LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 159: Return to Peking

The streets are teeming with shops, banners, carts and pedestrians. You take it all in from inside a carriage and feel you can't never see enough of it.

Murong Chong: You're home.

You hop out as soon as the vehicle stops. The sight of the familiar door stirs up many emotions. You try to calm yourself with a deep breath. You must be happy when you see your parents and not let them sense anything's wrong.

Shadow: What are you doing?

You turn around at Shadow's question to see Chong heading into the house with you, except there's now a sword blocking his path.

Murong Chong: [Smirks] You think you can stop me? Not to mention I've been inside a million times before, and her parents really like me, too.

Shadow: Then we shall see whether I can stop you or not!

Even though they've been bickering and fighting all this way, you're still not used to it. You make peace so they wouldn't make a scene so close to home.

Xiu Ying: What's wrong with you two? Come one, we'll all go in together.

You shove the grouchy duo ahead and knock on the door.

Housekeeper: Who is it... Miss, is that you?

Xiu Ying: [Smile] Yes. Don't you recognize me anymore?

The housekeeper can't believe his eyes, looks you over several times before laughing out loud and takes you in with much delight.

Housekeeper: You're home at last! Let me notify the lord and madam. I'm sure they'll be elated to see you back!

He turns, hustles to make a grand announcement. Soon after, your parents hurry up to you and give you the once-over.

Mother: You lost weight! How come you lost so much weight?

Father: She's been praying for the Queen Mother for two years and having nothing but simple vegetarian meals, so of course she lost weight! Just go tell the kitchen to prepare a feast!

Mother: You loose lips! Didn't the eunuch tell us two years ago to keep it a secret?

That stunned you, since Fu Heng told you His Majesty was going to sell your sudden death as the cover for your covert mission in Western Liang.

Shadow: [Mutters behind you] The Fourth Prince knew about it and sent a messenger with another story so your parents wouldn't be devastated.

Shadow: Do you know how nice he is to you now? Too bad he's away on business, or that Murong fellow wouldn't be so insolent.

So, Yin Zhen "tipped" them off ahead of time. That's why they thought you're on a secret prayer task. That's fortunate, because you can't imagine how well they would take the news of your "unexpected passing".

Xiu Ying: It's okay, I'm home now!

Mother: Yes. Quickly, come inside so I can take a good look at you!

Father: [Glances at Chong] You went all that way to get her back?

Murong Chong: [Nervous] Yes, I was a little concerned, so...

Father: [Haughtily] At least you know that much!

Shadow: Also...

Chong covers Shadow's mouth before he can get more words out, not wanted to share the credit, much less divulging who Shadow serves.

Xiu Ying: [Turning around] What's wrong with you two again? Go in, the meal's ready!

How can you reappear from your "sudden death"? That's something you don't want to jump the gun on, so you send message of your return to the palace and defer to His Majesty on an explanation. You're actually hoping for a late reply, or His Majesty just granting your entire family permission to leave the capital anonymously.

Two days go by while you wait. Murong Chong, on the other hand, wants to leave the city and set up the plan.

Murong Chong: Don't worry, I'll keep it confidential and be back when it's ready.

Xiu Ying: [Nod] You be careful. Nothing is more important than your own safety.

Murong Chong: Got it, thanks.

Seeing Shadow trotting over, Chong mounts the horse, looking as dashing as ever.

Murong Chong: Judging by your comment, I'm more important to you then whoever he serves, right?

Shadow: What is he trying to say? Why didn't you wait for me, my lady? Are you hiding something from the Fourth Prince?

Chong rides off, waving with his back to you. You can imagine how big his grin is.

Xiu Ying: [Turn to Shadow] I'll reveal it later. I've not and will not forget what the Fourth Prince has done for me.

Shadow drops the issue. You don't have much to do for the moment so you decide to take a stroll down the street. It's still early in the morning, but the hawkers are already fully engaged in sales mode. You feel a bit hungry and order two bowls of dumplings from a stall.

Xiu Ying: [Slide a bowl across the table] Here, try this. Don't make me have to order you!

Shadow: [Sits] I'm very sorry for overstepping my bounds a few times.

Xiu Ying: It's alright. I know you don't want to disappoint the Fourth Prince or risk ruining everything.

Shadow: He only looked into your background because you were sent to Western Liang. That's how he inadvertently found out you're the daughter of the richest man in the capital. But even thought he knows, please know that he will never exploit that fact or you.

Xiu Ying: He and I have been through a lot, Shadow. I trust him. I was only thinking, if he could uncover my identity, couldn't others?

You thought only His Majesty knew, but Yin Zhen found out too. So what about others, couldn't they figure the same? That's a disturbing thought.

Shadow: The Fourth Prince will surely protect you.

Before Shadow can continue, a quarrel breaks out nearby and alarms him.

Shadow: We should leave, my lady. The 7th Prince is causing a commotion and we ought not be anywhere near.

You look in that direction and see an angry 7th Prince in a wheelchair outside a brothel, throwing something at a girl.

Xiu Ying: What's going on?

The stall owner merely shakes his head like he's seen it a million times.

Boss: That fellow must be somebody since no one wanted to stand up to him. He's disabled so he resorts to the brothel for cheap sex. Judging from the tantrum, he probably isn't satisfied with what he got last night again.

Boss: Always got to blame others for his own poor performance... You should finish the bowl quick and go home before anything crazy can happen.

You grow quiet as you cannot imagine the 7th Prince's character not only failed to improve over the past two years, but got worse instead. He's being an embarrassment to the palace and you wonder if His Majesty knows about it. Just when you get ready to leave with Shadow, the ruckus got rowdier. You get a bad feeling and stop.

7th Prince: Someone burn this damn place! I want it burned to the ground, NOW!

Arson in the public? Shouldn't somebody stop that? Shadow senses what you're thinking and whispers.

Shadow: The consort's clan is currently favored by His Majesty, who is giving the 7th Prince considerable leeway since he has no hope to succeed the throne... That makes the situation difficult.

Xiu Ying: He is about to commit arson! How can we tolerate that?

Although the brothel isn't a reputable place, but setting it on fire will endanger many inside. You just can't stand by and let it happen. But how can you stop it without suffering political backlash?