The time at the summer palace is relaxing and leisurely. You have the freedom to do what you want. As you walk along the lake today, you hear people fighting up ahead.
7th Prince: Yin Zhen! What exactly are you up to? Why did you let eleven out?
Yin Zhen: [Coldly] All of us brothers prayed hard for our father when he feigned his illness during the Former Crown Prince's plan to murder him. Eleven was arrested but he still prayed for father, and copied sutras with his own blood. Father was touched when he found out.
7th Prince: I don't know how eleven found out, but I do know that you are the one who told father what eleven did!
Yin Zhen: It was me, because even I was moved.
7th Prince: [Angry] Just look at what you've done! Eleven is released and father even let him stay at the summer palace. It's all your fault!
Yin Zhen: And what's wrong with that?
Yin Zhen suddenly raises his head as though he was alarmed. He stares right at you. You are caught! While the 7th Prince is still scolding Yin Zhen, Yin Zhen's eyes move away from the 7th Prince and onto you. He even puts on a lazy smile.
7th Prince: Yin Zhen! Are you even listening to me? Why are you smiling?
You drag Shi Lian away just in case the 7th Prince turns and sees you.
Shi Lian: I heard too today that the 11th Prince was released and sent here. A lot of people thought the 11th Prince would never come back from this, so they kicked him while he was down. Now they are scared of retaliation.
Xiu Ying: This story tells us to never kick someone while they're down, unless they are already dead.
The Emperor sends someone to invite you over for chess as soon as you and Shi Lian get back. Yet Consort Rong is there too.
Consort Rong: [Smiles] I am not match for Your Majesty. How about letting the new lady and I have a round?
Emperor: [Grins] Picking on a little girl?
Consort Rong: I just feel that much younger when I am with a young girl. How about it?
Xiu Ying: If you wish to, then I shall oblige.Though I am sure that you'll be victorious. I'm far too unskilled. The Empress Dowager too thought I was horrible. Even so, I will do my best.
You sit across from Consort Rong gracefully. She smiles after being a bit shocked. A little eunuch rushes in with hesitant look as you play with Consort Rong.
Emperor: Just tell is straight.
Eunuch: Your Majesty, the princes are fighting. I'm afraid they'll get physical if it keeps up...
Emperor: [Furious] Preposterous! Princes, fighting in public? What are they fighting over?
Eunuch: [Scared] It's about the 11th Prince's return. Some of the princes were resentful, and the 11th Prince just happens to overhear...
Consort Rong: [Sighs] The princes are not children any more, but they still act like it. Grab the 6th Prince here!
Eunuch: Your Highness, the 6th Prince is studying. He's not involved in it.
You almost want to applaud Consort Rong. You don't believe that Consort Rong didn't know that the 6th Prince is involved. You even suspect that the 6th Prince was the mastermind. The 7th Prince's temperament is similar to the 11th Prince. Both are easy to anger and easy to manipulate.
Xiu Ying: (It's probably the 6th Prince that egged on the 7th Prince to do this.)
Emperor: Bring them here now! If they must fight, do it in front of me!
Consort Rong: Relax Your Majesty. The Prince do care about fame. If you drag them back like this, a lot of people are going to see them. Send someone over to mediate. There should be no hate between brothers, and cooperation is the way to go. Right, new lady?
You get alarmed by Consort Rong's sudden mention.
Xiu Ying: Consort Rong is right. The Consort is virtuous, and the princes should be able to listen to her.
Consort Rong: I tend to get soft with the princes. It's not going to be a good idea. Why not send the new lady to the job. What do you think, Your Majesty?
So that's what she's been planning.
Xiu Ying: I'm far too young and ignorant for mediating such things, my lady.
Consort Rong: That's the point. Your youth will make them pamper you. Furthermore, you are like their sister now. They should be a good example for little sister.
Emperor: Consort Rong is correct. Something ridiculous as this is not what I want to meddle with. You go mediate.
You accept as there is no way you can say no.
Emperor: Cooperation between brothers is what I wish to see. I was truly by how the 4th pleaded for the 11th son. Their filial piety though ended up in such a disaster.
The more serious the Emperor thinks of this incident, the more pressured you get. Consort Rong gives you a warm smile, but if feels frozen to you.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
