LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 150: Painless Coronation

Xiao Ze has agreed to give you one month, and you have entered the palace to follow him. You didn't propose the time of one month out of impulse. Instead,you have considered carefully and are certain that you can make it.

Xiu Ying: Now you need to plant another seed that will keep Prince Jin occupied from the insignificant issue of you ascending the throne.

Xiao Ze: Insignificant issue? How can it be insignificant?

Xiu Ying: If Prince Jin's underlings are bogged in a civil war fighting each other, your ascension to the throne will be nothing of significant for now. During my time in Prince Jin's Mansion, I've learned the desired of people there. Women, wine, power. Their desires will be their weaknesses.

As you speak, you casually pick up a brush and writing down a list of names, characteristics and hobbies.

Xiu Ying: They will pose no threat if we defeat them one by one!

The papers soon filled with names and descriptions. Xiao Ze picks up a paper and reads, his eyes getting brighter

Xiao Ze: Afu, how could you get to know so many people in Prince Jin's Mansion?

Xiu Ying: I was just a lowly handmaiden, but these people had been going in and out of his mansion, so I had many chance to see them and learn about them.

In addition to daily internal affairs, you dare not have any slack for a moment in Prince Jin's Mansion and seize every possible chance for you to go home. You memorized the names, looks, characteristics, and preferences of the visiting ministers, and learned many useful information by chatting with their servants. Now all your efforts have paid off.

Xiao Ze: [Surprised] So you've learned so much just through observation?

Xiu Ying: Not just observation, I had exchanged with their servants too. There were many visitors in the mansion every day. Although I could only talk to their servants, they knew no less than their masters.

Xiao Ze: It must take a lot of efforts to remember so many things.

Xiu Ying: [Smile] Many troubles can be solved through careful observation. My efforts have all paid off.

Xiao Ze: [Thoughtful] I need to learn how to observe other too. If I know them, I won't fear them.

Xiu Ying: [Nod] Now the play is about to begin. I can't wait to see it.

CORONATION

On your way to meet Xiao Ze this day, you are suddenly stopped by Shadow.

Shadow: Later, My Lady. Prince Jin is here.

Hearing Prince Jin's name, you immediately turn around and leave. The first few days in the palace are peaceful for you. You wonder how did Prince Jin reaction to your escape, and hopefully Si Yan would not be involved.

Shadow: I heard that Prince Jin is here to ask Xiao Ze for you.

Xiu Ying: [Surprised] For me? Has Prince Jin found out I'm in the palace?

Shadow: Although Prince Jin has planted informers in the palace, the Crown Prince has protected you well, and the people around you are trusted by him. Prince Jin should not have found you yet.

Xiu Ying: Right... Prince Jin could be here to scare Xiao Ze. Hopefully Xiao Ze will not slip me out.

Shadow: There are always people seeking to own you, My Lady.

His words seems to be a bit cynical. You raise your brow and look at him curiously. Feeling uneasy, he moves away his gaze and stops talking.

Xiu Ying: You are thinking too much. Prince Jin had almost killed me for several times. Now that I've escaped, I'm afraid he wants to get me back so that he can kill me personally.

Shadow: Good. I just don't want to see you fail His Highness the Fourth Prince.

You blush upon hearing Shadow mentioning Yin Zhen, then keep walking in hope that the breeze would cool your face down. Half a hour later, Xiao Ze has sent away Prince Jin and come to your residence.

Xiao Ze: Prince Jin knew that we were acquaintance, so he tried to figure out if you were hiding in the palace from me.

Xiu Ying: I'm afraid that more troubles will come if he learns I'm in the palace. Don't admit the truth to him, Xiao Ze.

Xiao Ze: I know. Don't worry. Just stay here in the palace.

Xiu Ying: I'm just a handmaiden. He shouldn't have the spare time to look for me. What's more, soon he will be too occupied to care about me.

After half a month's planning, troubles start appearing among Prince Jin's faction and soon spread without stop.

Xiao Ze: His people were already unsatisfied with each other, now they are even arguing openly in the court, and it takes Prince Jin much effort to stop them. They are now splitting into various factions, attacking each other relentlessly. Prince Jin is gonna have a great time. Previously they were all against my ascension to the throne. Good to see how embarrassed they are now!

After Xiao Ze has left the court today, he comes to you and tells you about what happened in the court joyfully. You are indeed happy for the result of your plan.Clearly they have been in disagreement the whole time.

Xiu Ying: Facing both the uprising and internal unrest, Prince Jin are now too occupied! Xiao Ze, gather your confidants to propose for your enthronement three days later.

Xiao Ze: Won't Prince Jin try to stop me? I've mentioned this several times during the past one year, but he always rejected me, and I could do nothing except being angry in private.

Xiu Ying: He will, that's why you need to talk about the issue of the uprising at the same time, telling him that the unrest in Western Liang is due to the absence of an emperor. Prince Jin will be too busy dealing both the uprising and his faction's internal unrest. He will be happy to leave the uprising to you as the emperor. Once the unrest is settled, he is still the powerful Prince Jin, with more than enough power to remove a young emperor. Therefore he will accept your enthronement.

Xiao Ze: [Eyes Flashing] Good. I'll follow your words. Afu, you know Prince Jin very well.

Xiao Ze assembles his confidants to propose his enthronement as you instructed, and Prince Jin, as you expected, has agreed. Although reluctant, Prince Jin understands that this could be the only solution for now. Facing the uprising and internal unrest at the same time is too much for him. Xiao Ze summons you in private after the enthronement ceremony is over.

Xiao Ze: Since the death of my father, I have been living in darkness until today. Afu, thank you for bringing this bright miracle to me!

You smile and salute him. Xiao Ze immediately comes up and helps you rise.

Xiao Ze: No need for the formality between us, Afu. Just call me... Xiao Ze as usual.

Xiu Ying: It was you who created the miracle. All I did was to provide you some advice... Do you trust me now?

Xiao Ze: Yes, Afu. You have me trust. Together we will take down Prince Jin!

Xiu Ying: Thank you, Your Majesty... Xiao Ze, for trusting me.

Xiao Ze: Forget about the formality. However, one problem remains. Prince Jin is still speculating that you are in the palace. What are we going to do?

Xiu Ying: I am in the palace, and he cannot enter here at will. He will find no proof for his speculation, unless someone get me out of here.

Xiao Ze: Rest assured. I've given the strict order. You can trust the people around you that they will not betray you.

You nod in agreement. You don't really care about the fact that Prince Jin could still be looking for you, but you prefer not to meet him while you are planning his downfall.