Prince Li Zheng then addressed the crowd once more, his voice stern: "As everyone knows, I am not someone who enjoys nitpicking."

"To know one’s mistakes and correct them is a great virtue! If you know you have made a mistake and refuse to admit it, how is that any different from being a thief?"

"I hope that the person responsible will voluntarily stand up and confess their mistake to the Emperor in front of everyone!"

The assembly fell silent, everyone looked at each other, clueless about who had damaged the White Jade Guanyin.

Seeing this, Prince Li Zheng continued, "At the site of the damage to the White Jade Guanyin, a house servant found an earring."

"I believe a simple comparison will reveal who caused the damage."

"I give this person one last chance to save face, please stand up and admit your mistake."

The guests checked each other to see whose earring was missing.

Bai Zhi’er heard Song Qingrui gasp beside her.

She turned her head and saw Song Qingrui’s fingers pinching her empty left ear.

Her earring was gone!

It must have fallen off just now in the tunnel.

Song Qingrui quickly covered her ear with her hand.

She was naturally simple-minded and did not know what to do in such a situation.

Even her eyes could not hide her panic.

Bai Zhi’er reached out from under the table and pressed her hand against Song Qingrui’s, signaling her not to panic.

Prince Li Zheng obviously intended to deal with Song Qingrui.

He wanted to strike first, letting everyone know Song Qingrui had done something wrong in the Imperial Mansion.

By doing this, no matter what Song Qingrui said later, even if she revealed what she had seen, no one would believe her.

They would only think Song Qingrui was lying to retaliate against Prince Li Zheng for publicly embarrassing her today.

A cold sneer flashed in Bai Zhi’er’s water-like eyes.

Prince Li Zheng was truly ruthless in his methods.

To deal with a young girl like this.

But just an earring, what can it prove?

Song Qingying also noticed Song Qingrui’s actions.

Her eyes darted twice, and she exclaimed, "Sister, is that your earring?"

The volume of her voice was just right for everyone to hear.

Everyone turned to Song Qingrui, even Prince Li Zheng looked over.

"I..." Song Qingrui was at a loss for how to argue.

Bai Zhi’er reached out her palm, presenting an earring identical to the one on Song Qingrui’s right ear!

"Qingrui’s earring fell off just now, I picked it up for her."

Song Qingrui looked at Bai Zhi’er in surprise.

Bai Zhi’er remained composed, smiling charmingly: "Qingrui, you’re so careless, losing your earring without knowing? Almost caused a misunderstanding."

Song Qingying didn’t expect Bai Zhi’er to actually have one identical!

She was momentarily stunned before saying, "But the one in Prince’s hand, it’s the same as the one my sister has on her ear."

Bai Zhi’er glanced at her sideways, "These earrings are so common anyone can buy them. How can you be sure it’s Qingrui’s?"

"Furthermore, how can the Prince guarantee that the earring found near the White Jade Guanyin fell today and not yesterday, not the day before?"

Bai Zhi’er looked at Prince Li Zheng.

Her sharp tongue left everyone speechless.

Indeed!

Why was the Prince so certain it fell today?

Prince Li Zheng, after all, had a depth to his character.

Lips pursing, he said, "Since the White Jade Guanyin is meant for the Emperor, naturally, it is meticulously maintained and polished daily."

"I manage it myself, surely I know when the earring appeared?"

"If it’s not Qingrui’s, it doesn’t convince me, Qingrui, before the banquet started, did you visit somewhere else?"

Song Qingying quickly interjected, "My sister was away for quite some time, not knowing where she went. This matter couldn’t have anything to do with her, right?"

Bai Zhi’er almost wanted to roll her eyes at Song Qingying.

Is Song Qingrui truly her own sister! She was throwing Song Qingrui under the bus.