, then why did Eunuch Jin never try to harm our Father? He might have received many chances to do that," Jian Guozhi argued.


    "Because he could have gotten hanged to death. This time it was different. Yongzheng had made the perfect n to make me helpless. However, it is still a suspicion. We are not sure whether or not Eunuch Jin is the culprit," Sheng Li exined to them.


    A servant of the Royal Physician interrupted their conversation. "Forgive me for being an intruder, Your Highness. The Royal Physician has called the Crown Prince," the servant said humbly.


    Sheng Li excused himself and went to the other room where the Royal Physician was treating Zhu Lin. Sheng Li halted a meter away from the Royal Physician, who had dressed Zhu Lin''s wound on the stomach.


    "Your Highness, Princess Zhu Lin is in a weak state. She might need a rest of one week or more," the Royal Physician informed the Crown Prince. "Also, the arrow hit near the navel of the Princess. Therefore, it might be problematic for her if she tries to do hard work¨C internal bleeding can happen anytime."


    Sheng Li pressed his fingers at the temple of his forehead. He wanted to kill Yongzheng, who had created such a big mess. He not only injured Wang Hao but a woman too. No one in their family ever did this to a woman. Yongzheng did not even think for a moment that Zhu Lin was the daughter of King of Huan, who was a fast friend of their father.


    "Your Highness, I will keep giving the medications to the Princess. So, please do not worry. I will make sure that the Princess will recover fast," the Royal Physician assured Sheng Li, who thanked him. He looked at Zhu Lin''s pale face.


    ''What would I answer to Father and Lei Wanxi? She almost lost her life because of me,'' Sheng Li thought and turned to leave when he heard the Royal Physician.


    "The Emperor has shown a slight improvement, Your Highness. I examined His Majesty in the evening before dinner. The Crown Prince shall not worry," the Royal Physician asserted with a positive tone.


    "You said the same when my mother was on her deathbed. I have not forgotten that day. She could not recover and then died in the end. Do not give me false hopes," Sheng Li said with annoyance and walked out of the chamber.


    The Royal Physician did not feel bad listening to those words. He lied to Sheng Li at that time because his mother had requested it from him. She wanted to see Sheng Li smile before the day she died. "Forgive me, Crown Prince, for lying to you," the Royal Physician bowed down.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, went straight to the prison where Yongzheng was taken to. He stopped as he encountered Ying Lili.


    "Lili," he whispered her name. Behind Ying Lili, Xing-Fu was standing. Sheng Li understood that Xing-Fu informed Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili came towards Sheng Li and hugged him tightly. "Sheng Li, calm down. It''s not because of you," Ying Lili said softly. That hug was simr to a magical pill, and it calmed Sheng Li''s heart. The anger inside him had subsided, and her words gave him security. He hugged her back and wrapped his arm around her.


    "Guide me, Lili. I am stuck.. I do not know what to do," Sheng Li stated.

 Chapter 533 - When It Comes To Throne

    <h4>Chapter 533 - When It Comes To Throne</h4>


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li went to the Pavilion of the Western Pce to converse with each other. Sheng Li narrated everything to her and waited for her reply.


    "Sheng Li, you do not want Yongzheng to die. Am I right?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Father will break down. I failed to keep everyone together. Yongzheng did all this to usurp the throne. In the end, it is because of me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "When uncle killed my father, you told me even brothers fight for the power. Maybe my father knew about the true intentions of my uncle, but he kept mum. In the end, he lost his life. If he had taken timely action, then he might be alive today," Ying Lili stated.


    "To keep the family together, we cannot let Yongzheng live. You told me when the timees I need to turn Cruel for you. If you cannot do that, then I will. I will kill Yongzheng, and I will talk with the Emperor. A rotten apple rots other apples too. It''s better to separate it from the good ones to keep the others edible," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I am not afraid to kill him. A few days ago, he asked me to forgive him. I did and forgot everything he did to me. I shouldn''t have done that," Sheng Li stated and with his fist hit the pir beside him.


    "How is Princess Zhu Lin?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Not good. The Royal Physician has rmended her rest for more than one week. What will I answer to her father? Lei Wanxi wants to marry her and if her father finds out that the Second Prince tried to kill his daughter, do you think he will let her marry in this house?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili. "Also, she cannot do any hard work else internal bleeding may happen."


    "Her Father might resist continuing with their marriage," Ying Lili replied.


    "Hmm. The Court Ministers will definitely raise doubts tomorrow. The news is bound toe out. Yongzheng created troubles for everyone," Sheng Li muttered.


    "You mean that if the Court Ministers found out about the instability of the Royal Family, they might ask for the banishment of the First Prince and his wife. Since everything started from the Wei Family," Ying Lili deduced and arched her eyebrow.


    "I think so. It''s the best chance for them to get rid of the First Prince. Getting the position of Governorship will be the biggest chance for any of them," Sheng Li exined to her. "Now, I doubt whether the Empress has turned good or not. I doubt everyone around me except a few," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili grasped the hand of Sheng Li and caressed it. "Do not think that way. The Empress is sincere. You know about the rest of the brothers well," Ying Lili consoled him. Sheng Li knitted her brows and recalled what Wang Hao told him.


    ''He had full ns to kill you. What if the Third Princees out to be like Yongzheng? What if the Empress is still scheming? I cannot even trust the Consorts of my Father. Do I need to stop their movements? Then, I will be called a Tyrant. In the end, everyone will get separated just because of a mere throne,'' Sheng Li contemted.


    "Xing-Fu, escort the Crown Princess back to her chamber," Sheng Li suddenly pulled his hand back from Ying Lili''s grip.


    "I do not want to go. We will go back together," Ying Lili replied.


    "Go," Sheng Li sternly said and turned his gaze away. "I want to be alone."


    Ying Lili did not want to leave him alone in this state. However, she wanted to give him time. She stepped back and left with Xing-Fu. Sheng Li turned to look at her and sighed.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi went to the Prison to check Yongzheng. Xiao Zhan informed him that Yongzheng had refused to talk except with the Emperor and the Crown Prince.


    "I need to talk to him," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Xiao Zhan nodded and gestured to the soldier to open the door of the cell where Yongzheng was locked. Jian Guozhi stepped in and saw Yongzheng in chains. He had rested his head against the wall and closed his eyes.


    "Yongzheng, I told you not to do anything. Why did you do that?" Jian Guozhi asked him with an angry tone.


    "Don''t eat my mind," Yongzheng pronounced.


    "You will be hanged to death," asserted Jian Guozhi.


    Yongzheng chuckled and opened his eyes. He tilted his head to look at Jian Guozhi. "You are a coward. I did not have to do all this if you had not provided evidence against your mother. Your incapability made me do this. You taught me only one thing¨C there is nothing wrong when ites to the throne. I walked on the path that Elder Brother Jian taught me," affirmed Yongzheng.


    "I was a child at that time. My values changed as--"


    "Your values changed when that whore came to the Pce," Yongzheng blurted out.


    "Yongzheng! Watch your tongue! She is the Crown Princess. Be respectful to her," Jian Guozhi shouted at him.


    "Why should I care? You changed because of a mere woman. For her, you killed your own mother. For her, you even betrayed me. I supported you in everything. Even if I am inside this Prison, I will make sure to kill that wench!" Yongzheng said and started tough evilly.


    Jian Guozhi dashed to him and grabbed him by his robes. He threw a punch at him. Yongzheng did not stop smirking. "You still love her! Whoa! I wonder how Sheng Li will react when I tell him about your feelings," Yongzheng asserted, keeping a grin on his face.


    Jian Guozhi clutched his robes tightly. "You have lost your mind. How could you even say that? At least be remorseful of your actions. You almost took the lives of four people together. Instead of being guilty of your acts, you are speaking these poisonous words," Jian Guozhi muttered.


    "I am speaking the truth, Brother Jian, of which Sheng Li is unaware. You both secretly meet, talk to each other. What will it be considered in the eyes of the people? The Crown Princess is married to the Crown Prince yet she-"


    "Stop! I was wrong thinking that there might be a slight chance to save you." Jian Guozhi pushed him away. He turned to leave when Yongzheng said, "If you love her this much, then be ready for my next move. I won''t die this easily. I will make sure to create havoc in Sheng Li''s life."


    Jian Guozhi did not say anything and walked out of the prison. "Keep a close eye on him and search his entire chamber," Jian Guozhi ordered Xiao Zhan, who nodded his head. He left for the Western Pce and saw Sheng Li in the pavilion. He pinched the brows between his eyebrows.


    ''What could Yongzheng probably do? If he tells Sheng Li about my feelings towards the Crown Princess, then it will create misunderstandings between them.. And what is his second move? Is his mother associated with him in any way?'' Jian Guozhi wondered.

 Chapter 534 - Do Not Blame Anyone For This

    <h4>Chapter 534 - Do Not me Anyone For This</h4>


    The next morning Sheng Li went to meet his father. The Empress and the Consorts were already present in the chamber. Sheng Li greeted his father first, followed by the Empress and the Consorts.


    "The Crown Prince hase early today," Ju Fen said with a smile. "The Emperor''s health has improved a lot," she then told Sheng Li, who passed a tiny smile.


    "Do not worry too much about my health. I am perfectly fine," Han Wenji told Sheng Li.


    "I am d that Father is doing well," Sheng Li stated.


    "What happened, Crown Prince? You look stressed," Han Wenji saw the worried expression on Sheng Li''s face.


    "Father,st night something happened. Forgive me for not reporting you earlier about that," Sheng Li stated and lowered his head.


    "What happened this time? Did someone again try to plot against us? What is wrong with these Ministers?" Ju Fenined and looked at Han Wenji. "Your Majesty, you shall re-establish the Court Ministers. Former Ministers are mostly corrupted," she suggested to the Emperor.


    Sheng Li lifted his eyes and looked at Ju Fen. "Prince Yongzhengmitted treason," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Pardon?" Ju Fen mumbled.


    "What is the Crown Prince saying?" Han Wenji asked with a shocking expression.


    "Prince Yongzheng hired an assassin to kill the Emperor and the Crown Princess. He even tried to kill Wang Hao. Princess Zhu Lin was gravely injured after she tried to stop Prince Yongzheng. She is in a critical state after that. Not only this, Prince Yongzheng had nned to me Lei Wanxi for the poisoning of the Emperor and the Crown Princess," Sheng Li narrated to them.


    Han Wenji put his hand on his chest while Ju Fen shook her head.


    "The Crown Prince is lying, Your Majesty. My son can never do this," Ju Fen stated, defending her son.


    "I wish it could be a lie. If the First Consort thinks that I am lying, then she shall visit General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin. Princess Zhu Lin would have lost her life if Wang Hao had not saved her," Sheng Li affirmed with a fit of rage.


    "Where is the Second Prince?" Han Wenji asked.


    "In the Prison," Sheng Li replied. Han Wenji nced at Eunuch Jin, who brought the crown of the Emperor. He gently put it over his head. Han Wenji stood up and told Sheng Li to lead the way.


    The Empress and the Consorts also followed them.


    Seeing the Emperor, the soldiers lowered their gazes. Jian Guozhi, Xiao Zhan, and Commander Sun also joined them. Han Wenji furrowed his brows. How could his son do that? He wondered. Soon, they reached the prison cell where Yongzheng was kept.


    The soldier opened the lock of the door and Han Wenji entered the cell, followed by the other. Ju Fen brought her palm over her mouth as she saw her son cuffed in chains.


    "Yongzheng!" Han Wenji shouted his name, who had rested his head against the wall. He put his finger in his ear and then took it out.


    Opening his eyes, he found Han Wenji and the others in front of him. "Why are you screaming? He shall take care of his health," Yongzheng humbly said.


    "Son! How are you talking with your father? At least, show some respect," Ju Fen shouted at him.


    "Why should I? He is not my father. He is the father of the only child in this family¨C Father of Sheng Li," Yongzheng stated.


    "Yongzheng, do not spat nonsense," Jian Guozhi reminded him.


    "I am speaking the truth, First Prince. And, do not intervene between the conversation of two people," Yongzheng proimed and then gazed back at his father, who was befuddled to see his behavior.


    "Leave, Everyone!" Han Wenjimanded. Sheng Li turned and walked out of the cell, followed by the others. Ju Fen had started to cry after seeing her son''s odd behavior. She could not believe that her son plotted to kill his own father.


    Xiao Zhan closed the door behind him.


    Han Wenji looked at Yongzheng. "Why did you do that?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Father did not even ask me if it was true or not! You have so much faith in your Fifth Son. Ahh, he is the son of yourte beloved wife. That''s why whatever Sheng Li will say that bes true," Yongzheng pronounced.


    "I hate Sheng Li to the bottom of my heart and I hate his wife even more. Why? Did you expect me to shower love on them? Not in this life, Father!" Yongzheng asserted.


    "I never discriminated against any of my sons," Han Wenji affirmed.


    Yongzhengughed upon hearing the statement of his father. "That''s the biggest lie, Father. You always discriminated among us. I am elder to Sheng Li, yet you did not offer me the position of the Crown Prince. You never cared about my opinion¡­ in fact, none of us! Then you gave the limited political rights to the Crown Princess. How could a ruler be like this? That''s why I decided to kill you and the Crown Princess. me yourself for turning your son into a bad person," Yongzheng blurted out.


    "This was the reason I never offered you the position of the Crown Prince. I thought you would show some remorse. Do you think that your father does not know about your nature? This downfall you have brought upon yourself. Do not me anyone for this," Han Wenji calmly exined to Yongzheng.


    "What about Rong Zemin?" Yongzheng asked as he snickered.


    "He came to me long ago and told me that he doesn''t want any position. Yongzheng, the only regret I have is that I could not make one son worthy," Han Wenji stated and walked out of the cell.


    "His punishment will be decided in the Court. I want to meet General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin. Also, no one will meet Yongzheng. I give this responsibility to the Crown Prince," Han Wenji announced.


    Ju Fen pleaded with the Emperor to let her meet. However, Han Wenji refused. "Escort the First Consort to her chamber," Han Wenji ordered Commander Sun and walked ahead.. Sheng Li, Jian Guozhi, and Xiao Zhan went after the Emperor.

 Chapter 535 - It Hurts When The Person You Love Ends Up Hurting

    <h4>Chapter 535 - It Hurts When The Person You Love Ends Up Hurting</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was looking at the fans on the shelf when a maidservant came inside. "Your Highness, there is one piece of bad news." Lei Wanxi had picked a white-colored fan and turned to her.


    "What happened?" Lei Wanxi walked to her.


    "Last night, Prince Yongzheng attacked General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin. The Princess is gravely injured as she tried saving General Wang," the maidservant informed Lei Wanxi from whose hands the fan fell on the floor.


    He dashed out of the chamber and came to Zhu Lin''s chamber. But to his surprise, there was no one. The maidservant who had informed Lei Wanxi earlier reached near him. "Your Highness, Princess Zhu Lin is in the Western Pce¡­ in the quarters of the Royal Physician," she told him.


    Lei Wanxi nodded and ran towards the Western Pce. He saw his three Brothers and three Sisters-inw in the courtyard of the Royal Physician Residence.


    "Wanxi," Jian Guozhi came to him and put his hand on his shoulder.


    "How is Zhu Lin? Where is she?" He asked while panting.


    "Come with me," Jian said and took him to the chamber where Zhu Lin treatment was going on. He stepped in and saw the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess.


    "Last night, Princess Zhu Lin''s state had turned critical. The bleeding near the naval region had started. However, we seeded in stopping it. It is difficult to say when the Princess will gain her consciousness," the Royal Physician informed the Emperor.


    "You are the doctor. You must know," Lei Wanxiined. Han Wenji, Sheng Li, and Ying Lili turned to look at him.


    "Wanxi," Sheng Li walked to him and took him out of the chamber.


    "Royal Physician, please forgive Prince Wanxi for conversing this way," Ying Lili apologized humbly and then looked at the Emperor, who was confused to see Lei Wanxi''s behavior.


    "Your Majesty, Brother Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin like each other. That''s why Brother Wanxi spoke that way," Ying Lili exined to Han Wenji, who was happy to learn about that. But, in this situation, he could not even express that feeling.


    "Keep a close eye on Princess Zhu Lin''s state." Han Wenji nced at Jian Guozhi and said, "I will give you a letter that you need to send to the King of Huan Province." Jian Guozhi bowed at the order of his father.


    "Let me take you back to your chamber," Jian Guozhi told his father, who hummed and the two left the chamber. Ying Lili went to the bed and looked at Zhu Lin.


    Lei Wanxi yanked away, the hand of Sheng Li, who was stunned to see that. "How did she get injured?" Lei Wanxi questioned him.


    "I do not know how she reached the forest. However, she was there to save Wang Hao. Yongzheng attacked her and she got injured," Sheng Li briefed Lei Wanxi.


    "And you are telling me this now! Why did you not inform mest night?" Lei Wanxi got angry at him. Sheng Li did not say anything.


    "Where is Yongzheng? Did you kill him? Don''t spare him, Brother Sheng. Kill him," Lei Wanxi pronounced. His eyes turned watery.


    "He is in prison. Father will decide his punishment," Sheng Li replied.


    "What''s there to decide? He needs to be beheaded or hanged. He tried to kill General Wang and... and almost killed Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi said with teary eyes.


    "You shall go to Princess Zhu Lin," Sheng Li told him. Lei Wanxi hummed and went to Zhu Lin''s chamber. He saw a nurse was giving some medicine to Zhu Lin. He went to her and asked her if she knew when Zhu Lin would awake. However, she refused. The nurse left the chamber while Lei Wanxi stayed behind.


    He sat on the chair beside the bed and took Zhu Lin''s hands in his. It was cold. Lei Wanxi put her hand down and then rubbed his hands together. Once they got warm, he grasped her hand to make them warm.


    He put away the nket that had covered Zhu Lin and got scared to see therge wound on her stomach. Even the bandage wrapped was stained in blood. Lei Wanxi could not help but cry. "Why do you always poke your nose everywhere?" Lei Wanxi murmured. He sobbed and wiped the tears off his cheeks. But more tears started to pour down his eyes. He covered her back from the nket.


    Looking back at Zhu Lin''s face, Lei Wanxi put his palm on her cheek. He caressed it with his thumb and continued to do that. "I had nned to go out with you. You said that no one gave you any surprise, so I had prepared a surprise for you. You need to wake up quickly. Then, we c-an¡­," Lei Wanxi broke down into tears before he couldplete his words.


    Ying Lili hade near the door and heard the sobs of Lei Wanxi. She never saw him in this way. "I will give the medicine to the Princess," Ying Lili said in a low voice and took the tray from the nurse. "Please do not let anyone in," she requested the nurse, who nodded.


    Ying Lili walked in and put the tray on the bedside table. Lei Wanxi lifted his head and peered at Ying Lili with his red, misty eyes.


    Ying Lili sat on the other chair and wiped the tears from Lei Wanxi''s cheeks. "She will be fine. Brother Wanxi does not look good when he cries. Also, Princess Zhu Lin can hear you even in her unconscious state," Ying Lili made him understand. Lei Wanxi nodded and looked at the tray.


    "Ahh, it''s medicine. It will heal her internal wound," Ying Lili picked the bowl and showed it to Lei Wanxi. "It has some magical powers. Though it takes time to heal the wounds, it is an effective medicine," Ying Lili exined to him and passed him a tiny smile. She opened the mouth of Zhu Lin and spoon-fed the medicine to her.


    Lei Wanxi asked Ying Lili if he could do that. Ying Lili turned to him and nodded her head. She gave the bowl to Lei Wanxi, who thanked her. Lei Wanxi started to spoon-feed the medicine to Zhu Lin. Frowns appeared on Zhu Lin''s forehead, making Lei Wanxi stop.


    "That''s because it''s a bitter medicine," Ying Lili cleared his confusion.


    "Hmm." Soon the medicine finished, and Ying Lili put the bowl on the table.


    "She was happyst night because I proposed to her to marry me," Lei Wanxi tilted his head to gaze at Ying Lili. "Who knew she would end up like this? That''s why I never liked to fight with anyone. It hurts when the person you love ends up hurting," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "You are right, Brother Wanxi. But sometimes, it bes necessary to protect everyone from evil. Princess Zhu Lin did the same. General Wang would have died if Zhu Lin had not reached the forest and stopped the Second Prince," Ying Lili exined to Lei Wanxi.


    "She is brave. She might have been watching Yongzheng''s movements since the day we both found out about him," Lei Wanxi looked back at her. He stroked her hair and said, "Wake up, soon.. I am patiently waiting."

 Chapter 536 - My Wifes Name

    <h4>Chapter 536 - My Wife''s Name</h4>


    Sheng Li heard the conversation of Ying Lili and Lei Wanxi. He went straight to the prison to meet Yongzheng. He found Yongzheng was sleeping peacefully, which annoyed him.


    "How could you sleep at this hour?" Sheng Li asked Yongzheng and gripped his robes. He opened his eyes. Sheng Li pulled him up and red into his eyes. "How could you attack a woman?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Everyone told me not to discriminate between a man and a woman. She put her sword at my neck. She wanted to kill your elder brother. That''s why to save myself, I pierced the arrow through her stomach. I would have killed her if your useless General had not intervened," Yongzheng asserted and smiled with a grin.


    Sheng Li pped Yongzheng hard, and he stumbled, got hit against the wall.


    "Ahhh," he shouted in anger and marched towards Sheng Li. Grabbing his robes, he questioned him, "How dare you p me?" Sheng Li pushed him away and punched him in the face. Yongzheng wiped off the blood from his lips from the back of his palm and started tough.


    "Shouldn''t you be angry at me for poisoning your dear wife? It''s odd to see you caring for another woman," Yongzheng stated and put his hand down. The heavy shackles around his feet made the noise as he walked towards Sheng Li.


    "Shut your mouth! Princess Zhu Lin is the daughter of the King of Huan Province, who is the best friend of our father. Thanks to him, our father survived a war," Sheng Li reminded him.


    "Why shall I care? Did Father ever care for me? It would have been better if he had died in that war. At least, I would have received what was rightly mine," Yongzheng stated.


    Sheng Li raised his fist to hit him but stopped. "Why am I even wasting my time on you? Pray that you get an easy death because I will make sure to give you the most painful death," Sheng Li advised him. He turned to leave when he heard Yongzheng.


    "Do you know that the First Prince loves your wife? Your wife surely knows the way to seduce everyone around her," Yongzheng pronounced and smirked.


    Sheng Li clenched his fist and turned to him. "Stop your nonsense! Don''t make me kill you here," Sheng Li bellowed at him. Xiao Zhan came inside the cell upon hearing their loud voices.


    "Why? Truth is always bitter, Sheng Li. Your wife and Prince Jian meet secretly; drink tea with each other. Prince Jian killed his own mother for your wife. Why would he not? After all, your wife had saved his life," Yongzheng pronounced.


    "What is this expression on your face? Don''t tell me your honest wife hid this from you! Prince Jian loves Ying Lili. Is it the other way too? Who knows Ying Lili also loves him?" Yongzheng smirked.


    Both Sheng Li and Xiao Zhan frowned.


    "Your Highness, do not listen to him," Xiao Zhan advised.


    Sheng Li went near Yongzheng and banged him against the wall. "Don''t take my wife''s name from your filthy mouth. Do you think I do not know? And it does not matter to me if he loves her or not," Sheng Li gritted his teeth and stepped back.


    "Your Highness, the assassin has been caught," Commander Sun informed Sheng Li. Yongzheng did not expect it. He had made sure that his man would run away.


    "Enjoy your final moments," Sheng Li stated and walked out of the cell.


    ~~~~~


    Bai Yaling met Ying Lili and asked about Yongzheng.


    "Sister Bai, Prince Yongzheng has done something unforgivable. I am afraid but he is most likely to get a death sentence," Ying Lili informed Bai Yaling, who started to cry.


    "Crown Princess, how will I survive without my husband? Please forgive him this time," Bai Yaling joined her both hands and pleaded with Ying Lili.


    "Sister Bai, I am afraid, but he hasmitted treason. I cannot do anything about this," Ying Lili stated. Bai Yaling fell on the floor and continued to cry. Ying Lili felt sad because she was the one who selected Bai Yaling for Yongzheng. It was not even a month, and she would turn widow. This thought was giving goosebumps to Ying Lili. There was no way she could save Yongzheng.


    "I beg you, Crown Princess. Please save my husband''s life," Bai Yaling kept pleading with Ying Lili, whose eyes filled with tears. For the first time, Ying Lili felt helpless and dejected. "I will also die with my husband. There is no use in my life," Bai Yaling muttered.


    Ying Lili pulled her up and wiped the tears from Bai Yaling''s cheeks. "Sister Bai, your life is worthy. Do not talk this way. Prince Yongzheng used to abuse you. You cannot give up on your life for a man who never respected you," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "Then, what shall I do? I am only 20 years old. I will be a widow as soon as the Emperor announces the death verdict to my husband. Crown Princess, even if he beat me, he is my husband. Not everyone can be as lucky as you. Not every woman can get rights like you. I have nowhere to go," Bai Yaling pronounced and again started to weep.


    "Prince Yongzheng tried to kill Princess Zhu Lin. He shot arrows at General Wang and he also almost poisoned the Emperor. Do you think such a person should live? What about the people? That will be an unjust decision for them. Everyone is equal before the supremew. Let''s keep aside the attack on General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin. If the Second Prince had not nned to poison the Emperor, he might have been saved," Ying Lili asserted.


    Bai Yaling sobbed. Ying Lili told the maidservant to escort Bai Yaling to her chamber. Ying Lili wiped the tear that almost rolled down her cheek. Rong Zemin came to her.


    "Crown Princess, isn''t the Royal Family messed up? Now, I think Brother Nianzu did well by leaving the Pce," Rong Zemin stated. Ying Lili nced at him and somewhat agreed with him.


    "But, Brother Zemin, not everyone is bad in the Pce," she asserted.


    "Who knows what is ahead? Now, everything seems suspicious. Do you think that Court Ministers will not grab this opportunity to benefit them? Crown Princess, if the Second Prince is given the death sentence, then his mother might turn evil¡­ more bloodshed will happen," Rong Zemin said anxiously.


    "I will not let that happen," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I also wish the same," Rong Zemin proimed.

 Chapter 537 - A Rift Between Us

    <h4>Chapter 537 - A Rift Between Us</h4>


    Han Wenji ascended the stairs to approach the Dragon throne. As he took the seat, he said, "By now, everyone has found out about Prince Yongzheng''s ill intention towards his own father; the Crown Princess, and also his bloody attack on General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin."


    "It was not pleasing to hear, Your Majesty. It saddened us that a Prince from the Royal Familymitted such crimes against the Emperor, the Crown Princess, General of the Army, and daughter of the Emperor''s best friend. We, Ministers, want His Majesty to give the harshest possible punishment for the Second Prince," the Prime Minister voiced on behalf of all the Ministers.


    "Such bloody attacks increased because of the Wei Family. Your Majesty, please reconsider the opinions of your ministers regarding the Wei Family," the Minister of Justice requested Han oWenji.


    "Do not nder the image of the Governor just because his mother was from the Wei Family. Next time, I will not forgive you," Han Wenji sternly said.


    The Minister of Justice came forward and got on his knees. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I or any other minister do not intend to malign the image of the Governor of Luoyang. We think that in the future, it might happen again. This fact shall not be forgotten that Prince Jian someday might try to fight for the throne," the Minister of Justice this time straightforwardly said.


    "The Minister of Justice has crossed his line. This Court is held to decide on the punishment of Prince Yongzheng," Han Wenji proimed. "The Governor of Luoyang is a Prince before it. Insulting the Eldest Prince means insulting the Emperor," Han Wenji announced.


    "I understand, Your Majesty. I apologize for my insincere behavior," the Minister of Justice asserted and stood up.


    "Your Majesty, Prince Yongzheng should be beheaded; his mother and his wife should be sent to the Cold Pce because, in the near future, they both can try to harm the Emperor," the Prime Minister suggested to the Emperor.


    Sheng Li did not object to this because he had no faith in Yongzheng''s mother and wife.


    "I agree with the suggestion of the Prime Minister," Sheng Li stated. Han Wenji had not thought that Sheng Li would agree on something like that.


    "Princess Bai is a young woman. It would be inappropriate to send her to the cold pce," Rong Zemin opposed the idea of sending Bai Yaling to the cold pce.


    "But this fact cannot be neglected that they might try to harm any of us. To prevent any casualty, they need to leave the main Pce¨C it does not matter if one is old and the other is young," Sheng Li pronounced.


    The Ministers agreed with the Crown Prince.


    "Crown Prince, if one makes a mistake, it does not mean that person close to him will also do the same. I object to this decision to send Prince Yongzheng''s wife to the cold pce. It has not even been a month, and Princess Bai will be a widow. Sending her to the cold pce will be unfair to her," Rong Zemin expressed his concern.


    "Why is Prince Zemin concerned for the wife of the Second Prince?" A minister asked. "Forgive me, but it does not seem appropriate to see Prince Zemin standing for the woman of another Prince. If it would be amoner or a nobleman, by now, His Majesty had announced his decision. The Court time is getting wasted when everything is clear."


    "Your Majesty, even I think that Princess Bai should not be sent to the Cold Pce," asserted Jian Guozhi. Sheng Li narrowly gazed at him.


    "Your Majesty, I request you to take the votes on this matter," Sheng Li pronounced. Han Wenji ordered that and the majority supported the suggestion of the Crown Prince.


    Rong Zemin chuckled. "The Crown Prince shall not turn this cruel. What if you make a mistake in the near future. Forgive me, but mistakes can happen to anyone. Will that mean the Crown Princess to be punished for the mistake of the Crown Prince?" Rong Zemin questioned Sheng Li.


    "I am not Yongzheng," Sheng Li muttered. "Please think twice before speaking, Prince Zemin, and do not drag the Crown Princess in this," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Stop, you both!" Han Wenji shouted as he mmed his hand on the table in front of him. "The fate for Prince Yongzheng''s mother and wife will be decided in tomorrow''s court session. I give the order to be¡­," Han Wenji paused as his voice quivered to announce a death sentence for his own son. But hepleted his words quickly. "I give the order to behead Prince Yongzheng."


    Everyone deeply bowed at his decision. Han Wenji stood up and ced his hand on his chest. Eunuch Jin helped Han Wenji and took him out of the Imperial Court.


    The Ministers started to leave while the Princes stayed back. Sheng Li turned to leave when he heard Rong Zemin.


    "The Crown Prince shall look at Princess Bai as the younger sister. A twenty-year-old woman, if sent to the Cold Pce, would definitely die instead of spending the rest of her life," Rong Zemin exined to Sheng Li. "Even the Crown Princess will oppose this decision," he proimed.


    "Yongzheng''s actions have brought this upon them," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Does the Crown Prince mean if my mother had done the crime then Xue and I must be punished?" Jian Guozhi questioned him.


    "Certainly yes," Sheng Li replied. "Prince Jian once wanted to kill me. His wife once wanted to kill my wife," he coldly said.


    "Your answers might create a rift between us," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "When were our hearts together? And after what Yongzheng did, I have no trust left in any of us," Sheng Li affirmed and walked out of the Imperial Pce.


    Rong Zemin wrylyughed. "It was bound to happen. I thought that the Crown Prince had changed but his nature did not leave him. He should be lucky that I respect his wife," Rong Zemin stated before leaving the Imperial Court.. Jian Guozhi also left after him.

 Chapter 538 - Unique Among All The Women

    <h4>Chapter 538 - Unique Among All The Women</h4>


    Consort Ju Fen fainted after hearing the judgment regarding her son. Weng Yu came to the Crown Princess to request help regarding the matter.


    "Your Highness, my mother has fainted after hearing the verdict of His Majesty. Also, I heard that my mother and sister-inw will be sent to the Cold Pce." He was on his knees while his forehead touched the floor beneath him.


    Ying Lili quickly grabbed Weng Yu''s arms and pulled him up. "Brother Weng Yu, what are you saying? And do not bow in front of me like this," Ying Lili told Weng Yu.


    "The Ministers and Crown Prince had requested this. Your Highness, my mother has nothing to do with my Elder Brother''s doing. I do not think my Sister-inw has her hand in any of Brother Yongzheng''s wrongdoings," asserted Weng Yu.


    "Yes, they do not have any role in that. Brother Yu, nothing will happen to your mother. I assure you. Stop crying," Ying Lili wiped the tears from his cheeks and passed him a smile.


    "Is Her Highness telling the truth? What if the Imperial Father agrees to the Crown Prince?" Weng Yu asked while sobbing.


    "Brother Yu, I do not know what happened in the court. When the Crown Prince wille, I will discuss with him. Nothing will happen to any of them. Trust me," Ying Lili asserted and looked at Court Lady Xu.


    She came forward. "Prince Yu, please follow me," Court Lady Xu said humbly. Weng Yu thanked the Crown Prince and left the chamber with Court Lady Xu.


    Ying Lili furrowed her brows. "Why did Sheng Li make such a request with His Majesty?" Ying Lili murmured. She walked out of the chamber and told the maidservants not to follow her. She knew that she would find Sheng Li in the prison, so went there.


    The soldiers at the entrance of the prison-house bowed and informed her that Sheng Li had note to the Prison. Ying Lili nodded and turned to leave but stopped. She turned to them and asked, "Is Prince Yongzheng taken to the punishment grounds?"


    "No, Your Highness," one of the soldiers replied.


    "I want to go in," She expressed her desire. Initially, the soldiers hesitated but recalled the words of the Crown Prince, who had given the freedom to the Crown to go in and out of the prison. They opened the gates for her. Ying Lili lifted her skirt a little up such that only her shoes were visible and stepped in.


    Commander Sun saw the Crown Princess and went to her. He bowed and said, "The Crown Princess should not havee here."


    "Commander Sun, do you know what happened in the Court?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "The Second Prince will soon be beheaded, Your Highness," Commander Sun replied.


    "Did His Majesty pass an order to send the First Consort and Princess Bai to the Cold Pce?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "No, Your Highness. That will be decided in the next hearing that is tomorrow morning," Commander Sun informed Ying Lili, who was relieved to hear that.


    "Commander Sun, I want to meet Prince Yongzheng," Ying Lili stated, who looked at her.


    "Forgive me, Your Highness. I cannot defy the orders of the Crown Prince," Commander Sun inly refused to do so. "I am loyal to the Crown Prince, so please return to the Imperial Pce, Crown Princess," he stated.


    "It is about the lives of three people. Please let me meet the Second Prince. I will be quick. I will take the punishment for breaking thew," Ying Lili requested with Commander Sun.


    "It is not about the punishment. It is about the safety of the Crown Prince, Your Highness," Commander Sun affirmed.


    "Then, Commander Sun can stay behind me. I will be at a safe distance from the Second Prince. Please let me meet Prince Yongzheng," Ying Lili again requested. "It is about the lives of three people, Commander Sun."


    After contemting for some time, Commander Sun took Ying Lili with him. They halted outside the cell where Yongzheng was kept. Commander Sun ordered the guard to open the lock on the iron gate, who did so.


    Ying Lili stepped inside the cell and saw Yongzheng was enjoying hisst meal. Yongzheng lifted his eyes and looked into her eyes. "You always roam everywhere freely. So much freedom despite being a woman!" Yongzheng stated and chuckled. He picked the napkin and wiped his hand.


    "I had not expected to see you at this moment," Yongzheng asserted.


    "I will say the same. I had not thought I woulde to meet Brother Yongzheng," Ying Lili stated. "Every person has a good and bad side. The other day, Brother Yongzheng stood up with my decision and I am still grateful to him. Because if he had not agreed with me then I would not be able to save the life of my husband," Ying Lili asserted.


    Yongzheng averted her gaze from her. "Why is the Crown Princess here?" He finally asked.


    "I want Brother Yongzheng to save your mother and wife," Ying Lili replied.


    Yongzheng turned his gaze back at her.


    "They might be sent to the Cold Pce to spend the rest of their lives. Your mother and wife have nothing to do with your actions," Ying Lili exined to Yongzheng. Her eyes were misty. "Also, your wife is a young woman. After... after¡­" her voice quivered ,and she ended up crying.


    Commander Sun came forward to tell Ying Lili to go out of the prison with him. She shook her head and took a deep breath.


    "After Brother Yongzheng will be beheaded, Sister Bai will be a widow at such a young age. I would have saved Brother Yongzheng if he had not attacked General Wang and Princess Zhu Lin. I would have done my best. Your younger brother came to me... crying. Your mother has fainted, and your wife also pleaded for your life. I am unable to save your life, but I want Brother Yongzheng to save the lives of three of them," Ying Lili made Yongzheng understand.


    Yongzheng could not believe that the woman he despised the most would cry in front of him. None of his brothers even considered thinking about them. He snickered and clenched his fists.


    "What do you want me to do?" Yongzheng asked.


    Commander Sun was astonished to hear that.


    "A dying person''s wish is heard. I will be d if you can use it on them," Ying Lili stated. "Also, Brother Yongzheng shall apologize for beating his wife up," asserted Ying Lili.


    "I will do that. Tell Bai Yaling that she shall not cry for a man like me. I am sincerely apologetic to her," Yongzheng stated.


    Ying Lili thanked him and turned to leave when Yongzheng said, "I have always despised you but not anymore. Forgive me if you can. Now, I realize why you are unique among all the women. Sheng Li is lucky to get you. If you, would not be here, the Royal Family would have been destroyed quite early."


    "Why did Brother Yongzheng take such a heinous step?" Ying Lili asked and turned to him.


    "Because I was inferior to Sheng Li," Yongzheng replied.


    "He was happy when Brother Yongzheng apologized to him. He was extremely happy," Ying Lili stated. She bowed and walked out of the cell.. Tears fell from the eyes of Yongzheng, but there was no way he could be saved now.

 Chapter 539 - You Have Hurt Me, Sheng Li

    <h4>Chapter 539 - You Have Hurt Me, Sheng Li</h4>


    Sheng Li came to see Ying Lili. A soldier had informed him about Ying Lili''s presence in the prison. Ying Lili was reading the medicine book that Hu Jingguo had written when the door opened and Sheng Li entered.


    "Why did you meet Yongzheng? What did you talk to him about? Why did you not listen to my orders?" Sheng Li asked in a fit of rage. Ying Lili put the book down and stood up from the chaise.


    "I needed to talk to Brother Yongzheng. It was important to talk to him because three lives were at stake," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Do you know what he asked for as hisst wish?" Sheng Li questioned her. "Why did you intervene, Lili? I told you not to show kindness to the people, who do not deserve it!" Sheng Li reminded her.


    "I only told him to save his mother and wife before his death. I--"


    "He asked the Emperor not to send them to the Cold Pce," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Isn''t that good? Why should they suffer?" Ying Lili queried him back.


    "Because they are Yongzheng''s mother and wife," Sheng Li replied.


    "Do you think the same for Prince Jian and Sister Xue?" Ying Lili looked into his eyes for the answer.


    "Yes. They all are the same," Sheng Li replied.


    "They are not!" Ying Lili''s eyes flickered. "Brother Jian has changed and so has Sister Xue. They are not the same as the Empress or the Prime Minister. Brother Jian has helped you numerous times. He provided the evidence despite knowing his mother would die. He did things for you, Sheng Li," Ying Lili pronounced.


    Sheng Li snickered. "Do not praise the First Prince in front of me. Even if he had not provided evidence, I would have killed her. He did not do anything for me but for you! You did not even tell me that he has feelings for you! You kept talking to him despite knowing his heart," Sheng Li remarked. Ying Lili''s eyes turn misty upon hearing his statement.


    Sheng Li put his hands over his eyes and apologized to Ying Lili. "I-I did not mean that. Yongzheng told me that the First Prince has--"


    "Leave," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "I will not leave. I need to exin to you," Sheng Li replied.


    "No. I do not need any exnation," Ying Lili turned her back towards him.


    Sheng Li came in front of her when Ying Lili went towards the table. She picked the book and turned to leave when Sheng Li asked her where she was heading to.


    "Don''t follow me. If you do, then I will not let you step inside this chamber anymore," Ying Lili affirmed and left for the Western Pce. She wiped off the tears from her cheeks. This time Sheng Li hurt her¡­ badly. She did not tell Sheng Li because Jian Guozhi''s feelings for her never mattered. She always loved Sheng Li, so why would a third person''s feelings matter to her?


    Court Lady Xu followed her and found her crying. Ying Lili quickly descended the stairs while Court Lady Xu followed her steps. The servants also saw the Crown Princess crying and it made them wonder what could be the possible reason.


    Sheng Li did not pay heed to Ying Lili''s threat and followed her. He approached her and grabbed her arm. "Lili, forgive me. I did not mean that" Sheng Li apologized to her again.


    "Get away from me!" Ying Lili said angrily and yanked his hand away. He again grabbed her arm and turned her towards him.


    He put his thumb over her right cheek. "I am concerned for you, Lili. What if you would have gotten harmed? What if the First Prince tries to be on good terms with you? I mean--"


    "If you are concerned for me, then leave my arm," Ying Lili requested him and more tears rolled down her cheeks.


    "Lili, I cannot do that," Sheng Li replied.


    "Why? Don''t you think you need to clear your mind? You doubted me, Sheng Li. You know that I love you. Why would I care for a second man''s feelings? If your Lili did not tell you, then there must be a reason. You have hurt me, Sheng Li. You need to learn to trust people otherwise you will lose people. I request you not to follow me because this time, if you do, then I will try to avoid you as much as I can," Ying Lili asserted and jerked his hand away from her arm before walking away.


    Court Lady Xu came towards Sheng Li and bowed her head. "His Highness should not have said that. The Crown Princess is working hard to turn everything right. Last night Her Highness only slept for two hours," Court Lady Xu politely said.


    "I want to protect her. How can I trust people around me?" Sheng Li muttered and walked away.


    "When the First Prince can show trust in the Crown Prince, then why can''t he? I agree with the Crown Princess''s words. The Crown Prince has seen wonderful changes in his life after showing trust in the people around him. And doubting the Crown Princess is not good," Court Lady Xu made Sheng Li understand.


    "I do not doubt her. Yongzheng told me a few things. She cried again because of me," Sheng Li halted at his ce. "Shall I go back to her?" Sheng Li mumbled.


    "Brother Sheng shall go after the Crown Princess," he heard the voice of Jian Guozhi, who had already dressed in white clothes. "I can understand your frustration. Forgive me for creating misunderstandings between you two. My admiration for the Crown Princess is not in a romantic way anymore. Also, the Crown Prince needs to learn the word ''trust''," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    Sheng Li turned to look at Jian Guozhi. "I trusted Yongzheng. He nned to kill my wife," asserted Sheng Li.


    "What about the other people around him? Just because he did something heinous, it doesn''t mean others will do the same¨C you said this in the Court when you defended me. I trusted Brother Sheng the day I thought of going against my mother. I, somewhere had the hunch that he would save me and would show his trust in me. Brother Zemin wants you to do the same," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    Sheng Li walked to him and hugged him. "I apologize.. Thank you," he withdrew back and went towards the Western Pce.

 Chapter 540 - Did I Ask Your Opinion?

    <h4>Chapter 540 - Did I Ask Your Opinion?</h4>


    Lei Wanxi wiped the face of Zhu Lin with a wet towel gently. He tucked the lock of her hair behind her ear. He, then, wiped her hands when the maidservant said she would help him.


    "It''s fine. I will do it," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Your Highness, the Second Prince is beheaded," the same maidservant informed him. Lei Wanxi stopped, and tears formed in his eyes. He stood up and turned to leave but saw Ying Lili entering the chamber.


    "Brother Wanxi," She pronounced his name and came near him. "I have found a few potion recipes that will help Princess Zhu Lin''s wounds to heal soon," Ying Lili told him and showed him the book. "Hu Jingguo wrote this."


    "That is nice. Zhu Lin has not woken up yet. Does Sister Lili think that she would make it?" Lei Wanxi queried. "Brother Yongzheng is beheaded. Our family has fallen apart, Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi said while crying. "I wanted that, but even he was our brother," he said.


    "Calm down, Brother Wanxi. I told you that Princess Zhu Lin can hear us," Ying Lili caressed the arm of Lei Wanxi, who wiped the tears off his cheeks and eyes.


    "I wille soon," Lei Wanxi walked past her and stepped out of the chamber. Ying Lili went towards the bed and peered at Zhu Lin. The maidservant was wiping the hands of Zhu Lin with a wet towel.


    Seeing Ying Lili, she stood up to bow when Ying Lili told her to do the work. Ying Lili put the book on the table and ordered another maidservant to close the door.


    Ying Lili removed the nket from Zhu Lin and took another wet towel to clean her upper body.


    "Your Highness, I will do it," the maidservant offered, who had done wiping the hands. Ying Lili did not answer and continued to do that. In her mind, she was praying to awake Zhu Lin.


    After fifteen minutes, a maidservant came to Ying Lili and bowed her head. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is outside¡­ urging to meet Her Highness," she informed Ying Lili.


    "Don''t go outside and sit here. Where are the new clothes for Princess Zhu Lin? Help me change them," Ying Lili ordered the maidservant, who was confused to hear that.


    They helped change the dress of Zhu Lin while being careful. Sheng Li sent a maidservant in to deliver a message to Ying Lili.


    "The Crown Prince had sent a message for the Crown Princess. He is apologetic for earlier. The Crown Princess shall meet him once."


    "Tell him to wait in his chamber," Ying Lili replied. The maidservant bowed and stepped back towards the door. She walked out and delivered the same message to the Crown Prince, who was eagerly waiting.


    "I cannot wait. Did you not deliver my message properly?" Sheng Li got angry at her.


    The maidservant got on her knees. "Forgive me, your Royal Highness. I said what his highness had told me to. The Crown Princess said that the Crown Prince should wait in his chamber."


    "Tell her that I am impatient. I want to meet now," Sheng Li told her. The maidservant quickly stood up and walked inside the chamber. She delivered the message to Ying Lili.


    "Tell the Crown Prince that I am not interested in meeting him. The more he will try toe close to me, the more I will run away," Ying Lili stated. The other two maidservants looked at Ying Lili but quickly lowered their gazes.


    The informant came out and narrated the message of Ying Lili to Sheng Li, who punched the wall near to him and walked away. He stopped but then left for his chamber. The people in the Pce had dressed in white. The dark clouds had gathered up in the sky. The servants were rushing the work because it seemed that a heavy storm woulde.


    Xing-Fu and the other servants, who were waiting for Sheng Li, bowed as soon as he came near them. "Send the wine in and don''t let anyone in except the Crown Princess," Sheng Li ordered him and walked inside in anger.


    Xing-Fu had not watched this kind of Sheng Li for long. It made him wonder what happened that the Crown Prince was angry.


    A maidservant walked in with a tray in her hand. Xing-Fu led her and stood a meter away from the Crown Prince. The maidservant put the wine jar and a cup on the floor table. She stood up, bowed, and walked out.


    "Leave," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "His Highness shall not drink in this daylight. Also, His Highness needs to change his clothes," Xing-Fu suggested to Sheng Li, who shot a re at him.


    "Did I ask your opinion? Go away before I will give you the punishment of 20shes to you," Sheng Li annoyingly pronounced. Xing-Fu apologized and quickly left the chamber.


    Sheng Li looked at the jar and grabbed it. He poured the drink into the cup and picked it. "It''s been long since I touched you. I did not want to, but I had no option left," he murmured and gulped it. He looked straight and saw the portrait of Ying Lili¡­ his best memory was when he saw Ying Lili on the swing.


    ''I know I made a mistake. But it was not intentional. Why can I not control my anger?'' Sheng Li thought. He picked the jar this time and started to drink with it. Putting it down, he wiped his lips from the back of his palm.


    He stood up, picked the jar in his hand, and went to the garden. The rain had started to pour down. He stood near the porch and looked up at the sky.


    In the Western Pce, Ying Lili decided to leave her chamber as she needed to discuss a few things with Court Lady Xu regarding the herbs. "Don''t leave the Princess alone," Ying Lili told them.


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    Ying Lili stood up and walked out of the chamber. She came out of the hallway towards the stairs and saw rain was pouring. The maidservant brought an umbre for her.. But before she could do that, Sheng Li came and put the umbre over Ying Lili''s head.

 Chapter 541 - Kind People Always Suffer, Lili

    <h4>Chapter 541 - Kind People Always Suffer, Lili</h4>


    The maidservant stepped back upon seeing the Crown Prince. Ying Lili ignored him and took the umbre from the maidservant. She lifted her skirt a little and descended the stairs.


    Sheng Li walked behind her, and when both reached the bottom of the stairs, he stopped her again. "Lili, please forgive me. I said that in anger," Sheng Li stated.


    "No. You doubted me," Ying Lili replied and walked past him. Sheng Li ran to her and stopped her again.


    "You cannot ignore me. Lili, you know that after what Yongzheng did to Wang Hao and Princess Zhu Lin. I was in anger. Also, I did not want you to go there because he could have harmed you. He almost poisoned you. My trust had gone from any of the Brothers, but I understand now. I was wrong. I indeed need to trust people," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili chuckled. "You are not sincere, Sheng Li. What if Brother Yongzheng had told you that I was with another man, then you would have believed that too, didn''t you? You do not trust me. You do not trust my love. You think I should not talk to your brothers or any other man," Ying Lili affirmed. "And you drank wine in this daylight! Don''t tell me you were stressed that is why you did it," Ying Lili started to cry.


    "Let''s walk to the Pavilion. It is raining. You might catch a cold," Sheng Li concernedly said and stepped towards Ying Lili. Their dresses were drenched in rainwater, and it kept getting heavier.


    Ying Lili took a step back. She turned left when Sheng Li stopped her again. "What do you want me to do then? This is my nature. I am like this. I am possessive for you. Is it wrong?" Sheng Li questioned her. The umbre in his hand fell as the strong wind hit it. Ying Lili quickly came closer to him to protect him from getting drenched in rain.


    "I will drop you to the pavilion," Ying Lili asserted, gazing into his eyes.


    Sheng Li put his index finger on her cheek and wiped the tears from it.


    "I trust you, but I do not trust the people around you. Do you expect me to trust the First Prince after Yongzheng did that? Try to think from my way. You are my everything, Lili. The way I said that to you was wrong. I ept that, but that was the concern of your husband. You have already seen that I lost Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju¡­ because of that bastard. I am broken from inside after that day and when I heard that there was poison in your meal¨C that shook me.


    About the feelings of Prince Jian for you, I do not care for them either. I only care for you. The thought I had that time was, what if he harms you by betraying you? Kind people always suffer, Lili," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "It was about the lives of two people and also about Prince Yu," Ying Lili affirmed. Her anger had calmed down.


    "I do not care about them. I do not care whether his mother is old or his wife is young. The person I care for is you. It doesn''t matter to me if everyone will call me Cruel for not sympathizing with them," Sheng Li pronounced. The umbre was tiny, and both of their faces had be wet. Sheng Li''s back was drenched, in rain at that time.


    "I will not lie to you. I drank because I was indeed stressed. And then I fought with you. You told me to not follow you, and I ended up drinking¡­ a little," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili lowered her eyes and rested her forehead on Sheng Li''s chest. "Forgive me. I always make you worry," Ying Lili softly said.


    "Did you forgive me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Hmm." She leaned back. "Let''s go before we will bepletely drenched," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who grabbed the umbre from her hand.


    The two started to walk and soon reached Sheng Li''s chamber, which was nearer. "Send the dresses for us," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu, who was happy to see them together.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili walked in when he took her to the garden. "You love the rain, right?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Hmm. Why?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    Sheng Li descended the first stair while holding hands with Ying Lili. "I want to experience what it feels like to be in the rain with you," he expressed his desire.


    "No. Earlier you said that I would get cold and also it''s not a good asion. The Second Prince is beheaded today. Come inside," Ying Lili requested him. However, Sheng Li did not listen to her and brought her down the stairs.


    The raindrops hit Ying Lili''s cheeks and head. She closed her eyes tightly but soon opened them. She saw Sheng Li was gazing up at the dark clouds, while his face was hit, by the raindrops. Ying Lili quickly tiptoed and covered his face from her palms. Sheng Li gazed down at her.


    "What were you doing?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Covering your face," Ying Lili replied and put her palms down.


    "You do not need to! It is the best way to deal with your emotions," asserted Sheng Li. "Rain does not always mean to get romantic, but it means to let out your juggling emotions which disturb you," Sheng Li asserted. Both of them, by now werepletely drenched.


    Ying Lili found Sheng Li crying, but in the rain, it was impossible to see. "I had almost lost everything," Sheng Li muttered. "I wish I would not have been bo--" Ying Lili put her palm over his lips.


    "No. Don''t say that," Ying Lili said.


    "Lili, in the end, I became the reason for many deaths, whether the person was good or bad. Because of the throne, many lives are gone. I again started to question my father''s decision to make me the Emperor. I do not want my future son, if any, to fight for the throne like me.. I want him to have a peaceful life," Sheng Li stated.

 Chapter 542 - Behind The Bars

    <h4>Chapter 542 - Behind The Bars</h4>


    "When did you fight for the throne?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I did. Since the age of 14, I have been doing that. I always wanted my father to think of me as the most suitable person for the throne. And, he did! However, after seeing all this, I have a change of thoughts again," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Do not think like this," Ying Lili stated and grasped his hand. "If you will not hold the throne, then you also know what will be the future of Han," she reminded him.


    Sheng Li hummed. "Let''s go in," Sheng Li said, and the two walked in. After changing into the white dresses, they both sat on the bed.


    Ying Lili brought a towel and told Sheng Li that she would dry his hair. She started to do that. "Forgive me for getting angry at you. Brother Jian told me that he stopped his vengeance path because of me. I saved his life once, and when his mother decided to harm me, he changed his thoughts. He wanted to repay me. But I never feel anything for him. It was only a rtionship of a big brother and sister from my side. Also, I will try to avoid him," Ying Lili exined to him.


    "You do not need to limit yourself. That was a slip of tongue," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili moved the towel away from his head and looked into his eyes.


    "You got angry because if Brother Yongzheng had said such a thing in front of people, then things would have been difficult for me, hadn''t they? I realized that now. It''s easy to raise the finger on a woman''s character," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li stood up and picked a towel. He came back to the bed and sat behind Ying Lili.


    He dried her hair by wiping the strands with the towel. Xing-Fu came inside with a maidservant. "These hot soup will warm His and Her Highness''s bodies. Please have it," Xing-Fu said humbly.


    "Put it on the table," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant, who put the tray on the bedside table. She bowed and walked out of the room. Xing-Fu had called two maidservants to take away the wet dresses of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. One of them wiped the floor and then left the chamber with Xing-Fu.


    Sheng Li sat by the side of Ying Lili and started to dry her front hair. Her face was covered with that towel till her nose. He gazed at her lips and could not help but kiss her. Ying Lili was bewildered for a second, but then she kissed him back.


    Sheng Li withdrew back and put down the towel. Ying Lili ced her palm on Sheng Li''s cheek and stroked it, who had closed his eyes. After a while, he put her hand down and picked the soup bowl from the tray. He handed it to Ying Lili and, then, picked another bowl for himself.


    They both finished it soon. Sheng Li called Xing-Fu in, who took away the tray.


    "I heard that you had not sleptst night. Lay down," Sheng Limanded Ying Lili.


    "Princess Zhu Lin''s state was weak, so it was impossible to sleep," Ying Lili replied. "Even you did not sleep. Where were you the entire night?" Ying Lili asked.


    Sheng Li smiled and pulled the nket up. "Lay down," he told her again andid down. Ying Lili did so, and he covered her from the nket.


    "Brother Wanxi is tense about Princess Zhu Lin. He did not have his mealsst night and only drank water in the morning. I pray that Princess Zhu Lin will wake up soon," Ying Lili asserted.


    "She will gain consciousness soon," Sheng Li replied. Their eyes started to get heavier, and soon both of them drifted off to sleep.


    ~~~~


    Lei Wanxi came back to the Western Pce to check on Zhu Lin. She was still in a deep slumber, and it saddened him. He sat on the chair and continued to look at her. "When will she wake up? Did the Royal Physician say anything about it?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "It is uncertain, Your Highness," the maidservant replied.


    Lei Wanxi caressed Zhu Lin''s head. "How much do you sleep? Just wake up. You promised me that you would not trouble me," he murmured.


    Zhu Lin''s hands showed the movements. However, Lei Wanxi failed to notice that. He had the focus on her face only. As Zhu Lin regained consciousness, deep frowns formed on her forehead because of the pain she felt in her abdominal region. Lei Wanxi noticed that and called out her name softly. "Zhu Lin."


    "W-wa-ter," in a low voice, she said.


    Lei Wanxi leaned closer to her mouth. "What did you say?" He brought his ear near her mouth. Zhu Lin again asked for water, but this time with more difficulty. Lei Wanxi understood her words and ordered the maidservant to bring luke water ss to him.


    The maidservant quickly did her work and brought the ss. She brought a spoon for easy drinking of water. Lei Wanxi quickly took a spoonful of water and brought it near Zhu Lin''s lips, who opened them and sipped it. Lei Wanxi did it a few times and waited for Zhu Lin to open her eyes.


    She gradually opened her eyes and saw Lei Wanxi''s face. He was smiling at her. She faintly smiled back. "You scared me. How are you feeling?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    The maidservant had called the Royal Physician, who said, "Prince Wanxi, let me examine the Princess first."


    Lei Wanxi quickly stood up from the chair and let the Royal Physician sit on it. He checked the pulse first, followed by her eyes. "Princess Zhu must not move too much. The wound is still not healed," the Royal Physician advised Zhu Lin.


    "Is it deep? I-it is to-o pa-painful," Zhu Lin said as she stuttered.


    "It is not that deep. Every wound is painful. Do not think much," Lei Wanxi intervened. He did not want Zhu Lin to know that the wound was so deep that she would not be able to pick a sword and do heavy work.


    The Royal Physician agreed with Lei Wanxi and looked at the nurse. He instructed her about a few medicines before leaving.


    "You had scared me to death. Why did you do that? You could have lost your life," Lei Wanxi asked her as he took the seat on the chair.


    "If I had not done that, th-en you would have been behind the bars," Zhu Lin stated, this time with an audible enough voice.

 Chapter 543 - Become Stronger For Me

    <h4>Chapter 543 - Be Stronger For Me</h4>


    "You have almost lost your life. You could have told me first. Brother Sheng would have gone after them," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "There was no time left. Also, I almost lost track of Prince Yongzheng, so if I had informed the Crown Prince about this then General Wang would have lost his life. How is he? Prince Yongzheng had shot an arrow at him," Zhu Lin exined to Lei Wanxi and then asked about Wang Hao.


    "General Wang is in his residence. He is resting. Luckily, you were present, so nothing major happened to him. But, I was scared to death after I found out that you were gravely injured. Brother Yongzheng stabbed your navel region more," Lei Wanxi stated with a worried expression.


    "Yes. He wanted me to die. Because it was dark, I could not see that he still had an arrow in his hand. I started to run and wanted toe out of the forest. However, I fainted," Zhu Lin told Lei Wanxi.


    "General Wang heard your voice, so he followed it. He brought you out of the forest. Brother Yongzhengmitted treason and he was beheaded earlier," Lei Wanxi said and sighed.


    "He is beheaded!" Zhu Lin was stunned to hear that.


    "Yes. You know that if someone plots against the Emperor, then the person is beheaded¨C it does not matter if the person is the Emperor''s son. Also, he did such a deadly attack on General Lee and you, so he could not be saved," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Zhu Lin hummed and asked for water. Lei Wanxi quickly picked the water ss. He brought his hand under her head and slightly moved her up but was careful throughout. Bringing the water ss near her mouth, he told her to drink. Zhu Lin drank the water.


    The maidservant took the water from Lei Wanxi, who made Zhu Liny down. He wiped her lips and leaned back. "Do you want to sleep for sometime?" He asked.


    "I do not think I will be able to sleep. Is the Crown Princess good?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "Yes. Sister Lili is well. She made a good potion for you. Also,st night he was taking care of you," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Zhu Lin, forgive me. You were right. My Brother Sheng will not always be around me to protect me. I should have trained myself. When I saw you injured, I realized that I lived as a coward. You did not care about your life and went behind Brother Yongzheng. For me, Sister Lili is the first bravest woman in my life and I had never thought there would be any brave woman like her. I am happy that I fell in love with a brave woman like you. I will always protect you, Zhu Lin. I will train myself," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Zhu Lin smiled. "I can also protect my man, can''t I?" Zhu Lin asked with glistening eyes.


    "You have already protected me. You will always protect me. But I should also be a strong man. Then, I do not need to ask Brother Sheng for help," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "I will defeat you in the sword fight. You might end up crying," Zhu Lin remarked.


    Lei Wanxi recalled the words of the Royal Physician that Zhu Lin could never carry a sword, let alone practice with it. The heavy things might cause internal bleeding, which could be fatal to her.


    "What happened? What is the Prince thinking about?" Zhu Lin queried.


    "Nothing," Lei Wanxi did not tell Zhu Lin. Not at this time because she might get stressed. He wanted her to recover first.


    "Did you cry?" Zhu Lin, out of a sudden, asked him.


    "What?" He chuckled. "Why would I cry? I never cry. Ask everyone if you do not believe me," Lei Wanxi lied to her and gestured to the maidservant to support him.


    "Prince Wanxi did not cry, Princess Zhu Lin," the maidservant replied.


    Zhu Lin hummed. "It''s good then. You do not like to see a person covered in blood, so I thought you might cry seeing me. I know the Prince carries a soft, gentle heart," Zhu Lin deduced.


    "Ahh, I did not cry. I am a strong person," Lei Wanxi lied to her. "Your father will arrive soon. The Imperial Father has sent him the message," Lei Wanxi informed her.


    "Oh. Father will be worried to know about this," Zhu Lin muttered.


    "Will your Father let you marry me?" Lei Wanxi''s question confused Zhu Lin. "I mean, you got injured and--"


    "My Father will never object to my decision. Do not worry," Zhu Lin answered. Lei Wanxi was d to hear that. It felt to him someone had carried up a heavy burden from his heart.


    "Bring the vegetable soup for the Princess," ordered Lei Wanxi. The maidservant bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    "Help me," Zhu Lin forwarded her hand. Lei Wanxi grasped it gently and made her sit on the bed. Another maidservant put the pillows behind her to make her feelfortable.


    "Go help your fellow. The kitchen is far," Lei Wanxi told the maidservant.


    Once she left, Lei Wanxi said to Zhu Lin, "Zhu Lin, you do not need to act brave all the time. Think about me before taking any such step. Brother Nianzu was juggling between his feelings and his father''s promise I ended up annoying him. He told me that I do not understand the meaning of love. For me, love was just having happiness with that person, nothing more. However, when I fell in love, I understood the true meaning behind it. It is about protecting your dear one. He left the pce because Sister Chuntao might have be the target of evil ns. He sacrificed hisfortable life to be with his love, to protect her from all these things.


    I request you not to do that ever again," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Come closer to me," Zhu Lin requested.


    "Why?"


    "There is something on your cheek," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Oh!" Lei Wanxi leaned closer to her when Zhu Lin kissed his cheek, astonishing him. He was startled for a few seconds.


    "Protect me, then. I told you that for the Emperor and the people, I am always ready to fight the enemies," Zhu Lin pronounced. "Train yourself and be stronger for me," Zhu Lin told him. Lei Wanxi nodded his head.


    "I will, Zhu Lin.. I promise you," Lei Wanxi pronounced.

 Chapter 544 - A Bad Dream

    <h4>Chapter 544 - A Bad Dream</h4>


    Nianzu was standing on the porch of his house. He put his hand out and the rainwater collected in his hand. Chuntao stood beside him and extended her hand out. "It was unexpected rain," she said as her palm got wet. They both retracted their hands back and turned to each other.


    "You should''ve taken more rest," Nianzu told Chuntao.


    "I am good now. You need to go to Master Fei''s house today. Master Fei postponed the party at his house because you got sick," Chuntao replied.


    "Ahh, that kid! When did he inform you?" Nianzu asked.


    "In the morning, Master Fei hade," Chuntao replied. "You look annoyed. I think Master Fei is a good person. He even helped us the other day when you were burning with fever," stated Chuntao.


    "I am not annoyed at him," Nianzu stated.


    "Then?" Chuntao''s brows arched up.


    "He thinks I am the banished Fourth Prince. He has suspicions about me. That''s why I avoid him," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao brought her hand to her lips.


    "Now, I think if I do not go, then his suspicion will grow more," Nianzu said.


    "So, will you go?" Chuntao asked.


    "Yes. I need to go, otherwise, he will trouble me more," Nianzu answered. Nianzu put her arm around Chuntao''s shoulder and drew her closer to him.


    "Soon, we will return to Luoyang. I will not run anymore. I will protect you and also will support the Crown Prince," Nianzu proimed, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    "When will the resulte out?" Chuntao asked.


    "Soon." "Brother Wanxi used to y in the rain when we were kids. He always used to grab my hand and take me to the ground. He hates to go in the river bodies but loves to dance in the rain while Brother Sheng is totally opposite to him. He hates rain," Nianzu told Chuntao and smiled, recalling the past.


    "Brother Wanxi enjoys his life fully. It is good, and he is pure by heart," Chuntao stated. "The Crown Prince is usually serious. I have observed that the Crown Prince does not talk much with women except the Crown Princess. I mean, he has that coldness around him that used to scare me," Chuntao exined to Nianzu.


    "The Crown Prince is cold to everyone except a few people. His true self is difficult to see. Only the Crown Princess is able to see his true self. There was no woman who wanted to marry the Crown Prince, but luckily the proposal from Juyan came for the Crown Prince. It was tough to handle the Crown Prince, but the Crown Princess did that well," Nianzu stated and took her inside the room.


    As they entered the room, Chuntao said, "So, it means that the Crown Prince covers his true self through that cold personality." Nianzu closed the door and hummed. They both sat on the mattress.


    "The Crown Prince wants people to fear him. He thinks that way he will be respected, and none will raise his voice against him. But it was reduced after the Crown Princess came into his life. He started to see things from the other perspective as well. If he had not been with the Crown Princess, then he would not have even cared about my feelings and would not have helped us," Nianzu proimed.


    "So, the Crown Prince has shut his heart?"


    "Hmm. After the demise of his mother, he turned that way. He survived in the harshest possible environment. Father gave extra care to him because his mother was not there to hold him. And the other wives of the Emperor never showered enough motherly love to him. My mother''s movements were restricted too at that time but she used to give him care at that time," Nianzu said.


    "However, a few Princes think that the Emperor does favoritism. He favors the Crown Prince," Chuntao stated.


    Nianzu was startled to hear that. He had not expected that Chuntao would notice that.


    "That was never favoritism. It was the care that our father provided him so that he would never feel the absence of his mother. However, with time jealousy grew up¡­ because every wife of the father wanted their sons to be on the good side of the Emperor except Consort Jinlong, who never bothered about that. But since Brother Sheng is good at warfare, he surpassed the other Elder Princes," Nianzu exined to her.


    "Hmm. I hope there will no longer be enmity among the brothers," Chuntao prayed.


    "I do not think there is any enmity left. But I still have doubts about the Second Prince," Nianzu said and knitted his brows.


    "Oh, the Second Prince! Why?" Chuntao asked him.


    "I will tell you some other day. I still need to transcribe the books," Nianzu caressed the head of Chuntao and went towards the desk. Chuntao hummed and started to grind the ink stick on the inkstone. Nianzu thanked her and started working on the books.


    ~~~~~~


    Sheng Li''s sleep broke abruptly because of a bad dream he just had. In his dream, Yongzheng''s face was covered in blood, and wasughing loudly.


    ''I will make sure that the Crown Princess leaves your side.'' Sheng Li recalled Yongzheng''s words when he met him before he was beheaded.


    He looked at Ying Lili, who was sleeping soundly. He tucked the lock of her hair behind her ear and kissed on the top of her forehead. He got down from the bed and left the chamber.


    As the door opened and the Crown Prince came out of the chamber, Xing-fu bowed and informed him about the Emperor''s message.


    "Hmm. Let the Crown Princess sleep and do not let her sleep disturb in any way," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu, who acknowledged the orders. Sheng Li left for the Emperor''s manor. After such a big incident, the Emperor might be shaken, he thought.


    ''I need to keep an eye on Eunuch Jin as well.. The threat of Yongzheng, I cannot ignore that,'' Sheng Li thought.

 Chapter 545 - Not Follow Your Path

    <h4>Chapter 545 - Not Follow Your Path</h4>


    Sheng Li remained standing a few meters away from his Father. "Princess Zhu Lin is awake. She is out of danger but needs a good rest," Han Wenji told Sheng Li, who was delighted to hear that.


    "Sheng Li, I have already lost my one son. I do not want anyone to turn like him. However, at hisst moments, I saw the guilt in him. That''s why he asked me not to send his mother and wife to the Cold Pce," Han Wenji asserted, who was on the chaise.


    "Father, I do not think I can do that. I cannot bring the hearts of us brothers to close. What if I trust them, and they betray me like the second Prince. I even forgave him, but then he plotted against you and my wife. He did not even spare Lei Wanxi, Wang Hao, and Princess Lin. Does Father think that the First and Third Prince has left their path to the throne? Because I still don''t believe it. Prince Jian if says to me a hundred times that he wants to support me, I will not believe him. Same with the Third Prince," Sheng Li truthfully told his father.


    "They have indeed improved, Sheng Li. They are no longer greedy for power," Han Wenji assured Sheng Li.


    "Father, even the Jade Emperor says this to me, I will never believe it. I understand that if I have to survive and protect my close ones, I need to shut my heart towards those who were once no less than Yongzheng," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Sheng Li, it is not the way a ruler thinks," Han Wenji corrected him.


    "He does think when ites to his loved ones. You trusted Weng Wei and her half step-brother because of which my mother died. What good did I get? Pain for years. Lili entered my life and made me feel special. I do not want to lose her. She is my everything, Father. I do not want to perform my duties where I cannot guarantee her safety," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Sometimes, I think she should not have married me. Because of me, she has lost her entire family and her best friend. That''s why I requested you, Father, not to make me marry her. I am tired of fighting them for 24 years. But then, to survive, I have to fight," Sheng Li blurted out everything, the things that were in his heart for a long time.


    "The Crown Prince shall leave. He needs to calm his mind," Han Wenji stated.


    "I am calm. I request Father to revoke the decision that he made for Prince Nianzu. I want him to let him enter Luoyang when the timees," Sheng Li requested and bowed.


    "That I cannot do," Han Wenji replied. "People willugh at me and my decision."


    Sheng Li lifted his head and said, "Father, you need to do this to stop the bloodshed. The time wille soon, and I will request you regarding the same in the Imperial Court."


    "I shall take my leave," Sheng Li bowed and left the chamber to meet Princess Zhu Lin.


    He stopped by a chamber that was used to be his mother''s once. He looked around and did not see anyone. He went towards it and pushed the door in. As he walked in, he recalled thest moments of his mother. He stopped near the second door and did not dare to walk in. "I will not follow your path of Kindness, Mother. I will never," Sheng Li clenched his fist and looked towards the bed. Tears formed in his eyes, and he quickly turned his back to it. Taking a deep breath, he left the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    After Huo Jin arrived at the home, Nianzu left for Fei Jing''s house. He showed the invitation card to the guard at the entrance, who let him in.


    The merriment of the party started with the Courtyard of the Fei Jing''s main House, where he could see many nobles. Some nced at him with suspicious gazes while others made fun of him.


    Fei Jing came behind Nianzu. "I am d that Nianzu came to this small party," Fei Jing pronounced. Nianzu turned to him and bowed.


    "Fei Jing, you befriended amoner. It is so strange of you," One among them remarked.


    "I embrace everyone, irrespective of their ss," Fei Jing stated and passed a smile to Nianzu, who averted his gaze from him.


    "We will go to the Pavilion where a few special arrangements have been made," Fei Jing stated. He walked past Nianzu. Soon, everyone gathered in therge pavilion of the Fei Residence. Everyone had amodated their seats.


    Nianzu refused the servant to serve wine to him when Fei Jing came to him. "Here," he forwarded a teacup to Nianzu, who grabbed it else it would be considered rude.


    Nianzu sipped the wine in respect of Fei Jing and put it down over the table. Fei Jing, instead of going back to his seat decided to sit by Nianzu''s side. The servants set the seat that was on the adjacent left to Nianzu.


    "Fei Jing, you are sitting beside amoner. It is strange of you. Is there something going on between you two?" Peng Yujin asked.


    "Nianzu impressed me with his exceptional knowledge and his amazing writing skills. That''s the main reason, I started to see him as my friend," Fei Jing stated.


    "You can write and read. That''s strange. Where did you study?" Another nobleman questioned as his brows arched up.


    "My music master taught me," Nianzu lied.


    "Music master? So, do you know how to y zither and musical instruments?" Liu Shing asked.


    "I can y them well," Nianzu did not lie about his instrument ying skills. He could lie about everything but not about his music.


    "Why don''t you y a musical piece for us? All my friends are curious to listen," Fei Jing opined and ordered the servant to bring the zither.. Nianzu narrowly gazed at Fei Jing and wondered what he could possibly be nning.

 Chapter 546 - I Do Not Like Kids Play

    <h4>Chapter 546 - I Do Not Like Kid''s y</h4>


    Nianzu yed the zither well, and everyone praised him. "If you qualify in the Civil Services, then you shall apply for the Department of Music in the Pce. The Emperor and the other Princes will surely like your music," Fei Jing''s friend advised Nianzu, who nodded his head.


    The servants took away the zither and the table.


    "I heard that the Crown Prince is not into music. The department of music is not that prosperous because of limited involvement of the Princes and others," Fei Jing asserted and picked up the wine cup.


    "The Crown Prince is not interested in anything except killing," Xie Tian said.


    Nianzu nced at him.


    "The Crown Prince has changed after he married. I have heard this from people in Luoyang," Liu Shing stated and sipped the tea. "It was the luck of the Crown Prince that he got chosen for the throne, else mostly the Eldest one took the throne."


    "Luck or the terror of the Crown Prince. Things are not good in the Pce. Everyone is power-hungry. I heard this when I wentst month to Luoyang with Father regarding some work in the Capital Bureau Office. "Two poisoning incidents happened in the Pce," asserted Xie Tian.


    Fei Jing enjoyed it and noticed the reaction of Nianzu. ''Why is not saying anything? How could he be calm even in this situation?'' He wondered.


    "We should not forget that the Fourth Prince had also left the Pce to marry amoner," Fei Jing pronounced.


    Nianzu narrowly gazed at him. He had not expected Fei Jing would bring this up.


    "I have heard about it. Well, if I would be at the ce of the Fourth Prince, then I would have never left the Pce. Who leavesfort for mere a woman," Shi Huang stated and brought the wine cup closer to his mouth.


    "Also, there was a verdict that the Fourth Prince can never enter Luoyang with his wife else his wife will be beheaded," stated Luo Zhen. Nianzu looked at him and picked the wine cup from the floor table in front of him. He sipped it when he heard Fei Jing.


    "I wonder where the Fourth Prince is living," Fei Jing swirled the wine in the wine cup. "Who knows he''s among us?" He muttered.


    "Ahh, that would be good. Meeting with the Prince is such an honor. I have heard praiseworthy words about him in Luoyang. He is a kind person," Xie Tian affirmed and passed a smile to the others.


    "Meeting a Prince is wonderful only if he has the powers. And now he has left everything behind then it means he is a meremoner who has no status in front of the noble ss," Fei Jing proimed. Nianzu''s lips moved up into a tiny smile.


    "But for the other Princes, he is still a Prince. The Fourth Prince always supported the Crown Prince. Even if the Fourth Prince has left his Prince''s status, he has the Crown Prince''s support. I mean,l if he fell into trouble, he can easily ask the help of the Crown Prince," Liu Shing opined.


    "But it was a ridiculous step to leave the Pce just for a woman. A Prince can get many women for him. The Emperor was generous to his Fourth Son. If such a thing happens in the noble ss, themoner has to lose his life," he reasoned.


    Fei Jing looked at Nianzu and said, "Why don''t you say something? It''s an open discussion for everyone, Nianzu."


    "Even the Fourth Prince''s name is the same as yours," Xie Tian suddenly said, gazing at Nianzu, who frowned.


    "M-My music teacher gave me this name," Nianzu replied and gulped the remaining wine from the ss. "It is gettingte. My wife and my brother must be waiting for me. Thank you, Master Fei, for inviting me to your residence. It was unexpected for amoner like me to be able to drink and talk with all of you," Nianzu expressed his gratitude and bowed before Fei Jing.


    "You are my friend, Nianzu. You did not even eat anything." Fei Jing looked at the tes on the table on which some snacks were put. He wanted Nianzu to stay longer.


    "My wife will not have her food without me. If I eat here, I will not be able to eat at home. I do not want to let her stay hungry for long, Master Fei," Nianzu replied.


    "Oh, you are married! You look young," Luo Zhen stated. "Your wife can wait for some time. Women know that their men have matters to handle," he added. "If Fei Jing is telling you to stay, then stay for some time. Also, do not let your woman rule you. A woman shall be at the foot of a man. That''s their true ce," Luo Zhen pronounced.


    "Pardon me, but my views arepletely different from Young Master Luo. I can never put my woman under my feet. She takes care of such a big household. So as a husband, I have equal responsibilities towards her. I hope that Young Master Luo will never advise other people regarding their women," Nianzu suddenly got furious. However, he kept his voice polite while correcting Luo Zhen.


    Nianzu stood up and bowed before Fei Jing and then walked out of the pavilion.


    "Did he just lecture me?" Luo Zhen muttered and smashed the cup on the floor. Fei Jing told him to calm down and then stood up.


    "Don''t ever let that mane in front of me because I will not let it go easily," Luo Zhen warned Fei Jing.


    "Why did you bring his wife in the middle of our conversation?" Fei Jing questioned him and went behind Nianzu. He quickly ran out of the main door and saw Nianzu walking away. He dashed towards him and blocked his way.


    "Forgive me, Nianzu. I had no intention of hurting your sentiments like this¡­ forgive my friend," Fei Jing stated.


    "I will be honest with Young Master Fei. I do not like kid''s y. I will return the favor of Young Master Fei soon. Because of you people, a woman is considered a thing rather than a jewel," proimed Nianzu with knitted brows. He walked past Fei Jing, who chuckled.


    "Why am I even feeling bad?" Fei Jing wondered.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    These few days have been tough for me. Also, I found I fell in rankings for two months. I did put all my heart in this book and since April 1, I have been continously writing this book. However,st two months were tough and I feel because I did not give the content which reader wanted, many left. Do share me if there''s any problem in the story till now. This will help me work more.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 547 - Crying Like A Baby

    <h4>Chapter 547 - Crying Like A Baby</h4>


    Nianzu reached outside his house and took a deep breath. He walked in and saw Huo Jin was sharpening his sword. Huo Jin saw him and immediately stood up from the wooden stool. "You arrived, Nianzu," Huo Jin said with a smile and went to him. He got the wine smell from him and asked him if he drank.


    "Yes. I had to drink as Fei Jing told me," replied Nianzu and asked about Chuntao.


    "Sister Chun has gone to the neighborhood house. She will be home soon," Huo Jin replied.


    "You should not have let her go alone. In which house has she gone?" Nianzu asked and looked out.


    "The house adjacent to us. Why are you worried? Come, sit on it," Huo Jin pushed Nianzu on the stool. "I will bring water for you," Huo Jin said and went to the kitchen. Nianzu kept looking outside as he was worried. He couldn''t help but go out of the house.


    As soon as he walked out, he saw Chuntao in front of him, who was startled to see him. "Nianzu, when did you arrive? Forgive me. I was at our neighbor''s house. Look, they have given us this special sauce and rice cakes," Chuntao showed him the wooden tiffin box which, was wrapped in a maroon-colored cloth. Nianzu carried it for her and grasped her hand.


    "I arrived a few minutes ago," Nianzu replied, and they both entered the house.


    "Did you have drinks? I can smell the strong wine," Chuntao stated.


    "Yes. I could not refuse Young Master Fei," Nianzu replied and let her hand go. Huo Jin came to Nianzu.


    "Sister Chun, your husband worries too much for you. I had told him that you are in the adjacent house. However, he did not listen to me and walked out of the house to find Sister Chun," Huo Jinined to Chuntao, who giggled and took the water ss from him while Huo Jin grabbed the tiffin box from Nianzu''s hands.


    "Drink it," Chuntao said. Nianzu thanked Huo Jin for the water and drank it. Chuntao took the ss from him. "The hot water will be ready in a while. You then can wash your face and hands," Chuntao told him.


    "Okay," Nianzu replied. "Forgive me. I did not want to drink," he said.


    "It''s fine. You do not need to apologize for this. It is good to drink with friends," Chuntao said with a smile and went to the kitchen.


    Huo Jin came near Nianzu and asked him why he had carried a gloomy face.


    "I have not," Nianzu passed him a tiny smile.


    "Did something happen in Fei Jing''s residence? Sister Chun told me that Fei Jing is suspicious of your identity," stated Huo Jin.


    "He knows my name nothing more. I have handled it well. There were some noblemen at that ridiculous party. I did not want to go but had to go so that he would not doubt me," Nianzu outrageously said.


    "What happened at that ridiculous party?" Huo Jin asked.


    "It is not worth talking about," Nianzu stated and looked at the sword in the sheath. "People might be skeptical of you. Amoner does not carry a sword," Nianzu opined.


    "Umm¡­ I am in the military, forgot? I have this for everyone. So, I can carry this sword," asserted Huo Jin and smiled. "I wonder when the results wille. I am eager to go back to Luoyang with you," Huo Jin stated.


    "It will be dered soon¨C in a day or two," Nianzu replied. "However, I am afraid that how my father will react if he sees my name. I do not have any idea what Brother Sheng is thinking," he said and knitted his brows.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li apologized to Zhu Lin for endangering her life.


    "The Crown Prince is embarrassing me with this. I did what a well-wisher of the Royal Family does," Zhu Lin replied.


    "You could have lost your life if Wang Hao had not arrived on time. Do not go alone if you ever encounter such a situation. Wait for others. If something had happened to you this time, then what answer would I have given to your father and also to my brother?" Sheng Li scolded her a little, and she ended up smiling.


    "I did not tell you a joke," Sheng Li said.


    "I know, Your Highness. Forgive me," Zhu Lin bowed her head and then lifted it to gaze into the eyes of Sheng Li. "The way His Highness scolded me made me recall my Elder Brother. The Elder Brother used to scold me whenever I got hurt," stated Zhu Lin.


    Sheng Li recalled that Zhu Lin''s elder brother lost his life in a war.


    "Then, you should not get hurt," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Zhu Lin replied. "Did Prince Wanxi cry when I was in an unconscious state?" she asked.


    "He did. He has a soft heart that''s why I keep him away from such things. Anyways, I am grateful to you. If you ever need something, ask me without any hesitation. I will give it to you," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    "You can call me Brother Sheng. I do not allow anyone except my elder sister Jing to call me that, but I made it an exception for you," Sheng Li asserted.


    Zhu Lin was d to hear that. "Thank you, Brother Sheng, for epting me as your younger sister," Zhu Lin said and passed him a smile.


    "Take enough rest and recover soon," Sheng Li stated and extended his hand out. He brought it near her shoulder and patted it. "Take care," he quickly pulled his hand back and walked out of the chamber.


    Zhu Lin smiled. "I never thought that the Crown Prince would act that way. That''s why Prince Wanxi respects him the most. He is indeed a great big brother," Zhu Lin murmured.


    Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi to go in.


    "You talked with Zhu Lin!" Lei Wanxi was astonished because the conversation did not evenst more than 5 minutes.


    "Hmm. I told her that you were crying like a baby," Sheng Li said and walked away.


    "Brother Sheng, why did you do that?" Lei Wanxiined.. "Now, she will tease me," he said in a low voice.

 Chapter 548 - Proved To Han Wenji

    <h4>Chapter 548 - Proved To Han Wenji</h4>


    The next morning, Ying Lili went to the Emperor to converse with him regarding Sheng Li. Ying Lili kowtowed before the Emperor, who told Ying Lili to take the seat on the chaise, who sat on it.


    "Last evening, the Crown Prince came to me. The Crown Princess might have seen the behavior of the Crown Prince after what Prince Yongzheng did. He is not ready to trust anyone around him and is again walking on the same path as he was on earlier. However, if the Crown Princess wants, then she can stop it. Apart from the Crown Princess, I do not think anyone could end the feelings of mistrust among the family members," Han Wenji stated and started to cough. He brought the handkerchief near his mouth and wiped the blooding.


    Ying Lili got tense seeing the health of the Emperor. It appeared to her that the Emperor''s condition had worsened from earlier. Yongzheng''s incident created more trouble in the recovery of the Emperor''s health.


    "Did His Majesty take his medicine? It might relieve the pain," Ying Lili concernedly said.


    "I think that I shall not take any more medicines. My body is getting weaker day by day. In front of Sheng Li or any other royal member, I could not say this. But, in front of the Crown Princess, I can say it," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "I feel there is no more time left on my end. Before that, I want the Crown Princess to bring these brothers close to each other, especially Jian Guozhi, Rong Zemin, and Sheng Li. If the hatred among them ends, then there is no way the royal family can ever be defeated," Han Wenji suggested to Ying Lili.


    "I will try everything possible to bring them close, Your Majesty. But please take your medicine. It is difficult to see His Majesty in pain," Ying Lili humbly said and stood up from the chaise. She asked Eunuch Jin about the medicine, who quickly brought the medicine bowl from the other room. Ying Lili thanked him and took it towards Han Wenji.


    "Please, drink it," Ying Lili requested as she forwarded the bowl towards the Emperor. Han Wenji passed her a tiny smile and drank the medicine from the bowl. Ying Lili took it from the Emperor and put it on the tray that Eunuch Jin had held. She went back to her seat.


    "The Crown Prince thinks that the First Prince might betray him as well in the disguise of acting innocent. Prince Yongzheng did the same. We had no idea that he would do something like this," Ying Lili stated.


    "The Crown Princess needs to create a situation where their concern for each other arises. Once these three Princes wille close, the entire family is protected," Han Wenji asserted.


    Eunuch Jin came with a woolen shawl in his hand and put it around the Emperor. "The Crown Prince has the fear that the things that happened with his mother can happen with the Crown Princess because the enemies have targeted his closed ones," Eunuch Jin asserted and stood by the side of the Emperor.


    Han Wenji agreed with him. "When the Crown Princess was brought to Luoyang to get married to the Crown Prince, his initial request was not to marry her with him. Because he thought someday, the Crown Princess would be harmed, and he could not risk it. Last evening he again said the same to me. So, the Crown Princess could see his fear that is again making him go back to his past self," Han Wenji, with a worried expression, said.


    "The other Princes have good control on his emotions, but it''s not the same for the Crown Prince. He fears losing, and for that reason, he kept his heart shut for a long. This way, he would never be able to enjoy his life. Doubts and Fears are one of the biggest enemies of a human," Han Wenji exined to Ying Lili, whose heart ached upon hearing all that.


    After Hu Jingguo''s and Wan Ju''s demise, she had seen Sheng Li keeping his distance from the others. She could never be his weakness.


    "Your Majesty, I have promised you that the Royal Family will not fall apart, and I will keep it. I could not stop the wrongdoings of Prince Yongzheng, but I can prevent any future fatalities. Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince''s return to the Pce is important," Ying Lili stated.


    "Forgive me for disturbing the Emperor and the Crown Princess. The Head of Civil Services Department is here," the Pce maid of the Emperor''s manor suddenly came and informed them.


    "Send him in," the Emperor ordered.


    The Pce maid walked out, and in a while, the Head of Civil Services Department, Zai Yun, entered the chamber. He greeted both the Emperor and the Crown Prince. At the request of the Emperor, he took his seat adjacent to the chaise of Ying Lili''s.


    "Why did Zai Yune out of sudden?" Han Wenji asked.


    "Your Majesty, there is a candidate with the same name as the Fourth Prince, who sat in the Civil Services Exam, and he has beaten all the candidates," Zai Yun informed the Emperor, who was not surprised to hear that.


    ''That''s why Sheng Li asked me to revoke my previous verdict regarding Nianzu,'' Han Wenji thought.


    "I have brought the sheets in which this candidate has written his answers. I want his Majesty to recognize the writing so that we can confirm it," Zai Yun asserted and looked at his right at his assistant, who opened the first sheet and showed it to the Emperor.


    Han Wenji immediately recognized the writing of Nianzu and asked the assistant to bring the sheet closer. Han Wenji took the sheet from him and read the answers on Governance that Nianzu had written. A smile formed on his lips as the answers were more than perfect. "It is Nianzu''s writing," Han Wenji confirmed it. The assistant took the sheet and went near to Zai Yun.


    "Your Majesty, a Prince cannot give this exam," Zai Yun politely said.


    "Brother Nianzu''s status of being a Prince is already revoked. He is now amoner so he can give this exam," Ying Lili asserted.


    Zai Yun nodded his head and looked at the Emperor. "But His Royal Majesty has announced that the Fourth Prince is not allowed to enter Luoyang. Since he topped this exam, then he is destined to be the Minister of Personnel. His Majesty has to take back his previous verdict for that to happen," Zai Yun reasoned.


    "Yes. If I did not take my verdict back, then the two other candidates who are supposed to be the Court Ministers will take it as injustice because I cannot rule out the fact that none of the top candidates from the top 3 positions would be ced in the Imperial Court. So, I need to take back my verdict against Nianzu," Han Wenji stated. He could not believe that Nianzu sat in the civil services as amoner and proved to Han Wenji that he was wrong. He indeed wanted to serve people but also wanted to protect his wife too.


    "Call the Crown Prince, the First and the Third Prince," Han Wenji ordered to Eunuch Jin, who bowed and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 549 - Treated Special Among All

    <h4>Chapter 549 - Treated Special Among All</h4>


    Ying Lili and Zai Yun stood up from their respective seats as Sheng Li, Jian Guozhi, and Rong Zemin entered. The three Princes greeted their father. Zai Yun greeted the three Princes and took his seat. Sheng Li sat beside Ying Lili.


    "You were here? I was searching for you in the Eastern Pce," whispered Sheng Li in Ying Lili''s ear.


    "Yes. I had something important to discuss with the Imperial Father," Ying Lili replied. Sheng Li hummed and looked towards his Father.


    "Nianzu has topped the Civil Services exam," Han Wenji told his three sons. Sheng Li smiled as he was confident that Nianzu would qualify for the exam.


    "Nianzu gave the Civil Services exam. That was unpredictable. We have thought that he did not want to get involved in the Governance and Politics of the Han Empire," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "He might have realized that leaving a life without the title of a Prince is tough," asserted Rong Zemin. "What will the Imperial Father do now? Will the Imperial Father revoke his decision and let Nianzu enter the capital?" He asked and looked at Han Wenji.


    "That''s why I called you three here. I want an opinion on this. My sole opinion does not matter now," Han Wenji proimed.


    "As amoner, Nianzu filled this exam. We shall not neglect the fact that his knowledge is vast. Also, he had prevented five wars with the neighboring provinces, which used to be our enemies once. Since he has passed this exam with the highest score, his wife''s status will not be taken as a lower one anymore. The rank of Nianzu as amoner is no less than a nobleman anymore. Therefore, I find that there should not be any problem in taking back the decision," Jian Guozhi exined his point. "I would like to have Brother Nianzu among us," he stated.


    "I support the decision of Brother Jian. I also feel that our Father must take his decision back," asserted Rong Zemin and looked at Sheng Li. "Will the Crown Prince support our decision? It is difficult to know now whether the Crown Prince will agree to this or not!" Rong Zemin remarked. Ying Lili found that the Third Prince was slightly angry at Sheng Li. On the other hand, Sheng Li did not pay heed to him.


    "I want the Fourth Prince to return. The Empire needs him, Your Majesty," Sheng Li crisply answered.


    The Emperor looked at Zai Yun. "Since the Prince has given the exam and qualified it with the highest marks, there is no question to object to his return. Indeed, the Han Empire needs the intellect of the Fourth Prince for its prosperity," Zai Yun put forward his view.


    Han Wenji nodded his head and asked for an urgent Court Meeting. "I need to discuss with the other Ministers as well so that in the future no doubt will be raised and no one will say that there was some kind of injustice involved," Han Wenji proimed.


    Sheng Li bowed and stood up to leave when Han Wenji stopped him. "The others can leave while the Crown Prince will stay back," Han Wenjimanded. Jian Guozhi, Rong Zemin, Ying Lili, and Zai Yun stood up from their respective seats. They bowed in front of the Emperor and left the chamber.


    "The Crown Prince nned all this. Correct me if I am wrong!" Han Wenji stated with a smile on his lips.


    "I cannot lie to my Father. The Fourth Prince shall not live as amoner, and his wife must be considered his chief wife. Father, the Fourth Prince, was neglected because of the status of his mother. I know that our Father never discriminated among us, but the people around us saw him as lower than us. That''s why even if he was a Prince, he never felt happy. This was the best way to bring him back¨C to the ce which was always his," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Han Wenji hummed and asked the Crown Prince if he met Prince Nianzu. Whether he knew about his location or not?


    "Yes, Father. I know where he is living. He is safe," Sheng Li informed Han Wenji.


    "You went against the orders of the Emperor," Han Wenji menacingly said.


    "His Majesty can punish me if he wants me to. But it was essential. Father did not do right by sending the Fourth Prince away. He should have epted his wife. He is the Emperor. His order is supreme for everyone. Without his permission, not a single leaf can move. However, His Majesty brought his ego upfront. I apologize if I sounded rude. But this is what I truly felt. You could have stopped many things in the pce, but you never bothered about that," Sheng Li stated.


    Eunuch Jin lifted his head and looked at the Crown Prince.


    Han Wenji found that the Crown was troubled yet, he told the truth. Somewhere, he could stop all those schemings, but he never did. Han Wenji started to cough, and it worried Sheng Li.


    He dashed to him and caressed the back of his Father. Han Wenji put the handkerchief on his mouth. "Forgive me, Father," Sheng Li said with teary eyes.


    "Eunuch Jin, give us some privacy," Han Wenji stated, who bowed and walked out.


    Sheng Li sat beside his father on the chaise and took the handkerchief from him. His heart ached to see the blood on it. He put it away and lowered his head.


    "You did this because you do not want his mother to go against you. Sheng Li shall not lie with his Father. He has be thoughtful," Han Wenji proimed and put his hand on Sheng Li''s head.


    "I thought I would stop Prince Yongzheng from walking on the wrong path," Sheng Li said in a low voice, and tears poured down his eyes. "I did not want him to die this way. Father, make Prince Nianzu the Emperor. I do not want my Brothers to feel that I am treated special among all.. In the future, I do not want anything to happen to any of the Princes just because of a mere throne," Sheng Li requested to Han Wenji.

 Chapter 550 - Know The Answer

    <h4>Chapter 550 - Know The Answer</h4>


    Ying Lili stopped Rong Zemin from leaving the Emperor''s manor and asked him if he could spare her a few minutes, who nodded and looked at Jian Guozhi. "I will see Brother Jianter," asserted Rong Zemin. Jian Guozhi hummed and left with Zai Yun and his assistant.


    "What does the Crown Princess want to talk about?" Rong Zemin asked her.


    "Brother Zemin seemed angry at the Crown Prince. Is everything good between you two?" Ying Lili queried. "Please tell me because it is necessary," she asked him.


    "Crown Princess, the Crown Prince should not have supported the decision of the Minister of Justice. He should not have agreed to him for sending the mother and the widow of thete Prince to the Cold Pce. He should trust them," Rong Zemin stated.


    "Is that the only reason that Brother Zemin is furious at the Crown Prince?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Yes. The Crown Prince thinks that we will also plot against him. Crown Princess, I respect you that''s why I did not say anything to him," Rong Zemin asserted.


    "Thank you, Brother Zemin, for being understanding. I will converse with the Crown Prince. Also, thete second Prince had requested the Emperor to not send his mother and wife to the Cold Pce. I do not think that His Majesty will ignore thest wish of thete Prince," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "However, it is not known whether the Ministers would agree to this or not. I hope in today''s Imperial Court Brother Sheng will not do something, which can break our rtionship," Rong Zemin said worriedly and left before bowing in front of Ying Lili.


    "I will not let this happen," Ying Lili murmured and turned back to look at the door of the chamber.


    Sheng Li, who was inside the chamber, wiped his tears. He lifted his head and turned his gaze to his father. "Why is the Father silent?"


    "Why do you think that way? None of your brothers want to be the Emperor. Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin want me to make you the Emperor. They have talked to me. Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu are young. On the other hand, Nianzu''s choice is known to everyone. Don''t let your fear win over your mind," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Sheng Li took a deep breath when his father patted his back. After a while, Sheng Li left the chamber. As he came out, he saw Ying Lili who was waiting for him. He walked to her and halted in front of her.


    "Brother Nianzu will return soon," Sheng Le said with a smile.


    "You made a great n," Ying Lili replied. The two started to walk while Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu with several servants followed them.


    "Sheng Li, do you still think that you should not trust your First and Third Brothers?" Ying Lili, out of a sudden, asked.


    "I am confused. Although I have promised you that I would start to trust people around me, it''s difficult to implement," Sheng Li stated.


    "Do you trust me?"


    "You do not need to ask such a question when you know the answer," replied Sheng Li.


    "Then, trust me and trust the people around you as well," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li hummed and told her that he would see herter after the Court session.


    "Take the Crown Princess to her chamber," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu before leaving for the Court. Ying Lili watched him going away. She had the faith that Sheng Li would not support the Ministers.


    ~~~~


    In the Court, as soon as the Emperor sat on the throne, the discussion about Nianzu started. The Prime Minister suggested to the Emperor to nullify his previous judgment. The other Court Ministers did not object to it and unanimously supported the Prime Minister.


    Han Wenji found out that every Minister wanted Nianzu to be back, and it joyed his heart. He picked the ink brush and scrolled down the new decree. Han Wenji put the ink brush down and picked the Emperor''s seal. He stamped it on the bottom end of the message.


    "The Office of Governor will handle the further procedure on this," Han Wenji announced. Eunuch Jin came forward and scrolled it up before handing it to Jian Guozhi.


    The Prime Minister put forward the second important matter in the court. "Your Majesty, yesterday, it was decided that judgment on the Second Prince''s, mother, and widow will be decided today."


    "I object to the partial decision to send them to the Cold Pce. The First Consort and the Widow of the Second Prince should not be punished, this way," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Your Majesty, they are the mother and the widow of the Second Prince. In the future, they might try to harm the Emperor to avenge the death of the Second Prince.?For our dear ones, people can go to any extent," the Minister of Justice proimed. "Your Majesty, it is about the safety of the others. In the Cold Pce, they will be provided everything except they cannot step out," he asserted.


    "Your Majesty, I disagree with the statements of the Minister of Justice. A few days ago, we all saw how five ministers got caught in treason. However, nothing was done to their families. It is not about the criminal, it is about the crime which shall be reduced. Punishing the criminal with severity only shows that the crime will not increase anymore. However, if we punish the innocent, then it will bring injustice," Rong Zemin pronounced.


    Sheng Li remained quiet amidst all this discussion.


    The Ministers stood in the support of Rong Zemin when the Minister of Justice turned to the Crown Prince and asked his opinion. Everyone gazed at Sheng Li, who was in a dilemma. For him, the safety of Ying Lili was supreme. However, he had promised her that he would not let the mother and the widow of the Second Prince suffer.


    "Your Majesty, I am with the First and the Third Prince''s suggestions. I do not want His Majesty to send them to the Cold Pce," Sheng Li reasoned and clenched his fists. He did not want this, but he could not either go against the promise towards Ying Lili.


    Han Wenji after contemting stated, "The First Consort and the widow of the Second Prince will not be sent to the Cold Pce. But their movements will be scrutinized. I have lost three people from this Royal Family and to prevent any such happening in the future, they will not be let freely move."


    Sheng Li liked the decision of the Emperor and so did the others.. He was happy that his father ordered to scrutinize their movements.

 Chapter 551 - Left Me In The End

    <h4>Chapter 551 - Left Me In The End</h4>


    Sheng Li met Xiao Zhan and ordered him to give his message to Nianzu. Also, he told him to take the official verdict from the First Prince.


    "Your Highness, the First Prince might ask me how do I know Prince Nianzu''s location?" Xiao Zhan raised a doubt.


    "I will answer the First Prince. Go to Xiandong and bring them safely to Luoyang," Sheng Li stated. Xiao Zhan bowed his head. The results of the exams were soon to be dered in the various provinces because of thework of messengers, who worked expeditiously.


    "Yes, Your Highness." He joined his fist & palm and bowed in front of the Crown Prince before leaving. Sheng Li took the Crown off his head and handed it to Xing-Fu.


    "I would like to rest for some time," Sheng Li said and removed his upper robe. Xing-Fu took it and found Sheng Li was tired. He opened his shoes and went to bed.


    "Your Highness, is everything alright? The Crown Prince looks tired," Xing-Fu worriedly said as he put the Crown on the table and also put the robe beside it.


    "I could not sleepst night," Sheng Li said andid down on the bed. Xing-Fu covered Sheng Li from the nket and pulled down the curtains. Xing-Fu stepped out of the chamber and closed the door behind him.


    Sheng Li tossed and turned on the bed. However, he could not fall asleep. He sat up; his left knee in the air while his left hand rested on it. "Why am I unable to sleep?" He murmured and brought his hand near his chest. He recalled the words of Yongzheng that soon Lili would go away from him. He curled his fingers and knitted his brows.


    "Who could harm her? Is it the First Prince or the Third Prince? I will give up this Crown for her if any one of them exposes his true face. But what if Lili got harmed before that. Will I be able to save her? The people who got closer to me had left me in the end. First, I became the reason for my mother''s death; then Hu Jingguo and Wan Ju died. I should not have involved her with my life," Sheng Li contemted as his eyes turned misty. He sighed as he recalled the words of Hu Jingguo not to fall weak, seeing Ying Lili in danger. ''She always was his strength.''


    ''You have to put your faith in us, Brother Sheng.'' He recalled the words of Jian Guozhi. "Shall I again trust them? A rotten apple rots the other apples too," he muttered. "Did they really change?" He wondered.


    Suddenly, he heard the door open. He tilted his head and saw Ying Lili with a tray in her hand. He put away the curtains. "Lili," he whispered her name.


    "It is difficult to sleep, isn''t it? It happens sometimes. When a person takes too much stress, it happens," Ying Lili said and put the tray on the bedside table.


    Sheng Li looked at the tray and saw oil in a bowl. "Do you want an oil hair massage? It has been since your wife did this," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    ''How could she smile in this situation? Isn''t she scared? Because of me, she almost lost her life.'' Sheng Li astonishingly looked at the woman in front of him.


    "What are you thinking?" Ying Lili came towards him and stood in front of him. She brought her hand on the top of his bun to remove the hairpin when Sheng Li rested his head on her belly.


    "Lili, do you think that bad thing will stop?" Sheng Li''s question troubled her. She recalled the words of the Emperor where he told her that Sheng Li had started to question himself again.


    "I have faith that everything will turn good," Ying Lili stated and caressed the head of Sheng Li. Her statementforted him. He pulled back and asked her about the oil.


    "It is a special oil which will improve the blood cirction and also relieve your stress," stated Ying Lili and removed the hairpin from his hair bun. She put it on the table and let his hair spread down till his shoulders.


    "Sit here. I will sit on the floor. That will be good," Sheng Li stated and put his feet on the ground.


    "Sit on the bed. I will do this," Ying Lili said, but Sheng Li stood up from the bed.


    He pushed her on the bed and said, "Sit on the bed and let me sit on the floor." He sat on the floor quickly while Ying Lili was on the bed. She picked the bowl in which warm oil was put. "I have put some aromatic dry flowers in it," she asserted.


    Ying Lili dipped her fingers into the oil and then gently pressed her fingers into his scalp. Sheng Li closed his eyes while Ying Lili continued to do that.


    "Sheng Li, nothing will happen to me. Brother Jian and Brother Zemin have turned good. They have left the path of vengeance a long ago." Ying Lili tried to make Sheng Li understand. "Do not let your fear overpower you," she stated.


    "Do you think so?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes."


    "I believe your words, but what about the betrayal of the Second Prince. I started to trust him. I almost trusted him. I was happy that he started to consider me as his younger brother. Lili, did you see how kindness affects a person? Kind people whimper in pain. I cannot risk your life in any way, Lili," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili again dipped her fingers in the oil and started to rub his scalp. "I know that you cannot risk my life. The same goes for me. I cannot risk your life and your happiness in any way. Betrayal happens, but it does not mean that everyone will betray you. Trust is a must for survival. Nothing will happen to me, Sheng Li," Ying Lili proimed. Sheng Li furrowed his brows and kept quiet.


    After a while, he said, "Let me sleep on yourp." Ying Lili hummed and put the bowl on the tray. Sheng Li came to the bed andid down, his head on herp. Ying Lili had wiped her hands from the towel already. She ced one on his chest and the other on his forehead. Caressing it, she helped Sheng Li to fall asleep. Once he fell asleep, she pulled the nket up and covered him from it.


    "I need to give him my maximum time.. Sheng Li is on the verge to go into his past self," she thought as she gazed at his face.

 Chapter 552 - Remarriage

    <h4>Chapter 552 - Remarriage</h4>


    Sheng Li''s body stiffened in the sleep because of the strange dream. His forehead was covered with sweat. His mother''sst moments again came in front of his eyes where she was on her deathbed.


    Ying Lili noticed it and called his name. "Sheng Li! Sheng Li!" Ying Lili called her name while patting his cheek.


    Sheng Li could not awake from his nightmare. He saw the lifeless body of his mother and then the evilugh of Yongzheng reverberated in the chamber. "Lili will die like your mother." The voice echoed in his ears. "You are meant to be alone, Sheng Li."


    Suddenly, he heard the voice of Ying Lili, who was calling for him. The echoes of Yongzheng died down while Ying Lili''s voice became prominent. "Lili," he murmured in his sleep and instantly opened his eyes. His breathing was heavy, and there were tears on the edges of his eyes.


    "Sheng Li, are you fine?" Ying Lili asked in her soft voice. She had wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued to caress his chest.


    Sheng Li sat up and turned towards Ying Lili. He gazed at her and pulled her into a hug. It startled Ying Lili. She moved her hands up and hugged him back. She did not ask anything nor did he speak. They both stayed like that for a few minutes until he pulled away.


    "What happened?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I sa-saw my mother¡­ after many months. Those memories had started to haunt me. Lili, Yongzheng told me that even if he were dead, he would make sure to separate you from me," Sheng Li replied.


    "He yed with your feelings. Maybe thete Prince knows that it triggers you. Who can harm me when you always protect me? Don''t you think a fearless man like you, getting defeated by such a small thing?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "I fear losing people, Lili. This fear I can never ovee. My Father''s health is not improving, and he will die soon. Why has it happened at this time when I am at my lowest point? I am worried," Sheng Li asserted and lowered his eyes.


    "What about me then? Don''t you think I also fear losing people? Everyone does. Don''t you think so? Look at your First Brother. Good or bad, Weng Wei was the mother of Brother Jian. He also had many fears but he overcame them. Don''t be like this. If you will act like this, then what about me and the others? Give yourself time," Ying Lili stated and brought her hands on his shoulders.


    "Just like you never liked a coward woman, I never liked a coward man. I appreciate your willpower and your diligence which brought you to this point. Brother Yongzheng told me something before he was beheaded, he said that he did not despise me anymore. He said that Sheng Li was lucky to get me. I saw the regret in his eyes. The words he said to you were in anger. He did not mean that," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who had calmed down a little.


    "Let''s go out this evening. I want to show you something," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and cupped his face in her palms.


    "Okay," Sheng Li replied and asked her how long he slept.


    "Two hours," she replied and put her hands down. "Take a hot water bath. I am waiting for you," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li hummed and called Xing-Fu inside.


    "Prepare the bathhouse for me," hemanded Xing-Fu, who bowed and walked out.


    Sheng Li looked into the eyes of Ying Lili. "Prince Nianzu and his wife will return soon. I am d that he is returning. I do not know how he will react after knowing about Yongzheng," he said.


    "He will be sad for some time as everyone is. Sister Bai is weak. I checked on her earlier. She is not speaking with anyone," Ying Lili stated. "Is remarriage possible for Sister Bai?" She asked him.


    "No. It is impossible. She has to live as the widow of the Second Prince throughout her life," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Oh," Ying Lili was disheartened to hear that. "We shall try, Sheng Li. She cannot live like this. I was the one who selected her for the Second Prince. It hurts to see her in this state," Ying Lili replied and furrowed her brows.


    "Remarriage is the most impossible thing for a woman. Don''t raise this topic. You might get in trouble," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili. "I will find a way to turn things right on her end. Also, no man will be willing to marry the widow of another man. You also know, why? Yongzheng did not think about the consequences of his acts," Sheng Li said annoyingly. "At least he should have thought of his wife," he muttered and gritted his teeth.


    "A few things are bound to happen," Ying Lili said.


    "Your Highness, the bathhouse is ready," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince, who got down from the bed.


    "Send the dress for the Crown Princess. Her dress has an oil stain," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu before leaving for the bathhouse.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, is everything ready?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Yes, Your Highness. Commander Yang has checked the arrangements in the market," Xing-Fu replied to her. Ying Lili thanked him and stood up.


    "Her Highness shall not thank this servant. The Crown Prince will definitely like the surprise of the Crown Princess. This way, his mind will get diverted from all this," Xing-Fu said humbly. "I will send a new pair of dress for Her Highness," he bowed and stepped out of the chamber.


    A maidservant came in with Court Lady Xu, with a new dress in her hands. "Your Highness, please this way," Court Lady Xu took Ying Lili to the dressing room. The maidservant followed them. She helped her change the dress. Ying Lili looked at herself in the mirror. The white Hanfu dress with a red border was looking beautiful to her.


    "Court Lady Xu, please stay close to Sister Bai for a few days. I will take care of myself. Sister Bai needs someone around her all the time. You are the one who is the most suitable person, who can make her feel good. I will try to find a solution as soon as possible," Ying Lili stated and turned to her.


    "Your Highness, I am appointed by the Crown Prince for your service. I cannot ept your orders unless the Crown Prince permits for this," Court Lady Xu replied humbly.


    "Then, I will take permission from the Crown Prince," Ying Lili stated. "You shall go there. I will inform Sheng Li about this," Ying Lili assured her.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out.

 Chapter 553 - Hidden

    <h4>Chapter 553 - Hidden</h4>


    Lei Wanxi went to the Western Pce and found the Empress, and the other two consorts were present except Consort Ju in Zhu Lin''s chamber. He stayed outside and asked the maidservant, "When did they alle?"


    "An hour ago, Your Highness," she replied.


    Lei Wanxi nodded his head and went towards the pir, and looked outside. He tapped his shoe on the floor, waiting for the Empress and the other two toe out. He felt a hand on his shoulder and tilted his head. "General Wang," he whispered and knitted his brows.


    "What is General Wang doing here? He should take a rest in his house," Lei Wanxi said worriedly.


    "Prince Wanxi, I have found out from my person that the Father of Princess Zhu Lin has reached near the borders of Luoyang. I have informed the same to His Majesty. Kindly inform this to the Princess," Wang Hao stated and put his hand down from Lei Wanxi''s shoulder.


    "Great! I will tell her, General Wang," Lei Wanxi assured him. "How is the wound on your back?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "It is healing, Prince Wanxi. Do not worry. I am absolutely fine," Wang Hao stated.


    "I am d to know that. Brother Sheng is a little troubled. Also, I heard from Brother Jian that Brother Sheng and Sister Lili fought yesterday. What is happening, General Wang?" Lei Wanxi said with a dejected tone.


    "Prince Wanxi, let the Crown Prince fight himself with this. He has many reasons to be in trouble. I know that this incident had made him recall his mother. The Crown Princess will take care of the Crown Prince," Wang Hao exined to Lei Wanxi, who nodded his head.


    "Shall I talk to Brother Sheng?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "There is no use talking to the Crown Prince at this moment. The Crown Princess knows what is best for the Crown Prince," Wang Hao advised Lei Wanxi, who agreed with him.


    "I shall take my leave, Prince Wanxi," Wang Hao bowed and left. He waved at General Wang, who soon vanished from his sight.


    Soon the Empress and the two consorts came to the resting chamber of Zhu Lin. Lei Wanxi greeted them when Deng Hui asked him, "What is the Sixth Prince doing here?"


    "Princess Zhu Lin''s father has reached near the borders, Imperial Mother. I am here to inform her about that," Lei Wanxi replied. He did not tell about his likeness towards Zhu Lin. He thought that it would be best to confess itter.


    "Sure. Go ahead," Deng Hui stated. Jinlong looked at her son and smiled at him. Lei Wanxi lowered his head and kept it till they left his sight. Once they left, Lei Wanxi dashed to the chamber.


    The maidservant was helping her in getting up when Lei Wanxi asked her where she was heading to. He stood in front of her and grasped Zhu Lin''s arm gently to support her.


    "I thought about walking for some time. My body is aching because of sitting and lying down on the bed," Zhu Linined.


    "You will not walk until you recover fully," Lei Wanxi scolded her and looked at the maidservant. "Ask me before agreeing to the Princess. Now, leave," Lei Wanxi told her. The maidservant bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    "Let me walk for five minutes. The wound is healing. I have been into such situations many times," Zhu Lin requested Lei Wanxi, who red at her.


    "But this time, the situation is different. Your life was in danger. Now, do not argue with me," Lei Wanxi sternly told her.


    "I will not argue with you if you let me walk," she stated.


    Lei Wanxi knitted his brows and kissed her lips, thus startling her. "What was this?" She arched her brows up.


    "I am concerned for you. Let''s go back to bed. Your naval injury was indeed grave," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Zhu Lin saw the sincerity and anxiousness in his eyes for her. She nodded her head and sat on the mattress. Lei Wanxi moved her feet up and covered them from the nket.


    "Do not walk until the wound heals fully," Lei Wanxi told her.


    "I will not," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Your Father is near the borders of Luoyang. By early morning, he will be here," Lei Wanxi informed her. Zhu Lin was happy to hear that. "I am scared how he will react," Lei Wanxi said in a low voice.


    "He will be a little worried to see me but also will be proud that I saved the life of General Wang and also Prince Wanxi''s life," Zhu Lin answered and smiled.


    Lei Wanxi moved closer to her and hugged her. They stayed like this for a few minutes before pulling away. "Even I am proud of you. I am d that we met in a strange way," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "You were so furious that day," Zhu Lin stated and chuckled upon recalling the memories.


    "Brother Nianzu is also returning. I am so happy. I thought I would never be able to see him. Though my anger for him has not reduced," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Oh! But how could he return?" Zhu Lin curiously asked.


    "He passed the Civil Services Exam with rank 1. He gave the exam as amoner. So, his appointment to the Court is definite. Also, Father is happy that the Fourth Brother did not neglect his duties even after renouncing the title of the Prince," Lei Wanxi exined to Zhu Lin.


    "That''s good. Prince Nianzu''s true ce is this Pce. Also, being amoner is not easy. I have seen how much they have to suffer, especially the women. But, strangely, the Fourth Prince gave the Civil Services when he never wanted toe into the eyes of the people," Zhu Lin skeptically said.


    "What do you mean?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "Something might have happened with the Fourth Prince. That''s why Prince Nianzu decided to give the Civil Services," Zhu Lin deduced. Lei Wanxi furrowed his brows.


    "Did someone trouble Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi queried.


    "It might be a possibility. But something big might have happened. I remember the words of the Fourth Prince to me.. There is something hidden behind this exam," Zhu Lin asserted.

 Chapter 554 - Good Work

    <h4>Chapter 554 - Good Work</h4>


    Sheng Li got ready and came out of the dressing room to the bed-chamber where Ying Lili was waiting for him.


    "Will we go to the market in this appearance? Everyone will recognize us," Sheng Li stated.


    "People know that their Crown Prince ising this evening to meet them," Ying Lili asserted. She looked at herself and asked Sheng Li how she was looking.


    "Good," Sheng Li inly replied.


    "Just good!" Ying Lili arched her brows and huffed. "I thought I dressed beautifully today," Ying Lili asserted and looked at her dress again.


    "Words are less to describe your beauty. That''s why I used a simple word. You also know how you look in my eyes," Sheng Li''s words touched Ying Lili''s heart. Her lips moved up into a smile when she heard Sheng Li.


    "What have you nned? Why do people know that their Crown Prince will soon meet them?" Sheng Li queried.


    "That you will know after reaching the market," Ying Lili replied.


    "It can be risky to go out," Sheng Li expressed concern. "You know that danger always surrounds me," he asserted.


    "And your wife knows how to fight that danger," Ying Lili replied and came near him. "I have made a promise to people that the Crown Prince wille to meet them," she said.


    "You could have organized everything in the Pce. It''s such a big pce," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But there would be no fun in that," Ying Lili replied and caught the edge of Sheng Li''s sleeve. She lowered her eyes. "Please, let''s go. It will be fun," Ying Lili said and pouted.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Do not act like a kid. It is about our safety," he made her understand.


    She lifted her head and said, "It means you will not go with me. People, especially children, were excited to meet you. I have promised them that they would get the chance to meet the Crown Prince. I made so many arrangements. It''s fine. You can stay back. I will apologize to them."


    "Wait, you will not go alone. You cannot apologize to the people. They also understand that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess cannote outside of the Pce whenever they want to," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "They are our people. A promise is a promise. Just because they are the people¡­ of lower status than us, but they are the ones who will support us tomorrow. Also, some people came to the Pce a few days ago. They sent a message for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess¨C a small event in which we need to be present. Commander Yang, upon my request, met them and discussed with them why they wanted to meet us," Ying Lili told him. "I did what people wished for. I thought it would be good to mingle with our people and learn about them."


    Sheng Li contemted for a while and asked, "Who has made the arrangements?"


    "Commander Yang and Commander Sun. General Wang also helped them in providing high security in the main ground of the Capital. However, since he is injured, he cannote today," Ying Lili answered.


    "You know that I do not like it when I do not listen to you. However, you also know the fact that how much I am anxious about you," Sheng Li said and furrowed his eyebrows. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. They both peered at each other.


    "I will go. I cannot let your promise get broken. I believe in the arrangements of Wang Hao and both Commanders. If they had listened to the Crown Princess, then there must be a reason," Sheng Li agreed to go with Ying Lili. She thanked him and the smile again appeared on her lips.


    "Shall we leave then? It''s alreadyte," Ying Lili told him.


    Sheng Li hummed and grasped her hand. They both walked out of the chamber while their main servants followed them.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu put the brush and transcribed books inside his cloth bag. He was ready to leave for home when Quan Bo asked him if he would like to have a drink with them.


    "Forgive me. I do not drink much. Also, I need to go home," Nianzu replied.


    "It''s a culture to drink with your colleagues at least once. Just have one drink and then leave. Others are also waiting for us," Quan Bo stated.


    Nianzu put the bag around his shoulder and looked at him. "I would love toe, but my wife is waiting for me," Nianzu answered.


    "Sister Chuntao can wait for a little longer. It is about one drink only. It will not be good if you are not present among us. Just have a greeting drink and then leave. Master Ru will also be there. Think about him at least," Quan Bo asserted.


    "Oh. But Master Ru did not inform me," Nianzu stated.


    "He has so much work to do. Moreover, he informed us yesterday when you were in the Police Bureau," Quan Bo affirmed. He came near to Nianzu and put his arm around his shoulder.


    "Let''s go," Quan Bo told him and the two came out of the bookshop. The workers were still there while Ru Gaoying had already left.


    "Where do we need to go?" Nianzu asked. He could not refuse to go because they all had helped him. Also, Ru Gaoying would not like it if he ignored the request.


    "The restaurant is in the market. It is a famous one," Quan Bo answered. Nianzu hummed and told him that he could not handle more drinks. So, he would only take one shot.


    "Do not worry. Master Ru does not force anyone. But it will be good if you join us," Quan Bo stated and pulled his arm back. Nianzu nodded and smiled.


    Nianzu realized instead of going to the main market; they hade to an isted ce. "Quan Bo, did you forget the route?" He asked and looked at him. To his surprise, there was a grim expression on Quan Bo''s face. He had realized that something was off.


    "What happened? Why did you lie?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Forgive me, Nianzu. If I had not done this, then my family would have been at risk," asserted Quan Bo.


    "You shall leave. You did good work. Your family is safe. Go and have fun with them," a voice echoed. Nianzu turned to look and saw Luo Zhen, Xie Tian, and Liu Shing.


    "You shall leave, Quan Bo," Nianzu told him and tilted his head.. Quan Bo lowered his gaze and left from there.

 Chapter 555 - My Ideal

    <h4>Chapter 555 - My Ideal</h4>


    Once Quan Bo left the ce, Nianzu turned to them, who was ring at him.


    "Don''t you know that you should not look into the eyes of a nobleman?" Xie Tian scolded Nianzu.


    "It is strange to see that a meremoner is bothering you so much that you three tried to ckmail my friend," asserted Nianzu and snickered.


    "Mind yournguage, Nianzu," Liu Shing reminded him. "You only need to beg for forgiveness from Young Master Luo Zhen," he stated.


    "Beg for forgiveness," Nianzu chuckled. "If it solves the problem, then I will do it," Nianzu said. Luo Zhen had not expected that Nianzu would agree to this so easily.


    "Do you think I will easily forgive you? You insulted me in front of the noble ssmen. I heard that you are making an extra living by writing and transcribing books. I will make you and your petty wife my servant!" Luo Zhen pronounced and smirked.


    "Watch your tongue, Young Master Luo. I had warned you the other day too not to involve my wife in your ridiculous conversation," Nianzu asserted with a calm face. "As I said you all are young people, so do not involve yourself in the life of others just for your own fun," he suggested to them.


    Luo Zhen started tough and stepped towards Nianzu.


    "Amoner must not tell me what to do or what not to. This is the first rule to not get into the bad side of a nobleman," Luo Zhen stated. "Your poor wife will beg me to save your life!" He stated.


    Nianzu chuckled. "That would never happen," he replied with a confident tone.


    Nianzu never believed in fights and he negotiated most of the time. Also, in front of them, he could not fight¡­ not because he could not defeat them but because they might get suspicious of him and could trouble him more by checking about his background. He thought to calm the situation through the conversation.


    "Young Master Luo shall not waste his time on amoner like me. I apologize to you. For a second, I forgot that I am in front of an upper-ssman," Nianzu lowered his head. Xie Tian and Liu Shing smiled as Nianzu lowered his head.


    Luo Zhen put his right hand on Nianzu''s left shoulder and pressed his fingers. Nianzu did not lift his eyes. He felt a little pain which he could endure easily. Luo Zhen pushed him and Nianzu fell to the ground.


    Nianzu narrowly gazed at him when Luo Zhen kicked him and heid tly on the ground. He kicked on his liver''s side.


    "Ahh," Nianzu hissed in pain. Luo Zhen put his right leg on Nianzu''s chest and pressed him down. "This is your ce," He said. Nianzu coughed blood, but he did not fight back.


    "Grab both of his hands. He has pride in those. I will cut them today," Luo Zhen said furiously. "Then, I will make your wife my chief servant," he smirked. "You think women should be kept at a higher ce than men. I will make you see her ce," Luo Zhen affirmed.


    Nianzu understood that Luo Zhen would not understand his words. So, he decided to fight. Luo Zhen pulled out the sword from his sheath when Nianzu, using his strength, pushed his leg away and swiftly stood up. Because now if he did not fight back then he might lose not only his hand but also Chuntao.


    "How dare you?" Luo Zhen shouted.


    Nianzu had taken out the fan from inside his robes and opened it. "I thought my apology will be enough to calm down the anger of Young Master Luo. I was wrong. Some kids understand after getting beaten up," Nianzu stated.


    "You think you can beat me with that paper fan!" Luo Zhen said astonishingly and started tough. Liu Shing and Xie Tian also came towards Luo Zhen.


    "This might look like a normal paper fan but believe me it will defeat you three," Nianzu stated. "So, if you three do not want to get beaten up and humiliated, you three shall stop," Nianzu asserted as he moved the fan a little.


    Luo Zhen''s facial expressions turned grim and he attacked Nianzu. He shed the sword to the front. But Nianzu swiftly moved backward and defended himself using the fan, which was on the hilt of the sword, and his other hand had caught Luo Zhen''s hand.


    Nianzu swiftly removed his hand from the hilt and hit Luo Zhen''s chest, who was pushed backward. Liu Shing and Xie Tian asked Luo Zhen if he was fine.


    Nianzu smiled and took his right foot back. Again he started to fan himself. The night had started to fall, and visibility had lowered.


    "Go home before you three end up hurting," Nianzu again warned them.


    Luo Zhen again attacked him¡­ this time with full force. Nianzu protected himself well with the fan in his hand. Xie Tian and Liu Shing were awestruck to see the fighting abilities of Nianzu, who sliced off the fan in the air and defended himself from getting injured from the sword. They were scared, so did not step ahead.


    Luo Zhen could not even touch Nianzu while he was being kicked many times. Atst, Nianzu hit on the back of his palm with the fan because of which Luo Zhen loosened the grip on the sword. It fell from his hand. Nianzu kicked on the hilt of the sword and it bounced off the ground. Nianzu quickly caught it and put it on the neck of Luo Zhen who widened his eyes.


    "The sword can cut a paper into pieces making it not valuable in the eyes of Young Master Luo. However, this paper, when used in a fan, has the ability to defeat a man with a sword. Even the pettiest thing has its importance. I think the three young Masters failed to understand this smallest thing from their teachers," Nianzu asserted.


    "Don''t worry. I will not kill you. Also, Little Kid, do not waste your energy behind amoner," Nianzu proimed and pulled his hand back. He threw the sword on the ground and walked past them.


    "What was that?" Liu Shing asked and looked at Luo Zhen.


    "Why did you two not help me?" Luo Zhen shouted at them.


    "We were scared and--"


    "Leave it! You two are cowards," Luo Zhen shouted at them and turned back. Nianzu had vanished from his sight. "He is not an ordinarymoner," Luo Zhen murmured.


    Nianzu came out of the isted ce when a familiar hand surrounded his shoulder. He tilted his head and saw Fei Jing. "I almost helped you but you already started to fight them," Fei Jing stated. "An exceptional ability to use a fan for defense and attack. I am impressed," he said and passed him a smile.


    "This all started because Young Master Fei invited me to his party," Nianzu said annoyingly. "Did by any chance--"


    Immediately, Fei Jing cut the words of Nianzu. "No. I did not do that. Luo Zhen took your words to his ego. Also, I only wanted to know about your real self. That''s why I called you to the party. I know you are the Fourth Prince. Do not worry. I will not tell anyone. I never knew a Prince could lead such a simple life and get beaten up. You are my ideal, Nianzu," Fei Jing said with glistening eyes.


    Nianzu peered into his eyes and pushed him away. He did not say anything and walked ahead. Fei Jing sighed. "You are indeed my ideal, Nianzu," Fei Jing shouted. The people looked at them. Nianzu did not stop and kept walking.. There was a smile on his lips as, after a long time, he fought with someone.

 Chapter 556 - A Good Lesson

    <h4>Chapter 556 - A Good Lesson</h4>


    Fei Jing had caught Nianzu again and asked him if he was injured. Nianzu told him to leave. However, Fei Jing refused.


    "What is it that you want now?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Your hands got bruised when he pushed you down. Also, he kicked you on the liver side. Get it checked with the doctor. Come with me," Fei Jing forwarded his help.


    "Young Master Fei, I will deal with all this myself. Thank you for your concern. You shall go back to your house. The son of the nobleman should not roam freely for long. Also, it is not good to worry about amoner," Nianzu remarked and walked away.


    Fei Jing chuckled. "I never considered you lowly," He murmured and left for his house.


    Nianzu reached outside his house and checked his robes. He touched his lips andter looked at his hands. "I need to be careful," Nianzu muttered.


    He walked inside and found Chuntao on the porch. She ran to him and hugged him tightly. That startled Nianzu. "I was tense as you did not reach early," Chuntao said as she gripped his robes tightly.


    Nianzu saw that Huo Jin was not present in the house. He ced his hand on Chuntao''s head and caressed it. "I got busy with some work. Forgive me. I will try toe early," Nianzu assured and pulled away.


    "Brother Huo Jin has gone to find you. Seeing me anxious, he went out to find you," Chuntao replied. Just then, Huo Jin entered the house and saw Nianzu. He was d that nothing happened to Nianzu.


    "Is the hot water ready? I would like to wash up," Nianzu stated.


    "Yes. It''s in the second bucket. I will bring your clothes. Oh, wait! Where is your cloth bag?" Chuntao queried Nianzu, who realized that he forgot to pick the bag while returning.


    "Ahh, the bag. It is in my workce. I thought to put it there," Nianzu lied to Chuntao, who nodded. "Let''s talkter," he said and went to the tiny bathhouse.


    Huo Jin looked at Chuntao and asked her if she was alright.


    "Yes. Forgive me for disturbing Brother Huo Jin," she lowered her head.


    "Sister Chun did not disturb me. It is my duty to serve you two. Please do not apologize to me," Huo Jin stated. Chuntao thanked him and went inside the house.


    Huo Jin looked towards the bathroom. "Why did he lie? What is he hiding?" Huo Jin muttered and went to his room.


    Chuntao brought a new pair of clothes from the room and went to the bathroom. She knocked on the door. "Nianzu, here are your clothes," Chuntao said. Nianzu opened the door and took the clothes from her.


    "Shall I wash your back?" She asked.


    "No. I will do it myself. You shall prepare the dinner. I am hungry," Nianzu stated. Chuntao nodded and told him that she would prepare the dinner. She walked away while Nianzu closed the door.


    He could not let Chuntao find out. When he fell to the ground and got beaten up by Luo Zhen, he got bruised on his back. He thought to deal with this problem on his own. Though he had made sure that those three would not trouble him anymore but he still had the doubt. "I need to inform the Royal Inspector before anything goes wrong," Nianzu decided.


    After he washed up, he changed into a clean pair of clothes and came out of the bathroom. He went straight to his room and sat on the cushion. He looked at his hands when the door slid, and Chuntao came inside with a tray in her hands. Quickly he hid his palms.


    "Where is Huo Jin? Is he noting?" Nianzu asked.


    "Brother Huo Jin has eaten already. He was also tired from the day''s activities," replied Chuntao. She set the table and handed the chopsticks to Nianzu. He took it. Luckily, thentern light was not enough to illuminate the room, so Chuntao did not notice the wounds on his palms.


    They both started to eat, keeping a pin drop silence between the two. Chuntao noticed that something was off with Nianzu. "Did something happen?" She asked him.


    "No. Why did you ask?" Nianzu picked the rice from the chopsticks and brought it closer to his mouth.


    "You are acting strange today. Also, what''s wrong with your hands? Did you fall, or did someone push you to the ground?" Chuntao straightforwardly inquired from him. "Do not lie to me. If you do not want to answer, then keep quiet, but do not lie," Chuntao stated.


    Nianzu smiled. He tried hard to hide from Chuntao, but she was his wife. How could he even think to hide things from her? The instincts of a woman were said to be more powerful than a man''s.


    "A few noblemen tried to beat me," Nianzu told Chuntao, who stopped eating. Seeing her, he also stopped. "I taught them a good lesson with that fan," Nianzu replied, gesturing towards the fan on the other table.


    "Why did you even get beaten up?" Chuntao questioned him.


    "Who wants to get beaten up. I thought they would calm down with my apology. I held it for some time. But then, it was important to teach a lesson to those kids," Nianzu asserted.


    "You are smiling. Why is it so?" Chuntao skeptically looked at him.


    "I fought after a long time. I hardly fight," he replied and smiled.


    "Do you think it was fun? Getting hurt?" She got furious at him, and her eyes turned teary. "You do not need to get happy over this. Don''t you know I get hurt? Also, do not hold yourself just to save me," Chuntao affirmed and started to eat again.


    "Forgive me. I will not let myself get harmed anymore," Nianzu assured her. He saw she was on the verge of crying. He got silent and again started to eat. Once they finished eating, Chuntao went to the kitchen.


    Nianzu went behind her and tried to help her. "Go to the room. I will do it," Chuntao replied.


    "Chun, don''t get angry at me. I promise that I will not hold back anymore," Nianzu said.


    "You are a Prince, Nianzu. No one has the right to treat you this way. What if you would have been severely injured?" Chuntao questioned him.


    "I would not have let the situation arise. I got trained by Ex-militarymanders," stated Nianzu and patted her shoulder.. Chuntao hummed and passed a tiny smile to him.

 Chapter 557 - Step Away

    <h4>Chapter 557 - Step Away</h4>


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili reached the Entrance of the market in the Royal Pnquin. The carriers gently put it on the ground. Commander Yang came to the front and put away the curtains. Sheng Li stepped out of the pnquin and then gave the hand to Ying Lili. She grasped his hand and stepped down the pnquin.


    The entire market entrance was decorated with red and yellownterns. The soldiers were deployed, keeping them meters away from the reach of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "We could have taken the pnquin to reach the grand stage," Sheng Li suggested to Ying Lili.


    "But if the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess walk till the stage, then that would be considered great. Also, we need to buy a few things from each of the stalls ced at regr distances," asserted Ying Lili. Sheng Li hummed and looked at Commander Yang. He came closer to the Crown Prince, who whispered something in his ear. After whispering, Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and told her to take the first step.


    "The Crown Prince shall take the first step. I will follow in his footsteps," Ying Lili suggested.


    "The Crown Princess shall take the first step. Her husband will follow her," Sheng Li told her and gestured to her to step ahead.


    "Let''s take a step together. That would be great," She suggested to him with gleaming eyes. Sheng Li hummed and grasped her hand. "People are looking at us. The Crown Prince shall keep the values in mind," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "I am holding the hand of my wife. Is it depicting a bad value?" Sheng Li questioned Ying Lili. "You told me that we shall take steps together. That''s what I am doing," Sheng Li answered.


    They heard the footsteps and turned to see. Three more litters stopped. From one, Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan stepped out, from the other Rong Zemin and Liao Jun stepped out while from thest one Weng Yu stepped out. Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili and then Commander Yang.


    "The Crown Princess wanted the two Princes to attend as well. The Sixth Prince is with Princess Zhu Lin, that is why he is not here," Commander Yang whispered in Sheng Li''s ear and stepped back.


    Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan greeted the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess; followed by Rong Zemin, Liao Jun, and atst, Weng Yu greeted them.


    "The Crown Princess has nned something special for this evening," Jian Guozhi stated and passed her a smile.


    "Yes, Brother Jian. Thank you to the three Princes, and both the Princesses for joining us," Ying Lili said in her soft voice. Sheng Li did not like it. Ying Lili told him that she had a surprise for him, but she called the other Princes in that.


    "Sister Lili, we all are excited to see what is special about today''s event," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    "Address her as the Crown Princess," Sheng Li reminded Xue Yu-Yan. The smile from her lips disappeared, and she lowered her eyes.


    "Before it getste, let''s start this event," Sheng Li said and turned towards the gate. He again held the hand of Ying Lili and stepped inside the entrance with Ying Lili. The people were taking peeks at them as most of them saw the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess for the first time.


    Liao Jun got close to Rong Zemin and said in a low voice, "My breath almost stopped when the Crown Prince spoke. How does Sister¡­," she shook her head and continued, "How does the Crown Princess handle the Crown Prince?"


    "You should ask the Crown Princess," Rong Zemin replied and kept walking behind the First Prince.


    Ying Lili turned her head back and looked at Weng Yu. She gestured to him toe forward, who refused. Ying Lili again gestured to him. Weng Yu looked at the soldiers beside him and walked ahead.


    "Look at the front. You might fall," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who immediately looked forward. Weng Yu reached behind Ying Lili. The first stall came, which was known for its dumplings. Sheng Li and Ying Lili stopped in front of it.


    The owner deeply bowed and greeted the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. "It is my pleasure to serve the dumplings to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," the middle-aged man said.


    "You may raise," Sheng Li told him. The middle-aged man quickly stood straight. He had still lowered his eyes. He went towards the stall and prepared the dumplings for them and the other Princes and the Princesses.


    "The Sixth Brother once took me to this stall. He makes good dumplings," Weng Yu told Ying Lili. Sheng Li tilted his head and realized Lei Wanxi had never brought him to this stall.


    The middle-aged man prepared the dumplings from them. Ying Lili handed the stick to Weng Yu and told him to eat. "How can I, Your Highness?" Weng Yu nced at Sheng Li, who was ring at him.


    "First younger ones shall eat," Ying Lili said and turned towards the owner of the stall. She took four more dumpling sticks from him and turned back. Jian Guozhi helped her and handed the dumpling sticks to Rong Zemin, Xue Yu-Yan, and Liao Jun.


    Sheng Li gazed at Ying Lili, who told the middle-aged man to prepare more dumplings. "For whom? Don''t you know I do not like street food?" Sheng Li asked her. The man stopped and lowered his eyes. Rong Zemin chuckled upon hearing the words of Sheng Li. He could not believe that Sheng Li said that openly.


    "Forgive the Crown Prince, Uncle. Please prepare for the others as well. We have twomanders and eight soldiers behind us," Ying Lili told the count to the middle-aged man.


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li, who still had not eaten anything. "Eat it," she told him. Sheng Li hummed and took a bite. He chewed it and found how delicious it was. He quickly finished it and asked the seller to prepare one more for him. Ying Lili smiled, who was slowly eating.


    Commander Yang distributed the dumpling sticks to Commander Sun and the foot soldiers.


    After everyone ate, Sheng Li took the pouch from Commander Yang and took out a gold coin from it. "Here," he forwarded his hand.


    "His Royal Highness does not need to pay. It is the first time the Royal Princes came to my stall and tasted the dumplings," he politely refused.


    "Take it. We cannot eat it for free," Sheng Li said sternly. Jian Guozhi also told the middle-aged man to ept that coin. He came forward and brought both of his hands forward. Sheng Li put the gold coin on his palm. "You shall try to apply in the Royal Kitchen," the Crown Prince advised him.


    "Yes, Your Highness. Long Live the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess," the man loudly said and bent on his knees. He bowed, and his forehead touched the ground.


    Sheng Li and walked ahead, followed by Ying Lili and the others. After crossing and purchasing a few things from five more stalls, they turned to the ground where the stage was prepared.


    Suddenly a five years old kid left the hand of his mother and ran towards them. The soldiers came forward who had held the leg of Sheng Li by then. The mother of the little kid came forward and, beg for forgiveness.


    Sheng Li snickered and looked down. "Go to your mother," Sheng Li said annoyingly, because of which the kid started to cry.


    Ying Lili looked at Sheng with a nk expression.


    "Hey, take him away," Sheng Li gestured to the soldier, who grabbed the arms of the kid, but the kid was not ready to leave Sheng Li''s leg. Instead, he started to cry loudly, creating a ruckus. His mother tried toe forward, but soldiers stopped him.


    "Leave me! Don''t you know who I am?" Sheng Li tried to push him away.


    Ying Lili then bent down and told Sheng Li to stop. "Little boy,e to me," Ying Lili said softly. The boy stopped crying and looked at Ying Lili.


    "Step away," Ying Lili told the soldier.


    The boy came towards Ying Lili, who had extended her arms. He came to her while sobbing. Ying Lili hugged him and then patted his back. "You do not need to be scared," she pulled back and wiped the tears from his cheeks.


    "He is the Crown Prince¡­ the Fifth Prince of this Empire," asserted Ying Lili, pointing towards Sheng Li, and then she pointed her finger towards Jian Guozhi.


    "This is the Eldest Prince, the First Prince of this Empire, and behind him, there is the Third Prince," Ying Lili introduced the kid to everyone. After she was done, she stood up and told him to go to his mother. The woman thanked Ying Lili for her benevolence.. Ying Lili smiled and then peered at Sheng Li.

 Chapter 558 - To Support His Family

    <h4>Chapter 558 - To Support His Family</h4>


    The mother of the kid again apologized to the Crown Prince for creating trouble. Sheng Li looked at the kid, who was looking at him. The kid turned his head away and again started to cry. "Mother, his highness i-is ring at me," the kid againined.


    "When did I re? He is lying," Sheng Li stated and then looked at Ying Lili.


    The woman again apologized to him on behalf of her son and went back to the crowd lined up on the left side of the road with her child.


    "He was lying, Lili," Sheng Li whispered near Ying Lili''s ear as they resumed the walk.


    "How could a kid lie? Also, you almost started a fight with a kid. Is this the way you are going to treat our future child?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "No. I only looked at that brat! Did you see how he was not ready to leave my leg? Does he not know that I am the Crown Prince? No one can touch me whenever they please," Sheng Li said proudly.


    "Do not call him a brat. He might have heard about you from people. Children are curious about the things or people they hear or see. The Little Boy was affectionate towards you. Yet you did not treat him nicely. Kids usually hold the legs of the person they like," Ying Lili exined to him.


    "You think I made a mistake," Sheng Li chuckled.


    "Indeed, you made a mistake," Ying Lili replied and they both halted in front of a stall. They both peered at each other.


    "Greetings to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess." Their attention was grabbed by the voice of the young man. Sheng Li recognized him. It was the same person who read his hand once upon Ying Lili''s request. He found that it was a stall that had women''s essories.


    Sheng Li ended up chuckling. ''I knew that he was a con artist. Finally, he came into my ws. How dare he call me a short-tempered person?'' Sheng Li thought.


    Ying Lili picked a white silk handkerchief that had red embroidery on its border. She called Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun to the front. "Sisters, you can pick whatever you want to buy," Ying Lili told them. "I know we have been to Pce life where such things bear no value but sometimes the simplest things have their own charm. We have world-ss sewers in the workshop but such designs are rare to find," Ying Lili stated as she looked at the embroidery on the handkerchief.


    "We agree with the Crown Princess," Liao Jun replied and picked a pink ribbon. Even the ribbon has a design carved on it.


    "I am d that her highnesses liked these crafts," the young man replied.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, was ring at him. Ying Lili turned to Sheng Li and showed him two handkerchiefs. "Which one is good?" She asked.


    "I do not like anything here," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili blinked a few times and looked at the young man, whose eyes were lowered.


    Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin asked their wives if they found something good.


    Ying Lili asked Sheng Li why he said that. "He is the con artist," Sheng Li whispered in her ear.


    "Pardon me!" Ying Lili arched her brow.


    "That palm reader who called me a short-tempered person. Why would I buy the essories from him? And who allowed him to even stand in front of me?" Sheng Li muttered and looked at hismanders. Since his sound was low, only Ying Lili could hear that. She was stunned to see how Sheng Li had kept the grudge against the palm reader till now.


    "I will buy from him only. He did not lie about your traits," Ying Lili snapped at Sheng Li. Rong Zemin and Jian Guozhi heard them. They both smiled a little.


    "Why don''t the Crown Prince buy something for the Crown Princess?" Rong Zemin suddenly said.


    Sheng Li looked at him.


    "There are many good hair essories. Prince Wanxi has once said that the Crown Princess likes to buy essories from small shops," Rong Zemin stated.


    Sheng Li felt stuck because, in front of many people, he could not say anything to the young man, who was the con artist in his eyes. Sheng Li without thinking much picked a multi-pronged hairpin for Ying Lili. "I think this will look good on the Crown Princess," Sheng Li stated.


    Weng Yu came forward and looked at the essories. He also wanted to buy one for the Crown Princess but he was scared of the Crown Prince''s reaction. After everyone bought the essories, Sheng Li handed him a gold coin though he had no intention of giving it to him.


    Commander Yang informed the Crown Prince that they should head to the ground where a small performance was organized by the people.


    "What about the other stalls? The people are eager to meet us," Ying Lili said.


    "Your Highness, we need to return before dinner time to the Pce. Also, the curfew hours will start soon after dinner time," Commander Yang exined to Ying Lili.


    "We can organize this kind of event again and give the remaining people a chance to show their skills and work to us," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who nodded. They turned towards the ground where a stage was made. The thrones were put on the raised tform, where they all took their respective seats.


    Xing-Fu stood behind the throne on which Sheng Li was seated. He bent down and whispered in her ear, "Your Highness, there will be some regional dances and other art forms." He stepped back and lowered his head.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili. "Why were you acting that way in front of that young man?" Ying Liliined.


    "He is that con artist who read my palm. That idiot!" Sheng Li gritted his teeth.


    "Sheng Li, he is poor. He is doing multi work to support his family. I think that there is some debt on him. Do not get angry with him. He is only doing his work. You should not act that way. Also, whatever he said was right in a sense. You indeed get angry in a short period of time," Ying Lili pronounced and smiled.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 559 - Create Good Opportunities

    <h4>Chapter 559 - Create Good Opportunities</h4>


    A few men came to the middle of the ground, in various dresses. They had prepared a dance for the Royal Princes and the Princesses. They had two rods in their both hands-on which long silk clothes were attached.


    A few of them started to y the drums and the men started to dance. Their steps were powerful one and the swift movement of the silk attached to the rods created a feeling of aggression. Suddenly a man dressed in white came forward and started to narrate a folk story.


    With that powerful dance, the fight between ten States was depicted. A man who was considered the hero in the Legend of Ten States came with a sword and pushed back those dancers cum fighters from the Ten States.


    Sheng Li tilted his head a little left and found the Princes were enjoying that. He then looked to the right and found Ying Lili was enjoying it. It confused him. ''Why did they start fighting in the middle of the dance? What kind of dance is this? Lili did tell me about a few dances, but I do not remember if she ever told me about this,'' Sheng Li thought.


    Soon the dance ended and they all pped, along with the people who had surrounded the ground. Sheng Li faked a smile and started to p. "What a marvelous performance!" Sheng Li remarked though he did not know the meaning behind it.


    "The Legend of Ten States is a wonderful folk tale. Depicting the scenes with dance was tough but they wonderfully performed it," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li looked at him nkly. He did not know such a folktale existed. He tilted his head and looked at Xing-Fu, who quickly bent.


    "Does His Highness need anything?" Xing-Fu asked.


    "What is this folktale that Lili is talking about? Brief me," Sheng Li said in a low voice.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with the words of Ying Lili. "They even sessfully showed the fight scene. How Teng Ru fought with the Ten powerful Generals of the Ten States¨C that was one remarkable fight," Jian Guozhi pronounced. Rong Zemin nodded his head.


    Xing-Fu was going to tell Sheng Li when Ying Lili looked at him. "What does the Crown Prince think about this performance?" She asked with curiosity.


    "It was good. Let''s move to the next performance," Sheng Li told them. Ying Lili understood that he did not know about the folktale. Suddenly the rain started to fall.


    "Ahh, why is it raining all of a sudden?" Sheng Li muttered. Commander Yang and Sun quickly arranged the pnquins for them.


    Sheng Li stood up and found the people instead of running away were still at their ces. Since the rain started out of nowhere, they all suddenly had to leave. But he was surprised to see that people did not leave their ces. So, before leaving he decided to quickly address them.


    "The People of Han, I am d that you all nned this for us. I am afraid that because of the rain, this event needs to end here. I am d that instead of creating chaos on the ground, you all stayed at your ce. The soldiers will help you. Make lines and gradually leave the ground," Sheng Li addressed them in a loud enough voice. Ying Lili and the others had stood up from their respective seats. The soldiers helped the people first to get out of the ground. Sheng Li instructed Xing-Fu to give gifts to today''s performers.


    "Your Highness, the Royal Pnquins are ready," Commander Yang informed the Crown Prince, who hummed.


    "Let''s head back to the Pce before the rain gets heavier," Sheng Li told them. He helped Ying Lili to get into the Pnquin first and then checked if his brothers and sisters-inw got into the pnquins or not.


    Xing-Fu had covered Sheng Li with an oil-paper umbre. "Your Highness, you shall get in," Commander Yang told him.


    "Send the pnquin in which Weng Yu is, ahead of us and then send the pnquins in which the other Princes are with their wives," Sheng Limanded him. Commander Yang could not refuse that order and quickly went to thest pnquin. He told the carriers to move first and then ordered the same to the other two pnquin carriers.


    Commander Sun followed those pnquins upon Sheng Li''s orders.


    Sheng Li then looked around the ground. Thenterns had been extinguished because of the water. "Check the ground once," Sheng Li ordered Commander Yang before getting into the pnquin. His robes had drenched a little and he peeked outside the curtains.


    The carriers had carried the pnquin and started to move. He closed the curtains and turned towards Ying Lili, who was looking outside from the other side.


    "Close it. Everyone has left," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili tilted her head towards him.


    "I was only checking if any kid or old person was left behind or not. Luckily, the soldiers did their work with utmost responsibility," Ying Lili asserted. The smallnternmp inside the pnquin was making their faces a little visible.


    Ying Lili noticed the water drops on Sheng Li''s face. She quickly took out the handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed it over his face gently. He gazed at her when she said,


    "Forgive me. I did not know that suddenly rain would ur. Everything could have gone chaotic but--"


    "But the people stayed at their ces, waiting for us to leave first," Sheng Lipleted her words. "They respect us. I was overwhelmed to see this," Sheng Li stated.


    Ying Lili hummed and wiped the droplets from his forehead too.


    "I liked it. I did not know people enjoy seeing their Crown Prince and the Crown Princess around them. I got to learn many things about them. Even themoners have unique skills but because they do not have enough resources, opportunities, they could never get known. That dumpling seller makes delicious dumplings¡­ better than the Royal Chef but we didn''t know.


    The old woman makes beautiful crafts. She could work in the Royal workshop but I feel she never got the chance," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili put her hand down and agreed with his words. "Not everyone gets an opportunity especially when there is so much difference between people because of the social sses," Ying Lili concluded.


    "Yes.. However, we can create good opportunities for our people," Sheng Li said with glistening eyes.

 Chapter 560 - On His Knees

    <h4>Chapter 560 - On His Knees</h4>


    The maidservant removed the hair essories from Ying Lili''s head. Court Lady Xu sent her out and asked Ying Lili if she would like to include Hot Soup for the dinner.


    "Yes. Tell them to prepare two bowls," Ying Lili stated.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu walked out of the chamber while Ying Lili started tob her hair. She put theb down on the dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror.


    "I got a pimple," she murmured and touched it. It was on her left cheek. She put her hand down and recalled the words of Sheng Li about creating opportunities for their people. Suddenly, her thoughts went onto Prince Nianzu.


    "In a day or two, Prince Nianzu and Princess Chuntao will be in the Pce. I hope the Empress willingly epts Sister Chuntao as her daughter-inw. Sheng Li indeed gave such a marvelous idea to Brother Nianzu," Ying Lili murmured when she felt the familiar hands on her shoulders. She lifted her eyes and saw Sheng Li''s reflection in the mirror.


    He then put the multi-pronged hairpin on the dressing table. "It is your gift," he said. Ying Lili thanked him and stood up.


    She turned to him and said, "I got a pimple here." She showed him her left cheek. "I care for my skin yet it happened. Now, it is irritating me," she stated. Sheng Li leaned to her face and kissed her cheek.


    "I am not joking, Sheng Li. I indeed got a pimple," She said.


    "When did I say you lied? I only kissed you. It will vanish soon," Sheng Li assured her.


    "Lili, the fall season is near. Do you want to go somewhere with me before that? Just a one-day trip¡­ we cannot be outside the Pce for long since my Father''s health is poor," asserted Sheng Li. He waited for Ying Lili''s opinion on this.


    "Where shall we go for a day trip?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Where no one will be present except us. I want to spend a day with you only and nothing around," Sheng Li expressed his desire.


    "We both spend so much time together," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    "But we both are surrounded by servants or other people! I want to make memories with you before this fall season. Then, in the autumn, I want to build new memories with you," Sheng Li stated. The Court Lady Xu entered with two maidservants, who set the table. Sheng Li brought Ying Lili towards the table and pulled out a chair for her. Once she was seated, he sat on his seat and told Court Lady Xu to leave with the maidservants.


    "Yes, Your Highness," she bowed and walked out with those two maidservants.


    Ying Lili handed Sheng Li a spoon. "Drink that soup first. It will warm your body," She stated. He took it and started to drink the soup. Ying Lili also drank the soup.


    "Wasn''t that kid cute?" Ying Lili asked.


    "No. He was not cute," Sheng Li replied.


    Ying Lili huffed. "He was! He had small eyes, a tiny nose, and soft cheeks," Ying Lili said.


    "Even I have small eyes, a tiny nose, and soft cheeks," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili amusingly looked at him. "You have big eyes, a pointed nose, and not so soft cheeks," she corrected his statement.


    "I did not like that kid at all. He embarrassed me in front of everyone. I saw how people were gazing at me. They thought that I made that brat cry," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Sheng Li, you cannot handle kids. What about ours in the future? Are you going to treat them the same way? I do not want our kids toin to me that their father scolded them or red at them," Ying Lili sternly said.


    "When did I re? I only looked into his eyes," Sheng Li rified himself.


    "You scowled at him. I also saw that. Do not lie to me," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and picked the chopsticks. She moved the bowl towards her and started to eat rice.


    "Do you know the folktale about the Legend of the Ten States?" She then asked him.


    "No," he replied immediately.


    "You never read about it. It was in a famous folklore book. Everyone knows about it. How could the Crown Prince not know?" Ying Liliined.


    "I never read the folktales. I never had any folktale books. I hated them," Sheng Li replied and picked the chopsticks from the te.


    "You never liked to study, don''t you? Your Teachers might have told you this story," Ying Lili snapped at him.


    "When you know that I never liked to study then why are you asking? Let''s not argue over the dinner table over a mere folktale," Sheng Li stated and continued eating.


    "Teng Ru used to be the hero of my dreams," Ying Lili said and smiled.


    Sheng Li started to choke when Ying Lili handed him a ss of water and caressed his back. He quickly drank the water and put it on the table.


    "You said you never liked anyone. Did you lie to me? How could you dream of him?" Sheng Li asked her many questions at once. Ying Lili could not believe that Sheng Li was getting jealous of a folktale hero.


    "Let''s eat first. Then, I will ask you," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili smiled a little at the reactions of Sheng Li. Why was he so possessive of her? She picked a slice of fish meat and put it on the te which was in front of Sheng Li.


    He ate that and put another slice on her te. They both smiled and soon finished their meals. The maidservant came in and cleaned the table, and walked out while they both went to the bed. Sheng Li removed his upper robe and quickly slid into the nkets.


    "Now, answer me. I want to know why he is the hero of your dreams?" Sheng Li was annoyed, which was clear from his tone.


    "I liked that hero because he was brave," Ying Lili replied. "To protect his wife from the King of the Ten States, he fought with the Ten Great Generals of those Ten States.. He was the hero of my dreams because to save his love, he brought the King on his knees," Ying Lili pronounced.

 Chapter 561 - Impressions

    <h4>Chapter 561 - Impressions</h4>


    "I liked that hero because he was brave," Ying Lili replied. "To protect his wife from the King of the Ten States, he fought with the Ten Great Generals of those Ten States. He was the hero of my dreams because to save his love, he brought the King on his knees," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Did he save her?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes," Ying Lili smiled.


    Sheng Li got curious to know about the folktale. "Will you tell me about this folktale?"


    Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "He saved his wife from the bloody tyrant. Teng Ru was an ironsmith. In the Legend it was depicted how beautiful his wife was! The King of the Ten States, Wu Xinyang once happened to see Teng Ru''s wife in the market of the capital. The King fell for her at the very instant. Xinyang wanted to bring her to the Pce and marry her. He sent his right-hand man to find out about the woman, who used to live far from the capital, in a vige of ironsmiths and other worker sses.


    Soon he found out about her and informed Xinyang about her. He ordered his first General to bring her. The General followed the orders of his King. That day, Teng Ru had gone to the other city to bring some goods. He had no idea what was ahead of him. When he returned, he did not find his wife in the home, so he asked his neighbors, who told him how the First General took his wife away.


    Angered, Teng Ru reached outside the Pce with two swords in his hands. He single-handedly killed all the Ten Generals as he had challenged the King for this. The King felt weak in front of the love of Teng Ru for his wife. He let go of his wife. However, the injuries that Teng Ru got were so severe that he sumbed to those injuries."


    Ying Lili''s eyes turned teary while narrating the story to Sheng Li. "That''s why he was the hero of my dreams. Also, Xinyang baited the woman with many things. He was ready to make her the Queen of the Ten States but she refused. He even asked her why she would keep her heart open to a man who has nothing! When she replied to him that Teng Ru''s love was more than enough for her. The love of her husband could not bepared to the Queen''s position. For her, their love was supreme even if they were poor," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "But people change when wealth and power are in front of them. Don''t you think so?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "That''s why it''s a folktale. To inspire everyone. Wealth and power are not everything. Money cannot buy love and faith," Ying Lili made Sheng Li understand. "However, not everyone can understand this folktale. Still, this folktale is popr among themoners since Teng Ru was amoner," Ying Lili exined to him.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "He was indeed brave. Is he no longer your hero?" Sheng Li queried. Ying Lili wiped the tears from the edge of her eyes.


    "I met the real-life Teng Ru, so I stopped liking a folktale character," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li was stunned to hear that.


    He amusingly peered into her eyes. "And who''s that real-life Teng Ru?"


    "My Husband," Ying Lili replied and kissed him on his lips. Sheng Li was in a half-lying position on the bed. Ying Lili leaned back when Sheng Li wrapped his arm around her waist.


    He drew her closer and pressed their bodies together. "I am d that I became the hero of your dreams. The folktale has a sad ending though. What do you think about us?" He suddenly asked her.


    The smile on Ying Lili''s lips vanished. She furrowed her brows. "We will have a happy ending," She said confidently.


    Sheng Li stroked her cheek with his thumb and smiled. "Sad stories put lifelong impressions on one''s heart. They can never be forgotten," Sheng Li countered her answer.


    "But they give immense pain," Ying Lili replied. "Why did you suddenly say this? It scared me for a second," Ying Lili stated with a worried expression.


    "Even I do not know why I said that," Sheng Li replied. "I think that I was looking at the other side of the coin¨C the dark one, which we always tend to ignore," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "We don''t ignore it. We try to make it brighter," Ying Lili replied.


    "Let''s leave this discussion," Sheng Li suggested to her. He closed the distance between their lips and kissed her. After a while, they withdrew back and gazed at each other. "Let''s sleep. It was a tiring day," Sheng Li loosened his grip from her waist. Ying Lili moved away andid down on the bed.


    Sheng Li covered her from the nket. Ying Lili turned her face towards him and said, "You said that we would go to the Lu Province to meet Sister Jing."


    "I need to postpone that. Father''s health is not good," Sheng Li answered. "I have sent her a letter. Soon, I will get a reply from her," Sheng Li said delightedly.


    "Hmm."


    "Lili, I think I shall put faith in my brothers. The folklore you told me was about love and faith over wealth and power. Brother Nianzu will be back soon. Then, the Royal Family will bepleted once again. However, the absence of the Second Prince will always be there," Sheng Li said and heaved a sigh.


    Ying Lili moved closer to him and put her arm around him. "Indeed we will miss the Second Prince throughout our lives," she murmured.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 562 - Real Self

    <h4>Chapter 562 - Real Self</h4>


    Xiao Zhan reached Xiandong Vige with a group of soldiers. The Vige Headman fetched them after his assistant informed him about the same and also made the arrangements for their stay.


    Xiao Zhan told the Vige Headman that he woulde back after giving the Emperor''s order to the Fourth Prince. He left on his horse to Nianzu''s house, where he was living with his wife and Huo Jin.


    Xiao Zhan soon arrived at the house of Nianzu. The people who were going for work stopped upon seeing the General. He hopped down from the horse and went straight inside the house.


    Chuntao came out of the kitchen as she heard the galloping of the horse. She was stunned to see the General. She lowered her eyes and bowed deeply.


    "Where is the Fourth Prince?" Nianzu asked and looked at the scroll in his hand. The people behind him were shocked to find that the person living in the house was none other than the Fourth Prince of the Empire. They started to whisper among themselves. A few of them left to tell the people about the Fourth Prince.


    The soldiers had alsoe by then and stopped people froming forward.


    The way Xiao Zhan formally addressed her husband assured Chuntao that the Crown Prince had done his work. "General Xiao, he is inside the room. Please wait here," Chuntao said humbly.


    Xiao Zhan nodded his head and looked around the house. He wondered where Huo Jin could possibly be gone.


    Nianzu quickly came out of the room with Chuntao and descended the two stairs to reach the ground. Xiao Zhan bowed his head and greeted him. "The Emperor has given the order to bring you and your wife safely to Luoyang," Xiao Zhan informed Nianzu, who was d to hear that.


    Xiao Zhan forwarded the Royal Scroll to Nianzu, who opened it and started to read. A smile formed on his lips as Han Wenji had revoked his previous verdict.


    "What about the Court Ministers? Did they support the decision of the Imperial Father?" Nianzu asked.


    "Yes. They unanimously supported this decision. They also think that the Fourth Prince shall return. Also, everyone is happy to see that the Fourth Prince topped the Civil Services exam," Nianzu asserted. Chuntao looked outside and saw how people had flooded to meet them.


    Huo Jin, who had gone to the neighbor''s house, returned. He saw the crowd in front of the house and also a few soldiers. Pushing the people away, he came forward and asked one of the soldiers about themotion.


    He saw Xiao Zhan and told the soldier to let him inside. "Stay here! You can not go in," asserted the soldier.


    Huo Jin shouted Nianzu''s name. Both Nianzu and Xiao Zhan turned to look towards the door from where Huo Jin was waving at them. "Let him in," Xiao Zhan ordered the soldier.


    Huo Jin walked in and greeted General Xiao. "So, we are going back. I am so happy," asserted Huo Jin with a smile.


    "Yes. We will leave in the evening. Your Highness, the arrangements have been made in the Vige Headman''s house. We will stay there till the evening and then leave for Luoyang," asserted Xiao Zhan.


    "What about the things here?" Chuntao asked.


    "The necessary things will be packed and dispatched to the Capital," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "Your Highness, the carriage is ready," a soldier informed them. Xiao Zhan looked at Nianzu, who told Xiao Zhan that he would like to stay longer in that house.


    It confused Xiao Zhan and Huo Jin. "Pardon me, Your Highness but staying here would only increase your difficulties," Xiao Zhan advised him.


    "No. I would like to hear the grievances of people. Since I am here for only a few hours, I shall listen to them," Nianzu stated and looked outside. He found how desperate the people were to meet him.


    "General Xiao, you shall take some rest. Come inside. This house is a good ce," Nianzu suggested to him.


    "The soldiers are tired too, Your Highness. If we stay here then the soldiers need to guard this ce well. You are no longer an ordinary person," Xiao Zhan pronounced.


    "I have an idea for that as well," Nianzu stated and went outside. He urged the people to calm down. The people got quiet upon the request of the Fourth Prince.


    "Forgive me for lying to all of you and hiding my identity. As you all know that I had chosen a simple life, a life of amoner, and requested the same with my father, who announced his decision on this. I was told not to show my real identity to anyone, and I did so.


    However, in the past, my wife was being molested by the previous Vige Headman. Because I did not have any authority as amoner, I could not stop that. But then General Xiao saved us and punished the wrongdoers. That day I decided to go back to my real ce, not because I could not bear the life of amoner. But because I found that for amoner, it gets difficult to open his or her mouth in front of an upper-ssman.


    I decided to take the Civil Services Exam and also qualified for this exam with the top rank. This is all I did as amoner. I want to work for the people of Han. I will leave this vige in the evening with my wife and my friend. But before leaving, I want you people toe forward with your grievances. I assure you that I will solve those problems before leaving," Nianzu announced.


    "Also, if you can make the resting arrangements for the soldiers of Han, then that would be great. A few of the soldiers are in the house of Vige Headman and the soldiers present here cannot rest in this small house mine, so I want the support of you all," Nianzu requested humbly.


    "The Fourth Prince does not need to request us. We surely will help the soldiers," one old-aged man among them said and looked at the others, who agreed with him.


    "We will prepare the afternoon meals together for everyone and provide our resting ce to the great soldiers of Han," asserted a middle-aged man.


    "Thank you for this help," Nianzu stated and turned to look at Xiao Zhan, who came to him.


    "Why did His Highness do this?" He whispered in Nianzu''s ear.


    "Because that would be best," Nianzu replied. Huo Jin came forward and took General Xiao to his room. Nianzu, on the other hand, conversed with people for the resting arrangements of the soldiers. After they were done, the groups of two soldiers went to each person''s house in the vige.


    The Royal Inspector and a few other low-rank police officials reached Nianzu''s house. The Royal Inspector had received the official order from Jian Guozhi.


    "Your Highness, the news about you has spread in the entire vige," the Royal Inspector informed him. "Also, I am happy that you are returning to your original identity. I hope His Highness has found his real self," he stated.


    Nianzu nodded his head and looked at Chuntao and Huo Jin. They both were conversing with two people regarding the lunch arrangements. "They showed me my real self," he said and smiled.. "I will work for my people and support the Crown Prince as his left-hand man," he affirmed.

 Chapter 563 - Do Not Believe In Punishments

    <h4>Chapter 563 - Do Not Believe In Punishments</h4>


    Fei Jing wore the headband around his head when the servant informed him about the results. "Young Master Fei has qualified for the exam," he said delightedly. "The Master has called you. Also, there will be--"


    Fei Jing cut his words and asked about Nianzu. "What about Nianzu? Did he qualify too?" Before the servant could answer, another one came inside and gave him the news.


    "Young Master Fei, the Fourth Prince was living among us. The General and a group of soldiers havee to take the Fourth Prince and his wife back to Luoyang. The status which was revoked earlier is given back to the Fourth Prince," the servant informed Fei Jing, who chuckled.


    "I knew that he was the Fourth Prince. How could this be possible? He is given back his status! But, why?" Fei Jing muttered. "Prepare the litter for me. I need to go to his house," Fei Jing ordered him.


    "What about your father, Young Master?"


    "Tell Father that I will see himter," Fei Jing replied and walked out of the chamber.


    His mother wasing towards him. "Son, I was--"


    "Mother, I will talk to youter. I am in a hurry," stated Fei Jing and left the residence. He stepped into the litter and told the carriers to quickly go to Nianzu''s house.


    Soon, he reached outside the house of Nianzu. As soon as the litter was put on the ground, he got out of the litter. He saw the police officials around the house. He walked ahead and saw Nianzu with the Royal Inspector.


    "Will he even look at me? I have troubled him a little," He murmured when he felt two hands on his shoulders. He looked at his left-right. "Luo Zhen, Xie Tian!" He was startled to see them. They both dragged him away at the backside of the house so that no one could see them.


    "He is the Fourth Prince. Did you know about this?" Luo Zhen asked.


    "No," Fei Jing lied.


    "We are dead. Yesterday, we beat him," Luo Zhen told Fei Jing, who acted as if he did not know.


    "He will definitely hang us to death. I have heard that the Crown Prince is close to the Fourth Prince. What if the Fourth Prince tells the Crown Prince? We will surely get beheaded," Luo Zhen said worriedly.


    "You were the one who beat him," Xie Tian med him. "Let''s beg forgiveness from the Fourth Prince before he punishes us," he suggested to him.


    "As if the Fourth Prince will forgive us. I even kicked him so many times. My heart is restless. The Crown Prince will surely kill us," stated Luo Zhen. He started to tremble in fear.


    "Fei Jing, please help us. You are his friend," Luo Zhen pleaded with them. Fei Jing furrowed his brows and heaved a sigh.


    "What are you three talking over there?" They heard the voice of Nianzu and immediately turned back. Xie Tian quickly got on his knees and apologized to him. Seeing him, Luo Zhen too got on his knees and bowed his head.


    "Your Highness, please forgive us. We beg you," Luo Zhen pleaded with him.


    Nianzu smiled a little. "I do not believe in punishments. Also, I do not bother with such trivial matters. I am amon person with limited desires. However, I would like you all to not consider any person lowly and also try not toment on someone''s wife or any woman. It is not appropriate when literate people like you forget their teachings," Nianzu exined to them.


    "Forgive us, Your Highness," Fei Jing said finally. He lowered his eyes and head. "Forgive us for behaving like spoiled kids," he said.


    Luo Zhen and Tie Xian repeated the same words.


    "You called me a friend then you should act like one. You can call me Nianzu. I will not mind. Also, since I am leaving this vige by this evening, I want some right people to look after the people. I expect you to work diligently and efficiently for these people," Nianzu expressed his desire.


    Fei Jing lifted his eyes. "I wish I could call the Fourth Prince by his name. Now, the Fourth Prince has acquired the status of the Prince, so I cannot pronounce his name. I do not dare to. I knew that the Fourth Prince would top the exam. I am happy that he is returning to Luoyang and getting back to his rightful ce," stated Fei Jing.


    Nianzu walked towards him and embraced him in a hug. He patted his back and pulled away. "Hopefully, I will see you as a high-rank official in a few years," Nianzu affirmed.


    Fei Jing nodded his head and passed him a smile. "I will try my best, Your Highness. His Highness taught me a few things and I will implement them in my life." Nianzu was delighted to hear the words of Fei Jing. He then told Luo Zhen and Xie Tian to stand up. They both quickly stood up.


    "Yesterday you acted like kids who could not bear the fact that someone tried to correct them. If my identity as a Prince would not have been revealed today, then you three (referring to Liu Shing too) would have not thought of apologizing to me. Instead, the feeling of getting defeated by amoner would have created agony in your mind. Do not let your anger overpower your mind. That''s the best advice I can give you all. I only wish that you will work for people''s betterment because they have faith in you all. You all are lucky to have good family backgrounds, unlike many others."


    "We understand, Your Highness. Once again we apologize for our foolishness and we will walk on the path that His Highness has advised us," Luo Zhen assured Nianzu.


    Nianzu patted their shoulders and asked them if they would like to have lunch with him and the others.


    "Yes. We would love to!" Fei Jing instantly replied.


    "I am d to know that.. Follow me," Nianzu said and took the three to his house.

 Chapter 564 - A Long Life

    <h4>Chapter 564 - A Long Life</h4>


    The Huan Province King, Huan Tsu arrived at the Imperial Pce. Han Wenji fetched Huan Tsu from the Fu Imperial Gates. The two friends embraced each other. As they pulled away, Huan Tsu asked about his daughter.


    "The Princess is stable now but her wound will take a little time to heal," replied Han Wenji. "Come with me," Han Wenji stated. The Crown Prince and the other Princes followed their father and Huan Tsu to the Western Pce.


    As they reached outside the chamber where Zhu Lin was resting, Han Wenji asked the maidservant about Zhu Lin.


    "Your Majesty, the Princess is taking her medicine," the maidservant replied.


    "Inform the Princess that her father has arrived," Han Wenjimanded her.


    She did that and after informing opened the doors for them. They all entered the chamber.


    Zhu Lin had stood up from the bed and bowed her head. Lei Wanxi got worried as it might put pressure on Zhu Lin''s belly but he could not speak in the middle.


    Huan Tsu went towards her. "Sit down," he said. Zhu Lin was hesitating a little because the Emperor was also in front of her. "You shall sit," Han Wenji told her.


    "Huan Tsu, talk to your daughter. The arrangements for your stay have been made in the Western Pce so that you stay close to your daughter," Han Wenji told him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for all this," Huan Tsu stated and bowed. Han Wenji patted his shoulder and left, followed by the other princes.


    The door was closed and now only father & daughter were in the room. "What is this Zhu Lin? I have told you not to put your life in danger," Huan Tsu scolded her. He was worried when he heard that his daughter got injured.


    "Father, I could not stop myself from chasing the Second Prince. You have taught me to act bravely in all situations. I only did what you taught me," Zhu Lin replied. Huan Tsu sat on the chair which was ced beside the bed.


    "But I never allowed you to put your life in danger. Do you know how scared I was! After the grave loss of your brother, you are the only one who''s my everything. I know he got martyred while saving the Emperor, but his absence still hurts," Huan Tsu said regretfully.


    "Forgive me, Father, for making you worry. But if I had not stepped in, then many lives would have been in danger. Also, your daughter is strong and she will live a long life," asserted Zhu Lin.


    Huan Tsu caressed the head of her daughter. "I am proud of you. I got your message about the Fourth Prince. The Prince''s sudden decision might have hurt you," He stated.


    "I got hurt a little. But, then something beautiful happened with your daughter," Zhu Lin said and passed a smile to her father. "I fell in love with the Sixth Prince. Prince Lei Wanxi and I like each other," Zhu Lin told her father.


    It delighted Huan Tsu and he put his hand down. "So, Princess wants to marry the Sixth Prince," Huan Tsu asked to confirm.


    "Yes, Father," Zhu Lin answered.


    "I will talk with His Majesty and also with the Sixth Prince regarding this. I have not heard about the Sixth Prince much. Would you like to tell your father what the Sixth Prince is like?" Zhu Lin queried.


    "Yes, Father. Prince Wanxi has a cheerful personality. It is perfect for a person like me who is always serious. Father might have not heard about him much because he has no active participation in the Court. At the moment, he does not hold any major position. But, the Prince discussed with me and said he will soon start to work in the Capital Bureau Office," Zhu Lin briefly narrated the qualities of the Sixth Prince.


    "My daughter has selected the Prince then I have no problem with it. It is great that Prince Wanxi wants to work in the Capital Bureau Office. The Royal Princes hardly go for it. I have no problem with this rtionship," Huan Tsu stated.


    "Thank you, Father, for being understanding," Zhu Lin said. "Father shall rest for some time. Forgive me once again for worrying you," Zhu Lin lowered her eyes. Huan Tsu stood up from the chair and left the chamber.


    As Huan Tsu stepped out, he encountered the Crown Prince, who greeted with a fist and palm bow.


    "Please this way, King Huan," Sheng Li said humbly. He showed the way to the resting chamber to Huan Tsu.


    "The Crown Prince wants to say something," he asked and turned to him.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized and lowered his eyes.


    "Let''s talkter. I would like to rest for some time," Huan Tsu said. Sheng Li stepped back and left the chamber. He instructed the servant to take good care of Huan Tsu, before leaving.


    Sheng Li soon arrived outside his chamber when Xing-Fu informed him about the visit of the Empress. He knitted his brows. "Is Her Majesty inside?" Sheng Li asked.


    "No. His Highness was not present, so the Empress left. She told me if he returns, then I shall inform her. Her Majesty wants to meet the Crown Prince," Xing-Fu said humbly.


    "No need. I will visit Her Majesty," Sheng Li said and left for the Empress''s manor.


    The Empress was doing the needlework when the maidservant informed her about the Crown Prince. "Let the Crown Prince in," Deng Hui said. The maidservant stepped backward and walked out of the chamber.


    "The Crown Prince can go in," she said softly. Sheng Li stepped inside the chamber. He removed his shoes and saw the Empress doing needlework. He greeted her and sat down on the cushion.


    Deng Hui half-inserted the needle into the silk fabric and lifted her gaze.


    "Why did Her Majesty want to see me?" Sheng Li queried.


    "I want to thank the Crown Prince," Deng Hui replied.. Sheng Li chuckled, confusing the Empress.

 Chapter 565 - To Save Him

    <h4>Chapter 565 - To Save Him</h4>


    "I told Her Majesty not to call me for random matters," Sheng Li stated.


    "Forgive me, Crown Prince. I am sincerely apologetic for my behavior and actions," Deng Hui lowered her eyes.


    "Your Majesty, I neither need your apologies nor I need your thank you. I would like you not to bother me for insignificant matters," Sheng Li urged her and stood up from the cushion. He bowed and turned to leave when Deng Hui stopped him.


    She stood up and said, "Crown Prince, you used to call me ''Mother''. For that sake, I ask for your forgiveness."


    "I was naive to call you ''Mother''. It is my fault that I missed my mother and felt that love from your side. But not anymore! Please continue your work. I shall take my leave," Sheng Li said and walked away.


    Deng Hui felt guilty for her actions. She thought to meet the Crown Princess once and talk regarding this matter.


    Sheng Li went straight to meet the First Consort, Ju Fen. Although he knew that she would curse him for taking the life of her son, he still had to fulfill his duty as the Crown Prince. He asked the maidservant to inform the First Consort that the Crown Prince wanted to meet her.


    After a while, the maidservant came out. "The Crown Prince can go in," she said humbly. Sheng Li walked in and saw Ju Fen was seated on the floor, dressed in a white dress.


    He bowed in front of her and then lifted his head. "The First Consort shall sit on the chaise rather than the floor," Sheng Li suggested to her. Ju Fen tilted her head to meet his gaze.


    "Why did it happen? I begged His Majesty but he did not save my son," Ju Fen said. Tears started to pour down her cheeks.


    "There was political pressure too. The crime of Prince Yongzheng was unforgivable. You also know why he turned this way," Sheng Li stated.


    "Because he felt wrong," Ju Fen retorted.


    "Do you think that it was my fault?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Does it matter now?" Ju Fen questioned.


    "So, you do think this. Consort Ju was at fault too. You should not have taught him wrong. Also, I never took his share. I only made myself stronger to survive among you all. That was my mother''sst wish¨C to be strong. It was not my fault that Prince Yongzheng could not surpass me," stated Sheng Li.


    "Consider yourself lucky that the Crown Princess told me not to support the decision of the Ministers to send you to the Cold Pce. Thest thing I hope from you is to not n anything evil against anyone," Sheng Li threatened her.


    "I will never n evil for anyone in the Royal Pce. I have never nned anything. I had never imagined that my son would do such a big thing. I could not even see my son for thest time," asserted Ju Fen and wiped the tears from her eyes.


    "I want the Crown Prince to do something for me," Ju Fen requested to Sheng Li.


    "What does the First Consort want me to do?" Sheng Li queried.


    "I want the Crown Prince to send me to the Kunlun Shan mountains. The Emperor is not ready to meet me. I want to spend the rest of my life in the famous monastery in the Mountains," Ju Fen expressed her desire.


    "I do not think that the Emperor will agree to this. Also, none of us want you to leave the Pce. Stay here. I might look like a person who does not feel anything, but I do feel. If he had not nned against the Emperor and the Crown Princess, I would have done my best to save him," affirmed Sheng Li.


    Ju Fen started to cry again. She averted her gaze from Sheng Li. He stepped back and left the chamber.


    "Keep a close check on the First Consort," Sheng Li ordered the maidservant, who bowed her head. He then left to meet Ying Lili, when he encountered the Prime Minister.


    They both greeted each other. "A Few Ministers did not like it when the Crown Prince went out of the Pce to meet the general public," the Prime Minister informed Sheng Li.


    "What did they say?" Sheng Li questioned.


    "They think that the Crown Prince is trying to topple the situation in the Pce. However, I handled it in my own way," the Prime Minister assured Sheng Li, who was not surprised to hear all this. He knew that there would be a few Ministers, who would take it the other way. However, since Ying Lili had requested this, he took the risk to go out.


    "The Crown Princess had taken the permission of the Emperor. Also, the Princes and the Princesses have apanied us," Sheng Li asserted. "The people had made the request. The Crown Princess could not neglect it. Tell the ministers to talk to me directly if they have any issue," He proimed.


    "I understand, Crown Prince. I will deliver the same message to the Ministers," stated the Prime Minister. Sheng Li nodded his head and took his leave.


    "Brother Sheng!" Lei Wanxi called out his name and quickly put his hand around his shoulder.


    "Wanxi, you seem happy," Sheng Li said.


    "Yes. Zhu Lin''s father is here. I want to ask you how to talk to my soon-to-be Father-inw," Lei Wanxi asked about the opinion of Sheng Li.


    "You should not expect me to answer this. You have no idea how I treated myte Father-inw," Sheng Li muttered as he recalled the past.


    "Brother Sheng did not want him to marry his daughter to you. That''s why you talked rudely to Sister Lili''s father. It was not your fault. You had not even married Sister Lili, yet you started to think about her," Lei Wanxi affirmed. "You only wanted them to be safe," he stated.


    "Wanxi, I cannot answer this," Sheng Li replied and yanked his hand away. Lei Wanxi found that Sheng Li was stressed.. Before he could ask him, Sheng Li left.

 Chapter 566 - Kiwis

    <h4>Chapter 566 - Kiwis</h4>


    Nianzu looked at the house for thest time before turning towards the carriage. "Your Highness, please get into the carriage. We already are an hourte," Xiao Zhan asserted. Nianzu hummed and stepped towards the carriage when Ru Gaoying and the others from the bookshop reached to meet him.


    "Master Ru," Nianzu bowed his head.


    "What is the Fourth Prince doing? He is embarrassing me," Ru Gaoying stated. "If I had known that you are the Fourth Prince, then I might have not let his highness do those petty chores. Forgive me, Your Highness, if I ever treated you badly," Ru Gaoying humbly said.


    "Master Ru, thank you for giving me work. Your wages helped me a lot. Also, you always treated me as my real self. I am d that I got to work under your guidance. Master Ru owes me a big favor, and I will return it. If you ever need anything, just remember me once. I will surely help you out," Nianzu gave him his words.


    "Your Highness, you worked in my small bookshop. That''s enough for me," Ru Gaoying stated. Nianzu smiled. He then looked at Quan Bo and Ye Fang.


    Quan Bo apologized to him for yesterday''s incident when Nianzu hugged him. "It is fine. It was not your fault. It would have been great if we had wine together," he pulled away and peered at Ye Fang, who had lowered his eyes.


    "Forgive me for recklessly pronouncing your name," Ye Fang said as he pped his mouth.


    "Stop it. I was supposed not to reveal my identity. I am d that you all treated me as your friend, a person like you all. I will miss you all," Nianzu affirmed. Ye Fang looked into his eyes and turned teary eyes.


    "His Highness will never return," He asked.


    "I wish I could. But it doesn''t mean I cannot visit you all. I cane anytime, and the same goes for you. You all can visit me any time," Nianzu asserted, looking at those three. He put his hand inside the pocket and took out his Royal Seal that he had left in his chamber.


    "Keep it, Master Ru," Nianzu handed it to Ru Gaoying, who refused to take it.


    "Your Highness, I am an old man. I cannot keep such a precious thing with me," asserted Ru Gaoying. "This is a Royal Seal, and it will be safe with you only," he proimed. Nianzu put his hand down when Xiao Zhan once again reminded him about the departure.


    Nianzu stepped back and then got inside the carriage. Xiao Zhan closed the door and went to his horse which was at the front. He hopped on it and pulled the reins on it. The horse started to run. The chauffeur also started the carriage.


    Nianzu looked outside the window and saw how people were running after the carriage. He could not believe that the people started to love him. Soon, he lost sight of the vigers and closed the window.


    He looked at the seal in his hand and then put it inside his pocket. Tilting his head towards Chuntao, he said, "The people did not want us to leave the vige."


    "Hmm."


    Nianzu put his hand around Chuntao''s arm and drew her closer to him. "Chun, are you happy?" He asked her. "Your happiness is important to me."


    "My happiness lies in my husband''s happiness," Chuntao replied.


    "Same is with me. In the Pce, you will always be my priority. So, do not get dejected if anyone makes bad remarks about you and your status. Though no one will try to, the Emperor''s Consorts might try to. Also, a few ministers might express their disagreement with our rtionship. I need to take care of that too," Nianzu exined to her a few uing problems in their way.


    "Nianzu, I have faith in you. I won''t mind those taunts. You consider me your wife from your heart, that''s what matters the most for me," affirmed Chuntao.


    "Thank you, Chun. Those are only the possibilities. It does not mean they will happen for sure," Nianzu replied and grasped her hand. "I am d that you did not step back even in those times. You understood me and followed me wherever I took you."


    He brought her hand near his lips and kissed her knuckles.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili came back to her chamber after meeting Bai Yaling. She was with her for half an hour but Bai Yaling did not utter a single word. How could she? She turned into a widow in just a month. Even just the thought of it making her sad.


    She sat on the mattress when the maidservant handed her the water ss. Ying Lili took it and sipped the water.


    "Your Highness, the Crown Will arrive shortly. Does Her Highness need to change into night clothes?" Court Lady Xu asked.


    "No," Ying Lili replied. "Court Lady Xu, do you also think that remarriage of a widow is impossible?" She asked.


    "Yes, Your Highness. A widow cannot get married. That cannot even happen in the dream let alone in reality," Court Lady Xu opined.


    "Why? A man gets married if for any reason his wife dies. Then, why can a woman not marry?" Ying Lili questioned.


    "Because if a woman is a widow, then she needs to remain loyal to her deceased husband until herst breath," stated Court Lady Xu. Ying Lili looked into the water before sipping it again.


    Sheng Li entered the chamber. Court Lady Xu and the maidservant stepped away and lowered their heads. Ying Lili put the ss on the table and stood up.


    "You did note during lunchtime," Ying Lili said.


    "Court Lady Xu, send the Kiwis that Crown Princess''s aunt has sent from Juyan," Sheng Li ordered her. Ying Lili was astonished to hear that.


