16 The Proposal

I stood in front of the questioning room waiting for my Ming Zheng done on dealing with Bojan.

That poor guy must have suffered a good blow after all, Bojan was like his family.

The person I waited for about an hour finally came out dispiritedly. I really wanted to go and hug him, but I were in princess outfit and inside the palace after returning back here from the amazing talk at the ice mountains.....This idiotic etiquette and gossiping people are so frustrating.

So I simply walked to him as he bowed towards me.

"Let's walk back to royal brother together." He nodded and followed me closely behind.

I wanted him to speak on his own accord since it was a sensitive topic for him.

As I waited he finally started speaking.

"Isn't it my fault?" he asked but I didn't answer. He was self questioning after all.

" I must have been careful and not trust him. After being with him like brothers for year I still haven't noticed his changes, his feelings, his situation, his troubles and now I myself have to punish him for colliding with the emporer's assassination."

"Does your highness know the reason? It was because of..."I cut him in the middle.

"Family. Isn't it because of his family he chose to betray you, the entire nation. They might have threatened him using his wife and his unborn child."

"How did your highness know?I mean.......I'll do my duty, no matter what!" Though he sounded firm it was painful to listen.

I stopped and turned to face him.

" Ming Zheng, I'll agree with any decision you take. I won't get involved. Do you know why I said family? It's not that I have investigated on the matter. I said I won't get involved. Its just that I've been with you too and have some kind of idea and mostly because I know YOU. You both are like blood related brothers and you both cared about each other and I'm pretty sure that he had arranged some kind of arrangement for your survival at the assassination."

He lowered his head agreeing.

" You both are the same when it comes to people you love and care for, will do everything to protect them. The only difference is,you are a bit more intelligent and strong hearted.

Bojan has a good heart, but was unable to protect what he loved. So it's not your fault and I believe he can be given another chance. Also for years by your side he had done a great service to the empire. In account of all these...

It's your choice. So instead of executing him I can ask brother to pardon him and just exile."

He looked at me surprised. I was literary speaking the truth after all.

" Thank you your highness a lot." I was happy to see his kind of relieved look.

Then we walked back again to royal brother, to his study. In the middle of the discussion Empress and the little prince also joined us.

Royal brother also agreed to my suggestion and after that Ming Zheng left as I remained with the family and joined the lunch at the lotus pavilion of the empress.

Little Prince and I were having an insyspizy talk and were distracted by the empresses sudden cough. We blankly looked at her,even the emporer.

"uhmm. Actually I wanted to discuss something with the Princess and his highness the emporer. So can my little prince go inside for a little?"

The little prince squinted his eyes but still agreed and bowed and closed the doors of the empress's chamber behind.

After that I suddenly felt a not good feeling as the empress gave me an amiable smile. I got goosebumps all over.

" Princess Huwanuwei, now you have grown quite old and I think.... "she paused.

I think what??????

"I mean what do You think about getting married?"

What?????????????

"Hah?"

I stared at her stupidly as I felt my ears burning hot.

"Even if she gets more old, I'm more than happy to marry her. No man deserved my awesome Aunt!!!Unless a person as handsome, as brave and as intelligent like me!"

Out of the blue the atmosphere turned so amusing as the little prince banged the door open and declared.

He puffed his chest and proudly continued."I will worship my whole life to her and stay true to her until the day I die!"

We couldn't hold it anymore as more and more advanced and serious words came out of that little mouth on that cute face still with baby fat, we burst out in laughter.

"Why are you all laughing?AM I not suitable?"  the little Prince frowned and looked amusingly confused.

"Do you think that I lie?"

I tried to comfort him.

"It's not that. Your highness is the best man. But I've told you I have already placed you in my heart as my best, loving cousin and I dearly want such a person and want you as that person.

I'll be heartbroken if I try to change that fact. So will You please consider that fact?"

I gave him a begging look. He then exaggeratedly sighed like a big man.

"Fine. Unlucky me. As Aunt has taught me before I will find my true match later and give the best to her and devote myself to her."

"Now that's better. I would love to know who that lucky young lady is!"He turned deep red. "Uhmm.... I'll go back to the room and not eavesdrop again or it will hurt my heart."

I could only shake my head as he practically flew back in to the room.

The relaxed atmosphere turned tensed back again on me. Then my good royal brother released a SURPRISING news!!!

"Ha!Ha! You don't have to worry about that my Empress and my son" The empress frowned at the emporer.

