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A few days later, Prince Jin is invited to instruct the Crown Prince's swordsmanship in the palace.
Prince Jin: Oh? So soon? It seems the Crown Prince is fascinated by my swordsmanship. Let's get ready to enter the palace.
Just as Prince Jin stands up, he suddenly turns and fixes his gaze at you, his intention unknown.
Prince Jin: Afu, why do you think the Crown Prince is inviting me to the palace?
Xiu Ying: I think perhaps the Crown Prince is trying amend his relationship with Your Highness.
Prince Jin: [Suddenly smile] I thought you would say that the Crown Prince is truly fascinated by my swordsmanship and wants to learn from me. You would have disappointed me if you say so.
Xiu Ying: [Keep your head low] I'm just making a wild guess, Your Highness.
Prince Jin: Afu, you are a interesting person, which is why you still lives.
The suppressing gaze over your head is slowly moved away. The prince seems to have sighed.
Prince Jin: I'll keep you by my side at all time if you aren't so ugly.
His words cause a sudden panic in your heart.
Xiu Ying: (I'm lucky to be ugly.)
Prince Jin: Oh, by the way, didn't the Crown Prince say he liked your tea? If so, you shall accompany me to the palace this time.
Xiu Ying: [Surprised] As you wish.
The magnificence of the Imperial Palace in Western Liang is no less that the counterpart in Qing, and you are fascinated by the exotic Western Liang style decoration. Perhaps it's due to the sudden death of Western Liang Emperor and that the Crown Prince, facing Jin's power, could not enthrone himself yet, the whole palace is unexpectedly cold and quiet. Just like a splendid but empty husk.
Prince Jin: Afu, why do you look so troubled?
Xiu Ying: (Why do you care for me, Prince Jin? The more you care, the more I'm afraid.) [Humble]
Xiu Ying: Your Highness, it's the first time for me to enter the palace, so I'm curious, not troubled.
A fat eunuch leads Prince Jin into a hall, his face is full of flattering smile.
Fat Eunuch: Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince is still studying. May I ask Your Highness to wait for a moment?
Prince Jin: It's okay. I shall not interrupt His Highness' study.
Fat Eunuch: Thank you for Your Highness' understanding. By the way, is this the tea lady His Highness mentioned before, right?
You are standing by Prince Jin's side when the fat eunuch smiles at you, and the prince glances at you, giving a weird smile too.
Prince Jin: Looks like His Highness does like your tea. It's right for me to bring you here.
Fat Eunuch: His Highness does remember the tea served in Your Highness's mansion. He even rebuked us for failing to make the same quality of tea! Now may I ask Your Highness for a favor?
Prince Jin: And that is?
Fat Eunuch: May I ask this lady to make another cup of tea for His Highness for refreshment?
Prince Jin: I have brought her here just to make tea for His Highness.
Fat Eunuch: [Joyful] Thank you, Your Highness! His Highness must be happy! I shall lead the lady to prepare the tea.
Prince Jin: Just go. I can spend some time reading the collection of books here.
Unlike his previous coldness, Prince Jin is unexpectedly easy-going in the palace. You turn around and is about to leave with the fat eunuch, but Prince Jin suddenly calls you.
Prince Jin: Afu, finish your tea and get back soon. Understood?
Prince Jin's voice is lazy. You feel that he is meaning something else, yet you can't figure it out yet. Is he reminding you or stimulating you?
Xiu Ying: [Take a deep breath and smile] Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll be back as soon as possible.
You follow the fat eunuch out of the hall and walk a while to the Imperial Tea House.
Fat Eunuch: My Lady, just get in. I shall stay here... But please be quick, in case Prince Jin suspects you.
You push the door and see a little figure standing inside. He turns around slowly as you come in.
Xiu Ying: [Smile] Greeting, Your Highness.
Xiao Ze: There are only two of us here. No need for the formality! Just call me Xiao Ze as you did before.
You sit down with Xiao Ze face to face. He makes several attempts to speak, but what he says at last is all apology.
Xiao Ze: I'm so sorry. It was me who got you trapped in Prince Jin's Mansion. I know Prince Jin's methods, and you must have suffered a lot there. Were it not for your cleverness, you could have been...
Xiao Ze lowers his head in regret, unable to think of the consequence.
Xiu Ying: Xiao Ze, don't blame yourself. We are friends, so it's natural for us to help each other. What's more, I'm just fine!
Xiao Ze: I've an idea! How about I tell Prince Jin that I like your tea and I want you to stay in the palace to make tea for me?
Xiu Ying: [Shake head] No, Prince Jin is too suspicious. The more eager you ask him, the less possible he will agree.
Xiao Ze: Let me think about another way!
Xiu Ying: [Cough] Although Prince Jin is a grim person, working in his mansion is a decent job, which is why so many people desperately try to work in there. In fact, I'm one of them, so I don't want to leave the mansion yet.
Xiao Ze: [Stare at you and shake head] That's not true! Afu... Are you hiding something from me?
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