The prince reached out to help Song Yuting to her feet. “Ting’er, come with me. I’ll never let you get caught up in the palace’s power struggles.”
The crown prince hurried to add, “Yuting, you’re the only one in my heart. I’ll never let you suffer the slightest injustice.”
The emperor rose and descended the steps, coming to stand before Song Yuting. “I can promise you my exclusive favor. The three thousand beauties of the harem cannot compare to you.”
Summoned into the hall, Song Yuting wore an elegant, pale gown. Her features were lovely, but her face bore a trace of sorrow.
She slowly knelt and said softly, “Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Prince, what have I done to deserve the favor of all three of you?
“But all I want is to spend my life with just one person. I’m truly overwhelmed by such affection.”
The emperor furrowed his brow and glared at the prince. “How dare you question my decision? All under heaven belongs to me. It would be an honor for Song Yuting to enter the palace.”
Unwilling to back down, the crown prince turned to the prince. “Uncle, don’t interfere. Yuting and I truly love each other. I’m the only one in her heart.”
The prince gave a cold laugh. “Don’t delude yourself, Crown Prince. Miss Song never once mentioned you when she was with me.”
The tension in the great hall reached its breaking point as the three sides remained locked in a stalemate.
The palace maids and eunuchs kept their heads bowed, not daring to make a sound for fear of being caught in the raging fury.
