"Lian leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Tell us more about Zhi. I have met her but never thought her that she would be a Princess. What's her daily life like? Is being a princess as glamorous as it seems?"
Xiaobo chuckled, "Zhi sister has her duties, but she manages to balance them with grace. Her days involve court matters, diplomatic engagements, and cultural pursuits. Yet, she remains down-to-earth."
Ming, still intrigued by the Feast from the East, asked, "So, the restaurant incident—was it a significant event, or did it just escalate due to misunderstandings?"
Xiaobo sighed again, "The resturant was an unexpected incident where tensions between Hong-er and me surfaced. It wasn't planned, just a clash of personalities. We've since sorted it out, though."
Ming raised an eyebrow, "Clash of personalities from people of imperial court must be quite a spectacle. What caused the tension, if you don't mind sharing?"
Xiaobo hesitated once more, "Well, Hong-er and I have differing views on certain matters. It's nothing personal, just the intricacies of being Prince and other responsibilities. "
Lian, proud of HIS Xiaobo, added, "Court life sounds challenging. It's admirable how you navigate through it all."
Ming nodded, "Indeed, Xiaobo, we're here to support you. If anything ever weighs on your mind, you can count on us."
Xiaobo smiled gratefully, "I appreciate that. It's comforting to have friends like you in this intricate world of politics and nobility"
Xiaobo nodded, " Hong-er and I don't have any personal enmity. The succession to the throne is predetermined. His position as the Crown Prince is secure, and there's no rivalry or fight for the throne between us."
Lian, intrigued, questioned further, "So, it's all pre-decided by the King? How does that work, and why hasn't he been officially declared yet?"
Xiaobo explained, "Yes, the King has the authority to designate the Crown Prince. However, Wang Hong is still in the process of learning and gaining experience. The King hasn't made the announcement as he believes Wang Hong needs more time to prepare for the responsibilities that with the title."
Ming, with a hint of skepticism, countered, "But age and experience aside, wouldn't it be more traditional for the older brother to be the Crown Prince? Is there a reason the King chose otherwise?"
Xiaobo sighed, "It's not solely based on age. The King considers various factors, including qualities, abilities, and potential. He believes Wang Hong is better suited for the role, and I respect the King's decision."
"Is it REALLY the reason? " Asked Lian sensing that Xiaobo was hesitant to speak something.
That... that is because who would want a King who is sick and not capable of protecting himself? You know that i have an incurable disease" Asked Xiaobo .
Xiaobo's revelation about his incurable disease hung in the air, casting a somber tone over the conversation. Ming's concern deepened, "I had no idea you were dealing with such a condition. How are you managing it?"
Xiaobo sighed, "It's a challenge, but I've learned to cope with it. The King's decision is not solely based on my health; it's a combination of factors."
Lian, visibly upset, couldn't hold back her frustration, "But it's not fair! Your health shouldn't dictate your worth or potential as a ruler. Why can't they see beyond that?"
Xiaobo, appreciating her support, replied, "I understand your sentiments, Lian, but the kingdom's stability is paramount. A leader must be perceived as strong, especially in the eyes of the court and the people."
Ming, empathetic, added, "It's unfortunate that these circumstances dictate so much of your life. Is there anything we can do to help or support you?"
Xiaobo smiled, touched by their concern, "Your friendship is more than enough support. Just be there for me, as you always have been."
Lian, attempting to lighten the mood, teased, "Well, if they won't make you the emperor, we'll just have to find a way to make you the people's favorite unofficially."
Xiaobo chuckled, "I appreciate the sentiment, Lian. Just promise me, no more discussions about this in public. It's a sensitive matter."
Lian nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Fine, we'll keep our rebellion against tradition a secret, FOR NOW".
Ming, with a warm smile, chimed in, "It's inspiring to see you both prioritizing love and happiness over the complexities of court life. Xiaobo, your dream of opening a business is truly commendable.
