You thought Queen Rong would leave you alone after the last encounter. Not only does she not, but she tried to move even closer. She treats you like you were of genuine royalty way above your status.
Xiu Ying: (Wonder what she's up to now?)
Queen Rong: Why aren't you trying this? It's a specialty I ordered the kitchen to prepare. It's very good for your skin and health!
Xiu Ying: I just feel like I'm taking advantage of your hospitality the past several days.
Queen Rong: No need to be so polite. Quick, take a bite!
You start digging in and notice she has kept her eyes on you the whole time, making you uncomfortable.
Xiu Ying: Is there anything you would like to speak to me about?
Queen Rong: Yes, and I hope I'm not being too blunt... Were you really where you said you were the past two years?
You see both curiosity and hesitation in her eyes as she awaits your answer.
Xiu Ying: (No wonder she put up all the front! How should I reply, though?)
Xiu Ying: [Smile] You're joking right, my queen? I mean, where else could I be?
Queen Rong: No, it's not a joke. I really want to know. You can tell me, I won't tell anyone else.
Queen Rong:[Waves everyone off] Leave us alone. I would like to talk to the County Lady in private.
The maids and eunuchs withdraw immediately and shut the door behind them. The room becomes deathly quiet.
Xiu Ying: I went to Mount Tianchi on His Majesty's order. I could go nowhere else.
You resume eating, but the queen is watching you like a hawk, trying to discern how much truth is behind your words.
Queen Rong: Do you know His Majesty passed your absence off as "sudden death"?
Xiu Ying: Of course. It's not my place to question his plan. You can take it up with him if you believe there's an issue.
You deflect every question from her flawlessly, in such a way that she must back down or risk exposing her true intent.
Queen Rong: We had our problems, but we've buried the hatchet... I'm asking you all this because I care about you.
Xiu Ying: [Sigh] I know, but I have direct orders from His Majesty never to discuss my time in Mount Tianchi on my life.
With that, she bought the story, hook, line and sinker. After a short pause, she continues.
Queen Rong: I'm perplexed at the decision made by His Majesty. Frankly, he has changed over the last few years. Sometimes he even seemed like a completely different person.
You sneak a peek and, judging by her reaction, you don't think she is lying, as there's weariness in her expression.
Queen Rong: To be honest, I really didn't want to oppose you this time around. You might think I was trying to instigate something between you and the consort, when all I actually wanted was to get you on my side.
Xiu Ying: Why would you get that notion about His Majesty?
Queen Rong: He's getting more aloof and it's harder and harder to figure him out. I feel uneasy in his presence. Is it the same for you?
Her revelation hits you like a hammer. Even the queen thinks he's much too capricious now, so maybe he has indeed changed. But what could have changed His Majesty? The queen must be at wit's end to be candid about him in front of you, so you think you can believe most of everything she said.
Xiu Ying: If you didn't tell me, I would have thought His Majesty was always like this.
Queen Rong: [Shakes head] How could it be always... I...
Lan Zhi: [Knock] The Sixth Prince is here, my queen!
Queen Rong: [Frowns] Why did he pick now to come? I'll talk to you another time, if you don't mind.
You get up as Queen Rong orders the door open. The Sixth Prince hurries in and spots you right away.
6th Prince: Fancy seeing you here, County Lady!
Xiu Ying: [Smile] I thought you came here to see me. Guess I was wrong!
6th Prince: [Upset] What nonsense is that?!
Xiu Ying: It's only a joke, and I'm sorry. I'll take my leave now.
You excuse yourself and exit the palace. Just as you expect, the Sixth Prince chases after you.
6th Prince: Please halt, my lady!
Xiu Ying: What can I help you with, Sixth Prince?
6th Prince: I take it, it was hard for you to spend every day praying for two years?
Xiu Ying: No, not when it was for the Queen Mother. I'd go back and do it again if I get another chance.
Whatever he wanted to say next gets stuck in his throat and he can only look at you in silence.
Xiu Ying: [Smile] I just told the queen a lot about it, so if you're curious, you can find out from her.
6th Prince: No, not that... Do you not wish to speak with me?
You're surprised at how annoyed and upset he is. You're a bit tickled inside too and want to see where this leads.
6th Prince: Didn't you want to bury the hatchet with me before?
Xiu Ying: But didn't you refuse to forgive me?
6th Prince: That's a long time ago and we're not kids anymore, wouldn't you say?
Xiu Ying: If that's the case, let it be water under the bridge and we'll start over between us.
6th Prince: Good. I'm going hunting tomorrow. The Fourth Prince is coming too. How about you?
So that's what he wanted.
Xiu Ying: I can't give you a definitive answer right now, but I will if my day turns out to be free tomorrow.
You're guessing the queen didn't inform him of her concerns regarding His Majesty, probably because she didn't want to worry him. Maybe he has an ulterior motive, and that piques your curiosity.
6th Prince: Trust me, hunting is fun! Don't make excuses and just go!
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