Emperor's Cunning Wife

Taoyi quietly listened beside Ning Lou vaguely considering whether to tell the truth. The palace yamen will surely interrogate, Taoyi also didn't know if another person saw her last night and if that person will testify of her involvement, no one can give her protection. But if the person gripping her hand could, maybe she would be able to pass this hurdle. The only thing worrying her was whether the Empress is really earnest.

It was really hard to understand Ning Lou's thoughts and Taoyi find it tough to decide. The words carried temptations clawing Taoyi's heart to confess.

"Niang Niang, it is not that this servant doesn't want to, but this servant is unable to remember what other matters were there. This servant after knowing Ke Laniang was missing from her duty and until now she wasn't found. This servant's mind had been bothered tremendously." Taoyi tried calmed her beating heart.

"Since Taoyi has forgotten, then Bengong will not force. However, if Taoyi really is intending to hide it, Bengong wouldn't be able to help, only by trusting Bengong can this be solve. Taoyi you must be in a difficult situation ah, Bengong only wish to help. " Third advice, Imply that you've understand what they've done, that you understand the pressures that led to their understandable mistake.

The pressure pressing Taoyi's conscience becoming greater, Taoyi bit her lips harder, her reasons begun to sway.

Right on the moment, Ning grabbed the opportunity to pierce that small hole that appeared.

"The palace eats people, Bengong understand your way of living. Yesterday's matter must not have been your fault. Alright, Bengong is really tired, Taoyi must take care. Bengong still needs you for the future." Ning Lou gave out an empathizing smile and let go of her hand which broken down Taoyi's internal defences.

"Niang Niang!" Taoyi stiffened and breached etiquette to directly look at Ning Lou, she even forget that it was rude. At that moment, something in her heart broken down, Taoyi surrendered and decided to tell the truth. Don't know if it was because of Ning Lou's last words or because she was too burdened and someone had lent a hand, Taoyi had fell prey to Ning Lou's emotional attacks.

"What's the matter? Taoyi?" Seemingly perplexed, Ning Lou leaned closer and inquired softly.

"This servant suddenly remembered that she seemed to bump into Ke Laniang yesterday afternoon, she was heading toward her quarters to rest. This servant was on her way to the kitchen during the encounter. Don't know if it is only this servant's imagination, but Laniang appeared to be pale, this servant thought it was because she was just tired so this servant made haste since the kitchen was busy. Who knew that Laniang would disappear? This servant was nervous that they will put the blame on this servant's head." Taoyi exhaled her heart a little lighter compared this morning.

Ning Lou grinned inside for making Taoyi confess. Fourth advice, Hold up your hand if they are lying to indicate they need to stop talking. Use the first person's first name and repeat your monologue. Continue to pound that hole until it completely breaks off.

"So that's how it was, Taoyi you needn't worry since you're innocent. Maybe Laniang had slipped somewhere else. But, Bengong can't still understand how the missing uniform of a eunuch have any relations." Ning Lou said to no one in particular. From the beginning she never asked any questions only creating monologues for Taoyi to hear.

But still, Taoyi who decided to tell the truth came clean, "This servant also know that the eunuch was Eunuch Fang, and this servant once coincidentally saw them together in an empty courtyard while this servant was on night duty. Eunuch Fang seemed to be angry at that time because he slapped Laniang which cause the maid to cry. This servant wasn't a nosy person and didn't stay too long."

Checkmate! Ning Lou inwardly made her last move their chess game.

The final and most important advice, do not ask questions, do not accuse, and for the whole time established a DOC (Direct observation of Concern).

"Is that so, have Taoyi heard what the two were talking about?" Ning Lou wanted to pry some more, but was slightly disappointed when she heard Taoyi's response.

"This servant was too far away and hadn't managed to overhear their exchanges." Taoyi shrugged expressing her inability.

After examining Taoyi had a neutral expression, Ning Lou took that as a signal to stop. "Alright, nevermind, Bengong will just pretend that we had talk about powders and rouges. Tell Tang Mama that Bengong appointed you as the head maid, and be careful."

"Yes, this servant will comply." Taoyi responded more relaxed. Contrary to before she came in, the aversion she felt towards serving Ning Lou was gone.