CHAPTER 306 (2): HUT FILLED WITH TORTURE INSTRUMENTS (1/2)
”Arrest her. You will know later when we interrogate you.” Pei Yaran had learned from her past failures. The sooner she arrested Su Xi-er and avoided a verbal confrontation, the better Pei Yaran’s chances were.
The few imperial guards acknowledged Pei Yaran's order and immediately dashed towards Su Xi-er. She successfully dodged them, but couldn’t make any large movements due to the wound on her arm.
It was now that Old Maidservant Liu arrived after hearing the commotion. Upon seeing Pei Yaran, she immediately bowed. ”This old servant pays her respects to the Empress Dowager.”
The next moment, Old Maidservant Liu looked at Su Xi-er with a puzzled expression before she continued. ”Empress Dowager, this woman is a palace maid in the Palace Side Quarters. May this old servant know what crime she had committed to attract your fury?”
Pei Yaran knew that Old Maidservant Liu was an experienced old maidservant in the imperial palace in addition to being the Emperor’s wet nurse. Yet, she still disregarded the latter. ”Old Maidservant Liu, don't interfere in this matter; otherwise this Empress Dowager will arrest you as well.”
With Pei Yaran being so blatant, Old Maidservant Liu had no choice but to watch as Su Xi-er was about to be taken away.
With the difference in status between the two of them, Su Xi-er knew that nothing good would come of facing Pei Yaran head-on. I can only pretend that I have given in for now. I’ll think of an idea later.
Hence, Su Xi-er parted her lips. ”This servant will leave with the Empress Dowager.”
Pei Yaran didn't expect Su Xi-er to be so obedient, but she still didn’t let her guard down. The past few times, Su Xi-er had managed to escape because of my carelessness.
”Take her away,” Pei Yaran ordered. A few guards approached Su Xi-er, wanting to drag her with them.
”This servant can walk on my own without troubling the imperial guards.” Su Xi-er spoke slowly and walked forward.
Pei Yaran didn't say a word and glared at Old Maidservant Liu sternly before she exited the Palace Side Quarters.
Before Su Xi-er left, she turned her head and silently mouthed two words to Old Maidservant Liu.
Old Maidservant Liu immediately got her message. ‘Eunuch Zhang’! Eunuch Zhang was the main-in-charge at the Imperial Household Department. The masters of each palace didn’t need to report to the Imperial Household Department if they were punishing maidservants under them. However, the Imperial Household Department had to be involved when punishing maidservants under a different palace with no evidence. They would personally handle the interrogation and punishment should the accused be found guilty.