Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Who are you?!" Xiao Yan asked angrily, the other free hand reaching for Ning Lou's neck.

"It's Bengong!" Ning Lou's current strength couldn't match Xiao Yan's determination to kill. The hand crawling to her neck obviously contained visible malicious intention. Ning Lou didn't bother to hide her identity to create further misunderstanding and as it will only trigger Xiao Yan to exert more effort.

Xiao Yan's eyes widened at the word 'Bengong', the hands that momentarily stopped continued to feel Ning Lou threatened. "Lies! Why are you impersonating the Empress!"

"Let go of Bengong! This is only powder and rouges!" Ning Lou said and this time using her usual voice. In a moment of fit, she forgotten to regulate her tone making Xiao Yan thinks she's lying.

Realization flashed across Xiao Yan's eyes, and she loosened both of her hands retrieving them to her side.

Ning Lou sat and tidied herself up after Xiao Yan retreated providing her freedom. Yatou! You gave this aunt a fright!

Ning Lou was not a martial artist, at best she has some reflexes and some basic skills but compared to those who were able to cover a short distance, fly over the wall, use sword fighting techniques, or see through a distance, she was only a small fly barely able to defend herself against attacks!

And plus this girl has some hidden strength, clearly the Empress was able to eat fine food, but this girl seemed the one inheriting the benefits!

She wiped her face thought her sleeves, revealing the unblemished, smooth skin hidden underneath. Her peerless looks that made one captivated froze Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan snuck a quick glance at Ning Lou's sleeve that was stained with red rouge and black streak, confusion written all over her. Niang Niang doesn't know how to paint her face. Xiao Yan was the one in charge of it, and Xiao Qu was skilled on grooming the Empress' hair.

Xiao Yan also observed Ning Lou's hair that was perfectly combed and tied into two buns. She frowned even harder.

When Ning Lou regained her calm, she faced Xiao Yan's inquiry.

"Bengong came here to ask you for a favour." Ning Lou said.

"…" Xiao Yan remained silent.

"In return Bengong can grant you both pardon."

Xiao Yan finally made some reactions. "Niang Niang, this lowly servant has no power to help you out. There are plenty of servants at the Soaring Phoenix Palaces who are willing to be at your beck and call. One word and they will pluck the stars. There is really no need for a servant like us." Xiao Yan said, her head lowered hiding the intense hatred she felt.

"You two are the only one who will be able to help Bengong with this task. Bengong promises you that after this, Bengong will send a command to save Xiao Qu and transfer you out. Isn't that what you want?" Ning Lou said offering what Xiao Yan most d.e.s.i.r.ed.

Although Xiao Qu's hair was not tied, her hair was obviously combed, there were no loose strands, so someone must have brushed it, and her coarse clothes despite being shabby was clean. She also has no odors or the smell of blood. Her wounds was bandaged which means Xiao Yan must have taken care of her this whole time. If not for a deep bond that of a sister, what would the two have?

Ning Lou only had taken advantage of that fact to be able to use Xiao Yan into guiding her to the location of the pond.

"Oh, How will the Empress be able to get us out?" Xiao Yan clenched her fists.

"Bengong brought an identity token." Ning Lou took the bronze object from inside her shirt, the thing immediately caught Xiao Yan's attention.

The Soaring Phoenix Palace Identity Token!

A representative from internal attendants unit took theirs upon their dismissal from the job, so she can't freely move around. At most only by the head's permission that she'll be able to go to places under errands, but this head of the department's authority was just as small as her role.

If she could get that token on the Empress' hand…..

���What would Niang Niang order this servant?" Xiao Yan asked, determination to use all means rooted in her mind.

"Guide me to the lotus pond where Bengong drowned. Bengong seemed to forget the way." The place where the original Ning Lou died, that place kept bothering her head. She wasn't able to make a trip there because of the series of events, and when she found out that her life was in danger now, this cemented her will to seek freedom from this place. Her instinct somehow tells her that the pond has some ways.

She initially thought that the Empress had gained some smarts but it must be Xiao Yan overthinking things.

Xiao Yan stayed silent for a second deep in thoughts before accepting her request. "Alright, This Servant will guide Niang Niang."

Ning Lou pretended not to sense her despise. "Let's go."

Ning Lou left first.

Xiao Yan followed; her gaze penetrated the figure in front.

Niang Niang forgive me for being ruthless!