The moment Aoko realized whose face the person before her belonged to, she immediately snapped awake.
She struggled to her feet and carefully examined this "person suspected of being Alice Kuonji."
The person before her wore the dark green dress Aoko Aozaki had given Alice Kuonji. Its splendid skirt and lace were exactly as she remembered, while the bonnet atop the girl's head swayed slightly as she tilted her head.
Cao Shujuan secretly smiled smugly. It seemed he was the first person to make Fu Ke obediently admit defeat with nothing but the gift of gab.
Hearing the anger in Xu Yufeng's voice, An Kelin gritted her teeth. She knew that the old residence now knew the truth as well, and her heart pounded like someone was beating a drum inside it.
Xia Xiang laughed dumbly. He had not expected Ma Qingyuan to possess such methods. Though they were not exactly aboveboard, they were not excessive when used against corrupt officials like Tian Qing.
Early the next morning, Madam Xu submitted her plaque and entered the palace. Looking at her, the Empress asked, "What are you here for so early in the morning?" Ever since Madam Xu had become smarter, the Empress's attitude toward her had improved considerably.
Sister-in-law Huaihua was one of the prettier women in the village, but her reputation was poor. Her husband had died early, so she often got entangled with the village's bachelors, stirring up plenty of gossip.
Helian Yuejue abruptly turned his head. Xia Wanzhu was drifting down like a butterfly stripped of life, her wide sleeves hanging with her falling body like broken wings.
They chatted, though Li Dongba did all the asking while Zhao He answered every question truthfully. Because of his age, his memory was poor, and his speech somewhat unclear.