Queen of Beijing had a different thought.
The Empress and the Empress Dowager have always been at odds, and Mother Xia has surely done quite a bit to irritate people behind the scenes. Otherwise, why would the Empress invite me today to play out this drama?
With that thought, she immediately spoke, "An Ning, you are still too soft-hearted. When it comes to palace maids who carry suspicion, it's better to err on the side of executing them than letting them off!"
"It's only a slave, after all. If she's killed, she's killed. Who would dare to criticize the Empress for it?"
The Queen of Beijing darted her gaze around and continued, "Moreover, Mother Xia has been in the Shen Palace for many years and knows a great deal about the Empress Dowager's affairs. If she's released, harboring resentment, she might spread the Shen Palace's secrets everywhere. Wouldn't that tarnish the prestige of the Royal Family?"
