LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 79: The Well-prepared Enemy

ANOTHER TRAP

The incident robs you of your appetite, so when lunch is served you just sit there staring blankly at the bowls. Shi Lian followed Eunuch Yin when he was taken to the Stewardess. It is already late when she returns.

Shi Lian: The Stewardess is truly terriying, but Eunuch Yin said nothing more. It appears Eunuch Yin really doesn't know that much. Whoever it is, they are determined to hurt you!

Xiu Ying: We must leave no stone unturned.

Shi Lian: Lan Zhi saved your life, Eunuch Yin said the powder would only upset your stomach, but the Doctor had it tested... Turns out it was a fatal poison!

Xiu Ying: [Thinking for a moment] Find a pretext. I want Lan Zhi out of here.

Shi Lian is clearly surprised by your remark.

Shi Lian: [Shocked] But she saved you... Do you think she's involved?

Xiu Ying: Like I said, I don't believe in coincidences. Don't you think it's strange she didn't confront Eunuch Yin about the poison in the kitchens, but waited until she got here?

But seeing you don't have proof one way or the other, getting her out of here is probably the best course of action.

Shi Lian: Very well. Better safe than sorry.

NOBLE INVITATION

The following day you are unrilling a parchment to practice your calligraphy when the Noble Consort's invitation arrives.

Shi Lian: The Noble Consort says she's feeling a little bored and would appreciate your company. Shall I make your excuses, My Lady?

Shi Lian remembers how badly the Noble Consort treated you when you first arrived and suspected she is up to something.

Xiu Ying: I might excuse myself this time, but how about next time, and the time after? Such invitations are an unavoidable part of palace life. Don't worry Shi Lian, I'll be careful.

You quickly comb your hair, fix your makeup and proceed to the Imperial Gardens. To you surprise, the Noble Consort is already waiting for you.

Noble Consort: [Smiling] You grow lovelier with every day that passes, My Lady. Any man who takes you as a wife should count themselves very lucky.

Following the 6th Prince's insincere proposal, you find her words slightly unsettling. Judging by her tone though, she seems genuinely impressed.

Xiu Ying: (The Noble Consort must be arranging a wife for the 7th Prince, or maybe I am flattering myself.)

You maintain a demure smile and hold your tongue.

Noble Consort: I'm going to stir crazy in here. Would you care to join me in a game chess?

Xiu Ying: I'm not an accomplished player, but it would be my pleasure to join you.

The chess game is set up in the pavilion and you take you seats either side of the board. The Noble Consort seems distracted.

Noble Consort: So much has happened lately. I heard someone even tried to poison you.

Xiu Ying: [Sighing] Indeed. I must have offended someone very badly.

Noble Consort: The fact is such things wouldn't happen if the Emperor's house was properly managed. Don't you agree?

As you suspected, the devious Noble Consort wants to discuss the matter of the Emperor's new wife with you. Perhaps she tasted blood last time you gave her some advice and thought she'd try it again. She twirls the chess piece around between her fingers and impatiently puts it back down.

Xiu Ying: You're right, my Lady. Many feel emboldened by the current situation and ought to be taught a lesson. Your ladyship is swift and decisive in action. The Emperor's household would benefit greatly from your governance.

The Noble Consort is clearly pleased by your remarks and warms to you greatly. All you can think about is how you're going to extricate yourself from this awful mess. She is about to speak when a eunuch indicated that Concubine Zhuang is approaching.

Concubine Zhuang: [Smiling] What a beautiful day! I thought I might step out for some air. I never expected to find you two ladies here!

Noble Consort: [Impatiently] We are playing a game of chess. Please don't interrupt your walk on our account.

Concubine Zhuang: My legs grow weary. I shall rest here a moment and enjoy the spectacle of a game of chess well played.

Concubine Zhuang is not normally so tactless. You've got a bad feeling about this. You don't believe for one second that Concubine Zhuang's arrival in the gardens was by chance. You've got to figure out how to get out of here.