LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 45: Critical Evidence

Seeing as how the track was cut, the Crown Prince must have prepared. Now it makes your situation even more grave. You look at every corner while serving tea at the Hall. You get lost in thought about the unknown secret report.

Emperor: Light up the new calming incense from the physician.

You follow the order and light up the incense at the burner. The faint scent slowly spreads.

Xiu Ying: The imperial physician said this was a superb calming incense that will surely make Your Majesty at peace.

Emperor: I don't need to be at peace, but you do. You look completely distracted since morning. I could feel it a mile away. [Look to you] Staying beside the emperor is the safest and most dangerous. It's just the typical power struggle in the palace. Nothing can be done.

Emperor: Choices are always made in the moment. If you can't handle the stress, you are allowed to leave. I won't blame you.

The path to rule is always full of insidious plots. The Emperor sees everything clear as day. He knows the princes will seek out those around him.

Xiu Ying: I am thankful to be in the care of Your Majesty. I shall stay until the end. What I go through is nothing worthy of concern. I wish to stay here to serve Your Majesty.

You kneel. Your words are strong and sincere. You really do mean what you say. Even without the whole Crown Prince's plot, the Emperor has been kind to you and you will never betray him.

Emperor: [Laughs] You have more guts when you deal with things like these. You better keep yourself alive. I still need you around.

Just as you are out of ideas, Murong Chong asks you to meet outside the palace with a letter.

Xiu Ying: Could it be that your request has gotten some results?

You leave the palace and go to the tea house as the letter stated. Murong Chong has been waiting for a while.

Murong Chong: Long time no see, my lady. Did you miss me?

His cocky laughs and unkempt demeanor dissolve you defense.

Murong Chong: Your suspicions are correct. The Crown Prince is colluding with enemy nations. My friends at Donghan Kingdom went through a lot of trouble to get the proof.

He passes a sandalwood box to you.

Murong Chong: It contains letters and security deposits between the Crown Princes of Donghan and ours. The proof is irrefutable.

You are overjoyed by the contents of the box.

This would be enough evidence to bring down the Crown Prince for sure!

Xiu Ying: Thank you so much, Chong. You've helped me out big time.

Murong Chong: It's my honor.

He changes his playful smile to a serious look.

Murong Chong: Are you sure you want to get involved in this power struggle? I'm worried.

Xiu Ying: [Close the box] It's not that. I don't want to get involved in this cesspool. Don't worry though. I won't dirty my own hands.

Murong Chong: [Frowns] I trust you won't. Don't hesitate to look for me if you need help later on. Either way, be careful.

Xiu Ying: I got nothing to worry about with you by my side.

You smile at each other. The friendship between you and Murong Chong will never change.

DUPLICITY

You pass the box that contains proof of the Crown Prince's collusion with the enemy to Yin Zhen.

Yin Zhen: [Takes a quick look] A great present as soon as we started to work together. I knew I can count on you.

Xiu Ying: It's best to be cautious though. His Majesty hates infighting. You should let someone else to present the evidence to the Emperor.

Yin Zhen: Don't worry about me.

Xiu Ying: I'm not.

Yin Zhen: Yeah right.

You roll your eyes. You didn't expect Yin Zhen to flick you so hard on the forehead though. It hurt so badly that it makes you tear up. You hold your forehead and look at Yin Zhen with tears.

Yin Zhen might have dashingly good looks, but he's only deserving of a beating now. You get on your toes and try to retaliate, but Yin Zhen presses down on your head and stops you instantly.

Yin Zhen: You dare to fight back?

Xiu Ying: There's something on you face, Your Highness, and I'm merely attempting to clean it off.

Yin Zhen: Sure. At least get strong enough before you try to fight back.

Yin Zhen leaves you to be angry on your own after he finishes making fun of you.