"So what would you have me do? Was it not your friend who insulted me first? Can't I defend myself even slightly and impart a small lesson?" Shangguan Linlang suddenly found her path blocked by Xuanyuan Wuji, which greatly infuriated the Empress. She spoke out once more to scold.
"Miss, was that really just defending yourself slightly? My friend's ribs are at least broken in three places. As someone who practices martial arts, your skills should be used for righteousness, not to bully others and wantonly inflict harm."
Xuanyuan Wuji had initially thought the young lady before him might show some remorse, but he had not expected her to be so unrepentant. After committing violence, she dared to be so arrogantly rude. Any favorable impression he had of Shangguan Linlang had vanished completely.
"Do not slander me here. What wrong have I committed? Do not confuse the truth. That libertine deserved to be taught a lesson for his moral failings," retorted Shangguan Linlang, who had never been openly contradicted. Was there anyone who did not treat her with both respect and fondness? The audacity of this detestable man to defame her was more than the Empress could bear.
"He just spoke out of turn, Miss. Why must you be so petty? To spare others is surely the gracious thing to do. I'm sure the one who taught you martial arts would not wish for you to use your skills for evil or to disgrace your own school, would they?"
Shangguan Linlang's intractability only increased Xuanyuan Wuji's distaste. He did not understand why he felt the need to argue with a young lady so fiercely today. At any rate, he simply did not want this fairy-like beautiful girl to harbor any malice. That was why he was trying so hard to steer her back onto the right path."
"You bastard, shut your mouth! I did not disgrace Brother, not at all. Don't spout nonsense," she snapped.
Xuanyuan Wuji's harsh words pierced the Empress's heart. Her martial arts had been taught by her own brother, Shangguan Qingchen, whom she revered like a deity. Oblivious of everything, Xuanyuan Wuji dared to claim she had shamed her brother. How could the Empress endure this? Her eyes immediately welled up with tears, and her delicate nose turned red, making her look as pitiable as a helpless little rabbit.
Shangguan Zifeng had been with this fierce little woman for quite some time and had never seen her show weakness. Now, seeing Shangguan Linlang almost brought to tears by this self-important man, Shangguan Zifeng himself could not help but feel pity.
"Sir, isn't this a bit much? Why go to such lengths over a trivial matter with a young lady? Do you need to bully a girl to prove your prowess? In my view, your friend got what he deserved for harassing the young lady. Put yourself in her shoes. If it were your relatives here today—your sister, or even your mother—and some other man bullied them, even just with words, could you tolerate it? As the saying goes, 'Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.' If you can't be fair, why come to us with high-and-mighty talk? Your double standards give you no right to judge us."
At this critical juncture, Shangguan Zifeng, as a member of her own family, displayed the fine tradition of the Shangguan Family's men and staunchly defended Shangguan Linlang. The Empress had felt very wronged and sad, but now she also thought she seemed rather weak. The words of Shangguan Zifeng warmed her heart, and with teary eyes, she gratefully said to Shangguan Zifeng, "Zifeng, thank you."
"It's nothing, silly girl. We're family. With your Brother Zifeng here, no one will dare to bully you." The nasal tone of Shangguan Linlang's voice made Shangguan Zifeng feel even softer inside. He momentarily forgot that this young lady was the familial tyrant and dared to call himself Brother Zifeng in her presence; he truly must have had a death wish.
Fortunately for him, Shangguan Linlang, still immersed in her sadness and thinking of her real brother, Shangguan Qingchen, did not notice Shangguan Zifeng's impropriety. She simply nodded her head slightly and hummed in acknowledgment.
Seeing the Empress so docile made Shangguan Zifeng beam with happiness. Growing bolder, he stretched out his hand and lightly ruffled Shangguan Linlang's hair as if he had every right to play the role of her brother. Shangguan Zifeng had never had a sister, and his father had often lamented the lack of a daughter in the family. He had never understood his father's seemingly twisted desire, but now he fully appreciated it. Soft, bearable creatures like little sisters were indeed very adorable.