Somehow you have been dragged into a mission to Mount Tianchi, but you don't mind too much when you think of how beautiful it looks in the paintings. It is early summer. Dawn mists cloak the party waiting outside the palace. You scan the faces of those present. Your eye falls on Yin Zhen, who looks resplendent on his horse.
Xiu Ying: [Smiling] Good Morning, 4th Prince.
Yin Zhen: Your smile doesn't seem that friendly.
Xiu Ying: No? Well it is! It's thanks to you that I got this chance to see Mount Tianchi.
His eyes flash dimly. He smiles slightly and his eyebrows are raised in amusement.
Xiu Ying: (I think I get it. Yin Zhen takes pleasure from the discomfort of others, watching them swallow their resentments and ingratiate themselves because they have no choice... It is my discomfort that give him pleasure.)
You humph quietly to yourself, and take Shi Lian's hand as she helps you up into the carriage. A commotion behind you attracts your attention.
Xiu Ying: [Surprised] Is that... 3rd Prince, 7th Prince and 11th Prince?
Three figures approach; one grim with elegant gold-rimmed spectacle sitting on the bridge of his nose, one sleepy-eyed and scowling, one sullen and impatient.
Xiu Ying: (None of them look pleased to be here. They have been commanded against their will.)
Yin Zhen: See? The Emperor places great importance on this venture. We cannot fail.
You're not sure why, but you feel Yin Zhen's words contain a hidden meaning.
Yin Zhen: What are you gawping at? Get in the carriage! You'll meet them again shortly, when they get in after you.
Ignoring Yin Zhen's slight smirk, you roll your eyes and climb into the carriage.
Mount Tianchi is a popular destination, but the road is very hard going, passing a long many rugged mountain paths. All the jolting upsets Shi Lian's stomach, and she jumps out of the carriage to vomit several times a day.
Shi Lian: [Leaning against a tree, tears in her eyes] Sorry my Lady. I'm no use to you like this... BLEEEEARGH!!...
Shi Lian: [Worried] My Lady! I'm fine! I can keep up!
Yin Zhi is right. The astrologers determined the best day for the ceremony before you left. You've got to make it to Tianchi before that day.
Yin Zhi: [Coldly] If you delay us further, your mistress may not be able to perform her duty. Is that what you want?
Yin Zhi's wording causes Shi Lian's objection to catch in her throat. She hesitates. Do you want to send her back to the capital, or let her remain?
Xiu Ying: Shi Lian, I really want to see Mount Tianchi with you, but I'm afraid you won't cope with the journey well. How about you return to the capital and wait for me there?
Shi Lian: [Nodding bravely] As you say, my Lady. I'll wait for you in the capital. Please take good care of yourself.
Xiu Ying: Don't worry. We have so many guards. I'll be fine. [Walking quickly towards Yin Zhi] 3rd Prince, can you organize a reliable person to escort Shi Lian back to the capital?
You look into his indifferent eyes for a few moments. He turns and speaks.
Yin Zhi: Bring her this way.
Yin Zhi organizes a dependable man who helps Shi Lian into a carriage. They depart the way you came. You wave goodbye to Shi Lian. You watch the carriage disappear down the track, and turn to thank Yin Zhi, but he is no longer there.
Xiu Ying: Huh? Where's the 3rd Prince gone?
7th Prince: Most excellent. You gave that cold fish brother of mine the pleasure of helping someone.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
You can't see Yin Zhi anywhere, but 7th Prince has appeared by your side and is making cynical observations. You turn and smile at him.
Xiu Ying: Come, come now. You're not jealous are you, 7th Prince?
You got up and leave, but he reaches out a hand towards you. You slip away, and the next second someone grabs his hand.
Yin Zhen: Brother, what are you doing?
7th Prince: [Pulls back his hand and laughs harshly] I just wanted another word with the Lady, brother. What are you worried about?
Yin Zhen: I'm not worried. I just came over to remind you, the ceremony is going to be held soon. We cannot delay any further.
7th Prince: You think I don't know that?! I still want a word with the Lady... My Lady, you are very capable. A number of my brothers are quite enamored of you.
Xiu Ying: Is that right? I wouldn't know about it; but I suppose you despise me, 7th Prince?
He regards you for several seconds, as if he's never met anyone so annoying in his whole life, then turns and walk away. You tried to speak to Yin Zhen, but he turned away.
