Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

"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 Palace. I need to scrutinize the events in Luoyang, so that when Sheng Li returns, he will not be burdened and stressed," Ying Lili explained 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 Palace 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 class has the right to punish a person born as a slave," 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 declared 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 slave but society made him into one," Ying Lili stated.

She recalled Hu Jingguo, who used to get upset whenever he was called a slave. 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 my late 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, a commoner\'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. The commoners 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 proclaimed.

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 place 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 play 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 playing that song. It sounded sweet and harmonious to her. Finally, he stopped and put the flute down on his lap.

"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 to laugh 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.