The Empress’s heartfelt words echoed in the grand hall, moving many to tears. Only Jin Jiali and Jin Suo’s faces turned ashen, uncertain how the Empress would deal with them next, their concern solely for themselves, not others.
Upon hearing the Empress’s words, Xiao Mingzi’s tears began to fall. Blood from his forehead dripped onto the polished stones, yet he felt no pain. He kowtowed three more times, thanked the Empress, and rushed out.
Watching his thin, retreating figure, Liu Liu felt a surge of emotion. She hadn’t expected such loyalty from a mere eunuch; he possessed more sentiment than those of noble birth.
Once Xiao Mingzi had run far away, Liu Liu withdrew her gaze. Sparks of anger flickered in her eyes, and with a cold glint, she stared intently at Jin Suo, who was kneeling before her. Her voice suddenly deepened.
“Jin Suo, as the personal maid of Consort Shu of Guangyang Palace, you have committed such treasonous acts. It is a disgrace to the favor your mistress has always shown you. Since you dared to attempt to take another’s life today, you must be prepared to forfeit your own. If this was not your mistress’s idea, so be it. Otherwise, I fear you cannot escape death.”
The chilling words resonated through the hall, striking Jin Suo and Jin Jiali once more. Jin Jiali understood the Empress’s meaning: if Jin Suo spoke the truth, she might live, but if not, her survival was unlikely.
Her face turned a sickly purple, her heart pounding with anxiety, her palms slick with sweat. Although Jin Suo had pledged to die as atonement, Jin Jiali truly feared she wouldn’t withstand the torture and reveal everything.
Recalling the torture implements used in the harem, Jin Suo’s face contorted with distress. She begged only for a swift death and pleaded to be spared the agony of torture, fearing she wouldn’t be able to endure it. Looking up at the Empress, she spoke with determination, “I ask the Empress for her judgment.”
Liu Liu’s eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of admiration surfacing. She hadn’t expected this girl to be so resolute, though it was a pity she had chosen the wrong mistress.
Facing a mistress who was neither discerning nor responsible, Liu Liu’s fair face was etched with frost. Just as she was about to speak, Jiang Cheng stepped forward from the ranks below. “Empress, please entrust this matter to your humble servant. I will ensure it is handled perfectly!”
Liu Liu glanced at Jiang Cheng. It seemed this was the only option. Perhaps it might even prompt Jin Suo to reveal the truth. In the presence of her mistress, it was unlikely she would say anything else. Liu Liu nodded and waved her hand. “Very well, Commander Li, escort everyone away. Chief Steward Jiang, this harem requires proper governance.”
“Yes, this old servant has been negligent.”
Jiang Cheng’s old face creased into a hundred wrinkles. He was aware of the relationships between eunuchs and palace maids. He knew these eunuchs and maids often felt stifled in the palace, so he had largely turned a blind eye. He hadn’t expected them to escalate their actions and become increasingly brazen.
“You may withdraw,” Liu Liu waved her hand, leaning her head to the side of the phoenix couch. This morning’s events had exhausted her. Cui’er, standing nearby, quickly stepped forward to massage her mistress’s shoulders.
Jiang Cheng bowed and led the way, instructing his subordinate eunuchs to escort the relevant individuals away. Just then, one of his trusted eunuchs entered, whispered something into his ear, and Jiang Cheng’s expression flickered, showing a trace of shock.
Liu Liu raised her head slightly in curiosity, watching Jiang Cheng slowly turn around and face the Empress on her raised throne.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, Xiao Mingzi died by striking his head against a pillar near Qiao’er.”
The words stunned everyone in the hall. They hadn’t expected such profound devotion from a mere eunuch, which left a deep impression. They felt Qiao’er had lived a life without regret by being loved, and believed their next lives would be perfect.
Liu Liu was also deeply moved. Her heart swelled with emotion, and she carefully instructed Jiang Cheng.
“Chief Steward Jiang, find a fine coffin and bury them together. It would be a fitting tribute to their love. Find a place and bury them.”
