Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 186

The people who did not answer stared at each other. Though aghast, they made an obeisance by cupping one hand in the other before their chest. "We agree!" they responded promptly.

Yun Shang smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your support!"

After completing the plan, Yun Shang returned to her palace. Qian Yin was waiting for her in the Hall. Seeing Yun Shang, the maid rushed toward her. "The Empress asked you to visit her in Qiwu Palace. I was worried that she might realize that you're not home, so Ning Qian pretended to be you and lay on the bed. I told them that you were in shock ever since you heard of Prince Jing's disappearance. Then the Empress sent her servants to check. Luckily, Ning Qian tricked them."

Yun Shang nodded. She thought the Empress just wanted to question her since she had heard about what happened to Hua Jing. 'It was her daughter who did not preserve her own purity. Who's to blame?' Yun Shang grinned as she thought.

"I see. I'll visit her tomorrow. I feel tired today. Let's prepare for bed!" said Yun Shang. It was almost dawn. The princess was so sleepy that she didn't even remove her clothes. The moment she lay down, she fell asleep.

It was noon when she woke. After she got up and ate some food, she intended to go to Qiwu Palace. But before she left, Lord Zheng arrived. "Have you come for me?" asked Yun Shang when she saw him. "Did you find Prince Jing?" Lord Zheng shook his head slightly. He responded after a pause. "It's the seventh Prince of the State of Xia and Lord Hua Guo. They came to the Imperial Palace. Lord Hua Guo said that he wanted to see you, so your father sent me here to invite you."

Yun Shang frowned. "Lord Hua Guo? Why does he want to meet me?" Yun Shang thought for a while, and she remembered the day they stayed in Yuman Tower. On that day, Lord Hua Guo kept staring at Prince Jing for a long time. Yun Shang began to suspect that Prince Jing's disappearance had something to do with him.

"Well, I am just about to go inquire after my father. Let's go, " said Yun Shang as she stood. Then she went to Qinzheng Hall with Lord Zheng.

When they arrived, the Emperor was playing chess with Lord Hua Guo, and Xia Houjing was watching with gusto. Yun Shang came to them and watched as well. Seeing that their strengths were evenly matched on the chessboard, she kept silent.

After a while, they stopped playing. "I have not seen you in years. You are getting better with your chess skills, " laughed the Emperor.

Lord Hua Guo laughed too. "You are too modest. Your skills have improved more than mine. You beat me faster than you did 20 years ago."

Yun Shang looked at the chessboard. She found that Lord Hua Guo had failed by just three steps.

"Shang'er?" The Emperor looked at Yun Shang when he asked her. Concern reflected in his eyes. "I heard that you fainted yesterday when you arrived home. Are you feeling better now?"

Yun Shang produced a forced smile. "Don't worry, I'm better now. I am healthy. Since I was stressed, I had a relapse. Prince Jing's life is uncertain, that makes me sad. Luckily, Master Wu Na gave me enough medicine. So I'm fine now."

Hearing her words, Lord Hua Guo raised a quizzical eyebrow and looked at Yun Shang. "I have heard that Master Wu Na is a very capable and talented person. I'll visit him another day. Your Highness is young. I'm wondering what ill has befallen you. I know something about medicine too. May I take your pulse to diagnose?"