    "Aunt has sent Kiwis?" Ying Lili asked again.


    "Hmm. They reached in thete afternoon," Sheng Li replied to Ying Lili. Court Lady Xu went out of the chamber while the maidservant picked the ss, put it on the tray, and left.


    Ying Lili went towards the back of Sheng Li and helped him in removing the overcoat. "How is she? Did she send any message?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Yes. She is doing well. Her two sons are preparing for the Civil Services for next year," Sheng Li replied as he extended his arms out. Ying Lili gently removed the overcoat and handed it to another maidservant standing beside her.


    "Leave," she told her, who did so.


    Sheng Li turned to her and handed her the letter. "I ended up reading it. Here," he put it on her palm. Ying Lili opened the letter and started to read it. A smile formed on her lips. It was a heartwarming message to her.


    She folded it back and put it on the bedside table. "Do you like Kiwis?" She asked.


    "Not much," Sheng Li replied.


    "Will you eat with me?" She asked.


    "Hmm."


    "Why didn''t youe during lunchtime? Brother Wanxi and I waited for you," Ying Lili said.


    "Wanxi had his lunch with you!" Sheng Li amusingly asked.


    "Yes. We ate when Eunuch Xing-Fu informed us that you had gone outside," Ying Lili replied and put her arms around her neck. Sheng Li put his arm around her waist.


    "I had some work in the Capital Bureau Office. That''s why I sent the message through Xing-Fu," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Hmm." Ying Lili pulled her hands back and put them down. "Let''s sit on the bed. Court Lady Xu wille in a while.." Sheng Li had let go of his arm from around her waist and went to the bed with her.

 Chapter 567 - Granted

    <h4>Chapter 567 - Granted</h4>


    In the evening, Huan Tsu went to the Emperor''s manor to meet him. Han Wenji was taking his medicine when the maidservant informed him about Huan Tsu.


    Han Wenji drank the medicine first and told the maidservant to let Huan Tsu in. Eunuch Jin took the bowl from the Emperor and put it on the tray which a maidservant was holding. She left while Huan Tsu stepped in.


    He greeted Han Wenji, who gestured to him to take the seat. Huan Tsu sat on the chaise. "Bring the tea for us," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin, who walked out.


    "I could not take good care of your daughter. I apologize for that," Han Wenji lowered his eyes with an expression of guilt on his face.


    "Your Majesty, the Princess told me that if she would not have intervened then many lives could havee in danger. She did her duty, so I request His Majesty not to apologize to me," Huan Tsu humbly said.


    Han Wenji smiled. The tea server came in with a tray in her hand. Eunuch Jin stood behind Han Wenji while the tea server started to prepare the tea. She handed the teacup first to Han Wenji and then to Huan Tsu.


    Huan Tsu sipped the tea and put the cup on the table. He looked at Han Wenji and said, "Your Majesty, my daughter told me about her likeness towards the Sixth Prince."


    "Ahh, yes. The Crown Princess has informed me about their rtionship. Both of them like each other," Han Wenji asserted.


    "I would like us to go forward with their rtionship. Also, I would like to meet the Sixth Prince, Your Majesty," Huan Tsu expressed his desire. Han Wenji tilted his head and Eunuch Jin understood him.


    "It would be my pleasure if your daughter bes the daughter-inw of the Royal Han Family," stated Han Wenji.


    Huan Tsu was thankful for this.


    "Huan Tsu, my health is degrading day by day," Han Wenji told him.


    It worried Huan Tsu. "What has happened to His Majesty?" He asked.


    "A prolonged illness which has no cure. I do not have much time," Han Wenji answered. Huan Tsu was disheartened to learn about this. "I do not think I will be able to survive till the Youngest Prince turns an adult," Han Wenji heaved a sigh and frowned.


    "Did His Majesty look for the cure? There might be some cure for your illness. What about the Crown Prince? Did he search for it?" Huan Tsu asked with a panicked expression.


    "There is no cure, Huan Tsu. The infection has spread throughout my body," stated Han Wenji. Eunuch Jin reached the chamber with the Sixth Prince, who greeted both of them.


    "King Huan Tsu wants to talk to you regarding your marriage with Zhu Lin," Han Wenji told Lei Wanxi, who was astonished to hear this.


    Huan Tsu smiled and told the Prince to take the seat. Lei Wanxi sat on the chaise next to Huan Tsu and looked at him.


    "Princess Zhu Lin had told me about the two Princes whom she had expressed her desire to marry, beforeing to Luoyang. Her first choice was the Crown Prince. However, he got married before she coulde here and her second choice was the Fourth Prince, Prince Nianzu, who married someone else.


    However, during her stay in the Imperial Pce, she got to know about the Sixth Prince and fell in love with him. My daughter is a serious type ofdy and she believes a cheerful person like Prince Lei Wanxi is the most suitable man for her," Huan Tsu said while looking at Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi, I have not heard much about you. The glory of the other Princes is well known to me. As a father, I have a few concerns for my daughter. Also, I would like to know what kind of work you prefer," Huan Tsu rested his words and waited for Lei Wanxi to reply, who nced at his Father.


    "Prince Wanxi, answer whatever you feel," Han Wenji told him.


    Lei Wanxi never got nervous in his life. But in front of the father of Zhu Lin, he felt nervous and also short of words. After contemting for a few minutes, Lei Wanxi said, "I kill my time while roaming in the streets of the market. I never once cared about the political affairs of the Court as my rest brothers do. However, my interest is in engaging with people directly. I want to work in the Capital Bureau Office and after my Fourth Brother returns, I will join the office."


    "I basically want to work at the microscopic level so that I can directly listen to the grievances of the people and ordingly aid my brothers and father in eliminating those problems," Lei Wanxi exined to Huan Tsu, who smiled.


    "My daughter also used to do this. I have no problem with that work. Engaging directly with the people is a more effective way of Governance," Huan Tsu affirmed.


    "Why does Prince Wanxi like my daughter?" Huan Tsu asked him.


    "Zhu Lin¡­ forgive me! Princess Zhu Lin showed me my real self. I always wandered, sometimes in the pce while the other times in the market, and killed my time. No one ever dared to say anything to me because of my father and my elder Fifth Brother. I never even tried to self-analyze my real self. However, when Princess Zhu Lin entered my life, I realized that I never worked on my growth and only took things for granted. No one ever bothered my thoughts, as she did. I never fought with anyone but she was an exception. There are numerous things to tell, but words will get less if I borate them," Lei Wanxi truthfully told everything to Huan Tsu.


    "I assure you that I will keep Princess Zhu Lin happy. Also, I will never let such a situation arise. I will protect her," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Huan Tsu smiled. "I got the words of Prince Lei Wanxi. That''s why my daughter started to love you. I have no problem with this rtionship.. I would like His Majesty and the mother of Prince Wanxi to make a final decision on this," Huan Tsu said and agreed with this marriage.

 Chapter 568 - My Fate Would Turn This Way

    <h4>Chapter 568 - My Fate Would Turn This Way</h4>


    Lei Wanxi took the te from the maidservant which had kiwis on it. "These are from Juyan, from the house of Sister Lili," he told Zhu Lin. He picked one from the tiny dumpling stick and brought it near her mouth. Zhu Lin opened her mouth and ate it.


    "I was scared at first when your father asked me a few questions. It felt like I was giving an exam in front of the teacher," Lei Wanxi murmured and picked another one.


    Zhu Lin giggled and asked him what he answered then.


    "I answered what I felt at that moment. Your Father has agreed to our marriage. My Father has to talk with my mother. Then, we will get married after the Royal Astrologer chooses an auspicious date," Lei Wanxi said delightedly and forward another piece of Kiwi in front of her mouth.


    Zhu Lin ate that and picked one stick. "Open your mouth," she urged him and pushed the kiwi inside his mouth. Lei Wanxi chewed the kiwi.


    "It is delicious," Lei Wanxi said and told Zhu Lin to finish the rest.


    "Prince Wanxi, I asked the Royal Physician about the healing time for this wound. However, he refrained from answering," she stated.


    The smile from Lei Wanxi''s lips disappeared. It made him worry. "Is it a serious condition? Do you know anything regarding this? You shall share it with me if you know," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "Ahh, there''s nothing," Lei Wanxi lied.


    "Don''t tell a lie to me. It saddens me. You even told me not to walk," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi grasped her both hands and caressed them. "The Royal Physician told us that you cannot lift heavy things and also cannot use the sword anymore. The naval muscles might get stretched and internal bleeding might start, which will be fatal for you," Lei Wanxi revealed the truth to Zhu Lin.


    "You should have told me earlier," Zhu Lin said. "I knew that something was wrong with my naval region. The wound was deep, so¡­," she paused and lowered her eyes.


    "Don''t worry. The Royal Physician has also said that if it heals fully then you might be able to do the heavy work without any problem but at least for a year, you need to refrain from doing heavy physical activity," Lei Wanxi cheered up her mood by giving her hope.


    "Hmm."


    Lei Wanxi pulled his hand back and asked the maidservant about the dinner meal. Zhu Lin was happy that Lei Wanxi was taking good care of her. Her heart fluttered and was overjoyed with this feeling.


    ~~~~~


    Bai Yaling came out of the chamber when Court Lady Xu asked her where she was heading to!


    "I want to walk for some time," Bai Yaling replied. "Please do not follow me. I want to be alone," Bai Yaling answered.


    "Princess Bai, the Crown Princess has strictly ordered me to follow you around. I am afraid but leaving you alone is not an option," Court Lady Xu said humbly. She had lowered her head. Bai Yaling could not defy the order of the Crown Princess.


    Bai Yaling started to walk while Court Lady Xu followed her. The happiness had left her life the moment she married Yongzheng. However, hisst words of not punishing his mother and his wife for his crimes had gained a different kind of respect inside her heart for her husband. She loved him as it was taught to a girl since her birth, especially if she is born in a noble family, to show virtuousness towards her husband no matter what.


    Bai Yaling did the same. She had epted her fate with Yongzheng even if he used to beat her up. Sometimes she hated him but now he was no more, she med herself for cursing him those times. Tears formed in her eyes and she halted at her ce. She brought her hand near her eyes and wiped the tears from the edges of her eyes.


    Court Lady Xu nced at Bai Yaling. She thought to speak to her and made her understand. Bai Yalinh again started to walk and carefully walked down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, she told Court Lady Xu to not follow her.


    However, Court Lady Xu refused to agree to her. Since Court Lady Xu was from the Crown Princess''s manor, her powers were more than Princess Bai Yaling and she could defy her orders. Also, at this time, Bai Yaling was at her lowest point. Leaving her alone would not be safe in her opinion.


    Bai Yaling again started to walk and thought to go near thekeside. After she reached theke, Bai Yaling felt thirsty. She asked Court Lady Xu for the water.


    Court Lady Xu nodded and left to bring a ss of water for Bai Yaling.


    As she left, Bai Yaling went towards one side of theke and looked into it. "Forgive me, Mother, Father. I do not think that I will be able to survive anymore. I tried hard. But now my husband is no more, there is nothing left for me. I never thought that my fate would turn this way," Bai Yaling murmured while crying.


    She closed her eyes and fell into the water. Court Lady Xu arrived there and saw that Bai Yaling had jumped into the water. The tray in her hand fell and she ran towards theke while shouting.


    At that moment, General Wang jumped into theke and swiftly caught Bai Yaling. He pulled her out and took her out of the water. The servants had alsoe there after hearing the shouts of Court Lady Xu.


    Wang Hao put Bai Yaling on the ground, who had fainted as soon as she fell into the water. He checked her breathing by bringing her index finger under Bai Yaling''s nostrils. "She is not breathing," he murmured and started to press his hands against her chest so that the water came out of her lungs.


    He pped her cheeks and againpressed her chest. After that, he opened her mouth and gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to her. "Princess, wake up!!" He said as he againpressed her chest. Finally, Bai Yaling started to cough and water came out of her mouth.


    Court Lady Xu and the others took a breath of relief. Bai Yaling took deep breaths and looked around her.


    "Take her to the chamber and call the Royal Physician," Wang Hao told Court Lady Xu, who helped Bai Yaling in standing up.. Other Pce maids also helped her and they took her to the chamber.

 Chapter 569 - A Life Ahead Of You

    <h4>Chapter 569 - A Life Ahead Of You</h4>


    Wang Hao wiped his head with the towel and put it away when a soldier came to him and informed him about the Crown Prince''s arrival. Wang Hao walked out of the dressing room and saw Sheng Li in front of him. He bowed in front of him.


    "Are you alright?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Highness. Princess Bai tried to take her life. Luckily, I was checking the security and happened to see her," Wang Hao but briefed Sheng Li.


    "Princess Bai is in trauma after Prince Yongzheng''s death. You did great, Wang Hao," Sheng Li patted his shoulder. "You shall go back," he said.


    "My apologies, Your Highness, for intruding on your conversation. Princess Bai wants to thank General Wang personally," Xing-Fu informed them.


    Sheng Li chuckled. He was unable to understand the mind of Princess Bai. Earlier, she tried to take her life away and now she wanted to thank Wang Hao to save her. She must have gone crazy, Sheng Li thought.


    "It iste night. I do not think it is appropriate for me to meet Princess Bai. I will see her in the morning," Wang Hao told his decision. He then looked at Sheng Li. "Your Highness, I will see you tomorrow. Have a good night," he said and left for his residence.


    Sheng Li turned to Xing-Fu. "Your Highness, the Crown Princess has said that she will stay with Princess Bai tonight. You shall head back to your chamber," Xing-Fu informed him.


    Sheng Li hummed. "We did not have our dinner. Send the meals to her and tell her not to neglect her health in all this," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Xing-Fu stepped back and walked out of the chamber.


    In Bai Yaling''s chamber, Ying Lili urged Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun to go back to their respective chambers. Once they left, Ying Lili turned her gaze to Bai Yaling, who was on the bed dressed in white clothes. Ying Lili stood up from the chair and put the nket on her.


    Xing-Fu came inside and passed the message of Wang Hao to Bai Yaling. Xing-Fu, then walked out of the chamber and told Court Lady Xu to send the dinner for the Crown Princess and Princess Bai.


    "Why did Sister Bai try to take her life? Did she not think about the people around her?" Ying Lili questioned her.


    "Does anyone even care for me? Is there meaning left in living this life? If the Crown Princess wanted, then she could save the life of my husband. The husband of a wife is like her jewel," asserted Bai Yaling.


    "Forgive me, Sister Bai. I wanted to save Brother Yongzheng but his crimes were heinous," stated Ying Lili. "We all care for you, Sister Bai," she said.


    "Really? I do not think that the Crown Princess tried saving myte husband. I cannot even me anyone. This was my fate and it brought me to a point where I can see only darkness," Bai Yaling argued.


    "Your Highness, the dinner is here," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili.


    "Put it there and prepare a te for Princess Bai," Ying Lili ordered Court Lady Xu, who did so. Handing the te to Ying Lili, she left. She picked the rice from the chopsticks and brought it near the mouth of Bai Yaling.


    "Open your mouth, Sister Bai," Ying Lili requested her.


    "I do not want to eat, Crown Princess," Bai Yaling turned her face away.


    "Will it do anything good?" Ying Lili asked her. "Nothing good wille if Sister Bai took her anger out on the food. It will only worsen her health," Ying Lili asserted.


    Bai Yaling looked at Ying Lili and asked, "Crown Princess, what if such a thing happens with you? Will you be able to take food?"


    Ying Lili put her hand down and ced the chopsticks on the te. "Sister Bai, no woman wants the ill of her husband. However, I have lost many people close to me during my stay in the Pce. I lost my father the day I stepped out of my house; I lost my mother within a few days of my stay in this Imperial Pce; I lost my uncle who killed my father and then I lost my childhood friend. However, those things did not stop me. I know a husband is important for a woman but other people around her are equally important¨C her parents, her siblings, and her friends.


    Sister Bai, your grave loss is understandable to me, but you have a life ahead of you. You cannot solely stick to this one rtionship. Also, you and I both know that there was no love between you two. It was merely an abusive rtionship. Don''t destroy your true self by sticking to a person, who never respected you," Ying Lili advised her.


    Bai Yaling''s eyes turned misty. She lowered them and started to cry. "Why did it happen with me only? I have dreamt of such a great life. However, I got nothing," Bai Yaling started to weep like a child. Ying Lili put the te aside and sat on the mattress. She embraced Bai Yaling and caressed her head. Tears poured down her eyes too. She could feel and empathize with Bai Yaling''s pain and agony.


    "Crown Princess, my heart aches when I see the women of my age with their husbands. It hurts badly. That''s why I decided to escape this life. I tried my best to hold it but this life haunts me," Bai Yaling said while crying.


    Ying Lili had no words left. What would she possibly say? Indeed, Bai Yaling would feel the loneliness inside those four walls.


    After a while, they pulled away. Ying Lili wiped the tears from her cheeks. "At least drink this soup," Ying Lili requested her. Bai Yaling nodded her head.


    Ying Lili picked the bowl and spoonfed the soup to Bai Yaling. Once she finished, she told Bai Yaling toy down and then she covered her from the nket.. "Close your eyes," Ying Lili said as she kept caressing her head.

 Chapter 570 - The Shrine

    <h4>Chapter 570 - The Shrine</h4>


    Bai Yaling woke up but did not find the Crown Princess in the chamber. "Princess is awake," Court Lady Xu humbly said and helped her in sitting up.


    "Where is the Crown Princess?" Bai Yaling asked.


    "Her Highness left early in the morning, Princess Bai," Court Lady Xu replied. Two maidservants came forward to take Bai Yaling to the bathhouse.


    After freshening up and getting ready into a in peach-colored Hanfu Dress, she went for morning greetings to the Emperor and the Empress. Han Wenji asked her why she took such a step.


    "Forgive me, Your Royal Majesty." Bai Yaling was guilty of taking such a horrendous step.


    "Yongzheng was my second son and his loss has badly affected me. However, as the Emperor, I could not change the rules of punishment for my own son. Even my hands trembled while writing such a decision for my own son," Han Wenji said and looked at his hands.


    Consort Ju Fen looked at Bai Yaling. "Princess Bai, do not harm yourself. The wrong things my son did should not affect your life. Live a life full of chastity and try to divert your attention in the other works. I have talked with His Majesty regarding special widow chastity sses for you. The Head Court Lady will give you the sses regarding that," Ju Fen affirmed.


    Ying Lili had no idea that such a thing also existed. "Widow chastity sses?" She muttered, grabbing the attention of rests in the hall. "Why shall Sister Bai take that ss?" She questioned them. Sheng Li nced at her unable to get what was going on in Ying Lili''s head.


    "Does the Crown Princess want to argue over this too?" Ju Fen asked angrily.


    "First Consort, I am a little curious about this. That''s why I asked. I have no intention to argue," Ying Lili replied and lowered her eyes.


    "Crown Princess, a widow is taught to remain chaste and live a life full of dignity. Royal Family nobles are supposed to show this chastity until theirst breath," Ju Fen exined to the Crown Princess.


    "How could a woman be taught such things who recently lost her husband? Isn''t this illogical? Instead of giving enough time to a woman, we are going to give her sses just because she has turned into a widow. I am afraid, but this is a ridiculous way for a widow to live. Your Majesty, I want you to think from a woman''s perspective. Princess Bai must be given enough time to get over this grief loss," Ying Lili urged.


    "The Crown Princess always tries to dissociate herself from the teachings of our forefathers. Also, she has no right to intervene in this matter. I am the Mother-inw of Princess Bai Yaling. After her husband, I have the right to decide what is good for her. Crown Prince shall tell his wife not to teach wrong things to my daughter-inw," Consort Ju Fen said furiously.


    Liao Jun leaned closer to Rong Zemin and whispered, "Why does the Crown Princess have a problem with everything?"


    "She is right though," Rong Zemin answered. Liao Jun twitched her lips and looked at the Crown Princess.


    "The Crown Princess is not wrong, so I won''t correct her. I also feel that Princess Bai Yaling shall be given enough time to recover this loss," affirmed Sheng Li. He stood for Ying Lili in front of everyone and supported her views.


    "Everyone be quiet," Han Wenji said and looked at Bai Yaling, who seemed lost in her own thoughts. "Consort Ju, let''s arrange for such ssester. Princess Bai indeed needs time," Han Wenji announced his decision.


    "Princess Bai," Han Wenji called her name, bringing her out of her deep thoughts.


    "Yes, Your Majesty?"


    "Does Princess Bai has any wish? I will fulfill her wish," Han Wenji stated.


    "There is no wish that I want to fulfill, Your Majesty," Bai Yaling replied. Ying Lili got teary-eyed upon hearing her answer. She curled her fingers.


    "Princess Bai shall visit the famous Buddhist Shrine in Luoyang," Han Wenji suggested to her. Bai Yaling lifted her eyes and agreed to that.


    "Crown Prince, send one of the Generals and a few soldiers for Princess Bai Yaling''s safety. Today is the weather is nice, so it would be great if Princess Bai goes to the Shrine today," Han Wenji advised her.


    "I will go, Your Majesty. It will calm my mind. Thank you, Your Majesty, for allowing me to go out," Bai Yaling said. Ying Lili wanted to go out with her but then sending Bai Yaling alone would be great as she would contemte more about herself.


    "You all shall leave," Han Wenji told them. They all bowed and walked out of the hall. Ying Lili stopped Bai Yaling and asked her about the breakfast. "Does Sister Bai want to have breakfast with me?" Ying Lili asked. Bai Yaling looked at Sheng Li, who was looking at Ying Lili.


    "I do not want the Crown Princess to trouble herself," Bai Yaling said.


    Lei Wanxi came towards her and said, "Sister Bai, you shall have your breakfast with Sister Lili. This way I will get time with Brother Sheng. In front of Sister Lili, he forgets his younger Brother." Lei Wanxi looked at Ying Lili and winked at her.


    "Don''t say that, Wanxi. When did I forget you?" Sheng Li annoyingly asked and walked away.


    "Sister Lili, Sister Bai, I shall chase my elder Brother. Enjoy your breakfast. Sister Lili, I will take care of Brother Sheng''s breakfast," Lei Wanxi said and ran behind Sheng Li. Ying Lili smiled and then told Bai Yaling toe with her.


    "Crown Princess, the Crown Prince wanted to have breakfast with you. I do not want you to--"


    Ying Lili did not let herplete those words and said, "Sister Bai, the Crown Prince wants me to have breakfast with you. Come with me. Then, you need to go out too." Ying Lili stated and stepped forward.. Bai Yaling followed her while their servants followed them.

 Chapter 571 - Nianzus Return

    <h4>Chapter 571 - Nianzu''s Return</h4>


    Lei Wanxi picked a sweet and put it on Sheng Li''s te. "Brother Sheng, eat this. You will like it," he said with a smile. Sheng Li picked it and started to eat.


    "This sweet is made of milk," Lei Wanxi told Sheng Li and picked one for him.


    "Umm¡­ it is delicious," Lei Wanxi said as he chewed the sweet. "Brother Sheng, I am going to marry soon," he said delightedly.


    "Don''t tell me it is a joke," Sheng Li stated.


    "Brother Sheng, why would I tell a joke? I indeed want to marry Zhu Lin. Her father has no problem with this rtionship. But before that I need to join the Capital Bureau Office," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "May I ask, why?" Sheng Li asked and picked the water ss of silver.


    "I do not want to work in the Imperial Court. I want to see what corruption is going on in the office. I will inform Brother Sheng about that. It will be more fun than going to the Court," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    Sheng Li ended up smiling and said, "I can''t believe that you grew up this early. For me, you are still a kid!"


    "Brother Sheng, this is a wrong assumption. I have indeed grown up to be a man. Brother Sheng, I want to learn the art of sword fighting? Will you teach me?" He asked for help.


    "Why? Is your Brother Sheng not enough to protect you?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "He is, but after Zhu Lin got wounded, I realized that I shall learn that. It is not toote to learn it. I can train with Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi opined.


    "Whatever suits you," Sheng Li replied and drank the water. He put it down on the table and said, "I will tease you a lot once you marry Princess Zhu Lin."


    "I will not give any chance to Brother Sheng to tease me," Lei Wanxi pronounced and snatched the water ss from Sheng Li''s hand. He drank it and said, "I am born to tease Brother Sheng but not to get teased by him." He winked at him and smiled.


    "Which department do you want to go into?" Sheng Li questioned him after a few minutes.


    "The Ministry of Justice," Lei Wanxi answered.


    "We need to talk with the First Brother regarding this and then with Father. Thest decision will be of our Father," Sheng Li replied. Lei Wanxi hummed and put the ss down on the table.


    "Is everything alright, Brother Sheng? Forgive me for asking this sote." Lei Wanxi worriedly peered into his eyes. "Brother Sheng shall not lie to me," he stated.


    "Father has not enough time to survive," taking a deep breath, Sheng Li answered. Deep frowns appeared on his forehead. "His infection rate has increased and he can fall sick anytime. There is no medicine that can save our father," he asserted.


    Lei Wanxi could not believe that. He had no idea that their father was suffering from a grave illness. "There might be some medicine which can cure our father," Lei Wanxi said with a ray of hope.


    "No. There is no cure. Hu Jingguo had stopped the spread of disease in our father''s body for some time. But in the past few days, it has increased more. Lili has the same views on it. In just five months, I saw so many deaths. It breaks my heart. Now, Prince Yongzheng made such a grave mistake that saving him was impossible. Everything has messed up," Sheng Li said with a gloomy expression.


    "Brother Sheng, we cannot control every person. You tried your best to make things go smoothly," Lei Wanxi stated and put his hand on his shoulder.


    Xing-Fu came inside and bowed his head. "Your Highnesses, the Fourth Prince has arrived in Luoyang with his wife and General Xiao," Xing-Fu informed them. Lei Wanxi jumped in happiness upon hearing that.


    "Brother Sheng, let''s go," Lei Wanxi told him and stood up from the chair. Sheng Li nodded, and they both went to Fu Imperial Gates.


    ~~~~


    Chuntao was nervous because she was entering the Royal Pce soon as the wife of Nianzu. She had the fear of how everyone would treat her, and some even might leave bad remarks on Nianzu for marrying her. Also, she had angered the Emperor by going against his orders. She was thinking all this when Nianzu put his hand on hers.


    She came out of those disturbing thoughts and peered at Nianzu.


    "Are you nervous?" He asked in his soft tone.


    "Yes."


    "Me too. It is natural to get nervous," Nianzu replied to her.


    "What if people raise questions about your decision to marry me?" Chuntao asked. "I do not want any maliciousment towards my husband," she affirmed.


    "No one will do that. I will be clear of my choice to marry you in front of everyone. Also, mostly know that I married amoner rather than a Princess," Nianzu stated and brought his hand over her head. He caressed it and continued, "Have faith in your husband."


    The carriage stopped, making Chuntao worry. "Did something happen?" Chuntao asked him.


    "I think we have arrived," Nianzu replied when Xiao Zhan opened the door of the carriage. Nianzu came towards the door and stepped down it. He then gave his hand to Chuntao, who held it firmly and got out of the cart. They both turned and saw the Royal Family in front of them. Chuntao had lowered her eyes because of the fear in her heart.


    Nianzu held her hand and stepped forward towards his family along with Chuntao. Deng Hui''s eyes filled with tears upon seeing her son. Han Wenji was also happy to see his son safe and sound.


    Nianzu let go of Chuntao''s hand and deeply bowed before the Emperor, the Empress, and the Consorts. Chuntao did the same. They then lifted their heads.


    Nianzu looked into the eyes of his father, who stepped towards him and hugged him tightly. He patted his back and smiled.. "Finally, you returned," Han Wenji said with tearful eyes.

 Chapter 572 - Competitive

    <h4>Chapter 572 - Competitive</h4>


    Han Wenji stepped back and looked at his son from head to toe. He had put on themoner''s clothes and his shoes were torn. "It must have been tough," Han Wenji said as he patted his arms and then looked into his eyes.


    "A little, Imperial Father," Nianzu replied. Han Wenji hummed and put his hands down. He nced at Chuntao, who still had lowered her eyes. He averted his gaze from her and looked at Deng Hui.


    "Prince Nianzu married amoner after he left this ce. I hope her status will not bother you, the other Consorts, and anyone else in the Royal Family," Han Wenji stated, looking at Deng Hui and the others.


    "We have no problem," Deng Hui replied and went towards her son. She ced her palm over his left cheek and caressed it. She then grasped his hands and checked them. "Prince Nianzu has lost weight," she said with tearful eyes.


    "Imperial Mother, we will make Prince Nianzu eat a lot, and then he will be healthy again," Lei Wanxi pronounced and came forward. Nianzu let go of his mother''s hands and stepped towards Lei Wanxi.


    "I am angry with Brother Nianzu. He left without even meeting me," asserted Lei Wanxi and averted his gaze.


    "Forgive me," Nianzu said with a smile.


    "I do not forgive anyone easily," Lei Wanxi said and walked away. Nianzu kept smiling and did not find Yongzheng.


    "Where is the Second Brother?" Nianzu asked.


    Everyone turned gloomy and he found something was off. He looked at Weng Yu, who started to cry. "Did something happen?" He asked.


    "Brother Nianzu, let''s go inside first. We will tell youter," the First Prince intervened and came forward. Ying Lili took away Weng Yu while the other Princes take Nianzu and his wife to his chamber.


    Han Wenji looked at Deng Hui and said, "Empress Hui, you shall thank the Crown Prince as he was the one who made Prince Nianzu''s return possible. I hope the Empress will no longer despise the Crown Prince." The two other Consorts looked at the Empress and wondered what the Crown Prince had done.


    Eunuch Chung started to cry as he saw Nianzu in front of him. He got on his knees. "My master, I am d that you have returned. Without you, this Pce has be deserted," asserted Eunuch Chung. Nianzu got on his knees and picked him up.


    "I missed your presence," Nianzu stated.


    Eunuch Chung wiped his eyes using the long sleeves of his Hanfu Dress. "This way, Your Highness," Eunuch Chung said politely. Nianzu nced at Chuntao and grasped her hand. They both walked in followed by the other Princes.


    Nothing had been disced from its original ce. Nianzu looked at the desk on which a few books were put. He turned to look at his brothers and asked about the Second Prince.


    "Brother Nianzu, we will tell youter. You two shall take rest," Jian Guozhi pronounced and looked at Rong Zemin and Sheng Li. Nianzu did not pressure them and agreed with that. Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin walked out first. However, Sheng Li stayed inside the chamber.


    "Brother has indeed lost his weight," Sheng Li remarked and looked at Chuntao.


    "I heard that the previous Vige Headman did something to you. Forgive me that you had to suffer from that," Sheng Li stated.


    "Brother Sheng, you do not need to apologize. You already did more than enough for us," Nianzu said. Chuntao agreed with her husband''s words.


    "I will see youter, Brother Nianzu. You two shall take rest," Sheng Li said and left the chamber.


    Nianzu looked at Chuntao. "I told you that Brother Sheng takes care of the people close to them," he said and smiled.


    Eunuch Chung came inside and informed them that they should take the bath.


    "Take Chuntao to the bathhouse. Make sure to give her full assistance," Nianzu ordered Eunuch Chung, who bowed.


    Chuntao looked at Nianzu, who gestured to her to follow Eunuch Chung, who left with him. Nianzu removed the headband from his forehead and then left for the bathhouse.


    ~~~~~


    Bai Yaling refused to take the meals as she thought to visit the Shrine first. She got into the pnquin when she heard the voice of Wang Hao.


    "Court Lady Xu, I will apany the Princess with a few soldiers," Wang Hao informed her.


    "Yes, General Wang. The Princess has stepped into the pnquin. Shall we leave?" Court Lady Xu asked him.


    "Yes," Wang Hao replied and walked ahead. Bai Yaling looked through the translucent curtain and saw he had hopped on the horse.


    Court Lady Xu put the curtain away and informed her, "Princess Bai, we are leaving for the Shrine." Bai Yaling nodded her head. Court Lady Xu pushed back the curtain on the window and told the carriers to lift the pnquin.


    General Wang pulled the reins and the horse started to walk. The foot soldiers followed him, followed by the carriers. Court Lady Xu was on the left side of the pnquin while the five other maidservants were on the right side.


    Bai Yaling recalled the day when she hade to the pce in a pnquin from her home. It brought tears to her eyes. She used to be sopetitive that even her cousin sisters were jealous of her. She was so happy when she got selected as the potential bride for the Second Prince.


    She took out the handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the tears from her eyes. Putting it back into her pocket, she pushed the curtain away and looked outside. She rested her head against the wooden wall of the pnquin and stared nkly at the trees which were moving back.


    Unbeknownst to her, tears rolled over her cheeks which Court Lady Xu noticed. She came close to the pnquin. "Princess Bai, are you alright?" She asked worriedly.


    Bai Yaling peered at her and hummed.


    "You are crying. Shall I ask them to stop? Do you want to go back to the Pce?" She questioned her.


    Bai Yaling wiped those tears from the back of her palms. "No.. I want to visit the Shrine," replied Bai Yaling and pushed the curtain back on the tiny window.

 Chapter 573 - Cherish You One Day

    <h4>Chapter 573 - Cherish You One Day</h4>


    The pnquin stopped in front of the main gate of the shrine. Court Lady Xu pushed away the curtain from the window and told Bai Yaling toe out. Bai Yaling nodded her head and stepped out of the pnquin.


    Bai Yaling walked ahead, followed by the Court Lady and General Wang. The maidservants, soldiers, and the carriers stayed outside of the shrine.


    Entering the stupa, Bai Yaling was instructed by the monk of the shrine about offering the prayer to Lord Buddha. She first lit an incense stick and put that inside the cauldron filled with the ash of the previously burned incense sticks. She joined both of her hands in front of the idol.


    She then sat down on the floor and closed her eyes to listen to the monk chanting religious text¨C a kind of meditation that would rx her.


    Outside the stupa center, Court Lady Xu and General Wang waited for Bai Yaling.


    Court Lady Xu thought to inform General Wang about Bai Yaling''s weak state of mind. "General Wang, if you allow, then may I ask something?" She asked humbly.


    "Of course, Lady Xu," General Wang answered.


    "Princess Bai cried while we wereing to the shrine. She had this nk stare and it felt that she had lots of regrets. Isn''t it concerning?" She wanted to know General Wang''s opinion on that.


    "Since the Princess has lost her husband, it will not be easy to recover from the loss for her," Wang Hao replied.


    "No one ever tried to take his or her life in the Han Dynasty. Princess Bai took a drastic step without thinking of the consequences," Court Lady Xu asserted.


    "That decision was in a rush. The emotional and mental breakdown that Princess Bai is suffering from, is difficult to understand for us. She lost her husband within a month and that''s the main reason that she took that step," Wang Hao exined his point of view to Court Lady Xu on that. He had nothing much to say about that.


    After an hour, Bai Yaling came out of the main stupa. Court Lady Xu helped her by helping her wear the socks and the shoes. She went to the well to wash her hands which were on the backside of the shrine.


    "I am grateful to General Wang for saving my life," Bai Yaling said and bowed.


    "It was my duty, Princess Bai," Wang Hao stated. Bai Yaling looked into his eyes. "Princess Bai jumped in theke and now she is grateful to me for saving her life. Isn''t this weird?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "I had only one thought in my mind at that time. I would have gotten free from this life. If General Wang had been at my ce, then he would have understood it," Bai Yaling remarked.


    "I am not a coward, Princess Bai. If I had been at your ce, then I would not have taken such a step. Life is given only once by the mighty heaven. No matter how tough a situation it is, a person shall fight with it. Many women lose their husbands at a young age, but that does not mean they stopped living their lives. Princess Bai shall not cling to the dead Prince, who never cared for her," Wang Hao advised her and looked into her eyes.


    Bai Yaling blinked a few times. Tears formed in her eyes. "What could I possibly do? I am a woman who can do nothing except mourning for my dead husband and then follow the path of virtuousness," Bai Yaling stated.


    "Your dead husband is not worthy of your mourning. He tried to kill four people at once. Also, I got to know that he used to beat you. Don''t you think you should havee forward and told this to His Majesty? He might have stopped if you had revealed his truth," Wang Hao asserted.


    Tears poured from the eyes of Bai Yaling.


    "Don''t tell me that you could not say that because no one had believed you. ept the truth that you have hidden his crime because you thought he would cherish you one day.?Your silence gave him the strength to make an evil n. We all were aware of Prince Yongzheng''s nature. However, we were not aware that he pretended to turn good," Wang Hao proimed.


    "The Crown Princess knew about that," Bai Yaling replied.


    "I know but that was toote. Prince Yongzheng had already made ns. Don''t mourn for him. Also, even if you are a woman, you should learn to find your dignity. Don''t let it get harmed," Wang Hao opined.


    He saw Court Lady Xu had returned. "We shall head back," Wang Hao told her and walked away. Bai Yaling looked at Wang Hao. His words hit her hard.


    "Princess Bai, let''s go back," Court Lady Xu told her. She hummed and left the shrine.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu, after getting ready into a clean dress, came back to his chamber. He saw his mother was waiting for him. He recalled whatever Huo Jin had told him about Deng Hui.


    Seeing her son, Deng Hui went to him and hugged him. Nianzu pushed her away and it befuddled her. "Prince!" She peered at him with a confused expression.


    "You made ns with Gu Zhenya to kill my wife. You tried to kill the Emperor. Am I right?" Nianzu asked her.


    Deng Hui was shocked to know about that. She had not imagined that Sheng Li would tell all this to her son.


    "I hate you, Mother. How could you be so selfish after bing the Empress?" Nianzu questioned her in a fit of rage.


    "I-I¡­ son, I had lost my mind but not anymore. I have regretted that and also suffered," proimed Deng Hui.


    "Leave! I do not want to talk with you. The respect I had for you, does not exist anymore," affirmed Nianzu and averted his gaze from her. He called Eunuch Chung in, who came inside quickly.


    "Escort the Imperial Mother to her chamber," Nianzu ordered him.. Deng Hui could not say anything and left the chamber with Eunuch Chung.

 Chapter 574 - Not Every Woman Does That

    <h4>Chapter 574 - Not Every Woman Does That</h4>


    Sheng Li met Huo Jin in the military barracks. "You should have taken some rest. What are you doing here?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Your Highness, I am waiting for General Wang. It is not good to go to his residence when he is not present," Huo Jin replied.


    "Wang Hao will not mind that. You can stay in the Western Pce if you want," Sheng Li stated. Huo Jin was astonished to hear that. However, he could not stay in the Pce as it was for the people who were either from the Royal Family or who work in the Pce.


    "Crown Prince, I told everything to the Fourth Prince regarding his mother," Huo Jin told him.


    Sheng Li frowned and shouted at him, "Why did you do that? You were not supposed to tell the Fourth Prince everything. Prince Nianzu will start hating her. I could have told him but I refrained for a reason." He calmed down after a few seconds.


    "But that was the truth. The Fourth Prince must know that. He trusted her mother and wished her best, however, she never thought about her son''s feelings," Huo Jin opined.


    "Huo Jin, you are not allowed to intervene in the matters of the Royal Family. Remember, you used to be a traitor! You also had the hand in the evil ns of your master. You did note forward to help us until you were caught. First, repent on your mistakes fully," Sheng Li said in a fit of rage and left.


    Huo Jin got hurt by the words of Sheng Li. However, the Crown Prince was not wrong either. Commander Yang put his hand on Huo Jin''s shoulder and patted it.


    "The Crown Prince is in stress these days. Do not take his words to your heart," Commander Yang told him.


    "Hah! Why would I take the words of his highness to my heart?" Huo Jin muttered and smiled.


    Sheng Li reached outside Ying Lili''s chamber. He walked in and saw her doing needlework. He was stunned to see that. "Why are you doing the needlework?" Sheng Li asked. She lifted her eyes and then looked back at the fabric. Inserting the needle into it, she put it aside and stood up from the bed.


    "My interest rose in it. It is tough though," Ying Lili replied. "Ahh, earlier Brother Yu was upset. I spent an hour with him so that he would not feel lonely. His mother is also recovering from the loss of Prince Yongzheng, so I thought to be with Brother Yu for some time," Ying Lili exined to him even before he could ask.


    "I will take him out soon. He is new to all this. It might have scared him," Sheng Li said and hugged Ying Lili. She put her hands on his back and caressed it.


    "You look tired," she said.


    "Yes. You did not even have breakfast with me in the morning. My day goes good when I take my three meals with you," Sheng Li pronounced and rested his chin on her left shoulder.


    "Sister Bai is not in a good state these days. I need to be with her," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li pulled back while his hands were still on her waist. "There are two other Princesses too. Can''t they givepany to Princess Bai? You even sent your personal assistant to Princess Bai. You take all the stress over your head," Sheng Li stated.


    "I am only doing my work as the daughter-inw of this Royal Family. Also, I am the Crown Princess. Just like my Crown Prince, I shall look after the people in the Royal Family. I have learned this from you," Ying Lili opined.


    Sheng Li pinched her cheek and kissed it, amusing Ying Lili.


    "You look happy. Did something good happen?" She asked.


    "No. My mood was ruined but seeing you it turned better. Also, I think I was a little harsh at Huo Jin. Hope, he will not mind my words," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili wondered what he had said to Huo Jin. Before she could ask him, Sheng Li told her that they should take their lunch meals. He let go of his arms from her waist and called a maidservant inside.


    "Bring the meals for us," he ordered her and turned to Ying Lili. Making her sit around the table, he pulled out another chair for him and sat on it.


    "Sheng Li, thank you for taking my stand in the morning," Ying Lili suddenly said.


    "You do not need to say thanks to me for this. Consort Ju Fen is going to restrict the movements of Princess Bai," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili sighed and asked him if there was no way to stop all that.


    "Lili, you raise your voice for every wrong, but not every woman does that. That''s why you are special and unique among all. Other women refrain since the teachings given are of being a virtuousdy, doing household chores, and being a good mother," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "I understand but I will try my best not to let disassociate Sister Bai from her normal life. I cannot see a woman getting treated this way," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who agreed with her. He put his hand over hers and assured her that he would not let Bai Yaling get close in the four walls of her chamber.


    Ying Lili nodded her head when the maidservant came inside with the meals. She set the table for them and tasted the food first. Informing the Crown Prince that food was good, she stepped back.


    Sheng Li handed the chopsticks to Ying Lili, who brought her palm over her mouth. She knitted her brows as she felt weird.


    "What happened, Lili? Is everything good?" He asked worriedly.


    Ying Lili put her hand down and said, "I feel nauseated. The smell of this food¡­," she paused and again brought her hand over her mouth.


    "Call the Royal Physician!" Sheng Li ordered the maidservant, who dashed out of the chamber.

 Chapter 575 - The Crown Princess Is Pregnant

    <h4>Chapter 575 - The Crown Princess Is Pregnant</h4>


    The Royal Physician examined Ying Lili, who was on the bed. He observed her pulse rate when Sheng Li asked him, "Did she get nauseated because of the wound that she got earlier? The Royal Physician has told me that it has healed fully. Did you lie to me?"


    "I am fine now. I think that smell made me nauseated. It does not usually happen. Royal Physician, am I right?" Ying Lili asked him, who was still observing her pulse.


    A smile formed on the lips of the Royal Physician, and he stood up from the chair. He turned to the Crown Prince and bowed. "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is pregnant," the Royal Physician informed Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li could not believe his ears while Ying Lili looked up at the Royal Physician with bewilderment.


    "Is it true?" Sheng Li asked as a smile started to appear on his lips.


    "Yes, Your Highness. The pulse rate is slightly higher which is usually observed in pregnant women," the Royal Physician told Sheng Li, who brought his palm near his lips.


    Xing-Fu congratted both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. He dashed out of the chamber. He told the maidservants standing outside to deliver the news to the Emperor and the others in the Imperial Pce.


    A few of them ran outside to inform the news about Ying Lili''s pregnancy in the Pce.


    Sheng Li walked to Ying Lili, who had stood up. He hugged her tightly in front of the Royal Physician, who stepped back and deeply bowed.


    "Lili, you are pregnant. I be a father and you a mother," he said and pulled away to gaze into her eyes. She was smiling brightly at him when he picked her up by encircling his arms around her thighs. He lifted her in the air.


    "Sheng Li," she called his name. Xing-Fu, the Royal Physician, and the two maidservants in the chamber smiled seeing them.


    Sheng Li swirled her in the air before putting her down. At this moment, he had no idea who was around him except Ying Lili. He just kissed her on the lips, without caring for the people, who were in the chamber. She widened her eyes and pushed him away.


    "Don''t be shameless. They all are watching us," Ying Liliined in a low voice and arched her eyebrows. The smile on her lips still persisted.


    "I am shameless. At least, don''t stop me today," Sheng Li told them. He gazed at Xing-Fu, the Royal Physician, and those two maidservants. "Turn away," he told them. Immediately, they all turned away.


    "Now, is it fine?" Sheng Li asked her and again kissed her lips without waiting for her to respond.


    Xing-Fu tried to take a peek and giggled. He came closer to the Royal Physician and said, "The Crown Prince bes romantic anywhere, anytime," Xing-Fu said and again started giggling.


    "Royal Physician," Sheng Li called his name, who immediately turned back, and so did Xing-Fu. Sheng Li took out the gold rings he had worn on his right hand in four of his fingers. He distributed them among the Royal Physician, Xing-Fu, and the two maidservants. He also took out the jade-pearl ne around his neck and handed it to the Royal Physician.


    "Thank you for delivering such great news to us," Sheng Li said with a broad smile.


    He turned his head to Ying Lili and made her sit on the mattress. "Don''t tire yourself," he advised her. "Xing-Fu, employ more servants in the Zhenzhu Residence," he ordered him.


    Empress Deng Hui reached the chamber first. Sheng Li stood up and bowed. Though he did not like her presence, he could not show it at this time. Deng Hui asked the Royal Physician about the news whether it was true or not.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I have examined the Crown Princess''s pulse carefully. Her Highness is bearing the Royal child of the Han," Royal Physician again confirmed it.


    Other Consorts had reached the chamber by then and heard the same.


    Deng Hui went to the Crown Princess and congratted her. Ying Lili almost stood up when Sheng Li told her not to get up.


    "The Crown Princess should not stand up," the second Consort told her. Deng Hui agreed with her. She looked at the young maidservants and took out the jade bangles that she had around her hands. She took them out and gave them those jade bangles.


    The maidservants happily epted that and thanked the Empress for such precious jewels.


    Soon the Emperor and the other royal family members arrived at the chamber. Han Wenji was waiting for this for a long time. He first congratted both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess for giving such good news to all of them.


    "Empress Hui, make sure to give special care to the Crown Princess from now on," Han Wenji requested Deng Hui, who agreed to it.


    "Your Majesty, I will take care of the Crown Princess''s diet and other things during this pregnancy time," Deng Hui assured him. Sheng Li did not want this, but he couldn''t say anything in front of his father. "My three other Consorts shall also take care of the Crown Princess. Spend your time with her and give her lessons regarding it," Han Wenji stated with a smile.


    "Of Course, Your Majesty. The Crown Princess is unaware of the things and she needs us around her," the third consort said. Han Wenji nodded his head.


    "Sister Lili, Brother Sheng, I am so happy for you two. I will be Royal Sixth Uncle. I am so d to meet my royal nephew or niece," Lei Wanxi said delightedly.


    Ying Lili missed her mother at this moment. She recalled how her mother used to say that she would make numerous clothes for her grandchild. Sheng Li noticed the expression on her face.


    "The Crown Princess wants to take some rest," Sheng Li requested them to leave.


    Deng Hui saw the food on the table and checked it. "The Crown Princess shall not eat this kind of food at this time. I will instruct the chefs to include a beneficiary diet for the Crown Princess," she told the Crown Prince, who nodded his head.


    Han Wenji left the chamber, followed by his servants. Gradually, others left, too, except the Empress.. She was giving instructions to Court Lady Ki, who had been employed specifically for the Crown Princess needs at this time.

 Chapter 576 - Love, Happiness And Warmth

    <h4>Chapter 576 - Love, Happiness And Warmth</h4>


    Court Lady Xu reached the Imperial Pce with Bai Yaling. They reached outside the chamber when a maidservant informed them about the pregnancy of the Crown Princess.


    Court Lady Xu was extremely happy to hear the news. She joined her hands and thanked the Jade Emperor and Lord Buddha for listening to her prayers. Bai Yaling was also happy to hear the news.


    "Court Lady Xu, we shall visit the chamber of the Crown Princess. We shall congratte her for this," Bai Yaling said humbly.


    "Yes, Princess Bai," Court Lady Xu replied. They both went towards Zhenzhu Residence and heard the voice of the Empress from inside.


    "Court Lady Xu, the Empress has refused the entry for some time," a maidservant informed her. She nodded her head when Bai Yaling asked her if she could go in.


    The maidservant did not know about that so replied, "I think that Princess Bai can go in." Bai Yaling smiled and walked in.


    Stepping in, Bai Yaling greeted the Empress first and then the Crown Princess, who was seated on the bed while the Empress stopped instructing Court Lady Ki.


    "Why is Princess Bai here?" Deng Hui asked.


    "Your Majesty, I came to congratte the Crown Princess," replied Bai Yaling and looked at Ying Lili. She wished her for this great news when Ying Lili asked her to sit beside her.


    "Princess Bai shall return to her chamber. Since she has lost her husband, the negative energy around her can affect the Royal Heir," Deng Hui proimed.


    Ying Lili gazed at the Empress and did not like her remark. Bai Yaling, on the other hand, felt low. She apologized for acting recklessly. She took her leave and walked out of the chamber.


    "The Imperial Mother should not believe in such superstition. She is still in her low phase, and telling such things to her might affect her mentally. It is my humble request to Her Majesty not to restrict Princess Bai froming to me," Ying Lili requested. Sheng Li came at that time and heard Ying Lili was making a request to the Empress.


    He ordered the maidservants to put the trays on the table.


    "What happened? Why are you requesting the Empress?" Sheng Li asked her and stood near her.


    "Nothing, Crown Prince. Court Lady Ki, take special care of the Crown Princess. I shall take my leave," asserted Deng Hui.


    "I do not allow Court Lady Ki in the service of the Crown Princess," Sheng Li stated and frowned. "I do not need to exin the reason--"


    "Court Lady Ki will serve me, Crown Prince," Ying Lili expressed her desire and nced at Sheng Li, who looked at her in bewilderment. He did not want this. He had no trust left in Deng Hui after, he found out about her real face.


    "I want the good of the Crown Princess. Lady Ki even helped us when we all got pregnant. She has experience in this. The first few months are crucial for the Crown Princess. I am truly happy with the news of the Crown Princess pregnancy," Deng Hui exined to Sheng Li.


    "Your Majesty, forgive the Crown Prince. He does not understand all these things," Ying Lili said and lowered her head.


    "If the Crown Princess wants this, then I have no problem," Sheng Li said and averted her gaze from the Empress, who was d to hear that.


    She could understand the frustration and agony of the Crown Prince towards her. She had left that path and wanted the best for the Crown Princess during this period. But her past mistakes had made her skeptical in the eyes of Sheng Li.


    Deng Hui took her leave from the chamber. "Set the lunch table for the Crown Prince on the bed," Sheng Li told the maidservants, who were near the table. Court Lady Ki went towards the table and checked the food.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, who passed him a smile. He smiled back and caressed her head. Ying Lili brought her hand near her belly and smiled. She had heard that the feeling of motherhood was the most precious in the world. She felt it today when her pregnancy was confirmed by the Royal Physician.


    A maidservant put the bed table on the mattress and ced the dishes over it. She stood straight with a lowered head and told the Crown Prince that the table was set.


    "Leave," Sheng Limanded all of them, who left the chamber.


    He sat beside Ying Lili, who gazed into her eyes. "Sheng Li, isn''t this great?" She asked him, who nodded his head. He cupped her face between his palms.


    "Why did you let the person of the Empress serve you? I do not trust her," Sheng Li said with a worried expression.


    "Sheng Li, she has repented on her mistakes. I have seen her many timesing to your chamber. But she did not climb those stairs because of the fear of what would you say. It is such a great asion, so you shall forgive her," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    "You also want love and fraternity among the Royal Family members. Also, the Emperor had not allowed her to appoint a special for me if he had no trust in her," Ying Lili made him understand.


    "Father does not know about her true face," Sheng Li opined.


    "The Emperor knows everything, Sheng Li. Just because he is sick, it does not mean that he does not know about Empress Hui. Also, Court Lady Ki had served your mother as well. Do you think she will do something wrong with me?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    "Who knows she also--"


    Ying Lili put her index finger on his lips, thus stopping him from speaking.


    "It is not possible. Court Lady Ki took good care of your mother. Eunuch Xing-Fu told me all this. Don''t doubt everyone around you. It is the time of happiness. I do not want our child to go with any kind of negativity. I want our child to feel love, happiness, and warmth during these nine months."


    Sheng Li nodded his head and kissed the top of her head. He put his hands down and looked at the table. He picked the chopstick and checked every dish once again, to make sure nothing was mixed in that. He then allowed her to eat.. They both sat around the table on the mattress and started to eat.

 Chapter 577 - Good From Now On

    <h4>Chapter 577 - Good From Now On</h4>


    Bai Yaling came to theke where she almost lost her life. She looked at her reflection in the water and recalled the words of the Empress.


    She moved her right leg back and forth. Tears formed in her eyes.


    "What is Princess Bai doing here?" Wang Hao suddenly came from the backside and asked her. "Is she again thinking of jumping in theke? If it is so, I will not save her this time," Wang Hao affirmed and looked into her eyes. She quickly lowered them and took a step away from him.


    Wang Hao found it strange but did not pay much heed to this.


    "I will not do that ever again, General Wang," Bai Yaling replied. "It is strange to see General Wang near thiske again. He usually stays in the barracks, so why here?" She asked out of curiosity.


    "I was passing through this way and saw Princess Bai near thiske. So, I came to her to converse with her for some time," Wang Hao replied. "So, why did youe to thiske region again?" He asked.


    "I was contemting," Bai Yaling replied. "Since I have turned a widow, I am not allowed to go to some specific ces in the Pce. This ce soothes me a little," She asserted. Wang Hao found that the Pce had started to impose restrictions on her.


    "Why does Princess Bai not learn something?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "What can I probably learn? There is nothing that I am capable of learning," Bai Yaling concluded and sighed. "I have learned needlework and other important things which a woman should know. I think I will weave clothes for the uing child of the Crown Princess," Bai Yaling told Wang Hao, who was unaware of the news of Ying Lili''s pregnancy.


    "Is the Crown Princess pregnant?" Wang Hao asked. His lips moved up into a smile when he heard a yes from Bai Yaling.


    "This is such great news. I will congratte themter," Wang Hao stated while smiling.


    "Did Princess Bai congratte them?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "Yes, General Wang. But I think I should not have gone near the Crown Princess," she affirmed and regretted her decision of going near the Crown Princess.


    Wang Hao instinctively peered at her. "Why?" He wanted to know the reason.


    "Because I have lost my husband," Bai Yaling answered.


    "So?" Wang Hao arched up against his brow.


    "My negative energy can affect the Royal Child," Bai Yaling stated.


    Wang Hao chuckled. "Who told this to Princess Bai? She should not believe in such things," he advised her when he realized the reason for hering near theke.


    "Is this the reason that Princess Bai Yaling came here?" He questioned her. Bai Yaling did not answer him and took her to leave. She turned her left and took a step forward when Wang Hao stopped her.


    "Do not think over it. Your presence will not do anything to the Royal Child," Wang Hao told her. Bai Yaling looked into his eyes and nodded her head. She walked away without saying anything.


    Wang Hao looked at her back. "Who could have said such a thing to her? It can affect her mental health," Wang Hao muttered. He thought of going to meet the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to give them wishes for this.


    He turned to go when he saw the tassel on the ground. Picking it up, he murmured, "I will give itter to Princess Bai." He put it inside the sash and went towards the Eastern Pce.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi pushed the sweet inside Zhu Lin''s mouth, who was shocked.


    "Zhu Lin, did you get the good news?" He asked delightedly and brought a sweet near his mouth.


    She refused and started to eat the sweet.


    "I am going to be Sixth Royal Uncle, soon. Sister Lili is pregnant," Lei Wanxi said and started tough. "I cannot believe that my Brother Sheng will be a father soon. My heart is racing because of this," Lei Wanxi said and ate the sweet in this hand.


    "Now, the Crown Princess needs to be careful for nine months. The Crown Prince will not let even move the Crown Princess from the bed," Zhu Lin affirmed and smiled.


    "Yes. Zhu Lin, we will entertain the Crown Princess. We need to keep Sister Lili happy all the time," Lei Wanxi suggested to her. Zhu Lin agreed with him.


    "Prince Wanxi, during this period, some might try to harm the Royal child too. We need to look into that too. The Crown Prince already has so many responsibilities, so we need to keep a check on all that too," Zhu Lin told Lei Wanxi.


    "Hmm. We will take care of that too. I will use my brilliant brain to find out about such schemings," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    ~~~~


    Wang Hao asked Xing-Fu if he could inform Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    "Yes, General Wang." He went in and informed the Crown Prince about the same. Sheng Li allowed him, who came out and informed Wang Hao about it.


    Wang Hao walked in and greeted them. He congratted them when Sheng Li told her to take a seat. He sat on the chaise.


    "Now, such a big responsibility hase to the Crown Prince. He needs to take good care of the Crown Princess. I will look into the affairs of the military in this period," General Wang pronounced.


    Sheng Li acknowledged that. "I will keep my focus on my Lili and my child. Wang Hao, I would like you to raise the security for the Crown Princess," he stated.


    "Do not worry, Crown Prince. I will keep a close check on all this," Wang Hao assured him. He then gazed at the Crown Princess.


    "Crown Princess, keep yourself healthy this time. I am happy for you two. Your family haspleted fully," Wang Hao asserted. Ying Lili agreed with the words of Wang Hao.


    "Yes, General Wang.. I just wish everything goes good from now on," Ying Lili stated and then peered at Sheng Li.

 Chapter 578 - Humbleness Makes You Lovable

    <h4>Chapter 578 - Humbleness Makes You Lovable</h4>


    Nianzu woke up from his sleep and called Eunuch Chung inside.


    "My Master, did you have a good sleep?" He humbly asked.


    "Yes," Nianzu replied.


    "There is one piece of good news, my Master," Chung informed him. "The Crown Princess is pregnant with the Royal heir of Han," Chung stated.


    "That''s wonderful," Nianzu replied. "But how do you know it is a boy?" He curiously asked him.


    "My Master, everyone thinks that it will be a boy," Chung answered.


    "This should be addressed as the Royal Child," Nianzu corrected him. "Where is Chuntao? I would like to meet the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess in person with Chuntao," Nianzu stated.


    "Princess Chuntao is in her chamber. I think she is still sleeping," Chung replied. His head was low throughout the conversation. Nianzu hummed and stood up from the bed. Chung quickly came forward with the overcoat in his hand.


    He put it around Nianzu, who wore it. "Chung, I will be with Chuntao this evening," he said. Eunuch Chung nodded his head. Nianzu walked out of his chamber and soon reached outside Chuntao''s chamber.


    The maidservant opened the door of the chamber for Nianzu. He dly walked in and found that Chuntao was still in a deep slumber. He quietly sat beside her, not wanting to disturb her sleep. "She looks beautiful in this dress," Nianzu murmured and caressed her head.


    Chuntao''s sleep got disturbed and she opened her eyes. She looked into the eyes of Nianzu, who was peering at her. "Did I disturb your sleep? Forgive me. I only caressed your head," he said.


    Chuntao sat up on the bed. "Prince Nianzu did not disturb my sleep," she said and yawned. "I am still tired. Also, this is the first time I wore such an expensive dress and it is heavier than normal people''s clothes," she asserted.


    "You cannot wear those clothes anymore," Nianzu said. "Let''s go to the Crown Princess chamber," he then said.


    "Why?" She asked.


    "To congratte her. She is expecting a child," Nianzu informed her. Chuntao was surprised to hear that.


    "Wonderful," she said and smiled.


    Nianzu rested his head on Chuntao''s shoulder. "Are you feeling well?" He asked.


    "Hmm. Prince Nianzu loves me a lot, that''s why he leftfort for me. He told me that he never felt the warmth in the Pce despite suchfort. There might be something off that made him feel separated," Chuntao stated.


    Nianzu pushed his head up and the two looked at each other. "Schemings were the main reason that I left this Pce. Also, my mother changed. No one was understanding my love towards you. That''s why I decided to leave with you. Your safety was my concern too. You understood me and held me in my toughest time. For you, thisfort was nothing," Nianzu exined to her. "Comfort is not everything," he stated.


    He put his arms around her and said, "However, even after leaving this Pce, I could not get peace. The constant fear of losing someone close to me was still in my mind. I had promised Brother Sheng once that I would be his right-hand man, but I ran away. I ran away from my duties. Also, my Father was right. The outside world is more dangerous without power. I am not a power-hungry person, but the day that man harassed you, I understood the importance of power," Nianzu narrated his deep thoughts to her.


    Chuntao hummed and turned her head to him. "You think so much of everyone. Your humbleness makes you lovable, " she said.


    "Brother Wanxi is angry at me. I did not meet him before leaving the Pce. In the evening, he usually used toe to me. Then I used to y the flute for him," Nianzu stated and giggled. "Let''s go to meet the Crown Princess first. Then, I will show you the Pce," Nianzu opined.


    They both got down from the bed and left to meet the Crown Princess.


    ~~~~~


    "Sheng Li, you promised me that you will take me outside," Ying Liliined.


    "We will go tomorrow," he said and checked the dry fruits that Ying Lili needed to eat daily.


    "Why tomorrow? You never turned back from your words. This is wrong," she stated and went towards him.


    "Why did you get down from the bed? I told you to take rest," Sheng Li asserted and held her hand to take her back to the bed.


    "Don''t you know that an evening walk is good for your health?" Ying Lili questioned him as she yanked his hand away.


    "It is but I do not think that you should walk at this hour. What if you get a cold? Do not be stubborn," Sheng Li politely said. "You need to be cautious at this time," Sheng Li advised her. This time he lifted her in his arms.


    "Sheng Li," she pronounced his name with a shocking expression. She slid her hands around his neck and held him tightly.


    "There was no other way," He said and took her to the bed. Setting her on the mattress, Sheng Li pulled back his hand from her back and moved it to the top of her face. He tucked the lock of hair behind her ear and leaned closer for a kiss.


    "Lili, I will take you to the morning walks. That will be more healthy for our child and you. Is that good?" He asked her.


    "Hmm," she nodded her head and pulled him down for a kiss. Their noses touched against each other and soon their lips met. They smiled while kissing each other. Suddenly they heard Xing-Fu''s voice.


    "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince and his wife are here to meet you."


    Sheng Li leaned back and said, "Let''s continue thister." He made her sit up and caressed her hair. Ying Lili checked her dress while Sheng Li got down from the bed.


    "Let them in," Sheng Li said in a loud enough voice and put his hands behind his back.

 Chapter 579 - Hated Me Till His Last Breath

    <h4>Chapter 579 - Hated Me Till His Last Breath</h4>


    Nianzu and Chuntao congratted both of them, who thanked them. Sheng Li told them to take a seat. They both got seated on the chaise that was a few meters away from the bed.


    "Sister Chuntao is looking pretty in this dress," Ying Liliplimented her, who thanked her. "Sister Chuntao shalle to meet me frequently from now on. I will feel good," Ying Lili said.


    "How can I, Crown Princess?" She was a little hesitant.


    "Chun is still ufortable around the people of the Royal Family," Nianzu exined to them.


    "Sister Chuntao, we all have epted you a long time ago. We are d that you took good care of Brother Nianzu. Also, my title might be of the Crown Princess but you can see me as your elder sister," Ying Lili told her in a soft tone.


    "Yes, Crown Princess," Chuntao replied.


    "Brother Sheng, you need to take good care of Sister Lili in this period. Do not let her take any kind of stress," Nianzu humbly told Sheng Li, who nodded his head.


    "Do not say that Brother Nianzu. Sheng Li will not let me even walk after this," Ying Lili requested him and nced at Sheng Li, who also peered at her.


    "When did I do that?" He asked her.


    "You will do that soon. I know," Ying Lili replied. "I have been inside the chamber since afternoon. You also know that I usually go to the garden at this time," sheined.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I promised you that I would take you every morning to the garden. Do not whine like a kid. You need to befortable at this time," He advised her.


    Nianzu and Chuntao smiled upon seeing their bickering. "Sister Lili, you might catch a cold in the evening. Then, it might affect the little one inside your womb," Nianzu told her.


    "That''s what I am telling her. However, she does not listen to me," Sheng Li said.


    "Brother Sheng, let''s go out and have some conversation. The Crown Princess and Chuntao can converse together for some time," Nianzu suggested to him. Sheng Li agreed with him and called in two courtdies¨C Court Lady Ki and Court Lady Xu.


    "I will be back soon," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and walked out with Nianzu. Court Lady Ki and Xu stood a few distances away from Ying Lili.


    "Sister Chuntao, was it difficult?" Ying Lili asked her. "Also, the Crown Prince informed me that you were harassed by the Vige Headman. Forgive me, you have to undergo that," Ying Lili humbly apologized to her.


    "The Crown Princess is embarrassing me by apologizing. Prince Nianzu stood for me and then, the Crown Prince had also sent help from Luoyang. I mean¡­ General Xiao found out about us and everything turned right," Chuntao told Ying Lili.


    Both the Court Ladies were shocked to learn about that.


    "I always create troubles for Prince Nianzu and others," Chuntao said and sighed.


    "It was not your mistake, Sister Chuntao. You did not create any trouble for Prince Nianzu either," stated Ying Lili. "Instead, you held him when we people failed to understand him," she made her understand.


    "I made the Emperor angry by not listening to his royalmand. I am scared to face His Majesty," Chuntao expressed her worries. "I do not think His Majesty will forgive me or not," she stated.


    "The Emperor might have given such amand because of some reasons. Also, His Majesty has forgiven Sister Chuntai a long ago. Also, His Majesty was never angry at her," Ying Lili pronounced.


    The words of the Crown Princess soothed Chuntao.


    "Sister Chuntao, when I first came to this Royal Pce, I had so many insecurities. Then, the Imperial Father was the one, who conversed with me and never let me feel inferior in the Pce. We both will go tomorrow morning to meet the Imperial Father. You shall greet him as the daughter-inw of this Royal Family," Ying Lili advised her. She could understand the point of view of Chuntao. She was amoner, who had suddenly entered the Pce. Above all, she was still a young woman¨C an eighteen-year-old woman.


    "Your Highness, I beg your pardon but this is the time when you shall take a special soup which is rich in nutrients. It will keep your body warm," Court Lady Ki humbly informed Ying Lili, who nodded her head. Lady Ki went to the kitchen to prepare the soup.


    "Court Lady Xu, could you please bring me the wooden box that''s inside the first cupboard," Ying Lili requested.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu said. She went to the cupboard, opened it, and took out the wooden box. Bringing it near the bed, she ced it on the mattress. Ying Lili thanked her and opened the box. There was a golden buyao in it. She picked it up and looked at Chuntao.


    She went towards Chuntao, who looked at her in bewilderment.


    "Sister Chuntao, this is for you," Ying Lili said as she started to put the buyao on her hair. "A woman''s head should not be left in, especially if she is the wife of the Royal Prince," Ying Lili asserted with a smile.


    "The Crown Princess shall not give me such an expensive--"


    "Sister Chuntao, it is a gift from my side. It is a precious buyao, made by a famous goldsmith of Juyan," Ying Lili told her and stepped back. "It looks pretty on you," she said and went back to bed.


    "Sister Chuntao, would you like to tell me about you? You can also ask about me," Ying Lili thought to have a nice introduction between them.


    "Crown Princess, there is nothing much to know about me," Chuntao replied. "I had heard that the Crown Princess is from Juyan. I also have heard that she is the kindest woman known in the entire Han Empire, that''s why she was chosen as the bride of the Crown Prince," Chuntao affirmed.


    "The Crown Princess has many other qualities as well," Court Lady Xu said and smiled. "The Crown Prince used to be cold like ice. His nce was enough to make everyone shiver. However, our Crown Princess changed his highness. Not only that, the Crown Princess seeded in bringing the Princes'' hearts together," Court Lady Xu praised Ying Lili.


    "But I failed to remove the hatred from the heart of Prince Yongzheng," Ying Lili said with a gloomy expression. Chuntao wondered what would have happened.


    "Also, many of the people helped me, Court Lady Xu. It was the cumtive effort to bring all the Princes together," Ying Lili stated, but the regret for not being able to save Yongzheng troubled her once again.


    ~~~~


    In the Eastern Pavilion, Sheng Li and Nianzu sat down on the circr stools. "Does the Brother remember the day when he agonized at father''s decision of not epting Princess Chuntao as your wife?" Nianzu questioned him.


    "Yes. I even got angry at Brother Wanxi that day," Nianzu replied.


    "Brother Sheng, I apologize to you on my mother''s behalf. I am even embarrassed to meet the eyes of my father. How could my mother plot against her own husband? I never knew that she would be the second Weng Wei," Nianzu stated and clenched his fists.


    "Don''t hate your mother, Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li requested him, who knitted his brows.


    "I cannot help in this. She tried to plot against all of us. For her, I used to be so tense. But as soon as she got the Empress''s position, she forgot everyone around her. I hate her for all this," asserted Nianzu.


    "Prince Yongzheng is no more," Sheng Li informed him, out of the blue.


    Nianzu stopped blinking and he felt the ground beneath him had slipped.


    "Hemitted treason and he was beheaded," Sheng Li told Nianzu. "He felt wrong because I became the Crown Prince. He hated me till hisst breath. That''s why, please do not hate her. Hatred only brings bad consequences. Lili told me five months ago that I should learn forgiveness. It is the greatest treasure a human can have," Sheng Li stated.


    "What did the Second Prince do?" Nianzu questioned Sheng Li, who narrated the entire incident to him.


    "Brother Nianzu, that''s why I thought to bring you back. We should be each other''s strength. Prince Yongzheng hurt me badly. However, sometimes I think that if I had not been the Crown Prince such things would not have happened," Sheng Li pronounced with a regretful tone.


    "But then, everyone would have taken the advantage of internal fights in the Royal Family. Only you are capable of holding this position," Nianzu asserted.


    "Everyone says the same but the me I get just make me hate myself sometimes. When Weng Wei was near to her death, she med me. Prince Yongzheng did the same. It hurts me every night," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Now, Lili is pregnant and I am more worried.. I don''t even know whom I should trust except a few," Sheng Li expressed his concern.

 Chapter 580 - Feeding

    <h4>Chapter 580 - Feeding</h4>


    Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin saw the Crown Prince and the Fourth Prince. They both decided to go to them and walked to the Eastern Pavilion.


    "Brother Nianzu, did you have a good sleep?" Rong Zemin asked.


    "Yes, Brother Zemin," Nianzu replied with a tiny smile on his lips. Both Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin sat on the other round stools around the table. "I heard about the Second Brother. I did not expect that he would not be able to let go of his jealousy and hatred," Nianzu said.


    "What about Consort Ju and Princess Bai? How are they?" He asked.


    "It will take time for them to recover from Yongzheng''s loss. Princess Bai tried to take her life yesterday evening. Luckily, General Wang saved her," Jian Guozhi told him.


    "She must be going through a tough phase. It has only been over a month since their marriage. Brother Yongzheng should have thought about his wife before doing all this," Nianzu said in a fit of rage.


    "Prince Yongzheng used to abuse his wife," asserted Jian Guozhi. "Do you expect him to think about his wife?" He questioned him.


    "It means the Second Brother has lost his entire conscience. Now, what will happen to Princess Bai Yaling? Consort Ju might tell her to follow the path of a virtuous widow and perform widow chastity," Nianzu concluded.


    "She already said that today, in the greetings hall," Rong Zemin replied. "The Crown Princess raised the issue regarding that. So, the Emperor had granted some time to Princess Bai toe out of that loss," He proimed.


    "Consort Ju might have gotten angry at the Crown Princess. Also, she might try to avenge her son''s death. We all know how Consort Ju used to be when we were young. Half of the influence that Prince Yongzheng got was from her!" Nianzu remarked.


    Jian Guozhi corrected him and said, "It was me, who taught him those things. It is my mistake too for not being able to perform the duty of the Elder Brother well." He looked at Sheng Li, who was silent throughout these conversations. Although earlier Sheng Li had promised him that he forgot the enmity between them, this incident had again triggered him. Getting back his trust was tough.


    "Why are you all conversing without me? It is wrong that you forgot to involve your Sixth Brother in this conversation," Lei Wanxi said, bringing the attention of four Princes towards him. He closed the fan in his hand and came towards them.


    "You all forgave Brother Nianzu so soon. He left us without having a word with us," Lei Wanxiined and narrowly gazed at the Fourth Prince, who started to smile.


    Nianzu went to him and put his arm around his shoulder. "Forgive me," he said.


    "I will not," Lei Wanxi said and crossed his arms.


    "Brother Nianzu, there is another piece of good news. Brother Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin will marry soon," Rong Zemin stated. Nianzu was astonished and at the same time, was delighted to hear that.


    "So, now did you understand the meaning of love?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Of course. I am not a kid anymore," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "They both created chaos in the Pce. Both of them fought like a cat and mouse," asserted Sheng Li and chuckled. "They even pulled each other''s hair," Sheng Li told some of the incidents between Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin.


    Rong Zemin started tough. "Princess even threw a shoe at him. Brother Wanxi never fought with anyone but with Princess Zhu Lin, he was always ready to fight," He told Nianzu, who smiled upon hearing that.


    "She is quite strong though and brave too. She, without thinking about her life, saved General Wang. Brother Yongzheng stabbed the arrow inside her belly. How could he do that? What if she had lost her life? He did not think for a second about this before harming her," Lei Wanxi turned sad and his eyes turned misty. "I was scared the night when the Royal Physician said that she had low chances to survive," he said in a low voice.


    "Warriors do not die easily. Keep this in mind," Sheng Li gave him a piece of advice. "Also, I will not be able to train you. I need to be with Lili most of the time. Xiao Zhan will help you train," Sheng Li informed Lei Wanxi.


    "Why do you want to train now?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Because Zhu Lin can never carry her sword. I lied to her that she could after a year. The Royal Physician said that heavy work might cause internal bleeding in her navel region, which can be fatal for her. If I learn all that, then she will not feel that bad. I want to be strong for her¡­ physically," Lei Wanxi reasoned.


    "Hmm. That''s great," Nianzu said and patted his shoulder. He took him towards the table and made him sit on the stool.


    "When will you two marry?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Our Fathers will decide with the Royal Astrologer. I think we will get married within a month," replied Lei Wanxi.


    "That''s great," Nianzu said.


    "I shall leave. Brothers shall continue to chat," Sheng Li stood up and walked away.


    "Brother Sheng has now a greater responsibility in front of him," Jian Guozhi stated and looked at his three brothers.


    Sheng Li returned to Zhenzhu Residence. Chuntao stood up upon seeing him and bowed. "You returned early!" Ying Lili said and told Chuntao that she should sit.


    "I shall go back. The Crown Princess shall take rest. Thank you for guiding me," Chuntao said and bowed before her.


    "Xing-Fu, escort Princess Chuntao to her chamber," Sheng Li ordered. Chuntao left with Xing-Fu while closing the doors behind him.


    "Court Lady Ki, did the Crown Princess drink something?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Yes, Your Highness. I have given her the soup which is good for her at this time," replied Court Lady Ki.


    "Okay. Next time, wait for me before feeding such things to the Crown Princess," Sheng Limanded her.. Ying Lili found out how much Sheng Li was cautious regarding her pregnancy.

 Chapter 581 - Stabilize The Position

    <h4>Chapter 581 - Stabilize The Position</h4>


    The next morning, the first thing that Nianzu did was visit his father. The previous night, Jian Guozhi told him about the deteriorating health of Han Wenji. The Pce Maid of the Emperor''s manor allowed Nianzu to go in after she got permission from the Emperor.


    Nianzu stepped inside the chamber. Many things were revolving in his head but as soon as he stepped in his mind turned calmer.


    He saw the silhouette of his father, who had stood near the giant window of his chamber. Eunuch Jin informed the Emperor about the arrival of Nianzu.


    Nianzu halted near the second door as he heard the voice of his father.


    "Leave us alone," Han Wenji ordered Eunuch Jin and two Pce maids who were in the chamber. They bowed and left. Nianzu walked to him and stopped a few meters behind his father.


    Han Wenji turned and looked at him. "So, how was the outside world?" He asked him.


    Nianzu lifted his head. "It was great, Father. I got to enjoy it since I do not need to think about the ongoing schemings, if any, around me," he replied.


    "How do you think that we all are able to survive in the Pce?" Han Wenji asked him another question.


    "Forgive me, Father. I regretted it as well after encountering a problem that made me question why people care about power and position. My wife got harassed by the Vige Headman while I was out for work and when I came to know about that, my hands were tied since I could not do anything. Even if I had revealed my identity, my value would be nil since I was no longer a Prince.


    I realized that being amoner has its own loss. Amoner might lose people close to him if he raises his voice. Why? Because the words of amoner are taken on ego by most of the noblemen.


    That''s why when the Crown Prince suggested I go for the Civil Services Exam, I, without any hesitation, sat for that. Because that was the only way to return," Nianzu exined to his father.


    "So, are you saying that you came back with the greed of power?" Han Wenji questioned him.


    Nianzu lowered his head. "No, Imperial Father. I returned to protect the people close to me, to be the voice of themoners and also, to support my brothers," Nianzu answered.


    "Father, I am grateful to you that you allowed me to leave the Pce because if you had not, then I might have lost Chuntao in my mother''s hand," Nianzu proimed and again lifted his eyes. He had decided to tell his father about his mother''s true face because hiding that would not be good, in his eyes.


    Han Wenji skeptically peered at him and asked him to exin. Nianzu nodded his head and told his father everything.


    He then quickly got on his knees and bowed deeply. His both arms on the sides of his thighs. "Father, I asked you once why my mother was deprived of her rights, unlike the others. And after the death of the previous Empress, you announced my mother as the next Empress. I think I made a mistake. She does not deserve such a great position," Nianzu pronounced and then told him everything about his mother.


    "I know about that," Han Wenji told him.


    Nianzu was confused to hear that. "Then, why did father not punish her?" He queried.


    "Because she has repented already. Also, she was working for Gu Zhenya, the minister who helped her be my concubine. I have known this for a long time. Also, her futile attempts were not strong enough to harm any of us. But then, the Crown Prince found out and threatened her in his own way. She started to repent then," asserted Han Wenji. He started to cough as he felt the pain in his chest again.


    Nianzu stood up from the floor and went towards his father. He started to caress his father''s back and took him towards the bed.


    He was shocked to see the blood in the cough and turned to call for Eunuch Jin when Han Wenji stopped him.


    "I am fine," Han Wenji said and put the handkerchief down.


    "Father, you need a medical assistant," Nianzu stated.


    "There is no use of a medical assistant, Nianzu. You might not know but my illness has no cure. I will soon leave this body. I am happy that you made the decision to return to Luoyang," Han Wenji patted his shoulder.


    "You are the calmest Prince among them, so you are the only one who could handle the conflicts among the brothers if they ever arise. Also, support the Crown Prince until the end. He is refusing to be the next Emperor and I want him to rule the Empire. Make him understand this before my demise so that there would be no confusion or worries left in his heart before usurping the throne," Han Wenji told Nianzu, who had turned emotional.


    "I will do my best, Father. But please do not say that you will soon leave us. You still need to see your grandchildren," Nianzu said.


    "Nianzu, I will see them from Heaven," Han Wenji said with a smile and asked him for water.


    Nianzu went towards the table and poured the water into the ss. He handed it to Han Wenji, who drank it.


    Nianzu put it back on the table and said, "Father, I will stabilize the position of the Crown Prince from every end. Last night, when I talked to Brother Sheng, it felt to me that he still has trust issues. I will not run away from my duties anymore and will be the best advisor for the Crown Prince," Nianzu assured his father, who was relieved to hear that.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    There will be a mass release this Wednesday. Thank you for the golden tickets, votes, gifts, andments. Also, I feel the story will end soon. I do not know how many more chapters it will take. Probably around 650 or so. That''s a guess only.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 582 - Think Good All The Time

    <h4>Chapter 582 - Think Good All The Time</h4>


    As per Sheng Li''s promise, Sheng Li took Ying Lili to the Royal Garden. Ying Lili gently touched the flower petals, which had morning dew on them. She moved ahead towards the China Rose ntation. Sheng Li told her to be careful of the thorns.


    "I am," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li plucked a China Rose flower and stood behind her. "Stand straight," he urged her. He put the flower into her hair bun. Ying Lili moved her hand on the hair bun and touched the rose on it. She turned to him and gazed at him.


    "Am I looking beautiful?" She asked.


    "Do I need to answer this?" He questioned her back.


    "Yes. I want to know," Ying Lili replied.


    Sheng Li took a step closer to her and leaned his face toward hers. "Give me a kiss, and I will tell you," He demanded.


    "Here?" She arched her brow up.


    "Hmm," Sheng Li nodded.


    "Don''t you think that the Crown Prince shall act virtuously at all the time?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "I am virtuous," Sheng Li replied. "Court Lady Ki has already lowered her eyes, even Xing-Fu and other servants has. Then, there should not be any problem," he asserted and moved his hands behind his back.


    "I know your answer," Ying Lili said and pushed him away, keeping the smile on her lips. Sheng Li chuckled as Ying Lili did not kiss him.


    "Stay here. We will be back soon," Sheng Li ordered his servants and walked ahead. They both came across the lotuske and halted at their ces.


    "If my mother had been alive, then she would have taken good care of you. I mean¡­ none of the Emperor''s wives came forward to help you. And I personally do not want Brother Nianzu''s mother to get close to you. Lei Wanxi told me the previous day that a woman who underwent pregnancy understands much better a woman who''s pregnant," Sheng Li said suddenly.


    "Even Lady Ki and Xu are taking good care of me. Also, Empress Hui made a special list of food for me. She also cares for me, Sheng Li. You gave her a chance and I believe that she definitely will make good use of it. Now, Brother Nianzu and his wife have returned, so things are turning good," Ying Lili affirmed and tilted her head to look at him. Sheng Li did the same and peered at her eyes.


    Ying Lili moved closer to him and tiptoed. She kissed him on his right cheek andnded her feet on the ground. "I told you to think good all the time," she said.


    "You are looking beautiful," heplimented her and kissed her on the lips. Both of them smiled when they heard the voice of Lei Wanxi.


    Ying Lili stepped back while Sheng Li looked towards him. "Why are you here?" He asked Lei Wanxi, who was now near him.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. I happened to see that," Lei Wanxi said.


    Sheng Li hit his back with his hand and told him to go away.


    "You should be at the practice ground, shouldn''t you? Don''t procrastinate your practice," Sheng Li advised him.


    "I am here to seek blessings of you both. Sister Lili, pray for me that your younger brother-inw soon bes efficient in sword fighting," Lei Wanxi requested her.


    "How will her prayers make you a good sword fighter?" Sheng Li was perplexed to hear that. "Go and work hard. Also, do not disturb couples when they are alone," Sheng Li scolded him and flicked his fingers on the mid of Lei Wanxi''s forehead.


    "Ahh," Lei Wanxi passed a low scream while Ying Lili smiled seeing the brotherly love between the two.


    "Sister Lili, did you observe how Brother Sheng hit his younger brother? Scold him from my side. He is older than me, so I cannot even do that," Lei Wanxi huffed and narrowly gazed at Sheng Li.


    "Indeed, Brother Wanxi. I pray for you. I have faith in you that you will be a good sword fighter soon," Ying Lili gave him her best wishes. Lei Wanxi thanked her and left the garden.


    "Shall I scold you on behalf of Brother Wanxi?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Will you? Even your scoldings are filled with Love. You should scold me," Sheng Li stated.


    "Did you notice that Wanxi has the same habit as Hu Jingguo? He troubled us in the Southern Province. Every time we had our private moments, he used toe. I bet that Lei Wanxi taught him those things," Sheng Li said with a smile. But it soon vanished. "If he would be here, he would have been ted with this news," he asserted.


    Suddenly a breeze started to blow. The rustle of the tree leaves, which were a few meters away from them, could be heard.


    "He is always beside us. We cannot see him but can feel him," Ying Lili said. Sheng Li agreed with her and put his arm around her shoulder. He drew her close to him and turned towards theke.


    "In the clothing workshop, new dresses are being prepared for you. After a few months, the production of clothes for our child will start," Sheng Li informed her.


    Ying Lili felt nauseated and told him about it. "Let''s go," he said and took her back to the ce where the servants were waiting for them.


    "Lady Ki, the Crown Princess is feeling nauseated," Sheng Li informed her. Since they were far from the Eastern Pce, so she instructed a maidservant to bring the vessel. Lady Ki helped Ying Lili, who threw up in the vessel.


    She wiped the mouth of the Crown Princess, while the maidservant took away the vessel.


    "We shall head back," Sheng Li said and told Xing-Fu to bring the litter for the Crown Princess.


    "I will walk, Sheng Li. It is not serious," Ying Lili replied.


    "Then, shall I carry you to your chamber?" He asked her.


    "No," Ying Lili refused as it would not be good to let the people in the Pce see that. After a few minutes, Xing-Fu came to them with a litter.. Ying Lili got into it, and they left for Zhenzhu Residence.

 Chapter 583 - How Much She Has Repented

    <h4>Chapter 583 - How Much She Has Repented</h4>


    Chuntao was adjusting the buyao on her head that Ying Lili had given her when the maidservant informed her about the arrival of the Empress. Chuntao got nervous to hear that and quickly came towards the center of her chamber. Deng Hui came inside and saw Chuntao in front of her.


    She kowtowed before her and gave the Empress her greetings.


    Deng Hui stepped forward and brought her fingers under her chin. She gently pulled it up and Chuntao happened to look into her eyes.


    "Forgive me, for looking straight into your eyes, Your Majesty," Chuntao apologized and she immediately lowered them. Her hands were trembling in fear.


    "You are the daughter-inw of the Royal Family of Han. I will not punish you for looking into my eyes and also you are no longer amoner but the wife of the Fourth Prince. You should not get scared easily," Deng Hui said with a smile.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Chuntao replied.


    "You shall address me as Mother. Also, there are a few things which you need to know regarding the Inner Pce and its rules. Come in the afternoon to have lunch with me. There are a few rituals which need to be performed," Deng Hui pronounced.


    "Yes, Mother," Chuntao replied.


    Deng Hui put her hands down and held her hands. "Your hands are rough and also you have cuts on your fingers. You must have done some of the hard work. Did you work in fields?" Deng Hui asked her.


    "I used to do it earlier, Mother. I forgot to apply the medicinal paste on them," Chuntao answered.


    Deng Hui tilted her head a little and ordered Court Lady Mi to send the medicine to Chuntao. "Also, send some perfumes and scented oils."


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Mi bowed before her.


    "The Royal Physician wille to examine you," Deng Hui told Chuntao, who was confused to hear that.


    "May I ask why, Mother?" She asked with bewilderment.


    "The Royal Physician will examine if you are healthy enough to bear the child for Prince Nianzu. Special food will be included if your bodycks nutrients," Deng Hui exined to her.


    "Yes, Mother," Chuntao replied as she understood her words.


    "What is the Imperial Mother doing here?" Suddenly they heard the voice of Nianzu, who came forward and stood beside Chuntao.


    "I came to meet my daughter-inw," Deng Hui answered.


    "Give us some privacy," Nianzu ordered and soon the servants left the chamber. After that, Nianzu grasped the hands of his mother which was holding Chuntao''s, and let them go.


    "Mother shall note to meet my wife," Nianzu said. Chuntao nced at him but she kept quiet. "How could you evene here? Are you nning something against my wife? Do you want to take her life and then make me marry the woman of your choice?" Nianzu got furious at her.


    "Prince Nianzu is getting me wrong. I am here to tell her a few things. Please refrain from asking such questions, Prince!" Deng Hui urged him.


    "It is the truth. I always stood for truth. I am feeling guilty because of your actions. Do you have any idea what kind of pit you almost fell into? Gu Zhenya, that corrupted official is the one who supported you for his own benefits. Mother, I always thought that you were being neglected but when you got everything, you decided to harm the Emperor, the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and my wife too. You never once think about me!


    The Crown Prince always protected you yet you tried to harm him! I am disappointed in you, Mother. Please do note near us, especially near my wife," Nianzu blurted out everything that was inside his heart. His anger had not subsided even after yesterday''s conversation with Deng Hui.


    "What do you want me to do then? I have epted my mistake and I am repenting for it. I got frustrated when my son left me. Then, Eunuch Zhen informed me that the Crown Prince had thest conversation with you. The Crown Prince did not bother to tell me that even after I asked him numerous times about you," Deng Hui stated and started to cry.


    "And you decided to harm him and his wife?! I asked him to protect you after I left the Pce," asserted Nianzu.


    Deng Hui joined her both hands. "Forgive me. I even asked the Crown Prince to forgive me but he is not ready to listen to me. I indeed made a grave mistake. It was frustration and anger that made me take such steps. I am extremely regretful for that," Deng Hui said while crying.


    Chuntao did not like it. Nianzu was too harsh on his mother, she thought.


    She held her both hands and said, "I can understand the pain you underwent, Mother. Please do not cry." She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at Nianzu, who was in the same pain as his mother.


    "Prince Nianzu, Mother made a mistake. Forgive her. This is not the way a Prince shall talk to his mother," Chuntao reminded him.


    Nianzu turned his gaze away from his mother. "Mother shall leave," Nianzu said. Deng Hui clutched her fingers. She did not think about the consequences before taking such a drastic step. She stepped back and left the chamber.


    Chuntao went behind her and after a few minutes came inside.


    "Why did Prince Nianzu do that? You should apologize to her. It is not the way Prince Nianzu reacts," Chuntao stated and furrowed her brows.


    "Chun, she almostmitted treason. Do you even know the meaning of that? It is between me and my mother, so do not intervene in this. I need to check if she indeed has turned on the right path or not. Prince Yongzheng betrayed Brother Sheng and everyone around him. I do not want such a thing to happen from the hands of my mother," pronounced Nianzu. "You do not know what a Pce looks like! She once wanted to harm you and I cannot let that fact go.. I need to find out how much she has repented," Nianzu exined to her.

 Chapter 584 - The Reunion Festival

    <h4>Chapter 584 - The Reunion Festival</h4>


    Ying Lili finished her breakfast. Sheng Li had to urgently leave for the barracks because of work, so he could not have his meal with her. She dabbed her mouth with the napkin and put it down on the table. Court Lady Ki took her back to the bed and told her about the books which she could read to entertain herself.


    Ying Lili was happy to learn about that. The maidservant brought one book to her. She took it and read the title on it. Before she could open it she heard a maidservant from outside announcing Xue Yu-Yan and Jiao Lun wished to meet her.


    Ying Lili told Court Lady Ki to send them inside, who loudly said it. Both of them came in and greeted the Crown Princess.


    "Sister Lili, this is a special porridge which my mother had told me once is good for a pregnant woman. I thought to bring it for you," Xue Yu-Yan said. Ying Lili gestured to Court Lady Ki, who took it and put it on the table. She checked it before covering it from the lid.


    "Thank you, Sister Xue."


    "Sister Lili, I have not brought anything with me," Liao Jun said in a low voice.


    "It''s absolutely fine, Sister Liao. Why don''t you two sit down?" Ying Lili asked them.


    "The morning sickness must be a little troubling. Hopefully, it soon goes away," Xue Yu-Yan said.


    "Yes. It is a little annoying," Ying Lili replied and asked about Bai Yaling. "Did you two not bring her here? Even Sister Chuntao has note," Ying Lili said.


    "Sister Lili, we have asked Sister Bai to apany us but she refused. I think that since she is a widow, she is refraining froming closer to you," Liao Jun informed her. "Also, Sister Chuntao could note as the Empress has told her a few rituals toplete."


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "Sister Bai should havee," She said when she heard Xue Yu-Yan.


    "But Sister Lili, it is said that a new widow''s energy might harm the pregnant woman''s baby. I think that''s the reason that she is noting," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "These are mere superstitions. I do not know why people believe in such things. I strongly condemn all this," Ying Lili suddenly turned aggressive.


    Court Lady Ki intervened and told the Crown Princess to calm down. She gave the lukewarm water ss to Ying Lili, which she drank. "The Crown Princess shall not take stress in this period," Court Lady Ki reminded her. Ying Lili hummed.


    ''Princess Zhu Lin is here!'' A maidservant announced who came inside.


    Greeting the Crown Princess, she greeted other Princesses as well.


    "Why did Princess Zhu Line here? She still needs to rest," Ying Lili said worriedly.


    "I am recovering, Crown Princess. I am here to give you a congrattory message. Father has also sent the wishes for you. Congrattions, Crown Princess," Zhu Lin wished her.


    "Thank you, Princess Zhu Lin. Please have a seat. Do you like to drink water? Also, refrain from walking so much. It can put stress on your navel," Ying Lili advised her.


    Zhu Lin sat beside Xue Yu-Yan on the chaise. "I will keep in mind, Crown Princess," she stated.


    "Princess Zhu Lin, I heard from my husband that you and Prince Wanxi are soon going to marry. We all are excited about your marriage," Liao Jun said and smiled.


    "Yes. Our Fathers will decide today. ordingly, on an auspicious day we will get married," Zhu Lin answered.


    "Mid-Autumn Festival is considered as an auspicious day. I wish the Royal Astrologer chooses this day," Ying Lili expressed her desire.


    "I almost forgot that this Reunion Festival ising. Indeed, it''s a fortunate day," Xue Yu-Yan stated. They continued their talks for an hour. The announcement about the Crown Prince''s arrival made them decide to leave the chamber.


    They greeted him, who asked Zhu Lin if she was doing well.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng," Zhu Lin replied with a smile. Ying Lili was astonished to hear that. Sheng Li never let anyone call him Brother except Princess Qi Jing. Even Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun were bewildered to hear that.


    Sheng Li''s eyes fell on the table on which a bowl was ced. "What is that?" Sheng Li asked. "Did the Crown Princess not finish her morning meals?" He asked Court Lady Ki.


    "I have brought it for Sister Lili, Your Highness. My mother has told me that--"


    "Take it away," Sheng Li coldly said.


    Ying Lili and others had not expected this from the Crown Prince.


    "You all shall leave. Thank you, Sister Xue, for the porridge. I will definitely eat it. You have prepared it with so much love," Ying Lili decided to send them away because she knew Sheng Li would say something odd to Xue Yu-Yan which could bring trouble in the other way.


    The three Princesses took their leave while the maidservant closed the door.


    "Throw that porridge away. I have clearly instructed Court Lady Ki not to take any edible things from anyone in the Pce," Sheng Li said furiously.


    "Forgive me, Your Highness. I will throw it away," Court Lady Ki stated.


    "I want to eat it," Ying Lili said and stood up. She went towards the table and removed the lid from the bowl. She picked the spoon and dipped it into the porridge when Sheng Li grasped her wrist.


    "Court Lady Ki, leave," Sheng Li ordered her, who quickly walked out.


    "You are not supposed to eat anything that Xue will give you," Sheng Li urged her.


    "Why? Do you think that Sister Xue wants to harm me and our child?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I do not trust her. She is the daughter of that corrupted Prime Minister, who fed the poison to my mother. Lili, do not be kind enough to such people. I beg you. Kindness is not good at all times," Sheng Li said and took the spoon from her. He covered the bowl from the lid and gazed back at Ying Lili.


    "But she has repented already. Don''t you think that she will feel bad? Also, the First Brother will not like it if Sister Xue tells him," Ying Lili said.


    "I do not care, Lili. You are the only person I care for you at the moment. Let''s suppose Xue has repented fully. What if someone from outside had mixed something in it? Xue''s name mighte in it and you see, I do not care for that either. Your safety is of utmost importance," Sheng Li stated and ced his palm on her right cheek.


    Ying Lili hummed. Sheng Li nted a kiss on her forehead and then hugged her. "I am still investigating if there are any more enemies hidden between us or not," Sheng Li said in a low voice. "I need to clear every enemy so that our child does not need to see all those things," he proimed.


    Ying Lili put her hands on his back. "I understand you." They withdrew after a few minutes when Ying Lili asked him about Zhu Lin addressing him as Brother.


    "That was strange. You never let anyone say that," Ying Lili stated.


    "She is Lei Wanxi''s wife, that''s why. Also, when I asked her about well-being she told me that I reminded her of her elder brother who got martyred in a battle," Sheng Li replied.


    "Oh. Then, that''s good. Princess Zhu Lin sees an elder brother in you," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why? Did you get jealous?" Sheng Li asked her with a grin.


    "No," Ying Lili instantly replied. "I was shocked to hear that.. I do not get jealous like you," Ying Lili remarked.

 Chapter 585 - Remarriage

    <h4>Chapter 585 - Remarriage</h4>


    "The Crown Prince does not need to say that. His remarks can hurt people around him," Liao Jun asserted.


    "The Crown Prince is being cautious. The recent incident was not expected. Also, what if someone puts the poison in the porridge to frame Princess Xue? I think that the Crown Prince might have some thoughts over it," Zhu Lin voiced and exined to them the reason.


    Xue Yu-Yan hummed. "Also, in the past, I made a few mistakes. My Father also betrayed the Emperor, so the Crown Prince is a little worried if I could be a part of it," Xue Yu-Yan pronounced.


    "That was in the past. The Crown Prince shall not bring that forward," Liao Jun affirmed.


    "The Crown Prince is not bringing it forward, Princess Liao. Also, Princess Xue, the Crown Prince is not the type of person who holds grudges against someone. So, you should not rte it to your past. Because if that was the case, then he might have not believed you ever," Zhu Lin proimed.


    "Princess Zhu Lin seems to know about the Crown Prince a lot. It is strange," Liao Jun skeptically replied.


    Zhu Lin smiled and said, "Princess Liao, Prince Wanxi has told me many things about every Prince. That''s why I know. You should not take it the other way. Also, in the past Zho Mi tried to frame Princess Xue. That time too it was difficult for many to trust her." Xue Yu-Yan looked at Zhu Lin and agreed with her.


    "Does Princess Zhu Lin try to mean that if there would be hidden enemies among us, then he might try to use the Royal Family? Since Prince Yongzheng already betrayed the Royal Family, it will be much easier for the others to defeat us since the trust among the Royal Family members has wavered," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.


    "Yes, Princess Xue. The Crown Prince does not like to exin much but he protects everyone around him," Zhu Lin stated. Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun agreed with that.


    "Princess Zhu, you shall not walk too much. As the Crown Princess said earlier, it can affect your navel region injury," Xue Yu-Yan said worriedly.


    "I am returning to my chamber, Princess Xue. Thank you for expressing your concern. I will see you bothter," she took her to leave and left their sight.


    "We shall also go back to our respective chambers," Liao Jun stated. Xue Yu-Yan nodded and saw her leaving, followed by her six maidservants. Xue Yu-Yan also went back to her chamber.


    As she crossed the hallway of her chamber, she saw Consort Ju Fening out of the chamber of Bai Yaling. However, since Ju Fen headed in the opposite direction, she could not see Xue Yu-Yan.


    She decided to meet Bai Yaling and went to her chamber. As she entered, she heard the cries of Bai Yaling. She continued to walk and halted as she saw Bai Yaling had seated on the floor mat.


    "Sister Bai, are you alright?" Xue Yu-Yan asked her humbly. She quickly stopped weeping and wiped off the tears from her cheeks.


    Turning to her, Bai Yaling stood up and bowed. Xue Yu-Yan walked to her and embraced her into a hug. She caressed her back and withdrew.


    "Yes. Everything is fine," Bai Yaling replied. "I recalled myte husband, so could not refrain myself from crying," She said and wiped her cheeks from her fingers.


    "Sister Bai, do you want to go on a walk with me? I heard that lotus pavilion looks beautiful at this time," Xue Yu-Yan stated.


    "I would love to, Sister Xue, but I have some work toplete by the evening," Bai Yaling politely declined her offer. Xue Yu-Yan hummed and caressed her arm.


    "Sister Lili has asked about you. She wants you toe to her chamber. You should go there by the evening," Xue Yu-Yan suggested to her.


    "I am afraid but I do not think that I am allowed to go to the Crown Princess''s chamber. Also, I do not want the Crown Princess to feel any kind of stress because of me," Bai Yaling stated. Xue Yu-Yan had no words left. She could not get what she should say at this time to her. She took her leave and told Bai Yaling to take some rest.


    Bai Yaling again started to cry when a maidservant came inside. "The Emperor has called Princess Bai in his manor," she informed her.


    "Why?" Bai Yaling was anxious to hear that the Emperor had summoned her. Was it probably because Ju Fen wanted her to leave the Pce and live separately.


    "Sure," Bai Yaling answered.


    She went towards the mirror, checked her face, and then left for the Emperor''s manor. The Pce Maid informed the Emperor first about the arrival of Bai Yaling, who ordered her to let her in.


    The Pce maid delivered the same message to Bai Yaling, who walked in. She found General Wang in the chamber but then swiftly averted her gaze. She bowed before the Emperor and kept her eyes low.


    "Consort Ju Fen has made a decision for you. She wants you to live in a separate residence in the Pce other than the Eastern Pce," Han Wenji started to speak. The tears formed in the eyes of Bai Yaling, but she kept them intact, not letting them fall.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Bai Yaling. "The Mother-inw has informed me about the same," Bai Yaling stated with a trembling voice.


    "I do not believe that Princess Bai needs to live separately. I would like to know your opinion," asserted Han Wenji.


    "Does my opinion matter, Your Majesty?" Bai Yaling queried.


    "Of course," Han Wenji stated. "Also, I have a separate offer for Princess Bai. It has only been a month since she got married to my son. However, his wrong deeds affected Princess Bai. You are a young woman and still have a future ahead of you. I do think that Princess Bai has the full right to live a happy life. That''s why I think that Princess Bai shall remarry," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Bai Yaling lifted her eyes and gazed into Han Wenji''s wife. She thought she had heard something wrong.


    "Re-remarriage?" Her voice stuttered.


    "Yes. This is my opinion. Rest is on Princess Bai to decide," asserted Han Wenji. "I think that Princess Bai shall not hold onto Prince Yongzheng, who never cared for her. That''s why I give you two days to think about this," Han Wenji stated.


    "Your Majesty, I am happy that you thought of me. However, remarriage will question my identity. Undoubtedly, Prince Yongzheng never cared for me, but I loved him and cared for him. It is what a woman normally does for her husband. Remarriage is impossible for me, Your Majesty. I will live separately from the other people of the Royal Family," Bai Yaling announced her decision.


    "Princess Bai, I have given two days to think over this. Have a thought over it. I would like to hear your decision after two days," Han Wenji affirmed. Eunuch Jin told Bai Yaling to ept the Emperor''s words.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will think about it. Thank you for His Majesty''s kind concern," Bai Yaling said and again bowed before him.. She left the chamber after a few minutes when General Wang followed her.

 Chapter 586 - Lessons For Horse Riding

    <h4>Chapter 586 - Lessons For Horse Riding</h4>


    Wang Hao stopped Bai Yaling as he came in front of her. "Why did the Princess not ept the Emperor''s offer?" Wang Hao asked her.


    She gazed into his eyes with dismay and anger.


    "Did General Wang ask the Emperor for this?" Bai Yaling questioned him.


    "No. This is what the Emperor wants," Wang Hao answered.


    "Then, why is General Wang stopping me?" She looked skeptically at him.


    "Because I think Princess Bai needs to consider His Majesty''s request," General Wang stated.


    Bai Yaling did not say anything and started to walk. She had never thought about remarriage. Also, the nders she would face if she even talked about her remarriage. She would not be called a loyal woman to herte husband. Also, she had no idea what her new family would be like. At least, in the Pce, only one or two were cold to her. Rest were supportive of her and cared for her. There were many insecurities in her heart.


    "What are you thinking, Princess Bai?" The voice of Wang Hao brought her out of those thoughts.


    "I will not remarry," Bai Yaling replied and stopped at her ce. Wang Hao also stopped. Both were at the top of the stairs and turned to each other.


    "Why? Tell a valid reason to yourself. Everyone knows how Prince Yongzheng treated you," Wang Hao asserted.


    "It would be disrespectful to his soul. We both promised each other while taking vows that we would stay together¡­ no matter what. So, until my death I will only be faithful to him," Bai Yaling answered.


    "Have you forgotten what he did to you? I do not understand the definition of love for Princess Bai," Wang Hao stated and chuckled.


    "General Wang shall not be bothered by my choice," Bai Yaling replied and turned to walk down the stairs. Her long skirt edge came under her shoe. She passed a low scream as she was going to fall forward when Wang Hao caught her arm and pulled her backward.


    She bent backward, Wang Hao''s arm on her back while his other hand was holding her arm. They both gazed into the eyes of each other when she heard him.


    "Princess Bai should be careful," Wang Hao said and helped her in standing straight. He pulled his hands back and said, "Think carefully. You will not get this opportunity time and again. The Crown Prince has made a special request to the Emperor regarding you. Don''t be loyal to yourte husband, who never cared for you. I have told you earlier as well. This is your life, so make a decision for it.


    Don''t think about the bad remarks, nders, and other negative things. At this moment, you need to fight with them and appear as a strong woman," Wang Hao gave her slight encouragement.


    "Why is General Wang informal to me?" Bai Yaling queried him.


    "Because you are younger than me. Also, I did not pay heed," Wang Hao replied. "Forgive me. I will address you as Princess Bai. Is that okay?" He raised his eyebrow.


    "It is fine. General Wang can be informal," Bai Yaling replied. "I will think about it. I have two days to give an answer to His Majesty. Thank you, General Wang," She said and bowed before him. "I shall take my leave."


    Bai Yaling turned towards the stairs and soon descended them. A maidservant followed her from the bottom of the stairs.


    "She is too loyal to Prince Yongzheng. But it''s the fault of the upbringing she had and also the people around her, who made her feel that way," Wang Hao murmured.


    ~~~~


    Lei Wanxi panted as he practiced for an hour. Thest time he practiced this way was eight years ago. He sat down on the floor and put the sword down.


    Xiao Zhan told a servant to bring the chair and water for Prince Wanxi.


    "General Xiao, it is so hot," Lei Wanxi said and looked for his fan. "My fan," he murmured and found he had left that in the room. The servant handed the water ss to Lei Wanxi, who drank it quickly.


    "Bring me a fan," Lei Wanxi told him as he gave the ss to the servant.


    "Prince Wanxi, you might get sick that way," Xiao Zhan said and gestured to the servant to leave. Another servant brought the chair and informed Xiao Zhan about it, who helped Lei Wanxi to stand up.


    Lei Wanxi sat on the chair and found his arms had started to hurt. He rested his back on the chair and closed his eyes. "This is so frustrating," Lei Wanxi murmured.


    Weng Yu came to them and greeted them. "Sixth Brother, do you want to do sword fighting with me?" He asked with excitement.


    Lei Wanxi moved his hand in the air. "I am not in the condition, Brother Yu," he stated and closed his eyes.


    "Prince Yu, you shall head back to your chamber. From tomorrow, the horse riding ss for you will start," Xiao Zhan asserted and turned to Lei Wanxi.


    "Prince Wanxi, you shall start taking the lessons for horse riding from tomorrow onwards," He suggested.


    "I don''t think I can. What if the horse threw me away? I cannot take the risk of my life," Lei Wanxi expressed his concern.


    "Brother Wanxi, horses are so gentle. I am aiming to get into Brother Sheng''s horse. I heard the Crown Prince''s horse does not let anyone hop on it," asserted Weng Yu with a smile.


    Lei Wanxi opened his eyes and said, "Weng Yu, that''s an impossible dream. Also, don''t call him a horse. It has a name¨C Kongqi which means air. Brother Sheng''s horse is as fast as the air. Also, Kongqi let Sister Lili hop on it. Even Kongqi knew that only Sister Lili could take the ce in his heart," Lei Wanxi said and smiled.


    "General Xiao, Kongqi did not even let me sit on it. Does he not know that Brother Sheng adores me so much?" Lei Wanxi mumbled and looked at Weng Yu, who was smiling at him.


    "Who knows, Kongqi will let me sit on its back?" Weng Yu said with a smile.


    "Hmm. That would be strange to see. I need to take a good bath. Thank you, General Xiao, for today''s lesson," Lei Wanxi said and picked his sword from the ground. The servant handed him the sheath and he put it inside it.


    "Weng Yu, you shall take a bath too," Lei Wanxi told him and left the practice ground.

 Chapter 587 - Labeling Her As A Jinx

    <h4>Chapter 587 - Labeling Her As A Jinx</h4>


    The Royal Physician examined Ying Lili again in the evening. He told a few things to Court Lady Ki regarding the diet of Ying Lili and then turned his gaze to Ying Lili. The Empress and the Consorts were also present in the chamber.


    "Crown Princess, you need to drink almond milk before sleeping. It will give strength to your muscles and will help youter while conceiving the child," the Royal Physician said humbly.


    "Royal Physician, what about the saffron in the almond milk? The Mongolian region is rich in saffron, and its use in almond milk is famous. I think the Crown Princess shall also take that," Ju Fen asserted.


    "First Consort, I am afraid, but the Crown Princess is allergic to saffron. Its consumption can adversely affect her Royal Highness," asserted the Royal Physician.


    "Forgive me, Crown Princess. I did not know that you are allergic to saffron," Ju Fen apologized.


    "First Consort, I heard that Princess Bai will live separately soon. Is it true?" The second Consort asked her. Ying Lili''s attention went towards it.


    "Yes. She will have separate lessons and will follow the path of widow chastity," Consort Ju Fen said.


    "Why shall Sister Bai live separately and perform the widow chastity? She is still in the recovering phase and it may pressure her mentally," Ying Lili expressed her concern.


    "Crown Princess, you shall not get worried over such a trivial matter. It is important for her to live separately," Ju Fen stated politely.


    "It is about the life of a young woman. It is wrong to force her into such a superstitious trade," Ying Lili openly said. Deng Hui nced at Consort Ju Fen, who did not like Ying Lili''s remark.


    "Crown Princess, I know you are open-minded but the traditional values should not be neglected," proimed Ju Fen and smiled. The Royal Physician stood up from the chair, bowed before them, and left the chamber.


    "Forgive me, Consort Ju, but these transitional values are only negatively affecting Princess Bai. Also, Prince Yongzheng never treated his wife with respect," Ying Lili made a sharpment about the second Prince, which somewhat infuriated Ju Fen. However, she kept her cool.


    "Consort Ju, the Emperor has agreed to give some time to Princess Bai Yaling, so you should go with that. The Crown Princess''s opinion on Princess Bai''s mental health should be considered," Deng Hui supported the Crown Princess.


    "I only want it for the safety of the Royal Family and the Crown Princess. Bai Yaling turned a widow at such a young age, so she can negatively affect the people around her," Ju Fen pronounced and tried to make them understand.


    "Consort Ju, I cannot believe my ears that you have such thoughts about your daughter-inw. Does the First Consort know what Prince Yongzheng''s thinking was and how he treated Princess Bai? He considered women inferior. He beat him whenever he got angry. Is this a way a man acts?" Ying Lili started to get angry. Luckily, the Crown Prince returned afterpleting his work.


    The maidservant announced the Crown Prince''s arrival. He came inside, greeted the Empress and the other Consorts.


    He saw the angry expression on Ying Lili''s face and asked about it.


    "Consort Ju, if my husband would be like Prince Yongzheng I would never want to perform any widow chastity. It was your mistake too, Consort Ju because you did not reprimand Prince Yongzheng. His actions kept getting worse--"


    Sheng Li put his hand on her shoulder and she paused. "Calm down, Lili," he told her.


    "Why should I calm down?" Ying Lili''s eyes turn watery. "No one is understanding the pain of Sister Bai andbeling her as a jinx. How can she be a jinx to a pregnant woman? Was it her mistake that Prince Yongzheng used such a path andmitted treason? No, right? Then, why are the elders and others failed to understand her?" Ying Lili questioned him and ended up crying.


    The wives of the Emperors turned silent. Sheng Li turned to them and apologized for Ying Lili''s sudden outburst.


    "Could you please leave us?" Sheng Li asked them.


    Deng Hui told the other Consorts that they should leave, and they left in a few seconds. Sheng Li got on his one knee, while others touched the ground surface.


    He cupped the face of Ying Lili and wiped the tears from her cheeks using his thumbs.


    "I have done something for your Sister Bai. Do not get angry," Sheng Li said and passed a tiny smile to her.


    "What did you do?" She asked while sobbing.


    "I asked the Emperor for the remarriage of Princess Bai," Sheng Li answered and moved his hands down. He grasped her hands and caressed them.


    "But you said it''s not possible. Is it possible?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Hmm. Father has given two days to Princess Bai to think regarding that. Hopefully, she will agree to a remarriage," Sheng Li stated.


    "But whom will she marry? You also know that the men are not ready to take a widow. Do you think we will be able to find a nice man for Sister Bai?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "Father thinks that Princess Bai if agrees to marry then he will marry her off to the Eastern Province Prince, Prince Zhihao. He is a loyal subject of the Han Empire," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Are you sure Prince Zhihao will marry Sister Bai? What if he backed off?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I do not think that he will have any problem with it," Sheng Li pronounced. He got up and sat beside Ying Lili. "Let Princess Bai make a decision and then the Father will send the invitation to Prince Zhihao for it," Sheng Li stated.


    "What about the parents of Sister Bai?" Ying Lili asked him another question and tilted her head to peer at him.


    "Father said that they will agree with that. After Princess Bai''s decision, everything will be decided," Sheng Li replied to her. He put his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer. Ying Lili rested her head on his shoulder.


    "I am concerned a little for Sister Bai.. I pray to Jade Emperor that Sister Bai agrees for this remarriage," Ying Lili said.

 Chapter 588 - Kiss Me Back, Lili

    <h4>Chapter 588 - Kiss Me Back, Lili</h4>


    Deng Hui and Ju Fen had tea together in the evening.


    "Sister Hui, I had never thought the other way. Today when the Crown Princess blurted out about my son, somewhere I felt guilty. I was the one who supported him and never once corrected him! Prince Yongzheng did not think once about his mother and wife. The shame we are carrying for his sins," Ju Fen turned sad after recalling the incident.


    "The Ministers had put the pressure on the Emperor to send you two to the Cold Pce. If the Crown Prince had not supported you two, then it might have been a problem," Deng Hui exined to Ju Fen.


    "Yes. For that, I am grateful to the Crown Prince. Sister Hui, I once wanted ill of the Crown Prince. I used to get happy when the previous Empress made the ns to harm Sheng Li. I, somewhere, wanted him to be dead so that it would clear the path of my son. I never epted this truth, but in front of you, I am epting it. I was the one, who instigated the same feelings in my son towards Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li could have punished me along with Yongzheng. But he showed kindness to me. I remember the remark that I have made against him¨C that he is cruel by heart. However, he showed the utmost kindness towards me and Bai Yaling.


    Yongzheng created many problems for him when they were kids and I always encouraged my son for it. I had no idea that when he would grow up, he would try to poison his father and my husband. I am surely guilty of all his acts. The Crown Princess is absolutely right. I should think about Bai Yaling, who got betrayed. My son used to abuse her. She did not even tell me this. The Crown Princess was right! Who would like to follow the path of widow chastity for such a husband," Deng Hui blurted out everything that was in her mind. The teachings she gave to her son were somewhere that shaped him into a monster.


    Deng Hui recalled her time when she also tried to do the same. She was d that the Crown Prince saved her when she did not deserve to be saved. However, she had fallen in her son''s eyes.


    "Sister Hui, what''s done cannot be corrected but what''s ahead can be improved. Let''s see all the Princes as our sons. We all kept this feeling of jealousy in our hearts. Sheng Li''s mother was such a kind woman. Does sister Hui remember the time when Sheng Li''s mother refused to be the Empress? She had no greed for the throne. Because of her kindness and generosity, the Ministers were adamant about making her the Empress.


    Now, I feel how much pain she had undergone while bearing Sheng Li. She was poisoned by the former Prime Minister, whom she saved once. We all got blind in front of power and the result was nothing. We only lost things close to us," Deng Hui stated and started to cry. Ju Fen also started to weep to recall all those things.


    "Sheng Li''s mother lost her life all because of this political greed of us. He is such a great person that he kept us alive else we also deserved punishment along with the Former Empress," Ju Fen proimed as she sobbed. The tea in front of them got cold as they both cried for their respective crimes. The only difference was that Deng Hui''s crimes were not known to everyone that''s why she was not punished. However, she was getting punished by her soul, her son, and the Crown Prince too.


    ~~~~


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to their private residence. Both were in the pnquin when Ying Lili asked him, "Have you prepared a surprise for me?"


    "No. I want you to enjoy your night with me. Lately, you have been under a lot of stress, and it worries me. The Private Residence is a ce where we both can have our minds off the Imperial Pce activities," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili.


    "We could havee on Kongqi," Ying Lili opined.


    "You indeed do not know how to take care of yourself, Lili. You have a life inside you. Since it''s the initial month, so you need to be extremely careful. You cannot jump around all the time," Sheng Li asserted.


    "When did I jump around?" Ying Lili asked as she furrowed her brows together.


    "Every day you do that," Sheng Li replied. "Get a hold on your feet for a few months," he stated.


    "You are scolding me," Ying Lili said.


    "I did not scold you," Sheng Li replied and chuckled. "You are having strange mood swings," he said.


    "Are you getting annoyed?" She asked him.


    "No. Why would I get annoyed? Instead, I want to kiss you," Sheng Li said. It brought a smile to her lips. She leaned forward to him and closed her eyes.


    Sheng Li leaned forward and kissed her lips. They both smiled and withdrew. Ying Lili pushed the curtain away and looked outside. "The weather is so pleasant. Our child will be born in the summer time¡­ probably in the year of Dragon. I am eagerly waiting for our child," Ying Lili said and tilted her head to gaze at Sheng Li.


    Court Lady Ki was smiling as their conversation was loud enough to hear.


    "Look at the cloud. It is looking like a horse," Ying Lili said and pointed towards the sky. Sheng Li gazed up and hummed.


    He grabbed her hand and pushed the curtain on the wooden window of the pnquin.


    "What happened?" She asked.


    Sheng Li put his hand on her nape and pulled her for a kiss, astonishing Ying Lili. She put her hands on his shoulders, tapping on them to stop him. But he did not. Ying Lili did not know the reason for this sudden behavior of Sheng Li.


    "Kiss me back, Lili," He urged as he gave her enough time to breathe before pressing his lips again on hers.

 Chapter 589 - Every Mans Choice

    <h4>Chapter 589 - Every Man''s Choice</h4>


    Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin returned from the Capital Bureau''s office in the evening. "Brother, I will be with the Fourth Brother for the evening tea. Would you like to join us?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "I would love to, but I have tonight''s n with my wife. Maybe tomorrow I will join," Rong Zemin politely refused.


    "It''s fine. It is good to give the time to your wife," Jian Guozhi replied and patted his shoulder. He walked ahead while Rong Zemin went to his chamber. After freshening up and changing into the other dress, he left for Liao Jin''s chamber.


    He walked in and saw Liao Jun was standing at the center of her bed-chamber. "I was waiting for you," asserted Liao Jun and went towards the table. She told the maidservant to leave, who had prepared the tea.


    "Prince Zemin, please sit down. I will serve you the tea," Liao Jun said with a smile.


    Rong Zemin hummed and pulled out a chair for him. He sat on it and watched Liao Jun preparing the tea.


    She put the teacup in front of him. "This is green leaf tea. It will rejuvenate you," Liao Jun told him and sat on the other chair.


    Rong Zemin picked the teacup and sipped the tea while Liao Jun poured the tea for herself.


    "Today we went to meet the Crown Princess. She is concerned about Princess Bai and is not understanding that she has stepped out of her boundaries," Liao Jun said and gently put the teapot on the table.


    Rong Zemin put the teacup down and sped his fingers together. "Liao Jun, the Crown Princess has rational thinking. She does not like what men think about women which not only the father and the Crown Prince appreciate but every prince appreciates. Also, I do believe that Princess Bai must be given the freedom to live her life rather than forcing her to do things," he voiced his opinion.


    "Does Prince Zemin also think that the Crown Princess is kind of a dream woman for every man?" Liao Jun wanted to know her husband''s opinion on it.


    "She can be considered an ideal woman. However, my opinion on Sister Lili shall not bother you. I like her judgmental skills and the way she always supported Brother Sheng," Rong Zemin stated. He again picked the teacup and sipped the tea while Liao Jun had her fingers wrapped around the cup.


    "The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are the ideal couples. Prince Zemin, I heard that the Crown Prince was not like this earlier. Is it true? I never asked the Prince about it but now I am curious," Liao Jun asserted.


    "Except the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince, none of us ever tried to understand Brother Sheng. He did not have a not-so-good life¡­ one reason was that his mother died when he was quite young and the second reason was the wives of the Emperor except his concubine and third consort. We always took him as a threat but it was never true. Brother Sheng needed the love and care which he never got. The Crown Princess has simr thoughts as Brother Sheng but sometimes Brother Sheng buries his kind side which Sister Lili tries to take out. They both bnce each other¨C a perfect example of Yin & Yang.


    Sister Lili gave him the warmth and love that he never experienced," Rong Zemin exined to Liao Jun and picked the teapot.


    "Your tea is cold. Drink it and I will pour more," Rong Zemin said. Liao Jun hummed and drank the tea from her cup. Rong Zemin poured the tea into it and then to his cup.


    "The Crown Princess is brave, that''s why she is with the Crown Prince. Brother Sheng did not get attracted to women because everyone feared him except Sister Lili," Rong Zemin said with a smile.


    "Let''s keep the conversation of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess aside. We need to focus on us," Rong Zemin said and passed her a tiny smile.


    They both enjoyed their tea session. The maidservant cleaned the table for them and left the chamber.


    Rong Zemin stood up from the chair and went behind Liao Jun. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned down. "Liao Jun, there is something I want to give you. I hope you will like it," he whispered in her ear.


    "What?" Liao Jun was surprised to hear that.


    A maidservant came inside with a tray covered with red cloth. Rong Zemin picked the headdress¨C a gold, single prong hairpin with golden danglings attached to it.


    "Here, this for you. I ordered it a week ago with the Royal jeweler. Hopefully, you will like it," Rong Zemin said. The maidservant stepped back and left.


    "It''s so beautiful," Liao Jun''s eyes glistened seeing the headdress. She stood up and went towards the dressing table. Rong Zemin followed her and helped her in wearing the headdress.


    The danglings hung till the temples of her forehead, magnifying her beauty. "I look pretty. I loved it," Liao Jun said. "Thank you, Prince Zemin, for this precious gift." She bowed before him.


    Rong Zemin put his hands on her shoulders and told her to look into his eyes. "I am d the Princess liked it. It indeed suits you," Heplimented her and kissed her on the middle of her forehead.


    Liao Jun smiled and thought to take the headdress of her hair when Rong Zemin caught her hand. "Let it be on your hair," he requested, and the next second he captured her lips. Liao Jun''s hands moved up and crossed behind his neck as she reciprocated his kiss.


    After a few seconds, he withdrew back and looked into her eyes. "In my eyes, Liao Jun is the perfect woman. So, do not ever think that if I praise Sister Lili that means I consider her perfect. Every man''s choice is different," He stated and caressed her head.


    Liao Jun nodded her head and hugged him tightly, who had also encircled his arms around her.

 Chapter 590 - Pinch Your Cheeks

    <h4>Chapter 590 - Pinch Your Cheeks</h4>


    "It must be tough to live among themoners," Jian Guozhi said as he picked the teacup from the table. He brought it near his mouth when he heard Nianzu.


    "Living among themoners was fun. I get to see their lives. However, living as themoner among the noble ss is tough. You never know what a nobleman will do to you. There will be no one to hear you, to stand for you," asserted Nianzu.


    "What about the justice system? The civil servants are appointed because of that reason only," Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "It is only on papers, Brother Jian. A nobleman will win no matter what. I have experienced this myself. When my wife was harassed by the Vige Headman of the noble ss, no one came to the front. I felt helpless. Even the Royal Inspector listened to the Vige Headman. For amoner it is always a losing game," affirmed Nianzu and sipped the tea.


    Jian Guozhi drank the tea and put the teacup down.


    "So, we need to work on that. However, that''s going to be difficult. Power makes you have authority over the people. The noble ss people hate the fact that their powers are being limited," Jian Guozhi stated. Nianzu agreed with him.


    "Brother Nianzu, when you left the Pce things didn''t appear good. You are an important part of this Royal family," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "I missed everyone," Nianzu said and finished his tea. "Prince Yongzheng''s loss could not be forgotten. But new happiness has entered the Royal Family. The Crown Princess will be blessed with a child soon," Nianzu said and smiled.


    "As the First uncle of the uing child, I will give him or her everything which I failed to give to Sheng Li. I want to strengthen my rtionship with Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi expressed his desire. "After the betrayal of Yongzheng, Brother Sheng has also stopped trusting me. He thinks that I might betray him in the future," he sighed.


    "Give time to Brother Sheng. Also, Sister Lili is there for him to make him understand. Brother Sheng might have said that in anger," Nianzu replied and picked the teapot. He poured the tea in the cup of the First Prince and then his.


    "What about the Ministers? Also, two more will be appointed in the court along with me. Have they been called?" Nianzu queried.


    "They will be here by tomorrow morning," he replied. "Now, most of the Ministers are good and loyal subjects of His Majesty," asserted Jian Guozhi.


    He sipped the tea and said, "Brother Nianzu, I observed Father''s health. Lately, he does not appear good. I think his illness is back. Hu Jingguo had tried to treat him and he recovered too but it''s back again." Nianzu nced at him and realized that Jian Guozhi already knew.


    "Hmm. Father''s health is not good. There is no surety when Father''s health deteriorates further." Nianzu''s expressions turned gloomy.


    "The Crown Prince needs to prepare himself to usurp the throne," Jian Guozhi stated. Nianzu found that even the First Prince wanted Sheng Li to be the next Emperor. He was delighted to hear that. Finally, the First Prince had no ill intentions left in his heart. He was happy with his current position and work.


    "Let''s hope everything goes well, First Brother," Nianzu said. His lips formed into a thin line and moved up as a tiny smile appeared on them. Jian Guozhi nodded his head.


    ~~~~~


    "Why did you hide behind the pir?" Zhu Lin asked Lei Wanxi, who came to the front.


    "How did you see me? I made no mistake," He said and walked towards her.


    Zhu Lin turned to look at him and answered, "I saw your reflection in the mirror." She found Lei Wanxi''s hands behind his back, so she asked him, "what are you hiding?"


    Lei Wanxi brought his hands forward. "Nothing."


    "Oh! I thought you were giving me a surprise again," Zhu Lin said and stood up from the chair.


    "I will not give you surprises all the time. You should also give me a surprise," Lei Wanxi said and folded his arms across each other. Zhu Lin walked to him and halted in front of him.


    "What does Prince Wanxi like? I will give him," Zhu Lin stated.


    "You love me, so you should know about my choices. If I tell you then it will be like that I am asking you to buy a present for me," Lei Wanxi opined. Zhu Lin smiled a little and went towards the table near the dressing table.


    She took out a white-colored fan. It had a peach blossom tree painted on it, with ck color. She turned and showed him the fan. "It got delivered today from the Eastern Province. I hope the Prince will like it," Zhu Lin said and forwarded her both hands on which the folding fan was ced.


    Lei Wanxi went to her and picked the fan. He opened it. "Swash!" It made a sound, and it delighted Lei Wanxi.


    "It is beautiful," He said as he fanned himself. "Woah! I have heard that Eastern Province''s fans have a specialty in them. Thank you, Zhu Lin. I, indeed, liked this surprise," He said and pinched her cheek.


    "Ahh," Zhu Lin covered her cheek from her palm.


    "Prince Wanxi has a strange way to thank someone," Zhu Linined and stroked her cheek.


    "I do this only with you. Why are you whining?" Lei Wanxi asked while he kept fanning himself.


    "There are other gentle ways to say thank you. Forget it! I understand that Prince Wanxi only knows to y like a kid with everyone around him," Zhu Lin muttered and scoffed.


    Lei Wanxi closed the fan and put it inside his sash. He stepped towards Zhu Lin and leaned down towards her face. "Did you ever see me pinching the cheek of a woman?" He asked her.


    Zhu Lin shook her head.


    "I pinch your cheeks only as I love you. It is my way to show my love to you," Lei Wanxi said and leaned back.


    "Prince Wanxi pinched me so hard. It appeared to me that he is having fun," Zhu Lin said. She was shocked when Lei Wanxi pressed his lips on hers. She looked into his eyes and blinked them. Lei Wanxi gradually moved his hand on her waist and gently drew her closer, keeping in mind, she would not feel pain in her abdomen.


    Moving his lips against her, he ced his palm on her right cheek and angled her face, so that he could kiss her better. They closed their eyes to feel the ecstasy of their kiss. After a few seconds, Lei Wanxi withdrew from the kiss and ran the back of his index finger on her side face. "I hope it has satisfied you and made you happy," he whispered.


    "Hmm." Zhu Lin looked into his eyes.


    "It was our second kiss. It was nice," Lei Wanxi said while smiling.


    "When will we get married?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "You are so excited to marry me," Lei Wanxi remarked.


    "Of course! Are you not?" She questioned him back.


    "I am," he answered. "The Royal Astrologer could note today, so the day has not been decided. Don''t worry.. We both will marry soon," Lei Wanxi asserted.

 Chapter 591 - Completely Dark

    <h4>Chapter 591 - Completely Dark</h4>


    Jian Guozhi came to Xue Yu-Yan in the night, who was surprised when the maidservant announced his arrival. She got up from the floor mattress and walked to the center of her chamber. Jian Guozhi smiled upon seeing her.


    "Jian Ge, you surprised me," Xue Yu-Yan said delightedly.


    "I thought about spending the night here," replied Jian Guozhi. He looked towards the floor table and saw the silk fabrics over it. "Did I disturb you? It seems Xue was doing something important," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "No. It is not important. I thought of sewing silk clothes for the future child of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. So, I started that work," Xue Yu-Yan answered.


    "That''s great," Jian Guozhi said.


    Xue Yu-Yan stepped towards him and helped him in removing the overcoat. She folded it and put it on the chaise. "Jian Ge, did you have your tea?" She asked and turned to him. To her surprise, he had gone near the floor desk and sat down.


    "Don''t you think you shall make such clothes for our future child too?" Jian Guozhi asked her. Xue Yu-Yan widened her eyes a little and gulped.


    "Jian Ge," she whispered, who nced at her.


    "Are you not ready for it?" He asked her.


    "No. I was a little surprised," she stated and went towards him. She sat down beside her and started to wrap her work. Jian Guozhi also helped her when the needle pierced his index finger and it resulted in a low scream from his mouth.


    Xue Yu-Yan quickly put down the fabrics in her hand and grasped his finger. "Jian Ge, be careful. It stings more than a cut from the sword," She said worriedly and blew air over it. Jian Guozhi peered at her.


    She saw the blood oozing out from his finger, so gently ced her thumb over it and looked at him. Jian Guozhi pulled his finger from her grip and said, "It''s nothing serious, Xue. The stingsted only for a second and pressed his thumb over it.


    "I am all good," he said while smiling.


    Xue Yu-Yan hummed and put the needle-thread box inside the drawer. In the other drawer, she put the fabrics inyers and scissors in the other.


    Jian Guozhi reached out his hand to grab the lock of her hair which was dangling near her right face. Xue Yu-Yan tilted her head to look at him, who tucked it behind her ear.


    "Jian Ge appears different today. Did he drink today?" Xue Yu-Yan asked. Her lips moved up as she asked him.


    "No. I am an asional drinker," Jian Guozhi replied and rested his elbow over the floor table. "I had tea with Brother Nianzu earlier," he said.


    "Then, why is Jian Ge acting like this?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him.


    "Xue, I thought to get a little romantic with you. It feels like you do not want your husband to get romantic," Jian Guozhi stated and smiled.


    "You never acted that way," Xue Yu-Yan said.


    "Hmm. Maybe because I wanted to give us enough time. I have had a hard time these past few months. Forgive me for not taking good care of you," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "Jian Ge takes good care of me. He should not apologize," she said. "Indeed, these past few months have changed both of us. We were on a path, which waspletely dark, but we never realized," she asserted and snickered.


    "You are right. We might have ended up like my mother and your father. The Crown Prince saved us. However, I would give maximum credit to the Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi affirmed. He found that the smile from Xue Yu-Yan''s lips had disappeared.


    "What happened, Xue? Is something disturbing you?" He asked and furrowed his brows together.


    "The Crown Prince still hates me," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    "Why do you think so?"


    "I prepared porridge for Sister Lili. It was a special porridge recipe that my mother had once taught me. It is great for a pregnant woman. I thought if Sister Lili would eat, then it would be great. However, the Crown Prince ordered Court Lady Xu to throw it away," Xue Yu-Yan exined the situation to Jian Guozhi.


    "The Crown Prince has many reasons to hate me. He used to trust me when we were young, but then I diverted my attention towards the throne. I did a few bad things which made him lose his trust in me a long time ago," Xue Yu-Yan said. She was guilty of her acts.


    "He doesn''t even nce at me, and I have observed that he tells Sister Lili not to trust me," she proimed.


    He sat straight and grasped her hand. He patted on it and said, "Xue, Sheng Li does not hate you. He must have his reasons. I know his nature. He sometimes even gets angry at Rong Zemin and me. But he does not hate us. He might have done that because it''s the pce. What if someone had poisoned it? There might be some hidden enemies," Jian Guozhi made Xue Yu-Yan understand.


    The same words Zhu Lin had told her. Xue Yu-Yan found that she was thinking too much. "I got it, Jian Ge," she said.


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head and kissed the middle of her forehead. "I will talk to Brother Sheng regarding this," He stated.


    "Don''t. The Crown Prince might not like it. I wanted to share it with you," Xue Yu-Yan asserted. Jian Guozhi agreed with her.


    "Xue, the Crown Prince has no more grudges against anyone. He is just cautious. This time is crucial for them. Do not take his words to your heart." He moved his hand up to her cheek and stroked it from the back of her palm.


    Xue Yu-Yan gazed into his eyes and smiled. Jian Guozhi gradually closed the distance between them. Their noses touched each other, and soon he captured her lips.


    Xue Yu-Yan clutched the fabric of her high-waist skirt. Jian Guozhi, on the other hand,id his hand t on her cheek and pulled her closer to him. His other hand went behind her head and slowly pushed her down on the floor mattress.


    They parted from each other. Jian Guozhi joined his fingers with hers and brought her hand near his mouth. He kissed her fingers while keeping his gaze fixed on her.. He then carried her in his arms and took her to the bed.

 Chapter 592 - Under The Cherry Blossom

    <h4>Chapter 592 - Under The Cherry Blossom</h4>


    Sheng Li picked the napkin and wiped the mouth of Ying Lili. "Did you enjoy the dinner?" He asked as he put the napkin on the table and called the maidservant in.


    "Yes. I love the sweet dish," Ying Lili replied. The maidservant left the chamber after cleaning the table.


    "Do you want to eat more? I will tell Court Lady Ki to bring it for you," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili shook her head.


    "No. My stomach is full. I overate, I feel," Ying Lili said and stood up from the chair. "Let''s go to the garden and sit on the swing for some time. It has been a long time since we two sat on a swing," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li also stood up and nodded his head. "It is cold at night since autumn is here," he said worriedly. Seeing the sad expression on Ying Lili''s face, he called Court Lady Ki inside.


    "Bring the winter cloak for the Crown Princess," Sheng Li ordered her. Court Lady Ki bowed, stepped backward, and walked out of the chamber.


    "You are taking too much care of me. It''s not even the winter time," Ying Lili said and pouted. Sheng Li grasped her hands as he took a step towards her.


    "It''s important though. You have to take extreme care of yourself and I need to do the same. Just for a few months and then everything will be alright," Sheng Li stated and put her hands down. He went to the door when Court Lady Ki came with the white fur cloak in her hand. Sheng Li thanked her and came towards Ying Lili.


    He put it around Ying Lili and tied the knot on it. "Now, you will not feel cold," asserted Sheng Li.


    "What about you? Will you not feel the cold?" She asked.


    "I am good. Let''s go," Sheng Li said and took her out to the garden. It was well lit withnterns. Sheng Li brought her to the swing. He moved his hand over the wooden seat of the swing to make sure it was clean.


    "You can sit, Lili," Sheng Li said.


    She sat down on it while he quickly went behind her and pushed the swing. It moved forward, taking Ying Lili with it, who gazed up at the sky.


    After a few minutes, it came back and Sheng Li held the ropes firmly. He again gave it a forward push. This time Ying Lili giggled and told Sheng Li to do more. However, Sheng Li did it for a few minutes only. He held the ropes on the swing and stopped it.


    Ying Lili''s eyes were still fixated on the sky. "The autumn sky is so beautiful. Everything is so vivid in the night sky," she said and tilted her head to meet Sheng Li''s gaze. "Isn''t it?" She asked him.


    "Hmm. I never understood this sky. It is so vast and unapproachable," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "It is! However, there is something that connects us with it. Our parents might be watching us from there," Ying Lili concluded.


    "I do not believe in that. How could someone watch us from that far? It appears to be miles of distance," Sheng Li replied and looked down at Ying Lili, whose gaze was still at the sky.


    Sheng Li sat beside her, however, opposite to her on the same swing. Ying Lili rested her head on his shoulder and said, "Then they might be living in us¨C a part of them."


    "Do you think so?"


    "Hmm."


    "I do not think I have any qualities of my mother," Sheng Li said. Ying Lili lifted her head and red at him.


    "It''s not true," she said and told him to sit from the front side. Sheng Li came to the front and sat down beside her. She intertwined their fingers. "Are you missing her?" She asked him.


    "A little," he replied. "Her son grew up so much and she is not here with him to see that. Good people always have a bad fate. Even the father will leave us soon and then he will not be able to see his grandchild," Sheng Li stated.


    "The Royal Physician is trying his best to treat the ailment of the Father. Miracle also happens, Sheng Li," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "How do you end up talking so beautifully? You calm me down," Sheng Li praised her and pulled his hand from her fingers'' grip. He brought it near her face and stroked her cheek from the back of her palm.


    "You are not feeling cold, are you?" Sheng Li queried her.


    Ying Lili shook her head. "The cloak is warm," she answered.


    "I am thinking that it will be a son. What do you think?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I think we will get twins," Sheng Li said and smiled.


    "How? The Royal Physician has confirmed that it is a child," Ying Lili replied.


    "It''s the earliest stage, so the Royal Physician may not be able to detect the pulse rate. I am getting an intuition that we will have twins¨C a daughter and a son. A beautiful, pretty daughter like my Lili," Sheng Li said.


    "And a son like my Sheng Li!" Ying Lili stated. "If we will have twins then you need to carry me in your arms to the Buddhist Shrine, where we both sought the blessings of Lord Buddha," Ying Lili stated.


    "Sure!" Sheng Li agreed with her.


    "I was joking, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said.


    "But I am serious. I will carry you to the Buddhist Shrine bare feet," Sheng Li affirmed. Ying Lili knitted her brows and immediately put her palm over his lips, but by then, Sheng Li had taken the vow.


    She put her hand down. "Why did you say that? Your feet will burn in the summer heat! Take back your words and apologize to Lord Buddha for speaking like this," Ying Lili urged him and at the same time scolding him.


    "Lili, I do not take back my words. Also, I want to do it. I will carry you in bridal style in my arms to the shrine," Sheng Li pronounced and smiled again.


    "Everyone will curse your Lili for doing this! I won''t let that happen. Let me find the counter--" She stopped as Sheng Li kissed her lips.


    "Sheng Li!" She widened her eyes while smiling.


    Again he kissed her and said, "Stop me from doing that and I will keep kissing you."


    Ying Lili pursed her lips together. After a few seconds, she opened her mouth to speak. "I have an idea how to protect my husband''s feet from getting burned," she said.


    "Tell me," Sheng Li demanded.


    "I will not," Ying Lili said and stood up when Sheng Li caught her wrist and pulled her back. She turned to him and fell on hisp which stunned her.


    "What are you doing?" She questioned him.


    "Where are you going? We still need to decide the name of our twins," Sheng Li said and wrapped his arms around her waist.


    "But we are not sure if we will get twins or not," Ying Lili opined.


    "Don''t you trust me? I am telling you that we will have twins¨C a girl and a boy," Sheng Li affirmed. "Now, let''s decide the names. I have one name ready for the boy," he added.


    "And what''s that?" She waited for him to respond.


    "I will name him Long Jingguo. Since the expected birth time will be in the month of Dragon, the name will start with Long while Jingguo will follow in the memory of Hu Jingguo," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili was astonished to hear that. She had thought that Sheng Li, when earlier told her, was joking with her. "Do you want to name our son by the name of Hu Jingguo?" Ying Lili inquired from him again.


    Sheng Li hummed. "I told you that I will keep Jingguo alive in the history of Han. This is my deep desire for him. I want him to be remembered by everyone," Sheng Li proimed.


    "It is a nice name. What about the daughter?" Ying Lili asked with glistening eyes.


    "Jing Xin," Sheng Li answered. "What do you think? Is it good? I don''t feel it''s that good!" Sheng Li deduced.


    "Umm¡­ let''s name her on the cherry blossom tree. Do you remember your birthday when we both went to your mother''s ce? We both, for the first time, realized feelings for each other in that swing under the cherry blossom tree," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li liked her idea and nodded his head.


    "Y¨©nghu¨¡," they both pronounced at the same time. Sheng Li smiled and started tough. "It is such a pretty name," he said.


    "Yes. The Cherry blossom tree shows love. Our love started to bloom after that only. We will name our daughter Y¨©nghu¨¡ if the child is a daughter," Ying Lili proimed.


    "Y¨©nghu¨¡ and Long Jingguo.. Now, I am eagerly waiting for them toe to this world," Sheng Li said while smiling.

 Chapter 593 - A Fresh Life

    <h4>Chapter 593 - A Fresh Life</h4>


    Bai Yaling rested her hands over zither after she was done practicing it. Court Lady Xu told the two maidservants to take the zither away. Court Lady Xu put the tray on the table. She picked the teapot and poured the tea into a teacup.


    "Court Lady Xu, yesterday the Emperor called me. His Majesty has put forward an offer for me. He wants me to remarry," Bai Yaling stated.


    Court Lady Xu was d to hear that. "It is a good offer, Princess Bai. This is the first time the Empire is going for a widow remarriage. It is great, Princess Bai. With Prince Yongzheng you could not feel the happiness of married life," affirmed Court Lady Xu.


    "Won''t people raise the question on my chastity and my loyalty towards myte husband? Court Lady Xu also knows what exactly our society is! Even if myte husband did not treat me well, I need to follow my duty towards him. That''s what I was taught," Bai Yaling skeptically said.


    "Princess Bai, if yourte husband has respected you even for a day, then you could have thought about him. His Majesty has given such an offer to you, so you should not deny it. It is about your life. You should go forward with it and then with your new husband you can start your own family," stated Court Lady Xu. Bai Yaling lowered her eyes and fidgeted with her fingers.


    "Will there be any man who wants to marry me? I have so many insecurities, Court Lady Xu," Bai Yaling replied.


    "If His Majesty had offered this, then he might have thought something of this. Please do not let this opportunity go," Court Lady Xu advised her.


    "I have two days to think about this. I will talk to the Crown Princess regarding this," Bai Yaling stated. Court Lady Xu nodded her head and gave the teacup to her.


    Bai Yaling took it and sipped it. She put it down on the table.


    "The Crown Princess is in her private residence with the Crown Prince for two days," Court Lady Xu informed her.


    "Oh! I wanted better advice on this, Court Lady Xu. I am confused," Bai Yaling replied.


    Court Lady Xu smiled. "Prince Nianzu is the best advisor in this case. Why doesn''t Princess Bai ask him? Princess Xue used to be cunning before you arrived in this Pce. Prince Nianzu once talked to her and advised her. Now, she is no longer on that path," she suggested to Bai Yaling.


    "What was she like? Would Court Lady Bai like to tell me?" Bai Yaling queried. "I have heard that the Wei Family was behind the death of the Crown Prince''s mother. Is it true? I never asked Prince Yongzheng about this," She asked.


    "Yes. The Former Empress was poisoned by the half-brother of Empress Weng Wei. Luckily, the Crown Prince survived but the Empress died after four years. She was the beloved wife of His Majesty," Court Lady Xu replied. "The First Prince and Princess Xue also wanted to harm the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess. But that was under the influence of their upbringings," she asserted.


    "The Crown Prince suffered a lot then. Now, it tells about his highness''s cold personality towards people other than the Crown Princess," Bai Yaling stated.


    "Yes, Princess Bai. But he has turned gentle after the arrival of the Crown Princess in his life," she said and smiled. Bai Yaling sipped the remaining tea from the teacup and put it on the table.


    "Their love is so pure," Bai Yaling said and the smile from her lips slowly vanished.


    "Princess Bai, who knows you also get a life full of love if you go for the remarriage. Don''t close the doors for it. You have the right to be happy," Court Lady Xu made her understand.


    "Hmm." Bai Yaling contemted for a while before asking her if she could meet the Fourth Prince.


    "Princess Bai can! Prince Nianzu must be in his chamber at this time. You shall meet him now before he gets busy with work," Court Lady Xu suggested to her. Bai Yaling agreed to her and stood up from the mattress with Court Lady Xu.


    They both left to meet Nianzu in his chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu checked the books on the shelf and took out one. "Chun will like this book," He murmured when Eunuch Chung interrupted him.


    "Your Highness, Princess Bai wants to converse with you," Eunuch Chung informed him.


    "Bring Princess Bai to the chamber adjacent to it," Nianzu ordered him. Eunuch Chung bowed and left the chamber. Nianzu put the book back on the shelf and went towards the other chamber.


    Princess Bai bowed as Prince Nianzu entered the chamber, who also greeted him by bowing. "Please take the seat," Nianzu said with a smile.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head and sat on the chaise. Prince Nianzu sat on the other, facing Bai Yaling.


    "Is Princess Bai doing good?" Nianzu asked out of concern.


    "Yes, Prince Nianzu. Thank you for asking," replied Bai Yaling.


    "I heard that Princess Bai tried to take her life," Nianzu said. Bai Yaling gazed at him and then lowered her eyes.


    "I thought that would be best to escape my situation," Bai Yaling said in a low voice.


    "Why does Princess Bai want to meet me?" Nianzu asked.


    "Because I want the advice of Prince Nianzu over a matter. Court Lady Xu told me that Prince Nianzu gives the best advice," Bai Yaling stated.


    "That''s great. I am d that Princess Bai considereding to see me. Although I wanted to meet Princess Bai, but could note because of a few things," Nianzu replied. "Please tell me the matter regarding which you need the advice," he urged.


    Bai Yaling told Prince Nianzu about the offer of remarriage that the Emperor had given to her. She also truthfully told him about her insecurities and doubts about the remarriage.


    "Father indeed did great by offering this. I believe that Princess Bai shall go forward with it. I also believe that somewhere in her heart she wants to start a fresh life.. That''s why she thought to take advice regarding this," Nianzu stated and nced at her.

 Chapter 594 - Step Inside It

    <h4>Chapter 594 - Step Inside It</h4>


    "But there are doubts too, Prince Nianzu," Bai Yaling reminded him.


    "I understand, Princess Bai. What does Prince Yongzheng mean to you? Did he ever see you with love? Did he ever care for you?" Nianzu asked her.


    "Never. He was my husband and going for a remarriage might be considered a betrayal from my side towards him," Bai Yaling deduced. "My parents'' image might also get tarnished with my step towards remarriage," she added.


    "No one will raise the question. Does Princess Bai know why?" He questioned her.


    Bai Yaling shook her head.


    "Because everyone is aware of the crime of Prince Yongzheng. Since Princess Bai is not exposed to the Pce activities and outside world much, so she might not know but everyone hates the Second Prince for his actions. Also, everyone is concerned regarding your life. When the Emperor himself wants Princess Bai to remarry, then no one will dare to question his decision. Moreover, people also want good for Princess Bai. A few might be there, who want you to follow the path of widow chastity but then Princess Bai shall not get affected by them.


    Do not hold yourself back. Spread your wings. That way you will truly feel happiness," Nianzuprehensively told Bai Yaling.


    "Prince Nianzu, am I allowed to be happy? What if the new family I get into does not treat me well? No matter what but they may see me as--" she paused as words did note out of her mouth.


    "The Emperor will choose the best groom for Princess Bai," Nianzu assured her.


    "I know that His Majesty will find the best person for me. But my fate is not so good and it might again do something which I had never imagined. In the first ce, I had never thought that I would end up bing a widow at the age of 20. Like other women, I had dreamt of a great husband and a great family. My fate betrayed me and I ended up being a jinx," Bai Yaling turned emotional, and unbeknownst to her, the tears poured down her cheeks.


    Nianzu could empathize with her situation.


    "Forgive me, Prince Nianzu. I did not want to fall weak by crying," Bai Yaling said and wiped the tears from her cheeks.


    "Crying is not a weakness, Princess Bai. Your heart must have gotten hurt after hearing the remarks against you. That''s you consider yourself as a jinx. It was not your fault. Whatever happened to you was for a reason!" Nianzu stated and stood up from the chaise. He went towards the table and picked the water jar. Pouring the water into a ss, he came towards Bai Yaling.


    "Here, drink this. Princess Bai," he said and handed the silver water ss to her.


    Bai Yaling thanked him and drank the water.


    "Do you want to drink more, Princess Bai?" Nianzu asked.


    Bai Yaling refused and thanked him again. Nianzu grabbed the ss and put it back on the table.


    Turning to her, Nianzu said, "Princess Bai, circumstances are tough on your end but it does not mean that they will remain tough all the time. It is said that when one door gets closed, another gets opened. Step inside it, leaving all of your worries behind. Only in the darkness, you can see the light. This opportunity is the light in your life which will eliminate the darkness from your life," Nianzu asserted.


    Bai Yaling gazed at him. She had gotten the hopes after conversing with Nianzu. Her restless heart had calmed down. She also wanted to live in happiness and this offer was perfect for her.


    "Just be selfish and think about yourself for a second. It is your life, Princess Bai," Nianzu advised her.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head. "Thank you, Prince Nianzu for clearing up my mind," She expressed her gratitude.


    "Princess Bai does not need to thank me. Also, I assure you that you will be married off in a great family," Nianzu gave her his words. He did not reveal though about the name of the Prince, whom Han Wenji had considered for the marriage with Bai Yaling.


    Bai Yaling stood up and took her to leave from his chamber. Nianzu passed her a smile. As Bai Yaling came to the hallway, she encountered General Wang who hade there with a person, whom she could not recognize.


    They greeted each other.


    Bai Yaling stepped forward to leave when Wang Hao said, "Princess Bai, your father is arriving tomorrow."


    "What?" Bai Yaling was shocked to hear that.


    "He wants to see his daughter," Wang Hao answered and passed her a tiny smile.


    "But I do not want to see my father. I mean...my father''s heart will break seeing me--" Bai Yaling paused as she was not supposed to say that.


    "Princess Bai, your father also wants you to remarry. Hopefully, you will make a good decision," Wang Hao stated. Bai Yaling nodded her head and walked past him.


    Court Lady Xu walked after her and bowed upon seeing General Wang. She then hastened her steps to approach near Bai Yaling.


    "General Wang, is Princess Bai good?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "Hmm. She is good. I think she talked with Prince Nianzu. Hopefully, her doubts have cleared after conversing with the Fourth Prince," Wang Hao said and then turned towards the door of Nianzu''s chamber.


    Bai Yaling, on the other hand, was a little stressed now because thest person he wanted to see was her father. Her father would definitely break down upon seeing her condition. These past few days, she had lost weight and the charm too which she used to have earlier. The thought of facing her father was making her worry.


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Forgive me for thesete updates. What do you think will happen next? Will Bai Yaling marry General Wang or the Prince that the Emperor has decided for her?


    Do tell me your views in thements.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 595 - Prepare For The Worse

    <h4>Chapter 595 - Prepare For The Worse</h4>


    Han Wenji felt troubled breathing in thete morning. Huan Tsu was also present in the chamber at that time with him. The Royal Physician came to examine him.


    Han Wenji started to cough. Eunuch Jin handed him the handkerchief, and blood came out of his mouth. Huan Tsu was shocked to see that.


    The Royal Physician instructed his assistant to prepare a herbal medicinal paste for Han Wenji. The Emperor was in a half-conscious state and his vision was a little blurry.


    "Call my sons and wives. I-I think I do not have much time left," Han Wenji gave orders to Eunuch Jin. Huan Tsu came near the bed and told Han Wenji not to talk that way.


    "Your Majesty, nothing will happen. Take some rest, and you will be fine," the Royal Physician said. Though, he knew that the Emperor indeed had less time left. However, he did not want the Emperor to lose hope.


    After some time, the wives of the Emperor arrived at the chamber. They surrounded the bed while Huan Tsu stepped back. Even the Princes and their respective wives arrived at the chamber.


    Jian Guozhi asked the Royal Physician about the health of the Emperor.


    "It is weak, your highness," the Royal Physician answered. The Princes got worried upon hearing this.


    "Where is the Crown Prince?" Jian Guozhi asked as he looked around.


    "He is in the private residence with the Crown Princess," Rong Zemin replied in a low voice. Nianzu ordered Eunuch Chung to inform the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess regarding this.


    Deng Hui held the hand of the Emperor and caressed it. "We all are here, Your Majesty," she said humbly.


    Han Wenji gradually opened his eyes. He looked at her, and then gazed around. Everyone''s eyes were misty.


    He again coughed. Deng Hui quickly brought another clean handkerchief near Han Wenji''s mouth. A stain of blood appeared on it, worrying all of them. Weng Yu started to cry seeing that. However, he suppressed his sobs and did not want his father to hear him.


    The herbal medicine was prepared. "Your Majesty, please drink this medicine," the Royal Physician stated as he mixed the medicine with lukewarm water. Deng Hui grabbed the ss from him and brought it near the mouth of Han Wenji.


    "Open your mouth, Your Majesty. It will relieve you," Deng Hui said with a worried expression. Han Wenji shook his head. He didn''t want to intake any more medicine. He had a clear idea that now no medicine could save him.


    "Jian,e forward," Han Wenji tilted his head and looked at him with half-closed eyes. Jian Guozhi quickly went near him. He got on his knees and grasped the hands of his father.


    "You are the eldest son of this family. You will have many responsibilities after my demise. Take care of everyone and always support your brothers," Han Wenji pronounced.


    "Father, you should not speak too much. Indeed, I will take care of everyone around me. I promise you. Please take your medicine," Jian Guozhi requested him and took the water ss mixed with medicine from the hands of Deng Hui. He put his arm under the head of Han Wenji and, with the other hand, brought the ss close to his father''s mouth.


    Han Wenji, using his remaining strength, grabbed the ss and pushed it away. "I do not want to take medicine," he stated.


    "Father, take it," Nianzu and Rong Zemin said at the same time. Lei Wanxi noticed Weng Yu and went towards him. He put his arm around his shoulder, drawing him close to him.


    "Nothing will happen to our father," Lei Wanxi assured Weng Yu and wiped the tears from his cheeks.


    "I need to announce the next Emperor. Where is the Crown Prince?" Han Wenji with difficulty asked. He was experiencing difficulty in breathing for a long time and at the present moment, it had worsened.


    "The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are having fun at such a time in their private residence," the Second Consort outrageously said. She did not like the behavior of the Crown Prince. He knew that this time, the Emperor''s condition was not so good.


    "Mother, don''t say that," Rong Zemin urged her.


    "The Crown Prince will soon be here. Father, you must take this medicine," Jian Guozhi again requested him.


    "I do not want to," Han Wenji refused to take it. Huan Tsu came forward this time.


    "Your Majesty, do not be stubborn. This medicine is important for you. You have enough time to live," Huan Tsu said politely. Seeing this condition of Han Wenji, his heart sank.


    "Father!" A voice echoed in the chamber and everyone looked towards the door. Sheng Li dashed towards the bed and got on his knees. "Why did you suddenly turn pale?" He queried and nced at the Royal Physician, who had stood near the bedpost pir.


    "Did Father take his medicine?" He asked him.


    "Father is refusing to take it," Jian Guozhi answered and showed the ss to Sheng Li. He took it and brought it near Han Wenji''s mouth.


    "Drink it, Father," Sheng Li requested, but Han Wenji did not agree. Court Lady Ki brought Ying Lili there, who turned anxious to see the face of the Emperor. It had turned white and pale.


    "My time is near. No medicine can stop my illness nor can it stop me from leaving this body," Han Wenji stated. "I have an important announcement to make regarding the position of the Emperor," he asserted.


    "Father can make an announcementter. First, he needs to take this medicine. Hu Jingguo had assured me that Father would get fine after consuming this medicine daily," Sheng Li affirmed. His eyes turned watery as he recalled the time when his mother died.


    "Sheng Li, no medicine can save me," Han Wenji replied.


    The wives of the Emperor could not hold their tears back. Weng Yu hid his face away as more tears rolled over his cheeks.


    "Don''t talk this way, Father. Medicines are there to save a person. Just listen to me and drink this," Sheng Li again pushed the ss closer to Han Wenji''s mouth. "Also, there is some good news that I need to tell you. The Royal Physician checked the pulse of the Crown Princess in the morning. She will have twins. Father, you need to stay healthy to see them and y with them," Sheng Li stated and forced a smile on his lips.


    "Please, drink this medicine," Sheng Li said while he was on the verge of crying.


    When Sheng Li told the news in which Ying Lili was supposed to have twins, everyone got happy but at this moment, seeing the Emperor''s state no one could even express that happiness fully.


    Ying Lili came forward and said, "Father, please drink it. Everyone wants you to be in good health. Also, do not give up on your life this easily. We all need you." Everyone agreed with Ying Lili''s statements.


    Jian Guozhi again lifted the head of Han Wenji a little and told Sheng Li to make him drink the medicine. He did so and everyone was relieved to see that. Sheng Li wiped the mouth of his father with his thumb.


    "Father, we will not let you go. See your all sons are here. We all are united as you always wanted. So, for us, please don''t give up on your life," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. We all are for you," Ju Fen stated. Han Wenji''s breathings had turned stable. He gradually closed his eyes. Sheng Li ordered the Royal Physician to check the Emperor, who quickly stepped forward. Jian Guozhi stood up and stepped back, giving the space to the Royal Physician.


    He checked the pulse of the Emperor and informed them, "It is getting weaker. The Emperor''s condition is not showing improvement from the past few days. I will not give false hopes to the Royal Family. We all shall prepare for the worse," the Royal Physician warned them.


    The Emperor''s wives started to cry again. They had a little hope in them that the Emperor would make it and live longer than expected.


    "Isn''t there any medicine which can work on the Emperor?" Jinlong asked the Royal Physician.


    "I am afraid, Third Consort, but I have used most of the herbs on the Emperor," the Royal Physician stated and lowered his head.


    Sheng Li was again devastated to hear that. "Let the Emperor take some rest," Deng Hui stated. "He is in a deep slumber. We shall not disturb him," she suggested. Nianzu did not like the way his mother was acting. She was the one who wanted to kill him and now she was faking her concern in front of everyone.


    "Brother Sheng, take the Crown Princess to her chamber. She needs rest at this time," Deng Hui stated.


    "I will stay here with the Crown Prince," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Lili, go back. I will see youter. You shall not neglect your health at this time. Court Lady Ki, keep a close check on the Crown Princess," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Sister Lili, I wille with you," Xue Yu-Yan offered to which Ying Lili nodded.. She left the chamber first with Xue Yu-Yan and Court Lady Ki.

 Chapter 596 - At Most A Day

    <h4>Chapter 596 - At Most A Day</h4>


    "Stop crying!" Sheng Li scolded Weng Yu as he ended up hearing his sobs.


    "Brother Sheng, please calm down. Brother Yu is scared," Lei Wanxi appealed to him. Nianzu went towards Weng Yu and took him out. Jian Guozhi, on the other hand, requested the Empress and the Consorts to leave for their respective quarters.


    "We shall stay close to the Emperor," Jinlong stated.


    "Let the Emperor take rest," Jian Guozhi asserted. "We will scrutinize the Emperor, so you all shall leave for your respective quarters. It will take time for His Majesty to wake up," he opined. They agreed and left the chamber. The Princesses were also told to leave. Now, only the Princes and Huan Tsu were in the chamber.


    "I heard the Emperor has been suffering from this disease for a long time," Huan Tsu said.


    "Everyone, leave!" They heard the voice of Sheng Li.


    "We are not leaving," Rong Zemin stated. "He is also our father, and you also need us," he reasoned. Huan Tsu thought to leave the chamber as it was now the personal matter among the Princes. He silently walked out of the chamber.


    "You really do not know any cure," Sheng Li asked the Royal Physician, who was still in the chamber.


    "I am afraid, Your Highness. The disease has no cure left," the Royal Physician said in a low voice.


    "Take retirement. You are no longer needed in the pce," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    Jian Guozhi intervened and said, "Do not take the words of the Crown Prince to your heart, Royal Physician." Rong Zemin agreed with him. Lei Wanxi observed Sheng Li and went near him. He also got on his knees and looked at their father.


    "Father will be alright," he said and side hugged Sheng Li.


    "Do you think so?" Sheng Li asked as he caressed the hand of his father. "He is coughing blood. I am not ready to let him go. He still needs to see your marriage and our children. He was so happy when Lili''s pregnancy was announced," Sheng Li was filled with many emotional moments.


    "Brother Sheng, who knows he will stay longer with us," Rong Zemin gave him hope. Sheng Li nced at the Royal Physician, who knew the answer.


    "Till when will our father bear it?" Sheng Li asked him. "Say the truth only," he sternly said.


    "A-at m-most a day, Your Highness," the Royal Physician said with a trembling voice.


    The Princes were shocked to hear it. Tears formed in their eyes. "I thought you would lie to me as you did 20 years ago," Sheng Li remarked.


    "Forgive me for that day. It was what your mother wanted. The Crown Prince was young, so she wanted to hide the truth of her death from him," the Royal Physician stated and rubbed his misty eyes with his fingers. The Princes were shocked to hear it. Nianzu had alsoe inside with Weng Yu after calming him down. They also heard what the Royal Physician revealed about the mother of the Crown Prince.


    "Let''s stay strong in front of Father. No one will shed a single tear in front of me when he wakes up. He wanted his sons to be together at all times. Sadly, Prince Yongzheng is not here. But let Father not feel his absence," Sheng Li said with a determined tone.


    "Sure, Brother Sheng. We cannot fall weak in front of the Emperor," Jian Guozhi pronounced. "At this time, we need to act strong. We all always fight amongst each other. However, not anymore. We will show him that we brothers have united with each other and also have be the strength of each other," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    A pce maid came inside the chamber. "Forgive me for intruding on the conversation among the princes. The Crown Princess''s health has suddenly deteriorated. The presence of the Royal Physician is needed," she said.


    Sheng Li immediately stood up from the floor. The Princes also got worried to hear that. The Royal Physician quickly picked his cloth bag and nced at his assistant.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li told him. But before going he told the Princes to keep an eye on the Emperor.


    "Brother Sheng, I wille with you," Nianzu asserted. Sheng Li nodded and they left for Ying Lili''s chamber. Many strange thoughts started to run in the mind of Sheng Li.


    Ying Lili, on the other hand, was crying with pain in her stomach. She even was sweating because of the intensity of the pain. Court Lady Ki could not understand what went wrong. Sheng Li entered the chamber with the Royal Physician and ran towards the bed while Nianzu stayed outside the chamber.


    "Lili," he said as he sat on the mattress. Xue Yu-Yan stepped away as she gave way to the Royal Physician.


    "Sh-sheng Li, it is too much pain. I do not know, why?" Her breathing was erratic as her hand was on her stomach.


    Sheng Li panicked and asked the Royal Physician about it. Ying Lili had rested her head on his chest. Sheng Li had held her hand in his right hand while his other hand was on her arm, caressing it.


    "Everything is fine, Lili. The Royal Physician is here, so do not worry," Sheng Li calmed her down. The Royal Physician came forward and checked the pulse of the Crown Princess which appeared normal to him.


    He checked the eyes of Ying Lili and it appeared to him that she had taken something which she was not supposed to eat.


    "What did the Crown Princess eat in the morning?" He asked humbly.


    Sheng Li quickly told him.


    "There was nothing odd in the morning meals of the Crown Princess then is it happening? The pulse is stable, Your Highness," the Royal Physician informed the Crown Prince.


    "Did you give something to Lili?" Sheng Li asked Court Lady Ki, who refused.


    Xue Yu-Yan got scared. When she returned to the chamber with Ying Lili, Court Lady Ki had gone to the Kitchen to bring lukewarm water for Ying Lili. At that time, she fed the grapes to her. Was it because of that? She wondered and saw Ying Lili''s condition was worsening.


    The Royal Physician asked Court Lady Ki to bring the lukewarm water. Luckily, it was already there, so she handed the ss to him.


    The Royal Physician told his assistant to crush the mint leaves and fenugreek into the mortar. He quickly did that. Once he ground it into a fine powder, the Royal Physician mixed it into the lukewarm water. He then forwarded the water ss to Sheng Li.


    "Your Highness, drink it. You will feel good," the Royal Physician said. Sheng Li took the ss from him and brought it near her lips.


    "It''s safe, right?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," the Royal Physician assured him.


    His hand came to Ying Lili''s forehead as he caressed it. "Drink it, Lili." She opened her mouth and gulped the water mixed with herbs. After a few minutes, she found the pain had reduced.


    "How are you feeling?" Sheng Li asked her worriedly.


    "I- I a-am feeling good," she answered in a meek voice and closed her eyes. "I want to rest," she said in a low voice.


    Sheng Li hummed and gently made hery on the mattress. The maidservant put the nket over Ying Lili. Sheng Li got off the bed and ordered Court Lady Ki to keep a close eye on Ying Lili.


    He then turned to look at Xue Yu-Yan, who was trembling in fear.


    "Come out," hemanded her and walked out of the chamber, who silently followed him. Nianzu asked Sheng Li about Ying Lili.


    "She is resting," he replied and went towards the chamber next to the main chamber. It confused Nianzu when he saw Xue Yu-Yan, who had followed the Crown Prince to that chamber.


    She halted upon seeing the Crown Prince with a dagger in his hand. She gulped in fear and fidgeted with her fingers when she heard Sheng Li.


    "Did you feed something to Lili?" He asked her in an angry tone.


    Nianzu had alsoe to that chamber.


    Xue Yu-Yan quickly got down on her knees. "Forgive me, Crown Prince.. I did not know that the Crown Princess''s condition will get worsened," she started to cry because of the fear.

 Chapter 597 - Harm My Wife

    <h4>Chapter 597 - Harm My Wife</h4>


    "Did you feed something to Lili?" He asked her in an angry tone.


    Xue Yu-Yan quickly got down on her knees. "Forgive me, Crown Prince. I did not know that the Crown Princess''s condition would worsen," she started to cry because of the fear.


    "I told her to eat the grapes to keep her hydrated. I thought it would be good for her," stated Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Princess Xue, you cannot give grapes to a pregnant woman. It could affect her health badly," Nianzu corrected her.


    "I told you not to get close to my wife. You wanted to harm her, right? Who gave you the right to feed her grapes? I told you very clearly not to do anything which makes me kill you," Sheng Li screamed at her and then gritted his teeth.


    "I did not know that it would cause cramps in the Crown Princess''s stomach," Xue Yu-Yan said with a trembling voice. Sheng Li advanced towards her with a dagger in his hand when Nianzu came forward and stopped him.


    "Don''t do this, Brother Sheng. Princess Xue was unaware of this. The Crown Princess is alright, so there is nothing to worry about," Nianzu said humbly and took the dagger away from him.


    "Stay with the Crown Princess. I am going back to the Emperor''s manor," Nianzu calmed the burning situation between them. He tilted his head to look at Xue Yu-Yan and told her to leave.


    Xue Yu-Yan stood up, bowed, and left.


    "She wanted to harm my wife, Brother Nianzu. She has started to show her colors," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Don''t think the other way. Princess Xue might have not known about grapes and ended up feeding them to Sister Lili," Nianzu asserted and went to the table. He put the dagger inside the sheath and turned to him.


    Sheng Li left for Ying Lili''s chamber while Nianzu went to the Emperor''s manor.


    As Sheng Li stepped in, he asked the Royal Physician if the twins inside her were alright.


    "Yes, Your Highness. Luckily, the Crown Princess did not consume arge quantity of them, else it would getplex," He informed Sheng Li about the situation, who sat down beside Ying Lili.


    "Hmm. Court Lady Ki, I told you not to leave the sight of the Crown Princess. What if something bad had happened? This is thest time I am sparing you," Sheng Li stated. He ced his hand over Ying Lili''s forehead and ordered a maidservant to send Xing-Fu inside.


    After a few seconds, Xing-Fu came inside and bowed before Sheng Li.


    "Bring Court Lady Xu here. Also, for Princess Bai appoint a new Court Lady," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Xing-Fu took the orders and walked out of the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu returned to the Emperor''s chamber and saw the Princes has sat around the Emperor.


    "Is Sister Lili alright?" Rong Zemin asked as he saw Nianzu.


    "Hmm."


    "What happened to her?" He asked another question.


    "Sister Xue fed her some grapes, and she experienced severe stomach cramps because of that," replied Nianzu. Jian Guozhi widened his eyes as it was shocking for him. "Please do not worry. Everything has turned alright. Princess Xue did not know about its consequences," he stated.


    "Sister Xue should be careful with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi said worriedly.


    "She was! However, she was unaware of this fact," Nianzu stated. He did not me her as it could bring more tensions among them.


    "Shouldn''t she be punished? Did Brother Sheng punish her?" Jian Guozhi suddenly asked, perplexing the princes.


    "First Brother, it was a mistake without knowledge. Brother Sheng was angry but did not punish her. Also, at this time, punishing anyone is not appropriate. Sister Lili is absolutely fine and resting in her chamber," Nianzu again took care of the matter with the wise use of words. He knew that Jian Guozhi was somewhere concerned more about Ying Lili rather than his own wife which was not wrong but could be wrong in others'' eyes. He did not want Jian Guozhi to ruin his rtionship with Xue Yu-Yan because of a mistake.


    Nianzu looked at Eunuch Jin. "Since when did Eunuch Jin know about the illness of father?" He asked.


    "Since its beginning. However, I was ordered not to tell anyone about this," Eunuch Jin replied.


    "Eunuch Jin should have told us. We got to know sote that it is almost impossible to find any cure for the father''s ailment," Rong Zemin said dejectedly.


    "Then, father''s life would havee in danger a long ago," Nianzu stated. Jian Guozhi agreed with him. His own mother would have first tried to kill him so that she could make Jian Guozhi the next Emperor. Even Prince Yongzheng might have done something like that.


    Nianzu though was feeling guilty that his mother also wanted to kill the Emperor. Sheng Li did not let thise out else it would have been an end for her. However, he wanted his mother to get punished for her crimes. He did not want her to sit as the Empress.


    He came near the bed and looked at his father''s face. His lips had dried because of the dehydration he experienced. The Royal Physician hade to the chamber as Sheng Li sent him back.


    Han Wenji woke up from sleep. Although his eyes were still half-closed. "Father, how are you feeling?" Jian Guozhi asked him, forcing a smile on his lips.


    Han Wenji''s voice had turned weaker. "Not so good," he said with difficulty. "Crown Prince¡­" he managed to say a few words.


    "He will be back soon," Rong Zemin stated and gestured to Eunuch Jin to bring Sheng Li.


    "Will you all be happy if Sheng Li bes the next Emperor?" Han Wen asked them.


    "Of course, Father. Only he deserves to be the Emperor," Jian Guozhi replied and looked at his other brothers. They had the same opinions on it.


    "Wanxi, forgive your father for not being able to attend your marriage. I am giving you all my blessings now. You are the most cheerful son of mine¡­ who never let me get sad," Han Wenji said and smiled a little. Lei Wanxi''s eyes filled with tears. But as all the Princes decided, he did not let them fall.


    "Thank you, Father," the only words he was managed to say.


    "Weng Yu, I am d that you let go of your fear. I thought I would be able to see your youthfulness. But I have limited time now," Han Wenji said. Jian Guozhi called a pce maid near and told her to call the wives of the Emperor. He had gotten the hunch that Han Wenji would not be able to survive longer.


    "Rong Zemin, the day you were born, the dryness of the Empire had gone away. Thends experienced so much rain and after that never once did climate act against us. You speak less, but I know that you take your steps with a conscience. Your support is mandatory for all of your brothers," Han Wenji stated.


    "Don''t worry, Father. I will fulfill my duties towards my younger brothers and also towards the Empire," he affirmed and passed a smile to him.. He turned his face away and rubbed his eyes as tears were on the verge of falling from them.

 Chapter 598 - Make Porridge For Me

    <h4>Chapter 598 - Make Porridge For Me</h4>


    The Empress and the Consorts arrived in the chamber of the Emperor. They had tears in their eyes. They got on therge bed and sat beside Han Wenji.


    "Your Majesty, are you feeling good?" Deng Hui asked with a trembling voice.


    "I wish I could, but I-I am feeling pain," Han Wenji said as he coughed a little. She put the handkerchief on his lips and wiped the cough and blood with it.


    Han Wenji tilted his head to look at Nianzu, who had kept a calm face in front of him. He also got on his knees and waited for his father to speak.


    "Be a good advisor for the next Emperor and everyone around you. Forgive your father for sending you away. It delighted me when you came back. I had thought of seeing your marriage, but I made a mistake by sending you away." Nianzu shook his head as he held the hands of his father.


    "Don''t say this. I troubled you a lot during this one month. Father gave everything to me," Nianzu asserted. The tears fell from the edges of his eyes but he wiped them quickly.


    Sheng Li reached the chamber and went towards the bed. "Father, you woke up early. You should have taken more rest," he said. He did not let the sadness overpower his face. He then nced at the Consorts of the Emperor, who had turned emotional.


    "Brother Nianzu, Brother Jian. Please step aside. Let the Royal Physician examine our father," Sheng Li stated. They both nodded and gave the way to him. The Royal Physician knew the results but for the assurance of Sheng Li, he decided to examine the Emperor.


    "Get close, Sheng Li. I have something important to talk about with you," Han Wenji said and gestured to him to get down. Sheng Li did so and at the same time, gestured to the Royal Physician, who took the left of Han Wenji and started to read the pulse.


    "Sheng Li," Han Wenji called his name and took a deep breath.


    "Yes, Father," Sheng Li replied.


    "I heard earlier that the Crown Princess will bear the twins. Empress Hui and my other dear Consorts, do give my love to those twins," Han Wenji stated while smiling.


    "Father, but they will need the love of their grandfather," Sheng Li said in a low voice.


    "But I do not think that I will live that long," Han Wenji said. He experienced difficulty breathing again, so he pulled away from his hand from the grip of the Royal Physician. "Now, the examination is not needed," he said. Sheng Li''s heart raced upon hearing this and his eyes turned red.


    "Father, do you want something? You did not take your meals, right?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I want to eat porridge. I want all the Princes to make porridge for me," Han Wenji expressed his desire.


    "We will do it," Sheng Li replied and nced at his brothers. "Let''s make porridge for our father," he told them. He stood up from the floor and so did Jian Guozhi and Nianzu.


    "We will take care of the Emperor," the Second Consort asserted. All the Princes nodded and left for the Royal Kitchen.


    "We have never once cooked anything. What if it tasted weird?" Lei Wanxi asked anxiously.


    "It won''t. I know how to cook. During my stay outside the pce, I happened to learn cooking from my wife," Nianzu asserted.


    "It will probably be our father''sst meal. So, let''s make it perfect and delicious," Sheng Li urged them.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. We need to make our father happy so that he would have no regret left behind," affirmed Rong Zemin.


    ~~~~~


    Han Wenji looked at his wives. "Your Majesty, do you want to drink water? Your lips have dried," Jinlong asked him.


    Han Wenji refused by gesturing through his hand. "There is something I want my wives to do after I leave," Han Wenji stated. "I never discriminated amongst my sons. I want the same from my wives. I want this family to stay strong all the time," Han Wenji proimed.


    "You all are dear to me. Consort Ju, give all your love to Weng Yu. He will soon enter the age of a teenager. You need to take extreme care of him. The same goes for my other wives. The youngest prince is in fear of seeing me in this state. I had never imagined that he would see me like this.


    Other than this, listen to your sons. Respect their decisions. Empress Hui, Chuntao is a smart and calm woman like our son. Don''t let her feel foreign in the Pce. Also, I want the widow of Yongzheng to get married. Do discuss it with Sheng Li. Do not show hatred towards my first son and his wife.


    Give extra attention to the Crown Princess. Her health shall never bepromised. Give all of my love to her children. When my future grandkids ask about me, then just bring them here and show my portrait to them. Tell them my eyes are always on them," Han Wenji said as tears rolled over his cheeks.


    "Eunuch Jin, you have been a close friend to me all these years. You always were with me and as a loyal servant, you never once let me be disappointed. I remember the day you entered my chamber," Han Wenji said and started tough.


    Eunuch Jin started to cry upon hearing those words of the Emperor. He was with the Emperor from the age of 12.


    "Your Majesty, forgive me for my mistakes. His Majesty never let me feel that I am a lowly servant," he said as he cried profusely.


    "I thought of going to Mount Tai with you. However, I don''t go there anymore. Make sure to go to Mount Tai. I will feel happy," Han Wenji stated.


    "I want to have a few words with the Crown Princess," Han Wenji expressed his desire.. Eunuch Jin quickly wiped his eyes and went to the Crown Princess''s quarters to bring her.

 Chapter 599 - Be The Next Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 599 - Be The Next Emperor</h4>


    Eunuch Jin talked about the desire of the Emperor to meet the Crown Princess to Eunuch Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu.


    "Eunuch Jin, the Crown Princess is sleeping. Earlier she had severe stomach cramps," Court Lady Xu informed him.


    "Court Lady Xu shall wake the Crown Princess up. The Emperor''s condition is not good. The Royal Physician had told that His Majesty would survive at most for a day," asserted Eunuch Jin. Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu got tense to hear that.


    Court Lady Xu went inside the chamber and asked Lady Ki if the Crown Princess was awakened, who refused. "What happened, Court Lady Xu?" She asked humbly.


    "The Emperor wants to meet the Crown Princess," she replied. Court Lady Ki nodded her head and went near the bed. She lightly shook her and addressed her with the title. Ying Lili knitted her brows as her sleep broke abruptly.


    "How are you feeling, Your Highness?" Court Lady Ki asked her. Ying Lili sat up on the bed.


    "I am good," she replied in a low voice. The cramps that she got earlier had drained her energy. Court Lady Xu came forward and informed her about the message of the Emperor.


    "How is the Emperor? Is there any improvement?" Ying Lili queried her.


    Court Lady Xu lowered her head. "The Royal Physician has told that the Emperor is alive for at most a day, Your Highness." Her voice had trembled and tears formed in them.


    Ying Lili quickly got off the bed. Court Lady Ki helped her in wearing the shoes and they left for the Emperor''s manor. Ying Lili stepped out of the litter and ascended the stairs of the Emperor''s quarters. She soon reached the chamber and saw how tense the atmosphere had turned.


    She found the wives of the Emperor were in tears since those were theirst moments with the Emperor. "The Crown Princess is here," Deng Hui informed Han Wenji, who tilted his head to peer at Ying Lili. She halted near the bed and bowed before him.


    "My best wishes are with the Crown Princess. She will soon give the Royal Heirs to the Han...not one but two. I am so d," Han Wenji said with a smile.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Ying Lili said and lifted her head to gaze back at him. "How is the Emperor feeling?" She asked him.


    "I am feeling good. The Crown Princess indeed fulfilled her promise to me," Han Wenji stated and started tough. But soon he started to cough. Deng Hui quickly brought the handkerchief near his mouth and wiped the blooding out.


    The Pce maid came forward and took the stained handkerchief from the Empress. She put it inside the wooden bamboo basket and took it away.


    "Crown Princess, today my all sons are together thanks to you. You did not only change the heart of Sheng Li but also the other Princes. You lost so many people dear to you in this family fight but you never once left your good side. I am d that such a woman is my daughter-inw. My grandchildren will surely be like her mother," Han Wenji said with a faint smile on his lips.


    "Eunuch Jin, bring the box that I have prepared for the Crown Princess," Han Wenji asked him. He quickly went towards the chamber next to the main one and brought a big wooden box in his hand.


    "Crown Princess, these are some belongings from the childhood of Sheng Li. His clothes, the toys he used to y with, and a few other things. Keep it and use them for my grandchildren," Han Wenji said with a smile. Ying Lili thanked him. Xing-Fu came forward and took the heavy wooden box from Eunuch Jin.


    "Crown Princess, you shall sit down," the Second Consort suggested to her. She nodded her head and sat on the chaise.


    "Where are the Princes? What about the other Princesses?" Ying Lili asked.


    "The Princes are cooking for their father," Han Wenji replied. It astonished Ying Lili. Before she could ask, the Princes entered the chamber.


    "Father, we have prepared the porridge," Lei Wanxi said with a smile. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and passed a smile to her. Han Wenji sat up on the bed with the help of Deng Hui. Eunuch Jin quickly put the bed table on the bed. Jian Guozhi ced the tray over it and told his father to start eating.


    "Did you all make it together?" Han Wenji asked them.


    "Yes, Father," Nianzu answered. Han Wenji picked the spoon and dipped it in the porridge bowl. He took a spoonful of it and ate it. A smile formed on his lips.


    "It is the tastiest meal I have ever had," asserted Han Wenji and continued to eat. Sheng Li came towards Ying Lili and stood by her side. His gaze was fixated on his father. After some time, Han Wenji finished the porridge and put the bowl on the tray. The Pce maid came forward and took away the tray while Eunuch Jin took away the bed table.


    "The porridge was great. It filled my heart with the love of my sons. Just like you all cooked for me today, I want you all to be standing beside each other all the time. Protect each other and have a healthy brotherhood among each other. That''s what your father wants," Han Wenji asserted. He looked at Sheng Li and told him toe near to him. He quickly went to his father and told him to order him.


    "Be the next Emperor and lead the Han Empire," Han Wenji pronounced.


    Sheng Li smiled a little. "Father, why would I be the Emperor when you are still alive? Father shall not say such a--"


    Han Wenji cut his words in the middle and said, "Your father needs rest. He has been ruling the Empire for over 30 years. Now, it is the time he should retire and rest peacefully," Han Wenji stated.


    "I-I do not think that I am capable enough to--"


    "Brother Sheng must usurp the throne. He shall not run away from his duty and his destiny. Father needs rest at the moment. The Empire needs you, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi took the stand with his father. Sheng Li was stunned to hear that. He had never thought, not even in his dream, that Jian Guozhi would want him to be the next Emperor.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Please add my new story- ''A Touch of the Heaven'' to your libraries. It is about a Courtesan who is rescued by the General.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 600 - Embrace Everyone With Your Warm Heart

    <h4>Chapter 600 - Embrace Everyone With Your Warm Heart</h4>


    Sheng Li got on his knees and grasped his father''s hands. "Until you are alive, you will be the Emperor. I cannot take this throne. I will work on your behalf, but I won''t take the seat of my father," Sheng Li asserted.


    Han Wenji smiled upon hearing his words. "Your father has gotten sick, Sheng Li. Also, there is no guarantee till when I will breathe. My illness shall not affect the Empire and its working," Han Wenji asserted. "Sit on the bed," he told Sheng Li, who immediately sat on the mattress.


    "The Empire will not get affected, Father. Also, do not say that you will leave us. Who knows a miracle will happen, and Father will live longer," Sheng Li said. He still had the hopes that his father would live longer. Ying Lili stood up from the chaise as she felt that Sheng Li would break down anytime.


    "You suffered a lot, Sheng Li, yet you grew up so beautifully. Just like your mother imagined her son, you grew up into that person. I will tell her about you when I meet her in the afterworld. I will tell her that Sheng Li never once forgot her values and protected everyone around him." Han Wenji''s words teared up Sheng Li. He could not control his tears anymore.


    Looking into the eyes of his father, he said, "Don''t talk li-like this." His voice quivered with the fear of losing his father. Han Wenji embraced Sheng Li warmly. Seeing Sheng Li crying, Weng Yu started to cry too. Everyone had turned emotional.


    "I am happy, Sheng Li. Be a great Emperor and embrace everyone with your warm heart. Myst wish is toy beside the grave of your mother. I will rest in peace, then," Han Wenji asserted while caressing the back of Sheng Li, who was weeping like a child.


