The Emperor’s initial silence was cold.
“Framed,” he then repeated in a slow manner, his voice obviously dripping with doubt. “And by whom, exactly?”
Wen Lian maintained a calm facade as she shook her head. “That, Your Majesty, I cannot say.”
The Emperor snorted humorlessly. “Can you say at least what reason anyone could have to, as you say, ‘frame’ you?”
“Indeed I can, Your Majesty,” said Wen Lian with a slight bow of the head. Then she continued without prompt, “I am certain you aren’t ignorant of it, but of late, Your Majesty, my family’s standing and influence have been on the rise again. This is due in large part to the services they and their students have been providing and can continue to provide to other families.
“It has come to be known, after all, that they are well-verse
