Xue Qinghe forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, swiftly replacing it with a grave expression carrying just the right amount of apology and authority...
He quickly checked Xue Beng's injuries, then sternly shouted at the guards behind him:
"What are you standing around for?! Hurry! Carefully lift the Fourth Prince and take him back to the palace at once! Summon the best Healing System Soul Master to treat him! Move!"
The guards snapped out of their daze and rushed forward in a flurry. With utmost care, they lifted Xue Beng, who had already fainted, his lower body a complete mess. Treating him like fragile porcelain, they fled frantically toward the imperial palace.
After dealing with Xue Beng, Xue Qinghe took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed the turbulent emotions stirred by Jiang Zhen's terrifying strength.
He turned to face Jiang Zhen and the Ice Empress, who were preparing to leave. His face had already shifted into a grave expression tinged with sincere apology.
He clasped his hands and solemnly bowed to Jiang Zhen, his voice steady and firm.
"Sir, I am Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire."
He first revealed his identity, establishing his standing while also exerting a subtle, invisible pressure.
"My younger brother Xue Beng has been unruly since childhood and poorly disciplined. Today, he offended you and this young lady—an unforgivable mistake. His current fate is entirely of his own making; he has no one else to blame. This Prince offers you both a solemn apology on his behalf. I hope you can be magnanimous."
His words were impeccably delivered. He acknowledged Xue Beng's fault, made clear the royal family's stance, and separated Xue Beng's personal actions from the empire in an attempt to ease the atmosphere.
However, his tone promptly shifted. He