The Princess And The Lord

"Remember Lory never open the door for the Demon for they cannot reach you without your consent"

Stars filled the sky like glitter on the dark blue blanket she used to have when she was a child, a sense of warmth springing from the cold wind. The night in this world is always more quiet compare to her old world, only the sounds of wind and water ripples from the manmade waterfalls accompany her. 

Lory wrapped her shoulder with knitted shawls while sitting on the bench and Girsha nestles on her lap, Lory humming a lullaby while caressing Girsha head gently as she immersed in her thought. Time does move slower in this place maybe because of the lack of technology that draws people's attention or perhaps because she doesn't have too much to do whatever it is she is grateful to find a time to stop and breathe for a while.

All of a sudden Girsha lifted his head then suddenly he flew away from her lap, Lory only flinches for a second before she hears a melodious baritone voice came from behind her "Someone enjoys the night without inviting me" although he complained his eyes filled with indulgent when looking at her.

"I thought you still cultivating" Lory welcome him with sweet smiles as always.

"I'm postponed my cultivating, is hard to raise my power in this situation" Zhao Li Xin flick his robes then he takes a seat next to her.

"What situation?" Lory tilted her head.

"Comfortable situation" 

"That's not good? I thought all cultivators need a comfortable place to maintain their focus during meditation?"

"It does, but when you reach Sage level the requirement is change" Zhao Li Xin expression turn dull, if he cultivated in a normal way like he used to it would take a decade for him to raise beyond the sage level meanwhile time has gone against him, he knew Lory didn't have much time left, forget about trying to save her he might even become her burden instead that's why he needs another plan.

Cultivation is very important for people in this world so Lory can't help worry for him "What would you do then?" 

"I don't know yet, but I figure it out something…" he said in a casual manner but Lory knows Zhao Li Xin is determined to do so, if he is really casual about it he not even bother to convey his feeling.

"I know you will" Lory rests her head on his shoulder.

Suddenly Mong Ki trotted towards them, he cupped his fist and bow courteously "Sorry for the interruption Milord but the third prince is here" 

Lory was stunned "Third prince? Zhao Yi Chen?" 

"Yes madam!" Mong Ki nodded.

On the contrary Zhao Li Xin expression unfazed "Invite him to the main hall" he said as he rose from the bench.

"Yes, Milord!" Mong Ki gives him respective bow then turn around and leave.

"What Zhao Yi Chen want from you? By the way, isn't he busy? Is it okay to leave Jiang Wei kingdom at this time?" Lory can't stop raining Zhao Li Xin with a question, since Zhao Mu Fan is dead and the old emperor health deteriorated the fight between Zhao Qin Feng and Zhao Yi Chen become much more fierce to let Zhao Qin Feng guard down Zhao Yi Chen pretend to be weak but secretly he gather all evidence about the misdeed that Zhao Qin Feng and Consort Ying has done in the past.

The situation has turned to his favor but why he suddenly left the Jiang Wei Kingdom?

"If you are curious why don't you came with me?" he raised his hand in front of Lory.

"You don't mind?" Lory grin mischievously.

Zhao Li Xin chuckles lightly "You can even kill him for all I care" 

Lory garb Zhao Li Xin's hand then she wrinkled her nose "Nice joke" she rolled her eyes.

Zhao Li Xin faintly smiles, well he is not joking though…

 When they arrived at the main hall a young handsome man with dark blue robes stand in front of the painting, his expression is very serious, he turns around slowly when Zhao Li Xin and Lory enter the room.

"Sixth brother" he greets Zhao Li Xin with charming smiles. His eyes flickered as he deliberately teased Zhao Li Xin.

Zhao Li Xin's expression remains the same, he just gives Zhao Yi Chen side-eye. Their relationship has grown after Zhao Li Xin helps him get rid of the 'Gu' parasite from his body although they still not close to each other, but at least they don't feel each other presence repulsive like in the past.

Zhao Yi Chin eyebrows slightly rose when he saw a woman came hand in hand with his ice block ex-stepbrother, the woman dress in soft peach color hanfu, she doesn't wear any jewelry, not even a hairpin her hair is let loose behind her back she only tied half her hair with white lace, she doesn't have exquisite beauty like Lao Min Na but she has clear beautiful big eyes and her expression devoid from scheming and calculating, the woman looks honest and righteous with a sense of enigmatic aura around her.

