At the mention of the words “older in age,” Zhuo Yun’s face darkened. In the harem, she was the oldest woman present. Aside from not holding the title of Empress, this was the one thing she least wanted others to bring up.
So she fired back, “When one’s own child is being bullied, what parent could stand by and do nothing? Your Majesty has never been a mother, so naturally you wouldn’t understand.”
Since Rong Tingxue had chosen to expose her sore spot, Zhuo Yun had no intention of backing down. So what if she was the Empress? Without the emperor’s favor and without a son by her side, she was nothing more than a figurehead.
Unexpectedly, Rong Tingxue showed no trace of anger. With her usual elegance, she said, “Consort Yun, indulging the Second Prince like this won’t do him any good. Matters between children should, of course, be resolved by the children themselves. Didn’t you say the First Prince bullied the Second Prince? In that case, why not have His Majesty summon the court officials and let the two princes face each other in a fair match? If the Second Prince wins, he can wash away his humiliation. But if he loses… well, that would be rather awkward.”
She spoke as if making a sincere suggestion, and by the end, she couldn’t help but laugh softly.
On the surface, Rong Tingxue’s words seemed entirely fair. But given how dotingly Zhuo Yun spoiled her son, she couldn’t bear for Xian Long to suffer even the slightest hardship—let alone endure grueling martial training under the blazing sun. Even if it were a fair fight, Xian Long would still be no match for Xian Mo, and it would only invite ridicule.
Zhuo Yun’s expression turned icy. “Your Majesty, are you truly intent on interfering in this matter?”
“Not at all. Consort Yun, don’t misunderstand,” Rong Tingxue replied with a smile as she stepped aside. “This has nothing to do with me. I simply saw you and Commander Zhang preparing to take the First Prince away, and thinking of how His Majesty places great expectations on him—calling him a pillar of the state—I couldn’t help but say a few words. Of course, do as you please.”
She moved further to the side. “If you wish to arrest him, go ahead. I won’t stop you.”
This sudden shift in Rong Tingxue’s attitude made Zhuo Yun uneasy. It was like when someone had always opposed you and tried to stop you from doing something, but then suddenly stepped aside and no longer interfered. The sense that something was off was deeply unsettling.
Zhuo Yun glanced again at Xian Mo. There was only a faint smile in his eyes, calm and unhurried. For a child, his composure was almost unnatural.
She couldn’t help recalling what the emperor had once told her: Xian Mo was merely a weapon—a shield meant to secure the throne for the next ruler.
And who would that next ruler be?
Certainly not Xian Mo.
Zhuo Yun studied him for a long moment, convincing herself that this child posed no threat to her. At the very least, the emperor had already stripped away whatever threat he might have once represented.
“Your Majesty,” Zhuo Yun said coldly to Rong Tingxue, letting out a sharp laugh, “we have a long road ahead of us.”
With that, she turned and left with her attendants.
Commander Zhang, however, was left in a far more miserable position. He was still bent over in a bow, his back aching and his waist sore. Until the Empress dismissed him, he had no choice but to remain like that.
Only then did Rong Tingxue seem to remember his existence. “Commander Zhang, oh—you’re still here?”
The way she said it made it sound as though she hadn’t noticed him standing there all this time.
Commander Zhang forced a stiff smile. “Your Majesty’s bearing is so noble and awe-inspiring that this humble servant found himself unable to move away.”
Rong Tingxue covered her lips as she laughed softly. “Commander Zhang, you do have a way with words. In that case, you may stand there for another hour. I shall take my leave.”
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1