Chen Guowei stood under the burning sun of the Dowager Empress's courtyard.
One hour passed.
Then another half hour.
Sweat soaked through his inner robes. The stone tiles beneath his feet were scorching. His legs trembled, but he did not dare move.
Every maid passing by glanced at him with hidden mockery.
He was an important minister.
But here—
He was being punished without words.
Finally, the curtain of the Dowager Empress's hall lifted.
A maid announced coldly,
"Minister Chen, enter."
Chen Guowei straightened his back and stepped inside, bowing deeply.
"Your Majesty."
The Dowager Empress sat on her high couch, her eyes sharp as knives.
Before he could raise his head—
A porcelain teacup flew toward his face.
He flinched.
The cup shattered against the pillar beside him, tea splashing across his sleeve.
The Dowager Empress slammed her palm on the armrest.
"You traitorous dog!" she roared.
"How dare you betray the Chen clan?!"
Chen Guowei knelt instantly.
