He continued, “It was your Mother. If she had detected Father’s family’s conspiracy early and stopped them, things would never have escalated. Her excessive tolerance and blind trust harmed her, not only creating this tragedy but nearly destroying the empire.”
He paused, then patted my shoulder. “So A Yao, are you going to follow your Mother’s old path?!”
I hooked my arm through Emperor Hong’s, laughing softly. “Imperial Uncle, you’re overthinking. I’m not Mother, and An Jin is not Father. How could we possibly repeat her path?”
But he has provoked your relationship with Yun Qiao, forcing you to make the decisive decision to completely eliminate Yun Qiao, which shows his ruthless and ambitious nature. Emperor Hong glanced at me. “A Yao, Yun Qiao indeed did something wrong, and I will give her sufficient punishment, but I cannot tolerate someone with ulterior motives who wants to turn you sisters against each other for their own benefit! Whether it’s An Jin or that unknown man hidden in Yun Qiao’s residence, whoever does such a thing will not be spared by me.”
I said in astonishment, “Imperial Uncle, you misunderstand him. He is not the one who provoked my relationship with Yun Qiao, but rather—”
“Enough,” Emperor Hong sighed. “You will understand soon. Guards!”
Two court attendants appeared and knelt before Emperor Hong. “Your Majesty, please command.”
Emperor Hong raised his hand. “Bring her up.”
“Yes.”
I watched as the pale-faced High Priest was pulled up by the attendants and knelt down before Emperor Hong and me.
Emperor Hong glanced at her. “Speak. Repeat to the Prince of Yu what you previously 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. In fact, the one who met with me and tampered with the golden cup was not Prince Ning himself, but… the subordinate of Grand Minister Cen.”
My heart was in turmoil, and I barely maintained my composure. When I spoke, my voice was almost trembling. “Why?”
