Chapter 534: Chapter 534: Xiaobai Leads the Way
Xie Pan’Er whispered to herself, quickly covering her mouth, then went up to the Empress Dowager carrying Xiaobai in her arms.
Upon seeing Xiaobai in Xie Pan’Er’s arms, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but get excited. "Xiaobai, Suisui..."
She was cut off by Xie Pan’Er’s subtle hand gesture and then looked at her in confusion.
Xie Pan’Er subtly glanced at the busy novice monks in the Great Hall and the old Abbot standing in the distance.
Empress Dowager Xiao instantly understood her meaning and said, "I’m feeling a bit tired. Could you ask the Abbot if there is a Guest Courtyard for me to rest?"
Xie Pan’Er, carrying Xiaobai, went to the old Abbot. She first called out, "Master Abbot." As the Abbot looked at Xie Pan’Er, his gaze fell upon the white rabbit she was carrying.
The Abbot immediately remembered a novice monk’s earlier report, stating that a rabbit had been running around the temple and they hadn’t been able to catch it.
"Amitabha. Female benefactor, why are you carrying a rabbit..."
"Its name is Xiaobai. It is the... beloved pet of our family. Master, the Empress Dowager is tired. Does your esteemed temple have a Guest Courtyard arranged for Her Majesty to rest?"
"Amitabha. Of course, the Guest Courtyard has been arranged. I shall take Her Majesty there now!"
"That’s wonderful! Oh, Master, the Empress Dowager has some questions about Buddhist scriptures and wishes to request Master Liao Kong for an explanation. Do you happen to know where he might be at this time?"
The Abbot did not respond. Xie Pan’Er just stared at him, a faint smile on her face. Under her piercing gaze, the Abbot finally relented.
"I will have someone invite Master Le Kong immediately!"
"Thank you, Master."
As the two were talking, the Empress Dowager came out, supported by Nanny Xiao.
They quickly paid their respects to Her Majesty.
The Empress Dowager gave Xie Pan’Er a look.
Xie Pan’Er understood and slipped away when no one was looking.
"Pan’Er, over here!"
When she reached a deserted location, Zhu Xiuxiu’s voice came from the branches above.
"Third Madam! Were you waiting here just for me?"
Zhu Xiuxiu jumped down from the tree and pulled Xie Pan’Er to a quiet corner to talk.
"How are things with the Empress Dowager? Can she keep Liao Kong and the Abbot busy?"
Xie Pan’Er nodded. "She should be able to. Oh, Xiaobai just told me it knows where Princess Chang and Second Madam are. I had to find a chance to slip out. I must go back soon, or it will look suspicious."
"That’s great! Seventh has already found Suisui’s location; we just don’t know where they’ve kept Second Sister-in-law. Can you communicate with Xiaobai? Ask it where Second Sister-in-law is! I’ll go rescue her!"
Upon hearing this, Xie Pan’Er promptly did as told, whispering to Xiaobai. Finally, she told Zhu Xiuxiu, "It says Second Sister-in-law is locked up in a Mountain Cave in the back mountains, and she’s been given an immobilizing drug. Third Madam, you need to take the Antidote with you. Xiaobai will lead the way. I have to leave now."
Once Xie Pan’Er finished speaking, she quickly handed Xiaobai to Zhu Xiuxiu and left.
Zhu Xiuxiu, realizing the urgency, quickly went to Ji Youran’s room. At this moment, all the Ji Family members were busy with their tasks, preparing to support Seventh and Sixth in rescuing Suisui. Only Old Madam Ji was waiting in the Courtyard for news.
Seeing Zhu Xiuxiu return, she eagerly asked, "How did it go? Did you find out where Second Sister-in-law is being held?"
Zhu Xiuxiu nodded. "Pan’Er brought Xiaobai to me. It says Second Sister-in-law is being held in a Mountain Cave in the back mountains and has been affected by an immobilizing drug. I came to find Second Brother for the Antidote to save her!"
Hearing her words, Old Madam Ji looked troubled. "Your Second Brother..."
"What happened to Second Brother?"