"Neither do I treat you badly. If you cannot handle this little pain, then stop training. Don't do it just because I cannot lift heavy things. If you love it, then you shall do it, else leave," Zhu Lin advised him.

  "Do you think I feel good seeing you getting trained? Don't push yourself. Do those things which you love. I will be happier," Zhu Lin stated. Although she used to get harsher with her remarks, she did not want Lei Wanxi to do something out of compulsion. She wanted him to live his life as he used to because that way he would be more happy.

  "Zhu Lin, it is not because of you alone. I realized that as a Prince, I should know all this. Brother Sheng also told me once that learning self-defense is indispensable. I never got such a bruise ever in my life, that's why it's a little painful. Since you applied that magical powder, I think I will soon be fine," Lei Wanxi said.

  Zhu Lin put her hands around him and hugged him. Lei Wanxi was a little different from the rest of the princes. He always had a life of comfort, so it was difficult for him to get out of it.

  "Forgive me for raising my voice," Zhu Lin apologized. Lei Wanxi rested his left hand on her back and rested his chin on her shoulder.

  "It's fine. I do need scoldings for whining like a child," he whispered near her ear.

  They pulled away after some time. Lei Wanxi asked her if she would have dinner with him or her father.

  "Umm… with you first and then with my father," Zhu Lin replied.

  "How come you will eat with both of us?" He questioned her with a perplexed expression.

  "You cannot lift your right hand, so I need to help you," asserted Zhu Lin.

  "It's fine. You should be with your father," Lei Wanxi said and moved his hand. "I can lift it and also eat. Do not worry," he said.

  "Don't lie. I know your arm is aching," she stated and stood up from the chaise. "I will be back soon. Wait for me," she said and left the chamber.

  The maidservant announced the Emperor's arrival. It delighted Lei Wanxi, who immediately stood up. "Brother Sheng," he went towards him.

  "I heard from Xiao Zhan that you bruised your elbow. I told you not to be harsh on yourself," Sheng Li scolded him.

  "How will I get strong then, Brother Sheng? Also, Zhu Lin applied a magical powder over the bruise, so it will heal fast," he added. "Brother Sheng, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Sister Lili at this hour?" He asked and knitted his brows.

  "She is sleeping. I am here to pick a few things from her chamber. I will keep her with me in the Northern Palace," Sheng Li informed Lei Wanxi. He then showed a scroll to him.

  "What's this?" He asked.

  "The Imperial order for you. You are appointed as the senior-most officer in the Law & Justice department. Nobles pass civil services to enter the department. Be responsible for your duties and inform me or Brother Jian first if you find anything wrong. Don't try to chase the person on your own," Sheng Li warned him.

  "Sure, Brother Sheng, and thank you for this," Lei Wanxi gladly accepted the imperial order. He took the scroll from Sheng Li and opened it. Reading the order made him smile. "Brother Sheng bestowed me with such a great responsibility. I will surely do my work with utmost honesty and diligence," he affirmed.

  "Good. You need to join the office tomorrow. However, if you are not able to join, then do send a message there about your absence," Sheng Li told him.

  "I will join tomorrow only. I am so excited to work in the Capital Bureau's Justice Department," Lei Wanxi stated and smiled. Sheng Li lifted his arm a little when Lei Wanxi winced in pain.

  "I do not think you will be able to join tomorrow. It's better to join the day after tomorrow," he proclaimed and gently put it down.

  "I will see, Brother Sheng. If I will be fine then I will join tomorrow," he asserted. Sheng Li patted his shoulder and took his leave.

  Sheng Li arrived at the Zhenzhu Residence. Ying Lili had once told him about the Royal decree of the Emperor. He opened the cupboard and took out the scroll from it. Reading it, he found his father had decided long ago that he would be the Emperor. He rolled the scroll and then put it inside the pocket of his robes.

  Closing the cupboard, he called a maidservant inside.

  "Pack the dresses of the Empress and other things. She will reside in the Northern Palace from now on," Sheng Li commanded her.

  "Yes, Your Majesty," she answered.

  Sheng Li turned to leave when his eyes fell on the table on which a handkerchief was put. He went towards the table and picked it up.

  "Little Sheng (Long Jingguo)."

  Ying Lili had embroidered those letters on the handkerchief which made him smile. The letters were not imprinted perfectly as Ying Lili was not good at sewing but it became precious for Sheng Li. He folded it and put it inside his pocket. He then left for the Northern Palace.

  While crossing the grand hallway of the Eastern Palace, he encountered Xue Yu-Yan. He ignored her presence and walked past her when Xue Yu-Yan addressed him.

  "Your Majesty!"

  He halted at his place.

  Xue Yu-Yan came near him and bowed.

  "Forgive me for that day, Your Majesty," Xue Yu-Yan apologized. "I did not know that the Empress's health could deteriorate," she said with guilt.

  "Do you know why I still hate you?" Sheng Li questioned her. Xue Yu-Yan lifted her head and looked into his eyes, before again lowering them. She shook her head.

  "Because you pretend that you do not know," Sheng Li said and chuckled. "I know you better than anyone, Xue. You knew about that, yet you fed my wife those grapes. I still wonder why you are pretending that you have turned into a good person when you are not!" Sheng Li stated with a menacing expression.

  "His Majesty is thinking wrong about me. I, indeed, have changed," Xue Yu-Yan said with a firm tone.

  Sheng Li chuckled. "Xue, I know your personality. You did not get punished because I was stressed with my father's health. Also, I respect Brother Jian. This was the last time you did something like this else be ready to die like your father…… I am still the same Sheng Li when it comes to enemies," he affirmed and walked away.