LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 48: Desperate Situation

The weather is still cold. Plum blossoms become the jewel in the frozen air. You take a look at the white blossoms, and go towards the most luxurious palace in the Forbidden City. You received a call from the Queen today.

Xiu Ying: The handkerchief you ordered has been made. Please take a look, Your Highness.

The maid take your handkerchief to the Queen, who take a quick peek at it.

Queen: Pretty good. But still a long way from the embroiderers.

Xiu Ying: Naturally. My skills are nothing compared to the royal embroiderers.

Queen: Knowing oneself is the start towards improvement. You will get better from here on.

The Queen's words seem to have another meaning. Her gaze towards you is just as intense.

Xiu Ying: Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness.

Queen: There's no need to thank me. However, you should understand.

Queen: The reason I called for you, you must know it, right? Of course it isn't just for a handkerchief?

Xiu Ying: Please guide me, Your Highness. I must attend to His Majesty at the Hall of Mental Cultivation soon, and I must not be late or else I will anger His Majesty. Only when His Majesty is happy will I be able to put in a few good words for the Crown Prince.

Queen: Oh? You'd do that? You are the closest to His Majesty besides Eunuch Hai. We've yet to see you make a move.

A figure pops out from behind the screen just now. It should be the Crown Prince, who is supposedly under house arrest at the Eastern Palace.

Xiu Ying: (Having a Queen for a mother has its advantages indeed.)

You are about to speak, bu the Crown Prince cuts you off.

Crown Prince: No need to explain. It's understandable that you want to protect yourself. My father is still angry, and the whole thing is still muddled. No one would take side right now.

Xiu Ying: I understand that His Majesty trusts you most. Which is why I believe it's best to keep things slow right now. Otherwise it might actually cause more harm than good. I am sorry for creating such a misunderstanding.

The Crown Prince looks at you ominously as you speak.

Crown Prince: Fine. We shall not talk about this today. You keep saying that you want to repay me and do everything for me, but it's been so long already. What have you done so far?

Xiu Ying: Are you talking about the red report? I really wish to take it for Your Highness, but I just couldn't find an opportunity. Moreover, after the incident, it's become even more difficult...

Crown Prince: [Cuts you off] That's because you aren't really trying to help me. You think I can't see that?

The fierce and dark expression in his eyes looks exactly the same as the day he casted you to the Cold Palace in the past life. His gentle image has gone in a poof. The Crown Prince no longer has enough patience to give you warmth and kindness. You are almost overwhelmed, but you calm down quickly. This life will be different. You shall no longer make the same mistakes, and must take charge!

Xiu Ying: [Act scared] Your Highness, the heaven and earth shall be the proof of my loyalty to you.

Crown Prince: Okay, then show me how strong of a proof they can be. Tea in the palace isn't easy to swallow. Your life has long been out of your own hands.

The expression of shock and fear that you practiced countless times have successfully fooled the Queen and the Crown Prince. Still, the show isn't over yet. You must continue your act. The Queen still has her demure posture. She even puts on a smile. A smile that doesn't mean it at all.

Queen: Don't blame me. His Majesty trusts you, and you can either help the Crown Prince or stab him in the back. I must take precautions.

Crown Prince: [Coldly] I'll give you three days to bring me that report. Then, I'll give you the antidote.

Xiu Ying: [Shake head in tears] I really tried to help the Crown Prince, but the Hall of Mental Cultivation is tightly guarded, and I can't do it. I really can't.

Crown Prince: Then why would I keep you around?

The Crown Prince looks cold as ice as he speaks. Cold sweat runs down your back. You must act now.

Xiu Ying: [Kneel and beg] I shall not disappoint you, Your Highness.

Queen: [Gently] See, sometimes you have to force yourself to know that it's possible to accomplish a lot.

Xiu Ying: [Look to the Crown Prince] I am sincere to you, before, now, and forever.

You have practiced the skill to cry at any time to a long time. Your teary eyes make you look utmost vulnerable.

The Crown Prince softens his look a little.

Crown Prince: It'll be fine if you aren't useful to me. However, if you dare to harm me, then I will demolish you. Show me just how much you are willing to do for me. You may leave.

It's already evening by the time you leave the Queen's palace. The dim scenery of winter makes everything look like a mirage.