LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 128: The Mansion's Taboo

After your meeting with Si Yan that night, you decide you want to get to know her better. She is Prince Jin's personal maid. As such, she must have some ability. If you can get on good terms with her, you will be one step closer to Prince Jin. But Si Yan is inexplicably hostile and you cannot get close to her even for a moment. You decide to ask Cui Cui about her.

Cui Cui: Why do you want to know about her?

Xiu Ying: [Sighing] Don't you know, Cui Cui, I hurt Si Yan when I first came here.

Cui Cui: [Hands on hips] You're trouble, you are!

Xiu Ying: That's why I want to understand her a bit more, so I can make it up to her!

Cui Cui: There's probably no need. Si Yan probably isn't holding a grudge. She's Prince Jin's personal maid, so she's got to be very careful...

You think back to Si Yan's strange behavior that night in the courtyard. Suddenly inspiration hits you like a flash of lightning.

Xiu Ying: She's not Prince Jin's first personal maid, is she?

Cui Cui: [Warily] How do you know that? Who told you? To speak of it in the Prince's mansion is strictly taboo!

Her reaction tells you all you need to know.

Xiu Ying: I've heard people mention the Prince's taboo before, but I don't know what it is, Cui Cui, could you please tell me so I don't accidentally break it?

Cui Cui: [Hesitating] Okay, but don't go running around telling everyone, or my neck will be on the chopping block.

Xiu Ying: Of course! Go on, Cui Cui! What is it?

Cui Cui: The Prince's former maid was called Yan'r. She died, a sacrifice in his quest for power... but he loved her deeply. Lots of people died because of her.

Xiu Ying: (Yan'r, Si Yan... Prince Jin does not strike me as being the amorous type.)

Cui Cui: Later a ghost began to haunt the mansion. They said it was Yan'r restless ghost. That's why it is forbidden to speak of her.

Xiu Ying: Cui Cui, did Yan'r look very much like Si Yan?

Cui Cui: [Blanching] Shut up! If Si Yan hears you, she'll be very angry!

Xiu Ying: [Covering your mouth] Whoops! Sorry.

But you think to yourself, if Si Yan doesn't like people saying she looks like Yan'r, why is she creeping around the mansion at night dressed as her? Women saying one thing and doing another.

Cui Cui: [Quietly] Basically that's why Si Yan has to be very careful around Prince Jin. It's a bit sad really...

At that moment Xiu Xiu calls out to you, telling you that Si Yan is on her way!

Cui Cui: [Anxiously] They say you shouldn't talk about people behind their backs... I wonder what she's doing here?

Xiu Ying: Don't worry, Cui Cui. Let's go and find out.

You figure Si Yan is here to see you. Sure enough she asks to see you and invites you out for a walk.

Cui Cui: [Grabbing your arm] What about your dinner?

Xiu Ying: Cui Cui, you have a sharp tongue and a soft heart. I can look after myself.

She glares at you, but you pat her on the shoulder and walk out behind Si Yan.

Xiu Ying: How can I be of assistance, Lady Si Yan?

Si Yan: I need you help to do my make-up, like last time. Come, let's go to my room.

Xiu Ying: Right now? It's almost dinner time.

Si Yan: [Impatiently] Yes, right now. Otherwise I'll make sure you get a big serving!

You notice her angst, and so follow her into her room without further protest.

Xiu Ying: [Pretending to make small talk] Is the Prince away? How is it you're not with him?

Si Yan: Is that any of your business? If you have such a long tongue, I should cut it out for you!

You sigh again, keep silent and get on with doing her make-up.

Xiu Ying: (She might be my mistress and I might be her servant, but does she have to be so angry all the time?)

Si Yan: Why don't you say anything?

Xiu Ying: (Not just angry, but quick to anger.)

Xiu Ying: I can't think of anything to say.

Si Yan: It's too quiet. You may speak.

Xiu Ying: You won't get angry will you?

Si Yan: No. My temper isn't so terrible.

After a few moments of silence you spot the dancing robes on the rack. You nonchalantly ask her a question.

Xiu Ying: Are you going dancing tonight, my Lady?

Si Yan: Is that any of your business?

Seeing the anger flash in her eyes, you are tempted to smack her over the head with the powder case in your hand.

Xiu Ying: (Fine, fine, calm down. Spending too much time in the company of Prince Jin is probably the cause.)

Si Yan seems to realize her reaction was a little extreme, and adjusts her manner. She relaxes her face and replies in a light tone.

Si Yan: I am, as it happens. Do you like the dress?

Xiu Ying: It's very nice.

Si Yan: They're all the same. I wish I could say the same about my dancing...

Si Yan is talking to herself. She goes quiet when she remembers you're there.

Xiu Ying: Actually my Lady, I know something about dancing. I can show you if you like.

Si Yan looks at you for a long time. Just as you think she's about to refuse your offer, she accepts. That evening when you are already abed, a dozen or so people burst into your room and rouse you from your sleep. Foremost among them is Steward Zhou, who stares at you frostily.

Steward Zhou: You must find life in the kitchens very dull to be seeking entertainment elsewhere. Get up! Prince Jin has asked for you!