"Originally, I intended to give this money draft to Ah Zhi so she could start a new life outside the palace," Consort Hua said, her voice as cold as winter frost. "I made her an offer—the same kind of offer you made... no, mine was far more generous than yours. And yet, she chose to stay by your side." Consort Hua smiled triumphantly.
"Because of that foolish maid's loyalty, this poisoned draft ended up in your residence, delivered by her own hand."
"You mean…" Empress Li Hua's eyes widened, her face draining of all color. "The fragrance in my quarters... it was the Zhen Du poison!"
"How clever of you, Your Majesty," Consort Hua praised with a wicked grin. "I had one of my agents stationed in your quarters burn the poisoned draft. The fumes cause unconsciousness and temporary paralysis. And since everyone was away attending the emperor's funeral, the palace's defenses were lax. That's how I was able to abduct you so easily." She smiled in satisfaction.
"But don't worry. The amount you inhaled isn't enough to kill you."
"Consort Hua… what do you intend to do with me?" Empress Li Hua asked, her voice trembling.
"What am I going to do with you?" Consort Hua mused aloud. "Perhaps… I should deal with you the same way I dealt with your disloyal maid."
Empress Li Hua's voice shook. "What have you done to Ah Zhi? Did you… did you kill her?"
"No, she's still alive," Consort Hua replied with a mocking smile.
"But she's become a pig-human now. I truly wish you could see what your traitorous maid looks like."
Terror flooded Empress Li Hua's eyes. Her body trembled as she tried to recoil from the cruel woman seated beside her.
Seeing the despair on the Empress's face, Consort Hua let out a soft laugh.
"There's no need to be afraid, Your Majesty. I have no intention of treating you like I treated that treacherous servant."
Empress Li Hua said nothing in return. She simply stared at Consort Hua with eyes full of hatred.