First of all, Happy birthday, ChristinaMoldenhauer <3 <3 I hope you have/had a wonderful birthday. 

I am on time and hope you will like the new chapter :) 

Enjoy <3 <3

Wei Ying's POV

I was sitting in the bathtub and tried to figure out what happened earlier but no matter how much I tried, I couldn't. I felt that something changed but couldn't figure out what exactly it was. This feeling irritated me a little and so I tried not to think too much of it.

"Your highness?" Wen Ning called me and I looked up at him.

"Hm?"

"The crown prince is about to arrive."

I widened my eyes in surprise and couldn't help but smile. "Already? But it is still early in the afternoon." I said and got up quickly.

"Careful, your highness!"

"I am not made of glass." I chuckled but slowed down and let Wen Ning help me get out of the tub and into the bathrobe. Just as I was cuddled up in these comfortable clothes, I heard Lan Huan's voice.

"Wei Ying?"

"I am here," I answered and left the bathroom with Wen Ning following me closely. "What happened? You are so early today."

Lan Huan grinned and kissed me on my forehead. "I decided to skip my duties for the rest of the day."

"But Lan Huan! You shouldn't do that..." I reprimanded him but secretly felt delighted.

"You know what I shouldn't do either? Neglecting my consort."

I couldn't suppress my grin anymore. "That's more like it. It's so difficult to spend time with you. If that continues I might as well attend the court every day. At least that way I will have more time with you."

"You missed me that much?" Lan Huan caressed my cheeks as he stared at my lips.

"What does that mean? You don't miss me?" I challenged him and he suddenly hugged me tightly.

"I miss you so much, Wei Ying. So much that it hurts...." His aura changed and he was suddenly very sad and depressed.

"Hey... did something happen?"

"Nothing happened. I am just unworthy of you..." His lips pressed against my neck.

"Now, now. Why do you think like that? I indeed get quite upset that you don't have much time for me but that doesn't mean you are unworthy of me. I knew it could turn out like this when I agreed to marry you."

"No, Wei Ying. I am really unworthy of you. I love you so much, I could give my life for you. Yet I am being like this...."

He behaved more strangely from day to day. Something was bothering him. Something, that made him believe he was unworthy of me.

I couldn't possibly imagine what would make him unworthy of me. Despite having not much time with me, he was giving me all his love and more. He was loving and pampering me as if there was no tomorrow.

"Wei Ying...." He called me and led my hand to his heart which beat very fast. He looked into my eyes and gave me a soft kiss. "I love you. I love you more than anything. And I love our family."

His free hand went to my little womb and caressed it.

"Lan Huan, what is wrong?" I asked seriously. His aura became even darker and only lightened up when he confessed to me. It showed me that no matter how unhappy he was, thinking about me made him happy.

I took his face in my hand and made him look at me. "If something is bothering you, tell me. I will help as much as I can."

"I know." He smiled and his aura became brighter. "Your love for me is saving me every day." He said and kissed my palms.

"My position as the crown prince is bothering me. My duties are bothering me. You can't help me with that."

"Then tell me what can I do?"

"Be with me, hold me." He said and took my face in his hands. "Love me. Never stop loving me and please... don't ever leave me."

I smiled. "Why should I?"

"Promise me." He almost begged me and I understood that my making this promise meant a lot to him.

"I promise you, Lan Huan." The moment I finished my sentence Lan Huan kissed me senselessly. I was shocked but let it happen. I could feel that this made him feel better and as for me... well, it's been a while since I was kissed by him like this. Thinking back... I think it was the night our fifth daughter was conceived.

"Your highness." It was Wen Ning and his voice came from outside the house. I didn't know when he left us alone but it must have been for quite a while.

"Mhm... yes...?" I asked slightly out of breath.

"A servant from his majesties quarters is here to talk to the crown prince."

"Oh, I see then-"

"Tell him to leave!" Lan Huan spoke before I could call that servant in.

"B-but your h-highness..." It was the voice of a stranger who must have been that from the servant. "His m-majesty is calling-"

"I am done with my work for today! Tell my father that I wish to spend time with my consort and my unborn daughter.  Whatever he wants to tell me, he can do so tomorrow. If he has enough energy to nag at me, he might as well attend the court tomorrow. Now leave and don't come back!"

I was surprised to hear Lan Huan speak so strictly.

"Are you sure that is okay? Your father..."

