The next morning Shi Lian brings you hot towels for your face and excitedly tells you all about the happenings the night before.
Shi Lian: The 6th Prince was attacked last night! He has quite a few bruises!
You'd had a bit to drink last night and had forgotten all about the incident, until Shi Lian mentioned it.
Xiu Ying: [Mumbling] He's got a good memory. I wish I'd kicked him now.
Shi Lian is sharp-eared and overhears your comment. She looks at you, her mouth open in astonishment, and nearly drop the bowl in her hands.
Shi Lian: Don't tell me, my Lady... YOU'RE the one who beat up the 6th Prince?
Seeing how alarmed she is, you try to explain yourself.
Xiu Ying: I didn't mean to hit him. Something set him off. If you were in my place, you would have done the same!
Just at that moment a eunuch appears at your doorway and invites you to breakfast in the Empress' palace.
Xiu Ying: [Touching your chin] So soon? How flattering.
Shi Lian: [Nervously] What can we do, my Lady? Go and ask the Empress Dowager for help?
You reassure Shi Lian, then calmly proceed to your meeting with the Empress in the Palace of Great Benevolence.
Queen Rong: [Smiling] There you are, My Lady. Come and join us.
At the breakfast table, the Empress appears poised and at ease, the Emperor looks solemn and regal, while the 6th Prince sits there glaring hatefully at you. He looks disheveled and is probably still feeling the effect of the wine the night before. You were concerned that his face would be black and blue, but actually he is only showing a few signs of the altercation. Fu Heng really knows his business, you reflect.
6th Prince: [Angrily] Last night you pushed me over, pressed me into the snow, and shoved snow in my mouth, did you not?
You have prepared some excuses and are about to open your mouth when the Empress interjects.
Queen Rong: [Reproachfully] Look at this slight girl. She would not have the strength to do as you say!
6th Prince: She had an accomplice! Speak up! Who was it?!
Emperor: Enough! You were drunk and fell over, now you want to place the blame on someone else. There isn't a scratch on you! Where's the proof?
The Emperor's anger clearly has an effect on the 6th Prince's confidence, but he persists.
6th Prince: I've got internal injuries! And my head hurts... not from drinking either. Xiu Ying attacked me! I remember seeing her last night! [Turning to you] Do you dare to deny it?!
Xiu Ying: Not at all. I did see you last night.
6th Prince: [Cold laughter] Ah-ha! So you admit it! Now tell the truth. If you don't...
The Emperor levels a dangerous look at the 6th Prince, and the threat dies on his tongue. You hesitate at first, and the speak reluctantly, as if you have no other choice.
Xiu Ying: 6th Prince wanted me to help him to a garden shed... I... I've never done anything like that before, so I ran.
6th Prince: [Standing] THAT IS A LIE!!!
Emperor: Cur! You dare to speak to a girl like that! Have you no shame?!
The 6th Prince falls to his knees to explain. Empress Rong places a hand on her husband's arm to restrain him, and levels a hard, cold gaze at her son.
Queen Rong: Fool! You drank too much and didn't know what you were saying. Take the 6th Prince away. Make him drink 4 bowls of hangover soup. Once he's sober, make him write out the Book of Rites ten times. Hopefully, THEN he will remember its contents.
Empress Rong finishes speaking and dismisses the prince with a wave of her hand. Looking disgruntled, he is left with choice but to withdraw.
Queen Rong: [Smiling in your direction] Are you satisfied with my decision, My Lady?
Xiu Ying: It was New Year's Eve. The 6th Prince was feeling merry and drank one too many flagons of wine. He's forgotten something and misremembered others. It's perfectly understandable.
Queen Rong: You don't hold it against him, I am pleased to see. Thank you.
The Empress was able to swallow her pride after you made baseless accusations against her son. You must play along too, and decide not to provoke her again.
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