Chapter 584 - The Reunion Festival
Ying Lili finished her breakfast. Sheng Li had to urgently leave for the barracks because of work, so he could not have his meal with her. She dabbed her mouth with the napkin and put it down on the table. Court Lady Ki took her back to the bed and told her about the books which she could read to entertain herself.
Ying Lili was happy to learn about that. The maidservant brought one book to her. She took it and read the title on it. Before she could open it she heard a maidservant from outside announcing Xue Yu-Yan and Jiao Lun wished to meet her.
Ying Lili told Court Lady Ki to send them inside, who loudly said it. Both of them came in and greeted the Crown Princess.
"Sister Lili, this is a special porridge which my mother had told me once is good for a pregnant woman. I thought to bring it for you," Xue Yu-Yan said. Ying Lili gestured to Court Lady Ki, who took it and put it on the table. She checked it before covering it from the lid.
"Thank you, Sister Xue."
"Sister Lili, I have not brought anything with me," Liao Jun said in a low voice.
"It's absolutely fine, Sister Liao. Why don't you two sit down?" Ying Lili asked them.
"The morning sickness must be a little troubling. Hopefully, it soon goes away," Xue Yu-Yan said.
"Yes. It is a little annoying," Ying Lili replied and asked about Bai Yaling. "Did you two not bring her here? Even Sister Chuntao has not come," Ying Lili said.
"Sister Lili, we have asked Sister Bai to accompany us but she refused. I think that since she is a widow, she is refraining from coming closer to you," Liao Jun informed her. "Also, Sister Chuntao could not come as the Empress has told her a few rituals to complete."
Ying Lili nodded her head. "Sister Bai should have come," She said when she heard Xue Yu-Yan.
"But Sister Lili, it is said that a new widow's energy might harm the pregnant woman's baby. I think that's the reason that she is not coming," Xue Yu-Yan asserted.
"These are mere superstitions. I do not know why people believe in such things. I strongly condemn all this," Ying Lili suddenly turned aggressive.
Court Lady Ki intervened and told the Crown Princess to calm down. She gave the lukewarm water glass to Ying Lili, which she drank. "The Crown Princess shall not take stress in this period," Court Lady Ki reminded her. Ying Lili hummed.
'Princess Zhu Lin is here!' A maidservant announced who came inside.
Greeting the Crown Princess, she greeted other Princesses as well.
"Why did Princess Zhu Lin come here? She still needs to rest," Ying Lili said worriedly.
"I am recovering, Crown Princess. I am here to give you a congratulatory message. Father has also sent the wishes for you. Congratulations, Crown Princess," Zhu Lin wished her.
"Thank you, Princess Zhu Lin. Please have a seat. Do you like to drink water? Also, refrain from walking so much. It can put stress on your navel," Ying Lili advised her.
Zhu Lin sat beside Xue Yu-Yan on the chaise. "I will keep in mind, Crown Princess," she stated.
"Princess Zhu Lin, I heard from my husband that you and Prince Wanxi are soon going to marry. We all are excited about your marriage," Liao Jun said and smiled.
"Yes. Our Fathers will decide today. Accordingly, on an auspicious day we will get married," Zhu Lin answered.
"Mid-Autumn Festival is considered as an auspicious day. I wish the Royal Astrologer chooses this day," Ying Lili expressed her desire.
"I almost forgot that this Reunion Festival is coming. Indeed, it's a fortunate day," Xue Yu-Yan stated. They continued their talks for an hour. The announcement about the Crown Prince's arrival made them decide to leave the chamber.
They greeted him, who asked Zhu Lin if she was doing well.
"Yes, Brother Sheng," Zhu Lin replied with a smile. Ying Lili was astonished to hear that. Sheng Li never let anyone call him Brother except Princess Qi Jing. Even Xue Yu-Yan and Liao Jun were bewildered to hear that.
Sheng Li's eyes fell on the table on which a bowl was placed. "What is that?" Sheng Li asked. "Did the Crown Princess not finish her morning meals?" He asked Court Lady Ki.
"I have brought it for Sister Lili, Your Highness. My mother has told me that--"
"Take it away," Sheng Li coldly said.
Ying Lili and others had not expected this from the Crown Prince.
"You all shall leave. Thank you, Sister Xue, for the porridge. I will definitely eat it. You have prepared it with so much love," Ying Lili decided to send them away because she knew Sheng Li would say something odd to Xue Yu-Yan which could bring trouble in the other way.
The three Princesses took their leave while the maidservant closed the door.
"Throw that porridge away. I have clearly instructed Court Lady Ki not to take any edible things from anyone in the Palace," Sheng Li said furiously.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I will throw it away," Court Lady Ki stated.
"I want to eat it," Ying Lili said and stood up. She went towards the table and removed the lid from the bowl. She picked the spoon and dipped it into the porridge when Sheng Li grasped her wrist.
"Court Lady Ki, leave," Sheng Li ordered her, who quickly walked out.
"You are not supposed to eat anything that Xue will give you," Sheng Li urged her.
"Why? Do you think that Sister Xue wants to harm me and our child?" Ying Lili asked.
"I do not trust her. She is the daughter of that corrupted Prime Minister, who fed the poison to my mother. Lili, do not be kind enough to such people. I beg you. Kindness is not good at all times," Sheng Li said and took the spoon from her. He covered the bowl from the lid and gazed back at Ying Lili.
"But she has repented already. Don't you think that she will feel bad? Also, the First Brother will not like it if Sister Xue tells him," Ying Lili said.
"I do not care, Lili. You are the only person I care for you at the moment. Let's suppose Xue has repented fully. What if someone from outside had mixed something in it? Xue's name might come in it and you see, I do not care for that either. Your safety is of utmost importance," Sheng Li stated and placed his palm on her right cheek.
Ying Lili hummed. Sheng Li planted a kiss on her forehead and then hugged her. "I am still investigating if there are any more enemies hidden between us or not," Sheng Li said in a low voice. "I need to clear every enemy so that our child does not need to see all those things," he proclaimed.
Ying Lili put her hands on his back. "I understand you." They withdrew after a few minutes when Ying Lili asked him about Zhu Lin addressing him as Brother.
"That was strange. You never let anyone say that," Ying Lili stated.
"She is Lei Wanxi's wife, that's why. Also, when I asked her about well-being she told me that I reminded her of her elder brother who got martyred in a battle," Sheng Li replied.
"Oh. Then, that's good. Princess Zhu Lin sees an elder brother in you," Ying Lili stated.
"Why? Did you get jealous?" Sheng Li asked her with a grin.
"No," Ying Lili instantly replied. "I was shocked to hear that.. I do not get jealous like you," Ying Lili remarked.