Wang Hao took out a folded piece of paper from inside his pocket and went towards Sheng Li, who was seated on the throne. "Your Majesty, this is the message by the nomads' leaders from the Eastern Border." He informed Sheng Li and put it on the table.
Sheng Li picked it up and unfolded it.
"The situation was tough there, but gladly through diplomatic talks, both sides negotiated. Their leader isn't educated, but he told me to write the message for you," Wang Hao said.
Sheng Li hummed as he read the message.
"They have acknowledged you as their Emperor and are willing to give up the lands to the Han Empire. They want to get acknowledged by the Han as its people," Wang Hao stated.
"Hmm. Since they willingly surrendering the captured lands to the Han, there is no problem in accepting them," Sheng Li asserted.
"Your father has come to see me. The Ex-General still has the power elephants in him. We had a sword fighting session too and he is still the same. Suddenly with him, I recalled my earliest days when he used to teach me," Sheng Li smiled upon reminiscing about those days.
"Father is happy to see you as the Emperor," Wang Hao stated.
"Hmm. When are you getting married?" Sheng Li asked.
"Soon," Wang Hao answered. "I promised my father that after my return I will get married," he stated.
"Nice. You should settle down and have your own family now. Your father was saying that the daughter of the Prime Minister has an interest in you," Sheng Li said with a smile.
"Really? I did not know about this," Wang Hao stated.
"Many women want to be your wife. You are the General of Han. I kept you so busy that you could not even glance or think about this matter," Sheng Li pronounced.
"The Emperor is making me feel guilty. He never kept me busy. It was my choice to marry late. Also, Father was not here for months, so I got some more time," Wang Hao explained to Sheng Li.
"There is something that I want to give you," Sheng Li said and took out a flat wooden box from the drawer of the desk. He forwarded it to Wang Hao, who peered at him with inquisitiveness.
"What is it, Your Majesty?" Wang Hao queried.
"Check yourself," Sheng Li answered.
Wang Hao took it and opened the hook on it. There was a precious jade pendant in it. "What is this, Your Majesty?" He asked. "Why are you giving me this?"
"A symbol of our friendship. I gave one to Xiao Zhan too. Wear it. Ying Lili said that jade brings good luck. You always protected me and it is only a small gift that I have given you," Sheng Li proclaimed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Wang Hao said and closed the box.
"You wanted to have drinks with me. Today evening I have made a plan. Xiao Zhan will also join," Sheng Li asserted.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wang Hao gladly accepted the invitation of Sheng Li. "Go home and take plenty of rest. Now, the Empire has stabilized. And, don't delay your marriage," Sheng Li suggested to him.
"I won't, Your Majesty," Wang Hao assured him. He bowed in front of him and left the office.
As he came out, he thought to see Princess Bai Yaling and inform her. He went to the Eastern Palace to meet her. On the practice grounds, Weng Yu was practicing with Xiao Zhan and Commander Sun. He smiled at them and moved forward.
"Tell the Princess that General Wang wants to meet her," Wang Hao told the maidservant outside the chamber. She nodded and walked in. After a few seconds, she informed General Wang that he could go in.
Wang Hao went inside and greeted her. He found that Bai Yaling was quite better from earlier. "Have a seat, General Wang," Bai Yaling said.
Wang Hao nodded and sat down around the floor table.
"It is good to see General Wang has returned safely," Bai Yaling stated. "Would General Wang like to have tea?" She asked.
Wang Hao shook his head. "Thank you for asking, Princess Bai, but I won't," he replied politely.
"Prince Shi Zhihao is here. He is a nice person. Do not hesitate in telling him everything. I feel he will accept Princess Bai Yaling wholeheartedly," Wang Hao told her.
Bai Yaling kept the tiny smile on her lips and thanked General Wang.
"Princess Bai shall thank the Former Emperor and herself for this. She made a good decision. We only followed the commands– the current Emperor and I," Wang Hao stated. "I shall leave," he stood up and bowed. He passed her a smile and left for his home.
Arriving at his home, Wang Hao first met his father and then his sister. He asked about Huo Jin as well but Yin Na informed him that Huo Jin had gone out.
"Brother Wang, Father told me to get married too," Yin Na said.
"Really? Do you want to?" He asked her.
"No. I do not want to. Brother Wang knows what kind of treatment I have received from men," Yin Na stated. "Also, I did not tell Father in fear. I mean… he might not feel good," she said with a slight hesitance.
Wang Hao put his hand over Yin Na's head and started to caress it. "Yin Na, your past has nothing to do with your present. I will talk with my father. Also, that's because of my negligence that you have to suffer all that. I will find the best man for my sister." He pulled her into his embrace.
"Take your time. You are young. Father might have said because he's concerned for us as a father. He will understand after I will talk to him," Wang Hao stated. Yin Na hummed and withdrew back from the hug.
"Brother Wang is the best brother. Thank you. You shall take a rest. I won't disturb you till the evening," Yin Na stated.. Wang Hao nodded and left for his room.
