You have an appointment at the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. On the way, you realize you've left something behind. You wait on the path while Shi Lian goes back to get it. Winter's coming to an end and warm sunlight spills into the clearing. You're about to take a little walk when the sound of a dog barking reaches you, making you flinch. The Noble Consort mostly keep her dog Blackie inside these days. Besides, it sound like a much bigger dog. The barking gets louder. The dog is accompanied by several man. The dog is on a chain held by 11th Prince. The 6th Prince, 7th Prince, and other princes are also present. They all seem relaxed and are chatting happily.
7th Prince: Hey! Isn't that the lady?
You take a step back and bow politely, turning to leave, but not before the 6th Prince calls out to you.
6th Prince: Where are you running off too? We're on our way to the Imperial Gardens. Here - take this dog back to the kennels.
He must have seen how scared you are of the dog and decided to make you take it.
Xiu Ying: 6th Prince, dogs scare me. How about asking one of your companions to take the dog back?
6th Prince: Don't be scared. 11th Prince's dog doesn't bite anyone. It's well-trained. How about I send someone with you?
The 11th Prince hands his dog over to the 6th Prince's young eunuch, who smiles at you wickedly.
6th Prince: Take care of the dog, or the 11th Prince will be angry.
It can't be that simple. But if I go along with it, I'll end up getting mauled by that dog. Ah well, there's nothing for it. Once the princes disappear out of sight, you turn tail and flee, as fast as you can. Sure enough the eunuch comes after you, with the dog barking at your heels.
Xiu Ying: (Where the hell is everyone?!)
This corner of the palace is very quiet. The dog's barking echoes endlessly off the walls. Cold sweat covers you face, and you're having trouble thinking straight. Instincts are guiding your legs. Suddenly a half-open door to a small courtyard comes into view.
Xiu Ying: Salvation!
You fly through the door and slam the door behind you. Panting heavily, you drive your back up against the door, as the eunuch's hound bays madly outside.
Yin Zhi: Who are you? Get out!
A gruff sounding male voice addresses you from behind. You turn quickly to see a man wearing fox skins and holding a book, resting against a door frame. He has a strong, handsome face with a square jawline. Elegant gold-rimmed spectacles sit on the bridge of his aristocratic nose, and he peers at you through the lenses with dark, penetrating eyes.
Xiu Ying: 3rd Prince, I'm...
Yin Zhi: Oh, it's you. I remember. What are you doing here? Do you have permission to be here?
Xiu Ying: Sorry 3rd Prince, I didn't know you were here. I just ran in to escape that dog...
As if on cue, the dog starts barking again. You jump in fright, away from the door.
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Yin Zhi: It's only a dog. What are you afraid of?
You give him you best 'sad puppy' eyes. Yin Zhi was thought to be the most serious of all the princes, but today proves he's not completely without a heart.
Yin Zhi: Leave the moment the dog has gone.
[Sad puppy eyes] That's not very friendly of you.
Yin Zhi: If you don't like it, you can leave.
Xiu Ying: [Quickly shaking head] I'll leave the moment the dog has gone!
Yin Zhi : I like it quiet. Don't touch anything.
The little courtyard is very simple; however, the endless rows of books and tables stacked with strange and beautiful objects lend it a certain charm. Despite the clutter, there isn't a single speck of dust... and mostly important, no sign of any palace staff anywhere. Not daring to speak, you wander around quietly... and although many objects pique your interest, you dare not pick them up for a closer look.
Xiu Ying: (You know what he's like. He's a man of his word, and will throw you out on your ear if you do.)
Yin Zhi: [Looking up] The dog has gone. You can go now.
Xiu Ying: [Listening carefully] Okay, I'll go. Thanks for letting me stay, my Lord.
You're about to step out when the door swings towards you and a man with a mustache steps into the room. You are standing inches away from each other and are both very surprised.
Yin Zhi: Zhang Tingyu, just in time. Escort her home, would you?
Xiu Ying: Lord Zhang... No, no. I can manage.
Yin Zhi: The dog may not have gone far. I don't want you coming straight back again.
Zhang Tingyu: [Laughing] It's a rare treat to see the 3rd Prince being so civil! Allow me to take you home.
The suggestion that the dog might not have gone far has got you spooked, so you gladly accept the kind offer and leave with Zhang Tingyu.
Zhang Tingyu: You must have wonderful manners for the 3rd Prince to treat you so kindly.
Xiu Ying: (The 3rd Prince is not a fearsome as everybody says. He's actually quite a nice person, just a bit different, that's all.)
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