LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 140: Opera Meeting

A guard of Prince Jin blocks you without expression. You look across his shoulder and see a splendid sedan chair ahead. Immediately you are aware of who is inside. How is Prince Jin showing up here? Is it a coincidence or does he already known your plan? Dulled by your troubled thought, you stand still for some time until you are suddenly aware of the guard's impatience.

Xiu Ying: [Hurriedly come to the sedan] Greeting. Your Highness! Your Highness, I've asked Lady Si Yan and Steward Zhou's permission to leave mansion. I beg Your Highness' forgiveness for being here.

Prince Jin: [Speaking lazily] I just saw you entering the pawn shop. What were you doing there?

MC: [Kneel down] I'm in short of money recently, so I pawned a jade bracelet bestowed by Lady Si Yan. I'm... so sorry... I beg Your Highness forgiveness...

Prince Jin: Are you not getting enough wage?

Xiu Ying: It's me who spent too much.

Prince Jin: [Snort] All right. Rise. Don't let the people think I'm committing another wicked doing.

As you stand up, you realize that people are staying away from the sedan, all looking in anger and fear from far.

Xiu Ying: (People are so hostile to Prince Jin even in the capital. I wonder how will people in other places react...)

Perhaps you shouldn't stay outside for too long. Would you like to ask the prince's permission to return to the mansion now? Believing that you should return to the mansion as soon as possible, you gather your courage to ask the prince.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness, may I return to the mansion now?

Prince Jin: I'm going to watch an opera, and I haven't brought any maiden with me yet. You may serve today...

Xiu Ying: How about I go back to the mansion and ask Lady Si Yan to accompany Your Highness?

Prince Jin: What? Are you unsatisfied staying by my side?

Xiu Ying: I would never think so. I'm just afraid that my ugly feature may disturb Your Highness' mood.

Prince Jin: My mood is bad enough. Shut up and follow me or you will end up in the beasts' cage. Your choice.

Facing Prince Jin's threat, you have no choice but to obey him and follow by his side to the theater.

Theater Owner: Welcome, Your Highness. The theater has been cleared for Your Highness's presence and ready to serve.

Prince Jin: Show me something interesting. If I'm pleased, you will be handsomely rewarded.

Xiu Ying: (Really? Looks like Prince Jin is truly troubled by the uprising. Not only does he look tired, he even tries to cheer himself up in the theater!)

The theater owner smilingly arranges his crew, and the performance soon begins. Just as the performance begins, there is some loud noise from afar. Attracted by the noise, you seem to have heard a familiar voice.

Dark Guard: [Frowned] What's going on? Your Highness, let me take care of this!

Xiu Ying: [Immediately speak out] Your Highness, I'll check too!

You dare not leave immediately, until Prince Jin casually nods his head. Several people are arguing with the theater owner in the courtyard. Looks like they are unhappy being cleared out.

Man: My master will watch the play right here, right now!

Theater Owner: Gentleman, please calm down! Do you know who is inside? It's Prince Jin! Leave now before he gets angry! You don't want to mess with him!

Yin Zhen: Does the prince need the whole theater to watch alone? I'm gonna ask him myself.

Just as you reach the courtyard, you immediately see the familiar handsome figure. He is holding a paper fan, his mouth smiling slightly. Unlike his elegant image in Peking, he looks quite casual at this moment. Your eyes are widened in surprise as you see Yin Zhen, but the presence of a Prince Jin's guard reminds you to be cautious.

Dark Guard: [Rebuke] Get away from here! I won't be so kind if you keep annoying us!

Man: What? Are you gonna fight with us? Sir, rest assured. No one is gonna hurt you as long as I'm here!

Seeing the guard is about to fight, you quickly stops him and whisper to him.

Xiu Ying: Don't rush to fight. There are some foul rumor about His Highness. Let's not cause His Highness any more trouble.

Dark Guard: What are you gonna do?

After appeasing the guard, you raise your head and look at Yin Zhen calmly, as if you are looking at a stranger.

Xiu Ying: Sir. It's His Highness the Prince Jin watching opera inside. Aren't you afraid?

Yin Zhen: Does Prince Jin look scary? Otherwise why should I be afraid?

Xiu Ying: His Highness is handsome and graceful, but people bow before his power. Young sir, are you some extraordinary status to not afraid of His Highness?

Yin Zhen: No. I'm just a travelling merchant. I've heard of the famous opera in Western Liang's capital, and all I want is to experience it myself.

Xiu Ying: I see. Please wait for a moment. I shall ask His Highness' permission.

Seeing that you are going to ask Prince Jin, the guard frowns and stops you.

Dark Guard: Are you gonna disturb His Highness with some trivial matter?

Just as the guard stops you, you are looking at Prince Jin's direction. He seems to be watching the opera intently, but your conversation with Yin Zhen should be loud enough for him to hear. It's up to whether Prince Jin wants to make friend with Yin Zhen or not.

Xiu Ying: I'm not disturbing His Highness. I just want to serve for His Highness' benefits.

Prince Jin: [Calm voice] Let's him come in and watch with me.

The guard's eyes are widened in surprise, as if this is the first time he has heard the prince answers like this.

Prince Jin: I've met all kinds of people throughout the years. It's a rare sight to meet someone who doesn't fear me. I'd like to get to know him.

Prince Jin: [Glance at the guard] You've been by my side for many years, yet she understands me way better than you do.

Dark Guard: [Shamed] Forgive me, Your Highness.

Prince Jin: [Look at you calmly] Lead him in.