LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 115: Get Cornered

Your eyes widen. You try to hide your astonishment, but it is hard to do. Without a mirror you can't be sure what emotions your face is conveying. Merchant's daughter, a false identity you created to avoid questions when you entered the palace, to protect your family. Money makes the devil dance. You think your true identity is well concealed... but the man before you is the Son of Heaven. If he wants to find out the truth, he can.

Emperor: What's wrong? The cat got your tongue?

Xiu Ying: [Bowing deeply] I can conceal nothing from you, Your Majesty. It was my doing. Please forgive me.

Emperor: That's what I like about you Yongqing – you always keep your head... like now for instance, boldly admitting to your guilt. [Changing tack] But the fact is, you did try to deceive me...

Xiu Ying: [Taking a deep breath] I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

Emperor: So tell me, why forfeit the easy life of a rich man's daughter to become a palace maid?

Xiu Ying: [Hesitating] May I not answer, Your Majesty?

Emperor: Don't want to answer? Very well, then let me guess! After you arrived, things quickly fell into place for you, but you're clever and resourceful and solved a lot of problems by yourself. You even secured the favor of myself and the Empress Dowager.

MC: Everything I have I owe to the Dowager and Your Majesty.

Emperor: [Coolly] Furthermore, you have developed close relationships with all my sons, is that not right?

Xiu Ying: I dare not say, Your Majesty.

Emperor: You dare not say? Why not?

Xiu Ying: I served as a palace maid. I merely served tea to your sons and became acquainted with them. I am not close to all of them.

Emperor: Not close to all of them? Then which ones ARE you close to?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, perhaps close is the wrong word. I just had more contact with some than the others. For instance, when Your Majesty ordered me to attend Mount Tianchi with the 4th Prince, I had more contact with him.

Emperor: [Coldly] How elusive you are.

You had thought the Emperor was warming to you again, but his next sentence makes your heart jump in your throat.

Emperor: What about the former Crown Prince?

For all your acumen, you still underestimated the Emperor's shrewdness. He has caught you off guard, and you start to scramble. You know you cannot admit to anything. It would mean your death. No matter what the Crown Prince's crimes, he was still the Emperor's son. The Emperor would not tolerate anyone plotting to kill him.

Xiu Ying: [Blankly] The former Crown Prince?

Emperor: [Staring fixedly at you, then speaking slowly] So go on, tell me why you wanted to become a palace maid. Consider it an imperial command!

Xiu Ying: [Bowing deeply once more] It is not that I want to disobey Your Majesty, it's just I am afraid my answer will anger you.

Emperor: [Smiling coldly] You have already done many things to anger me! And you still haven't paid for today's little deception!

Xiu Ying: I'm sorry. It won't happen again. [Under the Emperor's baleful gaze, you summon up the courage to speak] The reason I came to work in the palace was... for love.

Judging by the look on his face, the Emperor was not expecting that answer.

Emperor: For love? You love someone? Who is it? Who could make you give up a life of privilege and idleness to come and work in the palace?

MC: It's... 4th Prince, Your Majesty.

He looks even more startled at your second answer, if that's possible. Then a puzzled look crosses his face.

MC: (Sorry 4th Prince! I don't mean to drag you into this, but the Emperor is hot on my heels, and this is the best I could come up with!)

Emperor: Yin Zhen? You love Yin Zhen?

Xiu Ying: Yes... It's true... I have admired him for a long time, Your Majesty... But as the daughter of a merchant I could never meet him, so I asked my parents to let me come and work in the palace. In the beginning I tried to get close to Your Majesty and earn your good graces, hoping that one day I might be assigned into the Prince's service.

Your voice drops to a murmur and your ears burn scarlet red. You just hope the Emperor doesn't get carried away and tell Yin Zhen about your admission. Otherwise it could be very embarrassing.

Emperor: Yin Zhen is destined for greatness. You do realize you're indulging in fantasy, don't you?

Xiu Ying: [Replying instantly] Yes, Your Majesty! Actually that is why I have given up all hope...

Neither of you speak then. You don't know if the Emperor believes you or not, and you have no idea what he is thinking. Your mind's racing. Your plan to become a good omen has failed, and your cover is blown. The fact the danger has never been greater. You've foolishly dragged your family into this mess... Before only your life was in danger, but now...

Xiu Ying: (What can I do? Look on helplessly while my family is slaughtered?)

Your eyes go heard and steely, like the day you decided to infiltrate the palace in your quest for justice. Your mind is made up.

Emperor: [Seeing the sudden change in your demeanor] What is it?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I know I have made mistakes. Fatal mistakes... but I would fight for my redemption... Send me to Western Liang. Let me serve you there!