"He won't die if I go against him." He answered and gave me a cheeky smile. "It is quite exciting going against him, actually. I feel like I am a teenager picking a fight with his parents."

"That's because you are behaving like one." I laughed at him. Lan Huan then picked me up and put me down on the bed before joining me. He put his head on my stomach and stroked it.

"Maybe. But in any way, it feels good." He confessed and I shook my head in amusement. I then started to stroke his hair softly. "Mhmm, this feels even better..." He mumbled and sighed in satisfaction.

These moments were rare. Usually, when he got home in the evening we would go to bed directly. Well, at least I would. Lan Huan would spend some time in the bathroom to take a bath before joining me. I would be asleep by then most of the time.

"What did you do today?" Lan Huan asked him.

"I was with Wang Ji. Caring for the bunnies and after that, I just relax. I love to listen to him when he plays the zither. He is really good at it."

"Wang Ji? After so many years you are on a first-name basis?"

"Is that ... bad?" I asked a little unsure and he snorted.

"It's the opposite, Wei Ying. I am shocked it took you so long. I mean, sure my brother is someone who doesn't let others too close to him but ... you have your ways with everyone. Everyone likes you the moment they get to know you. I am not sure if my brother was just stubborn or you didn't try it." He laughed. "But I am happy that you two are finally bonding."

"Are we...?" I mumbled and thought back at what happened today. I was wondering what had changed today. Maybe we just started bonding.

"Do you think my brother is very weird?"

"Huh?" I asked and frowned. "Who said that? Wang Ji is not weird at all. Maybe a little taciturn but he doesn't need to speak a lot for others to know what he thinks. I mean, he is telling you with his actions, his eyes, and with-" I stopped on time. I almost spoke about my ability to see auras.

"And with?" Lan Huan asked amused.

"... and with his body language." I finished my sentence.

"You are right with everything but not many are that attentive. Not even our father. I always thought I would be the only one until he marries but I guess this is not the case anymore."

"Jealous?" I smiled.

"No. I am someone who has everything he wants and more. I have no reason and no right to be jealous of him. Well, except for one thing. He can spend more time with you than I...."

"That is your fault," I said firmly. "I am always here. You are the one who has no time for me."

"I know. I am sorry, Wei Ying." He answered guiltily.

"I spend so much time with Wang Ji so, of course, I can understand him without him saying anything. The emperor... to me it looks like he doesn't really care about Wang Ji. All he does is make sure you are fulfilling your duties. Instead of fighting with you, he should care more about his second son!" I said and felt weirdly irritated.

"That is not entirely true. It is his duty as an emperor to make sure that I, as the crown prince am good at leading people. I have to take over in the future and have to rule the whole heavenly realm. It is a big, important, and very difficult task." He explained to me. I understood that but still felt irritated.

"He loves Wang Ji but because of me, he can't show it often to him. Because he has to make sure I do everything right and good, that I am a suitable successor, he seldom has time to spend with Wang Ji. But my father wants him to be happy as well. I know that sometimes he just stands in front of Wang Ji's palace in the middle of the night when he goes out for a walk. He felts guilty for having not much time with him but he tries to make it up to him. I overheard my father a few days ago that he would like to find him a consort."

"A consort?"

"Yes. It wouldn't be the first time he would try that. It's just..." Lan Huan chuckled. "Wang Ji is never interested in anyone. I doubt he even wants to get married."

"Why not? I mean, he is a prince. I thought a prince has to get married? Even if it is just to avoid wars. Not that I agree on that, though! Someone should marry out of love and not because it was arranged by the parents."

"My father would never force us to marry someone we don't love. Other kings and emperors would do that but he doesn't. Even if it's just to fulfill his promise to our mother. But what my father can do is invite suitable ladies and princesses and introduce them to my brother. There was never a time when one of them was against marrying Wang Ji but it was always Wang Ji who was not interested. He even rejected the queen of the water realm my father hoped he would marry."

"He is still young. Why so eager to marry him off? He is immortal and has a lot of time ahead."

"I guess you are right and that is probably exactly what Wang Ji thinks." Lan Huan chuckled. "I support Wang Ji with that and with everything else. But as long as he never leaves his palace he won't meet someone he might develop feelings for."

"As I said, he is still young. But he does leave his palace often to take a walk."

