Your Rival in Love Gets Prettier Every Day

Chapter 53: The Crown Prince and Li Xu

"A'Xu, A'Xu."

Li Xu sat up from the couch. In the dark, he grabbed a dagger under his pillow: "Who?"

"It's me." He Lanbi said softly.

Li Xu lit the light, ran over, and opened the door. He Lanbi came in and was stunned when she saw the dagger on the table. The crown prince was deposed while Li Xu was living on edge. He looked as if he hadn't had a single good night of sleep.

"Have you heard?" He Lanbi took off her veil revealing a delighted look: "Elder prince brother* was named King of the East China Sea. His fief is the richest among the princes."

*Clarity: this is referring to Zhou Ying.

Li Xu was taken aback for a moment, then his eyes lit up, and he asked, "Will the emperor release the crown prince?"

He Lanbi nodded. When she saw how happy Li Xu looked, tears welled in her eyes. She said: "Elder prince brother will be sent to his fiefdom tomorrow. It's thousands of miles away. I'm sorry you look so happy but I'm afraid you'll never be able to see him again."

"The palace is too dangerous. When he reaches his fiefdom, no one will harm him. As long as he lives, I believe I will see him again one day." Li Xu said incredulously: "A few days ago, didn't you hear that he was going to die?"

"You should know it's just a rumor." He Lanbi said: "It's better to leave in life than to say goodbye in death. Come with me and see him again while elder prince brother is still in the palace."

Li Xu: "Can I see him!?"

He Lanbi nodded: "We have to go quietly. Come with me."

Li Xu casually took a robe and put it on and followed He Lanbi out. It was late winter, and the night was dark and cold. The was not a single strand of moonlight. Li Xu followed He Lanbi closely as they walked through the corridors and the long palace roads. The finally reached the gates of the East Palace.

Li Xu's hands were shaking. He hadn't seen Zhou Ying for almost a year. The East Palace were usually heavily guarded. Today, there were only a few guards patrolling outside. He Lanbi took out a waist card from her arm and the guards let them in.

The East Palace had seen better days. The courtyard was bleak. The weeds in the corners of the walls grew tall, rustling from the howling of the north winds. Only a single dim light glowed from a widow in the huge palace. The beam of light hit Li Xu's heart instantly. As soon as his eyes lit up, he ran towards it.

The north wind blew on his robe. His figure was exceptionally thin. Li Xu trotted up the steps getting closer to the light. He opened the window and saw Zhou Ying sitting inside.

Though he wore bright clothes, Zhou Ying's figure looked haggard and downcast. Under the candlelight, he still looked noble and valiant. His eyes were much softer than before as he beckoned gently: "A'Xu, come here."

Li Xu bent over and crawl through the window. Once he entered, he rushed into Zhou Ying's arms. The impact was so strong it pushed Zhou Ying to the ground. Zhou Ying warmly smiled as he hugged him.

"A'Ying. A'Ying." Li Xu called.

"It's alright." Zhou Ying patted his head as his eyes moistened. He then kissed his neck.

The two of them embraced tightly for what seems like ages. Li Xu got up abruptly. He stared at Zhou Ying and asked: "The Emperor is releasing you. Did you know that you will be name King of the East China Sea? From now on, you'll have a better life with your own territory, so cheer up."

Zhou Ying smiled and nodded: "I have known about this for a while now."

Li Xu looked at Zhou Ying, then couldn't help but hug him: "If you can live well, I won't be afraid that you're on the verge of death every day. It's worth it to kowtow and worship Buddha daily."