Zhao Yi Chen is certain that the woman more than meets the eyes.

"Greetings third prince, it's been a while since I last saw you at the commotion in the palace" Lory bow her head politely.

"Ah, you are the one who was work at Lao Manor, why I've never seen you before at the Lao manor?" Zhao Yi Chen stroke his chin, because of Lao Min Na he is quite familiar with the Lao Manor and the people who work there, but Lory's face does not ring a bell although he heard that Zhao Li Xin wife was a maid at Lao Manor but he could remember her even though he has a good memory.

Lory cover her mouth and giggles doesn't feel offended by his words at all "I have a mediocre face that would be lost in the crowd so is normal for his highness not recognize me"

Her smile is pure and innocent she doesn't hide any other intention, she doesn't try to make herself look good but not timid either, she is calmed and compose but more laid back compare to other noble daughters he uses to meet. Zhao Yi Chen glances at Zhao Li Xin his heart sunk a little bit for Zhao Li Xin having a better judgment for able to recognize pearl from the fisheye.

"Someone did" Zhao Yi Chen raised his brows then throw a meaningful gaze at Zhao Li Xin.

Zhao Li Xin expression remains placid, he gently pulls Lory to his side to distance his wife from Zhao Yi Chen "So why are you here third prince?" Zhao Li Xin stares at Zhao Yi Chen with scowled.

Zhao Yi Chen was stunned so Zhao Li Xin could make that expression too, the corner of his mouth slightly lifted "Oh, I want to ask to add my name at the auction tomorrow"

Zhao Li Xin make Lory sit on the matriarch chair while talking casually at Zhao Yi Chen "You understand you came in short notice?" Zhao Li Xin pours a warm tea for Lory while ignoring the guest.

"I know, but if it's you, I think you can do it" Zhao Yi Chen didn't bother with Zhao Li Xin indifferent, he already use to him for as long as he can remember only the difference is he doesn't hold his anger for him this time.

Lory accepts the teacup from Zhao Li Xin's hand but then surprise because she never saw this tea before however, Zhao Li Xin has given her many types of tea so she used to see a variety of weird tea right now and it tastes is suit her very much the tea is very sweet!

"Why you suddenly want to join the auction? Don't you have enough trouble at home?" Zhao Li Xin has a seat on his big chair next to Lory, he is quite curious about what is Zhao Yi Chen thinking. Zhao Yi Chen is an ambitious man he would not leave the battle if not because something important but what is so important in the Gui Hong continent? 

Suddenly Zhao Li Xin eyes flickered and he sneer "You came for that woman huh?" he mocking Zhao Yi Chen bluntly.

Zhao Yi Chen expression hardened as the smile on his face quickly disappeared "You have problem with that?" 

Zhao Li Xin snort in disdained "Not even the slightest" his eyes brimmed with disgust and contempt.

Zhao Yi Chen amused, normally men would show infatuated expression or admiration when they talk about Lao Min Na but not Zhao Li Xin, there's not a shred of sympathy in his eyes, Zhao Yi Chen was sure if Lao Min Na is here Zhao Li Xin would kill her instantly without further ado.

Zhao Yi Chen clasped his hand behind his back and sigh heavily "Something need to done between me and her, it's about time" his expression look tired and defeated, he had been stall this matter longer than he thought at first he make excused with his health but now he becomes healthy again what else he waiting for, the proof he gathers is enough to bring down Zhao Qin Feng and all his cronies and that including cut Zhao Qin Feng relationship with Lao Min Na.

He knew from Zhao Li Xin that Lao Min Na had the intention to support Zhao Qin Feng as the next Emperor, his heart ached instantly, what is his position in Lao Min Na heart, is he nothing more than a stepping stone for her? Is it because he not sincere enough, not strong enough? Zhao Yi Chen didn't understand what he had done wrong, he never dwelled in romantic feeling before even with the concubine in his courtyard, Lao Min Na is the first but she broke his heart.