After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Mrs. Zhang's maid returned, discreetly handing a scroll to Mrs. Zhang.
Mrs. Zhang looked over it, placed it into a box, and pushed it in front of Fu Zhen once more.
…
Inside the Qianqing Palace, Xu Yin knelt on the ground, speaking earnestly.
"The Commandery Princess has been diligent in her studies since childhood, she understands righteousness deeply, and over the years, she has privately been charitable, accumulating virtuous deeds and leaving traces everywhere. She has always been a paragon of a virtuous lady in this world.
"Although this time, in a moment of confusion, she made a grave mistake, it was not her true intention to harm Mr. Liu. Your Majesty, I beg you to take into account the Commandery Princess's past virtues and spare her."
Pei Zhan, standing below the ledge, shifted his gaze from Xu Yin to the emperor above.
The emperor's face was as calm as water: "You still plead for her?"
