Pei Jinxiu had heard of the happenings within the palace; rumors suggested that Consort Xiao and Ning Wanwan had become quite close.
Pei Jinxiu was a man by nature brooding and suspicious. He was deeply wary of anyone who might threaten his position, often resorting to suppression—the Ning Family being a prime example. Upon hearing of the two women’s growing closeness, he issued an immediate decree forbidding any contact between them.
When Ning Wanwan received this news, she was utterly bewildered. What threat could two women possibly pose to him? The Ning Family had long since fallen; even if they wanted to join forces with General Xiao, the current situation made them powerless to do so. Had they truly harbored ulterior motives, they would not have waited until they were framed for treason.
Chapter 55