LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 33: The Hypocrite

You stay in bed for a long time. Thankfully, Shu Xian, Hui Xin, and others often visit you to take away the boredom.

Hui Xin: The whole palace talks about it! They are saying you fought the assassins barehanded and saved the Emperor, then fell in a pool of blood and blacked out.

Xiu Ying: That is some rumor.

Hui Xin: But there's a silver lining too. I don't think anyone would pick on you again!

Xiu Ying: Don't forget, this is the imperial palace. Everything can go away in an instant. What really matters is the next step. Oh right, were all the assassins caught? Who would be crazy enough to assassinate the Emperor?

Hui Xin: [Sighs] My brother said that all of them swallowed poison and ended themselves as their plan failed. There's little to no clues. It'll be hard to find the real culprit.

Matron Qin: [Rushes in] My baby girl! You have got to get well soon!

Matron Qin is always in a rush. It feels kind of funny.

Xiu Ying: What's going on?

Matron Qin: I heard that the Emperor wants to take you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to serve him personally.

Xiu Ying: [Surprised] But I'm working at the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility.

Matron Qin: The Emperor has asked the Dowager already. But seeing as the Empress Dowager is so fond of you... I'm sure she's ask for your opinion as well.

You are too stunned to talk.

Matron Qin: It's beyond many people's wildest dreams to serve at the Hall of Mental Cultivation!

Xiu Ying: [Smiling] Thank you Matron. I understand, but it's such a surprise. It's not decided yet, so best not to mention it right now.

Matron Qin: You are right. Things in the palace change constantly.

Xiu Ying: Yes. So please don't tell anyone about it yet.

Matron Qin: No wonder both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor like you! I'll leave this matter then. You just focus on getting well.

You are still a bit worries even after telling Matron Qin. You ask Shi Lian to go out and find out if there are rumors.

Shi Lian: Don't worry miss. It's been calm lately.

You settle down after hearing that. But right away an unwanted guest appears in the yard.

Crown Prince: Feeling better now?

The Crown Prince, at the yard of a maid. This is exceptional. The Crown Prince's pride far outweighs his abilities. There's no way he'd lower himself to this degree.

Xiu Ying: [Pretending to be overjoyed] The Crown Prince! Welcome! I'm feeling much better now.

Crown Prince: You took a hit for my father, and saved his life. I must at least pay you a visit.

Xiu Ying: It was my duty, especially since I was the closest to His Majesty.

Crown Prince: [Laughs] I never thought a fragile looking girl like you would be so brave. Even my father is impressed.

You feel like giving him a hard time after hearing that.

Xiu Ying: I am not worthy of such praise. Anyone would have done the same in my position. Isn't that right, Your Highness?

Crown Prince: [Pauses] Yes.

Apparently he no longer wants to continue this conversation, and calls in Eunuch Deng. Eunuch Deng closes in with two other eunuchs following him. They lay down a bunch of stuff on the table.

Crown Prince: Everything here should be helpful to bring you back to health. Let me know if you need more.

Xiu Ying: I've received a lot from His Majesty, Her Highness and other ladies. I mustn't take any more from the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince: [Smirks] Those are from other people. Mine are different. Just tell me if you need anything, no matter what it is.

Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Highness.

Crown Prince: I told the imperial physician Dr. Zhou to keep an eye on you every day.

So much care from him. Any other person would have been knocked out already.

Crown Prince: You have to get better soon. My father thinks highly of you.

You feel darkened as the Crown Prince leaves. Those last words revealed the purpose of his visit. He's paying his way because he knows the Emperor wants to have you by his side. Even Matron Qin should be working for the Crown Prince.