Right before dawn I come back to the household, finding XianLen sleeping on the floor of the terrace with the fox as a blanket.
The fox rises his head and stare at me, waking up the Prince
-Mmh... What's happening... Wan?- he rubs his eyes, coming to seat up before noticing me -Oh! It's Lai'Er!- he stands up completely and rushes to my side holding my shoulders tight
-Tell me tell me! How did it go?-
I pat his head -I first need some water and food... Then my brother.
It's... Worst than I imagined...-
His face turns dark -How serious?-
-To the point of changing our world-
-Oh no...-
...
-How can such a thing be true...? He's already the Crown Prince- gasps XianLen covering his mouth
-I'm sorry XianLen... I know he's your brother, but it can't be overlooked-
He nods -I know and I do want justice to be made too, I just... Does he really have no hope in victory for our army?-
-I don't know that, but be surely wanted to take the easier way... Look at these- I say, handing the reports to the Prince and my brother
-The Royal sigil... We cannot deny it anymore- growls my brother holding the paper -Was all of this really just liying in his office?-
-Mhn, yes- I lie
-Unbelievable... Under the eyes of everyone... He was doing such things... Did you risk anything? Someone saw you?-
-No nobody... But... A man died... It wasn't me, I swear!-
-I heard about it... Don't you worry, nobody killed him... His partner said he went to take a little nap and, according to the doctor, he lost balance for the tiredness and hit his head... Diying on the spot.
There was some bit of blood too as a prove on the furnitures-
"But that's not the truth... Could this be that man's doing too...? If he can manipulate even the Royal Doctors, just how powerful is he?"
-Lai'Er? Are you listening?-
-Oh? Uhm yes-
-So now we need to ask for an audience with the Emperor, as soon as possible... He might hold me in high regards but I'm not capable of such a thing-
-Not you, but I can!- grins the Prince with shiny eyes -As long as he comes to eat here we should be fine... Nothing can harm us inside this household and nobody can spy on us either-
-Then I'll leave the rest to you... I must get going or they will begin to worry at the Palace- says PeiZhi standing up
-It's just a matter of time now Ge, don't worry-
-For how much you prove my worries to be always wrong, I can never stop to worry dear sister- he smiles placing an hand on my shoulder -I'm your brother, you could even rule the world and I would still be worried about you going to the market alone-
I chuckle with him -You surely are overprotective... Well then, we'll see eachother when this matter will be settled-
...
-Your Majesty... The Fourth Prince of Len is at the gates- announce a guard, kneeling in front of the throne
-Good... Let him enter- replies the Emperor, putting away a parchment -Sure!-
-What heavenly catastrophe happened, for my fourth son to come personally meet with his father... Uhm, XianLen?- the Prince bows down as a greeting
-Your Majesty...-
-It's fine it's fine, stand up my son... Afterall I'm your father, aren't I?-
-Yes... Father... I wanted to invite you at my residence as a thanks for your continuous care-
-Are you talking about that woman? I knew you took a liking on her! Hehehe... Then who am I to refuse my dear son? I just hope you won't be the one cooking-
The Prince tries to hold his laughter -No... Don't you worry... Father-
-Well then... Jiao? Come here- he calls for a consultant -Tell the Queen and my other wives that I won't be dining with them today-
-Sure, Your Majesty...-
-Now then, would my dear son help the old bones of his father walk back to his room? I cannot possibly come to your house dressed like this...-
-For sure, Father!- he smiles coming to his side
...
-Ah it hasn't changed at all! It's actually reassuring, being that all the rest did... It's as if time stopped here- he comments looking at the magnolias and little lake in the garden -Oh your kittens... How cute.
And look at him! You really did good taking this wild fox in! You seem alsays so happy when he's around- chuckles the Emperor
"He doesn't know?"
-Yeah... Time really stopped here- tries to smile the Prince with a sad face
-Oh, Welcome Your Majesty!- I bend down taking the attention away from the Prince
XianLen looks at me smiling -Thanks- he whisper
-Oh! Miss Ying! What a pleasure to see a beautiful face like yours from time to time... And a valid soldier too! Would you make us the honour of joining us for lunch?-
-The honour is all mine, Your Majesty-
-Don't be so modest! I'm really proud of you Miss- he smiles content as I lead the way to the terrace.
-So, will we be eating something made from those miraculous hands?
I'm really looking forward to it... Is there something this woman can't do? Hahaha! if I were to leave my kingdom in your hand I'm sure you would pull that off too!- he laughs taking his chopsticks in his hand
XianLen throws me an awkward smile
-Don't flatter this lowly servitor so much Your Majesty... I just do what I know to do best...
My cusine might not be fit the palate of an Empero, but it does it's job...- I smile serving some portions
-I will determine that... Now let's just all enjoy our time and share some entrateining tales right?-
...
-Well then now that the lunch ended and we had a good time... I would like to make a request father- says XianLen putting down his cup of tea
-Mmh let's hear it my son, I will do anything if possible-
-Father... We need your most trusted Troupes to arrest the Crown Prince- he says with a hint of light in the eyes