Moonlight spills through the little window landing next to the wood pile. A single lamp illuminates the dark. There's a brief knock at the door and Fu Heng slips inside.
Xiu Ying: [Happily] Brother!
Fu Heng: You have to call me that even when we're alone?
Xiu Ying: You don't like it? But I'm used to it now. Brother! Brother!
Fu Heng: [Giving up] Whatever that pleases you. But tell me... why you did what you did.
Xiu Ying: Yeah, um... sorry about that. I shouldn't have left the inn. But I found you, didn't I?
Fu Heng: [Seriously] I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about you getting on Prince Jin's boat! You must be mad, Xiu Ying!
Fu Heng's solemn tone makes you feel guilty for a second, but you got over it pretty quickly.
Xiu Ying: Maybe YOU should tell ME brother where you snuck out that night!
Fu Heng: Sending a message to the Emperor, informing him of our arrival in Wester Liang capital. I was only gone for a few minutes, but by the time I got back you were gone. [Sighing] Next time I won't let you sleep in. I'll definitely be taking you with me.
Feeling guiltier than before, you decide to change the subject.
Xiu Ying: Oh yeah. What happened to Xiao Ze? Have you seen him?
Fu Heng: He's the one who told me you were on Prince Jin's barge.
Xiu Ying: I hope you didn't get angry at him. He's just a kid. It's none of his business.
Fu Heng: You're worried about him, but how did you think I would feel when you just vanished into thin air?
Fu Heng seems very angry. His eyes are hard. You hang your head a little.
Fu Heng: [Sighing] I didn't have time to tell him off – Because I rushed off to find you. I couldn't find a way onto the barge... In the morning someone told me you'd been taken to his mansion.
Xiu Ying: You realize Xiao Ze is actually the Crown Prince of Western Liang?
Fu Heng: Yeah. When he heard you'd been taken, he wanted to confront Prince Jin directly. He's young and a bit naïve. I was afraid if he did it would put you in danger, so I advised him against it.
Although Xiao Ze had been naïve to think he could demand your release, it fills your heart with joy to know that he was so worried about you.
Fu Heng: Prince Jin's mansions is tightly guarded. It would have been foolish to try and break in, but it just so happens they are recruiting...
Xiu Ying: It's been very hard these last few days, but thinking about it another way, it's actually a pretty good opportunity. We're that much closer to our objective!
Fu Heng is about to speak but there are footsteps outside.
Xiu Ying: [Quietly] Tell me another time. You'd better go!
Fu Heng: Okay. Be careful. Look for me in the guard house if you need me.
Fu Heng slips lightly through the window and out into the night. At that moment your door opens and Cui Cui inches her way into your room.
Cui Cui: Why did I hear a man's voice? You haven't got someone hidden in here, have you?
Xiu Ying: Where would I find a man? Maybe you're looking for one for yourself?
Cui Cui: [Suspiciously] Really? You can't fool me.
Xiu Ying: Think about it. You think any man would come near me with my face?
Cui Cui: [Silent for a moment] Good point.
Xiu Ying: Why come and find me in the middle of the night? Did you miss me?
Cui Cui: [Snubbing you] Disgusting?! Anyway Steward Zhou didn't bother you too much today. I figure Prince Jin has forgotten about you. You don't have to sleep by the wood pile any more.
You thank her for her kind gesture and follow her out. When you finally do lie down on a bed you find you had grown accustomed to sleeping next to the wood pile. You toss and turn and cannot find a wink of sleep. Eventually you get up and go out into the courtyard.
Xiu Ying: [Looking up at the moon] The moon is so beautiful tonight. I wonder if mum and dad can see it so well...
Suddenly out of the corner of your eye a white figure flits past. You narrow your eyes and peer into the darkness. There is it again!
Xiu Ying: [You pick up a stone and walk towards it] Lady Ghost, wait a moment!
Female Ghost: It IS you!
Autumn winds blow through the courtyard, setting the lanterns hanging along the long corridor to swinging, clearly illuminating your faces. You look at one another in silence for several moments. Finally the ghost looks down at the rock in your hand. Feeling ashamed you hide it behind your back, but she continues to stare at it, so you throw it some distance away.
Xiu Ying: Er, sorry about that. I recognize you now, Lady Si Yan, Prince Jin's capable assistant... I'm sorry I hit you before.
Si Yan: I know it was intentional, and you were just about to do it again.
Xiu Ying: No, I thought you were a ghost. That's why I picked up a rock!
Si Yan: You thought I was a ghost, and yet you didn't run. You were even ready to fight. You are... most interesting.
Xiu Ying: [Guilty cough] Lady Si Yan, why are you dressed like that?
She is dressed in white from head to toe. Her long hair hangs loose, and her face is caked with make-up. It's quite frightening.
Si Yan: [Alert] What business is it of yours? But let me tell you, if you tell another soul about it, there'll be hell to pay!
Xiu Ying: [Nodding head] You can count on me. I know how capable you are, my Lady. I won't say a word. [More sharply] But my Lady, if you want to dress up as a ghost, your make-up could be a lot more frightening...
Si Yan: I don't want to be too frightening... but perhaps a little more beautiful?
She cannot help asking you. You look at her very earnestly and shake your head.
Xiu Ying: I can help you, my Lady!
Si Yan: You can? How wonderful! Please try!
Si Yan leads you to her room. She is not completely comfortable with the idea, but fearing she won't find anyone else who can help her, she agrees to let you do her make-up.
Si Yan: I'll tell you how I want it, and you do it that way. Agreed?
You quickly agree and do her make-up according to her instructions. Afterwards she picks up her mirror and stares into it for a long time. With your assistance her classical features have become far more flirtatious. She even asked for a tear-drop mole on her bottom eyelid which is especially alluring. You look at her thoughtfully.
Xiu Ying: Aren't you happy with it, my Lady?
Si Yan: [Raising her face to look at you, warning in her voice] I warn you, do not tell anyone about this! And don't think just because you helped me one time we are friends now. Now get out!
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