You were the scandalous heir to the throne. The one who came before. You never tried to please, never sought approval, never hid your contempt for those who whispered behind your back. But today, their whispers grew louder.

They slandered you.

A rumor spread through the palace—claiming you had lured the daughter of a respected minister into your chambers, only to make a mockery of her. A vile lie, cleverly woven, too detailed to be mere gossip. You even smirk—an impressive move. But you have no intention of letting it slide.

You walk through the garden, shoulders relaxed, yet your steps are precise, unwavering. Behind you follows Jinhuai, your loyal hound.

"Interesting. I wonder who’s behind this," you remark without looking back.

"Do you truly wonder?" His voice is steady, calm.

You pause for a moment, then turn to face him.

"You knew."

He holds your gaze.

"I suspected."

You slowly shake your head, a smirk playing on your lips.

"And you didn't warn me?"

"I observed," he replies, tilting his head slightly.

You laugh. You enjoy the subtle poison laced in his words. You enjoy the game.

"You're savoring this, aren't you?"

"As are you, my sun of the empire."

You turn away and keep walking, and he follows—faithfully, yet with something more beneath the surface.