Chapter 97 Prince Jings Visit (2/2)

Prince Jing regretted his words. It seemed he was a little out of line. Where was his calmness and restraint? And why was he easily provoked by Yun Shang? He felt uncomfortable with this change.

Prince Jing said nothing more. Collecting himself, he got up, and jumped out through the window.

Yun Shang stood by the window and looked in the direction the Prince

my engagement at tomorrow's New Year's Eve banquet? There's an old saying, a long delay may cause trouble...”

Emperor Ning was a little surprised. Then he emitted a loud laughter. ”I've never seen you so nervous, Prince Jing. You always appear cold and indifferent. I thought you were emotionless. I didn't expect you to be tamed by my Shang'er. Ha!”

Prince Jing flushed crimson. But he agreed with the Emperor. ”Since Princess Yun Shang has come of age, she has been considered for marriage by many men. I have to take use of my advantage to gain the upper hand.”

”But I've never heard of your relation with Shang'er before. Tell me, brother, since when have you been in love with her? And how does my Shang'er feel?” Asked Emperor Ning. His heart was filled with doubt.

Prince Jing answered with a smile, ”When I returned to the Imperial City last time, you held a banquet for me, brother. I was a little drunk at the feast, so I went out for some air. And I encountered Princess Yun Shang in the corridor...”

Prince Jing had already made up a story. The expression on his face appeared calm and solemn, and the story he was telling was flawless. Since it was already very late, Emperor Ning told Prince Jing to stay. He asked Lord Zheng for some warm wine and talked with the Prince for the rest of the night.

Yun Shang felt distraught when she woke. Qin Yi brought in the basin and towel. When she entered Yun Shang's chamber, she saw that the Princess had already gotten up. But Qian Yin wasn't tending to her. Driven by curiosity, Qin Yi asked, ”You're awake, Your Highness. Where is Qian Yin?”

Last night's event came back to Yun Shang. She hurried to the corridor and found Qian Yin still asleep. She raised her voice, ”Qian Yin!”

Still in a loss, Qian Yin slowly opened her eyes. As her eyes focused on Yun Shang, Qian Yin finally awoke. She nervously straightened herself and wondered whether she had overslept. She sensed something wrong, but was not sure, ”Your Highness, has something happened? Why didn't I notice that you had woken?”

Qin Yi also noticed something to be wrong. Suddenly, she spotted a blood-stained cloth beneath Yun Shang's pillow. She gasped, eyes wide with surprise, ”Blood? Your Highness!”

Qian Yin turned pale at her words. ”What blood? Your Highness, are you hurt? Was I drugged?”

Yun Shang nodded, ”Last night, Prince Jing paid a visit. He drugged you.”

”Prince Jing!?” The two maids were alarmed. They approached Yun Shang. ”Wasn't he at the frontier? Why did he break into your chamber so late at night? And the blood... Are you hurt, Your Highness?”

Yun Shang shook her head. ”It's not my blood. It's Prince Jing's. I woke up feeling as though someone was staring at me last night. I stabbed the intruder with my dagger. Then I noticed it was Prince Jing.”

Qian Yin knelt and apologized, ”It's all my fault, Your Highness! My incompetence has led to the disastrous result. Please punish me, Your Highness.”

Yun Shang let out a sigh, ”No, it's not your fault. I've been too negligent. I thought my palace to be well-guarded, but its guard is merely enough to deter evil-minded ladies. A skillful warrior like Prince Jing could still sneak in.”

Qian Yin didn't speak. Instead, she lowered her head in embarrassment. Yun Shang ordered, ”It's okay. Arrange some of my men to protect my Palace in secret.”

Qian Yin nodded. Yun Shang wanted to say something more, but Qin Yi cut in. ”Your Highness, you have to change. We're running out of time. And you have to present your respects to Lady Ming in the morning.”

Yun Shang nodded and went to change. Still feeling at unease, she complained, ”Why am I so distraught? Why do I feel like something bad will happen today?”