Xiaobo, still holding Lian, nodded, "Indeed, I've found fulfillment in pursuing my own path. The throne was never my true desire.My dream was to open business and that i have achieved that . I have opened my shops in this city and I have abundant money and fame. Now I just want to be with you. That's my last wish. "While looking at Lian.
Lian, her face nestled against Xiaobo's shoulder, added, "We'll face whatever comes our way together, Xiaobo. And I believe Ming will find a way to help you."
Ming, feeling a responsibility to support his friends, affirmed, "I'll do my best, Xiaobo. We'll explore every possibility for your well-being."
As they stood together, the trio embraced the strength of their friendship, navigating through the complexities of life, love, and the uncertainties of Xiaobo's health.
Lian, looking up at Xiaobo, whispered, "We'll create our own happiness, regardless of what fate has in store for us."
Xiaobo kissed her forehead, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ming, witnessing their bond, thought to himself, "In the intricate dance of court politics, true love and genuine friendships shine the brightest."
"Ahh! Right. I totally forgot. Lian I need to talk with you. Alone" Said Xiaobo.
"Alone? What is so secretive? " Asked Ming sulking as he is being left alone in conversation.
"Something that you should not know. If you want to have such a conversation do it with Ning-er. " Said Xiaobo.
"Ning-er!! You are calling her so lovingly. Huh? I was never called with a nickname" Said Lian while folding her hands on her chest and was pouting with her eyes closed.
Xiaobo looked angrily at Ming who shrugged his shoulders and went away from their leaving the two alone.
"Baobei!!" Xiaobo exclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes, causing Lian to blush furiously, a mix of anger and shyness playing on her face.
Xiaobo pouted, giving Lian puppy-dog eyes, "Baobei, don't make it difficult for your charming, future husband. Pretty please?"
Lian, unable to resist the playful charm, rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Charming, huh? You're pushing it, Xiaobo."
Xiaobo grinned, "Admit it, Baobei, you can't resist my charm." He fluttered his eyelashes dramatically, earning an eye roll from Lian.
As Lian was about to playfully retort, Xiaobo pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Baobei, let's not argue. I have something for you," he whispered.
Lian's curiosity peaked, and as she leaned in, Xiaobo planted a sweet kiss on her cheek. She smiled shyly, but before she could step away, Xiaobo, not satisfied, pulled her back gently.
This time, his lips met hers in a tender, lingering kiss. It was short but filled with affection, and a promise that melted Lian's initial playfulness into a warmth that enveloped them both.
Ming, who happened to witness the entire exchange from a distance, chuckled, "Looks like they've perfected the art of cheesy romance."
Ning-er, joining him, teased, "Cheesy or not, it's evident they're deeply in love. It's sweet, really."And then Ming and Ning went outside while talking and smiling at each other.
Xiaobo, intrigued by Lian's revelation, furrowed his brows. "You yourself are a fairy then your parents are also spirits from the spirit planet? That's quite extraordinary. How did they manage to establish themselves in the human world?"
Lian nodded, "Exactly. My parents, along with one other spirit family, successfully integrated into the human world. They attended meetings, built connections, and carved out a place for themselves. It was a challenging but rewarding process."
Xiaobo, fascinated, asked, "And the spirits who didn't succeed? What happened to them?"
Lian sighed, "Unfortunately, many spirits faced difficulties adapting to the complexities of the human world. They either returned to the spirit planet or chose a different path. It's a journey filled with trials."
Xiaobo pondered, "So, you're essentially from another realm, yet you've embraced the human experience. That's truly remarkable."
Lian smiled, "It's been an enlightening journey. Learning about humanity, experiencing emotions, and, most importantly, finding love in unexpected places."
Xiaobo, touched, held Lian's hand, "Your journey is extraordinary, Baobei. I'm glad you found your way to this world, and more importantly, to me."
