Another wedding

Banou feels drain when she left the palace. She goes straight to the room of the children. They hug her when they see her distress look. Banou remain in their room throughout the night. Her son is delighted to have his mother in the same room as he is in. The next day, the older children sense something is wrong when they see their father walking like a dead person. Usually he is full of life and always hugging their mother. They also noted that the couple did not interact. 

The day starts as usual for everyone in the prince mansion. However there is a hint of gloominess in the air. Whenever Li Cheng approaches Banou, she would find something else to do and walk away. He knows his wife is disappointed and he is kicking himself in the butt for doing something like this. 

A week later, a decree comes from the palace. Minister Lou is unhappy that he went into the palace daily to complain to the empress after court sessions. Thus it comes to a conclusion that Prince Cheng will marry Minister Lou's daughter, Lou Yin Wen as a concubine. The astrology bureau, had calculated that the best date to be married will be in mid November. It will be three months from the day the decree is read.

Banou have enter the palace to meet the empress the day before the decree is read. She is make to understand that her husband will marry that girl.

"Since what is done, is done. Princess consort Ban Nu. "

"Yes, your majesty."

"We, women in whichever dynasty. Our men that we married, their homes are always fill with number of women."

"In my culture too..."

"So Ban Nu, don't hate Cheng'er what have happen. That girl might have plot this but she lost her virgin to him. This, we have to get them to marry. However you don't have to worry as i can see Cheng'er loves you deeply. What matters is that you are the one, he loves."

"I will remember your teaching, your majesty."

"Go home and make peace with him. My son is crying inside everyday."

Banou's son Li Xing comes to the mansion to meet her. He heard in camp what had happen and rush back to Chang'An. Banou cry in his arms when she see him. LI Xing now taller and older looking. He start to grow a trim beard and a moustache. His long black hair still have curls in it. His unmistaken look from his father is on his face. However he have Banou's thick eye brows and eye lashes. He hug his mother and pat her back like a child.

That night, he have dinner in the mansion with his extended family. The children are delighted to see him. Li Xin, like Li Ping is enchanted by her older brother. She listens carefully what he said. When he place a vegetable she doesn't like on her plate, she did not complain but eat it. While the other boys are excited to hear his stories. They long decided to join the military school when they are at acceptable age however they would need Li Cheng's recommendation as they are not just any common folks's children. They are children of XiongNu's influences. 

After dinner, Banou walk Li Xing to the main door. He is returning to Li Jun's mansion. He look at his mother and hold her hands. 

"Mother what Uncle Cheng have done is ... unforgivable but he said it was an accident. He was dead drunk. He did not know and maybe fallen in a trap. In his heart he loves you as much as my father. My father wrote him a letter and scold him. He will take you back if he fails to resolve your anger."

Banou did not know what to say. She look down and stare at his military boots. 

"Mother don't be angry with Uncle Cheng that long. You will push him to other people and make yourselves more miserable then ever."

"Mother will know what to do. Thank you my son. How is your father?"

"He is having a good life. He had left the trade bureau after the post is cover by Li Bang. Now he is playing with his youngest son and new born granddaughter. "

"He must be having a good time."

"Yes he is. Mother i shall take my leave now. It's late. Please go and rest. I hope you will not be so upset."

Banou nod her head. She watch her son ride on his horse and wave as he trotting away. 

She sit on her vanity table and comb her long hair. Even she is unhappy about her husband having another wedding. Like the others say, he have to take responsibility about it. Li Cheng walks in quietly without closing the door. She look at him through her mirror. He walk near her and kneel down. 

"My Ban Nu... i am sorry."

She turn around and get up. She walk in front of him.

"This is my last grace i am giving you. There will be no next time. Can you promise me?"

He look up to her and hug her waist. He nod his head. That night she wash his hair and comb it. He watch her through the mirror. Banou knows that too. After she done with the combing, she hug him from behind. 

"After the wedding, i will try to live in peace with her."

"I will let her know that i only have you in my heart."

"She is only fourteen. She will not understand."

"Then i will make her understand. Her family cannot interfere when she marry into my family."

On the day of the wedding because it is for a concubine, everything is simplify. The ceremony is simplify too. Banou is force to sit at the ceremonial chair to accept a cup of tea from the new bride. She is so annoyed at the wedding and now she have to accept it. Thus she takes the cup and drink it in a hast. While Li Cheng have a dark gloomy look when he fetch the bride. Minister Luo and his family is frighten to see him so angry and fierce at their door steps. Li Cheng continue to be unhappy at the wedding and he vow he should never drink till drunk. That night in the wedding room, he is yelling at the new bride. He is beyond angry. Banou and Wang MoMo with some servants rush to the new bride's room. She is crying on the floor. While Li Cheng's face is red with anger and alcohol. 

"I will tell you again! I am marrying you because you plot this! There is no love between us! Don't expect me to treat you as a wife!"

"I am your wife!! I am your wife!! You have to love me!! You have to!!"

"You can go dream on!! In this mansion i only have one wife! That is her!!"

He point to Banou and Luo Yin Wen stare at her with anger.