Accompanying the Phoenix

Chapter 9: Meeting Prince Ru

"I need you as a bodyguard of course. The prince isn't going to let this slide. He'll definitely send assassins after us, but since what he wanted to find out was of a blasphemous nature, he'll have to keep it from the emperor and work in secret." It was obvious to everyone yesterday that between the two, Shen Li was the stronger adversary. Therefore the best course of action would be to get rid of Xing Yun first, then focus on Shen Li after. Whether or not they had the ability to take care of her was a whole other story. Xing Yun was able to understand this, so of course he would drag her along with him!

...

Shen Li read the placard sign in front of her, "Rui Palace?" She creased her brow puzzled.

Xing Yun nodded his head. "The emperor has seven sons, and although the crown prince is the first-born from the empress, he is not the oldest prince. That title belongs to Prince Rui, whose mother is the current favored imperial concubine. The strength of his family is strong with many ties within the government and the imperial palace. Currently he's the only one with the potential to stand against the crown prince.

"You are surprisingly well-versed in the politics of the royal family."

"I didn't know anything before last night, but if I want to clear out a certain scumbag then I have to gather my information properly." Xing Yun stopped talking when he heard the sound of whips approaching. Soon a carriage appeared under heavy escort. Xing Yun slowly approached and in a clear voice he said, "Foreteller Xing Yun seeks an audience with Prince Rui!"

After a moment of silence a voice spoke out in a derogatory sneer, "Fortuneteller? You are bold to dare approach. The people consider tricksters that swindle and cheat others to be despicable. This king feels no different."

"In that case Your Highness can think of me as a tactician instead. I know of a plan that would be beneficial to Your Highness. Would Your Highness be interested?"

"Why should this lord trust you?"

"Last night the crown prince came to me in search of a plan..." Xing Yun trailed off purposefully. Then he laughed and said, "If Your Highness wishes to know more, may we speak privately inside?"

The curtain was pulled aside and a man in purple stepped out. He had a trim figure but his face had a terrible scar that ran from the top of his forehead to the corner of his mouth. Shen Li thought that the emperor must have done something grievous to elicit such a retribution upon his son from the heavens.

Prince Rui gave Xing Yun and Shen Li a once over before speaking in a husky voice. "Bring them to the inner courtyard."

The palace was extremely large with many richly decorated pavilions and courtyards. There were numerous statues, acres of beautifully planted flowers and shimmering clear lakes throughout. Everywhere she looked screamed "Big! Beautiful! Rich!" It was nice and all, but Shen Li felt the display was deliberately ostentatious in order to cover up the atmosphere of death and repression that permeated throughout.

Back in the demon realm, she lived at the base of the ruins. The air was filled with thick miasma that blocked the sunlight creating a dark sky all year round. Naturally greenery didn't exist as plants weren't able to take root in such inhospitable land. It wasn't as beautiful as the palace but there was a sense of freedom that existed in the air. Even Xing Yun's courtyard, although tiny in comparison, was much lovelier than this palace.

The two were led to a center pavilion to await Prince Rui. It wasn't long before he appeared in a different outfit to meet them. After the ceremonial greetings Prince Rui and Xing Yun began to talk about court affairs. Shen Li decided to escape since their talk was boring and she needed to relieve herself. With her abilities she was able to easily evade the palace guards. She eventually came upon a pond with a beautiful lotus flower floating in the center. It was so eye catching she decided to pluck it for herself. Just as she reached over a voice rang out from behind. "What are you doing! Don't touch my flower!"