Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

Sheng Li returned to the chamber after bathing. He had kept his hair open as it was wet. Seeing Ying Lili around the table, he found she had not touched the food that he sent earlier.

"Court Lady Xu, why did you not take care of the Empress's meals?" Sheng Li asked as he settled on the chair that Xing-Fu had pulled.

"Just like the Emperor, the Empress is also stubborn," Court Lady Xu remarked and quickly apologized.

Sheng Li looked at Ying Lili, who had picked the chopsticks. "Leave us alone," Sheng Li told them. Everyone left the chamber upon getting the instructions of the Emperor.

Sheng Li outstretched his hand and pulled Ying Lili's chair to his side. She was surprised and asked him why he did that. His hand rested on her neck and leaned down to her lips. They looked into each other's eyes and felt each other breathing.

Gradually their noses touched and their eyes shut. His lips were on hers. A long-awaited kiss that the two yearned for each other after staying away for more than a week. He moved her lips fervently and so did she. His other hand was on top of her hands that were on her lap.

The kiss deepened with each passing second. His hand slowly moved to the back of her head as he drew her close. Her hands were now on his shoulders and soon they locked behind his neck.

The two withdrew when their lungs ran out of oxygen. Sheng Li's forehead landed on hers and their hot breaths fanned against each other's lips.

"It was tough to be away from you," Sheng Li said and brought his hand on her belly, "and them too."

Ying Lili put her hand on the back of his palm and caressed it. "It's the middle of the second month, Sheng Li," Ying Lili said as a smile appeared on her face. "Court Lady Ki said that soon the bump will show. We can feel them better," she said.

"Ahh, I forgot to tell you a piece of good news. Sister Chuntao is pregnant," Ying Lili said and it made Sheng Li's eyes widen in surprise.

"That's indeed great news. I will meet them later in the evening. Brother Nianzu needs alone time for now," he stated. Ying Lili nodded her head. Sheng Li took the chopsticks from her, put them aside, and picked the bowl, filled with Wensi Tofu soup with rich vegetable contents in it. He put it before her on the table. Using the porcelain spoon soup, he fed the soup to Ying Lili.

"I can eat myself. You should eat yours. You must be hungrier than me because you traveled such a long distance," Ying Lili said, after slurping the soup. She took the spoon from him and started to eat and drink it. Sheng Li smiled and picked a pair of chopsticks. He decided to start with the chicken and ate that.

"Is everything good in Changying? I heard the Governor was behind it." Ying Lili was curious to know.

"Hmm. Mingze wanted to rule over the Eastern Province. I spared his life because of his wife, who is pregnant. They have a young daughter as well," Sheng Li asserted.

"You did good," Ying Lili said. "But what if he betrays us again?" She arched her brow.

"He will be in lifetime imprisonment," Sheng Li replied. "His wife and kids will stay in a residence governed by the palace official. I will appoint one there," Sheng Li explained to her.

Ying Lili was astonished to hear Sheng Li. "If a person plots against the Emperor, it is considered treason. Why didn't you give him a death sentence instead?"

"Because I don't want his children to resent me in the future," Sheng Li answered. "Lili, with you, I got to learn a lot. When you became pregnant, my fatherhood also began. I would have felt terrible for giving a death sentence to Mingze. His children would have despised me, and I don't want that," he affirmed.

"You are such a thoughtful person. You are a great Emperor," Ying Lili said and brought the tofu near his lips in the chopstick ends. Sheng Li opened his mouth and ate that.

"You transformed me into a thoughtful person. I try to be a good Emperor. Without you, I would not have been here," Sheng Li said with a bright smile and again began eating.

"I thought we would miss our first ever snowfall together," Ying Lili said suddenly. Sheng Li tilted his head and wondered why she said that.

"What do you mean?" Sheng Li got inquisitive.

"Don't you know?" Ying Lili looked at him in bewilderment.

"What must I know?" Sheng Li, who was unaware of what Ying Lili, meant got puzzled.

"The first snowfall with your lover," Ying Lili said. "You always forget good things," she complained.

"Snowfall will occur from time to time," Sheng Li stated.

"Are you dumb?" Ying Lili got angry. Sheng Li went tongue-tied. "The first snowfall with your lover has a hidden meaning," she stated.

"Ahh, forgive me. I am indeed dumb in such matters. But what type of hidden meaning does it have?" Sheng Li asked.

"Find yourself," Ying Lili snapped at him and started to eat.

"Don't sulk, Lili. You have told me everything, then why keep this secret? Whom will I ask?" Sheng Li questioned her.

"Why? Can you not find out such a small thing? I won't tell. If you love me, then you need to find yourself," Ying Lili handed him the task.

Sheng Li hummed and agreed with her. "I will find out. Don't worry. Please do not get angry. It makes you look cuter, and I am unable to resist myself to tease you more," he commented and smiled.

Ying Lili tilted her head and scowled at him. "You are not supposed to tease me. I will not talk to you if you do that," she threatened him.

"Okay. I lost to you in the arguments," Sheng Li said and the two smiled.