The Empress Dowager had initially assumed her younger son's words were nothing more than an angry outburst.
'What deep-seated hatred could there possibly be between a mother and son?'
Having come to this conclusion, she allowed herself to be helped back to Cining Palace, feeling quite at ease.
…But what happened next completely shattered her assumptions.
"Your Highness, poisonous gu were discovered at the Prince Gong Mansion… The Imperial Guard has now surrounded the Prince Mansion," a trusted eunuch reported, rushing in and keeping his voice low.
The Empress Dowager's grip tightened on the corner of the table, a sharp, cold light flashing in her eyes.
"It seems the Emperor is truly determined to oppose me…!"
The trusted eunuch kept his head bowed, not daring to speak.
'Everyone knew Prince Gong had been framed by the Emperor; they just didn't dare say it aloud.'
