Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket, nor do I profit from writing this fanfiction. This story is inspired by Legend of Zhen Huan and includes quotes from the manga, anime, wiki, and other sources. This fanfiction has not been beta-read. As I am not a native English speaker, please excuse any language errors.

In the Court of the Crimson Emperor

Chapter VII

At Palace of Earthly Tranquillity:

When Tetsuya awoke the following morning, he found the space beside him on the bed vacant. This was not unexpected, as Seijuurou was known to be an early riser. Despite the warmth from the coal furnace, a chill still lingered in the air. Tetsuya curled himself further into the blankets, savouring their comforting embrace.

"Do you still refuse to rise?" a voice asked.

Tetsuya opened his eyes slowly, finding Seijuurou standing in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. The Emperor looked as though he had only just returned from outside, dressed in his formal attire.

"I am still rather tired," Tetsuya murmured, his gaze following Seijuurou as he walked towards the bed. "Besides, it is your fault I am so weary, for you kept me awake for most of the night."

Seijuurou arched an eyebrow. "My fault?"

"Indeed," Tetsuya replied with a playful smile. "It is entirely your fault."

"As I recall," Seijuurou began, his tone smooth and measured as he seated himself on the edge of the bed, "you did not request that I cease last night. In fact, I distinctly remember you asking for... an encore." His lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"Seijuurou!" Tetsuya exclaimed, his face flushing in embarrassment.

Seijuurou chuckled softly, leaning closer to Tetsuya. He bent down, pressing a gentle kiss to his Tetsuya's forehead. "If you are still tired, then rest," he suggested warmly.

"Hmm..." Tetsuya muttered, closing his eyes again and sinking deeper into the warmth of the bed.

Just as he was about to slip back into slumber, a familiar voice called from outside the room. "Your Imperial Majesty, Your Majesty."

"Come in." Seijuurou commanded.

The door opened, and Riko entered the room, her expression noticeably anxious, quite unlike her usual composed self.

"What is it, Riko?" Tetsuya asked, his concern growing. Riko's unusual demeanour suggested something troubling had occurred.

"Your servant humbly reports to Your Majesty," Riko began, bowing deeply. "First Class Attendant Chiharu has fallen into the pond in the palace garden."

"How did that happen?" Tetsuya asked, his voice laced with surprise. The news wiped away his remaining drowsiness.

"Someone pushed Attendant Chiharu," Riko replied. "But fortunately, our people were observing her and managed to offer assistance quickly."

"Who was responsible for this?" Seijuurou interjected, his voice sharp and authoritative.

Riko hesitated before speaking the name of the culprit.

Seijuurou's expression darkened immediately. "She seeks her own destruction," he said, his voice cold as ice.

"Thank you, Riko. Continue to monitor the situation closely," Tetsuya instructed, his brow furrowing in disbelief. It was difficult for him to fathom how far someone would go to provoke such an incident. He could only imagine the consequences when Seijuurou turned his attention to this matter.

"Your servant understands, Your Highness," Riko responded, bowing once more. "I shall take my leave now. Your Imperial Majesty, Your Majesty."

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At Pavillion of Joy:

Furihata Kouka was embroidering quietly when a visitor arrived unexpectedly. It was Anko, the personal maid of Sakurai Ryuna, though Kouka was taken aback to see her alone. What could have brought Anko here at such an early hour? And where was her mistress?

"Good morning, My Lady," Anko greeted with a respectful bow. "I have been sent to inform you that First Class Attendant Chiharu has fallen into the pool in the garden."

Kouka's hands stilled, her eyes widening in shock. "What? How did this happen?"

"I am not certain, My Lady," Anko replied with a bow. "Attendant Chiharu is being treated by a physician at her residence at present. My Lady is already there with her. She sent me to request that you join them immediately."

Kouka nodded, her face clouded with concern. "I will go at once."

"Thank you, My Lady," Anko said, bowing once more before turning to leave.

After donning her coat, Kouka and her maid hurried to Chiharu's pavilion. As they made their way through the corridors, Kouka could not shake the worry that gripped her heart. She fervently hoped that Chiharu was unharmed.

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When Kouka arrived at Chiharu's residence, Sakurai Ryuna was already there, her face pale with worry.

"Kouka!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with anxiety.

"Is Chiharu alright?" Kouka asked hurriedly, her heart racing.

