A week later:

  Jian Guozhi and Nianzu had returned to Luoyang. Also, Wang Hao happened to return earlier than he thought. The Eastern Province Prince, Shi Zhihao, also came with Wang Hao to the Capital as per the order of the Emperor.

  Jian Guozhi and Nianzu went to meet Sheng Li at the Emperor's office. "Sister Qi Jing is doing good. The demise of the father surely disheartened her but her husband, Prince Lu Qifeng is taking good care of her. Also, she has sent the wishes for you and the Empress. She is extremely happy for both of you," Jian Guozhi informed Sheng Li. He then forwarded the message scroll that Qi Jing had written for Sheng Li.

  "It's a message from Sister Qi Jing," He stated.

  Sheng Li took it and put it on the table. "I am glad that she is well," he said.

  "We went to Juyan too," Nianzu told Sheng Li.

  "Sister Lili's aunt is well and so are her younger cousins. One will be an adult next year and he will sit for the Civil Services Exam. Hopefully, he will be selected and then he can stay in Luoyang," Nianzu said.

  "Her aunt has sent a few things for her and the Emperor. Also, we brought the belongings of Sister Lili upon her personal servant's request. She misses the Empress badly," Nianzu told him a few more things.

  "Personal assistant?" Sheng Li murmured.

  "Brother Sheng must go once to Juyan because the people there still have misunderstandings regarding you," Jian Guozhi suggested to him.

  "That's probably because I created a blunder there," Sheng Li replied and reminisced about the day when he entered the city. He indeed was rude to everyone in Ying Lili's house. So, that was one reason that Juyan people might not like him.

  "Juyan is a lovely city. When the people heard that the Empress's Brother-in-laws had come from Luoyang, they came to the Palace to give the wishes to her. Sister Lili must have cherished her people in Juyan," Nianzu narrated to Sheng Li, who was not surprised to hear that. He was glad that people respected Ying Lili so much.

  "An old woman was talking about you, Brother Sheng. Some strange stories about you, have been circulated in Juyan," Jian Guozhi stated.

  "What kind of stories?" Sheng Li was curious to know.

  "That the Emperor could not help but fall for the beautiful princess of their city. Their Princess had almost left the Emperor because of his annoying nature when he begged her to not leave. Also, they think that the Emperor had faked being powerful," Jian Guozhi said and chuckled.

  "What?" Sheng Li raised his eyebrow. He used to think only Hu Jingguo used to annoy him with his words, but today he found out that the entire Juyan City was like that. "Who could spread such strange rumors about me?" Sheng Li gritted his teeth in anger.

  "We do not know. But they were quite amusing conversations to hear," Nianzu said and laughed. However, he stopped as Sheng Li glared at him.

  "Forgive me for intruding on the Emperor and the Princes. General Wang is here, Your Majesty," Xing-Fu stated.

  "Tell him to wait for some time," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu.

  "The Emperor shall talk to General Wang. We shall take our leave. We will rest for a day and then resume our work from tomorrow," Jian Guozhi stated and stood up from his seat. Nianzu agreed with him. They both bowed before Sheng Li and left the Emperor's Office. Xing-Fu also left after them and let General Wang in.

  Wang Hao greeted Sheng Li with a fist and palm bow. He raised his head and informed the Sheng Li about the secured borders of the Eastern Province. Sheng Li praised him for working efficiently.

  "Your Majesty, Prince Shi Zhihao is also safely reached to Luoyang. I have given your message to him. He wants to converse with you," asserted Wang Hao.

  "Where is he?" Sheng Li asked him.

  "Outside," Wang Hao replied.

  "Bring him in."

  Wang Hao walked out and a few seconds returned to the office with Shi Zhihao, who kowtowed before the Emperor.

  He stood straight and lowered his head. "Your Majesty, firstly I would like to congratulate you on the good news. My father has sent some precious gifts for His and Her Majesty. If His Majesty allows, then can I present it to them?" Shi Zhihao made a humble request.

  "You are allowed," Sheng Li permitted him.

  Shi Zhihao turned towards the door and called in the servants. Five palace maids came inside with the large trays in their respective hands. Sheng Li looked at Xing-Fu and told him to send them to the adjacent chamber.

  "Please thank your father for these precious gifts. Also, I am glad that you accepted my request and came to Luoyang," Sheng Li said with a smile. "You may take a seat," Sheng Li told him, gesturing towards the chaise.

  Shi Zhihao thanked the Emperor and rested himself on the chaise.

  "Your Majesty, I got your message regarding my marriage with Princess Bai Yaling, who is the widow of Princess Yongzheng. I will go with this marriage after having a conversation with her," Shi Zhihao asserted.

  "That's great. But before that I would like to know something from Prince Shi Zhihao," Sheng Li stated.

  "Yes, Your Majesty. I will gladly answer all of your questions," Shi Zhihao said politely.

  "Will Prince Zhihao go with a single marriage or multiple marriages?" Sheng Li questioned him.

  "A single marriage, Your Majesty," Shi Zhihao replied.

  "What about the family pressure?" Sheng Li asked him.

  "My father has only one wife and I will also walk on the same path as his. I want to marry only a woman," Shi Zhihao affirmed.

  Sheng Li was happy to hear that. "Prince Zhihao, you can meet Princess Bai Yaling and try to know about her. Whatever will be your decision, do convey it to me within three days," Sheng Li stated.

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  "I won't converse much as you have come from such a long journey. I will converse with you later in the evening…… Eunuch Xing-Fu will show you the way to your chamber," Sheng Li kept the conversation crisp and looked at Xing-Fu, who came forward and took Shi Zhihao with him.