Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 37

"Your Majesty, it seems that Princess Hui Guo is not to be trifled with. If we become enemies one day... How about we strike before she gets stronger?" Wang Shunlai lowered his head and stood respectfully behind Prince Jing.

Prince Jing turned around and looked at the looming figure on Star Tower before replying. "I remember when I saw her for the first time. It was seven years ago and there had been no rain in the state of Ning for half a year. We were discussing official business that day and this 8-year-old girl rushed in saying that she wanted to go to Ning'guo Temple to pray for rain. Several days later, I left for the border. While there, I heard that she had succeeded in bringing rain for the people and was given the title of Princess Hui Guo."

"Your Majesty, what you mean is..." Wang Shunlai seemed to understand the Princes' intention, but he was unsure.

Prince Jing smiled and replied, "I used to think that someone helped her secretly. But after meeting her several times since then, I am convinced that this young Princess Hui Guo is a smart girl. Since she is smart, the Princess definitely knows what she should do. We will never become enemies."

Wang Shunlai had no idea why Prince Jing was so confident. However, he knew the Prince to be a wise person. He felt it wouldn't be wrong to trust the Prince. Wang Shunlai decided to dismiss his concerns and doubts. He agreed with the Prince in a respectful way and then Wang followed Prince Jing as he moved away from Star Tower.

It was already midnight when Yun Shang returned to Qingxin Palace. Qin Yi was pacing frantically in the courtyard. On seeing Yun Shang, she rushed forward and said, "Your Highness, you have finally returned! Did Prince Jing do anything harmful to you? I was so worried."

Yun Shang shook her head and replied, "I'm fine." Then she looked around and asked, "Are you alone?"

Qin Yi leaned forward and whispered, "I told the others that you were worried about the Emperor who had left suddenly. Especially since the Emperor had not taken his escorts. So you went to look for him. I thought you would like a bath after returning. It has been a long day for you. So I told them to prepare your bath-water."

Yun Shang nodded and walked into the inner room.

Not long after she sat down, Qin Meng opened the curtains and walked inside. She saw Yun Shang and expressed her concern, "Greetings, Your Highness. Did you find the Emperor?"

Yun Shang shook her head and smiled bitterly, "I have been away from the Palace for several years. Many things have changed here. I didn't find him and I almost got lost."

Qin Meng smiled. "Don't worry too much. The inner Palace is heavily guarded and the Emperor is very familiar with the Palace grounds. He will be alright. You must be tired. Would you like a bath before resting?"

Yun Shang nodded. "Bring in the water."

Qin Meng then went to arrange the bath. After finishing, Yun Shang lay on her bed, but she couldn't sleep. She pondered over the inconsistencies between her past life and her present. She wondered why Prince Jing, who didn't leave any impression on her in her previous life, had suddenly appeared in her present life. She felt unprepared. She knew that the Prince was by no means simple and wondered how she would deal with him. With so many disturbing thoughts, it took a while for Yun Shang to fall asleep.

When she woke, the sun was already shining. She tried to get up, only to find that her body was sore and aching. Her mind was still confused. She couldn't help but let out a sigh. Then the mosquito net opened, and she saw Qin Yi smiling at her. "You scared me, Your Highness. How did you suddenly catch a cold?" Although her maid was smiling, Yun Shang noticed that she sounded relieved.

"I guess you caught a cold last night when you went to look for the Emperor. The wind on Penglai Island was strong and you didn't wear enough clothes." Came the voice of Qin Meng from a distance. Yun Shang sat up and pulled open the curtains. "It's my fault. I forgot that I am not as healthy as others. I will be careful in future."

"Your Highness, you'd better rest more." Qin Meng continued, "The Imperial Physician came and said your body was weak, and that your pulse was irregular. He didn't dare prescribe medicines for you. He did, however, mention that you should rest well and not get cold again. What do you want to eat, Your Highness? I will prepare whatever your heart desires."