LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 39: All in Vain

It's the afternoon. The Emperor is taking a break. The servants can rest for a bit too. The tea room is quiet, with only you and the Crown Prince.

Xiu Ying: What's been going on lately, that made you think of me like this?

The Crown Prince stares at you hard, hoping to find a sign of deceit. Yet all he can see from you is confusion and being wronged.

Xiu Ying: (I really should have put my talent into becoming an actress.)

Crown Prince: Don't you know that my father's been even more distrusting of me lately? That he doesn't even want to see me?

Xiu Ying: [Anxious] I know, I follow His Majesty all the time. I feel you.

Crown Prince: My father's angry because of your false information.

Xiu Ying: [Shocked] How could that be?

Crown Prince: Are you sure your reports are truthful?

Xiu Ying: I wouldn't dare to lie to Your Highness. I received those messages directly from His Majesty.

Your firmness can almost convince yourself of the lie. Even the Crown prince is faltering about his suspicion.

Crown Prince: Are you sure you heard everything correctly?

Xiu Ying: Absolutely, I made sure to follow your orders.

Crown Prince: [Looks at teacup] Could it be that my father's testing me? It would be bad if he finds out that I planted someone near him.

Xiu Ying: [Shocked] It's been discovered?

Crown Prince: It might be that father's been suspicious all along, and tried to lure us out with those false messages.

Xiu Ying: If that's true, then I've been had? [Teary eyed] I don't mean to fail. I never thought I'd end up harming Your Highness.

Crown Prince: [Emotion shifts back and forth, then speaks softly] My father's always been hard to get. Even I couldn't figure him out, let alone you.

The Crown prince is angry and helpless, but as he still needs you, he pushes away all his displeasure and tries to comfort you instead.

Crown Prince: I was too careless. You don't have to blame yourself.

Xiu Ying: [Nervous] Have I been discovered too?

Crown Prince: Don't worry. If he knew, he would have driven you out long ago.

The Crown Prince then looks a bit doubtful.

Xiu Ying: Is there anything I can do for you?

Crown Prince: Has my father's attitude towards you changed lately?

Xiu Ying: I'm still treated the same as ever.

Crown Prince: [Relieved] The there's nothing to worry. All good. As long as he still trusts you, I can clear things up.

Xiu Ying: Right. There's someone called Eunuch Li. He made His Majesty displeased and was sent to Hard Labor Camp. I heard Matron Qin saying that Eunuch Li worked for you? [Hesitant] I think, that it might be Eunuch Li that made His Majesty suspect you.

Crown Prince: [Look suddenly shifts] Matron Qin? Worthless scum. It's one thing to be stupid, but another to be a spy.

Xiu Ying: I'm only guessing. It might need further investigation.

Crown Prince: Leave it to me. That's very useful. It's important to keep and eye out later one.

Xiu Ying: I understand.

You see the Crown Prince leave. You raised a smirk, and wipe away all the shock, misunderstanding and loyal looks. You have cleared up your suspicion and got rid of Matron Qin. A great victory. The Crown Prince will need a long time to figure out how to regain the Emperor's trust.