Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

Ying Lili looked at the small robe which she had sewed herself. She showed it to Court Lady Xu and Ki. "It looks cute," Ying Lili said as she moved her hand over the fabric. "But I think I am unable to stitch it well," she said and pouted her lips.

"Your Majesty, it looks beautiful. It is your first time sewing clothes, so you found the stitching odd," Court Lady Xu told her humbly.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor is here," a maidservant came in to inform her. She lifted her eyes from the dress in her hand and found Sheng Li in the chamber. The servants left upon the order of Sheng Li and he came towards Ying Lili.

"You made it," he sat by her side, "it's beautiful."

"Really?"

Sheng Li nodded and hummed. Ying Lili was delighted to hear Sheng Li's answer and put it aside on the bed.

"You returned early today," Ying Lili said when Sheng Li took the needle from her hand.

"Sheng Li, you are not supposed to take it directly," Ying Lili suddenly got angry at him, who peered at her in bewilderment.

"Why? You should not use pointed objects. That's why I–" he stopped when Ying Lili interrupted him in the middle.

"If you take a needle from the person's hand, you may end up having a fight with him," Ying Lili told him and got upset. "Put it into the fabric," she told Sheng Li, who was amused to hear the logic behind that scolding.

"Fights are good to grow love," Sheng Li told her and inserted the needle into the tiny fabric. He put it into the wooden box and closed the box.

"So, you want to pick a fight with me," she arched her brow up.

"No," Sheng Li said and grasped her both hands. He kept caressing them and silence persisted between them.

Ying Lili realized that something was wrong. "What happened? Did any message come from Changying?" She waited for his answer.

"Hmm. I need to go, Lili. Without me, the situation will only worsen," Sheng Li asserted and peered into her eyes. "Since I accepted such a big responsibility of being an Emperor, then I shall perform my duty well," he stated.

"Of Course," she said and smiled.

Sheng Li drew her close and hugged her. "I will miss you," he said.

"Me too." She caressed his back.

Sheng Li pulled away and cupped her face between his palms. He touched his forehead with hers and took a deep breath. "I am leaving in the evening. I will get back as soon as possible, Lili," he said.

Ying Lili lifted her eyes and found his eyes were shut. His cheek rubbed against hers and he planted a soft kiss on it. "Take care of yourself and our twins," Sheng Li whispered in her ear as his arms again wrapped around her.

"I will. You made a good decision about going to Changying," she supported Sheng Li fully. "Don't let yourself get harmed. Return safely and do not worry about me. I will be extra cautious," Ying Lili assured him that she would remain safe.

Sheng Li again gazed into her eyes and stroked her cheek with his palm. "Changying is near to Luoyang, so every day you will get my message. I am not taking Wang Hao with me this time. He will stay in the capital and look into military affairs. After I reach Changying, I will send Prince Nianzu back to Luoyang," Sheng Li informed her about a few more things.

"You did good by letting General Wang stay in the capital," Ying Lili asserted. "Don't get into the trap of the enemy. Also, send your spies and soldiers ahead instead of going alone. Your life is everything to me," Ying Lili stated as her eyes turned misty.

"I know." "Nothing will happen to me," Sheng Li assured her. He knew the fear inside Ying Lili. Last time, he could have died in place of Hu Jingguo. He regretted this date for not being extra cautious. However, the loss of Hu Jingguo had taught him this lesson– to not get overconfident!

He kissed her softly on her lips. Ying Lili's fingers tightly gripped the fabric of Sheng Li's upper robe and she reciprocated his kiss. He drew his brows together and deeply kissed her.

He realized how tough it was for his father when he used to go to the war.

No matter how many wars you have conquered, a point comes in life where you get scared. A small fear always exists when you have your loved ones behind, waiting for your safe return.

Though he would try to not go for war but if any such situation arose, his foremost priority would be to remain safe while eliminating the enemy.

The wars he had been into, today he realized how many families got destroyed because of those military campaigns. Such thoughts should not come to his mind at this moment, but seeing his own wife pregnant with his kids, it forced him to think.

However, Lili's love for him would keep him always safe.

"Lili, what do you want for lunch?" He asked her as he withdrew from the kiss.

"Your favorite dishes," Ying Lili answered.

"What about your favorite dishes?" He suggested it to her.

"Sure," Ying Lili agreed with him.

"Will you go alone to Changying?" She asked curiously.

"Commander Yao will accompany me," Sheng Li replied. "I have been in these situations before too. Do not worry too much," he stated with a firm voice and kissed in the middle of her forehead.

Sheng Li called Xing-Fu in and told him to prepare for Ying Lili's favorite dishes. Xing-Fu went to the kitchen to give the orders.

"I have called for an emergency court meeting. I will be here for lunch. I thought to inform you first before talking with my ministers," asserted Sheng Li and stood up.

"I want to come too," Ying Lili stated and got up.