His Adam's apple bobbed for a while before he said somewhat sheepishly, "Father Emperor may suspect me, but I truly did not do this. The truth will surely be uncovered and my innocence restored."
Tian Guangfang said, "That's right, it truly wasn't Your Highness. Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know—but what will everyone else think? Your Highness, don't forget: you didn't report illness early, nor did you report it late, but chose this exact moment to do so. Do you think simply refusing to admit it will make this pass? Would anyone daring enough to do such a thing allow others to easily seize evidence against them? If Your Highness does not bear this black pot, who will?"
Hao Qi's breathing grew rapid. Suddenly, he stamped his foot and pointed at Tian Guangfang as he furiously berated him, "This is all your doing! If you hadn't urged me to take leave, how could I have ended up carrying this black pot?"
Tian Guangfang knew his temperament well, whether things went his way or against it. He reached out and pressed Hao Qi's hand down, reminding him, "Had I not advised Your Highness, you would already be gravely poisoned and hanging between life and death. Between dying and bearing this stain, which would Your Highness choose? If Your Highness would rather die than bear the stain, then I have nothing more to say."
Hao Qi fell silent and said nothing. Given those two outcomes, staying alive was naturally preferable. As far as his personal feelings went, taking sick leave and escaping this calamity was, to some extent, better. The very thought of being gravely poisoned and on the brink of death terrified him.
"When Father Emperor flies into a rage, I fear I'll lose a layer of skin