Chapter 383.1: testing tan ge

Immersed in her sorrow, Tan Ge didnt even notice Su Xi-ers footsteps. Only when the latter suddenly called out her name was she pulled from her thoughts. Even then, she could only stare ahead as her heart felt like it was being tied into knots.

Her appearance caused Su Xi-er to furrow her brows. Tan Ge, whats wrong?

Tan Ge was on tenterhooks.

Doesnt she already suspect me? Why did she come back to the Imperial Library? And why does she still want to talk to me?

Chao Mu is no longer around. Youre the only palace maid in charge of sweeping the Imperial Library. Su Xi-er sighed as she observed her.

She died in my arms. Tan Ge muttered as she tightly gripped the handle of the broom.

Su Xi-es gaze sharpened as she looked at Tan Ge. Chao Mu died in your arms?

Yes, I saw her die with my own eyes. She slowly stopped breathing and stopped smiling. Grief flickered across Tan Ges eyes as she continued. That night, I left my room, preparing to go to the Imperial Kitchen to collect the dumplings. When I pa.s.sed by your room, I noticed the door wide open, and Chao Mu lying on the ground in front of it. When I ran over, she told me that the water in the pot was poisoned, and that someone was after you. She also wanted me to tell you that she would no longer be able to collect dumplings from the Imperial Kitchen with you.

Pain seized Su Xi-ers heart. Even as she died, Chao Mu

still remembered our promise to go and collect the dumplings at the Imperial Kitchen together.

Tan Ges gaze deepened. She intensely stared at Su Xi-er, shouting at her, Su Xi-er, why werent you in your room that day? Why did you promise Chao Mu to collect the dumplings together? That poison was clearly meant for you; it was your fault that Chao Mu died!

Tan Ge couldnt control her emotions by the end of her sentence, tears involuntarily streaming down her face.

Chao Mu was so pure, yet she still died. If Su Xi-er had properly stayed in the Palace Side Quarters without attracting Prince Haos attention, Commandery Prince Xie wouldnt have targetted her, and none of this would have happened. Now that things have come to this point, everyone is to blame!

Chao Mu died because of me, but she would have never suffered such a fate if n.o.body poisoned the water. Tan Ge, what exactly is your relations.h.i.+p with Commandery Prince Xie?

Discerning Su Xi-ers intention, Tan Ge bleakly laughed. You are very smart. Commandery Prince Xie did indeed threaten me to kill you!

Su Xi-er silently watched Tan Ge as her expression distorted from her agony.

The Tan Residences estate and feudal lands were sold off by the local government, and everyone in the family was banished, including the elderly and children. What could I do besides watching on helplessly? And my disappearance from the Imperial Library? It wasnt because of being kidnapped by a man dressed in black, but because Commandery Prince Xie wanted me to witness the demise of the Tan Residence with my own eyes! Tan Ges laughter became broken, her eyes becoming lifeless as she went on.

Taking in her current state, Su Xi-er stated, The person who poisoned the water in my room was you; you were forced by Commandery Prince Xie.

It wasnt me, Tan Ge slowly replied. She lifted her sleeves, revealing the patch of skin that had been ruined. Commandery Prince Xie poured some medicinal powder on my arm that caused my skin to painfully fester. He threatened me with the powder, but I continued to hesitate, despite the many opportunities I had to kill you. The last chance he gave me was 11 pm on the day of the Winter Solstice palace banquet.

Tan Ge bitterly smiled. But I didnt make a move, and that was why I was punished. The Tan Residence has been ruined, but I was powerless to do anything. Su Xi-er, why did you provoke Commandery Prince Xie? Do you know how scary he is?