    Han Wenji''s eyes started to close. He had held this much to say those things to his son. Gradually his father''s eyes got closed. The hands which were on Sheng Li''s back came down on their own as his soul left his body.


    Sheng Li felt weird the moment his father''s hands left his back. He gently pulled away and saw his father''s closed eyes. "Father! Father! What happened?" He got scared as Han Wenji did not open his eyes.


    "Royal Physician, step up. Check the father," Sheng Li stated. The Empress and the Consorts broke into tears. They started to cry. The Royal Physician lowered his eyes as the Emperor had already taken hisst breath.


    Sheng Li tilted his head. He red at him and told him to step forward. Jian Guozhi went towards Sheng Li and put his hands on his shoulders. "Father is no more," he told him and lowered his eyes.


    Nianzu and Rong Zemin came forward. They let go of Han Wenji from Sheng Li andid him on the bed. The wives of Han Wenji snuggled to his body as they cried loudly. Sheng Li hugged Jian Guozhi while weeping. "Father left us," he murmured.


    Ying Lili fainted because of the weakness. "Crown Princess," shouted Court Lady Xu as she had held her from behind. Sheng Li quickly left the embrace of the First Prince and ran towards Ying Lili. He patted her cheeks. The Royal Physician came to them and checked her up.


    "She needs plenty of rest," the Royal Physician suggested to Sheng Li, who carried up Ying Lili in his arms and left for the Zhenzhu Residence. Dropping Ying Lilii in her quarters, Sheng Limanded Court Lady Xu and the Royal Physician to keep a close check on her.


    He came back to his father''s manor and heard the cries. He saw his father''s lifeless body and again started crying. He has hopes till the end that his father would live more. Lei Wanxi came to him and hugged him tightly. "Brother," he murmured as he kept crying.


    After the announcement of three days of mourning in the entire Kingdom, the people came to the roads to cry for the demise of their Emperor. Even the sky ended up crying and rain poured down. The gs of the Kingdom and the Military were taken down.


    Everyone was dressed in white robes, white headgears, and white sandals. The Emperor was dressed in colorful robes and put inside the coffin. The coffin was filled with items that would be helpful for the Emperor in the afterlife.


    As the casket lowered down into the ground, many tears were shed. Sheng Li stepped forward thus, the umbre covering him was no longer over his head. There were many things he wanted to do for his father but he waste now. Ying Lili, who had gained consciousness, was also present during this funeral ceremony. She went towards him, holding the oil paper umbre. She covered Sheng Li with it, who tilted his head.


    He was a little drenched in the rain. Ying Lili grasped his hand and looked towards the burial ce of Han Wenji. Sheng Li too shifted his gaze towards it. The soil had soon covered the casket.


    The rain soon stopped. The wives were taken away to their respective quarters while the others started to leave the ground. Sheng Li told Ying Lili to go back and rest, who refused. "I will stay with you," she urged.


    "There are two more lives inside you," Sheng Li said and looked at Xing-Fu.


    "Take back the Crown Princess. I will be back soon," he ordered him. Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili and said, "Do take your meals even if you do not want to." Ying Lili found that he wanted to be alone for some time, so she did not argue and left with Eunuch Xing-Fu for her quarters.


    Sheng Li looked back at the graves of his mother and father. Wang Hao put his hand on Sheng Li''s shoulder and patted it. "I wish I could have ended the bitterness among us brothers earlier. At least, Father would not have been under stress because of the enmity among his sons," Sheng Li regretted his actions.


    "You did your best. His Majesty is at peace now... beside his beloved. He always wanted to meet her," Wang Hao asserted. Sheng Li lowered his head and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. Wang Hao put his arm around his shoulder. "Be strong and act like the real Sheng Li. Death is a bitter truth which one needs to ept no matter what," he told her.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "I won''t ever let my father be disappointed," affirmed Sheng Li.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers!


    Hope you all are doing well. I have already hinted earlier too that the book will end soon with a few side stories in it about the characters involved in the story. The story will end probably by the end of January or so.


    I want a small opinion from you all regarding the sequel. I am nning to have a sequel of this story circa the 20th Century period. Please do tell me your opinions. I will patiently wait for yourments.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 601 - Lost The Love And Respect

    <h4>Chapter 601 - Lost The Love And Respect</h4>


    After two days, Sheng Li visited the chamber of his father. Upon his request, his father''s belongings were kept at their ce. He reminisced about past days with his father and it brought tears to his eyes. Eunuch Jin came towards him and bowed.


    "Your Highness, this is the letter that thete Emperor had kept for you," asserted Eunuch Jin. Sheng Li took it from him, who turned to leave. He stopped him from leaving and apologized to him.


    Eunuch Jin got confused when he heard Sheng Li.


    "I suspected the loyalty of Eunuch Jin towards my father. I forgot that Eunuch Jin could never betray my father. You lived your entire life within the walls of this chamber," he said, looking around the chamber, "Never once have you left your eyes from my father. Thank you, Eunuch Jin. You can ask me anything you want."


    "The Crown Prince is embarrassing me. The Late Emperor never let me feel low. Giving him the service was my duty. Your Highness, I do not need anything. I will leave for Mount Tai after a few days. My master wanted to go to Mount Tai with me," Eunuch Jin said humbly. Throughout the conversation, his eyes were lowered.


    Sheng Li could not stop himself but hugged Eunuch Jin. "That''s great. Do inform me before your departure," he pulled away.


    "Thank you, Your Highness," Eunuch Jin said and walked out of the chamber. Sheng Li went towards the bed and moved his hand over the mattress. Spending some time in his father''s chamber, Sheng Li went to the chamber of Ying Lili.


    Thest two days were heavy on her. She got not only sick but weak. This also had worried Sheng Li. He went inside and asked Court Lady Ki about the Crown Princess.


    "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is sleeping at the moment," asserted Court Lady Ki. Sheng Li hummed and told her to leave the chamber. She stepped back and walked out of the chamber. Sheng Li sat down on the mattress beside Ying Lili. He caressed her head and then nted a soft kiss on her forehead.


    "Forgive me for not being able to take good care of you," Sheng Li murmured and took her one hand in his. He caressed it and brought it closer to his lips. Kissing on her knuckles, he put it down. He remained in that position until Ying Lili woke up from her sleep.


    Sheng Li passed a tiny smile to her. "How are you feeling?" He asked.


    "Better than the previous day," Ying Lili answered and sat up.


    "You shouldy down. Take a good rest and don''t take stress," Sheng Li told her.


    Ying Lili rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder. "It was unexpected, Sheng Li," she said. "However, father was in so much pain. The infection had spread throughout his body and it was impossible to save him," stated Ying Lili.


    "Hmm."


    "The Empire needs you. What are your ns, Sheng Li? Also, Father had handed me his will long ago," Ying Lili asserted and lifted her head. Sheng Li inquisitively looked at her. "Those times the First and the Third Prince were not good. So, father thought that they might forcefully take the will from him," asserted Ying Lili.


    "I will take the seat of the Emperor on the day after tomorrow," Sheng Li informed Ying Lili. "You will be the Empress. Are you ready to hold my hand in the biggest responsibility of my life?" Sheng Li queried her.


    She nodded her head. "I am," she replied and ced her palm over his cheek.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu moved the brush over the nk sheet that had been ced over the desk when Chuntao came to him. She saw the sheet was nk and it confused him.


    "Prince Nianzu, what are you thinking?" She asked and sat down on the cushion.


    "About Brother Sheng. He has turned quieter," Nianzu replied.


    "Everyone is! The Empire is mourning the death of its great Emperor. Give some time to the Crown Prince," Chuntao stated.


    "Chun, Brother Sheng was not the type of person, who would get affected by his situation. However, after the death of his two close friends, a sudden change was visible in Brother Sheng. Many did fail to notice that but he got affected badly by their deaths especially Hu Jingguo''s death. When Hu Jingguo was alive, he even saved our father''s ailment from getting spreading in the body," Nianzu exined to Chuntao and knitted his brows. He put the brush on the brush stand and said, "I need to converse with him. I need to know what''s going on in his head."


    "Prince Nianzu should talk to the Crown Prince. Also, he should meet his mother," Chuntao proimed. "She needs her son at this difficult time. Prince Nianzu did not talk to him after the demise of thete Emperor," she said.


    "Why shall I meet her? She also wanted to kill him once. Didn''t she think about this that time?" Nianzu suddenly turned furious. "What''s the use of mourning for my father when she never loved him? She would not have even thought of poisoning him if she had loved him," Nianzu stated.


    "That must be because of her frustration. Her son suddenly left and--"


    "Even if her son had left suddenly, she should not have dared to harm him," Nianzu cut her in the middle. "She did wrong, Chun. Father gave her everything. You also know what does it mean to be a concubine. Weng Wei troubled her but my mother was no less than her. Father made her the Empress because she was always deprived of her rights. Yet she did not care for that. I won''t go to her," Nianzu announced his decision.


    "You told me that forgiveness is the greatest treasure that a person possesses. Can''t you forgive her once?" She asked him.


    "If a crime could have been stopped with forgiveness, then no one would be deemed guilty and be forgiven easily," Nianzu retorted back. "A coin has two sides. My mother did wrong, thought wrong. So, she has to bear this too.. She has lost the respect and love from her son forever," Nianzu affirmed.

 Chapter 602 - The Enthronement Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 602 - The Enthronement Ceremony</h4>


    The Enthronement ceremony for the next Emperor of Han. Sheng Li got ready in the Imperial Dragon Robes of the Emperor. The red overcoat had the dragon imprinted on its back. He wore his crown and looked at himself in the mirror.


    "Your Highness, the carriage is ready," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li.


    "What about the Crown Princess?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Her Highness is also ready," Xing-Fu answered. Sheng Li hummed and they left the chamber. Sheng Li found Ying Lili had reached at the same time as his. Ying Lili bowed at him and it astonished him. She never bowed before him except when they got married. He gestured to her to get into the litter which had no roof.


    However, Ying Lili did not step into the litter. ording to tradition, her husband should first get into the carriage.


    "Your Highness, please get into the carriage," Xing-Fu said softly.


    "Tell the Crown Princess to step up first," hemanded him. Xing-Fu nced at Sheng Li in bewilderment and then lowered his eyes. "Go and tell her that her husband will get into the carriage only if she gets into that first," he ordered Xing-Fu.


    Xing-Fu could not refuse the order of the Crown Prince and went towards the Crown Princess. He delivered Sheng Li''s message to her. Ying Lili looked at Sheng Li, who was smiling at her. She nodded and stepped up onto the small stairs to reach the top of the carriage. Getting seated into it, Sheng Li got into the carriage in front of him. The lifters carried it up and left for the Pce Ground where the Coronation ceremony would continue.


    In the Pce Ground, the topmost officials had taken their positions in therge pce ground. The subjects were in their official robes and had stood straight, waiting for the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.


    Behind them, the low-ranked officials of the capital had stood. On the other side, the Court chief Eunuchs, Court Ladies, and Pce servants had taken their respective positions.


    A series of tables had been ced on the top of the building where the Dragon throne was ced: one for the imperial seal, ced directly in front of the throne; one for the formal petition for the Emperor''s ession.


    The imperial vestments had been outside the hall in the Pce Grounds.


    The pce musicians would set up along the east and west sides. One among them read the Imperial edict. The ceremony''s attendees had arrived before the emperor in the open space just outside the hall, with members of the imperial family on the steps up to the hall, and other civil and military officials behind them.


    Soon the carriages arrived at the Pce ground''s entrance. Sheng Li and Ying Lili stepped down from those carriages. Sheng Li started to walk, and Ying Lili followed him. She had also worn the Red Hanfu dress for the Coronation as the Empress.


    They reached the bottom of the stairs which were entirely covered with red carpet. The Formal verdict about their arrival was announced. Sheng Li extended his hand out for Ying Lili. She ced her hand over his palm and he gripped it gently. He took the first step on the stairs and Ying Lili followed him.


    Lei Wanxi was extremely happy to see Sheng Li and Ying Lili. ''Finally, Brother Sheng will lead this Empire. He sacrificed so much for this day. This is indeed a special moment for him. Father, Brother Sheng, and Sister Lili will surely make this Empire prosperous,'' Lei Wanxi thought as tears of happiness appeared in his eyes.


    They reached the top of the stairs where the rest of the Enthronement ceremony had to be performed. Sheng Li and Ying Lili bowed before the Chief Priest, who did the same to them. The Dragon Crown was brought but before that Sheng Li kowtowed before heaven and the earth. The crown which he wore as the Crown Prince was removed by the Chief Priest.


    The Imperial Crown was put over his head. He did the same to Ying Lili and then dered them the Emperor and the Empress of the Han Empire.


    They turned to face their subjects. The moment was marked by the ringing of bells and the beating of drums by the pce musicians. This would be followed by a kowtow of those in attendance for the Coronation ceremony.


    "Hail to the Emperor and the Empress!" General Wang loudly said and all the military and civil forces put their swords down and bent on their knees. They gave Sheng Li and Ying Lili joint fists and palm bows. The flowers were thrown over them as the loud cheers echoed in the entire Pce premises.


    Sheng Li extended his hand out, gesturing to them to stop. He addressed his subjects and his people.


    "With the blessings of myte father, the previous Emperor of Han, I, Han Sheng Li, usurped the throne. I will do my duty as the Emperor of Han with utmost sincerity. I will never once misuse this throne for my benefits."


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili then turned towards Empress Dowager and bowed before her. Lifting their heads, Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s hand and took her towards the throne. They both sat down on the Dragon throne. The high official ministers, who were on the stairs. They undertook three kneelings and nine kowtows¨C known as the Grand Kowtows.


    "Hail to the Emperor of Han. Long live, Your Majesty!" The loud cheers echoed once again in the Pce grounds and with this, the coronation ceremony ended.


    Sheng Li looked far and wide in the Pce grounds with a smile carved on his lips. "Father, thank you for all this. I would not havee this far if you had not brought Ying Lili into my life. She showed me the true meaning of being a leader¨C it''s not by threat but by the love from everyone," He thought in his mind and turned to peer at Ying Lili, who also looked into his eyes.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


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 Chapter 603 - Toymaker

    <h4>Chapter 603 - Toymaker</h4>


    After the formal coronation event ended, Sheng Li sent Ying Lili to her chamber. Though she was supposed to reside in the new chamber which was for the use of the Empress only, she had memories in the Zhenzhu Residence, so she requested Sheng Li to let her stay there. Sheng Li could not ignore her request and let her stay in Zhenzhu Residence.


    "I might gette today for lunch as I have some pending work, so eat without me," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili nodded her head and got into the carriage. After she left, Sheng Li left for his chamber which was in the Northern Pce.


    He removed the grand crown from his head and handed it to Eunuch Xing-Fu. Removing the dragon''s robe, he went towards the desk on which many papers and scrolls were put.


    Xing-Fu instructed the chief maidservant to take them to the dressing room.


    "Xing-Fu, bring King Huan Tsu here. I need something important to discuss with him," Sheng Li ordered him. He bowed and walked out of the chamber. After a while, Huan Tsu entered with Xing-Fu.


    "Your Majesty, you called for my presence," he asked as he bowed before Sheng Li.


    "Yes. Please have a seat, King Huan Tsu," Sheng Li gestured towards the floor chair around his desk. Huan Tsu took his seat while Xing-Fu walked out.


    "My father and you had decided about the marriage of Princess Zhu Lin and Prince Lei Wanxi. I think we shall not dy it. Rest is on you," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I have no issue with this, Your Majesty. They both love each other and I also believe that my daughter cannot get a man like Prince Lei Wanxi. Let''s go forward with their marriage," Huan Tsu said humbly.


    "Thank you, King Huan Tsu. You have always been the loyal friend of my father. It is sad that he is not between us to witness their marriage," Sheng Li said. Huan Tsu hummed. "You also used to train me when I was young. Your military strategies have always helped me. If there is anything I can do for you, please do tell me," Sheng Li stated.


    "It is good to see that the Fifth Prince emerged into such a great person. It is great to see you as the Emperor. I do not need anything, Your Majesty. I will be happy if my daughter stays happy in the Royal Family. What can a father ask for other than the happiness of his daughter?" Huan Tsu said and passed a smile.


    "You do not need to worry about that. Princess Zhu Lin will always stay happy. Prince Lei Wanxi is a loving person. Also, like an elder brother, I will always be in front of her to protect her," Sheng Li said to Huan Tsu, who was overwhelmed to hear that.


    After conversing for a few more minutes, Huan Tsu took his leave. As soon as he left, Jian Guozhi and Nianzu entered the chamber.


    "Brother Sheng¡­ ahh, pardon me for my mistake," Jian Guozhi realized that he was not supposed to address Sheng Li that way. "The Emperor looks great in these robes," he said and smiled. Nianzu agreed with him and the two took their respective seats in front of Sheng Li.


    "I liked my Crown Prince title more. Suddenly, I realized that I have such a big responsibility on my shoulders. Also, I would love it if my Brothers do not address me as the Emperor," Sheng Li stated and passed them a faint smile.


    "Brother Sheng, we are d that you understood your responsibility towards the Empire. It is indeed a tough time for you, yet you handled everything really well," Nianzu appreciated him.


    "I would like to give credit to my wife for shaping me into this. I believe that if she would not have been there, then I would not havee this far. I vividly remember the day when I questioned our father about his decision to make me marry Lili. He told me that only she can melt my cold heart. This is all because of her. I started to understand others because of her only."


    Sheng Li wanted to tell the role of Ying Lili in his life. He, who never thought about others, started to feel others'' emotions too only because Ying Lili made him see that side.


    "Father was right. She indeed made efforts to end hatred amongst us," Jian Guozhi stated as he recalled the change in his behavior because of Ying Lili.


    "We fought for no reason. It brought nothing except agony in our respective hearts during those times," Nianzu asserted. "Brother Sheng, there is important work left. The remarriage of Princess Bai Yaling. Do talk to her regarding her decision," he reminded Sheng Li.


    "Hopefully, she has made a good decision. I will send the message to Princess Bai Yaling to meet me," Sheng Li assured him.


    "Brother Sheng, we can give you a helping hand in the pending work. You also need to take care of your wife as she is carrying twins. Spend maximum time with her and also take her to some good ces which will rx her mind," Jian Guozhi suggested to him.


    "In my eyes too, Brother Sheng shall give his time to Sister Lili," Nianzu acknowledged the opinion of Jian Guozhi.


    "Thank you. I will do that. Taking her anywhere at this time is not good at this time," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You can do something within the Pce. I have called the toymaker in the Pce tomorrow. Brother Sheng shall give him the orders for the Royal toys for the twins," Jian Guozhi said delightedly.


    "Toys? I think tiger toys will be good for them," Sheng Li asserted.


    Jian Guozhi recalled how he burned the toys of Sheng Li when he was young. He felt guilty about his actions.


    "Brother Sheng, tigers won''t be good if the twins will be girls. You need to ask for every kind of toy for them. I will help you," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "That would be great. I will take the advice of Lili too.. She knows better than me," Sheng Li affirmed and a tiny smile appeared on his lips again.

 Chapter 604 - Snuggled

    <h4>Chapter 604 - Snuggled</h4>


    Sheng Li handed the scroll to Xing-Fu and told him to give it to the Prime Minister. Xing-Fu took that and informed Sheng Li about Princess Bai Yaling.


    "Send her in," Sheng Li told him.


    Xing-Fu bowed and walked out of the chamber. After a few seconds, Bai Yaling came inside and greeted him. Sheng Li gestured to her to sit and put the brush down.


    "I will not beat around the bush, Princess Bai Yaling. The Late Emperor must have talked with you about the remarriage. I would like to know about your decision on that," asserted Sheng Li.


    Bai Yaling fidgeted with her fingers.


    "Feel free to tell me. Whatever will be your decision, I will ept it," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your Majesty, I think I should go forward with this remarriage. The Former Emperor told me that you talked about my remarriage with him. Thank you for your boundless generosity, Your Majesty," Bai Yaling replied and bowed before him.


    "Father had chosen the groom for Princess Bai Yaling. I am d that she epted this offer. I will send the message regarding this to Eastern Province Prince, Prince Zhihao," Sheng Li informed her.


    "Prince Zhihao will not have any problem with my widow status, will he?" Bai Yaling asked.


    "He is an open-minded person with great thoughts. Don''t worry. It won''t bother him," Sheng Li assured her. Bai Yaling nodded her head.


    "Your Majesty, can I meet Her Majesty?" She asked for permission.


    "Of course," Sheng Li immediately permitted her. She thanked him again and was ready to leave when Sheng Li stopped her. "Princess Bai, do not believe in superstitions. Also, refrain from feeding anything wrong to Lili. This time is a little hard for her," he stated.


    "I understand, Your Majesty," replied Bai Yaling. She bowed again and then left the chamber.


    Bai Yaling descended the stairs when she encountered General Wang. He bowed before her and asked her about her well-being.


    "I am well, General Wang," she said. "I epted the offer about remarriage," she told him.


    "That''s great. I wish you a bright life ahead. I have some work, so I shall take my leave," stated Wang Hao and walked ahead. He soon reached the chamber where Sheng Li was.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Qi Jing has sent a message," Wang Hao informed him and ced the scroll on the table. Sheng Li dly took it and started to read. After he finished reading, he folded it and ced it back on the table.


    "Sister Qi Jing is in deep sorrow because of father''s loss. She should take care of her health. However, she is happy for me and Ying Lili. Wang Hao, will you do something for me?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Just order me, Your Majesty," he said.


    "I am not able to go to meet her, so instead of my ce, go to the Lu Province and meet Sister Qi Jing," Sheng Li ordered him. Wang Hao bowed as he acknowledged the order of Sheng Li.


    "When is your father returning?" Sheng Li then asked him.


    "Probably by the evening," Wang Hao replied.


    "Then, I do not think you shall go," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Your Majesty, it is my duty. I will soon be back. I will make sure that Princess Qi Jing does not take stress over her father''s loss. Also, I will check the borders of the Eastern Province. I have heard that from the East a few tribes tried to enter and illegally take thend away," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li.


    "Is it so? When did you find out?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Two days ago," Wang Hao replied.


    "Then go to Lu Province and take a look over the borders. Also, take a piece of the army with you. Ahh...Prince Jian can apany you, so discuss this with him before leaving," Sheng Limanded him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao said and after a while, left the chamber.


    ~~~~~~


    Ying Lili was looking at the dresses which were newly prepared for her. She agreed to keep them and thanked the Chief Lady of Cloth workshop for making beautiful and morefortable dresses for her.


    Court Lady Xu instructed the maidservant to keep the clothes in the dressing room.


    Ying Lili, on the other hand, asked her if she could walk in the garden for some time.


    "The Emperor is not here, so I think that the Empress shall stay in the chamber," Court Lady said humbly.


    "He has not stopped me from going to the garden during the day," Ying Lili said and stood up from the chaise. Holding her both hands, she started to negotiate with Court Lady Xu.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor will get angry at me for not listening to hismand," she made Ying Lili understand, who put her hand on her chest.


    "I will protect you. Also, he is busy, so he won''t find out about this," Ying Lili stated.


    Court Lady Xu could not refuse Ying Lili and agreed with her. Ying Lili hugged her in happiness and then pulled away. Court Lady Ki came at that time and asked Ying Lili where she was heading to.


    "To the Royal garden," Ying Lili replied. "Please do not oppose it," she requested. Court Lady Xu gestured to Court Lady Ki, who nodded her head. They left for the garden and after a while reached there.


    Ying Lili went towards theke and stood under the cherry blossom tree. She took a deep breath and smelled the scented air. "It''s so fresh," she murmured.


    She sat down beneath the tree and gestured to both the Court Ladies to sit down.


    "Your Majesty, you might fall sick. Do not sit on the ground. I will bring a mat," Court Lady Xu said worriedly.


    "Sitting on the fresh grass is good for health. It is said in the medicinal studies," Ying Lili replied and moved closer to the stem of the cherry blossom tree.


    "Court Lady Ki, could you please tell me about young Sheng Li? What was he like? Court Lady Xu has told me many things but I want to know from your view as well," Ying Lili said softly.


    Both the Court Ladies sat down in front of her when Court Lady Ki started to speak.


    "Your Majesty, I did not spend much time with the Emperor since my only work is to take care of the pregnant mother for nine months, followed by a few months more," Court Lady Ki answered. "But I would like to say that His Majesty was a timid child. No one could tell now that the Emperor used to get scared easily. He underwent a great transformation," she added and smiled faintly.


    Ying Lili hummed and looked towards theke. She yawned when Court Lady Xu told her that they should go back.


    "No. I want to sit here," Ying Lili replied.


    She rested her head against the tree''s stem and closed her eyes. The Court Ladies stood up as it would not be good if the others would have seen them sitting with the Empress.


    They stepped a little back when Court Lady Ki told Court Lady Xu that they should take Ying Lili back to her chamber.


    "The Empress is as stubborn as the Emperor. Let''s stay here for half an hour and then we will take her back," Court Lady Xu whispered near her ear. They stayed in that position for almost fifteen minutes but started to tremble in fear when Sheng Li walked past them.


    They both deeply bowed upon seeing him. Sheng Li walked ahead and halted near Ying Lili. He turned his head to look at the Court Ladies, who had lifted their eyes a little to nce at him. With his hand, he gestured to them to turn away. They immediately followed themand of Sheng Li, who had sat beside Ying Lili.


    He found that she did not realize her presence. Since she had closed her eyes, Sheng Li wondered if she was sleeping. He grasped Ying Lili''s hand which was a little colder than his, probably because of the weather. When she did not wake up, it confirmed to him that she was sleeping.


    He thought of taking his chamber as she could have caught a cold by staying out during autumn. He carried her gently in his arms in a bridal style and started to walk to his Chief Residence in the Northern Pce which was close to the Royal Garden. Both the Court Ladies followed Sheng Li to the Northern Pce.


    cing her gently on the mattress, Sheng Li covered her from the nket. He then red at the Court Ladies, who apologized to him.


    "She is sleeping, so I won''t scold you now. Leave," Sheng Li coldly said and they both immediately left the chamber.


    Sheng Li removed his shoes and went to the bed. Heid beside Ying Lili. The day was tiring for him too.. He securely wrapped his hand around her belly and snuggled to her.

 Chapter 605 - I Have The Royal Body

    <h4>Chapter 605 - I Have The Royal Body</h4>


    Nianzu took Chuntao to her home as per her request in the evening, to not get into the eyes of the people. They both rested in the room for some time. Chuntao lit antern and ced it over the table.


    "Do you remember the day when I came to you and we both confessed our feelings for each other?" Nianzu asked her.


    "Yes," Chuntao replied as she covered the feet of Nianzu with the nket. "The floor is cold," she said and moved closer to him. Nianzu put his arm around her shoulder.


    "We havee so far, holding each other''s hands," Nianzu stated and passed a tiny smile to her. "I will be away for a few days," Nianzu suddenly informed her.


    "Why?" She tilted her head to gaze at him.


    "I will leave with Prince Jian and General Wang for Lu Province. We are going to meet Sister Qi Jing. Since Brother Sheng cannot go, so I shall go there," Nianzu replied. "The Former Empress did not treat her own daughter well. And the demise of our father has shaken her. She is pregnant too, so it would be great if we brothers go there and meet her," he then exined to her.


    Chuntao hummed. "Can I not go with you?" She asked.


    "No, you cannot. Stay here. Also, take care of Sister Lili. I will surely return within a week," Nianzu promised her. Chuntao nodded her head.


    "I will probably go to Juyan which is the neighboring city of the Lu Province. Juyan is Sister Lili''s home. I will meet her aunt and younger cousins." He recalled Sheng Li''s words about checking the well-being of Ying Lili''s remaining family members.


    "The Empress has suffered so much. I heard how she lost her father on the first day of meeting the Emperor. Later, her mother died too. Her childhood friend lost his life saving the Emperor. However, she never once became weak. I admire her for this quality, Prince Nianzu," Chuntao asserted.


    "We all admire her," Nianzu stated. "You are also strong too. You lost your family in a day," he said. Chuntao lowered her head and shook it.


    "I am not. If the Prince had not saved me, I would have probably died," Chuntao said as tears appeared in her eyes, "instead of fighting." Shepleted her words.


    Nianzu cupped her face between his palms and told her to look into his eyes. She did so and met his gaze. "You are not weak. Circumstances made you weak at that time. Also, as amoner, it is tough to raise your voice. Fate was there, so we met," Nianzu told her.


    Chuntao agreed with him. "Brother Wanxi taught me archery," she told him with a smile.


    "When?" He asked and put his hands down.


    "Today. You were busy at work. I met Brother Wanxi whileing from Sister Lili''s chamber when he told me to apany him to the Pce Grounds. It was fun yet a tough job. I managed to hit the board after twenty attempts," Chuntao said with a smile. Nianzu found that his wife wanted to learn that. It was his fault that he never asked her.


    "I will teach you after returning from the journey," Nianzu stated.


    "I would love to," She answered. "I will wait for you," she stated. Nianzu caressed her head and kissed her lips. Withdrawing he peered into her eyes while stroking her cheek with his thumb.


    "I will leave tomorrow," Nianzu finally told her. The smile on Chuntao''s lips vanished. She had never been away from Nianzu for many days.


    "I will miss you," Chuntao said.


    "Me too," he replied and again kissed her. She kissed him back and circled her hands behind his neck. Nianzu put his calloused fingers behind her head and drew her closer. After a while, they pulled away from the kiss. Chuntao wiped his lips with her cold fingers while Nianzu kept the eyes fixated on her.


    "Your fingers are cold. Let''s head back. We need to reach before dinner time," he asserted. She nodded her head and the two stood up from the mattress. She folded it while Nianzu folded the nket. Keeping it inside the cupboard, they both left for the Pce.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi looked at his elbow in the mirror which was bruised badly. He fell on the ground while practicing with Weng Yu. The maidservant asked her if she should call the physician. Before he could say yes, Zhu Lin came there. She asked the maidservant to bring the lukewarm water and a clean towel.


    The maidservant bowed and left.


    Lei Wanxi looked at her. "Will you treat me? The Royal Physician will do better," he said in a low voice and put his arm down.


    "He is examining the Empress. Also, it is a minor injury. There is no need to disturb him or his assistants," Zhu Lin suggested to him.


    "How is it minor? I am unable to move my right hand. It is aching," Lei Wanxi replied. "I wonder how Brother Sheng bore those painful hits from swords on him. Same with you," he said.


    Zhu Lin sat beside him on the chaise. "Prince Wanxi, when I started to train, I also used to feel immense pain. With time, such pain will not matter much," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "You should show concern towards me, Zhu Lin. My soft skin is not made for it. Can''t you act a little lovey-dovey while saying this?" He asked her and pouted.


    "Are you a kid?" She chuckled.


    "Are you fighting with me? I am not in a mood to fight with you," he stated and put his hand on his right arm. "Ahh, my limb," he mumbled in pain. The maidservant arrived and ced the tiny vessel on the table. Beside it, she kept the clean towel and walked out.


    Zhu Lin soaked it into the water. She pushed up the sleeve of Lei Wanxi''s dress.


    "Be gentle," he told her.


    "I will," she assured him. Folding his sleeve, she lightly twisted his arm and dabbed the towel over it. Lei Wanxi hissed in pain, so Zhu Lin leaned a little down and blew over his elbow.


    She cleaned the wound and took out a tiny porcin bottle from her pocket. "It''s a magical powder. It treated many of my wounds," stated Zhu Lin and applied it over his elbow.


    "It will not leave any mark on my elbow, right?" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    Zhu Lin lifted her head and red at him. "Who will check your elbow? Are you serious?" She got angry at him.


    "I have the Royal body. It should not have any mark on it," Lei Wanxi answered back in a loud voice.


    Zhu Lin did not say anything and pressed her fingers over the bruise.


    "Ahh," Lei Wanxi shrieked in pain. "What are you doing? I told you not to let me feel the pain," heined.


    "Bear this pain. You have the Royal body which can bear anything," Zhu Lin remarked and then scoffed at him. She unfolded his sleeves and the two red at each other.


    "Are you going to treat me this way after the marriage?" He questioned her.


    "What about you?" She queried him and wiped her hands with the second towel. She called in the maidservant, who took them away.


    "I don''t treat you badly. You always pick a fight with me," Lei Wanxi said.


    ~~~~~~~


    Merry Christmas Everyone????


    As per the promise, I will do mass release today.


    Sorry, Naron, I mistakenly deleted yourment in the previous chapter????


    Thank you

 Chapter 606 - Xue, I Know Your Personality

    <h4>Chapter 606 - Xue, I Know Your Personality</h4>


    "Neither do I treat you badly. If you cannot handle this little pain, then stop training. Don''t do it just because I cannot lift heavy things. If you love it, then you shall do it, else leave," Zhu Lin advised him.


    "Do you think I feel good seeing you getting trained? Don''t push yourself. Do those things which you love. I will be happier," Zhu Lin stated. Although she used to get harsher with her remarks, she did not want Lei Wanxi to do something out ofpulsion. She wanted him to live his life as he used to because that way he would be more happy.


    "Zhu Lin, it is not because of you alone. I realized that as a Prince, I should know all this. Brother Sheng also told me once that learning self-defense is indispensable. I never got such a bruise ever in my life, that''s why it''s a little painful. Since you applied that magical powder, I think I will soon be fine," Lei Wanxi said.


    Zhu Lin put her hands around him and hugged him. Lei Wanxi was a little different from the rest of the princes. He always had a life offort, so it was difficult for him to get out of it.


    "Forgive me for raising my voice," Zhu Lin apologized. Lei Wanxi rested his left hand on her back and rested his chin on her shoulder.


    "It''s fine. I do need scoldings for whining like a child," he whispered near her ear.


    They pulled away after some time. Lei Wanxi asked her if she would have dinner with him or her father.


    "Umm¡­ with you first and then with my father," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Howe you will eat with both of us?" He questioned her with a perplexed expression.


    "You cannot lift your right hand, so I need to help you," asserted Zhu Lin.


    "It''s fine. You should be with your father," Lei Wanxi said and moved his hand. "I can lift it and also eat. Do not worry," he said.


    "Don''t lie. I know your arm is aching," she stated and stood up from the chaise. "I will be back soon. Wait for me," she said and left the chamber.


    The maidservant announced the Emperor''s arrival. It delighted Lei Wanxi, who immediately stood up. "Brother Sheng," he went towards him.


    "I heard from Xiao Zhan that you bruised your elbow. I told you not to be harsh on yourself," Sheng Li scolded him.


    "How will I get strong then, Brother Sheng? Also, Zhu Lin applied a magical powder over the bruise, so it will heal fast," he added. "Brother Sheng, what are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be with Sister Lili at this hour?" He asked and knitted his brows.


    "She is sleeping. I am here to pick a few things from her chamber. I will keep her with me in the Northern Pce," Sheng Li informed Lei Wanxi. He then showed a scroll to him.


    "What''s this?" He asked.


    "The Imperial order for you. You are appointed as the senior-most officer in the Law & Justice department. Nobles pass civil services to enter the department. Be responsible for your duties and inform me or Brother Jian first if you find anything wrong. Don''t try to chase the person on your own," Sheng Li warned him.


    "Sure, Brother Sheng, and thank you for this," Lei Wanxi dly epted the imperial order. He took the scroll from Sheng Li and opened it. Reading the order made him smile. "Brother Sheng bestowed me with such a great responsibility. I will surely do my work with utmost honesty and diligence," he affirmed.


    "Good. You need to join the office tomorrow. However, if you are not able to join, then do send a message there about your absence," Sheng Li told him.


    "I will join tomorrow only. I am so excited to work in the Capital Bureau''s Justice Department," Lei Wanxi stated and smiled. Sheng Li lifted his arm a little when Lei Wanxi winced in pain.


    "I do not think you will be able to join tomorrow. It''s better to join the day after tomorrow," he proimed and gently put it down.


    "I will see, Brother Sheng. If I will be fine then I will join tomorrow," he asserted. Sheng Li patted his shoulder and took his leave.


    Sheng Li arrived at the Zhenzhu Residence. Ying Lili had once told him about the Royal decree of the Emperor. He opened the cupboard and took out the scroll from it. Reading it, he found his father had decided long ago that he would be the Emperor. He rolled the scroll and then put it inside the pocket of his robes.


    Closing the cupboard, he called a maidservant inside.


    "Pack the dresses of the Empress and other things. She will reside in the Northern Pce from now on," Sheng Limanded her.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," she answered.


    Sheng Li turned to leave when his eyes fell on the table on which a handkerchief was put. He went towards the table and picked it up.


    "Little Sheng (Long Jingguo)."


    Ying Lili had embroidered those letters on the handkerchief which made him smile. The letters were not imprinted perfectly as Ying Lili was not good at sewing but it became precious for Sheng Li. He folded it and put it inside his pocket. He then left for the Northern Pce.


    While crossing the grand hallway of the Eastern Pce, he encountered Xue Yu-Yan. He ignored her presence and walked past her when Xue Yu-Yan addressed him.


    "Your Majesty!"


    He halted at his ce.


    Xue Yu-Yan came near him and bowed.


    "Forgive me for that day, Your Majesty," Xue Yu-Yan apologized. "I did not know that the Empress''s health could deteriorate," she said with guilt.


    "Do you know why I still hate you?" Sheng Li questioned her. Xue Yu-Yan lifted her head and looked into his eyes, before again lowering them. She shook her head.


    "Because you pretend that you do not know," Sheng Li said and chuckled. "I know you better than anyone, Xue. You knew about that, yet you fed my wife those grapes. I still wonder why you are pretending that you have turned into a good person when you are not!" Sheng Li stated with a menacing expression.


    "His Majesty is thinking wrong about me. I, indeed, have changed," Xue Yu-Yan said with a firm tone.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Xue, I know your personality. You did not get punished because I was stressed with my father''s health. Also, I respect Brother Jian. This was thest time you did something like this else be ready to die like your father.. I am still the same Sheng Li when ites to enemies," he affirmed and walked away.

 Chapter 607 - Be Able To Punish Me?

    <h4>Chapter 607 - Be Able To Punish Me?</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan arrived at her chamber and saw Jian Guozhi, who was waiting for her. "Where were you?" He asked and stood up from the chaise.


    "I went to the kitchen. I told the chef to prepare a fruit custard for the sweet dish," Xue Yu-Yan replied.


    "You could have ordered the servant for that," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "I thought to go by myself," she asserted. Jian Guozhi hummed and grasped her wrist, drawing her towards him.


    "I was waiting for you for twenty minutes," he said while brushing his fingers on her cheek.


    "Forgive me for making you wait, Jian Ge," she lowered her eyes. He found that her mood was not right and he asked her the reason. His fingers curled under her chin and lifted her face a little.


    Xue Yu-Yan did not want to tell him as it could create misunderstandings between the two brothers, but she could not either lie to him. "I met the Emperor earlier whileing here," she said.


    "Brother Sheng was in the Eastern Pce," Jian Guozhi said with an astonishing expression.


    "Yes," she replied.


    "So, what happened?" He asked again. "Did Brother Sheng say something to you?" He questioned.


    "I made the Empress eat grapes, and it had deteriorated her health. He thinks that I am still the same Xue. He warned me if I ever did that he would kill me just like my father. He hates me, Jian Ge," Xue Yu-Yan said as the tears formed in her eyes. Jian Guozhi put his hand down.


    "I heard from Brother Nianzu that the Empress had bad cramps after consuming those grapes. It might have angered Brother Sheng. Don''t take his words to heart," Jian Guozhi stated. He thought of talking to Sheng Li about this the next day, before leaving for Lu Province.


    "It feels bad when the Emperor thinks of me that way. I am not like my father, Jian Ge. I will never hurt the Empress," she affirmed.


    "I know," he showed him his trust and embraced her. He pulled away and took her towards the bed. "I am leaving tomorrow for Lu Province with Brother Nianzu," Jian Guozhi informed her.


    "What? Why?" She asked.


    "To meet my younger sister. A message hase from her," he stated. "I will be back in a week," he added. Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head.


    "So, you will be away from me for a week," she said in a low voice.


    "Yes. The journey is long, that''s why I cannot take you with me. Initially, Brother Sheng Li was supposed to go with me, but he is Emperor now, so he cannot leave Luoyang," he affirmed and took her hands in her.


    "Are you still thinking about the words of Brother Sheng?" He inquired from her as he found she was lost in her thoughts. However, she shook her head.


    "Then, why is there no smile on your lips?"


    Xue Yu-Yan forced a smile on her lips. Jian Guozhi kissed her lips at that time, amusing her. "Jian Ge!" She smiled while showing him her teeth.


    "At least you smiled," he said and showered kisses on her face. Xue Yu-Yan giggled and told him to stop. Jian Guozhi stopped, keeping his face close to her. He yed with the locks of her hair. He moved his one hand behind her back and drew her close.


    His hand rested on her cheek and stroked it. Slowly, their lips met. Jian Guozhi pulled the clips away from her hair bun and let them fall on her back.


    He gently pushed her on the soft mattress. They both panted for air as they withdrew from the kiss. He untied the knot of her upper jacket and yanked it away. Grazing his fingers over her corbone, Jian Guozhi kissed her neck. He showered numerous kisses on her shoulder and again moved to her face.


    Xue Yu-Yan wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down. Jian Guozhi, before getting down, pulled the curtain down.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li arrived at the Northern Pce in his chamber. He found that Ying Lili woke up just a few seconds before his arrival. Ying Lili rubbed her eyes and found that she was not in the garden when her eyes fell on Sheng Li.


    She sat up on the bed. "When did you take me here?" She asked in a low voice.


    Sheng Li sat down in front of her. "You were sleeping in the open. You could have caught a cold, that''s why I brought you here," he answered and nced at Court Lady Ki and Xu.


    "You both are not allowed to eat tonight''s dinner," Sheng Li announced their punishment and it bewildered Ying Lili.


    "What? Why? How could you say that?" She scolded him.


    "They defied my orders, that''s why," Sheng Li reasoned.


    "Then you should punish me because I was the one who told them. You cannot punish them," she stated.


    "I can and I will, else they will keep defying me," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Then, what about me? Why don''t you punish me?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I cannot punish you," he replied.


    "I won''t eat tonight if you don''t let them eat," Ying Lili pronounced. Court Lady Xu and Ki find that because of them Sheng Li and Ying Lili might end up fighting, so they thought of intervening.


    "Your Majesty, we will not have our dinner. We both ate so much during lunch that our stomachs are still full," Court Lady Xu humbly said.


    "Even I also ate so much," Ying Lili stated.


    "Fine. I won''t punish them," Sheng Li told her and then dismissed both of the Court Ladies from the chamber. "I will punish you since you are so eager to take the punishment," he stated, looking into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Will you be able to punish me?" Ying Lili asked while smiling.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows as a grin appeared on his face. He moved a little closer to Ying Lili. "Of Course!" He said.


    "I would love to get a punishment from you," Ying Lili stated.

 Chapter 608 - A Song Of Heaven

    <h4>Chapter 608 - A Song Of Heaven</h4>


    "You are not allowed to go outside tomorrow for a day¡­ not even for the morning walk," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "What? Are you punishing me?" Ying Lili asked him with a perplexing expression.


    "Of course. You asked for it," Sheng Li replied.


    "Isn''t it wrong? Punishing your wife? Don''t you love me?" She questioned him.


    "I love you more than my life," Sheng Li answered.


    "Then, why that punishment?" She queried.


    "Because you can fall sick if you go out and sit under a tree when the season is autumn," Sheng Li opined. "When you got those cramps, you cannot even imagine how scared I was!" He said with a menacing expression.


    "I should not have eaten that. I did not know that grapes might cause that," Ying Lili said in a low voice and put her hand on her womb. "Forgive me for making you anxious." She moved her hand over that.


    "Xue did that willingly," Sheng Li muttered and gritted his teeth.


    "Sister Xue did not know about that," Ying Lili stood for her.


    "Do you think so? I think that she is still the same Xue," Sheng Li affirmed. "She wanted to harm our children. I know her well," he said and clenched his fist.


    "Sheng Li, she will never do that. She did not know that such a thing would happen to me," Ying Lili was not ready to believe Sheng Li, not because she did not trust him but because he was taking Xue Yu-Yan''s past self while judging her.


    Sheng Li did not argue with her over that topic as it could stress out Ying Lili. "I understand," Sheng Li ended the argument with that. He stood up from the mattress and went towards the table, where a bowl filled with jujubes.


    He came towards the bed and showed her the bowl. "These are ten jujubes. You need to eat them," he said and started to peel them while handing, one by one to her. Ying Lili was overwhelmed by the love and care of her husband at this time.


    "Court Lady Ki could have done that," Ying Lili said. She did not want Sheng Li to work as he was already tired from his day''s work.


    "No. I want to do this for my wife," he said and pushed another jujube inside her mouth. Ying Lili chewed it while smiling. She took thest jujube from him and put it between her teeth. Sheng Li looked at her and asked why she was not eating when realized that she wanted him to eat half of it.


    Sheng Li leaned towards her lips and cut half of it with his teeth. His lips slightly brushed against Ying Lili''s lips, who had swallowed the rest of the jujube. They both smiled while chewing. Sheng Li captured her luscious lips for a kiss. The sweetness of jujube was still in their mouths. Withdrawing from the kiss, Sheng Li wiped Ying Lili''s lips.


    "Do you want to hear some music? The musician from the department of music can y it for you," Sheng Li asked her.


    "I want to listen to this musical piece¨C ''A song of heaven''," Ying Lili expressed her desire.


    Sheng Li had no idea about that and called Eunuch Xing-Fu inside, who in seconds came in.


    "Call Musician Zong-an. Tell him that the Empress wants to listen to ''A song of heaven''," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu, who bowed and walked out.


    Ying Lili tilted her head and asked Sheng Li if he knew about that piece, to which he refused.


    "There used to be a heavenly jade beauty named Yu M¨§il¨¬. She once visited the earth but ended up, getting a bite from a venomous snake as shended in a field. She cried for help when a man named Song Cheng came for her help. He sucked out the poison from her foot and tied the piece of cloth around it so that the poison would not spread in her body. He carried her on his back and took her to the local doctor, who treated her. Because he had sucked the venom, he started to hallucinate and ended up fainting.


    Yu M¨§il¨¬''s heart was moved by this unknown man and she fell for him. She confessed to him, and they lived a happy life for a few years. She forgot that her time was limited on the earth and she was called by Heaven in full moonlight. But before leaving, she took away the memories of Song Cheng as she did not want him to live in pain or her memories. When she reached her ce, she wrote this musical piece for her lover¨C ''A Song of Heaven''," Ying Lili narrated the folktale to Sheng Li.


    "It is a good love story but it''s sad at the same time. Letting go of your love is not easy," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You are right. However, she could not do anything against the wish of Heaven," Ying Lili proimed.


    "She could have requested the Jade Emperor," Sheng Li opined.


    "But she was from Heaven. It was against the rules of Heaven to fall in love with a human," Ying Lili stated.


    Musician Zong-an entered the chamber and greeted both of them. Two more musicians had also apanied him.


    They took their seats on the mattress. Xing-Fu put the zither on the floor table. Zong-an had a tiny smile on his lips and he rested his fingers over those strings. He started to y the musical piece on the zither and it delighted Ying Lili''s heart. She rested her head on Sheng Li''s shoulder and closed her eyes to feel every essence of this musical piece.


    Sheng Li, who never had an interest in music, suddenly felt the urge to learn it. He also wanted to y and write music for his Lili. He wanted to dedicate many songs to their love, but he had little knowledge of all this. He tilted his head a little and found how she was enjoying this musical piece.. His heart thumped against his chest as he once again fell for her.

 Chapter 609 - For You,I Believe In Every Prayer

    <h4>Chapter 609 - For You,I Believe In Every Prayer</h4>


    Zong-an left with his two fellow musicians after ying the music of A Song of Heaven. Ying Lili stood up from the bed, swirled off her feet as she smiled.


    "Lili," Sheng Li said anxiously and went towards her as he securely wrapped his arm around her waist. "You should not do this. What if you had lost your bnce?" He asked her.


    "Then you would have caught me as you did now," Ying Lili answered when she saw Xing-Fu at the door. She moved away from Sheng Li and asked him toe forward.


    "Your Majesty, the valuables of the Empress are brought to the Northern Pce," Xing-Fu informed Sheng Li.


    "What? Why?" She asked.


    "You will stay in the Northern Pce with your husband. I want to keep you close. We can make new memories here too," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, who nodded her head.


    "This will be the official chamber of us from today onwards," Sheng Li told Xing-Fu. Living in the same quarter was never done before but Sheng Li made it an exception.


    The maidservants came inside with the servants. They had huge boxes in their hands. Sheng Limanded Xing-Fu to set the things of Ying Lili in the chamber.


    "We both wille in a while," Sheng Li stated and grasped the hand of Ying Lili. He took her out of the chamber, surprising her. After the evening, Sheng Li had stopped to take her out. He told the courtdies not to follow them.


    "Where are we going?" Ying Lili asked him with amusement when Sheng Li carried her up in his arms.


    "Sheng Li, what''s this?" She asked while smiling.


    "I do not want you to walk," he said.


    "But walking is good for health for a pregnant woman," Ying Lili said as she wrapped her hands around his neck.


    "It is. However, I want to carry you like this. I love it," Sheng Li replied and touched his nose with hers. Leaning back, he started to walk.


    "People will look at us and then gossip," she said.


    "Let them gossip. It is affection for my wife. I love doing small things for her. It makes me happy," Sheng Li stated. He turned left in the hallway.


    "When you first carried me in your arms, you threw me like a sack on the ground. You used to be so short-tempered that time," Ying Lili said.


    "Lili, that time I was not in love with you. If I had, then I would not have ever done that," Sheng Li reasoned.


    Ying Lili kissed his cheek and he halted at his ce. "You should not do this when I am walking," he said.


    "What did I do?" She acted innocent. Sheng Li shook his head and resumed walking.


    He stopped in front of a chamber. Ying Lili found it was newly constructed in the Pce. Sheng Li gently put her down. Her feet touched the floor beneath her and she asked him about the chamber.


    "Be patient," he said and pushed the door in. cing his hands on Ying Lili''s shoulder, he took her inside. The room was dark, so Sheng Li told her to wait. After a few seconds, he came with antern in his hand.


    The room was illuminated with the yellowntern light. Ying Lili was stunned to see the decoration in the chamber. "Is it the chamber for our children?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Yes," Sheng Li answered and looked around. The chamber was neither toorge nor too small. There were two wooden glider swings at one end. Ying Lili went to check them. She saw the strings attached to the swings and held them. Pulling them, she released them and they swung.


    She looked around the room and found beautiful wall paintings hanging. One of them was of them. Sheng Li and Ying Lili are in the garden on a swing. Sheng Li stood behind her and hugged her from behind.


    "I added only a few things in this room. Rest you can do. I mean, order the servants to decorate it ording to your preference. You know better than me, and your preference is mine," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "You have already done more than enough," Ying Lili pronounced. She saw the poster bed beside the left glider swing. "When we will be here, then we can sleep here too. That way, we can have a close check on our children," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili put her hands over his hands and turned to him.


    "It is so beautiful," Ying Lili said and smiled. "Our children will like it."


    "Lili, tomorrow the Royal Toymaker wille to the Pce. You can tell him what kind of toys kids will like," he informed her.


    "Sure," Ying Lili replied. She looked towards their portrait and said, "We look so good in that painting." She turned to him and asked him, "Don''t you think that there shall be a new painting of us?"


    "You want to?" He asked.


    "Hmm," Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "I will tell the Royal painter about this," he stated. After a while, they left the room. Sheng Li closed it from outside and took Ying Lili back to their chamber.


    "Tomorrow, there is a little prayer ceremony in the Buddhist Temple for your health and safety," Sheng Li stated.


    "Since when did you start believing in prayers?" Ying Lili nced at him with skepticism.


    "For you, I believe in every prayer," Sheng Li affirmed. Ying Lili was overwhelmed to hear that.


    "You are such a lovely husband, Sheng Li," she said and halted. He also stopped walking and gazed into her eyes.


    "I became a lovely husband thanks to a lovely woman," he said, "who brought warmth in my cold heart, who taught me to love. Without that woman, I would not be able to experience some of the beautiful things." He kissed on the middle of her forehead and passed a smile to her.


    Ying Lili hugged him and rested her side face on his chest. "I love you, Sheng Li. Thank you for being such a lovely person not only to me but to everyone. I am proud to be your wife," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li put his hand on her back. "I am proud to be the husband of such a special woman. You turned me into a human.. I love you, Lili," he said.

 Chapter 610 - She Is No More

    <h4>Chapter 610 - She Is No More</h4>


    Jian Guozhi left Xue Yu-Yan''s chamber in the early morning. He got ready as he had to leave today but before that, hepleted his remaining work. He came to the Northern Pce and saw Sheng Li with Ying Lili in the Royal Garden. He stopped midway as intervening in them was not a great idea to him. Also, conversing with Sheng Li about Xue might anger Sheng Li, he thought.


    "Let''s go back. We need to go to the temple too," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    "Sure," they both turned when Sheng Li saw Jian Guozhi at the Northern pavilion.


    "Court Lady Xu, escort the Empress safely to the chamber," Sheng Limanded her.


    "Where are you going?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I remembered something important. I will soon be back," answered Sheng Li. Ying Lili nodded her head and left with Court Lady Xu. Sheng Li, oppositely, went to the Northern Pavilion.


    Jian Guozhi was looking at the sky, lost in some of his thoughts when he heard footsteps. He turned and saw Sheng Li. "Your Majesty," he pronounced and bowed before him.


    "What is Brother Jian doing here? It is odd to see him at this hour," Sheng Li affirmed. "Did you have something to say?" He asked.


    "About yesterday, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi answered. "Xue was a little disturbed," he said but there was some hesitance in his voice.


    "Shall I reward her for feeding grapes to Lili?" Sheng Li taunted Jian Guozhi, who shook his head.


    "She is not the same Xue. She did not know that the Empress''s health would deteriorate after eating them," Jian Guozhi replied. "Also, you once used to respect her a lot. I do not know what happened between you two that you started to hate Xue," Jian Guozhi turned informal.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I used to when we were teens. Not anymore! She tried to win over me for the throne. How could you forget her true intentions? Let''s stop here. I do not want to argue with my Elder First Brother because of her," Sheng Li stated and turned to leave but stopped when he heard Jian Guozhi.


    "You still think that we are enemies, aren''t you?" Jian Guozhi''s tone was not pleasant to hear.


    "What if I do and what if I don''t?" Sheng Li queried him and turned to look at him.


    "Our rtionship might get tainted because of your skepticism over us," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "What if Xue wants this only?" Sheng Li asked him with a menacing expression. "Think about it. You also know Xue. She knows the household matters better. She has trained herself well to be a virtuous woman. That''s why I doubted that she knew that feeding too many grapes to a pregnant woman can be dangerous. She might act naive and innocent in front of everyone but not in front of me," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi did not want to believe that Xue had acted to turn good.


    "Brother Jian, I do trust you but it is impossible for me to trust Xue. Let''s not talk about her because it will create a conflict of thoughts between us. A woman shall never be the reason of conflict between two brothers," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "I give you my words that she has changed. So, will Brother Sheng trust her for me? Also, will he never talk rudely to her? Can he do this?" Jian Guozhi trusted Xue Yu-Yan and asked for a promise from Sheng Li.


    "If she will not face me, then I won''t even bother to say anything to her," Sheng Li stated. "This is the first time Brother Jian has asked something from me, so I will surely give him my words. I won''t talk to her rudely. Lili also thinks that she has changed. I do hope she has changed but I am not sure," he asserted.


    "I need to go to the Buddhist Temple. If Brother Jian wants then he should also join," Sheng Li said.


    "Brother Sheng hardly visits Shrines or temples," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "A small prayer ceremony is organized for Lili''s health. Xing-Fu said that it will benefit Lili and the twins," he said dly. "Leave for Lu Province in the mid-noon," He requested Jian Guozhi, who acknowledged it.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin hopped on a horse and rode towards the Pce. As he reached the Pce, he went straight to the chamber of Lei Wanxi. The maidservant informed Lei Wanxi about Huo Jin''s arrival.


    "Send him in," Lei Wanxi stated.


    After a few seconds, Huo Jin entered the chamber. Lei Wanxi embraced him and said, "You do not evene to meet me. How are you doing?" They both pulled away soon.


    "I am well, Prince Wanxi," Huo Jin answered. "I have been busytely. I have brought the rare diamond from the north," he informed Lei Wanxi and took out a box from inside his pocket.


    "Woah! Thank you, Huo Jin," Lei Wanxi replied as he took the box from him. He opened it and saw the exquisite red diamond. I want to gift it to Zhu Lin. We both are marrying soon. The diamond on the buyao will look great," He pronounced with a smile.


    "It is my pleasure to do work for Prince Wanxi," answered Huo Jin.


    "Let''s have breakfast together. But before that, we both have to go to the Buddhist Temple," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Why?" Huo Jin asked curiously.


    "Brother Sheng has organized a small prayer ceremony for Sister Lili and the twins," Lei Wanxi replied and passed him a smile. He put his arm around his shoulder.


    "Huo Jin, you should also marry soon. I can contact a matchmaker for you," Lei Wanxi offered him.


    "I do not want to marry, Prince Wanxi," Huo Jin stated.


    "Why?" Lei Wanxi asked. He was not aware of Huo Jin''s feelings towards Zho Mi.


    "Is there someone in your mind? Tell me," Lei Wanxi stated with excitement.


    "It was Xinyue. She is no more.. I will not marry¡­ not in this life, Prince Wanxi," Huo Jin affirmed.

 Chapter 611 - A Heart-wrenching Love Story

    <h4>Chapter 611 - A Heart-wrenching Love Story</h4>


    Lei Wanxi was shocked to hear that. He could not understand what he should say in this awkward situation. "It''s fine," these two words came out of Lei Wanxi''s mouth. Huo Jin passed a tiny smile to him. They both left for the Northern Pce, where Buddhist Temple was situated.


    Lei Wanxi saw his other brothers were already present there. He wanted to go near Nianzu, but he was with Chuntao, so he did not bother him.


    Weng Yu came towards them and greeted them. "Prince Yu shall not greet me. I am a low born," Huo Jin asserted.


    "But Sister Lili told me that there is no such thing as low born. She told me that I shall always respect my elders," Weng Yu stated. Lei Wanxi smiled broadly and patted the back of Weng Yu.


    "Sister Lili said absolutely right. Huo Jin, you should not think that way," Lei Wanxi said and patted his shoulder. "Let''s go inside," he said and put his arms around their shoulders. They stepped into the stairs and soon reached inside the temple.


    Lei Wanxi''s eyes fell on Zhu Lin, who was conversing with Princess Liao Jun. He put his hands down when his eyes met Zhu Lin. She lowered her eyes to greet him. Lei Wanxi winked at her, which Weng Yu noticed.


    "Why is Brother Wanxi winking at Princess Zhu Lin?" He questioned.


    "He has lost his mind, that''s why," Sheng Li pronounced and walked past them.


    Weng Yu got confused when he heard that. "Nothing, Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi stated. Huo Jin smiled a little and looked towards Jian Guozhi, who was with Xue Yu-Yan.


    He recalled Xinyue, who used to be so happy when was with Jian Guozhi. Though she never loved him, he wanted her happiness until the end. Though his love for her could never bepleted, but he wanted her to love gotpleted at least. However, her wrong step and greed ended up killing her.


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan also reached the temple. They stood by Huo Jin. The head priest of the temple started to chant the mantras. The noises died out and everyone focused on the prayers.


    After half an hour, the prayers ended. Sheng Li and Ying Lili left first, followed by the others. Huo Jin stayed in the Temple and went towards the Buddhist idol. He knelt on his knees and his forehead touched the ground. Giving three kneelings to Lord Buddha, he closed his eyes.


    Oppositely, Lei Wanxi recalled about Huo Jin. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and asked Nianzu if he saw Huo Jin.


    "Oh, he is inside the temple," Nianzu replied. Chuntao had already left with Ying Lili.


    "I also want to meet him before leaving," Nianzu said.


    "Where are you going, Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi questioned.


    "To Lu Province to meet Sister Qi Jing and then I will go to Juyan," Nianzu answered. Lei Wanxi was delighted to hear that.


    "I would love to apany Brother Nianzu but I usually get sick in autumn," Lei Wanxi said and looked up at the sky. It was clear when he recalled something.


    "Brother Nianzu, do you know who Xinyue is?" Lei Wanxi''s sudden question bewildered the Fourth Prince.


    "Why do you ask?" He queried him.


    "Huo Jin told me that he will never marry as the one whom he loved is no longer in this world," Lei Wanxi asserted. "Who is Xinyue?"


    "The First Prince''s first wife''s real name was Xinyue," Nianzu replied.


    Lei Wanxi was shocked to hear that. "What?" He could not believe his ears.


    "It''s a long history, Wanxi," Nianzu replied.


    "I would like to know. Howe I do not know such an important thing?" Lei Wanxiined.


    "It was meant to be a secret. Real Zho Mi was murdered by the father of Xinyue. She then reced her and got married to the First Brother. Huo Jin''s history you already know. He served his master for years because of Xinyue only. He even took the me so that she could live happily with Brother Jian," Nianzu affirmed. He recalled the day when Huo Jin told him all this.


    "Was he dumb? How could he protect her? She did not even love him," Lei Wanxi got furious.


    "He loved her, Wanxi. When you love someone, you do not look at his or her faults. You want him or her to be happy until thest breath. I never saw a man like Huo Jin. For her, he even ate the poison given by his master to her own daughter. His love is at another level, Wanxi! He joined our hands because he wanted to punish Xinyue''s Father, who turned her into a selfish person.


    When Brother Jian caught him, I saw the love in his eyes for Xinyue. She med him for everything, but he did not utter even a single word against her. I respect him for this," Nianzu proimed with prideful expression.


    "Brother Nianzu, I did not know Huo Jin had such a past. He must have suffered a lot. It is weird that many good people never get the things they desire for," Lei Wanxi stated. "Did he never regret loving her?" He asked, out of a sudden.


    "No. Not even once. In his eyes, she was kind. She saved his life when he was fed poison. He was a ve, whose life would not have mattered much. But Xinyue saved him. From that day onward, Huo Jin gave his everything to her," Nianzu asserted. This brought tears to Lei Wanxi''s eyes. He rubbed them and nodded his head.


    "Such a beautiful love he carries for her! Ahh, this is a heart-wrenching love story. I want Huo Jin to be happy. I pray to the Jade Emperor that he should bring a woman in Huo Jin''s life, who will love him a lot," Lei Wanxi stated and joined his hands. Nianzu smiled upon seeing Lei Wanxi.


    "I also wish the same for him. I will be d if he loves again since he deserves better," Nianzu thought.


    ~~~


    Please do check thement section.

 Chapter 612 - Love Is Selfless

    <h4>Chapter 612 - Love Is Selfless</h4>


    Huo Jin was astonished to see Prince Nianzu and Prince Lei Wanxi at the bottom of the stairs of the temple. He greeted Nianzu and asked the Princes why they did not leave.


    "I wanted to meet you before leaving for Lu Province," stated Nianzu.


    "Oh! Prince Nianzu should have called me to his chamber. He does not need to wait for me," asserted Huo Jin.


    "It''s fine. You shall consider me the same Nianzu," he urged him. Lei Wanxi agreed with the Fourth Prince. They started to walk on the walkway.


    "Brother Nianzu, let''s have breakfast together," Lei Wanxi suggested to him.


    "Sure!" He immediately agreed with him.


    "Come, Huo Jin," Nianzu ced his hand on his back and pushed him forward. They soon reached the chamber of Nianzu.


    "Sister Chun will not get sad, will she?" Lei Wanxi questioned him.


    "No. She has breakfast ns with the Empress and the Princesses," Nianzu replied and called a maidservant inside. He ordered her to bring the meals for them.


    "Where is Eunuch Chung?" Lei Wanxi asked, looking around.


    "He has gone out for some work," replied Nianzu and looked towards Huo Jin.


    "You seem disturbed. Is everything alright?" He asked him with a concerned expression.


    "Nothing, Prince Nianzu," Huo Jin stated. The maidservants had set the table and walked out. Lei Wanxi handed him the chopstick and told him to start eating.


    "Princess Bai has agreed to remarry. General Wang is also leaving with us to give the message to the Eastern Province''s Prince. It is great that Princess Bai moved on and is ready to give herself a chance. I am d for her," Nianzu asserted.


    "Yes. Sister Bai made a great decision. Brother Yongzheng did not love her. He did not even respect her. At least, her new husband will love and cherish her," Lei Wanxi stated. Huo Jin remained silent throughout the conversation. He felt as if the Fourth Prince was telling him to move forward in his life. After they finished their respective breakfasts, Lei Wanxi and Huo Jin thought to take their leave, but Nianzu stopped Huo Jin.


    "I have something important to talk about with Huo Jin," Nianzu affirmed. Lei Wanxi understood Nianzu''s words.


    "I have morning practice. I will see youter, Huo Jin. Brother Nianzu, travel safely," Lei Wanxi gave him the wishes and left the chamber.


    "What is the important matter that Prince Nianzu wants to talk about?" Huo Jin questioned him.


    "I want to talk about you," Nianzu said.


    "About me?" Huo Jin was startled to hear that.


    "Yes. Can''t I talk about my friend?" Nianzu asked him, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    "He can," Huo Jin answered.


    "What have you thought in your life? Would you like to spend it alone? This is the second time I am asking you this. Hopefully, your answer is different this time," Nianzu said and waited for Huo Jin''s answer.


    "My answer is still the same, Prince Nianzu. I do not want to marry anyone," Huo Jin said in a firm tone.


    "Why? You also know that Xinyue never loved you. Don''t you think love is a mutual feeling?" Nianzu knitted his brows.


    "Prince Nianzu, Love is selfless. I did not give my heart to return her feelings to me. Though, I made some efforts so that she would love me back. However, my status was not great enough to match her status. I do not regret it, Prince Nianzu," Huo Jin exined to Nianzu. There was a tiny smile on his lips as if he was proud to be in love with her.


    "Xinyue wanted power, Huo Jin. That''s why she never cared for your feelings towards her. I have also married a woman who is amoner. I never checked her status. So, do not ever think that your birth status was the reason that she could not return your feelings. Understand the difference," Nianzu advised him.


    "But she saved my life. She cried for me. I saw in her eyes that she cared for me. A mere ve like me would have died long ago, but she did not let me die. How could I get selfish with my feelings? I do hope that someday I will meet her in another world. My heart is still the same as it was months ago," asserted Huo Jin.


    Nianzu fell out of words. He could not understand what he should say to make Huo Jin agree or make him think the other way. Silence surrounded them for a few minutes until something came up in Nianzu''s mind.


    "Brother Yongzheng prevented the departure of Princess Bai Yaling to the cold pce at the end. He cared for her at the end moment, but what''s the use? The same goes for Xinyue.


    I know that she saved you, cared for you, but her selfishness should not affect your life. You are such a young man with a bright life ahead. I am concerned for you not only as a friend but also as a Brother. Remember, you called me Brother! I want you to be happy¡­ happier in life. You do not deserve this lonely life with one-sided feelings. That''s why open your heart, Huo Jin. Love will surelye to you and I will be the happiest person to see you with someone," Nianzu pronounced. He did his best in exining to Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin smiled at him. "Prince Nianzu, thank you for thinking so much about me. However, I am happy with this life too," he said and stood up from the floor chair. He bowed his head. "It was nice to have breakfast with the Fourth Prince. Have a safe journey, Prince Nianzu," Huo Jin said and left the chamber.


    Nianzu sighed as he failed to make Huo Jin understand. He had observed him in the temple how he was gazing at Jian Guozhi as if he still hadints with him.. Though, every time Huo Jin used to astonish him because his definition of love was beyond anyone''s understanding.

 Chapter 613 - Stopped Responding To Pain

    <h4>Chapter 613 - Stopped Responding To Pain</h4>


    Huo Jin left the Pce and reached the house of Wang Hao. Yin Na, the sister of Wang Hao, was ying with a few women in the front courtyard and identally hit him. Huo Jin, who was still in deep thoughts, could not bnce himself and fell to the ground.


    Yin Na and the servants stopped at their ces. Yin Na quickly bent on her knees and asked Huo Jin if he was fine.


    She brought her palm close to her mouth as she saw Huo Jin''s wrist was wounded. She grabbed his right hand and said, "Your wrist is bleeding."


    "It''s fine," Huo Jin pulled his hand back and stood up. He walked away from her sight and it made her worried.


    "Fai Fai, could you please bring the doctor?" She asked her personal servant.


    "Miss, the doctor is not in the capital for a day. He will return in the evening," Fai Fai replied to her.


    "Then, bring me the first-aid box. His wrist is injured and it might get infected if not treated at the time," Yin Na affirmed. Fai Fai nodded and rushed towards the main house while Yin Na went to the room of Huo Jin.


    She stayed outside, waiting for Fai Fai to bring the first-aid box. After ten minutes, Fai Fai arrived there and handed it to Yin Na. "Forgive me for gettingte," she said and lowered her eyes.


    "No worries. Stay here. I will be back soon," Yin Na said as she took the first-aid kit from her. She went towards the door, slid the door, and closed it behind her.


    She turned and saw Huo Jin on the floor mattress. "Brother Wang will get angry if he sees the wound," Yin Na said. She walked to him and sat in front of him on the cushion. Putting the first-aid box on the floor table, she gazed at Huo Jin.


    "I will do it. Do not stress yourself upon this. It is a minor injury," Huo Jin replied with a smile.


    "Minor injury?!" Yin Na scoffed and grasped his right hand lightly. She moved the sleeve up and saw how badly it had wounded. "See, it is such a deep wound. That''s why blood flow has not stopped yet," Yin Na said worriedly and blew air over it.


    "Are you nning to die from the blood loss?" She asked him as she looked at the wound.


    "It is not a deep wound. I have received many bigger wounds than this," Huo Jin stated and attempted to pull his hand back, but Yin Na did not let it go.


    They both gazed into each other''s eyes.


    "Brother Wang told me once that a wound is a wound. There is no big and small wound. Even the tiniest wound can affect you badly. So, every wound shall be treated," Yin Na stated and picked up the clean cotton cloth. "Now, it will sting a little. I will try to make it less painful," Yin Na said.


    She wiped the blood from around the wound and looked at the water jar at the other table. She stood up and poured the water into a ss. Soaking the tiny piece of cloth in the water, she came towards Huo Jin and cleaned it.


    She took a little white powder in her palm and spread it over his wrist. Yin Na found that Huo Jin did not wince in pain.


    "Hmm. You indeed are a strong man like my Brother Wang," Yin Na praised him. "Or are you trying to suppress your cry?" She asked him and lifted her eyes to meet his gaze.


    Huo Jin refused. "I am not suppressing any pain. It is a tiny wound," Huo Jin answered.


    "Or you have borne so many wounds that you did not feel pain," Yin Na''s statement amused Huo Jin. She was right. To be a great spy, he got countless wounds that his body stopped responding to the pain. Tan Gengxin used to take out his anger on him whenever he used to get angry or fail in something.


    "What happened? What are you thinking?" She asked him, bringing him out of his thoughts.


    "Nothing," Huo Jin replied. Yin Na hummed and took a clean bandage.


    "I will wrap it around your wrist. This way it will heal quickly. The Doctor is not in the capital, so I could not give you the best treatment," she said. She brought his wrist close to her lips and blew air over it.


    She put his hand down and passed a smile to him. "Brother Wang told me about your history a little. Not much," she said and started to wrap the bandage around his wrist.


    "He told me that Huo Jin is a great person. He has a good heart," Yin Na said.


    "General Wang said this," he was astonished to hear. "Other than this, he did not say anything?" He asked.


    "He told a few things that you used to be a ve to someone, who had created a threat to the Empire. However, you helped the Crown Prince that time," Yin Na stated and tied the knot of the bandage.


    She again gazed into his eyes and said, "It''s tough to be a ve. You must have a tough life, that''s why you have a tough body."


    Huo Jin smiled a little. "I do not have a tough body. It is just it stopped responding to pain," he affirmed.


    "General Wang will not be home for a few days. You know about this, right?" He asked her.


    "Yes. Brother Wang is always busy at work," she said and started to close the kit.


    "He is General, that''s why. If you need something, do tell me without hesitation," Huo Jin asserted and looked at his wrist. "Thank you for this," he said and passed a smile to her.


    Yin Na smiled back and stood up. The bottom of her dress got stuck in her toe and she fell forward.


    "Ahh," she screamed and the next second she was on top of Huo Jin.

 Chapter 614 - Return Of Wang Haos Father

    <h4>Chapter 614 - Return Of Wang Hao''s Father</h4>


    "Ahh," she screamed and the next second she was on top of Huo Jin. He could not bnce himself and fell back on the floor mattress. His right hand automatically moved on her waist while shended on him.


    They both gazed into each other''s eyes. Yin Na immediately moved away from him. Huo Jin sat up and lowered his eyes. There was an awkward silence between the two.


    "Forgive me," Yin Na said in a low voice. Huo Jin nced at her and told her not to bother about that.


    Yin Na clutched the edge of her high waist skirt. She stood up and walked out of the room. Sliding the door behind her, she leaned against it.


    Fai Fai came to her and asked, "Miss, why are your cheeks red?"


    Yin Na moved her hands up and rested her palms on her cheeks. "It was hot inside," she replied and walked ahead. Fai Fai got perplexed to hear the answer of Yin Na, but she didn''t ask anything further and followed her.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, looked at his wrist. Though there was nothing he felt, it was the first time someone talked this way with him¨C apart from Xinyue. "No wound is big or small," he chuckled and looked at the first-aid kit on the table. He picked it up and put it on the table beside the cupboard. He then picked the stained blood piece of cloth and walked out of the room.


    Yin Na came to her room and sat in front of the mirror. She found that her cheeks were indeed turned red. Fai Fai was confused to see her acting strangely. Yin Na gradually moved her hand up and rested it on her chest. To her surprise, her heart was beating strangely. It never happened with her. Not even once!


    "Miss, what happened?" Fai Fai finally asked her.


    "My heart it''s beating strangely," she said and tilted her head to look at Fai Fai. She instantly went near her and asked her to exin more.


    "Miss, did something inside the room of Master Huo?" Fai Fai asked. "I heard your scream, Miss," she stated.


    Yin Na gulped. "Yes, I fell on the floor," she did not tell theplete truth to her as it was a little embarrassing for her.


    "You did not get hurt, Miss, did you? Was the impact huge when you fell?" Fai Fai inquiries made Yin Na nervous.


    "It was nothing," Yin Na replied.


    Suddenly the room door opened and a servant walked in. "Miss, General Wang''s father has arrived," she informed him. Yin Na immediately stood up from her seat and walked out. She was a little nervous thinking what General Wang''s father would say upon seeing her? However, when she reached the courtyard she saw Wang Hao too.


    A smile formed on her lips as Wang Hao came home to receive his father. Huo Jin too came to the Courtyard.


    Wang Hao hugged his father and smiled. "Father, I missed your presence," he said. Wang Fuxing patted the back of his son. Both pulled away from each other.


    "The Emperor is no more. I gotte. I could not even see him for thest time," Wang Fuxing said regretfully. "How is everyone in the Pce?" He then asked.


    "Everything has gotten back to its ce. The Crown Prince has taken the throne as the next Emperor of Han. He was also asking about you," Wang Hao informed his father.


    Wang Fuxing was d to hear that. "Only the Crown Prince could take the seat of the Emperor," he stated. His gaze fell on Yin Na and Huo Jin, who were standing a little far.


    "Who are they?" Wang Fuxing asked his son. Wang Hao turned back and saw both of them.


    "Father, this is Yin Na," Wang Hao introduced her, pointing his hand towards Yin Na, "my younger sister and this is Huo Jin¨Cmy friend."


    Yin Na and Huo Jin stepped forward and greeted Wang Fuxing.


    "Are you the same girl whom Wang Hao rescued a few years ago?" Wang Fuxing questioned her.


    "Yes," she took a pause as she could not understand how to address Wang Hao''s father. She was a little nervous too.


    "You can call him father," Wang Hao said.


    "I would be d," Wang Fuxing agreed with his son. "You have grown up into a beautiful woman," he said. Yin Na smiled and thanked him for allowing her to address him as ''father''.


    Wang Fuxing peered at Huo Jin. "You look like a well-trained warrior. Let''s talk in the evening. I would like to rest for some time," he stated and nced at Wang Hao.


    "Father, I am leaving in an hour for the Eastern Province," Wang Hao informed him and then narrated the order of Sheng Li to him.


    "Strange things happened in the Pcetely. Sure! You can leave. Return soon. Till then Yin Na and Huo Jin will give me thepany," Wang Fuxing stated with a smile. He patted the shoulder of Wang Hao.


    "Also, I want you to get married. After your return, you will get married. I do not want to listen to excuses regarding your marriage anymore," Wang Fuxing asserted.


    "You are 28, yet you are not ready to marry. This time I will not listen to you," Wang Fuxing stated. "Last time you refused to marry the girl without even meeting her," he was a little upset.


    "Father, I was in a military campaign with the Crown Prince. How could I even marry that time? I did not want her to suffer when I would not be around. I promise you that I will marry, Father," Wang Hao affirmed and looked at Huo Jin. Wang Fuxing was relieved to hear that.


    "Take care of everyone here in my absence. I will be back soon," he stated and then went towards Yin Na. He caressed her head.


    "Brother Wang, travel safely," she said. Wang Hao nodded and then took his leave.. Wang Fuxing looked at both of them.

 Chapter 615 - Equally Yours

    <h4>Chapter 615 - Equally Yours</h4>


    Sheng Li saw off Jian Guozhi, Nianzu and Wang Hao at the Fu Imperial Gates. Sheng Li left for the Pce toplete his remaining work. As he took the seat on the throne in the Emperor''s office, Eunuch Xing-Fu walked in.


    "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and Consort Jinlong want to see you," he informed Sheng Li.


    "Send them in," Sheng Li ordered him. Xing-Fu bowed and walked out of the office. Deng Hui and Jinlong came inside and greeted him. Sheng Li told them to sit on the chaise and put the brush down.


    "Yesterday Prince Wanxi came to me and told me that he will marry soon. What has His Majesty thought on this? King Huan Tsu has to leave too," Consort Jinlong said with concern.


    "After the First and Fourth Prince will be back, Third Mother," Sheng Li answered. "Also, King Huan Tsu is gping back tomorrow. The arrangements have already been made for it," he informed her. "Don''t worry. Everything will go well," he stated.


    Jinlong was d to hear that. Sheng Li saw that she had dark circles under her eyes. "Is Third Mother taking a good sleep?" Sheng Li asked her. He then looked at Deng Hui, who had a gloomy expression on her face.


    "It was indeed a tough time for us. However, Father was in pain for a long time. The infection had spread in his entire body. He did not let it show because of all of us. You all should move on. Though it is tough," Sheng Li told both of them.


    "We are trying, Your Majesty. But it was unexpected," Jinlong said and looked at Deng Hui.


    "Hmm. Please take care of your respective healths," Sheng Li stated and again gazed at Deng Hui. "I would like to converse something with the Empress Dowager in private," he announced. Jinlong stood up, bowed her head, and left the office chamber.


    "What happened, Empress Dowager?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    Deng Hui looked into his eyes. "Everything has ruined, Your Majesty. My son has refused to see me. Even today, he did note to see me," Deng Hui proimed and lowered her eyes. They were again filled with tears.


    "The Empress Dowager wanted to kill her husband and daughter-inw earlier. Probably that''s the reason Brother Nianzu is not ready to talk to you. Why did you evene to me? I have told the Empress Dowager numerous times not to show her face to me," Sheng Li said menacingly and gritted his teeth.


    "Except the Emperor, no one can help me," Deng Hui asserted. "I had lost my mind to even think that way. I have no ill intentions anymore. I have epted Chuntao as my daughter-inw. Gu Zhenya helped me be the concubine of thete Emperor. That''s why I followed his instructions and--"


    "--and ruined everything," Sheng Lipleted her words. "The Empress Dowager shall not forget that she even tried to harm my Lili. I would have thought to help her if she had not to include Lili in her evil n," he affirmed.


    "Then, what shall I do? Shall I die? Since my worth is nothing," Deng Hui said in a fit of rage. Sheng Li stood up from the throne and went towards her with the dagger in his hand. He halted in front of her and got on his knees. He pulled out the dagger from the sheath and handed the dagger to Deng Hui.


    "Here. Go and take your life," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Deng Hui was a little intimidated by that.


    "Does the Empress Dowager think that she can even take her life? You still are the same, Empress Dowager. Instead of reflecting upon your mistakes, you are thinking it is my mistake. Brother Nianzu is a righteous person. He is not talking to you because he is not able to see the good side of yours. I gave you the chance to live, so now it is up to you how to make it useful," Sheng Li asserted. His stern voice sent chills down the spine of Deng Hui. Her hand trembled that had the dagger in it.


    Sheng Li took away the dagger from her and stood up. Putting it inside the sheath, he went back to the throne. "If the Empress Dowager has nothing more to say, then she can leave," he stated and gestured his hand to the door.


    Deng Hui stood up and walked out of the chamber. Sheng Li picked the brush up and resumed the work.


    Ying Lili, who had just arrived outside the Emperor''s office encountered Deng Hui. She greeted her. Deng Hui passed her a smile and left followed by her personality servants.


    Ying Lili found it odd but did not put much thought into it. She took the tray from Court Lady Xu''s hand when Xing-Fu said that he would carry it.


    "It is not heavy, Eunuch Xing-Fu," Ying Lili said with a smile and walked in. Before stepping in, she told him not to let anyone enter inside. Xing-Fu acknowledged her order and closed the door behind her.


    She saw Sheng Li was immersed in the work. Many scrolls were piled up on the desk. Ying Lili, without making any noise went towards him and stepped up on the few stairs to the desk. Sheng Li lifted his head and was surprised to see Ying Lili. He immediately stood up from his seat and took the tray from her hand.


    "Why are you carrying it?" He asked. "Where are the servants?" He suddenly got angry.


    "Calm down. I only carried it whileing in. Why are you sulking?" Ying Lili huffed and crossed her arms. Sheng Li put away the scroll on which he was working and put the tray on the table. He then went towards Ying Lili and took her towards the throne.


    "Sit down," he said.


    "I cannot sit on the Emperor''s throne. I will sit over there," Ying Lili said, pointing towards the chaise. Sheng Li put his arms on her shoulder and gently pushed her down towards the throne. She widened her eyes as she sat on the throne.


    "It is equally yours," Sheng Li pronounced.. "Why would you sit far away from me when you can sit beside me?" Sheng Li questioned her and sat by her side on the same throne seat.

 Chapter 616 - Good Handwriting

    <h4>Chapter 616 - Good Handwriting</h4>


    "I will be beheaded if someone sees me sitting on this throne," Ying Lili stated and tried to get up but Sheng Li pulled her down.


    "Who has the dare to punish you? For you, I can fight with the entire world!" Sheng Li remarked.


    "Are you referring to yourself as the Legend of Ten Kingdoms Hero?" Ying Lili asked him and squinted her eyes.


    Sheng Li smiled. "You told me that I am your real-life hero, didn''t you? Just sit on this throne. As I told you earlier too, this throne is equally yours. Without your support I do not think that I would be able to be the Emperor," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "You praise me too much," Ying Lili said and handed him a pair of chopsticks. "You are neglecting your meals after bing the Emperor. That''s why I thought toe here and have lunch with you. Start eating before it gets cold," she stated when her gaze fell on the dagger.


    "Why have you put the dagger on the table?" She curiously asked him.


    "Xiao Zhan hade earlier. I have to give him this as a gift," Sheng Li lied to her. He did not want to tell her about Empress Dowager because it would only create stress between them.


    "Oh. Keep that inside the drawer. Give itter to General Xiao," she stated and picked the chopsticks. Sheng Li saw there was only one noodle bowl.


    "Are you not going to eat noodles?" He asked her.


    "You told me that eating in the same bowl increases love," Ying Lili replied and dipped the chopsticks into it. She took a few of the noodles on the chopsticks and brought the tiny porcin te near the bowl. She brought it near her and slurped the noodles.


    Sheng Li smiled and started to eat. After they finished, he called Xing-Fu inside and told him to take the tray away. Xing-Fu did so and walked out with the tray in his hand.


    Ying Lili told him, "I can help you. I am getting bored in the chamber."


    "There are a few matters rted to some of the Provinces. In the Court, those matters were solved in the presence of thete Emperor. I only need to write the verdict and then put seals on them," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Ying Lili nodded her head and picked one of the scrolls from the pile. There was no seal on it and it was nk.


    "I need to write the final verdict from these," Sheng Li stated, showing her the rolled sheets. "The matter of Shun Province was quite disturbing. Thendlords had rebelled against the Governor a week ago. They were demanding not to cut the prices of the debts of farmers," Sheng Li exined the situation to Ying Lili.


    "Then, how did it get solved?" Ying Lili asked.


    "An audit was done and it was found thatndlords had imposed incorrect interest rates. Farmers being illegal could not understand that and kept paying them. Our Prime Minister has yed a significant role in this. Landlords are an important part of the Empire. So, taking a way out to solve all this was quite difficult," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Shouldn''t they be punished for imposing wrong interest rates on the farmers instead of beingpensated with treasury money?" Ying Lili skeptically asked him.


    "Some of them did not do wrong. So, they are beingpensated. Those who did wrong have been punished," Sheng Li pronounced. Ying Lili looked at the inkstone on which the brush was ced. The ink had dried during the time they had lunch.


    She ground the ink stick on the inkstone while pouring a little water into it when Sheng Li grasped her hand. "Don''t do it. I will do it or I will call Xing-Fu," he prevented her from doing the work.


    "It is such a small work. Let me do it," Ying Lili stated.


    "No. If it is a small task, then I must do it," Sheng Li answered. He took the ink stick from her and started to prepare the ink.


    "You are not letting me do anything. It is not even a month for me," Ying Liliined.


    "These nine months are crucial for you, Lili. You are carrying twins. You should take care of yourself," Sheng Li opined. The ink was prepared. He put the ink stick at the one edge of the inkstone and picked the brush. Dipping it in the ink, he took out the excess of the ink by pressing it against the edge of the inkstone.


    He brought the brush over the scroll and started to write the final verdict on it. Ying Lili lovingly peered at him. He put the brush down and picked the Emperor''s seal. He then put the seal at the end of the verdict and put the scroll aside. Ying Lili quickly grabbed it and said, "You have good handwriting." She folded the scroll then.


    "You noticed it now," Sheng Li amusingly looked at her.


    "No. I forgot topliment you for your handwriting," she stated.


    Sheng Li called Xing-Fu in, who came in.


    "Take these scrolls to the Capital Bureau Office. Hand them to the Prime Minister and tell him to work ordingly on the respective verdicts," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Xing-Fu ascended the five stairs and carried the stack of scrolls in his arms.


    "Be careful, Eunuch Xing-Fu. Take a servant with you. That would be helpful to you," Ying Lili suggested to him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," he agreed and quickly left the office.


    "Is your work finished? Did I disturb you? There are still a few left," Ying Lili questioned him.


    "No. You did not disturb me. These few are to be discussed with Brother Zemin. He has gone outside, so we both will discuss it tomorrow," Sheng Li replied. "Now, I am free. I have no idea that being an Emperor will be such a tough job," he stated.


    "Shall I massage your head?" Ying Lili brought her hands up.


    "No. I am not having a headache," Sheng Li replied. "Let''s go out. Come," he said and extended his hand out. Ying Lili dly ced her hand over his palm.


    They both left the office chamber.. As they came out, Ying Lili recalled encountering Deng Hui.

 Chapter 617 - Tease Brother Sheng

    <h4>Chapter 617 - Tease Brother Sheng</h4>


    "Sheng Li, earlier I saw the Empress Dowager. She does not look good and it feels like she is under some kind of stress," She told him. "What did the Empress Dowager talk to you about?" She inquisitively gazed at him.


    "She was telling me to help her," Sheng Li replied and started to walk. Their servants followed them.


    "About what?"


    "Brother Nianzu is not conversing with her. He has found out about her truth. Huo Jin told him," Sheng Li stated.


    "Oh. Brother Nianzu does not seem to get angry easily," Ying Lili proimed.


    "But he got angry this time. He does not want to see her face," Sheng Li replied.


    "The Empress Dowager is still in the shock of her husband''s death. Brother Nianzu shall not do that," Ying Lili said. She felt bad for Deng Hui for getting such kind of treatment from her son.


    Sheng Li turned to look at the servants. "Get ten steps back from us," he ordered them. They acted swiftly on hismand. Sheng Li then turned to look at Ying Lili.


    "The Empress Dowager wanted to kill the father. Do you think she is mourning his death? At least, Weng Wei did not try to take the father''s life. That''s why Brother Nianzu has stopped talking to her. Though I have told him to not neglect his mother. I cannot force him to do more," Sheng Li exined to Ying Lili, who found annoyance in his voice.


    "So, you think that Brother Nianzu is doing good by ignoring his mother," Ying Lili wanted to know his opinion.


    "I don''t know," Sheng Li simply answered and started to walk, holding the hands of Ying Lili.


    "The Empress Dowager did that because of the influence of Gu Zhenya. Humans make mistakes. It''s in their nature. But when a human rectifies it, we shall support him or her," Ying Lili opined.


    "Lili, why are you so kind?" Sheng Li asked her with a menacing expression on his face.


    "It''s not kindness," Ying Lili replied and pouted. Sheng Li halted and so did Ying Lili. The servants who were ten steps behind them also stopped.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili turned towards each other.


    "Then, what is it?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "It is humanity andpassion," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "It is foolishness," he stated. Ying Lili got sad to hear that. "Brother Nianzu never turned his face away from his mother. Do you think she has repented enough? I observed for two days. She has no remorse for the loss of her husband. She married him so that she could get power," Sheng Li made Ying Lili face the truth of Deng Hui.


    "When a child makes a mistake, the mother always forgives him or her. Then why can''t a child do the same for his or her mother?" Ying Lili argued with him.


    "Child makes a mistake because of his or her innocence, not because of greed," Sheng Li countered.


    "Sheng Li, when thete Emperor can forgive her, then why can''t the Fourth Brother? Also, your talks make me feel that you still have not forgiven her," Ying Lili affirmed while searching for the answers in his eyes.


    "Indeed, I have not forgiven her," Sheng Li said. "Let''s not talk about this," he said and cupped her cheeks. He leaned towards her lips and pecked them.


    Ying Lili put her fingers on her lips as Sheng Li leaned back.


    "Can''t you see the servants are here?" Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    Sheng Li tilted his head to nce at them. "They do not dare to look at us. I will punish them if they do so," Sheng Li stated and shifted his gaze back to her.


    "Come let''s meet with Kongqi. I haven''t seen him for a long time," Sheng Li said and put his left hand behind his back while grasping Ying Lili''s left hand with his right hand.


    "Don''t follow us from here," Sheng Limanded the servants and left with Ying Lili.


    In the stable, the horse keeper greeted them and quickly brought Kongqi there. He neighed seeing Sheng Li, who went to him and patted his face lovingly. "How is my friend?" Sheng Li asked him, who only neighed. Ying Lili went towards them and rested her hand on Kongqi''s face.


    "Kongqi, soon my children will ride you. Let them hop on you," Sheng Li shared the good news with him. He tilted his head towards Ying Lili.


    "Let''s ride on Kongqi," he said and brought Ying Lili towards Kongqi''s left. He hopped on Kongqi first. Lending her his hand, he bent a little down. He then securely wrapped his arm around Ying Lili and pulled her up. Both of her legs rested on the left of Kongqi while she rested her hands on the shoulders of Sheng Li.


    He pulled the reins tied on Kongqi and he started to walk, slowly. Sheng Li directed Kongqi towards the wide-open field.


    "Why are you smiling while looking at me?" Sheng Li asked her and gazed at her.


    "Can''t I even smile while looking at my husband?"


    Her question made Sheng Li smile.


    "Let''s not blink. One who will lose has to fulfill the wish of the other," Ying Lili told him.


    Commander Yang saw them and smiled. "The Emperor and the Empress are spending their quality time together," he murmured and turned to go when Lei Wanxi put his arm around his shoulder and turned him back such that he was again facing them.


    "Commander Yang, let''s disturb them," Lei Wanxi.


    "I do not dare to, Prince Wanxi. Also, they are seated on Kongqi. What if Kongqi gets surprised to see us. The Empress might get harmed," Commander Yang refused to do that.


    "You are right, Commander Yang. I am going to get married soon. I thought about teasing Brother Sheng a little before that.. Let them get down from Kongqi and then I will tease Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi stated and winked at Commander Yang while smiling.

 Chapter 618 - Ahh, My Heart...

    <h4>Chapter 618 - Ahh, My Heart...</h4>


    Sheng Li blinked his eyes, thus losing the game willingly. "You lost," Ying Lili said with a smile. Sheng Li hummed and passed her with a smile.


    "Why did you bring me horse riding when you know that I am pregnant?" Ying Lili, out of a sudden asked him.


    "Kongqi is a calm horse with you and me. Also, I told him about our twins, so he has stood with such calmness," Sheng Li pronounced. Sheng Li got down from Kongqi and then helped Ying Lili to get down. Kongqi started to graze in the open field while they both started to walk.


    "Since you lost in the game, then what will you do for me? Will you fulfill my wish?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Of course! Ask anything and I will fulfill it," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili passed him a tiny smile. She put her both hands around his neck and tiptoed. She kissed his lips deeply. Sheng Li wrapped his right arm around her waist and nibbled her lips.


    Commander Yang immediately turned his gaze away and told Lei Wanxi to not look there. He found that Lei Wanxi was no longer beside him. "Prince Wanxi," he murmured and ran after him.


    Lei Wanxi opened his fan and kept walking towards them when Commander Yang caught his wrist. He nced at him and gestured to him to let go of his wrist when Commander Yang forcefully dragged him.


    Sheng Li left Ying Lili breathless and asked, "You wanted a kiss?"


    "No," Ying Lili answered. "I wanted to kiss," she stated.


    "You hardly kiss me openly," Sheng Li answered. Ying Lili looked around the field.


    "There is no one around," she said affirmatively.


    "Hmm. Come. I will show you something," Sheng Li grasped her hand and took her towards the other end of the open field. "When I was young, I used to y here with Lei Wanxi, Wang Hao, and Xiao Zhan," he told her as he showed her the yground.


    "Suddenly I reminisced about my childhood days," Sheng Li said and they stepped inside the yground. It had been years since he had visited this ce. "It needs renovation. Soon our kids will also y here," he got excited as he said that.


    "Yes. Will their father y with them too?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Of course. There will be special two hours times in which I will y with my children. I have even prepared a small schedule in my mind to spend time with them," Sheng Li affirmed and smiled.


    Away from the yground, Lei Wanxiined with Commander Yang about why he dragged him away.


    "Prince Wanxi shall not invade the private moments of the Emperor and the Empress," he suggested to the Sixth Prince.


    "Commander Yang, it was for fun before my marriage. Once I will be married, will I be able to do such things? I don''t think so," Lei Wanxi stated and sighed.


    "That''s troubling people," Zhu Lin pronounced and came towards them. She greeted Commander Yang and nced at Lei Wanxi.


    "What are you doing here?" He asked.


    "I was searching for you for a long time. I have something to tell you," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Speak," Lei Wanxi said.


    "I cannot say it openly," Zhu Lin answered. Immediately, Commander Yang took his leave.


    "What is it that you cannot say it openly?" Lei Wanxi curiously asked her.


    "It''s about Princess Xue Yu-Yan," Zhu Lin said with a menacing expression. The smile from Lei Wanxi''s lips disappeared and took a step towards her.


    "What happened?" He asked.


    "Princess Xue Yu-Yan seemed suspicious today. It felt like she was trying to hide something. I mean, I saw her on the walkway and the way she was looking around seemed suspicious...as if she wanted no one to see her," Zhu Lin proimed.


    "What?" Lei Wanxi furrowed his eyebrows.


    "You told me that in the past she nned a few things against Sister Lili. But then, she changed. She repented on her mistakes. Is it true? I mean, what if she showed all of us that she''s changed but she did not?" Zhu Lin skeptically asked him.


    "This is not possible. Brother Jian would have found out about this if she would be the same. Also, in the past, even Zho Mi tried to frame her. Sister Xue has indeed changed," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "We thought the same for Prince Yongzheng until he made an evil n which changed a lot of things in the Pce," Zhu Lin stated.


    "So, what do you think? Shall we tell Brother Sheng about this? He will definitely get angry. He does not like Princess Xue a bit and if we tell him this, then he might be irked. Brother Jian and his rtionship have turned good after so many years. Let''s first confirm before telling anything to Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi opined.


    "Prince Wanxi, the Empress is pregnant. I think that we shall inform the Emperor," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "What if our suspicion will be wrong? A war will start," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Let''s confirm then. But we won''t make any mistakes this time unlike earlier. If we find anything suspicious, we will inform the Emperor first," Zhu Lin said. Lei Wanxi acknowledged her idea.


    "Brother Jian is not in the capital for a week. So, it will be easy to keep a check on Princess Xue Yu-Yan," Lei Wanxi asserted with a smile.


    "I have joined the office today as the Senior rank officer in the Justice and Law Department. The officials were surprised to see me," Lei Wanxi said dly. "It will be fun when I will find out some of the darkest secrets in the department. Brother Sheng will punish them then," he affirmed and started tough.


    "You get excited in seconds. You have to be careful while working there. Also, do not involve yourself in unwanted matters without telling me," Zhu Lin said concernedly.


    "Are you worried for me?" He asked.


    "Of course!" Zhu Lin answered.


    "Ahh, my heart...it just fluttered," he said and winked at her.


    ~~~~~


    HAPPY NEW YEAR???? TO EVERYONE!


    May you all have a great year ahead, full of joy and happiness. May you all stay blessed, safe, and healthy.


    I will do a mass release for two days. Sorry for yesterday as I couldn''t give any chapter.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 619 - Faked Being Powerful

    <h4>Chapter 619 - Faked Being Powerful</h4>


    A weekter:


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu had returned to Luoyang. Also, Wang Hao happened to return earlier than he thought. The Eastern Province Prince, Shi Zhihao, also came with Wang Hao to the Capital as per the order of the Emperor.


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu went to meet Sheng Li at the Emperor''s office. "Sister Qi Jing is doing good. The demise of the father surely disheartened her but her husband, Prince Lu Qifeng is taking good care of her. Also, she has sent the wishes for you and the Empress. She is extremely happy for both of you," Jian Guozhi informed Sheng Li. He then forwarded the message scroll that Qi Jing had written for Sheng Li.


    "It''s a message from Sister Qi Jing," He stated.


    Sheng Li took it and put it on the table. "I am d that she is well," he said.


    "We went to Juyan too," Nianzu told Sheng Li.


    "Sister Lili''s aunt is well and so are her younger cousins. One will be an adult next year and he will sit for the Civil Services Exam. Hopefully, he will be selected and then he can stay in Luoyang," Nianzu said.


    "Her aunt has sent a few things for her and the Emperor. Also, we brought the belongings of Sister Lili upon her personal servant''s request. She misses the Empress badly," Nianzu told him a few more things.


    "Personal assistant?" Sheng Li murmured.


    "Brother Sheng must go once to Juyan because the people there still have misunderstandings regarding you," Jian Guozhi suggested to him.


    "That''s probably because I created a blunder there," Sheng Li replied and reminisced about the day when he entered the city. He indeed was rude to everyone in Ying Lili''s house. So, that was one reason that Juyan people might not like him.


    "Juyan is a lovely city. When the people heard that the Empress''s Brother-inws hade from Luoyang, they came to the Pce to give the wishes to her. Sister Lili must have cherished her people in Juyan," Nianzu narrated to Sheng Li, who was not surprised to hear that. He was d that people respected Ying Lili so much.


    "An old woman was talking about you, Brother Sheng. Some strange stories about you, have been circted in Juyan," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "What kind of stories?" Sheng Li was curious to know.


    "That the Emperor could not help but fall for the beautiful princess of their city. Their Princess had almost left the Emperor because of his annoying nature when he begged her to not leave. Also, they think that the Emperor had faked being powerful," Jian Guozhi said and chuckled.


    "What?" Sheng Li raised his eyebrow. He used to think only Hu Jingguo used to annoy him with his words, but today he found out that the entire Juyan City was like that. "Who could spread such strange rumors about me?" Sheng Li gritted his teeth in anger.


    "We do not know. But they were quite amusing conversations to hear," Nianzu said andughed. However, he stopped as Sheng Li red at him.


    "Forgive me for intruding on the Emperor and the Princes. General Wang is here, Your Majesty," Xing-Fu stated.


    "Tell him to wait for some time," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.


    "The Emperor shall talk to General Wang. We shall take our leave. We will rest for a day and then resume our work from tomorrow," Jian Guozhi stated and stood up from his seat. Nianzu agreed with him. They both bowed before Sheng Li and left the Emperor''s Office. Xing-Fu also left after them and let General Wang in.


    Wang Hao greeted Sheng Li with a fist and palm bow. He raised his head and informed the Sheng Li about the secured borders of the Eastern Province. Sheng Li praised him for working efficiently.


    "Your Majesty, Prince Shi Zhihao is also safely reached to Luoyang. I have given your message to him. He wants to converse with you," asserted Wang Hao.


    "Where is he?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Outside," Wang Hao replied.


    "Bring him in."


    Wang Hao walked out and a few seconds returned to the office with Shi Zhihao, who kowtowed before the Emperor.


    He stood straight and lowered his head. "Your Majesty, firstly I would like to congratte you on the good news. My father has sent some precious gifts for His and Her Majesty. If His Majesty allows, then can I present it to them?" Shi Zhihao made a humble request.


    "You are allowed," Sheng Li permitted him.


    Shi Zhihao turned towards the door and called in the servants. Five pce maids came inside with therge trays in their respective hands. Sheng Li looked at Xing-Fu and told him to send them to the adjacent chamber.


    "Please thank your father for these precious gifts. Also, I am d that you epted my request and came to Luoyang," Sheng Li said with a smile. "You may take a seat," Sheng Li told him, gesturing towards the chaise.


    Shi Zhihao thanked the Emperor and rested himself on the chaise.


    "Your Majesty, I got your message regarding my marriage with Princess Bai Yaling, who is the widow of Princess Yongzheng. I will go with this marriage after having a conversation with her," Shi Zhihao asserted.


    "That''s great. But before that I would like to know something from Prince Shi Zhihao," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will dly answer all of your questions," Shi Zhihao said politely.


    "Will Prince Zhihao go with a single marriage or multiple marriages?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "A single marriage, Your Majesty," Shi Zhihao replied.


    "What about the family pressure?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "My father has only one wife and I will also walk on the same path as his. I want to marry only a woman," Shi Zhihao affirmed.


    Sheng Li was happy to hear that. "Prince Zhihao, you can meet Princess Bai Yaling and try to know about her. Whatever will be your decision, do convey it to me within three days," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    "I won''t converse much as you havee from such a long journey. I will converse with youter in the evening.. Eunuch Xing-Fu will show you the way to your chamber," Sheng Li kept the conversation crisp and looked at Xing-Fu, who came forward and took Shi Zhihao with him.

 Chapter 620 - A Symbol Of Our Friendship

    <h4>Chapter 620 - A Symbol Of Our Friendship</h4>


    Wang Hao took out a folded piece of paper from inside his pocket and went towards Sheng Li, who was seated on the throne. "Your Majesty, this is the message by the nomads'' leaders from the Eastern Border." He informed Sheng Li and put it on the table.


    Sheng Li picked it up and unfolded it.


    "The situation was tough there, but dly through diplomatic talks, both sides negotiated. Their leader isn''t educated, but he told me to write the message for you," Wang Hao said.


    Sheng Li hummed as he read the message.


    "They have acknowledged you as their Emperor and are willing to give up thends to the Han Empire. They want to get acknowledged by the Han as its people," Wang Hao stated.


    "Hmm. Since they willingly surrendering the capturednds to the Han, there is no problem in epting them," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Your father hase to see me. The Ex-General still has the power elephants in him. We had a sword fighting session too and he is still the same. Suddenly with him, I recalled my earliest days when he used to teach me," Sheng Li smiled upon reminiscing about those days.


    "Father is happy to see you as the Emperor," Wang Hao stated.


    "Hmm. When are you getting married?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Soon," Wang Hao answered. "I promised my father that after my return I will get married," he stated.


    "Nice. You should settle down and have your own family now. Your father was saying that the daughter of the Prime Minister has an interest in you," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    "Really? I did not know about this," Wang Hao stated.


    "Many women want to be your wife. You are the General of Han. I kept you so busy that you could not even nce or think about this matter," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "The Emperor is making me feel guilty. He never kept me busy. It was my choice to marryte. Also, Father was not here for months, so I got some more time," Wang Hao exined to Sheng Li.


    "There is something that I want to give you," Sheng Li said and took out a t wooden box from the drawer of the desk. He forwarded it to Wang Hao, who peered at him with inquisitiveness.


    "What is it, Your Majesty?" Wang Hao queried.


    "Check yourself," Sheng Li answered.


    Wang Hao took it and opened the hook on it. There was a precious jade pendant in it. "What is this, Your Majesty?" He asked. "Why are you giving me this?"


    "A symbol of our friendship. I gave one to Xiao Zhan too. Wear it. Ying Lili said that jade brings good luck. You always protected me and it is only a small gift that I have given you," Sheng Li proimed.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Wang Hao said and closed the box.


    "You wanted to have drinks with me. Today evening I have made a n. Xiao Zhan will also join," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao dly epted the invitation of Sheng Li. "Go home and take plenty of rest. Now, the Empire has stabilized. And, don''t dy your marriage," Sheng Li suggested to him.


    "I won''t, Your Majesty," Wang Hao assured him. He bowed in front of him and left the office.


    As he came out, he thought to see Princess Bai Yaling and inform her. He went to the Eastern Pce to meet her. On the practice grounds, Weng Yu was practicing with Xiao Zhan and Commander Sun. He smiled at them and moved forward.


    "Tell the Princess that General Wang wants to meet her," Wang Hao told the maidservant outside the chamber. She nodded and walked in. After a few seconds, she informed General Wang that he could go in.


    Wang Hao went inside and greeted her. He found that Bai Yaling was quite better from earlier. "Have a seat, General Wang," Bai Yaling said.


    Wang Hao nodded and sat down around the floor table.


    "It is good to see General Wang has returned safely," Bai Yaling stated. "Would General Wang like to have tea?" She asked.


    Wang Hao shook his head. "Thank you for asking, Princess Bai, but I won''t," he replied politely.


    "Prince Shi Zhihao is here. He is a nice person. Do not hesitate in telling him everything. I feel he will ept Princess Bai Yaling wholeheartedly," Wang Hao told her.


    Bai Yaling kept the tiny smile on her lips and thanked General Wang.


    "Princess Bai shall thank the Former Emperor and herself for this. She made a good decision. We only followed themands¨C the current Emperor and I," Wang Hao stated. "I shall leave," he stood up and bowed. He passed her a smile and left for his home.


    Arriving at his home, Wang Hao first met his father and then his sister. He asked about Huo Jin as well but Yin Na informed him that Huo Jin had gone out.


    "Brother Wang, Father told me to get married too," Yin Na said.


    "Really? Do you want to?" He asked her.


    "No. I do not want to. Brother Wang knows what kind of treatment I have received from men," Yin Na stated. "Also, I did not tell Father in fear. I mean¡­ he might not feel good," she said with a slight hesitance.


    Wang Hao put his hand over Yin Na''s head and started to caress it. "Yin Na, your past has nothing to do with your present. I will talk with my father. Also, that''s because of my negligence that you have to suffer all that. I will find the best man for my sister." He pulled her into his embrace.


    "Take your time. You are young. Father might have said because he''s concerned for us as a father. He will understand after I will talk to him," Wang Hao stated. Yin Na hummed and withdrew back from the hug.


    "Brother Wang is the best brother. Thank you. You shall take a rest. I won''t disturb you till the evening," Yin Na stated.. Wang Hao nodded and left for his room.

 Chapter 621 - Karma Returns

    <h4>Chapter 621 - Karma Returns</h4>


    Sheng Li returned to his chamber at noon and found Ying Lili was refusing to have lunch. "I will wait for the Emperor," Ying Lili said when she saw Sheng Li. She stood up from the chaise. "He is here," Ying Lili said.


    Court Lady Ki stepped back and lowered her head. The maidservants also lowered her head. "Leave us," Sheng Li said. The servants quickly left the chamber. Sheng Li removed the overcoat and put it on the chair.


    "You still act stubborn while having lunch," Sheng Li stated.


    "Stubborn? No. It is love," Ying Lili said and smiled. Sheng Li came to her and hugged her.


    "At least don''t wait for me for meals when you are pregnant," Sheng Li said. "Brother Jian and Brother Nianzu have returned from the Lu Province." He pulled away and took her towards the table. Pulling out a chair for her, he made her sit on it.


    "They went to Juyan too. Your aunt and cousins are doing well. Your aunt has sent you a few things and also this letter," Sheng Li informed her and gave the letter to her. Ying Lili thanked him while he sat beside him.


    "Your personal assistant misses you. Also, your belongings are brought here," he stated.


    "Her name is Ruyi. She had been with me since a young age. How is she? Why didn''t she leave the Pce?" Ying Lili asked and knitted her brows.


    "Why didn''t you tell me that day to take Ruyi with you?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "You told me that you were there for me. You didn''t even listen to any of us. Don''t you remember?" Ying Lili snapped at him.


    Sheng Li closed his eyes and sighed. "I will send an order to Juyan. She wille to Luoyang," he asserted. "Your one cousin is going to be an adult next year. He will sit for the Civil Services Exam. If he scores well, I will appoint him in Luoyang," Sheng Li stated.


    "Don''t do that. Let my younger brother stay in Juyan. Aunt will not be happy to let her son go far from her," Ying Lili suggested to Sheng Li. "And thank you for bringing Ruyi here," she stated.


    Sheng Li removed the lid from the bowl. "Chicken Broth Soup," Sheng Li murmured and served a bowl to Ying Lili.


    "I used to think that only Hu Jingguo could annoy me. However, I found out that everyone in Juyan loves to irritate me," Sheng Li said as he ced the bowl in front of Ying Lili.


    "What do you mean?" She asked.


    "There are some strange rumors about me among the people of Juyan," He asserted. "They think that I fake being powerful. They think that I begged you to stay with me as you once decided to leave me," Sheng Li snickered and scoffed.


    "What?" Ying Lili ended up giggling. Sheng Li with a menacing expression nced at him. "Forgive me. Who told you this?" She asked.


    "Brother Nianzu and Brother Jian. They told me that the people of Juyan still do not consider me good as I treated their Princess badly. Well, they love you so much that when they got the news about the arrival of Prince Jian and Nianzu in the city, they came to meet them and even sent gifts for you," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Forgive them. They might have some misunderstandings. I will send a message to them and tell them how lovely my husband is!" Ying Lili pinched his nose.


    "But why do they have to say that you were leaving me? I didn''t like this. Don''t they get scared of me? I might kill them for spreading such rumors about me," Sheng Li stated.


    "Well, they did wrong. Saying such things about the Emperor is not eptable." Ying Lili agreed with him. "Let''s have our lunch first and then we can discuss it," she asserted and brought the spoonful of soup near Sheng Li''s mouth. "Open your mouth," she said.


    Sheng Li did so and sipped the soup. They both started to eat their meals while conversing with each other.


    ~~~~~


    Eunuch Chung informed Nianzu about Empress Dowager. "The Prince shall meet his mother. She has gotten sickst night as she is neglecting her meals," Eunuch Chung said worriedly.


    Chuntao looked at her husband and agreed with the words of Eunuch Chung. "Prince, why don''t you meet your mother and have today''s lunch with her?" Chuntao humbly requested.


    Nianzu shook his head in disapproval and said, "I will see her in the evening. Eunuch Chung shall give us some privacy." He nodded and walked out of the chamber.


    Chuntao with inquisitiveness nced at her husband. "Prince Nianzu shall not ignore his mother. She has repented enough already. It breaks her heart to see her son acting cold towards her. Prince Nianzu shall forgive her and start afresh," asserted Chuntao. She grasped his both hands.


    "For me, can you not do this? Have today''s lunch with your mother. Hear her out and forgive her. She made mistakes because it''s the pce. Here making mistakes and getting greedy for the throne ismon. However, leaving that path and walking on the path of honesty and truthfulness is important. Your mother needs you. Don''t upset her by ignoring her," Chuntao said calmly.


    "Fine. I will talk to her and have lunch with her. But Chun, she betrayed Father too. I mean...it''s difficult to forget those things. Also, she wanted to harm you. All those things still revolve around my mind and worry me," affirmed Nianzu.


    "But I am safe. And, she also treats me well. Isn''t it enough to forgive her?" Chuntao questioned him.


    "I do not know," Nianzu replied.


    "Talk to her, and then you will get the answer to every question. You also know that Karma returns. What if our future child ignores us? Will you like that? No, right? The same goes with your mother. Now, since everything is getting back to its ce, you shall not taint your rtionship with your mother. Give her your time and care. She needs you," Chuntao said politely.


    Nianzu nodded his head. "Then, have your lunch today without me.. I will talk with my mother and have lunch with her," he acknowledged her idea and left for his mother''s quarter.

 Chapter 622 - Sincere Efforts

    <h4>Chapter 622 - Sincere Efforts</h4>


    Deng Hui nkly stared at the food in front of her. She did not want to eat it, so she called a servant inside.


    "Take this away," Deng Hui said. The maidservant knelt to put the dishes back to the tray when a voice stopped her.


    "Prince Nianzu," Deng Hui whispered and immediately stood up from the floor mattress.


    "Don''t take the food away. The Empress Dowager and I will have lunch together," Nianzu pronounced and gazed at his mother, whose heart filled with contentment.


    "Leave it as it was and add some more dishes for the Prince," Deng Hui instructed the maidservant. She stood up and gradually stepped back.


    Deng Hui came towards her son and put her arms around him. "I am happy to see the Prince. He has returned safely and it has put my heart to rest," she said delightfully. Nianzu gently pulled away from the hug and went towards the floor table. He sat down on the cushion. Deng Hui quickly came to her seat and sat down.


    "Why is she taking so much time?" Deng Huiined while looking towards the door. Looking back at the Prince, she said, "I did not know that you wille to have lunch with me."


    "I do not want to but Chun insisted that I should go and have lunch with the Empress Dowager," Nianzu stated. "The same Chun whom you wanted to harm once," he said with a touch of sarcasm.


    Deng Hui stopped smiling and found her son was still mad at her.


    The maidservant came in and put three more bowls on the table. She ced the chopsticks on the table and tasted the food first. "The Empress Dowager and the Fourth Prince can start," she said in a low voice. She stepped back and stood there with a low head.


    "Leave us alone," Nianzu ordered the maidservant, who left the chamber. Nianzu picked a pair of chopsticks and handed it to Deng Hui. They again looked into each other''s eyes.


    "Chun wants me to talk to you. But there is nothing left to talk about," Nianzu remarked as he picked another pair of chopsticks and opened the lid of the soup bowl.


    "I had lost my mind that I made such a punishable mistake. However, son, I have realized how wrong I was! Please forgive your mother," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Why don''t you start eating?" Nianzu asked her and ced the rice bowl in front of her. Deng Hui hummed and started eating.


    "Did you apologize to Father when he was on the death bed?" He asked her out of the blue.


    Deng Hui slowed down and shook her head.


    "You never loved him, did you? That''s why you had the thought to feed poison to him," Nianzu affirmed.


    "I was blinded with power. I thought my son should sit on the throne," Deng Hui asserted and sobbed. Nianzu gazed at her and chuckled.


    "Why are you not eating?" He asked her hoarsely.


    "I am," she answered and continued to eat. Silence surrounded them and they peacefully finished their meals. Nianzu called in a servant, who cleaned the table and left.


    "So, where were we?" Nianzu asked. "Ahh, yes. You did all those things because you wanted me to rule the Empire," he answered himself. "How could you even think that? If you had harmed Chun, I would have killed you with my own hands. Didn''t I tell you not to get too greedy after bing the Empress?" He screamed at Deng Hui.


    She ended up crying and joined her hands. "Forgive me, son. Do you want to take my life? I would do that. But do not look at me with those eyes. I beg you," Deng Hui stated.


    "You considered Sheng Li as your own son, yet you plotted against him. Don''t you think you have hurt him too? More than me, he is hurt. Do you know why? Because he considered you as his mother! But you are not even apologetic towards him. Your actions say otherwise," Nianzu asserted.


    "What can I do when the Emperor has started to ignore my presence? He has warned me not toe near him," Deng Hui pronounced.


    "Make sincere efforts for it. I will forgive you when I see the sincerity in you," stated Nianzu. "Also, don''t think that if you try to take your life, I will start to respect you again. I will hate you more," He affirmed.


    "You wanted to kill my wife, who sent me to you today. Can you see the difference? Chun has a big heart that she forgot everything. But I cannot forget everything easily. I want to see my mother''s sincere side that would make me believe that she indeed has changed. I don''t feel good behaving this way with you. But there is no option left. I will again address you as my mother when I see the change in you," Nianzu pronounced and bowed in front of her. "I shall take my leave," he said and walked out of the chamber.


    Nianzu felt good that he said everything to his mother that he had in his mind for a long time. Now, he wanted her to be sincere so that he would again call her his mother.


    He came back to the Eastern Pce when his eyes fell on Xue Yu-Yan, who was in the pavilion. He went to the pavilion and greeted her. Xue Yu-Yan was surprised to see him, and she greeted him back.


    "What is the Princess doing here in the daylight? She should be in her chamber or with her husband," Nianzu asserted.


    "Jian Ge is resting. I was getting bored in the chamber, so I thought abouting here," Xue Yu-Yan replied. "How is the Fourth Brother doing?" She asked.


    "I am well as you can see," Nianzu said and passed her a tiny smile.


    "Is something bothering you, Sister Xue?" He queried her, trying to find an answer through her eyes.


    "Ahh, nothing," she answered.


    "Sister Xue can share with me. I have told her earlier too that if she ever got tangled in a problem, she can trust me and tell me," Nianzu reminded her.


    Xue Yu-Yan fidgeted with her fingers. Nianzu was confident now there was indeed something bothering her.


    "Brother Nianzu," her voice quivered as she was unable to speak anything.


    "What happened, Sister Xue?" Nianzu got anxious as he saw tears in Xue Yu-Yan''s eyes.


    "Brother Nianzu, I think I made a mistake," Xue Yu-Yan said and started to cry.

 Chapter 623 - Blackmailing

    <h4>Chapter 623 - ckmailing</h4>


    "Brother Nianzu, I think I made a mistake," Xue Yu-Yan said and started to cry. Nianzu was perplexed to hear her statement.


    "What happened, Sister Xue? Stop crying first and then calmly tell me. Sit here," Nianzu told her and gestured to her towards the round stool carved in the pavilion. Xue wiped the tears from her cheeks and sat on the stool while Nianzu sat on the other one.


    Nianzu observed that Xue Yu-Yan''s hands were trembling in fear and she was unable to speak anything.


    "Sister Xue, you can tell me. What are you scared of?" He asked her.


    Xue Yu-Yan lifted her eyes to peer at him. "Brother Nianzu, when I was with the Former Empress in her ns, I helped her with many things. I even took help from my father''s loyal bodyguard and shared the map of the Pce with him. Five days ago, I saw him in the Pce and even received a threatening letter from him," Xue Yu-Yan informed him while stuttering.


    "A threatening letter? What''s written in that? Did Sister Xue tell Brother Jian?" Nianzu asked.


    Xue Yu-Yan shook her head. "He is resting. Also, I-I cannot tell Jian Ge. That man might kill him. Also, the Emperor will not spare m-me. What if he is overhearing our conversation?" She suddenly got scared and stood up from the stool. She looked around and looked down from the pavilion to make sure there was no one around.


    Nianzu told her to calm down. "It''s not easy toe here, Sister Xue," He stated and sced her. Xue Yu-Yan''s breathing turned heavy and she started to panic. She fainted but Nianzu caught her. "Sister Xue! Sister Xue!" He patted her cheeks. He shouted for the Pce maids when a few came running there.


    "Take the Princess to her chamber. Call the Royal Physician," Nianzumanded them. One of them went to Jian Guozhi''s chamber to inform him.


    Jian Guozhi, who had just woken up when was informed about Xue Yu-Yan, rushed to her chamber. He went towards the bed and sat beside Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Your Highness, the Princess is absolutely fine. She fainted because of not taking her meals and not drinking enough water," the Royal Physician informed Jian Guozhi, who red at the servants present in the chamber.


    "Did you not take care of the Princess? Do you all have death wishes?" He shouted at them. The maidservants got on their knees and begged for forgiveness.


    "Zi Yi, answer me! Why did you not take care of the Princess? Why did she skip her meals?" He questioned her. Nianzu nced at her with skepticism.


    "Forgive me, Your Highness," Zi Yi stated.


    "Give her fifty floggings," Jian Guozhi announced the punishment for her. The other maidservants got scared, thinking what kind of punishment they would get.


    "Brother Jian, do not get angry. Princess Xue is fine as per the Royal Physician," Nianzu intervened and tried to pacify the anger of Jian Guozhi. He then looked at the Royal Physician.


    "The Royal Physician may leave, so may the other servants. Zi Yi shall stay here," Nianzu stated. Jian Guozhi did not stop his Fourth Brother''s order as he found the tear marks on Xue Yu-Yan''s cheeks. He found it odd and again red at Zi Yi.


    The door was closed. Jian Guozhi got off the bed. "Why was the Princess crying?" He asked.


    Zi Yi, who was still on her knees, shook her head. "I do not know, Your Highness," she replied.


    "Brother Jian, there is something I would like to tell you. Sister Xue and I, were conversing in the Eastern Pavilion, and she suddenly fainted," Nianzu informed him. "Zi Yi, go out," he ordered her. Zi Yi stood up and left the chamber.


    As soon as she left, Jian Guozhi asked Nianzu about the reason why Xue Yu-Yan cried.


    "Someone is ckmailing, Sister Xue. She suddenly panicked and then fainted," Nianzu stated.


    "What? Why didn''t she tell me? What did she tell you, Brother Nianzu?" He asked with a confused and worried expression.


    "She said you were sleeping. Also, she was scared that the person might kill you if she told you. She would not have told me if I had not insisted. Also, she was so terrified that she fainted," Nianzu stated.


    "Why would someone ckmail her?" Jian Guozhi was bewildered to hear that.


    "She told me that the bodyguard of herte father is doing that. He has sent a letter to her. Also, she shared the map of the Pce with him, earlier when she was in the ns of the former Empress," Nianzu pronounced. Jian Guozhi started to search for the letter in the chamber.


    "Brother Jian, let''s wait for Sister Xue to wake up. Talk to her. Also, whatever she tells you, Brother Jian must tell Brother Sheng. If the map of the Pce is shared, then it might be dangerous," asserted Nianzu with a menacing expression.


    "But the bodyguard of her father was beheaded too," Jian Guozhi answered.


    "Pardon?" Nianzu furrowed his brows.


    "Yes. Who could ckmail her? I think it''s someone else, who was close to him. He might want something from Xue. I will look into it and then discuss it with Brother Sheng and you," proimed Jian Guozhi.


    Nianzu agreed with him and took his leave.


    Jian Guozhi kept searching in the chamber for the letter. He searched the floor desk and finally found it. He unfolded it and started to read it. "He warned her to not tell me. Why? Xue can never hide things from me, yet he told her to," Jian Guozhi murmured. He clutched the paper and called in Zi Yi, who immediately walked in.


    "Tell me what Xue did for a week? Did someone from her homee to meet her?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "No, Your Highness. However, a week ago, her highness went to her home to meet her mother. She did not allow me or anyone to apany her," stated Zi Yi.


    "You have forgotten your training, haven''t you? You should follow your master or mistress all the time.. Also, from now on my order is supreme for you," Jian Guozhi affirmed.

 Chapter 624 - Shao Meng Is Dead

    <h4>Chapter 624 - Shao Meng Is Dead</h4>


    Xue Yu-Yan woke up and saw Jian Guozhi beside her. She was a little panicked to see him because Nianzu was the one in front of whom she fainted. So, did the Fourth Prince tell Jian Ge? The first thought that came up in her mind.


    With the help of her elbows, she sat up while Jian Guozhi helped her. He forwarded the water ss towards her. She drank it and put it down. "Did Jian Ge bring me here?" She asked. Jian Guozhi took the water ss from her and put it on the table. He picked the bowl which had porridge in it.


    "Start eating it," he said politely.


    Xue Yu-Yan took the spoon and bowl from him. She started to eat it.


    "Brother Nianzu brought you here," Jian Guozhi answered. "Eat it first, and then we will have a conversation," he stated.


    "Did Jian Ge take his meals?" She asked him.


    "No. When I woke up, I was informed that you fainted. The Royal Physician told me that you got weak because of not taking meals and drinking enough water," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "I was missing your presence," Xue Yu-Yan replied. "Forgive me for troubling you," she said. "Let me call Zi Yi. I cannot eat when my husband has not eaten."


    "Stay here. I will eatter. Have this porridge first," Jian Guozhi told her. When Xue Yu-Yan did not eat, he took the spoon from her and took a spoonful of porridge into it. He brought it near her mouth and told her to open it.


    Xue Yu-Yan opened her mouth a little and Jian Guozhi pushed the spoon gently inside her mouth. "I didn''t miss any of my meals thinking that my wife would be taking good care of her," he stated.


    Xue Yu-Yan did not speak anything and felt guilty for worrying Jian Guozhi. She silently ate the food and soon finished it. Jian Guozhi put the bowl away and then again handed her the water ss. She thanked him for taking care of her. Jian Guozhi smiled and wiped her lips with his thumb.


    "Jian Ge shall eat now," Xue Yu-Yan stated. He shook his head and showed her the letter due to which she was scared for a week or more.


    "Jian Ge, how did you--" she paused as she again started to panic. She did wrong by trusting Nianzu. She should not have told him, she thought.


    "Calm down and tell me everything," Jian Guozhi told her politely. He caressed her hand and put the paper in front of her. Xue Yu-Yan was still reluctant about it. What if the man who sent this message to her would find it out? She clutched the material of her skirt tightly.


    "Xue," Jian Guozhi called out her name. She came out of her thoughts. "Nothing will happen to me. If you think that you can fight with this all yourself, then you are wrong," he proimed.


    Xue Yu-Yan started to weep. "Jian Ge, I never thought that something like this would happen. What if the Emperor finds out? He hates me already, and if he found out that I shared the map of the Pce with my father''s bodyguard, he would kill me right away. Jian Ge, I did not want this to happen," Xue Yu-Yan said while panicking.


    Jian Guozhi put his hands on her shoulders. "Nothing will happen, Xue. First, tell me what has happened? Tell me everything. I am your husband, and I must know what''s going on!" He stated and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "I am waiting," he said.


    "When I married you, I stole the Pce''s map from your chamber. That time, I thought to help your mother. I thought if I sent some spies through the secret routes to assassinate Sister Lili, then your mother would be happy, and your path would get cleared towards the throne.


    I handed it to Shao Meng, in the hope that he would help me. However, Shao Meng got busy with my father''s work, and my n could not bepleted. And then he was beheaded along with my father. I forgot about the map with time until a week ago, someone sent me this," Xue Yu-Yan narrated everything to Jian Guozhi and again started weeping.


    "Is Shao Meng alive? Why is he doing this with me? Jian Ge, what if he harms you?" Xue Yu-Yan queried him.


    "Nothing will happen to me. Shao Meng is dead. Also, whoever is threatening you must have some motives behind it. If he wanted to use the secret routes, then he would have by now. But he cannot. Why? Because it''s not easy to get through those routes," Jian Guozhi exined to Xue Yu-Yan, who was a little relieved to hear that.


    "Why did you go out alone? Where have you gone? Zi Yi informed me about this," Jian Guozhi waited for her to respond.


    "I went to my home to find the map in Shao Meng''s house. But the map was not there," Xue Yu-Yan replied. "Jian Ge, what if the person uses it against the Emperor and the Empress? I am terrified," she said in a low voice.


    "I need to discuss it with the Emperor. He will definitelye out with a solution," Jian Guozhi told her with a confident tone.


    "Please don''t tell the Emperor. He will punish me to death," Xue Yu-Yan pleaded with him.


    "Xue, it should not be hidden from Brother Sheng. Also, he won''t punish you. I won''t let it happen. Trust me," Jian Guozhi assured her and pulled her into a hug. Xue Yu-Yan buried her face in his chest and clung to him. She was feeling safe and secure. This past week was stressful for her.


    Jian Guozhi pulled away and cupped her face in his palms. "Nothing will happen, Xue," he again told her and kissed at the top of her head.


    ''Who could be this? Shao Meng was loyal to Xue''s father and Xue.. He would have not shared such a piece of important information with anyone unless someone got his hands on it,'' Jian Guozhi thought.

 Chapter 625 - Bitter

    <h4>Chapter 625 - Bitter</h4>


    Lei Wanxi returned to the Pce afterpleting his day''s work. He was looking cheerful. He had his fan in his hand as he was fanning himself. He reached his chamber. Removing his overcoat, he handed it to the maidservant.


    She took backward steps while Lei Wanxi sat down on the chaise. He continued to fan himself when the maidservant told him that she would fan him.


    "No need. Did Zhu Line here?" He asked her.


    "No, Your Highness," she answered him.


    Zhu Lin entered the chamber, astonishing him. The maidservant left the chamber, giving them privacy.


    "Zhu Lin, were you waiting for me?" Lei Wanxi asked with a grin and gestured to her to sit beside him. Zhu Lin sat down on the chaise beside Lei Wanxi when he quickly rested his head on herp.


    "Did you miss me?" He asked her and closed the fan in his hand.


    "No. I did not miss the Prince," she answered.


    "Ahh, that hurt me," Lei Wanxi said. "Today I had fun in the Bureau''s Office. That corrupted fool failed to understand that Lei Wanxi has the eyes of a hawk. He cannot escape these eyes," he pronounced proudly.


    Zhu Lin smiled upon hearing his words. "What did the Prince do?" She was curious to know.


    "He has been fooling his wife for a long time. I saw him many times in the brothel house," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Zhu Lin frowned to hear that. "When did the Prince visit the brothel house?" She asked. Lei Wanxi peered at her and found that Zhu Lin was slightly upset. He stood up and put his arm around Zhu Lin''s shoulder.


    "I did many times but not in the attire of a Prince. You see, I have to help my Brother Sheng in many matters. Most of the noble ss men''s secrets are hidden in the brothel house," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Why are you sulking?" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    "So, shall I be happy that Prince Wanxi visits the Brothel House? Women there seduce men. What if someone seduces you?" Zhu Lin queried him.


    Lei Wanxi started tough after hearing her questions. "Don''t you know me, Zhu Lin? For me every woman is a sister except you," he affirmed. "And I cannot get seduced easily," he said with a smile.


    "Really?" She asked him.


    "You have a doubt," Lei Wanxi pointed his finger towards her and chuckled. "For me even the Courtesans are Sisters. You have hurt my feelings, Zhu Lin," he said and sighed.


    "Every woman will get insecure if her man goes to the brothel. I did not mean to hurt you," Zhu Lin proimed and quickly kissed him. They both gazed into each other''s eyes.


    "At least kiss me properly," Lei Wanxi said with a smile. He extended his arm out and wrapped it around Zhu Lin''s waist. Drawing her closer, he gradually leaned towards her. Zhu Lin ced her pointer finger on his lips.


    It bewildered him. He nced at her with inquisitiveness. Zhu Lin put her finger down and said, "We will get intimate after getting married."


    "It''s not even getting intimate. You were the one who kissed me first. You are not romantic at all," Lei Wanxiined to her.


    "Last time, your mother saw us," Zhu Lin said. "It was so embarrassing for me."


    "Now, no one is watching. The servants are outside. They will inform us before letting anyone inside," Lei Wanxi said and convinced her.


    "Okay," Zhu Lin answered.


    Lei Wanxi smiled and leaned towards her. They both closed their eyes and started to kiss each other. However, Zhu Lin soon parted away from the kiss. Lei Wanxi did not say anything this time.


    "You are so shy, Zhu Lin. I never thought that you would be," he muttered and let go of her waist.


    "Your wound is healed, isn''t it?" He asked her out of the blue.


    "Scar has left behind," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Ahh. I will ask the Royal Physician if the scar can disappear with any special medicine," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "I asked him. It will take time, Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin replied. "Today Princess Xue fainted while conversing with Prince Nianzu," she told Lei Wanxi.


    "Oh, why?" Lei Wanxi amusingly asked her.


    "I don''t know. But it seems to me that she''s troubled because of a reason. Didn''t I tell you that Princess Xue has been acting strangely for a few days," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    "Because Brother Jian was away. I asked her two days ago. So, she told me that she was missing Brother Jian," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Prince Wanxi, I think that there is something more. Princess Xue appears to be lost in her thoughts. I have noticed this many times. Are you sure that she has turned good?" Zhu Lin asked him. "In my opinion, we shall inform the Emperor about this," she suggested to him.


    "Zhu Lin, how shall I make you understand? Brother Sheng does not like Sister Xue a bit. If we tell Brother Sheng, then he will start to look at her with suspicious eyes. Then, he will not listen to anyone, not even Sister Lili. There is a reason due to which I do not want to talk to Brother Sheng without any solid proof," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Princess Xue once tried to put me on Prince Wanxi as well. How could you trust her so much? You have told me that you were going to get floggings. " Zhu Lin reminded him.


    "That was a very old time, Zhu Lin. Since then, many things have changed in the Pce. She is no longer a bad person," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "What if something happens again? We cannot lose any more family members," Zhu Lin opined.


    Lei Wanxi took a deep breath and contemted. "I will talk to Brother Nianzu. I won''t talk to Brother Sheng directly because Brother Sheng won''t even wait for a second to punish Sister Xue if anything wrong appears. Moreover, I have told you earlier that Brother Jian''s and Brother Sheng''s rtionship might get bitter because of all this," Lei Wanxi exined to her.


    Zhu Lin agreed with him.


    "Brother Nianzu is the best person, who can handle both ends well," Lei Wanxi.

 Chapter 626 - An Autumn Flower

    <h4>Chapter 626 - An Autumn Flower</h4>


    Sheng Li, after making Ying Lili sleep, left to meet Shi Zhihao in his chamber. Shi Zhihao upon getting informed about the arrival of the Emperor. He got down from the bed and stood in the middle of the chamber.


    He bowed and greeted Sheng Li.


    "Did the Prince sleep well?" Sheng Li asked him and sat on the chaise. He gestured to Shi Zhihao to sit down on the other one, who took his seat.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I had a good sleep. I am feeling refreshed," he answered in his soft tone.


    "Princess Bai Yaling married my Second Brother, Prince Yongzheng, who''s no more. However, myte father, the former Emperor, wanted the Princess to start a new life when she is young. He believed that other than Prince Shi Zhihao no one could be better for Princess Bai Yaling.


    I wanted to know your views on this," Sheng Li asserted.


    "My views are nothing special, Your Majesty. I am d that the Emperor found me this worthy," Shi Zhihao replied.


    "Prince Zhihao does not have any problem with the Princess'' past, does he?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No, I do not have any problem. When a man can marry another woman, then why can''t a woman?" Shi Zhihao stated. Sheng Li was overwhelmed to hear that. Han Wenji indeed made a great decision by choosing Shi Zhihao.


    "Did you meet Princess Bai Yaling?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No, Your Majesty. I thought of meeting the Princess after having the conversation with His Majesty," Shi Zhihao replied with a tiny smile.


    "That''s great. Princess Bai is a nice woman. I will be d if you consider this rtionship," Sheng Li proimed. Shi Zhihao nodded his head and told Sheng Li that he would not disappoint him.


    Sheng Li thanked him for considering this request of his. He stood up and saw him Shi Zhihao also stood up. He lowered his head while Sheng Li left the chamber. Lifting his head, he thought of meeting Bai Yaling. He called in a servant.


    "Send a message to Princess Bai Yaling that I would like to meet her in the Royal garden," Shi Zhihao ordered him. He picked the overcoat and wore it. Looking at himself in the mirror and checking his hair, he left for the Royal Garden.


    He arrived at the Royal Garden and waited for Bai Yaling toe. After waiting for 15 minutes, he got to see Bai Yaling. She halted a meter away from him and greeted him. Shi Zhihao found how nervous she was while looking at her hands.


    Zhihao greeted her back and stepped towards her. "Let''s have a walk, Princess Bai," he offered her. Bai Yaling agreed with him and the two started to walk.


    "I have heard about you, Princess Bai. I remember one incident where you defeated the women in a sewingpetition," Shi Zhihao started his conversation. He did not want her to feel awkward around him, so thought it would be the best conversation to start with.


    "That was a smallpetition, Prince Zhihao. I didn''t know that you would remember such apetition," Bai Yaling replied to him, keeping a tiny smile on her lips. "I would like to thank Prince Zhihao for giving me a chance," she said humbly.


    Shi Zhihao passed a smile to her. "I am d that Princess Bai made this decision to move ahead in her life. I heard about yourte husband, Princess Bai. She never deserved such treatment of fate," Shi Zhihao pronounced.


    The smile from Bai Yaling''s lips disappeared.


    "Sometimes fate gives you a tough situation to fight with. The same happened with me, Prince Shi Zhihao," Bai Yaling told him the same words that Wang Hao had told her when they visited the Buddhist Shrine.


    "You are right. Hopefully, you are no more in the memories of yourte husband," Shi Zhihao stated.


    Bai Yaling halted at her ce and gazed into Shi Zhihao''s eyes.


    Wang Hao arrived at the Pce in the evening. Today, he and Xiao Zhan would drink with Sheng Li after a long time. He was delighted and had many things to converse with both of them. Crossing the Western Pce hallway, he turned to the Northern Pce when his eyes fell on Bai Yaling, who was in the Royal Garden with Shi Zhihao.


    He stopped for a while and smiled upon seeing the two. "It seems they are getting together. Prince Zhihao is a nice choice for Princess Bai," Wang Hao murmured and then walked ahead.


    "What happened? Why did Princess Bai stop walking?" Shi Zhihao asked her.


    "Prince Zhihao, what do you think of me as a woman?" Bai Yaling asked him out of the blue. The sudden question perplexed Shi Zhihao.


    "That would be difficult to say this early," He replied after contemting for some time.


    Bai Yaling hummed. "I asked because I was someone''s wife, who is a widow now. I don''t want Prince Shi Zhihao to get awkward or embarrassed because of me," She exined to him.


    "Why would I get awkward or embarrassed just because of your past life?" Shi Zhihao questioned her. He started to walk while Bai Yaling followed him. She liked it that Shi Zhihao was not the type of man which she had imagined.


    Shi Zhihao moved his hand above the chrysanthemum flowers. Bai Yaling amusingly nced at him, trying to understand what he was doing.


    "Princess Bai, do you know what the Chrysanthemum symbolizes?" Shi Zhihao asked.


    Bai Yaling shook her head because of herck of knowledge of flowers.


    "It represents loyalty, longevity, and devoted love. It is an autumn flower. An elegant one¨C just like your name. Yourst name ''Yaling'' means elegant¨C like a jade," Shi Zhihao stated. Bai Yaling was overwhelmed to hear the meaning of her name from the Prince''s mouth.


    Herte husband never bothered to talk like this with her. It saddened her which Zhihao noticed.


    "Did I say something wrong?" Shi Zhihao asked and put his hand behind his back.


    "No. No man ever talked with me this way¡­ not even myte husband," Bai Yaling answered.


    "Why don''t you throw out yourte husband from your mind? That way you will be able to enjoy life in a better way," Shi Zhihao advised her.


    Bai Yaling gazed into his eyes and nodded. "I will try," she said.


    ~~~~


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 Chapter 627 - Inspires Him To Grow

    <h4>Chapter 627 - Inspires Him To Grow</h4>


    Nianzu sipped the tea and looked at Lei Wanxi. "What happened? Why did you request me to see you at this hour? You know that this time I mostly spend with Chun," Nianzu stated.


    "Forgive me, Brother Nianzu. I did not intend to ruin your private time with Sister Chun. But it was urgent, that''s why I requested you to spare me some time," Lei Wanxi proimed. He then told him everything about the suspicions of Zhu Lin on Xue Yu-Yan.


    "But, Brother Nianzu, I don''t think that Sister Xue is evil. Zhu Lin insisted that I tell Brother Sheng about this. She thinks any mishap could happen like the earlier time. We both knew about Prince Yongzheng, but I informed Brother Sheng about that a littlete," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Don''t tell Brother Sheng. He might get angry and will think that Sister Xue indeed is nning something," Nianzu advised him.


    "I also feel the same," Lei Wanxi answered. "So, what does Brother Nianzu think?" He then asked him.


    "Wanxi, Sister Xue is in trouble. Brother Jian is trying to solve it. I cannot tell you the details but I am sure that Sister Xue is not nning anything. It is just that she ended up making a mistake," Nianzu told Lei Wanxi, not the entire incident since he thought Lei Wanxi might leak it out. Moreover, if Sheng Li found out about that, then things would worsen.


    "What did Sister Xue do? Hopefully, it is not something big," Lei Wanxi said anxiously.


    "Don''t tell Princess Zhu Lin about this. She is an overly curious person. Let Brother Jian handle this matter," Nianzu suggested to him.


    "What if Zhu Lin asks me. How will I answer her?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "Just tell the Princess that I will discuss this matter with Brother Sheng," Nianzu told him. Lei Wanxi acknowledged his idea and sipped the remaining tea in his cup.


    "I shall take my leave, Brother Nianzu. Thank you for sparing me your time." Lei Wanxi put the cup on the table. Nianzu passed him a smile.


    "You are getting married soon," Nianzu told him.


    "When?" Lei Wanxi asked him excitedly.


    "You are so eager to marry Princess Zhu Lin. It is so strange of you," Nianzu said and grinned.


    "Brother Nianzu, remember, you told me that when you are in love then you want to be with the person as soon as possible," Lei Wanxi stated and smiled. "I didn''t know when my hate for her turned into love. Probably when she threw a shoe at me. I was never being shown my weak side by anyone," he asserted.


    "Shoe at you?" Nianzu was confused to hear that.


    "Yes. We had a big fight one day. We pulled each other''s hair and got punished by Brother Sheng. That day I found out how much my elder brothers pampered me. I was so confused about my feelings. My heart used to beat strangely. At one instant, I thought it''s heart disease," Lei Wanxi said and chuckled. "How naive I was!" He muttered.


    Nianzu ended up smiling. "Brother Wanxi has grown up. I am d that he found his love in a woman, who inspires him to grow," He said and patted his shoulder.


    "I used to miss you when I was juggling between my heart and my mind. I missed you a lot. I was even angry at you because you did not evene to see me. We passed through such a tough time, Brother Nianzu. Yet we again came together as a family. I am so happy that you returned," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "I would not be able to leave if I had met Brother Wanxi. He knows how close I am to him. That''s why I decided to not meet him," Nianzu replied. "Forgive me," he then added.


    "Huo Jin protected me as a Brother. I want his happiness too. I talked to him a week ago," Nianzu informed Lei Wanxi.


    "What did he say?"


    "That he will carry the love for Xinyue till hisst breath. Even if she never loved him, her care was enough for him. Whenever Tan Gengxin punished him, Xinyue protected him. She saved him from dying. And he wants to save his love for her till hisst breath," Nianzu told Lei Wanxi, who was a little sad to hear that.


    "Why did Tan Gengxin involve his daughter in this mess? She would not have turned into such a person and would not have gotten punished then. Huo Jin then could be happy with her," Lei Wanxi said with a fit of rage.


    "But Xinyue did not love him. She wanted a man of high status. Huo Jin is in one-sided love. I can feel him. He was a ve with no freedom, no care, nothing. That''s why even the little care of Xinyue appeared as love to him," Nianzu stated. "Find a matchmaker for him. I cannot see Huo Jin living an aloof life," he requested Lei Wanxi.


    "Brother Nianzu, I will do that, but what if Huo Jin gets angry. We cannot force him to marry," Lei Wanxi said. Nianzu agreed with him. He just got hyper as he cared for Huo Jin as an elder Brother.


    "Brother Sheng can be of help. Huo Jin is close to him. After Hu Jingguo''s death, Brother Sheng became a little close to him," Lei Wanxi suggested an idea to Nianzu.


    "You are right. Brother Sheng and Huo Jin are close. But there is one problem," he said.


    "What?" Lei Wanxi arched his brow.


    "Brother Sheng will say that if Huo Jin loves Xinyue, then we should not try to push him to see another woman," Nianzu stated.


    "Brother Nianzu, he might do something for Huo Jin as a friend. Don''t you think so? Also, I saw Huo Jining from the backside hill outside the Pce. Today I went behind him and found that he started to write poems to her. I felt that Huo Jin deserves much better than Xinyue, who is dead. He is such a great man and seeing him like this sometimes hurts.. He helped us so much, yet we didn''t do anything for him," Lei Wanxi said and sighed deeply.

 Chapter 628 - My Sister Happy

    <h4>Chapter 628 - My Sister Happy</h4>


    Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan stood up from the floor chairs when Sheng Li entered the private chamber. They both bowed in front of him. Sheng Li sat down and gestured to them to sit.


    "How is the Empress, Your Majesty?" Xiao Zhan asked.


    "She is well. She just had sweets made of dried fruits," Sheng Li told them. "Since it''s the first month, I need to be extremely cautious. Lili sometimes acts like a child. Court Lady Ki told me that that''s because a mother usually has some energy changes in her body in the first three months," he added and told the maidservant to bring the wine for them.


    "Then His Majesty shall be with Her Majesty. We will organize such an event some other day," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li.


    "Lili is sleeping at this time. She told me that I must have drinks with my friends. Also, if I dy it today, then I do not know whether we will be able to enjoy drinks together or not. You both will get married soon," Sheng Li said and smiled.


    The maidservant came inside with a tray in her hand. She knelt and carefully put the wine jar and cups on the table. She grasped the porcin jar when Sheng Li told her to leave. She stood up, stepped back, and left the chamber.


    "General Wang, my father met your father this week. They both usually go together for hunting. Are you marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister?" Xiao Zhan asked him.


    "I do not know. Father did not talk about this with me. Even the Emperor is saying the same. Am I really going to marry the daughter of the Prime Minister?" Wang Hao asked and chuckled. He picked the jar and poured the wine into the three cups.


    He handed the first cup to Sheng Li, who raised it a little and said, "This is for our evesting friendship." Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan also sipped the wine from their respective cups.


    "Ahh, I almost forgot the taste of wine. It has been long since Ist tasted it," Wang Hao said and sipped more of it.


    "His Majesty used to drink a lot. However, after marriage he reduced drinking," Xiao Zhan said and smiled.


    "I used to drink to forget my pain and to get sleep. However, after Lili came into my life things changed. And now I am going to be the father of two kids, so I shall refrain from all this," Sheng Li stated and smiled. "Though drinking asionally is good," he said and poured more wine in his cup.


    "My wife changed me. She brought so many beautiful things into my life. This is the kind of life I have never imagined. I mean¡­ my acts were enough for people to hate me, especially women. However, Lili saw me differently. My heart gets fluttered seeing her every day," Sheng Li asserted. Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan smiled while looking at him.


    "We are happy for His Majesty. The day we stepped in Juyan, I had the feeling that something great wasing in His Majesty''s way since Princess of Juyan was known among men," Wang Hao affirmed and picked the wine cup.


    "And you didn''t even tell me about her," Sheng Li stated.


    "I did. His Majesty was getting angry at me," Wang Hao reminded him. Sheng Li moved his hand in the air and told him to ignore that.


    "Wang Hao, how''s your sister doing?" Sheng Li asked him suddenly.


    "She is well. Why did the Emperor ask?"


    "Your father told me that he''s worried about her marriage too. I think that he does not know that Yin Na used to be a Courtesan. Did the household people not tell him when you were away?" Sheng Li sipped the remaining wine from the ss.


    "I told them not to tell my father about Yin Na''s profession. I will inform him myself. Also, I neglected Yin Na, and she ended up in the Brothel because of me," Wang Hao said with guilt.


    "You were busy serving the Empire. Also, you did not know that her brother would sell her for money. You did more than a brother could do for his sister," Sheng Li corrected him. Xiao Zhan agreed with his words and poured the wine for them.


    "Yin Na is scared of the name of marriage. I don''t think she will marry anytime soon," Wang Hao answered and gulped the wine. He put it down on the table and wiped his lips.


    "That''s understandable," Sheng Li replied and sipped a little.


    "What about Huo Jin? I saw them going to the market four days ago. Your sister isfortable around Huo Jin," Xiao Zhan told him.


    "Really?" Wang Hao asked him to confirm.


    "Yes. I have seen them together many times," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "But Huo Jin doesn''t love her," Sheng Li stated. Both Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan looked at him.


    "But, Your Majesty, they look good together," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "Huo Jin has someone in his heart and he''s loyal to her," Sheng Li told them.


    "Who?" Wang Hao asked as he had forgotten about it.


    "Xinyue who had taken the identity of Zho Mi," Sheng Li replied. "He might be good to Yin Na because of Wang Hao. What I mean is Huo Jin will never fall in love with any woman," he affirmed.


    "Why is His Majesty so confident about it?" Wang Hao knitted his brows.


    "Have you ever fallen in love?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No, Your Majesty," he replied. However, I feel what it is to be in love," he stated.


    "Huo Jin is a different man. For him Xinyue was the only woman," Sheng Li asserted.


    "But she never loved him," Wang Hao argued. "Yin Na must have something in her heart for him. She never goes out with any man except me. It means that she trusts Huo Jin. Also, he is a man with morals," Wang Hao stated.


    "Wang Hao, don''t talk to Huo Jin regarding your sister. I know that you are concerned for her, but Huo Jin will get hurt," Sheng Li advised him.


    "Your Majesty, he shall move on," Xiao Zhan intervened. "Xinyue was just a mistake in his life," he proimed.


    "But he doesn''t consider it a mistake. I have talked to him regarding this a long time ago. Also, Wang Hao, I can find the best man for your sister. Just tell me anytime," Sheng Li stated and picked the cup again.


    "Your Majesty, I think Huo Jin is that man.. He is the one, who will keep my sister happy," Wang Hao affirmed.

 Chapter 629 - Carrying The Child Of My Son

    <h4>Chapter 629 - Carrying The Child Of My Son</h4>


    Sheng Li knitted his brows and put the cup down. "Wang Hao, it will be forcing feelings on Huo Jin. Leave this idea," he opined. Xiao Zhan found the atmosphere was turning tense, so he decided to change the topic.


    "I will meet the daughter of the Minister of Finance," Xiao Zhan stated. Thus, he grabbed the attention of Sheng Li and Wang Hao towards him.


    "Why?" Wang Hao asked confusedly.


    "My father wants me to marry the daughter of Minister Li. So, they have arranged a private meeting for us," Xiao Zhan said and ended up smiling.


    "It seems you already like her," Sheng Li said.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I have seen her in the market a few times," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "That''s good to hear," Sheng Li replied and looked at Wang Hao.


    "Don''t sulk, Wang Hao. Here drink more and focus on your life first. Let Yin Na enjoy her life. She is only 18. She has to see many things around her," Sheng Li cheered up his mood and handed him the cup. Wang Hao hummed and took it from Sheng Li.


    "Do you know the name of the Prime Minister''s daughter?" Sheng Li asked Wang Hao.


    "No. I have heard it but I have forgotten about it," Wang Hao replied and looked into the wine.


    "It''s Ai Huian. I have heard that many marriage proposals areing for Miss Ai but she has no interest in them," Xiao Zhan stated.


    "You know many things, Xiao," Sheng Li praised him and then gazed back at Wang Hao. "She likes Wang Hao, that''s why she is refusing the proposals," Sheng Li stated.


    "The Emperor has told me earlier about it. Sadly, I had no idea about this," Wang Hao muttered and started to drink the wine. "Your Majesty, whileing here I saw Prince Shi Zhihao and Princess Bai Yaling in the Royal Garden. I think that they both will get together well," he asserted.


    Sheng Li was amused to hear that. Wang Hao should have talked about Ai Huian, instead, he started to talk about Bai Yaling. It was strange of him.


    "Prince Shi Zhihao has not confirmed whether he will marry Princess Bai or not. He wants to know her a little first and only then will he tell me what he wants," Sheng Li told them. "I also hope that Prince Shi agrees for this marriage," he added. He picked the jar and found it was empty.


    Upon seeing that, Xiao Zhan called a maidservant inside and ordered her to bring the wine jar.


    "Prince Shi shall agree for this marriage. Princess Bai is a nice woman," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li hummed.


    "Let''s see. Prince Shi has no problem that Princess Bai was once married. I do not know why he asked for time. He did not ask me many questions," Sheng Li proimed. The maidservant came inside and brought the wine jar in a tray. She ced it on the table and took away the emptied one.


    "Let me pour it, Your Majesty," Wang Hao offered. He almost picked the jar when another maidservant came inside.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Bai fainted while conversing with Prince Shi. The Royal Physician wants to see His Majesty," she informed Sheng Li with a panicked expression.


    "What?" Sheng Li was shocked to hear that. He stood up and so did the two Generals.


    "Where is the Royal Physician?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "In the chamber of Princess Bai, Your Majesty," the maidservant answered politely. They left drinking in the middle and left for Princess Bai''s chamber. Sheng Li found Prince Shi Zhihao outside the chamber, who bowed upon seeing him. He walked in while the two Generals stayed behind.


    The Royal Physician stood up from the stool upon seeing Sheng Li in the chamber.


    "What happened? Why did you want to see me?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Your Majesty, there is something that you must know," the Royal Physician informed Sheng Li, who skeptically looked at him. The expression on the Royal Physician was not pleasant.


    "Speak," Sheng Li said sternly.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Bai is one month pregnant," the Royal Physician said in a low voice and deeply lowered his head.


    "What? Are you sure?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I have examined Princess Bai carefully. She is one month pregnant," the Royal Physician confirmed to Sheng Li.


    "Hmm. Give extra care to Princess Bai. Employ more servants in her service. Also, what was the reason that she fainted?" Sheng Li asked the Royal Physician.


    "Your Majesty, the blood pressure dropped since Princess Bai was standing for a long time," he reasoned. Sheng Li nodded his head andmanded a maidservant to send a message to Consort Ju Fen that he wanted to meet her.


    "Bring her here and don''t tell anyone now," he said. The maidservant bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    After ten minutes, Ju Fen entered the chamber. Sheng Li greeted her first. Ju Fen looked at unconscious Bai Yaling and asked about it.


    "She is pregnant for a month," Sheng Li informed her. Ju Fen was delighted to hear that, but then she realized something and the smile disappeared from her lips.


    "Your Majesty, but she is going to marry soon," Ju Fen said. "I don''t think that any man would ept--" Ju Fen paused as she saw Sheng Li was ring at her.


    She lowered her eyes. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I am only saying that Princess Bai will no longer be alone as she is carrying the child of my son," Ju Fen said with a smile and tears formed in her eyes.


    "This is something I don''t want to hear from you. Don''t even try to say this. It will give her more stress," Sheng Li stated. Ju Fen did not like the way Sheng Li talked to her, but she did not say anything.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," she said. However, in her head, Ju Fen had thought that she would not let marry Bai Yaling to Prince Shi Zhihao.


    ~~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


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 Chapter 630 - A Sweet Feeling

    <h4>Chapter 630 - A Sweet Feeling</h4>


    Sheng Li came out of the chamber. "How is the Princess?" Shi Zhihao asked her.


    "Prince Shi, please follow me to my private chamber. I need to talk to you about something important," Sheng Li asserted and walked ahead. Shi Zhihao followed the Emperor while Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan followed them.


    The maidservant had already cleaned the table, and seeing the Emperor, she bowed.


    "Leave," Sheng Limanded her.


    Shi Zhihao and the two Generals stopped behind Sheng Li, who sat on the chaise.


    "What happened, Your Majesty?" Shi Zhihao asked Sheng Li.


    "I will not hide anything from Prince Shi. Princess Bai Yaling is pregnant with the child of myte second brother," Sheng Li informed him.


    Shi Zhihao was shocked to hear it. He did not know what to say at this time. Seeing him silent, Sheng Li understood that he was bewildered to hear this news.


    "Xiao, escort the Prince to his chamber," Sheng Limanded him. He came forward and took Shi Zhihao with him. Wang Hao stepped up and asked Sheng Li what he was thinking.


    "Princess Bai is pregnant with the child of herte husband. Do you know what it means? Consort Ju Fen will never let her marry now. Even earlier, she was iming her right over the child of Princess Bai," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Prince Shi will marry her, I feel, Your Majesty. Also, Consort Ju Fen cannot defy the order of the former Emperor," Wang Hao argued.


    "Now, it''s up to Princess Bai Yaling whether she wants to marry or not. I cannot force her in any way," Sheng Li asserted. "You shall go home. Meet the daughter of the Prime Minister tomorrow and get married soon. Your father will be happy," he advised him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. It was fun today. Thank you for taking out the time for this," Wang Hao stated. Sheng Li hummed. Wang Hao left the chamber while Sheng Li left for his chamber.


    He reached his chamber. "Your Majesty, the Empress is still sleeping," Xing-Fu informed him, who was outside the chamber.


    "What about the Court Ladies?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "They are inside, Your Majesty," replied Xing-Fu.


    Sheng Li stepped in and told the Court Ladies to leave them alone. Both the Courtdies and a few maidservants walked out of the chamber. Sheng Li gently pushed away the curtains which were hanging around the bedpost and sat down on the mattress. He stroked the hair of Ying Lili and kissed her on the middle of her forehead.


    He leaned back and sat straight. His eyes fell on her hands which rested on her belly. He put his hands on them and caressed them. He admired her internally. His heartbeats started to rise, and his lips moved up into a smile. "The Mid-Autumn Festival is near. I have nned something for you. I know that you will like it," Sheng Li told her and brought her one hand closer to his mouth. He kissed her knuckles and rested her hand back on her belly.


    He moved away and got down from the bed. Looking at the table, he saw a painting of them. He picked the sheet and moved his hand over it. "How could she picture so beautifully? She is perfect in everything," he murmured and smiled upon looking at the painting. Ying Lili had diverted her attention to painting and music at this time.


    He put the sheet down. He saw that the sheets, the paintbrush, and colors were still on the bed. He looked back and found that Ying Lili was still sleeping. Pulling a chair out, he picked the brush and started to paint on the other sheet.


    Sheng Li thought to copy the exact same painting that Ying Lili had drawn. He dipped the brush a little in the ck paint and applied a few strokes on the sheet. After fifteen minutes, he checked it and found that he ended up ruining Ying Lili''s face. He put his hand on his nape and let out a sigh. Crumbling the sheet, he threw it on the floor. "I will try one more time," he murmured and got focused on it.


    Ying Lili awoke from sleep and found Sheng Li on the chair. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. Moving the nket away, she put her feet down on the floor and walked to him. She stood behind Sheng Li and smiled upon seeing the way he was drawing.


    "Ahh, it''s so tough. It is tougher than going to war," Sheng Li murmured as he put the brush down. "I cannot ck off. What if my kids ask me to paint? I cannot tell them that I do not know how to paint. When I can master archery in six months, then I can master in art too," Sheng Li told himself and again picked the brush. He was going to make eyes when Ying Lili grabbed his hand.


    "Lili," he whispered her name.


    "Then I will tell our kids that their father is good at other things. It is not necessary to be perfect in everything," Ying Lili told him. She took the brush from him and kept it on the brush stand.


    "But I want to learn, Lili. I feel that art is the best way to express your love, your feelings for particr things. Look at the painting made by you. I can feel the energy in it. It makes my heart race. The way you are looking at me and the way I am looking at you. This bright moonlight, this dark sky where you first asked me to let you love me. A painting makes you remember those moments which we forget as time passes. Even the smallest moment with your loved ones gets revived upon seeing such a painting," Sheng Li exined to her and gently pulled her down so that she would sit on hisp.


    "You shall not tire yourself," he said worriedly and ran the back of his pointer finger down her nose.


    "But I am not tired," she said.


    "You need to be careful," Sheng Li stated.


    "You are more caring towards me than I am towards me," Ying Lili said and moved her hands behind his neck. She locked them and tilted her head.


    "I have to be. Nine months is very crucial for you and our twins," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I know. I have started to be careful," Ying Lili told him and kissed his cheek. She touched her nose with his and smiled.


    "I am eagerly waiting for them," Ying Lili said and hugged him tightly. "Sheng Li, I am so excited to see them. It is such a sweet feeling," she murmured. Sheng Li rested his hand on her back and drew her close.


    They stayed in that position, for a while before Ying Lili gradually pulled away. She stood up, and so did Sheng Li.


    "Lili, Princess Bai Yaling is pregnant. Earlier she fainted while conversing with Prince Shi Zhihao," Sheng Li informed her.


    "Then?"


    "I do not know whether Prince Shi will agree to marry her or not," Sheng Li expressed his concern over that matter.


    "Consort Ju will not let her marry. She will im the rights to the child of Princess Bai Yaling," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili knitted her brows.


    "She is no one to decide on the life of Princess Bai. Also, why will she im her right over the child of Sister Bai? I will not let this happen. Sheng Li, I want to meet the Princess.. Take me there," Ying Lili requested him.

 Chapter 631 - Not Want To Marry

    <h4>Chapter 631 - Not Want To Marry</h4>


    "Mother-inw, why did youe here? I did not intend to disturb you," Bai Yaling said and lowered her eyes.


    "You are my daughter-inw. Of course, if any such thing happens to you, then I shalle to you," she said and caressed her hair. Bai Yaling found it awkward because Ju Fen hardly behaved this nicely with her.


    "Prince Shi brought you here when you fainted in the royal garden," Ju Fen stated.


    "Oh. I need to thank him, then," she replied.


    "There is a piece of good news, Princess Bai," Ju Fen said and passed a tiny smile to her.


    "What is it, Mother?" She asked.


    "Princess Bai is pregnant," Ju Fen told her.


    The smile disappeared from the lips of Bai Yaling. Ju Fen got confused seeing this reaction of Bai Yaling. "What happened, Princess Bai?" She asked. "You don''t seem to be happy. You are with the child of myte son. Isn''t it such a piece of great news?" She asked her with a smile.


    "I do not know, Mother," Bai Yaling answered.


    "What do you mean, Princess Bai? It is your and my son''s child. He left such a beautiful thing behind for you. Is Princess Bai thinking of marrying another man forgetting the love of herte husband?" Ju Fen questioned her.


    "Love?" She mumbled.


    "Hmm." "You don''t need to marry Princess Bai. You are carrying the heir of the Han Empire. You are no longer alone, but with the child of my son," Ju Fen suggested to her.


    Bai Yaling dazedly peered at her.


    "The main reason because of which the Emperor wanted you to marry was your aloofness. However, now you are bearing the child of myte son. You will no longer be alone because soon you will give birth to this child," Ju Fen made her understand. "You are carrying the blood of Yongzheng," she stated.


    "But Prince Shi Zhihao is interested in me, Mother. Also, I feel that--"


    Before she couldplete her words, Ju Fen shut her up. "Are you out of your mind, Princess Bai? You are with the child of my son. How could you think of marrying another man when you are blessed with such a precious thing from yourte husband," Ju Feb scolded Bai Yaling.


    "Forgive me, Mother. I didn''t want to anger you," she stated and lowered her eyes.


    Ju Fen cupped the face of Bai Yaling in her palms and said, "Princess Bai, do you think that Prince Shi will now ept you as his wife? People will not ept this. Also, you are carrying the Royal blood of the Han Family. Even your new inws will not ept this." Ju Fen tried to convince her. She put her hands down and told Bai Yaling to not act naively.


    "Mother, I know that my child will carry the Royal blood of Han but you also know that it was never out of love. Also, Prince Shi is a nice man. Earlier when we both conversed, he told me that he doesn''t care about my past life and wants to hold me," Bai Yaling told Ju Fen with a smile.


    "But Princess Bai, he did not know about your pregnancy. In fact, no one knew. Now, he knows so I do not think that he will agree to marry you. Even his parents will not want a woman who already has a child," Ju Fen asserted.


    "But--" Bai Yaling paused as tears formed in her eyes. Her mind could not be able to decide what was good or bad for her.


    "Princess Bai shall think about the people too. Let''s suppose that Prince Shi Zhihao agrees to marry you. But what about the people around you? If you try to go for a new marriage, then many will question the Han Family. The Ministers may try to rebel. Unsteadiness might ur and Ministers try to punish you along with this child," Ju Fen started to fill the mind of Bai Yaling with various thoughts which she did not even imagine.


    "Princess Bai will not like to ruin the family name," Ju Fen asserted. "That''s why you shall not marry and refuse for this marriage. I know that it is tough to survive without a husband but you have a new blessing now. Your child," She stressed thest words. "Your child will fill the gap in your aloof life, Princess Bai," she stated.


    Oppositely, Sheng Li, upon the request of Ying Lili, took her to the chamber of Princess Bai Yaling. Upon hearing that the Emperor and the Empress were visiting her, she got down from the bed while Consort Ju Fen stood by her side.


    The doors of the chamber were opened. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili entered the chamber. Bai Yaling and Ju Fen bowed upon seeing them.


    Ying Lili walked towards Bai Yaling and hugged her tightly. "Sister Bai shall rest," she said as she pulled away from the hug. "I heard about your pregnancy, Sister Bai. Congrattions on this," Ying Lili stated and made Bai Yaling sit on the mattress.


    "The Empress did not need toe here. She is also pregnant and needs to take care of herself," Ju Fen said.


    Ying Lili turned her gaze towards her. "Thank you for your concern, but I have toe," she asserted.


    "Your Majesty, I want to make a request," Bai Yaling said out of the blue. Both Sheng Li and Ying Lili looked at her.


    "Speak." Sheng Li stepped up.


    "I am grateful that the Emperor made so much effort for my marriage," Bai Yaling said. Ying Lili turned and looked at Sheng Li.


    "What does Princess Bai want to say? Please rify," Sheng Li told her.


    "Your Majesty, I do not want to marry," Bai Yaling answered, shocking both Sheng Li and Ying Lili.. On the other hand, Ju Fen smiled because this was what she wanted.

 Chapter 632 - Throw Into The Cold Palace

    <h4>Chapter 632 - Throw Into The Cold Pce</h4>


    "Consort Ju Fen shall leave," Sheng Limanded her.


    "But, Your Majesty, my daughter-inw needs me. I am afraid, but I cannot leave," Ju Fen refused to leave, making Sheng Li angry.


    "Are you defying the orders of the Emperor?" He questioned her. "No one is allowed to enter this chamber without my permission and I deny the permission to you," Sheng Li said menacingly. Ju Fen lowered his eyes and looked at Bai Yaling. She turned and left the chamber.


    Once she left, Ying Lili sat down beside Bai Yaling and asked her, "Why Sister Bai does not want to marry?"


    "Because I am pregnant with the child of myte husband. It will be considered evil if I go for another marriage. Also, in the future, people will only point fingers at me and my child," Bai Yaling answered. "Your Majesty, I shall remain loyal to myte husband," she stated.


    "What about Prince Shi Zhihao? He came here just to meet you. He is interested in you, Sister Bai. Don''t you think that you are making a decision in a hurry," Ying Lili tried to make her understand.


    "I don''t think that I shall marry Prince Shi Zhihao. Forgive me for creating so many troubles for the Emperor and the Empress," Bai Yaling stated.


    Sheng Li intervened this time. "What did Consort Ju tell you?" He asked her straightforwardly, without beating around the bush. "I expect the truth only," he warned her.


    "Your Majesty, mother did not say anything to me. She personally wanted me to get married. However, after knowing about my pregnancy, I made this decision. I don''t think I shall marry. I don''t want to be called a disloyal woman," Bai Yaling pronounced.


    "You are not a disloyal woman, Sister Bai. It will be good for you and your uing child to have someone. Also, Prince Yongzheng never respected you. So, why are you sacrificing your happiness and the happiness which your child will experience in the future? Prince Shi Zhihao might get hurt if Princess Bai refuses this marriage. Though he has not given his answer, we all know that he is here to marry you else he would not have epted the invitation regarding this matter," Ying Lili exined to Bai Yaling.


    "We want the best for Princess Bai. You shall not make a decision in a haste," Sheng Li advised her.


    "Your Majesty, I do not want anyone to point fingers at the Royal Family by going for this marriage. Also, the family of Prince Shi Zhihao might get disdainful remarks because of me," Bai Yaling affirmed.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili understood that Ju Fen filled her ears.


    "It is my order to you not to refuse this marriage. Prince Shi Zhihao will tomorrow talk to me about you and him. Also, Princess Bai shall not take stress at this time. Two special courtdies are employed in your service from today. Keep a healthy diet and take care of yourself," Sheng Li stated. Ying Lili agreed with his words.


    "Sister Bai, you shall not think so much about anyone else except you and your child," Ying Lili asserted. "You have full rights to live happily," she added.


    "Princess Bai, do not listen to Consort Ju Fen''s words. She might not want you to get married because she thinks it''s the child of her son. However, she has forgotten that it is your child. My order is supreme here and you cannot defy me either. I want your best," Sheng Li affirmed. He had to say this because he knew that Bai Yaling would go for her elders'' words.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Bai Yaling said, who was surprised to find that Sheng Li had already found out.


    "Consort Ju Fen earlier too wanted you to walk on the path of being a virtuous widow. Don''t expect her to want your happiness. Her only focus is your child," Sheng Li stated. His tone had a little anger.


    "Sheng Li, calm down," Ying Lili told him.


    "I am calm, Lili," Sheng Li told her. "I am talking as the Emperor. Also, Princess Bai has told me that she wants to be happy. You want to be loved and get into your older self. Don''t get into anyone''s words and just enjoy your present self. I could not save your husband but it does not mean that I will not do anything for your good."


    Bai Yaling was touched by the words of Sheng Li. People were wrong about him. He was not heartless. He thought for his people and did work for them. Just because he was a little harsher sometimes, he was called a cruel person. This myth left the mind of Bai Yaling.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will wait for the response of Prince Shi Zhihao," Bai Yaling said humbly. Ying Lili smiled and told her that she made a good decision.


    "We shall take our leave. Have your dinner on time and don''t worry anymore. The Emperor and the Empress are here to handle everything," Sheng Li assured her. Ying Lili liked the way Sheng Li persuaded Bai Yaling. It was a great change in him. She stood up and stood beside Sheng Li.


    Bai Yaling and bowed. "Sister Bai, please don''t do that," Ying Lili stated. Bai Yaling nodded her head and stayed in a standing position until they both left. The two Court Ladies and several maidservants came inside.


    "Princess Bai, I am Court Lady Dai and this is Court Lady Ning. From today we two will take care of Princess Bai," Court Lady Dai told her.


    Outside the chamber, Sheng Li and Ying Lili encountered Ju Fen.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, escort the Empress to the chamber. I will be back soon," Sheng Li ordered him. Ying Lili left with Xing-Fu followed by her personal servants.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Bai is carrying the Royal Blood of Han. You cannot let my daughter-inw marry another man. She is carrying the child of my son," Ju Fen stated.


    "So, Consort Ju is indeed questioning my decision? Your son was a traitor. You do not have to pronounce it so proudly when we both know hemitted treason," Sheng Li reminded her. Ju Fen felt bad upon hearing this.


    "I warned you earlier too and am warning you again," Sheng Li took a step towards her and said, "don''t encourage me throw you into the Cold Pce."

 Chapter 633 - It Is Huo Jin

    <h4>Chapter 633 - It Is Huo Jin</h4>


    Consort Ju Fen lowered her eyes as she was terrified to hear that. "Did you forget that I am the same Sheng Li whom you wanted to kill so desperately?" He arched his brow up.


    "Your son would have been alive if you had not brainwashed him for the throne. Yourte husband wanted Princess Bai Yaling to get married. He got sick because all of his consorts never cared for him and made their sons fight amongst each other. At least, don''t hurt his soul when he is no more," Sheng Li told her.


    "But what about my son''s child?" Her eyes filled with tears. "At least I can hold my grandchild and see myte son in him," Ju Fen proimed as tears poured down her cheeks.


    "Consort Ju Fen, you really don''t care about your daughter-inw," Sheng Li chuckled. "And you don''t think of other Princes as your sons. You are still the same. You did not change a bit even after losing your son. Do you have any idea what your son did to Princess Bai? He beat her up. He gave her the mental and physical pain yet you are shedding tears for him," Sheng Li got annoyed at her.


    "I am a mother, Your Majesty. For me, there''s no fault in my son. A man can treat his woman however he wants to," She confronted him.


    "Did your husband ever treat you that way?" Sheng Li questioned her. "You have such a sick mentality, Consort Ju. You are not allowed to step into the Eastern Pce. It is mymand. If I find out that you tried toe here, I won''t take even a second to throw you into the cold pce. Feel yourself lucky that I have not done this till now because of myte father," Sheng Li threatened her and clenched his fists.


    "Now, you may leave," Sheng Li told her.


    Consort Ju Fen bowed and left to her chamber. Sheng Li tilted his head and his Royal Bodyguard came forward. "Keep an eye on Consort Ju. Inform me if she makes any move," Sheng Li ordered him. He bowed and went behind Consort Ju Fen.


    Sheng Li took the walkway towards the Northern Pce when he encountered Lei Wanxi, who wasing from the front. He was delighted to see him and came towards him.


    "Brother Sheng, you here?" He asked him.


    "Hmm. Where are youing from?" Sheng Li asked him. "How is the work at the office?"


    "It is fun, Brother Sheng. I was with Brother Nianzu. Can Brother Sheng spare me a few minutes? If he has important work, then I won''t stop him," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li queried him. Lei Wanxi took Sheng Li towards the pavilion. He then started to speak.


    "Brother Sheng, Huo Jin has started to write the poems in the memory of Xinyue," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li with a bewildered expression looked at him.


    "I saw himing from the hill behind this Pce. Brother Sheng, don''t you think Huo Jin shall move on?" He asked him.


    Sheng Li found it strange because earlier Wang Hao and Xiao Zhan were talking about the same. "Did you meet the Generals?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "No," Lei Wanxi replied. "Why did Brother Sheng ask?" He asked him confusedly.


    "Because the Generals were talking about the same. I thought you talked to them," Sheng Li answered.


    "Then, what did they say? Do the Generals also feel the same? Brother Sheng, we shall do something for Huo Jin. Even Brother Nianzu feels the same," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "What do you mean? rify," stated Sheng Li.


    "Huo Jin is a nice man and he shall not waste his precious life thinking over Xinyue. Brother Sheng, shall I find a matchmaker for him?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "You don''t need to do that," Sheng Li affirmed. "Focus on your life instead of looking into others," he told him.


    "Why, Brother Sheng? Don''t you want Huo Jin to be happy? He did so much for us. We also should do something for him," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Sheng Li knitted his brows and said, "Huo Jin does not want to move on. I will exin to you some other day. Lili is waiting for me. So, I need to leave."


    "Yes, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi bowed while Sheng Li left for the Northern Pce.


    ~~~~~


    Wang Hao, after dining with his father met Yin Na. He found that she was doing some needlework. "Did I disturb you?" Wang Hao asked her when Yin Na inserted the needle in the piece of cloth.


    Wang Hao sat on the cushion in front of her. "Brother Wang hardlyes at this hour," Yin Na said.


    "Yes. The other days, I used to be mostly busy with Pce works," Wang Hao replied.


    "Brother Wang will soon get married. Then, a lovely sister-inw will enter this house," Yin Na said with a bright smile on her lips.


    "Yes. I will meet Miss Ai Huian tomorrow," Wang Hao informed her.


    "That''s great," Yin Na replied.


    "Yin Na, do you like someone?" Wang Hao asked.


    The smile from Yin Na''s lips disappeared and she skeptically nced at him.


    "Don''t take it the other way. Father earlier was talking about your marriage too. I thought to ask you first. Maybe there is someone whom you like. Father sees histe daughter in you. You know that a Father is more concerned about the marriage of a daughter than a son," Wang Hao stated.


    "Brother Wang, there is someone whom I have started to like. But I do not know if it is appropriate for someone like me to even think about him," Yin Na said finally.


    Wang Hao was delighted to hear that but thest statement of Yin Na hurt him. "What do you mean by someone like you?" Wang Hao asked her. "I told you numerous times that your past has nothing to do with your present. Also, whoever will marry you will be a lucky man," Wang Hao cheered up her mood.


    Yin Na smiled and thanked him for thinking so much about her.


    "So, who is the person whom you like?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "Brother, it is Huo Jin," Yin Na answered to him.

 Chapter 634 - Living A Sad Life

    <h4>Chapter 634 - Living A Sad Life</h4>


    Wang Hao was delighted to hear when Yin Na told him about her feelings towards Huo Jin. "But Brother Wang, I don''t think that Huo Jin feels the same." Wang Hao furrowed his brows together.


    "He has someone in his heart. He told me that the woman he loved is no more, but he loves her," Yin Na stated.


    "Did you tell him his feelings?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "No," Yin Na instantly shook her head. "He would have rejected my feelings right away," she said and lowered her eyes.


    "Why do you like Huo Jin? You don''t usually get close to men," Wang Hao asked her.


    "Brother Wang, it''s because of his calmness and also the way he shows care towards me. In thest week, when Brother Wang was not here, Huo Jin cared meticulously for me. Brother Wang knows that how men treated me all these years. The time when I was in the Brothel House, the men only needed one thing from me.


    However, Huo Jin is different. I got attracted to him because of many reasons. It might take an entire night to exin," asserted Yin Na.


    "Your brother will talk to Huo Jin," Wang Hao stated.


    "No, Brother Wang. I request you not to do that," Yin Na urged him.


    "Why? You like him," Wang Hao was perplexed to hear his sister.


    "Because he dearly loves the woman who''s no more. Also, I want to confess my feelings to him one day, but after gaining his trust. I feel that Huo Jin needs to be loved. When I heard how abusive his previous master was, I felt that my life was still better. At least, I never got beaten up. I want to take gradual steps towards Huo Jin. Your sister can take care of this. Brother Wang shall worry about him. Tomorrow is a big day for him," Yin Na stated and smiled.


    "Yin Na has indeed grown up. Okay. I will not intervene in this matter. However, if you need any kind of help, do tell me," Wang Hao stated. He raised his hand and started to caress her head.


    "Yes, Brother Wang," Yin Na answered. "Brother, I heard that the daughter of the Prime Minister has been interested in you for a long time. Because you were in wars and other political affairs, she could never get a chance to meet. She must love you dearly that she waited this long for you," Yin Na said and smiled. Wang Hao pulled his hand back.


    "I never was aware of that. Even the Emperor said the same," Wang Hao replied.


    "Huo Jin once took me to the famous restaurant in the market for lunch. While we were having lunch, I heard the conversation of a few women from the noble ss. They were conversing about the two Generals of Han¨C Brother Xiao and you. Many women are desperate to marry you, but they said that Brother Wang will marry the Prime Minister''s daughter," Yin Na said.


    "Let''s see. I need to meet her first. After that, I will see," Wang Hao said.


    "Does Brother Wang not want to marry her? Father will get sad if he hears this," Yin Na deduced.


    "I will marry, but only after meeting her. I need to see if our thoughts match," Wang Hao stated.


    "What if they don''t? Will Brother Wang refuse? But she loves you. It will hurt her," Yin Na proimed.


    "It''s better than living a sad life," Wang Hao affirmed.


    Yin Na nodded her head.


    Wang Hao stood up and told her to sleep. "Yes, Brother. You shall also sleep. Take a good rest," she said with a smile. Wang Hao smiled back and walked out of her room.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin closed the notebook and put the brush in the brush stand. He prepared to sleep when he heard the servant, "Young Master is entering." Huo Jin put the notebook down on the table and stood up. He bowed before him.


    "You don''t need to do such formalities," Wang Hao told him and sat down on the cushion. Huo Jin also sat down and asked about his sudden visit.


    "I was unable to sleep, so I thought to converse with you for some time. Are you sleepy? If it is so, I will leave," Wang Hao affirmed.


    "I am not sleepy, General Wang," Huo Jin answered. Wang Hao''s eyes fell on the notebook on the desk, so he asked about it.


    "It''s nothing, General Wang," Huo Jin replied and put the notebook inside the drawer. He then passed a smile to Wang Hao.


    "Is there something that General Wang wants to say to me?" Huo Jin asked him. "Is worried about his sister? About her marriage? I feel that she should enjoy her life a little more. It has not been long since she left her past life," Huo Jin asserted.


    "Yes, you are right," Wang Hao stated. "Thank you for taking good care of Yin Na behind my back. She hardly trusts men but around you she isfortable," Wang Hao proimed.


    "It was my duty, General Wang. You do not need to thank me," Huo Jin said. "General Wang, how is the Emperor doing? It has been a long time since Ist met him. Does he miss me?" Huo Jin asked, out of the blue.


    "The Emperor is immersed in the Empire''s work and after the pregnancy of the Empress, he got busier. He is doing well. You shall go to the Pce and meet him yourself," Wang Hao advised him.


    "I angered the Emperor thest time I went to the Pce. I told Empress Dowager''s truth to Prince Nianzu. I am a little scared to face the Emperor. I do not know whether he has forgiven me or not," Huo Jin asserted.


    "Don''t take the words of the Emperor to your heart. He is not angry at you anymore. Visit the Emperor tomorrow. He will feel good. The Emperor trusts you that''s why he still considers you as the first choice for spying works," Wang Hao affirmed.


    "Then, that''s great. I will visit the Emperor tomorrow. Two days ago, I saw him visiting Hu Jingguo''s grave. His Majesty must be missing him," Huo Jin said.


    Wang Hao hummed. He wanted to talk about his sister to him but remained quiet as Yin Na had told her. "I shall leave. Sleep tight," Wang Hao said and stood up.. He left the chamber while Huo Jin wondered why Wang Hao visited him out of a sudden.

 Chapter 635 - A Traitors Child

    <h4>Chapter 635 - A Traitor''s Child</h4>


    Sheng Li came to the office of the Emperor with Xing-Fu after hearing on a few matters in the court.


    "Your Majesty, the Prince wants to see you. He hade earlier too, but at that time, His Majesty was in the Court," Xing-Fu humbly requested him.


    Sheng Li rested on the throne and told Xing-Fu to bring Prince Shi Zhihao to the chamber. After a while, Shi Zhihao entered and greeted him. He took his seat on a chaise upon the request of Sheng Li.


    "Why did Prince Zhihao demand to see me at this hour?" Sheng Li asked curiously.


    "Your Majesty, I thought that it would be best if I share with you my thoughts as early as possible," Shi Zhihao replied. "Could you please allow Princess Bai toe here? I want to say something in front of you both." He made a request.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "Eunuch Xing-Fu, send a message to Princess Bai Yaling toe here," he ordered. Xing-Fu stepped back gradually and soon disappeared.


    "Prince Shi, do you have a change of thoughts?" Sheng Li with skepticism asked.


    "Your Majesty, I will convey my thoughts in the presence of Princess Bai Yaling," Shi Zhihao answered. Sheng Li hummed and looked towards the door.


    After waiting for ten minutes, Princess Bai Yaling entered the chamber with Court Lady Dai. She greeted both the Emperor and Prince Shi.


    "Princess Bai, please take the seat," Sheng Li told her and she sat down on the chaise that was facing Shi Zhihao, who turned his gaze towards the Emperor.


    "Prince Shi wants to talk to us regarding the matter of your marriage, Princess Bai," Sheng Li stated. Bai Yaling nodded her head and looked at Shi Zhihao, who finally had turned his gaze towards her.


    "Princess Bai is a nice woman with a calm demeanor and humble nature. It is easy to get along with her," Shi Zhihao initiated the conversation. Bai Yaling smiled upon hearing those words. "While I conversed with her, I found the truthfulness and honesty in her which every man will like in a woman. She is a beautiful woman too," he stated and paused.


    Sheng Li was delighted to hear that. "So, Prince Shi wants to go forward with this marriage. I am d that Prince Shi respected the words of myte father and has agreed--"


    Before Sheng Li couldplete his words, Shi Zhihao intervened thus stopping him from speaking.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I was not going to say that."


    The smile from Sheng Li''s lips disappeared. Bai Yaling''s heart started to race because, at that time, numerous bad thoughts rushed into her mind.


    "What did Prince Shi mean by that?" Sheng Li asked him.


