Chapter 648 - Confess My Feelings
Wang Hao picked the sword from the table and looked at himself in the mirror. He checked his dress and walked out of the chamber. "I might get late," Wang Hao informed his personal servant before leaving for the Palace.
He came out of the house and hopped on the horse. Pulling the reins, he rode to the Palace. Upon reaching the Palace, he first checked the barracks and then went to check the preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xiao Zhan joined him asked him about his meeting with Ai Huian.
"It was a nice meeting," Wang Hao replied.
"So, it means that General Wang will marry soon," Xiao Zhan concluded and got excited. "The Emperor will be happy to hear this news," he stated.
"I did not say that I am marrying, General Xiao," Wang Hao told him which bewildered him.
"Why did General Wang say this?" Xiao Zhan asked him.
"I refused the Prime Minister for going forward with this marriage," Wang Hao answered to him. Xiao Zhan was shocked to learn the truth.
"Why did General Wang refuse? Miss Ai was waiting for him for years. She must be broken-hearted," Xiao Zhan said worriedly. They both halted at their respective places and faced each other.
"General Xiao, I did it so that she would not suffer with me after marrying me. I have someone in my mind and heart. I want to follow it. I know that Miss Ai will get hurt by my decision, but it's far better than suffering with me in the marriage where I would never be able to return her feelings wholeheartedly," Wang Hao pronounced.
"General Wang is right." Xiao Zhan agreed with him. "But may I know who's the woman whom General Wang likes? It is so shocking. I never saw you with anyone. Whom was General Wang seeing secretly?" Xiao Zhan asked curiously with a bright smile on his lips.
"Forgive me, General Xiao. I cannot tell you now. Let me confirm first then I will surely inform you," Wang Hao stated.
The smile slowly disappeared from the lips of Xiao Zhan. "Confirm it? Why is it so? Any woman will be willing to marry General Wang. You are the First General of the Han Empire," Xiao Zhan asserted.
"I have not confessed my feelings to her. That's why I am not sure if she will accept me or not," Wang Hao stated.
"General Wang, why did you not do this earlier? I mean, before meeting Miss Ai, you should've confessed your feelings to the woman you like. What if she refuses? You cannot even go back to Miss Ai and the rumors will surely circulate among other women too," Xiao Zhan said worriedly.
"I realized late," Wang Hao replied. "Also, the Prime Minister will not tell anyone such a thing nor will his daughter." Wang Hao had the faith in them.
"Hmm. General Wang, if you want my help then you can take it. Do take something good for the woman you like. She will surely get impressed and will not refuse your feelings," Xiao Zhan suggested to him.
"Is it so? I thought to confess my feelings during the festival hour. Do I need to give something as a present to her? But I do not even know what are her likes," Wang Hao said and furrowed his brows together.
"Ask the Emperor, General Wang. I heard from Prince Wanxi that the Emperor is the most romantic man here. He keeps giving the surprises and presents to the Empress," Xiao Zhan opined with glistening eyes.
Wang Hao recalled that he had already Sheng Li about his desire of marrying Princess Bai Yaling. He was not sure whether asking about such a thing from Sheng Li would be good or not.
"What is General Wang thinking?" Xiao Zhan shook his shoulder.
"Ahh, nothing," Wang Hao replied. "General Xiao, I don't think I should disturb the Emperor for such a trivial matter. Let me first confess my feelings to her. If things go well, then I will surely give her a present after consulting the Emperor," Wang Hao decided. Xiao Zhan acknowledged his idea.
"Let's first check the preparation in the lakeside where the Princes will gather by the evening to watch the moon with their respective wives," Wang Hao suggested him and they both went to the lake.
The servants were working and decorating the lake bridge. They saw the Empress at the river bridge, who was telling the servants about the kind of flowers to be used in decoration.
Both the Generals greeted Ying Lili, who smiled seeing them. "Your Majesty, if the Emperor will see, then he will get angry. Let me escort you to the chamber," Wang Hao said humbly.
"General Wang, Sheng Li permitted me. Also, I shall walk too," Ying Lili asserted. "Thank you for your concern, General Wang," she then said.
Xing-Fu came forward and said, "General Wang, walking is good for the Empress. Also, the Court Ladies are here to watch the Empress." Wang Hao nodded his head and asked Ying Lili if he could enquire the servants.
"Sure, General Wang," Ying Lili permitted him. She went to the other side of the bridge and sat down on the chair. Xing-Fu put the royal umbrella over her head, to protect her face from the sun rays.
"Court Lady Xu, please bring Sister Bai here. I would like to have a conversation with her," Ying Lili requested her. Court Lady Xu bowed and left to bring Bai Yaling.
Xiao Zhan left the lakeside, but Wang Hao stayed there. After he finished the work, he thought to meet Ying Lili before leaving.
"Your Majesty, I shall take my leave," he said when Ying Lili told him to stay for a while.
"Does Her Majesty have something to say to me?" Wang Hao questioned.
Ying Lili nodded her head. "Sheng Li told me about your proposal. I feel that General Wang has feelings for Sister Bai, that is why he said that to the Emperor.. Correct me, General Wang, if I am wrong," Ying Lili asserted and waited for him to respond.