Chapter 436 - 430_1
"What trouble could I possibly be in, Bilian? How come you’re here? Didn’t I ask you to accompany Yueyue in the Royal Garden? Now that you are here, where is Yueyue?" Princess Yongle felt alarmed as she saw Bilian running over in a fluster, and she grew even more concerned as she thought of Cining Palace.
"This servant heard that you angered the Empress Dowager and were punished. I was frightened and hurried over immediately. Thank goodness you are alright." Bilian was teary-eyed and somewhat agitated. Although she was just a Palace Maid, she had grown up with Princess Yongle since childhood and shared a special bond. So, upon hearing that something had happened to the Princess, Bilian paid no mind to Lin Yue. Even though she had found Lin Yue to be agreeable in the past few days, she immediately dismissed her from thought when it came to the Princess’s affairs. Now that the Princess was inquiring, Bilian didn’t know how to explain, hesitating and realizing she might have acted impulsively. Even if she needed to come to the Princess, she should have ensured Lin Yue was looked after first. With the situation being as it was, Mistress Lin must be worried too.
"I’m asking you about Yueyue. You didn’t just run off and leave her alone in the Royal Garden, did you?" Princess Yongle spoke with displeasure. Knowing her maid well, she could guess that Bilian had likely done just that.
Normally, a Princess’s Palace Maids were disciplined, and as Princess Gulun, Princess Yongle had even more attendants. However, Princess Yongle preferred not to have many maids around and usually had only one or two close attendants. The others were sent outside the palace and instructed not to enter without cause. This time, she had taken only Bilian with her to the Royal Garden, not expecting such an incident to occur.
"This servant was so preoccupied with the Princess that I forgot to inform Mistress Lin. At this moment, she must still be in the Royal Garden," Bilian answered with uncertainty.
"Bilian, what am I to do with you? Can’t you change your impulsive ways? It is Yueyue’s first time in the palace, and she is unfamiliar with it, which is why I specifically left you to accompany her. Now, you just ran off without a word. Who knows what Yueyue must be thinking?"
"This servant truly hadn’t expected that maid to dare deceive me with news of the Princess being in trouble. It threw me into confusion. Princess, I realize my mistake, please punish me," Bilian said. Now that she saw her mistress safe and sound, she felt relieved. Knowing she had erred, she was ready to accept her punishment. As long as the Princess was unharmed, everything else was secondary. She had been surprised at the time— the Empress Dowager always cherished their Princess, and even in great anger, would never resort to physical punishment. Now it was clear that someone had spread a rumor and fooled her.
Seeing Bilian looking so pitiful, Princess Yongle also softened, knowing Bilian was worried for her. After all, it wasn’t Bilian’s fault. If something had happened to her, it was expected for Bilian to lose composure. The main blame lay with the maid who had lied about the message, clearly acting on someone else’s orders. Otherwise, why would she do such a thing?
"That damned servant, first she deceives me into coming here to the Empress Dowager, then she fools you as well. I wonder who’s behind it, this is a matter grave enough to cost heads."