"Maybe I did, so what?!" His voice became defensive, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. He quickly composed himself, reminding himself that he couldn't get offended by mere words. He needed to focus on the task at hand.
"So, as I said, the person who did the deed is found. Shouldn't we go to His Majesty and claim your innocence?" He sat down in the chair, a smirk playing on his lips.
"You know, I've helped you a lo-" Before he could finish his sentence, the chair wobbled and then fell over, sending him crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
"Ow, my as-" He winced in pain, quickly shutting up and clearing his throat awkwardly. He scrambled to his feet, brushing off his clothes. "These things are broken, eh..." he muttered, trying to regain his composure.
Aoi giggled loudly, her eyes scanning the room as she noticed a pendant lying on a nearby table.
"I got physical proof as well!" she exclaimed, pointing at the pendant.
"Don't touch it," His body visibly tensed up. He moved closer to the pendant, staring at it intently. It was his mother's.
How could it come here?
"Your Highness, you're staring at it like you saw some ghost," she joked, elbowing him lightly.
"It's worse than that. You should stay out of it," he said softly before heading back.
Confused, Aoi followed him out of the room and towards the throne room. As they approached, the grandeur of the palace became more evident, with intricate tapestries and golden accents adorning the walls. Unsurprisingly, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were already there, engaged in a quiet conversation.
Are they having affairs behind the Empress's back?
"Your Majesty," they both said together, kneeling down in unison.
"Rise up, my son," the Emperor said, his voice carrying a tone of authority.
My son? He almost laughed at the absurdity. He rose up, grabbing Aoi's arm to help her stand as well.
"His Majesty didn't tell her to stand up," the Empress Dowager mocked, a snicker escaping her lips.
"I have some powers in this matter, and I can say what my wife does," he turned around, glaring at her, as if daring her to protest.
The tension in the room was palpable, and Aoi could feel the weight of the unspoken words hanging in the air. She glanced at Zhao Han, who remained stoic and composed, his eyes fixed on the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, we have come to present evidence that will clear Aoi's name," Zhao Han said, his voice steady and unwavering.
The Emperor nodded, gesturing for them to proceed. "Very well, present your evidence."