Chapter 3

HHYL Fanfic chapter 3.

Buzzing chatters and idle talks filled the hall. Another winter banquet was being held in this west wing of the Imperial Hall. A banquet to welcome another new prosperous year for the Datong Empire.

The host of the banquet was none other than the Emperor Jing Zong himself. Emperor Jing Zong had already reigned for more than a decade, the Empire was nothing but constantly flourishing and prosperous, in all aspects, especially economics and politics. More and more small countries came to swear loyalty and brought their tributes. This banquet was held to showcase Datong's power as well as Datong's prosperity.

As the host, Jing obviously enjoyed himself in this banquet. --- He was always engaged in a light conversation with his ministers or with the ambassadors sent by the other countries to bring their yearly tributes. However, he would constantly check on Lu Cang by briefly casting him a glance, then tried to hide his amusing smile upon Lu Cang's pouting face.

Lu Cang, who had been watching Jing during the whole banquet, of course would eventually find out even though Jing covered it up by quickly put on his serious business like face. Lu Cang couldn't help but seethed in all resentment. --- This damned Jing, actually amusing himself on his suffering.

Banquets, courts, ceremonies. They were things that Lu Cang could never get used to, no matter how long he had been in the capital. In the banquets, except for Sir Liu Zhong Tang, there were barely people who would take the liberty to talk to him for whether they despised him and envied him for being the Emperor's most beloved, they wouldn't dare to offend him in any possible way. --- The Emperor's severe punishment for those who had offended Lord Lu was an infamous story among the officials.

So, in a grand banquet, where Sir Liu Zhong Tang was absent, --He had been away from the capital on duty during this time, Lu Cang inadvertently would be bored to death. With no one to talk to, only drinking his wine all alone, amidst the noisy crowd.

Lu Cang waited for Jing to glance his way. He wanted to ask for permission to leave first or at least out to take a breather. So, when Jing really threw him a glance, he quickly made a gesture, and was pleasantly happy when Jing slightly nodded to grant him his wish. Lu Cang was flashing Jing his grateful smile as he walked out the hall.

The fresh icy cold winter breeze greeted him as soon as he stepped out of the suffocating hall. It felt like all of the burdens that stiffened his shoulder dissipated upon feeling the cold gentle breeze on his face. He glanced one more time at Jing and saw him dignifiedly talking with the courtiers, he decided to take a quick stroll around. Jing would not be happy if he left for too long.

Taking in a mouthful of cold air, he strode to the closest garden to relax himself from the suffocating noisy hall. The beauty of the garden itself was not close to the magnificence of the Lotus Garden, but still, as part of the Imperial Garden, it had its own charm.

While indulging himself in the calming and tranquil nature, Lu Cang was startled by a tap on his back.

"I knew it .... it's you!"

A cheerful tone, a clear like bell sound resounded from his back. Lu Cang turned to see that voice's owner and was startled to see the maiden he once met at the Lotus Garden.

Donned in a simple winter robe, a lively and youthful maiden greeted him with a wide smile. Her beautiful eyes, as big as a deer's, shone with unhidden happiness and surprised feeling. Even in the cold winter air, her cheeks were still bursting with a healthy rosy color.

Looking at the speechless Lu Cang, she continued on with her friendly greeting. "It's me, remember? We met on the Lotus Garden?" She fixed her perfect round eyes on Lu Cang's. Patiently waiting for his stretched tight lip to loosen and start to form a smile.

Lu Cang smiled warmly. "Of course I do. I was just surprised to see you here..."

"Me too... I was surprised too. Never thought that I will see you here instead." Pleasantly surprised at their coincidental meeting, Xiang Wen pulled Lu Cang to sit on one of the stone benches. She sat by the one in front of Lu Cang.

Xiang Wen had sneaked out again, without her nagging maids knowing. After all, who could stay in that boring palace all the time.Without anything fun to do. This was her second time escaping from her palace in the harem. At first, she was tempted to go to that luxurious Lotus Garden again, but after pondering for quite sometime, she decided on exploring another part of the palace. Who would have guessed that she could meet the congenial striking handsome person again during her second time running away!