"I do not know," Ryuna replied, her expression one of near-despair. "The doctor is still inside, attending to her."

"Do not worry," Kouka said, trying to offer some reassurance. "Chiharu will be fine. She is strong."

Ryuna suddenly dropped her gaze, her eyes filled with guilt. "This is all my fault!" she cried, her voice breaking.

"What do you mean?" Kouka asked, confused. Why would Ryuna blame herself for this incident?

"I was the one who asked her to accompany me to the garden this morning," Ryuna explained in a rushed, disjointed tone. "I wanted to feed the fish, but I forgot to bring the fish food. I went back to fetch it and left Chiharu alone. It's my fault! If I hadn't asked her to join me in the garden, she would be fine!"

Tears welled up in Ryuna's eyes, and she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Shh... It's alright," Kouka said softly, placing a hand on Ryuna's shoulder. "This is not your fault."

But Ryuna's sobs only grew louder, and Kouka's attempts to comfort her seemed in vain.

Suddenly, the sharp voice of an eunuch rang out. "Your Imperial Majesty approaches! Your Majesty is coming!"

Ryuna stopped crying abruptly, her eyes wide with shock. She hastily wiped away the tears on her face with a handkerchief. Fortunately, when Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya entered, her face was already free of tear stains.

Kouka and Ryuna quickly knelt to show their respects. "Grace to Your Imperial Majesty! Grace to Your Majesty," they both intoned.

Since the day she had been sent home from Emperor Seijuurou's palace, Kouka had not been in the same room as the Emperor, and her nerves flared at his presence. Though Emperor Seijuurou was undeniably handsome, his imposing aura made him an intimidating figure. She found herself unable to look directly at him for too long, so she diverted her gaze to Empress Tetsuya.

The Empress was dressed in a soft blue dress, as was customary for him, and wore a magnificent headpiece adorned with blue and pink jewels, as well as delicate pearls. There was something calming about his presence, in contrast to the Emperor's stern countenance.

"Grace to Your Imperial Majesty! Grace to Your Majesty!" The doctor who had treated Chiharu hurriedly exited the room, bowing deeply in respect.

"How is Chiharu?" Emperor Seijuurou inquired, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of concern.

"Your humble servant replies to His Imperial Majesty," the doctor began, bowing again. "First Class Attendant Chiharu is not seriously injured. She only requires a week of rest, along with nutritious foods and supplements to aid in her recovery. She was fortunate to have been rescued quickly. Had she stayed in the water much longer, the risk of drowning would have increased."

"Drowning?" Ryuna whispered, her voice tinged with shock.

"The pool in the imperial palace garden appears shallow," the doctor explained, "but in truth, it is quite deep. Those who cannot swim are at great risk of drowning."

Ryuna's face turned ashen at the doctor's words, and her breath caught in her throat. She had nearly lost her dearest friend.

Kouka, too, was struck by the news. She had never imagined the pool to be so deep. She had also forgotten that none of them, including Chiharu, were capable of swimming.

"I have administered medicine to help ward off the chill from the water," the doctor continued. "She is resting now."

Emperor Seijuurou gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

"Thank you for your assistance, Doctor Toyama," Empress Tetsuya said with a gentle yet grateful smile. "I am greatly relieved to hear that Attendant Chiharu will recover."

"This is my duty, Your Majesty," Doctor Toyama replied with a deep bow, his voice respectful. It was clear he held Empress Tetsuya in high regard, perhaps due to the legacy of the late Kuroko Takumi, a legendary doctor in the Teikou Empire.

"I leave her care in your hands," Emperor Seijuurou said, his tone brokering no argument.

"Your humble servant understands, Your Imperial Majesty," Toyama responded with another bow. "I shall not fail you."

With that, the doctor departed, leaving the Emperor and Empress to focus on the next matter at hand. Emperor Seijuurou's gaze turned cold as he fixed his attention on Kouka and Ryuna.

"How did Chiharu come to fall into the pool?" he asked, his voice as sharp as ice.

Ryuna and Kouka exchanged uneasy glances, both reluctant to speak the truth.

"We... We do not know, Your Imperial Majesty," Ryuna replied, her voice trembling. She had never heard the Emperor's tone so cold, and it sent a shiver of fear through her. "Attendant Chiharu was alone at that time," she continued, hesitating. "And... And she had also sent her personal maid away."

