LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 13: Nightmare

You try to avoid thinking about it, but the nightmares about your past life just won't stop. You had another nightmare today. You wake up screaming for your parents, and it takes a long time for you to calm down. You can no longer fall asleep. Might as well take a look outside. The night is clear and stars are few. Nightly wind blows away the summer heats and you worries. You decide to stretch out, and you just happen to see the man on the roof.

Xiu Ying: The... Fourth Prince.

Yin Zhen scowls, and jumps down, looking at you.

Xiu Ying: Greeting, Fourth Prince. Can't fall asleep either?

You say hello, but he ignores you completely. It's awkward enough that he's here, but now he doesn't even say anything. What should you do? You realize the Yin Zhen doesn't want to talk to you, so it might be good just to leave.

Xiu Ying: [Testing] I shall take my leave then?

Yin Zhen: Ha. Ha.

You listen to him laugh mockingly and shudder. He's the biggest competitor for the Crown Prince. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Just as you are about to talk to him, you hear footsteps.

Eunuch: Who's there?

If someone sees you with Yin Zhen at night, there will be even more rumors. That's going to be way too much. You stop him right away.

Xiu Ying: Hi, it's me. I came out for a walk since I can't sleep.

The eunuch give you a look of distain. Looks like you're well-known already.

Eunuch: I know you... Xiao Tao said you have a very messy personal life.

Xiu Ying: [Sternly] You better take that back!

You suddenly get angry and the eunuch is stunned.

Eunuch: Whoa, that's quite the temper. What if I don't?

You are no slouch. Someone looking for trouble will definitely have to pay. Still, you don't know if Yin Zhen's gone yet. What should you do? Forget it. best to maintain a fragile girl image for Yin Zhen.

Xiu Ying: I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let it slide. But be careful how you choose your words.

You try to let him go, but he gets cocky and doesn't let you leave.

Eunuch: I can't believe someone like you keeps getting promoted.

Xiu Ying: Are you trying to say the Stewardess is being unjust?

Eunuch: [Looks around] Stop trying to stir up problems. That's not what I meant!

Xiu Ying: I think that's exactly what you meant! Let's go find the Stewardess and talk it out then?

You make it look like you're about to go to her, the eunuch gets scared.

Eunuch: It's late. The Stewardess is already in bed. What are you scared for? I was just saying it.

Xiu Ying: [Sternly] You better choose your words wisely then.

The eunuch is scared of the Stewardess after all. He still looks on with contempt though.

Xiu Ying: You don't even know me, and you dare to gossip about me?

Your strong attitude and questioning make the eunuch uncomfortable.

Eunuch: [Loudly] The rumors might actually be true if you aren't in bed at this hour.

Xiu Ying: I'm taking a walk. Is this against the rules?

You want to leave right away, but the eunuch blocks you.

Eunuch: Stop! I won't let you go unless you explain!

Xiu Ying: I don't want to stay with a eunuch for too long at night. Who knows what kind of rumors would spread? I'd be too disgusted to hear them.

The eunuch looks uncomfortable. He takes the subject back to the start.

Eunuch: [Suspicious] I heard someone talking. Were you by yourself?

Xiu Ying: No, there's someone beside me, didn't you see? I was just talking with her.

The eunuch gets so scared. His hair stands. He runs away as fast as he can. The prank worked. As you feel like gloating, Yin Zhen shows up. You feel a little embarrassed. You leave after saying goodbye. Yet, Yin Zhen smiles at you as you leave.