“He pushed me into the lake, and now he treats me like a brother?” James Johnson said with a sob in his voice, “Besides, who isn’t just a child?”

“Hmph, it’s useless no matter what you say. Who doesn’t know that the Seventh Prince is a good child? Do you think His Majesty will believe only your side of the story?” Seeing that he couldn’t hold on, Diana threatened him harshly.

“We could also say that you’re harboring resentment because of your mother, slandering the Seventh Prince and making false accusations!”

“I did not!” James Johnson argued loudly.

“Shouting louder won’t help you.” Diana felt victory was in her grasp, and, toying with her prey, she said in a mocking tone:

“Do you think His Majesty will believe the words of a ten-year-old child? Or will he believe me?”

She emphasized her words: “And you have a criminal for a mother. Like mother, like son!”

“You’re lying! My mother is not a criminal!” James Johnson was truly angry now. This woman was too vicious—how could a ten-year-old child withstand such a terrifying verbal attack?

Was she trying to scare him into shutting down completely?

Of course, that was exactly her goal.

“No matter what you say, your father will definitely believe us! Don’t you know your father hates being deceived the most? Once he decides you’re a liar, he’ll beat you within an inch of your life! Then lock you up until you die!”

Diana delivered the final blow, thinking to herself, with my unrivaled fighting skills in the palace, dealing with a mere child is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

She picked up her teacup, took a sip to moisten her throat, and leisurely watched James Johnson, ready to enjoy his breakdown.

She saw James Johnson lower his head, his shoulders trembling slightly, as if he had been made to cry.

“But, considering your youth and inexperience, as long as you kneel and admit your mistake, and write a letter of guarantee, I might consider letting this go and not telling His Majesty…” Diana felt the time was right and revealed her true intentions.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” James Johnson thanked her, slowly raising his head. In a calm tone that a ten-year-old should never have, he said, “You’ve shown me just how disgusting a person can be.”

Only then did Diana realize in shock that the Prince of Chu hadn’t been crying at all—he was smiling.

That smile was pure and bright, yet it made her scalp tingle.

Chapter 10: Aunt, Please Have a Tribute Tangerine

“What are you smiling at?” That smile, which should never have appeared at this moment—let alone on the face of a ten-year-old—made Diana feel extremely uneasy.

“Because I’m now certain that you are a venomous, heartless woman, and that makes me very happy.” The childish innocence vanished from James Johnson’s face, and, like Conan after shooting Kogoro, his gaze became sharp and piercing, his voice dropping a few tones.

“This proves that back then, my mother must have fallen into your trap and been framed by you!”

“And as for her slapping a vicious woman like you, I can only say she did well—not hard enough! I’m proud of her!”

“You…” Diana stared in disbelief at the Sixth Prince, who seemed like a different person. After a while, she finally composed herself and said, “So this is your true face?”

“We’re the same, Your Highness. You’ve shown me your true face, so I can’t be stingy with mine.” James Johnson no longer stood there foolishly. He walked over to a chair, intending to sit, but finding it too low, simply stood on it instead.

Which looked even stranger…

“Well, well, Sixth Prince, you hid yourself well. No wonder you scared Henry silly.” Diana finally caught on, her smile returning:

“But what’s the use? No matter how cunning you are, you can’t change your age. No one will believe a ten-year-old boy—they’ll just think you’re full of lies!”

“My word alone may not be convincing.” James Johnson nodded. “But I have a witness.”

“Oh, you mean Benjamin Lee?” Diana covered her red lips with the back of her hand and giggled. “If you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have been sure you were lying. Do you know why the famous Benjamin Lee is hiding in the palace? Do you know about his grievances with His Majesty?”

“If you did, you’d know he would never meddle in other people’s business.” As she spoke, Diana glanced subconsciously at the door. Richard Howard should be back soon, right?

“Is Your Highness waiting for Richard Howard?” James Johnson sat down as well, looking relaxed. “Since you’ve already sent him to find Mr. Lee for confirmation, why not wait for him to return before continuing?”

“Hmph, fine.” Diana nodded and ordered, “Bring some snacks for the Prince of Chu.”

“No need, I’ll just have this.” James Johnson reached out to the plate on the table and picked up a golden tribute tangerine.

He didn’t want to risk eating the pastries or tea in Changyang Palace, but if he refused everything, he’d look too timid. It was safer and more hygienic to eat a fruit that needed peeling.

As the Prince of Chu checked the tangerine peel for any damage, he couldn’t help but tease, “I didn’t expect Your Highness to have tribute tangerines. We only have regular oranges in our palace.”

“Who are you calling old?!” Diana, who had maintained her composure all along, finally lost it at this remark.

“You’ve entered the palace twice and had three children—your kids are all over ten. Do you still think of yourself as a delicate flower?” James Johnson popped a segment into his mouth, his cheeks quivering in satisfaction.