Sheng Li, Ying Lili, Lei Wanxi, and Jian Guozhi could be seen in the Eastern Pavilion. "Thank you, First Brother, for today. I do not know how it happened, and even Brother Wanxi was dragged into this. I am extremely grateful to you for today," asserted Ying Lili as she lowered her eyes. 

"I did what was right, Crown Princess," Jian Guozhi replied and looked at Sheng Li who was still befuddled. Even Lei Wanxi was looking skeptically at the First Prince. It was incomprehensible for them that Jian Guozhi helped them. 

Jian Guozhi passed a smile to Sheng Li and patted his shoulder. "Forgive me," He said as he walked away from there. As the First Prince vanished from their sight, Lei Wanxi turned to Sheng Li. 

"Brother Sheng, did you see what happened? Brother Jian helped us. He not only helped us but also requested his mother to punish Xue Yu-Yan. Is it because of the fight they had a few days ago?" Lei Wanxi stated. 

"A fight?" Ying Lili was bewildered to hear that. 

"Indeed, it is strange. First Brother never helped us but today he did," Sheng Li confusedly said. 

"Sheng Li, are you sure that Brother Jian is like her mother? I saw something different today. It seems he is not as bad as he is perceived," Ying Lili opined. 

"Sister Lili, Brother Jian was never good to Brother Sheng. I think because he fought with his second wife is why he defended you there. Their relationship is not going well so that could be a possible reason that Brother Jian wanted to punish Princess Consort Xue," Lei Wanxi put forward his points. 

Sheng Li agreed with Lei Wanxi. "I also think the same. Once he gets annoyed with someone, he does not spare him/her and this was a good opportunity for him to punish Xue," Sheng Li proclaimed. "Wanxi, you shall leave. Forget about today's incident," Sheng Li told the Sixth Prince who nodded and walked away. 

Sheng Li held both of the hands of Ying Lili. "Why did you stand for me there? Do you know how many rules you broke there?" Ying Lili questioned Sheng Li. 

"For you, I will break thousands of rules. You are the most precious person to me. If Brother Jian had not come, I would have taken this matter to the main court. But I am glad nothing big happened," Sheng Li asserted and pulled Ying Lili into a warm hug. 

"From now on, you will not defend me. I do not want people to say that the Crown Prince has softened because of a woman and he is breaking rules for her," Ying Lili pronounced. 

Sheng Li pulled back and peered into the eyes of Ying Lili. "It does not matter what the people think. It's a duty of a man to stand for his woman and protect her," Sheng Li affirmed and patted Ying Lili's head. "No one can harm you because I will always be in front of you. I am your shield, just like you are my shield. And do not ever lower your head in front of the Empress. Your head shall remain high in front of her," Sheng Li's words overwhelmed Ying Lili. She looked around, tiptoed, and kissed Sheng Li's cheek. 

Sheng Li's lips moved up into a smile. "You could have kissed me, here," he placed his forefinger on his lips. 

"We are outside. It would be inappropriate for the Crown Princess to do such a thing openly," Ying Lili said. 

Sheng Li wrapped his arm around Ying Lili's waist and pulled her closer to him. "You mean to say that it will be appropriate if the Crown Prince kisses you openly," Sheng Li smirked. 

Ying Lili lightly hit his shoulder. "Leave me. Let's go to the chamber. I am hungry," Ying Lili stated. Sheng Li let go of her and both of them left for Zhenzhu Inn. 

~~~~~

Weng Wei was glaring at her son who was sipping the Chrysanthemum tea. 

"Why did the Prince do that?" Weng Wei demanded the answer. 

"I only brought the truth upfront," Jian Guozhi replied and again sipped the tea. 

"Prince Jian, that was a plan devised by me and Xue Yu-Yan and you destroyed it. What is wrong with the Prince?" Weng Wei frustratedly said. 

Jian Guozhi wore a menacing expression on his face as he put the porcelain cup down at the table. "Mother, I told you not to harm Ying`er yet you planned all this. That's why I did that. Stop troubling Ying`er, mother." Jian Guozhi's tone was serious, and it sounded as if he was warning his mother. 

"What is wrong with you, son? I am doing all this for you. I want to see you on the throne. That is your birthright for which I am doing all this," Weng Wei stated. 

"No, mother. You are doing all this for yourself. I think I shall better go from here before starting any argument between us," Jian Guozhi asserted. He stood up from the floor mattress, bowed his head, and left the chamber. 

Weng Wei knitted her brows. "Is it because of Ying Lili he is acting this way? Xue Yu-Yan was true. Ying Lili has done something to my son. He never once acted disobediently towards me. I indeed made a big mistake by agreeing to her marriage with Sheng Li. But, I still have time. Ying Lili, you should not have seduced my son. Now, she has to pay for this," Weng Wei muttered and slammed her hand on the table. 

"Eunuch Yun," shouted Weng Wei. Eunuch Yun came running inside and bowed before her. "Bring her here. No one shall find out about this," Weng Wei commanded. 

"Yes, your majesty. There is something I would like to inform you about," Eunuch Yun stated. 

"Speak," Weng Wei permitted him. 

"The Emperor has raised the status of Concubine Deng Hui. She is now a Virtuous Lady of the Han Empire," Eunuch Yun told the Empress. 

"What?!" Weng Wei exclaimed, flinching her brows. 

"Yes, your majesty. Since she is the only concubine of his majesty, his majesty has increased her rank. The ministers have also approved the decision of the Emperor unanimously," Eunuch Yun stated. 

"Okay. Just do the work which I have told you. Be careful," Weng Wei asserted. Eunuch Yun nodded his head and stepped back to the main door and then turned to walk out. 

"Why did his majesty raise the rank of Deng Hui?" Weng Wei murmured. 

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