Empress Mei rose gracefully from her seat, smoothing her gown with deliberate motions. Her voice carried the weight of a griefed woman seeking justice.
"My dear husband," she began softly, "as you sit there weary from stress and worry, I must remind you of your sacred duty to protect this empire and your family. Our daughter rests safely in my chambers thanks only to divine intervention."
She paused, letting tears well in her eyes. "But what of other innocents who suffer because of one person's madness? Poor Lady Akemi died trying to shield me. Those kitchen staff live in fear daily wondering if they'll be next."
Concubine Sakura sobbed into her fan dramatically. "Your Majesty, please show mercy on yourself! Execute this monster so we can all find peace again."
Empress Mei placed a hand over her heart dramatically.
Empress Mei placed a hand over her heart dramatically. "Think of our citizens, my love. The common folk whisper about this scandal in every market square. Their faith in your justice hangs by a thread."
Several ministers nodded solemnly from their seats. Minister Akinar stood to address the Emperor directly.
"Your Majesty, the people demand swift retribution. Failure to impose capital punishment risks undermining your authority completely. We must send a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated."
General Kenji crossed his arms firmly. "I second that motion. Public execution is necessary to restore order and deter further madness within these walls."
The courtroom buzzed with agreement as nobles and officials voiced their support for death penalty proposals. Concubine Hana wiped fake tears from her cheeks.
"How can you hesitate any longer?" she cried out emotionally. "Our beloved Emperor deserves peace after enduring so much stress because of *her*."
"Do you have anything to say to defend yourself ?" Chang ask almost pleading. I spit on the wooden floor, glaring at him as my reply. He sighs sadly . "You give me no choice".
Chang Hao's shoulders slumped as he delivered the final decree, his voice devoid of its usual imperial authority. "General Kenji, prepare the execution squad. Lady Bella will be taken to the public square at dusk tomorrow."
A collective gasp swept through the throne room. Concubines covered their mouths with silken fans, some genuinely shocked while others pretended horror for effect.
Empress Mei's face lit up with triumphant satisfaction. "At last! Justice will be served for poor Lady Akemi and all those she tormented."
General Kenji bowed sharply. "As you command, Your Majesty. The gallows will be prepared immediately."
Ministers exchanged uneasy glances but offered no further debate. The decision had been made, and challenging an Emperor's judgment meant certain political suicide.
Two guards approached Bella cautiously, preparing to lift her from her kneeling position. Her defiant glare remained fixed on Chang Hao until the very moment they hauled her roughly to her feet." Chang Hao, I hope you rot in hell with your empress " I laughed hysterically , while being dragged out.
Cheng exclaims dramatically, hoping for Chang to react . "Oh my. Good riddance. She is truly insane". But he didn't.
He shakes his head sadly, his face almost turning purple and nauseous as he stumbled out of the throne room, ignoring the stern and questioning glances of the court members behind.
Empress Mei watched Chang Hao stumble out, her triumphant smile fading slightly at his obvious distress. "He's simply overwhelmed by emotion," she announced loudly to the remaining court members. "Such a heavy burden to bear as Emperor."
Concubine Sakura fanned herself rapidly. "Poor Emperor, he looks absolutely devastated. Perhaps we should retire early to allow him rest?"
General Kenji signaled for guards to disperse the assembly. "Court is adjourned for today. Everyone return to your quarters immediately."
As courtiers began filing out, Minister Ren approached Empress Mei privately. "Your Highness, while I appreciate your victory today, I must caution against pushing His Majesty too far. His health appears fragile lately."
Mei waved dismissively. "Nonsense! A strong leader needs challenges to remain sharp. Besides," she says proudly," soon he will be distracted by his healthy daughter"