The morning sunlight casts a cruel glow across the courtyard as Minister Ren's voice drones on, reading from the official scroll declaring Bella's crimes and exile.
The assembled courtiers and concubines watch with varying degrees of satisfaction, their whispers growing bolder as the punishment is reiterated.
Chang Hao stands motionless on his dais, his face pale and drawn from lack of sleep. His eyes remain fixed on Bella, ignoring the murmurs of approval from his concubines and disloyal ministers .
The emperor's robes seem heavier than usual, weighing down his shoulders as if bearing the full responsibility for this public spectacle.
Sergeant Hiroki and four trusted guards form a protective semicircle around the carriage, their expressions grim and focused amongst other guards that were chosen to escort Bella.
They exchange glances with each other, their hands resting near their swords as they monitor the growing crowd for any signs of unrest or interference.
Empress Mei watches from her position beside Chang, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips as she observes the proceedings.
"Look at her," one whispered loudly enough to carry. "Still thinks she looks noble even with that pale face. Serves her right for poisoning our Empress." A concubines speaks
Another giggled cruelly. "Maybe we should throw rocks at her carriage like they do with real criminals. Let the commoners see what happens when you cross Imperial Household."
They glanced at Cheng with hopeful eyes, who nods at them with permission. As Bella was being led to her carriage , a stone hits her. She ignores it to walk another step, then comes another bigger one, followed by more, which made her tumble forward to the ground.
Chang made a step forward to stop the attacks and check on her but Cheng grilled his wrist tightly. "Don't you dare.... Pull your self together . You are the emperor and everyone is watching" she whispered with agitation glancing around.
Chang followed her gaze to the courtiers that threw glances at him to see if he is still siding with the murderer. He bit his lips almost bleeding and stepped back in place apologizing internally to Bella.
The sight of Bella crumpling to the cobblestones sent a ripple of sick satisfaction through the assembled courtiers. Several more stones flew from the crowd, striking her exposed arms and back as she lay sprawled on the ground.
"Pathetic," minister Aikoku sneered, adjusting his silken sleeves. "Let the dogs have their fun. She deserves far worse than a few bruises."
Empress Mei watched with gleaming eyes, her grip on Chang Hao's wrist tightening possessively. "See how quickly your little pet crumbles without your protection?" she murmured sweetly, though her nails dug into his skin hard enough to draw blood.
From her vantage point on the dais, Concubine Hana observed the scene with growing unease. Her earlier confidence in reporting Chang's secret plan had evaporated, replaced by nervous fidgeting as she witnessed the brutal public humiliation.
Sergeant Hiroki's jaw clenched as he fought the impulse to intervene.
As the stone throwing recceeds, Bella forced her self to get up . She hissed with pain, her joints aching as she rises proudly. She doesn't turn back to look at her abusers. She looks at Hiroki.and says " It's time to go".
Hiroki nods and leads her into the carriage. She sits with her head held high, which agitated her accusers , especially Cheng.
Cheng expected Bella to throw her self at her knees to beg her, even though, she knew that she would only use it to humiliate her more. Seeing her hold her head high not looking back , spurred more hatred in her heart for Bella .
The carriage starts to move , Hiroki gives a secret last nods to his accomplices on their secret plan before riding on his horse with the carriage.
Finally Bella was leaving behind her miserable life full of anguish, betrayal and suffering, wondering what the next chapter of her life had in store for her.
As the carriage carrying Bella disappears down the palace road, Empress Mei's triumphant expression falters into something darker and more calculating.
She releases Chang Hao's wrist abruptly, smoothing the wrinkles from her sleeve with deliberate care.
"That's taken care of," she announces loudly enough for nearby courtiers to overhear. "Now perhaps my husband will remember where his loyalties lie."
Chang Hao stands rigidly on the dais, his hands balled into fists at his sides. The cuts on his lip from biting back his earlier instinct to defend Bella sting in the cool morning air.
He refuses to meet anyone's gaze, focusing instead on the empty space where her carriage once stood.
"Dismissed," he commands sharply, turning without waiting for a response and striding back toward the palace gates.
His usual regal grace is absent, replaced by stiff anger that radiates from every line of his body.