"I don't see you as a man," Bai Yaling replied. Wang Hao ended up chuckling because this was a hilarious reason in his eyes to reject him.
"That statement hurt me," Wang Hao said. "Princess Bai, I have told my family about you. Everyone is excited to get married to you and bring you home," he asserted.
Bai Yaling confusedly peered at him. "Why did General Wang tell his family? Also, I heard from the Sixth Brother that General Wang is marrying the daughter of the Prime Minister," Bai Yaling proclaimed.
Wang Hao sighed as Lei Wanxi almost told everyone the half-truth. "I am not marrying her. Prince Wanxi has only half the information. I refused to marry her two days ago. I told the Prime Minister that I love a woman."
Bai Yaling stood up from her seat. "General Wang, why did you do that? I heard that the daughter of the Prime Minister loves you and has feelings for you for a long time. She was perfect for General Wang," Bai Yaling was angry at Wang Hao for refusing to marry such a woman.
"That's what my heart told me. Miss Ai Huian is not a perfect woman for me," Wang Hao asserted. Bai Yaling was more than perfect for him.
"Princess Bai, you told me that you don't want people to raise any finger on the man who will show interest in marrying you, nor do you want any accusation on that family. In my case, my family and I both are accepting you wholeheartedly. Also, no one will say anything to us. Even if there is someone, that person's opinion will never affect me. For me, my love for you will always be supreme. Please do not push me away," Wang Hao said politely. He assured her that from his family side no one had the problem.
"Princess Bai, do you want to come to my house for a tour? I will ask the Emperor. Father and everyone at the house will be happy to meet you, especially my younger sister," Wang Hao said delightedly. "You will have an outing then," he told her.
"General Wang is forgetting that as a widow, I am not allowed to go to someone's house. Also, I don't think it is appropriate for me to visit General Wang's House," Bai Yaling opined.
"But if the Princess agrees to marry me, then that's possible," Wang Hao replied. Bai Yaling did not say anything after that. Wang Hao waited for her answer, but Bai Yaling had turned silent. "I will give more time to Princess Bai to think. Have your meals on time and do not take any stress," he said humbly. He bowed and turned to leave when Bai Yaling stopped him.
Wang Hao glanced at her and found she was smiling.
"General Wang, let's have tea tomorrow morning. I will tell you my decision," she stated. Wang Hao was surprised to hear that but he did not feel happy. He did not know the reason. Bai Yaling's smile was making him worry. "Whatever will be my decision, General Wang has to accept that," she affirmed.
"Princess Bai, then, can you go out with me? To my house? We can have tea at my house. Tell me your decision after visiting my house," Wang Hao put forward a condition.
Bai Yaling nodded her head. "If the Emperor allows, I will definitely go to General Wang's house with him," Bai Yaling agreed to him.
Wang Hao bowed, thanking her for acknowledging his request. "I shall take my leave. Hopefully, I did not take much of your time," he said and walked out.
Bai Yaling watched him going out. "I cannot be selfish, General Wang," she murmured.
~~~~~~
Ying Lili looked at the dress which she had requested the Royal Tailor to make. She wanted to present it to Sheng Li. After he became the Emperor, she was supposed to present a Royal Robe and dress to him.
"Thank you for preparing this beautiful dress earlier than the given time," Ying Lili said as she moved her hand over the warm and soft robe.
"Your Majesty, it is my pleasure to make dresses for the Emperor. I am glad that you liked my work," the Royal Tailor replied. Ying Lili lifted her head and looked at Court Lady Xu.
Court Lady Xu understood and handed him a pouch full of gold coins. The Royal Tailor happily accepted that and thanked Ying Lili for her generous benevolence.
"Sheng Li does not take care of himself. Yesterday evening, I found out how cold it was. Gladly, I gave an order this way earlier. This robe will keep him warm," Ying Lili said and smiled.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The winters are near, so His Majesty will get a leave from his work," Court Lady Xu informed her. "Then, you both can go to your Private Residence to spend time together," she stated.
Ying Lili smiled and asked about Zhu Lin. "Prince Wanxi's marriage got delayed for an indefinite time. Before winter falls, I want them to get married," Ying Lili asserted.
"Your Majesty, Princess Zhu Lin will return after two days," Court Lady Xu replied.
A maidservant walked in and bowed before the Empress. "Princess Bai wants to meet Her Majesty," she informed Ying Lili, who told her to send Bai Yaling inside. Court Lady Xu took the robes from Ying Lili.
"Greetings to Your Majesty," Bai Yaling said.
"Sister Bai, please have a seat," Ying Lili told her. Bai Yaling thanked her and sat down on the chaise.
"Your Majesty, I need your opinion on an important matter," Bai Yaling said politely. Ying Lili smiled and asked the servants to leave the chamber.
After everyone left, Bai Yaling started to speak. "Sister Lili, General Wang likes me. He confessed his feelings to me. I do not know how that happened, but I think it's not good. He even refused to marry the daughter of the Prime Minister. How could General Wang do that? Sister Lili, please help me. I do not want General Wang to play with his life like this," Bai Yaling stated with a worried expression.
"Sister Bai, what do you want me to do?" Ying Lili asked her.
"Sister Lili, I want you to convince General Wang to give up on his feelings for me," Bai Yaling replied.
"Forgive me, Sister Bai. I cannot do that. General Wang had told me and the Emperor about his feelings. He is not playing with his life. He is the General of the Han Empire. He is decisive, optimistic, strong and a determined person. I know what you are concerned about, Sister Bai," Ying Lili tried to make her understand and stood up from her place. She walked to Bai Yaling and sat beside her.
Taking her hands into hers and said, "Sister Bai, General Wang is the right man for you and for this child too. Also, the Emperor has passed an order not to make any defamatory remarks against you and the child you are carrying. Also, those who did that are already being dragged to prison. Don't think about the negative comments, Sister Bai. Also, General Wang's family is nice. You will be happy in that house. I am just telling you my opinion. Rest is up to Sister Bai. But I would like to see her happy," Ying Lili asserted.
"Sister Lili, General Wang is a nice man. I agree with that. But I am not good enough for him. He did so much for me, and I want him to be happy," stated Bai Yaling.
"Sister Bai, General Wang will be happy with the woman he loves. Don't you think so?" Ying Lili questioned her. "Also, I feel, Sister Bai might have feelings for him, but she is unable to see them. General Wang was deeply hurt by the words of Prince Shi Zhihao. That day, only he asked the Emperor to let him marry you. That was not because he pities you, but because he cannot see you in pain. Only a person in love can understand that" Ying Lili's words deeply affected Bai Yaling's conscience.
Bai Yaling recalled how Wang Hao told her that she was the second woman in his life whom he saved. He was not ready to give up on her.
"General Wang has invited me to his residence tomorrow. I will give him my answer, Sister Lili," Bai Yaling informed her.
"That's great. Hopefully, Sister Bai will make a decision that will make both of them happy," Ying Lili said with assurance.
~~~~
Hello Dear Readers,
Thank you for the patience. I have recovered. Still a little weakness. Sorry for not able to give updates for two days.
THANK YOU
HAPPY READING
