On the way back to Zhaohua Pavilion, Xiao Xizi said bitterly, "Once he's in the Punishment Department, we shall see just how tough his mouth really is!"
Xia Ruqing gave a cold smile. "It's not that tough! Such people are loyal to whoever feeds them; if nothing unexpected happens, he'll confess soon enough!"
"Really?"
"Just wait and see!"
「...」
By the time they returned to Zhaohua Pavilion, it was almost noon.
Xia Ruqing hadn't slept well the night before and, without even eating lunch, collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly.
Xiao Xizi went to the Imperial Kitchen to get some coarse rice porridge and a few small side dishes, which she kept warm by steaming them over a stove.
Zi Yue, meanwhile, had selected a set of clothes, matched them with jewelry, and had someone boil a large pot of hot water, ready for use.
When Xia Ruqing woke up, the sky was almost dark.
"My lady, the bathwater is ready. I will attend to your bath!" Zi Yue said.
"Good!"
