Chapter 161: How Red the Maple

## A Single Wish

As the sun rises across the sky, you try to say goodbye to Fourteen only for him to head you off.

**14th Prince:** Do you still remember you promised me a wish?

**MC:** A wish? It was a favor, as I recall.

You asked for his help while looking into Consort Zhuang's murder of Shu Xian, thus owing him a favor. He never forgot, evidently.

**14th Prince:** I'm glad you still remember because I don't feel like explaining it.

**MC:** Why are you mentioning it now? Need my help with something?

**14th Prince:** Nah, just want you to fulfill a wish. It's a nice day today. Would you take a long walk with me?

You can't bear rejecting him, given how expectant he is, and nod.

**MC:** What kind of wish is this? Sure, I'll take a stroll with you.

**14th Prince:** It doesn't count? You mean I still got a wish? All right, I'll quit teasing. Let's go!

## Poetic and Picturesque

You step into a picturesque maple grove amid the autumn breeze and falling leaves.

You walk at abreast 14th Prince over red leaves that rustles with each easy gait.

**MC:** It's so beautiful... I haven't seen such an enchanting scene in a long time.

**14th Prince:** I knew you'd like it. From the very first time I chanced upon this place, I wanted to bring you here.

**MC:** Is everything well in the capital these two years?

**14th Prince:** [Shakes head] We're not going to talk about that today.

**MC:** Okay, we should keep the good feeling going.

**14th Prince:** I did miss you very much, though. Did you ever think of me?

He stops and stares at you in silence with nothing but anticipation in his eyes. Before you can speak, a breeze blows a maple leaf square on top of his head.

**14th Prince:** [Smiles] I guess someone followed us here.

## Special Feeling

He's referring to Shadow, who has surreptitiously followed you this whole way, rather risking discovery than swallowing his pride.

**MC:** [Awkwardly] What? No, there's no one around at all. Come on, I think it's even better over there.

**14th Prince:** The scenary ahead is indeed better, and only those who's seen the difference could tell.

Another gale blows the leaves down all over both of your heads.

**14th Prince:** Huh, so many maple trees here and leaves only fall from the ones we're under. Interesting, isn't it?

**MC:** Cough, cough... We shouldn't try to speak in this wind.

## Exercise in Patience

The 14th Prince obeys and the wind stops. After several steps, he stops again.

**14th Prince:** (Reaching out) Don't move, got a leaf on your head.

**MC:** (Oh, this isn't good...)

Your hunch is right on the money, as Shadow steps in and blocks the 14th Prince's hand.

**Shadow:** (Emotionless) Pardon me, 14th Prince, but this is far enough.

**14th Prince:** I knew it's you. I've been waiting. I don't put the 4th Prince past sending a bodyguard to be a hound when he's away from the city.

**Shadow:** You should head home now, my lady.

## Self-evident

**14th Prince:** It's not your place to make decisions for her.

After that, both he and Shadow turn to you. What do you do?

* Continue sightseeing
* Leave with Shadow
**MC:** I can't just leave, I already promised the 14th Prince!

**14th Prince:** Hear that? She wants to sightsee with me

**Shadow:** Then I shall follow and protect the lady from unscrupulous people.

**14th Prince:** From motive to action, that describes the 4th Prince to a tee.

14th Prince taunts Shadow before waving you on to enjoy the rest of the excursion.**MC:** Let's do this some other time, Fourteen.

**14th Prince:** Then let me walk you home... You wouldn't deny me the satisfaction, would you?

**MC:** I just don't want to trouble you...

**14th Prince:** No trouble at all. Besides, that's what big brothers are for!

**MC:** You're younger than me!

You bid farewell to the 14th Prince after arriving back at home.

**14th Prince:** I'll see you later.

Shadow gets in front of you before you can reply.

**MC:** [Resigned] I'm just going to say goodbye to Fourteen!

## Imperial Edict

Eunuch Hai, one of His Majesty's personal servants, visits you the next day, incognito.

**MC:** What made you come in person?

**Eunuch Hai:** ( Grinning) His Majesty is happy that you are finally back and sent me here to see how you're doing.

**MC:** By his grace, I'm doing very well.

**Eunuch Hai:** I'm glad to see that too! Also, I got good news for you. His Majesty will send escort to take you back to the palace in two days, my lady...Oh, pardon me, make that my Princess!

**MC:** (Surprised) Princess?

**Eunuch Hai:** His Majesty is promoting you to Princess. I even have the edict with me!

You don't know how to react to that. Logically, you should be happy, but you actually feel pretty normal rather than jumping for joy.

**Eunuch Hai:** (Taking out edict) Well, don't just stand there and accept the honor!

You kneel and solemnly take the edict.

**MC:** Thank you! However, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep this from my family.

If your famil finds out, other people are more likely to find out about your family too. Wiser to keep it under wrap.

**Eunuch Hai:** Don't worry, His Majesty already made plans!

**MC:** Good to hear! Thank you!

You return to your room after walking Hai out and space out at the table. Are you ready to resume the game of palace intringue and backstabbing in two days?