The eunuch delivering the blows wore a distressed expression, daring not to utter a single word. Today, they found themselves in a predicament, unsure whether to strike hard or go easy.
With the Princess and the Empress watching intently, both glaring at them like ravenous beasts, the eunuchs felt their scalps tingle, not daring to speak.
Mu Qingyao looked at Mu Qingzhu and spoke slowly.
"Mu Qingzhu, you must persevere. If you endure, I promise you one thing. Tell me, what is it you desire most?"
Mu Qingzhu gazed at the Empress. The Empress was her sister, and she was truly terrified, so terribly afraid, that she might die on this wooden bench.
But she wanted to protect the Mu family. If the Empress met with disaster, the Mu family would be ruined, as would her parents. Therefore, she would rather die herself than let the Empress perish.
"Can I have a handsome man?"
Despite facing death, Mu Qingzhu still had the strength to joke. The first time she saw Emperor Xian, she was captivated by him and insisted on entering the palace. Yet, it turned out to be nothing but her own foolish fantasy, and now she was losing her life here.
If she survived today, she vowed never to judge people by their appearance again.
"Alright, as long as you endure, I will surely grant you a handsome man."
Mu Qingyao stood aside with a deep voice. Princess Ru Yin, already impatient, declared, "Strike! Hit her hard!"
The eunuchs dared not be careless, yet they could not strike to kill. This was the Empress's sister. If she died, they would likely face severe consequences.
Compared to the Empress, the Princess was slightly inferior. Thus, the eunuchs wielded the boards with skill. While the slaps sounded loud and sharp, they were actually much lighter than usual.
However, Mu Qingzhu was still a young lady from a prominent family, never having endured such hardship. She could tolerate the first few blows, but after the tenth, she could not help but let out a soft groan. Blood began to seep from her backside, and beads of sweat dripped down her face.
In the room, apart from the sound of the blows, there was only the faint moans of Mu Qingzhu. No other sound could be heard.
Mu Qingyao's expression was somber, her gaze cold, as she watched Mu Qingzhu intently. She saw her biting her lower lip fiercely. Her lip broke, and blood dripped down, mingling with the sweat. Her face gradually turned pale.
Forty-three, forty-four, forty-five...
Mu Qingzhu's head drooped. Blood seeped through her clothes, dripping onto the ground, pooling and growing.
Mu Qingyao looked at the scene before her, her heart aching. Her eyes felt hot. She had always been someone who didn't cry since childhood, but this time, for some reason, she felt an overwhelming urge to weep.
When the punishment was over, Mu Rong Ru Yin cast a disgusted glance at the motionless figure on the bench, looking as if she were dead. If not dead, then she was lucky to be alive.
"Jin Qin, let's go back to the palace to sleep."
In the guardhouse, several eunuchs stood by in trepidation, cautiously observing the Empress.
The Empress's face was filled with grief, seeming extremely sad. They feared she might punish them. The young eunuchs who had administered the blows knelt down with a thud. "Your Majesty, we absolutely did not strike deeply. Please spare our lives."
Mu Qingyao's entire being radiated coldness. She forcibly suppressed her tears and waved her hand with composure. "You may all withdraw."
"Yes, Your Majesty," everyone retreated.
Mu Qingyao led Mo Chou forward, personally untying Mu Qingzhu's restraints. She called out softly, "Sister, are you alright? Sister?"
But Mu Qingzhu showed no reaction at all. Mo Chou looked at the Empress with concern. The Empress seemed very sad. It would be terrible if the eldest miss were to have an accident, as the Empress would surely blame herself.
Mo Chou quickly reached out to check Mu Qingzhu's breath and exclaimed joyfully, "Your Majesty, she's still breathing! Take her back to Fengluan Palace immediately and summon the imperial physicians for treatment."
"Good," Mu Qingyao suppressed her sorrowful thoughts and began to help Mu Qingzhu up with Mo Chou. She instructed the eunuchs from Fengluan Palace waiting outside.
"Come here at once! Fetch a stretcher and carry her back to Fengluan Palace."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The young eunuchs immediately rushed out, not daring to delay. Soon, they found a stretcher woven from rattan. Several people carefully placed Mu Qingzhu onto the stretcher and carried her back to Fengluan Palace.
It was already the hour of Yin, and dawn was approaching.
In Fengluan Palace, a somber atmosphere prevailed. The Empress's two sisters, one was foolish, and the other was beaten to the brink of death. The Empress's mood was in utter disarray.
At such a time, no one dared to say a word. The vast palace was deathly quiet, not a sound could be heard. The palace maids walked with light footsteps, afraid to make any undue noise.
In the main hall of the side palace, Mu Qingyao's face was filled with a murderous intent, her eyes sharp with a storm of suppressed rage.
Empress Dowager, you wait! I will repay this day's humiliation tenfold. And Mu Rong Ru Yin, you and the Empress Dowager conspire together, engaging in such despicable acts. I will not let the two of you go.
In another room within the side palace, an imperial physician was tending to Mu Qingzhu. He soon emerged and bowed respectfully to the Empress.
Mu Qingyao waved her hand and asked in a deep voice, "Can she be saved?"
"Yes. Although her skin is torn and flesh is exposed, her internal bones are not broken, so it will not be life-threatening. Your Majesty may rest assured."
The imperial physician respectfully explained the situation. On the platform, Mu Qingyao breathed a sigh of relief. Mei Xin and Mo Chou were also relieved. Fortunately, the eldest miss was alright, otherwise, their mistress would have blamed herself for a long time. Now that she was out of danger, it was a blessing in disguise.
"Prescribe medicine for her. Also, do not reveal her condition. If anyone asks, say she is severely injured. Can you do this?"
Mu Qingyao stared coldly at the imperial physician, who broke out in a cold sweat. Since their masters had given the order, he would naturally comply. Moreover, this Empress was a formidable person, and he dared not disobey.
"Yes, your subject obeys."
Mu Qingyao motioned for Mei Xin to follow the imperial physician aside to get the prescription, procure the medicine, and attend to Mu Qingzhu. Meanwhile, Mo Chou stood respectfully, knowing that her mistress had something to instruct her.
"Your Majesty?"
"Later, immediately use my personal imperial carriage to send them back to the Mu residence. Also, take a message to my father, telling him not to make a fuss. I will handle everything."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After making the arrangements, Mu Qingyao stood up and entered the room behind the side hall.
This room was normally used for entertaining guests. While not exceptionally luxurious, it was elegant and exquisite, with a glazed screen and flowing curtains.
Behind it was a carved bed, with white gauze curtains. Inside the curtains lay a person with a pale complexion, dressed in a white inner garment that the palace maids had changed for her earlier.
The white fabric made her already pale face appear entirely bloodless. Her lips were also a dull gray, devoid of any luster, and she lay there lifelessly.
Mu Qingyao walked quickly to the bedside and sat down. Palace maids stood in the room. Upon seeing the Empress, they immediately offered their greetings.