    Shi Zhihao stood up and extended his hands out. Giving a fist and palm bow, Shi Zhihao said, "I am afraid, Your Majesty. I cannot marry Princess Bai Yaling. I do not want to marry her."


    "Prince Shi!" Sheng Li raised his voice. He clenched his fist to hold his anger.


    "His Majesty has said that my decision will matter. After putting a thought on this, I found that despite possessing the good qualities, Princess Bai Yaling is not the woman who can be my wife. She should remain loyal to herte husband," Shi Zhihao pronounced.


    "Shi Zhihao!" Sheng Li shouted his name and stood up, mming his hands on the desk. "How dare you say whom Princess Bai should remain loyal to? I did not allow you to make such a remark towards the Princess of Han," Sheng Li turned furious.


    Shi Zhihao knelt on his knees and asked for forgiveness. Bai Yaling started to cry and she clutched her dress tightly.


    "Your Majesty, forgive me for making such a remark. However, it''s the truth. Princess Bai is pregnant with the child of herte husband. Who would like to marry Princess Bai in this state?" Shi Zhihao questioned Sheng Li.


    Bai Yaling widened her eyes because she had not expected this from Shi Zhihao.


    "Xing-Fu, give me my sword! I will behead him right away," Sheng Li''s voice roared in the chamber, terrifying them.


    Shi Zhihao did not know that Sheng Li would get angry. Xing-Fu immediately got on his knees and begged the Emperor to calm down. Sheng Li got down the stairs and came towards Shi Zhihao. He wanted to kick him out, but then Bai Yaling requested him to not do anything.


    "Your Majesty, I ept the decision of Prince Shi. Please do not punish him. He only said what he felt," Bai Yaling lowered her head.


    "Prince Shi should not have to insult Princess Bai this way. I had not expected this from him," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Shi Zhihao stated.


    "Get lost from my eyes. Because Princess Bai stopped me, that''s why you are alive today. If you ever show me your face, then that will be yourst day," Sheng Li ordered him. "Xing-Fu, send back the Prince to his ce," hemanded him.


    Shi Zhihao thanked Sheng Li for showing mercy. He stood up and left the chamber. Bai Yaling wiped the tears from her eyes and thanked the Emperor for listening to her request.


    "Court Lady Dai, take back Princess Bai to her chamber," Sheng Limanded her, who came forward and took Bai Yaling to her chamber.


    "Did consort Ju Fen meet Prince Shi? If it is so, then this is herst day in this Pce," Sheng Li muttered and called in a servant. He ordered him to bring Consort Ju Fen there. Seeing the anger on Sheng Li''s face, the servant got intimidated. He left the chamber to fetch Ju Fen.


    Oppositely, Bai Yaling talked face to face with Shi Zhihao.


    "Why did Prince Shi earlier say that he has no problem with my past? I want to know because I started to like you as a person," Bai Yaling truthfully told him.


    "Forgive me for hurting you. I had no such intention, Princess Bai. However, you are pregnant with the child of yourte husband. I don''t think in this state, we shall marry because I won''t be able to ept that child ever. I think that no man will ever ept this child. It is because the child will be called a traitor''s child," Shi Zhihao pronounced.


    More tears formed in Bai Yaling''s eyes. She felt immense pain in her heart upon hearing those words. Prince Shi Zhihao took his leave as he thought staying in the Pce for long would only bring doom to him.


    "My child is not a traitor," Bai Yaling said as she started to cry profusely.. Court Lady Dai told Bai Yaling to calm down but it was in vain.

 Chapter 636 - Marry A Woman With A Child

    <h4>Chapter 636 - Marry A Woman With A Child</h4>


    Wang Hao left for the Prime Minister''s house with his father. After having a conversation with the Prime Minister, General Wang went towards the garden of the residence where Ai Huian was waiting for him.


    He watched her back and found her standing in front of the small pavilion of the garden. Walking near her, he said, "Forgive me, Miss Ai Huian, for making you wait."


    Ai Huian turned towards him and bowed. "Greetings to General Wang," she said in her soft tone. Wang Hao bowed in her respect as well. They both lifted their respective heads.


    "I am d that General Wang agreed to this marriage. I have been waiting for him to converse with me for a long time," Ai Huian stated.


    "Miss Ai Huian, I am d that you waited for me for such a long time," asserted Wang Hao.


    Ai Huian suggested to him that they must sit inside the pavilion and converse more. Wang Hao nodded his head and followed her to the pavilion. Sitting around the floor desk, Ai Huian asked a servant to bring tea for them.


    The servant brought it and ced the tray on the table. Ai Huian dismissed her and served the tea to Wang Hao. "Chrysanthemum is the flower of autumn, General Wang. So, I thought that this tea would be best for today," she said as she forwarded the teacup to General Wang.


    "Miss Ai Huian is absolutely right. Chrysanthemum is my favorite flower, so is the tea," Wang Hao ended up telling her. She smiled a little and poured the tea into her cup. They both started to drink tea while conversing more.


    "I heard from my Father that Miss Ai did not ept marriage proposals as she adores me. I was astonished to hear it because I never met you in person," Wang Hao said curiously.


    "It isn''t necessary to meet in person to fall in love with someone. His heroic acts were enough to sway my heart for him. Also, I have seen General Wang many times. It is just that General Wang never looked at any woman. It might be because he was too busy serving the Emperor," Ai Huian pronounced. Wang Hao was amused to hear such an exnation from Ai Huian. She was different from the girls he usually had heard of. She was mature and calm.


    Wang Hao sipped the tea silently.


    "Does General Wang have a sister?" Ai Huian asked, out of the blue. "However, my Father told me that his sister passed away a long time ago," she said. "Forgive me if I sounded rude. I was a little curious because I saw a girl in the market iming that she''s your sister," asserted Ai Huian.


    "Indeed, I have a sister. Her name is Yin Na," Wang Hao replied and smiled. "You might have probably seen her in the market," he asserted.


    "Oh. Yin Na is a beautiful name," Ai Huian said and wore a tiny smile on her lips.


    "Indeed," Wang Hao answered.


    "I will bring lunch for General Wang tomorrow. If General Wang nods for it, I will be d," Ai Huian requested to him.


    "Of course, Miss Ai can," Wang Hao replied. They both conversed with each other till the teapot got emptied. Wang Hao stood up from the cushion first and Ai Huian followed him. She thanked him for having a tea session with her.


    "It was indeed great," Wang Hao said. "Then, I shall take my leave. Father must be waiting for me," he affirmed.


    "Yes, General Wang," Ai Huian bowed in front of him. Wang Hao did the same and soon left the pavilion.


    He arrived at the main house courtyard where his father and the Prime Minister were waiting for him. He walked to them and bowed. "Miss Ai and I had tea earlier. It was a nice conversation," Wang Hao informed them, who were delighted to hear that.


    "Then we shall proceed with this rtionship. Let''s talk with the Astrologer and find a betrothal ceremony," Wang Hao''s father told the Prime Minister, who dly epted it. Wang Hao did not refuse his father this time because he wanted to make him happy. Also, he found Ai Huian a nice woman for his family.


    They soon left for their home. When they reached home, a soldier informed Wang Hao about the pce situation. Wang Hao informed his father that he had to urgently leave for the Pce and left on his horse.


    Reaching the Pce, he met Xiao Zhan and asked him about Prince Shi Zhihao.


    "Prince Shi said a few words to His Majesty that made him lose his temper. The Emperor is in anger while Princess Bai is not in a good state. I heard from Eunuch Chung that she''s refused to marry anyone," Xiao Zhan answered.


    "Is Prince Shi in the Pce?" Wang Hao asked.


    "He has left, General Wang. The Emperor was angry at him," Xiao Zhan replied.


    "When did he leave?" Wang Hao queried him.


    "Ten minutes ago," Xiao Zhan answered. "General Wang, let''s calm down the Emperor first. The Empress is not informed about all this as she will take stress," he asserted.


    "I will be back soon," Wang Hao said and hopped on his horse. He pulled the reins and soon vanished from the sight of Xiao Zhan. Wang Hao did not want it to end like this. He caught the convoy of Prince Shi Zhihao. As he halted the horse in front of the carriage, the chauffeur stopped it.


    "What happened?" Shi Zhihao shouted from inside and got out of the carriage with a sword in his hand. Seeing General Wang, he got confused. He wondered if the Emperor had sent his General to kill him.


    "I want to talk to Prince Shi. Can I have a few words with him?" Wang Hao asked. Shi Zhihao was stunned to hear that. He put back the sword inside the sheath and walked to him. They both went aside when Shi Zhihao asked him about this sudden action.


    "Apologies, if I scared you, Prince Shi. I came here to ask you why you step back from this marriage? I remember that you told me that you would like to marry Princess Bai after a small conversation," Wang Hao asserted.


    "I wanted to, General Wang, but then the sudden pregnancy news made me take this decision. The Empire knows Princess Bai''s husband and her child with him will only bring doom to me and my family," Shi Zhihao exined to Wang Hao, who was perplexed to hear that.


    "How could you say that?" Wang Hao questioned him.


    "General Wang, Prince Yongzheng was a traitor. What do you think his child would be? Also, I had never expected that Princess Bai would have a child with him. That child is a traitor''s child in everyone''s eyes. Just because the child has the blood of the Royal Family, people have kept mum," Shi Zhihao pronounced.


    "Did you tell this to the Emperor and Princess Bai?" Wang Hao asked him.


    "In front of the Emperor, I did not say much. He got furious at me. However, Princess Bai did ask me, so I remained truthful with her," Shi Zhihao answered.


    Wang Hao did not like the thoughts of Shi Zhihao. He could not get angry at him. "Prince Shi, I have known you for a long time, that''s why I will not say anything harsh to you. However, you are no one to say such a thing to Princess Bai Yaling''s child. The child has not evene to this world yet you are thinking this way. The Former Emperor told us that Prince Shi would be the best choice for Princess Bai. However, youe out to be the worst choice. You shall return," Wang Hao stated and stepped back.


    "General Wang, every man thinks this. It is not only me. Ask yourself. Would you marry a woman with a child?" Shi Zhihao questioned him. "No, right? Even if thete Prince Yongzheng had never adored her, but they had a sexual rtionship. She is pregnant with his child. I am afraid but this thing I can never ept. I had no problem marrying a widow, but a widow with a child is not eptable to me when the child is of a traitor," Shi Zhihao pronounced.


    Wang Hao clenched his fist. "Prince Shi shall leave," he red into his eyes. Shi Zhihao did not argue anymore and quickly walked to his carriage.. Wang Hao got on his horse and left for the Pce.

 Chapter 637 - An Emperor Never Apologizes

    <h4>Chapter 637 - An Emperor Never Apologizes</h4>


    Sheng Li red at Ju Fen as he took steps towards her. "I told you to Consort Dowager Ju not to do anything which will force me to throw you to the Cold Pce," Sheng Li said hoarsely.


    "Will the Emperor brief me on the matter and tell me what happened? After your orders, I did not go to Eastern Chamber," Ju Fen pronounced.


    "But Consort Dowager Ju went to meet Prince Shi Zhihao, didn''t she? Why does Consort Dowager want me to be a Cruel Emperor? Every time I try to pacify things between us, you ruin it. I know that you hate me, but at least think about Princess Bai Yaling and her child," Sheng Li said in a loud voice.


    Nianzu intervened and told him to calm down.


    "Your Majesty, I did not meet Prince Shi Zhihao. Why would I meet him?" Ju Fen queried Sheng Li. Her eyes filled with tears. "I might seem like a bad person because I lost my son. However, I do respect the choice of myte husband. After the Emperor reminded me of his wish, I had put a thought on it. I did not do anything this time. I did not meet Prince Shi Zhihao," Ju Fen pronounced.


    Nianzu bowed before Sheng Li. "Your Majesty, Consort Dowager Ju will never go against the orders of the Emperor. Please calm down a bit. Prince Shi Zhihao does not want to marry Princess Bai. It''s good that he truthfully expressed his thoughts," Nianzu calmly told him.


    Sheng Li was still suspicious of Ju Fen. He still had her words in mind that she wanted to keep Bai Yaling''s child. She did not want her to get married.


    "Think about the youngest Prince, Your Majesty. For him, his mother is most important at this time," Nianzu exined to Sheng Li, who agreed with him.


    "Consort Dowager Ju may leave," Sheng Li said. She thanked her for showing his grace to her. Ju Feb turned and left the chamber with her servants.


    "Brother Nianzu, I don''t trust the words of Consort Dowager Ju. I will keep an eye on her. If I find out that she has the hands in this, then you will not stop me," Sheng Li gazed at Nianzu. "It''s not a request but an order," He affirmed.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Nianzu answered and lifted his head. "However, if the suspicions of His Majesty go wrong, then he will apologize to Consort Dowager Ju," Nianzu said with a confident tone.


    "An Emperor never apologizes," Sheng Li answered.


    Nianzu chuckled to hear. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but you are a son before an Emperor. Did His Majesty not call himself as the son of every wife of ourte father?" Nianzu reminded him. "He needs to apologize to Consort Dowager Ju if he finds out that she was not behind all this," he asserted.


    "I understand, Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li replied. "Where is Brother Jian? He was absent from the court too. Is everything okay?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "He has gone out for some work. He will report to you by this evening," Nianzu replied.


    "Okay. I need to go to Lili. She does not eat lunch without me," Sheng Li asserted. Nianzu nodded his head and bowed. Sheng Li walked past him. Once the Emperor left, Nianzu left for his chamber.


    ~~~~


    Wang Hao returned to the Pce and visited the Emperor. Eunuch Xing-Fu informed him that Sheng Li had gone to have lunch with the Empress.


    "What about Princess Bai? How is she?" Wang Hao asked him.


    "Princess Bai is in her chamber," Xing-Fu answered him.


    Wang Hao nodded and thought to meet Bai Yaling once. He went to the Eastern Pce. Upon reaching there, he told one maidservant to inform Bai Yaling about his visit. She walked in and came out after a while.


    "Princess Bai said that she does not want to meet with anyone," the maidservant replied humbly.


    "Tell Princess Bai that General Wang has something to say to her," Wang Hao stated. "I am going in. It is important for me to converse with her," he said adamantly.


    "General Wang, I might get punished for letting you in," the maidservant said humbly. Wang Hao understood and stepped back.


    "Is she okay?" Wang Hao asked him.


    "Princess Bai has been crying for a long time. Earlier, the Princesses hade too to meet her, but she refused to meet any of them," the maidservant answered.


    "Isn''t this the time for her lunch?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "Yes, General Wang. Court Lady Dai was requesting her to take her food, but she refused. If she continues to do this, then I need to inform the Emperor," the maidservant stated.


    "What about the Empress Dowager and other Consort Dowagers?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "They have gone to the shrine to pray except Consort Dowager Ju, whose entry is prohibited in the Eastern Pce by the Emperor," the maidservant informed him. Wang Hao was stunned to hear that. Something big might have happened the previous night.


    After contemting for a while, Wang Hao said, "Let me go in. I will not let you get punished. Also, the Emperor is having lunch with the Empress, so it is not good to disturb them. This is themand of the General." He pressured the maidservant, who bowed and opened the doors for him.


    Wang Hao stepped in and heard the voices of the Court Ladies, who were silently hearing Bai Yaling. "I am not in a mood to eat. I request you to not give me stress. My life is already burdened. Nothing good has left in my life," Bai Yaling said with a gloomy expression.


    "Can I have a word with Princess Bai Yaling?" Wang Hao asked, astonishing them. He was standing behind the curtain of the door. Bai Yaling did not expect him to enter her chamber when she had refused.


    "I am here as the General of Han. I surely have a higher rank than Princess Bai, that''s why I defied her order and walked in," Wang Hao affirmed. "Please give us some privacy," he urged looking at the two Court Ladies, who bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    Wang Hao came to the front and faced Bai Yaling, who stood up from the bed.

 Chapter 638 - An Amulet

    Bai Yaling averted her gaze from Wang Hao and asked him what he had to say. Wang Hao saw how her hands were trembling, how she was holding the tears and anger in her.


    "Why is Princess Bai not taking her meals?" Wang Hao questioned her.


    Bai Yaling turned to look at him. "Why does General Wang care? It is up to me whether to have my meals or not," she asserted.


    "Don''t you think the life inside you needs to be fed? You cannot risk the well-being of your child," Wang Hao reasoned with her.


    "Prince Shi called him a traitor''s child. Is my child who''s not evene to this world a traitor? When my child wille into this world, will people ept him or her? Myte husband never had any lovely conversations with me. When Prince Shi conversed with me, I thought I made a great decision to get married." Tears rolled over her cheeks as she continued, "I don''t want to live. It hurts."


    Wang Hao walked to her and made her sit on the bed. He got on his one knee while the otherid tly on the ground. He wiped the tears from Bai Yaling''s with his thumb. "The child you are pregnant with is not a traitor. Sometimes, a man''s true face is not visible unless a situation arises where he makes it visible," asserted Wang Hao.


    "Isn''t it great that we all get to know that Prince Shi is not the man for you? If a person talks lovely, it doesn''t mean he is good," Wang Hao stated. "There will be someone, who will ept you wholeheartedly," Wang Hao encouraged her a little.


    "No. That''s the biggest lie that I had told myself. There is no one, General Wang. I am a widow with a child. I should have never dreamt of getting married because my identity as Bai Yaling dissolved a long ago when I got married to Prince Yongzheng. Now, my only identity is the widow of a traitor. People should have at least spared my child. It''s fine to call me anything but my child does not have to do anything with myte husband," Bai Yaling nkly stared into the eyes of Wang Hao while conversing with him.


    Wang Hao recalled the words of Shi Zhihao, who had told him earlier that no man would ever be ready to marry Bai Yaling.


    "I feel suffocated, General Wang. I want to leave everything behind. I miss my past self. Why has my fate turned like this? I never thought ill of anyone. Why does it have to be me only? Everyone shows their sympathy towards me, but no one truly understands me. General Wang should have let me die that day. He should not have saved me," Bai Yaling said as tears again started to pour down her eyes.


    "Princess Bai, I have saved two women in my life. One is my sister, Yin Na, and the other is you. Even if you have given up on your life, I will not. I am Wang Hao, who never gives up whether it is a thing or a person," he stated with a menacing expression on his face. He again wiped the tears from Bai Yaling''s cheeks.


    He stood up and poured water into a ss. Giving it to Bai Yaling, he told her to drink it. Bai Yaling gazed into his eyes and then took that ss from him. She drank the water. Wang Hao took it back from her and ced it on the bedside table.


    "How long do you want to keep yourself starving?" Wang Hao asked her.


    Bai Yaling did not answer him. "If starving could solve problems, then people would starve themselves for days. However, it does the opposite," Wang Hao stated.


    Bai Yaling watched him take out something from his neck. "My father gave this to me when I picked the sword for the first time. He told me that I wouldn''t get harmed easily if I wore this. I wouldn''t get defeated." She was perplexed to hear those words. Why was General Wang even telling her that?


    Wang Hao bent down a little and put the amulet around Bai Yaling''s neck. "General Wang," she murmured.


    "I do not need it. This amulet will not let you feel defeated against the internal fights you are having with yourself." He stepped back and put his hands behind his back.


    Bai Yaling looked at the amulet. "I cannot ept it. It is of--"


    "It''s already around Princess Bai''s neck. I cannot take it back," Wang Hao affirmed. "Princess Bai shall take her meals. We will meet soon," he passed her a tiny smile and left the chamber.


    Coming outside, he informed the two Court Ladies that they should feed their Princess. He then left the Eastern Pce.


    He came to the Northern Pce to meet the Emperor. He stayed outside the chamber and gave a message to Xing-Fu for Sheng Li. Xing-Fu passed the same message to Sheng Li, who had finished lunch with Ying Lili.


    "What is he doing here? Isn''t he supposed to meet the Prime Minister''s daughter?" Sheng Li muttered.


    "Go and meet General Wang. He must have something important to discuss with you," Ying Lili asserted.


    "I will be back soon. Wait for me," Sheng kissed her lips and Li got down from the bed. He wore the shoes and came out of the chamber.


    Wang Hao bowed and apologized to Sheng Li for disturbing him at this time. They both went towards the chamber adjacent to the main one. Sitting on the chaise, Sheng Li told him to sit on the other one, in front of him.


    "Didn''t you meet the daughter of the Prime Minister?" Sheng Li asked.


    "I met Miss Ai earlier. The meeting was nice," Wang Hao answered. "I was informed about Prince Shi. So, I came to meet Princess Bai," he stated.


    "That Prince! He made me furious. If he had not been a guest, I would have beheaded him," Sheng Li said while gritting his teeth.


    "I met him too, Your Majesty," Wang Hao informed Sheng Li, who was bewildered for a second. "I asked him the exact reason behind his denial.. That made me think, what if I marry Princess Bai," Wang Hao suggested to Sheng Li.

 Chapter 639 - Shuts The Mouth Of Everyone!

    Sheng Li was a little surprised to hear what Wang Hao said. Wang Hao repeated his words, "Your Majesty, what if I marry Princess Bai?"


    "Do you know what you are saying?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao answered.


    "You are supposed to marry the daughter of the Prime Minister. Do not make a decision in a hurry. It can affect two families," Sheng Li advised him.


    "Your Majesty, I have not agreed to marry Miss Ai Huian. Also, I have a right to choose whom I can marry," Wang Hao reasoned.


    "Why do you want to marry Princess Bai Yaling? Do you perhaps like her?" Sheng Li asked him with skepticism.


    "Because no man is ready to marry her," Wang Hao replied.


    "Wang Hao, I cannot allow you to marry Princess Bai if this is the only reason. She will not agree to this because she will take it as a pity. Let''s give time to her. After the announcement of her pregnancy, she is a little flustered. Also, you cannot marry a woman just because no one is marrying her. Many factors need to be kept in mind," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao said and lowered his eyes.


    "You shall leave if there is nothing more to say," Sheng Li told him. Wang Hao stood up and bowed in front of him. He stepped back and left the chamber. Sheng Li furrowed his brows together. He knew Wang Hao from his childhood. He never once turned soft like this.


    Xing-Fu came to the chamber. "Your Majesty, the Empress wants to meet Princess Bai. She has been asking about her and I could not lie to her," Xing-Fu said with a trembling voice.


    "You never do work rightly," Sheng Li remarked and stood up from the chaise.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I could not lie to the Empress and ended up telling her everything," he stated. Sheng Li walked past him while Xing-Fu followed his lead.


    As Sheng Li entered the main chamber, Ying Lili quickly came towards him. "Why did you not tell me such an important matter rted to Princess Bai?" Ying Lili asked him with a worried expression.


    "Because you get worried easily, as you are right at this moment," Sheng Li replied. He took her towards the bed and made her sit on the mattress.


    "Shi Zhihao was not a nice choice for her. I sent him back to the Eastern Province," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Let me go to her chamber," Ying Lili said. "Princess Bai needs someone beside her," she requested Sheng Li.


    "I know," Sheng Li replied. "However, let her stay alone for some time. Let''s give her time. She has many things going on in her head," Sheng Li opined.


    Ying Lili agreed to him. "But if we let her stay alone for a long time, then she might try to take a drastic step. Last time, she tried to take her life," Ying Lili asserted.


    "My spies are keeping an eye on her. It won''t happen this time," Sheng Li assured her.


    "Let me go after an hour. I will keep herpany for an hour or two. Why did Prince Shi Zhihao say such a thing to Sister Bai? Did you not punish him?" Ying Lili questioned him.


    Sheng Li was astonished to hear this. She usually refrained from punishment. Sheng Li sat beside her. "I wanted to but Princess Bai stopped me. Also, he was a guest here. Whatever his decision was, I could only ept. I thought Consort Dowager Ju had her hands in this but now I feel that she did not do anything," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You still have not finished these fruits," Sheng Li said as he looked at the te which was covered with a lid. He moved the lid and picked the te, which had freshly peeled oranges in it.


    He picked one and put it inside Ying Lili''s mouth. However, in his back head, the words of Wang Hao were revolving. Why did he express his sudden desire to marry Princess Bai Yaling?


    ~~~~


    Wang Hao reached the bottom of the stairs of the main building of the Northern Pce. "His Majesty was right. I cannot marry any woman just because no one is marrying her. But I feel bad seeing those eyes of Princess Bai," Wang Hao murmured.


    "General Wang," Lei Wanxi put his arm around Wang Hao''s shoulder, surprising him from his sudden appearance.


    "Prince Wanxi," he replied.


    "General Wang looks anxious. What happened?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Nothing, Prince Wanxi," Wang Hao lied.


    "Did General Wang hear about Princess Bai?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "Yes," he replied.


    "Prince Shi Zhihao said that no man would marry her because she is carrying the child of the Second Brother. I was not here but this news has spread like a fire in the Capital. In the office, I saw officials discussing it," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "So, I thought toe here and talk to Brother Sheng about this matter. I don''t want people to think badly of the child who is not even born," he stated.


    "Prince Wanxi is right," Wang Hao answered.


    "General Wang, can there be no man who can marry Sister Bai? It must be tough for her. She is being punished for the things that she never did. People say bad things about her and it''s saddening how they me a woman? Some were even saying that Sister Bai has a bad fate. I scolded them but how long? I pray to the Jade Emperor that a good man enters her life and shuts the mouth of everyone," Lei Wanxi proimed and pulled his hand back from Wang Hao''s shoulder.


    He took out his fan and opened it.


    Wang Hao agreed with the words of Lei Wanxi. Even he had the same thoughts. He was ready to marry Bai Yaling but the question of Sheng Li to him, made him contemte.


    "Prince Wanxi, I will see youter," Wang Hao took his leave and walked away.

 Chapter 640 - Pray For Me

    Yin Na looked at Huo Jin, who was seated at the porch of theke house from behind a pir. "What is he thinking about?" She wondered. She fidgeted with her fingers as she took a step forward. Looking around and getting confirmed that there was no one, she kept walking to him.


    However, she halted midway. She stepped backward and turned behind. Huo Jin heard the footsteps and tilted his head to the right. "Yin Na," he murmured. Before he could call out her name, she walked away.


    "Did she want something?" Huo Jin mumbled. He looked at the notebook in his hand, in which he had painted the view of theke''s right side. He found this ce a calmer one than the rest part of the residence. He was a little off today. He was feeling detached and sad. He flipped the pages of the notebook he was holding after putting the brush down on the case.


    He painted Xinyue''s portrait for the first time when he turned 16. They both were on akeside. He still vividly remembered the day. Xinyue was seated under a tree beside theke.


    "Do you really think you can draw me? I will ask for punishment from my father if you don''t draw my face well," Xinyue warned him.


    "You are doubting the skills of an artist," Huo Jin reminded her. "Now, don''t move. Sit calmly," he urged her and dipped the brush in the ck ink.


    "But it gets boring. At least, talk to me while painting," Xinyue said. Huo Jin did not answer as he was busy painting. Xinyue huffed and said, "I will soon get married. What will you do then?" Her sudden question made him stop. He lifted his head and gazed into her eyes.


    "You are 14. Why would you get married at such a young age?" He queried her and again started to draw.


    "Don''t you know?" She questioned him back. "I am a woman, who usually gets married early. Also, when I went out yesterday, I saw young teenage girls of the same age as mine talking about their marriages." A smile formed on her lips while talking about this.


    "Some will be official wives of the princes while some will stay as concubines. I don''t want to be a concubine but an official wife of a Prince," Xinyue expressed her desire. Huo Jin dipped the brush a little in the water.


    "Why a Prince? It''smon among princes to have multiple wives. Find someone from a noble family," Huo Jin advised her.


    "Because a Prince has a greater power than the rest of the people," Xinyue answered. "I wish to marry in the Han Family. They are the strongest among all," she stated with a bright smile.


    "Why is Power important to you? Being powerless is better sometimes," Huo Jin answered. His gaze was still fixed at the white sheet of the notebook on which he was painting.


    "It is important. Father says that I can control people with power. I can make them do anything I want," Xinyue replied.


    Huo Jin lifted his eyes finally and said, "It might ruin you. Power makes you blind and you forget humanity."


    "It is better to get blind than to live without any power," Xinyue reasoned.


    "Xinyue, what about happiness? Marry a Prince, who will keep you happy," Huo Jin diverted the topic. He, as a ve, knew how much it sucked to see a powerful person rule over him.


    "Of course, my Prince will keep me happy," Xinyue replied. "I won''t share him with any woman. I will love him wholeheartedly," she asserted and smiled.


    "Pray for me. Your prayers are effective. Will you?" She asked him.


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "I pray that you get a great Prince as your husband," He said and smiled. He looked back at the sheet in which he had drawn her half. His eyes turned misty. His hand trembled for a while.


    "Don''t anger father once I will be married off. I cannot save you every time," Xinyue said with concern.


    "Are you worried for me?" He asked.


    "Hmm. You have been with me for a long time. You are a ve but still a friend to me. I could not get to meet any girl or boy from outside. So, you are the only one," Xinyue affirmed.


    "I wish there would not be any ve category, then at least I could be in the list of those men," Huo Jin expressed.


    Xinyue nced at him in bewilderment. "I would not have seen you as a man even then," she immediately said. Huo Jin smiled and looked at her.


    "I know. I am joking. Even, I don''t like you," Huo Jin replied and huffed.


    Huo Jin came out of his thoughts and found teardrops on the sheet. When did he start to cry? "Oh, no! It will ruin at this rate," Huo Jin mumbled and quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. Luckily, the page had turned wet at the bottom edge.


    He rubbed his eyes with his fingers. "I should have prayed when she got married. She would have been alive today," he murmured and put his art notebook beside him. He recalled how unhappy he was when Xinyue agreed to marry Jian Guozhi. It was the worst day of his life. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.


    "Huo Jin, would you like to have some oranges?" Suddenly a voice fell into his ears. Immediately, he opened his eyes and saw Yin Na in front of him with a bowl of oranges.


    "Were you crying? Your eyes are red," Yin Na said as she walked to him.


    "No," Huo Jin waved his hands in the air and quickly averted his gaze from her. "Some dust fell into my eyes. I rubbed them as I felt irritation and they ended up being red," he lied to her.


    "May I sit?" Yin Na asked him.


    "Of Course!" He told her and Yin Na sat beside him, keeping some distance between them. She put the bowl with oranges between them on the wooden floor.


    "Huo Jin, you don''t need to lie. If you are sad or hurt, you should express it.. Keeping it inside will only hurt you," Yin Na advised him and picked an orange.

 Chapter 641 - In Pain And Agony

    Huo Jin took the orange from her and started to peel it. "I could do that," Yin Na said.


    "I know, but I love to peel oranges," Huo Jin replied. "It is my favorite fruit," he answered and passed a smile to her.


    "Did you see General Wang? I wanted to know how his meeting went with the Prime Minister''s daughter," Huo Jin said.


    "I am also waiting for Brother Wang. It iste noon. What kind of work did he get suddenly, that he had to go to the pce?" Yin Na said.


    Huo Jin forwarded a peeled orange slice to her. "Eat it," he said. Yin Na thanked him as she took the slice. Huo Jin put the slices on the te and told Yin Na to keep eating. He peeled the second orange and ate from that.


    "So, why were you crying? Did you recall something?" Yin Na asked him. Huo Jin gazed at her and ate the orange slice that was in his hand. She then looked at the notebook. "What''s that? I have seen you carrying it around. What do you write in that?" She queried.


    "Nothing much," Huo Jin replied.


    Yin Na brought an orange slice near her lips. "Fine. I understand that you do not want to tell me," she said.


    "What do you want to know? I believe that General Wang might have told you," Huo Jin stated.


    "I told you earlier too that I did not ask much about you from Brother Wang. Also, Brother Wang refrains from talking to me about the things that happen in the Pce," Yin Na asserted and said further, "I just know that you used to work for the enemy of Han."


    "I was a ve of Tan Gengxin. My father was his ve and servant, so eventually, I, also became one. He wanted to rule over the Han Empire, and for that, he brainwashed his own daughter, whom I adored," Huo Jin answered.


    "How could he do that? When did all this happen?" She asked him.


    "Four months ago," Huo Jin replied. "She married the First Prince because her father taught her about only one thing¨C to get Power. I knew she would die in this strange mission, but I did not try hard. I let her get married. I had told her that the First Prince would never spare her if she got caught. She then died. I still remember how much she wanted to be loved by a Prince, but everything shattered," Huo Jin briefed her a little.


    "It was not your fault. I believe that you were bound by your master," Yin Na stated.


    "It was my fault. I gave up on my love after she married the First Prince. I was angry at her. I was sad, disheartened, and probably jealous that she did not look at me," Huo Jin stated and his voice choked.


    "Because I was a ve, I could not stand a chance to be her husband. I hated it unless she came to meet me. I wanted to run away from her but her love for the First Prince stopped me. In the end, she got caught. I know that she saved me even when she was going to be hanged. However, I could not save her. She wanted to live like other women. Her father never let her go out. I still remember, after the marriage with the First Prince, she went out with him. She was happy. I never saw her that happy," Huo Jin''s voice turned heavier. He looked at his palm.


    "I should have saved her at any cost. That''s my biggest regret. I could not return the kindness to her that she offered to me," Huo Jin asserted and rubbed his eyes.


    Unbeknownst to Yin Na, tears poured down her eyes. She wiped them quickly.


    "She might have regretted too for not returning your feelings. She might have imprecated herself for walking on the path which her father showed her. But was there any other way to stay away from those teachings?" She questioned as she gazed into the eyes of Huo Jin.


    "She could never run away from her father," Huo Jin stated. "She does not know that she left me behind in pain and agony. She could have told Prince Nianzu to kill me too. But again she showed her kindness towards me. Her memories hurt badly," Huo Jin was veracious about his feelings. Yin Na could feel his emotions. How hurt he was!


    "She was the only person, who cared for me. Yet, when the time came, I silently watched her death. When people talk rubbish about her, I feel to kill them. But I cannot even do that," Huo Jin said and sighed.


    Yin Na stayed silent and after a while, left him alone. She had the bowl with leftover peels in her hand which was covered with a te.


    ''He had a life tougher than me. Why did Heaven turn cruel to such a nice person?'' she thought. She reached the kitchen house and put the bowl on the table. The Chief chef there looked at her and asked her if she wanted anything. However, she silently walked out of the kitchen.


    After a certain distance, she encountered Wang Hao''s father. Because she was lost in her thoughts, she did not see him.


    "Yin Na, where are you heading to?" Wang Fuxing asked her. She stopped upon hearing his loud voice.


    Immediately she turned to him and bowed before him. "Forgive me, Father," she said in a polite manner.


    "Where were you lost?" Wang Fuxing asked her.


    "Nothing, Father," Yin Na lied to him and gulped.


    Wang Fuxing, though found out that something was wrong, but he did not ask. "Did you see your elder brother?" Wang Fuxing asked her.


    "No, Father. Even, I am waiting for him. Did Brother Wang not return home till now?" Yin Na asked her father and lifted her head to look at him.


    "No. He had gone to the Pce. It has been long. Did something happen there?" Wang Fuxing muttered.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Finally, the WSA 2021 result is announced. I am so d that my book made into the nomination awards. This story is the only Historical Novel that made into the finals. Writing this novel was not easy since I need to search and read a lot of Han Dynasty''s History for the novel.


    It is possible because of all the lovely and supporting readers I have. I will give 5 chapter Mass Release tomorrow night, till the morning of Monday, dedicated to all the readers.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 642 - Wang Haos Feelings

    Wang Hao reached outside the house of the Prime Minister and hopped down from his horse. The guard quickly came down. "Take care of it," Wang Haomanded him and walked in. He went straight to the main house to meet the Prime Minister.


    After informing the chief servant of the Prime Minister about his visit, he waited for his call. The chief servant came out of the room and allowed Wang Hao to go in.


    The Prime Minister stood up and told Wang Hao to sit on the chaise. He nodded and made himselffortable on the chaise.


    The Prime Minister also sat down on the other one, resting his palms on his thighs.


    "General Wang, what''s the reason for your sudden visit?" the Prime Minister asked him politely.


    "I do not want to marry Miss Ai. I think that I am not capable enough for her," Wang Hao told the Prime Minister, who was shocked to hear that. The smile from his lips vanished slowly.


    "Can General Wang tell me the reason? My daughter was eagerly waiting for General Wang. You are also aware of her feelings for you. Did you not like something about Ai Huian? I-I will try my best to correct," the Prime Minister tried to convince Wang Hao. His daughter''s heart would break down. She waited for him for many years.


    "Miss Ai Huian''s personality is wonderful. However, I do not find myself capable of her. I know that she has feelings for me, but since I never knew about her, I never developed feelings for her¨C not even after today''s meeting. I see someone else as a woman. I cannot tell the Prime Minister about her. However, I do not want to keep him in the dark. There is no use if I go ahead with this marriage because I believe that I will not be able to keep Miss Ai happy."


    Wang Hao after fighting with his inner self for almost two hoursnded on this conclusion¨C not to marry Ai Huian. When Sheng Li asked him if he liked Bai Yaling by any chance, something shook him inside. He never bothered for women in his life except for his younger sister Yin Na. After knowing Bai Yaling, his heart got attracted to her. That''s why he decided to tell the Prime Minister first before things slipped out of his hands.


    "What can I say when General Wang already has someone in his heart," The Prime Minister said and sighed.


    "Forgive me," Wang Hao lowered his head because he was guilty.


    "It is not the mistake of General Wang either. My daughter had never met him before until today, so it is obvious that General Wang would have never known about her. I am d that he truthfully told me about his feelings rather than going on with this rtionship. I, as a father, want my daughter''s happiness and cannot let her marry a man who will never love her," the Prime Minister epted the decision of Wang Hao.


    Though, he was a little disheartened thinking his daughter might cry after knowing that the person whom she loved, did not want to marry her.


    "Thank you, respected Prime Minister. I am d that you epted my decision wholeheartedly," Wang Hao said and bowed. He stood up and took his leave.


    On the other hand, the Prime Minister went to meet his daughter as he wanted to deliver this message to her.


    Wang Hao came out of the residence of the Prime Minister. He hopped on his horse and rode to his home. He went straight to his room. He removed the upper robe and handed it to the servant standing beside him.


    "Master was looking for you," the servant informed him.


    "Prepare the bathhouse first. I would like to have a bath first," Wang Hao stated.


    The servant bowed and walked out of the chamber. Wang Hao looked at himself in the mirror. "Will Princess Bai ept me? I took such a big decision, however, I do not know if she would like to go forward with this marriage or not," Wang Hao murmured.


    Another servant walked in with the white silk bathrobes. He ced it on the table and went out. Wang Hao wore them and left for the bathhouse.


    After getting into the hot water bathtub, he rested his arms on the wooden tform. He did not like the way Shi Zhihao pointed the fingers at Princess Bai Yaling''s child. "I could not even punish him for saying such a rude thing," he mumbled. Taking a dip into the water, he picked the hemispherical wooden mug and took out the water from the bucket that was ced on the tform. He poured it over his body and put the mug back on the tform.


    Thirty minutester, he called in the servant and ordered him to send a message to his father that he would meet him in the next ten minutes. "Send the Chrysanthemum tea to my father''s chamber," hemanded the servant, who left the bathhouse while Wang Hao came out of the bathtub. He got dressed and after getting ready went to meet his father.


    Wang Fuxing was eagerly waiting for his son in his chamber. The tea server brought the tray and ced the cups and teapot on the floor desk. Wang Hao entered the chamber and greeted his father.


    "I was waiting for you. Have a seat," Wang Fuxing said with a smile. "You just had a bath," his father said as he saw the open shoulder-length hair of his son.


    "Yes, Father." He gestured to the tea server to leave. Picking the teapot, Wang Hao poured the tea into the two cups. He forwarded one to his father, who lifted the teacup.


    Sipping the tea, Wang Fuxing said, "What''s the matter? It seems you have something important to say to me. Did something happen in the Pce? I heard from Huo Jin that for the past few months, how much politics urred in the Pce." He again sipped the tea and told Wang Hao to drink too.


    "Father, Prince Shi Zhihao refused to marry Princess Bai Yaling," Wang Hao informed him.


    "Oh. That''s sad news. The former Emperor had shown trust in him. Why did he do this?" Wang Fuxing asked his son.


    "Because Princess Bai is pregnant," Wang Hao replied.


    "What?" Wang Fuxing was a little surprised to hear it.


    "Yes, Father. The Emperor had turned furious. Also, I chased Prince Shi''s convoy," Wang Hao said. His father knitted his brows and confusedly nced at his son.


    "Did the Emperor give you orders regarding that?" Wang Fuxing asked, but Wang Hao shook his head. By now, he had gotten the idea that his son would say something big to him. It was odd that he chased the convoy of the Eastern Prince without the permission of the Emperor.


    "I wanted to know why Prince Shi did this. I was confident that he would ept this marriage. Father, Princess Bai tried to take her life by jumping in theke of the Pce. And, I thought this incident might trigger her again. It is strange that I intervened in the matter of the Pce, but there is a reason behind it," Wang Hao affirmed.


    "Why don''t you finish the tea first? Your facial expressions are telling me that you have made a big decision," Wang Fuxing stated. It was not surprising for Wang Hao to see that his father saw through him. He picked the teacup and touched it with his father''s. Raising it a little, he sipped the tea and finished it soon. Wang Fuxing also finished the tea and they both put the cups at the table.


    "Father, I met Princess Bai too. She questioned me why I saved her life. I promised her that I will not give up on her life. Also, she thinks nobody would marry her because she''s carrying the child of the Late Second Prince," Wang Hao stated.


    "Do you perhaps want to marry Princess Bai?" Wang Fuxing asked him immediately.


    Wang Hao nodded his head. "That''s not because I pity Princess Bai, but, somewhere I like her as a woman. That''s why I went to the Prime Minister''s residence and refused him from going ahead with the marriage of his daughter," Wang Hao revealed the truth finally to his father.


    He lowered his eyes. "Forgive me if I disappointed you, Father. I wanted to make you happy by getting married as soon as possible."


    "Then get married," Wang Fuxing interrupted him. Wang Hao widened his eyes because he thought that his father would be angry at him.


    "I don''t have any problem with that. If you have feelings for Princess Bai, then marry her and bring her to this house," Wang Fuxing said with a smile. "You did good by not keeping Miss Ai in the dark," Wang Fuxing supported his son''s decision.


    "But does Princess Bai like you, or after this incident will she marry you? Are you ready to fight with the people around you? You know what I mean," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "Yes, Father. With your blessings, I can do anything. Since you already have given the support for it, I can do anything to go forward with my feelings," Wang Hao assured his father. Wang Fuxing smiled and picked the teapot.


    "My son is indeed brave. I am proud to be your father," Wang Fuxing said and poured the tea into their respective cups.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Finally, Wang Hao has epted his feelings but how will he convince Bai Yaling? Do share your thoughts ??.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 643 - Huo Jins Anger

    Jian Guozhi was riding the horse to go back to the pce when he saw Huo Jin, who was going to the market. He pulled the reins on the horse, and it stopped. Getting down, he quickly turned and called out Huo Jin''s name.


    Huo Jin turned back and bowed before him. Jian Guozhi walked to him while he lifted his head. "How have you been?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "I have been good, Your Highness," Huo Jin replied.


    "I need help," Jian Guozhi stated. Huo Jin confusedly nced at him. "Meet me in the Pce tomorrow," he told him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Huo Jin agreed to him.


    Jian Guozhi found his cold gaze towards him, which only showed one thing¨C Huo Jin''s anger for him. "If His Highness has nothing more to say, then I shall take my leave," Huo Jin said humbly.


    "That was necessary," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Huo Jin peered into his eyes and furrowed his brows together. "What does His Highness want to say?" Huo Jin asked him to rify.


    "Let''s have a few drinks together in the Pce. I always had something to say to you," Jian Guozhi offered him and looked at his horse.


    Huo Jin could not refuse the request of the First Prince and left with him for the Pce. Upon reaching outside the chamber of Jian Guozhi, he ordered Eunuch Long to send the special wine that was delivered from the Northern Province. Eunuch Long bowed while the two walked in.


    Jian Guozhi gestured to Huo Jin to sit in front of him on the floor chair. After sittingfortably, Jian Guozhi waited for the wine toe. Eunuch Long came in with a maidservant, who ced the wine jar and sses on the table. She stepped back with the tray in her hands and left the chamber.


    "Don''t let anyone in. Send a message to Princess Xue that I will see her after some time," Jian Guozhimanded Eunuch Long, who bowed, acknowledging the order of his master.


    Once he left, Jian Guozhi shifted his gaze towards Huo Jin. He picked the jar and poured the wines into their respective sses. He forwarded one ss towards Huo Jin, who epted it with both hands.


    Jian Guozhi picked the ss and sipped the wine. After him, Huo Jin drank from the ss in his hand.


    "I loved Zho Mi. At least, this was the name with which I had known her. I started to love her. However, she wanted to kill the current Empress. She had turned bitter towards her just like myte mother," Jian Guozhi pronounced and chuckled.


    "As the First Prince of the Han Family, I was told to be first in everything by my mother. It took me a long time to leave that path. After my marriage with her, we could not be immediately close to each other because she was out for a long time. But now I think she was nning something at that time," Jian Guozhi said and sighed. He looked at the ss and again sipped the wine.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, remained silent.


    "Why could you not forgive her? Your Highness, I might sound rude and if you want to punish me for the thing I am going to say, then you can. I won''tin," Huo Jin broke the silence after some time.


    "Pardon me, but the First Prince and his current wife also wanted to kill the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess that time. However, the Crown Princess, who is now the Empress, did not let them get punished. Why? Because they were both brainwashed.


    If His Highness had started to love her, he would not have turned his face away," Huo Jin stated. The anger in his tone was clear.


    "Because she did something evil, which was unforgivable. She was the first woman I got open with. Throughout my life, I was told one thing: to be the Emperor. However, she told me she would like me even without a throne. She betrayed me and everyone around me," Jian Guozhi reasoned.


    "Did the First Prince ever have a conversation with her? Regarding her life, her desires. I believe that it never happened. She wanted a husband, who would adore her the same way she would. Also, she did not want you to share with anyone. She was ordered to kill you, but she did not do that. Because she loved you more than anything. His Highness loved the Crown Princess that time, that''s why when he found out Xinyue did all this, he did not protect her and let her die," Huo Jin said menacingly. His agonizing gaze made Jian Guozhi once again guilty.


    "You loved her, then why did you not try to save her? You had nned to run away with her. You are a good spy. I believe that you would not have been caught ever. Why did you--"


    "Xinyue never loved me," Huo Jin interrupted Jian Guozhi and lowered his head. His grip on the ss tightened.


    "For her, I was a mere ve, who had to follow the orders of the master. Your Highness, her orders were always supreme to me. She told me that she loved you. She wanted to be with you. That''s why I did not stop her. I knew she would die if she would return, but then in her eyes, there was love and trust for you. I knew that the First Prince would never save her, but in front of her faith towards her love for you, I ignored my feelings," Huo Jin pronounced and again lifted his head. His eyes and ears had turned red. He clenched his fist and brought it on his knee.


    "I shall take my leave. I will see His Highness tomorrow," Huo Jin stated and stood up.


    "This was thest time we talked about Xinyue.. You should have killed me and let her live," Huo Jin told the First Prince and dashed out of the chamber.

 Chapter 644 - Dont Play With My Emotions

    Huo Jin walked ahead in the walkway of the Eastern Pce but ended up meeting Nianzu, who had a flute in his hand. Quickly he wore a smile on his lips and bowed before the Fourth Prince to greet him. "Huo Jin," Nianzu smiled upon seeing him after so many days. He walked to him and embraced him.


    "I missed you. You have stoppeding here," Nianzu said and pulled back. "However, you areing from the side of the First Prince''s Quarters. Is everything good?" Nianzu asked him. He knew Huo Jin would never meet Jian Guozhi unless the First Prince had called him himself.


    "At least tell me, Huo Jin. Is something bothering you?" Nianzu asked him.


    "I argued with the First Prince about Xinyue''s death. I said everything that had been in my mind for a long time," Huo Jin affirmed as he gazed into the eyes of Nianzu.


    "So, how do you feel?" Nianzu asked him.


    "Nothing. I am still in agony. With each passing day, it is bing unbearable. Sometimes, I want to die," Huo Jin stated.


    Nianzu understood that Huo Jin med Jian Guozhi for not saving Xinyue. "Huo Jin, Brother Jian is not at fault either. If you think that he started to enjoy his life right after the death of Xinyue, then you are wrong. I have told you as the Princes of the Royal Family, we do not have the life of peace. Brother Jian''s married life was more tangled. He put faith in Xinyue. You don''t know how evil his mother was! Brother Jian wanted to escape everything, but since he''s the eldest Prince, he could never do that, except ept everything.


    Brother Sheng would have killed her if Brother Jian had not.


    "But the Emperor saved the life of the First Prince and his wife," Huo Jin argued.


    "Because they both did not do any crime. Xinyue took the identity of another woman¨C the real Zho Mi. Also, she was loyal to her father. She chose her fate. Why are you ruining your life over something which was never yours? You deserve better, Huo Jin," Nianzu pronounced.


    "I was like you once. However, the woman I loved had returned my feelings. Now, we are husband and wife. Who knows this better than you? How much Chun and I struggled to get together is known to you.


    In your case, it is different. You as a ve had no one to take care of you. Xinyue did that part, but she never returned your feelings. Because in her eyes, having a powerful Prince was important. She loved Brother Jian for that reason. She never valued you. Because you were capable enough to do many things, she kept holding on to you. You are such a brainy person, yet you cannot understand this difference. Don''t get blind to one-sided feelings. Sometimes, you lose the most beautiful things whiche across you in an unexpected way," Nianzu made him understand.


    "I am not able to forget her. I can never, Prince Nianzu. What shall I do? I shouldn''t havee to Luoyang," Huo Jin regretted his decision toe back to the Capital.


    "Didn''t you tell me not to run away from the things because they would haunt you till yourst breath?" Nianzu reminded Huo Jin of his own words which he had said to Nianzu when he was adamant about not returning to Luoyang and acquiring his prince status back.


    "I want to be alone. I will see the Fourth Prince tomorrow," Huo Jin did not want to argue anymore.


    He stepped forward when Nianzu said, "As your friend, I want to move on in his life. You don''t deserve to live like this. I would not have intervened in your life, but you are destroying it over a person who never respected you. I will find a woman for you, who will love you and will give you the care which you always want to have."


    "Don''t y with my emotions, Your Highness. If you do, then--" Nianzu came in front of him and interrupted him.


    "Huo Jin, I am not ying with your emotions. I want you to be happy," Nianzu said sternly.


    "The Fourth Prince is intervening in my life. Let me be free. I am happy with this way of living," Huo Jin stated.


    "Fine. I won''t intervene in your life. However, you cannot stop me from thinking good for you. It is the time when I, as a friend, shall return my favor to you. You cannot stop me from doing duty as a friend," Nianzu asserted.


    Huo Jin did not reply to him and walked ahead. Nianzu sighed and went back to his chamber.


    Huo Jin soon reached the main Pce Grounds. Sheng Li, who was returning from the barracks saw him and halted at his ce. Xiao Zhan stopped and saw Hao Jin was walking towards the Fu Imperial Gates.


    "Why does it seem he''s in anger?" Xiao Zhan mumbled.


    "Why don''t you bring him here to me?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan replied and ran towards Huo Jin. He stopped him and informed him about the Emperor. Huo Jin turned to look and smiled upon seeing the Emperor. He came near to him and greeted Sheng Li.


    "You ignored me," Sheng Li said and looked at the top of a building at his left.


    Huo Jin shook his head. "I do not dare to, Your Majesty," he said politely and lifted his head. Sheng Li was gazing at him.


    "You did not even congratte me. I will soon be a father," Sheng Li said and smiled.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I thought His Majesty must be busy. I pray for the health and well-being of the Empress," Huo Jin stated.


    "What are you doing these days?" Sheng Li asked him. Xiao Zhan keenly listened to their conversation.


    "Nothing much, Your Majesty," replied Huo Jin.


    "Tomorrow at 7 am meet me at the same ce where you were practicing. I will wait for you," Sheng Li told him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Huo Jin answered.


    "Go in the carriage. The night is falling. Xiao, send Huo Jin in a carriage," Sheng Li ordered him. Xiao Zhan nodded and left with Huo Jin.. Sheng Li watched them until they disappeared from his sight.

 Chapter 645 - Burden On My Heart

    Jian Guozhi finished the wine jar and stood up. The words of Huo Jin reverberated in his mind. He wavered a little but bnced himself. Eunuch Long had lit thenterns earlier, so the room was well illuminated. However, he walked out of his chamber.


    "Don''t follow me," Jian Guozhi ordered Eunuch Long and walked ahead. Eunuch Long lowered his head. The pain that had buried deep inside his heart after Xinyue died again revived. Though he never discussed this to anyone, his nights had turned sleepless after her death. In everyone''s eyes, he did the righteous thing¨C first, punished his own mother and then his first wife. But deep inside his heart, he still was not able to cope with their loss.


    He reached outside the chamber where Xinyue (Zho Mi) used to reside. The hallway was calm since no one was allowed toe to this part of the Pce. He pushed the door and stepped in. He pushed the curtain away which was hanging on the second door and looked at her portrait. Twonterns were ced at the two ends of the table on which a tiny cauldron was ced too.


    "Your Highness, forgive me for not burning the incense stick," he heard a maidservant. "I will be quick, Your Highness," she said humbly.


    "I will do that. You can leave," Jian Guozhi ordered her. The maidservant bowed and took backward steps to leave the chamber. Jian Guozhi picked an incense stick and lit it. cing it in the cauldron filled with the remains of an incense stick, he lifted his head.


    "You used to be so calm. I was so stressed when my mother was using me, then this smile of yours calmed me down," Jian Guozhi murmured. He had requested this portrait from the Royal Painter after her demise. "I even wanted to start a family with you, but you also betrayed me," Jian Guozhi mumbled.


    He rubbed his eyes and again looked at her. "You ruined the lives of two men. Why did you care for Huo Jin when you never were going to return his feelings? And why did you make me fall in love with you, when you were going to betray me?" He questioned her. Though these questions he had asked her on the day, he caught her but her answers were not satisfactory to him.


    Tears rolled over his cheeks. He cursed his fate because as the Eldest Prince he could neverin. When Huo Jin told him that he should have saved Xinyue, he felt guilty. As a Prince, he could not do that. He could never spread the wrong message among the people by supporting a person, whomitted crimes even if he loved her.


    He lowered his head as tears could not stop flowing. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he raised his head. "Don''t me yourself for this," Nianzu said and took a step forward. He tilted his head and found Jian Guozhi crying.


    Nianzu walked ahead and picked another incense stick. He lit it and ced it in the cauldron.


    Jian Guozhi had wiped his eyes and cheeks by then. He did not want to face his younger brother with a crying face. Nianzu stepped back and again stood by the side of Jian Guozhi.


    "What is Brother Nianzu doing here?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    Nianzu found that the First Prince was a little drunk. "I wasing to meet you, but then saw youing here. So, I followed the First Brother," Nianzu replied.


    "I came to this room after two weeks. Huo Jin was right. I should have been punished for the crimes Imitted. I became the reason for my mother''s death, my first wife''s death, and even the death of Yongzheng. With Yongzheng''s death, I ruined the life of Princess Bai, who''s now pregnant. I ruined many lives. This burden on my heart cannot be lifted," Jian Guozhi stated as he clutched the dress material of his chest.


    Nianzu recalled that even his mother did wrong, but the truth was still unknown to many. He did not reveal it to anyone, because he was not braver like Jian Guozhi.


    "First Brother, you are brave. You did what was right. You did not ruin anyone''s life. You were also a pawn of your mother. Your first wife loved you, but she was more loyal to her father. Brother Yongzheng had his own conscience, but he did not use that. None of their deaths was your fault.


    Brother Sheng forgave you for a reason. Else, everyone knows how much you two hated each other. Brother Sheng also knew that it was never your fault, but the fault of your mother. You are such a good elder brother. You saved the life of Brother Sheng when he was young," Nianzu reminded Jian Guozhi and caressed his arm.


    "If there would be someone else at your ce, then I don''t think he would have been able to handle the pressure of being the First Prince. You are an extraordinary person. We brothers are proud to have you as our Elder Brother," Nianzu said and passed a tiny smile to him.


    "Brother Nianzu is too kind with his words," Jian Guozhi said and stepped back. "I will ask for banishment from Brother Sheng. I shall take the punishment for my crimes," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Brother Jian is drunk, that''s why he is speaking this way. Come, I will drop you till your chamber," Nianzu offered his help. He reminded Jian Guozhi of his present life which had turned much happier.


    "Sister Xue is already fighting with her past self and if she would see her husband this way, then her health might deteriorate. Xinyue was your past while Sister Xue is your present," Nianzu proimed.


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head. "Yes, I am drunk," he epted. "I will be d if Brother Nianzu drops me to my chamber," the First Prince requested. Nianzu stepped towards him and grabbed his arms. They both left for the First Prince''s chamber.


    Eunuch Long made his mastery on the bed and covered him from the nket. He came out of the chamber and informed Nianzu of the same.


    "Keep an eye on Brother Jian. In my opinion, stay in the chamber tonight. Brother Jian is not in a good state," Nianzu advised Eunuch Long, who acknowledged it.. Nianzu took his leave while Eunuch Long went inside the chamber.

 Chapter 646 - Love Is Above Everything

    Huo Jin stepped out of the carriage and thanked the chauffeur. He walked in and saw Wang Fuxing was walking in the garden. He bowed upon seeing him and walked to him.


    "Master shall not roam in the garden. It is cold here," Huo Jin said worriedly while joining both of his hands.


    "I don''t get sick easily," Wang Fuxing said and smiled. "Where have you gone?" He then questioned him.


    "To the Pce. The First Prince had some work from me," Huo Jin answered.


    Wang Fuxing nodded his head. "Is General Wang back, Master?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "Yes. He returned in the evening," Wang Fuxing replied to him. Huo Jin was relieved to hear that. "My son is not marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister," he suddenly said, and the statement bewildered Huo Jin.


    "What happened, Master?" Huo Jin queried.


    "He loves someone else," Wang Fuxing replied.


    "Isn''t it great? You will get married to the woman whom you love," asserted Huo Jin.


    "It is great when the feelings are returned both ways," Wang Fuxing corrected him. Huo Jin''s head was struck with the words of Prince Nianzu.


    "Why did the Master say this? Did the woman refuse to return the feelings of General Wang?" He asked confusedly.


    "My son loves Princess Bai Yaling," Wang Fuxing replied. Huo Jin was shocked to hear that. "I have no objection with his feelings, but I am a little insecure about the feelings of Princess Bai. Will she return the feelings of my son or not?" He said anxiously.


    "Master shall not worry. Princess Bai will surely respond to General Wang," Huo Jin stated.


    "The love life of my son is going to beplicated. He is 28. I do not know when I will leave this body. That''s why I want to see him get married before anything happens to me. If by any chance, Princess Bai refuses to marry, then what will happen? I do not know whether my son will agree to marry someone or not," Wang Fuxing expressed his worries.


    "Master, General Wang is such a great man. Princess Bai will surely ept his feelings. My Master shall not worry too much," Huo Jin assured Wang Fuxing.


    "What about you? Did you able to forget the woman whom you loved?" Wang Fuxing''s sudden question flustered Huo Jin.


    "Why is the Master rting me to General Wang? Pardon me, but my case was different. The woman I love could not return my feelings because I was a ve. I had nothing. Your son is the nation''s General. Princess Bai will surely ept his feelings," Huo Jin said confidently and smiled.


    "Huo Jin, it is not about status. Does love ask for status? No. Never! If it would have, then the Fourth Prince had never married amoner. Love is above everything. You are such a smart man, yet you did not understand it. Wang Hao''s position is the same as yours. Princess Bai Yaling must have many things in her mind and she might refuse the feelings of my son. I am afraid of the aftermath of it," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "I shall go back to my room. Have your dinner," Wang Fuxing told him and walked away.


    Huo Jin never thought that way. The words of Wang Hao''s father hit his mind like a hammer. ''If status would have mattered, then the Fourth Prince had never married amoner''¨C this statement of Wang Fuxing hit Huo Jin hard. He shook his head and walked to his room.


    As he ascended the few stairs of the building where his room was, he found Yin Na. "What are you doing here?" He asked her.


    "I was waiting for you for a long time. Where were you?" Yin Na asked him and knitted her brows.


    "I had some work in the Pce," Huo Jin did not tell herpletely about his work. "What happened? Do you want something?" He then asked her.


    "No," she waved her hands in the air.


    "Then?" Huo Jin asked her.


    "Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. There will be a fair in the market. Let''s go in the evening," Yin Na asserted.


    "Oh! What about your Brother? You usually go with Brother Wang," Huo Jin arched his brow as he got suspicious of her.


    "Brother Wang will not be able to join. I asked him earlier. Brother said that he has an important piece of work in the Pce. It is my first festival aftering out of the Brothel House. I want to see-see the market and enjoy it. I can-cannot take Father with me," she stuttered. "That''s why I asked you," she gulped at the same time.


    "Fine. I will apany you," Huo Jin replied. Yin Na smiled brightly and thanked him for going with her.


    "Hmm. Did you have dinner?" Huo Jin asked her.


    Yin Na nodded her head. "Today''s dinner is delicious. You will enjoy it. Have a good night," Yin Na said and turned to leave. Huo Jin found that Yin Na was too excited about the festival. But then, he thought that might be because she never got to enjoy such festivals.


    Yin Na stopped outside her room and was panting. "Miss, are you fine?" The servant asked her. Yin Na nodded her head and went inside her room. She quickly went to the dressing room and checked the dress which she ordered for her.


    She opened the drawer and checked the matching hairpin with it. She even looked at the jade rings which could fit perfectly with her dress. "I need to confess my feelings to Huo Jin tomorrow. I know that he still loves thete Princess but she never loved him back. I have a chance and I shall not waste it," Yin Na told herself as she looked at herself in the mirror. She touched her cheeks and found a pimple on her right one.


    Quickly she went close to the mirror and widened her eyes. "Why does this have to appear today?" Sheined. "Huo Jin will not notice it," she murmured and crimped her dress.. She put it on the table and went to the bedroom.

 Chapter 647 - A Wise Decision

    The next morning, Huo Jin reached the uphill where Sheng Li had told him to meet him. He went to the grave of Hu Jingguo and ended up seeing Sheng Li there. He had some chrysanthemum flowers in his hand. Sheng Li put them over the grave and stroked his hand over the soil beneath which Hu Jingguo was lying.


    "Lili is pregnant with twins. I will bring the twins when they grow up. I will tell them how their uncle used to annoy me. I will tell them how brave you were!" Sheng Li said with a smile.


    Sheng Li stood up and bowed before the grave. As he turned, he saw Huo Jin, who was staring at him. To his surprise, even Huo Jin had a chrysanthemum flower in his hand. "Greetings to Your Majesty," Huo Jin said and bowed.


    He lifted his head when Sheng Li told him to pay his respects to Hu Jingguo. Huo Jin hummed and did so. "His Majesty has a special ce for you in his heart. You must be a great person," Huo Jin said and tilted his head to look at Sheng Li.


    "Indeed," he replied and started to walk away. Huo Jin followed the Emperor, and they came towards the ground. Sheng Li, however, did not stop there. Instead, he kept walking without saying a word while Huo Jin silently followed him.


    They both halted as they reached the end of a cliff. Huo Jin looked down and found a deep forest that was starting from the bottom of the cliff. He took a few steps back and stood by the side of Sheng Li.


    The winds were strong at the cliff. Seeing Sheng Li silent, Huo Jin broke the ice.


    "Why did His Majesty call me?" He asked politely. "Do I have to go somewhere?" He was curious to know.


    "No. Can''t I call you?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "His Majesty can call me anytime. I thought I needed to do spying," Huo Jin said.


    "No. Everything has turned stable. Finally, after so many years, I am able to have a peaceful life. Though the journey was not an easy one," Sheng Li stated. "Huo Jin, I embraced you as my friend the day you decided to work for me and be loyal to me. Somewhere, your qualities resemble myte friend Hu Jingguo. That''s why I was able to make a bond with you quite easily," he asserted.


    "I am d that His Majesty considered no one like me could be his friend," Huo Jin expressed his gratitude towards him.


    "Huo Jin, are you still living in your past?" Sheng Li''s question flustered Huo Jin. "I heard from someone that you still long for Xinyue. Is it true?" He asked for confirmation.


    "Did the Fourth Prince tell His Majesty?" Huo Jin asked him.


    Sheng Li got confused and refused. "It doesn''t matter who told me about this, but I want to hear from you," He stated.


    "I cannot hide anything from His Majesty. I still love her," Huo Jin epted. "I request His Majesty to not tell me to forget her," he immediately urged and bowed.


    "What if I tell you?" Sheng Li asked him. "Will you do that? No, right?" He arched his brow.


    "Then, why did His Majesty ask me?" Huo Jin queried him.


    "Huo Jin, do you think she deserved you?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "Destiny could not bring us together," Huo Jin answered.


    "Huo Jin, let me tell you my story. About this, I have not told anyone. Neither I ever shared with Lili. I wanted to marry Xue for my benefit. I wanted to punish everyone around me, who did wrong to me, and then I wanted to kill Xue too." Huo Jin was shocked to hear that.


    "However, destiny brought me to Lili, and thanks to her, I am the Emperor today. My sole purpose to be the Crown Prince was to kill everyone around me. Today, I think the Han family would have fallen apart, but Lili changed me into a different person. A person like me never even thought about the people who never benefitted me. If I wanted I could stop my marriage, but I did not. Because the first time I saw her, I fell for her. She did not get scared, unlike everyone around me. Those are some of the earliest and precious memories of us.


    Now, I told you this because you are ruining your life over something which was meant to be yours. Give yourself a chance just like I did," affirmed Sheng Li. He told Huo Jin that part of his life that was hidden from everyone.


    "Does His Majesty think that a person like me can find love?" Huo Jin asked Sheng Li.


    "What do you mean by a person like you?" Sheng Li inquired from him. "If you think a woman will ask for your status, then you are wrong. I am a harsh person, and my words might prick you. Xinyue wanted power, and through you, that power was impossible. I have been told how she put the entire me on you. If she cared for you, she would have told you to run away. Understand the difference!" Sheng Li proimed.


    "If you want to stay like a fool, then you can do that too. I did my duty as a friend. It''s your life and so make a wise decision. If she had loved you back, then I would have never talked about this with you. Also, destiny did not bring you together for a reason, not because you were a ve," Sheng Li patted his shoulder and then put his hand behind his back.


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you for conversing with me regarding my life. I am indeed lucky that the Emperor called me as his friend," stated Huo Jin.


    "Then listen to my advice and follow it," Sheng Li told him and smiled.


    "Let''s go back. Lili must be looking for me," Sheng Li said and turned to leave.


    "I will be here for some time, Your Majesty, if you permit me," Huo Jin requested him.


    "Sure," Sheng Li said and left for the Pce.

 Chapter 648 - Confess My Feelings

    Wang Hao picked the sword from the table and looked at himself in the mirror. He checked his dress and walked out of the chamber. "I might gette," Wang Hao informed his personal servant before leaving for the Pce.


    He came out of the house and hopped on the horse. Pulling the reins, he rode to the Pce. Upon reaching the Pce, he first checked the barracks and then went to check the preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xiao Zhan joined him asked him about his meeting with Ai Huian.


    "It was a nice meeting," Wang Hao replied.


    "So, it means that General Wang will marry soon," Xiao Zhan concluded and got excited. "The Emperor will be happy to hear this news," he stated.


    "I did not say that I am marrying, General Xiao," Wang Hao told him which bewildered him.


    "Why did General Wang say this?" Xiao Zhan asked him.


    "I refused the Prime Minister for going forward with this marriage," Wang Hao answered to him. Xiao Zhan was shocked to learn the truth.


    "Why did General Wang refuse? Miss Ai was waiting for him for years. She must be broken-hearted," Xiao Zhan said worriedly. They both halted at their respective ces and faced each other.


    "General Xiao, I did it so that she would not suffer with me after marrying me. I have someone in my mind and heart. I want to follow it. I know that Miss Ai will get hurt by my decision, but it''s far better than suffering with me in the marriage where I would never be able to return her feelings wholeheartedly," Wang Hao pronounced.


    "General Wang is right." Xiao Zhan agreed with him. "But may I know who''s the woman whom General Wang likes? It is so shocking. I never saw you with anyone. Whom was General Wang seeing secretly?" Xiao Zhan asked curiously with a bright smile on his lips.


    "Forgive me, General Xiao. I cannot tell you now. Let me confirm first then I will surely inform you," Wang Hao stated.


    The smile slowly disappeared from the lips of Xiao Zhan. "Confirm it? Why is it so? Any woman will be willing to marry General Wang. You are the First General of the Han Empire," Xiao Zhan asserted.


    "I have not confessed my feelings to her. That''s why I am not sure if she will ept me or not," Wang Hao stated.


    "General Wang, why did you not do this earlier? I mean, before meeting Miss Ai, you should''ve confessed your feelings to the woman you like. What if she refuses? You cannot even go back to Miss Ai and the rumors will surely circte among other women too," Xiao Zhan said worriedly.


    "I realizedte," Wang Hao replied. "Also, the Prime Minister will not tell anyone such a thing nor will his daughter." Wang Hao had the faith in them.


    "Hmm. General Wang, if you want my help then you can take it. Do take something good for the woman you like. She will surely get impressed and will not refuse your feelings," Xiao Zhan suggested to him.


    "Is it so? I thought to confess my feelings during the festival hour. Do I need to give something as a present to her? But I do not even know what are her likes," Wang Hao said and furrowed his brows together.


    "Ask the Emperor, General Wang. I heard from Prince Wanxi that the Emperor is the most romantic man here. He keeps giving the surprises and presents to the Empress," Xiao Zhan opined with glistening eyes.


    Wang Hao recalled that he had already Sheng Li about his desire of marrying Princess Bai Yaling. He was not sure whether asking about such a thing from Sheng Li would be good or not.


    "What is General Wang thinking?" Xiao Zhan shook his shoulder.


    "Ahh, nothing," Wang Hao replied. "General Xiao, I don''t think I should disturb the Emperor for such a trivial matter. Let me first confess my feelings to her. If things go well, then I will surely give her a present after consulting the Emperor," Wang Hao decided. Xiao Zhan acknowledged his idea.


    "Let''s first check the preparation in thekeside where the Princes will gather by the evening to watch the moon with their respective wives," Wang Hao suggested him and they both went to theke.


    The servants were working and decorating theke bridge. They saw the Empress at the river bridge, who was telling the servants about the kind of flowers to be used in decoration.


    Both the Generals greeted Ying Lili, who smiled seeing them. "Your Majesty, if the Emperor will see, then he will get angry. Let me escort you to the chamber," Wang Hao said humbly.


    "General Wang, Sheng Li permitted me. Also, I shall walk too," Ying Lili asserted. "Thank you for your concern, General Wang," she then said.


    Xing-Fu came forward and said, "General Wang, walking is good for the Empress. Also, the Court Ladies are here to watch the Empress." Wang Hao nodded his head and asked Ying Lili if he could enquire the servants.


    "Sure, General Wang," Ying Lili permitted him. She went to the other side of the bridge and sat down on the chair. Xing-Fu put the royal umbre over her head, to protect her face from the sun rays.


    "Court Lady Xu, please bring Sister Bai here. I would like to have a conversation with her," Ying Lili requested her. Court Lady Xu bowed and left to bring Bai Yaling.


    Xiao Zhan left thekeside, but Wang Hao stayed there. After he finished the work, he thought to meet Ying Lili before leaving.


    "Your Majesty, I shall take my leave," he said when Ying Lili told him to stay for a while.


    "Does Her Majesty have something to say to me?" Wang Hao questioned.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "Sheng Li told me about your proposal. I feel that General Wang has feelings for Sister Bai, that is why he said that to the Emperor.. Correct me, General Wang, if I am wrong," Ying Lili asserted and waited for him to respond.

 Chapter 649 - Forced

    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao epted the truth regarding his feelings towards Bai Yaling. Ying Lili was delighted to hear it.


    "I will not ask how it started, but I would like to tell General Wang to be patient around Princess Bai. She is in a phase that is not easy to ovee. General Wang needs to be gentle to her and I believe, Sister Bai will definitely return his feelings," Ying Lili advised him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep your words in mind," Wang Hao stated. Court Lady Ki put the te on the table. It had some slices of the oranges while in the other bowl there were grapes.


    "Your Majesty, please eat them," Court Lady Ki requested. Ying Lili hummed and waited for Bai Yaling toe. Wang Hao took his leave and told Ying Lili to take care of herself.


    "Thank you, General Wang," Ying Lili replied and he walked away. Wang Hao encountered Bai Yaling, who was with Court Lady Xu and her few servants. She bowed at him and walked past him.


    Wang Hao ended up seeing the swollen eyes of Bai Yaling. "Did she cry the entire night? Can''t she see that her child will get affected by it?" Wang Hao thought as he turned to watch her.


    Contemting for a while, he left for the Emperor''s office to meet him.


    Bai Yaling greeted Ying Lili, who was eating the orange slice. She gestured to her to sit down beside her on the chair. Bai Yaling took a seat. After Ying Lili was done, she told Eunuch Xing-Fu to share the royal umbre with Bai Yaling.


    "I heard from a few that you refused to meet people yesterday. It is understandable that you were sad after Prince Shi Zhihao refused this proposal. When a door closes, then there is always another door which will take you out of a closed room," Ying Lili said and forwarded the te towards Bai Yaling. "You can share everything with me. Consider me as your elder sister," she added.


    She picked one orange slice and thanked Ying Lili. Chewing and swallowing it, Bai Yaling said, "Sister Lili, Prince Shi told me that for my child I shall stay loyal to my deceased husband. Also, since the father of my childmitted treason, so no one would ept me or him. That''s true though. I failed to see that."


    Her voice choked as tears formed in her eyes. Ying Lili took her both hands in hers and caressed them. "Sister Bai, what do you want is most important. Now, you are with a child, so don''t you think the child will need a father?" Ying Lili queried her.


    "But there is no man who will ept me or my child. Also, after what Prince Shi called my child, I don''t think that I will consider marrying another man. I cannot hear anything bad about my child. I shall better stay like this because this is my fate! I shall ept it," Bai Yaling proimed.


    "What if there is a man for you? What if someonees forward to marry you? Will you still refuse, Sister Bai?" Ying Lili waited for her answer.


    "Yes. Because I don''t want people to malign the image of the family of the man because of me. Sister Lili, let me stay like this. I request you," Bai Yaling said and joined her hands. A tear dropped over her cheek. Ying Lili had nothing more to say now. She understood that Bai Yaling needed more time to heal.


    She patted her hands and told her to calm down. Bai Yaling apologized to her for acting this way.


    "Sister Bai did not need to apologize. I understand her," Ying Lili said and pulled her hands back. She picked the bowl filled with a few grapes. "Don''t eat them too much. Just a few," she told Bai Yaling, who nodded and started to eat the grapes.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin arrived outside the chamber of the First Prince.


    "His Highness is still in the Court. You need to wait a little," Eunuch Long informed Huo Jin as he showed him the waiting room. Huo Jin sat down on the floor chair.


    "Do you want to drink tea?" Eunuch Long asked him to which he refused.


    "Does Eunuch Long want to say something to me? His gaze is a little cold," Huo Jin asked him humbly.


    "Can I say?" Eunuch Long asked as he pulled down the curtains hanging at the top of the window.


    "Yes," Huo Jin replied.


    Eunuch Long turned him and said, "My Master was not in a good statest night. After a month, I saw him in that state. Did Huo Jin say something to him which he was not supposed to?"


    Huo Jin was perplexed to hear him.


    "We just had the chats regarding the past," Huo Jin replied vaguely.


    "Huo Jin, you should not have talked with him about his First Wife and mother. My Master is being treated badly by the Ministers for a long time, and these two incidents made him more guilty in their eyes when he is not.


    My Master worked like a puppet. He did everything which his mother and uncle told him. He did not want to get married, yet the marriage was forced on him by his mother. He had aplicated life. He could never express himself fully. He started to love his First Life, but her betrayal broke him. She told him she loved him, but she also said that she would be loyal to her father until herst breath.


    You are lucky that he did not punish you for speaking rudely to her. He was crying in his sleep. The life of First Prince was tough, and no one knows about it," Eunuch Long blurted out everything which Jian Guozhi would have never.


    Huo Jin felt guilty for ming Jian Guozhi. He apologized to Eunuch Long.


    Eunuch Long did not say anything and walked out of the room.


    Huo Jin clutched the dress near his knees and waited for Jian Guozhi. After an hour, Jian Guozhi came to the room and asked him why he refused the tea.


    Huo Jin stood up and bowed his head. "I did not want to, Your Highness," he replied.


    Jian Guozhi hummed and told him to take the seat as he took a seat first. Huo Jin sat down and looked into his eyes.


    "Huo Jin, I want you to do something for me. It is an important work.. From the Fourth Brother, I found out that you are in good spying that''s why I want you to do something for me," Jian Guozhi asserted.

 Chapter 650 - Forgot His Promise

    "Huo Jin, I want you to do something for me. It is an important job. From the Fourth Brother, I found out that you are in good spying that''s why I want you to do something for me," Jian Guozhi asked for help from him.


    "What does His Highness want me to do?" Huo Jin asked him.


    Jian Guozhi opened the door from his desk and took out a folded paper. He put it on the table and unfolded it. Showing it to Huo Jin, he said, "Princess Xue is being ckmailed by someone. She has handed the Pce Map to the bodyguard of herte father, who used to be the Prime Minister. But they were both punished to death. Now, the question is who sent this message to my wife?"


    Huo Jin picked the paper and read the message. "So, does His Highness want me to find out about this ckmailer?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "Yes," Jian Guozhi nodded his head.


    "I work for the Emperor. Why did the First Prince not ask about this to the Emperor? If he permits, then I surely do this. Without His Majesty''s permission, I cannot do anything," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "I cannot tell about this to His Majesty," stated Jian Guozhi. "Huo Jin, I cannot tell Brother Sheng about this. He might punish Princess Xue, before knowing the truth. Brother Sheng does not like Princess Xue a bit and he would not either listen to me. That''s why I cannot inform him about it unless I get proof that it''s not her," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Huo Jin chuckled. "It is strange that the First Prince is trusting his wife. Please do not get offended, but Princess Xue will get punished for sharing the Pce map. Though, I am not in a position toe to any sort of conclusion," he stated.


    Jian Guozhi was sad to hear that. He could feel the anger of Huo Jin towards them.


    "I will do it. I am a loyal person to the Princes. The First Prince let me live that day despite finding the truth about my feelings for his first wife, so I will return his favor," Huo Jin agreed to help him.


    Jian Guozhi was delighted to hear that. "Thank you, Huo Ji," he said.


    "I will keep this letter with me," Huo Jin said as he folded the paper. Jian Guozhi nodded his head. "The First Prince has to pass me the map of the Residence of the Former Prime Minister. Also, I would like to have some intricate details," Huo Jin asserted.


    "I will give you the map," Jian Guozhi replied. "What kind of intricate details do you want to know?" He queried him.


    "I want to know about the Loyal servants of the Former Prime Minister. Also, I want to know whether Princess Xue shared this with anyone other than the bodyguard. Please confirm it with me by this noon. I will be in the Pce, for a while," Huo Jin proimed.


    Jian Guozhi assured him that he would tell him about those things by noon. "Come here to meet me in the noon," He urged him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Huo Jin said and stood up. He turned to leave but stopped. Jian Guozhi asked him if he wanted to say something more.


    Huo Jin turned to him and bowed before him. "Your Highness, please forgive me for my yesterday''s behavior. I should not have stepped over my boundaries. Also, I am happy that His Highness has moved ahead in his life. May he will get the happiness and joy that he always deserved." Huo Jin lifted his head and dashed out of the waiting room.


    Jian Guozhi was shocked to hear Huo Jin''s apology. He had not expected that Huo Jin would apologize to him.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi wrapped his arm around Huo Jin''s neck and hit his chest with the fan in his hand. "Huo Jin, you came to the Pce and is leaving without seeing me," Lei Wanxiined and locked his neck between his arms.


    Huo Jinughed and asked for forgiveness. He urged him to leave him. Lei Wanxi let his arm off his shoulder and stepped back. He opened the fan with a pping sound and started to fan himself.


    "Why did youe here? Don''t hide anything from him," Lei Wanxi warned him.


    "I came to apologize to the First Prince." Lei Wanxi arched his brow up. "I always med him for not saving Xinyue. I realized my mistake," Huo Jin stated. However, he did not tell him about the work for which Jian Guozhi had summoned him.


    "Oh. You did right," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "You still love her? Just forget her and move on," Lei Wanxi advised him.


    Huo Jin did not say anything about this.


    "When will the Sixth Prince marry?" Huo Jin diverted the topic.


    "When you will get married," Lei Wanxi replied. Huo Jin was flustered to hear him. "Let me enjoy my life for a few days. Brother Sheng told me that after he will find a suitable groom for Sister Bai, I will marry Princess Zhu Lin. Moreover, my fianc¨¦e is not in Luoyang. She has gone on an adventure without me," Lei Wanxi said as he pouted.


    Huo Jin smiled. "Adventure?" Huo Jin asked curiously.


    "She has gone to meet her cousins from the neighboring city," Lei Wanxi told him. "I have thought that today I would celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with her, but she''s not here," he then sighed.


    "Are you free in the evening? We both can have fun in the market," Lei Wanxi asked him. "Brother Nianzu is a married man while Brother Yu is not allowed to go out in thete evening," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "Yes, I am free, Your Highness," Huo Jin replied. He forgot about his promise to Yin Na.


    "That''s great. Let''s go to the market in the evening. I was craving for the mooncakes and dumplings from that stall," Lei Wanxi said while recalling the famous dumpling seller.


    Huo Jin smiled and agreed to him.. "Come, let''s practice archery for some time," Lei Wanxi said and dragged Huo Jin with him to the Practice Grounds.

 Chapter 651 - To Be Disciplined

    Jian Guozhi collected the map of the Wei Residence from Xue Yu-Yan''s mother and returned to the Pce. He waited for Huo Jin toe to him. Huo Jin, as per his promise, arrived at the waiting room. He bowed before him.


    "Sincere apologies if I made the First Prince wait for too long," he said humbly.


    "I came here ten minutes ago. Have a seat," Jian Guozhi asserted. Huo Jin stood straight and stepped forward. He sat down on the floor chair.


    Jian Guozhi forwarded the map to him. "It''s the map of Wei Residence. Also, Xue told me that except for the bodyguard she did not converse with anyone. He was a loyal person to her, so he had not spread anything regarding their conversation to anyone," He informed Huo Jin.


    "I understand. Did the Princess not get any more messages like the previous ones?" Huo Jin asked him. Jian Guozhi shook his head and refused.


    "It''s strange though. Whoever is doing this must have a hidden motive¨C either he wants money or he wants the downfall of the Princess. These are my general deductions," asserted Huo Jin.


    "It''s strange that he''s breaking the security in the Pce. After so many incidents, the Security had tightened in the Pce," Huo Jin said skeptically.


    "Your Highness, I know I am not in a position to give any opinion to you, but still I think that we shall tell the Emperor. As his loyal servant, the Emperor must know about it. Also, the Emperor is not the type of person to punish those for his personal grudges," Huo Jin stated.


    "But Xue handed the Pce map to an enemy. So, Brother Sheng might punish her. Also, I don''t want to stress him over this," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "It''s about the security of the royal family, Your Highness. The Generals might find the person quicker than me. What if it is someone from the Pce? His Highness shall once again think," Huo Jin suggested to the First Prince.


    Jian Guozhi contemted for a while. "Fine. Then, I will talk to Brother Sheng regarding this. Whatever it will be, I will deliver the same to you," Jian Guozhi acknowledged the opinion of Huo Jin.


    "I will apany His Highness. Maybe, His Majesty orders me to do what you have told me," Huo Jin said.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with him and the two went to the Northern Pce to meet the Emperor. Jian Guozhi asked Eunuch Xing-Fu if he could go inside the office chamber, where Sheng Li was.


    "I need to deliver this message to His Majesty, Your Highness. Please wait," Xing-Fu said politely and walked in. Sheng Li, who was looking at the new map of the Han Empire, stopped working.


    "Your Majesty, the First Prince, and Huo Jin want to meet you." He kept his gaze low.


    "Send them in," Sheng Li said and put down the map. After a few seconds, both Jian Guozhi and Huo Jin came inside. Greeting the Emperor, they both took the seat.


    Sheng Li was confused to see them together. It was an unusual sight for him.


    "Your Majesty, there is something important that you must know," Jian Guozhi initiated the conversation. Sheng Li peered at him keenly and sped his fingers together.


    "What is it, First Brother?" Sheng Li asked him.


    Jian Guozhi was first hesitant to tell, but then waste no more time on Sheng Li, he informed him about Xue Yu-Yan''s mistake. He then immediately stood up and brought his hands forward. Joining them and lowering his head, he said, "Your Majesty, I beg you not to punish her. She did this when she was walking on the path of vengeance. I can take the punishment for it if His Majesty wants."


    It was odd to Jian Guozhi''s personality to take the punishment for someone else. It meant only one thing¨C he adored Xue Yu-Yan.


    "Brother Jian, why don''t you sit?" Sheng Li asked him. Jian Guozhi was perplexed to see Sheng Li this calm. He hummed and sat down again.


    Sheng Li stood up from the throne and walked down the five stairs. His hands were behind his back. "I know about this. My spy had informed me two days ago. We have caught the person who was ckmailing your wife," Sheng Li asserted.


    Huo Jin recalled how he met Sheng Li at the entrance of military barracks the previous day.


    Jian Guozhi was stunned to hear that. "Then, why did Brother Sheng not inform me?" He asked and furrowed his brows together.


    "I did not consider it important. I am well aware of the clumsiness of Xue. Also, Lili told me to leave it," Sheng Li answered. Jian Guozhi was astonished to hear that. Xue Yu-Yan and he had the fear that the Emperor would punish her.


    "I am sad that Brother Jian thought I would punish his wife. It was the chief reason, he did note to me. Am I right?" Sheng Li inquired from him.


    "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. We had a conversation on Xue earlier, so I thought that you would get angry," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Huo Jin, give us some privacy," Sheng Li ordered him, who instantly stood up, bowed before him, and left the chamber.


    "Brother Jian, I don''t like Xue for many reasons. Shall I tell you? Hopefully, you will not be upset," asserted Sheng Li, gazing into his eyes.


    "I won''t get upset," Jian Guozhi replied. "Brother Sheng can tell me," he urged.


    "Leave it, Brother Jian," Sheng Li stated.


    Jian Guozhi did not force him to tell.


    "Who''s the culprit behind all this?" Jian Guozhi questioned him.


    "Her servant, Ziyi. She wanted to extort money from your wife. Also, she wanted to get freedom. She was sick of the life of being a servant," he revealed. Jian Guozhi had questioned her but she came clean in front of him. Also, why did he not get suspicious of her when she left the pce that day only after making an excuse.


    "The mistake in the past which Xue did is not forgivable, though. Sharing the map of the Han outside is a crime," Sheng Li stated.


    "I will ept the punishment in her ce," Jian Guozhi said.


    "That is up to me, Brother Jian," Sheng Li answered. "Initially, I did not want to punish her, but now I think I should.. She needs to be disciplined," he proimed.

 Chapter 652 - Will You Wait Till Then?

    In the evening, Lei Wanxi left for the market with Huo Jin. He had made a new dress for today''s festival. Reaching the market, he found that there was so much crowd around the stall where he always ate dumplings.


    "Prince Wanxi, so many people are there. I think you need to wait for a little," Huo Jin suggested to him.


    "I am the Prince. I shall take advantage of my position," asserted Lei Wanxi and walked towards the stall. Huo Jin followed him and saw how the people gave space to the Sixth Prince. "Today''s mooncakes and dumplings are on me," Lei Wanxi announced to the people around them, who were happy to hear that.


    "Huo Jin,e here!" Lei Wanxi showed him his hand, and he walked to him. They had mooncakes and dumplings there. Lei Wanxi paid for the people, who had gathered around the stall. They soon left for the other stall, where an archery game was going on.


    "Why do they have to include this game?" Lei Wanxi murmured and moved forward. "Huo Jin, do you want to buy something? As a friend of yours, I can buy anything for you," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Thank you, Prince Wanxi, but I do not want anything," Huo Jin refused humbly.


    "Prince Wanxi, what are you doing here?" Suddenly a voice called him which was recognizable. Both Lei Wanxi and Huo Jin turned to look at the person.


    "General Xiao," Lei Wanxi murmured his name.


    Xiao Zhan came to him and said, "The Emperor is looking for you in the Pce. Let''s go back." Lei Wanxi did not expect it. He thought the prayers would be heldte.


    "I asked Brother Sheng and he told me that offerings to the moon will be giventer," Lei Wanxi exined to Xiao Zhan. He nced at Huo Jin, and said, "Forgive me, Huo Jin. I need to go back. You need to enjoy all this yourself."


    "Prince Wanxi shall not apologize to me," Huo Jin said. Lei Wanxi patted his shoulder and left with Xiao Zhan. Huo Jin turned to go ahead when he saw many women from noble families. At that moment, he recalled his promise to Yin Na.


    "How could I forget about that?" He mumbled in his mouth and stepped back. He found that he was quite far from Wang Hao''s ce. He would definitely gette and it would sadden Yin Na.


    He turned and started to run towards the Wang Residence. A few people looked at him with their strange gazes.


    Oppositely, Yin Na was waiting for Huo Jin in the courtyard. "Miss, I think that he forgot about his promise. Also, he is in the Pce, so he might have gotten busy," her personal servant told her.


    Yin Na was dejected to hear that. "But he has promised. Brother Wang has told me that Huo Jin fulfills his promise. He will be back soon. The moon has not risen in the sky. So, I have time," Yin Na said with assurance.


    "But Miss, half of the market will get closed if you gote. Miss, I can apany you to the market. I can protect my Miss from any trouble," her servant told her with a confident tone.


    She looked up at the sky and said, "The stars had appeared in the sky. Miss, let''s go.


    Yin Na did not want to go with her. Also, she wanted to confess her feelings to Huo Jin. "Huo Jin will be back soon. I shall wait for him," Yin Na said and looked towards the door.


    ''What happened that he''s taking so much time? Did he forget about the promise?'' Yin Na asked herself. She looked at her Hanfu dress which she had prepared for today evening. She had even applied light makeup to impress Huo Jin. Last night, she could not sleep because of the excitement. She could not eat peacefully in the morning and at lunch because of nervousness.


    ''Did he really forget? Am I not an important person in his life?'' Yin Na wondered and turned her back. Tears formed in her eyes as weird thoughts started to circte in her mind.


    "Miss, shall we go back to your room? It is getting cold. You might fall sick. General Wang will scold me if it happens," her personal servant said with a low voice and lowered her gaze. Yin Na nced at her. Indeed, she was feeling cold. She once again tilted her head to look at the door, but Huo Jin had not appeared.


    "Let''s go back," she told her and stepped forward when Huo Jin stopped her.


    A smile carved on her lips and she immediately turned to him. Huo Jin was panting. He came towards her and apologized that he waste.


    "Did youe running?" Yin Na asked him and knitted her brows together. She saw the beads of sweat on his forehead and quickly took her handkerchief out from her pocket.


    "Bring water for Huo Jin," she told her servant, who left to the kitchen to fetch a water ss for Huo Jin.


    Yin Na took a step towards Huo Jin and extended her arm out. She dabbed the handkerchief against his forehead and wiped the sweat from it. "You could havee on a horse. I could have waited for more time," Yin Na stated and peered into his eyes. She slowly moved her hand to his right temple and wiped the sweat from there.


    "If you are tired, then let''s not go. You must have worked a lot in the Pce," Yin Na said worriedly and put her hand down.


    "I am good, Yin Na. Also, I should fulfill my promise to you," Huo Jin said and passed her a smile.


    "It is not necessary. We will go some other day," Yin Na said.


    "The Mid-Autumn Festival wille next year. Will you wait till then? I am good. Also, the market is decorated beautifully. You will definitely like it," Huo Jin said with a smile. His breathing had turned stable.


    "Really?" Yin Na''s glistened to know that. "But how do you know?" She skeptically gazed at him.


    "I went with Prince Wanxi to the market. Forgive me, I almost forgot that I had promised you to take you to the market," Huo Jin said. The servant came to them and handed the ss full of water to Yin Na.


    "So, he indeed had forgotten about our promise," she thought and handed the ss to Huo Jin, who thanked her.


    But, she was d that Huo Jin told her the truth. Her heart fluttered thinking that Huo Jin ran home just because of her promise. Huo Jin handed the ss to the servant and looked at Yin Na.


    "Let''s go. The carriage is waiting for us," Huo Jin told her. Yin Na nodded her head when she saw the water drops on the side of his lips. She wiped them using her pointer finger.


    Huo Jin astonishingly looked at her.


    "There was water," she said.


    Huo Jin wiped his mouth from the back of his palm.. "Let''s not bete," he again said and the two left for the market.

 Chapter 653 - Elixir Of Immortality

    In the main pavilion of the Northern Family, the entire royal family gathered. The bright and shiny moon was clearly visible from the pavilion.


    The seats were aligned at a perfect distance from each other. At the front, the main seat for the Emperor and the Empress was made, followed by the Empress Dowager and the other Consort Dowagers.


    Weng Yu delightedly sat down on thest seat as the seats were made ording to the rank. He saw many dishes were put on the floor table in front of him. He picked the lid that had covered the bowl. Taking out the moon dessert, he brought it close to his mouth.


    "Brother Yu, don''t eat now," Lei Wanxi told him, who took his seat. "We still need to worship the moon first," he said. Weng Yu licked his lips as he was hungry. He put the mooncake back into the bowl and covered it from the lid.


    "Sixth Brother, where are the other Brothers?" He asked.


    "They will be here soon. Look at the sky. The moon looks pretty today," Lei Wanxi said and smiled. The red and yellownterns were hanging at every corner of the pavilion.


    Nianzu and Chuntao came to the pavilion. Both Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu greeted them. Soon, the other Princes started toe with their respective wives.


    The Empress Dowager entered, followed by the three Consort Dowagers. The Princes and their wives stood up to show respect towards them. After them, the Emperor and the Empress entered, who halted in front of the table which had mooncakes, some snacks, and fruits on it. On the edges, two candles were ced on the candle stand.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili had to offer the prayers first as the Emperor and the Empress. "Don''t kneel. I will give the greetings to the moon on your behalf," Sheng Li told Ying Lili.


    Deng Hui and the others heard them.


    "The Empress can kneel. It won''t affect her and her child," the Empress Dowager proimed.


    "I will kneel and bow on her behalf, Empress Dowager. I cannot take any risk," Sheng Li said with a smile. Ying Lili was flustered to hear it. However, she did not want Sheng Li to defy the norms of this festival.


    "I can do it. I should offer my greetings too," Ying Lili stated.


    "Your husband can do it. Just keep standing," Sheng Li told her. He then held her hand and took her towards the seat that was specially designed for them for today evening.


    "Brother Sheng is so caring towards Sister Lili," Weng Yu whispered near the ear of Lei Wanxi, who agreed with him.


    Sheng Li made Ying Lili sit down and told her to wait for him. He returned towards the table and offered the greetings to the moon and knelt on his knees. He bowed deeply and looked towards the moon.


    The Royal family members also bowed after him from their respective seats.


    ''For my beloved wife, I do every prayer which I never believed. I pray to the Moon Goddess to bless my wife and my children,'' Sheng Li said internally. He picked the incense stick and lit it with the candle. cing it inside the tiny cauldron-shaped vessel, he stood up and stepped back.


    He again bowed and took a few steps back before returning to the ce where Ying Lili was seated.


    Everyone started eating the mooncakes that were ced on the tes in front of them.


    "After such a long time, we all have gathered together," Nianzu initiated the conversation.


    "Hmm. We hardly get together. The moon festival is a great asion to get together," asserted Jian Guozhi, agreeing with the Fourth Prince.


    "Your Majesty, if you permit then, I would like to take my leave with my sisters," Empress Dowager said as she looked at the three Consort Dowagers. "After our husband passed away, we did not like to get involved in the festivals or any gatherings. Hopefully, His Majesty will understand us," Deng Hui requested.


    "Sure," Sheng Li permitted them. Deng Hui thanked him and left with the three Consorts to her chamber.


    Princess Bai looked at the Princes sitting with their respective wives and again she felt lonely. "Your Majesty, I am not feeling well. May I go back? I would like to rest," Bai Yaling urged Sheng Li, who looked at Ying Lili, who nodded her head.


    "Princess Bai may leave. Do not stress yourself," Sheng Li told her. Bai Yaling bowed and left with Court Lady Dai. General Wang, who was outside the pavilion, saw Bai Yaling leaving. He tightened the hold on his grip as he watched her walking past him.


    "Sister Bai must be feeling lonely. We all are with our husbands while her husband is no more," Liao Jun said. "Well, her fate is indeed twisted. Her husbandmitted treason and she has to bear its consequences till herst breath," She added.


    Rong Zemin frowned and was going to scold her, but before he could speak, Sheng Li said, "Princess Liao Jun, this is thest time you have made such ament. Next time if I hear it, you will get punished."


    "Please forgive Princess Liao, Your Majesty. She did not mean this," Rong Zemin calmed down Sheng Li.


    "Princess Bai is going through a tough phase yet Princess Liao said such things. It is not eptable from the wife of the Third Brother," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Liao Jun said.


    "Sister Liao, the circumstances are not in the favor of Sister Bai. It has nothing to do with her fate. These past few weeks were tough for her. Sister Liao also knows how Sister Bai tried to take her own life. We need her strength at this time," Ying Lili politely said to her. Liao Jun nodded her head.


    "Let''s not argue today. It is such a great asion," Nianzu stated and looked towards the moon. "Let''s admire the beauty of the moon with our beloved person," he suggested to them, ncing towards the moon.


    "Beloved person?" Weng Yu asked.


    Nianzu tilted his gaze towards him.


    "Brother Yu, Brother Nianzu is talking about his wife," Lei Wanxi said and started to giggle.


    "Brother Yu, do you know why we celebrate this Moon Festival?" Nianzu asked him.


    "I have read that it''s based on the legendary tale of Chang''e, who is worshipped as the Moon Goddess," Weng Yu answered.


    Sheng Li, who was unaware of such a tale. The only thing he knew about this festival was that offering prayers to the Moon Goddess would fulfill the wishes.


    "Absolutely right. Brother Yu is studying hard. It''s nice to see," Nianzu stated and passed him a smile.


    "What''s the tale about?" Sheng Li asked as he picked the cup of wine.


    "Does Brother Sheng not know?" Jian Guozhi asked. Nianzu also gazed at him in bewilderment, so did the others.


    "You don''t know?" Ying Lili asked him.


    Liao Jun smiled a little which Sheng Li noticed, but before he could ask her, Nianzu said, "Brother Sheng should not have run from the royal sses."


    "I will narrate the story to Brother Sheng," Nianzu stated and continued, "Huo Yi, the great archer, who saved the earth from the blistering heat of ten suns. He shot down the nine suns and was known widely for it. He got the elixir of immortality for his marvelous act. However, that elixir could be used by only one person.


    His wife''s name was Chang''e to whom he gave the elixir of immortality but they don''t drink. However, one night a disciple of Huo Yi came home to steal this elixir. Chang''e was alone at home that night, so to save it she drank the elixir and thus flew away to the moon.


    Huo Yi when found out about this fell into grief. He missed her so much that he made an offering to the moon. He used to see his wife on the moon.


    It''s a legendary tale whose significance is not limited to admiring the moon and your wife but also your family."


    Sheng Li hummed and sipped the wine. "I indeed adore my family, so you all do," He stated. Nianzu agreed with him and picked the mooncake.


    "It is a great festival toe together and have the conversation," Jian Guozhi pronounced. Ying Lili smiled seeing how the Princes had ended the bitterness between them, especially Sheng Li''s coldness towards them.


    ~~~~~


    "Princess Bai, can we talk?" Wang Hao stopped Bai Yaling, who was with Court Lady Dai. "I want to converse with you in private," he stated and then looked at the Court Lady. "I will escort the Princess safely to her chamber," Wang Hao assured her.


    Bai Yaling told Court Lady Dai to leave, who walked away.


    "What does General Wang want to talk about?" She asked him.


    "How is the Princess doing? I know there''s no meaning to ask such a question, still, I want to know whether she is good or not?" Wang Hao asked.


    "I am doing well, General Wang.. I have understood that I should move on with my current and fated life," she asserted.

 Chapter 654 - Wang Haos Confession

    "Fated life? Can Princess Bai exin that word to me?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "There is nothing to exin," Bai Yaling replied. "I request General Wang to not convince me for another marriage," she said coldly.


    "So, Princess Bai does think that I will ask her to consider it again. I want you and your child to have a happy life. You both do not deserve to live in seclusion," Wang Hao proimed.


    "As I said to General Wang that I have epted my life. I cannot handle any morements about my child. It hurts," stated Bai Yaling.


    "What if there will be someone who wants to marry you and wants to spend his life with you? Will you still refuse?" Wang Hao asked, peering into her eyes.


    "It will make me look like a disloyal woman. Also, people will throw bacshes at the man, who will want to marry me. I cannot afford that. I don''t want anyone''s life to get maligned," Bai Yaling asserted.


    "What if the man is ready to fight for you? Will you ept him? What if he shuts the mouth of everyone by holding your hand? Will you still think that way?" Wang Hao asked her a few questions which perplexed her.


    "Why is General Wang talking this way?" She frowned and fidgeted with her fingers. Wang Hao took a deep breath and took a step closer to Bai Yaling. She immediately stepped back and lowered her eyes. Wang Hao again took a step towards him and put his hands on her shoulders.


    "I want to marry Princess Bai. Will she marry me?" He asked her straightforwardly. He did not know how to express his feelings.


    Bai Yaling instantly lifted her head and with her widening eyes gazed at him. "General Wang, wh-what are you saying?" She pulled herself back, but Wang Hao did not let go of her.


    "I like¡­no, I love Princess Bai Yaling. I have feelings for her. Will she marry me?" Wang Hao got clearer with his statement by confessing to her. Bai Yaling blinked a few times, unable to grasp why Wang Hao was speaking that way.


    "Why does General Wang like me?" She asked him, knitting her brows.


    "I don''t think I will be able to exin. These past few days, my heart ended up falling for Princess Bai," he said and slowly moved his hand down and held her both hands.


    "I have told His Majesty too about this. However, he will not let me marry you unless you confirm it. I also told my father and refused to marry the Prime Minister''s daughter. You don''t need to worry from my family''s side. They all support me. My father has no problem with it," Wang Hao started to convince Bai Yaling.


    After knowing why Bai Yaling was refusing to marry, he thought to try his best to convince her.


    "Why did General Wang do that? I am not the woman he should be with! I am a widow," she said worriedly as the tears formed in her eyes. She could not believe that Wang Hao broke off his marriage with the Prime Minister''s daughter.


    "Because I love Princess Bai. I cannot marry a woman to whom I can never return my feelings," Wang Hao replied. Bai Yaling pulled her hands back and stepped back.


    "I don''t have any feelings for General Wang," She stated.


    "But I think she will develop those feelings slowly towards me," Wang Hao asserted and smiled. "I am good at waiting," he stated.


    "I will give the name to your child. I will be his father. Also, I will be a good husband to you. I will take care of everything. I won''t mistreat you ever," Wang Hao affirmed.


    Bai Yaling averted her gaze from him and then turned her back towards him.


    She rested her palm on her belly and said, "General Wang, I am d that you thought so much of me. But I don''t want to go forward with a second marriage."


    Wang Hao came forward to face her eyes. "Think about it carefully, Princess Bai. Do not think that people will speak against me and my family. No one has the dare to say anything to me. I am ready to fight with everyone. Also, Princess Bai shall not make decisions based on people''s decisions," Wang Hao opined.


    He saw the tears in Bai Yaling''s eyes. "I will wait for your response. I mean, don''t tell me now. Just think about it carefully. I really want to spend my life with Princess Bai," Wang Hao affirmed and put his hand over Bai Yaling''s head. He caressed it for a while.


    Pulling it back, Wang Hao said, "I will escort the Princess to her chamber."


    Bai Yaling nodded her head and started to walk while Wang Hao followed her silently. She was not able to contemte what just happened. They soon reached near the chamber of Bai Yaling when Wang Hao held her hand, thus stopping from going ahead. Wang Hao came in front of her.


    She confusedly peered into his eyes and then lowered them. Slowly he closed the distance between them and rested his other hand on the side of her neck. Their eyes met again, and before Bai Yaling could understand what was happening, Wang Hao kissed her lips. It was a chaste one and did notst even for seconds as he did not want her to feel ufortable.


    Bai Yaling brought her fingers to her lips and heard him, "Princess Bai, whatever your decision will be, I will wait for it. If you want to take days or even months, I will wait. You are the first woman I have kissed. I never felt attracted to any woman all these years. Have your meals on time and please do not take any stress."


    He bowed and quickly left her sight. Bai Yaling turned back after a few seconds and brought her hand down. A tear rolled over her cheek and she looked towards the sky which had the illuminance of the moon.

 Chapter 655 - She Is Not Your Possession

    Yin Na and Huo Jin came over a bridge where many people could be seen. The entire bridge was lit up withnterns and the bright moon''s reflection was falling on the water.


    "Be careful. Don''t go closer to the railing. You might fall into the water," Huo Jin said concernedly.


    His concern fluttered her heart. She smiled and looked into the water. "Let''s go ahead," she heard him and grasped her wrist. "More people will gather on the bridge soon. It''s better to leave before it gets crowded," he advised her. Yin Na lifted her skirt a little to match the steps of Huo Jin.


    As they crossed the bridge, Huo Jin let go of her hand. "Should we go ahead towards the main market or leave for home?" he added.


    "Let''s go to the main market, Huo Jin," Yin Na expressed her desire. Huo Jin agreed with that and the two headed to the main market.


    "Huo Jin, festivals are so lively. I still remember how I used to celebrate this festival with my parents and elder brother. Father and mother both used to make mooncakes. We used to gather in the front yard of our small house.


    After ten years, I got to see this festival again thanks to Huo Jin," she stated.


    "I did not do much except apanying you to the market," Huo Jin replied.


    "I am d that he apanied me," Yin Na said. Huo Jin passed her a tiny smile. "Huo Jin, how did you celebrate it? I heard that the tradition differs from Provinces to Provinces," Yin Na stated.


    "Well, I never celebrated it. This will be my first time. I mean with General Wang''s family this will be my first time celebrating such a festival," Huo Jin answered. Yin Na felt bad for asking such a question from him.


    "My mother passed away right after my birth and my father passed away when I turned seven. As a ve, I cannot celebrate such festivals," Huo Jin told her more.


    "Your life was tough. It is good to see that you turned out to be such a great and nice man," Yin Na praised him.


    A chuckle escaped from Huo Jin''s mouth. "I am not a great and nice person," he stated.


    "You must not tell a lie," Yin Na asserted.


    "I am telling the truth," Huo Jin replied. "If I would be a good person, then I would have stopped many wrong things from happening," He affirmed.


    "Huo Jin, for me you are a good person and also for the Wang family. Even the Emperor and the Princes are your friends," Yin Na stated and passed him a smile.


    "You are here?" Suddenly a voice interrupted them. They looked at the front and saw a nobleman with three of his friends. Yin Na was shocked by them and she started to tremble in fear. She took a few steps back and tried to hide her face from those men.


    Huo Jin noticed her and found it unusual. So, he came forward and asked them who they were.


    "You don''t know me!" The same man again spoke with a bewildered look.


    "He is the Fourth Rank officer, Zhou Xuweng in the Capital Bureau," the man beside him replied to Huo Jin.


    "Yi Jiali," Zhou Xuweng called out the name of Yin Na which she was given during her stay in the Courtesan''s House. Huo Jin tilted her head and found how terrified she was.


    "Brother, you are mistaking her as someone else. I will let it go this time," Huo Jin said politely. However, his tone was enough to show that he was warning them.


    "Young man, don''t talk this way with a Fourth Rank officer," the man on the left of Zhou Xuweng warned Huo Jin.


    "Yi Jiali, where did you leave that night?" Zhou Xuweng stepped forward and immediately Yin Na clutched the robe of Huo Jin from his back.


    "Did you elope with this man?" Zhou Xuweng asked, ring at Huo Jin, who was flustered to hear that.


    "Come forward, Yi Jiali," he said with a stern voice and outstretched his arm when Huo Jin grabbed his wrist and pushed him back. Zhou Xuweng pped his sleeves as he red into his eyes.


    "I told you to stay back, Rank Four Officer," Huo Jin sarcastically pronounced. He turned to Yin Na and told her not to be scared.


    Zhou Xuweng''s friends came forward but he stopped them. Huo Jin turned to look at them. "Leave before you all get beaten up," Huo Jin warned them.


    "You seem new in the Capital. That''s why you don''t know what the consequences of your words are. Yi Jiali knows what kind of man I am," Zhou Xuweng stated.


    "She and I have that kind of rtionship," he said and smirked when Huo Jin smacked his face with a hard punch. The people got alerted to see them. Zhou Xuweng did not expect to get a blow from a man who was in his eyes, had no rank.


    He stood up and attacked Huo Jin, but he grabbed his fist. His other friends came forward to help him, and one of them kicked Huo Jin that he fell to the ground.


    "Huo Jin," Yin Na worriedly said and stepped forward when Zhou Xuweng grasped her hand.


    "Where are you even going?" He questioned her. "You eloped with a man, and you should get punished for it," he threatened her. Yin Na started to cry when Huo Jin grasped the wrist of Zhou Xuweng. The people surrounded them, and they started to whisper among them.


    "Leave her hand," Huo Jin scowled at him. "Leave before I drag you to the police bureau," He urged him.


    "Huo Jin," Yin Na murmured as tears kept flowing down her eyes.


    Zhou Xuweng did not like the way Huo Jin looked into his eyes.


    "She is the Courtesan who served me in the Brothel House. So, don''t argue with me if you do not want to get punished here¡­ in front of everyone. I am her master. I have paid lifetime money for her," Zhou Xuweng stated.


    "Serve you?" Huo Jin chuckled and pulled away Zhou Xuweng''s hand from Yin Na. He grabbed his cors tightly and said, "She is not your possession.. She is Yin Na, the sister of General Wang and daughter of the Ex-General of the Han Empire. How dare you touch her with your filthy hand?"

 Chapter 656 - Its Pretty

    "She is not your possession. She is Yin Na, the sister of General Wang and daughter of the Ex-General of the Han Empire. How dare you touch her with your filthy hand?" Huo Jin shouted at Zhou Xuweng.


    "What?" Zhou Xuweng was shocked to hear that.


    The Royal Inspector with a few soldiers, who got informed about themotion. The Royal Inspector had recognized Huo Jin as he had seen him in the Pce. He asked him about the matter.


    "Royal Inspector, this Fourth Rank officer was harassing the sister of General Wang. I would like you to take stringent action against him," Huo Jin requested and pushed away Zhou Xuweng.


    "I did not harass the sister of General Wang. She is Yi Jiali, a courtesan," Zhou Xuweng asserted and looked at Yin Na. "Tell them the truth," he told her.


    "Shut your mouth," Huo Jin scolded him when Yin Na intervened.


    "Let''s go back," she told Huo Jin as she grasped the end of his sleeve. She had lowered her eyes. "Please," she urged him.


    "Apologize to Miss Yin Na," Huo Jin told Zhou Xuweng, who bowed instantly and apologized for his behavior.


    "I will let it slide this time. However, I want you to not act this way with any woman," Huo Jin affirmed. "If I catch you ever again behaving this way withdies, you will spend your entire life in prison," he threatened him and walked away with Yin Na. The Royal Inspector told Zhou Xuweng to be cautious the next time.


    "Howe I did not do anything about this? Since when did she be the sister of General Wang? I have to bear so much humiliation," Zhou Xuweng muttered and turned to look.


    "Who is Huo Jin?" He asked the Royal Inspector who was beside him.


    "Huo Jin holds a high rank in the military. He is loyal to His Majesty," the Royal Inspector informed him, who was bewildered to hear about Huo Jin. He thought Huo Jin was some random guy¡­ probably a servant. He regretted arguing with Huo Jin.


    Oppositely, Huo Jin and Yin Na stopped by a local food shop. He took her towards a table and made her sit on the bench. A young boy came to take their orders. "A bowl of noodles," Huo Jin said. "Could you please bring a ss of water?" He asked him.


    The young boy nodded and walked away. Huo Jin found Yin Na''s hands trembling in fear. He put his hands over hers and caressed them. "Everything is fine," Huo Jin told her and then outstretched hand towards her cheeks. Wiping the tears using his thumb, he thanked the young boy, who put the two sses of water on the table.


    He picked the ss and brought it near Yin Na''s mouth. "Drink the water," he said softly. His left hand automatically moved around her shoulder as he caressed her arm. Yin Na sipped the water while Huo Jin put the ss down on the table.


    Yin Na looked into his eyes and thanked him. "You don''t need to thank me. It was my duty," he said. "Tell me, do you want General Wang to know about this?" He asked her.


    "I don''t think that I shall tell my Brother. Things might turn worse," She said with a worried expression.


    "In my opinion, Yin Na shall tell her Brother in the morning. Why? Because that arrogant man should get punished. I won''t ask how he knows you but the way he was speaking to you was not appropriate at all," Huo Jin proimed.


    "Zhou Xuweng is his name. I used to s-serve him when he came to the Courtesan''s House," Yin Na said with a stutter. The young boy ced a big noodle bowl on the table and walked away.


    Yin Na fell silent and from her facial expressions, it was clear that she had fallen into a shock. "You don''t need to tell me. It must be the worst memory. However, you are no longer a Courtesan. Do not let it take this over your mind," Huo Jin advised her. He looked at the table and brought the bowl filled with noodles towards Yin Na.


    "Eat this. This is my treat to you at this festival," Huo Jin said as he picked the chopsticks and checked the noodles.


    "Your treat?" She astonishingly looked at him.


    "Hmm. You are the first one with whom I celebrated such a festival. So, I must treat you to a good meal. This shop is the famous food shop of Luoyang," Huo Jin stated and smiled. He rolled the noodles around the chopsticks and told Yin Na to eat them.


    Yin Na took the chopsticks from his hand and asked him why he did not order one bowl for him. "I will. Start eating," Huo Jin said and pulled his arm back from around her shoulder. He called the same young boy, who was taking orders from the other tables.


    "Young Brother, please bring one more bowl of noodles," he said humbly. "Thank you." He turned to look at Yin Na, who was amusingly gazing at him.


    "What happened?" Huo Jin asked.


    "You talk so politely with not only older people but also the people younger than you," Yin Na said. "It''s a great trait of yours," she stated.


    "The Fourth Prince is the one from whom I learned this. Politeness is one of the jewels of a man. We shall not demean any person whether he''s young, old, or of the same age; or whether he is high in status or low in status. During my stay with him, I learned some of the most beautiful things about life from him. He called a ''nobody'' like me his Brother," Huo Jin asserted and recalled the old days.


    "Start eating. The noodles will get cold," he told her and looked towards the counter. The young boy brought his order and ced the bowl on the table.


    He also started to eat along with Yin Na, who had turned stable. It relieved him. They heard the whispers from the other tables. "Look, today''s moon is so bright," they heard a voice. Both of them looked towards the sky and found the full shining moon above them.


    "It''s pretty," Yin Na murmured and then shifted her gaze to Huo Jin.

 Chapter 657 - Fated Butterflies

    Yin Na realized that Huo Jin did not look at it for more than a few seconds. Was it probably because he recalled the woman he had already captured his heart?


    The whole time, while eating the noodles, her eyes were fixed on Huo Jin as if she wanted him to see her with those eyes.


    Yin Na was so excited about today but things did not act in her favor. She wanted to confess her feelings to Huo Jin, but now after meeting Zhou Xuweng, her fear has revived again.


    "What happened? Why are you not eating?" He asked her.


    "Nothing," she averted her gaze from him.


    "If there''s something bothering you, then you can share with me," he told her.


    "Huo Jin, do you think I can find a good man?" Yin Na''s question perplexed him. "I was a Courtesan. So, in the future, I might face the consequences because of my past life," Yin Na asserted.


    "That will never happen. A good man will never look into your past. He will ept you as you are!" Huo Jin affirmed. Yin Na smiled and thanked him for answering her question. She again started to eat.


    After finishing their noodle bowls, Huo Jin paid the bills and left for the house with Yin Na in the carriage which was waiting for them, in front of the main entrance of the market.


    After reaching the Residence, Huo Jin escorted Yin Na to her room. "General Wang has returned home. I will tell him about today''s incident. I shall not hide this from him," Huo Jin stated.


    Yin Na nodded her head and recalled that earlier Huo Jin had bruised his hand when Zhou Xuweng pushed him to the ground. She grasped his hand and took him inside her room. "Let me dress your wound before it catches any infection," she said and told him to sit down on the cushion.


    "It is not necessary," Huo Jin replied.


    "Why? You shall take care of your body," Yin Na said and walked to the other room. Huo Jin looked at his left hand and then sat down on the cushion. Yin Na came with a wooden first-aid kit and brought another cushion near Huo Jin.


    Sitting on it, she put the kit on the wooden floor. She gently put her hand under the back of his palm of Huo Jin.


    "May I ask how did you end up in the Brothel house?" Huo Jin was curious to know.


    "Huo Jin, my own brother, sold me for a small amount of money. Brother Wang rescued me and united me with my real brother thinking he would take care of me. However, he did not care about me. The person to whom he sold me, then traded me for big money with the owner of the Brothel House. I was trained for two years and then I started to serve men at the age of fourteen," Yin Na said. Her voice quivered, however, she did not look into his eyes. She picked the bandage and wrapped it around Huo Jin''s hand.


    "I even wanted to die," Yin Na said and finally looked at him as she tied the bandage around his hand. "I was angry at Brother Wang for sending me to my real brother, but it was not his mistake either. Brother Wang did what I requested of him," she stated.


    "It is shameful that your blood brother did this to you," Huo Jin said.


    "I want to ask him why he did that," Yin Na said and her eyes flickered because of the tears in them. "Because of him, I suffered so much. I had lost faith in men. Yi Jiali was my name as the Courtesan. That''s why Zhou Xuweng called me out with that name. Huo Jin, he will not do anything to me, right?" She asked him and wiped the tears from the edges of her eyes.


    "He cannot do anything, Yin Na. Forget your old life. I know, that''s tough but that would be best," Huo Jin opined and assured her that Zhou Xuweng would not be able to evene in front of her.


    "Miss, Master Wang has asked you toe to the pavilion," the servant said from the outside. Huo Jin and Yin Na looked at each other. They both stood up and went towards the main pavilion of the house.


    ~~~~~


    In the Pce, Sheng Li left with Ying Lili to the Northern Pce earlier because he did not want her to catch a cold. Also, he had prepared a surprise for her in their private chamber.


    "I won''t catch a cold easily. You know that I have strong immunity," Ying Lili stated and requested Sheng Li that they should stay outside for a little longer.


    "No. Just sit here," he said and pushed her gently towards the bed. Shended on the mattress and confusedly peered at him.


    "What are you doing?" She asked him as she saw him near the desk. Sheng Li told her to close her eyes as he approached her. His hands were behind his back.


    "Why?" She asked him and tried to look behind his back.


    "Just close your eyes," Sheng Li urged her to. Ying Lili closed her eyes and asked him to hurry.


    "Don''t open your eyes," he whispered in her ear.


    "I will not," she replied.


    Sheng Li kissed her lips and pulled away. He brought his hands to the front and sat beside her. He gestured to Xing-Fu to hurry, who nodded his head. Sheng Li then gestured to him to leave the chamber. Xing-Fu bowed and stepped backward. He walked out and closed the doors behind him.


    "Open your eyes," He said softly near her ear. Ying Lili gradually opened her eyelids and was stunned to see the poem that Sheng Li had calligraphed on arge white sheet. She started to read the poem and found how profoundly it was written.


    "When did you learn poetry?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "I started learning from the day when I dedicated a poem to you for the first time. We ended up falling into the water that day," he asserted.


    "You named the poem¨C "Fated Butterflies".. I love it," Ying Lili told him and rested her forehead on his shoulder while Sheng Li.

 Chapter 658 - Brother Wang Is In Love

    Bai Yaling dabbed her lips with the napkin and put it down on the table. Court Lady Dai gestured to the maidservant to clean the table.


    Bai Yaling stood up and went towards therge window. "Her Highness seems to think about something intently. What is bothering Her Highness?" She asked humbly and walked to her. She halted at her right side and waited for Bai Yaling''s answer.


    However, she did not say anything. She looked at the sky, at the dazzling stars in the sky. She recalled the words of Wang Hao. ''He wants to be her husband and wants to be the child of her father.'' After what Shi Zhihao told her, she lostplete faith that she would ever enjoy her life.


    "Court Lady Dai, can a man love a woman who''s a widow?" Bai Yaling asked her, and tilted her head to her. Court Lady Dai was perplexed to hear the question. She had understood that Bai Yaling was referring to herself, but she was not getting the man she was referring to!


    "Love does not have its limits, Your Highness. It is possible to fall in love even with a widow," Court Lady Dai answered.


    Bai Yaling hummed and again shifted her eyes towards the sky. ''How did he fall for me? We didn''t even have enough conversation. Is he pitying me?'' she asked herself, but then recalled the kiss. The genuineness was visible in it. A simple, yet heartwarming kiss.


    She curled her fingers and lowered her gaze.


    "Your Highness, the air is cold. You might catch it. You shall go back to the bed and take a good sleep," Court Lady Dai interrupted her thoughts. Bai Yaling nodded and went to the bed while a maidservant closed the window.


    Court Lady Dai covered Bai Yaling from the nket while another maidservant pulled the curtains down and spread them evenly around the bed. After extinguishing thenterns, they left the chamber.


    Bai Yaling was unable to sleep as the face of Wang Hao was appearing in front of her eyes, every time she closed her eyes. "I don''t think that I shall not agree to it," she murmured and again closed her eyes.


    ~~~~


    In the Wang Residence, Wang Fuxing raised the cup and said, "This is for my son. He will soon get married," he said with a smile. Huo Jin and Yin Na looked at each other.


    Wang Fuxing gestured to them to drink the wine. "Brother Wang, you were outside the entire day. Were you with the Prime Minister''s daughter?" Yin Na asked him with a smile.


    "I was not with Miss Ai Huian. Forgive me, for not informing you and Huo Jin about it. I am not marrying her. I like Princess Bai," Wang Hao told them.


    Yin Na and Huo Jin were astonished to hear that. "When did it happen?" Yin Na asked curiously.


    Wang Fuxing smiled seeing their interaction.


    "Princess Bai has not confirmed yet, so there is still some time in my marriage," Wang Hao replied and looked at Wang Fuxing, who was enjoying the mooncake.


    "Then, make efforts to agree to you. Did you confess to Princess Bai? You did, right?" Wang Fuxing asked.


    "Yes, Father. I confessed my feelings to Princess Bai," replied Wang Hao. "But she has yet to respond," he asserted.


    "But I have heard that Princess Bai Yaling is a widow," Yin Na remarked and looked at Wang Hao, who put the chopsticks on the table.


    "That does not matter to me," Wang Hao replied. "That was her past. She suffered a lot because of that. She is a nice woman." There was a bright smile on his lips.


    "Brother Wang is in love. It is good to see. So, when she will confirm Brother Wang''s feelings, can I meet her? I will see the Pce too," she expressed her desire and smiled.


    "Ahh. I need to ask the Emperor first if I can bring you to the Pce. Forgive me, it slipped through my mind. You have asked me earlier too," Wang Hao said and then looked at Huo Jin, who was silently listening to them.


    "Where did you get hurt?" He asked skeptically, looking at the bandage that was wrapped around his hand. He looked at Yin Na, who shook her head.


    Wang Fuxing noticed that. "Did it happen when you two have gone to the market?" He questioned Huo Jin.


    "Yes," Huo Jin replied. "I fell and my hand got bruised," he lied to them, though he did not to.


    "Be careful from the next time," Wang Fuxing told him and picked a dumpling from his te. He put it on Huo Jin''s te. "Eat it," he urged.


    "Thank you, Master."


    "I told you not to call him Master. You can call him Father too," Wang Hao said and looked at his father.


    "How can I?" Huo Jin murmured.


    "Why can''t you?" Wang Fuxing asked him. Huo Jin was bewildered to hear him. "You don''t need to call me ''Master''," He affirmed. "I will be d if you call me Father," he stated.


    Huo Jin was overwhelmed to hear him. "Yes, Father," he said and brightly smiled. Wang Hao looked at Yin Na, who was deeply gazing at Huo Jin. However, Huo Jin never looked at Yin Na the same way she did. It worried him a little.


    What if Huo Jin refused her feelings? He could not see her sister getting hurt. Also, in his eyes, Huo Jin was perfect for Yin Na. He thought to talk to Huo Jin but he recalled the promise that he had made to his sister.


    After having dinner at the pavilion, Wang Fuxing left for his room while Wang Hao, Huo Jin, and Yin Na stayed behind.


    "I am a little tired, so I am leaving," Wang Hao stood up and left the pavilion. He thought to let them stay alone for a while, as it could be a chance for Yin Na to confess her feelings.


    "Huo Jin, I am d that you did not tell Father and Brother Wang," Yin Na said.


    "Tomorrow, tell them. It is not good to hide such a big thing," stated Huo Jin and stood up. "You shall go back to your room. Good night.." He walked ahead to leave when Yin Na stopped him.

 Chapter 659 - Dont Need To Show Me

    Huo Jin turned to look at her and asked her if she wanted anything. Yin Na had stood up and was fidgeting with her fingers.


    Huo Jin stepped towards her and halted in front of her.


    Yin Na lifted her gaze to peer into his eyes. She was a little nervous too. "Huo Jin," she called his name in her soft tone.


    "Hmm?"


    "I-I like you," Yin Na said. "I like you, Huo Jin," she repeated this time with a clearer voice.


    The smile from Huo Jin''s lips disappeared. He had not expected this from her. "You know that I love someone," Huo Jin said.


    "I know. But she is no more. I think I can make a space in your heart," Yin Na said with a confident tone.


    "Yin Na, I told you that I am not a nice man. I do not deserve to be with you or any other woman. I cannot forget Xinyue. Forgive me, if I have hurt you but this is the truth," Huo Jin stated and furrowed his brows together.


    Huo Jin turned to leave when Yin Na grasped his wrist. She came in front of him. "What if I make you forget her? You told me that she never returned your feelings. What if I show you what love is! Will you allow me to do that?" She asked him.


    "I know what is love. You don''t need to show me. I will pretend that I never heard it," Huo Jin replied to her coldly, and let go of her hand from his wrist.


    Yin Na''s eyes filled with tears. "Why can''t you forget her? Can''t you give chance to yourself?" She queried him.


    Huo Jin did not answer her questions and left the pavilion. Yin Na started to cry. She had not expected that Huo Jin would talk this coldly to her. She wiped the tears from her eyes and clutched the edge of her High waist skirt tightly.


    "I cannot give up on my feelings," she mumbled to herself.


    Huo Jin stopped outside his room and took a deep breath. "Why?" He muttered. "How could she like ''a no one'' like me? She knows my heart, yet she--" he paused as saw a servant walking past him. Somewhere he felt bad too. He made General Wang''s sister cry. Pinching the skin of the middle of his forehead, he walked inside the room.


    Yin Na, oppositely, reached her room. Her personal servant noticed that she was a little low. "I don''t want to talk. I am a little tired, so I will sleep," Yin Na told her and went to the bed.


    "Yes, Miss." The servant walked out of the room.


    Yin Na closed her eyes as the tears kept flowing down her eyes. She was well aware of the fact that Huo Jin would reject her, but she did know that it would hurt her badly.


    ~~~~~~


    Xue Yu-Yan came to the bed after removing the headgear and the jewelry. "Brother Sheng has solved the matter. His spy had informed him about this incident. So, you do not need to worry anymore," Jian Guozhi informed her as he removed the overcoat and handed it to the maidservant. "Leave," he ordered her.


    "Really? Did His Majesty not get angry at me?" She asked. Jian Guozhi came to the bed and sat down.


    "He said that he will punish you. But don''t worry. I won''t let you get punished," Jian Guozhi told her and grasped her both hands in his.


    "I will ept the punishment, Jian Ge. I think the Emperor has already forgiven me numerous times. So, if by getting punished, I can reduce the burden of my sins, then I will do that," Xue Yu-Yan stated.


    "Then, I should also lessen the burden from my head of the sins that I havemitted," Jian Guozhi pronounced and brought Xue Yu-Yan''s right hand near his lips. He nted a kiss on the back of her palm and put it down.


    "Xue, you were looking beautiful today," Jian Guozhi told her and hispliment made her blush. "The entire evening at the pavilion was hard for me to keep away eyes from you," He said and grinned.


    "Jian Ge is acting strange," Xue Yu-Yan said and lowered her gaze. A hue of red was visible on her cheeks.


    "I am telling the truth," Jian Guozhi replied and tucked her hair strands behind her ear. He grazed her left cheek from the back of his index finger and then traced her lips with his thumb. Xue Yu-Yan gripped the fabric of her dress and looked into his eyes.


    Jian Guozhi leaned down and kissed her lips. Xue Yu-Yan took a deep breath as her lips quivered. He again kissed them, gently and ced his hand on her side face while his other hand moved behind her back. He drew her closer to him, closing the distance between them.


    Xue Yu-Yan let him delve his tongue inside her mouth. Their tongues tangled with each other. Xue Yu-Yan locked her hands around his neck and leaned backward on the mattress. They did not break the kiss while doing so.


    They both withdrew from the kiss, gasping for the air. Jian Guozhi''s hands were now on the knot of Xue Yu-Yan''s dress. Opening the knot, he yanked the upper jacket away and buried his face in the crook of her neck.


    He showered kisses on her neck and shoulder. He nipped the skin near her corbone, thus yearning a moan from her. Xue Yu-Yan pulled him up by cing her hands on his nape. They again kissed. This time it was an intense one.


    "Xue," Jian Guozhi whispered her name as they again pulled away. He kissed her cheek, her jaw, her ear while she giggled.


    He kissed her nose tip and she giggled again. They nuzzled their noses. Jian Guozhiid beside her and outstretched his arm. Xue Yu-Yan rested her head on his arm and ced her hand on his chest.. Jian Guozhi had pulled the nket up, thus covering them from it.

 Chapter 660 - A Great Man With High Values

    <h4>Chapter 660 - A Great Man With High Values</h4>


    In the morning, Wang Hao got ready to leave for the pce. He first gave morning greetings to his father and then left to meet Yin Na. Last night he was informed that Yin Na was crying.


    Yin Na was delighted to see her brother in the morning. "Brother Wang looks good in maroon robes," She said and passed a smile to him. "Brother Wang, take Princess Bai out with you. She will feel good, and this way, you two will get close," she suggested to him.


    "Ahh, I am getting butterflies even thinking about this," Yin Na said.


    Wang Hao ended up smiling. "Your suggestion is great. I will take the Emperor''s permission," he asserted.


    "Brother Wang, if you give her a hairpin or a jade ring, then her heart will flutter for you. She will then respond to your feelings soon," stated Yin Na with glistening eyes.


    "I have not bought any hairpin or a jade ring. I will only have a little conversation with the Princess. Making herfortable is important at this moment. Making her see my loyalty towards her is necessary. Gifts can be giventer. The most powerful thing in this world is your actions. I will prove Princess Bai through my actions. People promise many things but only a few fulfill them," Wang Hao said.


    Yin Na realized that she was in a hurry while confessing to Huo Jin. She should have waited for more. It was true that she did not know anything about Huo Jin''s past except a few things.


    "Brother Wang, do you know everything about Princess Bai''s past?" She questioned him.


    "Umm¡­ I know a few things. However, I never asked her much. We never had anymunication regarding that. Though I am fully aware of the life she had with herte husband. It was not a good one," Wang Hao told her.


    "Ohh."


    Wang Hao found that Yin Na was thinking something, so he asked her, "Did something happenst night?"


    "Huh?" Yin Na was flustered to hear that.


    "Don''t hide anything from your elder brother," Wang Hao told her.


    Yin Na clutched the material of her dress. Huo Jin had told her that she should tell Wang Hao about Zhou Xuweng, but how could she! Wang Hao was going to take Princess Bai out and if she told him about yesterday''s incident, then he would first solve that matter.


    "Nothing, Brother Wang," she replied and passed him a tiny smile.


    Wang Hao understood that his sister lied to him because she wanted to solve the matter with Huo Jin in her own way. He had no idea that Yin Na was troubled about something else.


    "Did you tell Huo Jin that you like him?" Wang Hao asked her straightforwardly.


    "Ahh, I did. But Huo Jin refused to ept my feelings," Yin Na replied and lowered her eyes.


    "His heart is broken. Don''t give up, Yin Na," Wang Hao cheered up. Yin Na was overwhelmed to hear that. Wang Hao was indeed a supportive elder brother. She could not even imagine her life without him. Tears formed in her eyes recalling her blood brother never cared for her while an unknown man called her his sister, gave her everything, and also protected her.


    "Brother Wang, you are indeed a great person. Princess Bai will surely respond to your feelings. I will be the happiest person if she does that," Yin Na proimed and smiled.


    Wang Hao saw the tears in her eyes. "You are getting emotional. What did you recall?" Wang Hao waited for her answer.


    "Brother Wang even knows what''s going on in my mind," she replied. "Brother Wang, you came to find me even after so many years. You called me your sister in this world which is full of immoral men. My own blood brother sold me for a few pennies. He didn''t even care how I would be used?


    Brother Wang kept his promise to me. That''s why he is a great man with high values. It would be a loss for the Princess if she refuses your feelings," Yin Na pronounced.


    "You are my sister, Yin Na. I had to keep my promise. Though, I am sad about the time you had to spend in the Brothel House," Wang Hao said and ced his hand over hers.


    "Princess Bai is a little sensitive towards men. Prince Yongzheng used to beat her up and it''s not easy to trust another man. It will surely take a little time, but I won''t give up. You are the sister of Wang Hao. You also should not give up. Understand Huo Jin and talk to him. Huo Jin is a tough man. It is not going to be easy to win his heart," Wang Hao advised her.


    "Can Brother Wang tell me more about Huo Jin, if he is not gettingte?" Yin Na asked him.


    "No, I am not gettingte. I will tell you," Wang Hao replied.


    "Huo Jin is not the type of person who will get swayed easily. When he was a ve, the only person who showed care towards him was Xinyue. That''s why he was loyal to her even when he was on the verge of getting a death sentence. Though it was all one-sided, he still did not care about him. You need to be extremely patient around him and also need to make him feel your feelings towards him," Wang Hao told her a little about Huo Jin.


    "He said that he''s unable to forget her. I think Xinyue was indeed a great woman. He said that she changed because of her father," Yin Na stated.


    "That''s the problem. He thinks wrong. Xinyue never cared for him. He was merely a puppet for her. This difference Huo Jin cannot understand since he had no family to understand him. In an alone world, he grew up where only one person showed care towards him," proimed Wang Hao.


    Yin Na nodded her head. "I understand, Brother Wang," she said and thanked Wang Hao.


    "I know that you will win his heart," Wang Hao said and stood up. "I will see youter in the evening," he said and walked out of the room.


    As he came to the Courtyard, he saw Huo Jin, who greeted him. "Where is General Wang heading to?" Huo Jin asked.


    "To the Pce," Wang Hao replied. He did not say anything to him regarding Yin Na and took his leave.


    "Did Yin Na not inform General Wang about yesterday''s incident?" Huo Jin wondered. He thought of meeting her and went to her room.


    Yin Na was astonished to see Huo Jin. It was unbelievable to her that he came to meet her in the morning. Taking a seat on the cushion, he initiated the conversation.


    "Why did you not tell about Zhou Xuweng?" He queried her.


    "I will tell himter," Yin Na replied.


    "You shall not take it lightly," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "Brother Wang is meeting Princess Bai. I don''t want him to ruin his day because of me. Also, Zhou Xuweng will nevere after me. He now knows that I am the sister of General Wang," she stated.


    "Yin Na, he will harass other women. At least after General Wang''s action, he will not do that," Huo Jin made her understand.


    Yin Na nodded. "Huo Jin, this time is crucial for Brother Wang. He is working hard to get into Princess Bai''s heart. That''s why I cannot tell him now. I will surely tell himter," Yin Na assured him.


    "Okay," Huo Jin said and stood up from the cushion.


    "You are leaving?"


    Huo Jin arched his brow when Yin Na immediately stood up and said, "Let''s have breakfast together."


    Huo Jin wanted to refuse when Yin Na quickly called a servant inside. She ordered her to set the breakfast table for them. "Huo Jin, you told me that you will teach me archery. Why don''t you start teaching me now? I would have asked Brother Wang, but he is busy again," Yin Na stated.


    "Okay. I will teach you. But why do you want to learn it?" Huo Jin asked her.


    "I heard from General Wang that the Empress once saved the Emperor in a heroic style," Yin Na said and smiled. Huo Jin was stunned to hear that.


    "What do you mean?" He asked her.


    "Don''t you know? Oh, I will tell you. Let''s sit down," she told him and they both got seated on the cushions.


    "When they were Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, they had gone to the South-Western Province. There an assassin tried to shoot down the Emperor. The Empress came onto a horse and shot down the arrow to defend the Emperor. Generally, men are considered heroes but the Empress ended that myth," Yin Na said delightfully.


    The servant had set the breakfast table for them and left.


    "Huo Jin, I also want to learn it, and then I will save my future man if he ever gets into a problem," Yin Na asserted. Huo Jin raised his eyebrow again as he recalled Yin Na''s confession.


    "Sure," he answered and picked up the chopstick.

 Chapter 661 - Dont See You As A Man

    <h4>Chapter 661 - Don''t See You As A Man</h4>


    "You want to take Princess Bai out," Sheng Li arched his eyebrow.


    Wang Hao nodded his head. "Yes, Your Majesty. I want to prove my loyalty towards her," he proimed.


    "Princess Bai might refuse to go out," Sheng Li answered. "She does not want to marry anyone. She hase to meet me in the morning and told me that it''s her sincere request not to pair her up with anyone," Sheng Li asserted.


    Wang Hao was saddened to hear it. "Why don''t you meet her in the Pce? That would be better, I think," Sheng Li suggested to him.


    "Can I meet her in her private chamber, Your Majesty?" Wang Hao asked him.


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "I will be d if you two marry each other," he smiled at him. Wang Hao bowed and left to meet Bai Yaling. Nianzu encountered him and the two greeted each other.


    "General Wang, aren''t you supposed to prepare for your marriage?" Nianzu''s question bewildered Wang Hao.


    "I did not get the words of the Fourth Prince," Wang Hao replied.


    "Brother Wanxi told me that General Wang is supposed to marry the daughter of the Prime Minister," Nianzu rified his words.


    "I am not marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister, Prince Nianzu," Wang Hao answered. The smile from Nianzu''s lips disappeared as he could see troubled expressions on Wang Hao''s lips. Before he could ask him, Wang Hao walked away. Nianzu moved the sheets in his hand and went inside the Emperor''s office.


    "Your Majesty, the annual economic reports from every province are here," Nianzu informed him and handed the bundle of sheets to Xing-Fu. He walked to Sheng Li and ced them on the table. "I have thoroughly checked them. The maximum revenue is generated from the Lands where the great Yellow River flows. The farmers are happy with the new taxation system and the other benefits they were provided with. The Imperial seal needs to be stamped over them," Nianzu stated.


    Sheng Li nodded his head.


    "Your Majesty, I met General Wang earlier. He seemed disturbed. Is everything good from his end?" Nianzu asked Sheng Li. "He is not even marrying the Prime Minister''s daughter. I was shocked for a second," he said.


    Sheng Li could not tell him as Wang Hao had kept it hidden too.


    "Is it so? I will ask himter," Sheng Li acted as if he did not know.


    "Your Majesty, I heard from the First Brother that you had found out about the person who was ckmailing Princess Xue. Did His Majesty forgive her? And if not, then why?" Nianzu asked him.


    "I cannot forgive her. She shared such an important piece of paper with someone outside the Royal Family. Luckily, I had asked the Late Emperor to punish the bodyguard of her father, else things might have worsened," Sheng Li asserted.


    Nianzu nodded his head. "Princess Xue is scared of the Emperor in a terrible way. Since we all are one family, then it shouldn''t happen," Nianzu stated. "She fainted thinking the Emperor would kill her. His Majesty shall forgive her. She was a naive woman when she did those sorts of things, but now she has changed," he stood for Xue Yu-Yan.


    "I had talked to her during the time when the First Brother''s wife was alive. Princess Xue told me this is the way she was built in her house. Her father, her mother, and everyone around her to be the best in everything. That''s why she even chose wrong things to fulfill her desires," Nianzu exined to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li didn''t say anything to him and it was enough for Nianzu to understand that Sheng Li''s views regarding Xue Yu-Yan could not change easily. Nianzu took his leave while Sheng Li got busy with work.


    ~~~~


    Wang Hao halted outside the chamber of Bai Yaling and told the maidservant to inform the Princess that he wanted to meet her. After a few seconds, she came out and said, "Princess Bai does not want to see General Wang."


    Wang Hao realized that Bai Yaling had actually made up her mind that she would not want to marry anyone.


    "Tell Princess Bai that I will stay here until she permits me toe inside," Wang Hao passed her an order. The maidservant quickly walked in, to inform Bai Yaling.


    "Send him in," Bai Yaling replied.


    The maidservant informed Wang Hao about this, who was delighted to hear it. Without wasting any second, he went inside the chamber. He found Bai Yaling was on the chaise, listening to the poetries.


    "Could you all give us some privacy?" Bai Yaling asked the servants and the Royal poet, who was present in the chamber. Upon the orders of Bai Yaling, they slowly moved out of the chamber.


    "Why is General Wang doing this? I already told the Emperor my decision about the marriage," Bai Yaling said in a fit of rage.


    "Forgive me, for troubling you, Princess Bai. However, there was no other way to meet you," Wang Hao replied.


    "This is thest time I am talking to General Wang," Bai Yaling affirmed.


    "Then, this time is a crucial part of our lives. Why did Princess Bai not want to marry me? Is it because I am many years older than her? I need a good reason to pause my feelings for Princess Bai," General Wang stated.


    "There is no reason," Bai Yaling replied and averted her gaze from him.


    "Princess Bai is tricking me. Every cause has a reason. If she cannot give me a good reason, I will think that she also has feelings for me," Wang Hao said and smiled. Bai Yaling widened her eyes and shook her head.


    "I don''t see you as a man," Bai Yaling finally answered.


    ~~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Sorry for yesterday. I couldn''t give any chapter because I have caught Covid. This chapter I wrote with a lot of difficulties. I may get irregr in giving updates this week.


    Thank you.

 Chapter 662 - Not Perfect

    <h4>Chapter 662 - Not Perfect</h4>


    "I don''t see you as a man," Bai Yaling replied. Wang Hao ended up chuckling because this was a hrious reason in his eyes to reject him.


    "That statement hurt me," Wang Hao said. "Princess Bai, I have told my family about you. Everyone is excited to get married to you and bring you home," he asserted.


    Bai Yaling confusedly peered at him. "Why did General Wang tell his family? Also, I heard from the Sixth Brother that General Wang is marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister," Bai Yaling proimed.


    Wang Hao sighed as Lei Wanxi almost told everyone the half-truth. "I am not marrying her. Prince Wanxi has only half the information. I refused to marry her two days ago. I told the Prime Minister that I love a woman."


    Bai Yaling stood up from her seat. "General Wang, why did you do that? I heard that the daughter of the Prime Minister loves you and has feelings for you for a long time. She was perfect for General Wang," Bai Yaling was angry at Wang Hao for refusing to marry such a woman.


    "That''s what my heart told me. Miss Ai Huian is not a perfect woman for me," Wang Hao asserted. Bai Yaling was more than perfect for him.


    "Princess Bai, you told me that you don''t want people to raise any finger on the man who will show interest in marrying you, nor do you want any usation on that family. In my case, my family and I both are epting you wholeheartedly. Also, no one will say anything to us. Even if there is someone, that person''s opinion will never affect me. For me, my love for you will always be supreme. Please do not push me away," Wang Hao said politely. He assured her that from his family side no one had the problem.


    "Princess Bai, do you want toe to my house for a tour? I will ask the Emperor. Father and everyone at the house will be happy to meet you, especially my younger sister," Wang Hao said delightedly. "You will have an outing then," he told her.


    "General Wang is forgetting that as a widow, I am not allowed to go to someone''s house. Also, I don''t think it is appropriate for me to visit General Wang''s House," Bai Yaling opined.


    "But if the Princess agrees to marry me, then that''s possible," Wang Hao replied. Bai Yaling did not say anything after that. Wang Hao waited for her answer, but Bai Yaling had turned silent. "I will give more time to Princess Bai to think. Have your meals on time and do not take any stress," he said humbly. He bowed and turned to leave when Bai Yaling stopped him.


    Wang Hao nced at her and found she was smiling.


    "General Wang, let''s have tea tomorrow morning. I will tell you my decision," she stated. Wang Hao was surprised to hear that but he did not feel happy. He did not know the reason. Bai Yaling''s smile was making him worry. "Whatever will be my decision, General Wang has to ept that," she affirmed.


    "Princess Bai, then, can you go out with me? To my house? We can have tea at my house. Tell me your decision after visiting my house," Wang Hao put forward a condition.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head. "If the Emperor allows, I will definitely go to General Wang''s house with him," Bai Yaling agreed to him.


    Wang Hao bowed, thanking her for acknowledging his request. "I shall take my leave. Hopefully, I did not take much of your time," he said and walked out.


    Bai Yaling watched him going out. "I cannot be selfish, General Wang," she murmured.


    ~~~~~~


    Ying Lili looked at the dress which she had requested the Royal Tailor to make. She wanted to present it to Sheng Li. After he became the Emperor, she was supposed to present a Royal Robe and dress to him.


    "Thank you for preparing this beautiful dress earlier than the given time," Ying Lili said as she moved her hand over the warm and soft robe.


    "Your Majesty, it is my pleasure to make dresses for the Emperor. I am d that you liked my work," the Royal Tailor replied. Ying Lili lifted her head and looked at Court Lady Xu.


    Court Lady Xu understood and handed him a pouch full of gold coins. The Royal Tailor happily epted that and thanked Ying Lili for her generous benevolence.


    "Sheng Li does not take care of himself. Yesterday evening, I found out how cold it was. dly, I gave an order this way earlier. This robe will keep him warm," Ying Lili said and smiled.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. The winters are near, so His Majesty will get a leave from his work," Court Lady Xu informed her. "Then, you both can go to your Private Residence to spend time together," she stated.


    Ying Lili smiled and asked about Zhu Lin. "Prince Wanxi''s marriage got dyed for an indefinite time. Before winter falls, I want them to get married," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Your Majesty, Princess Zhu Lin will return after two days," Court Lady Xu replied.


    A maidservant walked in and bowed before the Empress. "Princess Bai wants to meet Her Majesty," she informed Ying Lili, who told her to send Bai Yaling inside. Court Lady Xu took the robes from Ying Lili.


    "Greetings to Your Majesty," Bai Yaling said.


    "Sister Bai, please have a seat," Ying Lili told her. Bai Yaling thanked her and sat down on the chaise.


    "Your Majesty, I need your opinion on an important matter," Bai Yaling said politely. Ying Lili smiled and asked the servants to leave the chamber.


    After everyone left, Bai Yaling started to speak. "Sister Lili, General Wang likes me. He confessed his feelings to me. I do not know how that happened, but I think it''s not good. He even refused to marry the daughter of the Prime Minister. How could General Wang do that? Sister Lili, please help me. I do not want General Wang to y with his life like this," Bai Yaling stated with a worried expression.


    "Sister Bai, what do you want me to do?" Ying Lili asked her.


    "Sister Lili, I want you to convince General Wang to give up on his feelings for me," Bai Yaling replied.


    "Forgive me, Sister Bai. I cannot do that. General Wang had told me and the Emperor about his feelings. He is not ying with his life. He is the General of the Han Empire. He is decisive, optimistic, strong and a determined person. I know what you are concerned about, Sister Bai," Ying Lili tried to make her understand and stood up from her ce. She walked to Bai Yaling and sat beside her.


    Taking her hands into hers and said, "Sister Bai, General Wang is the right man for you and for this child too. Also, the Emperor has passed an order not to make any defamatory remarks against you and the child you are carrying. Also, those who did that are already being dragged to prison. Don''t think about the negativements, Sister Bai. Also, General Wang''s family is nice. You will be happy in that house. I am just telling you my opinion. Rest is up to Sister Bai. But I would like to see her happy," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Sister Lili, General Wang is a nice man. I agree with that. But I am not good enough for him. He did so much for me, and I want him to be happy," stated Bai Yaling.


    "Sister Bai, General Wang will be happy with the woman he loves. Don''t you think so?" Ying Lili questioned her. "Also, I feel, Sister Bai might have feelings for him, but she is unable to see them. General Wang was deeply hurt by the words of Prince Shi Zhihao. That day, only he asked the Emperor to let him marry you. That was not because he pities you, but because he cannot see you in pain. Only a person in love can understand that" Ying Lili''s words deeply affected Bai Yaling''s conscience.


    Bai Yaling recalled how Wang Hao told her that she was the second woman in his life whom he saved. He was not ready to give up on her.


    "General Wang has invited me to his residence tomorrow. I will give him my answer, Sister Lili," Bai Yaling informed her.


    "That''s great. Hopefully, Sister Bai will make a decision that will make both of them happy," Ying Lili said with assurance.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Thank you for the patience. I have recovered. Still a little weakness. Sorry for not able to give updates for two days.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 663 - His True Feelings

    <h4>Chapter 663 - His True Feelings</h4>


    Nianzu was teaching Chuntao how to y the zither. She was seated on hisp while her petite figure was covered fully by Nianzu''s body. He had held her both hands and gently moved them over the strings while telling her about each string function.


    "Prince Nianzu, my fingers are hurting. Shall we stop?" Chuntao asked him after practicing for an hour. Nianzu nodded and apologized to her for not caring about that. He moved back while Chuntao moved down from hisp.


    "Are your legs numb? Let me press them," She urged.


    "Chun, I am fine. Show me your fingers," he said. Chuntao outstretched her hands. The red marks were visible at the tip of her fingers.


    Nianzu ced his hands under the back of her palms to hold them and blew air over them. Chuntao smiled and said, "Prince Nianzu, I had never imagined that ying zither is so tough. Prince Nianzu is indeed gifted in music."


    Nianzu pulled out the drawer and took out a tiny box from inside it. Opening it, he sprinkled the white powder over her fingers and then dabbed them with a tiny cotton pad.


    "I am not gifted. I have had an interest in music since my childhood days. To relieve my stress, I seek music''s help. I was not good at expressing my anger, but somewhere it used to trouble me from inside. Music calmed me down," Nianzu exined to her.


    "You do not need to force yourself to learn it. Your fingers will hurt and I cannot afford that. Can''t you drop this idea of learning zither?" He asked her again.


    Chuntao refused. "I cannot do that, Prince Nianzu. I want to learn it. One needs to bear the pain to learn something," she stated and looked at her fingers. "They will heal soon," she then said.


    "Tomorrow there is a hunting match between the brothers. Brother Sheng and Sister Lili will not be able to join us," he informed Chuntao.


    "Will you also hunt down the animals? Isn''t that bad?" She asked Nianzu.


    "I will for my Brothers sake, but will not kill any animal," Nianzu asserted.


    "You will lose then," Chuntao stated.


    "That''s better than taking a life," Nianzu said and smiled. "With this, I recall the early days when we brothers used to go out with our father for hunting. Brother Wanxi used to cry every time an arrow was shot. Brother Sheng used to scold him so much," he said and smiled.


    "Brother Wanxi does not like to kill anyone. He does not even carry any weapon. Was that the reason he used to cry?" Chuntao asked Nianzu, who nodded his head.


    "Brother Wanxi does not believe in taking life," asserted Nianzu and put back the box inside the drawer.


    "Even Prince Nianzu does not believe in taking life. The Empress Dowager hase to meet me earlier. Does Prince Nianzu not meet her regrly?" Chuntao asked her.


    "I visited her a week ago," Nianzu replied.


    "Earlier, you used to visit her every day," Chuntao said. "Are you still angry with her? Since when have you be so stubborn?" Sheined to him.


    "I try to forget that, Chun," Nianzu answered.


    "Hopefully, Prince Nianzu will soon amend his broken rtionship with his mother," Chuntao opined. "Prince Nianzu, Sister Liao Jun is going out with her husband for sightseeing before the first snowfall. Once thends will be covered with snow, it would be difficult to go out," she stated.


    "Where do you want to go?" He asked her.


    "Can we go to the Buddhist Shrine? The scenic beauty around the shrine is marvelous. I will also offer prayers for Sister Lili''s health and safety," Chuntao expressed her desire.


    "I will take you to the shrine the day after tomorrow," Nianzu replied.


    "Thank you for acknowledging my humble request," Chuntao bowed before him and then lifted her head.


    "Let''s have a walk in the Royal garden," Nianzu said and stood up. He extended his hand out. Chuntao caught it and he pulled her up. She adjusted her dress and hair, before leaving for the Royal Garden.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin stood behind Yin Na, who had extended the string outwardly. Her hand was trembling when Huo Jin held it, thus stabilizing the grip on the bow.


    Yin Na narrowly gazed at him and found how close he was to her! It made her nervous. But Huo Jin''s focus was not on that. "Yin Na, the aim should be clear while extending the string and putting an arrow over it. Don''t let your hands get trembled, else you will lose focus and just like earlier, will end up losing arrows. Train yourself to focus on the arrow only," Huo Jin advised her.


    "I understand, Huo Jin," she replied.


    Huo Jin slowly removed his hands from hers and stepped back.


    "Can you tell me what you are seeing?" He questioned her.


    "I can see therge board," she answered.


    "Yin Na, as I said your focus should be entirely at the central part. That''s important. You need to choose your aim before shooting an arrow," he exined to her.


    "Oh!" Yin Na closed her right eye and focused on the aim with the left one. Her hand was again staggering in the air.


    "Release it," Huo Jin said.


    Yin Na did so. s, the arrow hit at the topmost part of the board, far away from the central target. She moved her right arm as it started to ache. She got dejected because this was the twentieth time she failed.


    She turned to Huo Jin and apologized to him. "Forgive me. Despite your teachings, I am unable to do anything well," Yin Na said.


    Huo Jin started tough and it confused her. After he stopped, he took a step towards her and ced his hands on her shoulders. "You started today, so it''s not going to give you results so early. Be patient and practice daily for an hour," Huo Jin told her. He slowly moved his hands down and took away the bow from her. He noticed the bruises on her hands.


    "Since it was the first day, let''s stop. You need to give proper rest to your hands as well," Huo Jin advised her. Wang Fuxing, who was at the other side of the ground, watched them from the pavilion.


    "Is there something going on between these two?" Wang Fuxing asked his servant.


    "Master, Miss Yin Na has feelings for Huo Jin. However, he has no interest in her," the servant replied to Wang Fuxing.


    "Announce in the capital that I am looking for a capable groom for his daughter," Wang Fuxingmanded his servant, who bowed.


    "Master, but will Miss Yin Na not get sad?" He expressed his concern.


    "I want to see if there''s any spark from Huo Jin''s side. Wang Hao told me that he''s devoted to his dead lover. It would be a waste of time for Yin Na to run after Huo Jin, who will never acknowledge her.. However, with the arrival of marriage proposals for her, there is a chance that Huo Jin might open his heart for her, and I will be able to see his true feelings," Wang Fuxing proimed and walked away.

 Chapter 664 - I Am Not Yours

    <h4>Chapter 664 - I Am Not Yours</h4>


    Yin Na''s personal attendant pressed her shoulders and asked her if she was feeling good. Yin Na was lying on her belly with her arms over the pillow. "It''s still aching. I did not know that an hour of training would be this painful," asserted Yin Na.


    "Miss, why did you even start that? Your brother is the great General of Han. You do not need to stress yourself with the work," stated the attendant.


    "That''s why I need to learn. The sister of the General should know everything," Yin Na replied and sat up on the bed. "Do you know where Huo Jin is? After lunch, I did not see him around," Yin Na asked her.


    "Forgive me, Miss. I have no idea where he is," the attendant replied.


    "I am going out to the Courtyard. I will see youter," Yin Na answered and got down from the bed. She walked out of the room after checking herself in the mirror. After searching for Huo Jin in the entire residence, she could not find him. "Has he gone out?" She muttered and went towards the main entrance of the house.


    She looked up at the sky and found that there was enough time for the evening. She decided to go out and stepped out of the house. She descended the few stairs and looked around.


    "Huo Jin is mostly in the market at this hour," she murmured and headed towards the market. After a certain distance, she saw Zhou Xuweng and his friends. It terrified her, so she quickly changed the route.


    "What were they doing here?" Yin Na thought and followed the route which directed through the chain of abandoned houses to the market. She lifted her skirt a little and hastened her steps. She turned left and stopped immediately as she saw Zhou Xuweng in front of her.


    She clutched the edges of her high waist skirt and took a step back.


    "We met again, Jiayi. Forgive me for pronouncing the wrong name. I must call you Yin Na," Zhou Xuweng stated and smirked at her. Yin Na kept taking backward steps while he moved forward, closing the distance between them. Yin Na turned to run away but behind her, there were already two men.


    Zhou Xuweng grasped her wrist and twirled her. "Leave my wrist," Yin Na shouted at him.


    "You have be bold after leaving the Brothel. You humiliated me in front of so many people and now, you have to pay for that," Zhou Xuweng asserted.


    Yin Na struggled to get released from his grip. "If my elder Brother will find out that you tried to molest me, then he will not spare you. So, it is better to let me go," Yin Na said sternly and threatened him using the name of Wang Hao. Her right hand was already aching and the pain had increased more after Zhou Xuweng grabbed it fiercely.


    "Yin Na, what will your brother do? He released an entertainer from a brothel for whom I had paid the highest amount. You are not the blood sister of General Wang. You are still an entertainer, whose work is to provide the services to her master," Zhou Xuweng proimed.


    "I am not an entertainer anymore. Don''t forget that I am from a respected family. My status is even bigger than yours," Yin Na tried her best to confront him. In this situation, she had to protect herself at any cost. She was terrified from inside too because Zhou Xuweng could do anything to her if she did not run away from him.


    Yin Na thought to bite his hand and ran as quickly as she could from that ce. Zhou Xuweng drew her close and asked his men to check any of the houses.


    "What are you trying to do?" Yin Na knitted her brows as she twisted her wrist in his grip.


    "Something for which I paid in the Brothel house," Zhou Xuweng replied and grinned. Yin Na shook her head and told him not to do anything wrong with her.


    "Yin Na, you are mine," Zhou Xuweng reminded her.


    "No. I am not yours," she retorted at him and shouted for help when he tightly pressed his palm over her lips, thus preventing any of the noise from her mouth. One of the men of Zhou Xuweng informed him about a house where he could take Yin Na to.


    Yin Na widened her eyes. With her entire strength, she brought her mouth a little lower and bit the hand of Zhou Xuweng as hard as she could. He screamed at the top of his lungs. At that moment, Zhou Xuweng''s grip loosened and Yin Na took it as a chance. She pushed him away and ran in the opposite direction as fast as she could.


    Zhou Xuweng shouted at his men. "Catch that woman!"


    There were tears on her cheeks. She should not havee out of the house and should not have followed that passage. The first thought came to her mind.


    Zhou Xuweng took out the sword from his sheath as he had decided to kill her. "Yin Na, I will not spare you alive. You should have easilye with me," he muttered and ran towards the other route with which he could get to her in a short time.


    Yin Na looked behind and did not find anyone approaching her. She stopped and gasped for air. But then, instead of resting for more seconds, she again started to run. Her shoe hit the pebble, and she fell to the ground. "Ahh," she winced in pain.


    "Yin Na!" She heard the shout of Zhou Xuweng and turned to look.


    She stood up and dragged her right leg ahead. She was weeping badly and by now, she was in a mess. Her strength was leaving her body, and the blood on her knee had soaked her dress from the knee. "Brother Wang! Brother Wang!" She shouted while running.


    Zhou Xuweng was a few meters away from her. He finally caught her by fisting her hair in his hand. Bringing the sword near her neck, he said, "You should have agreed to me. Now, close your eyes and die!" He told her.. Yin Na cried in pain as Zhou Xuweng was not showing any mercy on her.

 Chapter 665 - I Wish I Could Neglect

    <h4>Chapter 665 - I Wish I Could Neglect</h4>


    Huo Jin arrived at the residence in the early evening when he encountered Yin Na''s personal attendant. "Huo Jin, did you see Miss Yin Na?" She asked him anxiously.


    "No. I just returned. She might be with General Wang," Huo Jin answered.


    "General Wang is not in the house. The gatekeeper said that Miss Yin Na went out. She was looking for you," she informed him.


    "I will look for her. Don''t worry," Huo Jin assured her. "May I know when she goes out?" He asked her. She replied to him and then, Huo Jin walked out of the house. He asked the gatekeeper about Yin Na, who told her about the direction which she took earlier. He asked the guard to bring a horse for him, who soon brought the horse.


    Huo Jin hopped on the horse and followed the same path on which Yin Na had left.


    "Why did she go out alone?" He murmured and pulled the reins. The horse started to run at its highest speed.


    ~~~~~~


    "Drop that sword, Zhou Xuweng!" A voice roared in the air. The next second a pebble hit his hand and he immediately lowered his hand which was carrying the sword. He looked ahead and found Lei Wanxi in front of him.


    Lei Wanxi had a slingshot in his hand. "Leave your filthy grip from her," Lei Wanxi said with a stern expression. The two men, who were with Zhou Xuweng also stopped seeing the Sixth Prince.


    Zhou Xuweng let go of Yin Na''s hair and stepped back. "It is not what you are thinking, Your Highness," Zhou Xuweng stated. Lei Wanxi walked to them, putting the slingshot inside the sash, and stood in front of Yin Na.


    Lei Wanxi threw away the hat that Zhou Xuweng was wearing and gripped the fistful of his hair. He screamed in pain and apologized to Lei Wanxi.


    "Shut your mouth. How dare you molest a woman openly?" Lei Wanxi shouted at him. The two men took the chance and ran away from there.


    Lei Wanxi pushed him onto the ground and then said, "You areing with me to the Pce." He turned to Yin Na and found how terrified she was. He looked at her hair and extended his hand out. Yin Na stepped back and shook her head.


    "Everything is fine," Lei Wanxi told her softly. He took a step towards her and caressed her hair. He stroked them and then took out the handkerchief from inside his sleeve. He wiped the tears from Yin Na''s face and put his hand down.


    ~~~~~~


    Huo Jin, who was on the horse saw the two mening out of the path which led to abandoned houses. He stopped the horse and it neighed. He found that those two were the same men that he saw with Zhou Xuweng. He found it odd that the two were terrified as if they saw something which they should not have.


    He went to them on his horse and blocked their way. "Why are youing from that way?" Huo Jin asked them.


    The two men recognized him and tried to run away when Huo Jin threatened them. The few noblemen, who were returning to their respective homes, saw them. The two men did not want to grab unwanted attention, so quickly told Huo Jin about Zhou Xuweng.


    They got on their respective knees. "Forgive us, Master. We did not want to do that. We did not do anything to the sister of General Wang. We did what we were ordered to. Please forgive us." They both pleaded for forgiveness.


    Huo Jin was confused when he heard them. But their talks made him realize that something was done to Yin Na.


    "Where is Yin Na?" He asked them.


    "She is ahead on this route," one of them replied. Huo Jin swiftly turned on that route on his horse.


    Huo Jin soon saw Yin Na and Prince Lei Wanxi. He stopped the horse and got down from it. "Yin Na!" He called her name and ran to her. His eyes fell on Zhou Xuweng, who was on his knees and had lowered his head.


    "Huo Jin, it''s great that youe here. You shall take Sister Yin Na home," Lei Wanxi replied.


    Huo Jin saw the dpidated state of Yin Na. Her hair was aplete mess and the marks of tears were visible on her cheeks. He quickly took off his overcoat and put it around Yin Na, who was trembling in fear.


    Huo Jin red at Zhou Xuweng. He wanted to kill him right away, but at this moment, Yin Na was not in the right state. So, he thought of taking her back to the residence first.


    "Huo Jin, I will see you tomorrow," Lei Wanxi asserted and turned towards Zhou Xuweng. "Follow me," he told him.


    "Your Highness, please forgive me. I will never do this," Zhou Xuweng promised him and bowed before him. Lei Wanxi hit his head using the fan in his hand.


    "Zhou Xuweng, I wish I could neglect what you did to Sister Yin Na. Brother Sheng is waiting for me in the Pce. Don''t make him wait for too long. He will punish you more, so it''s better to silently follow me," Lei Wanxi advised him.


    Zhou Xuweng looked at Yin Na. "Please forgive me. Tell the Prince that was nothing," He requested to Yin Na when Huo Jin stood in front of her.


    "Do not speak anything with her," Huo Jin sternly told him.


    "Huo Jin, it is gettingte. You shall leave with Sister Yin Na. I will handle this Fourth Ranked officer," Lei Wanxi opined. Huo Jin nodded and thanked him for the help. Huo Jin put his hands around Yin Na and took her towards the horse.


    He helped her get on the horse and then hopped on it. He ced his hand securely around her waist and with the other held the reins on the horse. The horse started to move and they left for the Wang Residence.


    Lei Wanxi smiled as he saw them leaving.. He then left with Zhou Xuweng for the Pce.

 Chapter 666 - Cannot Show Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 666 - Cannot Show Mercy</h4>


    Huo Jin had kept the speed of the horse nominal. The sky had turned darker, and the redness had disappeared from the sky. They both soon reached outside the Wang Residence. Huo Jin got down from the horse first and then, brought Yin Na down.


    The personal attendant of Yin Na was shocked to see her in that state. She would definitely be given floggings if Wang Fuxing found out about that. Huo Jin took Yin Na inside the house and ordered her servant to bring lukewarm water into a vessel.


    He took her to the room and made her sit on the chaise. Yin Na did not meet his gaze and kept her head low. Huo Jin got on his knees and grabbed both of her hands. He caressed them and asked, "What did he do to you?" He gazed at her and found she had started to cry. He saw the scratches on the back of her hands.


    He moved his hand towards her right hand and moved the sleeve up. Her wrist had the impression of fingers around it. The personal attendant ced the water vessel on the table and quickly knelt down.


    "Forgive me, Miss. I should not have let you go alone. It is my fault that you ended up this way. Please punish me," she urged her.


    "Leave us alone. Inform me when General Wang will be home," Huo Jin told her. She stood up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Bowing before Yin Na, she took gradual back steps and soon left the chamber.


    Huo Jin stood up and soaked the cotton fabric into the water. Draining out the excess of water from it, he came back to Yin Na and again got on his knees. He wiped her hands gently.


    "I shouldn''t have gone out. He tried to--" her voice quivered and she paused. Huo Jin peered into her eyes which had turned red.


    "It was not your fault," Huo Jin told her. "Such a beast shall not be allowed to roam outside this way. Though, I am angry at you. You should have told General Wang. What if Prince Wanxi was not present there, then what have you done?" Huo Jin kept his tone polite.


    Yin Na started to cry profusely and put both her palms on her face. Huo Jin caressed her arm and told her to calm down. Yin Na put her hands down and sobbed. Huo Jin then sat beside her and wiped her face gently. "You can tell me what he did," he told her. "I must know that so that I can ask His Majesty to give him the harshest punishment," affirmed Huo Jin.


    "I went to find you and thought you must be in the market. I took that route because I saw Zhou Xuweng. I had no idea that he had seen me," Yin Na replied. She then gradually narrated the entire incident to him.


    Huo Jin was furious to know that he pulled Yin Na by her hair and even pointed a sword at her neck. He hugged her and caressed her hair. "You don''t need to look for me, Yin Na. If today anything had happened to you, then how would I have faced myself?" He questioned her.


    Yin Na buried her face in his chest as she started to cry again. After a while, both of them withdrew back from each other. Huo Jin wiped the tears from her cheeks using his thumb. "Would you like to rest for some time?" He asked her.


    "I don''t think that I can rest. That scene is still moving in front of my eyes," Yin Na truthfully told him. Huo Jin nodded his head.


    "Shall I narrate a story to you? You shall take some rest. That''s important for you," he advised her. "Go to the bed and I will narrate the story from here," Huo Jin stated. In his eyes, she was still a young girl.


    "Huo Jin, I don''t want to sleep," Yin Na said. She lowered her head and fidgeted with her fingers. "What if he again came to trouble me?" She mumbled.


    "Prince Wanxi has taken him to the Pce. I don''t think that he will ever see another day in his life," Huo Jin pronounced. "Prince Wanxi will definitely tell the Emperor and he will not spare him. Also, General Wang is in the Pce. After knowing that Zhou Xuweng tried to openly harass you, he will himself ask for the harshest punishment. You don''t need to be scared of him anymore," Huo Jin gave her various stances.


    "I again created troubles for Brother Wang and others," Yin Na said when they both heard the voice.


    "Elder Master Wang is here!"


    Both of them stood up from the chaise. Huo Jin quickly stepped away from Yin Na. The doors opened and Wang Fuxing entered inside.


    "Yin Na, my child!" Wang Fuxing called her name and walked to her.


    "Father," she bowed before him.


    "I was informed that a lowly man molested you. The Sixth Prince saved you. Am I right?" Wang Fuxing asked her. Yin Na nodded her head.


    "Yes, Fa-father," she replied with a stutter.


    Wang Fuxing looked at Huo Jin. "Prepare a carriage for me. I will demand a death sentence for the man who touched my daughter and also lifetime imprisonment for his entire family from His Majesty," Wang Fuxingmanded Huo Jin.


    "Father," Yin Na interrupted. "There is no need to ask for the punishment for his family. They did nothing wrong," She requested her father.


    Huo Jin agreed with the words of Yin Na.


    "Prepare a carriage for me. I have to go to the Pce," Wang Fuxing told Huo Jin, who bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    Wang Fuxing ced his hand over Yin Na''s head. "That person is the reason for the downfall of his family. I cannot show mercy on him or his family," Wang Fuxing affirmed and ordered the personal attendant to take care of Yin Na behind his back.. He then walked out of the chamber in anger.

 Chapter 667 - Break The Hands

    <h4>Chapter 667 - Break The Hands</h4>


    Lei Wanxi reached the Pce with Zhou Xuweng. The gatekeepers bowed upon seeing him.


    "Throw him in prison," Lei Wanxi ordered a soldier, who was lighting the torch bearers.


    "Your Highness, please show mercy on me," Zhou Xuweng again pleaded with him.


    Lei Wanxi smiled and hit his forehead using the fan. "That''s on my Fifth Brother, who is the Emperor of the Empire," He pronounced and then gazed at the soldier, gesturing to him to take him away. The soldier came forward and took Zhou Xuweng to the prison house.


    Lei Wanxi opened the fan and started to fan himself. He walked in, towards the Fu Imperial Gates. He turned towards the Northern Pce to report Sheng Li about the incident. Reaching outside the quarters of the Emperor and the Empress, he ordered the maidservant to tell the Emperor that he wanted to meet him.


    After a few seconds, the maidservant allowed Lei Wanxi to go inside. He put the fan inside his sash and stepped inside. Reaching the main chamber, he found Sheng Li and Ying Lili on the chaise.


    He bowed before them. "Forgive the Sixth Prince to disturb both of you at this hour," he apologized first and then lifted his head.


    "Brother Wanxi did not disturb us. I am d that he came to see us. I have not conversed in the past few days," Ying Lili said humbly.


    "Brother Sheng, are you not jealous? Sister Lili was missing me," Lei Wanxi said in a teasing tone.


    Sheng Li stood up and walked to him. Flicking his finger at the middle of Lei Wanxi''s forehead, Sheng Li said, "I do not get jealous. You still have not left this habit of teasing me."


    "Sheng Li, at least ask Brother Wanxi to have a seat," Ying Lili told him.


    Before Sheng Li could ask him, Lei Wanxi said, "Sister Lili, I cannot sit. I am here to report an urgent matter to Brother Sheng."


    Sheng Li curiously gazed at him and asked him, "What happened? Is everything good?"


    "I encountered a disturbing incident while returning to the Pce. Does Brother Sheng remember the woman, whom he asked to rescue from the Brothel house?" Lei Wanxi asked him. Ying Lili confusedly looked at the two Princes as she was unable to understand that.


    "Wang Hao''s sister?" Sheng Li arched his brow while asking him.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. Sister Yin Na was being harassed by a Fourth Rank Official. Luckily, I was on the same route, so nothing happened," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "What? Where is that bastard?" Sheng Li asked him. "Also, where''s Wang Hao? Why did he not report me?" He was confused. Ying Lili also stood up from the chaise and came towards them.


    "Brother Sheng, General Wang does not know about this incident. I have brought Zhou Xuweng here, who was harassing Sister Yin Na. He put the sword on the neck of Sister Yin Na and pulled her hair. It was a horrific sight for me. Brother Sheng, you must punish him," Lei Wanxi requested to Sheng Li and then narrated to him the remaining incident.


    "I will," Sheng Li assured him. He turned to Ying Lili. He held her hand and made her sit on the chaise. "I will be back soon. Court Lady Ki, give the potion to Lili," hemanded her.


    "Sheng Li, break the hands of Zhou Xuweng," Ying Lili said with a stern expression. Sheng Li hummed and walked out of the chamber, followed by Lei Wanxi.


    Sheng Li reached the prison house and met with Commander Yang. "Where is Wang Hao?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Your Majesty, General Wang left the Pce early in the evening," Commander Yang replied.


    "Send a message to his house regarding this matter," Sheng Li ordered him. He stepped forward when a soldier came running to him.


    "Your Majesty, the Ex-General of Han, General Wang Fuxing wants to see you," the soldier informed him.


    "Brother Sheng, Huo Jin must have informed the father of General Wang," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "Commander Yang, bring the Ex-General to the prison where Zhou Xuweng is captured," Sheng Limanded him, who bowed and left to bring Wang Fuxing with the soldier.


    "Brother Sheng, from here I take my leave. Brother Sheng knows that I cannot bear the sight of the torture," Lei Wanxi said. Sheng Li hummed and went inside.


    "Poor Fourth Rank Official!" Lei Wanxi muttered and left for the Eastern Pce.


    The soldier quickly opened the door for Sheng Li. Zhou Xuweng got terrified and immediately got on his knees seeing the Emperor in front of him.


    "Your Majesty, please forgive this subject. I beg for His Majesty''s forgiveness," Zhou Xuweng pleaded with Sheng Li.


    "How dare you raise the hand of a woman in the middle of a street? It is my first time seeing you and you already got on my bad side," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression and then pulled out the sword from the sheath that soldier was carrying. He pointed it at his neck and Zhou Xuweng''s breath hitched because of that.


    "Your Majesty, she used to be my entertainer. I had given a huge amount of money in the Brothel House. I did not know that she was the sister of General Wang. If I had, then I would have never done that," Zhou Xuweng put forward his point. He joined both hands and begged Sheng Li to spare his life.


    "Your Majesty, I request you to give the death sentence to this person," Sheng Li heard a familiar voice. Wang Fuxing entered and greeted Sheng Li. He bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, this man raised his filthy hand on my precious daughter. I saw her state and it pained my heart. Please, Your Majesty, do not spare this bastard. Also, I want His Majesty to imprison his entire family. This is the second time he tried to molest my daughter. Huo Jin has warned him, despite the fact that he did not stop."


    Zhou Xuweng deeply bowed. "I am extremely guilty of my act, Your Majesty. Please spare me and my family," He asked Sheng Li to show mercy on him.


    "Sadly, I don''t show mercy on those who disrespect women. Respected Former General, I cannot punish his family for the crimes of this man. However, he will surely be punished ording to thew. I will announce his punishment in the morning," Sheng Li told Wang Fuxing.


    "Thank you for your expeditious decision, Your Majesty," Wang Fuxing epted the decision of Sheng Li. He lifted his head and was surprised to find that Sheng Li did not punish the family of Zhou Xuweng.


    "Don''t give him water and food. Send the message to his family thate to the court tomorrow," Sheng Li ordered Commander Yang.


    "Please follow me," Sheng Li told Wang Fuxing and lowered the sword from the neck of Zhou Xuweng.


    He left the prison with Wang Fuxing and the two stopped near the Royal Garden.


    "Your Majesty, may I say something?" Wang Fuxing asked him.


    "Please ask," Sheng Li replied.


    "It was amusing to see that the Emperor did not punish the family of Zhou Xuweng. Forgive me, but you were not like this. His Majesty was not the type to get soft easily," Wang Fuxing asserted.


    Sheng Li smiled a little and agreed with him. "The Empress is the reason behind this change in me. The Former General is absolutely right. I never got soft on people. I like my present self more," Sheng Li answered.


    "That''s great, Your Majesty," Wang Fuxing stated. "Wang Hao was not at home. I think he is working on ways to make Princess Bai ept his heart for him," he proimed.


    "Wang Hao chose a woman who is broken from every aspect. Though, I have faith in him. But it will take time to make Princess Bai acknowledge his feelings," Sheng Li informed Wang Fuxing, who nodded his head.


    "I want to see my son get married before anything happens to me," Wang Fuxing stated.


    Sheng Li tilted his head to gaze at him. "Please do not say that. You will live longer," Sheng Li said.


    Wang Fuxing smiled. "I will not take any more time from His Majesty. I will take my leave. Thank you again for acting fast on this matter," Wang Fuxing said. Sheng Li offered him that he would see him off till the main gates.


    "Your Majesty, please don''t trouble yourself on this trivial matter," Wang Fuxing said politely.


    "It''s not a trivial matter. You are my master, who trained me this well in warfare," Sheng Liplimented him, and the two went towards the Fu Imperial Gates. Seeing the Ex-General off in the carriage, Sheng Li returned to the Northern Pce. It disturbed him that the women were still treated badly.. It made him upset, thinking many women might be bearing all that in the Kingdom, so he decided to work on it.

 Chapter 668 - Repay Me

    <h4>Chapter 668 - Repay Me</h4>


    Wang Hao when got informed by his servant about Yin Na rushed to meet her. He was terrified to think what could have possibly happened to his sister in his absence.


    "Yin Na!" He pronounced her name loudly as he barged into her room. Yin Na stood up from the chaise and ran towards her brother.


    "Brother Wang," she hugged him tightly and started to cry. Wang Hao put his arm around her and apologized to her. They pulled away from each other. Wang Hao asked her to tell him everything.


    Huo Jin was also present in the room. He thought of telling Wang Hao and narrated everything to him. "Forgive me, General Wang. I should have told you the day he harassed Yin Na," Huo Jin said and lowered her gaze.


    "Brother Wang, it was my fault. I was the one who requested Huo Jin to not tell you. I did not want to disturb Brother Wang," Yin Na said.


    "Yin Na, you cannot do that. You are supposed to tell me everything. I would have buried him alive in the ground the same day he tried to get close in the market," asserted Wang Hao. "I will go to the Pce and will not spare him," he stated.


    "Brother Wang, Father has gone to the Pce. I am fine now," Yin Na said.


    Wang Hao grasped her hands and caressed them. "You have learned to lie from your brother a long time ago. Even if you will not say anything, I can easily find out what''s in your heart," Wang Hao said. Huo Jin quietly sneaked out of the room, leaving both Brother and sister behind.


    He came to the main entrance of the residence to fetch Wang Fuxing. After waiting for him for ten minutes, he saw the carriage and quickly descended the stairs. The carriage stopped at the front of the house and Wang Fuxing stepped out of it.


    "Did Wang Hao return?" Wang Fuxing asked Huo Jin.


    "Yes, Fa-father," Huo Jin replied with a bit of hesitation.


    "Tell him to meet me," Wang Fuxing said and walked inside followed by his personal servant. Huo Jin went back to the room where Yin Na and Wang Hao were conversing with each other. After Wang Hao ended his conversation with Yin Na, he came out and saw Huo Jin.


    "Your father wants to see you. He has returned from the Pce," Huo Jin informed Wang Hao, who hummed and went to meet his father. Huo Jin silently followed him.


    Wang Hao entered the chamber of his father, who was on the chaise. There was only onentern glowing in the room. "Yin Na was shouting your name when Prince Wanxi heard that. Luckily, he was on the same route," Wang Fuxing said.


    "Forgive me, Father. I should have been careful. I had never thought that someone from Brothel House might chase her," Wang Hao said and lowered his head.


    "The Emperor will announce the punishment for Zhou Xuweng in court. I have asked His Majesty to give the death sentence to him," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "I will attend the court, Father," Wang Hao replied. Wang Fuxing hummed at him.


    "Yin Na went out to find Huo Jin. What do you think is going on?" Wang Fuxing asked his son.


    Wang Hao lifted his head and skeptically nced at his father.


    "Huo Jin doesn''t look at Yin Na the way she looks at him. Today, she was concerned about him as he did not return early. So, she decided to go out and ended up encountering Zhou Xuweng," Wang Fuxing asserted.


    "Father, it was not the mistake of Huo Jin," Wang Hao said.


    "Why did he not inform the day they encountered Zhou Xuweng?" Wang Fuxing asked him.


    "Yin Na told him not to inform me, Father," Wang Hao answered.


    "Huo Jin isn''t supposed to take orders from Yin Na. Anything could have happened today. You told me that Huo Jin is the man who is suitable for Yin Na, but my views have changed." Wang Hao shockingly gazed into his father''s eyes.


    "Tomorrow I will send a message to some high-ranking officials regarding Yin Na''s marriage. Before you, I will make sure to marry off my daughter. You will make Yin Na understand," Wang Fuxing pronounced.


    "But Father, she doesn''t trust men easily, especially the upper-ssmen. Give them time. I am sure Huo Jin will open up for Yin Na," Wang Hao said with a confident tone.


    "Wang Hao, this is my final decision," Wang Fuxing asserted. "It''ste. I am going to bed," he said. Wang Hao did not argue anymore.


    "Have a good sleep, Father," Wang Hao said before leaving the room.


    As he came out, he looked at Huo Jin, who was waiting for him. They both turned towards Wang Hao''s room. As they entered inside, Huo Jin got on his knees to apologize to Wang Hao.


    "General Wang, please punish me for not informing you. I am the reason behind today''s matter," Huo Jin took the me.


    Wang Hao put the sword on the table and then removed the overcoat. He turned to Huo Jin and told him not to do that. Grabbing his arms, Wang Hao pulled Huo Jin up and the two gazed into each other''s eyes.


    "Just, tell me why did you get soft when Yin Na made such a request? You were supposed to tell me," Wang Hao stated. He put his hands down and stepped back.


    Huo Jin recalled what Yin Na told him that time. She didn''t want Wang Hao to get disturbed because of her, that''s why she made such a request to him. If he told General Wang now, then he would me himself, so he decided to lie.


    "Forgive me, General Wang. I thought Zhou Xuweng would not do anything since I have mentioned to him that Yin Na is the sister of General Wang," Huo Jin answered.


    Wang Hao got disappointed in Huo Jin. "Huo Jin, she got into trouble because she went outside to search for you. You are hurting her," Wang Hao said.


    Huo Jin understood what Wang Hao meant by that. "I know, General Wang. I am truly guilty about this," Huo Jin answered.


    "Can you not ept her feelings? She cares for you," Wang Hao asked him.


    "I am not a suitable man for your sister. Also, General Wang knows that I have someone in my heart," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "Father will soon marry off Yin Na with the son of a high-ranking official. She doesn''t trust men. However, with you, it''s different. Just forget Xinyue for a moment and look at Yin Na. I want you to marry my sister. For me, you are the most suitable for her," Wang Hao stated. When his father told him that he had no faith that Huo Jin would ever ept Yin Na, it trembled him from inside.


    He could not force Yin Na into anything but Yin Na might go for marriage with another man just for the sake of their father. She would again lie to Wang Hao, and it was not eptable to him. That''s why he wanted to do his best to convince Huo Jin.


    "General Wang, there are many upper- ssmen who are better in person. Yin Na never saw love from a man. But when marriage proposalse for her, she will surely be able to find the best man for herself," Huo Jin opined.


    "I know my sister. She has given her heart to you. I don''t think she will be able to see that figure of a husband in any other man," Wang Hao said.


    "Huo Jin, can''t you repay me for the things I did for you? I am apologetic to say this but for my sister, I want you to repay me. I want you to show me how loyal you are as a friend," Wang Hao requested him. "Just once, try to understand her and see her as a woman. Please go out with her. I beg you."


