Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince

“Forgive me, Father. I tried my best to catch Qizhen’s spy alive, but before I could do that, he took his life. Along with him, I ended up losing Zhai Liang,” Lóng Wei said while feeling guilty.

Qiu Zedong curled his fingers and his nails dug into the bolsters on both sides of the throne. Zhai Liang was one of his spies and he lost his life. For some reason, Qiu Zedong felt something was wrong.

First, Ye Yujin died; then Gao Bing whom he thought was his most loyal person; the spy who served him for more than thirty years also died; minister Li Zixuan died in a bandits’ attack. And now, Zhai Liang, who was supposed to keep an eye on Lóng Wei.

“Why did Prince let Zhai Liang accompany him? Most of the officials are not good in martial skills,” Qiu Zedong stated.

“Zhai Liang didn’t want me to go alone. That’s why I let him accompany me,” Lóng Wei said.

Feng Lao realized that the King’s suspicion on Lóng Wei had grown. However, he trusted Lóng Wei. He knew that the Sixth Prince would not be caught easily.

Lóng Wei got on his knees and placed his hands on his thighs. He lowered his head in front of his father and said, “Father, I know you are distressed because of Qizhen. But I promise my father that I will bring Qizhen alive in front of him. He is the reason why all these mishaps are happening.”

“Prince Lóng Wei, I trust your words and actions. However, I want you to step out of this mission. I will find Qizhen in my way now,” Qiu Zedong pronounced.

.....

Feng Lao and Hei Chengxi had not expected that the King would suddenly tell Lóng Wei to stop finding Qizhen.

“Father, I will not disappoint you. Give me ten days and I will bring Qizhen in front of you,” Lóng Wei requested his father and raised his head to gaze at him.

“How will Prince Lóng Wei do it? Wasn’t he supposed to leave for Dongqing first? I am unable to understand what he is trying to do. He has never been on such missions, so I understand that it is tough for him to find Qizhen,” Qiu Zedong affirmed.

“Father, as much as you are desperate to catch Qizhen, so am I,” Lóng Wei proclaimed.

Qiu Zedong knitted his brows to hear that statement.

“Our great general died by Qizhen’s hands. I wonder if he was the one who killed Li Zixuan. Today’s dual with one of his spies showed me how powerful Qizhen had become. With this, I am sure that Qizhen is hiding in the capital among the people. If I fail to bring Qiu Qizhen in front of His Majesty, I will myself step away from this mission,” Lóng Wei pronounced. His sound appeared as if he was taking a pledge.

Qiu Zedong was impressed with Lóng Wei’s dedication to him. “Fine. I give the ten days to Prince Lóng Wei,” Qiu Zedong gave further time to him.

Lóng Wei thanked his father. Qiu Zedong dismissed them and told Lóng Wei to get his wound checked by Physician Peng Yuxian.

“Li Hua is better than Physician Peng,” Lóng Wei told his father with a smile. He bowed and left the private chamber of Qiu Zedong.

Feng Lao accompanied Lóng Wei when he asked him to go home. “I will see you in the night,” Lóng Wei told him.

“In the night?” Feng Lao was perplexed.

“Yes. I have to discuss something important with you,” Lóng Wei whispered near his ear. Feng Lao nodded his head and left for his home.

Lóng Wei looked at his right hand. Li Hua would scold him for getting hurt.

“Sixth Brother, what happened to your hand?” Ai Fen asked. Lóng Wei slightly tilted his head to look when Ai Fen halted next to him.

“Nothing,” Lóng Wei said and put his hand behind his back. He walked ahead as he didn’t want to talk to Ai Fen.

“He is still hesitant to speak with me,” Ai Fen said with a dejected look.

Lóng Wei peeked inside his chamber before stepping in. Where was Li Hua? He wondered. Usually, she would be in his chamber, waiting for him.

He picked up the water jar to pour water into a glass and then drank the water.

“Your Highness!” He heard Li Hua’s voice. He placed the glass on the table and turned to look at her.

“Li Hua,” He pronounced her name and smiled at her.

She glanced at his hand and the smile from her lips disappeared. She swiftly approached him and grasped his hand.

“Ahh, I was...” He paused when Li Hua asked him not to speak.

She told Lóng Wei to sit and she left. Soon, she returned with a first-aid box and dressed the wound on Lóng Wei’s right hand.

“His Highness has taken a pledge to hurt himself daily,” Li Hua said and tied a knot on the bandage.

“I didn’t want to,” Lóng Wei said.

Li Hua looked at him and caressed his cheek. “When will you stop hurting yourself?” She asked.

“I will be cautious,” Lóng Wei said.

“Prince Lóng Wei always says that,” Li Hua affirmed and lowered her hand. “What happened? Why is my husband upset? He looks troubled,” She asked.

Lóng Wei grasped her hand and took her to the patio. They both settled on the floor mattress and Lóng Wei rested his head on her shoulder.

“I hate that I am used by another person,” Lóng Wei said. Li Hua understood his statement.

“I want to be free. I have ten days to bring Qizhen here,” He informed Li Hua. Her eyes grew bigger to hear his words.

“But if he comes here, then he will lose his life,” Li Hua worriedly said.

“I will not let that happen. However, before that, I have the most difficult task. I need the support of every prince on my side. The King is suspicious of me and if I take more lives of his loyal people, he may harm you. I cannot risk your life,” Lóng Wei stated.

“I believe all the princes support you,” Li Hua said.

“No one will like to go against their own father. That’s the biggest problem,” Lóng Wei pronounced.