One of the riches and more reputable families in the city fell to the bottom in a matter of a week.  The Lei Clan became paupers after paying off Liam's debts to Ghost Mark. They let go of more servants and reduced their spending immediately.  Any hidden savings that the Madam's had were brought out and used in the three months that the salary of Leo Lei were reduced.  

Cindy was also banned from stepping outside their manor. After word got out of what happened at Winter Rain Tea House, Cindy got a lecture from her mother and father about not being able to afford to slight Hell King.  

"How could you and your sister manage to insult the only person that you shouldn't have insulted!"  Madame Tori shouted at her daughter who sat in front of her.  

"It's all her fault!  If she would have just told us who she was then we would have let the matter go!"  Cindy pouted. 

"Ha!  Don't try to pretend to pay the innocent card with me!  I know what happened!  I even heard that if you would have just introduced yourself, she would have invited you to sit with her!" Leo yelled.  "If you would have done that, your sister would have had a better first impression with her Imperial Aunt.  However, now that you guys had ruined the chance, your sister will now have to apologize and kiss up to her to make her like your sister!" 

"I don't even understand why Lisa has to do that!  She's the concubine to the Crown Prince.  She could be the next Queen Dowager."  

"You idiot!"  Leo said as he pounded the table.  "Although your sister's husband is the Crown Prince, there is still the fight for the throne! With the support of Hell King, the throne will be his!  No one can afford to insult Hell King.  He is King Nao's only blood brother that King Nao adores.  Hell King earned his one name with his two hands on the battlefield, and now he is at a Heavenly Dragon Martial Stage.  He is a God among men!  And you, your sister and your stupid little friends manage to insult and try to bully his finacee!" 

"Why are you only yelling at me!  Lisa also went there with me!"  Cindy complained, feeling the injustice.  

Leo shouted as he stood up.  "Because she is married, trust me, Crown Prince will have his own words with her! If you would have went to the celebration like I told you to do, you would have seen how well he treats his lady and savior, Lady Lihua. You would have noticed that the woman you tried to bully yesterday was the very same woman!" 

"When your three month punishment is over, you are to visit your sister and both are you are to go and apologize to Lady Lihua!  She's someone we, Lei Clan can not afford to slight.  We need her  to be on our side so Crown Prince can be the next King."  Tori tells Cindy.  

"If King Takeshi is so strong and powerful, why isn't he King instead of King Nao?" 

"I will say this once and only once."  Leo tells her daughter. "If you utter those words outside this manor, you will kill your own family.  Never speak such words ever do you understand?"  

Cindy nods in understanding. "But why?" 

"King Takeshi is not King, because he chooses not to be King.  His brotherly bond with King Nao means more to him then the throne.  To show his brother that he meant it, he joined the army at a young age and went away to live at the boarders for six years.  When he was called back, the only person he supported was his brother, King Nao.  King Nao, only has one blood brother and knows how well King Takeshi treats him.  In return he's affections and loyalty for King Takeshi is just as great.  So you see, Crown Prince is only Crown Prince because he is first born.  However whoever has the most support in the end will win the throne."  Leo said as he patted Cindy's head. "As long as Crown Prince has Hell King's support.  The throne will be guaranteed."

"Then I shall do as mother and father request." Cindy said. "I shall stay in Lei courtyard to reflect.  Afterwards, I will go to Lisa and together apologize to Lady Lihua."  

"That's my good girl." Leo said.  "I knew you would understand and do the right thing."  

"Future Imperial Aunt's name is Lihua?"  Tori asks.  "Where is she from?  Who is her family?" 

"Lihua is a common name."  Leo said.  "She is not our Lihua." 

Leo sighed again for the daughter that disappeared in one night a year ago.  He only ever saw her from afar, but the updates he had on her during her 18 years were always good.  Lihua was smart and hardworking.  She was quiet and obedient.  She had talent in art, music, poetry and chess.  Her beauty was a match to her mother's legendary looks.  She was the perfect Lady of noble birth and could only be matched with the Crown Prince.  But one night she was kidnapped, right under his nose, she disappeared and no word of her was ever heard again.  

No ransom note, no clues as to who took her, nothing.  Not even a lead.  She could have been Crown Princess Consort right now, if she didn't disappear. His heart hurt at the loss of an opportunity to increase his influence and prestige.    

"It is said that she hails from another country. Her beauty is such that Hell King gets jealous if other's see her face so she wears a veil."  Leo tells them.  

"If anyone see's her face, they would probably be killed by Hell King himself without hesitation." Tori remarked. "What a lucky woman." 

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