Xue Mei considered herself a dutiful servant.
Having served Liu Ruyan for many years, she had endured her mistress's eccentric temperament with unwavering perseverance, diligently carrying out every task assigned to her.
Today, she had gone out of her way to defend Liu Ruyan—how could Liu Ruyan now abandon her to her fate?
Xue Mei clutched at the snow-white hem of Liu Ruyan's robe, tears falling in heavy drops.
Her hands were stained with dirt, leaving dark, grimy fingerprints on the pristine fabric.
Liu Ruyan spoke calmly, "Xue Mei, the innocent need no defense. You are my palace maid—surely, the inner prison guards would not dare to take your life."
"Unyielding through trials, steadfast against all winds"—Liu Ruyan believed that as long as she and Xue Mei had clear consciences, no torture, no matter how severe, could force an innocent person to confess falsely.
The moment Liu Ruyan spoke, the other concubines exchanged stunned glances.
How heartless.
