Consort of a Thousand Faces - Chapter 397

Chapter 397

CHAPTER 397 (1): A FESTIVE SIGHT

Su Xi-er stopped in her tracks, an image of Chao Mu’s face appearing in her mind as she looked at the palace maid .  This palace maid had purposely pinched Chao Mu’s leg just so that she would make me fall down .

Su Xi-er’s eyes darkened at the memory, the suddenly frigid atmosphere weighing down on the nearby palace maids until they felt like they were suffocating .

The palace maid on the receiving end of this trembled under Su Xi-er’s glare, finally prostrating on the ground . “Miss Xi-er, this servant was in the wrong . Please be magnanimous and let this servant off . ”

“I am just a woman, not a gentleman . I am not magnanimous . ” Su Xi-er signalled at Wu Ling with her eyes before walking forward .

Despite not knowing how the palace maid before them had offended Su Xi-er, Wu Ling believed that the former’s character would never allow her to hand out punishments unless it was a severe offence .

Hence, he waved his hand to instruct the guards in the palace . “Drag this palace maid out and give her 15 beatings of the plank . ”

For a young girl to receive 15 beatings of the plank was tantamount to robbing her of half her life . She sank to the ground in shock, and only returned to her senses once someone began to drag her away . She loudly shouted, “Please forgive this servant! This servant won’t dare to do it again!”

Her endless blood-curdling shrieks entered the ears of the other palace maids, causing their hearts to quake in terror .  Su Xi-er’s aura has changed dramatically now that she is going to become Princess Consort Hao . We have to be sure to show her respect in the future .

Just as Su Xi-er was about to reach the Imperial Library, Wu Ling came over to report, “The palace maid has already received her punishment . However, may I ask why you decided to do so?”

“She offended Chao Mu . ” She spoke softly, gazing into the distance as if reminiscing .

Wu Ling watched her as she walked away .  Chao Mu was a pitiful woman; her life cut short just like that . Despite that, she can also be considered fortunate; she was allowed to live a contented life as she wished, unshackled by the worries of the world .

In the Imperial Library, Ruo Yuan was supporting a stool in one hand while holding a length of red silk in the other . Meanwhile, Hong Li was standing on the stool and hanging the red silk on the eaves .

All the eaves, trees, and even the courtyard door had to be decorated with red silk before the sun set, otherwise it would be inauspicious .

“Hong Li, it’s slanted! Move it more to the left!” Ruo Yuan raised her head and blinked her eyes .

Hong Li did as she was told . “Ruo Yuan, is this right?”

However, the only response she received was silence . Confused, Hong Li turned to look at Ruo Yuan, only to see the latter dazedly staring in another direction . Just as she was about to ask what the matter was, Hong Li felt the stool sway under her as Ruo Yuan’s hand shook .  

“Ah…” The sudden loss of balance had Hong Li falling towards the floor . Just as she was about to hit the ground, her scream echoed through the hall .

A moment later, she felt a large hand on her back, helping her up .

After Hong Li managed to stand properly, she realised that Wu Ling’s hand was still on her waist . She pushed him away in shock, but her excessive strength took Wu Ling by surprise .

Now on the other side of the coin, Wu Ling was falling towards Ruo Yuan . Without any hesitation, Ruo Yuan reached out her hand to support Wu Ling by the waist, just as the latter had done with Hong Li .

It had only taken an instant, but the awkward scene in front of her had Su Xi-er stifling a laugh .

“Commander Wu, are you alright?” Ruo Yuan calmed down her wildly beating heart as she asked in concern .