Causing a Scene

Zhao Xing was surprised to see her here today, that day after the young girl had fainted, she hadn't managed to see her properly, but the aura the back and the bearing were still the same, with the scene she caused that day, how could she not leave a huge impression on her?

"Chu Yin wishes His Highness safety, health and long life." She greeted. She was going to perform a dance for the Emperor.

The Emperor smiled. "This must be Duke Guo's daughter."

Chu Yin smiled, and responded.

"Let's see what the second daughter of the Duke's mansion have to perform for us today."

Hearing this Chu Yin readied herself.

Zhao Xing paid more attention to her. The girls that had performed previously, were not bad, but the only big problem was that they had their intentions written all over their faces. This Chu Yin on the other hand had pure looking eyes that made one feel relaxed. She was eager to see her performance as well as her motive for doing this.

The girl began to dance as soon as the music started. Her body was flexible, and her movements didn't seem forced at all, it seemed so natural that one would think she was born that way. Her colorful clothes accentuated the beauty of the dance whenever she spun. Everyone was mesmerized looking at her. Of course she wasn't the most beautiful woman in the hall, not at all. But with this performance of hers she had shown to them all her good points: She was like a dancing fairy.

At the end of her dance those present were so focused they forgot to clap. Only after a while did they begin to cheer.

The best thing was that no one knew prior to this that she had such talent. Her sister Chu Qin sat next to her husband with envy in her eyes. She had always wanted to the one in the limelight but because of her low birth she could only marry a lowly scholar. She would have been a concubine if not for her mother's connections, and hard work.

But her sister Chu Yin had been spoilt since young, their father only cared about his First Wife, only she and her mother were treated like a mistake in the duke's mansion.

The Emperor was very pleased with her dancing, and was in an even better mood.

"Second Miss Chu has performed wonderfully, we love it very much, ask what shall we reward you with?"

There was a commotion in the hall, as those who had performed prior to this, the Emperor did reward them, but he didn't strait up ask them what they wanted. This was as good as a blank check in Zhao Xing's world.

Zhao Xing had this thought as well as she listened. It was like hitting a jackpot! She suddenly wished she could dance or at least have some talent of some sort so she could perform and get a reward.

But what Chu Yin would say next no one in the hall would have expected it. "Your Majesty, your humble subject, has but a little request, this subject hopes that his Highness might grant."

"Oh?" The Emperor seemed interested in what the young girl had to say.

"The empire is prospers because of the Emperor, the land has hope only if our ruler is in good health, this servants only wish is for the Emperor to allow this servant to pray at the 'Green Forest' temple up north, for the safety of the Land and the good health of the ruler, for the rest of my life."

The whole of the banquet hall was silent. Duke Guo who was present as well as his wife couldn't believe their ears. But before they could react the Emperor let out a loud laugh. "Second Miss Chu, your parents are still here as well as your family, is Second Miss Chu really willing to let them go, to pray at 'Green Forest' temple?" The Emperor asked, his words echoing the minds of all present.

But Chu Yin stood straight, resiliently, "Your Highness, my parent still have my sister, and my brothers, I'm willing to sacrifice myself, and redraw, to continuously pray for the land, learn the scriptures and abstain from eating meat, for the rest of my life."

'Aiya, darling why go this far for love??' Zhao Xing couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was it because of the crown prince? She was such a beautiful girl, it would be a pity for her to go and suffer in the temple up north! That place was mostly deserted, and almost always snowing. Zhao Xing didn't know this, but Chu Yin's mother did, her father did, everyone in the hall did.

The Emperor kept silent, "Since we have said we would grant your wish, then this Holy One allows you to go to Green Temple to pray as you have requested."

Bam.

There was once again an uproar as people discussed among themselves. "This can't Second Miss Chu…"

"I heard she was in love with the Crown Prince…"

"Who doesn't know? That's an old story…"

"I really pity her mother…"

"For her to go this far she must have…"

Madam Chu couldn't take it was almost fainted if not for her maids that supported her.

There were mumblings here and there. But Chu Yin stood unfazed, she bowed and thanked the Emperor. "This one thanks the Emperor for granting this subject's wish."

