Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince

For a long time, she beheld her husband and wondered when he returned last night. She had heard from Xiwan that a few servants saw Lóng Wei leave in hurry for somewhere. He looked different yesterday.

‘Did he find out the message of his mother?’ She thought and waited for him to wake up.

Almost two hours later, Lóng Wei woke up from sleep and his locked with hers. He kissed her cheek, astonishing her. “Good morning, Wife,” he said and lifted his head on the support of his right hand. He rested his temple on his right calloused fist and caressed her cheek with hus left hand.

“I waited for His Highness the entire day and even in the evening. But he did not come and I ended up sleeping,” Li Hua answered and lifted her eyes to peer at him. “Where did the Prince go?” she asked and made circles on his chest with her index finger.

“I went to find the answer,” Lóng Wei stated.

“Then, did His Highness find the answer?” She queried.

He shook his head. “It has disappeared. The last message that my mother left for me was not there,” he replied and started stroking her hair. “You have beautiful hair,” he complimented and leaned down to inhale the scent.

“What will His Highness do now? How could the message disappear? It was not known to anyone. Should we visit grandmother again and request her to tell us what did the mother leave for you?” She gave him a suggestion.

.....

“She is no more,” Lóng Wei said and sighed. “Let’s not talk about it anymore. I do not want to search like a mad dog for something which was never meant to be with me,” he asserted. His tone seemed as if he was furious.

She sensed how hurt he was and because of that he was infuriated. He was so excited to know what his late mother wanted to tell him through that message. It was not only the last one but also the first one for Lóng Wei.

“Can I ask one last question?” Li Hua with anticipation waited for his response.

“Hmm.”

“What will His Highness’s next step be?” She was curious to know.

“Finding Qizhen,” Lóng Wei replied. “He is the only one, who can tell me why he played with my life,” he proclaimed.

Li Hua could feel the anguish in Lóng Wei toward his father. And, why it would not be? Qizhen did not care about the consequences which could bring his son into danger. Li Hua held Lóng Wei’s hand which was on her head and assured him everything would turn well.

“It has to,” Lóng Wei stated. “I have decided something. Earlier I never shared with anyone not even with Yuze what I wanted, but I want to tell you.”

“I am ready to listen,” Li Hua stated.

“Do not hate me if I kill Qizhen,” Lóng Wei asserted. It was more like a request.

Li Hua was stunned to learn his thoughts. He had decided to kill Qizhen after he would find him. “Your Highness, I can never hate you. No matter how cruel you get,” Li Hua stated, “but is it necessary to take your own father’s life? His Highness knows well how His Majesty betray his elder brother and killed so many innocent people in the kingdom. Xiwan lost his entire family that night and there are many more such people.”

“I follow my own rules, Li Hua. For me, Qizhen was never a father to me and he never will be. I do not care either how much blood spread because of the conflict between his brother and him. All I care about is my present self. You know how desperate I am to lead a happy life. Qizhen was a coward at that time and he is a coward today as well. He is not worthy to be the King. He never was,” Lóng Wei explained to Li Hua.

Li Hua pursed her lips together. After contemplating for a while, she spoke, “I am with Prince Lóng Wei. Whatever he feels is right, he must do it. It is his battle more than anyone and he has the full right to decide its ending.”

Lóng Wei smiled to hear her answer. “Thank you for understanding me,” he said and a wide smile formed on his lips.

“Did you not have dinner the previous night?” He asked.

“I slept off,” Li Hua said.

“Then, let’s bathe quickly and then have breakfast. I am hungry too,” he stated and sat up on the bed. He pulled Li Hua up and hugged her.

“Li Hua, you are the only one who understands me. I am so happy to have you.” He withdrew and told her that he would have to finish some of the important work today.

“Do you want to come with me today as well?” Lóng Wei wanted to take Li Hua to his workplace again.

“No. I distract His Highness from his work,” Li Hua asserted. “Some of the decisions His Highness may not take harshly if I am present there,” she opined.

Lóng Wei did not deny her statement. He would change his decision toward a person if she be around. “Fine.” He got out of bed and asked her if she wanted to bathe with him.

“No,” Li Hua answered while smiling.

“I liked the orchid that you planted in the pot. I heard from the maidservant that you painted it yourself. It is such a beautiful present for me,” Lóng Wei suddenly recalled about the orchids.

“It is my respect and admiration for my husband,” Li Hua said with a bright smile.

Lóng Wei kissed her lips and she giggled when he showered and kissed her face. He then picked her up and raised his head while her hands locked behind his nape.

“What?” When Lóng Wei did not say anything, Li Hua with inquisitiveness asked him to speak.

“Nothing,” he said and lowered her down. She was on her toes. Her nose touched his and they continued to smile at each other.