Chapter 603 - Toymaker
After the formal coronation event ended, Sheng Li sent Ying Lili to her chamber. Though she was supposed to reside in the new chamber which was for the use of the Empress only, she had memories in the Zhenzhu Residence, so she requested Sheng Li to let her stay there. Sheng Li could not ignore her request and let her stay in Zhenzhu Residence.
"I might get late today for lunch as I have some pending work, so eat without me," Sheng Li told her. Ying Lili nodded her head and got into the carriage. After she left, Sheng Li left for his chamber which was in the Northern Palace.
He removed the grand crown from his head and handed it to Eunuch Xing-Fu. Removing the dragon's robe, he went towards the desk on which many papers and scrolls were put.
Xing-Fu instructed the chief maidservant to take them to the dressing room.
"Xing-Fu, bring King Huan Tsu here. I need something important to discuss with him," Sheng Li ordered him. He bowed and walked out of the chamber. After a while, Huan Tsu entered with Xing-Fu.
"Your Majesty, you called for my presence," he asked as he bowed before Sheng Li.
"Yes. Please have a seat, King Huan Tsu," Sheng Li gestured towards the floor chair around his desk. Huan Tsu took his seat while Xing-Fu walked out.
"My father and you had decided about the marriage of Princess Zhu Lin and Prince Lei Wanxi. I think we shall not delay it. Rest is on you," Sheng Li proclaimed.
"I have no issue with this, Your Majesty. They both love each other and I also believe that my daughter cannot get a man like Prince Lei Wanxi. Let's go forward with their marriage," Huan Tsu said humbly.
"Thank you, King Huan Tsu. You have always been the loyal friend of my father. It is sad that he is not between us to witness their marriage," Sheng Li said. Huan Tsu hummed. "You also used to train me when I was young. Your military strategies have always helped me. If there is anything I can do for you, please do tell me," Sheng Li stated.
"It is good to see that the Fifth Prince emerged into such a great person. It is great to see you as the Emperor. I do not need anything, Your Majesty. I will be happy if my daughter stays happy in the Royal Family. What can a father ask for other than the happiness of his daughter?" Huan Tsu said and passed a smile.
"You do not need to worry about that. Princess Zhu Lin will always stay happy. Prince Lei Wanxi is a loving person. Also, like an elder brother, I will always be in front of her to protect her," Sheng Li said to Huan Tsu, who was overwhelmed to hear that.
After conversing for a few more minutes, Huan Tsu took his leave. As soon as he left, Jian Guozhi and Nianzu entered the chamber.
"Brother Sheng… ahh, pardon me for my mistake," Jian Guozhi realized that he was not supposed to address Sheng Li that way. "The Emperor looks great in these robes," he said and smiled. Nianzu agreed with him and the two took their respective seats in front of Sheng Li.
"I liked my Crown Prince title more. Suddenly, I realized that I have such a big responsibility on my shoulders. Also, I would love it if my Brothers do not address me as the Emperor," Sheng Li stated and passed them a faint smile.
"Brother Sheng, we are glad that you understood your responsibility towards the Empire. It is indeed a tough time for you, yet you handled everything really well," Nianzu appreciated him.
"I would like to give credit to my wife for shaping me into this. I believe that if she would not have been there, then I would not have come this far. I vividly remember the day when I questioned our father about his decision to make me marry Lili. He told me that only she can melt my cold heart. This is all because of her. I started to understand others because of her only."
Sheng Li wanted to tell the role of Ying Lili in his life. He, who never thought about others, started to feel others' emotions too only because Ying Lili made him see that side.
"Father was right. She indeed made efforts to end hatred amongst us," Jian Guozhi stated as he recalled the change in his behavior because of Ying Lili.
"We fought for no reason. It brought nothing except agony in our respective hearts during those times," Nianzu asserted. "Brother Sheng, there is important work left. The remarriage of Princess Bai Yaling. Do talk to her regarding her decision," he reminded Sheng Li.
"Hopefully, she has made a good decision. I will send the message to Princess Bai Yaling to meet me," Sheng Li assured him.
"Brother Sheng, we can give you a helping hand in the pending work. You also need to take care of your wife as she is carrying twins. Spend maximum time with her and also take her to some good places which will relax her mind," Jian Guozhi suggested to him.
"In my eyes too, Brother Sheng shall give his time to Sister Lili," Nianzu acknowledged the opinion of Jian Guozhi.
"Thank you. I will do that. Taking her anywhere at this time is not good at this time," Sheng Li asserted.
"You can do something within the Palace. I have called the toymaker in the Palace tomorrow. Brother Sheng shall give him the orders for the Royal toys for the twins," Jian Guozhi said delightedly.
"Toys? I think tiger toys will be good for them," Sheng Li asserted.
Jian Guozhi recalled how he burned the toys of Sheng Li when he was young. He felt guilty about his actions.
"Brother Sheng, tigers won't be good if the twins will be girls. You need to ask for every kind of toy for them. I will help you," Jian Guozhi stated.
"That would be great. I will take the advice of Lili too.. She knows better than me," Sheng Li affirmed and a tiny smile appeared on his lips again.