11 Tale of Two Phoenixes

 FlamingoBees 

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Tale of Two Phoenixes 

 Chapter 11: 

The Game of Toys

Watching Chu Yu leave, Rong Zhi sighed and turned to walk back into the attic. Pushing the door open, he saw Huan Yuan and Jiang Yan sitting side by side behind the table. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the bamboo scrolls on the table were placed upside down.

Seeing Rong Zhi return, Huan Yuan and Jiang Yan both stood up, bowing respectfully. "Many thanks to Master Rong for warning us," they said. In fact, although Chu Yu's initial assumptions were somewhat off, they weren't entirely wrong. Huan Yuan and Jiang Yan were indeed in the mansion, discussing how to overthrow the princess and gain their respective freedoms.

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Rong Zhi's residence was secluded and remote, and because of his preference for peace and quiet, Princess Shanyin withdrew the nearby guards and even ordered not to disturb him easily. Huan Yuan and Jiang Yan, both talented scholars, originally came to Rong Zhi's place only to borrow books. However, as they spent more time together, they gradually sensed each other's discontent and depression. Their minds were in sync, and they quickly formed a bond, eventually plotting rebellion together.

Despite their handsome appearances, they faced restrictions and lack of freedom in the princess's mansion due to their unwillingness to please her, especially considering Huan Yuan's special status. Ironically, Rong Zhi's place became the safest option for them.

Initially, they kept their plans secret from Rong Zhi, exchanging only brief remarks or conveying their intentions indirectly. However, Jiang Yan later realized that Rong Zhi had discovered their plot. Worried that he might report them to the princess, they decided to confide in him and invite him to join their rebellion.

At that time, Rong Zhi remained indifferent, saying, "What you do has nothing to do with me. I won't report this matter to the princess, nor will I help you. Whether you succeed or fail, you will bear the consequences on your own. Take care of yourselves."

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Since then, every time they discussed matters, Rong Zhi would voluntarily leave and sit in the forest to read, indicating his unwillingness to get involved in their affairs and allowing them to proceed as they wished. However, he had also set up mechanisms under the green stones in the forest. Once someone approached, a simple movement from him would discreetly convey a warning signal.

Thinking that Rong Zhi's actions demonstrated his stance, Huan Yuan believed that Rong Zhi's actions had already demonstrated his inclination.

Rong Zhi casually remarked, "I mentioned a few days ago that the princess seemed different. Today, not seeing you at the banquet but finding you here, I wonder what she is up to. I said so before, and today is no different."

With a few indifferent words, he was about to turn and leave. However, Huan Yuan hurriedly caught up and stood in front of him, earnestly saying, "Young Master Rong, please stay. Huan Yuan has something to discuss."

Rong Zhi stopped, his eyes focused. "Please speak."

After hesitating for a moment, Huan Yuan finally made up his mind and said, "Jiang and I conspired, and you, Young Master, knew but did not report it. Huan Yuan remembers this kindness... But have you ever considered that although you never participate, you may not escape the consequences, whether the plan succeeds or fails?" He finished speaking, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Young Master, despite receiving the princess's favor, if you indulge us or even secretly provide us with convenience for rebellion, I'm afraid the princess will not tolerate it."

Although it felt somewhat like repaying kindness with enmity, for the sake of gaining Rong Zhi's support, Huan Yuan could only suppress his guilt for the time being. Rong Zhi wielded immense power and prestige within the princess's residence, with authority over almost all matters, big or small. It was not an exaggeration to say that he had considerable influence, and with his assistance, their actions could be facilitated even further.

As Huan Yuan spoke, he had already prepared himself to bear Rong Zhi's anger. However, after waiting for a moment, he saw Rong Zhi smile quite casually.

Initially gentle and indifferent, Rong Zhi's smile now carried a subtle sharpness. "Are you threatening me?" His words were soft and gentle, yet there was a faint aura of authority hidden within, causing Huan Yuan to feel a sense of awe.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Suppressing the rising unease in his heart, Huan Yuan bowed respectfully and said, "I am only resorting to this strategy out of desperation. I hope Young Master will not take offense."

Rong Zhi smiled slightly. "My position remains unchanged. I'll tell you the truth, Huan Yuan. The reason I haven't informed the princess of your and Jiang's plans is because I believe you cannot shake her even the slightest bit. When your plan fails, and you try to push the blame onto me, just wait and see if I will be blamed." His smile was enigmatic, his demeanor composed, yet his words carried an underlying sense of nobility. "I'm aware but indifferent. I'm not protecting you. Don't delude yourself."

Rong Zhi's words were cutting and disparaging, devoid of profanity yet filled with mocking sarcasm, leaving Huan Yuan speechless. Despite the anger flushing his fair complexion, he couldn't find an outlet for his frustration and could only swallow his resentment.

Gritting his teeth, Huan Yuan flicked his sleeve and gritted out, "Jiang Xiong, let's go."

The two figures, one in front of the other, traversed through the bamboo grove and wutong trees, leaving the Mu Xue Garden. Unbeknownst to them, however, two pairs of eyes had been watching them from the eaves of the attic's top floor.

It wasn't until Huan Yuan and Jiang Xiong's figures disappeared into the cover of the trees that Chu Yu withdrew her gaze. She looked down at the ground, about seven or eight meters below, and smiled faintly. "Alright, they've left. Yue Jie Fei, take me down, please."

Just now, although she feigned leaving on the surface, she immediately changed her mind and had Yue Jie Fei secretly bring her back, listening to the conversation between Huan Yuan and Rong Zhi. This was the real truth she wanted to obtain. Just now, to avoid running into Huan Yuan and the others, Yue Jie Fei brought her up swiftly, allowing Chu Yu to experience firsthand that there was indeed lightness skill in the world. Now, she was about to "fly" again.

Yue Jie Fei wrapped his arm around Chu Yu's waist, gently guiding her. Without any visible movements from him, they floated down from the eaves like a large bird. Mid-air, he changed their trajectory with a slight turn, gliding diagonally into the bamboo grove. Once they landed, he immediately released Chu Yu, his movements extremely polite and respectful. Chu Yu guessed that he was probably afraid she might suddenly go crazy and tarnish his reputation, hence his cautiousness.

Though frequently misunderstood, Chu Yu had no intention of explaining. Over time, people would eventually notice the changes in the "princess."

After Huan Yuan and Jiang Xiong left, Rong Zhi tidied up the books they had left behind. After a moment, he heard the faint sound of rustling clothes and frowned slightly, quickly walking to the window. He saw Yue Jie Fei landing with Chu Yu in the bamboo grove.

Chu Yu stood firmly on the ground, meeting Rong Zhi's gaze without surprise or haste, just offering him a natural smile before turning to walk towards the garden.

Rong Zhi shook his head lightly, thinking to himself that Huan Yuan and the others probably didn't know they had already failed. All their carefully planned schemes were nothing but a futile game of rebellion in the eyes of the princess. However, Chu Yu's recent behavior had been quite unexpected, leaving him slightly puzzled.

...But only slightly.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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