LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 116: A Test

You bow deeply. You feel apprehensive, but also filled with cast iron conviction. You thought life would be easy after securing your revenge on the Crown Prince, but the gods aren't done toying with you yet. This is your second chance. You're not going to make the same mistakes twice. You'll do whatever it takes to survive and protect your family.

Emperor: [Studying you closely for some time] You want to go to Western Liang? Why?

Xiu Ying: The founder of Western Liang died suddenly. His son and heir is still young and his ministers have endorsed the bloodthirsty Prince Jin as regent. The Western Liang is in turmoil. Now would be a good time to act. I'd venture a guess, Your Majesty plans to send spies into that country.

Emperor: You're right... but I have many far more capable agents than you. Why should I send you?

You lower your eyes but can sense his steely gaze on you, the might of the Son of Heaven radiating out from him.

Xiu Ying: [Taking a deep breath and the speaking] Because it is said I am a bad omen. It would be best for me to be very far away from Your Majesty. Success will show you I am not a bad omen. Should I fail, it's no great loss to Your Majesty. Send the bad luck to Western Liang, I say. What harm can it do?

You bow deeply again, your forehead touching the soft carpet. It tickles the tip of your nose.

Emperor: I could send you to Western Liang, but the question remains, if you mess things up, will it come back to bite me?

Xiu Ying: Let me prove myself, Your Majesty!

Emperor: Very well. I will set you a test. Pass and I will send you to Western Liang.

Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't disappoint you.

Emperor: Save your thanks. You're not out of the woods yet. You say you want to serve me in Western Lian, but tell me, what is it you think I require?

You are about to respond when the Emperor holds up his hand for silence.

Emperor: You only get one chance. I will give you one night to think about it. Come back tomorrow and tell me your answer.

Xiu Ying: Yes, Your Majesty.

Emperor: [Giving you a serious look] If you want to back out, I won't hold it against you. After all, I did promise the Dowager I would show you some forbearance...

MC: I'm not going to back out, Your Majesty.

Leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, you notice your back is damp with sweat. The Emperor said he likes you because you always keep your head. The fact is you don't like to be seen as weak. Your feet drift along the path, thinking about the conversation the Emperor said to you. You know if you back out, the Emperor is even less likely to show you forbearance. He already knows you tried to deceive him with the dragon in the Imperial Garden. You'd better make yourself useful, or he will have no reason to keep you.

Xiu Ying: (And now that you have brought your family to the Emperor's attention, one false move and it could endanger them.)

Hu Ling: [Seeing your worried look and hurrying over] Are you unwell, my Lady?

Xiu Ying: [Smiling weakly] I'm fine, just a bit tired.

At that moment off in the distance the 6th Prince walks into view. You don't feel like dealing with him and make to leave but Hu Ling quickly calls you back.

Hu Ling: My Lady, I fear I have offended the 6th Prince somehow. Can you help me?

Xiu Ying: I thought you were on good terms?

Hu Ling: He is a hard man to read, like you said. I don't know what I did wrong, but he clearly hasn't forgotten about it. Whenever he comes to the Hall of Mental Cultivation he gives me a hard time.

As she speaks, the 6th Prince draws near. She gets a very awkward look in her eyes.

6th Prince: Hu Ling, over here. I've got something to ask you.

Xiu Ying: [Seeing the panic in her eyes, you breath out slowly and then turn to face the oncoming prince] 6th Prince, can I have a word?

The 6th Prince hesitates.

6th Prince: Is this some kind of trick?

Xiu Ying: I just had a chat with the Emperor. Don't you want to know what we spoke about?

Your suggestion unleashes a struggle within the 6th Prince which plays out across his face. His curiosity wins and he follows you over to the side.

6th Prince: What did he say?

Xiu Ying: The Emperor said he admires people who remain calm in stressful situations, and openly admit their errors.

6th Prince: [The disgraced 6th Prince is taken in] The Emperor said that... Could he have forgiven me?!

Xiu Ying: I think he still trusts you 6th Prince! Keep trying your best and don't risk losing his favor over trivial matters.

6th Prince: [Suddenly looking suspicious] Why are you tell me this? What's in it for you?

Xiu Ying: Nothing. Think of it as a peace offering.

6th Prince: [Icily] It will take more than a couple of friendly words to make peace between us, Count Lady. Now forgive me, I have somewhere to be!

Your words had the desired effect. 6th Prince departs in a flurry of sleeves.

Your hastily contrived conversation proved to be highly effective, for you had put the 6th Prince in better spirits, and made it far less likely he would harass Hu Ling the next time he met her.

Xiu Ying: (For some reason bumping into the horrid 6th Prince makes you feel a lot better... Now you can go back to your quarters and think about the Emperor's question.)