There was a brief silence as the gravity of the situation settled in.

"I shall question her once she has awakened," Emperor Seijuurou said in a tone that left no room for argument.

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At Palace of Earthly Tranquility:

After visiting the still unconscious Mayuzumi Chiharu, Seijuurou and Tetsuya returned to the Empress's residence. Seijuurou was clearly angered by the incident. In truth, it was not an accident, but rather an assassination attempt on Mayuzumi Chiharu. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, but Tetsuya remained silent, choosing to wait until his husband's anger had subsided.

"The day after tomorrow, I shall call everyone together," Seijuurou suddenly announced.

Tetsuya, recalling that tomorrow was an important day, nodded. He and Seijuurou were scheduled to visit the Temple of Heaven to offer prayers. Afterward, there would be a celebration, leaving them no time to visit Mayuzumi.

"I wish to see if she will try to deny her actions," Seijuurou continued, his tone laced with contempt.

"There are witnesses who saw it," Tetsuya responded, his voice calm.

"Yes, because you instructed your people to watch them," Seijuurou replied with a sly smirk. "But my Tetsuya is indeed very clever," he added, his smile turning affectionate. "You employed people from your hometown, those who are indebted to your late grandfather, either directly or indirectly. That way, you don't need to worry about their loyalty."

Tetsuya glanced at his husband, his expression unreadable. "I employ them not because I expect anything in return," he said, though a part of him couldn't deny the truth in Seijuurou's words.

"Indeed, not," Seijuurou agreed with a soft chuckle. "But that is why they are so loyal to you. They know you are a good master. Besides, you have an exceptional ability to judge the worth and character of others. Does Seirin's current governor, Hyuuga Junpei, not owe his position to you?" Seijuurou's tone became sly.

"Hyuuga Junpei is a very capable governor," Tetsuya replied, somewhat evasive.

"Quite right. But had you not discovered him, he would have remained a lowly official for the rest of his life," Seijuurou remarked, his eyes gleaming with knowing amusement. "And Junpei is aware of it. No wonder the vanilla supply here never runs short."

Tetsuya frowned at his husband's teasing. "Seijuurou," he pouted, a hint of exasperation in his voice. Why did his husband always have to tease him so?

"Alright, alright..." Seijuurou relented, his voice turning more serious. "What, then, do you think is a fitting punishment for the culprit?"

Tetsuya was silent for a moment, thinking carefully before answering. "Execution," he said firmly.

Seijuurou raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Well, well, well... The compassionate Tetsuya is advocating for the death penalty? What on earth has come over you?"

"That's because I know you would torture them mercilessly," Tetsuya replied frankly. He knew that with execution, their death would be swift and painless, in contrast to the slow agony of torture—which, under the Teikou Empire, could take on countless horrific forms. He also knew that Seijuurou, with his merciless nature, would show no hesitation in employing such methods.

"You really do know me," Seijuurou remarked, his voice as cold as ever. "But you are right. Anyone involved will regret the day they were born."

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The second day of the second lunar month marked the Festival of the Dragon Raising Its Head. This year, it coincided with the Day of the Vernal Equinox, a time in folk culture when the dragon, believed to have been dormant throughout the winter, raised its head and became active once more. The dragon was traditionally thought to be the bringer of rain, an essential force for ensuring a good harvest in agricultural society. The festival was a significant occasion for worship, with people praying for an abundant harvest in the months ahead.

While the rest of the palace celebrated the festival, Kouka and Ryuna found little joy in the festivities. Their minds were consumed with worry over Chiharu's condition. Early that morning, they arrived at Chiharu's residence, hoping to find her well. Nene, Chiharu's personal maid, greeted them at the door.

"My Lady is awake," Nene announced, her face lighting up with a relieved smile. She was clearly overjoyed that her mistress was on the mend.

"Really?" Ryuna asked, her voice full of disbelief.

Nene nodded eagerly.

Kouka exhaled, the tension in her chest easing at the news.

Ryuna, unable to contain her joy, immediately rushed inside.

Kouka shook her head fondly at Ryuna's impulsive behaviour but, inwardly, she too was greatly relieved. "Is Chiharu truly alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yes, My Lady," Nene replied with a smile, her voice soothing.

