"Empress, a hen crowing at dawn is but a harbinger of disorder to a household and the downfall of a nation. How could there be any joy in such an outcome?" Liu Sisi, clutching the two children, spat the accusation with venom.
"I, the hen crowing at dawn? Liu Sisi, by what right do you speak of me? What qualifications do you have to judge me!"
The Empress seemed to have been touched on a sore spot as she shrieked at the top of her voice. For a moment, a sinister smile stretched across her face.
"Heh, even if I were the hen crowing at dawn, I would still be better than certain people. It is often said: 'Those not of our kind must have a different heart!' To think you dare spout such brazen words here, it seems you no longer wish to keep your tongue! Guards, slap her hard for me; I want to see just how tough she can talk!"
Even the royal "I" was invoked, indicating that the Empress was indeed furious!
Liu Sisi internally cursed at this troubling development!
