LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 196: Mutual Distrust

After taking the same carriage with Queen Rong, the journey is safe and smooth without any other unfortunate events. Finally, you arrive in Beijing. Whether Hu Ling was telling the truth or not, or wherever the 6th Prince set up the trap or not, in order to protect your own safety, the best choice is to find a way to stay with Queen Rong.

Xiu Ying: (In this way, you cannot only escape this trap, but also find out whether the Empress is involved or not... Now it seems that the Empress didn't know anything about it.)

Xiu Ying: (It's just, was this really set up by the 6th Prince?)

You have many doubts about this matter. After you get out of the carriage, you keep thinking about it on your way back to Phoenix Hall. At this time, you hear someone calling your name. You turn back and see Fu Heng running towards you in a hurry.

Fu Heng: I just found out your carriage had an accident. Are you hurt?

Xiu Ying: [Shakes head] No, I was in the Empress' carriage, so I escaped the accident.

Fu Heng: [Frowns] In the Empress' carriage? You wouldn't be in the Empress' car for nothing... Did you know this would happen?

I didn't expect Fu Heng to immediately realize the truth. Seeing your shocked face, he knows that his guess was right. He doesn't know whether he should be happy or upset about it.

Xiu Ying: It's not certain if it's going to happen, but it's better to be prepared.

Fu Heng: Why didn't you tell me about it? What if it's the Empress who wanted to harm you?

Xiu Ying: Even if the Empress wanted to harm me, she would do it secretly. I shared a carriage with her so she couldn't do anything to me. How could I trouble you when you are protecting the Emperor?

Fu Heng: If you told me, I would do everything I could to protect you. However, you always push me away.

Fu Heng stands in front of you. He was obviously in a hurry, that's why he has sweat all over his forehead. You can tell he's a bit disappointed from the look in his eyes. You don't know why, but you feel upset after seeing this.

Looking at him, you feel slightly awkward, and lower your head.

Xiu Ying: I know you see me as a friend. I see you as a friend too. But if you become slack with your affairs with the Emperor because of me, I will feel very guilty. Also, I have a method to solve the problem.

Fu Heng: (You are more than a friend to me.)

He almost blurt this out, but just at this time, he catch a glimpse of a figure coming from afar. Seeing this, he stops speaking and takes a few steps back.

Fu Heng: [Whispers] Someone's coming. I'll see you some other day. It's good to see you are OK. Take care of yourself.

After saying that, Fu Heng turns to leave. You turn around to see Hu Ling trotting toward you.

Hu Ling: I was really worried along the way and couldn't find the opportunity to check on you. Seeing you safe and sound, I finally feel relieved.

Hu Ling shows her concern. She looks very sincere, but a bit too sincere, which makes it kind of fake.

Xiu Ying: Thanks to your warning, we were able to avoid the accident. I didn't expect the 6th Prince could be this sinister.

Hu Ling observes your expression carefully. She looks relieved after seeing your trembling and grateful look.

Hu Ling: I just saw Lord Fu walk by. He really cares about you. You've returned to the Palace but he's still worried about you.

Xiu Ying: You misunderstood.

Hu Ling: I misunderstood?

Xiu Ying: I borrowed 5 Silver from Fu Heng last time. He was here to ask for his money back.

After hearing what you said, Hu Ling freezes. She doesn't seem to believe the borrowing money thing, but from your calm look, she can't tell if it's the truth.

Hu Ling: [Laughs] Even if Lord Fu really came to ask for his money back, I still think it's just his excuse to see you.

Unexpectedly, Hu Ling turns this into a new kind of nonsense. You feel speechless. You lower your head without saying anything, Hu Ling thinks you are just being shy.

Hu Ling: [Smiles] My Lady, I think the Emperor intends to support good things. You should think of your own future.

Xiu Ying: What does that mean?

Hu Ling: I think you can ask the Emperor for marriage.

After hearing what Hu Ling said, you almost choke on your own saliva. It seems that Hu Ling really wants to match you and Fu Heng.

Xiu Ying: Hu Ling, you are overthinking things. I don't want to marry anyone.

Hu Ling: [Slightly stunned] Does that mean you have someone else on your mind?

You want to deny it, but at this time, Hu Ling's excited look when she saw Yin Zhen suddenly appears in your mind.

Xiu Ying: (Will Hu Ling hurt me because of Yin Zhen?)

Xiu Ying: [Smiles] Hu Ling, you are younger than me, right? Why do you always talk about things like this. You make me feel embarrassed...

You didn't directly deny it. Hu Ling's heart beats faster, and she secretly squeezes her handkerchief. After a while, she reluctantly smiles and changes the topic.

Hu Ling: I wonder if you trust me after what happened, My Lady?

Xiu Ying: I've always thought that you are a decent person. But don't say anything like you are going to work for me in the future.

Hu Ling: [Worried] Why? What I said that day was true. Don't you believe what I said?

Xiu Ying: It's not that I don't believe what you said, but that we should not have such a relationship. The 6th Prince is threatening you and wants to harm me. We should help each other.

You slowly hold Hu Ling's hand. Her palms are slightly sweaty. She subconsciously wants to retract her hands, but stops.

Hu Ling: [Bright eyes] Thank you, My Lady. I knew you are the right person to trust. This palace is very dangerous. We must support each other.

Her hands are warm, and her smile is also very sincere. But the relationship between you both seems to have a huge gap. It looks like neither of you trust each other. This kind of trust is just not true. In fact, you don't trust Hu Ling even more. She is not as innocent as she looks like.