As Kouka entered the bedroom, with Nene following closely behind, she saw Ryuna already seated on the bed beside Chiharu. The latter was propped up against the headboard, wrapped in a thick fur blanket to keep warm. Although her face was still a touch pale, she appeared to be in good health.

"Thank Heaven you're safe," Kouka said, her voice soft with relief. "We were so worried yesterday."

"Yes, I could not sleep at all last night," Ryuna added, her voice tinged with lingering concern.

"I am fine," Chiharu replied with a gentle smile, though there was still a hint of exhaustion in her eyes.

"His Imperial Majesty and the Empress came to see you yesterday, but you were asleep," Ryuna informed her, her voice soft.

"Nene told me about it," Chiharu said, her tone calm.

"Yesterday afternoon, a messenger from the Empress arrived with some items for My Lady," Nene continued. "The blanket you are using now, as well as ginseng and various herbs for your recovery, were among the gifts."

At that moment, Kouka and Ryuna's eyes fell on the blanket. Ryuna ran her fingers over the luxurious fur. "It's so soft! And so warm," she exclaimed in wonder. "The Empress is so kind to give you such an expensive gift."

"But how did you fall? Was it because of the slippery pier?" Kouka asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Chiharu fell silent, her gaze momentarily drifting away.

Kouka suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, an uneasy sensation creeping over her.

"I did not fall," Chiharu said at last, her voice steady but tinged with a darker undertone. "Someone pushed me."

"What?" Ryuna gasped, her voice full of shock.

"Someone pushed you?" Kouka asked, her heart sinking with worry as she looked at Chiharu, her concern deepening.

Chiharu nodded slowly. "I crouched down to look at the fish. Suddenly, someone pushed me from behind."

"You must report this to His Imperial Majesty at once!" Ryuna declared, her voice filled with urgency.

Chiharu sighed, her expression heavy with concern. "It's not that simple."

"Are you truly certain about this?" Kouka asked, her voice thoughtful, weighing the situation carefully.

"What do you mean? Chiharu isn't lying!" Ryuna's tone was filled with disbelief and incredulity, both in her voice and on her face as she spoke to them.

"That's not what I meant..." Kouka replied, her voice gentle but firm. She knew it was impossible for Chiharu to lie, but they had to approach the matter cautiously and consider every angle.

"You're talking about proof, aren't you?" Chiharu spoke, her tone calm but weary. "I have no proof that someone pushed me."

"Chiharu almost drowned! What kind of proof do you need?" Ryuna snapped, her frustration growing.

Kouka, her head beginning to throb with the weight of the situation, closed her eyes briefly, trying to compose herself.

"No witnesses," Chiharu added, her voice steady yet tinged with a note of resignation.

"What is the matter with both of you?" Ryuna demanded in exasperation. "What is all this talk about witnesses and evidence? Chiharu said she was pushed into the pond! She nearly died! What kind of evidence do you need?" Her words were sharp, though her concern was still evident.

But it wasn't as simple as Ryuna made it seem. Kouka's mind raced, and suddenly, a thought occurred to her. "Ah! Who helped you?"

"I haven't heard the full story yet. Nene, why don't you explain?" Chiharu addressed her maid.

Nene, standing quietly nearby, nodded before speaking. "At the time, My Lady told me to wait in the gazebo. Suddenly, I heard cries for help. I immediately ran to My Lady, and when I arrived, I saw Noble Lady Misaki shouting for assistance."

The three of them exchanged puzzled looks, confusion written across their faces.

"Do you mean Hanamiya Misaki?" Chiharu asked, her brow furrowed in thought. "She was in the garden?"

"Yes, My Lady. She was accompanied by her personal maid. When she cried out for help, an eunuch immediately jumped into the pond to rescue you. The commotion drew a lot of attention, and soon after, My Lady was brought back here," Nene explained, her voice steady.

"Could it be that she pushed you?" Ryuna asked, her voice full of suspicion.

"Your servant does not think so," Nene replied thoughtfully. "They were too far from the pond."

"Do you know the eunuch who helped me?" Chiharu inquired, her gaze sharp.

"No, My Lady, but I do remember his face," Nene answered.

"That eunuch and Hanamiya may have witnessed something," Ryuna commented, her mind racing with possibilities.