Lan Huan smiled at me. "That is why my father has to use this opportunity to let him meet suitable partners."

I looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"My father, he won't give up until his sons have everything they need. Only then he can lean back and relax. He is eager to fulfill his duties as the emperor of the heavenly realm and the promises he made. I understand his point but ... sometimes he is too eager that he doesn't care if someone gets hurt through that. He is stubborn and no one can change his mind. If you try, it will only result in a fight. No matter how good your arguments are, you will lose in the end.... " He mumbled the last part that I was not sure if I heard right.

I tilted my head and frowned slightly. "Is that the reason you fight with him a lot? Because you want to change his mind about something?" His aura got darker and I understood he was in a bad mood. I stroked his head and stopped questioning him.

He was fighting with the emperor about Wang Ji's marriage, wasn't he? If you could marry the person you love and who loved you unconditionally in return, it was a blessing. If Wang Ji could marry the person he fell in love with, it would be a good thing. But it has to be Wang Ji's decision. Just thinking about the possibility that Wang Ji had to marry someone his father or others wanted him to, made me angry.

Wang Ji was ... innocent. He was a caring person and without doubt, would make the person he loved very very happy. I was curious about who he would fall in love with and asked myself if I would ever be able to meet the lady he would marry.

I remembered Lan Huan's words from earlier and wanted to ask him if the emperor planned to invite someone over for Wang Ji to meet but before I could do so, I noticed that he fell asleep on my stomach. I sighed and kissed his forehead.

"Wen Ning," I called loud enough for him to hear but silent enough to not wake up Lan Huan.

"Yes, your highness?"

"Help me move the crown prince. He will be sore if he sleeps like this until morning. And I as well..."

"As you wish, your highness."

After Lan Huan was placed comfortably on the bed I decided to take a walk. It was early in the evening and I didn't plan to go too far but I ended up near Wang Ji's palace.

"Do you think he is asleep?" I asked and Wen Ning knew immediately whom I was talking about.

"Probably not. He is usually taking a walk at this time of the day."

I didn't say anything to that because I have known what he would answer. At this time he indeed used to take a walk outside. He told me that a long time ago. I didn't forget that and didn't know why I asked this needless question.

Why did I even end up here?

Suddenly I heard voices and turned to my left where I saw the emperor walking together with a young lady who I assumed was one of his consorts or concubines. I heard he had quite a few but rarely met them. Why take in so many wives when he doesn't care about them at all? It was the same in the mortal realm. I didn't understand why men would even marry so many consorts or take in concubines. Wasn't one enough?

"At least Lan Huan is not like them..." I mumbled.

"Excuse me?" Wen Ning asked and I shook my head with a smile.

"Nothing. I just thought how blessed I am that Lan Huan loves me and wouldn't take in another consort."

"He is madly in love with you, your highness. Everyone knows that. If someone dares to suggest him to marry a second consort, he would get very angry."

"Did it happen before?" I wanted to know. "I mean suggesting him to get married again?"

Wen Ning hesitated but then nodded his head. "Quite a few ministers did. I heard other servants talking about it. The ministers were worried that you didn't give birth to an heir yet and suggested his highness, the crown prince either marry another consort or at least take in a concubine or two. But don't worry your highness. The crown prince banned them from the court for several months and threatened to fire all of them from their positions if they ever dared to say something like that again. He said he would never take in someone else because he loves only you."

"I see..." It hurt hearing those words and was surprised I never heard of them before.

"Your highness...." Wen Ning looked worriedly at me and I smiled.

"No worries. I know how important an heir is for the royal family."

"Don't tell me... you agree with those ministers!?" He asked in shock. "Don't listen to them!"

I patted his head. "Of course, I agree with them. An heir is important and Lan Huan needs one if he wants to ascend the throne."

"Your highness!" Wen Ning was about to get angry so I smiled at him.

"Albeit I agree with them in terms of Lan Huan getting another consort, I won't allow him to do that as long as I am alive. I don't mind him marrying someone once I am dead, in fact, I even encourage him to do so but not until I am gone. If he ever dares to betray me while I am alive...." I didn't finish the sentences because first of all, I knew he would never do that, and secondly, I didn't know what to do if he ever would betray me. Thinking about it, I couldn't do anything and was more than just thankful that Lan Huan loved me so much.

From the corner of my eye, I saw the doors of Wang Ji's palace open and Wang Ji stepping out of it. I watched him looking up to the sky and enjoying the last rays of sunshine.

