LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 173: Crossing the Line

The next day, you went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation again with the food box. Hu Ling was a little surprised to see you. She didn't seem to expect that you would bring snacks the next day. You smiled as it nothing had happened. You took the snacks out and put them on the Emperor's desk.

Xiu Ying: You Majesty, it's getting colder these days and you've been busy. Pingle though that sweet treats might relieve your fatigue.

Emperor: I haven't had your snacks for quite a while! Let's try some today.

The Emperor seemed happy today, with a rare smile on his face. Something good must have happened at the court. Seeing this, your anxiety gradually went away.

Emperor: Delicious. I miss them very much... It must've been two or three years since the last time I had the snacks you make?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I will bring you more if you like them.

Emperor: Princess Pingyang cared most about my health when she was alive. She often brought me snacks too. Pingle, do you remember I said that you looked like Princess Pingyang?

You were a little surprised hearing this, but you still had a smile on your face. The Emperor wouldn't mention Princess Pingyang for no reason. You had to prepare yourself for what he was going to say next.
Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I wouldn't dare to compare myself with Princess Pingyang. You felt this way because you miss the princess.

Emperor: You should know what I'm about to say next.

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I'll not change my mind.

Emperor: What if I order you to? Will you defy me?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, you won't do so, Your Majesty...

Emperor: [Interrupting] Well, you're crafty. The next thing you want to do is to make me a good Emperor, right? I know what's in your mind!

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I don't have to make you one. You're already a good Emperor.

Emperor: Nonsense! I don't want these snacks anymore hearing this!

Standing by the Emperor's side, Hu Ling looked nervous and shook her head at you, warning you to not defy the Emperor. Although the Emperor seemed angry, he only put his snacks back on the plate. He didn't seem to be as angry as he looked. So you weren't worried.

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I've done wrong. I'm willing to take the blame.

Emperor: [Looking at Hu Ling] Go. I have something to say to the princess.

Hu Ling was slightly stunned and soon recovered. She respectfully greeted and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The Emperor looked at you in silence. He seemed unfathomable. You weren't going to read his mind. Instead, you were going to tell him what you think directly.

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I know my place. I don't want to be in the royal family tree. I understand your concern. So I can make you a promise now.

Xiu Ying: I promise that I'll never have any thoughts about the Crown Prince.

Emperor: Really? I still remember that you said that you entered the palace for the Crown Prince? You like him, don't you?

If the Emperor hadn't brought it up again, you would've forgotten that you made it up in desperation. You realized that you've trapped yourself with your own lies.

Xiu Ying: [Embarrassed] Your Majesty... That was in the past. I've given up this idea. The Crown Prince is too good for me.

Emperor: What if he has feelings for you too?

Your heartbeat suddenly begins to race. Your face blushed quickly. You didn't know if your face was particularly blushed even though you tried hard to stay calm. What should you say to the Emperor?

Xiu Ying: This is impossible. There is no "if".

Emperor: Are you so sure?

You cleared out all of your past with Yin Zhen in your mind and shook your head firmly.

Xiu Ying: Yes, I'm sure.

There was a long silence in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. You kept your head down, unable to look at the Emperor's face. The silence made your heartbeat race.

Emperor: [Slowly speaking] Yin Zhen will only be an idle prince if he can't bear the throne. I see you as my daughter, I'd really like to reward you by granting your wish.

Emperor: But Yin Zhen is the Crown Prince. I want to entrust him with the country. So his wife must be of his help. She must stand out in thousands of people. Do you understand?

You had slowly calmed down. You wouldn't dare to pursue love in this lifetime. So you could do nothing but sigh hearing this.

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, I understand. I don't think I'm good enough to be in the royal family tree. I won't crave a position that doesn't belong to me. Please allow me to stay this way.

Emperor: I'm very curious. It's an honor to be in the royal family tree. Why are you trying so hard to refuse it?

Xiu Ying: My mother once said that people should know their places.

Emperor: Is that true?

The Hall of Mental Cultivation had a window open where you could just look up to see the outside. Although the sky was gloomy, the wind was breezing with ease.

Xiu Ying: [Chuckles] Yes, that's what I think. I'll remember my mother's words for as long as I live.

The Emperor might not believe you, but you had to say what you didn't mean. Your true thoughts could only be kept to yourself.

Xiu Ying:(I yearn for freedom. Even if I have to stay in the palace all my life, I hope I can be free after I die.)

The Emperor eventually promised you that you wouldn't be included in the royal family tree and he wouldn't bring this up again. You left the Hall of Mental Cultivation, feeling briskly or drearily.

Xiu Ying: (It's a pity that I couldn't mention in front of the Emperor that Yin Zhen was punished. I'm afraid that the Emperor would be paranoid if I did that.)

Xiu Ying: (However, as long as the Emperor didn't suspect me, he will stop punishing Yin Zhen.)

A hand suddenly lay on your forehead. You opened your eyes and were surprised to see Yin Zhi standing in front of you, looking indifferent and slowly taking back his hand.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness?

Yin Zhi: Watch where you walk! What are your eyes for?

Hearing this, you thought you were almost bumping into the wall and you were stopped by Yin Zhi. But looking forward, you saw no obstacles but a wide road.

Xiu Ying: [A moment of silence] Sorry, I'll look out next time.

Yin Zhi: Did you just leave the Hall of Mental Cultivation?

Xiu Ying: I did, Your Highness. Are you going there as well? His Majesty is about to work on the documents, he may not be free.

Yin Zhi: Why are you frowning? Scolded by father?

Xiu Ying: No, I'm fine!

Yin Zhi: Good. I have a lot of books to sort out in my study. Come along and help. You don't have to go if you don't want to.

Xiu Ying: Sure! I'll go with you!

You've heard that Yin Zhi had a large collection of books in his study. You wanted to see it. This was a rare opportunity. Your gloom went away and you went along in high spirits. Yin Zhi still looked indifferent walking behind you. But he had his eyes on your back in front of him.