481 Bickering Ministers (1/2)

”Confess to what?” the Empress curiously asked.

Lady Ge Beining lowered her head. ”Y-Your Grace, I do not deserve this kindness of yours. I am nothing but a coward...” she whispered. Her voice cracked toward the end, for she was overwhelmed with unsaid emotions.

”You've provided me with so much, and all I do is get into sticky situations like this one, Mother,” Lady Ge Beining sniffled out.

The Empress's gaze softened. She didn't think Lady Ge Beining would say such heart-wrenching things.

All of Lady Ge Beining's life, the Empress had taught her to value herself in the ranks of a Princess. Lady Ge Beining did not have to be useful. All she needed to do was live a blissful and happy life. That was all that the Empress wanted as a mother.

”Sweet child,” the Empress gently murmured as she reached a hand out to caress Lady Ge Beining's face. ”There was nothing you could do to prevent this. Your servants tried to harm you despite the fact that you've treated them so well.”

Lady Ge Beining weakly dropped her gaze to the blanket as if mesmerized by the intricate embroidery.

The Empress quietly placed a hand upon Lady Ge Beining's shoulders. Lady Ge Beining slowly raised her head, like a sullen child being scolded by their mother.

She directly looked Lady Ge Beining in the eyes. ”But answer one question of mine.”

Lady Ge Beining rapidly nodded her head. ”As you wish, Your Grace. I am willing to answer as many questions as you please.”

”Why did you run from the intruders, instead of screaming out for the Crown Princess's guards who were just outside of the door?”

Lady Ge Beining's face crumbled. It was as she had anticipated. She had prepared herself for this startling question as it was the only loophole in her story.

”I panicked, Your Grace. When my life was in danger, my mind went blank, and the only thing I could think of was running out of the room. I am a coward who thought of no one else but herself…”

The Empress's face stiffened at this. She pulled her hand back and rose to her feet. ”You chose your own life over the Crown Princess's, who will become the future Empress?”

”I'm a coward, Your Grace. For this, I deserve punishment, but anyone in my shoes would've done the same. Humans are inherently selfish by nature, and they value their own lives above all.”

The Empress pressed her lips together. She was torn at a crossroad. She wasn't sure whose side to choose. One was the Crown Princess, her daughter-in-law. The other was Lady Ge Beining, the child she had raised since birth, and cared for as one of her own.

Lady Ge Beining reached a hand out and daintily grabbed onto the Empress's sleeves. ”They had the Crown Princess pinned down on the table and I was worried that if I screamed, they would've killed her on the spot. The only option was for me to run away and secretly get help, Your Grace.”

The Empress glanced down at Lady Ge Beining. Conflict danced in her eyes. She needed more time to think this through. Holding back a tired sigh, she gently pushed off Lady Ge Beining's hand.

”You've had a troubling day,” the Empress slowly said. ”It is best for you to rest. I will come back for you when you are awake.”