The Empress Dowager turns towards Li Siqi, still cowering in a corner, as physically distant from Liao Min as she can get.
"Does young miss Li confirm the events that were discussed here?"
It takes Li Siqi some time to finally answer. "They seem to match the events this one experienced," her gaze drifts towards Liao Min, before darting away quickly. "Despite the fright, at no point did the barbarian attempt to harm this one, lending credibility to the conjecture that she was acting at someone else's behest."
Liao Min rolls her eyes, her expression set. "Not mere conjecture. Fact."
The Empress Dowager ignores her, and nods towards the guards holding her. "Take her back to the holding cells, and ensure she stays there this time," the threat is implied in her mild voice.
She sketches the approximation of a comforting smile and tells Li Siqi. "Young miss Li can return to her quarters, the servants will ensure anything she wants is provided for her."