"I forgot to ask you before, what is your name?" Xiang Wen had really wanted to know Lu Cang's name, so much that it was the first thing she asked. It bothered her a lot for forgetting to ask his name when they met at that heavenly like Lotus Garden.

Xiang Wen truly reminded Lu Cang of Xi Zhen. Her cheerful and full of curiosity tone as she inquired. Her eyes would be brimming with all lively life force of a youth. Lu Cang couldn't help but fall back into his reminiscence.

"It's Lu Cang." Pondering whether telling or not telling this maiden his empty nobility title, in the end, he decided to only tell her his name.

"Then, Brother Lu it is." Xiang Wen decided to call him "Brother" because Lu Cang reminded her of her favorite Royal Brother Guang Xiang. "May I call you Brother Lu?" In her hopeful tone, she requested Lu Cang's approval.

Although Lu Cang felt awkward to be addressed like this, he still nodded his head just not to make this young lady sad.

"You can call me Wen Er, or Xiao Wen. All my brothers and sisters called me that." Xiang Wen chirped cheerfully as she told Lu Cang her name.

Lu Cang was overwhelmed by this maiden's regard for him. He was also quite amused by this maiden. Fearless and bold. "Alright, Xiao Wen..."

Xiang Wen smiled so widely and sincerely. Seemingly like showing all of her good and honest nature. It was very hard indeed to find an honest and sincere person in this Royal Palace, where people strove to be the best without caring for other people. So, to meet this kind of person, even though she was a maid, Lu Cang felt an amount of indescribable pleasant feelings. Even more when this maid was like his once dear friend, Xi Zhen the Empress.

"Brother Lu, what are you doing here today?" Xiang Wen tilted her head, asking a question that had been bugging her mind. She could see that Lu Cang was donned in an awfully formal robe.

Lu Cang's robe today was completely different from the last time. Given her naturally smart and bright nature, Xiang Wen had guessed that Lu Cang was probably of a higher figure in Datong. --- If not a Royal, then had to be a noble. And that he was in The Royal Palace, a place only accessible for the Royal, Noble, or the courtiers, meant that what Xiang Wen thought was probably accurate.

"You wear a very formal attire today. Brother Lu looks so much like a noble in this robe, are you of a noble, Brother Lu?"

Lu Cang was taken aback by this question. It was inappropriate to say that he was of a noble. Sure, he held a fairly high rank of nobility, a Marquis at that, but it was only Jing's measure to make him freely stay by his side without degrading him to a concubine level. --- Lu Cang refused vehemently to be a part of the harem even if it meant he had to die.

"This... I am attending the banquet, the winter annual banquet." Fixed her his subtle smile, Lu Cang answered as a matter of fact. He was there to attend the banquet after all.

Seemingly all of her curiosity was piqued by Lu Cang's reply, she stared at Lu Cang with her clear as a crystal admiring eyes.

"Then, you really are a noble...." As if affirming her own statement, she looked satisfied as she nodded her head.

For Lu Cang himself, he didn't know whether to deny or to agree with her. He was a Marquis indeed. Nothing but an empty title of nobility. He made a wry smile without even confirming or rejecting Xiang Wen's words.

"Brother Lu, you said you are not familiar with the palace, then where are you usually?" Xiang Wen asked another shocking question.

Lu Cang slightly frowned his brow. As a maid, Xiao Wen was truly fearless. Even after concluding that Lu Cang was a noble, though Lu Cang didn't say anything to clarify it, Xiao Wen was not reducing in her bold manner of speaking, instead she went on cheerfully. --- Of course she would not drop her attitude since Xiang Wen herself was from a royal family. But how would Lu Cang know this? He still thought that Xiao Wen was a maid.

As it turned out, this was the very fact that he could say. "Usually, I am at the military quarter."

"Military?" Upon the word military, Xiang Wen's eyes narrowed a bit. Resentment could be felt from her now severe eyes. It was the military who came and took her away from her country.

