Mastermind

Zhou Mama, Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi were waiting at the front gate anxiously. All three had just returned from their mission and yet their gongzhu had not shown up yet.

"It's been so long, what if something happened?" panicked Ban Shiang.

"Don't worry, gongzhu can take care of herself." Assured Bai Zhi. Of the two maids, Ban Shiang was the more timid when compared to the hard headed Bai Zhi. This was also of course one of the reasons Bai Zhi was always sent on missions rather than Ban Shiang. Her mind was also much stronger. Not to mention, her martial arts.

When they saw that she was walking on the road by foot instead of the carriage, they knew something had happened. All three of them quickly rushed over to her side. "Gongzhu."

"What happened?" Asked Zhou Mama.

"We'll talk inside." The three followed her into the main hall room.

There weren't many guards and servants in her Thousand Lotus Pavilion. Two guards at the gate, and a few maids who stood by in case she needed assistance. Of course, they were all sent by Empress Mei Wu. Da Ying sent the four maids by her door back to their own rooms before sitting down, face full of irritation.

When Zhou Mama, Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi got in, Bai Zhi closed the door tightly and Zhou Mama took off her mask. The handsome Zhang Man Xie appeared. "Gongzhu, should we make a move?" Man Xie asked eagerly. He could not wait any longer to tear apart those evil people.

Da Ying stayed silent. Her fingers tapped the table lightly as she thought about her next move, "The mastermind behind this attempt at my life. Do you think it's the same person I am thinking of?" she looked up at Man Xie curiously.

"According to my guess, the empress wouldn't dare make such a bold move since she is the one who brought you back in the first place…" He paused and put his index finger next to his chin in deep thought. "Also… not Consort Lu Yi. Knowing her character, she is smarter than the rest of the them. She wouldn't act rash. And Consort Ru'er is still recovering from her sickness. My conclusion can only be Consort Yao." He looked at Da Ying for confirmation. He was confirmed with a small and proud smile from her lips, "Looks like it wasn't a bad idea to keep you after all. Your father has taught you well."

"Wah…Are you praising me or mocking me?" He asked in disbelief. Their conversation was cut short by Bai Zhi. "Gonzhu. This morning we got news that Prince Xiao will be personally picking up his bride in the coming days."

"Wasn't he going to send an envoy? And what is he doing here so early?" Questioned Ban Shiang. There was no need for him to spend a week at the palace. One day was sufficient yet he wanted to stay a week in Southern Han? He surely had a motive.

"Prince Xiao is really too impatient." Da Ying shook her head when she thought of it. In her head, she figured Xiao Yuan couldn't wait to see the shock and horror on Jie You's face. "Should we meet them beforehand?" Man Xie asked.

"No. No one is to make a move. If anyone catches us meeting with Prince Xiao, our cover will be blown. When he arrives, act normal and don't alarm the enemy." With her command, they all understood. "The next days are going to be busy, go rest."

When she was alone in her room, the spark in her eyes shimmered with a fiery passion. "If Consort Yao wants to battle with me, then this gongzhu shall play along."