"It is possible," Kouka agreed, though her tone was tinged with doubt. "But we must be cautious. In the palace, one wrong move, and we could lose our heads." She paused, her gaze distant. "I never imagined life at court would be a battlefield. Nor did I think anyone would go so far as to try to kill Chiharu. What could possibly drive someone to such extremes, all for the Emperor's favour?"

"So, what are we to do?" Ryuna asked, her voice tinged with urgency. "His Imperial Majesty said he would question you about this incident later."

Chiharu took a deep breath, her expression pensive. "Let me think about it," she said at last, her voice steady but heavy with the weight of the situation.

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The following day, Sakurai Ryuna paced back and forth in her bedroom, her mind clouded with confusion and frustration. The reason for her distress was none other than her best friend, Chiharu, who still insisted on taking time to think before reporting the incident to Emperor Seijuurou. After a sleepless night, Ryuna had come to a firm conclusion—Haizaki Shiina was the one who had pushed Chiharu into the pond. It could only have been her. From the very beginning, Haizaki had always harboured animosity towards them. She had slandered Ryuna in front of Empress Tetsuya, insulted Kouka, and now, she had tried to kill Chiharu. It was unforgivable. Ryuna had done nothing to provoke Haizaki; why did the woman despise them so much? If Chiharu refused to report the incident to Emperor Seijuurou, then Ryuna would. She had had enough of Haizaki's cruelty.

While Ryuna continued to curse Haizaki inwardly, a knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

"My Lady! A messenger from His Imperial Majesty is here!" Anko, her personal maid, called from the other side.

Startled, Ryuna quickly opened the door and rushed into the living room.

"Greetings to First Class Attendant Ryuna," the eunuch greeted her with a respectful bow. "His Imperial Majesty has ordered all concubines to gather at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility immediately."

"I understand," Ryuna replied, her voice calm but her mind racing.

"I shall take my leave then," the eunuch said, bowing again before departing.

Ryuna nodded, her thoughts still spinning.

"My Lady, why do you think all the concubines are being called to the Imperial Empress's palace?" Anko asked after the messenger had left.

"I am not sure," Ryuna answered truthfully, though her heart beat faster. This was the perfect opportunity for her. She had to tell Emperor Seijuurou the truth—about the attempted murder of Chiharu and the real culprit behind it.

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When Ryuna arrived at the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, all the other concubines had already gathered. She quickly made her way to join Kouka and Chiharu.

"His Imperial Majesty is coming! The Imperial Empress is coming!" a eunuch announced.

Moments later, Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya entered, and all the concubines immediately knelt. "Grace to Your Imperial Majesty. Grace to Your Majesty," they intoned in unison.

Once Emperor Seijuurou and Empress Tetsuya had taken their seats on the throne, the concubines rose and settled into their designated positions.

"I have called you all here today to discuss the incident involving Chiharu," Emperor Seijuurou began, his voice steady and commanding.

The concubines exchanged looks, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Ryuna cast a disgusted glance towards Haizaki. How Haizaki could stand there, shamelessly, without any hint of guilt, was beyond Ryuna's comprehension.

"Chiharu," Emperor Seijuurou continued, his gaze fixed on Chiharu, "how did you fall into the pool?"

This was the moment Ryuna had been waiting for.

"I—"

"Someone pushed Attendant Chiharu," Ryuna interrupted, her voice firm and unwavering.

Chiharu and the other concubines stared at her in surprise, but it was only then that they noticed Emperor Seijuurou's expression. He was not surprised in the least.

"Is what Ryuna has said true, Chiharu?" Emperor Seijuurou asked, his tone unwavering.

Chiharu could only nod in response.

Ryuna stole a glance at Haizaki, who also seemed shocked by the revelation.

"But I do not know who did it," Chiharu admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Ryuna seethed inwardly, her thoughts screaming, The culprit must be Haizaki or her servant!

Before she could speak, Hanamiya Misaki interrupted.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Misaki began, her voice steady, "I happened to be in the garden at the time of the incident. I saw the person who pushed Attendant Chiharu into the pond. The culprit is Attendant Tomomi's eunuch."

Ryuna blinked in surprise. The culprit is Moriyama's eunuch? She had never expected that. Initially, she had been so certain that Haizaki was the one responsible. After all, Moriyama was always seen associating with Haizaki, and surely she must be under Haizaki's influence. But... A few months ago, Moriyama had been punished by Empress Tetsuya for some transgression. Could this be related?

