While kneeling on the ground, Su Jin spoke up: "Fifth Prince, please do not insult Princess Xie. How could a lowly slave like me be treated as her sister? Last night, we truly worried about you the whole night. Princess Xie even blamed herself for not doing her duty as a good friend and said it was her fault that you went down the wrong path."
Yue Mingxuan's gaze softened slightly as he looked at her, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes.
This maid was truly foolish.
Could she not hear that Xie Lianhua had deliberately revealed her own inaction from last night, clearly trying to add to his guilt?
What a pity. Su Jin's defense wasted the effort Yue Mingxuan had made earlier to tie Xie Lianhua's name into the matter.
Her acting was so poor, did Xie Lianhua not fear blinding everyone's titanium alloy eyes with it?
And yet, it was obvious. Xie Lianhua's beauty trick really had blinded everyone watching, including Rong Tieshan.
"This slave first failed her duty, then betrayed her master. Hurry up drag her away!"
Yue Mingxuan noticed Xie Lianhua quietly trying to slip back into the crowd after the prince gave his order. He smiled behind her and said, "Elder Sister Xie, you have always been praised as virtuous, gentle, kind, and compassionate. Just now, Su Jin defended you so earnestly. Should you not at least beg for mercy on her behalf?"
Xie Lianhua's steps paused slightly, her face changing as she tried to think of what to say. But before she could speak, Su Jin who is terrified and desperate, lost all control and threw herself in front of her, crying out: "Princess Xie, you promised to protect me! Please, beg the prince to spare me. Please save me, I beg you!"
Xie Lianhua lowered her eyes to look at the maid at her feet, her gaze filled with disgust.
Her voice was soft like the spring sun, yet within it carried a sharp warning that could not be ignored. "As a slave, even if your master truly committed some shameful act, you should never go around and spreading a rumors about it. A traitor who forgets gratitude deserves no more than being beaten to death. But if you continue dragging others into this and it turns into a crime that wipes out nine generations, will your family not suffer the punishment with you? Think carefully."
Su Jin's whole body trembled. Her knees weakened and when she heard Xie Lianhua mention her family, her head drooped in despair. "This slave understands… this servant is willing to accept punishment."
Truly, she had brought this doom upon herself.
Rong Tieshan who had seen that she admitted her guilt waved his hand with no concern at all. "Drag her away!"
Su Jin, who had moments ago still struggled in fear, now gave up all hope of survival for the sake of her family.
In truth, no one was unafraid of death. But when there was no choice, one simply chose to protect what mattered more.