410 Tied Hands (1/2)

The Empress always knew her second son was considered one of the cruelest men in the palace, if not, his generation.

It was a miracle that his horrid deeds garnered so many followers. Many praised his strength, others complimented his intelligence. He had the presence of a leader and the aura of a ruler.

”So early in the morning and you're causing this ruckus,” the Empress chastised. She took a step into the courtyard, but immediately wished she didn't.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw the mangled body of her lady-in-waiting. The Empress's lips dipped into a frown. She observed the courtyard, where maidservants were kneeling in fear, heads bent in greeting.

”You said the punishment would be lenient,” the Empress deadpanned. She knew it was unwise to trust her son's words.

”This,” Yu Zhen said and gestured to the unconscious Xu Jiaqi. ”Is mercy.”

”This is an immoral punishment!” she snapped, all the whilst standing by the entryway of the courtyard.

The Empress was not able to stomach the horrid sight. It was a wonder how the Crown Princess could remain standing. She was safely tucked in the Second Prince's arms. Safe and protected. But nowhere to run.

”I did not raise you to be a tyrant,” the Emperor heaved out. He shifted his entire weight upon a cane forged of oak and gold. His eyes were squinting, the bags underneath it were darker than usual. His skin resembled aged leather, wrinkled, and lacking luster.

”Yet, here I stand.” Yu Zhen shrugged. He adjusted the cloak around Li Xueyue's shoulder, fastening it correctly.

”That cloak…” the Emperor frowned. It swallowed her alive. The Crown Princess seemed incredibly tiny in his son's clothes. The sight was amusing, but he couldn't ignore the rules of etiquette.

”It suits her,” Yu Zhen answered for his father. He arranged it carefully upon her shoulders, making sure she was warm underneath the heavy item.

”The cloak was specifically made for the Crown Prince,” the Empress hissed.

She could not wrap her head around her son's doting ways. He was never like this before.

Possessiveness was a trait that she didn't think he had. But it was publicly displayed before the entire court when the Prince of Nanhui extended an invitation to the Crown Princess to visit Nanhui.

”It's just a piece of clothing.” Yu Zhen frowned when Li Xueyue hesitated. Not a second went by before she began to unbutton the top strap that held the cloak together.

Yu Zhen grabbed her wrist, forcing her to stop. ”I like it on you.” He lightly pushed her hand away and continued to button the strap close.

”But—”

”I rarely wear this anyways,” Yu Zhen said. ”I discarded it in the closet because it's of no use. So, stop worrying.”

”First, you brutally torture my lady-in-waiting, and now you're insulting the Yu family name.” If she could punish him, she would.

Unfortunately, her hands were tied. Not because she was a mother unwilling to harm her children, but because no one possessed the strength to hold him down for a beating. Men would drop dead even before the wooden paddle was brought out.

However…there was one way to get through this man, and it was through his wife.

The Crown Princess seemed like she was fragile, but everyone here knew better. She stepped forward, placed her hands upon her side, and dipped into an elegant curtsy.

”Your Grace,” she murmured, before turning to the Emperor. ”Your Majesty.”

”Now, now…” The Emperor mused, ”I was supposed to be greeted first.”