Chapter 18: The Hall of Judgment

The Emperor held the hearing the same morning, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, with the doors open.

Three hundred officials stood in their ranks, and not one of them looked at his neighbour.

Wanning stood at the foot of the steps, in front of the Prince's place.

Chengxiao stood two paces behind her, with his hands at his sides.

He had not said a word since the carriage.

It was the first term, and he was keeping it.

Her father knelt on the stone in a prisoner's white coat.

They had cut his hair, and the chain on his wrists was too heavy for him.

The Marquis stood in the second row with a stack of papers in his arms, and sweat stood on his forehead.

"Physician Shen," said the Emperor from the throne. "You were reported dead."

"I was, Your Majesty."

"By whom?"

"By the Medical Office, on the order of the Crown Prince."

A rustle ran the length of the hall.

Gu Zhirui, at the foot of the throne, did not turn his head.

"The man is a felon who has lied for three years," he said pleasantly.

"Father, I beg you not to take his word over the court's."

"I am taking nobody's word yet," said the Emperor. "Shen. What do you say?"

"I say I can name the poison in the Prince of Wei's blood, and I can name the hand that mixed it."

"Name it."

Her father lifted his head.

"Monkshood, Your Majesty, ground fine, with a root of aconite from the southern hills."

"It is sold in only one place in the capital."

"It is stocked in the Empress's own apothecary."

The Empress, on her chair beside the throne, did not move.