"Are you out of your mind?" Nan Zhiyun's first thought was, but before she could say anything, Qian Xia, standing beside her, slapped her across the face.
"How dare you! Who do you think you are to speak to Consort Shu like that? Furthermore, discussing the Emperor's favor in such a manner, is Miss Lu speculating on the Emperor's thoughts?" Qian Xia's aura had been growing stronger lately.
Lu Ruo Ruo was stunned by this accusation. If such a label were truly pinned on her, she wouldn't be able to bear it. Therefore, even though she had just been slapped, she dared not argue and could only obediently kneel to beg for forgiveness: "Consort Shu, please forgive me. It was my mistake."
Consort Xian had clearly said that this Consort Shu was just a pushover and wouldn't dare do anything to her… She knew the Emperor doted on Consort Shu. Just now, Consort Xian had told her that Consort Shu was in the imperial garden and the Emperor might come later, so she had come to try her luck. She hadn't expected things to turn out like this, but… this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, because… the Emperor had indeed arrived.
Lu Ruo Ruo saw the imperial yellow figure in the distance, her eyes gleamed with a plan. Because Nan Zhiyun's back was turned, she hadn't yet seen Yu Jingchen walking slowly towards them.
However… Lu Ruo Ruo was quick.
"Consort Shu, spare me! This servant did not mean to! I beg Consort Shu to spare me!" Lu Ruo Ruo suddenly raised her voice, startling Nan Zhiyun. She saw Lu Ruo Ruo repeatedly kowtowing. Nan Zhiyun felt her forehead ache just watching. Within a few moments, Lu Ruo Ruo's forehead was already bruised.
"Yun'er?" Just as Nan Zhiyun was about to say something, she heard someone call her name from behind. It was the Emperor! Nan Zhiyun's mood instantly brightened, all the gloom vanishing.
"Your Majesty!" Nan Zhiyun turned and smiled sweetly.
Yu Jingchen's lips curved slightly as he walked towards Nan Zhiyun. Nan Zhiyun handed the bell in her arms to Xia Yi and then threw herself into Yu Jingchen's embrace.
"Your Majesty, hug me," Nan Zhiyun had become much more clingy recently.
Yu Jingchen actually picked her up. Fine, it was the familiar embrace, Nan Zhiyun was too petite, Yu Jingchen could easily lift her with a gentle scoop.
Yu Jingchen shielded her and then saw Lu Ruo Ruo kneeling on the ground, trembling. Yu Jingchen's eyes narrowed slightly. Anyone who knew him could tell from his expression.
Alright, another one seeking death. How dare she use such tactics against the Emperor? She was truly tired of living, especially since it involved Consort Shu. However… Yu Jingchen still asked perfunctorily, "What happened here?"
Just as Nan Zhiyun was about to explain, Lu Ruo Ruo spoke first.
"Your servant greets Your Majesty! It is all my fault. I accidentally said the wrong thing and angered Consort Shu. It is only right that Consort Shu had her people discipline me. It is my honor that Consort Shu is willing to let her personal maid correct my mistakes."
"But… this servant, this servant is also entering the palace for the first time and still doesn't understand many rules. If I have angered Consort Shu, this servant deserves to die… However, Consort Shu is magnanimous, please spare this servant this once. If my elders found out, I would be beaten to death… Please, Consort Shu, be merciful!" Lu Ruo Ruo's voice was tinged with tears, making her appear utterly pitiful, as if Nan Zhiyun had just abused her.