LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 106: Caught on the Spot

Being turned away from the Empress' door, getting bailed up by the 11th Prince, one strange thing after another. Finally you reach Yin Zhen's door. Yin Zhen appears surprised to see you. He smiles vaguely, pours you a cup of tea and gets straight to the point.

Yin Zhen: Who do you suspect?

Xiu Ying: It's not who I suspect, it's 7th and 11th Princes both suspect 6th Prince.

Yin Zhen: And what do you think?

Xiu Ying: I'm not sure that I believe them, but it's even less likely they would have joined forces. It all points to 6th Prince.

7th Prince and 11th Prince have a lot in common, but they would never form an alliance. You are convinced of that.

Yin Zhen: Every action leaves a trace.

Yin Zhen looks calm and confident. You suspect he is making good progress in his investigation.

Xiu Ying: [Eyes flashing] If 7th and 11th Princes both suspect the 6th Prince, they will seek revenge, and soon.

Yin Zhen: That is good. I can sit and wait for them to tear each other apart.

Xiu Ying: Are you sure you didn't do it?

Yin Zhen: You still suspect me?

Xiu Ying: I don't want to suspect you, but right nor you look like a cat with cream on its whiskers.

Yin Zhen: [Leaning close] But do you have EVIDENCE? Show me. If you can't, you're just spouting nonsense.

Your face goes bright red from his teasing. You fabricate and excuse and depart in a hurry. Just as you leave, a shadow drops from the eaves, landing soundlessly on its feet.

Shadow: 4th Prince, the people who are claiming that the gods were not happy with the ceremony at Mount Taichi has been dealt with. The rumor won't be spreading any further.

Yin Zhen: Who started the rumor? Have you identified the source?

Shadow: It's not certain yet, but it looks like one of the Empress' people...

Yin Zhen: Her again! Why do all roads lead back to her... Perhaps it always was...

Yin Zhen's face is a stony mask, his voice drops to a whisper, and is blown on the breeze.

Summer is coming to an end. The events at Mount Taichi hang over the palace like a dark cloud. The Emperor has not asked to see you for some time, so you decide to pay him a visit. As you approach the Hall of Mental Cultivation, you see 6th Prince and Hu Ling from a distance. They seem to be on extremely good terms. The word "conspiratorial" comes to mind.

Hu Ling: [Seeing you, she hurries over] My Lady, have you come to see the Emperor as well?

It's not the first time you have seen 6th Prince and Hu Ling chatting together. It appears they are becoming quite close. But you know what 6th Prince is like. He must have an ulterior motive to be socializing with someone of such low status. But does Hu Ling realize it?

Xiu Ying: [Smiling] Exactly. Could you tell him I am here?

Hu Ling: [Apologetically] 6th Prince has also come to pay his respects, but the Emperor has gone hunting. He left suddenly with the two princes. I'm afraid they will only be back around two days later. Presently I will be leaving the palace to join him.

Xiu Ying: I see. Very well, I shall try again when he has returned... Greetings, 6th Prince.

6th Prince: The Lady is most attentive to the Emperor's wellbeing.

He walks off, not waiting for you to reply. You don't care. In fact, you're grateful he's not hanging around to give you a hard time.

Hu Ling: My Lady, shall we go to the tea room? I can pour you a drunk and you can warm up!

Xiu Ying: The Emperor is waiting. I don't want to delay you. [Hesitating] Hu Ling, 6th Prince never does anything without a motive. Tread carefully.

You don't want to meddle, but Hi Ling seems like a gentle, pleasant girl, and you feel compelled to warn her.

Hu Ling: [Looking a little blank] I think I understand, my Lady.

Xiu Ying: I don't want to meddle, but you are quite close to the Emperor and it pays to be careful.

As expected, Hu Ling takes you advice gracefully, smiles and nods appreciatively.

Hu Ling: I know you used to serve the Emperor. I trust you, my Lady. I'll be careful!

Xiu Ying: I might be overthinking things, but better safe than sorry as they say.

Hu Ling: You are right. I will remember.

Xiu Ying: (For some reason her response reminds you of the days when your friendship first blossomed with the 4th prince. You both had different motives, though the result was the same.)

In the evening autumn winds howls through the palace. Lax security seems an invitation to treachery. The door squeaks open. A shadow steps lightly onto the floorboards of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He has a single target in mind, scurries towards the bookshelf in search of it. He quickly finds what he is looking for, and smiles broadly. Several guards suddenly burst into the room and lamplight floods the hall, illuminating the face of the book thief.

Guard: Good evening, 6th Prince!