The person who reacted most strongly to this wasn't Duke Jing, but Zhao Shu at his side, whose legs had already gone weak with fright.
Zhao Shu never imagined that the grave charge of "plotting to harm the Crown Prince" would fall squarely on her shoulders.
"I didn't do it!" Zhao Shu cried in a panic. "Father, I didn't try to attack the Crown Prince, I didn't..."
"Shut your mouth!" Duke Jing's head was already pounding; who knew his daughter could be so utterly clueless? After rebuking Zhao Shu, Duke Jing bowed his head. "Your Highness, there must be a misunderstanding. My daughter, while mischievous, would never harbor such treasonous thoughts..."
"So, is Duke Jing suggesting that I am lying?"
"I would never dare imply such a thing." Cold sweat streamed down Duke Jing's back.
