Chapter 41: A Wife’s Desperate Plea
As the person responsible for changing the novel’s plot, Lin Xueyi couldn’t help but shout, "No! You can’t send him to war!"
The Emperor’s eyes widened the moment her voice echoed through the banquet hall. Meanwhile, behind her fan, the Empress’s smile only grew wider. To her, Lin Xueyi had just walked straight into trouble.
On the other hand, the nobles and officials gasped in shock because none of the princess consorts had ever dared to raise their voice at the Emperor like that.
Being faced with so many stares, Lin Xueyi suddenly became flustered. Her eyes darted from side to side, and her entire body felt even colder than before.
After what felt like forever, she swallowed hard.
She wanted to say something, but for some reason, she found it impossible to open her mouth.
[I’m dead... I’m dead... I’m so dead...!] Lin Xueyi cried over and over in her head, each thought louder than the last.
In the novel, the Emperor was someone who cared deeply about his authority. The one thing he could never tolerate was someone speaking to him so boldly.
[Even if he doesn’t chop off my head, he’ll definitely punish me severely!]
As the Emperor’s expression grew darker, Lin Xueyi became even more panicked because he reminded her so much of her terrifying boss.
"Imperial Father, please forgive my wife’s rudeness," Rong Shuyan suddenly said, breaking the heavy silence that had filled the hall.
He lowered his head even further before continuing, "She has been through a great deal today, and she has only just learned that her husband may be sent to such a dangerous place. She is simply overwhelmed and cares deeply for this prince."
"If Imperial Father decides to punish her, please punish me instead, as this prince is the one to blame," he added.
Lin Xueyi stared at Rong Shuyan in disbelief. [He... he’s defending me? Again?!]
She had already braced herself for punishment, but instead, Rong Shuyan had stepped forward without a moment’s hesitation and taken all the blame onto himself.
[He even called the Emperor "Imperial Father" several times!]
Lin Xueyi could hardly believe what she had just heard. After all, it was incredibly rare for Rong Shuyan to address the Emperor as "Imperial Father" directly to his face.
According to the novel, Rong Shuyan had once admitted that simply saying those words gave him goosebumps and filled him with disgust.
That was why Lin Xueyi knew exactly how much this meant.
For someone like Rong Shuyan to put aside his own feelings and call the Emperor "Imperial Father" over and over again, he was truly doing everything he could to protect her.
"This Consort was wrong, Your Majesty," Lin Xueyi finally found her voice again.
She lowered her head, bowing even deeper than Rong Shuyan.
"But this Consort’s concern for His Highness is genuine. His Highness’s body is far too weak to go to the border. And with winter drawing near, his condition will only become worse."
She paused for a brief moment before continuing in a soft voice. "This Consort humbly asks Your Majesty to please reconsider."
The Emperor slowly tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. Although he looked like he was carefully thinking it over, Lin Xueyi had a feeling he had already made up his mind.
After all, he was as stubborn as a rock. Once he made a decision, almost no one could change it.
As if the situation wasn’t bad enough, the wicked Empress spoke up with a gentle smile.
"Whether he stays in the capital and grows weaker or goes to the border and grows weaker, this Empress believes that it’s better for him to spend whatever strength he has left protecting our kingdom."
She let out a soft sigh, her face full of concern. "Prince Rui is, after all, a son of the imperial family. Since he still has the ability to help the empire, shouldn’t he do his part?"
Several officials immediately nodded.
"Her Majesty speaks wisely."
"Prince Rui’s military talent is unmatched."
"It would be a waste to leave such a talented strategist in the capital."
Lin Xueyi clenched her fists beneath her sleeves. [You evil woman!]
[You’re the one who poisoned him six years ago! And now you have the nerve to stand there acting like you’re worried about him?]
[If anyone deserves an award for pretending, it’s definitely you!]
The Empress’s smile remained as gentle as ever, but her eyes quietly drifted toward Rong Shuyan.
For just a brief moment, a trace of satisfaction flashed across them. To everyone else, it looked as though she was encouraging the Emperor to make good use of Prince Rui’s talents.
But only she knew the truth that if Rong Shuyan went to the border, there would be countless ways for him to die without anyone ever suspecting the palace.
[Even if he survives but fails, he’ll still suffer!]
[All they need is a scapegoat if this plan doesn’t work!]
Before anyone else could speak, Rong Yunzhou suddenly stepped forward. He cupped his hands toward the Emperor and said respectfully, "Imperial Father, this son is also willing to go to the southern border."
Rong Yunzhou lowered his head respectfully. "This son knows that Prince Rui possesses outstanding military knowledge, and this son cannot compare to him in that regard. However, Prince Rui’s health has yet to recover. The journey to the border is long, and the climate there is harsh. This son fears that His Highness’s body may not be able to endure it."
He paused before continuing. "This son is young, healthy, and able to ride into battle. If Imperial Father is willing to give this son a chance, this son will do everything in his power to defend our Great Tianrong Empire and bring honor to the imperial family."
His words sounded sincere, but many people could hear the hidden meaning behind them.
He was subtly reminding everyone that, unlike Rong Shuyan, he had a healthy body.
As for Rong Yunzhou himself, he believed this was the fastest way to earn military merit.
If he returned with enough achievements, his standing in the court would rise, bringing him one step closer to the position he had always wanted.
Everyone else thought Rong Shuyan should be angry at the subtle jab directed at him, but he and Lin Xueyi were thinking the exact same thing.
[Yanyan! We found our scapegoat!]