166 GOODBYE XIANGHAI

"It is the Crowned Prince!" 

One of the patients exclaimed with tears of joy as her eyes laid upon their ruler who had just recovered from an excruciating experience.

Everyone of them, including those who were in bed stopped from whatever they were doing and fell down on their knees.

"God answered our prayers! His eyes are on our merciful and kindhearted ruler!" 

A patient declared out loud, that everyone around can hear.

They were aware that the Crowned Prince was feeling ill and was being treated by Lady Asha in the room.

Zoe and Erin were also around and witnessed the action of the Xianghais.

"We are pleased to see you well, your Highness."

Everyone chorused as they laid their heads on the ground.

Raigon was astounded at the sudden display of honor in front of him. He was not used to being recognized by a group of people as he has been receiving a lot of rejections lately. 

His lips unconsciously curved up in appreciation. It didn't escape Zoe's notice who was also glad that he was being cherished by his people at that very moment.

"Stand up." He ordered everyone as he waved his hand. 

They all stood up as he commanded but their heads were still in a bowed position, giving respect to him as their ruler.

Raigon gave his farewell remark. He has no idea when he can come back again with his condition and the responsibilities at hand.

"It is I who was pleased to see you all well. My pain is nothing compared to yours, who did not just battle with death but with grief as you also lost your loved ones during this outbreak."

Some of the crowd couldn't help but get teary eyed; the mothers who lost their children, the children who lost their parents and were just being taken care of by a stranger and the young women who lost their brothers and fathers.

Erin rubbed a mother's back who cried out in grief. She was one of those who tried her best to revive her baby but it was too late. 

As she wailed, the others started crying too. Zoe picked up a young girl in her arms and patted her back as she shushed her until she calmed down.

Raigon drew in a deep breath before continuing as his heart was also breaking with them. 

"I will do my best to defeat this disease that took them away from you. For now, I ask you to remain strong. Be strengthened by one another and believe that we will all come out of this victorious. I am with you all."

Escapes of wails and lament filled the area where they were in as they embraced each other. 

Lord Hao Qiang, the acting mayor of Xianghai, approached the Crowned Prince and fell on his feet.

His hand was outstretched as he opened a treasure chest to him with his head bowed down.

"This is not much, but this comes from all of us here. We hope this could somehow show our admiration for your efforts. You are a compassionate and brave ruler just like the King. We will support you in every way we can, your Highness. We wish you good health and success."

Raigon peeked down and saw different items inside. There were gemstones, flowers and silk clothes. 

"The flower necklace is mine, your Highness!"

The little girl who was carried by Zoe shouted as she lifted her hand. Zoe was taken aback and put her finger on her lips as if she was telling her to be silent.

Raigon chuckled at her spiritedness. He scanned the gifts inside and looked for what she was talking about. His eyes glistened as he pulled it up.

"Is this it, little miss?" 

"Yes!" She twinkled at her.

Raigon smiled as he placed it on his neck. 

The little girl clapped her hand in delight as she talked to Zoe out loud. "See! I told you it would look good on him!"

Zoe gave her an awkward smile as the people's attention was now on them. She was the one who helped her make the garland. She also told her that it would look ridiculous on him but she still helped her out anyway.

The little girl pulled out something from her pocket. "I made something for you too."

It was also a flower necklace that she also made secretly without Zoe's notice. 

"Oh, you did this for me? Thank you, Zara!" Zoe reacted in delight as the little girl put the necklace on her head. She was still carrying her in her arms.

As she did so, a woman also approached her and gave her a bouquet of different colored flowers.

"Thank you, Lady Asha for your kindness toward us even though we mocked you at first."

She sheepishly commented as she handed out the bouquet to her.

"Actually, I put something in the mixture that you drank. Those who ridiculed me will be poisoned after a week." 

Zoe said seriously, but her cheeks were heightened as she couldn't help to prevent a giggle from appearing in them.

Some of them scolded the person beside them. "I saw you do that to Lady Asha. You're next!"

Zoe tittered out loud at their reactions.

"She will not do that! She's a good lady!" The little girl defended her with pouty lips.

"We know, Zara. We know." Everyone laughed at her sudden angry tone.

"Hey, how about me?" Erin pierced through the crowd in a feigned hurt response.

One of them also went to Erin and gave her a bouquet. "Here's yours, Lady Selena. Thank you also for treating us and keeping us company."

Erin heaved out a sigh. "And I thought you would forget." 

She smelled the flowers that she gave and made an appreciative smile. "They're lovely!"

Another one also approached Azra and gave him a hat. "We also have something for you, sir Azra."

Azra was taken aback as he didn't expect it. But he accepted their gift and bowed to him. "Thank you."

"We will surely be back. We hope we'll not see each other in this state anymore, alright?" Raigon chuckled as he waved his hand at them. 

The four bowed to them as they left the area.

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If kindness and love is life's investment,

Then joy and happiness is life's profit and dividend.