Chapter 564 - A Long Life
The Huan Province King, Huan Tsu arrived at the Imperial Palace. Han Wenji fetched Huan Tsu from the Fu Imperial Gates. The two friends embraced each other. As they pulled away, Huan Tsu asked about his daughter.
"The Princess is stable now but her wound will take a little time to heal," replied Han Wenji. "Come with me," Han Wenji stated. The Crown Prince and the other Princes followed their father and Huan Tsu to the Western Palace.
As they reached outside the chamber where Zhu Lin was resting, Han Wenji asked the maidservant about Zhu Lin.
"Your Majesty, the Princess is taking her medicine," the maidservant replied.
"Inform the Princess that her father has arrived," Han Wenji commanded her.
She did that and after informing opened the doors for them. They all entered the chamber.
Zhu Lin had stood up from the bed and bowed her head. Lei Wanxi got worried as it might put pressure on Zhu Lin's belly but he could not speak in the middle.
Huan Tsu went towards her. "Sit down," he said. Zhu Lin was hesitating a little because the Emperor was also in front of her. "You shall sit," Han Wenji told her.
"Huan Tsu, talk to your daughter. The arrangements for your stay have been made in the Western Palace so that you stay close to your daughter," Han Wenji told him.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for all this," Huan Tsu stated and bowed. Han Wenji patted his shoulder and left, followed by the other princes.
The door was closed and now only father & daughter were in the room. "What is this Zhu Lin? I have told you not to put your life in danger," Huan Tsu scolded her. He was worried when he heard that his daughter got injured.
"Father, I could not stop myself from chasing the Second Prince. You have taught me to act bravely in all situations. I only did what you taught me," Zhu Lin replied. Huan Tsu sat on the chair which was placed beside the bed.
"But I never allowed you to put your life in danger. Do you know how scared I was! After the grave loss of your brother, you are the only one who's my everything. I know he got martyred while saving the Emperor, but his absence still hurts," Huan Tsu said regretfully.
"Forgive me, Father, for making you worry. But if I had not stepped in, then many lives would have been in danger. Also, your daughter is strong and she will live a long life," asserted Zhu Lin.
Huan Tsu caressed the head of her daughter. "I am proud of you. I got your message about the Fourth Prince. The Prince's sudden decision might have hurt you," He stated.
"I got hurt a little. But, then something beautiful happened with your daughter," Zhu Lin said and passed a smile to her father. "I fell in love with the Sixth Prince. Prince Lei Wanxi and I like each other," Zhu Lin told her father.
It delighted Huan Tsu and he put his hand down. "So, Princess wants to marry the Sixth Prince," Huan Tsu asked to confirm.
"Yes, Father," Zhu Lin answered.
"I will talk with His Majesty and also with the Sixth Prince regarding this. I have not heard about the Sixth Prince much. Would you like to tell your father what the Sixth Prince is like?" Zhu Lin queried.
"Yes, Father. Prince Wanxi has a cheerful personality. It is perfect for a person like me who is always serious. Father might have not heard about him much because he has no active participation in the Court. At the moment, he does not hold any major position. But, the Prince discussed with me and said he will soon start to work in the Capital Bureau Office," Zhu Lin briefly narrated the qualities of the Sixth Prince.
"My daughter has selected the Prince then I have no problem with it. It is great that Prince Wanxi wants to work in the Capital Bureau Office. The Royal Princes hardly go for it. I have no problem with this relationship," Huan Tsu stated.
"Thank you, Father, for being understanding," Zhu Lin said. "Father shall rest for some time. Forgive me once again for worrying you," Zhu Lin lowered her eyes. Huan Tsu stood up from the chair and left the chamber.
As Huan Tsu stepped out, he encountered the Crown Prince, who greeted with a fist and palm bow.
"Please this way, King Huan," Sheng Li said humbly. He showed the way to the resting chamber to Huan Tsu.
"The Crown Prince wants to say something," he asked and turned to him.
"Forgive me," Sheng Li apologized and lowered his eyes.
"Let's talk later. I would like to rest for some time," Huan Tsu said. Sheng Li stepped back and left the chamber. He instructed the servant to take good care of Huan Tsu, before leaving.
Sheng Li soon arrived outside his chamber when Xing-Fu informed him about the visit of the Empress. He knitted his brows. "Is Her Majesty inside?" Sheng Li asked.
"No. His Highness was not present, so the Empress left. She told me if he returns, then I shall inform her. Her Majesty wants to meet the Crown Prince," Xing-Fu said humbly.
"No need. I will visit Her Majesty," Sheng Li said and left for the Empress's manor.
The Empress was doing the needlework when the maidservant informed her about the Crown Prince. "Let the Crown Prince in," Deng Hui said. The maidservant stepped backward and walked out of the chamber.
"The Crown Prince can go in," she said softly. Sheng Li stepped inside the chamber. He removed his shoes and saw the Empress doing needlework. He greeted her and sat down on the cushion.
Deng Hui half-inserted the needle into the silk fabric and lifted her gaze.
"Why did Her Majesty want to see me?" Sheng Li queried.
"I want to thank the Crown Prince," Deng Hui replied.. Sheng Li chuckled, confusing the Empress.