She smiled faintly, not looking at the Phoenix Emperor’s expression, and continued, "When Mingge stabbed me, I thought I really wouldn’t wake up. At that moment, I thought to myself, if I die now, I would surely be unwilling."
"I have not yet proven my innocence. If I die, viewed in the Imperial Mother’s eyes as a daughter greedily clinging to power and lacking respect for her sovereign, how wronged I would be."
She lifted her eyes, looking at the Phoenix Emperor, "No matter whether you think I am putting on an act or truly expressing my feelings, I must still speak."
"Your daughter, Huang Changge, has been loyal to the Imperial Mother from beginning to end, never harboring any disloyal, disrespectful, rebellious, or unfilial thoughts!"
The Phoenix Emperor did not speak for a long while, her gaze fixed on Gu Shengyin’s eyes, as if trying to determine from her gaze whether her words were true or false.
Gu Shengyin’s face remained open and honest as she allowed her to look on.
After a long time, the Phoenix Emperor finally sighed, bent down, and pulled up the slipping blanket a bit for Gu Shengyin.
"If you’re not well, do not think too much, it’s draining."
Gu Shengyin’s gaze suddenly brightened, and she looked at the Phoenix Emperor with boundless affection, "Daughter will not overthink, daughter is happy in her heart."
She paused, then continued, "Once daughter’s injuries heal, she will definitely find all the evidence herself to prove her innocence."
She knew that the Phoenix Emperor originally did not believe her and had already ordered many investigations, but all results pointed back to Qinghuang Palace, leading to her being placed under house arrest.
However, as Gu Shengyin, who possessed the vision of God, she could easily find a breakthrough. Just a small breakthrough would allow the Phoenix Emperor’s Hidden Guards to unravel the case and accurately find the mastermind.
The Phoenix Emperor did not continue on this topic, but changed the subject: "Changge, what do you plan to do?"
She clearly saw that as soon as she asked this question, Changge’s eyes, which had just brightened, dimmed once again.
Gu Shengyin closed her eyes, as if to hide the pain contained within.
She did not say much, only softly opened her mouth, "Imperial Mother, your daughter does not want to see her again."
She did not mention what Huang Mingge had done to her, nor did she reveal the conversation between herself and Huang Mingge.
Because only the two of them were present at the time, whatever she said would lack evidence. If Huang Mingge denied it, Gu Shengyin would have no way to prove its truth.
She simply expressed outright her dislike for Huang Mingge.
With the Phoenix Emperor’s mindset, of course, she would want to know what exactly happened that would make Changge, who usually loved her sister greatly, not even want to see her?
The Phoenix Emperor indeed did not ask much further, but spoke, "Plotting to harm the Crown Prince is a grave sin. Changge, I am leaving this choice to you."
Gu Shengyin was silent for a long time before speaking, "Imperial Mother, Mingge is still young, send someone to properly guide her."
The Phoenix Emperor scoffed, "You are too lenient."
Gu Shengyin gave a bitter smile, "But she is Mingge, and in these fourteen years, my heart towards her has been like your heart towards me, my Imperial Mother... I cannot bear it."
"Alright, you rest well now."
The Phoenix Emperor left, and Gu Shengyin quietly closed her eyes and lay on the bed.
The Phoenix Emperor said her decision was too lenient, but, such an empathetic nature probably made her more reassuring to her.
If she had truly heartlessly demanded Huang Mingge’s life, the Phoenix Emperor might have thought her too cold-blooded.
She is first the Phoenix Emperor of this dynasty, then my mother.