Gifted Bride of the Sinned Prince

637 Epitome of perfection [Bonus chapter]

“Everyone is married except me,” Zhang Xi said while looking at all the princes seated with their respective wives.

“Even we are unmarried, Fifth Brother,” Xiaolian said. “The Fourth Brother is also not married,” she added.

“But Brother Mingquan is already engaged. You two will also get married soon,” Zhang Xi stated. “What about me?” he muttered.

Lóng Wei gazed at Mingquan and asked him who he was engaged to.

“State Minister Lin Wujian’s daughter, Lin Jiao,” Mingquan replied with a smile.

Lóng Wei hummed. “I know the state minister. I am glad for the Fourth Prince,” he stated.

“Prince Mingquan would have been married at the beginning of this month, but he decided to wait for you two,” Qiu Mu informed Lóng Wei.

“I want everyone to be a part of my marriage,” Mingquan replied. “How is the valley of peace? Did Brother Lóng Wei explore everything there?” He curiously asked. The others also gazed at him with inquisitiveness.

“I visited the temple and the shrine where Yuze grew up and trained as a monk. I met Yuze’s friend too. His thoughts are the same as those of Yuze. Everything about the valley was beautiful. It was a great experience,” Lóng Wei replied and then he suddenly turned quiet.

.....

Li Hua placed her hand above Lóng Wei’s hand and caressed it.

“Fifteen days ago we headed to Xinshui,” Lóng Wei resumed the conversation and looked at them.

“That is why it took time for Brother Lóng Wei and Sister Li Hua to return to the palace,” Ai Fen said.

“Yes. We ended up staying more days in Xinshui. Feng Lao has to meet many people in his acquaintance,” Lóng Wei stated.

“Since Brother Lóng Wei has returned, he should take back his role, Governor of Qinping,” Mingquan opined.

“I am not interested in that. I became governor to reach the truth. My aim is fulfilled,” Lóng Wei asserted. This decision he had taken after deep contemplation.

“Then, what will Brother Lóng Wei do?” Tianjie asked.

“I will assist you all,” Lóng Wei said with a smile. “I want to enjoy my life with Li Hua by taking less stress on my head. You all are better than me in handling matters related to the Kingdom. I am more of a self-centered person. I may fight with the officials more if I join any work than solving problems. However, I am good at giving assistance,” he affirmed and put his arm around Li Hua.

Xiaoming smiled to know Lóng Wei’s thoughts. He never wanted to be the King, but a person of his own beliefs and values. His respect for Lóng Wei had increased more. He was the epitome of perfection for Xiaoming.

They all talked for almost three hours they did not realize the time.

“We made a record by talking for so many hours,” Lóng Wei said and stood up. “We take our leave,” he stated and bowed to them. Li Hua also rose to her feet and bowed before leaving with Lóng Wei.

The others also left the King’s manor.

~~~~~~~~~~

Lóng Wei stepped out of the carriage upon reaching Huang Xi’s house. The doorkeepers bowed to see him.

“Tell Huang Xi to come outside. Do not tell him, I am here. Tell him someone wants to see him,” Lóng Wei said. The doorkeeper bowed and walked inside to deliver the message.

After ten minutes, Huang Xi came out and looked around. “Who wants to see me?” He turned to look at the doorkeeper and saw Lóng Wei before him.

“Prince Lóng Wei!” Huang Xi laughed and then walked up to him to hug him. “This was the best surprise I got after a long time,” he said while smiling.

“How have you been?” Lóng Wei asked after they pulled away from the hug. He placed his hands on his arms and kept the smile on his lips. “You suddenly look like a grown-up to me,” he said.

“Do I?” Huang Xi inquired.

“Hmm.”

“I have been good, Your Highness. What about you? How are the others? Should we go in?” Huang Xi asked him at once.

“Everyone is good. Not inside but outside,” Lóng Wei said.

“Outside? Why?” Huang Xi questioned.

“Because I want to see Chang Shi and Xiwan,” Lóng Wei said and put his arm around Huang Xi’s shoulder. “Inform Huang Xi’s parents that he is with Lóng Wei.” He told one of the doorkeepers and left with him to see Xiwan.

In the carriage, Huang Xi told Lóng Wei about Xiwan’s engagement.

“I wonder who is his betrothed. It must have been difficult for him to make her understand his profession,” Lóng Wei deduced.

“Not at all, Your Highness. Miss Ye Xin fell for Xiwan at the first sight. She even proposed to him to marry her only. Miss Ye Xin is the best friend of Miss Lin Jiao,” Huang Xi stated and narrated to him the incident that brought Xiwan close to Ye Xin.

“What about you?” Lóng Wei asked.

“Me?” Huang Xi’s smile suddenly disappeared.

“Princess Ai Fen doesn’t like me. I also forgot her… I mean, I am trying,” Huang Xi said. He could not lie to Lóng Wei and told him he still liked Ai Fen.

“You have to let go of her. There are many women in the kingdom,” Lóng Wei said.

“I try to look at others, but it’s difficult. Princess Ai Fen is calm and—” he paused as Lóng Wei interrupted him in the middle.

“Huang Xi, you are hurting yourself this way,” Lóng Wei said. “Since you’ve always helped me. I will do something for you. I will find the best woman for you,” he stated.

Huang Xi chuckled and shook his head. “I am not desperate to marry anyone,” he said.

“But you are desperate to seek love,” Lóng Wei affirmed.

Huang Xi didn’t deny that statement.

“You want to experience love. Didn’t you ask me to help you earlier? When I am doing, you are refusing it,” Lóng Wei beamed at him.

“I didn’t mean that. I don’t think it is the right way,” Huang Xi said.

“I didn’t tell you my way yet,” Lóng Wei said with a smirk.