Li Ji couldn't see Consort Liu's expression, but he could see her back trembling slightly.
After a long silence, he finally heard her speak in a hoarse voice.
"Did you come all this way just to speak such nonsense to me, Prince Zhao?"
Li Ji said, "I have a few questions that I haven't been able to figure out. I was hoping for your guidance, Your Ladyship."
Consort Liu tilted her head back and took a deep breath, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.
She picked up a Magpie Feather Gold Hairpin from her jewelry box and tucked it slanted into her high-coiled hair.
"Guidance is too strong a word. Just ask what you want to ask, Your Highness."
In the reflection of the Glazed Mirror, Li Ji noticed the corners of Consort Liu's eyes were red and her eyelashes were damp.
He pretended not to see anything and asked calmly.
"Why did you instigate and help Lady Liang to move against my Princess Consort? I don't recall my Princess Consort having offended you in any way."
