LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 174: New Year's Eve

It just got dark and snow was falling from the sky, The lights hanging on the porch were shining in the snow. There was a cheerful sound from afar, lively and somewhat deserted. It was New Year's Eve. The Emperor hosted a New Year's Eve banquet at the Palace of Heavenly Purity. After nightfall, you took Shi Lian's arm, walking together to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Shi Lian: Your Highness, it's the Crown Prince!

Looking in the direction that Shi LIan pointed at, you saw Yin Zhen from afar. He dressed in a serpent robe, looking elegant and reserved in demeanor. As you expected, as long as the Emperor didn't suspect you, he would soon release Yin Zhen from his captivity. You saw that he was all right then you finally stopped worrying.

Xiu Ying: Let's slow down.

Shi Lian: Why?

Shi Lian was confused, but she slowed down her pace. You seemed to worry too much. Yin Zhen didn't see you. He went straight to the Palace of Heavenly Purity quickly.

Shi Lian: The Crown Prince used to notice you every time... What happened today?

Xiu Ying: I'm glad he didn't notice me. Shi Lian, he and I are on different paths after all.

Shi Lian heard me although my voice was low. She looked surprised and confused. After a moment of hesitation, she looked around and couldn't help asking.

Shi Lian: Your Highness, what are you talking about? I thought you would go over and say hello to His Highness.

Xiu Ying: The Crown Prince has a noble status. I'm just a civilian princess. We should keep our distance from the Eastern Palace.

Shi Lian: Although I don't think you two are far away from each other. But Your Highness,,, you won't like the days of plotting and scheming.

Shi Lian: So Your Highness, I still think that Lord Fu Heng is better for you.

Xiu Ying: [Gaping] Why do you suddenly mention Fu Heng?

Shi Lian: [Sticking out her tongue] Because that's what I think. The Crown Prince is good, but Lord Fu Heng is better for Your Highness.

Although there was no one around, you were so surprised by Shi Lian's words that you quickly covered her mouth. Fortunately, it was so dark that nobody saw your face go blush.

Xiu Ying: [Pinching Shi Lian's face] Stop this nonsense! Neither the Crown Prince nor Fu Heng is what you think to me.

In the face of your denial, Shi Lian hesitated to speak again several times. Eventually, she could only sigh in her heart. Stepping into the Palace of Heavenly Purity, you felt a little uneasy. You didn't know what to do facing Yin Zhen. You had to pray secretly that this would not happen. God seemed to hear your prayer, Yin Zhen looked indifferent. He didn't take one look at you.

6th Prince: You don't drink?

6th Prince's voice pulled your thoughts back. You looks up and saw him holding up his wine to you with a gently smile from the opposite.

Xiu Ying: [Shaking your head] No, I don't. You seem to be in the mood of drinking. Perhaps it's because of the festival?

6th Prince: Today only. Father allows us to drink a few more glasses of wine. I can't miss it for the day. It's a pity that 7th Prince is not here. No one is here to drink with me.

Xiu Ying: Why didn't 7th Prince come?

6th Prince: I heard that he is not well. But you should be more relaxed that he's not here.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness, I don't quite understand what you mean. But for the sake of your health, don't drink too much.

You didn't mean to say that. But you suddenly thought of a certain New Year's Eve, you and the 6th Prince had a not so pleasant memory. You found that 6th Prince's expression changed slightly. He must have suddenly thought of this as well.