Consort of a Thousand Faces

the corners of the Queen’s mouth.
I haven’t seen Mum in the longest time.

All children would miss their mothers, especially someone like the Queen, who was her family’s only daughter.

“According to the rules, you should attend tonight’s palace banquet, but since you are unwell, you should stay here and rest.
Don’t think too much about other matters.
Don’t worry, this Dowager has my ways, and I won’t let you suffer.” The Grand Empress Dowager looked towards Su Xi-er.
“Come, let’s return to this Dowager’s palace.”

Su Xi-er softly acknowledged her before smiling at the Queen.
She then took the charcoal and paper from the Queen’s hands and placed them on the table beside her.
When all was done, she followed the Grand Empress Dowager out.

When the two reached the outer chamber, the Grand Empress Dowager coldly stared at the maidservant.
“This Dowager hates people who gossip the most.”

Despite not understanding, the maidservant could tell that the Grand Empress Dowager was in a foul mood, so she quickly knelt down.
“This servant will bear that in mind.”

“Bear that in mind? Then how did the Queen learn of Consort Xian’s pregnancy?”

The maidservant trembled as she prostrated on the floor.
“Grand Empress Dowager, please forgive this servant; I accidentally let it slip.”

The Grand Empress Dowager’s countenance grew dark, and she was raising her hand to signal the guards to take the maidservant away when Su Xi-er stopped her.“Grand Empress Dowager, this maidservant didn’t do it on purpose.
Besides, Sister-in-law has yet to recover, so it’s better if we don’t touch her servants for now.
There will be time to punish them once she’s feeling better.”

It was clear to the maidservant that Su Xi-er was speaking up for her, and her knees immediately fell to the floor with an audible thunk as she kowtowed.
“This servant knows my mistakes; I won’t dare to do it again.”

After contemplating for a while, the Grand Empress Dowager flung her sleeves and left without a word.

Heaving a sigh of relief, the maidservant then kowtowed to Su Xi-er.
“Imperial Princess, this servant thanks you for your help.”

1.
Wife of the general.