LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 34: Use the Crown Prince's Plan

Thanks to all the supplements, you heal up fast. The Empress Dowager calls you over as soon as you can work again.

Empress Dowager: You are such a dear child. And I want the best for you as well. If His Majesty wants you at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, then go.

The Empress Dowager has been very nice to you. You feel reluctant to leave. But your goal is clear after rebirth. You must go further. That is the point of you taking a stabbing for the Emperor.

Xiu Ying: [Kneels] Your Highness. You have been most kind to me. I have nothing to repay your gratitude, but I will make sure to visit you whenever I can.

Empress Dowager: [Holds you up and smiles] Foolish words from a girl like you. I will call you over if I miss you, don't worry.

Someone calls you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation as soon as you left the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. One of them is Matron Qin.

Matron Qin: [Big smile] See, I told you. His Majesty holds you dear.

You stay a distance away from her.

Xiu Ying: Ma'am, have you always been at his side?

Matron Qin: The Emperor does not need someone so old. But, I have been serving at the Imperial Study for many years. Let me know if you need anything.

Xiu Ying: Thank you Ma'am. I heard the Crown Prince mention that an old matron worked really hard. Was he talking about you?

Matron Qin: [Surprised] Even the Crown Prince mentioned me? I served him a while when he was a child. I can't believe he still remembers!

Xiu Ying: (The old fox showed her tail so quickly. My hunch was correct. Matron Win is with the Crown Prince.)

Xiu Ying: The Crown Prince helped me a lot, and I want to repay him. But I get tense when I see his handsome character. So when you see him, please tell him about it.

Matron Qin: That's not a problem. His highness would be please to see you being so kind.

After some fake compliments, they lead you to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Coincidentally, both Crown Prince and Yin Zhen were there.

Emperor: [Approvingly] The Empress Dowager always said she's a lucky star, and asked me to bring her to the hunt. I thought it was a bit ridiculous, but turns out she was right!

Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Majesty. I dare not take such praise, but I will work my best from here on...

Crown Prince: [Puts down teacup] Smart and sensible. I think she's good too.

Yin Zhen: My brother praising someone? What a rare occurrence. Have you known this young maid from before?

It's difficult to figure out what Yin Zhen's remark meant, bit it feels like he wants to help you. Should I ask first?
But Yin Zhen was asking the Crown Prince. Let the Crown Prince answer then.

Crown Prince: Of course I know her. Don't you? She's been serving grandmother for quite some time already.

Yin Zhen: There are a lot of maids around grandmother. Not that many would catch your attention though.

Yin Zhen turns to you as he speaks. You know it's now time for you to talk.

Xiu Ying: [Speak out] His highness helped me before, and even now I am grateful.

Emperor: [Cocks brow] The Crown Prince knows to help a maid now. Excellent. That's the kind of empathy I always wanted you to have.

Yin Zhen: I must learn from my older brother.

After being praised, the Crown Prince holds a big smile. His eyes soften when he looks at you. Days at the Hall of Mental Cultivation are serious and boring. But you are able to learn a lot from the ministers and princes. The Crown Prince always seeks you out for a talk when he comes. His gentleness is almost crazy.

Xiu Ying: (Any other maid would be willing to die for him at this point.)

You know his plot, so you pretend to let his plan follow through and act obedient towards him.

Crown Prince: I can see my father being much more cheerful lately. All thanks to your service.

Xiu Ying: I could not have done it without your support, Your Highness.

Crown Prince: [Changes topic] I am the Crown Prince. I should do more for my father.

Xiu Ying: That's very kind of you.

Crown Prince: Let me know if anyone displeases my father. I might be able to help him.

Xiu Ying: (So you want to spy on him eh? Seeing as you were so indirect, it won't be my fault if I don't understand.)

Xiu Ying: I understand.

Crown Prince: [Satisfied] I knew I can count on you. You'll be able to aid me greatly.

Xiu Ying: Just let me know if you need anything.

The Crown Prince seems like he wants to continue, but as Yin Zhen approaches, he instead exchanges some greetings with you and gets ready to leave. Yin Zhen and the Crown Prince pass each other. Without anyone else around, they don't even pretend to like each other. Yin Zhen glances at you and goes into the Hall without a word.