LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 104: The Crazy Prince

News of the assassination attempt at Tianchi spread like wildfire. Some even speculated the gods were unhappy with the offerings and so they were punishing the court. The malicious rumor, most likely started by the person responsible caused the Emperor endless heartache. Yin Zhen worked day and night to keep a lid on things. Taking a walk in the late summer scene, you sense autumn is in the air. Flowers drift through the courtyards, frustrating the palace groundkeepers.

Xiu Ying: [Turning thoughtfully] Shi Lian, could you check on 7th Prince for me? Find out how often he visits the palace.

Shi Lian: [Surprised] My Lady, why do you want to know where the 7th Prince goes? Are you investigating the assassination?

Xiu Ying: I have no choice.

Shi Lian: [Worried] Hasn't the Emperor already asked 4th Prince to investigate? He will find the culprit! Why do you want anything to do with it?

Xiu Ying: Yun Mo gave her life for me. I don't want any more innocent people to die. And besides... Shi Lian, I feel surrounded by enemies... like hundred of knives are poised to strike... See? I'm trying to save myself too.

Shi Lian tells you 7th Prince is staying in the palace so that the Imperial Physicians can tend to him. He is recovering quite quickly with his mother's ministrations, but the damage to his legs has not healed. Apparrently the 7th Prince is coming to terms with his new situation and his temper is gradually improving. You learn the Noble Consort plans to take him out for a walk in the Imperial Gardens today, and decide to go there in the hope you might encounter them.

Noble Consort: [Slowly pushing the wheelchair] The infernal Affairs has added some new carp to the lake. Do you want to go and feed them?

7th Prince: [Contentedly] Sure... Is that the County Lady?

Noble Consort: I think so. I know you don't like her. I'll push you round the other way.

7th Prince: [Eyes flashing darkly] No mother. She might be here to speak to me. Let's find out what she's up to.

You lean close to a pretty flower and take a sniff. Out of the corner of your eye you spy the Noble Consort and the 7th Prince approaching. They look at you in a disinterested way and stop where they are. You're astonished at their rudeness. You get a sense of foreboding- it's not like them at all. Your astonishment quickly fades and you approach them, smiling.

7th Prince: [Skeptical look] It is getting cold. Next time you should bring a coat.

Looking at his face and listening to his tone, you can't tell if he's being considerate or not.

Xiu Ying: (Anyway, at least he's not deliberately difficult... and there's no point in trying to win him over.) You are kind 7th Prince. I trust you are well?

7th Prince: Passable. Holding grudge isn't going to kill me.

You were planning to gently guide the conversation towards Mount Tianchi to avoid raising the 7th Prince's ire, but he brings the subject up himself! Cold hatred fills his eyes.

Xiu Ying: [Speaking carefully] To attack a prince is a great crime. Who would have the gall to do such a thing?

7th Prince: Whoever it was really hated me.

Xiu Ying: [Astonished] Why do you say that, my Lord?

7th Prince: Because whoever it was didn't want me dead. They wanted me crippled.

He speaks quietly, his voice full of pain and resentment. Your eyes widen in astonishment.

Xiu Ying: Are you sure?

7th Prince: [Mirthless laughter] Yes, I'm sure. The assassin that came after me could have killed me, but he didn't- he went for my legs.

The more you hear, the more incredulous you become. But what reason could the 7th Prince have to lie to you?

7th Prince: You're probably thinking, why is he telling me this?

He's right. You smile calmly. He looks intently into your eyes. All the more reason for caution.

7th Prince: Believe me or not, it's up to you. I just want to know who did it... and revenge, when it comes, will be so sweet. But the fact is I have too many enemies. I am spoiled for choice, you could say.

Xiu Ying: [Pausing a moment] Have you mentioned this to 4th Prince? The Emperor has commanded him to investigate the incident.

7th Prince: You are good friends with him, are you not? You can tell him.

Xiu Ying: Very well, I will convey what you have told me to the 4th Prince. Hopefully it will help him uncover the person responsible.

7th Prince: Ought I thank you?

Xiu Ying: [Smiling falsely] That won't be necessary 7th Prince.

You leave the garden with a heavy heart, the 7th Prince's words echoing through your mind. Even more perplexing than the mystery of Tianchi is the change in 7th Prince's demeanor. As you pass into another section of the palace, several young eunuchs burst into the corridor.

Little Eunuch: 11th Prince has gone crazy! He attacked 6th Prince outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation! Knock him clean out!

You step into the path of one of the eunuchs and ask him what is going on.

Little Eunuch: [Scared witless] My Lady! 11th Prince is out of his mind!

Xiu Ying: [Severely] 11th Prince is a great Lord. It is not possible. Do not spread lies!

Little Eunuch: [Gasping and covering his mouth] Yes, of course my Lady... but I swear it is true. I saw it with my own eyes!

Xiu Ying: Do not discuss it with anyone. If someone speaks of it, tell them not to spread rumors. If the Emperor learns of it, he will not be happy.

Little Eunuch: Thank you, my Lady. I'll remember!

You watch him disappear deeper into the palace. Hopefully he will do as you say.

Xiu Ying: Why is everyone acting so bizarrely lately? Maybe I was being naive... Maybe I just didn't really know them... or perhaps something has happened?