"Let's go and take a walk with him," I said to Wen Ning and took a few steps before I saw the emperor approaching his son. I stopped and watched what was happening in front of me. Honestly, it was a little embarrassing because it somehow felt like I was spying on them.

"Wang Ji." I heard the emperor calling and Wang Ji turned around.

"Yes, father?"

"You came out at the perfect time. I have something I have to do and need to go." The emperor said and then pointed at the lady next to him. "This is Princess Daiyu from the water realm. Would you please take her for a walk? I don't want to let her alone but need to go now."

I raised my brows at that and was reminded of Lan Huan's words earlier.

"My father is at it again...." I flinched and turned around.

"Lan Huan! You scared me!" I complained and held my hand over my beating heart.

"Why? Did you do something forbidden?" He asked me teasingly.

"Not as forbidden as you skipping your duties." I countered and Lan Huan chuckled.

"You got me." He grinned and kissed my forehead. "So? What are you doing here?"

"I was going out for a walk and happen to see your father."

"This is what I was talking about earlier. He is trying to set up my brother with the princess of the water realm. I am surprised that my father won't give up after so many failed attempts." Lan Huan shook his head as we both watched the scene in front of us.

"Your highness." The princess dropped a curtsy and Wang Ji nodded.

"I will let the two of you alone now. Wang Ji, after the walk, escort the princess to her quarters, alright?" With that, the emperor left and Wang Ji and the princess were left alone.

"Wasn't the emperor sick?" I asked Lan Huan.

"His health is slowly getting better but he still suffers from headaches. The doctors said he was to take it slowly and getting out for walks would improve his health." He answered while continuing to observe his brother. My gaze too fell back on the latter who signaled the princess to start walking.

I took a look at the princess's aura and found out that she was head over heels for Wang Ji. Her whole aura was in this reddish-pink color and it sparkled like crazy. In the middle were small black dots with a slightly greenish glam. When she linked her arm with that of Wang Ji her aura became even brighter that I had to look away.

After a few seconds, I couldn't help but look back and saw both of them talking with each other. Or rather, she was talking and Wang Ji was listening. I couldn't understand what they were talking about but Wang Ji nodded from time to time while the princess giggled here and there.

"She is not suited to be with Wang Ji," I said and Lan Huan looked at me in surprise

"Why do you think so?"

"Because I know Wang Ji and he likes quietness. The princess is talking way too much and Wang Ji is annoyed." I answered and took a look at his aura.

"Sometimes I think you know him better than I..."

"I spent so much time with him, it would be strange if I didn't know him well. The princess's character is not compatible with that of Wang Ji."

"She seems to like him though..."

"She does but that won't help to change her personality. She is a possessive and jealous type of person." I said looking at the small black dots surrounded by the slightly greenish glam. She was not the right one for him and I was nodding in satisfaction seeing that Wang Ji seemed to have realized that as well.

Lan Huan hugged me from behind. "I love the way you can see through people as if they were windows. Tell me, Wei Ying, what am I feeling right now?"

I looked back and frowned. "I remembered you said you wouldn't ever be jealous of your brother because you had no reason and no rights for that..."

Lan Huan blinked a few times and then smiled. "I am jealous of him?"

"Why are you asking me? You are feeling like that so you should know the answer. By the way, why are you even here? I thought you were asleep?"

"I can't sleep if you are not around me, Wei Ying." Lan Huan snuggled against the back of my neck.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, so let's go home, shall we? I skipped my duties to spend more time with my lovely consort."

"Says the one who actually fell asleep..." I rolled my eyes in amusement.

"I didn't sleep. I just ... doze off." He grinned and let go of me. "Let's go, my love."

"Yes, yes." I agreed and took the hand he offered me.

Suddenly I felt goosebumps and tried to find out the reason for that. As I looked behind me I saw Wang Ji continuing to walk with the princess who kept on talking to him. Wang Ji however didn't seem to listen to her as his attention was on me. He was staring at me from so far away and I was not only shocked that he knew I was here and could see me, no, I was shocked just what an impact he had on me by just looking at me.

I couldn't help but stare back at him until Lan Huan and I walked so far that I couldn't see him anymore.

The next days were quite unusual.

While Lan Huan behaved the same as usual my time with Wang Ji was making me feel different kinds of things.

