"Li Siyao, have I treated you poorly? Why are you doing this?" Li Huaiyan looked coldly at the princess kneeling on the ground.

"Brother Emperor, do you believe me? This must be a false accusation from the Empress. How could I have this incense? Siyao loves you so much, how could I harm you?" Tears filled the princess's beautiful almond eyes.

"Li Siyao, we grew up together since childhood. I know you better than anyone. Are you still trying to deceive me at this moment?" Li Huaiyan was completely enraged, his fingertips trembling.

The princess forced a bitter smile, "Yes, you know me best. You once said you would protect me for a lifetime, that we would always be together, that no one could separate us. But since you ascended to the throne, you changed. You sent me to the Su Mansion, let that beast insult me. You knew how unwilling I was, how heartbroken I felt. For the sake of your reputation, you sent me away from the palace. Brother Emperor, have you ever thought about Siyao?"

"If you were in my position, you would do the same. I had no choice. I didn't expect things to turn out that way. I feel guilty towards you. I have dealt with those who spread rumors before, avenging you. I took the risk to bring you back to the palace. What more do you want from me?" Li Huaiyan said helplessly.

"I wouldn't. I wouldn't do that. If I were the Emperor, I would protect my loved one, even if it meant not being the Emperor. Yes, you brought me back to the palace to make amends, but you now despise me. You despise that I've been touched by others. Otherwise, how could you be intimate with me...?" The princess cried uncontrollably, "If not for that, how could I have used that incense? But I truly didn't know it was poisonous."

"Enough." Li Huaiyan sighed, "Siyao, I have been too indulgent towards you. You don't belong in the palace. Tomorrow, go to the Southern Garden Monastery."

"No, Brother Emperor, I don't want to become a nun." Li Siyao tightly held onto his robe, "Brother Emperor, I beg you, I promise not to cause trouble again. Please let me stay in the palace, okay?"

Li Huaiyan stood up, pulled his robe from her grasp, and coldly walked out of the room.