Empress Wei felt bad inside, and she clenched her right first subconsciously.
From Youbai’s simple description, Empress Wei could almost imagine how bitter the girl’s life must’ve been these past years. But when her Zhen’er was in danger, she jumped into the lake to save him without hesitation.
She must be a good kid with a personality like hers.
“Youbai.” Empress Wei took in a few deep breaths to recover her mood, ordering, “Go over there first.”
“Master, the girl probably doesn’t want anyone to see her injuries, so she didn’t want this maid to serve her.” Youbai exclaimed.
“Right.” Empress Wei hurriedly said, “She’s still young. A young lady like her must be sensitive. Just wait outside. Once she finishes showering, have her come over then.”
Youbai answered and retreated.
After an incense’s worth of time, Youbai brought Qin Gui over. At this time, the Sixth Prince, Gu Zhen, had already finished drinking ginger soup and he was in a deep sleep.
Qin Gui changed into a dry cyan-colored dress. It was slightly big on her, making her appear even more tiny.
Empress Wei waved and had Qin Gui sit beside her, observing her carefully.
Her gaze was fiery as she outlined the girl’s features. The more she looked at her, the more she felt like the girl was very similar to her sister. Not only in terms of feature, but also their temperament and spirit.
As for Qin Xin, her niece, she wasn’t like her sister or her brother-in-law.
In the past, Empress Wei didn’t think much about it. It wasn’t something rare that the children didn’t look like their parents. But comparing Qin Xin to Qin Gui right now, Empress Wei was unable to suppress the strangeness inside her heart.
Empress Wei asked gently, “I don’t know your name yet.”
“My surname is Qin.” Qin Gui answered well-behaved. “I’m Qin Gui.”
Her surname was Qin?! Empress Wei’s heart skipped a beat.
This girl’s surname was also “Qin”…
But if it really was what she think, this girl’s surname shouldn’t be “Qin” right now.
Empress Wei sucked in a deep breath and calmed down before asking, “Lady Qin, where are you from?”
“I’m from Yu Province, Jiangyu County.”
Qin Gui responded to her questions, widening her almond eyes. Her eyes were clear like water.
Just glancing at Empress Wei’s attitude, Qin Gui knew that she must’ve realized something, at least suspicious if anything!
Empress Wei and the original body’s birth mother were real sisters, and they had a great relationship. Even more, the original body looked extremely similar to her mother. Empress Wei should be able to recognize her.
As long as Empress Wei found out about it, it wasn’t a matter that the Qin Family could cover up even if they wanted to.
Qin Gui sat there well-behaved. She answered whatever Empress Wei asked. She didn’t hide anything either, up until Empress Wei suddenly shifted the topic and asked, “Why did you come to Long Province then?”
Qin Gui revealed a look of panic, and tried to go over the topic by asking, “Madam Gu, is the little young master still okay?”
Empress Wei looked deeply at Qin Gui. She was just testing the water back then, but look at the girl’s guilty expression. She was probably forced to leave home to come to Long Province because of some unspeakable reason.
Empress Wei didn’t press anymore. Following her words, she smiled and said, “Zhen’er fell asleep. Many thanks to you today.”
Qin Gui pursed her lips and smiled, embarrassed. Then, she said, “Madam Gu, it’s best if you look into little master’s drowning. Back then, Mama Ding not only didn’t save him, she also wanted to prevent me from saving him.”
Empress Wei naturally wouldn’t show mercy to Mama Ding. They weren’t allowed to use violence in the temple, so she planned on interrogating her after they returned.
Empress Wei took down Qin Gui’s words before starting to chat with her leisurely as if nothing happened.
A palace maid brought over mint pastries specially produced by the Tranquil Temple. Empress Wei picked one up with a handkerchief and gave it to Qin Gui. “Here, try this pastry.”
Qin Gui smiled and grabbed it, her wide sleeves sliding down while she reached over. It revealed some bruises and scars on her elbows as if they were slit by a sharp knife.
“Your hand…” Empress Wei’s voice was a bit bitter.
Qin Gui hurriedly withdrew her hand and laughed awkwardly.
Empress Wei wanted to grab Qin Gui’s wrist and take a close look, but she was afraid of frightening her, so she didn’t know what to do for a moment.