    Huo Jin got stuck because of Wang Hao''s words. "I will try, but I cannot assure General Wang," Huo Jin said.


    Wang Hao agreed to him immediately. He hugged him tightly and thanked him. Wang Hao, after hearing the decision of his father, was a little scared. He knew once his father made his mind, then it was tough to change his decision.


    ''I will ask the Emperor to help me. It is myst chance, and I cannot let it go. It is about the happiness of my younger sister. For her, I will do anything. If I have to do something wrong, I will do that too,'' Wang Hao thought in his mind.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, was sad that Wang Hao used such a thing against him. But he could not refuse him.. Wang Hao did many things for him, and it was Huo Jin''s time to repay him.

 Chapter 669 - Will Be Proud

    <h4>Chapter 669 - Will Be Proud</h4>


    "Wang Hao, you were not supposed to force Huo Jin with your sister," Sheng Li stated. "It will only burden him," he asserted.


    "Your Majesty, I cannot see my sister get hurt. My Fatherst night told me that he would look for a good proposal for Yin Na. He told me to make Yin Na understand that she should let Huo Jin go from her mind. But I don''t think she will be able to do that. That''s why I asked Huo Jin to consider my sister''s feelings once and repay me. I know that I turned selfish, but it is for my sister," he proimed.


    "What do you want me to do?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "I want to make it sessful, Your Majesty. Huo Jin will go out with my sister but only once. He said that he would not assure me that he would be willing to open up to Yin Na. I want his Majesty to help me," Wang Hao requested to Sheng Li.


    "I am not able to understand what you are trying to do! I talked to Huo Jin a few days ago. I told him to let Xinyue out of his mind and heart. He said that he would try. Wang Hao, I understand your love for your sister, but I don''t think we should do anything in this matter. Let your sister prove herself to Huo Jin. In my opinion, it''s the time when Yin Na should make diligent efforts," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Your Majesty, Yin Na did everything. But Huo Jin simply refused her," Wang Hao stated.


    "No. Only you are doing things behind her back. What if she finds out that you forced Huo Jin? She will get upset. Let them get close on their own. If destiny wants, then they surely will be together else there are indeed many nice men," Sheng Li advised him.


    Wang Hao acknowledged Sheng Li''s suggestion and thanked him for hearing him out. "Your Father demanded the death sentence for Zhou Xuweng, I passed that order. Zhou Xuweng''s father also came to plead with me. Now, I understand why my father always refrained from giving death sentences," Sheng Li proimed.


    "But it''s your duty as the Emperor to end the injustice," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Lili told me that you will take Princess Bai to your home for a tour," Sheng Li stated.


    Wang Hao realized that he forgot to ask his father. "Yes, I want to, Your Majesty. If you allow, then may I take Princess Bai to my home," Wang Hao requested to Sheng Li.


    "You may take Princess Bai. Hopefully, she agrees to marry you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Wang Hao bowed before him.


    Sheng Li walked to him and patted his shoulder. "Your sister will surely get the happiness she deserves. Let things happen on their own. You will get good oues," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand your words," he stated.


    "Today the Princes went hunting. I miss my old days. Do you remember the time when we both hunted a deer together?" Sheng Li asked him and put his hands down.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. It was your first hunting after you practiced archery for two years. We can go someday," Wang Hao stated.


    "After my kids grow up, I will go with them. But Lili will scold me. She forbade violence, so I have to find another y that my kids enjoy with me," Sheng Li stated with a smile.


    Wang Hao was delighted to see how much Sheng Li grew up. It seemed to him that the anger hadpletely left Sheng Li.


    "It will be a month soon," Sheng Li said with a smile. "I just want everything to go smoothly. She bloomed the life of this cold person," heplimented Ying Lili again.


    "I still remember the days when you used to get annoyed by the Empress. Hu Jingguo yed an important role, I feel. His Majesty was jealous of him when he was around the Empress," Wang Hao asserted.


    "I never got jealous of him. I was angry at myself that being Lili''s husband, I knew nothing about her," Sheng Li replied.


    "I will train the children of His Majesty. One of them will be destined to be the next Crown Prince," Wang Hao showed a little glimpse to Sheng Li about his kids'' future.


    "I don''t want any of them to get involved in the politics of the Pce. There are other brothers as well. I will choose the one who will be capable to lead the Empire after me. The harsh things that I bore, I don''t want my children to face them," Sheng Li expressed his desires.


    "Your kids'' future is already secured," Wang Hao told him.


    "But sometimes I wonder how they will react upon learning about my past self? They will get sad after knowing that their father mercilessly killed so many people in his life. I might not be able to see their gaze. Sometimes, I wonder if I will be a good father to them. There are many insecurities inside me, Wang Hao," Sheng Li asserted.


    "When you can be a great son, a great husband, a great brother, a great Emperor then I am sure you can be a great Father as well," Wang Hao showed his faith in Sheng Li.


    "Your past was based on the numerous bad events that urred in your life. But His Majesty works beautifully on his present to make his future bright. Now, when I go among the people, I find how happy they are! They are happy to have you as the Emperor. Your kids will be proud of their father," Wang Hao asserted.


    "You have been a great support in my entire journey. A great friend and a great big brother you are to me! I really wish that Princess Bai will ept you. Your beautiful family will start then. Lili and I will try our best to convince Princess Bai Yaling from our end. Just make constructive efforts," Sheng Li wished him and hugged him tightly.. Wang Hao put his hands on Sheng Li''s back and the two smiled.

 Chapter 670 - In The Wang Residence

    <h4>Chapter 670 - In The Wang Residence</h4>


    Wang Hao stopped outside the chamber of Bai Yaling. The maidservant opened the doors for him and he walked in. He found Bai Yaling standing in the middle of her chamber. She had worn a white Hanfu dress which had peach-colored flower patterns.


    "Good Morning, Princess Bai," Wang Hao greeted her and bowed before her. He lifted his head and asked her if he coulde inside as he was standing near the curtain of the main door of the main chamber.


    Bai Yaling nodded his head. Wang Hao came to her and halted in front of her. "I heard about General Wang''s sister. Is she good?" Bai Yaling asked.


    "Yes, she is fine. Prince Wanxi had saved her," Wang Hao answered.


    "General Wang shall not havee to see me. He should be with his sister," Bai Yaling said out of concern.


    "I cannot break the promise that I gave you the previous day¨C about taking you to my house. My sister also wants to see you. She will be happy to see the woman who stole my heart," Wang Hao said with a tiny smile on his lips.


    Court Lady Dai, who was also present there, smiled upon hearing that.


    "I have yet to take permission from the Emperor. Also, General Wang, I am a widow. Don''t you think if I step out of the Pce, then--"


    Wang Hao interrupted her in the middle. "Forgive me, Princess Bai, for intervening in the middle. But it is necessary to say. Nothing will happen. Trust me," Wang Hao assured her.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head and nced at Court Lady Dai. "Can I take Court Lady Dai with me?" She asked with humbleness.


    "Sure. This is necessary too," Wang Hao pronounced.


    Bai Yaling thanked him for being considerate and then, they left to meet the Emperor. After getting permission from Sheng Li, Wang Hao prepared a pnquin for Princess Bai Yaling and he himself got on the horse. As the pnquin passed through the main passage of higher officials'' residence colony, a few eyes fell on them.


    They soon reached outside the Wang Residence. The porters put the pnquin down while Wang Hao already hade near the pnquin. Court Lady Dai helped Bai Yaling toe out safely.


    Bai Yaling looked at the top of the entrance where on a board ''Wang Residence'' was written. "Princess Bai, let''s go in," Wang Hao said. Bai Yaling hummed and they stepped on the stairs. Wang Hao grabbed her arm gently and she gazed at her.


    "I am being careful with you," Wang Hao said.


    Bai Yaling let him help her and they soon reached the top. Her eyes fell on an old man, a young woman, and then Huo Jin. ''He must be the Ex-General, the father of General Wang and she must be the younger sister of General Wang,'' she told herself.


    Wang Hao had sent the message to his father before talking with Bai Yaling in the Pce.


    She found how warmly they were smiling at her. "How long will Princess Bai stand here?" Wang Hao''s question brought her out of those thoughts. She stepped in, keeping her gaze low.


    Wang Hao walked with her and the servants followed them. "Father, this is Princess Bai Yaling. She agreed toe to meet you all," Wang Hao said with a delighted expression.


    Bai Yaling greeted the father of Wang Hao.


    Yin Na came towards Wang Hao, who ced his hand over his head. "She is so pretty," Yin Na whispered. Wang Hao agreed with her.


    "Wee to the Wang Residence, Princess Bai," Wang Fuxing said.


    Bai Yaling lifted her head but her eyes were still lowered. "I am Yin Na, Princess Bai. I am the younger sister of Brother Wang," Yin Na said and walked to her.


    Bai Yaling gazed into her eyes and found she was quite young. She had heard that General Wang''s sister had died long ago, but she wondered howe he had another sister. Maybe she had missed something.


    "Wee to our house, Princess Bai," Yin Na said with a smile. She looked at her brother. "Brother Wang, shall I give the tour to Princess Bai?" She asked him.


    "Yin Na, I will do that," Wang Hao said and turned his gaze towards his father, who cleared his throat.


    "Princess Bai, I just want you to ept us. We will be a lovely family then. My son showed his interest in a woman after such a long time. I will not say my son is perfect in every aspect, but I can assure the Princess that he is a great man with high moral values," Wang Fuxing said with a warm and bright smile. He patted the shoulder of Wang Hao and told him that he would head back to his room.


    "Yes, Father," Wang Hao said.


    Wang Fuxing walked away with his personal servant.


    "Yin Na,e with me. I need to show something to you," Huo Jin urged her.


    "Now?" She asked.


    Huo Jin nodded his head.


    "Princess Bai, I will see you soon," Yin Na said and left with Huo Jin.


    "Is Princess Bai tired? Is she thirsty?" Wang Hao asked her.


    Bai Yaling shook her head.


    Wang Hao scratched the temple of his forehead as he was unable to think what he should do next. They couldn''t stand there for a long time.


    "Princess Bai,e with me. I will show you around," Wang Hao requested to her and then looked at the servants of Bai Yaling. "Shixuan, please take them to the waiting room," Wang Hao ordered his servant. Court Lady Dai and the five other maidservants followed Shixuan.


    "Princess Bai, this is a small house of mine. Shall we head to the main house?" He asked her.


    "Sure, General Wang," Bai Yaling said.


    Wang Hao forwarded his hand, seeing which Bai Yaling got confused. "Give me your hand, Princess Bai," he said.


    "I can walk, General Wang," she said.


    Wang Hao smiled. He took a step and grasped her hand gently. "The first step towards each other is a must," Wang Hao told Bai Yaling. "Just the way I held your hand, I will hold you wholeheartedly," Wang Hao said with a smile. Keep calm and write something....

 Chapter 671 - Want To Become His

    <h4>Chapter 671 - Want To Be His</h4>


    Wang Hao ended the tour with Bai Yaling. He found she was a little tired, so took her to the open pavilion and made her sit on a chair.


    The servant brought the fresh water and ced the tray on the table. He poured the water into a ss and handed it to Bai Yaling. She took the ss and started to drink the water. After she finished, Wang Hao took the ss from her and put it back on the tray. The servant walked away while Wang Hao took out a handkerchief from his pocket.


    He got on one knee and wiped the forehead of Bai Yaling. She clutched her dress and gazed into his eyes. "Pregnancy is making you tired. Forgive me, for making you walk so much," Wang Hao said and put his hand down. He put the handkerchief inside his pocket.


    Bai Yaling looked around and said, "General Wang''s house is lovely. There is something I want to know from General Wang. Hopefully, he will not get angry."


    Wang Hao got confused when he heard that. "What does the Princess want to ask me?" He queried her.


    "Why doesn''t General Wang sit on the chair first? It seems inappropriate to me that he''s on the floor," Bai Yaling said humbly. Wang Hao stood up and sat on the chair beside her.


    "Is it good now?" He asked her.


    Bai Yaling nodded her head.


    "General Wang, I heard that your younger sister passed away a long time ago. Forgive me, if I sounded rude," she immediately lowered her eyes as the smile from Wang Hao''s lips disappeared.


    "Does Princess Bai want to know about my sister?" Wang Hao asked her.


    Bai Yaling lifted her eyes and nodded her head. "If you feelfortable to share with me, there is nopulsion," Bai Yaling stated.


    Wang Hao hummed. "Yin Na is also my younger sister. I met her during the years of the military campaign with the former Emperor. I rescued her and called her my sister. However, I made a mistake at that time," Wang Hao stated.


    "What kind of mistake, General Wang?" Bai Yaling questioned him.


    "I sent her to her original brother, but then he sold her and she ended up in a brothel house," Wang Hao said.


    Bai Yaling slightly widened her eyes.


    "When I found out about this, I decided to bring her out of that Brothel house. The Former Emperor and the present Emperor helped me. Since then, she''s been living with me. She is my younger sister and the daughter of the Wang Family," Wang Hao pronounced.


    Bai Yaling was surprised to hear that. In this era, where men saw women as a tool of mere entertainment, Wang Hao was different among them. Yin Na''s own mother disowned her by selling her off. However, an unknown man rescued her and made her his sister. Bai Yaling was touched by the kindness of Wang Hao. He was not only a great General but a great man from now on in her eyes.


    Wang Hai flicked his fingers in front of the eyes of Bai Yaling, who came out of her deep thoughts.


    "What is Princess Bai thinking?" Wang Hao asked her.


    "You are a man with high morals. It is tough to find such a man," Bai Yalingplimented him in an informal tone.


    Wang Hao smiled a little. "My mother and father should be praised for inculcating these values in me," he stated.


    "Usually men don''t think about women especially if she''s not from a noble family. Those lives hardly matter, but General Wang embraced an unknown person. It is truly admirable," Bai Yaling asserted.


    "The loss of my younger sister was grave to me. Yin Na filled that gap of sister in my life. I called her my sister the day I saw her, and as her elder brother, it was my duty to save her no matter what. She was ten at that time and I still remember, she called me Brother. It was such a nice feeling," Wang Hao said with a bright smile.


    "In my life, I can do anything for two women¨C One is my sister and the other is Princess Bai," Wang Hao then said.


    Bai Yaling''s heart fluttered a little upon hearing that statement. She recalled how Wang Hao tied the pendant around her neck. His feelings were genuine for her.


    "Does General Wang''s father know that I am already pregnant?" The answer to this question was extremely important to her.


    "Yes, Princess Bai. In fact, my entire family knows," Wang Hao replied. "When I told my Father, he said that he will get to see a grandchild too. He will truly be happy if Princess Bai agrees to marry me," Wang Hao said with a confident tone.


    This was his chance to prove to her his loyalty to this rtionship. "Princess Bai, I never got attracted to any woman in my life. You are my first and will be myst," Wang Hao affirmed.


    Bai Yaling smiled and stood up from the chair. She went towards the railing that was made around the pavilion. Wang Hao walked to her.


    "What happened? Why did youe here?" Wang Hao inquired from her.


    "General Wang, I want to look at that pond," Bai Yaling said. "I remember the day when you saved me. I had given up on my lifepletely, but your words bothered me a lot." She shifted her gaze towards him.


    Wang Hao was still not able to understand her words.


    "I sincerely want to thank General Wang once again for saving my life and the life inside me," Bai Yaling stated. She took off the pendant from her neck that Wang Hao had given to her when he stopped her.


    "Don''t do this," Wang Hao urged her.


    Bai Yaling took a step towards Wang Hao and put it back in General Wang''s neck. "It''s right ce is in your neck, not mine. Your Father gave it for your sess.. I cannot take it, but I surely want to be his," Bai Yaling stated and put her hands down.

 Chapter 672 - Made For You Only

    <h4>Chapter 672 - Made For You Only</h4>


    "It''s right ce is in your neck, not mine. Your Father gave it for your sess. I cannot take it, but it does not mean that I am rejecting his feelings. I want to be his wife," Bai Yaling said and put her hands down.


    Wang Hao was unable to believe what he just heard. "Could the Princess once again say that?" He requested her.


    Bai Yaling wore a tiny smile on her lips. "I want to marry General Wang," this time she said with more rity. Wang Hao''s lips moved up and a broad smile appeared on his lips. He opened his arms and pulled Bai Yaling into his warm embrace.


    "Thank you for epting me. That was quick. I thought Princess Bai would take a long time to ept my feelings," Wang Hao said as tears formed in his eyes. Bai Yaling rested her hands on his back and the two stayed that way for a few seconds.


    As Wang Hao withdrew from the hug, he cupped the face of Bai Yaling and nted a soft kiss on her forehead. Bai Yaling lifted her eyes while Wang Hao lowered them. They both peered into each other''s eyes. "I think I shall leave, General Wang," Bai Yaling stated.


    "I brought you for a tea session with the Wang Family. Why don''t you leave after having the tea?" He suggested. "Also, it would be great if Princess Bai tells this to my family," he opined.


    Bai Yaling agreed to him. The two stepped back and kept smiling while gazing into each other''s eyes. "Princess Bai, you are not hungry, right? When do you usually eat fruits? Since you are pregnant, I need to take care of those things too from now on," Wang Hao stated.


    "I usually eat in the morning. During the day, some special meals are cooked," Bai Yaling informed him. "General Wang, can I request you something?" She asked.


    "Sure," Wang Hao replied.


    "General Wang does not need to title me as the Princess. He shall call me by my name," Bai Yaling said.


    Wang Hao was d that Bai Yaling had allowed him to be close to her. She was ready to ept him as her husband. "I will," Wang Hao said. "You can also call me by name."


    "I cannot," Bai Yaling said. "A woman shall not take the name of her husband," Bai Yaling answered.


    "No one will know except us," Wang Hao said.


    Bai Yaling blushed a little and lowered her eyes.


    "I am eager to marry you. Shall we marry tomorrow? What do you say, Bai Yaling?" Wang Hao asked.


    "The decision will be made by the Emperor. The Royal Astrologer will tell us about an auspicious day when we shall get married," Bai Yaling replied. Wang Hao hummed when he recalled something. He took out the white jade ring with a gold patch from his little finger and grasped her hand. "This is the token of my love," Wang Hao inserted the jade ring in her index finger.


    "It''s pretty," she said.


    "It fits perfectly. It seems it was made for you only," Wang Hao stated. "We talked a lot. Let''s head inside," he suggested and the two left the pavilion.


    ~~~~~~


    "Prince Wanxi, you have caught nothing. At this rate, you will lose," Eunuch Chung told him. Nianzu sent Eunuch Chung to help Lei Wanxi.


    The Sixth Prince looked at the arrow in his hand. "What will I even gain by hunting those poor animals?" Lei Wanxi questioned him.


    "It will show your might. The ministers will show your trust in you. If the Prince will be afraid to kill, then he will never be able to tackle the enemies," Eunuch Chung pronounced.


    Lei Wanxi did not pay heed to him and went towards a tree. "Eunuch Chung, let''s sit here and admire the beauty. I am so tired. My feet need rest," he affirmed and sat down. He put the bow on the ground and rested his back on the trunk of the tree. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. Eunuch Chung stayed by his side and after an hour woke him up.


    "Prince Wanxi! Prince Wanxi!" He called out his name. Lei Wanxi opened his eyes and asked him what happened.


    "The hunting time is over, Prince Wanxi. The First Prince won the game," Eunuch Chung informed him.


    "The First Brother loves hunting. It was evident that he would win," asserted Lei Wanxi and stood up. Eunuch Chung picked the bow from the ground. They started to walk and soon reached the main ground where all the Princes, their respective wives, and a few ministers were present.


    "Brother Wanxi," Rong Zemin called out his name and put his arm around him. "You did not hunt any animal. Grow up," he told him.


    "I have grown up, Third Brother. Even Brother Nianzu did not go for hunting," Lei Wanxi said and looked at Nianzu, who was with Jian Guozhi.


    "Weng Yu hunt down two deer. Isn''t that great? He will be a great warrior," Rong Zemin said and put his hand down. Lei Wanxi took off the quiver from his shoulder and handed it to one of the servants.


    "If Brother Sheng would be here, then I might have won," Lei Wanxi proimed.


    "How?" Rong Zemin amusingly asked him.


    "I would be in Brother Sheng''s team," Lei Wanxi said with a broad smile. Rong Zemin handed him a ss of water. Lei Wanxi drank the water and put the ss on the tray.


    Wiping his lips, he went to Jian Guozhi with Rong Zemin. "Brother hunted seven deer. That''s a lot. He surely has great archery skills," Lei Wanxi praised him.


    "I saw you were resting," Jian Guozhi said.


    "I got tired," Lei Wanxi said.


    "Princess Zhu Lin has returned," Jian Guozhi informed him.


    "Really?" Lei Wanxi''s eyes glistened to hear that.


    "Yes. Eunuch Long informed me," Jian Guozhi said.


    "Now, Lei Wanxi will also get married," Rong Zemin teased him. Nianzu smiled and rested his hands on Lei Wanxi''s shoulder.


    "When do you want to marry?" Nianzu asked him.


    "I do not know. Shall I marry tomorrow?" Lei Wanxi asked them.


    "That''s so early," Weng Yu said innocently.


    "Brother Yu, I was kidding. I cannot marry her tomorrow," stated Lei Wanxi. "The Royal Astrologer wille first and then he will decide. There is still time in my marriage," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "What are the Princes talking about?" Liao Jun asked from Xue Yu-Yan and Chuntao.


    "Maybe they are talking about their performance in the hunting," Xue Yu-Yan deduced.


    "It seems that they are teasing the Sixth Prince," Chuntao replied.


    "Your Highnesses, the carriages are prepared. Please this way," Eunuch Long told them.


    "Are we leaving already?" Liao Jun asked.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Eunuch Long said. The Princesses stood up and followed Eunuch Long. They got into the pnquins and left for the Pce.


    "Shall we head back too?" Nianzu asked as he saw the pnquins left.


    "Let''s stay for long here. The scenery is so beautiful," Weng Yu requested them. He hardly used toe out of the Pce, so he wanted to spend a little more time there.


    "Brother Yu, let me show you something," asserted Lei Wanxi and took Weng Yu with him.

 Chapter 673 - Sour

    <h4>Chapter 673 - Sour</h4>


    Wang Hao escorted Princess Bai Yaling safely to the Pce. Before leaving, he cupped her face between his palms and kissed her. The servants lowered their gazes. "I think that I can do that," Wang Hao said and put his hands down. Bai Yaling smiled and kept her gaze low.


    "I will talk to the Emperor regarding us," He informed her and held her hands. "There''s no turning back now, Bai Yaling. I can talk to your father too if you want. Forgive me, I got too excited that I almost forgot to ask about your family. I want to assure your parents about you."


    Bai Yaling''s heart fluttered by listening to the words of General Wang. "Father and Mother will be happy if General Wang does that," she said. She also wants them to get rxed from their end. After knowing the truth about Prince Yongzheng, her parents were devastated too. They had never imagined that their daughter would undergo such a fate.


    "Just take good care of yourself and the child too. Do not take any stress," Wang Hao stated and then left the chamber.


    Court Lady Dai came towards Bai Yaling and congratted her. "Princess Bai can lead a happy life too." She smiled and thanked her for supporting her.


    Wang Hao arrived outside the chamber of the Emperor. The maidservant let him go inside. Sheng Li and Ying Lili were seated on the chaise.


    Wang Hao bowed before them and then lifted his head. "Your Majesty, I brought Princess Bai Yaling safely to the Pce. Thank you for allowing me to take the Princess out," Wang Hao said.


    "I can see the smile on General Wang''s face. Is there any good news that he wants to share with us?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Princess Bai Yaling has epted my feelings. She wants to marry me. I would like to thank both of you for supporting me," Wang Hao expressed his gratitude towards them. He could not hide the joy that he was feeling at the moment.


    "I did not do anything, Wang Hao. Though, I believe Lili has her hands in it," Sheng Li said and tilted his head to look at her.


    "I only helped her in deciding right and wrong. The decision is made by Sister Bai herself. General Wang''s feelings are genuine for her, and it was impossible to refuse them," Ying Lili affirmed. "Congrattions, General Wang. You finally get your love," she said with a broad smile.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty."


    "I will send a message to the Royal Astronomer. Tomorrow, we will decide on an auspicious day for your and Princess Bai''s marriage," Sheng Li informed him. Wang Hao was extremely d to hear that.


    "Wang Hao, I am happy for you. You spent so many years giving your selfless service to the Han. It''s such a great asion to celebrate," Sheng Li said. He could express his feelings seeing Wang Hao overjoyed.


    "General Wang, how is your sister doing?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Yin Na is better now. Thank you for asking, Your Majesty," Wang Hao replied.


    "Sheng Li told me that you are concerned for Yin Na. It is understandable. A brother always gets worried for her sister and always wants her best. I want to see Huo Jin personally. Could you please deliver my message to him?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Sure, Your Majesty," Wang Hao lowered his eyes and acknowledged her request.


    "Why do you want to meet him?" Sheng Li queried her.


    "I want to talk to him," Ying Lili gave a vague answer to Sheng Li. Wang Hao was also curious to know. "I will help General Wang''s sister is getting her love."


    "How?" Sheng Li asked. "Huo Jin isn''t ready to let go of Xinyue!" He reminded her.


    "I know," Ying Lili said.


    "General Wang, could you bring your sister to the Pce? I want to meet her," Ying Lili made another request. Wang Hao recalled that Yin Na had asked him to take her to the Pce.


    "Your Majesty, Yin Na has requested me to ask the Emperor and the Empress if she coulde to the Pce. I forgot to ask you both. But I am happy that the Empress wants to meet Yin Na. I will surely bring her," Wang Hao asserted.


    "You should have brought her to the Pce," Sheng Li opined.


    "I need to follow the protocols, Your Majesty. I cannot bring my family members without His Majesty''s prior permission," Wang Hao said.


    Sheng Li ended up smiling. "Tell Xiao Zhan about this. He was asking me about you in the morning," Sheng Li informed him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Hao took his leave.


    Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili. "Xing-Fu, Court Lady Xu, leave us alone," Sheng Limanded them. They both walked out of the chamber after getting the Emperor''smand.


    "Why did you send them away?" Ying Lili asked them.


    "You wanted me to get intimate with you in front of them!" Sheng Li arched his brow with a grin.


    "Why do you want to get intimate at this hour?" Ying Lili asked with astonishment. "I am hungry. I want to eat something sour," Ying Lili requested him.


    "Oh. What do you want to eat?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Lemons," Ying Lili replied.


    "That''s so sour. You might catch a cold if you consume them. The winter is near," Sheng Li advised her.


    "But I am craving for lemons," Ying Lili said with a pout. "You can at least bring lemonade for me. I have a good immune system. I won''t get sick." She grasped the hand of Sheng Li and insisted him to bring lemonade for her.


    "Lili, you can have another fruit if you want," Sheng Li told her.


    "No. I told you I want to eat something sour," Ying Lili said sternly and pulled her hands away. "Fine. I will make lemonade for myself." Her mood suddenly changed and she almost stood up when Sheng Li pulled her down.


    "Lemonade is drunk in the summertime. If you drink it during this season, you will definitely get sick, and then the twins may also get affected because of the mother. However, you can rece the craving for sourness with another fruit. I will bring Tart Cherries for you," Sheng Li calmly made her understand. Court Lady Ki had informed him earlier that a mother usually gets mood changes frequently at this period. So, he needed to handle the situation well.


    "Okay. I will wait," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li kissed her nose tip softly. Ying Lili smiled at him and kissed his cheek. "Go bring cherries for me," she urged him. Sheng Li nodded his head and walked out of the chamber.


    "Lili is alone. Go inside and watch your Empress. I will be back soon," Sheng Li ordered him and left for the Royal Kitchen.


    ~~~~ Hello Dear Readers, Finally, the WSA 2021 result is announced. I am so d that my book made into the nomination awards. This story is the only Historical Novel that made into the finals. Writing this novel was not easy since I need to search and read a lot of Han Dynasty''s History for the novel. It is possible because of all the lovely and supporting readers I have. I will give 5 chapter Mass Release tomorrow night, till the morning of Monday, dedicated to all the readers. THANK YOU HAPPY READING

 Chapter 674 - The Life Lessons

    <h4>Chapter 674 - The Life Lessons</h4>


    Sheng Li tasted the tart cherries before taking them for Ying Lili.


    "Your Majesty, you should have called me. Why did you trouble yourself toe to the royal kitchen?" The royal chef asked humbly.


    "Because the Empress wants me to bring the tart cherries for her," asserted Sheng Li. "I wanted to check myself these cherries," Sheng Li added. He picked the bowl and left for the Northern Pce.


    The assistants came near the Royal chef. "Did the Royal Chef notice that our Emperor has turned so gentle and humble?" One of the assistants said.


    "Thanks to the Empress," the Royal chef replied.


    Sheng Li hastened towards the Northern Pce when he encountered the Princes, who had just returned to the Pce after hunting. "Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi pronounced and came to him.


    "Tart cherries!" Lei Wanxi outstretched his hand to take a few when Sheng Li pped at the back of his palm.


    "You cannot eat them," Sheng Li told him.


    "Why?" Lei Wanxi asked him as he caressed his hand. The other Princes were also curious to know about it.


    "Because these are for Lili. She wants to eat something sour," Sheng Li stated.


    "Let me taste just one. Sister Lili will not scold me," Lei Wanxi said and again moved his hand up the bowl when Sheng Li again scolded him.


    "Your hands are dirty. If you want to eat, then go to the Royal Kitchen," Sheng Li asserted and then looked at the other Princes. "Hope you all have enjoyed hunting. I will see you allter. Lili must be waiting for me." Sheng Li kept the conversation crisp and hurried towards his chamber.


    "Brother Sheng is acting like a father, No?" Rong Zemin said and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "He is going to be the father of two kids. So, taking care of the Empress is indispensable for him," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "Sister Lili''s pregnancy changed Brother Sheng. I saw Brother Sheng getting lessons from the Court Lady Ki regarding the pregnancy so that Sister Lili will not suffer from any trouble. Brother Sheng has even made a chamber for the twins, who will soone to this world," Nianzu exined to them.


    "When did all this happen? I have limited knowledge about this," Lei Wanxiined.


    "Because you spend most of the day in the Capital Bureau''s Office," Rong Zemin stated.


    "Princess Zhu Lin!" Weng Yu saw hering from the other side. Lei Wanxi turned back and found hering to him. "Dear Brothers, I take my leave here. I enjoyed hunting with you all," Lei Wanxi said and ran towards Zhu Lin.


    "I still have doubts that Lei Wanxi has grown up or not!" Rong Zemin chuckled as he saw him locking his arms around Princess Zhu Lin''s head. He started tough. "He is treating his soon-to-be wife that way."


    "Lei Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin''s rtionship started in a simr fashion, Brother Zemin. That''s the reason he behaves this way around her," Jian Guozhi affirmed. Nianzu put his arm around Weng Yu, who was curiously listening to their conversation.


    "Brother Yu, what are you thinking about?" Nianzu finally asked him. Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin nced at the youngest prince.


    "I was thinking whether I have to marry as well as you all brothers did," Weng Yu said.


    "Little Yu, you have many years to enjoy," Jian Guozhi said with a smile.


    "But I am shy around women. I can only talk to Sister Lili and Sister Xuefortably," Weng Yu said with a low voice.


    Rong Zeminughed a little. "Even we used to get shy earlier," He said.


    Nianzu and Jian Guozhi skeptically peered at him. "I ept that I was a yer among the Princes," Rong Zemin said.


    "You promised many women to get married to them," Jian Guozhi reminded him.


    "I was only enjoying my days, Brother Jian. Now, look at me. I have changed so much. If I look back, I was such a naive man. How could I handle so many women as my wives when it''s hard to handle one!" Rong Zemin affirmed.


    "Princess Liao Jun might get upset if she hears this," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "I did not mean that. I am happy to have Liao Jun. It''s enough to have one wife. Luckily, Father did not force us to go for multiple marriages. However, if Empress Wei would be alive--" Rong Zemin paused and bit the tongue between his teeth.


    "Forgive me, Brother Jian. That was a slip of tongue," Rong Zemin sincerely apologized.


    "I understand," Jian Guozhi said. "Let''s head back to our respective chambers. We will see each other in the morning," Jian Guozhi said and walked ahead.


    "Is Brother Jian angry at me?" Rong Zemin asked.


    "No," Nianzu said. "He recalled how his mother made the decision for him, thus forcing him to marry two women, and because of that reason, he suffered endlessly," he stated.


    "Brother Jian suffered in marriage!?" Weng Yu asked with curiosity.


    Both Nianzu and Rong Zemin nodded their heads. "Let''s not discuss it in front of the First Brother ever again," Nianzu suggested to them. "It''s that past which he doesn''t want to remember," he added.


    "I will never ask him," Weng Yu said. Nianzu patted his back and told Rong Zemin that he should return to his chamber.


    "Where are you heading to?" Rong Zemin asked him.


    "I will be with Brother Yu for some time," Nianzu asserted. Rong Zemin walked ahead of them while the two left after a few minutes.


    "Brother Yu, what did you learn from today''s hunting session?" Nianzu queried him.


    "One needs to be swift, else others will beat you," Weng Yu replied.


    Nianzu passed a tiny smile to him. "Hunting gives you many lessons at once. The first is to keep patience. Without patience, you will lose everything around him. Good things take time to get. So, be patient!


    The second thing is the rity and perspective of your aim. Whatever your goal is, be clear towards it and have clear perception, else you will keep deviating from your true path.


    The third thing you learn from hunting is to learn to lose. Sometimes, you miss a shot, and it saddens you. But don''t let your sadness overpower you, because losing is essential for winning the battles of your life," Nianzu pronounced. Weng Yu was a little enlightened to hear all those things.


    "Brother Nianzu knows so many things," Weng Yuplimented him.


    "Do you know who told me these three things?" Nianzu asked him.


    Weng Yu immediately said a yes.


    "Brother Sheng taught me when I went hunting for the first time with him," Nianzu answered.


    "Really? But I heard that Brother Sheng was not good in studies," Weng Yu said with a bewildered expression.


    "He learned everything from his life. At the age of 13, he went to the first battle of his life. He grasped these life lessons at a young age. For now, he has no time to impart these knowledgeable things to Brother Yu, that''s why I am doing that part," Nianzu asserted.


    Weng Yu was once again heavily influenced by the personality of Sheng Li. "I want to be like Brother Sheng.. Thank you, Brother Nianzu for sharing this with me," he expressed his gratitude.

 Chapter 675 - Your Win Is My Win

    <h4>Chapter 675 - Your Win Is My Win</h4>


    Lei Wanxi embraced Zhu Lin tightly into a warm hug. "I missed you so much, Zhu Lin," he said and strangled her.


    "I am not able to breathe," Zhu Linined when Lei Wanxi immediately pulled away. She caught her breath while Lei Wanxi apologized to her.


    "Did you not miss me?" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    "That''s why I returned early," Zhu Lin replied. Lei Wanxi was delighted to hear her answer.


    "I heard the Princes went hunting today. How was it?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "I did not hunt any animal. I am too afraid to kill them. What if the animal remembered my face and attacked me the next time?" Lei Wanxi questioned him.


    Zhu Lin ended upughing. "Are you serious?" She ced her palm over her mouth. "Just say that you don''t like to hunt and you lost," said Zhu Lin.


    "But saving a life is greater than taking a life. So, I won," Lei Wanxi pronounced. Zhu Lin agreed with him when her gaze fell on his right hand. "Why is it bruised?" She grasped his hand and checked it.


    "Did you shoot the arrows?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "I did but did not shoot any animal. I thought about practicing in the open for a while and then I got tired. I took a nap for a while," Lei Wanxi briefed her.


    "I bought something for Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin said.


    "What? Really?" He asked.


    Zhu Lin hummed and turned towards the chaise on which she had put a long robe with white fur at its three edges except for the bottom. "Winter is near, so I thought about buying this. The merchant was from the Northern Province," Zhu Lin affirmed.


    Lei Wanxi quickly enshrouded the robe and went towards the mirror. "I look good in this. Thank you for this gift, Zhu Lin," he said and swirled. "It''s warm. Come here," he moved his hand in the air.


    Zhu Lin walked to him when Lei Wanxi put his arm around her shoulder. He covered her from the robe. "We can watch the first snow together while wrapping it around us. It''s warm and we won''t get cold. Do you know the meaning behind the first snowfall?"


    Zhu Lin shook her head and refused.


    "It is considered lucky to watch the first Snowfall with your lover," Lei Wanxi informed her. "We two will stay together for a long time," he added.


    "I am eager to watch our first snowfall then," Zhu Lin stated and rested her head on his shoulder.


    "We will get married soon. Will you be able to handle my tantrums?" He asked her.


    "Yes. You said that only I can handle you well," Zhu Lin said and lifted her head. Lei Wanxi grasped her hands in his and made her turn to him.


    "I will request the Royal Astrologer to give the marriage day after two days. I think I am fully ready to marry you and make you my other half," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "But what if the day will not be an auspicious one? Then, we have to wait for more time," Zhu Lin said.


    "No worries. I am already married to you in my mind. In front of the world, we still need to marry," Lei Wanxi stated. Zhu Lin ended up blushing. Her heart fluttered with that statement.


    Lei Wanxi put his calloused index finger under her chin and made her look at him. "You also have considered me your husband, haven''t you?" He asked her.


    "I have epted you as my husband when I confessed my love for you, Prince Wanxi," Zhu Lin acknowledged.


    Lei Wanxi nuzzled his nose with hers and the two smiled. "You have such a tiny nose, Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi said and kissed her nose tip.


    Zhu Lin tiptoed and kissed him by grabbing his robes. Lei Wanxi securely wrapped his arms around her lower waist and kissed her back. After a few seconds, they both pulled away.


    Lei Wanxi wiped her lips with his thumb. "Zhu Lin, thank you for epting me as your husband. In everyone''s eyes, I am still a naive child. You do understand me and it delights me. I am so ready to start a happy married life with you," Lei Wanxi stated and kissed her cheek.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li fed tart cherries to Ying Lili with his hands. "I have my hands," Ying Lili said.


    "But I want to feed you," Sheng Li said and smiled. "I met the other Brothers earlier. They looked happy," he told her.


    "Why did you not go hunting? It''s your favorite sport," Ying Lili stated.


    "I cannot leave my Lili alone, especially in this state," Sheng Li answered.


    "I have so many people to take care of me. Court Lady Xu and Ki are always around me. You do not need to neglect your happiness for me," Ying Lili said.


    "My happiness lies with you. Also, nothing is more important for me than you," Sheng Li affirmed. "I can go hunting after you deliver the babies well. Then, we both willpete with each other," he said with a smile.


    "You will not y fairly with me. You will lose and announce me the winner," Ying Lili replied. "You are no longer the old Sheng Li, who hated to lose," sheined.


    "I still do not like to lose. However, in front of you, I cannot win. The first time we had sword fighting, I told you that if I ever lost against you, then that would be because of my love for you. Your win is my win, Lili," Sheng Li stated and pushed a cherry between her lips.


    Before Ying Lili could suck that inside her mouth, Sheng Li leaned forward and bit half of it. Their lips touched momentarily. They smiled and chewed it.


    "Even your win is my win, Sheng Li. So, you should y fairly with me," Ying Lili urged him.


    "I cannot allow my Lili to lose against me.. I want her to win because Sheng Li doesn''t like to lose," He announced and caressed her cheek.

 Chapter 676 - Heart Of A Child

    <h4>Chapter 676 - Heart Of A Child</h4>


    Weng Yu thanked Nianzu for enlightening him and went inside his chamber as his mother was waiting for him. Nianzu turned back to his chamber. The tiny smile on his lips never disappeared. "Finally, the Pce seems so lively," he murmured when a servant from the Empress Dowager''s Quarters came to him.


    "Greetings to the Prince. The Empress Dowager wants to see the Prince," the servant informed Nianzu.


    "Why does she want to see me?" Nianzu asked the servant.


    "I do not know, Your Highness," the servant replied humbly. Nianzu hummed and left to meet his mother. Though he did not want to meet her, but he could not either refuse the order of the Empress Dowager.


    Reaching outside the chamber of the Empress Dowager, he halted for a while before stepping in. The servants left the chamber as they saw the Fourth Prince.


    Nianzu bowed before her mother, who was seated on the chaise. "The servant told me that the Empress Dowager wants to see me," he said.


    "Why don''t you call me Mother?" Deng Hui asked with teary eyes.


    "If the Mother has nothing to say, then I shall leave," Nianzu stated.


    "Have a seat, first," Deng Hui said.


    Nianzu sat down on another chaise and rested his hands on his thighs. He found that Deng Hui wanted to say many things to him, but was hesitating. One reason could be his cold attitude towards her. Since everything has turned out well, he also thought to mend their rtionship.


    "Mother, it''s tough to forget the mistakes that people make, especially those which can bring disasters to one''s life," Nianzu proimed. Deng Hui agreed with her son.


    "I even ask the Emperor to forgive me, but he isn''t ready for that. I hurt him badly. I regret agreeing to Gu Zhenya," Deng Hui asserted. "Son, I was the daughter of a low-rank official. However, Gu Zhenya helped me and told me when the time woulde, I had to repay him. I had lost my mind," she lowered her head as the tears poured down her cheeks.


    Nianzu recalled how much his mother suffered because of her concubine status. She became greedy just for the reason of her son. "Mother is well aware of my nature. I am a man with limited desires. Why did you not think of the consequences earlier? If anything would have happened to Chuntao, then how do you think I would be able to return? She held my hand when everyone opposed my decision," Nianzu exined to his mother.


    "I was blinded by greed. However, the Emperor stopped me from doing anything stupid," Deng Hui said as she wiped the tears from her cheeks.


    "I saw the former Empress Weng Wei in you at that time. I hate that woman from the core of my heart. After Huo Jin told me about you, I was devastated," Nianzu unknowingly revealed Huo Jin''s name to Deng Hui, who was bewildered to hear that.


    "Did the Emperor not tell you about this?" Deng Hui asked him to confirm.


    Nianzu shook his head. "Brother Sheng did not tell me because he thought our rtionship would no longer remain healthy," Nianzu affirmed.


    Deng Hui was shocked to learn the truth. She cursed Sheng Li for separating Nianzu from her. She regretted doing that and was ready to apologize to Sheng Li, but would he ever forgive her?! This question troubled her.


    "Who''s Huo Jin?" Deng Hui, after a few minutes, asked Nianzu.


    "He''s a close friend of mine," Nianzu answered. He did not give many details to his mother as he got doubtful of her.


    "Why did Mother ask about him?" He skeptically nced at her.


    "I was curious," Deng Hui answered. "Did Prince Nianzu forgive his mother?" She then questioned him.


    "Nothing good wille if I stay angry with you. As a son, I cannot remain angry at you for long. I know how much you have suffered all these years. Also, things have turned out well in the Pce. I forgive my mother," Nianzu said and passed a smile to her. In the most unexpected way, their conversation went. It delighted his heart because he was also missing his mother all this time.


    Deng Hui walked to her son and embraced him. "I am so happy, Nianzu. Thank you for forgiving me." She stepped back while Nianzu stood up.


    "I heard that you were not having a good meal and also were not actively participating in the Pce''s affairs. However, now everything has turned out well, so I believe that mother will not neglect her duties and also not her sons. Brother Sheng has been hurt by youtely, so I want you to talk to him as well."


    Sheng Li hardly used to speak on such matters, but thest time he spoke to him regarding Deng Hui, he found how hurt he was! Though he didn''tin, the sadness was visible in his eyes. He could feel Sheng Li.


    "I will talk to the Emperor. Lately, he has been busy with the Empress. I have prepared a dish for the Empress which will warm her body. Hopefully, the Emperor allows me to feed it to the Empress," Deng Hui said. Nianzu could see the genuineness in his mother''s eyes.


    "Brother Sheng surely will. He has the heart of a child, which needs to be pampered. Mother knows this better than me," Nianzu asserted.


    Deng Hui agreed with her son''s words. She had to show Sheng Li that she was sincere towards him as a mother and would always be.


    "There is a dress which I have ordered for Chuntao from the far west. It arrived today evening. Since you are here, you should take it for her. She will be happy," Deng Hui said and called inside the Court Lady, who handed the dress to the Empress.


    Deng Hui ced it in Nianzu''s hands, who thanked his mother.. "Chuntao will surely love it," he affirmed.

 Chapter 677 - Miss My Mother

    <h4>Chapter 677 - Miss My Mother</h4>


    Jian Guozhi stopped by his mother''s chamber and lowered his head. He walked ahead to the Eastern Pce, after a while.


    "Your Highness, the Princess is waiting for you," Eunuch Long informed Jian Guozhi, who stepped in and the doors were closed behind him.


    "Xue," he called out her name as he stopped by the main door. "You look beautiful," he said and passed her a smile. Xue Yu-Yan thanked him for thepliment.


    "The Empress Dowager gifted this dress to me. She gave the dresses to every Princess," Xue Yu-Yan said and outstretched her arms to nce at them.


    "The color looks good on you," Jian Guozhi came near her and pinched her cheek. He stepped back and removed the overcoat. Eunuch Long announced about the dinner meals and came inside with a few maidservants. He took the overcoat of his master and stepped back.


    "Eunuch Long, what about the special drink that I have asked you to bring?" He asked him.


    "I thought that His Highness will not be able to drink it today as he''s tired," Eunuch Long deduced. "Forgive me, Your Highness, for making this kind of assumption. I will bring it," he said humbly and walked out of the chamber with the maidservants.


    Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan sat around the table. "Jian Ge, here," Xue Yu-Yan handed him the chopsticks.


    "What special wine Jian Ge has asked for?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him.


    "Grape wine," Jian Guozhi answered.


    "Oh. I would like to taste it too if Jian Ge allows," Xue Yu-Yan said with excitement.


    "Of Course, you can. You don''t need to ask my permission, Xue," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Today I enjoyed hunting after such a long time. Though, I missed Brother Sheng''s presence and Yongzheng''s too. Earlier, it used to be sopetitive, full of jealousy. Whenever I used to prepare for hunting, my mother used to tell me only one thing¨C to win at any cost even if I have to hurt my younger brothers.


    I was supposed to be the best in all aspects as I had to be the Crown Prince someday. But deep inside, I knew that I could never be a Crown Prince." Jian Guozhi recalled his past again and those days when he was forced to listen to his mother and even the Prime Minister.


    "I also joined once," Xue Yu-Yan stated. "I met the Empress that day for the first time. She was jealous of Prince Sheng Li. I remember vividly that you were not feeling well that day, but you were supposed to fight against the Fifth Prince," Xue Yu-Yan recalled.


    Eunuch Long came in and put the tray on the table which had a porcin wine jar on it. After that, he left the chamber.


    "I told you that I was supposed to do well in everything to get into the eyes of not only myte father but also the ministers too. However, I failed to understand that the negative feelings towards Brother Sheng would never make me seed," asserted Jian Guozhi. "Let''s have our dinner before it gets cold," he said and the two started eating.


    After they finished, the servant cleaned the table. Jian Guozhi picked the porcin jar and poured the grape wine into the two cups. Xue Yu-Yan thanked him and gracefully picked it up by cing her hands on it.


    "It''s delicious. My friend from Western Province has sent this," Jian Guozhi pronounced and smiled.


    Xue Yu-Yan put the cup down and asked him about his friend.


    "His name is Qiao Long. His father used to be a minister, buttely, got shifted to the Western Province as the Governor seven years ago," Jian Guozhi briefed her. "He is a great friend of mine," he said and again poured the wine into their cups.


    "Is Jian Ge missing his old days?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him out of the blue.


    Jian Guozhi hummed and gulped the wine. "Those days were filled with momentary happiness. Brother Sheng left the Pce and started Military campaigns while I enjoyed the Pce life withfort. I do not know how I even thought at that time that I could be the future Emperor!" A chuckle escaped his mouth.


    Xue Yu-Yan curiously gazed at him as she could not understand what Jian Guozhi meant by that.


    "Brother Sheng learned things while being in the war and that''s his strength. He left this pleasure which all the Princes enjoyed at a young age. One reason could be that he wanted to live in the Pce. How could I trouble my younger brother? I still am guilty about that," Jian Guozhi muttered and drank more wine.


    "It''s going to be finished soon," Jian Guozhi said as he looked into the jar.


    "Jian Ge, when did you realize that you want to turn good?" Xue Yu-Yan asked him.


    "When my mother made evil ns for the Princess of Juyan, I realized it was the time to stop. s! I could not stop my mother. The person who saved my life, I could never let her die just for my benefits," Jian Guozhi exined to her and took thest sip of the wine.


    Xue Yu-Yan realized that Jian Guozhi was stressed about something, but he was not telling herpletely.


    "I won''t ever teach our kids such negative things, Xue. I will let them do anything they want to do. They don''t need toe first in everything, nor do they have to fight for it!" Jian Guozhi affirmed. Xue Yu-Yan rested her hand over Jian Guozhi''s hand.


    "We will be good parents to them. Even if they get failed; I will encourage them and will pat their backs," Jian Guozhi said as a smile appeared on his lips. He stood up from the table and wavered a little. Xue Yu-Yan quickly went near him and supported him by holding his arm.


    "Jian Ge, you are drunk," she said when he tightly hugged her.


    "Xue, I miss my mother. Every time I cross her chamber, I feel she will be there, waiting for me. I hate it. I hate that people now call her with various evil names. I know that I was the one who asked to punish her but--" he ended up sleeping while she tightly held him.


    Xue Yu-Yan took him to the bed and covered him with the nket.. She caressed his forehead and nted a soft kiss in its middle.

 Chapter 678 - Every Superstition, Every Prediction And Every Prayer!

    <h4>Chapter 678 - Every Superstition, Every Prediction And Every Prayer!</h4>


    Sheng Li brought Ying Lili to the Hall where the Royal Astrologer was waiting for them. As they entered, the Royal Astrologer stood up from the chaise and bowed before them.


    "Greetings to the Emperor and the Empress," he said humbly.


    Sheng Li made Ying Lili sit on the throne and then sat down. "Please have a seat, Royal Astrologer," He gestured to the chaise. He stepped back and took the seat.


    "Princess Zhu Lin has returned from the journey. Please suggest an auspicious day for her marriage with Prince Wanxi. Also, Princess Bai Yaling has agreed to remarriage. She is marrying General Wang," Sheng Li exined to the Royal Astrologer.


    "I need General Wang''s birth information and then ordingly I will decide the day, Your Majesty," the Royal astrologer asked humbly.


    "I remember the day when he''s born but I think for the marriage, the Royal Astrologer needs a perfect birth chart," Sheng Li stated. He looked at Xing-Fu and ordered him to send the message to Wang Hao regarding the same.


    "Royal Astrologer, please assess the marriage day for Prince Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin. By then, Eunuch Xing-Fu will bring the birth chart of General Wang," Ying Lili requested. The Royal astrologist nodded his head and took out the sheet of astronomical days from his cloth bag.


    After fifteen minutes, the Royal Astrologer had made the calction. "Your Majesty, there are two days which are best for the marriage of Prince Wanxi. One is after two days while the other is after one month. Among them, the most auspicious day is after one month," he informed them.


    Sheng Li nced at Ying Lili, who asked the Royal Astrologer to tell about the differences in the two days.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. If they get married after two days, then things will go well, but they canck Yin-Yang energy in the future. In short, Princess Zhu Lin can have difficulty in conceiving in the future," The Royal Astrologer exined to them.


    "I also married the Empress on her birthday without looking at the days. So, I don''t think such factors should be taken into ount. But then, sometimes predictions also turn right," Sheng Li seemed confused.


    "Royal Astrologer, Prince Lei Wanxi is eager about his marriage. If their marriage is dyed more, then it might annoy him. Could you please check the day in between these two days?" Sheng Li requested him.


    "Your Majesty, it is only about a month. I believe that His Majesty shall go with the second date for the better and happy future of Prince Wanxi and Princess Zhu Lin," the Royal Astrologer advised Sheng Li. He nced at Ying Lili and asked her about it.


    "Prince Wanxi can wait. Let''s go with the suggestion of the Royal Astrologer," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li acknowledged her decision and agreed with the day.


    Sheng Li noticed that Ying Lili was yawning. "Court Lady Xu, please take the Empress to the chamber. She needs some rest," Sheng Limanded her.


    "I am not tired. Let me--"


    "You need sleep, Lili. It''s normal at this time. Go to the chamber. I wille soon," Sheng Li proimed. Ying Lili could not argue with him as she yawned again. Court Lady Xu came forward and took Ying Lili with her.


    After Ying Lili left, the Royal Astrologer asked Sheng Li, "there is another prediction I want to make. If His Majesty allows it, can I do that?"


    "Sure!" Sheng Li permitted him.


    "Since the Empress is pregnant, I studied Her Majesty''s birth chart once again. After studying it, I found one obstruction," the Royal Astrologer said.


    "Exin," Sheng Li told him and got a little terrified.


    "She might have some difficulty in the uing time. I predicted that after six months, the Empress will get more stressed," the Royal Astrologer exined to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li never believed in predictions, but it terrified him. For Ying Lili, he believed in every superstition, every prediction, and every prayer.


    "Is there a way to avoid this? I mean, I am doing my best to not give any stress to the Empress. I am keeping her at bay from the Court''s matter and even the Kingdom''s matters," Sheng Li stated as he started to turn nervous.


    "Your Majesty, it might be because of her pregnancy. Usually, women get stressed during that time. However, while making the prediction, I found that her stress level will be because of someone close to her," the Royal Astrologer affirmed.


    "It will not be a big problem, will it? Like any kind of attack?" He asked and knitted his brows together.


    "I cannot see the future, Your Majesty. I can only predict things and make you aware of them. I wanted to tell His Majesty so that he will be cautious around the Empress. However, my predictions may get wrong too. There''s nothing concerning after that month. Things will go smoothly," the Royal Astrologer started with a smile.


    Sheng Li was relieved to hear that when Wang Hao entered the hall with Eunuch Xing-Fu. He greeted the Emperor first and then the Royal Astrologer.


    "Wang Hao, the Royal Astrologer needs your birth chart. You need to bring it from your residence," Sheng Li informed him.


    "Your Majesty, I have brought it. I thought it would be needed today," Wang Hao stated and went towards the Royal Astrologer. He took out the folded chart from his pocket and handed it to the Royal Astrologer.


    Wang Hao took his seat and waited for the answer of the Royal Astrologer.


    "General Wang Hao''s and Princess Bai Yaling''s stars match perfectly well. ording to my calctions, they both can marry the following week on any day," the Royal Astrologer informed them.


    Sheng Li smiled and congratted Wang Hao. "Discuss with your father about this," Sheng Li opined.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Xing-Fu took the birth chart from the Royal Astrologer and gave it back to Wang Hao.


    "Your Majesty, I would like to deliver this good news to Princess Bai myself¡­ if His Majesty allows," Wang Hao said.


    "Sure.. Tell the Princess about it," Sheng Li said while smiling, but internally he was concerned about Ying Lili.

 Chapter 679 - To Protect Someone

    <h4>Chapter 679 - To Protect Someone</h4>


    Huo Jin was on the chair and picked the fan from the small round table beside him. He opened it and started to fan himself. The sound of shooting arrows fell into his ears.


    Yin Na put her hands down and turned to look at him. "Why are you not helping me today? Also, why is the sun shining so brightly today?" Yin Nained.


    "You told me not to help you earlier," Huo Jin reminded her.


    Yin Na stomped her left foot on the ground and how much he was enjoying it. She should not have told him that today she would practice without his help. It was a ny-ninth arrow in her hand. She missed all the ny-eight aims.


    "Huo Jin, don''t you think you are going too strict with your only student?" Yin Nained to him and turned to look again at the target. The sweat beads on the side of her neck, rolled down as she put on the arrow on the bow.


    She closed her right eye as Huo Jin had told her. Her fingers were bruised because of today''s intense practice, but Huo Jin did not show any mercy on her. ''Is he upset with me? He is not even showing any concern today,'' she thought.


    Immediately, she shook her head. "Yin Na, focus on the aim! What are you even thinking?" she asked herself.


    "How long will you stare at the aim?" Huo Jin questioned her. "Suppose an enemy has captivated your lover, then will you keep staring at him?" He gave her an example.


    "Don''t divert my mind, Huo Jin," she stated.


    "Why?" He chuckled. "You told me that you want to save your future husband the way the Crown Princess once saved the Crown Prince," he pronounced. "If you will be at the battlefield, by now, the enemy will definitely kill you," he said with a harsh tone.


    "Huo Jin, keep your mouth shut!" Yin Na stated. Huo Jin tightly pressed his lips together and continued to fan himself.


    Yin Na released the arrow. s! She again missed it. She sighed and picked the hundredth arrow from the table beside her. Putting it on the bow, she pulled the bowstring back such that a part of it touched her skin.


    Huo Jin finally stood up from the chair. He put the fan back on the table and went to her. Standing behind her, he caught her right hand which was holding the nock.


    "Rx your shoulders and take a deep breath. Close your right eye and just think about the aim. Your mind shall be empty at this moment. Analyze the airspeed and ordingly get ready to release the arrow," he told her.


    Yin Na followed everything that Huo Jin told her. She was determined to shoot thisst one. Huo Jin had slowly let go of his grip on her hand.


    "Release, now," he whispered in his deep voice. Yin Na did so and smiled.


    "Bull''s eye!" She heard the soldier at the other end announcing it.


    The arrow hit the center of the target. "I did it," she murmured. Huo Jin took the bow from her and put it on the table.


    "I helped you. Your concentration has not improved," he stated.


    "You only instructed me. I only followed the steps that you told me to!" Yin Na did not want to give credit for thest shot to Huo Jin.


    "I positioned your arm," he said. "You should do meditation!" He advised her.


    "Brother Wang never meditates," Yin Na said.


    "He does not meditate now because he''s skilled now. More than twenty years of practice he had. While you started only a few days ago. Sit in front of candle-light and meditate," Huo Jin suggested to her.


    "That sounds easy," She said.


    "You do not have to blink while doing so," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "But then, my eyes will hurt," Yin Nained again.


    "That''s how your focus will get stronger," Huo Jin stated. He took out the handkerchief from his pocket and started to wipe the sweat that had appeared on her forehead.


    "Everything seems so tough," Yin Na murmured.


    "It''s tough, that''s why it''s the most desired skill," Huo Jin told her and moved down his hand towards her neck. "Your cheeks have turned red under these bright rays," Huo Jin said as he wiped her neck too.


    "You also did intense practice to learn archery," she was curious to know.


    "Hmm."


    "How long? And at what age did you learn?" She queried. "Wait! You were a servant, who was not supposed to learn warfare. Then, how did you learn?"


    "I practiced in the night," Huo Jin replied and grasped the right hand of Yin Na. The fingers had minor cuts on them. He took her towards the chair and made her sit on it.


    "Bring the cotton bandage," he asked a servant.


    "How could you practice at night? It''s so dark," Yin Na said and found him getting on his knees. "Don''t get on your knees," she urged him.


    "It''s fine. I need to do something with your fingers," Huo Jin said. The servant brought the bandage with the first-aid kit and ced it on the table.


    "During the day, I had to do household chores. The night was the perfect time for me to practice without getting into anyone''s notice," Huo Jin told him as he opened the first-aid box. He cut the bandage into thin ones using a sharp pointy tool.


    Holding her fingers, he started to wrap around the bandage around them.


    "Why did you learn warfare?" She asked him.


    "I wanted to protect someone," Huo Jin stated.


    "You wanted to protect Xinyue, right?" Yin Na asked him. Huo Jin hummed at her.


    "But your master must have noticed your hands. Didn''t he get suspicious?" Yin Na queried him.


    "No one looks at a servant, Yin Na," Huo Jin proimed and asked her to extend her other hand.


    "But she looked at you and cared for you," Yin Na pronounced.


    ~~~~


    Sorry, for not able to give three more chapters. There was a server problem on my end and I wasn''t able to update.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 680 - Tougher Than Mine

    <h4>Chapter 680 - Tougher Than Mine</h4>


    Huo Jin wrapped the other pieces of bandage around her fingers and stood up. "Give rest to your hands," he advised her and gave the first-aid box to the servant.


    Yin Na also stood up and said, "You shall reward me. I finally aimed at the center of the target."


    "But I helped you," he stated.


    "Can you not fulfill my wish?" She asked him.


    "What do you want?" Huo Jin with curiosity asked her.


    "Let''s meet after lunch. Then, I will tell you," Yin Na said and walked away.


    Huo Jin helped the servants on the ground in picking up the arrows. "We will do this work. Please don''t do this," one of the servants said and took the arrow from him.


    "I also used to do this work. Let me do it," Huo Jin said.


    Yin Na, who reached the top of the stairs, turned to look at Huo Jin but found him on the ground.


    "Why is he doing that?" She murmured and swiftly descended the stairs, holding the skirt from its edges. She reached the ground and decided to help him.


    "Yin Na, why did youe back?" Huo Jin asked her, who was a few meters away from her with a few arrows lying in his arms.


    "Because I should do it," Yin Na asserted. Huo Jin walked to her and told her to stand up. She did so, carrying the arrows in her hands.


    "You should take a rose bath. You are stinking badly," Huo Jin told her and pressed his nose with his thumb and finger.


    "Really?"


    "Hmm." He put his hand down and quickly took the arrows from her hands. "Go and take a bath," he stated. Yin Na made a pouty face and left the ground.


    Huo Jin, after helping the servants, came to the main residence. He saw an officialing from the front door while Wang Fuxing was weing him.


    "Xu Niang, it''s a pleasure to see you." Wang Fuxing hugged him and the two patted each other''s back. They pulled away and Wang Fuxing took him to the guest-chamber.


    Huo Jin asked a servant about it.


    "He is the old friend of the Senior Master. He used to be in the Department of Justice at rank 1 position," the servant replied.


    "Oh." Huo Jin was astonished to hear that.


    "Master Xu''s son was recently appointed in the Court as the Minister. I think our Master wants Miss Yin Na to get married to his son," he informed Huo Jin.


    "Oh! Really?"


    "Yes. I shall leave before the Senior Master scolds me," the servant said and went to the guest-chamber.


    "Why did General Wang ask me to give Yin Na a chance?" He murmured and went to the backyard of the residence. He sat down by thekeside and looked up at the sky.


    "Huo Jin!" He heard Yin Na''s voice and turned to look. She had changed the dress and wore a sky blue Hanfu dress with long sleeves.


    "Did you even take a bath?" He questioned her.


    "Yes. Can''t you get the rose scent?" She asked him.


    "Howe your hair got dry this early?" He was confused when Yin Na sat beside him.


    "It has been an hour," Yin Na replied. Huo Jin did not realize that an hour had passed by then.


    "What do you want?" Huo Jin asked her.


    "Tell me about the hardships you bore," Yin Na said and tilted her head to peer at him. "You promised me that you will fulfill my wish," she said with a tiny smile.


    "I did not promise you," Huo Jin answered and looked back at theke. He had a tiny pebble in his hand and threw it into the water which sshed out.


    "Tell me," Yin Na said and shook his arm.


    Huo Jin gazed into her eyes. "Why do you want to know?" He inquired from her. Yin Na stopped shaking his arm and pulled her hands back.


    "Because I want to know," Yin Na replied and blinked.


    "I was not supposed to do what I desired. There were rules that I had to follow at all costs. A ve does not have any right to himself. His rights are possessed by his master. It happened in my case too. A ve can never be sick and if he does, then he has to serve his Master even in that state. He can be beaten by his Master for no reason," Huo Jin said and chuckled.


    "But ves do get freedom too. Every once a year, a few ves get free," Yin Na stated.


    "I was born unlucky," Huo Jin said.


    "Don''t say that. No one is born unlucky," Yin Na stated.


    "A king''s child or a high official''s child is born with luck while a ve''s child is born with misfortune only," Huo Jin argued.


    "You are wrong, Huo Jin. Even the King''s child has his own hardships. Indeed, Royals and High-ss people don''t suffer for basic needs, but they suffer for other things," Yin Na countered.


    "You can look at our Emperor. From Brother Wang, I heard that the Emperor suffered the most among all the Princes. The Former Emperor was mostly in the wars while the Pce became more than a prison for his fifth son," Yin Na calmly told him.


    Huo Jin was unaware of this. Though, he heard this even from Prince Nianzu that Sheng Li suffered the most among the Princes. He got curious to know more about Sheng Li, so asked Yin Na to tell more.


    "Can you imagine that the dead Empress Wei pierced the knife''s de into the Emperor''s chest? He had a fever for three days. Since the Former Emperor was in a war, no one looked after the Fifth Prince. Brother Wang sneaked into his chamber and fed him the medicine," Yin Na told Huo Jin about a horrifying incident that happened with Sheng Li.


    "Empress Wei is the definition of evil," Huo Jin stated.


    "Yes, she was! Brother Wang was almost punished once by her, but the current Emperor took the me on him. He got a hundred floggings on his back," Yin Na said with a gloomy expression.


    "Why did General Wang almost get punished?" Huo Jin queried her.


    "Because he helped the Fifth Prince by giving him the food when he was thrown into the Cold Pce," Yin Na replied.


    "That''s why Prince Nianzu never liked the Pce, but he admired the Fifth Prince for never running away. He faced all those things and survived among them; emerged as the strongest princes among all," Huo Jin asserted and smiled.


    "That''s why no one is born with luck or misfortune. Circumstances force you into those situations¨C Good or bad," Yin Na corrected him. "You are not unlucky, Huo Jin. You were just forced to be a part of that environment to survive," she affirmed.


    Huo Jin was impressed by her exnation. He used to take her as a naive young woman, but he was wrong. She had seen the world better than him. She also survived in a tough environment and emerged as a strong woman in his eyes.


    "Why are you smiling?" She asked him.


    "How did you fight with everyone around you? Your life was tougher than mine," Huo Jin said and waited for her response.

 Chapter 681 - Cant You Accept Me?

    <h4>Chapter 681 - Can''t You ept Me?</h4>


    "How did you fight with everyone around you? Your life was tougher than mine," Huo Jin said and waited for her response.


    "I could not die either. After my brother sold me, I realized that the world is not a beautiful ce. When my blood-rted brother can betray me, the world can be harsher to me. I never knew that Brother Wang still remembered me. He came to see me," Yin Na pronounced.


    Huo Jin patted her back. "You became so strong now," he said.


    "No. I still get scared of my past," Yin Na replied while Huo Jin pulled his hand away. "If I see any of those people, whom I once served, I get scared. My past haunts me, Huo Jin," Yin Na said with a gloomy expression. "However, I cannot live in those days any longer," she suddenly smiled.


    "You are right. It''s not worth living in the past," Huo Jin agreed with her.


    "What about you? Do you also implement that in your life?" She asked him. "Aren''t you still in the past because of the woman whom you love? She never loved you, but you do not care about that. You shoulde out of her memories to live happily. I am not saying this because I like you, but because I want you to live a happy life," Yin Na said in her soft tone.


    Her words hit Huo Jin somewhere in his heart. Even Sheng Li had told him this, and so did the others.


    "But if I move ahead in my life, then wouldn''t it be a betrayal to her?" Huo Jin wanted to know Yin Na''s opinion on it. "I want to stay loyal to her so that if I ever meet her in the afterlife, I will proudly tell her that I love her," he affirmed.


    "Brother Wang told me that you were supposed to be hanged to death. However, Xinyue knew her fate, but in the end, clear your name from those usations. She wanted you to move ahead in your life: we all want that," Yin Na proimed.


    "If she had cared about you, then when you asked her to run away with you, she would have. Your life is yours, not hers. In the afterlife, you still can tell her that you remained loyal to her if you two ever met, but at least think about yourself. You deserve to be happy. Don''t you think so?" Her words made him contemte deeply.


    He lowered his eyes and drew his brows together. "She loved the First Prince more than her life, that''s why she did not run away," Huo Jin stated.


    "No. There is a second possibility as well," Yin Na deduced.


    Huo Jin gazed back at her. "What kind of possibility?" He asked her to exin to him.


    "She never wanted to run away with you because, for her, her life came first," Yin Na replied. "Huo Jin, you said you will tell people how great Xinyue was! But if you see the truth, she is still a conspirator for the mass. You are wasting your time and energy behind that. This life is so short, so you should enjoy it fully rather than keep regretting the things that could never have," Yin Na asserted.


    "You two are here?" Suddenly a voice disturbed them. They both turned to look and saw the chief servant of Wang Fuxing.


    Both of them stood up and turned to him.


    "The Elder Master is looking for Miss Yin Na," the chief servant informed them.


    "Why?" She asked with confusion.


    "There is good news," he said.


    "Did Princess Bai agree to marry Brother Wang?" She asked excitedly.


    "I am afraid, Miss Yin Na, but my Lord will tell you," he asserted. Yin Na smiled and lifted her skirt a little to step forward, but halted at her ce.


    "Huo Jin, let''s go," she told him, who hummed and the two left thekeside. They reached outside the guest-chamber which confused Yin Na. Why did the chief servant bring her to the guest-chamber, she wondered?


    As she walked in along with Huo Jin, she saw an unknown official in front of her. Huo Jin stayed behind near the door as he knew what could be the good news.


    "This is my daughter, Yin Na. She will be neen this year," Wang Fuxing informed his old friend, Xu Niang.


    "Yin Na, this is my best friend and an old friend, Xu Niang," Wang Fuxing said humbly. Yin Na immediately bowed and greeted Xu Niang.


    "Have a seat, Yin Na," Xu Niang told her, and she sat on a chaise.


    "Yin Na, Xu Niang''s son is of marriageable age. He is twenty-three years old. We want you both to get married," Wang Fuxing said with a delightful expression and smiled while peering at Xu Niang.


    Her eyes grew big as she had not expected that a marriage proposal woulde for her. She tilted her head to look at Huo Jin, who was near the door but was not looking at her.


    "Yin Na, my son wants to meet you," Xu Niang stated and then looked at Wang Fuxing. "Why don''t we arrange a private meeting for them in my residence? My wife will be happy to meet Yin Na as we have already decided to go along with this marriage," Xu Niang suggested to him.


    Yin Na looked at her father, who immediately agreed with her. She could not oppose the decision either because it would be rude. Also, her father did so much for her. Seeing him smile, she could not dare to refuse.


    "What about tomorrow?" Xu Niang asked with excitement.


    "That''s great!" Wang Fuxing acknowledged the day for the private meeting between their children.


    Xu Niang stood up from his seat, and so did Wang Fuxing and Yin Na. "I will see you tomorrow morning. I shall take my leave now," Xu Niang said. Wang Fuxing showed him the way out while Yin Na bowed as the two left the guest chamber.


    With an upset face, she looked at Huo Jin, who passed a smile to her.. "I love you, Huo Jin," she said and then again lowered her gaze, "Can''t you ept me?" She queried him.

 Chapter 682 - Dont Get Jealous Later

    <h4>Chapter 682 - Don''t Get Jealous Later</h4>


    Wang Hao met Bai Yaling in her chamber and informed her about their marriage.


    "The Royal Astrologer said that the uing weekdays are auspicious. We can pick any day for the marriage," Wang Hao informed her with excitement.


    Court Lady Dai smiled upon hearing that and congratted them for this. Wang Hao asked her if they could get some privacy, so she left the chamber along with the other maidservants.


    Wang Hao made Bai Yaling sit on the chaise first and then sat beside her. "When do you want to marry me? Select a day," he told her.


    "Why doesn''t General Wang discuss this with his family?" She asked him.


    "I am doing that," Wang Hao answered. Bai Yaling tilted her head to gaze at him.


    "You are also a part of my family. Also, you epted me, therefore, you should choose the date. I will be d," Wang Hao ced his hand over hers.


    "General Wang, I want your father to choose the day. He is the elder among us," Bai Yaling expressed her desire.


    Wang Hao could not refuse her request and agreed to it. "Fine. I will ask Father to choose a day for our wedding. Also, I will send a message regarding our marriage to your father. They must know about it," Wang Hao informed her.


    "Thank you, General Wang, for being considerate to my family as well. I truly appreciate this," Bai Yaling said.


    "You are making me feel embarrassed. Also, don''t call me General Wang. I am the General for the Kingdom, but for you, I should be Wang Hao," He exined to her.


    "What about ''husband?'' I will address you as Husband¨C a more affectionate way for you. I cannot take your name. It is against the teachings I have received," Bai Yaling said politely.


    Wang Hao was extremely happy to hear that. "Fine. Call me Husband after the marriage," Wang Hao acknowledged in another request.


    He intertwined their fingers, not leaving her gaze.


    "Why is General Wang looking at me this way?" Bai Yaling asked him.


    "I want to look at you," Wang Hao stated.


    Bai Yaling ended up chuckling. "Does General Wang not want to have his lunch? It is almost lunch hour," she said.


    "Is it?" He asked.


    Bai Yaling hummed.


    Wang Hao lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I will tell you about the marriage day as soon as possible," Wang Hao told her.


    Bai Yaling nodded when Wang Hao kissed her lips. He slowly moved his lips over hers, waiting for her to respond. Bai Yaling''s heart thundered against her chest as she tightly shut her eyes. She reciprocated his kiss. Wang Hao kept it short and the two withdrew back.


    They both peered into each other''s eyes and smiled. "If the Royal Astrologer had given today''s date, then I would have married you now. I cannot wait to marry you and live with you," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Me too," Bai Yaling answered.


    Wang Hao stood up from the chaise. "Have your lunch and take care of yourself and the child too. I wille to you soon," Wang Hao assured her and left the chamber.


    Bai Yaling ced her fingers over her lips and smiled. She rested her palm near her navel region and said, "Everything will be fine and will be good from now on."


    ~~~~~~~


    Huo Jin recalled the words of Wang Hao, but now the situation was not in his favor that he could even consider looking at Yin Na as a woman.


    Yin Na walked to him. "Huo Jin, I cannot disagree with Father. He did so much for me. However, if you will ask Father--" She could notplete her words as Huo Jin interrupted her.


    He ced his hands on her shoulder and said, "Yin Na, I respect you a lot. Don''t look for my love. I do not deserve you. I have heard about Master Xu Niang''s son. Meet him tomorrow," Huo Jin politely refused her feelings.


    Yin Na''s eyes turned misty, and she yanked his hands from her shoulders. "Don''t get jealouster because I will note to you," Yin Na said annoyingly and left the chamber. Huo Jin turned and watched her walk away.


    "Why does she even love me?" Huo Jin muttered and walked out of the chamber.


    He came to the main courtyard and saw Wang Fuxing hade inside. He bowed before him and peered at him.


    "Since you did not ept her feelings, I decided to arrange a marriage for Yin Na," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "Father did great," Huo Jin replied and smiled.


    "Father! Huo Jin!" They both looked at the door where Wang Hao was standing with a broad smile on his lips. He came towards them and tightly hugged his father.


    "Father, Bai Yaling and I will get married soon," he said, carrying tears of happiness in his eyes.


    Wang Fuxing started tough upon hearing his son while Huo Jin also got happy for Wang Hao.


    He pulled away and told them everything the Royal Astrologer had told. "Father, Bai Yaling wants you to select the day for our marriage," Wang Hao stated.


    "Me? Ahh. What about the very first day of the told week," Wang Fuxing replied without any dy.


    "Yes, Father. There are a lot of things to prepare. I need to select our wedding dresses too and even the guests have to be invited," Wang Hao said with excitement. "Where is Yin Na? She should know this," Wang Hao asked them.


    "She is in her room," Huo Jin told Wang Hao.


    "I will tell her. Father, I wille to your room with her," Wang Hao stated and walked away.


    "I never saw him this happy," Wang Fuxing asserted and nced at Huo Jin. "Love conquers everything," he stated.


    "Huo Jin, call the chief tailor from the market. We need to give orders for their wedding dress," Wang Fuxingmanded Huo Jin, who bowed and left the courtyard.


    "Why does this child neverin? I thought Yin Na''s marriage will force him to open his heart for Yin Na," Wang Fuxing murmured and sighed.

 Chapter 683 - Are You Complaining?

    <h4>Chapter 683 - Are You Comining?</h4>


    Yin Na congratted Wang Hao for his marriage with Bai Yaling. "Let''s go to Father''s room. We need to discuss many things," Wang Hao dragged Yin Na with her to Wang Fuxing''s room.


    Wang Fuxing asked to bring the tea to a servant for them and looked at Wang Hao. "The guest list is long. Will the Emperor and the Princes attend this marriage?" Wang Fuxing asked his son.


    "I am not sure about the Emperor, since the Empress is pregnant, but the Princes and their respective wives will surely be invited," Wang Hao said dly. He turned to look at Yin Na and said, "the Empress wants to meet you. Tomorrow we will go to the Pce."


    "Yin Na cannot go tomorrow," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "Why?" Wang Hao asked with confusion.


    "Yin Na will visit Xu''s residence tomorrow with me. My old friend, Xu Niang, and I have decided to take our friendly rtionship to another level. Yin Na will marry the son of Xu Niang," Wang Fuxing proimed and smiled.


    Wang Hao was shocked to learn about that. "Father, why did you do that?" He suddenly turned furious. "Forgive me," he lowered his eyes and continued, "Father, Yin Na has feelings for Huo Jin. Don''t rush her marriage. She is merely eighteen years old."


    "Huo Jin is reluctant not to ept Yin Na. Also, Yin Na spends most of her time with Huo Jin, that''s why she thinks only Huo Jin is a nice man around her. If she will meet Xu Niang''s son, she will truly be impressed," Wang Fuxing stated and sipped the tea from the cup.


    Wang Hao nced at his sister. "Yin Na, do you want to meet Xu Feng Jin?" he asked her. For him, her opinion mattered a lot.


    "Yes, Brother Wang. The two elders have decided on a meeting for us, so I go with it," Yin Na pronounced. Wang Fuxing got delighted by the answer of his daughter.


    "Yin Na, you told me that--"


    "Brother Wang," She interrupted in the middle and continued, "Whatever Father decides for me will be best."


    As Wang Hao had thought, Yin Na could not oppose the decision of her father. He had told Huo Jin not to do this, then why he could not ept Yin Na''s feelings. It bothered him and at the same time, upset him.


    Huo Jin, who hade from the market, ended up hearing their conversation.


    "My Lord, Huo Jin wants to see you," a servant said from outside.


    "Send him in!" Wang Fuxing pronounced. The door opened, and Huo Jin stepped in.


    "Father, the tailor wille tomorrow. He has been sick for a few days," Huo Jin informed him.


    "Oh!" "Come, Huo Jin. Have tea with us," Wang Fuxing told him. Huo Jin nodded and stepped forward when Wang Hao stood up from the cushion.


    "Father, you can have tea with Yin Na. I need to go back to the pce to inform Princess Bai about the decided day for our marriage," Wang Hao said and bowed. He turned to look at Huo Jin and said, "follow me."


    Wang Hao dashed out of the room. Wang Fuxing gestured to Huo Jin to follow Wang Hao. He bowed and went after Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao hopped on the horse while Huo Jin took another one. "Congrattions, General Wang," Huo Jin wished him. "Your efforts seeded," he stated.


    Wang Hao had gripped the reins on the horse tightly and pulled them. The horse started to run at a high speed. Huo Jin had realized by then that General Wang was upset with him.


    They reached the Pce soon. "The Empress wants to meet you. Go to the Northern Pce," Wang Hao informed him. Initially, Wang Hao had thought to tell about this to Huo Jinter, but today''s incident had made it indispensable.


    "Me?" Huo Jin pointed his pointer finger at himself and raised his brow.


    "Yes," Wang Hao said. "Go to the Northern Pce. I need to see Princess Bai Yaling," he said and walked away.


    Huo Jin reached the Northern Pce, but could not find the Empress''s chamber. He stopped a pce maid and asked her about it. The Pce Maid took Huo Jin to the chamber, where both the Emperor and the Empress were residing.


    "Thank you," Huo Jin thanked her.


    He was slightly nervous because it was his first time to see the Empress this close. ''What does Her Majesty want to talk about?'' He wondered.


    "Huo Jin!" Eunuch Xing-Fu called out his name, who wasing from his left side, with a maidservant.


    Huo Jin greeted him when Xing-Fu asked him about his sudden visit.


    "General Wang informed me that the Empress wants to see me," Huo Jin told him.


    "Ahh. I will ask the Empress first," Xing-Fu said and told the maidservant to follow him, who had a tray in her hand. It had a bowl that was filled with a healthy potion.


    After five minutes, Xing-Fu came out. "Come in," he said. Huo Jin nodded and stepped inside the chamber.


    He found the chamber was majestic, and he could hear the soft voice of the Empress. He reached the chamber, but kept his eyes low. "Greetings to Your Majesty," Huo Jin said while looking down.


    "Huo Jin, take a seat," Ying Lili told him. He looked at his left and sat down on the chaise. During this entire time, he kept his gaze low.


    "What type of tea would you like to take?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty. But I do not want to take tea," Huo Jin answered. He found himself sweating and he did not know the reason behind it. He clutched the fabric of his dress on his knees.


    Ying Lili found out that Huo Jin was not only nervous but also scared of her. This was the first time she saw someone intimidated by her.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, please give the water to Huo Jin," Ying Lili urged.


    Xing-Fu quickly went towards the table and poured the water into a silver ss. He brought it to Huo Jin, who was shocked to see the silver ss.


    "Isn''t there any normal ss?" Huo Jin asked Xing-Fu.


    "Are youining?" He heard a familiar voice and it was of none other than Sheng Li.

 Chapter 684 - General Wang, What Is Love?

    <h4>Chapter 684 - General Wang, What Is Love?</h4>


    "Are youining?" Sheng Li questioned Huo Jin when he immediately stood up and bowed before him. Ying Lili smiled upon seeing Sheng Li, who handed his sword to Xing-Fu.


    "Drink the water," Sheng Li told Huo Jin, who did so and handed it to the maidservant. Sheng Li sat down beside Ying Lili and the two gazed at Huo Jin.


    "Why did you not want to drink with that ss?" Sheng Li questioned him as he took a ss of water from Ying Lili.


    "I am not meant to drink water from such an expensive ss," Huo Jin replied.


    "Why does Huo Jin think this way?" Ying Lili asked him.


    Huo Jin lowered his eyes and said, "I am amon man who is not supposed to use such things." Sheng Li chuckled and handed the water ss to Court Lady Xu, who walked away.


    "Don''t lower your worth ever," Sheng Li proimed. "And lift your head. You are looking like a terrifyingmb," he stated with annoyance.


    Ying Lili smiled as Sheng Li scolded Huo Jin the same way he used to do to Hu Jingguo. Huo Jin sat straight and looked at them.


    "General Wang told me that the Empress wants to see me," He said finally.


    "Yes, Huo Jin. I wanted to meet you," Ying Lili epted. She gazed at the servants, who left the chamber. So, now there were only Sheng Li, Ying Lili, and Huo Jin in the chamber.


    "You have conversed with me earlier too, Huo Jin. But those were never personal talks," Ying Lili initiated the conversation. Sheng Li looked at the grapes in the golden bowl and stood up. He went to the table to pick it up.


    Huo Jin nced at him and found himing towards him. "Eat," Sheng Li forwarded the bowl towards him.


    "I am full, Your Majesty," Huo Jin answered but then quickly took a few as Sheng Li red at him.


    Huo Jin ate a few and then looked at the Empress. Sheng Li sat down beside him and it confused him.


    "Inside this chamber, I am not an Emperor. I am Sheng Li and she," Sheng Li pointed his finger towards Ying Lili, "my wife, Ying Lili. We are at the same level as yours. So, without any hesitation, you will talk your mind out to us." Sheng Li exined to him.


    "What is His Majesty saying?" Huo Jin was perplexed to hear it.


    "I do not like to repeat myself," Sheng Li replied, and then gazed at Ying Lili. "Lili, ask him everything. Today, we need to know what is inside Huo Jin''s head," He affirmed and put a grape inside his mouth.


    "Huo Jin, I heard about your past life from Sheng Li. Sister Xinyue, who took the identity of Princess Zho Mi and entered the Pce. If I say, Sister Xinyue was indeed kind, then it will not be wrong," Ying Lili stated, astonishing Huo Jin.


    "We had some friendly conversation, but I never found her suspicious. I know how Tan Gengxin used her own daughter for his own benefit. However, when she had to make the choice between you and her father, she chose her Father, Tan Gengxin," Ying Lili stated. "Do you know why Sister Xinyue did not choose you?" She asked him.


    "Because I was a mere servant in her eyes. My status was the problem," Huo Jin answered. "Also, she hated me because I," he paused and took a deep shy, "betrayed her father."


    "You do not love Xinyue!" Ying Lili made ament, which bewildered Huo Jin.


    "If you had loved Xinyue, then you would have chosen death," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li had not imagined that Ying Lili would be this straightforward with Huo Jin.


    The colors blew away from his face as he never heard this kind of statement from anyone.


    "I had asked for the death sentence, Your Majesty," Huo Jin replied.


    "But you did not get it," Ying Lili stated.


    "Did you remember thest conversation between you and Xinyue?" Ying Lili queried him.


    Huo Jin recalled how much Xinyue cursed him. The hatred in her heart towards him, he once again remembered it. It pained his heart that she did not bid him goodbye with a kind message.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Huo Jin replied.


    "You could not save her because her crimes were unforgivable, but you did not ept death and thought to tell us everything to take revenge from Tan Gengxin. Xinyue loved her father the most in this world and you loved her. In that sense, you should have protected her until the end and should not have betrayed her. Also, you had numerous chances to save her, but you did not bother. That night, if Xinyue had not gone to meet you, then you would have run away to save your own life," Ying Lili showed him the mirror, which he kept hidden from himself and never looked upon.


    "Huo Jin, the reality is you respected Xinyue, but you never loved her. If you had, then you two would have been together. Remember, the true lovers never get separated from each other and they don''t turn selfish. Don''t ruin your life and the life of the person who truly loves you. Differentiate between love and respect," Ying Lili advised him.


    Huo Jin remembered the day Xinyue''s real identity was revealed. Indeed, he had decided to run away without saving Xinyue. So, all this time he was fooling himself.


    Sheng Li thought to lighten the atmosphere, so he put his arm around Huo Jin''s shoulder and patted it. "Well, listen to Lili''s advice," he said.


    ~~~~~~


    Huo Jin left the chamber after a long conversation and came to the same ce where Wang Hao had left him.


    "Let''s go back," Wang Hao said. He did not ask him what conversation he had with the Empress as he was still angry with him.


    "General Wang, what is love?" Huo Jin''s question confused Wang Hao.

 Chapter 685 - A Companion

    <h4>Chapter 685 - A Companion</h4>


    Wang Hao after informing Princess Bai Yaling informed the same about the Emperor and the Empress too. When he returned to the same ce where he had seen Huo Jin, he found him lost somewhere. Wang Hao was perplexed when Huo Jin asked him a strange question¨C ''What is Love?''


    "General Wang, I conversed with the Empress and I found out that I was selfish," Huo Jin said.


    "Selfish for?" Wang Hao asked. Huo Jin shook his head and walked away.


    Wang Hao walked after him and asked him to exin. Huo Jin halted at his ce and said, "General Wang, I will see youter." Wang Hao confusedly watched him going away and wondered what exactly happened in the Emperor''s chamber.


    "Take the horse, Huo Jin," Wang Hao said loudly and put his hands on his waist.


    Huo Jin stopped the horse near theke in the capital and got down. He picked a few pebbles and threw them into the water. A few kids could be seen at the other end of theke.


    He recalled everything from the day when Xinyue''s truth was revealed.


    "If you had note here, then I would have run away without you."


    "Let''s run away!"


    "Yes, I don''t care for you!"


    Those thoughts which had been buried, again revived and started to sh in front of his eyes. He sat down beside theke and lowered his head. He rested his arms on his knees and took a deep breath.


    He heard a few giggles and tilted his head to look towards the sound. A man and a woman were conversing with each other. He looked at their hands and sighed. ''Everyone is happy except you, Huo Jin,'' his inner voice told him.


    "What are you thinking?" He heard a familiar voice and lifted his head to look at the person.


    "Prince Nianzu!" He whispered and stood up. Huo Jin bowed before him when Nianzu told him not to do such a thing.


    "It''s out of respect," Huo Jin replied. Nianzu put his hands behind his back and hummed.


    "The scenery is nice," Nianzu asserted and looked at the couple, who were on their left side. "But it''s not a good ce to vent out your frustration," he stated when the couple''s eyes fell on him.


    They both left each other''s hands and bowed before Nianzu, who passed them a smile. "You can stay here," Nianzu told them and grabbed the arm of Huo Jin.


    "Let''s go to a ce which is much calmer than this," Nianzu replied and took him towards the horse. Huo Jin found that Nianzu had chased him on another horse.


    "Your Highness, may I ask something?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "No. After we will leave this ce, you can surely ask me," Nianzu stated and handed him the reins. Nianzu walked to his horse and hopped onto it. "Follow me. It''s an order," Nianzu told him, though his tone was polite.


    Huo Jin could not say a No to order and followed Nianzu. They rode through the busy route of the market, astonishing many people in the market. Nianzu hardly used toe on a horse and it was the reason for their bewilderment.


    Huo Jin was not able to get where Nianzu was heading to! "Your Highness, where are we going?" He asked him as he brought his horse much closer to Nianzu.


    "Be patient," Nianzu replied and pulled the reins more tightly. The horse ran ahead of Huo Jin''s. After some time, they both stopped at the shore of a river. They both hopped down from their respective horses.


    Nianzu asked him if he could recall something.


    "What does His Highness mean?" Huo Jin asked.


    "The lecture that you have given me once. Can''t you recall it once?" Nianzu asked him and arched his right brow.


    "His Highness has already talked to me about it. My confusion is not about walking ahead in life. I am not running away either," Huo Jin answered to Nianzu.


    "Was this the only reason that Prince Nianzu brought me here?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "No. I want you to calm your mind. This part is restricted toymen," Nianzu answered.


    "His Highness should not have troubled himself for this," Huo Jin stated.


    "What does even a Prince do in the Pce? A few paperwork, some court work, and then rxing the entire day," asserted Nianzu. "I also wanted toe to this part of the Capital." He took out the flute which was tucked on the sash.


    He brought the flute near his lips and blew air in it. His fingers moved rhythmically over the holes on the flute as a melodious sound produced from it. This was the first time Huo Jin heard Nianzu ying the flute. During their stay in Xiandong Vige, Nianzu never once yed the music.


    He had heard from Chuntao whenever Nianzu used to be happy, he used to y the flute while whenever he was sad or upset he used to go with the zither.


    Hearing the flute yed by Nianzu, Huo Jin''s mind calmed down. He did not know about this song, but it was pacifying. Nianzu turned to him and smiled as he ended up ying it.


    "That was wonderful," Huo Jin admired his music knowledge. "It''s my pleasure to hear the legendary flute music of the Fourth Prince," he praised Nianzu again.


    Nianzu looked at the flute in his hand. "I learned the flute to deliver my feelings the other way. Since I was bad at expressing them. With time, it felt like apanion to me in my lonely times," he put down his hand and gazed back at Huo Jin.


    "You also found apanion for you in Xinyue," Nianzu stated.


    "You are right, Prince Nianzu," Huo Jin agreed with him. "Apanion, who cannot be with me in any situation. Also, I never wanted to be with her. That''s why I had decided to run away.. If, that day she had note to see me, I wouldn''t be standing here¨C I would have run away long ago," he affirmed.

 Chapter 686 - A Divine Blessing

    <h4>Chapter 686 - A Divine Blessing</h4>


    Nianzu found that the conversation with the Empress heavily influenced Huo Jin''s thoughts. "Prince Nianzu, I neglected many things about myself until today the Empress asked me. That night I was running away, leaving Xinyue behind. I never loved her because if I had, then I would''ve chosen her above everything," Huo Jin said with a sigh. He moved his right leg back and forth on the ground that was filled with pebbles.


    Nianzu wondered what Ying Lili talked about with Huo Jin that made hime to this conclusion. It was tough to waver Huo Jin''s mind for them. But Ying Lili did it in just one meeting.


    "Your Highness, forgive me for my rudeness earlier. Indeed, you were right and I neglected the Prince''s advice," stated Huo Jin.


    "You don''t need to apologize. I''m d that you realized it. Are you ready to let go of her?" Nianzu queried him.


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "Prince Nianzu shall return to the Pce. Princess Chuntao must be waiting for you," he said.


    "I have taken out time for my friend today. I have kept my time for Chuntao as well," Nianzu said with a smile and started to walk on the river bank. Huo Jin looked at the horses and then went behind Nianzu.


    Nianzu found it as the best chance to converse about General Wang''s sister with Huo Jin. However, he was slightly nervous thinking how Huo Jin would react!


    "General Wang is upset with me," Huo Jin said suddenly. Nianzu asked the reason for this.


    "General Wang''s sister, Yin Na, has feelings for me. However, I rejected her because of my reasons. Also, General Wang had requested me to give Yin Na a chance. But before I could do that, a marriage proposal came for her," Huo Jin stated. The two of them halted again.


    Nianzu nced at him with amusement.


    "I do not know how to face General Wang. He did so much for me. However, I am d that Yin Na will marry the son of Former Court Minister Xu Niang," Huo Jin told Nianzu.


    "Xu Wenhai is indeed a man with intellect. However, why do you think he is perfect for Yin Na?" Nianzu wanted to know.


    "Prince Nianzu, I have heard about his recent efforts towards the women in the Kingdom. Upon His Majesty''s orders, he is working towards their betterment. He will understand Yin Na and embrace her wholeheartedly," Huo Jin answered.


    "I do not know how to make General Wang understand," he then expressed his concern.


    "Huo Jin, General Wang lost his sister when she was quite young because of an illness. Then he found Yin Na and became her brother. A brother understands his sister well. He wouldn''t have talked to you and urged you to give a chance to Yin Na if you would not be capable enough for his sister," Nianzu stated.


    "It is impossible now," Huo Jin said and sighed.


    "Miss Yin Na is not married yet," Nianzu reminded him. "Go for it," he encouraged him. Huo Jin contemted for a while when he heard Nianzu.


    "You were right. If you had run away then you would not be standing in front of me. Most importantly, you would have never be someone''s choice of husband!" Nianzu proimed and patted his shoulder. "You always yearned to be loved. When it hase to you, don''t turn away from it. Regret is a bane and it eats you from inside," he advised him.


    Huo Jin nodded his head.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi made a pouty face when Sheng Li pulled his cheeks. "Brother Sheng! Don''t do this," he said with annoyance. "Why am I supposed to marryte? I want to get married now. Can''t Brother Sheng see how desperate I am to marry Zhu Lin?" Lei Wanxiined and mmed his hand on the wooden pir beside him.


    Both Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi were in the Northern Pavilion.


    "For both of your safety, we need to agree with the Royal Astrologer," Sheng Li stated.


    "Brother Sheng does not believe in superstitions, then why?" Lei Wanxi was confused that Sheng Li shifted his marriage to ater date.


    "Because Lili wants this," Sheng Li replied. "I cannot refuse her. She has a better understanding of all this," he stated.


    "Even I cannot go against Sister Lili''s decision. I know she wants her younger brother to be happy," Lei Wanxi muttered and sighed deeply.


    "Didn''t you want to enjoy your bachelor life?"


    "I wanted to, Brother Sheng, but not anymore," he said and then showed him white teeth smile. "Brother Sheng, I am married to Zhu Lin in my mind, so I will wait for a month as well," he stated.


    Sheng Li ended up chuckling upon hearing his statement. He pulled Lei Wanxi''s ear, who cried in pain. "You made me feel guilty and now you are smiling," Sheng Li said and let go of him.


    Lei Wanxi covered his ear. "Brother Sheng does not bully his younger brother," he said. "I will tell Sister Lili and then she will bully you!"


    Sheng Liughed and locked his arms around his neck. "Go! Tell her," Sheng Li told him while Lei Wanxi requested him to let go of him.


    Both of themughed as they withdrew away. "Brother Sheng, we were so young. We both used to say that we will never get married. I have now be desperate to get married," Lei Wanxi said and smiled.


    "Brother Sheng will soon be a father of two children. I will y with them too. Brother Sheng, will you teach your kids warfare too?" He asked him curiously.


    "That depends. Whatever they desire for, I will go with it. I will enjoy my missing childhood with them," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Every day I wake up from sleep, it appears like a dream to me. A man like me had never imagined this wonderful life. Waking up beside a woman you love, who loves you more than anything; who teaches you every day a new thing; who gets happier for your sess and who consoles you on your loss is no less than a divine blessing," Sheng Li said as his eyes filled with tears¨C the tears of happiness.


    "Brother Sheng, you deserved this life.. I always pray for your well-being and happiness," Lei Wanxi said and hugged him tightly.

 Chapter 687 - Share Of Sufferings

    <h4>Chapter 687 - Share Of Sufferings</h4>


    Wang Hao paced in the courtyard as Huo Jin had still not returned home. He was panicked about his safety. Also, his sister Yin Na had refused to talk to him about Huo Jin. He had no idea what actually was happening.


    He heard footsteps and turned to look towards the door when he saw Huo Jin. His restless heart calmed down and he walked to him. "Where were you?" He asked him. Huo Jin found the worried expression on Wang Hao''s face.


    Why were these people so good to him? It always astonished him that despite his nature, there were some great people around him, who cared for him.


    "General Wang, I took some fresh air," he replied. "Prince Nianzu was with me. So, we conversed for some time," he replied.


    "Oh. You suddenly left the Pce after asking a question from me," Wang Hao. "Are you feeling better?" He questioned him.


    "Yes, General Wang," Huo Jin replied. "Thank you for making me meet the Empress. I have found clear answers regarding my life," Huo Jin expressed his gratitude.


    Wang Hao was delighted to hear that. It was a wise decision to talk with the Empress. However, he wondered what they both conversed about that made Huo Jin react that way!


    "General Wang, you have done so much for me. You took a nobody like me in your home and also made me a part of this Wang family."


    Huo Jin''s words confused him. Wang Hao told him not to make him feel embarrassed.


    "Forgive me for hurting your sister, General Wang," Huo Jin''s sudden apology bewildered him. "I hurt her heart badly. If General Wang allows me then I want to heal Yin Na''s broken heart," Huo Jin thought to take permission from Wang Hao first.


    "What? Are you serious?" He asked him.


    "Yes, General Wang," Huo Jin answered.


    "You do not need to force yourself for this. Loving someone is not easy," Wang Hao said. He realized his mistake when Sheng Li scolded him for forcing Huo Jin to see his sister as a woman. He was only thinking about Yin Na, but he failed to understand Huo Jin''s confusion.


    "General Wang, I am not doing it because of that reason. I want to do it for myself and Yin Na," Huo Jin affirmed.


    A smile appeared on Wang Hao''s lips. "That''s great. Do anything to mend her broken heart. I allow you and also support you," he delightedly said and showed his support to Huo Jin.


    "Thank you, General Wang. I will not disappoint you and anyone around me this time," Huo Jin assured him.


    "She is not even talking with me. In my opinion, talk to her tomorrow. You shall take a rest. I will go back to my room. My marriage is after two days¡­ after a day," Wang Hao said with a smile. "There are many things to prepare," he stated.


    Huo Jin again gave him his best wishes. They both left for their respective rooms.


    Huo Jin, after taking a bath came to his room and changed into a white Hanfu dress. While returning home, he had bought dumplings for Yin Na. Thest time they went to the market, she ate so many dumplings. He picked up the paper envelope and went to Yin Na''s room.


    "Miss has already slept off," her personal attendant informed Huo Jin, who looked at the envelope in his hand.


    "Yin Na usually sleepste," Huo Jin said.


    "Miss was tired from practicing, and also she needs to wake up early," she stated.


    Huo Jin almost forgot that he made her practice archery for an hour. He hummed and left, murmuring, "I had brought dumplings for her."


    Yin Na, who was still awake, heard the conversation. She had requested her personal attendant to lie to Huo Jin. There were tears in her eyes. "How could hee back when I already told him that it''s ended!" She mumbled as tears streamed down her cheeks. She pulled the nket up and buried her face in the pillow.


    ~~~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi got happy seeing his favorite dumplings from the person.


    "Thank you, Brother Nianzu," Lei Wanxi opened the envelope when Rong Zemin pulled out a dumpling stick for himself.


    "Brother, return that!" He urged him.


    "Can''t you share with your elder brother?" Rong Zemin asked him and ate one of the dumplings from the stick.


    "Brother Nianzu has purchased it for me," Lei Wanxi said and started to whine. The three brothers were in the Eastern Pavilion, seated on the circr wooden stools.


    "There are three more sticks," Rong Zemin said as he licked his lips.


    Lei Wanxi took out another stick and ate the dumplings. He asked Nianzu before eating if he wanted to eat, but he refused.


    After they finished eating, Rong Zemin asked a servant to bring water for them. "The sauce was spicy," Rong Zeminined when the servant quickly served water to them.


    Both of them drank the water when Lei Wanxi asked Nianzu what he was doing in the market.


    "I had some work," Nianzu lied to him, and he did not seem appropriate to tell them about Huo Jin.


    "Brother Nianzu should have told me to apany you as well," Lei Wanxi said as he wiped his fingers with the handkerchief.


    "I heard that your marriage is dyed for a month," Rong Zemin said and started to tease him.


    "Brother Zemin, it''s not good to tease your younger brother," he stated.


    "Princess Bai Yaling is marrying General Wang. The First Consort Dowager has also agreed to this," Rong Zemin informed them. "However, she wanted to see her grandchild," he added.


    "She can anytime. General Wang''s residence is nearest to the Imperial Pce," Lei Wanxi replied. "Sister Bai cane anytime with General Wang with her child," he affirmed.


    "That''s not allowed if you remember. Once a woman leaves her house, she cannote back," Rong Zemin reminded him.


    "General Wang can bring the child with him when he or she will grow up," Nianzu stated.


    "Where is the First Brother these days?" Nianzu asked them.


    "He seems busy with Capital''s work these days," Rong Zemin replied.


    "Empress Wei''s birth anniversary ising. I think Brother Jian is sad about that," Nianzu deduced. "I saw him a few days ago outside the chamber of his mother, however, he did not go in," Nianzu stated.


    "Brother Jian is angry at his mother. We all know how much he respected her and adored her. Without her, he did not even make any decision. He must be missing her these days," Rong Zemin pronounced.


    "Also, if you go to the Capital''s streets, you might hear people sometimes gossiping about his mother. He was once undercover with me, and ended up hearing such things in a local wine shop," He informed them.


    "It''s tough to stop people," Nianzu stated. "Brother Jian has to fight with this even though he did not do anything wrong."


    "So many things happened in this Imperial Pce. Everyone has his own share of sufferings, but in the end, the love brought them together. We need to make constructive efforts in keeping this Pce a healthy ce," Nianzu asserted. The two Princes agreed with him and smiled at each other.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    I need your kind opinions on a cover of a book for who''s of my fellow author. Please give the opinions as she wanted to know the readers taste in selecting a book.


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 Chapter 688 - Conversing With A Servant

    <h4>Chapter 688 - Conversing With A Servant</h4>


    The next morning, Yin Na got ready to go to the Xu Residence. Her attendant made a perfect hair bun and tucked it using a white jade hairpin. She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror.


    "Miss Yin Na, I heard Young Master Xu has taken a special leave for today," she informed her. Suddenly the doors opened, and a servant walked in.


    "Miss Yin Na, the carriage is ready. Lord Wang and his son are waiting for you," the servant reported to her. Yin Na nodded and walked out of her room, followed by her attendant.


    She bowed before her father and brother, who were waiting for her. "Yin Na, you look beautiful today," Wang Fuxingplimented her. Wang Hao agreed with his father, however, he wanted Huo Jin to do something quickly.


    Yin Na found that Huo Jin was around which upset her more. ''So, he does not care about me. Why did he evenest night to show his fake sympathy?'' she thought.


    "Yin Na, get into the carriage," Wang Hao told her humbly. Yin Na stepped forward and lifted her long skirt a little up. Wang Hao gently grabbed her arm as she walked on the stairway which reached the carriage''s door. "Be careful," Wang Hao told her.


    Yin Na got inside the carriage.


    Wang Fuxing sat on a sedan which was uplifted by four porters while Wang Hao hopped on his horse. They were followed by a few servants.


    Huo Jin, who was near the entrance''s door, watched the carriage moving away and he clutched the edge of his robe.


    "Young Master, the Tailor will be here soon," suddenly he was informed by a servant. "I have prepared the guest hall. Please check the arrangements once," he requested Huo Jin, who followed him.


    The carriage stopped outside the Xu Residence where Xu Niang and his wife, Lady Jiayi, were waiting for them along with their two sons.


    Wang Fuxing stepped out of the sedan chair and greeted Xu Niang and his wife. Wang Hao helped his sister and brought her near the bottom of the stairs. After a formal greeting, they all went inside the residence to the main guest room.


    "General Wang, you are my ideal. I am also working hard to get into the military by the beginning of the next year," Xu Niang''s younger son, Xu Peiji stated in a confident tone.


    Wang Fuxing was impressed to see the enthusiasm of Xu Peiji.


    "General Wang Hao, Xu Peiji is so desperate to enter into the military of the great Han," Xu Niang stated. "Spare some time to give guidance to my younger son," he requested.


    "Sure, Master Xu. Xu Peiji cane to the house anytime," Wang Hao said and smiled.


    "Please have the rose tea," Lady Jiayi told them after the servants served the tea to them.


    Wang Fuxing sipped the tea first, followed by the others. He put the cup down and said, "There is a piece of good news. My son," he tilted his head to peer at Wang Hao and continued, "is getting married tomorrow with Princess Bai Yaling."


    He then gestured to his attendant to give the scroll to him. Once he got it, he showed it to Xu Niang. "I am inviting the entire Xu Family on this happy asion," he stated. The attendant of Xu Niang came forward and took the invitation scroll from Wang Fuxing.


    Xu Niang smiled upon hearing the news.


    "General Wang, great wishes from Xu Family on your marriage," Xu Niang wished him. "But I have heard that Princess Bai Yaling is pregnant with herte husband," he said as he put the scroll on the table in front of him.


    "We have no problem with it," Wang Fuxing replied. "Wang Hao found a soulmate for himself, and I am happy in my son''s happiness," he asserted.


    "That is why the Wang Family is known to set ideals," Xu Niang said. "Not everyone is ready to make such decisions," he stated. Wang Fuxing agreed with the statement of his friend.


    "We are d that Lord Wang chose our son for his daughter," Lady Jiayi said and then looked towards Yin Na, who was looking at the dumplings in the bowl.


    She felt the strange gaze on her and looked in that direction. Jiayi was smiling at her. Yin Na too passed a tiny smile to her.


    "This is our son, Xu Wenhai," Lady Jiayi gestured towards her right. Yin Na shifted her gaze towards him and lowered her eyes¡­ might be because of nervousness.


    "Both families'' heads have already decided regarding your marriage. Xu Wenhai, why don''t you show Miss Yin Na around the residence?" Xu Niang asked his son, who stood up from his ce.


    Wang Fuxing told Yin Na to go with Xu Wenhai. Oppositely, Wang Hao was a little worried.


    Yin Na stood up from her ce, bowed in front of them, and left with Xu Wenhai.


    "Yin Na is such a shy girl," Lady Jiayi said and smiled a little.


    Xu Wenhai showed the main residence to Yin Na first which consisted of four main buildings. "Mother and Father stay in the central building while my brother and I are on the eastern side. On the western end, there is a practice ground while on the southern side the main garden of the residence is located," He briefed her. Both were in the courtyard of the Eastern side of the residence.


    The courtyard had a swing under a plum blossom tree, and there was a tiny pond as well.


    "Miss Yin Na, do you know about me?" He asked her.


    "I have from my father that the young master works as a Court minister," Yin Na replied.


    "That''s my profession, Miss Yin Na," Xu Wenhai said with a smile as he lowered his face to get a closer look at her. Yin Na lifted her eyes and peered at him.


    "Why don''t we know about each other before marrying each other?" He asked her.


    Yin Na nodded. "As the Young Master wishes," she replied.


    "Miss Yin Na, it seems I am conversing with a servant," he said.


    Yin Na was startled to hear it and lowered her eyes. "Forgive me if I made a mistake," she said in a low voice.. Her hands were getting cold as she had no idea what she should talk about with him.

 Chapter 689 - His Views

    <h4>Chapter 689 - His Views</h4>


    Xu Wenhai gazed at Yin Na, who was a little nervous. "I want to tell something to the son of Lord Xu," Yin Na said out of the blue.


    "Sure, Miss Yin Na," Xu Wenhai permitted her.


    "I used to be an entertainer in the Brothel House. I am not the real sister of Brother Wang. He saved me at the time of war and since then considers me as his sister." Yin Na did not want to keep any secrets from him as it would lead to some serious repercussionster.


    "Miss Yin Na, I know. Your Father has told everything to my Father," Xu Wenhai said. Yin Na nodded her head.


    "So, does Xu Wenhai have no problem with my past?" Yin Na asked him while pronouncing his name.


    "No. However, we will not marry each other until we find out everything about each other, getfortable with each other. I promise you that from my end, you will not face any kind of problem," Xu Wenhai stated. "Umm¡­ it would be good if we will not be formal while conversing with each other," he opined.


    "You could have found better women than me. However, you agreed to meet me. May I know the reason?" Yin Na asked him.


    "What is the definition of a ''better woman''?Could you please exin it to me?" Xu Wenhai asked her.


    "You know why I am asking such a question. When I was an entertainer, I served many men of the Empire," Yin Na answered. Her fingers kept moving onto each other.


    "I never met any ''better woman''. I do not know how to describe this word in the context of a woman. Is it her etiquette or her values that make her a better woman?" Xu Wenhai answered. "However, this tiny conversation between us has assured me that you definitely fit in the category of a ''better woman''," Xu Wenhai pronounced.


    Yin Na was impressed by the words of Xu Wenhai. So, Huo Jin was right! Xu Wenhai was a nice man with great respect for women. But it''s only a first few minutes with him, so she might have missed many things which he would have hidden from him.


    Xu Wenhai snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. "Where did you get lost?" He asked her.


    "Nothing," she replied.


    "Are you learning Archery these days?" Xu Wenhai asked her and she wondered how he found out. "Your fingers have marks which usuallye while learning Archery," he rified her doubt.


    "Yes. I thought about learning it. It is difficult though," she said.


    "May I know why you are learning it? Is it because you are the sister of General Wang?" He questioned her.


    Yin Na thought whether to tell him about the main aim behind learning Archery or not. What if he wouldugh at her? Not everyone was like Huo Jin, who would understand her.


    "This sport attracted me," Yin Na replied.


    Xu Wenhai nodded his head. "Would you like to do archery with me?" He queried her.


    "Huh?" "I am new at this," Yin Na answered. "I might end up wasting your precious time," stated Yin Na.


    "It''s fine. From an elite ss family, it is rare to find a woman who has an interest in such sports. I might be a help in your learning journey," he affirmed with a proud smile. Yin Na smiled back and agreed with him.


    "Tomorrow is Brother Wang''s wedding. I don''t think I will be able toe for archery," Yin Na immediately told him as she recalled the grand wedding day of her elder brother.


    "We can have a small friendly match now," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "What about our families which are waiting for us?" Yin Na asked him.


    "They gave us time to know about each other," Xu Wenhai replied. "Then, what about this? We will have a friendly match the day after your elder brother''s marriage," he suggested to her.


    Yin Na immediately agreed to it. "However, I will tell you beforehand. I am still a beginner in archery, so I will only lose. I request you not tough at me for my poor skills," Yin Na stated her point.


    Xu Wenhai found it amusing. "I will notugh at you. I promise," he said. "Also, don''t underestimate yourself. You might be poor in the beginning, but you will surely be a good archer in a few months," he affirmed.


    "Really?" "But he said that it takes a lot of time to be a good archer," Yin Na asserted.


    "May I know who?" Xu Wenhai asked as he got confused.


    "Huo Jin," Yin Na answered. Xu Wenhai recalled the name.


    "May I know how you know Huo Jin?" He was unaware of the fact that Huo Jin was living in the same house as Yin Na.


    "He lives with us," Yin Na replied. "Does Xu Wenhai know about him?" She then queried him.


    "I have heard about him in the Pce. Though, I never met him. I heard that he helped His Majesty when the situation in the Northern Province was not favorable to us," Xu Wenhai replied.


    "Yes. He helped us," Yin Na said.


    "Are you learning archery from him?"


    "Yes. Brother Wang is busy so I don''t intend to disturb him," Yin Na answered.


    "I will teach you from now on. It doesn''t take years to be a good archer. Your diligence and efficiency can make you achieve the target in months," Xu Wenhai answered. Somewhere, he did not like that Huo Jin was teaching Yin Na about archery. Also, he does not like him as a person.


    In his eyes, Huo Jin was still a traitor. But to protect himself, he decided to help the Han Empire. But these were his views about him.


    "Huo Jin is a good person, Xu Wenhai. He selflessly helps everyone around him," Yin Naplimented Huo Jin. Xu Wenhai passed her a tiny smile.


    "Let''s go back to the guest hall.. Our families must be waiting for us," He advised her and the two walked away.

 Chapter 690 - The Kindest Woman

    <h4>Chapter 690 - The Kindest Woman</h4>


    "Sister Bai, we all are happy for you. You have made such a great decision. General Wang will keep you happy," Jiao Lun stated and picked the peeled orange from the bowl that was ced inside the bowl on the table.


    "I would like to thank Sister Lili for showing her continuous support to me. However, the entire Royal Family gave me their support," replied Bai Yaling.


    "Sister Bai, now do not look behind as you will soon enter the most beautiful phase of your life," Ying Lili advised her. Both Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun agreed with the Empress''s words.


    "Yes, Sister Lili. My Father''s message has also arrived today. They are happy for me. Father has thanked and appreciated the efforts that His and Her Royal Majesty made for me," while saying so, her eyes filled with tears. "They must be worried for me. And after the news of my pregnancy, they were more worried."


    "Sister Bai, General Wang has ended your parents'' worries. Your child has got such a great father," Ying Lili said with a gentle smile.


    "You are right, Sister Lili," Bai Yaling said.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for intriguing you. The wedding dress has arrived for Princess Bai from the Wang family," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili.


    "Send it in," Ying Lilimanded.


    Court Lady Xu told the maidservant toe inside. She bowed before them and then yanked the silk cover from over the circr vessel.


    Ying Lili stood up from her seat and so did the other Princesses. She walked to the maidservant and checked the red wedding dress.


    "Your Majesty, General Wang has given a special order to prepare this dress," Court Lady Xu said and then gazed at Bai Yaling. "General Wang adores the Princess a lot."


    "Sister Bai deserves to get adored," Xue Yu-Yan said. "The wedding dress is so beautiful. The fabric seemed of high-quality silk," she asserted as she touched the dress.


    Ying Lili agreed with her words.


    At that moment, Empress Dowager and three Consort Dowagers entered the hall. The servants bowed first and got on their knees.


    Ying Lili greeted them along with the three Princesses. "Greetings to the Empress Dowagers and the three Consort Dowagers," Ying Lili said softly. They had outstretched her arms and joined their respective palms.


    "The Empress shall take her seat. Princess Bai, you too," Deng Hui said.


    They put their hands down. Ying Lili lifted her head and looked into Deng Hui''s eyes. "First, the Empress Dowager must take her seat," Ying Lili said and moved her hand towards the chief seat for Deng Hui.


    "Consort Dowagers, please take your seats too," Ying Lili stated. After they settled down, the Empress and the Princesses settled on their respective seats.


    "Empress Dowager, First Consort Dowager, the Wang Family has sent the wedding dress for Princess Bai Yaling," Ying Lili informed them.


    "That''s great. Keep it in a safe ce. This is an auspicious dress," Ju Fen, First Consort Dowager, said and looked at her daughter-inw. "Princess Bai, I will not say many things. But I do wish you a great married life. Forget your pastpletely and enter into a world that is full of happiness," she wished her.


    "Thank you, Mother. Your support was important to me," Bai Yaling said.


    "Forgive my mistakes too," Ju Fen said, who had turned slightly emotional.


    "Sister Ju, Princess Bai Yaling is not going far away. Do not cry," the Second Consort Dowager said.


    Ying Lili was surprised to see this moment. Ju Fen was earlier against the remarriage of Bai Yaling and this sudden change in her behavior was unexpectedly lovable for her. At that moment, she recalled the Former Emperor, Han Wenji. He was always worried about the conflicts among his wives. He was worried about their views towards their respective children and daughters-inw.


    ''Father, are you seeing this? The First Consort is supporting the decision of Sister Bai Yaling. If you would be present here, it would have been an incredible sight. Father, Sheng Li has seeded in keeping this Han Family intact,'' she thought in her mind. A tear had rolled over her cheek, which Court Lady Xu noticed. Ying Lili quickly wiped it beforeing to anyone''s notice.


    "Sister Bai, do not forget us after getting married to General Wang. We will keep calling you during the Pce''s events and also at other times," Liao Jun said and nced at Deng Hui. "We can do that, can we, Empress Dowager?" she asked her with a polite tone.


    "Of Course, Princess Liao Jun. Princess Bai is a part of this Han Family. She is weed at the Pce at any time," Deng Hui answered.


    "Princess Bai, the winters areing. So, I have ordingly given the order of the winter clothes for you. Keep yourself warm. Also, during pregnancy, if you find anyplications, you cane to the Pce any time. Though I pray that it will never happen," Ju Fen told her a few things.


    Everyone was d to see the concern of Ju Fen towards Bai Yaling.


    After having the conversation for a few more hours, everyone left for their respective chambers.


    Whileing to the Northern Pce, Court Lady Xu thought to ask Ying Lili about the reason for that tear, so she asked her. Ying Lili halted near the wooden pir and turned to look at her.


    "It was out of happiness, Court Lady Xu. Father was always concerned about this Royal Family. Today, an exceptional beauty was witnessed by me. A beautiful rtionship of a mother-inw with her daughter-inw. That''s why I ended up shedding that tear," Ying Lili vividly described it to Court Lady Xu.


    "My Lili gets happy in others'' happiness and she turns sad in others'' sadness," she heard a familiar voice and felt two strong arms around her. Court Lady Xu and the maidservants behind them had lowered their eyes.


    "Sheng Li," she whispered and tilted her head to take a nce at him, who was smiling at her.


    "You can do this in the open," Ying Lili said in a low voice.


    "I only hugged you. Is it wrong to hug my wife?" Sheng Li arched his brow.


    "Of course, it is wrong. Every eye is on us," Ying Lili replied in a low voice.


    "Let them see this then. They must know how a Cruel Prince fell in love with the kindest woman of the Empire," Sheng Li said and quickly kissed her cheek.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Sincerely apologetic for not updating for many days. Something urgent hade up.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 691 - Without My Intervention

    <h4>Chapter 691 - Without My Intervention</h4>


    Ying Lili red at Sheng Li, who kissed her cheek. He made her turn to look at him. "You indeed have forgotten your shame. Now, let me go," she kept her voice low and grasped his wrist when Sheng Li pulled her closer to him.


    "Lili, this is my Pce. I can do anything I want to," Sheng Li stated. He tilted his head and looked at the servants, who had lowered their heads.


    "The Empress is shy, so you all shall leave," Sheng Li told them. Court Lady Xu bowed deeply and walked away first, followed by the other servants.


    Ying Lili hit Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    "Ahh," he let out a scream.


    "Why did you send them away?" She put a stern expression on her face.


    "Lili, you told me that people are watching us. That''s why I sent them. Tell me exactly what you want," Sheng Li said and brought his hand up. He curled his finger under her chin and pulled her face closer to him.


    "Are you tired? Shall I carry you in your arms?" Sheng Li asked her.


    Ying Lili ended up smiling. "I didn''t even walk much. Sheng Li, can you feel the change in the Pce air?" Her eyes gleamed to know his answer.


    "Yes. It''s peaceful and calm," Sheng Li said.


    "Even the First Consort views have changed. If Father had been alive, he would be happy to witness all this," Ying Lili asserted.


    ''We have lost so much, yet we have gained a lot of other things. Lili, without you how would I have stayed strong up till now?'' Sheng Li thought to himself.


    "What are you thinking?"


    "Nothing," Sheng Li said and kissed her nose tip, followed by her lips.


    She pulled away instantly. "You are the Emperor. At least, grow up now," she again scolded him, but this time he did not listen to her. He cupped her face between his palms.


    "Let the world see. I do not care," he whispered before crashing his lips onto hers. He nibbled her lower lip when Ying Lili bit his lip and smiled.


    Sheng Li withdrew back and touched his lip. "You did this after a long time," he said with a grin. "Wildcat!" He called her nickname after many months.


    "Don''t call me by that name."


    "That''s the name you have earned to trouble me when we were newly wed," he reminded her.


    "You also troubled me," she retorted at him.


    "And then we fell for each other," Sheng Li said and pressed the tip of his nose against hers. Ying Lili clutched the fabric of the overcoat that Sheng Li had worn.


    He showered the kisses on her face, and she giggled. She told him to stop but hearing her giggles, he could not. After a few seconds, he stopped.


    "Are you done?" She asked him.


    "No." Carrying the smile on his lips, he leaned towards his lips and kissed her once again. Ying Lili moved her hands up and rested them on his nape. He tenderly moved his lips on hers while she reciprocated his kiss with the same intensity and passion.


    He used his right hand to keep his hold on her waist and pinned her close to his body, leaving no room for the air. His left hand now was on her back as he deepened the kiss.


    After a while, they both withdrew back. Ying Lili brought her hands down. Sheng Li held her both hands and rested his forehead against her.


    Lei Wanxi and Nianzu had hidden behind the pir. They both hade to deliver the message from the Wang Family when they saw them together.


    "Brother Sheng shall stop now. Shall I go to them?" Lei Wanxi asked in a low voice from Nianzu.


    "I told you that we shouldeter. However, you did not agree," Nianzu stated. "Let them enjoy their intimate moments together," he again suggested to Lei Wanxi.


    "But I didn''t see anything," Lei Wanxi whispered when he started to scream. Sheng Li had caught his ear and was pulling it.


    "Were you watching us?" He asked him.


    "Ahh, Brother Sheng is hurting me. I didn''t see you kissing Sister Lili," he said. Nianzu shook his head as he was revealing the secret on his own.


    "Don''t do that, Sheng Li," Ying Lili told him. "You are the one who started this. I told you to act mature," she scolded him in front of the Fourth and Sixth Princes.


    Sheng Li let go of Lei Wanxi''s ear, who immediately hid behind Ying Lili. "Sister Lili, did you see how Brother Sheng troubled his younger brother? See, my ear is so red," heined to Ying Lili and stuck out his tongue to tease Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li chuckled and stepped forward when Ying Lili told him to stop.


    "Is this the way you treat the people younger than you?" She turned to look at Lei Wanxi and found that the ear had indeed turned red.


    "He made a mistake by looking at us," Sheng Li told Ying Lili in a low voice.


    "Why are you ashamed now?" Ying Lili''s question embarrassed him. "You wanted the world to see us," she said and turned back to gaze at Sheng Li.


    Nianzu and Lei Wanxi nced at each other. They both smiled when Nianzu pulled him back. "Let''s leave. Let them be alone for a while," Nianzu whispered.


    Lei Wanxi leaned towards Nianzu''s ear. "Brother Nianzu, let me put the oil in the fire. Then, we will leave," he whispered. However, Nianzu did not listen to him.


    "Brother Sheng, Sister Lili, please enjoy your time. Forgive us for hiding behind the pir when Brother Sheng ordered everyone to leave," Nianzu said and dragged Lei Wanxi away with him. He did not let him utter anything.


    They reached the middle of the stairs when Nianzu let go of his arm.


    "Ah, I am missing my friend, Hu Jingguo. At least, he would pull Brother Sheng''s legs with me," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    "Grow up, Brother Wanxi. Also, why did you not go to work today?" Nianzu questioned him.


    "Because I need to go to General Wang''s house. I have found something interesting and without my intervention, that task will not bepleted," Lei Wanxi said and winked at Nianzu. He descended the stairs and waved at Nianzu.


    "I will see Brother Nianzuter," Lei Wanxi said and soon left Nianzu''s sight.

 Chapter 692 - My Eyes Closed

    <h4>Chapter 692 - My Eyes Closed</h4>


    Sheng Li pinched the nose of Ying Lili. "Lei Wanxi''s acts need to be corrected. That''s why I did that," he rified his point. His back rested on the pir behind him and pulled her closer to him.


    "Let''s sit in the royal garden for some time," Sheng Li suggested to her.


    "Don''t you have to go to General Wang''s house?" "He is your close, childhood friend," she stated.


    "I will go in the evening. I have sent a message with Xing-Fu''s hands about my visit," Sheng Li answered. "When he told me that he loves Princess Bai Yaling, it surprised me for a second. But then, love happens unexpectedly. Wang Hao was shy around the women."


    "Is it so?" Ying Lili asked to confirm.


    "Hmm. Do you want to know more?" Sheng Li curiously gazed at her. Ying Lili nodded her head. He carried her up in his arms, thus startling her.


    He started to walk and told her to hold him tightly. Soon, they reached the garden. Sheng Li put down Ying Lili and then made her sit on the chair. He adjusted the royal umbre over her head.


    "Call the servant," Ying Lili said.


    "I am done," Sheng Li stated, passing a smile to her.


    A maidservant came running and bowed before him. "Bring the fresh fruits for the Empress. Also, is this water good?" He asked.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the maidservant replied. However, Sheng Li did not trust her words. He poured the water into the silver ss and drank it first.


    "Go and bring the fruits," Sheng Li ordered her. The maidservant left the ce while he filled the water into the ss.


    "Drink it," he said.


    "You still think that someone will dare to poison me," Ying Lili brought the ss to her lips and started to drink it.


    "I cannot take any risk. Who knows the enemies are still present! You know how my mother was poisoned," Sheng Li said with an upset look and sat down on the chair next to her.


    Ying Lili put the ss on the table and gazed at him. "The situation was different that time. Now, everyone has changed," Ying Lili said and ced her hand over his. She caressed it for a while.


    "Our babies will be safe, Sheng Li. Also, your prayer to Lord Buddha will not let anything happen to me. Why do you worry so much?" She peered into his eyes. There was a troubled expression in his eyes which Ying Lili was not able toprehend.


    Sheng Li, on the other hand, recalled the prediction by the Royal Astrologer. Though he should not believe in those things, he could not help.


    "What happened, Sheng Li?" Ying Lili waited for his answer.


    "Nothing," he lied while quickly wearing a smile on his lips. "Where is this servant?" He muttered and turned to look back when saw hering.


    "You can share it with me," Ying Lili opined. He turned his head to look at her. "You are bad at lying. You can fool the entire world but not me, Sheng Li. I can read your eyes," she stated.


    The maidservant silently ced the tray on the table and said, "Your Majesty, I have brought the fresh fruits."


    "Leave," Ying Lilimanded her and she left the garden.


    "Tell me else I will not have these fruits. I will not either take my dinner," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "There is nothing, Lili. Don''t say about skipping your dinner. Also, these fruits are necessary for you," he still was not ready to tell her, because she would get stressed. Why did he even act that way? He should have been careful around her. He cursed himself internally for making such a mistake that Ying Lili noticed it.


    "Mandarins," Sheng Li said delightedly and stood up from his seat. He picked the bowl and sat down on the grassy ground near her feet


    "Sheng Li," with a shocking expression, she called out his name. "Get up and sit here," she told him.


    "It''s good here. Now, stay quiet," he said.


    "Then, I will also sit--" before she couldplete her words, Sheng Li pushed the peeled mandarin in her mouth.


    "Stay quiet and eat," he said with a smile. "Wang Hao and I had been to the military campaigns for a long time. We were in undercovers too. Wang Hao is six years older than me. He was supposed to marry earlier, but he did not. His shyness was the biggest hindrance to it. When we were in the Eastern Province, a young neen years old woman had fallen for him. He helped her and he even forgot about that.


    Wang Hao''s father told him to marry, but he refused. He was 20 at that time. The woman was nice but Wang Hao hardly used to speak. She used toe to the tent house every day bringing homemade food for him."


    Sheng Liughed a little while recalling those days.


    "You willugh after you find out how he rejected her feelings," Sheng Li stated. He handed the peeled mandarins to Ying Lili, who quietly ate them.


    "What did General Wang do?" She curiously waited for the answer.


    "He told her that he has a woman in Luoyang," Sheng Li replied, "but he forgot that his father, the Ex-General had already gone to her house and informed her that Wang Hao was shy towards women and a few other things. He was badly stuck at that time."


    "How did General Wang escape that?"


    "The young woman stepped back as she understood that Wang Hao was notfortable around her," Sheng Li answered.


    "That''s why it was shocking for me when he said that he would marry Princess Bai Yaling. However, he confirmed his feelings, so I got assured," Sheng Li stated and put the bowl on the tray. He then picked the apple and cut it into slices.


    "I will do, Sheng Li," Ying Lili told him.


    "You cannot touch sharp objects," Sheng Li reminded her.


    Ying Lili smiled as Sheng Li was pampering her like a child.


    "Wang Hao was with me not only in my good times but also in my worst time. He is the person whom I can trust with my eyes closed," Sheng Li stated and ced the slices on the te. He forwarded it to Ying Lili.


    "General Wang is indeed a nice man. Being a General, he should be stoic and cold to people around him, but he is the opposite," Ying Lili too praised him. Sheng Li agreed with her and rested his chin on herp.


    Ying Lili brought the apple slice near his mouth, who lifted his head and ate it while she ate the other slice.


    Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang looked at the two from the pavilion. "Let''s inform the Emperorter.. He is busy with the Empress," Commander Yang suggested to Xiao Zhan, who nodded his head and the two walked away.

 Chapter 693 - If I Intervene

    <h4>Chapter 693 - If I Intervene</h4>


    Yin Na arrived at the residence with Xu Wenhai and found the preparation for Wang Hao''s marriage had started. Initially, she was returning with her father and brother, but Xu Wenhai asked them if he could drop herter since he wanted to converse more with her.


    Huo Jin was asking the florist about the flowers when his eyes fell on Yin Na and also Xu Wenhai. "Just go to General Wang. He will tell you about it," Huo Jin sent the florist to General Wang, who was present in the main courtyard of the residence.


    Huo Jin walked to them and greeted Xu Wenhai. "Greetings to the son of Lord Xu," He lifted both hands and joined them along with a bow. Xu Wenhai smiled and bowed back to him.


    Huo Jin looked at Yin Na, who was not looking happy to him.


    ''So, he is Huo Jin,'' Xu Wenhai thought.


    "It is my pleasure to meet Huo Jin," He said and put his hands down. Huo Jin turned his gaze back at him and weed him.


    "Father is resting and General Wang is busy in the marriage preparation. Please, this way," Huo Jin waved his hand in the air, formally when Xu Wenhai shook his head


    "Huo Jin, I am not here to rest. I will give a helping hand to him in the marriage-rted work," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "You do not need to trouble yourself. Go home as your parents must be looking for you," Yin Na kept the tone polite despite talking to him in an informal tone.


    Huo Jin was amazed to see that Yin Na got exceptionally rxed around Xu Wenhai.


    "Yin Na, Father, and Mother will be happy if I help you all. Also, for our marriage, I need to understand your family too," Xu Wenhai stated and gazed at Huo Jin, "Am I right?"


    "Since you will be the future Son-inw of this family, it is not eptable to let you work in the Wang Residence. We have plenty of servants, who will do the work," Huo Jin asserted. He did not want Xu Wenhai to stay in the Wang Residence for long.


    "An ideal Son-inw is the one who respects the family of his wife too; who helps them in every work," Xu Wenhai reasoned and stepped forward.


    "Huo Jin, you seemed to do a lot of work alone. I will give you a helping hand," He stated and grinned. Yin Na found the way of their conversation strange, but before she could interrupt them, she heard Wang Hao''s voice.


    "Brother," she walked to him and passed him a smile. Wang Hao and Xu Wenhai bowed at each other.


    "Thank you for bringing my sister safely."


    "It was duty towards my future wife," Xu Wenhai stated. Huo Jin narrowly gazed at him and thought to leave when Wang Hao stopped him.


    "Huo Jin, could you please check the courtyard? A few of them are still confused about the work in the main hall. I am thinking of going to the Pce myself to bring the Emperor," Wang Hao asked the kind help of Huo Jin, who agreed to him.


    "The Emperor ising here?" Yin Na asked.


    "Yes." He turned to nce at Xu Wenhai and said, "I will prepare the carriage for you."


    "It''s not needed, General Wang. I want you to let me help with such a great event. In your absence, I will keep a check on everything and also help Huo Jin," He offered his help.


    "How can I let you work here? The servants will do the work. You shall return home," Wang Hao stated.


    "General Wang, my father will get angry at me for not including myself in such a great event. Just treat me as equal to your brother or a friend." Wang Hao could not refuse Xu Wenhai as it would offend him.


    "But please avoid the heavy work," Wang Hao urged him. "Huo Jin, don''t let Minister Xu do any hard work," he told him, who nodded his head.


    "I will be back soon," Wang Hao said and then left for the Pce.


    Once he left, Huo Jin told Yin Na that she should take some rest. She ignored him and walked away. Xu Wenhai noticed it and then gazed at Huo Jin.


    "It seems that Yin Na is angry at you," he said and came near him.


    Huo Jin ignored him and went towards the main courtyard. Xu Wenhai followed him by putting his hands behind his back.


    The courtyard was decorated in red color. Therge red carpet was put on the main walkway to the main hallway. Xu Wenhai stepped on the carpet when Huo Jin pulled him back.


    "You will make it dirty. You havee from outside," Huo Jin said.


    Xu Wenhai looked at his shoes and hummed at him.


    "Why don''t you just sit?" Huo Jin suggested to him.


    "Why? Is Huo Jin afraid that General Wang will appreciate my work if I intervene?" Xu Wenhai''s question made Huo Jin chuckle. He walked ahead without answering him and started to talk with the worker.


    Xu Wenhai came near them and overheard their conversation.


    "Complete it by the evening and also give a fine finish to the pnquin," Huo Jin told him. "Keep the space broad," he stated.


    "Don''t put the poles there. Also, use the white flowers to decorate them along with therge red curtains around them," Huo Jin instructed the worker, who was a little far from him.


    Xu Wenhai removed his shoes and walked on the carpet when Huo Jin''s voice stopped him. "What are you doing?"


    "I will check if the preparation inside the hall ispleted," Xu Wenhai said and went towards the main hall when Huo Jin stopped him.


    "The work is notpleted yet. Why don''t you stay quiet?" Huo Jin was getting annoyed at him, and he was not aware of the reason behind his annoyance.


    "Oh. No worries.. I shall check it once though," Xu Wenhai said and walked forward, thus ignoring the words of Huo Jin.

 Chapter 694 - The Loyal Friend

    <h4>Chapter 694 - The Loyal Friend</h4>


    Huo Jin walked on the carpet with his shoes on and stopped Xu Wenhai by standing in front of him.


    "You should not get on this clean carpet with your shoes on," Xu Wenhai reminded him of his previous words and pushed him. Huo Jin snickered but then he stopped himself.


    ''Why am I even arguing with him?'' Huo Jin thought and let him do whatever he wanted to. He got busy with other work while Xu Wenhai checked the main hall thoroughly. He was amused to find that Huo Jin did not follow him.


    He came out and found Huo Jin was smiling with the servants. "Is he a cker? If he would be living at my house, I would not have let it slide easily," Xu Wenhai muttered.


    "But he is good to the servants," a voice fell into his ear.


    "I heard he was the loyal servant of Tan Gengxin," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "He is now the loyal friend of my dear Fifth Brother, Brother Sheng."


    Xu Wenhai tilted his head and was startled to see Lei Wanxi. "Sixth Prince," he mumbled and immediately bowed before him. Lei Wanxi smiled and opened the fan in front of him with a pping sound. He started to move it gently near the left side of his face.


    "Minister Xu, I did not know that you were jealous of such a good person," Lei Wanxi said while gazing towards Huo Jin.


    "Why would I get jealous of a man who does not have a worth?" Xu Wenhai chuckled and lifted his head. Xu Wenhai arched his brow as those words seemed wrong to him.


    "Indeed, Huo Jin''s worth is slightly higher than all of us. He saved all of us from the evil scheming of Tan Gengxin. Despite being a servant, he learned many things on his own which most of us learned after spending such a huge amount of money. He is the same Huo Jin, who without caring for his life, protected the current Emperor of the Han," Lei Wanxi praised the works of Huo Jin.


    Xu Wenhai realized that he did wrong by raising the finger on Huo Jin''s past. However, he could not either deny the fact that Huo Jin was a traitor once. In his eyes, he was a culprit but because of the Emperor''s kind favors, he escaped even death.


    "May I ask what the Sixth Prince is doing here?" Xu Wenhai asked humbly.


    "I havee to meet General Wang and Huo Jin. But I found that General Wang had left for the Pce. But I wonder what is the work of Minister Xu here," Lei Wanxi said with a curious expression.


    "I am soon marrying the younger sister of General Wang," Xu Wenhai said with a bright smile.


    Lei Wanxi immediately closed the fan in his hand. "Really?"


    "Yes, Prince Wanxi," Xu Wenhai confirmed.


    Lei Wanxi looked in the direction of Huo Jin. ''Did I gette? How could he not follow the advice of Brother Nianzu?'' Lei Wanxi thought.


    Huo Jin patted the shoulder of the servant as he understood the work. He turned back and was shocked to see Lei Wanxi in the Residence. He had never visited this ce before. Huo Jin came towards him and bowed before him.


    "Prince Wanxi, it is pleasant to see you here," Huo Jin said. "Prince Wanxi never came to the residence. Does he want something?" He asked him.


    A servant brought the chair for Lei Wanxi. "Please have a seat," Huo Jin said. "I will inform my father about your presence."


    He turned to leave when Lei Wanxi stopped him. "Do not disturb the Former General. Also, I am scared of him," he stated.


    Huo Jin and Xu Wenhai were confused to hear that.


    "He was such a strict teacher. I used to run away from his sses. Luckily, he mostly was in wars, so I skipped his punishments," Lei Wanxi recalled the days when he was forced to learn self-defense and warfare. He trembled in fear as chills ran down his spine.


    Huo Jin smiled and asked him if he would take water, but Lei Wanxi refused. Xu Wenhai found out that the Princes liked Huo Jin and it bothered him because, in his eyes, there was nothing good in him.


    "I want to meet Sister Yin Na. Bring her here," Lei Wanxi requested Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin was slightly hesitant to even go near Yin Na. But he did not let it get shown on his face. "Please follow me to the Guest chamber," Huo Jin humbly told Lei Wanxi, who shook his head.


    "This ce is more lively. Bring Sister Yin Na here. Till she arrives, I will converse with Minister Xu," Lei Wanxi stated and nced at Xu Wenhai, who passed a tiny smile to the Prince.


    Huo Jin left to bring Yin Na.


    "Does Minister Xu know how to move a fan?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "Yes."


    Lei Wanxi quickly forwarded his fan towards him and said, "Please move it for me." Xu Wenhai took the fan from the Sixth Prince and started to move it near his face.


    "Minister Xu, why do you want to marry Sister Yin Na?" He asked and sped his fingers.


    "I like her. Father had told me about her and even about her past. Then, we had a conversation and I felt that she''s the one for me, Your Highness," Xu Wenhai replied.


    "Don''t mind me, Minister Xu, but is it because she''s the sister of the General of the Han Empire?" He was skeptical of Xu Wenhai since he agreed too early.


    "If I say to His Highness that I fell for Yin Na when my mother and father described her traits, then will he believe me?" Xu Wenhai''s question bewildered Lei Wanxi.


    "That''s so wonderful," he said.


    "His Highness knows me, and yet he''s judging me. It hurt me a little," Xu Wenhai said straightforwardly.


    "That''s because Minister Xu did not stop the increased sales of women in the Brothel Houses.. Brother Sheng has given him the task, but I wonder what is stopping him from working expeditiously," Lei Wanxi remarked and took the fan from him.

 Chapter 695 - Honest With Me

    <h4>Chapter 695 - Honest With Me</h4>


    Huo Jin stepped into the room to inform Yin Na about Prince Wanxi''s request to meet her. "Prince Wanxi wants to meet you," he said.


    Yin Na stood up and asked him about the reason.


    "His Highness did not tell me," Huo Jin answered. "Follow me," he said and turned to leave when Yin Na''s question stopped him.


    "Would you not ask how the meeting went with Xu Wenhai?"


    "It must have gone well," Huo Jin replied when Yin Na came in front of him.


    ''Huo Jin, I will be betrothed to him, if you do not intervene. Am I that bad to you? Why can you not see me as a woman?'' She asked him but only in her mind.


    "I thought you would be sleeping," Huo Jin said.


    "I could not," she said and walked out of the room. Huo Jin walked after her and asked her about the Xu Residence''s people.


    "They seemed good. Since it was the first day, I cannot tell who is good and who is bad," she stated. "You do not need to teach me archery anymore."


    "Why?" Huo Jin asked in bewilderment.


    "Xu Wenhai offered his mentorship. He told me that it can be learned in a few months rather than years," Yin Na answered. "You are a slow learner, that''s why you took a long time to learn it," she remarked and lifted her skirt a little as they approached the stairs.


    "Did Xu Wenhai say that?" He queried her.


    "The earlier statements were his and thest statement is mine," she asserted and descended the stairs with him.


    Huo Jin did not like the way Xu Wenhai told Yin Na about archery. Why did he want to teach her archery? Wasn''t he a Court Minister? He should be busy with the Empire''s work rather than this.


    "You two became close in just a day," Huo Jin said.


    "He told me not to be formal with him," Yin Na answered.


    "You hardly getfortable around the men who are unknown to you," Huo Jin was curious to know how she ended up beingfortable around Xu Wenhai.


    "He is honest with me, that''s why. Also, I did not get ufortable around him. I do not know why. Xu Wenhai is a good person," Yin Na stated.


    "That''s a relief," Huo Jin answered.


    Yin Na wondered why Huo Jin did not get jealous. The answer was simple: he did not feel anything towards her. However, Yin Na did not want to ept it. She somewhere had the faith that Huo Jin would consider her feelings at least once.


    Oppositely, Huo Jin was irked when Yin Na praised Xu Wenhai. Their first meeting was not pleasant at all. Xu Wenhai did his best to trouble him and when he stopped him from going to the main hall, he pushed him. He neglected that thing but why did he tell Yin Na that he would be his mentor. It indeed annoyed him but did not let it show on his face.


    ~~~~~


    In the main courtyard, Lei Wanxi and Xu Wenhai were in a serious conversation. When Lei Wanxi asked him why he was not working expeditiously towards the work assigned to him, he felt stuck.


    Indeed, the increased brothel houses were to be limited but then many upper-ss officials did not want this. He could not either make the officials angry since his position in the court was still new.


    "Minister Xu, Brother Sheng is busy these days because Sister Lili is pregnant, but his younger brother is always free. He has his eyes everywhere. That''s why I have decided to work on this with Minister Xu," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "His Highness does not need to trouble himself. I have some paperwork left, that''s why it is getting dyed," Xu Wenhai answered. He did not want Lei Wanxi to be a part of his work.


    "Minister Xu, let''se straight to this point. I know many officials go to the brothel houses to seek pleasure and cheat on their official wives. Some even abuse the women in the brothels. Sister Yin Na underwent such a thing in the past and even a few days ago. That''s why Brother Sheng wanted to limit them. If you cannot work on it, then tell me," he suggested to him.


    "It is not that I do not want to work, Your Highness. I am afraid that the officials might raise their voices. In the past, many women were taken from brothel houses to the Pce as the Concubines too and as entertainers," Xu Wenhai expressed his concerns.


    "Minister Xu, do you know why you are appointed to the court? You indeed scored great in the exam, but there is one more reason," Lei Wanxi stated and found the bewildered look on Xu Wenhai''s face.


    "Minister Xu, your father worked with the Late Emperor and ended many evil things. One among them was limiting these brothels," Lei Wanxi affirmed.


    "I have been looking into this matter and found unknown sales of young women have increased. You need to find the cause. If you need assistance, I am ready to be a part of this. Let''s work together to end such evils," he suggested to him and stood up as he saw Yin Naing from the front with Huo Jin.


    He put the fan inside his sash while Yin Na and Huo Jin came near him. Yin Na bowed before him and greeted him warmly.


    "How is Sister Yin Na doing?" Lei Wanxi asked her. "Please have a seat, Sister Yin Na," he gestured towards the chair, moving his hand in the air.


    "Thank you, Your Highness. But I am not supposed to sit before the Prince," she said humbly.


    "Sister Yin Na, I am the Prince inside the Pce. Inside General Wang''s Residence, I am Lei Wanxi. Ady must sit first," he stated and then grabbed her sleeve to make her sit on the chair, which startled Yin Na.


    Huo Jin took out a small wooden box from inside his sleeve and presented it to Yin Na, who skeptically nced at him.


    "It is given by the Empress. She can note here, but I can. She gave me this yesterday, but I was busy with work," Lei Wanxi informed her. "Take it," he said.


    Yin Na took the box and thanked him.


    "Check it inside your room," Lei Wanxi opined when he heard a voice that was the scariest for him.

 Chapter 696 - A War

    <h4>Chapter 696 - A War</h4>


    Sheng Li dropped Ying Lili to the chamber. After making her sleep, he came out of the chamber and asked Court Lady Xu and Ki to keep a close check on the Empress.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." They both walked in while Sheng Li told Xing-Fu to follow him.


    "Your Majesty, General Xiao, and Commander Yao were looking for you earlier. It seems General Xiao has an important matter to discuss with His Majesty," Xing-Fu said humbly.


    "Where are they?" Sheng Li asked.


    "In the military barracks," Xing-Fu answered.


    Sheng Li hummed and descended the stairs when saw Wang Haoing in his direction. He reached the bottom of the stairs where Wang Hao had stopped. "You look happy," Sheng Li said and took thest step down from thest stair.


    "It is an asion to get happy, Your Majesty," Wang Hao answered. "I came to fetch you. The Emperor shall not go out alone without his General," Wang Hao remarked.


    Sheng Liughed and after a few seconds said proudly, "I used to be a General. Who can harm me while traveling to your house?"


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but a General must not take a risk," Wang Hao asserted and the two started to walk.


    "Before going to your house, I need to go to the Barracks. Xiao Zhan has an important matter to discuss with me," Sheng Li stated.


    "Then, I must apany His Majesty," Wang Hao said.


    "Xing-Fu, go back," Sheng Limanded him, who bowed his head and stayed at the same ce until Sheng Li vanished from his sight.


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao reached the barracks. The soldiers lowered their heads upon seeing the Emperor. Wang Hao asked a soldier about Xiao Zhan.


    "General Xiao is in the main equipment house," the soldier informed them. Sheng Li turned to the route of the Equipment house apanied by Wang Hao. They reached outside the house when the soldier guarding outside greeted them.


    Sheng Li and Wang Hao walked in. They were surprised to see the First Prince along with the General and the Commander. The trio stood up from their respective seats and bowed before Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li found a few maps on the table with a scroll. "What is it?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Your Majesty, uprisings have started in the Eastern Province. A message hase from the Governor. Last week, a group of rebels severely thrashed the local officials, who were returning to their respective houses in the evening. Moreover, the daughter of a sixth rank official has been taken hostage," Xiao Zhan reported the entire incident to Sheng Li.


    "Hostage? Why?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Your Majesty, they have certain demands and the main demand is that they want to be independent," Commander Yang stated.


    "Out of a sudden?" Sheng Li asked and furrowed his eyebrows.


    Jian Guozhi handed the scroll to Sheng Li. "It hase from Governor Chen," he stated. "Please read it," he said. Sheng Li opened the scroll and started to read. He threw the scroll on the table.


    "How could people dere their independent leader, out of the blue? Do they not know the consequences of this?" Sheng Li angrily said. "Why is this matter reported to me sote?"


    "Your Majesty, Governor Chen thought that he would handle the matter. But in just a week, the situation went out of control," Xiao Zhan answered. Wang Hao had read the message in the scroll.


    Sheng Li rubbed his thumb on his index finger.


    "Your Majesty, I will go to the Province and check the matter myself," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "I will apany Prince Jian," Wang Hao said.


    "No, you cannot. You have a marriage ahead," Sheng Li refused to let Wang Hao go to the Eastern Province. "Give me the map," he demanded.


    Commander Yang acted fast and handed the map to Sheng Li, who spread it on the table. "How much the area has this independent leader taken?" He looked at Xiao Zhan for the answer.


    He picked the brush and marked the area on the map.


    "The problem is that the people are in his support," Jian Guozhi opined. "Why don''t we give them this area?" He suggested it to Sheng Li.


    "First Brother, if I give the area to them, then do you think it will end the problem? The person who started this will surely think that I am afraid of him. I cannot do this. Also, we have ports and a supply of seafood from this region. Losing thisnd to them is not an option," he affirmed.


    "First Prince, General Xiao, and Commander Yang will go there and look into the matter. Report everything to me. The town city of the Eastern Province is close to Luoyang, so the messages will be received in a day. I will initiate the war against them if this independent leader does not surrender," Sheng Limanded them and made his decision.


    "Your Majesty, a war at this time is not advisable," Jian Guozhi replied.


    "That''s why the First Prince needs to suppress these uprisings. I cannot lose this region to them," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at the map. He knitted his brows and wondered how an independent leader could arise out of nowhere.


    "I will do my best, Your Majesty," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "If things do not go well, do not dy in informing me. I will myselfe to the Eastern Province to deal with this matter," Sheng Li stated. Jian Guozhi nodded his head.


    "Your Majesty, can I take the Sixth Prince with me?" He then asked.


    "Why does the First Prince want Lei Wanxi to apany him?" Sheng Li had a bewildered look upon hearing the request of Jian Guozhi.


    "Lei Wanxi is qualified for this kind of job. He makes good deals and also, I want him to learn," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "What if he gets harmed. Brother Jian knows that Lei Wanxi is not good at warfare. Also, it is not the time to teach him anything. The situation seems serious to me. The Fourth Prince can apany the First Prince if he wants. He is a better choice in this matter," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Jian Guozhi bowed and agreed with Sheng Li''s decision.

 Chapter 697 - Happy Or Sad

    <h4>Chapter 697 - Happy Or Sad</h4>


    In the Wang Residence, when Wang Fuxing knew about the presence of the Sixth Prince in the house, he went to meet him.


    "The Sixth Prince is here and nobody informed me," Wang Fuxing''s loud voice fell in the ears of Lei Wanxi which intimidated him. He immediately turned and saw Wang Fuxinging towards him.


    Lei Wanxi brought his hands up and bowed before him. "Warm and Humble greetings to the Ex-General," he said and put his hands down. Wang Fuxing walked to him and pulled him into a hug.


    "Prince Wanxi has grown up to be so handsome," He pulled away and patted his shoulders.


    "The Ex-General still has the same strength which I felt years ago. My shoulders started to ache," Lei Wanxi remarked and they both smiled.


    Wang Fuxing fisted his hands. "The intense practice for years made them like this," he stated.


    "Was the Sixth Prince not wanting to see me? Is that the reason I was not informed?" He nced at Huo Jin.


    "The Ex-General knows his student well. You used to be so harsh in training. I had to make every kind of excuse to run away from the ss," Lei Wanxi asserted and passed a tiny smile to Wang Fuxing.


    Huo Jin and Xu Wenhai smiled too while Yin Na was surprised to hear that her father taught the Princes about warfare.


    "However, the Sixth Prince did not improve himself. This saddens me," Wang Fuxing said.


    "I am learning archery and swordsmanship these days," Lei Wanxi informed him. After Zhu Lin got injured, he started to learn those things.


    "I am amazed to hear this," Wang Fuxing said. "Let''s go inside and have some tea, Prince Wanxi."


    "Sure," Lei Wanxi could not refuse Wang Fuxing.


    "Xu Wenhai, thank you for bringing Yin Na home. I heard that you were helping Huo Jin with his work. Please don''t trouble yourself with this work. Huo Jin and other servants will handle the work. Please have tea with us," Wang Fuxing offered to him as well.


    "I did not even start," Xu Wenhai murmured. "Sure," he stated and they both left with Wang Fuxing to the guest-chamber.


    "You should go too," Huo Jin told Yin Na. "Take some rest," he suggested to her.


    "I will get married soon. Are you happy with this?" She peered at him with desperation.


    "Young Master!" A servant came to Huo Jin and their eyelock broke. Huo Jin looked at the servant and asked him about it.


    "The materials are here. Please check them once," the servant told Huo Jin, who left with him, leaving Yin Na behind. Her eyes turned misty because Huo Jin was not reacting at all.


    "Now, even if he begs me, I will not go to him," Yin Na muttered and left for her room.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, thought, ''I do not know whether I am happy or sad about it. My thoughts are still fluctuating. Sometimes, I feel good that she will go to such a great household, but sometimes, it annoys me. The way she makesments bothers me.'' He turned to look if Yin Na was still there, but she had left already.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li sent Wang Hao home, however, did not go with him since he had to converse with Jian Guozhi, Nianzu, Xiao Zhan, and Commander Yang about the situation in the region of the Eastern Province.


    They gathered in the private chamber.


    "Brother Sheng, we both will sneak among them¡­ try to find what is the real reason before starting a strategic n against them," Nianzu voiced his opinion.


    "However, both the Princes need to be in disguise. Changying town is near to Luoyang and there''s a possibility that people must have seen you both," Sheng Li advised them. He rested his palms on the edge of the table and looked at the map before him.


    "Brother Jian, Brother Nianzu, it is the main center of uprisings," Sheng Li lifted his right hand and grabbed the brush. He made the circle on the map. "We will deploy the army at these borders," he stated.


    "Your Majesty, if we deploy the army at the border, then it may raise suspicion in them," Commander Yang suggested.


    "Securing the borders is important. The strength of the masses cannot be ignored. Unlike South-Western province rebellions, the situation here is different. People are with that unknown man," proimed Sheng Li.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with him. "Deploying the army is important. We cannot let them degenerate this region from the Han. It is an important economic region for us," Jian Guozhi announced.


    "The army will be deployed in a way that the people in Changying Town will not find out about it. Brother Jian and Brother Nianzu will analyze the situation in the region. At most a week is enough. Also, do not let yourself get harmed in any way," Sheng Li told them.


    "Your Majesty, the leader had taken a woman as the hostage. What about it?" Commander Yang asked. "We need to rescue her," he stated.


    "Brother Jian and I will look into it. Since this unknown person has the support of the town and vige people, I do not think that he would harm the woman. Instead, he may have some demands which are still unknown to us," Nianzu calmly answered his query.


    "If anything wrong happens, without any dy send the message to me. I wille to Changying," Sheng Li again stressed his words.


    "The Empress is pregnant. The Emperor shall be around her. Though, we think such a situation will not arise," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "I hope so, Brother Jian. However, I have a duty towards this Empire as well," asserted Sheng Li. "Please inform your respective wives about this," Sheng Li told the two Princes.


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu stood up and before him. They left the private chamber.


    "Xiao Zhan, Commander Yang, don''t let the fight break out in any way," Sheng Li stated.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," they both said in unison.

 Chapter 698 - Until Gets Solved

    <h4>Chapter 698 - Until Gets Solved</h4>


    Wang Hao arrived at the residence on his horse. As he hopped down, Lei Wanxi came out of the residence with Wang Fuxing, Huo Jin, and Xu Wenhai.


    "General Wang," Lei Wanxi looked around and asked about the Emperor.


    "His Majesty could note because an urgent matter hade up," Wang Hao informed them.


    "Oh." Lei Wanxi turned towards Wang Fuxing and bowed before him. "I shall take my leave. It was a nice tea session. I do not fear the Ex-General anymore," He said with a smile. Wang Hao had prepared the carriage for Prince Wanxi and Xu Wenhai.


    "I wille tomorrow to attend General Wang''s marriage," Lei Wanxi said before getting into the carriage. Wang Hao closed its door and the coachman drove it to the Pce.


    "Thank you for the warm hospitality," Xu Wenhai told them and brought his hands up to thank General Fuxing. He put his hands down and got into the carriage. Wang Hao closed the door and instructed the coachman to drive safely.


    He stepped back, holding the sword tightly and the carriage drove away. Wang Hao turned to look at his father. "Let''s go in, Father," Wang Hao said and then gazed at Huo Jin. "Come," he said and the three walked inside the residence.


    "What happened? You seem troubled," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "Changying has dered itself free and even dered an independent leader," Wang Hao informed his father, who halted at his ce.


    "His Majesty has sent the First Prince, Fourth Prince, General Xiao, and Commander Yang. That''s why he did not visit our residence," Wang Hao said and furrowed his brows together.


    "It is rare to happen," Wang Fuxing stated.


    Wang Hao agreed with his father. "They will investigate the matter and ordingly His Majesty will make the decision," he stated.


    "It seems the leader has people''s support," Huo Jin raised the suspicion.


    "Yes. It is reported that this unknown leader has received the support of the people in the region," Wang Hao said and again peered at his Father.


    "You should take a rest. You have been running around since the morning," Wang Fuxing said with a worried expression. He knew Wang Hao wanted to go to the Eastern Province to check into this matter, but his marriage was also important.


    Wang Hao bowed and then left for his room. Huo Jin nced at Wang Fuxing.


    "Huo Jin, Wang Hao might have tried to dy his marriage. That''s why the Emperor sent him home. My son forgets everything in front of the Empire''s safety," he told Huo Jin about Wang Hao''s love towards the Han Empire.


    "Father, the marriage will happen without any dy and interventions," Huo Jin assured Wang Fuxing, who nodded and left for his room.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li hugged the First Prince, followed by the Fourth Prince, who was ready to leave for Changying. Sheng Limanded Xiao Zhan to protect the Princes at all times. Both the Princes got into the carriage. Commander Yang closed the door and came towards Sheng Li.


    "Both the Princes'' safety is above my life, Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan said.


    "Send a message after reaching Changying."


    They both bowed before them and hopped on the horses. Sheng Li watched them leaving when a carriage came from the front.


    The carriage stopped and Lei Wanxi got out of it. "Brother Sheng, where did General Xiao and Commander Yang head to at this hour?" He came near Sheng Li, who briefed him about the matter.


    "Brother Jian is good at negotiating. I believe that he and Brother Nianzu will find the solution to this," Lei Wanxi answered optimistically and the two walked inside the Pce.


    "General Wang looked worried too. I thought he was nervous regarding his marriage. So, the reason behind his troubled look was this matter?" He queried Sheng Li.


    "Maybe. Wang Hao usually has dealt with such matters. I told him though that Xiao Zhan would handle and then the two Princes have gone too, so it will not be a problem," Sheng Li deduced.


    "Of Course, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi agreed with his words. They reached the Pce Ground where Lei Wanxi told him to not worry.


    "Hmm."


    "Sister Lili must be waiting for Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi gestured to him to go.


    "First, you go to your chamber," Sheng Li said.


    "You are my Elder and also the Emperor. You must leave first," Lei Wanxi insisted. Sheng Li shook his head and left for the Northern Pce.


    "Why can''t people live in peace? Brother Sheng has turned into a gentle person, yet people are supporting some random person," Lei Wanxi murmured and sighed.


    Sheng Li reached his chamber and walked in. The servants bowed before him and he went to the dressing chamber where Xing-Fu followed him.


    Sheng Li outstretched his arms when Xing-Fu removed his overcoat. "Your Majesty, the Empress asked about you numerous times. Did something urgente up?" He asked humbly as he folded the dragon overcoat and ced it on the table.


    He removed the Dragon Crown from Sheng Li''s head and ced it carefully on the other table.


    Sheng Li removed his upper coat and went towards the bathhouse to have a bath while Xing-Fu silently followed him.


    "Leave," Sheng Li told the maidservants, who were lined up outside the bathhouse and then walked in.


    Sheng Li removed the white silk upper garment and got into therge bathtub. Xing-Fu mixed the fragrance inside the water and asked him if he should call a servant.


    "No need," Sheng Li said and poured the water on his arms by taking it into his palm. "Tell the Empress that I wille in fifteen minutes." Xing-Fu acknowledged themand of Sheng Li and left the bathhouse.


    Sheng Li rested at the edge of the bathtub, his arms stretched at its higher side. He took a dip into the water and flipped his hair back, wiping the water from his face.


    ''Should I keep it a secret from Lili? She will worry if I tell her.. I will not let this matter reach Lili until it gets solved,'' he made the decision.

 Chapter 699 - Eyelock

    <h4>Chapter 699 - Eyelock</h4>


    Huo Jin went to Wang Hao''s room. When Wang Fuxing said that Wang Hao might be thinking of going to Changying, it made Huo Jin converse with him.


    As he walked in, he found Wang Hao near the window. The doors were closed behind him by the servant. Wang Hao turned to face him and weed him.


    "General Wang is entering an important phase of his life," Huo Jin said. They both sat around the floor table.


    "However, there is a rebellion going on in Changying," stated Wang Hao. "My duty as a General must be supreme. I know that this marriage is important but if something wrong happened there, then as a General of the Han, I would not be able to forgive myself," he expressed his worries.


    "General Xiao is the Second General of the Han Empire. Then, Commander Yang has also gone to Changying, who has years of experience in such situations. If General Wang is thinking of dying this marriage, then Princess Bai Yaling will get affected first," Huo Jin opined.


    "Hmm. That''s why I agreed with the Emperor''s demand. Bai Yaling is eagerly waiting for tomorrow," Wang Hao stated. However, he had decided that he would go to Changying after a few days. As the First General, he could not sit back.


    "The situation wille under control soon. General Wang shall not worry too much," Huo Jin assured him.


    "Huo Jin, Yin Na talked to me earlier about Xu Wenhai. It is strange that she found herselffortable around Yin Na," Wang Hao told him while observing his reactions.


    "Are you sure about your decision? You told me that you would try after you met the Empress," Wang Hao wanted to confirm from him whether he truly felt anything towards Yin Na or not.


    "I do not know, General Wang. Although I think that Xu Wenhai is better than me for Yin Na. I have already hurt your sister not once but many times," Huo Jin proimed.


    Wang Hao would not deny this statement that Huo Jin hurt Yin Na. But he also knew that Huo Jin was the best choice for Yin Na. Because his father had approached the Xu Family, Wang Hao could not oppose his father at the present moment. He also could not deny the fact that Xu Wenhai had seeded in making Yin Nafortable around him.


    "Huo Jin, they have not married yet," Wang Hao asserted.


    Huo Jin nodded his head and passed a tiny smile to him. Wang Hao got up and went towards a shelf. He picked a wine jar while Huo Jin nced at him with curiosity.


    "The Emperor gifted this wine to me a few months back. We had decided to drink together, but his busy schedule never allowed it," Wang Hao said. He picked the two cups and came to the floor table. cing them on the table, he asked Huo Jin if he would like to drink with him.


    "Sure, General Wang!" Huo Jin picked the porcin cup with both of his hands. Wang Hao showed white teeth smile to him and poured the wine into the cups.


    They raised them a little and drank the wine in one shot. "Huo Jin, Yin Na will never refuse this marriage because she thinks that Father did a lot for her. So, only you are her hope. Also, I would like to see her around in the same house," he smiled and sipped the wine.


    "General Wang, do not drink too much tonight. You need to be in good health tomorrow," he said worriedly.


    "I have good alcohol tolerance," Wang Hao said proudly and picked the jar. He poured more in their cups and the two continued their conversation.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li reached the chamber after having a bath. Ying Lili, who was near the window, admiring the night sky was informed about it. She turned to face him and weed him with a smile.


    Sheng Li nced at the Court Ladies, who bowed and left the chamber with the maidservants.


    "Where were you? Eunuch Xing-Fu told me that you could not go to General Wang''s house," she walked to Sheng Li, who hummed at her.


    "An urgent piece of work hade. So, it took me time. It''ste, so I told Wang Hao that I would go with him some other day," Sheng Li did not tell Ying Lili about the matter concerning the Eastern Province.


    "You look tired," Ying Lili lifted her hand and ced her palm on his left cheek. Sheng Li gazed at her ardently and ced his palm over the back of her palm.


    "I am good now," he pronounced.


    "Really?"


    Sheng Li nodded his head. "My worries end when you do this to me. Though, at present, I have no worries." He did not want her to get suspicious of him. However, that statement puzzled Ying Lili.


    "Lili," Sheng Li pronounced her name and closed his eyes as he moved her hand on his cheek. "Why is this so magical?"


    "Now, you are exaggerating," Ying Lili pulled back her hand but Sheng Li did not let it go. He opened his eyes and peered into hers.


    He moved his hand down to her wrist and stepped closer to her. "I never exaggerate with you," he tucked back her hair strands behind her ear. They put their hands down while not leaving the eyelock.


    Ying Lili was confident that Sheng Li was troubled about something, but did not want to share it with her.


    "Do you love me?" Her question bewildered Sheng Li.


    "You already know my answer," He answered. His right palm rested on her left neck.


    "Then tell me the truth, what important matter appeared out of the blue that you did not go to General Wang''s residence and now, you are lying to me. Hmm?" She raised her brows and waited for his response.


    "It was rted to the Empire''s work. I am not lying," Sheng Li still acted tough and lied again to Ying Lili, who squinted her eyes.


    "If you think that I will be under stress, then you are wrong," she stated. "So, you can tell me. We both will find a solution," she opined.


    "Lili, don''t you trust me?"


    "I do. But you are good at hiding things from me," she affirmed.


    "It''s rted to the Empire. Nothing important. It is solved already," he said and called Xing-Fu inside, who ran in and bowed before them.


    "Set the dinner table for us," Sheng Li ordered him.


    "Let''s have dinner and then we will walk for some time," Sheng Li opined and took her towards the dinner table.


    Making her sit on the chair, Sheng Li himself served food to Ying Lili. "Today, I asked the chef to make your favorite dishes. Eat with your heart content," Sheng Li told her and picked up the chopsticks from the te. Ying Lili thanked him and gestured to him to sit.


    He took a seat beside her and the two started eating.

 Chapter 700 - Sleep Here

    <h4>Chapter 700 - Sleep Here</h4>


    Huo Jin snatched the wine jar from Wang Hao''s hand and hugged it tightly. His cheeks had flushed red. "Give it back, Huo Jin," Wang Hao requested him.


    He shook his head and brought it closer to his lips. He drank it while some of it fell down on his clothes. The wine was strong, but he had no idea that Huo Jin would get drunk easily.


    He snatched the jar from Huo Jin, who started to whine.


    "Huo Jin, you should not drink anymore," Wang Hao said and put the wine jar on the table, closing its mouth with the lid.


    "General Wang, let me take a sip. I-I wa-want to forget everything today," he said while stuttering and then grasped Wang Hao''s arm tightly. "My big brother is so strong," he started tough suddenly and moved his cheek on Wang Hao''s arm.


    Wang Hao snickered. He was startled to see Huo Jin''s behavior in his drunk state.


    "Forgive me for making your sister cry. She is such a gentlewoman while I did many evil deeds in my life. I do-do n-ot think myself wor-thy of her," he murmured and then lifted his head.


    "General Wang, can''t you tell her to not ask me every time if I feel anything towards her or not?" He made a pouty expression while his eyes were half-closed.


    "I don''t like it when tears appear in her eyes because of me," Huo Jin said. "She should hate me, no? I dishearten her."


    Wang Hao was surprised to hear Huo Jin. In his conscious state, he hardly expressed his thoughts. He usually refrained from saying.


    "Then, just embrace her," Wang Hao said.


    "I cannot do that either. I told you earlier."


    Huo Jin''s eyes turned heavier. He fell back and his head hit the floor. "Ahh," he screamed and closed his eyes. Wang Hao wiped Huo Jin''s mouth with the handkerchief and then called in a servant.


    "Take Huo Jin to his room," Wang Haomanded him.


    The servant came ahead and grabbed Huo Jin''s arm. Wang Hao pulled Huo Jin from the other side. The servant carried Huo Jin on his back and took him out of General Wang''s room.


    Wang Hao looked at the wine jar at the table. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for this wine. At least, I got to know what Huo Jin thinks!" A smile carved on his lips and he cleaned the table, before putting back the wine jar to its original ce.


    Huo Jin patted the servant''s back. "Young Master, the room is near," the servant replied politely. Huo Jin lifted his head from his back and told him to let him go. Because he troubled the servant, they both fell to the ground.


    "Ahh," they both screamed at the same time as they hurt their back. Huo Jin, oppositely quickly stood up and started to run on the walkway.


    The servant too got up and ran after Huo Jin, but he ran so fast that the servant was unable to find him. He went to Huo Jin''s room to check on him as the nearest ce was Huo Jin''s room.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, had gone to Yin Na''s room. But instead of using the door, he used the window.


    Yin Na, who had just had her dinner, prepared to go to bed, heard strange soundsing from the window. She ignored those sounds and removed the hairpin from her hair. She looked at her reflection in the mirror.


    "Xu Wenhai found me beautiful but Huo Jin hardlypliments me," She murmured and ced the mirror on the table. Her gaze fell on the small wooden book which the Empress had sent for her. Before she could open it, she again heard the sound from the window.


    She put the box down and turned to look towards the window. She walked near it and got intimidated when it suddenly opened.


    "Huo Jin!" She was shocked to see him.


    Huo Jin showed white teeth smile to her and climbed in from that window.


    "Why did youe from the window?" She asked him confusedly when Huo Jin ced his index finger on her lips, startling her.


    "You do not need to speak so loudly," he whispered and then pulled his hand back. He turned and then closed the window without making any noise.


    Yin Na smelled the wine from him and asked him about it. Huo Jin turned to face her and smiled brightly. "Yes, with General Wang. But he did not let me drink more," Huo Jin pouted.


    "You should go to your room," Yin Na said and grabbed his arm. She pulled him but he did not budge from his ce.


    "Huo Jin," she red at him and again pulled him forward.


    "I don''t want to go," Huo Jin said and yanked her arm away. He went towards the bed andid down on it, hugging a pillow tightly.


    "I will sleep here. I am scared to sleep alone," Huo Jin murmured. Yin Na walked to the bed. She was bewildered by his actions.


    "Huo Jin, get up before anyonees in," Yin Na pulled his arm but Huo Jin insisted on sleeping in that room.


    "Huo Jin, why are you creating ruckus at night?" She asked in a low voice when he sat up. Yin Na lost her bnce and she fell on the floor.


    "Ouch!" She winced in pain while Huo Jin started tough.


    Yin Na widened her eyes and immediately ran to him. She covered his mouth with her palm and put his index finger on her mouth.


    "Miss, are you okay? What was that sound?" She heard her personal servant and the door creak.


    "No, don''te. I have gone to bed," Yin Na lied to her and quickly went towards the bedside table. She blew off the candle and came back to the bed to check on Huo Jin, who had put his finger on his lips. .


    She rested her hand on her chest and heaved a sigh of relief.

 Chapter 701 - Dont Go To Him

    <h4>Chapter 701 - Don''t Go To Him</h4>


    Yin Na brought her hands on her waist. "Stand up and leave my room," She told Huo Jin with a stern expression, who shook his head andid down, spreading his arms on the bed.


    Yin Na again held his arm and pulled him up. "Huo Jin, don''t be stubborn. Get up," she still had kept her voice low. However, she was not strong enough to move him from his ce.


    Huo Jin drew his arm to his side and Yin Na fell over him. He gazed into her eyes and smiled a little. "Don''t learn archery from Xu Wenhai. I am a better teacher than him," Huo Jin urged him.


    "Huh?" Yin Na ced her palms on the mattress to get up when Huo Jin wrapped his arms around her.


    "You did not answer me," Huo Jin said and gazed into her eyes. "Refuse Xu Wenhai to train you. I do not like it," He stated.


    "But he can teach me within months," Yin Na answered. Her heart had started to race because of Huo Jin''s deep gaze. Although the candle near the bed was blown off, the candle in the room adjacent to the bedroom still had a candle glowing which was the reason that they could see each other''s faces.


    "He lied to you. He does not want me to teach you," Huo Jin answered.


    "Why would he lie for such a trivial matter?" Yin Na arched her brow up.


    "Don''t you know?"


    So, he came to her room at this hour, to argue on who would help her learn archery! Yin Na was confused by Huo Jin''s behavior.


    "Did you say yes to him because I made you cry?" His question brought her out of those thoughts.


    "Huo Jin, I could not refuse him. Also, I do not want to waste your time," Yin Na gave a random reply to him which was not eptable to Huo Jin. "Let me go and go to your room. It iste," Yin Na again requested him.


    Huo Jin brought his hand near her face and put it at the left side of her neck. His thumb stroked her cheek. Yin Na gulped because this touch was different¡­ an affectionate touch.


    "You should not cry because I refuse to ept your feelings. You are the only person who made me feel so warm. Seeing your tears hurt me too," Huo Jin said. Yin Na''s fingers clutched the fabric of Huo Jin''s dress.


    "Why do you g-get hurt?" She waited for his answer.


    "Because a woman does not look good with tears in her eyes," Huo Jin answered. Yin Na was a little disappointed to hear the reply. She thought he would tell his feelings¨C what he felt towards her. Even in his drunk state, his answer was the same.


    Huo Jin''s eyes gradually started to close. "Don''t go to him," he murmured before he fell asleep. Yin Na finally got up and found that Huo Jin was already asleep. It was not possible for her to send him to his room. If she told her servant, then she would tease her. Also, the matter could reach Wang Fuxing, who might punish Huo Jin.


    So, she decided to let him sleep in her room. With the first ray of sun, she would wake him up and send him back to his room. She removed his shoes first and then pulled the quilt up to cover him from it. After this, she lifted his head a little and rested his head on the pillow.


    She grabbed another pillow from the bed and went to the dressing room adjacent to the bedroom to sleep.


    ~~~~~


    Yin Na''s sleep broke abruptly and she found the brightness in the room. She immediately sat up and recollectedst night''s incident. "Huo Jin," she murmured and looked around.


    To her surprise, Huo Jin was not in the room. "Wait! How did I get to my bed?" She wondered and furrowed her brows together. "Did he put me here?"


    "Miss, are you awake?" She heard the voice of her attendant, who was at the door.


    "Yes." The door opened instantly and the attendant walked in with two female servants. "Good morning, Miss. Today is a great day. General Wang is getting married," she said, cing her hands near her belly.


    Yin Na smiled brightly and nodded her head.


    "The marriage will be in the evening. Before that guests will be served. Miss, it is time for you to get ready and then greet your father and brother," the attendant told her, keeping the tone polite.


    "Yes, let''s go," Yin Na said and once again looked around the room. She nced at the window, which was closed too. ''How did he leave?'' she thought and left the room with the servants.


    Yin Na, after freshening up and getting dressed, went to give the morning greetings to his father first, followed by the brother. Wang Hao told him to have breakfast with him. Yin Na agreed with him.


    While Yin Na served the food to Wang Hao, he asked her, "Yin Na, did Huo Jine to youst night?"


    She widened her eyes, thinking how her brother found out. The teapot in her hand wavered and the tea fell out of the cup.


    "Forgive me, Brother Wang," she apologized when Wang Hao took the teapot from her.


    "You do not need to apologize," he said humbly and poured the tea for them in the cups. "You seem nervous. Is everything good?" He ced the teapot on the table and picked the teacup for Yin Na.


    "Yes, Brother Wang. I am fine," she took the teacup from him and thanked him. Wang Hao picked the chopsticks and started to eat.


    "Why did Brother ask me whether Huo Jin came to my room or not?" She wanted to know and took a small piece of soybean from the bowl.


    "Ahh,st night, we both had a few drinks. I sent him to his room with a servant. However, he pushed him to the ground and then ran away. I thought maybe Huo Jin hade to meet you," he briefed her.


    Yin Na chewed the food and swallowed it. "No, Brother Wang. Huo Jin did note to my room," she did not know why she lied to her brother.. She felt odd for lying to him in the morning.

 Chapter 702 - Obnoxious Personality

    <h4>Chapter 702 - Obnoxious Personality</h4>


    Huo Jin checked the goods before letting them enter the residence when a carriage pulled before him. He put his hand down and saw Xu Wenhai getting out of the cart.


    ''Why did hee here early in the morning?'' Huo Jin thought and averted his gaze from him. Xu Wenhai noticed that a chuckle escape his mouth.


    "How dare he avoid me?" He murmured. He had thought to greet him, but when Huo Jin ignored his presence, he also avoided him and went inside the Residence. The servants had bowed their heads in Xu Wenhai''s respect. They both tilted their heads to narrowly gaze at each other.


    "What an obnoxious personality!" They bothmented on each other.


    Xu Wenhai walked in while Huo Jin got busy with the marriage''s remaining work.


    Wang Hao was surprised to see Minister Xu in the residence. "General Wang, I thought to provide a helping hand today. Also, Mother has sent something for Yin Na," Xu Wenhai informed him.


    "Oh. Yin Na must be in her room at the moment," Wang Hao told him. He realized that Xu Wenhai was a good and caring person.


    "Where is your father? I would like to greet him as well," Xu Wenhai asked about Wang Fuxing.


    "Father has gone to the Pce. A problem has urred in Changying. So, Father thought to discuss the matter with the Emperor," Wang Hao replied.


    Xu Wenhai was astonished to hear it because as a Minister, he was not aware of it.


    "It has been kept as a secret. The Emperor will call the court after receiving the message from Changying," Wang Hao stated, thus rifying Xu Wenhai.


    "Hopefully, the situation is not too troublesome," Xu Wenhai said. Wang Hao hummed at him.


    "Please this way, Minister Xu. I will call for Yin Na in the guest-chamber," Wang Hao stated. At that moment, the servant came to Wang Hao and whispered something in his ear.


    "Forgive me, Minister Xu. I got urgent work to do, so will not be able to apany you," Wang Hao felt sad when Xu Wenhai told him not to do that.


    "I can wait for General Wang," Xu Wenhai said. Wang Hao thanked him for being understanding and left with the servant.


    Once General Wang left, Xu Wenhai wondered to find Yin Na on his own. He asked a servant to lead him to Yin Na''s room, who did so. However, the servant outside Yin Na''s room informed him that she had gone to the garden.


    Xu Wenhai left for the garden in the residence. He had already told the servant to leave, and himself was searching for her in the garden. Finally, he saw her on the bridge over the pond.


    He walked to her. Somewhere, he was mesmerized to see Yin Na. She had worn a baby pink colored Hanfu dress and her hair was open. She wasughing along with her personal attendant, when found she suddenly stoppedughing and had lowered her head.


    Yin Na turned to look and was startled to see Xu Wenhai approaching her. He halted before her. They both greeted each other.


    "Could you please give us some privacy?" Xu Wenhai requested the attendant, who bowed and walked away.


    "You came so early," Yin Na curiously nced at him.


    "Are you not happy to see me?" Xu Wenhai was a little disheartened to hear her statement.


    "I did not mean that," Yin Na said. "What does Xu Wenhai want to talk about that he sent my attendant?" She then asked.


    Xu Wenhai took out a wooden box from inside his sleeve pocket and showed it to Yin Na. "My Mother has sent this small present for you," he forwarded it to her. The wooden box was wide in length but small in breadth.


    "For me?" She lifted her brows. Xu Wenhai hummed and told her to take that.


    Yin Na ced her fingers on the box and lifted it. She opened it and saw a gold hairpin inside it. Her eyes glistened to see such an expensive present and then she peered at Xu Wenhai.


    "Mother gifted you the treasure of Xu Family," Xu Wenhai asserted. "You will be my wife soon, so she must want you to wear it," He added. Yin Na did not expect that Xu''s Family would ept her this early. She still had Huo Jin in her heart. Was she betraying them? Or was she fooling herself by believing that Huo Jin would ept her?


    "You did not seem happy. Did you not like it?" Xu Wenhai asked her.


    "No. It is so beautiful. I have never expected such a gracious present from anyone outside my family," Yin Na answered. "Please thank your mother for this," Yin Na expressed her gratitude and closed the box.


    Xu Wenhai smiled at her. "Mother likes you a lot. I think you both will get along well after the marriage," Xu Wenhai deduced. Yin Na curled her lips into a smile.


    "Does your mother not have those thoughts about me?" Yin Na wanted to ask this question in their first meeting, but because of hesitation, she kept it forter.


    "I do not think so," Xu Wenhai replied. "She would not have agreed to send a proposal to you if she had a problem with it," Xu Wenhai affirmed.


    Yin Na nodded her head when Xu Wenhai grasped her hands gently. Yin Na lifted her eyes to peer at him. "I will keep you happy. Also, I fell for you at the first sight," Xu Wenhai suddenly confessed to her.


    Yin Na took that as a joke. "How could a person fall for someone at the first nce? I don''t think that happens," she said in a low voice.


    "It happens, Yin Na. I know that you are scared of men because of the way most of them treated you. Maybe that''s one reason, that you do not believe in Love at first sight!" He deduced. Yin Na would agree with him for this.


    Huo Jin, who hade to the pond after finishing his work to take some rest, saw both of them. Xu Wenhai and Yin Na were holding each other''s hands.. He clenched his fists because it was not pleasing at all for him.

 Chapter 703 - To Raise My Sword

    <h4>Chapter 703 - To Raise My Sword</h4>


    Ying Lili checked the clothes, jewels, and other precious goods that were to be sent with Princess Bai Yaling once she would leave the Pce with General Wang.


    "Sister Lili, I have checked the clothes for the members of the Wang Family," Xue Yu-Yan informed Ying Lili. She thanked her and asked Court Lady Xu about the grain sacks.


    "Sister Xue, did the First Brother send you the message? The Fourth Brother has sent the message for Sister Chuntao after reaching Changying," Liao Jun suddenly said. Xue Yu-Yan widened her eyes as this matter was not supposed to be talked about in front of Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili with an amused expression asked, "Why did the First Brother and the Fourth Brother go to Changying?"


    "Nothing, Sister Lili. It is a small work rted to the Empire," Xue Yu-Yan replied, however, did not tell the whole truth to Ying Lili.


    Liao Jun, who was unaware of it, started to tell the Empress. "Sister Lili, a rebellion is going on in Changying. They left with General Xiao and Commander Yang the previous night," Liao Jun stated.


    The smile vanished from her lips and a fretful expression appeared on her face. "A rebellion? What happened?" Ying Lili queried them. "Why did Sheng Li not tell me anything about it," she murmured.


    "Sister Lili, it is not a concerning matter. A small rebellion is going on and will soon end. Both Princes, the General, and the Commander will have gone to solve the matter," Xue Yu-Yan said with a polite tone. Ying Lili, however, did not feel that it was a small matter. If it had, then the Princes would not have gone.


    "Sister Xue, Sister Liao, I will be back soon," Ying Lili said and walked out of the chamber followed by the Court Ladies.


    Once Ying Lili left, Xue Yu-Yan scolded Liao Jun for informing the Empress about Changying''s situation.


    "Sister Lili will get worried. The Emperor had given the instructions not to let this matter fall in Ying Lili''s ear. She might get stressed because of it," Xue Yu-Yan exined to her.


    Liao Jun got scared upon hearing this. "Sister Xue, I did not know this. Will the Emperor punish me?" She asked with a terrifying expression on her face.


    "I do not know, but the Emperor will surely be angry," Xue Yu-Yan said and fidgeted with her fingers.


    "My husband did not tell me not to speak about it in front of the Empress," Liao Jun said. "Sister Xue, I am going to see my husband and will ask him to protect me from the Emperor''s wrath." Before Xue Yu-Yan could stop her, Liao Jun dashed out of the chamber.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li returned to the imperial pce after seeing off Wang Fuxing till the Imperial Gates.


    "Your Majesty, the First Prince has sent the message for you," Xing-Fu informed the Emperor, who hastened towards his office.


    Once he reached the chamber, he picked the scroll up from the table and opened it. He had not even read the first word when he heard an announcement about Ying Lili''s arrival to his office. It confused him because, at this hour, Ying Lili was supposed to be with the other Princesses.


    Sheng Li quickly rolled the scroll and put it inside the chest of the drawer. Xing-Fu greeted the Empress, who hade inside.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, please give us some privacy," Ying Lili urged him, who walked out of the chamber.


    Sheng Li stepped down the five stairs and came to Ying Lili. "You came here unannounced," Sheng Li said and brought her to the chaise. He made her sit on it and then picked the water jar from the table beside it. Pouring the water into a ss, he tasted it first before handing it to Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili drank the water and thanked him. Sheng Li put the silver ss back on the table when heard her say, "You did not tell me about Changying''s situation."


    Sheng Li''s eyes grew big. He had made sure that no one would speak about it before Ying Lili, then who dared to challenge his order. Did Xue Yu-Yan do that?


    "You learned to lie from me," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li turned to face her.


    "It is not a big matter. But who told you about this?" Sheng Li asked her as he came near her. Ying Lili lifted her head and squinted her eyes.


