Princess Wenling sobbed silently when she heard a heavy sigh.
A few moments later, she felt a hand patting her head and her shoulder was hugged by an arm.
"What is Wenwen saying?"
Hearing the gentle and sincere tone, Zhao Wenling started crying in reality. She felt very emotional as she remembered Li Rui sitting with Xi Ying and Xi Ying protecting Li Rui.
Zhao Wang Lei made his daughter sit on the couch and then sat down beside her.
"Wenwen"
At his father's voice, Zhao Wenling forcefully stopped her tears and raised her head
"Father, Although I know that he is just pretending, Wenwen still feels hurt to see him with anyone else."
Her tear-stained face looked very pitiful but Zhao Wang Lei was more startled by her words..
"Wenwen is just managing herself by comforting that Lord Xi is pretending in front of Li Clan to win their trust so that he can destroy Li Clan swiftly."
This was a new discovery. Zhao Wang Lei's fingers trembled for a moment as he stared at the wall in front of him blankly and asked
"Who told you this?"
Only then, Princess Wenling realized that she overspoke and bit her lips but now she could only tell the truth.
"Wenwen found out through her people."
Zhao Wang Lei's was silent. A moment later, his eyes flickered with happiness. He remembered what Xi Ying had said in front of him when he had asked him what will they do ahead.
'Your Majesty, this time Xi Ying have thought of something big but will not tell Your Majesty for now. Xi Ying first wants to work on it and then go ahead with everything.'
'Was this the plan the young Minister had been talking about?'
His heart was suddenly filled with excitement.
'It must be.
How can I think that the foolish minister who is as loyal as a dog would betray me?'
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Zhao Wenling's voice again.
"Father Emperor, Wenwen …Wenwen just was very sad so sent her people to check…Wenwen didn't…"
Since his heart was relieved he didn't feel irritated by his daughter's blabbering, instead patted her head.
"Calm down, Father knows that Wenwen is a sensible child."
Zhao Wenling sighed and finally raised her head.
"Then Father Emperor is not angry with Wenwen?"
Looking in her eyes, Zhao Wang Lei seemed to remember something. The smile that spread on his lips was more genuine as he shook his head and said
"Have we ever scolded you harshly or got angry with you? You are our most favorite child. For years, we have felt most guilty for you. If we have not made that girl your child companion then you would not have gone through so much. Until today, whenever you feel ill in winter because she pushed you into the pond, we blame ourselves."
Zhao Wenling smiled disappeared with every word as she seemed to be silent again. She lowered her head and then said
"Father Emperor should not blame himself. Father Emperor couldn't predict anything and has Wenwen's goodwill in mind. Also, Wenwen feels blessed to become Father Emperor's daughter. Which Emperor would take the enmity of a Clan like Li's just for his daughter?"
Fourteen years ago, Zhao Wenling have been surprised when her mother had told her that her father had promised that he would not let Li Clan go like this. Since their daughter had harmed his daughter, he would destroy their whole clan.
Although she knew that her father loved her the most, this declaration made her feel so adored that she had cried in her mother's arms for a long time.
Zhao Wang Lei smirked from above her head and said in a reprimanding tone.
"Every Emperor would do that for his daughter. Your Mother, Zhuang Chen and you are the people Zhen has always favored. So of course, Zhen would protect you with everything."
The pair of father and daughter talked for more when Princess Wenling said
"Father, Wenwen wants to attend the banquet."
She lowered her head shyly and whispered
"It is very rare to see Lord Xi. Can Father do something?"
The Emperor smiled and said
"Of Course, we will complete every wish of our daughter."
Zhao Wenling was very happy with what she heard.
When she exited the study room, she was feeling much light-hearted.
On the other hand, Zhao Wang Lei looked at the door of the study room indifferently.
Fourteen years ago, he had used everything that happened as an opportunity and used it to declare his enmity against the Li Clan in front of his Empress.
It was a very dangerous move from his side. Because he couldn't let many people know his hatred for Li Clan.
Still, he did that. He told the Empress that he will destroy Li Clan for his daughter. The foolish Empress had been so happy with him.
Why did he do this?
Because he needed the Empress' support.
He wanted to be assured that he could get Empire Qin's help whenever he would need it.
That's the only thing he needs from the Empress and that's the only reason he is tolerating her foolish children.
Anyways, he didn't feel any guilt while doing all this.
Wasn't the Empress doing the same thing with him? Using him to climb higher and make her son the Emperor...
With his handkerchief, Zhao Wang Lei wiped his hand with a face full of disgust.
He sighed as he leaned on the couch comfortably.
At this moment, he could not help but think.
'Fortunately, Xi Ying didn't die because of the attack he had planned.'
At that time, he had thought that he will successfully destroy Li Clan, so he thought that he would not need Xi Ying anymore.
But he had never expected things to turn out like this.
At this time, he really needed Xi Ying's clever mind.
A very gentle smile appeared on his lips as he closed his eyes.
There was only one person in this world that could make him feel so carefree.
And it seems that he will get that person soon.