Chapter 174: New Year's Eve

## Free from House Arrest

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.

MC: 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?

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

## Staying Away

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.

MC: 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.

MC: [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.

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

## Secret Prayers

In the face of denial, Shi Lian hesitated to several times. Eventually, she could only sigh her 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.

* No, I don't
* No, I can't
MC: [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.

MC: 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.

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

MC: I'm not a drinker so I'd better drink less.

6th Prince: It's a pity. I wanted to have a few drinks with you.

MC: Although wine makes you warm, don't drink too much for the sake of your health.
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.

6th Prince: You're right. I shouldn't drink that much, to avoid being framed and having nobody to turn to.

## Bursting with Joy

The 6th Prince looked a little upset. You felt embarrassed and also a little amused.

Fortunately, the dancers began dancing with the music, cutting off the eye contact between you and the 6th Prince and alleviating the embarrassment.

Hui Xin quietly approached and stood behind you, slightly leaning over and starting whispering to you.

Hui Xin: Come on, let's set off fireworks! My brother bought a lot of firework sticks. You'll enjoy it!

MC: [Eyes lightening up] Firework sticks? I haven't done this for a long time!

You got excited. You quietly looked around and saw everyone enjoying the dance or toasting each other. Nobody would notice you at all.

Shi Lian: [Worried] Your Highness, will you get blamed if His Majesty finds out?

MC: Don't worry. His Majesty knows that I can't sit still! Come on, I'll have to find an excuse to explain this if we're caught.

## Flying Sparks

Leaving the Palace of Heavenly Purity, you saw only the beautiful view of snow falling in the night. Although the cold wind was piercing, it was relaxing, making you happy in an instant.

Under the blooming plum blossoms, Fu Heng has been waiting for a long time. He look up at you with a light smile on his face.

MC: So many firework sticks? Did you bring these in from outside the palace?

Fu Heng: Yes. I know you like them, so I brought a lot.

MC: Come on, light one for me!

You held up the firework stick. Fu Heng lit it for you. The flash of sparks bloomed in an instant, softening your eyes.

You turned around and wanted to share the firework sticks with Shi Lian and Hui Xin. But you were surprised to see them running away hand in hand.

MC: Why are you running away? Are you leaving me here?

Hui Xin: Don't worry about us! Have fun!

## Brilliant Succession

No matter how stupid you might be, you immediately understood what Hui Xin meant. Suddenly, you were at a loss. You stood in that quiet place and the scent of plum blossoms, with sparks flickering and slowly extinguishing in your hands.

MC: [Coughing] Traitors.

Fu Heng: Then let's set off fireworks together.

Fu Heng lit two firework sticks and handed them to you. Your eyes were immediately attracted by the beautiful sparks. You smiled and took the fireworks from Fu Heng.

MC: It's so beautiful... It's a pity that it would go out soon.

Finishing your words, you immediately regretting saying such dejected things on a festival. You heard Fu Heng's voice when you wanted to apologize.

Fu Heng: I'll light another one for you when it goes out. I'll keep the sparks for you.

Another firework stick was handed to you. You turned to Fu Heng and looked into his eyes. The sparks flickered slightly, its warm color softened Fu Heng's cold face.

A sharp voice of anger coming afar broke the peace.

Fat Eunuch: Who is setting off fireworks here!

MC: I asked Lord Fu Heng to bring me some fireworks from outside the palace. Is it against the rules?

The bloated eunuch approached and saw you and Fu Heng. He changed his face and knelt.

Fat Eunuch: Your Highness, Your Lordship! I thought it was some little maids hiding here slacking. Please forgive me!

MC: Forget it. Leave us.

The fat eunuch said thank you and left. The firework sticks in your hand have already gone out.

Fu Heng: Here.

There was Fu Heng's voice again. He lit two more firework sticks and handed them over. You took them and you two smiled at each other. The snow was still falling, but it didn't seem to be so piercing any more.