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The summer mornings aren't yet too hot. You and He Shen each have a bowl of green bean soup as you study.
He Shen: You have been studying really hard lately!
Xiu Ying: Just don't want to disappoint the teacher's effort is all. (Obviously. I had all my attention on revenge before, and now that's over with, I can finally concentrate on studying.)
He Shen: Then copy the contents of this lesson ten more time, and I'll be even less disappointed.
You suddenly give him a painful look, making the gentlemanly He Shen laugh.
He Shen: Anything beside not being a disappointment?
Xiu Ying: Prepare for the day I retire and leave the palace. It's a good idea to be somewhat literate once I'm outside.
He Shen: You are already thinking about retirement. His Majesty would treat you well. He really relies on you.
Xiu Ying: I'd be more than happy to just retire in safety.
He Shen: You changed quite a lot after the Former Crown Prince incident. You had a goal back then. Like a calling that makes you strong and brave. Now you will be even better, because I can feel that you are living without a burden.
TROUBLE OCCURS
After conversing with He Shen, you do feel less stressed and more homesick. You feel like bringing your thoughts to your parents, so you begin writing to them.
Eunuch Hai: So here you are, miss.
Xiu Ying: Eunuch Hai, what's the matter? Who's serving His Majesty now?
Eunuch Hai: The 6th Prince is at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, talking about you. Do you know what's going on?
Eunuch Hai's words makes you dumbfounded and uncomfortable. Your eyes twitch from a bad premonition.
Xiu Ying: What does the 6th Prince say about me?
Eunuch Hai: [Sighs] I guess you really don't know. He's asking the Emperor for your hand in marriage!
You are thunderstruck. You stare at the anxious Eunuch Hai and cannot react.
Xiu Ying: He wants to marry me? I barely know him! Why?
Eunuch Hai calms down a little as he sees you are not lying.
Eunuch Hai: If you barely know him, then perhaps his proposal might not really be about you.
You know well what he meant by that. The 6th Prince is not there for you, but your connection with the Emperor.
Eunuch Hai: Still, you must talk to the Emperor about it.
Xiu Ying: [Goes outside] I'll go check it out.
You see the 6th Prince walking out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation proudly. He even gives you a smile when he sees you. You bow as a routine courtesy. The 6th Prince doesn't seem to mind, and walks to you.
6th Prince: [Looks at Eunuch Hai] I guess you know. My father is thinking about it, but I'm sure he will be happy to hear your thoughts.
Xiu Ying: I am a lowly maid. It is not something I am capable of.
6th Prince: You are smart, kind, and hardworking. Those are what drawn me to you.
Seems the 6th Prince isn't just reserved, but fake too. You don't believe a word he says.
Xiu Ying: [Coldly] Thank you for your praise.
6th Prince: You're welcome. That's how you really are to me.
You calm your goosebumps as the prince laughs and walks away. All you ever wanted was to stay in peace until retirement, but things are never going your way.
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