The Hall of Harmony fell into complete silence.
The black altar, hidden beneath the Empress's meditation chamber, had shaken everyone present. Although General Wei had reported that every sign pointed to the Empress being the target rather than the one performing the ritual, doubt still lingered in some hearts.
The Emperor remained standing, his eyes fixed on the altar.
His fingers tightened behind his back.
No one dared speak.
Finally—
Shin Gu slowly stepped forward.
She looked at the altar for a long moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
"Perhaps..."
Everyone turned toward her.
"...perhaps we have all been looking in the wrong direction."
Prince Liang frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Shin Gu lowered her eyes.
"The Empress was the first to accuse me."
"Then my courtyard was searched."
"Nothing was found."
She paused before looking at the Emperor.
"Now an altar appears beneath the Empress's own chamber."
Her voice remained calm.
"Could it be..."
