Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Ah Zhen left early this morning without telling me where she went. Even the old housekeeper didn't know where she went, but only saw her leave out the front gate. A few days ago a tutor from the palace visited Ah Zhen in the middle of the night. They both stood in the study for a long time just talking to each other. I did not know what they were talking about, but Ah Zhen has told me not to disturb them. And so I kept my distance and didn't try to listen in. But now I'm worried that Ah Zhen's sudden disappearance has something to do with it.
As I started to water the pots of flowers, I heard something behind me, a step. It was easy for me to know whether it's the servants or not due to the slow way they walk. But this step was way too fast and much softer than the servants. I quickly turn my head and see a man standing behind me with a puzzled look. I was momentarily stunned that he would come this early, but I stood my ground.
"What is your highness doing here so early?" I asked. The emperor ignores me and starts to look around.
"Where's Zhen'er?" he asked. It looks like he took the opportunity to look all over the estate before coming here to find me. Does he think he owns this place?
"I'm sorry your highness, but I'm not sure either," I replied. "She left early this morning without tell anyone."
He looked disappointed, but did not bother to say anything else. He has always been this way around me, it was as if I did not exist at all. Only talking when he feels that he needs to. However, I have to admit I do the same when I see him with Ah Zhen.
As the emperor turns to leave he suddenly stops. He turns back and stares sternly at me as if I have done something wrong. "Miss Xin Yi, there has been something that I have wanted to say for some time now," he said. "Your relationship with Zhen'er…I don't think it's appropriate."
I tilted my head, a little shocked that he would bring this up now after so many years. It appears he was taking advantage of Ah Zhen's absence, believing that he can change my mind. "I don't know what you are talking about," I lied. "My relationship with Ah Zhen seems quite appropriate as compared to you. No one has said anything yet about what is between me and Ah Zhen, not even in this household."
All the servants in the estate knew that Ah Zhen was really a woman. They have all kept it a secret since her birth. They have never said anything about me being with Ah Zhen. At times when Grandfather Meng was still alive they would even approve of the idea. It could be possible that in their minds Ah Zhen was really a male. Or they are just remaining to turn a blind eye to Ah Zhen's real gender. But regardless, I had no intention of backing out unless Ah Zhen personally tells me so.
"How stubborn you are. Do you not see that you are being selfish?" he cried. "Zhen'er was forced to lead this life and now that her grandfather is gone she still hasn't given it up. Do you think it's right to hold back her happiness for your own?"
Fury built inside me from his offensive accusation. How dare he try to shame me for my genuine feelings. "Your highness is deeply wrong. Whether or not Ah Zhen intends to give up her role, I do not care. I only wish to continue to stay by her side even if she does let the world know that she is a woman. I am not ashamed of my feelings and I don't care if you and the whole world are or not either. The only person who can push me away is Ah Zhen and she has not done so yet," I declared.
"Also, as for being selfish, are you not the same your highness?" I asked. I could see the anger in his face, but I bravely persisted. "You only want Ah Zhen stop this so that you can take her for yourself. Have you ever wondered if she really wanted to stay with you in that palace? She is like a bird, but she is not a phoenix that will stay in your palace. Instead she will go and explore the world. You on the other hand will have to remain in one spot."
"How dare you?" the Emperor shouted. His hands were fisted and his eyes were open wide. This time I have really offended him, but I could care less. Slowly he loosen up his hands and takes a step back. "For Zhen'er's sake I will not punish you," he grunted. "I will come find her another day."
He turns back and begins to walk away as a person hiding by the window joins him. I also started to calm down as I try to forget about what just happened.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone