Chapter 129: Last Chance

Prince Jin gives you an opportunity to live, and you have to grab it, but things won't be over that easily...

## Where Is the One?

Lanterns light up the forecourt. Prince Jin rests easily back in his chair. You are shoved down roughly onto your knees. You can smell the wine on him from several feet away.

It cannot be a coincidence that he has summoned you here tonight. Si Yan must have done something or said something.

MC: (It seems I misjudged Si Yan’s acumen.)

Prince Jin: Do you know why you have been brought here?

MC: [Tearing running down your cheeks] It’s because I foolishly did something to anger you my Lord.

Prince Jin: Foolishly? Really? Did you not do Si Yan’s make-up? Did you not show her how to dance?

MC: Is that what she told you? Do you know where she is, my Lord?

Prince Jin’s eyes narrow. Steward Zhou flicks his fly-whisk at you and bellows loudly.

Steward Zhou: The Prince asked you a question! Answer his and don’t talk back!

## Plead Guilty

The fly-whisk catches you between the shoulder blades, and pain spreads across your back.

MC: [Frightened] I didn’t know, my Lord! I’m sorry! It was me who did her make-up and showed her how to dance.

Prince Jin: You are very accomplished for one so ugly.

* I know the basics, my Lord
* You are too kind, my Lord
 MC I only know the basics, my Lord.

Prince Jin: And intelligent person agrees with their Lord, if they want to keep their head.

MC: Very good my Lord. I understand.

Prince Jin: You’re probably thinking I’m a very unpredictable person. Does it frighten you? [Swallowing your pride] You are too kind, my Lord.

Prince Jin: You agreed very quickly. Aren’t you worried that I find your behavior reprehensible and plan to kill you?

The wind picks up, wafting the smell of wine over to you. The Prince’s voice is cold and hard. You lower your eyes, you mind is calm.

MC: Yes, my Lord. But what choice do I have?

Prince Jin: When I promised Wei Jie I would spare your life, I had planned to wait for a few days and then find an excuse to kill you.

## Saving Grace

MC: [Sighing] It seems your good opinion once lost is lost forever.

Prince Jin: However, today I have learned you have certain redeeming qualities.

You can’t quite believe your ears. The Prince waves his hand, and Si Yan is escorted into the forecourt.

Or to put it more precisely, she is dragged into the forecourt. She has been badly beaten. Her hair is disheveled and her make up is a complete mess. A large bruise in the shape of a hand is evident on her face and she is sobbing wildly.

It looks like Si Yan was dressing up as Yan’r to seduce Prince Jin, but was discovered and gave your name up under torture.

Prince Jin: [Casually] It’s up to you whether or not you both die tonight.

MC: [Slowly] Up to… me?

Prince Jin: I want to see her make-up again. I want you to redo it.

You’re about to answer when he bursts out laughing, an ugly and chilling sound.

Prince Jin: If I am not happy with the result, you’re dead.

## Perfect Disguise

You take a deep breath and nod. You get up and walk over to Si Yan. She is still crying. The injuries on her face will be very hard to hide.

But you must do your best. Your lives depend on it.

MC: [Quietly] Don’t cry. Prince Jin despises weakness.

Si Yan stares at you, dumbfounded. You take out a handkerchief and dab away her tears. Her make-up has run everywhere.

Si Yan: I’m… scared.

MC: It’s okay. Just listen to me.

Your steady voice has a calming effect on Si Yan and she ignores your fingers are you work on her face.

Thinking about it, you decide not to cover the handprint on her face too carefully, but to accentuate her beauty.

The night is very quiet. Cold air circulates around the room. You work carefully and with conviction. Steward Zhou is standing off to one side, his brow furrowed.

Director Zhou: Are you crazy? Why aren’t you hiding the bruise?

## The Poor One

MC: [Calmly] Patience, Master Zhou. The Prince won’t be blaming me for the bruise, but rather the person who hit Si Yan.

Steward Zhou looks like he’s about to yell at you when the cold-hearted laughter of Prince Jin interrupts.

Prince Jin: What’s talking so long? Finished yet?

MC: [Loudly] YES MY LORD!!!!

MC: [Whispering into Si Yan’s ear] Follow my lead. Trust me.

Si Yan nods weakly. She hides her face behind her sleeve and walks slowly forward. She looks soft, each step is languid and alluring. When she reaches the Prince she lowers her sleeve a fraction.

She looks fragile and lovely. The handprint is clearly visible against her pale skin, giving her a pitiful, wretched look.

Prince Jin sits up slowly in his chair, a glimmer of warmth in his hard eyes. Suddenly he explodes in rage, sending the cups and wine flying.

Director Zhou: [Kicking you] Kneel down!

## Tell Everything

Prince Jin completely ignores you. He is staring at Si Yan’s face. He asks slowly, dangerously.

Prince Jin: Who did it?

Director Zhou: My, my Lord… I don’t understand.

Prince Jin: Get out of my sight.

The sound of pitiful bleating recedes into the distance. Prince Jin appears to have sobered up for the most part. He lets out a deep breath and turns his attention to you.

Prince Jin: You can keep your life.

MC: [Blowing deeply] Thank you, my Lord.

Prince Jin: I have a question for you. Answer me in full and hold nothing back. Do you understand?

Your heart starts beating faster, but you can only summon up your courage and nod.

Prince Jin: The question is, what is your connection to Wei Jie?

MC: We are old acquaintances, my Lord.

Prince Jin: Really? Are you close?

MC: No, my Lord. Not close.

Prince Jin: Do you know what happens to people who lie to my face?

MC: [Fearfully] I wouldn’t dare lie to you, my Lord. Every word I say is the truth.

Prince Jin searches your face for a moment, as if looking for a crack in your story. Finally he waves his hand dismissively and a guard removes you from the forecourt.

You gaze up at the ink black night sky and take a deep breath. Wei Jie already pretended not to know you that well. You’ve got to keep each other’s secrets.