Nianzu found that the conversation with the Empress heavily influenced Huo Jin's thoughts. "Prince Nianzu, I neglected many things about myself until today the Empress asked me. That night I was running away, leaving Xinyue behind. I never loved her because if I had, then I would've chosen her above everything," Huo Jin said with a sigh. He moved his right leg back and forth on the ground that was filled with pebbles.
Nianzu wondered what Ying Lili talked about with Huo Jin that made him come to this conclusion. It was tough to waver Huo Jin's mind for them. But Ying Lili did it in just one meeting.
"Your Highness, forgive me for my rudeness earlier. Indeed, you were right and I neglected the Prince's advice," stated Huo Jin.
"You don't need to apologize. I'm glad that you realized it. Are you ready to let go of her?" Nianzu queried him.
Huo Jin nodded his head. "Prince Nianzu shall return to the Palace. Princess Chuntao must be waiting for you," he said.
"I have taken out time for my friend today. I have kept my time for Chuntao as well," Nianzu said with a smile and started to walk on the river bank. Huo Jin looked at the horses and then went behind Nianzu.
Nianzu found it as the best chance to converse about General Wang's sister with Huo Jin. However, he was slightly nervous thinking how Huo Jin would react!
"General Wang is upset with me," Huo Jin said suddenly. Nianzu asked the reason for this.
"General Wang's sister, Yin Na, has feelings for me. However, I rejected her because of my reasons. Also, General Wang had requested me to give Yin Na a chance. But before I could do that, a marriage proposal came for her," Huo Jin stated. The two of them halted again.
Nianzu glanced at him with amusement.
"I do not know how to face General Wang. He did so much for me. However, I am glad that Yin Na will marry the son of Former Court Minister Xu Niang," Huo Jin told Nianzu.
"Xu Wenhai is indeed a man with intellect. However, why do you think he is perfect for Yin Na?" Nianzu wanted to know.
"Prince Nianzu, I have heard about his recent efforts towards the women in the Kingdom. Upon His Majesty's orders, he is working towards their betterment. He will understand Yin Na and embrace her wholeheartedly," Huo Jin answered.
"I do not know how to make General Wang understand," he then expressed his concern.
"Huo Jin, General Wang lost his sister when she was quite young because of an illness. Then he found Yin Na and became her brother. A brother understands his sister well. He wouldn't have talked to you and urged you to give a chance to Yin Na if you would not be capable enough for his sister," Nianzu stated.
"It is impossible now," Huo Jin said and sighed.
"Miss Yin Na is not married yet," Nianzu reminded him. "Go for it," he encouraged him. Huo Jin contemplated for a while when he heard Nianzu.
"You were right. If you had run away then you would not be standing in front of me. Most importantly, you would have never become someone's choice of husband!" Nianzu proclaimed and patted his shoulder. "You always yearned to be loved. When it has come to you, don't turn away from it. Regret is a bane and it eats you from inside," he advised him.
Huo Jin nodded his head.
~~~~~
Lei Wanxi made a pouty face when Sheng Li pulled his cheeks. "Brother Sheng! Don't do this," he said with annoyance. "Why am I supposed to marry late? I want to get married now. Can't Brother Sheng see how desperate I am to marry Zhu Lin?" Lei Wanxi complained and slammed his hand on the wooden pillar beside him.
Both Sheng Li and Lei Wanxi were in the Northern Pavilion.
"For both of your safety, we need to agree with the Royal Astrologer," Sheng Li stated.
"Brother Sheng does not believe in superstitions, then why?" Lei Wanxi was confused that Sheng Li shifted his marriage to a later date.
"Because Lili wants this," Sheng Li replied. "I cannot refuse her. She has a better understanding of all this," he stated.
"Even I cannot go against Sister Lili's decision. I know she wants her younger brother to be happy," Lei Wanxi muttered and sighed deeply.
"Didn't you want to enjoy your bachelor life?"
"I wanted to, Brother Sheng, but not anymore," he said and then showed him white teeth smile. "Brother Sheng, I am married to Zhu Lin in my mind, so I will wait for a month as well," he stated.
Sheng Li ended up chuckling upon hearing his statement. He pulled Lei Wanxi's ear, who cried in pain. "You made me feel guilty and now you are smiling," Sheng Li said and let go of him.
Lei Wanxi covered his ear. "Brother Sheng does not bully his younger brother," he said. "I will tell Sister Lili and then she will bully you!"
Sheng Li laughed and locked his arms around his neck. "Go! Tell her," Sheng Li told him while Lei Wanxi requested him to let go of him.
Both of them laughed as they withdrew away. "Brother Sheng, we were so young. We both used to say that we will never get married. I have now become desperate to get married," Lei Wanxi said and smiled.
"Brother Sheng will soon become a father of two children. I will play with them too. Brother Sheng, will you teach your kids warfare too?" He asked him curiously.
"That depends. Whatever they desire for, I will go with it. I will enjoy my missing childhood with them," Sheng Li asserted.
"Every day I wake up from sleep, it appears like a dream to me. A man like me had never imagined this wonderful life. Waking up beside a woman you love, who loves you more than anything; who teaches you every day a new thing; who gets happier for your success and who consoles you on your loss is no less than a divine blessing," Sheng Li said as his eyes filled with tears– the tears of happiness.
"Brother Sheng, you deserved this life.. I always pray for your well-being and happiness," Lei Wanxi said and hugged him tightly.