Then brother emporer continued.

"I've already sent edicts to the most noble households. And for the first time in history I'm also thinking of holding a competition since I want my sister to be with the best man. Also I did some background search so I can assure myself that you are on safe hands."

I felt like a cold pot of water thrown at me.

The next second I started boiling up again in anger.

As usual nothing good comes out of this royal brother's big mouth!

The emporer:

Just like that my sister dashed out of the place making me utterly confused.

I turned towards my empress for help and was greeted with another beautiful glare which I have got used to by this time but still makes me shudder at it.

"Don't you have to ask her first whether she has someone in her heart and how can you give an edict  even before discussing things with her or at least ME , your highness?"

I felt a little guilty because of my empress's words. After all I thought It's hard for someone to get my great sister's heart and I really didn't mean to hurt her feelings.

"Who does she like?" I carefully asked and was greeted with a more blazing glare.

She then exhaled deeply.

" You too always fight like kids even though you both are grown ups. At least she has an understanding on your highness, but your highness haven't even noticed such an important thing yet. You better go an ask from her yourself and solve the problem yourself your highness."

"Alright I'll talk to her tomorrow after thinking about it a bit." I know I am wrong.

"If you haven't solved it, there is no need to come to my place tonight. You can just guard outside the door YOUR MAJESTY!"She humped and walked into her room slamming the door behind.

Why am I the always miserable one? Aren't I'm the emporer??????

Even though I were dejected , I also wanted to rush to my sister to clear the misunderstanding. It hasn't,t even been a week since we last mended our relationship.

I walked towards the princess's quarters and was greeted with the site of my little sister though a matured women swinging her legs in the air sitting on a top tree branch gazing towards the sky in a trance.

Still like a child... And forever will be my little sister......

"Uhmm", I cleared my throat to announce my presence.

She abruptly turned towards me. I was ready to face with another out burst of her anger but instead  was greeted by a huge smile making me utterly confused.

"Royal Brother! I'm so sorry!"she said jumping down from the tree.

For a moment I felt speechless. Then I understood what she meant.

I flicked her forehead amused.

"It's me who should apologize. I haven't properly understood you. Is the lucky idiot Commander Ming Zheng?" I asked her. After all I'm not a complete idiot and have seen the abnormalities when they are together. I'm really a fool to act on sudden impulse!!!

She nodded as her cheeks flushed pink.

"Don't worry I'll cancel the edicts." after all more than dignity I value her happiness. I couldn't do anything for her before and at least now I have to do something for her as her elder brother.

She shook her head."Brother, no need. I'm really happy to hear you say that, but I want you to keep your prestige as the emporer, Also that man also has to know my value after all his skills naturally surpasses all the others in the kingdom. However brother I don't know whether He will agree to marry me."

"What an insolent brat! I'll see how dare he try to reject you."I can't give my little sister to such a person no matter what.

"Brother, so it's better to ask him first or else I'll be humiliated. Though I love him from all my heart I don't want to make a fool of myself blinded by love."

"I'll ask him myself." she hugged me pouring out honey words.

"You are the best brother in the world!"

Few hours later I summoned Commander Ming Zheng into the royal study back again.

He bowed in courtesy."Rise."

he stood up straight with respect and looked up at me waiting for the orders. It looked kind of funny however I went straight to the point.

"Do you like to marry my sister?I want you to marry her."

His eyes widened with shock which made me quite satisfied but soon faded as I had no other response. I really felt like killing him. however I'm pretty sure that my sister won't be happy about that.

"If not..."I was stumped at words as the next second with a loud thud Commander went on his knees.

"With great honor your highness!!!! I will devote my whole life for her highness."

Sigh.... As expected they are into each other.

"However, you must have by now heard about the imperial edict. So you will have to win, or otherwise..."

"I won't fail your expectations your highness!!" He loudly declared still with bowed head.

Though I was offended by him interrupting my, the emporer's words I was satisfied with his eagerness to marry my sister.

"You may leave." I said sighing again, but again was caught off guard by the foolish grin on the commander's  face which he tried but totally failed to hide as he faced me and saluted.

Sigh.....So I'm not the only love struck fool. Even this  ice sculpture is so.

I watched as he disappeared fast out of the hall, reminiscing on my beloved wife empress an my engagement ceremony with that same happiness.

I miss those times.

Ha!HA!HA! I couldn't stop laughing as I also remembered that I can be with my empress tonight.