Shunfu's pupils contracted sharply as he frantically signaled the guards to intervene.

But Lady Song moved too swiftly for the imperial guards to react.

Thud.

A dull impact echoed through the hall.

Lady Song's forehead collided violently with the vermilion pillar, blood gushing instantly.

Song Yu's eyes nearly burst from their sockets as she broke free from the Imperial Guards and lunged toward her mother.

"Mother!"

Her voice was hoarse, brimming with venomous hatred.

Yet that hatred was directed solely at Tangta.

Song Yu never reflected on her own faults—she only knew how to shift blame onto others.

"Summon the imperial physician at once!"

Shunfu stamped his foot in agitation.

If the Song matriarch died within the palace walls, it would incite outrage among the military generals.

Emperor Si would also be branded as heartless and ungrateful.

"By His Majesty's decree, Song Yu is to be taken into custody immediately!"

Lin Chong drew his sword and stepped forward.

Song Yu's eyes burned crimson as she prepared to resist.

"General Song, do you intend to stage a rebellion in the imperial palace?"

Lin Chong smirked, his gaze laced with mockery.

The War King truly had a way with women—playing both sides effortlessly.

With just a nod from him, the War King's estate would soon celebrate a double wedding.

But what of Mingta?

Had that brilliant, spirited woman ever received even a shred of the War King's genuine affection?

Lin Chong still remembered Mingta rallying the Imperial Guards to raise funds.

Why was fate so unjust?

"Emperor Si, you are utterly merciless!"

Song Yu threw her head back and laughed wildly.

"My brother was truly blind!"

Her entire body trembled before she finally ceased resisting.

The Imperial Guards pinned her down forcefully.

"Enough!"

Emperor Si abruptly rose to his feet.

His bloodshot eyes swept over the officials gathered outside the hall.

The Crown Prince's faction immediately fell silent.

None doubted that one more word would result in Emperor Si executing someone on the spot.

"I have long known of Song Yu's deception—posing as a man."

Emperor Si closed his eyes briefly.

"If punishment is required, I alone shall bear the responsibility."

His heart pounded like a drum, but he reassured himself—it didn't matter. He would explain everything to Tangta.

He would keep Song Yu far away from her.

"The War King means to say...?"

Shunfu ventured cautiously.

Every eye in the hall fixed on Emperor Si.

Hope flickered in Song Yu's gaze as fresh tears spilled over.

He did care for her after all.

"Yes."

Emperor Si gritted his teeth and spat out the single word.

Song Yu wept with joy.

Lin Chong and Zhenghe exchanged glances, their expressions dripping with scorn.

How long had it been since Mingta's departure?

And already the War King's estate prepared for celebration.

Who still remembered that radiant woman who shone like the morning sun?