Mysterious Shender
⁇ : The State of the Princesses

Ying Yue and Xincai entered the gates of Fenghua District safely. But there was something that stuck in the heart of the Great Princess, she was ambushed by bad feelings about Xi Wei—now the young man was fighting Fu Cha Maorong, a former member of the Nanxi Army camp.

"What's up, Ninth Brother?" xincai asked, who was a little panicked when he saw Ying Yue's face paled. "Are you worried about Xi Wei? Take it easy, he'll be fine. Nor is he a man who will not keep his promise."

Ying Yue shook her head to tell Xincai that she was fine, she was not worrying about Xi Wei. Of course it's a lie. He's very worried. Also, he was very sad considering what Xi Wei had told him.

Big brother Xi Wei... Are you okay? Why am I so worried? Big brother Xi Wei.. Why did you look so angry last night that you said such a cruel thing to me? thought Ying Yue.

"We have entered Fenghua District. From here alone the top of the Palace was already visible," Xincai revealed a little of the carriage window cloth. He looked out from telling Ying Yue about the circumstances around. However it seemed that the Great Princess was not listening.

Ying Yue was deep in her own thoughts. He was puzzled by the anger Xi Wei showed last night. He could not remember saying anything strange. He felt that Xi Wei knew something that was not pleasing to be told.

"Sister Xincai," called Ying Yue. He wanted to ask about Xi Wei. But a little scared of Xincai. Especially considering that Xincai once liked Xi Wei.

"Yes, what's wrong, sister?" Xincai put on an innocent expression and waited for Ying Yue to speak.

In the end, Ying Yue paused her intention to inquire about Xi Wei. He switched the conversation, "Are we close to the Palace?"

Xincai laughed a little. "Already," he answered. "If you want to refuse the marriage that was endowed by Father, then you must make an effort, Ninth Sister. No need to be nervous. You remember enough of what that bastard Xi Wei taught you. All his teachings are very useful."

Even Big Brother Xincai dared to scold Big Brother Xi Wei with the word 'fuck'. If it was me, I wouldn't have dared to do it, would I? thought Ying Yue.

"Sister Ying Yue, you look strange today. Is there something that bothers you? Are you thinking about Xi Wei again?" ask Xincai. He looks very anxious.

"I'm not worried about Big Brother Xi Wei," Ying Yue replied. "Actually, last night I met him. He conveyed his good-bye speech to Brother Xincai and Brother Xiangheng. It was just that..," his words suddenly stopped and it made Xincai curious.

"Just…?"

"Just he told me not to tell you. I'm a little sorry," Ying Yue lied. It wasn't really like that, she wanted to tell the truth, if Xi Wei told her she couldn't marry him. His tongue is too thick.

I want to know the reason. I'm sure if Big Brother Xi Wei comes back he'll give me the reason. Until that time comes, until that time comes I will not give up on opposing the Emperor! thought Ying Yue.

The horse carriage that Ying Yue and Xincai were riding on stopped right in front of the Palace gate. One of the men from the line of soldiers standing at the very front exclaimed, "Report! Third Princess Master Fang Xincai and Grand Princess Master Li Ying Yue are back!"

Then, one of the rear-most standing soldiers ran into the Main Hall to report to the Emperor, who was having a light chat with the Empress.

"Report! Your Highness, the Third Princess Master and the Great Princess Master are back."

"Eh?" The emperor seemed very pleased to hear it. "It turns out Xincai still knows home. I'm very happy. I'm very happy. You can go."

"Eunuch Yue, hurry up, quickly summon Fang Xincai and Li Ying Yue!" The Emperor looked very pleased, to the point of hurriedly telling Eunuch Yue to call Ying Yue and Xincai.

Mother and son are both snakes. The same behavior, the same behavior. Don't let Li Ying Yue ruin my plans. He must not stay long inside the Palace, the Empress thought.

Eunuch Yue hurriedly walked along the hall of the Palace. It was fortunate that Ying Yue and Xincai were right in front of there. He immediately shouted at the two of them, "Third Princess, Great Princess Master!"

Eunuch Yue arrived before them, lowered her head, then said, "Sorry to interrupt her time, Third Princess Master and Great Princess Master. I know that you two have just returned from a long journey. But, the Emperor asks you to face."

Xincai and Ying Yue looked at each other. Xincai let out a long breath. "We already understand. Thank you, Eunuch Yue. We'll change clothes, then we'll face Father."

"Thank you very much, Third Princess. Ah, then, I'm saying goodbye first."

"Please. We're not gonna drive."

When Eunuch Yue had already walked far enough, Xincai whispered to Ying Yue, "You should remember what I said, Little sister Ying Yue. As long as the Empress is there, you better not talk about the annulment of the marriage with Father. He's sneaky and can affect other people."

"Just calm down, Brother Xincai. Your brother is not a fool. Whatever advice Big Brother Xincai gave, Little Sister will hear it," Ying Yue whispered back.

"alright. We must hurry to change clothes, then face. Don't let Ayahanda wait long" said Xincai. "I'll go first!" he immediately left from before Ying Yue.

Ying Yue let out a long breath. He knew it would be hard for him to overturn the Emperor's decision if the Empress was in place. I have to find a chance. I must not allow the Empress to act at will. Especially him, he killed Mother! I will avenge this!

Ying Yue also immediately left from there.

"Xincai salutes Father, Empress Mother."

"Ying Yue saluted the Emperor, Empress Mother."

King laughs. "Let's sit down, my kids!" her word. He was very happy that Ying Yue and Xincai had come to visit him.

"Thank you, Father."

"Thank you, Emperor."

***

Meanwhile, in the small hut in the middle of the bamboo forest, Xi Wei straightened the tea that Maorong had proffered for her. He stared hard at the man. The sapodilla-skinned young man was a little hesitant, wanting to also not want to say the treatment against the Black Bamboo Poison. But he has no other choice.

"alright. I must give you three options in undergoing treatment against the Black Bamboo Poison that is inside your body. Each treatment will have its own risks. You should think about it carefully," Xi Wei said.