With that, she excused herself so she could have a change of clothes.

Chu Qin watched as her sister left with a smug smile on her face. Heavens were blessing her, just now she was envying her for having everything she wanted. Now that she had made a fool out of herself, she would become the disgrace of Duke Guo's mansion, she'll see if she'll ever have the courage to raise her head in public.

The Minister of Revenue's second son was also present, he had heard Chu Yin's request, and he knew why she had done so. Because she didn't want to marry him, it was as simple as that. He didn't have much of a say in this marriage, and had just hoped that things would work out eventually, but from what he has seen today as well as the rumors he had heard before, it was evident that things weren't that simple.

Zhao Xing turned to the culprit of the whole thing who sat just right in front of where she stood. His expression didn't seem to change much, he even leisurely drank tea as if what had happened had absolutely nothing to do with him.

Well she couldn't see his face fully because she was standing and Zhang Zhengyang as seated, only half his face was clearly visible to her.

'Zhang Zhengyang ah, Zhang Zhengyang, the number of hearts you've hurt can be seen through the today's incident, you're such a guilty man!'

She shook her head. But remembering how Chu Yin had resolutely walked out just now, Zhao Xing thought she looked very cool. Well, what could she say, even if you dare to love, it doesn't mean you'll be loved.

The Emperor ordered for the music to begin, and the dancers resumed their dancing, the air of festivity returned, and the celebration continued.

At the end of the banquet, Zhao Xing's legs were numb from standing, she was sleepy and tired. She looked at outside, it was already getting late.

They all walked towards the carriage, some people didn't seem to want to let the Crown Prince go, they kept pulling him into discussions. Zhao Xing thought she was going to faint from all the standing. But just when the last person was gone…

"Crown Prince!" Someone cried from far away as they walked to meet with them.

Zhao Xing recognized the General that was rewarded handsomely for his great contributions to the country. He seemed so cold and aloof during the banquet, why was it that at that moment he was acting so… different?

"Xiao Chen, let the little servant enter the carriage first to retrieve my cloak." This was an excuse, he had seen how tired Zhao Xing was looking and wanted her to rest a bit. Hearing this Zhao Xing felt like a huge stone had been lifted off her shoulder. She quickly bowed and left to enter the carriage. General Yang arrived at that moment.

"Congratulations on being promoted General Yang." Zhang Zhengyang said expressionlessly.

"Aiya there's no need to be so formal, but thanks anyway." He replied with a smile.

"General your wife must be waiting for you, let this prince not waste your time…"

"Ah, don't worry I just came to greet you, the last time I wanted to talk you seemed in a hurry…" He said as his expression became more and more serious.

"Brother Zhengyang, the road to south is going to be dangerous, so, you better be more careful this time that ever." The General said in a calm tone, discreetly looking around. He then smiled and patted Zhang Zhengyang's shoulder. "Just wanted to let you know what I've found out recently as it would be inconvenient for us to meet in the future."

Zhang Zhengyang nodded with a smile. Of course he knew, they were being watched.

"Um, I've heard brother Yang's words of advice, thank you."

Their talk lasted only a minute or so, and those who saw them could only speculate that they made some small talk. The Crown Prince bid General Yang goodbye and left.

When Zhang Zhengyang entered the carriage he found Zhao Xing had fallen asleep. He smiled shaking his head as he sat beside her, the girl leaned her head on the wall behind her she found it a bit uncomfortable. Her eyes opened slightly and she saw Zhang Zhengyang sitting next to her.

"Aiya, Zhengyang lend me your shoulder, good friend." She said that and boldly put her head on his broad shoulder, making the prince speechless, but he didn't dare move. Today for some reason she didn't return to her world like usual. For some reason he was kind of happy about it.

Xiao Chen had wanted to enter, but when he saw the look on Zhang Zhengyang's face, then the sleeping 'attendant' who leaned on his shoulder. He got the cue and wisely left, in the end he sat with the horseman at the front.

He sighed inwardly. 'Spring will surely come.' He said to himself, and began lightly humming a tone.