Xiao Chengxuan's face was ashen.
He had already been demoted to a commoner, and now his father, the Emperor, had spoken such harsh words. He couldn't bear to imagine what fate awaited him next.
"I have been wronged!" Xiao Chengxuan screamed himself hoarse. "Father! I was truly framed! You—"
Consort Ru finally came to her senses and pleaded anxiously, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! There must be a misunderstanding! How could Cheng Xuan do such a thing? He would never—"
"Silence!"
Emperor Muwu roared,
"Anyone who dares to plead for him again will be charged with the same crime!"
Just as Consort Ru was about to say more, Emperor Muwu cut in sharply, "Consort Ru has failed to discipline her son properly. Effective immediately, she is demoted to the rank of Talent and will be confined to the Cold Palace!"
Consort Ru couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her eyes flew wide open, and all the blood drained from her face.
