LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 10: The Ignorant One

Mid summer. The cicadas sing tirelessly. You are dripping in sweat as you pass the Imperial Garden. You find a place with shade and rest for a while. As you try to enjoy this moment, two gossiping maids catch your attention.

Maid A: It's getting hotter and hotter. Even thought we already have all the ice ready, the Empress Dowager still feels too hot to sleep well.

Maid B: If the Emperor hears about it, we'll get punished. What should we do then?

You listen to their discussion and come up with an idea. You walk out.

Xiu Ying: Planting some mint outside the Empress Dowager's bedroom window could lower the heat and repel insects. When it gets to late summer, you can plant jasmine indoors to calm the mind with its aroma.

Maid A: [Confused] You are?

Xiu Ying: I'm with Miss Shu Xian. I heard you talk about the Empress Dowager and the heat, so I thought to make a suggestion.

Maid B: Miss Shu Xian is very skilled with the herbs. Seeing as you serve her, you probably have learned quite a lot. We'll try these methods.

Maid A: Really? But herbology is very complicated. I'm afraid that if I make mistakes, I'll end up doing more harm than good.

Xiu Ying: It makes sense to be careful when serving the Empress Dowager. If you are worried, you can consult the imperial physicians. I'm just suggesting. 

Your sincerity repelled their original suspicion.

Maid B: If it works, then we'll come back with a proper thank you.

You just happened to be there and wanted to help. You aren't interested in getting any merit, so you smile and leave. If you raise you head now, you'll definitely see a familiar figure on the tree.

Yin Zhen: [Smile and shake head] Dummy.

A few days later, you decide to pick some lotus to make food. Someone calls out to you, making you stop in the middle of taking off your shoes to look.

Xiu Ying: Greetings, Your Highness. Peace and fortune be with you.

Empress Dowager: [Smiles] So it was your idea right? Planting jasmine and min in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility?

Xiu Ying: (What? How does the Empress Dowager know about it? Could it be those two maids? How to respond?)

Xiu Ying: I recently learned about it from Miss Shu Xian. I suppose I'm just reciting her words.

Empress Dowager: Very diligent and smart too. You remembered your mistress's words.

Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Highness. I just happened to be interested.

Empress Dowager: See that? She's a smart girl.

The man behind the Empress Dowager is jaw-droppingly handsome, but distant.

Yin Zhen: She has a way with words, but hope she's not being sneaky.

Xiu Ying: (How did I wrong Yin Zhen? Why does he have a problem with me?)

You look towards Yin Zhen but see him sort of sniggering at you. You look away.

Empress Dowager: I feel she's a mannerly girl.

Yin Zhen: That's true. She doesn't ask for merit even after seeing you.

Xiu Ying: [Caring] Were the jasmine and mint useful to help you sleep better?

Empress Dowager: They were indeed. The mint even reduced the number of bugs. I had great sleep these days. I really should thank you. Now I've commanded people to plant mint all over the palace.

Xiu Ying: Thank you ma'am. I cannot take all the merit though, for it was Miss Shu Xian who told me these methods.

Empress Dowager: [Approvingly] See, I said she's a good girl. Even now she thinks of her mistress. I'll keep you in mind.

The Empress Dowager's approval is a surprise, but a pleasant one. After watching her leave, you let out a long sigh and continue picking lotus. You see Yin Zhen waiting besides the lotus pond as you get up. He's been staring at you for who knows how long.

Xiu Ying: Are you here just to startle me, Fourth Prince?

Yin Zhen: [Burts into laughter] You really think I got as much free time as you?

Xiu Ying: [Keeping temper] What do you need me for?

Yin Zhen: You are full of yourself. Did I say I need you?

Xiu Ying: Then I shall take my leave. Please enjoy the lotus pond.

Yin Zhen: Did your head get filled with pond water? You heard the Empress Dowager couldn't sleep. Why didn't you tell her personally?

Xiu Ying: [Shocked] How did you know... were you there?

You suddenly come to the realization. Your question was answered.

Xiu Ying: Was it you that told the Empress Dowager that I came up with the mint and jasmine idea?

Yin Zhen: Why, did you thinks it was the two maids? You really think all the people in the palace are as naive as you?

Xiu Ying: I'm not naive. I just don't think such things would need to be rewarded.

Yin Zhen: Oh? Then what should be rewarded? Things around the Crown Prince maybe?

It's as though the wind has stopped suddenly. Yin Zhen's wide eyes show your reflection. You look calm as water, but your heart is pounding. We only had one encounter when I was serving tea. How does he see through me?

Xiu Ying: [Calmly] Just what do you mean by that Fourth Prince?

Yin Zhen: [Laughs] Would you bite if I told you I was testing you?

Xiu Ying: I am a human, not an animal. Please though, do not joke around with me.

Yin Zhen: [Scoffs] Joke around? Such insolence!

Xiu Ying: Either way, thank you so much for telling her. I am very grateful.

Everything falls silent. After a moment, Yin Zhen looks toward your lotus.

Yin Zhen: [Thoughtfully] I hope you'll remain pure as this lotus to the very end.