LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 76: The Coveting People

Shining Stars linger in the dark sky. Cross the curtain, the breeze touches your face and makes you sleepy.

Fu Heng: [Gentle] Sleep if you're tired. It will be a while fore we get there. I'll wake you when we do.

You mumble something and your head begins to nod, finally rocking to one side. Fu Heng notices your head is about to hit the side of the carriage and quickly shifts his weight, so your head land gently on his shoulder. You're so tired you don't even notice his act of kindness, and drift slowly off into the land of sleep.

Fu Heng: [Quietly] We're here. Do you want to keep sleeping?

Xiu Ying: [Nods with eyes closed] Okay, but not too long. Remember to wake me...

His voice grows fainter and you drift off again. The light in the carriage dim, softening your features. Fu Heng's gaze lingers on your face. When you open your eyes one hour has already passed. Worry seizes you.

Xiu Ying: Oh no! I've got to get back! Shi Lian will be worried!

You leap down from the carriage, run a couple of steps, then turn back and smile at Fu Heng.

Xiu Ying: Thank you Lord Fu Heng! Today was fun!

Fu Heng: [Embarrased cough] Don't mention it. I needed a change of scene anyway. Next time if you're feeling down, come find me.

When you wake the next day, Shi Lian appears to tell you the Empress Dowager has invited you to breakfast in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. When you arrived, the Dowager quickly takes you by the hand and leads you to a set. Outside the door a booming voice declares "His Majesty approaches!"

Emperor: [Quickly enters] Mother, your breakfast table is well provisioned, as always. Is there a place set for me?

Empress Dowager: Of course, Your Majesty. There is something I must discuss with you.

Xiu Ying: [Interjecting] Your Majesties are busy. Perhaps I should withdraw?

The Dowager places her hand on yours and smiles kindly.

Empress Dowager: Eat your breakfast, my dear. It's not a secret.

At her assurance you take your seat and start to eat, eyes downcast, hoping not to be noticed.

Emperor: What do you wish to discuss with me, Mother?

Empress Dowager: The Empress' throne stands empty. There is disquiet among the harem. Bad things keep happening, even their children are involved...

Emperor: [Looking at you] I heard about Qing'er poisoning. I have people looking into it. The culprit will be found.

Xiu Ying: [You decide not to mention the poison in the painting] It's not clear who the intended victim was-it could have been Qing'er or it could have been me.

Empress Dowager: Such things occur when a house has no mistress. The throne cannot remain empty.

Emperor: You are right. Is there anyone you have in mind?

Empress Dowager: I am old. Your Majesty. You should decide.

Emperor: [Deep in thought] There are certainly some suitable young women, but I need more time to consider it. What do you think?

You almost choke on your porridge as His Majesty turns to you.

Xiu Ying: [Coughing] Surely Your Majesty jests! How would I know? Everyone here has been very good to me. If I was to list all of their virtues, we'd be here all day.

Emperor: So crafty! You never give me a straight answer!

Xiu Ying: (Crafty? You think simpletons get invited to breakfast at the Dowager's table?!)

Empress Dowager: Leave the poor girl alone. If you've got some candidates in min, decide for yourself!

The Emperor laughs good-naturedly at her rebuke, and deftly changes the topic.
The matter of the Emperor choosing a wife will only cause trouble at court. The thought of it oppresses you, and you sigh deeply.

Ertai: What ails you, my Lady?

You turn around and see a handsome youth, dressed in courtly robes. It is Ertai, a newcomer to the court and current favorite of the Emperor.

Ertai: They say the Emperor will choose a new wife. Is it true?

Xiu Ying: [Sighing again] News travels fast in the palace. The walls have ears.

Ertai: I see. The Emperor has many concubines and new ones arrive every day. All of them would be his queen.

Xiu Ying: Pray tell me my Lord, who do you think will sit upon the throne?

Noble consorts are the highest ranking... But if you count worthy women, there are many candidates. Consort Rong For example...

Xiu Ying: [Thoughtful silence] Of the women who would be Empress, I can't say many of them are kind.

Ertai: [Faintly smiling] The Emperor does not need a kindly wife. He needs a strong wife who will restore order to his house.

Ertai makes a good point, but you're completely unconvinced. You have no idea who will occupy the Empress' throne- you just hope it's none of the women you've fallen out with.