    "If I tell you the name, then you might get angry at that person. That''s why I have decided not to tell you the name," she said and grasped his sleeve. She pulled him down and hended on the chaise, beside her.


    "Why did you hide this matter from me?" She asked him. "Is it because of my pregnancy?"


    Sheng Li''s lips curled up into a thin smile while his brows also slightly rose. "Lili, I did not want to put you under stress," he finally said.


    "You should have told me instead of lying to me. I do not like it when you lie to me," she said. "Also, you do not need to take stress all alone when such a situation arises. You need toe to me. Tell me what is going on in Changying?" She queried him.


    "Someone has been chosen as the independent leader by the people. The First and the Fourth Brother have gone to check the situation," Sheng Li told her.


    "What will you do then? Don''t you want to go?" She asked him. "The people may want to see their Emperor," she affirmed.


    "I don''t think I need to go at the present moment," Sheng Li answered.


    "You are the Emperor of Han. You need to keep a check on everything. Your wife is safe in the Imperial Pce, so you can go to Changying," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Lili, the situation wille in control," Sheng Li stated. "If I go, then only war will happen. I am not good at negotiating. Also, those people betrayed me and proved that they were disloyal to me.. I don''t want to raise my sword," Sheng Li affirmed.

 Chapter 704 - You Can Feel It

    <h4>Chapter 704 - You Can Feel It</h4>


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li was troubled by the rebellion in Changying. It was indeed troublesome, but being hot-headed in such a state was not good, ording to her.


    "Forgive me for talking that way," Sheng Li apologized. "I believe the Princes will handle the matter well," he stated.


    "I hope so," Ying Lili replied. "Did you get any message from the two Princes?" She queried him. "Do not lie about it," she warned him.


    "Brother Jian has sent the message. I have yet to check it," Sheng Li said the truth and went towards the table in which drawer, he had put the scroll. Taking it out, he came to Ying Lili and sat by her side. He opened the scroll and started to read the message.


    Ying Lili leaned to her side and read the message along with him. After Sheng Li was done, he put the scroll on the small table beside the chaise.


    "They have reached safety to Changying. Nothing is exined about the situation," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It will take time to know what is going on," Ying Lili affirmed. Sheng Li agreed with her. "If the situation gets hard, then go to Changying," Ying Lili again suggested to him.


    "I cannot leave you in this state," Sheng Li answered and rested his hand over her hands which were on herp.


    "I am not alone in the Pce, Sheng Li. Everyone is so caring around me. Also, you are like the Father of the Empire. Your duty towards themes first," Ying Lili made him understand.


    "When my mother was pregnant with me, then she was poisoned since he was in the war. I cannot leave your sight even for a second," Sheng Li expressed his concern towards her.


    "That time the Pce was full of enemies," Ying Lili reminded him. "You should not get scared. No one will harm me," she stated with a bright and warm smile. She grabbed his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.


    "Sheng Li, I did not stop you from working, right?" She tilted her head and rested her chin on his shoulder. Sheng Li turned his head to peer at him and shook his head. He could not help but nt a soft kiss on the top of her forehead.


    "Did I not tell you to calm this restless heart?" He gazed into her crystal-looking eyes.


    "You said that whenever I get close to you," she moved her hand to his chest and stopped where she could feel his heartbeat, "your heart races."


    "It does," he admitted and ced his hand on the back of her palm. "You can feel it," he stated and curled his fingers around her hand.


    "Lili, soon thends will fill with snow. It will be our first snowfall together," Sheng Li said with a calm look.


    "Yes. We bothe such a long way, Sheng Li. Hu Jingguo and I--" she paused as she realized that he was no more. It was in her habit whenever she used to talk about Juyan, she could not help but recall him.


    "You and your great friend might have yed with snow and with the snowballs have defeated the other party. Such an annoying brat he is!" Sheng Li chuckled as his eyes filled with tears. His grip around her hand tightened and a teardrop rolled over his cheek.


    "Sheng Li," Ying Lili worriedly said and quickly wiped them using her fingers.


    "I cannot believe that he would make me feel this guilty," Sheng Li said and lifted his head to stop the tears from falling.


    He lowered his head and apologized to Ying Lili for breakdown this way.


    "It is tough to believe that he''s now only in memories. If I look back, it appears that he''s still sitting over that rock in the garden, waiting for me toe and then tease me," Sheng Li said with a smile.


    Ying Lili smiled too.


    "Lili, I was not a great friend to him, but he indeed became a great friend to me," Sheng Li asserted and sighed. "Why am I even missing him at this hour?" He muttered and turned his head to meet the gaze of Ying Lili.


    "Maybe because you need a shoulder to share your burden," Ying Lili stated and pulled Sheng Li into her warm embrace. Her hands patted his back.


    Sheng Li closed his eyes and the two stayed in that position for a while. When he turned stable, he gradually pulled away. "I am good now," he said.


    "It is lunchtime. Let''s have lunch and then Wang Hao will arrive to take his bride," Sheng Li asserted. Ying Lili nodded her head and the two stood up from the chaise.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi picked the steam bun and ate a small portion of it. He brought it near Zhu Lin''s mouth and gestured to her to eat. Zhu Lin took a small bite and chewed it.


    "So many delicious dishes are prepared," Lei Wanxi told her and ate the remaining bun. He grasped her hand and took her towards the royal garden.


    "Zhu Lin, I need to pick some flowers, so help me with that," he said.


    "For whom?" Zhu Lin asked.


    "For the flower pot in my chamber. It is empty for two weeks," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "Oh," she thought he would pick flowers for her.


    "Well, you can tell me about your choices of flowers too. Do you like Rose?" He asked her.


    "I do not like Rose. You don''t even know which flower I like," sheined.


    "Do you know which flower I like?" He questioned her back.


    "You like chrysanthemum," Zhu Lin replied.


    Lei Wanxi ced his palm over his mouth. "How do you know?" He was shocked.


    "I asked His Majesty once," Zhu Lin replied.


    "Brother Sheng is wrong. I like Rose," Lei Wanxi said andughed. "My favorite things change every time," he said andughed.. Zhu Lin hit his arm, telling him not tough.

 Chapter 705 - Avoid

    <h4>Chapter 705 - Avoid</h4>


    In the evening the Royal Family members gathered at the Pce grounds. Upon Sheng Li''s orders, Princess Bai Yaling was brought to the Pce Grounds. She had worn the red Hanfu dress sent by the Wang Family the previous day.


    She stood beside Wang Hao, and the two bowed before the Royal Family members. Consort Dowager Ju Fen told Wang Hao to take care of Bai Yaling well.


    "I will, Second Consort Dowager," he said.


    Sheng Li came towards Wang Hao and hugged him. "My Dear Friend, my warm and best wishes are always with you. Always be happy," Sheng Li pronounced. They both pulled away when Wang Hao raised his hands above his forehead, which were joined with each other, and then bowed his head in the respect of the Emperor.


    "I, Wang Hao, will keep the Princess happy and safe. Thank you Your Majesty for showing faith in me and allowing me to marry the Princess," Wang Hao said humbly.


    Bai Yaling was taken to the pnquin which was decorated well. The maidservant helped her get in and the porters carried it on their shoulders.


    Wang Hao bowed once again in front of everyone and then went to his horse. He hopped on it and they left the Pce. All the Royal Family members walked behind them till the Fu Imperial Gates to bid farewell to Princess Bai Yaling.


    In the Wang Residence, everyone was waiting outside the house for Wang Hao and his bride. Lei Wanxi was also present in the Wang Residence along with Weng Yu. He rested his elbow on Huo Jin''s shoulder and said, "Thest time I waited like this was for Sister Lili when I heard that Brother Sheng brought her to the Pce."


    Huo Jin tilted his head to nce at Lei Wanxi. "The Prince must wait inside," he opined.


    "I did not mean that," Lei Wanxi answered. "You did not understand my words. I wait for those whom I respect a lot and who are close to my heart," he rified.


    He put his elbow down when he saw General Wang''s horse. "They havee," he said with a broad smile and went ahead towards Weng Yu, who was beside Wang Fuxing.


    "General Wang is looking handsome," Lei Wanxi praised him and looked at Wang Fuxing, whose eyes were watery. This was the moment for which Wang Fuxing waited for years. His heart was extremely happy and the feeling was indescribable.


    ''Our son will finally marry today,'' he told histe wife, whosest wish was to see Wang Hao with a woman, who could make him feel warm whenever he came home.


    The loud drum sounds could be heard. The people had gathered around both sides of the pathway as they wished for the couple''s happiness.


    The horse halted in front of the Wang Residence and General Wang hopped down. The pnquin was ced on the floor, and two maidservants went towards it to help Bai Yaling toe out of it without removing the red veil.


    Weng Yu curiously looked at the carriages behind the pnquin. "Brother, what are those carriages for?" He whispered the query in Lei Wanxi''s ear.


    "They are the valuables that are sent when the womanes to her husband''s house," he answered. They all stepped aside as Wang Hao and Bai Yaling had to go inside.


    They first bowed to the elder of the house, Wang Fuxing, who told them to go in. Wang Hao held the hand of Bai Yaling, who peered at him through the veil in front of her face and then looked at her hand.


    "There are stairs ahead," Wang Hao said and the two stepped on the first stair. Bai Yaling lifted her high waist skirt a little and the two walked inside the residence, followed by the other people.


    Wang Hao led Bai Yaling to the main wedding hall. The people, mostly from the upper-ss society had gathered in the Courtyard, started to walk inside the main hall.


    In the main hall, everyone stood at the two sides of the broad and long red carpet. In the front, both Wang Hao and Bai Yaling were ready to take their wedding vows.


    The priest instructed them and the two followed the steps. They kowtowed first for the Earth & Heaven; then kowtowed to show respect to Wang Fuxing andstly, kowtowed to each other.


    The wedding wine was given to them which they drank. The priest dered them husband and wife. He blessed them with a happy married life. Yin Na came forward and told that she would take Bai Yaling to the bed-chamber.


    Yin Na gently grasped Bai Yaling''s arm and they left for the bed-chamber followed by the two maidservants who had apanied Bai Yaling from the Pce.


    Everyone started to congratte Wang Hao. Prince Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu congratted him first, followed by the Commanders from the military. Wang Hao thanked everyone and the wedding feast started.


    Lei Wanxi came to Huo Jin with two wine sses in his hand. He handed one to Huo Jin, who thanked him.


    "I have something to tell you. Did you notice Minister Xu Wenhai? Earlier he had held the hand of Sister Yin Na," Lei Wanxi informed him.


    Huo Jin''s throat choked, and immediately, Lei Wanxi caressed his back. "Be careful," the Prince said anxiously.


    "Prince Wanxi, I need to check on Father. I will soon be back," Huo Jin excused himself, and it confused Lei Wanxi.


    "Did he just avoid talking with me?" He muttered.


    Huo Jin came to an isted ce, away from the courtyard, and looked at the wine ss in his hand. He had also noticed how Xu Wenhai touched Yin Na''s hand.


    ''Does she not hate it?'' he thought and gulped the wine from the ss.


    "Young Master, you are here!" A servant suddenly came to him. Huo Jin put his hand down and heard him say, "General Wang is looking for you."


    Huo Jin hummed at him.. He promptly left with the servant to the Main Courtyard.

 Chapter 706 - Wrong

    <h4>Chapter 706 - Wrong</h4>


    Bai Yaling reached the bed-chamber with Yin Na and made her sit on the bed. "Sister Bai, Wee to the Wang House. This is the main bed-chamber of Brother Wang. The wedding feast is going on, so it will take a little time for Brother Wang to be in the room," Yin Na informed Bai Yaling.


    "Sister Bai, Brother Wang wants you to have a light dinner before he enters. Since you are pregnant, you need to eat your meals at the right time," Yin Na said while checking the food on the table.


    "I will wait for General Wang," Bai Yaling finally spoke. Yin Na looked at her and then at the Court Lady Dai, who also was sent by the Empress in service of Bai Yaling. "I ate fruits an hour ago. I am not hungry," she told Yin Na, who nodded her head.


    "I must follow the wedding rituals," Yin Na heard Bai Yaling.


    "Miss Yin Na, you shall attend the wedding feast. We will be in the service of our Lady," Court Lady Dai said. Yin Na agreed with her and left the bed-chamber. As she turned left, she was startled to see Xu Wenhai.


    "You scared me!" She brought her hand to her chest.


    "You always get startled to see me," Xu Wenhai said.


    "If you appear suddenly in front of a person, then he will surely be shocked," Yin Na argued. Xu Wenhai epted his mistake and apologized to her. They both returned to the main courtyard.


    Wang Hao was surrounded by many men, mostly from the army, and was being teased about today''s night. Yin Na smiled upon hearing that which Xu Wenhai noticed.


    "General Wang used to run away whenever we used to discuss marriages," Commander Yao stated and sipped the wine from the ss in his hand.


    "General Wang was waiting for the right woman in his life," Lei Wanxi asserted. "General Wang, do not be shy today," he then said and grinned.


    "Prince Wanxi shall not tease me this way," Wang Hao urged him.


    "I love teasing people," Lei Wanxi replied when his gaze fell on Huo Jin, who was also smiling while listening to their conversation. However, Huo Jin''s smile disappeared soon.


    Lei Wanxi turned to look in the direction. He found Huo Jin had his gaze at Yin Na and Xu Wenhai.


    "Brother Wang is getting blushed," Yin Na said in a low voice. "He hardly blushes," she asserted.


    "Of Course, it is his wedding night, so he must be excited," Xu Wenhai replied.


    Yin Na shook her head. "It is not because of that reason. Brother Wang is united with his love, that''s why he''s happy and is blushing," he exined to Xu Wenhai.


    "You have a beautiful smile, Yin Na," Xu Wenhai''s sudden statement puzzled her. She tilted her head to peer into his eyes. "You should smile more than often," he added and their eyes got locked with each other.


    From the front, the servant was bringing arge bamboo basket in his hands. Since the front view was blocked to him, he did not see that Yin Na was on his path. Xu Wenhai noticed that. He grasped the wrist of Yin Na and drew her towards him.


    Yin Na''s weight fell on him. To prevent that from happening, she ced her hands on his shoulder. Xu Wenhai had bent on his right leg while his hand caught her arms. He made her stand straight and asked if she was alright.


    Yin Na hummed and immediately put her hands down. "Thank you," she said.


    Lei Wanxi''s lips formed into an O-shape seeing that side. "Xu Wenhai seems to be in love with Sister Yin Na," he said. Huo Jin clenched his fists tightly. "You do not love her, right?" Lei Wanxi stopped beating around the bush.


    Huo Jin narrowly gazed at him.


    "I happened to find out that Sister Yin Na has feelings for you. However, you rejected her. Sister Yin Na trusted you the most among men," Lei Wanxi asserted and hung his arm around Huo Jin''s shoulder.


    Leaning closer to Huo Jin''s ear, Lei Wanxi said, "It is good that Sister Yin Na found one more man in her life whom she could trust." Huo Jin clutched the edge of the upper coat that he had put on.


    "Since you know Sister Yin Na more than anyone, I want to know from you if she has indeed opened up with Xu Wenhai, or my eyes are watching something wrong," Lei Wanxi tried to find what was going inside Huo Jin''s heart.


    "What are the two Elder Brothers talking about?" Weng Yu suddenly asked them.


    Lei Wanxi pulled his arm back and ced his hand on Weng Yu''s head. "Nothing, Little Yu. Brother Huo and I were talking about the food," Lei Wanxi quickly changed the topic.


    "Brother Wanxi always thinks about food," Weng Yu remarked.


    "Food is the most important thing in this world, Little Yu," Lei Wanxi answered. "Am I right, Huo Jin?" He tilted to know his answer, who was no more at that ce. "Ahh, where did he leave?" He murmured as he looked far and wide.


    "Brother Wanxi, is Princess Zhu Lin not more important to you?" Weng Yu''s question shocked Lei Wanxi. He saw the smirk on Weng Yu''s lips.


    "She is! But Brother Yu must not talk this way," Lei Wanxi made him understand.


    "Brother Wanxi, I am not a little kid anymore," Weng Yu asserted. "I have started to understand the world," he stared with a bright smile.


    "Prince Wanxi, Prince Yu, please follow me. You both shall eat with this old man today," they both heard the deep, loud and clear voice of Wang Fuxing, who was with the Prime Minister; Xu Ninang, and a few other Ministers.


    The Commanders bowed upon seeing him.


    "Wang Hao, go to the bed-chamber. Do not make your wife wait," Wang Fuxing said before leaving Lei Wanxi and Weng Yu left with Wang Fuxing, who nodded his head.


    "I think I should leave.. Make sure to attend the feast before leaving," Wang Hao told all of them and took his leave.

 Chapter 707 - A Traitor Like You

    <h4>Chapter 707 - A Traitor Like You</h4>


    Huo Jin came to the isted region of the Residence¨C the Backyard, where the guests would hardlye by. He sat down on the open porch in the backyard. He had sped his fingers together while was in some deep thoughts.


    "Should I do that? Should I fight with him for Yin Na?" Huo Jin murmured. "But she has started to trust him. For my selfish reason, I cannot go near her," he told himself and took a deep breath. Heid down on the wooden floor, putting his hands behind his head.


    He looked at the night sky. He recalled his youthful days when he used to stay like that for long hours, usually at night. No matter how upset he was, this beautiful night sky would always calm him.


    He closed his eyes, however, got disturbed when he heard a familiar voice. He sat upon the wooden floor.


    "Why have wee to the backyard? The guests are in the main courtyard," Yin Na asked Xu Wenhai, whose hand was holding hers.


    "I want to spend a little time with you," Xu Wenhai said. "In the Courtyard, it is impossible to converse with you," he stated.


    "We have enough days to spend time with each other," Yin Na asserted and pulled her hand away.


    "But the nighttime is more beautiful and romantic," Xu Wenhai said. Yin Na blinked her eyes a few times and lowered them. Yin Na felt a little ufortable upon hearing his words. Xu Wenhai was not a bad person, but he was kind of flirtatious in Yin Na''s eyes.


    "Forgive me, if I made you ufortable," Xu Wenhai apologized. "Yin Na, do you want to go somewhere with me? In a few days, I have important work in the city adjacent to Luoyang. Every year, a special winter festival is organized. We both can go if you want," Xu Wenhai asked for her opinion.


    "How can I go with you? Will it not be inappropriate?" She asked him with a bit of hesitation.


    "We will return by the night. I thought that we should watch that festival together. I heard from General Wang that you want to go to new ces, and explore them," Xu Wenhai tried to convince her.


    Huo Jin, who hade close to overhear their conversation, got furious. He was hidden behind the wall and made sure that they would not see him.


    ''Do not go, Yin Na. It is not safe to trust him,'' Huo Jin said in his mind. ''General Wang never told me about it, then why him? Did he stop trusting me?'' he wondered.


    "I am afraid but I do not think that I will be able to apany you," Yin Na refused him politely. "I still have to consider getting married to you. I think before going around with each other, we should get to know each other if we have to spend our lives together," Yin Na did not keep him in the dark. She already had insecurities regarding the men and Xu Wenhai''s advanced did not seem appropriate to her.


    "I understand. Thank you for sharing this with me," Xu Wenhai stated. He realized that he made Yin Na ufortable with his offer to go with him.


    "Xu Wenhai, I do not trust men other than my family ones. You already know my past and the way I have been perceived. However, understanding me and empathizing with me are two different things. Many understand my situation, but hardly a few empathize with me.


    If there was another person in my shoes, the person would truly understand my state. It was difficult to survive and it was hard to run away. Being affectionate is what I most get scared of, however, only one person made me feel secure. I know that you fall for me at the first sight, and want me to love you back too, but it is not easy¡­ not for me," Yin Na pronounced and excused herself as her eyes filled with tears.


    "Forgive me, Yin Na. I did not mean to hurt you," Xu Wenhai felt guilty when Yin Na excused herself and walked away.


    Huo Jin clutched the edge of his overcoat. As soon as Yin Na left, Huo Jin appeared before Xu Wenhai. It startled him and he understood that Huo Jin listened to their entire conversation.


    "Why did you do that? Why did you make her remember her past? And who are you to make advances to her after just one day of meeting?" Huo Jin had no idea why he was speaking this way with him.


    But he was surely angry. It was difficult for Yin Na toe out of the trauma. Even with him, she talked after a month. She usually used to avoid his gaze.


    "You should not overhear the personal conversation of two people," Xu Wenhai reminded Huo Jin.


    "Personal? Who are you to her? It is no more personal, Xu Wenhai," Huo Jin affirmed. His tone was firm and full of anger.


    Xu Wenhai chuckled. "Why isn''t this personal?" He pushed him away. Huo Jin red into his eyes as he pushed back. "Do you think a traitor like you can be the perfect man for Yin Na? You are a leech, Huo Jin, who sucks on the blood of their host first and then eats them away. Do not intervene in between Yin Na and me," Xu Wenhai warned him.


    "His Majesty is not the type to forgive anyone easily. It must be the Empress, who shows her kindness to you. That''s why you are alive till this date else you don''t even deserve to stand in front of me. You got this life in the alms not because you are great. A ve who betrayed his master can never be loyal to anyone," Xu Wenhai said some of the harsh words to Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin gulped his anger inside him. No one ever had said these things to him. He realized that even today he was seen as a traitor. However, it was not important now.. He must go to Yin Na, who must be crying somewhere alone.

 Chapter 708 Meant To Be Together

    Wang Hao reached the bed-chamber, where he was greeted by the servants and the Court Lady. They silently left the room, closing the door behind them. Wang Hao looked at Bai Yaling, who was seated at the edge of the bed with the veil on her face. He stepped forward and looked at the small table beside the bed on which a stick, painted in red, was ced.


    He picked it and lifted the veil above her head. Bai Yaling had lowered her eyes. She was looking like a jade beauty in the wedding dress. Her red cheeks, red lips, and everything about her mesmerized Wang Hao. His thin lips moved up into a smile and he ced the stick back on the table.


    He settled down beside her. For a few seconds, he was hesitant too but then gathering his courage he ced his hands gently on her shoulders. She turned to her when felt Wang Hao''s calloused index finger under her chin. He lifted her head and their eyes met.


    "You have officially be Wang Hao''s wife, Bai Yaling. Thank you for epting me as your husband." He could not express his happiness in words.


    "I must thank General Wang for epting me as his other half," she said. Her eyes were misty because her heart was overjoyed with this marriage. Wang Hao drew her into a hug and warmly hugged her.


    "Call me Wang Hao. I am the General for others but for you, I am Wang Hao," he whispered in her ear. Bai Yaling hummed and ced her hands on his back. They stayed like that for a while and gradually drew back from the hug. Wang Hao brought his hand on her left side of the neck and leaned towards her.


    Bai Yaling clutched the fabric of her skirt tightly and shut her eyes tightly. Wang Hao moved his lips on the middle of her forehead and looked down while she lifted her head to meet his gaze.


    His hand stroked the left side of her neck. His other hand rested over her hands which were on herp and he caressed them.


    "I am as nervous as you, Bai Yaling," he told her. "Let''s have our dinner. You need to eat your meals at the right time for our child," Wang Hao said. Bai Yaling''s heart fluttered when Wang Hao called her child with her previous husband as his. It delighted her heart that Wang Hao loved her this much.


    She could not help but kiss Wang Hao, who was shocked. His eyes grew big when Bai Yaling pulled away. "I-I," before she couldplete her broken sentence, Wang Hao pressed his lips on hers.


    His hand which was near her left back slowly moved to the back of her head. Wang Hao opened his mouth and nibbled on her lower lip. She flinched as her fingers dug into the fabric of Wang Hao''s dress. A moan escaped her mouth and she gave easy ess to Wang Hao to invade her mouth.


    Bai Yaling could feel the love that was poured into that kiss, the warmth, thepassion that she could never get from her previous marriage. Tears poured from her eyes because of the happiness she was feeling at that moment.


    Wang Hao stopped kissing her when the tears touched his cheeks. Instantly, he opened his eyes. He withdrew back, leaving them gasping for air.


    "Bai Yaling, did I do something wrong? Forgive me if I overstepped my boundaries," Wang Hao was worried and scared to see her tears. He thought that he did something without her permission.


    His hands cupped her face, and he again asked her about the reason behind those tears. His thumbs grazed over her cheeks and wiped those tears.


    "I am grateful to you for this day. My faith in love had lifted. Thank you for making me feel joy once again. I am not sad, but happy," Bai Yaling said and smiled brightly.


    Wang Hao was relieved to hear her answer. "You should not cry even if you are happy. You have a life inside you. If you want to cry, then you can tell me. Though I hardly cry, I will try," Wang Hao asserted.


    Bai Yaling giggled upon hearing his words. She wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "That was funny, My Husband."


    "My Husband!" Wang Hao ended up blushing when he heard it. "Say it again," he urged her.


    "Let''s have dinner before it gets cold, Dear Husband," Bai Yaling said and they both smiled. Wang Hao immediately got up from the bed and took her towards the dining table. Pulling out the chair, he gently made her sit. They had their dinner while conversing about each other.


    Wang Hao brought Bai Yaling to the bed and then blew off the candles in the room, keeping one lit. Bai Yaling was struggling to remove the head essories when Wang Hao told her to stay still. He removed them for her and then removed the heavy red overcoat.


    Bai Yaling started to get tense when she saw Wang Hao had removed the hairpin from the hair bun at the top of his head. He then removed the red overcoat and put it aside. Removing his shoes, he sat down by her side again.


    "Bai Yaling, do you allow me to be yours?" Wang Hao asked her.


    She nodded her head. He nted a soft kiss on her lips and said, "I am yours, now. For Wang Hao, his wife''smand is supreme from this moment. I adore you and will always do."


    Bai Yaling smiled and closed the distance between them by hugging him. Her head rested on his chest and she locked her hands around him. Wang Hao also put his arm around her back and snuggled her close to him.


    "Do you know when I kissed you first?" He questioned her out of the blue and she leaned her head back to gaze into his eyes.


    "Outside my chamber," she answered.


    "Wrong," Wang Hao stated and brushed the back of his index finger on her nose.


    "I kissed you when I saved you from dying," Wang Hao said and peered into her eyes. "You were not waking up, so I need to give you mouth-to-mouth respiration," he stated.


    Bai Yaling was startled for a second and then ended up smiling.


    "Our fate matched that day," Wang Hao said and rested his forehead against her. "I saved many women during the times of war, but not the way I saved you. It was decided from that moment onwards that we are meant to be together," he said and again kissed her.

 Chapter 709 A Flower Petal

    Huo Jin stopped by Yin Na''s room, however, did not find her. Even her servants were not present near her room. Huo Jin came to the main courtyard and found that most of the guests had left already. He went to the feast hall where Wang Fuxing and a few other ministers could be seen. The Sixth and the Seventh Prince had already left for the Pce.


    He stopped a servant and asked about Yin Na from him. However, he had not seen Yin Na around. Huo Jin hummed and went towards the other part of the residence. He started to search for her until he found her on thekeside of the pavilion.


    He climbed the few stairs to reach the top of the pavilion when Yin Na turned her head as she heard his footsteps. She did not say anything to him and turned back to look into theke which was visible because of thenterns hanging above it.


    "Why are you here? Did you not eat dinner?" Huo Jin questioned her.


    "Leave me. I am not in a mood to eat," Yin Na replied and put her hands on the wooden railing support. She rested her hands on her chin and sighed. Huo Jin quietly sat down beside her and looked up at thenterns.


    "I fell into the water while hanging thesenterns up," Huo Jin initiated the conversation. Yin Na tilted her head and gazed at him.


    "The servants could have done that," stated Yin Na. "You always do the small chores," she huffed.


    "No work is small. Also, I was once a servant," Huo Jin reminded her. "Let this matter be discussedter, but let''s talk about you. Why are you upset?"


    "I am not upset," Yin Na answered. "When did you leave in the morning? You avoided me the entire day," she asserted.


    Huo Jin realized thatst night in his drunkard state, he troubled Yin Na. When he woke up in the morning, he was shocked to see himself in Yin Na''s room. He looked for Yin Na and saw her on the floor. So before leaving her room, he put her on the bed and left silently.


    "Forgive me forst night," Huo Jin apologized. He had not enough memories from thest night, so he did not know that he even told her not to marry Xu Wenhai.


    Yin Na stared into his eyes. "Do you want me to marry Xu Wenhai?" She asked him.


    Huo Jin was startled to hear her question.


    "Does my choice matter? You are the one who has to spend her entire life with him. So, make a wise decision," Huo Jin could not directly refuse her. However, he gave her a piece of advice.


    "His mother sent her golden hairpin with Xu Wenhai''s hands to me. They want me to be the daughter-inw of Xu Family," she informed him.


    "Xu Wenhai seems to be in love with me but I do not feel anything for him. He even made an advancement towards me and I did not like it. Does he think I am hungry for the love of a man?" Her question puzzled Huo Jin.


    She straightened herself and then turned to him. "Huo Jin, you are the only person with whom I can even talk about my past because," she gazed deeply into her eyes, "you not only understand me but feel my sufferings too."


    Huo Jin found that Yin Na was deeply hurt by Xu Wenhai.


    "Xu Wenhai is not a bad person, but I don''t even know if he''s good after he asked me to apany him to the other city for the winter festival. When he holds my hands, I do not feel good, but I am scared too about raising my voice. I want to refuse this proposal but her family is so nice and doing this may bring sourness in the rtionship of my father and head of the Xu Family," she expressed her concerns to Huo Jin.


    "Then, refuse to marry him. Father does not want his daughter to marry against her choice. He was more concerned about General Wang''s marriage since he was 28. For your marriage, he is rxed," Huo Jin advised her.


    "Huo Jin, but I think I am presuming everything rted to Xu Wenhai. Maybe he is nice. Since it is only two days, I cannot be sure if he''s good or bad. I am confused," Yin Na stated and lowered her eyes.


    "I might step back if you are willing to ept me," she then said, again peering into his eyes.


    Huo Jin recalled the words of Xu Wenhai. "I am not perfect for you," his hands fisted into balls as his words had angered him. However, he would not either deny that he betrayed his master.


    "Why?" Yin Na furrowed her brows.


    Huo Jin looked towards theke as he refrained from answering her.


    "You confuse me, Huo Jin. Last night it felt to me that you were honest," Yin Na said and Huo Jin had no idea what he did in her bedroom.


    "Let''s go in. It''s cold here," Huo Jin stood up. He extended his hand to her, who held his hand. He pulled her up and then pulled his hand away.


    "Eat your dinner and then take a good sleep. Forget about today''s incident with Xu Wenhai," he told her and walked away. He did not want to stay close to her as he felt guilty for confusing her heart.


    There was a possibility that she was skeptical of Xu Wenhai because Huo Jin never treated her that way. After Xu Wenhai''s harsh remarks on him, Huo Jin thought that his status, his sins, and his past night affect Yin Na in the future.


    Yin Na sighed and looked up at the sky before going back to her room. Her personal attendant asked her where she was.


    "Near the Lake pavilion," Yin Na answered.


    "Young Master Xu was looking for you. He told me to give you this, Young Miss," Yin Na''s personal attendant informed her, handing her a folded paper.


    "But I do not know how to read," Yin Na answered. How could Xu Wenhai send her a handwritten message when she was illiterate?


    He might have thought that because she was now from the Wang Family she knew how to write and read.


    "How will I read it?" She murmured when she thought of Huo Jin.


    "I will be back soon," she told her personal attendant and left to meet Huo Jin. Upon reaching outside his room, she walked in without knocking.


    "Huo Jin, could you please read it for me?" She asked while unfolding the sheet when saw that Huo Jin had removed his upper garments. She immediately brought the sheet in front of her eyes and shut her eyes tightly.


    "Forgive me, I came inside unannounced," she said in a low voice.


    Huo Jin quickly turned his back towards her. She peeked at him and was shocked to see the brownish marks on his back, not one but many.


    Huo Jin picked the upper garment which he had removed earlier and wore it. He swiftly tied the knots on it and turned to Yin Na, who immediately hid her face behind the sheet that she was holding.


    "I am done," he said and Yin Na brought her hands down from her face.


    "What do you want me to read?" He came near her when she handed him the sheet.


    "Xu Wenhai sent this message for me through my personal attendant''s hand," she replied. Huo Jin hummed and started to read the message.


    He flinched his brows when Yin Na asked him to say aloud. "I cannot read your mind," she said with a smile.


    Huo Jin nodded his head.


    "As a petal of a flower falls on the water surface and creates ripples on its surface; the same way your first gaze at me, created ripples in my heart."


    Yin Na was astonished to hear the message and a smile appeared on her lips while Huo Jin''s fingers tightly gripped the edges of the sheet.


    "Forgive me, for hurting you. You have never been out of Luoyang, so I thought that taking you out would be great. I never intended to hurt you," Huo Jin read the rest of the lines for her.


    "He has apologized to you," Huo Jin stated and quickly folded the paper.


    cing it on her palm, he said, "I am sleepy."


    "Did hepare my gaze with a flower petal?" Yin Na asked Huo Jin.


    "I do not know," Huo Jin coldly answered. He should not act this way but his heart was angry.


    "Why? You can read and even write! How could you not get this simple meaning?" Yin Na queried him.


    "Are you happy that hepared your gaze with a flower petal?" He hoarsely asked her and Yin Na got perplexed.


    "Yes. No one ever said that to me," Yin Na answered.


    something...",

 Chapter 710 A Young Man

    "Are you happy that hepared your gaze with a flower petal?" He asked her with annoyance.


    Yin Na was perplexed to see Huo Jin''s behavior. Earlier, he was behaving so gently with her.


    "Yes, I am happy. No one ever said that to me. He even apologized with such a beautiful message," Yin Na answered and thanked him for reading the message for her. Huo Jin kept quiet while Yin Na left his room.


    He went to the door to close it when Yin Na pushed it and their eyes met. "What happened?" He queried her. Yin Na pushed the door in and walked inside again.


    He turned to her in confusion.


    "Were you hurt badly once?" She questioned him.


    "Huh?" He arched his brow up.


    "Did you ever get punished brutally?" She cleared her question. When she took a peek at him, she ended up seeing his back which seemed full of scars.


    "Why do you ask?" Huo Jin put his hands on his waist.


    "Nothing," Yin Na said and immediately walked out of his room, bewildering him. She stopped at the other end of the walkway and took a deep sigh. "Did his master even beat him up? Why did he never tell me? Am I not close enough to him?" She murmured and pouted her lips.


    It saddened her heart seeing those brownish scars. He recalled how Huo Jin once told her that only Xinyue cared for him. When he used to get sick, she brought medicine for him; when he got injured, she applied the ointment on his wounds.


    "That''s why he cannot take her off his mind. I want to take care of him, but it seems Huo Jin does not want it. He even said that he''s not perfect for me. I wonder, why?" She murmured and moved her foot back and forth on the wooden floor.


    But at the present state, she could not either make efforts to go close to him. Her father, Wang Fuxing, would get upset if she tried to run away from the Xu Family''s son. And now, she got his apology, so it surely assured her that Xu Wenhai was not bad. He thought of her only. But his trust in him had still time to build.


    She stepped forward and left to her room.


    Huo Jin, oppositely in his room, sat down on the bed while his fists rested on his knees. He was unable to understand why he hated it when Xu Wenhai sent that apology letter to Yin Na. On one hand, he did not want to be Yin Na''s choice; and on the other hand, he did not want her to be with Xu Wenhai.


    The reason was obvious but he did not either want to ept it. He rxed his hands and thenid down on the bed. He pulled the quilt up and covered himself from it. But he was unable to sleep peacefully.


    Xu Wenhai''s words were still banging his head. He was not worthy to live and got this life in alms! The remark bothered him to the extent that he thought to leave Wang Residencea€| no but Luoyang. But then running away would never solve his problem.


    He tossed and turned the entire night on the bed because of the strange thoughts that had upied his mind.


    ~~~~~~


    "Master! Master!" Wang Hao''s sleep broke upon hearing this familiar voice in the morning, followed by a knock. He tilted his head and found Bai Yaling was still asleep with a serene expression on her face.


    He brushed his thumb over her cheek and gently ced Bai Yaling''s head on the pillow. He pulled back his arm from under her head and covered her from the nket.


    He stroked her head and then kissed the top of her head beforending his feet on the bed. Covering his upper body with the robe and tied the knot on it. He walked to the door, opened it, and stepped out.


    The servants bowed before him when he looked at Yang Ju. "What happened?" He questioned him. Yang Ju came to him and handed him the scroll.


    "The spy from Changying sent this for General Wang," Yang Ju whispered in Wang Hao''s ear before stepping back. "Forgive me, General Wang, for disturbing you," he then apologized humbly.


    Wang Hao took it and opened the scroll. He read the message and a troubled expression formed on his face. "Lady Bai is still sleeping, so let her sleep," Wang Haomanded Court Lady Dai, who bowed to acknowledge themand.


    "Follow me," Wang Hao told Yang Ju and the two walked away. However, before leaving, he instructed the servant to prepare the bathhouse for him.


    "Did the spy return?" Wang Hao asked Yang Ju as they reached a private room where Wang Hao stood around the table head. His fingers were rested on it as he had bent a little forward.


    "Yes, General Wang," Yang Ju replied. "The situation is indeed tough in Changying. Yesterday evening, a merchant returned and stayed at my rest house. He told me that how people want to get separated from the Han and want an independent region," Yang Ju informed Wang Hao, who furrowed his brows together.


    "Did he tell anything about their leader?" Wang Hao questioned him.


    "Yes, Master. He said that their leader is a young man," Yang Ju answered. "Since the merchant was new in that ce, so he had not seen the face of this young, rebellious leader," he added.


    Wang Hao looked at the scroll. "You may leave," he told Yang Ju, who bowed and left. Wang Hao scratched the surface of the table.


    "I cannot let the Emperor leave Luoyang. I must go to Changying and help the Princes along with Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang," he made the decision. However, convincing Sheng Li to let him go was difficult.


    But before that, the biggest question was who was this Young Man, whom people elected as their independent leader.

 Chapter 711 Heir Of The Wang Family

    Bai Yaling got ready and waited for Wang Hao in the room. The servants had cleaned the room when Lady Dai came to her.


    "Lady Bai, General Wang has to leave urgently to the Pce," she informed Bai Yaling, who wondered why Wang Hao left without informing her.


    She stood up and told Lady Dai that she wanted to greet Wang Hao''s father. Lady Dai, who was also new in the residence, asked one of the servants to help them go to Wang Fuxing''s room.


    However, Bai Yaling interrupted them.


    "Lady Dai, I will go to the kitchen first. I want to serve the tea to my Father-inw," Bai Yaling expressed her desire.


    The servant told them that she would show the kitchen to them and they left with her. In the kitchen, the chef greeted Bai Yaling.


    "I want to prepare the tea for Father-inw," Bai Yaling said humbly. "It is my first day in the house, so I must do this," she stated.


    "Sure, Lady Bai," the chef showed her the way to the kitchen when Huo Jin saw her. He put the porcin water jar on the table and walked to her.


    "Good Morning, Sister Bai Yaling." His hands were joined and rested near his belly. "Does Sister Bai want something? She should be in her room," he said with a concerned expression.


    "Brother Huo, good morning. Thank you for your kind concern. I want to make tea for my Father-inw since it is my first day," Bai Yaling stated.


    "Oh. But General Wang told me not to let his wife work," Huo Jin replied to her. Bai Yaling smiled upon learning the concern of Wang Hao towards her.


    "But making tea for the elders is important for the daughter-inw," she opined.


    Huo Jin did not stop her and told her to be careful. Lady Dai was from the Pce, so he did not have to worry much. Bai Yaling stepped inside the kitchen and the servants stopped working. They greeted her in unison.


    She prepared the tea for Wang Fuxing, Huo Jin, and Yin Na. She could not neglect the other members of the family and decided to have morning tea together as it used to be in her home.


    However, aftering to the Pce, everyone used to drink and eat separately. Since it was the rule that the eldest of the house could not eat or drink with the youngest except on some special asions.


    Huo Jin stayed in the kitchen until Bai Yaling finished making the tea. She wanted to prepare the morning breakfast, so told the chef to wait for her.


    Lady Dai carried the tray which had a teapot and four cups on it. They left for Wang Fuxing''s room while Huo Jin told a servant to bring Yin Na to that room.


    Wang Fuxing, who was reading a literary book, was informed about Bai Yaling''s presence. He put the book down on the table when Bai Yaling entered, followed by Lady Dai, Huo Jin, and Yin Na.


    Yin Na was panting because she ran to reach on time. They all greeted Wang Fuxing, who was astonished to see them in the early morning.


    Bai Yaling bowed before Wang Fuxing and then lifted her head. "Father-inw, I prepared tea for us. I hope you will like it," she said and tilted her head to look at Lady Dai, who came forward.


    "Of course, I will like it," Wang Fuxing said dly.


    "Sister Yin Na, Brother Huo Jin, please take your respective seats," Bai Yaling urged them. They both took seats while Bai Yaling served the tea to them.


    Wang Fuxing inhaled the scent of the tea and then took a sip. He felt rejuvenated in the early morning and praised Bai Yaling for her tea-making skills.


    "Please take the seat," he told her and Bai Yaling sat down on the floor cushion. Lady Dai gave her a teacup and she also started to drink the tea.


    Wang Fuxing''s eyes filled with tears as he recalled the old days when his wife used to make the tea and they all gathered in the morning.


    "I am d that you grab the hand of my son," Wang Fuxing said and put the teacup on the table. They all gazed at him.


    "Wang Hao''s decision to marry you is the best decision of his life. This tea reminds me of myte wife. We used to gather in the morning for tea. However, after she passed away, we never gathered together like today," Wang Fuxing said and wiped the edges of his eyes as he had turned emotional.


    "I am also thankful to all of you for including me in your family," Bai Yaling said and passed a tiny smile to Wang Fuxing.


    "I will be an aunt soon, Father will be grandfather," Yin Na said in the middle.


    Wang Fuxing nodded his head. "We all are ready to wee the heir of the Wang Family," he stated.


    Bai Yaling was dazed to hear it. They all had already epted her child with Yongzheng as Wang Family''s heir. She thanked time and again herself to the Empress for pushing her forward for another marriage.


    After the tea session ended, Wang Fuxing gave his blessings to Bai Yaling. He told her to go to her room and eat her breakfast. She nodded and left with Lady Dai.


    Yin Na looked at her father, who could not stop himself from praising Bai Yaling. She agreed with his words when Wang Fuxing reminded her about her meeting with Xu Wenhai.


    "Yes, Father. I will leave after eating my breakfast," she replied.


    "Huo Jin, you go with her and bring herter in the evening," Wang Fuxingmanded Huo Jin.


    "Father, my presence is needed in the Residence. I wille back after dropping her to Xu Residence," Huo Jin affirmed.


    They stood up, bowed, and then walked out.


    "I can go alone if you do not want to drop me to the Xu Residence," Yin Na told him.


    "It''s fine. The Xu Residence isn''t far from here," he asserted.


    "Get ready. I will be waiting outside the Residence." He left, leaving Yin Na in confusion.

 Chapter 712 Freed From Taxes

    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu took the disguise as themoners. They came out of the room, where Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang were waiting for them, who were also in disguise.


    "General Xiao, you will follow Prince Nianzu while Commander Yang will apany me. We both will separate in the middle of the market," Jian Guozhi exined to them the n, followed by the rest of the n.


    "Later in the evening, we will meet at the market center. Keep in mind that no one would be able to find that from Luoyang we havee to check the situation," Jian Guozhi told them to be cautious.


    Xiao Zhan handed the daggers to Jian Guozhi and Nianzu respectively. They hid the daggers inside the sashes around their waists.


    "Let''s go then," Jian Guozhi said and they left for the market.


    Changying was a busy marketce because of its easy ess to the ocean and also neighboring Kingdom, in the North-East.


    Upon reaching the center of the market, they separated their paths. Jian Guozhi and Commander Yang went to the fish market while the other two went to the cloth Market.


    By now, they had realized that in Changying people were not bothered by the new independent leader. It seemed that they were happy with the situation, or most of them were still unaware since this unknown leader was in the vige adjacent to Changying.


    Jian Guozhi and Commander Yang stopped by a shop in the fish market, where a group of men had gathered around.


    "Did you hear that Changying will soon get separated from the Han Empire?" One of the men in the group asked another one, who was checking the fish quality. Some of them moved ahead to the other shops.


    "Yes. I think the Emperor and the Princes are so busy in their lives that they forgot their own people," he said while checking the fish.


    "It seems rotten. Are you going to sell it?" He asked the middle-aged man, who shook his head.


    "Chief Tang, it is still early morning, so I have not checked yet. Forgive me, I will put it aside," the fish seller separated the fish while Tang Lao looked at him with a suspicious gaze.


    "Your tax is still pending. When are you going to pay that?" He questioned the seller.


    "Chief Tang, give me a week. I will surely pay the remaining tax," the seller again asked for the time. Tang Lao was a kind officer, so he agreed with him.


    Commander Yang went to the other side of the fish market while Jian Guozhi thought to follow those two officials.


    "Chief Tang, I do not think that it is easy to get separated from the Han when the Emperor is," the man, who was assistant to Tang Lao lowered his voice and leaned closer to his ear, "the famous Prince of the Han. Everyone knows how strong he is on the war ground!"


    Tang Lao closed the ledger book in his hand and turned to look at him. "However, His Majesty will not step out of the Pce. The Empress is pregnant and I have heard that he is devoted to his wife more."


    Jian Guozhi realized that the thoughts of a lower rank official about Sheng Li had changed drastically.


    "Chief Tang, but the Empress is known for her intelligence. I do not think that they will neglect this issue," the assistant said.


    "Did you not hear about the matter of the South-Western province? How did the then Crown Prince and the Crown Princess solve the matter?" The assistant queried Tang Lao.


    "Who knows what will happen to us. Let''s go ahead. I need to submit a report today," Tang Lao told his assistant and they walked ahead.


    Judging from their conversation, Jian Guozhi realized that people like them did not want to get separated from the Han. He walked ahead while listening to the random talks of the people in the market.


    "EVERYONE! EVERYONE! EVERYONE! LISTEN TO ME!"


    A man''s voice reverberated in the fish market. The people started to gather around him. Jian Guozhi also walked ahead, wondering what could be the matter.


    "What happened, Rujing?" An old man asked this young man.


    "Uncle, we are going to get freed from the taxes from tomorrow," Rujing''s sudden announcement perplexed Jian Guozh. He knitted his brows as it was the most unusual announcement he had ever heard in his life.


    "What are you saying, Rujing?"


    "Did some kind of Royal decreee?"


    "Did His Majesty waive our taxes?"


    People started to ask many questions at once.


    Rujing motioned his hands in the air. "The Emperor will not waive the taxes. Lord Lian has announced this. If the people from Changying city support him and unanimously follow his idea of bing the ruler of Changying, then we will be freed from the taxes," Rujing pronounced with a broad smile.


    "Is it true?" Many people at once asked him. Rujing nodded and showed them the sheet that he had taken with him.


    "I found this at the southern gate of Changying. In the early morning, Lord Lian himself pasted this announcement at the wall," he told them. The people got happy upon hearing this.


    Tang Lao and his associates were astonished to hear it.


    "See, I told you that the Emperor and the Princes are busy enjoying their lives. I miss the old Crown Prince," Tang Lao said with a chuckle. Jian Guozhi heard him and then thought to speak, but then stopped.


    "He will free us from tax!" An unknown loud voice was heard and then a man in his early 20s jumped down the wooden roof.


    He tied the headband around his head and then rested his hands on his waist.


    "Zhe Yan, do you think I am joking? This is the proof!" Tang Lao said and showed him the white paper on which letters were written in ck.


    Zhe Ya scratched the back of his head. "I am illiterate, Rujing. And why did you tear this announcement from the wall? Do you not want the Governor to know about this? At least, help wille from Luoyang," Zhe Yan said.


    "Who wants help from Luoyang? We will support Lord Lian," a man said from the crowd and the others supported him.


    "You all have lost your minds. If taxes are removed, then how will the nation grow?" Zhe Yan questioned them.


    Jian Guozhi found his personality amusing. Despite being illiterate, he knew economics well.


    "Your Highness, you muste with me. I need to show you something important," Commander Yang whispered in Jian Guozhi''s ear.

 Chapter 713 Sheng Li Wont Die Easily!

    Jian Guozhi narrowly gazed at Commander Yang and left with him. However, before leaving Jian Guozhi took a good look at Zhe Yan since he had thought to converse with himter.


    They both halted near an old shop where a few men with weapons could be seen. They all were dressed in brown robes, with ck shades on their cheeks.


    Commander Yang pulled Jian Guozhi behind a wall of the shop adjacent to this one. "Your Highness, they are from the other vige. It seems they work for¡­"


    "For Lord Lian," Jian Guozhipleted his sentence and they both peeked out, careful enough not to get caught in their eyes.


    "Why are they here?" Jian Guozhi questioned him.


    "Your Highness, they are nning to gain control over the fish market," Commander Yang said.


    Jian Guozhi stepped forward when Commander Yang stopped him. It was dangerous to go close to them when Jian Guozhi assured him that nothing would happen to him.


    He walked past them and tried to go inside the shop when a man taller than Jian Guozhi, stopped him.


    "You cannot go in." The man forbade Jian Guozhi from going inside.


    "Why can I not go inside?" Jian Guozhi peeked in and found an old man surrounded by a few. "This is a public shop and as a customer, I can surely go in," Jian Guozhi pronounced.


    "This shop is sold to us from this moment. You can leave," the man informed Jian Guozhi while scowling at him. He tried to intimidate Jian Guozhi but he had no idea that the First Prince had a shorter temper.


    Jian Guozhi, however, did not say anything to him as it could bring trouble to them. He apologized for disturbing them and turned to leave but stopped.


    "Brother, I heard an announcement regarding taxes. Will Lord Lian really make Changying tax-free if we go on his side?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "Yes. Support Lord Lian and get the waiver from the taxes. In the Han Empire, taxes are too much and the huge taxes exploits most of us, so to prevent the people like us from it, Lord Lian has offered a deal," the man described him.


    Jian Guozhi looked down at the sword in the man''s hand.


    "Sure!" Jian Guozhi said and bowed before them. He silently walked away while Commander Yang followed him after a few seconds.


    "They will take control over the Fish Market soon," Jian Guozhi deduced and informed the same about Commander Yang.


    "We need to send a message to Luoyang and tell His Majesty that I would enter the vige where Lord Lian is residing," Jian Guozhi then said in a low voice. Commander Yang nodded and they were now at the same ce, where earlier crowds had gathered.


    Jian Guozhi looked for Zhe Yan but could not find him around. They searched at a few shops for him, but could not find him. Jian Guozhi did not either want to ask anyone as Zhe Yan would have gotten skeptical if foundter that someone searched for him.


    They came out of the fish market and strolled in the few other areas of the market. Everywhere in the market, the announcement of ''Tax-free Changying'' had spread.


    "Your Highness, most of the people are turning to Lord Lian already. It is strange. Don''t they have faith in our Empire? The Han protected them from invasions of foreign entities and today they are turning to the enemy side," Commander Yang was angry at the people.


    "That''s because Tax is the most concerning issue among the people. The new tax system is better yet they don''t want to pay. The reason is simple! They are being misguided by Lord Lian," Jian Guozhi exined to him.


    Till lunch, they had gathered a lot of information from various sources, but the most important information about Lord Lian was still missing.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li re-read the scroll that Wang Hao gave him. It was the spy who sent the message to them.


    "Your Majesty, allow me to go to Changying," Wang Hao requested to Sheng Li, who furrowed his brows together.


    "No. I will go to Changying," Sheng Li had made up his mind. "Stay in the Capital and protect Luoyang," Sheng Li decided.


    "Your Majesty, you are the Emperor. You must stay in Luoyang," Wang Hao affirmed and bowed. "I will go and¨C" He stopped as Sheng Li interrupted him in the middle.


    "I am the Emperor, so my order is supreme to you. I am leaving for Changying in the evening. Don''t let this go out. The Court Ministers will know about this but apart from them, no one must find out this. If you find anyone spreading this out, kill him," Sheng Li passed the order.


    "But the Empress is pregnant. His Majesty shall stay in Luoyang," Wang Hao said worriedly.


    "This is what Lili wants too. I must not step back from my duty. The spy has not sent the message if the situation could be controlled by the Princes and the others. Only I can solve it," Sheng Li asserted.


    Wang Hao could not help but acknowledge the order of Sheng Li. His grip tightened around the sword in his left hand when he heard Sheng Li say,


    "Even your wife is pregnant. You don''t need to risk your life every time," Sheng Li reminded him.


    Wang Hao lifted his head to look into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    "My life is for you and the Han before my family. His Majesty knows why trained hard to be the General," Wang Hao said with a firm tone.


    Sheng Li smiled. "You became the General to protect me. However, I trained hard to be the Crown Prince first and then the Emperor! I became the Emperor to protect my people, which include you as well, Wang Hao," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Don''t argue with me anymore. I will punish you," Sheng Li threatened him, but General Wang did not get scared. He knew that Sheng Li would never do that.


    "His Majesty can punish me," Wang Hao stated.


    "Then, your punishment is to stay in Luoyang," Sheng Li pronounced. "Nothing will happen to me. Sheng Li won''t die easily," he said when Wang Hao told him to not say such a thing.


    "What has happened to you, Wang Hao?" Sheng Li chuckled.


    "When we were in the Northern Province, you almost got into danger. We lost Hu Jingguo. That de could have pierced you," Wang Hao suddenly turned emotional.


    "I won''t let anyone die at my ce, to get harmed because of me," Sheng Li stated as he patted Wang Hao''s shoulder.

 Chapter 714 Perfection In It

    The carriage stopped outside the Xu Residence. Huo Jin got down from his horse. He opened the carriage''s door and asked Yin Na toe out.


    He extended his hand out to let Yin Na support it but then Xu Wenhai pushed him away and grasped Yin Na''s hand. Huo Jin chuckled and stepped back.


    Yin Nanded her feet on the ground and thanked Xu Wenhai. She adjusted her skirt and then looked at Huo Jin.


    "Are you leaving?" She asked him.


    "I am," Huo Jin replied.


    Xu Wenhai was happy that Huo Jin would not be around them.


    "But Father wants me to be around you," Huo Jin suddenly changed his statement and gazed at Xu Wenhai, whose smile disappeared. "Since Yin Na is not married to Minister Xu, I don''t think she should stay alone," he told Xu Wenhai.


    "Why not?" Xu Wenhai said andughed hysterically and stepped closer to Huo Jin. "You must remain within your limits," he whispered in her ear.


    Yin Na wondered what they both were doing.


    "I am within my limits, but you are overstepping your boundaries," Huo Jin retorted and walked to Yin Na. Xu Wenhai red at him and then gazed at Yin Na.


    "Come, Yin Na. Father and Mother had gone to the Buddhist Temple, so they will returnte. My younger brother has gone to the academy to study," Xu Wenhai informed her as they ascended the stairs.


    Huo Jin was d that he did not leave Yin Na alone with Xu Wenhai. After yesterday''s incident, he hardly had any faith left in him. They walked in when Xu Wenhai took them to the training ground.


    Upon seeing the pavilion, Yin Na''s eyes glistened. She could see varieties of arrows, mostly from the arrowheads. She picked on and almost put her pointer finger on its arrowhead when Xu Wenhai told her to be careful.


    "It is sharp. Your finger might get hurt," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "Minister Xu should not have ordered so many arrows for exhibition," Huo Jin taunted him and took a seat on a chair.


    "Before beginning anything, a person must know the basics. You may get defeated if you have limited knowledge. The varieties of arrows are put here not just for a show but to make Yin Na aware of them," Xu Wenhai asserted.


    "Did you receive my message yesterday?" He asked in his polite tone from Yin Na, who nodded her head.


    "That was a beautiful message," Yin Na said while fidgeting with her fingers. Huo Jin tilted his head to look at them and found how brightly she was smiling at him.


    "Minister Xu, it was odd that you sent her a handwritten apology when you were well aware of the fact that Yin Na cannot read words," Huo Jin said with skepticism. Xu Wenhai and Yin Na both looked at him.


    "I think you want me to read it, particrly for Yin Na," Huo Jin said while scowling at him. Yin Na wondered why he was speaking this way with Xu Wenhai.


    ''Why has he taken a seat already when Xu Wenhai is still standing? Doesn''t he know it''s rude?'' Yin Na thought and knitted her brows.


    "I thought a handwritten apology would be best. Sometimes you cannot speak your heart out, so it is better to write them down," Xu Wenhai gave the exnation to them.


    Huo Jin did not agree with his words. Xu Wenhai did not like his presence around Yin Na and he wanted Huo Jin to stay away from her.


    Huo Jin stood up and went towards the table on which some bows were ced. He picked one and then picked the arrow. He came near the pavilion''s wooden railing and pulled the bowstring. He released the arrow and it hit the center of the target.


    "Minister Xu, you should start teaching Yin Na," Huo Jin said and handed him the bow. He came back to the chair and settled on it.


    Xu Wenhai was furious at Huo Jin''s behavior but kept his cool in front of Yin Na. He took Yin Na towards the table where different varieties of arrows were put. He exined to her about them.


    "There is a shooting technique that is famous among the shooters of Mongolian hignds," Xu Wenhai told Yin Na.


    "In Han, only a few are aware of this technique. The way they shoot arrows is quite amazing. Even their arrow-making style is amazing. If one gets shot, your death is written," Xu Wenhai described to her. Yin Na was amazed to hear about it. Huo Jin did not tell her about all this and it made her wonder if he did not want her to learn.


    "My brother must have knowledge about it," Yin Na said proudly.


    "Indeed. The Emperor, the First Prince, the two Generals, and the Commanders, along with a few high-ss soldiers are aware of this technique," Xu Wenhai told Yin Na.


    "What about the Empress? I heard that in the South-Western Province, Her Majesty saved His Majesty magically by shooting down many assassins while she was on the horse. Does she also know about it?" Yin Na queried him with a curious look.


    "I am afraid but I don''t think that the Empress is aware of this technique," Xu Wenhai answered. "Her Majesty is from Juyan, which is a peaceful city and they hardly got themselves involved in the war," he opined.


    "The Empress knows this technique," Huo Jin interrupted between them. "Minister Xu has only limited knowledge. Also, it takes years to get perfection in it," he added.


    "That''s why I told you that you need at least a year to learn it," Huo Jin affirmed and stood up from the chair.


    "Do you also know this technique?" Xu Wenhai queried him.


    Huo Jin did not answer his question and looked at Yin Na. "I am leaving. General Wang is not at home, so my presence is necessary around Father and Sister Bai. I wille to pick you upter," Huo Jin informed her and left without looking at Xu Wenhai.

 Chapter 715 Your Life Is Everything To Me

    Ying Lili looked at the small robe which she had sewed herself. She showed it to Court Lady Xu and Ki. "It looks cute," Ying Lili said as she moved her hand over the fabric. "But I think I am unable to stitch it well," she said and pouted her lips.


    "Your Majesty, it looks beautiful. It is your first time sewing clothes, so you found the stitching odd," Court Lady Xu told her humbly.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor is here," a maidservant came in to inform her. She lifted her eyes from the dress in her hand and found Sheng Li in the chamber. The servants left upon the order of Sheng Li and he came towards Ying Lili.


    "You made it," he sat by her side, "it''s beautiful."


    "Really?"


    Sheng Li nodded and hummed. Ying Lili was delighted to hear Sheng Li''s answer and put it aside on the bed.


    "You returned early today," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li took the needle from her hand.


    "Sheng Li, you are not supposed to take it directly," Ying Lili suddenly got angry at him, who peered at her in bewilderment.


    "Why? You should not use pointed objects. That''s why I¨C" he stopped when Ying Lili interrupted him in the middle.


    "If you take a needle from the person''s hand, you may end up having a fight with him," Ying Lili told him and got upset. "Put it into the fabric," she told Sheng Li, who was amused to hear the logic behind that scolding.


    "Fights are good to grow love," Sheng Li told her and inserted the needle into the tiny fabric. He put it into the wooden box and closed the box.


    "So, you want to pick a fight with me," she arched her brow up.


    "No," Sheng Li said and grasped her both hands. He kept caressing them and silence persisted between them.


    Ying Lili realized that something was wrong. "What happened? Did any messagee from Changying?" She waited for his answer.


    "Hmm. I need to go, Lili. Without me, the situation will only worsen," Sheng Li asserted and peered into her eyes. "Since I epted such a big responsibility of being an Emperor, then I shall perform my duty well," he stated.


    "Of Course," she said and smiled.


    Sheng Li drew her close and hugged her. "I will miss you," he said.


    "Me too." She caressed his back.


    Sheng Li pulled away and cupped her face between his palms. He touched his forehead with hers and took a deep breath. "I am leaving in the evening. I will get back as soon as possible, Lili," he said.


    Ying Lili lifted her eyes and found his eyes were shut. His cheek rubbed against hers and he nted a soft kiss on it. "Take care of yourself and our twins," Sheng Li whispered in her ear as his arms again wrapped around her.


    "I will. You made a good decision about going to Changying," she supported Sheng Li fully. "Don''t let yourself get harmed. Return safely and do not worry about me. I will be extra cautious," Ying Lili assured him that she would remain safe.


    Sheng Li again gazed into her eyes and stroked her cheek with his palm. "Changying is near to Luoyang, so every day you will get my message. I am not taking Wang Hao with me this time. He will stay in the capital and look into military affairs. After I reach Changying, I will send Prince Nianzu back to Luoyang," Sheng Li informed her about a few more things.


    "You did good by letting General Wang stay in the capital," Ying Lili asserted. "Don''t get into the trap of the enemy. Also, send your spies and soldiers ahead instead of going alone. Your life is everything to me," Ying Lili stated as her eyes turned misty.


    "I know." "Nothing will happen to me," Sheng Li assured her. He knew the fear inside Ying Lili. Last time, he could have died in ce of Hu Jingguo. He regretted this date for not being extra cautious. However, the loss of Hu Jingguo had taught him this lesson¨C to not get overconfident!


    He kissed her softly on her lips. Ying Lili''s fingers tightly gripped the fabric of Sheng Li''s upper robe and she reciprocated his kiss. He drew his brows together and deeply kissed her.


    He realized how tough it was for his father when he used to go to the war.


    No matter how many wars you have conquered, a pointes in life where you get scared. A small fear always exists when you have your loved ones behind, waiting for your safe return.


    Though he would try to not go for war but if any such situation arose, his foremost priority would be to remain safe while eliminating the enemy.


    The wars he had been into, today he realized how many families got destroyed because of those military campaigns. Such thoughts should note to his mind at this moment, but seeing his own wife pregnant with his kids, it forced him to think.


    However, Lili''s love for him would keep him always safe.


    "Lili, what do you want for lunch?" He asked her as he withdrew from the kiss.


    "Your favorite dishes," Ying Lili answered.


    "What about your favorite dishes?" He suggested it to her.


    "Sure," Ying Lili agreed with him.


    "Will you go alone to Changying?" She asked curiously.


    "Commander Yao will apany me," Sheng Li replied. "I have been in these situations before too. Do not worry too much," he stated with a firm voice and kissed in the middle of her forehead.


    Sheng Li called Xing-Fu in and told him to prepare for Ying Lili''s favorite dishes. Xing-Fu went to the kitchen to give the orders.


    "I have called for an emergency court meeting. I will be here for lunch. I thought to inform you first before talking with my ministers," asserted Sheng Li and stood up.


    "I want toe too," Ying Lili stated and got up.

 Chapter 716 To Lean On

    Nianzu and Xiao Zhan stopped by a silk cloth house shop that belonged to the richest merchant from Changying. They both walked in and found the workers were packing the stuff.


    "Hey, Brother," Xiao Zhan stopped one of the workers, who had arge bolt in his hand. "Where are you taking all these materials?" He questioned him.


    "The shop is getting closed," the servant replied to him and walked ahead. Xiao Zhan looked at Nianzu, who frowned as it seemed strange to him.


    Nianzu went to the second floor while Xiao Zhan tried to search for the merchant on the first floor itself.


    Nianzu saw that the small blocks where once every kind of clothes was stacked had emptied. The merchant was indeed vacating the shop. But why? This merchant was known to deliver clothes in Luoyang too.


    He encountered a group of few men, who were employers in the cloth house.


    "So, even our Master had decided to shift his shop to Yeosu, the small city adjacent to Changying," Nianzu heard one of them. He hid behind the pir and peeked at them to see their expressions.


    They did not look happy, maybe because they had to shift to apletely new city or had to leave work.


    "Lord Lian has given Master Yue Qi a better offer that he could not decline. He did not have to give taxes under the leadership of Lord Lian," the other one said.


    Nianzu was shocked to learn the strange truth. Why would the merchant not pay the tax? Wait! Was this the reason that most of the people were not opposing Lord Lian''s ways and easily turning to his side?


    "But what do you think if the Emperor finds out about it? He surely will kill Lord Lian before he could even start consolidating these small regions.


    "But if people will voice together to be with Lord Lian, I think even the Emperor has to surrender himself," asserted the third one.


    The other three started tough at him. "Are you serious? Don''t you know who the current Emperor is?! The most powerful Prince in the Han Empire. His Majesty will surelye to check into this situation. Also, I feel the taxes imposed by the Han are not big. It is a reasonable amount. What if Lord Lian imposes taxes on us?" The first one asked them questions.


    Nianzu found out that the people had mixed opinions about this matter. However, most of the people were blindly following Lord Lian without thinking about the long-term consequences. He came down and walked to Xiao Zhan, who had conversed with a few other workers in the shop.


    They came out of the shop and walked ahead. "Your Highness, the rebellion is giving false hopes to people. He is misleading them," Xiao Zhan said with a fit of rage.


    Nianzu agreed with his words. Lord Lian was targeting not only the lower-middle working ss but also the merchant ss. He wanted to bring revenue to his territory and lured the merchants towards him through zero taxation.


    Nianzu and Xiao Zhan kept their ears open while walking. They found most of the people were talking about shifting to Yeosu.


    ''I cannot believe that the people for whom our Father and our officials did so much today are turning against us without even thinking of its repercussions. To protect this region, Brother Sheng even led a war. We lost so many soldiers yet the people have forgotten their sacrifices,'' Nianzu thought while listening to the talks of the people.


    ~~~~~~


    Huo Jin ced the perfume bottle that Wang Fuxing had asked for. Wang Fuxing had a keen interest in collecting perfumes.


    Wang Fuxing told Huo Jin to sit with him for a while. "You should have stayed with Yin Na in the Xu Residence," he suggested to Huo Jin.


    "Father, Yin Na has started to trust Xu Wenhai. So, I thought about letting them spend time together. Moreover, General Wang is busy in the Pce, so I thought to return," Huo Jin asserted as he rested his wrists on his knees.


    "Hmm." Wang Fuxing found out that Huo Jin was indifferent about Yin Na''s closeness with Xu Wenhai. He had thought that Huo Jin would interfere and stop them from going ahead with this proposal.


    Huo Jin''s resolute behavior always astonished Wang Fuxing. Though he wanted Huo Jin to move ahead in his life, but now he could not either say anything about this.


    "Xu Wenhai is a man with great values that must be the reason that Yin Na opened up to him," Wang Fuxing stated.


    Huo Jin did not want to disappoint him by telling him the true face of Xu Wenhai. But then Xu Wenhai''s hatred towards him was understandable to him. Xu Wenhai was good in Yin Na''s eyes. He even wrote a poem for her. Though it was simple, it was beautiful enough to flutter the heart of any woman.


    "I would like you to see you married too, Huo Jin. You suffered so much in your life. You also need a shoulder to lean on. Though, this old man respects your choice, do consider giving a chance to yourself," Wang Fuxing asserted.


    "Yes, Father," Huo Jin said and stood up. "Father, I must check the lunch meals for Sister Bai. I will take my leave," Huo Jin bowed before Wang Fuxing and walked out of the room.


    He came towards the kitchen when he saw Yin Na.


    "What are you doing here?" Huo Jin came near her. "When did you return?" He asked.


    "A few minutes ago. Xu Wenhai was called to the Court urgently," Yin Na replied. "That''s why I returned. I was thirsty, so instead of going to my room, I first came to the kitchen," she exined to him.


    "Oh."


    "Do you know about that technique?" She asked him suddenly. "That rare technique to shoot arrows," she was curious to know.


    "Why do you want to know?" He questioned her back.


    "Because it''s amazing. You know those things which only a few great people in the Han know," she passed apliment to him.

 Chapter 717 Not Capable Enough

    Huo Jin did not respond to Yin Na''spliment and went inside the kitchen. Yin Na walked behind him and saw him ordering the chefs about the lunch meal. Yin Na wondered how Huo Jin knew so much about the food that was taken in pregnancy. It fluttered her heart.


    ''He will not let me be his wife,'' She thought and got upset.


    Huo Jin gazed at Yin Na, who looked dejected. He thought to ask her but then his mind told him that he should not be bothered about her anymore.


    He left the kitchen when Yin Na followed him up. "You did not answer me. You were teaching me that rare technique for archery, weren''t you? I told Xu Wenhai that I would learn from you only. Even he has agreed to me. Since you already--" she stopped as Huo Jin halted at his ce.


    He turned to her and said, "I will not teach you. You are not capable enough to learn it. Also, you should stay away from me."


    Yin Na was perplexed upon hearing his words. "Away from you? But, why?" She frowned.


    "You will marry Xu Wenhai soon. It is not good for you to roam around me," Huo Jin asserted and curled his fingers.


    "My marriage is not decided with him," Yin Na affirmed. "Also, don''t think too highly of yourself. Why would I roam around you?" She muttered.


    "You never talked this way with me," she concluded. "Are you jealous of me being close with Xu Wenhai?" Yin Na earlier noticed that Huo Jin behaved oddly around Xu Wenhai. He hardly acted that way, so itnded her to the conclusion that Huo Jin was jealous to see her with another man.


    "No," Huo Jin replied right away. "I just do not like it. I do not like you, so there is no point in being jealous. Also, jealousy exists when your rival is at a level higher than you and you think you can never be at that level," he asserted and walked away.


    Yin Na did not follow him this time. She did not want to believe this thought that was lingering in her mind for a long time.


    "No. This cannot be true. He still does not see me as a woman. At this rate, I will be married off," she murmured.


    Huo Jin stopped by the courtyard and recalled the previous day when Xu Wenhai caught Yin Na from falling. "Why did it have to happen in front of me?" He mumbled.


    "What happened in front of you, Brother Huo?" He heard a familiar voice and turned to look.


    "Sister Bai," Huo Jin found her in the courtyard apanied by a few servants. "Ahh, nothing," Huo Jin did not seem appropriate to tell Bai Yaling.


    "Where are you heading to? General Wang is still in the Pce," Huo Jin informed her.


    "I toured around the residence once again so that I will not forget the routes," Bai Yaling answered.


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "The lunch will be ready soon, Sister Bai. If General Wang does note for lunch then you need to eat without waiting for him," Huo Jin asserted.


    "Brother Huo seems like a real big brother to me now," Bai Yaling remarked and passed a tiny smile to him.


    Huo Jin was never called a brother by any woman. He felt strange yet happy. "Sister Bai can consider me as her real brother if she wants," Huo Jin stated.


    Bai Yaling thanked him. "I will be d," she said.


    "Brother Huo, from the Pce a few things have been sent. Could you pleasee with me? I need your help," Bai Yaling requested.


    "Sure, Sister Bai," Huo Jin said and left with her.


    In the room, Huo Jin saw therge wooden boxes. A few servants were unpacking the stuff. Upon seeing Bai Yaling and Huo Jin, they left the work in the middle and bowed before them.


    Bai Yaling walked in and sat down on the chaise at the front while her servants stood behind her. Bai Yaling nced at Lady Dai, who handed her the new silk robes.


    "Brother Huo, this is for you," Bai Yaling said while gazing at Huo Jin. "It is a gift from my family," she proimed.


    Huo Jin stepped forward and thanked her.


    "Her Majesty herself selected the clothes for everyone in the family. There are a few more, but this one is a special one," Bai Yaling said with a smile.


    Huo Jin looked at the fine silk Hanfu dress in his hand as he moved his hand over it. "I am not worthy to wear such expensive clothes," Huo Jin said out of the blue which puzzled Bai Yaling.


    "Why, Brother Huo?" She asked curiously.


    Huo Jin didn''t reply to her and again thanked her for the gift.


    "Brother Huo, the quality does not decide whether a person is worthy or not," Bai Yaling pronounced. "Do not think that your value is lesser than any of us," she made him understand.


    Huo Jin could not agree with her. However, he could not exin to her what he was in reality! Among the officials, his image was not good. That he realized after meeting Xu Wenhai, whose harshments sometimes bothered him.


    "Sister Bai, I will unpack the stuff and help them," he asserted and started to help the servants.


    "I will give the dresses to Sister Yin Nater," Bai Yaling said.


    ? "Yin Na has returned," Huo Jin informed her.


    "This early?" Bai Yaling''s eyes turned bigger.


    "Yes. She must be in her room," Huo Jin answered and asked her if he should call her.


    "Brother Huo does not need to trouble himself. I will give it to herter. She might be resting," Bai Yaling stated.


    "It is not a problem for me, Sister Bai. Yin Na usually is idle at this hour," Huo Jin asserted. "I will bring her here," he said and walked out of the room.

 Chapter 718 Sheng Lis Departure

    Sheng Li and Ying Lili returned to the Northern Pce after attending the court. Sheng Li had informed the ministers about his departure to Changying.


    Ying Lili made Sheng Li wear the upper robe around the hanfu dress and buttoned it around his shoulder. "You do not need to worry about the Capital. I am here, so without any worries solve the matter of Changying," Ying Lili stated and tiptoed to reach his head.


    Sheng Li caught her wrists and put them down. He brought her to the chaise and made her sit on it. He got on his knees and gazed into her eyes.


    "Lili, I know that you will handle everything well after me. Just do not neglect taking care of yourself," Sheng Li asserted and grasped her hands which were on herp.


    He kissed her knuckles and let her hands go. Ying Lili removed the hairpin from his hair bun and took off the crown. The maidservant came forward and Ying Lili ced it over the tray covered in red silk fabric. Sheng Li''s hair spread till his shoulder and some fringes covered his eyes.


    Ying Lili fingered the curls of his hair and tucked them behind his ear. She told him to sit beside her. Sheng Li did so and asked the servants to leave except Court Lady Xu.


    "Lili''s life is above your life, Court Lady Xu," Sheng Li told while peering into Ying Lili''s eyes. "I will not forgive even the tiniest mistake, Court Lady Xu. So, be careful all the time," Sheng Li gave her the imperialmand.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will not let my eyes go off Her Majesty even for a second," Court Lady Xu affirmed and bowed her head.


    Ying Lili realized that Sheng Li''smand was for her too. Because if she made any mistake while he was away, Sheng Li would punish Court Lady Xu.


    "Lili, reply to my message every day," Sheng Li told her and kept his palm on her left cheek.


    "I will."


    "I will try not to take it to a war. I know war brings many unwanted deaths, so I will try to solve it amicably," Sheng Li promised her.


    Ying Lili hummed and smiled. She had full faith in him that he would not choose the path of war to end this unknown rebel. Through diplomatic conversation, the matter could be resolved in a better way.


    Sheng Li connected his lips with hers as frowns appeared on his forehead. He did not want to leave but he could not neglect his duty as an Emperor. He withdrew from the kiss and caressed her head, before embracing her into a hug.


    His hand moved to the back of her head as he pulled her closer. After a while, he withdrew back from the hug and stood up.


    "I will see you off till the Imperial Gates," Ying Lili stated.


    "I still need to put on the disguise. Wait here," he said and called Xing-Fu inside, who came with a small rectangr tray in his hand. Sheng Li tied the headband around his head to keep his open hair back and then wore the fake mustache.


    Ying Lili recalled the time when they both went to the Southern Province. She missed those times. She wanted to be by his side, but apparently, at the present time, shd could only stay back in Luoyang.


    Sheng Li picked up the hand mirror and looked at his face. Putting it back on the tray, Sheng Li turned to face Ying Lili, who stood up and picked the sword that was ced on the table on two supports.


    She walked to Sheng Li and presented the sword to him. "Here," she said. "Use it when it''s extremely important, else avoid it," Ying Lili asserted.


    Sheng Li grabbed it and hummed.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Li said and grasped her hand. They both walked out and found the Three Princes outside the chamber.


    "Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi came to him and hugged him. He patted his back. "Return soon. I will take care of everything behind you. I will not let Sister Lili miss you."


    Ying Lili and the other two Princes smiled as he heard Lei Wanxi''s statement while Sheng Li chuckled.


    Lei Wanxi stepped back when Rong Zemin came forward and hugged Sheng Li. "Don''t worry about the capital. I will keep my eyes and ears open," he assured him and stepped back.


    Sheng Li gazed at Weng Yu and let go of Ying Lili''s hand. He walked to the youngest prince and caressed his head. "Can I go with Brother Sheng?" Weng Yu asked with enthusiasm.


    "Maybe next time," Sheng Li said and patted his cheek, before pulling his hand back.


    "I won''t be a burden. I will protect you, Brother Sheng," Weng Yu said with a firm tone. Sheng Li was astonished to see how strong Weng Yu had be in these few months. He liked it, but he did not want to take him to Changying.


    Consort Dowager Ju Fen already had lost her one son. She would be angry if Sheng Li took Weng Yu with him. Moreover, in Sheng Li''s eyes, Weng Yu still had to learn a lot of things.


    Sheng Li turned to look at Ying Lili and extended his hand to her. She came near him and held it. They all left for the Imperial Gates.


    Wang Hao bowed before them and informed Sheng Li about the route. Commander Yao and a few high-ss trained soldiers were present too.


    "I will apany His Majesty till Luoyang borders," Wang Hao said humbly.


    Sheng Li went to Kongqi. He hopped on Kongqi, who neighed. Turning to Ying Lili, he smiled at her, whose smile broadened. Their eyes turned misty when Ying Lili raised her arm to wave at him.


    "Return safely," she again told him.


    Sheng Li pulled the reins on his horse and Kongqi started to run. He was followed by General Wang and the others. Ying Lili walked a few steps more and stopped when Sheng Li disappeared from her sight.

 Chapter 719 Not The Only Proposal

    Huo Jin got the message from Wang Hao that he would not be home at night. He folded the paper and put it inside his pocket.


    ''I should have volunteered to go to Changying. Let General Wang return and then I will leave for Changying,'' Huo Jin decided in his mind. He told Wang Hao''s message to Wang Fuxing first and then Bai Yaling.


    "That was sudden," Bai Yaling said with a worried expression.


    "General Wang has gone to escort the Emperor safely out of the border. Sister Bai, not many know about this. The matter in Changying is worrisome," Huo Jin asserted.


    Bai Yaling nodded. "Why did General Wang not apany the Emperor?" She asked him.


    "Because a General is needed in the Capital too," Huo Jin replied. "General Wang will return by the morning," he stated. Bai Yaling nodded and told Huo Jin to go to the Pce once.


    "Not now, but tomorrow morning. Brother Huo, meet Sister Lili on my behalf," Bai Yaling requested to him.


    Huo Jin acknowledged her request and took his leave. As he came out, he saw Yin Na and asked her if she needed something.


    "No. I wanted to talk to you," Yin Na said.


    "About?" His brow arched up.


    Yin Na twiddled with her fingers. Huo Jin waited for her to answer and when she did not, he asked her to speak.


    "Can you apany me to the market?" She asked him with a bit of hesitation. Although Huo Jin had told her to stay away from him, Yin Na could not help because Xu Wenhai wanted her to go with him to the market. She did not want to be alone with him.


    "Why are you hesitating so much then? When do you want to go to the market? Tomorrow, I will be in the Pce. Choose some other day," Huo Jin stated.


    "I need to go now," Yin Na replied.


    "Why?" Huo Jin got confused.


    Yin Na sighed. "Xu Wenhai wants me to go to the night market with him, but I do not want to be alone with him," she asserted.


    "So, you want me to be the bone of contention between you two?" Huo Jin chuckled and walked ahead. Yin Na wondered what happened to him. He never refused to apany her whenever she went outside. She lifted her skirt and ran after him.


    "Huo Jin, you can stay around me. I meana€| a little far from us if you think that you will be a bone of contention between us. You know how that day we encountered those men, so I am still a little terrified to go out in the evening or night," Yin Na urged him.


    "Yin Na, how long are you going to live in fear?" Huo Jin questioned her. "Xu Wenhai is a minister in the Imperial Court, so none wille near you. Also, General Wang is not in the house. I must stay here instead of roaming around," Huo Jin made her understand and politely refused to apany her.


    They both came to the main courtyard of the house.


    "But the residence has tight security. Can you note with me for an hour?"


    "Tell Xu Wenhai that you do not want to go out at night," Huo Jin suggested to her the simpler way.


    "I promised him that I will go with him," Yin Na answered.


    Huo Jin took a deep breath and halted at his ce. They both turned to face each other.


    "Yin Na, do you trust him or not?" Somewhere he thought that Yin Na was still skeptical of Xu Wenhai but because of their father, she was not saying anything.


    "If you do not trust Xu Wenhai, then step back from this marriage. It is not the only proposal that you can have," Huo Jin asserted.


    Yin Na gripped the edge of her dress and shook her head. "I do trust Xu Wenhai," she replied, which made Huo Jin chuckle.


    "Then, the answer is simple," he affirmed. Yin Na gazed into his eyes when she heard him say, "I do not need to follow you. I have duties towards the entire Wang Family. At present, my presence at the residence is much more important than following you. Xu Wenhai is not the type who will harm you."


    Huo Jin had thought to keep himself away from Yin Na. Since the day Xu Wenhai called him a leech, he felt he did not either deserve a second chance.


    "Miss Yin Na, Young Master Xu is waiting for you outside."


    A servant informed her and the two looked at them.


    "Go. He hase to fetch you," Huo Jin stated.


    Yin Na pulled up a face at him and then walked away in anger.


    Huo Jin turned to look at her. "When you trust him, you should not hesitate this way," he murmured and went away.


    Outside the Residence, Xu Wenhai was delighted upon seeing Yin Na. She descended the stairs and bowed before him. Xu Wenhai bowed too and thenplimented her for her beauty.


    Yin Na put a tiny smile on her lips.


    Xu Wenhai forwarded his hand so that Yin Na would hold it, but she did not. He put his hand down and told her to get into the carriage.


    Yin Na stepped forward and got into the carriage, followed by Xu Wenhai. The guard closed the door for them and stepped back.


    "Thank you, Yin Na, for agreeing to go with me to the market." Xu Wenhai felt overwhelmed that Yin Na did not refuse.


    "When will you leave for the other city?" Yin Na queried him.


    "It is dyed. His Majesty wants the ministers to stay in Luoyang until he solves the matter in Changying and its neighboring minor cities and viges," Xu Wenhai informed her.


    "Oh." "Is the situation tough in Changying?" Yin Na asked with curiosity.


    "It is," Xu Wenhai answered. "That''s why the Emperor has to leave out of the blue."


    "Why do you want to see the night market? I suppose that you have been out numerous times," Yin Na was interested to know because, after that day, she was still hesitant to go out, especially at night.


    "I have never been to the market with a woman," Xu Wenhai replied.


    "I want to do everything for you to see how much I adore you," Xu Wenhai affirmed.

 Chapter 720 His Sins

    The carriage stopped in front of the market gates. Xu Wenhai stepped out of the carriage first and then extended his hand out for Yin Na. She grasped it and got out of the carriage.


    Xu Wenhai let go of her hand and the two walked in. The night market was exceptionally crowder than the other days.


    "Yin Na, the bridge looks beautiful in the nighttime," Xu Wenhai proimed. Yin Na hummed and followed him silently. However, she kept her gaze low since she did not want to get recognized by anyone known.


    Xu Wenhai found it odd, so asked about it. Somewhere, he thought that Yin Na did not want toe to the market with him. Did he do wrong by inviting him? She probably felt ufortable around him. But he wanted to know the exact reason.


    "You shall share with me because if you won''t then how will I find out what you like or what you hate," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "It is not that I hateing to the market, but I refrain from going in the evening or night," Yin Na finally confessed.


    "Why?" Xu Wenhai drew his brows together.


    "Because a few days back, I encountered an official, whom I used to serve once in the Brothel house," Yin Na answered.


    Xu Wenhai recalled his work which the Emperor had assigned to him. How could he forget what happened with Yin Na? He immediately apologized to Yin Na for neglecting it.


    "Yin Na, but I would like you to not be scared by all this. You did nothing wrong. You are allowed toe to the market any time," asserted Xu Wenhai. Yin Na was impressed by his words.


    "I try to," she replied when found Xu Wenhai''s hand on hers.


    He intertwined their fingers together and halted along with Yin Na. "From now on, you will not think about your past. Forget it because your present and future are bright. I know that it is tough for you, but I am sure it is not impossible. I will bring every kind of joy to you that you will never recall about those bad memories," Xu Wenhai promised her.


    Yin Na''s eyes flickered as she felt something strange. She got to see a new side of Xu Wenhai, which was lovely in her eyes. He was considerate of her despite knowing the fact that she once was an entertainer.


    Xu Wenhai tucked the loose hair strand that had rested on her cheek behind her ear. As he leaned back, his eyes got locked with her.


    Yin Na shook her head and pulled her hand back. "Let''s go to the bridge," she said, pointing towards the riverside and started to walk. Xu Wenhai followed her.


    Xu Wenhai purchased the red bean dumplings for them while looking at Yin Na, who was in the middle of the bridge. He walked to her and offered a stick to her. Yin Na thanked him and started to eat.


    Xu Wenhai chewed the dumpling and said, "Yin Na, tell me something more about you." She nced at him amusingly. "About your likes, dislikes, and other things which no one knows," he asserted.


    "There is nothing in particr that I dislike," Yin Na said and ate the other dumpling. After chewing and swallowing it, she said, "I think I like everything."


    "That''s such a confusing answer," Xu Wenhai affirmed.


    "I do not know. I never put any thought on it," she asserted.


    "What about now? You can think now," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "Why don''t you tell me first?" She questioned him.


    "I like to do calligraphy in my free time. It calms me. Reading literary works is also my hobby. Other than this, I like horse riding and sword fighting. It relieves my anger in a better way," asserted Xu Wenhai.


    Yin Na gaped at him as it astonished her. "You like to do a lot of things. It truly surprised me," she praised him.


    "Surprised you? It means you undermined me," Xu Wenhai stated.


    Yin Na motioned her hands in the air to refuse. "I thought only the Princes had those kinds of hobbies. Huo Jin told me once about the Fourth Prince, who has simr hobbies," asserted Yin Na.


    "After the Princes, we noble ssese. We are supposed to master such things to stand out from the other sses," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "I think noble sses try to suppress the ones who are below them," Yin Na proimed. "Huo Jin lived his life as a ve, so he usually told me how the distribution of status has affected him," she affirmed.


    Xu Wenhai did not like the way Huo Jin described the noble ss.


    "ves are supposed to agree to their masters in all the circumstances," Xu Wenhai said.


    "He should me his fate to be born as a ve, not the entire noble ss. Because of His Majesty''s favors, no one considers him a ve or a traitor," Xu Wenhai could not help but tell Yin Na what he truly felt about Huo Jin.


    Yin Na wondered why Xu Wenhai talked this way about Huo Jin, so she defended him. "Huo Jin is not a traitor," she announced. Somewhere, she felt dejected that even Xu Wenhai thought bad about Huo Jin.


    "Yin Na, I do not think that you know everything about Huo Jin. Do you know what he even did before surrendering to the Emperor? His sins are unforgivable," Xu Wenhai affirmed with a displeased expression.


    "Huo Jin was not supposed to live. He did a heinous crime. The majority of the ministers think that he deserved a death sentence along with that woman, who fooled the entire royal family," Xu Wenhai said bitterly.


    Yin Na snickered because she did not agree with Xu Wenhai.


    "What kind of sins did Huo Jin do, Minister Xu?" Her tone became polite but at the same time, one could feel the anger in it.


    Xu Wenhai furrowed his brows together as he found that Yin Na was unaware of Huo Jin''s past crimes.

 Chapter 721 I Will Make Him Disappear

    Xu Wenhai did not want to ruin their moments because of Huo Jin, so he told Yin Na to not talk about him anymore.


    "But I want to talk to you about Huo Jin. He did notmit any crimes or sins. Also, I am well aware of his life. It is so easy for people to say that he made mistakes but no one tries to see what Huo Jin is like. He is a gem among men and no one could everpete with him," Yin Na proimed.


    She had lost control over her emotions. Her heart ached when she found what the majority of the so-called noble ss think of Huo Jin.


    "Yin Na, he is not a gem. He betrayed his master to live," Xu Wenhai affirmed. He lowered his voice as the people on the bridge looked at them. He did not want to create any scene, so held the hands of Yin Na, when she yanked them away.


    "I will not marry you, Xu Wenhai." Yin Na pronounced and pulled the hairpin off her hair bun which Xu Wenhai''s mother had given him. She handed it to him. The dumpling stick in her hand fell. Xu Wenhai was shocked to get this reaction from Yin Na.


    "Yin Na," Xu Wenhai whispered her name.


    "Huo Jin is a part of the Wang Family. Since you consider this noble status so high, then I must remind you that the Wang Family has the highest status among nobles. If you cannot give respect to a person, who is from my family, then I am sure, after marriage, you will never respect me. Let''s end it here," Yin Na said loudly.


    She had forgotten that so many eyes were on them.


    "Are you end-ending it because of a mere--" Before Xu Wenhai couldplete his words, Yin Na pped him hard in front of everyone.


    "I told you to be respectful," she red at him. "There is no use of your literacy when your mind is filled with dirt. No one has the right to make a decision on Huo Jin''s life. If you have a problem with it, then raise it in court!" Yin Na challenged him.


    The people started to gossip as they gathered on the bridge.


    Xu Wenhai felt ashamed when a few of his fellows came on the bridge upon hearing themotion.


    One among them recognized Yin Na and then looked at Xu Wenhai. "Minister Xu, you are marrying her!" Liang Wu said with a startled look.


    Xu Wenhai tilted his head to look at them.


    "Do you know this youngdy?" another one asked him.


    "Yes, she used to be in the Brothel house. It is unbelievable that she is the renowned sister of General Wang," Liang Wu said and gazed at Xu Wenhai, who did not look in a good state.


    Yin Na''s eyes filled with tears as she heard the people''s whispers.


    "Xu Wenhai, what is wrong with you? You told us that you love a woman¡­ you should have said that it''s an entertainer," Liang Wu remarked while grinning at Yin Na.


    "Shut up, Liang Wu. Give her respect," Xu Wenhai asserted.


    "She has served me once in the Brothel house¡­ only tea," Liang Wu said. Yin Na turned to leave when the two other young nobles blocked her way.


    Yin Na lowered her eyes and twiddled with her fingers.


    Xu Wenhai told them to leave but they did not.


    Liang Wu came in front of Yin Na and bowed his head slightly. "What shall I address you¨C a Young Miss or an Entertainer?" He grinned when Xu Wenhai shouted at him.


    "Be in your limits, Liang Wu," Xu Wenhai threatened him.


    "Forgive me, Xu Wenhai, but this is strange. You are marrying an Entertainer who slept with many men in the Brothel house," Liang Wu pronounced in front of everyone.


    Xu Wenhai stepped forward to protect Yin Na, but then he heard Liang Wu''s scream. In a blink of an eye, he was lying on the bridge''s floor while his forehead was bleeding.


    Yin Na lifted her head to see and found Huo Jin in front of her.


    Liang Wu ced his hand on his forehead and saw the blood oozing out from it. He saw two more pebbles in Huo Jin''s head and understood that he hit his forehead with it.


    Huo Jin pulled him up by grabbing his robes from the shoulder and throwing a hard punch at his face. Liang Wu again fell. Huo Jin beat him up to a pulp when Xu Wenhai intervened to stop him.


    Huo Jin pushed him away and shouted at him, "that''s why you do not deserve to be Yin Na''s husband. I let her go alone with you thinking you will take good care of her. I was wrong about you. You do not deserve Yin Na."


    Huo Jin looked at Yin Na, who was crying. He grasped her hand and left with her.


    Reaching a ce isted from the people, Huo Jin halted. He turned to look at her and cupped her face between his palms. He wiped her tears and caressed her hair.


    "Forgive me," Huo Jin sincerely apologized. "I should not have sent you alone," he stated.


    Yin Na turned her head away as more tears streamed down her cheeks. Huo Jin stepped forward and hugged her. His hand rested on the back of her head. She started to weep and buried her face in his chest.


    "I want to disappear, Huo Jin," she said while sobbing. He did not utter any word, and the two stayed in that position for a while. After he realized that Yin Na had stopped crying, he pulled away and made her look into his eyes.


    "I will kill him for you. I will make him disappear. These are the words of Huo Jin," he affirmed while giving a promise to her.


    "Even if I have to die, I will not spare him," he announced before her.

 Chapter 722 Cannot Force My Feelings

    "You do not need to kill anyone. Don''t say such words," Yin Na said and wiped the tears from the right edge of her nose.


    "Let''s go back," she said and the two left the market.


    Huo Jin followed Yin Na to her room and asked the servant to set the dinner table for them. Yin Na, who had lost her appetite, refused to eat.


    "Don''t bring anger on food. I know that you can stay hungry," Huo Jin stated. Yin Na''s personal attendant kept looking at her when Huo Jin told her to leave the room. She silently followed themand and walked out.


    After the dinner table was set, Huo Jin made her sit on the floor mattress and himself sat on the cushion to her opposite end.


    He handed her the chopsticks and told her to begin eating. Yin Na started to eat while Huo Jin started after her.


    After they finished the food, Huo Jin asked the servant to clean the table. She did so, and walked out, taking the dishes on the tray.


    Huo Jin brought Yin Na towards the bed. He thought to make her sleep first when he heard her voice.


    "I knew that someday someone would say such a thing to me. I am afraid what will Father say? What if the people say such a thing to my Brother? It was not my choice, Huo Jin," she said and frowned.


    Tears again formed in her eyes and she lowered them.


    Huo Jin ced his hands under her cheeks. "Does it matter what you did in the past? Father knows that his daughter can never be wrong. General Wang will also kill such men if they try to see you in an evil way. Indeed, it was never your choice," Huo Jin said.


    Yin Na put her hands on his.


    "Why do you alwayse to rescue me? You confuse me, Huo Jin," she gazed at him confusedly.


    "Because it is my duty to protect you when General Wang isn''t around," Huo Jin replied. The answer that Yin Na wanted to hear did note from him. It dejected her but what she could probably say.


    Huo Jin slowly pulled his hands back and put them down.


    "If you had epted my feelings, I would not have to see this day," Yin Na stated. "You forced me to go with Xu Wenhai because I wanted to make you jealous. But I think anything that happens to me, does not truly bother you," she deduced. It was tough for her toe to this conclusion that Huo Jin never saw her the other way.


    Huo Jin indeed was jealous when Xu Wenhai was around her, but his mind did not ept that.


    "Why do you love me? I only have hurt you," he stated and swallowed the lump they had formed in his throat.


    "I do not know. It just happened," she bent her head and twiddled with her fingers again. "You do things for me which hardly anyone does. What more shall I tell?" She chuckled and again looked into his eyes.


    "You shall sleep. It iste," Huo Jin said.


    Yin Na hummed and turned her back towards him. Huo Jin stepped back and walked out of her room.


    He stepped out of the residence to meet Xu Wenhai. Also, he wanted to kill Liang Wu. Yin Na had told him not to do anything, but the way Liang Wu said wrong about her, forced him to not spare him tonight.


    As he descended the few stairs, he found Xu Wenhai in front of him.


    "How is Yin Na?" Xu Wenhai asked him.


    Huo Jin pulled him by grabbing his cors. The guards at the gate ran to them and pulled Huo Jin back. Huo Jin shouted at them and told them to let him go.


    "Young Master, please calm down. You might get into trouble for raising a hand on a minister," one of the guards said.


    "Leave me. I will not raise my hand on Minister Xu," he assured them. The guards let him go when Huo Jin told Xu Wenhai to follow him as he could not create any scene in front of the residence.


    Xu Wenhai followed him and found that Huo Jin was on the route that went to a deep forest. It was isted from people, so even if they would argue with each other, there would be none to witness them.


    Huo Jin halted and turned to Xu Wenhai after realizing that they were quite far from the residence.


    "Why did you let that bastard speak? Why did you stop me?" Huo Jin questioned him.


    "I cannot beat everyone around. People talk rubbish because it''s how society works. I stopped you because you could have been punished for beating an official," Xu Wenhai asserted.


    "But it is not important now. Tell me, how is Yin Na?" Xu Wenhai asked him again.


    "She is not good. What happened between you two? I heard a few people that you two were arguing over something," Huo Jin questioned him.


    "She does not want to marry me," Xu Wenhai stated and looked at the golden hairpin which was in his hand.


    "I never once lost. I passed the civil services exam on the first attempt. I won every game that was organized by the noble ss. However, I lost today," Xu Wenhai asserted and gazed into the eyes of Huo Jin, who was perplexed to hear him.


    "What are you bbering about?" He skeptically looked at him.


    "I lost to you, Huo Jin. Forgive me for looking down on you. Indeed, I should have beaten Liang Wu for disrespecting Yin Na, but I could not," Xu Wenhai affirmed.


    Huo Jin rubbed the temples of his forehead. He told him not to beat around the bush.


    "I did not like it when Yin Na praised you without knowing about your past. She chose you above the friendship between two families. Tell her that I truly am apologetic. I pray for her happiness, and I will surely work for the betterment of the women, who belong to the profession where she was forced to work once. This will be the best present for her. I know that she will never want to see my face after today''s incident," Xu Wenhai requested.


    "She chose me? What do you mean?" Huo Jin asked him to exin.


    "She loves you and I cannot force my feelings on her," Xu Wenhai asserted.

 Chapter 723 He Wants A War

    Huo Jin felt like beating Xu Wenhai. What he was asking and what Xu Wenhai was telling him were totally different.


    "I did not ask you whom Yin Na likes. I asked you about the mistake you made," Huo Jin said with a stern expression. He was furious at Xu Wenhai, who had no idea how much Yin Na got hurt by today''s incident.


    "I said a few things against you which angered Yin Na," Xu Wenhai then said and narrated the entire incident to him.


    He lowered his head and continued, "I did not know that Liang Wu and my other friends woulde to the bridge. Things were already heated between us and Liang Wu made it worse. Before I could stop him, you hit him," Xu Wenhai stated.


    Huo Jin could not believe that Yin fought for him with Xu Wenhai. She was not supposed to do that. Something strange happened in his heart. It melted when Xu Wenhai told him that Yin Na even pped him for talking bad about him.


    Did she forget even her surroundings? Why did she raise her voice for him? How could she love him this much?


    "Huo Jin, just deliver my former message to Yin Na. I will surely ask His Majesty to punish Liang Wu," Xu Wenhai said with a firm tone. Huo Jin said nothing because, for a few days, Yin Na underwent such a trauma that had shaken her inside-out.


    Huo Jin''s anger subsided and he decided to ask Yin Na once about it.


    "It iste. I will leave for my house. You should head back too," Xu Wenhai suggested to him and walked away.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, stayed at the same ce for a long time. Contemting over the words that everyone had told him. He did not know why he was adamant about not epting Yin Na''s feelings when his heart clearly knew that it beat for her.


    He moved forward and soon reached outside the residence. The guards looked at him worriedly. They asked him if he was good. He hummed before stepping inside.


    He turned to Yin Na''s room and found that she had already fallen asleep. It relieved him and he went back to his room.


    Wang Fuxing, who was on theke pavilion was informed by his servant about themotion caused in the market.


    "Where are those two?" Wang Fuxing questioned the soldier before him.


    "My Lord, they have returned and are in their respective rooms," the soldier replied. Wang Fuxing stroked his beard on his chin and told the soldier to leave.


    "Yin Na refused to marry Xu Wenhai. It ended before I expected, and again, Huo Jin did not open his heart. Is his heart made of steel?" Wang Fuxing murmured and looked up at the sky. The moon was covered with clouds.


    "My Lord, Young Master Huo Jin is confused about his feelings. I have seen him reacting differently whenever he is around Miss Yin Na," Wang Fuxing''s personal servant told him.


    Wang Fuxing hummed and asked his servant to keep an eye on both of them.


    "Yes, My Lord. Please go back to your room. The air is cold, and my master can catch a cold," the servant humbly requested Wang Fuxing, who nodded his head, and they left the pavilion.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu met in the restroom after having dinner.


    "Brother Nianzu, Lord Lian is doing the same thing with two professions. He will not ask for the taxes if people go to his side," Jian Guozhi stated and rested his palm over his knee.


    "That''s why most of the people without putting much thought turned to his side," Nianzu affirmed.


    "However, I found a few people who hold faith in the Han and its Emperor. Though, some are not happy because they think that the Emperor and the Princes are enjoying their lives in the Pce. There is distress among them," Jian Guozhi stressed and recalled about the young man, who told people to not foolishly follow Lord Lian.


    "What shall we do then? Shall we head to the mini-town that lies adjacent to Changying and check what is going on?" Nianzu waited for Jian Guozhi''s opinion.


    "I think so. Lord Lian frequentlyes to this town, which means he is near Changying. We don''t know how well versed he is in warfare, so before approaching him, let''s investigate the other parts of the market too," Jian Guozhi advised Nianzu.


    A knock grabbed both of their attentions. Nianzu stood up and opened the door. Xiao Zhan bowed before him and then came inside.


    "General Xiao, you look tense," Jian Guozhi said while Nianzu came to them after shutting the doors.


    "Your Highness, the dead body of a taxation official is hung in the middle of the market," Xiao Zhan informed them and took out the folded paper that he retrieved near the body.


    Both the Princes were shocked to hear it.


    Xiao Zhan handed it to Nianzu, who quickly opened it and started to read it.


    "Brother Jian, this issue is serious," Nianzu said with an anxious look. Jian Guozhi stood up from the chair and took the paper from him.


    It had the message of Lord Lian to the government officials who collected taxes, indirectly to the Emperor.


    "He wants a war," Jian Guozhi pronounced and knitted his brows together.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li reached Changying in the early morning with Commander Yao and a few other trained soldiers. They took the rest in a resthouse which was located a few miles away from the main town.


    However, before going to sleep Sheng Li wrote a letter to Ying Lili. He handed it to Commander Yao, who assured him that he would send it to Luoyang after getting in touch with the spy.


    Sheng Li nodded and walked inside the room. He closed it from inside and removed the upper robe. He put the sword on the table and went to the bed to sleep for a few hours.

 Chapter 724 Resist Me

    Huo Jin woke upte because he was tired from thest day''s work. A servant informed him about Wang Fuxing to Xu Residence.


    It worried Huo Jin as he was supposed to tell Wang Fuxing what happenedst night with Yin Na. As he came to Yin Na''s room and did not find her there.


    "Where did she go?" Huo Jin asked the guard, who was guarding her ce.


    "Young Master, Miss Yin Na is with Lady Bai," the guard answered him.


    Huo Jin was relieved to hear this. However, he wanted to talk to her once about her argument with Xu Wenhai. He had many questions for her, which only she could answer.


    So, he decided to wait for her outside General Wang''s quarters near the plum blossom tree. Because the winters were approaching, it had dried.


    After waiting for her an hour, he finally got to see her. Yin Na, who was with her personal attendant, upon seeing Huo Jin told her to leave earlier.


    She came towards Huo Jin and asked him what he was doing under the tree.


    "Let''s talk, Yin Na," Huo Jin said.


    "About?" Yin Na arched her brow up.


    "Yesterday''s incident," Huo Jin replied and walked ahead. Yin Na ran after him and told him that she had nothing to talk about.


    "I told Father in the morning that I would never marry Xu Wenhai," Yin Na stated. Huo Jin halted at his ce and Yin Na''s forehead hit against his back.


    She stepped back and rubbed her forehead while Huo Jin turned to face her. "Did you tell everything to Father?" He queried her.


    "Hmm." She put her hand down.


    "Why? You told me that Xu Wenhai is a good person," Huo Jin stated. Though he knew that Yin Na returned the hairpin which was a token towards her marriage with Xu Wenhai because he was disrespectful to him, he wanted to hear it from her mouth.


    Yin Na, oppositely, did not want Huo Jin to feel low, so she refrained from telling the truth.


    "I just don''t like him. Leave it. I do not want to talk about it," Yin Na said and walked past him. Huo Jin turned to her and started walking along with her.


    "You two argued with each other before his friends appeared on the bridge. What was it about?" Huo Jin asked her.


    "Why did you follow me?" Yin Na instead of answering inquired from him.


    "I told you that after General Wang, I must take care of you until you get married," Huo Jin affirmed.


    Yin Na did not like his statement. "What if I will never get married? Then, will you take care of me?" She asked with annoyance.


    Huo Jin had no answer for that. His lips quivered when he heard Yin Na.


    "I have decided. I will not marry anyone except you. I will try my best to win your heart, Huo Jin. I will show what care feels like that you will not be able to push me away," Yin Na stated with a firm tone.


    Huo Jin gaped at her and chuckled. "You must have lost your mind," he said in a low voice and then turned to leave.


    He was intimidated by Yin Na''s determination and a smile carved on his lips upon hearing her words.


    He narrowly gazed at his sleeve which Yin Na had caught. She came forward and their eyes met.


    "Father told me that he will not arrange my marriage. I am free to follow my heart. I love you, Huo Jin, and will always do," Yin Na again confessed to him.


    Huo Jin gulped and his fingers curled up.


    He widened his eyes when Yin Na kissed him. He felt his body numb for a second. He pushed Yin Na away by putting his hands on her shoulder. His eyes flickered in nervousness.


    "Yo-you are not supposed t-to do that," he found himself stuttering.


    Yin Na put her hands on the back of his palms and brought them to the front. "I will do it daily, three times a day until your heart," she gestured towards his chest, "will start thumping for me. Huo Jin, I will be your dream wife and devote myself to you."


    Yin Na''s eyes gleamed with determination towards winning Huo Jin''s heart.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, lowered his eyes. He was feeling strange but his mind did not let him ept this weird feeling. He pulled his hands away from her grip and promptly left.


    He stopped and rested his back on the pir. Touching his lips, he shook his head. "How could she do that? Why did Father allow her to chase me?" He muttered.


    He twiddled with his fingers before going back to his room.


    He pushed the door and found Yin Na near the table.


    "Huo Jin, the breakfast is ready. You never told me what your favorite food is, so I cooked a normal meal for today," she stated and motioned her hand in the air.


    "Come and take your seat," she told him in her soft voice, keeping a broad smile on her lips.


    Huo Jin could not believe his eyes that she arrived in his room earlier than him and even set the breakfast table.


    Yin Na found him not moving from his ce, so she came to him and grasped his hand. She brought him near the table and pushed him on the chair.


    "What about you? Did you eat?" He queried her.


    "Hmm. I had my breakfast with Sister Bai," Yin Na said and picked the lid from the bowl which had steamed buns in it. She put three buns on the te and told Huo Jin to start.


    Yin Na sat on the other chair and rested her elbows on the table''s surface. Her chin rested on her fists and fixed her gaze at him.


    Huo Jin started eating and found her eyes on him. "Why are you looking at me that way?" He questioned while looking at her as he chewed the soft bun.


    "It is said that if you look into the eyes of your lover, then you fall deeply in love with him," Yin Na said with a bright smile.


    Huo Jin started to cough and searched for the water sswhen Yin Na handed it to him. She caressed his back while he drank the water.


    Huo Jin put the ss down and nced at Yin Na, who had stopped caressing his back.


    He furrowed his brows together because he never expected such a statement from her. He then averted them and ate the remaining bun.


    Yin Na had already poured the tea into a porcin cup, and she forwarded it to him. "Drink it too," she said.


    Huo Jin picked up the cup and sipped the tea. "You are the first man for whom I cooked food. Shouldn''t you praise me a little?" Yin Na asked him.


    "Did you make it?" He queried her.


    Yin Na nodded her head and pursed her lips tightly.


    "You should not lie to me. I know the chef helped you," Huo Jin said.


    "You don''t know how to steam the buns. Last time, you tried and ended up burning the kitchen," he recalled the day and smiled.


    "It was a small fire, Huo Jin," Yin Na snapped at him. "I did not burn the kitchen," she pouted her lips.


    Huo Jin smiled and put the cup on the table. "Yin Na, I saw smokeing out of the kitchen from my eyes," he asserted and grinned.


    "Fine. I ept that it happened but today I truly made these buns with my own hands. The chef helped me a little," Yin Na stated and scrunched her nose.


    "Can you not praise me a little? I prepared this breakfast with so much love. I poured my heart out while making the tea. Can you not feel it?" She queried him with high hopes.


    "The tea looks in to me," Huo Jin asserted and put the cup on the table.


    "Really?" She asked him.


    "But even Sister Bai liked my tea. She told me that you will surely love it," Yin Na mumbled.


    "Did you tell Sister Bai about this?" Huo Jin asked him with a shocking expression.


    "What?"


    "About your feelings," Huo Jin rified.


    Yin Na nodded her head.


    "You were not supposed to do that," Huo Jin stated.


    "Why? I will shout in front of the people in the middle of the market that I have feelings for you," stated Yin Na.


    Huo Jin confusedly peered at him. What had gotten into her? Why was she so desperate about it?


    "You might get hurt," Huo Jin said with a serious expression on his face.


    "Not this time, Huo Jin. I will make you go crazy for me. You will not be able to resist me," Yin Na affirmed and smiled at him.


    Huo Jin was awestruck to hear it.


    What happened to Yin Na in just one night that she was behaving this way?

 Chapter 725 Not A Love Potion

    Wang Hao arrived in Luoyang, however, instead of going home, he first reported in the Pce to the Empress. After assuring her that the Emperor would have reached Changying safely, he left for his residence.


    "Your Majesty, please drink this medicinal tonic," Court Lady Ki told Ying Lili, who hummed. After she finished, Court Lady Ki took the bowl from her and put it on the tray.


    "It is your time to take a walk. The morning has turned colder, so His Majesty has changed your time for the walk in the royal garden," Court Lady Xu informed Ying Lili, who nodded.


    As they came out of the chamber, they found Weng Yu, who was waiting for Ying Lili.


    "Prince Yu." Ying Lili was puzzled to see him.


    Weng Yu formally greeted her first and then said, "Since Brother Sheng is not here, I have decided to be around you, Sister Lili. You can," he ced his hand on his chest, "trust this youngest brother of yours."


    Ying Lili ended up smiling and they walked to the Royal garden.


    "How are Brother Yu''s studies going on?" Ying Lili queried him.


    "It is going great, Sister Lili. I have gotten to learn numerous things. Brother Nianzu shared some great Schr books with me," Weng Yu answered.


    "Brother Yu is growing exceptionally faster. I still remember the day when I saw him for the first time and he was so timid with his Fifth Brother. I am d that his personality has developed so beautifully," Ying Liliplimented him.


    "That is because Sister Lili showed me the path. Brother Sheng is indeed very sweet. I was so wrong about him," Weng Yu said and smiled.


    "Sister Lili shall praise me too. Even, I have a marvelous transformation in my personality," they heard the voice of Lei Wanxi, who came to the front and greeted Ying Lili.


    Zhu Lin was also with him.


    "Words seem less to praise Brother Wanxi," Ying Lili said with a tiny smile. "His personality has always been attractive to me. He has such a charming smile that anyone''s heart will melt," she stated.


    Lei Wanxi gazed at Zhu Lin. "Did you fall for my smile?" he asked straightforwardly.


    Ying Lili tilted her head to look at Zhu Lin, who quickly bowed before her.


    "Did Sister Zhu Lin fall for Brother Wanxi because he has a charming smile?" Weng Yu asked her curiously.


    "The Sixth Prince has a cheerful personality. Indeed, his smile is charming simr to a young kid," Zhu Lin confessed.


    Lei Wanxi giggled upon hearing that and came near Zhu Lin.


    Ying Lili was happy to see their joy. She started to walk while they all followed her.


    ~~~~~


    Wang Hao upon reaching the residence asked about his father first from Huo Jin, who told him about thest night''s incident that urred with Yin Na.


    "What? Liang Wu did this?" Wang Hao was not able to believe it.


    "Does General Wang know Liang Wu?" Huo Jin asked him.


    "I am only acquainted with him. He is the son of one of the respected Court Ministers," Wang Hao asserted as he took out the armor off his torso. Huo Jin put it on the table and then turned to him.


    "Yin Na has stepped back from the marriage. They both had an argument. Forgive me, General Wang. I did not look after Yin Na and she had to hear that," Huo Jin lowered his eyes with guilt.


    "Do not apologize, Huo Jin. Yin Na made a good decision to not marry Xu Wenhai. He is good but as I said, he''s not suitable for her," Wang Hao asserted.


    "I will talk to youter as I need to meet Bai Yaling. Inform me when Father will arrive," Wang Hao said and left for his quarter in the residence.


    Huo Jin came out of the room and turned to his left when got startled to see Yin Na in front of him. He saw a tray in her hand over which a silver ss was put.


    He turned and walked in the opposite direction.


    "Is he ignoring me?" Yin Na murmured and hastened towards him.


    "Huo Jin, don''t run away," she said loudly as she found him walking faster than usual. "Don''t ignore me else I will stick by your side all the time," she stated.


    Huo Jin halted at his ce when Yin Na ran to him. She came in front of him and handed him the water ss.


    "Drink it," she urged him.


    "Why?" Huo Jin asked her and looked into the water ss. "Don''t tell me you have mixed that love potion in it that one oldie was selling a few days ago," he remarked and then peered at her.


    Yin Na was dumbfounded to hear it.


    "How do you know? Indeed, I bought a love potion from him since many girls were purchasing it," Yin Na stated.


    "I had not expected this from you," Huo Jin said.


    "I was joking, Huo Jin. I will never do such a stupid act. Also, I know that the potion was fake," Yin Na said. "You were working for an hour, so I thought to give you water."


    She ced her hand over her chest. "I was showing you what care feels like. Did any woman do this for you?" Yin Na asked him.


    "Drink it, Huo Jin," she again told him.


    Huo Jin was thirsty, so he drank the water. He thanked her and put the ss on the tray. He walked past her while Yin Na followed him.


    "You promised me that you would teach me archery. It has been more than two days since you made me practice," Yin Na asserted.


    "I am afraid but I need to go to the Pce," Huo Jin stated.


    "Oh." Yin Na got upset. "When will you return?" She asked him.


    "Probably in the evening," he replied. "Why do you ask?" He promptly questioned her.


    "I want us to have lunch together," Yin Na affirmed.


    "That''s not possible. I will be outside for some work," Huo Jin said. He had nned to beat Liang Wu, however, he did not prefer to tell about it to Yin Na.

 Chapter 726 Feelings For Sister Yin Na

    Sheng Li arrived at the main city of Changying. Commander Yao had already located the location where the two Princes were staying with Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang.


    They checked into the same rest house. Sheng Li had worn a conical hat withrge white ribbons hanging at both of its edges. He went straight to the room where Jian Guozhi and Nianzu were staying.


    Xiao Zhan opened the door and asked him who he was. Sheng Li pushed his conical hat up, who recognized him immediately. He bowed before him and let Sheng Li in.


    Jian Guozhi and Nianzu stood up from their seats. "Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi was astonished to see him in Changying.


    "Why did His Majestye here? I have advised him to stay in the capital," Jian Guozhi said with a worried expression.


    "I got a message from a spy about Changying. That''s why I decided toe here myself and check the situation. The earlier it will end, the better it will be for us," Sheng Li said and removed the conical, bamboo hat.


    Xiao Zhan took it from him while Nianzu pulled out a chair for Sheng Li to sit on.


    Sheng Li thanked him and removed the fake mustache that he had put on. He put his sword on the circr table and looked around the room.


    "It is safe, Brother Sheng," Nianzu assured him.


    "Did the two Princes find anything about the situation?" Sheng Li asked them and gestured to them to sit down.


    "Yes, we have found a few things," Jian Guozhi answered and then told him about that. Sheng Li clenched his fists.


    "Taxation is an integral part to grow an Empire. We will go to the cloth house as told by Brother Nianzu where something illegal is going on. After that, we will investigate the people," Sheng Li shared the n with them.


    "Brother Nianzu, return to Luoyang. The Third Prince cannot handle many matters alone, so you must help him," Sheng Li told Nianzu, who bowed, thus acknowledging the Emperor''smand.


    "But Brother Sheng, what if a negotiator is required?" Nianzu raised his doubts.


    "The First Brother and I will do that if we find the chances of the negotiation else a war is destined to happen," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Nianzu gaped at him and then turned normal. "I would like to advise, Brother Sheng, if he allows me," he asked for permission.


    "Hmm."


    "Brother Sheng, people are blindly following Lord Lian. War will bring destruction only. So, in my opinion, don''t go for it. Some people think that royalty enjoys the Pce life and does nothing for their betterment. So, he needs to make them believe what we all truly do," Nianzu suggested to him.


    "The Empress is pregnant. If the war breaks out, she will go into stress. Though we all know that Sister Lili is a strong woman, at this time, many emotions might be ying in her mind," Nianzu said.


    Everyone in the room agreed with Nianzu''s words.


    "With war, it would be easy to suppress Lord Lian and his supporters but the loss of lives will be grave to us. We need to make Han a peaceful Empire, Your Majesty," Nianzu reminded Sheng Li, who nodded his head.


    "I will not go for a war then," Sheng Li assured him and gazed at Commander Yang.


    "Arrange for the return of the Fourth Prince to Luoyang," Sheng Limanded him, who bowed and left the room.


    ~~~~~


    Huo Jin, after giving the message of Bai Yaling, left to search about the whereabouts of Liang Wu. Since he was an official in the Capital Bureau''s office, he decided to look for him in the office.


    However, from the Capital Bureau, he found out that Liang Wu was on a few days'' leave. When he walked out, Lei Wanxi ended up seeing him.


    "Huo Jin!" Lei Wanxi called out his name, who was with a few other officials. But Huo Jin did not hear him.


    The officials looked towards the direction where Lei Wanxi had his eyes.


    "What happened, Prince Wanxi?" One among them asked him.


    "I will check the report tomorrow," Lei Wanxi stated and left behind Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin hopped on the horse and pulled the reins on it.


    "Huo Jin!" He heard his name from a familiar voice and turned the horse to look.


    Lei Wanxi got d when Huo Jin stopped. He ran to him but stayed a few meters away from him. Huo Jin recalled the fear of the Sixth Prince from the horse.


    He swiftly hopped down and walked to him. Joining his both hands, he bowed.


    "Why were you here?" Lei Wanxi asked him and read his troubled expressions.


    "I had so-some work," Huo Jin replied, but he did not tell the entire truth.


    "Don''t hide anything from me. If you will, I mayin to General Wang and his Father," Huo Jin threatened him.


    "I am not hiding anything from the Prince," Huo Jin said with a confident tone. He did not want Lei Wanxi to know about it as he knew the Sixth Prince would stop him.


    "I am unable to believe your words," Lei Wanxi skeptically answered. "Your eyes are depicting something else," he gazed into Huo Jin''s eyes.


    "It is nothing, Your Highness. I had some work," Huo Jin stated.


    "Tell me about the work," Lei Wanxi urged him.


    Huo Jin felt stuck. He squeezed his eyes and then looked around. Finding no one in their vicinity, Huo Jin finally told Lei Wanxi.


    "I did not expect this from you, Huo Jin," Lei Wanxi said with a dumbfounded expression. "You could have reported it in the Pce to the Third Prince instead of searching for Liang Wu to," Lei Wanxi lowered his voice, "beat him up."


    "I cannot stand such men, Your Highness," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "But many women are treated this way for a long time by some men. You never acted this way," Lei Wanxi grinned. "Don''t tell me you have grown feelings for Sister Yin Na."


    Lei Wanxi''s smile broadened and he hit Huo Jin''s chest. "Huo Jin, you love Sister Yin Na, right?" He asked in a teasing tone.


    Xu Wenhai, who wasing from their front side ended up hearing Prince Wanxi and he felt about it.

 Chapter 727 To Kill Him

    Huo Jin furrowed his brows together upon hearing Lei Wanxi, who was teasing him.


    "Prince Wanxi, I do not," Huo Jin replied. They heard footsteps and saw Xu Wenhaiing towards them, who greeted the Sixth Prince.


    "Minister Xu, you here?" Lei Wanxi asked and saw a scroll in his hand. "What is it?" He curiously gazed at that scroll.


    "It''s a petition to punish Liang Wu, Your Highness," Xu Wenhai replied.


    Huo Jin gaped at him. So, Xu Wenhai did not lie to him the previous night. Oppositely, Lei Wanxi was confused to hear about it.


    "Who is Liang Wu?" Lei Wanxi queried him.


    "He publicly harassed Miss Yin Nast night, Your Highness," Xu Wenhai answered. Lei Wanxi was worried to hear it and he asked him to exin.


    "Huo Jin, what happened with Sister Yin Na?" Lei Wanxi asked him, who was ring at Xu Wenhai.


    He understood that something big happenedst night. Was the Emperor''s verdict not enough for people in Luoyang? How could someone go against the orders of the Emperor?


    "There is no need to file the petition," Lei Wanxi stated. "His Majesty''s decision was clear that whoever will repeat such a mistake and harass the women this way, he will be beheaded in the middle of the market," he reminded Xu Wenhai, who nodded.


    "But since His Majesty is not in the capital, I need to file a petition first," asserted Xu Wenhai.


    "Give it to me. I will give it to Sistera€|" he shook his head and corrected himself, "the Empress. In the absence of the Emperor, Her Majesty will make the decision."


    Lei Wanxi took the scroll from Xu Wenhai and told him to leave. "You should be with Sister Yin Na at this moment. Don''t leave her side," he thought to put oil in the fire and narrowly gazed at Huo Jin.


    "Miss Yin Na and I are not marrying each other, Your Highness. I am not worthy enough to be with her," Xu Wenhai affirmed.


    Lei Wanxi was shocked to hear the confession of Xu Wenhai. Just two days ago, he told Lei Wanxi that he liked Yin Na. What happened suddenly? He had thought to tease Huo Jin to bring out his true feelings, but he could no longer do that! It worried him because Ex-General Wang Fuxing would again look for another proposal for Yin Na.


    "Miss Yin Na likes Huo Jin," Xu Wenhai said and it startled both Huo Jin and Lei Wanxi. "You should not let her go to another man," Xu Wenhai advised him.


    Lei Wanxi''s jaw dropped down as he heard him. It was not what he had ever imagined! Xu Wenhai was telling Huo Jin to hold Yin Na''s hand! It truly astonished him.


    "I shall take my leave, Your Highness," Xu Wenhai said humbly and left the ce.


    Lei Wanxi nced at Huo Jin and asked him to exin.


    "What happened between these two? Xu Wenhai was crazy for her," he said with a bewildered expression.


    "Your Highness, Yin Na got angry as Xu Wenhai said a few bad things about me. In his eyes, I am someone who should have died," Huo Jin asserted.


    "So, Sister Yin Na refused to marry Minister Xu because of this reason?" Lei Wanxi queried him.


    "Yes. She found it disrespectful," Huo Jin said.


    "Sister Yin Na took it in her respect. Why don''t you ept her feelings? It is tough to find a woman who will raise her voice this way. Xinyue never stood for you. Remember, she went against you when her real identity was exposed," Lei Wanxi reminded him.


    "That was not love. But with Sister Yin Na, you can feel that love. I still wonder why you do not want to ept her," Lei Wanxi looked at him confusedly.


    Getting no response from Huo Jin, Lei Wanxi sighed.


    "Your Highness, I need to go home," Huo Jin said and bowed, before leaving. He hopped on the horse and left for the Wang Residence.


    Lei Wanxi put his hands behind his back and then went inside.


    Huo Jin pulled the reins as he found three masked men in front of him. They had swords in their hands. Huo Jin found that no one was around since he had taken the shorter route which was isted from the people.


    Huo Jin turned the horse back when found two others behind him. "Who are you?" He asked with a skeptical gaze when they got down from their respective horses. Huo Jin also got down and took backward steps. He thought to run into the forest when one of them threw the dagger towards him.


    Huo Jin swiftly moved left and then turned back. He ran into the forest while those five masked men chased him.


    Huo Jin had no weapon with him, so he could not fight with them instead of running away. He looked back and saw that they were close to them when he got kicked from the front and fell to the ground.


    His hands got bruised as they hit against the uneven surface.


    The masked man at his front attacked him with the sword in his hand when Huo Jin kicked his right knee. He fell, and Huo Jin took it as a chance.


    He swiftly stood up and dodged the masked man''s next attack by hitting him with a stone from behind.


    He took the sword from him and fought with the other four. His sword skills were better than those masked men, so he easily overpowered them. He slit their throats, keeping one alive.


    He moved his mask away and asked him who sent them. But before he could speak, a speeding arrow killed him.


    Huo Jin turned around to look when the arrow hit him right below his shoulder, just above his chest.


    "These five useless servants!" The man muttered in anger, who shot an arrow towards Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin fell on his knees and lifted his head to look. His vision had turned blurry and found a familiar face.


    "Li-Liang Wu," he murmured and got unconscious, lying on the ground.


    Liang Wu chuckled and put his right foot on his chest. "Die! You lowly bastard!" He spat at him. More blood oozed from the spot where the arrow had hit him.


    "How dare you hit my face?" Liang Wu screamed and applied more pressure on Huo Jin''s chest.


    His friends pulled him back and told him to run. "Why should I run? I need to kill him," Liang Wu tried to leave from their grips.


    "We saw the soldiersing here," one of them said. Liang Wu was shocked to hear it.


    "What? They nevere here," Liang Wu said.


    "It''s their training period. Let''s run before we get caught," the other one said. Liang Wu quickly threw the quiver and ran with his two friends.


    ~~~~~~~


    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi entered the famous cloth house, where yesterday Nianzu was denied entry. They had both gone as the workers with huge sacks on their backs.


    Earlier, they had found out that a few workers were hired to put the rice sacks in the storehouse of the cloth house.


    Lord Lian''s men had converted the cloth house to a ration shop from where he had decided to sell rice to the people, at a much cheaper rate.


    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi put the sacks on the floor. They heard the workers whispering among them about the lower the rice rate.


    "Lord Lian is a great person. He thinks so much about us poor people. The recent tax hike on rice made many of us forget rice for some time," one middle-aged man said.


    Sheng Li got puzzled. "But why did the rice tax get a hike? The rice is avable at a cheaper rate in Luoyang," he raised his voice.


    "Are you new to this town?" Another one asked.


    "Yes. We recently shifted to this town," Jian Guozhi answered on behalf of Sheng Li. "We are confused why the tax on rice is more here," he said calmly.


    "A few months back, ck marketing of rice was done by high officials. It became difficult to afford it, even for the middle ss," a young man replied.


    Jian Guozhi recognized the voice. It was the same person, who impressed him in the fish market.


    "Zhe Yan," Jian Guozhi murmured as he recalled his name.


    "However, I think it was Lord Lian, who had his hands behind it," Zhe Yan said and walked away.


    "Zhe Yan! This kid!" another man shouted his name, but he did not stop.


    "Don''t mind his words. The officials usually do ck marketing and suck the blood of people like us," the same man replied. "Lord Lian has announced free taxes if we will support him. You two shall support him too. Ask your families too."


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head and took Sheng Li, whose mood was already ruined. He took him to the backyard of this new ration shop.


    "Who is this Lian? He is fooling my people, and I want to burn him alive for this," Sheng Li muttered in anger.


    "Do you think you can burn Lord Lian alive?" They both heard a voice and got intimidated for a second.

 Chapter 728 I Am Your Person

    Both Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi got alerted upon hearing a voice, the same voice that they heard inside. Zhe Yan walked to them.


    "Do you really think you can burn Lord Lian alive?" He repeated his question.


    Sheng Li wanted to know first if this young man heard his entire conversation with Jian Guozhi or only half of it.


    "My brother is unhappy with this," Jian Guozhi thought to not raise the suspicion of Zhe Yan on them.


    "Even I am, but I will not be foolish enough to say this loudly," Zhe Yan asserted, looking at Sheng Li.


    "Most of the people are on Lord Lian''s side and if you try to say such a thing, then they might," Zhe Yan stepped forward, "burn you alive," he whispered in Sheng Li''s ear while patting his shoulders.


    Jian Guozhi wondered how Sheng Li would react.


    Sheng Li chuckled but did not say anything to Zhe Yan. He was undercover and exining his mighty power to a random person would only waste his time.


    "Why did you not try to inform the Emperor if you do not want to see Lord Lian as the ruler of this region?" Jian Guozhi asked Zhe Yan.


    "I am not an official. Isn''t it the duty of the officials, and the Governor of this Province to inform His Majesty?" Zhe Yan questioned him back.


    "Moreover, it''s the Emperor''s duty to keep a check in every province. His Majesty should appoint better officials," Zhe Yan affirmed. "I will take my leave. I need to go for another job," he said and stepped back to leave when Sheng Li stopped him.


    "What if the Emperor himself hade to Changying?" Sheng Li asked him.


    Zhe Yan gaped at him and ended up smiling. He rested his hands on his waist. "How is it possible? The Empress is pregnant and I don''t think His Majesty would step out. Everyone knows how much he adores the Empress. He will never leave the Pce at this time," Zhe Yan proimed.


    Sheng Li looked around and then stepped towards him. He leaned to Zhe Yan''s ear and said, "Kid, you do have courage but you do not believe your own Emperor. Courage without belief is disastrous."


    Zhe Yan gazed into Sheng Li''s eyes as he felt strange. "Who are you?" He finally asked Sheng Li, who leaned back.


    "Let''s go, Brother," Sheng Li told Jian Guozhi and walked ahead.


    "You should go to work," Jian Guozhi said and walked past Zhe Yan.


    "Brother Sheng must have not intimidated the young man," Jian Guozhi said in a low voice. He was walking by Sheng Li''s side.


    "It was important. He is with the Han, but he doubts me. He is lucky that I am undercover," affirmed Sheng Li.


    "First Brother, let''s find out why the rice reached the ck market. It''s a staple food and it is strange that the matter did not reach me," he suggested to Jian Guozhi.


    "General Xiao and Commander Yao will find out about it. We need to look into the other matters," Jian Guozhi answered.


    They both promptly stopped when Zhe Yan appeared out of the blue in front of them. He was panting, his hands on his knees.


    "What happened?" Sheng Li asked him.


    Zhe Yan stood straight and took deep breaths. "Forgive me for earlier," he said and looked around to make sure that no one would hear what he was supposed to say next.


    Jian Guozhi and Sheng Li looked at each other, confused. Zhe Yan bowed before him. "Wee to Changying," he said humbly.


    They widened their eyes when Jian Guozhi swiftly walked to him and put his hand around his shoulder. "Let''s talk somewhere, at a safer ce," he said in a low voice and then gazed at Sheng Li, who nodded.


    They took Zhe Yan to the rest house. Sheng Li sat on the chair with his hand over his thigh.


    "Speak," Sheng Li said and leaned his back on the chair.


    Zhe Yan got on his knees and extended his hands out. Jian Guozhi pulled out another chair for him and sat on it.


    He bowed and said, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was rude to you. I should have been respectful. Thank you foring to Changying for your people."


    "Get up," Sheng Li said. "Sit down," he said, gesturing to the chair.


    "How can I, Your Majesty?" Zhe Yan lowered his gaze.


    "Why? Are you afraid that I will kill you for sitting in the chair?" Sheng Li queried.


    Zhe Yan could not answer.


    "Sit on the chair," Jian Guozhi told him.


    Zhe Yan stood up and sat on the chair. He gazed into Sheng Li''s eyes and felt guilty for saying those words.


    "Why don''t you tell us what happened?" Jian Guozhi asked him. "We have been told about this issue quitete by the Governor. Officials do care about the people," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Forgive me for my stupidity, Your Highness," Zhe Yan said and lowered his eyes.


    "This is the First Prince, the Governor of Luoyang and also manages the affairs of the Provinces," Sheng Li introduced the First Prince to Zhe Yan.


    "Indeed, we care about our people. That''s why I am here," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Brother Sheng, I observed Zhe Yan in the Fish Market yesterday. People like him support the Han. However, a few are blinded," Jian Guozhi told Sheng Li.


    Zhe Yan was astonished to hear Jian Guozhi.


    "Your Majesty, I will give my full support to you. I will tell you what''s wrong in Changying and who is Lord Lian," Zhe Yan said with enthusiasm.


    "So, did you say earlier that only officials or the Governor must tell?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Because I considered His Majesty as ayman. I cannot tell any random man about the wrong things happening in Changying," asserted Zhe Yan.


    "Why did you never think ofing to Luoyang?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "Your Highness, I have a huge debt on my head. I cannot skip even a single day from work," Zhe Yan said politely.


    Jian Guozhi nced at Sheng Li, who put his hand away from his thigh.


    "Why shall we trust you?" Sheng Li asked another question.


    "Because I am your person, Your Majesty. Last year, the Former Emperor waived off two months of taxes and it helped people like me a lot. I can never betray Han for this reason, Your Majesty," Zhe Yan affirmed.

 Chapter 729 Endanger

    Huo Jin was brought in an injured state to the Wang Residence as some of the soldiers, who were in the forest, ended up seeing him.


    "General Wang! General Wang!" A servant came inside the room, where he was having lunch with Bai Yaling.


    "What happened?" Wang Hao looked at the fretful expressions of the servant.


    "General Wang, Young Master Huo Jin is badly injured. He is brought to the residence by a few soldiers," the servant informed him. "He is bleeding severely," he said.


    "What?" Wang Hao was shocked to learn about it. He immediately put the chopsticks on the te and stood up from the chair. He then looked at Bai Yaling.


    "Finish your meals," Wang Hao told her and gazed at Lady Dai. "Please help Bai Yaling to finish her food," he requested.


    "I wille with you," Bai Yaling said.


    "Finish your food first," Wang Hao urged and then left the room.


    "What happened to Huo Jin? How did he get injured?" Wang Hao asked the soldiers, who were outside Huo Jin''s room. The doctor was already brought and was examining Huo Jin.


    The soldiers bowed before Wang Hao, among whom one came forward and said, "General Wang, we have been training in the forest when we heard some noises. We followed those noises and found five dead bodies, along with Huo Jin''s body."


    Wang Hao walked in and found the doctor was treating Huo Jin. He found the arrow above Huo Jin''s chest and the bleeding was intensive.


    "General Wang, if I pull out the arrow, then it might endanger Young Master''s life," affirmed the doctor.


    Wang Hao pinched the skin between his brows. "But it will spread infection in Huo Jin''s entire body if not removed. That will be fatal for him," he stated. "Remove the arrow," Wang Hao made the decision.


    The doctor nodded his head and went forward with it. He instructed his assistant to crush the herbs which needed to be applied after cleaning the wound.


    Wang Hao cut Huo Jin''s upper robe from one end so that it would be easy to treat the wound. The doctor swiftly remove the arrow from Huo Jin''s chest, who winced in pain in his unconscious state.


    He quickly pressed the wound from the clean fabric, to not let the blood overflow.


    Suddenly, they heard the voice of Yin Na, who was arguing with the soldiers to let her inside. Wang Hao told the physician to continue their work and walked out of the room.


    "Brother Wang," Yin Na whispered his name with teary eyes. "How is Huo Jin? They refused to let me go in," she said with a trembling voice.


    Wang Hao grasped the hand of Yin Na and took her out. "He is fine. His treatment is ongoing," Wang Hao assured her.


    "B-but I heard that the arrow ha-has hit him. He is bleeding wa-way too much," Yin Na said worriedly. Unbeknownst to her, tears started to stream down her eyes.


    A strange fear had upied her mind and her heart, it was hammering against her chest.


    "Indeed, when someone gets hit by an arrow, bleeding bes intense, but it is nothing to worry about. The treatment is going on, so there is nothing to be scared of," Wang Hao calmed his sister down and then wiped the tears from her eyes.


    "Don''t cry and go back to your room. It will take a little time for the treatment to get over," Wang Hao told her, who shook her head.


    "I will wait for him to wake up outside his room. I need to talk to him," Yin Na stated.


    "Yin Na, do one favor for me. Stay with Bai Yaling. She is alone at the moment and I need to be in Huo Jin''s room for a while. As soon as the treatment will be over, I will call you," Wang Hao thought that with Bai Yaling, Yin Na would not panic this way.


    "Yes, Brother Wang," Yin Na rubbed her eyes. "Call me as soon as the treatment will be over, Brother Wang," she again requested him.


    "I will, Yin Na," Wang Hao said. He gazed at her attendant, who had followed them earlier, and gestured to her to take Yin Na away.


    "Miss Yin Na, let''s go," the attendant said and took her away.


    Wang Hao was relieved to see her go. He could not let her stay near Huo Jin''s room because his condition was indeed critical. He went back and found the physician had somehow stopped the bleeding.


    Wang Hao looked at Huo Jin''s upper robe, which he had cut earlier. He picked it up and looked at the shoe mark on it. He came out and handed that to the servant. "Throw it away," he ordered.


    Wang Hao turned to those soldiers and investigated from him about the dead bodies.


    "General Wang, those dead bodies are sent to the public mortuary for the examination. General Wang can check themter," the soldier stated.


    "Seal the forest and the route adjoining it," Wang Haomanded them, who bowed and left the residence altogether.


    "Who could do this with Huo Jin?" Wang Hao furrowed his brows. He was not able to understand who was a hidden enemy of Huo Jin. "An attack on him was unexpected," he muttered.


    "It can only be found when Young Master will gain consciousness, General Wang," the servant said.


    Wang Hao walked in and saw the few white cotton bandages that were stained with blood. The doctor and his assistant had applied the herbal paste on the wound and the bleeding had stopped, however, Huo Jin''s body temperature had risen because of this deep wound.


    When Wang Hao came near the bed, the doctor informed about the same to him.


    "Giving the pill can worsen the recovery of Young Master," he added.


    "What about some other way?" Wang Hao asked.


    "Only the strips of wet cloth on the forehead will be best, General Wang," the doctor answered. Wang Hao found that Huo Jin was only injured above the chest and his entire body was clean.


    "Sure."


    The doctor rmended a few other things to Wang Hao, who keenly pay heed to them. He thanked the doctor for treating Huo Jin.


    The doctor smiled and asked his assistant to pass the bandage, as he had to wrap it around Huo Jin''s wound.


    ''Someone from far shot the arrow on him when he fought those five men,'' Wang Hao deduced. He looked at the arrow on the table and picked it up.


    He examined it. ''It is mostly used by the upper-ss people,'' Wang Hao thought.

 Chapter 730 Son Of A Merchant

    Bai Yaling came to Huo Jin''s room with Yin Na. However, the servant outside Huo Jin''s room stopped them. "General Wang has prohibited entry," the servant replied.


    "How is Brother Huo Jin? Is the treatment still going on?" Bai Yaling asked.


    "Let theme," they heard Wang Hao''s voice from inside. The servant followed themand and opened the door for them.


    Bai Yaling walked in along with Yin Na when Wang Hao came to them. They saw the curtain hanging around the bed, thus preventing the view of unconscious Huo Jin.


    Wang Hao stood in front of them. "The doctor treated his wound. It will take time for him to gain consciousness. There is nothing to be feared of. At the right time, a few soldiers saw him in the forest and brought him here," he informed them.


    Yin Na noticed that a servant was squeezing out the excess water from the cloth, who then had put it on Huo Jin''s forehead.


    "Does Huo Jin have a fever?" Yin Na asked when Wang Hao and Bai Yaling looked at her.


    "Yes," Wang Hao replied.


    "Can I look after him, Brother Wang?" Yin Na asked for Wang Hao''s permission, who did not want her to get worried seeing Huo Jin''s state.


    "Please, let me do it, Brother Wang," Yin Na requested him.


    "Sure, Yin Na," Wang Hao allowed her. He could not stop himself from not fulfilling Yin Na''s request.


    "Thank you, Brother Wang," Yin Na said. "You can stay with Sister Bai. If anything happens, I will call you," she assured Wang Hao.


    "Do not cry to see his state. The wound is deep," Wang Hao told her. "I will not let you stay around her if I find you crying," he warned her.


    Yin Na hummed and smiled. "I do not cry easily, Brother Wang," she said with a proud smile and then went towards the bed. Bai Yaling found out how worried her husband was for them.


    "Let her do it. If Brother Huo Jin finds out that Sister Yin Na took care of him, he will be happy. He might want to see her as a woman," Bai Yaling told Wang Hai, in a low voice, who tilted his head to peer into her eyes.


    "You are right. But," he again shifted his gaze towards Yin Na, "she might cry seeing his state. I don''t want that."


    Yin Na had taken the seat and pushed the curtain away.


    Bai Yaling grasped Wang Hao''s hand, who again nced at her. "That''s important tooa€| to make their love stronger," she stated.


    "Investigate who did this. It is a serious matter," Bai Yaling then told him.


    ? "Hmm. Let''s leave first," Wang Hao said and took her out of the room.


    Yin Na asked the servant in Huo Jin''s service and asked him what the doctor said about Huo Jin''s condition.


    "The doctor said that the Young Master will regain consciousness after a day or so," the servant replied.


    "Oh. He is out of danger, right?" Yin Na asked concernedly.


    "Yes, Miss Yin Na," the servant answered and picked up the vessel filled with water. "I will bring the clean water," he told Yin Na and walked out of the room.


    Yin Na pushed the curtain aside and finally looked at Huo Jin. He had this troubled expression on his face, maybe because of the excruciating pain.


    Yin Na''s heart broke into pieces seeing the blood-stained bandage around his chest. "Who could do this to you?" She murmured and frowned.


    She gently put her hand on him when found out how hot it was! She quickly put her other hand on his forehead which panicked her.


    "Why is his temperature so high?" She looked behind and saw the same servant with the vessel in his hand.


    "Brother, his temperature is so high. Did the doctor not rmend any pill?" She queried him.


    "No, Miss Yin Na. The pill can worsen the condition of the Young Master," the servant answered and ced the vessel on the round table. "Only wet strips are the solution to reduce body temperature," he added.


    He soaked the piece of cloth into the water, wrung it, and handed it to Yin Na, who gently ced it on Huo Jin''s forehead.


    "Miss Yin Na, I will bring the vegetable soup mixed with herbs for the Young Master. He must take some sips of it every one hour," he informed her and left for the kitchen.


    Yin Na saw the brownish marks on some part of Huo Jin''s chest. She recalled the other day they were on his back.


    "Did your master use to beat you? Was this the anger you were talking about? It must be tough when no one looked after you," she mumbled and securely covered him from the quilt.


    ~~~~~~~


    A chuckle escaped Sheng Li''s mouth when he heard Zhe Yan''s words. He did not know that such a young man would impress him this way.


    "Can you die for me?" Sheng Li asked him.


    Jian Guozhi nced at him and then at Zhe Yan.


    "What if I will use you as my pawn and throw you at Lion''s den?" Sheng Li queried him. He wanted to examine the loyalty of Zhe Yan towards him and the Han, before asking him about Lord Lian''s activities.


    Zhe Yan put stress on his mind.


    "Your Majesty, instead of ''pawn'', you can use me as your ''loyal''. I will be willing to enter the lion den," Zhe Yan affirmed.


    Sheng Li had not expected this answer from him, but it indeed delighted him. "You, surely aren''t my loyal Zhe Yan, not at the current moment," Sheng Li said and it confused him.


    "May I know, why?" Zhe Yan asked.


    "Because my loyal person would never have doubted me," Sheng Li was still upset with his earlier behavior. Somewhere, he saw Hu Jingguo in this young man. He used to see the same words to him, sometimes.


    "I never doubted His Majesty," Zhe Yan moved his hands in the air to refuse. "Forgive me," he lowered his eyes. "His Majesty can ask the people in the Fish Market how I told the people to not support Lord Lian. I am truly a person of yours," he tried his best to convince Sheng Li.


    "Brother Sheng, Zhe Yan is right. I witnessed how he told them they were foolish to believe Lord Lian," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Zhe Yan was astonished to hear that the First Prince was around him and even heard him.


    "How old are you?" Sheng Li asked Zhe Yan.


    "I will be eighteen this week," Zhe Yan promptly replied, "Your Majesty."


    Sheng Li was astonished to see the way Zhe Yan talked to him, sofortably, without a bit of hesitation. Truly, he saw Hu Jingguo''s image in him.


    "What do you know about him? Tell us everything!" Sheng Li finally became serious.


    "Lian Zoumu is the son of a merchant, who died a few months back because of the punishment given by the Governor. He had an illegal amount of money that he umted after not paying taxes.


    To avenge his father''s death, he decided to abolish the taxation system in his region, and this way he rose," Zhe Yan started to exin to them.


    He stopped after a few minutes when Jian Guozhi questioned him, "How do you know so much about him? Even the Governor and other officials do not know about it." He then gazed at Sheng Li.


    "The First Brother is right. You know him as if he was so close to you," Sheng Li asserted.


    "His Majesty and His Highness are wrong. I went to the adjacent city in search of workst month. I had heard from a few that Lian Zoumu is giving a good amount forbor," Zhe Yan rified.


    "But this is unknown to everyone," Jian Guozhi said with skepticism.


    "Because I ended up hearing it, Your Highness," Zhe Yan stated.


    "How?"


    "I, by chance, have entered the ce where he goes in the evening and shared this story to one person," Zhe Yan asserted.


    "What?" Sheng Li eximed. "Who''s the person?" He then asked.


    "The portrait of his dead father," Zhe Yan answered.


    Sheng Li snickered.


    "I am not lying, Your Majesty. I heard it with my ears. Lian Zoumu reminds himself of this incident every single day. I did not think at that time that his growth would increase this way," he stated.


    "It is impossible to gain the trust of the people this way," stated Jian Guozhi and looked at Sheng Li. "Someone is behind him, Brother Sheng," he concluded.


    "There is no one. I sawa€¡°" Zhe Yan stopped when Sheng Li interrupted him in the middle.


    "Zhe Yan, you are too young to understand the enemies. The First Prince is right. Lian Zoumu might want revenge for his father''s death but without someone''s support, he can never reach this level," Sheng Li pronounced with a serious tone.

 Chapter 731 Leaked

    Ying Lili put the scroll beside her and gazed at Rong Zemin. She was contended to learn that Sheng Li and the others safely reached Changying.


    She got down from the bed when Court Lady Xu asked her.


    "I want to stroll around, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili replied. However, she felt nauseated and promptly brought her palm to her mouth.


    Upon the instructions of Court Lady Xu, a maidservant brought the copper vessel. Ying Lili threw up in it, and then cleaned her mouth. Court Lady Xu wiped her lips with the handkerchief.


    Court Lady Xu made Ying Lili sit on the chaise and stepped back. "Your Majesty, you can goter. Rest for a while," she suggested to her.


    "It ismon, Court Lady Xu. I want to go to the Eastern Pce and then wille back here," Ying Lili expressed her desire, keeping a tiny smile on her lips.


    The maidservant handed the water ss to Court Lady Xu, who forwarded it to Ying Lili. She drank water and gave it back to Court Lady Xu.


    "It has been long since Ist went to the Eastern Pce," Ying Lili said and again stood up. Court Lady Xu did not stop her and followed her with the few other servants.


    As they came out, Xing-Fu bowed before her.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, did the Princesses return from the Buddhist Temple?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty."


    "Does Her Majesty want to meet them? Shall I call them?" Xing-Fu asked her.


    "The Empress wants to stroll around the Eastern Pce, Eunuch Xing-Fu," Court Lady Xu answered on behalf of Ying Lili.


    "Oh. I will swiftly arrange the pnquin," Xing-Fu stepped back when Ying Lili stopped him.


    "I will go by foot, Eunuch Xing-Fu," she said and walked ahead while they all followed her silently. While walking, she recalled the old days, when she used to fight with Sheng Li for small reasons without even knowing his side.


    She was such a na?ve woman. As she passed through therge Pce Ground, she recalled the day when she was on her knees, ready to get her punishment when Sheng Li got poisoned.


    She stopped and a smile appeared on her thin lips.


    "May I ask why is Sister Lili smiling?" Weng Yu asked, who had followed them from the Northern Pce.


    Ying Lili was surprised to see him.


    "I told Sister Lili that I will protect her until Brother Shenges back," he stated, clearing her confusion.


    "Sister Lili must tell this Youngest Prince that why she smiled while looking at the Pce ground? Did she recall any special event?" Weng Yu queried her.


    "How did you let yourself in this state?" Ying Lili said and it confused the Seventh Prince, who drew his brows together.


    "Your Fifth Brother said this to me when he woke up after being poisoned. His Majesty never once let any fingery on me. I started to admire him from that day," Ying Lili stated.


    Weng Yu was astonished to learn about it. He was not allowed to enter that day because he was still young in everyone''s eyes.


    "Even I admire Brother Sheng. His onemand is enough to stop everyone around him. His gaze is enough to get intimidated. However, on the other side, his gentle side is enough to make you respect him more and more," Weng Yu stated.


    Ying Lili nodded her head.


    "Sister Lili, but if you have note into Brother Sheng''s life, then it would have been difficult for him. He might have been living in agony all his life. Thank you for loving him so much," Weng Yu stated.


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing his words.


    "When I was young, I heard only his bad side. Most of us brothers were aware of his bad side only. We never looked at his bright, caring and lovable side except the Fourth Brother and the Sixth Brother," Weng Yu affirmed.


    "Love conquers all, Brother Yu," Ying Lili stated. "The person who appears bad, seeks for love the most," she affirmed.


    Weng Yu nodded his head as he tried to understand the meaning of the second statement.


    ~~~~~~


    Zhe Yan asked Sheng Li if he wanted him to go to the city adjacent to Changying to collect information about Lian Zoumu progress.


    "No. Your work is done here. We need to check the facts and then we will take action. You shall continue earning for your family and pay off the debts," Sheng Li advised him.


    Jian Guozhi went towards the other table and picked a pouch full of coins. He went to Zhe Yan and forwarded it to him, who confusedly nced at him.


    "It is for recognizing us and then sharing some useful information with us," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "How can I ept it, Your Highness?" Zhe Yan asked and promptly stood up. He did not feel it good to keep sitting in front of the First Prince.


    "Why can''t you ept it? Did you give us wrong information?" Sheng Li intervened.


    "No, Your Majesty," Zhe Yan replied."I don''t want to die for giving wrong information to the Emperor and the First Prince," Zhe Yan said firmly.


    "Then, ept it," Sheng Li said.


    "I cannot, Your Majesty. I believe in hard-earned money. Moreover, this information I did not give for money," Zhe Yan rified.


    Jian Guozhi looked at Sheng Li.


    "Sometimes easily earned money is best. You can pay off the huge debt on you from the gold coins inside that pouch," Sheng Li stated.


    "Your Majesty, if I do so, thendlord might doubt me," Zhe Yan reasoned. "Everyone knows that people like me cannot earn gold coins in a day. People might use me of theft," he stated.


    The more Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi heard, the more they got impressed. This young man failed many people in front of them.


    "Tell them that you are not a thief. You earned it from someone," Sheng Li answered.


    Zhe Yanughed a little.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty," he put his palm on his mouth and then put it down. "Who will believe my words?" He asked them.


    "It was my duty to tell everything to the Emperor and the First Prince. I do not want any money for it," Zhe Yan urged and bowed.


    "How many people are there in your family?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Only me," Zhe Yan replied and lifted his head to gaze into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    Jian Guozhi returned to his seat and wondered what Sheng Li would say next.


    "You wille with us to Luoyang after the matter here will be resolved. You do not need to pay the debt anymore," Sheng Li announced his decision.


    Zhe Yan widened his eyes.


    "This Empire needs young men like you," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "But Your Majesty, I was brought up here. I am afraid but I cannot go to the capital with his Majesty," Zhe Yan inly refused.


    "You are refusing such a great offer. Your life can change in Luoyang," Jian Guozhi tried to make him understand.


    "But I promise myte mother that I will never leave this ce, Your Highness," Zhe Yan finally stated.


    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi finally had nothing to say. They respected his choice.


    "Fine. Live here, but you no longer will pay your debts," Sheng Li pronounced and gazed at Jian Guozhi, who understood his words.


    "This is amand. So, do not argue anymore," Sheng Li warned him.


    Zhe Yan acknowledged themand when a knock interrupted all of them. Jian Guozhi stood up and walked to the door and opened it.


    Xiao Zhan came inside and looked at Zhe Yan. He ignored the young man and bowed before Sheng Li.


    "Your Majesty, I have found something important," Xiao Zhan informed Sheng Li, who gazed at Jian Guozhi.


    "Zhe Yan, you can leave. The conversation that happened here should not be leaked out," Sheng Li stated, with a stern expression.


    "Never, Your Majesty," Zhe Yan said. He bowed in front of them when Jian Guozhi told him to follow him.


    As they left the room, Xiao Zhan started to tell Sheng Li the information that he had received.


    "Is it true?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Our top-notch spy is in the other city as a close member of Lord Lian''s small organization," Xiao Zhan affirmed.


    "Fine. Prepare for our departure," Sheng Li ordered him. "Lian Zoumu should not have gone against Han this way," he said while gritting his teeth.


    Xiao Zhan was puzzled to hear that statement.


    "Your Majesty, how did you find out his real name?" He asked with a bewildered expression.


    "The young man who left with the First Brother earlier informed us," Sheng Li replied and briefed him on whatever Zhe Yan had told.


    "This is brilliant. Your Majesty, I along with the two Commanders will find out more before the departure," Xiao Zhan informed him and bowed again.

 Chapter 732 Heart And Mind

    Wang Fuxing when arrived at the residence in the evening was informed about Huo Jin''s. He immediately went to check on Huo Jin.


    "What happened to Huo Jin?"


    Upon hearing Wang Fuxing''s voice, both Wang Hao and Yin Na stood up. They turned to him and bowed. Wang Fuxing came forward and nced at unconscious Huo Jin.


    "Who did this to him?" Wang Fuxing asked as he looked at the wound.


    "Father, the investigation is going on," Wang Hao replied.


    "Since when has he been in this state?"


    "Father, it''s been more than eight hours," Wang Hao replied. His Father asked him a few more questions before leaving with Wang Hao.


    "Father, someone from the upper-ss had attacked him," Wang Hao replied. "The bow and arrows recovered from the forest where he was attacked clearly show that it''s someone from a good family. Though, the quality is not good," he exined.


    "Last night, Huo Jin hit the son of the previous minister," Wang Fuxing asserted. "He might be the one who attacked him. He must have taken it on his pride," Wang Fuxing deduced.


    "Liang Wu did this!" Wang Hao was astonished to hear the words of his father.


    "Indeed. I am well aware of Liang Wu''s aggressive behavior. He once killed a young servant for a small mistake. He does not like it when the person below his status tries to dominate him," Wang Fuxing pronounced.


    "He is a suspect though, at the present moment. Maybe Huo Jin knows and after waking, he will tell us. However, I want you to investigate Liang Wu," Wang Fuxing told his son, who followed themand of his father.


    "Do not leave your wife alone. Yin Na can take care of Huo Jin at night," Wang Fuxing advised his son.


    "Father, Yin Na has been with him since noon," Wang Hao replied with a concerned look. "She also needs rest." He was worried about his sister.


    "How will love bloom between them, then?" Wang Fuxing said with a grin. He looked inside the room with the window, beside the door.


    "This punkst night saved Yin Na but cannot ept his feelings for her! Let him see with his own eyes that Yin Na truly cares for him. He always says no one was there to look after him! Now, Yin Na is right beside him and he must realize it," Wang Fuxing pronounced. The smile never faded from his lips.


    Wang Hao was startled to hear his father. He thought his father wanted Yin Na not to look at Huo Jin. But now he was actingpletely different. He was happy that his father understood Yin Na.


    "What did Lord Xu say? He must be unhappy that Yin Na stepped back from the marriage. Bai Yaling told me that Xu Wenhai even gave her the family golden hairpin to Yin Na," Wang Hao said and they started to walk away from Huo Jin''s room.


    "My friend has no problem with Yin Na''s decision," Wang Fuxing replied and put his hands behind his back. "It was the choice of our children. Moreover, Xu Wenhai said that he cannot marry Yin Na when she carries someone else in her heart," he affirmed.


    Wang Hao agreed with Xu Wenhai.


    "I was telling the same thing to Father. But he was adamant to go forward with this marriage," Wang Hao said.


    Wang Fuxing chuckled. "Are you ming your father?!" He asked with astonishment.


    Forgive me, Father. I never med you," Wang Hao cleared him.


    "I did this so that Huo Jin will stop them from going close. I sometimes wonder why he thinks that he controlled himself well even in front of them. In your marriage, I saw his annoyance towards Xu Wenhai," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "So, Father did all this to make Huo Jin confess?" Wang Hao queried.


    "Yes."


    "Father, Xu Wenhai said many bad things to him," Wang Hao informed him.


    "That''s why Xu Wenhai is guilty and did not even stop Yin Na from breaking off this marriage. The problem is, Huo Jin was once a traitor. Xu Wenhai is not wrong either, because we all know a person who betrayed his own person can betray the others too!"


    Wang Fuxing was right but Huo Jin was not that kind of person. He did everything for Xinyue. Nothing more!


    However, Xu Wenhai did not understand that if the Emperor had forgiven him and epted him as his person, then he should too. A person must analyze both sides of the coin before jumping to a conclusion.


    "But Huo Jin is not a traitor in our eyes. He only did it in pressure or you can say to survive," Wang Fuxing deduced.


    General Wang totally agreed with him.


    "Huo Jin will wake up in the morning. Since the arrow hit just above the chest, on the left side, it became a severe wound. Do not worry about him," Wang Fuxing told his son.


    "Yes, Father."


    "What about the situation in Changying?" Wang Fuxing asked.


    "The Emperor has arrived safely. There is no further update," Wang Hao answered.


    "Hopefully, the matter gets resolved soon. Enemies might appear since the Emperor is out of the Capital," Wang Fuxing said with a serious tone.


    Wang Hao nodded his head. "His Majesty will surelye with a solution," he stated, with a confident tone.


    ~~~~~~


    Yin Na wiped the mouth of Huo Jin after making him drink the tonic that was rich in herbs and would expeditiously heal his wound.


    "Miss, why don''t you go back to your room? I will look after the Young Master," the servant requested.


    "No. I cannot leave Huo Jin''s side," Yin Na answered and told him to not worry. The servant did not argue and let Yin Na be seated near the bed.


    She ced her palm over his forehead and found that the temperature had reduced a little. Deep frowns on Huo Jin''s forehead when Yin Na caressed it.


    "Miss, at least, have your food," the servant said, after a while.


    "I don''t want to, Brother," Yin Na replied. "I will eat after Huo Jin wakes up."


    "Miss loves the Young Master so much," the servant said with a smile.


    Yin Na tilted her head and ended up smiling. "But he doesn''t see it. He thinks that he is not suitable for me. Brother, I can be a perfect wife, right?" She asked him.


    "Of course, Miss Yin Na," the servant said.


    "Huo Jin, see, everyone thinks that I can be perfect for you. I can take good care of you. Can''t you just wake up? It is so sickening to see you sleepy for such a long time," Yin Na started to converse with him.


    "Miss Yin Na, give the Young Master some time. He surely will start looking at you. Though, he already has started," the servant answered.


    "Really?"


    "Yes. Last night, the Young Master was angry at himself for not protecting you well. He indeed cares for Miss Yin Na, but because of his past, he is unable to ept it. His heart wants to ept you, but his mind is not allowing him to."


    Yin Na was astonished to hear these words from him. No one knew about it in the Residence. "Why did the Brother not tell me earlier?" She asked him.


    "Miss Yin Na never asked me," the servant answered.


    Yin Na pouted her lips and then looked at Huo Jin. "Just wake up quickly. Everyone is so worried," she stated.


    ~~~~~~~


    Huo Jin''s eyes showed movement in the morning. His lips quivered and his fingers moved. "W-w-water," he said in a low voice.


    He winced in pain and again asked for water.


    Yin Na, whose head was swinging in the air because of sleep when heard a meek voice. She opened her eyes and again heard him.


    She wiped the saliva from the back of her palm and swiftly moved to him. "What happened, Huo Jin?" She asked and ced her hand over his head.


    Since Yin Na was unable to hear him, she brought her ear close to his mouth. "Water," Huo Jin said, his eyes still closed.


    Yin Na quickly picked up the brass bowl and poured it with water. She brought it near his mouth and asked him to open his lips. With her other hand, she lifted his head a little.


    Huo Jin sipped it and then moved his lips away. Yin Na put the bowl on the small round table and wiped his lips.


    "Huo Jin, how are you feeling?" She asked him while caressing his head.


    Huo Jin finally opened his eyes and saw Yin Na''s face. She was smiling at him and he felt extremely happy.


    "Huo Jin," he heard his name from her soft lips.


    Huo Jin tried to sit up when Yin Na told him to not move. "Your wound is still not healed. You already lost a lot of blood. Don''t put pressure on your body," she advised him.

 Chapter 733 A Magic

    Sheng Li dipped the brush in the ink and started to write the letter for Ying Lili. He let the ink dry and then rolled it. He tied a thread around it and handed it to Xiao Zhan.


    "This is for Lili," Sheng Li asserted while he wrote the second letter for the Third Prince as he was the eldest Prince present in the Pce.


    After handing the second one, Sheng Li stood up from the chair. Xiao Zhan bowed and left the room. Commander Yang came forward and informed the Emperor about Lord Lian''s recent presence near Changying''s border.


    "This was retrieved from a young man in the city," Commander Yang showed the poster to Sheng Li. Jian Guozhi came forward to look at what was in the poster.


    "It was found near the Eastern Gate of Changying," Commander Yang informed Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi.


    "Is he challenging us?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Probably, Brother Sheng," Commander Wang answered.


    "Your Majesty, Lian Zoumu is still unaware of the fact that we are here. This message seems to be directed towards the Governor. However, before it could reach him, amoner had his hands on this poster, who was sweeping the area outside the gate," Commander Yang rified to them.


    "Brother Sheng, Lian Zoumu is confident about his actions. Such posters and messages are clear to show it. His men are spread all around the town. Every second day, we receive a new message. We need to filter out them, first before going to the other city. Changying is an important trading center for us," Jian Guozhi advised Sheng Li, who contemted for some time.


    "The First Brother is right. We need to catch his men to know more about the enemy," Sheng Li pronounced and rested his palms on the table. He leaned a little forward and looked at words written on the poster.


    "Find Zhe Yan. He can be of help since he already knows many things. It will save our time," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Brother Sheng, I will go out to search for him. I will bring him here," Jian Guozhi volunteered himself.


    "Take Commander Yang with you," Sheng Lu suggested to him, who nodded his head. Jian Guozhi went to the second table and picked the dagger. He put it inside his robe''s pocket and left with Commander Yang.


    Sheng Li thought to go and meet the Governor of the Eastern Province. He put on the disguise and tied the conical hat''s straps under his chin.


    Sheng Li went out of the room when Commander Yao followed him.


    "Where is His Majesty heading to?" He asked in a low tone.


    "To the Governor''s residence," Sheng Li replied. "Stay here. I will be back before the evening," he answered. Commander Yao stopped at his ce and let the Emperor go ahead.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu after resting for an hour, went to the Northern Pce to meet the Empress.


    "Eunuch Chung, tell Chuntao to wait for a little longer. It might take me some time in the Northern Pce. I need to discuss a few matters with Her Majesty," Nianzu told Chung politely. "Deliver the same message to my Mother," he added.


    Eunuch Chung bowed and turned to leave for Princess Chuntao''s chamber.


    Nianzu encountered Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin while ascending the stairs to reach the chief building in the Northern Pce.


    "Brother Nianzu, you here!" Lei Wanxi was astonished to see him and quickly walked to him to hug him.


    Nianzu patted his back as they both pulled away. Zhu Lin bowed before Nianzu, who did the same.


    "Brother Sheng told me to return since the Pce needs me more," Nianzu answered and looked at the scroll in Lei Wanxi''s hand.


    "What is it?" Nianzu asked out of curiosity.


    "It is a petition to punish Liang Wu and his fellows for harassing Sister Yin Na. I need to discuss it with Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi replied.


    "Again?" Nianzu was perplexed to hear it. "Was His Majesty''smand not enough?" He chuckled and asked Lei Wanxi to hand it to him.


    "May I ask why, Brother Nianzu?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    "Brother Zemin and I will solve this matter. No need to trouble Sister Lili at the moment," Nianzu affirmed. Lei Wanxi promptly handed it to Nianzu.


    "We didn''t think about it. We both are so na?¡¥ve," Lei Wanxi said and looked at Zhu Lin.


    "I had told Prince Wanxi to not trouble Sister Lili and let it get solved with the Prime Minister along with other Court Ministers," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "But you didn''t exin me well, Zhu Lin," Lei Wanxi retorted.


    Nianzu smiled upon hearing him and then said, "I will converse with Brother Wanxiter."


    "We will also apany the Fourth Prince. The Empress will be d to see us," Zhu Lin opined.


    "Why doesn''t Princess Zhu Lin meet the Empresster? I have a few important things to discuss with her," Nianzu suggested to her. Zhu Lin understood him and apologized for taking his time.


    "No worries," Nianzu passed her a tiny smile and walked ahead.


    Zhu Lin peered at Lei Wanxi, who had grasped her hand. "Brother Nianzu must be telling Sister Lili about the situation in Changying. Being the Empress is tough. She might have to make some decisions in the absence of the Emperor," Lei Wanxi told her as he found Zhu Lin had turned upset.


    "The Fourth Prince could have let us apanied him. I think he doesn''t like my presence around him," Zhu Lin assumed.


    "No. Brother Nianzu must have taken as kids. Also, walls have ears too. What if Brother Sheng has told Brother Nianzu to talk to Sister Lili in the absence of the others?" Lei Wanxi showed her the other side of the coin.


    "I do not like Prince Nianzu," Zhu Lin said and yanked Lei Wanxi''s hand away, who understood her annoyance.


    Zhu Lin walked ahead while Lei Wanxi followed her.


    "Don''t tell me it was because he rejected your feelings," Lei Wanxi said and immediately, Zhu Lin halted at her ce.


    She gaped at Lei Wanxi. "The Fourth Prince thinks he is perfect," she stated.


    "He never thought that," Lei Wanxi replied with a smile on his lips.


    "Does Prince Wanxi loves his Brother or me? Why is hea€¡±" Zhu Lin paused as she realized that she was indeed irritated by Nianzu because of his past behavior with her. Though months had passed for it, she could not help but get annoyed at him.


    Lei Wanxi held her wrist and drew her close to him. He hugged her and said, "Of course, I love my Fourth Brother, but I love you too. Both are important to me. Forgive him for his past behavior with you."


    "Prince Wanxi, I have forgiven him but sometimes his smile makes me recall the way he lied to me and without giving any exnation to me left. Never any man did this to me," Zhu Lin stated.


    Lei Wanxi moved back, and the two looked into each other''s eyes.


    "Prince Nianzu was frustrated that time," Lei Wanxi told her. He put his palm over her eyes and told her to close her eyes.


    "Why?"


    "I will do a magic trick to make you forget that," Lei Wanxi pronounced, and he slowly moved his hand down.


    "How?" Zhu Lin kept her eyes shut when she felt Lei Wanxi''s breath over her lips.


    The next second, Lei Wanxi kissed her softly and gripped her chin to keep her face at the appropriate angle. She smiled and kissed him back.


    Lei Wanxi withdrew from the kiss while Zhu Lin opened her eyes. They looked into each other''s eyes once again.


    "Are you happy, now?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.


    Zhu Lin hummed as the smile returned on her lips.


    Lei Wanxi forwarded his hand and gestured to Zhu Lin to put her hand over hers. She did so and they walked away.


    Weng Yu, who had hidden behind the tree ended up seeing them. He put his palm over his mouth and then pped his cheeks lightly.


    "How could Brother Wanxi do this in front of me?" Weng Yu murmured and was still in shock. He could notprehend this when heard a voice.


    "Your Highness, what happened?" Eunuch Xing-Fu asked.


    Weng Yu turned to look and bowed before him since Eunuch Xing-Fu''s rank was higher than him.


    "Nothing, Eunuch Xing-Fu," Weng Yu did not seem appropriate to answer him. He saw a tray in Xing-Fu''s hand and asked about it.


    "It is a special tonic for Her Majesty," Xing-Fu answered. Weng Yu apanied him and asked him if the Emperor send any message.


    "By the evening the message will arrive, Prince Yu," Xing-Fu answered.


    They soon reached outside the chamber when the maidservant informed them that the Empress and the Fourth Prince were having an important conversation.


    Inside the chamber, Ying Lili looked happy as she heard from Nianzu about Sheng Li.


    "However, the situation is not healthy in Changying. Sister Lili, it may take at least a month for Brother Sheng and the others to end this unknown source of rebellion," Nianzu informed her beforehand so that she would prepare her mind and keep herself strong.

 Chapter 734 Fantasize

    Huo Jin got checked by the doctor, who cleaned the wound again and applied a freshyer of herbal paste over it. Huo Jin winced in pain because of the burn ye felt. The beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.


    The doctor tied the bandage around his chest and told him to not use his right arm too much. "Give it enough rest that the wound gets healed soon," he advised Huo Jin. Once he was done, he bowed before Wang Fuxing and his son.


    "Luckily, the young man is absolutely fine. It will take one to two weeks to get healed, Lord Wang," the doctor informed Wang Fuxing, who hummed and caressed his beard.


    "Thank you for giving the right treatment to Huo Jin," Wang Fuxing said and gazed at Wang Hao, who handed the pouch filled with coins to the doctor. The doctor thanked him and left.


    Wang Fuxing sat down on the round stool and asked Huo Jin how he was feeling.


    "I thought I would die," Huo Jin answered.


    Wang Hao knitted his brows and asked him if he knew about the attackers. "Why did it happen?" He asked.


    "Liang Wu sent his men to kill me. I was surrounded by the five masked men, who tried to kill me. Liang Wu shot the arrow towards me," Huo Jin told them the truth.


    "Father, you were right," Wang Hao said, ncing at Wang Fuxing.


    "You were lucky, Huo Jin, that the soldiers were training in the forest. They brought you to the residence, else you had almost died," Wang Fuxing told him.


    "You should have controlled your anger, Huo Jin. Throwing punches at a man makes the situation worse," Wang Hao scolded him.


    "I did not imagine that Liang Wu would try to kill me. Also, General Wang, he deserved to be punched," Huo Jin said with annoyance.


    "Huo Jin, you made an upper-ssman angry. Liang Wu did not like it. Also, you are not a Wang Family member by birth. His Father will take the matter to the Prime Minister. You might get punished for raising your hand on him," Wang Hao said with a concerned look.


    "He did wrong, General Wang. Why would I get punished?" Huo Jin was confused to hear.


    "Stay quiet, you both!" Wang Fuxing scolded them. "Don''t stress yourself and take plenty of rest. Since Liang Wu attacked you after harassing Yin Na, he will surely be punished," Wang Fuxing stated and gestured to Wang Hao to not say anything.


    "Huo Jin, in other ministers'' eyes it is a crime to hit a person who is higher in rank than you. Hope you will understand," Wang Fuxing answered.


    Huo Jin nodded his head. "Forgive me for creating the troubles for you," he apologized and lowered his head.


    "It is not a problem for us. We are worried for you as a family," Wang Fuxing said. "Have your breakfast and then take a rest."


    Wang Fuxing stood up and left the room while Wang Hao stayed back.


    "I will tell the police bureau that Liang Wu attacked you. I did not start the investigation and was waiting for you to wake up," Wang Hao said.


    "Will I be punished because of my status?" Huo Jin queried him.


    "I guess so. Your rank might create problems, but I will try my best to not let you get punished in any way," Wang Hao assured him.


    "Brother Wang, why don''t you kill Liang Wu?" They both heard Yin Na''s voice, who was near the door with a tray in her hand. She stepped inside and put the tray on the table.


    "Yin Na, I cannot takew into my hands," Wang Hao stated.


    "Why? Isn''t Brother Wang the General of Han?" Yin Na questioned him.


    "It does not mean that he has to kill Liang Wu just because he hurt me," Huo Jin interrupted in between them.


    "Huo Jin is right," Wang Hao agreed with him.


    "What if Huo Jin had lost his life?" Yin Na asked her brother. "His life also matters. How could Liang Wu hurt him for his own mistake?" Yin Na was angry.


    "If Brother Wang cannot kill him, then I will," she said with a firm tone.


    Huo Jin and Wang Hao were bewildered to hear her.


    "General Wang, I may sound rude, but will you leave us alone?" Huo Jin requested Wang Hao, who blinked a few times before acknowledging his request.


    The servant outside the room closed the doors when Wang Hao left.


    Huo Jin put the quilt away and put his feet on the floor when Yin Na rushed to him. "Stay in the bed," she told him.


    "I need to wear my upper garment," Huo Jin said.


    "I will get it. Stay here." Yin Na turned and went to the door. She asked about Huo Jin''s clothes, who came in and took out a pair from the cupboard.


    "Thank you, Brother," Yin Na told the servant, who bowed and walked out of the room. She came to Huo Jin and put the robes on the mattress beside him. She picked the soft, silk upper jacket.


    However, Huo Jin took it from her. She found him angry.


    "I will¡ª"


    "No need," Huo Jin coldly answered her and started to wear it. He squeezed his eyes as he felt pain while putting the sleeve over his right arm.


    Yin Na sat on his right and grasped the garment''s sleeve. "I will help," she said and then gently moved it up on his right arm. "Turn to me," she urged, and when Huo Jin did not, she stood up and bent down.


    She tied the knot lightly on the upper garment and stood straight.


    "I was scared," Yin Na said.


    "You don''t need to be," Huo Jin replied.


    "Why?" Yin Na asked him. She found it strange that he was behaving oddly around her.


    "Because my life should not bother you," Huo Jin stated.


    "It is your fault to make me fall in love with you," Yin Na retorted at him. Huo Jin stared into her eyes. "After waking up, this was the first thing that you have to say to me," she was dejected.


    He had no idea how much she prayedst night. She never prayed this way for anyone in her life. Could he not see her love for him? She gulped her anger and went to the table.


    Picking the tray, she said, "This herbal soup will provide you strength and help you heal faster."


    She put the tray on the bedside round table and then picked the bowl. "I will help you since your arm cannot be moved," Yin Na stated.


    Huo Jin let her do that. He opened his mouth and slurped the soup from the spoon. No matter how hard he tried, he could not remain angry with her. He wanted to push her away from him for an unknown reason.


    "Everyone was so tense about you. You were not waking up. The bleeding was intense. Even your body temperature was too high," Yin Na told him.


    "Also, what are those strange marks on your body? Last time, I saw them on your back. Were you punished severely by yourst master?" Yin Na queried him.


    Huo Jin sipped the soup and licked his lips.


    "Why did you look at me? I thought you had covered your eyes," Huo Jin stated.


    "Your body looks good," Yin Na said as a blush appeared on her cheeks, "I mean those muscles. So, I thought to take a peek. You indeed have a muscr body, the same way I imagined you. I don''t like skinny men."


    Huo Jin did not ever imagine that Yin Na would fantasize about him.


    "I shall turn skinny then," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "I did not mean that," Yin Na said. "I would have liked you even if you were skinny," she rified and brought the spoonful of soup in front of Huo Jin''s mouth. He sipped it and told her that he did not want to drink more.


    "Just three spoons," Yin Na said.


    "It''s bitter. My tastebuds will die," Huo Jin said with annoyance. "You prepared this soup, right?" He asked her.


    "No. The chef made it," Yin Na said and pushed the spoon into his mouth in anger.


    She took it out and made him drink the remaining soup. Once he finished, Yin Na wiped his lips with her fingers.


    Huo Jin moved back when he heard Yin Na say,


    "Last night, you were so obedient. Do you hate my touch?" She scrunched her nose and then put her hand down.


    She put the bowl on the tray and then picked the ss. Making him drink the water, she put it back on the tray.


    Huo Jin''s heart fluttered the way she was taking care of him. She wiped the sweat from his forehead when their eyes met again.


    "Is there something on my face?" Yin Na asked.


    Huo Jin shook his head. "Thank you, Yin Na." He then kissed her cheek .

 Chapter 735 A Thin Line

    Huo Jin was overwhelmed to see how Yin Na looked after him. Indeed, he was annoyed earlier, not at her, but himself because he did not want her to stay awake the entire night. The more he pushed her away, the more she came close to him.


    His heart fluttered by her acts and her care. He could not help but kiss her on the cheek. He tried hard not to fall weak by opening his heart to him, but he could not do it for long. However, he still respected Yin Na and did not kiss her on her lips because for that, he wanted her permission.


    Yin Na''s heart pounded by Huo Jin''s sudden act of love. She gaped at him as he leaned back. They stared into each other''s eyes, unable to realize that many minutes had passed.


    Huo Jin averted his head and scratched the middle of his forehead, before putting his hand down. His fingers curled and uncurled because of the nervousness. He did not know what he would answer to Yin Na now. She would definitely ask the reason behind it and his head had gonepletely nk.


    Yin Na, on the other hand, was also in shock. Her mind was nk too because of Huo Jin''s act. She had not expected this from Huo Jin. A smile was carved on her lips and it kept growing because of the immense pleasure she received from this small gesture of love from Huo Jin.


    Huo Jin found that the awkward silence was only increasing between them, so he thought to break the ice.


    "Yin Na, I felt sleepy," he lied because apart from telling a lie to her, there was no way to avoid her.


    Yin Na promptly stood up from the bed when Huo Jin moved back on the bed.


    She pulled the quilt to cover him and found he had already closed his eyes. She smiled again but did not say anything. Sometimes, the silence was the best answer. She caressed his head and Huo Jin felt how weirdly his heart was beating.


    Though it had started to pound this way, the moment he kissed her cheek. He could not believe that he was feeling this way.


    A thin line between his heart and his mind had already broken.


    "Yin Na, you shall leave," Huo Jin told her, keeping his eyes closed. One thing that always amazed Yin about Huo Jin was his face used to remain neutral most of the time.


    She stood up from the stool, picked up the tray, and left the room. Instantly, Huo Jin opened his eyes after Yin Na left the room. He brought his hand near his heart to feel his own heartbeat.


    He truly realized today that this feeling he never felt towards Xinyue either. It was clear to him now what his heart wanted. The Love which he always missed, he felt that feeling. It delighted him because finally, his mind epted that yes, he was in love with Yin Na.


    He could feel the brush of Yin Na''s soft fingers on his lips when she wiped them.


    He shook his head. ''How can I think this way?'' he thought and nkly stared at the ceiling.


    Outside Huo Jin''s room, Yin Na jumped in happiness. The servants nced at her in amusement.


    "Huo Jin loves me," Yin Na mumbled and went to the kitchen while frisking. She was on cloud nine because of this beautiful feeling.


    The servants in the residence were confused to see her. Yin Na hardly used to be in this cheerful mood.


    Yin Na stopped near a pir and hugged it tightly with her one arm. "So, this is the feeling of ''butterflies dancing in the stomach''," she murmured while tightly shutting her eyes in pleasure.


    She let go of the pir and dashed to the kitchen. After keeping the tray in the kitchen, she came out and crossed her arms.


    "Now, I want a confession from him. But, how? It was so tough to get a tiny kiss from him," she muttered and kept thinking when something clicked in her head.


    "Huo Jin, get ready to confess to him. I will bring out every single thought from your mind that you think for me," Yin Na affirmed with a confident tone.


    ~~~~~~


    Wang Hao picked up his sword when Bai Yaling came to him. "General Wang, it is for you." She showed a tassel to him.


    "I made this for you. Since General Wang does not like bright colors, I used blue thread to make the circr frame and the blue beads," Bai Yaling said.


    Wang Hao took it from her and tucked it on his dress on the sash.


    "It looks pretty," Wang Hao said and passed a smile to her.


    "I am d that you like it," Bai Yaling said. "The royal physician will be here in a while to examine me," she informed him.


    Wang Hao almost forgot about it.


    "I know you are stressed about the situation in Changying and also the Emperor these days, so I did not bother to tell you earlier," Bai Yaling stated.


    Wang Hao leaned down and encircled his arms around her, thus pulling her into a hug. "But you and our child are also important. Forgive me for not knowing about it. I will stay here till you get examined," Wang Hao said and withdrew from the hug.


    "That''s not necessary, though. The Princes must be waiting for you in the Pce. I have Sister Yin Na and even Father around me. I informed you because I didn''t want you to get upsetter for not having the knowledge," Bai Yaling asserted.


    "Come," Wang Hao grasped her hand gently and brought her to the bed. He made her sit on the mattress and said, "Bai Yaling, I must stay around when you will be examined. I am going to be Father soon, so it is my duty towards my child. Her Majesty will be angry at me if I do not take good care of you. Also, I promised myself to give you my extreme care and love."


    He kissed her lips lightly and then caressed her head.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    I have participated in WSA 2022 again with a Historical genre story. Because of that reason, the updates were fewer here since I was busy stockpiling for that and am still doing it. Please add that story to your libraries too when it will be released. Don''t worry, I will keep up with the updates here too.?


    It is titled- "The Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince."?


    Please direct your votes on that story so that the story appears in the ranks. Many good top-notch authors will participate and getting into the rank is a must for seeding.?


    THANK YOU?


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 736 The Port City

    Governor Zui Mingze weed Sheng Li and took him to the private chamber of the residence. Sheng Li settled on the chaise and put his right palm over his right knee.


    "Take your seat," Sheng Li told him, who sat down, keeping his gaze low.


    "Changying is the third important city in the Empire. It is closest to the Capital of Han, which means any instability in Changying can create repercussions in Luoyang too. Mingze, you went to war with me, yet you are unable to get control over this," Sheng Li said with a dejected look.


    Mingze got down from his seat on his knees. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Mingze lowered his head.


    "I am truly apologetic for my negligence. I am ready to get the punishment," Mingze said with guilt.


    Sheng Li got infuriated upon hearing Mingze. He shouted at him. "Mingze! Is it about the punishment? Do you think by punishing you, the problem will be solved? Since when did you be a coward?" He had lost his temper.


    "Your Majesty, I had no intention to make you furious. My mistake is that I could not keep a good check in the Province. That''s why I asked for the punishment," Mingze said and stood up. He bowed and brought his hands upfront.


    "Your Majesty, I have gathered important information about the rebels. Forgive me, for not acting expeditiously. However, the previous day, I went to Yeosu, the small town adjacent to Changying," Mingze informed Sheng Li.


    "What did you find out?" Sheng Li asked him to tell.


    "Your Majesty, Lian Zoumu is the name of the rebel, whose father was a famous merchant. A few months back he was punished to death after the taxation department found out he evaded the taxes," Mingze affirmed.


    Sheng Li was astonished to hear the same from Mingze as Zhe Yan had told him.


    "This much I have found out," Sheng Li said.


    Mingze was not surprised that the Emperor had already found out about Lian Zoumu''s background.


    "Your Majesty, he has been supported by Qiu Shuren," Mingze pronounced. This was something about which Sheng Li wanted to know.


    "Isn''t he the Headman from the port city of Xuhou?" Sheng Li asked with a confused expression.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Mingze agreed with him. "Qiu Shuren has manipted Liam Zoumu, who is blind in revenge for his father. They worked in silence. As His Majesty knows Qiu Shuren once served as a third-rank soldier in the Han army," he added.


    Everything was clear to Sheng Li now. His many problems had been solved as Mingze gathered something which he wanted to know the most.


    "Is it true?" Sheng Li wanted to confirm.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. Mingze never gets wrong when ites to spying," Mingze said, with a confident tone.


    Sheng Li''s anger had subsided, and he ended up smiling. "Indeed, Mingze. I have faith in your spying skills," he stated.


    Mingze smiled and stood straight. "Forgive me once again for not acting swiftly," Mingze stated.


    "It''s fine. I will meet you in the morning," Sheng Li stated and stood up from the chaise.


    "Your Majesty, you must stay in the residence," Mingze requested while being a little concerned for him.


    "I cannot stay in the residence. I have a much safer ce to reside," Sheng Li assured him when Mingze said to let him provide some hospitality to the Emperor to the Han.


    "That''s not needed, Mingze. Maybe after the matter will be resolved," Sheng Li stated. Mingze did not stop him, however, he did see him off till the residence''s main door.


    Sheng Li thought of meeting the spy because he was still skeptical of Mingze. ''Why did Mingze not go to Yeosu town earlier? In the message, he clearly mentioned that the rebellion source is unknown. But he had a clear idea of the events. Qiu Shuren is loyal to myte father. I don''t think he will ever betray Han,'' Sheng Li contemted while walking.


    He reached the utensils shop and looked at the owner, Jihuang, who was in the backyard. Jihuang came inside the shop and was startled to see the Emperor.


    He quickly locked the door from inside and bowed before him.


