In a haze, Xia Ruqing was shaken awake.
"Master, wake up quickly! Something terrible has happened—Qiu Hong from our courtyard... she hanged herself!" Zi Yue said urgently.
Xia Ruqing was still dazed, but upon hearing this, she instantly became mostly awake.
"What?"
Hearing the word 'death,' Xia Ruqing's mind went blank.
"Qiu Hong... Isn't she one of the palace maids who does menial labor in our palace? How could she..."
Xia Ruqing paused for a moment. Suddenly, as if she had realized something, her expression turned stern. She ordered, "Zi Yue, go and guard Qiu Hong's body! Do not let anyone near it!"
"Hurry!"
"Yes!" Without a word, Zi Yue turned and ran off at once.
"Xiao Xizi, go to Jiaofang Hall. If you see anyone sneaking around, stop them by any means necessary!"
"Yes!"
Xiao Xizi answered crisply, without a hint of hesitation.
Xia Ruqing was very satisfied.
Her generosity on regular days had not let her down! These were the kind of people Xia Ruqing wanted!
「...」