Lan Huan went back to do his duties but came home every evening, sometimes even earlier than he should. Often he would smell like roses which were irritating me more and more. I couldn't stand that smell. It made me feel weirdly annoyed but I couldn't comprehend why.

As for Wang Ji... as usual, I spent most of the day at his palace. I met the princess from that night quite often when I went over to Wang Ji's palace. It seemed like she was waiting for Wang Ji to come out and looked more and more frustrated until she left the heavenly realm. Wang Ji never mentioned that princess and I understood he rejected her.

I thought that was a good decision. I only wanted the best for him and that princess would surely be the opposite of that.

At the moment I was laying in the grass in Wang Ji's garden as usual and listened to the soft tones of his zither until I fell asleep.

I started dreaming and this dream was wrong on so many levels. My feelings, thoughts, and especially the stress from the last weeks were now slowly getting the best of me.

I dreamed about Wang Ji's garden. I saw his white bunnies hopping around, the females were eyeing Wen Ning while the males were trying to impress the females. It was confusing and amusing seeing bunnies having a crush on a human being. Wen Ning was very frustrated and didn't seem to know what to do and where to hide.

My dream didn't differentiate much from reality in that matter.

But something was different.

Wang Ji was, and I too.

I dreamed that I was sitting on the grass playing with the black bunny who seemed to have turned from the young and energetic troublemaker into a lazy and cuddly pet. I was patting it when Wang Ji approached me. I was looking up at him and was shocked to see his aura in a powerful red and orange. His eyes went to the bunny who was snuggling on my lap and Wang Ji's aura changed a little, showing green dots in the middle of it.

"Wang Ji...?" I asked him unsure. The black bunny looked up at me hearing my voice and jumped off my lap once it met Wang Ji's glaring eyes. It then hopped away faster than any other old animal.

"Wang Ji?"I called him again and his eyes, who was following his favorite bunny with eagle eyes looked back at me. I tiled my head, confused by his behavior. "Wang Ji?" I called him for the third time when he took a huge step and stopped right in front of me.

I didn't flinch but blinked uncontrollably and only stopped when Wang Ji pressed his lips to mine. Now I was frozen, staring at his closed eyes in front of me while his tongue tried to find a way through my lips into my mouth. He didn't even use that much power before I parted my lips and let him enter me.

Wang Ji's hands found mine and he intertwined them before slowly pushing me to the ground. Once he was on top of me while holding me in place, his kiss became more eager, more desperate, and more demanding.

I couldn't breathe and only stare at him until his tongue challenged mine. I let out a strange sound before closing my eyes and giving in to his demands.

The sensation I felt was new, something I have never felt before despite this being not my first kiss. I accepted his challenge and chased his tongue all the way back into Wang Ji's mouth. He let it happen. He didn't force me out of it back into mine but let me lead. The power I felt while doing so felt incredible.

I managed to let my hand escape and put it around his neck to pull him closer. Wang Ji's free hand went to my flat stomach and stroked it before moving upwards, slowly rubbing my chest. Once again I let out a sound, this time deeper, almost like a growl.

As if to punish me for that, Wang Ji bit my lip. I tasted the weak taste of blood but soon it was gone as Wang Ji sucked it away.

My body was answering to him, wanting him to do more. It felt so amazingly good that I craved for more. He stopped kissing me and looked at me. My eyes met his. His aura was pure red by now and the reflection I saw in his eyes showed me that my aura didn't look any different.

"Wei Ying." He called with a deep voice, almost like a growl making me respond to him with a moan. Then he kissed me again it was even more demanding than before. My whole body was responding to him, I could feel it getting hot and very needy.

I woke up in shock and jumped up. I looked around and saw Wang Ji sitting a few meters away from me, still playing the zither. He didn't look at me despite knowing I was awake. I tried to get up by myself but failed miserably before Wang Ji came up to me and helped me.

"Is everything okay?" He asked me and I gulped, trying to not look at his lips.

"Y-yes. I just... I had a weird dream, that is all." I answered him.

"What dream made you shocked like this?"

"N-nothing to worry about. I will...." I looked around and spotted Wen Ning dozing off about 100 meters away. "Wen Ning!" I called him and he woke up immediately. He quickly got up and walked up to me.

"Your highness?"

"I feel... I want to go home."

"Already? Usually, we will stay until evening..."

