"Ju Zi, I can't tell! I really can't tell!"
When Ju Zi saw Xu Tianran clutching his head with blood-covered hands and howling in agony, she knew Jiang Ming's open scheme had already succeeded halfway.
"Your Majesty, it's alright. It's alright."
Ju Zi boldly reached out, ignoring the blood on Xu Tianran's palms and arms as she helped him over to the bed.
Her heart trembled as she forced herself not to look at the palace maid's corpse lying on the floor, already nearly hacked into a pile of minced flesh.
She remembered that this palace maid had served Xu Tianran for several years, yet she had met such an end—dying without ever understanding why, her corpse even chopped into this state.
Ju Zi could not guarantee that Xu Tianran would not kill her as he had killed that palace maid, but she could not flee in panic either. In Xu Tianran's current state, that would be no different from seeking death.
All she could do now was gamble!
Gamble that she held a high place in Xu Tianran's heart. Gamble that even in this state, Xu Tianran would not kill her!
If she gambled, she still had some chance. But if she turned and ran, the odds of Xu Tianran pursuing and killing her in his current state were far too great!
Even with that slight confidence, though, her heart was in her throat.
If she guessed wrong, the mangled corpse nearby would be her fate! No matter how strong her heart was, she could not help but feel fear under such pressure.
Fortunately, until she helped Xu Tianran to the bedside, he did not suddenly lash out at her. That allowed her to relax slightly.
"Guards!"
After confirming that Xu Tianran's emotions had stabilized somewhat, Ju Zi called