Left with no choice, the Empress Dowager could only say, "Fine. Since you insist on following palace protocol, then don't ask for mercy later!"
Xia Ruqing's smile was radiant. "Empress Dowager, rest assured, if evidence is truly found, I won't beg Your Majesty even if it means I die on the spot!"
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly.
Nearby, Noble Concubine Shih was already growing impatient. "Consort Xian, have you finished talking yet?!"
Xia Ruqing narrowed her eyes and stepped aside from the doorway.
Unable to wait any longer, Noble Concubine Shih led a group of palace attendants, who RUSHED inside.
The Empress Dowager followed closely behind.
In the blink of an eye, only Xia Ruqing and a few of her servants remained at the door.
"Mistress!" Zi Su's face was livid with anger. "So many people! They clearly came prepared. We can't just sit here and wait for our doom!"
