The Silent Flame A Princess Reborn for Revenge

Chapter 11 Strategy

Strategy 1

She said to Lin Xi, “Lin Xi, remind everyone in the palace not to show any signs of arrogance on their faces. Otherwise, people might say that we’re acting like phoenixes even before we've perched on a high branch. If such words reach the emperor or empress, it would be bad.”

“Yes,” Lin Xi paused and added, “The emperor seems to be quite tolerant toward Talented Lady Yue and doesn’t blame her for her inappropriate words.”

Rongrong nodded and took a sip of Longjing tea. “It’s fine. What the emperor values is Sister Yue’s straightforwardness and lack of scheming. If he truly favors her, it would not be hard for her to become someone important to him.”

Lin Xi said, “Your Grace has thought things through thoroughly.”

Xia Lan added, “Now that Concubine En is in favor, it’s not hard for you or Talented Lady Yue to gain the emperor’s trust as well. As for Beauty Li, she’s clearly against us. She knew the emperor was dining in our palace but still sent someone over — it’s obvious she doesn’t respect you at all.”

Rongrong cast her a glance and said, “It’s fine to say such things within our own palace, but if others hear them, you might be sent to the laundry service in the Hard Labor Bureau or be made a firewood girl in the Imperial Kitchen.” Xia Lan stuck out her tongue playfully like Talented Lady Yue and said nothing more.

Rongrong continued, “It may not have been Beauty Li who sent that person — it could’ve been someone from the emperor. His heart is probably still with our Duanyang Palace. Starting tomorrow, reject any visitors from the palace. Just say I’ve caught a severe cold and cannot see anyone. That includes the emperor and the empress.”

Lin Xi replied, “Yes.” Xia Lan asked, “Miss, have you come up with another good idea?”

Rongrong smiled quietly, sipped her tea, and motioned for Xia Lan to leave.

Lin Xi understood and closed the doors and windows. Only then did Rongrong say, “Xia Lan is still young and has grown up with me, but there are some things better left unknown to her.”

Lin Xi responded, “Yes. The Second Princess and Xia Lan are just like I am with the Eldest Princess.” As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.

Rongrong said, “Lin Xi, now is not the time for tears. We must avenge my sister and parents. I want that foolish emperor to see how the one he loves most betrays him, and to watch those closest to him die one by one before his eyes.” She paused and added, “Even when no one’s around, if you respect me as a princess in your heart, just call me ‘Miss’ like Xia Lan does.”

Strategy 2

Rongrong said, “Lin Xi, now is not the time for tears. We must avenge my sister and parents. I want that foolish emperor to see how the one he loves most betrays him, and to watch those closest to him die one by one before his eyes.” She paused and added, “Even when no one’s around, if you respect me as a princess in your heart, just call me ‘Miss’ like Xia Lan does.”

Lin Xi quickly covered Rongrong’s mouth and said, “Second Miss, be careful what you say — the walls have ears.” Once she had calmed down, she continued, “What plans does Second Miss have?”

“This foolish emperor killed my entire family back then, accusing my father of colluding with the Liao people to rebel. The most hateful thing is that he even believed my sister, locked away deep in the palace, was part of it. Thankfully, my adopted father raised me and sent me into the palace to avenge my sister and family.”

“Judging from today, the emperor seems to have a very good impression of you,” Lin Xi said.

“That’s all thanks to you for reminding me that the foolish emperor loved the white plum tea and dishes that my sister used to make. That’s what surprised him.”

Lin Xi replied, “It’s what I should do. I’d die a thousand deaths without regret. It seems the emperor still feels guilty toward the Eldest Miss. Since her death, he hasn’t set foot in Duanyang Palace again. Thankfully, Second Miss has taken care of the white plum tree so well. Today was also the anniversary of when the Eldest Miss first entered the palace — that’s why the emperor came.”

Rongrong grew angrier. “If that fool really felt guilty, it wouldn’t be much. If I hadn’t spent money to have the palace maids and eunuchs spread word about the flourishing plum tree at Duanyang Palace, he probably wouldn’t have bothered coming.”

“Why did Second Miss avoid visitors today? If the emperor is impatient, shouldn’t you try to meet him more often?”

“Lin Xi, you only see part of the picture. Yes, over time he may lose patience. But every woman in the harem is trying to please him. If I do the same, he’ll lose interest in me in just a few days. It’s like a child who wants a clay doll — if his mother buys it for him right away, he’ll be tired of it in a few days. But if it’s something he longs for and finally gets, do you think he won’t treasure it more?”