His eyes swept the assembled officials. "Any man who speaks against her rescue will be removed from this court. Permanently."
The officials shifted uncomfortably. No one spoke.
"Your Highness," another official ventured carefully. "What of Princess Liling? Her death demands response. Her father, King Qin Zhaoyang, will expect—"
"Justice," the Empress Dowager said, rising gracefully from her seat. "And he shall have it." Her voice echoed across the hall, clear and strong. "The Xiongnu are animals. Ruthless barbarians who dare to attack the imperial palace itself. They murdered Princess Liling in cold blood, a princess of royal blood, an honored guest under our protection."
She turned to face the assembled court, her expression hardened.
