Right now, the crown prince is frail and sickly, completely unfit for the throne. Over time, not just the commoners, but more and more factions will lose faith in the royal family. That’s why His Majesty suppresses the Xu family—to keep other forces fearful and to prevent anyone from entertaining the idea of supporting the Xu family as a replacement.”
Xu Linlang clicked her tongue twice. “All bark, no bite, huh?”
Rong Ruyue’s expression turned serious. “Don’t underestimate him. If I were the Emperor, I wouldn’t just suppress the Xu family on the surface. Behind the scenes, I’d definitely be grooming my own faction. That way I’d have a backup plan.”
Xu Linlang said, “Isn’t the Peter family exactly the faction His Majesty’s been supporting?”
Rong Ruyue shook her head. “That’s just a front. His Majesty’s plans are never that simple.”
The complexity of the situation had already gone far beyond Xu Linlang’s imagination. In the game, Rong Chen’s downfall had seemed almost natural, and there hadn’t been any sign of backup plans.
But now, because of her presence, the course of events seemed to be shifting.
——————————
After the orientation week, the Mecha Academy officially began its academic life.
As the only freshman in the Mecha Engineering Department this year, Xu Linlang didn’t need to attend the large lectures like the others. Instead, one of the teaching assistants told her to head straight to Professor Jiang’s lab.
Following the campus map, Xu Linlang walked to the location and only then realized just how important Professor Jiang was at Lilan Military Academy.
The “lab” the assistant mentioned wasn’t just a single room—it was an entire cluster of towering skyscrapers, so tall she couldn’t even count the floors.
Outside, a luxury hovercar was parked.
And inside the tower, someone was already looking down at her.
Princess Rong Xi, with her dazzling golden hair that took after the Queen’s, looked down at Xu Linlang with disdain. “The so-called genius of the Mecha Engineering Department? In the end, she’ll still be working for the royal family.”
The delicate, sickly-looking young man beside her didn’t quite agree. “Sister, Linlang is our family, part of the royal household. Don’t speak of her that way.”
Rong Xi shot him a sideways glance. “And that’s exactly why so many people don’t take you seriously, Rong Xia. You’re too weak. Those beneath you will keep stepping all over you.”
Rong Xia bit his lip. “That only means they’re stronger than me. It’s my own failing.”
Rong Xi chuckled. “You really don’t seem like my brother. Timid, cowardly. But… it’s precisely because of that temperament that we can coexist peacefully. At least between you and me, there won’t be the usual blood feud and power struggles that plague most royal siblings.”
Rong Xia’s already pale face turned even whiter. He quickly shook his head and grabbed his sister’s sleeve. “Sister, you know me. Even though Father named me crown prince, I’ve never had the slightest thought of inheriting the throne.”
Rong Xi patted his shoulder, her words laced with meaning. “Of course I know. That’s why you’re my good brother.”
She tilted her chin up proudly and strode ahead of him toward the top floor of the research institute.
The researchers they passed couldn’t help but whisper:
“Why is the Princess here? This is the first time I’ve seen her in person. Her presence is overwhelming.”
“I’ve heard she’s incredibly gifted. His Majesty values her highly…”
“….”
Rong Xi’s expression didn’t change. She’d heard enough of these praises—sincere or sycophantic—that she was sick of them.
Still, when it came to Professor Jiang, she knew better than to flaunt her pride.
After all, she was here to ask for his help.
“Professor Jiang.” Rong Xi bent slightly at the waist, a rare gesture of respect. “I am Rong Xi. It’s been a long time.”
Behind her, Rong Xia mimicked her example and greeted him as well.
Jiang Yan merely gave a faint nod.
The researchers around him didn’t bat an eye. They were used to this. Even when the Emperor himself came, Professor Jiang’s attitude was the same. He was never one to bow to rank.
Rong Xi’s eyes flashed coldly for an instant, but she quickly recovered her usual elegant, commanding composure. “I came today specifically to see you, and I’d like you to personally craft a mech for me.”
“I’d like the frame to be red, preferably equipped with a particle gun—”
Jiang Yan cut her off flatly. “Take a genetic test. If it comes back SS-grade, then come see me. Otherwise, if there’s nothing else, leave. I’m busy.”
Rong Xi’s face flushed with anger. Who did he think he was? She was a Princess, and this so-called master dared to demand she take a genetic test—and not just any, but SS-grade?
No one had ever dared treat her like this!
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152