LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 44: Can't Muddle Through

Although you blocked a strike for the Emperor during the hunt, another invisible sword has stabbed him in the heart, and it still hurts. It's good news for you that the Emperor is still trying to investigate after so much time. If they find the truth, especially if they find out that it was the Crown Prince's act, then it would be a fatal blow to him.

You plan to ask Fu Heng about the investigation progress later, but the Crown Prince gets to you first. After exchanging some pleasantries, he dives into the topic.

Crown Prince: My father seems to be investigating something lately. Do you know about it?

Xiu Ying: His Majesty is always busy. Which one are you asking about? Plus, I am, after all, just a maid. I don't know a whole lot.

Crown Prince: Did my father investigate further about the assassination during the hunt?

Seems like the Crown Prince has noticed his father's suspicion of him. Now he's definitely going to cover his tracks. It'll be even harder to find out if he did it. How to respond?

Xiu Ying: His Majesty said nothing. I really have no idea.

Crown Prince: [Frowns] How come you don't know anything.

Xiu Ying: [Piteous] I'm a mere maid. I don't have the power to learn about these things.

Crown Prince: Fine. I really hope that the truth will be revealed soon.

The Crown Prince said it in a calm voice that makes you suspect him even more. His calmness however shows that he knows there won't be enough evidence to expose him though.

Crown Prince: The real culprit is seriously devious. He even wants to frame me for it. I won't just wait around.

Xiu Ying: Regardless of how much work the culprit puts into it, if you didn't do it, you didn't do it.

Crown Prince: You are just too naive. Don't underestimate how evil a person can get. If you fall into a trap, it won't be able to get out no matter how innocent you are. These recent events make my father dislike me even more. What I need to do right now is to change his mind.

Xiu Ying: What would you like me to do, Your Highness?

Crown Prince: There is a secret report in a red envelope at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. If I can read the report, I'll be able to make my father see me differently.

Xiu Ying: May I ask what report it is?

Crown Prince: Some political stuff. If I can get it, I'll be able to prepare ahead of time.

Of course you don't believe that the report would be so simple.

Xiu Ying: (Trying to entice a young girl again. He's making a capital offence sound like a child's play. A shameful display) [Tense] I really do not dare to attempt such a thing.

Crown Prince: [Stare at you blankly] Don't disappoint me.

Although the Crown Prince hasn't told you everything directly, the things he hasn't said are still devious as always. He will get rid of you right away if you can't be useful to him. Plus, he probably knows about the Queen trying to poison you. For now, you need to pacify him.

Xiu Ying: I have said from the beginning that I will repay the kindness you have shown. I will never forget that. It's just that security around His Majesty is tight after the assassination attempt, so I'm afraid...

Crown Prince: Don't worry. There will be opportunities. Plus, I can be here to make these opportunities for you.

Crown Prince: This matter is crucial. You have to do it for me.

The heinous look in his eyes shows that the document is really important to him. There's no way you can let it slide by.

Xiu Ying: [Smile obediently] I shall try my best.

Crown Prince: There's no trying. You must to complete this.

His words are threatening, but there's no way you would really steal the secret report. Thus, you have to think of good response quickly. You walk along the path feeling heavy. Someone calls you from behind.

Fu Heng: [Closes in] What's going on with you? Looks like there's something on your mind.

Xiu Ying: [Shakes head] How did your investigation outside go, Lord Fu Heng?

Fu Heng: Dead end. I will definitely figure out though. How come you are asking about this all of a sudden? Could it be...

Xiu Ying: [Interrupt him] Sir, could you please be more optimistic? I'm just trying to be nice.

Fu Heng still has his poker face on. Still, you find him blushing at the ears.

Xiu Ying: (That's enough to make him blush? Fu Heng sure is a shy person. How funny.)