C4 A Big Pot

"Oh no!"

Seeing her reaction, Ruan Qingge's heart tightened, suddenly remembering the maid's body was still there.

"Your Majesty," Ruan Yueer cried out, rushing to the middle-aged woman in the elaborate gown and high hairstyle, her finger trembling as she pointed near Ruan Qingge. "There... there's a maid!"

"She's already dead."

Two attendants stepped forward, dragging the maid out and checking for breath before respectfully reporting back.

The gruesome sight made the gathered noblewomen scream and step back in fear.

The Empress's expression changed swiftly, her initial concern for Ruan Qingge turning into suspicion as she looked at her coldly. "What happened here?"

"Please, Your Majesty, forgive us!"

Before Ruan Qingge could respond, Ruan Yueer knelt down, clutching the Empress's skirt.

She cast a seemingly worried glance at Ruan Qingge, tears streaming down her face. "The Lady has been frail since childhood, quick to anger. At home, our mother dared not scold her, treating her with the love of a daughter despite her faults. Who would have thought it would lead to such a disaster? It usually only happens at home, who could have imagined it would occur here in the palace too... I beg Your Majesty, considering she is the daughter of the esteemed Princess and the fiancée of Prince Ho, please don't let this matter spread!"

The implication here is that Ruan Qingge has been spoiled and indulged, often punishing servants and even causing deaths, so she acts recklessly in the palace. Without any evidence, she's already pinned the blame on Ruan Qingge!

The Empress's face darkened after hearing Ruan Yueer's words. Those familiar with past events knew she had a history of discord with the late Grand Princess. Xiao Ling, the son of Ho King, was betrothed to Ruan Qingge at birth due to the Empress Dowager's favor for the Grand Princess. After the Empress Dowager passed and the Grand Princess died, Ruan Qingge grew more unruly, becoming the laughingstock of the capital, leaving the Empress in a difficult position. Now, with Ruan Yueer bringing it up, it touched a nerve, making the Empress furious: "How dare you! Do you think the palace is a place for your antics?"

"Your Majesty, what are you discussing?"

Ruan Qingge assessed the situation, silently cursing Ruan Yueer as a scoundrel.

Isn't it just acting? What can't she do?

The original character was known throughout the capital as a fool. Ruan Qingge pouted, her eyes reddening, and with innocent eyes, she pointed at the maid's body: "Who is this person? Why is she lying on the ground?"

"Sister!"

Seeing Ruan Yueer, Ruan Qingge reached out as if affectionately: "Sister, weren't you playing hide and seek with me, telling me to hide in the water? But you pushed me in and didn't come down yourself. The water was so scary, I didn't want to play there. Luckily, I grabbed onto a piece of wood and managed to get out!"

Her hands were covered in mud, and Yueer pulled back in disgust. Hearing what Qingge said, everyone turned to Yueer in shock.

"Sister, what nonsense are you talking about?!" Yueer exclaimed, her carefully maintained facade cracking slightly.

"Yueer, is what she says true?" The Empress glanced at Yueer, her suspicion evident.

"Mother."

A handsome man, who had been standing behind the Empress, stepped forward. He wore a richly embroidered blue robe with a three-clawed dragon pattern, black boots with gold-threaded cloud designs, and his dark hair was tied up with a golden crown. His fair complexion, high brows, and prominent nose bore a striking resemblance to the Empress.