chapter 17

When I left the Eastern Palace, I happened to encounter the Empress’s procession.

Yanyu, who was escorting me out, stopped in her tracks.

She gestured for me to proceed.

“Your Highness has been waiting.”

My heart suddenly sank.

Then I heard the Empress’s gentle voice from within the sedan.

“Goddess, do not worry.”

“I merely wish to speak with you for a moment.”

I pressed my lips together and parted the beaded curtain.

The Empress was exceedingly beautiful.

Her face was dignified and graceful, her eyebrows slender and sparse like crescent moons, giving a sense of refinement.

She looked like Guanyin stepping out of an ancient painting.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

At last, I understood where Xiao Qi inherited his looks.

The Empress was accustomed to such reactions.

Seeing my daze, she did not reproach me.

She merely took a delicate sip of tea.

“Goddess, you have been rather careless in your actions.”

My breath caught; I knew she was referring to the matter of the Green Datura.

“But rest assured.”

She smiled lightly and set down her teacup.

“Yanyu is my most trusted attendant.”

“That night’s events will not be known to a fourth person.”

I opened my mouth hesitantly,

Suddenly at a loss for words.

After a moment, I could only ask, “Why?”

“Because I trust you.”

The Empress lowered her gaze, admiring her golden nail guards.

“Ten years ago, I met you.”

“You once saved my little Phoenix’s life.”

…What?!

My eyes widened in shock.

How could that be!?

The Empress’s expression remained calm.

“You need not doubt me; I never forget a face.”

“That is why I trust you.”

Her next words carried a hint of warning.

“This time, I have come to resolve matters for the Goddess. Next time, you must be more careful.”

Before I could ask anything more, the Empress smiled softly.

“I am tired.”

“Yanyu, see our guest out.”