Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

"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 formulating all this. The Grievance Committee will be directly responsible to the Crown Prince and the Governor who later 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 Wenji commanded. The Prime Minister bowed, accepting 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 the last few days. The side of the First Prince, which was hidden from everyone around him, was now coming 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 proclaimed. "Even our wives will accompany 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 Palace, 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 Palace. You all can be there. The Crown Princess and I will not come." Sheng Li was concerned about his father, who has an incurable disease, according 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 becoming 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 the last words in a low voice. 

"Let's see how much you have learned all this time! Do not beg me later if you lose against me," Sheng Li warned Weng Yu. "So, you can step back now if you do not want to be embarrassed later," 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 accepted the challenge given by the Crown Prince.