LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 50: Talk in the Garden

The Crown Prince's self-torture ruse hit the nail on the head. The Emperor is so heartbroken that he decides to release the Crown Prince in no time. He also announces that the Crown Prince has not been colluding with the enemy, and instead was framed. Although you predicted this would happen a long time ago, still you get disappointed and angry after it comes true.

Xiu Ying: (Murong Chong's friend went through so much to get the proof, but it's now all a waste. I celebrated too soon.)

Just as you are feeling down though, Eunuch Gui brings news from Yin Zhen.

Eunuch Gui: Miss, the Fourth Prince invites you to the Imperial Garden tonight.

The night falls. Icy wind blows across the leaves, making them rustle. The lanterns of the Garden too. They wave with the wind, the shadows they cast shake and flicker.

Xiu Ying: This are is deserted. I've never been to such a remote area of the Imperial Garden before. It even seems to be colder than other places.

Yin Zhen: I feel cold too.

You turn around randomly and find him gazing at you.

Xiu Ying: [Holding tightly onto the heater] Are you going to take this from me? I can't. I'm too weak that I'll die from the cold.

Yin Zhen: [Scoffs] Do I look like someone who'd rob a heater from a girl?

Xiu Ying: [Alarmed] Yes, quite.

Yin Zhen shakes his head. He extend his arm suddenly, not towards the heater, but to your face. You shiver at the touch of his frozen fingertips. Yin Zhen then put his whole hand over your face, giving you goosebumps. You hop backwards. Yin Zhen starts laughing at your annoyed and scared expression. You raise your leg and try to step on Yin Zhen's toes. The next moment Yin Zhen already has you by the hand, and dodges it with ease.

Yin Zhen: [Laughs] Trying to step on me? Too bad.

Xiu Ying: [Throw away his hand in embarrassment] It's too cold!

Yin Zhen: I decide to stay here because it's quiet and away from people. Didn't think it'd be this cold though.

Seeing you humilated, Yin Zhen starts to get serious to make sure you don't blow up.

Xiu Ying: [Sighs] His Majesty still chose to trust the Crown prince. I guess you and the other princes are pretty irritated?

Yin Zhen: We're used to it. My father has always favored the Crown Prince. The most uselss and heinous one is also the most favored. Nobody would be happy about that.

Yin Zhen sounds calm, but you can guess that he was once resentful, helpless, and distraught. You know that the Emperor spoils the Crown Prince but you didn't think it has been going on for so long.

Xiu Ying: How does the Emperor just let go of something like collusion?

Yin Zhen: [Plays it off] The Crown Prince would know to hold back after all this. The key thing is, my father believes he can turn the Crown Prince onto the right path. [Laughs] You've worked with my father so long. You'd know, right?

Xiu Ying: He's decisive about everything but the Crown prince. He always wavers. So what do we do from here on?

Yin Zhen: We should force my father to be decisive for once.

Suddenly the noise of a cracking branch startled the night.

Xiu Ying: Someone's here!

You and Yin Zhen follow the noise, but the opponent reacts fast and runs. The lanterns in the walkway wave with the wind, and just so happens one shined enough light on her for you to recognize!

Xiu Ying: (It was Zhuxi! Just perfect.)

As the Crown Prince's personal guard, Zhuxi is quite strong. As it is still the palace, it would be impossible for Yin Zhen to follow too closely. Zhuxi escapes.

Xiu Ying: This teaches us that there could be ears in even the most desolate places.

Yin Zhen: Were you able to see who it was?

Xiu Ying: It was Zhuxi. She's probably running to the Crown Prince now telling him that we're conspiring.

Yin Zhen: Hey don't drag me into it.

Xiu Ying: Do you even hear what you are saying?

You both get lost in thought. Ji Yun appears in front of you two. He just finished meeting with the Emperor and is about to leave the palace.

Ji Yun: You two look like you need my help. Oh woe is me!