Their eyes met; in the depths of Noble Lady Wan’s gaze, anxiety was mingled with a touch of smugness. Even if the Emperor had agreed to come, what of it? She had personally gone to invite him, and had he not arrived?
When she first entered, she had expected to see Huanbi being humiliated or beaten. Instead, she found her being treated with a semblance of courtesy. How cunning—she had found no opening to speak a word against her. It must be that they were covering up the truth to maintain a facade of peace. If the Emperor saw through it, he would surely be displeased with Noble Lady An, viewing her as someone who acted differently in public and in private, which might even lead to her falling out of favor. The mere thought made Noble Lady Wan feel it was a wasted opportunity.
After a moment’s reflection, she cast a glance at the distraught Huanbi sitting on the stool. She stepped forward and said, "I do not know what offense First Class Attendant He has committed to be brought here from her own bedchamber by Noble Lady An. Looking at her now… I cannot help but feel…"
Chapter 168