A Test of Loyalty

Chapter 16: A Test of Loyalty

"Wang Wei, why are you just coming?" the emperor asked. Before Wang Wei could reply, he coughed due to his sickness. Princess Hua quickly rushed over to him. 

"Father, Wang Wei is really sick," Princess Hua said, concern etched on her face. The Emperor raised his hand, signaling for Princess Hua to take him away. Bao left Wang Wei's wheelchair to Princess Hua, who pushed him beside her seat.

"Thank you, Princess," Wei said, looking at her with gratitude.

"It seems Young Master Wei and Qian Hua aren't in love; why use 'Princess' if they are in love?" Princess Li said, staring at Princess Hua with a challenging gaze.

"Princess Li, do you think it's wrong for Wei to call me 'Princess'?" Princess Hua replied, her tone firm.

"Princess, did you just say 'Wei'?" Princess Li asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My husband and I love calling ourselves like that; we find it affectionate," Princess Hua said, a hint of defiance in her voice.

"Wang Wei," the Empress said, moving towards him. 

"Your Majesty," Wang Wei replied as the Empress touched his cheek gently.

"It has been hard for you these days; don't you resent me?" the Empress asked, her voice filled with concern. Wang Wei nodded in response.

"What of Mei?" the Empress inquired.

"She is getting better," Wang Wei replied, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

"I will send the order to bring Mei to live with me here in the palace. I heard she has a striking resemblance to Yuan," the Empress said, and Wang Wei nodded again.

"Empress, aren't you delaying the event?" the Emperor interjected. He gave a signal to the eunuch to continue.

"Everybody should please step outside," the eunuch announced as they all moved to the field.

"Dear sister, did you think your husband in a wheelchair can compete?" Princess Li taunted. Princess Hua remained silent, her gaze fixed on Wang Wei.

"Father, Wei can't compete in this. Can I do it instead?" Princess Hua asked, her voice steady.

"Your Highness, don't you think it's cheating for Princess Hua, who is good at archery, to compete against men? She is also a woman," Consort Han said, her tone condescending.

Princess Hua shot an angry look at Consort Han. "Your Highness, are you afraid your son-in-law might lose this competition?" Princess Hua retorted.

"Okay, let Wang Wei compete with the others," the Emperor decided.

Wang Wei coughed again. "Oh, poor Hua with her sick husband," Princess Li sneered.

Princess Hua's blood boiled. "Your Majesty, thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete. Your Majesty, I am not good at archery; I have been reading all day. Why don't my guard compete on my behalf?" Wang Wei suggested.

"Are you telling the Emperor he can't judge well?" Consort Han shot back.

"Consort Han, are you only after your son-in-law winning?" Consort Ai interjected.

"You know my son-in-law is sick; are you trying to mock him through the competition?" Consort Ai added, her voice rising.

"Your Majesty, Wang Wei can't compete in this archery; why don't his guard compete?" the Empress suggested.

"Since the Empress said that, Wang Wei's guard should compete on his behalf," the Emperor agreed. Consort Ai sat down angrily as the competition began.

"Thank you for coming," Princess Hua said softly to Wang Wei, but he remained quiet.

After the archery competition, Bao won seven shots, Li Chen won five, and Princess Beihe's husband also won five shots. Princess Hua stepped aside to relieve herself when Li Chen crossed in front of her.

"Hua, why are you ignoring me?" Li Chen asked, desperation in his voice.

Princess Hua remained silent.

"Hua, I still love you; it's just that Princess Li forced me to marry her. I did that because of you. Hua, I miss your smile," Li Chen confessed.

"Li Chen, don't you say Princess Li is better than me? You are married, and I am too," Princess Hua replied, trying to walk away.

"Hua," Li Chen said, grabbing her and forcing a kiss on her lips. That was when Princess Li and the others saw them.

"Hua!" Princess Li shouted.

"Your Majesty," Li Chen quickly bowed. "Your Majesty, Princess Hua forced me to do this," he lied.

Princess Hua was taken aback by the accusation.

Consort Han moved closer to Hua and slapped her. Consort Ai and the Empress were unable to defend her.

"Consort Han, slapping my wife isn't right. Hua is married into the General's family. The General's family has more than 20,000 soldiers," Wang Wei said, his voice steady and protective.

"I can't let anyone bully my wife because there isn't evidence she was the one who kissed Li Chen, and I know she would never do that. If we aren't welcome here, we will never visit again," Wang Wei declared, his eyes fierce.

"Are you threatening the Emperor Consort?" Consort Han asked, her tone sharp.

"I dare not, Your Highness, but anyone who bullies my wife and my unborn child won't go unpunished. The Princess is carrying the grandchild of General Wang," Wang Wei stated, his words resonating with authority.

This revelation melted the hearts of Princess Hua, Consort Ai, and the Empress, who looked at him with newfound respect.

"Your Highness, I beg to leave; Princess Hua needs to rest early," Wang Wei said, his voice softening.

"Okay," the Emperor replied, visibly impressed by Wang Wei's actions.

He was amazed by Wang Wei's loyalty and courage. Bao wheeled Wang Wei to the cart, with Princess Hua sitting beside him and Chen Xui walking behind them.

"I am happy she found someone to protect her," Consort Ai said quietly, ensuring no one else heard her.

"Thank you for saving me," Princess Hua said in the cart, her voice filled with gratitude as she sat beside her husband.

"How will I let them bully you when I have a contract with you?" Wang Wei said, gazing at Princess Hua with determination.