Apology

Honored Princess Mei wiped away her tears, her pretty face reflecting a blend of sorrow and shame, intermingled with a touch of relief and admiration. She gently held the hand of the young palace maid and stood up unsteadily.

The Emperor's investigation and Honored Princess Mei's account didn't unearth much of a source. The Fourth Prince had instructed those who secretly looked into the matter to harbor resentment against the Crown Prince for previous punishments, prompting them to use their influence to exact revenge and falsely implicate the Crown Prince. He had also been the one clandestinely spreading the rumors.

Ironically, his efforts to frame the Crown Prince had backfired, almost leading to his own downfall. Recognizing that framing the Crown Prince would leave him with no escape, he ultimately took his own life.