LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 25: Warm Reminder

You unexpectedly became favored by the Empress Dowager. Everyone gets envious. You do not become complacent though. You serve the Empress Dowager well and help her through grievance. It's a sunny day after rain. The leave are still covered in droplets and the air is fresh. The sunlight isn't too strong yet, so you take the Empress Dowager out for a walk.

Empress Dowager: Is that Crown Prince ahead?

You look in the same direction. Indeed the Crown prince is there by the lake, talking with a minister.

Xiu Ying: It is the Crown Prince, ma'am.

Empress Dowager: [Shakes head] He better not do anything to make the Emperor angry again. Invite him over to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, and matron come back with me first.

You follow your order. You can't wait for the Crown Prince to make the Emperor mad and fall from grace, but as the Empress Dowager just recovered, it's best not to make her hurt again. The Crown Prince is enjoying his conversation with the minister. It would make him displeased to disturb him. You come up with a plan. You look down and pretend to be looking for something.

Xiu Ying: [Mumble] Where could it be...

You mumble and walk with your head down. Soon you see a pair of boots appear.

Xiu Ying: [Raise head] Greetings, Crown Prince.

Crown Prince: What are you looking for?

Xiu Ying: I lost my silver.

The Crown Prince laughs out loud.

Crown Prince: You looked so anxious. I thought it was something important.

Xiu Ying: It's money! Of course I'd be anxious.

Crown Prince: How much was it?

You raised your fingers and continue looking. Just then, a well made wallet appears in front of you. It's the Crown Prince's own wallet.

Crown Prince: Forget it, here.

Xiu Ying: This isn't right...

Crown Prince: Just take it as a reward for making the Empress Dowager so happy.

You were only pretending. You've been eyeing his silver for a long time. You take it and show your gratitude.

Xiu Ying: It's the Empress Dowager who sees potential in me. I have to live up to her expectation.

Crown Prince: I told you that you're smart. Perhaps one day I really do need your help.

You scoff at those words, but you act the opposite.

Xiu Ying: Just let me know if you need anything, Crown Prince.

Crown Prince: [Satisfied] Keep serving the Empress Dowager well. If there's anything...interesting, tell me.

He's beating around the bush, but really just wants you to report to him.

Xiu Ying: (If you are being so unclear with your directions, then I guess I'll just pretend I don't understand.) Naturally. The Empress Dowager always talks about you.

Crown Prince: Oh? She does? What does she say about me?

He stares at you like she's been saying bad things about him.

Xiu Ying: The Empress Dowager says you haven't visited much and she misses you. She wants you over to her palace.

Crown Prince: [Inattentive] Oh that.

Xiu Ying: It would seem you have some time today. How about visiting her?

Crown Prince: [Considers] Sounds good.

You leave with the Crown Prince to see the Empress Dowager. Your eyes meet for a moment with Fu Heng's who's walking in your direction. It feels that Fu Heng wants to tell you something.

Next morning, the air is misty and dew hangs on the flower petals. The whole Imperial Garden looks like a dreamland. The Empress Dowager hasn't gotten up yet. You have some time to take a walk.

Fu Heng: Xiu Ying.

You turn around in surprise. Fu Heng's cold-looking face turns softer in the mist. He walks closer to you and suddenly puts his hand over your head. While you give him a confused look, he opens his hand and it's a petal.

Xiu Ying: [Pick up] It is pretty... What does Lord Fu Heng need me for?

Fu Heng: The Crown Prince is powerful, but dangerous. If someone picks on you in the palace, look for me, not him.

Fu Heng's voice is usually calm and unemotional. Yet it sounds warm and soft today. Could it be the dew?

Xiu Ying: [Dumbfounded] Lord Fu Heng, thank you.

Fu Heng: [Looks behind] Just promise me that you'll stay away from the Crown Prince. I'll protect you.

A few maids are already coming your way. Fu Heng leave with those words to not cause you any trouble. You are still stunned. You don't know how you should react to such a kind reminder.