16 Nature (1/2)
The fruits of the wedding became pretty evident in the mansion. There were no more concubines as they were either sent back home or married to others already. More likely, their hidden lovers.
Also, the couple's cold war had ceased.
Everywhere the couple went, anyone from the Wei mansion could see the glee in their eyes.
And the emperor who was told the news sighed in defeat. He just continuously showered the general with fortune! Shaking his head, he put the matter aside and allowed the entry of the fifth prince, Zhong Lei. A grim expression replaced his regularly indifferent and arrogant demeanor because a certain someone had kept him locked during the entire wedding until past lunch the next day. Even his so-called fiance, Yu Xuan Xuan could not calm him down after his possessive nature have errupted upon hearing the news!
”Father Emperor, I beg you,” he kneeled to the dragon throne. ”Please return--”
”Son, you shall not covet anyone's spouse. Haven't you made your choice?” The emperor looked at his son who was almost like Wei Xia Ri's male version. Zhong Lei was as willful but also, as brave and strong like the general. ”Where is the lady, Yu Xuan Xuan?”
”She is guiding Han Ryu to the empire, your majesty.”
”Ahh, I see. Better make sure that they don't see each other!”
”As you command, emperor father,” Zhong Lei felt regretful. As he made a respectful bow and left the study, he could not help but reminisce through the old times because their memories were littered around the royal palace!
Even down this hallway was an image of them racing to the stables after training. Her smile reached her ear and those wonderful eyes were fixated on winning. But her hand was holding onto his. Among the women, she was the most unsuitable and his royal concubine mother could barely accept such faulty lady. Not that her opinion was even considered.
He kept walking down the straight path, not knowing where to stop because Yu Xuan Xuan had already taken care of the diplomatic negotiations with Han Ryu's country. Welcoming the ambassador Han and his envoys were already prepared and so was a suitable person placed in-charge of the banquet. The only task in hand right now was blocking the meeting of the empire's only female general and her nemesis. But that new husband of hers had probably taken her somewhere else.
”Ling,” he mumbled. At his call, a man in black with a uniform almost similar to Wei Xia Ri's shadow guard appeared, except for the purple sash decorated with the royal insignia wrapped around his forehead.
He did not talk but saluted to his master.
”The strategist is here for peaceful negotiations. I doubt that he is unaware of the Wei general's return so ensure her safety. She must never be harmed in any way.”
”Reporting to your highness,” he had to interject. The prince's expression seemed like he was already burdened with his own work as a fellow General in-charge of the imperial corps, but the Wei General seemed to still have some space left over.
”Make it quick.”
”The general have already been indirectly contacted by the ambassador before today. He had sent her concubines and according to word, ambassador Han Ryu still has another present that he would personally bring over.”
”What? How dare you delay this information. Ling?” his tone dripped in anger. ”Send yourself to the headquarters to receive your punishment immediately.” Zhong Lei's handsome face twisted but then, he began to massage his temples to ease an incoming headache.
”Yes, your highness.”
When he departed, another was summoned. He stood taller than the prince but had an almost timid presence. Nevertheless, he was a shadow guard trained by the young sixth prince himself.
”The sixth prince has also heard of the message and have sent me to aide your highness, fifth prince Zhong Lei.”
”Sixth brother also knew?” He chuckled with sarcasm. ”Well, as I have commanded, deploy your squad and protect the general. Han Ryu is a snake, a very slippery one.”
While someone was having a headache with management, one young man was also being taught of the Wei household. The Weis were cousins to the emperor and were considered as important relatives of the dragon thus the significance of learning there history.