Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Oh, how can Xiao Taoyi be sure that they are connected? Bengong has difficulty linking them."

Taoyi followed Ning Lou's vision and also stared at the beams on the ceiling. She tried to search the thing that caught Ning Lou's attention and failed to identify what might be so interesting.

When she tried to confirm if the direction of the ceiling was really what Ning Lou was looking at, her eyes clashed again with Ning Lou's gaze. An amusing chuckle escaped from Ning Lou which reddened Taoyi's cheeks of embarrassment.

"Bengong thought there was a c.o.c.kroach. Anyway, what kind of connection exists between the two separate matters?" Ning Lou asked so eager to get her opinion as a reference.

"This servant only relayed what she heard from others." Taoyi said carefully, she indeed did have some speculations but talking less and getting out of anyone's radar was her way of survival. Besides, she still wasn't assured if the Empress was worthy to dedicate her loyalty.

"There are only two of us now. You can talk your mind. Whatever we talk in here will remain here." Ning Lou said seriously expressing her serious thoughts to Taoyi. This girl was so careful and insecure. She's restraining her true nature and won't easily trust anyone, only by eroding the wall she build can Ning Lou gained her utmost trust. By then, until she can go home, there was someone to be her eyes outside.

Taoyi heard the seriousness of Ning Lou and wondered why there were some nasty rumors of the Empress being willful and stupid, contrary Taoyi only saw a predator eyeing her prey. Taoyi just bit her lip after realizing her crude remarks and said, "Then Niang Niang, forgive this servants words in advance, what this servant honestly thinks is that, the matter isn't so simple. However, as to how it wasn't simple, this servant couldn't explain. It was only based on this servant's instincts."

Ning Lou silently contemplated what she said and furrowed her brows. Taoyi remained stubborn and wouldn't disclose a single word. The more she tightened her lip the more Ning Lou wanted to pry in her thoughts.

Taoyi with her cautious nature and ability to sense danger, had long known the cruelty behind the grandeur façade of the palace, and was on guard every time news regarding sudden deaths and missing cases.

"The reason Bengong choose Taoyi to serve me was because Bengong guess Taoyi was useful. Bengong intended to keep Taoyi around but it seems Bengong sincerity has look down upon. Bengong is speculating whether servants see me as farts now that the one in the Peony Pavilion has gain some favour. Who's on top now may not be here tomorrow. Taoyi, you're in Bengong's boat now, therefore Taoyi should consider." Ning Lou raised her right hand pretending to admire the red gloss on her fingernails. First advice on how to let someone tell you the truth; don't make the target confess to a crowd, call the target's name tenderly to create a sense of familiarity.

Taoyi was stumped for words. She dearly believed before that the Empress would be stupid but she was again proven to be wrong. Whether to put trust or not, Ning Lou's last words rang in her ears, but Niang Niang when she called her new name had a bit tenderness. The little maid didn't knew that Ning Lou was drawing her deeper into her schemes.

Exhaling, Xiao Taoyi spoke "Niang Niang, this servant only knew the missing kitchen maid. She was called Ke Laniang. She was originally an orphan but a mama pitied her and took her under her wings. She was what Niang Niang may call outgoing, everyone in the kitchen knows her so when she was gone, the mamas instantly searched for her but they had no luck." Taoyi gulped and clenched her fists. She subconsciously looked left and right and minimized the volume of her voice.

"And that was the only thing this servant knows." Taoyi closed her mouth again suppressing her anxiety.

Ning Lou heard her words despite it almost inaudible. She got a small gist of what might restraining Taoyi. Quickened breath, increasing alertness, sweaty palms, Ning Lou instantly perceived her fear or apprehension. Ning Lou was pretty sure since Taoyi never exhibited any anxiety disorders.

Ning Lou grabbed her hands that were restless, "Why is Taoyi so tense? Bengong only wanted to have a chat. Taoyi since you're one of Bengong's people, it is only natural for me be concern. If anyone dared to be impudent and frame you, Bengong would not believe in loose tongues but will seek the evidence that supports the truth. Taoyi can rest assured that Bengong will ensure your safety while Taoyi is under my care." Second advice, offer what the target d.e.s.i.r.es. Ning Lou had long discovered Taoyi's insecurity ad wants to take full take advantage of it. Just like the poison apple the witch in the fairytales gave Snow White; Ning Lou made a proposition and used Taoyi's vulnerability to lure her. Ning Lou was somewhat itching….

Because vulnerable people are f*cking delicious delicacies in a swindler's eyes….