Moriyama's face drained of colour. "What do you mean?" she demanded, trying to maintain a facade of indignation, though her voice wavered slightly.

"I am only reporting what I witnessed, Your Imperial Majesty," Hanamiya Misaki replied smoothly, her tone respectful but firm.

"This... This is a lie," Moriyama stammered, her voice rising in protest. "You have all conspired to ruin me!" She glanced desperately at Haizaki and Fukuda for support, but neither of them spoke a word, both of them choosing to remain silent. "I am innocent, Your Imperial Majesty. I—"

"You dare lie in front of me?" Emperor Seijuurou's voice was ice-cold, his piercing gaze fixed on Moriyama. His handsome face was a picture of frozen fury.

Moriyama's breath hitched in shock. The intensity of Emperor Seijuurou's anger made her body tremble uncontrollably. Her hands shook at her sides as she stood there, unable to form a coherent defence.

The room was eerily silent, the tension palpable. No one dared to speak.

The heavy silence in the chamber stretched on until it was finally broken by the entrance of Eunuch Reo, the chief eunuch, followed closely by a group of guards. Among them was another eunuch, bound and shackled, a sight that immediately drew the gaze of all present. A young eunuch stood at Reo's side, his face pale with the weight of his role in this revelation.

Moriyama's face drained of colour at the sight. Her breath hitched in her throat as her eyes locked on the bound eunuch. She staggered back, her body trembling beneath the weight of the accusation. The shock was evident, and her pallor turned ashen, as if her very soul had been stripped away. She swayed dangerously on her feet, looking as though she might collapse at any moment.

Eunuch Reo, his posture stoic, bowed deeply before the Emperor. "Grace to Your Imperial Majesty, Grace to Your Majesty," he intoned, his voice carrying a sense of authority. "Your Imperial Majesty, I bring before you those responsible for the attempted murder of First Attendant Chiharu, along with a witness to the crime."

At his signal, the young eunuch stepped forward. His hands shook slightly, though his voice remained steady. "Grace to Your Imperial Majesty," he began, his bow respectful but firm. "Your servant is the one who witnessed the crime. I serve in the imperial garden, and two days ago, during the morning, I was on duty when I saw this person push First Attendant Chiharu into the pond. I immediately dove in to save her."

As the young eunuch spoke, the bound eunuch on the floor began to squirm uncomfortably, his face contorting in silent fear.

Moriyama's breath caught once more at the eunuch's testimony, her pulse quickening in her chest. Her worst fears had come to fruition. It was as if the ground had been pulled from beneath her feet, and she was falling into the abyss of her own treachery.

The Emperor's voice rang out, cold and commanding. "Is that true?"

Hanamiya Misaki, who had earlier spoken up, nodded solemnly in confirmation. "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," she said, her tone unwavering, though the weight of the moment was evident in her eyes. "It is as the witness claims."

Moriyama's legs began to shake uncontrollably, and she struggled to remain upright. The truth was now laid bare for all to see. She was trapped, with no escape, and the fate that awaited her lay entirely in the hands of the Emperor.

Emperor Seijuurou's gaze never wavered as he turned his attention to the bound eunuch, his expression hard as stone. "Why did you do it?" he asked, his voice tinged with an underlying fury.

The eunuch lowered his head further, his words barely audible. "I was ordered by Attendant Tomomi," he confessed, his voice trembling. "I beg forgiveness, Your Imperial Majesty."

Moriyama trembled with fear, her voice shaky as she stammered, "I do not know who he is. I have no idea who he is, Your Imperial Majesty."

Her frantic denial seemed to frustrate the eunuch, who was now visibly agitated. He was unwilling to bear the blame alone. "Attendant Tomomi," he pleaded, his voice rising in desperation, "I did as she ordered. I have done nothing more, Your Imperial Majesty."

Realising she could no longer deny the truth, Moriyama collapsed to the floor, her sobs echoing through the room. "I beg for your forgiveness, Your Imperial Majesty," she wailed, her words barely audible through her tears. "I beg for mercy, Your Imperial Majesty."

The Emperor's piercing gaze did not soften. "Did you act alone in this, or were you commanded by another?" His voice was calm but carried an unmistakable edge of authority.

