Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

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 accept 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 a communication 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 explained 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 placed 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 explained 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 become 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 Palace, and also his wife will get the rights. That way no one would raise his voice against her status," Sheng Li disclosed his plan to Ying Lili. 

"That's great. We will not let Brother Nianzu ever feel that this Palace is the wrong place to live," Ying Lili asserted. Sheng Li agreed with her. 

"Hopefully, everything goes on according to my plan," Sheng Li muttered. "Soon, the news will break out– the news about the health of our Father. Also, Lili, do you think that the Fourth Prince cannot become 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 plates 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 glad 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 plate. Jinlong ended up laughing, 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 Li complained. 

"Old Memories are precious– 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 placed 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, come 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 vaccinated. So, took the vaccine 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