"Hmph, swindlers these days truly have gall enough to defy heaven. To think she dared come into the Imperial Palace and deceive me."
"Never mind. Today is my birthday; it would be inappropriate to take a life."
Hua Rongyue breathed a sigh of relief.
In that case, at least her life would be spared.
She was just about to kowtow and thank the Empress Dowager for her mercy when the latter's gaze fell on her. Hua Rongyue immediately lowered her head, avoiding her eyes.
The Empress Dowager's lips curved into a kindly smile. "Given her background, sending her to the Cautious Punishment Bureau would hardly be appropriate. Your Majesty, where do you think someone of her background ought to go?"
"Mother, in my opinion, since she came from a brothel, we should let her return to her old trade."
"Still, a brothel woman who has married an official is different from the ordinary sort. Why not send her to serve in the army? She could occasionally sing and dance, offering the soldiers some comfort."
"I find Your Majesty's decision most wise. Aren't you going to give thanks?"
Hua Rongyue was utterly stunned.
Having come from a brothel, she understood the meaning beneath those words perfectly well.
Women condemned to serve in the army did the most degrading work.
At least women in brothels had somewhere to live and could earn money.
Once she went to the army, she would be worse off than cattle, horses, or any other beast.
Hua Rongyue was finally terrified. She scrambled and crawled toward the Empress Dowager, hoping to cling to her and plead for mercy.
Several palace attendants reacted swiftly, kicking her away and snapping:
"Insolence! Who do you think you are, daring to disrespect the Empress Dowager?"
"No, no, no! I meant no