20 20 - The return

After five years.

Chao Shen is now the young adviser of the new king. The former king died two years ago and the crown prince is now the new king. After losing Lihua that day, he fighting for the throne. He doesn't know why but he lost the will do continue. Since the crown prince is a good man and has the potential to be a good king, he decided to support him instead. But his father still believes that he can get the throne from him. Chao Shen tried to ignore his father but the old man continue to expand their power in the kingdom.

"Shen, when do you plan to get married?" King Tengfei asked his young adviser standing in front of him. He asked him to go to his study hall after the court session that morning.

"The country needs me. It is unfortunate for the woman to live her life alone all the time,"

Chao Shen who grew up as one of the handsome men in the capital city still refused to get married.

"I shouldn't have agreed to issue that decree," the king said teasingly.

Chao Shen's face suddenly turned dark and cold.

"I am just teasing you," the king immediately explain when he saw that change on his face.

Chao Shen smirked, "If you did not agree, I will not be your adviser. Who would have thought that this job will be this tiresome?"

Both men laughed lightly.

"It is good to have this carefree moment after the court meeting today," the king said thoughtfully. Remembering the intense court session that morning, even Chao Shen is relieved that they are now laughing.

"Do you think the minister of war will remain in the capital this time?"

"Maybe," Chao Shen answered shortly.

"I heard that he is bringing her supposed to be dead daughter in the capital this time. What do you think the reason for this sudden action?"

Chao Shen thinks deeply. He already asked Hui to get information about the Minister of War. Five years ago, he returned to the capital city to receive the glory he accomplished in defending the kingdom but he also immediately went back to the South border saying that he wants to make sure that invaders will not succeed. But this time, the minister is coming back on his own will. And, he is bringing his lost daughter. The minister already has a second wife, two daughters and two sons but he never accompanied them in the capital city before. He would just ask his people to accompany them when there is official business they have to attend to in the capital.

"Do you think it is for marriage?" the king suddenly spoke. Chao Shen looked at him.

"I doubt it, I heard the lady is turning eighteen this year and doesn't show any interest in getting married. Besides, who wants to marry a woman who has been living in the country all her life and just reunited with her father five years ago?"

The king considered what he said.

"Minister Hu is a loyal and good man. I am sure he doesn't have any ill intention towards the royal family."

On the contrary, Chao Shen thinks differently. Five years ago he learned that Minister Hu has a connection with the Holy Mountain. Though he was not able to gather evidence to prove it, he started to get suspicious of the man. And this supposed-to-be-dead daughter, no one has seen her. He has a bad feeling about this. The search for the blood princess stopped two years ago when the former king died. King Tengfei doesn't believe about the blood princess' prophesy. Besides, the girl they got from the Holy Mountain is a fake.

Chao Shen's heart felt like a knife sliced through it. The memory of Lihua, sacrificing her life for nothing. He blamed himself a million times for not listening to her.

King Tingfei noticed the pain in Chao Shen's face. He can sense that whatever the thing that he is thinking right now gives him so much pain.

"I know you are also tired. Please rest for now. Let's continue to talk about this matter tomorrow."

"Yes, you're highness," he said while bowing.

Chao Shen started to leave when he suddenly stopped. He remembered something.

"You're highness, the selection of the new princess consort is coming,"

Both men looked at each other thinking the same thing. How could they have not thought about it?

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The capital city is bustling with life. Since the army is busy defending the borders, the people of the capital city do not need to worry about their lives. Spring is coming that's why the weather is good. The people on the streets moved on the side when a use entourage came inside the capital. Everyone saw the flag of the Minister of War. They were amazed by the fine soldiers riding their horses in front. They were followed by three large carriages.

Lihua looked out the window of her carriage to observe the streets outside. The scene hasn't changed a bit. It is still the same bustling and lively place, like how she remembered it. The only difference is her. If five years ago she roamed this place wearing a servants clothing, this time it's the complete opposite. She is now wearing an expensive white silk dress. Her hair is carefully arranged into a light bun, adorned by a jade pin. Her skin greatly improved. It is now smooth and soft. She is enjoying the moment when suddenly the carriage stopped.

"What's happening?" she called out.

Mengyao who is riding his horse came closer to her carriage.

"There's a little commotion in front. Don't worry, we will take care of it."

Little commotion? Lihua's curiosity rise. She suddenly went outside.

Her sudden appearance made everyone around her gasped. It looks like an angel came down from heaven. Her servants immediately move behind her. Mengyao went down his horse and approached her.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

Lihua just smiled at him and continue walking. The people sitting inside the other carriages just shook their heads disapprovingly but did not say a word.