The crisp sound of a slap echoed in the room, and it silenced the agitated Rong Zhen.
Dead silence.
Rong Zhen's head was tilted to the side, and she covered her face without moving.
The Empress was stunned too. She didn't expect herself to hit Rong Zhen in the heat of the moment. Even though she wanted to teach Rong Zhen a lesson, she was still her daughter. This was also the first time she had ever hit Rong Zhen.
"Zhen Zhen…" The Empress was hesitant and stretched out her hand.
Rong Zhen backed away and avoided the Empress's hand.
The Empress froze.
Rong Zhen looked up gradually, and her hairpin fell due to the strike's force. Her hair unraveled messily, but it couldn't conceal her cheek, which was swelling up rapidly.
The corners of Rong Zhen's lips—which had been pale from anger—now had blood trickling down, and she looked a mess.
