Sheng Li's body stiffened in the sleep because of the strange dream. His forehead was covered with sweat. His mother's last moments again came in front of his eyes where she was on her deathbed.

Ying Lili noticed it and called his name. "Sheng Li! Sheng Li!" Ying Lili called her name while patting his cheek.

Sheng Li could not awake from his nightmare. He saw the lifeless body of his mother and then the evil laugh of Yongzheng reverberated in the chamber. "Lili will die like your mother." The voice echoed in his ears. "You are meant to be alone, Sheng Li."

Suddenly, he heard the voice of Ying Lili, who was calling for him. The echoes of Yongzheng died down while Ying Lili's voice became prominent. "Lili," he murmured in his sleep and instantly opened his eyes. His breathing was heavy, and there were tears on the edges of his eyes.

"Sheng Li, are you fine?" Ying Lili asked in her soft voice. She had wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued to caress his chest.

Sheng Li sat up and turned towards Ying Lili. He gazed at her and pulled her into a hug. It startled Ying Lili. She moved her hands up and hugged him back. She did not ask anything nor did he speak. They both stayed like that for a few minutes until he pulled away.

"What happened?" Ying Lili asked him.

"I sa-saw my mother… after many months. Those memories had started to haunt me. Lili, Yongzheng told me that even if he were dead, he would make sure to separate you from me," Sheng Li replied.

"He played with your feelings. Maybe the late Prince knows that it triggers you. Who can harm me when you always protect me? Don't you think a fearless man like you, getting defeated by such a small thing?" Ying Lili questioned him.

"I fear losing people, Lili. This fear I can never overcome. My Father's health is not improving, and he will die soon. Why has it happened at this time when I am at my lowest point? I am worried," Sheng Li asserted and lowered his eyes.

"What about me then? Don't you think I also fear losing people? Everyone does. Don't you think so? Look at your First Brother. Good or bad, Weng Wei was the mother of Brother Jian. He also had many fears but he overcame them. Don't be like this. If you will act like this, then what about me and the others? Give yourself time," Ying Lili stated and brought her hands on his shoulders.

"Just like you never liked a coward woman, I never liked a coward man. I appreciate your willpower and your diligence which brought you to this point. Brother Yongzheng told me something before he was beheaded, he said that he did not despise me anymore. He said that Sheng Li was lucky to get me. I saw the regret in his eyes. The words he said to you were in anger. He did not mean that," Ying Lili told Sheng Li, who had calmed down a little.

"Let's go out this evening. I want to show you something," Ying Lili told Sheng Li and cupped his face in her palms.

"Okay," Sheng Li replied and asked her how long he slept.

"Two hours," she replied and put her hands down. "Take a hot water bath. I am waiting for you," Ying Lili told him. Sheng Li hummed and called Xing-Fu inside.

"Prepare the bathhouse for me," he commanded Xing-Fu, who bowed and walked out.

Sheng Li looked into the eyes of Ying Lili. "Prince Nianzu and his wife will return soon. I am glad that he is returning. I do not know how he will react after knowing about Yongzheng," he said.

"He will be sad for some time as everyone is. Sister Bai is weak. I checked on her earlier. She is not speaking with anyone," Ying Lili stated. "Is remarriage possible for Sister Bai?" She asked him.

"No. It is impossible. She has to live as the widow of the Second Prince throughout her life," Sheng Li pronounced.

"Oh," Ying Lili was disheartened to hear that. "We shall try, Sheng Li. She cannot live like this. I was the one who selected her for the Second Prince. It hurts to see her in this state," Ying Lili replied and furrowed her brows.

"Remarriage is the most impossible thing for a woman. Don't raise this topic. You might get in trouble," Sheng Li advised Ying Lili. "I will find a way to turn things right on her end. Also, no man will be willing to marry the widow of another man. You also know, why? Yongzheng did not think about the consequences of his acts," Sheng Li said annoyingly. "At least he should have thought of his wife," he muttered and gritted his teeth.

"A few things are bound to happen," Ying Lili said.

"Your Highness, the bathhouse is ready," Xing-Fu informed the Crown Prince, who got down from the bed.

"Send the dress for the Crown Princess. Her dress has an oil stain," Sheng Li ordered Xing-Fu before leaving for the bathhouse.

"Eunuch Xing-Fu, is everything ready?" Ying Lili asked him.

"Yes, Your Highness. Commander Yang has checked the arrangements in the market," Xing-Fu replied to her. Ying Lili thanked him and stood up.

"Her Highness shall not thank this servant. The Crown Prince will definitely like the surprise of the Crown Princess. This way, his mind will get diverted from all this," Xing-Fu said humbly. "I will send a new pair of dress for Her Highness," he bowed and stepped out of the chamber.

A maidservant came in with Court Lady Xu, with a new dress in her hands. "Your Highness, please this way," Court Lady Xu took Ying Lili to the dressing room. The maidservant followed them. She helped her change the dress. Ying Lili looked at herself in the mirror. The white Hanfu dress with a red border was looking beautiful to her.

"Court Lady Xu, please stay close to Sister Bai for a few days. I will take care of myself. Sister Bai needs someone around her all the time. You are the one who is the most suitable person, who can make her feel good. I will try to find a solution as soon as possible," Ying Lili stated and turned to her.

"Your Highness, I am appointed by the Crown Prince for your service. I cannot accept your orders unless the Crown Prince permits for this," Court Lady Xu replied humbly.

"Then, I will take permission from the Crown Prince," Ying Lili stated. "You shall go there. I will inform Sheng Li about this," Ying Lili assured her.

"Yes, Your Highness," Court Lady Xu bowed and walked out.

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