Loosing patience, she spoke "Look here, I can just call a council meeting and ask your ministers this simple question 'The emperor chose a traitor over the empire. Shall we ask him why?' we both know how that alone will spark curiosity. Don't you think they will furious when they learn that after betraying then and going against you sentencing on Bella , you still went ahead to secretly plan on how you will take her to a better place and have her live a quiet life after what she did? Do you think they will sit, fold their hands and smile?".
Chang but his lips and clenched the bloodied cloth in his hand in frustration, knowing she was right but still he want to fight. "We both know that she didn't kill that woman . What do you think will happen if I tell the council that she was framed and that you committed murder? " He asked.
She theratically put her hand over her chest " Oh my! You dare accuse me of murder now. Beside who will believe you. You will only make your self look stupid and weak and you know how gossip spreads fast. That rebel Ichiro is just itching to get a solid evident reason to legitimately take your throne. I heard he is quite young. I wander if he will take an older woman. I am still pleasant right?. If he doesn't want the girl, I can easily give her out or get rid of her".
Chang was dumfounded by what she said.
The sheer audacity of Cheng's threats left Chang momentarily speechless. His mind raced to process the implication - she wasn't just blackmailing him over Bella's death; she was threatening to seduce rebels into overthrowing him entirely.
"You would offer yourself to Ichiro?" he finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Betray your husband and risk everything for power?"
He pushed away from the table, pacing toward the window again as if seeking escape from this nightmare conversation. "This isn't about Bella anymore. This is about you destroying everything I've built - my legacy, my family's safety, my very position."
His hands shook as he gripped the curtain fabric tightly. "You'd rather become a rebel commander's consort than remain Empress? Sleep with the man who seeks to kill me and possibly our daughter?"
The blood-stained cloth fell from his grasp onto the polished floorboards.
"Well, you will have to make a choice. So, what is it?" She laughed. "Anyways as a good hearted woman, I will give you a few days to grieve and think about everything I have said. Just know that your answer should be yes." She walks nonchalantly to the door and opens it.
"By the way don't disappoint me" she eyes his pale form. " You need to eat and rest you look horrible for a 'mighty' emperor." With that she left his bedroom and chambers.
After she left, Chang's legs finally gave up. He cried, wailed and howled throughout the day like a wounded wolf who lost it's forever mate. His guards stationed outside his chambers and servants working nearby exchanged worried looks but not dared to intrude.
For three days, the entire palace felt the weight of the Emperor's grief. Chang retreated completely from public view, cancelling audiences, meetings, and even meals with his court officials. Servants reported hearing his anguished cries echoing through the Imperial Chambers late into each night.
He knew that although he spared his little dragon's neck, he put the empire on the chopping block.
On the fourth morning, General Kenji presented himself at Cheng's chambers with a formal petition signed by several senior advisors.
"Your Majesty," he began respectfully, "the Council of Ministers requests your presence at today's emergency meeting regarding the Emperor's...indisposition."
He paused diplomatically. "They are concerned about his prolonged absence and request your guidance in managing state affairs during this difficult time." She smirked.
"Very well , I will be there." She followed behind him. Now in front of the council meeting room, she composed her self . Masking her gratified expression with a more phlegmatic and graceful one before stepping into the world of politics.