The crash exemption medal, a gift from the Emperor, suddenly felt insignificant in the presence of the resolute young Crown Prince Consort. Her clear stance conveyed her determination: she expected Su Xihua to acknowledge his actions and face the consequences.
In this moment, it became evident to Su Xihua that not everyone could easily secure a position, even with the protection of his older brother, Mo Xikang. He realized that there might come a time when his elder brother couldn't s.h.i.+eld him from the consequences of his actions forever.
Mo Xikang's face turned a deep shade of purple with anger as he observed the longsword lying quietly on the ground, its faint emerald glow pulsating.
In his distress, Su Xihua urgently sought his elder brother's protection, crying, "Big Bro, save me, Big Bro."
However, dealing with the determined Crown Prince Consort proved to be far more challenging than Su Xihua had initially expected. He pondered what more she could possibly demand, given that his brother had already taken a blow from the four secret guards, leaving him coughing up blood.
As for the female onlookers who had gathered to watch the spectacle, their expressions s.h.i.+fted from admiration to disappointment.
These young women had considered themselves admirers and potential suitors of Su Xihua. His family background, combined with his extraordinary talent and cultivation, had made him an object of desire for many female disciples at the academy. The Su Xihua they had previously known was elegant and poised, so his current display of desperation and clinging to his elder brother came as a shock.
The collective expressions of these young women changed once they saw this side of him. They couldn't believe they had ever wanted to get close to someone who now appeared so lacking in composure.
Amid this scene, Mo Xikang drew a deep breath and furrowed his brow as he addressed the Crown Prince Consort, saying, "My brother acted recklessly, but he has already faced reprimand and punishment. Crown Prince Consort, if you continue with such harshness, isn't it somewhat… unjust?"
"Mo Xikang." The young Crown Prince Consort's pet.i.te visage turned icy, and she chose to address him by his full name. "I have shown restraint repeatedly out of respect for Lian's mother. Do not a.s.sume you have the authority to command me."
Mo Xikang's heart skipped a beat.
"I can also grant you the honor of being addressed as Brother Zheng Prince."
"What can you possibly do if I choose not to grant you that honor?"
The young Crown Prince Consort delivered a forceful kick to the sword on the ground. "Today, Su Xihua must face the consequences!"
Her cruel gaze settled on Mo Xikang, her demeanor growing increasingly hostile. "It matters not who attempts to obstruct me; their efforts will be in vain."
"Who would dare to hinder me?!" Mo Xikang's fists clenched subtly.
In the blink of an eye, an eerie stillness enveloped the scene. Onlookers stood as motionless as cicadas in winter, the biting chill in the air making a few of them take involuntary steps backward.
Even Her Excellency Lady Qiaoqiao herself seemed unaware that her true fury could cast such a pervasive pall. Even those close to her, like Qi Xuanxuan and her companions, trembled with apprehension and dared not speak.
If she intended to execute Su Xihua, he would be forced to lie pa.s.sively and await his fate. The entire courtyard descended into an eerie silence.
"Holy Son Miyan is present," whispered Xiaoxiao from the edge of the crowd.
Holy Son Miyan, attired in a pristine white robe and exuding an air of cold handsomeness, strode purposefully through the gathering.
A group of white-robed priests followed in his wake, each brandis.h.i.+ng a short staff. The a.s.sembled individuals paid their respects to the Holy Son.
Yet, Miyan fixed a cold, unrelenting gaze upon Qiao Mu. "You are not permitted to take his life."