Moriyama shook her head, the motion erratic as she struggled to maintain her composure. "No one ordered me," she replied, her voice broken and frail. "Please, Your Imperial Majesty, I beg for mercy..." Her words were a mere whisper, an attempt at evading the truth that only deepened her guilt.

Liar! Ryuna's thoughts burned with indignation. It cannot be! Haizaki must have been the one who ordered Moriyama. Why does she continue to shield him? Her anger surged, and she opened her mouth, ready to protest, but before she could speak, a hand closed gently around her right wrist.

Startled, Ryuna turned to see Chiharu standing beside her.

Chiharu's gaze was firm, but her eyes held an unspoken warning. She shook her head slightly, silently urging Ryuna to remain silent.

Defeated, Ryuna's words caught in her throat. She glanced back at the scene unfolding before her. I have no evidence, she realised, frustration boiling within her. She was helpless. If she accused Haizaki without proof, the consequences could be dire. The weight of her silence hung heavy in the air, and she chose to keep her suspicions to herself—for now.

Emperor Seijuurou glanced at the eunuch. "The punishment for Tomomi's eunuch is beheading," he commanded.

The eunuch was dragged out of the chamber, his desperate cries for mercy echoing through the halls, but soon his voice faded into silence, swallowed by the distance.

The Emperor's voice was firm, unwavering. "As for Tomomi, a meter of red."

Moriyama froze at the pronouncement, confusion clouding her face. She was not alone in her bewilderment. The other concubines, too, exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions revealing their lack of understanding.

"What is a meter of red?" Ryuna whispered, leaning toward Chiharu, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Chiharu, too, appeared troubled by the unfamiliar decree. She shook her head slowly, her brow furrowed in uncertainty. "I have never heard of such a punishment before," she confessed softly, her tone reflective. It was clear that the severity of the Emperor's sentence was as much a mystery to her as it was to everyone else in the room.

Eunuch Reo eventually explained. "A meter of red is a form of punishment in the palace. A wooden rod of 5 feet 2 inches will be used to beat the lower body, until the flesh and tendon splits and beaten into mincemeat and the bone breaks. From afar the scene looks like a beautiful scene of red, that's why it is named "a meter of red."

At the Emperor's decree, Moriyama fainted, her body collapsing into the arms of the guards. Without ceremony, they swiftly carried her away, presumably to the Department of Punishment.

Ryuna stood frozen, a wave of nausea rising in her chest. Her face had turned a ghastly shade of pale, and her mind struggled to process the horrific punishment she had just heard. The cruelty of it was almost too much to bear, and she had not known such a harsh sentence existed within the palace walls.

The other concubines, too, wore expressions of shock and horror, their faces pale as they exchanged uneasy glances. It was clear that none of them had anticipated the Emperor's wrath to be so severe.

Emperor Seijuurou's voice broke the stillness, cold and commanding. "Let this serve as a reminder to all of you," he said, his gaze sweeping across the concubines, piercing each one with his stern, unwavering eyes. "I will not tolerate anyone attempting to disrupt the harmony of the inner palace. Any who do will not be forgiven."

"We obey the commands of His Imperial Majesty," the concubines murmured in unison, their voices a soft chorus of submission.

Rising from his throne, Emperor Seijuurou addressed Empress Tetsuya, his tone softer this time. "I must go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation now," he said, the change in his demeanor not lost on those present.

Empress Tetsuya, who had remained silent throughout the proceedings, gave a small nod, his face inscrutable. He did not speak, but her acknowledgment was clear.

As the Emperor departed, all the concubines knelt in respect, their movements synchronized as they lowered their heads in reverence. The grandeur of the moment was punctuated by their collective submission to the Emperor's authority.

With the room now empty of the Emperor, Empress Tetsuya let out a quiet sigh, his eyes scanning the room with a weary gaze. He turned his attention to the concubines, his voice gentle but firm. "You are all concubines of His Imperial Majesty," he began, his words carrying an air of quiet authority. "Your positions and obligations are the same. There is no need for envy or hatred amongst you. I trust you will reflect upon today's events. You may all return to your quarters now."

"The wives obey the command of Your Majesty," the concubines responded, their voices low but respectful, as they slowly began to rise from their kneeling positions.

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At Jade Pavilion:

"I did not think that Noble Lady Misaki would lend her assistance to Mayuzumi Chiharu, Sakurai Ryuna, and Furihata Kouka," Kawahara Sayuri remarked, her voice laced with quiet surprise.

