A Zhu did not answer directly. Instead, she glanced at the surrounding eunuchs and palace maids, looking as though she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Song Qingshu understood and waved his hand, signaling for them to withdraw first. Then he said with considerable interest, "Miss A Zhu, can you speak now?"
A Zhu looked hesitant. After a long silence, she suddenly took a deep breath. As though she had made her final decision, she knelt again. "Please forgive A Zhu's capital offense, Your Majesty."
Song Qingshu frowned slightly. "What capital offense do you need forgiven for? Get up."
"If Your Majesty does not forgive A Zhu's capital offense, A Zhu dares not rise." A Zhu remained respectfully kneeling on the ground, as though she had truly committed some grave wrongdoing.
"Fine, I forgive you," Song Qingshu said. Naturally, he knew this was her tactic of Advance by Retreating, but in order to learn the secret she spoke of, he did not mind playing along.
Only then did A Zhu raise her head, though she did not stand. "Your Majesty, this commoner wishes to make a deal with you."
"A deal? You certainly have some nerve." Song Qingshu gave a faint, noncommittal snort.
A Zhu then said unhurriedly, "Your Majesty just promised to forgive me."
Song Qingshu secretly admired A Zhu's calmness. In this world, even grown men might tremble in fear when suddenly facing the emperor, yet she, a young girl, could negotiate so composedly. It was truly rare.
"You are quite the schemer," Song Qingshu said with a feigned snort. "What do you wish to trade?"
"I wish to ask Your Majesty to release Brother Xiao," A Zhu said clearly. Her voice was soft and delicate, yet filled with determination.
Song Qingshu thought, Just as expected. "Xiao Feng has