Strictly speaking, Quan Fu hadn't found Zijuan. Zijuan had returned of her own accord.
Facing the furious Consort Liu, Zijuan curtsied respectfully, just as she always had.
"This servant greets you, Noble Consort."
Without a second thought, Consort Liu raised her right hand and swung it hard across Zijuan's cheek.
A sharp slap echoed.
Zijuan took the full force of the blow.
Her fair cheek instantly reddened and began to swell.
And yet, she remained standing perfectly still, her calmness almost unsettling.
"Your Highness, please quell your anger."
Quan Fu was thoroughly frightened.
He was usually on good terms with Zijuan and wanted to speak up for her. But when he met Consort Liu's vicious, man-eating glare, the words died in his throat.
'So be it. The Noble Consort is truly furious today.'
'It would be a miracle if he could avoid her wrath himself; he couldn't possibly think of pleading for someone else.'