Without sensing the slight change in her eyes, Lu Cang softly said in a light voice. "Yes. I'm in the military force. General Mu Yue's Second-In-Command." Though a little reluctant to say that he was in military force since he himself had never set out for any kinds of inspection, --- Jing could find a thousand and one unreasonable ways and reasons for not letting him go, at the very least, this was the better thing to tell her than the noble title.

"Second-In-Command?" Xiang Wen widened her already huge eyes, widened to the point they became very round, completely surprised by Lu Cang's position in military.

Xiang Wen couldn't help but to hold a tiny shred of grudge for Datong's military for coming to her country. Xiang's country was actually not a very strong country. But all of the people lived in harmony as the King ruled in such fair and good way. Their country could withstand many assaults only because of the King's perfect knowledge about military strategies. No matter how good they were in defending themselves from small countries, they definitely would not survive a full invasion from a country as strong as Datong. Datong's powerful military's force and the mere mention of their General, Mu Yue, could already make the soldiers tremble in fear and lost their fighting spirit.

The Xiang's country's King was not an exception. Upon hearing that Datong had sent their troops to begin their Eastern Expedition, nonetheless led by the most feared general of the land, General Mu Yue, Xiang Wen's Royal father, The King of Xiang, Li Xiang, as excellent a strategist as he was, began to hatch a plan to avoid any casualties from the invasion. --- Much to Xiang Wen dismay, he sent his best Princess, Princess Li Xiang Wen, to Datong, as a tribute.

Never in her wildest dreams would Xiang Wen think she would meet that despicable General Mu Yue's Second-In-Command. However, Lu Cang, though gave off a feeling of a man skilled in martial arts, did not emit that kind of blood-thirsty aura, which could be felt from most people who were involved in the military force.

Lu Cang was unable to hold back his smile as he saw Xiang Wen's exaggerated reaction.

"Yes... Second-In-Command, but..." Lu Cang made a wry smile before he continued. "As I just got promoted last year, I have never set out for any military duty. For the time being, I am in charge of training the soldiers."

In his mind, the very image of Jing turning down his every petition to go on an expedition, while maintaining his dignified Emperor's aura, appeared vividly. --- That damned Jing would never let him go for sure.

Xiang Wen somehow sighed in relief. "So it was like that. No wonder Brother Lu doesn't give off any unpleasant feeling."

Xiang Wen truly relieved since Lu Cang wasn't amongst the troops that came to her country. Xiang Wen really liked Lu Cang, thus she didn't want Lu Cang to be part of the group that she loathed.

Upon hearing this hearty response, Lu Cang smiled subtly. Xiao Wen also didn't give off any unpleasant feeling. Other maids would only look at him with a clear fear in their eyes. The Concubines would look at him with their uncovered hatred. Females he knew so far, except Xi Zhen since he thought she was a male, only made him feel uncomfortable with their flirtatious and seducing eyes. But Xiao Wen purely looked at him with an explicit admiration and respect.

Lu Cang reached out his hand unconsciously, without much thought, he patted Xiao Wen's head softly. "What a good girl..."

Being patted like a child, Xiang Wen laughed at the gesture. It was exactly the same gesture as her Brother Guang Xiang would have treated her with.

"I have to go back to the banquet now. You too, go back quickly. Don't get into trouble." Standing up and preparing to leave, Lu Cang could already imagine Jing's sour expression for he had left for quite a good while. --- Without any doubt, Jing would punish him with his remarkable punishment. Lu Cang involuntarily shuddered. Another night without much hope of sleep.

"Brother Lu..." Xiang Wen grabbed his sleeve to stop him. "Can we talk again? I really enjoy talking to you in this boring palace..." Xiang Wen couldn't contain her grievance. The boring life in Datong was too much for her who was used to living freely in her country. --- She could be as mischievous as she wanted since everybody would forgive her, she was their favorite Princess after all. To have a friend to chat with was all the luxury she could hope for in this cold and unfriendly foreign palace.

