LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 31: Sacrifice Yourself

The leaves fall from the trees one after another. They gild the ground, turning it a warm color. In this chilling season, the Emperor brought the princes and noble officers to the Imperial Hunting Grounds for a hunt and war game. The Emperor Dowager sent you to join the hunt to give you an opportunity to learn more. A chance to see the great plains was a truly worthwhile trip. You were excited all the way.

Fu Heng: [Walks to you] Feeling good?

Xiu Ying: [Smiling] Yeah. The plains are beautiful and the wind is nice. It's so comfortable.

Just then you see a group of people rushing past, following the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince didn't even look at you. Zhuxi who followed him looked quite pleased.

Xiu Ying: [Sighs] Women sure are easy to satisfy.

Fu Heng: Uh?

That's when you remember Fu Heng was standing quietly beside you. You almost spoke those words out loud.

Xiu Ying: That's nothing. Lord Fu Heng, do you like floral tea? I brought a few kinds. What would you like?

Fu Heng: [Seems to be smiling] Anything's fine.

Yin Zhen: Jasmine it is.

You squeeze out a smile as you look at Yin Zhen who came out of nowhere, then you move into the tent to make tea.

Eunuch: [Running] Fourth Prince, Lord Fu Heng, the Emperor calls!

Yin Zhen walks into the tent.

Yin Zhen: Let's go. Go make tea for the Emperor.

Didn't think Fu Heng was outside too. You follow them at a moderate pace. Everyone else was just getting seated as you arrive. You pour tea with the other maids.

Emperor: [Happily] All of you need to bring out your best today! I need to see just how good you are!

Crown Prince: [Stands] As the Crown Prince, I request to be the first to battle. The Fourth Prince is skilled in archery. Would you like an archery competition?

Yin Zhen calmly puts down his cup as he was called, and stands up.

Yin Zhen: A good mood you are in, my brother. I'll of course oblige.

Emperor: [Nodding] That's my boys! All of you, try out the horses. You need to follow after your brothers are done.

The princes suit up for riding. They look handsome on their stallions. Just then a human figure flashes past, catching your attention. The eunuch walks to the Emperor, holding dessert and tea with a lowered head. You feel there's something suspicious about him, but can't figure out what it was. Luckily, you figure out what was wrong soon. Everyone who enters the palace would to be trained proper etiquette. However, this person does not show any.

Xiu Ying: [Loudly] Hold on!

The eunuch goes straight for the Emperor without stopping. You fight through your fear and call out to him as you dash forward. Your voice caught Fu Heng's attention. He takes his sword and points it at the eunuch. The eunuch reacts fast as well, dropping the plate and takes out a soft sword from his waist. As Fu Heng fights the assassin, several shadows appear and all of them charge the Emperor.

Eunuch: Protect His Majesty!

The place falls into chaos. The assassins are well trained, but the guards are no slouch either. The battle becomes heated. You position is dangerous. It is too close to combat. You do your best to dodge despite your fear.

Fu Heng: [Blocks a slash] Out of the way!

Fu Heng's aid allowed you to run to a corner. However, you see the Emperor alone, and the assassins are closing in! You check your surroundings. You are the closes person to the Emperor. A thought appears. You know this is a chance of a lifetime, but you might die here. But, as someone who's already died once, you have to take this opportunity! The clashing of metal is fierce and deadly. You charged in front of the Emperor and blocked the attack, just as the sword was about to pierce the Emperor.

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty! Be careful!