After their departure from Empress Tetsuya's palace, they had gone directly to the Jade Pavilion, Misaki Hanamiya's residence. The maids had already prepared a selection of snacks and hot tea, setting a tranquil atmosphere for their return.

Misaki, however, did not appear perturbed by Sayuri's comment. "I did not help them," she responded coolly. "I helped myself."

Sayuri's expression shifted, her eyes gleaming with understanding. "Ah," she said, nodding knowingly. "When two tigers are fighting, the other must save itself."

A faint smile touched Misaki's lips, but she did not correct Sayuri's metaphor. Two tigers? More like two sickly cats, she thought to herself, her mind drifting to the unfolding drama within the imperial palace.

The palace was divided into three camps, each vying for power and influence: Haizaki's camp, Mayuzumi's camp, and Misaki's own camp. The feud between Haizaki and Mayuzumi had been sparked by Haizaki's jealousy. The Emperor, Seijuurou, had shown more attention to Sakurai, which ignited Haizaki's resentment. Driven by her jealousy, Haizaki sought to discredit Sakurai, and her hatred eventually spread to Furihata and, later, to Mayuzumi.

The climax of this rivalry had occurred when Moriyama Tomomi's eunuch had pushed Mayuzumi into the palace pond. It was a cold, calculated assassination attempt, and it had happened at a time when Misaki and her maid were in the imperial garden, bearing witness to the crime.

Misaki could have chosen to do nothing. She could have allowed Mayuzumi to drown, and in doing so, Haizaki would have gained the upper hand, leaving Sakurai helpless in her wake. But Misaki had not acted out of any sense of loyalty to Mayuzumi—her decision was purely strategic.

By choosing to intervene, Misaki had tipped the scales of power. Not only had she saved Mayuzumi, but she had also ensured that Moriyama Tomomi would face punishment at the hands of Emperor Seijuurou. In doing so, she had allowed Mayuzumi to exact some measure of revenge. The balance of power had shifted, and Haizaki, consumed by her hatred, could not help but retaliate. They would destroy one another, leaving Misaki to sit back, observing the chaos from the shadows.

She had no need to do anything herself. Both Mayuzumi and Haizaki would eventually crumble under the weight of their mutual destruction. Once that was achieved, Misaki would be free to turn her attentions to the remaining camp—her own.

Of course, the ultimate target, was none other than Kuroko Tetsuya. Misaki knew she could not act immediately—Empress Tetsuya's position was far too strong, and Emperor Seijuurou's favour was unwavering. But time, as they say, was a patient ally. Misaki could wait. She had no doubt that the perfect moment would come. And when it did, she would be ready to strike, dismantling Kuroko Tetsuya's hold on the Emperor and securing her own ascension.

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Palace of Earthly Tranquillity:

"Tomomi has been punished," Seijuurou told him quietly that night. "She is crippled now. She will be moved to the Cold Palace."

The term 'a meter of red' was not designed to kill, but to inflict excruciating pain. The punishment was a form of prolonged torment, leaving the victim alive, but utterly broken. They would be crippled, left to endure a life of suffering and waste—unless they chose to end it themselves. That was why Tetsuya despised such a punishment. He knew that Seijuurou would keep Moriyama alive, serving as a harsh example of what befell those who dared to disrupt the delicate balance of their court. And personally, Seijuurou's bitterness stemmed from the fact that Moriyama had nearly derailed their carefully laid plans.

Seijuurou, sensing the weight of Tetsuya's thoughts, moved closer, sitting beside him. "If it weren't for me, you would have become a greater doctor than your grandfather ever was."

Tetsuya looked at his husband, his heart filled with a mixture of emotions. "Seijuurou..." His voice was soft, but there was no trace of reproach—only quiet understanding.

"But you chose me," he added, his voice carrying a hint of longing.

Tetsuya's eyes softened as he placed his hand on Seijuurou's cheek, gazing at him with affection. His eyes, blue like the vast sky, met the Emperor's red and gold gaze. He shook his head gently, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I chose you," Tetsuya murmured, his voice filled with warmth. "It's my choice. It has always been my choice. And I never regret anything."

Author's Note:

Hello, everyone! First and foremost, thank you so much for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a review.