Hard to believe that the person behind all this is so powerful that Chun'er and Xiao Tao would rather get punished than betrayal. This is even more proof that the person is incredibly powerful. Unfortunately as a lowly maid, someone this powerful would be so out of reach that any investigation attempts would be futile. You sigh as you realize your struggle. Just then the Crown Prince appears from the lakeside.
Crown Prince: [Elevates his eyebrows] What's with all the sighs? Did someone pick on you again?
The Crown Prince is always unreachable. He doesn't think of anyone. If it weren't for his de-crowning, he wouldn't even have looked at you in the last life. It was a complete accident when he helped you with the Xiao Tao situations. Now he's even taking time to talk to a lowly maid?
Xiu Ying: (If the Crown Prince is willing to go this far, maybe he sees value in me?)
You get an idea. Perhaps he's capable of solving this problem for you. It's better to stay silent at this time! You stay silent and pass a piteous expression.
Crown Prince: Looks like you got picked on again.
Xiu Ying: It's my own fault.
Crown Prince: You rushed to face me last time so you could help someone else. You're brave enough to just retaliate.
Xiu Ying: I had the guts because I know how honorable you are!
The Crown Prince chuckles a bit.
Crown Prince: Oh? So how exactly am I honorable?
Xiu Ying: I believe that despite your plain expressions, you are actually benevolent and intelligent. Why else would His Majesty see so much potential in you! Plus, the Crown Prince is powerful, yet still would help a maid like me. It shows you are compassionate, and I am truly touched.
You almost start shuddering at your own words.
Xiu Ying: (I used a whole lifetime's effort to kiss up. That was disgusting. Living under someone else's roof means I have to bear with it though)
Crown Prince: [Lights up] As the Crown Prince it is my duty to help my father. The maid last time was causing trouble, and of course I had to do something.
The plan worked. The Crown Prince took the kiss-up act and looks at you tenderly.
Xiu Ying: Thank you for your support, Your Highness. I will learn from you.
Crown Prince: Those were just trivial matters. You are young and new here. It's normal that you'd run into some trouble.
Trying to let everything slide actually makes the Crown Prince quite impressed with you.
Crown Prince: Well, fine. Who's been giving you problems this time? Tell me, I'll take care of it.
You have been waiting for those words. It's still too early though, so you continue to give a troubled look while staying silent.
Crown Prince: Uh?
Xiu Ying: It's so little that it's not worth your concern, Your Highness. I shall take care of it myself.
Crown Prince: If it's so little to you even, then it should be miniscule to me. Speak up. Don't worry about it.
Xiu Ying: [Shake head] It's just that I don't know who's been behind all this. I thought that doing my job properly and staying out of trouble would be enough, but...
Crown Prince: That's really unfortunate, you don't even know who's been picking on you. That's just how the palace is though. Everyone's two faced. Anyway, I'll tell Eunuch De to investigate in this matter.
Eunuch Deng serves the Crown Prince closely. He's usually a very forgettable character, but he knows a lot about the Crown Prince.
Just then you see Fu Heng coming from a distance.
Crown Prince: It's Fu Heng. You should leave now.
Eunuch Deng: Let's go over there and tell me about everything.
You follow Eunuch De and get under the willow tree. You turn and see Fu Heng greeting the Crown Prince. The willow rocks its leaves. Who knows if he's seen you yet.
Eunuch De: Tell me about it, miss.
You tell him about Chun'er and Xiao Tao, and how you believe it might be the same person putting them up to it.
Eunuch Deng: I see. I'll teach them a lesson after I figure out who it is. Then they'll make sure to stay away from you. [Laughs] You are very prudent though. Most people wouldn't put these together.
Xiu Ying: [Sigh] It's vital to be prudent in this palace.
You follow Eunuch Deng after Fu Heng leaves.
Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Highness.
Crown Prince: That's not a problem. You might be able to help me later on too.
Xiu Ying: (And there it is)
There's no free lunch. Especially with someone so sinister. You knew the Crown Prince would say that.
Xiu Ying: I will remember your help forever, Your Highness.
Crown Prince: [Laughs] You don't need to remember.
Xiu Ying: Let me know if you need me.
The Crown Prince is satisfied with your attitude. You leave after saying thanks.
Eunuch Deng: [Sees you leaving] Your Highness, you seem to be very interested in this little maid?
Crown Prince: Clever, brave, and most importantly, she's connected with Fu Heng. Their foster child? Clean relationship? Ha... It's a piece of cake to help her, but if it makes her thankful of me, then it would be all worth it. She's got a long way ahead. There will be opportunities to use her.
You and the Crown Prince both believe the other is the pawn. However, who's really being used, will be decided by true skill. As you walk along the path and think, a figure flashes past you. You look after calming down. It's Fu Heng. His eyes are so dark like the night sky.
Xiu Ying: [Laughs] Appearing out of thin air. Were you waiting for me?
Fu Heng: I saw you back there. You asked the Crown Prince last time. Was it really out of curiosity?
As the Emperor's Guard, it's important to be cautious. Him figuring out your oddity with the Crown Prince is expected. However, it's way too quick.
Xiu Ying: I was just curious. And it was quite coincidental that I bumped into him and the Fourth Prince. Same goes for the last time he helped me, and today.
There's some truth to all that. You really did just run into him randomly, so you tell Fu Heng confidently. Fu Heng stares at you for a moment, but chooses to believe you.
Fu Heng: Fostering a baby with you last time caused you problems, then there was the rumors, now... I think the Crown Prince will try to get close to you over this issue.
You feel glad that Fu Heng cares for you and doesn't want you get taken advantage.
Xiu Ying: There's no reason to blame yourself. It's the bad guys who are wrong. Please rest assured that I know where to draw the line.
Fu Heng: Either way, remember to look for me if you run into trouble.
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