The Empress Dowager becomes more attached to you after the birthday banquet. She requests your care for everything. Your thorough care for the Empress Dowager is not just for yourself. You know how much the Empress Dowager loves you, so you should work even harder.
Empress Dowager: [Pulls you over] How far are you with the Crown Prince?
The Empress Dowager asked about what kind of person the prince was last time. She asks now about your relationship with him. You are nervous.
Xiu Ying: The prince was on my side last time and I'm sincerely grateful... Why does Your Highness ask me such?
Empress Dowager: [Pokes your forehead] Why so tense? I was merely curious, as the prince said you were smart.
Xiu Ying: (Sounds like the Crown Prince alright. Never one to be patient.)
The Empress Dowager takes you to sit by her side, her warm hand holding yours.
Empress Dowager: I would be very relieved to have someone like you overlooking the prince.
Xiu Ying:[Surprised] Empress Dowager, there are many who serve the prince loyally.
Empress Dowager: I know there are many who work by the prince. But they are just opportunists. They would never attempt to tell the prince to cut back.
Xiu Ying: The prince should be able to handle himself, no?
Empress Dowager: [Laughing] Oh you... All I wanted to say was, if you were the one talking, you might convince the prince to cut back.
Empress Dowager looks at you. That's what you were thinking too.
Xiu Ying: (If I could follow the Crown Prince, it would be easier to find proof of his dealings with enemy nations, and to sabotage his plans.)
Empress Dowager: No rush though. I'd hate to let you go. Think things through about going to the Eastern Palace.
You smile, get up and pour tea for the Empress Dowager. But your mind is already in turmoil. The news of Empress Dowager sending you to Eastern Palace spread quickly. There are even rumors that she sent you to be the prince's concubine.
Xiu Ying: (The Crown Prince's concubine? I'd rather go with poison wine again.)
Zhuxi: [Calls from behind] You? Want to go to Eastern Palace? Dream on!
Zhuxi seems quite furious about the rumor. How to respond? As you look at Zhuxi's furious face, suddenly Yin Zhen's face appears in your mind, reminding you again.
Xiu Ying: Ms Zhuxi, rumors are just rumors. I'm a maid, that's all.
Zhuxi: Good, you know your place! Crown Prince isn't feeling well lately. Don't bug him. And deal with the rumors yourself!
One Zhuxi, a dozen follows. Every single one talks about Eastern Palace. You've had enough.
Xiu Ying: [Kicks wall] Who spread these messages!
Yin Zhen: Why so angry?
You get startled, it's Yin Zhen, now lying on the roof. He hops down with ease, and stands in front of you.
Xiu Ying: Fourth Prince. You are everywhere!
Yin Zhen: [Looks at you thoughtfully] Well? Anger doesn't go to the Eastern Palace you know.
Xiu Ying: Fourth Prince, you heard?
Yin Zhen: My grandmother mentioned it casually when I went to visit last time.
Xiu Ying: All that's going to happen is me being a maid in different place. What have those people heard? Saying that I'm daydreaming?
Yin Zhen: Are you really going to the Eastern Palace?
Xiu Ying: I was considering, but not anymore. With such a rumor, the moment I get to Eastern Palace I'd drown in ridicule and spite even if the Queen and Crown Prince let me off.
Yin Zhen: Good. Then my effort to spread the rumor isn't wasted.
Xiu Ying :[Stares] Wh... what did you say?
Yin Zhen: I spread the rumors. And?
Xiu Ying: [Emotionless] As long as you are pleased.
Yin Zhen: I'm pretty happy, especially when you give me this reaction.
The culprit Forth Prince, Yin Zhen, looks at you with satisfaction, then leaves.
Xiu Ying: (Shameless! Ruining other people's plans and being proud of it! He even admits he spread the rumors! He's seriously looking down on me!?
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