“Yes, this old servant obeys your command.” Jiang Cheng led everyone away, and the hall suddenly fell silent, leaving only Jin Jiali, her face ashen, sitting motionless. She slowly stood and bowed to Liu Liu. “This concubine will return to my palace.”
Liu Liu scanned Jin Jiali, noting her vacant eyes and pale complexion. She looked like a frost-bitten eggplant, finally receiving a blow. Despite Jin Jiali’s seemingly pitiable posture, Liu Liu felt no sympathy.
She suspected people like them were like venomous snakes in winter, stiff but not dead, reviving with the slightest warmth. However, she wouldn’t let this matter rest. Liu Liu’s lips curled into a cold smile.
“You may return, but it is best to remain within Guangyang Palace. After all, Jin Suo was Consort Shu’s maid. If fault is to be found, even the Consort may struggle to evade blame.”
Jin Jiali’s body stiffened, realizing the truth in the Empress’s words. If this matter were thoroughly investigated, she would likely bear the gravest guilt. Even if the Emperor knew, he couldn’t save her.
If not for the Jin family’s influence in court, she would have been arrested long ago. She wouldn’t have been allowed to return. But Jin Suo had paid with her life.
If she had awakened earlier, she wouldn’t have caused Jin Suo’s death. Jin Jiali’s face turned a pale green as she slowly nodded in assent.
“This concubine takes her leave.” She slowly walked out of the Wei Yang Palace hall, her figure devoid of its usual arrogance, like a defeated fighting cock, her back a picture of desolation.
In the grand hall, Cui’er, seeing her mistress’s troubled expression, signaled Cai Xia to prepare tea. She personally handed it to Liu Liu. “Your Majesty is tired. Please rest for a while. Your actions have avenged Qiao’er, and she has received what she desired. We should be happy for her.”
“Mm,” Liu Liu sipped the tea lightly, handing it back to Cui’er. She stretched her arms, feeling the fatigue throughout her body, and stood up. “I woke up too early this morning. I will rest for a while. If there is any news from Jiang Cheng, please inform me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cai Xia and Ming Yue bowed and accepted the command. Cui’er helped her mistress into the sleeping quarters to rest.
The flowers had withered, autumn was deepening, the wind was cool as water, the lake waves were clear, and fallen blossoms danced everywhere. The autumn wind stirred the golden threads on the embankment, swaying like a tired beauty, slowly drifting into slumber.
Who knew that Jin Suo was such a stubborn maid? After being led away by Chief Steward Jiang, before any torture could be administered, she seized an unguarded moment and struck her head against a pillar, resulting in her death.
This case of Qiao’er’s murder in the palace was thus concluded with Jin Suo’s demise. However, many knew this was merely a temporary lull; greater storms lay ahead. Consort Shu, having suffered such a silent loss, would not let this matter rest so easily.
For the palace maids of Guangyang Palace had spread word that Consort Shu often stayed in Guangyang Palace, calling out Jin Suo’s name. It was clear that Jin Suo and the Consort shared a deep bond. Thus, whispers circulated that the Consort would surely take action.
The wind subsided, and everything seemed to return to peace. Liu Liu remained in Wei Yang Palace, and the Emperor visited her for several days, bringing her a sense of quiet.
Since that night of intimacy, she had noticed that the birthmark on her face had significantly faded. It was no longer as vibrant red, but merely a soft pink imprint.
Cui’er, who had noticed it first, had told her, and she hadn’t believed it until she looked in the bronze mirror for a long time, discovering it had indeed faded considerably. Even the blood-red plum blossom on her inner arm had dulled, leaving her wondering why.
However, she did not wish for this to be known by others, so she carefully used a brush to apply her usual appearance.
In fact, with a light application of makeup, the red marks on her face could be concealed. But until she discovered the reason for the birthmark’s disappearance, she wouldn’t let anyone know, not even the Emperor.
Therefore, she instructed Cui’er to keep silent. Cui’er didn’t quite understand; wasn’t it good that her mistress was becoming more beautiful? But seeing her strict prohibition, she naturally could not disobey her mistress’s command.