Lian blushed, "And I'm grateful for every moment, Xiaobo. Our worlds may be different, but they found a beautiful intersection.""
Xiaobo, still processing Lian's explanation about plants and spirits, shifted his focus to the upcoming ceremony. "Well, this ceremony... it's a big deal. There's pressure to uphold the family's reputation, expectations to meet, and, honestly, the intricacies of court life are overwhelming."
Lian, understanding his concerns, reassured him, "I know it's a lot, Xiaobo. But remember, I'm here for you. Whether it's the spirit world or the human world, support matters."
Xiaobo nodded appreciatively, "I'm just worried about making mistakes, about not meeting the expectations. The court can be merciless, and I don't want to disappoint my family."
Lian smiled, "You're capable, Xiaobo. Don't underestimate yourself. And if things get tough, remember, we face challenges together."
Xiaobo sighed, "Your support means the world to me, Baobei. Sometimes, I wish I could understand the intricacies of both our worlds better."
Lian held his hand, "It takes time, Xiaobo. We're learning from each other. Now, tell me, is there anything specific bothering you about the ceremony? We can work through it together."
"You!!...How do you know I am worried about ceremony.Yah! My baobei is too smart. I can't hide anything from you. Yes, there will be many Prince and Princess coming from different states. And i need you to keep a secret for me. Also, I may need your help. " Said Xiaobo.
"Another secret?? Do you think Ming can handle one more secret? " Asked Lian.
"I know the consequences of it already. And I am ready to bear it. But first listen to it" Said Xiaobo and explained to her the situation and the secret in detail. Hearing this Lian was cold shocked. This was not any trivial secret to hide.
Xiaobo, holding Lian's hands, tried to calm her down, "Baobei, I understand your concern. It's a risk, but it's something I need to do for the sake of our kingdom and its people."
Lian, visibly shaken, whispered, "But it's too dangerous!! It is like treason to the emperor? Xiaobo, it's dangerous, not just for you but for us too. What if we get caught?"
Xiaobo sighed, "I've thought it through, Baobei. The information I have can potentially prevent conflicts and save lives. But I need your trust and your help to keep this secret. I can't do it alone."
Lian, torn between fear and love, hesitated, "Xiaobo, I want to support you, but this is risky. We have to consider the consequences. Is there no other way to address the issue without putting everything at stake?"
Xiaobo, with a determined expression, explained, "I've explored every option. This seems to be the most effective way, even if it comes with risks. Baobei, I need you by my side, to help me navigate through this, to be my strength."
Lian took a deep breath, "I trust you, Xiaobo, but promise me that we'll be cautious. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
Xiaobo nodded, "I promise, Baobei. We'll be cautious, and I won't let anything happen to us. Together, we can face whatever challenges come our way."
In the warmth of their embrace, Xiaobo whispered soothing words to Lian, "Don't worry, Baobei. I've prepared for this. I'll do everything in my power to keep it a secret. We'll navigate through this together."
Lian, her head nestled on Xiaobo's shoulder, asked with hopeful eyes, "Promise me, Xiaobo. Promise that you'll stay safe, and we'll face whatever comes our way united."
Xiaobo held her tighter, "I promise, Baobei. I won't let anything harm us. We'll face the challenges together, and I'll do my best to ensure our safety."
Lian, a mixture of concern and trust in her eyes, managed a small smile, "I believe in you, Xiaobo. Let's hope for the best."
The ceremony day loomed large, a pivotal moment where destinies would take a turn. Xiaobo's anticipation filled the air as he nervously awaited the arrival of a particular person. Li Ming trailed behind him, a sulky expression etched on his face. Uninvited and not part of the proceedings, Ming had been reluctantly dragged along by Xiaobo.
The atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and apprehension, as the grand event held the promise of altering relationships, forging new bonds, or even breaking existing promises. Xiaobo's anxiety hinted at the significance of the day, while Ming's reluctance underscored his disinterest in the affairs that unfolded beyond his involvement.
