The news quickly reached the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Ying leaned sideways on the dragon chair, like a faded shell of an imperial robe.
The memorials on the desk piled up like a precarious tower, the imperial brush hanging above the inscription "peace and tranquility," with the ink congealed into a dying fly.
"Idiot!"
Emperor Ying put down the brush, unable to conceal the disdain in his eyes.
"How could such a simple donation event be messed up?"
He had sent people to observe the activities below.
It was supposed to be a foolproof event. He thought the Fifth Prince's wife was shrewd, but she ended up being unfit for important responsibilities.
She sent out invitations early, with her own motives, eager for everyone to know she was busy. Initially, it was nothing.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see the intention of the Fifth Princess Consort.
People are self-serving; how many genuinely expect nothing in return?
