LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 93: Give up

Leaving the Palace of Great Benevolence, snow has begun falling, drifting like willow leaves and it landed on your shoulders. A black figure appears up ahead. As the figure gets closer you see it is Fu Heng, worry carved all over his features. He is hurrying, but slows down when he sees you.

Fu Heng: Are you okay? It's all my fault. I lost my temper.

Xiu Ying: [Smiling] Lord Fu Heng, I thought you were on duty today? Won't you get into trouble?

He gives you a slightly alarmed look. You look back at him forthrightly.

Xiu Ying: You thought I would be punished? Relax. I'm fine.

Fu Heng: That's a relief. I thought I got you into trouble.

Xiu Ying: [Shaking head] Lord Fu Heng. I must say I was quite surprised by your action last night.

You always thought Fu Heng was a righteous man. You never imagined he could do such a thing... but the fact he would do that for you does give you a warm feeling inside. You look at him sincerely, but your direct look makes him feel slightly awkward, and he lowers his head.

Fu Heng: I should be getting back.

Xiu Ying: Take care. Don't get caught, after all, you're official on duty!

Fu Heng: I'll be fine, if you keep your voice down a bit... Kidding! I got permission.

Once Fu Heng has gone, you drop into a few palaces to wish them a Happy New Year. Just as you're about to head back to the Phoenix Hall, a maid stops you.

Maid A: Greeting, my Lady. I am from the Noble Consort's palace. She is about to visit the plum blossoms and has asked for your company.

Hearing her, you look up to the sky. The snow is getting heavier and a freezing wind picks up.

Xiu Ying: (Plum blossoms? Visit the snow drifts more like it.)

The Noble Consort does not do things without a reason. The Noble Consort has grown increasingly despondent following Consort Rong's coronation. She has requested to meet you several times recently, but each time you have turned her down because you know she just wants to ask for your advice. You can't keep declining her invitations though, so you fall in behind the maid and follow her to the garden. On the way you think about how best to dissuade the Noble Consort from inviting you again.

Noble Consort: I didn't expect it to snow! Come inside, quickly!

The Noble Consort hurries over and quickly places a little heater in your freezing hands. She take you by the arm and leads you into the pavilion.

Xiu Ying: Thank you for inviting me! Actually there is something I want to talk to you about.

Noble Consort: Really? What is it? Here, have some tea and warm yourself up.

You raise the cup to your lips and smell the tea, taking a moment to craft what you will say. When you finally speak, you do so hesitantly.

Xiu Ying: [Hesitating] Lately, I fear the Empress has developed a very poor opinion of me. You have heard about that business with the 6th Prince, I suppose...

Noble Consort: The 6th Prince? Yes, I heard. But didn't the Emperor put a stop to it?

Xiu Ying: He did, but the 6th Prince lost his face that day and the Empress will not be pleased. I am afraid she will want revenge.

Noble Consort: But you cannot be blamed for what happened. The Emperor made that very clear.

Xiu Ying: [Sighing] Of course the Empress and 6th Prince cannot hate the Emperor for what happened, so all their resentment will be transferred to me. There's nothing that can be done about it, I'm afraid. Then there were things that happened between us when the Empress was still Consort Rong - bad blood you could call it. That's why I think she's out to get me.

Noble Consort: [Hesitating] I don't think that's the case?

The Noble Consort looks slightly rattled. She has lived many years in the palace, and knows Empress Rong's character well. What you describe is well within the realms of possibility.

Xiu Ying: I'm not making it up. I've got a strong feeling about it. Every night, I get nightmares about her coming after me. Can you help me, sister?

Noble Consort: Well... I think... you might be mistaken?

Xiu Ying: I hope you're right. But what I really need is your protection.

Noble Consort: I'm in precarious position too. You just need to be a bit careful, that's all. And you have the Empress Dowager to fall back on...

Xiu Ying: [Nodding] Oh yes, what was it you wanted to talk to me about today?

Noble Consort: Oh it was nothing really. Let's drink tea and wait for it to stop snowing.

You smile sadly, pick up your cup an watch the snow gently falling. If you were to give the Noble Consort advice on regaining the Emperor's favor and smoothing things over the Empress, she'd have to help protect you from the Empress, which is a deal she does NOT want to make. The Noble Consort is not a complicated woman, and easy to outmaneuver.