Looking at her so lively and grinning happily face a moment ago turn to one shouldering all the troubles in the world, Lu Cang was a little reluctant to leave her alone. Pondering for a while, he smiled warmly at her.

"Sure, why not? But only if the weather is as good as today. If it's too cold, then you shall not come here." Considering the cold winter weather, how could Lu Cang let a fragile lady out in the cold.

They made a promise to meet up in the same garden when the weather was fine. And parted with a pure pleasant feeling.

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After their second coincidental meeting, they met up several times and talked about their daily life pleasantly. Xiang Wen with her pure innocence and typical curiosity enquired about many unexpected questions. While Lu Cang, who was not a good liar, could only respond to all her questions in a somewhat bumbling way, sometimes even blushing a crimson color all over his face, especially when Xiang Wen asked this peculiar query about his love life.

Naturally, this kind of matter would reach Jing's ear. Lu Cang's downfall was the greatest desire by people who envied and hated his position. Lu Cang's every little step that they thought as inappropriate, they would report to Jing. Though barely any of Lu Cang's actions could be counted as inappropriate, -- Lu Cang was a very modest person, and he valued morality the most-- , nevertheless, as someone who was the closest to the Emperor, Lu Cang was doomed to be in this kind of predicament and scrutiny.

Reading and approving the official documents on the table in the Royal Study, Jing crooked his brow at Xiao Guizi who interrupted him. Coming to report his investigation on Lu Cang's secret meeting at Jing's order.

"So? What did you find?" Shifting his eyes back to the documents he had been reading, Jing enquired indifferently, not wanting to let his subject find out his agitated feeling.

Facing the ground, bowing as deep as he could, Xiao Guizi began his report.

"Report Your Majesty, your humble subject had made an investigation about Lord Lu's secret meeting as Your Majesty instructed." Straightening up his body to read the rolled paper in hand, he stole a glance at the Emperor's expression. ---That stoic face remained calm without any trace of emotion.

"Apparently, Lord Lu comes to the west wing garden to secretly meet up with Princess Li Xiang Wen, from the country of Xiang who recently entered the palace. Princess Li Xiang Wen is resided in the Ruby Palace for the time being. About what they are talking about, it is unknown. End of report, Your Majesty." As he finished his report, he could feel some kind of cold and dreadful aura coming from the Emperor. Bowing deeply, he didn't even have the courage to lift his head now.

Jing recalled that Mu Yue did mention about a Princess from Xiang's country on his last report. But how could this Princess come in contact with Lu Cang? And judging by Lu Cang's answer when Jing asked him about the reason he visited the Palace frequently now, even without his request, Jing concluded that Lu Cang was not aware about this Princess's true identity. Granted, Lu Cang had the poorest observation ability in estimating people. ---Lu Cang tended to assume merely by the way one dressed themselves. If Lu Cang happened to know that she was one of the Royal Concubines, Lu Cang would avoid any contact with her at all cost. --- Jing forbade him to have any contact with the concubines after the Concubine Zhang's case.

Swirling questions were in his mind. ---What were they talking about? Why would Xiao Cang come to see her so happily while so unwilling to come at his request?

Jing was clearly displeased by this event. It could obstruct his plan. He had deliberately lessened his visits at Lu Cang's Marquis' residence to make Lu Cang miss him. At first, Jing thought that his plan was a successful one as Lu Cang was coming to the Royal Palace of his free will. But alas he only came over after his secret meeting by the west wing garden. So he only felt awkward if he visited the Palace without coming to see Jing. To be actually used as an excuse, Jing was angry beyond believe. But he tried not to pester Lu Cang, instead, he ordered a secret investigation on this case.

Since he could not get anything out from Lu Cang, his investigation presented him with another option. Jing unconsciously leaked out a scheming smile at the corner of his lip. A most terrifying one, indeed, even for Xiao Guizi who had been serving the Emperor for a long time. Xiao Guizi couldn't help but shuddered from head to toe.

"Announce to the Ruby Palace, I will make a Royal Visit tonight. Also, make sure that no one will breathe a word about Lord Lu."

