He wanted to go out and search, but he was stopped by the eunuch guarding the door, who said that it was late and unsafe for him to go out, and if the Princess Consort found out, they wouldn't be able to escape her punishment.
Li Tingqian had no choice but to return to his room. Hungry, he fetched a stool and poured himself a cup of water from the table.
The tea was cold.
He held the teacup, gulping down two cups in a row. He filled his stomach with cold tea, then crawled back into the quilt and fell into a drowsy sleep again.
Then, he was awoken by the sound of a commotion.
He rubbed his eyes and got up, hearing from outside that Mo'er had been beaten to death.
He jumped up and ran out of the room barefoot, immediately catching sight of Mo'er lying on the ground with her entire back covered in blood, staining her clothes with dark spots.
"Sister Mo'er!"
Li Tingqian rushed to her and shook her, "Sister Mo'er, what happened to you?"