ETERNAL LOVE : A LOVE STORY

Wen Ru pursed his lips into a thin line when he heard his question. He clenched his palms into a fist and said, " After Feng Ju found Lu shi unconscious and injured at the lakeside, and found your shoes near the lake, he jumped in the water to search for you, in case you were injured or something."

" However, he couldn't find both of you. Not only that, we stationed almost all of our guards to search for you two, but you were nowhere to be found. Brother, everyone was so worried about you and Her Majesty." his voice became gentle as he remembered how scared everyone was about their disappearance. 

Ji Cheng sighed when he saw his serious expressions. It was the first time when he was seeing this kind of expression on Wen Ru's face. It's not like he was an irresponsible man but since he has been given what he has desired since childhood, he hasn't seen the struggle and what it takes to be responsible. 

He was expressive and always stayed away from political affairs. That's why he was managing his store and started his business to not get into the political affairs of his family.  However, the Wen Ru that has been standing in front of him now was different. He was scared and worried, yet was trying his best to not crumble and show his weakness in front of him. 

" That day when Zhao Ming was attacked and almost drowned in the lake, I found her in time and jumped in the water. However, we didn't know what happened and when we regained our consciousness, we found ourselves in a secluded, strange place, surrounded by water and trees." Ji Cheng let out a deep breath before answering Wen Ru's question. 

" We must have gone to that place because of water flow. It was difficult for us to contact anyone from the palace since we didn't know where we were and when we finally reached here after trying many routes and asking for help from many strangers, Zhao Ming fell unconscious." 

Ji Cheng didn't lie to him. There was indeed water and trees. It wasn't exactly a lie, just a half-lie. It's not that he could tell him the truth. 

Wen Ru nodded as he listened to his words carefully. He was expecting something like this, but he was glad that both Zhao Ming and Ji Cheng were safe and well. 

He sighed in relief and walked towards Ji Cheng, throwing his arms around him and hugged him tightly, " Congratulations, Brother. You're going to be a father now." 

Ji Cheng who was surprised by Wen Ru's warm gesture, couldn't help but freeze upon hearing these words. Father? He is going to be a father. 

Amid all the complications, he couldn't feel the happiness that was waiting for him. He was worried about her all the time since they were going to do the ritual and couldn't celebrate this happiness. 

But after hearing Wen Ru's words, it made him realize that the happiness that he was waiting for so long, has finally knocked on his doorstep. Zhao Ming and he are going to be parents. 

He separated from him and held him by the shoulders, " Since it is such a happy occasion, we should hold a banquet to announce Zhao Ming's pregnancy and wellness. People must be worried since I couldn't hold the imperial court for days now." Ji Cheng said while trying to find a solution to resolve people's suspicion. 

Seeing his excited expressions, Wen Ru hesitated, " Your Majesty, I don't think it's a good idea for us to announce Her Majesty's pregnancy during this time."

" What do you mean? Why can't I announce this news with everyone?" 

"Erm... there is something that you should know. Many things happened when you were not here." He hesitated while thinking about how to break the news of the war to him. 

-

Wen Ru pursed his lips in nervousness and waited for Ji Cheng's reaction. It's been 10 minutes since he has revealed to him the news how Ji Zhelan and Xiao Li's father attacked their both borders and if not done something, they will soon penetrate the country. 

He had expected a loud reaction from him but instead of that, he was quiet and had his eyes closed as if he was thinking something. 

'Is he disappointed in me for not taking appropriate action in time?' Wen Ru wondered. 

After a long silence, Ji Cheng opened his eyes. He started at Wen Ru without speaking, making him even more worried and nervous. 

Since this happened under his rule, it was his responsibility for managing the country and he failed in it. He sighed deeply and was planning to kneel to apologize to him, but was surprised when he heard his words. 

" Hmm…. he reacted later than I expected." Ji Cheng murmured under his breath in a low voice, which surprised Wen Ru.

" Your Majesty, what do you mean you expected this? You knew about this attack?" Wen Ru couldn't believe his ears if he heard it right or was he just hallucinating. 

Ji Cheng smirked and made himself comfortable supporting his back against the chair by leaning back. His hands were folded in front of the chest as he crossed his legs and shook them to clear his mind while thinking about the current situation. 

"Ji Zhelan is nothing without Xiao Ruogang's support. If he backs out from this one-sided war, then Ji Zhelan will be easy to deal with." Ji Cheng said. 

" But why would he do that? Xiao Ruogang is doing this because of Consort...Xiao Li's death. Since he is her father, he won't accept her evil deeds and will only see how we punished her." Wen Ru rubbed his temple as he was getting a headache from dealing with this. 

" Arrange the items that should be sent to the border for soldiers and prepare a palace army in case of an attack. And make arrangements for us to leave tomorrow, we're going to the border tomorrow," he announced which shocked Wen Ru.

" Your Majesty! You're going to the border yourself? But why? It can be dangerous. If you want to send someone, I can leave tomorrow. There is no need for you to go yourself." 

Ji Cheng let out a deep breath and shook his head, " No! Wen Ru, I am glad that you took care of the palace behind me, but there are things that only I can take care of. As an Emperor, I can back off at times of danger. During the succession ceremony, I have taken the oath to protect the people of the Ji Dynasty, how can I back out at times like this?" 

" But...what about Her Majesty? Isn't she pregnant? How will she react when she finds out that you left for war?"

Hearing Wen Ru's words, Ji Cheng's expressions turned dull. With a bitter smile, he said, " She is the Empress of Ji dynasty, I am sure she will manage the Empire well in my absence."

" Your Majesty…" Wen Ru pursed his lips upon hearing his firm decision. He wanted to persuade him to not go to the borders but the condition there was indeed not good. He was confused about whether to take side with the Emperor of the Ji Dynasty or his brother.

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