"Your humble subject obeys, Your Majesty."

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There was an uproar in the Ruby Palace upon the announcement of the Emperor's Royal Visit. All the maids were busily preparing the palace and the Princess.

"Princess, remember, do not offend His Majesty." As a worrisome attendant, Ru Yi couldn't help but remind her again and again. Given Xiang Wen's temper, she could snap any moment. Even now, she was pouting while being dressed by others.

"I don't get it. Why all these commotions for a mere Royal Visit..." Xiang Wen sulked and made a rather childish face. She was extremely annoyed by this whole uproar.

Since this afternoon, her maids had soaked her in the hot spring pool filled with many kinds of fragranced flowers for hours. --- To the point she almost fainted from the heat. She was not allowed to move about when they combed her hair and decorated it with heavy hair ornaments. The dress was too uncomfortable in this cold weather, showing too much of her shoulder. And they all had been nagging nonstop about her etiquette and manners. Very much to her dismay.

"Princess, stop that pouting." Ru Yi shook her head. Princess Xiang Wen never fancied any luxurious dresses as she found they hindered her movements. She had always been a very active and lively Princess adored by all the Royal family as well as the maids.

Stubbornly retaliating, Xiang Wen didn't have the slightest intention to listen to Ru Yi, instead, she made a loud "Hmmph!" sound and looked to the other side.

Helplessly sighed, Ru Yi shook her head. Harsh and loud warnings would never work with this stubborn Princess. Ru Yi slowly approached Princess Xiang Wen. She cupped her face tenderly. "Princess, please behave, alright. Don't forget why we are here."

At this word, Princess Xiang Wen suddenly dropped her head in defeat. As if she was shouldering all the troubles of this world.

"At all cost, we couldn't offend Datong's Emperor. You must gain His Majesty favor. Do you understand, Princess??"

Xiang Wen nodded reluctantly albeit obediently.

"His Majesty The Emperor has arrived." A call in a loud voice coming from the palace gate, followed forth by Imperial Bodyguards lining in two rows all along to the Palace's door.

From the sedan chair, a graceful figure stepped down in all elegance, stood up right and gazed towards the palace. As the Emperor was walking elegantly to the door, all the maids and Xiang Wen were on their knees, facing the ground, bowing and greeting in all respect.

"Long live Your Majesty...." In unison, their high pitched voices resounded in the room, clear and pleasant to the ears.

"Stand up!" His Majesty's piercing voice, filled with a dignified tone, allowing them to stand up.

They all gasped in awe becoming entranced by the Emperor's magnificence.

His perfect brows lined up exquisitely, shadowing the pair of beautiful like winter night's sky eyes, those eyes shining brilliantly with such cold and stern light. That porcelain like face was crafted so perfectly by God. His silky long hair that he let loose, was like water-falling behind his back, all the way to his waist, contrasting brilliantly against his white as snow robe that he wore now. The fluttering white robe, embroidered with exquisite flowery patterns, sent forth a mysterious incensed fragrance brought by the wind. Truly creating a feeling of a descended celestial being. He was the most beautiful being, more beautiful than any celestial being's painting they ever saw.

Even the usually indifferent Xiang Wen couldn't help but gasped upon the sight of this extraordinary beautiful Emperor. All of the mortification that had she felt, or thought she felt, dissipated from her heart. Changing to one of bewilderment, stunned and bewitchment.

Sweeping his eyes to all the maidens in the room, examining them, Jing decided to fix his eyes on Xiang Wen, the one with the bearing of nobility, the one he came to "conquer".

Xiang Wen, who had been staring in awe, quickly looked down with her whole face, a layer of red silk.

Jing frowned a bit.

Her type of face, was definitely not, the kind that Lu Cang would favor. Jing knew very well the type of female that Lu Cang would like. Therefore, if not for the face, what was it that made his Lu Cang so interested with this Princess?

The unbearable temptation and unexplained feeling to have a look upon the charming person in front of her eyes, The Princess stole a glance at Jing. Seeing that Jing still eyed her closely, unconsciously she held her head up and stared back at him. To have a full sight on his indescribable graceful face.

