The Sting Of Truth.

Liu Fen's gaze met her father's, a mirror of satisfaction reflecting back at her. The emperor's decision was justice, not just for Liu Fen, but for the country itself, as her father would later proclaim. He had warned the emperor of the marquess's ambition time and again, and it seemed the emperor had finally heeded his counsel, weakening the Marquess's military power under the guise of lightening his workload.

Liu Fen's gaze swept across the room, taking in the reactions of the gathered officials. Their faces were as clear as banners, displaying their loyalties for all to see. Those who followed the Marquess wore grim expressions, while those who opposed him could barely contain their glee. Liu Fen gaze met the Crown Prince's, who had been stealing glances at her since she had entered the hall. Was it guilt that she saw in his eyes?

His vow to her father echoed in her mind, "I swear it too, General Liu," he had declared, his voice firm with resolve. "I will not rest until I get to the bottom of this. I have already commanded the guards to examine the corpses of the slain assailants for any clues."

He had found more than the clues, he had found the main culprit, of that Liu Fen was certain. Her father had sent his own men to investigate, and they had returned with a shocking revelation. "It was Miss Ding who sent those scoundrels, My Lord," they had reported. "They were her guards."

Her father's reaction had been one of grim acceptance. "Like father like daughter," he had muttered, his face hardening. "She is the Crown Prince's cousin. I cannot trust him to give my daughter justice."

And he had been right. The Crown Prince, the closest thing to a friend Liu Fen had in this world beside her maid Xiao Mei, had chosen to twist the truth to protect his cousin. The sting of this fact was sharp in Liu Fen's heart, and she was at a loss on how to react.

Her father's words echoed in her mind, "The Crown Prince has the potential to be a great ruler, but he is always under the influence of the Empress and the Marquess of Jiao. They hold great sway over him and always influence his decisions."

Liu Fen had seen it herself, the way the Empress sought to control her son. The Prince tried to resist, but in the end, he always succumbed to her will.