In the still silence, Empress Dowager Liu stood facing off against Princess Yongning. After what felt like an eternity, she finally sighed and said, "Have you truly made up your mind?"
Princess Yongning declared, "My mind is set without a doubt!"
Empress Dowager Liu sighed deeply, her voice laced with resignation, "I promise you. Now put down the dagger."
"Mother," Princess Yongning lowered the dagger, and earnestly spoke, "This is not a sudden impulse. I have put too much effort into Shen Yurong, and, harboring the thought that all should not be in vain, he must become my Prince Consort. Mother must never think that appeasing me temporarily is the solution. If it never comes to pass, life holds no meaning for me, and I shall find a path to death."
This was an unmistakable threat.
