He was unwilling to accept this. With so many eyes watching the Prince of Ning strike first, did the Emperor want to ignore right and wrong and protect the Prince of Ning blindly?
When his temper flared, he was about to argue with Chu Anzheng when Huo Rou pulled him back.
Huo Rou looked at him with tearful eyes and shook her head. Seeing her tears only fueled Liu Yi’s anger, solidifying his resolve to seek revenge despite the Emperor’s wishes. At that moment, Huo Rou knelt and pleaded: “Your Majesty, Crown Prince, forgive me. It is this maiden’s fault, causing a dispute between the Prince of Ning and Liu Shizi. Please punish this maiden!”
Earlier humiliated, she decided to take a gamble. By taking responsibility in front of the Emperor, she hoped he would understand the situation and appreciate her efforts toward harmony. She believed that if the Emperor asked her name, her previous embarrassment would be worth it.
However, she misjudged Chu Anzheng’s temperament. He disliked women with scheming minds. Originally, he planned to use the Crown Prince to soften the matter, but since someone was willing to take responsibility, he declared: “Since you caused this trouble, you will kneel here for two hours to reflect. If you dare to meddle again, I will not be lenient!”
“Huo Rou was shocked, and Liu Yi was furious, immediately saying: ‘Your Majesty, this matter was actually caused by the Prince of Ning…’
Before he could finish, he heard his father Duke An’s voice: ‘Rebellious son, kneel and admit your mistake immediately!’
Duke An, who had been mostly drinking tea in the flower hall at the banquet, was taken aback to learn that Liu Yi was beaten by the Prince of Ning, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. Liu Yi had sent a family letter beforehand but was so eager to see Huo Rou that he traveled day and night, arriving even faster than his letter. Duke An had no idea of his return and felt both surprised and confused.
Hearing Liu Yi arguing with the Emperor, he rushed over, scolding: ‘How dare you be disrespectful in front of the Emperor? Kneel down immediately!’
