Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

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 formulate a plan. 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 seen commoners playing with kites. It is an interesting sport. But the weather is not pleasant to play 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 will laugh at me. Also, that smell makes me sick. My head is already aching because of this," Lei Wanxi held his head and glanced 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 glared at him.

He put a hand around Lei Wanxi and dragged him out of their sight. Yongzheng and Rong Zemin laughed 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 manipulate 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 Palace," Deng Hui expressed her request.