The following afternoon, the Dawgress's courtyard was unusually quiet.
The Emperor sat across from his mother at the lunch table, but neither seemed interested in the food before them.
A pot of tea steamed between them.
The Dawgress noticed the Emperor had barely touched his meal.
"You have been sighing since you arrived," she said. "What happened?"
The Emperor lowered his chopsticks.
"Mother, things are getting out of hand."
Her expression became serious.
"Shin Gu?"
He nodded.
"We still haven't captured her. Prince Liang is completely smitten with her and refuses to believe what is in front of him."
The Dawgress frowned.
"That woman has deceived too many people already."
"The palace knows the Empress is innocent," the Emperor continued, "but the people outside don't. They still believe she was responsible for the strange incidents."
His voice became heavier.
"They want someone punished. If Shin Gu isn't caught soon, they will demand the Empress's execution."
