Married To The Cruel Crown Prince

Huo Jin walked ahead in the walkway of the Eastern Palace but ended up meeting Nianzu, who had a flute in his hand. Quickly he wore a smile on his lips and bowed before the Fourth Prince to greet him. "Huo Jin," Nianzu smiled upon seeing him after so many days. He walked to him and embraced him.

"I missed you. You have stopped coming here," Nianzu said and pulled back. "However, you are coming from the side of the First Prince's Quarters. Is everything good?" Nianzu asked him. He knew Huo Jin would never meet Jian Guozhi unless the First Prince had called him himself.

"At least tell me, Huo Jin. Is something bothering you?" Nianzu asked him.

"I argued with the First Prince about Xinyue's death. I said everything that had been in my mind for a long time," Huo Jin affirmed as he gazed into the eyes of Nianzu.

"So, how do you feel?" Nianzu asked him.

"Nothing. I am still in agony. With each passing day, it is becoming unbearable. Sometimes, I want to die," Huo Jin stated.

Nianzu understood that Huo Jin blamed Jian Guozhi for not saving Xinyue. "Huo Jin, Brother Jian is not at fault either. If you think that he started to enjoy his life right after the death of Xinyue, then you are wrong. I have told you as the Princes of the Royal Family, we do not have the life of peace. Brother Jian's married life was more tangled. He put faith in Xinyue. You don't know how evil his mother was! Brother Jian wanted to escape everything, but since he's the eldest Prince, he could never do that, except accept everything.

Brother Sheng would have killed her if Brother Jian had not.

"But the Emperor saved the life of the First Prince and his wife," Huo Jin argued.

"Because they both did not do any crime. Xinyue took the identity of another woman– the real Zhilao Mi. Also, she was loyal to her father. She chose her fate. Why are you ruining your life over something which was never yours? You deserve better, Huo Jin," Nianzu pronounced.

"I was like you once. However, the woman I loved had returned my feelings. Now, we are husband and wife. Who knows this better than you? How much Chun and I struggled to get together is known to you.

In your case, it is different. You as a slave had no one to take care of you. Xinyue did that part, but she never returned your feelings. Because in her eyes, having a powerful Prince was important. She loved Brother Jian for that reason. She never valued you. Because you were capable enough to do many things, she kept holding on to you. You are such a brainy person, yet you cannot understand this difference. Don't get blind to one-sided feelings. Sometimes, you lose the most beautiful things which come across you in an unexpected way," Nianzu made him understand.

"I am not able to forget her. I can never, Prince Nianzu. What shall I do? I shouldn't have come to Luoyang," Huo Jin regretted his decision to come back to the Capital.

"Didn't you tell me not to run away from the things because they would haunt you till your last breath?" Nianzu reminded Huo Jin of his own words which he had said to Nianzu when he was adamant about not returning to Luoyang and acquiring his prince status back.

"I want to be alone. I will see the Fourth Prince tomorrow," Huo Jin did not want to argue anymore.

He stepped forward when Nianzu said, "As your friend, I want to move on in his life. You don't deserve to live like this. I would not have intervened in your life, but you are destroying it over a person who never respected you. I will find a woman for you, who will love you and will give you the care which you always want to have."

"Don't play with my emotions, Your Highness. If you do, then--" Nianzu came in front of him and interrupted him.

"Huo Jin, I am not playing with your emotions. I want you to be happy," Nianzu said sternly.

"The Fourth Prince is intervening in my life. Let me be free. I am happy with this way of living," Huo Jin stated.

"Fine. I won't intervene in your life. However, you cannot stop me from thinking good for you. It is the time when I, as a friend, shall return my favor to you. You cannot stop me from doing duty as a friend," Nianzu asserted.

Huo Jin did not reply to him and walked ahead. Nianzu sighed and went back to his chamber.

Huo Jin soon reached the main Palace Grounds. Sheng Li, who was returning from the barracks saw him and halted at his place. Xiao Zhan stopped and saw Hao Jin was walking towards the Fu Imperial Gates.

"Why does it seem he's in anger?" Xiao Zhan mumbled.

"Why don't you bring him here to me?" Sheng Li asked him.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Xiao Zhan replied and ran towards Huo Jin. He stopped him and informed him about the Emperor. Huo Jin turned to look and smiled upon seeing the Emperor. He came near to him and greeted Sheng Li.

"You ignored me," Sheng Li said and looked at the top of a building at his left.

Huo Jin shook his head. "I do not dare to, Your Majesty," he said politely and lifted his head. Sheng Li was gazing at him.

"You did not even congratulate me. I will soon be a father," Sheng Li said and smiled.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I thought His Majesty must be busy. I pray for the health and well-being of the Empress," Huo Jin stated.

"What are you doing these days?" Sheng Li asked him. Xiao Zhan keenly listened to their conversation.

"Nothing much, Your Majesty," replied Huo Jin.

"Tomorrow at 7 am meet me at the same place where you were practicing. I will wait for you," Sheng Li told him.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Huo Jin answered.

"Go in the carriage. The night is falling. Xiao, send Huo Jin in a carriage," Sheng Li ordered him. Xiao Zhan nodded and left with Huo Jin.. Sheng Li watched them until they disappeared from his sight.