LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 181: Reconciliation

After you made a grudge with the Noble Consort because of the 7th Prince, Queen Rong has been treating you increasingly well, sending things to Phoenix Hall every now and then. You were distressed and upset between them. You didn't want to deal with Queen Rong. But facing the highly hostile Noble Consort, you couldn't make enemies everywhere in case the two of them joined hands to go against you.

It was chilly in spring, and it began to rain again, as if it were still in the most piercing winter day. Leaning on the edge of the lake, watching the ripples on the water surface, there seemed to be waves in your heart. You couldn't even hear what Queen Rong was saying by your side.

Queen Rong: Princess, do you still remember that I mentioned His Majesty's temper changing greatly?

Hearing this, you focused and looked at Queen Rong beside you. She smiled, looking elegant. It didn't seem like she was talking about the Emperor's temper.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness, what are you trying to say?

In this lakeside pavilion, you didn't know when the servants were told to retreat. Shi Lian and all the rest of them were standing far away. Nobody else could hear you and Queen Rong.

Queen Rong: At first, His Majesty didn't look into the 7th Prince setting fire. I was shocked. The 7th Prince told the secret behind that incident after he met you, but His Majesty didn't get to the bottom of it.

Queen Rong: This is not the Emperor I know at all.

The Emperor was wise and dignified, kind and loving to the people, how could he allow his son to do such a thing?

Xiu Ying: [Eyes twinkling] Your Highness, people change, let along His Majesty, the Emperor.

You kept looking at Queen Rong when you talked, only to see that she looked straight ahead, shaking her head, and decisively denying your thoughts.

Queen Rong: I've been with His Majesty for more than twenty years. I know him better than you do.

Xiu Ying: Your Highness, I understand. But no matter what we do, we're just guessing.

Queen Rong looked at you and suddenly changed her tone.

Queen Rong: You should be in quite a trouble now. If His Majesty doesn't get to the bottom of it, is it a good thing or bad for you?

Xiu Ying: Your Majesty, do you think that I have something to do with the 7th Prince setting fire?

The wind blowing by, raindrops floating on your body, and your face was slightly moist before you knew it, but you and Queen Rong were still standing there, seemed to be unaware of it all.

Queen Rong: [Shaking her head] The Noble Consort is straightforward but I'm not her. I know that whether you were in Mount Tianchi or somewhere else, you must be at the behest of His Majesty.

Queen Rong: The Emperor said that you did not return to the capital, and you were in Mount Tianchi, so that must be it. Moreover, if you really want to hurt the 7th Prince, His Majesty won't let you get away.

Xiu Ying: If you believe me, Your Highness, why did you suddenly bring it up?

Queen Rong: I was thinking, who did the 7th Prince see? Did someone impersonate you?

You didn't expect Queen Rong to think like you did. Would she think...

Queen Rong: So, when I looked back on this, I couldn't help thinking. Is it possible that the Emperor now is not the real Emperor?

Queen Rong's voice was so soft that it was quickly overshadowed by the growing sound of the rain. But she looked agitated and was obviously stunned by this speculation. But this was too absurd. Come to think of it now, there were many things that didn't add up. How could there be someone who knew the Emperor so well? Even if the Emperor's temper changed greatly, what about memories and habits?

Xiu Ying: Don't worry about it, Your Highness. We can't reach a final conclusion without strong evidence.

Under your soft comforting, Queen Rong slowly regained her composure and couldn't help laughing at her absurd speculation.

Queen Rong: I'm overthinking. Anyway, I want to solve this mystery, princess, would you believe me and work with me?

Queen Rong: I'm not afraid of your laughing at me. I don't know who to trust now, but I can trust you for once.

After saying that, Queen Rong looked at you with a smile, waiting for your answer. The rain and the distant wind made you cold.

Xiu Ying: The was a grudge between us, Your Highness. Do you still remember that? Can you really put aside the past and work with me?

Although it has been a long time since the grudge between you and Queen Rong. But memories were still there. At first, you wanted to bring down each other, even setting each other up step by step. Is it so easy to clear things up?

Queen Rong: I'm anxious to get to the bottom of this now, and I think you will be the best ally.

Xiu Ying: Why do you have to get to the bottom of it, Your Highness? It obviously has nothing to do with you and it doesn't do you any harm. It doesn't seem that you have a reason to do so.

Queen Rong: I need to plan for my future. If someone is impersonating the Emperor... Then I won't allow it!

Hearing this, you went silent. Queen Rong was very patient, waiting for your answer. Under the situation now, if someone could be trusted to get to the bottom of this with you, it would certainly be the best choice. The question was, should you trust Queen Rong?

Xiu Ying: All right. I trust you, Your Highness.

You finally decided to trust Queen Rong for now. You looked at each other and smiled. But in the smile, you seemed to each have something on your mind.

DISTANCING

After a few days of raining, the sun has finally come out today. The sun shone on the path, glittering as gold. You came across the 6th Prince on the path. Although you and Queen Rong were working together for now, the 6th Prince didn't seem to know this, or he pretended not to know this. You tried to probe but got nothing. Then you wanted to find an excuse to walk away. The 6th Prince looked over to behind you and showed a gentle smile.

6th Prince: Big Brother!

Xiu Ying: (Yin Zhen?)

You got nervous all of a sudden. You turned around slowly and heard Yin Zhen answering "Brother". You greeted Yin Zhen.

6th Prince: [Laughing] What a coincidence, why don't we go riding together?

Xiu Ying: (Riding? I've decided to stay away from Yin Zhen... What are you plotting in your mind?)

I was about to turn him down but Yin Zhen started speaking first.

Yin Zhen: I'm otherwise occupied. You should go riding.

6th Prince: Aren't you going, brother?

Yin Zhen turned you down and walked pass you two. He didn't even give you one more look. Your mind drifted with him walking away. It seemed that you have agreed with each other on staying away with each other politely.