Something so miniscule to you becomes such a massive hit to the others. It's unbelievable. Still, you come up with an idea to cut all possibilities of them bonding with you.
Xiu Ying: Since all the ladies want to meet up with me, then let's all meet together.
That's the idea in your mind, but you didn't explain it to anyone. You agree to meet with all of them, but at the same location: Clearwater Pavilion at the Imperial Garden.
Hui Xin: [Worried sick] I think you're playing with fire.
Xiu Ying: Playing with fire is my forte.
Clearwater Pavilion turns a warm orange color during dusk. Warm breeze across the lotus pond paints a lively scene of dancing leaves. It's made somewhat hilarious by the group of girls looking at one another dumbfounded. You appear through the path in the woods at this time, perfectly formal and composed. You greet the ladies with perfect manners.
Concubine Zhuang: What do you mean by that?
Xiu Ying: The Imperial Garden during dusk is such a heavenly sight. Thanks to the ladies that I, a simple maid, could indulge in such scenery. It's quite the coincidence that all of us want to enjoy ourselves today. As ordered by the Empress Dowager, I gathered everyone here.
If you used the Emperor's name it might have caused some problems, since all of them want to see him and would fight for the opportunity. But you used the Empress Dowager. The ladies are not amused. They give each other looks of impatience.
Consort A: Are you playing us?
Xiu Ying: I dare not, my lady. I serve His Majesty at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. It would make him happy to see the ladies working together peacefully.
Consort A: Where is His Majesty then? How would he see us together if he's not here?
The consort started a whole chain of complaints from everyone. Most of them are just low-rank ladies, and higher ranked ones like Consort Rong have no intention to join them. Rather they stand and watch you.
Xiu Ying: I invited everyone here on behalf of Empress Dowager. Her Highness also has something to give to everyone.
The ladies stare silently at the gifts given to them, "Proper Women Etiquette" book.
Xiu Ying: The Empress Dowager requests that all the ladies copy the book, so she can select the one with the best handwriting to send to all the palaces. His Majesty would be very pleased when he finds out.
You are unmoved by all the looks of anger. Their plan to get closer to the Emperor through you backfired, and now they have to copy a book. It's unclear if the Emperor will be pleased, but the ladies sure aren't.
Concubine Zhuang: I heard that you helped out Shu Xian and the Noble Consort?
Xiu Ying: [Calmly] Yes. I am the maid with the Hall of Mental Cultivation. I follow what His Majesty says.
Concubine Zhuang: [Laughs coldly] Just you remember.
Consort Rong: [Cuts in] Now the old queen is gone. There's no one to greet properly anymore. It's been a while since we girls had a nice talk.
"The old queen is gone". Those words are surprisingly effective at pleasing everyone. People try to hide their smirk. You put on a hard-to-acquaint persona today, and told them clearly that you are with the Hall of Mental Cultivation. It'll cause a lot of discontent among many ladies, but it's better than being caught up in their business later.
You see the 14th Prince as soon as you exit the path away from the Clearwater Pavilion. He smiles like he's been waiting for you. Should you go ask him what's going on? You think about it a little, and decide to talk to him.
Xiu Ying: What are you doing here, prince?
14th Prince: Waiting for you.
Xiu Ying: Why didn't you go to Clearwater Pavilion?
14th Prince: [Smiling] That's because I don't want to be seen. You are so cold. I was only afraid that I might be hurt.
Xiu Ying: Quite funny. I'm just doing my job.
14th Prince: It was a good move, but I'm afraid the ladies won't be off you that easily.
You think back to Consort Rong who changed the subject at the last moment, and frown.
Xiu Ying: Thanks for reminding me. I believe as long as I keep doing what I should be doing, nobody would hurt me that easily.
14th Prince: Just look for me if I can be of assistance. Especially when you're feeling down. I'm really good at making girls happy.
The 14th Prince's flirtatious remark makes you laugh and clears your mind. I'll just have to take whatever comes my way then!
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