"There aren't many people I can trust, but Jinghe, you're different." Perhaps the Sovereign of Qi knew that her question would stir up trouble between Mei Meng and her. And with the defeat leaving their side in dire straits, she spoke with a little more warmth than before. Mei Meng's expression had just softened when she sighed heavily and asked, "You... why did you disobey my decree?"
The thorns Mei Meng had just lowered sprang up again.
She looked at the Sovereign before her as if seeing her for the first time.
The "disobeying my decree" the Sovereign had mentioned naturally referred to Mei Meng not staying behind to govern the country. The matter had not come up before because Cui Zhi had abandoned his post in the middle of the battle, and Mei Meng was the only minister who could take his place and keep the situation under control. Bringing it up again now was bound to chill hearts and inspire fear!
Mei Meng suppressed the weariness in her heart and tugged at the corners of her mouth.
She shot back coldly, "What does my lord want to hear?"
Did she want Mei Meng to step forward of her own accord and take all the blame for the military defeat? To sacrifice her, making her the target for everyone else's anger, in the hope of securing her own position? Mei Meng smiled bitterly. "I had no idea I possessed the ability of Consort Yang."
Though Mei Meng spoke evenly, without a harsh edge, the Sovereign of Qi had known her for many years. How could she not know Mei Meng was already angry? She tried to ease the tense atmosphere, her voice sorrowful. "This is not Mawei Station. You are not Taizhen, and I am not Xuanzong. Nor are