The Empress Dowager's emotions aren't as stable as they use to be after the death of Princess Zhenmin. The Emperor has been filial. He goes to visit the Empress Dowager each day and tries to make her happy. Soon it will be the Empress Dowager's birthday. The Emperor puts great emphasis on the banquet. He asked the Queen to start preparing a month ahead without the Empress Dowager's knowledge, to give her a surprise.
Queen: [Fold the paper] You are a keen girl. I've memorized everything now. Make sure everyone follows during the banquet.
You write down all of Empress Dowager's habits during your time at her palace. That's now come into use.
Xiu Ying: It's the Crown Prince that's filial to the Empress Dowager. I will not slack off my duties.
The Queen looks at your more tenderly when you mention the Crown Prince. She even smiles.
Queen: The Crown Prince was cared for by the Empress Dowager since he was little, after all. You've done well too.
You are just a maid. Even if you remember all the Empress Dowager's habits, there's no use for them. Everything has to go through the Queen to get arranged. If you didn't mention the Crown Prince, then you would receive no merit. If the Queen thinks you're helping the Crown Prince though, she's help you back.
Xiu Ying: Thank you, my Queen. I shall obey his words and care for the Empress Dowager.
You did not tell her directly that you're working for the Crown Prince, but the Queen sees it that way, and gives you rewards. It will be the Empress Dowager's birthday soon. The banquet will be at the Celestial Glory Hall. The joyful, lively scene makes the Empress Dowager pleased.
Empress Dowager: Everything is just perfection. I haven't been eating well lately, but the food was just to my taste. The set up is elegant and inexpensive...
Emperor: The Queen and I are glad that you're happy, mother.
Empress Dowager: [Looks to the Queen] I'm very pleased with your set up of the banquet.
Queen: I cannot take all the merit myself. It's the maid show's been giving me tips on your habits through her observations, and that's why I could make the banquet to your liking.
The Empress Dowager is a bit stunned, but laughs when the Queen points to you.
Empress Dowager: I knew it was the good girl here! Just as I expected.
Emperor: [Looks to you] Few can make my mother his happy. What is your name?
Xiu Ying: [Bow] Your Majesty, my name is Xiu Ying. The Empress Dowager has been treating me very well, so naturally I would do everything I can to make her happy.
Emperor: Good work. Keep it up. Reward her.
Empress Dowager holds your hand and looks at you warmly. Getting the praise from the Emperor, Queen and Empress Dowager made you the star of the banquet. Looks of confusion and envy are also all over the place. Your fame at the banquet made you an existence to envy, and many princes try to pass hints or look for you. In the battle for the throne, the princes want to know if you're working with any prince, or if you're useful at all. You don't want to get involved and act afraid. You find an excuse to leave.
Yin Zhen: [Footsteps from behind] Looks good today.
You turn around and see Yin Zhen coming your way. You feel a crawling sensation on your scalp.
Xiu Ying: [Smile] What makes us bump into each other so often?
Yin Zhen: Unfortunately, I followed you this time... Also, that's such a fake smile.
Your smile freezes. He chuckles, probably at your bitter expression.
Xiu Ying: What does the Fourth Prince want with me?
Yin Zhen: Nothing, I just wanted to see that bitter expression of yours.
You almost want to throw a fit, but right away you see the Crown Prince coming. You have nothing going on with Yin Zhen, but then Crown Prince is suspicious. What should you do to avoid trouble? You look to Yin Zhen, and he understands your hint.
Yin Zhen: Go get me something to drink, now! What are you waiting around for?
You get stunned for a second, then realize that he's pretending to be drunk.
Xiu Ying: I'll go get you a drink now... the Crown Prince?
Crown Prince: Yes. He's pretty drunk. I'll get someone to escort him back. Don't bother with the drinks.
The perfect outcome. You bow and leave right away.
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