The three of them had actually heard Li Helan loud and clear when standing outside.

Li Qitian played deaf; it was simply too embarra.s.sing to admit that his younger sister had such loose morals, and that the two subjects of her desire had b.u.mped into her in the act!

Pang Xiao's attention was wholly caught by the unconscious Qin Yining on the ground. The sight of her scared him out of his wits. He had no mind to spare for anything else.

Ji Zeyu took a deep look at Li Helan before taking a spot behind the emperor. He refused to say a single word, and his expression was as stiff as it'd never been before.

Hands clammy, an appropriate and regal smile still hung on the empress dowager's face. "Ah, what happened was that Anyang had a bit too much to drink and blabbed some drunk nonsense. The princess consort tripped in a moment of inattention. Maybe she hit something, which is why she's fainted. I've already sent servants to fetch the imperial physicians."

Hands tightly balled into fists behind his back, Pang Xiao kept himself calm with effort. If he didn't keep his cool, all manner of swear words would erupt from his mouth.

His wife had been perfectly fine when she'd just arrived. She'd been fit enough to put on an act with him, but just a short while later had rendered her on the floor??

Pang Xiao stalked up and cradled the girl, pillowing her head on his arms. He wanted to express concern, but didn't dare do it too obviously for fear of eliciting greater suspicion.

Therefore, what the group saw was a glowering prince holding Qin Yining. Black as could be, his expression spoke of gloom and promised wretchedness. They couldn't tell if he felt badly for his wife or that he felt his honor had been offended.