The very ones who had supported Prince Rui earlier now deeply regretted their decision. Some even glared at him with hatred in their eyes, as if they wanted to tear his flesh and drink his blood.
If they hadn't been blinded by greed… if they hadn't chosen the wrong side… they wouldn't now be trembling under the emperor's wrath.
Mei Liang sat stiffly, her body frozen in disbelief as the scene before her unraveled.
Her fingers clutched her sleeve tightly, knuckles turning white as her gaze swept over the officials kneeling and weeping.
When did the emperor have time to plan all this? Her heart thudded painfully. They were trapped in the mountains, barely alive. No one even knew where they were. How did he manage to contact the palace… and why didn't she notice?
Even Prince Rui, who always maintained a composed front, showed a flicker of surprise. The calm mask he wore cracked ever so slightly, revealing the uncertainty beneath.
