"Is that so?" Mengzhang raised his head, looking straight at the Celestial Emperor with a firm gaze. "Your Majesty, this matter is of the utmost importance. I beg Your Majesty to summon Zhuque to confront us face to face! Zhuque has a steadfast and upright character and has never been one to lie. Bringing her here will prove everything she endured in the Nine Heavens Prison."
The Celestial Emperor pondered for a moment. Then, his eyes grew sharp, and in a steady and powerful voice, he commanded: "Summon her!" The single word echoed through the palace with unquestionable majesty. Upon receiving the order, the surrounding Celestial Soldiers and Generals immediately set off, their hurried departures stirring a breeze that rustled the hems of everyone's robes.
Before long, Zhuque was brought in. Dressed in flame-red robes that should have been as dazzling and brilliant as a burning fire, she was now covered in tatters and bloodstains, looking like a dying candle battered by a storm. Her posture was no longer erect, and her steps were unsteady; every movement seemed to take all her strength, as if a gentle breeze could blow her over.
Chapter 166