LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 96: Pray for the People

Stars twinkle brightly in the black firmament. Lantern of the waterside pavilions are reflected perfectly in azure waters. Several figures approach, breaking up the light.

Supervisor: Your Majesty, the stars have revealed a new message to us! It is certain. The Emperor Star that flashed and vanished ten years ago is about to reappear.

Emperor: I already asked the Imperial Physicians to visit the palace women. None are pregnant... so what can it mean?

Supervisor: Your Majesty, methinks a calamity is preventing it. The Emperor Star glimmers faintly and cannot show itself. If the Emperor Star does not show itself, it does not bode well for the kingdom. In that case, the star will become a bad omen. I urge you Majesty to attend to this matter!

Emperor: I understand. Ten years ago I was sorely disappointed. Ten years on, the Emperor Star cannot be allowed to fade again...

The wind buffets the bamboo, making the leaves rustle loudly overhead. The Emperor and his astrologers have just left the pavilion, when you arrive with Shi Lian carrying lanterns.

Xiu Ying: The breeze is very pleasant.

Shi Lian: [Grabbing your arm, voice wavering] My... my Lady... Look! Is... is that a GHOST?!!

Xiu Ying: What? A ghost?

You don't know what to make of Shi Lian's sudden alarm. All you can see is bamboo knocking together in the breeze.

Xiu Ying: [Patting the back of her hand] There, there. It's just the bamboo. There's no one there.

Shi Lian: [Nervously] It's gone now... But there really was a ghost!

Shi Lian look badly shaken. It makes you feel uneasy, so you take her by the elbow and lead her away from the pavilion. From behind you, you hear a familiar voice.

Fu Heng: What's happened? Are you okay?

Seeing Fu Heng's handsome features in the lamp light, you start to feel safe again.

Xiu Ying: It's the bamboo. It give Shi Lian a fright.

Fu Heng: I'll walk behind you. Let's go.

Holding the lamp up, you take Shi Lian by the hand and follow the winding path away from the pavilion. You take your time, knowing Fu Heng has your back.

COUNTY LADY YONGQING

You are on your way back to the Phoenix Hall after a pleasant morning of discussion in Shu Xian's chambers when your footsteps slow to a halt.

Shi Lian: My Lady, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, 4th Prince and 6th Prince are up ahead.

Xiu Ying: Let's go and pay our respects.

Shi Lian: My Lady, the Empress and 6th Prince are there too. It could be awkward.

Xiu Ying: Never mind. No point in hiding from them. Let's go over.

Gossamer silks wave languidly inside the square pavilion. You pass into the dappled light and kneel down in greeting.

Queen Rong: [Looking you up and down] My Lady! Please take a seat.

Taking your seat, you notice the Emperor's face looks very flushed. The two princes look solemn and are sitting formally in their places. You have walked into the middle of something.

Queen Rong: [Looking at you and speaking deliberately] Last nigh the Imperial Astrologers noticed a fluctuation in the stars- a possible bad omen. The Emperor is most concerned. Perhaps you have an idea that might help?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, what would I know of astrology? In any case, the country prospers, the people are at peace, the Emperor is wise and has the people's confidence. Not even the heavens can oppose that.

Xiu Ying: (Who doesn't like a bit of flattery every now and then, and besides, I'm pretty good at it... But it looks like this situation is quite serious.)

The mood in the room is very somber. You stare at the floor, trying to think of a way you can excuse yourself. Eventually Yin Zhen speaks, in his very measured way.

Yin Zhen: Your Majesty, perhaps you should send someone to pray at Mount Tianchi?

Emperor: Pray at Mount Tianchi?

Yin Zhen: Your father built an observatory on Mount Tianchi for burning incense. He said his prayers were always answered on the mountain. It's been over ten years since the court sent a delegation to pray on the mountain. Perhaps it is time for another one?

Emperor: [Expression thawing] It is true, I have overlooked this ritual. But whom should we send?

Not waiting for Yin Zhen's reply, the 6th Prince jumps in.

6th Prince: Your Majesty, allow me to go on your behalf!

Yin Zhen: It is a long way and you haven't completed the tasks already assigned to you. Do you have time to go to Mount Tianchi?

Queen Rong: [Joining in] The 4th Prince is right.

6th Prince: But...

Queen Rong: The Emperor knows you want to help, but your current duties are far more pressing. You cannot just abandon them.

The 6th Prince looks like he wants to keep objecting, but the Empress shakes her head almost imperceptibly and he is forced to stand down.

Yin Zhen: [Standing up and kneeling in front of the Emperor] Your Majesty, allow me to pray on Mount Tianchi for the people and the kingdom.

Emperor: [Smiling broadly] Very well! Go on my behalf and pray! Pray for my people!

You are raising a cup of tea to your lips when you notice Yin Zhen looking at you.

Yin Zhen: I think the The Village Lady should accompany me.

Xiu Ying: (What's he going on about and why's he mentioning my name? Mount Tianchi IS supposed to be rather beautiful though, and I wouldn't mind seeing it in person...)

Emperor: [Looking at you] Oh?

Yin Zhen: You see, Your Majesty, the Lady enjoys rare good fortune. She could be our lucky charm.

Xiu Ying: (What a load of nonsense!)

Emperor: Hm, yes. You make a good point, 4th Prince.

Xiu Ying: (And he's taking it seriously?!)

A thousand replies race through your mind, but the Emperor's gaze has already fallen upon you. You stand up and bow your head to wait for this command.

Emperor: [Smiling] This isn't a holiday, you know! This is a very serious mission and everything must be done correctly... I confer upon the title of Lady Yongqing and command you to pray beside the Prince for the well-being of my subjects.

Xiu Ying: [Kneeling gracefully] Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not fail you.

Queen Rong: [Giving you an indecipherable look] Congratulations, Lady Yongqing.

In a darkened passage outside the pavilion, 6th Prince finally gets a chance to ask his mother why she intervened.

6th Prince: Empress Mother, didn't you want me visit Mount Tianchi?

Queen Rong: And that such a bad thing?

6th Prince: To pray for the people and gain the Emperor's esteem... isn't that an enviable task?

Queen Rong: [Pausing then smiling mildly] Don't worry yourself about it. If 4th Prince wants to involve himself, let him.