Empress Yū Miko rested her elbow on the arm of the divan, and eyes fixed on Pyun, saying: "It didn't take much to connect all the dots about your recent behaviour and to work it out. It was clear to me who would gain from the Emperor's death and the General's indictment for treason."
In that split second where breathing was suspended, a premonition bumped headlong into his mind: The viper is going to frame me for the Emperor's murder along with the General! His spine jerked him upright and he gave her a harsh look.
"Truly, I admire your Machiavellian mind." Yū Miko acted out a round of applause but a chilling grimace lingered on her face. "However, I doubt it is the produce of your mind only. You do not have this high level of backbone, forethought and designing; so it must also be other's intentions to plot the assassination of the Emperor; and to also frame Great General Hishoku, whom I believe, has become a menace to you and to a number of corrupted officials.
