It should have been funny.
Instead, something warm and painful bloomed in her chest.
"Can you—"
"Has General Wei told you?" she interrupted suddenly, the words tumbling out. She couldn't do this, she couldn't handle him being vulnerable and awkward when there were so many more important things at stake.
His eyebrows drew together. "Told me what?"
She glanced around to ensure they were truly alone, then stepped closer, lowering her voice to barely above a whisper. "That it's truly the Empress Dowager. That she's behind everything."
His eyes widened, all the awkwardness vanishing in an instant. His entire demeanor shifted, from uncertain suitor to calculating general in a heartbeat.
"No," he breathed. "He didn't—" His hand shot out, gripping her arm. Not hard, but urgent. "You're certain? You have proof?"
"We have a witness. Lu Ruilin, Prime Minister Li's former secretary. He's agreed to testify that the Empress Dowager orchestrated the conspiracy, that she—"
