"So, you chose to strike in public?" the Empress said coldly.
"I don't provoke others, but if provoked, I eradicate completely," Chen Mo replied solemnly. "Since the Zhou Family Case, Chu Heng has seen me as a thorn in his side, constantly attacking me openly and in secret. I had no choice but to retaliate."
"..."
The Empress was momentarily speechless.
Lin Jingzhu wrinkled her delicate nose and said, "Aunt, you can't blame Mr. Chen for this; it was Chu Heng who initiated."
"That may be true, but where's the evidence?" the Empress sighed softly, "This is only Chen Mo's version of events. Naturally, I believe him, but how can I explain it to the ministers?"
"Chu Heng, being a Princely Heir, was seriously injured in public; certainly, some explanation must be given."
Lin Jingzhu clung to her arm, cautiously saying, "Aunt, surely you have a way, right? You are the Eastern Palace Empress, commanding all the ministers..."
