LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 26: Step by Step

The Empress Dowager seems to befilled with worries after the Crown Prince's visit. Matron Gui who's served the Empress Dowager for many years tried to prod at the topic, but she refuses to answer. You make the bed after noon and ask the Empress Dowager to rest.

Empress Dowager: [Stops in her track] What do you think of the Crown Prince?

You feel a tug in you heart as she asks you. You know she wants to ask about his conduct, but it's best to avoid any suspicion. You consider for a while and answer.

Xiu Ying: The Crown Prince is a noble. He is majestic... I haven't seen him often enough to really say anything though.

Empress Dowager: If I asked someone else, I'd be hearing all kinds of kiss up. You are at least honest.

You smile and hold her and go into the bedroom. The Empress Dowager alarms you. You get afraid that the Crown Prince would start with the Empress Dowager to take the throne. It's not impossible. The Emperor is obviously disappointed in the Crown Prince. He would definitely use the Empress Dowager to get his way. You are afraid that the neutral Empress Dowager would be forced into the fight for the throne and even stand for the Crown Prince.

Xiu Ying: (I will not allow that to happen!)

You walk to the Eastern Palace subconsciously as you mull over this possibility. It's the sound of fluttering wings that brings you back. You look up and see a black eagle on the roof. As well there is a eunuch with a cage and a stick rushing over.

Eunuch: [Frustrated] I'm done for. The bird won't come back. The Crown Prince will have my head for this!

The black eagle seems to have brought ouy back into your past life. The Crown Prince loved the black eagle's ferociousness. He used it to kill countless innocent lives. Even when he was decrowned, the eagle still was with him. You never liked the eagle and even looked into its history. The Crown Prince became furious when he found out, and you left it be. Now...

Xiu Ying: [Rush over] That's not going to work. All that'll do is anger it. Use bait. Get some meat it likes...

Eunuch: [Looks at one another] The Crown Prince is almost back! Let's do what she says!

The method works fine. The eagle flies in circle and dives right into its cage. The eunuch immediately closes the door and everyone breathes a sigh of relief wipes away their sweat.

Xiu Ying: That's the Crown Prince's eagle right? How majestic.

The eunuchs thank you for helping them getting the bird back. They are more willing to talk to you.

Eunuch: It's the Crown Prince's eagle. We accidentally let it out. Thank goodness you're here. We were all out of ideas.

Xiu Ying: [Smile] The palace is well guarded. It won't escape.

Eunuch: There's something you don't know. The Crown Prince has almost never released the black eagle in the palace. He doesn't want His Majesty to find out and say he's overindulging in entertainment.

Xiu Ying: That makes sense. The black eagle is very rare to get it seems. Do you know where the Crown Prince got it?

Eunuch: We are just servants. We don't know much about it. I think it's a gift from his friend? He didn't look like he's from our country though.

Your past memories and the eunuch's words almost confirm you suspicion. You decide to get some evidence. You leave the palace with the excuse of buying dessert for the Empress Dowager, but it's to meet with someone. The moment you step into the teahouse, a person pops out and smiles at you from one of the private rooms.

Murong Chong: [Serves tea] What a pleasant surprise! You invite me to tea. Speak up. You need me for something?

Xiu Ying: You've been to Donghan Kingdom right? I remember you talking about how you know some friends there. Can you ask them to help me with an investigation?

Murong Chong's expression changes.

Murong Chong: [Serious] Don't tell me that's why you went to the palace. Why do you care for the heir apparent?

Xiu Ying: I'll tell you eventually... I'm not going to lie. So, just wait.

Murong Chong: [Sighs after a while] Fine. I understand. I believe you. But something like collaborating with the enemy.... I'm scared that you'll be dragged into the mess if it's true.

Xiu Ying: [Smile] Don't underestimate me. I'll protect myself.

A familiar voice from outside catches your attention. Someone important wants to book the entire teahouse and is asking other patrons to leave. The few words of complaint are quickly dismissed by some type of threat.

Xiu Ying: [Quietly] The Crown Prince.

Murong Chong: Jump out of the window. I'm agile.

Xiu Ying: You go. I'll stay. I'm just a maid on duty.

You remain persistent. Murong Chong leaves reluctantly. The Crown Prince is a bit surprised when he sees you.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness. I'm here getting dessert for the Empress Dowager. She loves the dessert made here and keeps mentioning it.

Crown Prince: Then I guess I'll have to try some later. Oh, did the Empress Dowager mention me lately?

Xiu Ying: She's asked me to copy some sutras, and I've mostly been alone, so I don't know. Is there something you need, Crown Prince?

Crown Prince: No. Return to the palace, when you're done.