But he has provoked your relationship with Yun Qiao, forcing you to consider eliminating her, which reveals his ruthless ambition.” Emperor Hong glanced at me. “Yun Qiao did something wrong, and I will punish her, but I cannot tolerate anyone trying to turn you sisters against each other for their benefit. Whether it’s An Jin or that unknown man in Yun Qiao’s residence, anyone doing this will not be spared by me.”
I replied, “Imperial Uncle, you misunderstand him. He is not the one who provoked my relationship with Yun Qiao; rather—”
“Enough,” Emperor Hong sighed. “You will understand soon. Guards!”
Two court attendants appeared and knelt before Emperor Hong. “Your Majesty, please command.”
“Bring her up.”
I watched as the pale-faced High Priest was pulled up by the attendants and knelt before us.
Emperor Hong glanced at her. “Speak. Repeat to the Prince of Yu what you told me.”
“Your Majesty…” The High Priest looked at me, clearly hesitant.
“Don’t worry. That man has been brought out, so you need not be concerned.” Emperor Hong’s expression was calm but authoritative. “Tell the truth.”
The High Priest lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and finally spoke: “Prince of Yu, I previously lied to you. The one who met with me and tampered with the golden cup was not Prince Ning, but a subordinate of Grand Minister Cen.”
My heart was in turmoil, and I barely maintained my composure. “Why?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“I was threatened,” she confessed. “When I accused Grand Minister Cen and Prince Ning, it was for the same reason.”
“Who threatened you?!” I lost control and stepped closer, asking sternly.
“I… I don’t know,” she hesitated, glancing at me. “It was a prison guard.”
“A prison guard threatened you?” I was furious.
“Enough, take her away,” Emperor Hong waved his hand. “A Yao, let me explain.”
An ordinary prison guard had taken a personal item of the High Priest’s loved one, using it to coerce her into lying and testifying against Grand Minister Cen and Prince Ning. Emperor Hong, with his keen insight, had arranged a meeting that compelled her to tell the truth.
“If you still don’t believe, I can have that subordinate of Grand Minister Cen brought over for a confrontation.”