    Sheng Li told him to take a seat and Jihuang swiftly came near the table. He sat down on the chair and waited for the Emperor to speak.


    "You sent me the true message about Changying''s situation," Sheng Li said.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I am d that His Majesty is here," Jihuang said with a smile.


    "I had toe. I could not neglect the situation here. I want you to go to the port city of Xuhou," stated Sheng Li.


    Jihuang nodded his head.


    "Find out if Qiu Shuren is the one who nned all this with Lian Zoumu," Sheng Limanded him.


    "Your Majesty, I will leave today," Jihuang assured him.


    "I wille to you after two days in this shop. Find out everything and provide me with the solid evidence whatever you will find out," Sheng Li told him with a stern expression.


    Jihuang bowed his head and assured Sheng Li that he would fetch the relevant information in two days.


    Sheng Li hummed and stood up from the chair. "You make earthen pots and utensils well," Sheng Li praised him as he had looked around the shop earlier. Jihuang had stood up as well, however, he kept his head low.


    He recalled the day when he and Ying Lili made earthen pots. It was such a lovely day. He started to miss Ying Lili''s presence around him and a deep sigh came out of his mouth.


    "I will take my leave," Sheng Li told Jihuang, who went to the door and opened it for him. Sheng Li stepped out and soon left Jihuang''s sight, who prepared to leave for Xuhou.


    Sheng Li halted when he found a pull. He looked back but did not find anyone and then looked down.


    A young girl either five or six years old was holding the edge of his robe.


    "Uncle, please help me," the young girl requested him with tears in her eyes.

 Chapter 737 Yunxi, The Little Girl

    "Leave my robe, first," Sheng Li told the little girl when he recalled Ying Lili''s scolding. He had to be gentle around kids. Moreover, he had to learn how to be good around kids as he would soon be the father of two children.


    Sheng Li got on his knees and gently grabbed the arms of the young girl. "What do you want?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "I got lost in the market. I want to go to my mother," the little girl told Sheng Li, who hummed.


    "Can you tell me where exactly you lost sight of your mother?" Sheng Li asked as he wiped her cheeks.


    "In the market, near the toy shop," the little girl answered. Sheng Li stood up when the girl held his index finger tightly. Sheng Li smiled for an unknown reason. He was usually angry around kids, but after Ying Lili''s pregnancy, he became gentler and calmer towards them.


    ''My one girl would be like her,'' Sheng Li thought and ended up smiling. ''What if I have two girls?'' he giggled and the people, who were walking past him, gazed at him weirdly.


    "Uncle, let''s go," the little girl said and she shook Sheng Li''s hand, whose finger she had held.


    "Sure," Sheng Li said and they started to walk towards the main market. He asked the little girl how she got separated from her mother.


    "I was looking at the sweet shop while my mother was buying some carrots. Wh-when I turned back, my mother was not at that ce. I ran around but Mother was not around Uncle," the young girl said as tears again appeared in her eyes.


    "No worries. This uncle will find your mother," Sheng Li said and the two soon reached the ce from where the little girl got separated from her mother. Sheng Li asked a few but hardly anyone had noticed the girl with her mother.


    Sheng Li could not even find the carrot seller and looked at the girl, who was on the verge of crying. He carried her up in his arms. He made her sit on his arm while securely putting his other arm around her.


    "What''s your name?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "Yunxi," the little girl replied as she brought her calloused hands near her eyes. "I need to go to Mother," Yunxi said and started crying.


    Sheng Li found himself in a dilemma. People looked at Sheng Li, which made him nervous since he did not want to grab unwanted attention. If it was this tough, then Sheng Li would not have tried to help this girl.


    "Yunxi, do not cry," Sheng Li tried to make her quiet. "Do you know what kind of people cry?" He asked her.


    Yunxi stopped crying as she slightly put her hands down. She shook her head while sobbing.


    "People who get scared easily. Are you scared? Do you think we will not find your mother?" Sheng Li asked her while caressing her arm.


    Yunxi was calmed after hearing Sheng Li''s words. "I-I am not scared, Uncle," Yunxi said and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her cheeks had turned red because of weeping. Sheng Li wiped the tears using his thumb and praised her for her courage.


    "Tell me where do you live?" Sheng Li asked her.


    "I do not remember the path, Uncle," Yunxi answered.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li contemted for a few minutes and then asked Yunxi if she could draw the ce where she lived with her family.


    Yunxi nodded her head.


    "That''s great," Sheng Li said and brought her to the rest house where he thought to provide help through the Generals and the Commanders.


    The little girl looked around and wondered where she had entered. She asked Sheng Li about it.


    "I am a traveler. I am here with a few of my friends, who will help you to search for your mother," Sheng Li stated as he ascended the stairs to reach the second floor.


    He reached outside the room, where he and Jian Guozhi were staying. He knocked at the door when it opened. Xiao Zhan almost addressed him as His Majesty but stopped seeing a little girl in Sheng Li''s arms.


    He walked in and found Jian Guozhi and Zhe Yan in the room.


    "This is Yunxi. She got separated from her mother in the market," Sheng Li told them.


    "I know Yunxi. I have seen her in the locality where we middle section people live," Zhe Yan said and nced at Yunxi.


    Sheng Li was delighted to hear about it and put Yunxi down. He made her stand on the floor and asked her if she knew about Zhe Yan.


    Yunxi turned to look at him and shook her head.


    Sheng Li and others looked at Zhe Yan in skepticism.


    "But I have seen Yunxi many times, Your Maj¡ª" Zhe Yan paused as Sheng Li gestured to him to not say. He pressed his lips tightly and waited for Sheng Li to speak.


    "Yunxi, this brother is from the same locality, where you live," Sheng Li told her and ced his palm over her head.


    Yunxi turned to look at Sheng Li. "But uncle, I never saw this Brother," she said in her soft tone.


    "You are such a young kid. Zhe Yan will take you home to your mother," Jian Guozhi finally intervened. Zhe Yan nodded his head as he was willing to take Yunxi with him.


    "I will take Yunxi to her house. Zhe Yan can lead the way," Sheng Li affirmed as he caressed the head of the little girl. "Yunxi trusts me more," he said.


    "Uncle, I am thirsty. Can you give me water?" Yunxi asked when Sheng Li gazed at Xiao Zhan, who swiftly moved to the end table. He filled the porcin cup with water and handed it to Sheng Li, who brought it near Yunxi''s mouth.


    Yunxi opened her mouth and put her fingers around the cup. She drank the water and her thirst quenched. Sheng Li wiped her lips with his thumb and asked her if she was hungry.


    Yunxi nodded her head. "I am hungry. Will uncle give me some sweets? Mother didn''t have enough money to buy sweets as they are expensive."


    This was the reason, Sheng Li asked her. Earlier, when she told him that she had her gaze on the sweet shop, he realized that Yunxi must be wanting to eat sweets.


    "Xiao, did you hear? Yunxi wants to eat sweets. Bring them for her," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan, who bowed and walked out of the room.


    ~~~~~


    After Yunxi ate the entire bowl of sweets, Sheng Li asked her if she wanted to eat something else, but she refused.


    "My stomach is full," Yunxi said as she rested her small hand on her belly.


    Jian Guozhi and Xiao Zhan found that Sheng Li looked very serene. The reason they knew and it indeed made them happy. Indeed, Fatherhood changed a man as a person and it was visible in Sheng Li.


    "Yunxi, uncle will teach you a good thing. Keep this in mind always," Sheng Li said with a smile and then showed her his pinky finger.


    "Make a promise with this uncle that you will always implement this in your life," Sheng Li told her.


    Yunxi raises her right hand and joined her pinky finger with Sheng Li''s finger. They made a promise when she heard him say, "Yunxi, you must not follow any stranger. People are not good. You must not drink the water or food given by anyone. Not everyone is like us. Some are scary people and they might want to harm you."


    Yunxi, being a young girl, understood a few things, but she was unable to understand why some would harm her. She was a young kid.


    "Uncle, but I have nothing. I do not have money. No one will harm me," Yunxi stated, with her innocent gaze.


    "Yunxi, some uncles are scary," Sheng Li said. "They may sell you and then you will turn into a servant. Did you understand my words?" Sheng Li asked her.


    Yunxi was terrified to hear it. "I will not trust anyone, Uncle. I promise," she said and they pulled their respective hands back.


    "You are a good girl, Yunxi. Let''s go to your house. Your mother must be worried for you," Sheng Li said and helped Yunxi from stepping down the chair. He held her hand and told Zhe Yan to show them the way.


    "I will prepare the carriage." Xiao Zhan kept his tone formal.


    "That is not needed," Sheng Li said. "First Brother, do you want to apany me?" He asked him, who agreed.


    "Xiao, stay here. We will be back soon," Sheng Li told him and left the ce with Jian Guozhi.


    Zhe Yan asked Sheng Li if he would be able to walk since the route was long.


    "What do you take me for?" Sheng Li found that Zhe Yan was challenging him.


    "I was only worried about the¡ª" he looked at Yunxi and paused.


    "Don''t underestimate me. I can walk better than you," Sheng Li affirmed and carried Yunxi in his arms.

 Chapter 738 Huo Jins Life Is Important

    Rong Zemin read the petition that Xu Wenhai had written to punish Liang Wu for the wrong he did to Yin Na.


    "Brother Nianzu, did Brother Sheng not announce the punishment on General Wang''s sister already? It is clear that Liang Wu will be executed ording to the Emperor''s ruling," Rong Zemin pronounced.


    "However, Brother Zemin, Liang Wu''s father, was a reputed Imperial Minister," stated Nianzu. "Also, a problem has risen, Third Brother," he added.


    "What kind of problem, Brother Nianzu?" Rong Zemin asked.


    "Huo Jin got into a physical fight with Liang Wu," Nianzu asserted. "General Wang earlier informed us that Liang Wu almost killed Huo Jin," he asserted.


    "What?" Rong Zemin eximed. He did not think that the matter would increase to such a level.


    Huo Jin, being born as a ve could never raise his hand on a person above his rank, especially from the noble ss. Moreover, Liang Wu was free to punish Huo Jin.


    "Brother Nianzu, Liang Wu did not go physical with Miss Yin Na. It was verbal abuse and Huo Jin ended up punching Liang Wu, which undermined Liang Wu''s capabilities in front of the people. So, we cannot give an execution order against him," Rong Zemin deduced.


    Nianzu agreed with the words of the Third Prince. It was no longer a matter between Liang Wu and Yin Na but between Liang Wu and Huo Jin. Noble sses rules could not be changed merely for Huo Jin.


    "Your Highness, pardon me for intruding between you two, but the Former Imperial Minister, Liang Zifan is here," Eunuch Chung informed the two Princes.


    "Send him in," Rong Zemin ordered.


    Eunuch Chung bowed and took gradual backward steps. After a few minutes, Liang Zifan came inside and bowed before them.


    "It is strange to see Master Liang in the Pce at such ate hour," Rong Zemin stated.


    "Forgive me for disturbing the two Princes at such a time. However, I have toe because of my son," Liang Zifan affirmed.


    "Please take a seat, Master Liang Zifan," Nianzu told him in his polite tone, who took the seat and thanked them.


    "My son made a mistake by saying abusive words towards General Wang''s sister. I am truly apologetic to Miss Yin Na for my son''s behavior. However, my son got punched by a person who used to be a ve. I have served this Empire for half of my life, and never such treatment was given to me as I faced today," Liang Zifan put forward hisints.


    Both the Princes were perplexed to hear it.


    "What happened, Master Liang Zifan? Who mistreated you?" Rong Zemin asked.


    "General Wang wants to arrest my son because Liang Wu attempted to kill Huo Jin, who is a mere ve. I am afraid that a mere ve''s life isn''t worthy in front of my son''s reputation. Liang Wu is ready to take the punishment for being abusive with Miss Yin Na, but he should not be punished for hurting Huo Jin."


    "We belong to a noble ss and if a ve will treat us this way, then that''s not a great thing. I have noints against General Wang, but I am not happy with the way a noble ss man''s son is being treated. Therefore, I urge the Princes to pass the order to let go of my son," Liang Zifan requested to the two Princes, who looked at each other.


    "Huo Jin is not a ve, Former Minister Liang Zifan." They heard Ying Lili''s voice and promptly stood up from their respective seats.


    "Your Majesty, you here?" Rong Zemin was puzzled to see Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili halted at the center of the hall. Behind her Eunuch Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu were standing.


    "You should havee to me to plead for your son''s life," she said with a firm expression, looking at Liang Zifan, who did not like the way she spoke.


    "Your Majesty, for verbal abuse, a person cannot be executed," Liang Zifan opined with a tiny smile on his lips.


    "This is up to the Empress to decide," Ying Lili reminded him.


    "Your Majesty, Brother Nianzu and I will resolve this matter," Rong Zemin intervened between them. It appeared to him that Ying Lili was in anger, which was not right for her.


    "Third Brother, I am alright," Ying Lili said and showed them the Imperial token. "His Majesty has handed this to me. It means that I can make the decisions on the matters concerning the Empire in his absence," she pronounced.


    "Huo Jin''s very status was already nullified by the Emperor for his extraordinary help to the Empire. So, calling him a ve is opposing the Emperor''s decision," Ying Lili stated, gazing at Liang Zifan.


    "Your Majesty, I apologize for my previous words. However, I plead with you to not punish my son. Liang Wu will never repeat such a mistake," Liang Zifan quickly turned back from his previous statements. He knew that arguing with the Empress would not bring anything good.


    "What about the mental stress that your son provided to Miss Yin Na? What about Huo Jin''s life, who was severely wounded?" Ying Lili demanded the answers from Liang Zifan.


    "Your Majesty, I will give the floggings to him," Liang Zifan asserted.


    Ying Lili chuckled. "I have informed you of the repeated offense your son has done against the women in the Brothel house. I do not think that he should be forgiven easily. I won''t announce a death sentence to Liang Wu, but I won''t either give him an easy punishment," Ying Lili pronounced with a stern expression on her face.


    Liang Zifan got a little nervous.


    "Her Majesty is known for her kindness. Can she not forgive my son once?" Liang Zifan requested her again and bowed his head more.


    "Your Majesty, if my son will repeat such a mistake ever again in the future, I will kill him with my own hands," Liang Zifan affirmed.


    Rong Zemin and Nianzu nced at Liang Zifan, who made such a bold statement.


    "That is not needed, Master Liang Zifan. You should set an example for the people. Your son must respect the people around him. Huo Jin''s life is as important as your son''s life is! I am disappointed that a former minister is telling me to ignore the wrongdoings of his own son," Ying Lili said with displeasure.


    "The punishment will surely be for both Liang Wu and Huo Jin. Liang Wu''s punishment will be severe since hemitted two crimes at once. Liang Wu is stripped of the title of his official rank and for two years he is debarred from giving the Civil services exam. Also, for two years, Liang Wu cannot use his family name to show off his strength," Ying Lili announced the punishment for Liang Wu.


    Liang Zifan had not expected such a punishment for his son. But other than epting it, there was no other way.


    "I ept, Your Majesty. Thank you for sparing the life of my son," Liang Zifan said humbly. He was also ashamed of his son''s acts.


    "Huo Jin''s punishment will be announced after he recovers from the injury," Ying Lili announced.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Rong Zemin and Nianzu acknowledged the decision of the Empress.


    Liang Zifan took his leave after getting humiliated because of his son.


    "Sister Lili, how did youa€¡±"


    Before Rong Zemin couldplete his words, Ying Lili interrupted, "Brother Zemin, Brother Nianzu, you should have brought this matter to me."


    "We did not want to trouble Sister Lili," Nianzu replied.


    "It was an important matter, Brother Nianzu," Ying Lili reminded him.


    "Did the Princes see Huo Jin?" Ying Lili asked them.


    "I will go to meet him in the morning, Sister Lili," Nianzu affirmed.


    "Huo Jin is close to Sheng Li. Brother Nianzu, give my best wishes to Huo Jin. Also, take the Royal Physician with you," Ying Lili requested Nianzu.


    "Of course, Sister Lili. I will do that," Nianzu said.


    Ying Lili thanked him and then shifted her gaze to Rong Zemin.


    "Did any messagee from Sheng Li? Brother Nianzu has told me previously that he is safe and sound, but I am still a little worried. Also, I would like to know about the First Prince, General Xiao, and the Commanders," Ying Lili said while looking for the answer in his eyes.


    "Sister Lili, currently, I have not received any message. They are fine in Changying. It is not easy for anyone to harm them," Rong Zemin said.


    "I know, Brother Zemin, but I cannot help but worry a little," Ying Lili said as she rested her hand on her belly.


    "Sister Lili must go back to the Northern Pce," Nianzu advised and gazed at Court Lady Xu, who came forward and told Ying Lili toe with her.


    Eunuch Xing-Fu also requested Ying Lili that they should return to the Northern Pce.


    "I will after meeting Sister Xue," Ying Lili said when the two Princes decided to apany her to the chamber of Princess Xue.

 Chapter 739 Real Kiss This Time

    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi reached Yunxi''s home after an hour. They found the cries of a woman from the front yard of the small hut and also saw the people, who were gathered in the yard.


    "Mother!" Yunxi said loudly.


    Promptly, her mother and the people directed their gazes towards the voice. Sheng Li put Yunxi on the ground, who ran towards her mother.


    Yunxi''s mother tightly hugged her and carried her up in her arms. "Are you good? You did not get hurt, right?" Yunxi''s mother asked her as she looked at her arms and face.


    "No, Mother," Yunxi said as she wrapped her arms around her neck.


    Yunxi''s mother nted many kisses on her face. The people got happy since Yunxi returned home safely. She put her daughter down and looked at the three men.


    "Mother, these uncles helped me," Yunxi told her mother, who walked to them and bowed before them.


    "Thank you, Brothers, for bringing my daughter safely home," Yunxi''s mother expressed her gratitude.


    "You should be careful," Sheng Li said. "Your daughter is lucky that she asked for help from me. You shall thank Zhe Yan for showing us the way to your home," asserted Sheng Li, looking at Zhe Yan.


    "Thank you, Brother."


    Zhe Yan passed her a smile and told her to be careful next time.


    "You both don''t seem to be from this ce," a man said to both Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi.


    "Ahh, we are travelers. We are staying in the resthouse," Jian Guozhi answered.


    "We must leave as it iste," Sheng Li said and looked at Yunxi. He pinched her cheeks and told her not to leave her mother''s side ever again.


    Yunxi nodded her head. Jian Guozhi and Sheng Li left the ce soon with Zhe Yan.


    "Your Majesty did not believe my words when I said that I know Yunxi''s way to home," Zhe Yanined.


    "Yunxi doesn''t trust other uncles except me. Also, I need to check a few things," Sheng Li stated as he looked around.


    "What other things, Your Majesty?" Zhe Yan asked him.


    However, Sheng Li did not answer him. Zhe Yan stayed quiet and kept walking along with them.


    "We want to see what people are gossiping about. Are they really leaving this ce? Going among the people is the easiest way to know what wrong is happening at the higher level that we are unable to understand," Jian Guozhi cleared him.


    Zhe Yan nodded his head and said, "You muste with me then. Under the banyan tree, every evening people gather and talk about various issues they face. These days Lord Lian is on everyone''s tongue."


    Jian Guozhi looked at Sheng Li.


    "We must go to that ce and check what is going on with the people," stated Sheng Li.


    ~~~~~


    In the morning, Huo Jin''s bandage once again was changed to prevent the wound from getting infected. He looked at Yin Na, who was standing beside her brother and he recalled how he kissed her cheek.


    "Why did I even do that? I was not supposed to do it," he thought when his internal voice told him it was because he also had feelings for Yin Na.


    After the wound was dressed, the doctor left while Wang Hao and Yin Na came forward. Bai Yaling had alsoe to check on Huo Jin.


    "Last night Liang Wu''s father had gone to the pce to plead for his son. As I have predicted, he said that a ve has no right to even think about his life," Wang Hao said.


    "However, the Empress protected you. Since the Emperor himself does not consider you a ve, so the others cannot either. Her Majesty announced the punishment for Liang Wu," Wang Hao informed him.


    Yin Na and Bai Yaling were delighted to hear this.


    "It doesn''t mean that you will be spared. The Empress will announce the punishment for you after you are recovered," Wang Hao stated.


    "What? Why? Why will Huo Jin be punished?" Yin Na asked in confusion. Bai Yaling also looked at her husband for the answer.


    "Because I hit Liang Wu," Huo Jin replied. Wang Hao nodded his head. "I will ept whatever punishment Her Majesty gives me. I made a mistake, so the punishment is a must," he asserted.


    "But Huo Jin that was becausea€¡±"


    "Yin Na, that''s what the Empress has decided. We cannot oppose it. Also, the Empress knows better. The noble ss has divided views on Huo Jin''s social status. Her Majesty cannot give judgment purely in Huo Jin''s favor. A bnced judgment is a must," Wang Hao made her understand.


    Yin Na was still not happy about the Empress''s judgment. Huo Jin was not supposed to be punished, in her eyes. She pulled up her face and got upset.


    "Brother Huo Jin, did you take your morning meals?" Bai Yaling asked him.


    "I willter, Sister Bai," he said.


    "Do take your breakfast. I prepared it today. Hopefully, you will like it," Bai Yaling said with a smile.


    "Sure, Sister Bai. Thank you. I am fine now. So, you do not need to worry about me. Forgive me for giving trouble to all of you," Huo Jin said and lowered his eyes.


    "It was me because of whom it all started," Yin Na pronounced.


    "It is no one''s mistake. So, do not take the me. I need to go to the Pce. I mayete," Wang Hao stated and turned to Bai Yaling. "Come, I will drop you to the room." He held her hand and took her out of Huo Jin''s room.


    "You almost lost your life because of me," Yin Na said. "If I had not gone out, this would not have happened," she affirmed.


    "He did not attempt to kill me because of you. So, don''t be guilty," Huo Jin said. "It was about a ve and a noble ss man. No matter how hard I try, I will always be called a ve, a traitor, or a low ss," he stated.


    Yin Na walked to him and sat beside him, facing him. She held his hands and started to caress them. "But for us, you are Huo Jin," she stated.


    "That''s why I do not bother about others," Huo Jin stated and pulled his hand away.


    "You should go to your room," Huo Jin said.


    "I will have my breakfast with you," stated Yin Na with a smile. "You even kissed me yesterday, so it is evident now that you also have feelings for me," she affirmed while recalling the kiss.


    "I did that to show my gratitude," Huo Jin modified his words.


    "You don''t kiss anyone around, just to show your gratitude. You kiss to show affection," Yin Na rified.


    Yin Na closed her eyes. "You can kiss me here if you want to show your gratitude towards me," she said and protruded her lips for a kiss.


    Huo Jin opened his mouth and then closed it because he was unable to understand what to say. He found Yin Na moving forward gradually, and it made his heart pound.


    She hade too close to her when he flicked his finger at the middle of her forehead and she cried out in pain.


    "Ahhh," she caressed her forehead and beamed at him. "Why did you hit me?" Sheined.


    "Because your mind has lost its right path. Since when did you start to act this way?" Huo Jin asked her and shook his head as he took it as her naivety.


    "My mind is at the right ce. I have been taught to seduce men. I never tried that, but I can do it for you," Yin Na proimed and grinned.


    Huo Jin chuckled. "Yin Na, even if you try to do that, it will not affect me. I am a tough man. Moreover, I do not want you to do anything like that. Now, leave," Huo Jin said and gestured to the door.


    "I will tell everyone that you kissed me yesterday," Yin Na ckmailed him.


    Huo Jin knitted his brows. "That was not a kiss. Don''t trouble me." He tried to avoid her.


    "Brother! Huo Jin kissed me," she loudly said and stood up from the bed to run out.


    Huo Jin widened his eyes. He did not expect that Yin Na would shout about that. She lifted her skirt a little to run out when Huo Jin pulled her down and she was pinned to the bed.


    The smile on Yin Na''s face disappeared as she found Huo Jin hovering over her.


    "You do not need to shout about it," Huo Jin said.


    "Why?"


    "Because that was not a kiss," Huo Jin replied.


    "For me, it was!" Yin Na affirmed and averted her gaze from him. "You must take the responsibility for it," she stated and again looked at him.


    "Then, I shall give you the real kiss this time," Huo Jin said and leaned down.

 Chapter 740 My Husbands Path

    ...",


    Yin Na closed her eyes while her brows knitted as Huo Jin leaned down to kiss her. Her fingers curled, waiting for Huo Jin''s kiss. However, he again flicked the middle of her forehead. She shrieked and opened her eyes to look at him.


    "Leave," he said and sat back, leaving the grip on her arms. Yin Na blinked for a few seconds, before sitting up.


    She brushed her fingers on her forehead. "You should not treat a woman this way, especially me," Yin Na said.


    "I will if you keep taking out wrong meanings," Huo Jin affirmed.


    "Then, stop giving me the wrong idea," Yin Na snapped at him and stood up. She stomped her foot on the floor and walked out of the room.


    Huo Jin was relieved to see her out and tied the knot on his upper robe. "She acts like a child sometimes," he murmured when he heard the loud bang of the door.


    Yin Na was standing with a tray in her hand. She walked in while the servant outside closed the door behind her. She put the tray on the table and went towards Huo Jin.


    "Why did you return?" Huo Jin questioned her.


    "I told you that we would eat breakfast together," Yin Na said and grabbed his arm gently. "Come," she said and pulled him up.


    "You cannot use your right hand," she made him sit on the chair, "so, I will help you." She picked the chopsticks and swirled some rice noodles around them.


    "Open your mouth," Yin Na said, bringing the chopsticks near his mouth. Huo Jin opened his mouth and ate the noodles.


    "I can use my left hand, Yin Na. You do not need to trouble yourself," Huo Jin said and took the chopsticks from him.


    "Won''t it be difficult?" She asked and found that he could use the chopsticks perfectly even with his left hand.


    "I learned to use both hands," Huo Jin said, "but I mostly use my right hand to work."


    Yin Na was astonished to see that. "You have acquired many more skills than anyone in the Empire," she praised him.


    "Yourpliments will not please me," Huo Jin said and put beans on her te. "Eat them. They are nutritious," he stated.


    They both had their breakfast together. During the entire time, Yin Na kept speaking while Huo Jin silently listened to her.


    Yin Na gave two pills to Huo Jin which he took with water. He wanted to see Wang Fuxing, but Yin Na did not allow him to.


    "I am perfectly well now," Huo Jin assured her.


    "You still need to recover. Go to bed. I will not disturb you," Yin Na proimed. Huo Jin realized that she was also going to stay beside him.


    "Yin Na, why don''t you learn something? What about your archery lessons? You should not waste time on me," Huo Jin advised her.


    "I am not wasting time on you. I am Taking Care of you. I will begin practicing archery again after you recover fully. I need a mentor," Yin Na stated.


    Huo Jin stood up when Yin Na asked him where he was heading to.


    "I want to take a stroll," asserted Huo Jin and went towards the door. Yin Na also followed him and opened the doors for him.


    "I must apany you, then," she said with a broad smile and the two walked out of the room.


    Yin Na grabbed Huo Jin''s arm to give him support. He did not say anything to her because he knew she would not listen to him anymore. Moreover, they were out of the room, so he did not want her to say anything that mightter be gossip.


    ~~~~~


    "Your Majesty, forgive me for not keeping a check on the activities going around," Wang Hao bowed before the Empress, who was near theke. The giant royal umbre was shielding her from the sunrays.


    "General Wang, it was not your fault. You already have so many responsibilities of the Empire on you. In the absence of His Majesty, your duties have increased more," Ying Lili stated.


    Wang Hao lifted his head and looked at her.


    "How is Yin Na doing? The remark of Liang Wu might have troubled her," Ying Lili said.


    "She is fine, Your Majesty. She has been more worried about Huo Jin since thest day," Wang Hao replied. Ying Lili hummed, and the two started to walk, followed by the Empress''s servants.


    "General Wang, I want you to do something for me," Ying Lili said.


    "Give me order, Your Majesty," Wang Hao bowed and immediately got ready for themand.


    Ying Lili turned to look at Xing-Fu and said, "No one will follow me except General Wang."


    Promptly, Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu stepped back along with the other maidservants, who were aligned behind them.


    Wang Hao held the royal umbre when Ying Lili told him that it was not needed.


    "It is needed, Your Majesty," Wang Hao said, and they walked ahead.


    "I want to know what the Ministers think about the people who lie below in rank in the society. The previous night, I realized that senior and capable Ministers like Liang Zifan also think badly about the people below them," Ying Lili stated.


    Wang Hao was puzzled upon thinking why the Empress did not ask the Princes to do this task.


    "General Wang, I know you must be thinking that the Third and the Fourth Prince shall do this work. But I want someone who can bring out every sort of information. Also, Sheng Li is out of the Capital. Enemies grow at that point. Though words will not go out easily, they might spread anytime, so we should be prepared well," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "I understand Her Majesty''s words," Wang Hao said.


    "General Wang, tell the spies to be active. We cannot take any risk at the present time," she affirmed.


    "You are right, Your Majesty," Wang Hao answered and halted as the Empress stopped in the middle of the bridge.


    "General Wang, how is Sister Bai Yaling? I believe that she''s more than happy with you."


    "She is doing well. Indeed, she is happy, Your Majesty. I am d that she chose me to be her husband and chose my family to be hers," Wang Hao said, with a bright smile.


    "General Wang is the perfect definition of a gentleman. He knows how to take care of a woman," Ying Liliplimented him.


    "I try to be perfect, Your Majesty," Wang Hao replied. "The Empress has been strolling in the garden for a long time. Shall I escort her to the Northern Pce?" He humbly asked.


    "I would like to walk a little more. It will be healthy for me and the kids," Ying Lili replied.


    "I wanted the Emperor to stay in Luoyang. However, hemanded me to stay in the capital. It would be better if I had gone to Changying." Wang Hao still thought that Sheng Li should not have left the Capital.


    "It is the duty of an Emperor, General Wang. His decision was absolutely right. I do not want him to neglect his people just because I am pregnant. Moreover, I have seen how stressed he was when he learned about the instability in Changying."


    Sheng Li had hidden many things from Ying Lili, but his eyes could never hide his troubles, his happiness from her.


    "The Empress is indeed a great woman. If there would be another woman at your ce, then she would not have ever wanted her husband to leave. Since the first day, her majesty has gained my respect and always will." Wang Hao was overwhelmed to hear the Empress''s words. He was proud that he served such a great Emperor and the Empress.


    "I am not great, General Wang. I walk on the right path as Sheng Li does. I am only following my husband''s path," Ying Lili stated.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor is on this path because of you. I have known him since childhood. His Majesty''s path is carved by you else this family would have fallen apart a long ago," Wang Hao pronounced.


    "General Wang, it is not because of me that the family is still together. It is because love and understanding have upied their hearts. Everyone''s cumtive efforts have brought us this far. The toxicity ended when the brothers started to understand each other.


    I would say the First Brother has the chief role in it. If he had not provided the evidence against his mother, the hatred among the brothers would have never ended," Ying Lili deduced after a deep contemtion that she had once.


    Wang Hao nodded his head.


    "I will start working on Her Majesty''smand from today onwards. If Huo Jin would be alright, then I would have taken him with me. He has good spying abilities," Wang Hao informed Ying Lili.


    "General Wang can tell him to apany you after Huo Jin recovers fully. Let''s keep it away from the Princes," Ying Lili stated.

 Chapter 741 At Every Step

    "First Brother, we need to wait for a little. We cannot go to Yeosu town without confirming the details. Also, the Governor seemed suspicious. I do not trust his words, so I have sent a spy to find out the truth," Sheng Li informed Jian Guozhi while they were having tea.


    "Zui Mingze seems suspicious, which means he has turned against us," Jian Guozhi cocked his eyebrow in response.


    "I am not sure, First Brother. He said it''s Qiu Shuren, who is aiding Lian Zoumu," Sheng Li stated. "Can the First Brother believe it?" He asked.


    "That''s impossible. Qiu Shuren is loyal. However, we cannot rule out the fact that we have been betrayed by our own second brother, so anyone can betray us," Jian Guozhi opined.


    Sheng Li agreed with his words, but he was unable to believe that Qiu Shuren would aid a petty son of a merchant, and all this would happen.


    "Brother Sheng, we need to wait for the response from the spy," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li hummed and finished thest sip of tea from the cup.


    "Brother Sheng, in the previous night we found that the people have conflicted views. Some are willing to ept Lian Zoumu as their ruler while others still doubt. What do you think we should do at this point?" Jian Guozhi asked his opinion.


    "People have problems paying the taxes because they think it''s wrong to ask for a part of their ie. However, they do not understand how it works. Spreading awareness about it is important. However, we cannot do that at present," Sheng Li deduced.


    "True. If we do so, then suspicion may grow that we know about it," stated Jian Guozhi.


    "Though, we both know that soon the words will spread in Luoyang too. Lian Zoumu is also well aware of this," Sheng Li stated and picked the teapot. He filled the teacups and put the teapot on the table.


    "So, Brother Sheng thinks that Lian Zoumu will do something big before that," Jian Guozhi inferred.


    "He is not showing himself. What does that mean?" Sheng Li arched his brow. "He leaves a random message and then sends his men to manipte our people," he added.


    "Many things are suspicious about him. Brother Sheng did right by sending a spy after him," Jian Guozhi stated and picked up the teacup. "Hopefully, it ends soon. Our respective wives are waiting for us," he said before drinking the tea.


    Sheng Li nodded.


    "Did Brother Sheng forgive Xue Er?" Jian Guozhi asked out of the blue.


    "Hmm. I thought it is good to not hold onto the past," Sheng Li. "Forgive me, First Brother, for hating her," he apologized.


    "Xue Er cried in front of me that day. I was furious at Brother Sheng for looking at Xue Er with abhorrence," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "I am d that Brother Sheng forgave her¡­ us¡­ despite the wrong, we did to him." It was a great opportunity for Jian Guozhi to say his heart out to Sheng Li. Though they talked many times about this, in the Pce it was tough to say¡­ maybe because Sheng Li would give every sort of excuse to leave.


    "What can I do? Brother Jian knows my nature," Sheng Li stated and gulped the tea.


    "I was in anguish and I hated how everyone was pampered by their mothers. I should have received a nice treatment, No?" He peered into Jian Guozhi''s eyes to search for the answer.


    "Betrayal I have got at every step¡­ Only a few people were beside me. So, I ended up growing as a person, who is always suspicious of others even if they are good to me," stated Sheng Li and chuckled.


    "However, Brother Sheng has changed. The change is evident in him. I am sincerely apologetic towards him, for the wrong me, my mother and my uncle did to you. I should have taken care of you as your elder brother," Jian Guozhi said. Those lines were simple yet deep, full of sincerity.


    "It is alright. We all were taught topete with each other. I would not have been alive if you had not saved me from eating the poison when I was young. Except for the three other Princes, we four always wanted to be at the top, to be recognized. I demeaned the First Brother at numerous incidents. We all were at fault," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "You are right, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi agreed when the door opened, and the two got alerted.


    Xiao Zhan came in, closing the door behind him.


    "Your Majesty, Your Highness, the messenger has brought the two letters from Luoyang." Xiao Zhan took out two rolled papers from his inner pocket and handed them to Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi.


    Those were the messages from their respective wives. A smile appeared on their lips while reading them.


    "Everything is well in Luoyang, Your Majesty. The Empress is well," Xiao Zhan stated. Sheng Li hummed. He asked about the Empress Dowager and the Consort Dowagers.


    "They have decided to go for a pilgrimage. However, they have been waiting for your and the First Prince''s return," Xiao Zhan informed them.


    "Hmm. No one shall leave the Pce until we are outside," Sheng Li decided.


    "Your Majesty, there is another message from our informant," stated Xiao Zhan and took out a folded piece of paper. Sheng Li took it and read the message in it.


    Sheng Li stood up and went towards the table on which there was a candle stand on which a candle was burning. He burnt the paper when Jian Guozhi asked him what it was about.


    "I am afraid, Brother Jian, but I cannot tell you at the moment," stated Sheng Li. Jian Guozhi nodded his head when he heard him say,


    "I need to go out. I wille in the evening," stated Sheng Li as he turned to look at them.


    "Your Majesty, I will apany you," Xiao Zhan stepped forward.


    "There is no need, Xiao Zhan. Stay with the First Brother," Sheng Li said as he put the dagger inside the sash.

 Chapter 742 Becoming Her Husband

    Huo Jin settled on the chair and looked at the book that Wang Fuxing had put on the table.


    "It is a book very dear to me. My Master, who trained me, handed me this. He told me that the philosophy written by the great schr will guide me throughout my life. It indeed has guided me, Huo Jin." Wang Fuxing, after seeing the curiosity of Huo Jin, told him.


    "You can read it in your free time," Wang Fuxing said and forwarded the book to him.


    "It is of Father. How can I¡ª"


    Wang Fuxing interrupted him in the middle. "I have read it numerous times and every line of this book is now in my blood," he asserted.


    Huo Jin took it from him and thanked him.


    "How are you feeling?" Wang Fuxing asked.


    "Better than earlier, Father," Huo Jin answered.


    "That''s great," Wang Fuxing said and called for a servant. "Bring the tea for us," he ordered the servant, who bowed and walked out.


    "I heard that Father will not look for any more proposals for Yin Na," Huo Jin stated.


    The servant brought the tea for them and served the two. Wang Fuxing drank the tea first, and after him, Huo Jin drank the tea.


    "Are you not happy?" Wang Fuxing asked with a slight grin on his lips.


    Huo Jin arched his brow up and then lowered his eyes.


    "She loves you dearly. It will not be good if I hurt her heart," Wang Fuxing pronounced. "You also care for her, so I feel that I should not look for any more proposals for my daughter," he said with a smile.


    Huo Jin lifted his eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out of his mouth.


    "Yin Na looked after you the entire day and night. She did not drink a single drop of water as she was worried about you. I do not think you can find such a lovely woman for you. You wanted to be loved, to be cared for. Yin Na will surely be a great wife to you. Can you not ept my daughter?" Wang Fuxing asked Huo Jin, who realized that his father asked his hand for Yin Na.


    "What are you afraid of?" Wang Fuxing asked when Huo Jin did not respond.


    "Nothing, Father. I surely look forward to bing her husband." Huo Jin''s reply astonished Wang Fuxing.


    "Yes, Father. I understand her devotion to me. I do not want to hurt anymore. However, I want to take the rtionship ahead my way. What I mean is, I will not confess to her. I want to tease her a little." Huo Jin finally confessed what he had in his mind. He could not hide this with his father, the one who allowed him in this family. He did not want to hurt him either by lying to him.


    Wang Fuxing started tough upon hearing Huo Jin''s words. "It is good to tease the person whom you love. The love grows stronger," stated Wang Fuxing.


    Huo Jin hummed and smiled. "I want to pursue her. I think she is my happiness," Huo Jin affirmed with a smile.


    After finishing the tea, Huo Jin took his leave and thanked Wang Fuxing for conversing with him.


    He descended the stairs and saw Yin Na, who was smiling at him.


    "Weren''t you with Sister Bai Yaling?" Huo Jin asked and started to walk ahead.


    "I was, but then Sister Bai wanted to take a nap," Yin Na answered and caught his steps.


    "What did you say to Father? You were inside for a long time," Yin Na stated and looked at the book in his hand.


    "What is this?" Yin Na queried him.


    "Father gave me to read it. It is written by a great schr and philosopher," Huo Jin replied.


    "I also want to learn how to read and write," Yin Na expressed her desire. "Can you teach me?" She asked and took it as an opportunity to be close to him.


    "You wanted to learn archery too, but look at what you are doing," Huo Jin remarked.


    "How can I continue when you are not recovered," Yin Na queried him, keeping a smile on her face. "I think I was enthusiastic earlier to learn it but not anymore," she epted the truth.


    "Didn''t you want to protect your future husband just the way the Empress saved the Emperor?" Huo Jin reminded her.


    "My future husband doesn''t want to teach me," Yin Na replied.


    Huo Jin halted and so did Yin Na. They both peered into each other''s eyes.


    "What?" Yin Na wiggled her eyebrows. "It''s the truth. I asked him in the morning, but he refused," she stated.


    Huo Jin resumed the walk while Yin Na followed him.


    "Huo Jin, let''s sit by thekeside, on the pavilion," Yin Na stated. "You can read the book there and also can narrate to me what the schr has written inside it," she suggested to him.


    "I want to go out," Huo Jin said.


    "What?... Why?... You have still not recovered and what if you get attacked by someone?" Yin Na asked.


    "Do you want to apany me?" Huo Jin''s request surprised her. She was not able to understand what to say and what not to. "I will ask someone el¡ª"


    "NO!"


    Yin Na loudly said. "I will apany you. Why will you take anyone else when I am here? Wait! I will tell them to prepare the carriage," Yin Na said and lifted her skirt a little to go ahead when Huo Jin stopped her.


    "We are not going to the market, so you do not need to ask anyone to prepare the carriage. The ce where I want to go is by foot and is nearby," said Huo Jin. "It is a good ce to calm your mind and channelize your thoughts in one ce," he added with a warm smile.


    Yin Na quickly looped her arm around his arm, startling him. "Let''s go," she said with excitement.

 Chapter 743 You Look Beautiful Today

    Huo Jin gazed at him and then at his arm.


    "It is to support you. What if you fall or get dizzy?" Yin Na said with her innocent eyes.


    "I won''t fall," Huo Jin said and pulled away from her grip, before walking ahead. Yin Na pouted her lips and ran behind him.


    ''He is so adamant about not letting me get close to him. I dressed in my best attire. Everyone praised me except Huo Jin. I even used perfume and lip color. Why did he not get excited to see me?'' Yin Na stomped her foot on the ground while walking behind Huo Jin, who halted and turned to look at her.


    He noticed that the expressions on her face were not pleasant.


    "Are you tired? We did not even walk a hundred meters," Huo Jin said.


    "A hundred meters?" She chuckled and scrunched her nose. ''Why is he calcting the distance while walking?'' she frowned and looked at her dress once again.


    "You can go back if you are tired," she heard him say.


    "No, I aming. Don''t assume things on your own," Yin Na said and reached near him. The two resumed the walk.


    Huo Jin''s gaze was straight, on the road while Yin Na was stealing nces at him. ''Such a boring walk!'' she thought in her mind.


    All of a sudden, Huo Jin said, "It has be one of my favorite ces in Luoyang." Yin Na looked around and found that most trees had surrounded them.


    "I mean the ce where we will soon reach," Huo Jin rified to her.


    "When I was spying for my previous master, it used to be my hideout because it was easy to hide in a ce where nobles would never think that a spy could hide."


    It confused Yin Na. "Wasn''t that too risky for you?" She asked while knitting her brows. Huo Jin ended up smiling.


    "Yin Na, it is said that you should stay close to your enemies. That''s the best way to hide because they will never be suspicious of you and you''ll be safe," Huo Jin affirmed.


    His words appeared strange to Yin Na. How could it be safe?


    "I worked for my previous master for Xinyue. Her safety was important to me," Huo Jin stated. Yin Na was happy because Huo Jin was sharing some of the deep secrets of his life.


    However, she did not like it whenever he took Xinyue''s name. She knew she was his first love, but as time passed, it started to bother her. Xinyue did not do anything good in her eyes. Huo Jin selflessly served her, yet she also called him a ''ve'', a ''servant''.


    When her brother, Wang Hao told him how Xinyue demeaned him, it boiled her blood. Had Huo Jin not respected her, she would have cursed her badly, in front of him.


    "I even spied on General Wang and found out the hidden routes of the Pce."


    Yin Na''s eyes widened in shock. Why did he even spy on her brother? He did not have to do that. Yin Na, for a second, indeed felt bad. But she also was well aware of the fact that it was the way Huo Jin kept himself alive.


    "Why did you do that?" Yin Na asked him. She was curious to know the reason behind it.


    "Because that was my profession. Tan Gengxin had other ns. It was decided that he would enter the Pce using those routes. However, I did not tell him nor did I tell Xinyue," Huo Jin stated.


    "Why?"


    "Because I believed that Xinyue would not be happy if her husband was killed," Huo Jin stated.


    "Do you mean Tan Gengxin would have harmed the First Prince?!" Yin Na asked while gaping at him.


    "Hmm. He wanted to be the ruler. Xinyue loved the First Prince, and I lied about it to them. The situation made me look bad in my eyes, Yin Na. However, I also found many great souls," Huo Jin stated.


    "Indeed," Yin Na agreed with him.


    "You are one of them," Huo Jin pronounced.


    Yin Na could not believe Huo Jin, said that to her. She could not express how delighted she was. Her heart fluttered while a tint of her red appeared on her cheeks. A smile carved on her lips which turned wider.


    "Come," Huo Jin suddenly grabbed her hand, and Yin Na found her heart beats suddenly increased.


    "The route is narrower. The ce is in the forest," stated Huo Jin, "so be careful."


    Yin Na hummed and silently followed his steps. She was blushing extremely. She found her feet stopped as Huo Jin had stopped. The sshing sound of water fell in her ears, and she looked at her front.


    A waterfall!


    Her eyes glistened, and she let go of Huo Jin''s hand. "Howe I never knew about this ce?" She muttered.


    "That''s why it''s a secret hideout. People hardlye here. You saw the route was a little rough, and the noble ss people hardly walk on such a path," stated Huo Jin.


    "Oh. Those people missed such a good ce," Yin Na remarked and turned to look at him. She found him walking on the right, towards a giant rock near the waterfall.


    Yin Na lifted her skirt and climbed the rock. Huo Jin was already seated at its edge when Yin Na also sat beside him.


    She looked down and found how clear the water was!


    "Isn''t it calming?" He asked and tilted his head to look at her.


    "It is," she agreed with him while nodding her head.


    "Why are your cheeks red?" Huo Jin asked.


    Yin Na quickly put her palms on her cheeks. "I think it is because I felt hot," she reasoned.


    "The weather is cold because it''s wintertime," Huo Jin stated.


    "But I walked so much, so it increased the blood flow, I think," Yin Na deduced. She put her hands down and pressed her lips tightly.


    "You look beautiful today," Huo Jinplimented her.


    Yin Na''s eyes grew big and she turned her eyes to peer at him.

 Chapter 744 Huo Jin Kissed Her

    Yin Na twiddled with her fingers while looking into Huo Jin''s eyes. Did she hear right? He called her beautiful. So, she had to get ready daily and apply natural makeup and lip color to flutter his heart.


    "But you look more pretty without makeup too," Huo Jin stated. "You do not need to seduce me with these ways because if my heart had to flutter, then it would have when I once got in a brothel house. Women dressed beautifully there, but my heart never swayed. So, it would be a waste of your efforts, if you do this just for me," he exined to her.


    Yin Na also lowered her eyes as her assumptions again went wrong. But she was happy to hear hispliments.


    Huo Jin kept looking at her and lifted his left hand. Yin Na tilted her head when she felt his fingers on the loose tendrils of her hair. He tucked them behind her ear.


    He put his hand down and looked towards the waterfall. His eyes closed and said, "The sshing sound of water hitting the rocks is like a song, a rhythm."


    Yin Na''s eyes fell on his lips and then on his face. He indeed had a charming face. She leaned toward him to kiss him when Huo Jin opened his eyes. She gaped at him and parted her lips to speak.


    "I-I¡ª" she found herself stuttering. Averting her gaze from him, she squeezed her eyes tightly. ''Yin Na, you cannot do that every time,'' she told herself and pped the middle of her forehead.


    "The waterfall is beautiful. I want to go close to it." Yin Na changed the topic and got ready to stand up when Huo Jin grasped her wrist. She nced at him with an inquisitive expression.


    "Don''t go alone. My wound isn''t healed yet, so I cannot apany you either." Huo Jin advised her not to go without him. Yin Na nodded her head.


    The awkward silence between them started to make Yin Na nervous. She found Huo Jin was staring at her face, so she asked, "Is there something on my face?"


    "No," Huo Jin replied.


    "Then, why are you st-staring at my face?" She arched her brow up.


    "You can steal the nces of me, and I cannot even look at you!" He raised his eyebrow with inquisitiveness.


    "I never stole nces at you. Why would I do that?" Yin Na chuckled and found herself clutching her dress tightly.


    "I have seen that many times," Huo Jin replied. "It is understandable to steal the nces of the man whom you love," he stated with a smile. "You are turning to a stalker, Yin Na," he stated.


    "No. I never stalked you," she swore, pinching the skin of her neck a little.


    "You should not lie," Huo Jin stated.


    "I am not lying. Indeed, I stole nces at you, but I never stalked you," Yin Na ended up admitting and then tightly pressed her lips together.


    "It''s so easy to make you confess," Huo Jin stated.


    "You put pressure on me," Yin Na said and pouted her lips.


    "Why do you trust me? You don''t believe in the intentions of other men. But you apanied me to this isted ce," he stated. This time his tone turned serious.


    "What if something wrong happens?" Huo Jin inquired her.


    Yin Na knitted her brows in bewilderment. "What wrong could happen?" She asked.


    "Between a man and a woman anything can happen when they are alone," Huo Jin answered.


    Yin Na gulped. Though she trusted him, his words were indeed intimidating to her. He shouldn''t be talking this way. She felt her hand over hers and she looked down, before gazing back into his eyes.


    "Yin Na, you should not trust even me," Huo Jin said.


    "Why?" She asked with a confused look. "You are scaring me," she said.


    "Am I?" He asked.


    "Hmm."


    Huo Jin moved his hand back. "Forgive me. I only wanted you to stay alert all the time," he asserted.


    "But around you, I don''t think I can remain alert. Though, your earlier words confused and intimidated me a little," Yin Na stated.


    Huo Jin smiled and caressed her head. "I wanted to see how much you trust me," he stated.


    "Let''s go back. Father might get worried," Yin Na said and stood up. She helped Huo Jin as well and the two climbed down that giant rock.


    Yin Na found that Huo Jin liked that ce a lot, so she thought to make a memory with him.


    "Huo Jin," she called out his name.


    "Hmm?" He turned to her, waiting for her answer.


    Yin Na brought her hands together, near her chest, and tiptoed to kiss his lips. Huo Jin''s eyes slightly grew big and his fingers curled up.


    Shended her feet on the ground and lowered her eyes. "I thought we must make a memory here," she said in a low voice. She stepped forward to walk past him when Huo Jin held her wrist.


    She looked down and then at him.


    "This is what I meant earlier," he said and drew her closer to him.


    "Huh?"


    His left hand securely wrapped around her waist while his right hand was on her left neck. She widened her eyes when Huo Jin kissed her. This time not on the cheek but lips.


    Sparks traveled down her spine the moment he moved his lips on hers. She closed her eyes and reciprocated to him.


    Her hands gradually moved up from his arms to his shoulders. Her fingers pressed against the fabric of Huo Jin''s robes and soon her hands locked behind his neck.


    It appeared that time had stopped for them and the urge for oxygen made them withdraw from the kiss. They both gasped for air, and slowly Yin Na moved her hands down.


    She had her real kiss with him. The kiss for which she waited for a long time. So, finally, he had epted her feelings. Finally, she was able to win his heart, and it brought a smile to her red lips.

 Chapter 745 Popular Rice Wine

    Yin Na lifted her eyes to peer at him and found an intense look in them. It felt to her that Huo Jin knew every single feeling of hers.


    "Let''s go back," Huo Jin said and walked away.


    Yin Na nkly stared in his direction. Why did he not confess to her? He should tell her why he kissed her, No?


    "Huo Jin," she shouted his name at the top of her lungs, who halted at his ce. Yin Na ran to him and stood in front of him. She wanted the answer from her. Those three magical words, which she told him numerous times, but he never once did.


    "Do you love me?" She asked him forthrightly.


    Huo Jin, who had an amusing expression on his face, did not answer her. He could see the eagerness in Yin Na''s face and the desperation to know the truth.


    "You wanted me to kiss, didn''t you?" Huo Jin asked. "I did what you wanted," he replied.


    "But shouldn''t you say something? I mean, you don''t kiss unless you have feelings for someone," Yin Na stated and waited for his response.


    "What do you want me to say?" Huo Jin asked her, keeping a grin on his face.


    "Why are you asking me? You know what you must say to me," Yin Na asserted.


    "No. I don''t know," he said while smiling.


    "Then, why are you smiling?" Yin Na queried him.


    "I am happy today," Huo Jin answered. "I fulfill your wish to get kissed by me," he added.


    "But I want to hear those words too. You only kiss when you love someone, Huo Jin. Is it too tough for you to say? Okay, then you can nod your head to my question," Yin Na pronounced and asked, "do you love me?"


    Her heart raced at that moment. It was indeed a special moment for her and if she would get the desired answer from him, then it would be the most beautiful moment of her life.


    Huo Jin stepped toward her and brought his face close to her. He ducked his head towards her ear and whispered, "you need to learn how to kiss."


    He leaned back and their eyes met again. "I am tired," he said and turned to go. Yin Na touched her lips and then at Huo Jin''s back. She ran after him and found he was walking faster than earlier.


    They both were now on the main route to the Wang Residence. Both were silent for a long time and it bothered Yin Na. But she could not speak to Huo Jin either. His earlierment was troubling her.


    Huo Jin, on the other hand, found the troubled expressions on her grimace. But staying quiet was best. Though, he grasped her hand firmly. Before she could ask him, he said, "you are walking way too slowly."


    Yin Na pulled her hand from his grip. "I will walk faster than you," she challenged him and ran ahead of him.


    Huo Jin understood that Yin Na was angry at him because he didn''t say what she wanted to hear.


    ~~~~~~


    Sheng Li entered the famous wine shop in Changying. He walked to the second floor and went towards the open balcony, where a table surrounded by two chairs was ced. The small stream was visible from there and a few people could be seen in the boathouse.


    Sheng Li settled on one of the chairs. As he sat down, a man in white robes came to him and lowered his eyes showing a formal greeting gesture towards the Emperor.


    "You chose a nice location," Sheng Li said and looked towards theke.


    "Since it was the first ce where you have wine with me," the man said and looked around. He refrained from speaking formally with Sheng Li.


    Taking out a small folded piece of paper, he forwarded it to Sheng Li, who opened it and read the message on it.


    "Lian Zoumu was near the Governor''s residencest night. Our few spies, who are appointed as soldiers in Mingze''s residence, found them conversing," the man informed Sheng Li.


    "The message I gave you is something the two conversed. It needs to be decoded," the man told Sheng Li, who hummed.


    "You may leave," Sheng Li ordered him.


    The man looked around and bowed. However, before leaving he congratted Sheng Li, who nced at him in amusement. "It is good to see that you have a family now. You always wondered what your family would look like, but now I suppose it is beautiful," the man stated.


    Sheng Li smiled and agreed with his words.


    "Let''s have wine someday. Maybe after this matter gets resolved," the man suggested to which Sheng Li agreed. He stood up and walked away. Sheng Li looked at the tiny piece of paper in his hand and folded it.


    ''What could this message mean? Has someone from Luoyang nned it out? I trusted Mingze in such a big territory, yet he betrayed me,'' Sheng Li thought. His eyes fell on Zhe Yan, who was employed in the wine shop. He motioned his hand towards him, who without wasting any second came to Sheng Li.


    "What does the Master want to take?" Zhe Yan asked in his humble tone.


    "The popr rice wine of Changying," Sheng Li ordered.


    "Please wait for a few minutes." Zhe Yan walked away and after some time returned with a tray in his hand. He put the jar on the table and the cup as well.


    "So, you work in this wine shop," Sheng Li asked in amusement.


    "Yes, Master, but only three days a week," Zhe Yan replied and poured the wine for Sheng Li.


    "Is the Master gathering more information?" Zhe Yan asked and put the jar on the table. He understood that Sheng Li did not want to answer him, so stayed quiet.


    "It''s my pleasure to serve you this wine," Zhe Yan said delightedly. "Please enjoy your drinks, Master," he said before leaving.


    Sheng Li brought the cup near his mouth when heard the voices of cursing. He put the cup on the table and realized that it wasing from the first floor. The breaking of furniture could be heard, along with the screams of the people.


    He came towards the balustrade and looked down. A group of men was beating a man, who had taken the debt from their master. The owner tried to stop them, however, got injured when the man in brown robes pushed him away.


    Zhe Yan helped the owner to get aside whose forehead was bleeding after it banged against the table.


    Sheng Li did not bother to stop and went back to his seat. After finishing the drinks, he came downstairs to pay, and to his surprise, the group of five men was still cursing at the man, who was on his knees.


    Sheng Li paid for the drinks and decided to leave when he heard one of them.


    "Master has told us to bring his daughter to him."


    Sheng Li turned to look at them.


    "Please don''t do anything to my daughter. I will pay back the taxes by the next morning. I beg you," the man on his knees pleaded with them.


    "Our master has waited enough. Now, your daughter will repay him by serving him for her entire life."


    The muscr man from the group fisted his hair and dragged him towards the door when Sheng Li stopped him by standing in front of them.


    "Leave him," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    "Who are you to stop us?" Another man pushed Sheng Li, who stumbled back. Zhe Yan quickly came forward and told them to not create a scene in the shop.


    "Hey, Kid! Don''t interfere in this matter," the man in the middle threatened him.


    "How much debt does he have on your master?" Sheng Li thought about not getting into the eyes of anyone and decided to let this go away in a calming way. "I will repay the debt he has. Leave him," Sheng Li told them and took out the pouch from his inner pocket of the robe.


    The muscr man''s grip loosened from his hair and the man fell to the floor.


    "If you won''t be able to pay, then I will¡ª"


    "What if I''ll pay every single penny to you?" Sheng Li asked them.


    Zhe Yan looked at Sheng Li and wondered why he was speaking this way.


    "Take me to your master and I''ll pay every single penny to him," Sheng Li affirmed. The group of men nced at each other. They decided to take Sheng Li with them.


    "Let''s go," the muscr man told Sheng Li, who left with them.


    Zhe Yan could not help but follow Sheng Li. He had realized that Sheng Li was alone and it would not be good if the Emperor had not had anyone around to protect him.


    "I will also apany you," Zhe Yan said when one of them scowled at him.


    "Let hime with me," Sheng Li told those men, who did not oppose them and they all left to meet the master, who was behind thismotion.

 Chapter 746 The Betrayer

    Sheng Li got down from the carriage and read the letters carved on therge wooden board at the entrance.


    "Peng Residence," Sheng Li read and walked in, followed by Zhe Yan. As he reached the main courtyard, he found a middle-aged man on the pavilion, enjoying the dance. One of the men went to the pavilion and informed his master about Sheng Li''s presence.


    The middle-aged man looked in Sheng Li''s direction and after a while, he was called to the pavilion.


    Sheng Li ascended the few stairs to reach the pavilion.


    "Are you from Changying?" The middle-aged man asked.


    Sheng Li noticed the expensive silk clothes that he had worn and the silver wine ss in his hand. It was evident to him that such a huge wealth was umted in illegal ways.


    "No. I am a traveler from the North. I am Hushu," Sheng Li lied to him, introducing his alias name to him.


    "I am Peng Daoshui, a first-rank official in thew department. Why is a traveler bothered by a random man in the wine shop? You appear to be a phnthropist," Peng Daoshui deduced and sipped the wine from the ss. He put it down and the snacks that had been put on the tter.


    "If I had been a phnthropist, you would have been rich by now," Sheng Li stated.


    "Why are you informal to me?" Peng Daoshui did not like the way Sheng Li spoke to him. He nced at his man, who went to Sheng Li and told him to get on his knees.


    Zhe Yan, who was still outside the pavilion wondered how Sheng Li would handle that situation, without disclosing his true identity. He gradually moved ahead to reach where Sheng Li was standing.


    "I won''t get on my knees. I was in Luoyang a few days back when I heard the Emperor''s decision. No one is allowed to treat women badly in the Empire. I am afraid that being an official you should have acknowledged His Majesty''s orders. Yet, you asked your men to fetch the young daughter of your debtor. Is the way you are maintaining thew in the town?" Sheng Li questioned him. He could not tolerate such behavior from an official and was ready to punish him.


    Peng Daoshui stood up and walked to Sheng Li. He threw the wine from his ss at Sheng Li''s face. But Zhe Yan prevented the Emperor''s face bying in between them.


    "Who are you?" Peng Daoshui asked Zhe Yan, who had lowered his head.


    "I am a worker at the wine shop where Lord Peng''s men created havoc," Zhe Yan answered calmly.


    Peng Daoshui threw the silver ss in anger. Sheng Li chuckled upon seeing the way this petty official was acting in front of him. He put his hand on Zhe Yan''s shoulder, who tilted his head to nce at him.


    "You should not havee in the middle," Sheng Li told him and stepped forward.


    "Peng Daoshui," Sheng Li pronounced his name and ced his hand on his shoulder. Sheng Li pressed it tightly, making Peng Daoshui cry in pain. His men came forward to rescue their master when they heard Sheng Li.


    "If you don''t want to lose your lives, stay where you are!" Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    Peng Daoshui put his hands on Sheng Li''s arm as he tried to get released from his grip, but it was in vain.


    "What are you looking at? Attack him." This time Peng Daoshui barked at his men, who marched towards Sheng Li, who swiftly pulled out the dagger and put it on Peng Daoshui''s neck. The sharp de pierced the skin and blood oozed out from it.


    "Your beloved master will die if any of you step closer," Sheng Li warned them. The dancers who were standing at one side of the pavilion ran out while screaming in fear.


    "Don''te close," Peng Daoshui told his men as he felt the sharp de on his skin.


    Zhe Yan wondered why Sheng Li did that. He was not supposed to reveal his disguise.


    "Let''s go to my ce," Sheng Li told Peng Daoshui, who tilted his head. "Tell your men that words should not spread out; otherwise tomorrow morning your courtyard will be a mourning house. The de has poison on it and your skin is already pierced with it. The antidote is with me, so if you want to live, then tell your men to step back," Sheng Li whispered in his ear.


    Peng Daoshui told his men to remain quiet. He requested Sheng Li not to do anything to him and asked him for the antidote.


    "Follow me," Sheng Li said as he slowly moved the dagger from his neck. Peng Daoshui put his hand on his left neck and walked behind Sheng Li.


    Zhe Yan also ran after them. Sheng Li got into the carriage and they left for the resthouse, where Sheng Li was staying.


    "I am feeling strange. Can you not give me an antidote now?" Peng Daoshui requested Sheng Li, who shook his head.


    "Bear it for a few more minutes," Sheng Li said coldly and gestured to Zhe Yan, who tied a handkerchief around Peng Daoshui''s neck. The carriage stopped and they stepped out of it.


    Sheng Li grasped Peng Daoshui''s arm and threw him into the room. Xiao Zhan and Jian Guozhi were startled to see this. Zhe Yan swiftly closed the door behind him.


    Sheng Li put his right foot on Peng Daoshui''s neck and pressed it tightly. He begged for mercy, but Sheng Li did not pay heed to it.


    "Your Majesty, what happened?" Xiao Zhan queried Sheng Li, who seemed infuriated.


    Peng Daoshui was shocked to hear that the person who introduced himself as a traveler was the Emperor.


    "How dare you throw the wine towards me? Is this the way an official treats the people in Changying?" Sheng Li inquired and gritted his teeth.


    "Fo-Forgive me, Yo-your Majesty," Peng Daoshui managed to say.


    Sheng Li moved his foot away from his neck and got on his knee. He pped Peng Daoshui''s cheek and told him to apologize to Zhe Yan.


    He quickly sat up and got on his knees. Bowing his head, he apologized for his mistake. Sheng Li stood up and turned to look at Zhe Yan.


    "Do you forgive him?" Sheng Li queried Zhe Yan, who nodded his head.


    Sheng Li kicked Peng Daoshui, who fell to the floor.


    "Calm down, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi said humbly and put his hand on Sheng Li''s shoulder.


    "How could the officials act this way? First Brother, this man was enjoying the dance, troubling the people and it is ridiculous that he''s in the Law Department," Sheng Li said in anger.


    "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty," Peng Daoshui kept begging him to spare his life.


    "Keep your mouth shut," Sheng Li told him and he pressed his lips tightly.


    "Tell me about your involvement with Lian Zoumu," Sheng Li''s question bewildered everyone in the room.


    Peng Daoshui widened them wondering how Sheng Li found out about it. Sheng Li again withdrew the dagger from the sheath and walked to him.


    He knelt on his left knee while his left knee rested straight on the wooden floor. The dagger in his hand was now on Peng Daoshui''s chin as he lifted it to make him gaze into his eyes.


    "Do you think you can fool Sheng Li''s eyes?"


    "Speak," Jian Guozhi told Peng Daoshui.


    "I do not kn-know what His Majesty is saying," Peng Daoshui replied with a stutter.


    "Lying from Sheng Li is not a wise choice," Sheng Li asserted while the de pierced the firstyer of his skin. The blood dripped on the de of the dagger.


    "What were his men doing in your residence?" Sheng Li questioned him. "How dare you go against your Emperor?" Sheng Li muttered, keeping a menacing expression on his face.


    "Speak the truth. It will be considered treason if you keep your mouth shut. Your entire family will be killed and the death will not be an easy one," Jian Guozhi reminded Peng Daoshui of some of the severe consequences that he had to bear for lying and betraying the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, I did what I was told to do. I beg you to spare my family," Peng Daoshui stated.


    "Who told you to employ them and why?" Sheng Li asked as he moved the dagger away and then stood straight.


    "I was given a huge amount of money, jewels, and precious goods to give shelter to Lian Zoumu''s men. I could not see the face of the person because it was covered with a piece of ck fabric," Peng Daoshui stated.


    "He''s lying. Take him to the dungeon and beat him until every inch of his body bleeds," Sheng Li said and turned to walk away when Peng Daoshui grasped his foot.


    "It''s Governor Mingze, Your Majesty," Peng Daoshui finally revealed the truth which was shocking for everyone in the room except Sheng Li. His suspicions were right.


    "So, he is the betrayer," Sheng Li murmured and snickered.

 Chapter 747 Four Walls

    Ying Lili sat straight on the bed after the Royal Physician examined her. Court Lady Xu tucked the fringes behind Ying Lili''s ear that were loosely hanging on the front of her left eye.


    "Your Majesty, everything is going well. You have a healthy pulse rate and even the heart rate is good," the Royal Physician informed Ying Lili, who thanked him.


    "Thank you, Royal Physician," Ying Lili said, who took his leave. However, before leaving he told Court Lady Ki about the potion that would be beneficial for the Empress.


    Ying Lili rose to her feet and prepared to go out when Court Lady Xu stopped her. "Please take rest, Your Majesty," Court Lady Xu advised her.


    "I am not tired, Court Lady Xu. Staying inside the chamber makes me more anxious and restless. While Sheng Li is working outside, I cannot rest and enjoy the blissful pleasure of the Pce. I need to scrutinize the events in Luoyang, so that when Sheng Li returns, he will not be burdened and stressed," Ying Lili exined to her.


    "Court Lady Xu, the Empress is as healthy as a horse," Xing-Fu remarked. "Let Her Majesty do the work. She isn''t like the other women from the royal family, who mostly rest during this period," he suggested to Court Lady Xu, who agreed to them.


    Ying Lili thanked Xing-Fu for understanding her. They left the Northern Pce and walked to the Hall of Virtue, where the Prime Minister and General Wang were waiting for her.


    Seeing her entering, the two rose to their feet and bowed their respective heads in respect. Ying Lili took her seat and told the two to settle down.


    "Your Majesty, the decision taken by you on Huo Jin''s matter is condemned by a few officials. They still think that a noble ss has the right to punish a person born as a ve," the Prime Minister forwarded the voice of a few nobles in front of the Empress.


    "It means they are not the loyal subjects of His Majesty. Huo Jin was dered a free person after he informed us of the true intentions of Tan Gengxin. He helped the Emperor when he almost fell into danger. He was not born as a ve but society made him into one," Ying Lili stated.


    She recalled Hu Jingguo, who used to get upset whenever he was called a ve. Moreover, Huo Jin was a close person to Sheng Li and it seemed to her that the nobles were disrespecting Sheng Li indirectly.


    "The nobles, the officials must know that the Emperor''s decision is supreme. If they want to go against it, bring them forward. I have punishment ready for them," Ying Lili asserted.


    "Everyone thinks that this Princess of Juyan is known for her Kindness, but if injustice happens, then there''s no ground for her kindness," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "I understand, Your Majesty. I will deliver the just decision of Her Majesty," the Prime Minister said.


    "Prime Minister, General Wang, I received a message from His Majesty. It will take longer for His Majesty and the First Prince to resolve the matter," Ying Lili stated.


    "Keep your eyes open and if anything seems suspicious, take the appropriate action after consulting with me," Ying Lili told them.


    "Of course, Your Majesty. I shall leave," the Prime Minister bowed his head and stood up. Ying Lili nodded and the Prime Minister left the hall.


    She shifted her gaze at Wang Hao and asked about Huo Jin''s health.


    "Your Majesty, Huo Jin''s wound has still not recovered," Wang Hao replied. "Your Majesty, as per your orders, I have employed the spies in Luoyang, especially around the nobles'' houses," he then informed her.


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "You did great, General Wang. Nobles cannot be trusted. Even your own family members cannot be trusted when it is about the throne. I learned the lesson when my own uncle betrayed myte father. It was a great lesson in my life. After that, the Second Prince''s betrayal shook every one of us. It is better to remain alerted to prevent any mishap," Ying Lili stated.


    Wang Hao agreed with her.


    "Your Majesty, please do not overstress yourself over the Empire''s matters. His Majesty would be unhappy if he finds you working hard behind his back," Wang Hao said out of concern.


    Ying Lili smiled a little. "General Wang, Sheng Li can''t remain unhappy just because I shared part of his work. It''s a normal phase of my life. My children will be born healthy if I keep myself active. Sheng Li also knows that I cannot keep myself inside those four walls," Ying Lili affirmed.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu was on the patio of his chamber with a flute in his hand. Chuntao walked to him and settled by his side.


    The maidservant handed her the tray which she put beside her when Nianzu asked her about it.


    "It''s chamomile tea, Prince Nianzu," Chuntao said and handed him the cup. He thanked her and sipped it.


    "The Prince looks stressed. Is everything good?" She asked and looked at the flute that he had put on the floor beside him.


    "I am not stressed but a little worried about my two brothers in Changying," Nianzu answered and gestured to her to drink the tea. Chuntao brought the cup close to her lips and sipped from it.


    "I met Sister Lili and Sister Xue in the morning," Chuntao said and put the cup on the tray. "Sister Lili has been looking into the Empire''s affairs, thus keeping herself busy. I asked Sister Lili if she needed any help, but she refused."


    "Sister Lili does not want to bother the other Princesses, I believe. She handles most of the work herself," Nianzu affirmed before sipping the tea.


    "Yes. That''s why my admiration for her only increases, Prince Nianzu," Chuntao answered and took the cup from Nianzu. She filled it with tea again.


    "Sister Xue is making some woolen clothes for the First Prince. When you were not around me for a week, it was difficult for me to pass the day. It must be difficult for them, to stay away from their husbands," Chuntao stated and forwarded the teacup to her husband.


    "So, what do you think? In that aspect, amoner''s life is much better, no?" Nianzu queried her.


    "Hmm. I think the same. At least, your husband does not have to be away from you for days, weeks, or months. If it is a war, the distress is high. Themoners do not have to worry about it, though, they are more concerned about the supply of the goods. I truly appreciate how the royals live and how much they suffer, which most of us fail to understand," Chuntao proimed.


    Nianzu agreed with her words. "I also ran away because of this reason. Earlier, the situation wasn''t stable in the royal family. The conditions are better now. It''s a lovely ce to live now. I also understand that I cannot leave my brothers on their own. I also have duties towards them, towards my people," Nianzu stated and picked the teacup.


    He finished it soon and asked Chuntao if she would like to hear a new song that he wrote the previous day.


    "When did the Prince write the song?" Chuntao asked in amusement.


    "While sleeping beside you," Nianzu replied and rested his thumb on her cheek. He stroked it and continued, "I am a music lover. I love to confess my feelings through music rather than my words. You know it better."


    Chuntao smiled and asked him to y for her. Nianzu hummed and picked the flute. He blew the air in it and moved his fingers rhythmically over the holes, thus producing a melodious tone from it. The tunes were not high pitched, rather, they were soft and soothing.


    Chuntao read every single expression that had appeared on Nianzu''s face while ying that song. It sounded sweet and harmonious to her. Finally, he stopped and put the flute down on hisp.


    "Did you understand the meaning?" He asked. However, he was well aware that Chuntao might have not gotten the lyrics of the song.


    "Is it about the way you see me with you?" She asked him.


    "Hmm. You understood the tunes," Nianzu deduced.


    "Expressions. They were lovely," Chuntao corrected him.


    "My love for you is like this music. It delights me, calms me down, and encourages me," Nianzu admitted.


    Chuntao smiled broadly. "There is something I want to tell you," she said.


    "Hmm?" Nianzu raised his brow in response.


    Chuntao looked down and rested her hand on her belly and then peered into Nianzu''s eyes once again, who understood what she was going to tell him.


    "When did you find out?" Nianzu asked.


    "An hour ago. The Royal Physician examined the Princesses today, so he told me that I am with your child. I thought to wait for you and requested the Royal Physician to keep his lips tight," Chuntao informed and pressed her lips tightly, trying to suppress her smile.


    Nianzu started tough and a broad smile appeared on his lips.


    "Thank you, Chun." He quickly cupped her face and showered the kisses on her face.


    Chuntao giggled when Nianzu stopped. "I will be a father soon," Nianzu said with tears in his eyes.


    "Yes," Chuntao replied while nodding her head.


    Nianzu kissed her lips and then cheeks before embracing her in a warm hug.


    "Chun, I cannot express how happy I am. Thank you for this," he said and the smile only widened, showing his extreme happiness.

 Chapter 748 Faked A Smile

    The good news about Chuntao''s pregnancy spread in the Pce and soon it was told to the people of Luoyang.


    In the Pce, Empress Dowager, quickly went to the Eastern Pce, to meet his son and daughter-inw. The past few days were stressful, but this good news indeed brought a smile to everyone''s faces around them.


    Seeing the Empress Dowager, Chuntao stood up from the chaise. Deng Hui embraced Chuntao and then pulled away. "Princess Chuntao has given me the greatest happiness of my life," Deng Hui said and quickly removed the expensive jade rings from her pointer finger. She handed it to the first servant she saw, who thanked her.


    Ying Lili and the others were happy to see how Deng Hui perceived this happiness.


    However, Nianzu somewhere found that his mother was not this happy when Ying Lili''s and Bai Yaling''s pregnancy was found out. Though he had cleared his differences with her, somewhere, he could still see that his mother was still not good to the other Princes'' wives.


    "Sister Hui, you will be the Grand Dowager. It is such lovely news," the Second Consort Dowager told her, who passed a smile to her.


    "I cannot express my happiness. A little Prince will soon be born," Deng Hui said.


    "It can be a girl, Mother," Nianzu corrected her. He did not like it when his mother made an assumption that Chuntao would give birth to a boy only.


    Lei Wanxi thought to cheer up Nianzu''s mood and intervened in the conversation.


    "What does Brother Nianzu want? A girl or a boy?" Lei Wanxi asked with a smile.


    "I cannot answer that, Brother Wanxi. Both are equal to me. I just want my wife to remain healthy during this period," asserted Nianzu and peered at Chuntao with his loving gaze.


    "We should celebrate this moment," Deng Hui affirmed with gleaming eyes.


    "Mother, that''s impossible. My two brothers are not in the Pce and one of them is the Emperor. Without them, this celebration will have no meaning," Nianzu totally refused the idea of his mother, which she had almost put forward.


    Ying Lili found that Nianzu was a little annoyed at his own mother. It was not a pleasing sight to her. She indeed remembered that Sheng Li had informed her how Nianzu''s rtionship turned bitter with his mother after Huo Jin revealed her truth to him. So, she decided to converse with the Fourth Prince about it.


    "I will go with Brother Nianzu''s suggestion. Celebrations without the presence of Brother Jian and Brother Sheng will leave no meaning. Also, none of us will be able to fully enjoy it," Rong Zemin opined. "Forgive me, Empress Dowager, if I sounded rude," he apologized quickly.


    "Empress Dowager, as soon as the Emperor and the First Prince returns, a grand celebration will be organized," Ying Lili assured her. Everyone looked in her direction.


    "I know that for the Empress Dowager it is a great moment, but presently, any celebration without the presence of the Emperor and the First Prince will be considered bad," Ying Lili pronounced. She did not want Deng Hui to take Nianzu''s words to her heart. She could understand and feel the emotions of Deng Hui towards her son.


    "This is what I want to say," Nianzu said. "Your Majesty, you shall head back to your chamber. It is not advisable to remain standing for a long time. Don''t tire yourself," Nianzu advised her.


    The others agreed with his advice.


    "Sister Chuntao, Brother Nianzu, my best wishes are with you. I am extremely happy for you both," Ying Lili again gave them her warm wishes, before leaving their chamber. The others also left slowly except the Empress Dowager, who was instructing the servants.


    After shemanded the servants, she decided to leave when Nianzu followed her. He told Eunuch Chung to be around Chuntao.


    "Son, I was waiting for this day for a long time. Tomorrow, I will hold a prayer session for you both," Deng Hui told Nianzu, who indeed liked how concerned she was for his wife, but why she was not considerate of Sheng Li and Ying Lili. So, he asked about it.


    "Mother, why did you not pray for Brother Sheng and Sister Lili? What about Sister Bai Yaling? Don''t you consider them as part of this family?" The numerous questions that Nianzu had in his mind, he delivered them.


    "Why are you bringing them in the middle of our conversation, Prince Nianzu?" Deng Hui asked as she halted. The servants behind them kept a one-foot distance from them.


    "Because that''s important for me to know. Also, I did not like it when you said you want a grand celebration. Indeed, it''s good news but the two Princes are still out of Luoyang. What will others think if you keep your attitude this way?" Nianzu was furious at his mother, but he kept his tone polite.


    "The Emperor has told me not toe in front of me, not to consider him a son anymore. I wanted to do everything for them, but when Sheng Li doesn''t want me to, how am I supposed to do anything for them?" Deng Hui questioned her son. Taking the name of the Emperor was forbidden, but Deng Hui became angry at the mention of the Emperor.


    She was unable to understand why her son considered Sheng Li so good when he did not even see him worthy enough to handle the Empire in his absence. Sheng Li handed themand to a woman, to his wife, instead of the advisor of the Empire. It had bothered her but she could not either blurt it out.


    Nianzu calmed down when he realized that Sheng Li indeed was upset with his mother.


    "Mother, Brother Sheng has no hatred for you. You were once scheming against him, his wife, yourte husband, and my wife too. It will take time for him to build his trust in you. However, don''t think that he forbids you from entering the Northern Pce. Mother must put efforts to show how much she loves him," Nianzu made Deng Hui understand.


    "I will try when the Emperor returns," Deng Hui assured Nianzu, but it was half-heartedly. She faked a smile at him and said, "Go back to your wife. She needs you all the time from now on."


    Nianzu nodded his head and bowed before returning to his chamber.

 Chapter 749 Enemies Are Everywhere

    "Mingze has been fooling us for a long time," Jian Guozhi said while looking at Sheng Li, who had rested his hands on the edge of the table and had lowered his body.


    "The question is why he did that," Sheng Li muttered. "Mingze then took the name of Zou Shuren. Why did he falsely use him? Everything is soplex," he affirmed.


    "Did Commander Yang deploy the forces in the borders adjoining Changying?" Sheng Li inquired.


    "Our forces have surrounded the borders well," Commander Yang answered. "Our soldiers are ready to fight against the enemies," he added.


    "We won''t attack Lian Zoumu, not until we find out the truth behind it. The soldiers are deployed so that we do not lose control over Changying in case any uprising urs," Sheng Li proimed.


    "You may leave," Sheng Li ordered him, who walked out, closing the doors behind him.


    "Brother Sheng, when will the spy return?" Jian Guozhi queried him.


    "It is the second day. He must return by now," Sheng Li answered and stood straight.


    "Brother Sheng, why did Mingze think that he could deceive you? He knows yourwork, yet he decided to betray you," Jian Guozhi stated while furrowing his brows together.


    "I am wondering the same. Mingze went to the battles with me. Why did he betray me? It was not a wise move by him," Sheng Li asserted.


    "Brother Sheng, what if someone is hidden behind him? Mingze would not have thought to betray you unless he was forced," Jian Guozhi deduced.


    "Enemies are everywhere," Sheng Li affirmed. "I just wish that it is not someone from the Pce," he said with a worried expression.


    "Why would someone from the Pce do it? Does Brother Sheng suspect any member of the family?" Jian Guozhi asked with curiosity. He hoped that Sheng Li''s suspicions would not be right. After the loss of the Second Prince, he never wished that anyone would n something evil against them.


    "It is just a suspicion," Sheng Li pronounced and locked his hands behind his back.


    "I don''t think anyone from the family has hands behind it," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "No one had thought that Brother Yongzheng would try to harm us," Sheng Li reminded him.


    "That was because of me. I was the one who brainwashed him," Jian Guozhi took the me and sighed.


    "It wasn''t your fault, First Brother. You also changed your path after realization hit you," Sheng Li stated and recalled Deng Hui''s betrayal. He had threatened her not to n anything in the future, but presently, he was doubtful of her intentions.


    "Empress Dowager isn''t the person that she portrays herself," Sheng Li said, revealing the true identity of Deng Hui to Jian Guozhi, who was puzzled by his statement.


    "What does Brother Sheng mean?" He asked and knitted his brows together.


    "Brother Jian, currently, I can only say that the Empress Dowager was no lesser than the previous Empress, or I shall say she''s even worse. I kept it hidden and forgave her, but somewhere I am regretting my decision," Sheng Li affirmed, giving a few pieces of information to Jian Guozhi.


    ~~~~


    Yin Na peeked through the gap between the door and saw Huo Jin was wrapping a bandage around his wound for a long time but every time, he failed to tie it up properly.


    Huo Jin had called for a servant many times, but no one responded to him. Yin Na had already sent the servants away and was waiting for the right time to go in.


    He came towards the door to open it and look outside when Yin Na pushed the door. Huo Jin was surprised to see her and stepped back.


    "I heard your voice. Do you need any help?" Yin Na asked and looked at his naked torso. Before Huo Jin could answer, she snatched the bandage from him. "I will do it," she stated and dragged him to the bed.


    They both settled down on the mattress.


    Yin Na leaned closer to him and started to wrap the bandage to keep the herbal paste intact on the wound. Huo Jin kept his gaze fixed on her face.


    "Lift your arm a little," Yin Na urged him, and he acted on it. Yin Na tied the knot of the bandage and then picked the upper garment. She helped him wear it and then gently tied the knot on it.


    "Did you tell the servants to leave?" Huo Jin''s question flustered Yin Na.


    "What do you mean?" She acted as if she didn''t get his question.


    "You know what I meant," Huo Jin stated, in a firm tone.


    "Why would I tell servants to leave?" She chuckled and giggled.


    "Because you wanted to do it," Huo Jin''s reply made her stop giggling. She blinked a few times, trying to think of an appropriate answer. "Else, why would you wander around my room?" He asked with a smug.


    "I can wander anywhere in the residence. Earlier, I was around Father''s quarter. Is it wrong to roam around?" She put forward the question confidently.


    "It is not wrong to roam around," Huo Jin replied, "but it is suspicious that you were around my room. I know you love me, so your behavior is understandable." He had an amusing look on his face.


    "It''s your fault," Yin Na pronounced, bewildering him. He tilted his head and arched his brow, waiting for her answer.


    "You kissed me and confessed your feelings to me. I am aware that you didn''t say it from your mouth, but that kiss was enough to show it," she affirmed.


    "Leave," Huo Jin said.


    "Why?!" She asked with astonishment.


    "I want to be alone," Huo Jin replied.


    "Why? Don''t take stress, Huo Jin. If you have some, you can share with me," Yin Na stated.


    "Huo Jin, I have purchased a woolen overcoat for you. I almost forgot to bring it for you. Wait for me! I will bring it for you." Yin Na ran out of the room without listening to what Huo Jin had to say.

 Chapter 750 A Guest

    "Prince Wanxi, I think I shall go to Changying to help the Emperor and the First Prince," Zhu Lin suggested.


    "I am afraid, Zhu Lin, but you cannot go to Changying. Remember what the Royal Physician advised you. Your navel muscles are still weak and in Changying, the situation may arise where you have to pick the weapon. Your health might deteriorate for that reason," Lei Wanxi expressed his concerns.


    "But Prince Wanxia€¡±"


    "Shh," Lei Wanxi quickly ced his finger over her lips. "Brother Sheng doesn''t want anyone from the family to go to Changying to aid him. He has made the decision and it will anger him if we make a decision without putting a thought," he advised her before putting his hand down.


    "I thought to help the Empress. She doesn''t show her worries, but it is evident in her eyes. Currently, she''s pregnant, so her concerns have increased more," Zhu Lin stated. "Did Prince Wanxi understand what I mean?" Zhu Lin asked him.


    "Hmm. I got what you meant. Sister Lili needs Brother Sheng at this time. Being an Emperor isn''t easy. They both make so many sacrifices to keep us, this royal family, and the people away from danger," Lei Wanxi pronounced.


    "That''s why I wanted to lessen her burden," Zhu Lin asserted.


    "You can do it from here as well," Lei Wanxi answered. "You can be with Sister Lili in the afternoon period," he advised her.


    "I wish I could do that. But the Emperor has strict orders regarding the presence of people around the Empress," Zhu Lin stated and sighed.


    "But Sister Lili will not stop you. Brother Sheng must have done it for a reason. Histe mother was poisoned when she carried Brother Sheng in her womb. For that reason, Brother Sheng has kept his loyal people around the Empress," Lei Wanxi made her understand.


    "Why does the Emperor not trust the members of the royal family? It can create a rift again," she opined.


    Lei Wanxi shook his head. "A rift can never be created among us. No one knows who can be the next enemy," he stated.


    "Zhu Lin, I will see you in the evening. I need to talk to Brother Nianzu." Lei Wanxi rose to his feet and pulled out the fan from his sash. He opened it and fanned himself.


    "It is wintertime, Prince Wanxi. Don''t use the fan," she said and stood up to grab it when Lei Wanxi moved his hand back.


    "I am feeling hot," Lei Wanxi replied and waved his hand at her.


    Once he came out of the chamber, he walked to the Fourth Prince''s chamber.


    "Pardon me, Prince Wanxi, but Prince Nianzu and Princess Chuntao are having some private moments," Eunuch Chung informed him, who understood.


    "Eunuch Chung, please inform my Fourth Brotherter that I came to see him," he requested.


    "Of course, Prince Wanxi," he replied and bowed his head.


    Lei Wanxi walked ahead and looked toward the pavilion. "I miss those days," he murmured and for an unknown reason remembered the Second Prince.


    "It is still unbelievable that he turned this way," he mumbled when heard the footsteps. He closed the fan in his hand and tilted his head.


    "Little Yu," he said with a tiny smile and put the fan inside his sash.


    "Brother Wanxi." He bowed in his respect.


    "You look upset, Brother Wanxi. Is everything good?" Weng Yu asked out of concern.


    "I recalled the old days, Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi answered and again gazed at the pavilion. Weng Yu stood by his side and nced in the same direction as the Sixth Prince.


    "I remember when all of us were gathered under the same pavilion," Weng Yu stated. "We all wereughing. We all promised each other that we would never go against each other. The six of us had implemented this except my Late Elder Brother," Weng Yu said with a dejected look.


    Lei Wanxi patted Weng Yu''s shoulder. "Maybe he''s at peace now. I was angry at him, but I cannot forget his acts where he was supportive of me," Lei Wanxi asserted.


    Weng Yu lifted his head to look into his eyes. "Brother Wanxi, I don''t want us, brothers, to fight anymore," Weng Yu said.


    "That will never happen, Little Yu," Lei Wanxi assured him and drew him close by resting his arm around his shoulder.


    "Mother keeps crying whenever I find her alone," Weng Yu suddenly said and it bewildered Lei Wanxi.


    "I wish Father had forgiven my Elder Brother. I know Brother Yongzheng did wrong, but seeing Mother in that state sunk my heart," Weng Yu exined.


    "Brother Yu, to prevail justice it was important. I understand you fully and also empathize with Mother Ju Feb, but in front of justice I could not support wrong," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "I understand it, Brother Wanxi. But can a mother''s heart understand it?" Weng Yu inquired.


    "Brother Yu, a mother can never forget her child. However, you can try to fill the void. Time heals everything, Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi advised him.


    "I will do my best. It will be tough, but I will give happiness to my mother," Weng Yu affirmed.


    "Brother Yu can take my help too. I am good at making people happy," Lei Wanxi stated and patted Weng Yu''s shoulder.


    "Thank you, Brother Wanxi, for listening to me," Weng Yu expressed his gratitude. "Brother Wanxi, let''s go to the Northern Pce. Sister Lili must be in the Royal garden. We can give herpany, and that way, she will not miss Brother Sheng''s presence," he suggested.


    "Sure, Brother Yu," Lei Wanxi said and pulled his hand back. They both headed to the Northern Pce when Lei Wanxi saw Wu Qinyang. His lips curled up into a smile as it has been a long since hest saw her.


    Weng Yu gazed at his brother with a puzzled expression and asked him why he stopped.


    "Brother Yu, I am afraid, but I have a guest. You shall go to Sister Lili. I will join you in a while," Lei Wanxi said. Weng Yu did not question the Sixth Prince and left for the royal garden of the Northern Pce.

 Chapter 751 Harm The Emperor

    Lei Wanxi poured the tea and forwarded it to Wu Qinyang. "Wee back, Miss Wu Qinyang," Lei Wanxi said with a smile. He looked at the sword on one side of the sash and told her to put it aside.


    Wu Qinyang put the sword on the table.


    "How is Prince Wanxi doing?" Wu Qinyang asked.


    "I am well," Lei Wanxi answered. "Miss Qinyang can see the glow on my face."


    She ended up smiling and picked the teacup. She sipped the tea and said, "Prince Wanxi is still enjoying his life as he has wished for."


    "Indeed. I will soon be a married man," Lei Wanxi informed her.


    "I heard about it. I am happy for Prince Wanxi," Wu Qinyang said dly and put the cup on the table.


    "What about Miss Wu? When will she get married?" Lei Wanxi asked her.


    "When my Father will tell me to," Wu Qinyang replied.


    Lei Wanxi nodded his head and sipped the tea.


    "So, why did youe to Luoyang? I had sent you the letter where I mentioned that you did not need to work as a spy anymore," Lei Wanxi reminded her.


    "I received that message. However, I have toe. I learned about the situation in Changying. I investigated the matter and found out a strange thing," Wu Qinyang affirmed. "I thought to inform the Emperor about it," she stated.


    "Brother Sheng is in Changying. It is unknown to outsiders," Lei Wanxi said. "So, what have you found out?" He queried her and sipped the tea, before putting the cup on the table.


    "The Governor of the Eastern Province is behind it," Wu Qinyang answered.


    Lei Wanxi was startled to hear about it. "Governor Mingze is the one who sent the message to Brother Sheng. Why would he do this? Also, he has gone to battles with Brother Sheng." He was not ready to believe that Mingze could do this, but he trusted Wu Qinyang too.


    "Are you sure?" Lei Wanxi asked again to confirm.


    "Yes, Your Highness. I brought evidence with me." She took out two folded pieces of the papers and forwarded them to Lei Wanxi, who opened them.


    "These are the exchanges of messages between Lian Zoumu, who''s behind gathering the people in his favor. I could not collect more as it could raise their suspicions," Wu Qinyang informed the Sixth Prince.


    "Where did you find these exchanged letters? It might be risky," he said with a concerned expression.


    "I entered Lian Zoumu''s ce which is in Yeosu town, adjacent to Changying," Wu Qinyang stated.


    Lei Wanxi was impressed to hear her. "You did not get hurt. Am I right? I heard Lian Zoumu has captivated some women from low-rank official families." As a woman, it would have been riskier for Wu Qinyang to enter his ce. "Does he have a harem of women?" He then asked.


    Wu Qinyang shook her head. "I entered disguised myself as a man. Governor Mingze wants the Eastern Province to be ruled independently. He has even a force prepared. He wants to harm the Emperor. That''s why I came here to inform His Majesty to not leave Luoyang," she informed everything that she knew.


    Lei Wanxi got tensed to hear it. "Brother Sheng is in danger then. I need to inform him about it," he stated.


    "I will do it," Wu Qinyang offered her help. "However, I do not know where the Emperor is residing. The Emperor isn''t in the Governor''s residence because two days ago, I had sneaked in there too," she affirmed.


    "I also do not know about it. Brother Nianzu might know. He is the one who had gone earlier to Changying," Lei Wanxi stated. "I will ask him and then inform you about it," he assured her.


    "Prince Wanxi, I need to arrive at Changying by this evening. If Mingze found out the Emperor''s location, then something worse can happen," she said with a worried look.


    "You are right. We cannot dy it. Let''s go and meet Prince Nianzu," Lei Wanxi said and the two rose to their respective feet.


    Arriving outside the chamber, Lei Wanxi asked Eunuch Chung if he could inform Nianzu that an urgent matter had to be discussed with him.


    Eunuch Chung bowed and walked in. After a minute, he came outside with Nianzu, who was surprised to see Wu Qinyang. She promptly greeted him by bowing her head.


    "Follow me," Nianzu told them and they left for a private chamber.


    They took seats and Nianzu asked them about the matter. Lei Wanxi narrated the entire incident to Nianzu, which Wu Qinyang had informed him.


    "Is it true? Mingze is loyal to Brother Sheng and if he''s turned against him, then it is indeed worrisome," Nianzu stated while looking at Wu Qinyang.


    "Brother Nianzu, Miss Wu''s spying abilities cannot be doubted," Lei Wanxi showed his faith in Wu Qinyang.


    "Then, I will talk to Brother Zemin and General Wang. They are the ones who will make the appropriate decision. Miss Wu shall not go to Changying. Either Brother Zemin will leave or I will go," stated Nianzu. "Nothing will happen to Brother Sheng. Thank you Miss Wu for doing such incredible work for us."


    "It is my duty towards the Emperor of Han," Wu Qinyang replied.


    "Brother Nianzu will soon be a father, Miss Wu," Lei Wanxi shared the good news with her. She congratted Nianzu, who thanked her for the humble wishes.


    "Miss Wu shall take a rest. She hade from such a long journey," Nianzu opined when Lei Wanxi told his brother that he would show the guest-chamber to Wu Qinyang.


    As they came out of the private chamber, Wu Qinyang said, "I would like to meet the Empress too if it is possible for me."


    "Miss Wu, it is not advisable to tell the Empress about this. She might take stress which is not good for her," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "I want to meet her for the other reason. I want to greet her," Wu Qinyang said.


    "Oh, that''s great. Please follow me," Lei Wanxi said and they left for the Northern Pce.

 Chapter 752 Trap

    Jihuang returned from Xuhou, the Port City, after gathering the information about Qiu Shuren whether he was supporting Lian Zoumu or not.


    He entered the resthouse and found it was full. He went to the second floor, where Sheng Li had told him toe. He walked ahead in the corridor and saw a few merchantsing from the front. He lowered his head when hit by someone.


    He apologized when the man pointed a dagger at his back. "Don''t move, else this poisonous dagger will be inside you," the man whispered in his ear.


    Jihuang tilted his head when the man threatened him. "I told you not to move," the man reminded him. "Now, follow me," he said and led Jihuang to the other side, opposite the ce where Sheng Li had taken the shelter.


    Jihuang knew that once he would be outside the resthouse, this unknown man would kill him. So, he nned to escape before that, but how?


    "Stop!" Both Jihuang and the unknown man halted at their ce. "Raise your hands," they heard themand.


    Jihuang recognized the voice and took a sigh of relief. It was Sheng Li, who helped him. Jihuang immediately turned and snatched the dagger from the unknown man''s hand. He pointed it at his neck.


    "Who sent you?" Sheng Li asked him and came forward to face him.


    The man immediately brought his hand near his lips. He sucked the poison from the ring that he had worn. Before Jihuang could prevent this mishap, the man died.


    Jihuang checked his pulse to be sure, but he was already dead.


    Sheng Li was not surprised to see this and stepped back as the man''s body fell to the floor.


    "Leave it," Sheng Li said and stepped forward when Jihuang asked him if people would not get suspicious.


    "The resthouse has my men. Why do you think I am staying here? Everyone in the resthouse is my person," Sheng Li pronounced before walking ahead. Jihuang hummed and followed the Emperor.


    They entered the room where the First Prince, the General, and the Commanders were waiting for them. Jihuang greeted them while Sheng Li settled on the chair.


    "Your Majesty, Headman Qiu Shuren isn''t involved in this matter directly or indirectly," Jihuang informed Sheng Li.


    "Hmm." Sheng Li took a deep breath and tapped his fingers on the armchair. "Xiao Zhan, go out and walk straight to the left. You''ll find a body. Bring it here," Sheng Li stated.


    "What happened, Brother Sheng?" Jian Guozhi asked while knitting his brows.


    "Someone sent a man to kill my trustworthy person," Sheng Li replied, looking at Jihuang.


    "It means that the person behind it knows that we have taken shelter in the resthouse," Jian Guozhi deduced.


    "Indeed," Sheng Li agreed with him.


    "Commander Yao, did you find anything suspicious around Mingze''s residence?" Sheng Li queried him.


    "Your Majesty, nothing suspicious was found out," Commander Yao replied.


    Xiao Zhan came inside the room. The two soldiers had brought the body in. Jihuang got on his knees and started to search for the body. However, nothing useful was found in him.


    Dejected, Jihuang rose to his feet and looked in Sheng Li''s direction.


    "If he''s Mingze''s person, then he knows that we have been taking the shelter here," Jian Guozhi said worriedly.


    "Brother Jian, I wanted him to know about our location," Sheng Li stated. They all got bewildered to hear him.


    "Would that not be risky, Your Majesty?" Xiao Zhan asked him.


    Sheng Li snickered. "I am letting the enemy makes the move so that he will set up in his own trap," he affirmed and stood up, locking his hands behind his back.


    "Mingze forgot that he did wrong by ying with me." His jaw muscles clenched in anger.


    ~~~~~


    Nianzu discussed the matter of the Emperor''s safety with Rong Zemin and Wang Hao. He informed them about Mingze''s evil n to harm the Emperor.


    "I will go to inform about it to Brother Sheng," Rong Zemin decided.


    "Your Highness, the Emperor has given strict orders that the remaining princes must not leave the Pce. I will send the message to the Emperor with the hands of a trustworthy person," Wang Hao opened.


    "I agree with General Wang''s words. However, the person should not get caught. General Wang has to make sure that Brother Sheng gets the message on time. It is about the life of the Emperor," Rong Zemin reasoned.


    "I understand, Your Highness. Thework of the messengers is capable to tackle every situation. Moreover, I think that the Emperor would have found out about Mingze''s true face by now. We should not forget that His Majesty has a strongwork of spies in every province," Wang Hao asserted.


    Rong Zemin and Nianzu trusted Wang Hao''s words. They decided to send a message to Sheng Li, mentioning everything that Wu Qinyang had informed them.


    "Let keep this matter hidden from the Empress. She must not know else she will be panicked," Rong Zemin opined.


    "Of course, Brother Zemin. Sister Lili must not find out about it," Nianzu agreed on it. Rong Zemin told his loyal servant to bring the brush and ink along with a paper.


    The servant did so, and Rong Zemin wrote the message for Sheng Li. He let it dry, and once the ink dried, he handed it to General Wang, who read the message once more before folding the paper.


    "Your Highness, I will send this message right now so that it will be delivered byte at night." Wang Hao bowed and took his leave.


    "Brother Nianzu, I have something important to discuss with you," Rong Zemin stated.


    "Please speak, Brother Zemin." Nianzu was ready to hear.


    Rong Zemin was unable to understand how to say it. Nianzu found out that the Third Prince was hesitating to speak, which was odd.


    "What happened, Brother Zemin?" Nianzu inquired again, waiting for his response.


    "Please do not take it the other way, but I found something unusual about the Empress Dowager, Brother Nianzu," Rong Zemin pronounced.

 Chapter 753 Lost Your Chance

    Huo Jin tried to move his shoulder when the pain shot up his right arm. He had checked the shoulder in the day to make sure the injury would not have a long time effect on it. The doctor had assured him that the injury would not affect his shoulder and arm in any way.


    Huo Jin heard the sliding of the door and came to the main room to check. To his surprise, Xu Wenhai was standing in front of him. He saw a basket in his hand and wondered what he was doing in the residence.


    "Forgive me for entering without permission. No one was outside," Xu Wenhai said and went towards the table which was ced near the window. He stowed the basket on the table and said, "it has a few sweets and fruits in it."


    "That''s not needed," Huo Jin said awkwardly.


    "How are you doing?" Xu Wenhai asked him.


    "Good," Huo Jin replied crisply. He did not know what more he could say to him. "Why did youe to see me? In your eyes, I am a traitor and should die." Huo Jin recalled Xu Wenhai''s remarks which he directed earlier towards him.


    "I apologized to you already for my previous behavior. I take back my words," Xu Wenhai said and lowered his eyes.


    "I forgave you," Huo Jin said. "It is not your fault to think that way. You are taught to demean people below you," Huo Jin affirmed. Xu Wenhai did not deny his statement. Indeed, the noble ss was superior to everyone, and if anyone low in rank tried to challenge them, they took it over their dignity. He did the same when he saw Yin Na''s respect for Huo Jin.


    "But I will never do this again in the future with you or anyone," Xu Wenhai promised and raised his hand, and the three fingers while joining small finger and thumb.


    Huo Jin hummed and asked him to sit.


    "Can I?" Xu Wenhai asked, raising his brow.


    "Hmm." Huo Jin nodded his head. Xu Wenhai pulled out a chair around the table and settled on it.


    "Would you like to drink tea?" Huo Jin asked him, who refused and told him to sit as he wanted to speak with him.


    Huo Jin sat down and told him to begin.


    "Do you love, Yin Na?" He asked.


    Huo Jin knitted his brows and frowned.


    "It is important for me to know because if you don''t, then I will try my best to convince her that I am perfect for her. I cannot forget her. However, if you have feelings for her, then I will stop," Xu Wenhai stated. He waited for Huo Jin''s answer which was most important for him.


    Yin Na, who hade to Huo Jin''s room, stopped when saw Xu Wenhai. She did not want to see his face and why he even came to the residence. Why did Huo Jin allow him to sit with him? It annoyed her when she heard them conversing.


    She was curious to know what Huo Jin''s answer would be to Xu Wenhai''s question. Her heart pounded with each passing second, waiting to hear the magical words that she wanted to hear.


    "I never loved her," Huo Jin answered.


    Yin Na''s eyes grew big and her heart broke into a million pieces. It felt to her that someone stabbed her hard. Tears appeared in her eyes and soon streamed down her cheeks. She thought the kiss he gave to her was the answer to his feelings, but it was the opposite. He kissed her with no feelings towards her.


    She walked away while crying.


    "I never loved her," Huo Jin said which brought a smile to Xu Wenhai''s lips, "I was wrong to think this."


    Xu Wenhai was puzzled to hear his full statement. Huo Jin pped his fingers and put his hands on the table. "Forgive me, Xu Wenhai. I cannot let you get close to her because I love Yin Na and I will marry her. You lost your chance to win her heart when I stepped back," he finally confessed the truth about his feelings towards Yin Na.


    Xu Wenhai had nothing more to say. He smiled at him. "I am d to hear your decision. Indeed, you had given me the chance which I lost. I will not bother you two ever again," he proimed.


    Huo Jin was astonished that Xu Wenhai calmly epted his decision. "I thought you would fight with me for Yin Na," Huo Jin stated.


    "I already mentioned to you that I would note near Yin Na if you have feelings for her because it''s of no use," Xu Wenhai stated.


    "How will you forget her?" Huo Jin asked.


    "I do not know," Xu Wenhai answered and rose to his feet. "I shall take my leave. Invite me to your marriage, Huo Jin. Let''s consider each other friends from now on. You are a great man," he praised him.


    Huo Jin tilted his head because it was puzzling him. Xu Wenhai''s was egoist in his eyes. Was he wrong about him? He wondered for a second.


    "Take plenty of rest and eat these fruits," Xu Wenhai told him before leaving his room. Huo Jin chuckled and then looked at the basket.


    "It was odd to see him behave this way," Huo Jin murmured.


    Yin Na, oppositely, cried her heart out while sitting in theke pavilion. She did everything to show her sincerity towards him.


    "Why does he love Xinyue who wanted to kill him? Can he not see how much it hurts me? I was scared when he was injured. He is unable to see what he means to me. I will not waste my time on him. Let the lightning hit him," Yin Na cursed him in anger and then started to cry. She propped her chin on the back of her right palm which rested on the wooden railing of the pavilion.


    "I didn''t want to curse him but it hurts," she mumbled as the tears continued to pour down her cheeks.

 Chapter 754 Filled With Blood

    Mingze found out that Sheng Li had caught his men whom he had sent after the spy, who had returned from Xuhou city to inform Sheng Li.


    "Sheng Li still does not know that I am behind all this. I cannot let Changying skip my hands. I want to rule over it and its separation from the Han is important," Mingze said as he stopped pacing in the hall. His jaw muscles clenched in frustration.


    "Mingze, if the Emperor is here, then we must target the capital which he has left behind," Lian Zoumu suggested to him.


    Mingze turned to face him. "Don''t be ridiculous. Attacking Luoyang isn''t easy. Wang Hao has note to Changying. Also, Sheng Li''s spy would be everywhere in Luoyang. It''s tougher to defeat him in Luoyang," Mingze affirmed.


    "I have heard that it''s not easy to make a fool of the Emperor. If he has found out that Qiu Shuren isn''t after this, then he might n to surround and behead us," Lian Zoumu concluded.


    "Are you scared of death?" Mingze asked him.


    "No. I know my fate. I am showing you the mirror to you. I did all this because my father was beaten to death. I am burning in revenge and I will be d to see the people going against its own Emperor," Lian Zoumu said with an evil smirk.


    "You should not have sent the message to the Emperor. When the situation would have been worse, then sending the message was appropriate," Lian Zoumu opined.


    "I would be beheaded if I had not sent the message. Also, I wanted Sheng Li toe to Changying. I have fought battles with him, so I know how he thinks and how he works. I should not have taken it lightly," Mingze said with a sigh. He rubbed the temple of his foreheads while his left hand was still behind his back.


    "What do you n to do next?" Lian Zoumu asked. "I found out that the Han forces are surrounding Changying and all the cities adjacent to it," he informed Mingze.


    "That was bound to happen. My main target is Sheng Li. Once my ws will grab him, then everything will be sorted out. They wille on to their knees upon seeing their Emperor," Mingze asserted. He looked confident and it made Lian Zoumu curious.


    "I know my hatred towards the Emperor, but why do you want to kill him?" He wanted to know the reason why Mingze nned all this. "The Emperor gave you such a big province to manage yet you do not like it. What''s the reason?" He looked at Mingze with skepticism.


    "Because I want to show Sheng Li that I also can lead a territory in a better way. I am ambitious," Mingze stated.


    "But you still are weak before the Emperor. What if you get caught? Everything will end and your family will be beheaded along with you on the treason charges." Lian Zoumu''s words infuriated Mingze. He walked to him and strangled his neck.


    Lian Zoumu''s eyes welled out when Mingze let go of his grip on his neck. He started to cough and took deep breaths. "I won''t die, Lian Zoumu," he said in a confident tone.


    Lian Zoumu smiled. "Sheng Li is made the Crown Prince among all the Princes because of a reason. You should not underestimate him. I am only concerned for you as a friend. You helped me when no one did, that''s why I don''t want you to die," he stated.


    Mingze shook his head. "Sheng Li had the favors of his father. That''s why today he''s the Emperor," he corrected him. "If you are a friend, then just focus on what I have told you. Tonight something big will happen. We need to show Sheng Li that if he does not stop, then his path will only be filled with blood," Mingze said and clenched his fists.


    ~~~~~~


    "Where did she leave? At this time, she is usually in her room," Huo Jin murmured as he descended the stairs. He asked the servants about Yin Na but no one had seen him.


    "Did she go out?" Huo Jin walked to the main entrance and asked the guards about it, who refused and told Huo Jin that Yin Na did not go out.


    "Then, where is she?" Huo Jin came inside the residence and brought his fingers under his chin.


    "Did she sneak out secretly withouting to anyone''s notice? Did she leap the walls?" He wondered and motioned his hand in the air because he knew Yin Na was not strong enough to leap a huge wall.


    He searched for her in the other parts of the residence but to his surprise, she was nowhere. She was not with Father nor was she with Bai Yaling.


    He even asked a few servants to search for Yin Na. It troubled him.


    "Young Master, Miss Yin Na is in theke pavilion." A servant came running to Huo Jin and informed him.


    "Tell the other servants to stop searching," Huo Jin ordered him and went to theke pavilion. He had gone there earlier but did not find her. But he made the mistake, he did not go inside the pavilion to check. He realized it and quickly ascended the few stairs.


    He found Yin Na was sleeping on the floor of theke pavilion. A chuckle escaped his mouth. "You are such a troublesome woman," he murmured and settled beside her. He saw the tears at the edges of her eyes.


    "Did she cry?" He mumbled and brushed the back of his fingers on her eyes. Yin Na''s eyelids moved, and she opened her eyes.


    "Why are you sleeping outside?" Huo Jin asked her and pulled his hand back.


    Yin Na rubbed her eyes and looked around. She recalled that she was crying because Huo Jin said that he never loved her. She quickly sat up and rose to her feet.


    "Where are you leaving without answering me?" He questioned her.


    "Why do you care?" She retorted at him. "I hate you," she said and walked away, bewildering Huo Jin.

 Chapter 755 To Kiss You, Claim You And Love You

    Huo Jin could notprehend how to react to Yin Na''s statement. He did not make any mistake, so why was she reacting this way? Huo Jin stood up and followed her.


    "Yin Na, why are you angry?" He asked loudly, who was now on the bridge.


    "Why do you care?" she snapped at him and turned to face him. "Don''te here." The anger was visible in her eyes. However, Huo Jin did not listen to her and climbed onto the bridge.


    "First, tell me what happened," Huo Jin demanded the answer from her. "Why did you say that you hate me?" He asked, arching his brow up.


    "I don''t need to exin to you," she muttered and then chuckled. She turned to leave from the other side of the bridge when Huo Jin grasped her right hand''s wrist. She tilted her head to look and pulled her hand back. But to her surprise, Huo Jin did not let it go.


    "Leave," she twisted her wrist in his grip. All of a sudden, Huo Jin drew her towards him. Her hands rested on his forearms and their faces came dangerously close to each other. His hand wrapped around her waist and he pulled her up, such that she was on her toes.


    His other hand moved under her chin and he lifted it to make her peer at him.


    "Why did you say that you hate me? Do you know how much I run around to find you? You love to trouble me, don''t you?" His eyes looked for the answer in her eyes.


    "Did I tell you to run around?" Yin Na riposted. "I never troubled you," she added.


    "Of course, I had to run around to search for you in the residence," Huo Jin replied.


    "Who told you to search for me?" Yin Na asked him and put her hands on his arm to let go of his grip.


    "Why are you questioning me instead of answering? What''s wrong with you?" Huo Jin was skeptical of her strange behavior.


    "Nothing is wrong with me," Yin Na replied.


    "Your eyes are something else," Huo Jin stated.


    "What are they saying?" Yin Na wanted to know while moving her hands on his arm. She wondered how strong he was that she was unable to pull away.


    Huo Jin leaned toward her and she pressed her lips tightly. He shifted his head a little and moved to her ear to whisper, "that you love me. You want me to pamper you. You want me to love you."


    ? He leaned back and twisted his lips into a smirk. Yin Na''s jaw dropped down. She opened her mouth and then closed it, unable to understand what to say. She lowered her gaze and chuckled.


    "I never thought that," Yin Na said half-heartedly.


    "Do you mean it?" Huo Jin asked her.


    "Yes," Yin Na replied as she recalled his words to Xu Wenhai.


    "What if I kiss you now?" He questioned her, and she widened her eyes, again gazing into his eyes. "Will your answer be the same?" he queried her.


    "You cannot kiss me whenever you please," Yin Na answered him.


    "That''s why I asked you first," Huo Jin rified to her.


    Yin Na felt stuck. She pursed her lips together. ''No, Yin Na. You cannot let him kiss you when he doesn''t love you. You have self-respect too,'' she told herself.


    "You are taking a lot of time to answer. It means only one thing. You want me to kiss you, to im you, and to love you," Huo Jin inferred. He was unable to understand why she said she hated him.


    "I don''t want that. Please let me go," Yin Na urged him.


    This time Huo Jin let her go. He did not want to force anything on her to get the answer from him. Yin Na lowered her eyes and stepped forward to walk away when she heard him say, "You confuse me, Yin Na. You told me that you love me, and a few minutes ago, you changed your statement. At least, give me the answer."


    Huo Jin was annoyed by her statement.


    "I never confused you. It was you, who did," she stated and walked away.


    Huo Jin clenched his fists in frustration.


    Yin Na climbed the stairs of the corridor. She lifted her skirt to walk fast. Huo Jin appeared before her eyes without notice. Before she could understand, she was pinned to the pir beside her.


    "Huo Jin, what are you doing?" she was puzzled to see his reaction. His fingers pressed on her shoulders tightly.


    "Do you mean it?" He asked her again.


    Yin Na took a deep sigh. "Yes, I mean it," she stated.


    "You cannot hate me when you make me go crazy for you, Yin Na. Don''t hate me," he stated.


    Yin Na''s expressions changed. "I make you go crazy," she arched her brow to get the confirmation of what she wanted to hear.


    Huo Jin loosened the grip on her shoulders. He soon let them go and walked away hastily without answering Yin Na.


    "Did I hear something wrong?" she mumbled. Her heart had suddenly started to race. That statement brought many thoughts to her head, and they pointed to one thing only.


    "Huo Jin loves me," she finally deduced.


    She ran in the corridor and stopped only outside his room. She took a deep breath and looked at herself, her dress. She pushed the door.


    "Huo Jin," she softly called his name while still panting for air. However, he was not in the room. Where did he go away then? Yin Na got worried. Did she make him furious? But he was the one who started it. He was the one who said that he never loved her.


    She frowned and clutched the edge of her dress. "Can''t he be lessplicated? He always leaves me at the cliff! I will kill him today, if he doesn''t give me a proper answer," Yin Na pledged to herself.

 Chapter 756 Be My Wife, Yin Na

    Yin Na paced on the patio of the room. She time and again came towards the door to check but every time she would find it closed. She looked outside the window and found that night had already fallen.


    "Why is he noting back?" she mumbled and again came to the door. She opened it and to her surprise, Huo Jin was in front of her.


    Her face shone up in the excitement and a smile appeared on her lips. "I-I was waiting for you. Where were you?" She asked him. Huo Jin stepped in and she got aside to let hime.


    "Why are you here?" Huo Jin queried when a servant walked in with a tray in his hand.


    "Young Master, this is your tonic time. The Young Master did not take it in the morning," the servant said humbly. Huo Jin picked the bowl and drank the bitter tonic. He put the bowl back on the tray and the servant left the room.


    "You should not skip your medicine," Yin Na said in a low voice.


    "I forgot," he replied and turned to look at her. "You did not answer my question. Why are you here?" He asked her again.


    "First, you shall tell," Yin Na stated.


    "If you have nothing to say, then leave. I have to change the dress," Huo Jin told her.


    Yin Na motioned her hands in the air. She had many questions to ask him. So she started. "You did not answer me previously. You left in the middle without clearing my doubts." She looked into his eyes, trying to read what he was thinking at that moment.


    "I already did," Huo Jin replied.


    "That you love me," Yin Na said immediately after hepleted his words. "I know it was tough for you to confess to me. So, I did. Those words had a simr meaning. Correct me if I am wrong," she told him and took a step toward him.


    "Why don''t you tell me why you said that you hate me?" Huo Jin questioned her.


    "Is that important?" Yin Na knitted her brows. "I said that in anger because you forced me to say that," she answered him while recalling his conversation with Xu Wenhai and halted before her.


    "You are not supposed to say that even in anger," Huo Jin stated. "It was enough to pierce my heart," he rified to her.


    "Why did you say to Xu Wenhai that you never loved me?" Yin Na''s eyes filled with tears while her voice choked. "I did everything to make you like me. It was you because of whom I had to say that. I know that I can never take the ce of Xinyue, but I tried my best to make a ce in your heart." She finally told him the reason why she was furious at him.


    "Did you hear our conversation?" Huo Jin raised his left eyebrow.


    "Why? You did not want me to hear it," she taunted him.


    "You should have listened to the full conversation before saying that to me," Huo Jin asserted.


    ''Did I miss something?'' she asked herself while peering into his eyes.


    "You shall go to your room. I am tired and want to rest for a while," Huo Jin thought to end the conversation between them.


    "No. Tell me first, what did you two talk about?" Yin Na adamantly demanded an answer from him. She did not want to y any more games with him. A direct answer was all that she needed.


    "It''s men''s talk," Huo Jin stated, ending the conversation with her.


    "I understand men''s talk well," Yin Na affirmed.


    When Huo Jin did not answer, Yin Na said, "Fine. I will ask Xu Wenhai myself. He will never lie to me. At least, I can trust him with that," she proimed and turned to leave when Huo Jin swiftly came in front of her.


    "Why will you ask him? Why can''t you trust me? When I said that it was men''s talk, then it is!" Huo Jin authorized.


    Yin Na chuckled. "You lie a lot. I need to know what you two talked about. You do not have any idea how much your words hurt me. I am sick of it. That''s why I want to know what''s in your mind, in your heart for me," she exined to him.


    "I hate it when you say that Xinyue did a lot for you. It makes me jealous. And at the same time, it hurts me because I feel I am unable to make a ce in your heart," she blurted out everything that she had in her head while tears rolled over her cheeks.


    Huo Jin sealed her lips with a kiss. Yin Na''s eyes grew big. He slowly pulled away and she heard him say, "You already make a ce in my heart. You fool!" Huo Jin''s hand rested on her cheek as he caressed it.


    "You know how I grew up. I had no one to lean on, to look after me. It took me a lot of time to understand that I never loved Xinyue. I never did. You think a lot," Huo Jin stated.


    "Buta€|youa€|" she paused as she was unable toprehend the words.


    "Don''t take her name. Let''s talk about the present. You don''t need to ask Xu Wenhai either. Indeed, I never loved you earlier, but I fell for you hard. I told Xu Wenhai that he had lost his chance to win your heart because I am the one who would do that. I love you and I want to marry you. Be my wife, Yin Na," Huo Jin finally confessed his feelings to her.


    His fingers tucked the fringes behind her ear.


    Yin Na was unable to believe her ears. "Will you say it one more time?" She requested him.


    "I love you," Huo Jin said.


    Yin Na smiled and a tint of red formed on her cheeks which spread to her ears. She tightly hugged him and unbeknownst to her, the tears started to fall from her eyes.


    "Huo Jin," she mumbled, "you should have told me earlier. I love you too, Huo Jin."


    Huo Jin was confused to hear her sobs and cupped her face between his palms. "Don''t cry, Yin Na," he said and wiped the tears off her cheeks.


    "I can''t help," Yin Na replied while smiling. "Huo Jin, thank you," she could not express her happiness and again hugged him.

 Chapter 757 I Am Also Brutal, Sheng Li

    Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi after addressing their soldiers came back to the resthouse.


    "Brother Sheng, Mingze must have found out that we know he''s behind all this. We should go straight to his residence and capture him," Jian Guozhi advised him.


    "Brother Jian, that will happen soon," Sheng Li and pushed the door of the room where they both were staying. Sheng Li picked up the water jar and poured water over the two sses.


    He handed one to Jian Guozhi, who thanked him.


    "Initially, I had thought about starting a war. However, we can lose so many lives. Mingze fought many battles with me. He indeed thought that I would initiate war without going into a deep investigation. He is also aware of my spywork. If he had nned to fight against me, then he must have something big in his mind," Sheng Li pronounced and sipped the water.


    He found the taste odd and put the cup down on the table. He walked past Jian Guozhi to reach the other side when his shoulder hit against his and the ss fell from Jian Guozhi''s hand.


    "Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized, before taking off the overcoat and putting it on the chair.


    They got alerted when they heard the nking sound of swords.


    They both nced at each other and ran out with swords in their hands when saw the smoke that had covered the corridor.


    "Brother Jian, we need to cover our noses," Sheng Li said and then ran to the opposite direction, where the smoke had not reached. Jian Guozhi ran after him.


    Sheng Li looked down the balustrade and found that the entire ce was filled with smoke. His forearm was covering his nose. He looked for Xiao Zhan, but it was impossible to see in that smoke.


    Jian Guozhi grabbed Sheng Li''s arm as it was his priority to save the Emperor. "First, Brother Sheng, we need to leave. Your safety is of utmost importance," Jian Guozhi proimed and dragged Sheng Li with him.


    The two stopped upon seeing the four masked men. They had covered their faces well and only their eyes were visible to them. They surrounded Sheng Li and Jian Guozhi, who pulled out the swords from the sheaths.


    "Is it Mingze?" Jian Guozhi asked Sheng Li. Their backs were touched against each other.


    "I think so," Sheng Li answered and dodged the attack. He bent down and swiftly moved to the left. He kicked the masked men and slit his throat with the sharp de of his sword.


    Jian Guozhi killed the other two and then told Sheng Li to run ahead as he would take care of thest one.


    Sheng Li did so and walked ahead to go out of the resthouse. It was clear that the attackers had closed the doors and windows so that smoke would make them unconscious.


    He opened the window and looked outside. "Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi hade to him.


    "We need to jump but it is such a huge height," Sheng Li expressed concern and looked around.


    "The rope is in the room. I will fetch it," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "No. Don''t go there," Sheng Li opined and went again near the balustrade. He looked at the curtains hanging at the rope. He stood on the wooden railing, cut the rope from one end, followed by the other, and then jumped down.


    Jian Guozhi helped him tie the rope around the wooden pir.


    A few more masked men came to attack them. Sheng Li fought with them this time and told Jian Guozhi to go down first.


    "No. You should leave first," Jian Guozhi said adamantly.


    Sheng Li pierced the sword inside the stomach of the attacker and then punched the other one. "You leave. I will jump after you. It is an order," Sheng Li affirmed.


    Jian Guozhi could not help and grabbed the rope to get out of the resthouse. He jumped out of the window andnded safely on the ground, waiting for Sheng Li toe.


    "Your Majesty," Commander Yao said loudly, who killed the remaining ones and brought Sheng Li safely near the window.


    "Where''s Xiao?" Sheng Li asked and started to cough. The smoke went inside his nostrils, making it difficult to breathe.


    "First, let''s jump down, Your Majesty. If we will stay here more, then it can be dangerous for us," Commander Yao said.


    Sheng Li hummed and got out of the window safely, followed by Commander Yao. Sheng Li put his hand down while Commander Yao removed the mask.


    "Someone closed the doors from outside and before any one of us could understand, the smoke spread on the entire floor," Commander Yao informed them.


    "Are General Xiao and Commander Yang still inside?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "Yes," Commander Yao replied. "Some of the men in the resthouse betrayed us. We made sure buta€¡±"


    "Mingze would have sent his men," Sheng Li interrupted him in the middle.


    "Let''s go in the front," Sheng Li said. Commander Yao had already cut the rope, which was hanging out of the window to make sure no more enemies would jump down.


    They hid behind the wall when Sheng Li peeked out and saw Mingze outside the doors of the resthouse. Zhe Yan was on his knees and his face was bruised, his forehead was bleeding.


    The door was suddenly opened and he saw a few men bringing unconscious Xiao Zhan with him. He was thrown to the ground and Mingze put his foot on his chest.


    "Sheng Li,e out! Your General will die if you won''t be out," Mingze said loudly.


    Sheng Li moved back and looked at Jian Guozhi.


    "I want you to do something for me. I am putting my faith in you, Brother Jian," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression in a low voice.


    "Sure, Brother Sheng," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Sheng Li leaned closer to his ear and whispered in it.


    "It''s risky," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "I have faith in the First Prince. He can save his younger brother and even the others," Sheng Li proimed.


    "I will go ahead. You should not do this. Your life is above all," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "My life is nothing without my people. Don''t worry. Mingze won''t hurt me a bit. It will take twenty minutes to reach his residence. You need to be there within thirty minutes. The n that I shared with the First Prince, he needs to follow that. Rest, he is smart," Sheng Li stated with a confident tone.


    "Commander Yao, take First Prince out from here safely," Sheng Limanded him, who bowed and dragged Jian Guozhi out of Sheng Li''s sight.


    "Sheng Li," Mingze again shouted his name and pulled out the sword from his sheath. "I will kill your General if you do not surrender." Mingze put the tip of the sword on Xiao Zhan''s chest.


    Sheng Li had drunk a little water and it was making him feel a little weak. He knew that something strange was dissolved in it, the moment he tasted it.


    Sheng Li looked behind and saw Jian Guozhi had left with Commander Yao.


    Sheng Li showed himself to Mingze and chuckled.


    "You did wrong byying your hand on my person," Sheng Li said when a few men of Mingze stepped towards him. He killed them and marched towards Mingze.


    "Stop there," Mingze told him. However, Sheng Li did not stop.


    "Mingze, you know how brutal I am to those who betray me," Sheng Li said when he stopped as Mingze moved the sword to Xiao Zhan''s neck.


    "I am also brutal, Sheng Li," Mingze said, with a smirk.

 Chapter 758 Feed On Your Flesh

    "I am also brutal, Sheng Li," Mingze said with a smirk.


    "You indeed have changed, Sheng Li. I thought it was all a rumor. I cannot believe that your woman made you this weak," Mingze pronounced.


    "Shut your mouth, Mingze. You already have crossed your limits," Sheng Li warned him and looked at Xiao Zhan.


    "Even in times of trouble, you do not forget to act mighty. This is the most annoying thing about you," Mingze stated. "Now, drop your weapon, else this sword be inside the flesh of Xiao Zhan," he threatened Sheng Li, who threw the sword.


    With a loud ng, it hit the ground. "Remove your filthy foot from Xiao Zhan''s chest. Don''t fight like a coward before me," Sheng Li stated. He found his eyes getting heavy, but he could not let himself faint.


    Lian Zoumu came forward. "I never knew the Emperor would surrender this easily," he pronounced and scoffed at him.


    Sheng Li did not respond to him and kept his gaze fixed on Mingze, who moved his foot down to Xiao Zhan''s throat. He tried to strangte him when he heard Sheng Li.


    "Mingze, I don''t like cowards. Your acts make me sick," Sheng Li affirmed when Mingze came near him. He pointed his sword under Sheng Li''s chin and red into his eyes.


    "Sheng Li, I am not a coward." Mingze gritted his teeth. "Your life is in my hands. Your wife can turn into a widow if I kill you right at this moment," Mingze affirmed. Sheng Li gripped the sharp edge of the sword''s de and pushed him back.


    "Mingze, don''t drag my woman in this fight. I can turn into a madman for her. I will make sure to throw you in prison, full of hungry dogs, ready to feed on your flesh," Sheng Li said with a menacing expression.


    "You are forgetting that the First Prince and my two other Commanders are still out of your reach. You should not do anything which will break your dream to rule over Changying. Don''t undermine me," Sheng Li''s words were enough to make Mingze a little insecure.


    Sheng Li knew that Mingze would not kill him. Not this way!


    Mingze started tough which confused Sheng Li.


    "Forgive me for that abruptughter, Sheng Li," Mingze apologized.


    "The First Prince hates you. The entire Wei Family does. Since when did you start to trust him? How could you forget he once betrayed the former Emperor? Your Second Brother betrayed you. The entire Royal Family is an enemy to each other. It''s great to see that you are still alive," Mingze stated and smirked.


    Jian Guozhi and Commander Yao, who were still near the resthouse, decided to bring the forces there. Jian Guozhi heard how Mingze was talking about him. It didn''t surprise him that outsiders thought this way of him.


    "The Emperor thinks that Mingze will take them to the residence," Commander Yao stated.


    "But Mingze also knows that if he takes the Emperor out, he might get killed. The soldiers can reach the rest house earlier than the residence," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    Commander Yao nodded.


    "Let''s be ready for both situations. Send one section of soldiers to surround the residence and another here," Jian Guozhimanded him. Commander Yao acted ordingly and left the ce to bring the soldiers.


    Jian Guozhi, oppositely, thought to go in to save Sheng Li. He recalled how at the numerous events Sheng Li threw himself at the pit of fire to save them. As the eldest brother, it was his duty to save him.


    Indeed, Sheng Li had made the n, and he wanted him to act that way. However, it could also cost Sheng Li''s life. He once, like a coward, ran away instead of saving his father''s life. Luckily, that day, Sheng Li acted smartly and Han Wenji was saved.


    Jian Guozhi did not want to repeat the same mistake twice.


    "Tie him up," Mingze told his soldiers, who were feared to go near Sheng Li which made him chuckle.


    "I will kill you all along with your families," Mingze threatened them.


    "What good will happen to tie the Emperor?" Jian Guozhi said, who had focussed the arrow towards Mingze. Sheng Li was surprised to see him. He had told Jian Guozhi to note out until Mingze took him to the residence.


    "What will happen if this arrow hits the center of your head, Mingze?" Jian Guozhi asked him and then gazed at Sheng Li.


    "I could not run away," Jian Guozhi stated. "Drop your weapon. Don''t even think to harm the Emperor, else this arrow will pierce straight through your forehead," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "In my veins, the Han family blood flows before the Wei family. You are right, Mingze. I betrayed my father and ran away. I have gotten the chance to prove my loyalty," Jian Guozhi said in a loud enough voice.


    Mingze got terrified when the soldiers from Han arrived and started to shoot arrows. Many of his soldiers died while Lian Zoumu ran away to save his life.


    Sheng Li''s reflex acted sharply and he snatched the sword from Mingze''s hand. Though his chin got a cut and blood oozed out.


    "Why did you act this foolishly, Mingze?" Sheng Li locked his head between his arms and told everyone to stop.


    Jian Guozhi came to them and told Commander Yao to tie Mingze, who came with a rope in his hands. Mingze was tied to the pole.


    Sheng Li walked to him. "So, what were you saying, Mingze? I told you to not act recklessly," he said and frowned.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    I was selected for a theme project by WN, under which I wrote a story. Only 20 chapters are published for now and the book will undergo a test phase. The 20 chapters'' readers'' statistics will show if I can continue to write that story or not. So, please support me with that.


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    If I pass the test phase, more chapters will be published, else I have to stop. It will be on all the readers if they will like it or not.


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    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 759 Sheng Li, Move Away!

    Mingze was tied to the pole while Sheng Li settled on the chair. The Han soldiers controlled the situation in the resthouse. Some of the soldiers from their sides died, so they took their bodies out.


    Jian Guozhi stood beside Sheng Li, who was examining the sharpness of the de.


    "Brother Jian, Lian Zoumu is still on the run. Send our best soldiers after him. He could not run far away," Sheng Li told Jian Guozhi, who nodded his head and went to Commander Yao.


    Sheng Li stood up from the chair and walked to Mingze, who was ring into his eyes. "Why did you betray me? What were we saying earlier? I had warned you to not act recklessly," Sheng Li said and frowned.


    The sword in his hand touched Mingze''s chin. "I understand that greed makes you blind. But one shall not be stupid in front of it. Changying isn''t a small territory. You became Governor, so you must have respected this position," Sheng Li pronounced.


    "Why don''t you kill me?" Mingze asked. His tone was still impolite towards the Emperor.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "I told you that I will feed you to hungry dogs. You must feel the pain, Mingze. The pain you gave to my people," he gritted his teeth. He stepped back and put the hand down with which he was holding the sword.


    "Before that, I have a few questions for you." Sheng Li''s statement troubled Mingze.


    "Are you the only one who''s behind this n?" Sheng Li asked him. "You made such a fool of me. I suppose, a big brain was behind it," he concluded and kept his gaze fixed on Mingze''s eyes.


    "You should find yourself," Mingze refused to say anything.


    "You lost yourst chance for me to forgive you and your family. I understand that you have no respect for me, for the Emperor of Han. I am bearing your sight because you once were with me, with Han," Sheng Li stated. He recalled the days when Mingze protected him. He used to tell everyone how loyal he was to Sheng Li. His betrayal indeed shook him.


    Mingze did not think about what could happen to his family. He thought Jian Guozhi would betray Sheng Li, but he got to see a different face of the First Prince. He did not run away, yet he saved him. Also, Mingze cursed himself for not holding onto Sheng Li well.


    "Spare my family," Mingze said.


    "I cannot spare them. You told me that I am no longer the old Sheng Li. I shall show you what I am!" Sheng Li said with a stern tone.


    "Spare my wife and children," Mingze again said. He did not make a request with Sheng Li though. It annoyed him.


    "You should have thought about this when you nned all this against me," Sheng Li stated and turned to give the order to Commander Yang.


    "My wife is pregnant. It''s her seventh month. My daughter is only three," Mingze finally said. "You promised me once that you would fulfill my wish no matter how hard it might be for you. I beg you," hepleted his words.


    "Your Majesty, don''t listen to a traitor," Commander Yang said while scowling at Mingze.


    Sheng Li turned back to look into Mingze''s eyes.


    "You will be blessed with twins soon. You don''t want to take this burden on your head for killing an unborn child, a young girl, and his mother," Mingze stated.


    "Is someone behind you in all this?" Sheng Li queried him. "Keep your gaze at me," he demanded.


    Mingze lifted his head to look into Sheng Li''s eyes when for a second his eyes moved.


    Sheng Li happened to notice that and turned to look when saw a shooter.


    "Sheng Li, move away!!" Mingze shouted.


    Before Sheng Li could react to what Mingze said, an arrow hit him in the middle of his chest and he stumbled.


    Another arrow also came in his direction, but Commander Yang pushed it away using his sword.


    The blood oozed out of Sheng Li''s mouth and his eyes shut. He fainted and the next second his head met the floor. Everyone gathered around him while Commander Yang shouted at soldiers to catch the shooter.


    ~~~~~


    In the Imperial Pce, Ying Lili was cutting an apple for herself. The Court Ladies many times told her not to take a sharp object in her hands.


    "Your Majesty, I will do it," Court Lady Xu said and bent a little to take the knife from Ying Lili''s hand, but she did not give it to her.


    All of a sudden, Ying Lili''s index finger cut and she cried out in pain.


    "Your Majesty," Court Lady Xu and Ki panicked. Xing-Fu ran out to call the physician.


    "Why did Her Majesty not listen to us?" Court Lady Xu said worriedly and tightly pressed Ying Lili''s finger. Court Lady Ki put away the knife and fruit tray.


    At the same time, Ying Lili felt a sudden pain in her lower abdominal region. She first ignored it but soon it turned into an excruciating one. It panicked all the servants in her manor.


    The Royal Physician had reached the chamber and was puzzled to see the Empress in pain. He did not dy and paced towards the bed.


    "Court Lady Xu, the pain is so intense," Ying Lili said and squeezed her eyes tightly. Xing-Fu instructed the Royal Physician to dress the Empress''s wound.


    "Royal Physician, why is Her Highness experiencing the pain all of a sudden?" Court Lady Xu asked. Panicked.


    He settled on the stool beside the bed and quickly dressed Ying Lili''s wound. He found the sweat beads that appeared on Ying Lili''s forehead. He told Court Lady Xu to help Ying Liliy on the bed. She acted under themand of the Royal Physician.


    "Ahhh," Ying Lili put her hand on her abdominal region while crying out in pain. Court Lady Xu wiped the sweat from her forehead and caressed her head.


    The Royal Physician checked her pulse and found everything was alright. He checked her eyes and found them clean.


    "The pain is normal in the second month," the Royal Physician told them.


    "But Her Majesty is feeling an immense pain," Xing-Fu said with a worried expression.


    The Royal Physician had taken out acupuncture needles from his cloth bag. "Your Majesty, I will insert a needle on your wrist. It will soothe your pain," the Royal Physician took permission first.


    Coury Lady Ki moved Ying Lili''s right-hand sleeve up and the Royal Physician inserted the acupuncture needle. After a few minutes, the pain reduced and Ying Lili felt better.


    The Royal Physician took out the needle and inserted it back on the round cloth roll. "It''smon to have cramps. Please do not worry about anything, Your Majesty," the Royal Physician told Ying Lili, who hummed.


    "I thought mya€¡±" she paused as tears formed in her eyes.


    "Nothing has happened, Your Majesty. The Royal children are absolutely safe," the Royal Physician assured her.


    Ying Lili was relieved to hear it. The Royal Physician stood up and bowed before leaving the chamber.


    Ying Lili felt a little strange and worried. The dull, slight pain was normal, but this sudden pain terrified her.


    "Your Majesty, you should sleep. Please close your eyes," Court Lady Xu said and looked at the servants, who blew off most of the candles.

 Chapter 760 Never Used Any Weapon

    Jian Guozhi scolded Commander Yang and the soldiers for not saving Sheng Li from the attack. "Nab the shooter, else be ready to get beheaded. Take the military control over Changying. No one is allowed to leave the ce," Jian Guozhi passed the order.


    Commander Yang lowered his head and walked out with a section of soldiers. Jian Guozhi walked inside the resthouse. Xiao Zhan was also unconscious and it made the situationplex.


    The door was pushed and Jian Guozhi walked inside the room where Sheng Li''s treatment was going on. Zhe Yan bowed seeing him.


    Jian Guozhi walked ahead and looked at Sheng Li. If he would be his past self, he has left Sheng Li to die and usurp the throne. However, he felt terrible for not being able to protect his younger brother well. Moreover, he was the Emperor, yet he lightly took the security around him.


    Jian Guozhi picked the arrow that was ced on the round table and examined it. Those arrows were not famous in Luoyang and none from the Royal Family or noble families used such a type. So, his doubt about them had already cleared.


    He checked the tip and its unique construction. He walked out of the room and told Commander Yao to keep his eyes and ears open.


    Jian Guozhi came to the basement of the resthouse where Mingze was captivated.


    "Who did that?" Jian Guozhi asked him.


    "I do not know," Mingze replied.


    "Mingze, I know the Emperor won''t harm your family but I am the opposite of him. I did not spare my own mother when she crossed every limit of hers. I don''t pity anyone except the ones close to me. So, tell me the truth." Jian Guozhi''s words were indeed intimidating.


    Lian Zoumu, who was tied on the other pole, started tough. Jian Guozhi, who already was annoyed and troubled, got irritated to hear hisugh.


    Jian Guozhi gave the order to his soldiers, "Feed him to the hungry wolves in the forest." The soldiers started to remove the ropes from around Lian Zoumu''s body.


    "Mingze, don''t tell the truth to the First Prince. ept the death, else¡ª" he paused when Jian Guozhi strangled his neck. His fingers pressed on Lian Zoumu''s skin, who struggled for oxygen. His body thrashed about for the air and his eyes almost popped out.


    Jian Guozhi let go of him and Lian Zoumu got unconscious. He tilted at Mingze and scowled at him.


    "Drag his wife out of the residence and his daughter too. Bring them here," Jian Guozhimanded the soldiers.


    "I beg you, Your Highness, not to do this. I indeed, do not know. If I had known then, I would not have told the Emperor to move away," Mingze pleaded with Jian Guozhi, who was not ready to believe him. Mingze''s tone had also turned polite. He knew the cunning nature of the First Prince, but he had no idea that Jian Guozhi would not even pity a pregnant woman and a young girl.


    Sheng Li''s words he recalled when he told him once that Jian Guozhi was crueler than him. Mingze regretted nning all this against Sheng Li.


    "How can I trust you, Mingze?" Jian Guozhi screamed at him. "You plotted against the Emperor. You knew the results of your actions, yet you proceeded with your stupid n! Father trusted you and chose you as the Governor of Changying, yet you betrayed us all," Jian Guozhi had turned a bit calmer.


    "You care about your wife and your child, yet you forgot that the Emperor also has a wife, who is pregnant. You ridiculed him," Jian Guozhi showed him the mirror of his actions.


    "Leave! Everyone!" Jian Guozhi ordered the soldiers, who left the basement.


    "Indeed, Sheng Li has changed for good, but when ites to women and children, he gets lenient. If the word spreads out, then everyone would only ask for a death sentence for your entire family. The officials won''t spare your family even if the royalty forgives them," Jian Guozhi proimed.


    "I indeed do not know who''s behind this attack," Mingze repeated his previous words. "Don''t listen to Lian Zoumu, First Prince. Trust my words. I swear on my daughter''s head," he affirmed and again requested Jian Guozhi to not do anything to his pregnant wife and daughter.


    "I will wait for the Emperor to wake up. Your life is almost at an end and so are the people you will leave behind," Jian Guozhi stated, and turned to leave when Mingze said something which stopped him.


    "First Prince, this arrow¡ª" he paused and looked into Jian Guozhi''s eyes.


    "What about it?" He queried and furrowed his brows together.


    "Did the Emperor get a blow with this?" Mingze asked to confirm.


    "Yes," Jian Guozhi answered.


    "I recognize it," Mingze stated.


    "What?" "Don''t try to astray me," Jian Guozhi warned him.


    "I do not dare to do it," Mingze affirmed. "It''s from the Eastern Province¡­ the people from a small town who are known for their shooting skills. The Empress Dowager also belongs to that town," he stated.


    Jian Guozhi was shocked to hear it.


    "Mingze, stop!" He urged.


    "The First Prince can even confirm it with any High-rank official in Changying if he doesn''t believe me. I wonder, why did the First Prince fail to recognize it?" Mingze said and it made Jian Guozhi doubt the intentions of Deng Hui.


    "How is it possible?" He murmured and again peered at Mingze.


    "I think the Emperor still has enemies left. I never wanted to kill him though. I only wanted him to surrender Changying to me," Mingze pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi walked out of the room in the basement and told the soldiers to keep an eye on Mingze and Lian Zoumu. He could not let Lian Zoumu die as it might be useful for him, he thought.


    Zhe Yan came to Jian Guozhi and asked about the Emperor''s condition.


    "The treatment is going on," Jian Guozhi replied. "Do you recognize this type of arrow?" He asked Zhe Yan. He should not have, but somewhere he thought that Zhe Yan might have knowledge about it.


    Zhe Yan keenly looked at it and shook his head. "I never used any weapon, so I have a limited knowledge about it, Your Highness," Zhe Yan said truthfully.

 Chapter 761 Doubting The Fourth Prince?

    Xiao Zhan gained consciousness and looked around. "General Xiao is awake," a soldier whispered and quickly walked out of the room to inform the First Prince.


    Xiao Zhan sat up and put his feet down on the chilling floor. "What happened? I got unconscious anda€¡±" he felt the pain in his back head and he squeezed his eyes tightly.


    One soldier exined to Xiao Zhan, who opened his eyes after finding out that Sheng Li got severely wounded by an arrow. He wore the shoes and stood up when Jian Guozhi entered.


    Xiao Zhan bowed before him. "Forgive me, for being so careless, Your Highness," he apologized. He felt guilty for not protecting the Emperor well. "How is his majesty?" he asked concernedly.


    "The Emperor is unconscious. He will wake up soon," Jian Guozhi assured him.


    "Find out about the origin of this arrow. Commander Yang is outside to take control over the situation in Changying," Jian Guozhi said and forwarded the arrow from which Sheng Li was shot.


    Xiao Zhan grasped it and keenly looked at it. "This arrow I have seen in the Pce. The Empress Dowager''s house had once sent arrows for Prince Nianzu on his 17th birthday. He even practiced with us when I asked him about such special arrows," Xiao Zhan immediately said. "But why was his highness curious to know about it?" Xiao Zhan knitted his brows and saw the blood on the pointed tip.


    Jian Guozhi confirmed that Mingze was not lying. But he was confused thinking about why Empress Dowager did this. Deng Hui was forgiven once, but the second time, the punishment would be severe.


    "Did the Emperor get a hit with this arrow?" Xiao Zhan arched his brow in bewilderment.


    "Yes, General Xiao," Jian Guozhi answered and took the arrow from him.


    "How could the Empress Dowager send an assassin to kill the Emperor?" Xiao Zhan chuckled and said, "what if she harms the Empress too. I will send a message to General Wang regarding this, Your Highness."


    "Mention in the message that the attack on the Emperor must not be disclosed to the Empress," Jian Guozhi ordered him.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Xiao Zhan said and went towards the desk. A soldier came forward to grind the ink stick on the inkstone. Xiao Zhan picked the brush and wrote a small message for Wang Hao.


    "General Xiao, tell General Wang to spy on the Empress Dowager and the Fourth Prince," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "Is his highness doubting the Fourth Prince? But he will never think of harming the Emperor," Xiao Zhan showed his faith in Nianzu.


    "Yongzheng betrayed us," Jian Guozhi stated. "I cannot take the risk. So, make sure to tell Wang Hao to spy on them," he affirmed. Xiao Zhan acknowledged themand of the First Prince.


    Jian Guozhi left the room to check on Sheng Li''s condition. The soldiers opened the door for him and he walked in. He sat on the wooden stool and looked at his wound. The arrow had hit beside the brownish scar that his mother gave Sheng Li a long time ago.


    He recalled the day when Sheng Li mistakenly broke his favorite. However, instead of hiding it, told his mother, who had pierced a dagger in the middle of Sheng Li''s chest. Jian Guozhi curled his fingers and lowered his head.


    "Why did you ever forgive my crimes? I hurt you a lot. Today, I was unable to prevent you from getting shot. Why am I such an irresponsible brother?" Jian Guozhi muttered and sighed.


    He turned to look when someone knocked on the door. The physician walked in. "Your Highness, I need to change the bandage before the wound gets infected," he informed Jian Guozhi, who stood up and allowed him to do so.


    "When will the Emperor wake up?" Jian Guozhi asked again despite knowing the answer.


    "His Majesty shall gain consciousness till the morning," the physician replied. Jian Guozhi hummed and watched him apply the newly prepared herbal ointment to the wound. "His Majesty is lucky that the arrow did not hit his heart, else it would have been difficult to save him," the physician said.


    After he was done dressing the wound, he stood up, bowed, and left the room.


    ~~~~~


    The next morning, in Luoyang, Ying Lili was checked by the Royal Physician first. Last night''s incident had scared Court Lady Xu, so she decided to have one more check-up for the Empress in the morning.


    After the Royal Physician''s affirmation about the sound health of both the mother and the twins, Court Lady Xu felt relieved.


    "Court Lady Xu is no lesser than my mother," Ying Lili said with a smile.


    "I cannot bepared to Her Majesty''ste mother," Court Lady Xu said. "Her Majesty still acts like a naive child even in her pregnancy, so I need to be careful," she said.


    "Court Lady Xu is indeed like my mother. For her, I will always be a naive child," Ying Lili stated.


    "Did Sheng Li send any message for me? I waited for his letter," Ying Lili said and looked at Eunuch Xing-Fu, who immediately lowered his head and shook it.


    "There is no news from Changying till now, Your Majesty," Xing-Fu replied.


    "Tell General Wang that I want to see him," Ying Lili ordered him. She stood up as it was her walking time. A maidservant came inside to inform Ying Lili about the arrival of Empress Dowager.


    Everyone got alerted. The servants lowered their heads when Deng Hui walked in, followed by her chief servants. Ying Lili greeted her and told her to take a seat.


    Deng Hui came to her and made Ying Lili sit first on the chaise. "I have prepared special meals for the Empress and Princess Chuntao today. After I will feed you this special meal, I will leave for Princess Chuntao''s chamber," Deng Hui said.


    "Thank you for using your precious time to cook for me and Sister Chun, Empress Dowager," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude and was ready to eat it when Court Lady Xu came near Ying Lili.


    She whispered in her ear. "The Emperor has told Her Majesty not to eat anything from the Empress Dowager''s hands." She stood straight and went behind the chaise.


    Deng Hui looked at them and said, "I am extremely happy with the arrival of the grandchildren. After the death of my dear husband, I was unable to focus on anything. However, I understand that my family needs me."


    "I am d that the Empress Dowager is now out of the mourning phase. It was indeed tough for all of us," Ying Lili said and looked down.


    "Indeed," Deng Hui agreed with Ying Lili and looked at the servant, who was holding the tray. She stood up and removed the red silk cloth which had covered the dishes.


    "I have prepared the sweets for the Empress. It is healthy since the ingredients used are nt extracts," Deng Hui said, picking the tter from the tray. She brought it to Ying Lili and handed it to her.


    Ying Lili smiled and picked the sweet when a servant informed them about Prince Nianzu''s presence.


    "Why does the Princee at this hour?" Deng Hui asked the servant.


    "Let the Fourth Prince inside," Ying Lili ordered. She put the sweet on the tter and told Deng Hui to take her seat.


    Nianzu halted upon seeing them and greeted both of them. He had a scroll in his hand when he saw sweets on a tter, which Ying Lili had held.


    "Did the Mother make them?" He asked with excitement when Ying Lili offered him one.


    "Your Majesty, it''s specially made for a pregnant woman. I can make more sweets for Prince Nianzu," Deng Hui asserted.


    "But I do not see any special thing in these sweets. Mother used to make them when I and the other Princes were kids," Nianzu said. "I am craving to taste it," he said and went near the servant, who was holding the tray. He picked one sweet and before Deng Hui could stop him, he ate it.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,?


    Hope you all are doing well.?


    I am back with Mass release event. I will give 5 chapters mass releasee???. I am trying to wrap up the book, but I am also keeping in mind not to ruin it. That''s why it is taking more time than usual to finish it. Hopefully, you''ll understand.?


    THANK YOU?


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 762 To Forgive

    Nianzu was writing a message for the Prime Minister when Eunuch Chung came to him. "Your Highness, the Royal Physician examined Lady Chuntao. Her Majesty had sent him to the Eastern Pce," he informed Nianzu, who hummed as he was writing an important message on the paper.


    "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager is herself making the sweets for the Empress and Lady Chuntao in the royal kitchen," Eunuch Chung said.


    The brush in Nianzu''s hand stopped and he looked up at Eunuch Chung, lifting the brush up to prevent the sheet from getting a huge dot.


    "I am going to the Northern Pce," Nianzu said and finished writing the message on the sheet. He let it dry and asked Chung to bring the warm overcoat for him. Eunuch Chung brought one silk woven coat and lifted it. Nianzu outstretched his arms and put his hands in those sleeves. Chung buttoned it from the shoulder and took a step back.


    Nianzu folded the paper and put it inside a scroll. He left for the Northern Pce to find out why his mother decided to make sweets for Ying Lili.


    He ascended the stairs and soon reached outside the main chamber of the Empress. "Tell Her Majesty that the Fourth Prince wants to see her," Nianzu asked a maidservant, who walked in. After a minute, she returned and delivered the order of the Empress. Nianzu walked in and found her mother was so enthusiastic to feed Ying Lili those sweets.


    It was unusual of her. It made Nianzu skeptical of her intentions, but luckily Ying Lili did not eat the sweet upon seeing him. Nianzu greeted them and decided to taste sweet. When Deng Hui made an excuse, he suspected his mother. So, he went to the servant, who was holding the tray, and picked the sweet from the circr bowl.


    Nianzu noticed every expression of Deng Hui. Whatever he was thinking should not be right. He did not want his mother to plot against Ying Lili when Sheng Li was not around.


    "Mother, thest time I tasted sweets made by your hands was a year ago. It is indeed delicious," Nianzu answered and nced at Ying Lili, who was also eager to taste sweet.


    "Mother, I have an important matter to discuss with Her Majesty. So, the mother shall return to her chamber," Nianzu thought to send Deng Hui at any cost. Ying Lili realized that something odd was going on between the mother and the son.


    "Can my son not discuss the matter in front of me?" Deng Hui queried. She was dejected again by the strange behavior of her son.


    "Mother also knows that the Empire''s matters are to be discussed with the Emperor only. In his absence, I can discuss it with only the Empress, Mother," Nianzu exined to her, keeping a tiny smile on his lips.


    Ying Lili thought that Nianzu''s words might hurt Deng Hui, so he decided to intervene between them. "Empress Dowager, Brother Nianzu is only following the protocols. Moreover, he does not want to trouble his mother by discussing the Empire''s matters. The situation in Changying isn''t hidden from anyone," she said humbly.


    Deng Hui rose to her feet and so did Ying Lili. "Do eat these sweets. Take care, Empress Ying Lili," Deng Hui said and left the chamber. Both Ying Lili and Nianzu bowed as she walked away while he narrowly nced at Deng Hui when she walked past him.


    Once she left, Nianzu lifted his head and looked at the servant, who was holding the tray. He then walked to Ying Lili. "Sister Lili, please give this tter to me," he urged. Ying Lili did so and Nianzu put it on the tray.


    "Throw it away," Nianzu ordered the servant.


    Ying Lili gaped at Nianzu. The servant bowed and walked out of the chamber.


    ? "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for acting this way, but as per the orders of the Emperor she is supposed to eat after careful examination of every cooked food," Nianzu said, reminding her of Sheng Li''s words.


    "The Empress Dowager has prepared the sweets with so much love," Ying Lili said and asked for a handkerchief.


    "Except the Court Ladies, everyone shall leave. Eunuch Xing-Fu, you must inform General Wang that I would like to see him," Ying Lili said while wiping her fingers with the handkerchief.


    The servants left silently.


    "Take a seat, Brother Nianzu," Ying Lili said and asked him what important matter he had to discuss.


    Nianzu recalled there was no such matter. As soon as Eunuch Chung told him that his mother prepared the sweets for Ying Lili and Chuntao, it terrified him. He knew his mother would not harm Chuntao because she was pregnant with her son''s child, but she might harm Ying Lili.


    Ying Lili understood from Nianzu''s silence that he still did not trust his mother fully.


    "Brother Nianzu shall trust the Empress Dowager," Ying Lili said softly.


    "I did," Nianzu answered and finally peered into her eyes, "Sister Lili, I put my faith again in my mother. But I do not know why I again feel something is wrong. I have promised Brother Sheng before returning to Luoyang that I will not let the Empress get into any kind of danger."


    "I don''t think Prince Nianzu''s mother will ever harm me," Ying Lili said with faith in Deng Hui.


    "Forgive me Sister Lili, but a child knows his mother better," Nianzu argued with her. "I also do not want any more fights among the members of the royal family, but I cannot help and only doubt my mother when she had already plotted against Father, Brother Sheng, and Sister Lili," he reasoned.


    "People change, Brother Nianzu. Even the First Brother changed; Sister Xue changed and then the First Consort Dowager also changed," Ying Lili gave him the examples. She wanted Nianzu to believe his mother.


    "Sister Lili, you must not forget that not every noblewoman thinks of family. I don''t want any problems to arise because of my mother. I was the one whoined to myte father about the mistreatment of my mother. When she got power, she misused it. I do not want any mishap to happen through her hands," Nianzu asserted and curled his fingers, before lowering his head.


    "I will never be able to forgive myself if any wrong happens because of my mother," he affirmed.

 Chapter 763 Poison Him

    Deng Hui after leaving the Northern Pce looked tense. Nianzu was not supposed to eat those sweets. She twiddled with her fingers. What if his health deteriorated?


    She reached her chamber and canceled going to Chuntao''s chamber. When she settled on the chair around a small table, a servant came to her.


    "Empress Dowager, Lord Wushi is here."


    "Send him in," Deng Hui said. "And don''t let anyone enter," shemanded her. The maidservant bowed and walked out. Deng Hui tilted her head to look at the Court Lady, who came forward and put the curtain down.


    Lord Wushi halted at the center and bowed. His head touched the floor and when Deng Hui told him to stand, he got up and brought his hands down.


    "Empress Dowager, there is a good piece of news," Master Wushi said.


    Deng Hui''s eyes gleamed to know the good news. "Please take a seat first, Lord Wushi," she gestured to the chair on his left.


    After settling, Lord Lishi said, "The Emperor is shot as per your order."


    Deng Hui smiled brightly and asked him if Sheng Li died or not.


    "The Emperor is not dead yet," Lord Wushi stated.


    "Why? He was supposed to die," Deng Hui said while suppressing her frustration.


    "Empress Dowager, the second arrow was going to hit the Emperor but his onemander reacted at the right time," Lord Wushi said and lowered his head.


    "How is this good news then?" Deng Hui balled her fists and rested them over the bolsters.


    "Empress Dowager, it is the right time to make the Empress weak. The arrow has hit the center of the Emperor''s chest and he will not gain consciousness for a few days. I assure the Empress Dowager about this," Lord Wushi said in a confident tone.


    Deng Hui loosened her fingers and knitted her brows. "Is there any way to poison the Emperor? Can Lord Wushi do it?" she queried him.


    "That will be tough, Empress Dowager. The security is tightened around the Emperor. From my resources, I found out that they had not let the news get revealed. Moreover, the First Prince is checking everything," Lord Wushi answered, disagreeing with the idea forwarded by Deng Hui.


    "Sheng Li must not reach Luoyang," Deng Hui said with utter hatred in her voice. She recalled how he threatened her, how he pushed her son away from her and let him marry amoner. She could never ept the fact that her son had to work as a servant for Sheng Li.


    "Empress Dowager, what should I do then?" Lord Wushi queried.


    "Spread the news in Changying andter in Luoyang. Spread the rumors among people that the entire power shoulde to me in the Emperor''s absence," Deng Hui stated and looked at the courtdy.


    "Did you get the pass that I had asked you to bring?" Deng Hui questioned her.


    "Yes, Empress Dowager." The Court Lady stepped forward and took out the identity pass from inside her sleeve pocket. She handed it to Deng Hui and stepped back.


    "This is an identity pass which only the soldiers from the Han army can carry. You are sure about this, right? Sheng Li will not wake up for a few days," Deng Hui asked him once again to confirm before handing the pass to him.


    "Empress Dowager knows the assassin is a great shooter from the upper Manchurian hignds. The Emperor is made of steel. His Majesty did not die from the first shot. Any other person in his ce would have been dead by now. The Emperor will not wake up for a few days," Lord Wushi said with a dejected expression.


    "Then, poison him. Send a sharp, and trustable man to the resthouse. I don''t want any mistakes this time. Make sure that he dies," Deng Hui said with a stern expression and forwarded the identity pass. Lord Wushi stood up and took it from her.


    "Empress Dowager, prepare to hold the power. Your son will surely rule over the Han," Lord Lishi said with an evil grin on his face.


    "Let''s not celebrate our victory until we achieve the goal. You may leave," Deng Hui stated. Lord Lishi stepped back and soon left the chamber. The Court Lady pulled the curtain up.


    ''This is what I am capable of doing, Sheng Li. You snatched my happiness and I will do the same. Weng Wei could not kill you, but I will make sure to do it,'' Deng Hui thought in her mind and smirked.


    When Lord Wushi left Empress Dowager''s chamber, Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin ended up seeing him.


    "Who is he?" Zhu Lin looked at Lei Wanxi.


    "I do not know. I never saw him before," Lei Wanxi answered.


    ~~~~~


    Ying Lili perceived why Nianzu reacted this way around Empress Dowager. Her previous self could not be ignored and as her son, he must have seen something that she was unable to see.


    "Brother Nianzu, your mother will not do anything wrong this time. I understand your concerns," Ying Lili stated. "Did Brother Nianzu receive any message from Sheng Li?" she curiously asked.


    "No, Sister Lili. Usually, the message arrives by this time. I will look into it," Nianzu said and rose to his feet. "I shall take my leave," he said and bowed before leaving the chamber.


    "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince doesn''t trust the Empress Dowager. Then, how can Her Majesty make the mistake of trusting her?" Court Lady Xuined.


    "Court Lady Xu, the Empress Dowager brought the sweets with love. I could not help but eat them. Moreover, those sweets were good for a pregnant woman. She was going to feed them to Sister Chun as well," Ying Lili said and looked towards the door, waiting for Eunuch Xing-Fu.


    Oppositely, Nianzu descended the stairs and felt a dull pain in his lower abdominal region. He ignored it and left to meet Wang Hao in the military barracks.


    ~~~~~


    What do you think will happen? Should we underestimate Deng Hui or not? Doment your opinions.

 Chapter 764 Order From The Royalty

    General Wang opened the message that he had received a few minutes aftering to the Imperial Pce. He opened the small piece of folded paper and found that the ink was invisible. He walked to the candle and put it above the candle me.


    When the words became visible, Wang Hao read the message. His eyes grew bigger upon learning about Sheng Li''s condition. "The Emperor is severely wounded," he mumbled as it shocked himpletely. He read more, where the First Prince had ordered him to spy on the Empress Dowager and her son.


    He quickly burned the page and threw its ashes away. Wang Hao was not supposed to tell Ying Lili or anyone about it.


    ''Prince Nianzu can never be behind this attack. However, his mother can be the one. How could she do this? The Emperor put his faith in her and spared her life that time,'' Wang Hao thought and deep frowns appeared on his face.


    "General Wang, Eunuch Xing-Fu is here to see you." A soldier informed Wang Hao, who hummed and left the room. He came to see Xing-Fu, who bowed before him.


    "Her Majesty wants to see General Wang," Xing-Fu delivered the message to Wang Hao.


    "Let''s go," Wang Hao said and walked past him while Xing-Fu followed him. Wang Hao was not supposed to reveal it to anyone, especially the Empress.


    Soon, they reached the Northern Pce. Ying Lili was delighted to see Wang Hao and asked him about any message from Sheng Li.


    "I am afraid, Your Majesty, but there is no news from Changying. I think His Majesty and the others have gotten busy solving the matter. It is almost a week, so His Majesty may want to solve it as quickly as possible to return," Wang Hao asserted.


    Ying Lili was a little upset about not getting any message from Sheng Li. "If anythinges, please inform me," she urged.


    Wang Hao felt bad for lying to Ying Lili, but it was the only way to keep her free from stress at this time. "I will surely inform Her Majesty first," Wang Hao said. He had been spying on the ministers upon the orders of the Empress but nothing useful he found out. Everyone was tense about Changying''s situation and wanted the safe return of Sheng Li.


    He left for the residence because he wanted Huo Jin to help him. Huo Jin was the most trustworthy around him and no one would suspect him.


    He hopped on the horse and pulled the reins on it. Soon, he reached the residence and asked about Huo Jin.


    "Young Master is with Lord Wang," the servant told Wang Hao.


    "Tell him when he will get free, meet me in my study room," Wang Hao told the servant, who was outside Wang Fuxing''s manor. He bowed while Wang Hao left for his study room.


    He closed the door and walked to the first shelf where a few scrolls were stacked up. He picked the one which was ced at the top.


    Coming towards the desk, he opened the scroll and studied the secret route which was constructed beneath the pce. "I need to use this route to get inside the Empress Dowager''s manor. She might harm the Empress too. I need to increase the security around the Empress''s manor," he murmured and marked something on the map.


    Scrolling the map up, he sat down on the chair and picked the white sheet. Writing a message on it, he let it dry and then used a paste to hide the message.


    When it dried, he folded it well and put it inside his pocket.


    "General Wang, may Ie inside?" Huo Jin asked from outside the door.


    "Come in," Wang Hao said and Huo Jin pushed the door to get in. He closed them behind him, before bowing his head.


    "Have a seat," Wang Hao told him while asking him about his wound.


    "It''s healed a little. It will be healedpletely in a few days," Huo Jin replied. "General Wang looks tense. Is everything good?"


    "Huo Jin, it needs to be between us two only. The Emperor is gravely injured," Wang Hao informed him. "He is Changying. However, the First Prince has ordered us to spy on the Empress Dowager and the Fourth Prince," hepleted his words.


    "That''s a serious problem. But General Wang, why did the First Prince order to spy on Prince Nianzu? The Fourth Prince can never n to harm the Emperor. It must be the Empress Dowager, judging by her previous heinous acts," Huo Jin affirmed, rejecting the order to spy on the Fourth Prince.


    "I also think the same. However, an order is an order. We have to follow it. We have less time. If Empress Dowager is behind this, then she might have also gotten the news of His Majesty''s health," Wang Hao concluded.


    "I will spy on the Empress Dowager. I cannot spy on the Fourth Prince even if it''s an order from the royalty," Huo Jin stated.


    "Sure. Let me exin a few things to you about the route from where we will enter her manor," Wang Hao said.


    "Yes, General Wang. The Empress Dowager can harm the Empress too," Huo Jin said.


    "I will make arrangements to tighten the security in Her Majesty''s manor," Wang Hao assured him and discussed the n with him.


    "Will General Wang spy on the Fourth Prince?" Huo Jin queried. "In my opinion, he should not. Prince Nianzu always wants to support and serve the Emperor," Huo Jin opined.


    "I know, but as a General, I have to ept the orders. I cannot refuse them," he proimed and stood up from the chair.


    ~~~~~


    Jian Guozhi''s anger was at the seventh sky. "Don''t you dare make any mistakes in the Emperor''s treatment. I will behead you along with your entire family," he said in a fit of rage.


    "Your Highness, the wound is deep and in the center of the chest. Probably, that''s the reason His Majesty is taking a longer time than usual to wake up," the physician answered calmly.


    "You are not sure about it either. Throw him out of my sight. Commander Yao, find a new Physician," Jian Guozhi ordered him.


    "Your Highness, please calm down," Commander Yao said. "This Physician is the best here," he affirmed, "his majesty will surely wake up."


    Jian Guozhi clenched his fists and red into the eyes of the physician. "The Emperor shall gain consciousness till evening. Do anything. I won''t listen to any excuse," Jian Guozhi threatened him and walked out of the room.

 Chapter 765 The Truth

    Rong Zemin stamped on the scrolls which Nianzu had brought to him. "Brother Nianzu, did any messagee from Changying? I did not either see General Wang today," he said, putting the stamp aside.


    "Maybe the two brothers did not get time to send the messages," Nianzu replied. Suddenly, he again experienced a dull pain in his abdomen.


    "Is Brother Nianzu alright?" Rong Zemin queried him.


    "I do not know why my abdomen has been aching since this morning. It''s not that painful but I am feeling a dull pain," Nianzu answered.


    "I will send the Royal Physician to your chamber. Take a rest for today. With the arrival of winter, bodies sometimes get such pain," Rong Zemin suggested to Nianzu. He nodded and left for his chamber.


    However, in his mind, he was still thinking about the sweets. Did his mother mix something in them? He wondered when he started to feel nauseated. He put his palm over his mouth.


    He dragged himself forward and rested his other palm on the wall beside him. The servantsing from the front noticed him and rushed to him.


    "What happened, Your Highness?" A servant asked humbly, who was holding a basket in his hand when Nianzu ended up puking and the blood came out of his mouth.


    They were all got shocked to see the Prince. Two of them supported Nianzu, who was going to fall, and then he was taken to the chamber.


    Eunuch Chung was startled to see his master unconscious when he saw the blood on his lips and chin.


    "What happened to My Master?" Eunuch Chung asked worriedly. "Bring His Highness in," he told them and they walked in. cing Nianzu on the bed, Eunuch Chung told the servants to exin.


    The servant narrated what they all had witnessed which bewildered Eunuch Chung.


    The Royal Physician had arrived at the chamber when Eunuch Chung told him to examine the Prince.


    "What happened to His Highness? He was fine in the morning," Eunuch Chung asked while panicking.


    "What did the Fourth Prince eat in the morning?" the Royal Physician asked him while withdrawing his fingers back after checking Nianzu''s pulse.


    "His Highness had his breakfast with Lady Chuntao. Rice noodles, soup, and steamed dumplings," Eunuch Chung answered.


    "It seems someone poisoned the meals of the Fourth Prince," the Royal Physician replied.


    "But how is it possible? The servant had checked the meals before serving them to His Highness. I was present at that time, Royal Physician," Eunuch Chung answered.


    "But he has been poisoned. Did the Fourth Prince eat anything after the meals?" the Royal Physician asked before taking out the acupuncture needle box from his cloth bag.


    "No," Eunuch Chung replied.


    "Hmm. But the Fourth Prince''s body is indeed poisoned. He must have eaten something. Also, poison isn''t deadly," the Royal Physician answered and took out the first needle from the box. "Through the acupuncture, I will eliminate the poison from His Highness'' body," he assured him.


    "Eunuch Chung, What happened to my husband?" Chuntao asked as she stepped towards the bed. A pce maid had informed her earlier.


    "Please do not worry, Lady Chuntao," Eunuch Chung said humbly while lowering his head. "He will be awake soon." He avoided going into details.


    "I heard he''s poisoned. Is it true?" Chuntao asked as her voice trembled.


    "Lady Chuntao, I will remove the poison. Please be seated and wait patiently," the Royal Physician advised her and again got busy in the treatment.


    Eunuch Chung gestured to a maidservant toe near him. He whispered in her ear, "Inform the Third Prince about Prince Nianzu''s health. Also, call the royal chef from the kitchen."


    The maidservant bowed and strode out of the chamber.


    "Lady Chuntao, please sit down until His Highness gets treated," Eunuch Chung requested aftering near her. Chuntao hummed and sat down on the chaise lounge. Her eyes were fixed on Nianzu, waiting for him to wake up.


    "Who poisoned my son?" The Empress Dowager entered the chamber and stopped beside the bed.


    "Why is my son still unconscious?" Deng Hui asked indignantly.


    Promptly, the Royal Physician stood up and bowed his head. "The treatment is still going on, Empress Dowager," he informed her when Deng Hui told him to continue the treatment.


    Rong Zemin has also arrived in the chamber and found Nianzu unconscious. He greeted Empress Dowager, who was in tears.


    "Your Highness, I have been called the Royal Chef," Eunuch Chung informed Rong Zemin.


    "Who can poison my son? Third Prince, call the General. Tell me to nab the culprit behind it," Deng Hui said frantically.


    "I will look into it, Royal Mother," Rong Zemin answered and told Eunuch Chung to follow him. The Royal Chef wasing in their direction when stopped upon seeing them. He greeted Rong Zemin, who asked him if cooked anything else after the breakfast meals.


    "No, Your Highness," the Royal Chef replied.


    "How is it possible? Fourth Brother wasining about the stomach pain to me a few minutes ago. He must have eaten something poisonous," Rong Zemin deduced. He realized that it would be a waste to investigate around and better wait for Nianzu to wake up. Because only the Fourth Prince could reveal the truth about what he ate.


    "You may leave," Rong Zemin told the royal chef, who thanked the Third Prince and walked away.


    "Your Highness, why did you let the Third Prince leave!?" Eunuch Chung was confused. "We need to investigate him," he opined.


    "Let the Fourth Prince wake up first," Rong Zemin said and went back to the chamber where Nianzu''s treatment was going on.


    Deng Hui settled beside Chuntao and consoled her. "The Prince will be alright," she assured Chuntao, who kept twiddling with her fingers.


    Deng Hui did not know the poison would affect Nianzu this way. The quantity was limited in the sweets, and once consumed, it would not have reflected easily. Ying Lili would have gotten its effect after a few days.


    But in her ce, Nianzu ate the sweet. Maybe because it was not meant for a male body, Nianzu experienced this. She knew as soon as her son would wake up, he would point his finger at her.


    She frowned and tilted her head when the Court Lady lowered down. Deng Hui whispered something in her ear. The Court Lady straightened herself and left the chamber.


    ~~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    The ending of the story is decided. It has already been published in the privilege chapters. By the next month, the privilege chapters will be out and you all be able to read them. I still have to publish the side stories, which you''ll see in theter chapters.


    I hope you''ll give me the full support in my new story ''Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince''- a story about the Dragon''s son and noble''s daughter, who is on a path of revenge.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 766 Prepared By My Mother

    Nianzu woke up in the evening and felt weak. He heard the whispers and then the deep voice of the Royal Physician.


    "Empress Dowager, the Prince is awake. The poison is removed from the body. However, the Fourth Prince will feel the weakness until he fully recovers."


    Nianzu heard the Royal Physician talking to his mother. He tilted his head and found everyone from the family was present in the chamber. His eyes fell on Chuntao, who was seated on the chaise along with the Empress. His heart sank seeing the tears in her eyes.


    He felt his head getting heavy and the figure of his mother appeared before him.


    The sweets.


    Something was weird in them. He wanted to speak, but the weakness was so much that he was unable to speak. He felt his throat getting drier with each second and somehow he managed to ask for water.


    "His Highness shall not drink water for a few hours. It can harm his body," the Royal Physician refused to give water to Nianzu. Chuntao immediately asked about it.


    "My Lady, it''s for medical purposes. The poison was mild though, but if there are any more parts of the poison left in the body, then with water its effect can increase, leading to severe poisoning. I need to perform the acupuncture one more time, after two hours. After that, maybe His Highness can drink water," the Royal Physician exined to Chuntao.


    "Brother Nianzu scared us all," Lei Wanxi said. "But who can poison him. ording to the Royal Physician, the poison is mild. Who''s this enemy who used a mild poison?" Lei Wanxi was curious to know the answer.


    Ying Lili looked at Deng Hui, who had brought the sweets for her. Nianzu was the only one who ate them in her ce.


    Deng Hui scolded Lei Wanxi for speaking such rubbish. "Prince Nianzu is still recovering from it. Prince Wanxi shall refrain from talking in front of him. Everyone may leave except the Royal Physician, the Prince''s wife, and the servants," Deng Hui ordered.


    The Consort Dowagers left first, followed by the Noble Princesses. However, the Empress and the Princes stayed behind.


    "I need to ask the Fourth Brother if he ate anything after breakfast," Rong Zemin said and walked to him. Nianzu shifted his gaze at her mother, who was standing calmly.


    Ying Lili understood that Nianzu did not want to tell them that his own mother poisoned him.


    "I ate the sweets prepared by my Mother," Nianzu confessed. "I started to feel pain in my abdomen after consuming a sweet," he asserted.


    Every eye turned to Deng Hui, who was not troubled by the usation. Instead, she smiled and said, "if the Prince thinks that his own mother would try to kill him, then he is wrong."


    At that moment, the Court Lady from the Queen''s manor arrived in the chamber.


    "The culprit is here," General Wang announced, who came in with the Court Lady. She tilted her head when a servant, who belonged to the royal kitchen, came forward. He got on his knees and admitted that he was the one who mixed the small quantity of poisonous root mixture while Empress Dowager was preparing the sweets.


    Nianzu tried to sit up when Eunuch Chung helped him. He tied the knot on the upper garment for Nianzu, who looked at the servant.


    "Why did you do it?" Rong Zemin asked him. "Why are you still in the Pce instead of running away?" He doubted the servant.


    "You may leave," Nianzu told the servant, shocking them.


    "Prince Nianzu, this lowly servant tried to kill you," Deng Hui said. "He must be punished," she stated and ordered to behead the servant.


    Nianzu got infuriated. "He did not mix the poison in the sweet. So, stop using an innocent person, Mother. You are the one who prepared the sweets for the Empress and my wife. Yet, you brought an innocent to take the me," he shouted at her.


    "Son, I did nota€¡±"


    "Don''t say anything, Mother!" He interrupted her in the middle.


    Chuntao went towards Nianzu and told him to calm down. "Prince Nianzu is still recovering. Please do not stress yourself out," Chuntao requested him.


    "General Wang, it''s my mother who tried to poison the Empress. ording to thew, she should get imprisoned," Nianzu stated. His face was burning with anger. He couldn''t believe that his mother again tried to do something which she should not have.


    "I did not try to poison the Empress. Why is my son behaving this way without looking at the evidence?" Deng Hui started to shed tears.


    "I put the poison in the sweet because of the Emperor," the servant finally spoke, grabbing everyone''s attention towards him. "His Majesty punished my wife, so I thought tomit such a grave crime. Please punish me to death," he begged and bowed such that his forehead touched the cold floor beneath him.


    "Since he has epted his crime, then General Wang shall take him to prison," Ying Lili ordered him.


    Wang Hao bowed and gestured to the two soldiers behind him to take the servant away. "I will investigate the servant myself. It''s strange that he tried to poison me but not with a strong poison," Ying Lili remarked and looked at Deng Hui, who was still crying.


    "Her Majesty must not bother herself with this matter. I will look into this," Rong Zemin advised her and gestured to Court Lady Xu to take the Empress back to the Northern Pce.


    Court Lady Xu came forward and told Ying Lili that they should return, who agreed with her.


    "Brother Nianzu, I will see youter. Please take a good rest. General Wang, pleasee with me," Ying Lili said and left the chamber.


    Lei Wanxi stayed behind in Nianzu''s chamber while Weng Yu walked behind Wang Hao.


    "Increase the security in my son''s manor," Deng Hui instructed Eunuch Chung, who bowed.


    "Please get out of my sight," Nianzu furiously said to his mother. "I don''t want the Empress Dowager toe here unannounced," he said in a fit of rage.


    Deng Hui didn''t say anything and left the chamber. She was hurt because her son once again turned against her.

 Chapter 767 A Wicked Person

    Ying Lili drank the water and handed the ss to the maidservant, who stepped back. Ying Lili rested her arm on the bolster and gazed at Wang Hao.


    "Empress Dowager hasn''t changed. She wanted to poison me. However, Brother Nianzu took the sweet in ce of me," Ying Lili stated.


    Wang Hao already knew about it, but he stayed quiet. He could not tell Ying Lili that Deng Hui sent someone to kill the Emperor. It would stress her out. So, he remained calm and listened to her silently.


    "Your Majesty, since we have no clear evidence against her, I cannot imprison her either. It seems Empress Dowager hired this servant to take me on his head," Wang Hao replied.


    "Yes. That''s why General Wang has to bring out the truth from him. Don''t let him die at any cost and search for his family. I am sure Empress Dowager has threatened him with his family," Ying Lili concluded. She should not have trusted Deng Hui. She could have gotten a miscarriage because of all this.


    Wang Hao bowed and left the chamber.


    "Why did Your Majesty not punish Empress Dowager? She tried to kill the Empress." Eunuch Xing-Fu was furious and at the same time, worried thinking what would the Emperor think. Behind him, the Empress always fell into the pit of danger.


    "I had told Her Majesty not to believe Empress Dowager. She has gotten insane. Because the evidence deviated, Her Majesty cannot even punish her," Court Lady Xu stated.


    "Forgive me, Court Lady Xu, for not listening to you," Ying Lili apologized.


    "Please, Your Majesty, do not apologize to me," Court Lady Xu said humbly. "I pray that the Emperor returns soon." She joined her both hands and closed her eyes.


    Ying Lili expected the same. She stood up and gradually walked to the desk. The maidservant pulled out the chair for her, and Ying Lili sat on it. She spread the sheet on the desk and then the brush. The ink was already prepared, so she dipped the brush in it and started to write a message for Sheng Li.


    When it dried, she asked Eunuch Xing-Fu to give it to General Wang. He stepped forward and bowed before taking the letter from the Empress. After he left, Ying Lili looked at the butterfly which she had made on her left wrist.


    ''I miss you. Badly. Are you good? Return home soon. We all need you,'' she thought.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu after getting acupuncture treatment for thest time thanked the Royal Physician, who started to pack his things to leave.


    "Royal Physician, would you tell me what kind of poison was it? It gave me a dull pain in the lower abdomen and then I ended up puking¡­ blood," Nianzu briefed him.


    "Your Highness, the poison wasn''t life threatening. It was supposed to give displeasure to the person for a certain time. However, as I heard earlier, if the sweets were supposed to feed the Empress, then Her Majesty could have undergone a miscarriage and other seriousplications," the Royal Physician exined to Nianzu.


    Chuntao brought her palms in front of her mouth as it was shocking to learn that a servant despite being such a high security tried to harm the Empress and put me on Empress Dowager.


    "Your Highness, pardon me for intruding in the middle. I have brought the sweets that were prepared by Empress Dowager which My Lord had ordered to throw away," Eunuch Chung said, showing a bowl to him.


    "Can the Royal Physician find out which poison was used in these sweets?" Nianzu, with high hopes, questioned him.


    "I am afraid, but it''s tough to tell the type of poison," the Royal Physician politely refused.


    "His Highness shall take a good rest. By the morning, His Highness will recover fully," the Royal Physician informed him. He rose to his feet, bowed and left.


    Chuntao caressed the arm of Nianzu and said, "the servant tried to frame Empress Dowager in this."


    "Chun, my mother tried to kill Sister Lili. I should have asked Brother Sheng to not show any mercy on her." Nianzu was infuriated to see that his mother stooped so low that she didn''t even stop him from eating that sweet.


    "A mother can never let her son eat the poison. Sometimes what we see isn''t right," Chuntao stated.


    "But what I saw is the truth. My mother was not this way. She became evil after having the power. Now, I understand why she never wanted me to leave the Pce."


    Because Deng Hui wanted her son to be the Emperor. That was the reason she bore everything that Weng Wei did to her. She told Nianzu not to react inappropriately in front of Weng Wei and like a foolish son, he acted on her words. The biggest foolishness that he did was not revealing her true face to everyone.


    Now, he felt guilty. He remembered how he used Jian Guozhi when he stayed quiet for years for not stopping his mother. However, he was much braver than him. At least, unlike Nianzu, Jian Guozhi decided to end the evil.


    Nianzu had decided that he would ask Sheng Li to imprison his mother or whatever the toughest punishment he could grant to Deng Hui.


    He had decided that he would not stay quiet anymore.


    "A wicked person can never be trusted, because it is unknown when the person will attack. No matter how much you forgive a wicked person, it will only want bad for you," Nianzu pronounced. "My philosophy master taught me this on the very first day of the ss. It''s the time when I shall implement his lesson."


    He had decided that he would not let his mother''s evil ns to seed.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    I have participated in WSA 2022 again with a Historical genre story. Because of that reason, the updates were fewer here since I was busy stockpiling for that and am still doing it. Please add that story to your libraries too when it will be released. Don''t worry, I will keep up with the updates here too.


    It is titled- "Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince."


    Please direct your votes on that story so that the story appears in the ranks. Many good top-notch authors will participate and getting into the rank is a must for seeding.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 768 A Dangerous Sign

    Deng Hui rested her arm on the bolster while the tea servant prepared the tea for her. Deng Hui dismissed her and also the other servants from her chamber.


    She was troubled with the thought of her son knowing her real face. This was something she had hidden for years. She bore the torture from the former Empress because of this reason. To see herself as the Empress, she struggled hard.


    Now, her son had seen her true face, it could be a hurdle in her path to the throne. Though, once Sheng Li would die, then it would be easy for her to let things flow in her way.


    "Empress Dowager, the tea is getting colder," the courtdy informed Deng Hui, who came out of her thoughts.


    ? "Did you make sure that the servant and his family won''t utter a word?" Deng Hui picked the teacup and brought it near her lips.


    "I have made sure that the words won''te out. Empress Dowager does not have to worry," the Court Lady assured her. Deng Hui sipped the tea and asked if her son was still in anger.


    "Prince Nianzu does not trust Empress Dowager. She cannot do anything about this either. I think Empress Dowager Hui should think about her first and then her son. Everyone is well aware of the fact that the first Prince did not spare his mother. In the end, the Former Empress had to lose her life. In my opinion, Empress Dowager first usurped the throne, and then her son wille to her without any rebellion instead of exining her situation to him," the Court Lady advised Deng Hui, who furrowed her brows together.


    Indeed, she had to first remove the current Emperor and the Empress from the throne, so that iming the throne would be easier for her. However, both the Empress and her son were doubtful of her intentions.


    "Who is Huo Jin?" Deng Hui asked about him out of the blue.


    "He is a young man in his early 20s, who was with Prince Nianzu when he left the Pce. Did Empress Dowager forget about him?" The Court Lady was curious to know.


    "I have forgotten his face, but not his name. He is the one who told my son about what I did in the past," Deng Hui clenched her fists. She should have killed him first.


    "Does Empress Dowager want to get rid of Huo Jin? I heard that he is presently living with the Wang Family," the Court Lady informed Deng Hui, who shook her head.


    "Getting rid of him will not be easy, especially when he is a trained spy. Also, I will not benefit from his death. I would like to stay low for a day or two before nning," Deng Hui decided. Currently, she was waiting for the news of Sheng Li''s demise. She held the teacup and sipped the tea.


    ~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi was on the swing seated beside Zhu Lin. It was moving back and forth at a gradual pace.


    "Zhu Lin, I think Brother Sheng and Brother Nianzu hid something big from me," Lei Wanxi said. Zhu Lin tilted her head and asked him to exin.


    "Brother Nianzu respected his mother a lot. For her, he stayed quiet and remained isted from the other Brothers most of the time. However, after he returned to the Pce, he was cold to his mother. Earlier, I thought it was because Empress Dowager wasn''t epting Sister Chun as the wife of Brother Nianzu. But today I found something strange," Lei Wanxi briefed her about the observations that he had made.


    "Does Prince Wanxi think that Empress Dowager is behind her son''s poisoning?" Zhu Lin queried him.


    Lei Wanxi nodded. "Brother Nianzu would not have ever used his mother. Earlier, we also saw an unknown maning out of the manor of Empress Dowager. What do you think is going on? Does Empress Dowager want to poison Sister Lili, and she stayed quiet when her son consumed the sweet instead of Sister Lili," he deduced. He squinted his eyes in suspicion.


