Establishing Authority

Xiao Qianyu had always been a supporting character, long accustomed to watching how protagonists, under the Heavenly Dao's favor, could command wind and rain at will. With that protagonist halo, even a pig could firmly trample him underfoot. Over time, this gave rise to a particular affliction.

This affliction was a dark and twisted mentality—whenever he saw someone sailing smoothly, he suspected they were a protagonist and wished nothing more than to eliminate them as quickly as possible.

So he loved all supporting characters who caused trouble for protagonists, desperately wanting to recruit them into his fold and form a Villainous Heavenly Group to overthrow the protagonists together.

Shumo, such a dazzling and outstanding villain, felt familiar and pleasing to him at first sight—these were his own people!

Heaven offers and one does not take—it brings its own punishment. He was not the original body; he genuinely appreciated Shumo as a ruthless man who repaid grievances clearly and struck bloodily when he acted.

What a fine helper.

Finishing the entire story of Shumo's life took no more than a blink. Xiao Qianyu's eyes held a deep, restrained light as he patted his shoulder. "Shumo, you've suffered. It's not your fault!"

The genuine pain and pity in his tone made Shumo's heart ache, and tears streamed down his face as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Heavens, how could there be such a good person as His Highness the Crown Prince in this world!

Kind and holy, clearly the one who had suffered the most himself—as a nation's crown prince, framed by villains, dragged down by a pack of incompetent and fatuous ministers, thrown into prison and nearly dying on the Execution Platform—what a human tragedy this was!

Yet the moment the Crown Prince returned, his first thought was to find them. His face was so pale and haggard, he had lost so much weight, yet he only cared about pitying others.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, this servant does not suffer; you are the one who suffers most!" Shumo looked up at him with pleading eyes, wanting to step forward and support him but not daring to.

Before, the Crown Prince had disliked him serving up close, preferring Huaying and Qiyu instead. How hateful that he was so useless, unable even to protect the people the Crown Prince relied on.

A sharp hatred flickered in Shumo's eyes.

A faint smile glimmered in Xiao Qianyu's eyes, his cold expression melting like frost, but he quickly composed his features again.

His gaze swept over those still kneeling on the ground, and he said calmly, "Everyone, rise. You suffered this calamity because of my involvement; I have implicated you. But from now on, with me here, as long as you do not violate the Palace Rules and handle matters by the book, no one can make you suffer again."

"Your Highness!" Everyone looked at him with shining, excited eyes. In an instant, their previous grievances and indignation dissolved, replaced only by hope and anticipation. "This servant is terrified. To see Your Highness again is the greatest fortune. This servant does not suffer; we are all overjoyed."

Xiao Qianyu nodded. "Take a headcount. Anyone injured should first be seen by the imperial physician for treatment and medicine. Only after recovery may they resume duties. From now on, salaries will be doubled. As for those who died in the palace, investigate their causes of death. If they died naturally, give them a proper burial. If they were bullied and killed for no reason, I will see justice done for them. My people are not so easily pushed around." His voice was as sharp as a blade, then he turned to Shumo. "I am entrusting this matter to you, Shumo. Can you handle it?"

Shumo trembled. Was His Highness the Crown Prince going to avenge Huaying, Qiyu, and the other palace servants who had died or been injured?

He had always known the Crown Prince was benevolent and kind, unable to bear seeing palace servants suffer, even going so far as to offend a host of masters in the palace to establish the Palace Rules, strictly forbidding masters from abusing or killing servants without cause.

Now the Crown Prince was once again ready to confront the masters of every palace for their sake, since those who acted would not have dared to be so reckless without their masters' permission.

Shumo immediately knelt and said loudly, "This servant can."

Xiao Qianyu was satisfied. "Good. I will have the Punishment Department assist you. If anyone dares to obstruct you, tell them to come to me."

With Shumo's methods, a storm of blood was sure to sweep through the palace.

His move served two purposes: first, to win people over through a balance of kindness and authority.

Second, naturally, to settle old scores. If he said nothing and sat idly by while his own people were bullied, where would his authority be?

As for how many people he might offend, what did he fear? He was already the Crown Prince. He didn't need those siblings to be close to him—he only needed them to fear him and know to bow in submission.

Shumo kowtowed and said loudly, "Your Highness, rest assured. This servant will handle this matter well."

He was like a hyena baring its fangs, eager to pounce and tear into the enemy. He would not let a single one of those who had wronged the Crown Prince off.

Shumo was even more delighted that the Crown Prince had begun to entrust him with important tasks. This was trust, wasn't it? The Crown Prince had handed it to him without a second thought.

He would give it his all and never let the Crown Prince down!

He scrambled to his feet and suggested cautiously, "Then Your Highness, let Qinxin attend to you first. This servant will go handle the matter."

Xiao Qianyu glanced at him—scrawny, with a fresh bruise on his face—and rubbed his forehead. "No rush. Have the imperial physician see to you and apply medicine first. For now, Qinxin will take over the Eastern Palace's affairs. If you need more hands, send someone to the Imperial Household Department."

Qinxin, a clean-cut and obedient eunuch with a face streaked with tears and snot, stepped forward and said respectfully, "This servant accepts the order."