Chapter 14: The Undercurrents

The Emperor would like to spend some time with this children, so all the Princes are here today. This is the first time you feel the undercurrents in the palace...

## The Flower Feast

The Emperor sees the flowers blooming at the Imperial Garden one day. He asks the princes to join for a flower fest. Watching flowers as they taste snacks.

As Shu Xian is skilled with plants, the Emperor asked her to host the flower fest with the Queen. You follow her.

You watch the majestic princes walk in and sit one by one. A few maids begin serving tea.

6th Prince: The weather is great today. It feels calming to be here, but I'd say the 7th Prince isn't really into it. He never likes these kinds of banquets. In fact, he said he's rather be riding a horse!

7th Prince: That's not the point thought. It's because father misses us and wants to see us together. This is no ordinary banquet. There's no way I's dislike it. I'd think that the 6th Prince is trying to start something.

11th Prince: [Turns around] The Fourth prince isn't talking nor having tea. Don't you like floral tea? Who brought it here?

## Risky Choice

You know the 11th Prince is trying to make it seem like Yin Zhen's punishing the maid for no good reason.

You feel for the first time the amount of hidden hostility between them. It might help you, but you might also get punish if you do it. Should you take the chance?

* Accept the mistake
* Leave things be
You've long heard that the 11th Prince is short-tempered and can't amount to much. Yin Shen is the biggest competitor for the Crown Prince.

If that's how things are, then it might be a good idea to make Yin Zhen think you are standing with him.

This is a battle between the princes. A lowly maid should never get involved.

You see the 11th Prince playing dirty despite his smiles thought. This level of hostility makes you wonder.

MC: (Plus, my mistress hosted this banquet. It's best not to start any trouble and get punished by the Emperor.)
You decide to stand.

MC: It is my fault entirely. I forgot that the Fourth Prince does not like lily tea.

## The Eunuch's Scold

The 11th Prince squints menacingly.

The princes' subordinates are all working with their masters. He makes a quick pass at the eunuch, and the eunuch stands out to scold you.

Eunuch: What are you doing! Which palace are you from?

MC: I'll switch it with a cup of jasmine tea.

## Penalty for the Mistake

You try to take the tea and leave, but it's not that easy.

Eunuch: Where do you think you are? If you make a mistake, you need to be punished!

The 11th Prince sees you messing up his plans and gets displeased. He passes a look at the eunuch, and the eunuch tries to capture you.

MC: (Kneel right away) It is my fault! I would accept my punishment. Please punish me, Fourth Prince!

## Cherish the Beauty

MC: (Don't make me laugh. Like I'll get punished by the 11th Prince. If that's going to happen... I'd be dead already. I'm not that stupid!)

You aren't worried. You knew that you'd get punished if you stand with Yin Zhen.

The 11th Prince looks gloomy.

Now Yin Zhen finally decides to speak.

Yin Zhen: This is nothing worthy of concern. Father has asked us to join him, so it's best to avoid doing things that displeases him.

11th Prince: The Fourth Prince is quite nice to women. But the maid has not been paying attention to her duties. She need to be punished!

## Undercurrent of the Throne

The 11th Prince makes a fake smile. The other princes look on.

Yin Zhen: This is my problem. What are you getting so anxious about? Father has always said you should try to calm down. He's right.

The 11th Prince gets scolded by his older brother. He looks disappointed.

Then Yin Zhen looks to you and holds the tea cup.

Yin Zhen: Don't change it. I enjoy the aroma. I was quiet because I was thinking why the Second Prince didn't come here with you today. You two have been close, no?

The 11th Prince looks stiff. A servant calls out "here comes the Crown Prince" as this time.

Crown Prince: I'm late. Can't believe you're all here. I thought the 7th Prince won't be here today.

7th Prince: [Laughs sarcastically] The Seconds and 6th Princes can read each other's minds. Father really misses us. I'm overjoyed. How can I not show up? But you're late, Second Prince. And you didn't come with the 11th Prince?

Crown Prince: [Conversation cools] The 11th Prince is hard to guess.

14th Prince: [Butts in] The floral tea is exceptionally chilling. You all should take plenty!

In the midst of this tense atmosphere, the 14th Prince, who is one year younger than you, just smiles and even winks at you. The atmosphere doesn't change though.

Everything feels heavy like before a battle. The princes rise when they hear "here comes the Emperor". The atmosphere relaxes a bit. No more is the hostility.