Chapter 228 - Open Up A Little
The next morning, Sheng Li and Ying Lili arrived at the Palace. They went to the hall to give morning greetings to the elders. Today, Prince Lu Qifeng would also show his presence in the greeting hall and eventually meet Princess Qi Jing.
After the morning greetings, Ying Lili and Sheng Li sat in their respective seats. "Crown Princess, last night you were not in the Palace. I have given the responsibility to you regarding the hospitality towards Prince Lu Qifeng. There were a lot of spices in his food because of which he could not eat. This behavior by you was not expected," Empress Wei scolded the Crown Princess in front of everyone.
Ying Lili apologized for not being present at that time. "Pardon me, your majesty. But why are you scolding the Crown Princess? She was spending time with her husband. Isn't this the marriage of your daughter?! Her majesty should take care of the needs of Prince Lu, not the Crown Princess," Sheng Li proclaimed in exasperation.
Weng Wei kept herself calm. "Crown Prince, you cannot understand the Inner Palace. The Crown Princess has been given the responsibility of this, so she must fulfill them," Empress Wei asserted.
Sheng Li chuckled. Han Wenji then spoke. "It is early morning. The Prince of Lu Province can enter anytime." Sheng Li glared at Weng Wei and later averted his gaze from her.
"You do not need to stand for me every time. I can handle tiny things on my own," Ying Lili said in a low voice.
"I cannot help it," Sheng Li replied. A voice of a servant was heard who passed the message of Prince Lu Qifeng's arrival in the Palace. Everyone shifted their gazes to the entrance of the hall when Prince Lu Qifeng entered.
He stopped in the middle of the hall. Bringing his arms up and joining the two hands, he bowed before the Emperor and the Empress. "Greetings to the Emperor and the Empress from the Prince of Lu Province, Lu Qifeng." He then turned to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess to greet them.
"Welcome, Prince Lu Qifeng. We are happy to see you here. Did you sleep well last night?" Han Wenji queried.
Lu Qifeng looked at the Emperor. "Yes, your majesty. I got a good rest from the long, tiring journey," Lu Qifeng replied.
"Prince Qifeng, this is my daughter, Princess Qi Jing," Han Wenji shifted his gaze to the Princess who stood up from her seat. Lu Qifeng turned to look at her and gave a tiny smile before giving a formal greeting to her. Qi Jing lowered her eyes and greeted him.
Sheng Li recalled the day when the King of Juyan told him to stay in the Palace, but he did not listen to him. Now, he loves Ying Lili, so a question suddenly came to his mind. 'Did Ying Lili truly forgive him? Because that day, he did not do right. He should have been respectful towards her parents. But then at that time, he wanted not to involve a person in his life who could suffer with him, that's why he was a bit harsh on them.' Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili who was lovingly looking at Prince Lu and Princess Qi.
Lu Qifeng turned to meet the gaze of the Emperor. "Your majesty, can I have my morning meal with Princess Qi Jing?" Lu Qifeng requested. Han Wenji looked at Weng Wei who gave a nod.
"Of course, you can," Han Wenji replied.
"Thank you, your majesty," Lu Qifeng expressed his gratitude.
The Emperor and the Empress took their leave, followed by the other Consorts and a concubine. Lu Qifeng too left from there with Qi Jing, followed by the others.
Ying Lili told Sheng Li she would come a little later, as she needed to check the morning meals of Prince Lu and Prince Qi.
"There are many servants to do that work," Sheng Li opined.
"But it is about the soon-to-be son-in-law of the Han Empire. I will be back soon. If I get late, then have your breakfast and leave for the court. I do not want you to delay work because of me," Ying Lili told Sheng Li who nodded. Ying Lili left for the kitchen from there while Sheng Li went to Zhenzhu Inn.
Ying Lili reached the kitchen and checked the food herself. They left for the chamber of Princess Qi Jing. Before entering the Chamber, Ying Lili once again tasted the food and with utter carefulness, the food was taken inside the chamber.
Seeing the Crown Princess there, both Prince Lu and Princess Qi stood up from their respective seats. "Please be seated," Ying Lili told them.
"Sister Lili does not need to trouble herself," Qi Jing humbly said.
"It is not troubling at all," Ying Lili replied, and requested them to take their seats. They both took their respective seats while Ying Lili ordered the maidservants to serve them breakfast.
Qi Jing thanked Ying Lili who told them to enjoy their food before leaving the chamber. Lu Qifeng looked at Qi Jing who was looking towards the door.
"Miss Qi, what are you looking for?" Lu Qifeng curiously asked which brought her attention to him.
She lowered her eyes and replied, "Nothing, Prince Qifeng."
"Miss Qi, let's start our breakfasts," Lu Qifeng said and picked the chopsticks. Seeing that Qi Jing too picked that and the two started eating.
"Miss Qi, you look nervous," Lu Qifeng said as he saw the trembling hands of Qi Jing. "Be relaxed. I am not going to eat you," Lu Qifeng joked and laughed. Qi Jing felt a little relaxed when she heard him say, "Give me a tour to the Palace after we finish our meals, Miss Qi."
Qi Jing nodded, and the two continued eating silently. Once they finished eating, they stood up from their respective seats. Lu Qifeng saw the hairpin on Qi Jing's hair bun had loosened, so he leaned a little towards her and inserted the hairpin in. Qi Jing's eyes grew big as she looked at the prince in bewilderment. "That was going to fall," Lu Qifeng stated as he leaned back.
Qi Jing nodded and touched her hair bun. "Let's start our tour, then. We will open up a little towards each other to understand each other in a better way," Lu Qifeng asserted to which Qi Jing agreed.