"Your Majesty, please take a seat..." After escaping from her daze and remembering her manners, Xiang Wen gracefully invited Jing to sit, trying her best to be as humble as she could afford though she couldn't hide the trembling in her voice.

"What is your name?" Jing sat on the most sumptuous couch in the room, available in every palace only for the Emperor to sit.

"Answer, Your Majesty. My Name is Li Xiang Wen. Youngest Princess of Xiang's country." Xiang Wen was trying hard to remember the body gesture that was taught by her maids. Put one of her leg behind the other, then slightly bow while gently placing both of her hands by her left waist. So complicated.......

"Come, and have a seat..." Pointing to the chair next to his couch, Jing made sure his voice was without any hostility. He had decided to unleash his full blast pheromone on this Princess. Though in his heart he clearly resented this princess, but to get what he wanted, he needed her trust.

"I dare not, Your Majesty."

"Everybody, get out! No need to wait on us." Jing waved his hands. While the guards were quickly bowing and retreating, the Princess' maids seemingly didn't know what to do.

Looking at the reluctant to leave maids, Jing glowered impatiently at them.

The air became heavier. Feeling the change of mood around His Majesty, the maids all shrank back in fear, bowing and scurried away.

"Xiao Wen, come, have a seat... you don't have to be afraid..." Swallowed in his resentment, Jing bestowed Xiang Wen his Emperor's smile. Gesturing her to sit on the chair, trying to make her relax.

Xiang Wen walked slowly to sit on the chair, when she looked at the Emperor's smile, her heart skipped a beat. Her blood circulation felt like it was turning upside down as it flew all to her face. She could feel that her face was hot and ought to be blushed to the extreme.

Jing smiled contently to see that everything was going as he planned. "Xiao Wen, how long have you been here?"

"Answer, Your Majesty... Xiang Wen has been here for two months." Xiang Wen's voice was a little bit stuttered since her heart was beating like it might explode any minute. Never in her life, her heart beat rate was as high as now. ---Not even when she was afraid, not even when she was excited. She thought that she might have contracted a kind of heart disease.

Jing toned down his charm upon seeing the effect he had on this young lady. Carefully, he inquired as not to alert this princess. "Have you gotten used to the life in Datong?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty. Even though Xiang Wen has been living in the palace for my whole life, to adapt to a foreign place, will not be that easy."

"I see..." Eyeing closely, it was so obvious that the Princess was nervous for his 'Royal Visit'. "Xiao Wen... You don't have to be that afraid of me. I won't touch you without your consent. So, don't be alarmed. Just relax. In this room, there are only the two of us. Right?" Flashing her another reassuring smile to make her relax, Jing attentively watched each and every gesture this Princess made. Wanting to find out more about this Princess, his rival for Xiao Cang's attention. "And I come here to find a friend to have a little chat... Will you accompany me?"

Jing could see the stiff shoulder gradually relaxed, after a period of silence, this Princess finally could get herself together and faced Jing with her usual fearless attitude.

"Thank you, Your Majesty...Of course I will" Purely delighted to find another person to talk with, Xiang Wen eyes shone with her usual charm, showing her true self. The lively and smart princess.

Now that she was no longer in her guarded mode, Jing could clearly see the Princess. Without even realizing it himself, Jing said out loud what was on his mind. "So, it is like that... I see...."

A very strong resemblances of Xi Zhen. Fearless, bold, and a hint of mischief. Lu Cang and Xi Zhen were good friends before the Yong Yi incident, no wonder Lu Cang would also find their resemblances and befriended this Princess. Lu Cang ought to feel that he had found another Xi Zhen. Jing relaxed at the very thought. For Lu Cang, there was anything but romantic feeling towards this Princess.

"So, Xiao Wen, for these two months, have you found a friend or two? This palace is large, there are many occupants, so finding a friend or two, won't be a hard thing to do, will it?" Jing asked in such indifferent tone, as if what he asked was a mere light conversation, completely concealing his true motives.

