Every time Xiaobai saw Xiaosuisui eating roasted duck, he would run away.
However, he would always be called back by his masterās voice saying, "Xiaobai, itās time to eat some bones."
Then, with teary eyes, he would gnaw the meat on the bone. If he couldnāt gnaw it clean, he still refused to let go!
After settling Xiaosuisui, Xie PanāEr watched Zhu Xiuxiu nervously, trying to speak several times but stopping herself.
Zhu Xiuxiu read her expression.
She must already know that I was present when Xie Si attempted to assassinate the Nanjiang Princess!
Zhu Xiuxiu sighed inwardly, gave Xie PanāEr a meaningful look, and then led the way toward the back garden.
Xie PanāEr understood her gaze and quickly followed.
In the pavilion by the Lotus Pond in the backyard, Zhu Xiuxiu sat down first.
"Sit down!"
Zhu Xiuxiu pointed to the stone bench opposite her.
Before Xie PanāEr could even sit down, she anxiously asked, "Third Mistress, I heard from the Old Mistress that you were present when my brother tried to assassinate the Nanjiang Princess. Is that true?"
Zhu Xiuxiu nodded and sighed lightly. "I donāt know much, but I feel this matter is somewhat strange. Donāt be anxious. As long as the Nanjiang Princess isnāt dead, thereās still a chance to save your brother!"
"When I was in the Palace, I heard from Nanny Xiao that my brother argued with the Nanjiang Princess. Then, in a fit of anger, he grabbed the tailorās scissors from a counter and stabbed her in the chest. Third Mistress, since you were there, do you know why my brother quarreled with the Nanjiang Princess?"
Xie PanāErās question made Zhu Xiuxiu sigh.
"I wasnāt present when your brother argued with the Nanjiang Princess, but I did witness him stabbing her."
"You... you donāt know what happened?"
"I indeed didnāt see how it started. I really donāt know why your brother and the Nanjiang Princess argued. Not only did I not know, but no one else knew either, because the silk shop was cleared when the Nanjiang Princess entered. However, the shop door wasnāt closed. I was returning from Luming Academy and happened to be passing by that silk shop. I saw your brother rush out of the shop with a pair of scissors and, without hesitation, stab a young girl in the chest."
"Why did my brother want to kill the Nanjiang Princess?" Xie PanāEr murmured, looking at Zhu Xiuxiu, desperately hoping she could provide an answer.
"I donāt know, but your brother is now in the Celestial Prison. If you want to see him and ask about the reasons, you can go to Old Seventh!"
"Old Seventh? Do you mean the Seventh Prince?"
Zhu Xiuxiu nodded.
"After all, she is the Nanjiang Princess, the leader of the envoys who came to the Great Han for peace talks. Her life and death are matters the Great Han cannot treat lightly. Now, whether she lives or dies, the Great Han must give her an explanation."
"Third Mistress, I must save my brother! Please, guide me!" Xie PanāEr stood up, about to kneel before Zhu Xiuxiu.
Zhu Xiuxiu quickly grabbed her arm, preventing her from kneeling.
"First, go see your brother. Ask him what happened between him and the Nanjiang Princess. Then, go to the post station and seek forgiveness from the Nanjiang Princess. Only if she forgives your brother will he be safe."
Xie PanāEr had already considered what Zhu Xiuxiu said, but there was a huge problem.
"Iāve thought about asking the Nanjiang Princess for forgiveness. However, when I was in the Palace, I heard her injuries are very severe. The Imperial Physicians are at their witsā end; no one dares to remove the scissors from her body."