The sun rose in the east, bathing the entire Forbidden City in golden light.
The Imperial Study.
The noble, dignified Empress Yin sat beside the Imperial Throne.
Emperor Jingde said nothing, gently turning the Wolf-Hair Brush in his hand.
"Father, your son has suffered every humiliation!" The Second Prince's eyes reddened. Struggling to restrain his emotions, he accused hoarsely:
"Without your Imperial Seal or an official letter from the Directorate of Ceremonial, what right did he have to demolish the Jiaofang Office outright? When I stepped forward to stop him, he humiliated me in public, trampling brazenly on the imperial family's dignity!"
"Had I not had guards beside me, he would even have dared draw his Embroidered Spring Saber and press its blade against my neck!"
Emperor Jingde flew into a rage and roared:
"Stop embellishing the story! I know exactly what happened last night!"
"An Embroidered Uniform Guard Pacification Commissioner was arresting a musician. What were you afraid of?"
"Your Majesty!" Empress Yin rose gracefully and spoke in a measured tone:
"Qi'er is young. He mistakenly believed the Embroidered Uniform Guard was targeting him and caused trouble in his panic. That musician surnamed Gu habitually committed evil deeds. Qi'er had long wanted to deal with that villain."
"This Pacification Commissioner Jia was indeed far too arrogant and insubordinate. Qi'er is the realm's legitimate imperial son, while Jia Huan is its subject. Whatever the circumstances, he must show consideration for Qi'er's dignity. After such condescending humiliation last night, how can Qi'er hold his head up in the Capital?"
Emperor Jingde's expression shifted. He glanced at the grief-stricken Qi'er and said gravely:
"Summon Jia Huan!"
"Take him away, and have him curb that arrogance from now on!"
"Yes." Empress Yin respectfully curtsied and accompanied her son out of the Imperial Study.