By the time you reach Mount Tianchi it is already summer. The shady trees on the top of Mount Tianchi provide the weary party with welcome relief. The grand ceremony lasted for three days and three nights and has finally drawn to a close. Before long the whole kingdom will be talking about it.
Xiu Ying: (Yin Zhen might not be a good company, but you have to admit he knows how to get things done.)
Yin Zhen: Are you watching me?
The rituals and sacrifices have ended and Yin Zhen is wrapping things up. He's very thorough. You stand to one side, watching him and daydreaming. His question brings you to your senses.
Xiu Ying: What? Me? What rubbish.
He chuckles softly at your overreaction, and gets back to his work.
Xiu Ying: (Yin Zhen is actually very easy on the eyes, when he's not talking.)
You offer to help out, but all of them refuse. Maybe it's because you're a woman, or because of your special status.
Guard: Go and rest, my Lady. We can take care of this.
Xiu Ying: 3rd Prince is off somewhere doing god-knows what, 7th Prince and 11th Prince are in their lodgings. Only 4th Prince remains. I'm not helping YOU, I'm helping HIM.
They look at each other in dismay.
Yin Zhen: [Softly laughing] She's right. Let her help.
They got out of your way and you started packing.
Yin Zhen: Here comes the rain.
Just as he speaks, droplets land on your face. You look up at the dark clouds rolling into view.
Xiu Ying: Rain right after the ceremony ended. What do you think, a good omen?
Yin Zhen: Superstitious.
Xiu Ying: [Shocked] Superstitious? Wait! Don't you believe in that stuff? (Coming to Mount Tianchi was all your idea!)
Yin Zhen: It's not raining too hard. Want to go for a ride?
You must looked shocked, because Yin Zhen playfully reaches out, and taps you on the forehead.
Xiu Ying: [Placing a hand over your forehead] Hey! Don't do that! What are you laughing at? Okay... let's go.
The rain falls lightly, soft as mist on the mountainside. The air is cool and refreshing. You and Yin Zhen ride quickly through the forest, towards the bustling city. This isn't you first trip outside the palace, but you've never felt so free or so alive before, all your worries falling away.
Xiu Ying: Yin Zhen!
Yin Zhen: [Turning dark eyes blazing] Did you just call me by my name?
Xiu Ying: [Tone softening] No one's around. Can't I call you by your name?
Yin Zhen: Sure. What are you afraid of? It's not forbidden.
Xiu Ying: Scared of you? No, I just wanted to ask, why did you suggest praying at Mount Tianchi?
Yin Zhen: To help ease His Majesty's mind of course. Weren't you there?
Xiu Ying: [Suspiciously] Yes, of course, but I thought there was more to this journey than just praying at the mountain.
Yin Zhen: So what did you think it was about?
Xiu Ying: I don't know, it was your suggestion. And why drag me along?
Yin Zhen: So many questions! I don't feel like answering you.
Xiu Ying: You're hiding something! If the ceremony hadn't gone so smoothly, I'd definitely think you were up to something... Hey! Where are you going?!
Yin Zhen turns his horse and spurs it on. Fuming with rage, you urge your mount after him. The rain comes down harder and harder. There are few people on the street now. Finally both of you forced to dismount and seek shelter under some eaves.
MC: I wish the capital was more like this in the summer.
Yin Zhen: The capital is hot, but the Emperor often spends it in the mountain resort.
Xiu Ying: That's completely different. Spending summer in the mountain resort with the Emperor sounds wonderful, but there would be lots of rules to follow... not like here, where we can do whatever we please.
Yin Zhen: [Regarding you intently] You make it sound as though you would happily leave at any moment.
Xiu Ying: [Half-smile] The rain's stopped. Let's go.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
