Li Chenghao/Outing/1

## Part 1

Crickets sang over the summer. One day, it was getting cooler after the rain. You, who had been staying inside for days, wanted to go out for a walk.

Emperor
It seems that I came at a wrong time. Look, our lazy girl is finally willing to come out of her door, right?
When you just stepped out of your chamber, Li CHenghao was walking across the yard towards you. Seeing you dress up decently and head out, he was surprised.

Player
What brings you here, your majesty? I am about to go for a walk.
Emperor
You have been hiding yourself in your chamber from the hot weather and enjoyed iced food for a month. I thought you like such cozy life. Why do you wanna go out now?
Player
You are teasing me again, your majesty. Though it's cozy to stay inside everyday, I always feel like I am wasting my time when I spend all my time doing nothing.
Emperor
Well, you can take a walk with me.
Player
Don't you want to have a cup of tea before our walk?
Emperor
No need. The scenery around Taiye Pool is amazing now. We shall go to appreciate it if you don't want to waste your time.
Player
You are a man of impulsion, your majesty. Of course I shall go with you!
You looked at each other and smiled. Then you headed for the Taiye Pool hand in hand.

## Part 2

A breeze rose and left some ripples on the water of Taiye Pool. You and the emperor stood by the pool and appreciated the lotus blossoms and green leaves.

Player
They are in full bloom this summer. I can even smell lotus fragrance when I close my eyes.
With that, you took a deep breath, and your nose was filled with refreshing aroma. Looking at your face, the emperor shook his head with a smile.

Emperor
You can be sillier. These are just lotus flowers. We can see it every summer. Why are you so surprised?
Player
You are spoiling the moment, your majesty. The flowers we see today are different from what we saw last summer. And I will never get tired of seeing beautiful things, no matter how long I see them.
As you said it in a serious and angry tone, he frowned and was seemingly enlightened.

Emperor
Now that you like lotus so much, I will ask servants to transplant them to the pond in your yard. What do you say?
Choose an option
Agree
Decline
### Option A

Player
Great, don't forget what you said. You shall keep your promise, your majesty. Now I am waiting for the day when I can smell lotus as soon as I open my window.
Emperor
Huh, you naughty girl. How dare you accept this award? You haven't done any contributions. Aren't you afraid that I want something from you?
Player
I always believe that "gather sweet blossoms while you may." I love lotus. You are willing to give them to me. Why shall I turn you down reluctantly? And I am your concubine already. Why shall I fear if you want something from me?
Emperor
Great! "Gather sweet blossoms while you may." For what you said, it's necessary to grant you a pond of lotus.
### Option B

Hearing that, you shook your head. It seemed that you were not interested in this gift.

Player
Although I love these lotus flowers, I don't think love means confining or possessing. Leave them be. I'd like to come here to take a look when I am free. It's good for both of us.
Emperor
I didn't expect that you would say something so wise. You always look very smart and active. Why? Are you studying Zen theory lately?
Player
(Glances at him) There are still a lot of things you don't know about me. We will be able to see things through when we go through many things. Why would I have to study Zen?
Hearing your words, the emperor didn't retort as usual. As you observed his face, he smiled at you to comfort you. And his eyes, not as complicated as usual, were lit up by something.