The cry of alarm instantly drew everyone's attention. Han Yao's hand trembled, and the tea in his cup overflowed, spilling onto the table.
Ye Chutang looked over in that direction, her brow furrowed slightly.
A maid was supporting Su Pei'er, her face a mask of panic. "Miss! Miss, are you alright?"
Su Pei'er clutched her pipa, her face growing paler by the second. At some point, the hem of her simple white skirt had become stained with crimson blossoms.
Seemingly too weak to hold on, she lost her grip, and the pipa fell straight into the water.
SPLASH—!
She swayed and began to fall backward.
The young maid, who was no more than thirteen or fourteen, burst into tears of panic at the sight.
"Someone! Quick, come and save our miss!"
Chaos erupted.
"What's happening?"
"I don't know... I think... I think they said Su Pei'er is bleeding?"
"How could that be? She—"
Many people, recovering from the shock, turned to look at Han Yao.