" Ah, Yes... I already made a friend. He..... " Xiang Wen stopped her words half way, much to Jing annoyance.

Xiang Wen pondered over the matter. Would it be fine to tell the Emperor about the General's Second-In-Command? Would the Emperor punish him for neglecting his job by coming to the palace frequently?

"It's alright... I won't be angry. Your friend is my friend too..." Jing gave her his guarantee, assured her to continue her story.

"But..." As if reluctant to tell, Xiang Wen down-casted her eyes.

"Nothing to be worried about. Just tell me... You said you want to accompany me for a little chat.... Alas...." Pretending to be disappointed, Jing sighed.

"Ahh... my apology, Your Majesty... alright... I will tell you..." Xiang Wen panicked upon seeing the disappointed Jing. She didn't want to offend this beautiful Emperor. Not after he said he wanted a friend for a light chat.

"Really?? Now, will you tell me... about your friend..." Another brilliant smile to seize the youthful lady's heart had successfully served its intention.

"Well... He is Brother Lu." Xiang Wen decided to tell Jing only the name, in this way Jing would not have a reason to punish him. After all, the palace was so big, surely there were many people who possessed the name 'Lu', therefore the Emperor would not find out that easily.

"Brother Lu??" Jing faked his curiosity. Secretly smiled victoriously, at the same time, seethed with contempt but successfully refrained himself from harshly reprimand this Princess, at the Princess's unrestrained over-familiarity with his Xiao Cang!

"Yes, Brother Lu... He is so kind and gentle. So much reminded me of my brother." Upon hearing this, Jing's anxiousness and feeling of contempt towards the Princess dissipated completely, replaced by a radiant smile on his face. Entranced by Jing's captivating smile she relaxed, her usual self came back to her. Animatedly, she started to describe Lu Cang while Jing listened in all satisfaction.

"And when I asked him about his lover, he choked and blushed. Particularly very red, as red as tomatoes!" Xiang Wen laughed as she remembered the face Lu Cang wore at that time. Lu Cang was making a panic face as if he didn't know how to answer.

"Really?? Then, did he say anything about his lover?" Jing was piqued to know Lu Cang's answer. Although he knew clearly about Lu Cang's feelings for him, nonetheless it would be amusing to know what Lu Cang told others about him.

"At first, he was very unwilling to tell me, but after I pestered him and kept on asking, he finally told me. He said, his lover was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. He didn't even realize that he said it with this dream-like expression and a smile plastered on his face. Of course, afterwards, his face became even redder, clearly embarrassed. But I definitely will ask him again. His reaction was just so endearing and hilarious. He clearly loves his lover very much!" Xiang Wen laughed again. She was already comfortable with Jing's presence. She felt that Jing was really listening to her, giving her his undivided attention. She didn't understand why she really liked that. Jing's eyes were showing his pure curiosity. And his heavenly smile, Xiang Wen's heart felt like beating wildly whenever Jing smiled at her.

Inwardly, Jing was quite displeased with this Princess for having fun at Lu Cang's expense. But the temptation to know about what Lu Cang willingly disclosed to this Princess instead of him, won over his unpleasant feeling. Also, he greatly enjoyed the Princess's description of Xiao Cang's feelings for him. Truly refreshing.

Jing left her palace and promised her that he would visit regularly to have an idle chat with her. But not before warning her to not tell Lu Cang about his Royal Visit.

"Xiao Wen, I should warn you, you better not breathe a word about my Royal Visit to your friend...." Jing made a face like he was really concerned.

"Huh? Why?" Xiang Wen confused, clearly could not comprehend the reason.

Jing patiently explained to her. "Just don't. The Emperor's property is not something you can take lightly. For that very point, he will not want to befriend the Emperor's Concubine for he might get into trouble." There was a silent threat behind those words.

Xiang Wen could sense the threat and obediently nodded her head.Watching as the beautiful Emperor left her Palace. Xiang Wen couldn't help butfeel a sense of lost. Looking forward to their next meeting. 

End of Chapter 3.