Prince of Yundian arrived in the capital.
He rode fast and hard, bringing with him the heads of the rebels along with the evidence of their collusion with The Fourth Prince.
After several days of trial, The Fourth Prince's complete downfall ensued.
The Emperor ordered the gift of a cup of poisoned wine; even Consort Duan's prolonged kneeling and pleading for mercy, to the extent of bashing her head to death against a palace column, did not sway the Emperor to retract the decree.
The Fourth Prince had shown no reaction until he heard that Consort Duan had died. Only then did he burst into wild laughter, his laughter crazed, as if he had gone mad.
"The Fourth Prince, if you are looking for someone to blame, blame your own treacherous heart. His Majesty could never tolerate you. If you have any last wishes, speak now. At Three Quarters of Noon, this servant will have to serve you this cup of poisoned wine."
