While Wan Zhen’er was screaming and struggling, she cleverly signaled her personal maid Spring Swallow. Spring Swallow, well-trained by Wan Zhen’er, was quick-witted and secretly ran away when no one was paying attention.
Spring Swallow ran to spread the news and find a savior for Wan Zhen’er.
Before the savior arrived, Wan Zhen’er had to endure a bit of pain on her buttocks.
They say, the character for “endure” has a knife above it – either stabbing oneself or stabbing others.
Wan Zhen’er decided to exchange the pain in her buttocks for a genuine smile. She wanted to use this pain to make her future life extraordinary. What was sacrificing her buttocks for her ideals?
The damned eunuch, though physically disabled and lacking certain physiological functions, was still incredibly strong. Possibly seeking personal revenge or trying to please his master, he beat Wan Zhen’er severely. The Wu faction’s lackeys, whether palace maids or eunuchs, all wore excited expressions, gloating and nearly cheering: “Well beaten! Perfectly beaten!”
Wu Empress was imposing.
Of course, each strike of the rod landing on Wan Zhen’er’s buttocks was the most pleasant music to Wu Empress, like the sound of heavenly bells.
Pity, Wan Zhen’er provided no accompaniment, no pig-like screams.
Wan Zhen’er just bit her teeth tightly, not even groaning. Her current endurance was for future retaliation. She was conserving her energy, ensuring her eventual pig-like howl would be the lead performance, not a mere accompaniment.
After all, June’s debt would be repaid soon.
Wan Zhen’er didn’t believe Wu Empress would not cry when facing her coffin.
Wan Zhen’er “thudded” to her knees, crying loudly: “Your Majesty, please help this concubine! This concubine has been wronged!”
Her little attendant also knelt down: “Your Majesty, please seek justice for the lady.”
The Emperor was heartbroken, helping Wan Zhen’er up and wiping away her tears.
Wan Zhen’er sobbed, showing the Emperor her injuries while grievously complaining: “This concubine respected the Empress so much, was so good to her, yet she called me lowly, shameless, and said I’m not worthy of being with the Emperor! I merely spoke a few words of explanation, and she beat me like this.”
