Within the great hall.

The Emperor listened quietly to the report.

"Marquis Andong struck the Consort with his palm. If not for the Consort's own considerable strength, that single blow would have likely claimed his life. As it was, the Consort suffered seven broken ribs and was severely injured!"

"From this, it's clear they weren't putting on an act. The Marquis truly had killing intent at that moment. An ordinary Fifth Rank expert could never have withstood that palm strike; even a fourth rank master would have been gravely wounded... And the Consort is precisely a Fifth Rank. In his fury, Marquis Andong truly intended to kill him!"