Two days later, you say goodbye to your parents and get into a carriage to the palace. It's a steady ride, yet you feel like everything pitched around you. As you ponder the future, Shadow's voice emerges from the unseen corner.
Shadow: I will not be able to protect you once you're inside the palace, my lady. Please be cautious.
Xiu Ying: I will. I want to thank you, since I would have died ten times over on the mission if it wasn't for you.
Shadow: Just doing my job. All the credit should go to the Fourth Prince.
Xiu Ying: I will thank him, like I'm thanking you now.
Shadow: Have no fear, he will be back soon. [Brief pause] I still hope you won't take him for granted. Regardless of your feelings toward him, just don't hurt him, or I may be forced to do something I don't want to do.
Shadow disappears before you can reply. You try whispering several times to no response.
You sigh as the carriage pulls to a stop. A pretty palace maid lifts the curtain and welcomes you.
Maid: These are the outfit and accessories picked out by His Majesty. I'm here to help you dress.
Xiu Ying: The whole nine yards?
Maid: Of course, it's a glorious occasion!
You can't refuse His Majesty, so you get changed and let the maid make you over however she wants.
Maid: You are so gorgeous, my lady! Let me know if there's anything wrong and I'll do over.
She holds up a mirror for you to see a face that's obviously more miserable than beautiful.
Xiu Ying: I'm fine. Thank you.
Maid: [Hesitant] You really are beautiful, but don't seem to be in a good mood... You should at least put up a front to avoid offending His Majesty.
Upon realizing how blunt she it, the very young girl looks at you nervous as if bracing for wrath.
Xiu Ying: I appreciate the advice. Are you new?
Maid: Yes. I just started this year! Never imagined I'd get the chance to welcome you back.
Xiu Ying: What have you heard about me?
Maid: I heard you were away for two years to pray for the Queen Mother and even fell terribly ill, so His Majesty decided to bring you back.
Basically, all the hardship you endured the last two years in Western Liang has been watered down into a completely different story.
Maid: What's wrong my lady?
Xiu Ying: [Shakes head] No. I just got overwhelmed by emotions suddenly.
MEETING THE EMPEROR AGAIN
The carriage halts before the palace. You get off and walk through the gate. You remember the maid's advice and force yourself to smile.
Eunuch Hai: [Huge grin] Welcome, Court Lady!
Eunuch Hai has been waiting. He bows and sweeps his arm out in a "Welcome. This way!" gesture. It's quite a walk before His Majesty and the harem even come into view. You see both familiar and unfamiliar figures. Some look at you with curiosity, some with anger. This is too much treatment for a civilian, of course it's going to inspire animosity! You sigh, trying to figure out what His Majesty is thinking.
Xiu Ying: [Kneel] I am Ping Le, here to greet Your Majesty. Long live the emperor!
Ping Le is the name His Majesty bestowed upon you alongside the title of County Lady, meaning "peace" and "joy" -- both of which you wish to attain for the rest of you life.
Emperor: [Fixated] You've languished much over the years!
Xiu Ying: Have I? I have not noticed.
Emperor: You must have suffered. Tell me what you have been through?
You don't know whether to laugh or cry. Of course you suffered! But it will come off as whining if you elaborate.
Xiu Ying: [Composed] I suffered most from being homesick.
Emperor: So true! Well, you're home now.
A smiling Queen Rong comes up to you, holds your hand and looks you up and down.
Queen Rong: Yes. I agree you've languished. We must get the Imperial Kitchen to fatten you up!
Xiu Ying: Thank you very much, Your Highness. It's wonderful to see that you are looking as fine as two years ago.
Queen Rong: [Touches own face] really? It could be the quality facial creams I use. I'll share it with you later.
Xiu Ying: My gratitude, Queen Rong.
MC: (I can be pretentious as well! We'll see who gets disgusted first!)
You turn it back on her by grabbing her arm rather intimately. Her expression changes slightly and eyes full of alarm as if you were plotting something insidious. You think it's funny and pretend you didn't see it. Soon enough, she quietly frees her arm from you.
Queen Rong: She has been away and I've missed her badly, Your Majesty. Won't you let me take her back to the Training Palace and catch up on old times?
Emperor: I'd like to discuss her excursion with her, so another day.
Queen Rong: [Taken aback but quickly puts up a front] Sure. Sorry for being inconsiderate on my part.
Queen Rong: [Smiles at you] I guess we'll talk at Training tomorrow.
Xiu Ying: Of course. I appreciate the thought.
According to Fu Heng, Queen Rong was very pleased because she thought His Majesty actually had you murdered when he announced your "sudden death from illness", but with you turning up alive and well, she's probably the most incensed over it. The superficial act aside, why did she make a point of inviting you to the Training Palace for a talk?
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