The Protector of His Daughter had made his attitude crystal clear. This declaration also came from his guilt, as he wished to give his daughter an explanation.
The assembled ministers had no objections. Regardless of the truth, they would return and warn their families that no one was to secretly discuss the matter again, lest they invite disaster.
But how could such an explanation satisfy Taishu Huan'er? That was not what she had come for. She immediately retorted, "Father, it is easy to execute a person, but can one execute the hearts of the people? If the common folk dare not say it openly yet believe in their hearts that Your Daughter was disgraced, and that is what everyone thinks, would Your Daughter not be wronged?"
The court once again fell silent. They looked at one another, each understanding clearly that merely keeping everyone's mouths shut was already difficult enough. How could they control what people thought in their hearts? Was this Princess not simply making trouble for no reason?
Yet at a time like this, no one dared say anything. His Majesty's family affairs were best left for His Majesty to handle himself.
Taishu Xiong stared quietly at his daughter. He understood her less and less, unable to figure out what she was trying to do.
Taishu Huan'er broke the silence again. "If everyone thinks this way, how will Your Daughter ever marry in the future?"
Taishu Xiong slowly said, "As My Daughter, why would You worry about not finding a husband?"
Taishu Huan'er suddenly turned to face the assembled ministers. Staring at one man, she asked, "Lord Zhao, if I took a fancy to your son and wished to marry him, would you be willing?"
"Ah!" Lord Zhao was utterly stunned, caught completely off guard. He had never