"Yes, Wen Ning, we will leave now. I need ... a bed to sleep in. I am very tired."

"As you wish, your highness." He turned to Wang Ji and bowed to him before following me out of Wang Ji's palace. I felt Wang Ji's eyes on me the whole time until he couldn't see me anymore.

I walked some more until I found a good spot I could sit down and ... calm down. I hid my face in my hands while trying to not think about that dream.

My frustration about Lan Huan's behavior and duty, the freaking smell of roses, the stress, the loneliness I have been feeling for quite some time now, me enjoying my time at Wang Ji's palace, the changes between him and me...

... everything was now taking the best of me, making me dream about something so improper and wrong. But that wasn't even the worst. The feelings I had in my dreams... I still felt it. The kiss, the excitement, the neediness... I felt so hot all over that I jumped up.

"Wen Ning, I want to take a bath. A cold one! Let's go home." I said and went ahead.

"But your highness! You will catch a cold!"

"It doesn't matter! I need a cold bath!"

"Think about the baby, your highness." He reminded me and I stopped.

"The... baby...?" I looked down at myself and blinked. Right, I was carrying a child. I forgot for a moment because in that dream I wasn't pregnant. "Where did my daughter go?" I asked myself confused and looked at Wen Ning who looked just as confused.

"The oldest princess is in the mortal realm and the second and fourth princesses are in the ghost realm." He answered me seriously. "The fifth princess is still here." He pointed at my stomach and looked at me worriedly as if I have lost my mind. Which I hadn't. At least I hoped that.

"Wen Ning, I want to take a bath but don't make it hot. Make it lukewarm, okay?"

"Yes, your highness..."

 Half an hour later I sat in the lukewarm water in the bathtub and tried to calm down. Why in the world would I dream about something like that? I mean, it would be understandable if it was Lan Huan but... Wang Ji!?

"What are you doing, Wei Ying?" I asked myself and shook my head. I then thought about the dream again and unconsciously touched my lips, only to flinch in shock.

'I was so into it I even bit myself!' I realized in shock and softly touched the spot where Wang Ji bit me in my dream. I leaned back and sighed.

"Why did this feel so real? Wei Ying, how can you be like this!?" I reprimanded myself and tried my best to forget that naughty dream. I was thankful that Wang Ji didn't see it or else he would have definitely kicked me out of his palace for me to never come back.

I thought about seeing Wang Ji playing the zither right after waking up. He didn't look at me at all as he seemed to concentrate on his performance. He must have been deep in thoughts too.

'I am curious what he thought about for his aura to shine in such a strong and powerful red.' I thought and froze. Red? Red as in....?

"You are so blinded by your naughty dream that you even dared to project some of its content into reality? Shame on you, Wei Ying!" I reprimanded myself once more before taking a deep breath and plunging into the bathwater.

This isn't real.

The only reason why I dared to be this shameful was that Lan Huan had seldom time for me. Because his behavior was so strange the last couple of months. I lacked attention!

"Wen Ning!!" I called for him as soon as I emerged out of the water and he entered the bathroom almost immediately.

"Your highness?"

"Help me get dressed! I will visit the court."

On our way to the court, I was greeted by a lot of servants. Some of them looked at me in shock as it was as rare that they would see me here.

When I looked back and saw that Wen Ning stopped walking I stopped as well, looking at him in confusion. He was staring at a huge golden palace that belonged to the emperor. I understood his attention.

"If you miss your sister, you just have to visit her."

"I don't want to bother her or bring her trouble."

I rolled my eyes. "You won't! You just want to check on her. This is not bringing her any trouble. Come, let's go in."

"Are you sure?" He asked worriedly and I shoved him towards the entrance.

"If you won't visit her and she never comes out of here, you both will never see each other. Now stop worrying about nothing." I laughed. Wen Ning then nodded and decided to follow my advice.

I knew he missed his sister a lot. I didn't know what made her so busy but I didn't like it that she never visited her brother once after being transferred to work here. The only time they would meet was when a banquet was held and that happened only 4 or 5 times each year.

I fell back and watched how Wen Ning asked a few servants where his sister was. The servants didn't know her as they must have been new here. But once Wen Ning described her they widened their eyes in shock, they even bowed to him slightly if I wasn't mistaken,

'Did she got promoted to a better position? Wen Ning told me she was good at cooking, did she was promoted to a chef? That would be indeed something special. Not many females were able to get such a high rank, at least not in the emperor's palace.' I thought.

