What met their eyes.
Inside the simple, old side room lingered a faint scent of decay, as though endless years had washed over it. Like a person, the house had lived out its life, and merely looking at it filled one with aversion.
Most repulsive of all were—
Two little girls of thirteen or fourteen, their mouths stretched wide open, savage bite marks on their necks, their faces pale as paper. Their blood had clearly been drained dry.
Dried blood tears remained at the corners of their eyes as they stared stiffly at those entering through the door, as if accusing Heaven of injustice and the world of unfairness.
Both girls wore palace attire. Their skin was delicate, but fresh calluses had formed on their palms, and their skin was slightly cracked.
They had clearly once lived pampered lives, but after entering the palace, they had endured no small amount of torment and done much rough labor.
Perhaps, in some women's eyes, the imperial harem was a beautiful place coveted by all women. Once they won the Emperor's favor, they would immediately soar into the blue clouds, bringing glory to their ancestors.
But they could never have imagined it.
No matter how the good fortune was divided, it would be difficult for it to fall to them.
When tens of thousands competed for one or several opportunities, the flashing blades, hidden schemes, and mutual deception within were enough to push every innocent young girl into hell's abyss.
Of course, that old eunuch surnamed Li in the Cold Palace had also inserted his hand into the matter, making them fall into hell even faster.
"That old bastard got off too easily earlier."
Shen Xinzhu followed behind him and could not help letting out a muffled snort.
She gently closed the two