A’Li finishes the performance as the audience applaud contently. I sigh in relief that everything went smoothly. Qi Shi smiles brightly as A’Li turned to face him and Crown Prince Yan while giving a bow. Suddenly, Qi Shi got up and immediately announced, “Miss” he looks at A’Li, “What’s your name?” he politely asks.  A’Li hesitated to answer as she glances behind towards me and back to them.

“She’s my wife, Xiang Yun” Crown Prince Yan said, got up and stood next to Qi Shi.

“Really? You have a talented wife then. I’m envy of you”

“No need to flatter me” Crown Prince chuckles quietly, “Xiang Yun, take off your mask for Your Highness Ping to see” he adds.

A’Li lowers her head and took off her mask. After slipping off the mask to the side of her face, she slowly looks up meeting Qi Shi’s eyes.

“A’Li?!” Crown Prince Yan stared at her with a shock confusion, “A’Li, why are you disguising as Xiang Yun? Where is she?”  

“Crown Prince Yang, I’m sorry to have fabricated as Crown Princess. Since Crown Princess was unable to even stand up due to her injuries I persuaded her to replace her so that she wouldn’t re-open her wounds. If you must punish someone, punish me” she fell on her knees and bowed forward so that her forehead barely touches the floor.

“How dare you-”

“Crown Prince Yan” I got up from my seat and removed my mask.

“Ah Yun?” Qi Shi said, surprised to see me there as I just realized that he was the man who saved me from the poison incident outside the palace walls.

“Sir Ping?!” I said startled.

“Xiang Yun! You’re not allowed to call Your Highness Ping with such informalities” Consort Fang shouted while standing up as she pointed at me.

“Sorry for my rudeness” I immediately bowed.

“I’m extremely sorry for my wife’s impoliteness and the chaos. If you don’t mind, we can-”

“No need. I should be the one apologizing” Qi Shi faces Crown Prince Yan and was about to bow but Crown Prince Yan quickly caught him from doing so.

“Your Highness Ping” Crown Prince Yan said, pushing him back to stand.

“I lied to Ah Yun about my status and name. I had no idea she was your wife” he turns back to face me.

“You two met each other before?” Crown Prince Yan glances over to me.

“I happened to encountered her when a thief tried to steal her belongings”

Crown Prince Yan nods as I stepped down from where I was and approached A’Li. I bent down to grab her arm as I tug on it so that she will stand up.

“About A’Li replacing me, I’ll apologize for that” I said as I bowed 90 degrees.

“It’s fine. Don’t make a big fuss about it” Qi Shi said smiling to reassure me, “So what did you said your name was?” he glances to A’Li.

I stood upright as I glance between A’Li and Qi Shi.

“I’m just a maid, My name isn’t important” A’Li said.

“What if I insist on knowing?”

“Your Highness Ping, my status and name doesn’t have importance. I would suggest that you don’t keep insisting on such small matter”

“If Your Highness wants to know, then tell him. How dare you talk back to an emperor” Consort Fang continues to use her loud voice.

“It’s fine then. Sooner or later I’ll figure out your name”

“Your Highness Ping, I’ll head back to my room then if you don’t mind” I ask for permission first.

“No. Stay and accompany me” he suggested.