The announcement echoed through the grand hall – "Princes Lui Xiang And Princess Cui Jing Have Arrived."
The weight of the moment settled on Xiaobo, stirring a mix of anxiety and worry within him. For a fleeting moment, he contemplated stepping back, postponing the inevitable confrontation. However, as doubt threatened to consume him, a reassuring hand caught his. To his relief, it was Li Lian.
Seeing her by his side, Xiaobo felt a surge of determination. In her presence, his worries seemed to dissipate. He acknowledged that this was the moment to face the challenge head-on. With Lian beside him, he steeled himself to confront whatever lay ahead.
In the majestic halls of the imperial palace, a hush fell over the grandeur as the proclamation echoed, "Princess Cui Jing, a martial artist of unparalleled skill, and her husband, the formidable Prince Lui Xiang of Liang State, have graced our presence."
Renowned for their martial prowess and unwavering pursuit of justice, the couple commanded respect in the world of martial arts. Few could rival Prince Lui Xiang's prowess, and Princess Cui Jing, despite being a woman, was known to best many in combat. Yet, their shared flaw was a notorious short temper, making them a force to be reckoned with.
As tradition wavered, standing at the entrance to welcome the esteemed guests was not the typical duty for royalty. However, the King's command placed Xiaobo in this unique position, a decision he readily accepted. An opportunity, disguised in duty, awaited him – a chance to converse with the formidable duo and, perhaps, navigate the intricate web of their tempestuous temperaments. Little did Xiaobo know, this encounter would shape the unfolding drama within the imperial court.
Xiaobo bowed respectfully, "Welcome, Prince Lui Xiang and Princess Cui Jing."
Cui Jing, eyeing him curiously, remarked, "Wang Xiaobo, the elusive second Prince, finally graces us with his presence."
Xiaobo chuckled, "Guilty as charged. Xiaobo is what my friends call me. Feel free to do the same."
Lui Xiang, clapping him on the shoulder, grinned, "Ah, the mysterious second Prince. Not bad, not bad at all. We might just survive this ceremony."
Xiaobo, playing along, replied, "Survive? Oh, I assure you, Prince Lui, the real adventure begins after the ceremony. Let's catch up personally, shall we?"
Cui Jing, with a twinkle in her eye, added, "The garden at the back of the Xiao palace sounds intriguing. We'll see you there, Xiaobo."
As the banter unfolded, the trio set the stage for a rendezvous that promised more than just post-ceremony pleasantries, hinting at the dynamics yet to be revealed in the royal drama.
As they advanced through the regal corridors, Cui Jing cast a discerning glance at Lui Xiang, her brows furrowing with unspoken questions.
"I sense your curiosity brewing. What's on your mind?" he inquired, his eyes sparkling with anticipation from his wife.
"Why the sudden interest? "
Lui Xiang, with an observant gleam, replied, "His handshake, my love. There's a hidden strength there, well-toned muscles beneath. Masterfully concealing his true potential, navigating the complexities of palace life."
Cui Jing, recognizing the intrigue, playfully remarked, "Ah, so you decided to engage with him, rather than your usual act of pretending he doesn't exist."
Lui Xiang chuckled, "You, my dear, always see through my façades. But some enigmas are too captivating to ignore."
In a hushed whisper, Lian queried, "Xiaobo, are you ready for this? Who will you confide in first?"
Xiaobo, his gaze fixed on the impending revelation, replied, "Princess. I believe she might be instrumental in navigating Ming's reaction later."
Lian, offering reassurance, gently squeezed his hand, "Fear not, everything will unfold smoothly. I'm right here by your side."
Xiaobo, his grip on her hand unwavering, cared not for the palace whispers that might ensue. Unfazed by the lack of respect he often received, he moved forward with determination. The ceremony awaited, guests assembled patiently, anticipating the unveiling of a secret that held the potential to reshape relationships within the palace walls.