LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 88: The Destined End

When you first heard that Zhuang went crazy, you went to see her. She didn't appear to recognize you. She was all over the place, talking to herself, sometimes laughing hysterically, sometimes sobbing. You're not sure if her madness is real or feigned, but it's probably for the best because at least no one is going to kill a mad woman.

Finally, He Shen has an answer for you.

He Shen: The man they brought in was not Zhuang's childhood sweetheart. Her lover headed east, but was caught up in a flood. It's not clear if he's alive or dead.

According to He Shen, Zhuang and her lover experienced a difficult childhood and grew up depending on one another. After Zhuang was brought to the palace against her own will, the two kept in touch. Disaster befell her lover, but someone stepped in and saved him. Thereafter, he was in their debt. Everything she did after that time, she did to ensure his safety.

He Shen: [Frowning] The person who saved Zhuang's lover was Consort Rong's elder brother, the commander of the Nine Gates.

Xiu Ying: [Clenching fist] Consort Rong! So it was her!

He Shen: [Sighing] About this matter... I advised you to leave it alone. The storm has passed over. Consort Rong is unlikely to trouble you further.

You promise He Shen that you won't, but you feel very uneasy. Anger clouds your mind, and your steps moving faster and faster, as if chasing after someone. Shi Lian calls out to you. At the moment, you notice several figures up ahead. You stop in your tracks. It's Consort Rong. She's wearing brocade platform slippers and teetering elegantly along the path. At her side, a pretty maid holds her arm, laughing and making conversation. It is Lan Zhi.

Consort Rong: Where are you going in such hurry, my Lady?

Xiu Ying: Oh, good! I'm just out talking a walk... Isn't that Lan Zhi at your side, my old maid?

Consort Rong: It is! She's a clever girl. I enjoy her company very much.

Xiu Ying: I ought to congratulate you, my Lady, for finding such a capable companion.

Consort Rong: You have good people too. Zhuang made several attempts on your life, but each time you foiled her. You're very intelligent, but you couldn't have done it alone.

Xiu Ying: How right you are. They have taught me not to judge a book by its cover. The kindest face can conceal the greatest threat

Consort Rong: Good luck finding someone kind in this world, my Lady. Don't be so naive!

Consort Rong speaks lightly, as if joking about the weather. It makes your blood boil.

Xiu Ying: First, you tried to kill me with poisoned painting, but when I saw through that, you tried to implicate the 4th Prince, hoping I would accuse him. Your motive was simple - he is the 6th Prince's great rival. By setting them against each other, you thought to weaken both and strengthen your own position. But things didn't turn out like you planned - I didn't jump into the hole you dug for me. When the matter of the Emperor choosing a wife...

The Consorts face darkens with every sentence that you utter. Her friendly facade begins to falter.

Consort Rong: My Lady, do even you know what you are saying?

You ignore her and continue.

Xiu Ying: You threatened Zhuang's childhood sweetheart to get her to do your bidding, to eliminate me, to eliminate the Noble Consort, to eliminate anyone standing in your way of becoming the next Empress. With her childhood sweetheart under your control, Zhuang proved very compliant. Even when your scheme failed and she was discovered, she kept your secret and took all the blame on herself.

You lower your voice and you stare directly into her eyes. Her troubled look is replaced by a calm smile.

Consort Rong: Cool story, sis... if you can prove it...

Xiu Ying: [Interjecting] You're right. It IS a good story.

You might not have cornered Consort Rong completely, but at least you gave her a piece of your mind and something to stew over in the days to come.

THE NEW EMPRESS

It is the end of autumn and the Emperor's choice for Empress has been finalized. It came as no surprise to anyone - of course, he chose Consort Rong. You hurry along the Long Corridor, past the red and yellow foliage drifting through the courtyards. You feel like a leaf these days, always moving, always restless.

Shi Lian: The Noble Consort is ahead. She sounds displeased. Do you want to take another path?

Shi Lian breaks your train of thought. Looking ahead, you see the familiar sight of the Noble Consort blowing her top. For some reason, it lifts your spirits. Since losing out to the lower ranked Consort Rong, Noble Consort has been in a foul mood. All the ladies have been avoiding her, though clearly not carefully enough. Her unfortunate target is the newly arrived Noble Lady Chun, a humble, self-effacing woman whose presence has brought new life to the palace. You have a good impression of Noble Lady Chun and decide to approach her.

Noble Consort: Still meddling in other people's business, My Lady?

Xiu Ying: Is something the matter, my Lady? Eunuch Shun just told me the Emperor is attending a music recital. Do you wish to join us? Though as the Emperor observed, the ability of the musicians is no match for you, my Lady...

Noble Consort: I haven't played since the last time Emperor scolded me for my poor playing. It seems like he remembers it differently.

When the Noble Consort hears the Emperor remembers her music fondly, she forgets all about Noble Lady Chun. She sends someone to fetch her lute and hurries to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Noble Lady Chun: [Falling in quietly beside you] I should thank you, my Lady, for your timely appearance.

Xiu Ying: [Mischievous look] It will cost you, my Lady. They say your needlework is very fine. Perhaps you could give me some pointers sometime?

Noble Lady Chun smiles and agrees, and you continue walking side by side, laughing and chatting.