The Ageless Dream

15.2 Qin's New Prince (59)

"Where did those scars came from?" Dong Li Hua asked just as Ying Zheng sat next to her. There were still inside the training ground, both of them sitting cross-legged above the grassy ground resting underneath the shade of a tree to avoid the summer heat.

"From my childhood." he answered shortly. Ying Zheng kept his attention on the imperial sword and cleaned the blade with care.

"You told me that when we were in Xinzheng. But you're a prince during your childhood. What I want to know is that who would do that? Are they not afraid of your father?" she frowned. Dong Li Hua thought those people were too brazen to do this to him. Ying Zheng is a prince, are they tired of living?

"En. I was a prince. Seems like Li Hua doesn't know much about her master." he stopped his movements to focus on her. Ying Zheng faintly smiled and placed his cheek on his palm. With how playful he looked; Dong Li Hua desperately stared on the ground to avoid his charm. Perhaps that cute little bun is more helpful than this seducing youth before her!

"I- I want to know." she stammered and cleared her throat before turning her head sideways. Dong Li Hua had her brows furrowed but the faint blush across her face showed how affected she was from Ying Zheng's devious allure.

"My father, Prince Zichu, was sent to Handan as a hostage prince for a temporary peace treaty with Qin. There, he met Lü Buwei who soon introduced my Lady Mother. Since she is a beauty, Lord Father can't resist and asked for her hand in marriage. Although Lady Mother is already Lü Buwei's concubine, he still gave her to Lord Father. I was born afterwards and the very same year, Battle of Handan started. Lord Father escaped with Lü Buwei and built his own power in Qin. I was left in Zhao State with Lady Mother. Because of my identity, Zhao State made it difficult for the two of us. My scars actually, were from their worn-out whips and blades for unreasonable punishments."

"Oh." Dong Li Hua was shocked to hear his history. So, the future Dragon Emperor was born in a neighboring state. He suffered there that much, acquiring hundreds of scars. Furthermore, he was just a child. "What about your father? Did he take you back here?"

"H e did. That was only after he became the King Zhuangxiang of Qin. I was ten when Lord Father took us back." Ying Zheng stood up and stretched his arms. "Ah. The sun is high. Let's go back to the palace and have some proper lunch."

"Sigh, this brat." she thought. He changed quickly into a cheerful guy. Dong Li Hua recalled the young Ying Zheng. He was like this too. Being playful and not so serious for most of the time. It was like he is trying his best in burying his awful past 

"Ying Zheng!" Xie Er shouted and rushed in with hurried steps into the training ground. She went out first a while from now. "Ying Zheng, I have an urgent news!" upon arriving in front of them, Xie Er started to gasp for air.

"That urgent? You rarely cared like this." he can't help but mock her since she ignored him when Dong Li Hua was pinching his ear.

"Can you stop being immature?" Xie Er gave off a final gasp and straightened herself. "Rao Country surrendered. The military officials are waiting for your command whether to execute him in Xinzheng or wait for your arrival."

"Him?" Dong Li Hua raised a brow. She noticed Ying Zheng's mood changing drastically and dropping to negativity. His carefree mood turned cold.

"I'll go there. Its better to see him for the last moment." Ying Zheng calmed himself. He placed his sword on his waistband and walked forth.

"Ying Zheng..." Xie Er whispered. She crossed her arms and gave off a heavy sigh. "I thought he learned how to be a true ruler. Seems like not."

"Xie Er , who is this 'him'?" Dong Li Hua can't help but ask more. She is truly curious who can make Ying Zheng tensed like that.

"It's the previous Lord of Chang'an. The first prince of Qin, Ying Chengjiao. I thought Ying Zheng hated his older brother but his reaction is opposite of what I expected. Ever since Ying Zheng ascended as the king, Ying Chengjiao rebelled and surrendered to Zhao, Ying Zheng's very enemy. He gave up Chang'an just for that small piece of land. Ying Chengjiao disappointed Qin. However, Ying Zheng seems to care for him a bit." Xie Er stared on Ying Zheng's back. He is getting farther from them with each step as calm as the ocean.

"Xie Er, you read Ying Zheng wrong." Dong Li Hua patted her shoulder. She smiled faintly and directed her gaze on Ying Zheng. "The calmer the sea, the more turbulent the storm is."

Couple of days passed, a carriage stopped in front of Xinzeng City's gate. A young man in white martial robes came out. He was wearing a silver mask that covers his upper face. Next, a young lady with green eyes stood beside him. Dong Li Hua took a gander around Xinzheng, it has been a month or so.

"General Huang, Ying Chengjiao is detained in the city jail." the soldier reported when Ying Zheng raised his hand.

"I know where to go. Guide Miss Lizi back to the manor." he coldly said and stepped into Xinzheng.

"But-" the soldier wasn't given a chance to speak as Ying Zheng mixed with the group of civilians. "Sigh, General Huang seems to have an urgent matter with that fallen prince."

"Nothing changed." Dong Li Hua thought and walked through Xinzheng. She was brought back to a new estate where the newly appointed governor official is residing. Out of worry, she wanted to tag along with Ying Zheng and returned here in Hann once more. Moreover, she is used living here than inside the palace. She also caused Zi Qian to hate her and Dong Li Hua decided to not show herself to her friends again because of that misunderstanding.