Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince

“I cannot deny your reasoning. There was a woman I loved in Xinshui for a long time. I wanted to marry her but after Li Hua’s marriage. Before it could happen, everything was ruined. Destiny brought me here and I married you,” Xu Zifan asserted.

“Does the woman no longer exist?” Jingfei questioned.

Xu Zifan shook his head. “Unfortunately, she is dead,” he told her.

“Do you still love her?” Jingfei asked him. She suddenly got a feeling of insecurity.

“No. She was my past,” Xu Zifan answered.

Jingfei took a breath of relief. “I would be upset if your answer was yes,” she stated.

Xu Zifan chuckled and smiled. He lifted the teacup and drank the tea. “I liked this tea,” he said.

“Then, should I consider Oolong tea as your favorite?” Jingfei asked.

.....

“Hmm.”

“Xu Zifan, you are incredible. Yesterday morning I saw you practicing with the sword. I got mesmerized to see how much hard work you put into yourself. I knew you are more capable than you look,” she stated.

“I want to become a great swordsman using my left hand. It is not that great yet,” Xu Zifan opined.

“You will reach there soon. I have faith in you,” Jingfei said and passed him a smile. “Would you like to drink more tea?” she asked.

Xu Zifan shook his head.

“Li Hua will take care of Brother Lóng Wei,” Jingfei suddenly changed the topic of their conversation. “Also, Monk Yuze was closer to Brother Lóng Wei than his parents. That is the reason he had turned quieter. But it is for a temporary time. He will soon be back to his social life. So, you should not worry,” she stated.

“Thank you for telling me about this,” Xu Zifan answered.

“I never had a good equation with Brother Lóng Wei, but I know many more about him. Monk Yuze was the only person who protected Brother Lóng Wei. No one cared for him in the palace, not even his mother. Father does care for him, but it was not the way Monk Yuze did. We used to get jealous of Brother Lóng Wei and even thought ill of him. I never wanted his good and I regret doing that,” Jingfei said and lowered her head.

“Prince Lóng Wei was happy when I got married and he was surprised when he heard you prevented the Noble Consort from making fun of me. He has no hatred toward you. Also, he told me to take care of you. He said that Jingfei would be a good wife to me,” Xu Zifan stated.

Jingfei was astonished to learn about that. Despite the wrong she did to Lóng Wei, he thought good of her.

“The rain has stopped,” Xu Zifan said as he looked outside the pavilion. “You should take some rest and then we will head to the market in the evening,” he asserted with a smile.

Jingfei hummed and they both left the pavilion.

~~~~~~

Tianjie was happy as Song Jia was not summoned to the palace for the past six days, but today when his father asked about her, he got worried. He looked at his father, who was seated on the broad embellished chair.

“Father, Song Jia is a highly dignified lady. It is not wrong to dance for people when it is your source of earnings. She merely entertained people,” Tianjie stated.

“Prince Tianjie should say that Song Jia entertained men specifically,” Xiuying said, who was seated next to the King. “Your Majesty, first the Crown Prince married a lower-class woman, and now Prince Tianjie is doing it. A dancer if becomes the daughter-in-law of the family, then it will only bring disgrace to the royal family.” She suggested Qiu Zedong not let Tianjie marry Song Jia.

Tianjie got furious to hear her. “I do not expect Noble Consort Xiuying’s intervention in my matter. Song Jia will never bring a disgrace to this family. Please be thoughtful of your words,” he requested.

“Prince Tianjie, Consort Xiuying said nothing wrong. Song Jia is not pure and I cannot let it happen. If Prince Tianjie keeps insisting, I have to give an execution order,” Qiu Zedong said with a stern tone.

Tianjie’s eyes grew bigger to hear that. He had not expected this from his father. He felt that he was insulted. Calling Song Jia impure, hurt his dignity more.

“The strange look in Prince Tianjie’s eyes shows that he is angry at his father’s decision. A mere dancer has polluted his mind,” Xiuying stated. “Look at Prince Mu. He is marrying a noble lady. You should follow his footsteps,” she added.

“Noble Consort Xiu, if you can respect anyone, then keep quiet. Your mind is more polluted,” Tianjie could not hold his anger anymore and burst it out at her.

“What did the Prince say?” She frowned and looked at the King.

“Apologize to my consort,” Qiu Zedong said.

“Why should I, Father? Who is she to speak wrong about Song Jia? I am disappointed to see that Father is supporting her,” Tianjie said in loud voice. He turned and left the chamber in anger.

Xiuying started to shed her crocodile tears in front of Qiu Zedong. “If the Crown Prince had married a woman from a higher class, then I did not have to hear such bitter words from Prince Tianjie. Your Majesty, did I say something wrong? I merely want the good of this royal family. I want to strengthen it by having good political marriage alliances for the princes. I merely want the good of everyone. But no one understands me,” she said while continuing to cry.

“I apologize on Prince Tianjie’s behalf. Please do not cry,” Qiu Zedong said and knitted his brows. His sons had gone crazy for low-status women. He decided to talk to Xiaoming and ask him to marry a higher-status woman.