Xie Pan’Er shook her head and said honestly, "I cannot feel it. How do you do it?"
Xiaosuisui tilted her head, quite puzzled.
"Isn’t it something you can sense naturally? I just feel very familiar with it. It feels like it should be my mount."
Xie Pan’Er gasped. So, that’s it! Riding a phoenix is indeed because the Princess wants to ride the Big Phoenix!
"Beautiful Sister! What’s wrong?"
Seeing Xie Pan’Er looking dazed, Xiaosuisui couldn’t help but ask in confusion.
"Nothing, I’m just thinking about how to understand the Big Phoenix’s thoughts."
Xie Pan’Er casually lied, without realizing that this casual lie would help her thrive in the harem in the future!
"It’s very simple! Beautiful Sister, you just need to look into its eyes and then communicate with it sincerely. That’s all!"
Upon hearing this, Xie Pan’Er couldn’t help but chuckle, "You make it sound so simple! Does it work?"
"Of course it works! Beautiful Sister, just try it and you’ll know!"
"Try?" Xie Pan’Er was a little hesitant about whether to try or not.
"Yes! Try!" Xiaosuisui urged.
"Alright then, I’ll try!" Xie Pan’Er decided.
Xie Pan’Er walked out cheerfully. Xiaosuisui, nibbling on a big apple, followed her.
As soon as Xie Pan’Er walked out, she saw the Big Phoenix lying at the doorway of the Side Palace.
"Big Phoenix! What are you doing lying here?"
Xie Pan’Er did as Xiaosuisui said and looked into the Big Phoenix’s eyes.
The Big Phoenix drooped its head, ignoring her!
Xie Pan’Er: "...Are you saying I’m childish?"
Inexplicably, Xie Pan’Er seemed to understand the meaning the Big Phoenix’s eyes were trying to convey!
Xie Pan’Er bristled. "How am I childish? I’ve always been very mature, haven’t I?"
Indeed, Xie Pan’Er was quite mature for her age. Having been tormented since childhood, she had grown through adversity without becoming warped.
Maturity and rationality had always been her pride. Yet today, she was being looked down upon by a bird, which even called her childish!
"You’re mocking me! How am I not mature? If I weren’t mature, could I accompany the Crown Princess? Could I guide her growth? If this were up to you, could you do it?"
Xie Pan’Er saw contempt and doubt in the Big Phoenix’s eyes and, infuriated, began to argue with it.
Xiaosuisui, munching on her apple, came over. Hearing Xie Pan’Er’s words, she chimed in, "It can’t!"
Hearing this, Xie Pan’Er chuckled softly. She then saw the Big Phoenix lower its head and nuzzle against Xiaosuisui’s feet.
Xie Pan’Er had the odd feeling it was actually expressing a grievance!
"Is it... is it expressing dissatisfaction?"
Xiaosuisui nodded.
Xie Pan’Er exhaled. "It... it doesn’t like me being close to you."
Xiaosuisui nodded again.
"Why?"
Xiaosuisui giggled but said nothing.
Xie Pan’Er reached out to stroke the Big Phoenix’s head, but its head swayed, dodging her touch, and it shot Xie Pan’Er an accusing look.
Xie Pan’Er’s eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed, "It... it’s saying I’m fat!"
Xiaosuisui burst out laughing. "HAHAHA! Yes! The Big Phoenix says carrying you is too tiring!"
Xie Pan’Er erupted, "...Big Phoenix! I’ll kill you!"
The Big Phoenix spread its wings and flew off, as if fleeing.
This scene was witnessed by the National Master, who was just emerging from Cining Palace. He inwardly drew a conclusion.
The Big Phoenix truly likes this woman, the one born with the Phoenix Destiny! As for the Crown Princess, her close relationship with Xie Pan’Er is likely why the Big Phoenix allows her to ride it as well.
With these thoughts, the National Master headed towards the Imperial Study.
He needed to find His Majesty to thoroughly discuss the matter of appointing the Empress.
Xie Pan’Er.
Xie Yingying... one of them must be the true bearer of the Phoenix Destiny.