LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 170: Royal Family Tree

Because of what Yin Zhen said, you've lost the interest in hunting, and even wanting to just flee.

Yin Zhen: Anything you want to say?

Xiu Ying: I wish to ride on my own before the Sixth Prince sees us.

Yin Zhen: Why, are you afraid that people might talk?

Xiu Ying: Yin Zhen...

The Sixth Prince and Hu Ling catch up and are dumbfounded to see you sharing horseback with Yin Zhen. You blush again.

6th Prince: Uh, what are you two doing?

Xiu Ying: Nothing, just practicing archery!

Xiu Ying: [Whisper] I have to ride by myself now, got it?!

Yin Zhen lets you go without a word. Before long, you make an excuse and flee the scene.

Xiu Ying: (But I can't just keep running away...)

As you rack your brain, His Majesty summons you. You notice you two are once more alone in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Emperor: Have a seat and taste this. It's your favorite.

You see the dessert and flash back two years when you were covertly ushered out of the palace. That still haunts you to this day.

Emperor: [Surmising your concern] Worry not, it's not spiked.

Xiu Ying: What request does Your Majesty have for me?

Emperor: [Smiles] You were never this formal with me before! Know that I'll always keep my promise to the Queen Mother, so don't be afraid of me.

Why would he say that now? You conceal your concern, smile and enjoy the snack.

Emperor: [Stares at you calmly] I actually see you as a daughter.

Xiu Ying: I appreciate it, Your Majesty, but I dare not compare myself to any princess.

Emperor: It's not just lip service. I truly feel that way. Would you like to be my daughter?

Xiu Ying: [Stunned] Why would you ask that question now?

Emperor: This is not a snap decision. I've given it much thought and deliberation.

Emperor: The Queen Mother asked me to treat you like you're my own, but I don't feel that's enough.

That actually perplexes you even more as you try to delve into his true intent.

Emperor: I've decided to add you to the Imperial Family Record and make you my daughter. What do you think?

The shock of inclusion in the Imperial Family Record knocks you on your knees. You're still very much confused as to how this turn of event came about.

Xiu Ying: It's already a great honor for me to become County Lady from a humble civilian origin. I do not think I am worthy of such accolade, Your Majesty.

Emperor: Are you truly content with your current status?

Xiu Ying: I'm very content, Your Majesty.

Emperor: You sure?

Xiu Ying: Yes, it is the absolute truth.

The incense smoke in the quiet hall feels thicker than usual, stifling your breath.

Emperor: [Emotionless] You may think that way, but each of my sons feels the same way about you.

You're slowly figuring this out. You probably have been the closest to Yin Zhen lately. Did someone mention that to His Majesty? You think back to the hunt and are reminded that the Sixth Prince and Hu Ling were there.

Xiu Ying: (Did they snitch? No, there were many others present as well... There were servants, but some might be spies for the emperor.)

Your every move seemingly being watched and scrutinized makes you feel hopeless.

Xiu Ying: [Slowly] I do not dare encroach above my station, Your Majesty. I always keep my place in mind.

Emperor: [Calmly] Don't be nervous. I know, and it's not your fault. However, I really do want to add you to the Imperial Family Record.

Xiu Ying: I'm not worthy, so please reconsider.

He sighs following a long pause.

Emperor: I'll take some time to ponder, but I don't think I'll change my mind. You may leave now.

After several days of anxiety over the Imperial Family proposal, you are visited by Yin Zhen.

Yin Zhen: His Majesty mentioned your inclusion in the Imperial Family Record this morning. Do you know about it? Did you agree?

Xiu Ying: [Wryly] I'm just a civilian. I've been bestowed a great honor already. I'm not worthy of the proposal.

Yin Zhen: Good that you declined.

Xiu Ying: [Concerned] Please don't get involved. I'll dissuade His Majesty on my own.

Yin Zhen: You're not smart enough and will just accept the decision in the end, anyway. I can let anything else slide, but not this.

Yin Zhen visits the emperor in the Hall later in the evening and kneels.

Emperor: Why are you here, my son?

Yin Zhen: Ping Le cannot go into the Imperial Family Record, Sire.

Emperor: That's for me to decide and it's none of your business.

Yin Zhen: I will not give my consent.

Hearing the determined defiance in the prince's voice, the emperor slams a scroll to the ground.

Emperor: Don't think I don't know what you want! I knew you wanted to marry her and that's why I sought to include her name!

Yin Zhen: Why her and not someone else?

Emperor: You are the crown prince and your wife will be the future queen! You must realize who is or isn't fit for that title!

Yin Zhen: Hasn't she done enough, Sire?

The emperor tries to control his hard breathing with a long pause amid the tension.

Emperor: I had a dream of you going to war with the former crown prince over a peasant woman... Her.

Yin Zhen: Don't you think that's a ridiculous reason, Sire?!

Emperor: [Furious] Sparing her life is already the greatest favor I'm doing for her, Yin Zhen!

Emperor: I promised the Queen Mother and I hope to keep that promise. Don't you push your luck, either.

The scolded Yin Zhen prostrates, hiding a mocking smirk and evil eyes from the emperor.