The Left Grand Tutor, bewildered and unsure, could only kneel. He originally thought he had made an error in his tasks and that Chu Heng and Chu Jinling were punishing him.
Unexpectedly, his kneeling went on until noon, and he was made to witness a "spectacle" in the side hall of the imperial study.
Chu Yifeng entered the palace with Zuo Qingqing and members of the Zuo family without prior notice, directly heading to Chu Heng's imperial study.
Accompanying them were Chu Xi and Rong Sheng.
Chu Yifeng said, "I cannot persuade the princess, but your words carry weight. Have her apologize to Zuo Fenglin and admit her wrongdoing."
Chu Xi stood beside Rong Sheng, her small hands clasping the hem of her dress tightly, fingers curling with force.
Rong Sheng, aloof and ethereal, remained silent.
