Yan Xiu knew Li Yuyu was upset, so he chose not to speak.
The Empress Dowager thought, given how Yan Xiu favored Li Yuyu, he would definitely ask her to rise. As long as Yan Xiu spoke, she could wait a while longer to observe.
Unexpectedly, she waited for a moment but heard no sound from Yan Xiu.
Empress Dowager: ...
Beauty Qing discreetly observed the reactions of the two sitting at the head, paying particular attention to Yan Xiu.
Upon seeing Yan Xiu act as if he hadn’t noticed Li Yuyu’s expression, her suspended heart settled. She had feared there was an error, but now it seemed she was overly cautious.
The Emperor probably discovered Lady Li secretly meeting a man and plans to suppress the matter for private resolution to protect her reputation.
Didn’t he handle it similarly last time when Lady Li secretly met Prince Xuan?
Beauty Qing lowered her eyes to conceal the emotions welling within. This time, the matter must not be covered up.
She must find a way to spread this matter throughout the palace, and under pressure, Yan Xiu would have to deal with Lady Li, whether sending her to the Cold Palace or a nunnery. As long as someone in the palace knows about this, the Emperor will not forgive Li Yuyu.
Li Yuyu will have no chance of recovery!
"Why is Lady Li offering such a grand courtesy?" Seeing Yan Xiu silent, the Empress Dowager couldn’t let Li Yuyu kneel indefinitely, so she stepped in: "Rise and speak."
Li Yuyu then lifted her head from the ground: "Yes."
Hua Yin helped her stand from the ground, slightly turned, and looked towards Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying still kneeling, her usually gentle Willow Leaf Eyes suddenly fierce.
Just coming out from Feng Yin’s room, Feng Yin’s injuries made Li Yuyu’s eyes red with anger; she longed to tear Noble Lady Ying apart on the spot.
But she couldn’t.
Even as Noble Lady Ying knelt beside her, she still couldn’t publicly act against her.
Simply because she was just Lady Li.
"Empress Dowager, may I inquire Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying on some matters?" Li Yuyu looked up at the Empress Dowager, respectful in demeanor and earnest in tone.
This side of Li Yuyu...
Truth be told, caught the Empress Dowager off guard.
The Empress Dowager agreed: "Since Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying have caused such a commotion, I hurried here. As we are in the Luaxin Pavilion, Li Yuyu shall question them on my behalf."
Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying’s hearts simultaneously skipped a beat.
Having Li Yuyu question them would turn advantages into disadvantages.
Princess Consort De was about to speak...
"Princess Consort De, why do you and Noble Lady Ying visit my Luaxin Pavilion so late?" Li Yuyu asked directly: "To speak with me or catch someone in the act?"
Yan Xiu’s face darkened at her words.
"Presumptuous!" The Empress Dowager was infuriated by Li Yuyu’s words and could only utter these two words.
Li Yuyu kneeled: "Calm your anger, Empress Dowager, perhaps first listen to Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying’s response, then vent your anger."
Yan Xiu: ...
Empress Dowager: ...
She should be angry, but now she struggled not to laugh while maintaining her authority.
Li Yuyu turned back to face Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying, repeated her question, and coldly continued:
"Be bold in acknowledgment! My maid, Feng Yin, repeatedly urged you both to rest in the main hall, why did you not listen and insist on entering my inner chamber?"
"You injured my palace maid and broke into my chamber door; if not to catch someone in bed, then for what other reason?"