It’s been days since Qi Shi had stayed in Eastern Palace. Maybe it’s just me, but he keeps finding reasons to stay longer. It’s not that it bothers me, but I’m having less time with A’Li. I miss having A’Li with me, but Qi Shi keeps stealing her away from me. Plus, she’s always being accompanied by him so it’s impossible to ask her about the porcelain bottle that I’ve found in my bedroom. I need to know if the bottle has any connection to the poison incident or the attempt to abort Consort Fang’s baby. All of these unanswered question is frustrating me.

     I swung open the screen window to allow some fresh air enter my room. As soon as I opened the window, Consort Fang and Consort Xue were walking side-by-side passing by my residence. Seeing them together is a strange sight considering that Consort Fang detested Consort Xue so much when she first arrived here. Plus, why are they passing my residence? Unless they were coming back from Crown Prince Yan’s bedroom. This is too strange. I close the window and decided to chase after them. Closely following them, they were chatting about me. They stopped when they’ve reached the the bridge towards the garden as I hid behind a pillar listening. However, at the same time Qi Shi and A’Li were walking towards my direction. Crap. What a great timing. I briefly glance behind me to make sure Consort Fang and Consort Xue doesn’t see me and faced forward, ducking down trying to sneak away. Failed.

“Crown Princess” A’Li’s sharp eyes spotted me.

I automatically stopped as Consort Fang and Xue noticed me too, “A’Li, great timing!” I pretended as I whipped around walking towards her, “I need you” I grasp her arm, “And greetings Your Highness” I smile at Qi Shi while bowing.

“What a coincidence to see Crown Princess and Your Highness” Consort Fang said from behind.

I exhale, “Greetings Consort Fang and Consort Xue” I turned to them as I released A’Li’s arm. They did the same, greeted us.

“Would you like to join us for tea and have a good chat?” Consort Fang suggested.

I glance to Qi Shi and back to them, “I’m afraid I can’t. I have tasks I need to finish” I lied.

“I’m about to go meet Crown Prince Yan, so I can’t either” Qi Shi answers.

“A’Li, let’s go” I turned around and left.

A’Li and I arrived back in my room as she closes the door behind us. I sat on the stool and poured myself some tea to drink. A’Li sat down with me and stared at me like waiting for me to say something. I stare back at her when I was done pouring myself a cup of tea.

“Is there something you would like to say?” A’Li asks.

“No” I denied, “Yes” I cowardly admit.

She arches an eyebrow, still waiting.

“Do you like Qi Shi?” I ask.

“Crown Princess Xiang Yun, you’re thinking too much”

“Well he’s always accompanying you like you two are glued together”

“He and I have different status. He’s only interested in making me become a general for his country, which I obviously denied”

“Oh. I agree with Qi Shi though. You becoming a general is a splendid idea. Once you’re a general, you’ll be in charge of countless soldiers. Who wouldn’t like that?”  

“Crown Princess Xiang Yun, being a general isn’t a game. I can’t be treating it so lightly. It’ll cost me my life but it’s my duty to protect you for eternity”

“I don’t understand you, A’Li. He’s favoring and wants you, but you’re giving up on a great opportunity. Plus, I have a thousand bodyguards to choose from. I don’t need your protection. I need you to find your own happiness; something you want to do that doesn’t involve me”

“Crown-”

“Enough. I’ve decided. I’ll hand you over to Qi Shi”

“What?”

“I’ll go talk with him” I stood up.

“Crown Princess. Didn’t I say-”

“I know. But you won’t go unless I force you right?”

“Crown Princess, you don’t understand-”

“I don’t” I swung open the doors.

“I am not a toy or a chess piece that can be thrown to anyone like you wish!” A’Li madly retorts.

I froze.

“You don’t understand anything, Crown Princess Xiang Yun. I don’t need to be a general to be happy. I don’t need another man or people’s help. I don’t need to make myself seem lower and desperate. What I need is you. I’m happy when I’m by your side. I’m happy when I know you’re safe and sound. I’m happy when you’re happy. But throwing me away so lightly and meaningless… I thought you knew me better”

“A’Li” I changed my position so I can see her face, “I’m sorry. I only wanted-”

“It’s fine. Forget it” A’Li digs for something in her sleeve, “I found that the porcelain bottle and poisons on the gifts are the same. Someone is trying to frame you, so be careful Crown Princess Xiang Yun” she slams the bottle sticked with a medical report note onto the table before she dismissed herself.

“A’Li! Wait” I shouted, but didn’t have the courage to chase after her. I pissed her off. Why did I? I’m so stupid! I should have never brought it up.

In Shen Qing’s workroom

“When are you deciding to make a move?” Shen Qing asks Qi Shi as he is sitting behind his desk.

“Whenever you want me to eliminate the person in your way” Qi Shi answers.

“Well” Shen Qing shuffles through his papers, “I don’t want you to eliminate just a person”

“What do you mean?”

“I want you to eliminate a family and of course the evidences can’t be pointed towards me”

“Who?”

“The Fang family”

“The Fang family as in your. . .?”

“Yes. I want you to eliminate Fang Yu Xiu’s family including her. Also, I suggest you don’t ask why and handle it quickly”

“Of course”