The Emperor finally did justice about the Former Crown Prince. His actions comforted the ministers and the People. Still, the Emperor falls depressed. After all, he executed his own son. You see the Emperor working hard again on the documents today, so you go up to comfort him.
Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, you've been working far too hard on official court business. It'd be a good idea to take a break.
Emperor: True. I am a bit tired.
Xiu Ying: Flowers are blooming in the Imperial Garden. Why not go for a walk?
It's the season where the birds sing. The Emperor agrees and goes to the Garden. The late spring sun isn't scorching yet. The branches that have rested for a whole winter now grown dense. The shades they cast bring a hint of coolness. The Emperor walks with huge burden.
Xiu Ying: (Looks like the Former Crown Prince has traumatized the Emperor. The Emperor's plan to end the Queen's clan eventually involved the Former Crown Prince, but I supposed the Emperor never wanted to take his life.)
You hear yangqin playing in a distance just now. Your eyes fidget.
Emperor: Go find out who's playing the yangqin?
You obey the order and go through the path filled with blooming flowers. A pavilion between the flowers houses a majestic figure that you're too familiar with. The song stops as she sees you.
Noble Consort: Oh it's only you. Where's His Majesty?
Xiu Ying: [Reminding] Your Grace, it might be a bad time for this song...
Noble Consort: A bad time? What do you know? His Majesty loves this song, and loves it when I play. Where is he?
Xiu Ying: (Seems that the 7th Prince temperament is identical to his mother, this Noble Consort. Too direct and naive? Or too brainless?)
Emperor: [Walking over] What are you doing playing music here?
Noble Consort: [Smiles coyly] Your Majesty, it's been a long time since you visited the back palace. I'm playing music here because I miss you.
Emperor: [Angry] The palace has met such a tragedy. I'm worried sick and you're just casually playing music? Take her yangqin away and burn it!
The Emperor turns mad and the Noble Consort turns pale. She now suddenly realizes her mistake.
Noble Consort: Your Majesty, I didn't do it on purpose. I'm only playing because I miss you. I have learned my mistake. Sire, that's the yangqin you gifted me...
Emperor: [Unphased] It wouldn't be the yangqin I burn if I don't still treasure you. What are you standing around for?
You take the instrument against your will. The Emperor has already left.
Noble Consort: [Clenching teeth] Former Crown Prince had it coming, but His Majesty is still sad about it.
Xiu Ying: Your Grace. The oldest prince died early, and the Former Crown Prince was born when His Majesty was still a prince. For a long time he was the only son, and that kind of bond is incomparable.
Xiu Ying: You have to let it go ma'am. At least for the 7th Prince.
Noble Consort: [Calms down] Thanks for reminding me.
You don't really want to help her. After all, she had picked on you before. Yet in this deep palace, everything is to be feared. But the Noble Consort doesn't really pose any threat. There's nothing wrong with a short conversation.
Noble Consort: So tell me, how do I get His Majesty to forgive me?
You are not really the helper type. The Noble Consort has always been really bossy. Her current displeasure gives you an idea.
Xiu Ying: His Majesty is still angry. Please be patient. Shu Xian is quite skilled with horticulture. Why don't you prepare some plants suited to the capital's temples, and donate them as a prayer to the people and the palace? (She won't let me go if I don't give her something to work with. Might as well help Shu Xian with the same idea.)
Noble Consort: Good call. I'll go with what you said. I'll remember your help.
Xiu Ying: (I'd be thrilled if you stop picking on me.)
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