Ying Lili scoffed on hearing the statement by Sheng Li. "You have concluded wrong. I did not fall for you. You are the one who fell for me first," Ying Lili pronounced.
"Lili, you shall not hide the truth. Just accept the truth," Sheng Li asserted as he let go of her.
"I did not push you because I have accepted you as my husband. Feelings take time to grow," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li did not argue on that further as he thought it would only waste their time. He stepped back and went to the pavilion while Ying Lili followed him. The two sat down around the ground table.
"Are you feeling good now?" Sheng Li asked.
Ying Lili nodded and replied, "Thank you for taking me here. I cannot be mournful for long. The Empress will be angry after knowing about the decision of his majesty. She will plan something big after this."
Sheng Li agreed with Ying Lili. "But she will not plan anything till we return," proclaimed Sheng Li.
"He regretted that he contributed to your mother's death. He was saying, he was saved by your mother. Would you like to tell me what had happened in the past? Earlier you promised me that you will open your heart to me so you cannot go back on your words," Ying Lili put pressure on Sheng Li.
"She saved him when he was attacked and was heavily injured. He might have lost his life but thanks to my mother he survived," Sheng Li answered.
Ying Lili nodded and looked at Sheng Li who spoke further, "I was locked in the chamber the day she died by Weng Wei. When my father arrived, I got the chance to see her. Since I was young, the memories have faded, I noted them down in a notebook that used to be my mother's, with the help of Xing-Fu. I told him to write everything that I felt at that time."
"Are you talking about that notebook which I saw in your lap the other day in the library?" Ying Lili queried him.
Sheng Li nodded. "It is now more like a diary," Sheng Li stated. "Soon father had to leave for war and Weng Wei got control over the Palace. She could not poison me as it would have raised suspicion so she did every possible torture she could do to me so that I would die by myself." Ying Lili could feel the pain while Sheng Li was telling about his past.
"No one helped you?" Ying Lili asked.
"Who would dare to lose his or her life? General Wang is older than me. He protected me sometimes but then I told him not to intervene as it could risk his life as well. General Wang is the son of the late Great General of Han, Wang Guofeng. Luckily, my father returned soon after two years. I told the father to take me away with him and left with my father to the Eastern Han where I trained hard with General Wang." Sheng Li briefed about his past to Ying Lili whose eyes had turned misty.
"I had never imagined that Palace life could be like this. I led a very peaceful life and never once was treated like that. Now, I understand why you turned this way but then you are a thoughtful person too. Forgive me for misbehaving with you earlier," Ying Lili proclaimed and quickly poured the water from the jar into a cup that was placed on the table.
She drank the water and later placed it on the table. "Were you whipped on the back by her? And, what about the scar which you have on your chest? Did Weng Wei do that to you?" Ying Lili enquired.
"Let's not talk about that. I am hungry. Do you know how to cook? Cook something for us," Sheng Li stated, changing the topic. Ying Lili did not pressure him because she wanted to develop their relationship to such a level that Sheng Li would tell her everything on his own one day.
"Aren't there any servants here?" Ying Lili asked, looking around.
"No. I told you this is for us two. I sent them away for some time," Sheng Li stated. "Now, go and cook. Wait, I will show you the kitchen." Sheng Li stood up from his seat and so did Ying Lili.
"You have to help me else I will not cook," Ying Lili clarified. Sheng Li snickered and told Ying Lili that he never cooked so better not to ask for his help.
"So? I want my husband to help me. As the Crown Prince you shall know everything," Ying Lili pronounced.
A chuckle escaped Sheng Li's mouth. "Where did you learn about this?"
"I learned it today. Let's go," Ying Lili grasped Sheng Li's hand and moved forward. "Show me the way," Ying Lili said as she picked her high waist skirt slightly as it was touching the floor. Sheng Li took her to the kitchen, which was a spacious one.
"Lili, I will call for servants. We might get late if you cook," Sheng Li replied and turned to go out when Ying Lili stopped him.
"You shall not run away from such a simple task," Ying Lili crossed her arms as if she was challenging Sheng Li. But Sheng Li has the reasons prepared.
"We have to leave tomorrow, so there are some arrangements I need to check. That's why we shall not cook, as it can delay my work. Furthermore, I have to discuss with Wang Hao how to send Hu Jingguo safely to Juyan," Sheng Li opined.
Ying Lili did not oppose Sheng Li. They both came out of the kitchen. "Then we shall leave for the Palace." Sheng Li agreed with her and the two left the Residence. Soon they arrived at the Palace. As they were crossing the Eastern Pavilion, they encountered Jian Guozhi who greeted them.
"How is the Crown Princess doing?" Jian Guozhi concernedly asked.
"I am good. Thank you for your concern, First Brother," Ying Lili replied. Jian Guozhi gave a faint smile when Sheng Li walked past him, followed by Ying Lili. Jian Guozhi turned to look and saw how the Crown Princess was smiling with Sheng Li.
"They have gotten closer," Jian Guozhi murmured. "Mother did not do right by giving orders to kill the mother of Yingér. I told her not to harm Yingér in any way then why did she not listen to me," Jian Guozhi thought.