192 Nobody loves me, but she adores me
Lóng Wei pondered over Xiaomingâs pleading with him. He didnât want to forgive him. Since Xiaoming wanted to end it amicably, he didnât stretch the matter. However, he was astonished that Xiaoming had the guts to admit his crimes in front of the King.
âI was angry at Brother Lóng Wei because he married the woman whom I desired to marry. However, after deep contemplation, I realized that I should not have created a rift between us because of a woman. I didnât take any steps when I had the chance. I accepted my present. Also, if she had been with me, it would have only brought danger to her. At present, there are no such feelings left in my heart for Li Hua. Please forgive me, Brother Lóng Wei.â
Lóng Wei sighed. âI had not expected the Crown Prince to be bold enough to admit his crimes. I can forgive you if you help me this time,â he said. Xiaoming lifted his head when Lóng Wei asked him to sit on the chair.
âThe Crown Prince doesnât look good begging me for forgiveness,â asserted Lóng Wei, and he gestured to him to take his seat.
âWhat help should I provide to Brother Lóng Wei?â Xiaoming asked.
âFirst, the Crown Prince must prove to me that he is no longer my enemy. I am not a threat to him unless he does something to me. I have no attachment to this Crown Princeâs position. I know you are troubled because of the prophecy that Yuze made for me. However, until I donât want it to happen, nothing will happen,â Lóng Wei explained to him.
âI envy Brother Lóng Wei because he can do anything he wants while I cannot do what I want. I am the Crown Prince, yet I am held by the claws of people around me.â Xiaomingâs emotions suddenly burst out before Lóng Wei, which perplexed him once again.
âI am not here to hear whatâs going on with the Crown Princeâs life. I am here to know how the Crown Prince proves to me that heâs my well-wisher,â Lóng Wei affirmed.
âMy apologies.â
.....
For a second, Xiaoming forgot that Lóng Wei could hardly relate to other peopleâs worries. All he thought about was himself.
âBrother Lóng Wei can trust me because I not only admitted my crimes but also asked Brother Qiu Mu to accept the crime he committed with the female servants in his manor. He had asked me to kill you as well, but I refused. I told him not to take any such steps. However, I didnât know that he would not listen to me,â Xiaoming told him.
Lóng Wei laughed.âThatâs not enough, Crown Prince,â he stated. âFind the evidence that Qiu Mu harassed the female servants in his manor. I believe the Crown Prince is capable of doing that,â he said and got up from the chair. âI will ask about it from the Crown Prince in the evening,â he stated, and left the chamber.
Liu Jin Yu bowed as Lóng Wei came out. However, he didnât look at her and headed out.
~~~~~
Qiu Zedong put the stamp down and looked at Eunuch Gao Bing. âLóng Wei has returned!â He exclaimed.
âYes, Your Majesty. Both the Prince and Princess Consort returned safely with the Fourth Prince and Commander Huang Xi,â Gao Bing informed the King, who smiled.
âGreetings to the Royal Father!â Lóng Weiâs voice echoed in the imperial court. Qiu Zedong was astonished to see Lóng Wei. It was the first time he came to see his father willingly. Gao Bing was also stunned to see him.
Lóng Wei lowered his hands and looked his father in the eyes.Qiu Zedong stood up from the throne and came down to embrace his son. He patted Lóng Weiâs back and laughed.
âI had not expected that Lóng Wei would come to see his father,â Qiu Zedong said and withdrew. He looked at Lóng Wei to make sure that he was healthy.
âI may be manner-less in many eyes, but I do understand my duties as a son toward my father. Also, this time I hadnât been punished. I had gone to spend time with my wife,â Lóng Wei stated.
Qiu Zedong didnât expect this change in his son.
âRoyal Father, Li Hua could not come to greet you because sheâs tired of traveling. She has been resting. However, on her behalf, please accept my greetings,â Lóng Wei again lifted his arms and bowed before his father.
âDid His Highness hit his head somewhere? Since when has he turned this polite?â Gao Bing gaped at Lóng Wei in bewilderment.
âThatâs fine,â Qiu Zedong said, and smiled.
âIt seems the Royal Father is busy. I will come later,â Lóng Wei said.
âNo. I have the work to put royal stamps on some important scrolls. Stay here. Letâs have some conversation,â Qiu Zedong said and glanced at Gao Bing. He understood the Kingâs gesture and left the imperial court.
Qiu Zedong sat on the throne while Lóng Wei sat on the chair which he placed diagonally around the desk.
âThis time the Prince seems to be filled with new energy. He looks enthusiastic,â Qiu Zedong said with a bright smile.
âThis is all thanks to Li Hua. I found a light in my life. Nobody loves me, but she adores me,â Lóng Wei gave the credit to Li Hua behind the change in him.
âWe love you, Lóng Wei. I adore you a lot. But your troublesome acts force me to punish you,â Qiu Zedong stated.
âBut even the Royal Father never see that side in me which Li Hua saw,â Lóng Wei affirmed. âI found out that my father wanted me to change and asked Li Hua to do it in two months. If she fails, he will throw her out of my life. I want the Royal Father to take back that condition. Because as long as Li Hua is with me, I will not do anything that hurts my father.â
Qiu Zedong arched his eyebrow in astonishment. He agreed with Lóng Weiâs words. âAs long as my son is happy, I will not do anything. Your happiness is precious to me. I have never seen you this happy ever before,â he remarked.
Lóng Wei thanked his father and decided to talk about Li Huaâs real identity. He did not want Li Hua to fall into trouble and decided to converse with his father about it.