Wang Hao's question hung in the air, casting a momentary hush over the assembled group.
All eyes turned expectantly towards Hong Meilin, awaiting her response, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Drawing a steadying breath, Hong Meilin mustered the courage to address the pressing matter at hand.
Her voice, though slightly wavering, carried a firm resolve. "I want to make it unequivocally clear that my relationship with His Highness Seventh Prince is purely personal, devoid of any alliance between his faction and the Church."
As her words resonated throughout the meeting, a sense of relief began to wash over the attendees.