[009] Every Second Is Torture
“Hosnian, what about you? Were you threatened? Are you afraid to tell the truth?”
The Empress strode forward, her aura pressing down like a thunderclap. Her piercing eyes seemed to see through everything, fixing on Hosnian as if trying to read the truth from his expression.
In the resplendent yet subtly tense Xiaoyao Palace, Hosnian, son of the Eagle Clan’s chieftain, stood trembling slightly, his usually upright posture faltering. Inside, it felt as though a herd of startled deer were running amok, leaving him in utter panic.
His gaze shifted nervously, sometimes stealing glances at the lofty Empress, sometimes instinctively toward the Crown Princess standing nearby. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, sliding down his cheeks slowly.
Then, as if summoning his courage, his legs gave way, and with a heavy “thud,” he knelt on the hard floor. The sound of his knees striking the ground echoed dully.
Lowering his head, hands pressed firmly to the floor, his voice trembled with urgency and fear as he cried out, “Your Majesty, the Crown Princess has never abused me!”
His words reverberated throughout the vast palace, as if he wanted to imprint this truth deeply not only in everyone else’s hearts but in his own.
He lifted his head slightly, eyes filled with a hint of determination as he continued, “Those are all rumors. Your Majesty is wise and discerning—you surely won’t believe baseless lies, right?”
Hope laced every word. He felt that if the Empress simply nodded, he could immediately rid himself of this ever-present fear.
Deep down, Hosnian gave a bitter smile. This was indeed the cruelest of jokes. Even the formidable Silver Wolf King, Tuoba Jinghao, had decisively switched sides, choosing to stand with the Crown Princess.
If someone as powerful as Tuoba Jinghao made that choice, how could Hosnian be foolish enough to do anything that would invite certain death?
The memory of recent events still haunted him.
The Crown Princess had used some mysterious power, controlling all three of them with such ease and strength for quite some time.
That feeling of being completely controlled, unable to act freely, was like an invisible hand gripping the throat tightly—every second a torment.
Who among them didn’t want to live with dignity? They dared not confront the transformed Crown Princess directly. Any resistance could very well lead them into an abyss from which there was no return.
Now, kneeling on the floor, Hosnian could only hope that the Empress would believe his words and that this crisis would pass quickly.
In the golden, opulent palace, the Empress sat on her luxurious throne. Her eyes, usually full of authority and calm, now showed astonishment, as though witnessing something incredible.
She instinctively glanced at her eldest legitimate daughter, Li Luoluo, standing below. That single glance made her gaze freeze.
Li Luoluo was casually leaning in the broad, strong embrace of Beiming Ye. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded like a waterfall over his arm. Her delicate face showed a hint of weariness, as if she had just awoken from a sweet dream.
She stretched lazily, a gentle and natural motion, like a small wildcat basking in the sun, radiating an irresistible blend of innocence and charm.
She watched the scene before her with calm detachment, unconcerned that anyone would accuse her of wrongdoing. Even the attendants nearby worried that the Crown Princess’ prospective consorts might at any moment denounce her.
But Li Luoluo seemed utterly unaffected, her eyes calm and serene, as if the actions of these people were nothing more than a trivial farce.
The Empress’ heart stirred. Seeing Li Luoluo like this filled her with delight.
The Li Luoluo of the past, though Crown Princess, had been spoiled, reckless, and headstrong, often causing trouble that the Empress had to quietly resolve.
Now, before her, was a confident, composed young woman who commanded everything—the true image worthy of the Crown Princess’ noble status.
Taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, the Empress turned her gaze toward Zhonghua, the King of the Tiger Clan among the crowd.
Her voice, crisp and authoritative, echoed through the palace: “Zhonghua, you are the King of the Tiger Clan. I trust you. Tell me, has the Crown Princess ever abused you?”
In truth, the Empress already had her answer.
From Li Luoluo’s calm and composed demeanor, she had already guessed the truth. She knew her daughter well, and she was delighted that Li Luoluo could make them all behave properly.
She rejoiced at Li Luoluo’s transformation. To the Empress, this was the aura a Crown Princess should have—the commanding presence, the domineering, kingly grace seemingly innate.
The Empress straightened slightly on her throne, eyes fixed intently on Zhonghua, as if trying to glean the full story from his every expression and word.
Her heart brimmed with anticipation, hoping that Li Luoluo would display her wisdom and courage as Crown Princess, earning the admiration of all.
Zhonghua frowned slightly. His deep brown eyes, like dark, tranquil pools hiding countless secrets, were fixed on Li Luoluo.
Now, he assumed a solemn expression, withdrawing his gaze to the Empress. Slowly and deliberately, he said, “Your Majesty is unparalleled in wisdom and insight.”
“The Crown Princess has always been kind and benevolent, caring for us, her prospective consorts, with great affection. How could she possibly commit acts of abuse so disgraceful?”
His voice rang clear and firm, echoing through the palace, each word imbued with undeniable conviction.
He then bowed slightly, fists clasped, and continued with resolute determination: “Rumors end with the wise. Yet these malicious slanders against the Crown Princess spread everywhere, unsettling the hearts of the people. This is utterly reprehensible.”
“Your Majesty, I urge you to punish those who spread such rumors, to set the record straight and restore the Crown Princess’ honor.”
In truth, Zhonghua knew perfectly well that the mastermind behind these rumors was the Second Princess, Li Yaoyao.
The ambitious and scheming Second Princess had always coveted the throne. Fabricating such malicious rumors to slander the Crown Princess was merely a vile tactic to pursue her goal.
Even the Crown Princess’ prospective consorts had once been pawns of Li Yaoyao.
Had they not realized that the present Li Luoluo was too strong for them to have any chance of victory, they would never have spoken these words against their conscience.
