As the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds and illuminated the entire palace, Monkey lazily stood up on the eaves and stretched.
Just then, he noticed Rosemary's maid standing on a pavilion a hundred zhang away, watching him.
He was momentarily taken aback.
After a brief exchange of glances, the maid hurriedly descended from the pavilion.
"What's up?" Marshal Silver asked.
"Nothing. I'll be right back—don't make a fuss." With that, Monkey sat cross-legged on the spot. Instantly, he left behind a phantom image while his true body quietly drifted toward the maid's direction.
The hidden sentries around the area noticed nothing unusual on the eaves.
......
Opening the door, the green-robed Chancellor took the red tray of assorted pastries from a waiting maid outside, then stepped over to the round table and set it down.
"Your Majesty, the pastries are ready and can be delivered at any time."
"I understand..." Rosemary sat upright on her couch, her hand hidden in her sleeve twisting a handkerchief over and over.
Her crimson lips were pressed tightly together.
There was no way out now; she could only risk everything.
In truth, Rosemary did not see allowing Monkey and his companions into the palace as any grave mistake. They would not stay, nor would they threaten the Women’s Kingdom—they were, at most, just passing guests. As a former Blossom Mountain retainer, she was merely fulfilling her duty as a host. The only reason she had to eliminate Monkey was Mother Nuwa’s taboo.
But Mother Nuwa was her benefactor—and so, in a way, was Monkey.
Regardless of whether the poison would work on a Heaven’s Way cultivator, to poison Monkey was absolutely unthinkable for Rosemary.
Her principles simply forbade her from doing such a thing.
If forced to choose, Rosemary would rather bear the blame herself. But she feared—even if she was willing to take responsibility, it would be useless. For Mother Nuwa had said: "Someone will clean up your mess for you..."
After so many years, Rosemary understood the meaning of those words all too well. As one of the ancient powers, Mother Nuwa always did what she said she would.
Even if she truly hardened her heart and defied Mother Nuwa, it would only spark another round of conflict. In the end, it would come down to a direct clash between Nuwa and Monkey. That was the last thing Rosemary wanted to see.