Chapter 84: An Unyielding Zhuoyue’an, and Xiao Jingxuan Who Forges Iron

“Is there truly such an outrageous thing?” Xiao Jingxuan furrowed his brows and lowered his head in contemplation.

“It’s true, Your Highness. The princess has really gone too far this time.” Zhuo Yue’an glanced uneasily at Xiao Jingxuan, worried that the princess might be punished because of this.

“Then deduct half a month’s pay from the shadow guards as punishment, to serve as a warning for the future.” After pondering for a while, Xiao Jingxuan made his decision.

“Alright, I’ll… Hmm? Your Highness, what did you say? Punish the shadow guards’ pay?” Zhuo Yue’an doubted his own ears.

“Yes. It’s disrespectful not to honor the mistress of the house, but to be fair, the instructions weren’t clear either. To make everyone accept it, you as the commander will forfeit a month’s pay yourself. Set an example.” Xiao Jingxuan patted Zhuo Yue’an’s shoulder, indicating he was already being quite lenient.

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“On what grounds, Your Highness?” Zhuo Yue’an wasn’t upset about the money, but felt wronged.

“Because she is Su Jingluo.” Lately, Xiao Jingxuan had truly been bested by Su Jingluo. In the past, she would rather be neglected than leave; even after five years of absence, she insisted on holding onto the title of princess consort. Xiao Jingxuan had felt secure. Now, she threatened to leave every few days, and a gaggle of eager suitors surrounded her. Xiao Jingxuan felt a real sense of crisis.

“But Your Highness, you know the distribution of the shadow guards, and you know the princess’s situation from years ago. Having the shadow guards take orders from her now might not be good for the bigger picture.” Among all the noble ladies in the capital, Zhuo Yue’an actually approved of Su Jingluo as mistress of the house, but her origins still made him uneasy. In the end, Zhuo Yue’an was loyal to Xiao Jingxuan.

“Assign a few shadow guards specifically to protect her and take her orders. Besides, there are boundaries to everything. Just because I told you to protect and obey the princess, does that mean you’ll switch sides altogether?”

After years of arduous training, these sought-after shadow guards were now to act as bodyguards? Wasn’t that like wielding a treasured sword to cut ants, a gross waste of talent? But the prince’s decisions were never reversed. Zhuo Yue’an could only purse his lips in silent acquiescence.

“There’s one more thing. Previously, the princess mentioned to me that Yunbai needs a tutor. She wants Yunbai to be skilled in both the literary and martial arts. I found Song Yunmo for his studies, but now I see I entrusted the wrong person. I truly regret it. For martial training, I need someone reliable and trustworthy. After much deliberation, you’re the most suitable. From now on, you’ll be Yunbai’s instructor.” Xiao Jingxuan suddenly realized that there was no second Zhuo Yue’an in the whole capital. For martial training, it was best to find someone who wouldn’t covet the princess. If the instructor’s skills were too weak, Yunbai would learn nothing; if too strong, and he tried for the princess, it would be a headache. Zhuo Yue’an was highly skilled, upright, and harbored no designs on the princess—an excellent candidate.

The moment he heard he was to tutor Yunbai, Zhuo Yue’an immediately remembered the poisoning incident, and his arm ached all over again.

“I am willing to protect the princess, and I swear not even a mosquito will get near her.” Suddenly, Zhuo Yue’an felt that protecting Su Jingluo was a safe assignment, not at all a waste of talent.

“A few shadow guards are enough to protect the princess. Stop declining. I trust you to teach Yunbai.” Xiao Jingxuan couldn’t understand why Zhuo Yue’an was so reluctant.

Zhuo Yue’an was nearly in tears. You trust me, but I don’t trust your son. What if I train him too hard, exhaust him, or am too strict with him? Then I’m doomed. Heavens above.

Iron-willed Zhuo Yue’an and iron-fisted Xiao Jingxuan—Zhuo Yue’an closed his eyes, silently begging heaven for a way out.

“That’s settled, then. Tomorrow, I’ll bring Yunbai over to formally acknowledge you as his instructor.” Xiao Jingxuan could sense Zhuo Yue’an’s despair, though he had no idea why.