Shu Xian is promoted to Attendant during summer and receives a lot of attention from the Emperor. Others are envious, but Shu Xian has no ambition. She's satisfied with just her plants.
The only time of comfort in this place is when you do yardwork with her.
Shu Xian: These plants are growing nicely thanks to you. Oh right, I haven't asked, what's your favorite flower?
Xiu Ying: I'm just a commoner. I have a lot of favorites. If I had to choose one though, I'd say hibiscus.
Shu Xian: [Laughs] hibiscus? That's an interesting pick. How come?
Xiu Ying: It's bright and powerful like the sun. Most importantly though is that it blooms for a long time.
Shu Xian: [Mumbles] Blooms for a long time eh... Yes. I hope we can stay strong the same way.
You smile at Shu Xian and continue to water the plants.
Hui Xin opens the yard gate and smiles at you, then she sees Shu Xian and properly greets her in a serious manner.
Shu Xian: I'm a bit tired. I'll leave the rest to you then.
You and Hui Xin know that Shu Xian's giving you two some space to talk, so you both agree.
Hui Xin: [Envious] Lady Shu Xian is so kind. You are lucky.
Xiu Ying: [Pass over the watering can] Perfect time, go water the flowers.
Hui Xin: [Hesitant] I'm actually here for something, Didn't the whole false accusation about having illicit relations with my brother get cleared up? Now there's a new rumor...
Xiu Ying: [Surprised] I am innocent and so is your brother! Where did the rumor come from?
Hui Xin: They're saying that you are trying to seduce my brother. I got so mad! It only means that your love is unrequited.
Xiu Ying: That's not the point...
Hui Xin: So do you and my brother really have nothing going on? My brother is a pretty good guy though.
Hui Xin answers truthfully even though she's puzzled.
Xiu Ying: Your brother is one in a million in terms of look for personality. He'll find a beautiful and kind woman one day.
Hui Xin becomes excited and keeps telling you how nice Fu Heng is.
Xiu Ying: (Yeah. Fu Heng is very nice. I'm discovering a lot of that myself)
It's not great to be a part of the rumor, thus it's vital to stop it before it proliferates into some serious problem. You decide to buy over a few maids to investigate for you.
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Soon you have an answer. Those who spread the rumor were all strangers though. You decide to confront them for an answer.
Xiao Tao: Oh it's you. There's nothing I can do to really help though.
The one who started the rumor is maid Xiao Tao, who works at the Imperial Garden. She's a cute girl with a round face, but her smile is a bit uncomfortable.
Xiu Ying: I have nothing going on with Fu Heng. Why did you say that about us?
Xiao Tao: I'm just telling the truth is all.
Xiu Ying: I don't even know you, and what are you talking about, the truth?
Xiao Tao: I saw you! You keep going to see Lord Fu Heng. The foster child is just your excuse to get close with him. Still, I get it. Lord Fu Heng is the Emperor's Guard. A lot of girls are quite fond of him.
Xiao Tao's fake smile makes you even angrier. She's doing it on purpose.
Xiu Ying: Your so called truth is just your guess. If you go out there and clear it up. I'll let it go.
Xiao Tao: What? Clear what up? I can say whatever I want. It's none of your business.
What do you do with Xiao Tao?
Might as well bring out Fu Heng now. Fu Heng is a pretty important figure with the Emperor. A maid would likely feel scared to badmouth him.
Xiu Ying: [Lecturing] Did you ever stop to think that Lord Fu Heng is harmed by the rumor as well? What would you do if he confronts you?
Xiao Tao: I haven't done anything wrong. Why would he confront me?
Xiu Ying: You started the rumor, of course he'll come find you.
Xiao Tao: I'm just telling the truth... If anything, he's going to be confronting you instead, because you're the one who caused all this.
Who would have thought that Xiao Tao is unphased. She knows that you can't do anything to her.
Xiao Tao: [Smiles suddenly] Well, are you just embarrassed because I guess right?
Xiu Ying: (If that's how she wants to play, then we'll see who wins at the same game)
Xiao Tao comes to you crying two days later.
Beating her at her own game. If she thinks she can say whatever she wants to, then I'll let her taste her own medicine.
Xiao Tao: I'll go clear up the rumor with Lord Fu Heng right away! But you have to do the same for me! [Pouts] You could have at least picked someone better looking. Why Eunuch Li? He's old enough to be my grandfather!
Xiu Ying: [Smiles] Well, are you just embarrassed because I guess right?
You feel exasperated upon seeing Xiao Tao's helpless expression. Those who wrong me will suffer great consequences.
Having finally resolved the whole rumor issue, you prepare to return happily. Yet you bump into Fu Heng who's been hiding in a corner. Who knows how much he's heard.
Xiu Ying: What a coincidence, Lord Fu Heng.
You look at him and get cautious.
Xiu Ying: You heard about the rumors too?
Fu Heng: Yes, and it's quite annoying.
Fu Heng still has a poker face. He's impossible to read. What do you do?
Xiu Ying: [Cautiously] So you mean... I should stay far away from now on?
Fu Heng: What do you think?
Xiu Ying: [Knowing in mind] I'll stay away from now and ever!
Fu Heng watches you run away, and gives a wry smile.
