The hall was silent.
Completely.
Utterly.
—
Because something had changed.
Not just the situation—
But her.
—
Li Jianhong rose slowly.
His presence filled the room.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
—
"This matter will be investigated," he said firmly.
"Until then—no further accusations will be made."
His gaze swept across the hall.
Stopping—
On Zhao Meilin.
—
"Do you understand?"
"…Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice tighter than before.
—
But the damage—
Had already begun.
—
The whispers that followed were no longer about Xueying.
—
"They planned it…"
"Was it really Miss Zhao?"
"She acted too quickly…"
—
Doubt.
Suspicion.
Turning.
—
Yichen stood still, his gaze resting on Xueying.
And for the first time—
There was something new in his expression.
Not just concern.
Not just protection.
—
Respect.
—
As the court began to disperse, Xueying turned to leave.
Her steps calm.
Measured.
—
"Xueying."
She stopped.
Yichen approached.
—
"That was…" he paused slightly.
"…unexpected."
A faint breath left her lips.
"I told you," she said quietly.
"I wouldn't stay still anymore."
—
He studied her.
Carefully.
—
"…You planned all of that."
"Yes."
No hesitation.
—
"Even the letter?"
"Yes."
—
Silence.
Then—
"You let them think you were guilty."
Her gaze didn't waver.
"They already did."
—
Something in Yichen's expression shifted again.
Deeper this time.
—
"You're dangerous," he said quietly.
—
For a brief moment—
Something almost like a smile touched her lips.
—
"Only to those who try to hurt me."
—
From across the hall—
Zhao Meilin stood frozen.
Her expression no longer calm.
No longer controlled.
—
For the first time—
There was something else.
—
Fear.
—
Because now—
She understood.
—
This was no longer the same girl she used to torment.
—
This was someone who could fight back.
—
And win.
—