LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 103: Step Forward

You find yourself in a bad mood, returning to the Phoenix Hall.

Shi Lian: My Lady, not long after I got back Hu Ling was appointed to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. You and she have a lot in common.

Xiu Ying: Huh? What do you mean?

Shi Lian: It was by a stroke of good fortune that she came to serve in the Hall of Mental Cultivation- She saved the Emperor's life and so he keeps her nearby. She does court his favor, however.

Xiu Ying: It's not just good fortune, she's probably very capable.

Shi Lian: Will you be avoiding the Emperor, as she suggests?

Xiu Ying: She serves in Hall of Mental Cultivation, but don't forget I have as well.[Looking pale] There's no need to avoid the Emperor or pay him extra attention. Let's just carry on as usual.

Arriving at the Phoenix Hall, the door eunuch informs you someone is waiting for you inside. You walk in hesitantly. Inside a tall man stands looking out a window, his straight back towards you.

Xiu Ying: [Happily surprised] Lord Fu Heng!

He turns around suddenly. The backlight bounces off his shoulders. His face is strangely impassive, though a trace of a smile appears when he sees you.

Fu Heng: You have returned.

Xiu Ying: (Huh? Why is he talking like that?)

Shi Lian: [Coughing] My Lady, Lord Fu Heng- let me make you some tea!

Shi Lian scurries into the tea room. Fu Heng's eyes are blazing and you can't help feeling a little ashamed for some reason. You walk towards the stone table.

Fu Heng: [Walking to the other side] The day you left for Mount Tianchi, why didn't you say goodbye? When I looked for you, the company was long gone.

Xiu Ying: [Coughing lightly] Fu Heng, I barely escaped with my life and you're worrying about THAT?

Fu Heng: [Frowning] Tell me what happened. Were you hurt?

Xiu Ying: I'm fine, thanks for your concern.

Fu Heng: [Frostily] I blame 4th Prince.

Xiu Ying: Hah? Why do you say that?

Fu Heng: It was his foolish idea to take you there in the first place. He was the one who put you in danger.

Xiu Ying: [Sniggering] Fu Heng! I didn't know you cared so much! It's good to know I have so many eager defenders!

Fu Heng: [Eyes blazing] I think you should stay away from him.

Yin Zhen: Fu Heng, don't you know it's bad manners to talk about people behind their back?

A mocking voice carries into the room. Yin Zhen throws open the the door and walks in, a terrified-looking eunuch at his heels.

Xiu Ying: You surprise me 4th Prince, listening at doorways.

Yin Zhen: I just came by to give you a nice surprise, and happened to overhear your visitor besmirching my good name. WHY should she stay away from me, Fu Heng?

You're used to Fu Heng speaking his mind, but today he exceeds expectations. He faces off against Yin Zhen, not backing down an inch.

Fu Heng: It was your selfishness that put her in danger.You're the one who suggested she go to Tianchi. I think she has good reasons to avoid you.

Yin Zhen: [Looking at you] Are you the one who told him?

Fu Heng: Is it so surprising that an Imperial Bodyguard should know such things?

Yin Zhen: [Laughing softly] Haha, as long as she didn't tell you, that's okay. It seems she's not that close to you, after all.

Fu Heng: And I suppose you are?

Their barbed verbal exchange makes you feel very uncomfortable. What is their problem? Those strange saying and argument.

Xiu Ying: [Coughing loudly] Shi Lian, is the tea ready yet? Prepare a cup for the 4th Prince while you're there.

Shi Lian hurries in with a tray of cups laid out for three and places it on the stone table.

Shi Lian: I'll go and prepare some snacks!

Before you can respond, Shi Lian disappears back into the tea room, leaving you gawping like a gold fish.

Xiu Ying: (Does Shi Lian realize they are fighting?)

A breeze stirs the air, making it slightly less oppressive. You relax a little.

Xiu Ying: Your tea is getting cold. Drink up and leave. I'd like to take a rest.

Both men walk forward and take seats at the table, either side of you. They seem more interested in outshining each other than in you.

Xiu Ying: (Maybe I should just retire and leave them to it?) [Softly coughing] 4th Prince, you were not long in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. What did the Emperor have to say?

Yin Zhen: I prefer it when you call me by my name.

Yin Zhen gives you a playful smile. As you return his gaze, you can feel Fu Heng glare on the back of your neck. You smile coldly back at Yin Zhen.

Yin Zhen: [Lowering his eyes and raising his cup] The Emperor has asked me to investigate this matter.

In your heart you know if this isn't solved quickly there could be another assassination attempt very soon.

Yin Zhen: Do you...

Fu Heng: No, she doesn't.

Yin Zhen: How do you know what she wants? Are you her mum or something?!

Xiu Ying: [Interjecting] I think we've had enough conversation for one today. Shi Lian, come and see our guests out!

You hastily interjected your dismissal. Yin Zhen smiles briefly and Fu Heng stops glowering. They make their excuses and leave one after the other. Whether or not they continued their argument outside, you cannot say.