Wang Hao arrived at the residence on his horse. As he hopped down, Lei Wanxi came out of the residence with Wang Fuxing, Huo Jin, and Xu Wenhai.
"General Wang," Lei Wanxi looked around and asked about the Emperor.
"His Majesty could not come because an urgent matter had come up," Wang Hao informed them.
"Oh." Lei Wanxi turned towards Wang Fuxing and bowed before him. "I shall take my leave. It was a nice tea session. I do not fear the Ex-General anymore," He said with a smile. Wang Hao had prepared the carriage for Prince Wanxi and Xu Wenhai.
"I will come tomorrow to attend General Wang's marriage," Lei Wanxi said before getting into the carriage. Wang Hao closed its door and the coachman drove it to the Palace.
"Thank you for the warm hospitality," Xu Wenhai told them and brought his hands up to thank General Fuxing. He put his hands down and got into the carriage. Wang Hao closed the door and instructed the coachman to drive safely.
He stepped back, holding the sword tightly and the carriage drove away. Wang Hao turned to look at his father. "Let's go in, Father," Wang Hao said and then gazed at Huo Jin. "Come," he said and the three walked inside the residence.
"What happened? You seem troubled," Wang Fuxing stated.
"Changying has declared itself free and even declared an independent leader," Wang Hao informed his father, who halted at his place.
"His Majesty has sent the First Prince, Fourth Prince, General Xiao, and Commander Yang. That's why he did not visit our residence," Wang Hao said and furrowed his brows together.
"It is rare to happen," Wang Fuxing stated.
Wang Hao agreed with his father. "They will investigate the matter and accordingly His Majesty will make the decision," he stated.
"It seems the leader has people's support," Huo Jin raised the suspicion.
"Yes. It is reported that this unknown leader has received the support of the people in the region," Wang Hao said and again peered at his Father.
"You should take a rest. You have been running around since the morning," Wang Fuxing said with a worried expression. He knew Wang Hao wanted to go to the Eastern Province to check into this matter, but his marriage was also important.
Wang Hao bowed and then left for his room. Huo Jin glanced at Wang Fuxing.
"Huo Jin, Wang Hao might have tried to delay his marriage. That's why the Emperor sent him home. My son forgets everything in front of the Empire's safety," he told Huo Jin about Wang Hao's love towards the Han Empire.
"Father, the marriage will happen without any delay and interventions," Huo Jin assured Wang Fuxing, who nodded and left for his room.
~~~~~
Sheng Li hugged the First Prince, followed by the Fourth Prince, who was ready to leave for Changying. Sheng Li commanded Xiao Zhan to protect the Princes at all times. Both the Princes got into the carriage. Commander Yang closed the door and came towards Sheng Li.
"Both the Princes' safety is above my life, Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan said.
"Send a message after reaching Changying."
They both bowed before them and hopped on the horses. Sheng Li watched them leaving when a carriage came from the front.
The carriage stopped and Lei Wanxi got out of it. "Brother Sheng, where did General Xiao and Commander Yang head to at this hour?" He came near Sheng Li, who briefed him about the matter.
"Brother Jian is good at negotiating. I believe that he and Brother Nianzu will find the solution to this," Lei Wanxi answered optimistically and the two walked inside the Palace.
"General Wang looked worried too. I thought he was nervous regarding his marriage. So, the reason behind his troubled look was this matter?" He queried Sheng Li.
"Maybe. Wang Hao usually has dealt with such matters. I told him though that Xiao Zhan would handle and then the two Princes have gone too, so it will not be a problem," Sheng Li deduced.
"Of Course, Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi agreed with his words. They reached the Palace Ground where Lei Wanxi told him to not worry.
"Hmm."
"Sister Lili must be waiting for Brother Sheng," Lei Wanxi gestured to him to go.
"First, you go to your chamber," Sheng Li said.
"You are my Elder and also the Emperor. You must leave first," Lei Wanxi insisted. Sheng Li shook his head and left for the Northern Palace.
"Why can't people live in peace? Brother Sheng has turned into a gentle person, yet people are supporting some random person," Lei Wanxi murmured and sighed.
Sheng Li reached his chamber and walked in. The servants bowed before him and he went to the dressing chamber where Xing-Fu followed him.
Sheng Li outstretched his arms when Xing-Fu removed his overcoat. "Your Majesty, the Empress asked about you numerous times. Did something urgent come up?" He asked humbly as he folded the dragon overcoat and placed it on the table.
He removed the Dragon Crown from Sheng Li's head and placed it carefully on the other table.
Sheng Li removed his upper coat and went towards the bathhouse to have a bath while Xing-Fu silently followed him.
"Leave," Sheng Li told the maidservants, who were lined up outside the bathhouse and then walked in.
Sheng Li removed the white silk upper garment and got into the large bathtub. Xing-Fu mixed the fragrance inside the water and asked him if he should call a servant.
"No need," Sheng Li said and poured the water on his arms by taking it into his palm. "Tell the Empress that I will come in fifteen minutes." Xing-Fu acknowledged the command of Sheng Li and left the bathhouse.
Sheng Li rested at the edge of the bathtub, his arms stretched at its higher side. He took a dip into the water and flipped his hair back, wiping the water from his face.
'Should I keep it a secret from Lili? She will worry if I tell her.. I will not let this matter reach Lili until it gets solved,' he made the decision.