Wen Ning looked confused but thanked the servants before going in the direction they pointed at. I have been here only a few times but I knew for sure that this was not the way to the kitchen.

Wen Ning looked around and seemed to be at loss. Just then he saw another servant and asked her about his sister. Once again the servant made big eyes and pointed at the quarters a few meters ahead.

Wen Ning thanked him and wanted to go there but the servant stopped him. He said something and shook his head before disappearing in another direction. He seemed to be so busy, that he didn't even see me.

"What is wrong?" I asked Wen Ning once I approached him.

"He said I shouldn't go in there because she was currently having a visitor who wouldn't come out very soon..."

"A visitor?" I asked and he nodded.

"Maybe we should go and come back another day. I don't want to bring her trouble..."

"Now that we are here, we can't just leave," I said and looked towards the quarters. "Do you think your sister is having an admirer?"

"I doubt it. If so she would have told me. She always tells me everything."

"I see. Well, it's your decision. Do you want to go back or go in and see her? If you don't want to bring her trouble you can look through the windows first. If she looks like she is busy, you can leave, if not, you can knock on the door." I suggested teasingly and Wen Ning looked unsure.

"Then let's go back and come back another time," I said and turned around to leave.

"No, I will... I miss her. If I can't meet her I can at least check on her."

"Hey, I was just kidding when I said to look through the window." I laughed at him.

"I know but ...." He looked tormented.

"You really do miss her," I stated and he nodded, almost looking like he was about to cry. The bond he had with his sister is something I never had but I knew that my second and fourth daughters were inseparable. I got messages frequently and knew everything they did together.

"Just a short look." Wen Ning nodded to himself before walking towards one of the windows and looking inside after taking a deep breath. I waited for him and saw him looking disappointed before stepping to the next window where he behaved the same. At the third window, he stopped and stared inside.

I smiled. 'Guess he found her.'

But instead of smiling happily, all color left his face and he paled within seconds. His aura turned grey. I frowned as I watched him stepping away from the window only to break down after two steps. He held his head and looked as tormented as never.

"Wen Ning!" I called his name in shock and hurried to him. "Hey, what is wrong? Wen Ning?"

He shook his head over and over again, looked at me, and teared up. His aura turned almost black. I have never seen this color before. I knew whatever he saw made something collapse in him.

"Hey, Wen Ning?" I called him again and first patted his back before taking him into my arms. He started mumbling.

"It's not true... it's not true.... She wouldn't do that.... it's not true... I am mistaken.... She isn't like that... she isn't...."

"Wen Ning!?" I shook him a little, getting more worried by the minute. He looked at me and his aura became even darker if that was even possible. I frowned and looked to the window he looked through earlier.

"What did you see?" I asked him but he didn't answer.

"I am sorry... I am sorry.... How could she.... How could this happen.... This isn't right..."

I bit my lips and suddenly felt like all energy left my body. I got up and approached the window. After one last look at Wen Ning, I dared to look through the window.

What I saw broke my heart. My world collapsed right in front of my eyes and I forgot how to breathe.

They didn't see me. They didn't even look towards the window. Too busy were they with what they were doing. I turned away and slowly walked away from the window.

I tried to get the image of Lan Huan and Wen Qing out of my head but it was impossible. They weren't just sitting around and talking. They were close together, their bodies naked and tightly entwined.

I shook my head and suppressed the urge to cry out loud.

'How..!!!?' I thought and felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I fell to my knees and felt a sharp pain in my chest. I grabbed the spot where I knew my heart was and where it hurt the most.

Now the both of us were kneeling on the ground, trying to comprehend what we saw. I didn't know how long we sat there but at some point, I got up. I didn't feel anything except for the pain of betrayal.

"Let's go home, Wen Ning...." I said emotionless. Wen Ning, who looked just as broken as me, looked at me with glassy eyes before following my order.   

to be continued... 

I knew this was going to happen but I feel so bad! 

I am sorry, Wei Ying! Please forgive! I promise I will make up for it!! 

Instead of talking about the bad things, how about we talk about that dream? 

Wei Ying, you naughty bunny... I didn't know you had it in you but .... damn, that was hot! 

Too bad it was so short... next time dream longer, okay? 

Or even better, don't dream it, do it for real. *smirk* 

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