    "Empress Dowager had known that the poison''s effect would be mild. So, when Prince Nianzu consumed the sweet in the Empress''s ce, she had to be quiet, to not get caught in the act. Moreover, a servant had given testimony that he poisoned the sweets." Zhu Lin found that Deng Hui appeared to be a wicked person, who pretended to be gentle, soft, and loving nature when she was not.


    "I never saw that look in my Fourth Brother''s eyes towards his mother. His heart has broken upon learning about his mother''s acts. I will meet Brother Nianzuter," Lei Wanxi said and sighed.


    "Prince Wanxi, don''t be upset. We shall find the person who came to meet Empress Dowager," Zhu Lin affirmed with gleaming eyes. Lei Wanxi acknowledged her suggestion and put her right foot down to stop the swing.


    He stood up and turned to Zhu Lin. "I will find this unknown, suspicious person. Now is the time when Lei Wanxi has to use his brain," he said with enthusiasm.


    "I will also help the Sixth Prince," Zhu Lin offered her help, but Lei Wanxi shook his head.


    "You still need to recover, Zhu Lin. Remember, your navel region is still healing," Lei Wanxi reminded her and put his hand on her head. He caressed it and continued, "I have a person who can help me."


    "Who?" Zhu Lin was curious to know.


    "Huo Jin," Lei Wanxi replied and smiled.


    "Yes. Huo Jin can gather information faster than anyone here," Zhu Lin showed her trust in Huo Jin.


    "Yes. Huo Jin and I will find that man. If Empress Dowager has changed, then it''s a dangerous sign for everyone in the Pce," Lei Wanxi said as he knitted his brows together.


    "Then, Prince Wanxi shall leave now," Zhu Lin told him.


    Lei Wanxi pulled her up. "First, let me drop you till your chamber."


    "I can go by myself. Go," Zhu Lin motioned her hand in the air. Lei Wanxi nodded when Zhu Lin told him not to forget to take the fur overcoat as it was cold outside.

 Chapter 769 A Game

    In Changying, Sheng Li was still unconscious. It was the third day, and it increased the worries of Jian Guozhi. Many weird thoughts wereing into his head.


    "His Majesty will wake up, Your Highness. You should take some rest too. You did not sleep the entire night," Xiao Zhan assured Jian Guozhi. "Also, His Highness has to make the decision regarding Mingze," he stated.


    "Let the Emperor wake up first. Only he has the power to make decisions," Jian Guozhi said, looking at Sheng Li. "Let''s not converse here. Brother Sheng might get disturbed." He left the room, followed by Xiao Zhan.


    As they came out, they encountered a man in his 30s with a tray in his hand. "The Physician has sent the tonic for the Emperor," he said humbly.


    Jian Guozhi gestured to the soldiers to let the man in and walked away.


    The man walked in and ced the tray on the table beside the bed on which Sheng Li wasid. He took out a small, snuff porcin bottle filled with poison. He removed the lid and mixed it into the tonic.


    The man narrowly gazed when felt the dagger''s de on his neck. "Finally, you arrived," Sheng Li said when the man used his elbow to strike him.


    Sheng Li dodged it and pushed him onto the bed. His knee tightly pressed on the back of the man. He quickly took out the ring from his finger, to swallow the diamond on it when Sheng Li caught his hand. He got kicked on his lower back and the man moved away from him.


    Sheng Li kicked his hand and the man fell back.


    Upon hearing the noises, the soldiers standing outside pushed the door and were shocked to see Sheng Li was fighting with the man, who imed to bring the tonic for him.


    The man punched Sheng Li in the middle of the chest and the wound started to bleed again. He cried in pain and he wavered. The soldiers stepped forward and caught the arms of the man.


    "Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan shouted and rushed in.


    The soldiers got injured as the man stabbed them with the knife. He thought to run away when Xiao Zhan stopped him. Xiao Zhan caught his right wrist which was holding the knife and with his other hand, he punched in the middle of his abdomen.


    Jian Guozhi also entered the room as he heard the noises from the room adjacent to it. He ran to Sheng Li and asked if he was fine.


    Sheng Li hummed and put his hand down, which had blood on it.


    One of the soldiers came forward and they finally overpowered the man. Xiao Zhan tied the hands of the man, his feet, and made him get on his knees.


    Sheng Li sat on the bed and took deep breaths.


    "Bring the physician," Jian Guozhi ordered and the soldier ran out.


    Sheng Li asked for water and Jian Guozhi quickly poured water into a ss. However, before giving the ss to Sheng Li, he tasted the water first from the jar. Upon getting assurance that the water wasn''t poisoned, Jian Guozhi handed the ss to Sheng Li.


    He drank the water and handed back the ss to the First Prince.


    The Physician came inside and bowed before Sheng Li.


    "Dress His Majesty''s wound," Jian Guozhi instructed him and he quickly sat on the table. After the dressing of wounds, Sheng Li turned to look at the man who hade to assassinate him.


    "Who sent you?" Sheng Li asked with a menacing expression. However, the assassin didn''t utter a word.


    "The Emperor has asked you something. Tell him," Jian Guozhi shouted at the assassin, who had lowered his head.


    "Was it Empress Dowager?" Sheng Li asked straightforwardly, shocking everyone in the room. Jian Guozhi wondered why Sheng Li''s suspicions went to Deng Hui.


    "Your Majesty, I will interrogate him in my way," Xiao Zhan furiously said.


    "Torturing him will be of no use," Sheng Li stated. "You have a minute to decide. You have to kill yourself if you refuse to tell," Sheng Li told the assassin.


    Earlier, while fighting with the assassin, Sheng Li found out that he did not take poison when he got several chances. Instead, he thought to run away. What a foolish act!


    "I only want confirmation. I will spare your life," Sheng Li said.


    Jian Guozhi widened his eyes. "Your Majesty, forgiving an assassin isn''t wise," he advised him.


    "But he wants to live. He has a child," Sheng Li pronounced. When he caught the assassin''s wrist, he found a blue thread with knots on his wrist.


    He remembered the tradition of Changying, where a child would tie a thread around his father''s wrist for his safety.


    "Your time has ended," he said and threw the dagger toward the assassin. It stopped near the man''s right knee, and he lifted his head.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the assassin replied finally. "I was paid to kill the Emperor," the assassin confessed the truth. "It was an order from someone from the Pce. However, I do not know from whom. I did what I was told to. I will always remember His Majesty''s benevolence if he spares my life," he pleaded, keeping his eyes lowered.


    "Hmm. So, you decided to even kill the Emperor for a few coins." Sheng Li chuckled.


    "Everyone wants to survive, Your Majesty," the man replied.


    "Shut your filthy mouth. How dare you take¡ª" Jian Guozhi paused when Sheng Li told him to calm down.


    "Let''s y a game. It has been long since Ist yed a game," Sheng Li stated, bewildering everyone in the room.


    "A game?" Jian Guozhi muttered and furrowed his brows together.


    "Yes, First Brother," Sheng Li said with a yful grin.


    "Go to the person who ordered you to give poison to me. Your child is waiting for you at home, so don''t make any mistake," Sheng Limanded the man, who nodded his head.

 Chapter 770 Pink Health

    Ying Lili finished eating her breakfast. She rose to her feet when a maidservant came inside. Court Lady Xu asked her why she looked troubled.


    "Your Majesty, a rumor has spread among the people," the maidservant said in a low yet trembling voice. Ying Lili noticed her hands, which were shivering in fear.


    "What happened?"


    "Your Majesty, the Em-Emperor," she paused and got on her knees. Ying Lili realized something bad had happened.


    "What happened to the Emperor?" Ying Lili asked her to tell. In a second, a sudden rush of strange thoughts appeared in her head. Xing-Fu asked the maidservant to speak, who lowered her head.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for bringing this news. The Emperor is severely injured. The rumors say that he had not woken up for two days and today is the third day," she finally said and started to cry.


    Ying Lili''s eyes widened. She wavered and put her hand on the table to support her.


    "Your Majesty," Court Lady Ki said concernedly as she went behind her. She grasped her arm gently and brought her to the chaise lounge. Another maidservant filled water in a ss and presented it to Court Lady Ki, who handed the ss to Ying Lili.


    "Please, drink water, Your Majesty," she urged.


    Ying Lili shook her head. "I need to go to Changying," Ying Lili said.


    "Your Majesty, it is a rumor. The Emperor is sound and safe," Court Lady Ki affirmed, not wanting Ying Lili to lose her mind while believing in rumors.


    "No. I have to see him with my own eyes. Prepare the carriage. I am leaving for Changying," Ying Lili said, hitting the water ss from the back of the palm of her hand. It sshed on the floor and tears streamed down Ying Lili''s eyes. "It is an order," she pronounced.


    "Your Majesty," Rong Zemin addressed Ying Lili. She tilted her gaze to look at him and the Fourth Prince. While going to prison, a servant informed them too about the rumor.


    "Third Brother, Fourth Brother," Ying Lili said and stood up. "I need to go to Changying. Sheng Li''s message has note for two days. Now, I realized why? He is severely injured and he needs me," Ying Lili requested.


    "Sister Lili shall not believe such rumors. Unless the confirmationes, we cannot¡ª"


    "Brother Nianzu, what if it''s true? Why would someone spread such a rumor? My hus-husband is severely wounded," Ying Lili raised her voice and brought her hand near her chest. "Three days of being in an unconscious state and no one found out about this. Where is General Wang?" She got furious.


    Court Lady Xu and Eunuch Xing-Fu, who was gone to the royal tailor to ask him toe to the Pce, got shocked upon finding out the rumors regarding Sheng Li. As they arrived at the chamber, they saw Ying Lili''s anger.


    Court Lady Xu swiftly went near Ying Lili. "Your Majesty, please calm down. You are pregnant. Getting angry can affect your health," she said humbly.


    "I am alright, Court Lady Xu. Bring General Wang here. The Princes can leave. I don''t want to listen to them," Ying Lili dismissed them.


    "Empress Lili," Deng Hui entered the chamber and the servants stepped out of her way, including the princes. "I heard about the rumors. General Wang failed to keep up with his duties. That''s why I appointed someone, who had brought me a message from Changying. The Emperor indeed got injured," Deng Hui announced to her.


    "Mother!" Nianzu gritted his teeth and walked to her. "Refrain from speaking rubbish to the Empress. At least¡ª"


    "I said that I am alright," Ying Lili red at Nianzu. "Tell me, Empress Dowager, what message have you received?" Ying Lili looked back at her.


    Deng Hui tilted her head and Wushi came forward. He bowed before the Empress as his forehead touched the ground.


    "Lord Wushi is from Changying. He trades pearls and other valuable gems. He is the one who informed me about the Emperor''s condition in Changying. Tell Her Majesty what happened in Changying?" Deng Hui told Lord Wushi to speak.


    "Mother, why did you not inform me first?" Nianzu''s anger reached the seventh sky.


    "The Empress is the supremedy, so I must inform her first," Deng Hui asserted.


    "Your Majesty, the Governor has betrayed the Emperor. His man shot an arrow towards the Emperor which hit the middle of His Majesty''s chest," Lord Lishi stated. "The First Prince has sent this message," he took out a piece of paper and raised his hands.


    Ying Lili stepped forward and took the paper from him. She read the lines and more tears streamed down her cheeks. "Sheng Li," she murmured and brought her palm near her mouth.


    Rong Zemin came near Ying Lili and asked for the letter from her. He read and found that the writing was not of the First Prince.


    "Are you lying?" Rong Zemin shouted at Lord Wushi. "The First Brother has not written it," he affirmed.


    "What is the Third Prince saying? The First Prince must be busy giving the best treatment to His Majesty. In his ce, someone else might have written it," Deng Hui concluded. "It is not important who has written it. The Emperor is not in pink health and that is more concerning for us," Deng Hui affirmed.


    "Your Majesty, in my opinion, we should check it thoroughly. The Emperor has clearly mentioned that only three would write the message for us¡ª the Emperor himself, the First Prince, and General Xiao. Her Majesty shall not believe in a random person," Nianzu intervened and advised Ying Lili.


    "Sister Lili, Brother Nianzu is right. Let''s not make any decision in a rush," Rong Zemin made Ying Lili understand.


    "We understand that the Emperor is your husband. But he is also our brother. I will go to Changying to find out about the truth." Nianzu assured Ying Lili.


    "Son, the Emperor has told you not¡ª" Deng Hui paused in the middle as Nianzu interrupted her, in the middle.


    "I didn''t ask the opinion of Empress Dowager. She can go back to her manor. She should not be present here." Nianzu looked at the Court Lady in service of Deng Hui. "Take the Empress Dowager back to her chamber. She doesn''t have any right to put her nose in the Kingdom''s matters," he reminded his mother, who was not surprised to see the impassive face of her son towards her.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor will be alright. I only wanted you to know about it. Prince Nianzu will again confirm it. Please do not overstress yourself," Deng Hui consoled her and left the chamber, followed by her servants. Lord Wushi also stood up when Rong Zemin stopped him.


    Court Lady Xu brought Ying Lili to the chaise and made her sit on it. "The Emperor is fine, Your Majesty," she whispered while wiping the tears from Ying Lili''s cheeks.


    "You ain''t leaving. You will be interrogated," Rong Zemin said and it worried Lord Wushi.


    "I have already told Her Majesty what I got from Changying," Lord Wushi said.


    "We need to find who sent you this message," Rong Zemin cleared his doubts.


    Nianzu did not like her mother''s ways. The water hade above the head and he knew how his mother would stop ying evil with them.

 Chapter 771 Everyone, Dismiss!

    Nianzu felt extremely bad upon seeing Ying Lili crying. All because of his evil mother. Why did she have to reveal it to Ying Lili despite knowing the fact that she''s pregnant? His eyes turned misty because today, he realized his father knew everything about Deng Hui. Just for his son''s happiness, he selected her as the Empress. It ached his heart that the mother, for whom he was ready to fight with the entire world had stopped so low for the throne.


    "Sister Lili, nothing can happen to Brother Sheng. I will reach Changying by this evening and will send a message to you in Brother Sheng''s handwriting," Nianzu assured her. Ying Lili nodded her head and wiped her tears from the handkerchief.


    "Brother Nianzu, I trust Sheng Li, but I don''t trust fate. The thought itself is terrible," Ying Lili said in a low voice. "I am not weak, but I cannot help thinking negatively. I know he is a warrior, but then he is a human too," she said and took a deep breath in.


    Nianzu lowered his head. He did not have answers for Sheng Li''s wife.


    "Why would someone spread such a strange rumor, Brother Nianzu? Sheng Li is indeed injured. He already is covered with so many wounds. Maybe that''s the reason, he has not woken up till now. I will stay back, not because I am pregnant, but because he has given me a big responsibility," Ying Lili stated. Nianzu lifted his head and assured her that he would bring Sheng Li safely to Luoyang.


    "Sister Chuntao needs you. I will send someone else to Changying. The Princes need to stay in the Pce. Moreover, I don''t want you to get hurt," Ying Lili asserted. She calmed down and put a thought to it.


    "Who will go to Changying, Sister Lili?" Nianzu queried.


    "Wu Qinyang," Ying Lili replied.


    Nianzu wondered if Lei Wanxi told Ying Lili about the ongoing trouble with the Governor of Changying to Ying Lili.


    "Pardon me, Your Majesty, General Wang is here," Eunuch Xing-Fu informed Ying Lili, who told him to let Wang Hao enter.


    Wang Hao bowed before the Empress and apologized for not reporting earlier. However, it did not seem right to him to tell Ying Lili about the message from the First Prince. Huo Jin was still busy collecting the evidence against Empress Dowager.


    "General Wang, I want you to send Wu Qinyang to Changying. Make sure that she doesn''t get harmed in her way. Also, the Royal Physician will travel with her," Ying Lilimanded him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao bowed. He noticed the tears in Ying Lili''s eyes. Though, he believed that Sheng Li would wake up soon. He was a born warrior and he defeated death many times. He had to wake up and end the evil that still had surrounded him.


    "Your Majesty, if you want then I can go too," Wang Hao requested.


    "General Wang, you need to stay in Luoyang," Ying Lili refused to let him leave. She rose to her feet and went to the study desk. All of them gazed in that direction.


    Eunuch Xing-Fu quickly went to her and prepared the ink. Once it was ready, Ying Lili wrote a message for Sheng Li. After it dried, she handed it to Wang Hao.


    "This message Wu Qinyang has to give to the Emperor," she told Wang Hao, who took it from her.


    "I will instruct Miss Wu Qinyang, Your Majesty," Wang Hao reassured Ying Lili. She dismissed them and rested her hand on her lower abdomen.


    ''Sheng Li, be safe for us,'' she prayed in her mind.


    ~~~~~~


    Nianzu stopped General Wang and urged him to arrest his mother. Wang Hao was startled by his request. He wondered if Nianzu found out something about his mother.


    "She is the one who wanted to poison Sister Lili. She should not be Empress Dowager of this Empire. She should rot in prison." Nianzu''s voice was clear to show how much he started to hate Deng Hui.


    "I am afraid, Prince Nianzu, but without evidence, I cannot do anything. The servant kept saying that it was him. He did not tell your mother''s name," Wang Hao affirmed. He also knew that Deng Hui was behind it, but he could not proceed against Empress Dowager without the order of the Emperor or the Empress.


    "General Wang does not know what my mother has turned into. I made a huge mistake that day, General Wang. My mother is no lesser than Weng Wei," Nianzu bitterly said. Wang Hao wanted to tell him that the Empress was the suspect behind Sheng Li''s injuries, but if he would do so, then Deng Hui might destroy all evidence.


    Wang Hao patted Nianzu''s shoulder. "It''s not your fault. If she tried to poison the Empress, she would surely be punished. However, after gathering evidence. The Prince shall take rest. His body must be weak after consuming the poison," Wang Hao worriedly said and took his leave.


    Nianzu rubbed the middle of his forehead and dashed to his mother''s chamber. She created a mess in his head. Seeing Nianzu, the maidservant informed Deng Hui about his arrival.


    She left drinking tea in the middle and stood up. Wearing a smile on her lips, she patiently waited for Nianzu.


    "Everyone, dismiss!" Nianzu did not look in a good mood and it increased Deng Hui''s concern.


    However, the servants did not budge from their ces. It raised Nianzu''s anger and he picked the expensive porcin vase from the side table and smashed it on the floor.


    "Prince Nianzu," Deng Hui was shocked to see him furious. He never acted this way.


    "Empress Dowager, tell your servants to get out of the chamber!" Nianzu screamed. Deng Hui dismissed everyone and walked to Nianzu, who was fuming in anger.


    He stepped back and said, "You are no longer my mother. Just tell the truth that you mixed poison in those sweets. Admit it that you want to kill the Empress."

 Chapter 772 Aimed At My Heart

    Nianzu''s hateful gaze and disgruntled look terrified Deng Hui. She thought Nianzu had calmed down after the servant took the me on him.


    "I never poisoned the Empress," Deng Hui said in a firm tone. Her voice did not even tremble while speaking such a lie.


    "You did. I vomited blood. You brought a servant just to save yourself from getting used of the wrong you did," Nianzu asserted. "You did not change even after Brother Sheng graciously spared your life. I will tell the world about your real self. You don''t deserve to live among us." Nianzu stepped back to leave when Deng Hui stopped him.


    "If I poisoned the sweets, then why did I let you eat them? I can never harm my child," Deng Hui said, bringing her hand near her chest.


    Nianzu snickered, running the middle of his forehead. "You let me eat so that suspicion will never be on you. You can mask your true self from everyone but not from me. You have to die," he remarked and it made Deng Hui teary-eyed.


    "The Prince can leave. He is not in his right mind," Deng Hui said, controlling the outburst of the tears.


    "I will leave when you confess the truth to me," Nianzu stated.


    "I have already told the truth. The Prince shall not forget his mother is Empress Dowager. He cannot use her without evidence." Deng Hui used her status this time to shut Nianzu and send him away.


    A chuckle escaped Nianzu''s mouth. "Empress Dowager will soon lose her seat. This is the promise of Han Nianzu. I will never let Empress Dowager seed in her evil ns," he pledged. "She has to either rot in prison or she has to d-die," Nianzu''s voice trembled at thest word. He turned and dashed out of the chamber.


    Deng Hui wiped the tears from the edges of her eyes. Not even in her worst dream, she had thought that Nianzu would wish for her death. Whatever she was going, was for him. She wanted him to secure his ce. He was already dear to people, so why could he not be the Emperor? In her eyes, he was a puppet of his younger brother and sister-inw, which she could never ept.


    Nianzu stopped by the pir and punched at it. Why did his mother have to betray his trust, histe father''s trust, and most importantly the Emperor''s trust?!


    "Brother Nianzu!"


    Nianzu straightened himself upon seeing Lei Wanxi, who stood before him. Lei Wanxi did not speak any word and embraced the Fourth Prince. He caressed his back but did not say anything.


    "Brother Wanxi, ourte father will never forgive me. I made a wrong and foolish request. She let me eat the poisoned sweets. What if Sister Lili had eaten those sweets? My foolishness created this mess," Nianzu said and gulped the anger inside him.


    They withdrew from the hug. Lei Wanxi ced his hands on Nianzu''s shoulders. "You did your duty as a son. Your mother suffered so much, and you only wanted her to see happiness once. It was never your fault," Lei Wanxi said humbly. He was himself stunned to see Deng Hui''s evil ways.


    "Brother Nianzu, I have found a shocking thing. Let''s go to your manor," Lei Wanxi said, looking around, making sure no one was nearby.


    Nianzu hummed and the two left for the Eastern Pce.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li dressed up when Jian Guozhi told him not to go out. "His Majesty still needs to recover from the injury. Such a deep wound he got," Jian Guozhi said worriedly.


    "I am better, First Brother," Sheng Li clipped the hair knot to hold the hair bun. He didn''t keep his hair open today. Usually, in disguise, he would let his hair open.


    "I am surprised that Brother Sheng nned to stay unconscious," Jian Guozhi stated. "How did His Majesty find out that the assassin would return to kill?"


    "Because the arrow was aimed at my heart. So, whoever he was wanted me to die. When I gained consciousness, I contemted. The first thought I had was of Empress Dowager. Her family is from the Eastern Province. And then I heard you saying that the arrow belonged to the same ce from where she belonged to. So, she was the prime suspect in my eyes. Moreover, she had a spy behind us, who would have informed her about my state. I thought she would indeed send someone to kill me," Sheng Li exined to Jian Guozhi.


    Jian Guozhi was surprised to see Sheng Li''s state of mind even in the worst situation.


    "Why did Brother Jian think that Brother Nianzu might be behind this attack? He is well aware of his nature," Sheng Li said while wearing the sash to hold his dress in ce.


    "Because we already got betrayed by the Second Brother. My heart believes in Brother Nianzu, but not my mind," Jian Guozhi answered and picked the woolen overcoat from the table. He handed it to Sheng Li, who thanked him.


    "Brother Nianzu can never be behind this attack," Sheng Li confidently said. "I understand the First Brother''s thoughts, but he must not forget that Brother Nianzu never wanted the throne. He could be the Crown Prince if he wanted." Sheng Li was right. If Nianzu had to betray them for the throne, then he would not even have rejected the offer of being the Crown Prince.


    "We know that it''s Empress Dowager doing. Then, why do we need to search this messenger, who ordered your assassination?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "Empress Dowager has turned smarter. She will easily dodge my im if I don''t present real evidence to her. I had never thought this day woulde when I needed to punish her," Sheng Li said. His voice looked troubled. The face of Nianzu appeared in front of his eyes. Last time, he did not expose her because of Nianzu. However, this time he had to punish her. She tried to take his life which was the gravest mistake she made.


    "I am ready," Sheng Li said as he wore a fake beard and mustache. He pressed them tightly against his skin.


    "Lili doesn''t know about my state, right?" Sheng Li once again asked to confirm.


    "I, strictly told General Wang not to tell the Empress," Jian Guozhi stated.


    "That''s good. Let''s end this matter soon and return to Luoyang. Our wives are waiting for us," Sheng Li said with enthusiasm and forwarded his hand. Jian Guozhi caught his hand.


    "Together, we need to end this. Let''s be each other''s back, First Brother," Sheng Li affirmed with a smile.


    "Your Majesty, Your Highness, everything is ready," General Xiao informed them. They both looked at each other and then left.

 Chapter 773 The Trusted Person

    Wang Hao, after sending Wu Qinyang to Changying, came to the barracks where he met Huo Jin. He bowed upon seeing General Wang and stood up.


    "General Wang, I checked the secret routest night. Unfortunately, it is closed," Huo Jin informed Wang Hao, who was shocked to hear it.


    "The route is closed! That''s impossible. Does it mean that Empress Dowager knows about the secret routes in the Pce?" Wang Hao frowned and rested his fingers on the table in front of him.


    "I searched the other routes too, but only this one is closed. I cannot enter her manor," Huo Jin stated.


    "When did she close this route?" Wang Hao muttered.


    "It might be a possibility that the Former Empress did it. Tan Gengxin might have helped her," Huo Jin asserted. Wang Hao agreed with his opinion.


    "Huo Jin, the Empress has found out about the Emperor''s condition. Rumors have spread in the capital. It seems to be the work of Empress Dowager," Wang Hao deduced.


    "Why does General Wang think this?" Huo Jin queried him.


    "Because she will benefit from spreading the rumors. If the Emperor doesn''t wake up soon, then she deres that she will rule the Empire. She exposed the truth to the people so that they would demand the Emperor on the throne. Empress Dowager had turned smarter in recent times," Wang Hao exined to Huo Jin, who was also amazed to see this.


    "How is the Empress?"


    "Her Majesty is fine, but I don''t know what''s going on in her mind. Miss Wu Qinyang has been sent to Changying to find out about the truth," Wang Hao informed Huo Jin.


    "Who?" Huo Jin had never heard this name before.


    "Miss Wu is a skilled spy. She is the adopted daughter of the Governor of the Wu province," Wang Hao briefed him about Wu Qinyang. "She is the one, who told us that Governor Mingze betrayed the Emperor in Changying," he pronounced.


    "General Wang, what''s the reaction of the Fourth Prince on this matter? I don''t think he would trust his mother after he let him eat the poison." Huo Jin was worried about Nianzu, who used to respect his mother more than anything.


    "Indeed, the Fourth Prince is furious. He asked me to arrest his mother as he is sure that his mother poisoned the Empress. I had never seen him this miserable, not even the time when he decided to leave Luoyang," Wang Hao affirmed, recalling the face of the Fourth Prince.


    "Huo Jin, Lord Wushi, whom Empress Dowager represented as the trader of Changying is suspicious. The Third Prince has decided to interrogate him. We need to make him speak the truth," Wang Hao told him. Huo Jin nodded his head.


    "General Wang, I was thinking of going to Changying. I can go if General Wang allows me. Maybe I will be of His Majesty''s help in Changying," Huo Jin suggested about going to the ce where Sheng Li was.


    "Your chest injury will open. It can be fatal for you in the long term. So, in my opinion, stay back. Let Miss Wu handle it," Wang Hao advised him. Huo Jin did not argue with him and nodded his head.


    "Come with me," he said and the two went to prison where Lord Wushi was put.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li, Jian Guozhi, and Xiao Zhan followed the assassin where he was supposed to meet the messenger to inform him if he seeded in his work or not.


    They hid behind the bushes and also the soldiers were deployed for safety purposes.


    Soon, the messenger appeared, who had ordered the assassin to kill Sheng Li. He had a bamboo hat over his head while a deep scar could be seen on his left hand.


    "Did youplete the work?"


    "Yes," the assassin replied what Sheng Li had instructed him to say.


    The mysterious man slowly pulled out the dagger from his sash, ready to kill the assassin when a speeding arrow passed through him and hit his right hand. "Ahhh," the man cried and wavered.


    The assassin quickly stepped back, taking his guard in as he realized that he was going to be murdered. Jian Guozhi came out of the bushes and brought his hand down.


    Xiao Zhan ran from the other side with the few soldiers, who surrounded the messenger. "Get on your knees," Xiao Zhan told him, who got on his knees and lifted his hands above his head. He was wincing in pain as his hand continued to bleed.


    Sheng Li stood in front of him. "Who sent you?" He was straightforward in his interrogation.


    "Answer His Majesty if you don''t want to be dead," Jian Guozhi said with a stern expression.


    "From Luoyang," the messenger replied and joined his hands. "I beg His Majesty to forgive me. I did what I was told," he said while pleading with him.


    "Who ordered you? I want the name," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "The trusted person of Empress Dowager," he answered.


    Sheng Li smiled as he finally got the answer that he wanted to hear. Looking at Xiao Zhan, he said, "Tie him up. We are leaving for Luoyang."


    "What about him, Your Majesty?" Jian Guozhi asked, looking at the assassin.


    "Let him go," Sheng Li said. The assassin immediately got on his knees and thanked Sheng Li for sparing his life. He had never thought that Sheng Li would actually let him go.


    "I would suggest His Majesty not to trust an assassin," Jian Guozhi whispered in Sheng Li''s ear.


    "I am trusting him because of his child, Brother Jian," Sheng Li said. "Maybe, in the future, he will be useful to me," he opined. Sheng Li gazed at Xiao Zhan, who took out a pouch from his pocket and handed it to Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li got on his knees and handed the pouch to the man, who burst into tears. He had worked all his life taking the lives of people around him for money, but no one ever understood him. He always got cursed for his evil work.


    "Your Majesty, I can never forget your kindness to me. Please forgive me for doing such a grave crime," the man sincerely apologized.


    "You shall leave before I change my mind," Sheng Li said, patting his back. He rose to his feet and continued, "leave this work. There are better ways to earn money."


    The man thanked Sheng Li once more before disappearing from their sight.


    "Empress Dowager, be ready to get punished," Sheng Li muttered and clenched his fists.

 Chapter 774 The Night Changed

    Sheng Li reached the resthouse with the First Prince and his General. He went to the basement where Mingze was captivated. Water was thrown at his face to wake him up. He shook his head and opened his eyes. Gradually.


    He saw Sheng Li taking the seat on the chair and widened his eyes to have a proper look at him.


    "I-I am d you are alive," Mingze managed to say. He asked for the water. Sheng Li gestured to the soldier, who filled the ss with water and helped Mingze drink it.


    He thanked Sheng Li, who took the scroll from Xiao Zhan. "Your pregnant wife has sent a request. Unfortunately, she cannot see you until I clear the matter with you," Sheng Li asserted and started to read the plea request.


    "Your Majesty, please forgive the foolishness of my husband. I know that my husbandmitted treason. I know my husband will be given the death sentence for what he did. However, for the sake of my children, I beg His Majesty to spare the life of my husband. My children need their father. I am ready to serve as a pce maid in the pce to lessen the grave crime of my husband."


    Sheng Li handed the scroll to Xiao Zhan and nced at Mingze.


    "Shall I show you my cruel side?" Sheng Li questioned him. "Your dear wife has begged for your life. For your grave crime, she''s ready to sacrifice her life full of joy by working as a pce maid," he asserted.


    Tears were already streaming down Mingze''s eyes when Sheng Li started reading the plea request.


    "I don''t deserve to live. I wanted to rule the Eastern Province independently which was my foolishness. I broke the trust of His Majesty. Please punish me and let my wife and children stay in the residence. Only punishment can remove my sins," Mingze requested Sheng Li.


    His words infuriated Sheng Li. Did Mingze never care for his family? His children? How could he ask for a death sentence? Did he think Sheng Li would not punish him?


    "Mingze, the more you speak, the more it will anger me," Sheng Li stated and frowned. "You did not get why I read this message to you. It''s to make you realize that your actions brought doom to your family."


    Mingze nodded his head as he epted the words of the Emperor. He thought he knew everything about Sheng Li. He thought he would conquer Sheng Li. However, he forgot that Sheng Li had defeated many of his enemies because of his quick-witted mind.


    "I will forgive you because of your wife. However, you will no longer be the Governor. You need to spend your life in the prison of Luoyang. Your family will also shift to Luoyang and stay in the residence. You can meet your family once a month, but that will depend on your behavior" Sheng Li announced his decision and rose to his feet.


    "Forgive me for betraying your trust," Mingze said with a deep regretful voice, "Your Majesty."


    Sheng Li did not utter anything and walked out.


    "Mingze, you badly hurt the Emperor," asserted Xiao Zhan. Mingze broke into tears and profusely cried.


    Sheng Li went back to the room where he was staying. He put his hand on his chest as the pain seemed a little unbearable to him. Commander Yang escorted Sheng Li to his chamber and made him lie on the bed.


    The physician soon arrived in the room and bowed before him. Commander Yang found Sheng Li had closed his eyes and checked on him.


    "I am tired," Sheng Li said, in a low voice and opened the knot of the upper jacket of Hanfu. "I think the wound is opened," he said.


    The physician settled on the stool and looked at the wound. Indeed, the wound was opened. The bandage was covered in blood. "His Majesty should not have gone out," the physician said with a worried expression and cleaned the wound first.


    After dressing the wound, the physician said, "Your Majesty, I will send the tonic. Please take that and take a good sleep. His Majesty''s body is still weak because of this injury." Sheng Li hummed and furrowed his brows together. The pain was unbearable for him, and he could feel that his body temperature was rising.


    Jian Guozhi came to the room afterpleting the task he was given and saw Sheng Li lying on the bed. He asked Commander Yang, who exined to him.


    "Brother Sheng, I told you not to go out," Jian Guozhi said as he sat on the stool. Sheng Li gradually opened his eyes and smiled.


    "It was important, Brother Jian," Sheng Li stated.


    Jian Guozhi could not believe that Sheng Li would smile in that situation. "Commander Yang, go behind the physician. Bring the tonic for His Majesty," Jian Guozhi stated.


    Commander Yang bowed and left, closing the doors behind him.


    After he left, Jian Guozhi turned his gaze back at Sheng Li. "The Empress will get angry at us if she sees the Emperor in this state," Jian Guozhi said and took out a handkerchief from his pocket.


    "No one will tell Lili," Sheng Li said. "I will recover soon," he replied.


    "A wife''s eyes are sharper than anything," Jian Guozhi reminded him, who started tough.


    He stoppedughing and said, "I had never thought that the First Brother would ever show his concern for me. The night changed so fast."


    Jian Guozhi agreed with his words. "Brother Sheng, this wound deepened because," he paused as he recalled the day when his mother pierced the dagger into Sheng Li''s chest.


    "Forgive me," hepleted his words.


    "Why is the First Brother apologizing?" Sheng Li asked, confused at Jian Guozhi''s apology.


    "My mother gave this scar to Brother Sheng. I should not haveined," Jian Guozhi said with guilt. "I feel terrible recalling my past mistakes. I feel that Brother Sheng should have punished me," he affirmed and lowered his head.


    "He should not have forgiven me easily," he stated and again looked back into Sheng Li''s eyes.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,?


    I have taken part on this special mass release event of Webnovel anniversary. Also, I selected 8th May, as the mass release day.?


    HAPPY MOTHER''S DAY to all the wonderful mothers.


    THANK YOU?


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 775 Make Me So Worried

    Sheng Li ended up chuckling while hearing Jian Guozhi''s words. He also wanted to punish his First Brother, but his one-act vanquished the anger of Sheng Li.


    "Are we again on the same topic?" Sheng Li asked Jian Guozhi. "Indeed, she tortured me to death, but this made me stronger. You were a mere kid at that time, so you thought what your environment made you think," Sheng Li deduced. He would not deny that Weng Wei''s odd behavior to him awakened the spirit inside him to be stronger. To surpass everyone around him.


    "Brother Nianzu''s mother unexpectedlymitted a grave crime. I don''t know what will happen to Brother Nianzu upon finding out what his mother did. I hid the truth from everyone thest time when she almostmitted treason," Sheng Li stated. He felt terrible, though he did not let it show on his face.


    "Brother Sheng respected Empress Dowager a lot. It must be tough to punish her," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "It was tough. I had already ended my rtionship with Empress Dowager by the time I found out what she had done," Sheng Li answered and closed his eyes. "I could never feel what a mother''s love felt like. But something good happened. Lili showed me that love. So, I do not worry anymore," he asserted and smiled.


    Jian Guozhi empathized with Sheng Li. He had watched him from a young age. He was deprived of everything that they easily got. He used to read Sheng Li''s eyes, but he didn''t have the courage to stand against his mother until things went overboard. He also felt the absence of his mother and realized how much Sheng Li missed his mother from a young age.


    Indeed, Ying Lili''s presence in Sheng Li''s life brightened it. The darkness in Sheng Li''s heart was reced by the light of Ying Lili''s good heart. Jian Guozhi was happy for Sheng Li.


    The door opened and Commander Yang walked in with a tray in his hand. It had a bowl over it, filled with tonic. Jian Guozhi had handed the bowl to Sheng Li, who drank it. It was bitter in taste, but he somehow finished it.


    Commander Yang took the bowl and put it on the table along with the tray.


    "I would like to rest for some time," Sheng Li said and againid on the bed.


    Jian Guozhi covered him from the nket and left with Commander Yang. He instructed the guards outside the room to not let anyone enter unless he, the General, and the Commanders allowed the person to go in.


    "His Majesty doesn''t look in a good state. I think the First Prince shall call for the Royal Physician from Luoyang," Commander Yang suggested. Jian Guozhi agreed with him and asked him to send the message regarding it.


    "What about the Empress? Shall we keep it a secret? The problem is serious, Your Highness." Commander Yang was anxious.


    "The Emperor wants to keep it a secret. Let''s act ording to His Majesty''smand," Jian Guozhi opined and reached his room. He settled on the chair and asked about Xiao Zhan.


    "An unrest urred among the people after they found out that Mingze was taken out of his residence. The officials are also waiting for the answers. Some of them wanted to see the Emperor, but because of safety reasons, they were denied entry," Commander Yang informed the First Prince, who decided to go among the people on behalf of Sheng Li.


    "Commander Yang, inform the officials that in thete noon, I will address the people on behalf of the Emperor. Brother Sheng needs rest and if we inform him, then he will be adamant to meet them despite his health," Jian Guozhi affirmed.


    "His Highness is right. However, His Highness may need to ask from the Emperor once," Commander Yang stated.


    "I will surely get the permission. I also need to give the message to Mingze''s wife. Apart from that, I need records of officials. We need to select a capable Governor for this province," Jian Guozhi instructed him, who bowed and walked out. Jian Guozhi tapped his fingers on the table''s surface.


    ~~~~~~


    Ying Lili looked at the painting that Sheng Li had gifted her¡ª A portrait of them on the swing. Court Lady Xu and Eunuch Xing-Fu nced at each other.


    ''I truly want toe to you. However, the responsibility that you have given me, I cannot either leave it. I know that you will surely safely return. We all are waiting for you.'' Ying Lili talked to Sheng Li while looking at him in the portrait. That was the first time she fell for him. It was the day when she got to see Sheng Li which he hid from everyone.


    "Your Majesty, please sit down. His Majesty has been in the same position for almost an hour," Eunuch Xing-Fu finally said. Ying Lili tilted her head and turned to them.


    "I am worried, Eunuch Xing-Fu, Court Lady Xu," Ying Lili confessed to them. "I know I have to remain strong for everyone, but the thought of him being hurt is troubling me," she couldn''t help but saying saythe truth to them.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor must be alright. We still have to get confirmation if His Majesty is still unconscious or not. This Eunuch understands the worries of the Empress. I would like to say to Her Majesty to think good only. Nothing can happen to His Majesty," Xing-Fu assured Ying Lili, who was not satisfied with his answer.


    "I want to go to the Eastern Pce," Ying Lili said.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will prepare a pnquin for Her Majesty," Eunuch Xing-Fu said and left the chamber.


    Court Lady Xu came near Ying Lili and asked her to keep strong faith. Ying Lili could not help but hug her tightly. "I am saying to myself that he is fine, but my mind¡ª" her voice quivered as tears streamed down her cheeks. "He''s such a bad person. How could he get injured and make me so worried! He never was unconscious for so many days," shepleted her remaining words.

 Chapter 776 Precious Jade Bangles

    Rong Zemin looked at the identity token of Wushi and got it checked by the official, who handled work rted to the identification.


    "Your Highness, the identification is real," Qu Yangxi told Rong Zemin, who took the token from him. Wushi was settled on the chair. A few beads of sweat could be seen on his forehead and he had joined his hands.


    "You seem close to Empress Dowager," Wang Hao asserted.


    "Empress Dowager orders the precious ornaments, jades, and other jewels from me. I hade to give the ordered ornaments to Empress Dowager and thought to tell what I saw in Changying," Wushi calmly answered the question of Wang Hao.


    "You cannot leave the capital for a week. Also, we need to check the ce where you are staying. Huo Jin and the few other soldiers will apany you," Wang Hao stated.


    "Sure, General Wang," Wushi agreed immediately. Seeing him rxed, Wang Hao wondered if he had already cleaned the evidence or if he wasn''t part of Deng Hui''s ns.


    Huo Jin came forward and took Wushi out of the prison while four soldiers apanied them.


    Rong Zemin turned to Wang Hao. "Empress Dowager''s sudden appearance was doubtful. She never was interested in the matters, but I have noticed a little change in her." Rong Zemin had noticed how Deng Hui used to rule out some decisions. Also, the incident of poisoning was suspicious in his eyes.


    "Does the Third Prince think that the Empress Dowager can n anything against the Empress?" Wang Hao queried. He wanted to know the view of Rong Zemin toward Deng Hui.


    "Why not? I should not say this, but I have seen Empress Dowager asking Brother Nianzu to do things that he always opposes. It makes me remember the mother of the First Brother. Moreover, Empress Dowager despite the warning of the Emperor took the sweets for the Empress. That''s odd," Rong Zemin deduced whatever he had observed till now.


    "If it was Empress Dowager, then the truth woulde out soon," Wang Hao assured Rong Zemin.


    Outside the barracks, Lei Wanxi asked Huo Jin if he could apany them to the resthouse. Huo Jin did not refuse him and the two got into the carriage.


    Lord Wushi greeted Lei Wanxi, who nced at him from the bottom to the top. "Lord Wushi, it is strange that I never noticed youing to the pce and delivering ornaments to Empress Dowager," Lei Wanxi said with skepticism.


    Lord Wushi smiled and replied, "The Imperial Pce is big. Hundreds of officials and servants go in and out, Your Highness. I do not visit Empress Dowager frequently. Only on some special asion. A few days ago, I handed Empress Dowager the order of the precious jade bangle. The pearls used are the most expensive ones," Wushi cleared the doubts of Lei Wanxi on him.


    "Lord Wushi, my eyes are like a hawk. Nothing is hidden from them," Lei Wanxi made Wushi aware of his one of the many qualities.


    "I am afraid but the Sixth Prince has indeed failed to notice me," Lord Wushi replied in his humble tone without offending him.


    Lei Wanxi squinted his eyes and turned to look at Huo Jin. "I heard that a previous jeweler of the Former Empress was killed brutally," Lei Wanxi told Huo Jin, who was perplexed to hear it.


    "When did it happen?" Huo Jin was curious to know.


    "When the Former Empress was given the death sentence. The jeweler used to spread rumors in the capital about my dearest Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Wushi curled his fingers and his eyes flickered for a few seconds which Lei Wanxi noticed.


    "What kind of rumors, Your Highness?"


    "That Brother Sheng doesn''t show mercy. He hates women and he kills children. When Brother Sheng returned from the campaign, the jeweler spread false rumors about him," Lei Wanxi replied. "I wonder if jewelers aren''t busy. What do you say, Lord Wushi?"


    He got intimidated and found that he was unable to speak.


    "It is strange that Lord Wushi is sweating in such cold weather," Lei Wanxi remarked and asked Huo Jin to open the window.


    Wushi wiped the sweat on his forehead from the back of his sleeve.


    "Whoever is spreading the rumors about the Emperor will soon be caught. He has forgotten that the elite soldiers of the Han Army easily nab such people," Lei Wanxi stated.


    Wushi gulped and decided not to make any eye contact with Lei Wanxi. He had heard about him. Though he was weaker in strength among all the princes, his mind was sharper than many.


    The carriage soon stopped as they reached the resthouse. A soldier opened the door for them. Lei Wanxi stepped out of the carriage, followed by Huo Jin, and then Wushi came out.


    Lei Wanxi stepped forward when an arrow passed him, and it hit the carriage''s door. "Your Highness!" Huo Jin immediately came forward and shielded Lei Wanxi. People started to scream and run around.


    The soldiers surrounded them while Huo Jin safely escorted Lei Wanxi inside the carriage. "Your Highness, lie on the floor," Huo Jin said and closed the door before turning to Wushi, who had squatted down.


    Huo Jin took the sword from one of the soldiers. He looked in the direction from where the arrow hade.


    Grasping the arm of Wushi, Huo Jin pulled him up. "Let''s go in," Huo Jin said when more arrows fell in their direction. An arrow hit Wushi in the middle of his forehead, and he fell to the ground.


    "Huo Jin got on his knees and saw a masked man on the roof of the house on the left. "Catch him," Huo Jinmanded the soldiers, who ran behind the masked man while checking Wushi''s pulse. s! He was already dead. Huo Jin was unable to understand who could attack them and why?


    The people had stopped running and surrounded the carriage. Lei Wanxi, who was lying on the floor of the carriage, heard the noises which had already died. He sat up and pushed the door.


    "Lord Wushi!" He immediately jumped out of the carriage.


    "Your Highness, he''s dead," Huo Jin said and stood up.

 Chapter 777 Not Anymore

    Huo Jin took Lei Wanxi inside the rest house, who was shaken by the incident. The arrowing from ahead was lingering in his eyes and he tightly shut his eyes. The owner of the resthouse offered a ss of water to Lei Wanxi, who took it. However, Huo Jin took it from him and drank it first.


    "Bring the water jar. His Highness cannot drink water without being checked," Huo Jin told the owner, who quickly fetched the water jar. Huo Jin checked the water of the jar first before pouring it into a porcin cup.


    "Here, Your Highness," Huo Jin handed the cup to Lei Wanxi, who drank the water.


    "Prince Wanxi," General Wang called him out and rushed to him. Huo Jin took the cup from Lei Wanxi, who stood up. Wang Hao checked Lei Wanxi thoroughly if he wasn''t hurt.


    "His Highness didn''t get hurt," Huo Jin answered.


    "Why did the Sixth Prince leave the pce?" Wang Hao turned furious. "And Huo Jin, why did you allow the Sixth Prince to apany you?" he scolded Huo Jin, who lowered his head and apologized.


    The people in the resthouse were scared because of Wang Hao''s loud voice.


    "It was my fault, General Wang. Please don''t scold Huo Jin," Lei Wanxi requested.


    "Come with me. I will escort Prince Wanxi to the Pce," Wang Hao said and looked at the owner.


    "No one is allowed to leave the resthouse. The soldiers will check everyone including the possessions they had. Also, no new customers will be allowed entry into the resthouse. They will be sent to the other one," Wang Hao instructed the owner, who acknowledged hismand.


    "General Wang, I will see you in the pce soon," Huo Jin said. Wang Hao hummed and took Lei Wanxi with him to the Imperial Pce.


    Lei Wanxi was brought to his chamber. He removed the fur cloak and handed it to the servant. "Who wants to kill me, General Wang?" Lei Wanxi worriedly asked when his mother arrived in the chamber. Wang Hao gave her the way and she hugged her son tightly.


    "I heard my son got attacked," the Third Consort Dowager said and cupped Lei Wanxi''s face. She tilted his face right and then left making sure Lei Wanxi wasn''t injured. She then checked his arms and hands.


    "Mother, I am good. Huo Jin and the soldiers saved me," Lei Wanxi replied and told his mother to calm down. The Third Consort Dowager turned to face Wang Hao, who lowered his head.


    "Did General Wang know who was behind the attack?" she queried.


    "The investigation is going on, Third Consort Dowager," Wang Hao replied. Princess Zhu Lin, Prince Nianzu, and Prince Rong Zemin also arrived in the chamber. They greeted the ThirdDowager first.


    "Brother Wanxi, are you good?" Rong Zemin asked, who nodded his head.


    "Zhu Lin, please take my mother away," Lei Wanxi urged.


    "Why? Is the Prince hurt? Did he lie to me?" His mother got tense.


    "I am alright, Mother. I need to talk to General Wang, that''s why I am urging you to leave. You will be anxious for no reason," Lei Wanxi stated and nced at Zhu Lin, who came forward and took Lei Wanxi''s mother with her.


    "General Wang, the attack wasn''t meant for me. Someone wanted to kill Lord Wushi," Lei Wanxi stated. He had calmed down a bit and started to think the other way.


    "What does Brother Wanxi mean?" Nianzu asked him to exin.


    "The arrow missed aiming at me intentionally. The shooter was right in front of me on the roof. He could have aimed at me easily. But he didn''t. It means Lord Wushi knew something," Lei Wanxi concluded after putting a thought on the attack.


    "Arrest Empress Dowager, General Wang," Nianzu gave the order to Wang Hao and they looked at him in astonishment. "She is the one who ordered to kill Lord Wushi," he stated.


    "Prince Nianzu, do you have evidence? I cannot arrest Empress Dowager without any proof. That''s a crime," Wang Hao affirmed and refused to arrest Deng Hui.


    "Does it even need evidence? Empress Dowager was the one who introduced Lord Wushi to the Empress. When he was being interrogated, she must have been startled and scared thinking if he would confess the truth. Empress Dowager ordered to kill that person," Nianzu described the entire n of Deng Hui to them. This was what he had deduced after hearing Lei Wanxi''s statements.


    "Prince Nianzu, evidence matters the most. Empress Dowager is above us all. Without the order of the Emperor, I cannot arrest her. Even the order of the Empress will not be effective," Wang Hao made Nianzu understand, who was furious to hear it.


    "Then, arrest me, General Wang," Nianzu said.


    "Brother Nianzu." Lei Wanxi and Rong Zemin said at the same time.


    "Arrest me, General Wang because I was the one who let her have that seat," Nianzu pronounced.


    "Brother Nianzu, please calm down. She is your mother. You cannot im that Empress Dowager did this without any proof. Maybe there''s another enemy which we don''t know about," Rong Zemin pointed out another view on the attack.


    "She''s not my mother. Not anymore. I am telling you to arrest her because she does something big," Nianzu advised them and felt miserable. He walked out of the chamber. Lei Wanxi noticed that Nianzu did not even once gaze at him.


    "I will talk to the Fourth Brother," Lei Wanxi said and went behind him. Nianzu had gone to the Eastern Pavilion and rested his hands on the wooden handrail.


    What if his mother had ordered to kill Lei Wanxi? The arrow passed an inch away from him. Anything could have happened at that moment. Who would have been responsible for it then?


    "Brother Nianzu." Lei Wanxi rested his hand on his shoulder. Nianzu tilted his head to peer at Lei Wanxi.


    "I would not be able to forgive myself if anything had happened to Brother Wanxi," Nianzu stated.

 Chapter 778 The Empresss Message

    "But I didn''t get hurt. I have a long life to live," Lei Wanxi said with a smile. Nianzu found Lei Wanxi''s hands were still trembling. He stood straight and grasped Lei Wanxi''s hands.


    "Brother Wanxi, you are scared." Nianzu caressed his hands. "The mother I respected the most, loved the most, did this today. She tried to harm my younger brother just to destroy the evidence," Nianzu stated. Lei Wanxi saw the tears on the edges of Nianzu''s eyes.


    "The arrow could have hit Brother Nianzu''s arm. Anything could have happened in that situation. Brother Wanxi can lie to everyone that he''s alright, he''s strong, but how will he lie to his Fourth Brother?" Nianzu questioned him.


    Lei Wanxi pulled his hands back and locked them behind his back.


    "I ept that I am scared, but Brother Nianzu doesn''t have to take the me for that. He didn''t even know anything about this," Lei Wanxi said and pouted his lips.


    "But the person who did this to you is my mother." Unbeknownst to him, a tear rolled over his cheek. He was hurt badly. Another act of his mother made him shameful in the eyes of his Brothers.


    Lei Wanxi wrapped his arm around Nianzu and patted his back. "It has not been proven yet. It can be someone else. Your mother adores you a lot. I don''t think she will ever do something like this," he consoled Nianzu. Though he knew about Empress Dowager''s previous acts, he prayed that she would not be behind today''s incident.


    Lei Wanxi pulled away from the hug. "Brother Nianzu shall not take so much stress. Sister Chun needs him and if he will take stress, then she will be indirectly affected," he opined and passed a tiny smile to him.


    Lei Wanxi found that Nianzu needed some alone time, so he took his leave. While walking, he wondered if the evidence against Deng Hui got found, then Nianzu would break down. Though Nianzu already was anguished, somewhere he also wanted his mother not to be the real culprit behind all these activities.


    Lei Wanxi returned to his chamber and the servant served him the tonic that his mother had sent for him.


    "I will drink itter," Lei Wanxi answered andid down on the bed with his back to the servant. "Leave," he said inly. The servant bowed and left the chamber.


    "Ahh, that scene is still revolving in front of my eyes. It is giving me chills," Lei Wanxi murmured and moved his sleeves up. "I am missing Brother Sheng. I hope the rumor is false and he returns as soon as possible." He put his hand down and closed his eyes.


    ~~~~~


    Sheng Li sneezed and put his hand on his chest as he felt the pain. "Your Majesty, are you getting cold?" Xiao Zhan asked, who shook his head.


    "I think someone is recalling me," Sheng Li said and drank the second dose of the tonic. His body temperature had reduced and the weakness in the body had also lessened.


    Your Majesty!" Commander Yang pushed the door and walked in with a troubled look on his face.


    "A rumor has spread in Luoyang that His Majesty has been unconscious for three days straight. Also," he paused and wondered what to say.


    "Did the Empress find out?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Commander Yang replied. "The Empress has sent Miss Wu Qinyang and the Royal Physician in your service," he said with a smile and then looked at the door. Wu Qinyang and the Royal Physician walked in.


    They both bowed before the Emperor. Wu Qinyang stepped forward and brought her palms to the front on which a small envelope was ced.


    "The Empress has sent a message for the Emperor."


    Xiao Zhan took it from her and handed it to Sheng Li, who decided to read itter when he would be alone.


    "How is the Empress? Did she cry when found out about my state?" Sheng Li asked.


    "The Empress is doing well, Your Majesty. She did cry a little," Wu Qinyang answered and kept her head low. Sheng Li fisted his palms and gritted his teeth. But the news about him would surely have panicked her.


    "Anything else from Luoyang?" Sheng Li wondered if Deng Hui was quiet or doing something in his absence.


    "Your Majesty, the Empress was almost poisoned," Wu Qinyang didn''t hide about the happenings in the Imperial Pce.


    "What?" A grim look appeared on Sheng Li''s face. Xiao Zhan and Commander Yang were also in shock to hear this.


    "Who dared to do this?"


    "Earlier, the suspicion was on Empress Dowager. However, a servant was caught, who said that it''s because of an act of old revenge against the Emperor," Wu Qinyang answered.


    "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince ate the sweets presented to the Empress by Empress Dowager and he vomited blood. The Fourth Prince came at the right time, else the Empress''s life woulde in danger along with the twins," the Royal Physician informed Sheng Li about the rest.


    "We are leaving for Luoyang at midnight. Prepare everything," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan.


    "His Majesty needs rest. We will leave in the morning," Xiao Zhan suggested to Sheng Li, who shouted at him.


    "I am healthy, Xiao Zhan," Sheng Li said with a stern tone. "We need to reach Luoyang tomorrow. Empress Dowager did wrong by ying with me," Sheng Li muttered and gritted his teeth. How could she try to harm Ying Lili? This was the second time she repeated the act. He had decided to behead her with his own sword even if he had to face hell all of his life. He was wrong about her.


    "How is Brother Nianzu?" Sheng Li asked the Royal Physician.


    "The Prince is alright. Luckily, the poison was mild, so the Fourth Prince wasn''t affected much," the Royal Physician stated.


    "Prepare everything now. We need to reach Luoyang in the morning. Call Brother Jian," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan while ring into his eyes, who bowed and left the room.


    "You did wrong by betraying my trust for the second time. I will grant you the most painful death, Empress Dowager Deng Hui," Sheng Li pledged.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Hope you enjoyed these five chapters on this mother''s day. Please do read my new WSA storyif you any of you have missed the previous announcement. "Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince."


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 779 Insecurities Hidden

    Jian Guozhi failed to convince Sheng Li to wait for a day. His wound still needed time to heal. However, Sheng Li didn''t listen to the First Prince. As soon as he learned about what happened in the Imperial Pce, it was impossible for him to stay behind in Changying.


    Sheng Li was concerned more about Ying Lili and their soon-to-be-born twins than his wound. A minor one. In his eyes, it was a minor wound.


    "Brother Jian, Luoyang is a few hours away from Changying. So, there is nothing to worry about me. Once I will be in the pce, I can take a rest as much as I want," Sheng Li exined to the First Prince, who could not help but agree with the Emperor''s decision.


    However, he still asked the Royal Physician if Sheng Li would not fall sick during the journey.


    "Your Highness, since the journey will be mostly in the carriage, so His Majesty doesn''t feel any major problem. However, because of the winters, the night temperature is not appropriate for travel," the Royal Physician pointed out his opinion. The drastic cold temperature of the night might make many of the soldiers sick and it would trouble them only.


    "Then, I will leave. Rest can travel back in the early morning. My presence in Luoyang is mandatory. I need to be in the Pce. I do not know what Empress Dowager will do the next morning. If she can let her son eat the poison, then she can do anything," Sheng Li concluded and frowned.


    "Then, the Emperor and I will leave for Luoyang with General Xiao and a piece of the army. The Royal Physician will also apany us and Miss Wu Qinyang will return tomorrow along with the Commanders," Jian Guozhi stated. Sheng Li agreed with the First Prince''s suggestion and stood up.


    "Xiao Zhan, is everything ready?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan said and bowed before him.


    "Let''s have dinner first," Sheng Li said and walked ahead. The others followed him and they had their meals with an exquisite wine to keep their bodies warmer.


    Before getting into the carriage, Sheng Li called Zhe Yan, who immediately came to him. "The offer is still valid. You cane with us to Luoyang. I need young men like you. I will be d if you ept my offer," Sheng Li said.


    "Zhe Yan, don''t refuse. It is a great opportunity which many wish for," Jian Guozhi suggested to him.


    "I still need to pay my debts, Your Majesty. After repayment, I maye to Luoyang," Zhe Yan said. Sheng Li nced at Commander Yao and asked him if he didn''t take care of that. Zhe Yan was bewildered to hear it.


    "Your Majesty, I already paid the debt that Zhe Yan''s family owed," Commander Yao answered.


    "Your Majesty," Zhe Yan murmured.


    Sheng Li patted his shoulder. "You remind me of a very precious person to me. Unfortunately, he''s not with me anymore. But I do wish that you wille to Luoyang," Sheng Li turned a little emotional as he again recalled Hu Jingguo.


    Sheng Li pulled his hand back and covered his ears with woolen earmuffs. He got into the carriage, followed by Jian Guozhi.


    Xiao Zhan closed the doors when Zhe Yan stopped him. Sheng Li looked outside, wondering if Zhe Yan would refuse again.


    "Your Majesty, I wille to Luoyang. I am ready to serve you and the Empire," Zhe Yan told Sheng Li, who smiled.


    "I will wait," Sheng Li said. Zhe Yan bowed ny degrees while Xiao Zhan closed the doors. The chauffeur had worn a thick woolen overcoat, thick gloves, and woolen ear muffs with a woolen headgear.


    The chauffeur pulled the reins on the horses and the carriage moved forward. Xiao Zhan climbed on the horse and followed the carriage. Zhe Yan stepped back as another carriage passed in front of him.


    "Brother Sheng, our arrival will surprise the Empress Dowager. However, I am more anxious about the Fourth Brother''s reaction. He might start to hate himself," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "For Brother Nianzu, I hid the truth, Brother Jian. However, if we keep a snake in our house, it will attack us instead of staying quiet. Also, Brother Jian had heard what Brother Nianzu demanded. He already knows what his wicked mother is up to," Sheng Li affirmed and ced his hand on his chest. Because of the movement of the carriage on the rough surface, his chest was getting more pressure than the rest of the body.


    Jian Guozhi noticed that. "Brother Sheng should have listened to me. Because of the previous wound, it is hurting more," he opined.


    Sheng Li smiled. "I never knew that the First Brother would be this caring. I am fine. Such pains are bearable." Sheng Li assured him that he was absolutely fine.


    Sheng Li picked up the gourd-bottled wine and opened the lid over it. He drank from it and forwarded it to Jian Guozhi, who took it from him and drank the wine.


    "The wine tastes good," Jian Guozhi said as he handed the bottle back to Sheng Li, who sipped a little more from it.


    "Brother Sheng, you never trusted who betrayed you. Then, why did you let Mingze stay alive?" Jian Guozhi asked with curiosity.


    "Because of Mingze''s wife. I am also going to be a father. I never valued rtionships in my previous self. However, I do value them. Without parents life is tough. Brother Jian knows that well," Sheng Li exined in simple words.


    Jian Guozhi nodded his head. "I miss my mother despite the wrong she did. I miss her more than my father. I wish she would have listened to me for thest time. I saw in her eyes that she was disappointed in me," he asserted and sighed deeply.


    "She hated me because I was the son of my Father''s beloved wife. That hatred could never have ended, Brother Jian. She wanted me to die. Only that would have made her happy," Sheng Li stated as he recalled Weng Wei''sst words to him. Deep pain was hidden behind those words which only Ying Lili was able to see in him. The others also saw that, but not the way Ying Lili did. Sheng Li sipped more wine before putting the lid over it.


    "However, with her death, the hatred ended between us. I feel bad that Brother Sheng didn''t live his childhood well. I do wish that with the arrival of his kids, he will enjoy every moment of it," Jian Guozhi prayer for Sheng Li.


    "I also wish the same for the First Brother. Now, I look back, and see even he had to suffer in his childhood. Fear of losing, fear of bing aughing stock, and many other insecurities he had kept within himself. We were taught, in a way, that the feeling of unhealthypetitiveness grew among us. We even lost a brother because of that," Sheng Li stated.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with his words. "We won''t teach our kids these kinds of things," he said. Sheng Li hummed and nodded his head.

 Chapter 780 Centralize The Power

    The carriage stopped inside the Fu Imperial Gates in the early morning. Xiao Zhan got down from the horse and opened the carriage''s door.


    Sheng Li rested his foot on the footte and got down, followed by Jian Guozhi.


    "Bring that messenger," Sheng Li ordered Xiao Zhan and walked towards the main pce. The soldiers bowed their heads upon seeing the Emperor.


    The First Prince and General Xiao followed the Emperor, who was walking exceptionally faster than usual.


    The messenger had shackles on his hands and feet. He was surrounded by the six soldiers. He knew it was his end and regretted listening to Empress Dowager.


    General Wang, who was on the main pce grounds, was shocked to see Sheng Li. He ran to the Emperor and bowed his head before him, who had halted at his ce. Wang Hao looked at the captive and then at the Emperor.


    "How is His Majesty?" Wang Hao asked Sheng Li with a worried look.


    "I am well. Bring Empress Dowager to the court. Also, inform the ministers to show their presence in the court," Sheng Limanded Wang Hao, who bowed and left.


    "Brother Sheng, should you not rest first?" Jian Guozhi suggested Sheng Li.


    "No. First, I need to throw out the dirt from the pce," Sheng Li affirmed and went to the imperial court. Jian Guozhi found out that Sheng Li was angrier than he thought.


    They reached the imperial court, where Sheng Li rested on the Dragon throne. His palm rested on his knee and he fixed his gaze at the door, waiting for Deng Hui to enter. He knew that Deng Hui would do her best to escape this.


    Rong Zemin and Nianzu entered the Imperial Court. They greeted the Emperor and the First Prince before asking about Sheng Li''s health.


    "I am better now. Brother Nianzu today I will make the toughest decision of my life. Hopefully, you will understand me," Sheng Li said.


    "Of course, Your Majesty. I also want the Emperor not to tremble from the decision he will make," Nianzu affirmed. Sheng Li nodded and thanked him for listening to him. They looked at the captive, who was on his knees in the center of the imperial court while Sheng Li''s eyes waited for Deng Hui to enter.


    "Is His Majesty well? His Majesty''s face doesn''t look good," Rong Zemin whispered near Jian Guozhi''s ear.


    "The wound is deep and it''s painful," Jian Guozhi replied. "The tiredness from theck of sleep could be another reason," he briefed the Third Prince, who nodded.


    The Court Ministers started to arrive and after greeting the Emperor took their respective positions.


    "Your Majesty, the return was surprising," the Prime Minister said.


    "Even I had not expected that I would return this early," Sheng Li answered. "You all must be wondering why I asked every minister to gather so early. The reason is that the matter in Changying is solved. However, with that something unusual happened," he addressed them.


    "Your Majesty, who was behind the uprisings in Changying?" the Minister of Law asked in his humble voice.


    "Governor Mingze. He has been arrested and is punished for the wrong he did. The official statement will be given by the First Prince." Sheng Li looked at Jian Guozhi, who bowed before him.


    "What is the matter, Your Majesty? His Majesty said that something unusual happened when he was in Changying," the Prime Minister said curiously.


    "The Emperor was attacked in Changying. The news had already spread in the capital when we tried our best not to reveal it," Jian Guozhi answered on behalf of Sheng Li.


    "Was it Mingze?" Another Minister queried.


    "No. Someone from the royal family," Sheng Li answered and saw Wang Hao at the entrance. Behind him, Deng Hui entered the court. Wang Hao stood aside while everyone looked at Deng Hui with confusion.


    Deng Hui being the eldest did not greet the Emperor. She narrowly gazed at the captive and wondered if he was the messenger that Wushi had hired. The ministers bowed upon seeing her.


    "Your Majesty, why am I being called to the court?" Deng Hui asked.


    "Empress Dowager, did you order your man to kill me?" Sheng Li questioned Deng Hui.


    "I am afraid, but what His Majesty is saying," Deng Hui refused to have any involvement behind the attack.


    "I am clear enough, Empress Dowager," Sheng Li said in a loud and threatening voice. "Admit that you sent an assassin to kill me," he shouted at her.


    Nianzu looked at his mother in disgust. He could not believe that she still did not admit the crimes she hadmitted. It was disgraceful for him.


    "Your Majesty, please show the evidence that I sent an assassin," Deng Hui challenged him.


    "The captive in your life is the whole evidence," Sheng Li stated and nced at the captive, who admitted in front of everyone that he was told to inform about the Emperor''s condition after he was shot. Later, he was told that he was instructed to give the poison to the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, what if it is your way to ruin my reputation! I never met this messenger. On what basis can he say that Empress Dowager was behind it?" Deng Hui questioned Sheng Li, who clenched his fingers.


    "The Court Ministers know well how the Emperor wants this throne to himself. That''s why he didn''t let any of his elder brothers take it. By birth, the First Prince had the right to the throne, yet the Fifth Prince imed it. Moreover, the Emperor finds his power will get weaker if I am alive. That is why His Majesty med an innocent person for no reason," Deng Hui pronounced while addressing the court ministers.


    "Empress Dowager is deviating from the truth. Why is she bringing the matter of the throne!?" Jian Guozhi intervened in the conversation.


    "The Emperor, without any proof, trying to malign my image. His Majesty wants to centralize the power to himself. That''s why I brought the matter of the throne. I was summoned just because this captive on the Emperor''s instructions lied about me," Deng Hui asserted while ring into the eyes of Sheng Li.

 Chapter 781 No Less Than A Death Sentence

    Ying Lili promptly rose to her feet when Eunuch Xing-Fu informed her about the Emperor''s arrival.


    "Where is he?" Ying Lili asked with curiosity.


    "His Majesty has gone to the Imperial Court. Empress Dowager is summoned to the court," Xing-Fu replied. Ying Lili scrunched her brows. It was confirmed that Sheng Li found something against Deng Hui that he called for an emergency court session.


    "Court Lady Xu, the things I gave youst night, could you please hand them to me?" Ying Lili requested her.


    "Sure, Your Majesty."


    After a few minutes, Court Lady Xu returned with a box in her hand. Ying Lili stepped forward to go out when Eunuch Xing-Fu asked her about it.


    "I need to go to the imperial court," Ying Lili stated. "Please get aside and follow my lead," shemanded Eunuch Xing-Fu, who stepped away from her way.


    Xing-Fu took the box from Court Lady Xu''s hands and they left after the Empress. Soon, they reached outside the imperial court. They heard the voices from inside where Deng Hui challenged Sheng Li to present proof, which could show she was the real culprit behind all this.


    The royal guards opened the door for the Empress, who stepped inside.


    Sheng Li, who was on the throne, saw Ying Liliing in and he stood up. "Lili," he whispered. The ministers turned to look and the Princes turned to look and bowed to greet her.


    Ying Lili halted and stood beside Deng Hui. She bowed her head before Sheng Li, before lifting it. Sheng Li was seated on the throne and ordered to bring a chair for Ying Lili.


    "It is not needed, Your Majesty. I am well," Ying Lili assured Sheng Li, who didn''t listen to her and looked at Wang Hao. In a while, a chair was brought and Ying Lili sat on it.


    She looked at Nianzu and said, "Brother Nianzu, thank you for saving me that day from consuming the poisonous sweets. I would not have been alive if Brother Nianzu had not intervened that day," Ying Lili expressed her gratitude.


    Deng Hui wondered what Ying Lili was trying to say.


    "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager used a mild poison to kill me and she is the one who ordered to kill the Emperor as well. I will present the following evidence," Ying Lili said and tilted her head slightly.


    Xing-Fu swiftly came forward and stood by Ying Lili''s side, keeping his head low. "Empress Dowager must know what this box is for," Ying Lili said, gazing into her eyes.


    Deng Hui nced at the box which was indeed hers. But how did Ying Lili get her hands on that?


    "What is inside this?" Sheng Li asked when Ying Lili opened it and several letters were found along with a few porcin bottles which had poison in them. Ying Lili picked the first letter and showed it to everyone.


    "We all thought that Empress Dowager does not know how to read and write. However, we all were in an illusion. These letters are in her writing," Ying Lili revealed the first truth in front of everyone.


    "The letter in my hand is the one in which someone has sent a response to her in writing about the situation in Changying. She already knew what would happen in Changying," Ying Lili pronounced and then picked the second one.


    "This one she wrote to find a well-trained shooter to kill the Emperor. Lord Wushi was also hired by her, who already has lost his life," Ying Lili pronounced.


    "Now, Empress Dowager is wondering how I found out these letters which weren''t supposed to be here. She forgot that if she had ordered to kill him, then she should have reced the other evidence too," Ying Lili affirmed.


    She recalled how Huo Jin came to her the previous night and handed her the belongings which he recovered from Lord Wushi''s resting ce. Also,st night, he somehow sneaked into Empress Dowager''s manor and managed to bring the most important evidence that everyone needed.


    "Your Majesty, the servant, who took the me on him has testified that he was forced to lie about it. Empress Dowager was the one who had prepared the sweets," Wang Hao asserted.


    Deng Hui fiddled with her fingers and gulped. She was terrified because of the consequences awaiting her.


    "Empress Dowager, will you still deny your crimes? Luckily, the shooter has apanied us, who was hired to kill me," Sheng Li said and gestured to Xiao Zhan, who walked out of the court. After a while, he entered with the middle-aged man, the shooter.


    He greeted the Emperor first and testified that he was given the message to kill the Emperor. A sketch was also provided as he had never seen the Emperor. He took the letter and sketch out of his pocket. Xiao Zhan handed them to Sheng Li.


    "Every artist leaves his unique signature behind. The sketch of mine that Empress Dowager prepared was prepared by our famous royal painter. If she still wants to deny it, I will call him in court. His confession would be enough to tell that Empress Dowager was behind all this," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Deng Hui''s throat went dry upon hearing him.


    "What do the Court Ministers think? What punishment shall Empress Dowager be given?" Sheng Li asked his ministers.


    "Prince Nianzu, say something. They are using your mother," Deng Hui urged her son.


    "Your Majesty," Nianzu turned to look at Sheng Li, "a lifetime imprisonment will not be good enough for Empress Dowager. I request you to give her a death sentence for scheming against the Emperor and the Empress."


    Deng Hui was shocked to hear the words of her son. He requested the Emperor to give her a death sentence! Tears streamed down her cheeks because this was all for her son. She walked to Nianzu and asked him what he was saying.


    Nianzu averted his gaze from him. "I was the one who made a formal request to thete Father to give status to my mother. I was wrong about it. My father knew what my mother was like. Still, for his son, he epted the request. I am truly guilty for what my mother did today. I, Han Nianzu, seek justice from His Majesty. He shall give no less than a death sentence to Empress Dowager," Nianzu said with a firm tone as his eyes turned misty.

 Chapter 782 Cant Stand Your Face

    The ministers agreed with what Nianzu said. It was considered treason when anyone tried to harm the Emperor or the Empress. Nianzu looked at his mother and asked him to ept the crimes that she hadmitted till now.


    "It was all for you," Deng Hui said. "I was taken as a concubine. You always were humiliated because of me. That''s why I stayed quiet believing that a day woulde when I would get authority over people. I didn''t do anything wrong." She had refused to ept the crimes that shemitted. She stepped back from him and pulled out the dagger from her sash.


    The Ministers got terrified and so did the others in the court. Sheng Li rose to his feet while General Wang stepped forward to make sure that Deng Hui would do nothing wrong.


    "Drop it, Empress Dowager," Sheng Limanded her and quickly descended the stairs.


    Nianzu stepped toward her asking her to put the dagger down. However, Deng Hui pulled it out of the sheath. Before anyone could react, Deng Hui stabbed the middle of her stomach with it. Nianzu was glued to his ce. Dumbfounded.


    Nianzu ran forward and held his mother from falling to the floor. Everyone was shocked at the act of Empress Dowager. Deng Hui coughed the blood as she had pierced the dagger too deep in her abdomen.


    "Call the Royal Physician," Nianzu said, holding his tears back.


    Deng Hui shook her head. "You wanted me to die. So, I-I make it easy," Deng Hui said, putting her hands on her stomach. Blood covered her hands and tears poured down the edges of her eyes.


    Nianzu was speechless. But this moment was pain-stricken for him. He indeed wanted her to be dead because of the ways she tried to harm the Emperor and the Empress. Her acts were unstoppable, so he wanted to put an end to them. He tried everything in his capacity to bring her out of that path.


    "Why didn''t you stop, Mother?" Nianzu asked while weeping. "I knew that in the pce, I would lose you someday. I told you to leave the pce with me. Why was power so important to you? Why?" Nianzu posed many questions in front of his mother.


    Deng Hui forced a smile on her lips, which were now covered in blood. "Be-because I was the daughter of a low-ranking official. I don''t regret it. Even Sheng Li gained power because he was weak, with-out a m-mother," Deng Hui reasoned.


    Sheng Li stepped forward and got on his knees. "But I never wanted to kill the people I respected the most. I hid your previous mistakes for a reason," he asserted and lifted his head to tell Eunuch Xing-Fu to bring the physician to the court.


    Deng Hui grasped the arm of Sheng Li, who looked at her. "Let me di-die. I cannot st-stand your face," she said and averted her gaze from him.


    Ying Lili frowned upon hearing Deng Hui. Why did Empress Dowager say such words to Sheng Li? She found out how terrible Sheng Li must have felt at that moment.


    "Mother, at least don''t say anything bad now," Nianzu said and found his mother had closed her eyes. Her hand left the dagger and hit the floor.


    Nianzu pulled out the dagger and it fell to the floor. He tightly hugged the corpse of her mother. He cried his heart out. "Mother." His voice was too painful to hear.


    If she had not be the Empress, then she would not have taken her life. If he had notined to his father about the ill-treatment of his mother, today she would not have taken her life.


    Jian Guozhi asked the ministers to leave, who silently left the imperial court. Xing-Fu came to Ying Lili and asked her to return to the chamber in the Northern Pce.


    Ying Lili refused as her entire focus was on Sheng Li, who looked hurt. He would deny till the end that he had not felt bad, but she was well aware of his mind. Deng Hui used to take care of him. He didn''t punish her for Nianzu, but because of him.


    Ying Lili looked at the blood-lying corpse of Deng Hui and weeping Nianzu. The sight was appalling to her. This was not what she had imagined. But was it in her hand? This was the fifth death in the Han family. All because of the throne! Her eyes nced at the Dragon throne before her.


    ''Forgive me, Royal Father. I promised you that no one would lose his or her life. However, I was wrong. I don''t know how I will handle Sheng Li. He is broken inside out after Empress Dowager said those words to him.'' Ying Lili thought and then gazed at Nianzu.


    A person like Nianzu was difficult to find. He was devastated by all this. He indeed was upset with his mother, but if she would have been sincere in her acts, Nianzu had never asked Sheng Li to give her a death sentence. What went wrong that his mother was unable to understand him? She was an indispensable part of his life. Every act of hers hurt him and her death was even more torturous for him.


    He cuddled up with her mother, who would never wake up. "Why did Mother do it?" He murmured while sobbing.


    Sheng Li put his hand on Nianzu''s back and caressed it. He bit his bottom lip and nced at Ying Lili, whose eyes were misty. Sheng Li had promised her that he would not let any bloodshed, but he broke it.


    Today, because of him, another life was lost. It was all because of him. Weng Wei said simr words to him as Deng Hui had said today. Why did they hate him till theirst breaths? This thought once again troubled him.


    Sheng Li realized that he wasn''t capable of being an Emperor. He once againnded on the conclusion that he should renounce this title.

 Chapter 783 Love Doesnt Change Everyone

    Sheng Li looked at Nianzu, who looked like a lifeless body. Nianzu''s eyes were fixed on the burial ground, where his mother hadid in the casket beside thete Emperor.


    Lei Wanxi walked to Nianzu and ced his hand on his shoulder. He patted it, who held his hand and started to cry again. Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin also walked to Nianzu to console him.


    Weng Yu tilted his head and found Sheng Li looking devastated. He fiddled his fingers and went towards Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng, are you good? I heard you were injured," Weng Yu said while looking at the middle of Sheng Li''s chest. He then nced back into his eyes.


    "I am good," Sheng Li told a white lie to him.


    Nianzu turned to look at them and wiped the tears from his eyes with his thumbs. He got on his knees and bowed his head before him. "Forgive my mother, Brother Sheng. She did wrong to you and Sister Lili. You can punish me too because I am the reason for it," he said.


    "Don''t humiliate me by saying such words, Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li urged and got on his knees. "Please get up," he pulled him up, "I thought she would stop. I did my best to prevent this mishap."


    "I know. Brother Sheng does not need to say anything. Mother chose it, and we could not do anything about it. Brother Sheng, please don''t ever me yourself for this. Instead, you tried everything in your capacity to bring my mother to the right path. Her betrayal hurts me more than her death," Nianzu told Sheng Li, who understood him.


    Nianzu looked at Jian Guozhi who was on his left. "I realized now how tough it was for the First Brother," Nianzu recalled the day when he questioned Jian Guozhi''s responsibilities as a son.


    Sheng Li felt the slight pain in his chest and brought his hand to it. He had put too much pressure on his body since yesterday. He didn''t even get enough rest after he heard Deng Hui tried to poison Ying Lili. His vision got blurry and the darkness surrounded his eyes.


    "Brother Sheng!" The Princes said in unison when Jian Guozhi carried him on his back. They took him to the Northern Pce while Lei Wanxi rushed to the Western Pce to bring the Royal Physician.


    Ying Lili, who was waiting for Sheng Li toe, was shocked to see Sheng Li on Jian Guozhi''s back. Eunuch Xing-Fu rushed to him and asked what happened to the Emperor.


    "He has fainted," Jian Guozhi said and brought Sheng Li towards the bed. He put Sheng Li to bed. Ying Lili sat down on the edge of the bed and rested her hand on his cheek.


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor fainted. I believe it is because of excessive fatigue. He didn''t get enough rest after the attack," Jian Guozhi exined to Ying Lili.


    Nianzu felt awful. Sheng Li got badly injured because of Deng Hui''s evil n. In the end, she didn''t stop herself from saying bitter words to him. He silently walked out of the chamber while the other princes stayed back.


    Lei Wanxi arrived at the chamber with the Royal Physician, who examined Sheng Li. "Your Majesty, may I take a nce at the wound?" The Royal Physician humbly requested.


    Ying Lili nodded and quickly opened the front clothes from Sheng Li''s body. Her body froze upon seeing the blood that had stained the entire bandage.


    Lei Wanxi brought his palm to his mouth. "Brother Sheng is gravely injured. That part was already wounded. I remember he has a deep scar in that region," he said worriedly. Jian Guozhi nced at him and gestured to him to be quiet.


    "Please, wait outside," the Royal Physician told the Princes, who left the chamber silently. Ying Lili dressed the wound while the Royal Physician helped her.


    "Why didn''t the Royal Physician tell him to rest?" Ying Lili asked as she made a knot on the bandage.


    "I have told His Majesty to wait for a day. However, His Majesty was concerned about the Empress," the Royal Physician answered. "Forgive for being unable to do my duty well, Your Majesty," he apologized humbly.


    "His Majesty always neglects his wounds," Eunuch Xing-Fu said. Tears appeared in his eyes and he rubbed them, not wanting them to fall. "Your Majesty, he always cared about his family yet the family never treated him warmly. Mostly the Consorts and the Empress. I have been in His Majesty''s service from the time he was born. It hurts me seeing how my master suffers." He broke into tears after getting emotional.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn''t mean to cry," Xing-Fu said while wiping the tears from his eyes.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu''s master is too stubborn to listen to anyone. He loves to trouble us. When he will be awake, Eunuch Xing-Fu can scold him," Ying Lili said to lighten his mood. Court Lady Xu had also started to cry. It was impossible to hold the tears at that moment.


    "How can this Eunuch scold his Master? His Majesty might kick me out of his sight," Eunuch Xing-Fu said as he stopped crying and nced at Court Lady Xu. "I ruined everyone''s mood," he stated.


    "No. Eunuch Xing-Fu said the words of us servants, who are in the service of the Emperor from the time of his birth," Court Lady Xu said and peered into Ying Lili''s eyes.


    "Your Majesty, the recent incident must have broken the Emperor terribly. He even trusted Empress Dowager by not reporting her earlier. Except for the former Empress Wei, His Majesty never had any problems with any of his step-mothers," Court Lady Xu spoke her mind out.


    Ying Lili understood them well. For Sheng Li, they sacrificed their entire lives in his service. Their concerns were valid for him.


    She remembered the words of Sheng Li which he told her when they both married newly a€¡± Kindest whimper in pain, Lili.


    Tears appeared on the edges of her eyes. "Forgive me, for not agreeing with you. Love doesn''t change everyone," she concluded.

 Chapter 784 One More Night

    Sheng Li''s eyeballs moved and he gradually opened his eyes. He found himself in his chamber and tilted his head. "Lili," he whispered and a tiny smile formed on his lips.


    He tried to sit up but felt severe pain on his chest.


    "Don''t get up. Stay on the bed," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li understood that she was upset with him.


    "Forgive me. I always make you worry," Sheng Li apologized to her. "Don''t be angry with me," he urged her.


    "I am not," Ying Lili said and filled the water ss. She ced her arm under his head and lifted him slightly, "Drink it." Sheng Li opened his lips and the silver ss'' surface touched his lips. He took the first sip and found it was bitter.


    Swiftly he moved his head back andined about its bitterness. Ying Lili red at him. "It''s medicine. Your body is tired out because of the excessive fatigue. So, drink it without anyin," Ying Lili said with a stern tone. She used her other hand and pinched his nose. She forced the medicine into his mouth and Sheng Li somehow managed to drink it.


    "Ahh, my tongue feels dead." Sheng Li whined like a baby. Despite Ying Lili''s warning, he sat up on the bed and embraced her tightly. "Forgive me for staying away for such a long time. I missed you every second and our little chibis too. I was so scared when I found that you almost consumed those poisonous sweets," Sheng Li said while caressing Ying Lili''s back.


    She gently pulled away from him. "And you neglected the deep wound on your body. You could have taken a rest for a night. Do you love to trouble us?" Her eyes filled with tears.


    "I would have been deadly sick if I stayed one more night away from you. Indeed, I love to trouble you. I will be healthy soon because I am now with my Lili," Sheng Li said and leaned down to kiss her. Ying Lili put her palm on his lips.


    Sheng Li used his hand to put it down. "Don''t refuse it," he said.


    "Lay down," Ying Lili said and looked at the mattress.


    "I am bored of¡ª" he paused as he saw the beam of Ying Lili at him. "I willy down if you let me kiss you," he asserted.


    Ying Lili pushed him down and he cried out in pain. "Liar! You are not healthy at all. If you don''t want me to cry, then stay in bed." She put the ss on the table and picked a pill from the wooden box.


    "Lili, do you think I am a capable King?" Sheng Li''s sudden question bewildered Ying Lili. Their eyes met. "I didn''t feel bad when Weng Wei died. I felt not a single bit of remorse. However, Brother Nianzu''s mother''s death shook me. Because of me your life came into danger too," Sheng Li said. It was clear from his words that Deng Hui''sst words troubled Sheng Li.


    "But nothing happened to your wife," Ying Lili stated.


    "Lili, I was wrong. I thought after I would be the most powerful person in the Kingdom, no one would ever dare to raise his voice against me. I shut my heart for years for a reason. It hurts at this point. Why do I get so much hate?" The edges of his eyes got wet.


    "Is my love, the love of other people close to you not enough to rece that hatred?" Ying Lili asked.


    "Lili, I do not know. I am unable to understand why I never got love from any of my step-mothers. At this point, I am scared to trust my other three step-mothers. I am nothing without you and they try to harm you. It hurts," Sheng Li said as tears streamed down his cheeks, "badly." His voice choked and he rubbed his eyes while taking a deep breath.


    "Maybe some people aren''t worthy of Kindness and Love. Sheng Li has told me that not everyone changes with love. If it would have happened, then everything would have been simple and easy," stated Ying Lili.


    "Don''t be pessimistic. Brother Nianzu saved me by consuming the sweet. He''s a good person and many others are," Ying Lili made him understand and wiped the tears from his cheeks. "You are more than capable to be the King or the Emperor. If there would be someone else at your ce, he would have chosen rest and enjoyment over his duties," she affirmed.


    Sheng Li pulled Ying Lili down and hugged her tightly. "You will be hurt," Ying Lili said, referring to the wound on Sheng Li''s chest.


    "But I want to embrace you," Sheng Li asserted and buried his face in the crook of her neck. "When the arrow hit me, I remembered you. For a second, it seemed like an end to me," Sheng Li delivered the feelings that he felt at that brief moment.


    "Don''t say such a thing," Ying Lili said and caressed his arm.


    Sheng Li leaned back and studied her face. "I wish we would bemoners. Then, you and I had no worries," he said with a sigh.


    "Let''s share our current worries." Ying Lili stroked his hair.


    Sheng Li smiled and kissed the middle of her forehead. "I need to talk to Brother Nianzu. He earlier was apologizing to me while getting on his knees. Before that I need to take a bath," Sheng Li said.


    "Don''t let your chest get wet, especially the wound while bathing," Ying Lili advised him.


    "I will keep that in mind. We can take a bath together if you want," Sheng Li said with a smug.


    "That is not possible today," Ying Lili stated.


    "Why?"


    "I already bathed," Ying Lili answered and sat up on the bed. She helped Sheng Li in sitting up and called Eunuch Xing-Fu inside.


    Sheng Li yed with her earrings until Xing-Fu came inside. He was d to see Sheng Li was awake. Greeting him, he asked about the Emperor''s health.


    "I am feeling a little better," Sheng Li said. "Is the bathhouse ready?" He asked.


    "Yes, Your Majesty." Eunuch Xing-Fu kept his head low.


    Ying Lili and Sheng Li both got down from the bed.


    "Take the Emperor. Don''t let the chest get wet else infection may spread in the wound," Ying Lili instructed Xing-Fu, who keenly heard her.


    "Don''t starve yourself. Eat something before I return," Sheng Li told Ying Lili and left the chamber with Xing-Fu.

 Chapter 785 I Am Unable To Resist

    Sheng Li returned to the chamber after bathing. He had kept his hair open as it was wet. Seeing Ying Lili around the table, he found she had not touched the food that he sent earlier.


    "Court Lady Xu, why did you not take care of the Empress''s meals?" Sheng Li asked as he settled on the chair that Xing-Fu had pulled.


    "Just like the Emperor, the Empress is also stubborn," Court Lady Xu remarked and quickly apologized.


    Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, who had picked the chopsticks. "Leave us alone," Sheng Li told them. Everyone left the chamber upon getting the instructions of the Emperor.


    Sheng Li outstretched his hand and pulled Ying Lili''s chair to his side. She was surprised and asked him why he did that. His hand rested on her neck and leaned down to her lips. They looked into each other''s eyes and felt each other breathing.


    Gradually their noses touched and their eyes shut. His lips were on hers. A long-awaited kiss that the two yearned for each other after staying away for more than a week. He moved her lips fervently and so did she. His other hand was on top of her hands that were on herp.


    The kiss deepened with each passing second. His hand slowly moved to the back of her head as he drew her close. Her hands were now on his shoulders and soon they locked behind his neck.


    The two withdrew when their lungs ran out of oxygen. Sheng Li''s foreheadnded on hers and their hot breaths fanned against each other''s lips.


    "It was tough to be away from you," Sheng Li said and brought his hand on her belly, "and them too."


    Ying Lili put her hand on the back of his palm and caressed it. "It''s the middle of the second month, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said as a smile appeared on her face. "Court Lady Ki said that soon the bump will show. We can feel them better," she said.


    "Ahh, I forgot to tell you a piece of good news. Sister Chuntao is pregnant," Ying Lili said and it made Sheng Li''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "That''s indeed great news. I will meet themter in the evening. Brother Nianzu needs alone time for now," he stated. Ying Lili nodded her head. Sheng Li took the chopsticks from her, put them aside, and picked the bowl, filled with Wensi Tofu soup with rich vegetable contents in it. He put it before her on the table. Using the porcin spoon soup, he fed the soup to Ying Lili.


    "I can eat myself. You should eat yours. You must be hungrier than me because you traveled such a long distance," Ying Lili said, after slurping the soup. She took the spoon from him and started to eat and drink it. Sheng Li smiled and picked a pair of chopsticks. He decided to start with the chicken and ate that.


    "Is everything good in Changying? I heard the Governor was behind it." Ying Lili was curious to know.


    "Hmm. Mingze wanted to rule over the Eastern Province. I spared his life because of his wife, who is pregnant. They have a young daughter as well," Sheng Li asserted.


    "You did good," Ying Lili said. "But what if he betrays us again?" She arched her brow.


    "He will be in lifetime imprisonment," Sheng Li replied. "His wife and kids will stay in a residence governed by the pce official. I will appoint one there," Sheng Li exined to her.


    Ying Lili was astonished to hear Sheng Li. "If a person plots against the Emperor, it is considered treason. Why didn''t you give him a death sentence instead?"


    "Because I don''t want his children to resent me in the future," Sheng Li answered. "Lili, with you, I got to learn a lot. When you became pregnant, my fatherhood also began. I would have felt terrible for giving a death sentence to Mingze. His children would have despised me, and I don''t want that," he affirmed.


    "You are such a thoughtful person. You are a great Emperor," Ying Lili said and brought the tofu near his lips in the chopstick ends. Sheng Li opened his mouth and ate that.


    "You transformed me into a thoughtful person. I try to be a good Emperor. Without you, I would not have been here," Sheng Li said with a bright smile and again began eating.


    "I thought we would miss our first ever snowfall together," Ying Lili said suddenly. Sheng Li tilted his head and wondered why she said that.


    "What do you mean?" Sheng Li got inquisitive.


    "Don''t you know?" Ying Lili looked at him in bewilderment.


    "What must I know?" Sheng Li, who was unaware of what Ying Lili, meant got puzzled.


    "The first snowfall with your lover," Ying Lili said. "You always forget good things," sheined.


    "Snowfall will ur from time to time," Sheng Li stated.


    "Are you dumb?" Ying Lili got angry. Sheng Li went tongue-tied. "The first snowfall with your lover has a hidden meaning," she stated.


    "Ahh, forgive me. I am indeed dumb in such matters. But what type of hidden meaning does it have?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Find yourself," Ying Lili snapped at him and started to eat.


    "Don''t sulk, Lili. You have told me everything, then why keep this secret? Whom will I ask?" Sheng Li questioned her.


    "Why? Can you not find out such a small thing? I won''t tell. If you love me, then you need to find yourself," Ying Lili handed him the task.


    Sheng Li hummed and agreed with her. "I will find out. Don''t worry. Please do not get angry. It makes you look cuter, and I am unable to resist myself to tease you more," hemented and smiled.


    Ying Lili tilted her head and scowled at him. "You are not supposed to tease me. I will not talk to you if you do that," she threatened him.


    "Okay. I lost to you in the arguments," Sheng Li said and the two smiled.

 Chapter 786 Stay Together For Long

    Nianzu was looking at his creations, which he had done for his mother. Every art, every poem, and every delightful event he had recorded. His sorrow was iprehensible.


    Chuntao ced her hand on his shoulder and he looked up to meet her gaze. "I feel empty, Chun." His hands circled her waist and he rested his temple on her abdomen. Chuntao caressed his hair while crying.


    "You should not be crying at this time. I am not a good husband either," he said when heard Chuntao''s weeping. He pulled himself away and pulled out a chair for her. "Have a seat," he said. Chuntao settled on the chair. Nianzu wiped the tears from her cheeks and told her not to cry.


    "How can I not?" She asked. Her eyes were red.


    Nianzu wiped his face and held Chuntao''s hands. "Chun, I don''t want the life inside you getting affected by this. Whatever a mother feels, her child feels too. It''s the first month, but you need to be careful," he said, forcing a smile on his lips.


    "I will try to," Chuntao assured him.


    "I have conflicting emotions at the moment. My mothermitted many crimes to iste power to herself. On the other hand, I feel bad that because of her family status, she bore the torture. I know she wanted it for me. But she forgot that I never wanted it. I regretted listening to her and letting her stay here. If we had been out of this ce, today I would not have to see all this. She tried to take away your lives: Brother Sheng, Sister Lili, and their unborn kids;stly Brother Lei Wanxi. Why did she have to act like Weng Wei until herst breath? I hate her but at the same time, I cannot stop loving her."


    He looked at the table before him. "She should have at least thought about me once. How am I going to live with all this?" His eyes once again filled with tears.


    "Probably, she was in regret too. But she refused to ept that. One must not hate the dead. Let the negative thoughts about your mother go from your mind. You told me that forgiveness is the biggest treasure one can have." Chuntao made him understand.


    "I don''t know. I am confused and anguished," Nianzu said and leaned back on his chair. "She was the one who taught me to be good to everyone, yet she''s the one who changed her ideologiester. I don''t know how to meet the eyes of the Emperor, whom my mother said was such a big thing. I sincerely apologized to him, but it feels he is hurt the most by her after me," Nianzu deduced.


    ~~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi waited for Nianzu in the waiting chamber. He had finished his tea, yet the Fourth Prince didn''te to see him. Disappointed, he left telling Eunuch Chung that he wouldeter.


    He never feared anything, but today seeing a person, who seemed harmless to him until today, made him frightened. He reached the Eastern Pavilion and missed the old days when everything was so lively. The family was reducing day by day and it was concerning.


    "Brother Wanxi looks troubled," Weng Yu said and came forward. He stood by his side and asked him the reason for his upset face.


    "Brother Yu, did you not feel scared seeing how internally we are weak?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "After my elder brother died, I no longer feel it." Lei Wanxi was amused to hear his answer. "Brother Wanxi, bad people are the bane of society. Their end is necessary. So, mourning for them is useless. I learned it," Weng Yu said.


    "Ahh, I didn''t mean that," Lei Wanxi cleared him.


    ? "I understood what the Sixth Brother meant. He doesn''t want anyone in the family to fight among themselves," Weng Yu stated. "The thoughts that our mothers possess are different from us. Ultimately, if you are powerful, the people will bow before you. We cannot make everyone understand. My elder brother didn''t understand, so giving him a death sentence was inevitable. The family isn''t shrinking, Brother Wanxi. It is just there''s no room for bad ones," he proimed.


    Lei Wanxi was surprised to hear Weng Yu''s thoughts. He could not believe it was the same Weng Yu, who used to get scared easily.


    "My younger brother has be mature." Lei Wanxi embraced him and patted his back. "I am so proud of you, Brother Yu," he said with a smile.


    They stepped back and looked at the cloudy sky. "What do you think, Brother Yu? Will snowfall happen? This year the fall is a littlete," Lei Wanxi stated.


    "The temperature does not seem colder. I think it will take a few more days, Brother Wanxi," Weng Yu answered. Lei Wanxi hung his arm around his shoulder and agreed with him.


    "Wanxi!"


    They both turned upon hearing Sheng Li''s voice, who walked toward them. They both bowed before him.


    "What happened, Brother Sheng? Why is he here when he should be resting?" Lei Wanxi said worriedly.


    "I am good. I was exhausted because of the long travel. Tell me, what does first snowfall with your lover mean?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "What?" Lei Wanxi eximed.


    "Lili asked me to find out. She was angry that I didn''t know," Sheng Li said.


    Lei Wanxi smiled brightly. "Brother Sheng, it means you will stay together for long," he told him the meaning.


    "How could Brother Sheng not know about this?" Weng Yu ended up smiling.


    Sheng Li looked at him. "Did you also know?" he furrowed his brows together in displeasure.


    "Yes, Brother Sheng. Everyone knows about it," Weng Yu answered and smiled.


    "Brother Sheng knows well how to annoy Sister Lili. That''s why their love is so strong," Lei Wanxi teased Sheng Li. "Brother Sheng can make Sister Lili''s first snowfall special. It has been long since Brother Sheng openly showered his love for Sister Lili," he stated with a grin.


    "You are right. I need to prepare something good for Lili. Shall I go to our private residence for a week? The hilly mountain''s picturesque view will delight her," Sheng Li stated and thanked Lei Wanxi for giving him the idea.

 Chapter 787 Dont Hate Me Because...

    Sheng Li poured the tea for Nianzu and handed him the teacup. Nianzu epted it and concernedly told Sheng Li that she should have taken a rest.


    "I wanted to see Brother Nianzu," Sheng Li replied and handed another cup to Jian Guozhi. "I tried my best to bring her to the right path," he affirmed and picked the teacup.


    "I have noints with Brother Sheng. I was unable to understand how to meet his eyes when he would return. Forgive me for making such a request that day with our Father," Nianzu said, looking at both of them.


    "Let''s forget the past and move on with the present," Jian Guozhi suggested to him and ced the teacup on the table before them. "Such memories only give pain. I had been at that once. Every time, I recall it, it only troubles me." Jian Guozhi referred to his mother while keeping his head low.


    Sheng Li remained silent. If he would speak, that might hurt both Jian Guozhi and Nianzu, so keeping quiet was the best. He kept his enraging emotions in control and decided to divert the topic.


    "Congrattions on bing a Father, Brother Nianzu. Let''s celebrate the moment that is ahead of us. Brother Nianzu has a bigger responsibility to fulfill. Earlier, I met Lei Wanxi. He told me that your mother wanted a celebration. The wish of the dead must always be fulfilled," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Jian Guozhi agreed with Sheng Li''s words and gave his warm wishes to Nianzu on being a father.


    A smile appeared on Nianzu''s lips and he thanked them. "I am d in these sad times, I have someone who gives me happiness with each passing day. Thest few days were tough and terrible for me. But whenever I see Chuntao, my mind rxes. Surely, we will celebrate it," Nianzu said and raised the cup to drink the tea.


    "What about you, Brother Jian? When will the good newse from your side?" Lei Wanxi asked, who had entered the private chamber with Rong Zemin and Weng Yu.


    "Brother Sheng, this is wrong. Without informing us, youe here," Lei Wanxi said and brought the chair from the other side to sit beside Sheng Li. He bowed to Jian Guozhi, who told the maidservant to bring more tea.


    Rong Zemin sat by Nianzu''s side while Weng Yu sat beside Jian Guozhi. "Brother Jian and Brother Zemin are yet to give us good news from their respective wives," Lei Wanxi remarked and tightened the strings of the fur coat around him.


    "Wanxi, your marriage day is close. I will ask the astrologer for the date and you''ll be married to Princess Zhu Lin," Sheng Li said. "You shall think about your responsibilities as well."


    "I am well aware of my responsibilities," Lei Wanxi authorized, "Brother Sheng." The tea server served the tea to the remaining princes and stood back.


    "Since the court session is suspended for a month, I will be on leave too," Sheng Li pronounced. "I will retire to my private residence with Lili for one week," Sheng Li informed them, "but before our departure, Lei Wanxi will get married."


    "Brother Wanxi''s marriage has some time," Rong Zemin stated. "Both the Emperor and the Empress can go to their private residence till then," he suggested and picked the teacup to sip the tea.


    "What do you say, Wanxi?" Sheng Li waited for his response.


    "Brother Sheng shall go to his private residence and spend his week there. After that, he shall think about it else first snowfall will go away. Sister Lili will remain forever angry at Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi advised him.


    "First snowfall?" Jian Guozhi asked curiously.


    "Ah, Sister Lili asked Brother Sheng the meaning of the first snowfall and he did not know," Lei Wanxi said and started to giggle.


    "Why are you announcing it to everyone then? I know now. I am well aware of its meaning," Sheng Li asserted, after getting annoyed.


    The other Princes smiled at Sheng Li, who looked irked.


    "Huo Jin has epted his feelings for General Wang''s Sister," Lei Wanxi informed them.


    "Really?" Nianzu asked to confirm.


    "Yes, Brother Nianzu. He confessed his feelings for Sister Yin Na and will marry her. He wanted to tell Brother Nianzu, but could not find him, so decided to tellter," Lei Wanxi briefed him.


    "That''s great. I am happy for Huo Jin," Nianzu said. "Last time when we talked he had told me that he would go ahead with his feelings for her. He was confused at that time," Nianzu said with a tiny smile on his lips. He looked at Weng Yu, who was gazing at him with inquisitiveness.


    "What happened, Brother Yu?" He asked him humbly.


    "Is Brother Nianzu good? I heard what happened in the Court," Weng Yu said. Sheng Li and others looked toward him.


    "Are you troubled seeing this bloodshed?" Sheng Li questioned him.


    "No. I am not. For the throne, isn''t that inevitable?" Weng Yu queried Sheng Li.


    "What does Brother Yu mean? It is not inevitable to have bloodshed for the throne." Jian Guozhi squinted his eyes in skepticism.


    "Then why does everyone fight for it? Earlier my elder brother was behind it," Weng Yu was curious to know.


    "The throne gives you power but responsibilities too. Many fail to understand the responsibility part. The Kingdom is destroyed if you fail to fulfill your duties as the King. Your people will starve if you only seek power and ignore your responsibilities. Mostly fight for powera€| to be the supreme lord," Nianzu exined to Weng Yu.


    "Happiness is more important, Brother Yu. Bloodshed happens to prevent the throne from falling into the wrong hands. Right or wrong, both sides of people are killed for the throne," Jian Guozhi affirmed. "Our two mothers and the Second brother were failed to understand where their happinessy. That''s why bloodshed urred. It won''t anymore," he assured Weng Yu, who nodded.


    "Weng Yu, did you learn Governance?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "I am learning, Brother Sheng," Weng Yu answered. "Why did Brother Sheng ask?" He arched his brow.


    "Because you didn''t sound like learning it," Sheng Li remarked, and an awkward silence persisted between the two. Weng Yu lowered his head and looked at the tea in the cup.


    "Don''t hate me because I could not save the Second Brother. I already have gathered enough hatred from the people," Sheng Li urged him and sipped the remaining tea from the teacup in front of him.

 Chapter 788 Needs To Learn A Lot!

    Sheng Li could not realize how fast the time passed while sitting with his brothers. For an unknown reason, he missed her elder sister and decided to send a letter in her name.


    The sky looked dark and it felt that anytime rain would ur. Wang Hao met Sheng Li in the barracks, where he informed him about the return of the other Commanders, Wu Qinyang, the captive Mingze, and the other soldiers.


    "Did you send Mingze to prison?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. He thanked His Majesty for saving his life."


    "Wang Hao, why couldn''t you find that Empress Dowager nned to harm my wife? What if Lili had consumed the sweet that Empress Dowager brought? I had told you to keep your eyes and ears open, yet you failed to notice it." Sheng Li was not happy with the irresponsibility of Wang Hao.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty." Wang Hao downcasted his eyes in guilt. "I deserve to be punished." He was ready to take the punishment for being unable to fulfill his duties behind the Emperor.


    "Wang Hao, you should give me a valid reason. Did you see the hatred in Empress Dowager''s face, words for me? She could have seeded in destroying my world if Brother Nianzu had note in between," Sheng Li said and pinched the skin between his brows. He was scared about it from the beginning that someone might try to poison Ying Lili in his absence.


    "Your Majesty, I had no idea that Empress Dowager would try to go against you. I know that I made a foolish mistake by not keeping an eye on her. Instead, I focussed on the ministers," Wang Hao epted his mistake and kept his gaze low.


    "I will be out of the Pce for a week. Probably, tomorrow morning I will leave with Lili for our private residence," Sheng Li stated. "I have a task for you. Keep an eye on three Consort Dowagers. I no longer trust any of my step-mothers." His skepticism towards them grew stronger after what Nianzu''s mother did.


    "I will, Your Majesty," Wang Hao assured Sheng Li.


    "You may leave. Tell Huo Jin to meet me in the morning," Sheng Li ordered Wang Hao, who nodded and bowed.


    "I will escort His Majesty to the Northern Pce," Wang Hao said humbly.


    "That''s fine. I can go. I am good," Sheng Li said. "Leave first," he stressed. Wang Hao didn''t argue with the Emperor and left the barracks. Sheng Li decided to meet Mingze once but then shoo that idea away as his betrayal had also broken him from inside.


    As he came to the open, the rain started to pour. Sheng Li looked up into the sky and the drops covered his face. He closed his eyes and it appeared as if he cried with the rain. With the downpour, the weather turned colder than usual. Sheng Li, for a moment, forgot that his wound had not yet healed.


    An oil-paper umbre covered his head, and he opened his eyes. "Weng Yu." Sheng Li was stunned to see the youngest prince. Sheng Li''s hair was wet, and only some of the parts of his robes were wet.


    "I never hated Brother Sheng. I was indeed scared of him, but I never once hated him. I can never hate him because he is my ideal. He showed me the path which I could not find being born as a Prince. I was timid to even lift my eyes, let alone voice my opinions. However, Brother Sheng made me find my true self. I am still a young kid, who needs to learn a lot," Weng Yu stated. His tone was firm, and the words were genuine.


    Sheng Li''s back was drenched in the rain because the umbre was tiny. The left portion of Weng Yu''s hanfu dress was drenched too.


    Sheng Li smiled and took the umbre from him. Weng Yu was still a teenager, so he was still in a growing stage. Sheng Li lifted his hand a little and they both were prevented from the rain in a better way.


    "You indeed have grown up. I might sound harsh, but I never expected it from you. Also, don''t make me your ideal. I am imperfect in many aspects. My personality isn''t likable to many," Sheng Li affirmed. He didn''t want Weng Yu to think the way he did for half of his life. He didn''t want Weng Yu to be like him in any aspect.


    "Brother Sheng is too perfect in many ways," Weng Yu said and smiled. "I am d that Ie in a category, who like and respect Brother Sheng''s personality," Weng Yu opined, and it made Sheng Li feel overwhelmed.


    He lifted his hand and brought it to Weng Yu''s shoulder. He patted it and said, "It is good to see such a great change in you. However, I feel Lili''s contribution is maximum. Don''t deny it."


    Weng Yu nodded. "Yes, Brother Sheng. Thanks to Sister Lili, I am able to see Brother Sheng''s true self," he said with a broad smile.


    Weng Yu opened his mouth but quickly brought his palm over it. He sneezed and apologized to Sheng Li.


    "It''s cold. Come, I will drop you to the chamber," Sheng Li said and put his arm around Weng Yu''s shoulder. After dropping Weng Yu to the Eastern Pce''s corridor, Sheng Li left for the Northern Pce, where Ying Lili must be waiting for him.


    He handed the umbre to the maidservant outside the chamber and asked her if Ying Lili was awake.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," the maidservant answered in a low voice, keeping his head low. The giant mahogany doors opened, and he walked in.


    To his surprise, the room was dark, and he wondered about the reason.


    "Xing-Fu! Court Lady Xu!" He called out their names. His heart raced, thinking about why the chamber was dark when Ying Lili was inside.


    He paused as he saw a faint yellow light that peeked out of the opening of the chamber adjacent to the bedchamber. He lifted his hand and slid the doors.


    Stepping inside the room, he saw Ying Lili seated around a table. The candle had illuminated the entire room and was put on a small candle holder on the table.

 Chapter 789 Craving Something Sweet

    "Lili," Sheng Li walked to her and asked her why she didn''t respond to him when he earlier shouted her name. "Why is there no light in the chamber?" He looked puzzled.


    Ying Lili found that Sheng Li''s upper clothes were wet and she immediately stood up. She put her hands on his arms and asked her why his robes were wet. Then, only she realized that rain was pouring.


    "I thought to scare you," Ying Lili answered and smiled. In that dim yellow light from the candle, Sheng Li''s grimace was clearly visible to her. His hair was wet too.


    "Did you y in the rain? It is winter season, Sheng Li. You are not supposed to y in the rain," Ying Lili said concernedly. Her fingers stroked his right cheek and she called for Eunuch Xing-Fu.


    Xing-Fu came with antern in his hand. "Your Majesty," he said and bowed.


    "When I called you, you didn''t respond," Sheng Li said coldly.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Xing-Fu apologized.


    "I have told them to stay quiet," Ying Lili said and gazed at Xing-Fu. "Please bring a new set of clothes for the Emperor. Also, light the chamber," Ying Lili instructed Eunuch Xing-Fu.


    "Don''t light it," Sheng Li told Xing-Fu. Ying Lili arched her brows in amusement as she slowly put her hand down. Ying Lili told Xing-Fu to bring clean robes for Sheng Li, who walked out.


    Sheng Li put his arms over her shoulders and made her sit on the chair. "I was with my Brothers. While returning, I talked with Wang Hao and scolded him for being irresponsible," Sheng Li informed her as he got on his knees in front of her.


    "Why did you scold General Wang?" Ying Lili did not want the reason to be her.


    "He failed to protect you," Sheng Li stated. His hands tightly held hers. His cold skin trapped the heat emancipating from Ying Lili''s skin.


    "But I am alright," Ying Lili said.


    "I know. However, it was necessary, Lili. Wang Hao must know what his duty as a General is," Sheng Li affirmed.


    "Your Majesty, I brought the clothes and a towel too," Eunuch Xing-Fu said.


    "Put them here and leave." Sheng Li gestured to the table. Xing-Fu acted on the Emperor''smand and put the clothes on the table. He stepped back and soon left the chamber.


    "You didn''t wet the bandage, right?" Ying Lili asked concernedly. "I strictly told you not to let your wound get wet," she started to scold him.


    "I forgot," Sheng Li answered and got up. He struggled to remove the overcoat when Ying Lili helped him. She opened the knots of his upper jacket and touched the bandage. Luckily, it was not wet. Also, the stain of the blood had not spread much on the bandage, unlike the earlier time.


    "Don''t move too much. Take leave for a few days. The Emperor must take care of his body first," Ying Lili said and picked the clean inner jacket. She gently pushed his arms in its sleeves and came to his front. Moving her hand over the jacket, she grasped the knot of the other opened end of it.


    "Don''t worry. Nothing will happen to us," Ying Lili said as she made the knot. "When I got the news of your injury, I had faith that you would wake up soon. I was a little worried though." She peered into his eyes, which had an intent look.


    Sheng Li sealed her lips with a kiss. A deep kiss. It astonished Ying Lili for a moment before she closed her eyes and she started to reciprocate his kisses with equal vigor. Her back hit the table behind her while Sheng Li''s left hand rested on the table''s edge.


    They continued to kiss until their lungs ran out of oxygen. Sheng Li''s right arm circled her waist as he lifted her to make her sit on the table.


    He again crashed his lips on hers, but kept the kisses tender, giving her enough time to breathe. His left hand, which was still on her cheek, moved a little down to her neck and then to the nape. He pulled her closer into a hug.


    "Hhha€|Lili, the constant fear of losing someone close to me isn''t disappearing from my mind. The moment I found out that those poisoned sweets were for you, I became anxious. I was restless the entire journey." His fingers moved into her hair and her right arm tightened its grip around her waist. "My heart is still restless," he murmured.


    Ying Lili put her hands on his back and caressed it. She didn''t say anything this time. She wanted to hear him out. But Sheng Li had also turned silent.


    After a while, Ying Lili said, "You will catch a cold. Wear the overcoat." Her hand patted his shoulder.


    Sheng Li withdrew from the hug and picked up the overcoat that was on the table. Wearing it, he came to Ying Lili and asked her if she wanted to eat something.


    "Yes. I am craving something sweet," Ying Lili said. "Let''s eat sweets. I heard Sister Xue had made some sweets at noon for the First Brother. Court Lady Xu informed me. She made some for me. If you allow, we can eat them," she requested.


    "Lili, I do not trust Xue." It was clear that he would not let her eat the sweets made from Xue Yu-Yan''s hands.


    "But Sister Xue is nice." Ying Lili pouted her lips. "Those sweets looked delicious too. She put so much effort into making those sweets," she asserted. "Moreover, the First Brother ate the same sweet. Sister Xue even tasted one before me." She tried her best to convince Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li chuckled. "Fine." Ying Lili was happy to hear that he agreed to let her eat those sweets. "I will make the same sweets for you." His statement turned off her smile.


    "I am good at cooking," Sheng Li said upon finding no reaction from Ying Lili, who suddenly burst outughing.


    "Forgive me," Ying Lili apologized after cing her palm over her lips. "Don''t lie to me. You are not a good cook. I will ask Court Lady Ki to make some sweets for me," she said and put her hand down before sighing.


    "Don''t underestimate your husband. I will bring some sweets for you. Better than what Xue made. You will fall for my cooking skills. I had once made food for you. You ate that with such enthusiasm," Sheng Li reminded her.


    Ying Lili recalled that she was angry with him, so he brought meals for her.


    "A Prince or a King entering the kitchen isn''t eptable. Also, don''t tire your body," Ying Lili said.


    Sheng Li pinched her nose and shook his head. "In my Empire, my rules work. I can go anywhere, anytime." He kissed her nose tip and stood straight. "Can you wait for an hour? I will be back soon," Sheng Li said. The next second, he carried her in his arms and took her to the chaise lounge at their left.


    Making hery down on it, he said, "You can converse with Court Lady Xu. I will try toe earlier than an hour." He stepped back and left her sight.

 Chapter 790 Sweeter Than The Syrup

    Xing-Fu folded the long sleeves of Sheng Li''s robes. "Your Majesty, the Royal Chef can prepare the sweets. His Majesty can watch him," Xing-Fu advised Sheng Li. He did not want the Emperor to again fall sick when he had yet to recover from the injury.


    "I need to prepare the sweets myself," Sheng Li stated and told the Royal Chef that he wanted to prepare the Glutinous Rice Balls (A famous sweet/dessert that originated in Han, called Tangyuan).


    The Royal Chef brought the ck sesame when Sheng Li asked him if he had to crush them.


    "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do it," the Royal Chef said humbly when Sheng Li took the ck sesame jar from him. "However, in the wintertime, its preparation is tougher. If His Majesty wants, then I can prepare another type of sweets for the Empress." During winter, kneading and heating became difficult which needed extra muscle work.


    "The Empress wants to eat the sweets prepared by my hands," Sheng Li said and put the jar on the counter. "The Royal Chef can instruct me and I will follow his instructions." The Royal Chef agreed with themand of the Emperor.


    "Your Majesty, your wound has still not healed. Kneading the dough will put pressure on His Majesty''s muscles," Eunuch Xing-Fu said worriedly.


    "The Royal Chef can do that," Sheng Li found a way and started to work on the Royal Chef''s instructions.


    Sheng Li first roasted the ck sesame for 7-8 minutes andter, ground them into a fine powder in a millstone.


    "The fine sesame powder needs to be mixed withrd and granted sugar, Your Majesty," the Royal Chef told the next step. Sheng Li made the dough of the mixture while the Royal Chef started the preparation of rice flour dough.


    The Royal Chef took the rice flour and kneaded it in the warm water. After the dough was ready, he made small balls and tten them with a rolling pin.


    Sheng Li filled the mixture prepared into the dough and rolled them again. He made a few balls while another helper put a small cauldron on the stove with water in it.


    "Your Majesty put the balls into the water and keep stirring it," the Royal Chef said. Sheng Li put the rice balls into the water and started to stir them so that the sugar inside them would not make them stick to each other. After an hour, the sweet was prepared. Sheng Li was eager to take it but before that, he tasted it.


    "How is it, Your Majesty?" Eunuch Xing-Fu asked curiously. Sheng Li picked one rice ball with the chopstick and brought it near Xing-Fu''s mouth. He ate it and found it extremely delicious. Being Sheng Li''s first time, he made them perfect. He started to praise Sheng Li and asked the Royal Chef to taste one.


    "I am allergic to sweets, Eunuch Xing-Fu," the Royal Chef reminded him.


    "Forgive me," Eunuch Xing-Fu apologized. Sheng Li put the sweets in a porcin bowl and covered it with a lid. Xing-Fu asked the maidservant to carry the tray and they left for the Northern Pce.


    Sheng Li found that the chamber was lit well withnterns and candles. Court Lady Xu stepped away while Ying Lili stood up.


    Sheng Li told the maidservant to put the tray on the table and ordered everyone to leave. Once the servants left, Sheng Li brought the bowl to Ying Lili.


    They both sat down on the chaise. "I made Glutinous Rice Balls," he said and asked her to taste, handing the chopsticks to her.


    "You made them!" She was astonished for a second and took a tiny bite of the rice ball. "Mmm, it''s delicious," she said.


    "I told you that I will make better than Xue," Sheng Li boasted about his cooking skills. Ying Lili hummed and asked him to open his mouth.


    Sheng Li opened his mouth and she put one rice ball in it. Sheng Li chewed it and asked Ying Lili to finish the remaining.


    Ying Lili focused on eating while Sheng Li watched her. "We will go to our private residence for a week," Sheng Li informed her and she lifted her head to look at him.


    "A week?" Ying Lili was stunned to hear.


    "Hmm. We need a break. The Private Lotus residence is the best ce for us to spend time together. Also, it will be good to watch the first snowfall together," Sheng Li replied. He wiped the sugar syrup from her lips with his thumb and then brought it near his mouth.


    "That''s sweeter than the syrup." He licked his thumb and looked into Ying Lili''s eyes, who pursed her lips together.


    "Did you find the meaning of the first snowfall?" She asked after a few seconds.


    "Yes."


    "What is it?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I will tell you when the first snowfall happens," he answered.


    "I will wait." Ying Lili smiled and drank the sweet syrup from the bowl using a spoon. "I feel good now." She said and put the bowl on the side table.


    "Is there something on my face?" She asked and ced her palms on her cheeks.


    Sheng Li shook his head. Promptly, she brought her hands to thep.


    "Then?" She arched her eyebrow.


    "I love watching you," Sheng Li replied. Ying Lili blushed and hit his arm lightly. She looped her arm around his and snuggled close to him.


    "I am young, that''s why you love watching me. One day when we will turn older, you might not love me as much as you do today." She lifted her head and peered into his eyes.


    "That will never happen. Sheng Li''s love for Lili willst until hisst breath. In my eyes, you will always remain beautiful," Sheng Li answered and put his hand over hers. He leaned down, and their noses touched.


    Sheng Li brought his arm to her waist. He carried her up and made her sit on hisp. Ying Lili locked her hands behind his neck while he took a few curls of her hair between his fingers. He tucked them behind her ear and ced his hand on her nape.


    "Sheng Li, when we get old, then we will stay mostly in the private residence. I love the lotuske in the residence," Ying Lili told him.


    "As my wife says," Sheng Li stated, and carried her up in his arms.


    She tightly wrapped her arms around him, who took her to the bedchamber. "Where are you taking me? I have slept so much during the day," Ying Lili said.


    "Somewhere beautiful," Sheng Li affirmed and walked out of the chamber.

 Chapter 791 Cold

    Jian Guozhi finished the sweets that Xue Yu-Yan had prepared for him. Both of them were on the patio. The falling raindrops on the top of the roof and the ground were like a piece of natural music.


    "I missed Jian Ge. His arrival surprised me. However, I found him troubled," said she, "here. Please drink this wine. It will keep his body warm."


    Jian Guozhi took the porcin cup from her and brought it to his lips. He took a sip and put it on the floor table before them. "Xue, you have seen me since my childhood. My treatment towards Brother Sheng, you are well aware of it." Xue Yu-Yan nodded her head.


    "I felt terrible when I saw Brother Sheng lying unconscious. I had always desired his death, in my previous self. When he did not wake up, I was scared. Years ago, because of me, my father''s life hade into danger. Once again, I saw myself in a position, where I was unable to protect my close ones. Brother Sheng is admirable. Despite undergoing injuries, he always has thought of his people, his loved ones." Jian Guozhi said with a heavy heart.


    "The Emperor doesn''t have anyints from Jian Ge. He does not need to me himself anymore," said she.


    "But seeing him sick or injured, I sometimes feel bad. Also, the wound that my mother gave to Brother Sheng, I saw that. How could she be so cruel to a child? I should not haveined to her."


    Jian Guozhi recalled the day when Sheng Li mistakenly broke his precious toy. His mother didn''t hesitate to push the dagger''s de into Sheng Li''s chest. He picked up the cup and drank the wine.


    "I am also upset to see how Brother Nianzu ended up getting betrayed. He did everything for his mother. I have seen him remaining quiet and aloof just for his mother. In the end, she gave her the worst memories before leaving. I wonder why our mothers thought that taking the throne would give us happiness." Jian Guozhi''sints were many, and there was no answer to theseints.


    Xue Yu-Yan ced her hand over his. He curled his fingers around her hand. "I brought something for Xue from Changying," said he and stood up from the floor seating. He went inside the chamber and from a shelf, he picked up a box. Returning to his seat, he put the box on the floor table.


    "It is for you," Jian Guozhi said. "I purchased it on the second day while my stay in Changying from a local jeweler. Open it."


    Xue Yu-Yan smiled and picked up the redwood box. She opened it and her eyes glinted in happiness. "A hairpin." She looked into his eyes and then at the hairpin. "It is beautiful, Jian Ge."


    Jian Guozhi was happy to find that Xue Yu-Yan liked his present. "Xue can wear it tomorrow," he suggested to her.


    She hummed and put the hairpin inside the box. She closed it and peered at Jian Guozhi. "Jian Ge took out time to pick such a beautiful present for his wife. I am overwhelmed seeing his care and affection." Her way of thanking was amusing to him.


    "Xue, we both grew together with insecurities. I am d that we both got a chance to reflect upon ourselves," asserted Jian Guozhi.


    Xue Yu-Yan saw Jian Guozhi''s cheeks turn red because of the cold wind. She had told him to stay inside the chamber, but he was adamant to sit on the patio to have a better outside view.


    She rubbed her palms together and leaned forward to him. She brought her palms to his cheeks. "Jian Ge will catch a cold. His cheeks are cold," said she and pulled her hands back.


    He put his hands on the back of her palms and put them down. "I am fine. Are you cold?" He caressed her hands and found that they were cold. "Let''s go in." He stood up and took Xue Yu-Yan inside with him.


    "Jian Ge, I have knitted a woolen overcoat for you. A little work has left in it, then I will give that to you," Xue Yu-Yan informed him. Jian Guozhi pushed the curtains away and the two entered their main chamber.


    She decided to call a maidservant and ask her to clean the table on the patio. Jian Guozhi grasped her wrist and pulled her behind. Her back hit Jian Guozhi''s chest, whose hands wrapped around her. Securely.


    "Jian Ge," Xue Yu-Yan tilted her head. His chin rested on her shoulder and her cheek touched hers.


    "Thank you for dedicating your life to me. I was harsh to you, but you always thought of me," he whispered.


    "I was not good to Jian Ge either. Yet, he forgave me and we came such a long way," Xue Yu-Yan said with a smile.


    She was surprised the moment Jian Guozhi carried her up in his arms and her arms automatically locked behind his neck. "You have gained weight," he said.


    "Really?" She arched her brows. "I tried not to eat much," she murmured.


    "Don''t skip your meals. You are already so skinny," Jian Guozhi said and walked to the bed. Putting her gently on the bed, he removed his overcoat and got into the bed.


    "Jian Ge shall not lie," Xue Yu-Yan said and brought her hands to Jian Guozhi''s hair bun. She removed the knot holder and put it on the bedside table.


    "I did not lie. You indeed are skinny," Jian Guozhi answered. "But I''m d that you have put on weight," said he, tucking the fringes thate to her face behind her ear. His hand moved to her nape and he drew her close for a kiss.


    He tenderly kissed her lower lip, followed by the upper lip. Xue Yu-Yan quickly reciprocated his kiss. His thumb was still on her cheek and he angled her head a little.


    Gradually, she leaned down and her back touched the mattress while he hovered over her. Their lips were still connected. They gasped for air when their lungs ran out of air. She lifted her finger and wiped his lips.


    "The taste of wine is strong," she whispered.


    "Is it so?" Jian Guozhi arched his brow.


    "Hmm."


    "Jian Ge, will you go with me to the Buddhist temple? I had prayed about your safe return. So, I need to again offer the prayer to the Lord," Xue Yu-Yan expressed her desire.


    "If the weather will be good, then we definitely will go," Jian Guozhi answered and yawned.


    "Jian Ge, you must sleep," said Xue Yu-Yan and pulled the quilt. Jian Guozhiid down, pulling her down and she let out a low scream. He covered them from the nket and kissed her forehead before closing his eyes. The day was tiring for him and troubling too. Sitting and conversing with Xue was the best medicine to heal h

 Chapter 792 Love, Commitment And Faith

    Wang Hao arrived at his residence. The words of Sheng Li were still in his head. As the first General, it was his duty to keep a check on every activity. However, he failed to find the plot that Empress Dowager conspired against the Emperor.


    After he freshened up and took a warm bath, he decided to meet his father, Wang Fuxing. Conversing with his father was the best way to bring his uneven thoughts to one ce.


    Upon entering, he bowed before his father and then took a seat in front of him.


    "Huo Jin informed me about what happened in the pce. Is the Emperor well and what about the Empress? The Fourth Prince must be disheartened to see all such acts of his mother," said Wang Fuxing.


    Wang Hao nodded. "Both the Emperor and the Empress are well. Indeed, Prince Nianzu is most hurt by the acts of his mother. No one expected that Empress Dowager would kill herself in the Imperial Court," he said with several lines of frowns on his forehead.


    Wang Fuxing noticed the troubled expressions on his son''s face and asked the reason for it.


    "Father, I failed as a General. Empress Dowager plotted against both the Emperor and the Empress. However, I failed to see that, find that," Wang Hao briefed his father. He was not upset that Sheng Li scolded him. Sheng Li had full rights to do so. Nheless, he was angry at himself.


    "Because Wang Hao thought that the royal family had no such person, who would scheme against them," Wang Fuxing deduced.


    "Remember, the enemy always stays close to you. When you knew that Empress Dowager wasn''t what she portrayed to everyone, you should not have ever averted your attention from her. A human learns from the mistakes he made. Hopefully, my son has received his lesson."


    His words were like enlightenment to Wang Hao. He felt better than before and he thanked his father for listening to him.


    "Anytime, my child!" Wang Fuxing smiled and looked towards the window. The rain had stopped a few minutes ago. However, the weather was still unpleasant.


    "What is Father looking at?" Wang Hao asked in amusement.


    "I am wondering when the first snow will fall." He turned to look at Wang Hao. "I met your mother during the first snowfall in Mongolian Hignds. She was taking woods to her home. Those days were so lovely. With the first snowfall, my first memory with your mother bes more lively than ever." He smiled upon recalling his old days with his wife.


    Wang Hao smiled as he recalled his father used to tell him about it every winter. For thest four years, Wang Hao wasn''t home, so he didn''t get to hear it.


    "Father spent his years in aloofness. When I see other men of his age, I feel how strong his love for my mother is! Father never decided to bring a second wife," he remarked.


    "Your mother married me on one condition: I would never look at another woman. Nobles are supposed to have more than one wife, but for me, only she was the one. No one can take her ce in my heart. That''s the beauty of love,mitment, and faith in marriage, Wang Hao. Moreover, your mother waited for me for two years to return from the war before our marriage. Such the love she carried for me. Remember these three things for a sessful marriage. I see myself in you. I am d that you turned into the man your mother and I desired!" Wang Fuxing said and his eyes turned misty.


    Wang Hao smiled. "My father has always been my ideal. I am d that he sees him in me," he stated when a cold gust of wind hit them. He stood up and went towards the window to close it. "Father will catch a cold if this window remains open." He closed it and returned to his seat.


    "I heard from Huo Jin about his confession to Yin Na. You must have known too," Wang Fuxing said.


    "Yes, Father. We got so busy with pce matters that we were unable to inform you," he affirmed.


    "Let''s see when they both should marry. It''s wintertime. I wonder if I shall tell them to marry in the early springtime," Wang Fuxing stated.


    "Why doesn''t Father ask their opinions on it? Huo Jin seems patient. However, Yin Na is too excited to be Huo Jin''s wife. It has been days since Ist talked to her," Wang Hao opined.


    "Hmm." Wang Fuxing caressed his beard. "I will talk to them in the morning," he asserted. "But since it''s the wintertime, organizing a wedding will not be a good idea," he reasoned.


    "Father is right. However, if the two seemed desperate enough, then Father would have no choice."


    "I will see what to do," Wang Fuxing stated. They talked for an hour and Wang Hao bid his warm good night to his father.


    The servant outside the chamber was trembling because of the cold wind. "You may leave for your room. Don''t stay outside for too long," he told her, who bowed and walked away. He pushed the door in and found Bai Yaling on the bed. Sleeping. She might have waited for him, but he was busy.


    Wang Hao removed his shoes and walked to the bed. He covered Bai Yaling from the quilt which had slipped away from her body in her sleep. He bent down and nted a soft kiss on her forehead. "I am trying to give my time to both of you," he said while caressing her hair.


    Standing straight, he walked out to have his dinner in the other room. After taking his meals, he came back to the main bedroom and quietly moved beside Bai Yaling into the bed.


    His eyes were fixed on the wooden ceiling. He tilted his head when Bai Yaling snuggled with him. Wang Hao turned to her and drew her close.


    His fingers moved into her hair, and he stroked them.

 Chapter 793 Private Residence- Part 1

    In the morning, Sheng Li and Ying Lili got ready to leave for the Lotus residence. He stood near the pnquin and helped Ying Lili get into the pnquin.


    "Are you not getting in?" Ying Lili asked him.


    No. I will go on foot," Sheng Li said and pulled the curtain down. The eight porters carried the pnquin upon Sheng Li''s orders and started to walk.


    Since the red curtain was translucent, Ying Lili could see the face of Sheng Li. He whispered something to Eunuch Xing-Fu, which Ying Lili was unable to hear. The porters started to walk, carrying the pnquin on their shoulders. Court Lady Xu and Court Lady Ki were on the other side of the pnquin.


    "Xing-Fu, you should take a rest for a week. The Royal Physician told me that you asked for stomach ache pills from him," Sheng Li asserted.


    "I am perfectly well, Your Majesty. I will apany His Majesty," Xing-Fu insisted.


    "You are not well. You are getting older, Xing-Fu. I don''t want to lose you through an illness as I lost my father. That''s why take plenty of rest and timely get it checked. I will be informed about you during my stay in the Lotus residence," Sheng Li suggested to him. The Royal Physician had informed Sheng Li that Xing-Fu needed a good rest.


    "Leave," Sheng Li told Xing-Fu.


    "First, His Majesty shall leave," Xing-Fu requested him, who refused.


    "The weather is cold. Go to your chamber. It is an order," Sheng Li said sternly. Xing-Fu bowed and quickly left his sight because he would never refute the order of the Emperor.


    Sheng Li smiled and hastened to reach the pnquin. His hands were locked behind his back while his eyes were fixed on Ying Lili. He could see Ying Lili from the small gap between the curtains.


    Ying Lili, who was looking out from the window, tilted her head to see if Sheng Li returned or not. A smile formed on her lips as she found Sheng Li on the left side of the pnquin.


    "What are you looking at?" Ying Lili asked him.


    "Do I need to answer?"


    Ying Lili pursed her lips tightly and kept smiling. "The Emperor might fall if he doesn''t look straight," Ying Lili said while peeking from the gap.


    "Then, the Empress can treat my wound. What can be better than that?" Sheng Li enquired, who chuckled.


    "The Emperor loves to get injured," Ying Lili remarked. "He must not forget that he might get wounds, but his wife feels his pain the most." She was serious this time.


    "I won''t get hurt," Sheng Li stated.


    "You always lie," Ying Lili said and huffed.


    "You should be happy that your husband is looking at you," Sheng Li pronounced. The porters and the servants smiled upon hearing their Emperor''s words.


    "I am not happy. Look straight," Ying Lili sternly told him, "else, we won''t talk."


    Sheng Li got tongue-tied and walked ahead in anger.


    "Did he just walk away?" Ying Lili mumbled and moved a little to look out. Sheng Li was out of her sight and she sighed. "Who gets angry for such a small thing? I only wanted his safety," she murmured and moved back to her original position. She looked out from the window and asked Court Lady Xu if she could tell where Sheng Li was walking.


    "The Emperor is at the front, Your Majesty," Court Lady Xu replied.


    "Oh. He got angry with me. Who does this? I only asked him to look straight, instead of looking at me. Did I do wrong, Court Lady Xu? Yet, he got angry and walked away," Ying Lili said loud enough that it fell into the ears of Sheng Li, who shook his head.


    He let the porters walk ahead and the pnquin approached him. Both the Court Ladies got aside while walking behind the Emperor.


    "I didn''t get angry, Lili. I walked ahead because it is impossible for me to look ahead if I walk by the pnquin''s side," Sheng Li exined to her.


    The servants smiled once again while Ying Lili blushed.


    "Am I that beautiful?" Ying Lili put her palms on her cheeks and fluttered her eyelids many times.


    "I don''t need to answer this," Sheng Li said and looked ahead. They were approaching the Fu Imperial Gates. "Put your head in. The weather is cold," Sheng Li told her and walked ahead. Ying Lili kept her head out when Court Lady Xu asked her not to do that.


    Ying Lili sat straight inside the pnquin and closed the window. She kept her palms on her cheeks and found how cold they had turned.


    After thirty minutes, they reached outside the Lotus Residence.


    "Carefully," Sheng Li told the porters, who put the pnquin down. Sheng Li knelt and extended his hand to Ying Lili, who grabbed it and came out. Standing straight, she looked at the mountain that was visible from there. It was covered in clouds, so nothing was visible.


    "It must be heavily snowing in the mountains," Ying Lili murmured and turned to look at Sheng Li. The porters took the pnquin away while the servants stayed behind, waiting for the Emperor and the Empress to go in.


    Sheng Li kept his hold on her hand and the two climbed the stairs. The guards at the entrance bowed when Ying Lili asked Sheng Li if it was good to let the guards stay outside in the cold.


    "Of course. They need to guard the residence," Sheng Li said and took her in.


    "But it is cold, Sheng Li. They also need to warm their bodies." Ying Lili showed her concern towards them. "It is inside the pce. Also, no one wille here to attack us," she opined.


    "Court Lady Xu, tell the guards to stay in the room that''s closest to the entrance," Sheng Li ordered her, who promptly acted on that.


    "Thank you," Ying Lili said and took a step toward him. She rubbed her palms and after they turned warm, she put them on his cheeks. "Your cheeks are red," she said and tiptoed to reach his face.


    The servants lowered their gazes.


    "Aren''t you shy?" Sheng Li asked.


    "Shy of?" She was confused by his question.


    "Nothing," Sheng Li replied and brought his palms down beforending his lips on her.

 Chapter 794 Private Residence- Part 2

    "Nothing," Sheng Li replied and brought his palms down beforending his lips on her.?


    As he lowered her hands, he lowered his head too andnded his lips over Ying Lili''s soft, pillowy ones. She bit his bottom lip, who pulled away and ced his thumb at it. She had an amusing smile on her lips. "At least, don''t do this openly now. You still have not grown up," she said and turned away to go inside.?


    Sheng Li walked behind her. "And you still get shy. I only kissed you and you bit my lip. You are turning naughty," Sheng Li teased her.?


    Ying Lili stopped outside the chamber and turned to face him again. "I wasn''t naughty. Don''t use such words," Ying Lili said and pushed the door to get inside.?


    "Why? Will you be shy again?" His lips curled up into a smirk.?


    He locked the doors behind him. Ying Lili attempted to open the knot on the long fur overcoat when Sheng Li held the strings. "I will do," he said and untied the knot. He put it away and then removed the one that he had put on.?


    Ying Lili went to the bed and sat on it while Sheng Li poured the water into a ss. He tasted it first before letting Ying Lili drink it. Her legs were lying tly on the mattress and one of her hands was on her right leg.


    Sheng Li sat near her feet while she put the silver ss on the bedside table. He gently grasped her feet and pulled her near him such that her legs rested on his thighs. Before she could ask him, she heard him.?


    "Leg cramps aremon at this time. I will press them to make you feel better," Sheng Li told her and gently pressed his palms on her legs.?


    "I will ask a servant, Sheng Li. You do not need to do it." Ying Lili tried to stop him.?


    "Lili, it is my work," Sheng Li answered. "You cany down and rx," he suggested to her.?


    Ying Lili leaned forward as her knees went up in the air. Sheng Li tilted his head to look at what she was doing when felt her lips on his cheek.?


    She said nothing and leaned back.?


    "You surprised me!" Sheng Li said in astonishment.?


    "It was only a peck," Ying Lili replied in a low voice.?


    "If you want, then we can kiss deeper," Sheng Li said, "but after I will be done." He continued to press her legs while being gentle with her.?


    "This residence is close to my heart. My confession, my marriage with you, everything started here. The start of our healthy rtionship truly begins from here," Sheng Li asserted and his eyes glinted with immense happiness.?


    "Thank you for giving me this life, Lili. I know that I have thanked you plenty of times, but that''s not enough. We both know how I used to be. Sometimes, it all appears as a dreama€| a beautiful dream."?


    "Dreamse true, Sheng Li. I had promised myself that I will show you what love is! I am d that we both made it. We both negotiated every obstruction in our path. The start of a beautiful family has already begun. Don''t look at your past anymore. Live your present to the fullest," Ying Lili said.?


    "Hmm. I vividly remember the first festival we both attended, where you told me that you want to love me. I remember every moment that showed me how much your value is in my life. Thank you, Lili, for believing in me. Thank you, for epting the imperfections inside me. I am truly happy, Lili. Every night has turned beautiful and every morning is pretty. Every day is cheerful and full of joy."?


    Ying Lili pulled her legs back and moved closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him close for a warm hug. "It all happened because of our mutual efforts, Sheng Li. I told you that our love is butterfly love. It will remain forever young and will only strengthen with each passing day."?


    Sheng Li ced his hands on her back and snuggled with her. His face was buried in the crook of her neck and his eyes closed.?


    They slowly leaned back, however, their bodies were still pressed against each other. They both looked into each other''s eyes, before initiating a kiss.?


    "Your Majesty, Prince Wanxi hase to see you." They both heard Court Lady Xu''s voice, who was at the door.?


    Ying Lili ced her hand on his shoulder, and the two pulled away. "Brother Wanxi wants to see you," she said.?


    "He still has not left his old habit." Sheng Li got annoyed and got off the bed. "I will be back soon," he said. Ying Lili nodded and told him not to scold Lei Wanxi.?


    "He deserves to be scolded," Sheng Li said and opened the lock.


    "Sheng Li, Brother Wanxi might have something important to discuss with you. Don''t be angry. Brother Wanxi did not mean to disturb us," Ying Lili made him understand.


    "I will try not to be angry at him," Sheng Li said and walked out of the chamber. Ying Lili smiled and shook her head.?


    "Stay with the Empress," Sheng Li instructed Court Lady Xu, who went into the chamber.


    "His Majesty looks angry," Court Lady Xu said.?


    "Brother Wanxi interrupted us once again," Ying Lili said andughed. She recalled Hu Jingguo, who used toe everytime when they both would be kissing each other. She stoppedughing and once again felt the void in her life. She had everything now, but that one friend, she could never get.?


    ''Hu Jingguo, I still miss you,'' she said to herself.?


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,?


    Because of my second book in the contest, the updates may be slower here. However, I will keep giving one per day here.?


    THANK YOU?


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 795 Our Share Of Suffering

    Sheng Li met Lei Wanxi in the courtyard and asked him the reason to disturb him in the middle.


    "Brother Sheng forgot to meet me. So, I thought toe here to see him," Lei Wanxi answered and found Sheng Li had not put on the overcoat. "Brother Sheng might catch a cold," he said worriedly.


    "You disturbed me because I didn''t meet you!" Sheng Li snickered. "Why have you not corrected your habit till now? We were busy, Wanxi." Sheng Li was irked with his behavior.


    "I didn''t know that Brother Sheng would get intimate with Sister Lili as soon as he stepped into the residence." Lei Wanxi started teasing Sheng Li.


    "Leave before I will beat you up," Sheng Li said with annoyance.


    "Fine. I am leaving, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi said and turned to leave.


    "You didn''t tell me the reason behinding here," Sheng Li reminded him. "Is it about you or anyone in the pce?" He queried. He had noticed that Lei Wanxi hid something from him. He would not havee to the residence just to trouble him.


    Lei Wanxi turned to face Sheng Li. "Brother Nianzu has fallen sick and he asked me to give you this." Initially, Lei Wanxi thought not to tell Sheng Li, since he was in the private residence to spend time with Ying Lili. However, hiding it would only grow Sheng Li''s anger.


    Lei Wanxi took out a folded paper sheet to Sheng Li, who asked him why he was ready to leave without informing him. "Don''t mind my earlier words," Sheng Li told him and unfolded the paper. He read the message and scrunched his brows.


    "What did the Royal Physician say?" Sheng Li asked him.


    "Brother Nianzu stayed outside in the cold, so he fell sick. He is asked to be on bed rest. He told me to deliver the message to you as it was important," Lei Wanxi stated. "What has Brother Nianzu written in the message?" He waited for the answer.


    "Tell Brother Nianzu to stay strong. I will see him in the evening when he gets better." Sheng Li refrained from telling about the message and folded it back.


    "Brother Nianzu has been traumatized from the death of his mother. This happened in just a night. Brother Sheng, we need to make him understand that he is not at fault," Lei Wanxi stated. Sheng Li got into a dilemma and looked at the folded paper in his hand.


    "Wait here," Sheng Li told Lei Wanxi and walked in to inform Ying Lili that he had to go to the pce to converse with Nianzu. No one informed him in the morning and staying here would only trouble him.


    Sheng Li returned to the courtyard and asked Lei Wanxi to follow him.


    "Brother Sheng, you are not supposed to go to the pce. Brother Nianzu only said to deliver this message to Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi said.


    "Lei Wanxi, Brother Nianzu will leave if I won''t go to the pce now. I thought toeter in the evening, but it seems I should go now," Sheng Li said with a stern tone and asked him to follow him. They stepped out of the entrance, where a carriage was waiting for them.


    Stepping into it, the two left for the Imperial Pce.


    The carriage stopped at the Fu Imperial Gates. Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi walked on foot to the Eastern Pce to meet Nianzu. The servants bowed upon seeing the Emperor, who asked them if Prince Nianzu was alone.


    "Lady Chuntao is with the Prince," one of them answered.


    "Inform the Fourth Prince that I have to see him," Sheng Li ordered her. The maidservant walked in and after a minute returned with Eunuch Chung, who greeted the Emperor.


    "This way, Your Majesty," Eunuch Chung said and they walked in.


    Sheng Li saw Nianzu was on the bed. His paleplexion was enough to show that he fell severely sick. Why he was not informed about it? This matter should have been reported to him first. Chuntao stood up and greeted Sheng Li.


    "Please remain seated," Sheng Li told Chuntao.


    "Why did Brother Shenge here? I told Brother Wanxi to hand him the message only," Nianzu said with aining look and gazed at Lei Wanxi.


    "Lei Wanxi isn''t good at lying. Eunuch Chung, please take Princess Chuntao to her chamber. I would like to converse with Brother Nianzu alone," Sheng Li affirmed. Chuntao bowed before leaving the chamber apanied by Eunuch Chung.


    "What was this letter about? Don''t tell me the Fourth Brother again wants to leave this Pce," Sheng Li raised his voice at Nianzu and his brows furrowed.


    Lei Wanxi asked Sheng Li to calm down.


    "I want peace, Brother Sheng. I am unable to even look at myself. I am unable to take off this burden," Nianzu said. "Forgive me, Brother Sheng. I don''t think I ever deserved to be a Prince. This life isn''t for me," Nianzu said.


    "What''s the use of the knowledge that the Fourth Brother acquired all these years when he is unable to apply it in his real-life?! Are you the only one who suffered here? No, Brother Nianzu. We all have our share of suffering. However, we ovee it with each passing day. Think about your wife and your child, who''s shaping the womb of your wife! It was not Brother Nianzu''s fault that he was unable to see his mother''s true self. She did all this because she was the daughter of a low-rank official," Sheng Li pronounced. He crumpled the paper in his hand and his jaw clenched.


    "Brother Nianzu, more than you, I am afraid. The moment that arrow hit me, I," he paused as his voice quivered and he gulped the lump that had formed in his throat, "thought what would happen to the people behind me? Especially for my Lili, my kids, and for you alla€| I was scared. Be strong, Brother Nianzu. If a person like you fall weak, then anyone can."


    Lei Wanxi agreed with Sheng Li''s words.


    "If Brother Nianzu needs time, then he can take a leave from Kingdom''s affairs. He needs to heal himself and he truly needs time for it," Sheng Li opined.


    "Brother Sheng is absolutely right," Lei Wanxi stated. "Brother Nianzu, we are here for you. You don''t need to feel low or ashamed of anything," he said.


    "Wanxi, let me talk. Stay quiet," Sheng Li told him.


    Lei Wanxi pouted his lips and kept his mouth shut.


    "Brother Nianzu, tell me what''s going in your head. Tell me. I will listen to you and will give you the solution," Sheng Li asserted.


    "It is tough to exin. Everything was for my mother. Why did I fail to reach her expectations?" Nianzu questioned.


    "Brother Nianzu does not need to reach anyone''s expectations. Also, everyone still sees you as the Fourth Prince, as the advisor to the Emperor. You are the same person for them, who makes efforts along with the other princes to uplift the destitute and vulnerable," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Nianzu stayed quiet.


    "I shall take my leave. Brother Nianzu can do anything to take out his anger, his frustration, except talk about leaving this pce. Last time, I helped you. I supported you. However, this time it will be the opposite," Sheng Li said with a stern tone and stepped back before leaving the chamber.


    Lei Wanxi ran after Sheng Li, who seemed furious. He encountered Jian Guozhi and Rong Zemin outside the chamber.


    "Is everything good?" Jian Guozhi asked.


    "I conversed with Brother Nianzu. He needs time. Also, no one will talk about Empress Dowager Deng Hui in front of him unless he initiates the conversation about it. I want everyone to follow mymand," Sheng Li told them.


    "Can I talk with the Fourth Brother? I have been into that situation once," Jian Guozhi asserted.


    "No. Talk to the Fourth Brother tomorrow. Today, he needs to reflect upon himself. He needs to find answers on his own," Sheng Li advised Jian Guozhi, who nodded his head.


    Sheng Li walked ahead while the three princes stayed back.


    "Brother Sheng almost burst out in anger at Brother Nianzu. I think Brother Nianzu talked about leaving again in the message which infuriated Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi told them.


    "Brother Nianzu was in the pce for his mother from the beginning. This is not the first time he talked about it. However, I thought he would never bring such a thing ever again after his return," stated Rong Zemin.


    "Brother Nianzu is triggered. Nothing more. As Brother Sheng said, except giving time to the Fourth Brother, we can''t do anything," Jian Guozhi stated and asked about Chuntao.


    "Sister Chuntao is in her chamber," Lei Wanxi informed him.


    "I will talk to Princess Chuntao. Brother Nianzu will listen to her more than us," Jian Guozhi opined.


    "I will apany the First Brother," Rong Zemin told Jian Guozhi, who hummed and they both left to see Chuntao.


    "What''s happening? I thought everything had turned well," Lei Wanxi murmured and sighed.

 Chapter 796 I Found Everything In You

    Sheng Li returned to the lotus residence and apologized to Ying Lili to make her wait.


    "What happened? Is everything good in the pce?" Ying Lili asked.


    Sheng Li refrained from telling her about Nianzu. "I had to put a stamp on an important document," he lied to her and removed the fur overcoat.


    "Sheng Li, I am craving something sour. I want to eat tangerines." Ying Lili said with a glint in her eyes. Sheng Li hummed and walked out of the chamber to ask Court Lady Xu to bring tangerines for Ying Lili.


    He returned to the chamber and found Ying Lili was near the window. She had opened it and was looking at the sky. It was covered in dark clouds.


    "Lili, you will catch a cold. The wind is too cold to bear," Sheng Li walked to her. He was ready to close the window when Ying Lili told him not to do so.


    "I am bored sitting inside for so many weeks. In the pce, so many restrictions were put on me. I want to enjoy my time here," Ying Lili told Sheng Li. "If I stay inside all the time, my body may getzier with time. I want the babies to feel what their mother feels at the moment." Her eyes gleamed with indescribable happiness as she put her hand over her belly.


    Sheng Li took off the fur overcoat and put it around Ying Lili, who tilted her head. Sheng Li back hugged her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Forgive your husband to put so many restrictions on you." He grasped her hands which were on her belly and kissed her cheek.


    Ying Lili looked out of the giant window and saw the hilltop which was covered in clouds. Her cheeks fanned with the cold breeze and she closed her eyes. "After our babies are born safely, I will take you to the market. Your expected delivery time is in the mid-summer time," Sheng Li said.


    "But we will go asmoners," Ying Lili said.


    "Of course," Sheng Li agreed with her.


    "Promise?" She raised her pinky finger. Sheng Li raised his hand too and scooped his pinky finger with hers before joining their thumbs.


    "Promise."


    They pulled their hands back and Ying Lili turned to him. Her hands wrapped around him and her face rested on his chest. "Ahh, I almost forgot about," she lifted her head, "your wound which is yet to heal."


    Sheng Li ced his hand on the back of her head and pushed her face gently on his chest. "It doesn''t hurt much. The medicine worked faster here," Sheng Li replied and kissed the top of her head.


    "Court Lady Xu is here. Forgive me for intruding," she humbly said and lowered her head. She had the small basket in her hand, filled with fresh tangerines.


    Sheng Li and Ying Lili pulled away when Sheng Li told her to keep them on the round table. Court Lady Xu nodded and after cing the basket on the table, she left the chamber.


    Sheng Li turned to Ying Lili and hooked the fur overcoat on her neck. He went ahead and carried a chair near her. Making her sit on it, he brought another chair and carried the basket as well.


    He settled on the chair beside Ying Lili and opened the basket. A small te was inside the basket which he took out. Ying Lili held it and ced it on herp.


    "Let me help you in peeling them," Ying Lili out-stretched her hands, but he refused her.


    "Stay still and enjoy the picturesque beauty," Sheng Li told her and started to peel the tangerines for her. He took the first clove of tangerine, took out the two seeds, and brought it near Ying Lili''s mouth. She opened her mouth and took the tangerine inside her mouth. She chewed it while Sheng Li put the seeds on the te.


    He continued to feed the tangerines to her. She took one clove from him and pushed it inside his mouth. "Eat," she said and he took it in. He felt a tinge of sweetness mixed with sourness. Ying Lili must have liked it.


    Ying Lili ate four tangerines when her stomach got full. Sheng Li put the basket aside along with the small te and rested his back on the chair.


    Ying Lili tilted her head and it rested on his shoulder. Her fingers intertwined with his. "You give me warmth, Sheng Li," she said. "When you were away, I made every sort of excuse to go to the top of the Imperial Fu Gates, from where I looked for you. Last day, Brother Wanxi met me when you were away for a while. He told me that you were guilty of not being able to change Empress Dowager."


    "I was," Sheng Li admitted, "but not anymore. You feel guilty when you are unable to stand to the expectations of the person before you. I would say I was upset for not being able to save the mother of a child."


    "I saw how devastated you looked when Empress Dowager said mean words to you. You still bury many things inside you. During pregnancy, a woman bes stronger, Sheng Li. She knows that for her baby, she has to. I learned this from my mother-inw," she affirmed and lifted her head. They peered into each other''s eyes, " who remained stronger for you. So, it won''t worry me if you tell me what you feel. Last day, I didn''t ask you much because I wanted to give you time. However, now, I want to know."


    Sheng Li caressed her hand and smiled. "Lili, it doesn''t matter anymore. I have a woman in my life, whose love is enough to shoo away all the negative feelings from my life. I never experienced a mother''s love, but when you held my hand, and gave me the shoulder, I felt everything. A woman''s love¡ª I felt it, experienced it. Her words did hurt for a while, but not anymore."


    He knocked his forehead against hers. "I found everything in you, so I don''t seek for any other love anymore," he affirmed.

 Chapter 797 Find Yours

    On the third day of Ying Lili''s and Sheng Li''s stay in their private residence, the snowfall began. On Sheng Li''s orders, special arrangements were already made to make sure that Ying Lili would enjoy her first snowfall as much as she could with him.


    On the patio, Sheng Li brought Ying Lili with him. She had worn a white hanfu dress with red embroidery on it. They sat on the heated mattress which was warm because of the heating floor system.


    Ying Lili looked up in the sky and smiled brightly. "Can I catch the snowkes?" She asked and without waiting for Sheng Li''s response, stood up. She walked ahead and stood by the pir. Outstretching her hand, she let the snowkes fall over her palm.


    Sheng Li stood beside her and held out his hand.


    "Where were you inst year''s winter?" Ying Lili asked.


    "I was in the North-West Province," Sheng Li answered.


    "You stayed outside in such harsh weather. It must be tough," Ying Lili said and pulled her hand back.


    "It wasn''t tough, Lili. A year ago, my thoughts were different from what they are today. I love to stay outside the pce because I didn''t have to see many evil faces," Sheng Li said.


    "But you wanted to return to Luoyang at the earliest. That''s why you pushed your limits in the military campaigns. This is what I got to hear in Juyan," Ying Lili said.


    "So, you used to talk about me even before marriage," Sheng Li arched his brow, with a grin on his face.


    "Never. I heard from my Father about you. You were a tyrant in everyone''s eyes: a cruel Prince. You spread such good rumors about you," Ying Lili affirmed.


    "I spread only a few rumors. The rest of the rumors are made by people," Sheng Li corrected her. He lifted his arm and wrapped it around Ying Lili''s shoulder. He drew her close and continued, "Lili, the first snowfall means that you will stay with your lover for a long time. In your lover''s happiness, you will find yours. Everything turns so peaceful during the snowfall. Our lives will turn the same."


    Ying Lili smiled upon hearing the meaning. She tiptoed and kissed Sheng Li''s cheek. He tilted his head and found her smiling. "I am lucky to see it with you," she stated and looked straight.


    Sheng Li turned her to face him. "First kiss in the snowfall has a different feeling," he said and pressed his lips on Ying Lili''s. She wrapped her hands around his neck while he pulled her up. The gentle sound of the wind chime reverberated on the patio.


    "Your cheeks are cold," Sheng Li said as he gradually pulled from the kiss. He kept his palms on her cheeks and asked her how long she wanted to stay outside.


    "Until the snowfall stops," Ying Lili answered and brought her hands on his cheeks. "Your nose has turned red," she whispered.


    "The snowfall will happen the entire day and night. We will catch a severe cold if we stay here more. The floor is warm, but we cannot stay outside for long," Sheng Li advised her.


    "Let''s stay for fifteen minutes and then we will go inside," Ying Lili negotiated with him.


    "Fine," Sheng Li agreed to her request. Ying Lili turned to look at the courtyard while holding Sheng Li''s hand.


    ~~~~~~


    Lei Wanxi tapped on the wooden handrail as he watched the snow falling. "Ahh, I won''t go to work anymore. It is going to be cold," he muttered and looked up at the sky.


    "Prince Wanxi shall not bezy," Zhu Lin said. "He always sneaks off his work," she opined.


    "Zhu Lin, d youe here." Lei Wanxi was delighted to hear her and circled his arm around her waist. Pulling her close, he rested his head on her shoulder. "Zhu Lin, everyone beszy during winter," he asserted.


    "Prince Wanxi is alwayszy," Zhu Linined and asked him to stand straight if he didn''t want anyone to see them.


    "But no one is around. It''s cold. Everyone must be inside their chambers," Lei Wanxi answered.


    "Prince Weng Yu roams in the corridor. Last time he has seen us kissing," Zhu Lin stated. Lei Wanxi stood straight and looked around. He didn''t find Weng Yu in the corridor and told Zhu Lin not to be shy.


    "Shy? I never get shy," Zhu Lin remarked.


    "Tomorrow we will y in the snow. I will throw many snowballs at you, so you need to be careful of me," Lei Wanxi warned her.


    "I am good at aiming. Prince Wanxi will be defeated," Zhu Lin said confidently.


    "Are you challenging me? Don''t forget that I am good at such games. It''s not archery. It''s throwing snowballs. Last year, I defeated Brother Nianzu, Brother Rong Zemin, and Brother Yu. Brother Sheng wasn''t in Luoyang else, I had defeated him," he said proudly.


    "Then, let''s have a match tomorrow. One, who will defeat has to do everything that the other person would say," Zhu Lin proimed. Lei Wanxi agreed with her and told her not to cryter if she got defeated.


    "Prince Wanxi shall not forget that he is weaker in strength than me," Zhu Lin mocked him.


    "Does that matter, Zhu Lin? In games, more than strength, one''s mind-matter," Lei Wanxi opined. "Let''s not argue anymore. We need to enjoy this snowfalla€¡° our first snowfall together," he said and looked towards the ground which had turned white.


    Zhu Lin swooped her hand around Lei Wanxi''s arm. "Are we not going to marry? I am eager to marry the Prince," she said.


    "Zhu Lin, let Brother Sheng and Sister Lilie back. Then, we will get married," Lei Wanxi answered and knocked on his left temple with her right temple.


    ~~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,


    Should I give more stories about the other characters? Because I have decided to wrap up the story in a few chapters. I have decided to give a few months'' gap, and then I''ll ordingly show their kids. You can tell me your opinions.


    THANK YOU


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 798 After Seven Months

    The Early Summer Time:?


    Sheng Li was pacing outside the chamber, hearing the cries of Ying Lili. He decided to go inside when Eunuch Xing-Fu stopped him. "Your Majesty, let the delivery happen first. The Empress will safely deliver the babies," he assured him.?


    "I think I shall stay by Lili''s side. It must be too painful for her," Sheng Li opined when a servant came outside with the vessel in her hand. Sheng Li tried to walk in, and this time Jian Guozhi stopped him.?


    "Brother Sheng, be patient. Everything will be fine. Let them do the work," he advised Sheng Li, who clenched his fists.?


    "Lili, I am present here. Everything will be fine," Sheng Li said loud enough so that his words fell into Ying Lili''s ears.?


    Ying Lili, who was on the inclined bed, was assisted by the attendants. She was asked to push while the two attendants had held her waist, thus assisting inbor. Her entire body was covered in sweat and she continued to push. She heard Sheng Li, who was strengthening her from outside the chamber.?


    A few secondster, everyone heard the cries of the baby. Sheng Li was wonderstruck and tears of happiness appeared on the edges of his eyes.?


    Ying Lili was a little rxed to hear the cries of her first baby. However, she still had to push the second baby out.?


    "Your Majesty, the first baby is a girl," Court Lady Ki informed Ying Lili, from whose eyes tears started to stream down her cheeks. Court Lady Xu ced the baby on Ying Lili''s chest, who took deep breaths. She stroked her other hand gently over the baby''s head and nted a soft kiss on the top of her head.?


    After seven minutes, the second twin was also delivered safely.?


    "It''s a boy, Your Majesty," Court Lady Ki informed her. Ying Lili continued to cry because of her immense happiness. The most anticipating moment ended when Ying Lili held both of her babies in her arms, close to her chest.?


    The cries of both the babies reverberated in the chamber and everyone present in the chamber congratted Ying Lili for the sessful births.?


    Sheng Li, and then others, who were waiting outside had heard the cries of the babies.?


    Court Lady Xu walked outside to inform Sheng Li about it. "Your Majesty, Her Majesty sessfully delivered both the babies. Both the mother and the babies are safe and in sound health. The elder baby is a girl while the son is born after seven minutes of dy," she humbly said.?


    Sheng Li could not hold his tears back. "I became a father," he murmured and hugged Jian Guozhi tightly. He pulled away and quickly removed the rings, and gold nes that he had around his fingers. He gave them to every servant present outside the chamber.?


    "We became royal uncles," Lei Wanxi said while looking at the rest of his brothers. He congratted Sheng Li, who was overwhelmed with the good news.


    "Eunuch Xing-Fu, distribute the free grains among the people. Spread the news to every corner of the Kingdom," Sheng Li said enthusiastically.?


    "Can I go in?" Sheng Li asked Court Lady Xu.?


    "The Royal Physician is examining the Empress. As soon as hees out, His Majesty can go inside," she stated. The servants came outside holding the vessels.?


    After a few minutes, the Royal Physician stepped out of the chamber and gave the information about Ying Lili''s and the babies'' health to Sheng Li. At the request of Sheng Li, the Princes had left already and he walked in.?


    "Her Majesty has fallen asleep, Your Majesty," Court Lady Ki informed her. Sheng Li pushed the curtain away and found his wife sleeping. He looked at his babies, who were lying beside their mother. He carried them up in his different arms and continued to smile.?


    "They are so adorable," Sheng Li whispered and kissed their cheeks. One of them started to cry and it panicked Sheng Li.?


    "What happened? I was gentle. Don''t cry," he said. Court Lady Ki smiled at him and asked him to give the baby to her. Sheng Li let her take the baby, who made the baby sleep.?


    "Your Majesty, babies usually wake up with the slightest disturbance," Court Lady Xu exined to him, who nodded. He had a lot of things to learn rted to the babies. He had to be extremely careful of his acts.?


    Putting the baby on the left of Ying Lili, he looked at the other baby. He settled on the mattress beside Ying Lili and caressed her head. Court Lady Xu asked everyone to vacate the chamber.?


    After thirty minutes, Ying Lili''s sleep broke, and her first nce fell on both the babies. She tried to move when Sheng Li told her to stay still.?


    She turned her head to look and found him behind her. "Are you good?" The first question that Sheng Li asked her while keeping his voice low.?


    Ying Lili nodded. Sheng Li brushed the hair off her face and nted a soft kiss on the top of her head. Then, he knocked his forehead to hers. "Thank you, Lili. My family isplete," Sheng Li said and caressed her hands.?


    ~~~~~?


    After taking a month''s rest, focusing on her diet and other cultural rituals, Ying Lili was ready to meet everyone around her. She stood outside the chamber, which Sheng Li specially made for their babies.?


    She heard Sheng Li whisper, who was conversing with Eunuch Xing-Fu about the book in which it was mentioned how a father must take care of his kids and wife.?


    "There''s no such book, Your Majesty. I found it in the entire Kingdom," Eunuch Xing-Fu replied to him.?


    "Can''t you speak in a low voice? What if they woke up?" Sheng Li scolded him.?


    "Your Majesty, the Emperor has be extremely calm and gentle after the birth of the royal prince and the princess," Court Lady Xu informed her. Ying Lili hummed and stepped into the chamber.?


    "Lili, why didn''t you send me the message that you are ready?" Sheng Li asked her and walked to her. He held her hands and said, "I would have fetched you. Now, after ''doing the month''* I can watch my wife and babies as much as I can," he said with a smile and brought her to the center of the swings.?


    "Look, how they both are sleeping. My Princess'' nose is like mine. Did you notice it?" He asked her and bent down a little. He urged to touch her cheek, but stopped, recalling that it might disturb the baby''s sleep. He stood straight and snuggled Ying Lili in his arms.?


    Eunuch Xing-Fu and Court Lady Xu lowered their heads.?


    "I will announce their names tomorrow. So, what do you think of their names?" Sheng Li asked her and leaned back to peer into her eyes.?


    "The names that we decided," Ying Lili answered.?


    "Han Y??nghu?? and Han L?3ng Jingguo," Sheng Li said.?


    Ying Lili nodded her head. "Our Princess''s name is based on the cherry blossom while our Prince''s name isa€¡°"?


    "a€¡±after ourte friend, Hu Jingguo. Since our son was born in the month of the dragon, I used the initial as ''L?3ng''." Sheng Li pronounced and looked at their son, who was on the right swing sleeping peacefully.?


    *****


    ''Doing the month''- In Chinese traditional culture, it was said that the mother and child should be confined in a room for a month. They were given proper rest, a healthy diet, especially for a mother, to recover fully after the delivery of a baby.?


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,?


    I don''t know if this chapter is written good or not. I have given the gaps of seven months. Some years of gap, I''ll show in the uing chapters with the children of the other Princes. With that I''ll put this story to an end.


    This story is very close to my heart because it shaped in my mind while watching chinese dramas. I hope you loved this creation and will support my next work which is ''Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince.''?


    This chapter and all the uing chapters are dedicated to all the readers.?


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 799 Who Once Was Called Cruel

    "Is it necessary? The Temple is far away? Also, your feet will bruise badly." Ying Lili was not ready to go with Sheng Li to the temple.


    "I have told the Lord Buddha that if we both get blessed with a baby boy and a girl, then I will carry you in my arms bare feet to the temple. I cannot take back my words," Sheng Li pronounced and looked at Y¨©nghu¨¡ and L¨®ng Jingguo, who was sleeping peacefully on the swings.


    "Father and mother will return soon," Sheng Li told them and turned to look at Court Lady Xu. "Don''t let your eyes get away even for a second. Xing-Fu, stay here and assist Court Lady Xu," hemanded them, and the two bowed.


    Sheng Li held Ying Lili''s hand and brought her out of the chamber.


    "Sheng Li, it''s early summertime. Your feet will be wounded badly. I don''t want it." Ying Lili still wasn''t ready to go to the Buddhist temple.


    "Sister Lili, don''t worry. Brother Zemin and I have made the arrangements for Brother Sheng." Suddenly they heard Lei Wanxi''s voice, who came with Rong Zemin towards them.


    They both greeted them. "Sister Lili, we are happy to see you after a month. It is said that after a woman bes a mother, her glow definitely enhances. We can see it on her face," Rong Zemin opined.


    "What about a father''s face? Do I look more handsome?" Sheng Li asked with excitement.


    "Brother Sheng cannot look more handsome than me. Am I right, Sister Lili?" Lei Wanxi asked.


    Ying Lili nodded at him. "Indeed, no one can defeat Brother Wanxi in terms of looks," sheplimented him. Sheng Li gaped at Ying Lili.


    "But for you, I should be more good-looking. I am your husband," Sheng Li stated. Lei Wanxi and Rong Zemin started tough seeing Sheng Li who was acting the same way as he used to do before.


    "And I am a lovely younger brother of Sister Lili," Lei Wanxi affirmed and winked at Ying Lili, whose lips curled up into a broad smile. Ying Lili asked them about their respective wives.


    "It''s the eighth for Liao Jun. She will also deliver soon," Rong Zemin informed Ying Lili, who nodded at him and nced at Lei Wanxi.


    "Zhu Lin is also well, Sister Lili. She can meet Zhu Lin after returning from the temple," Lei Wanxi said.


    "Let''s go. We need to return soon," Sheng Li told Ying Lili, and they left for the pce grounds, where the other two Princes were present. They greeted each other.


    Ying Lili found the path through which Sheng Li would carry her to the temple was covered with a mat. She regretted not telling Sheng Li nine months ago, not to make such a pledge.


    "How will you¡ª" she could notplete her words as Sheng Li lifted her in his arms in front of all the princes and hundreds of the other servants.


    "Then, we shall start. It''s the time to fulfill what I have asked from my Lord," Sheng Li said, peering into the eyes of Ying Lili, who had wrapped her hands around him.


    "Brother Sheng, General Xiao will follow both of you from here," Jian Guozhi informed them. "The soldiers are deployed at regr intervals," he added.


    Sheng Li hummed and removed the shoes. He stepped forward onto the mat and started to walk. A servant had held the royal umbre, which had prevented both Ying Lili and Sheng Li from the sunrays.


    "Finally, you showed everyone how shameless you are!" Ying Lili whispered. Sheng Li smiled slightly. "Everyone will speak about how I made my husband do such acts. He is the Emperor, yet he has be no lesser than a ve," Ying Lili remarked.


    "It is my adoration for you, for our babies, Lili. It is a bold act of mine that every man should follow. The woman, who devoted their lives to their men, those men shall not hesitate to shower them with their love," Sheng Li asserted.


    Ying Lili tried many ways to stop Sheng Li, but he didn''t. After thirty minutes, they had covered almost half of the distance. She asked Sheng Li to rest for some time, and he shook his head.


    "Do you want to faint from dehydration?" She scolded him while wiping the sweat from his face. Xiao Zhan came forward with a gourd in his hand which had water in it. Ying Lili helped Sheng Li to drink the water, who resumed the walk again.


    "General Xiao, your Emperor has be too stubborn. Why did he not stop him when he nned all this?" Ying Liliined to him.


    "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I cannot deny themand of the Emperor. The Empress shall not worry since the Emperor is strong enough to walk this small distance," Xiao Zhan tried to calm Ying Lili down.


    "It is not a small distance, General Xiao. We have been walking for more than thirty minutes. I mean, you all people," Ying Lili said, keeping her gaze fixed on Sheng Li''s serene face.


    "Do you remember when you carried me for the first time in your arms? You threw me like a rice sack on the ground?" Ying Lili asked Sheng Li out of the blue. Xiao Zhan nced at Sheng Li, who lowered his head to gaze at Ying Lili.


    "Yes, I remember. You were a rebellious wife back then and you still are!" Sheng Li replied and grinned. "I am not tired. You are like a feather of the white pigeon," Sheng Li stated.


    After an hour, they reached the temple. After offering the prayers to Lord Buddha, Ying Lili examined Sheng Li''s feet. They had swollen and turned red.


    "Look at your feet," Ying Lili concernedly said. Xiao Zhan had brought the cold water from the well of the temple. Ying Lili poured the water over Sheng Li''s feet and almost touched them when he held her hand.


    "Don''t touch my feet. I am good. Don''t worry. It was an important prayer for us," Sheng Li stated and handed the vessel to Xiao Zhan, who walked away.


    "My life has changed, Lili, thanks to you. This was nothing before what you did for me. You made me believe in love, inpassion and I wanted to thank the Lord for all this," Sheng Li pronounced. "I once desired power. I once thought of making every person kneel before me, fearing me. My heart is so overwhelmed with this feeling of having a warm family." He put his arm around Ying Lili and snuggled her close. His side face rested over her head.


    "Sheng Li has been so happy for the past one month. Today, everyone respects me, and cares for me, thanks to you. When people send messages of blessings to our babies, I feel so happy. Everything I do for you is small before what you did for me. You changed the life of this man, who once was called cruel," Sheng Li stated and the two stayed in that position for a while.


    *****


    Tomorrow, I will publish thest chapter of the story. The side stories will be published in the ''SIDE STORY'' section after I will mark itplete.


    HAPPY READING

 Chapter 800 Embraced Warmly

    Seven Years Later:


    A young girl could be seen braiding the hair of a person, who was seated on the mattress. The person was none other than Sheng Li. He had his eyes closed and let her daughter braid his hair.


    "Young Princess, don''t y with the hair of your father," Eunuch Xing-Fu said politely to YÄ«nghu??, who had a silk ribbon in her hand.


    "But Father said that he likes it," YÄ«nghu?? said and put her tiny hands down. "Does Father hate what YÄ«nghu?? does?" She asked and peered into his eyes.


    "Of course, Young Princess. He is the Emperor of the Han Kingdom. What if someone sees His Majesty this way? The Young Princess can ask any pce maid to y with her. His Majesty has to dy the court session," Xing-Fu made YÄ«nghu?? understand.


    Sheng Li opened his eyes and nced at Xing-Fu. "Do not listen to Eunuch Xing-Fu. He has turned old, so he likes to nag. I can dedicate my time entirely to Princess YÄ«nghu??." Sheng Li lightly pinched her cheeks and it made her smile. Eunuch Xing-Fu got tongue-tied upon hearing the words of the Emperor.


    "Father is the best," YÄ«nghu?? said and wrapped her tiny arms around Sheng Li''s neck. Sheng Li gently put his hand on his daughter''s back and caressed it while smiling.


    YÄ«nghu?? pulled away and looked at the braid which had opened. "Aish! My Father''s hair is so smooth that the braid loosened," she said and folded her arms.


    "Start again," Sheng Li encouraged her.


    "Your Majesty, the ministers are waiting for you. They might get upset," Eunuch Xing-Fu again intervened between the father & daughter.


    YÄ«nghu?? nced in Eunuch Xing-Fu''s direction, who had lowered his head. "I will brush Father''s hair. He shall go to the court. I will y with Uncle Yu," YÄ«nghu?? said and bent down to pick theb to brush Sheng Li''s hair.


    She moved behind Sheng Li, who red at Eunuch Xing-Fu, who brought his hands on his ears to apologize.


    "Father, I told my younger sister Li Jing that I y with Father every evening. She asked if she could y with Father too," YÄ«nghu?? asked for Sheng Li''s permission.


    "Of course. My both daughters can y with me," Sheng Li agreed to YÄ«nghu??, who thanked him. "I will ask Brother Zemin to join me," he murmured.


    YÄ«nghu?? wondered how to make a hair bun and recalled how her mother used to do it every day.


    "Father, since mother has gone out, then I will make the hair bun. I will try my best," YÄ«nghu?? stated. Xing-Fu again tried to stop her. However, this time Sheng Li gestured to him to keep quiet. He tightly pressed his lips together and let the young princess do her work.


    YÄ«nghu?? somehow made the hair bun at the top of Sheng Li''s head and put the hairpin inside it before the knot holder that the maidservant had handed her earlier. She then handed the mirror to Sheng Li and asked him if it was good.


    "My daughter has made the same hair bun as her mother makes. I loved it," Sheng Liplimented her, who came to his front and saw the tiny fringes on Sheng Li''s forehead.


    Eunuch Xing-Fu and the other servants present in the chamber knew that the hair bun was not made perfect. "Everyone will definitely ask His Majesty in the court what has happened to his hair," he murmured and shook his head.


    "But it seems Senior Eunuch Xing-Fu didn''t like it," YÄ«nghu?? said and he immediately looked in her direction. More than the Emperor, Xing-Fu feared this young princess. That sharp beam of YÄ«nghu?? always intimidated Xing-Fu.


    "Of course, I like it, Young Princess," Xing-Fu was forced to lie as he saw Sheng Li''s re falling at him. YÄ«nghu?? had all the traits of his father. He forced a smile on his lips and asked the Emperor to put on the crown. He was scared that the Crown would fall since the hair bun wasn''t made that well.


    "Senior Eunuch Xing-Fu likes it means I made it well," YÄ«nghu?? stated and asked Sheng Li to quickly go to the Court. Sheng Li hummed and put the crown over his head and asked the personal attendant to take YÄ«nghu?? to her chamber.


    The young maid came forward and asked YÄ«nghu?? toe with her. Sheng Li stopped her and kissed the cheek of his daughter and caressed her hair. "Father willplete his works as soon as possible," asserted Sheng Li.


    "Father shall take his time. I will study hard and then help him as soon as I grow up," YÄ«nghu?? stated and kissed the right cheek of his father. Sheng Li smiled and instructed the attendant to keep looking at the Princess.


    After they left, Sheng Li asked Xing-Fu to help him.


    "Why did His Majesty lie to the Young Princess? The work has increased," Eunuch Xing-Fuined and started to make the hair bun.


    "In this world, there are a few things that I can never do: hurting my daughter''s heart. YÄ«nghu?? put in so much effort, so I decided to lie," Sheng Li replied. "But where is the Prince? Is the Prince again nning to do pranks!?" he queried.


    "I do not know, Your Majesty," he replied and ced the crown on Sheng Li''s head.


    "Hmm. Since Lili has gone to the shrine, keep a check on Lóng Jingguo. He is more rebellious than me. I never troubled anyone so much," Sheng Li muttered and sighed. Xing-Fu stepped back and asked the servant to bring the Golden Dragon robe. Sheng Li put it on and they left for the Imperial Court.


    "However, His Majesty used to do the opposite of what he was told. Both his son and daughter got his traits," Xing-Fu remarked.


    "YÄ«nghu?? is like Lili. Such a smart daughter I have," Sheng Li said and smiled. They reached outside the court and walked in.


    ~~~~~~


    "What are you scared of? Just throw it towards Eunuch Zhen. Last time he threw our football far away. This mud water is the best for him," Lóng Jingguo affirmed and looked at Zhao Shi, the son of Nianzu and Chuntao.


    "Father will scold me. He told me not to disturb anyone and be kind. Always forgive since it''s the greatest treasure," Zhao Shi said with slight fear.


    "You are the brother of Lóng Jingguo, who never gets scared. How will you survive this tough world if you cannot aplish this task?" Lóng Jingguo tried to give him encouragement.


    "Brother Jingguo, I shall help Brother Zhao Shi," Jingren, the son of Jian Guozhi and Xue Yu-Yan said.


    "If Brother Jingren will help Brother Zhao Shi, then he will never be as strong as us," Lóng Jingguo affirmed. "Where is Wang Shubao? He promised that he woulde early in the morning," heined and looked towards the pce ground while resting his hands on his waist.


    "His father is the General in the army. He must be getting trained. Poor Shubao!" Jingren stated when his eyes fell on Ying Lili.


    "Aunt is here!" Jingren informed them and widened his eyes.


    "It''s your mother, Brother Jingguo," Xi Feng, the son of Lei Wanxi and Zhu Lin, informed Jingguo.


    Lóng Jingguo and the other young princes looked in the direction where Jingren had his focus.


    "Why did Mother return so early?" Lóng Jingguo muttered and turned to look at Jingren. To his surprise, all his brothers had vanished. He shut his eyes tightly and decided to run away when saw Court Lady Xu on the other side.


    "I am stuck," he murmured and the next moment he cried in pain since Ying Lili caught his ear. "Ahhh, Mother! Mother! It is hurting," Lóng Jingguo said and tapped on Ying Lili''s hand, pleading with her to leave him.


    "Senior Court Lady, tell my mother to stop. I wasn''t nning anything," Lóng Jingguo asked Court Lady Xu to intervene, who told Ying Lili to let the Young Prince go.


    Ying Lili loosened her hand from his ear. Jingguo rubbed his ear. "Why does Prince Jingguo do that? Luckily, Yīnghu?? was aware of all this." Ying Lili scolded her son a lot. Lóng Jingguo was shocked to learn that his sisterined about it to their mother.


    "Sister Lili, this much anger isn''t good on this lovely morning," Lei Wanxi came from the other side. "The Prince is young. Let the young kid y around," he tried to prevent Jingguo from getting more scolding.


    Lóng Jingguo greeted Lei Wanxi, who ruffled his hair. He quickly hid behind Lei Wanxi and peeked out to look at his mother. "Sister Lili shall take rest. I will make my nephew understand," Lei Wanxi suggested to Ying Lili.


    "Your Majesty, pleasee with me. Prince Jingguo will not do anything in the presence of Prince Wanxi," Court Lady Xu told Ying Lili. She also didn''t want Ying Lili to scold the Young Prince too much. Ying Lili agreed and warned Jingguo to not trouble the people anymore.


    "I won''t, Mother. I promise," Jingguo said. Ying Lili left the ce with her attendants while Lei Wanxi turned to Hu Jingguo.


    "Thank you, Sixth Royal Uncle," Jingguo bowed and was ready to leave when Lei Wanxi stopped him. He got on his knees and caressed his head.


    "Lóng Jingguo isn''t supposed to trouble others. This way people will start to hate him," Lei Wanxi told him.


    "But the Sixth Royal Uncle told me once that even my Father was a rebellious child. I have got his traits," Jingguo asserted with a proud smile.


    "Hmm. However, Brother Sheng started to train himself when he turned 7. Jingguo will be the next Crown Prince. Isn''t he supposed to be strong like his father?" Lei Wanxi asked him.


    "I never thought of this, Sixth Royal Uncle. Mother teaches me always and Father does too. I have improved my archery skills too," Lóng Jingguo stated. "Eunuch Zhen threw our football away, so I thought to throw this water at him. I won''t do it since the Sixth Royal Uncle told me so," he assured Lei Wanxi.


    "Father always remains busy. So, I found this way to entertain myself," Jingguo stated.


    "Lóng Jingguo, your name has a deep meaning in it. Both your mother and father got close to each other thanks to this person," Lei Wanxi stated. "Hu Jingguo was a great man and your father was upset for over a month for his loss. Your father loves you a lot. Your father will be happy if you be a righteous, cheerful, and kind person," Lei Wanxi affirmed. Jingguo carefully listened to him and promised him that he would not trouble them anymore.


    Lei Wanxi stood up and asked him toe with him. He took Lóng Jingguo to the Imperial Court and decided to be on the back side with him, so that session would not be disturbed.


    Lóng Jingguo was influenced to see his father giving the verdicts. He felt thrilled and internally he pledged to be like Sheng Li. After an hour, when the Court Session ended, Lóng Jingguo rushed to his father.


    "Father, I will not trouble you and mother anymore. Please forgive my past mistakes, Father," Lóng Jingguo said and bowed. Sheng Li was surprised to hear him and quickly stepped down the stairs. He walked to his son and got on his one knee. His one legid tly against the floor and his hands rested on his son''s shoulders.


    "What happened to my son suddenly?" Sheng Li was perplexed to hear him. The other Princes were also bewildered to hear the young prince''s words.


    "I troubled everyone around me. The Sixth Royal Uncle''s words made me realize that I must use my energy for something good. I will be like my father," Lóng Jingguo said.


    Sheng Li smiled at him. "You don''t need to be like me. You have an identity of your own, Lóng Jingguo. Do everything you want to do, but don''t forget the path on which you are. That''s the most important thing. Sheng Li will be happy to see his son seed in life. I want his happiness over anything else," Sheng Li pronounced.


    Lóng Jingguo was able to understand a few of his father''s words. "I know that I must walk on the right path. Be a kind and humble person like my mother. Be strong, full of intellect like my father, and my Royal Uncles," he stated and smiled.


    "I think I angered my mother. I shall apologize to my mother," he informed Sheng Li.


    Sheng Li nodded and carried him up in his arms. "Let''s go," Sheng Li said and left the court.


    Upon reaching outside the chamber, Sheng Li put Lóng Jingguo down. "I will handle your mother. Just keep your words simple and genuine," Sheng Li told him. Lóng Jingguo nodded at him and they both walked in.


    Ying Lili was with YÄ«nghu??, who recited to her the new words that she learned the previous day. She stopped upon seeing her father and younger brother.


    Ying Lili turned to check and found her husband and son. "Mother," Lóng Jingguo came forward and started to apologize to her. Ying Lili was surprised to see the sudden change in her son''s attitude.


    "Forgive our son. He has realized his mistakes," Sheng Li told her.


    "Is the Prince genuine in his response?" Ying Lili asked Lóng Jingguo, who nodded his head.


    "I won''t trouble anyone anymore," Lóng Jingguo promised her mother, who walked to him and embraced her son warmly. She caressed his back and told him that she had faith in him.


    After a while, she pulled back and stood up. Sheng Li went to her and put his arm around her shoulder. They embraced their kids warmly, who hade closer to them.


    ~~~~


    Hello Dear Readers,??


    Hope you enjoyed thisst chapter of this story. More than a year has passed while writing this story. This story brought such wonderful readers to me. Big thanks to everyone, who stayed with this story till the end. I am d that this story made this far. It is my first story which gave me immense support and love. Please leave your reviews at the end of the story in review section. It will merely take 1-2 minutes of your valuable time.


    Thank you to everyone for their votes (PS AND GT), gifts,ments and reviews.??


    If you want to read another Historical story, don''t forget to add ''Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince'' in your libraries. I won''t disappoint you in that story.??


    THANK YOU??


    HAPPY READING ????


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!