Ying Lili and Hu Jingguo were in the Imperial Garden Pavilion. A maidservant served tea to them and stepped back. Ying Lili told Hu Jingguo to drink the tea, who picked the cup and sipped the tea. Putting the cup down, Hu Jingguo said, "It was a difficult journey. Only a few herbs grow there of this medicinal plant."
"But, you found it," asserted Ying Lili and picked up the cup. Taking a few sips, she put it down. "This time I will not accompany Sheng Li so, take care of him." Hu Jingguo lifted his eyes and saw the anxiousness in Ying Lili's eyes for Sheng Li.
"There will be dangers ahead, and he knows a little about the enemy. Though I know he is good at making decisions at such times but, if something happens, protect him," Ying Lili requested Hu Jingguo.
"You do not need to make a request, Ying Lili. Even if you had not told me, I would have done that. Your husband's life is supreme and even if I have to sacrifice my life I will do that willingly without giving a second thought," Hu Jingguo asserted with a smile.
"But for me, your life is also supreme. Don't let yourself get hurt. I only want you to look after him as I will not be with him," Ying Lili proclaimed and again raised the cup. Hu Jingguo did the same, and they both drank the remaining tea in the cups.
Ying Lili noticed the bruises on Hu Jingguo's hands. "Didn't you apply ointment on them? Forward your hands," Ying Lili sternly said.
"The Crown Prince gave me an ointment last night. He is also funny. Giving a physician an ointment," Hu Jingguo laughed. "My hands are fine. Do not worry," Hu Jingguo stated.
"Put your hands on the table," Ying Lili repeated her words. Hu Jingguo obediently put them on the table. Ying Lili caressed both of his hands and said, "Now, the bruises will disappear soon." Hu Jingguo recalled how Ying Lili used to do the same whenever he injured himself. A smile carved on his lips but he pulled his hands back, bewildering her.
"You cannot do this anymore. If Sheng Li sees this, he might break my hands for letting you do this," Hu Jingguo stated and crossed his arms.
"He will not do this. Put your hands down," Ying Lili gestured to the table. However, Hu Jingguo refused. "Lili, Sheng Li will indeed get angry. And, I also do not want you to do this. Before my friend, you are the wife of the Crown Princess," Hu Jingguo affirmed.
"Tell me about the most annoying habit of your husband! When he will be back, that habit will no longer be with him. I promise to you," Hu Jingguo stated.
Ying Lili brought her index finger under her chin and thought for a while. "Umm...I never found out if there's an annoying habit of his!" Ying Lili proclaimed.
"Ahh, there is one. He gets annoyed, as I know more about you than he knows about you. I love to tease him," Hu Jingguo stated and picked the teapot. He poured the tea for them and said, "Today his majesty passed an order to punish the Landlord who abused me and ordered to thrash my parents."
"Really?" Ying Lili was delighted to hear that.
"Hmm." "You are indeed lucky for me," Hu Jingguo stated and forwarded the teacup to her.
"Even you are lucky for me," Ying Lili stated, and picked the cup.
"You are lucky for me, Lili. You also know my birth status. I am a slave with no identity and-"
"You were a slave with no identity. Now, you have an identity." They both heard the voice of the Crown Prince. Sheng Li came towards them and sat beside Ying Lili. "Now, everyone knows you with a name and a title - 'The Second Royal Physician'." Sheng Li gestured to a maidservant, who came forward and put the teacup on the table.
"Don't stare at me. Pour the tea," Sheng Li scolded Hu Jingguo, who averted his gaze and picked the teapot.
"Why did you jump between the conversation of two friends?" Ying Lili queried Sheng Li.
"Because I am also his friend. Moreover, I am the Crown Prince so, I can jump in the conversation of anyone, anywhere," Sheng Li pronounced proudly. Hu Jingguo smiled upon hearing his words.
"Where is Brother Wanxi?" Ying Lili asked him.
"He has gone to the market. He is such a free bird!" Sheng Li remarked and brought the cup in front of his lips. Gulping the tea, he put the cup on the table. "Even Weng Yu started working on himself, but Wanxi does not listen to me," Sheng Li shook his head.
"Jingguo, so as a child you were abused! Your story is not any different than mine though I was a Prince so, the torture was limited," Sheng Li chuckled and looked at him. "Your parents must be proud to see you from heaven! You have become the friend of the Crown Prince and have also got many privileges," Sheng Li stated.
Hu Jingguo passed a smile to him. "Yes. Even the Generals were shocked to learn about this truth." Sheng Li picked the teapot and poured the tea into his glass. "If I said run then you have to run. Don't defy my orders," Suddenly Sheng Li stated.
"I cannot leave you behind. As a friend, I can defy your orders, I believe," stated Hu Jingguo. Ying Lili found out that the two had become closer after she got attacked. Whatever was the reason behind that, she was happy for the two. It gave her relief to see Sheng Li frank with Hu Jingguo. Her worries were lessened, and she was assured now that Hu Jingguo would take care of Sheng Li. She hardly had seen Sheng Li laughing unless he was with her. Hu Jingguo filled the void of a friend as well in Sheng Li's life.